Print Page - Minor things that bother you

Title: Minor things that bother you
Post by: planxtymcgillicuddy on November 27, 2019, 12:15:11 AM

For me, it bugs me that Hershey's chocolate and Hershey's ice cream are run by two completely different companies, especially with both being in such close proximity to each other.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Tonytone on November 27, 2019, 12:17:13 AM

When drivers sit in two lanes taking up space that could have been used, by 4 cars.

Its worse then a 1950's garage filled with junk

iPhone

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 27, 2019, 12:27:08 AM

I'm pretty introverted in day to day life which translates into a lot of annoyances/pet-peeves:

Any of the following at the gym:

- Sitting on weight benches and texting on the phone.
- Stopping to talk to everyone and calling them "hey bro."
- No racking weights or putting them in the wrong place.
- Clanking machines.
- "Popular" music stations way too loud on the overhead.

Usually I go lift at least four times a week so stuff tends to grind on the nerves after twenty years.

With work:

- Small talk and/or water cooler talk.
- Complaining about minor issues like not getting along 100% with co-workers or some bizarre far fetched safety issue.
- Meetings, especially when people feel the need to expound on something that pertains only to them for a lengthy amount of time.
- Conference calls, I can't understand why group emails or one-on-one calls aren't sufficient?

General life

- I'm just not a fan of small talk. I don't feel the need to talk constantly with people I know just as with employees and/or co-workers.
- Staying too late at functions with friends or family gatherings.
- Long lines at the store, places to eat, movies or really anything else.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on November 27, 2019, 11:46:15 AM

People who use @here on Slack

The noisy, whiny, frenetic way TunnelBlick deals with what should be a simple, invisible task

Songs with the I - V - vi - IV chord progression

BGSes in the Goiden State

1950's garages filled with junk

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on November 27, 2019, 12:04:51 PM

At a pair of doors, when people will wait for someone leaving the building to open the exit door and sneak through there instead of opening the entrance door themselves.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on November 27, 2019, 12:15:36 PM

Plastic food packages that are impossible to open without ripping.
People who don't put the seat belt all the way into the slot before getting out of the car.
Christmas music before Thanksgiving.
Resonant snare buzz.
The phrase "it is what it is".
Drivers stopping within the crosswalk (or even past the stop bar at all) at a red light.
Loud cell phone ringtones.
People who don't flush the urinal.
Crunchy things in egg salad or deviled eggs.
The phrase "I know, right".
Zippers that tend to get fabric stuck in them.
Toilet paper that's too soft to successfully do its job.
Vitamins A and D not being added to low-fat milk.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: gonealookin on November 27, 2019, 12:22:08 PM

At the grocery store, when the old lady in front of me in line (it's always an old lady) has a bill of $9.48, and after peeling the five and four ones off her stack, goes digging through her coin purse until she finds exactly 48 cents.

The word "trickeration" used by football announcers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheGrassGuy on November 27, 2019, 12:25:45 PM

Quote from: kphoger on November 27, 2019, 12:15:36 PM
Christmas music before Thanksgiving.

Too true. For me, it's the fact that so many new interstates such as I-22, I-2, and I-41 are completely redundant with U.S. routes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LM117 on November 27, 2019, 12:49:18 PM

Quote from: kphoger on November 27, 2019, 12:15:36 PMChristmas music before Thanksgiving.

Same, and I'll take it a step further and say that it's ridiculous to start selling Christmas items in early September before the first day of Fall even hits. Same with Halloween items being put out the last week of July, Valentine's items during the last couple weeks of December, and Easter items before Valentine's Day.

QuoteToilet paper that's too soft to successfully do its job.

My gripe with that is that they tend to clog toilets. That's why I prefer either Angel Soft or the dollar store brands.

Quote from: gonealookin on November 27, 2019, 12:22:08 PM
At the grocery store, when the old lady in front of me in line (it's always an old lady) has a bill of $9.48, and after peeling the five and four ones off her stack, goes digging through her coin purse until she finds exactly 48 cents.

My mother is the same damn way (though she's only 51). It pisses me off when she does it, especially when there's a long line behind us. She hates breaking up dollar bills.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on November 27, 2019, 01:27:18 PM

Quote from: kphoger on November 27, 2019, 12:15:36 PM
People who don't put the seat belt all the way into the slot before getting out of the car.

Aren't most seat belts designed to do that automatically these days?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Flint1979 on November 27, 2019, 01:34:23 PM

Slow people getting in my way
A highway such as I-94 and US-23 only having two lanes on a very busy stretch

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Tonytone on November 27, 2019, 01:38:37 PM

Quote from: kphoger on November 27, 2019, 12:15:36 PM
Plastic food packages that are impossible to open without ripping.
People who don't put the seat belt all the way into the slot before getting out of the car.
Christmas music before Thanksgiving.
Resonant snare buzz.
The phrase "it is what it is".
Drivers stopping within the crosswalk (or even past the stop bar at all) at a red light.
Loud cell phone ringtones.
People who don't flush the urinal.
Crunchy things in egg salad or deviled eggs.
The phrase "I know, right".
Zippers that tend to get fabric stuck in them.
Toilet paper that's too soft to successfully do its job.
Vitamins A and D not being added to low-fat milk.

Funny enough I didnt hear any Christmas music in stores or even *looks around* Walmart! Was this because of the new study that just came out saying Christmas music makes people nervous? Hmmmm interesting.

iPhone

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on November 27, 2019, 01:50:35 PM

People who wait right in front of the elevator doors, as if there will never be anyone who needs to get off when the elevator arrives at their floor. Then the subset of those who still stand in the way when people are trying to get out of the elevator or try to force their way in before others get out.
Drivers who leave a gap that I could easily park a small truck into when waiting for a red light
People who can't park between the lines
People who choose to struggle opening a standard door (due to stuff they're carrying or other disability) when there is an automatic door a few feet away
Double standards between genders...wait, maybe that's more of a major thing
People who insist on using speakerphone EVERYWHERE they go.
People who whistle while they work in the office
The fact that we haven't standardized what side the fuel filler is on and the fact that they even vary between design iterations of the same model car

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on November 27, 2019, 02:29:15 PM

Cashiers having to break open a new roll of coins because not enough people pay with exact change. :awesomeface:

Quote from: webny99 on November 27, 2019, 01:27:18 PM

Quote from: kphoger on November 27, 2019, 12:15:36 PM
People who don't put the seat belt all the way into the slot before getting out of the car.

Aren't most seat belts designed to do that automatically these days?

If the mechanism doesn't work as well as it should, or if the belt is twisted, or if enough of the belt is pulled out such that gravity works against the mechanism–then it won't necessarily go up on its own. Some people just don't care and leave it all strung out in the seat or–more annoyingly–to get wedged when the door shuts, perhaps even with a bit sticking outside the car.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on November 27, 2019, 02:56:12 PM

–People in my neighborhood who put out their trash on Sunday morning for Monday pickup instead of waiting until after sunset. Also, people who put their trash out when it's a holiday with no trash pickup (like Thanksgiving) and then leave it out there for four days as if that'll get the garbage men to come pick it up. This is all the more annoying when it's windy.

–People who stand on the left on the Metro escalator and get mad when you say "Excuse me, please" when you want to get past because you know your train is coming. (It seems to me saying "excuse me, please" is polite because a rude person would shove past.)

–This one no doubt comes from having a mother who taught English: Seeing a date written midsentence in the usual American order without a comma after the year. Proper punctuation calls for commas both before and after the year: "The Super Bowl will be played on February 2, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Florida." A lot of people omit the second comma for some reason. (The same rule would apply following the state name if the sentence continued.) The year is in the nature of an appositive in that it tells you which February 2 it is–or, put differently, the sentence would be fine, though less specific, without the year.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on November 27, 2019, 03:03:43 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on November 27, 2019, 02:56:12 PM
–People in my neighborhood who put out their trash on Sunday morning for Monday pickup instead of waiting until after sunset. Also, people who put their trash out when it's a holiday with no trash pickup (like Thanksgiving) and then leave it out there for four days as if that'll get the garbage men to come pick it up. This is all the more annoying when it's windy.

I have no idea what my trash collection company's holidays are. So I put my trash out in case they work on a day I might assume they'd be off. If they don't come by because apparently they weren't working that day, then I also don't know what day they will be coming to pick it up. So I keep it out there until they do. It beats having two week's worth of trash in the can.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on November 27, 2019, 03:07:37 PM

Standing left on a Metro escalator was a biggie when I commuted from Greenbelt to Dupont Circle.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on November 27, 2019, 03:26:05 PM

Quote from: kphoger on November 27, 2019, 03:03:43 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on November 27, 2019, 02:56:12 PM
–People in my neighborhood who put out their trash on Sunday morning for Monday pickup instead of waiting until after sunset. Also, people who put their trash out when it's a holiday with no trash pickup (like Thanksgiving) and then leave it out there for four days as if that'll get the garbage men to come pick it up. This is all the more annoying when it's windy.

I have no idea what my trash collection company's holidays are. So I put my trash out in case they work on a day I might assume they'd be off. If they don't come by because apparently they weren't working that day, then I also don't know what day they will be coming to pick it up. So I keep it out there until they do. It beats having two week's worth of trash in the can.

Ours is simple: If trash day falls on July 4, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's, the pickup is cancelled. The year before last this one guy put his trash out for New Year's even though there was no pickup and left it there all week despite howling winds. It kept blowing into our yard, so I picked it all up and dumped it all on his front stoop, which is sheltered and out of the wind. Damn annoying. Just because the trash is out for pickup doesn't mean it's no longer your trash and no longer your responsibility (obviously "your" not meaning kphoger).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on November 27, 2019, 03:31:32 PM

People who say, for example, "Two thousand and nineteen" instead of "Twenty nineteen."

The "Two thousand and ... " should be for 1 thru 9, not for 10 and above.

Mercy, we are 19 years into this century and I still frequently hear this!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on November 27, 2019, 03:38:53 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on November 27, 2019, 03:26:05 PM

Quote from: kphoger on November 27, 2019, 03:03:43 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on November 27, 2019, 02:56:12 PM
–People in my neighborhood who put out their trash on Sunday morning for Monday pickup instead of waiting until after sunset. Also, people who put their trash out when it's a holiday with no trash pickup (like Thanksgiving) and then leave it out there for four days as if that'll get the garbage men to come pick it up. This is all the more annoying when it's windy.

I have no idea what my trash collection company's holidays are. So I put my trash out in case they work on a day I might assume they'd be off. If they don't come by because apparently they weren't working that day, then I also don't know what day they will be coming to pick it up. So I keep it out there until they do. It beats having two week's worth of trash in the can.

Ours is simple: If trash day falls on July 4, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's, the pickup is cancelled. The year before last this one guy put his trash out for New Year's even though there was no pickup and left it there all week despite howling winds. It kept blowing into our yard, so I picked it all up and dumped it all on his front stoop, which is sheltered and out of the wind. Damn annoying. Just because the trash is out for pickup doesn't mean it's no longer your trash and no longer your responsibility (obviously "your" not meaning kphoger).

meh. I still don't know what days my trash company has off, don't know how I would find out, and frankly don't intend to.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wxfree on November 27, 2019, 03:43:26 PM

Quote from: Beltway on November 27, 2019, 03:31:32 PM
People who say, for example, "Two thousand and nineteen" instead of "Twenty nineteen."

The "Two thousand and ... " should be for 1 thru 9, not for 10 and above.

Mercy, we are 19 years into this century and I still frequently hear this!

I thought it would be twenty-ten that changed that, but it didn't. We get one more chance, in twenty-twenty, and I'm still hopeful because that's also a term that's been in use historically so people are accustomed to saying it. If it doesn't change next year, we'll be locked into "two thousand exty ex" for the rest of the century.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on November 27, 2019, 03:52:34 PM

Quote from: wxfree on November 27, 2019, 03:43:26 PM
If it doesn't change next year, we'll be locked into "two thousand exty ex" for the rest of the century.

I don't think that's how language works.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on November 27, 2019, 03:53:41 PM

Quote from: wxfree on November 27, 2019, 03:43:26 PM
Quote from: Beltway on November 27, 2019, 03:31:32 PM
People who say, for example, "Two thousand and nineteen" instead of "Twenty nineteen."
The "Two thousand and … " should be for 1 thru 9, not for 10 and above.
Mercy, we are 19 years into this century and I still frequently hear this!
I thought it would be twenty-ten that changed that, but it didn't. We get one more chance, in twenty-twenty, and I'm still hopeful because that's also a term that's been in use historically so people are accustomed to saying it. If it doesn't change next year, we'll be locked into "two thousand exty ex" for the rest of the century.

"Two thousand and ninety nine."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on November 27, 2019, 04:10:35 PM

People that don't use turn signals. The main reason I almost never obey a certain traffic signal near me.

Certain American customs that bother me are too major for this thread.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on November 27, 2019, 04:14:10 PM

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on November 27, 2019, 04:10:35 PM
Certain American customs that bother me are too major for this thread.

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, huh?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: KEVIN_224 on November 27, 2019, 04:15:18 PM

Quote from: Beltway on November 27, 2019, 03:31:32 PM
People who say, for example, "Two thousand and nineteen" instead of "Twenty nineteen."

The "Two thousand and ... " should be for 1 thru 9, not for 10 and above.

Mercy, we are 19 years into this century and I still frequently hear this!

Have Barbara Walters bitch slap them. It'd be a reminder to say it the proper way: "THIS...is Twenty-twenty!" :D

I also hate "the" before any road or interstate in California. :banghead:

Also, when "and" is used by anybody running a cash register. No, lady. My total today was Two dollars, eighty nine cents. That's it. :rolleyes:

Don't get me started with the push for Halloween before Christmas in some circumstances. :no:

I'll throw in one major one for me: The use of "Eve" before Christmas Day and New Year's Day. These people treat December 24th and 31st as if they're their own standalone holidays themselves. Does anybody say "Happy July 4th Eve!"? Um...NO!!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on November 27, 2019, 04:15:44 PM

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on November 27, 2019, 04:10:35 PM
Certain American customs that bother me are too major for this thread.

Like referring to American football as "football"? :-)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on November 27, 2019, 04:20:11 PM

Quote from: KEVIN_224 on November 27, 2019, 04:15:18 PM
Also, when "and" is used by anybody running a cash register. No, lady. My total today was Two dollars, eighty nine cents. That's it. :rolleyes:

The "and" doesn't convey any inaccurate information. If you have two dollars and you also have eighty-nine cents, then you have $2.89.

(Apparently it must not bother you when people don't use a hyphen when writing out compound numbers.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: KEVIN_224 on November 27, 2019, 04:22:43 PM

Thank you! I always thought "AND" was some mystery 75 cent piece which nobody knew existed!

Quarter...
Half Dollar...
AND...
Dollar bill or gold dollar coin.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 27, 2019, 04:27:20 PM

Quote from: Beltway on November 27, 2019, 04:15:44 PM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on November 27, 2019, 04:10:35 PM
Certain American customs that bother me are too major for this thread.

Like referring to American football as "football"? :-)

Harder work means better work always gotten under my skin and seems to be almost an exclusively American custom.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheGrassGuy on November 27, 2019, 04:33:02 PM

"Me and Joey went to the park." Hel-lo! It's "Joey and I went to the park."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on November 27, 2019, 05:11:26 PM

Quote from: TheGrassGuy on November 27, 2019, 04:33:02 PM
"Me and Joey went to the park." Hel-lo! It's "Joey and I went to the park."

Yes, but the ball that we played with in the park belongs to Joey and me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on November 27, 2019, 05:14:36 PM

Quote from: kphoger on November 27, 2019, 04:20:11 PM

Quote from: KEVIN_224 on November 27, 2019, 04:15:18 PM
Also, when "and" is used by anybody running a cash register. No, lady. My total today was Two dollars, eighty nine cents. That's it. :rolleyes:

The "and" doesn't convey any inaccurate information. If you have two dollars and you also have eighty-nine cents, then you have $2.89.

(Apparently it must not bother you when people don't use a hyphen when writing out compound numbers.)

Quote from: KEVIN_224 on November 27, 2019, 04:22:43 PM
Thank you! I always thought "AND" was some mystery 75 cent piece which nobody knew existed!

Quarter...
Half Dollar...
AND...
Dollar bill or gold dollar coin.

I think you misunderstood my post. I meant that there's no real reason to dislike the "and". It doesn't mess up the meaning one bit.

Does it bother you when people put "and" in other things? such as...
"It's eleven months, sixteen days, five hours, and twenty minutes until Christmas."
"I want all of them cut to exactly six feet and two inches long."
"Ah, but there are three hundred and sixty-four unbirthdays!" (sang the Mad Hatter)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: KEVIN_224 on November 27, 2019, 06:40:34 PM

I forgot about the hyphen in numbers spelled out. Shows you I don't spell them out often! :paranoid:

My current age is 48 years, 9 months and 3 days. I only used "and" there since there was no second comma used. However, I think that was just mentioned in another thread. :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Brandon on November 27, 2019, 06:50:36 PM

People who have no idea that an "r" is supposed to be pronounced in words and isn't a placeholder.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on November 27, 2019, 07:27:17 PM

How about using slashes instead of hyphens in dates, and leaving out the century?

11/27/19 instead of 11-27-2019

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on November 27, 2019, 07:47:45 PM

2019-11-27.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 27, 2019, 07:48:38 PM

Quote from: Beltway on November 27, 2019, 07:27:17 PM
How about using slashes instead of hyphens in dates, and leaving out the century?

11/27/19 instead of 11-27-2019

Or you could use the DOD format of; 27NOV2019.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on November 27, 2019, 08:06:13 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on November 27, 2019, 07:48:38 PM
Quote from: Beltway on November 27, 2019, 07:27:17 PM
How about using slashes instead of hyphens in dates, and leaving out the century?
11/27/19 instead of 11-27-2019
Or you could use the DOD format of; 27NOV2019.

I actually have my own brand: 11.27.2019

I dislike dashes because it's hard to make them look good when hand writing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on November 27, 2019, 08:46:25 PM

I don't like "dot dates" or "dot phone numbers" because they look too much like IP addresses.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on November 27, 2019, 09:05:08 PM

Quote from: Beltway on November 27, 2019, 07:27:17 PM
How about using slashes instead of hyphens in dates, and leaving out the century?

11/27/19 instead of 11-27-2019

For computer file names, slashes can't be used so I tend to use dashes all the time. Or, simply 112919.

I do get annoyed though when I need to type all 4 digits of the year. For most things, I'm not talking about 1919!!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on November 27, 2019, 09:15:27 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 27, 2019, 09:05:08 PM
Quote from: Beltway on November 27, 2019, 07:27:17 PM
How about using slashes instead of hyphens in dates, and leaving out the century?
11/27/19 instead of 11-27-2019
For computer file names, slashes can't be used so I tend to use dashes all the time. Or, simply 112919.
I do get annoyed though when I need to type all 4 digits of the year. For most things, I'm not talking about 1919!!

True, but 12-11-19 could be 2019 or 2012 depending on where the writer was placing the year.

With me it is a post-Y2K thing. Back when the year was 32 or higher, confusion was not possible, so I usually did not show the century. Ex.: 7-21-92.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on November 27, 2019, 09:49:24 PM

People who ignore the Oxford comma
People who call custard "ice cream"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on November 27, 2019, 09:56:12 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 27, 2019, 09:05:08 PM
For computer file names, slashes can't be used so I tend to use dashes all the time. Or, simply 112919.

Putting the year first allows for chronological file sorting.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 27, 2019, 10:10:36 PM

Quote from: 1 on November 27, 2019, 09:56:12 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 27, 2019, 09:05:08 PM
For computer file names, slashes can't be used so I tend to use dashes all the time. Or, simply 112919.

Putting the year first allows for chronological file sorting.

The convention I use is; Year, month, date and topic. Example; 2019 11 27 maps.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on November 27, 2019, 10:40:49 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on November 27, 2019, 09:49:24 PM

People who ignore the Oxford comma
People who call custard "ice cream"

I'm not going to lie, the only time I've EVER heard "custard" (the food item, not the general) is on Doctor Who. Knowing that custard is ice cream, that explains so much about The Eleventh Hour. I was wondering why Amelia Pond was eating directly out of an ice creme container while the Doctor had his fish fingers and custard!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on November 27, 2019, 10:51:59 PM

^^ The difference between ice cream and frozen custard are the eggs. Custard contain eggs and ice cream doesn't.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on November 28, 2019, 12:11:16 AM

Quote from: 1 on November 27, 2019, 09:56:12 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 27, 2019, 09:05:08 PM
For computer file names, slashes can't be used so I tend to use dashes all the time. Or, simply 112919.

Putting the year first allows for chronological file sorting.

So does using the leading 0 for months Jan thru Sept when only concerned about one year. Aug 13, 2019 is 081319. Oct 18, 2019 is 101819. Aug will show up first.

Since I use folders based on the year, I don't need to worry about multi year issues.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on November 28, 2019, 06:17:46 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 28, 2019, 12:11:16 AM
Quote from: 1 on November 27, 2019, 09:56:12 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 27, 2019, 09:05:08 PM
For computer file names, slashes can't be used so I tend to use dashes all the time. Or, simply 112919.
Putting the year first allows for chronological file sorting.
So does using the leading 0 for months Jan thru Sept when only concerned about one year. Aug 13, 2019 is 081319. Oct 18, 2019 is 10182019. Aug will show up first.

Computer data has the leading zero, such as the 081219.

I agree that 08-12-2019 looks awkward. When printing out on a report normally the leading zero would be suppressed -- 8-12-2019.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Brandon on November 28, 2019, 07:11:50 AM

Quote from: vdeane on November 27, 2019, 10:40:49 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on November 27, 2019, 09:49:24 PM

People who ignore the Oxford comma
People who call custard "ice cream"
I'm not going to lie, the only time I've EVER heard "custard" (the food item, not the general) is on Doctor Who. Knowing that custard is ice cream, that explains so much about The Eleventh Hour. I was wondering why Amelia Pond was eating directly out of an ice creme container while the Doctor had his fish fingers and custard!

Frozen custard (similar to ice cream, but made with eggs), and custard are two different things. You don't freeze regular custard; it goes into the fridge.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Custard
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frozen_custard

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on November 28, 2019, 08:14:56 AM

Quote from: Beltway on November 27, 2019, 07:27:17 PM
How about using slashes instead of hyphens in dates, and leaving out the century?

11/27/19 instead of 11-27-2019

Precisely that date format, month-day-year, is one of those "certain American customs that bother me" I believe are too much for this thread. It makes no sense, having no order. I tend to follow local usage and thus I use month-day here, but when adding the year I use this format so the date remains sorted:

Quote from: 1995hoo on November 27, 2019, 07:47:45 PM
2019-11-27.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheGrassGuy on November 28, 2019, 12:26:42 PM

2 ads in YouTube. Need I say more?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 28, 2019, 01:26:13 PM

Quote from: TheGrassGuy on November 28, 2019, 12:26:42 PM
2 ads in YouTube. Need I say more?

I'm more ticked off that they try to restrict content now by taking away the ability to make money on videos that don't meet content requirements. Youtube was way more fun when it was an assortment of Youtube Poops cut from 80s cartoons.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on November 28, 2019, 02:15:06 PM

Me....

- Twisted up cords
- It's *soda*, dammit! :angry:
- I agree on dates, it is YYYY-MM-DD
- People who put apostrophe's into their plural's
- Yes, use ya blinkahs!
- No, I do NOT consider an IPA, nor a 'sour', to be a legitimate beer.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on November 28, 2019, 07:41:19 PM

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on November 28, 2019, 08:14:56 AM
Quote from: Beltway on November 27, 2019, 07:27:17 PM
How about using slashes instead of hyphens in dates, and leaving out the century?
11/27/19 instead of 11-27-2019
Precisely that date format, month-day-year, is one of those "certain American customs that bother me" I believe are too much for this thread. It makes no sense, having no order. I tend to follow local usage and thus I use month-day here, but when adding the year I use this format so the date remains sorted:
Quote from: 1995hoo on November 27, 2019, 07:47:45 PM
2019-11-27.

CCYY-MM-DD works just as well as MM-DD-CCYY.

Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel and Access have a list of date formats that are perfectly valid to use.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheGrassGuy on November 28, 2019, 09:21:40 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on November 28, 2019, 02:15:06 PM
- It's *soda*, dammit! :angry:

"jimmies"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on November 28, 2019, 09:43:24 PM

* Photocopies made in landscape orientation, not portrait. Shrink it if you have to, but don't turn it sideways.

* Incorrect use of "less" when it should be "fewer," and "amount" when it should be "number." Also, singular use of plural pronouns, e.g. "I talked to the person and they said..."

* Performers of the national anthem at sporting events who think it's an opportunity to display artistic interpretation or have a jam session.

* Motorists using their turn signal when exiting. (I allow an exception when done as a warning where poor design requires motorists to reduce speed while still in the thru lane.) Double-bother when said motorists don't turn off the blinker after exiting, and turn left at the top of the ramp with the right-turn blinker still active.

* Oblivious people who completely block the aisle while searching for an item at a grocery store.

* Small talk.

* Insurance company television commercials. Geico started the humor trend and they've done some good ones, and the Allstate Mayhem Guy ones are usually pretty good, but now everyone else is trying to be funny and they're failing miserably. Note to Liberty, State Farm, and The General: Give it up; your "humor" is flatter than the proverbial pancake.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on November 28, 2019, 11:32:21 PM

The annoyance with landscape orientation is a headscratcher to me. In my years of dealing with spreadsheets, landscape is much preferred compared to some sort of vertical break that requires you to flip back and forth to see the whole sheet just to stick to portrait.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Tonytone on November 29, 2019, 12:54:34 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on November 28, 2019, 01:26:13 PM
Quote from: TheGrassGuy on November 28, 2019, 12:26:42 PM
2 ads in YouTube. Need I say more?

I'm more ticked off that they try to restrict content now by taking away the ability to make money on videos that don't meet content requirements. Youtube was way more fun when it was an assortment of Youtube Poops cut from 80s cartoons.

This! & I just got 3 ads on a youtube video the other day. At the same time.

iPhone

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on November 29, 2019, 01:04:45 AM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on November 28, 2019, 09:43:24 PM
* Motorists using their turn signal when exiting.

I disagree, because communicating your intentions is always valuable to other drivers on the road. Also, isn’t this legally required in most states anyway?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on November 29, 2019, 04:32:17 AM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on November 28, 2019, 09:43:24 PMAlso, singular use of plural pronouns, e.g. "I talked to the person and they said..."

In that vein, while I respect people who decide their pronouns aren't the binary ones (he/his and she/her), why they choose "they/them"? They imply more than one, so I don't see why they have to designate an individual, and besides, there is already "it" as a gender-neutral singular pronoun.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on November 29, 2019, 06:42:36 AM

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on November 29, 2019, 04:32:17 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on November 28, 2019, 09:43:24 PMAlso, singular use of plural pronouns, e.g. "I talked to the person and they said..."

In that vein, while I respect people who decide their pronouns aren't the binary ones (he/his and she/her), why they choose "they/them"? They imply more than one, so I don't see why they have to designate an individual, and besides, there is already "it" as a gender-neutral singular pronoun.

In English language practice, "it" implies a lack of humanity that generates extreme discomfort for usage in regards to referring to a person.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Brandon on November 29, 2019, 06:56:17 AM

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on November 29, 2019, 04:32:17 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on November 28, 2019, 09:43:24 PMAlso, singular use of plural pronouns, e.g. "I talked to the person and they said..."

In that vein, while I respect people who decide their pronouns aren't the binary ones (he/his and she/her), why they choose "they/them"? They imply more than one, so I don't see why they have to designate an individual, and besides, there is already "it" as a gender-neutral singular pronoun.

"They"/"them" is the plural, and should never be used in the singular. The gender-neutrals are "it" and "one". Otherwise, "he" and "she" should be used or "he/she". Let's stop abusing the English language.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on November 29, 2019, 07:22:46 AM

Quote from: Rothman on November 28, 2019, 11:32:21 PM
The annoyance with landscape orientation is a headscratcher to me. In my years of dealing with spreadsheets, landscape is much preferred compared to some sort of vertical break that requires you to flip back and forth to see the whole sheet just to stick to portrait.

I don't really have a problem with a wide spreadsheet. It's when a document 8.5 inches (or maybe even a little wider) is copied on its side that drives me nuts.

Quote from: US 89 on November 29, 2019, 01:04:45 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on November 28, 2019, 09:43:24 PM
* Motorists using their turn signal when exiting.

I disagree, because communicating your intentions is always valuable to other drivers on the road. Also, isn't this legally required in most states anyway?

Moving into a previously existing lane, absolutely. Signalling when moving into a new lane at the point it opens up is pointless.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MNHighwayMan on November 29, 2019, 10:12:09 AM

Quote from: kphoger on November 27, 2019, 12:15:36 PM
The phrase "I know, right".

I know, right?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on November 29, 2019, 10:37:06 AM

Younger people who can't speak without saying "like" every third word.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 29, 2019, 10:37:28 AM

Quote from: MNHighwayMan on November 29, 2019, 10:12:09 AM
Quote from: kphoger on November 27, 2019, 12:15:36 PM
The phrase "I know, right".

I know, right?

"It is what it is" gets my nerves way more. The new annoying phrase that's catching on is "there is a lot to unpack here."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on November 29, 2019, 10:38:26 AM

Electronic documents that have pages in different orientations. I can understand if the document was scanned, but the ones I'm referring to originated as Word and CAD files...never even making their way to paper.
Electronic documents that need to be filled out, but don't have fields built in to do so without the PDF typewriter tool
Tech illiterate people insisting on using the self-checkouts
Shoppers who blatantly ignore the 10/20 items or less signs
Sales people who hover or ask if you need help every 5 minutes
The same threads that show up year after year after year

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on November 29, 2019, 10:41:19 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on November 29, 2019, 10:37:28 AM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on November 29, 2019, 10:12:09 AM
Quote from: kphoger on November 27, 2019, 12:15:36 PM
The phrase "I know, right".

I know, right?

“It is what it is” gets my nerves way more. The new annoying phrase that’s catching on is “there is a lot to unpack here.”

"You know what I mean?" No, I don't know what you mean. And you shouldn't assume I do.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 29, 2019, 10:41:50 AM

Quote from: DaBigE on November 29, 2019, 10:38:26 AM

Electronic documents that have pages in different orientations. I can understand if the document was scanned, but the ones I'm referring to originated as Word and CAD files...never even making their way to paper.
Electronic documents that need to be filled out, but don't have fields built in to do so without the PDF typewriter tool
Tech illiterate people insisting on using the self-checkouts
Shoppers who blatantly ignore the 10/20 items or less signs
Sales people who hover or ask if you need help every 5 minutes
The same threads that show up year after year after year

Regarding the sales people, that's probably a theft deterrent technique that retailers are teaching employees. Basically one of the newer approaches is to annoy shoplifters out of the store before they steal. The problem is that it tends to bleed over into normal shoppers as well.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on November 29, 2019, 10:42:02 AM

People who refer to a lectern as a podium. People who talk about "reaching out" to someone. Nose rings.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on November 29, 2019, 10:42:21 AM

Quote from: roadman on November 29, 2019, 10:41:19 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on November 29, 2019, 10:37:28 AM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on November 29, 2019, 10:12:09 AM
Quote from: kphoger on November 27, 2019, 12:15:36 PM
The phrase "I know, right".

I know, right?

"It is what it is" gets my nerves way more. The new annoying phrase that's catching on is "there is a lot to unpack here."

"You know what I mean?" No, I don't know what I mean. And you shouldn't assume I do.

My boss uses that one like it's a period to a sentence :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on November 29, 2019, 10:43:29 AM

Quote from: roadman on November 27, 2019, 12:04:51 PM
At a pair of doors, when people will wait for someone leaving the building to open the exit door and sneak through there instead of opening the entrance door themselves.

....bathroom doors that open in. wash your hands and then touch the door handle of others that didn't wash.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 29, 2019, 10:44:17 AM

Quote from: DaBigE on November 29, 2019, 10:42:21 AM
Quote from: roadman on November 29, 2019, 10:41:19 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on November 29, 2019, 10:37:28 AM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on November 29, 2019, 10:12:09 AM
Quote from: kphoger on November 27, 2019, 12:15:36 PM
The phrase "I know, right".

I know, right?

"It is what it is" gets my nerves way more. The new annoying phrase that's catching on is "there is a lot to unpack here."

"You know what I mean?" No, I don't know what I mean. And you shouldn't assume I do.

My boss uses that one like it's a period to a sentence :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

Maybe your boss is a "boss" in a local crime family?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on November 29, 2019, 10:46:17 AM

In football: not using analytics and therefore punting the ball away on 4th and 1 just so they don't get criticized; overcalling of penalties. Having two football teams in Los Angeles. Not going to an 18 game schedule/having those ridiculous pre-season games.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 29, 2019, 10:47:49 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on November 29, 2019, 10:46:17 AM
In football: not using analytics and therefore punting the ball away on 4th and 1 just so they don't get criticized; overcalling of penalties. Having two football teams in Los Angeles. Not going to an 18 game schedule/having those ridiculous pre-season games.

Just think of the Chargers as being from San Diego, everyone in California still does.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on November 29, 2019, 10:48:48 AM

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on November 29, 2019, 04:32:17 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on November 28, 2019, 09:43:24 PMAlso, singular use of plural pronouns, e.g. "I talked to the person and they said..."

I watch too much Judge Judy I keep thinking "you can't tell me what someone else said that's hearsay"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on November 29, 2019, 10:50:05 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on November 29, 2019, 10:47:49 AM
Quote from: texaskdog on November 29, 2019, 10:46:17 AM
In football: not using analytics and therefore punting the ball away on 4th and 1 just so they don't get criticized; overcalling of penalties. Having two football teams in Los Angeles. Not going to an 18 game schedule/having those ridiculous pre-season games.

Just think of the Chargers as being from San Diego, everyone in California still does.

lol. I think they should just be a traveling team. 4 games in London, 1 in Mexico City, 1 in Toronto, and put the other 2 in potential expansion cities every year like San Antonio, Sacramento, etc.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 29, 2019, 10:55:35 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on November 29, 2019, 10:50:05 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on November 29, 2019, 10:47:49 AM
Quote from: texaskdog on November 29, 2019, 10:46:17 AM
In football: not using analytics and therefore punting the ball away on 4th and 1 just so they don't get criticized; overcalling of penalties. Having two football teams in Los Angeles. Not going to an 18 game schedule/having those ridiculous pre-season games.

Just think of the Chargers as being from San Diego, everyone in California still does.

lol. I think they should just be a traveling team. 4 games in London, 1 in Mexico City, 1 in Toronto, and put the other 2 in potential expansion cities every year like San Antonio, Sacramento, etc.

Hell if the Chargers moved to Sacramento they probably would get a decent draw from all the Central Valley people who want nothing to do with the Bay Area or Los Angeles. What I always found odd was that for some reason the Raiders are the media darling of the California teams but really have a tiny following compared to the Rams and 49ers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on November 29, 2019, 11:15:16 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on November 29, 2019, 10:46:17 AM
In football: not using analytics and therefore punting the ball away on 4th and 1 just so they don't get criticized; overcalling of penalties. Having two football teams in Los Angeles. Not going to an 18 game schedule/having those ridiculous pre-season games.

The "pass interference" call. Isn't that the defender's job?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on November 29, 2019, 12:14:41 PM

Quote from: roadman on November 29, 2019, 11:15:16 AM
Quote from: texaskdog on November 29, 2019, 10:46:17 AM
In football: not using analytics and therefore punting the ball away on 4th and 1 just so they don't get criticized; overcalling of penalties. Having two football teams in Los Angeles. Not going to an 18 game schedule/having those ridiculous pre-season games.

The "pass interference" call. Isn't that the defender's job?

I hate "offensive pass interference". The QB Is not passing to the defense!!!!!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on November 29, 2019, 12:50:18 PM

Something I thought of while reading this morning's newspaper: It drives me crazy when some people insist you can't split an auxiliary verb from the main verb with an adverb. Those people would object to "He will usually take an extreme position" because they say you should not split the verb phrase "will take," so they'll insist you must write "He usually will take an extreme position." A former boss of mine insisted on this construction and it led to bizarre sentences like "We will analyze carefully the documents you sent us."

A well-known proponent of not splitting the verb is Chief Justice Roberts, and there's some suggestion that his insistence on this practice may be why he flubbed the presidential oath of office at Obama's first inauguration. The oath is prescribed by the Constitution: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States ...." Roberts objects to splitting a verb phrase, so "I will faithfully execute" is a repugnant phrase to him. He instead said, "I will execute the office of President of the United States faithfully." (Actually, he also messed up and said "President to the United States.") Roberts's construction introduces too much separation between the adverb and the verb, never mind the bigger issue that the Constitution prescribes particular language anyway.

In some situations, I think not splitting the verb can arguably change a sentence's meaning. A Washington Post sports article talking about NHL free agency once said something like, "The Capitals only can offer him a seven-year contract." The issue related to a CBA provision limiting contract length such that a team can re-sign its own free agent to an eight-year contract, but other teams are limited to offering the same guy a maximum seven-year contract. Saying "the Capitals only can offer him a seven-year contract" arguably suggests the Capitals are the only team who can offer the seven-year deal, but that's wrong because it's not what the CBA says. The sentence should have said, "The Capitals can only offer him a seven-year contract," especially when you're comparing it to another team being able to offer an eight-year deal: "The Islanders can offer him an eight-year contract. The Capitals can only offer him seven years."

Edited to add: Shortly after I posted that, I looked at the Post's website and found this headline. Ugh. The better wording would be "Bill Peters will no longer coach ...."

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191129/78db651010874a046856b4cad5d70b5e.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on November 29, 2019, 01:10:55 PM

Phrases like "The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to discuss the investigation." or similar. Nothing but self-serving gloating.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on November 29, 2019, 02:03:32 PM

Quote from: Brandon on November 29, 2019, 06:56:17 AM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on November 29, 2019, 04:32:17 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on November 28, 2019, 09:43:24 PMAlso, singular use of plural pronouns, e.g. "I talked to the person and they said..."

In that vein, while I respect people who decide their pronouns aren't the binary ones (he/his and she/her), why they choose "they/them"? They imply more than one, so I don't see why they have to designate an individual, and besides, there is already "it" as a gender-neutral singular pronoun.

"They"/"them" is the plural, and should never be used in the singular. The gender-neutrals are "it" and "one". Otherwise, "he" and "she" should be used or "he/she". Let's stop abusing the English language.

Would this be the place where I say that people who reject pronouns that are based on their DNA are really annoying?

As well as...

*High taxes
*Insecure national borders
*Groundless impeachment proceedings
*Overmoderation of this forum :-D :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on November 29, 2019, 02:20:27 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on November 29, 2019, 10:48:48 AM
I watch too much Judge Judy I keep thinking "you can't tell me what someone else said that's hearsay"

I have no idea what Judge Judy is, so I cannot have said that. Therefore, FTFY.

(Also, English is not my first language. Spanish is, and we don't really have gender-neutral pronouns, because most things have gender, unlike English)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on November 29, 2019, 03:42:24 PM

Just filled my gas tank at a station. Common gripes --

Not replacing the squeegees when they are worn out. They stink, the fabric is coming apart, and the rubber blade doesn't track smoothly on the glass. Also, not keeping the washer fluid filled.

Being able to clean your windows when you fill up should be a given part of the service when you buy fuel.

Another would be the receipt paper running out, and that means that you have to go inside the store and wait in line to get a receipt.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on November 29, 2019, 03:47:23 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on November 29, 2019, 02:03:32 PM
Would this be the place where I say that people who reject pronouns that are based on their DNA are really annoying?
As well as...
*High taxes
*Insecure national borders
*Groundless impeachment proceedings
*Overmoderation of this forum :-D :-D

How about calling people "anti-tax" and "anti-tax orthodoxists" when they oppose huge tax increases?

One of the writers for the Richmond Slimes-Dispatch has been doing that for at least 30 years.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on November 29, 2019, 04:21:58 PM

Quote from: Brandon on November 29, 2019, 06:56:17 AM

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on November 29, 2019, 04:32:17 AM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on November 28, 2019, 09:43:24 PM
Also, singular use of plural pronouns, e.g. "I talked to the person and they said..."

In that vein, while I respect people who decide their pronouns aren't the binary ones (he/his and she/her), why they choose "they/them"? They imply more than one, so I don't see why they have to designate an individual, and besides, there is already "it" as a gender-neutral singular pronoun.

"They"/"them" is the plural, and should never be used in the singular. The gender-neutrals are "it" and "one". Otherwise, "he" and "she" should be used or "he/she". Let's stop abusing the English language.

I used to be bothered by the singular "they" a lot more. I'm consciously trying to be less bothered by it. The reason is that the singular "they" has existed in the English language for more than 600 years. What that means is that the singular "they" predates Modern English as a language. It also means that the plural "they" only existed for about 100 years before it came to be used as a singular as well. If the usage has that long and strong of a history in the English language, then I have a really hard time defending its deprecation. However, having said, that, I still try to use "him" or "one" as often as possible, just because "they" still sounds wrong to my ears.

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on November 29, 2019, 02:20:27 PM
I have no idea what Judge Judy is

It's a person, not a thing. :)

Speaking of YouTube ads... I am slightly annoyed by two ads during or before a video. But, what annoys me the most is when one of those ads is for YouTube itself, and it suggests I should pay money in order to avoid seeing that very ad in the future.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on November 29, 2019, 04:23:55 PM

Quote from: Beltway on November 29, 2019, 03:42:24 PM
Just filled my gas tank at a station. Common gripes --

Not replacing the squeegees when they are worn out. They stink, the fabric is coming apart, and the rubber blade doesn't track smoothly on the glass. Also, not keeping the washer fluid filled.

Being able to clean your windows when you fill up should be a given part of the service when you buy fuel.

Another would be the receipt paper running out, and that means that you have to go inside the store and wait in line to get a receipt.

Here they don't put squeegees out because the bums steal them. As far as paper 99% of cashiers are too lazy to go replace the paper.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on November 29, 2019, 04:32:15 PM

How about when the gas station doesn't use the winter blend soon enough, such that, when it's only 25 degrees outside, the reservoir of windshield cleaner is already a block of ice?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MNHighwayMan on November 29, 2019, 11:31:08 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on November 29, 2019, 02:03:32 PM
As well as...

*High taxes
*Insecure national borders
*Groundless impeachment proceedings

Here's one: people that needlessly bring up politics in a non-political thread.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ce929wax on November 30, 2019, 12:26:48 AM

It is NOT soda, it is pop.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 30, 2019, 12:31:10 AM

Quote from: ce929wax on November 30, 2019, 12:26:48 AM
It is NOT soda, it is pop.

I can attest as a Michigan native more people around the country use "Soda" by a large margin. Using Midwest slang didn't do me favors when I moved in Middle School so I ended up dropping it quickly.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Flint1979 on November 30, 2019, 04:53:22 AM

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on November 29, 2019, 02:20:27 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on November 29, 2019, 10:48:48 AM
I watch too much Judge Judy I keep thinking "you can't tell me what someone else said that's hearsay"

I have no idea what Judge Judy is, so I cannot have said that. Therefore, FTFY.

(Also, English is not my first language. Spanish is, and we don't really have gender-neutral pronouns, because most things have gender, unlike English)

You meant to say you have no idea who Judge Judy is. Judge Judy is a person not a thing. And Judge Judy is one of the highest rated Court television shows in the United States.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on November 30, 2019, 05:27:44 AM

University abbreviations that mean something else. UT, ND, and VT are states unrelated to the universities, and UK is a country.

Calling any indoor temperature "freezing".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on November 30, 2019, 06:35:20 AM

In that vein, until not too long ago I frowned upon the usage of ETA as "Estimated Time of Arrival" or "Edited To Add". It also meant Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (Basque for "Basque Country and Liberty"), the Basque terrorist group which fortunately is now gone. Back when I was a child the Basque Country was "forbidden land" for me because of the terrorists and I embraced Catalonia, now due to happenings it's the other way round.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on November 30, 2019, 10:36:10 AM

Quote from: 1 on November 30, 2019, 05:27:44 AM
University abbreviations that mean something else. UT, ND, and VT are states unrelated to the universities, and UK is a country.

Calling any indoor temperature "freezing".

"UT" and "ND" in reference to universities can be ambiguous, depending on where you are–I think of "UT" as referring to Tennessee, for example, especially because I had a college roommate from Nashville, but plenty of other people think of Texas when they hear those letters.

The University of Vermont is abbreviated as "UVM," short for the Latin for "University of the Green Mountains." The institution in Southwest Virginia that some people refer to as "VT" is also often known as "VPI" or "VPISU," both abbreviations for longer forms of that school's full name (the latter being odd as well because the "S" stands for "State," despite Virginia's well-known insistence on referring to itself as the "Commonwealth"). Apparently their administration didn't like it when people sounded out "VPISU" as "Vippy Sue."

Then you have the people from Chapel Hill who get outraged at references to today's Carolina—Clemson football game (at noon in Columbia).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on November 30, 2019, 10:58:51 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on November 30, 2019, 10:36:10 AM
The institution in Southwest Virginia that some people refer to as "VT" is also often known as "VPI" or "VPISU," both abbreviations for longer forms of that school's full name (the latter being odd as well because the "S" stands for "State," despite Virginia's well-known insistence on referring to itself as the "Commonwealth"). Apparently their administration didn't like it when people sounded out "VPISU" as "Vippy Sue."

Here's some info from the school's branding guide.

Our official name is Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, but using the full name is cumbersome. Thus, "Virginia Tech" is preferable in all but formal uses. Virginia Tech is used in news releases, feature articles, academic journals, and publications and on the Web.

When using the full name of the university, never use an ampersand instead of "and." Never use VPI&SU, VPI and SU, VA Tech, or Virginia Tech University. "Tech" is acceptable after a first reference to "Virginia Tech," but it should not be used repeatedly or solely. "VT" and "Va. Tech" are acceptable only in limited, informal situations, such as a news headline where space is tight. Do not use "VT" or "Va. Tech" in body copy, in titles of publications, on signs (if space permits), or in any "formal" publication.

"VPI," which was the university's acronym/nickname from 1896 to 1970, should be used only in historical contexts. The same is true for "VAMC," the university's acronym/nickname before 1896.

Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College.

VPI was used much more routinely up until the 70's when it started to fall out of favor. VT is just a nickname that has found favor over VPI. VPI is still used though. You'll see it engraved on some buildings and I believe the belt buckle on the corps uniforms says VPI.

I went to VCU so I am not a part of the VT/UVA rivalry, although my sister and her husband went to VT, and my mother got her masters at UVA Extension in NoVA.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on November 30, 2019, 11:35:23 AM

QuotePerformers of the national anthem at sporting events who think it's an opportunity to display artistic interpretation or have a jam session.

Especially when the team or association picked them to sing the National Anthem. These people just didn't walk on the field and started singing; someone saw their audition tape and specifically selected them!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 30, 2019, 11:36:59 AM

Quote from: Flint1979 on November 30, 2019, 04:53:22 AM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on November 29, 2019, 02:20:27 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on November 29, 2019, 10:48:48 AM
I watch too much Judge Judy I keep thinking "you can't tell me what someone else said that's hearsay"

I have no idea what Judge Judy is, so I cannot have said that. Therefore, FTFY.

(Also, English is not my first language. Spanish is, and we don't really have gender-neutral pronouns, because most things have gender, unlike English)
You meant to say you have no idea who Judge Judy is. Judge Judy is a person not a thing. And Judge Judy is one of the highest rated Court television shows in the United States.

Technically shows like Judge Judy are generally arbitration and not true small claims court.

Incidentally the best part of any Courtroom TV show was the intro to the People's Court. The opening theme "The Big One" perfectly represents the seedy late 1970s/early 1980s world the People's Court was born out of. I wasn't too surprised to find out that it apparently was used as porno movie music before being made famous on TV.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Throckmorton on November 30, 2019, 11:45:28 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on November 29, 2019, 12:14:41 PM
Quote from: roadman on November 29, 2019, 11:15:16 AM
The "pass interference" call. Isn't that the defender's job?
I hate "offensive pass interference". The QB Is not passing to the defense!!!!!

The defender's job is to defend the pass, not to interfere with the receiver's ability to catch the pass.

Every player on defense is an eligible receiver hence the distinction.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on November 30, 2019, 02:14:47 PM

Quote from: Throckmorton on November 30, 2019, 11:45:28 AM
Quote from: texaskdog on November 29, 2019, 12:14:41 PM
Quote from: roadman on November 29, 2019, 11:15:16 AM
The "pass interference" call. Isn't that the defender's job?
I hate "offensive pass interference". The QB Is not passing to the defense!!!!!
The defender's job is to defend the pass, not to interfere with the receiver's ability to catch the pass.
Every player on defense is an eligible receiver hence the distinction.

https://www.sportingcharts.com/dictionary/nfl/offensive-pass-interference.aspx

What is Offensive Pass Interference?

A penalty called when an offensive player impedes a defender's ability to play pass defense. This can mean setting an illegal pick, where an offensive player intentionally gets in the way of another player's defender. Pass interference is also called when an offensive receiver shoves the defender away from him prior to making a play on the ball. The penalty is 10 yards from the previous line of scrimmage, and the down is replayed. Offensive pass interference cannot occur behind the line of scrimmage or after the ball has been touched following the throw.

Sporting Charts explains Offensive Pass Interference

Offensive pass interference is most often called when the offensive player makes an obvious attempt to shove the defender away from him in order to get open to catch a pass. The official will look to see if the defender could have made a play on the ball if the contact hadn't occurred. If so, the official will throw the flag. The other common form of offensive pass interference is the pick play. An offensive player will intentionally run into a defender to allow a teammate to get open. The pick is illegal, and pass interference will be called.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on November 30, 2019, 03:35:51 PM

Quote from: MNHighwayMan on November 29, 2019, 11:31:08 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on November 29, 2019, 02:03:32 PM
As well as...

*High taxes
*Insecure national borders
*Groundless impeachment proceedings

Here's one: people that needlessly bring up politics in a non-political thread.

Who says it's a non-political thread? The title is "minor things that bother you," although I really think those are major issues, not minor things.

Quote from: ce929wax on November 30, 2019, 12:26:48 AM
It is NOT soda, it is pop.

Yes!

(https://i.imgflip.com/3fe4yk.jpg)

Smudge is always right.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on November 30, 2019, 05:50:02 PM

Going to the bank just to get a roll of quarters and being stuck behind someone with a drawn-out and/or complicated transaction.

People who treat the 5 mph and 20 mph E-ZPass lanes on the Thruway the same (slowing down to 5-10 mph) - alas, this one seems to be most people

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 21stCenturyRoad on November 30, 2019, 06:19:27 PM

When you're at the convenience store wanting to quickly buy something but the guy in front of you is buying the whole store and has a conversation with the clerk

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 30, 2019, 11:27:47 PM

Quote from: LM117 on November 27, 2019, 12:49:18 PM
Quote from: gonealookin on November 27, 2019, 12:22:08 PM
At the grocery store, when the old lady in front of me in line (it's always an old lady) has a bill of $9.48, and after peeling the five and four ones off her stack, goes digging through her coin purse until she finds exactly 48 cents.

My mother is the same damn way (though she's only 51). It pisses me off when she does it, especially when there's a long line behind us. She hates breaking up dollar bills.

What's even worse is when they do something like that so they can pay $10.03 and get 55Â¢ back instead of 52Â¢. You're just wasting everyone's time at that point because you're taking up time digging out the pennies and still getting change back. If having pennies really bothers you that much, just take them home and leave them there or give them to the person behind you in line.

Quote from: Beltway on November 28, 2019, 07:41:19 PM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on November 28, 2019, 08:14:56 AM
Quote from: Beltway on November 27, 2019, 07:27:17 PM
How about using slashes instead of hyphens in dates, and leaving out the century?
11/27/19 instead of 11-27-2019
Precisely that date format, month-day-year, is one of those "certain American customs that bother me" I believe are too much for this thread. It makes no sense, having no order. I tend to follow local usage and thus I use month-day here, but when adding the year I use this format so the date remains sorted:
Quote from: 1995hoo on November 27, 2019, 07:47:45 PM
2019-11-27.

CCYY-MM-DD works just as well as MM-DD-CCYY.

Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel and Access have a list of date formats that are perfectly valid to use.

Nothing is valid except ISO 8601 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_8601).

Quote from: Brandon on November 29, 2019, 06:56:17 AM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on November 29, 2019, 04:32:17 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on November 28, 2019, 09:43:24 PMAlso, singular use of plural pronouns, e.g. "I talked to the person and they said..."

In that vein, while I respect people who decide their pronouns aren't the binary ones (he/his and she/her), why they choose "they/them"? They imply more than one, so I don't see why they have to designate an individual, and besides, there is already "it" as a gender-neutral singular pronoun.

"They"/"them" is the plural, and should never be used in the singular. The gender-neutrals are "it" and "one". Otherwise, "he" and "she" should be used or "he/she". Let's stop abusing the English language.

This comment displays a failure to understand that when English lacks a facility for something (such as a gender-neutral pronoun) speakers will naturally attempt to repair the defect like a river cutting off an oxbow. Attempting to stop it is about as easy as stopping the river from changing course, too.

It also displays a failure to understand that singular "they" has been in usage since approximately 1450 (https://www.oed.com/view/Entry/200700).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MNHighwayMan on November 30, 2019, 11:45:24 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 30, 2019, 11:27:47 PM
Nothing is valid except ISO 8601 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_8601).

👍

That is the way to go.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on November 30, 2019, 11:46:45 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 30, 2019, 11:27:47 PM
Quote from: LM117 on November 27, 2019, 12:49:18 PM
CCYY-MM-DD works just as well as MM-DD-CCYY.
Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel and Access have a list of date formats that are perfectly valid to use.
Nothing is valid except ISO 8601 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_8601).

For formal international data transfer.

In many business environments what I said about MS Office is true.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 30, 2019, 11:49:00 PM

Many business environments allow lots of moronic stuff, like letting people install and use MS Office.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MNHighwayMan on November 30, 2019, 11:50:28 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 30, 2019, 11:49:00 PM
Many business environments allow lots of moronic stuff, like letting people install and use MS Office.

I mean, MS Office is pretty useful, if you know how to use it. The problem is, not enough people know how to use it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 30, 2019, 11:53:04 PM

It's also full of horrible kludges and incompatibilities, the ribbon interface feels like it was designed by an OkDOT engineer in their spare time, and the Office Open XML specification is a total joke.

It also costs stupid amounts of money when LibreOffice does the same thing much better for free.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on December 01, 2019, 12:00:31 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 30, 2019, 11:49:00 PM
Many business environments allow lots of moronic stuff, like letting people install and use MS Office.

That is why the IT department should perform the installation, and the end users be prohibited from doing so.

MS Office is by far the industry standard for word processing, spreadsheeting and presentation.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 01, 2019, 12:50:29 AM

Pinheads are also industry standard for management.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Ben114 on December 01, 2019, 12:56:42 AM

For me it's gotta be people with iPhones who hate texting people that don't have iPhones and they see the green bubble

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on December 01, 2019, 01:38:47 AM

Quote from: 1 on November 30, 2019, 05:27:44 AM
University abbreviations that mean something else. UT, ND, and VT are states unrelated to the universities, and UK is a country.

Calling any indoor temperature "freezing".

Like with me, when someone in an on-line discussion says that he or she is from 'LA', I'll likely respond with something on the lines of "New Orleans, Shreveport, Lake Charles, Etc?".

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tdindy88 on December 01, 2019, 01:48:57 AM

Quote from: 21stCenturyRoad on November 30, 2019, 06:19:27 PM
When you're at the convenience store wanting to quickly buy something but the guy in front of you is buying the whole store and has a conversation with the clerk

I honestly don't like it when the clerk wants to engage in small talk with me. Maybe I'm introverted or whatever, but I have absolutely no desire to talk with people that I don't really need to talk with. I have family, friends and coworkers to carry on conversations with, I don't need to discuss my life with someone who's conducting a transaction for me. This is honestly one of the things I liked when I visited New York City, the clerks were mostly impersonal, quick to take your money, give you change and send you on your way. I liked that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on December 01, 2019, 02:04:10 AM

When there's enough room to park two cars between driveways, and someone parks directly in the middle preventing a 2nd car from parking there.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on December 01, 2019, 02:10:57 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 30, 2019, 11:27:47 PM
Quote from: LM117 on November 27, 2019, 12:49:18 PM
Quote from: gonealookin on November 27, 2019, 12:22:08 PM
At the grocery store, when the old lady in front of me in line (it's always an old lady) has a bill of $9.48, and after peeling the five and four ones off her stack, goes digging through her coin purse until she finds exactly 48 cents.

My mother is the same damn way (though she's only 51). It pisses me off when she does it, especially when there's a long line behind us. She hates breaking up dollar bills.

What's even worse is when they do something like that so they can pay $10.03 and get 55Â¢ back instead of 52Â¢. You're just wasting everyone's time at that point because you're taking up time digging out the pennies and still getting change back. If having pennies really bothers you that much, just take them home and leave them there or give them to the person behind you in line.

When a toll plaza is backed up, this is one of the reasons why. If someone doesn't know the toll, regardless of it's a fixed price seen on signs, or a variable price based on a ticket system, having a $20 bill ready and handing it over will probably cover the toll (PA Turnpike excluded). When they don't have that toll money ready, they'll dig around and ask everyone in thr car for money, and after a bit of time they just wind up pulling out a $20 anyway. The car behind them will pull up wondering what took so long (and normally blame the toll collector). Then they wind up doing the same thing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on December 01, 2019, 08:21:31 AM

I'm one of those who gets annoyed by almost everything!, Yeah, go ahead and call me out on it. :awesomeface: Most of this certainly is arbitrary and I decline to say everything because it sets off a chain reaction of shit that need not be said.

Quote from: hbelkins on November 29, 2019, 02:03:32 PM
*Overmoderation of this forum :-D :-D

Good behavior is the solution to your problem ;) (said ind true hypocritical fashion - by the way, H.B., this is a sarcastic response.)

oh by the way, OK Boomer. Â¯\_(ツ)_/Â¯ (Ok, so I pressed one too many buttons)

Quote from: MNHighwayMan on November 30, 2019, 11:45:24 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 30, 2019, 11:27:47 PM
Nothing is valid except ISO 8601 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_8601).

👍

That is the way to go.

Yes. it sorts better. Also trying to sort files electronically when the policy/trend is to put given name first.

Quote from: wanderer2575 on November 29, 2019, 07:22:46 AM
Quote from: US 89 on November 29, 2019, 01:04:45 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on November 28, 2019, 09:43:24 PM
* Motorists using their turn signal when exiting.

I disagree, because communicating your intentions is always valuable to other drivers on the road. Also, isn't this legally required in most states anyway?

Moving into a previously existing lane, absolutely. Signalling when moving into a new lane at the point it opens up is pointless.

Hey everyone, I'm getting off the freeway! Yes it makes sense when the idiot exiting slows down to freaking 35 (arbitrary) before committing such action. Otherwise, I could care less. At the same time, signaling when getting ON the freeway - Hey, I already see you (Though in fairness, not everyone is hyper-aware). Not signaling when changing lanes grinds my gears, however the robotic nature of signaling at every point where its a turn also gets to me - three left turn lanes? you're in the left lane? STILL HAVE TO SIGNAL per the law.

Quote from: texaskdog on November 29, 2019, 10:46:17 AM
In football: not using analytics and therefore punting the ball away on 4th and 1 just so they don't get criticized; overcalling of penalties. Having two football teams in Los Angeles. Not going to an 18 game schedule/having those ridiculous pre-season games.

Speaking of football, Here's a tidbit from the TV Tropes "Insistent Terminology" (https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/InsistentTerminology/RealLife) series

Quote
American football announcers – presumably fearful lest those of us watching/listening to the games get confused as to exactly which sport is being played – take great pains to insert the word football (as both noun and adjective) into as much of their commentary as possible. So instead of saying, "These players need to move the ball down the field if they're going to win this game", they'll go with something like, "These football players need to move the football down the football field if they're going to win this football game," and so forth.

* Here's a supercut video an intrepid fan made of every time CBS analyst Phil Simms said "football" during a single telecast of an NFL game.note The game, for the curious, was a 2012 Thanksgiving Day matchup between the Detroit Lions and Houston Texans. It was not an especially unusual or important game, although it did go into overtime. (Total count: 58.) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OVNsQATJGA)

** Baseball announcers, by contrast, will often call entire games without mentioning the name of the sport. Instead, it's "the ballgame", "the ballpark", "the ballplayers", etc.

*PLAY BALL!
*Foul Ball
*Fastball
*Curve Ball

--oh boy...🙄

Quote

**The difference is probably because professional football grew up so much in baseball's shadow that most of the teams played in baseball stadiums and many of them were even named after those baseball teams: The New York Giants were at first the New York Football Giants, for instance, until the San Francisco Giants moved to San Francisco.note Even that professional sports team from Maryland mentioned above was originally the Boston Football Braves. Hence explicitly saying what sport is going on to avoid being mistaken for the other, better-known sport.

Yeah one can understand this.

Quote
**An inversion occurs in real life with the Super Bowl. "Super Bowl" is a trademarked phrase, hence the alternate term "The Big Game."

Doesn't mean it can't bother me.

* "I VOTED" Stickers, yeah it's part of the effort to get everyone to be involved in the election, but still.
* I'm a human. I also am known as a person, American, worker, taxpayer, stakeholder, investor, voter, motorist, etc. ok, so we change the name based on the context.
* motorist - what does a motor have to do with driving a car? Along these lines, names of car dealerships containing "motor" - Also using the word AUTO to refer to a vehicle.
* Overuse of "and" such as in "each and every", "alcohol and other drugs", etc.
* because it's tradition as a reason for not adapting to changes.

Anyone need a collaboration of "serious business" items (https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/SeriousBusiness/RealLife)? :popcorn:

Law of the month VMS

blah
blah
blah
SLOW DOWN

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on December 01, 2019, 08:51:19 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on December 01, 2019, 08:21:31 AM
* I'm a human.

Use of the word "humane" when referring to the kind and caring treatment of animals.

Animals are not "human"! Even though some are very cute, you don't treat them like you treat a "human"! They don't have the rights and responsibilities of a human.

"Humane" is merely putting an "e" on the end of "human."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on December 01, 2019, 08:57:05 AM

Quote from: Beltway on December 01, 2019, 08:51:19 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on December 01, 2019, 08:21:31 AM
* I'm a human.
Use of the word "humane" when referring to the kind and caring treatment of animals.

Animals are not "human"! Even though some are very cute, you don't treat them like you treat a "human"! They don't have the rights and responsibilities of a human.

"Humane" is merely putting an "e" on the end of "human."

Doesn't mean humans aren't animals.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 01, 2019, 08:57:31 AM

Quote from: Merriam-Webster
humane
marked by compassion, sympathy, or consideration for humans or animals

humane prison guards
a more humane way of treating farm animals

Dates back to 1552 with the current meaning.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on December 01, 2019, 09:09:19 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 01, 2019, 08:57:31 AM
Quote from: Merriam-Webster
humane
marked by compassion, sympathy, or consideration for humans or animals
humane prison guards
a more humane way of treating farm animals
Dates back to 1552 with the current meaning.

late Middle English: the earlier form of human, restricted to the senses above in the 18th century.
. . . . .

Who says that the English language didn't try to conflate humans and animals in stature?

How many books have ever been written by animals?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on December 01, 2019, 10:56:53 AM

Quote from: Beltway on December 01, 2019, 09:09:19 AM
How many books have ever been written by animals?

Every book that's ever been written.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 01, 2019, 12:31:56 PM

Quote from: Beltway on December 01, 2019, 09:09:19 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 01, 2019, 08:57:31 AM
Quote from: Merriam-Webster
humane
marked by compassion, sympathy, or consideration for humans or animals
humane prison guards
a more humane way of treating farm animals
Dates back to 1552 with the current meaning.
late Middle English: the earlier form of human, restricted to the senses above in the 18th century.
. . . . .

Who says that the English language didn't try to conflate humans and animals in stature?

How many books have ever been written by animals?

So you're really taking issue with a point of English usage that dates back 300 years? Are you going to hold the Potomac back with your palm for your next trick?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 01, 2019, 12:34:13 PM

Quote from: US 89 on December 01, 2019, 10:56:53 AM
Quote from: Beltway on December 01, 2019, 09:09:19 AM
How many books have ever been written by animals?

Every book that's ever been written.

Well the Book of Alan was and wasn't written by Goat Jesus. Then again wouldn't we all be animals in the eyes of the King of the Goats?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on December 01, 2019, 01:14:29 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 01, 2019, 02:04:10 AM
When there's enough room to park two cars between driveways, and someone parks directly in the middle preventing a 2nd car from parking there.

As someone who street parks on the regular, that drives me nuts. There's only so many spots, everyone. Don't be selfish. Always pull up to the edge of the curb, excluding at the ends of blocks (depending on local laws).

The saying "six of one, half a dozen of the other" .... just say "doesn't matter"; no reason to expend that much energy to say something so simple.

Mentioned before, six-number dates. I always write out the full year, although I also spell the month.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 01, 2019, 01:21:58 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on December 01, 2019, 01:14:29 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 01, 2019, 02:04:10 AM
When there's enough room to park two cars between driveways, and someone parks directly in the middle preventing a 2nd car from parking there.

As someone who street parks on the regular, that drives me nuts. There's only so many spots, everyone. Don't be selfish. Always pull up to the edge of the curb, excluding at the ends of blocks (depending on local laws).

The saying "six of one, half a dozen of the other" .... just say "doesn't matter"; no reason to expend that much energy to say something so simple.

Mentioned before, six-number dates. I always write out the full year, although I also spell the month.

Speaking of parking on City streets the practice of "spot claiming in Chicago" used to drive me up the wall. The city didn't do that great of a job of plowing the streets which would lead people to shovel out spots and put down some sort of material as a "claim." For some reason the practice would end up extending to non-neighborhood streets in the winter which did receive adequate plowing. Some ass hat would always try to claim the best spot on a well plowed road that went to commercial establishments.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on December 01, 2019, 01:40:12 PM

In football
-- Eyeball where they made the first down
-- Eyeball where the chains are placed
-- Eyeball where the next ball is downed
-- And then measure, and hold up hands indicating that they missed the first down by 2 inches. Really?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on December 01, 2019, 01:46:57 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 01, 2019, 12:31:56 PM
Quote from: Beltway on December 01, 2019, 09:09:19 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 01, 2019, 08:57:31 AM
Quote from: Merriam-Webster
humane
marked by compassion, sympathy, or consideration for humans or animals
humane prison guards
a more humane way of treating farm animals
Dates back to 1552 with the current meaning.
late Middle English: the earlier form of human, restricted to the senses above in the 18th century.
. . . . .
Who says that the English language didn't try to conflate humans and animals in stature?
How many books have ever been written by animals?
So you're really taking issue with a point of English usage that dates back 300 years? Are you going to hold the Potomac back with your palm for your next trick?

My complaint was about the use of "humane" to refer to the treatment of animals, as they are not "human."

Who says that the English language used it that way in the 1500s?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on December 01, 2019, 01:54:53 PM

Quote from: GaryV on December 01, 2019, 01:40:12 PM
In football
-- Eyeball where they made the first down
-- Eyeball where the chains are placed
-- Eyeball where the next ball is downed
-- And then measure, and hold up hands indicating that they missed the first down by 2 inches. Really?

The teams are always welcome to ask for measurements every play. A few inches doesn't matter when they're yards away.

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 01, 2019, 01:21:58 PM

Speaking of parking on City streets the practice of "spot claiming in Chicago" used to drive me up the wall. The city didn't do that great of a job of plowing the streets which would lead people to shovel out spots and put down some sort of material as a "claim." For some reason the practice would end up extending to non-neighborhood streets in the winter which did receive adequate plowing. Some ass hat would always try to claim the best spot on a well plowed road that went to commercial establishments.

This practice exists in every city where there's snow and limited parking. No city is unique or immune to it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on December 01, 2019, 01:55:34 PM

Quote from: US 89 on December 01, 2019, 10:56:53 AM
Quote from: Beltway on December 01, 2019, 09:09:19 AM
How many books have ever been written by animals?
Every book that's ever been written.

How many books have ever been written by: dolphins, apes, chimps, dogs, cats, swine, cows, horses, buzzards, hawks, parakeets, alligators, crocs, sharks, trout, swordfish, squirrels, deer, bears, rats, iguanas, foxes, coyotes, chickens, geese, etc., etc.?

I had a good chuckle as I wrote this! :-)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on December 01, 2019, 02:00:09 PM

Quote from: Beltway on December 01, 2019, 01:55:34 PM
Quote from: US 89 on December 01, 2019, 10:56:53 AM
Quote from: Beltway on December 01, 2019, 09:09:19 AM
How many books have ever been written by animals?
Every book that's ever been written.
How many books have ever been written by: dolphins, apes, chimps, dogs, cats, swine, cows, horses, buzzards, hawks, parakeets, alligators, crocs, sharks, trout, swordfish, squirrels, deer, bears, rats, iguanas, foxes, coyotes, chickens, geese, etc., etc.?

I had a good chuckle as I wrote this! :-)

His point is that humans are animals.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on December 01, 2019, 02:00:36 PM

Quote from: GaryV on December 01, 2019, 01:40:12 PM
In football
-- Eyeball where they made the first down
-- Eyeball where the chains are placed
-- Eyeball where the next ball is downed
-- And then measure, and hold up hands indicating that they missed the first down by 2 inches. Really?

Measurements are for show and time eating.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 01, 2019, 02:08:04 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 01, 2019, 01:54:53 PM
Quote from: GaryV on December 01, 2019, 01:40:12 PM
In football
-- Eyeball where they made the first down
-- Eyeball where the chains are placed
-- Eyeball where the next ball is downed
-- And then measure, and hold up hands indicating that they missed the first down by 2 inches. Really?

The teams are always welcome to ask for measurements every play. A few inches doesn't matter when they're yards away.

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 01, 2019, 01:21:58 PM

Speaking of parking on City streets the practice of "spot claiming in Chicago" used to drive me up the wall. The city didn't do that great of a job of plowing the streets which would lead people to shovel out spots and put down some sort of material as a "claim." For some reason the practice would end up extending to non-neighborhood streets in the winter which did receive adequate plowing. Some ass hat would always try to claim the best spot on a well plowed road that went to commercial establishments.

This practice exists in every city where there's snow and limited parking. No city is unique or immune to it.

Yes but the point was that in Chicago it often spread to streets that had plenty of parking. I'm all good with someone claiming a spot they dug out but not one of a Main Street or Highway that the city cleared out for everyone. It wasn't uncommon for people even to try to claim tolled parking either.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Brandon on December 01, 2019, 03:28:56 PM

Quote from: Beltway on December 01, 2019, 01:55:34 PM
Quote from: US 89 on December 01, 2019, 10:56:53 AM
Quote from: Beltway on December 01, 2019, 09:09:19 AM
How many books have ever been written by animals?
Every book that's ever been written.
How many books have ever been written by: dolphins, apes, chimps, dogs, cats, swine, cows, horses, buzzards, hawks, parakeets, alligators, crocs, sharks, trout, swordfish, squirrels, deer, bears, rats, iguanas, foxes, coyotes, chickens, geese, etc., etc.?

I had a good chuckle as I wrote this! :-)

They're all written by one species of primate.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wxfree on December 01, 2019, 04:09:15 PM

Corporate naming sponsors

I'd guess that most Americans know that the Cowboys are the football team from Dallas. When it was called Cowboys Stadium, you automatically knew something about it, what happens there and what area it's located in. I still call it Cowboys Stadium, because no one paid me to use a different name, and even if you know the official name, you still know what I'm referring to. Calling it AT&T Stadium tells you nothing about it. It sounds like a giant cell phone store. The name gives you no clues at all, so in order to know anything about it, you just have to know what it is.

It's like NTTA's ZipCash. Locals know what that means, it's a way for cash customers to pay without stopping, in a way that's quick, with zip. But if you don't already know what it is, then the name doesn't make any sense. To me, it could as easily mean that the cash lines at the tollbooth move quickly. "Pay by mail" is the perfect name, because it tells you exactly what it is. Toll authorities could get corporate sponsorships and call it something else, like "Panasonic Pay" and let the drivers think "dubya tee eff?" and that would make as much sense as calling it AT&T Stadium.

I'm okay with naming things in honor of a person. To me, doing something to earn that recognition is more worthy than just paying for it, and those names tend to stick, so you don't have to keep up with what the place is called this year as the naming sponsor contracts expire. Instead of "Panasonic Pay" TxDOT could name their pay-by-mail system "Dewitt C. Greer Pay." That would at least be something related to the state's highways.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on December 01, 2019, 05:20:06 PM

Subtropical storms being named from the same list as fully tropical ones. If you want to name it, use a supplemental list, don't waste names from the main list (IMO two names have been wasted this year).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: HTM Duke on December 01, 2019, 07:13:05 PM

Quote from: tdindy88 on December 01, 2019, 01:48:57 AM
Quote from: 21stCenturyRoad on November 30, 2019, 06:19:27 PM
When you're at the convenience store wanting to quickly buy something but the guy in front of you is buying the whole store and has a conversation with the clerk

I honestly don't like it when the clerk wants to engage in small talk with me. Maybe I'm introverted or whatever, but I have absolutely no desire to talk with people that I don't really need to talk with. I have family, friends and coworkers to carry on conversations with, I don't need to discuss my life with someone who's conducting a transaction for me. This is honestly one of the things I liked when I visited New York City, the clerks were mostly impersonal, quick to take your money, give you change and send you on your way. I liked that.

In a similar vein, grocery stores that do not have a self-checkout option. I prefer self-checkout since I'm usually able to use less bags then checkers do, and the lack of chatter, since it was usually the "round up your total and donate the difference" speech. (I also have a thing against 24/7 grocery stores that do have self-checkout, but shut them down overnight and use one checkout line. Nothing like getting stuck behind someone doing a week's worth of grocery shopping at 2 am to turn oneself off.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on December 01, 2019, 07:17:25 PM

Quote from: HTM Duke on December 01, 2019, 07:13:05 PM
Quote from: tdindy88 on December 01, 2019, 01:48:57 AM
Quote from: 21stCenturyRoad on November 30, 2019, 06:19:27 PM
When you're at the convenience store wanting to quickly buy something but the guy in front of you is buying the whole store and has a conversation with the clerk

I honestly don't like it when the clerk wants to engage in small talk with me. Maybe I'm introverted or whatever, but I have absolutely no desire to talk with people that I don't really need to talk with. I have family, friends and coworkers to carry on conversations with, I don't need to discuss my life with someone who's conducting a transaction for me. This is honestly one of the things I liked when I visited New York City, the clerks were mostly impersonal, quick to take your money, give you change and send you on your way. I liked that.

In a similar vein, grocery stores that do not have a self-checkout option. I prefer self-checkout since I'm usually able to use less bags then checkers do, and the lack of chatter, since it was usually the "round up your total and donate the difference" speech. (I also have a thing against 24/7 grocery stores that do have self-checkout, but shut them down overnight and use one checkout line. Nothing like getting stuck behind someone doing a week's worth of grocery shopping at 2 am to turn oneself off.)

You talk of self-checkouts? I think the opposite. Our Wal-Mart replaced all but 8 checkout lanes with selfies. Mind you they also have clerks hovering to help (or watch) - and you have the non-techies who struggle (mentioned earlier up-thread)

Also - every loyalty program. Before you start - "have you used your "store name perks plus rewards on fuel savings card"? (Self checkouts installed at Hy Vee say such and it really sounds like GlaDOS.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MNHighwayMan on December 01, 2019, 10:30:17 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on December 01, 2019, 07:17:25 PM
Also - every loyalty program. Before you start - "have you used your "store name perks plus rewards on fuel savings card"? (Self checkouts installed at Hy Vee say such and it really sounds like GlaDOS.

As an employee of Hy-Vee, fuck those loud-as-hell self-checkouts. Seriously.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: adventurernumber1 on December 02, 2019, 03:41:16 PM

Quote from: roadman on November 29, 2019, 10:37:06 AM
Younger people who can't speak without saying "like" every third word.

From what I can gather, "like" is replacing "uh/um/etc." as the filler phrase in conversation while thinking of what to say next (at least in the younger generation). I am guilty of doing this a lot myself, if only subconsciously (as I'm not going out of my way to do it on purpose, or because it's "trendy"). It seems to be a change that has been happening lately in casual speech, but perhaps one that has been occurring more subconsciously.

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on November 30, 2019, 12:31:10 AM
Quote from: ce929wax on November 30, 2019, 12:26:48 AM
It is NOT soda, it is pop.

I can attest as a Michigan native more people around the country use "Soda" by a large margin. Using Midwest slang didn't do me favors when I moved in Middle School so I ended up dropping it quickly.

Although I live in the South, it has always felt most natural for me to say "soda." That's not to say "soda" (or any other terms, for that matter) is the one and only correct thing to say, but it's just what I say. If someone says "coke," "pop," "soft drink," etc., I know what they're talking about, and I see all of those as acceptable terms for the beverage, even if some sound more "foreign" to me due to me not hearing them as much (as a result of my location).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 02, 2019, 07:52:57 PM

Quote from: Beltway on November 30, 2019, 02:14:47 PM
Quote from: Throckmorton on November 30, 2019, 11:45:28 AM
Quote from: texaskdog on November 29, 2019, 12:14:41 PM
Quote from: roadman on November 29, 2019, 11:15:16 AM
The "pass interference" call. Isn't that the defender's job?
I hate "offensive pass interference". The QB Is not passing to the defense!!!!!
The defender's job is to defend the pass, not to interfere with the receiver's ability to catch the pass.
Every player on defense is an eligible receiver hence the distinction.
https://www.sportingcharts.com/dictionary/nfl/offensive-pass-interference.aspx

What is Offensive Pass Interference?

A penalty called when an offensive player impedes a defender's ability to play pass defense. This can mean setting an illegal pick, where an offensive player intentionally gets in the way of another player's defender. Pass interference is also called when an offensive receiver shoves the defender away from him prior to making a play on the ball. The penalty is 10 yards from the previous line of scrimmage, and the down is replayed. Offensive pass interference cannot occur behind the line of scrimmage or after the ball has been touched following the throw.

Sporting Charts explains Offensive Pass Interference

Offensive pass interference is most often called when the offensive player makes an obvious attempt to shove the defender away from him in order to get open to catch a pass. The official will look to see if the defender could have made a play on the ball if the contact hadn't occurred. If so, the official will throw the flag. The other common form of offensive pass interference is the pick play. An offensive player will intentionally run into a defender to allow a teammate to get open. The pick is illegal, and pass interference will be called.

Inaccurate term, thus it is correct to be a minor thing that bothers me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 02, 2019, 07:54:43 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on December 01, 2019, 08:21:31 AM
I'm one of those who gets annoyed by almost everything!, Yeah, go ahead and call me out on it. :awesomeface: Most of this certainly is arbitrary and I decline to say everything because it sets off a chain reaction of shit that need not be said.

Quote from: hbelkins on November 29, 2019, 02:03:32 PM
*Overmoderation of this forum :-D :-D
Good behavior is the solution to your problem ;) (said ind true hypocritical fashion - by the way, H.B., this is a sarcastic response.)

oh by the way, OK Boomer. Â¯\_(ツ)_/Â¯ (Ok, so I pressed one too many buttons)

Quote from: MNHighwayMan on November 30, 2019, 11:45:24 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 30, 2019, 11:27:47 PM
Nothing is valid except ISO 8601 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_8601).

👍

That is the way to go.
Yes. it sorts better. Also trying to sort files electronically when the policy/trend is to put given name first.

Quote from: wanderer2575 on November 29, 2019, 07:22:46 AM
Quote from: US 89 on November 29, 2019, 01:04:45 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on November 28, 2019, 09:43:24 PM
* Motorists using their turn signal when exiting.

I disagree, because communicating your intentions is always valuable to other drivers on the road. Also, isn’t this legally required in most states anyway?

Moving into a previously existing lane, absolutely. Signalling when moving into a new lane at the point it opens up is pointless.

Hey everyone, I'm getting off the freeway! Yes it makes sense when the idiot exiting slows down to freaking 35 (arbitrary) before committing such action. Otherwise, I could care less. At the same time, signaling when getting ON the freeway - Hey, I already see you (Though in fairness, not everyone is hyper-aware). Not signaling when changing lanes grinds my gears, however the robotic nature of signaling at every point where its a turn also gets to me - three left turn lanes? you're in the left lane? STILL HAVE TO SIGNAL per the law.

Quote from: texaskdog on November 29, 2019, 10:46:17 AM
In football: not using analytics and therefore punting the ball away on 4th and 1 just so they don't get criticized; overcalling of penalties. Having two football teams in Los Angeles. Not going to an 18 game schedule/having those ridiculous pre-season games.

Speaking of football, Here's a tidbit from the TV Tropes "Insistent Terminology" (https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/InsistentTerminology/RealLife) series

Quote
American football announcers — presumably fearful lest those of us watching/listening to the games get confused as to exactly which sport is being played — take great pains to insert the word football (as both noun and adjective) into as much of their commentary as possible. So instead of saying, "These players need to move the ball down the field if they're going to win this game", they'll go with something like, "These football players need to move the football down the football field if they're going to win this football game," and so forth.

* Here's a supercut video an intrepid fan made of every time CBS analyst Phil Simms said "football" during a single telecast of an NFL game.note The game, for the curious, was a 2012 Thanksgiving Day matchup between the Detroit Lions and Houston Texans. It was not an especially unusual or important game, although it did go into overtime. (Total count: 58.) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OVNsQATJGA)

** Baseball announcers, by contrast, will often call entire games without mentioning the name of the sport. Instead, it's "the ballgame", "the ballpark", "the ballplayers", etc.
*PLAY BALL!
*Foul Ball
*Fastball
*Curve Ball

--oh boy...🙄

Quote

**The difference is probably because professional football grew up so much in baseball's shadow that most of the teams played in baseball stadiums and many of them were even named after those baseball teams: The New York Giants were at first the New York Football Giants, for instance, until the San Francisco Giants moved to San Francisco.note Even that professional sports team from Maryland mentioned above was originally the Boston Football Braves. Hence explicitly saying what sport is going on to avoid being mistaken for the other, better-known sport.
Yeah one can understand this.

Quote
**An inversion occurs in real life with the Super Bowl. "Super Bowl" is a trademarked phrase, hence the alternate term "The Big Game."
Doesn't mean it can't bother me.

* "I VOTED" Stickers, yeah it's part of the effort to get everyone to be involved in the election, but still.
* I'm a human. I also am known as a person, American, worker, taxpayer, stakeholder, investor, voter, motorist, etc. ok, so we change the name based on the context.
* motorist - what does a motor have to do with driving a car? Along these lines, names of car dealerships containing "motor" - Also using the word AUTO to refer to a vehicle.
* Overuse of "and" such as in "each and every", "alcohol and other drugs", etc.
* because it's tradition as a reason for not adapting to changes.

Anyone need a collaboration of "serious business" items (https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/SeriousBusiness/RealLife)? :popcorn:

Law of the month VMS

blah
blah
blah
SLOW DOWN

Yes on the "I voted" stickers. Having voted doesn't mean you know what you're doing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Ben114 on December 02, 2019, 08:40:47 PM

Quote from: adventurernumber1 on December 02, 2019, 03:41:16 PM
Quote from: roadman on November 29, 2019, 10:37:06 AM
Younger people who can't speak without saying "like" every third word.

From what I can gather, "like" is replacing "uh/um/etc." as the filler phrase in conversation while thinking of what to say next (at least in the younger generation). I am guilty of doing this a lot myself, if only subconsciously (as I'm not going out of my way to do it on purpose, or because it's "trendy"). It seems to be a change that has been happening lately in casual speech, but perhaps one that has been occurring more subconsciously.

And you would be correct. We younger people don't say "umm...", we say "like"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on December 02, 2019, 08:52:06 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on December 02, 2019, 07:52:57 PM
Quote from: Beltway on November 30, 2019, 02:14:47 PM
https://www.sportingcharts.com/dictionary/nfl/offensive-pass-interference.aspx
Offensive pass interference is most often called [...]
Inaccurate term, thus it is correct to be a minor thing that bothers me.

The idea being that when the quarterback puts the ball up, both the eligible offense players, and the defenders have equal rights to attempt to catch it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 02, 2019, 09:19:06 PM

I have a right to be bothered by an incorrect name, lol!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on December 02, 2019, 09:44:22 PM

- Waitresses and retail staff that insist on calling me 'hun'
- The word "hubby"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on December 02, 2019, 09:53:15 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on December 02, 2019, 09:44:22 PM
- Waitresses and retail staff that insist on calling me 'hun'
- The word "hubby"

Would you prefer "love" (The British equivalent)?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on December 02, 2019, 11:42:39 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on December 02, 2019, 09:53:15 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 02, 2019, 09:44:22 PM
- Waitresses and retail staff that insist on calling me 'hun'
- The word "hubby"
Would you prefer "love" (The British equivalent)?

Add another one to the list...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TravelingBethelite on December 03, 2019, 12:07:18 AM

I am seriously bothered by people leaving their cars running in park (or starting it before they need to), and more generally people running their cars when they don't need to. It's why I'm a fan of the start-stop technology included in cars in the last couple of model years, which cuts out the engine when idling at a traffic light, etc.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: OracleUsr on December 03, 2019, 12:23:56 AM

Where do you want me to start?

--Postal carriers (some in our area are female...sorry, not sorry) who park right before a stop sign on an already nearly-impassable street and leave them there for 20 minutes.
--People who just LOVE their subwoofers in their cars
--People who chew loudly.
--LYRICS TO #()%ING "SLEIGH RIDE"
--waiters who bring things i clearly asked for as an appetizer with the meal, then looking at me like I asked for a million dollars tax-free when I complain
--by the same token, being with a group of people and having my order be the only one screwed up, usually not even close, and having to sit there, twiddling my thumbs while others chow down. Even worse if the food comes back cold or screwed up to the same degree. Rare means RARE, people!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on December 03, 2019, 09:38:44 AM

Hm...if your meal is the only one messed up routinely and you complain about appetizers being brought with the meal (which I sort of see as valid, but not anything too angering)...

...perhaps you should make sure you're not a causal variable in these outcomes. :D

Ugh, I worked with someone who treated waitstaff horribly -- didn't matter if they brought out what he asked for, he always had to complain about something. There's a culture amongst certain people that they must treat waitstaff as inferior (friend of mine's father was the same way and I am not sure what that exact cultural connection is between the people I know that act this way). Of course, my coworker was an extreme case: After making a ridiculously complicated coffee order in Montreal (in English) and them inevitably getting it wrong, he dumped it out on the floor. He never understood that it reflected worse on him than them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 03, 2019, 09:56:50 AM

Quote from: Rothman on December 03, 2019, 09:38:44 AM
Ugh, I worked with someone who treated waitstaff horribly -- didn't matter if they brought out what he asked for, he always had to complain about something. than them.

I have an 'in-law like that.

About half the time, wants a meal prepared differently than the menu*, usually complains that it's not perfectly done (or told they don't have that item), fusses until they get it for free. Then proceeds to eat half the meal and then splurges on post-meal desert and a specialty beverage after everyone's finished. Naturally, doesn't pay for said meal and doesn't have a job. Seriously, how hard is it to change tack when the winds change and be adaptable? I go to a restaurant with a plan, a backup plan, and maybe a Plan C...just in case.

* I do this at a few places where I know they can competently and confidently exclude/substitute something (like a topping or side). But I don't ask for a chicken marsala to suddenly become a General Tso's chicken.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on December 03, 2019, 11:25:31 AM

Quote from: formulanone on December 03, 2019, 09:56:50 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 03, 2019, 09:38:44 AM
Ugh, I worked with someone who treated waitstaff horribly -- didn't matter if they brought out what he asked for, he always had to complain about something. than them.
I have an 'in-law like that.
About half the time, wants a meal prepared differently than the menu*, usually complains that it's not perfectly done (or told they don't have that item), fusses until they get it for free. Then proceeds to eat half the meal and then splurges on post-meal desert and a specialty beverage after everyone's finished. Naturally, doesn't pay for said meal and doesn't have a job. Seriously, how hard is it to change tack when the winds change and be adaptable? I go to a restaurant with a plan, a backup plan, and maybe a Plan C...just in case.

A dating dealbreaker, when she treats service staff badly.

She won't get another date from me. That reveals how she treats people in general.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 03, 2019, 11:57:43 AM

Quote from: Beltway on December 03, 2019, 11:25:31 AM
Quote from: formulanone on December 03, 2019, 09:56:50 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 03, 2019, 09:38:44 AM
Ugh, I worked with someone who treated waitstaff horribly -- didn't matter if they brought out what he asked for, he always had to complain about something. than them.
I have an 'in-law like that.
About half the time, wants a meal prepared differently than the menu*, usually complains that it's not perfectly done (or told they don't have that item), fusses until they get it for free. Then proceeds to eat half the meal and then splurges on post-meal desert and a specialty beverage after everyone's finished. Naturally, doesn't pay for said meal and doesn't have a job. Seriously, how hard is it to change tack when the winds change and be adaptable? I go to a restaurant with a plan, a backup plan, and maybe a Plan C...just in case.
A dating dealbreaker, when she treats service staff badly.

She won't get another date from me. That reveals how she treats people in general.

My brother does stuff like this constantly and wonders why I won't I go out to restaurant with his family anymore.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on December 03, 2019, 12:14:44 PM

There's some jobs I think everyone should have, just so they see the other side of things.

Waiter/Waitress/Server would be one of them. I've never been one myself, so it'll be interesting to see just what people are like. I want to think I'm easy going and don't get upset at stupid shit, but I'm sure there's other people out there that are just assholes. In fact, a local restaurant by me just closed. Their Facebook posting, in part: "We've decided to close...lots of mixed emotions...7 1/2 years, so fast...The really nice people and the A-holes. The joy and the bullshit. It was a roller coaster...but I will count it as one of the most interesting parts of my life..."

Another job, especially related to this group: Toll Collector. Seriously - you won't believe the absolute lack of knowledge or common sense most drivers have. And it has nothing to do with cell phones, GPSs or modern conveniences on the vehicles. I collected tolls 15 - 18 years ago, and still remember some of the oddities vividly. It's truly scary who you're travelling next to at 75 mph.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on December 03, 2019, 12:37:15 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 03, 2019, 12:14:44 PM
There's some jobs I think everyone should have, just so they see the other side of things.

I held a part-time supplementary job at a convenience store in my early 20s for a year. Running the cash register as well as stocking inventory.

Definitely a good view of dealing with the public in that setting.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on December 03, 2019, 12:49:31 PM

Quote from: Beltway on December 03, 2019, 12:37:15 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 03, 2019, 12:14:44 PM
There's some jobs I think everyone should have, just so they see the other side of things.
I held a part-time supplementary job at a convenience store in my early 20s for a year. Running the cash register as well as stocking inventory.

Definitely a good view of dealing with the public in that setting.

Expanding on that a little, I think everyone should have to work at least one Black Friday for a major retailer. Or, work the return counter after Christmas. The sense of entitlement and the shit (sadly, sometimes literal shit) people try to pull is mind boggling. They couldn't pay me enough to do those jobs again.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on December 03, 2019, 12:57:36 PM

Quote from: TravelingBethelite on December 03, 2019, 12:07:18 AM
I am seriously bothered by people leaving their cars running in park (or starting it before they need to), and more generally people running their cars when they don't need to. It's why I'm a fan of the start-stop technology included in cars in the last couple of model years, which cuts out the engine when idling at a traffic light, etc.

I think I'd find auto start-stop to be very annoying. Not only do you need to wait for the engine to start when going (so you can't just accelerate from the green), it causes additional wear and tear on the car, and you don't have climate control while you're stopped, even though it's a perfect time to warm your hands in winter. Not to mention that I always get the car running with the air and defrosters on full blast when brushing snow/ice off... it makes it SO much easier.

Quote from: OracleUsr on December 03, 2019, 12:23:56 AM
--by the same token, being with a group of people and having my order be the only one screwed up, usually not even close, and having to sit there, twiddling my thumbs while others chow down. Even worse if the food comes back cold or screwed up to the same degree. Rare means RARE, people!

That might be a liability thing. In some countries it's not even legal to serve meat cooked to less than medium.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on December 03, 2019, 02:05:52 PM

Quote from: vdeane on December 03, 2019, 12:57:36 PM
I think I'd find auto start-stop to be very annoying. Not only do you need to wait for the engine to start when going (so you can't just accelerate from the green), it causes additional wear and tear on the car, and you don't have climate control while you're stopped, even though it's a perfect time to warm your hands in winter. Not to mention that I always get the car running with the air and defrosters on full blast when brushing snow/ice off... it makes it SO much easier.

Idling uses very little fuel in any event.

I do volunteer work for the Richmond Marathon, and when it is cold like it was this year, I leave my car idling for the whole time. Three hours idling burned 0.9 gallons of fuel, and that is on a 3.8 liter engine. Burn of 0.3 gallons per hour is not much.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on December 03, 2019, 02:06:15 PM

Quote from: vdeane on December 03, 2019, 12:57:36 PM
Quote from: TravelingBethelite on December 03, 2019, 12:07:18 AM
I am seriously bothered by people leaving their cars running in park (or starting it before they need to), and more generally people running their cars when they don't need to. It's why I'm a fan of the start-stop technology included in cars in the last couple of model years, which cuts out the engine when idling at a traffic light, etc.
I think I'd find auto start-stop to be very annoying. Not only do you need to wait for the engine to start when going (so you can't just accelerate from the green), it causes additional wear and tear on the car, and you don't have climate control while you're stopped, even though it's a perfect time to warm your hands in winter. Not to mention that I always get the car running with the air and defrosters on full blast when brushing snow/ice off... it makes it SO much easier.

I have the auto start-stop "feature" on my car and find it very annoying...mainly because I cannot permanently disable it; there is a button to turn it off, but it resets every time you take the key out of the ignition. There's also a lag between with restarts at a traffic light or stop/go traffic. The system is meant to restart in the time it takes to move your foot from the brake to the gas, but apparently my reflexes are too fast for the system. The system is programmed to keep the car running if the interior temp reaches a certain point, your battery is too weak, or you're running the defrost.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 03, 2019, 02:16:39 PM

Quote from: vdeane on December 03, 2019, 12:57:36 PM
I think I'd find auto start-stop to be very annoying. ... you don't have climate control while you're stopped, even though it's a perfect time to warm your hands in winter.

I already dislike the fact that the temperature of the vents gets cooler when I'm at a stop. Definitely wouldn't like it if the heat cut out completely!

Quote from: vdeane on December 03, 2019, 12:57:36 PM
Not to mention that I always get the car running with the air and defrosters on full blast when brushing snow/ice off... it makes it SO much easier.

Oh, definitely! It's especially good for breaking up the ice around the windshield wipers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on December 03, 2019, 03:03:40 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 03, 2019, 12:14:44 PM
It's truly scary who you're travelling next to at 75 mph.

Actually, I have found that out without ever being a toll collector... :meh:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 03, 2019, 03:54:42 PM

People saying "I have an (insert amount) dollar business/operation to run." In fact a lot of business cliches are kind of grating to listen to after one has heard then hundreds of times.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on December 03, 2019, 04:01:24 PM

Regarding the auto idle stop, my wife's car has it. I keep an eye on the other direction's traffic light so as to lift my foot off the brake quickly before the light goes green. That way the car starts back up in advance of it being time to move. I've been in that habit for years because in my cars I like to shift into gear and be ready to move.

Regarding waitstaff, I waited tables at a retirement home when I was in high school. It definitely gives you a different perspective on how people treat waiters and waitresses and I tend to be a lot more polite to them as a result.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 03, 2019, 04:13:24 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 03, 2019, 03:54:42 PM
People saying "I have an (insert amount) dollar business/operation to run." In fact a lot of business cliches are kind of grating to listen to after one has heard then hundreds of times.

That one in particular is annoying because it's a cliche, a brag, and a I'm-better-than-you all in one. After all, you'd never hear anyone say "I have a $642 operation to run"!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on December 03, 2019, 04:28:24 PM

When I see a toddler in a stroller watching something on a smartphone or tablet. The kid will have plenty of time to be indoctrinated into the world of consumerism without Mommy or Daddy forcing it on them at the age of 2.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 03, 2019, 04:55:56 PM

Man buns.

And, with that, I win the thread.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 03, 2019, 04:59:15 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 03, 2019, 04:13:24 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 03, 2019, 03:54:42 PM
People saying "I have an (insert amount) dollar business/operation to run." In fact a lot of business cliches are kind of grating to listen to after one has heard then hundreds of times.

That one in particular is annoying because it's a cliche, a brag, and a I'm-better-than-you all in one. After all, you'd never hear anyone say "I have a $642 operation to run"!

Yes, the one saving grace it has is my retort tends to be some semblance of "no" when said to me. For me I'm not in a service oriented industry but I deal with a lot of people who are. Sometimes people aren't exactly pleased when I tell them something is unrealistic, costs a lot of money, beyond my capabilities or just can't be done.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on December 03, 2019, 05:16:46 PM

Nail colors that women use that unmatch. For example the girl who paints her toes red, and paints her fingers pink. Also older women who bitched in the 80's about the new neon colors of nail polish who now wear them themselves. Plus for me when I see a woman over 65 over apply makeup to the point of masking their natural face, I see that middle age man who drives a convertible sports car and cheats on his wife with a young gold digger.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 03, 2019, 05:25:35 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 03, 2019, 12:14:44 PM
There's some jobs I think everyone should have, just so they see the other side of things.

Waiter/Waitress/Server would be one of them.

I've had jobs with lots of multi-tasking around people, but those where people mostly come to me to tell me what they want and what they should do. I don't have the outgoing personality and charm to approach strangers that well, with the prospect of making them happy enough to ply me with money. I suppose all things get better with practice, but I'm glad I don't have to do that in a pressurized environment.

Quote
Another job, especially related to this group: Toll Collector.

My brother-in-law (not the picky-eater-in-law described a few posts above) was a toll collector about 30 years ago, and was bored out of his mind after a month, and quit after a few months. Nothing else to but to make change, read a book, and listen to the radio...and occasionally give directions. He was told that his ability to make correct change "over 95% of the time" was impressive, which made him realize there was no hope for climbing the career ladder. He'd told me that it took a day or two to not wince at the sight of a 18-wheeler going 55 mph, which was the toughest part of the job.

Your mileage may have varied!

Quote from: DaBigE on December 03, 2019, 02:06:15 PM
I have the auto start-stop "feature" on my car and find it very annoying...mainly because I cannot permanently disable it; there is a button to turn it off, but it resets every time you take the key out of the ignition. There's also a lag between with restarts at a traffic light or stop/go traffic. The system is meant to restart in the time it takes to move your foot from the brake to the gas, but apparently my reflexes are too fast for the system. The system is programmed to keep the car running if the interior temp reaches a certain point, your battery is too weak, or you're running the defrost.

Yeah, I can't stand them either. If it's 60 degrees outside and I'm not making up any time in traffic, it's unnoticeable. But it sucks when it's 90 degrees out in the summer, or where there's long traffic delays. It always feels clumsy.

The domestic brands seem to be fans of them; some put the button near the shifter or near the ignition switch. Others make it some afterthought of a spot next to the radio. I take it they're the ones with the most desperate mpg numbers, because the import brands aren't as big on using them. Hybrids don't have that problem because the battery power and electric motor prevents the slow-speed stuttering of the engine. I've noticed most performance vehicles don't have this feature. Nobody buys a Mustang 5.0 just to hear it cut off abruptly. At least BMW puts the switch next to the start/stop button and remembers that you don't want that crap.

Still, I hate when jerks idle in front of the front door of a building. Take a parking space or move away 50 feet, you inconsiderate lump.

Quote from: kphoger on December 03, 2019, 04:55:56 PM
Man buns.

I like the idea of knowing who I can instantly take 50% less-seriously...unless they have a katana.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 03, 2019, 07:07:00 PM

Quote from: formulanone on December 03, 2019, 05:25:35 PM
Still, I hate when jerks idle in front of the front door of a building. Take a parking space or move away 50 feet, you inconsiderate lump.

My first real job was pushing shopping carts at a Target in the west suburbs of Chicago (Roosevelt & County Farm, for those of you who care). I got sick of seeing people drop someone off, then just idle in the fire lane in front of the store for a while–or, worse, pull up in the fire lane, and go inside themselves for a quick purchase.

For my job, I used one of those remote-controlled motorized cart pusher machines. I also–in the name of efficiency and because nobody told me otherwise for the first few months–tended to push as many carts with the thing as the remote control signal strength would allow me to. 45 carts was my approximate max train length: much more than that, and the remote control signal would cut out and the machine would stop every so often.

So one day, I had a good long train of carts going, and I saw a car parked in the fire lane. It irked me. I double-parked my whole train of shopping carts, curving it just enough to "wrap" the guy in and not let him drive away. Then I went inside to take a bathroom break, refill my cup, etc. When I came back out, he was none too happy about having come out to his car with no way to escape. But there wasn't anything he could do about it either.

I'm sure most of you will find it easy to believe that customer service is not one of my strong suits.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on December 03, 2019, 07:11:05 PM

Quote from: formulanone on December 03, 2019, 05:25:35 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 03, 2019, 02:06:15 PM
I have the auto start-stop "feature" on my car and find it very annoying...mainly because I cannot permanently disable it; there is a button to turn it off, but it resets every time you take the key out of the ignition. There's also a lag between with restarts at a traffic light or stop/go traffic. The system is meant to restart in the time it takes to move your foot from the brake to the gas, but apparently my reflexes are too fast for the system. The system is programmed to keep the car running if the interior temp reaches a certain point, your battery is too weak, or you're running the defrost.

Yeah, I can't stand them either. If it's 60 degrees outside and I'm not making up any time in traffic, it's unnoticeable. But it sucks when it's 90 degrees out in the summer, or where there's long traffic delays. It always feels clumsy.

The domestic brands seem to be fans of them; some put the button near the shifter or near the ignition switch. Others make it some afterthought of a spot next to the radio. I take it they're the ones with the most desperate mpg numbers, because the import brands aren't as big on using them. Hybrids don't have that problem because the battery power and electric motor prevents the slow-speed stuttering of the engine. I've noticed most performance vehicles don't have this feature. Nobody buys a Mustang 5.0 just to hear it cut off abruptly. At least BMW puts the switch next to the start/stop button and remembers that you don't want that crap.

Still, I hate when jerks idle in front of the front door of a building. Take a parking space or move away 50 feet, you inconsiderate lump.

Wait until the laws start popping up requiring them (Which has happened in Europe, New York and some local areas)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 03, 2019, 07:26:15 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 03, 2019, 07:07:00 PM
Quote from: formulanone on December 03, 2019, 05:25:35 PM
Still, I hate when jerks idle in front of the front door of a building. Take a parking space or move away 50 feet, you inconsiderate lump.

My first real job was pushing shopping carts at a Target in the west suburbs of Chicago (Roosevelt & County Farm, for those of you who care). I got sick of seeing people drop someone off, then just idle in the fire lane in front of the store for a while–or, worse, pull up in the fire lane, and go inside themselves for a quick purchase.

For my job, I used one of those remote-controlled motorized cart pusher machines. I also–in the name of efficiency and because nobody told me otherwise for the first few months–tended to push as many carts with the thing as the remote control signal strength would allow me to. 45 carts was my approximate max train length: much more than that, and the remote control signal would cut out and the machine would stop every so often.

So one day, I had a good long train of carts going, and I saw a car parked in the fire lane. It irked me. I double-parked my whole train of shopping carts, curving it just enough to "wrap" the guy in and not let him drive away. Then I went inside to take a bathroom break, refill my cup, etc. When I came back out, he was none too happy about having come out to his car with no way to escape. But there wasn't anything he could do about it either.

I'm sure most of you will find it easy to believe that customer service is not one of my strong suits.

Funny, I had that exact same job at 18. I found a lot of those people were actually hitting the store on hit-and-run shoplifters. I later became security later and ended up getting quite a few of the parking lot fiends, those were sweet tiny little victories. I even had the cart guy block in a couple shoplifters on one occasion.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on December 04, 2019, 12:27:13 AM

Quote from: DaBigE on December 02, 2019, 11:42:39 PM
Quote from: SSOWorld on December 02, 2019, 09:53:15 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 02, 2019, 09:44:22 PM
- Waitresses and retail staff that insist on calling me 'hun'
- The word "hubby"
Would you prefer "love" (The British equivalent)?

Add another one to the list...

"How much have you had, love??"

(+1 for anyone who knows the quote)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MNHighwayMan on December 04, 2019, 03:09:34 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 03, 2019, 07:26:15 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 03, 2019, 07:07:00 PM
My first real job was pushing shopping carts at a Target in the west suburbs of Chicago (Roosevelt & County Farm, for those of you who care). I got sick of seeing people drop someone off, then just idle in the fire lane in front of the store for a while–or, worse, pull up in the fire lane, and go inside themselves for a quick purchase.

For my job, I used one of those remote-controlled motorized cart pusher machines. I also–in the name of efficiency and because nobody told me otherwise for the first few months–tended to push as many carts with the thing as the remote control signal strength would allow me to. 45 carts was my approximate max train length: much more than that, and the remote control signal would cut out and the machine would stop every so often.

So one day, I had a good long train of carts going, and I saw a car parked in the fire lane. It irked me. I double-parked my whole train of shopping carts, curving it just enough to "wrap" the guy in and not let him drive away. Then I went inside to take a bathroom break, refill my cup, etc. When I came back out, he was none too happy about having come out to his car with no way to escape. But there wasn't anything he could do about it either.

I'm sure most of you will find it easy to believe that customer service is not one of my strong suits.
Funny, I had that exact same job at 18. I found a lot of those people were actually hitting the store on hit-and-run shoplifters. I later became security later and ended up getting quite a few of the parking lot fiends, those were sweet tiny little victories. I even had the cart guy block in a couple shoplifters on one occasion.

As did I, from age 16 all the way until I graduated high school. Company policy was to limit the cart pusher to twenty carts, but I often got away with double that. Did not deal with shoplifters though, not that we had very many in a town of 7000 people. If they did, they were doing it at the Wal-Mart instead!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 04, 2019, 06:24:11 AM

Quote from: DaBigE on December 02, 2019, 09:44:22 PM
- The word "hubby"

What is...words you've seen on greeting cards and tabloid news but have never actually heard anyone actually say?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on December 04, 2019, 07:42:38 AM

Quote from: formulanone on December 04, 2019, 06:24:11 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 02, 2019, 09:44:22 PM
- The word "hubby"

What is...words you've seen on greeting cards and tabloid news but have never actually heard anyone actually say?

You've apparently been lucky. I've heard it way too often when someone's attempting be funny or as a term of endearment.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on December 04, 2019, 10:56:40 AM

The auto start and stop is annoying. My parents have a Subaru with that feature that I drove over Thanksgiving weekend and I found it actually concerning due to the additional wear that may be caused by all those starts. Car shuddered a little too on each one.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 04, 2019, 11:26:10 AM

Quote from: MNHighwayMan on December 04, 2019, 03:09:34 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 03, 2019, 07:26:15 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 03, 2019, 07:07:00 PM
My first real job was pushing shopping carts at a Target in the west suburbs of Chicago (Roosevelt & County Farm, for those of you who care). I got sick of seeing people drop someone off, then just idle in the fire lane in front of the store for a while–or, worse, pull up in the fire lane, and go inside themselves for a quick purchase.

For my job, I used one of those remote-controlled motorized cart pusher machines. I also–in the name of efficiency and because nobody told me otherwise for the first few months–tended to push as many carts with the thing as the remote control signal strength would allow me to. 45 carts was my approximate max train length: much more than that, and the remote control signal would cut out and the machine would stop every so often.

So one day, I had a good long train of carts going, and I saw a car parked in the fire lane. It irked me. I double-parked my whole train of shopping carts, curving it just enough to "wrap" the guy in and not let him drive away. Then I went inside to take a bathroom break, refill my cup, etc. When I came back out, he was none too happy about having come out to his car with no way to escape. But there wasn't anything he could do about it either.

I'm sure most of you will find it easy to believe that customer service is not one of my strong suits.
Funny, I had that exact same job at 18. I found a lot of those people were actually hitting the store on hit-and-run shoplifters. I later became security later and ended up getting quite a few of the parking lot fiends, those were sweet tiny little victories. I even had the cart guy block in a couple shoplifters on one occasion.

As did I, from age 16 all the way until I graduated high school. Company policy was to limit the cart pusher to twenty carts, but I often got away with double that. Did not deal with shoplifters though, not that we had very many in a town of 7000 people. If they did, they were doing it at the Wal-Mart instead!

I think it was 20 back then also, or at least I remember people getting upset about long cart trains. I was training for police tests so I usually just pushed a train of 15 carts by hand. I only did that job for one summer but trimmed down from my hockey playing weight of 190 down to 160. It probably didn't hurt it was often 110 degrees in Phoenix most of the summer of 2001. I was getting adept at distance running at the time also so the cart gig helped tremendously to that end. The worst part was that they wanted me to cashier on occasion which I would go out of my way to avoid at all costs. I hated talking to people and I mostly get by with the reasoning that customers didn't want to see someone drenched in sweat and sunscreen.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on December 04, 2019, 12:01:18 PM

Quote from: Rothman on December 04, 2019, 10:56:40 AM
The auto start and stop is annoying. My parents have a Subaru with that feature that I drove over Thanksgiving weekend and I found it actually concerning due to the additional wear that may be caused by all those starts. Car shuddered a little too on each one.

I was in someone's car with that feature recently. Yeah, I didn't care for it either.

Having a hybrid, I don't have that issue. Actually, it vary rarely turns off when stopped, because it's usually already switched over to electric mode in the process of slowing down. When I speed up, it continues to use the battery for a little bit as well.

Recently, sitting in traffic, the car did go from gas to electric while stopped. The carpool member with me asked if does that every time. I've had the car for 6 months, sitting in traffic every day with this guy, and it's the first time I remember it doing that, including on that very trip. So, that answer would be a big fat No. Let's just say this particular guy is the type that knows everything, yet is very unobservant about most everything as well. (When he can't believe traffic is jammed (which it is every day), I'll ask if he just saw the travel time sign we just past. The answer, every time, is No.)

Quote from: formulanone on December 03, 2019, 05:25:35 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 03, 2019, 12:14:44 PM
Another job, especially related to this group: Toll Collector.

My brother-in-law (not the picky-eater-in-law described a few posts above) was a toll collector about 30 years ago, and was bored out of his mind after a month, and quit after a few months. Nothing else to but to make change, read a book, and listen to the radio...and occasionally give directions. He was told that his ability to make correct change "over 95% of the time" was impressive, which made him realize there was no hope for climbing the career ladder. He'd told me that it took a day or two to not wince at the sight of a 18-wheeler going 55 mph, which was the toughest part of the job.

Your mileage may have varied!

I don't recall actually being concerned about truckers in regard to their speed - truckers tended to slow down further away from the plazas, whereas car drivers tended to drive very fast up to (and occasionally thru) the toll lane. I did have a car run up the concrete barrier in the front of the adjoining booth...slow enough that it wasn't much of a concern, except for the fact the driver was laughing about it. Me and the toll attendant next to me gave the driver a WTF look, and the driver got mad at us, as if running a car up a barrier mere feet from a toll booth operator should be taken as a funny joke!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tchafe1978 on December 04, 2019, 12:05:41 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 04, 2019, 11:26:10 AM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on December 04, 2019, 03:09:34 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 03, 2019, 07:26:15 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 03, 2019, 07:07:00 PM
My first real job was pushing shopping carts at a Target in the west suburbs of Chicago (Roosevelt & County Farm, for those of you who care). I got sick of seeing people drop someone off, then just idle in the fire lane in front of the store for a while–or, worse, pull up in the fire lane, and go inside themselves for a quick purchase.

For my job, I used one of those remote-controlled motorized cart pusher machines. I also–in the name of efficiency and because nobody told me otherwise for the first few months–tended to push as many carts with the thing as the remote control signal strength would allow me to. 45 carts was my approximate max train length: much more than that, and the remote control signal would cut out and the machine would stop every so often.

So one day, I had a good long train of carts going, and I saw a car parked in the fire lane. It irked me. I double-parked my whole train of shopping carts, curving it just enough to "wrap" the guy in and not let him drive away. Then I went inside to take a bathroom break, refill my cup, etc. When I came back out, he was none too happy about having come out to his car with no way to escape. But there wasn't anything he could do about it either.

I'm sure most of you will find it easy to believe that customer service is not one of my strong suits.
Funny, I had that exact same job at 18. I found a lot of those people were actually hitting the store on hit-and-run shoplifters. I later became security later and ended up getting quite a few of the parking lot fiends, those were sweet tiny little victories. I even had the cart guy block in a couple shoplifters on one occasion.

As did I, from age 16 all the way until I graduated high school. Company policy was to limit the cart pusher to twenty carts, but I often got away with double that. Did not deal with shoplifters though, not that we had very many in a town of 7000 people. If they did, they were doing it at the Wal-Mart instead!

I think it was 20 back then also, or at least I remember people getting upset about long cart trains. I was training for police tests so I usually just pushed a train of 15 carts by hand. I only did that job for one summer but trimmed down from my hockey playing weight of 190 down to 160. It probably didn't hurt it was often 110 degrees in Phoenix most of the summer of 2001. I was getting adept at distance running at the time also so the cart gig helped tremendously to that end. The worst part was that they wanted me to cashier on occasion which I would go out of my way to avoid at all costs. I hated talking to people and I mostly get by with the reasoning that customers didn't want to see someone drenched in sweat and sunscreen.

My first real job was pushing carts and bagging groceries. We didn't have a cart mule, so we pushed all the carts by hand, which was made slightly easier by the parking slot sloping down towards the store. Unfortunately, at least for the cars and their owners, on more than one occasion a customer would stop to drop someone off or whatever right in front of the door just as I was bringing a line of carts in. Sorry, but I have no way to stop a line of carts headed downhill on a dime, and avoid hitting your car.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on December 04, 2019, 04:53:30 PM

Another minor gripe that I frequently encounter --

Public restrooms usually don't have a place to put a few items while using the stall. Say you have a few books with you and you want to set them down while you use the commode.

All it would take is a board about 8 x 24 inches attached to the wall with 2 angle brackets.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on December 04, 2019, 04:59:43 PM

Quote from: Beltway on December 04, 2019, 04:53:30 PM
Another minor gripe that I frequently encounter --

Public restrooms usually don't have a place to put a few items while using the stall. Say you have a few books with you and you want to set them down while you use the commode.

All it would take is a board about 8 x 24 inches attached to the wall with 2 angle brackets.

I like the idea, but it would likely become a big target for vandalism. There's an outlet mall I was at, where they recessed the wall like a shower shelf, behind the toilet in every stall.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on December 04, 2019, 05:04:16 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on December 04, 2019, 04:59:43 PM
Quote from: Beltway on December 04, 2019, 04:53:30 PM
Another minor gripe that I frequently encounter --
Public restrooms usually don't have a place to put a few items while using the stall. Say you have a few books with you and you want to set them down while you use the commode.
All it would take is a board about 8 x 24 inches attached to the wall with 2 angle brackets.
I like the idea, but it would likely become a big target for vandalism.

No more than any other appurtenance in the restroom.

Quote from: DaBigE on December 04, 2019, 04:59:43 PM
There's an outlet mall I was at, where they recessed the wall like a shower shelf, behind the toilet in every stall.

I have seen that, probably no more materials needed than without it being recessed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Mrt90 on December 04, 2019, 05:07:14 PM

Quote from: Rothman on December 04, 2019, 10:56:40 AM
The auto start and stop is annoying. My parents have a Subaru with that feature that I drove over Thanksgiving weekend and I found it actually concerning due to the additional wear that may be caused by all those starts. Car shuddered a little too on each one.

I test drove a couple of VW's with that feature, and I couldn't really tell when the engine was being restarted, but I didn't like sitting in an intersection waiting to make a left turn and knowing that the car would have to restart which probably caused me to sit there waiting longer than I needed to. Fortunately the VW's have a button by the gear selector where you can turn off the start/stop feature; if I bought one I would probably hit that button immediately after starting the car.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on December 05, 2019, 04:33:00 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on December 03, 2019, 04:01:24 PM
Regarding the auto idle stop, my wife's car has it. I keep an eye on the other direction's traffic light so as to lift my foot off the brake quickly before the light goes green. That way the car starts back up in advance of it being time to move. I've been in that habit for years because in my cars I like to shift into gear and be ready to move.

Regarding waitstaff, I waited tables at a retirement home when I was in high school. It definitely gives you a different perspective on how people treat waiters and waitresses and I tend to be a lot more polite to them as a result.

As Ã¼ber-annoying as I can imagine that stop-start thing to be, could this be an impetus for the European style one or two second red/yellow signal phase to be added to the standard traffic signal cycle in the USA's MUTCD?

Also, yes, some people are beyond annoying and/or stupid as customers. I tend to ignore them and if you ignore those truly bad ones enough, they'll eventually go away.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on December 05, 2019, 05:15:32 AM

A few more:

- One vehicle, usually a fancy ego trip one, that takes up two (or more) parking spaces.
- Someone, usually an older retiree, taking forever at the counter of a C-store while he or she is buying and cashing scratch off lottery tickets.
- I'll second the one about vehicles that are loudly rattling to the sub-bass beat of the crap that is being played on their sound systems.
- Regarding public 'facilities', people who don't flush after doing a #1.
- Customers who keep their phones stuck to their heads while they are taking care of business transactions (when I was very young, I was taught that it was rude to interrupt someone when he or she is on the phone - and I still gladly practice that!).
- Nicotine addicts.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on December 05, 2019, 06:43:49 AM

Quote from: mgk920 on December 05, 2019, 05:15:32 AM
- I'll second the one about vehicles that are loudly rattling to the sub-bass beat of the crap that is being played on their sound systems.

Boom cars. One the noise scourges that anti-noise activist groups are working to eliminate.

Quote from: mgk920 on December 05, 2019, 05:15:32 AM
- Regarding public 'facilities', people who don't flush after doing a #1.

Seemingly minor, but I still find it nasty to often see that when I go into the stall.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on December 05, 2019, 07:08:56 AM

My experience with fast food was that there are people who knowingly take advantage of company policies generally prohibiting employees from responding in kind to douche customers. They know they can unload their misery and be as mean, rude, denigrating as they please because they won't hear a word in return, and if they do pick on the wrong employee to target with their spew they can immediately turn around to play victim and try to get people fired because they know corporate will likely take their side.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on December 05, 2019, 08:49:41 AM

I was just programming online bill payments and I found myself thinking how stupid it is that creditors will set due dates on days when the banks aren't open and online payments can't be made (in this case, my Verizon bill is due December 25). It's a minor annoyance because I normally program the payments for the business day before the due date anyway (so I set this one for December 24, and I would have done so even if December 25 were not a holiday), but it seems dumb to have bills due on Sundays or holidays.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 05, 2019, 09:02:54 AM

Quote from: vdeane on November 30, 2019, 05:50:02 PM
Going to the bank just to get a roll of quarters and being stuck behind someone with a drawn-out and/or complicated transaction.

and 5 other employees doing nothing who can't go be a 2nd teller

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 05, 2019, 09:04:48 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on December 01, 2019, 08:21:31 AM
I'm one of those who gets annoyed by almost everything!, Yeah, go ahead and call me out on it. :awesomeface: Most of this certainly is arbitrary and I decline to say everything because it sets off a chain reaction of shit that need not be said.

Quote from: hbelkins on November 29, 2019, 02:03:32 PM
*Overmoderation of this forum :-D :-D
Good behavior is the solution to your problem ;) (said ind true hypocritical fashion - by the way, H.B., this is a sarcastic response.)

oh by the way, OK Boomer. Â¯\_(ツ)_/Â¯ (Ok, so I pressed one too many buttons)

Quote from: MNHighwayMan on November 30, 2019, 11:45:24 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 30, 2019, 11:27:47 PM
Nothing is valid except ISO 8601 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_8601).

👍

That is the way to go.
Yes. it sorts better. Also trying to sort files electronically when the policy/trend is to put given name first.

Quote from: wanderer2575 on November 29, 2019, 07:22:46 AM
Quote from: US 89 on November 29, 2019, 01:04:45 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on November 28, 2019, 09:43:24 PM
* Motorists using their turn signal when exiting.

I disagree, because communicating your intentions is always valuable to other drivers on the road. Also, isn’t this legally required in most states anyway?

Moving into a previously existing lane, absolutely. Signalling when moving into a new lane at the point it opens up is pointless.

Hey everyone, I'm getting off the freeway! Yes it makes sense when the idiot exiting slows down to freaking 35 (arbitrary) before committing such action. Otherwise, I could care less. At the same time, signaling when getting ON the freeway - Hey, I already see you (Though in fairness, not everyone is hyper-aware). Not signaling when changing lanes grinds my gears, however the robotic nature of signaling at every point where its a turn also gets to me - three left turn lanes? you're in the left lane? STILL HAVE TO SIGNAL per the law.

Quote from: texaskdog on November 29, 2019, 10:46:17 AM
In football: not using analytics and therefore punting the ball away on 4th and 1 just so they don't get criticized; overcalling of penalties. Having two football teams in Los Angeles. Not going to an 18 game schedule/having those ridiculous pre-season games.

Speaking of football, Here's a tidbit from the TV Tropes "Insistent Terminology" (https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/InsistentTerminology/RealLife) series

Quote
American football announcers — presumably fearful lest those of us watching/listening to the games get confused as to exactly which sport is being played — take great pains to insert the word football (as both noun and adjective) into as much of their commentary as possible. So instead of saying, "These players need to move the ball down the field if they're going to win this game", they'll go with something like, "These football players need to move the football down the football field if they're going to win this football game," and so forth.

* Here's a supercut video an intrepid fan made of every time CBS analyst Phil Simms said "football" during a single telecast of an NFL game.note The game, for the curious, was a 2012 Thanksgiving Day matchup between the Detroit Lions and Houston Texans. It was not an especially unusual or important game, although it did go into overtime. (Total count: 58.) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OVNsQATJGA)

** Baseball announcers, by contrast, will often call entire games without mentioning the name of the sport. Instead, it's "the ballgame", "the ballpark", "the ballplayers", etc.
*PLAY BALL!
*Foul Ball
*Fastball
*Curve Ball

--oh boy...🙄

Quote

**The difference is probably because professional football grew up so much in baseball's shadow that most of the teams played in baseball stadiums and many of them were even named after those baseball teams: The New York Giants were at first the New York Football Giants, for instance, until the San Francisco Giants moved to San Francisco.note Even that professional sports team from Maryland mentioned above was originally the Boston Football Braves. Hence explicitly saying what sport is going on to avoid being mistaken for the other, better-known sport.
Yeah one can understand this.

Quote
**An inversion occurs in real life with the Super Bowl. "Super Bowl" is a trademarked phrase, hence the alternate term "The Big Game."
Doesn't mean it can't bother me.

* "I VOTED" Stickers, yeah it's part of the effort to get everyone to be involved in the election, but still.
* I'm a human. I also am known as a person, American, worker, taxpayer, stakeholder, investor, voter, motorist, etc. ok, so we change the name based on the context.
* motorist - what does a motor have to do with driving a car? Along these lines, names of car dealerships containing "motor" - Also using the word AUTO to refer to a vehicle.
* Overuse of "and" such as in "each and every", "alcohol and other drugs", etc.
* because it's tradition as a reason for not adapting to changes.

Anyone need a collaboration of "serious business" items (https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/SeriousBusiness/RealLife)? :popcorn:

Law of the month VMS

blah
blah
blah
SLOW DOWN

thanks for the reminder, any idiot who says "New York FOOTBALL Giants".....and Jagwires......

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 05, 2019, 09:05:11 AM

Quote from: DaBigE on December 02, 2019, 09:44:22 PM

- The word "hubby"

or "hubs"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 05, 2019, 09:09:32 AM

Quote from: formulanone on December 04, 2019, 06:24:11 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 02, 2019, 09:44:22 PM
- The word "hubby"

What is...words you've seen on greeting cards and tabloid news but have never actually heard anyone actually say?

Notice how every TV show from the 60s they sing "for he's a jolly good fellow"? Has anyone ever sung that or heard that sung at a party, ever?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on December 05, 2019, 11:02:02 AM

I heard that the Happy Birthday song is copywrited (yes NE2 I misspelled a word hold your ego please) so that is why they never hardly sing it not only on TV but at restaurants as well.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on December 05, 2019, 11:09:23 AM

When you are placed on hold with that eerie music. Not only that but I do not like when every minute or so a recorded message kicks in to let you know you are on hold! Really??? I think we all know that we are holding for a real live person, that message is insulting to anyone. Plus when you hear that break in the music, for a brief part of a second you are excited that finally you are not on hold anymore only to move back in time to the beginning after you hear that same message once again starting from the beginning of the hold process.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on December 05, 2019, 11:28:36 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on December 05, 2019, 11:02:02 AM
I heard that the Happy Birthday song is copywrited (yes NE2 I misspelled a word hold your ego please) so that is why they never hardly sing it not only on TV but at restaurants as well.

You also misspelled Sheryl Crow's name in your signature. :D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on December 05, 2019, 11:48:44 AM

A USA federal court ruled not that long ago that it is in fact 'public domain' due to its copyright having expired.

:clap:

As it stands right now, *nothing* created before 1924 is under any form of USA copyright protection.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 05, 2019, 12:43:05 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on December 05, 2019, 05:15:32 AM
One vehicle, usually a fancy ego trip one, that takes up two (or more) parking spaces.

Fortunately, most people who do this park their car wa-a-a-ay at the back of the lot, where they aren't really taking up anyone else's space. In that case, it doesn't bother me. However, if they take up two spaces toward the front of the lot, I've been known to squeeze my car into the half-space on the driver's side of their car, with my car a mere two inches from his door.

Quote from: Beltway on December 05, 2019, 06:43:49 AM

Quote from: mgk920 on December 05, 2019, 05:15:32 AM
- I'll second the one about vehicles that are loudly rattling to the sub-bass beat of the crap that is being played on their sound systems.

Boom cars. One the noise scourges that anti-noise activist groups are working to eliminate.

I don't mind cars that go boom-boom too terribly much, unless it's so loud that it actually makes me feel queasy. But what annoys me to no end is the rattle. My best friend likes to say that they can sink hundreds of dollars into their car's sound system but they can't afford to put two extra screws through their license plate to stop it rattling.

Quote from: roadman65 on December 05, 2019, 11:09:23 AM
When you are placed on hold with that eerie music. Not only that but I do not like when every minute or so a recorded message kicks in to let you know you are on hold! Really??? I think we all know that we are holding for a real live person, that message is insulting to anyone. Plus when you hear that break in the music, for a brief part of a second you are excited that finally you are not on hold anymore only to move back in time to the beginning after you hear that same message once again starting from the beginning of the hold process.

I also get annoyed at hold music that wasn't designed to be hold music. Because of modern limitations, the low and high frequencies get stripped from phone transmissions and the rest is grotesquely compressed, so most "normal" music ends up sounding like crap. Listening to that for minutes on end on a cruel loop is not my idea of fun. But "that eerie music", on the other hand, I find less annoying. At least it was designed to be hold music and therefore comes across to my ear more or less as intended.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on December 05, 2019, 01:49:56 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on December 05, 2019, 08:49:41 AM
I was just programming online bill payments and I found myself thinking how stupid it is that creditors will set due dates on days when the banks aren't open and online payments can't be made (in this case, my Verizon bill is due December 25). It's a minor annoyance because I normally program the payments for the business day before the due date anyway (so I set this one for December 24, and I would have done so even if December 25 were not a holiday), but it seems dumb to have bills due on Sundays or holidays.

I always just send online payments immediately so I've never noticed, but adding to that, why do online payments care about weekends and holidays? They're theoretically online, right? Computers don't take days off!

I don't understand why banks insist on "online banking" being just a front-end while keeping a bunch of humans doing processing on the back-end... probably with computers! Bank tellers now just type in the information on a deposit ticket or withdrawal slip, so I'm imagining people sitting in cubicles taking the information on one screen and typing it into another.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 05, 2019, 01:57:32 PM

Quote from: vdeane on December 05, 2019, 01:49:56 PM
adding to that, why do online payments care about weekends and holidays? They're theoretically online, right? Computers don't take days off!

Maybe they take the servers offline every weekend. :-P

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on December 05, 2019, 02:00:58 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 05, 2019, 12:43:05 PM
Quote from: Beltway on December 05, 2019, 06:43:49 AM
Boom cars. One the noise scourges that anti-noise activist groups are working to eliminate.
I don't mind cars that go boom-boom too terribly much, unless it's so loud that it actually makes me feel queasy. But what annoys me to no end is the rattle. My best friend likes to say that they can sink hundreds of dollars into their car's sound system but they can't afford to put two extra screws through their license plate to stop it rattling.

The "boom cars" that I am referring to are the ones with massive sound systems including woofers and sub-woofers, and in addition to the normal audible frequencies produce massive amounts of low-frequency noise and infrasound.

Infrasound is below the frequency of human audible sound, but when highly amplified literally makes the air to vibrate, and other nearby structures to vibrate.

That is what is so egregious about these boom cars. Toxic noise. Needs to go to the Abyss.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 05, 2019, 02:05:37 PM

Quote from: Beltway on December 05, 2019, 02:00:58 PM
All sound literally makes the air to vibrate.

Fixed that for you. :) Ever stood in front of a bass player's amplifier?

Quote from: Beltway on December 05, 2019, 02:00:58 PM
That is what is so egregious about these boom cars. Toxic noise. Needs to go to the Abyss.

Yes. If it's loud enough and low enough, I actually start to feel sick to my stomach from the vibration.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 05, 2019, 02:08:02 PM

I drives me bonkers when people exclaim, "Only in __________!"

Oh really. It snowed yesterday and now today's high is 60 degrees? Guess what: that doesn't only happen in your state.

Oh really. Drivers are aggressive? Guess what: that doesn't only happen in your city.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on December 05, 2019, 02:09:35 PM

This forum.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 05, 2019, 02:10:06 PM

is not a minor thing!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 05, 2019, 02:12:38 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 05, 2019, 02:08:02 PM
I drives me bonkers when people exclaim, "Only in __________!"

Oh really. It snowed yesterday and now today's high is 60 degrees? Guess what: that doesn't only happen in your state.

Oh really. Drivers are aggressive? Guess what: that doesn't only happen in your city.

Many people tend to have a narrow window in which to view the world, let alone this nation.

Though in places where snow is rare, it's an event.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on December 05, 2019, 02:15:27 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 05, 2019, 02:05:37 PM
Quote from: Beltway on December 05, 2019, 02:00:58 PM
All sound literally makes the air to vibrate.
Fixed that for you. :) Ever stood in front of a bass player's amplifier?

My entire quote says what I wanted it to say, the characteristic of infrasound that while you cannot hear it directly, that it still does have the same effects of sound --
Infrasound is below the frequency of human audible sound, but when highly amplified literally makes the air to vibrate, and other nearby structures to vibrate.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 05, 2019, 02:19:57 PM

Quote from: Beltway on December 05, 2019, 02:15:27 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 05, 2019, 02:05:37 PM

Quote from: Beltway on December 05, 2019, 02:00:58 PM
All sound literally makes the air to vibrate.

Fixed that for you. :) Ever stood in front of a bass player's amplifier?

My entire quote says what I wanted it to say, the characteristic of infrasound that while you cannot hear it directly, that it still does have the same effects of sound --
Infrasound is below the frequency of human audible sound, but when highly amplified literally makes the air to vibrate, and other nearby structures to vibrate.

Oh, I know. I was joking with you. My point is only that sound doesn't have to be below the frequency range to be felt. I figured you knew that, sorry for implying otherwise.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on December 05, 2019, 02:23:24 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 05, 2019, 02:19:57 PM
Quote from: Beltway on December 05, 2019, 02:15:27 PM
My entire quote says what I wanted it to say, the characteristic of infrasound that while you cannot hear it directly, that it still does have the same effects of sound --
Infrasound is below the frequency of human audible sound, but when highly amplified literally makes the air to vibrate, and other nearby structures to vibrate.
Oh, I know. I was joking with you. My point is only that sound doesn't have to be below the frequency range to be felt. I figured you knew that, sorry for implying otherwise.

True ...

Just like sunlight doesn't have to be above or below the visual spectrum, as in ultraviolet and infrared radiation, for people to be able to feel the radiant heat from the Sun.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 05, 2019, 02:27:45 PM

In day-to-day life, though, most people don't typically feel sound through their body. Unless you're in front of a speaker at a concert or right next to a locomotive or something, there's not much opportunity to become aware of mere sound causing vibrations in your gut.

And, to be fair, some of the sound coming out of an amplifier is below the audible frequency spectrum, and I guess the same is true of that hypothetical locomotive.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on December 05, 2019, 02:28:03 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on December 05, 2019, 08:49:41 AM
I was just programming online bill payments and I found myself thinking how stupid it is that creditors will set due dates on days when the banks aren't open and online payments can't be made ...

I've never had a problem with scheduling a payment in advance, when the due date fell on a holiday or weekend. It just gets credited with a pending notation.

What bugs me though is when I've scheduled a payment, and then about a week before it's due another email is sent saying my payment is due soon. Oh crap, did I forget to schedule it, do it wrong, or miss the original email? So I go into the website, and maybe they have a way to see if I have any scheduled payments. Or maybe not, and I have to go to my checkbook to see if I've already entered that payment. Way to much work! Don't send me another "almost due" notice if I've already scheduled the payment!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 05, 2019, 03:17:48 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on December 05, 2019, 07:08:56 AM
My experience with fast food was that there are people who knowingly take advantage of company policies generally prohibiting employees from responding in kind to douche customers. They know they can unload their misery and be as mean, rude, denigrating as they please because they won't hear a word in return, and if they do pick on the wrong employee to target with their spew they can immediately turn around to play victim and try to get people fired because they know corporate will likely take their side.

Which why it's great when these same people try to pull their shit in a casino. We are in the business of taking people's money and giving them nothing in return. So your complaints are going to go nowhere, which means we don't suffer people unloading on us. Being a douche will not get you a refund or free stuff–it will get you escorted from the premises by an armed guard at best, or that plus snide comments from the staff if you happen to do it to someone with experience!

In re the payments things: most of these issues are probably caused by payments going through the ACH system. Which doesn't conduct transactions on weekends or holidays, because it's run by a bunch of bankers. This also explains why you get "your bill is almost due" notifications when the transaction has already been scheduled–if something is scheduled to take place in the ACH system, the recipient is not notified, they just suddenly have money show up in their account on that day. So it looks to them as if no attempt at a payment has been made.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on December 05, 2019, 05:13:43 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 05, 2019, 02:27:45 PM
In day-to-day life, though, most people don't typically feel sound through their body.

That is what some people who post on those anti-noise activism sites hate about "boom cars."

The very nature of the low-frequency sound and infrasound when it is heavily amplified, is that it travels a long way and can vibrate and rattle cars and buildings over a block away.

I used to work on the 3rd floor of a building that fronts on Leigh Street, a 6-lane arterial. At least a dozen times a day a boom car would be stopped at the light, and even up there it was very annoying.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on December 05, 2019, 06:09:33 PM

Quote from: webny99 on December 05, 2019, 02:09:35 PM
This forum.
Quote from: kphoger on December 05, 2019, 02:10:06 PM
is not a minor thing!

I can't speak for others, but in the context of my life as a whole, this forum is very much a minor thing. Fundamentally, it's a great place; but it's also been a relationship fraught with feelings of exasperation, frustration, and suppression, which takes an outsized emotional toll.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 05, 2019, 06:31:11 PM

Quote from: webny99 on December 05, 2019, 06:09:33 PM
Quote from: webny99 on December 05, 2019, 02:09:35 PM
This forum.
Quote from: kphoger on December 05, 2019, 02:10:06 PM
is not a minor thing!

I can't speak for others, but in the context of my life as a whole, this forum is very much a minor thing. Fundamentally, it's a great place; but it's also been a relationship fraught with feelings of exasperation, frustration, and suppression, which takes an outsized emotional toll.

Really all social media platforms are minor in the grand scheme of things. Forums like this purely are hobby level entertainment, I don't know why anyone would take anything on here as a personal thing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 05, 2019, 07:43:19 PM

Quote from: webny99 on December 05, 2019, 06:09:33 PM

Quote from: webny99 on December 05, 2019, 02:09:35 PM
This forum.

Quote from: kphoger on December 05, 2019, 02:10:06 PM
is not a minor thing!

I can't speak for others, but in the context of my life as a whole, this forum is very much a minor thing. Fundamentally, it's a great place; but it's also been a relationship fraught with feelings of exasperation, frustration, and suppression, which takes an outsized emotional toll.

Not sure if you caught it or not*, but I wasn't being serious**. This forum is quite the minor thing. It definitely drops by the wayside when more important things in my life demand the time.

* You have a way of playing along as if you didn't get something the first time, and you do it well enough that I can't always tell.

** This seems to be happening with my posts a lot lately.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 05, 2019, 08:24:34 PM

Speaking of road related "minor" annoyances I'd say grid numbering perfectionism would be pretty high up there. Absolute adherence to the MUTCD gets old sometimes too when it is focused on font variations that are so minor the average person would never notice.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on December 05, 2019, 10:12:27 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 05, 2019, 07:43:19 PM
Quote from: webny99 on December 05, 2019, 06:09:33 PM
Quote from: webny99 on December 05, 2019, 02:09:35 PM
This forum.
Quote from: kphoger on December 05, 2019, 02:10:06 PM
is not a minor thing!
I can't speak for others, but in the context of my life as a whole, this forum is very much a minor thing. Fundamentally, it's a great place; but it's also been a relationship fraught with feelings of exasperation, frustration, and suppression, which takes an outsized emotional toll.
Not sure if you caught it or not*, but I wasn't being serious**. This forum is quite the minor thing. It definitely drops by the wayside when more important things in my life demand the time.

* You have a way of playing along as if you didn't get something the first time, and you do it well enough that I can't always tell.
** This seems to be happening with my posts a lot lately.

I am chuckling about your first footnote. I actually regard that as a compliment, backwards as it may sound! :)

For what it's worth, I decided, given the total lack of context on either of our parts, not to worry - or care - about whether you were serious, and just go ahead and say what I wanted to say. I wasn't really "playing along" as much as just using your reply to segue into the substantive.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 06, 2019, 09:20:17 AM

another football one "forced to punt" No one forces you to punt, it's a decision. Also "walk off" everything. Every game in any sport has a last play. We did fine before walk offs.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 06, 2019, 09:36:28 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 05, 2019, 08:24:34 PM
Speaking of road related "minor" annoyances I'd say grid numbering perfectionism would be pretty high up there. Absolute adherence to the MUTCD gets old sometimes too when it is focused on font variations that are so minor the average person would never notice.

I think there's a good idea for a thread: Unpopular Roadgeek Opinions

(With the pretext that we're not out to hurt feelings, unless one is taking this hobby too seriously.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 06, 2019, 09:52:33 AM

Quote from: formulanone on December 06, 2019, 09:36:28 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 05, 2019, 08:24:34 PM
Speaking of road related "minor" annoyances I'd say grid numbering perfectionism would be pretty high up there. Absolute adherence to the MUTCD gets old sometimes too when it is focused on font variations that are so minor the average person would never notice.

I think there's a good idea for a thread: Unpopular Roadgeek Opinions

(With the pretext that we're not out to hurt feelings, unless one is taking this hobby too seriously.)

That's the problem, I think there is a couple folks out there that REALLY take those opinions seriously. Regarding the signage I've suspected that a lot of people who are big to proper fonts and MUTCD compliance would be really surprised how ugly/utilitarian they can be up close. Almost all of my field signage in the back yard looks like something you'd on a race car, it looks nice from ten feet but is all sorts frumpy up close.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on December 06, 2019, 10:27:40 AM

Naming winter storms

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MNHighwayMan on December 06, 2019, 11:04:41 AM

Quote from: DaBigE on December 06, 2019, 10:27:40 AM
Naming winter storms

Agree 100 percent.

The practice began with The Weather Channel, and has now made its way into public discourse. Susan Buchanan, spokesperson for the NWS, states "The National Weather Service does not name winter storms because a winter storm's impact can vary from one location to another, and storms can weaken and redevelop, making it difficult to define where one ends and another begins."

AccuWeather president Joel Myers also stated, "The Weather Channel has confused media spin with science and public safety."

Source article: https://www.chicagotribune.com/weather/ct-wea-asktom-0304-20180302-column.html

If the NWS is calling your practice bullshit, you should probably stop.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 06, 2019, 11:39:26 AM

Quote from: MNHighwayMan on December 06, 2019, 11:04:41 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 06, 2019, 10:27:40 AM
Naming winter storms

Agree 100 percent.

The practice began with The Weather Channel, and has now made its way into public discourse. Susan Buchanan, spokesperson for the NWS, states "The National Weather Service does not name winter storms because a winter storm's impact can vary from one location to another, and storms can weaken and redevelop, making it difficult to define where one ends and another begins."

AccuWeather president Joel Myers also stated, "The Weather Channel has confused media spin with science and public safety."

Source article: https://www.chicagotribune.com/weather/ct-wea-asktom-0304-20180302-column.html

If the NWS is calling your practice bullshit, you should probably stop.

...but, but...building awareness! :rolleyes: It makes memes with incredibly-short shelf lives, and provides the clueless with instant baby names.

It's winter, there's always gong to be something happening, about to happen, or potentially could happen to 75-90% of the population at any given time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on December 06, 2019, 11:46:58 AM

More minor stuff:

Text-mode programs using backticks and apostrophes to mimic smart quotes like ``this''. It's uglier than using plain old "double quotes".

Buildings or shops with double-door entries where one of the doors is locked. Bonus if there's not even a "please use other door sign".

Truly minor: the "vi" in the overused I - V - vi - VI chord progression.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on December 06, 2019, 11:47:46 AM

Quote from: formulanone on December 06, 2019, 11:39:26 AM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on December 06, 2019, 11:04:41 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 06, 2019, 10:27:40 AM
Naming winter storms

Agree 100 percent.

The practice began with The Weather Channel, and has now made its way into public discourse. Susan Buchanan, spokesperson for the NWS, states "The National Weather Service does not name winter storms because a winter storm's impact can vary from one location to another, and storms can weaken and redevelop, making it difficult to define where one ends and another begins."

AccuWeather president Joel Myers also stated, "The Weather Channel has confused media spin with science and public safety."

Source article: https://www.chicagotribune.com/weather/ct-wea-asktom-0304-20180302-column.html

If the NWS is calling your practice bullshit, you should probably stop.

...but, but...building awareness! :rolleyes: It makes memes with incredibly-short shelf lives, and provides the clueless with instant baby names.

It's winter, there's always gong to be something happening, about to happen, or potentially could happen to 75-90% of the population at any given time.

...but, but...bullshit. It's as bad as tv stations providing a weather impact scale a la the terror threat level. My '1' level impact may be your '10'; quit wasting all of our time.

People complaining about the use of the term 'winter storm' (as in advisory or warning) for snow/sleet in "fall" (they also seem to forget that most of December is in fall, too).
It's the best description for the type of weather, not the season, dumbasses. :pan:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on December 06, 2019, 12:59:33 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on December 06, 2019, 11:47:46 AM
...but, but...bullshit. It's as bad as tv stations providing a weather impact scale a la the terror threat level. My '1' level impact may be your '10'; quit wasting all of our time.

Reminds me of something I was reading about Sinclair stations being required to designate certain days "red alert days" in their forecasts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 06, 2019, 01:00:59 PM

Quote from: webny99 on December 05, 2019, 10:12:27 PM
I am chuckling about your first footnote. I actually regard that as a compliment, backwards as it may sound! :)

I intended it as a compliment.

Quote from: webny99 on December 05, 2019, 10:12:27 PM
segue into the substantive

Wow, seriously? You're awfully young to be able to use that sort of phrase with such masterful irony.

Quote from: kurumi on December 06, 2019, 11:46:58 AM
Truly minor: the "vi" in the overused I - V - vi - VI chord progression.

Are you sure you wrote that correctly? Or did you mean to type I - V - vi - IV⁶₃ instead? Assuming that was a mistake, then you should remember that the chord of which you speak did in fact please the Lord.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on December 06, 2019, 02:25:57 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 06, 2019, 01:00:59 PM
Quote from: webny99 on December 05, 2019, 10:12:27 PM
segue into the substantive
Wow, seriously? You're awfully young to be able to use that sort of phrase with such masterful irony.

OK, now I really can't tell if you're being serious or not, and I'm not sure what me being young has to do with it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 06, 2019, 02:46:33 PM

:bigass:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on December 06, 2019, 05:28:37 PM

Prompted by a radio ad I heard: People confusing "slash" and "backslash." A URL does not contain a backslash.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on December 06, 2019, 05:33:23 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on December 06, 2019, 05:28:37 PM
Prompted by a radio ad I heard: People confusing "slash" and "backslash." A URL does not contain a backslash.

Stop & Shop claims that you can read the full rules of a contest at a website containing a backslash. Even worse, it's part of the disclaimer, and disclaimers are legally required to be accurate.

However, in my browser, typing a backslash automatically results in it changing to a forward slash, even for the legitimate URL https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/\ (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%5C). (Replacing \ with %5C (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%5C) brings it to the correct article.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on December 07, 2019, 07:11:00 AM

Quote from: DaBigE on December 06, 2019, 11:47:46 AM
Quote from: formulanone on December 06, 2019, 11:39:26 AM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on December 06, 2019, 11:04:41 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 06, 2019, 10:27:40 AM
Naming winter storms

Agree 100 percent.

The practice began with The Weather Channel, and has now made its way into public discourse. Susan Buchanan, spokesperson for the NWS, states "The National Weather Service does not name winter storms because a winter storm's impact can vary from one location to another, and storms can weaken and redevelop, making it difficult to define where one ends and another begins."

AccuWeather president Joel Myers also stated, "The Weather Channel has confused media spin with science and public safety."

Source article: https://www.chicagotribune.com/weather/ct-wea-asktom-0304-20180302-column.html

If the NWS is calling your practice bullshit, you should probably stop.

...but, but...building awareness! :rolleyes: It makes memes with incredibly-short shelf lives, and provides the clueless with instant baby names.

It's winter, there's always gong to be something happening, about to happen, or potentially could happen to 75-90% of the population at any given time.

...but, but...bullshit. It's as bad as tv stations providing a weather impact scale a la the terror threat level. My '1' level impact may be your '10'; quit wasting all of our time.

People complaining about the use of the term 'winter storm' (as in advisory or warning) for snow/sleet in "fall" (they also seem to forget that most of December is in fall, too).
It's the best description for the type of weather, not the season, dumbasses. :pan:

December Solstice is not the first day of winter (same is true for the other sun crossing points). The fact that people pin a schedule on seasons which can vary by year makes me sick.

also I agree on the naming of winter storms. The Weather Channel, like any private weather company, is in it for the entertainment and sales more than they are for health and safety.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on December 07, 2019, 01:52:42 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 06, 2019, 01:00:59 PM
Quote from: kurumi on December 06, 2019, 11:46:58 AM
Truly minor: the "vi" in the overused I - V - vi - VI chord progression.

Are you sure you wrote that correctly? Or did you mean to type I - V - vi - IV⁶₃ instead? Assuming that was a mistake, then you should remember that the chord of which you speak did in fact please the Lord.

Good catch, it's a typo. Fourth chord should indeed be IV. Ending at VI is an odd sort of Picardy Third cadence. Since the Picardy hymn ("Let all Mortal Flesh Keep Silence") doesn't end on a Picardy Third, the degree to which this might please the Lord is found wanting.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bulldog1979 on December 07, 2019, 02:11:53 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on December 05, 2019, 11:48:44 AM
As it stands right now, *nothing* created before 1924 is under any form of USA copyright protection.

Actually, this statement is not correct. Nothing published before 1924 is under copyright protection in the US, and anything published in 1923 fell into the public domain at the first of this year. Barring a change in the law, on New Year's Day every year, another year's worth of published materials will fall into the public domain. Copyrights on newer published works may have expired for other reasons already, or never applied in the first place.

The rules for unpublished works are different. To be considered published, the work has to be distributed to the public. For an unpublished work, copyright attaches for the life of the author plus 70 years. So a photograph taken by my grandmother that was never published will remain under copyright until January 1, 2074. (She passed away on in 2003, so the rights will lapse at the end of the year 70 years later.) Any rights to her creative works passed on to her heirs. For unpublished works with known authorship, if the said author died in 1949, those works will fall into the public domain on January 1, 2020. If there are multiple authors, the copyright is based on the date of death of the last living author.

If the identity of the author or the death date of the author are unknown, or if a work was created by a corporate body, then copyright persists for 120 years after creation. So unpublished corporate works (think internal memos not distributed to the public) that were created in 1899 are still under copyright until the end of the month. They'll fall into the public domain on January 1, 2020, along with any published works from 1924.

It's pretty straight forward for previously unpublished works that are later published. Copyright in those cases would be based on the publication date and last for 95 years.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bulldog1979 on December 07, 2019, 02:15:23 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on December 07, 2019, 07:11:00 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 06, 2019, 11:47:46 AM
Quote from: formulanone on December 06, 2019, 11:39:26 AM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on December 06, 2019, 11:04:41 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 06, 2019, 10:27:40 AM
Naming winter storms

Agree 100 percent.

The practice began with The Weather Channel, and has now made its way into public discourse. Susan Buchanan, spokesperson for the NWS, states "The National Weather Service does not name winter storms because a winter storm's impact can vary from one location to another, and storms can weaken and redevelop, making it difficult to define where one ends and another begins."

AccuWeather president Joel Myers also stated, "The Weather Channel has confused media spin with science and public safety."

Source article: https://www.chicagotribune.com/weather/ct-wea-asktom-0304-20180302-column.html

If the NWS is calling your practice bullshit, you should probably stop.

...but, but...building awareness! :rolleyes: It makes memes with incredibly-short shelf lives, and provides the clueless with instant baby names.

It's winter, there's always gong to be something happening, about to happen, or potentially could happen to 75-90% of the population at any given time.

...but, but...bullshit. It's as bad as tv stations providing a weather impact scale a la the terror threat level. My '1' level impact may be your '10'; quit wasting all of our time.

People complaining about the use of the term 'winter storm' (as in advisory or warning) for snow/sleet in "fall" (they also seem to forget that most of December is in fall, too).
It's the best description for the type of weather, not the season, dumbasses. :pan:
December Solstice is not the first day of winter (same is true for the other sun crossing points). The fact that people pin a schedule on seasons which can vary by year makes me sick.

also I agree on the naming of winter storms. The Weather Channel, like any private weather company, is in it for the entertainment and sales more than they are for health and safety.

Meteorological seasons start at the beginning of the month containing the equinox or solstice. So meteorologically speaking, winter starts on December 1 and end on March 1. It's the astronomical seasons that start on the equinox or solstice.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on December 07, 2019, 02:30:38 PM

Quote from: bulldog1979 on December 07, 2019, 02:15:23 PM
Meteorological seasons start at the beginning of the month containing the equinox or solstice. So meteorologically speaking, winter starts on December 1 and end on March 1. It's the astronomical seasons that start on the equinox or solstice.

indeed. It's all how you want to look at it. That said, if you went around telling everyone that winter starts on the 1st of December, people will reply "oh yeah, it sure feels like it...but I think it starts on the 21st?"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bulldog1979 on December 07, 2019, 02:35:46 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on December 07, 2019, 02:30:38 PM
Quote from: bulldog1979 on December 07, 2019, 02:15:23 PM
Meteorological seasons start at the beginning of the month containing the equinox or solstice. So meteorologically speaking, winter starts on December 1 and end on March 1. It's the astronomical seasons that start on the equinox or solstice.

indeed. It's all how you want to look at it. That said, if you went around telling everyone that winter starts on the 1st of December, people will reply "oh yeah, it sure feels like it...but I think it starts on the 21st?"

The chief meteorologist at our local TV station makes a point to talk about the start and end dates of the meteorological seasons. Of course, there's the Celtic definition where winter starts on Samhain (November 1) and ends on Imbolc (February 1 or 2). Those definitions follow the midpoints between equinoxes and solstices.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheArkansasRoadgeek on December 07, 2019, 03:00:46 PM

Quote from: roadman on November 29, 2019, 10:37:06 AM
Younger people who can't speak without saying "like" every third word.

It happens to everyone! Have you ever watched some video-recorded conference and the speaker is "Um, Uh, Like, And"? These are filler words in speaking, indicative of a not very confident speaker or someone who doesn't have their thoughts in order, but nothing that can't be overcome through practice. But, I do understand what you are saying.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 07, 2019, 03:05:15 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on December 06, 2019, 11:47:46 AM
Quote from: formulanone on December 06, 2019, 11:39:26 AM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on December 06, 2019, 11:04:41 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 06, 2019, 10:27:40 AM
Naming winter storms

Agree 100 percent.

The practice began with The Weather Channel, and has now made its way into public discourse. Susan Buchanan, spokesperson for the NWS, states "The National Weather Service does not name winter storms because a winter storm's impact can vary from one location to another, and storms can weaken and redevelop, making it difficult to define where one ends and another begins."

AccuWeather president Joel Myers also stated, "The Weather Channel has confused media spin with science and public safety."

Source article: https://www.chicagotribune.com/weather/ct-wea-asktom-0304-20180302-column.html

If the NWS is calling your practice bullshit, you should probably stop.

...but, but...building awareness! :rolleyes: It makes memes with incredibly-short shelf lives, and provides the clueless with instant baby names.

It's winter, there's always gong to be something happening, about to happen, or potentially could happen to 75-90% of the population at any given time.

...but, but...bullshit. It's as bad as tv stations providing a weather impact scale a la the terror threat level. My '1' level impact may be your '10'; quit wasting all of our time.

People complaining about the use of the term 'winter storm' (as in advisory or warning) for snow/sleet in "fall" (they also seem to forget that most of December is in fall, too).
It's the best description for the type of weather, not the season, dumbasses. :pan:

Please be advised that use of smileys/emoji in my posts denotes sarcasm or a lack of serious content.

Also, we can argue about "fall weather", but let's face it: most places get two weeks of genuine fall weather interspersed with an Indian summer and Jack Frost's visits.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on December 07, 2019, 08:07:46 PM

Quote from: formulanone on December 07, 2019, 03:05:15 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 06, 2019, 11:47:46 AM
Quote from: formulanone on December 06, 2019, 11:39:26 AM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on December 06, 2019, 11:04:41 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 06, 2019, 10:27:40 AM
Naming winter storms

Agree 100 percent.

The practice began with The Weather Channel, and has now made its way into public discourse. Susan Buchanan, spokesperson for the NWS, states "The National Weather Service does not name winter storms because a winter storm's impact can vary from one location to another, and storms can weaken and redevelop, making it difficult to define where one ends and another begins."

AccuWeather president Joel Myers also stated, "The Weather Channel has confused media spin with science and public safety."

Source article: https://www.chicagotribune.com/weather/ct-wea-asktom-0304-20180302-column.html

If the NWS is calling your practice bullshit, you should probably stop.

...but, but...building awareness! :rolleyes: It makes memes with incredibly-short shelf lives, and provides the clueless with instant baby names.

It's winter, there's always gong to be something happening, about to happen, or potentially could happen to 75-90% of the population at any given time.

...but, but...bullshit. It's as bad as tv stations providing a weather impact scale a la the terror threat level. My '1' level impact may be your '10'; quit wasting all of our time.

People complaining about the use of the term 'winter storm' (as in advisory or warning) for snow/sleet in "fall" (they also seem to forget that most of December is in fall, too).
It's the best description for the type of weather, not the season, dumbasses. :pan:

Please be advised that use of smileys/emoji in my posts denotes sarcasm or a lack of serious content.

Also, we can argue about "fall weather", but let's face it: most places get two weeks of genuine fall weather interspersed with an Indian summer and Jack Frost's visits.

My response was targeted at the notion of the statement, and not at your stance on the matter. I picked up on the sarcasm.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on December 07, 2019, 08:11:06 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on December 07, 2019, 07:11:00 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 06, 2019, 11:47:46 AM
Quote from: formulanone on December 06, 2019, 11:39:26 AM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on December 06, 2019, 11:04:41 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 06, 2019, 10:27:40 AM
Naming winter storms

Agree 100 percent.

The practice began with The Weather Channel, and has now made its way into public discourse. Susan Buchanan, spokesperson for the NWS, states "The National Weather Service does not name winter storms because a winter storm's impact can vary from one location to another, and storms can weaken and redevelop, making it difficult to define where one ends and another begins."

AccuWeather president Joel Myers also stated, "The Weather Channel has confused media spin with science and public safety."

Source article: https://www.chicagotribune.com/weather/ct-wea-asktom-0304-20180302-column.html

If the NWS is calling your practice bullshit, you should probably stop.

...but, but...building awareness! :rolleyes: It makes memes with incredibly-short shelf lives, and provides the clueless with instant baby names.

It's winter, there's always gong to be something happening, about to happen, or potentially could happen to 75-90% of the population at any given time.

...but, but...bullshit. It's as bad as tv stations providing a weather impact scale a la the terror threat level. My '1' level impact may be your '10'; quit wasting all of our time.

People complaining about the use of the term 'winter storm' (as in advisory or warning) for snow/sleet in "fall" (they also seem to forget that most of December is in fall, too).
It's the best description for the type of weather, not the season, dumbasses. :pan:
December Solstice is not the first day of winter (same is true for the other sun crossing points). The fact that people pin a schedule on seasons which can vary by year makes me sick.

Take it up with the calendar makers. (But for the record, I agree.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TravelingBethelite on December 08, 2019, 02:07:24 AM

Quote from: MNHighwayMan on December 06, 2019, 11:04:41 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 06, 2019, 10:27:40 AM
Naming winter storms
AccuWeather president Joel Myers also stated, "The Weather Channel has confused media spin with science and public safety."

That said, AccuWeather has no room to call others' practices bullshit...I consider them low down and no good.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Verlanka on December 08, 2019, 05:14:01 AM

Quote from: bulldog1979 on December 07, 2019, 02:11:53 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on December 05, 2019, 11:48:44 AM
As it stands right now, *nothing* created before 1924 is under any form of USA copyright protection.
Actually, this statement is not correct. Nothing published before 1924 is under copyright protection in the US, and anything published in 1923 fell into the public domain at the first of this year. Barring a change in the law, on New Year's Day every year, another year's worth of published materials will fall into the public domain. Copyrights on newer published works may have expired for other reasons already, or never applied in the first place.

So basically, if I'm reading this correctly, works published this year will be copyrighted until 2115, then fall under the public domain.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on December 08, 2019, 07:48:47 AM

Quote from: Verlanka on December 08, 2019, 05:14:01 AM
Quote from: bulldog1979 on December 07, 2019, 02:11:53 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on December 05, 2019, 11:48:44 AM
As it stands right now, *nothing* created before 1924 is under any form of USA copyright protection.
Actually, this statement is not correct. Nothing published before 1924 is under copyright protection in the US, and anything published in 1923 fell into the public domain at the first of this year. Barring a change in the law, on New Year's Day every year, another year's worth of published materials will fall into the public domain. Copyrights on newer published works may have expired for other reasons already, or never applied in the first place.
So basically, if I'm reading this correctly, works published this year will be copyrighted until 2115, then fall under the public domain.

Which, IMHO, is absurdly too long. If there is nobody alive who remembers a work in its 'first release', there is no reason whatsoever why it should not be in the public domain.

I would also include a 'use it or lose it' provision to declare works to be PD after a certain fairly short amount of time of being out-of-print, sort of like with the 'abandonware' thing WRT computer software.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 08, 2019, 12:46:11 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on December 08, 2019, 07:48:47 AM
Quote from: Verlanka on December 08, 2019, 05:14:01 AM
Quote from: bulldog1979 on December 07, 2019, 02:11:53 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on December 05, 2019, 11:48:44 AM
As it stands right now, *nothing* created before 1924 is under any form of USA copyright protection.
Actually, this statement is not correct. Nothing published before 1924 is under copyright protection in the US, and anything published in 1923 fell into the public domain at the first of this year. Barring a change in the law, on New Year's Day every year, another year's worth of published materials will fall into the public domain. Copyrights on newer published works may have expired for other reasons already, or never applied in the first place.
So basically, if I'm reading this correctly, works published this year will be copyrighted until 2115, then fall under the public domain.

Which, IMHO, is absurdly too long. If there is nobody alive who remembers a work in its 'first release', there is no reason whatsoever why it should not be in the public domain.

I would also include a 'use it or lose it' provision to declare works to be PD after a certain fairly short amount of time of being out-of-print, sort of like with the 'abandonware' thing WRT computer software.

Mike

I've long thought that too...it's also odd that a patent is good for 17 years and a copyright is for 120+ years (depending on situation). Should be somewhere in the middle, though with the ability to copy a short-lived fad very quickly, the ability to sue copycats is really tricky, expensive, and time-consuming for anything other than really large corporations with deep pockets.

I think putting a 20-25 year copyright might be harmful in rare cases where there was a dispute over original authorship; for example, a prolonged legal dispute. And yet a parody can copy nearly anything without any barrier, so as long as it is unique in its own creation without disparaging the originating author.

Video games and software is another kettle of fish; I'd argue that if there's no way to purchase a new-and-operational emulator to use for the original code after a certain number of years, it should fall into the public domain.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on December 08, 2019, 01:30:09 PM

Quote from: formulanone on December 08, 2019, 12:46:11 PMVideo games and software is another kettle of fish; I'd argue that if there's no way to purchase a new-and-operational emulator to use for the original code after a certain number of years, it should fall into the public domain.

ISTR that several years ago, the (and I'm not sure what it is officially called) Copyright Tribunal at the Library of Congress did issue a ruling that essentially made 'abandonware' (software that is no longer being manufactured nor supported by its manufacturer, such as old versions of operating systems) public domain in that they OKed the use of third-party emulators, cracked keys and dongles, etc, whatever is needed in order to get them to run.

For several years during the late 1990s and into the 00s, my favorite computer shop would always update my Mac to the newest version of MacOS that was no longer being supported whenever I would bring it in for service.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on December 08, 2019, 04:22:52 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on December 08, 2019, 07:48:47 AM
Which, IMHO, is absurdly too long. If there is nobody alive who remembers a work in its 'first release', there is no reason whatsoever why it should not be in the public domain.

But should not the heirs of the person who created that intellectual property be entitled to continue to benefit from the proceeds of that work? Why should their entitlement to royalties be cut off after a certain time period?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on December 08, 2019, 10:27:37 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 08, 2019, 04:22:52 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on December 08, 2019, 07:48:47 AM
Which, IMHO, is absurdly too long. If there is nobody alive who remembers a work in its 'first release', there is no reason whatsoever why it should not be in the public domain.

But should not the heirs of the person who created that intellectual property be entitled to continue to benefit from the proceeds of that work? Why should their entitlement to royalties be cut off after a certain time period?

Alternatively, why shouldn't it? Intellectual property laws were created to encourage innovation, be that technological (patents) or creative (copyright) (trademarks serve the tangential purpose of allowing businesses to brand themselves and their products and preventing others from hijacking that brand; IMO they should just disappear after a business goes away rather than be sold off as an asset). Thus, a balance needs to be struck between rewarding someone for creating something and allowing new people to innovate further using that something. Right now copyright is way out of balance, allowing people to only innovate on works that were out before their grandparents were even born (in other words, stuff that's so outdated that nobody cares about it anymore unless it's a classic like Shakespeare). If copyright terms were still what they were when the founding fathers were alive, Star Wars would be public domain, for example.

Corporate ownership of works is probably in large part responsible for this distortion, since corporations will naturally care about profiting from something longer than a person would, and have the resources to ~~buy off~~ lobby the government to do what they want. They basically pulled the ladder up after them - for example, there is nothing even remotely original about the Disney princess movies. They're adapted fairy tales. If those tales were still copyrighted, there would be no Snow White, Little Mermaid, Frozen, etc. Hollywood would also have to make original movies again like they used to instead of endless sequels and reboots. This also allows businesses like Disney to seal off works they feel embarrassed about, never to see the light of day again (see: Song of the South).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on December 08, 2019, 11:17:35 PM

All eleven pages (so far) of this thread have been interesting to read. The specific items that resonated with me are too numerous to list, but I have one addition that has not been previously mentioned: throwing out wet trash in an unlined bin.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on December 09, 2019, 03:21:01 AM

Quote from: vdeane on December 08, 2019, 10:27:37 PM
Right now copyright is way out of balance, allowing people to only innovate on works that were out before their grandparents were even born (in other words, stuff that's so outdated that nobody cares about it anymore unless it's a classic like Shakespeare). If copyright terms were still what they were when the founding fathers were alive, Star Wars would be public domain, for example.

The USA's original copyright and patent terms were 13 years. I do agree, those were on the short side. If that were still in effect, nothing released before 2006 would still be under copyright protection. The UK's 50 year term is about the best balance that I know of.

Properly maintained, a modern-day USA patent lasts no longer than 20 years.

QuoteThis also allows businesses like Disney to seal off works they feel embarrassed about, never to see the light of day again (see: Song of the South).

Thus my desire to see a 'use it or lose it' provision added to the law. There has to be a clandestinely hidden copy of Song of the South out there somewhere, just yearning for the chance to breathe free.

Ditto various news organizations' serious video coverage of the 2001-09-11 attacks, especially on NYC, also the full video and audio of Martin Luther King's famous speeches, which are closely held by the family and not allowed by them to be publicly played. I've seriously believed for many years now that Congress should exercise eminent domain over both of those for the purpose of having them being placed into the public domain - lest we forget them.

:nod:

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 09, 2019, 01:21:45 PM

Captcha

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on December 09, 2019, 01:32:28 PM

- People who give their ideological viewpoints when you didn't ask to hear them.
- Drivers who ignore directional arrows in parking lots

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Brandon on December 09, 2019, 02:09:56 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on December 09, 2019, 01:21:45 PM
Captcha

Damn, I hate Captcha crap. Who thought up that POS garbage for verifying a user?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 09, 2019, 02:20:56 PM

Quote from: kurumi on December 07, 2019, 01:52:42 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 06, 2019, 01:00:59 PM

Quote from: kurumi on December 06, 2019, 11:46:58 AM
Truly minor: the "vi" in the overused I - V - vi - VI chord progression.

Are you sure you wrote that correctly? Or did you mean to type I - V - vi - IV⁶₃ instead? Assuming that was a mistake, then you should remember that the chord of which you speak did in fact please the Lord.

Good catch, it's a typo. Fourth chord should indeed be IV. Ending at VI is an odd sort of Picardy Third cadence. Since the Picardy hymn ("Let all Mortal Flesh Keep Silence") doesn't end on a Picardy Third, the degree to which this might please the Lord is found wanting.

1. Depends on what arrangement of Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence you're playing. I just played one a couple of days ago that ended on a Picardy third, but I have another arrangement that doesn't.

2. I dearly hope you actually got my song reference.

3. For some time now, I've been wanting to come up with a term (and promote it) for the opposite of a Picardy third. That is, when a piece in a major key ends on the i chord. Any ideas?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on December 09, 2019, 02:36:54 PM

Regarding copyright/public domain issues -- I'm hearing a glut of songs that were popular when I was young in commercials now. Is that because these tunes are now in the public domain, or because the writers/performers are licensing their use?

Similarly, you'll occasionally hear that some artist does not want some politician to use their songs at their events. Can an artist stop that if the politician pays the appropriate royalty fee? What's the difference between Trump playing "You Can't Always Get What You Want" at the end of one of his rallies, and some radio station or bar playing it? (Or, to be bipartisan, Obama playing "Don't Stop?")

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 09, 2019, 03:48:09 PM

Celebrities that think we care about their political views, and worse yet, people who actually do.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on December 09, 2019, 03:49:47 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 09, 2019, 02:36:54 PM
Regarding copyright/public domain issues -- I'm hearing a glut of songs that were popular when I was young in commercials now. Is that because these tunes are now in the public domain, or because the writers/performers are licensing their use?

Similarly, you'll occasionally hear that some artist does not want some politician to use their songs at their events. Can an artist stop that if the politician pays the appropriate royalty fee? What's the difference between Trump playing "You Can't Always Get What You Want" at the end of one of his rallies, and some radio station or bar playing it? (Or, to be bipartisan, Obama playing "Don't Stop?")

Another thing that bothers me: putting punctuation inside quotations where the punctuation is not part of the quotation.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 09, 2019, 03:50:13 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on December 09, 2019, 03:48:09 PM
Celebrities that think we care about their political views

AMEN!

I want to watch you excel at your sport, not make a political statement. You are an athlete, not a political expert.

I want to see you receive an award for your acting or musical skill, not tell me who to vote for. You are an actor/musician, not a political expert.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 09, 2019, 03:50:42 PM

Quote from: 1 on December 09, 2019, 03:49:47 PM
Another thing that bothers me: putting punctuation inside quotations where the punctuation is not part of the quotation.

American and British style differ on this point.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on December 09, 2019, 03:52:23 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 09, 2019, 03:50:13 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 09, 2019, 03:48:09 PM
Celebrities that think we care about their political views

AMEN!

I want to watch you excel at your sport, not make a political statement. You are an athlete, not a political expert.

I want to see you receive an award for your acting or musical skill, not tell me who to vote for. You are an actor/musician, not a political expert.

But neither you (I assume) nor I are political experts either and we're just average joes, so why should I care about your political views/vv either?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MNHighwayMan on December 09, 2019, 03:56:43 PM

Quote from: 1 on December 09, 2019, 03:49:47 PM
Another thing that bothers me: putting punctuation inside quotations where the punctuation is not part of the quotation.

That's how I was taught to do it, and I will continue to put "punctuation inside quotations." :bigass:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 09, 2019, 03:57:54 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on December 09, 2019, 03:52:23 PM
But neither you (I assume) nor I are political experts either and we're just average joes, so why should I care about your political views/vv either?

I don't think you necessarily should care about mine either. But I don't go on national TV and spout them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 09, 2019, 04:11:05 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on December 09, 2019, 03:48:09 PM
Celebrities that think we care about their political views, and worse yet, people who actually do.

Quote from: kphoger on December 09, 2019, 03:57:54 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on December 09, 2019, 03:52:23 PM
But neither you (I assume) nor I are political experts either and we're just average joes, so why should I care about your political views/vv either?

I don't think you necessarily should care about mine either. But I don't go on national TV and spout them.

Frankly, I'm tired of hearing that phrase, here's why:

Where does the line get drawn? It's a wide spectrum from A-List celebrity to Local Instagram Legend with 3000 followers. Can they only keep quiet from TV, or are they allowed to let it spill over onto their blog/social media account. Should only politicians be able to voice an opinion? It's easy to cast a net upon those we disagree with, and want to hear more from those we align values with.

As much as I can't stand politics: They're only human. Some know what they're talking about and many don't know the woods from the trees in their little bubbles.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on December 09, 2019, 04:16:32 PM

Quote from: formulanone on December 09, 2019, 04:11:05 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 09, 2019, 03:57:54 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on December 09, 2019, 03:52:23 PM
But neither you (I assume) nor I are political experts either and we're just average joes, so why should I care about your political views/vv either?

I don't think you necessarily should care about mine either. But I don't go on national TV and spout them.

Where does the line get drawn though? It's a wide spectrum from A-List celebrity to Local Instagram Legend with 3000 followers. Can they only keep quiet from TV, or are they allowed to let it spill over onto their blog/social media account. Should only politicians be able to voice an opinion? It's easy to cast a net upon those we disagree with, and want to hear more from those we align values with.

I can choose to follow someone's social media account; I can't choose what they decide to air during the gamecast/awards ceremony/news segment. Politicians are different -- they're paid to have opinions.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 09, 2019, 04:17:50 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on December 09, 2019, 04:16:32 PM
Quote from: formulanone on December 09, 2019, 04:11:05 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 09, 2019, 03:57:54 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on December 09, 2019, 03:52:23 PM
But neither you (I assume) nor I are political experts either and we're just average joes, so why should I care about your political views/vv either?

I don't think you necessarily should care about mine either. But I don't go on national TV and spout them.

Where does the line get drawn though? It's a wide spectrum from A-List celebrity to Local Instagram Legend with 3000 followers. Can they only keep quiet from TV, or are they allowed to let it spill over onto their blog/social media account. Should only politicians be able to voice an opinion? It's easy to cast a net upon those we disagree with, and want to hear more from those we align values with.

I can choose to follow someone's social media account; I can't choose what they decide to air during the gamecast/awards ceremony/news segment. Politicians are different -- they're paid to have opinions.

...you and I can turn off any one or most of them. And the bubble begins.

Just remember that most celebrities have a lot of extra time and PR on their hands; it's easy to show off what they believe in. Nobody outside our households gives a crap what we think (no offense).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on December 09, 2019, 04:33:35 PM

Quote from: MNHighwayMan on December 09, 2019, 03:56:43 PM
Quote from: 1 on December 09, 2019, 03:49:47 PM
Another thing that bothers me: putting punctuation inside quotations where the punctuation is not part of the quotation.

That's how I was taught to do it, and I will continue to put "punctuation inside quotations."

American English = inside quotation, Everywhere else English = outside quotation.

I always put the punctuation outside the quotation because inside looks moronic, especially when the quote doesn't include punctuation. Lucky me, the rest of the world agrees, so I'm sticking to my guns.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 09, 2019, 04:47:59 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on December 09, 2019, 04:33:35 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on December 09, 2019, 03:56:43 PM
Quote from: 1 on December 09, 2019, 03:49:47 PM
Another thing that bothers me: putting punctuation inside quotations where the punctuation is not part of the quotation.

That's how I was taught to do it, and I will continue to put "punctuation inside quotations."

American English = inside quotation, Everywhere else English = outside quotation.

I always put the punctuation outside the quotation because inside looks moronic, especially when the quote doesn't include punctuation. Lucky me, the rest of the world agrees, so I'm sticking to my guns.

I was taught to put everything in the quotation marks...

Example: "You know if you lived here, you'd be home by now."

...unless you're using parts of a quote or a "hypothetical" inside a sentence. To me, it just seems like proper form.

Example: Marge, there's the truth, and there's "the truth".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on December 09, 2019, 04:50:07 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on December 09, 2019, 04:33:35 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on December 09, 2019, 03:56:43 PM
Quote from: 1 on December 09, 2019, 03:49:47 PM
Another thing that bothers me: putting punctuation inside quotations where the punctuation is not part of the quotation.

That's how I was taught to do it, and I will continue to put "punctuation inside quotations."

American English = inside quotation, Everywhere else English = outside quotation.

I always put the punctuation outside the quotation because inside looks moronic, especially when the quote doesn't include punctuation. Lucky me, the rest of the world agrees, so I'm sticking to my guns.

I always thought placing it inside the quotes felt weird from a functional and dialogue context, but I will admit that inside the quotes looks a little better.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Ben114 on December 09, 2019, 04:58:29 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on December 09, 2019, 01:32:28 PM
Drivers who ignore directional arrows in parking lots

My school has a one way system to get in and out, and I love seeing all the future parents mess up on the admissions test day and open house day. Even better when they go in the exit when coming off of the main road.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 09, 2019, 05:14:11 PM

Quote from: 1 on December 09, 2019, 03:49:47 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on December 09, 2019, 02:36:54 PM
Regarding copyright/public domain issues -- I'm hearing a glut of songs that were popular when I was young in commercials now. Is that because these tunes are now in the public domain, or because the writers/performers are licensing their use?

Similarly, you'll occasionally hear that some artist does not want some politician to use their songs at their events. Can an artist stop that if the politician pays the appropriate royalty fee? What's the difference between Trump playing "You Can't Always Get What You Want" at the end of one of his rallies, and some radio station or bar playing it? (Or, to be bipartisan, Obama playing "Don't Stop?")

Another thing that bothers me: putting punctuation inside quotations where the punctuation is not part of the quotation.

Grammer Nazis

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 09, 2019, 05:36:47 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 09, 2019, 02:36:54 PM
Regarding copyright/public domain issues -- I'm hearing a glut of songs that were popular when I was young in commercials now. Is that because these tunes are now in the public domain, or because the writers/performers are licensing their use?

Interestingly, there was a change to this last year > https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_Modernization_Act

(Side note: it probably made limited news because it was unanimously passed by House and Senate, and signed into law.)

Quote
In US Copyright Law, sound recordings made prior to February 15, 1972 were not covered under federal copyright law, leaving them up to the individual states to pass laws for recording protection. This had created a complex series of laws that made it difficult for copyright enforcement and royalty payments. The CLASSICS Act established that sound recording before 1972 are covered by copyright until February 15, 2067, with additional language to grandfather in older songs into the public domain at an earlier time. Recordings prior to 1923 will enter the public domain three years from passage (January 1, 2022, as all U.S. copyright terms end on December 31), and with recordings between 1923 and 1956 being phased into the public domain over the next few decades.

I think so as long as the permission for public broadcast is granted and a price negotiated, it's essentially fair game. The permission part has to come from the artist, and/or whomever holds the copyright to it (music label). So even songs like Happy Birthday to You required a license, until it finally was determined to be a derivative work of an even older song which was already in the public domain by age. Some artists don't want to "sell out" - Led Zeppelin*, for example - or their work isn't widely recognized enough for anyone to care (other than ASCAP), or not marketable enough (not sure how many G.G. Allin songs are ever going to be used in commercials, but it's a chance that approaches zero).

I've heard things like $25,000 - $50,000 to use part of a song in a movie or TV show, but I have no idea how much it is for a song to be used repetitively in a TV/radio commercial. Maybe a one-hit-wonder is just glad to take a quick payday. I suppose it depends on how badly the producer wants that one song.

* there was that Cadillac ad about a decade ago.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 10, 2019, 10:08:36 AM

About punctuation and quotation marks...

I choose to put punctuation marks inside the quotation mark when it can be reasonably assumed to be part of the quote.

Example: Just last night my wife told me, 'I'm tired of cleaning up after you.'

However, I choose not to put it outside when it's part of the larger sentence, not the quote itself.

Example: I can't believe your mom actually used the phrase 'golden shower'! (The exclamation was mine, not hers.)

When it's ambiguous, I usually choose to put it outside.

Example: Just last night, my wife told me, 'I'm tired of cleaning up after you', so I stuck my tongue out at her.

While we're on minor punctuation... It bothers me when people italicize parentheses.

Wrong: Greenland (which isn't very green, by the way) isn't as large as you'd think from looking at the map.

Right: Greenland (which isn't very green, by the way) isn't as large as you'd think from looking at the map.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: lepidopteran on December 10, 2019, 10:31:21 AM

Regarding copyrights and unavailable media, see also this TVTropes article. Keep Circulating the Tapes (https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/KeepCirculatingTheTapes)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on December 10, 2019, 10:39:28 AM

Speaking of punctuation, it bothers me how the media puts words in quotes when not directly quoting a person. Recent example: The suspect "fought violently", according to officials.

Another media thing that bothers me is their constant use, overuse, and misuse of "alleged" and "allegedly." Recent example The lab was allegedly in a children's playroom (should be reportedly).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on December 10, 2019, 12:10:31 PM

Quote from: roadman on December 10, 2019, 10:39:28 AMSpeaking of punctuation, it bothers me how the media puts words in quotes when not directly quoting a person. Recent example: The suspect "fought violently", according to officials.

I don't think this is necessarily objectionable; it depends on the context. Placing fought violently in quotes looks to me like a prophylaxis against being accused of plagiarism.

Quote from: roadman on December 10, 2019, 10:39:28 AMAnother media thing that bothers me is their constant use, overuse, and misuse of "alleged" and "allegedly." Recent example The lab was allegedly in a children's playroom (should be reportedly).

Isn't this a distinction without a difference? Allegations are a form of reportage.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on December 10, 2019, 12:35:15 PM

Quote from: roadman on December 10, 2019, 10:39:28 AM
Another media thing that bothers me is their constant use, overuse, and misuse of "alleged" and "allegedly." Recent example The lab was allegedly in a children's playroom (should be reportedly).

I wanna say this was born out of a court ruling.

But I do agree. Basically, they can make up whatever they want. For example: Roadman is allegedly a hater of the media. While probably not true, it doesn't have to be, because the sentence used "allegedly".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on December 10, 2019, 12:46:27 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 10, 2019, 10:08:36 AM
When it's ambiguous, I usually choose to put it outside.

Example: Just last night, my wife told me, 'I'm tired of cleaning up after you', so I stuck my tongue out at her.

Thank you! I agree wholeheartedly!

Quote from: kphoger on December 10, 2019, 10:08:36 AM
While we're on minor punctuation... It bothers me when people italicize parentheses.

Wrong: Greenland (which isn't very green, by the way) isn't as large as you'd think from looking at the map.
Right: Greenland (which isn't very green, by the way) isn't as large as you'd think from looking at the map.

The two sentences look identical: they're both italicized in full.
(Forgive me for looking at the code, seeing what you did, and getting a good chuckle out of it ...)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on December 10, 2019, 12:56:12 PM

It seems to me the parentheses should be italicized if the entire sentence is. An example might be in a book where the author uses italics to describe what a character sees while dreaming. The whole paragraph is italicized. I don't see any reason why the parentheses wouldn't be–and if they were left unitalicized, then wouldn't other punctuation marks like question marks also need to be left unitalicized for consistency?

(I can see the difference between an italicized comma and an unitalicized comma in certain typefaces.)

Edited to add: I see Butterick makes a distinction between brackets or parentheses that surround the set-off material (which would not be italicized) and those that are part of it (which would be italicized). He offers an example using an italicized title placed in brackets and containing a parenthetical element. The brackets there are not italicized; the parentheses are. It seems to me in kphoger's example, the parentheses are part of that sentence and would be italicized, whereas if they surrounded the entire sentence they'd be unitalicized.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Brandon on December 10, 2019, 01:11:55 PM

Grammar and punctuation nazis.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on December 10, 2019, 01:13:46 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 10, 2019, 10:08:36 AMAbout punctuation and quotation marks...

I choose to put punctuation marks inside the quotation mark when it can be reasonably assumed to be part of the quote.

Example: Just last night my wife told me, 'I'm tired of cleaning up after you.'

However, I choose not to put it outside when it's part of the larger sentence, not the quote itself.

Example: I can't believe your mom actually used the phrase 'golden shower'! (The exclamation was mine, not hers.)

When it's ambiguous, I usually choose to put it outside.

This is more or less the same rule that I follow, except that when a quote ends a sentence and no form of sentence-final punctuation other than a period is justified, I place the period within the quote. The goal here is elegance (a period floating on the far side of a quotation mark looks ugly), not consistency of treatment of all forms of punctuation that can end a sentence.

I've encountered a couple of people who insisted that periods at the ends of sentences should not be required to do double duty. In other words, they argued for the correctness of constructions such as "This style is required by the A.P.." In each case I just shook my head, but didn't argue the toss with them, since I suspected they would walk into a buzzsaw sooner or later. I guess they must have, since I haven't seen this particular quirk from either in any recent year.

Quote from: kphoger on December 10, 2019, 10:08:36 AMExample: Just last night, my wife told me, 'I'm tired of cleaning up after you', so I stuck my tongue out at her.

I'd reverse the order of the comma and the trailing quote mark for the same elegance reason quoted above.

Quote from: kphoger on December 10, 2019, 10:08:36 AMWhile we're on minor punctuation... It bothers me when people italicize parentheses.

Wrong: Greenland (which isn't very green, by the way) isn't as large as you'd think from looking at the map.

Right: Greenland (which isn't very green, by the way) isn't as large as you'd think from looking at the map.

Of all the abuses that occur in connection with parentheses, I think this must be among the least important.

More serious problems include the following:

* Beginning a sentence outside parentheses and ending it within them:

QuoteI thought they were crazy (though I wouldn't tell them so.)

* Embedding a complete sentence within parentheses that are themselves contained entirely within another sentence:

QuoteThey shouldn't do that (However, they frequently do so.).

* Misuse of commas in connection with parentheses, presumably as a result of misunderstanding now-archaic conventions. First example is correct and modern; second example is correct and archaic; third example is not correct under any circumstances.

QuoteIf you say that (and I think you should), then you should say these other things too.

QuoteIf you say that (and I think you should,) then you should say these other things too.

QuoteIf you say that (and I think you should,), then you should say these other things too.

There is some disagreement as to whether levels of nesting should be indicated by substituting ~~braces~~ brackets for even steps. My take on this is that if nesting is a consideration, you need to pull back and think in terms of recasting sentences or even paragraphs.

Some argue that when a parenthetical statement spans multiple paragraphs, parentheses should be treated the same as quote marks at paragraph breaks--in other words, no closing parenthesis is used at the end of the preceding paragraph, while an opening parenthesis is used at the start of the instant paragraph. Again, this is a signal to pull back and re-consider the text: if the multi-paragraph matter is important enough to include, even in parentheses, shouldn't it be in a section of its own outside them?

Edit: Changed braces since brackets was meant.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 10, 2019, 01:26:56 PM

Quote from: webny99 on December 10, 2019, 12:46:27 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 10, 2019, 10:08:36 AM
While we're on minor punctuation... It bothers me when people italicize parentheses.

Wrong: Greenland (which isn't very green, by the way) isn't as large as you'd think from looking at the map.
Right: Greenland (which isn't very green, by the way) isn't as large as you'd think from looking at the map.

The two sentences look identical: they're both italicized in full.
(Forgive me for looking at the code, seeing what you did, and getting a good chuckle out of it ...)

(https://i.imgur.com/WVYDZyj.png)

It's quite hard to tell the difference, actually. You should be able to see the difference in a zoomed-in image, though.

Quote from: J N Winkler on December 10, 2019, 01:13:46 PM
Of all the abuses that occur in connection with parentheses, I think this must be among the least important.

Agreed. In keeping with the topic, I tried to come up with a very minor one. It only bothers me a tiny bit.

Quote from: J N Winkler on December 10, 2019, 01:13:46 PM
There is some disagreement as to whether levels of nesting should be indicated by substituting braces for even steps.

I don't know what "even steps" are.

As for nesting parenthetical phrases, I used to use {[(...)]}, but nowadays I use (((...))) instead.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on December 10, 2019, 02:24:35 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 10, 2019, 01:26:56 PM
Quote from: webny99 on December 10, 2019, 12:46:27 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 10, 2019, 10:08:36 AM
While we're on minor punctuation... It bothers me when people italicize parentheses.

Wrong: Greenland (which isn't very green, by the way) isn't as large as you'd think from looking at the map.
Right: Greenland (which isn't very green, by the way) isn't as large as you'd think from looking at the map.
The two sentences look identical: they're both italicized in full.
(Forgive me for looking at the code, seeing what you did, and getting a good chuckle out of it ...)
[img snipped]
It's quite hard to tell the difference, actually. You should be able to see the difference in a zoomed-in image, though.

Aha. My misunderstanding. Here I was thinking you were talking about what was inside the parentheses, and paying no attention to the parentheses themselves.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 10, 2019, 02:32:17 PM

People who block the way. like when there are two lanes and neither is a right turn only lane and the one guy pulls up in the right lane when no one else is there. or at the store that one person with a cart who can block a whole aisle, or one person on a sidewalk you can't get around, or two cars next to each other going the same speed. God good move.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on December 10, 2019, 02:32:57 PM

Quote from: webny99 on December 10, 2019, 02:24:35 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 10, 2019, 01:26:56 PM
Quote from: webny99 on December 10, 2019, 12:46:27 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 10, 2019, 10:08:36 AM
While we're on minor punctuation... It bothers me when people italicize parentheses.

Wrong: Greenland (which isn't very green, by the way) isn't as large as you'd think from looking at the map.
Right: Greenland (which isn't very green, by the way) isn't as large as you'd think from looking at the map.
The two sentences look identical: they're both italicized in full.
(Forgive me for looking at the code, seeing what you did, and getting a good chuckle out of it ...)
[img snipped]
It's quite hard to tell the difference, actually. You should be able to see the difference in a zoomed-in image, though.

Aha. My misunderstanding. Here I was thinking you were talking about what was inside the parentheses, and paying no attention to the parentheses themselves.

If we had a contest for the most minor things to bother something, this will definitely be a contender. I didn't notice the issue either until re-re-reviewing it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on December 10, 2019, 02:42:48 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 10, 2019, 01:26:56 PMAs for nesting parenthetical phrases, I used to use {[(...)]}, but nowadays I use (((...))) instead.

First step: (. . .)

Second step: (. . . [. . .] . . .)

Third step: (. . . [. . . (. . .) . . .] . . .)

Und so weiter.

If I nest, I use brackets only, not braces (I see I used the wrong word in my post above, so I have edited it accordingly). I still think the best advice is not to nest at all. For this reason, I generally try to avoid quoting federal-aid project numbers--for which a traditional format, at least for Interstates, is FF-AA-B(CC)DD, with FF being the funding code ("I" for Interstate), AA being the route number, B being a section number, CC being an agreement number, and DD (optional) being the milepost--parenthetically, because of the parentheses around the agreement number.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 10, 2019, 02:47:46 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on December 10, 2019, 02:32:17 PM
when there are two lanes and neither is a right turn only lane and the one guy pulls up in the right lane when no one else is there.

Already covered. If I'm driving along in the right lane (which I do as often as possible) and the light in front of me turns red, I'm going to suddenly change lanes just because a hypothetical driver might want to turn right before it turns green again.

Quote from: J N Winkler on December 10, 2019, 02:42:48 PM
I see I used the wrong word in my post above, so I have edited it accordingly

Of course, I still have no idea what "even steps" are.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MNHighwayMan on December 10, 2019, 03:20:27 PM

To me, it looks weird to italicize words but not the punctuation beside them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 10, 2019, 05:00:35 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 10, 2019, 02:47:46 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 10, 2019, 02:32:17 PM
when there are two lanes and neither is a right turn only lane and the one guy pulls up in the right lane when no one else is there.

Already covered. If I'm driving along in the right lane (which I do as often as possible) and the light in front of me turns red, I'm going to suddenly change lanes just because a hypothetical driver might want to turn right before it turns green again.

Quote from: J N Winkler on December 10, 2019, 02:42:48 PM
I see I used the wrong word in my post above, so I have edited it accordingly

Of course, I still have no idea what "even steps" are.

Yep I do. Always a big row of cars turning on 290 every morning.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 10, 2019, 05:30:01 PM

Just realized I missed the word "not" in that post of mine.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 10, 2019, 06:34:10 PM

Quote from: Brandon on December 10, 2019, 01:11:55 PM
Grammar and punctuation nazis.

I think they prefer to be called the alt-write.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 10, 2019, 07:57:40 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on December 09, 2019, 05:14:11 PM
Grammer Nazis

Spelling Nazis

Quote from: formulanone on December 10, 2019, 06:34:10 PM

Quote from: Brandon on December 10, 2019, 01:11:55 PM
Grammar and punctuation nazis.

I think they prefer to be called the alt-write.

We prefer to be called the AltGr-Right, actually.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheArkansasRoadgeek on December 10, 2019, 08:20:27 PM

Quote from: Brandon on December 10, 2019, 01:11:55 PM
Grammar and punctuation nazis.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on December 10, 2019, 09:36:14 PM

People who drive with the rear-view mirror in night mode during the day

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on December 10, 2019, 11:40:51 PM

Merriam-Webster word of the year is the nonbinary meaning of "they".
https://www.npr.org/2019/12/10/786732456/merriam-webster-singles-out-nonbinary-they-for-word-of-the-year-honors?utm_campaign=npr&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_term=nprnews&fbclid=IwAR01fVgyoCfLntaTjMZqpMXtCzg0S8Y2kCZQp5Mlib8r7e7qqYmisTpALQg

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 10, 2019, 11:49:32 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 10, 2019, 07:57:40 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 09, 2019, 05:14:11 PM
Grammer Nazis

Spelling Nazis

Quote from: formulanone on December 10, 2019, 06:34:10 PM

Quote from: Brandon on December 10, 2019, 01:11:55 PM
Grammar and punctuation nazis.

I think they prefer to be called the alt-write.

We prefer to be called the AltGr-Right, actually.

I was waiting for someone to catch that. Grammer, lol

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on December 11, 2019, 02:39:48 AM

Quote from: J N Winkler on December 10, 2019, 01:13:46 PM
This is more or less the same rule that I follow, except that when a quote ends a sentence and no form of sentence-final punctuation other than a period is justified, I place the period within the quote. The goal here is elegance (a period floating on the far side of a quotation mark looks ugly), not consistency of treatment of all forms of punctuation that can end a sentence.

See, and I find it very inelegant to have a full stop before the quote. If the quote is part of the sentence prior to the full stop, why is the full stop placed prior to the last quotation mark? Having a quotation mark, a space, and then a capital letter looks stranger to me, since capital letters start the beginning of the sentence. Yes, there was a full stop prior to the quotation mark, but I don't find it as obvious compared to having the full-stop after the quotation mark.

If you start after the full stop, this is my problem:

" Sally wore...

^^^
This looks very strange to me. Even if you include the full stop prior to the quotation mark, there's still this floating quotation mark that seems unattached to anything because the full stop came prior to it. Even if more elegant to some, I just find it straight up strange.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on December 11, 2019, 03:56:03 AM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 09, 2019, 02:36:54 PM
Regarding copyright/public domain issues -- I'm hearing a glut of songs that were popular when I was young in commercials now. Is that because these tunes are now in the public domain, or because the writers/performers are licensing their use?

No, they're being licensed, likely through a clearinghouse. The advertisers are using them in ads that are aimed at those who were in their teens/twenties when the songs were popular in the hopes that they'll strike chords with people from those slices of the advertisers' markets.

QuoteSimilarly, you'll occasionally hear that some artist does not want some politician to use their songs at their events. Can an artist stop that if the politician pays the appropriate royalty fee? What's the difference between Trump playing "You Can't Always Get What You Want" at the end of one of his rallies, and some radio station or bar playing it? (Or, to be bipartisan, Obama playing "Don't Stop?")

Those are licensed through a clearinghouse and in nearly all of those cases, the artists really have no say in that matter.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on December 11, 2019, 04:12:38 AM

My 'Grammar Nazi' moments include misuse of the word 'decimate'. It means to remove one out of every ten, a punishment that was sometimes used by the Roman Army, not a wholesale, nearly complete destruction.

Also, when driving conditions are 'treacherous' (how can a road commit treason?).

One thing that also sets off my OCDs is the awkwardly improper top-to-bottom centering of mixed-case words that I am increasingly seeing, especially on street name blade signs.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on December 11, 2019, 04:12:47 AM

- Those who say this forum is overmoderated. Seriously, what are you thinking?
- Those who link to mobile Wikipedia. It's too much hassle to remove the ".m" part? Wikipedia redirects to its mobile version when viewed from a cellphone, but the other way doesn't happen. Also Wikipedia links ending with ), somehow the browser doesn't recognize that as part of the URL, leaving a link to a non-existent article. Again, it's too much hassle to change it to "%29"? This is related to the backslash thing some pages back.
- The "Threads you'll never see on AARoads" thread being locked again. Where I place new stuff never to be seen here? Open a new thread titled with what was never supposed to appear here? :banghead:

I cannot find who said his laptop/notebook/whatever it was would refuse to go back home after a trip. It kind of happens the same with my cellphone, when I have the location turned off it thinks I'm in Barcelona, to where I haven't been for years and seeing the current situation there it will remain so for the foreseeable future.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Verlanka on December 11, 2019, 05:02:52 AM

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on December 11, 2019, 04:12:47 AM
I cannot find who said his laptop/notebook/whatever it was would refuse to go back home after a trip.

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=11718.1450 (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=11718.1450)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on December 11, 2019, 07:06:02 AM

Regarding the word "decimate," severe destruction is one of its meanings:

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decimate

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: qguy on December 11, 2019, 07:18:53 AM

1. With a double-door entrance/exit doorway, keeping one of the doors locked, effectively making it a wall with a door handle. The double door is there for a reason: safety. It's meant to provide a wide through-space for dumping the building in an emergency. They're often specified by building codes for buildings over a certain occupancy. Plus, it's just so annoying to pull on a door that doesn't budge. It's like the door says, "Psych!"

2. Stores (like my local Walmart) that have an employee check everyone's receipts as they leave. There has got to be a better loss prevention strategy than treating all of your customers like they're already shoplifters.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on December 11, 2019, 07:53:29 AM

Quote from: qguy on December 11, 2019, 07:18:53 AM
1. With a double-door entrance/exit doorway, keeping one of the doors locked, effectively making it a wall with a door handle. The double door is there for a reason: safety. It's meant to provide a wide through-space for dumping the building in an emergency. They're often specified by building codes for buildings over a certain occupancy. Plus, it's just so annoying to pull on a door that doesn't budge. It's like the door says, "Psych!"

When you walk thru the door and push to open the door, but it is locked, the door in effect "pushes back" at you. Very annoying.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 11, 2019, 08:16:58 AM

Quote from: Beltway on December 11, 2019, 07:53:29 AM
Quote from: qguy on December 11, 2019, 07:18:53 AM
1. With a double-door entrance/exit doorway, keeping one of the doors locked, effectively making it a wall with a door handle. The double door is there for a reason: safety. It's meant to provide a wide through-space for dumping the building in an emergency. They're often specified by building codes for buildings over a certain occupancy. Plus, it's just so annoying to pull on a door that doesn't budge. It's like the door says, "Psych!"

When you walk thru the door and push to open the door, but it is locked, the door in effect "pushes back" at you. Very annoying.

Bathroom doors that open in. I don't wash my hands to touch a dirty door handle being that half the guys don't wash their hands.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 11, 2019, 08:17:33 AM

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on December 11, 2019, 04:12:47 AM
- Those who link to mobile Wikipedia. It's too much hassle to remove the ".m" part? Wikipedia redirects to its mobile version when viewed from a cellphone, but the other way doesn't happen.

Likewise, is it actually that difficult to eliminate two key strokes? So tired of this very petty complaint. Like DST, some of you have wasted more time complaining about it rather than dealing with it.

Mobile Wikipedia still functions, though. And with a second click, you get the desktop version. I don't tell everyone to serve the needs of my phone, I wait until I'm on my laptop if it doesn't function for me, instead of trying to change everyone's habits. Trying to edit a URL is surprisingly tricky on a phone. If it's a short URL, it's easy enough to edit, but not so much when requests are and redirects are appended.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 11, 2019, 08:20:07 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on December 11, 2019, 08:16:58 AM
Quote from: Beltway on December 11, 2019, 07:53:29 AM
Quote from: qguy on December 11, 2019, 07:18:53 AM
1. With a double-door entrance/exit doorway, keeping one of the doors locked, effectively making it a wall with a door handle. The double door is there for a reason: safety. It's meant to provide a wide through-space for dumping the building in an emergency. They're often specified by building codes for buildings over a certain occupancy. Plus, it's just so annoying to pull on a door that doesn't budge. It's like the door says, "Psych!"

When you walk thru the door and push to open the door, but it is locked, the door in effect "pushes back" at you. Very annoying.

Bathroom doors that open in. I don't wash my hands to touch a dirty door handle being that half the guys don't wash their hands.

Combine this with the air dryers, and we have a Major Thing, in terms of germ and disease control.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2019, 08:22:57 AM

Quote from: formulanone on December 11, 2019, 08:17:33 AM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on December 11, 2019, 04:12:47 AM
- Those who link to mobile Wikipedia. It's too much hassle to remove the ".m" part? Wikipedia redirects to its mobile version when viewed from a cellphone, but the other way doesn't happen.

Likewise, is it actually that difficult to eliminate two key strokes? So tired of this very petty complaint. Like DST, some of you have wasted more time complaining about it rather than dealing with it.

Mobile Wikipedia still functions, though. And with a second click, you get the desktop version. I don't tell everyone to serve the needs of my phone, I wait until I'm on my laptop if it doesn't function for me, instead of trying to change everyone's habits. Trying to edit a URL is surprisingly tricky on a phone. If it's a short URL, it's easy enough to edit. Not so much when requests are and redirects are appended.

On a more personal annoyance, as a long time PC user I prefer the full functionality of a keyboard. That being the case I use my lap top for about 95% of anything I do online. A lot of the improvements in technology is oriented towards using a tablet or phone. It drives me up the wall that I'm expected to use less functional devices at work, or at least I'm encouraged to. I want to use my full range of typing skills when I do work online. and not my two thumbs like a video game.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MNHighwayMan on December 11, 2019, 11:58:35 AM

Quote from: qguy on December 11, 2019, 07:18:53 AM
2. Stores (like my local Walmart) that have an employee check everyone's receipts as they leave. There has got to be a better loss prevention strategy than treating all of your customers like they're already shoplifters.

You are not legally obligated to stop for them. Just keep walking.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2019, 12:10:32 PM

Quote from: MNHighwayMan on December 11, 2019, 11:58:35 AM
Quote from: qguy on December 11, 2019, 07:18:53 AM
2. Stores (like my local Walmart) that have an employee check everyone's receipts as they leave. There has got to be a better loss prevention strategy than treating all of your customers like they're already shoplifters.

You are not legally obligated to stop for them. Just keep walking.

And at most places like Costco and Sam's Club only have it as part of their membership agreement. There is nothing stopping a person from saying "no" to a receipt check.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on December 11, 2019, 12:40:37 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2019, 08:22:57 AMOn a more personal annoyance, as a long time PC user I prefer the full functionality of a keyboard. That being the case I use my lap top for about 95% of anything I do online. A lot of the improvements in technology is oriented towards using a tablet or phone. It drives me up the wall that I'm expected to use less functional devices at work, or at least I'm encouraged to. I want to use my full range of typing skills when I do work online, and not my two thumbs like a video game.

The PC is where it really happens for me too, but I have come to appreciate the mobility offered by smartphones and tablets. After some initial unsuccessful experiments with secondhand folding keyboards, I have settled on a Logitech Bluetooth keyboard with the ability to connect to up to three different devices, with a dial to select among the three. It is of solid construction, which promotes good tactile feedback when touch-typing, and is easy to stack with a tablet.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on December 11, 2019, 01:23:22 PM

Quote from: MNHighwayMan on December 11, 2019, 11:58:35 AM
Quote from: qguy on December 11, 2019, 07:18:53 AM
2. Stores (like my local Walmart) that have an employee check everyone's receipts as they leave. There has got to be a better loss prevention strategy than treating all of your customers like they're already shoplifters.

You are not legally obligated to stop for them. Just keep walking.

While technically true, what's more inconvenient, the 10 seconds to wait for the receipt checks, or the minutes (or hours) of them suspecting you're a shoplifter, stopping you, and waiting for the police?

Is it illegal? Yep. So then what are you going to do - sue Walmart? Where are you going to sue? Are you going to higher a lawyer at $100+ an hour to sue the biggest corporation in America, who has unlimited access to lawyers to review the tape of every step you made in Walmart? Did you put your hand in your pocket? Did you reach for your cell phone at one point? Suddenly now they have a 'reason' to stop you, as it appeared you may have concealed merchandise.

You, in your heart, know that you don't need to stop for the receipt checkers. But don't think that you have the power to survive a court fight. You may win, but your bank account will be thousands lighter.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on December 11, 2019, 01:30:46 PM

When the janitors at work can't be bothered to put my trash/recycling back where they were after emptying them. I'm now needed to put them back every single morning. Seriously - they're under the desk where they are because I want them out of the way, not because I want to deal with them every time I get in!

Quote from: J N Winkler on December 11, 2019, 12:40:37 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2019, 08:22:57 AMOn a more personal annoyance, as a long time PC user I prefer the full functionality of a keyboard. That being the case I use my lap top for about 95% of anything I do online. A lot of the improvements in technology is oriented towards using a tablet or phone. It drives me up the wall that I'm expected to use less functional devices at work, or at least I'm encouraged to. I want to use my full range of typing skills when I do work online, and not my two thumbs like a video game.

The PC is where it really happens for me too, but I have come to appreciate the mobility offered by smartphones and tablets. After some initial unsuccessful experiments with secondhand folding keyboards, I have settled on a Logitech Bluetooth keyboard with the ability to connect to up to three different devices, with a dial to select among the three. It is of solid construction, which promotes good tactile feedback when touch-typing, and is easy to stack with a tablet.

I don't get the smartphone obsession or why many companies seem to put traditional desktops/laptops as an afterthought at best. Smartphones are great for when you're bored or need to look something up while on the go, but they are far inferior to a traditional computer as far as a primary way of browsing the internet is concerned. The way I prefer to browse is cumbersome at best on any interface designed to be used by touch rather than a mouse.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 11, 2019, 01:59:58 PM

Non-mechanical keyboards.

Yes, I still have a mechanical keyboard at home, and I am currently using the oldest keyboard in my company because it's closest I can get to truly mechanical. Unfortunately, the new computer my wife and I bought a year or so ago doesn't have a PS/2 port, and nobody sells PS/2-to-USB adapters anymore, so my good old mechanical keyboard has just been sitting unused for some time now.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 11, 2019, 01:23:22 PM

Quote from: MNHighwayMan on December 11, 2019, 11:58:35 AM

Quote from: qguy on December 11, 2019, 07:18:53 AM
2. Stores (like my local Walmart) that have an employee check everyone's receipts as they leave. There has got to be a better loss prevention strategy than treating all of your customers like they're already shoplifters.

You are not legally obligated to stop for them. Just keep walking.

While technically true, what's more inconvenient, the 10 seconds to wait for the receipt checks, or the minutes (or hours) of them suspecting you're a shoplifter, stopping you, and waiting for the police?

Is it illegal? Yep. So then what are you going to do - sue Walmart? Where are you going to sue? Are you going to higher a lawyer at $100+ an hour to sue the biggest corporation in America, who has unlimited access to lawyers to review the tape of every step you made in Walmart? Did you put your hand in your pocket? Did you reach for your cell phone at one point? Suddenly now they have a 'reason' to stop you, as it appeared you may have concealed merchandise.

You, in your heart, know that you don't need to stop for the receipt checkers. But don't think that you have the power to survive a court fight. You may win, but your bank account will be thousands lighter.

How are they going to stop me? Tackle me to the ground?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2019, 02:32:12 PM

^^^

Yes, that's another one that I forgot. Nothing made today can really stack up to the mechanical keyboards of old. Most of the new models either break too easily or are physically smaller which obstruct proper typing position. All my mechanical keyboards don't function at work since they require an access card to use while at my desk top.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MNHighwayMan on December 11, 2019, 02:47:30 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 11, 2019, 01:23:22 PM
While technically true, what's more inconvenient, the 10 seconds to wait for the receipt checks, or the minutes (or hours) of them suspecting you're a shoplifter, stopping you, and waiting for the police?

Are you serious? I have not once stopped for one of those old bags and they've done absolutely nothing to go after me. They're probably even trained to not go after people who refuse, anyway.

Edit: Furthermore, to detain me as a shoplifter, an employee has to see me grab an item, try to conceal it, and try to make it to the exit without paying. Those greeters/receipt checkers have definitely not done that, unless maybe I try to steal a candy bar from a checkout.

Edit 2:

Mechanical keyboards are awesome, and all I use nowadays. I even have a small portable one that I use with my laptop, in the rare event I actually use my laptop, because I absolutely hate typing on the laptop keyboard itself.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2019, 02:58:03 PM

Quote from: MNHighwayMan on December 11, 2019, 02:47:30 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 11, 2019, 01:23:22 PM
While technically true, what's more inconvenient, the 10 seconds to wait for the receipt checks, or the minutes (or hours) of them suspecting you're a shoplifter, stopping you, and waiting for the police?

Are you serious? I have not once stopped for one of those old bags and they've done absolutely nothing to go after me.

Regarding Walmart's own shoplift policy they have a Loss Prevention Department that is the only staff base allowed to make shoplift apprehensions. Further the intra-company edict discourages apprehensions under $20 dollars and they have been made with the following criteria established:

1. You must be observed approaching a displaying.
2. You must be seen selecting merchandise that is clear and identifiable as belonging to the store.
3. You must see concealment or establish that the person you are watching has unauthorized control (example; fitting room counts and ticket switching)
4. You must maintain constant surveillance of the person suspected of shoplifting.
5. You must allow the suspect shoplifter go past all points of sale or out of the building depending on the jurisdiction.

While the above isn't "law" they are commonly established Loss Prevention tactics for getting a clean apprehension on a shoplifter. If an LP person or a store regular was to accost someone who didn't technically shoplift, yeah in theory it could lead to some trouble if not a civil dispute. Usually the situation is handled by offering a gift card, examples I've seen are mostly over $100 dollars. Even door greeters can cross that line by "demanding a receipt" instead of asking for one.

While I've never worked for Walmart I worked in the LP field for years, almost every major retail company has the same rules and policies. Fortunately I never screwed up but I know a lot of people who did and it certainly was taken seriously by the businesses involved. I barely know of any companies that even allow shoplifters to be hand cuffed anymore.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 11, 2019, 03:59:20 PM

If not mentioned before people who overuse "reach out". Even worse shows that are supposed to be set in the past that say it. No one every really said it more than two years ago.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 11, 2019, 04:03:48 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on December 11, 2019, 03:59:20 PM
"reach out" ... No one every really said it more than two years ago.

what

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2019, 04:10:36 PM

"Reach out" is still overuse business slang from I observe in my interactions with people. I get asked "reach out" to a person and/or people at least three times weekly.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DTComposer on December 11, 2019, 04:15:11 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 11, 2019, 04:03:48 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 11, 2019, 03:59:20 PM
"reach out" ... No one every really said it more than two years ago.

what

Wasn't "Reach out and touch someone" AT&T's slogan for most of the late 20th century?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2019, 04:17:08 PM

Quote from: DTComposer on December 11, 2019, 04:15:11 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 11, 2019, 04:03:48 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 11, 2019, 03:59:20 PM
"reach out" ... No one every really said it more than two years ago.

what

Wasn't "Reach out and touch someone" AT&T's slogan for most of the late 20th century?

The "Reach Out" part is also a common song lyric.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on December 11, 2019, 04:27:06 PM

^^ Like this one from the 60s: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqLRd4neGGE

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on December 11, 2019, 05:14:37 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on December 11, 2019, 03:59:20 PM
If not mentioned before people who overuse "reach out". Even worse shows that are supposed to be set in the past that say it. No one every really said it more than two years ago.

What are you talking about?

https://youtu.be/2EaflX0MWRo

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 11, 2019, 06:21:12 PM

Quote from: DTComposer on December 11, 2019, 04:15:11 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 11, 2019, 04:03:48 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on December 11, 2019, 03:59:20 PM
"reach out" ... No one every really said it more than two years ago.

what

Wasn't "Reach out and touch someone" AT&T's slogan for most of the late 20th century?

That jingle was created by AT&T forty years ago, in fact, but it had already existed in print form decades earlier.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: renegade on December 11, 2019, 06:38:08 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on December 11, 2019, 04:12:38 AM.

Also, when driving conditions are 'treacherous' (how can a road commit treason?).

Mike

Treacherous =/= treasonous. Two different words with two entirely different meanings.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2019, 06:46:04 PM

Quote from: renegade on December 11, 2019, 06:38:08 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on December 11, 2019, 04:12:38 AM.

Also, when driving conditions are 'treacherous' (how can a road commit treason?).

Mike

Treacherous =/= treasonous. Two different words with two entirely different meanings.

I have a feeling that many a state Highway could be declared a traitor under the new Chinese Interstate thread.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on December 11, 2019, 06:52:43 PM

"Reach out" like "reach out to Tom and see what he thinks"?

I don't understand how this could be bothersome at all.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on December 11, 2019, 06:57:35 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on December 11, 2019, 08:16:58 AM
Bathroom doors that open in. I don't wash my hands to touch a dirty door handle being that half the guys don't wash their hands.

so grab it with a towel like the germophobics do.

(https://images3.memedroid.com/images/UPLOADED218/5d01ac6fa7878.jpeg)

Quote from: jakeroot on December 11, 2019, 06:52:43 PM"Reach out" like "reach out to Tom and see what he thinks"?

I don't understand how this could be bothersome at all.

George Carlin has something to say about that (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CX_Jry1OOW8)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on December 11, 2019, 07:09:47 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on December 11, 2019, 08:16:58 AM
Quote from: Beltway on December 11, 2019, 07:53:29 AM
Quote from: qguy on December 11, 2019, 07:18:53 AM
1. With a double-door entrance/exit doorway, keeping one of the doors locked, effectively making it a wall with a door handle. The double door is there for a reason: safety. It's meant to provide a wide through-space for dumping the building in an emergency. They're often specified by building codes for buildings over a certain occupancy. Plus, it's just so annoying to pull on a door that doesn't budge. It's like the door says, "Psych!"

When you walk thru the door and push to open the door, but it is locked, the door in effect "pushes back" at you. Very annoying.

Bathroom doors that open in. I don't wash my hands to touch a dirty door handle being that half the guys don't wash their hands.

Dont worry. You'll be touching menus, tables, chairs, condiments, salt and pepper shakers, silverware, money, credit cards, and a host of other things that people who didn't wash their hands also touched.

You probably dont even realize the number of things you'll be touching that can be unclean.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2019, 07:14:20 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on December 11, 2019, 06:57:35 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 11, 2019, 08:16:58 AM
Bathroom doors that open in. I don't wash my hands to touch a dirty door handle being that half the guys don't wash their hands.
so grab it with a towel like the germophobics do.

(https://images3.memedroid.com/images/UPLOADED218/5d01ac6fa7878.jpeg)
Quote from: jakeroot on December 11, 2019, 06:52:43 PM"Reach out" like "reach out to Tom and see what he thinks"?

I don't understand how this could be bothersome at all.
George Carlin has something to say about that (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CX_Jry1OOW8)

Speaking of bothersome things, who the hell thought it was a good idea for Steve Roger's to hook up with Peggy Carter's niece? I mean, I know they don't show "all the details" in those Marvel movies but it still felt irksome.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on December 11, 2019, 08:28:14 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2019, 07:14:20 PM
Quote from: SSOWorld on December 11, 2019, 06:57:35 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 11, 2019, 08:16:58 AM
Bathroom doors that open in. I don't wash my hands to touch a dirty door handle being that half the guys don't wash their hands.
so grab it with a towel like the germophobics do.

(https://images3.memedroid.com/images/UPLOADED218/5d01ac6fa7878.jpeg)
Quote from: jakeroot on December 11, 2019, 06:52:43 PM"Reach out" like "reach out to Tom and see what he thinks"?

I don't understand how this could be bothersome at all.
George Carlin has something to say about that (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CX_Jry1OOW8)

Speaking of bothersome things, who the hell thought it was a good idea for Steve Roger's to hook up with Peggy Carter's niece? I mean, I know they don't show "all the details" in those Marvel movies but it still felt irksome.

Black Widow.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2019, 08:32:53 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on December 11, 2019, 08:28:14 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2019, 07:14:20 PM
Quote from: SSOWorld on December 11, 2019, 06:57:35 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 11, 2019, 08:16:58 AM
Bathroom doors that open in. I don't wash my hands to touch a dirty door handle being that half the guys don't wash their hands.
so grab it with a towel like the germophobics do.

(https://images3.memedroid.com/images/UPLOADED218/5d01ac6fa7878.jpeg)
Quote from: jakeroot on December 11, 2019, 06:52:43 PM"Reach out" like "reach out to Tom and see what he thinks"?

I don't understand how this could be bothersome at all.
George Carlin has something to say about that (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CX_Jry1OOW8)

Speaking of bothersome things, who the hell thought it was a good idea for Steve Roger's to hook up with Peggy Carter's niece? I mean, I know they don't show "all the details" in those Marvel movies but it still felt irksome.
Black Widow.

That's true, the part with her constantly digging into Steve's personal life to turn around to try to hook him up with the neighbor was a little weird too. But then again it isn't like Steve didn't know what he was getting into after that funeral in Civil War. Throw in the time travel and we're getting awfully close to incest territory.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on December 11, 2019, 08:58:37 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 11, 2019, 07:09:47 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 11, 2019, 08:16:58 AM
Quote from: Beltway on December 11, 2019, 07:53:29 AM
When you walk thru the door and push to open the door, but it is locked, the door in effect "pushes back" at you. Very annoying.
Bathroom doors that open in. I don't wash my hands to touch a dirty door handle being that half the guys don't wash their hands.
Dont worry. You'll be touching menus, tables, chairs, condiments, salt and pepper shakers, silverware, money, credit cards, and a host of other things that people who didn't wash their hands also touched.
You probably dont even realize the number of things you'll be touching that can be unclean.

You probably don't even realize it until the vomit starts coming out of your mouth.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2019, 09:04:39 PM

Quote from: Beltway on December 11, 2019, 08:58:37 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 11, 2019, 07:09:47 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 11, 2019, 08:16:58 AM
Quote from: Beltway on December 11, 2019, 07:53:29 AM
When you walk thru the door and push to open the door, but it is locked, the door in effect "pushes back" at you. Very annoying.
Bathroom doors that open in. I don't wash my hands to touch a dirty door handle being that half the guys don't wash their hands.
Dont worry. You'll be touching menus, tables, chairs, condiments, salt and pepper shakers, silverware, money, credit cards, and a host of other things that people who didn't wash their hands also touched.
You probably dont even realize the number of things you'll be touching that can be unclean.

You probably don't even realize it until the vomit starts coming out of your mouth.

Good for boosting the immune system.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on December 11, 2019, 11:15:42 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 11, 2019, 01:59:58 PM
Non-mechanical keyboards.

Yes, I still have a mechanical keyboard at home, and I am currently using the oldest keyboard in my company because it's closest I can get to truly mechanical. Unfortunately, the new computer my wife and I bought a year or so ago doesn't have a PS/2 port, and nobody sells PS/2-to-USB adapters anymore, so my good old mechanical keyboard has just been sitting unused for some time now.

Agreed; most of my life had been spent typing on mechanical keyboards (and typewriters) and I dislike the feel of newer keyboards. So much so that I will buy a true mechanical keyboard from a third party. (You may want to check out http://www.Matias.ca (http://www.matias.ca), they make some decent mechanical keyboards with USB connectors, for both Mac and PC).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on December 11, 2019, 11:50:25 PM

Quote from: dlsterner on December 11, 2019, 11:15:42 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 11, 2019, 01:59:58 PM
Non-mechanical keyboards.

Yes, I still have a mechanical keyboard at home, and I am currently using the oldest keyboard in my company because it's closest I can get to truly mechanical. Unfortunately, the new computer my wife and I bought a year or so ago doesn't have a PS/2 port, and nobody sells PS/2-to-USB adapters anymore, so my good old mechanical keyboard has just been sitting unused for some time now.

Agreed; most of my life had been spent typing on mechanical keyboards (and typewriters) and I dislike the feel of newer keyboards. So much so that I will buy a true mechanical keyboard from a third party. (You may want to check out http://www.Matias.ca (http://www.matias.ca), they make some decent mechanical keyboards with USB connectors, for both Mac and PC).

You might also look into gaming keyboards, as there are many mechanical keyboards to choose from.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on December 12, 2019, 12:34:23 PM

Regarding shoplifting, I'm definitely not a lawyer, but I cannot see where you have any duty to stop if a store employee -- "loss prevention officer" or cashier or anyone else -- tries to detain you. What authority do they have to stop you from leaving, even if they suspect you've stolen something? Intimidation, maybe? If they're not a sworn law enforcement officer with arrest or detainment powers, seems to me that anyone would be free to leave, and if they physically prevent you from departing, if you have not stolen anything, seems like you'd be able to defend yourself against unlawful imprisonment.

I know we have attorneys and retired attorneys here. Any criminal defense lawyers?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2019, 12:44:11 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 12, 2019, 12:34:23 PM
Regarding shoplifting, I'm definitely not a lawyer, but I cannot see where you have any duty to stop if a store employee -- "loss prevention officer" or cashier or anyone else -- tries to detain you. What authority do they have to stop you from leaving, even if they suspect you've stolen something? Intimidation, maybe? If they're not a sworn law enforcement officer with arrest or detainment powers, seems to me that anyone would be free to leave, and if they physically prevent you from departing, if you have not stolen anything, seems like you'd be able to defend yourself against unlawful imprisonment.

I know we have attorneys and retired attorneys here. Any criminal defense lawyers?

Shoplift apprehensions generally fall under the domain of citizens arrest laws. Essentially you're observing criminal activity and turning the person suspected of it over to the proper authorities. Put it this way, in over 500 shoplift apprehensions about the only problem I ever had was with someone who wanted to pick a fight. The legality of the matter was never an issue because they were always being turned over to an actual police officer who would take them into custody. In the cases where someone wanted to fight, well it usually went one of two ways when it got there...either way reasonable force applied.

Something I will say, what a "business" thinks is reasonable during a shoplift apprehension has changed. At the turn of the century handcuffing and getting into fights with shoplifters was expected. I would imagine that some of the confrontations of old would be met with much more public scrutiny these days. None the less more stores seem to have woke up to the fact that fighting shoplifters isn't a good idea for encouraging business and preventing Workman's Compensation Claims...not to mention real potential for a substantial lawsuit if something was hokey about the stop.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on December 12, 2019, 01:00:07 PM

When questions are followed by the phrase "Asking for a friend".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: paulthemapguy on December 12, 2019, 01:01:17 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2019, 04:10:36 PM
"Reach out" is still overuse business slang from I observe in my interactions with people. I get asked "reach out" to a person and/or people at least three times weekly.

Other overused office language:

"Touch base"
"Livin' the dream"
"Open a can of worms"
"Shoot you" a text/email/contact. Don't shoot me. I don't want to be shot.

Other incorrect office language:
"in regards to". If you can't figure out how to say this phrase correctly, just say "about." It accomplishes the same thing. If you can't take the heat of complex prepositional phrases, stay out of the kitchen.
Overuse of generic nouns like "item," "element," or "component," without explaining the context. These words might as well be pronouns.

Quote from: roadman on December 12, 2019, 01:00:07 PM

When questions are followed by the phrase "Asking for a friend".

I do that ironically as a joke, like with "yolo," or "swag," because I think it's dumb

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2019, 01:12:44 PM

Quote from: paulthemapguy on December 12, 2019, 01:01:17 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2019, 04:10:36 PM
"Reach out" is still overuse business slang from I observe in my interactions with people. I get asked "reach out" to a person and/or people at least three times weekly.

Other overused office language:

"Touch base"
"Livin' the dream"
"Open a can of worms"
"Shoot you" a text/email/contact. Don't shoot me. I don't want to be shot.

Other incorrect office language:
"in regards to". If you can't figure out how to say this phrase correctly, just say "about." It accomplishes the same thing. If you can't take the heat of complex prepositional phrases, stay out of the kitchen.
Overuse of generic nouns like "item," "element," or "component," without explaining the context. These words might as well be pronouns.

Quote from: roadman on December 12, 2019, 01:00:07 PM

When questions are followed by the phrase "Asking for a friend".

I do that ironically as a joke, like with "yolo," or "swag," because I think it's dumb

One that really gets to me is calling an employee a "associate" or "team member." Associates own stock in a company, it seems that term came from places like Walmart. I don't play sports with my co-workers or employees so therefore they cannot be teammates. My co-workers and employees aren't "my family" either.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on December 12, 2019, 01:17:28 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2019, 01:12:44 PM
One that really gets to me is calling an employee a "associate" or "team member." Associates own stock in a company, it seems that term came from places like Walmart. I don't play sports with my co-workers or employees so therefore they cannot be teammates. My co-workers and employees aren't "my family" either.

"Team members" excludes vendors, while "employees" doesn't.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2019, 01:19:26 PM

Quote from: 1 on December 12, 2019, 01:17:28 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2019, 01:12:44 PM
One that really gets to me is calling an employee a "associate" or "team member." Associates own stock in a company, it seems that term came from places like Walmart. I don't play sports with my co-workers or employees so therefore they cannot be teammates. My co-workers and employees aren't "my family" either.

"Team members" excludes vendors.

I want to say that Target still calls their Managers by "Executive Team Leader" or some crazy crap like that. Customers aren't even called as such, they are "guests."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on December 12, 2019, 01:20:34 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2019, 01:12:44 PM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on December 12, 2019, 01:01:17 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2019, 04:10:36 PM
"Reach out" is still overuse business slang from I observe in my interactions with people. I get asked "reach out" to a person and/or people at least three times weekly.

Other overused office language:

"Touch base"
"Livin' the dream"
"Open a can of worms"
"Shoot you" a text/email/contact. Don't shoot me. I don't want to be shot.

Other incorrect office language:
"in regards to". If you can't figure out how to say this phrase correctly, just say "about." It accomplishes the same thing. If you can't take the heat of complex prepositional phrases, stay out of the kitchen.
Overuse of generic nouns like "item," "element," or "component," without explaining the context. These words might as well be pronouns.

Quote from: roadman on December 12, 2019, 01:00:07 PM

When questions are followed by the phrase "Asking for a friend".

I do that ironically as a joke, like with "yolo," or "swag," because I think it's dumb

One that really gets to me is calling an employee a "associate" or "team member." Associates own stock in a company, it seems that term came from places like Walmart. I don't play sports with my co-workers or employees so therefore they cannot be teammates. My co-workers and employees aren't "my family" either.

All part of the PC/feel-good psychological naming kick. They're not "used cars" they're "pre-owned" because used gives a bad vibe. :meh: :rolleyes:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2019, 01:22:17 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on December 12, 2019, 01:20:34 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2019, 01:12:44 PM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on December 12, 2019, 01:01:17 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2019, 04:10:36 PM
"Reach out" is still overuse business slang from I observe in my interactions with people. I get asked "reach out" to a person and/or people at least three times weekly.

Other overused office language:

"Touch base"
"Livin' the dream"
"Open a can of worms"
"Shoot you" a text/email/contact. Don't shoot me. I don't want to be shot.

Other incorrect office language:
"in regards to". If you can't figure out how to say this phrase correctly, just say "about." It accomplishes the same thing. If you can't take the heat of complex prepositional phrases, stay out of the kitchen.
Overuse of generic nouns like "item," "element," or "component," without explaining the context. These words might as well be pronouns.

Quote from: roadman on December 12, 2019, 01:00:07 PM

When questions are followed by the phrase "Asking for a friend".

I do that ironically as a joke, like with "yolo," or "swag," because I think it's dumb

One that really gets to me is calling an employee a "associate" or "team member." Associates own stock in a company, it seems that term came from places like Walmart. I don't play sports with my co-workers or employees so therefore they cannot be teammates. My co-workers and employees aren't "my family" either.

All part of the PC/feel-good psychological naming kick. They're not "used cars" they're "pre-owned" because used gives a bad vibe. :meh: :rolleyes:

So if a person gets divorced and starts to date again should they just say "I'm pre-owned?"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on December 12, 2019, 01:24:10 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2019, 01:22:17 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 12, 2019, 01:20:34 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2019, 01:12:44 PM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on December 12, 2019, 01:01:17 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2019, 04:10:36 PM
"Reach out" is still overuse business slang from I observe in my interactions with people. I get asked "reach out" to a person and/or people at least three times weekly.

Other overused office language:

"Touch base"
"Livin' the dream"
"Open a can of worms"
"Shoot you" a text/email/contact. Don't shoot me. I don't want to be shot.

Other incorrect office language:
"in regards to". If you can't figure out how to say this phrase correctly, just say "about." It accomplishes the same thing. If you can't take the heat of complex prepositional phrases, stay out of the kitchen.
Overuse of generic nouns like "item," "element," or "component," without explaining the context. These words might as well be pronouns.

Quote from: roadman on December 12, 2019, 01:00:07 PM

When questions are followed by the phrase "Asking for a friend".

I do that ironically as a joke, like with "yolo," or "swag," because I think it's dumb

One that really gets to me is calling an employee a "associate" or "team member." Associates own stock in a company, it seems that term came from places like Walmart. I don't play sports with my co-workers or employees so therefore they cannot be teammates. My co-workers and employees aren't "my family" either.

All part of the PC/feel-good psychological naming kick. They're not "used cars" they're "pre-owned" because used gives a bad vibe. :meh: :rolleyes:

So if a person gets divorced and starts to date again should they just say "I'm pre-owned?"

Say that to a feminist and you may not come out alive.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2019, 01:27:37 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on December 12, 2019, 01:24:10 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2019, 01:22:17 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 12, 2019, 01:20:34 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2019, 01:12:44 PM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on December 12, 2019, 01:01:17 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2019, 04:10:36 PM
"Reach out" is still overuse business slang from I observe in my interactions with people. I get asked "reach out" to a person and/or people at least three times weekly.

Other overused office language:

"Touch base"
"Livin' the dream"
"Open a can of worms"
"Shoot you" a text/email/contact. Don't shoot me. I don't want to be shot.

Other incorrect office language:
"in regards to". If you can't figure out how to say this phrase correctly, just say "about." It accomplishes the same thing. If you can't take the heat of complex prepositional phrases, stay out of the kitchen.
Overuse of generic nouns like "item," "element," or "component," without explaining the context. These words might as well be pronouns.

Quote from: roadman on December 12, 2019, 01:00:07 PM

When questions are followed by the phrase "Asking for a friend".

I do that ironically as a joke, like with "yolo," or "swag," because I think it's dumb

One that really gets to me is calling an employee a "associate" or "team member." Associates own stock in a company, it seems that term came from places like Walmart. I don't play sports with my co-workers or employees so therefore they cannot be teammates. My co-workers and employees aren't "my family" either.

All part of the PC/feel-good psychological naming kick. They're not "used cars" they're "pre-owned" because used gives a bad vibe. :meh: :rolleyes:

So if a person gets divorced and starts to date again should they just say "I'm pre-owned?"

Say that to a feminist and you may not come out alive.

It's all in how you sell it. You have to accentuate the positives a pre-owner husband and/or boyfriend. I'm sure one could season it up with all sorts of common cliche descriptions someone would use to push the value of a used car:

Pre-owned Husband

- Great value
- Low years
- Fresh coat of hair
- Comes with a fresh set of shoes

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on December 12, 2019, 01:54:31 PM

Although we roll our eyes at marketing tactics, they still work. So, "pre-owned" is here to stay, my fellow consumers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on December 12, 2019, 02:01:06 PM

My carpool guy gets offended at some of the sales tactics used by car salesmen, both new and pre-owned. I will say it is funny though how these tactics still are still in play...and work...after decades of being used.

I think the last time someone tried using the "4 boxes" I just told him to stop. I already had it calculated on paper what the price and payment would be.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 12, 2019, 03:11:22 PM

Quote from: paulthemapguy on December 12, 2019, 01:01:17 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2019, 04:10:36 PM
"Reach out" is still overuse business slang from I observe in my interactions with people. I get asked "reach out" to a person and/or people at least three times weekly.

Other overused office language:

"Touch base"
"Livin' the dream"
"Open a can of worms"
"Shoot you" a text/email/contact. Don't shoot me. I don't want to be shot.

Other incorrect office language:
"in regards to". If you can't figure out how to say this phrase correctly, just say "about." It accomplishes the same thing. If you can't take the heat of complex prepositional phrases, stay out of the kitchen.
Overuse of generic nouns like "item," "element," or "component," without explaining the context. These words might as well be pronouns.

One that seems pretty common in my workplace is "utilize" in place of "use".

"The cashier will utilize the barcode scanner to input the ticket number..."

That's because "utilize" just means "use", but using three times as many syllables, so people say it when they want to sound smart or formal. These people don't realize that "utilize" carries a different connotation of "making the full use of", and should only be used (not utilized) in that context. So "The casino will utilize the cage department to sell bingo tickets" would be fine, for example, because utilize conveys the implication that the department has extra resources that could be applied toward selling bingo tickets.

But "utilizing" a barcode scanner? It scans barcodes, what untapped potential could the damn thing possibly have?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on December 12, 2019, 04:24:56 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 12, 2019, 03:11:22 PM
One that seems pretty common in my workplace is "utilize" in place of "use".

I rarely use "utilize," but the one place that I would tend to use it is in technical or engineering terminology, like in utilizing a particular tool or computer program or design process, etc.

But "use" can work just as well.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on December 12, 2019, 04:33:55 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 12, 2019, 03:11:22 PM
One that seems pretty common in my workplace is "utilize" in place of "use".

"The cashier will utilize the barcode scanner to input the ticket number..."

That's because "utilize" just means "use", but using three times as many syllables, so people say it when they want to sound smart or formal.

Not only do I use "utilize" on a fairly-frequent basis, I usually spell it "utilise" (en-GB) just to doubly fuck with people.

Quote from: paulthemapguy on December 12, 2019, 01:01:17 PM
"Shoot you" a text/email/contact. Don't shoot me. I don't want to be shot.

"Shoot" means a lot of things beyond "firing a bullet". I'm sure you realize this, so I'm not sure why it bothers you.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 12, 2019, 04:58:50 PM

Quote from: paulthemapguy on December 12, 2019, 01:01:17 PM
Other overused office language:

"Touch base"
"Livin' the dream"
"Open a can of worms"
"Shoot you" a text/email/contact. Don't shoot me. I don't want to be shot.

I'll add two of mine to the list:

- circle back
- It is what it is.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 12, 2019, 05:30:51 PM

I've learned to just roll with it at work; you can try to create new terminology, but it's going to fall flat.

There's one I'm really tired of:

"That's above my pay grade" = company recognizes my laziness and lack of adaptability, thus pays me accordingly

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MNHighwayMan on December 12, 2019, 05:42:47 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on December 12, 2019, 01:24:10 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2019, 01:22:17 PM
So if a person gets divorced and starts to date again should they just say "I'm pre-owned?"
Say that to a feminist and you may not come out alive.

I'm curious why you think that someone advocating for equality of the sexes would find that offensive.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on December 12, 2019, 06:09:22 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 12, 2019, 03:11:22 PM
But "utilizing" a barcode scanner? It scans barcodes, what untapped potential could the damn thing possibly have?

Temporary blind a potential shoplifter at Walmart that doesn't want their receipt checked?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MNHighwayMan on December 12, 2019, 06:20:02 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 12, 2019, 06:09:22 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 12, 2019, 03:11:22 PM
But "utilizing" a barcode scanner? It scans barcodes, what untapped potential could the damn thing possibly have?
Temporary blind a potential shoplifter at Walmart that doesn't want their receipt checked?

Considering the lasers that some of those things work with, it may not be temporary.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on December 12, 2019, 06:41:11 PM

Quote from: formulanone on December 12, 2019, 05:30:51 PM
I've learned to just roll with it at work; you can try to create new terminology, but it's going to fall flat.

There's one I'm really tired of:

"That's above my pay grade" = company recognizes my laziness and lack of adaptability, thus pays me accordingly

Eh, sometimes. I've seen the phrase used also by people who were doormats and just did everything management threw at them when they finally realize that they are being exploited and look around at the do-nothings around them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on December 12, 2019, 06:42:03 PM

Quote from: MNHighwayMan on December 12, 2019, 05:42:47 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 12, 2019, 01:24:10 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2019, 01:22:17 PM
So if a person gets divorced and starts to date again should they just say "I'm pre-owned?"
Say that to a feminist and you may not come out alive.

I'm curious why you think that someone advocating for equality of the sexes would find that offensive.

Think of a woman saying that she's "pre-owned." I can see feminists taking issue with that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on December 12, 2019, 06:43:45 PM

Quote from: Rothman on December 12, 2019, 06:42:03 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on December 12, 2019, 05:42:47 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 12, 2019, 01:24:10 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2019, 01:22:17 PM
So if a person gets divorced and starts to date again should they just say "I'm pre-owned?"
Say that to a feminist and you may not come out alive.

I'm curious why you think that someone advocating for equality of the sexes would find that offensive.
Think of a woman saying that she's "pre-owned." I can see feminists taking issue with that.

Bingo! :thumbsup:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wxfree on December 12, 2019, 07:45:03 PM

People conducting two transactions at the ATM when they only need one. Often when I'm behind someone at an ATM they check their balance and then make a withdrawal. I make a withdrawal and get a receipt with my balance on it as part of the same transaction.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 12, 2019, 07:57:51 PM

Quote from: wxfree on December 12, 2019, 07:45:03 PM
People conducting two transactions at the ATM when they only need one. Often when I'm behind someone at an ATM they check their balance and then make a withdrawal. I make a withdrawal and get a receipt with my balance on it as part of the same transaction.

Possible they check their balance first to see how much they can get out...?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on December 12, 2019, 07:58:36 PM

the phase "s/he's not my __________"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 12, 2019, 08:30:41 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2019, 04:10:36 PM
"Reach out" is still overuse business slang from I observe in my interactions with people. I get asked "reach out" to a person and/or people at least three times weekly.

God I hear people say it 2-3 times within 5 minutes.

Thank you for contacting Equifax. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any additional questions or concerns. -Jason B.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 12, 2019, 08:33:26 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2019, 01:12:44 PM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on December 12, 2019, 01:01:17 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2019, 04:10:36 PM
“Reach out” is still overuse business slang from I observe in my interactions with people. I get asked “reach out” to a person and/or people at least three times weekly.

Other overused office language:

"Touch base"
"Livin' the dream"
"Open a can of worms"
"Shoot you" a text/email/contact. Don't shoot me. I don't want to be shot.

Other incorrect office language:
"in regards to". If you can't figure out how to say this phrase correctly, just say "about." It accomplishes the same thing. If you can't take the heat of complex prepositional phrases, stay out of the kitchen.
Overuse of generic nouns like "item," "element," or "component," without explaining the context. These words might as well be pronouns.

Quote from: roadman on December 12, 2019, 01:00:07 PM

When questions are followed by the phrase "Asking for a friend".

I do that ironically as a joke, like with "yolo," or "swag," because I think it's dumb

One that really gets to me is calling an employee a “associate” or “team member.” Associates own stock in a company, it seems that term came from places like Walmart. I don’t play sports with my co-workers or employees so therefore they cannot be teammates. My co-workers and employees aren’t “my family” either.

Or a guest. I'm a customer, it's okay to be a customer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on December 12, 2019, 09:17:55 PM

If I'm a guest, why do I have to pay?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on December 12, 2019, 09:30:34 PM

Has anyone mentioned the irritation caused by motorists who don't utilize a turn signal when it obviously would be helpful to other motorists to know what that vehicle will do?

Probably 40% or more motorists don't know when to use a turn signal.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on December 12, 2019, 09:35:05 PM

Quote from: GaryV on December 12, 2019, 09:17:55 PM
If I'm a guest, why do I have to pay?

Kinda like asking for the check but always getting a bill? :biggrin:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on December 12, 2019, 09:38:04 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on December 12, 2019, 09:35:05 PM
Quote from: GaryV on December 12, 2019, 09:17:55 PM
If I'm a guest, why do I have to pay?

Kinda like asking for the check but always getting a bill?

This is going to annoy me from now on.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on December 12, 2019, 10:26:39 PM

Quote from: GaryV on December 12, 2019, 09:17:55 PM
If I'm a guest, why do I have to pay?

If you're a guest, shouldn't you have brought a gift for the host?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on December 12, 2019, 11:03:24 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 12, 2019, 10:26:39 PM
Quote from: GaryV on December 12, 2019, 09:17:55 PM
If I'm a guest, why do I have to pay?

If you're a guest, shouldn't you have brought a gift for the host?

...or something to go along with the meal?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2019, 11:19:21 PM

Quote from: GaryV on December 12, 2019, 09:17:55 PM
If I'm a guest, why do I have to pay?

Guests in the home steal from the medicine cabinets all the time, so why not Target?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on December 12, 2019, 11:49:44 PM

Paste a URL into a note-taking app, email client, etc., and it'll probably linkify and underline it for you, like https://kurumi.com...

and then underline everything else you type after that. I can't think of one time where I wanted this to happen.

Generally auto-formatting and pasting styled text sucks, and you end up having to undo what the app did to "help you".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on December 13, 2019, 04:45:03 AM

DOTs putting "operations" after everything...

Paving operations will be complete tomorrow.
Flagging operations active today.

This comment operation is finished.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on December 13, 2019, 07:04:19 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 12, 2019, 03:11:22 PM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on December 12, 2019, 01:01:17 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2019, 04:10:36 PM
"Reach out" is still overuse business slang from I observe in my interactions with people. I get asked "reach out" to a person and/or people at least three times weekly.

Other overused office language:

"Touch base"
"Livin' the dream"
"Open a can of worms"
"Shoot you" a text/email/contact. Don't shoot me. I don't want to be shot.

Other incorrect office language:
"in regards to". If you can't figure out how to say this phrase correctly, just say "about." It accomplishes the same thing. If you can't take the heat of complex prepositional phrases, stay out of the kitchen.
Overuse of generic nouns like "item," "element," or "component," without explaining the context. These words might as well be pronouns.

One that seems pretty common in my workplace is "utilize" in place of "use".

"The cashier will utilize the barcode scanner to input the ticket number..."

That's because "utilize" just means "use", but using three times as many syllables, so people say it when they want to sound smart or formal. These people don't realize that "utilize" carries a different connotation of "making the full use of", and should only be used (not utilized) in that context. So "The casino will utilize the cage department to sell bingo tickets" would be fine, for example, because utilize conveys the implication that the department has extra resources that could be applied toward selling bingo tickets.

But "utilizing" a barcode scanner? It scans barcodes, what untapped potential could the damn thing possibly have?

In a similar vein to this, there are a lot of redundancies people use because they think it sounds more accurate or makes them sound more educated. The one I hear most often is the Metrorail operators saying "last and final" –for example, "This is Huntington, the last and final stop." (The train is usually not going out of service when they say this, either; if it is, they'll announce that separately.) What, do they think there's a last and not-final stop, or a final and next-to-last stop?

This sort of thing is way too common in the legal profession–people think they have to say things like "each and every" or "any and all" because they fear they're omitting something if they don't use both words, as though asking for "all" of something somehow means that if someone doesn't have "all" of what is requested he won't have to produce what he has unless you also ask him to produce "any" material. It's stupid and it makes for horrible writing. (Then there was the guy who included a definition: "The word "˜all' means "˜any and all.'" :rolleyes: )

There are some people who use the wrong word thinking it's right. I worked with a guy who apparently thought "penultimate" is something bigger than "ultimate." It was clear from how he used it that he didn't know it meant "next-to-last" (literally: it's derived from two Latin words that together mean "almost last" ).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on December 13, 2019, 08:54:27 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on December 13, 2019, 07:04:19 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 12, 2019, 03:11:22 PM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on December 12, 2019, 01:01:17 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2019, 04:10:36 PM
“Reach out” is still overuse business slang from I observe in my interactions with people. I get asked “reach out” to a person and/or people at least three times weekly.

Other overused office language:

"Touch base"
"Livin' the dream"
"Open a can of worms"
"Shoot you" a text/email/contact. Don't shoot me. I don't want to be shot.

Other incorrect office language:
"in regards to". If you can't figure out how to say this phrase correctly, just say "about." It accomplishes the same thing. If you can't take the heat of complex prepositional phrases, stay out of the kitchen.
Overuse of generic nouns like "item," "element," or "component," without explaining the context. These words might as well be pronouns.

One that seems pretty common in my workplace is "utilize" in place of "use".

"The cashier will utilize the barcode scanner to input the ticket number..."

That's because "utilize" just means "use", but using three times as many syllables, so people say it when they want to sound smart or formal. These people don't realize that "utilize" carries a different connotation of "making the full use of", and should only be used (not utilized) in that context. So "The casino will utilize the cage department to sell bingo tickets" would be fine, for example, because utilize conveys the implication that the department has extra resources that could be applied toward selling bingo tickets.

But "utilizing" a barcode scanner? It scans barcodes, what untapped potential could the damn thing possibly have?

In a similar vein to this, there are a lot of redundancies people use because they think it sounds more accurate or makes them sound more educated. The one I hear most often is the Metrorail operators saying “last and final”—for example, “This is Huntington, the last and final stop.” (The train is usually not going out of service when they say this, either; if it is, they’ll announce that separately.) What, do they think there’s a last and not-final stop, or a final and next-to-last stop?

This sort of thing is way too common in the legal profession—people think they have to say things like “each and every” or “any and all” because they fear they’re omitting something if they don’t use both words, as though asking for “all” of something somehow means that if someone doesn’t have “all” of what is requested he won’t have to produce what he has unless you also ask him to produce “any” material. It’s stupid and it makes for horrible writing. (Then there was the guy who included a definition: “The word ‘all’ means ‘any and all.’” :rolleyes: )

There are some people who use the wrong word thinking it’s right. I worked with a guy who apparently thought “penultimate” is something bigger than “ultimate.” It was clear from how he used it that he didn’t know it meant “next-to-last” (literally: it’s derived from two Latin words that together mean “almost last”).

When it comes down to legal stuff, guaranteed there's some lawsuit that leads to the current language used. Refer back to the forum discussion about the oxford comma for an example.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 13, 2019, 09:36:54 AM

If you nag me about something it's not a "friendly reminder".

Of course I'll throw in "Happy Holidays" because we can't say Merry Christmas for fear of offending anyone.

"real quick" or "to make a long story short" which means it's not likely to be short. People telling me to be "real quick" means I'm likely to slow down.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on December 13, 2019, 11:41:43 AM

If we're talking about phrases that bother us, "centered around" gets me, because it's factually incorrect. "Centered on" is the correct term.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on December 13, 2019, 12:07:48 PM

Quote from: kurumi on December 12, 2019, 11:49:44 PMPaste a URL into a note-taking app, email client, etc., and it'll probably linkify and underline it for you, like https://kurumi.com...

and then underline everything else you type after that. I can't think of one time where I wanted this to happen.

I have personally never had this problem. I've always assumed that linkifying logic looks for whitespace to determine the end of the link, so if I don't isolate a link on a line of its own, I typically place it at the ends of a sentence (not in parentheses) and omit sentence-final punctuation.

Quote from: kurumi on December 12, 2019, 11:49:44 PMGenerally auto-formatting and pasting styled text sucks, and you end up having to undo what the app did to "help you".

It irritates me when keyboard apps marketed as having context-based learning (such as Gboard) consistently mispredict frequently used text. For example, I order online from a restaurant and enter "No utensils needed" in a special-request box, and despite dozens of opportunities to learn, Gboard still doesn't offer me that as an option when I navigate to that box.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on December 13, 2019, 12:10:44 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 13, 2019, 08:54:27 AM
When it comes down to legal stuff, guaranteed there's some lawsuit that leads to the current language used. Refer back to the forum discussion about the oxford comma for an example.

I think some of it is inertia and superstition. Someone used a certain form and won a case, so his colleagues copied him and others did the same. This is a pet peeve of mine and I could rant about it for a long time, but I'll spare you.

Quote from: J N Winkler on December 13, 2019, 12:07:48 PM
It irritates me when keyboard apps marketed as having context-based learning (such as Gboard) consistently mispredict frequently used text. For example, I order online from a restaurant and enter "No utensils needed" in a special-request box, and despite dozens of opportunities to learn, Gboard still doesn't offer me that as an option when I navigate to that box.

Yesterday when I started to type the word "insurance," my phone wanted to put "insurgents." :rolleyes:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on December 13, 2019, 12:27:09 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on December 13, 2019, 12:10:44 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 13, 2019, 08:54:27 AM
When it comes down to legal stuff, guaranteed there's some lawsuit that leads to the current language used. Refer back to the forum discussion about the oxford comma for an example.

I think some of it is inertia and superstition. Someone used a certain form and won a case, so his colleagues copied him and others did the same. This is a pet peeve of mine and I could rant about it for a long time, but I'll spare you.

As in a precedence?

Which, by the way, is a minor thing that bother's me. Whenever something happens, people try to use that as a precedence for the future, or if something already happened, they claim that there was already precedence. However, I can usually find another, opposite example, which basically wipes out that precedence.

Sometimes, people don't even realize they're talking about it. Let's use a road issue for an example: Someone rolls thru a stop sign without stopping. Cop was nearby, and maybe even sees them commit the minor infraction, but doesn't go after them. Numerous rolls thru that stop sign later, and the violator is finally stopped by the cops. The violator tries to claim that because he's done it before, that basically he can continue to do it and the cops shouldn't bother with him. Someone that plays this hand will almost always get a summons.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DTComposer on December 13, 2019, 12:31:08 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2019, 01:12:44 PM
One that really gets to me is calling an employee a "associate" or "team member." Associates own stock in a company, it seems that term came from places like Walmart. I don't play sports with my co-workers or employees so therefore they cannot be teammates. My co-workers and employees aren't "my family" either.

I agree "team member" is a bit jargony, but the use of team is not restricted to sports -

Merriam-Webster, first entry: a number of persons associated together in work or activity

Dictionary.com, second entry: a number of persons associated in some joint action

Along these lines, though, Disney calling all of their employees "cast members" is a little much (speaking as someone who was a "cast member" for almost 10 years) - I get it as a reminder for those in public-facing jobs but not working directly in entertainment that they were still part of the "show" as far as guest interactions, but applying that terminology to, say, a payroll specialist in Burbank seems a little incredulous.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 13, 2019, 01:07:11 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on December 13, 2019, 09:36:54 AM
Of course I'll throw in "Happy Holidays" because we can't say Merry Christmas for fear of offending anyone.

"Happy Holidays" is nice because it's a lot shorter than "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year".

At this point more people bitch about "Happy Holidays" than anyone ever did about "Merry Christmas", so I just don't acknowledge it being December at all.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 13, 2019, 01:19:31 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 13, 2019, 01:07:11 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 13, 2019, 09:36:54 AM
Of course I'll throw in "Happy Holidays" because we can't say Merry Christmas for fear of offending anyone.

"Happy Holidays" is nice because it's a lot shorter than "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year".

At this point more people bitch about "Happy Holidays" than anyone ever did about "Merry Christmas", so I just don't acknowledge it being December at all.

Festivus for the rest of us!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 13, 2019, 01:50:50 PM

Quote from: DTComposer on December 13, 2019, 12:31:08 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2019, 01:12:44 PM
One that really gets to me is calling an employee a "associate" or "team member." Associates own stock in a company, it seems that term came from places like Walmart. I don't play sports with my co-workers or employees so therefore they cannot be teammates. My co-workers and employees aren't "my family" either.

I agree "team member" is a bit jargony, but the use of team is not restricted to sports -

Merriam-Webster, first entry: a number of persons associated together in work or activity

Dictionary.com, second entry: a number of persons associated in some joint action

Along these lines, though, Disney calling all of their employees "cast members" is a little much (speaking as someone who was a "cast member" for almost 10 years) - I get it as a reminder for those in public-facing jobs but not working directly in entertainment that they were still part of the "show" as far as guest interactions, but applying that terminology to, say, a payroll specialist in Burbank seems a little incredulous.

Isn't Subway calling their employees "Sandwich Artists?" I couldn't fathom someone being dense enough to put that out their resume or job application.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on December 13, 2019, 01:56:37 PM

Automatically describing something as 'historic" just because it hadn't happened before.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on December 13, 2019, 02:09:48 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 13, 2019, 01:07:11 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 13, 2019, 09:36:54 AM
Of course I'll throw in "Happy Holidays" because we can't say Merry Christmas for fear of offending anyone.

"Happy Holidays" is nice because it's a lot shorter than "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year".

At this point more people bitch about "Happy Holidays" than anyone ever did about "Merry Christmas", so I just don't acknowledge it being December at all.

Happy Holidays makes sense because I don't know what you celebrate. Unless you're wearing a stupid Christmas sweater or a Star of David or something.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SectorZ on December 13, 2019, 02:22:03 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2019, 01:12:44 PM
One that really gets to me is calling an employee a "associate" or "team member." Associates own stock in a company, it seems that term came from places like Walmart. I don't play sports with my co-workers or employees so therefore they cannot be teammates. My co-workers and employees aren't "my family" either.

Walmart had a few sports related terms when I worked there thru the late 90's, mostly with cleaning up the store. "Zone defense", mostly done approaching closing, was the general clean-up of your own department, whereas a "blitz" was a bunch of people leaving their dept. to clean up a messier one.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on December 13, 2019, 02:26:59 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 13, 2019, 12:27:09 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on December 13, 2019, 12:10:44 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 13, 2019, 08:54:27 AM
When it comes down to legal stuff, guaranteed there's some lawsuit that leads to the current language used. Refer back to the forum discussion about the oxford comma for an example.

I think some of it is inertia and superstition. Someone used a certain form and won a case, so his colleagues copied him and others did the same. This is a pet peeve of mine and I could rant about it for a long time, but I'll spare you.

As in a precedence?

....

Precedent, actually. I wouldn't really view what I described as a precedent because in the legal world that term usually (not always, but usually) refers to a court decision that then gets followed by later courts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Brandon on December 13, 2019, 02:48:06 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on December 13, 2019, 09:36:54 AM
Of course I'll throw in "Happy Holidays" because we can't say Merry Christmas for fear of offending anyone.

I prefer "Happy Holidays" for the season (Thanksgiving through New Years) as a whole, saving the exact holiday for the day or couple days prior to the holiday since there are so many during this season.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 13, 2019, 03:05:43 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 13, 2019, 01:07:11 PM
At this point more people bitch about "Happy Holidays" than anyone ever did about "Merry Christmas", so I just don't acknowledge it being December at all.

I like that approach! Maybe switch to saying "Decent December" instead, though.

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on December 13, 2019, 02:09:48 PM
Happy Holidays makes sense because I don't know what you celebrate. Unless you're wearing a stupid Christmas sweater or a Star of David or something.

"Holidays" as a way of being inclusive doesn't bother me so much if it's actually legitimate. But it's usually not.

1. If your company party has a Christmas tree, pictures with Santa Claus, wrapping paper with elves and reindeer and Joy to the World printed on it... then it's a Christmas party. Nobody went to any trouble to try and fit in a different religion's holiday, so don't somehow pretend they did by calling it a "holiday party" instead of a "Christmas party".

2. Do you know when Hanukkah is? Here's a tip: if Hanukkah has already ended, then there's no longer any reason not to say "Merry Christmas". Chances are though, you don't know when Hanukkah is but are still trying to pretend you're sensitive to people's religious faith. OK, you get half a point for trying.

3. On December 26, do you ask someone if they had a "good holiday"? Really? What holiday are you referring to? Don't tell me you might be referring to Hanukkah unless you're prepared to answer YES to #2 above. This year, for example, December 26 is only halfway through Hanukkah. Last year, it had already been over for two weeks. Just ask if they had a good Christmas, and then be prepared for them to tell you they don't celebrate Christmas because _________.

4. Kwanzaa isn't a real holiday.

On the other hand, "holidays" is perfectly good for referring to the whole time between Thanksgiving and the New Year. It's the time of year when people have family gatherings, participate in cultural and religious traditions, take time off from work, etc. "Happy holidays" has been used as such for a hundred years, but it somehow got slurped up into political correctness. I think we'd feel less icky and flaky in using the phrase "Happy holidays" if we weren't so darned afraid to use "Merry Christmas" when that's what we actually mean.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 13, 2019, 03:06:08 PM

Quote from: Brandon on December 13, 2019, 02:48:06 PM
I prefer "Happy Holidays" for the season (Thanksgiving through New Years) as a whole, saving the exact holiday for the day or couple days prior to the holiday since there are so many during this season.

Well, there you go, being reasonable and all!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on December 13, 2019, 04:04:55 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 13, 2019, 03:06:08 PM
Quote from: Brandon on December 13, 2019, 02:48:06 PM
I prefer "Happy Holidays" for the season (Thanksgiving through New Years) as a whole, saving the exact holiday for the day or couple days prior to the holiday since there are so many during this season.
Well, there you go, being reasonable and all!

Or just ignore the brewhaha altogether and stick with "Have a nice day/morning/afternoon/evening/night". Works all year round.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on December 13, 2019, 04:11:45 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on December 13, 2019, 04:04:55 PM

Or just ignore the brouhaha altogether and stick with "Have a nice day/morning/afternoon/evening/night". Works all year round.

Or, "Have a good one." Which is somewhat annoying to me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on December 13, 2019, 05:52:19 PM

George's take.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12mGYs-Hn6Q

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: allniter89 on December 14, 2019, 12:14:43 AM

Quote from: qguy on December 11, 2019, 07:18:53 AM
1. With a double-door entrance/exit doorway, keeping one of the doors locked, effectively making it a wall with a door handle. The double door is there for a reason: safety. It's meant to provide a wide through-space for dumping the building in an emergency. They're often specified by building codes for buildings over a certain occupancy. Plus, it's just so annoying to pull on a door that doesn't budge. It's like the door says, "Psych!"

2. Stores (like my local Walmart) that have an employee check everyone's receipts as they leave. There has got to be a better loss prevention strategy than treating all of your customers like they're already shoplifters.

I've never been checked at WM but Sams does. We're getting a BJ's here soon, is it a Sams clone?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on December 14, 2019, 01:08:20 AM

Quote

4. Kwanzaa isn't a real holiday.

What makes a holiday real? People celebrate Kwanzaa. That's real enough.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 14, 2019, 01:23:24 AM

Quote from: kphoger on December 13, 2019, 03:05:43 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 13, 2019, 01:07:11 PM
At this point more people bitch about "Happy Holidays" than anyone ever did about "Merry Christmas", so I just don't acknowledge it being December at all.

I like that approach! Maybe switch to saying "Decent December" instead, though.

I just stick with my standard "Good luck", which ranges from making a lot of sense if I'm at work (casino), and potentially extremely concerning if not.

"Okay, your order will be $15.17 and it'll be there in about 30 minutes!"
"Thank you! Good luck!"
*hangs up*
"...Wait, what about this order makes him think we need good luck?"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 14, 2019, 04:52:57 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 13, 2019, 03:05:43 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 13, 2019, 01:07:11 PM
At this point more people bitch about "Happy Holidays" than anyone ever did about "Merry Christmas", so I just don't acknowledge it being December at all.

I like that approach! Maybe switch to saying "Decent December" instead, though.

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on December 13, 2019, 02:09:48 PM
Happy Holidays makes sense because I don’t know what you celebrate. Unless you’re wearing a stupid Christmas sweater or a Star of David or something.

"Holidays" as a way of being inclusive doesn't bother me so much if it's actually legitimate. But it's usually not.

1. If your company party has a Christmas tree, pictures with Santa Claus, wrapping paper with elves and reindeer and Joy to the World printed on it... then it's a Christmas party. Nobody went to any trouble to try and fit in a different religion's holiday, so don't somehow pretend they did by calling it a "holiday party" instead of a "Christmas party".

2. Do you know when Hanukkah is? Here's a tip: if Hanukkah has already ended, then there's no longer any reason not to say "Merry Christmas". Chances are though, you don't know when Hanukkah is but are still trying to pretend you're sensitive to people's religious faith. OK, you get half a point for trying.

3. On December 26, do you ask someone if they had a "good holiday"? Really? What holiday are you referring to? Don't tell me you might be referring to Hanukkah unless you're prepared to answer YES to #2 above. This year, for example, December 26 is only halfway through Hanukkah. Last year, it had already been over for two weeks. Just ask if they had a good Christmas, and then be prepared for them to tell you they don't celebrate Christmas because _________.

4. Kwanzaa isn't a real holiday.

On the other hand, "holidays" is perfectly good for referring to the whole time between Thanksgiving and the New Year. It's the time of year when people have family gatherings, participate in cultural and religious traditions, take time off from work, etc. "Happy holidays" has been used as such for a hundred years, but it somehow got slurped up into political correctness. I think we'd feel less icky and flaky in using the phrase "Happy holidays" if we weren't so darned afraid to use "Merry Christmas" when that's what we actually mean.

That's what I mean. if its a holiday party bring out some dreidels.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: noelbotevera on December 14, 2019, 05:21:46 PM

-People who are very particular on English rules...yes I know the rules, no I don't care. Some of the best authors (like James Joyce) and accents (Southern, New England) routinely break the rules of English. English is also full of extremely stupid rules with too many exceptions and too many terms.

-People who play music way too loudly over their headset...it's called a headset for a reason, not a loudspeaker.

-People who speak too fast...if I'm talking to you, it's kinda important for me to understand what you're saying. This is why I speak slowly on purpose.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on December 14, 2019, 05:41:28 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 13, 2019, 12:27:09 PM
Which, by the way, is a minor thing that bother's me.

Has anyone mentioned the misuse of apostrophes yet? :-D :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MikeTheActuary on December 14, 2019, 05:45:06 PM

Quote from: paulthemapguy on December 12, 2019, 01:01:17 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2019, 04:10:36 PM
"Reach out" is still overuse business slang from I observe in my interactions with people. I get asked "reach out" to a person and/or people at least three times weekly.

Other overused office language:

"Touch base"
"Livin' the dream"
"Open a can of worms"
"Shoot you" a text/email/contact. Don't shoot me. I don't want to be shot.

Other incorrect office language:
"in regards to". If you can't figure out how to say this phrase correctly, just say "about." It accomplishes the same thing. If you can't take the heat of complex prepositional phrases, stay out of the kitchen.
Overuse of generic nouns like "item," "element," or "component," without explaining the context. These words might as well be pronouns.

Quote from: roadman on December 12, 2019, 01:00:07 PM

When questions are followed by the phrase "Asking for a friend".

I do that ironically as a joke, like with "yolo," or "swag," because I think it's dumb

One of the nice things about my now reporting to an office in Montréal is that my boss and others in my department are not native speakers of English (two French Canadians, one German, and me). We have to simplify our language in order to understand one another. While it means that I don't get to use my odd colloquialisms when describing my work, we also end up sparing ourselves the corporate jargon because it doesn't always translate correctly.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MikeTheActuary on December 14, 2019, 05:49:36 PM

Quote from: noelbotevera on December 14, 2019, 05:21:46 PM
-People who are very particular on English rules...yes I know the rules, no I don't care. Some of the best authors (like James Joyce) and accents (Southern, New England) routinely break the rules of English. English is also full of extremely stupid rules with too many exceptions and too many terms.

I have two standard responses when folks get pedantic on English grammar rules:

1. English isn't French, German, or Icelandic. We don't have a specific organization that defends the language and codifies the rules around it. Our rules of grammar are descriptive, rather than prescriptive, and our language evolves.

2. (After taking a moment to bring up a thick Lower Alabama twang) "Y'all talk funny too."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MNHighwayMan on December 14, 2019, 05:52:16 PM

Quote from: noelbotevera on December 14, 2019, 05:21:46 PM
Some of the best [...] accents (Southern, New England)

I hope this is a joke, because it is definitively false.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 14, 2019, 10:20:55 PM

Anyone over the age of 10 who says "veggies"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MNHighwayMan on December 14, 2019, 10:26:25 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on December 14, 2019, 10:20:55 PM
Anyone over the age of 10 who says "veggies"

Veggies.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 14, 2019, 10:34:51 PM

STOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on December 14, 2019, 10:50:52 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on December 14, 2019, 10:20:55 PM
Anyone over the age of 10 who says "veggies"

Anyone with kids over the age of 10 who uses the word "potty" (by itself and outside of telling a joke). However, for whatever reason the term "potty-mouth" doesn't bother me.

- How it takes at least two days to mail a letter to a city 10 minutes away
- How certain documents have to be snail-mailed

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 15, 2019, 09:58:26 AM

Quote from: DaBigE on December 14, 2019, 10:50:52 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 14, 2019, 10:20:55 PM
Anyone over the age of 10 who says "veggies"

Anyone with kids over the age of 10 who uses the word "potty" (by itself and outside of telling a joke). However, for whatever reason the term "potty-mouth" doesn't bother me.

- How it takes at least two days to mail a letter to a city 10 minutes away
- How certain documents have to be snail-mailed

Good one

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on December 15, 2019, 10:45:28 AM

Quote from: DaBigE on December 14, 2019, 10:50:52 PM
Anyone with kids over the age of 10 who uses the word "potty" (by itself and outside of telling a joke). However, for whatever reason the term "potty-mouth" doesn't bother me.

I don't personally own dogs, but my grandparent's dogs go "potty". That's the word they were trained. I guess because it's shorter than going to "the bathroom" or something else.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on December 15, 2019, 11:01:54 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on December 15, 2019, 10:45:28 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 14, 2019, 10:50:52 PM
Anyone with kids over the age of 10 who uses the word "potty" (by itself and outside of telling a joke). However, for whatever reason the term "potty-mouth" doesn't bother me.

I don't personally own dogs, but my grandparent's dogs go "potty". That's the word they were trained. I guess because it's shorter than going to "the bathroom" or something else.

When I was a kid, my parents never used the word "potty" except in reference to a "training potty" they had for when we were super-little kids learning how to go. They never said, for example, "Does anyone need to go potty?" before we left to drive somewhere. They asked if we needed to "go to the bathroom." In general, my parents didn't talk down to us and didn't use very many childish expressions.

To me, "potty" sounds like a word someone from Brooklyn uses to describe an event you have for a momentous occasion, like a significant birthday (i.e., "party"). But then, my relatives all pronounce my aunt's ex-husband's name (Arty) as if it were "Otty," so it's understandable why it sounds that way to me.

Quote from: hbelkins on December 14, 2019, 05:41:28 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 13, 2019, 12:27:09 PM
Which, by the way, is a minor thing that bother's me.

Has anyone mentioned the misuse of apostrophes yet? :-D :-D

One thing that irks me is the prevalence of the misuse of the opening single quotation mark when the correct character is an apostrophe. A major reason for this is the use of autocorrect features in word-processing software. The software doesn't know you're truncating something and need an apostrophe, so it inserts a single quotation mark, and people just assume it's correct. (The easiest way to solve the problem is to type another character before the desired apostrophe, then go back and delete it.) The incorrect style looks particularly idiotic in newspaper headlines or on t-shirts. I found this mnemonic explanation on a blog:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.signalinc.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F06%2Fapostrophe_blog_graphic.jpg&hash=f1714a182396cd99935704f6b996bbb0794a6089)

In a similar vein, we've had that discussion about the one-space versus two-space holdover from the typewriter era. Another similar issue arises when people misuse an en dash when they need an em dash. This is, again, caused by autocorrect. Some people put spaces around dashes and will type in the form "word space hyphen hyphen space word." (Example: dash -- but) Some style guides call for that form as well, while others call for a "small space" just to set off the dash a little bit. The problem is, MS Word inserts the shorter en dash when you do this. To get the correct em dash, you need to omit the spaces around the two hyphens (example: dash--but) or know the code for typing the correct style dash (on a Windows PC, Alt+0151 on the ten-key).

The worst is the people who try to use a single hyphen in place of a dash. It's hideous.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 15, 2019, 11:02:43 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on December 15, 2019, 10:45:28 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 14, 2019, 10:50:52 PM
Anyone with kids over the age of 10 who uses the word "potty" (by itself and outside of telling a joke). However, for whatever reason the term "potty-mouth" doesn't bother me.

I don't personally own dogs, but my grandparent's dogs go "potty". That's the word they were trained. I guess because it's shorter than going to "the bathroom" or something else.

The shorter the command with a dog the better. My dogs know simply what "potty" is and don't need it further expounded upon to get what I'm telling them to do.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on December 15, 2019, 11:35:33 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 15, 2019, 11:02:43 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 15, 2019, 10:45:28 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 14, 2019, 10:50:52 PM
Anyone with kids over the age of 10 who uses the word "potty" (by itself and outside of telling a joke). However, for whatever reason the term "potty-mouth" doesn't bother me.

I don't personally own dogs, but my grandparent's dogs go "potty". That's the word they were trained. I guess because it's shorter than going to "the bathroom" or something else.

The shorter the command with a dog the better. My dogs know simply what "potty" is and don't need it further expounded upon to get what I'm telling them to do.

Makes perfect sense to me. Plus, so many dogs are like kids to people, so using childish terms seems reasonable.

Quote from: 1995hoo on December 15, 2019, 11:01:54 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 15, 2019, 10:45:28 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 14, 2019, 10:50:52 PM
Anyone with kids over the age of 10 who uses the word "potty" (by itself and outside of telling a joke). However, for whatever reason the term "potty-mouth" doesn't bother me.

I don't personally own dogs, but my grandparent's dogs go "potty". That's the word they were trained. I guess because it's shorter than going to "the bathroom" or something else.

When I was a kid, my parents never used the word "potty" except in reference to a "training potty" they had for when we were super-little kids learning how to go. They never said, for example, "Does anyone need to go potty?" before we left to drive somewhere. They asked if we needed to "go to the bathroom." In general, my parents didn't talk down to us and didn't use very many childish expressions.

To me, "potty" sounds like a word someone from Brooklyn uses to describe an event you have for a momentous occasion, like a significant birthday (i.e., "party"). But then, my relatives all pronounce my aunt's ex-husband's name (Arty) as if it were "Otty," so it's understandable why it sounds that way to me.

If I had more family from New England, I would likely agree with that sentiment.

I was never trained to use the "potty" myself. It was always just the dogs. "Bathroom", "restroom", or "washroom" were most common. Sometimes "toilet".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on December 15, 2019, 01:35:30 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on December 14, 2019, 10:50:52 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 14, 2019, 10:20:55 PM
Anyone over the age of 10 who says "veggies"

Anyone with kids over the age of 10 who uses the word "potty" (by itself and outside of telling a joke). However, for whatever reason the term "potty-mouth" doesn't bother me.

- How it takes at least two days to mail a letter to a city 10 minutes away
- How certain documents have to be snail-mailed

Mail-in Rebates!!!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on December 15, 2019, 01:37:39 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on December 15, 2019, 10:45:28 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 14, 2019, 10:50:52 PM
Anyone with kids over the age of 10 who uses the word "potty" (by itself and outside of telling a joke). However, for whatever reason the term "potty-mouth" doesn't bother me.

I don't personally own dogs, but my grandparent's dogs go "potty". That's the word they were trained. I guess because it's shorter than going to "the bathroom" or something else.

"Pee" is even shorter.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on December 15, 2019, 01:56:27 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on December 15, 2019, 01:37:39 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 15, 2019, 10:45:28 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 14, 2019, 10:50:52 PM
Anyone with kids over the age of 10 who uses the word "potty" (by itself and outside of telling a joke). However, for whatever reason the term "potty-mouth" doesn't bother me.

I don't personally own dogs, but my grandparent's dogs go "potty". That's the word they were trained. I guess because it's shorter than going to "the bathroom" or something else.

"Pee" is even shorter.

What if they gotta shit? Even if they can't speak English, I try to be fair and treat both maneuvers equally.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on December 15, 2019, 02:03:15 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on December 15, 2019, 01:56:27 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 15, 2019, 01:37:39 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 15, 2019, 10:45:28 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 14, 2019, 10:50:52 PM
Anyone with kids over the age of 10 who uses the word "potty" (by itself and outside of telling a joke). However, for whatever reason the term "potty-mouth" doesn't bother me.

I don't personally own dogs, but my grandparent's dogs go "potty". That's the word they were trained. I guess because it's shorter than going to "the bathroom" or something else.

"Pee" is even shorter.

What if they gotta shit? Even if they can't speak English, I try to be fair and treat both maneuvers equally.

Your dog's going to know the difference?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tchafe1978 on December 15, 2019, 02:58:17 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on December 15, 2019, 01:35:30 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 14, 2019, 10:50:52 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 14, 2019, 10:20:55 PM
Anyone over the age of 10 who says "veggies"

Anyone with kids over the age of 10 who uses the word "potty" (by itself and outside of telling a joke). However, for whatever reason the term "potty-mouth" doesn't bother me.

- How it takes at least two days to mail a letter to a city 10 minutes away
- How certain documents have to be snail-mailed

Mail-in Rebates!!!

Worse are the mail-in rebates that only give you in-store credit, and not cash back. A certain Wisconsin based home improvement store chain is well known for this.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on December 15, 2019, 03:38:45 PM

Quote from: tchafe1978 on December 15, 2019, 02:58:17 PM
Quote from: SSOWorld on December 15, 2019, 01:35:30 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 14, 2019, 10:50:52 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 14, 2019, 10:20:55 PM
Anyone over the age of 10 who says "veggies"

Anyone with kids over the age of 10 who uses the word "potty" (by itself and outside of telling a joke). However, for whatever reason the term "potty-mouth" doesn't bother me.

- How it takes at least two days to mail a letter to a city 10 minutes away
- How certain documents have to be snail-mailed

Mail-in Rebates!!!

Worse are the mail-in rebates that only give you in-store credit, and not cash back. A certain Wisconsin based home improvement store chain is well known for this.

The customer in me completely agrees, but it's a brilliant business move. Generate foot traffic from those who weren't too lazy to get their "money" back.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on December 15, 2019, 03:41:10 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on December 14, 2019, 10:20:55 PM
Anyone over the age of 10 who says "veggies"

Learned last week that there really is such a word as "vegetal." All along I thought it was a purposeful misspelling of "vegetable" (like "cheezburger") in the infamous Smudge the cat post that became half of the "woman shouting at a white cat" meme.

Nope, it's a real word. It's a synonym for "vegetable" when that word is used as an adjective.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on December 15, 2019, 04:55:52 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on December 15, 2019, 02:03:15 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 15, 2019, 01:56:27 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 15, 2019, 01:37:39 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 15, 2019, 10:45:28 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 14, 2019, 10:50:52 PM
Anyone with kids over the age of 10 who uses the word "potty" (by itself and outside of telling a joke). However, for whatever reason the term "potty-mouth" doesn't bother me.

I don't personally own dogs, but my grandparent's dogs go "potty". That's the word they were trained. I guess because it's shorter than going to "the bathroom" or something else.

"Pee" is even shorter.

What if they gotta shit? Even if they can't speak English, I try to be fair and treat both maneuvers equally.

Your dog's going to know the difference?

Well, no. I mean, I could teach them Mandarin if I wanted. Just trying to be consistent; if not for myself, for those around me or those watching them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Brandon on December 15, 2019, 04:59:30 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on December 15, 2019, 03:38:45 PM
Quote from: tchafe1978 on December 15, 2019, 02:58:17 PM
Quote from: SSOWorld on December 15, 2019, 01:35:30 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 14, 2019, 10:50:52 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 14, 2019, 10:20:55 PM
Anyone over the age of 10 who says "veggies"

Anyone with kids over the age of 10 who uses the word "potty" (by itself and outside of telling a joke). However, for whatever reason the term "potty-mouth" doesn't bother me.

- How it takes at least two days to mail a letter to a city 10 minutes away
- How certain documents have to be snail-mailed

Mail-in Rebates!!!

Worse are the mail-in rebates that only give you in-store credit, and not cash back. A certain Wisconsin based home improvement store chain is well known for this.

The customer in me completely agrees, but it's a brilliant business move. Generate foot traffic from those who weren't too lazy to get their "money" back.

All 11% worth.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on December 15, 2019, 06:17:07 PM

Pharmaceutical ads. In the middle of telling us how wonderful the drug is, they're required to recite the laundry list of ways the drug could kill us. And they always have some generic setting (people shopping, grandparents walking in the park, etc.) that have absolutely nothing to do with the drug or the condition it's treating.

Automobile dealerships don't have sales; they have "events."

SUV commercials showing the vehicle driving through rough wilderness, amazingly without ever collecting a speck of dirt. In reality, I think the most dirt an SUV sees is when the owner brings home a potted plant from the store.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LM117 on December 15, 2019, 06:29:04 PM

(https://i.imgflip.com/3jk4s7.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 15, 2019, 06:29:51 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on December 15, 2019, 06:17:07 PM
Pharmaceutical ads. In the middle of telling us how wonderful the drug is, they're required to recite the laundry list of ways the drug could kill us. And they always have some generic setting (people shopping, grandparents walking in the park, etc.) that have absolutely nothing to do with the drug or the condition it's treating.

Automobile dealerships don't have sales; they have "events."

SUV commercials showing the vehicle driving through rough wilderness, amazingly without ever collecting a speck of dirt. In reality, I think the most dirt an SUV sees is when the owner brings home a potted plant from the store.

Yet we're supposed to think vaccines are safe.

They're not dealers they're "superstores"

Yes mostly owned by soccer moms.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 15, 2019, 06:30:26 PM

Quote from: LM117 on December 15, 2019, 06:29:04 PM
(https://i.imgflip.com/3jk4s7.jpg)

and the gecko, and Flo........

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on December 15, 2019, 06:45:19 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on December 15, 2019, 06:29:51 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on December 15, 2019, 06:17:07 PM
Pharmaceutical ads. In the middle of telling us how wonderful the drug is, they're required to recite the laundry list of ways the drug could kill us. And they always have some generic setting (people shopping, grandparents walking in the park, etc.) that have absolutely nothing to do with the drug or the condition it's treating.

Automobile dealerships don't have sales; they have "events."

SUV commercials showing the vehicle driving through rough wilderness, amazingly without ever collecting a speck of dirt. In reality, I think the most dirt an SUV sees is when the owner brings home a potted plant from the store.
Yet we're supposed to think vaccines are safe.

Nothing is absolutely 100% safe. Water can be lethal, too.

Quote from: Brandon on December 15, 2019, 04:59:30 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 15, 2019, 03:38:45 PM
Quote from: tchafe1978 on December 15, 2019, 02:58:17 PM
Quote from: SSOWorld on December 15, 2019, 01:35:30 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 14, 2019, 10:50:52 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 14, 2019, 10:20:55 PM
Anyone over the age of 10 who says "veggies"
Anyone with kids over the age of 10 who uses the word "potty" (by itself and outside of telling a joke). However, for whatever reason the term "potty-mouth" doesn't bother me.

- How it takes at least two days to mail a letter to a city 10 minutes away
- How certain documents have to be snail-mailed

Mail-in Rebates!!!
Worse are the mail-in rebates that only give you in-store credit, and not cash back. A certain Wisconsin based home improvement store chain is well known for this.
The customer in me completely agrees, but it's a brilliant business move. Generate foot traffic from those who weren't too lazy to get their "money" back.
All 11% worth.

11% adds up after a while, especially based on some of the totals I've heard announced while waiting in line. I rarely hear anyone leave that store spending less than $50.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on December 15, 2019, 06:51:57 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on December 15, 2019, 06:29:51 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on December 15, 2019, 06:17:07 PM
Automobile dealerships don't have sales; they have "events."
They're not dealers they're "superstores"

And they don't sell vehicles, "they sell motors".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 15, 2019, 07:00:22 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on December 15, 2019, 06:51:57 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 15, 2019, 06:29:51 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on December 15, 2019, 06:17:07 PM
Automobile dealerships don't have sales; they have "events."
They're not dealers they're "superstores"
And they don't sell vehicles, "they sell motors".

I always thought it was interesting that "motors" is used so frequently as part of the name of a dealership. A motor typically would be associated with something electric whereas an engine would be of course combustion variant. It wasn't really until recently that electric motors have been much of anything in the automotive market.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on December 15, 2019, 08:56:38 PM

Dear heavens, anti-vaxxers are found even on this board.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 15, 2019, 11:37:11 PM

Quote from: Rothman on December 15, 2019, 08:56:38 PM
Dear heavens, anti-vaxxers are found even on this board.

Conspiracy theorists and ghost/UFO hunting types tend to be among the crowd that gets on my nerve the most. Factual evidence no matter how strong is always a point of denial for those folks. Worse yet they tend to try to indoctrinate others into whatever bat shit crazy "theory" they have. I suppose the anti-vax crowd could be lumped into a similar grouping.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on December 16, 2019, 12:27:25 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 15, 2019, 11:37:11 PM
Quote from: Rothman on December 15, 2019, 08:56:38 PM
Dear heavens, anti-vaxxers are found even on this board.
Conspiracy theorists and ghost/UFO hunting types tend to be among the crowd that gets on my nerve the most. Factual evidence no matter how strong is always a point of denial for those folks. Worse yet they tend to try to indoctrinate others into whatever bat shit crazy "theory" they have. I suppose the anti-vax crowd could be lumped into a similar grouping.

So you don't believe that ghosts exist, and you don't believe that flying saucers exist?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 16, 2019, 12:35:04 AM

Quote from: Beltway on December 16, 2019, 12:27:25 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 15, 2019, 11:37:11 PM
Quote from: Rothman on December 15, 2019, 08:56:38 PM
Dear heavens, anti-vaxxers are found even on this board.
Conspiracy theorists and ghost/UFO hunting types tend to be among the crowd that gets on my nerve the most. Factual evidence no matter how strong is always a point of denial for those folks. Worse yet they tend to try to indoctrinate others into whatever bat shit crazy "theory" they have. I suppose the anti-vax crowd could be lumped into a similar grouping.

So you don't believe that ghosts exist, and you don't believe that flying saucers exist?

No on the first count regarding ghosts. Regarding aliens the odds of some other form of intelligent life somehow interacting with us is so improbable it comes awfully close to the territory of impossible. Either way, not many people who are firm believers in the concept of aliens and/or ghosts tend to present mindful evidence or theory the topic. As much as I would like Ghostbusters and Star Gate to be a real thing I can't see either happening.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GenExpwy on December 16, 2019, 04:16:20 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on December 15, 2019, 11:01:54 AM

One thing that irks me is the prevalence of the misuse of the opening single quotation mark when the correct character is an apostrophe. A major reason for this is the use of autocorrect features in word-processing software. The software doesn't know you're truncating something and need an apostrophe, so it inserts a single quotation mark, and people just assume it's correct. (The easiest way to solve the problem is to type another character before the desired apostrophe, then go back and delete it.) The incorrect style looks particularly idiotic in newspaper headlines or on t-shirts. I found this mnemonic explanation on a blog:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.signalinc.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F06%2Fapostrophe_blog_graphic.jpg&hash=f1714a182396cd99935704f6b996bbb0794a6089)

In a similar vein, we've had that discussion about the one-space versus two-space holdover from the typewriter era. Another similar issue arises when people misuse an en dash when they need an em dash. This is, again, caused by autocorrect. Some people put spaces around dashes and will type in the form "word space hyphen hyphen space word." (Example: dash -- but) Some style guides call for that form as well, while others call for a "small space" just to set off the dash a little bit. The problem is, MS Word inserts the shorter en dash when you do this. To get the correct em dash, you need to omit the spaces around the two hyphens (example: dash--but) or know the code for typing the correct style dash (on a Windows PC, Alt+0151 on the ten-key).

The worst is the people who try to use a single hyphen in place of a dash. It's hideous.

Likewise, using:

a hyphen instead of a minus sign (-40Â° vs −40Â°)
the letter x instead of the multiplication sign (640x480 vs 640Ã—480)
(C) instead of Â© for the copyright symbol
substitutes for the prime symbols, as in 11′ 8″ (straight quotes are tolerable if necessary; curly quotes are bad).

Regarding apostrophe-substitutes, be careful with Hawaiʻian words. The ʻokina is not an apostrophe, but a letter of the Hawaiʻian alphabet, and it is supposed to look like a tiny 6, not a tiny 9. The correct Unicode character to use is U+02BB MODIFIER LETTER TURNED COMMA.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 16, 2019, 05:23:12 AM

Quote from: GenExpwy on December 16, 2019, 04:16:20 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on December 15, 2019, 11:01:54 AM

One thing that irks me is the prevalence of the misuse of the opening single quotation mark when the correct character is an apostrophe. A major reason for this is the use of autocorrect features in word-processing software. The software doesn't know you're truncating something and need an apostrophe, so it inserts a single quotation mark, and people just assume it's correct. (The easiest way to solve the problem is to type another character before the desired apostrophe, then go back and delete it.) The incorrect style looks particularly idiotic in newspaper headlines or on t-shirts. I found this mnemonic explanation on a blog:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.signalinc.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F06%2Fapostrophe_blog_graphic.jpg&hash=f1714a182396cd99935704f6b996bbb0794a6089)

In a similar vein, we've had that discussion about the one-space versus two-space holdover from the typewriter era. Another similar issue arises when people misuse an en dash when they need an em dash. This is, again, caused by autocorrect. Some people put spaces around dashes and will type in the form "word space hyphen hyphen space word." (Example: dash -- but) Some style guides call for that form as well, while others call for a "small space" just to set off the dash a little bit. The problem is, MS Word inserts the shorter en dash when you do this. To get the correct em dash, you need to omit the spaces around the two hyphens (example: dash--but) or know the code for typing the correct style dash (on a Windows PC, Alt+0151 on the ten-key).

The worst is the people who try to use a single hyphen in place of a dash. It's hideous.

Likewise, using:

a hyphen instead of a minus sign (-40Â° vs −40Â°)
the letter x instead of the multiplication sign (640x480 vs 640Ã—480)
(C) instead of Â© for the copyright symbol
substitutes for the prime symbols, as in 11′ 8″ (straight quotes are tolerable if necessary; curly quotes are bad).
Regarding apostrophe-substitutes, be careful with Hawaiʻian words. The ʻokina is not an apostrophe, but a letter of the Hawaiʻian alphabet, and it is supposed to look like a tiny 6, not a tiny 9. The correct Unicode character to use is U+02BB MODIFIER LETTER TURNED COMMA.

My rule of thumb is this: if I can't tell the differences when something is handwritten, then I'm not going to be annoyed by such minor misuse in digital form.

I recall a time when you had a max of ASCII 255 characters, with several of them pretty much unusable; trying to find the exact Unicode character can be a needle in a haystack or even impossible on mobile devices.

The dash thing bugs me a little, though it's one area an iPhone excels over typing on a PC. :P

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 16, 2019, 07:05:09 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 15, 2019, 11:37:11 PM
Quote from: Rothman on December 15, 2019, 08:56:38 PM
Dear heavens, anti-vaxxers are found even on this board.

Conspiracy theorists and ghost/UFO hunting types tend to be among the crowd that gets on my nerve the most. Factual evidence no matter how strong is always a point of denial for those folks. Worse yet they tend to try to indoctrinate others into whatever bat shit crazy "theory" they have. I suppose the anti-vax crowd could be lumped into a similar grouping.

So when these ads are on with 2 minutes of the dangers you probably just enjoy the pictures. Keep in mind it's the same big pharma companies who prepare the vaccines. Why do you think people who get the flu shot always get the flu?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 16, 2019, 07:05:49 AM

Hope I didn't mention it already but broadcasters who say "Jag-wires". Makes me turn the station off.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on December 16, 2019, 07:12:19 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on December 16, 2019, 07:05:09 AM
Why do you think people who get the flu shot always get the flu?

Flu shots are about 40% effective, varying from year to year. It's better than nothing, but it's nowhere near perfect.

(This does not mean you have a 60% chance of getting the flu. It means it's 60% of what it would be with no flu shot.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on December 16, 2019, 07:13:59 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on December 16, 2019, 07:05:09 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 15, 2019, 11:37:11 PM
Quote from: Rothman on December 15, 2019, 08:56:38 PM
Dear heavens, anti-vaxxers are found even on this board.

Conspiracy theorists and ghost/UFO hunting types tend to be among the crowd that gets on my nerve the most. Factual evidence no matter how strong is always a point of denial for those folks. Worse yet they tend to try to indoctrinate others into whatever bat shit crazy "theory" they have. I suppose the anti-vax crowd could be lumped into a similar grouping.

So when these ads are on with 2 minutes of the dangers you probably just enjoy the pictures. Keep in mind it's the same big pharma companies who prepare the vaccines. Why do you think people who get the flu shot always get the flu?

Case in Max's point.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 16, 2019, 07:32:56 AM

Quote from: 1 on December 16, 2019, 07:12:19 AM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 16, 2019, 07:05:09 AM
Why do you think people who get the flu shot always get the flu?

Flu shots are about 40% effective, varying from year to year. It's better than nothing, but it's nowhere near perfect.

(This does not mean you have a 60% chance of getting the flu. It means it's 60% of what it would be with no flu shot.)

Better than nothing? alrighty then.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on December 16, 2019, 08:01:31 AM

Quote from: GenExpwy on December 16, 2019, 04:16:20 AM
the letter x instead of the multiplication sign (640x480 vs 640Ã—480)

I just tried to find one in Word ... is there one?

As some programming languages use the asterisk (*) for the multiplication function, I have tended to use that when I type out an equation.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on December 16, 2019, 08:30:05 AM

I wish the cent sign had been preserved on computer keyboards. It's largely disappeared because so few people know how to type it (I'm typing this on my iPhone, and on this keyboard you hold down on the dollar sign to get a choice of Â¢, €, Â£, and a few others; on a PC, it's Alt-0162 on the ten-key).

Where I think it bugs me most are some CFX-posted BGSs in Florida. Their signs for exits with ramp tolls will say, for example, "Pay Toll .75" –what's so hard about omitting the decimal point and using the cent sign so it says "Pay Toll 75Â¢" ? I understand why the average person doesn't know how to type this symbol and so doesn't use it, but professional work like publishers and sign fabricators ought to be able to do better.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on December 16, 2019, 08:36:18 AM

Â¢ is option-4 on my keyboard.

Ã— is not on my keyboard by default, but I made it shift-option-M.

I've also changed the ` key to make it type the word " the " (with spaces), with `w → " with the ", `o → " of the ", etc. Why does the ` key even exist?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on December 16, 2019, 08:42:07 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on December 16, 2019, 08:30:05 AM
I wish the cent sign had been preserved on computer keyboards. It’s largely disappeared because so few people know how to type it (I’m typing this on my iPhone, and on this keyboard you hold down on the dollar sign to get a choice of Â¢, €, Â£, and a few others; on a PC, it’s Alt-0162 on the ten-key).

Where I think it bugs me most are some CFX-posted BGSs in Florida. Their signs for exits with ramp tolls will say, for example, “Pay Toll .75”—what’s so hard about omitting the decimal point and using the cent sign so it says “Pay Toll 75Â¢”? I understand why the average person doesn’t know how to type this symbol and so doesn’t use it, but professional work like publishers and sign fabricators ought to be able to do better.

If the average person doesn't normally use it, chances are this symbol is becoming less known. After all, it's a rare site to see it in most businesses and stores. For travelers, .75 is probably easier to comprehend.

Is the cent sign even used outside the US?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on December 16, 2019, 08:49:14 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 16, 2019, 08:42:07 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on December 16, 2019, 08:30:05 AM
I wish the cent sign had been preserved on computer keyboards. It's largely disappeared because so few people know how to type it (I'm typing this on my iPhone, and on this keyboard you hold down on the dollar sign to get a choice of Â¢, €, Â£, and a few others; on a PC, it's Alt-0162 on the ten-key).

Where I think it bugs me most are some CFX-posted BGSs in Florida. Their signs for exits with ramp tolls will say, for example, "Pay Toll .75" –what's so hard about omitting the decimal point and using the cent sign so it says "Pay Toll 75Â¢" ? I understand why the average person doesn't know how to type this symbol and so doesn't use it, but professional work like publishers and sign fabricators ought to be able to do better.

If the average person doesn't normally use it, chances are this symbol is becoming less known. After all, it's a rare site to see it in most businesses and stores. For travelers, .75 is probably easier to comprehend.

Is the cent sign even used outside the US?

The cent symbol appears on Mexico's lower-valued coins, although the lower coins aren't used much; the Mexican 50Â¢ coin is only worth about 3Â¢ in the US.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on December 16, 2019, 09:09:16 AM

Quote from: GenExpwy on December 16, 2019, 04:16:20 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on December 15, 2019, 11:01:54 AM

One thing that irks me is the prevalence of the misuse of the opening single quotation mark when the correct character is an apostrophe. A major reason for this is the use of autocorrect features in word-processing software. The software doesn't know you're truncating something and need an apostrophe, so it inserts a single quotation mark, and people just assume it's correct. (The easiest way to solve the problem is to type another character before the desired apostrophe, then go back and delete it.) The incorrect style looks particularly idiotic in newspaper headlines or on t-shirts. I found this mnemonic explanation on a blog:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.signalinc.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F06%2Fapostrophe_blog_graphic.jpg&hash=f1714a182396cd99935704f6b996bbb0794a6089)

In a similar vein, we've had that discussion about the one-space versus two-space holdover from the typewriter era. Another similar issue arises when people misuse an en dash when they need an em dash. This is, again, caused by autocorrect. Some people put spaces around dashes and will type in the form "word space hyphen hyphen space word." (Example: dash -- but) Some style guides call for that form as well, while others call for a "small space" just to set off the dash a little bit. The problem is, MS Word inserts the shorter en dash when you do this. To get the correct em dash, you need to omit the spaces around the two hyphens (example: dash--but) or know the code for typing the correct style dash (on a Windows PC, Alt+0151 on the ten-key).

The worst is the people who try to use a single hyphen in place of a dash. It's hideous.

Likewise, using:

a hyphen instead of a minus sign (-40Â° vs −40Â°)
the letter x instead of the multiplication sign (640x480 vs 640Ã—480)

Building off of that, it annoys me when people make a document with mathematical equations, but decide to take the lazy way out and use whatever they can find on the keyboard instead of the handy equation builder tool that's built-in.

Quote from: formulanone on December 16, 2019, 05:23:12 AM
(C) instead of Â© for the copyright symbol

Usually I don't mind Word's auto formatting for replacing text shortcuts with the intended symbol, which is why I don't turn it off, but this one annoys me. I rarely ever need the Â©, but Word thinks otherwise.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on December 16, 2019, 09:17:14 AM

^^^^

I set Word so it'd only give me the copyright symbol if I type ((c)), as opposed to (c). The latter is something I need to use often enough that I don't want the software changing it.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 16, 2019, 08:42:07 AM
If the average person doesn't normally use it, chances are this symbol is becoming less known. After all, it's a rare site to see it in most businesses and stores. For travelers, .75 is probably easier to comprehend.

Is the cent sign even used outside the US?

See, this is why I wish they'd kept it–on a typewriter, the Â¢ was typed with Shift-8 (the combination that yields * on a computer keyboard). The cent sign was well-known and used regularly until PCs took over from typewriters. (Edited to add: At least I think I remember it being Shift-8 on my parents' old Olivetti manual typewriter I had to use until the end of 8th grade.)

I have no idea whether people younger than about age 35 recognize the cent sign. I don't know anyone who wouldn't recognize it, but then most of the people I work with are older than their 20s.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on December 16, 2019, 09:56:31 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 15, 2019, 11:37:11 PM
Quote from: Rothman on December 15, 2019, 08:56:38 PM
Dear heavens, anti-vaxxers are found even on this board.

Conspiracy theorists and ghost/UFO hunting types tend to be among the crowd that gets on my nerve the most. Factual evidence no matter how strong is always a point of denial for those folks. Worse yet they tend to try to indoctrinate others into whatever bat shit crazy "theory" they have. I suppose the anti-vax crowd could be lumped into a similar grouping.

You mean that the 2001-09-11 attacks weren't caused by a bunch of hate-filled foreign zealots?

:-o

Yes, those sorts of sinister grand conspiracy kooks are more than just a 'minor' thing that bothers me.

:banghead:

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 16, 2019, 10:54:00 AM

Quote from: mgk920 on December 16, 2019, 09:56:31 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 15, 2019, 11:37:11 PM
Quote from: Rothman on December 15, 2019, 08:56:38 PM
Dear heavens, anti-vaxxers are found even on this board.

Conspiracy theorists and ghost/UFO hunting types tend to be among the crowd that gets on my nerve the most. Factual evidence no matter how strong is always a point of denial for those folks. Worse yet they tend to try to indoctrinate others into whatever bat shit crazy "theory" they have. I suppose the anti-vax crowd could be lumped into a similar grouping.

You mean that the 2001-09-11 attacks weren't caused by a bunch of hate-filled foreign zealots?

:-o

Yes, those sorts of sinister grand conspiracy kooks are more than just a 'minor' thing that bothers me.

:banghead:

Mike

Great, now explain how building 7 imploded after debris fell on it, or that the BBC reported it came down while it was still up. OOPS!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on December 16, 2019, 11:31:31 AM

Quote from: kphoger on December 13, 2019, 03:05:43 PM
I just don't acknowledge it being December at all.

Also a good life strategy.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 16, 2019, 11:41:51 AM

Quote from: webny99 on December 16, 2019, 11:31:31 AM
Quote from: kphoger on December 13, 2019, 03:05:43 PM
I just don't acknowledge it being December at all.

Also a good life strategy.

I do, I get two weeks off!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on December 16, 2019, 11:54:07 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on December 16, 2019, 08:30:05 AMI wish the cent sign had been preserved on computer keyboards. It's largely disappeared because so few people know how to type it (I'm typing this on my iPhone, and on this keyboard you hold down on the dollar sign to get a choice of Â¢, €, Â£, and a few others; on a PC, it's Alt-0162 on the ten-key).

The not-so-minor thing that bothers me is the lack of cross-platform facilities for easy entry of special characters at the keyboard. What I can achieve with deadkey combinations on one keyboard often means tedious and time-consuming menu fishing on another.

Quote from: 1995hoo on December 16, 2019, 08:30:05 AMWhere I think it bugs me most are some CFX-posted BGSs in Florida. Their signs for exits with ramp tolls will say, for example, "Pay Toll .75" –what's so hard about omitting the decimal point and using the cent sign so it says "Pay Toll 75Â¢" ? I understand why the average person doesn't know how to type this symbol and so doesn't use it, but professional work like publishers and sign fabricators ought to be able to do better.

I don't care if the toll amount is given in dollars or cents if it is less than one dollar and is the only money amount given, though I would expect the cents symbol to be used on a sign (despite my own practice of using c as a substitute in informal writing). What really bothers me is the failure to use a leading zero for a decimal amount less than unity.

For consistency, I would expect all money values in a given context (such as a sign specifying toll rates) to be quoted in dollars if there is at least one equal to or greater than one dollar, with any amounts that are vertically stacked to be aligned along the decimal point.

Another thing that bothers me: redundant usage of the dollar sign and the word "dollars" in the same expression--e.g., "$600 million dollars."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on December 16, 2019, 12:09:42 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on December 16, 2019, 08:30:05 AMWhere I think it bugs me most are some CFX-posted BGSs in Florida. Their signs for exits with ramp tolls will say, for example, "Pay Toll .75" –what's so hard about omitting the decimal point and using the cent sign so it says "Pay Toll 75Â¢" ? I understand why the average person doesn't know how to type this symbol and so doesn't use it, but professional work like publishers and sign fabricators ought to be able to do better.

Do they leave extra space left of the decimal? If so, it might be easier for when they raise the toll over $1.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on December 16, 2019, 12:28:17 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on December 16, 2019, 12:09:42 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on December 16, 2019, 08:30:05 AMWhere I think it bugs me most are some CFX-posted BGSs in Florida. Their signs for exits with ramp tolls will say, for example, "Pay Toll .75" –what's so hard about omitting the decimal point and using the cent sign so it says "Pay Toll 75Â¢" ? I understand why the average person doesn't know how to type this symbol and so doesn't use it, but professional work like publishers and sign fabricators ought to be able to do better.

Do they leave extra space left of the decimal? If so, it might be easier for when they raise the toll over $1.

Not that I've noticed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on December 16, 2019, 01:25:46 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on December 16, 2019, 08:30:05 AM
Where I think it bugs me most are some CFX-posted BGSs in Florida. Their signs for exits with ramp tolls will say, for example, “Pay Toll .75”—what’s so hard about omitting the decimal point and using the cent sign so it says “Pay Toll 75Â¢”? I understand why the average person doesn’t know how to type this symbol and so doesn’t use it, but professional work like publishers and sign fabricators ought to be able to do better.

The MUTCD 'Exact Change Only' symbol uses the cent sign - see Figures 2F-8 and 2F-9.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on December 16, 2019, 02:09:54 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on December 16, 2019, 09:17:14 AM
See, this is why I wish they’d kept it—on a typewriter, the Â¢ was typed with Shift-8 (the combination that yields * on a computer keyboard). The cent sign was well-known and used regularly until PCs took over from typewriters. (Edited to add: At least I think I remember it being Shift-8 on my parents’ old Olivetti manual typewriter I had to use until the end of 8th grade.)

That was also at a time when many common day products were under $1 as well. Most anything at a supermarket could be had for under $1. Most of the products at a fast food restaurant were under $1 as well. Woolworth 5 & 10 was basically all below $1 stuff. The cent sign was becoming antiquated as computer keyboards became an everyday household stable, with many general products at $1 or above, so I guess the teams at IBM and Apple figured there wasn't much functionality for it. Of course, it can be argued that that is true for ^, ~, ` and a few other symbols as well. The ~ was important at one point for personal websites, but very few people have those anymore.

Quote from: 1995hoo on December 16, 2019, 12:28:17 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 16, 2019, 12:09:42 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on December 16, 2019, 08:30:05 AMWhere I think it bugs me most are some CFX-posted BGSs in Florida. Their signs for exits with ramp tolls will say, for example, “Pay Toll .75”—what’s so hard about omitting the decimal point and using the cent sign so it says “Pay Toll 75Â¢”? I understand why the average person doesn’t know how to type this symbol and so doesn’t use it, but professional work like publishers and sign fabricators ought to be able to do better.

Do they leave extra space left of the decimal? If so, it might be easier for when they raise the toll over $1.

Not that I’ve noticed.

Then again, it may not matter. The DRBA recently raised their toll from $4.00 to $5.00. They could've just placed a 5 over the 4, or $5.00 over the $4.00. Nah, they fully replaced each and every sign with an identical sign, just with the different amount.

At least you know what the first day's increased toll funded.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 16, 2019, 02:21:49 PM

Cars without hubcaps

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on December 16, 2019, 02:37:18 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 16, 2019, 02:09:54 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on December 16, 2019, 09:17:14 AM
See, this is why I wish they'd kept it–on a typewriter, the Â¢ was typed with Shift-8 (the combination that yields * on a computer keyboard). The cent sign was well-known and used regularly until PCs took over from typewriters. (Edited to add: At least I think I remember it being Shift-8 on my parents' old Olivetti manual typewriter I had to use until the end of 8th grade.)

That was also at a time when many common day products were under $1 as well. Most anything at a supermarket could be had for under $1. Most of the products at a fast food restaurant were under $1 as well. Woolworth 5 & 10 was basically all below $1 stuff. The cent sign was becoming antiquated as computer keyboards became an everyday household stable, with many general products at $1 or above, so I guess the teams at IBM and Apple figured there wasn't much functionality for it. Of course, it can be argued that that is true for ^, ~, ` and a few other symbols as well. The ~ was important at one point for personal websites, but very few people have those anymore.

The ~ is still alive and well as a poor-man's alternative to "about" or "approximately". (Likely also a minor bother to some.)

I do wish the "not equal to" and "degree" symbols were available on the standard keyboard.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on December 16, 2019, 02:47:43 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on December 16, 2019, 02:37:18 PMThe ~ is still alive and well as a poor-man's alternative to "about" or "approximately". (Likely also a minor bother to some.)

I'd rather have the tilde for that than the plus/minus sign, which seems to be far more commonly used but really grates against my scientific training because its actual purpose is to specify the bounds of error, rather than the approximate amount itself.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wxfree on December 16, 2019, 03:15:28 PM

Incorrect automotive terminology

Roads and cars go together, and I'm interested in both.

A hubcap is a small cap that covers the hub. This might be a grease cap that's removed to grease the wheel bearing. A lot of modern vehicles don't have them, because they use permanently sealed hub and bearing assemblies, which are much easier to replace. The decorative disk that covers the entire face of the wheel is a wheel cover. The wheel is the metal part that the tire goes on, including the rim and the part that connects it to the holes for the wheel studs. The rim is the ring that matches to the tire so that the assembly can hold pressure. The rim is the outer ring of the wheel, the part that touches the tire. Bicycle wheels have spokes that connect the rim to the hub (that would probably be called a wheel and hub assembly). I've seen a tire on a rim, nothing but a metal ring to hold pressure, hollow in the middle. I don't know how it was installed or what kind of vehicle it was meant for.

It's not exactly automotive (usually), but it's a two-stroke engine, not a two-cycle engine. The oil for it is two-stroke engine oil. This term is misused so much that a lot of oil bottles are mislabeled. All of these engines have one cycle. In automotive engines, a cycle is made up of four strokes and two revolutions. Two-stroke engines have a cycle made up of two strokes and one revolution. I don't know of any engine that has two cycles. Engines have one cycle that repeats.

On a related note, traffic signals don't have a green cycle and a red cycle. The cycle is the whole process. I'd call a red, yellow, or green term a phase. To me, the real meaning of a cycle is the whole process, with all of the signals going through their progressions. The green/yellow/red progression of one signal could be thought of as a cycle, because all of the other green/yellow/red progressions on other sides will happen during the red phase.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on December 16, 2019, 03:16:53 PM

Doesn't matter. Watching hubcaps fly or roll off cars in the 1970s and 1980s action movies was a joy.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wxfree on December 16, 2019, 03:31:39 PM

Quote from: Rothman on December 16, 2019, 03:16:53 PM
Doesn't matter. Watching hubcaps fly or roll off cars in the 1970s and 1980s action movies was a joy.

This reminds me of something. Supposedly, hubcaps were a way to spot an undercover police car. Because they might be involved in pursuits, police cars didn't have full wheel covers, because if that comes off, it might tear off the valve stem and cause the tire to go flat. They used a smaller cover that I think covered the hub and wheel nuts. Wheel covers that go under the nuts solve the problem of them flying off. That doesn't require any kind of advanced technology. I don't know why they didn't use those, or why they aren't more common now.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 16, 2019, 03:31:42 PM

Usually cars without hubcaps are just ghetto cars (or cop cars).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on December 16, 2019, 03:38:17 PM

Quote from: wxfree on December 16, 2019, 03:15:28 PM
On a related note, traffic signals don't have a green cycle and a red cycle. The cycle is the whole process. I'd call a red, yellow, or green term a phase. To me, the real meaning of a cycle is the whole process, with all of the signals going through their progressions. The green/yellow/red progression of one signal could be thought of as a cycle, because all of the other green/yellow/red progressions on other sides will happen during the red phase.

What you describe is the proper terminology. See Signal Timing Manual, Appendix A-1 (pg 304) (https://transops.s3.amazonaws.com/uploaded_files/Signal%20Timing%20Manual%20812.pdf)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MNHighwayMan on December 16, 2019, 05:55:32 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on December 16, 2019, 07:05:09 AM
Why do you think people who get the flu shot always get the flu?

That is straight up false.

Vaccines are safe for most people, besides those who are allergic to one of the components, or those who are immunocompromised. Anything else is fear-mongering or stupidity. Or both.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US71 on December 16, 2019, 08:41:06 PM

Badly mis-shapen signs
(https://live.staticflickr.com/2708/5864706048_86f29b2c9a_d.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/7266/7408887172_e78be7ed6a_d.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 16, 2019, 09:31:18 PM

Quote from: MNHighwayMan on December 16, 2019, 05:55:32 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 16, 2019, 07:05:09 AM
Why do you think people who get the flu shot always get the flu?

That is straight up false.

Vaccines are safe for most people, besides those who are allergic to one of the components, or those who are immunocompromised. Anything else is fear-mongering or stupidity. Or both.

Go ahead and name call all you want. That's always a good way to get your point across. By the way my friend Tina almost died from being vaccinated but I bet you think she is stupid too.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on December 16, 2019, 09:33:09 PM

Well, no one gets the flu from the vaccine, anyway. They can still get the flu from a strain that is not covered by the vaccine, which I believe includes four currently.

I get the shot because vaccines are superpowers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US71 on December 16, 2019, 09:37:00 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on December 16, 2019, 09:31:18 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on December 16, 2019, 05:55:32 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 16, 2019, 07:05:09 AM
Why do you think people who get the flu shot always get the flu?

That is straight up false.

Vaccines are safe for most people, besides those who are allergic to one of the components, or those who are immunocompromised. Anything else is fear-mongering or stupidity. Or both.

Go ahead and name call all you want. That's always a good way to get your point across. By the way my friend Tina almost died from being vaccinated but I bet you think she is stupid too.

It's possible she was allergic to one of the ingredients. Eggs are a common allergy. Clinics are supposed to ask, but don't always.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 16, 2019, 09:49:38 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on December 16, 2019, 09:31:18 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on December 16, 2019, 05:55:32 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 16, 2019, 07:05:09 AM
Why do you think people who get the flu shot always get the flu?

That is straight up false.

Vaccines are safe for most people, besides those who are allergic to one of the components, or those who are immunocompromised. Anything else is fear-mongering or stupidity. Or both.

Go ahead and name call all you want. That's always a good way to get your point across. By the way my friend Tina almost died from being vaccinated but I bet you think she is stupid too.

Ergo aren't you kind of proving the point I was trying to make? You're basically dismissing all evidence that contradicts what you believe, but you don't present any valid evidence of your own to back your points up. For all you know your friend had an allergic reaction to whatever the vaccine was made of.

Hell as skeptical as I am about ghosts and alien visitation I would welcome some compelling evidence that both were true. In the case of vaccinations it's hard to see how a logical person could draw the conclusion with all the available facts that they somehow cause a blanket level harm. Allergic reactions don't surprised me in the least, I'm allergic to certain compounds which made it difficult for me to be vaccinated. None the less, I'm glad some viable solutions were found because Polio really sounds like a shitty disease to catch.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US71 on December 16, 2019, 09:52:01 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 16, 2019, 09:49:38 PM

Hell as skeptical as I am about ghosts and alien visitation I would welcome some compelling evidence that both were true. In the case of vaccinations it's hard to see how a logical person could draw the conclusion with all the available facts that they somehow cause a blanket level harm. Allergic reactions don't surprised me in the least, I'm allergic to certain compounds which made it difficult for me to be vaccinated. None the less, I'm glad some viable solutions were found because Polio really sounds like a shitty disease to catch.

Or we can go back to the Middle Ages where you were lucky to live past 40 ;)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 16, 2019, 09:54:40 PM

Quote from: US71 on December 16, 2019, 09:52:01 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 16, 2019, 09:49:38 PM

Hell as skeptical as I am about ghosts and alien visitation I would welcome some compelling evidence that both were true. In the case of vaccinations it's hard to see how a logical person could draw the conclusion with all the available facts that they somehow cause a blanket level harm. Allergic reactions don't surprised me in the least, I'm allergic to certain compounds which made it difficult for me to be vaccinated. None the less, I'm glad some viable solutions were found because Polio really sounds like a shitty disease to catch.

Or we can go back to the Middle Ages where you were lucky to live past 40 ;)

True, that's a debate I often have with my brother. He is convinced that companies are selling us poisoned food because it has preservatives and is genetically modified. He doesn't like being reminded of how people used to eat one bad piece of food and simply die from it. There hasn't been anything I can do to convince him that his stance in life isn't correct even though it lowers his quality of life.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US71 on December 16, 2019, 09:57:00 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 16, 2019, 09:54:40 PM
Quote from: US71 on December 16, 2019, 09:52:01 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 16, 2019, 09:49:38 PM

Hell as skeptical as I am about ghosts and alien visitation I would welcome some compelling evidence that both were true. In the case of vaccinations it's hard to see how a logical person could draw the conclusion with all the available facts that they somehow cause a blanket level harm. Allergic reactions don't surprised me in the least, I'm allergic to certain compounds which made it difficult for me to be vaccinated. None the less, I'm glad some viable solutions were found because Polio really sounds like a shitty disease to catch.

Or we can go back to the Middle Ages where you were lucky to live past 40 ;)

True, that's a debate I often have with my brother. He is convinced that companies are selling us poisoned food because it has preservatives and is genetically modified. He doesn't like being reminded of how people used to eat one bad piece of food and simply die from it. There hasn't been anything I can do to convince him that his stance in life isn't correct even though it lowers his quality of life.

That's sort of grey area to me. Lots of preservatives are probably not good for you and not all genetically modified food is safe (IMO).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on December 16, 2019, 10:00:24 PM

Quote from: US71 on December 16, 2019, 09:57:00 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 16, 2019, 09:54:40 PM
Quote from: US71 on December 16, 2019, 09:52:01 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 16, 2019, 09:49:38 PM

Hell as skeptical as I am about ghosts and alien visitation I would welcome some compelling evidence that both were true. In the case of vaccinations it’s hard to see how a logical person could draw the conclusion with all the available facts that they somehow cause a blanket level harm. Allergic reactions don’t surprised me in the least, I’m allergic to certain compounds which made it difficult for me to be vaccinated. None the less, I’m glad some viable solutions were found because Polio really sounds like a shitty disease to catch.

Or we can go back to the Middle Ages where you were lucky to live past 40 ;)

True, that’s a debate I often have with my brother. He is convinced that companies are selling us poisoned food because it has preservatives and is genetically modified. He doesn’t like being reminded of how people used to eat one bad piece of food and simply die from it. There hasn’t been anything I can do to convince him that his stance in life isn’t correct even though it lowers his quality of life.

That's sort of grey area to me. Lots of preservatives are probably not good for you and not all genetically modified food is safe (IMO).

Just like with vaccines, I'm going to trust the science on this one.

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/food/the-plate/2016/05/17/scientists-say-gmo-foods-are-safe-public-skepticism-remains/

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US71 on December 16, 2019, 10:01:26 PM

Quote from: US 89 on December 16, 2019, 10:00:24 PM
Quote from: US71 on December 16, 2019, 09:57:00 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 16, 2019, 09:54:40 PM
Quote from: US71 on December 16, 2019, 09:52:01 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 16, 2019, 09:49:38 PM

Hell as skeptical as I am about ghosts and alien visitation I would welcome some compelling evidence that both were true. In the case of vaccinations it's hard to see how a logical person could draw the conclusion with all the available facts that they somehow cause a blanket level harm. Allergic reactions don't surprised me in the least, I'm allergic to certain compounds which made it difficult for me to be vaccinated. None the less, I'm glad some viable solutions were found because Polio really sounds like a shitty disease to catch.

Or we can go back to the Middle Ages where you were lucky to live past 40 ;)

True, that's a debate I often have with my brother. He is convinced that companies are selling us poisoned food because it has preservatives and is genetically modified. He doesn't like being reminded of how people used to eat one bad piece of food and simply die from it. There hasn't been anything I can do to convince him that his stance in life isn't correct even though it lowers his quality of life.

That's sort of grey area to me. Lots of preservatives are probably not good for you and not all genetically modified food is safe (IMO).

I'm just going to trust the science on this one.

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/food/the-plate/2016/05/17/scientists-say-gmo-foods-are-safe-public-skepticism-remains/

Going to blind me with science? ;)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 16, 2019, 10:23:33 PM

Here's an interesting thought I had regarding GMOs. Has it even been really been proven that eating biological material with cancerous tumors can itself cause cancer? On the face of it the idea of catching cancer from eating cancerous mass seems counter intuitive due to it being genetic disorder and not a bacterial/viral infection. If I recall correctly the process of proper cooking should break down pretty much any harmful substance, even if it is a genetic disease. I want to say that there was some sort of study done which showed that were was some evidence in some animals to be able to transmit cancer from the salvias of a host with cancer to an otherwise healthy test subject? Either way cancer in plant life tends to work the opposite it does in animal life and doesn't really spread the same way.

Chemical compounds are an interesting wildcard when it comes to preservatives. There probably isn't a real sample out there yet on the potential long term effects of some many preservative compounds. Granted, the preservation of food plays a big role in why people actually live into their 70s or older as opposed to getting dysentery.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 16, 2019, 10:40:30 PM

Back on topic, one that gets to me is family and friends asking constantly when I'm going to have kids? It kind of feels like almost everyone I know has kids thinks it's the greatest thing ever, wants more people like them, or is somehow genetic Manifest Destiny. I haven't exactly ruled out the possibility but suffice to say at 37 I don't think most people I know have caught on that I think the concept of children is a money pit, timer consumer and otherwise lacking in ROI.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on December 16, 2019, 10:56:58 PM

I've yet to meet a GMO food that killed me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on December 16, 2019, 11:30:28 PM

... not yet! But these "carcinogens" take years or even decades before they get you!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on December 17, 2019, 12:24:08 AM

Burning rubber and racing the engine of a car. It is so old! It went out with Bell Bottoms as it was first started back in the 60's for the young and hip to get others to see how cool their Camaros or GTOs were back then, so after 50 years or more you think that people would be weary of that. Then you have people with cars that are not sporty who often do it as well which is even more of something that is not old, but the wrong type of vehicle to show off in.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on December 17, 2019, 12:35:44 AM

Noisy motorcycles, some of which are ear-splittingly loud.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on December 17, 2019, 01:52:04 AM

- People who use the horn as a way to greet people or as a doorbell replacement
- Drivers who honk back when they were in the wrong. Does it somehow make them feel better or legitimize their screw up?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on December 17, 2019, 06:59:21 AM

Quote from: DaBigE on December 17, 2019, 01:52:04 AM
- Drivers who honk back when they were in the wrong. Does it somehow make them feel better or legitimize their screw up?

YEP! Drivers who honk back when they were -blatantly- in the wrong.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: NE2 on December 17, 2019, 07:03:07 AM

Kids under 18.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 17, 2019, 07:32:36 AM

Quote from: Beltway on December 17, 2019, 06:59:21 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 17, 2019, 01:52:04 AM
- Drivers who honk back when they were in the wrong. Does it somehow make them feel better or legitimize their screw up?

YEP! Drivers who honk back when they were -blatantly- in the wrong.

Had this old woman in front of me make a right in the right turn lane, no blinker. Then we're on the frontage she cuts me off, no blinker, then gets on the freeway, no blinker, then once on I get over and she cuts into the middle lane in front of me, no blinker, dangerously close to me. I honk so she honks back. Friggin idiot.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 17, 2019, 07:33:41 AM

Quote from: Rothman on December 16, 2019, 10:56:58 PM
I've yet to meet a GMO food that killed me.

Funny, watch old TV shows. Old people look old. Generally people these days like a lot younger than in the past. It's good for something I guess. I'm 50 and get guessed 35 all the time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 17, 2019, 07:34:47 AM

Quote from: US 89 on December 16, 2019, 10:00:24 PM
Quote from: US71 on December 16, 2019, 09:57:00 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 16, 2019, 09:54:40 PM
Quote from: US71 on December 16, 2019, 09:52:01 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 16, 2019, 09:49:38 PM

Hell as skeptical as I am about ghosts and alien visitation I would welcome some compelling evidence that both were true. In the case of vaccinations it's hard to see how a logical person could draw the conclusion with all the available facts that they somehow cause a blanket level harm. Allergic reactions don't surprised me in the least, I'm allergic to certain compounds which made it difficult for me to be vaccinated. None the less, I'm glad some viable solutions were found because Polio really sounds like a shitty disease to catch.

Or we can go back to the Middle Ages where you were lucky to live past 40 ;)

True, that's a debate I often have with my brother. He is convinced that companies are selling us poisoned food because it has preservatives and is genetically modified. He doesn't like being reminded of how people used to eat one bad piece of food and simply die from it. There hasn't been anything I can do to convince him that his stance in life isn't correct even though it lowers his quality of life.

That's sort of grey area to me. Lots of preservatives are probably not good for you and not all genetically modified food is safe (IMO).

Just like with vaccines, I'm going to trust the science on this one.

Well, I'll trust my friend who almost died. "Science" also says we're going to die in 10 years, so says Greta anyway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 17, 2019, 07:36:38 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 16, 2019, 09:49:38 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 16, 2019, 09:31:18 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on December 16, 2019, 05:55:32 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 16, 2019, 07:05:09 AM
Why do you think people who get the flu shot always get the flu?

That is straight up false.

Vaccines are safe for most people, besides those who are allergic to one of the components, or those who are immunocompromised. Anything else is fear-mongering or stupidity. Or both.

Go ahead and name call all you want. That's always a good way to get your point across. By the way my friend Tina almost died from being vaccinated but I bet you think she is stupid too.

Ergo aren’t you kind of proving the point I was trying to make? You’re basically dismissing all evidence that contradicts what you believe, but you don’t present any valid evidence of your own to back your points up. For all you know your friend had an allergic reaction to whatever the vaccine was made of.

Hell as skeptical as I am about ghosts and alien visitation I would welcome some compelling evidence that both were true. In the case of vaccinations it’s hard to see how a logical person could draw the conclusion with all the available facts that they somehow cause a blanket level harm. Allergic reactions don’t surprised me in the least, I’m allergic to certain compounds which made it difficult for me to be vaccinated. None the less, I’m glad some viable solutions were found because Polio really sounds like a shitty disease to catch.

Well, I have a real life friend who came really close to dying after getting vaccinated. What more proof would one need? Do I have to have her call you on the phone? You wouldn't change your mind anyway. I could also post several articles but what is the point if you have your mind made up?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on December 17, 2019, 07:40:16 AM

How do you know it was because of the vaccine?

(Can we split this thread so that the main one doesn't get locked?)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 17, 2019, 07:50:49 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on December 17, 2019, 07:36:38 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 16, 2019, 09:49:38 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 16, 2019, 09:31:18 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on December 16, 2019, 05:55:32 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 16, 2019, 07:05:09 AM
Why do you think people who get the flu shot always get the flu?

That is straight up false.

Vaccines are safe for most people, besides those who are allergic to one of the components, or those who are immunocompromised. Anything else is fear-mongering or stupidity. Or both.

Go ahead and name call all you want. That's always a good way to get your point across. By the way my friend Tina almost died from being vaccinated but I bet you think she is stupid too.

Ergo aren't you kind of proving the point I was trying to make? You're basically dismissing all evidence that contradicts what you believe, but you don't present any valid evidence of your own to back your points up. For all you know your friend had an allergic reaction to whatever the vaccine was made of.

Hell as skeptical as I am about ghosts and alien visitation I would welcome some compelling evidence that both were true. In the case of vaccinations it's hard to see how a logical person could draw the conclusion with all the available facts that they somehow cause a blanket level harm. Allergic reactions don't surprised me in the least, I'm allergic to certain compounds which made it difficult for me to be vaccinated. None the less, I'm glad some viable solutions were found because Polio really sounds like a shitty disease to catch.

Well, I have a real life friend who came really close to dying after getting vaccinated. What more proof would one need? Do I have to have her call you on the phone? You wouldn't change your mind anyway. I could also post several articles but what is the point if you have your mind made up?

It could potentially sway people to your argument if you presented your evidence for how you draw your conclusions on vaccine. That's the main point I'm trying to make, your making your argument without giving any real evidence to support it. Again, if someone had compelling evidence to support their claims on something I'd give it a listen. I (or anyone else) might not think it's compelling but it's better than not giving any reason at all if you're looking away opinions.

And yes, I'll second that all this talk on vaccine probably can be split into a different topic. I don't think we've reached the point where this hasn't become civil from anyone's end though.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 17, 2019, 10:21:04 AM

No kidding this was a fun thread at one time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on December 17, 2019, 10:44:11 AM

- Baby bump progression photos
- Baby gender reveal parties

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 17, 2019, 11:08:18 AM

Quote from: DaBigE on December 17, 2019, 10:44:11 AM
- Baby bump progression photos
- Baby gender reveal parties

When did people start doing the latter? I was invited to one not so long ago and it took some explaining since "gender reveal party" could mean something far more adult oriented.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on December 17, 2019, 11:14:29 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 17, 2019, 07:50:49 AM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 17, 2019, 07:36:38 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 16, 2019, 09:49:38 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 16, 2019, 09:31:18 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on December 16, 2019, 05:55:32 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 16, 2019, 07:05:09 AM
Why do you think people who get the flu shot always get the flu?

That is straight up false.

Vaccines are safe for most people, besides those who are allergic to one of the components, or those who are immunocompromised. Anything else is fear-mongering or stupidity. Or both.

Go ahead and name call all you want. That's always a good way to get your point across. By the way my friend Tina almost died from being vaccinated but I bet you think she is stupid too.

Ergo aren't you kind of proving the point I was trying to make? You're basically dismissing all evidence that contradicts what you believe, but you don't present any valid evidence of your own to back your points up. For all you know your friend had an allergic reaction to whatever the vaccine was made of.

Hell as skeptical as I am about ghosts and alien visitation I would welcome some compelling evidence that both were true. In the case of vaccinations it's hard to see how a logical person could draw the conclusion with all the available facts that they somehow cause a blanket level harm. Allergic reactions don't surprised me in the least, I'm allergic to certain compounds which made it difficult for me to be vaccinated. None the less, I'm glad some viable solutions were found because Polio really sounds like a shitty disease to catch.

Well, I have a real life friend who came really close to dying after getting vaccinated. What more proof would one need? Do I have to have her call you on the phone? You wouldn't change your mind anyway. I could also post several articles but what is the point if you have your mind made up?

It could potentially sway people to your argument if you presented your evidence for how you draw your conclusions on vaccine. That's the main point I'm trying to make, your making your argument without giving any real evidence to support it. Again, if someone had compelling evidence to support their claims on something I'd give it a listen. I (or anyone else) might not think it's compelling but it's better than not giving any reason at all if you're looking away opinions.

And yes, I'll second that all this talk on vaccine probably can be split into a different topic. I don't think we've reached the point where this hasn't become civil from anyone's end though.

I somewhat disagree.

He had one friend who had an allergic reaction and now thinks vaccines are dangerous despite the millions that take them and don't have such a reaction and are protected (as is his friend, who was treated).

I also find Internet debates where individual articles are thrown back and forth not compelling at all any longer. One study does not the start of the art make. Heck, five studies don't either.

This is why I've just started to rely upon the experts (real coalitions of experts, like the CDC) and their conclusions as they have a much broader perspective on the research. I find attacks on the experts to be quite unpersuasive as they inevitably devolve into conspiracy theories that are quite ridiculous (hundreds of doctors know the truth about the harm but are paid off and none of them blow the whistle kind of nonsense).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: renegade on December 17, 2019, 11:30:34 AM

My dad used to say, "Get your vaccinations or I'll push you off the edge of the Earth!"

:bigass:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on December 17, 2019, 11:33:27 AM

Quote from: Beltway on December 17, 2019, 12:35:44 AM
Noisy motorcycles, some of which are ear-splittingly loud.

Any motorcycle that, when idling (like at a red light), sounds like it's going to quit from fuel or air starvation any minute.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on December 17, 2019, 11:56:10 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 17, 2019, 11:08:18 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 17, 2019, 10:44:11 AM
- Baby bump progression photos
- Baby gender reveal parties

When did people start doing the latter? I was invited to one not so long ago and it took some explaining since "gender reveal party" could mean something far more adult oriented.

I find the conflation of the words "sex" and "gender" annoying, but I don't want to pursue the topic because I think it could get ugly and lead to a thread lock. The parents-to-be learned the baby's sex, not its "gender." I bet some people nowadays would object to the text of the Nineteenth Amendment ("The rights of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex." ).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 17, 2019, 12:13:01 PM

Quote from: Rothman on December 17, 2019, 11:14:29 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 17, 2019, 07:50:49 AM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 17, 2019, 07:36:38 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 16, 2019, 09:49:38 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 16, 2019, 09:31:18 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on December 16, 2019, 05:55:32 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 16, 2019, 07:05:09 AM
Why do you think people who get the flu shot always get the flu?

That is straight up false.

Vaccines are safe for most people, besides those who are allergic to one of the components, or those who are immunocompromised. Anything else is fear-mongering or stupidity. Or both.

Go ahead and name call all you want. That's always a good way to get your point across. By the way my friend Tina almost died from being vaccinated but I bet you think she is stupid too.

Ergo aren't you kind of proving the point I was trying to make? You're basically dismissing all evidence that contradicts what you believe, but you don't present any valid evidence of your own to back your points up. For all you know your friend had an allergic reaction to whatever the vaccine was made of.

Hell as skeptical as I am about ghosts and alien visitation I would welcome some compelling evidence that both were true. In the case of vaccinations it's hard to see how a logical person could draw the conclusion with all the available facts that they somehow cause a blanket level harm. Allergic reactions don't surprised me in the least, I'm allergic to certain compounds which made it difficult for me to be vaccinated. None the less, I'm glad some viable solutions were found because Polio really sounds like a shitty disease to catch.

Well, I have a real life friend who came really close to dying after getting vaccinated. What more proof would one need? Do I have to have her call you on the phone? You wouldn't change your mind anyway. I could also post several articles but what is the point if you have your mind made up?

It could potentially sway people to your argument if you presented your evidence for how you draw your conclusions on vaccine. That's the main point I'm trying to make, your making your argument without giving any real evidence to support it. Again, if someone had compelling evidence to support their claims on something I'd give it a listen. I (or anyone else) might not think it's compelling but it's better than not giving any reason at all if you're looking away opinions.

And yes, I'll second that all this talk on vaccine probably can be split into a different topic. I don't think we've reached the point where this hasn't become civil from anyone's end though.
I somewhat disagree.

He had one friend who had an allergic reaction and now thinks vaccines are dangerous despite the millions that take them and don't have such a reaction and are protected (as is his friend, who was treated).

I also find Internet debates where individual articles are thrown back and forth not compelling at all any longer. One study does not the start of the art make. Heck, five studies don't either.

This is why I've just started to rely upon the experts (real coalitions of experts, like the CDC) and their conclusions as they have a much broader perspective on the research. I find attacks on the experts to be quite unpersuasive as they inevitably devolve into conspiracy theories that are quite ridiculous (hundreds of doctors know the truth about the harm but are paid off and none of them blow the whistle kind of nonsense).

Regarding vaccinations the the CDC is the source that I tend to rely on for issues and conjecture in the medical field. That isn't to say that there might be some instances where someone can't get a vaccination for a medical reason or had some sort of reaction to it. The main issues, if one is trying to convince others that their belief is correct then why present some evidence to support it? At minimum the counterpoint could be at least seen and conclusions could be thusly drawn as to it's merit. But that's the point I was getting at with conspiratorial lines of thinking, that compelling counterpoint and evidence is rarely there. Personally if my line of thinking is being challenged I would at least be rather have something more weighty than "just because" as the reasoning. At the end of the day there are always people who are going to believe in whatever they believe, but that doesn't necessarily work well in swaying others to a like minded opinion. Really the same could be said about almost any sort of conspiracy, aliens, cryptozoology, ghosts or other topics of the like.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 17, 2019, 01:41:37 PM

Don't forget 911 being an inside job and the JFK assassination

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 17, 2019, 01:42:57 PM

Quote from: Rothman on December 16, 2019, 10:56:58 PM
I've yet to meet a GMO food that killed me.

I've yet to find a gun that killed me! :)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on December 17, 2019, 01:52:07 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on December 17, 2019, 11:56:10 AM
I find the conflation of the words "sex" and "gender" annoying, but I don't want to pursue the topic because I think it could get ugly and lead to a thread lock. The parents-to-be learned the baby's sex, not its "gender." I bet some people nowadays would object to the text of the Nineteenth Amendment ("The rights of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex." ).

The German language has 3 genders for its articles, masculine, feminine and neuter. None of which has any relation to human sexuality.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on December 17, 2019, 02:02:14 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on December 17, 2019, 01:42:57 PM
Quote from: Rothman on December 16, 2019, 10:56:58 PM
I've yet to meet a GMO food that killed me.

I've yet to find a gun that killed me! :)

You eat guns?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on December 17, 2019, 02:06:13 PM

Can we please steer this back on topic? It's an interesting thread I'd hate to see locked due to conspiracy theories and guns.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 17, 2019, 02:14:29 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on December 17, 2019, 02:06:13 PM
Can we please steer this back on topic? It's an interesting thread I'd hate to see locked due to conspiracy theories and guns.

Stores who play Christmas music. Gotta be torture for those working there.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on December 17, 2019, 02:47:25 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on December 17, 2019, 02:06:13 PM
Can we please steer this back on topic? It's an interesting thread I'd hate to see locked due to conspiracy theories and guns.

Ok.

Come to think of it, conspiracy theories bother me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 17, 2019, 02:55:04 PM

Quote from: Rothman on December 14, 2019, 01:08:20 AM

Quote

4. Kwanzaa isn't a real holiday.

What makes a holiday real? People celebrate Kwanzaa. That's real enough.

It was just straight-up invented for people to celebrate their "blackness". It didn't develop over time, it has no religious significance, it doesn't honor a specific person, nobody gets time off work. It isn't. In fact, the author of Kwanzaa specifically wanted people to not celebrate the actual holiday of Christmas.

~ or ~

We might as well call National Pizza Day a "holiday". People celebrate it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on December 17, 2019, 02:56:55 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 17, 2019, 02:55:04 PM
Quote from: Rothman on December 14, 2019, 01:08:20 AM

Quote

4. Kwanzaa isn't a real holiday.

What makes a holiday real? People celebrate Kwanzaa. That's real enough.

It was just straight-up invented for people to celebrate their "blackness". It didn't develop over time, it has no religious significance, it doesn't honor a specific person, nobody gets time off work. It isn't. In fact, the author of Kwanzaa specifically wanted people to not celebrate the actual holiday of Christmas.

~ or ~

We might as well call National Pizza Day a "holiday". People celebrate it.

I don't see how its history differs from any other. All holidays have to start somewhere.

I also don't see a problem with celebrating one's blackness.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 17, 2019, 03:02:47 PM

Mother's Day & Father's Day were started by Hallmark. Santa in his current form started by Coca Cola

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 17, 2019, 03:29:35 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on December 17, 2019, 03:02:47 PM
Mother's Day & Father's Day were started by Hallmark.

No, they weren't started by Hallmark. But I also consider both of them to be only quasi-holidays. Mothers Day (the older of the two) was campaigned to get each person to honor his or her own mother. When it morphed into a day to celebrate motherhood in general, the founder reversed and attempted to stop it catching on, but it had already gained too much traction by that point.

Quote from: texaskdog on December 17, 2019, 03:02:47 PM
Santa in his current form started by Coca Cola

This is true, and I just learned that the other day, in fact. Literally, like yesterday or the day before. Christmas traditions and icons have come from so many different cultural and historical backgrounds that it really is a huge tangle. But Christmas as a holiday and Saint Nicholas as a legendary figure of it have existed for much longer than Coca Cola.

Quote from: Rothman on December 17, 2019, 02:56:55 PM
I don't see how its history differs from any other. All holidays have to start somewhere.

True. But it checks very few of the boxes when it comes to what makes a day a "holiday" in my opinion. You may be operating under a looser understanding than I do as to what makes a holiday a holiday.

Quote from: Rothman on December 17, 2019, 02:56:55 PM
I also don't see a problem with celebrating one's blackness.

I don't either. I also don't see a problem with eating pizza. But that does not a holiday make.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ozarkman417 on December 17, 2019, 03:39:29 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on December 17, 2019, 02:14:29 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on December 17, 2019, 02:06:13 PM
Can we please steer this back on topic? It's an interesting thread I'd hate to see locked due to conspiracy theories and guns.

Stores who play Christmas music. Gotta be torture for those working there.

And the fact Mariah Carey has made sixty MILLION off of All I Want for Christmas is You.

I'm Still in High School, so here are a few things about it that bother me:

- People who act as roadblocks in the halls
- Teachers who hand out useless assignments
- The fact middle schoolers are in some of the same classes as me (some are OK, but all to many just won't shut up)
- The extreme drama associated with high school. I'm definitely more on the quiet side.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 17, 2019, 03:40:30 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on December 17, 2019, 03:02:47 PM
Mother's Day & Father's Day were started by Hallmark. Santa in his current form started by Coca Cola

Hell, even Festivus has a minor following these days. Holidays could spring from anywhere when you think about it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 17, 2019, 03:56:50 PM

Quote from: ozarkman417 on December 17, 2019, 03:39:29 PM
- People who act as roadblocks in the halls
- Teachers who hand out useless assignments
- The fact middle schoolers are in some of the same classes as me (some are OK, but all to many just won't shut up)
- The extreme drama associated with high school. I'm definitely more on the quiet side.

Unfortunately the first one will never change, even out of school. With the second one it depends on where you end up working. At my job I am supposed to hand count coins before putting it in a coin counting machine, ostensibly to verify that the coin counter counts it correctly. However, if the two counts don't match, the machine count is considered to be the correct one. So why do I have to count the coins by hand?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Ben114 on December 17, 2019, 04:04:46 PM

Quote from: ozarkman417 on December 17, 2019, 03:39:29 PM
- People who act as roadblocks in the halls
- Teachers who hand out useless assignments
- The fact middle schoolers are in some of the same classes as me (some are OK, but all to many just won't shut up)
- The extreme drama associated with high school. I'm definitely more on the quiet side.

First one: The freshmen, we all hate them.

Second one: Christmas break starts Friday afternoon, what will the teachers give me? Last year a teacher gave us a ten page packet to read and write an essay (we had two weeks)

Third one: My school is beginning a two-year transition to a 7-12 model instead of 9-12 starting fall 2020. I'll probably be in lunch with them and be in the same after-school spaces as them. This is gonna be hard.

Fourth one: There are just some people that associate drama with high school. I don't have much of that (as it's an all boys school).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 17, 2019, 04:05:53 PM

People who complain about minor things.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MNHighwayMan on December 17, 2019, 04:39:19 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on December 16, 2019, 09:31:18 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on December 16, 2019, 05:55:32 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 16, 2019, 07:05:09 AM
Why do you think people who get the flu shot always get the flu?
That is straight up false.

Vaccines are safe for most people, besides those who are allergic to one of the components, or those who are immunocompromised. Anything else is fear-mongering or stupidity. Or both.
Go ahead and name call all you want. That's always a good way to get your point across. By the way my friend Tina almost died from being vaccinated but I bet you think she is stupid too.

For the record, I didn't call you stupid. I called your perception of vaccines stupid. There is a difference.

And no, I do not think Tina is stupid. She is probably in one of the two categories of people I listed for whom vaccines are not recommended, and she probably did not know it at the time of the vaccination.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on December 17, 2019, 04:45:14 PM

The one thing I've noticed about anti-vaxxers and anti-GMOers is that they don't tend to fall within one ideological category. You'll hear just as many liberals and conservatives fall into those camps.

And concerning GMO food, if you have ever eaten any sort of hybrid fruit or vegetable; something that was created by grafting or other older technologies, you've eaten GMO food.

For the record, I'm not an anti-vaxxer, but I don't take an annual flu shot, and I have yet to have the flu in my life.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 17, 2019, 05:14:53 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 17, 2019, 04:45:14 PM
The one thing I've noticed about anti-vaxxers and anti-GMOers is that they don't tend to fall within one ideological category. You'll hear just as many liberals and conservatives fall into those camps.

It does seem to me that most anti-vaxxers (I hate that term, by the way) are either far left or far right–hardly ever in the middle. They're either barefoot tree-hugging hippies, or else they're bonnet-wearing fundamentalist libertarians.

Quote from: hbelkins on December 17, 2019, 04:45:14 PM
For the record, I'm not an anti-vaxxer, but I don't take an annual flu shot, and I have yet to have the flu in my life.

I'm not an anti-vaxxer, but my wife and I sort of were for several years. It was never a strong conviction, and we no longer camp out there. About the most I could say is that we're putting off the HPV vaccine for as long as possible and still be in keeping with state regs.

But I don't get a flu shot either, and neither does anyone else in my household. I've had influenza twice. The first time, I went to the doctor right away and got on the meds, but I was still practically wiped out for about two days. The second time, it was New Year's Eve and the doctor's office was closed the next morning. By the time I saw the doctor, it was too late to go on the meds. Our kids (two of them at the time) were prescribed the meds instead, just in case they started showing symptoms, but we never ended up needing it for them. It's a nasty illness to get, and you feel like total crap for days at a time, but we each decide for ourselves what risks we're willing to take when it comes to our health.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: doorknob60 on December 17, 2019, 05:30:39 PM

Quote from: Ben114 on December 01, 2019, 12:56:42 AM
For me it's gotta be people with iPhones who hate texting people that don't have iPhones and they see the green bubble

For me, it's the fact the in the US most people don't use WhatsApp or any other similar service instead of SMS. It's an iMessage-like experience, except it works on every smartphone. Luckily, I went to high school and middle school before iMessage took off. And once you're older than that, people stop caring (though, admittedly my college friend group was mostly Computer Science students, and we settled on Slack for communication within the group). Definitely download WhatsApp and give it a shot, and if anyone complains to you about SMS, tell them you have WhatsApp if they want something better. There's other options too like Signal and Telegram, WhatsApp is just the most popular and the one I settled on myself.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on December 17, 2019, 06:01:13 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 17, 2019, 05:14:53 PMBut I don't get a flu shot either, and neither does anyone else in my household. I've had influenza twice. The first time, I went to the doctor right away and got on the meds, but I was still practically wiped out for about two days. The second time, it was New Year's Eve and the doctor's office was closed the next morning. By the time I saw the doctor, it was too late to go on the meds. Our kids (two of them at the time) were prescribed the meds instead, just in case they started showing symptoms, but we never ended up needing it for them. It's a nasty illness to get, and you feel like total crap for days at a time, but we each decide for ourselves what risks we're willing to take when it comes to our health.

I am a believer in vaccination in general, but I go back and forth on the flu shot--some years I have gotten it, others I have not. As Rothman has noted upthread, choosing the flu strains to include for the upcoming season is a guessing game, and inevitably some of the guesses have been wrong.

The flu shot, however, is required for health care workers, and if I were sharing a household with someone who was immune-compromised or otherwise really could not afford to catch the flu, I would be more consistent about getting a jab every autumn.

I have had influenza a time or two, but cannot remember when I last fell victim to it other than that it must have been at least a decade ago. Compared to the common cold it carries more medical risk, but over time the colds I have had have added up to greater detriment to quality of life, since until about ten years ago (when I started irrigating my sinuses on a systematic basis) I was not able to prevent them from progressing to coughing and sinus infections.

The landscape with regard to vaccine recommendations has changed greatly, and I am no longer sure where my own vaccination records are. I last systematically investigated almost 20 years ago when I was thinking of driving down to Guatemala. I think I got vaccinated for yellow fever, but hit a cost/availability roadblock for rabies, which was ultimately part of the reason I didn't proceed with that trip idea.

I did not lose my hearing through an infection, but I know several other deaf people--including one not much older than me--who were born unable to hear as a result of their mothers contracting rubella in pregnancy.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on December 17, 2019, 07:22:55 PM

Quote from: doorknob60 on December 17, 2019, 05:30:39 PM
Quote from: Ben114 on December 01, 2019, 12:56:42 AM
For me it's gotta be people with iPhones who hate texting people that don't have iPhones and they see the green bubble

For me, it's the fact the in the US most people don't use WhatsApp or any other similar service instead of SMS. It's an iMessage-like experience, except it works on every smartphone. Luckily, I went to high school and middle school before iMessage took off. And once you're older than that, people stop caring (though, admittedly my college friend group was mostly Computer Science students, and we settled on Slack for communication within the group). Definitely download WhatsApp and give it a shot, and if anyone complains to you about SMS, tell them you have WhatsApp if they want something better. There's other options too like Signal and Telegram, WhatsApp is just the most popular and the one I settled on myself.

Never heard of WhatsApp until now, and even now that I know what it is, I care even less. But knowing that my selection in texting apps has the potential to piss-off Apple users makes me :bigass:

FWIW, I use Textra. The only reason why I switched from the stock messenger that came with my GS7, was because Textra supports group messages, whereas the stock app did not (maybe it does now, but I've found too much else about Textra to want to switch back).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ozarkman417 on December 17, 2019, 07:40:45 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on December 17, 2019, 07:22:55 PM
Quote from: doorknob60 on December 17, 2019, 05:30:39 PM
Quote from: Ben114 on December 01, 2019, 12:56:42 AM
For me it's gotta be people with iPhones who hate texting people that don't have iPhones and they see the green bubble

For me, it's the fact the in the US most people don't use WhatsApp or any other similar service instead of SMS. It's an iMessage-like experience, except it works on every smartphone. Luckily, I went to high school and middle school before iMessage took off. And once you're older than that, people stop caring (though, admittedly my college friend group was mostly Computer Science students, and we settled on Slack for communication within the group). Definitely download WhatsApp and give it a shot, and if anyone complains to you about SMS, tell them you have WhatsApp if they want something better. There's other options too like Signal and Telegram, WhatsApp is just the most popular and the one I settled on myself.

Never heard of WhatsApp until now, and even now that I know what it is, I care even less. But knowing that my selection in texting apps has the potential to piss-off Apple users makes me :bigass:

FWIW, I use Textra. The only reason why I switched from the stock messenger that came with my GS7, was because Textra supports group messages, whereas the stock app did not (maybe it does now, but I've found too much else about Textra to want to switch back).

I don't know anyone who uses WhatsApp, and after it got hacked back in May, I don't plan on ever using it. The only mainstream social network myself or any of my friends have is Instagram (owned by Facebook, but so is WhatsApp), which has a messaging system, though it can be glitchy at times.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on December 17, 2019, 09:11:13 PM

All I know about WhatsApp is that we have a client in Kuala Lumpur whose employees used it and now we can't get at their communications to find out what the heck was going on, this due to Malaysian privacy laws (which, as a general matter, I think are a good thing).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on December 18, 2019, 08:01:35 AM

Quote from: J N Winkler on December 17, 2019, 06:01:13 PM
The flu shot, however, is required for health care workers ...

And somehow, the fact that I work in IT for an insurance company that happens to be affiliated with a hospital makes me a "health care worker" and I have to get an annual flu shot. The last flu shot I had before taking this job was for the Swine Flu where they herded everyone in college to the local armory to get it.

This year, they added Tdap to the requirements, unless you had an official record that you were vaccinated for Pertussis (Whooping cough). I doubt my mother's handwriting in a baby book would be considered official, and my pediatrician must be long dead. Would county health records even exist from over a half decade ago? So I got the shot.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 18, 2019, 11:18:23 AM

Re: WhatsApp

Does it allow you to send a text message to multiple people, but change the settings such that replies do not reply-all but instead reply only to the sender?

Because my #1 minor thing that bothers me–and this stands head and shoulders above all others–is when people reply-all to group text messages when they shouldn't. Some people have told me it's because their phone or their message app doesn't allow them to reply to only a single recipient if it started as a group message.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on December 18, 2019, 11:38:52 AM

The media describing events as "historic" even before the outcome is known. People describing anything and everything as "iconic".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: xcellntbuy on December 18, 2019, 11:47:25 AM

Quote from: roadman on December 18, 2019, 11:38:52 AM
The media describing events as "historic" even before the outcome is known. People describing anything and everything as "iconic".

...or "unique," when they aren't.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on December 18, 2019, 12:04:11 PM

Quote from: xcellntbuy on December 18, 2019, 11:47:25 AM
Quote from: roadman on December 18, 2019, 11:38:52 AM
The media describing events as "historic" even before the outcome is known. People describing anything and everything as "iconic".
...or "unique," when they aren't.

Or, the 'first', when often commenters find that it wasn't the first, or not even close to the first.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on December 18, 2019, 01:06:50 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 18, 2019, 12:04:11 PM
Quote from: xcellntbuy on December 18, 2019, 11:47:25 AM
Quote from: roadman on December 18, 2019, 11:38:52 AM
The media describing events as "historic" even before the outcome is known. People describing anything and everything as "iconic".
...or "unique," when they aren't.

Or, the 'first', when often commenters find that it wasn't the first, or not even close to the first.

Or carefully redefining the criteria, adding restrictions so it is the "first".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on December 18, 2019, 01:25:17 PM

While we're speaking about technology...

I don't know how I feel about WhatsApp. I guess I'd have to know more about how it works and how it interacts with your phone number. My phone number and contact information are available to only a select few people. Folks who know me, but don't have my number, can contact me through Facebook Messenger if they are friends with me on FB or have access to my profile. If WhatsApp allows the whole world access to my cell phone number, then forget it.

I'm bothered by the fact that all the messenger services that allowed the use of a computer (Yahoo Messenger and AOL/AIM) have gone away, and that Kik is phone-only. I'm also bugged by the fact that you can't sign out of Facebook Messenger on your phone -- at least I have not found a way to do so short of deleting the app and the reinstalling it when you want or need it.

I'm also bothered by the fact that you can't turn off your phone or text availability while still maintaining data service. The only option I've found is the mute button on the ringer. There needs to be a true "do not disturb" feature whereby callers get a message, "this user is not accepting calls at this time, please leave a voicemail" if they call, or an auto-reply, "this user is not accepting texts at this time, your message will be read when messaging is re-enabled," if they text/SMS.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 18, 2019, 02:09:15 PM

Airplane Mode set to "on" with Wi-Fi availability will take care of all cell-network intrusions. If you're using iMessage or any other non-SMS messaging, might as well turn off the ringer and notifications.

Or shut off the phone and open up a laptop.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 18, 2019, 02:17:16 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 18, 2019, 01:25:17 PM
I'm also bothered by the fact that you can't turn off your phone or text availability while still maintaining data service. The only option I've found is the mute button on the ringer. There needs to be a true "do not disturb" feature whereby callers get a message, "this user is not accepting calls at this time, please leave a voicemail" if they call, or an auto-reply, "this user is not accepting texts at this time, your message will be read when messaging is re-enabled," if they text/SMS.

Quote from: formulanone on December 18, 2019, 02:09:15 PM
Airplane Mode set to "on" with Wi-Fi availability will take care of all cell-network intrusions.

But that will only work if he has a Wi-Fi network to connect to. I understood him as wanting to be able to use his data plan while being unavailable for phone calls or text messages.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 18, 2019, 03:25:27 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 18, 2019, 02:17:16 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on December 18, 2019, 01:25:17 PM
I'm also bothered by the fact that you can't turn off your phone or text availability while still maintaining data service. The only option I've found is the mute button on the ringer. There needs to be a true "do not disturb" feature whereby callers get a message, "this user is not accepting calls at this time, please leave a voicemail" if they call, or an auto-reply, "this user is not accepting texts at this time, your message will be read when messaging is re-enabled," if they text/SMS.

Quote from: formulanone on December 18, 2019, 02:09:15 PM
Airplane Mode set to "on" with Wi-Fi availability will take care of all cell-network intrusions.

But that will only work if he has a Wi-Fi network to connect to. I understood him as wanting to be able to use his data plan while being unavailable for phone calls or text messages.

1) Do Not Disturb set for everyone.

or

2) Buy a second phone or portable WiFi device and tether it in Airplane Mode.

or

3) Too bad. The future is to be constantly notified and tracked.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 18, 2019, 03:38:43 PM

Quote from: formulanone on December 18, 2019, 03:25:27 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 18, 2019, 02:17:16 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on December 18, 2019, 01:25:17 PM
I'm also bothered by the fact that you can't turn off your phone or text availability while still maintaining data service. The only option I've found is the mute button on the ringer. There needs to be a true "do not disturb" feature whereby callers get a message, "this user is not accepting calls at this time, please leave a voicemail" if they call, or an auto-reply, "this user is not accepting texts at this time, your message will be read when messaging is re-enabled," if they text/SMS.

Quote from: formulanone on December 18, 2019, 02:09:15 PM
Airplane Mode set to "on" with Wi-Fi availability will take care of all cell-network intrusions.

But that will only work if he has a Wi-Fi network to connect to. I understood him as wanting to be able to use his data plan while being unavailable for phone calls or text messages.

1) Do Not Disturb set for everyone.

or

2) Buy a second phone or portable WiFi device and tether it in Airplane Mode.

or

3) Too bad. The future is to be constantly notified and tracked.

Or get rid of the cellular device outright or carry a tablet when WiFi is desired but cell service isn't needed?

What I've found interesting about the proliferation of cell phones is that everyone expects it to be attached to your his. God forbid you don't return a phone call or text within a short window lest your; friends, family or co-workers think something happened to you. I go off the grid all the time for hikes or camping and occasionally get panic calls/messages when I return to cell service. The expectation of constant availability is an almost exclusive modern frustration.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 18, 2019, 03:39:31 PM

Quote from: formulanone on December 18, 2019, 03:25:27 PM
1) Do Not Disturb set for everyone.

I wonder if there's an app that will let you do that with the press of a button (OK, really with the navigation of three sub-menus, but you know what I mean). If there is, then that might be in his interest to install.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 19, 2019, 06:01:35 AM

Quote from: kphoger on December 18, 2019, 03:39:31 PM
Quote from: formulanone on December 18, 2019, 03:25:27 PM
1) Do Not Disturb set for everyone.

I wonder if there's an app that will let you do that with the press of a button (OK, really with the navigation of three sub-menus, but you know what I mean). If there is, then that might be in his interest to install.

I'm not entirely sure how you set on Android, but on iPhones, you can set it to either ignore everyone or just your Favorites (one-press contacts/speed dial).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: KEVIN_224 on December 20, 2019, 01:24:48 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on December 06, 2019, 10:27:40 AM
Naming winter storms

It's not just The Weather Channel doing it. WFSB-TV (CBS) channel 3 of Hartford has been naming them for over 40 years. It goes back to when the Traveler's Insurance Corporation owned the station. They were assisted by the New England Weather Service. THE Blizzard of 1978, as an example, was called Blizzard Larry. Then channel 3 wanted to get all cute all call the Blizzard Of 2013...Nemo. Yup! :(

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on December 20, 2019, 02:15:58 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on December 06, 2019, 10:27:40 AM
Naming winter storms

I have a hard and fast rule that I will not use their winter storm names in any official communications. I wish other governmental agencies would do the same. I cringe every time I see a DOT warning about Winter Storm (Name).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on December 20, 2019, 02:26:35 PM

Quote from: formulanone on December 18, 2019, 03:25:27 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 18, 2019, 02:17:16 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on December 18, 2019, 01:25:17 PM
I'm also bothered by the fact that you can't turn off your phone or text availability while still maintaining data service. The only option I've found is the mute button on the ringer. There needs to be a true "do not disturb" feature whereby callers get a message, "this user is not accepting calls at this time, please leave a voicemail" if they call, or an auto-reply, "this user is not accepting texts at this time, your message will be read when messaging is re-enabled," if they text/SMS.

Quote from: formulanone on December 18, 2019, 02:09:15 PM
Airplane Mode set to "on" with Wi-Fi availability will take care of all cell-network intrusions.

But that will only work if he has a Wi-Fi network to connect to. I understood him as wanting to be able to use his data plan while being unavailable for phone calls or text messages.

3) Too bad. The future is to be constantly notified and tracked.

No different than 40 years ago when you had a phone and if you didn't want it to ring you left the phone off the hook or unplugged it from the wall. While you're not exactly being tracked using a Bell Phone, you had those two options if you didn't want to hear the phone ring.

If anything, the difference today is that people feel that every conceivable option should be available, and blame the manufacturer or network host if those very specific options aren't available. Most people would just mute the sound from the phone, or simply not immediately write the person back. If someone demands an immediate answer, then the receiver should take that up with the demanding sender.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 31, 2019, 08:30:27 PM

People who insist the new decade begins in 2021, not 2020

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Brandon on December 31, 2019, 08:47:20 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on December 31, 2019, 08:30:27 PM
People who insist the new decade begins in 2021, not 2020

People who lack any understanding that there was no Year 0, hence it starts in 2021, not 2020.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on December 31, 2019, 08:48:15 PM

Quote from: Brandon on December 31, 2019, 08:47:20 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 31, 2019, 08:30:27 PM
People who insist the new decade begins in 2021, not 2020
People who lack any understanding that there was no Year 0, hence it starts in 2021, not 2020.

True indeed, yet I watch for when the 9 changes to 0, as do many other people.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on December 31, 2019, 11:21:47 PM

Quote from: Brandon on December 31, 2019, 08:47:20 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 31, 2019, 08:30:27 PM
People who insist the new decade begins in 2021, not 2020

People who lack any understanding that there was no Year 0, hence it starts in 2021, not 2020.

Culturally, decades/centuries/millennia are defined by how the number looks, not additive increments since the start of the calendar. If that means there's a short decade at the beginning, so be it (incidentally, having a calendar that goes from -1 to 1 makes zero (pun intended) mathematical sense whatsoever, so I have no idea why it was done that way).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on January 01, 2020, 05:10:24 AM

People who don't realize there's more than one time zone. This hasn't happened this year, but has happened in the past.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on January 01, 2020, 07:46:40 AM

Quote from: Brandon on December 31, 2019, 08:47:20 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 31, 2019, 08:30:27 PM
People who insist the new decade begins in 2021, not 2020

People who lack any understanding that there was no Year 0, hence it starts in 2021, not 2020.

Centuries are numbered: 1st, 2nd, ... 19th, 20th, 21st. Thus they begin on XX01.

Decades are not numbered though. No one says the 199th, 200th, 201st ... decade. Decades are named for the years that comprise them: The 70's, the 80's, the 90's, etc. Just because we've had no good names for the last 2 decades doesn't change the fact that now we are in the 20's.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on January 01, 2020, 08:57:21 AM

How about New Years Resolutions.

Mine's 320x240.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: crt08 on January 01, 2020, 09:30:59 AM

The stock question "How are you?" or "How's it going" and the constant response of "I'm doin'" or "it's goin'" I know it's a pleasantry but small talk just has never been my thing.

Drivers that at a particular traffic light here where US-27 changes from three to two lanes immediately after, will get in the right most lane seeing full well it ends ahead, just so that they can speed around everyone and merge in when the light turns green. It shouldn't bother me, but the idea of "I'm more important than everyone else" bothers me far more than it should.

Cars that like both of mine unfortunately have been, have the gas fuel cap on the passenger side. Just a terrible design, IMO. Not so much the inconvenience of having to go around to the other side, but that too. But that most cars have them on the driver's side, so going to gas stations you basically have to go against the flow of traffic, so to speak in order to fill up. Many times I've approached an empty pump to fill, and someone who has the cap on the (correct) side of their vehicle will pull in from the other side of the pump just as I'm approaching so I have to reverse and find another. :-D It seems years ago that the hoses at gas stations were often long enough to reach either side of the car, especially when it was more common for cars to have the cap behind the license plate. But it is not so today at most stations.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: qguy on January 01, 2020, 10:28:28 AM

Quote from: crt08 on January 01, 2020, 09:30:59 AM
Cars that like both of mine unfortunately have been, have the gas fuel cap on the passenger side. Just a terrible design, IMO. Not so much the inconvenience of having to go around to the other side, but that too. But that most cars have them on the driver's side, so going to gas stations you basically have to go against the flow of traffic, so to speak in order to fill up. Many times I've approached an empty pump to fill, and someone who has the cap on the (correct) side of their vehicle will pull in from the other side of the pump just as I'm approaching so I have to reverse and find another. :-D It seems years ago that the hoses at gas stations were often long enough to reach either side of the car, especially when it was more common for cars to have the cap behind the license plate. But it is not so today at most stations.

I currently have two cars, a Ford and a GM. The GM has the fuel filler on the driver's side but the Ford's is on the passenger side. I hate the Ford's configuration.

I don't know why it's not the driver's side for all vehicles. It often causes chaos at gas station, especially smaller ones.

My father had two successive Oldsmobiles in the 1970s that both had fillers behind the plate. I remember thinking at the time that such a configuration was the wave of the future and being shocked to see filler doors on the side again a few years later. Turns out, behind-the-plate filler tubes only work really well with large vehicles that can afford to sacrifice some trunk space.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on January 01, 2020, 10:31:02 AM

Quote from: crt08 on January 01, 2020, 09:30:59 AM
The stock question "How are you?" or "How's it going" and the constant response of "I'm doin'" or "it's goin'" I know it's a pleasantry but small talk just has never been my thing.

Absolute agreement.

Quote from: crt08 on January 01, 2020, 09:30:59 AM
Drivers that at a particular traffic light here where US-27 changes from three to two lanes immediately after, will get in the right most lane seeing full well it ends ahead, just so that they can speed around everyone and merge in when the light turns green. It shouldn't bother me, but the idea of "I'm more important than everyone else" bothers me far more than it should.

OTOH, there is no reason motorists shouldn't use that lane to get more vehicles through the signal. There is a similar intersection near me where cars are often stacked 20+ deep in the left lane, no way are they all going to get through on the next green light, and the right lane is empty. I'll get in the right lane, get through the light, and merge into the single lane past the signal. I don't usually speed around everyone else; I try to keep pace and merge into an open spot. But every now and then some a-hole is gonna play judge and jury and refuse to let me merge, in which case, yes, I'll speed ahead a bit and merge into a spot farther up.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on January 01, 2020, 12:11:37 PM

Sermons that have over use of the admonition to "listen," "listen to this," "watch this," etc.

If you are listening to it on the radio, at the church, conference, etc. you are by definition listening and watching. But some preachers have this "preaching tic" where their message is loaded with these terms. It can get annoying.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on January 01, 2020, 12:15:02 PM

Quote from: crt08 on January 01, 2020, 09:30:59 AM
Cars that like both of mine unfortunately have been, have the gas fuel cap on the passenger side. Just a terrible design, IMO. Not so much the inconvenience of having to go around to the other side, but that too. But that most cars have them on the driver's side, so going to gas stations you basically have to go against the flow of traffic, so to speak in order to fill up. Many times I've approached an empty pump to fill, and someone who has the cap on the (correct) side of their vehicle will pull in from the other side of the pump just as I'm approaching so I have to reverse and find another. :-D It seems years ago that the hoses at gas stations were often long enough to reach either side of the car, especially when it was more common for cars to have the cap behind the license plate. But it is not so today at most stations.

Interesting.

My 2016 Buick LaCrosse I think is the first car I have had where the filler cap is on the passenger side.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on January 01, 2020, 01:04:37 PM

Shameless butchering of older television shows broadcast in syndication.

I don't know why, because it always makes my blood boil, but I am right now watching the Twilight Zone marathon on the SyFy channel. Easily a third of every episode is chopped out, plus extra commercial breaks have been added in the middle of scenes. All the cable channels do it, even MeTV (which is specifically dedicated to rebroadcasting older shows), but SyFy has to be the worst offender.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on January 01, 2020, 01:21:32 PM

Quote from: qguy on January 01, 2020, 10:28:28 AMTurns out, behind-the-plate filler tubes only work really well with large vehicles that can afford to sacrifice some trunk space.

And don't work well at all in rear end collisions.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 01, 2020, 01:34:10 PM

The sound of phone calls on a cell phone. For some reason the noise always surprises me no matter how soft of a ring tone I use. It gets especially grating at night given I'm an on call emergency official. Newer phones have a weaker vibration feature that I can't feel and/or hear sometimes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 01, 2020, 09:03:51 PM

It's funny, my mom's two Volvos have the fuel filler doors on the passenger side and she prefers it precisely because most cars have it on the driver's side. A lot of people aren't willing to reverse up to the pump or drive in against traffic and so will wait on line, which she says means she gets to the pumps faster because people are waiting for the other pumps she isn't as likely to use.

One of my cars has the fuel filler door on the passenger side and I've noticed the same phenomenon, except I don't have to put gas in it very often so I don't experience it as often as my mom does.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 01, 2020, 09:07:37 PM

People who say "real quick"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on January 01, 2020, 09:25:16 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 01, 2020, 09:03:51 PM
It's funny, my mom's two Volvos have the fuel filler doors on the passenger side and she prefers it precisely because most cars have it on the driver's side. A lot of people aren't willing to reverse up to the pump or drive in against traffic and so will wait on line, which she says means she gets to the pumps faster because people are waiting for the other pumps she isn't as likely to use.

One of my cars has the fuel filler door on the passenger side and I've noticed the same phenomenon, except I don't have to put gas in it very often so I don't experience it as often as my mom does.

It probably depends on how traffic enters a gas station. If it's configured like a turnpike service area or one entrance is dominant and traffic is all coming to the pumps from the same direction, having a car with the gas on the "wrong" side can be an advantage. If it's configured in a way where a roughly equal amount of traffic is coming from both sides, it can lead to the situation described earlier (heck, I've experienced it too, even though my car gets gas on the "correct" side!).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 01, 2020, 09:51:08 PM

It seems like the majority of cars I've owned had the fuel cap on the passenger side. Personally I prefer it that way since I have more room to get out of the car at the pump and don't have to worry about smashing my door. The thing that gets me is the little fuel cap release lever on Asian cars. I suppose it helps prevent someone from stealing your gas but I also forget to hit the lever about 20% of the time I fill up.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 02, 2020, 12:00:43 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 01, 2020, 09:51:08 PM
It seems like the majority of cars I've owned had the fuel cap on the passenger side. Personally I prefer it that way since I have more room to get out of the car at the pump and don't have to worry about smashing my door.

^ This. I used to loathe having the filler cap on the passenger side, but I've learned to like it for this reason. Additionally, there's something I find awkward with the ones that are on the driver side and thus having the filler door open right in front of me/blocking me. It's far from hard to reach around...more just a psychological thing of having something in my direct path while trying to maneuver the nozzle.

What annoys me more is when the manufacturer moves it for different generations of the same vehicle. For instance, my 2018 Ford Escape has it on the passenger side. The 2012 body style and now the 2020 body style have it on the driver side.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GenExpwy on January 02, 2020, 02:38:11 AM

Quote from: vdeane on January 01, 2020, 09:25:16 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 01, 2020, 09:03:51 PM
It's funny, my mom's two Volvos have the fuel filler doors on the passenger side and she prefers it precisely because most cars have it on the driver's side. A lot of people aren't willing to reverse up to the pump or drive in against traffic and so will wait on line, which she says means she gets to the pumps faster because people are waiting for the other pumps she isn't as likely to use.

One of my cars has the fuel filler door on the passenger side and I've noticed the same phenomenon, except I don't have to put gas in it very often so I don't experience it as often as my mom does.
It probably depends on how traffic enters a gas station. If it's configured like a turnpike service area or one entrance is dominant and traffic is all coming to the pumps from the same direction, having a car with the gas on the "wrong" side can be an advantage. If it's configured in a way where a roughly equal amount of traffic is coming from both sides, it can lead to the situation described earlier (heck, I've experienced it too, even though my car gets gas on the "correct" side!).

At the BJ's Wholesale Clubs I go to,the gas area is strictly one-way, and the pumps advertise extra-long hoses to reach to the far side. A key to that working well is that the hose is connected to the nozzle with a swivel coupling, which gives you a critical extra foot or so.

Quote from: qguy on January 01, 2020, 10:28:28 AM
My father had two successive Oldsmobiles in the 1970s that both had fillers behind the plate. I remember thinking at the time that such a configuration was the wave of the future and being shocked to see filler doors on the side again a few years later. Turns out, behind-the-plate filler tubes only work really well with large vehicles that can afford to sacrifice some trunk space.

A few years ago I was watching a classic-car auction on TV, when some late-'50s tail-fin-era car came up. They showed that the filler cap was hidden inside the tail-fin, the end of which swung to the side.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on January 02, 2020, 05:16:23 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on January 01, 2020, 09:07:37 PM
People who say "real quick"

Retail workers on the floor often seem unexcited to be there since I hear them ask me "are/did you find(ing) everything OK?" The way the question is asked annoys me to no end, but sometimes (if the worker gets it) I'll slip in a sarcastic response about some "problem in Aisle 6".

Also ending sentences with "today".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 02, 2020, 06:17:21 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on January 02, 2020, 05:16:23 AM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 01, 2020, 09:07:37 PM
People who say "real quick"
Retail workers on the floor often seem unexcited to be there since I hear them ask me "are/did you find(ing) everything OK?" The way the question is asked annoys me to no end, but sometimes (if the worker gets it) I'll slip in a sarcastic response about some "problem in Aisle 6".

Also ending sentences with "today".

Minor things that bother employees: When they're simply trying to do what management requires them to do, and customers give them sarcastic responses. They simply want to get thru their day just like anyone else.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on January 02, 2020, 09:40:46 AM

Quote from: GaryV on January 01, 2020, 01:21:32 PM
Quote from: qguy on January 01, 2020, 10:28:28 AMTurns out, behind-the-plate filler tubes only work really well with large vehicles that can afford to sacrifice some trunk space.

And don't work well at all in rear end collisions.

Which is why they are no longer used on newer vehicles.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 02, 2020, 12:11:49 PM

Aside from my first car, a 1978 Chevy Impala that had the fuel filler behind the license plate, I don't think I have ever owned a car that didn't have the gas cap on the driver's side. These are my refueling-related minor annoyances:

* Gas caps that are tethered to the filler neck with no convenient resting place (the 2005 Camry has a holder clip inside the fuel filler door, which does not work well; the 2009 Fit just allows the cap to dangle below the door, where it will gall the paint if there is any wind)

* Fuel pumps (in my experience, nearly all of them) that won't ask you if you want a receipt before they unlock for dispensing, so that once you finish fueling and put the nozzle back on the rack, you have to leave your tank open to the atmosphere until the "Receipt? Yes/No" prompt displays

* Fuel pumps with displays that are hard to read under conditions of extreme glare (I typically take cellphone photos of the readouts immediately after I finish pumping gas--I've encountered several pumps that wouldn't take legible pictures no matter what)

* Pump islands that are not kept well-stocked with windshield-washing liquid and squeegees in good condition, when I am on a summer roadtrip that results in a heavy accumulation of bug splatter on my windshield

When a gas station is busy, I try to move the car after refueling and before I attend to any other business, even if this means multiple long walks carrying a squeegee to clean the windshield once I have reversed into a parking space adjacent to the C-store. Depending on the apron layout, I often seek out a space next to the trash enclosure, to maximize my chances of being left undisturbed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 02, 2020, 12:26:17 PM

The lack of resting place for the fuel cap is a problem I have with my current Impreza. I found a place I can kind of wedge it gently so it isn't flying all over and scratching the paint. My Challenger has a really handy rest of the fuel cap tether that keeps it in place easily, my Camaro had the same thing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on January 02, 2020, 12:38:42 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 02, 2020, 12:11:49 PM
Fuel pumps (in my experience, nearly all of them) that won't ask you if you want a receipt before they unlock for dispensing, so that once you finish fueling and put the nozzle back on the rack, you have to leave your tank open to the atmosphere until the "Receipt? Yes/No" prompt displays

Is there some reason you need to complete the transaction on the pump before you fasten the gas cap?

In general, for gas pumps, ATMs, ... Showing a "Processing ..." for the sole purpose of slowing you down so you can read the ad that is up on the screen.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on January 02, 2020, 12:53:02 PM

Quote from: GaryV on January 02, 2020, 12:38:42 PM
In general, for gas pumps, ATMs, ... Showing a "Processing ..." for the sole purpose of slowing you down so you can read the ad that is up on the screen.

Most gas pumps in our area now have "Gas TV", which is a series of short videos of infomercials and/or dumb trivia. Very annoying. Plus, I'm not sure that distracting someone who is pumping gas with this nonsense is a good idea.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 02, 2020, 01:05:02 PM

Quote from: roadman on January 02, 2020, 12:53:02 PM
Quote from: GaryV on January 02, 2020, 12:38:42 PM
In general, for gas pumps, ATMs, ... Showing a "Processing ..." for the sole purpose of slowing you down so you can read the ad that is up on the screen.

Most gas pumps in our area now have "Gas TV", which is a series of short videos of infomercials and/or dumb trivia. Very annoying. Plus, I'm not sure that distracting someone who is pumping gas with this nonsense is a good idea.

The local Speedway had an annoying version of it that you couldn't understand. Then, they replaced their pumps with a louder version that was more annoying, especially because all of the pumps are slightly out of sync (think really bad reverb or echo).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 02, 2020, 01:07:46 PM

Quote from: roadman on January 02, 2020, 12:53:02 PM
Quote from: GaryV on January 02, 2020, 12:38:42 PM
In general, for gas pumps, ATMs, ... Showing a "Processing ..." for the sole purpose of slowing you down so you can read the ad that is up on the screen.

Most gas pumps in our area now have "Gas TV", which is a series of short videos of infomercials and/or dumb trivia. Very annoying. Plus, I'm not sure that distracting someone who is pumping gas with this nonsense is a good idea.

I hate the newer pumps in my area that include those (you found one of my only gripes about Kwik Trip stations). I now always look for the 'Mute' button before taking the nozzle out of the pump.

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 02, 2020, 12:26:17 PM
The lack of resting place for the fuel cap is a problem I have with my current Impreza. I found a place I can kind of wedge it gently so it isn't flying all over and scratching the paint. My Challenger has a really handy rest of the fuel cap tether that keeps it in place easily, my Camaro had the same thing.

I haven't had to deal with that issue for almost 10 years now, but I remember the annoyance. My last car and our current two cars have capless fuel fillers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on January 02, 2020, 01:18:35 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 02, 2020, 12:11:49 PM
* Fuel pumps (in my experience, nearly all of them) that won't ask you if you want a receipt before they unlock for dispensing, so that once you finish fueling and put the nozzle back on the rack, you have to leave your tank open to the atmosphere until the "Receipt? Yes/No" prompt displays

I don't mind leaving it open for another half minute or so, but you do need to be quick to hit 'yes' before the option goes away.

What is irritating is when no receipt is delivered, so you have to go into the store and compete with others in line to be able to get a receipt in a timely fashion.

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 02, 2020, 12:11:49 PM
* Fuel pumps with displays that are hard to read under conditions of extreme glare (I typically take cellphone photos of the readouts immediately after I finish pumping gas--I've encountered several pumps that wouldn't take legible pictures no matter what)

That, and ATMs that are exposed to extreme glare conditions at times.

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 02, 2020, 12:11:49 PM
* Pump islands that are not kept well-stocked with windshield-washing liquid and squeegees in good condition, when I am on a summer roadtrip that results in a heavy accumulation of bug splatter on my windshield

A major fuel station gripe.

I always do a full fillup, and at any station anywhere, I expect to be able to clean my windows with their items, and at least the windshield needs it every time. You can't do that when 1) there is no windshield-washing liquid, or 2) the squeegee does not track well due to wear, 3) or the sponge is worn out, or 4) the sponge stinks bad enough to provoke a gag reflex.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on January 02, 2020, 02:15:17 PM

Quote from: Beltway on January 02, 2020, 01:18:35 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 02, 2020, 12:11:49 PM
* Pump islands that are not kept well-stocked with windshield-washing liquid and squeegees in good condition, when I am on a summer roadtrip that results in a heavy accumulation of bug splatter on my windshield
A major fuel station gripe.

I always do a full fillup, and at any station anywhere, I expect to be able to clean my windows with their items, and at least the windshield needs it every time. You can't do that when 1) there is no windshield-washing liquid, or 2) the squeegee does not track well due to wear, 3) or the sponge is worn out, or 4) the sponge stinks bad enough to provoke a gag reflex.

Same. I wouldn't say that I need to clean the windshield every time, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's more often than not, especially on a roadtrip. Another annoyance with them would be stations that just mix soap and water instead of using real windshield washer fluid. I've noticed that how well maintained the windshield washing items are tends to be correlated with how nice of a convenience store that gas station has - if it has a nice store, it probably has decent washer fluid and squeegee, but if it's grungy, the squeegee probably hasn't been replaced in ages and won't work.

Locally, Stewarts, Fastrac, Delta Sonic, and Tops are my preferred gas stations around upstate NY. I think my Dad thinks I'm crazy for being particular, but your random Mobile or Speedway probably won't have anything good for windshield cleaning. Meanwhile, Dad will just go to the BJs in Henrietta because they're the cheapest location in the area.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 02, 2020, 02:19:46 PM

Quote from: GaryV on January 02, 2020, 12:38:42 PMIs there some reason you need to complete the transaction on the pump before you fasten the gas cap?

As Beltway notes, the "Receipt? Yes/No" prompt disappears pretty quickly, and I generally find it is displayed immediately after I put the nozzle back in the holder (I suspect there is a sensor that signals the nozzle has been put back). Waiting for the prompt with the tank uncapped is thus the only foolproof way not to miss it, even though I would rather put the cap back on right after I park the nozzle. This is why I would prefer to be asked about the receipt before I start dispensing gas.

Quote from: Beltway on January 02, 2020, 01:18:35 PMWhat is irritating is when no receipt is delivered, so you have to go into the store and compete with others in line to be able to get a receipt in a timely fashion.

That is a total nonstarter for me--once I go in, I have to think in terms of specifying the pump by number (not always easy to find), and sometimes the transaction they fish up is not the one I just completed. It might be different if I used receipts to document fuel purchases for direct cash reimbursement, but the cellphone photo of the pump readouts at least ensures I have a timestamped record no matter what.

Quote from: Beltway on January 02, 2020, 01:18:35 PMI always do a full fillup, and at any station anywhere, I expect to be able to clean my windows with their items, and at least the windshield needs it every time. You can't do that when 1) there is no windshield-washing liquid, or 2) the squeegee does not track well due to wear, 3) or the sponge is worn out, or 4) the sponge stinks bad enough to provoke a gag reflex.

I totally agree. I haven't encountered stinky sponges myself, but I have found a few that were so desiccated and shrunken I would be rubbing the frame against my windshield, and often the perforated fabric cover is so badly torn it can no longer provide effective mechanical scrubbing action.

In line with Vdeane's experience, from time to time I encounter stations where the sponge baths are kept well-stocked with liquid, but it is almost pure plain water instead of detergent. The cleaning power is significantly less.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on January 02, 2020, 02:30:37 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 02, 2020, 02:19:46 PM
Quote from: Beltway on January 02, 2020, 01:18:35 PMWhat is irritating is when no receipt is delivered, so you have to go into the store and compete with others in line to be able to get a receipt in a timely fashion.
That is a total nonstarter for me--once I go in, I have to think in terms of specifying the pump by number (not always easy to find), and sometimes the transaction they fish up is not the one I just completed. It might be different if I used receipts to document fuel purchases for direct cash reimbursement, but the cellphone photo of the pump readouts at least ensures I have a timestamped record no matter what.

I have a dedicated credit card for fuel purchases and items such as car washes, oil and other minor car items. I keep the receipts in an envelope and then balance them with the monthly statement.

So having a receipt is important for me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: crt08 on January 02, 2020, 02:39:27 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 02, 2020, 12:11:49 PM
Aside from my first car, a 1978 Chevy Impala that had the fuel filler behind the license plate, I don't think I have ever owned a car that didn't have the gas cap on the driver's side. These are my refueling-related minor annoyances:

* Gas caps that are tethered to the filler neck with no convenient resting place (the 2005 Camry has a holder clip inside the fuel filler door, which does not work well; the 2009 Fit just allows the cap to dangle below the door, where it will gall the paint if there is any wind)

* Fuel pumps with displays that are hard to read under conditions of extreme glare (I typically take cellphone photos of the readouts immediately after I finish pumping gas--I've encountered several pumps that wouldn't take legible pictures no matter what)

My previous car had a hanger that worked pretty well for the gas cap, the current one is capless.

I haven't had so much an issue with the glare, but one Shell station here had an issue with some of its pump displays being completely illegible, looked like snow on a TV. So it was impossible to make any selections and start pumping without going inside to tell the attendant first. I just made a mental note of the "bad" pumps and started avoiding them at that station. I think they've gotten new pumps since then anyway, IIRC.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 02, 2020, 04:07:57 PM

Quote from: vdeane on December 31, 2019, 11:21:47 PM
having a calendar that goes from -1 to 1 makes zero (pun intended) mathematical sense whatsoever, so I have no idea why it was done that way

Because the culture that developed the BC/AD system of years had no mathematical concept of the number zero.

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 02, 2020, 02:19:46 PM
once I go in, I have to think in terms of specifying the pump by number (not always easy to find), and sometimes the transaction they fish up is not the one I just completed.

This is why the first thing I do after starting to pump gas is to identify the pump number I'm using. That way, if I have to go inside, I already know what it is instead of getting frustrated trying to find the number at the last second.

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 02, 2020, 12:11:49 PM
* Fuel pumps with displays that are hard to read under conditions of extreme glare (I typically take cellphone photos of the readouts immediately after I finish pumping gas--I've encountered several pumps that wouldn't take legible pictures no matter what)

At this gas station (https://goo.gl/maps/iaxkjHL26N9QYBQC6) in Naturita (CO), the pumps have no awning or roof. One sunny summer day, I honestly thought the pump display wasn't working at all. I went inside and had the clerk come outside with me to show here it wasn't working, and she informed me it was just the bright sun glare. Fortunately, she knew by memory what steps to take in order for the pump to take my card and dispense gasoline.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 02, 2020, 07:34:59 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on January 02, 2020, 05:16:23 AM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 01, 2020, 09:07:37 PM
People who say "real quick"
Retail workers on the floor often seem unexcited to be there since I hear them ask me "are/did you find(ing) everything OK?" The way the question is asked annoys me to no end, but sometimes (if the worker gets it) I'll slip in a sarcastic response about some "problem in Aisle 6".

Genius

and if you don't find it "reach out to me" :P

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on January 02, 2020, 11:19:47 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 02, 2020, 02:19:46 PM

As Beltway notes, the "Receipt? Yes/No" prompt disappears pretty quickly, and I generally find it is displayed immediately after I put the nozzle back in the holder (I suspect there is a sensor that signals the nozzle has been put back). Waiting for the prompt with the tank uncapped is thus the only foolproof way not to miss it, even though I would rather put the cap back on right after I park the nozzle. This is why I would prefer to be asked about the receipt before I start dispensing gas.

Indeed there is a sensor in the metal flap in the nozzle holder. I once was mindlessly drumming my fingers on the pump, touched that flap, and noticed that my transaction had been terminated. Had to start a second transaction to continue filling up. And my OCD kicks in and I'm bothered by having two credit card slips for a single fill-up. (Yes I know I can just add them together :pan: but OCD can be a powerful thing :-D )

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MNHighwayMan on January 02, 2020, 11:28:47 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 02, 2020, 06:17:21 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on January 02, 2020, 05:16:23 AM
Retail workers on the floor often seem unexcited to be there since I hear them ask me "are/did you find(ing) everything OK?" The way the question is asked annoys me to no end, but sometimes (if the worker gets it) I'll slip in a sarcastic response about some "problem in Aisle 6".
Minor things that bother employees: When they're simply trying to do what management requires them to do, and customers give them sarcastic responses. They simply want to get thru their day just like anyone else.

Yeah, seriously. Working in retail already sucks enough without customers making it worse.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 02, 2020, 11:40:00 PM

Quote from: MNHighwayMan on January 02, 2020, 11:28:47 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 02, 2020, 06:17:21 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on January 02, 2020, 05:16:23 AM
Retail workers on the floor often seem unexcited to be there since I hear them ask me "are/did you find(ing) everything OK?" The way the question is asked annoys me to no end, but sometimes (if the worker gets it) I'll slip in a sarcastic response about some "problem in Aisle 6".
Minor things that bother employees: When they're simply trying to do what management requires them to do, and customers give them sarcastic responses. They simply want to get thru their day just like anyone else.

Yeah, seriously. Working in retail already sucks enough without customers making it worse.

Made worse when they have to call the customer a "guest"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 02, 2020, 11:59:42 PM

Quote from: MNHighwayMan on January 02, 2020, 11:28:47 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 02, 2020, 06:17:21 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on January 02, 2020, 05:16:23 AM
Retail workers on the floor often seem unexcited to be there since I hear them ask me "are/did you find(ing) everything OK?" The way the question is asked annoys me to no end, but sometimes (if the worker gets it) I'll slip in a sarcastic response about some "problem in Aisle 6".
Minor things that bother employees: When they're simply trying to do what management requires them to do, and customers give them sarcastic responses. They simply want to get thru their day just like anyone else.

Yeah, seriously. Working in retail already sucks enough without customers making it worse.

Apparently the art of being able to read your customer has become lost. Vocal and facial clues can tell you when you can skip the canned sales pitches. When I used to run a cash register in a major chain, I could tell those who just wanted to get the hell out of the store vs those I might be able to hawk a new credit card account to. Or when I was on the floor - who was stumped looking for something specific vs someone who just wanted to be left alone.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 03, 2020, 12:08:57 AM

Quote from: DaBigE on January 02, 2020, 11:59:42 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on January 02, 2020, 11:28:47 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 02, 2020, 06:17:21 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on January 02, 2020, 05:16:23 AM
Retail workers on the floor often seem unexcited to be there since I hear them ask me "are/did you find(ing) everything OK?" The way the question is asked annoys me to no end, but sometimes (if the worker gets it) I'll slip in a sarcastic response about some "problem in Aisle 6".
Minor things that bother employees: When they're simply trying to do what management requires them to do, and customers give them sarcastic responses. They simply want to get thru their day just like anyone else.

Yeah, seriously. Working in retail already sucks enough without customers making it worse.

Apparently the art of being able to read your customer has become lost. Vocal and facial clues can tell you when you can skip the canned sales pitches. When I used to run a cash register in a major chain, I could tell those who just wanted to get the hell out of the store vs those I might be able to hawk a new credit card account to. Or when I was on the floor - who was stumped looking for something specific vs someone who just wanted to be left alone.

Don't most companies still have quotas for credit card applications and warranty sales? I can't recall the last time I ran into a commissioned sales person at a retail store.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on January 03, 2020, 12:28:54 AM

TBH - Retail employees - especially at big box stores - have to follow procedures laid out by their bosses - this includes trying to make the sale to loitering customers, plugging store cards, pushing rewards programs, etc - even the cash registers are programmed to not let transactions finish without these steps as prerequisites. So yeah that can annoy both employees and some customers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 03, 2020, 12:52:55 AM

Okay here's one, those annoying people who work for Spectrum who bother you in Walmart. I pretty much tell them to f*ck off now.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 03, 2020, 01:04:02 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 03, 2020, 12:08:57 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on January 02, 2020, 11:59:42 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on January 02, 2020, 11:28:47 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 02, 2020, 06:17:21 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on January 02, 2020, 05:16:23 AM
Retail workers on the floor often seem unexcited to be there since I hear them ask me "are/did you find(ing) everything OK?" The way the question is asked annoys me to no end, but sometimes (if the worker gets it) I'll slip in a sarcastic response about some "problem in Aisle 6".
Minor things that bother employees: When they're simply trying to do what management requires them to do, and customers give them sarcastic responses. They simply want to get thru their day just like anyone else.
Yeah, seriously. Working in retail already sucks enough without customers making it worse.
Apparently the art of being able to read your customer has become lost. Vocal and facial clues can tell you when you can skip the canned sales pitches. When I used to run a cash register in a major chain, I could tell those who just wanted to get the hell out of the store vs those I might be able to hawk a new credit card account to. Or when I was on the floor - who was stumped looking for something specific vs someone who just wanted to be left alone.
Don’t most companies still have quotas for credit card applications and warranty sales? I can’t recall the last time I ran into a commissioned sales person at a retail store.

Can't speak for all of them, but we didn't have quotas. We had a whopping $1 incentive for every new account that was opened.

Quote from: SSOWorld on January 03, 2020, 12:28:54 AM
TBH - Retail employees - especially at big box stores - have to follow procedures laid out by their bosses - this includes trying to make the sale to loitering customers, plugging store cards, pushing rewards programs, etc - even the cash registers are programmed to not let transactions finish without these steps as prerequisites. So yeah that can annoy both employees and some customers.

What they told us to do and what we actually did are two different things. Again, I can't speak for all the boxes, but we were held accountable for the customer experience, not how many accounts are opened. You do reach a saturation point, especially if you get a lot of repeat customers (what the big box is really targeting). Yes, there were programmed steps in the registers, but they are easily bypassed. There's still a lot of discretion left to the employee. At certain times, we were supposed to track ZIP codes. That prompt was easily bypassed by hitting 'Enter'...which would represent someone who declined to offer their information. If there was a long line forming, the enter button tended to get hit more often than not. More often, this task is pushed at the self-service credit terminal, virtually eliminating the cashier from the task.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on January 03, 2020, 08:03:36 AM

Another one from yesterday: People who stop, on both sides of a 4-lane road, for a school bus when the signal lights are NOT flashing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on January 03, 2020, 09:41:56 AM

Quote from: DaBigE on January 03, 2020, 01:04:02 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 03, 2020, 12:08:57 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on January 02, 2020, 11:59:42 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on January 02, 2020, 11:28:47 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 02, 2020, 06:17:21 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on January 02, 2020, 05:16:23 AM
Retail workers on the floor often seem unexcited to be there since I hear them ask me "are/did you find(ing) everything OK?" The way the question is asked annoys me to no end, but sometimes (if the worker gets it) I'll slip in a sarcastic response about some "problem in Aisle 6".
Minor things that bother employees: When they're simply trying to do what management requires them to do, and customers give them sarcastic responses. They simply want to get thru their day just like anyone else.
Yeah, seriously. Working in retail already sucks enough without customers making it worse.
Apparently the art of being able to read your customer has become lost. Vocal and facial clues can tell you when you can skip the canned sales pitches. When I used to run a cash register in a major chain, I could tell those who just wanted to get the hell out of the store vs those I might be able to hawk a new credit card account to. Or when I was on the floor - who was stumped looking for something specific vs someone who just wanted to be left alone.
Don't most companies still have quotas for credit card applications and warranty sales? I can't recall the last time I ran into a commissioned sales person at a retail store.

Can't speak for all of them, but we didn't have quotas. We had a whopping $1 incentive for every new account that was opened.

Quote from: SSOWorld on January 03, 2020, 12:28:54 AM
TBH - Retail employees - especially at big box stores - have to follow procedures laid out by their bosses - this includes trying to make the sale to loitering customers, plugging store cards, pushing rewards programs, etc - even the cash registers are programmed to not let transactions finish without these steps as prerequisites. So yeah that can annoy both employees and some customers.

What they told us to do and what we actually did are two different things. Again, I can't speak for all the boxes, but we were held accountable for the customer experience, not how many accounts are opened. You do reach a saturation point, especially if you get a lot of repeat customers (what the big box is really targeting). Yes, there were programmed steps in the registers, but they are easily bypassed. There's still a lot of discretion left to the employee. At certain times, we were supposed to track ZIP codes. That prompt was easily bypassed by hitting 'Enter'...which would represent someone who declined to offer their information. If there was a long line forming, the enter button tended to get hit more often than not. More often, this task is pushed at the self-service credit terminal, virtually eliminating the cashier from the task.

I'll give you that - you're doing your job and it's good that in your environment you're given the ability to flex. I do my best nowadays to take it in stride and work with it as I don't frequent big box stores (I have no reason to do so since I have the stuff I need *cough* I mean want 😉

The moral to the story is YMMV in every aspect of any business. there are some out there that insist on procedure following and won't let you by without completing the sale - they're rare though, and mainly self-service kiosks (as you said) and the web would be the place. Same can be said for phone support companies who read from a script. We're on autopilot most of the time.

Sometimes I just have to tell myself "OK boomer" and move on. Â¯\_(ツ)_/Â¯

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: renegade on January 03, 2020, 04:19:26 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on January 03, 2020, 12:52:55 AM
Okay here's one, those annoying people who work for Spectrum who bother you in Walmart. I pretty much tell them to f*ck off now.

Yeah, with me it's DirecTV in Sam's Club. I always tell them if they can beat "free" then they can have my business

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 03, 2020, 04:33:48 PM

Around here it's Cox. My reply to salesmen both in person and on the phone: "I work for a company that contracts for Cox so, if I ever wanted to change my service level, I could key the work order in ICOMS myself."

That catches them off guard!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 03, 2020, 04:35:52 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on January 03, 2020, 12:52:55 AM
Okay here's one, those annoying people who work for Spectrum who bother you in Walmart. I pretty much tell them to f*ck off now.

Them, and I'd also add the aggressive replacement window/siding/bathroom remodel folks at the mall kiosks. Whenever we do finally buy a house, I'm still going to tell them we rent.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 03, 2020, 04:44:40 PM

Toyota's "Jan"
Chevy's "Real people, not actors" host
All Lincoln commercials that feature Matthew McConaughey

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on January 03, 2020, 04:51:43 PM

Quoteauthor=DaBigE link=topic=26000.msg2467869#msg2467869 date=1578027582

Apparently the art of being able to read your customer has become lost. Vocal and facial clues can tell you when you can skip the canned sales pitches. When I used to run a cash register in a major chain, I could tell those who just wanted to get the hell out of the store vs those I might be able to hawk a new credit card account to. Or when I was on the floor - who was stumped looking for something specific vs someone who just wanted to be left alone.

Back in the days of Radio Shack, there was one store near me that I used to patronize frequently for minor parts, connectors, cables and such. I always knew exactly what I needed and exactly where to find it. The manager picked up on this pretty quickly and would skip the "May I help you?" bit when he'd see me enter the store. So one day, I walk in and there's a new kid at the register. He starts in on the "May I help you find something?" routine just as the manager walks in from the back. The manager sees me, and then tells the kid "Save it. This guy probably knows the place better than you do."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on January 03, 2020, 05:02:44 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on January 03, 2020, 04:44:40 PM
Toyota's "Jan"
Chevy's "Real people, not actors" host
All Lincoln commercials that feature Matthew McConaughey

The GMC "Hey Hey Goodbye" ad about the magical tailgate that apparently can do everything but cook you breakfast. Shown ad-nauseum (pun intended) during every NFL playoff game last season.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 03, 2020, 05:04:45 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on January 03, 2020, 04:35:52 PM
Whenever we do finally buy a house, I'm still going to tell them we rent.

When I was growing up, we lived in a parsonage (my dad was a pastor). Those were fun sales call conversations:

– Hello, do you own your home?
– No.
– Oh, so you rent, then.
– No.
– Ummm................ Uhhhh.........

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 03, 2020, 05:05:40 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on January 03, 2020, 04:44:40 PM
Chevy's "Real people, not actors" host

Aren't actors real people?

I just notice the other day, the commercial was captioned "real Chevrolet employees, not actors". Oh, like that's any better??

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 03, 2020, 05:08:32 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 02, 2020, 02:19:46 PM
Quote from: GaryV on January 02, 2020, 12:38:42 PMIs there some reason you need to complete the transaction on the pump before you fasten the gas cap?

Quote from: Beltway on January 02, 2020, 01:18:35 PMWhat is irritating is when no receipt is delivered, so you have to go into the store and compete with others in line to be able to get a receipt in a timely fashion.

That is a total nonstarter for me--once I go in, I have to think in terms of specifying the pump by number (not always easy to find), and sometimes the transaction they fish up is not the one I just completed. It might be different if I used receipts to document fuel purchases for direct cash reimbursement, but the cellphone photo of the pump readouts at least ensures I have a timestamped record no matter what.

[

Quote from: DaBigE on January 03, 2020, 04:44:40 PM
Toyota's "Jan"

As much as I hate Flo she's at least a character. What is "Jan". Does she sell? Or is she a receptionist who just oversteps? She has no particular charisma or anything.

Receipts have to be manually refilled. But someone has to actually do it and almost every cashier is not going to bother unless they have to.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 03, 2020, 05:10:13 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 03, 2020, 05:05:40 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on January 03, 2020, 04:44:40 PM
Chevy's "Real people, not actors" host

Aren't actors real people?

I just notice the other day, the commercial was captioned "real Chevrolet employees, not actors". Oh, like that's any better??

I suspect Lizard People or Androids given the lack of human behavior demonstrated in the commercials. Either way I'd be more likely to listen of the caption said "real Lizard People" or "real Androids."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 03, 2020, 05:11:04 PM

Quote from: renegade on January 03, 2020, 04:19:26 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 03, 2020, 12:52:55 AM
Okay here's one, those annoying people who work for Spectrum who bother you in Walmart. I pretty much tell them to f*ck off now.
Yeah, with me it's DirecTV in Sam's Club. I always tell them if they can beat "free" then they can have my business

I told the guy we don't sign contracts and he said it wasn't a contract it was an agreement. Okay whatever.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on January 03, 2020, 05:13:15 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 03, 2020, 05:10:13 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 03, 2020, 05:05:40 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on January 03, 2020, 04:44:40 PM
Chevy's "Real people, not actors" host

Aren't actors real people?

I just notice the other day, the commercial was captioned "real Chevrolet employees, not actors". Oh, like that's any better??

I suspect Lizard People or Androids given the lack of human behavior demonstrated in the commercials. Either way I'd be more likely to listen of the caption said "real Lizard People" or "real Androids."

Or real Small Furry People from Alpha Centuari.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 03, 2020, 05:17:01 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on January 03, 2020, 05:11:04 PM
I told the guy we don't sign contracts and he said it wasn't a contract it was an agreement. Okay whatever.

One of my best friends recently had an argument with a Cox sales call rep. He told the rep he didn't want a sales call. The rep said it's not a sales call, but that he just wanted to make sure my friend's service level was meeting his current needs and if he might want to change his level of service to better suit his needs. "So it is a sales call, then." "No, it's not a sales call." They went back and forth for a while. I don't remember if the rep ever admitted to it being a sales call or not.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 03, 2020, 05:27:47 PM

Quote from: roadman on January 03, 2020, 05:13:15 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 03, 2020, 05:10:13 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 03, 2020, 05:05:40 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on January 03, 2020, 04:44:40 PM
Chevy's "Real people, not actors" host

Aren't actors real people?

I just notice the other day, the commercial was captioned "real Chevrolet employees, not actors". Oh, like that's any better??

I suspect Lizard People or Androids given the lack of human behavior demonstrated in the commercials. Either way I'd be more likely to listen of the caption said "real Lizard People" or "real Androids."

Or real Small Furry People from Alpha Centuari.

Now that would be impressive if GM had a stake in the domestic market share of the Small Furry Kingdom of Alpha Centuari. I suspect that least there small sedans would still be appreciated over the swath of vanilla CUVs being pushed on Earth in the U.S. Market.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 03, 2020, 05:29:06 PM

RBF or it's lesser component Resting B*tch Voice RBV.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on January 03, 2020, 05:53:12 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 03, 2020, 05:17:01 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 03, 2020, 05:11:04 PM
I told the guy we don't sign contracts and he said it wasn't a contract it was an agreement. Okay whatever.

One of my best friends recently had an argument with a Cox sales call rep. He told the rep he didn't want a sales call. The rep said it's not a sales call, but that he just wanted to make sure my friend's service level was meeting his current needs and if he might want to change his level of service to better suit his needs. "So it is a sales call, then." "No, it's not a sales call." They went back and forth for a while. I don't remember if the rep ever admitted to it being a sales call or not.

(https://www.ssoworld.org/pics/commandcenter.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 03, 2020, 08:08:49 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 03, 2020, 05:04:45 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on January 03, 2020, 04:35:52 PM
Whenever we do finally buy a house, I'm still going to tell them we rent.

When I was growing up, we lived in a parsonage (my dad was a pastor). Those were fun sales call conversations:

– Hello, do you own your home?
– No.
– Oh, so you rent, then.
– No.
– Ummm................ Uhhhh.........

When I was in college, we got a call (I answered) asking to speak to "the man of the house." I figured it was a sales call, so I said, "Which one? There are four of us." As I expected, the caller didn't realize it was a college apartment and assumed we were homosexuals (we were not)–there was a LONG silence and then the caller hung up. I should have answered in a high-pitched voice just to play to stereotypes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Brian556 on January 03, 2020, 11:58:37 PM

Utensils with flat handles. Unfortunately, the vast majority of them are this way, and I cannot stand it. They are very uncomfortable to use. They forks are the worst because they dig into your hand when you use them to cut meat. The ones with rounded handles are so much better

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 04, 2020, 04:03:55 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on January 03, 2020, 05:11:04 PM
Quote from: renegade on January 03, 2020, 04:19:26 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 03, 2020, 12:52:55 AM
Okay here's one, those annoying people who work for Spectrum who bother you in Walmart. I pretty much tell them to f*ck off now.
Yeah, with me it's DirecTV in Sam's Club. I always tell them if they can beat "free" then they can have my business

I told the guy we don't sign contracts and he said it wasn't a contract it was an agreement. Okay whatever.

Tell them that you agree to disagree.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 04, 2020, 04:05:29 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 04, 2020, 04:03:55 AM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 03, 2020, 05:11:04 PM
Quote from: renegade on January 03, 2020, 04:19:26 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 03, 2020, 12:52:55 AM
Okay here's one, those annoying people who work for Spectrum who bother you in Walmart. I pretty much tell them to f*ck off now.
Yeah, with me it’s DirecTV in Sam’s Club. I always tell them if they can beat “free” then they can have my business

I told the guy we don't sign contracts and he said it wasn't a contract it was an agreement. Okay whatever.

Tell them that you agree to disagree.

I was with my wife at that point she wanted me to keep walking

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on January 04, 2020, 06:54:24 AM

A while back there were a lot of phone sales calls to change your phone service. My sister in law told one caller, "I'm sorry, we don't have a phone." Reply: "Sorry for bothering you." Hang up.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: crt08 on January 04, 2020, 12:14:07 PM

Flippers that buy houses fairly cheap, do nothing more than paint and put down some new carpet (and sometimes less) and then put back on market for ridiculous amounts more than they paid. Um, I know how to find out what you paid and I can paint myself for a lot cheaper, thanks.

Even worse is when they buy a house that was already pretty nice but actually make it worse when they go to "renovate" it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 04, 2020, 12:36:41 PM

Quote from: crt08 on January 04, 2020, 12:14:07 PM
Flippers that buy houses fairly cheap, do nothing more than paint and put down some new carpet (and sometimes less) and then put back on market for ridiculous amounts more than they paid. Um, I know how to find out what you paid and I can paint myself for a lot cheaper, thanks.

Even worse is when they buy a house that was already pretty nice but actually make it worse when they go to "renovate" it.

All those people too who talk about house flipping like it's so easy to do.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 04, 2020, 12:36:50 PM

Quote from: crt08 on January 04, 2020, 12:14:07 PM
Flippers that buy houses fairly cheap, do nothing more than paint and put down some new carpet (and sometimes less) and then put back on market for ridiculous amounts more than they paid. Um, I know how to find out what you paid and I can paint myself for a lot cheaper, thanks.

Even worse is when they buy a house that was already pretty nice but actually make it worse when they go to "renovate" it.

My brother actually made 1.3 million doing that during the housing boom before the market fell out from underneath of him and he got caught holding eight properties. Considering how steep Capital Gains tax was he would try to hold the properties for two years but that's one of the larger reasons he got burned holding so many deeds on homes. I should note that my brother would spend about 15-30k on improvements on homes and he did a large percentage of the work himself. Some of the profits could be very substantial, I know he made a 120k profit on one house he remodeled and flipped within a two year window. Either way house flipping being a profitable enterprise usually isn't a good sign for affordable housing in particular market. It's one of the biggest reasons I left Phoenix back in 2013. Either way he was exploiting a market bubble but was smart enough to recognize it was beginning and caught the wave early. Too bad he didn't see it ending because he lost everything that he made in the housing crash.

Now the real driver of that housing boom was predatory adjustable rate mortgage loans that were so popular in the early 2000s. Double that up with a City like Phoenix which was exploding in population growth and there was some real opportunities to make money off the house flipping business. Even after the housing boom home prices in Phoenix still remained way above what they were at the turn of the century and have only risen since...its kind of getting to Los Angeles/Bay Areas levels in places.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 04, 2020, 02:23:25 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 04, 2020, 12:36:50 PMMy brother actually made 1.3 million doing that during the housing boom before the market fell out from underneath of him and he got caught holding eight properties. Considering how steep Capital Gains tax was he would try to hold the properties for two years but that's one of the larger reasons he got burned holding so many deeds on homes. I should note that my brother would spend about 15-30k on improvements on homes and he did a large percentage of the work himself. Some of the profits could be very substantial, I know he made a 120k profit on one house he remodeled and flipped within a two year window. Either way house flipping being a profitable enterprise usually isn't a good sign for affordable housing in particular market. It's one of the biggest reasons I left Phoenix back in 2013. Either way he was exploiting a market bubble but was smart enough to recognize it was beginning and caught the wave early. Too bad he didn't see it ending because he lost everything that he made in the housing crash.

In the parallel thread dealing with companies (etc.) we want to see go out of business, I did mention house flippers. I concede that, to the extent they reflect a natural development of specialization to improve economic efficiency (not everyone has the ability or interest to act as his or her own general contractor/construction manager for updating fixer-uppers), and do not scrim-shank on the improvements they carry out, they can be a benign factor in a local housing market. However, flipping is inevitably a speculative activity to some degree, and that has a tendency to exacerbate problems with housing affordability.

Intending long-term owners who buy from a flipper lose out when they effectively have to pay twice for the same updates (as a result of, e.g., the flipper putting in bottom-tier fixed appliances or failing to observe reasonable standards of workmanship when redecorating).

In my local area, we have observed that flippers tend to be tied to sources of fallow capital, such as doctors or small groups of well-heeled real-estate investors. A few years ago, we received a cash-for-property offer from a LLC. When I looked it up with the Secretary of State (which in Kansas handles business registrations), I found two names in connection with it. One was a farmer's son from western Kansas, and the other was a medical doctor. Both have gone on my personal blacklist. We have received other cash-for-property postcards from different business entities (mostly partnerships) at essentially the same mailing address, in a high-dollar office park on the east side of town (traditionally the millionaires' quarter).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 04, 2020, 02:53:47 PM

I hate those house flipping shows. They make it seem dire like they are going to lose money and in the end they ALWAYS make money. That one show with the flippers EVERY TIME and supposedly they never once lost money. Flip or Flop.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 04, 2020, 02:56:49 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 04, 2020, 02:23:25 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 04, 2020, 12:36:50 PMMy brother actually made 1.3 million doing that during the housing boom before the market fell out from underneath of him and he got caught holding eight properties. Considering how steep Capital Gains tax was he would try to hold the properties for two years but that's one of the larger reasons he got burned holding so many deeds on homes. I should note that my brother would spend about 15-30k on improvements on homes and he did a large percentage of the work himself. Some of the profits could be very substantial, I know he made a 120k profit on one house he remodeled and flipped within a two year window. Either way house flipping being a profitable enterprise usually isn't a good sign for affordable housing in particular market. It's one of the biggest reasons I left Phoenix back in 2013. Either way he was exploiting a market bubble but was smart enough to recognize it was beginning and caught the wave early. Too bad he didn't see it ending because he lost everything that he made in the housing crash.

In the parallel thread dealing with companies (etc.) we want to see go out of business, I did mention house flippers. I concede that, to the extent they reflect a natural development of specialization to improve economic efficiency (not everyone has the ability or interest to act as his or her own general contractor/construction manager for updating fixer-uppers), and do not scrim-shank on the improvements they carry out, they can be a benign factor in a local housing market. However, flipping is inevitably a speculative activity to some degree, and that has a tendency to exacerbate problems with housing affordability.

Intending long-term owners who buy from a flipper lose out when they effectively have to pay twice for the same updates (as a result of, e.g., the flipper putting in bottom-tier fixed appliances or failing to observe reasonable standards of workmanship when redecorating).

In my local area, we have observed that flippers tend to be tied to sources of fallow capital, such as doctors or small groups of well-heeled real-estate investors. A few years ago, we received a cash-for-property offer from a LLC. When I looked it up with the Secretary of State (which in Kansas handles business registrations), I found two names in connection with it. One was a farmer's son from western Kansas, and the other was a medical doctor. Both have gone on my personal blacklist. We have received other cash-for-property postcards from different business entities (mostly partnerships) at essentially the same mailing address, in a high-dollar office park on the east side of town (traditionally the millionaires' quarter).

Unfortunately in the case of the Phoenix market all the house flipping coupled with the housing bubble were really what expedited gentrification and sprawl. The unfortunate result was taking a Metro Area that was very affordable circa 2000 and making just another upper middle class suburban hell scape by 2020. Some of the long commutes resulted from new development racing outwards to whatever affordable parcels of land were left over. As much as I liked Arizona I didn't want to be part of kind of turn in the real estate market again. Fortunately I had the ability to leave through my career and ultimately did.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jemacedo9 on January 04, 2020, 02:59:04 PM

Quote from: GaryV on January 04, 2020, 06:54:24 AM
A while back there were a lot of phone sales calls to change your phone service. My sister in law told one caller, "I'm sorry, we don't have a phone." Reply: "Sorry for bothering you." Hang up.

Nicely done!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 04, 2020, 04:49:31 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 04, 2020, 12:36:50 PM
My brother actually made 1.3 million doing that during the housing boom before the market fell out from underneath of him and he got caught holding eight properties.

A co-worker of mine had the same situation. That's a way to get into the rental market without ever intending to!

Quote from: jemacedo9 on January 04, 2020, 02:59:04 PM

Quote from: GaryV on January 04, 2020, 06:54:24 AM
A while back there were a lot of phone sales calls to change your phone service. My sister in law told one caller, "I'm sorry, we don't have a phone." Reply: "Sorry for bothering you." Hang up.

Nicely done!

I remember my father telling one the same thing back in the 90s. Except it wasn't a polite "sorry for bothering you" but instead a confused moment of silence on the other end.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 04, 2020, 06:33:48 PM

Here's something that bothers me. You can sign up for things online, change service plans online, but you have to call to cancel the service. You can't do that online.

Or when you have had no luck with phone calls to get something done and you write a letter, and they respond that you need to call them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 04, 2020, 07:28:59 PM

On FB a woman just referred to her husband as "hubs"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 04, 2020, 08:34:33 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 04, 2020, 06:33:48 PM
Here's something that bothers me. You can sign up for things online, change service plans online, but you have to call to cancel the service. You can't do that online.

Or when you have had no luck with phone calls to get something done and you write a letter, and they respond that you need to call them.

Those are good ones.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 04, 2020, 08:51:36 PM

Email list unsubscribe buttons that take you to an unrelated webpage, with no way to contact anyone else (not even to tell them their link is broken).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 04, 2020, 10:36:47 PM

Gas pumps where I just want gas:

Insert card
Punch in your zip code (okay I know I need to do that)
Do you want additive?
Do you want to join our 5 cent off club?
Do you want a receipt?
Do you want a car wash?

Then I have to watch your video while I pump

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on January 04, 2020, 11:45:11 PM

Today is January 4. Winter started two weeks ago. They're late as usual.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: OracleUsr on January 05, 2020, 10:08:39 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on January 04, 2020, 10:36:47 PM
Gas pumps where I just want gas:

Insert card
Punch in your zip code (okay I know I need to do that)
Do you want additive?
Do you want to join our 5 cent off club?
Do you want a receipt?
Do you want a car wash?

Then I have to watch your video while I pump

I had one near my house that used to ask:

Debit Card (Y/N) NO
Debit Card (Y/N) NO
Debit Card (Y/N) NO

Authorizing

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on January 05, 2020, 10:16:50 AM

Quote from: DaBigE on January 04, 2020, 08:51:36 PM
Email list unsubscribe buttons that take you to an unrelated webpage, with no way to contact anyone else (not even to tell them their link is broken).

They probably don't care about the broken link, but are more interested that by clicking the button you just confirmed yours is a valid and active e-mail address that can be sold to other companies. I never unsubscribe from e-mail lists; I just add the senders to my spam filter.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SectorZ on January 05, 2020, 12:57:11 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 04, 2020, 06:33:48 PM
Here's something that bothers me. You can sign up for things online, change service plans online, but you have to call to cancel the service. You can't do that online.

Or when you have had no luck with phone calls to get something done and you write a letter, and they respond that you need to call them.

In each case I swear it's that they don't want to get stuff in writing and be held to it. When I got "laid off" (actually fired) from a job and I was working out some stuff with them (they gave me severance, etc). I told them I would only go via e-mail, and they refused because I suspect they were going to pull something where they'd try to lie their way out of it. Since recording in my two-party state would not be legal (or at least allowed to be admitted in a legal situation as evidence), I stood firm on it and they relented. They pulled this stunt a year earlier on someone who was legitimately laid off (not fired) by backtracking on something they said.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 05, 2020, 01:24:36 PM

I needed to send in a form to a government agency. They'll accept the form by fax, but they won't accept a scanned version because that's not an original signature. That makes no sense at all. The faxed copy isn't an original signature either.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 05, 2020, 02:08:53 PM

When you complain to a company about something you want corrected and rather than correct it they send you a coupon for something free worth a few bucks. Great, but I wanted it fixed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: crt08 on January 05, 2020, 02:33:00 PM

I emailed a company to ask a question about something they sell, and they didn't respond. But I started getting their weekly newsletter emailed to me instead.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on January 05, 2020, 03:23:30 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on January 04, 2020, 10:36:47 PM
Gas pumps where I just want gas:

Insert card
Punch in your zip code (okay I know I need to do that)
Do you want additive?
Do you want to join our 5 cent off club?
Do you want a receipt?
Do you want a car wash?

Then I have to watch your video while I pump

Even inside - they're doing their job, but poorly.

"Any gas out there?" (not hard to say "Any fuel to purchase on which pump?" (or similar more detailed questions).

"See you next time".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 05, 2020, 03:38:06 PM

My former boss (nice guy) would always say "what else for you?" If I wanted something else I would have brought it to the counter with me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on January 05, 2020, 04:49:59 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on January 05, 2020, 03:38:06 PM
My former boss (nice guy) would always say "what else for you?" If I wanted something else I would have brought it to the counter with me.

They could be trying to sell things that are behind the counter

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 05, 2020, 04:58:37 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on January 05, 2020, 04:49:59 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 05, 2020, 03:38:06 PM
My former boss (nice guy) would always say "what else for you?" If I wanted something else I would have brought it to the counter with me.
They could be trying to sell things that are behind the counter

True dat. Upselling in general annoys me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 06, 2020, 08:57:45 AM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on January 05, 2020, 10:16:50 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on January 04, 2020, 08:51:36 PM
Email list unsubscribe buttons that take you to an unrelated webpage, with no way to contact anyone else (not even to tell them their link is broken).

They probably don't care about the broken link, but are more interested that by clicking the button you just confirmed yours is a valid and active e-mail address that can be sold to other companies. I never unsubscribe from e-mail lists; I just add the senders to my spam filter.

You know, I also held to this theory for years, but I think it actually works with the more reputable brick-and-mortar companies. I have one email address for all my travel stuff and for most items/services I purchase; unsubscribing cut away almost all the undesired recipients and seemed to cut down roughly half my spam (although, it could be that more junk gets destroyed or sent-to-spam immediately). But I found it worked well for small businesses and restaurants who just wanted to let me know they're still open every month or two; especially those which I don't patronize due to distance or no longer interested in using once more.

Your mileage will vary on this matter. If the company has some sort of website login, they likely offer a way to unsubscribe or cut down most "promotions"; due to privacy laws and a desire to keep your business, they tend to obey this to a degree.

Every so often they manage to reset the checkbox for: □ Bother Me Every Other Day!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 06, 2020, 10:13:08 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on January 05, 2020, 03:38:06 PM
My former boss (nice guy) would always say "what else for you?" If I wanted something else I would have brought it to the counter with me.

Long been a great marketing strategy. Honestly, probably a holdover from when cigs and tobacco were huge upsells. But even with the "Can I get you anything else", it gives the customer an additional moment to say "Oh, I'll grab one of these" from on or under the counter.

They're usually high profit margin items, so sell a few here and there and those dollars add up for the retailer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 06, 2020, 10:25:40 AM

the term "brick and mortar"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 06, 2020, 10:26:16 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 06, 2020, 10:13:08 AM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 05, 2020, 03:38:06 PM
My former boss (nice guy) would always say "what else for you?" If I wanted something else I would have brought it to the counter with me.

Long been a great marketing strategy. Honestly, probably a holdover from when cigs and tobacco were huge upsells. But even with the "Can I get you anything else", it gives the customer an additional moment to say "Oh, I'll grab one of these" from on or under the counter.

They're usually high profit margin items, so sell a few here and there and those dollars add up for the retailer.

God I hate those candy bars by the register, I'm a sucker for that

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: KEVIN_224 on January 06, 2020, 01:18:00 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on January 03, 2020, 12:52:55 AM
Okay here's one, those annoying people who work for Spectrum who bother you in Walmart. I pretty much tell them to f*ck off now.

We call them the Comcast Vultures at Walmart in Newington, CT. It's even more odd that Newington is served by Cox Communications. The closest areas with Comcast service is Berlin (just south on the Berlin Turnpike) and New Britain (immediately west). We had a guy pitching AT&T DSL internet service in my waning days there in 2010.

As for what bothers me today? Somebody still wished a Happy New Year to a customer at a local McDonald's. It is January SIXTH. Name one other holiday where you wish them well several days after the holiday. I'll wait.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 06, 2020, 01:33:13 PM

Quote from: KEVIN_224 on January 06, 2020, 01:18:00 PM
Name one other holiday where you wish them well several days after the holiday. I'll wait.

Arbor day.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 06, 2020, 01:37:44 PM

Quote from: KEVIN_224 on January 06, 2020, 01:18:00 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 03, 2020, 12:52:55 AM
Okay here's one, those annoying people who work for Spectrum who bother you in Walmart. I pretty much tell them to f*ck off now.

We call them the Comcast Vultures at Walmart in Newington, CT. It's even more odd that Newington is served by Cox Communications. The closest areas with Comcast service is Berlin (just south on the Berlin Turnpike) and New Britain (immediately west). We had a guy pitching AT&T DSL internet service in my waning days there in 2010.

As for what bothers me today? Somebody still wished a Happy New Year to a customer at a local McDonald's. It is January SIXTH. Name one other holiday where you wish them well several days after the holiday. I'll wait.

F*ck that's awesome, they're keeping it going. How often does a McD's employee have that enthusiasm?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 06, 2020, 01:52:22 PM

Quote from: KEVIN_224 on January 06, 2020, 01:18:00 PM
Name one other holiday where you wish them well several days after the holiday. I'll wait.

Christmas...technically lasts until Epiphany

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 06, 2020, 02:03:24 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on January 06, 2020, 01:52:22 PM

Quote from: KEVIN_224 on January 06, 2020, 01:18:00 PM
Name one other holiday where you wish them well several days after the holiday. I'll wait.

Christmas...technically lasts until Epiphany

Because Christmastide lasts until Epiphany, I don't consider it "late" to wish someone a Merry Christmas on, say, January 2. And, while it is still a new year on January 6, there does have to be a point at which it stops being appropriate.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 06, 2020, 02:08:24 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 06, 2020, 10:13:08 AM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 05, 2020, 03:38:06 PM
My former boss (nice guy) would always say "what else for you?" If I wanted something else I would have brought it to the counter with me.

Long been a great marketing strategy. Honestly, probably a holdover from when cigs and tobacco were huge upsells. But even with the "Can I get you anything else", it gives the customer an additional moment to say "Oh, I'll grab one of these" from on or under the counter.

They're usually high profit margin items, so sell a few here and there and those dollars add up for the retailer.

Or, it could be a variant on the "did you find everything you were looking for?" question. You may not have seen something you wanted to buy, and didn't ask someone or didn't see someone to ask if they had it in stock or even carried it, so if you're checking out and you get asked,"anything else for you?" and you say, "Well, I was looking for a such-and-such but didn't see one on the shelf," the checker can either tell you if they have it or not, or help you find it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 06, 2020, 02:17:48 PM

I hate to ask because then they take time to go look for it

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 06, 2020, 02:27:37 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on January 06, 2020, 10:25:40 AM
the term "brick and mortar"

You have a too many minor things that bother you. Consider dropping twenty of them.

And because we have too many people that take everything literally around here, wear steel-toed shoes before dropping any actual bricks or mortars.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: KEVIN_224 on January 06, 2020, 02:50:02 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 06, 2020, 02:03:24 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on January 06, 2020, 01:52:22 PM

Quote from: KEVIN_224 on January 06, 2020, 01:18:00 PM
Name one other holiday where you wish them well several days after the holiday. I'll wait.

Christmas...technically lasts until Epiphany

Because Christmastide lasts until Epiphany, I don't consider it "late" to wish someone a Merry Christmas on, say, January 2. And, while it is still a new year on January 6, there does have to be a point at which it stops being appropriate.

Then again, I think the Russian Orthodox version of Christmas is Tuesday the 7th. Nobody I know here in Connecticut celebrates it though.

I once said "Happy MLK Day" to somebody on January 2nd. They looked at me funny and just moved on. I said it only implying that it was the next observance of any day or function for many (January 20th this year).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 06, 2020, 03:26:16 PM

Quote from: formulanone on January 06, 2020, 02:27:37 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 06, 2020, 10:25:40 AM
the term "brick and mortar"

You have a too many minor things that bother you. Consider dropping twenty of them.

And because we have too many people that take everything literally around here, wear steel-toed shoes before dropping any actual bricks or mortars.

I've got 5 years on you, it gets worse

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 06, 2020, 03:27:56 PM

Potholes

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on January 06, 2020, 03:28:49 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 06, 2020, 03:27:56 PM
Potholes

Come to Michigan. Then potholes won't be a minor annoyance to you any more. They'll become a major annoyance.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 06, 2020, 03:31:15 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on January 06, 2020, 03:26:16 PM
Quote from: formulanone on January 06, 2020, 02:27:37 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 06, 2020, 10:25:40 AM
the term "brick and mortar"

You have a too many minor things that bother you. Consider dropping twenty of them.

And because we have too many people that take everything literally around here, wear steel-toed shoes before dropping any actual bricks or mortars.

I've got 5 years on you, it gets worse

Then you've had five more years to find wisdom and peace.

Or watched more TV, it's your life.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 06, 2020, 03:32:49 PM

Quote from: GaryV on January 06, 2020, 03:28:49 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 06, 2020, 03:27:56 PM
Potholes

Come to Michigan. Then potholes won't be a minor annoyance to you any more. They'll become a major annoyance.

I once had a page-per-day calendar that had an "on this day" blurb for each day of the year. Except they were funny ones. One day had an entry for "archaeologists discover the ruins of an ancient civilization inside a Detroit pothole".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 06, 2020, 04:17:29 PM

Quote from: formulanone on January 06, 2020, 03:31:15 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 06, 2020, 03:26:16 PM
Quote from: formulanone on January 06, 2020, 02:27:37 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 06, 2020, 10:25:40 AM
the term "brick and mortar"

You have a too many minor things that bother you. Consider dropping twenty of them.

And because we have too many people that take everything literally around here, wear steel-toed shoes before dropping any actual bricks or mortars.

I've got 5 years on you, it gets worse

Then you've had five more years to find wisdom and peace.

Or watched more TV, it's your life.

I'm ISTJ I pretty much hate the world

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 06, 2020, 08:22:35 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on January 06, 2020, 01:52:22 PM
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on January 06, 2020, 01:18:00 PM
Name one other holiday where you wish them well several days after the holiday. I'll wait.

Christmas...technically lasts until Epiphany

Only in certain sects.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on January 06, 2020, 10:03:07 PM

Quote from: Rothman on January 06, 2020, 08:22:35 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on January 06, 2020, 01:52:22 PM
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on January 06, 2020, 01:18:00 PM
Name one other holiday where you wish them well several days after the holiday. I'll wait.

Christmas...technically lasts until Epiphany
Only in certain sects.

If you're not ready to take down the lights, Orthodox Christmas in Ukraine is January 7.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 07, 2020, 12:31:54 AM

Quote from: kphoger on January 06, 2020, 02:03:24 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on January 06, 2020, 01:52:22 PM
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on January 06, 2020, 01:18:00 PM
Name one other holiday where you wish them well several days after the holiday. I'll wait.
Christmas...technically lasts until Epiphany
Because Christmastide lasts until Epiphany, I don't consider it "late" to wish someone a Merry Christmas on, say, January 2. And, while it is still a new year on January 6, there does have to be a point at which it stops being appropriate.

My comment was somewhat of a stretch, as I was intending to reference the fact that most calendars/statutory holiday rules only reference Christmas Day, but many still celebrate the 12 days of Christmas/Christmastide...to fit with what KEVIN_224 was looking for.

For many religious sects, what is said about Christmas could also be said about Easter, as there are several weeks to the season.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 07, 2020, 11:45:12 AM

I don't know if there is anyone left in rural Appalachia who still celebrates "Old Christmas," but at one time it was widely celebrated. (link) (http://appalachianmagazine.com/2017/12/04/why-your-ancestors-celebrated-old-christmas/)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 08, 2020, 10:45:24 AM

We just took down the tree and decorations yesterday evening, and I instructed my wife and sons not to turn the lights on before we took it down because Christmastide is over.

For Epiphany (January 6), we always have a fancy family dinner and open the last present of the season. Our tradition is to cook rouladen, and this year we had them with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted brussels sprouts with balsamic vinegar and bacon bits, and a rosé wine from La Vieille Ferme (grape juice for the kids).

I had hidden the present and led the boys on a scavenger hunt to find it. The envelope on the tree had a map of my best guess as to the wise men's route (wherever in Persia they started–assuming you agree with the theory that they came from Persia–they must have passed through Babylon, so that was the first city on the map), plus an Epiphany-themed poem I wrote that included their first clue. Each step of the scavenger hunt corresponded to a city along the route of the wise men's journey. At that point, I would teach them something about that city in the time of Christ, connect that something to a bible passage that pertains to wisdom, and explain the bible passage a little bit. Then they would read another Epiphany-themed poem I had written containing a clue to the next hiding spot. In some of the hidden envelopes, they also found pieces of Hershey's Gold candy. By the time they finally reached "Bethlehem" (my teapot), they were told in poem form to return back to the tree (where I had hidden the actual present under the tree skirt, ha!), just as the wise men returned to their country without reporting to Herod.

BABYLON
Home of the temple to Marduk, where people used to take care of his idol, which now lies in ruins.
Jeremiah 10 – "These gods did not make heaven and earth."

RESAFA
Without river or spring, the city collects springtime rainwater in cisterns for the year's water supply.
John 4 – "Whoever drinks the water I give will never be thirsty."

PALMYRA
This society blends all sorts of contemporary cultures and thereby has all but lost its own cultural identity.
I Corinthians 3 – "The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God."

DAMASCUS
Our entrance gate's broad and tall center section is not for foot travelers like us, so we go through a narrower section.
Matthew 7 – "The gate is small and the road is narrow that leads to true life."

JERICHO
Home of the egotistical Herod the Great's opulent winter palaces.
I john 2 – "If you love the world, the love of the Father is not in you."

JERUSALEM
Home of a new and improved Jewish temple which, little do we know, will be destroyed and looted in 70 years.
Psalm 103 – "Human life is like grass; we grow like a flower in the field."

BETHLEHEM

(https://i.imgur.com/n6aDP2o.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/VijddLD.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 08, 2020, 11:58:36 AM

Our tree is still up (and decorated) because we won't have time to take it down until Friday, and our outside lights are still up because yesterday's bad weather made last night a bad time to take anything down. But nothing is lit after January 6. We light everything through and including the Epiphany but not afterwards. I suppose, if you wanted to be super-technical, it wouldn't be totally inappropriate to leave things lit through February 2, the 40th day after Christmas and the Feast of the Presentation in the Temple, but from a practical standpoint we will never do that. (We have, on occasion, left the tree up but dark until Lee-Jackson-King weekend simply based on when we had time to take everything down.)

I do find it slightly peculiar how the American way is to celebrate everything in advance and then bam, within 24 hours the holiday is to be forgotten and you're on to the next one. My wife commented last week about how the stores already had Valentine's Day crap prominently displayed. I made multiple trips to Home Depot this weekend and I might have liked the chance to pick up some outdoor Christmas lights had they had a clearance sale going on to move inventory (the squirrels chewed through one strand of lights on our deck), but they had already removed all that stuff. No doubt part of my feeling on this may date back to when we were kids and we always celebrated Christmas at home as a family, then two or three days later we went to New York to visit our relatives and we essentially had another Christmas up there. We never opened anything prior to December 25 except for the one year we went to New York for Christmas Day because my grandmother was in the hospital.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 08, 2020, 12:31:39 PM

My wife is insistent on keeping the decor up until the official end of Christmas. She also serves a bread that has the baby Jesus in a slice. I'm to understand if you get the baby Jesus you have to throw a feast or something the next year? I never even heard of that one until I started dating her years ago.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on January 08, 2020, 12:43:18 PM

Growing up we always kept the tree up until sometime within the first few weeks of January simply out of laziness, because taking it down was a pain in the ass and was almost guaranteed to take multiple hours. In addition to taking down all the ornaments and lights, it was one of those older artificial trees where all the branches came off separately and didn't really fit in the box. Carrying the box out to the garage where it would sit for the next 10.5 months was no small task either.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 08, 2020, 01:28:44 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 08, 2020, 12:31:39 PM
My wife is insistent on keeping the decor up until the official end of Christmas. She also serves a bread that has the baby Jesus in a slice. I'm to understand if you get the baby Jesus you have to throw a feast or something the next year? I never even heard of that one until I started dating her years ago.

Similar to the King Cake of French-influenced traditions, Latin America has a traditional cake for Epiphany called rosca de reyes (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosca_de_reyes).

While Christmastide is generally celebrated in Latin America for the full twelve days, a nine-day celebration (novena) is also common.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 08, 2020, 01:39:36 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 08, 2020, 01:28:44 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 08, 2020, 12:31:39 PM
My wife is insistent on keeping the decor up until the official end of Christmas. She also serves a bread that has the baby Jesus in a slice. I'm to understand if you get the baby Jesus you have to throw a feast or something the next year? I never even heard of that one until I started dating her years ago.

Similar to the King Cake of French-influenced traditions, Latin America has a traditional cake for Epiphany called rosca de reyes (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosca_de_reyes).

While Christmastide is generally celebrated in Latin America for the full twelve days, a nine-day celebration (novena) is also common.

Yes it's called the "Rosca" my wife and her family. I knew it was of Latin American origin I just couldn't remember what she called it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 08, 2020, 01:55:39 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 08, 2020, 11:58:36 AM
I do find it slightly peculiar how the American way is to celebrate everything in advance and then bam, within 24 hours the holiday is to be forgotten and you're on to the next one.

That's capitalism for you; but also because Christmas is constantly pushed at everyone from around November 1st (or earlier), so I think a lot of people get weary of it all.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: crt08 on January 09, 2020, 11:00:23 PM

Quote from: formulanone on January 08, 2020, 01:55:39 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 08, 2020, 11:58:36 AM
I do find it slightly peculiar how the American way is to celebrate everything in advance and then bam, within 24 hours the holiday is to be forgotten and you're on to the next one.

That's capitalism for you; but also because Christmas is constantly pushed at everyone from around November 1st (or earlier), so I think a lot of people get weary of it all.

Around here I think I saw decorations going out the beginning of October at Walmart this year. Strangely Taco Bell had decorations up very early (late November) but then they were gone mid December. :-/

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: crt08 on January 09, 2020, 11:05:24 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 08, 2020, 11:58:36 AM
Our tree is still up (and decorated) because we won't have time to take it down until Friday, and our outside lights are still up because yesterday's bad weather made last night a bad time to take anything down. But nothing is lit after January 6. We light everything through and including the Epiphany but not afterwards. I suppose, if you wanted to be super-technical, it wouldn't be totally inappropriate to leave things lit through February 2, the 40th day after Christmas and the Feast of the Presentation in the Temple, but from a practical standpoint we will never do that. (We have, on occasion, left the tree up but dark until Lee-Jackson-King weekend simply based on when we had time to take everything down.)

I do find it slightly peculiar how the American way is to celebrate everything in advance and then bam, within 24 hours the holiday is to be forgotten and you're on to the next one. My wife commented last week about how the stores already had Valentine's Day crap prominently displayed. I made multiple trips to Home Depot this weekend and I might have liked the chance to pick up some outdoor Christmas lights had they had a clearance sale going on to move inventory (the squirrels chewed through one strand of lights on our deck), but they had already removed all that stuff. No doubt part of my feeling on this may date back to when we were kids and we always celebrated Christmas at home as a family, then two or three days later we went to New York to visit our relatives and we essentially had another Christmas up there. We never opened anything prior to December 25 except for the one year we went to New York for Christmas Day because my grandmother was in the hospital.

It is rather odd, and I never really noticed, but it does seem to be pushed earlier every year. I was seeing decorations as early as the first week of October! Yet, I went on Christmas Eve to Lowes and found they had nearly all of their decorations gone except for two artificial trees and some Christmas light sets which were already on clearance!

Home Depot did have some light sets still out for sale the weekend after though, actually seemed to have quite a bit more left than Lowes.

When I was growing up we usually left the decorations up until the second week of January, mainly because it was such a job to take them down. Although I do remember at times having them already packed up by the end of Christmas break.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 10, 2020, 12:13:58 AM

Quote from: crt08 on January 09, 2020, 11:00:23 PM
Quote from: formulanone on January 08, 2020, 01:55:39 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 08, 2020, 11:58:36 AM
I do find it slightly peculiar how the American way is to celebrate everything in advance and then bam, within 24 hours the holiday is to be forgotten and you're on to the next one.

That's capitalism for you; but also because Christmas is constantly pushed at everyone from around November 1st (or earlier), so I think a lot of people get weary of it all.

Around here I think I saw decorations going out the beginning of October at Walmart this year. Strangely Taco Bell had decorations up very early (late November) but then they were gone mid December. :-/

The craft stores have stuff out in September already. Part I would assume so people have time to make stuff as gifts/to sell themselves; part is just that they're just batshit crazy.

It's one of the things I hate about retail (the clothing side of retail). Everything is stocked for the next season. But should you need to replace something in-season, you're either screwed or really lucky (by finding it on super clearance markdowns). Given the sizes I need, I typically fall into the former category.

Quote from: crt08 on January 09, 2020, 11:05:24 PM
It is rather odd, and I never really noticed, but it does seem to be pushed earlier every year. I was seeing decorations as early as the first week of October! Yet, I went on Christmas Eve to Lowes and found they had nearly all of their decorations gone except for two artificial trees and some Christmas light sets which were already on clearance!

Home Depot did have some light sets still out for sale the weekend after though, actually seemed to have quite a bit more left than Lowes.

Places like Sams and Costco have their holiday stuff gone by the 26th. We had to stop in for a couple items on the 27th and there was one [small] pallet of holiday stuff left -- tucked back into the farthest corner of the store.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 10, 2020, 12:41:56 PM

When people use the the fast setting for their windshield wipers, but it's barely even sprinkling outside.

This does not reasonably affect me in any way at all, but for some reason it bothers me none the less.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 10, 2020, 12:48:04 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 10, 2020, 12:41:56 PM
When people use the the fast setting for their windshield wipers, but it's barely even sprinkling outside.

This does not reasonably affect me in any way at all, but for some reason it bothers me none the less.

I find the fastest wiper setting just sloshes more water around, usually makes more noise, and is even more visually distracting. It really has to rain hard and I have to drive quite slow to even give that setting a second thought.

Though I can think of one time I preferred it: I had a rental VW Jetta last year in which the wipers were very chattery at slow speeds, and mysteriously became about 90% quieter on the fastest setting. Weird.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 10, 2020, 01:13:39 PM

Quote from: formulanone on January 10, 2020, 12:48:04 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 10, 2020, 12:41:56 PM
When people use the the fast setting for their windshield wipers, but it's barely even sprinkling outside.

This does not reasonably affect me in any way at all, but for some reason it bothers me none the less.

I find the fastest wiper setting just sloshes more water around, usually makes more noise, and is even more visually distracting. It really has to rain hard and I have to drive quite slow to even give that setting a second thought.

Though I can think of one time I preferred it: I had a rental VW Jetta last year in which the wipers were very chattery at slow speeds, and mysteriously became about 90% quieter on the fastest setting. Weird.

Less friction with the momentum at higher speeds. Slower speeds give the blades more time to catch the glass.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 10, 2020, 01:53:41 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 10, 2020, 12:41:56 PM
When people use the the fast setting for their windshield wipers, but it's barely even sprinkling outside.

This does not reasonably affect me in any way at all, but for some reason it bothers me none the less.

Depending on the car, they might be automatic wipers that seem to have a mind of their own. My wife's Acura TLX is like that. The system will often pick a faster speed or more frequent interval than I would prefer. She's had the car since May 2017 and I still haven't completely figured out how to get the wipers not to adjust the intermittent speed on their own.

In our other cars, I almost never use the highest-speed wiper setting unless the rain is so torrential that I'm also slowing down and using my hazard flashers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 10, 2020, 01:56:53 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 10, 2020, 01:53:41 PM
Depending on the car, they might be automatic wipers that ... often pick a faster speed or more frequent interval

WTF? That's a thing? I would hate that!

Do they only engage when you turn the wipers on, at least? Or do they come on whenever water hits the car?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 10, 2020, 02:03:13 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 10, 2020, 01:56:53 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 10, 2020, 01:53:41 PM
Depending on the car, they might be automatic wipers that ... often pick a faster speed or more frequent interval

WTF? That's a thing? I would hate that!

Do they only engage when you turn the wipers on, at least? Or do they come on whenever water hits the car?

They come on automatically!

But like auto headlights, usually there's a switch to deactivate it. For the most part, you get used to it. But as mentioned, I rarely if ever use my fastest setting. The normal setting is good enough.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 10, 2020, 02:15:45 PM

No, I would not get used to it. That's because I only turn my wipers on if it's raining really hard. Anything lighter than that, and I just bat them once as needed. I use cleaner fluid with Rain-X in it, so rain rarely presents a problem, plus I'm distracted more by the wipers than I am by the raindrops.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MNHighwayMan on January 10, 2020, 02:23:48 PM

Quote from: formulanone on January 08, 2020, 01:55:39 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 08, 2020, 11:58:36 AM
I do find it slightly peculiar how the American way is to celebrate everything in advance and then bam, within 24 hours the holiday is to be forgotten and you're on to the next one.
That's capitalism for you; but also because Christmas is constantly pushed at everyone from around November 1st (or earlier), so I think a lot of people get weary of it all.

This is definitely something that bothers me. Personally, I have a policy of one holiday at a time: no Thanksgiving before Halloween, no Christmas before Thanksgiving, etc.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 10, 2020, 02:32:43 PM

Quote from: MNHighwayMan on January 10, 2020, 02:23:48 PM

Quote from: formulanone on January 08, 2020, 01:55:39 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 08, 2020, 11:58:36 AM
I do find it slightly peculiar how the American way is to celebrate everything in advance and then bam, within 24 hours the holiday is to be forgotten and you're on to the next one.

That's capitalism for you; but also because Christmas is constantly pushed at everyone from around November 1st (or earlier), so I think a lot of people get weary of it all.

This is definitely something that bothers me. Personally, I have a policy of one holiday at a time: no Thanksgiving before Halloween, no Christmas before Thanksgiving, etc.

It's a little tricky with Christmas for me. We keep the decorations up until Epiphany, and we leave one present to be opened then as well. Yet, in between the first and last days of Christmastide, we have New Year's Day (8th day) and my eldest son's birthday (11th day). The New Year is easier to think about as a quasi-Christmastide holiday, considering that the dates of both are historically based on or related to the winter solstice, but it's especially weird to have a birthday celebration while there's still a Christmas/Epiphany gift yet to be opened.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MNHighwayMan on January 10, 2020, 02:37:50 PM

See, for me and my family, Christmas is just a one-day holiday (or two, if you count Christmas Eve), so I don't have this problem. This thread has been educational on the much more traditional practices of Christmas, though. I didn't know about a lot of this.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 10, 2020, 02:49:20 PM

Quote from: MNHighwayMan on January 10, 2020, 02:37:50 PM
See, for me and my family, Christmas is just a one-day holiday (or two, if you count Christmas Eve), so I don't have this problem. This thread has been educational on the much more traditional practices of Christmas, though. I didn't know about a lot of this.

Neither my wife nor I grew up with this sort of tradition. Epiphany was a church holiday for me growing up, but it wasn't a family affair. I doubt my wife had even heard of Epiphany before marrying me. No, rather, our Christmastide and Epiphany traditions are the result of conscious decisions on our part to start new family holiday traditions.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 10, 2020, 03:00:05 PM

In regard to windshield wipers, I too really would dislike automatic function. I treat the windshield with Rain-X (I used to use washer fluid doped with Rain-X, but did not find it any more effective than the much cheaper regular kind), and typically don't have the wipers running steadily at any speed unless I am driving through a cloudburst so intense I have to slow down, turn on hazard flashers, and accept that the horizon will intermittently disappear.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 10, 2020, 03:26:00 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 10, 2020, 03:00:05 PM
In regard to windshield wipers, I too really would dislike automatic function. I treat the windshield with Rain-X (I used to use washer fluid doped with Rain-X, but did not find it any more effective than the much cheaper regular kind), and typically don't have the wipers running steadily at any speed unless I am driving through a cloudburst so intense I have to slow down, turn on hazard flashers, and accept that the horizon will intermittently disappear.

Never did I think the term 'doped' would be used with something innocent like windshield washer fluid.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 10, 2020, 03:28:10 PM

pretty dope tho huh ?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 10, 2020, 03:53:40 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on January 10, 2020, 03:26:00 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 10, 2020, 03:00:05 PM
In regard to windshield wipers, I too really would dislike automatic function. I treat the windshield with Rain-X (I used to use washer fluid doped with Rain-X, but did not find it any more effective than the much cheaper regular kind), and typically don't have the wipers running steadily at any speed unless I am driving through a cloudburst so intense I have to slow down, turn on hazard flashers, and accept that the horizon will intermittently disappear.

Never did I think the term 'doped' would be used with something innocent like windshield washer fluid.

Or you know, add lead shot to your water (http://epic-formula1.blogspot.com/2013/02/tyrells-lead-shot-controversy.html) to keep the car from being underweight.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 10, 2020, 04:55:36 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 10, 2020, 01:56:53 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 10, 2020, 01:53:41 PM
Depending on the car, they might be automatic wipers that ... often pick a faster speed or more frequent interval

WTF? That's a thing? I would hate that!

Do they only engage when you turn the wipers on, at least? Or do they come on whenever water hits the car?

It depends on where the stalk is. If it's in the "auto" position, they'll come on if they sense "enough" water (which may not agree with what the driver considers "enough"). If the stalk is in the "off" position, they won't come on unless you turn them on. This is very important in car washes and it's why you see those signs about turning off automatic wipers, especially in car washes that are not touchless!

The thing that gets to me is that I have not figured out a way to put the wipers into intermittent mode without the automatic wiper feature activating.

Regarding Christmas, I find it interesting to see how many of you refer to January 6 as "Epiphany." I've always heard it called "the Epiphany." I wonder if that's a denominational thing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: crt08 on January 10, 2020, 10:48:03 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 10, 2020, 02:03:13 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 10, 2020, 01:56:53 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 10, 2020, 01:53:41 PM
Depending on the car, they might be automatic wipers that ... often pick a faster speed or more frequent interval

WTF? That's a thing? I would hate that!

Do they only engage when you turn the wipers on, at least? Or do they come on whenever water hits the car?

They come on automatically!

But like auto headlights, usually there's a switch to deactivate it. For the most part, you get used to it. But as mentioned, I rarely if ever use my fastest setting. The normal setting is good enough.

I have them on my current car, but I haven't noticed them to pick a random speed, they seem to activate at whatever setting I have them on. Although, most cars have speed sensitive wipers so it could be they are going faster in some cases because of the driving speed.

Overall the automatic wipers don't bother me, it's just sometimes they'll start coming on if there's just a very slight mist on the windshield and the wipers make a loud noise, so I just switch them off completely in that case. I think there's a camera at the top of the windshield that senses if there's water or not. Or maybe that's the highbeam sensor, not sure.

My last car had regular wipers with the lever style wiper switch (up low and up again was high) and I liked it better I think. Current one just uses a dial on the stalk instead.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 11, 2020, 01:23:27 AM

I bought a few Kinder chocolate bars at Walmart the other day. They come two to a pack like Twix bars do, in a similar metallic-plastic wrapper. Except when you open that, each bar is in its own individual plastic wrapper. It's such a waste of plastic that it's bothered me every time I've eaten one.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on January 11, 2020, 07:53:23 AM

People who try to be "helpful" and it just causes a mess.

Example 1: In a parking lot, I was at a stop sign. The driver to my right motioned me to go ahead. Except I couldn't because there was also a car coming from my left. The driver telling me to go ahead was blocking another car.

Example 2: Two young-teen girls were attempting to cross a 5-lane street. A car in the first lane stopped for them just as I was passing, and motioned for them to cross - but they didn't see the car behind me in the 2nd lane - they scurried so I didn't have to see them being hit in my rear view mirror.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 11, 2020, 08:08:43 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 10, 2020, 02:03:13 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 10, 2020, 01:56:53 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 10, 2020, 01:53:41 PM
Depending on the car, they might be automatic wipers that ... often pick a faster speed or more frequent interval

WTF? That's a thing? I would hate that!

Do they only engage when you turn the wipers on, at least? Or do they come on whenever water hits the car?

They come on automatically!

But like auto headlights, usually there's a switch to deactivate it. For the most part, you get used to it. But as mentioned, I rarely if ever use my fastest setting. The normal setting is good enough.

I took a picture of the wiper stalk in my wife's TLX. The only "intermittent" setting is the "auto" position, which means the system will adjust the wipers regardless of where you set the interval.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200112/2dd07f3d5e74d136aeca87ef9f2ec6b2.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 11, 2020, 08:10:52 PM

Movie previews. If you go to a movie at 3 pm it should start at 3 pm. If they want to put previews on before the movie comes on, fine. Our movie today started at 3:19, which is a lot earlier than a lot of movies would go on. There is not one movie I've even seen based on the preview I saw 8 months earlier. Though I do love assigned seats and recliners!!!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 11, 2020, 08:15:49 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on January 11, 2020, 08:10:52 PM
Movie previews. If you go to a movie at 3 pm it should start at 3 pm. If they want to put previews on before the movie comes on, fine. Our movie today started at 3:19, which is a lot earlier than a lot of movies would go on. There is not one movie I've even seen based on the preview I saw 8 months earlier. Though I do love assigned seats and recliners!!!

Personally I'm good with about 15 minutes of previews, but most theaters are going way overboard with them. The last couple movies I saw had 30 minutes of previews before the movie actually started. That's not fun when a 2 hour plus movie is about to start and you have to worry about drinking about too much soda.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on January 11, 2020, 08:36:04 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 11, 2020, 08:08:43 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 10, 2020, 02:03:13 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 10, 2020, 01:56:53 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 10, 2020, 01:53:41 PM
Depending on the car, they might be automatic wipers that ... often pick a faster speed or more frequent interval

WTF? That's a thing? I would hate that!

Do they only engage when you turn the wipers on, at least? Or do they come on whenever water hits the car?

They come on automatically!

But like auto headlights, usually there's a switch to deactivate it. For the most part, you get used to it. But as mentioned, I rarely if ever use my fastest setting. The normal setting is good enough.

I took a picture of the wiper stalk in my wife's TLX. The only "intermittent" setting is the "auto" position, which means the system will adjust the wipers regardless of where you set the interval.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200112/2dd07f3d5e74d136aeca87ef9f2ec6b2.jpg)

My first car, a 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada (GMT 360 platform), had automatic wipers. Basically, I could set the lower limit for the wipers (using a spinning wheel which went from "off" to "full speed") but it would decide the upper limit.

Despite the car having come out when it did, I never once had a qualm with the wipers. Always worked when it should. The moisture sensor was near the rearview mirror (http://my.cardone.com/techdocs/PT%2040-0014.pdf). The lights were also automatic, with no "off" setting (only a nearby button to temporarily disable the lights), which automatically enabled when the wipers came on. Truly an "automatic" car. Knowing how many people drive around without any lights on while it's raining (legal or otherwise), it's too bad more cars don't have moisture sensors.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 11, 2020, 08:36:38 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on January 11, 2020, 08:10:52 PM
Movie previews. If you go to a movie at 3 pm it should start at 3 pm. If they want to put previews on before the movie comes on, fine. Our movie today started at 3:19, which is a lot earlier than a lot of movies would go on. There is not one movie I've even seen based on the preview I saw 8 months earlier. Though I do love assigned seats and recliners!!!

The fact that movie previews are called "trailers." They don't trail anything, they come before the movie you're there to watch.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on January 11, 2020, 09:00:32 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 11, 2020, 08:36:38 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 11, 2020, 08:10:52 PM
Movie previews. If you go to a movie at 3 pm it should start at 3 pm. If they want to put previews on before the movie comes on, fine. Our movie today started at 3:19, which is a lot earlier than a lot of movies would go on. There is not one movie I've even seen based on the preview I saw 8 months earlier. Though I do love assigned seats and recliners!!!
The fact that movie previews are called "trailers." They don't trail anything, they come before the movie you're there to watch.

I saw Midway last week and there were 25 minutes of ads and previews between the posted starting time and the actual time the movie started.

Irritating...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on January 11, 2020, 09:13:05 PM

(https://media.graytvinc.com/images/690*388/i75+still.jpg)

Interpret this!

(Florida)

So, I guess if I turn on my lights, I must turn on my wipers

Captain obvious to the rescue

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on January 11, 2020, 09:14:34 PM

Quote from: Beltway on January 11, 2020, 09:00:32 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 11, 2020, 08:36:38 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 11, 2020, 08:10:52 PM
Movie previews. If you go to a movie at 3 pm it should start at 3 pm. If they want to put previews on before the movie comes on, fine. Our movie today started at 3:19, which is a lot earlier than a lot of movies would go on. There is not one movie I've even seen based on the preview I saw 8 months earlier. Though I do love assigned seats and recliners!!!
The fact that movie previews are called "trailers." They don't trail anything, they come before the movie you're there to watch.
I saw Midway last week and there were 25 minutes of ads and previews between the posted starting time and the actual time the movie started.

Irritating...

The big franchises have put a long list of previews that are wrapped in their brand that it makes no sense anymore to be in the room when the starting time hits. They also mix in various ads. Not to mention that they run 3rd-party ads during the time prior to the start point.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bulldog1979 on January 11, 2020, 09:23:52 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 11, 2020, 08:36:38 PM
The fact that movie previews are called "trailers." They don't trail anything, they come before the movie you're there to watch.

They used to be shown after the movie, hence the name.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 11, 2020, 10:23:07 PM

I will say though with assigned seats you could just come in 15 minutes late. Sadly we live 5 minutes from the theatre and my wife insists on getting there for previews. If I suggest driving separately I'm being "stupid"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 11, 2020, 10:27:43 PM

Quote from: Beltway on January 11, 2020, 09:00:32 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 11, 2020, 08:36:38 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 11, 2020, 08:10:52 PM
Movie previews. If you go to a movie at 3 pm it should start at 3 pm. If they want to put previews on before the movie comes on, fine. Our movie today started at 3:19, which is a lot earlier than a lot of movies would go on. There is not one movie I've even seen based on the preview I saw 8 months earlier. Though I do love assigned seats and recliners!!!
The fact that movie previews are called "trailers." They don't trail anything, they come before the movie you're there to watch.
I saw Midway last week and there were 25 minutes of ads and previews between the posted starting time and the actual time the movie started.

Irritating...

Used to be about 10 minutes worth. Most of the problem is previews for movies coming out in 8 months. Come on now, if it's over a month it's just a waste of time people forget.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 11, 2020, 10:30:37 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on January 11, 2020, 10:23:07 PM
I will say though with assigned seats you could just come in 15 minutes late.

Except if you're going to a theatre that has reclining seats, then you run the risk of pissing half a row of people off who were reclined and comfortable.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 11, 2020, 10:35:58 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on January 11, 2020, 10:30:37 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 11, 2020, 10:23:07 PM
I will say though with assigned seats you could just come in 15 minutes late.

Except if you're going to a theatre that has reclining seats, then you run the risk of pissing half a row of people off who were reclined and comfortable.

She always buys end seats anyway. Though at our theatre there is just enough room to slide through when reclined. There's another annoyance, people that get up multiple times at movies and concerts. A movie is two hours long, no one needs to get up more than once. If that's you, buy a ticket on the end or up front.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 11, 2020, 10:43:04 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on January 11, 2020, 10:30:37 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 11, 2020, 10:23:07 PM
I will say though with assigned seats you could just come in 15 minutes late.

Except if you're going to a theatre that has reclining seats, then you run the risk of pissing half a row of people off who were reclined and comfortable.

Moving around making noise isn't a faux pas IMO until the movie actually starts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 11, 2020, 10:51:10 PM

Elevators that keep the doors open an obnoxiously long time after pressing your desired floor's button (and have a 'door close' button that only apparently works in firefighter mode)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 11, 2020, 11:22:25 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 11, 2020, 10:43:04 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on January 11, 2020, 10:30:37 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 11, 2020, 10:23:07 PM
I will say though with assigned seats you could just come in 15 minutes late.

Except if you're going to a theatre that has reclining seats, then you run the risk of pissing half a row of people off who were reclined and comfortable.

Moving around making noise isn't a faux pas IMO until the movie actually starts.

Agreed. you can talk and be on your phone and whatever until it starts.

Oh here's one, wife went to a movie with her giggly friends and they almost got thrown out for being silly...people who talk out loud throughout the movie.

I'm not going to complain about concession prices because that's how they make all their money but when you take your kids and they can't sit for 2 hours without $25 in snacks.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 11, 2020, 11:24:39 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on January 11, 2020, 10:35:58 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on January 11, 2020, 10:30:37 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 11, 2020, 10:23:07 PM
I will say though with assigned seats you could just come in 15 minutes late.

Except if you're going to a theatre that has reclining seats, then you run the risk of pissing half a row of people off who were reclined and comfortable.

She always buys end seats anyway. Though at our theatre there is just enough room to slide through when reclined. There's another annoyance, people that get up multiple times at movies and concerts. A movie is two hours long, no one needs to get up more than once. If that's you, buy a ticket on the end or up front.

For many shows, you can't choose your seats, especially if there's a rush on tickets when they first go on sale.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 12, 2020, 12:56:08 AM

My only problem with trailers is that I've seen them mostly before I go to the movies nowadays. Spend the time whispering with my wife about our already set opinions on them while they're playing, though.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 12, 2020, 08:16:18 AM

Quote from: DaBigE on January 11, 2020, 10:30:37 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 11, 2020, 10:23:07 PM
I will say though with assigned seats you could just come in 15 minutes late.

Except if you're going to a theatre that has reclining seats, then you run the risk of pissing half a row of people off who were reclined and comfortable.

Every theater I've been to that has those (two here, one in Florida) has wide enough aisles that you can get past even when the seats are fully reclined.

I'm cautious about reclining too far when I'm in one of those theaters because I tend to fall asleep in recliners.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 12, 2020, 10:10:36 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 12, 2020, 08:16:18 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on January 11, 2020, 10:30:37 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 11, 2020, 10:23:07 PM
I will say though with assigned seats you could just come in 15 minutes late.

Except if you're going to a theatre that has reclining seats, then you run the risk of pissing half a row of people off who were reclined and comfortable.

Every theater I've been to that has those (two here, one in Florida) has wide enough aisles that you can get past even when the seats are fully reclined.

I'm cautious about reclining too far when I'm in one of those theaters because I tend to fall asleep in recliners.

Pretty much all new theaters have that design in mind with the recliner chairs and walkway access. The recliners are okay, I kind of miss seeing a movie in the middle of the day/morning on weekdays and kicking my feet up on the seat in front of me since the theater was empty. For some reason I found that just as comfortable but it wouldn't make me drowsy.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 12, 2020, 11:38:59 AM

I have to be careful when watching movies in the theatre because I have greater-than-normal susceptibility to "movie hurl." I try to sit fairly close to the center and fairly far back so the screen doesn't completely fill my field of vision, and I avoid films that are called out as having a lot of handheld camerawork. Oddly enough, I never get motion sickness even on ships.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 12, 2020, 12:02:26 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 12, 2020, 10:10:36 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 12, 2020, 08:16:18 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on January 11, 2020, 10:30:37 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 11, 2020, 10:23:07 PM
I will say though with assigned seats you could just come in 15 minutes late.

Except if you're going to a theatre that has reclining seats, then you run the risk of pissing half a row of people off who were reclined and comfortable.

Every theater I've been to that has those (two here, one in Florida) has wide enough aisles that you can get past even when the seats are fully reclined.

I'm cautious about reclining too far when I'm in one of those theaters because I tend to fall asleep in recliners.

Pretty much all new theaters have that design in mind with the recliner chairs and walkway access.

Apparently the last couple theaters I've been to didn't get the memo. Granted, one was renovated, but the other was brand-new.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on January 12, 2020, 02:11:59 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 12, 2020, 11:38:59 AM
I have to be careful when watching movies in the theatre because I have greater-than-normal susceptibility to "movie hurl." I try to sit fairly close to the center and fairly far back so the screen doesn't completely fill my field of vision, and I avoid films that are called out as having a lot of handheld camerawork. Oddly enough, I never get motion sickness even on ships.

Some movies are nasty enough that they can induce hurling.

Don't sit under the edge of the balcony -- I knew a guy that had groceries blown all over him from someone on the balcony.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 12, 2020, 02:22:41 PM

Quote from: Beltway on January 12, 2020, 02:11:59 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 12, 2020, 11:38:59 AM
I have to be careful when watching movies in the theatre because I have greater-than-normal susceptibility to "movie hurl." I try to sit fairly close to the center and fairly far back so the screen doesn't completely fill my field of vision, and I avoid films that are called out as having a lot of handheld camerawork. Oddly enough, I never get motion sickness even on ships.
Some movies are nasty enough that they can induce hurling.

Don't sit under the edge of the balcony -- I knew a guy that had groceries blown all over him from someone on the balcony.

I've never got vertigo from a movie but I do get headaches from 3D effects for some reason.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ozarkman417 on January 12, 2020, 03:33:22 PM

When a theater shows previews/trailers more than 15-20 minutes after the movie is supposed to START, it gets ridiculous IMO. If they are going to show trailers longer than that, at least delay the start time. Some people like to watch the trailers so if that's what they want to do they can arrive early.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 12, 2020, 04:54:20 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 11, 2020, 11:24:39 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 11, 2020, 10:35:58 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on January 11, 2020, 10:30:37 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 11, 2020, 10:23:07 PM
I will say though with assigned seats you could just come in 15 minutes late.

Except if you're going to a theatre that has reclining seats, then you run the risk of pissing half a row of people off who were reclined and comfortable.

She always buys end seats anyway. Though at our theatre there is just enough room to slide through when reclined. There's another annoyance, people that get up multiple times at movies and concerts. A movie is two hours long, no one needs to get up more than once. If that's you, buy a ticket on the end or up front.

For many shows, you can't choose your seats, especially if there's a rush on tickets when they first go on sale.

Yeah, we generally don't see things right away, much more enjoy half empty theatres.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 12, 2020, 04:55:33 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 12, 2020, 11:38:59 AM
I have to be careful when watching movies in the theatre because I have greater-than-normal susceptibility to "movie hurl." I try to sit fairly close to the center and fairly far back so the screen doesn't completely fill my field of vision, and I avoid films that are called out as having a lot of handheld camerawork. Oddly enough, I never get motion sickness even on ships.

Sadly that is such an in thing on TV, the wobbly camera work. Can't watch it either.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: crt08 on January 12, 2020, 07:17:08 PM

When I went to the new Star Wars it seemed like the previews and ads were running for at least 30 minutes before the movie, and we got there just before when it was supposed to start. Plus what the others mentioned about all of the ads. All of the first ones weren't even previews, but ads for Alexa and all that new tech crap, and whatever the current fads are, then finally after all that the screen went blank and this weird music played for about 3 minutes and then all of the previews started. It was ridiculous. I don't even enjoy going to theaters that much, but from now on I'd rather just show up about 15 minutes after the supposed start time.

Most of the movies I've been to any time recently weren't even half full anyway, even going the first week or so of showings.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 12, 2020, 07:26:43 PM

Quote from: crt08 on January 12, 2020, 07:17:08 PM
When I went to the new Star Wars it seemed like the previews and ads were running for at least 30 minutes before the movie, and we got there just before when it was supposed to start. Plus what the others mentioned about all of the ads. All of the first ones weren't even previews, but ads for Alexa and all that new tech crap, and whatever the current fads are, then finally after all that the screen went blank and this weird music played for about 3 minutes and then all of the previews started. It was ridiculous. I don't even enjoy going to theaters that much, but from now on I'd rather just show up about 15 minutes after the supposed start time.

Most of the movies I've been to any time recently weren't even half full anyway, even going the first week or so of showings.

Speaking of Star Wars, people who follow series way too closely are particularly annoying to be around. It's almost impossible to not have a movie in a series spoiled these day by the monster fan bases who basically give the plot away in their social media critiques. With Star Wars ever since the prequel movies came out there is a sect of fans who take them way too seriously. It's so bad that seeing one of the Star Wars movies within the first week has basically impossible to enjoy since every showing is filled with uber nerd types of people critiquing what they don't like. I used to watch the Star Wars movies causally and have a decent enough time. It's the fan base that has really turned me off from the franchise. Stuff like the Marvel movies isn't usually much better either.

Regarding long running movie franchises, I'm finding that they are usually pretty formulaic and really don't try much new. I much rather go see something like Ford vs Ferrari or Knives Out which were infinitely better movies that Star Wars was. Nostalgia seems to have become a real problem in movies, all the big stuff is just a repeat while the really good fresh movies get pushed to the side.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: crt08 on January 12, 2020, 07:49:38 PM

Yeah, I've never been a big follower of movie sequels. Possibly since ones like Star Wars started well before my time. And I didn't grow up around people my age much so I didn't see many of the movies that were coming out then or talk about them. So I tend not to pick up on any histories or character traits like the big movie buffs are. I'm like that about most things in life though.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 12, 2020, 08:07:30 PM

I haven't been to a movie theater in 20 years. It probably costs $10 for a 20-ounce pop these days.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on January 12, 2020, 08:45:28 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 12, 2020, 08:07:30 PM
I haven't been to a movie theater in 20 years. It probably costs $10 for a 20-ounce pop these days.

Midway was the first for me in at least 20 years. Being a WW II history buff since childhood, and the owner of at least 10 books about that battle, I wanted to see it.

Online sites and newsgroups about WW II and the battle itself, had a variety of critical comments about the movie, but a lot of compliments as well, and most of them felt that it was worth seeing at the theater.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 12, 2020, 08:50:30 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 12, 2020, 08:07:30 PM
I haven't been to a movie theater in 20 years. It probably costs $10 for a 20-ounce pop these days.

More like $7 dollars. I usually smuggle my snack and drink in with my jacket or at the bottom of my wife's purse. Some threatens actually will search you for contraband snacks so I tend to stick to 12ox bottles to hide them easier.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 12, 2020, 09:02:22 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 12, 2020, 08:07:30 PM
I haven't been to a movie theater in 20 years. It probably costs $10 for a 20-ounce pop these days.

$6 something for a 44 but close

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on January 13, 2020, 12:39:32 AM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 12, 2020, 08:07:30 PM
I haven't been to a movie theater in 20 years. It probably costs $10 for a 20-ounce pop these days.

You can just do what I do, and not buy anything. I'm there to watch movies, not visit the restroom repeatedly. I just saw Kristen Stewart's "Underwater" yesterday, and it was great not having to worry about pissing for the second half of the film. Same thing for when I saw Star Wars in a packed theatre a few weeks ago.

My local theater exclusively uses the "luxury lounging" seating, with ticket costs usually about $8-14 (depending on time of day and screen size). Plenty reasonable to me!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 13, 2020, 06:10:44 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on January 13, 2020, 12:39:32 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 12, 2020, 08:07:30 PM
I haven't been to a movie theater in 20 years. It probably costs $10 for a 20-ounce pop these days.

You can just do what I do, and not buy anything. I'm there to watch movies, not visit the restroom repeatedly. I just saw Kristen Stewart's "Underwater" yesterday, and it was great not having to worry about pissing for the second half of the film. Same thing for when I saw Star Wars in a packed theatre a few weeks ago.

My local theater exclusively uses the "luxury lounging" seating, with ticket costs usually about $8-14 (depending on time of day and screen size). Plenty reasonable to me!

Wife joined the club, for like $9 a month you get one ticket then 20% off concessions, which I never partake in anyway. Theatre is in the mall next to us though so close entertainment.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on January 13, 2020, 07:23:01 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on January 13, 2020, 12:39:32 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 12, 2020, 08:07:30 PM
I haven't been to a movie theater in 20 years. It probably costs $10 for a 20-ounce pop these days.
You can just do what I do, and not buy anything. I'm there to watch movies, not visit the restroom repeatedly. I just saw Kristen Stewart's "Underwater" yesterday, and it was great not having to worry about pissing for the second half of the film. Same thing for when I saw Star Wars in a packed theatre a few weeks ago.

That is what I do, just don't buy any food or drink.

I don't need a 4,000 calorie bucket of buttered popcorn to mess up my diet management.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 13, 2020, 09:13:54 AM

Whenever we go to the movies with our relatives near Miami, their kids (one is 16, the other just turned 14) are always astonished that I never want anything from the concession stand. As jakeroot says, I don't want to have to hit the head during the movie. Prior to Star Wars a few weeks ago, I started to feel like I'd have to go, so I dashed out during the trailer for the new Top Gun sequel (a trailer I had already seen) and made it back before the main event began. Invariably if I have to hit the head during a movie the need will come at some important part I don't want to miss!

I remember when I was in college, the Newcomb Hall theater used to show the original three Star Wars movies all in a row for three nights every January or February (this was prior to any prequels). I'm told when they first started doing that, they scheduled about a ten-minute intermission between movies only to have to increase it to more like half an hour because of the restroom queues between movies. Supposedly they made enough money that weekend to balance the theater's budget for the rest of the school year. (I seem to recall, but my memory may be failing me, that during my fourth year, Lucas had pulled the second two movies from circulation to drum up publicity as he started work on the prequels, so they showed the Indiana Jones trilogy instead.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 13, 2020, 12:15:10 PM

In my experience, it is not that difficult to smuggle in consumables (I saw Phantom Menace during its theatrical release with an orange and a cardboard container of UHT milk hidden on my person), but I typically don't bother. I just try to get a sip of water to head off dehydration before I enter the closed system for two or three hours.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 13, 2020, 12:29:03 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 13, 2020, 12:15:10 PM
In my experience, it is not that difficult to smuggle in consumables (I saw Phantom Menace during its theatrical release with an orange and a cardboard container of UHT milk hidden on my person), but I typically don't bother. I just try to get a sip of water to head off dehydration before I enter the closed system for two or three hours.

One thing that was good about a cold climate, heavy jackets. Minimum wage theatre employees don't care enough to check, my kid who worked there even said so, just don't be obvious about carrying things in.

Another one, companies that feel the need to breed familiarity including your name in emails. I hate my given name and haven't legally changed it yet.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 14, 2020, 05:32:14 AM

Things like "100s of paintings on sale!" Really? One hundreds of paintings on sale? Either spell it out "hundreds of paintings" or, if you must use digits, "Over 400 paintings" or even "400+ paintings".

Quote from: texaskdog on January 13, 2020, 12:29:03 PM
Another one, companies that feel the need to breed familiarity including your name in emails. I hate my given name and haven't legally changed it yet.

The desire for familiarity is only part of it–including the recipient's name helps keep email from getting hit by spam filters, as well as making the recipient more likely to open the email if it's included in the subject line ("whoever sent this knows my name, so I must know them too").

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 14, 2020, 06:17:00 AM

My favorite movie theatre by far as of late has been the Delsea Drive-In, down on NJ 47. Other than being about 40 minutes away, they show current movies (closed from November - February or so). 2 screens, 2 movies per screen, for about $13 each screen. The concession stand has an incredible selection, and cheaper than the regular theatres. No one walks in front and gets in your way, and the sound comes right thru the car's radio.

The worst may be someone who arrives late then can't figure out how to turn off their lights. Or maybe a smoker, but I think they may not allow smoking as I can't really recall smelling any cigarette smoke. Oh, and when the 2nd movie is over at 1:30am...it's a long, late night drive home!

I did discover a regular theatre, recently remodeled with reclining seats, about 15 minutes away from me when Endgame came out last year. Bonus: They have $5 movies on Tuesdays. That includes ALL movies, which meant it included Endgame! I got lucky because the wife wanted to see it; I looked around too late to find theatres with seats available, and this one happened to add a few shows, 1 of which was on a Tuesday. I scooped up those tickets, saving over 50% off a regular ticket price, and enjoyed the show.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 14, 2020, 07:06:07 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 14, 2020, 06:17:00 AM
My favorite movie theatre by far as of late has been the Delsea Drive-In, down on NJ 47. Other than being about 40 minutes away, they show current movies (closed from November - February or so). 2 screens, 2 movies per screen, for about $13 each screen. The concession stand has an incredible selection, and cheaper than the regular theatres. No one walks in front and gets in your way, and the sound comes right thru the car's radio.

The worst may be someone who arrives late then can't figure out how to turn off their lights. Or maybe a smoker, but I think they may not allow smoking as I can't really recall smelling any cigarette smoke. Oh, and when the 2nd movie is over at 1:30am...it's a long, late night drive home!

I did discover a regular theatre, recently remodeled with reclining seats, about 15 minutes away from me when Endgame came out last year. Bonus: They have $5 movies on Tuesdays. That includes ALL movies, which meant it included Endgame! I got lucky because the wife wanted to see it; I looked around too late to find theatres with seats available, and this one happened to add a few shows, 1 of which was on a Tuesday. I scooped up those tickets, saving over 50% off a regular ticket price, and enjoyed the show.

Last drive in I went to was a triple feature. First move was Coneheads and I fell asleep during it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 14, 2020, 11:54:47 AM

That I cannot reject mail addressed to "CURRENT RESIDENT" by claiming nobody by that name lives at my address.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 14, 2020, 10:44:06 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 14, 2020, 11:54:47 AM
That I cannot reject mail addressed to "CURRENT RESIDENT" by claiming nobody by that name lives at my address.

USPS gets so mad when you tell them to stop bringing you junk.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 14, 2020, 10:52:40 PM

People who cross an aisle in a parking lot at a shallow angle, walking as slowly as possible, oblivious to any traffic around them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 14, 2020, 11:08:25 PM

Gym-related annoyance that I don't think was mentioned upthread when gym stuff was being discussed: weight benches without their full complement of weight clips.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 14, 2020, 11:23:13 PM

People who reply (usually on Facebook) to a question with incorrect information tens of comments AFTER the correct answer was already given.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on January 14, 2020, 11:35:04 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 14, 2020, 11:08:25 PM
Gym-related annoyance that I don't think was mentioned upthread when gym stuff was being discussed: weight benches without their full complement of weight clips.

What about some women who go to the gym mainly to show off their body to men, rather then focus on their exercises?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on January 14, 2020, 11:52:27 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on January 14, 2020, 11:23:13 PM
People who reply (usually on Facebook) to a question with incorrect information tens of comments AFTER the correct answer was already given.

This happens way more than it should. Totally agree with you.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wxfree on January 15, 2020, 12:01:19 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 14, 2020, 05:32:14 AM
Things like "100s of paintings on sale!" Really? One hundreds of paintings on sale? Either spell it out "hundreds of paintings" or, if you must use digits, "Over 400 paintings" or even "400+ paintings".

That reminds me of a song title. I don't know what the official title is, but I once saw it written as "Land of a 1,000 Dances," land of a one thousand dances. It made me think about using letters and numbers together, such as A,000 would be "a thousand."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 15, 2020, 01:11:13 AM

Quote from: Beltway on January 14, 2020, 11:35:04 PM
What about some women who go to the gym mainly to show off their body to men, rather then focus on their exercises?

What about them? :bigass:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on January 15, 2020, 04:10:17 AM

^^^
I find men who feel the need to grunt loudly after every lift to be substantially more bothersome.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Verlanka on January 15, 2020, 04:59:16 AM

People who crank up their music too loud while driving.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on January 15, 2020, 05:52:11 AM

Quote from: Verlanka on January 15, 2020, 04:59:16 AM
People who crank up their music too loud while driving.

Highway or city?

If (a) - whatever, if (b) Totally agree, if (yes), low tolerance?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 15, 2020, 06:12:18 AM

Quote from: Beltway on January 14, 2020, 11:35:04 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 14, 2020, 11:08:25 PM
Gym-related annoyance that I don't think was mentioned upthread when gym stuff was being discussed: weight benches without their full complement of weight clips.

What about some women who go to the gym mainly to show off their body to men, rather then focus on their exercises?

Or, when after given the correct information, someone says "Well, I heard something else by someone else".

Then,
A) Why are you still asking?
B) Well, you now heard two 2 different things. So why are you believing that first thing you heard?

Most likely, they've probably heard the correct answer several times, but still want to keep insisting on that first thing they heard (which was wrong), most likely said by a friend and by association that holds a lot more weight in their mind.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 15, 2020, 09:24:41 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on January 15, 2020, 04:10:17 AM
^^^
I find men who feel the need to grunt loudly after every lift to be substantially more bothersome.

I also find that with the "hey bro can you spot me" culture of most gyms that it's more likely to see a guy is trying to hit on a girl with a hat pulled over their face. Things that get to me at the gym:

- Sitting on a bench for 3-5 minutes between sets.
- Not racking free weights.
- Asking me to spot you when I'm clearly doing Super Sets or some kind of Circuit Training.
- Standing around the free weight area blocking traffic while having a 30 minute conversation about your latest problems in civil court.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 15, 2020, 09:26:20 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on January 15, 2020, 05:52:11 AM
Quote from: Verlanka on January 15, 2020, 04:59:16 AM
People who crank up their music too loud while driving.
Highway or city?

If (a) - whatever, if (b) Totally agree, if (yes), low tolerance?

At speed on an open road I listen to music loud but always turn it down in suburban settings. That said I'll definitely put my music back up to drown out someone who has their base cranked up way too high at traffic lights.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on January 15, 2020, 11:27:23 AM

People who, when the elevator door is within two to three inches of closing, deliberately stick their arm or leg in the gap to force the door to reopen. Also, people who walk or run up or down escalators when there are stairs immediately adjacent to them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 15, 2020, 11:54:21 AM

Quote from: Beltway on January 14, 2020, 11:35:04 PMWhat about some women who go to the gym mainly to show off their body to men, rather than focus on their exercises?

That has not been an issue at my gym, at least at the times I usually go, typically in the late afternoon or early evening. It is downtown, so there is a mix of white-collar professionals, retirees, and "courthouse paperhangers." Women are in the minority in the weight area, where I spend most of my time, and I hardly ever see them not keeping their noses to the grindstone. I have heard conditions are a bit different at suburban gyms on the affluent side of town.

Quote from: jakeroot on January 15, 2020, 04:10:17 AM^^^
I find men who feel the need to grunt loudly after every lift to be substantially more bothersome.

At my gym the main area for exercise (other than swimming) is on the third floor. We used to have a problem with people seemingly testing the floor trusses by dropping weights. A few weeks ago someone tried bench-pressing 405 lb--four 45 lb plates on each side of the barbell, enough that the camber was easily visible--almost with disastrous results.

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 15, 2020, 09:24:41 AM- Sitting on a bench for 3-5 minutes between sets.

It is a problem, and I have had to realize that I (used to) be an egregious offender in this respect. Phones are a big driver of this because of the short-term rewards of being contactable, but I discovered that even a book or a New Yorker issue could suck me in.

I returned to the gym last September after a hiatus of almost a year, and although I brought my phone with me onto the exercise floor for a few weeks, I soon discovered I saw better results if I brought no devices or reading material with me and kept the time between sets to a minimum, even if this meant I needed to reduce the amount of weight shifted on each set. It was easy for me to access this insight since I was essentially putting an exercise program back together from scratch; for others it tends to be a matter of breaking bad habits.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 15, 2020, 12:08:53 PM

^^^

Regarding the gym, the long sitting is not a recent phenomenon tied to phones. Even 20-25 years ago a lot people still would sit around on benches for a good 3-5 minutes between sets. I can understand if someone was not physical able or elderly, but the majority of the people I saw do it then and even now are the stereotypical person you'd expect that would be working out a lot. Generally I try to do 7-8 exercises per muscle group (usually I do 2-3 three muscle groups a workout), for the most part it only takes 35-50 minutes to do. I often wonder how much people really are getting out their work out sitting around so much. Then again, I'm usually coming to the gym off a 8-14 mile run so part of me just wants to get out of there so I can go eat.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on January 15, 2020, 01:29:55 PM

This was an own goal last week: early morning, pick up a pair of dumbbells, do some curls (and yes, I don't stand right in front of the rack :-) wondering "hey, what's wrong with my left arm today".

Answer: I picked up a mismatched set. I'm not super strong, so 5 extra pounds still makes a difference.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 15, 2020, 01:33:02 PM

Quote from: kurumi on January 15, 2020, 01:29:55 PM
This was an own goal last week: early morning, pick up a pair of dumbbells, do some curls (and yes, I don't stand right in front of the rack :-) wondering "hey, what's wrong with my left arm today".

Answer: I picked up a mismatched set. I'm not super strong, so 5 extra pounds still makes a difference.

Five pound differences is pretty noticeable until you get around 50-60 pound dumbbells I've always found.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 15, 2020, 02:04:23 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 14, 2020, 11:08:25 PM
weight benches without their full complement of weight clips.

An odd number of same-weighted weights to choose from.

Quote from: Beltway on January 14, 2020, 11:35:04 PM
What about some women who go to the gym mainly to show off their body to men, rather then focus on their exercises?

Not at our gym. But it would be better than watching silent TV screens.

Quote from: jakeroot on January 15, 2020, 04:10:17 AM
I find men who feel the need to grunt loudly after every lift to be substantially more bothersome.

My wife and I go to Planet Fitness, and there are signs specifically instructing people not to grunt loudly.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 15, 2020, 02:07:30 PM

Commercials for workout equipment that look like they are in factories with smoke in the background, like anyone's gym looks like that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on January 15, 2020, 02:22:36 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on January 15, 2020, 04:10:17 AM
I find men who feel the need to grunt loudly after every lift to be substantially more bothersome.

What about tennis players that grunt loudly when they swing the racket? :-)

Quote from: roadman on January 15, 2020, 11:27:23 AM
People who, when the elevator door is within two to three inches of closing, deliberately stick their arm or leg in the gap to force the door to reopen.

What if they don't want to miss that cab and don't want to wait for the next one? :-)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 15, 2020, 06:56:04 PM

Or people that miss their onramp or turn and rather than just go a few blocks extra hold up several other cars from making their light.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 17, 2020, 11:23:00 AM

When someone says "Because xxx" as if that's supposed to mean anything.

Like that Jimmy John's commercial. "Because sandwich."

Often seen in roadgeek circles: "Because PennDOT."

Or this thread. (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=26257.0)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 17, 2020, 01:28:14 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 17, 2020, 11:23:00 AM
Like that Jimmy John's commercial. "Because sandwich."

Doesn't make sense.

Quote from: hbelkins on January 17, 2020, 11:23:00 AM
Often seen in roadgeek circles: "Because PennDOT."

Makes sense. It's assuming a conversation that goes something like this:

– Why does the blabbety-blah in Pennsylvania yadda-yadda-yadda?
– Because PennDOT did somethin-somethin-somethin.
– Oh, you could have just stopped at "Because PennDOT", and I would have understood.
– Yeah, I guess you're right. PennDOT sucks pencil lead!
– Ha ha ha ha ha!
– Ho ho ho ho ho!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 17, 2020, 01:37:15 PM

Personally I kind of enjoy the Because PennDOT memes. There are more than a couple other DOTs that could have their own spin on the PennDOT meme given that more signage isn't exclusive to Pennsylvania.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on January 17, 2020, 04:23:37 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 17, 2020, 11:23:00 AM
When someone says "Because xxx" as if that's supposed to mean anything.

The idea (being the in the age group where such terminology is common) is that "xxx" fills in the rest of the sentence without having to say it out loud. Both parties have to be "in" on it, but it works on occasion.

For someone like me, watching an old man go on a tirade about something bizarre could easily be explain by "because boomer".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on January 17, 2020, 04:41:47 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 17, 2020, 01:37:15 PM
Personally I kind of enjoy the Because PennDOT memes. There are more than a couple other DOTs that could have their own spin on the PennDOT meme given that more signage isn't exclusive to Pennsylvania.

Don't forget PTC ... they are on about equal footing as PennDOT! :-)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 17, 2020, 08:39:02 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 17, 2020, 11:23:00 AM
When someone says "Because xxx" as if that's supposed to mean anything.

Like that Jimmy John's commercial. "Because sandwich."

Often seen in roadgeek circles: "Because PennDOT."

Or this thread. (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=26257.0)

Because HB.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 17, 2020, 08:50:52 PM

It only works if there's an implied meaning of the term that's mutually understood.

I had never heard the Jimmy John's one before, but it looks to me like an attempt to be funny and connect to younger consumers, and I think they failed on both counts, and managed to alienate both young AND old
customers (old because they don't get it, and young because the humor falls flat). Yikes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: crt08 on January 18, 2020, 04:00:45 PM

When people don't stop for crosswalks in front of stores, etc when you're in the crosswalk, or when you're crossing, they start accelerating before you get across it. I'm not a slow person so it's not like you can't just give me the legal right of way and wait!

When people just won't slow down or pay any attention to what's going on, just me me me. I had to drive around a truck today that was parked on the side of the road with the door open. I slowed down, moved over in case somebody jumped out, then this car coming in the opposite direction didn't bother slowing down, almost ran into me. Just slow down people!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 18, 2020, 06:46:42 PM

- Commercial plow drivers who put snow piles in the worst possible places (blocking sight at aisle intersections - main aisles :ded: :banghead: )
- Timid drivers in winter storms
- Half-assed attempts at clearing snow off of your vehicle...they may think the blizzard forming behind them on the highway is cool, but it is also classified as an 'unsecured load'
- People who put several thousand dollar stereo systems in cars that are about ready to fall apart

EDIT: D'oh...the first one was meant to reference parking lots.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: renegade on January 19, 2020, 11:10:48 AM

"Sent from (insert device type here) [/color][/size]"

I could NOT care less.

Mac using my fingers. :bigass:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on January 19, 2020, 12:48:29 PM

I agree about that random spam sometimes appearing on posts. If I quote any post with it, I change that to "Random spam".

Lenovo ideapad 330 using Firefox 72.0.1 :sombrero:.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 19, 2020, 01:39:03 PM

Quote from: renegade on January 19, 2020, 11:10:48 AM
"Sent from (insert device type here) [/color][/size]"

I could NOT care less.

Mac using my fingers. :bigass:

At least in the case of these signatures being applied in emails, I actually like them. It shows the higher-ups that they're causing me to piss away time I could have been doing something else, by having to reply on a mobile device. Unfortunately, most won't pick up on the message even if it said " blah-blah using only my middle finger".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on January 19, 2020, 03:25:02 PM

One of my professors' signatures is pretty honest: "sorry about spelling errors... Galaxy S7 (tiny screen)".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on January 19, 2020, 03:55:12 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on January 18, 2020, 06:46:42 PM
- Commercial plow drivers who put snow piles in the worst possible places (blocking sight at aisle intersections - main aisles :ded: :banghead: )

The city snowplow that comes down the road just after I cleared out the foot of my driveway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 19, 2020, 04:08:42 PM

One of the things I find mildly annoying and inexplicable is when people put the decals on their license plates incorrectly. Here's a particularly egregious example I saw this afternoon when I was out for a walk. The "month" sticker is supposed to go in the top left where it says "month" and the year is supposed to go in the top right where it says "year." This person got it completely wrong, although it's not as bad as the guy across the street from us who (illegally) has no front plate and put both "year" stickers on his rear plate. With the one seen here, at least both the month and year are visible, though incorrectly displayed.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200119/3b3ac82284f5abd906e088da025855c0.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 19, 2020, 04:26:52 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on January 18, 2020, 06:46:42 PM
- Commercial plow drivers who put snow piles in the worst possible places (blocking sight at aisle intersections - main aisles :ded: :banghead: )

In the town I grew up in, the streets were very wide and we tended to get a lot of snow. When there was heavy snowfall, the snow plows would plow to the middle of the street instead of the edges. That meant no big wall of snow blocking driveways or parking spots. However, it made for a twice-as-big wall of snow in the middle of the street. Turning left was always fun! Get going as fast as you could, barrel your way through, and hope for the best.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: renegade on January 19, 2020, 05:51:30 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 19, 2020, 04:08:42 PM
One of the things I find mildly annoying and inexplicable is when people put the decals on their license plates incorrectly. Here's a particularly egregious example I saw this afternoon when I was out for a walk. The "month" sticker is supposed to go in the top left where it says "month" and the year is supposed to go in the top right where it says "year." This person got it completely wrong, although it's not as bad as the guy across the street from us who (illegally) has no front plate and put both "year" stickers on his rear plate. With the one seen here, at least both the month and year are visible, though incorrectly displayed.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200119/3b3ac82284f5abd906e088da025855c0.jpg)

In my state, improperly placed decals used to be ticketable. I'm not sure when the authorities stopped caring about that though.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 19, 2020, 06:01:20 PM

^^^^^

In my mind, the guy across the street with no "month" sticker deserves a ticket, but the Mazda seen in the photo does not because the date of expiry is clear.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kj3400 on January 19, 2020, 06:50:25 PM

-People who feel the need to say thank you 3+ times in the same encounter
-People who switch lanes to the one in front of me and immediately turn. This is much more annoying when I'm at work driving a 21 ton bus around.
-Traffic lights where the sensors aren't set correctly so the light doesn't change when you would expect (i.e opposite direction gets a lead arrow when no one's in the turn lane)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 19, 2020, 08:22:07 PM

Pointless commercials (when you're stuck watching live tv) -- the ones that tell the viewer next to nothing about the product but cost a butt-ton to produce. If I want to be entertained, I'll change the channel or go to a movie or comedy show. How much I laugh is not going to open my wallet any faster. Extra insult are the insurance commercials, which seem to be the only reason my rates go up.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 19, 2020, 09:06:12 PM

Quote from: crt08 on January 18, 2020, 04:00:45 PM
When people don't stop for crosswalks in front of stores, etc when you're in the crosswalk, or when you're crossing, they start accelerating before you get across it. I'm not a slow person so it's not like you can't just give me the legal right of way and wait!

When people just won't slow down or pay any attention to what's going on, just me me me. I had to drive around a truck today that was parked on the side of the road with the door open. I slowed down, moved over in case somebody jumped out, then this car coming in the opposite direction didn't bother slowing down, almost ran into me. Just slow down people!

And people who don't look when they cross. Even with the right of way you need to be cognizant of cars who may not see you. Goes double for people who cross (usually illegally) and put their hand up, like that will stop a car.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on January 19, 2020, 11:17:46 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on January 19, 2020, 09:06:12 PM
Quote from: crt08 on January 18, 2020, 04:00:45 PM
When people don't stop for crosswalks in front of stores, etc when you're in the crosswalk, or when you're crossing, they start accelerating before you get across it. I'm not a slow person so it's not like you can't just give me the legal right of way and wait!

When people just won't slow down or pay any attention to what's going on, just me me me. I had to drive around a truck today that was parked on the side of the road with the door open. I slowed down, moved over in case somebody jumped out, then this car coming in the opposite direction didn't bother slowing down, almost ran into me. Just slow down people!

And people who don't look when they cross. Even with the right of way you need to be cognizant of cars who may not see you. Goes double for people who cross (usually illegally) and put their hand up, like that will stop a car.

You will find that on university campuses - and the governments put up signs and yellow flashers to help them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 19, 2020, 11:31:33 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on January 19, 2020, 11:17:46 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 19, 2020, 09:06:12 PM
Quote from: crt08 on January 18, 2020, 04:00:45 PM
When people don't stop for crosswalks in front of stores, etc when you're in the crosswalk, or when you're crossing, they start accelerating before you get across it. I'm not a slow person so it's not like you can't just give me the legal right of way and wait!

When people just won't slow down or pay any attention to what's going on, just me me me. I had to drive around a truck today that was parked on the side of the road with the door open. I slowed down, moved over in case somebody jumped out, then this car coming in the opposite direction didn't bother slowing down, almost ran into me. Just slow down people!

And people who don't look when they cross. Even with the right of way you need to be cognizant of cars who may not see you. Goes double for people who cross (usually illegally) and put their hand up, like that will stop a car.
You will find that on university campuses - and the governments put up signs and yellow flashers to help them.

So much for the students being the smart ones. :rolleyes: Phones may be smart, but they don't negate the laws of physics; there's no app for that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 20, 2020, 01:06:48 AM

Quote from: kphoger on January 14, 2020, 11:54:47 AM
That I cannot reject mail addressed to "CURRENT RESIDENT" by claiming nobody by that name lives at my address.

Have you tried marking it "REFUSED"?

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 19, 2020, 04:08:42 PM
One of the things I find mildly annoying and inexplicable is when people put the decals on their license plates incorrectly. Here's a particularly egregious example I saw this afternoon when I was out for a walk. The "month" sticker is supposed to go in the top left where it says "month" and the year is supposed to go in the top right where it says "year." This person got it completely wrong, although it's not as bad as the guy across the street from us who (illegally) has no front plate and put both "year" stickers on his rear plate. With the one seen here, at least both the month and year are visible, though incorrectly displayed.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200119/3b3ac82284f5abd906e088da025855c0.jpg)

One that's particularly common in OK for some reason is sticking a year sticker over the month sticker, then alternating sides, so starting out with, say, [APR] [2010], then putting the 2011 sticker over the month sticker: [2011] [2010], then [2011] [2012], etc. Who the hell knows when the plate actually expires!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 20, 2020, 04:47:53 AM

Yes I refused junk mail and my postman left me an angry note

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 20, 2020, 08:14:28 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on January 20, 2020, 04:47:53 AM
Yes I refused junk mail and my postman left me an angry note

You didn't get a visit from the Postmaster General?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 20, 2020, 08:24:59 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 20, 2020, 01:06:48 AM
Quote from: kphoger on January 14, 2020, 11:54:47 AM
That I cannot reject mail addressed to "CURRENT RESIDENT" by claiming nobody by that name lives at my address.

Have you tried marking it "REFUSED"?

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 19, 2020, 04:08:42 PM
One of the things I find mildly annoying and inexplicable is when people put the decals on their license plates incorrectly. Here's a particularly egregious example I saw this afternoon when I was out for a walk. The "month" sticker is supposed to go in the top left where it says "month" and the year is supposed to go in the top right where it says "year." This person got it completely wrong, although it's not as bad as the guy across the street from us who (illegally) has no front plate and put both "year" stickers on his rear plate. With the one seen here, at least both the month and year are visible, though incorrectly displayed.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200119/3b3ac82284f5abd906e088da025855c0.jpg)

One that's particularly common in OK for some reason is sticking a year sticker over the month sticker, then alternating sides, so starting out with, say, [APR] [2010], then putting the 2011 sticker over the month sticker: [2011] [2010], then [2011] [2012], etc. Who the hell knows when the plate actually expires!

That happens here as well. I guess if it can be done incorrectly, it will be.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on January 20, 2020, 08:26:20 AM

Massachusetts doesn't have a month sticker; the month is determined by the last digit of the license plate. I've still seen misplaced year stickers, though.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MNHighwayMan on January 20, 2020, 10:14:21 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 19, 2020, 04:08:42 PM
One of the things I find mildly annoying and inexplicable is when people put the decals on their license plates incorrectly.

At least it isn't like the trend that was popular for a while in Iowa (and that I still see on occasion), where people would decorate their license plates with their yearly registration stickers. It's supposed to go on the bottom left corner.

Shit like this:

(https://i.imgur.com/TdALCdK.jpg)

(Image credit: kcci.com (https://www.kcci.com/article/common-license-plate-mistake-could-cost-you-cash/6908174))

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 20, 2020, 01:08:25 PM

Quote from: MNHighwayMan on January 20, 2020, 10:14:21 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 19, 2020, 04:08:42 PM
One of the things I find mildly annoying and inexplicable is when people put the decals on their license plates incorrectly.

At least it isn't like the trend that was popular for a while in Iowa (and that I still see on occasion), where people would decorate their license plates with their yearly registration stickers. It's supposed to go on the bottom left corner.

Shit like this:

(https://i.imgur.com/TdALCdK.jpg)

(Image credit: kcci.com (https://www.kcci.com/article/common-license-plate-mistake-could-cost-you-cash/6908174))

See, but at least Iowa has month and year on the same sticker, so you can tell when the plate expires. In Oklahoma, there is a month/county sticker and a year sticker, so if you cover up that, the plate could be expired for 11 months without any sort of indication to an observer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on January 20, 2020, 02:10:49 PM

Quote from: 1 on January 20, 2020, 08:26:20 AM
Massachusetts doesn't have a month sticker; the month is determined by the last digit of the license plate. I've still seen misplaced year stickers, though.

Mass has only 10 months in the year? Or maybe the license plate numbers are in hex?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 20, 2020, 02:15:49 PM

Quote from: GaryV on January 20, 2020, 02:10:49 PM

Quote from: 1 on January 20, 2020, 08:26:20 AM
Massachusetts doesn't have a month sticker; the month is determined by the last digit of the license plate. I've still seen misplaced year stickers, though.

Mass has only 10 months in the year? Or maybe the license plate numbers are in hex?

I don't think any plates expire in November or December.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 20, 2020, 02:18:49 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 19, 2020, 04:26:52 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on January 18, 2020, 06:46:42 PM
- Commercial plow drivers who put snow piles in the worst possible places (blocking sight at aisle intersections - main aisles :ded: :banghead: )

In the town I grew up in, the streets were very wide and we tended to get a lot of snow. When there was heavy snowfall, the snow plows would plow to the middle of the street instead of the edges. That meant no big wall of snow blocking driveways or parking spots. However, it made for a twice-as-big wall of snow in the middle of the street. Turning left was always fun! Get going as fast as you could, barrel your way through, and hope for the best.

Wait, what? That's crazy! Come to think of it, I've seen plenty of small Midwestern towns where the streets are wide enough to do that. But wouldn't it be easier, for left turns, to pull a u-turn in an intersection, and then backtrack to get to your driveway, rather than barreling through the wall of snow?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 20, 2020, 04:08:39 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 20, 2020, 02:15:49 PM
Quote from: GaryV on January 20, 2020, 02:10:49 PM

Quote from: 1 on January 20, 2020, 08:26:20 AM
Massachusetts doesn't have a month sticker; the month is determined by the last digit of the license plate. I've still seen misplaced year stickers, though.

Mass has only 10 months in the year? Or maybe the license plate numbers are in hex?

I don't think any plates expire in November or December.

our are December

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: KEVIN_224 on January 20, 2020, 04:27:55 PM

An old friend of mine re-registered his car at the Massachusetts DMV in late October. (I will NOT call it "Registry".) His vehicle's inspection was in December.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 20, 2020, 04:36:07 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on January 20, 2020, 04:08:39 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 20, 2020, 02:15:49 PM

Quote from: GaryV on January 20, 2020, 02:10:49 PM

Quote from: 1 on January 20, 2020, 08:26:20 AM
Massachusetts doesn't have a month sticker; the month is determined by the last digit of the license plate. I've still seen misplaced year stickers, though.

Mass has only 10 months in the year? Or maybe the license plate numbers are in hex?

I don't think any plates expire in November or December.

our are December

You have Massachusetts plates? Your location says Texas.

Quote from: KEVIN_224 on January 20, 2020, 04:27:55 PM
An old friend of mine re-registered his car at the Massachusetts DMV in late October. (I will NOT call it "Registry".) His vehicle's inspection was in December.

Does that mean his registration expires in December? I know motorcycles and commercial vehicles expire in December (and vanity plates in November), but I wasn't aware any standard issue passenger plates did.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 20, 2020, 04:46:58 PM

Videos in general when a written piece would suffice. Saw something the other day, "The 10 best live albums of the 70s." It's a topic I'm interested in, but the link was to a 12-minute YouTube video. Who has time for that? Why not a written list of the albums and the commentary? I'd rather spend the time reading something at my own pace than 12 minutes watching a video. I could probably read the info contained in that video in about two minutes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 20, 2020, 04:48:37 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 20, 2020, 04:46:58 PM
Videos in general when a written piece would suffice. Saw something the other day, "The 10 best live albums of the 70s." It's a topic I'm interested in, but the link was to a 12-minute YouTube video. Who has time for that? Why not a written list of the albums and the commentary? I'd rather spend the time reading something at my own pace than 12 minutes watching a video. I could probably read the info contained in that video in about two minutes.

Yes, I dislike it when I see a news article I'd like to read, then find out it's just a YouTube only.

I also dislike it when any webpage is written such that I have to keep hitting the "next" arrow or whatever to get to the next page.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: adventurernumber1 on January 20, 2020, 07:09:15 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 20, 2020, 04:48:37 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 20, 2020, 04:46:58 PM
Videos in general when a written piece would suffice. Saw something the other day, "The 10 best live albums of the 70s." It's a topic I'm interested in, but the link was to a 12-minute YouTube video. Who has time for that? Why not a written list of the albums and the commentary? I'd rather spend the time reading something at my own pace than 12 minutes watching a video. I could probably read the info contained in that video in about two minutes.

Yes, I dislike it when I see a news article I'd like to read, then find out it's just a YouTube only.

I also dislike it when any webpage is written such that I have to keep hitting the "next" arrow or whatever to get to the next page.

Those are the worst. I'm interested in an article ranking all the states on a particular topic (best roads, best for education, best for retirement, etc.) but then I find I have to click a "next" arrow 50 stinking times. :rolleyes: :rofl:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 20, 2020, 08:13:34 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 20, 2020, 04:48:37 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 20, 2020, 04:46:58 PMVideos in general when a written piece would suffice. Saw something the other day, "The 10 best live albums of the 70s." It's a topic I'm interested in, but the link was to a 12-minute YouTube video. Who has time for that? Why not a written list of the albums and the commentary? I'd rather spend the time reading something at my own pace than 12 minutes watching a video. I could probably read the info contained in that video in about two minutes.

Yes, I dislike it when I see a news article I'd like to read, then find out it's just a YouTube only.

I also dislike it when any webpage is written such that I have to keep hitting the "next" arrow or whatever to get to the next page.

Those are all ploys to take control away from the audience, usually to set up a pipeline for pay-per-click advertising.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on January 20, 2020, 08:13:55 PM

Quote from: adventurernumber1 on January 20, 2020, 07:09:15 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 20, 2020, 04:48:37 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 20, 2020, 04:46:58 PM
Videos in general when a written piece would suffice. Saw something the other day, "The 10 best live albums of the 70s." It's a topic I'm interested in, but the link was to a 12-minute YouTube video. Who has time for that? Why not a written list of the albums and the commentary? I'd rather spend the time reading something at my own pace than 12 minutes watching a video. I could probably read the info contained in that video in about two minutes.

Yes, I dislike it when I see a news article I'd like to read, then find out it's just a YouTube only.

I also dislike it when any webpage is written such that I have to keep hitting the "next" arrow or whatever to get to the next page.

Those are the worst. I'm interested in an article ranking all the states on a particular topic (best roads, best for education, best for retirement, etc.) but then I find I have to click a "next" arrow 50 stinking times. :rolleyes: :rofl:

Login username and password on separate pages

Then after the password, answer a security question. or...

(https://i.pinimg.com/474x/0a/1f/ed/0a1fed4c300f8973ebc7ee1c0ba5b0a0.jpg)

Finally

Click "remember me" in login,

Next browser session - you're signed out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 20, 2020, 09:11:07 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 20, 2020, 04:48:37 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 20, 2020, 04:46:58 PM
Videos in general when a written piece would suffice. Saw something the other day, "The 10 best live albums of the 70s." It's a topic I'm interested in, but the link was to a 12-minute YouTube video. Who has time for that? Why not a written list of the albums and the commentary? I'd rather spend the time reading something at my own pace than 12 minutes watching a video. I could probably read the info contained in that video in about two minutes.

Yes, I dislike it when I see a news article I'd like to read, then find out it's just a YouTube only.

Me three: It's quieter and easier to read it on my own time, at my pace, and actually (gasp!) re-read parts of it.

I understand if there's an actual video involved which would be necessary to understand some event or occurrence, but someone talking over a couple of still images is insulting to my (very limited) intelligence. At least if there's some on-screen words describing an video, you watch it a bit more discretely.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: KEVIN_224 on January 20, 2020, 09:12:59 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 20, 2020, 04:36:07 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 20, 2020, 04:08:39 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 20, 2020, 02:15:49 PM

Quote from: GaryV on January 20, 2020, 02:10:49 PM

Quote from: 1 on January 20, 2020, 08:26:20 AM
Massachusetts doesn't have a month sticker; the month is determined by the last digit of the license plate. I've still seen misplaced year stickers, though.

Mass has only 10 months in the year? Or maybe the license plate numbers are in hex?

I don't think any plates expire in November or December.

our are December

You have Massachusetts plates? Your location says Texas.

Quote from: KEVIN_224 on January 20, 2020, 04:27:55 PM
An old friend of mine re-registered his car at the Massachusetts DMV in late October. (I will NOT call it "Registry".) His vehicle's inspection was in December.
Does that mean his registration expires in December? I know motorcycles and commercial vehicles expire in December (and vanity plates in November), but I wasn't aware any standard issue passenger plates did.

He went to a Massachusetts DMV office on October 24th. I want to say it was Easthampton. The corner sticker inside his windshield now definitely says "12", as in December 2020 for the next inspection. The only DMV I've ever dealt with is Connecticut, to renew my present photo ID (which cost $22.50 in 2015).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on January 21, 2020, 01:22:54 AM

Quote from: formulanone on January 20, 2020, 09:11:07 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 20, 2020, 04:48:37 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 20, 2020, 04:46:58 PM
Videos in general when a written piece would suffice. Saw something the other day, "The 10 best live albums of the 70s." It's a topic I'm interested in, but the link was to a 12-minute YouTube video. Who has time for that? Why not a written list of the albums and the commentary? I'd rather spend the time reading something at my own pace than 12 minutes watching a video. I could probably read the info contained in that video in about two minutes.

Yes, I dislike it when I see a news article I'd like to read, then find out it's just a YouTube only.

Me three: It's quieter and easier to read it on my own time, at my pace, and actually (gasp!) re-read parts of it.

I understand if there's an actual video involved which would be necessary to understand some event or occurrence, but someone talking over a couple of still images is insulting to my (very limited) intelligence. At least if there's some on-screen words describing an video, you watch it a bit more discretely.

I would also tend to agree, but there are some times and places where videos become podcasts: while driving, riding public transport, or when at the gym. In those three scenarios, video versions of articles are quite handy.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on January 21, 2020, 10:18:23 AM

Quote from: 1 on January 20, 2020, 08:26:20 AM
Massachusetts doesn't have a month sticker; the month is determined by the last digit of the license plate. I've still seen misplaced year stickers, though.

For general-issue red and white Spirit plates, the month is also displayed in the upper left corner of the plate (JAN, FEB, MAR etc.). Vanity and other special issue plates are renewed in November, so there's no month displayed on the plate.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 21, 2020, 11:59:56 AM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 20, 2020, 08:13:34 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 20, 2020, 04:48:37 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 20, 2020, 04:46:58 PMVideos in general when a written piece would suffice. Saw something the other day, "The 10 best live albums of the 70s." It's a topic I'm interested in, but the link was to a 12-minute YouTube video. Who has time for that? Why not a written list of the albums and the commentary? I'd rather spend the time reading something at my own pace than 12 minutes watching a video. I could probably read the info contained in that video in about two minutes.

Yes, I dislike it when I see a news article I'd like to read, then find out it's just a YouTube only.

I also dislike it when any webpage is written such that I have to keep hitting the "next" arrow or whatever to get to the next page.

Those are all ploys to take control away from the audience, usually to set up a pipeline for pay-per-click advertising.

Even worse is when each click takes you to a different URL (rather than staying inside the same page), meaning that to "go back" requires tapping the back icon a million times.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DTComposer on January 21, 2020, 04:38:15 PM

This is a minor thing to me, but seems to be a major thing for many people: more and more it seems to be demanded that you "love" a piece of pop culture or "hate" it. A recent thread on this forum is "TV shows most people love that you hate." There are plenty of shows that are beloved by millions that I haven't watched, or watched and not enjoyed. But I can't imagine a television show filling me with such rage or disgust that I would use the term "hate."

And yet, people are responding with "I hate [show]." Really? Did you watch it and then go punch a wall, or kick a puppy? Does the memory of that show keep you up at night, seething? Did it break up your marriage or estrange you from your children? Did you have to work all this hate out with your therapist?

I get that "hate" may be used hyperbolically in this instance, but it's not always. Along those lines is what's currently being referred to as "toxic fandom." The idea that a movie or tv show is so abhorrent that one needs to wage an campaign to artificially influence ratings, or demand this or that, or to tear down the people who don't agree with your opinion, as if there's some ownership or control of the IP by the viewing audience, seems like such a unhealthy use of one's energy and time.

I am a fan of several long-running franchises - enough so that I will go into a rabbit hole reading wiki articles on minor characters, and I listen to multiple podcasts about those franchises, but not so much that I digest each and every piece of their "expanded universes." In each case, I enjoy most of it. I love a lot of it. And some of it I haven't enjoyed as much. And other people have different opinions - great. But there seems to be a whole lot of people who spend a whole lot of time (online, mostly) telling the world how terrible this movie or that episode was, how the studio/director/writer is "destroying the franchise," and how anyone who disagrees with this viewpoint "isn't a true fan."

Again, it's a minor thing to me, because all of this vitriol doesn't affect my enjoyment (or non-enjoyment) of a piece of entertainment. But I see it, and it does make me worry about the general state of discourse nowadays.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 21, 2020, 04:43:33 PM

– People leaving dirty dishes in the sink instead of on the counter (most people do so).

– People loading the dishwasher inefficiently or in such a way that items will collect an unnecessary amount of water (I pretty much re-load the dishwasher every time I run it, unless I'm the only one has been loading it).

– Janitors jamming so many paper towels into the dispenser cabinet that it's impossible to get one out without dislodging six more onto the floor (why do they do this?).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 21, 2020, 05:46:24 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 21, 2020, 04:43:33 PM– People leaving dirty dishes in the sink instead of on the counter (most people do so).

This annoys me as well, but I realize I have the luxury of working in a fairly large kitchen with an empty area next to the sink that is convenient for staging dishwasher loading.

Quote from: kphoger on January 21, 2020, 04:43:33 PM– People loading the dishwasher inefficiently or in such a way that items will collect an unnecessary amount of water (I pretty much re-load the dishwasher every time I run it, unless I'm the only one has been loading it).

We've found running a drying cycle on our dishwasher eventually results in the drainpipe becoming clogged with detergent residue. I'm the only one who loads the dishwasher, so I can usually ensure that bowls and food storage containers are placed so that they will drain, but every so often water movement knocks them over and I have to deal with collected water the next morning.

There have been studies of how families typically use dishwashers that have found the vast majority have one designated person who loads all the dishes.

Quote from: kphoger on January 21, 2020, 04:43:33 PM– Janitors jamming so many paper towels into the dispenser cabinet that it's impossible to get one out without dislodging six more onto the floor (why do they do this?).

I have suspected paper towel dispensers are overfilled to allow intervals between successive cleanings to be kept as wide as possible and thus to limit complaints from users who find the bathroom closed for cleaning when they urgently need to relieve themselves.

My bathroom-related annoyances include stray bits of single-ply toilet paper on the floor--they always seem to be on the lookout for shoes to stick to. It is also not uncommon for floor and custodial staff to take a "not my responsibility" minimum approach to cleaning that results in, e.g., a piece of chewing gum being left on the housing of a weight machine for literally years, or a dark brown discoloration being left on the wall behind a toilet for months.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 21, 2020, 08:10:26 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 21, 2020, 05:46:24 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 21, 2020, 04:43:33 PM
(I pretty much re-load the dishwasher every time I run it, unless I'm the only one has been loading it).

There have been studies of how families typically use dishwashers that have found the vast majority have one designated person who loads all the dishes.

My wife and I have only been married for 14 years, but I like to think we've already reached the point of mastering it. One of the clues that we've reached that point is with the dishwasher.

It frustrates me when my wife loads the dishwasher in a way that, in my micro-managing opinion, is haphazard and inefficient. It frustrates my wife that I follow along behind her and re-organize everything she just did in loading the dishwasher. At least, it used to frustrate me and it used to frustrate her. But a while ago we reached the point that we both know full well that I'm going to reorganize the dishwasher after she loads it, and we've both made our peace with that. I'm the one who grew up playing Tetris, I'm the one who can load luggage into the car the best, and I'm the one who can load the dishwasher the best. It used to frustrate her that she apparently doesn't do "a good enough job" loading the dishwasher, but really she knows darned well I do a better job at it. It used to frustrate me that she honestly doesn't do "a good enough job", but really I know I should never realistically expect her to meet my anal-retentive (and largely unspoken) criteria for such a mundane task.

And–here's the kicker–even if she were really the better one at it, we still have enough tolerance for each other that we'd just chuckle at my following behind her. "That's my wife", I'd think to myself. "That's my husband", she'd think to herself. And we'd shrug our shoulders and get on with the day.

That's the hallmark of a successful relationship: some little thing annoys you about the other person and you can say with a smile on your face "Yep, that's my honey" and chuckle at it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 21, 2020, 08:16:57 PM

Quote from: DTComposer on January 21, 2020, 04:38:15 PM
This is a minor thing to me, but seems to be a major thing for many people: more and more it seems to be demanded that you "love" a piece of pop culture or "hate" it.

I'd chalk it up to the overwhelming societal impulse to convey many things in a dualistic manner. This existed well before social media, even though it's an easy target due to its binary like / love / up-vote culture.

QuoteAnd yet, people are responding with "I hate [show]." Really? Did you watch it and then go punch a wall, or kick a puppy? Does the memory of that show keep you up at night, seething? Did it break up your marriage or estrange you from your children? Did you have to work all this hate out with your therapist?

I get that "hate" may be used hyperbolically in this instance, but it's not always. Along those lines is what's currently being referred to as "toxic fandom." The idea that a movie or tv show is so abhorrent that one needs to wage an campaign to artificially influence ratings, or demand this or that, or to tear down the people who don't agree with your opinion, as if there's some ownership or control of the IP by the viewing audience, seems like such a unhealthy use of one's energy and time.

I suppose if the Ludovico Technique was performed on me while being forced to watch reality TV, I would probably hate it, as a self-preservation reaction to hurting myself. Outside of a dystopian future where I'd apparently committed grave crimes against a TV producer, I don't even have enough to time to care about what I actually enjoy, let alone find any time to vent about what I dislike. And I think that's a pretty good way to look back at your life in these times: to not even have time to complain means your life is well-lived.

But the Internet is loaded with people who enjoy venting, complaining, bitching, moaning, and hating whatever gets attention. Even before the world wide web was commercially-available to every Tom, Dick, and Modem, people were more likely to tell others about a bad experience than a good one. It's quick to say they liked or enjoyed something, but rarely find the words to express how wonderful something felt...sometimes it's just harder to find those words. However, it's even easier to explain every detail about how they disliked something and how bad it made them feel because others will pay attention to their story.

I think the reasons for that were because that gushing about a positive experience opens one up to having to explain things that are hard to put into words; that it leaves yourself open to criticism, and one's emotions become vulnerable if others don't enjoy that same thing in the same ways. Or that the enjoy-er feels less validated if other don't feel it the same ways. Or they just do't want to feel like they're bragging. Heading it back negatively, it's less likely that someone will correct another, in a face-to-face discussion, unless they know each other. And so they'll keep on down that path.

But the internet has avoided actually knowing others, so you just let your feelings rip. The loudest one in the room usually gets the most attention. Sometimes you wonder if people joined a group/forum/fanbase because they just want everyone to hear how much they hate things, rather than how much they enjoy something about the hobby or fandom. I'm not naming any names, but some of you know who you are...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on January 21, 2020, 08:18:17 PM

On top of that - entities - like IMDb - showing a couple photos on their main page and saying "Photos we love".

Ok.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 21, 2020, 08:55:07 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 21, 2020, 08:10:26 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 21, 2020, 05:46:24 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 21, 2020, 04:43:33 PM
(I pretty much re-load the dishwasher every time I run it, unless I'm the only one has been loading it).

There have been studies of how families typically use dishwashers that have found the vast majority have one designated person who loads all the dishes.

My wife and I have only been married for 14 years, but I like to think we've already reached the point of mastering it. One of the clues that we've reached that point is with the dishwasher.

It frustrates me when my wife loads the dishwasher in a way that, in my micro-managing opinion, is haphazard and inefficient. It frustrates my wife that I follow along behind her and re-organize everything she just did in loading the dishwasher. At least, it used to frustrate me and it used to frustrate her. But a while ago we reached the point that we both know full well that I'm going to reorganize the dishwasher after she loads it, and we've both made our peace with that. I'm the one who grew up playing Tetris, I'm the one who can load luggage into the car the best, and I'm the one who can load the dishwasher the best. It used to frustrate her that she apparently doesn't do "a good enough job" loading the dishwasher, but really she knows darned well I do a better job at it. It used to frustrate me that she honestly doesn't do "a good enough job", but really I know I should never realistically expect her to meet my anal-retentive (and largely unspoken) criteria for such a mundane task.

And–here's the kicker–even if she were really the better one at it, we still have enough tolerance for each other that we'd just chuckle at my following behind her. "That's my wife", I'd think to myself. "That's my husband", she'd think to herself. And we'd shrug our shoulders and get on with the day.

That's the hallmark of a successful relationship: some little thing annoys you about the other person and you can say with a smile on your face "Yep, that's my honey" and chuckle at it.

It's funny, my wife has played Tetris WAY more than me, but is horribly inefficient at packing anything...trunks, luggage, cupboards, fridge, pantry, dishwashers, etc. It used to annoy her when I'd reload the dishwasher, but now she expects it, and (gasp) will occasionally ask for pointers. Everything else she now just hands right over to me... partially out of laziness, partly because she has admitted that I am better.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 21, 2020, 09:16:39 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on January 21, 2020, 08:55:07 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 21, 2020, 08:10:26 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 21, 2020, 05:46:24 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 21, 2020, 04:43:33 PM
(I pretty much re-load the dishwasher every time I run it, unless I'm the only one has been loading it).

There have been studies of how families typically use dishwashers that have found the vast majority have one designated person who loads all the dishes.

My wife and I have only been married for 14 years, but I like to think we've already reached the point of mastering it. One of the clues that we've reached that point is with the dishwasher.

It frustrates me when my wife loads the dishwasher in a way that, in my micro-managing opinion, is haphazard and inefficient. It frustrates my wife that I follow along behind her and re-organize everything she just did in loading the dishwasher. At least, it used to frustrate me and it used to frustrate her. But a while ago we reached the point that we both know full well that I'm going to reorganize the dishwasher after she loads it, and we've both made our peace with that. I'm the one who grew up playing Tetris, I'm the one who can load luggage into the car the best, and I'm the one who can load the dishwasher the best. It used to frustrate her that she apparently doesn't do "a good enough job" loading the dishwasher, but really she knows darned well I do a better job at it. It used to frustrate me that she honestly doesn't do "a good enough job", but really I know I should never realistically expect her to meet my anal-retentive (and largely unspoken) criteria for such a mundane task.

And–here's the kicker–even if she were really the better one at it, we still have enough tolerance for each other that we'd just chuckle at my following behind her. "That's my wife", I'd think to myself. "That's my husband", she'd think to herself. And we'd shrug our shoulders and get on with the day.

That's the hallmark of a successful relationship: some little thing annoys you about the other person and you can say with a smile on your face "Yep, that's my honey" and chuckle at it.

It's funny, my wife has played Tetris WAY more than me, but is horribly inefficient at packing anything...trunks, luggage, cupboards, fridge, pantry, dishwashers, etc. It used to annoy her when I'd reload the dishwasher, but now she expects it, and (gasp) will occasionally ask for pointers. Everything else she now just hands right over to me... partially out of laziness, partly because she has admitted that I am better.

We usually let the kids do the dishes now, and they're getting pretty good at it. If they're handling homework or some other task we don't want to do, I usually get stuck being the loader.

(Frankly, I can't stand the spacial inefficiency of our present dishwasher, it seems to be designed for dishes, utensils, and eight-ounce cups, but nothing more without sacrificing lots of room. Cereal bowls and plastic storage containers just have no good way to stay put, the pans take up too much room...that's a minor grudge because you can't test-drive a dishwasher, and you don't want to return it after spending 3-4 hours installing it.)

In our relationship, I just happen to be better at spacial awareness and organization; or at least, I was more involved at a younger age with performing tasks and hobbies which involved those things. So I'm acknowledged to be better at packing things, stacking, organizing, re-organizing, visualizing order, estimating volume, and other types of arrangement...

...and she's better at pretty much everything else that actually matters.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 21, 2020, 10:03:37 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on January 21, 2020, 08:55:07 PM
It's funny, my wife has played Tetris WAY more than me, but is horribly inefficient at packing anything...trunks, luggage, cupboards, fridge, pantry, dishwashers, etc. ... she has admitted that I am better.

Quote from: formulanone on January 21, 2020, 09:16:39 PM
In our relationship, I just happen to be better at spacial awareness and organization

They say men's minds tend to be more adept at that than women's. In my experience, it's not necessarily true but does seem to be the general trend.

Quote from: formulanone on January 21, 2020, 09:16:39 PM
...and she's better at pretty much everything else that actually matters.

I was about to say that that's also a general trend, but then I started thinking about it and realized it might actually be a 50/50 split between men and women among the couples I know. That might be partially because "what actually matters" is a very broad umbrella and covers many areas of life. For example, character education and money management aren't necessarily the forte of the same parent, but both are things that "actually matter".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on January 21, 2020, 11:32:32 PM

Younger people (mainly later millennials and later) constantly changing their tune players after every song, or even before each song file has finished playing. Double demerits if they are constantly yelling these song changing instructions at an Alexa player - *THAT* is Ã¼ber-annoying, especially at work!

:verymad:

(This really makes me appreciate decent radio stations and tune player playlists!)

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on January 21, 2020, 11:38:21 PM

Texting and driving! They are the ones most likely reacting slowly to a light change.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on January 22, 2020, 07:12:01 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on January 21, 2020, 11:38:21 PM
... reacting slowly to a light change.

They don't react slowly. They react surprisingly fast after ignoring it for too long. Or maybe they don't react at all and blow thru it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MNHighwayMan on January 22, 2020, 08:43:00 AM

Quote from: kphoger on January 21, 2020, 04:43:33 PM
– People leaving dirty dishes in the sink instead of on the counter (most people do so).

– People loading the dishwasher inefficiently or in such a way that items will collect an unnecessary amount of water (I pretty much re-load the dishwasher every time I run it, unless I'm the only one has been loading it).

I feel these on a spiritual level. How am I supposed to wash anything when there's a bunch of stuff in the sink? Or, secondly, expect anything to be clean if it's full of debris water?

On a related note, why not just put your dishwasher-safe dishes in the dishwasher when you're done with them? Why make someone else (or yourself, but later) do it? I kinda get it if it just finished running, and you have to put all the clean stuff away, but that's the small price to pay for all the other convenience.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 22, 2020, 09:52:12 AM

Quote from: MNHighwayMan on January 22, 2020, 08:43:00 AM
why not just put your dishwasher-safe dishes in the dishwasher when you're done with them? Why make someone else (or yourself, but later) do it? I kinda get it if it just finished running, and you have to put all the clean stuff away, but that's the small price to pay for all the other convenience.

1. At home, the dishwasher is often still full. My family knows not to put dirty dishes in the sink, but guests almost invariably put theirs in the sink instead of the on the counter.

2. At work, there is no dishwasher. People use dishes, stick them in the sink, clock back in from break, and then leave the dishes there for a couple of hours until they catch another break to wash them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 22, 2020, 11:50:20 AM

Quote from: MNHighwayMan on January 22, 2020, 08:43:00 AMOn a related note, why not just put your dishwasher-safe dishes in the dishwasher when you're done with them? Why make someone else (or yourself, but later) do it? I kinda get it if it just finished running, and you have to put all the clean stuff away, but that's the small price to pay for all the other convenience.

Some families do load as they go. We don't. We use some bowls, dishes, and glasses multiple times in one day (e.g., I rinse out my oatmeal bowl and use it for soup). And to save time when unloading the dishwasher, I prefer to group like with like, which is easier to manage when loading all at once rather than several times through the day. I also pre-soak some dishes to avoid baking cooking fats onto them during the wash cycle.

We generally run our dishwasher just once a day, usually overnight, and unload it first thing in the morning--I typically do it while my moka pot is on the stove. In communal settings or with larger families, it is easier to wind up in a situation where the dishwasher has to be loaded and run multiple times a day, e.g. between meals.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 22, 2020, 12:26:50 PM

Anyone do their dishes by hand? I do largely because the washer doesn't clean as well as I can by hand. Aside from that I don't like the accumulation of clutter piling up in a washer just out of sight.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 22, 2020, 12:35:16 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 22, 2020, 12:26:50 PM
Anyone do their dishes by hand? I do largely because the washer doesn't clean as well as I can by hand. Aside from that I don't like the accumulation of clutter piling up in a washer just out of sight.

Only things that the dishwasher would tend to ruin: chef's knives, wooden utensils, enamelware, pots and pans, cutting boards...

My parents only use their dishwasher when they have company over, because it takes no time at all to clean up for two people.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 22, 2020, 12:40:37 PM

I only wash non-dishwasher safe dishes or utensils I need to reuse in short order by hand.

Otherwise, the dishwasher is good enough. I find the quality of dishwashing detergent to be a big factor in cleanliness (i.e., splurge for Cascade pods).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on January 22, 2020, 02:12:56 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 22, 2020, 12:26:50 PM
Anyone do their dishes by hand? I do largely because the washer doesn't clean as well as I can by hand. Aside from that I don't like the accumulation of clutter piling up in a washer just out of sight.

Depends on how much stuff I have whether everything gets washed by hand or only some of it. Even the weeks where I have more, it still takes days to fill it up, so the spatula and pan I use for breakfast get washed by hand every day (except for the spatula on the day the dishwasher is actually run; the pan is always hand washed because it's old and wears more in the dishwasher).

Quote from: mgk920 on January 21, 2020, 11:32:32 PM
Younger people (mainly later millennials and later) constantly changing their tune players after every song, or even before each song file has finished playing. Double demerits if they are constantly yelling these song changing instructions at an Alexa player - *THAT* is Ã¼ber-annoying, especially at work!

:verymad:

(This really makes me appreciate decent radio stations and tune player playlists!)

Mike

That's because we grew up on iPods and iTunes. Back then, we'd buy and play individual songs - that said, song view on an iPod and the iTunes library both put everything you own into one giant playlist, necessitating pausing or changing the song after each one - it would jump to whatever was next with respect to how it organized the list otherwise. The idea of popping in a CD and listening to a whole album start to finish is mostly foreign to us, though some hipsters will do that with records.

I haven't bought physical music (except for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and even then only for the stories in the liner notes) in ages.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 22, 2020, 02:18:00 PM

The only nominally dishwasher-safe thing we regularly hand-wash is a stainless steel skillet.

Things that are dishwasher-safe that are reused between wash cycles are normally rinsed only, not washed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 22, 2020, 03:18:06 PM

Quote from: DTComposer on January 21, 2020, 04:38:15 PMI get that "hate" may be used hyperbolically in this instance, but it's not always. Along those lines is what's currently being referred to as "toxic fandom." The idea that a movie or tv show is so abhorrent that one needs to wage an campaign to artificially influence ratings, or demand this or that, or to tear down the people who don't agree with your opinion, as if there's some ownership or control of the IP by the viewing audience, seems like such a unhealthy use of one's energy and time.

I'm inclined to view a splitter mindset toward creative franchises (a given instance being either the greatest or the worst of all time) as a manifestation of the narcissism of small differences, and also a reflection of oblivion to the sheer privilege we enjoy, living as we do in an age when acquisition of the basic necessities of life is not an all-consuming preoccupation for most in the First World.

Quote from: DTComposer on January 21, 2020, 04:38:15 PMI am a fan of several long-running franchises - enough so that I will go into a rabbit hole reading wiki articles on minor characters, and I listen to multiple podcasts about those franchises, but not so much that I digest each and every piece of their "expanded universes." In each case, I enjoy most of it. I love a lot of it. And some of it I haven't enjoyed as much. And other people have different opinions - great. But there seems to be a whole lot of people who spend a whole lot of time (online, mostly) telling the world how terrible this movie or that episode was, how the studio/director/writer is "destroying the franchise," and how anyone who disagrees with this viewpoint "isn't a true fan."

Again, it's a minor thing to me, because all of this vitriol doesn't affect my enjoyment (or non-enjoyment) of a piece of entertainment. But I see it, and it does make me worry about the general state of discourse nowadays.

I think it is right to worry about the state of discourse, but what happens in fandoms is only a fairly small part of it. A large share of fan spaces exist on platforms which depend on clicks for financial survival, which incentivizes attention-getting behavior.

Over the years, I have dabbled with several franchises, and come to realize that I don't do well in fan spaces in general. I have tried some where the creator is absent, and others where the creator is routinely present. In both types of spaces the fans revel in the smallest details of character, story, and production: I'm happy enough to get into the tall weeds when the enterprise involved is at the scale of an entire society and is collaborative in nature (e.g., the traffic signing system in a particular country), but when it comes to the product of an individual's imagination, I am left with the feeling of toiling without pay in someone else's plantation. And when the creator is present, many fans engage in acts of overt worship that I find nauseating.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 22, 2020, 08:52:54 PM

We have some "dishwasher-safe" things that we don't put in there because of size or shape–they're just different enough from most of our other dishes that they don't fit very well when other stuff is in there, so we wash them by hand. I'll also often wash by hand if I have just one glass or one spoon or whatever (for instance, I use the same glass every morning for orange juice and most days I use the same coffee mug–I telecommute, so around mid-morning I wash out the coffee mug and fill a travel mug with cold water for the rest of the day). When my wife uses a spoon to feed the feral cat who comes by every night, she puts the spoon in the dishwasher, whereas if I feed the cat I wash the spoon by hand because I feel like the larger spoons we use for the cat food fill up the utensil basket in the dishwasher too quickly.

I do all the laundry in our house except for some things my wife hand-washes. I insist on doing the laundry because she doesn't read care tags (I found one of her tops in the laundry basket when the care tag said "dry clean only") and because I have some things I don't put in the dryer and it would not be easy for anyone other than me to figure out which things those are.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 22, 2020, 10:09:47 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 22, 2020, 12:26:50 PM
Anyone do their dishes by hand? I do largely because the washer doesn't clean as well as I can by hand. Aside from that I don't like the accumulation of clutter piling up in a washer just out of sight.

Yes. A dishwasher was installed when my parents built this home. It was rarely used, and I don't even know if it would work now. My mom didn't use it much, my dad didn't use it after she died, and we haven't used it at all since we moved into the house. It's tempting to take it out and use the area for additional cabinet space.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 23, 2020, 09:34:41 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 22, 2020, 08:52:54 PM
I do all the laundry in our house except for some things my wife hand-washes. I insist on doing the laundry because she doesn't read care tags (I found one of her tops in the laundry basket when the care tag said "dry clean only") and because I have some things I don't put in the dryer and it would not be easy for anyone other than me to figure out which things those are.

My co-worker puts all of her clothes in the wash, no matter if the tag says "dry clean only" or not. She reports that, about 75% of the time, there's no problem. Her understanding is that, if the clothes get damaged that way, they would have been more trouble than they're worth.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 23, 2020, 10:36:19 AM

Quote from: kphoger on January 23, 2020, 09:34:41 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 22, 2020, 08:52:54 PM
I do all the laundry in our house except for some things my wife hand-washes. I insist on doing the laundry because she doesn’t read care tags (I found one of her tops in the laundry basket when the care tag said "dry clean only") and because I have some things I don’t put in the dryer and it would not be easy for anyone other than me to figure out which things those are.

My co-worker puts all of her clothes in the wash, no matter if the tag says "dry clean only" or not. She reports that, about 75% of the time, there's no problem. Her understanding is that, if the clothes get damaged that way, they would have been more trouble than they're worth.

I like how she thinks

I have a problem that I have pens in my pockets and i'll check them 3 times but once a year one winds up in there and destroys my shirts. as of this week I'm washing my shirts separately :P

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on January 23, 2020, 12:37:57 PM

About 1 am last night one of the smoke detectors started chirping.

Often it's a low battery; but we replaced the battery and it's still chirping. Some detectors are fussy about the specific battery and will chirp if they're pissed off, as this one is doing. Or, it could be too old and needs replacing and will continually chirp until you do that. (Home Depot's not open at 1 am.) Some online sources say that detectors might remember an error state, and even after you replace the battery they'll continue chirping (why???) until (are you fucking kidding me) you remove power at the circuit breaker, go to the detector (in the dark; you cut the power), and hold a reset button for 15-20 seconds.

I think the villain in the next John Wick movie should be Smoke Detector Inventor Guy. John doesn't kill him; he keeps him alive (and awake) for a long, long time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 23, 2020, 12:44:43 PM

Smoke detectors that are hard-wired into electric.

You burn something in the oven, the smoke detector goes off, you pop the battery out, it doesn't stop.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 23, 2020, 12:47:54 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on January 23, 2020, 10:36:19 AM
Quote from: kphoger on January 23, 2020, 09:34:41 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 22, 2020, 08:52:54 PM
I do all the laundry in our house except for some things my wife hand-washes. I insist on doing the laundry because she doesn't read care tags (I found one of her tops in the laundry basket when the care tag said "dry clean only") and because I have some things I don't put in the dryer and it would not be easy for anyone other than me to figure out which things those are.

My co-worker puts all of her clothes in the wash, no matter if the tag says "dry clean only" or not. She reports that, about 75% of the time, there's no problem. Her understanding is that, if the clothes get damaged that way, they would have been more trouble than they're worth.

I like how she thinks

I have a problem that I have pens in my pockets and i'll check them 3 times but once a year one winds up in there and destroys my shirts. as of this week I'm washing my shirts separately :P

The biggest argument we had about laundry was back in 2010 or 2011 shortly after we got married. Some of my wife's t-shirts developed holes and she accused me of either having a defective laundry machine or doing the laundry incorrectly. After a couple of rounds of arguing, I guessed what the problem might be: I took one of her rear-closing bras and held it up to the shirt where the holes were. Sure enough, the hooks matched the holes exactly. Even though I closed all the hooks before doing the laundry, they came undone and snagged on things. My wife conceded the point and got a tightly-woven mesh bag at Bed Bath & Beyond and her bras now go in that so they won't snag on anything. Problem solved.

Quote from: kurumi on January 23, 2020, 12:37:57 PM
About 1 am last night one of the smoke detectors started chirping.

Often it's a low battery; but we replaced the battery and it's still chirping. Some detectors are fussy about the specific battery and will chirp if they're pissed off, as this one is doing. Or, it could be too old and needs replacing and will continually chirp until you do that. (Home Depot's not open at 1 am.) Some online sources say that detectors might remember an error state, and even after you replace the battery they'll continue chirping (why???) until (are you fucking kidding me) you remove power at the circuit breaker, go to the detector (in the dark; you cut the power), and hold a reset button for 15-20 seconds.

I think the villain in the next John Wick movie should be Smoke Detector Inventor Guy. John doesn't kill him; he keeps him alive (and awake) for a long, long time.

One of our smoke detectors started beeping once and it required a 9-volt battery, which I didn't have. I wound up taking the thing off the ceiling and sticking it in the garage for a day or two (until I got to a store to buy batteries) so I wouldn't hear the beeping. Removing the battery wasn't enough to solve the problem because it continued to beep.

Quote from: kphoger on January 23, 2020, 12:44:43 PM
Smoke detectors that are hard-wired into electric.

You burn something in the oven, the smoke detector goes off, you pop the battery out, it doesn't stop.

I once generated enough smoke in the kitchen that I set a fan in the kitchen door blowing into the kitchen (away from the smoke detector, which is in the dining room) so the smoke wouldn't reach the detector. More typically I'll set a fan in the kitchen window blowing outside so as to try to suck the smoke out of the kitchen.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on January 23, 2020, 02:16:26 PM

Quote from: vdeane on January 22, 2020, 02:12:56 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 21, 2020, 11:32:32 PM
Younger people (mainly later millennials and later) constantly changing their tune players after every song, or even before each song file has finished playing. Double demerits if they are constantly yelling these song changing instructions at an Alexa player - *THAT* is Ã¼ber-annoying, especially at work!

:verymad:

(This really makes me appreciate decent radio stations and tune player playlists!)

Mike
That's because we grew up on iPods and iTunes. Back then, we'd buy and play individual songs - that said, song view on an iPod and the iTunes library both put everything you own into one giant playlist, necessitating pausing or changing the song after each one - it would jump to whatever was next with respect to how it organized the list otherwise. The idea of popping in a CD and listening to a whole album start to finish is mostly foreign to us, though some hipsters will do that with records.

I haven't bought physical music (except for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and even then only for the stories in the liner notes) in ages.

I set my iPod (a bit of 20K files) to play files at random from its entire library. That's in my car. Otherwise it is listenable OTA radio stations.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 23, 2020, 04:10:18 PM

Quote from: vdeane on January 22, 2020, 02:12:56 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 21, 2020, 11:32:32 PM
Younger people (mainly later millennials and later) constantly changing their tune players after every song, or even before each song file has finished playing. Double demerits if they are constantly yelling these song changing instructions at an Alexa player - *THAT* is Ã¼ber-annoying, especially at work!

:verymad:

(This really makes me appreciate decent radio stations and tune player playlists!)

Mike
That's because we grew up on iPods and iTunes. Back then, we'd buy and play individual songs - that said, song view on an iPod and the iTunes library both put everything you own into one giant playlist, necessitating pausing or changing the song after each one - it would jump to whatever was next with respect to how it organized the list otherwise. The idea of popping in a CD and listening to a whole album start to finish is mostly foreign to us, though some hipsters will do that with records.

I haven't bought physical music (except for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and even then only for the stories in the liner notes) in ages.

That's what creating custom playlists is for. Until now, I thought that was a more common practice. Even the oldest/cheapest of players would auto-create playlists based on album or artist.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: crt08 on January 23, 2020, 06:59:07 PM

Quote from: kurumi on January 23, 2020, 12:37:57 PM
About 1 am last night one of the smoke detectors started chirping.

Often it's a low battery; but we replaced the battery and it's still chirping. Some detectors are fussy about the specific battery and will chirp if they're pissed off, as this one is doing. Or, it could be too old and needs replacing and will continually chirp until you do that. (Home Depot's not open at 1 am.) Some online sources say that detectors might remember an error state, and even after you replace the battery they'll continue chirping (why???) until (are you fucking kidding me) you remove power at the circuit breaker, go to the detector (in the dark; you cut the power), and hold a reset button for 15-20 seconds.

I think the villain in the next John Wick movie should be Smoke Detector Inventor Guy. John doesn't kill him; he keeps him alive (and awake) for a long, long time.

Lately when I go for a walk on my street, I can hear a smoke detector chirping. The first day or so I thought "oh, they must not be able to reach it because of vaulted ceilings or something,"
but now it's been going on for several weeks. I can't imagine putting up with that for more than a day at the most.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 24, 2020, 08:06:05 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 23, 2020, 12:47:54 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 23, 2020, 10:36:19 AM
Quote from: kphoger on January 23, 2020, 09:34:41 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 22, 2020, 08:52:54 PM
I do all the laundry in our house except for some things my wife hand-washes. I insist on doing the laundry because she doesn’t read care tags (I found one of her tops in the laundry basket when the care tag said "dry clean only") and because I have some things I don’t put in the dryer and it would not be easy for anyone other than me to figure out which things those are.

My co-worker puts all of her clothes in the wash, no matter if the tag says "dry clean only" or not. She reports that, about 75% of the time, there's no problem. Her understanding is that, if the clothes get damaged that way, they would have been more trouble than they're worth.

I like how she thinks

I have a problem that I have pens in my pockets and i'll check them 3 times but once a year one winds up in there and destroys my shirts. as of this week I'm washing my shirts separately :P

The biggest argument we had about laundry was back in 2010 or 2011 shortly after we got married. Some of my wife's t-shirts developed holes and she accused me of either having a defective laundry machine or doing the laundry incorrectly. After a couple of rounds of arguing, I guessed what the problem might be: I took one of her rear-closing bras and held it up to the shirt where the holes were. Sure enough, the hooks matched the holes exactly. Even though I closed all the hooks before doing the laundry, they came undone and snagged on things. My wife conceded the point and got a tightly-woven mesh bag at Bed Bath & Beyond and her bras now go in that so they won't snag on anything. Problem solved.

Quote from: kurumi on January 23, 2020, 12:37:57 PM
About 1 am last night one of the smoke detectors started chirping.

Often it's a low battery; but we replaced the battery and it's still chirping. Some detectors are fussy about the specific battery and will chirp if they're pissed off, as this one is doing. Or, it could be too old and needs replacing and will continually chirp until you do that. (Home Depot's not open at 1 am.) Some online sources say that detectors might remember an error state, and even after you replace the battery they'll continue chirping (why???) until (are you fucking kidding me) you remove power at the circuit breaker, go to the detector (in the dark; you cut the power), and hold a reset button for 15-20 seconds.

I think the villain in the next John Wick movie should be Smoke Detector Inventor Guy. John doesn't kill him; he keeps him alive (and awake) for a long, long time.

One of our smoke detectors started beeping once and it required a 9-volt battery, which I didn't have. I wound up taking the thing off the ceiling and sticking it in the garage for a day or two (until I got to a store to buy batteries) so I wouldn't hear the beeping. Removing the battery wasn't enough to solve the problem because it continued to beep.

Quote from: kphoger on January 23, 2020, 12:44:43 PM
Smoke detectors that are hard-wired into electric.

You burn something in the oven, the smoke detector goes off, you pop the battery out, it doesn't stop.

I once generated enough smoke in the kitchen that I set a fan in the kitchen door blowing into the kitchen (away from the smoke detector, which is in the dining room) so the smoke wouldn't reach the detector. More typically I'll set a fan in the kitchen window blowing outside so as to try to suck the smoke out of the kitchen.

My ex gf said the laundry was destroying her shirts at stomach level. Turns out she kept rubbing up to the table at work.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 24, 2020, 01:39:43 PM

Quote from: crt08 on January 23, 2020, 06:59:07 PM
Lately when I go for a walk on my street, I can hear a smoke detector chirping. The first day or so I thought "oh, they must not be able to reach it because of vaulted ceilings or something,"
but now it's been going on for several weeks. I can't imagine putting up with that for more than a day at the most.

Sure it's not in a vacant house?

Quote from: texaskdog on January 24, 2020, 08:06:05 AM
My ex gf said the laundry was destroying her shirts at stomach level. Turns out she kept rubbing up to the table at work.

This is true of practically all my wife's shirts.

It doesn't help that women's shirts are made of such poorer quality to men's shirts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on January 24, 2020, 01:50:21 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 23, 2020, 12:44:43 PM
Smoke detectors that are hard-wired into electric.

You burn something in the oven, the smoke detector goes off, you pop the battery out, it doesn't stop.

Which is precisely why most building codes now require smoke detectors to be hard-wired into the electrical system. Because many people were injured or killed because someone decided - for whatever reason - to remove the battery from the smoke detector. Hard wiring also means that when one detector goes off, they all go off. Personally, I find it reassuring that if a fire were to start in the basement, I would be warned about it before it reached the smoke detector outside my bedroom.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on January 24, 2020, 05:03:41 PM

When a light is controlled by multiple switches and there's no way to turn it off with every switch in the down position.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 24, 2020, 05:11:35 PM

Quote from: US 89 on January 24, 2020, 05:03:41 PM
When a light is controlled by multiple switches and there's no way to turn it off with every switch in the down position.

Without whipping out a screwdriver

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on January 24, 2020, 07:44:21 PM

Quote from: roadman on January 24, 2020, 01:50:21 PM
Which is precisely why most building codes now require smoke detectors to be hard-wired into the electrical system. Because many people were injured or killed because someone decided - for whatever reason - to remove the battery from the smoke detector. Hard wiring also means that when one detector goes off, they all go off. Personally, I find it reassuring that if a fire were to start in the basement, I would be warned about it before it reached the smoke detector outside my bedroom.

How does that help during power outages?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Ben114 on January 24, 2020, 08:18:36 PM

Quote from: kurumi on January 23, 2020, 12:37:57 PM
About 1 am last night one of the smoke detectors started chirping.

Often it's a low battery; but we replaced the battery and it's still chirping. Some detectors are fussy about the specific battery and will chirp if they're pissed off, as this one is doing. Or, it could be too old and needs replacing and will continually chirp until you do that. (Home Depot's not open at 1 am.) Some online sources say that detectors might remember an error state, and even after you replace the battery they'll continue chirping (why???) until (are you fucking kidding me) you remove power at the circuit breaker, go to the detector (in the dark; you cut the power), and hold a reset button for 15-20 seconds.

I think the villain in the next John Wick movie should be Smoke Detector Inventor Guy. John doesn't kill him; he keeps him alive (and awake) for a long, long time.

In my house, we have four smoke detectors right near each other, so when one goes chirping, nobody knows which one it is.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on January 24, 2020, 09:36:15 PM

Quote from: Beltway on January 24, 2020, 07:44:21 PM
Quote from: roadman on January 24, 2020, 01:50:21 PM
Which is precisely why most building codes now require smoke detectors to be hard-wired into the electrical system. Because many people were injured or killed because someone decided - for whatever reason - to remove the battery from the smoke detector. Hard wiring also means that when one detector goes off, they all go off. Personally, I find it reassuring that if a fire were to start in the basement, I would be warned about it before it reached the smoke detector outside my bedroom.

How does that help during power outages?

That's what the battery is for. I do wonder, though - with a hard-wired detector, what does someone do if it's set off by burnt cooking?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on January 24, 2020, 11:13:09 PM

Quote from: vdeane on January 24, 2020, 09:36:15 PM
Quote from: Beltway on January 24, 2020, 07:44:21 PM
Quote from: roadman on January 24, 2020, 01:50:21 PM
Which is precisely why most building codes now require smoke detectors to be hard-wired into the electrical system. Because many people were injured or killed because someone decided - for whatever reason - to remove the battery from the smoke detector. Hard wiring also means that when one detector goes off, they all go off. Personally, I find it reassuring that if a fire were to start in the basement, I would be warned about it before it reached the smoke detector outside my bedroom.

How does that help during power outages?
That's what the battery is for. I do wonder, though - with a hard-wired detector, what does someone do if it's set off by burnt cooking?

There's often a "hush" button that will silence the alarm for a fixed period of time - presumably so that you have some time to clear the smoke out of the kitchen.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 24, 2020, 11:35:25 PM

How to silence a smoke detector when there is no fire (https://www.consumerreports.org/smoke-alarms/how-to-reset-a-smoke-alarm-that-wont-stop/)

Professional fire detection installations frequently use a heat (not smoke) detector in the kitchen to ensure cooking smoke doesn't give rise to a false alarm. This approach works best when there is a door that can be shut to isolate the kitchen from smoke detectors elsewhere in the house, however.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 25, 2020, 12:41:59 PM

Quote from: roadman on January 24, 2020, 01:50:21 PM
Which is precisely why most building codes now require smoke detectors to be hard-wired into the electrical system. Because many people were injured or killed because someone decided - for whatever reason - to remove the battery from the smoke detector. Hard wiring also means that when one detector goes off, they all go off. Personally, I find it reassuring that if a fire were to start in the basement, I would be warned about it before it reached the smoke detector outside my bedroom.

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 24, 2020, 11:35:25 PM
How to silence a smoke detector when there is no fire (https://www.consumerreports.org/smoke-alarms/how-to-reset-a-smoke-alarm-that-wont-stop/)

Yeah, well, hard-wiring has had the opposite effect in our family. The hassle of figuring out how to disarm a hard-wired smoke detector has, in the past, made my wife and me much less likely to even use the darned things. When the batteries would go dead, we used to simply remove the smoke detectors and leave them somewhere. That made life less annoying. Over time, the number of detectors in our house that were actually working gradually decreased. Then, when we went through the process of applying for a home daycare license, we of course had to get them all batteried-up an hooked up again. But, during that in-between time, the practice of hard-wiring smoke detectors made our family less safe.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 25, 2020, 12:54:21 PM

I kind of don't like it when people ask me about work, but I've come to accept it's basically how people in my Wife's family ask "how's it going?" I can't really talk about much from work to begin with due to the nature of it and when I'm off I like to put it out of my mind for life/work balance purposes.

In that vein somehow I've gotten away with not having a phone or laptop that didn't have my work email on it the past six years. I used to have both and I absolutely hated being wired into my job during off hours unless I went somewhere remote to hike or camp.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 25, 2020, 01:17:51 PM

I am moderately bothered when people ask me what I do for work as basically the only question they ask me. That is, they seem to think that's what defines me as a person.

However, I am also moderately bothered when people ask me some other question in order to purposefully avoid doing that exact thing–such as "what do you like to do for fun".

I guess they can't win.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 25, 2020, 01:45:43 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 25, 2020, 01:17:51 PM
I am moderately bothered when people ask me what I do for work as basically the only question they ask me. That is, they seem to think that's what defines me as a person.

However, I am also moderately bothered when people ask me some other question in order to purposefully avoid doing that exact thing—such as "what do you like to do for fun".

I guess they can't win.

You're a monster!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 25, 2020, 01:56:03 PM

Regarding my Wife's family, they all work blue collar jobs and well over 50-55 hours a week. In that sense they definitely appear to be very much defined by their work, with my Father in law it's bordering on being a workaholic. Most people tend to ask about things that they can relate it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on January 25, 2020, 07:09:20 PM

How are we doing?

I can't speak for you.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 25, 2020, 08:45:26 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 25, 2020, 01:17:51 PM
I am moderately bothered when people ask me what I do for work as basically the only question they ask me. That is, they seem to think that's what defines me as a person.

I despise being asked that question because 99% of the time it leads to one thing: a debate on roundabouts. And if not a debate, it's "did you do the one in Xyz?" Like I'm the only traffic engineer out there.

Nearly no one is ever like "oooh, that's a cool job," with a deep interest and wide eyes, like someone whose working on medical cure or goes to some exotic location on a regular basis. Their response is more like "oh, so you're the one to blame for all the world's problems". :meh: I haven't enjoyed going to a family function since I graduated from college for that very reason.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 25, 2020, 10:23:52 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 25, 2020, 01:17:51 PM
I am moderately bothered when people ask me what I do for work as basically the only question they ask me. That is, they seem to think that's what defines me as a person.

However, I am also moderately bothered when people ask me some other question in order to purposefully avoid doing that exact thing–such as "what do you like to do for fun".

I guess they can't win.

Well, they could ask a few more questions instead of just one.
I'm not a big fan of extended conversation with strangers, though. The longer it gets, the harder it is to end. I prefer to offer whatever information I think is relevant out of the gate and hoping they will do the same. Short and sweet.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 26, 2020, 05:36:46 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on January 25, 2020, 07:09:20 PM
How are we doing?

I can't speak for you.

Used to work with a guy who had me do all the floor work and would say "where are WE at"....well WE has done a lot what have you done?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on January 26, 2020, 07:34:13 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on January 25, 2020, 07:09:20 PM
How are we doing?

I can't speak for you.

Or the server asking, "Have we decided?"

I think they teach them that. Just like they teach them to come back and ask how everything is just as you have a big mouthful of food.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 26, 2020, 08:26:19 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on January 25, 2020, 07:09:20 PM
How are we doing?

I can't speak for you.

I swear this comes from people complaining. I bet if that server said how are you doing, someone at the table is bound to say why are you only speaking to him? Are you not asking me because I'm a woman/man/young/old/race etc.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US71 on January 26, 2020, 10:21:49 AM

I'm bothered by people who say I will burn in Hell if I don't support a particular candidate or political issue.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 26, 2020, 10:57:48 AM

Quote from: US71 on January 26, 2020, 10:21:49 AM
I'm bothered by people who say I will burn in Hell if I don't support a particular candidate or political issue.

Wouldn't it be more scathing to tell people they'll freeze in the Ninth Circle of Hell or is that too much Dante's Inferno for those types?

But then again it was good enough for Mr. Freeze to tell Batman:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on January 26, 2020, 01:08:14 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 26, 2020, 10:57:48 AM
... they'll freeze in the Ninth Circle of Hell ...

Not with global warming.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 26, 2020, 01:17:17 PM

Quote from: GaryV on January 26, 2020, 01:08:14 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 26, 2020, 10:57:48 AM
... they'll freeze in the Ninth Circle of Hell ...

Not with global warming.

I'd imagine that if Hell has a solid frozen lake at the bottom of it that they have climate control mastered with all those nearby perpetual lakes of liquid hot magma nearby.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tchafe1978 on January 26, 2020, 02:36:58 PM

One thing that bothers me to no end is people who can't close a cabinet or closet door after they are done in the cabinet or closet. My wife and daughters are great at leaving all the doors open. Especially the one closet door that if left open, blocks the door to our bedroom. I'll call my daughter over and ask her how I'm supposed to get into my bedroom with the closet door open. It still hasn't sunk in yet to close it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 26, 2020, 04:29:58 PM

People who leave the microwave with [cooking] time left on it. It isn't a parking meter -- your 9 seconds gives me no benefit.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 26, 2020, 04:36:32 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on January 26, 2020, 04:29:58 PM
People who leave the microwave with [cooking] time left on it. It isn't a parking meter -- your 9 seconds gives me no benefit.

Conversely the noise from the timer expiring is annoying enough that I'll always try to open it before it goes off.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on January 26, 2020, 05:17:53 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 26, 2020, 04:36:32 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on January 26, 2020, 04:29:58 PM
People who leave the microwave with [cooking] time left on it. It isn't a parking meter -- your 9 seconds gives me no benefit.

Conversely the noise from the timer expiring is annoying enough that I'll always try to open it before it goes off.

much less the occasional beep that has to go off until you open the door.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 26, 2020, 08:23:38 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 26, 2020, 04:36:32 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on January 26, 2020, 04:29:58 PM
People who leave the microwave with [cooking] time left on it. It isn't a parking meter -- your 9 seconds gives me no benefit.

Conversely the noise from the timer expiring is annoying enough that I'll always try to open it before it goes off.

Heh. I try to time the toaster oven and microwave so they both beep at the same time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 26, 2020, 09:43:30 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 26, 2020, 04:36:32 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on January 26, 2020, 04:29:58 PM
People who leave the microwave with [cooking] time left on it. It isn't a parking meter -- your 9 seconds gives me no benefit.

Conversely the noise from the timer expiring is annoying enough that I’ll always try to open it before it goes off.

Sometimes I wake up before my alarm clock and am happy that I don't have to hear it

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on January 26, 2020, 09:45:24 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on January 26, 2020, 09:43:30 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 26, 2020, 04:36:32 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on January 26, 2020, 04:29:58 PM
People who leave the microwave with [cooking] time left on it. It isn't a parking meter -- your 9 seconds gives me no benefit.
Conversely the noise from the timer expiring is annoying enough that I'll always try to open it before it goes off.

Sometimes I wake up before my alarm clock and am happy that I don't have to hear it

You use your microwave as an alarm clock??😲😲😲

😉Â¯\_(ツ)_/Â¯

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: OracleUsr on January 27, 2020, 06:25:54 AM

Quote from: vdeane on January 24, 2020, 09:36:15 PM
Quote from: Beltway on January 24, 2020, 07:44:21 PM
Quote from: roadman on January 24, 2020, 01:50:21 PM
Which is precisely why most building codes now require smoke detectors to be hard-wired into the electrical system. Because many people were injured or killed because someone decided - for whatever reason - to remove the battery from the smoke detector. Hard wiring also means that when one detector goes off, they all go off. Personally, I find it reassuring that if a fire were to start in the basement, I would be warned about it before it reached the smoke detector outside my bedroom.

How does that help during power outages?
That's what the battery is for. I do wonder, though - with a hard-wired detector, what does someone do if it's set off by burnt cooking?

That happened one Christmas with my mother and me. She had just moved into a new house and I went to visit her, so she baked a chicken. Every one of the detectors went off when the oil from the baking hit the gas flame and started smoking like crazy. We had to hide in the attic to avoid the noise and just wait it out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 27, 2020, 06:41:23 AM

Quote from: kphoger on January 25, 2020, 01:17:51 PM
I am moderately bothered when people ask me what I do for work as basically the only question they ask me. That is, they seem to think that's what defines me as a person.

However, I am also moderately bothered when people ask me some other question in order to purposefully avoid doing that exact thing—such as "what do you like to do for fun".

I guess they can't win.

Nope, I'm pretty much the same way when it comes to profession. I think when I was younger and a little less financially secure, there was a tendency to judge or feel as one is being judged. I don't mind being asked what I like to do...though I'm not going to leap off the deep end: I HAVE TEN THOUSAND PHOTOS OF ROAD SIGNS, I HOPE YOU LIKE THEM TOO!

But if you're talking with someone for a long enough time (airplane rides are good/bad for that), the subject comes up because of similarities in travel. I also feel a little sharper and wiser in dealing with a negative comment or criticism, coupled with a pretty good sense of wisdom and self-effacement. I don't mind it, at least a few times a year, someone sitting next to me is looking at my photos, and mentioned how they recognized this place or that...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 27, 2020, 08:24:36 AM

People who never carry any cash. What's wrong with $20 in pocket money just in case?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 27, 2020, 09:07:39 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on January 27, 2020, 08:24:36 AM
People who never carry any cash. What's wrong with $20 in pocket money just in case?

I don't care about people not carrying cash, but I find the attitude some of them cop (acting like it's some sort of outrage when cash is required) to be annoying, like the rest of the world should somehow protect them from their own irresponsibility. A few years ago, the subway here in DC stopped allowing people to exit the system with a negative balance on the SmarTrip card–instead, you have to add some money at the Exitfare machines, and those machines only accept cash (smaller bills, I think up to a $10). The change was pretty well-publicized at the time, yet some local commuters–mostly 20-somethings, of course–cried and bleated, "I don't carry cash. This is unacceptable. Blah blah blah." I didn't, and still don't, have a lot of sympathy because they weren't whining that they got stuck in the system trying to exit–they were whining in advance about the theoretical possibility of getting stuck. I don't find a lot of credibility in that argument because they had been told about the new policy and clearly understood it, so it would not be at all difficult to be prepared to comply (either by just ensuring you never hit a negative balance or by keeping $5 or $10 on you when you ride the subway). Of course I can understand why tourists, and even local residents who seldom ride the subway, might get caught out by the policy, especially if they bought their fares based on non—rush hour travel but then they wound up riding at rush hour and having to pay the higher fares. But for commuters, there's really no excuse.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 27, 2020, 09:20:17 AM

I am annoyed by people who carry cash.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 27, 2020, 09:38:51 AM

Places that don't accept bills higher than $20.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 27, 2020, 10:00:54 AM

Quote from: DaBigE on January 27, 2020, 09:38:51 AM
Places that don't accept bills higher than $20.

Places that can't make change for a $20 for a $14 purchase. Go to a bank before attempting to be a profit-making enterprise.

Likewise, places that request minimum amounts (say, over $5) for using a credit card. You're a convenience store with 80-250% markup from cost.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 27, 2020, 10:23:51 AM

Quote from: formulanone on January 27, 2020, 10:00:54 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on January 27, 2020, 09:38:51 AM
Places that don't accept bills higher than $20.

Places that can't make change for a $20 for a $14 purchase. Go to a bank before attempting to be a profit-making enterprise.

Likewise, places that request minimum amounts (say, over $5) for using a credit card. You're a convenience store with 80-250% markup from cost.

Interestingly those credit card usage fees imposed on retails are pretty high, something in the neighborhood of 3% for credit and 1% for debit on every transaction. That's why large stores were so pushy with in-house credit cards for so many years, they can save themselves a ton of money not paying merchant fees. Usually it's Mom and Pop type convenience stores that still do the credit fee for low purchase amounts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 27, 2020, 10:38:17 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 27, 2020, 10:23:51 AM
Quote from: formulanone on January 27, 2020, 10:00:54 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on January 27, 2020, 09:38:51 AM
Places that don't accept bills higher than $20.

Places that can't make change for a $20 for a $14 purchase. Go to a bank before attempting to be a profit-making enterprise.

Likewise, places that request minimum amounts (say, over $5) for using a credit card. You're a convenience store with 80-250% markup from cost.

Interestingly those credit card usage fees imposed on retails are pretty high, something in the neighborhood of 3% for credit and 1% for debit on every transaction. That's why large stores were so pushy with in-house credit cards for so many years, they can save themselves a ton of money not paying merchant fees. Usually it's Mom and Pop type convenience stores that still do the credit fee for low purchase amounts.

I can understand wanting to avoid a set fee and 3% on a 79 cent candy bar. But with most convenience stores having a steep markup, it's ridiculous to refuse it on a $7-8 purchase.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on January 27, 2020, 10:42:44 AM

Convenience store and fast food clerks who can't figure out the right change to give me when I hand them a twenty and a one for a $10.80 purchase. Most of them will try to hand me the dollar bill back.

Clerks who give change by placing the coins on top of the bills instead of handing me the coins first, and then the bills.

QuotePlaces that can't make change for a $20 for a $14 purchase. Go to a bank before attempting to be a profit-making enterprise

Or places that, when you (for example) hand them $2.00 for a $1.49 bottle of water, they hand you two quarters back but not the penny unless you point it out to them. If you can't be bothered with dealing in pennies, then just price the water at $1.50.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 27, 2020, 10:45:26 AM

Quote from: roadman on January 27, 2020, 10:42:44 AM
Convenience store and fast food clerks who can't figure out the right change to give me when I hand them a twenty and a one for a $10.80 purchase.

Clerks who give change by placing the coins on top of the bills instead of handing me the coins first, and then the bills.

Yes on both.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 27, 2020, 10:46:35 AM

The term "frontman". I was listening to a podcast and there is a band introducing themselves and the one guy says "frontman". Funny because he sings & plays guitar. Makes it sounds like he just stands there looking good.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 27, 2020, 11:58:00 AM

Quote from: formulanone on January 27, 2020, 10:38:17 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 27, 2020, 10:23:51 AM
Quote from: formulanone on January 27, 2020, 10:00:54 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on January 27, 2020, 09:38:51 AM
Places that don't accept bills higher than $20.

Places that can't make change for a $20 for a $14 purchase. Go to a bank before attempting to be a profit-making enterprise.

Likewise, places that request minimum amounts (say, over $5) for using a credit card. You're a convenience store with 80-250% markup from cost.

Interestingly those credit card usage fees imposed on retails are pretty high, something in the neighborhood of 3% for credit and 1% for debit on every transaction. That's why large stores were so pushy with in-house credit cards for so many years, they can save themselves a ton of money not paying merchant fees. Usually it's Mom and Pop type convenience stores that still do the credit fee for low purchase amounts.

I can understand wanting to avoid a set fee and 3% on a 79 cent candy bar. But with most convenience stores having a steep markup, it's ridiculous to refuse it on a $7-8 purchase.

Oddly I've found a lot of rural stores won't even let you buy something on a card unless it's over $3-$5 dollars. I suppose that's nominally better than the service fee but it still doesn't encourage me to buy more things that I don't need. I still occasionally run into a McDonalds that charged a credit/debit fee.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on January 27, 2020, 01:24:12 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 27, 2020, 09:07:39 AM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 27, 2020, 08:24:36 AM
People who never carry any cash. What's wrong with $20 in pocket money just in case?

I don't care about people not carrying cash, but I find the attitude some of them cop (acting like it's some sort of outrage when cash is required) to be annoying, like the rest of the world should somehow protect them from their own irresponsibility. A few years ago, the subway here in DC stopped allowing people to exit the system with a negative balance on the SmarTrip card–instead, you have to add some money at the Exitfare machines, and those machines only accept cash (smaller bills, I think up to a $10). The change was pretty well-publicized at the time, yet some local commuters–mostly 20-somethings, of course–cried and bleated, "I don't carry cash. This is unacceptable. Blah blah blah." I didn't, and still don't, have a lot of sympathy because they weren't whining that they got stuck in the system trying to exit–they were whining in advance about the theoretical possibility of getting stuck. I don't find a lot of credibility in that argument because they had been told about the new policy and clearly understood it, so it would not be at all difficult to be prepared to comply (either by just ensuring you never hit a negative balance or by keeping $5 or $10 on you when you ride the subway). Of course I can understand why tourists, and even local residents who seldom ride the subway, might get caught out by the policy, especially if they bought their fares based on non—rush hour travel but then they wound up riding at rush hour and having to pay the higher fares. But for commuters, there's really no excuse.

It would be one thing if they took $20 bills, but smaller denominations can be harder to get if you don't use cash regularly. Instead of just visiting an ATM, you have to go to the bank and specifically request them (at least my bank no longer requires withdrawal slips if you have your ATM/debit card with you), which means you somehow have to get there at an hour they're open, and bank hours are not convenient to those who work for a living.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on January 27, 2020, 01:56:14 PM

Quote from: vdeane on January 27, 2020, 01:24:12 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 27, 2020, 09:07:39 AM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 27, 2020, 08:24:36 AM
People who never carry any cash. What's wrong with $20 in pocket money just in case?

I don't care about people not carrying cash, but I find the attitude some of them cop (acting like it's some sort of outrage when cash is required) to be annoying, like the rest of the world should somehow protect them from their own irresponsibility. A few years ago, the subway here in DC stopped allowing people to exit the system with a negative balance on the SmarTrip card—instead, you have to add some money at the Exitfare machines, and those machines only accept cash (smaller bills, I think up to a $10). The change was pretty well-publicized at the time, yet some local commuters—mostly 20-somethings, of course—cried and bleated, "I don't carry cash. This is unacceptable. Blah blah blah." I didn't, and still don't, have a lot of sympathy because they weren't whining that they got stuck in the system trying to exit—they were whining in advance about the theoretical possibility of getting stuck. I don't find a lot of credibility in that argument because they had been told about the new policy and clearly understood it, so it would not be at all difficult to be prepared to comply (either by just ensuring you never hit a negative balance or by keeping $5 or $10 on you when you ride the subway). Of course I can understand why tourists, and even local residents who seldom ride the subway, might get caught out by the policy, especially if they bought their fares based on non–rush hour travel but then they wound up riding at rush hour and having to pay the higher fares. But for commuters, there's really no excuse.
It would be one thing if they took $20 bills, but smaller denominations can be harder to get if you don't use cash regularly. Instead of just visiting an ATM, you have to go to the bank and specifically request them (at least my bank no longer requires withdrawal slips if you have your ATM/debit card with you), which means you somehow have to get there at an hour they're open, and bank hours are not convenient to those who work for a living.

Many ATMs in the Boston area are beginning to dispense $10 bills if you request them. The machine gives you a "Do you want different denominations?" prompt. If you reply "Yes", a screen appears that lets you choose the number of bills you want in each available denomination.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 27, 2020, 02:01:31 PM

Quote from: formulanone on January 27, 2020, 06:41:23 AM
Quote from: kphoger on January 25, 2020, 01:17:51 PM
I am moderately bothered when people ask me what I do for work as basically the only question they ask me. That is, they seem to think that's what defines me as a person.

However, I am also moderately bothered when people ask me some other question in order to purposefully avoid doing that exact thing–such as "what do you like to do for fun".

I guess they can't win.

Nope, I'm pretty much the same way when it comes to profession. I think when I was younger and a little less financially secure, there was a tendency to judge or feel as one is being judged. I don't mind being asked what I like to do...though I'm not going to leap off the deep end: I HAVE TEN THOUSAND PHOTOS OF ROAD SIGNS, I HOPE YOU LIKE THEM TOO!

But if you're talking with someone for a long enough time (airplane rides are good/bad for that), the subject comes up because of similarities in travel. I also feel a little sharper and wiser in dealing with a negative comment or criticism, coupled with a pretty good sense of wisdom and self-effacement. I don't mind it, at least a few times a year, someone sitting next to me is looking at my photos, and mentioned how they recognized this place or that...

I just don't like small talk in general. I don't fly, so that's not an issue for me, but invariably when I'm in the doctor's office or somewhere else with a waiting area, a stranger will want to make small talk. I'd rather read than engage in conversation with a stranger.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 27, 2020, 02:12:36 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on January 26, 2020, 04:29:58 PM
People who leave the microwave with [cooking] time left on it. It isn't a parking meter -- your 9 seconds gives me no benefit.

Preach it, brother! I hate that too.

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 26, 2020, 04:36:32 PM
Conversely the noise from the timer expiring is annoying enough that I'll always try to open it before it goes off.

On my parents' ancient microwave, it's possible to perfectly time opening the door: the countdown reaches the end, but it doesn't beep. 5......4......3......2......1......0......[OPEN IT!] It's the only microwave I've used that allows you to do that. All others, it either beeps because the time's up, or else it beeps when you press a button to cancel the remaining time.

Quote from: DaBigE on January 27, 2020, 09:38:51 AM
Places that don't accept bills higher than $20.

Especially when my purchase cost more than $50. Look here, Taco Bell, if I just bought a meal for ten people and my total is $63, are you really going to tell me I can't pay with a $50 bill?

Quote from: roadman on January 27, 2020, 10:42:44 AM
Clerks who give change by placing the coins on top of the bills instead of handing me the coins first, and then the bills.

Aaarrrggghhh!! Heaven forbid your transaction is done through a drive-through window, too, or else you're likely to drop all those coins on the ground.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on January 27, 2020, 02:13:47 PM

Quote from: formulanone on January 27, 2020, 10:38:17 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 27, 2020, 10:23:51 AM
Quote from: formulanone on January 27, 2020, 10:00:54 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on January 27, 2020, 09:38:51 AM
Places that don't accept bills higher than $20.

Places that can't make change for a $20 for a $14 purchase. Go to a bank before attempting to be a profit-making enterprise.

Likewise, places that request minimum amounts (say, over $5) for using a credit card. You're a convenience store with 80-250% markup from cost.

Interestingly those credit card usage fees imposed on retails are pretty high, something in the neighborhood of 3% for credit and 1% for debit on every transaction. That's why large stores were so pushy with in-house credit cards for so many years, they can save themselves a ton of money not paying merchant fees. Usually it's Mom and Pop type convenience stores that still do the credit fee for low purchase amounts.

I can understand wanting to avoid a set fee and 3% on a 79 cent candy bar. But with most convenience stores having a steep markup, it's ridiculous to refuse it on a $7-8 purchase.

IIRC, there is a minimum fee charged by the card company, like $1 or so, per transaction. The merchants lose money on them.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 27, 2020, 02:15:27 PM

It bothers me that my wife has her daycare kids call her "Miss Carrie". This is for two reasons:

1. I hate combining an honorific with a first name. I should either be called "Mr Hoger" or "Kyle" but never "Mr Kyle".

2. My wife is married. She shouldn't be "Miss" anything.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 27, 2020, 02:31:18 PM

- Software prompts that claim "x seconds remaining" yet ultimately take 10-20 times what is displayed
- Critical software prompts that require user input in order to continue, but hide behind other windows when they appear and don't blink in the taskbar, leaving the user to wait unnecessarily for the program to continue

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 27, 2020, 02:38:24 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on January 27, 2020, 02:31:18 PM
- Critical software prompts that require user input in order to continue, but hide behind other windows when they appear and don't blink in the taskbar, leaving the user to wait unnecessarily for the program to continue

For me, it's the opposite. I dislike programs that always feel the need to be on top. For example, if it's taking a while for one program to open, I'll open another program in the meantime; then, when I'm halfway through typing my login password, the first program decides at a certain point in its loading process that it needs to jump in front–meaning half my password never made it into the field.

Quote from: DaBigE on January 27, 2020, 02:31:18 PM
- Software prompts that claim "x seconds remaining" yet ultimately take 10-20 times what is displayed

Software prompts that sit at 0% for five minutes, then jump to 80%, then 85%, then 90%, then 95%, then 100%, then sit on 100% for two more minutes. Then tell you "click here to update", and the process starts over again.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 27, 2020, 02:48:36 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 27, 2020, 02:15:27 PM
It bothers me that my wife has her daycare kids call her "Miss Carrie". This is for two reasons:

1. I hate combining an honorific with a first name. I should either be called "Mr Hoger" or "Kyle" but never "Mr Kyle".

2. My wife is married. She shouldn't be "Miss" anything.

It implies kids are too stupid to be able to pronounce a last name

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 27, 2020, 02:49:16 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 27, 2020, 02:38:24 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on January 27, 2020, 02:31:18 PM
- Critical software prompts that require user input in order to continue, but hide behind other windows when they appear and don't blink in the taskbar, leaving the user to wait unnecessarily for the program to continue

For me, it's the opposite. I dislike programs that always feel the need to be on top. For example, if it's taking a while for one program to open, I'll open another program in the meantime; then, when I'm halfway through typing my login password, the first program decides at a certain point in its loading process that it needs to jump in front—meaning half my password never made it into the field.

Quote from: DaBigE on January 27, 2020, 02:31:18 PM
- Software prompts that claim "x seconds remaining" yet ultimately take 10-20 times what is displayed

Software prompts that sit at 0% for five minutes, then jump to 80%, then 85%, then 90%, then 95%, then 100%, then sit on 100% for two more minutes. Then tell you "click here to update", and the process starts over again.

When you go to leave work and take your laptop home and you don't have the option to wait on the updates. Why can't updates go through when you turn on instead of when you want to leave?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 27, 2020, 02:57:15 PM

While we're talking about things Windows does...

– The fact that Windows 10 only gives you ten days to restore to a previous build, then the option is gone.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on January 27, 2020, 03:01:12 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on January 27, 2020, 02:31:18 PM
- Software prompts that claim "x seconds remaining" yet ultimately take 10-20 times what is displayed

This never happens to me. Usually, if it's inaccurate, it's too high, not too low.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 27, 2020, 03:04:50 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 27, 2020, 02:57:15 PM
While we're talking about things Windows does...

– The fact that Windows 10 only gives you ten days to restore to a previous build, then the option is gone.

Which version are you using? I thought Pro has a bigger window?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 27, 2020, 03:10:03 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on January 27, 2020, 03:04:50 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 27, 2020, 02:57:15 PM
While we're talking about things Windows does...

– The fact that Windows 10 only gives you ten days to restore to a previous build, then the option is gone.

Which version are you using? I thought Pro has a bigger window?

Windows 10, Version 1909

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on January 27, 2020, 03:23:18 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on January 27, 2020, 09:38:51 AM
Places that don't accept bills higher than $20.

Usually not a problem if the purchase is near $100.

A made a recent $82 purchase with a $100 bill and there was no problem.

Quote from: kphoger on January 27, 2020, 02:15:27 PM
It bothers me that my wife has her daycare kids call her "Miss Carrie". This is for two reasons:

Shouldn't be a problem as long as they don't compare her to the one in the movie, right? :-/

Quote from: Rothman on January 27, 2020, 09:20:17 AM
I am annoyed by people who carry cash.

I am annoyed by people who don't carry cash.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 27, 2020, 03:34:44 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on January 27, 2020, 08:24:36 AM
People who never carry any cash.

Quote from: Rothman on January 27, 2020, 09:20:17 AM
I am annoyed by people who carry cash.

Quote from: Beltway on January 27, 2020, 03:23:18 PM
I am annoyed by people who don't carry cash.

I'm bothered by people who drop their cash. Seriously, people, learn how to carry it properly.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 27, 2020, 03:46:08 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 27, 2020, 03:10:03 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on January 27, 2020, 03:04:50 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 27, 2020, 02:57:15 PM
While we're talking about things Windows does...

– The fact that Windows 10 only gives you ten days to restore to a previous build, then the option is gone.

Which version are you using? I thought Pro has a bigger window?

Windows 10, Version 1909

Home vs Pro ... I doubt Microsoft varies it between specific build updates, but lately, one never knows.

Quote from: kphoger on January 27, 2020, 03:34:44 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 27, 2020, 08:24:36 AM
People who never carry any cash.

Quote from: Rothman on January 27, 2020, 09:20:17 AM
I am annoyed by people who carry cash.

Quote from: Beltway on January 27, 2020, 03:23:18 PM
I am annoyed by people who don't carry cash.

I'm bothered by people who drop their cash. Seriously, people, learn how to carry it properly.

Finders keepers. Or, the "butterfingers tax"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on January 27, 2020, 03:52:10 PM

Regarding money:

Places that don't accept cash.
If it's a collector's coin, learn to hold it properly. Your fingers should be on the edge.
Why do we still use pennies?
Bahamas, Bermuda, Barbados. All three use coins similar to the US dollar, and they have equal value... except Barbados, which is inexplicably worth only half of ours. (It's defined to be exactly half.)
My grocery store: "10/$10" on a whole bunch of items. You don't need to buy 10 to get the discount.
My local laundromat requires quarters for everything. If the country used dollar coins regularly, it wouldn't take nearly as long.
Minimum wage in New Hampshire is still only $7.25 per hour, even though parts of the state have a moderately high cost of living.
As seen on Twitter: I'm Elon Musk, and I'm hosting a bitcoin giveaway! Send me 0.2 BTC and I'll give 2 back!
Related: Why do we have so many cryptocurrencies? Bitcoin is enough. (Primecoin has led to some interesting mathematical discoveries, but not enough to make it worth being the default cryptocurrency.)
People who use e.g. $2MM to mean $2 million. What they really mean is 2 million million = 2 trillion.
Everyone claiming that the economy suddenly got better in 2017. In reality, the trend during the entire period from 2011 to now has been constant.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 27, 2020, 03:56:26 PM

Target selling a bunch of bananas "by the each"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 27, 2020, 04:17:49 PM

Quote from: 1 on January 27, 2020, 03:52:10 PM
Regarding money:

Why do we still use pennies?

Because not all prices end in 5 or 0.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on January 27, 2020, 04:22:19 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 27, 2020, 04:17:49 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 27, 2020, 03:52:10 PM
Regarding money:

Why do we still use pennies?

Because not all prices end in 5 or 0.

Canada rounds all purchases to the nearest 5 cents if using cash, as does Australia.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on January 27, 2020, 04:25:41 PM

Quote from: 1 on January 27, 2020, 04:22:19 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 27, 2020, 04:17:49 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 27, 2020, 03:52:10 PM
Regarding money:

Why do we still use pennies?

Because not all prices end in 5 or 0.

Canada rounds all purchases to the nearest 5 cents if using cash, as does Australia.

This has been proposed from time to time, but various consumer groups come out bearing pitchforks and torches. As a result, the idea has never gained any traction.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 27, 2020, 04:40:03 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 27, 2020, 04:17:49 PM

Quote from: 1 on January 27, 2020, 03:52:10 PM
Regarding money:

Why do we still use pennies?

Because not all prices end in 5 or 0.

So what? Gas is priced in tenths of a penny, but we all get along perfectly well without that type of coin.

When the half-penny was taken out of circulation, it was basically what our dime is today. So, basically, it was like if we had no pennies or nickels, then dimes were discontinued. Life went on. Rounding happens.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 27, 2020, 04:58:16 PM

Quote from: roadman on January 27, 2020, 04:25:41 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 27, 2020, 04:22:19 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 27, 2020, 04:17:49 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 27, 2020, 03:52:10 PM
Regarding money:

Why do we still use pennies?

Because not all prices end in 5 or 0.

Canada rounds all purchases to the nearest 5 cents if using cash, as does Australia.

This has been proposed from time to time, but various consumer groups come out bearing pitchforks and torches. As a result, the idea has never gained any traction.

Political lobbying at its finest.

[sarcasm]Don't want to put Meijer's mechanical horses or tourist trap penny-smashers out of work, now would we?[/sarcasm]

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on January 27, 2020, 05:05:43 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on January 27, 2020, 02:13:47 PM
Quote from: formulanone on January 27, 2020, 10:38:17 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 27, 2020, 10:23:51 AM
Quote from: formulanone on January 27, 2020, 10:00:54 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on January 27, 2020, 09:38:51 AM
Places that don't accept bills higher than $20.

Places that can't make change for a $20 for a $14 purchase. Go to a bank before attempting to be a profit-making enterprise.

Likewise, places that request minimum amounts (say, over $5) for using a credit card. You're a convenience store with 80-250% markup from cost.

Interestingly those credit card usage fees imposed on retails are pretty high, something in the neighborhood of 3% for credit and 1% for debit on every transaction. That's why large stores were so pushy with in-house credit cards for so many years, they can save themselves a ton of money not paying merchant fees. Usually it's Mom and Pop type convenience stores that still do the credit fee for low purchase amounts.

I can understand wanting to avoid a set fee and 3% on a 79 cent candy bar. But with most convenience stores having a steep markup, it's ridiculous to refuse it on a $7-8 purchase.

IIRC, there is a minimum fee charged by the card company, like $1 or so, per transaction. The merchants lose money on them.

Mike

The is also a charge for a debit card, but it is less than for a credit card, thus some stores prefer debit cards, up to allowing debit but not credit cards.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 27, 2020, 05:18:40 PM

Quote from: 1 on January 27, 2020, 04:22:19 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 27, 2020, 04:17:49 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 27, 2020, 03:52:10 PM
Regarding money:

Why do we still use pennies?

Because not all prices end in 5 or 0.

Canada rounds all purchases to the nearest 5 cents if using cash, as does Australia.

Finland as well, though 1Â¢ coins from other countries that use the euro are still valid in Finland. I recall we had a discussion here on the forum about Canada phasing out the penny because I recall Oscar talking about his strategy for paying with cash when the rounding favored him and paying with plastic when the rounding would favor the merchant. That's more dedication than I think I could be bothered to display.

I can't say I recall how often I used cash versus plastic on our trip to Kingston and Toronto last June.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 27, 2020, 06:36:57 PM

For what it's worth, in Mexico...

The smallest denomination in circulation is $0.10, which is currently worth about half a US cent; there's also a $0.20 coin, which is currently worth about one US cent. However, I don't think I've actually seen anything smaller than a $0.50 coin (currently worth about 2Â½ cents) in any of the last probably five or six trips I've taken to Mexico. I've hardly even seen any $0.50 coins either.

Gas station attendants generally just round to the nearest whole peso (currently worth about one US nickel). At the grocery store, cashiers generally ask if you'd like to round up to the nearest peso and donate the extra little bit to charity; I think most people say yes. Most items in stores are priced in increments of $5 (currently equivalent to the US quarter).

Summary: even in a country where wages are roughly one-tenth that in the US, coins smaller than the US nickel have become all but obsolete.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wxfree on January 27, 2020, 07:21:45 PM

Continuing on the penny topic, I usually don't like change (pun almost not noticed), but one day I realized that I'd seen a penny on the ground and left it there. We have money so worthless we treat it like garbage. Even if we stop making pennies tomorrow, they'd still be around for decades; they last a long time. I don't think banks should actively recall them, sending them to be recycled as they come in, but just continue what they've always done, removing coins from circulation when they're no longer serviceable. I suspect that if a production cessation were announced, people might hoard them, thinking that they'll suddenly become rare, but there are so many out there that it will be a long time before they're rare. I've already got a couple thousand hoarded just because I separated them from larger coins. They're not really worth carrying except by the pound to the bank. And even without pennies, card transactions could still be denominated in cents.

A minor thing that bothers me is how Americans won't accept a dollar coin. They buy so little now that they belong in the pocket with quarters and dimes, not folded up with money that's worth something. Vending machines, at least those with products that cost a dollar or more, should take them, too.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on January 27, 2020, 07:30:21 PM

There's no way that the penny will become rare any time soon. Even a penny from the late 1940s is worth less than our second lowest coin (if it's worn, which they almost all are): 3Â¢ vs. 5Â¢.

We're 10 years into a new design and nobody is taking the copper (pre-1982) pennies out of circulation.

Something to keep in mind, though: 2009 nickels (both P and D) are semi-key dates.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on January 27, 2020, 07:46:35 PM

Quote from: roadman on January 27, 2020, 10:42:44 AM
Clerks who give change by placing the coins on top of the bills instead of handing me the coins first, and then the bills.

I'll snatch the bills before they have a chance to drop the coins on them. 😈

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on January 27, 2020, 08:20:34 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 27, 2020, 04:40:03 PM
Gas is priced in tenths of a penny, but we all get along perfectly well without that type of coin.

Motor fuel is a bulk product that is metered according the price per unit, and the total cost is rounded to whatever the system is set to.

[I am one of those people who thinks that it is a dumb gimmick to have the 0.9 cents tacked on to the cost per gallon.]

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 27, 2020, 08:27:45 PM

so inflation is about 10x what it was in the 60s. we could easily get rid of nickels too. I don't think if we rounded to the nearest dime anyone would ever even notice.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 27, 2020, 08:30:49 PM

I pick up pennies (and any other coins) from the sidewalk. I throw them, and any other loose change, in a large jar we keep on the counter. Eventually we take it to the Coinstar machine and redeem it all for an Amazon or iTunes gift card (this because they don't take a cut of the money if you redeem for a gift card, whereas if you want a cash voucher they take some percentage). No reason not to pick up pennies. They add up along with all the rest.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 27, 2020, 08:56:00 PM

Usually the only coin I regularly keep is quarters. I can still use the air compressor and buy snacks with quarters, the rest of my change goes into my Wife's piggy bank.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on January 27, 2020, 09:18:43 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on January 27, 2020, 08:27:45 PM
so inflation is about 10x what it was in the 60s. we could easily get rid of nickels too. I don't think if we rounded to the nearest dime anyone would ever even notice.

I would agree, except if everything is rounded to the nearest 10Â¢, what would happen to quarters?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 27, 2020, 09:24:06 PM

Quote from: 1 on January 27, 2020, 09:18:43 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 27, 2020, 08:27:45 PM
so inflation is about 10x what it was in the 60s. we could easily get rid of nickels too. I don't think if we rounded to the nearest dime anyone would ever even notice.

I would agree, except if everything is rounded to the nearest 10Â¢, what would happen to quarters?

hmm ya got me there

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wxfree on January 27, 2020, 09:26:07 PM

Quote from: 1 on January 27, 2020, 09:18:43 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 27, 2020, 08:27:45 PM
so inflation is about 10x what it was in the 60s. we could easily get rid of nickels too. I don't think if we rounded to the nearest dime anyone would ever even notice.

I would agree, except if everything is rounded to the nearest 10Â¢, what would happen to quarters?

Quarters would change to three-tenths.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on January 27, 2020, 10:05:57 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 27, 2020, 04:40:03 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 27, 2020, 04:17:49 PM

Quote from: 1 on January 27, 2020, 03:52:10 PM
Regarding money:

Why do we still use pennies?

Because not all prices end in 5 or 0.

So what? Gas is priced in tenths of a penny, but we all get along perfectly well without that type of coin.

When the half-penny was taken out of circulation, it was basically what our dime is today. So, basically, it was like if we had no pennies or nickels, then dimes were discontinued. Life went on. Rounding happens.

The old half-cent was about 40Â¢ in today's money. 'Official' government figures on inflation since the end of the gold standard in 1933 are waaaaaaay too low - I figure that the closest to correct number is about 80:1 overall inflation over that time. That is the level at which prices on comparable things between then and now most closely match.

:-o

And YES, I fully agree - the USA needs higher value coins (up to $10?) and to drop all denominations of coins below quarters, they are only useful for fine-parsing of state and local sales taxes and no longer useful for legitimate commerce, and quarters only barely so.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 27, 2020, 10:14:23 PM

I can live with dollar coins, but moving anything higher to coins? I refuse to carry a coin purse. Fives (and up) don't wear nearly as fast as the one dollar bill.

I get the whole wear and tear on the dollar bill, but how would the stripper industry handle it? I'm sure the dancers would love the inflation, but will the patrons? It's been a while...are ones not used anymore, or do they strut around with their square enabled smartphones while they dance?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 27, 2020, 10:29:29 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on January 27, 2020, 10:19:10 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on January 27, 2020, 10:14:23 PM
I get the whole wear and tear on the dollar bill, but how would the stripper industry handle it? I'm sure the dancers would love the inflation, but will the patrons? It's been a while...are ones not used anymore, or do they strut around with their square enabled smartphones while they dance?

Simple answer, *DON'T BE SO F***ING CHEAP!* Use $5s - you'll be amazed at how fast and much the quality of the shows improve.

:nod:

Mike

Like I said (see bolded text above). The quality of the shows at home are much better, cheaper, and much more personal. :cheers: :thumbsup:

There are benefits to being married to someone who went to massage school. :nod:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on January 27, 2020, 10:32:37 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on January 27, 2020, 10:14:23 PM
I can live with dollar coins, but moving anything higher to coins? I refuse to carry a coin purse. Fives (and up) don't wear nearly as fast as the one dollar bill.

My personal standard on 'coins v. banknotes' for a denomination is "Can I use one of them to buy a decent lunch and get change back?". If the answer is 'yes', then it should be a banknote. If it is 'no', then it should be a coin.

Right now, that balance is use coins for up to $5 and banknotes for $10 on up.

Quote
I get the whole wear and tear on the dollar bill, but how would the stripper industry handle it? I'm sure the dancers would love the inflation, but will the patrons? It's been a while...are ones not used anymore, or do they strut around with their square enabled smartphones while they dance?

Simple answer, *DON'T BE SO F***ING CHEAP!* Use $5s - you'll be amazed at how fast and much the quality of the shows improve.

:nod:

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on January 27, 2020, 10:33:19 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on January 27, 2020, 10:29:29 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 27, 2020, 10:19:10 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on January 27, 2020, 10:14:23 PM
I get the whole wear and tear on the dollar bill, but how would the stripper industry handle it? I'm sure the dancers would love the inflation, but will the patrons? It's been a while...are ones not used anymore, or do they strut around with their square enabled smartphones while they dance?

Simple answer, *DON'T BE SO F***ING CHEAP!* Use $5s - you'll be amazed at how fast and much the quality of the shows improve.

:nod:

Mike
Like I said (see bolded text above). The quality of the shows at home are much better, cheaper, and much more personal. :cheers: :thumbsup:

There are benefits to being married to someone who went to massage school. :nod:

:thumbsup:

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MNHighwayMan on January 27, 2020, 10:34:53 PM

When people glare at me for trying to pay for items less than ten dollars with two-dollar bills.

I purposely request them from my bank to pay for small cost items. I like to think I amuse more people than I annoy, but who knows, really.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on January 27, 2020, 11:06:43 PM

Quote from: MNHighwayMan on January 27, 2020, 10:34:53 PM
When people glare at me for trying to pay for items less than ten dollars with two-dollar bills.

I purposely request them from my bank to pay for small cost items. I like to think I amuse more people than I annoy, but who knows, really.

I did a stint working as a cashier at a C-store back in the mid-1990s and if anyone would use deuces as part of a payment for something, I'd set them aside and in turn use them to make change whenever a child would buy something. It made their days.

:nod:

I also note that the Canadians dropped their C$2 banknotes in 1996 in a 'flash' cutover to coins, their 'Twonies'. A very, VERY interesting thing then happened there as a consequence of that - demand on the Royal Canadian Mint for new quarters dropped to zero. They did not strike a new C$0.25 coin for circulation until they released a special commemorative series several years later.

Why did that happen? It was a 'recirculation' effect because of the new higher value coins. Whereas before that people tended to accumulate coins in change, after that they tended to spend smaller coins UP to whatever the price of the small-time purchase (ie, lunch) was, placing the smaller coins back into circulation instead of bringing them home and throwing them into jars - and resulting in that much less demand on the RCM for new coins.

Thus higher value coins tend to result in LESS overall metal piling up in ones' pockets and purses. I see zero reason why that would not also happen here in the USA.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MNHighwayMan on January 27, 2020, 11:19:41 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on January 27, 2020, 11:06:43 PM
Quote from: MNHighwayMan on January 27, 2020, 10:34:53 PM
When people glare at me for trying to pay for items less than ten dollars with two-dollar bills.

I purposely request them from my bank to pay for small cost items. I like to think I amuse more people than I annoy, but who knows, really.
I did a stint working as a cashier at a C-store back in the mid-1990s and if anyone would use deuces as part of a payment for something, I'd set them aside and in turn use them to make change whenever a child would buy something. It made their days.

That is exactly the kind of thing I am going for! My whole point is to get them to circulate some more, but I think too many cashiers just bury them in their drawer and leave them in with the night deposit, or whatever.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 27, 2020, 11:49:22 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 27, 2020, 02:15:27 PM
2. My wife is married. She shouldn't be "Miss" anything.

It is certainly unfortunate that Ms. (which, let's be honest, has basically replaced Mrs.) and Miss sound the same when spoken.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MNHighwayMan on January 27, 2020, 11:53:12 PM

Quote from: webny99 on January 27, 2020, 11:49:22 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 27, 2020, 02:15:27 PM
2. My wife is married. She shouldn't be "Miss" anything.
It is certainly unfortunate that Ms. (which, let's be honest, has basically replaced Mrs.) and Miss sound the same when spoken.

Around here (and back home), "Mrs." (missus) is pronounced differently from "Ms." (miz), which is yet still different from "miss" (although basically never used.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on January 28, 2020, 03:50:19 AM

About small coins, here in Spain the €0.01 and €0.02 coins are still used, but I refuse to carry them on my wallet as I've deemed them worthless. So if I receive one I just set them aside and either give them for charity, or if I get enough coins change them for €0.05 ones, which is currently the smallest coin I'll carry in my wallet.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 28, 2020, 07:48:41 AM

Quote from: DaBigE on January 27, 2020, 10:14:23 PM
I can live with dollar coins, but moving anything higher to coins? I refuse to carry a coin purse. Fives (and up) don't wear nearly as fast as the one dollar bill.

I get the whole wear and tear on the dollar bill, but how would the stripper industry handle it? I'm sure the dancers would love the inflation, but will the patrons? It's been a while...are ones not used anymore, or do they strut around with their square enabled smartphones while they dance?

I'm sure the titty bars in Winnipeg are doing fine.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 28, 2020, 08:32:37 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on January 28, 2020, 07:48:41 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on January 27, 2020, 10:14:23 PM
I can live with dollar coins, but moving anything higher to coins? I refuse to carry a coin purse. Fives (and up) don't wear nearly as fast as the one dollar bill.

I get the whole wear and tear on the dollar bill, but how would the stripper industry handle it? I'm sure the dancers would love the inflation, but will the patrons? It's been a while...are ones not used anymore, or do they strut around with their square enabled smartphones while they dance?

I'm sure the titty bars in Winnipeg are doing fine.

Maybe the patrons use the, um, coin slot.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 28, 2020, 08:34:04 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 28, 2020, 08:32:37 AM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 28, 2020, 07:48:41 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on January 27, 2020, 10:14:23 PM
I can live with dollar coins, but moving anything higher to coins? I refuse to carry a coin purse. Fives (and up) don't wear nearly as fast as the one dollar bill.

I get the whole wear and tear on the dollar bill, but how would the stripper industry handle it? I'm sure the dancers would love the inflation, but will the patrons? It's been a while...are ones not used anymore, or do they strut around with their square enabled smartphones while they dance?

I'm sure the titty bars in Winnipeg are doing fine.

Maybe the patrons use the, um, coin slot.

I've had dollar bills picked up off my nose :) so maybe!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 28, 2020, 08:34:25 AM

People who put things on my chair instead of my inbox or on my desk, like I'm too stupid to see it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on January 28, 2020, 08:42:45 AM

Statements like this:

"China has more people than any country in the world."

Should be any other country.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 28, 2020, 08:50:26 AM

Quote from: 1 on January 28, 2020, 08:42:45 AM
Statements like this:

"China has more people than any country in the world."

Should be any other country.

Much like "Patrick Mahomes AND the Chiefs". Patrick Mahomes IS a Chief"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on January 28, 2020, 09:13:05 AM

Quote from: mgk920 on January 27, 2020, 11:06:43 PM

I did a stint working as a cashier at a C-store back in the mid-1990s and if anyone would use deuces as part of a payment for something, I'd set them aside and in turn use them to make change whenever a child would buy something. It made their days.

When I went to a hamfest last summer, the admission was $8. The person handing out admissions would give change in $2 bills.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 28, 2020, 01:12:18 PM

Sorry, but I am not in favor of rounding if it means the merchant gets more than what they're legally entitled to. Stuff is overpriced as it is; a handful of cents per transaction times several transactions per day can add up to unearned profits. If my purchase adds up to $9.96, then that's all I want the merchant to get. Certainly not $10 (and does anyone foresee a situation where merchants adopt policies that allow rounding down? I sure don't.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on January 28, 2020, 01:31:24 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 28, 2020, 01:12:18 PM
Sorry, but I am not in favor of rounding if it means the merchant gets more than what they're legally entitled to. Stuff is overpriced as it is; a handful of cents per transaction times several transactions per day can add up to unearned profits. If my purchase adds up to $9.96, then that's all I want the merchant to get. Certainly not $10 (and does anyone foresee a situation where merchants adopt policies that allow rounding down? I sure don't.)

Canada rounds whichever way is closer, so the rounding should mostly cancel out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wxfree on January 28, 2020, 02:12:10 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 28, 2020, 01:12:18 PM
Sorry, but I am not in favor of rounding if it means the merchant gets more than what they're legally entitled to. Stuff is overpriced as it is; a handful of cents per transaction times several transactions per day can add up to unearned profits. If my purchase adds up to $9.96, then that's all I want the merchant to get. Certainly not $10 (and does anyone foresee a situation where merchants adopt policies that allow rounding down? I sure don't.)

I don't think that would be an issue. There's no need for rounding if we stop making pennies. By the time they become rare, in maybe 40 or 50 years, electronic transactions will likely be nearly, if not entirely, universal, and the value of a penny would likely be negative (it costs more to count, track, and move than it's worth).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 28, 2020, 02:14:56 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 28, 2020, 01:12:18 PM
Sorry, but I am not in favor of rounding if it means the merchant gets more than what they're legally entitled to. Stuff is overpriced as it is; a handful of cents per transaction times several transactions per day can add up to unearned profits. If my purchase adds up to $9.96, then that's all I want the merchant to get. Certainly not $10 (and does anyone foresee a situation where merchants adopt policies that allow rounding down? I sure don't.)

Half of all transactions would round up and half would round down.

If you're assuming that stores would nefariously set all their prices such that they would round up instead of down, consider that all of the trouble involved would go out the window for any transaction involving more than a single item.

Example: If one item today costs you $9.96, then the price would round up to $10.00 if we got rid of pennies and nickels. However, if you were to buy two of them, then the price of $19.92 would round down to $19.90 instead.

But, even then, those aren't accurate numbers, because tax is a thing that already isn't based on pennies and nickels. In order for an item with 6% sales tax (Kentucky's state sales tax) to end up being $9.96, the pre-tax price tag would have to show $9.40, and the after-tax price is already being rounded down by 0.4 cents (from $9.964 to $9.96). Buy two items price-tagged at $9.40, add 6% sales tax, and the after-tax price comes to $19.928. Currently, those two items would cost you $19.93 but, if you got rid of pennies and nickels, they would only cost you $19.90.

This is why, whenever a nation scraps its low-value coin(s), the thing you're afraid of doesn't actually happen.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 28, 2020, 04:31:06 PM

Are the rounding policies set by law in the places where it happens? If not, what's to stop retailers from rounding every transaction up, even if it's $9.92 and not $9.98? I'm not referring to pricing, but to what the store does with the total. "It is the policy of this store that all transactions will be rounded up to the nearest nickel." Your total purchase price, including tax, is $19.96. The store automatically rounds up to $20.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 28, 2020, 04:40:45 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 28, 2020, 04:31:06 PM
Are the rounding policies set by law in the places where it happens? If not, what's to stop retailers from rounding every transaction up, even if it's $9.92 and not $9.98? I'm not referring to pricing, but to what the store does with the total. "It is the policy of this store that all transactions will be rounded up to the nearest nickel." Your total purchase price, including tax, is $19.96. The store automatically rounds up to $20.

Do stores do that now?

As I explained, prices are already being rounded due to sales tax not being assessed in whole-penny amounts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on January 28, 2020, 06:05:54 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 28, 2020, 04:31:06 PM
... what's to stop retailers from rounding every transaction up, even if it's $9.92 and not $9.98? ...

In Canada, the receipt has 2 prices on it. For example, CC price $14.96, cash price $14.95.
1 and 2 cents rounds down to 0, 3 and 4 cents rounds up to 5, 6 and 7 cents rounds down to 5, 8 and 9 cents rounds up to 10.

Easy Peasy. I'm sure the majority of computer cash registers in the US have the capability now, or could get it with a simple upgrade, because the makers have already done it for Canada.

The other thing it would do is open up a coin compartment in the cash registers for $1 coins - so they might be more acceptable in circulation.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 28, 2020, 06:12:09 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 28, 2020, 04:40:45 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 28, 2020, 04:31:06 PM
Are the rounding policies set by law in the places where it happens? If not, what's to stop retailers from rounding every transaction up, even if it's $9.92 and not $9.98? I'm not referring to pricing, but to what the store does with the total. "It is the policy of this store that all transactions will be rounded up to the nearest nickel." Your total purchase price, including tax, is $19.96. The store automatically rounds up to $20.

Do stores do that now?

As I explained, prices are already being rounded due to sales tax not being assessed in whole-penny amounts.

A better answer to your question is that price rounding laws vary from state to state. There are already states, for example, that collect sales tax not based on rounding to the nearest cent but based instead on a bracket schedule.

For example, let's take your hypothetical item with a price tag of $9.40. A general state sales tax of 6% makes the theoretical amount owed $9.964–that is, the theoretical amount of general state sales tax owed would be 56.4 cents. You're probably assuming that amount gets rounded down to an even 56 cents. However, that is not the case everywhere. Case in point: Florida also has a general state sales tax of 6%. In Florida, however, sales tax is not calculated by simply multiplying by 1.06 and rounding to the nearest cent. Rather, sales tax is assessed according to a bracket schedule and, for any amount between $9.34 and $9.50, the store must collect 57 cents in general state sales tax. So, just to be clear: an item price-tagged at $9.40 with a 6% sales tax would cost $9.96 in Kentucky, but that same item price-tagged at $9.40 with a 6% sales tax would cost $9.97 in Florida.

So I assume, if we got rid of pennies and nickels, then how prices are rounded would depend on individual state laws–just as doing so already depends on individual state laws.

Edited to add: If you didn't know this was true (as I didn't until yesterday), then it's just further proof that pennies don't really matter.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on January 29, 2020, 10:47:53 AM

Quote from: GaryV on January 28, 2020, 06:05:54 PM

The other thing it would do is open up a coin compartment in the cash registers for $1 coins - so they might be more acceptable in circulation.

For one dollar coins to gain greater acceptance in circulation, they need to be more noticeably different in weight and size from other coins than they are now. When digging into a pocket of change, a dollar coin feels too much like a quarter. Other countries figured this out years ago, like when Britain introduced their one pound coin (denomination, not weight) . But the US seems more intent on making coinage as inexpensively as possible instead of considering human factors like these (witness the 'copper' penny that now has almost no copper in it).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on January 29, 2020, 11:06:44 AM

Quote from: roadman on January 29, 2020, 10:47:53 AM
Quote from: GaryV on January 28, 2020, 06:05:54 PM

The other thing it would do is open up a coin compartment in the cash registers for $1 coins - so they might be more acceptable in circulation.

For one dollar coins to gain greater acceptance in circulation, they need to be more noticeably different in weight and size from other coins than they are now. When digging into a pocket of change, a dollar coin feels too much like a quarter. Other countries figured this out years ago, like when Britain introduced their one pound coin (denomination, not weight) . But the US seems more intent on making coinage as inexpensively as possible instead of considering human factors like these (witness the 'copper' penny that now has almost no copper in it).

You can easily tell the difference between a quarter and a dollar coin (2000 or later) by feeling the edge.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 29, 2020, 11:21:04 AM

Quote from: roadman on January 29, 2020, 10:47:53 AM
But the US seems more intent on making coinage as inexpensively as possible

As they should. Why waste money minting money?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on January 29, 2020, 11:28:27 AM

Quote from: kphoger on January 29, 2020, 11:21:04 AM
Quote from: roadman on January 29, 2020, 10:47:53 AM
But the US seems more intent on making coinage as inexpensively as possible

As they should. Why waste money minting money?

When your decision to cut costs results in minting money that people have a hard time accepting because they can't quickly distinguish between a quarter and a dollar coin, perhaps you need to re-evaluate your priorities. And when you cheapen materials so you can continue to produce a coin that most people hoard away instead of reusing, instead of discontinuing that coin completely, perhaps you need to reevaluate your priorities.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 29, 2020, 11:31:06 AM

Or just make cheap coins that are more different from each other.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on January 29, 2020, 11:36:00 AM

I seem to remember that dollar coins are frequently used in some places outside the 50 states and DC, including both US territories and foreign countries that use the US dollar.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on January 29, 2020, 11:42:59 AM

Quote from: kphoger on January 29, 2020, 11:31:06 AM
Or just make cheap coins that are more different from each other.

As I noted, and as other countries have demonstrated, the key to quickly and easily distinguishing between coins is both size AND weight. Current dollar coins feel too much like quarters, and current dimes feel too much like pennies. This is a consequence of the "make it as cheaply as possible" mentality of the Federal Government. Given that dollar coins are far more durable than paper currency, a large scale conversion to coins would save the government more money over time than the extra cost of making the coins heavier and noticeably larger than a quarter. Pardon the pun, but the Treasury is clearly being penny wise and pound foolish here.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 29, 2020, 11:52:28 AM

Kentucky uses a bracketing system which is based off the general 6% statewide sales tax. I remember when the state used to issue official cards with the amounts listed, back when cash registers were manual and didn't automatically calculate the tax, or for older country stores that used a handwritten ledger system. It became even more popular when Kentucky exempted food and certain products from the state sales tax, and cash registers didn't yet have "taxable/tax-exempt" categories on their keys. I often remember checkers ringing up the products, then consulting the cards to see how much tax should be applied.

Someone's getting an extra penny off me when I dine at a local restaurant, though, because there's both the 6% state sales tax and a local 3% restaurant tax that goes to fund the city park. You'd think that I'd pay $5.45 for a Wendy's $5 "big bag", but no, it's $5.46. Someone, either the state or local government, is taxing the total amount including the previously-levied tax. That bothers me, too.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 29, 2020, 11:57:08 AM

Quote from: roadman on January 29, 2020, 10:47:53 AM
Quote from: GaryV on January 28, 2020, 06:05:54 PM

The other thing it would do is open up a coin compartment in the cash registers for $1 coins - so they might be more acceptable in circulation.

For one dollar coins to gain greater acceptance in circulation, they need to be more noticeably different in weight and size from other coins than they are now. When digging into a pocket of change, a dollar coin feels too much like a quarter. Other countries figured this out years ago, like when Britain introduced their one pound coin (denomination, not weight) . But the US seems more intent on making coinage as inexpensively as possible instead of considering human factors like these (witness the 'copper' penny that now has almost no copper in it).

Until they get rid of the $1 bill, the $1 coin will never gain acceptance.

The US has tried this on a few occasions, especially with the USPS primarily trying to give change in $1 coins (back when people actually mailed stuff on a regular basis). Junk mail proved to be more popular than the $1 coin.

With the increase in electronic payments, dollar bills and change aren't much of a priority anymore. Counterfeiting is, which is why they stick to revamping the $20s, $50s and $100s.

If they're going to cut costs, go for the $10 bill. That is the least used currency, next to the $2 bill. It's also the most stagnant, with only a small increase in circulation over the past decade or two. https://www.federalreserve.gov/paymentsystems/coin_currcircvolume.htm

Quote from: roadman on January 29, 2020, 11:42:59 AM
Quote from: kphoger on January 29, 2020, 11:31:06 AM
Or just make cheap coins that are more different from each other.

As I noted, and as other countries have demonstrated, the key to quickly and easily distinguishing between coins is both size AND weight. Current dollar coins feel too much like quarters, and current dimes feel too much like pennies. This is a consequence of the "make it as cheaply as possible" mentality of the Federal Government. Given that dollar coins are far more durable than paper currency, a large scale conversion to coins would save the government more money over time than the extra cost of making the coins heavier and noticeably larger than a quarter. Pardon the pun, but the Treasury is clearly being penny wise and pound foolish here.

People don't want to carry around heavy and larger coins. There's also pushback from manufacturers of anything electronic that takes coins. Most equipment excepts coins to be a certain size and weight, and will reject anything outside of the normal tolerance. Bill feeders need updates every time new bills are introduced, for example. So this isn't just the feds wanting to be cheap; there's a bit more to consider when changing money.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 29, 2020, 12:07:37 PM

Quote from: roadman on January 29, 2020, 11:42:59 AM
As I noted, and as other countries have demonstrated, the key to quickly and easily distinguishing between coins is both size AND weight. Current dollar coins feel too much like quarters, and current dimes feel too much like pennies. This is a consequence of the "make it as cheaply as possible" mentality of the Federal Government. Given that dollar coins are far more durable than paper currency, a large scale conversion to coins would save the government more money over time than the extra cost of making the coins heavier and noticeably larger than a quarter. Pardon the pun, but the Treasury is clearly being penny wise and pound foolish here.

I've never personally heard anyone complain they can't tell pennies from dimes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 29, 2020, 12:13:39 PM

This is probably more than a "minor" annoyance: US Postal Service incompetence.

I sent a package to my boss at his home address containing a form he needs to sign and then send to New York. I sent it Priority Mail from the post office in Merrifield, Virginia, on Sunday; it was supposed to arrive last night. It hasn't. That didn't surprise me because I thought it might take until today. What has me annoyed is the tracking information: It left the Merrifield post office on Sunday and arrived at the "Merrifield Distribution Center" (which is in the same building) on Monday. Then half an hour later it departed from there and arrived, 40 minutes later, at the "Dulles VA Distribution Center." On Tuesday morning at about 5:12 AM, it arrived at a post office in Springfield, Virginia. Six hours later, it "Arrived at USPS Facility" in Springfield, Virginia. But then, instead of being delivered, it shows today at 10:02 AM it arrived at the "Merrifield Distribution Center"–right back where it started from!!! WTF!!!!! What the hell are we paying these idiots for???!!!!!!!!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 29, 2020, 12:25:58 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 29, 2020, 12:13:39 PM
This is probably more than a "minor" annoyance: US Postal Service incompetence.

I sent a package to my boss at his home address containing a form he needs to sign and then send to New York. I sent it Priority Mail from the post office in Merrifield, Virginia, on Sunday; it was supposed to arrive last night. It hasn't. That didn't surprise me because I thought it might take until today. What has me annoyed is the tracking information: It left the Merrifield post office on Sunday and arrived at the "Merrifield Distribution Center" (which is in the same building) on Monday. Then half an hour later it departed from there and arrived, 40 minutes later, at the "Dulles VA Distribution Center." On Tuesday morning at about 5:12 AM, it arrived at a post office in Springfield, Virginia. Six hours later, it "Arrived at USPS Facility" in Springfield, Virginia. But then, instead of being delivered, it shows today at 10:02 AM it arrived at the "Merrifield Distribution Center"–right back where it started from!!! WTF!!!!! What the hell are we paying these idiots for???!!!!!!!!

It ain't just then. I was excepting an Amazon package by 8am Sunday. It left the distribution warehouse, 4 miles south of me, at 4:30am, and went further South. Then went into Delaware. I get a text/email at 8:30am saying my package was 'delayed'. It arrived later that afternoon.

FedEx in our area is horrible. We just hope it shows up (and this is the stuff being delivered directly by FedEx. Stuff they take to the USPS for final delivery takes an extra day).

UPS though is quite good. Their texts will alert us to the approx. scheduled time of delivery, and if that time is to change, the texts arrive earlier than the originally scheduled time window so you aren't sitting there for 4 hours, only to find out it'll be another 4 hours.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on January 29, 2020, 01:08:20 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 29, 2020, 12:13:39 PM
This is probably more than a "minor" annoyance: US Postal Service incompetence.

I sent a package to my boss at his home address containing a form he needs to sign and then send to New York. I sent it Priority Mail from the post office in Merrifield, Virginia, on Sunday; it was supposed to arrive last night. It hasn't. That didn't surprise me because I thought it might take until today. What has me annoyed is the tracking information: It left the Merrifield post office on Sunday and arrived at the "Merrifield Distribution Center" (which is in the same building) on Monday. Then half an hour later it departed from there and arrived, 40 minutes later, at the "Dulles VA Distribution Center." On Tuesday morning at about 5:12 AM, it arrived at a post office in Springfield, Virginia. Six hours later, it "Arrived at USPS Facility" in Springfield, Virginia. But then, instead of being delivered, it shows today at 10:02 AM it arrived at the "Merrifield Distribution Center"–right back where it started from!!! WTF!!!!! What the hell are we paying these idiots for???!!!!!!!!

Looks like there might be something wrong with the package and they're sending it back to the return address.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 29, 2020, 01:42:26 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 29, 2020, 12:13:39 PM
This is probably more than a "minor" annoyance: US Postal Service incompetence.

This. Their informed delivery app is a joke. There is a button to click if you did not receive the item. Wherever that goes is unmonitored. If you file a missing mail report, referencing the information on the app is useless, because whoever takes care of missing mail is oblivious to the app service. The app is also hit or miss when it comes to what it will decide to show you. If your newspaper is delivered via USPS, that will never appear.

On that note, has anyone filed a missing mail report and ever received what was missing?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 29, 2020, 01:51:00 PM

Quote from: vdeane on January 29, 2020, 01:08:20 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 29, 2020, 12:13:39 PM
This is probably more than a "minor" annoyance: US Postal Service incompetence.

I sent a package to my boss at his home address containing a form he needs to sign and then send to New York. I sent it Priority Mail from the post office in Merrifield, Virginia, on Sunday; it was supposed to arrive last night. It hasn't. That didn't surprise me because I thought it might take until today. What has me annoyed is the tracking information: It left the Merrifield post office on Sunday and arrived at the "Merrifield Distribution Center" (which is in the same building) on Monday. Then half an hour later it departed from there and arrived, 40 minutes later, at the "Dulles VA Distribution Center." On Tuesday morning at about 5:12 AM, it arrived at a post office in Springfield, Virginia. Six hours later, it "Arrived at USPS Facility" in Springfield, Virginia. But then, instead of being delivered, it shows today at 10:02 AM it arrived at the "Merrifield Distribution Center"–right back where it started from!!! WTF!!!!! What the hell are we paying these idiots for???!!!!!!!!
Looks like there might be something wrong with the package and they're sending it back to the return address.

Nah, that happened last week before I re-sent it in a different envelope. It now shows it was delivered at 12:56. To some degree, this is government stupidity: I need my boss to sign a reimbursement form for me and they won't accept scanned signatures, nor do they have a way to submit the form electronically.

Still, it's absurd it takes three days for something to travel across Fairfax County, yet if I mail a birthday card to our nephew in Fort Myers it gets there in three days.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 29, 2020, 02:28:31 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 29, 2020, 01:51:00 PM
Quote from: vdeane on January 29, 2020, 01:08:20 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 29, 2020, 12:13:39 PM
This is probably more than a "minor" annoyance: US Postal Service incompetence.

I sent a package to my boss at his home address containing a form he needs to sign and then send to New York. I sent it Priority Mail from the post office in Merrifield, Virginia, on Sunday; it was supposed to arrive last night. It hasn't. That didn't surprise me because I thought it might take until today. What has me annoyed is the tracking information: It left the Merrifield post office on Sunday and arrived at the "Merrifield Distribution Center" (which is in the same building) on Monday. Then half an hour later it departed from there and arrived, 40 minutes later, at the "Dulles VA Distribution Center." On Tuesday morning at about 5:12 AM, it arrived at a post office in Springfield, Virginia. Six hours later, it "Arrived at USPS Facility" in Springfield, Virginia. But then, instead of being delivered, it shows today at 10:02 AM it arrived at the "Merrifield Distribution Center"–right back where it started from!!! WTF!!!!! What the hell are we paying these idiots for???!!!!!!!!
Looks like there might be something wrong with the package and they're sending it back to the return address.

Nah, that happened last week before I re-sent it in a different envelope. It now shows it was delivered at 12:56. To some degree, this is government stupidity: I need my boss to sign a reimbursement form for me and they won't accept scanned signatures, nor do they have a way to submit the form electronically.

Still, it's absurd it takes three days for something to travel across Fairfax County, yet if I mail a birthday card to our nephew in Fort Myers it gets there in three days.

Sounds like you'd be better off just driving it over there yourself and getting it signed.

Any mail deposited in our local post office, even if it's addressed to another post office box in the same post office, goes to Lexington before it comes back home. I can understand if it went to the lead regional PO (the xxx01 PO) before coming back, but it goes all the way to Lexington.

That's a long way from when you used to be able to just address something to Person, PO Box XXX, City (and by that I mean, literally, writing the word "City" instead of the name of the town), and it would get delivered.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 29, 2020, 02:42:56 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 29, 2020, 02:28:31 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 29, 2020, 01:51:00 PM
Quote from: vdeane on January 29, 2020, 01:08:20 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 29, 2020, 12:13:39 PM
This is probably more than a "minor" annoyance: US Postal Service incompetence.

I sent a package to my boss at his home address containing a form he needs to sign and then send to New York. I sent it Priority Mail from the post office in Merrifield, Virginia, on Sunday; it was supposed to arrive last night. It hasn't. That didn't surprise me because I thought it might take until today. What has me annoyed is the tracking information: It left the Merrifield post office on Sunday and arrived at the "Merrifield Distribution Center" (which is in the same building) on Monday. Then half an hour later it departed from there and arrived, 40 minutes later, at the "Dulles VA Distribution Center." On Tuesday morning at about 5:12 AM, it arrived at a post office in Springfield, Virginia. Six hours later, it "Arrived at USPS Facility" in Springfield, Virginia. But then, instead of being delivered, it shows today at 10:02 AM it arrived at the "Merrifield Distribution Center"—right back where it started from!!! WTF!!!!! What the hell are we paying these idiots for???!!!!!!!!
Looks like there might be something wrong with the package and they're sending it back to the return address.

Nah, that happened last week before I re-sent it in a different envelope. It now shows it was delivered at 12:56. To some degree, this is government stupidity: I need my boss to sign a reimbursement form for me and they won't accept scanned signatures, nor do they have a way to submit the form electronically.

Still, it's absurd it takes three days for something to travel across Fairfax County, yet if I mail a birthday card to our nephew in Fort Myers it gets there in three days.

Sounds like you'd be better off just driving it over there yourself and getting it signed.

Any mail deposited in our local post office, even if it's addressed to another post office box in the same post office, goes to Lexington before it comes back home. I can understand if it went to the lead regional PO (the xxx01 PO) before coming back, but it goes all the way to Lexington.

That's a long way from when you used to be able to just address something to Person, PO Box XXX, City (and by that I mean, literally, writing the word "City" instead of the name of the town), and it would get delivered.

I have 2 friends that have yet to get our address fully correct for the house I have lived in for 20 years. The mail (Christmas cards) still get delivered.

Technically, if you write the house number and the ZIP+4 code, it should make it just based on that. Everything else is fluff.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wxfree on January 29, 2020, 02:47:46 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 29, 2020, 02:28:31 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 29, 2020, 01:51:00 PM
Quote from: vdeane on January 29, 2020, 01:08:20 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 29, 2020, 12:13:39 PM
This is probably more than a "minor" annoyance: US Postal Service incompetence.

I sent a package to my boss at his home address containing a form he needs to sign and then send to New York. I sent it Priority Mail from the post office in Merrifield, Virginia, on Sunday; it was supposed to arrive last night. It hasn't. That didn't surprise me because I thought it might take until today. What has me annoyed is the tracking information: It left the Merrifield post office on Sunday and arrived at the "Merrifield Distribution Center" (which is in the same building) on Monday. Then half an hour later it departed from there and arrived, 40 minutes later, at the "Dulles VA Distribution Center." On Tuesday morning at about 5:12 AM, it arrived at a post office in Springfield, Virginia. Six hours later, it "Arrived at USPS Facility" in Springfield, Virginia. But then, instead of being delivered, it shows today at 10:02 AM it arrived at the "Merrifield Distribution Center"–right back where it started from!!! WTF!!!!! What the hell are we paying these idiots for???!!!!!!!!
Looks like there might be something wrong with the package and they're sending it back to the return address.

Nah, that happened last week before I re-sent it in a different envelope. It now shows it was delivered at 12:56. To some degree, this is government stupidity: I need my boss to sign a reimbursement form for me and they won't accept scanned signatures, nor do they have a way to submit the form electronically.

Still, it's absurd it takes three days for something to travel across Fairfax County, yet if I mail a birthday card to our nephew in Fort Myers it gets there in three days.

Sounds like you'd be better off just driving it over there yourself and getting it signed.

Any mail deposited in our local post office, even if it's addressed to another post office box in the same post office, goes to Lexington before it comes back home. I can understand if it went to the lead regional PO (the xxx01 PO) before coming back, but it goes all the way to Lexington.

That's a long way from when you used to be able to just address something to Person, PO Box XXX, City (and by that I mean, literally, writing the word "City" instead of the name of the town), and it would get delivered.

There's a small town in west Texas where they took out the processing equipment in the post office. Instead of sending mail to a (relatively) nearby larger post office for processing, it's sent to the regional facility in El Paso, 300 miles away. There are letters that travel 600 miles just to end up in a box 10 or 20 feet from the drop.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on January 29, 2020, 03:48:32 PM

Quote from: 1 on January 29, 2020, 11:06:44 AM
You can easily tell the difference between a quarter and a dollar coin (2000 or later) by feeling the edge.

They also have a noticeably different "ring."

If they stay with the brass color, they will look different even at casual glance.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 29, 2020, 04:25:03 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 29, 2020, 02:42:56 PM
Technically, if you write the house number and the ZIP+4 code, it should make it just based on that. Everything else is fluff.

When I was younger, my mom was a nurse in a small town in western Kansas. She cared for a patient once who was from out of state. When that patient returned to her hometown, she sent my mom a thank-you note in the mail. Because she didn't know our address or even our last name, she addressed it to "Nurse Sue / Atwood, KS". It was successfully delivered to our house.

Then again, that was a town in which, if the UPS driver didn't catch you at home, he'd deliver your package to you at work instead.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 29, 2020, 04:44:14 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 29, 2020, 04:25:03 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 29, 2020, 02:42:56 PM
Technically, if you write the house number and the ZIP+4 code, it should make it just based on that. Everything else is fluff.

When I was younger, my mom was a nurse in a small town in western Kansas. She cared for a patient once who was from out of state. When that patient returned to her hometown, she sent my mom a thank-you note in the mail. Because she didn't know our address or even our last name, she addressed it to "Nurse Sue / Atwood, KS". It was successfully delivered to our house.

Then again, that was a town in which, if the UPS driver didn't catch you at home, he'd deliver your package to you at work instead.

Walter Gretzky said his son used to receive fan mail from kids addressed simply to "Wayne Gretzky, Kanada." It got to Edmonton correctly. But I guess celebrities, especially well-known pro athletes, are a bit different from the rest of us.

I once thought about seeing whether mail would get through if I addressed it in the old style to my relatives' street address followed by "Brooklyn 9, NY" instead of "Brooklyn, NY 11209," but I never got around to it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on January 29, 2020, 04:51:34 PM

My latest experience with UPS was - to put it mildly - frustrating. First day, the driver left the "tried to deliver - first attempt" notice was left on by back door with "will leave if signed" notation. Signed the slip and left it on my back door. The driver who came the second day left the "tried to deliver - second attempt" notice on my front door. So I signed this notice as well, and left one notice on the front door, and the other one on the back door. The driver who came the third day ignored the signed notice on my back door and left a "tried to deliver - final attempt - returning to sender" notice.

When I got home and saw this, I called the UPS number and took forever trying to get out of the seemingly endless loop from the main menu to "Contact us" back to the main menu. As I recall, at one of the prompts I yelled into the phone something like 'I want to speak to A HUMAN!!!" Was connected to somebody, explained my situation and what had happened with the notices. They told me that, despite what the first driver had indicated on their notice, I had to sign for the package in person. They then said they were forwarding my issue to the local UPS dispatcher. UPS dispatcher called me back shortly thereafter - she'd managed to get my package off the truck headed back to the package's origin. Drove over to the UPS distribution center the next morning to pick it up, so things worked out OK in the end.

But, it a package requires an "in-hand" signature, then perhaps UPS should give the customer a "heads-up" before they make the first delivery attempt? Especially given that there is no checkbox on the delivery notice indicating that the customer needs to be there in person to sign for the package. As for different delivery drivers leaving notices on different doors, I could sense the dispatcher wasn't happy when I explained that to her.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on January 29, 2020, 04:57:46 PM

Quote from: Beltway on January 29, 2020, 03:48:32 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 29, 2020, 11:06:44 AM
You can easily tell the difference between a quarter and a dollar coin (2000 or later) by feeling the edge.
They also have a noticeably different "ring."

If they stay with the brass color, they will look different even at casual glance.

"Feel the edge" is far less effective than "feel the weight'.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 29, 2020, 04:59:35 PM

Quote from: roadman on January 29, 2020, 04:57:46 PM
"Feel the edge" is far less effective than "feel the weight'.

Either one only matters if I'm rooting around in my pocket without looking. In that case, I definitely feel the edge to see if something is a dime or quarter.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 29, 2020, 07:38:47 PM

This is my theme for Toastmasters tomorrow

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on January 29, 2020, 10:07:28 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on January 29, 2020, 07:38:47 PM
This is my theme for Toastmasters tomorrow

Minor things that bother you or problematic coin designs?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 29, 2020, 10:37:19 PM

Hopefully I didn't already post this...but I ordered 5 packages. 4 arrived just fine. the 5th was confirmed delivered Tuesday. Wednesday I called for replacement. Saturday it shows up on my doorstep written on it "misdelivered, key in wrong box" My wife also didn't get a package and the company didn't want to refund her because the USPS said they delivered it. Well she didn't have it. USPS is pretty incompetent where I live. Finally having packages sent to work.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on January 29, 2020, 10:43:53 PM

Quote from: roadman on January 29, 2020, 10:47:53 AM
Quote from: GaryV on January 28, 2020, 06:05:54 PM

The other thing it would do is open up a coin compartment in the cash registers for $1 coins - so they might be more acceptable in circulation.

For one dollar coins to gain greater acceptance in circulation, they need to be more noticeably different in weight and size from other coins than they are now. When digging into a pocket of change, a dollar coin feels too much like a quarter. Other countries figured this out years ago, like when Britain introduced their one pound coin (denomination, not weight) . But the US seems more intent on making coinage as inexpensively as possible instead of considering human factors like these (witness the 'copper' penny that now has almost no copper in it).

The Canadians fixed that in 1987. Their C$1 coins are the exact same dimensions as the USA version, but with the mistakes corrected.

The *big* mistake made by the USA, besides mucking up the color and overall design in 1979, was to not stop issuing $1 banknotes.

:banghead:

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on January 29, 2020, 11:04:54 PM

^^ Prior to 1979, there was an Eisenhower dollar coin that was 1.5 inches in diameter. The design of the SBA dollar too closely resembled the quarter in size and weight. The "Carter Quarter" was widely panned and production ended in 1981.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 29, 2020, 11:06:13 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on January 29, 2020, 10:43:53 PM
Quote from: roadman on January 29, 2020, 10:47:53 AM
Quote from: GaryV on January 28, 2020, 06:05:54 PM

The other thing it would do is open up a coin compartment in the cash registers for $1 coins - so they might be more acceptable in circulation.

For one dollar coins to gain greater acceptance in circulation, they need to be more noticeably different in weight and size from other coins than they are now. When digging into a pocket of change, a dollar coin feels too much like a quarter. Other countries figured this out years ago, like when Britain introduced their one pound coin (denomination, not weight) . But the US seems more intent on making coinage as inexpensively as possible instead of considering human factors like these (witness the 'copper' penny that now has almost no copper in it).

The Canadians fixed that in 1987. Their C$1 coins are the exact same dimensions as the USA version, but with the mistakes corrected.

The *big* mistake made by the USA, besides mucking up the color and overall design in 1979, was to not stop issuing $1 banknotes.

:banghead:

Mike

Americans refuse to adopt change unless forced. The metric system would have made so much sense.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on January 29, 2020, 11:34:08 PM

Quote from: Big John on January 29, 2020, 11:04:54 PM
^^ Prior to 1979, there was an Eisenhower dollar coin that was 1.5 inches in diameter. The design of the SBA dollar too closely resembled the quarter in size and weight. The "Carter Quarter" was widely panned and production ended in 1981.

The original design patterns for the smaller $1 coin were for a multi-sided brass coin - just like the how the Canadians did their 'Loonie' (C$1 coin) in 1987. USMint Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro's 1977 design was totally fantastic (see: http://www.smalldollars.com/dollar/page04.html for the design and some discussion on it) - until it was totally mucked up by the PC politicians of the day, led by Wisconsin's own USSenator William Proxmire.

:no:

The previous 'Ikes' were just too big and bulky to be usable in everyday commerce and as such tended to mainly circulate around the slot machine rooms in Nevada gambling casinos.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 29, 2020, 11:39:56 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on January 29, 2020, 11:34:08 PM
Quote from: Big John on January 29, 2020, 11:04:54 PM
^^ Prior to 1979, there was an Eisenhower dollar coin that was 1.5 inches in diameter. The design of the SBA dollar too closely resembled the quarter in size and weight. The "Carter Quarter" was widely panned and production ended in 1981.

The original design patterns for the smaller $1 coin were for a multi-sided brass coin - just like the how the Canadians did their 'Loonie' (C$1 coin) in 1987. USMint Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro's 1977 design was totally fantastic (see: http://www.smalldollars.com/dollar/page04.html for the design and some discussion on it) - until it was totally mucked up by the PC politicians of the day, led by Wisconsin's own USSenator William Proxmire.

:no:

The previous 'Ikes' were just too big and bulky to be usable in everyday commerce and as such tended to mainly circulate around the slot machine rooms in Nevada gambling casinos.

Mike

I think the easy solution is to make the $1 coin significantly thicker, like the 1980s One Pound coin from Great Britain.

But we have dollar coins in circulation that just aren't used very often. Like $2 bills, they aren't used very often. Many thousands of vending machines would have to be modified, and lots of people would probably stuff two coins together and jam it. Lastly, we're just moving onto plastic...it took about 20-30 years, but roughly half the vending machines I see now take credit cards.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on January 29, 2020, 11:52:04 PM

Quote from: formulanone on January 29, 2020, 11:39:56 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 29, 2020, 11:34:08 PM
Quote from: Big John on January 29, 2020, 11:04:54 PM
^^ Prior to 1979, there was an Eisenhower dollar coin that was 1.5 inches in diameter. The design of the SBA dollar too closely resembled the quarter in size and weight. The "Carter Quarter" was widely panned and production ended in 1981.

The original design patterns for the smaller $1 coin were for a multi-sided brass coin - just like the how the Canadians did their 'Loonie' (C$1 coin) in 1987. USMint Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro's 1977 design was totally fantastic (see: http://www.smalldollars.com/dollar/page04.html for the design and some discussion on it) - until it was totally mucked up by the PC politicians of the day, led by Wisconsin's own USSenator William Proxmire.

:no:

The previous 'Ikes' were just too big and bulky to be usable in everyday commerce and as such tended to mainly circulate around the slot machine rooms in Nevada gambling casinos.

Mike

I think the easy solution is to make the $1 coin significantly thicker, like the 1980s One Pound coin from Great Britain.

But we have dollar coins in circulation that just aren't used very often. Like $2 bills, they aren't used very often. Many thousands of vending machines would have to be modified, and lots of people would probably stuff two coins together and jam it. Lastly, we're just moving onto plastic...it took about 20-30 years, but roughly half the vending machines I see now take credit cards.

The easiest solution is to stop making $1 banknotes. Then the coins will work just fine, like they have been since the late 1980s in Canada.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GenExpwy on January 30, 2020, 03:41:07 AM

I was a coin collector in the '70s. I have a vague recollection that an important reason for that particular size of the smaller dollar was that it needed to be different from every foreign coin, so that they couldn't be used as slugs. With many hundreds of different coins worldwide, there weren't that many sizes available.

Quote from: mgk920 on January 29, 2020, 11:34:08 PM
The previous 'Ikes' were just too big and bulky to be usable in everyday commerce and as such tended to mainly circulate around the slot machine rooms in Nevada gambling casinos.

As I understand it, with rare local exceptions (like Vegas casinos) the big "cartwheel" dollars were never a popular coin to walk around with, going all the way back to about 1800 when they were first minted in non-trivial numbers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on January 30, 2020, 05:59:40 AM

Quote from: mgk920 on January 29, 2020, 11:52:04 PM
Quote from: formulanone on January 29, 2020, 11:39:56 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 29, 2020, 11:34:08 PM
Quote from: Big John on January 29, 2020, 11:04:54 PM
^^ Prior to 1979, there was an Eisenhower dollar coin that was 1.5 inches in diameter. The design of the SBA dollar too closely resembled the quarter in size and weight. The "Carter Quarter" was widely panned and production ended in 1981.

The original design patterns for the smaller $1 coin were for a multi-sided brass coin - just like the how the Canadians did their 'Loonie' (C$1 coin) in 1987. USMint Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro's 1977 design was totally fantastic (see: http://www.smalldollars.com/dollar/page04.html for the design and some discussion on it) - until it was totally mucked up by the PC politicians of the day, led by Wisconsin's own USSenator William Proxmire.

:no:

The previous 'Ikes' were just too big and bulky to be usable in everyday commerce and as such tended to mainly circulate around the slot machine rooms in Nevada gambling casinos.

Mike

I think the easy solution is to make the $1 coin significantly thicker, like the 1980s One Pound coin from Great Britain.

But we have dollar coins in circulation that just aren't used very often. Like $2 bills, they aren't used very often. Many thousands of vending machines would have to be modified, and lots of people would probably stuff two coins together and jam it. Lastly, we're just moving onto plastic...it took about 20-30 years, but roughly half the vending machines I see now take credit cards.

The easiest solution is to stop making $1 banknotes. Then the coins will work just fine, like they have been since the late 1980s in Canada.

Mike

Why do that when machines accept $1 banknotes? That's change!

Cutting $1 banknotes cuts jobs - a no-no (but that's a topic not for this forum)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 30, 2020, 07:40:45 AM

Quote from: Big John on January 29, 2020, 11:04:54 PM
^^ Prior to 1979, there was an Eisenhower dollar coin that was 1.5 inches in diameter. The design of the SBA dollar too closely resembled the quarter in size and weight. The "Carter Quarter" was widely panned and production ended in 1981.

They did in fact make Anthony dollars again in 1999. That was around the time when vending machines, especially at post offices, started giving dollar coins in change. Initially they used all the leftover Anthony dollars from the Carter era, but when supplies ran low and the new Sacagawea coins weren't ready yet, the Mint decided to make more Anthony dollars because they still had the authority to do so.

I have some 1999 Anthony dollars somewhere. I remember the first time I got some in my change back in 1999. One guy I worked with back then was a coin collector and a real know-it-all type who would ridicule you if he thought you were wrong (reminds me of certain people on this forum, but I won't name names). He told me how stupid I was, there was no such thing as a 1999 Anthony dollar, they stopped making them in 1981, etc. This was in front of about six other people at lunch. So I reached into my pocket and placed one on the table in front of him with the year facing up. Dumb SOB wasn't even embarrassed to be proven wrong in that manner.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 30, 2020, 08:11:06 AM

Quote from: roadman on January 29, 2020, 04:51:34 PM
But, it a package requires an "in-hand" signature, then perhaps UPS should give the customer a "heads-up" before they make the first delivery attempt? Especially given that there is no checkbox on the delivery notice indicating that the customer needs to be there in person to sign for the package.

1) The shipper is the one requiring UPS to get the signature. Why didn't you blame the shipper for never telling you in the first place that a signature was needed? (Or if they did tell you, did you miss that requirement?) 2) UPS has an app/email feature you can sign up for, that will notify you when and where your package will be delivered, and if a signature is required.

Quote from: roadman on January 29, 2020, 04:57:46 PM
Quote from: Beltway on January 29, 2020, 03:48:32 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 29, 2020, 11:06:44 AM
You can easily tell the difference between a quarter and a dollar coin (2000 or later) by feeling the edge.
They also have a noticeably different "ring."

If they stay with the brass color, they will look different even at casual glance.

"Feel the edge" is far less effective than "feel the weight'.

Think of the coin edge as one of the original ADA requirements, which allowed blind people to know which coin they were handing, and how to tell the difference between a penny and dime, and nickel and quarter.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 30, 2020, 08:30:05 AM

Quote from: DaBigE on January 29, 2020, 10:07:28 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on January 29, 2020, 07:38:47 PM
This is my theme for Toastmasters tomorrow

Minor things that bother you or problematic coin designs?

Minor things

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on January 30, 2020, 12:40:21 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 30, 2020, 08:11:06 AM
Think of the coin edge as one of the original ADA requirements, which allowed blind people to know which coin they were handing, and how to tell the difference between a penny and dime, and nickel and quarter.

If you're talking about the grooves on the edge of any US coins worth more than a nickel, those were added long before the ADA, all the way back before 1800. They were originally intended to prevent people from shaving off the edges of the higher-value coins, with a side benefit of making them harder to counterfeit.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bulldog1979 on February 01, 2020, 01:41:44 PM

Quote from: Beltway on January 29, 2020, 03:48:32 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 29, 2020, 11:06:44 AM
You can easily tell the difference between a quarter and a dollar coin (2000 or later) by feeling the edge.
They also have a noticeably different "ring."

If they stay with the brass color, they will look different even at casual glance.

The gold dollars were designed to be compatible with the Susan B. Anthony dollar coins. The alloy used, although gold/brass in color, has the same electrical resistance value as the older SABs, and the outer diameter is the same. When I worked in a cash office at a Walmart store, our coin counter counted and sorted both types of dollar coins together. It would reject silver coinage, because that has a totally different resistance value from the cupronickel alloys used since 1965. Vending machines can use the same concepts to count the coins inserted as well.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 02, 2020, 04:34:48 AM

Old slot machines that used coins had a pretty clever way of dealing with changing coinage. There was a device on the inside of the door called a comparator that had a slot in it. The game techs would stick whatever sort of coin or token the machine was supposed to accept into the comparator slot and start the game. Then, whenever someone would insert a coin, the machine would check if the electrical resistance matched the coin in the comparator, accepting it if it was the same or kicking it out through the coin return if not. The beauty of this device was that a nickel machine could become a quarter machine just by opening the machine and replacing the nickel in the comparator with a quarter.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on February 02, 2020, 09:28:11 AM

Spain uses a phone numbering plan consisting of 9 digits, usually written in the forms xxx xx xx xx or xxx xxx xxx. Until 1998, the area code wasn't required if calling within the same province. However, some provinces (namely Madrid, Barcelona, Biscay and Valencia at first, later on also Seville, Malaga, Alicante and Asturias) have two digit area codes and seven digit subscriber numbers rather than the usual 3-6 pattern used elsewhere as they are more populated and thus needed more numbers. What gets me out of whack, is how phone numbers in those provinces are written: 91 xxx xx xx, which doesn't fit the usual patters. It's too hard to put the first digit of the subscriber number together with the area code (i.e. 91x xx xx xx) and thus fit the pattern used in other provinces? This only affects landlines, as cellphones use a different range of numbers which is, unlike what happens in North America, entirely independent of geography.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 02, 2020, 09:45:12 AM

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on February 02, 2020, 09:28:11 AM
.... This only affects landlines, as cellphones use a different range of numbers which is, unlike what happens in North America, entirely independent of geography.

The geography here means a lot less than it used to. The area code is theoretically assigned based on geography, but it's presumably based on where that phone number was first issued because you can keep a mobile number when you get a new phone, even if you're in a different part of the country. You see a lot of younger people whose phone numbers don't match where they live. Thankfully, almost nobody pays for long-distance calls anymore, so this is less of a problem than it would have been 20 years ago. (Of course, to some degree VOIP numbers are similar, so it's not just mobile phones. I think Vonage and Google Voice will issue you a phone number in another area code if you want one.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MNHighwayMan on February 02, 2020, 11:12:02 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 02, 2020, 09:45:12 AM
The geography here means a lot less than it used to. The area code is theoretically assigned based on geography, but it's presumably based on where that phone number was first issued because you can keep a mobile number when you get a new phone, even if you're in a different part of the country. You see a lot of younger people whose phone numbers don't match where they live.

True for me. It also is great for filtering out robocalls/spam calls, since they match my area code and no random number (i.e. one not in my contacts) is worth my time answering from that area code anymore.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on February 04, 2020, 05:08:14 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 02, 2020, 09:45:12 AM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on February 02, 2020, 09:28:11 AM
.... This only affects landlines, as cellphones use a different range of numbers which is, unlike what happens in North America, entirely independent of geography.

The geography here means a lot less than it used to. The area code is theoretically assigned based on geography, but it’s presumably based on where that phone number was first issued because you can keep a mobile number when you get a new phone, even if you’re in a different part of the country. You see a lot of younger people whose phone numbers don’t match where they live. Thankfully, almost nobody pays for long-distance calls anymore, so this is less of a problem than it would have been 20 years ago. (Of course, to some degree VOIP numbers are similar, so it’s not just mobile phones. I think Vonage and Google Voice will issue you a phone number in another area code if you want one.)

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 02, 2020, 04:34:48 AM
Old slot machines that used coins had a pretty clever way of dealing with changing coinage. There was a device on the inside of the door called a comparator that had a slot in it. The game techs would stick whatever sort of coin or token the machine was supposed to accept into the comparator slot and start the game. Then, whenever someone would insert a coin, the machine would check if the electrical resistance matched the coin in the comparator, accepting it if it was the same or kicking it out through the coin return if not. The beauty of this device was that a nickel machine could become a quarter machine just by opening the machine and replacing the nickel in the comparator with a quarter.

Some old subway turnstiles used the coin or token to physically complete an electrical circuit, allowing the patron to then open the turnstile.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ozarkman417 on February 05, 2020, 12:15:16 PM

NOAA: "winter storm coming to the Springfield area"
Me: "Good, I can use the snow day to catch up on some work"
it doesn't snow
Me the next morning: :banghead: :banghead: :pan: :banghead: :banghead:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on February 05, 2020, 12:16:35 PM

Quote from: ozarkman417 on February 05, 2020, 12:15:16 PM
NOAA: "winter storm coming to the Springfield area"
Me: "Good, I can use the snow day to catch up on some work"
it doesn't snow
Me the next morning: :banghead: :banghead: :pan: :banghead: :banghead:

The fact that we've gone from weathermen to meteorologists...AND WITH THEIR DEGREES THEY ARE NO BETTER AT PREDICTING THE WEATHER

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on February 05, 2020, 12:43:53 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on February 05, 2020, 12:16:35 PM
Quote from: ozarkman417 on February 05, 2020, 12:15:16 PM
NOAA: "winter storm coming to the Springfield area"
Me: "Good, I can use the snow day to catch up on some work"
it doesn't snow
Me the next morning: :banghead: :banghead: :pan: :banghead: :banghead:

The fact that we've gone from weathermen to meteorologists...AND WITH THEIR DEGREES THEY ARE NO BETTER AT PREDICTING THE WEATHER

I often complain about the weather forecasts, and get nothing but brushback. "Oh, they tried their best"..."It's just a prediction"..."You can't control the weather"...etc. Yes, all of that is true, but at the same time that is their job...to predict the weather. Time and money ride on their predictions.

There's many people out there that'll throw chairs at the 17 year old who didn't put enough meat in their taco at Taco Bell, yet will tell everyone that their favorite, college educated meteorologist, tries hard to put together a good forecast that was woefully incorrect. And then bitch that the school district shouldn't have closed schools because it didn't snow, even though their favorite meteorologist said it would. Misguided blame is preventing weather forecasts from improving.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on February 05, 2020, 01:05:33 PM

The basic problem with media weather forecasting is that they broadcast their predictions for a given day too far in advance (like announcing next weekend's weather on Monday morning), and tend to emphasize the worst case scenario when they do.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 05, 2020, 01:32:52 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on February 05, 2020, 12:16:35 PM
The fact that we've gone from weathermen to meteorologists...AND WITH THEIR DEGREES THEY ARE NO BETTER AT PREDICTING THE WEATHER

...or meteors.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on February 05, 2020, 01:40:45 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 05, 2020, 12:43:53 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on February 05, 2020, 12:16:35 PM
Quote from: ozarkman417 on February 05, 2020, 12:15:16 PM
NOAA: "winter storm coming to the Springfield area"
Me: "Good, I can use the snow day to catch up on some work"
it doesn't snow
Me the next morning: :banghead: :banghead: :pan: :banghead: :banghead:

The fact that we've gone from weathermen to meteorologists...AND WITH THEIR DEGREES THEY ARE NO BETTER AT PREDICTING THE WEATHER

I often complain about the weather forecasts, and get nothing but brushback. "Oh, they tried their best"..."It's just a prediction"..."You can't control the weather"...etc. Yes, all of that is true, but at the same time that is their job...to predict the weather. Time and money ride on their predictions.

There's many people out there that'll throw chairs at the 17 year old who didn't put enough meat in their taco at Taco Bell, yet will tell everyone that their favorite, college educated meteorologist, tries hard to put together a good forecast that was woefully incorrect. And then bitch that the school district shouldn't have closed schools because it didn't snow, even though their favorite meteorologist said it would. Misguided blame is preventing weather forecasts from improving.

Taco Bell can be controlled. Weather is far from controlled (unless you're part of the tinfoil hat/chemtrails club), and can still throw a curveball at the last minute. Based on your logic, we should be bitching more about traffic forecasters being wrong. They're also college-educated and using computer models to do their work. Get one developer to change, and the whole thing blows up.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on February 05, 2020, 02:33:40 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on February 05, 2020, 01:40:45 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 05, 2020, 12:43:53 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on February 05, 2020, 12:16:35 PM
Quote from: ozarkman417 on February 05, 2020, 12:15:16 PM
NOAA: "winter storm coming to the Springfield area"
Me: "Good, I can use the snow day to catch up on some work"
it doesn't snow
Me the next morning: :banghead: :banghead: :pan: :banghead: :banghead:

The fact that we've gone from weathermen to meteorologists...AND WITH THEIR DEGREES THEY ARE NO BETTER AT PREDICTING THE WEATHER

I often complain about the weather forecasts, and get nothing but brushback. "Oh, they tried their best"..."It's just a prediction"..."You can't control the weather"...etc. Yes, all of that is true, but at the same time that is their job...to predict the weather. Time and money ride on their predictions.

There's many people out there that'll throw chairs at the 17 year old who didn't put enough meat in their taco at Taco Bell, yet will tell everyone that their favorite, college educated meteorologist, tries hard to put together a good forecast that was woefully incorrect. And then bitch that the school district shouldn't have closed schools because it didn't snow, even though their favorite meteorologist said it would. Misguided blame is preventing weather forecasts from improving.

...Weather is far from controlled (unless you're part of the tinfoil hat/chemtrails club), and can still throw a curveball at the last minute. ...

Often times, they're not curve balls. They're predictable results. When weather forecasts have called for 1 - 3 inches of snow with a low of 35 degrees, something ain't gonna be correct. That's occurred a few times this year for Philly's forecast. If it snows heavy enough you can get a little accumulation at that temperature, but when the 1 - 3 inches is supposed to occur above freezing over several hours, it's not going to happen.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on February 05, 2020, 02:54:15 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 05, 2020, 02:33:40 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on February 05, 2020, 01:40:45 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 05, 2020, 12:43:53 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on February 05, 2020, 12:16:35 PM
Quote from: ozarkman417 on February 05, 2020, 12:15:16 PM
NOAA: "winter storm coming to the Springfield area"
Me: "Good, I can use the snow day to catch up on some work"
it doesn't snow
Me the next morning: :banghead: :banghead: :pan: :banghead: :banghead:

The fact that we've gone from weathermen to meteorologists...AND WITH THEIR DEGREES THEY ARE NO BETTER AT PREDICTING THE WEATHER

I often complain about the weather forecasts, and get nothing but brushback. "Oh, they tried their best"..."It's just a prediction"..."You can't control the weather"...etc. Yes, all of that is true, but at the same time that is their job...to predict the weather. Time and money ride on their predictions.

There's many people out there that'll throw chairs at the 17 year old who didn't put enough meat in their taco at Taco Bell, yet will tell everyone that their favorite, college educated meteorologist, tries hard to put together a good forecast that was woefully incorrect. And then bitch that the school district shouldn't have closed schools because it didn't snow, even though their favorite meteorologist said it would. Misguided blame is preventing weather forecasts from improving.

...Weather is far from controlled (unless you're part of the tinfoil hat/chemtrails club), and can still throw a curveball at the last minute. ...

Often times, they're not curve balls. They're predictable results. When weather forecasts have called for 1 - 3 inches of snow with a low of 35 degrees, something ain't gonna be correct. That's occurred a few times this year for Philly's forecast. If it snows heavy enough you can get a little accumulation at that temperature, but when the 1 - 3 inches is supposed to occur above freezing over several hours, it's not going to happen.

I see your point there. I thought you were referring more to large snow predictions that don't pan out because the system shifted onto a slightly different track or because the upper level temps didn't drop far enough fast enough to produce more snow. I also recall a couple days around here when they predicted huge severe weather outbreaks that ultimately didn't occur because the atmosphere remained capped and didn't allow any large storms to develop.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on February 05, 2020, 04:42:40 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 05, 2020, 12:43:53 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on February 05, 2020, 12:16:35 PM
Quote from: ozarkman417 on February 05, 2020, 12:15:16 PM
NOAA: "winter storm coming to the Springfield area"
Me: "Good, I can use the snow day to catch up on some work"
it doesn't snow
Me the next morning: :banghead: :banghead: :pan: :banghead: :banghead:

The fact that we've gone from weathermen to meteorologists...AND WITH THEIR DEGREES THEY ARE NO BETTER AT PREDICTING THE WEATHER

I often complain about the weather forecasts, and get nothing but brushback. "Oh, they tried their best"..."It's just a prediction"..."You can't control the weather"...etc. Yes, all of that is true, but at the same time that is their job...to predict the weather. Time and money ride on their predictions.

There's many people out there that'll throw chairs at the 17 year old who didn't put enough meat in their taco at Taco Bell, yet will tell everyone that their favorite, college educated meteorologist, tries hard to put together a good forecast that was woefully incorrect. And then bitch that the school district shouldn't have closed schools because it didn't snow, even though their favorite meteorologist said it would. Misguided blame is preventing weather forecasts from improving.

Yeah you can't predict everything, but you don't need an advanced degree to get that accuracy rating. Like when the football shows talk about their percent of correct picks and only hit 50%, well you can flip a coin and get that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on February 05, 2020, 04:51:15 PM

30% chances should happen 30% of the time.

Here's something to do: Every time a forecaster predicts a 30% chance (or a 70% chance, which is a 30% chance of not happening), note it and see if it happens. Over a large enough sample, it should be somewhat close to 30%. You can also choose 20%/80% or 25%/75% if you want.

I don't know how close they actually are, but I would imagine them to be somewhat in the ballpark.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 05, 2020, 05:04:23 PM

Quote from: 1 on February 05, 2020, 04:51:15 PM
30% chances should happen 30% of the time.

With a caveat.

The probability of precipitation (PoP) is actually the product of...

(confidence that precipitation of at least 0.01 inch will occur somewhere in the forecast area)
x
(percent of the forecast area that will receive measurable precipitation, if it occurs at all)

For example, if a meteorologist is 80% sure that your city will get rain, but only three-quarters of your city is supposed to get that rain, then the forecast for your city will be a 60% chance. Just because your neighborhood didn't receive any rain at all, that doesn't mean the meteorologist was wrong.

Quote from: 1 on February 05, 2020, 04:51:15 PM
Here's something to do: Every time a forecaster predicts a 30% chance (or a 70% chance, which is a 30% chance of not happening), note it and see if it happens. Over a large enough sample, it should be somewhat close to 30%. You can also choose 20%/80% or 25%/75% if you want.

This would only possible if you knew both numbers in the formula above, plus how much precipitation was recorded at all points within the forecast area.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: sparker on February 05, 2020, 05:25:32 PM

People who leave shopping carts right in an open parking space rather than at least move it to an unobtrusive area where it isn't blocking a space or passage. Adjunct complaint: major stores who scrimp on the number of cart "corrals" -- often resulting in incidents of my first complaint.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 05, 2020, 05:48:33 PM

Quote from: sparker on February 05, 2020, 05:25:32 PM
People who leave shopping carts right in an open parking space rather than at least move it to an unobtrusive area where it isn't blocking a space or passage.

As long as I haven't personally witnessed the person leaving the cart there, I like to think he or she must have trouble walking. That makes it irritate me less. Probably not true most of the time, but it works for me. Of course, I can't do that if I see a perfectly able-bodied but apparently lazy individual leave the cart the middle of the lot, but usually I just notice ones that were previously left there, so I can pretend.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wxfree on February 05, 2020, 05:57:27 PM

Dollars million

People write "$43 million" to say "$43,000,000." That can make sense for larger numbers, due to numerical illiteracy (innumeracy?), but that reads to me as "forty three dollars million." I've written it in this format: "43 million dollars," but that looks wrong, too.

This makes me think of the Beverly Hillbillies, who were paid in a new kind of dollar. They knew of silver dollars and paper dollars, but had never heard of million dollars. To me, an elegant solution is to modify the symbol, writing "[million dollar symbol]43." Put a small letter M somewhere around the $, and make another one for billions, and for trillions for when we talk about government debt. I doubt if that would be a popular solution, since no one else seems to mind reading about dollars million.

A less elegant solution would be "43 $million," which would read "forty three million dollars" to me. But that would confuse people more than either the current way or writing out the full number.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on February 05, 2020, 06:49:14 PM

Quote from: sparker on February 05, 2020, 05:25:32 PM
People who leave shopping carts right in an open parking space rather than at least move it to an unobtrusive area where it isn't blocking a space or passage. Adjunct complaint: major stores who scrimp on the number of cart "corrals" -- often resulting in incidents of my first complaint.

Yes, lazy asses who can't be troubled to walk it to the corral.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 05, 2020, 08:06:50 PM

Quote from: sparker on February 05, 2020, 05:25:32 PM
People who leave shopping carts right in an open parking space rather than at least move it to an unobtrusive area where it isn't blocking a space or passage. Adjunct complaint: major stores who scrimp on the number of cart "corrals" -- often resulting in incidents of my first complaint.

I do not consider this to be a "minor thing"! I regard it as a mega-annoyance, especially at the shopping center nearest to our house where they don't have ANY cart return corrals.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 05, 2020, 08:19:55 PM

Quote from: DaBigE on February 05, 2020, 01:40:45 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 05, 2020, 12:43:53 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on February 05, 2020, 12:16:35 PM
Quote from: ozarkman417 on February 05, 2020, 12:15:16 PM
NOAA: "winter storm coming to the Springfield area"
Me: "Good, I can use the snow day to catch up on some work"
it doesn't snow
Me the next morning: :banghead: :banghead: :pan: :banghead: :banghead:

The fact that we've gone from weathermen to meteorologists...AND WITH THEIR DEGREES THEY ARE NO BETTER AT PREDICTING THE WEATHER

I often complain about the weather forecasts, and get nothing but brushback. "Oh, they tried their best"..."It's just a prediction"..."You can't control the weather"...etc. Yes, all of that is true, but at the same time that is their job...to predict the weather. Time and money ride on their predictions.

There's many people out there that'll throw chairs at the 17 year old who didn't put enough meat in their taco at Taco Bell, yet will tell everyone that their favorite, college educated meteorologist, tries hard to put together a good forecast that was woefully incorrect. And then bitch that the school district shouldn't have closed schools because it didn't snow, even though their favorite meteorologist said it would. Misguided blame is preventing weather forecasts from improving.

Based on your logic, we should be bitching more about traffic forecasters being wrong.

That would be his point, yes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on February 05, 2020, 08:37:08 PM

People who don't put carts into the corral neatly. It's amazing how many times I'll put a cart away in one that's "full" but which magically gains room for double the amount of carts when I fix it (yeah, it bothers me so much that I actually take the time to organize them into a row of small carts and a row of big carts).

Quote from: kphoger on February 05, 2020, 05:48:33 PM
Quote from: sparker on February 05, 2020, 05:25:32 PM
People who leave shopping carts right in an open parking space rather than at least move it to an unobtrusive area where it isn't blocking a space or passage.

As long as I haven't personally witnessed the person leaving the cart there, I like to think he or she must have trouble walking. That makes it irritate me less. Probably not true most of the time, but it works for me. Of course, I can't do that if I see a perfectly able-bodied but apparently lazy individual leave the cart the middle of the lot, but usually I just notice ones that were previously left there, so I can pretend.

Indeed. The vast majority of the carts I see left out are by the handicapped parking spaces. I'll often grab one if it's a small cart (the kind I use) and I haven't already grabbed one from the corral.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on February 05, 2020, 08:39:51 PM

Quote from: wxfree on February 05, 2020, 05:57:27 PM
People write "$43 million" to say "$43,000,000." That can make sense for larger numbers, due to numerical illiteracy (innumeracy?), but that reads to me as "forty three dollars million." I've written it in this format: "43 million dollars," but that looks wrong, too.

I do it all the time, such as referring to a $43 million highway project, if I want to round to 2 decimal places, or add the tenth if I want to round to 3 decimal places, such as $43.1 million.

If it was a contract award of $43,128,045.32, then I would write the full number, but for a project in planning or even under construction, I would usually round the number if I wanted to use it in a discussion.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on February 06, 2020, 10:01:19 AM

Quote from: vdeane on February 05, 2020, 08:37:08 PM
People who don't put carts into the corral neatly. It's amazing how many times I'll put a cart away in one that's "full" but which magically gains room for double the amount of carts when I fix it (yeah, it bothers me so much that I actually take the time to organize them into a row of small carts and a row of big carts).

Quote from: kphoger on February 05, 2020, 05:48:33 PM
Quote from: sparker on February 05, 2020, 05:25:32 PM
People who leave shopping carts right in an open parking space rather than at least move it to an unobtrusive area where it isn't blocking a space or passage.

As long as I haven't personally witnessed the person leaving the cart there, I like to think he or she must have trouble walking. That makes it irritate me less. Probably not true most of the time, but it works for me. Of course, I can't do that if I see a perfectly able-bodied but apparently lazy individual leave the cart the middle of the lot, but usually I just notice ones that were previously left there, so I can pretend.
Indeed. The vast majority of the carts I see left out are by the handicapped parking spaces. I'll often grab one if it's a small cart (the kind I use) and I haven't already grabbed one from the corral.

Supermarkets that don't provide enough cart corrals, or in some cases any corrals at all, in the parking lot. Having to cross three or four parking aisles to return the cart to a corral is one reason many people don't do it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on February 06, 2020, 10:28:36 AM

Quote from: roadman on February 06, 2020, 10:01:19 AM
Quote from: vdeane on February 05, 2020, 08:37:08 PM
People who don't put carts into the corral neatly. It's amazing how many times I'll put a cart away in one that's "full" but which magically gains room for double the amount of carts when I fix it (yeah, it bothers me so much that I actually take the time to organize them into a row of small carts and a row of big carts).

Quote from: kphoger on February 05, 2020, 05:48:33 PM
Quote from: sparker on February 05, 2020, 05:25:32 PM
People who leave shopping carts right in an open parking space rather than at least move it to an unobtrusive area where it isn't blocking a space or passage.

As long as I haven't personally witnessed the person leaving the cart there, I like to think he or she must have trouble walking. That makes it irritate me less. Probably not true most of the time, but it works for me. Of course, I can't do that if I see a perfectly able-bodied but apparently lazy individual leave the cart the middle of the lot, but usually I just notice ones that were previously left there, so I can pretend.
Indeed. The vast majority of the carts I see left out are by the handicapped parking spaces. I'll often grab one if it's a small cart (the kind I use) and I haven't already grabbed one from the corral.

Supermarkets that don't provide enough cart corrals, or in some cases any corrals at all, in the parking lot. Having to cross three or four parking aisles to return the cart to a corral is one reason many people don't do it.

Of course, other people would complain that with more corrals, there are less parking spots and they have to walk farther to get to the door.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 06, 2020, 10:36:41 AM

Quote from: vdeane on February 05, 2020, 08:37:08 PM
People who don't put carts into the corral neatly. It's amazing how many times I'll put a cart away in one that's "full" but which magically gains room for double the amount of carts when I fix it (yeah, it bothers me so much that I actually take the time to organize them into a row of small carts and a row of big carts).

....

What drives me crazy at the cart return corrals are the "kiddie carts" (what I sometimes call the "playpen carts")–the ones with the big plastic housing on the front that's intended to be sort of like the cab of a truck, complete with steering wheels, where kids can sit instead of being up at the back of the cart where their feet swing directly at their parents' crotch areas. Those carts don't fit in the corrals at all and they completely mess up the neat stacks of large and small carts (assuming, of course, people put those away correctly into neat stacks, which they usually do not despite the signs saying "Put Large Carts Here" and "Put Small Carts Here"). Often there is simply nowhere to put your regular cart unless you drag the stupid kiddie carts out of the way, but then there is no good place to put those.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on February 06, 2020, 11:06:18 AM

Quote from: GaryV on February 06, 2020, 10:28:36 AM
Quote from: roadman on February 06, 2020, 10:01:19 AM
Quote from: vdeane on February 05, 2020, 08:37:08 PM
People who don't put carts into the corral neatly. It's amazing how many times I'll put a cart away in one that's "full" but which magically gains room for double the amount of carts when I fix it (yeah, it bothers me so much that I actually take the time to organize them into a row of small carts and a row of big carts).

Quote from: kphoger on February 05, 2020, 05:48:33 PM
Quote from: sparker on February 05, 2020, 05:25:32 PM
People who leave shopping carts right in an open parking space rather than at least move it to an unobtrusive area where it isn't blocking a space or passage.

As long as I haven't personally witnessed the person leaving the cart there, I like to think he or she must have trouble walking. That makes it irritate me less. Probably not true most of the time, but it works for me. Of course, I can't do that if I see a perfectly able-bodied but apparently lazy individual leave the cart the middle of the lot, but usually I just notice ones that were previously left there, so I can pretend.
Indeed. The vast majority of the carts I see left out are by the handicapped parking spaces. I'll often grab one if it's a small cart (the kind I use) and I haven't already grabbed one from the corral.

Supermarkets that don't provide enough cart corrals, or in some cases any corrals at all, in the parking lot. Having to cross three or four parking aisles to return the cart to a corral is one reason many people don't do it.

Of course, other people would complain that with more corrals, there are less parking spots and they have to walk farther to get to the door.

At the supermarket I shop at, the corrals are provided within the core area of the lot, where spaces are closest to the doors. There are no corrals placed at the outer areas of the lot, where it's further to get to the doors anyway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on February 06, 2020, 11:22:54 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on February 05, 2020, 12:16:35 PM
Quote from: ozarkman417 on February 05, 2020, 12:15:16 PM
NOAA: "winter storm coming to the Springfield area"
Me: "Good, I can use the snow day to catch up on some work"
it doesn't snow
Me the next morning: :banghead: :banghead: :pan: :banghead: :banghead:

The fact that we've gone from weathermen to meteorologists...AND WITH THEIR DEGREES THEY ARE NO BETTER AT PREDICTING THE WEATHER

Some stats from 2014 (http://www.randalolson.com/2014/06/21/accuracy-of-three-major-weather-forecasting-services/):

(https://i.imgur.com/l8njT5O.png)

That's pretty close for the two national services. Any percentage difference will result in the occasional high-visibility "miss". TV news tends to exaggerate the chance of rain (for similar reasons for highlighting local crime and other sensational stories: anything to keep you watching through the next commercial break). Don't get your news (or weather) from TV and you'll be in good shape.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on February 06, 2020, 11:27:16 AM

Quote from: kurumi on February 06, 2020, 11:22:54 AM
Any percentage difference will result in the occasional high-visibility "miss". TV news tends to exaggerate the chance of rain (for similar reasons for highlighting local crime and other sensational stories: anything to keep you watching through the next commercial break). Don't get your news (or weather) from TV and you'll be in good shape.

Exactly. I primarily rely on NOAA broadcasts for my weather. I'm fortunate to be in an area where I can reliably receive NOAA broadcasts for four different regions, so I am able to get and interpret the overall weather picture pretty well.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on February 06, 2020, 12:20:26 PM

Quote from: Beltway on February 05, 2020, 08:39:51 PM
Quote from: wxfree on February 05, 2020, 05:57:27 PM
People write "$43 million" to say "$43,000,000." That can make sense for larger numbers, due to numerical illiteracy (innumeracy?), but that reads to me as "forty three dollars million." I've written it in this format: "43 million dollars," but that looks wrong, too.
I do it all the time, such as referring to a $43 million highway project, if I want to round to 2 decimal places, or add the tenth if I want to round to 3 decimal places, such as $43.1 million.

If it was a contract award of $43,128,045.32, then I would write the full number, but for a project in planning or even under construction, I would usually round the number if I wanted to use it in a discussion.

I try to limit such numbers to three significant figures in informal discussions, too. Heck, I wish that retail fuel prices were required to be rounded to no more than three significant figures.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on February 06, 2020, 12:24:40 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 06, 2020, 10:36:41 AM
Quote from: vdeane on February 05, 2020, 08:37:08 PM
People who don't put carts into the corral neatly. It's amazing how many times I'll put a cart away in one that's "full" but which magically gains room for double the amount of carts when I fix it (yeah, it bothers me so much that I actually take the time to organize them into a row of small carts and a row of big carts).

....

What drives me crazy at the cart return corrals are the "kiddie carts" (what I sometimes call the "playpen carts")–the ones with the big plastic housing on the front that's intended to be sort of like the cab of a truck, complete with steering wheels, where kids can sit instead of being up at the back of the cart where their feet swing directly at their parents' crotch areas. Those carts don't fit in the corrals at all and they completely mess up the neat stacks of large and small carts (assuming, of course, people put those away correctly into neat stacks, which they usually do not despite the signs saying "Put Large Carts Here" and "Put Small Carts Here"). Often there is simply nowhere to put your regular cart unless you drag the stupid kiddie carts out of the way, but then there is no good place to put those.

God how I hated those carts when I used to work at a grocery store. Except for a few of us with longer arms, they always had to be hauled back to the store one at a time. A few of us could take them two at a time, but it wasn't fun. Thow in a little snow, and they are even more fun to deal with.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on February 06, 2020, 12:31:19 PM

Quote from: wxfree on February 05, 2020, 05:57:27 PM
Dollars million

People write "$43 million" to say "$43,000,000." That can make sense for larger numbers, due to numerical illiteracy (innumeracy?), but that reads to me as "forty three dollars million." I've written it in this format: "43 million dollars," but that looks wrong, too.

This makes me think of the Beverly Hillbillies, who were paid in a new kind of dollar. They knew of silver dollars and paper dollars, but had never heard of million dollars. To me, an elegant solution is to modify the symbol, writing "[million dollar symbol]43." Put a small letter M somewhere around the $, and make another one for billions, and for trillions for when we talk about government debt. I doubt if that would be a popular solution, since no one else seems to mind reading about dollars million.

A less elegant solution would be "43 $million," which would read "forty three million dollars" to me. But that would confuse people more than either the current way or writing out the full number.

For that, I just use the 'SI' prefix abbreviation letter 'M' for 'mega', ie '$43M' (note, a lower case 'm' is for 'milli', 1E-3 or 0.001 - one one thousandth). The real fun here is that the prefix for billion (1E9) is 'giga', shortened to 'G' - I find the lingering use of the word 'grand' to mean $1000 to be annoying, especially when those who still use that term often use 'G' as an abbreviation for it.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MNHighwayMan on February 06, 2020, 12:39:44 PM

Quote from: vdeane on February 05, 2020, 08:37:08 PM
People who don't put carts into the corral neatly. It's amazing how many times I'll put a cart away in one that's "full" but which magically gains room for double the amount of carts when I fix it (yeah, it bothers me so much that I actually take the time to organize them into a row of small carts and a row of big carts).

As someone who worked the thankless job of bringing in carts in high school, thank you.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on February 06, 2020, 12:44:59 PM

Quote from: ozarkman417 on February 05, 2020, 12:15:16 PM
NOAA: "winter storm coming to the Springfield area"
Me: "Good, I can use the snow day to catch up on some work"
it doesn't snow
Me the next morning: :banghead: :banghead: :pan: :banghead: :banghead:

Popular press weather guys and gals who over-sensationalize totally normal weather, especially WRT temperatures, to the point where everyone is scared into their little heated or refrigerated cubby holes, nothing is open and nobody is outside. When they glommed into the 'wind chill factor' (nothing more than a dressing guide chart for cold weather camping that was developed by the USA's military during WWII, located in the back pages of my Boy Scout Field Book) back in the 1980s to do that they turned a lot of people into total weather wimps. Just bundle up some more and/or take other needed normal precautions and you'll be able to enjoy your days just fine.

:banghead:

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 06, 2020, 12:51:05 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on February 06, 2020, 12:44:59 PM
Quote from: ozarkman417 on February 05, 2020, 12:15:16 PM
NOAA: "winter storm coming to the Springfield area"
Me: "Good, I can use the snow day to catch up on some work"
it doesn't snow
Me the next morning: :banghead: :banghead: :pan: :banghead: :banghead:

Popular press weather guys and gals who over-sensationalize totally normal weather, especially WRT temperatures, to the point where everyone is scared into their little heated or refrigerated cubby holes, nothing is open and nobody is outside. When they glommed into the 'wind chill factor' (nothing more than a dressing guide chart for cold weather camping that was developed by the USA's military during WWII, located in the back pages of my Boy Scout Field Book) back in the 1980s to do that they turned a lot of people into total weather wimps. Just bundle up some more and/or take other needed normal precautions and you'll be able to enjoy your days just fine.

:banghead:

Mike

I feel like it's usually the female weathermen who exaggerate the cold, such as saying 50Â°F is "chilly" (it's not, unless perhaps it's late spring or summer) or 32Â°F is "bitterly cold" (it's not, especially in February). If you think 50Â° is "chilly," you should be living in the part of Florida located south of Interstate 4, or perhaps in San Diego or Hawaii.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on February 06, 2020, 01:13:01 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 05, 2020, 12:43:53 PM
There's many people out there that'll throw chairs at the 17 year old who didn't put enough meat in their taco at Taco Bell, yet will tell everyone that their favorite, college educated meteorologist, tries hard to put together a good forecast that was woefully incorrect. And then bitch that the school district shouldn't have closed schools because it didn't snow, even though their favorite meteorologist said it would. Misguided blame is preventing weather forecasts from improving.

You're not really comparing taco-construction to weather prediction...right?

I get your point: give shit to the minimum wage guy, maximum excuse for the college-graduate. But you cannot build weather. It is an educated guess. The Taco Bell meat-man has everything to produce a product; meteorologists do not.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on February 06, 2020, 01:39:57 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 06, 2020, 10:36:41 AM
Quote from: vdeane on February 05, 2020, 08:37:08 PM
People who don't put carts into the corral neatly. It's amazing how many times I'll put a cart away in one that's "full" but which magically gains room for double the amount of carts when I fix it (yeah, it bothers me so much that I actually take the time to organize them into a row of small carts and a row of big carts).

....

What drives me crazy at the cart return corrals are the "kiddie carts" (what I sometimes call the "playpen carts")–the ones with the big plastic housing on the front that's intended to be sort of like the cab of a truck, complete with steering wheels, where kids can sit instead of being up at the back of the cart where their feet swing directly at their parents' crotch areas. Those carts don't fit in the corrals at all and they completely mess up the neat stacks of large and small carts (assuming, of course, people put those away correctly into neat stacks, which they usually do not despite the signs saying "Put Large Carts Here" and "Put Small Carts Here"). Often there is simply nowhere to put your regular cart unless you drag the stupid kiddie carts out of the way, but then there is no good place to put those.

The ones Hannaford uses have room for about 3.5 rows of carts, so with one row for small carts and one row of big carts, that leaves enough room (usually in the middle) to shove a kiddie cart on the occasion one is there (assuming there aren't an unusually large number of big carts forcing me to create a second row).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on February 06, 2020, 01:41:37 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on February 06, 2020, 12:44:59 PM'wind chill factor'

It's "real feel" temperature now.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on February 06, 2020, 01:52:33 PM

Quote from: MNHighwayMan on February 06, 2020, 12:39:44 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 05, 2020, 08:37:08 PM
People who don't put carts into the corral neatly. It's amazing how many times I'll put a cart away in one that's "full" but which magically gains room for double the amount of carts when I fix it (yeah, it bothers me so much that I actually take the time to organize them into a row of small carts and a row of big carts).

As someone who worked the thankless job of bringing in carts in high school, thank you.

It may be thankless, but I found it as a nice way to be able to stay away from the bitchy customers (and get a little workout, courtesy of the large heavy metal carts our grocery store had). I'm likely in the minority, but I looked forward to pushing carts (except for the rainy days). There were some nice days where I tried to spend my whole shift out there...until they implemented a 30-minute rotation for all the utility clerks/baggers :banghead:.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 06, 2020, 02:03:39 PM

Quote from: Beltway on February 05, 2020, 08:39:51 PM
Quote from: wxfree on February 05, 2020, 05:57:27 PMPeople write "$43 million" to say "$43,000,000." That can make sense for larger numbers, due to numerical illiteracy (innumeracy?), but that reads to me as "forty three dollars million." I've written it in this format: "43 million dollars," but that looks wrong, too.

I do it all the time, such as referring to a $43 million highway project, if I want to round to 2 decimal places, or add the tenth if I want to round to 3 decimal places, such as $43.1 million.

If it was a contract award of $43,128,045.32, then I would write the full number, but for a project in planning or even under construction, I would usually round the number if I wanted to use it in a discussion.

I do the same. In regard to Wxfree's point, I consider the dollar sign to apply to the totality of the numerical amount (43 million) rather than the one given just in digits (43). Expressions of the form "$43 million dollars" are internally redundant (and in fact I pointed them out as a personal annoyance many pages ago in this thread). Say "$43 million," or "43 million dollars" if you absolutely must, but not both "$" and "dollars" in relation to the same number.

As for further abbreviations of million, billion, etc., I consider them inelegant, though I recognize they have become increasingly prevalent in journalistic usage, first in the UK ("$43m," "$43bn," "$43trn") and latterly in the US ("$43M," "$43B").

Quote from: kphoger on February 05, 2020, 05:48:33 PM
Quote from: sparker on February 05, 2020, 05:25:32 PMPeople who leave shopping carts right in an open parking space rather than at least move it to an unobtrusive area where it isn't blocking a space or passage.

As long as I haven't personally witnessed the person leaving the cart there, I like to think he or she must have trouble walking. That makes it irritate me less. Probably not true most of the time, but it works for me. Of course, I can't do that if I see a perfectly able-bodied but apparently lazy individual leave the cart the middle of the lot, but usually I just notice ones that were previously left there, so I can pretend.

I became acculturated to the 1980's norm of there being no cart corrals in the parking lot, period, so that you were expected to walk the cart all the way back to the front of the store as a matter of courtesy to other shoppers. From this standpoint, cart not returned to the corral, or not shoved neatly into the corral, are merely different degrees of wrong.

What I do try to do--since this area is very windy--is to scavenge loose carts left in circulating aisles so they don't get blown into nearby cars. Carts otherwise matter little to me, since my chief preoccupation at big-box stores is frictionless if not necessarily quick exit--I don't want to have to back out of a parking space or traverse a pedestrian crossing zone.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 06, 2020, 02:10:56 PM

The two screenshots below are from another forum to which I belong. They fit the spirit of this thread perfectly. I responded to ARKHOO by suggesting wahoowad film the discussion and upload it to YouTube.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200206/893060c7447a0759e33f2de617aa9c3c.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200206/0966c2236dda623b21aec3bff53f992d.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on February 06, 2020, 02:33:49 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on February 06, 2020, 02:03:39 PM
Expressions of the form "$43 million dollars" are internally redundant (and in fact I pointed them out as a personal annoyance many pages ago in this thread).

The problem is that the symbol, for some reason, is placed before the number while the unit itself goes after, like it does in all other number-unit combinations. And so, I've decided to just put the dollar sign at the end and ignore anyone who complains. I write "43 $" or "43 million $," and so on.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on February 06, 2020, 02:49:01 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on February 06, 2020, 12:20:26 PM
Quote from: Beltway on February 05, 2020, 08:39:51 PM
I do it all the time, such as referring to a $43 million highway project, if I want to round to 2 decimal places, or add the tenth if I want to round to 3 decimal places, such as $43.1 million.
If it was a contract award of $43,128,045.32, then I would write the full number, but for a project in planning or even under construction, I would usually round the number if I wanted to use it in a discussion.
I try to limit such numbers to three significant figures in informal discussions, too. Heck, I wish that retail fuel prices were required to be rounded to no more than three significant figures.

I have long disliked the marketing gimmick of the fuel price per gallon having 0.9 cents tacked onto the end.

It made sense, the practice of having tenths of a cent pricing back when gasoline cost 25 to 30 cents per gallon. One penny is 4% of 25 cents.

Beyond $1.00 per gallon (decades ago now) it really made no sense. There would be at least some cost savings by not having pumps programmed that way.

Quote from: J N Winkler on February 06, 2020, 02:03:39 PM
I do the same. In regard to Wxfree's point, I consider the dollar sign to apply to the totality of the numerical amount (43 million) rather than the one given just in digits (43). Expressions of the form "$43 million dollars" are internally redundant (and in fact I pointed them out as a personal annoyance many pages ago in this thread). Say "$43 million," or "43 million dollars" if you absolutely must, but not both "$" and "dollars" in relation to the same number.
As for further abbreviations of million, billion, etc., I consider them inelegant, though I recognize they have become increasingly prevalent in journalistic usage, first in the UK ("$43m," "$43bn," "$43trn") and latterly in the US ("$43M," "$43B").

I do the same, spell it out --

$43.1 million
$2.42 billion

etc.

I too don't like abbreviating to "M" or "B."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: sparker on February 06, 2020, 04:22:34 PM

^^^^^^^^^^^
It's highly likely that the extension abbreviations such as $40.5M for $40,500,000. were appropriated from the technical/electronics sector, where such abbreviations are commonplace and even expected in technical writeups and schematics. Resistors, for instance, are marked, for example, at 47.5K for 47,500 ohms of resistance (the Euro model would state this as "47K5"). Same thing goes for higher resistances; 2,200,000 ohms would be 2.2M or 2M2 in Europe (some Japanese companies follow that idiom as well). Smaller values either have the Greek 'omega" after the number, or simply append an R, obviously for "resistance", to the value (i.e., 332R for 332 ohms; this has generally become the U.S. default standard). With the vast spread of technology, it's not surprising that those idioms have spread into fiscal reportage -- with the purveyors of such seeking as much brevity as possible.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on February 06, 2020, 06:33:39 PM

Quote from: sparker on February 06, 2020, 04:22:34 PM
It's highly likely that the extension abbreviations such as $40.5M for $40,500,000. were appropriated from the technical/electronics sector, where such abbreviations are commonplace and even expected in technical writeups and schematics.

Having worked with financial data on information systems, I would have a difficult time knowing exactly all the reasons.

Another 'shorthand' is to leave the last 3 digits off and have a header such as "Values in Thousands of Dollars"
http://syip.virginiadot.org/Pages/allProjects.aspx

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: sparker on February 07, 2020, 05:17:13 PM

Quote from: Beltway on February 06, 2020, 06:33:39 PM
Quote from: sparker on February 06, 2020, 04:22:34 PM
It's highly likely that the extension abbreviations such as $40.5M for $40,500,000. were appropriated from the technical/electronics sector, where such abbreviations are commonplace and even expected in technical writeups and schematics.
Having worked with financial data on information systems, I would have a difficult time knowing exactly all the reasons.

Another 'shorthand' is to leave the last 3 digits off and have a header such as "Values in Thousands of Dollars"
http://syip.virginiadot.org/Pages/allProjects.aspx

Caltrans' STIP utilizes the last abbreviation method and has since the STIP concept and format was introduced in 1976. And this was extended to those local roads eligible for state funding since those were included & itemized in the STIP about 20 years ago. For funding purposes, it seems as good an idiom as any!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 08, 2020, 09:37:36 AM

California puts all of its 100% state-funded projects on their STIP? That seems like overkill. NY considers the STIP an enabling document for federal funding. A few state-funded projects end up there because they somehow involve an interstate or other facility FHWA cares about, but otherwise they're mostly not added.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on February 08, 2020, 10:40:02 AM

Quote from: Rothman on February 08, 2020, 09:37:36 AM
California puts all of its 100% state-funded projects on their STIP? That seems like overkill. NY considers the STIP an enabling document for federal funding. A few state-funded projects end up there because they somehow involve an interstate or other facility FHWA cares about, but otherwise they're mostly not added.

Wouldn't that depend on the size of the 100% state-funded project?

Nowadays that could include a project of over $1 billion.

Any project of over $5 or $10 million or so could be there.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 08, 2020, 11:59:38 AM

Quote from: Rothman on February 08, 2020, 09:37:36 AMCalifornia puts all of its 100% state-funded projects on their STIP? That seems like overkill. NY considers the STIP an enabling document for federal funding. A few state-funded projects end up there because they somehow involve an interstate or other facility FHWA cares about, but otherwise they're mostly not added.

I am not big into STIPs/TIPs, but the last time I explored how highway funding is programmed in California, I gathered that the STIP is considered the master list of every transportation project in which California state government has some involvement (not just Caltrans, but also the toll road authorities and regional measure agencies developing projects in coordination with Caltrans' Office of Special Funded Projects), and there is a subset document with just federal-aid projects for federal compliance purposes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 08, 2020, 12:31:58 PM

Quote from: Beltway on February 08, 2020, 10:40:02 AM
Quote from: Rothman on February 08, 2020, 09:37:36 AM
California puts all of its 100% state-funded projects on their STIP? That seems like overkill. NY considers the STIP an enabling document for federal funding. A few state-funded projects end up there because they somehow involve an interstate or other facility FHWA cares about, but otherwise they're mostly not added.
Wouldn't that depend on the size of the 100% state-funded project?

Nowadays that could include a project of over $1 billion.

Any project of over $5 or $10 million or so could be there.

No.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 08, 2020, 12:33:01 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on February 08, 2020, 11:59:38 AM
Quote from: Rothman on February 08, 2020, 09:37:36 AMCalifornia puts all of its 100% state-funded projects on their STIP? That seems like overkill. NY considers the STIP an enabling document for federal funding. A few state-funded projects end up there because they somehow involve an interstate or other facility FHWA cares about, but otherwise they're mostly not added.

I am not big into STIPs/TIPs, but the last time I explored how highway funding is programmed in California, I gathered that the STIP is considered the master list of every transportation project in which California state government has some involvement (not just Caltrans, but also the toll road authorities and regional measure agencies developing projects in coordination with Caltrans' Office of Special Funded Projects), and there is a subset document with just federal-aid projects for federal compliance purposes.

Interesting that they use what is essentially the fed's program to manage their entire program, then.

I know NY is not unique in having a capital projects database separate from the STIP.

(Come to think of it, I wonder if they use eSTIP...I'd be surprised if they didn't)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on February 08, 2020, 12:41:07 PM

QuoteRe: Cart Corrals

Describing the following is hard, to the point where I just want to move the corrals around myself some night.

In a normal parking lot, you can place a cart corral in a parking aisle 12 spaces apart. Then in the adjoining aisle, you can offset it from the first aisle by 6 spaces, then place them 10 spaces apart. The result: No matter where you park, you are no more than 3 spaces away from a corral! My bad attempt at drawing this is below. We'll say the store is at the top; the red X's denote the corrals. Simply by reducing the spacing by 2, you'll be no more than 2 spots away from a corral!

___________________________________________________
_______________________Store________________________

____ _______ _______ _______ ____
|_3_ _3_|_3_ _3_|_3_ _3_|_3_ _3__|
|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2__|
|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1__|
|_X_ _0_|_0_ _X_|_X_ _0_|_0_ _X__|
|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1__|
|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2__|
|_3_ _3_|_3_ _3_|_3_ _3_|_3_ _3__|
|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2__|
|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1__|
|_0_ _X_|_X_ _0_|_0_ _X_|_X_ _0__|
|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1__|
|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2__|
|_3_ _3_|_3_ _3_|_3_ _3_|_3_ _3__|
|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2__|
|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1__|
|_X_ _0_|_0_ _X_|_X_ _0_|_0_ _X__|
|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1__|
|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2__|
|_3_ _3_|_3_ _3_|_3_ _3_|_3_ _3__|

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on February 08, 2020, 12:55:44 PM

^ Interesting, staggering the corrals just like that is pretty much exactly what Wegmans does!
(I'm not sure of the exact spacing they use, but basically if there's no corral nearby in your own aisle, there will be one in the aisle across from you, just like you described.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on February 08, 2020, 01:09:56 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 06, 2020, 02:10:56 PM
The two screenshots below are from another forum to which I belong. They fit the spirit of this thread perfectly. I responded to ARKHOO by suggesting wahoowad film the discussion and upload it to YouTube.

(first image snipped)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200206/0966c2236dda623b21aec3bff53f992d.jpg)

That is hilarious. And you know more than one guy is taking it as serious advice.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on February 08, 2020, 01:53:20 PM

Harley Quinn

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on February 08, 2020, 01:54:37 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 08, 2020, 12:41:07 PM
QuoteRe: Cart Corrals

Describing the following is hard, to the point where I just want to move the corrals around myself some night.

In a normal parking lot, you can place a cart corral in a parking aisle 12 spaces apart. Then in the adjoining aisle, you can offset it from the first aisle by 6 spaces, then place them 10 spaces apart. The result: No matter where you park, you are no more than 3 spaces away from a corral! My bad attempt at drawing this is below. We'll say the store is at the top; the red X's denote the corrals. Simply by reducing the spacing by 2, you'll be no more than 2 spots away from a corral!

___________________________________________________
_______________________Store________________________

____ _______ _______ _______ ____
|_3_ _3_|_3_ _3_|_3_ _3_|_3_ _3__|
|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2__|
|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1__|
|_X_ _0_|_0_ _X_|_X_ _0_|_0_ _X__|
|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1__|
|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2__|
|_3_ _3_|_3_ _3_|_3_ _3_|_3_ _3__|
|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2__|
|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1__|
|_0_ _X_|_X_ _0_|_0_ _X_|_X_ _0__|
|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1__|
|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2__|
|_3_ _3_|_3_ _3_|_3_ _3_|_3_ _3__|
|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2__|
|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1__|
|_X_ _0_|_0_ _X_|_X_ _0_|_0_ _X__|
|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1_|_1_ _1__|
|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2_|_2_ _2__|
|_3_ _3_|_3_ _3_|_3_ _3_|_3_ _3__|

stop applying simple logic to real world problems

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 11, 2020, 02:06:42 PM

Quote from: vdeane on February 05, 2020, 08:37:08 PM
It's amazing how many times I'll put a cart away in one that's "full" but which magically gains room for double the amount of carts when I fix it (yeah, it bothers me so much that I actually take the time to organize them into a row of small carts and a row of big carts).

So I'm not the only one who does that??? Yay!!!

I always organize the cart corral when I put mine away. This is surely based in part on the fact that my first job was pushing carts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jemacedo9 on February 11, 2020, 02:28:09 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 11, 2020, 02:06:42 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 05, 2020, 08:37:08 PM
It's amazing how many times I'll put a cart away in one that's "full" but which magically gains room for double the amount of carts when I fix it (yeah, it bothers me so much that I actually take the time to organize them into a row of small carts and a row of big carts).

So I'm not the only one who does that??? Yay!!!

I always organize the cart corral when I put mine away. This is surely based in part on the fact that my first job was pushing carts.

Same here. Yes and yes and an added yes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: KEVIN_224 on February 11, 2020, 07:10:03 PM

Or those who have undiagnosed O.C.D.? I've put back a few carts at the supermarket or Walmart in my time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on February 12, 2020, 11:19:49 AM

^^^
I certainly don't have OCD, but I'll corral and put back loose carts sometimes because it's the polite thing to do. I also do the same with items that may have fallen or been knocked off the shelves and are on the floor.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 12, 2020, 11:56:00 AM

I organize cart corrals too--the more densely the carts are packed, the easier it is to put more in and the less likely any will be left loose in the lot where the wind can blow them into cars.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rushmeister on February 12, 2020, 12:11:35 PM

Coworkers. (That's all I have to say about that.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 12, 2020, 12:51:03 PM

Short handing names for things that could be said easily. Example; Bay Area Rapid Transit sounds more natural to me than "the BART." Stuff like "U" and "Ur" gets to me in short hand Textese. Ur to me is one of oldest traces of human civilization.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on February 12, 2020, 01:23:15 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 12, 2020, 12:51:03 PM
Short handing names for things that could be said easily. Example; Bay Area Rapid Transit sounds more natural to me than “the BART.” Stuff like “U” and “Ur” gets to me in short hand Textese. Ur to me is one of oldest traces of human civilization.

Local terminology. If you had to say and hear Bay Area Rapid Transit every day, multiple times a day, it would grate on you rather quickly. We don't say Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority or Metropolitan Transportation Authority, we say "Septa" or "the Subway" or "the Bus". Locally, we don't tend to say "the New Jersey Turnpike" or "the Garden State Parkway", we just say the Turnpike or the Parkway. Someone from California may say the full name, but in NJ we all know what the Turnpike and Parkway means.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 12, 2020, 01:29:00 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 12, 2020, 01:23:15 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 12, 2020, 12:51:03 PM
Short handing names for things that could be said easily. Example; Bay Area Rapid Transit sounds more natural to me than "the BART." Stuff like "U" and "Ur" gets to me in short hand Textese. Ur to me is one of oldest traces of human civilization.

Local terminology. If you had to say and hear Bay Area Rapid Transit every day, multiple times a day, it would grate on you rather quickly. We don't say Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority or Metropolitan Transportation Authority, we say "Septa" or "the Subway" or "the Bus". Locally, we don't tend to say "the New Jersey Turnpike" or "the Garden State Parkway", we just say the Turnpike or the Parkway. Someone from California may say the full name, but in NJ we all know what the Turnpike and Parkway means.

In my own defense I work in a field where shorthand isn't really acceptable. To that end I fully acknowledge what seems obtuse to me with shorthand naming conventions usually isn't for almost anyone else. Example; if I was to fill out a travel voucher with "BART" it would be rejected for inaccuracy.

Interestingly though the short hand name of a transportation system is one of the few instances where inserting "The" would be acceptable as non-California slang. "The Bart" sounds much more natural than something akin to "The 101."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 12, 2020, 01:33:12 PM

The DC Metro should be the "Federal Area Rapid Transit."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on February 12, 2020, 01:34:00 PM

"The Bart" doesn't sound natural to me, just like "The Fred" and "The George" don't. People's names don't takes articles.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on February 12, 2020, 01:36:34 PM

And I should note that "Bart" is a stupid name IMO, but what you're trying to find someone that works I guess "Bay IntraCity Transit Hub" probably didn't get many votes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 12, 2020, 01:51:31 PM

Bay Area Metro Express (Bay-X) might be something that sounds a lot less like it's referring to a person? In Fresno our mass transit service is Fresno Area Express which is short handed to FAX: I haven't ridden on a FAX bus myself but I would be greatly amused to tell someone on the phone that "I'm sending myself via FAX."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 12, 2020, 02:11:23 PM

So, this is what I saw on my way into the grocery store yesterday. Can you guess why I thought of this thread?

Actually, this was on my way back out of the store. It was slightly better on the way in. It might not be apparent in the picture, but the entire mess was due to the fact that two (yes, only two!) carts were left side-by-side but at a diagonal in the middle of the corral. Rather than straighten those two carts out to form lines, the third shopper just rammed his or her cart against the rail behind them, and then not a single shopper after that could be bothered to do any better.

(https://i.imgur.com/dAi93dW.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on February 12, 2020, 02:26:57 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 12, 2020, 01:33:12 PM
The DC Metro should be the "Federal Area Rapid Transit."

Wah-mah-ta. That is how people pronounce WMATA.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 12, 2020, 02:34:03 PM

Quote from: Beltway on February 12, 2020, 02:26:57 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on February 12, 2020, 01:33:12 PM
The DC Metro should be the "Federal Area Rapid Transit."

Wah-mah-ta. That is how people pronounce WMATA.

Yes, I know, but the scatalogical value of the name I suggested is more entertaining.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Beltway on February 12, 2020, 02:39:01 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 12, 2020, 02:34:03 PM
Quote from: Beltway on February 12, 2020, 02:26:57 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on February 12, 2020, 01:33:12 PM
The DC Metro should be the "Federal Area Rapid Transit."
Wah-mah-ta. That is how people pronounce WMATA.
Yes, I know, but the scatalogical value of the name I suggested is more entertaining.

https://www.shortbusrides.com/

Founded in September of 2009, Foothill Area Rapid Transit was created to fill a need in the Greater Sacramento Area for an alternative to traditional Limousine services. The Short Bus is a fun and economical solution that specializes in making every trip a memorable occasion.

Whether you're looking to take a wine tour with friends, or you're hosting a party for your favorite bachelor. You'll have a gas with F.A.R.T. You get twice the fun of a limo with features including bar stocked w/glasses, leather seating, a 32″ HD TV/DVD player, PS3, Rock Band 2, satellite stereo and CD player, and a maximum capacity of 14 .

Every trip is a memorable occasion, on Sacramento's #1 Party Bus!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: renegade on February 12, 2020, 06:11:49 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 12, 2020, 02:11:23 PM
So, this is what I saw on my way into the grocery store yesterday. Can you guess why I thought of this thread?

Actually, this was on my way back out of the store. It was slightly better on the way in. It might not be apparent in the picture, but the entire mess was due to the fact that two (yes, only two!) carts were left side-by-side but at a diagonal in the middle of the corral. Rather than straighten those two carts out to form lines, the third shopper just rammed his or her cart against the rail behind them, and then not a single shopper after that could be bothered to do any better.

(https://i.imgur.com/dAi93dW.jpg)

Looks like someone hasn't been out to do their job for awhile.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dvferyance on February 12, 2020, 06:48:52 PM

Illogical highway routing and endpoints I know that shouldn't bother anyone but for whatever reason it bother me. I wish I could make some changes to make things more logical.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: KEVIN_224 on February 12, 2020, 07:32:55 PM

At least those in greater Boston only say "T" and not "Mib-Tah" (MBTA). "Piv-Tah" would sound even worse in greater Springfield, MA. (PVTA - Pioneer Valley Transit Authority)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on February 12, 2020, 07:37:41 PM

Quote from: KEVIN_224 on February 12, 2020, 07:32:55 PM
At least those in greater Boston only say "T" and not "Mib-Tah" (MBTA). "Piv-Tah" would sound even worse in greater Springfield, MA. (PVTA - Pioneer Valley Transit Authority)

I've never heard MBTA pronounced as if it was a word. (In common speech, "MBTA" refers to the company itself, not the trains and buses.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on February 12, 2020, 07:44:25 PM

Bands that had a following at one point and play a concert and play primarily new stuff. A few songs are fun but that's not what people are paying to see.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DaBigE on February 12, 2020, 11:55:05 PM

Online articles that state how long it should take you to read it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on February 13, 2020, 04:59:36 AM

Quote from: DaBigE on February 12, 2020, 11:55:05 PM
Online articles that state how long it should take you to read it.

1 second read.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on February 13, 2020, 10:15:27 AM

Quote from: DaBigE on February 12, 2020, 11:55:05 PM
Online articles that state how long it should take you to read it.

You need to treat that like a challenge. "Naw, I can read it much faster than that." Kind of how I like to try to beat the Google Maps lady when she says it will take me 47 minutes to get to my destination.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 13, 2020, 10:48:59 AM

Quote from: GaryV on February 13, 2020, 10:15:27 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on February 12, 2020, 11:55:05 PM
Online articles that state how long it should take you to read it.

You need to treat that like a challenge. "Naw, I can read it much faster than that." Kind of how I like to try to beat the Google Maps lady when she says it will take me 47 minutes to get to my destination.

A lot of training guides and videos have the same thing. For the most part I've found you can usually get through the information well before the specified timeframe. That said, the NSC Defensive Driving Course...they are damn serous when they say four hours...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 13, 2020, 12:57:40 PM

Quote from: KEVIN_224 on February 12, 2020, 07:32:55 PM
At least those in greater Boston only say "T" and not "Mib-Tah" (MBTA). "Piv-Tah" would sound even worse in greater Springfield, MA. (PVTA - Pioneer Valley Transit Authority)

Out of state Five College students have been known to call it the Piv-Tah.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rushmeister on February 13, 2020, 01:01:38 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 12, 2020, 02:11:23 PM
So, this is what I saw on my way into the grocery store yesterday. Can you guess why I thought of this thread?

Actually, this was on my way back out of the store. It was slightly better on the way in. It might not be apparent in the picture, but the entire mess was due to the fact that two (yes, only two!) carts were left side-by-side but at a diagonal in the middle of the corral. Rather than straighten those two carts out to form lines, the third shopper just rammed his or her cart against the rail behind them, and then not a single shopper after that could be bothered to do any better.

(https://i.imgur.com/dAi93dW.jpg)

Zipper merge malfunction?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 13, 2020, 01:06:05 PM

Quote from: renegade on February 12, 2020, 06:11:49 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 12, 2020, 02:11:23 PM
So, this is what I saw on my way into the grocery store yesterday. Can you guess why I thought of this thread?

Actually, this was on my way back out of the store. It was slightly better on the way in. It might not be apparent in the picture, but the entire mess was due to the fact that two (yes, only two!) carts were left side-by-side but at a diagonal in the middle of the corral. Rather than straighten those two carts out to form lines, the third shopper just rammed his or her cart against the rail behind them, and then not a single shopper after that could be bothered to do any better.

(https://i.imgur.com/dAi93dW.jpg)

Looks like someone hasn't been out to do their job for awhile.

Actually... For around 4:40 pm at a busy grocery store, that's not necessarily a huge number of carts. If they were lined up two abreast all the way in the corral, the lines wouldn't even extend past the end of the rails.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 13, 2020, 02:15:40 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 13, 2020, 01:06:05 PMActually... For around 4:40 pm at a busy grocery store, that's not necessarily a huge number of carts. If they were lined up two abreast all the way in the corral, the lines wouldn't even extend past the end of the rails.

Central and Rock? From my perspective, the fact this is on the northeast side of town is all the explanation one needs.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on February 14, 2020, 02:51:30 AM

Speaking of things that bother me ... those creepy-ass Kroger figurines. Yeesh. Fred Meyer (PNW chain owned by Kroger) adopted them as part of their branding...I'm gonna have to pass.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 14, 2020, 02:23:15 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on February 13, 2020, 02:15:40 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 13, 2020, 01:06:05 PM
Actually... For around 4:40 pm at a busy grocery store, that's not necessarily a huge number of carts. If they were lined up two abreast all the way in the corral, the lines wouldn't even extend past the end of the rails.

Central and Rock? From my perspective, the fact this is on the northeast side of town is all the explanation one needs.

Yes. What we affectionately refer to as "the Gucci Dillon's".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 16, 2020, 05:48:23 PM

Quote from: vdeane on February 05, 2020, 08:37:08 PM
People who don't put carts into the corral neatly. It's amazing how many times I'll put a cart away in one that's "full" but which magically gains room for double the amount of carts when I fix it (yeah, it bothers me so much that I actually take the time to organize them into a row of small carts and a row of big carts).

Here was the scene at Wegmans last night. :angry:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200216/1ee74c0ea5a9adf7c32c74d8ded29d32.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 17, 2020, 01:41:37 PM

Holy cow, your cart corrals look nicer than some train platforms!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 17, 2020, 01:56:11 PM

The lack of sugar cane in soda state side. I've been down in Mexico all week and taking advantage of all the Coke/Fanta products at every corner store has been nice. Corn syrup just doesn't taste the same to me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on February 17, 2020, 02:02:57 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 17, 2020, 01:56:11 PM
The lack of sugar cane in soda state side. I've been down in Mexico all week and taking advantage of all the Coke/Fanta products at every corner store has been nice. Corn syrup just doesn't taste the same to me.

I have seen Mexican Coke and a few other Mexican sodas in the states. You may have to do some searching in order to find those.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 17, 2020, 02:13:51 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 17, 2020, 01:56:11 PM
The lack of sugar cane in soda state side. I've been down in Mexico all week and taking advantage of all the Coke/Fanta products at every corner store has been nice. Corn syrup just doesn't taste the same to me.

Do I remember correctly, that plastic bottles in Mexico have switched to corn syrup?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Brandon on February 17, 2020, 02:52:40 PM

Quote from: Big John on February 17, 2020, 02:02:57 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 17, 2020, 01:56:11 PM
The lack of sugar cane in soda state side. I've been down in Mexico all week and taking advantage of all the Coke/Fanta products at every corner store has been nice. Corn syrup just doesn't taste the same to me.
I have seen Mexican Coke and a few other Mexican sodas in the states. You may have to do some searching in order to find those.

Yeah, like, go down the Mexican foods aisle instead of the regular pop aisle.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 17, 2020, 03:03:19 PM

^^^

Yes but those are tiny little bottles good for one serving.

Quote from: kphoger on February 17, 2020, 02:13:51 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 17, 2020, 01:56:11 PM
The lack of sugar cane in soda state side. I've been down in Mexico all week and taking advantage of all the Coke/Fanta products at every corner store has been nice. Corn syrup just doesn't taste the same to me.

Do I remember correctly, that plastic bottles in Mexico have switched to corn syrup?

They have, the glass bottles are still sugar cane.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 17, 2020, 05:01:36 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 17, 2020, 03:03:19 PM
Yes but those are tiny little bottles good for one serving.

At least at the main grocery stores around here, Mexican Coca-Cola is sold in 355ml glass bottles, which is three-fifths of a 20oz plastic bottle. In order to find the half-liter glass bottles of Mexican Coca-Cola, I have to go to a Mexican grocery store (there is one fairly close to my house); that's about 85% of a 20oz plastic bottle and is plenty of soda.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on February 17, 2020, 09:12:41 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 17, 2020, 01:41:37 PM
Holy cow, your cart corrals look nicer than some train platforms!

It's Wegmans. They aren't the top grocery store chain in the country for nothing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 17, 2020, 09:17:13 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 17, 2020, 01:56:11 PM
The lack of sugar cane in soda state side. I've been down in Mexico all week and taking advantage of all the Coke/Fanta products at every corner store has been nice. Corn syrup just doesn't taste the same to me.

Stock up in early April. Look for Coke in the bottles with yellow caps. They're "Kosher Coke" and they use real sugar.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 17, 2020, 09:31:39 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 17, 2020, 09:17:13 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 17, 2020, 01:56:11 PM
The lack of sugar cane in soda state side. I've been down in Mexico all week and taking advantage of all the Coke/Fanta products at every corner store has been nice. Corn syrup just doesn't taste the same to me.

Stock up in early April. Look for Coke in the bottles with yellow caps. They're "Kosher Coke" and they use real sugar.

Apparently that's a thing down in Mexico already, just had a look at some of the plastic bottles in my wife's grandma's fridge.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on February 17, 2020, 10:32:48 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 17, 2020, 09:17:13 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 17, 2020, 01:56:11 PM
The lack of sugar cane in soda state side. I've been down in Mexico all week and taking advantage of all the Coke/Fanta products at every corner store has been nice. Corn syrup just doesn't taste the same to me.

Stock up in early April. Look for Coke in the bottles with yellow caps. They're "Kosher Coke" and they use real sugar.

For this, you might have to be in an area with a significant Jewish population in order to make it worthwhile for the grocery stores to carry it. I often make a trip to Pikesville MD (suburb of Baltimore) to stock up. This is during Passover, where corn syrup Coke is not kosher, but sugar Coke is. As 1995hoo said, look for the yellow caps. Typically the two liter bottles in my experience.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ilpt4u on February 17, 2020, 10:41:21 PM

Hispanic grocery stores tend to keep "Mexican" Coke and Pepsi in stock, at least in my experience. Glass bottles and Cane Sugar

Heck, sometimes Coke and Pepsi sell 12-packs of "Cane Sugar" versions...I think Pepsi brands it "Pepsi Throwback"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on February 17, 2020, 11:09:02 PM

Quote from: vdeane on February 17, 2020, 09:12:41 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 17, 2020, 01:41:37 PM
Holy cow, your cart corrals look nicer than some train platforms!
It's Wegmans. They aren't the top grocery store chain in the country for nothing.

Yeah, I was going to say, at least Wegmans cart corrals can be all messed up and still look better than most look when they're organized! And not just the corrals, the carts too.

I must say it does make one happy to see people in other states shopping at Wegmans. :biggrin:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GenExpwy on February 18, 2020, 02:32:46 AM

Quote from: webny99 on February 17, 2020, 11:09:02 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 17, 2020, 09:12:41 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 17, 2020, 01:41:37 PM
Holy cow, your cart corrals look nicer than some train platforms!
It's Wegmans. They aren't the top grocery store chain in the country for nothing.

Yeah, I was going to say, at least Wegmans cart corrals can be all messed up and still look better than most look when they're organized! And not just the corrals, the carts too.

I must say it does make one happy to see people in other states shopping at Wegmans. :biggrin:

I like that Wegmans' corrals are concreted into the ground, and protected with proper bollards. Several times at Tops, I've had to slide the entire corral back into its proper position, to make room to get back into my car.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman on March 11, 2020, 04:44:33 PM

When researching appliances (in this case, washing machines) on-line, and the notice 'Price revealed in cart" appears. When I compare appliances, one of my key criteria is price. I shouldn't be forced to open up a shopping cart (translation "I might buy this") just to compare prices on items.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: allniter89 on March 12, 2020, 09:42:34 PM

Quote from: Big John on February 17, 2020, 02:02:57 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 17, 2020, 01:56:11 PM
The lack of sugar cane in soda state side. I've been down in Mexico all week and taking advantage of all the Coke/Fanta products at every corner store has been nice. Corn syrup just doesn't taste the same to me.
I have seen Mexican Coke and a few other Mexican sodas in the states. You may have to do some searching in order to find those.

Crestview, FL Publix has Mexican Coke, mof it has a whole isle of Mexican groceries.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 21, 2020, 10:54:41 PM

Feeling thirsty right after I wake up
Needing to go to the bathroom while in bed when I just want to keep sleeping
The sound of squeaking boots
Gatekeeping on the internet

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on May 21, 2020, 11:05:35 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 21, 2020, 10:54:41 PM
The sound of squeaking boots

Reminds me of driving a manual transmission while your shoes are wet: because clutch pedals normally have a ton of distance between "engaged" and "not engaged", you can get some wicked loud shoe-on-pedal squeaks compared to an auto, where throttle and brake usage is more gradual; compare this to a clutch pedal, where it's more "fast-on, fast-off [when possible]".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 21, 2020, 11:15:47 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on May 21, 2020, 11:05:35 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 21, 2020, 10:54:41 PM
The sound of squeaking boots

Reminds me of driving a manual transmission while your shoes are wet: because clutch pedals normally have a ton of distance between "engaged" and "not engaged", you can get some wicked loud shoe-on-pedal squeaks compared to an auto, where throttle and brake usage is more gradual; compare this to a clutch pedal, where it's more "fast-on, fast-off [when possible]".

Personally I can't stand it when shoes make that noise. Business casual shoes are the absolute worst for making that squeaking noise. Outside of conferences I rarely even wear business casual shoes at work because of that noise (and comfort) anymore. Just as bad is the constant "tap" and "th-wack" noise that heeled shoes make on hard surfaces.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on May 22, 2020, 06:48:45 AM

I bought a pair of cheap-ish Nikes for work that started to squeak internally after about 3 months; I guess the air pockets or something in the design failed, because they'll squeak even on a carpet floor or grass. We're allowed sneakers in solid black, and that's nice when you don't want to pack an extra set of shoes for the morning exercise routine. But they sit in a closet collecting dust now.

Really frustrating, but I guess $50 is on the low end for their brand. They sure are comfortable for standing around on long days, though making a duck call with every step is frustrating.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on May 22, 2020, 09:57:34 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 21, 2020, 11:15:47 PM
.... Just as bad is the constant "tap" and "th-wack" noise that heeled shoes make on hard surfaces.

It's funny how your mind associates certain sounds, smells, etc., with experiences during your life. When I hear the clack of a heel on a hard surface like a tiled floor, my mind associates it with the sound of a teacher coming down the hall (and, more likely than not, my being in trouble for something). I assume this is because the teachers were the only ones who wore hard-soled shoes when I was attending school–all the kids wore sneakers–and if the hall was quiet enough for me to hear the clack of a heel, it probably meant I had been told to go stand out in the hall.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on May 22, 2020, 11:33:56 AM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 21, 2020, 10:54:41 PMFeeling thirsty right after I wake up

Needing to go to the bathroom while in bed when I just want to keep sleeping

These annoy me too. I generally drink a tall glass of water an hour and a half to two hours before bed, so that any urge to urinate can be satisfied just before I go to sleep.

Needing to go while sleeping is not always a matter of a full bladder--especially in the winter, it can be a sign your bedroom is too cold.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 22, 2020, 11:49:32 AM

Quote from: J N Winkler on May 22, 2020, 11:33:56 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 21, 2020, 10:54:41 PMFeeling thirsty right after I wake up

Needing to go to the bathroom while in bed when I just want to keep sleeping

These annoy me too. I generally drink a tall glass of water an hour and a half to two hours before bed, so that any urge to urinate can be satisfied just before I go to sleep.

Needing to go while sleeping is not always a matter of a full bladder--especially in the winter, it can be a sign your bedroom is too cold.

I put a water bottle next to my bed so I can drink it right after I wake up.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on May 22, 2020, 01:00:24 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 22, 2020, 11:49:32 AMI put a water bottle next to my bed so I can drink it right after I wake up.

I keep a glass of water on hand for the same purpose, but there is value to going to bed fully hydrated because your teeth depend on saliva for enamel remineralization. This is also a good reason to avoid consuming alcohol late in the evening (or to excess at any time of the day).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wxfree on May 22, 2020, 11:27:21 PM

"Hurricane force gusts"

There's no such thing as a hurricane force wind gust. Hurricane force winds are defined by sustained speed (measured whichever way is used in a particular area), not by gusts. Maybe weather nerds are like road nerds in that regard, and I'm both.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on May 22, 2020, 11:32:33 PM

Quote from: wxfree on May 22, 2020, 11:27:21 PM
"Hurricane force gusts"

There's no such thing as a hurricane force wind gust. Hurricane force winds are defined by sustained speed (measured whichever way is used in a particular area), not by gusts. Maybe weather nerds are like road nerds in that regard, and I'm both.

I found that you can't dare tell the general people their favorite weather person is wrong, because its a hard job. Then they go yell at a 17 year old working a register because they screwed up their fast food burger.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on May 23, 2020, 12:56:35 AM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 21, 2020, 10:54:41 PM
Feeling thirsty right after I wake up

Something happened to me a few months ago and now every morning I wake up plugged up and need Afrin, and with a pasty mouth. Almost every single day :P

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on May 23, 2020, 12:57:58 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 22, 2020, 11:32:33 PM
Quote from: wxfree on May 22, 2020, 11:27:21 PM
"Hurricane force gusts"

There's no such thing as a hurricane force wind gust. Hurricane force winds are defined by sustained speed (measured whichever way is used in a particular area), not by gusts. Maybe weather nerds are like road nerds in that regard, and I'm both.

I found that you can't dare tell the general people their favorite weather person is wrong, because its a hard job. Then they go yell at a 17 year old working a register because they screwed up their fast food burger.

I'm amazed that you used to just have a weather guy and now they all have advanced degrees and all the best equipment, and no more accurate than the weather guy ever was. I love when they say 30% chance of rain WHILE ITS RAINING..meaning 100% chance.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on May 23, 2020, 02:06:36 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on May 23, 2020, 12:57:58 AM
I love when they say 30% chance of rain WHILE ITS RAINING..meaning 100% chance.

I mean you have to realize you’re not the only one they’re forecasting for - it may not be raining at the location of other viewers.

When meteorologists talk about rain chances, that number has to combine two things: the likelihood that rain will occur anywhere in the forecast area, and the percentage of that area that would see rain if it occurs. So on a given day, if there’s a 50% chance that rain will develop somewhere in the forecast area, but only 40% of that area would get rain if it happens, the calculated rain chance (and the number your TV meteorologist would show) is 20%.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Verlanka on May 23, 2020, 05:00:45 AM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 21, 2020, 10:54:41 PM
Gatekeeping on the internet

No idea what that means. :confused:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on May 23, 2020, 10:34:32 AM

Quote from: US 89 on May 23, 2020, 02:06:36 AM
Quote from: texaskdog on May 23, 2020, 12:57:58 AM
I love when they say 30% chance of rain WHILE ITS RAINING..meaning 100% chance.

I mean you have to realize you're not the only one they're forecasting for - it may not be raining at the location of other viewers.

When meteorologists talk about rain chances, that number has to combine two things: the likelihood that rain will occur anywhere in the forecast area, and the percentage of that area that would see rain if it occurs. So on a given day, if there's a 50% chance that rain will develop somewhere in the forecast area, but only 40% of that area would get rain if it happens, the calculated rain chance (and the number your TV meteorologist would show) is 20%.

That's how they get away with it. They can claim a vague, always changing area as their forecasted position. They can show a 50% change of rain, and show the weather maps as the storm going thru on the west side of the city. If the storm comes thru on the east side instead, they'll have the camera crews showing the flooding and the trees down, all the while saying how they predicted this storm and how people needed to adhere to the precautions. It's a cold day in hell when you can easily find previous forecasts, because they are generally removed from Facebook pages and news sites pretty quickly, especially when the forecast didn't pan out the way it should. The most inaccurate forecasts gripes tend to center around snow, because if the forecast isn't correct, either people prepared for nothing, or people didn't prepare and a lot happened. With any other forecast, it tends to be more of an inconvenience, or a nicer day than expected, but wrong is wrong.

Let's use something more relevant to today's society: Coronavirus. People are pissed that certain people didn't take this more seriously back in the winter months. 2 months later we see how it panned out, but I bet most of those complaining didn't do a damn thing to help themselves prepare, other than stock up on toilet paper, and even then most people took it as a joke. Those that didn't prepare then got pissed at the ones that did, claiming they hoarded supplies. If this was a weather forecast, people would console their favorite weather forecaster claiming they couldn't foresee what would happen. I seriously doubt anyone can honestly answer they could've foreseen what would happen as a result of this virus. If you can, please, pull up and reference your posts from January and February. Don't provide vague answers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on May 23, 2020, 05:54:18 PM

Email clients, note-taking apps, editors, etc...

If you paste in a URL, it underlines it, which is fine: http://aaroads.com

But then it also underlines everything you type afterward, which is 100% never what you want, why the family circus would it do this

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on May 23, 2020, 08:56:32 PM

Quote from: kurumi on May 23, 2020, 05:54:18 PM
Email clients, note-taking apps, editors, etc...

If you paste in a URL, it underlines it, which is fine: http://aaroads.com

But then it also underlines everything you type afterward, which is 100% never what you want, why the family circus would it do this

The trick (perhaps obviously) is to type out the whole sentence, and then go back and insert the link.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on May 23, 2020, 10:12:22 PM

Quote from: kurumi on May 23, 2020, 05:54:18 PMEmail clients, note-taking apps, editors, etc...

If you paste in a URL, it underlines it, which is fine: http://aaroads.com

But then it also underlines everything you type afterward, which is 100% never what you want, why the family circus would it do this

It's actually been quite a while since I last saw this particular antipattern. The software I use is not especially up to date, but is still reasonably good at recognizing characters that are illegal in URLs (such as spaces and carriage returns) as marking URL boundaries.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on May 24, 2020, 12:34:15 AM

Quote from: kurumi on May 23, 2020, 05:54:18 PM
Email clients, note-taking apps, editors, etc...

If you paste in a URL, it underlines it, which is fine: http://aaroads.com

But then it also underlines everything you type afterward, which is 100% never what you want, why the family circus would it do this

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dysfunctional_Family_Circus

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 27, 2020, 01:43:13 PM

Quote from: kurumi on May 23, 2020, 05:54:18 PM
Email clients, note-taking apps, editors, etc...

If you paste in a URL, it underlines it, which is fine: http://aaroads.com

But then it also underlines everything you type afterward, which is 100% never what you want, why the family circus would it do this

I've never experienced that. Do you mean it does that on this forum?

Maybe it's just because I manually type the [.url] and [.u] tags ahead of pasting the URL.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US71 on May 27, 2020, 09:36:38 PM

Quote from: kurumi on May 23, 2020, 05:54:18 PM
Email clients, note-taking apps, editors, etc...

If you paste in a URL, it underlines it, which is fine: http://aaroads.com

But then it also underlines everything you type afterward, which is 100% never what you want, why the family circus would it do this

Can you manually remove the excess underline?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on May 27, 2020, 10:27:59 PM

Quote from: US71 on May 27, 2020, 09:36:38 PM
Quote from: kurumi on May 23, 2020, 05:54:18 PM
Email clients, note-taking apps, editors, etc...

If you paste in a URL, it underlines it, which is fine: http://aaroads.com

But then it also underlines everything you type afterward, which is 100% never what you want, why the family circus would it do this

Can you manually remove the excess underline?

Use an eraser ;)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Ned Weasel on May 28, 2020, 07:22:18 AM

People treating Breezewood as if it's a major atrocity, when in reality, it's an odd quirk in the system and far from the worst of Interstate traffic problems. It's a fun thought experiment to conceptualize ways to "fix" it, but in reality, it epitomizes "first world problems."

Me fussing over minor inconsistencies in the way roads are signed. Again, "first world problems." Doesn't mean I don't want to improve the sign design, though.

Rhetoric about how "cars destroy cities." Yes, there are many places where we can do a far better job with pedestrian access and bicycle infrastructure, but come on. This rhetoric just gets annoying and turns me off from your message. If you're serious, put the pencil to the paper and propose some better designs.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on May 28, 2020, 08:41:50 AM

In that vein, grid purists. There is no way to lay a perfect grid. I despise those who, upon extending I-45 to Kansas City, send it up I-35 and reroute I-35 onto I-29. I just renumber I-29 to I-45, even if it is West of I-35.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Ned Weasel on May 28, 2020, 10:40:58 AM

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on May 28, 2020, 08:41:50 AM
In that vein, grid purists. There is no way to lay a perfect grid. I despise those who, upon extending I-45 to Kansas City, send it up I-35 and reroute I-35 onto I-29. I just renumber I-29 to I-45, even if it is West of I-35.

I don't even think an I-29 renumbering is likely at all. Yeah, you'd have a continuous Interstate designation from the South Coast to Canada, but changing all those I-29 shields (and perhaps the mile marker and exit numbers in Missouri, depending on which way you route it) is an expense I doubt those states would want to take on.

People on this forum have already proposed a renumbering of I-29 to I-49, which is just as unlikely, even though you could possibly do it right now (without upgrading US 71 in south Kansas City) with a couple of creative renumberings.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 02, 2020, 04:30:14 PM

That my cell phone's calculator app apparently has some features that use an internet connection. I never use those features, don't even know what they are, but that's not the point. Whenever I finish filling up the tank at a gas station, I get out my fuel economy notebook to record the fill-up. I get my cell phone out of my pocket, start figuring my mileage, and then–halfway through my calculation–the phone pops up a list of Wi-Fi networks to connect to.

I just need to do division! I don't need to connect to Wi-Fi! Shut up! Aarghh!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on September 02, 2020, 05:11:56 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 02, 2020, 04:30:14 PM
That my cell phone's calculator app apparently has some features that use an internet connection. I never use those features, don't even know what they are, but that's not the point. Whenever I finish filling up the tank at a gas station, I get out my fuel economy notebook to record the fill-up. I get my cell phone out of my pocket, start figuring my mileage, and then–halfway through my calculation–the phone pops up a list of Wi-Fi networks to connect to.

I just need to do division! I don't need to connect to Wi-Fi! Shut up! Aarghh!

I feel like this has been the result of the changes in data plans over the years (unlimited common when smartphones were less common, then less common when smartphones became common, and now unlimited is common again). A lot of people don't have unlimited data and will use wifi whenever possible, so the pop up is helpful.

Then again, I can't recall seeing that pop-up on Android unless my wifi was only just activated and a previously-connected network wasn't found. Is your arrival at that gas station prompting your phone to enable its wifi? My Samsung phone has a feature that enables and disables my wifi depending on whether I'm at home or not, or if I'm within the vicinity of whatever place(s) I set.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: sparker on September 02, 2020, 05:42:31 PM

There's a driver habit that, at least in my local area, has become increasingly annoying. When I'm located in a left turn lane (or even the leftmost lane, period) at an intersection, drivers coming from my right side intending to themselves turn left into the opposite direction of the street I'm on more often than not try to "cut the corner" with as wide a turning arc as possible, almost hitting the front left corner of my vehicle. Not only have they had to correct their trajectory to avoid me, but they invariably throw dirty looks my way as if I were trespassing on their chosen path! This has happened at various intersections, but more with T-intersections where I'm in the left lane of the terminating street. The type of vehicle that does this varies, of course, but larger private-use trucks (F150's, Rams) as well as "muscle" cars (lots of Mopar offerings!) seem not only to form a likely bloc but will "throw the most shade" my way re the aforementioned dirty looks. Now -- I've recently tried to stop well back from the line on nonsignalized intersections -- but the trigger loops for signalized intersections tend to be close to the line, so there's not a lot that can be done with those. I'm left wondering if actually turning a vehicle on a limited radius is becoming a forgotten or even passe' skill -- or is it just plan laziness and/or expected privilege at play here? :confused:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 02, 2020, 09:07:30 PM

^ Interesting, I've actually had the opposite issue, with people pulling up too far to stop, such that when there's a perpendicular double left turn lane, if you're in the left of the two, you have to strike a really careful balance between hitting their left corner and sideswiping the guy turning next to you. Here (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.2159066,-77.4466653,3a,90y,133.92h,76.88t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sB3Wyg0Ra5mcgli31HTRuRA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en) is one location where I've had this happen at least a few times in the past few months.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jmacswimmer on September 02, 2020, 09:19:01 PM

Noticed this exact phenomenon while sitting in this left-turn lane (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.402277,-76.9442921,3a,57y,272.59h,89.03t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1scQgSQChtVGDd3aHvy-AyAA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en) yesterday evening. Definitely seems to be a much bigger issue when there is a double-left involved, as webny99 describes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on September 02, 2020, 09:23:58 PM

Quote from: sparker on September 02, 2020, 05:42:31 PM
There's a driver habit that, at least in my local area, has become increasingly annoying. When I'm located in a left turn lane (or even the leftmost lane, period) at an intersection, drivers coming from my right side intending to themselves turn left into the opposite direction of the street I'm on more often than not try to "cut the corner" with as wide a turning arc as possible, almost hitting the front left corner of my vehicle. Not only have they had to correct their trajectory to avoid me, but they invariably throw dirty looks my way as if I were trespassing on their chosen path! This has happened at various intersections, but more with T-intersections where I'm in the left lane of the terminating street. The type of vehicle that does this varies, of course, but larger private-use trucks (F150's, Rams) as well as "muscle" cars (lots of Mopar offerings!) seem not only to form a likely bloc but will "throw the most shade" my way re the aforementioned dirty looks. Now -- I've recently tried to stop well back from the line on nonsignalized intersections -- but the trigger loops for signalized intersections tend to be close to the line, so there's not a lot that can be done with those. I'm left wondering if actually turning a vehicle on a limited radius is becoming a forgotten or even passe' skill -- or is it just plan laziness and/or expected privilege at play here? :confused:

Not that what you're detailing is new, but COVID-related traffic decreases have definitely made the drivers you're describing feel more enabled to act like gigantic douchebags letting all their reckless driving fantasies out and act like you're the one with the problem.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Verlanka on September 03, 2020, 07:11:05 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on September 02, 2020, 05:11:56 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 02, 2020, 04:30:14 PM
That my cell phone's calculator app apparently has some features that use an internet connection. I never use those features, don't even know what they are, but that's not the point. Whenever I finish filling up the tank at a gas station, I get out my fuel economy notebook to record the fill-up. I get my cell phone out of my pocket, start figuring my mileage, and then–halfway through my calculation–the phone pops up a list of Wi-Fi networks to connect to.

I just need to do division! I don't need to connect to Wi-Fi! Shut up! Aarghh!

I feel like this has been the result of the changes in data plans over the years (unlimited common when smartphones were less common, then less common when smartphones became common, and now unlimited is common again). A lot of people don't have unlimited data and will use wifi whenever possible, so the pop up is helpful.

They don't have unlimited because they either use Wi-Fi a lot or they don't leave the house that often.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: sparker on September 03, 2020, 07:34:56 AM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on September 02, 2020, 09:23:58 PM
Quote from: sparker on September 02, 2020, 05:42:31 PM
There's a driver habit that, at least in my local area, has become increasingly annoying. When I'm located in a left turn lane (or even the leftmost lane, period) at an intersection, drivers coming from my right side intending to themselves turn left into the opposite direction of the street I'm on more often than not try to "cut the corner" with as wide a turning arc as possible, almost hitting the front left corner of my vehicle. Not only have they had to correct their trajectory to avoid me, but they invariably throw dirty looks my way as if I were trespassing on their chosen path! This has happened at various intersections, but more with T-intersections where I'm in the left lane of the terminating street. The type of vehicle that does this varies, of course, but larger private-use trucks (F150's, Rams) as well as "muscle" cars (lots of Mopar offerings!) seem not only to form a likely bloc but will "throw the most shade" my way re the aforementioned dirty looks. Now -- I've recently tried to stop well back from the line on nonsignalized intersections -- but the trigger loops for signalized intersections tend to be close to the line, so there's not a lot that can be done with those. I'm left wondering if actually turning a vehicle on a limited radius is becoming a forgotten or even passe' skill -- or is it just plan laziness and/or expected privilege at play here? :confused:

Not that what you're detailing is new, but COVID-related traffic decreases have definitely made the drivers you're describing feel more enabled to act like gigantic douchebags letting all their reckless driving fantasies out and act like you're the one with the problem.

I started noticing this issue well over the 7+ years I've been living in the San Jose area -- but the observation above may indeed be valid; the instances of this occurring seem to have increased in the last six months, almost coincident with the state sequestration order. Maybe it's just juvenile exuberance manifesting itself among drivers normally "cooped up" at home or in an isolated office setting, but the overall impatience level of drivers, at least anecdotally, seems to have increased over that period. Given the overall situation today, it's just one more (albeit relatively minor) thing to add to the list of daily-life obstacles or even conditions.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 03, 2020, 10:13:16 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on September 02, 2020, 05:11:56 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 02, 2020, 04:30:14 PM
That my cell phone's calculator app apparently has some features that use an internet connection. I never use those features, don't even know what they are, but that's not the point. Whenever I finish filling up the tank at a gas station, I get out my fuel economy notebook to record the fill-up. I get my cell phone out of my pocket, start figuring my mileage, and then–halfway through my calculation–the phone pops up a list of Wi-Fi networks to connect to.

I just need to do division! I don't need to connect to Wi-Fi! Shut up! Aarghh!

I feel like this has been the result of the changes in data plans over the years (unlimited common when smartphones were less common, then less common when smartphones became common, and now unlimited is common again). A lot of people don't have unlimited data and will use wifi whenever possible, so the pop up is helpful.

Then again, I can't recall seeing that pop-up on Android unless my wifi was only just activated and a previously-connected network wasn't found. Is your arrival at that gas station prompting your phone to enable its wifi? My Samsung phone has a feature that enables and disables my wifi depending on whether I'm at home or not, or if I'm within the vicinity of whatever place(s) I set.

I have my phone set to not use mobile data whenever a Wi-Fi network is available. So it prompts me to either use an available network, and using mobile data requires me to override that. Which is great, and I appreciate the functionality of it. But it's a dang calculator!

Quote from: sparker on September 02, 2020, 05:42:31 PM
There's a driver habit that, at least in my local area, has become increasingly annoying. When I'm located in a left turn lane (or even the leftmost lane, period) at an intersection, drivers coming from my right side intending to themselves turn left into the opposite direction of the street I'm on more often than not try to "cut the corner" with as wide a turning arc as possible, almost hitting the front left corner of my vehicle. Not only have they had to correct their trajectory to avoid me, but they invariably throw dirty looks my way as if I were trespassing on their chosen path! This has happened at various intersections, but more with T-intersections where I'm in the left lane of the terminating street. The type of vehicle that does this varies, of course, but larger private-use trucks (F150's, Rams) as well as "muscle" cars (lots of Mopar offerings!) seem not only to form a likely bloc but will "throw the most shade" my way re the aforementioned dirty looks. Now -- I've recently tried to stop well back from the line on nonsignalized intersections -- but the trigger loops for signalized intersections tend to be close to the line, so there's not a lot that can be done with those. I'm left wondering if actually turning a vehicle on a limited radius is becoming a forgotten or even passe' skill -- or is it just plan laziness and/or expected privilege at play here? :confused:

I've never noticed that. Around here at least, most drivers turn into the far lane, so their vehicle never even comes close to mine. In fact, I try stop well in advance of the stop line specifically to make them turn closer to me–i.e., to encourage them to turn into the near (legal) lane.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on September 03, 2020, 03:15:11 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 03, 2020, 10:13:16 AM
I have my phone set to not use mobile data whenever a Wi-Fi network is available. So it prompts me to either use an available network, and using mobile data requires me to override that. Which is great, and I appreciate the functionality of it. But it's a dang calculator!

It's just funny to me that an app is prompting that window to open up. I'm on Android 10 (Samsung One UI Version 2.5) and that pop-up only opens in the scenario previously mentioned. An app cannot open that window on my phone. You are using Android, yes?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on September 03, 2020, 03:30:13 PM

Quote from: sparker on September 02, 2020, 05:42:31 PM
There's a driver habit that, at least in my local area, has become increasingly annoying. When I'm located in a left turn lane (or even the leftmost lane, period) at an intersection, drivers coming from my right side intending to themselves turn left into the opposite direction of the street I'm on more often than not try to "cut the corner" with as wide a turning arc as possible, almost hitting the front left corner of my vehicle. Not only have they had to correct their trajectory to avoid me, but they invariably throw dirty looks my way as if I were trespassing on their chosen path! This has happened at various intersections, but more with T-intersections where I'm in the left lane of the terminating street. The type of vehicle that does this varies, of course, but larger private-use trucks (F150's, Rams) as well as "muscle" cars (lots of Mopar offerings!) seem not only to form a likely bloc but will "throw the most shade" my way re the aforementioned dirty looks. Now -- I've recently tried to stop well back from the line on nonsignalized intersections -- but the trigger loops for signalized intersections tend to be close to the line, so there's not a lot that can be done with those. I'm left wondering if actually turning a vehicle on a limited radius is becoming a forgotten or even passe' skill -- or is it just plan laziness and/or expected privilege at play here? :confused:

I've noticed this to be especially common in areas where drivers are not keen on waiting in the junction to turn left. They will wait behind the stop line for a gap, and then lurch forward and turn in this very wide arc the moment they see a gap. Little do they realize that if they pulled forward, the turn across traffic would be shorter, and they'd be much less likely to end up in the far lane or (the main issue) cut the corner and nearly hit someone.

However, I do think that individual agencies are slightly responsible for this behavior. In places like British Columbia, it's very standard to bring the left turn lane's stop line back from the intersection. This does two things: (1) it encourages drivers to pull forward when waiting to turn (single lane protected lefts are fairly uncommon), reducing the turning arc, and (2) reduces the chance of corner cutting. This is particularly important in British Columbia because protected left turns (less common except for most double left turns) usually have the signals mounted in the median (great example here (https://goo.gl/maps/ddMduvznBC6TcgkQA)). If drivers religiously cut corners, the chance of the signals being knocked down would be much higher.

If you look at places like California (which you should be familiar with lol), the stop lines for left turns are...well, they don't seem to exist. Apparently it's the first line of a crosswalk? That seems odd to me, and reminds me a bit of Oregon. But anyways, the left turn "stop lines" are at the same horizontal position as the through or right turn lanes (https://goo.gl/maps/uycyAbNhh9eZMBBVA). That, to me, is asking for drivers to cut the corner and nearly hit anyone that might be in their way. If we more often set stop lines back, we might be able to reduce how often this happens.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 03, 2020, 03:43:28 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on September 03, 2020, 03:15:11 PM
You are using Android, yes?

yep

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: I-55 on September 03, 2020, 03:53:53 PM

Not being able to use Microsoft Office hotkeys in Google docs

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 03, 2020, 04:00:59 PM

Quote from: I-55 on September 03, 2020, 03:53:53 PM
Google docs

nuff said

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on September 04, 2020, 01:53:06 AM

Quote from: sparker on September 02, 2020, 05:42:31 PM
There's a driver habit that, at least in my local area, has become increasingly annoying. When I'm located in a left turn lane (or even the leftmost lane, period) at an intersection, drivers coming from my right side intending to themselves turn left into the opposite direction of the street I'm on more often than not try to "cut the corner" with as wide a turning arc as possible, almost hitting the front left corner of my vehicle. Not only have they had to correct their trajectory to avoid me, but they invariably throw dirty looks my way as if I were trespassing on their chosen path! This has happened at various intersections, but more with T-intersections where I'm in the left lane of the terminating street. The type of vehicle that does this varies, of course, but larger private-use trucks (F150's, Rams) as well as "muscle" cars (lots of Mopar offerings!) seem not only to form a likely bloc but will "throw the most shade" my way re the aforementioned dirty looks. Now -- I've recently tried to stop well back from the line on nonsignalized intersections -- but the trigger loops for signalized intersections tend to be close to the line, so there's not a lot that can be done with those. I'm left wondering if actually turning a vehicle on a limited radius is becoming a forgotten or even passe' skill -- or is it just plan laziness and/or expected privilege at play here? :confused:

I think it's laziness and a forgotten or even passe' skill. <old man's voice> When I took driver ed as a kid </old man's voice> I was taught to tighten up and "square off" my turns and I still do it. Maybe too many other drivers don't because they would have to put down their phones and lattes to actually take the steering wheel with both hands.

Related to this are people clueless of spatial relationships with their vehicles or simply the inability to handle them. For a pathetic grin, watch drivers of full-size pickups and SUVs pulling into and backing out of parking spaces at the mall. More often than not over one of the lines, and needing two or three attempts at minimum to back out. Ultimate scenario: How many times have you seen a vehicle being driven partially or fully on the inside right shoulder of a cloverleaf ramp because the driver can't stay in the traffic lane around the curve?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 04, 2020, 10:52:11 AM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on September 04, 2020, 01:53:06 AM
Ultimate scenario: How many times have you seen a vehicle being driven partially or fully on the inside right shoulder of a cloverleaf ramp because the driver can't stay in the traffic lane around the curve?

You think people do that accidentally? I don't think so. People cut the corner off curves on purpose, generally. It allows them to accelerate sooner when they come out of the turn.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jmacswimmer on September 04, 2020, 10:59:13 AM

Quote from: kphoger on September 04, 2020, 10:52:11 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on September 04, 2020, 01:53:06 AM
Ultimate scenario: How many times have you seen a vehicle being driven partially or fully on the inside right shoulder of a cloverleaf ramp because the driver can't stay in the traffic lane around the curve?

You think people do that accidentally? I don't think so. People cut the corner off curves on purpose, generally. It allows them to accelerate sooner when they come out of the turn.

Here's an example of exactly that, but at a roundabout (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.3229813,-77.3587348,3a,75y,172.96h,83.86t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sxlJwCo0Ybr9y0WT1tC3V8A!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: sparker on September 04, 2020, 08:03:19 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 04, 2020, 10:52:11 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on September 04, 2020, 01:53:06 AM
Ultimate scenario: How many times have you seen a vehicle being driven partially or fully on the inside right shoulder of a cloverleaf ramp because the driver can't stay in the traffic lane around the curve?

You think people do that accidentally? I don't think so. People cut the corner off curves on purpose, generally. It allows them to accelerate sooner when they come out of the turn.

S.O.P. on race tracks unless specifically prohibited. I do it on a regular basis on cloverleaf/parclo loops if they've been configured with (a) an unusually small radius to begin with or (b) a changing -- usually diminishing -- radius (more common than one would imagine here in Caltrans D4 -- they've even acknowleged this with signage on a few extreme situations, such as the loop from SB I-880 to SB US 101).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on September 04, 2020, 08:16:04 PM

Leaving for trips behind schedule, even by car.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on September 05, 2020, 09:01:38 PM

Current slang: "Tryna" for "trying to."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on September 05, 2020, 10:53:08 PM

I can't say I'm a fan of the saying "be safe" or "we are in a new normal." Both seem kind of dramatic to be used in regular speech like they are now. Early in the pandemic people were missing "shelter in place" when they really meant "stay at home."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on September 06, 2020, 05:53:33 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 05, 2020, 10:53:08 PM
"we are in a new normal."

Everyone using this phrase is criticizing it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on September 06, 2020, 09:23:21 AM

Quote from: 1 on September 06, 2020, 05:53:33 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 05, 2020, 10:53:08 PM
"we are in a new normal."

Everyone using this phrase is criticizing it.

I could be wrong but it seems to have popped up on TV commercials first or at least that's where it gained traction.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on September 06, 2020, 09:34:37 AM

Quote from: kphoger on September 04, 2020, 10:52:11 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on September 04, 2020, 01:53:06 AM
Ultimate scenario: How many times have you seen a vehicle being driven partially or fully on the inside right shoulder of a cloverleaf ramp because the driver can't stay in the traffic lane around the curve?

You think people do that accidentally? I don't think so. People cut the corner off curves on purpose, generally. It allows them to accelerate sooner when they come out of the turn.

Guilty as charged.

1) usually the cloverleaf/ramp is an imperfect arc

2) racing line is how one accelerates sooner to merge into or with traffic, based on the dynamics and weight transfer of a vehicle in motion

Try these techniques next time you're on the dance floor:

(https://www.kartworldbelmont.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/BestLine.png)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 06, 2020, 02:05:20 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on September 05, 2020, 09:01:38 PM
Current slang: "Tryna" for "trying to."

I don't think this is current slang as much as it is African-American English that has started getting usage outside of that linguistic community. I don't use it in text, but it doesn't bother me too much since it's a logical contraction of two words commonly used together, like gonna. And like gonna, that's basically how it ends up being pronounced by everyone when they say it out loud anyway, unless they're making a point to enunciate the difference between the two words, which just comes off like having a stick up your butt.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on September 06, 2020, 05:33:12 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 06, 2020, 02:05:20 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 05, 2020, 09:01:38 PM
Current slang: "Tryna" for "trying to."

I don't think this is current slang as much as it is African-American English that has started getting usage outside of that linguistic community. I don't use it in text, but it doesn't bother me too much since it's a logical contraction of two words commonly used together, like gonna. And like gonna, that's basically how it ends up being pronounced by everyone when they say it out loud anyway, unless they're making a point to enunciate the difference between the two words, which just comes off like having a stick up your butt.

I always found it odd that the Beatles song is listed on the album sleeve as "You're Going to Lose That Girl," since they definitely do not pronounce it that way when they sing it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on September 06, 2020, 07:53:07 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 06, 2020, 02:05:20 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 05, 2020, 09:01:38 PM
Current slang: "Tryna" for "trying to."

I don't think this is current slang as much as it is African-American English that has started getting usage outside of that linguistic community. I don't use it in text, but it doesn't bother me too much since it's a logical contraction of two words commonly used together, like gonna. And like gonna, that's basically how it ends up being pronounced by everyone when they say it out loud anyway, unless they're making a point to enunciate the difference between the two words, which just comes off like having a stick up your butt.

Related: "Imma" for "I'm going to," or "I'm gonna." :bigass:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on September 06, 2020, 09:09:55 PM

^^^^

I've even seen some people write "Imma gonna ..." Thankfully, I've never heard anyone say that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Alps on September 06, 2020, 09:40:49 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on September 05, 2020, 09:01:38 PM
Current slang: "Tryna" for "trying to."

What, you prefer "fixin ta"? I dunno, and I use "I'mma" quite a bit myself. But yeah, everyone has turns of phrases that really annoy them. Mine is people who omit the words "to be" before a verb. "This car needs to be fixed", or "This car needs fixing" are your two choices.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on September 06, 2020, 09:50:48 PM

This was posted on a neighborhood forum. I assume the misspelled word will be obvious. I don't know whether the lady who posted it simply made a typo or whether she thought that spelling is correct.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200907/0bf293b4360e9a5141667dd4491a957c.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on September 06, 2020, 09:56:09 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on September 06, 2020, 09:50:48 PM
This was posted on a neighborhood forum. I assume the misspelled word will be obvious. I don't know whether the lady who posted it simply made a typo or whether she thought that spelling is correct.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200907/0bf293b4360e9a5141667dd4491a957c.jpg)

Peace and tranquility?...ask Jennifer Connelly how that worked out when Davie Bowie was lurking about in the background. Maybe Theseus would have a more favorable opinion?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bugo on September 06, 2020, 10:56:00 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on February 12, 2020, 07:44:25 PM
Bands that had a following at one point and play a concert and play primarily new stuff. A few songs are fun but that's not what people are paying to see.

You obviously don't understand what being an artist is all about.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bugo on September 06, 2020, 11:05:33 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on May 22, 2020, 11:33:56 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 21, 2020, 10:54:41 PMFeeling thirsty right after I wake up

Needing to go to the bathroom while in bed when I just want to keep sleeping

These annoy me too. I generally drink a tall glass of water an hour and a half to two hours before bed, so that any urge to urinate can be satisfied just before I go to sleep.

Needing to go while sleeping is not always a matter of a full bladder--especially in the winter, it can be a sign your bedroom is too cold.

I hate it when I wake up with heartburn. I just want to go back to sleep, but it is hard to ignore sometimes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on September 07, 2020, 04:00:05 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 05, 2020, 10:53:08 PM
I can't say I'm a fan of the saying "be safe" or "we are in a new normal." Both seem kind of dramatic to be used in regular speech like they are now. Early in the pandemic people were missing "shelter in place" when they really meant "stay at home."

:spin: "We're all in this together." :spin:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on September 07, 2020, 04:22:19 PM

You're coming home and ready to get out of the car and someone takes several minutes to get out, like they didn't know you were almost home to gather their stuff together. I have to stand for 2 minutes and wait for them to get out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on September 07, 2020, 05:07:20 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on September 07, 2020, 04:00:05 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 05, 2020, 10:53:08 PM
I can't say I'm a fan of the saying "be safe" or "we are in a new normal." Both seem kind of dramatic to be used in regular speech like they are now. Early in the pandemic people were missing "shelter in place" when they really meant "stay at home."

:spin: "We're all in this together." :spin:

Robin Meade was full of shit, we are all alone.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on September 07, 2020, 05:17:26 PM

Quote from: formulanone on September 06, 2020, 09:34:37 AM
Quote from: kphoger on September 04, 2020, 10:52:11 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on September 04, 2020, 01:53:06 AM
Ultimate scenario: How many times have you seen a vehicle being driven partially or fully on the inside right shoulder of a cloverleaf ramp because the driver can't stay in the traffic lane around the curve?

You think people do that accidentally? I don't think so. People cut the corner off curves on purpose, generally. It allows them to accelerate sooner when they come out of the turn.

Guilty as charged.

1) usually the cloverleaf/ramp is an imperfect arc

2) racing line is how one accelerates sooner to merge into or with traffic, based on the dynamics and weight transfer of a vehicle in motion

Try these techniques next time you're on the dance floor:

All this notwithstanding, people not staying in the lines on loop ramps is definitely a minor thing that annoys me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on September 07, 2020, 08:29:50 PM

Just loop ramps? I have absolutely no qualms about cutting across the line if the curve is striped incorrectly and the advisory speed is too low. In this Street View image, for example, I do exactly what that SUV driver is doing, and just about everybody else does as well: https://goo.gl/maps/CHTo6BXRBcjGX8kv9 The ramp is just plain striped so as to make the turn unnecessarily wide. (I have never seen either a pedestrian or a cyclist crossing there.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on September 07, 2020, 08:35:36 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on September 07, 2020, 08:29:50 PM
Just loop ramps? I have absolutely no qualms about cutting across the line if the curve is striped incorrectly and the advisory speed is too low.

Why are you annoying me with this minor thing? :spin:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on September 08, 2020, 02:29:14 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 07, 2020, 05:07:20 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on September 07, 2020, 04:00:05 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 05, 2020, 10:53:08 PM
I can’t say I’m a fan of the saying “be safe” or “we are in a new normal.” Both seem kind of dramatic to be used in regular speech like they are now. Early in the pandemic people were missing “shelter in place” when they really meant “stay at home.”

:spin: "We're all in this together." :spin:

Robin Meade

I remember watching HLN and they can't go one commercial break without pushing that Robin Meade show. Frankly I don't know what the appeal to morning news is, I used to watch Saved by the Bell in the mornings.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on September 08, 2020, 05:45:27 AM

I routinely drive over both dashed and solid lines to maintain speed. I don't see why it matters if there is no clear danger to either other drivers or people stopped on the road.

Good example: when I lived in Puyallup, WA, I took this corne (https://goo.gl/maps/BdcvaW49QJ3AMjzT6)r quite fast because it was a steep on-ramp that approached a very steep incline of WA-512. I would take the apex of the first right turn, and then drive to the left of the yellow line in the distance to reduce how much slowing had to occur. I usually could take this right turn in third gear, unlike most turns which require me to downshift into second, simply because I was able to maintain about 30mph around that corner.

At the next interchange to the northeast, the on-ramp loop's fog line is routinely ignored by drivers, and is always very faded (https://goo.gl/maps/WpXcK1RzBxWMSBzx7). Some people are far enough off the 'roadway' that their entire car is to the right of the fog line.

Another off-ramp from I-5 to S 38 St in Tacoma has been clipped so many times, the fog line is just gone (https://goo.gl/maps/eMaEdPTpTzM41D8d6).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 08, 2020, 08:01:02 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on September 08, 2020, 05:45:27 AM
At the next interchange to the northeast, the on-ramp loop's fog line is routinely ignored by drivers, and is always very faded (https://goo.gl/maps/WpXcK1RzBxWMSBzx7). Some people are far enough off the 'roadway' that their entire car is to the right of the fog line.

Another off-ramp from I-5 to S 38 St in Tacoma has been clipped so many times, the fog line is just gone (https://goo.gl/maps/eMaEdPTpTzM41D8d6).

I figured out what you meant from the context, but I had never seen/heard the term "fog line" until this post.
Absent any context, I would have thought it was some sort of weather-related terminology.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Verlanka on September 08, 2020, 08:03:08 AM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on September 07, 2020, 08:35:36 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on September 07, 2020, 08:29:50 PM
Just loop ramps? I have absolutely no qualms about cutting across the line if the curve is striped incorrectly and the advisory speed is too low.

Why are you annoying me with this minor thing? :spin:

It's "Minor things that bother you," remember?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on September 08, 2020, 10:01:07 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 07, 2020, 05:07:20 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on September 07, 2020, 04:00:05 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 05, 2020, 10:53:08 PM
I can't say I'm a fan of the saying "be safe" or "we are in a new normal." Both seem kind of dramatic to be used in regular speech like they are now. Early in the pandemic people were missing "shelter in place" when they really meant "stay at home."
:spin: "We're all in this together." :spin:

Robin Meade was full of shit, we are all alone.

We're actually all alone together.

"New normal" has been circulating as a catchphrase for several years now, so it really doesn't bother me much. But like all catchphrases, they're overused to the point of sounding like an easy excuse (even if it isn't).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on September 08, 2020, 12:31:03 PM

Quote from: formulanone on September 08, 2020, 10:01:07 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 07, 2020, 05:07:20 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on September 07, 2020, 04:00:05 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 05, 2020, 10:53:08 PM
I can't say I'm a fan of the saying "be safe" or "we are in a new normal." Both seem kind of dramatic to be used in regular speech like they are now. Early in the pandemic people were missing "shelter in place" when they really meant "stay at home."
:spin: "We're all in this together." :spin:

Robin Meade was full of shit, we are all alone.

We're actually all alone together.

"New normal" has been circulating as a catchphrase for several years now, so it really doesn't bother me much. But like all catchphrases, they're overused to the point of sounding like an easy excuse (even if it isn't).

Who was saying it before all this virus stuff?

To that end I do find it odd that people now say "be safe" as something of a replacement to "goodbye. The first couple times I heard it I almost took it as a critique that I wasn't living a safe lifestyle.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 02:03:42 PM

Pronouncing the "T" in often.

Bad use of 's in regards to possession vs. plural. Sorry guys, its 3dis, not 3di's.

Using a word to describe an acronym in which that acronym has that word in it. Its not a ATM machine or a VIN number. the M and the N stand for machine and number respectively.

I am not necessarily against hip lingo, but what drives me nuts is when a word or phrase catches on, everyone acts like its been around forever. There wasn't Taco Tuesday years ago, the term old school wasn't around in the 80s, you didn't refer to something being huge or for the record books as epic even 15 years ago and gymormous is not only stupid, but a new term. I am mainly aiming this to people my age. Don't pick up these old terms and lets all talk how we did in the 80s, except Rad, don't say that.

A movie that is a period piece, but not that old of a period piece (takes place from 1960- about 5 years ago) and a complete disregard to how things operated in that timeframe (i.e. using lingo that's much newer than the timeframe or muted colors on the clothing because that is what is popular now. There was some bad colors and hairstyles in the 70s and 80s and it should be celebrated. Making things look less 70s-80s takes me out of the movie).

Also, in regards to period pieces, having things in the movies that were invented or came out that year. This also applies to people recollections. A good example, a movie taking place in November of 1983 could have everyone wearing a Walkman, watching laser discs, wearing the trendiest of clothes, listening to the #1 hit of that week the movie takes place and driving 1984 model cars. The reality was walkmans were just invented in 1983, and like many things, didn't become popular until the late 80s because the normal person had to wait until they were more affordable. Laser Discs were invented in the late 70s, but took until the 90s for people to start buying them and even then they never caught on. The average person couldn't afford the newest trendiest clothes, and if they could, they wouldn't in 1983 because that was before gross consumerism. That was the days of "$100 for sneakers? if they don't walk for you, you aren't getting them." Even though a hit song would be on the radio for that movie's time period, the reality is songs didn't get way popular until after their highest charting position, because, just like the fashion, information wasn't instantaneous as it is today. In your circle you knew one person who was up on the latest of everything, and even that person would be several weeks behind because it took a while for that information to get to them because it came by magazine. Lastly, I hate it when every car is the year model or the next year model of the timeframe. It makes it look like everyone went out and bought a brand new car at the same time. You wouldn't see that now, much less in an older time when the average person would go 10-15 years before they bought a new car.

Using 555 as the prefix for a number in a movie. Everyone knows that's a fake number, so it takes me out of the movie.

Everyone saying "how did we live without _______." Usually that _____ is smartphones. Like we did everything else, we didn't know any better and we just went thought our lives. Did everyone just forget?

I also cannot stand small talk and corporate speak. "Work flow" and "utilization" are the ones on top of the list.

Social Distancing. Why couldn't we say, stay away from people. Why did we have to invent a word?

Just like that, everything has to have a term now days. We can't do anything without calling it something.

The internet lets things get to every corner of the world, and Amazon helps us order anything we can think up. I miss the days when you played baseball as a youngster and saw a player wearing eyeblack, and you had to improvise with shoe polish because no one in town sold it. Like a lot of things, if you couldn't find it at a store, you just missed out. There were a lot of things that were only available to professional athletes, and I liked it better that way. Now you have high school football teams with better uniforms than the pros.

TV shows used to come on on a specific day of the week at a specific time. Now with Netflix, you can binge watch. Its great, but I missed the days when if you missed that day and time, you missed it, and you had to wait years for it to run in re-runs to finally see what your friends have been talking about. Taking that away has been a pet peeve.

Fake grammar Nazis who just want to gripe about people misusing your and you're. It drives me crazy too, but there are more egregious grammar errors out there than that. Come on, that's a lay up.

And starting sentences with prepositions.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 02:11:46 PM

I am on a four lane expressway type highway (two in each direction) with a minor road intersecting. I am all alone on the road in the left lane and there is a guy in the intersecting road at the stop sign. He waits and waits and waits, then pulls out onto the road when I am almost at the intersection, goes all the way across to get to the left lane, pulling out in front of me, and can't find his accelerator.

Flat billed baseball caps.

Families who all look the same. Dude in is cargo shorts, flip flops, a bit overweight in his wicking polo with a Costa Del Mar hat. Woman in navy tank top and black yoga pants and they are in an F150.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on September 08, 2020, 02:32:13 PM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 02:03:42 PM
Bad use of 's in regards to possession vs. plural. Sorry guys, it's 3dis, not 3di's.

FTFY. :)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 02:39:54 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on September 08, 2020, 02:32:13 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 02:03:42 PM
Bad use of 's in regards to possession vs. plural. Sorry guys, it's 3dis, not 3di's.

FTFY. :)

Not possessive.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 08, 2020, 02:40:31 PM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 02:03:42 PM
gymormous is not only stupid, but a new term.

ginormous = giant + enormous. It's just a portmanteau like "driveway" or "nightstand". You'll be fine.

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 02:03:42 PM
Using 555 as the prefix for a number in a movie. Everyone knows that's a fake number, so it takes me out of the movie.

Problem is, we can't assign tons of fake prefixes to make them look less fake (we're already running out of phone numbers in a bunch of area codes), and if you use a real prefix it causes problems. (405) 867-5309 goes to the school library in Maysville, Oklahoma, for instance. Can't imagine that librarian is too happy fielding calls from people who just discovered Tommy Tutone.

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 02:03:42 PM
Social Distancing. Why couldn't we say, stay away from people. Why did we have to invent a word?

Just like that, everything has to have a term now days. We can't do anything without calling it something.

Because "stay away from people" is not precise enough. How far away are we staying? For what purpose? Am I staying away from you because I don't like you? Oh, it's because there's a pandemic on, so you're staying six feet away to keep from catching it. Got it.

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 02:03:42 PM
The internet lets things get to every corner of the world, and Amazon helps us order anything we can think up. I miss the days when you played baseball as a youngster and saw a player wearing eyeblack, and you had to improvise with shoe polish because no one in town sold it. Like a lot of things, if you couldn't find it at a store, you just missed out. There were a lot of things that were only available to professional athletes, and I liked it better that way. Now you have high school football teams with better uniforms than the pros.

That's...objectively worse, though. I like the fact that I can use, say, gaffer tape instead of duct tape in my daily life. Gaffer tape is better for the purposes I use it for, and even though Walmart doesn't carry it, I can still get it from the same places the movie industry does.

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 02:03:42 PM
TV shows used to come on on a specific day of the week at a specific time. Now with Netflix, you can binge watch. Its great, but I missed the days when if you missed that day and time, you missed it, and you had to wait years for it to run in re-runs to finally see what your friends have been talking about. Taking that away has been a pet peeve.

You...like that people are forced to miss out on things? I worked swing shift for the past six years. If I had been doing that in the 80s, I'd never have the opportunity to watch anything in prime time at all. Guess it works better if your goal is to punish the working class or something.

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 02:03:42 PM
there are more egregious grammar errors out there than that. [...] And starting sentences with prepositions.

Not conjunctions?

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 02:11:46 PM
Families who all look the same. Dude in is cargo shorts, flip flops, a bit overweight in his wicking polo with a Costa Del Mar hat. Woman in navy tank top and black yoga pants and they are in an F150.

I mean, that's just because you keep looking at families in Texas...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 03:32:32 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 08, 2020, 02:40:31 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 02:03:42 PM
gymormous is not only stupid, but a new term.

ginormous = giant + enormous. It's just a portmanteau like "driveway" or "nightstand". You'll be fine.

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 02:03:42 PM
Using 555 as the prefix for a number in a movie. Everyone knows that's a fake number, so it takes me out of the movie.

Problem is, we can't assign tons of fake prefixes to make them look less fake (we're already running out of phone numbers in a bunch of area codes), and if you use a real prefix it causes problems. (405) 867-5309 goes to the school library in Maysville, Oklahoma, for instance. Can't imagine that librarian is too happy fielding calls from people who just discovered Tommy Tutone.

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 02:03:42 PM
Social Distancing. Why couldn't we say, stay away from people. Why did we have to invent a word?

Just like that, everything has to have a term now days. We can't do anything without calling it something.

Because "stay away from people" is not precise enough. How far away are we staying? For what purpose? Am I staying away from you because I don't like you? Oh, it's because there's a pandemic on, so you're staying six feet away to keep from catching it. Got it.

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 02:03:42 PM
The internet lets things get to every corner of the world, and Amazon helps us order anything we can think up. I miss the days when you played baseball as a youngster and saw a player wearing eyeblack, and you had to improvise with shoe polish because no one in town sold it. Like a lot of things, if you couldn't find it at a store, you just missed out. There were a lot of things that were only available to professional athletes, and I liked it better that way. Now you have high school football teams with better uniforms than the pros.

That's...objectively worse, though. I like the fact that I can use, say, gaffer tape instead of duct tape in my daily life. Gaffer tape is better for the purposes I use it for, and even though Walmart doesn't carry it, I can still get it from the same places the movie industry does.

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 02:03:42 PM
TV shows used to come on on a specific day of the week at a specific time. Now with Netflix, you can binge watch. Its great, but I missed the days when if you missed that day and time, you missed it, and you had to wait years for it to run in re-runs to finally see what your friends have been talking about. Taking that away has been a pet peeve.

You...like that people are forced to miss out on things? I worked swing shift for the past six years. If I had been doing that in the 80s, I'd never have the opportunity to watch anything in prime time at all. Guess it works better if your goal is to punish the working class or something.

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 02:03:42 PM
there are more egregious grammar errors out there than that. [...] And starting sentences with prepositions.

Not conjunctions?

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 02:11:46 PM
Families who all look the same. Dude in is cargo shorts, flip flops, a bit overweight in his wicking polo with a Costa Del Mar hat. Woman in navy tank top and black yoga pants and they are in an F150.

I mean, that's just because you keep looking at families in Texas...

I thought this was minor things that annoy you, not ways to get over it. I really don't want to get over these things, they bug me.

I do like that I can order things I could never get before because Sears didn't carry it, but the trade off is everyone has the same crap now. Nothing is unique anymore because anyone can look it up at anytime, and can tell 20 of their friends over social media in an instant and then all of them have it. Then, in the course of 3 days, a whole town has it. Like a lot of things, the internet was a great invention, but it brought on many many more annoyances as a result.

My point to the term social distancing was why does everything have to have a buzz word? Why do we have to market everything? Why is everything for sale?

Yes, I do miss the days of missing prime time shows if you had something else to do. It kinda taught you a lesson in life that nothing is guaranteed in life, an that you need to get over the trivial stuff and focus on what's really important. Now everyone seems to have an entitled attitude to everything because they have total access to everything all the time. Let me solve a debate by "googling" what you two are fighting about instead of using your brains. It is, in my opinion, one of the many things that has made us a very spoiled society. There were lessons to be learned when you didn't get your way in the old days because you couldn't get your way. Now, it seems like with the availability of everything, you can have literally, everything, and there is no reward. No one learns any hard lessons anymore. Everything is instantaneous. Its great for somethings, but I see it spoils people.

I hate the term googling too. I hate that it is a broad term for internet activity.

The movie industry is making millions off these movies. One of the people involved in the picture can open an account for a real phone number and throw it in a closet somewhere and let it ring off the hook and no one answer it over giving me that 555 nonsense. It's not that hard.

The term ______ STRONG when your community has faced hardship. I get you want to band together, but can we be original people? Everyone has used it twice over now.

And, did I mention I hate starting sentences with prepositions?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on September 08, 2020, 03:38:38 PM

Quote from: webny99 on September 08, 2020, 08:01:02 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 08, 2020, 05:45:27 AM
At the next interchange to the northeast, the on-ramp loop's fog line is routinely ignored by drivers, and is always very faded (https://goo.gl/maps/WpXcK1RzBxWMSBzx7). Some people are far enough off the 'roadway' that their entire car is to the right of the fog line.

Another off-ramp from I-5 to S 38 St in Tacoma has been clipped so many times, the fog line is just gone (https://goo.gl/maps/eMaEdPTpTzM41D8d6).

I figured out what you meant from the context, but I had never seen/heard the term "fog line" until this post.
Absent any context, I would have thought it was some sort of weather-related terminology.

I don't really know why I said it. I think it's a common term out west only. Normally I would say "shoulder line".

WSDOT does use the term (https://wsdot.wa.gov/engineering-standards/manuals/glossary/edge-traveled-way), although it's slang.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on September 08, 2020, 04:26:23 PM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 03:32:32 PM
And, did I mention I hate starting sentences with prepositions?

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 02:03:42 PM
In your circle you knew one person ...

A glutton for punishment, I see.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on September 08, 2020, 04:34:26 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on September 08, 2020, 02:32:13 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 02:03:42 PM
Bad use of 's in regards to possession vs. plural. Sorry guys, it's 3dis, not 3di's.

FTFY. :)

For whatever reason, it seems that ethanhopkin14 does not use an apostrophe in the contraction "it's." It doesn't seem to affect any of the other contractions, though.

Quote
Its not a ATM machine or a VIN number

Quote
everyone acts like its been around forever

Quote
Its great, but I missed the days

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on September 08, 2020, 04:41:40 PM

It was "real quick" but now it's "reach out". For God's sakes....tell me to call them, email them, contact them, but "reaching out" is stupid.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 04:42:42 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on September 08, 2020, 04:34:26 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on September 08, 2020, 02:32:13 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 02:03:42 PM
Bad use of 's in regards to possession vs. plural. Sorry guys, it's 3dis, not 3di's.

FTFY. :)

For whatever reason, it seems that ethanhopkin14 does not use an apostrophe in the contraction "it's." It doesn't seem to affect any of the other contractions, though.

Quote
Its not a ATM machine or a VIN number

Quote
everyone acts like its been around forever

Quote
Its great, but I missed the days

Guilty as charged. The main reason is I can't ever remember if the contraction or the possessive gets it. Yes, I do know it's the contraction but I sometimes second guess in the moment so I don't use 's at all. That isn't the point to that sentence. It is people using 's to show the plural of something, a place where 's should never be used.

Oakland A's.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on September 08, 2020, 04:58:33 PM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 04:42:42 PM
... people using 's to show the plural of something, a place where 's should never be used.

Oakland A's.

That is a proper use of an apostrophe for a plural. It is often used for the plural of a single letter (or of a number, for that matter). And in this case specifically, for where not using an apostrophe would result in a different word - "As". Another example is the plural of the initialism for Significant Other. SO's is correct, because otherwise it would be SOs looking like someone mis-capitalized the distress signal.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on September 08, 2020, 05:01:09 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 08, 2020, 02:40:31 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 02:03:42 PM
Using 555 as the prefix for a number in a movie. Everyone knows that's a fake number, so it takes me out of the movie.

Problem is, we can't assign tons of fake prefixes to make them look less fake (we're already running out of phone numbers in a bunch of area codes), and if you use a real prefix it causes problems. (405) 867-5309 goes to the school library in Maysville, Oklahoma, for instance. Can't imagine that librarian is too happy fielding calls from people who just discovered Tommy Tutone.

Area codes can't have a 9 as a middle digit. Those could be used.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on September 08, 2020, 05:06:59 PM

Quote from: 1 on September 08, 2020, 05:01:09 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 08, 2020, 02:40:31 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 02:03:42 PM
Using 555 as the prefix for a number in a movie. Everyone knows that's a fake number, so it takes me out of the movie.

Problem is, we can't assign tons of fake prefixes to make them look less fake (we're already running out of phone numbers in a bunch of area codes), and if you use a real prefix it causes problems. (405) 867-5309 goes to the school library in Maysville, Oklahoma, for instance. Can't imagine that librarian is too happy fielding calls from people who just discovered Tommy Tutone.

Area codes can't have a 9 as a middle digit. Those could be used.

In that case, people will just dial the seven-digit number in their own area code. Another possibility is to start the seven-digit number with 1, since that's not allowed either. Or just go the Futurama route and give a number like 784-36λ9.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on September 08, 2020, 05:44:17 PM

Quote from: bugo on September 06, 2020, 10:56:00 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on February 12, 2020, 07:44:25 PM
Bands that had a following at one point and play a concert and play primarily new stuff. A few songs are fun but that's not what people are paying to see.

You obviously don't understand what being an artist is all about.

And then there's Chicago. The running joke is that it's now a cover band for its own music. Three of the original seven (or eight, if you throw percussionist Laudir deOliviera into the mix) and a handful of new albums since their heyday, but still playing songs from the Columbia (Terry Kath) and Warner/Full Moon (David Foster production and Pete Cetera as the showcase vocalist) days almost to the exclusion of anything new.

Or Kiss, which has still been releasing new albums but the lead guitarist and drummer are wearing classic Ace Frehley and Peter Criss makeup despite previous makeup-era new members having their own facial disguises.

Compare them to Rush, where on their last tours they played a good mixture of new stuff and their older stuff to much success. They swapped out a lot of the older tunes from tour to tour while still playing the most recognizable stuff (Tom Sawyer, The Spirit of Radio, etc.) and obscurities from some of their releases. Metallica does the same thing.

A lot of bands still tour with replacement members (Styx, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon) but I have no idea if they have any new tunes out or not.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 06:29:43 PM

Quote from: GaryV on September 08, 2020, 04:58:33 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 04:42:42 PM
... people using 's to show the plural of something, a place where 's should never be used.

Oakland A's.

That is a proper use of an apostrophe for a plural. It is often used for the plural of a single letter (or of a number, for that matter). And in this case specifically, for where not using an apostrophe would result in a different word - "As". Another example is the plural of the initialism for Significant Other. SO's is correct, because otherwise it would be SOs looking like someone mis-capitalized the distress signal.

Here is the deal, I hate abbreviations, so A's and SO's should be Athletics and Significant Others respectively anyway rendering this conversation moot anyway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on September 08, 2020, 06:32:37 PM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 06:29:43 PM
Quote from: GaryV on September 08, 2020, 04:58:33 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 04:42:42 PM
... people using 's to show the plural of something, a place where 's should never be used.

Oakland A's.

That is a proper use of an apostrophe for a plural. It is often used for the plural of a single letter (or of a number, for that matter). And in this case specifically, for where not using an apostrophe would result in a different word - "As". Another example is the plural of the initialism for Significant Other. SO's is correct, because otherwise it would be SOs looking like someone mis-capitalized the distress signal.

Here is the deal, I hate abbreviations, so A's and SO's should be Athletics and Significant Others respectively anyway rendering this conversation moot anyway.

The Athletics are almost universally referred to as the A's. I suggest you get over that one.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on September 08, 2020, 06:44:28 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 08, 2020, 12:31:03 PM
Quote from: formulanone on September 08, 2020, 10:01:07 AM
"New normal" has been circulating as a catchphrase for several years now, so it really doesn't bother me much.

Who was saying it before all this virus stuff?

I'd hear it in work meetings; for example, if we had to start using a type of process or method with some repetition, or to explain a sea change that a client or manufacturer will have to undertake for some reason (usually either legal, mission-statement, or software-induced), then we'd say "new normal".

You'd hear it in media cases where "the genie won't go back in the bottle" situations which have gradually taken over other situations: smartphones, social media, Internet, shopping from home, annoying electrical assistants...stuff like that.

Now it really means something much less optional than using a physical newspaper instead of reading it online, but so overused so as to describe a future that hasn't quite happened yet and is subject to change.

[/braces self for something in my post that bothers someone]

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on September 08, 2020, 07:02:02 PM

Quote from: formulanone on September 08, 2020, 06:44:28 PM
[/braces self for something in my post that bothers someone]

https://brians.wsu.edu/2016/05/30/sea-change/

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on September 08, 2020, 07:11:59 PM

Quote from: 1 on September 08, 2020, 07:02:02 PM
Quote from: formulanone on September 08, 2020, 06:44:28 PM
[/braces self for something in my post that bothers someone]

https://brians.wsu.edu/2016/05/30/sea-change/

To a client footing the bill, sometimes minor things are magnified to a hyperbolic extent where many things become "sea change"...to others, it's just an extra click or an extra step which might take an extra second or two. And in a week, they'll get over it if there's no loss of function.

Phrases and words do modify after 500 years. I rather like the term "sea change", for that matter; it's vague enough to imply a gentle erosion of habits or a vast transformation, which really leaves no in-between. I guess it depends on how close someone is to an ocean and how comfortable they are with change.

(Also, people who coldly link without explanation.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 08, 2020, 07:25:34 PM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 03:32:32 PM
I do like that I can order things I could never get before because Sears didn't carry it, but the trade off is everyone has the same crap now. Nothing is unique anymore because anyone can look it up at anytime, and can tell 20 of their friends over social media in an instant and then all of them have it. Then, in the course of 3 days, a whole town has it. Like a lot of things, the internet was a great invention, but it brought on many many more annoyances as a result.

Yes, I do miss the days of missing prime time shows if you had something else to do. It kinda taught you a lesson in life that nothing is guaranteed in life, an that you need to get over the trivial stuff and focus on what's really important. Now everyone seems to have an entitled attitude to everything because they have total access to everything all the time. Let me solve a debate by "googling" what you two are fighting about instead of using your brains. It is, in my opinion, one of the many things that has made us a very spoiled society. There were lessons to be learned when you didn't get your way in the old days because you couldn't get your way. Now, it seems like with the availability of everything, you can have literally, everything, and there is no reward. No one learns any hard lessons anymore. Everything is instantaneous. Its great for somethings, but I see it spoils people.

It sounds like the real issue that you have is that for some reason situations where everyone has equal access to something bothers you. There's a product you like, someone has to be unable to buy it. There's a TV show, someone has to miss it. There's knowledge, so someone has to know it and someone has to not know it. Given that equal access generally benefits everyone, I haven't the foggiest idea why you'd think the technical solutions to grant it are bothersome.

It should be noted–whenever there's a system of inequality in play, someone somewhere will have an incentive to make sure that you are the one who gets left out.

Quote
My point to the term social distancing was why does everything have to have a buzz word? Why do we have to market everything? Why is everything for sale?

Because it's a new concept, so it needed a new term to make it easier to discuss? Same reason we have pronouns, really. Imagine reading a news article describing a study about covid case rates in cities following social distancing rules compared to whose that do not. How much longer do you think the article would be if every single sentence had to use the phrase "keeping a safe space between yourself and other people who are not from your household"?

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 03:32:32 PM
I hate the term googling too. I hate that it is a broad term for internet activity.

Genericized trademarks suck for everyone, especially the owner of the trademarks. Unfortunately, once there's inertia behind a term, it's practically impossible to change. Just ask the Kleenex people.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 08, 2020, 07:26:38 PM

Quote from: formulanone on September 08, 2020, 07:11:59 PM
I rather like the term "sea change", for that matter; it's vague enough to imply a gentle erosion of habits or a vast transformation, which really leaves no in-between.

Is sea change what you get back when you break a sand dollar?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on September 08, 2020, 07:28:35 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 08, 2020, 07:25:34 PM
Because it's a new concept, so it needed a new term to make it easier to discuss? Same reason we have pronouns, really. Imagine reading a news article describing a study about covid case rates in cities following social distancing rules compared to whose that do not. How much longer do you think the article would be if every single sentence had to use the phrase "keeping a safe space between yourself and other people who are not from your household"?

"Staying apart" is simple enough and not a buzzword.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on September 08, 2020, 08:22:03 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on September 08, 2020, 05:06:59 PM
Quote from: 1 on September 08, 2020, 05:01:09 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 08, 2020, 02:40:31 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 02:03:42 PM
Using 555 as the prefix for a number in a movie. Everyone knows that's a fake number, so it takes me out of the movie.

Problem is, we can't assign tons of fake prefixes to make them look less fake (we're already running out of phone numbers in a bunch of area codes), and if you use a real prefix it causes problems. (405) 867-5309 goes to the school library in Maysville, Oklahoma, for instance. Can't imagine that librarian is too happy fielding calls from people who just discovered Tommy Tutone.

Area codes can't have a 9 as a middle digit. Those could be used.

In that case, people will just dial the seven-digit number in their own area code. Another possibility is to start the seven-digit number with 1, since that's not allowed either. Or just go the Futurama route and give a number like 784-36λ9.

You're assuming people can make a phone call by dialling just seven digits. That's no longer the case in many places. Can't do that where I live, for example, because of the 571 "overlay" area code–that is, they divided 703 in the 1990s by splitting off 540, and then when 703 was running out of numbers again they decided that instead of splitting 703 into an even smaller area, it would make more sense just to have a second area code for the same area and to require everyone to dial the area code for every call–if I want to call our next-door neighbor, I have to dial 703 plus the seven-digit number regardless of the fact that my number is also a 703. (But we don't have to dial "1" first.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on September 08, 2020, 08:24:58 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on September 08, 2020, 08:22:03 PM
You’re assuming people can make a phone call by dialling just seven digits.

Well, no. My assumption is that if people have to dial an area code to call a 7 digit number that they see in a movie, they are more likely to use their own area code than another one. Or, if there is already an area code in this number, they are also somewhat likely to try the same number with their own area code as well.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on September 08, 2020, 08:30:11 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on September 08, 2020, 08:24:58 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on September 08, 2020, 08:22:03 PM
You're assuming people can make a phone call by dialling just seven digits.

I'm curious why you would think that, to be honest. From where I'm standing, everything I wrote seems equally true whether you use 7- or 10-digit dialing.

Because that's how I interpreted the following sentence:

Quote
In that case, people will just dial the seven-digit number in their own area code.

That is, I understood your comment as assuming that someone hearing the song for the first time would pick up the phone and dial 867-5309, just like in the song.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on September 08, 2020, 09:30:28 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on September 08, 2020, 08:30:11 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on September 08, 2020, 08:24:58 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on September 08, 2020, 08:22:03 PM
You're assuming people can make a phone call by dialling just seven digits.

I'm curious why you would think that, to be honest. From where I'm standing, everything I wrote seems equally true whether you use 7- or 10-digit dialing.

Because that's how I interpreted the following sentence:

Quote
In that case, people will just dial the seven-digit number in their own area code.

That is, I understood your comment as assuming that someone hearing the song for the first time would pick up the phone and dial 867-5309, just like in the song.

Ah, I clarified what I meant by "in their own area code" in the edit I made to my post, which, incidentally I did before reading your most recent comment. So, if we weren't on the same page before, I'm pretty sure we are now.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on September 08, 2020, 10:31:39 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on September 08, 2020, 04:41:40 PM
It was "real quick" but now it's "reach out". For God's sakes....tell me to call them, email them, contact them, but "reaching out" is stupid.

Didn't we have this conversation?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: noelbotevera on September 09, 2020, 12:48:14 AM

Ah, old people. Can't wait to look back at my teenage years, saying, "Man, I loved piloting a two ton death machine, having to compete with other idiots piloting two ton death machines. Makes me want to do it again."

To be fair, there's a saying along the lines of "you want to grow up as a child to become an adult, while adults grow up to become children again (i.e. retirement)". Maybe I'm in my rebellious phase or something.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on September 09, 2020, 09:25:07 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 08, 2020, 07:25:34 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 03:32:32 PM
I do like that I can order things I could never get before because Sears didn't carry it, but the trade off is everyone has the same crap now. Nothing is unique anymore because anyone can look it up at anytime, and can tell 20 of their friends over social media in an instant and then all of them have it. Then, in the course of 3 days, a whole town has it. Like a lot of things, the internet was a great invention, but it brought on many many more annoyances as a result.

Yes, I do miss the days of missing prime time shows if you had something else to do. It kinda taught you a lesson in life that nothing is guaranteed in life, an that you need to get over the trivial stuff and focus on what's really important. Now everyone seems to have an entitled attitude to everything because they have total access to everything all the time. Let me solve a debate by "googling" what you two are fighting about instead of using your brains. It is, in my opinion, one of the many things that has made us a very spoiled society. There were lessons to be learned when you didn't get your way in the old days because you couldn't get your way. Now, it seems like with the availability of everything, you can have literally, everything, and there is no reward. No one learns any hard lessons anymore. Everything is instantaneous. Its great for somethings, but I see it spoils people.

It sounds like the real issue that you have is that for some reason situations where everyone has equal access to something bothers you. There's a product you like, someone has to be unable to buy it. There's a TV show, someone has to miss it. There's knowledge, so someone has to know it and someone has to not know it. Given that equal access generally benefits everyone, I haven't the foggiest idea why you'd think the technical solutions to grant it are bothersome.

It should be noted–whenever there's a system of inequality in play, someone somewhere will have an incentive to make sure that you are the one who gets left out.

Quote
My point to the term social distancing was why does everything have to have a buzz word? Why do we have to market everything? Why is everything for sale?

Because it's a new concept, so it needed a new term to make it easier to discuss? Same reason we have pronouns, really. Imagine reading a news article describing a study about covid case rates in cities following social distancing rules compared to whose that do not. How much longer do you think the article would be if every single sentence had to use the phrase "keeping a safe space between yourself and other people who are not from your household"?

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 08, 2020, 03:32:32 PM
I hate the term googling too. I hate that it is a broad term for internet activity.

Genericized trademarks suck for everyone, especially the owner of the trademarks. Unfortunately, once there's inertia behind a term, it's practically impossible to change. Just ask the Kleenex people.

I was the one that got left out. It wasn't fun at the time, but it taught me to get over stuff that wasn't that important. I liked it. It was a simpler time. I miss that. Like the title to this thread, it bothers me that generations will grow up with access to everything. There really should be somethings that you have to earn, or they should be unattainable. Just like capitalism needs unemployment in order to work.

It sounds like a great thing on paper for everyone to have everything. If I think about it, and it has been invented, I can have it. The trade off is it makes us spoiled. That bothers me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on September 09, 2020, 11:15:41 AM

I thought this thread was some place you could air your issues with things, not get admonished for the things that bug you. I read a lot of the post here, didn't agree with some of them, but I didn't tell those people they were wrong. That was their opinion and their issues, and that's the way it is.

I miss a lot of things that have gone out of business or out of fashion in lieu of something more convenient. I miss Blockbuster Video. I miss going there on a Friday night because you might see someone you knew. You also have been going to Blockbuster for 4 Fridays and this is the first Friday they have the movie you want. There was a feeling like none other when it was there. In the VHS days you had to make sure you rewound the tape before returning it, and you had to give it back at a certain date so yes, way less convenient than the streaming we do now. I am sorry if everyone doesn't agree, but it annoys me that that whole experience is now completely removed from our culture. It just does annoy me; sorry that it does.

Just like I liked it better when you needed talent to be on a TV show. Now with social media platforms, all you need is a camera to be famous.

I hate self checkout lines. I love them when I am in a hurry because I am impatient, but I hate them because it take one worker to watch five machines when that would be work for five people before. Also, I miss the human interactions. Yes the old lines were slower and more tedious, but also you paid those people to know the register. I don't understand the register, so when there is a problem I have to wait around for someone to fix it for me. I am not someone who is constantly glued to their phone anymore. In fact, I am making a consorted effort to dial down my phone usage, so I am someone that really prefers the human to human interaction. That's another reason why I miss Blockbuster.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on September 09, 2020, 12:55:59 PM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 09, 2020, 09:25:07 AMI was the one that got left out. It wasn't fun at the time, but it taught me to get over stuff that wasn't that important. I liked it. It was a simpler time. I miss that. Like the title to this thread, it bothers me that generations will grow up with access to everything. There really should be some things that you have to earn, or they should be unattainable. Just like capitalism needs unemployment in order to work.

My perspective on this is that the economy we have now is not the one we had in, say, 1975, where things worth having--like a college degree and your own house--still required you to work hard if you were not born into money, but were easier to get than they are now, owing to income inequality being significantly lower.

Typical mid-1970's examples of consumer durables that were considered status symbols included color televisions, good-quality brown furniture (with real wood), and record players that were as big as living-room couches. Nowadays you can barely give any of those things away; the brown furniture has come the closest to retaining its value, but as any estate sale consultant will tell you, it goes for pennies on the dollar because millennials are all about the color-coordinated look and most of them can't tell quality wood from pressed-sawdust garbage.

In our current society, sawdust furniture and cheap electronics have made it easier to create the illusion of having arrived if you are poor. In the 1970's, burglars would steal color TVs because they had real value in the economy of the time; nowadays they turn up their noses even at flat-panel LCD TVs because they are hardly worth the trouble to fence. The flip sides are that upward mobility is a lot less and the prevalence of subscription models for audiovisual content means the durable components of the system--the screen, speakers, etc.--function like razor holders for Gillette blades or printers for printer manufacturers: just as Gillette sticks it to you for the blades, and the printer makers charge the earth for refill cartridges, the entertainment conglomerates suck you dry with streaming fees.

I think that, at some level, our culture of "I want it and I want it NOW" is a response to diminished prospects for advancing economically.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on September 09, 2020, 01:24:14 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on September 09, 2020, 12:55:59 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 09, 2020, 09:25:07 AMI was the one that got left out. It wasn't fun at the time, but it taught me to get over stuff that wasn't that important. I liked it. It was a simpler time. I miss that. Like the title to this thread, it bothers me that generations will grow up with access to everything. There really should be some things that you have to earn, or they should be unattainable. Just like capitalism needs unemployment in order to work.

My perspective on this is that the economy we have now is not the one we had in, say, 1975, where things worth having--like a college degree and your own house--still required you to work hard if you were not born into money, but were easier to get than they are now, owing to income inequality being significantly lower.

Typical mid-1970's examples of consumer durables that were considered status symbols included color televisions, good-quality brown furniture (with real wood), and record players that were as big as living-room couches. Nowadays you can barely give any of those things away; the brown furniture has come the closest to retaining its value, but as any estate sale consultant will tell you, it goes for pennies on the dollar because millennials are all about the color-coordinated look and most of them can't tell quality wood from pressed-sawdust garbage.

In our current society, sawdust furniture and cheap electronics have made it easier to create the illusion of having arrived if you are poor. In the 1970's, burglars would steal color TVs because they had real value in the economy of the time; nowadays they turn up their noses even at flat-panel LCD TVs because they are hardly worth the trouble to fence. The flip sides are that upward mobility is a lot less and the prevalence of subscription models for audiovisual content means the durable components of the system--the screen, speakers, etc.--function like razor holders for Gillette blades or printers for printer manufacturers: just as Gillette sticks it to you for the blades, and the printer makers charge the earth for refill cartridges, the entertainment conglomerates suck you dry with streaming fees.

I think that, at some level, our culture of "I want it and I want it NOW" is a response to diminished prospects for advancing economically.

Word to that. There is a lot of truth to what you said of making things so cheap it looks like everyone now has arrived. There is no lower middle class anymore. It's like you are poor, middle class or rich, and the material goods are the only things that draws the line between the middle and the poor, and barely at that. You may have the latest iPhone if you are middle class as opposed to a few versions before if you are poor, but you're both getting the hose the same way. A long time ago, there was like 1 type of color TV you could buy, and it was expensive. Now, a flat screen can cost you pretty much as much as you are willing to pay because they make all different versions of the same thing. The expensive one and the cheep one and the ones in between.

That brings me to another thing that bugs me. Our society of products that have now become more expensive to repair than to just out right replace. Not mentioning what it does to our environment to have all this useless junk lying around that "can't" be fixed, but you can't tell me you can't fix something. You just are being greedy like everything else and you want to charge way to much to fix it, and if you are the manufacturer, it looks better that you sell more, and not fix the ones you already sold.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on September 09, 2020, 01:29:46 PM

On a roadgeek theme, I'm annoyed when BGSs and signals are centered over a lane(s) in a curve and therefore not centered as seen on approach. For example:

Westbound I-94 ramp to I-96 in Detroit (http://goo.gl/maps/hovCm5wehKt5SMHV8): The BGS for eastbound I-96 is too far to the left.

Westbound I-96 ramp to Wixom Road in Novi (http://goo.gl/maps/G7BouLNtochaD4wHA) The traffic signals are way too far to the left.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on September 09, 2020, 02:09:25 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on September 09, 2020, 01:29:46 PM
On a roadgeek theme, I'm annoyed when BGSs and signals are centered over a lane(s) in a curve and therefore not centered as seen on approach. For example:

Westbound I-94 ramp to I-96 in Detroit (http://goo.gl/maps/hovCm5wehKt5SMHV8): The BGS for eastbound I-96 is too far to the left.

Westbound I-96 ramp to Wixom Road in Novi (http://goo.gl/maps/G7BouLNtochaD4wHA) The traffic signals are way too far to the left.

Whoa. Sorry if I am new to the block on this one, but I have never seen a control "city" of Canada.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 09, 2020, 02:14:59 PM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 09, 2020, 01:24:14 PM
That brings me to another thing that bugs me. Our society of products that have now become more expensive to repair than to just out right replace. Not mentioning what it does to our environment to have all this useless junk lying around that "can't" be fixed, but you can't tell me you can't fix something. You just are being greedy like everything else and you want to charge way to much to fix it, and if you are the manufacturer, it looks better that you sell more, and not fix the ones you already sold.

It's not so much greed but getting bit in the ass by economies of scale.

Making new TVs is cheap and easy because you just take twenty chips, load them into a machine that solders them onto a circuit board, then put the circuit board into a machine that hooks it up to the monitor, then another machine puts the plastic bezel on, boom, you have a TV. You can crank out hundreds of them an hour.

Then the TV breaks. Someone has to go in and open it up and diagnose which part is acting up, track down a replacement part (which is likely to be more expensive, because you need just one, instead of the factory that's buying them by the pallet), pull it out by hand, replace it by hand, close it back up. None of the machines that were making the new TV are being used for this, and they couldn't be, because what is wrong with this TV isn't going to be the same thing that's wrong with the next one, and a repairman usually has to deal with a whole bunch of different models, whereas the factory is making big batches of one model at a time. And then you have the "consumer labor" of tracking down a trustworthy repairman that is willing to do the job. With the labor time and the parts, it can end up being more expensive to fix a broken TV than to just buy a new one.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on September 09, 2020, 02:56:15 PM

Quote from: 1 on September 08, 2020, 07:28:35 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 08, 2020, 07:25:34 PM
Because it's a new concept, so it needed a new term to make it easier to discuss? Same reason we have pronouns, really. Imagine reading a news article describing a study about covid case rates in cities following social distancing rules compared to whose that do not. How much longer do you think the article would be if every single sentence had to use the phrase "keeping a safe space between yourself and other people who are not from your household"?

"Staying apart" is simple enough and not a buzzword.

I think I've said before that I hate the term "social distancing." And that phrase has popped up everywhere. How about "physical distancing" or "wider spacing" or other words that convey the same thing but aren't an invented term? Or even just "distancing" or "separation?"

Instead of "people are urged to follow social distancing guidelines," just leave out "social" and say "people are urged to follow distancing guidelines." After all, we don't caution against keeping a two-car-length social distance between cars to prevent tailgating or rear-end collisions.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on September 09, 2020, 03:20:55 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on September 09, 2020, 02:56:15 PM
Quote from: 1 on September 08, 2020, 07:28:35 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 08, 2020, 07:25:34 PM
Because it's a new concept, so it needed a new term to make it easier to discuss? Same reason we have pronouns, really. Imagine reading a news article describing a study about covid case rates in cities following social distancing rules compared to whose that do not. How much longer do you think the article would be if every single sentence had to use the phrase "keeping a safe space between yourself and other people who are not from your household"?

"Staying apart" is simple enough and not a buzzword.

I think I've said before that I hate the term "social distancing." And that phrase has popped up everywhere. How about "physical distancing" or "wider spacing" or other words that convey the same thing but aren't an invented term? Or even just "distancing" or "separation?"

Instead of "people are urged to follow social distancing guidelines," just leave out "social" and say "people are urged to follow distancing guidelines." After all, we don't caution against keeping a two-car-length social distance between cars to prevent tailgating or rear-end collisions.

To me the term "social distancing" feels more like a term a bunch of marketing egg heads at a conference table came up with. When this virus stuff started, you heard that term, "fluid situation" and "self quarantine" over and over again, like these words were for sale that a marketing group came up with and someone was capitalizing on a horrible situation we were living through. Self Quarantine made no sense because quarantine by definition means you are by "yourself". They were trying to say you chose to quarantine, but the term would be "voluntary quarantine". Same with social distancing. If you are keeping distance from everybody, by definition you are terminating any socializing. Keeping distance feels more like something that was what we were doing. Making a brand new invented term just feels like a cash grab.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tdindy88 on September 09, 2020, 03:50:41 PM

It should be "physical distancing." There's no reason you can't be socially distant with people, just keep your physical distance. I think by the point people realized this it was already too late. It seemed like "social distancing" took hold over the matter of days and it's just a name that stuck.

There was also a lot of fluidity with terms like "staying at home," "lockdown," and "quarantine." Staying at home and only going out for essential business and work is not in my opinion "quarantine." And unless you were in a nursing home you weren't ever really under "lockdown." Yet everyone seemed to treat the situation as if they were under quarantine. If I am looking at it right, only if you were sick or in recent contact with someone who was were you really supposed to be under quarantine. There you didn't leave your home unless it was an emergency. Going out to get takeout and still working is not quarantine.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on September 09, 2020, 03:52:23 PM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 09, 2020, 02:09:25 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on September 09, 2020, 01:29:46 PM
On a roadgeek theme, I'm annoyed when BGSs and signals are centered over a lane(s) in a curve and therefore not centered as seen on approach. For example:

Westbound I-94 ramp to I-96 in Detroit (http://goo.gl/maps/hovCm5wehKt5SMHV8): The BGS for eastbound I-96 is too far to the left.

Westbound I-96 ramp to Wixom Road in Novi (http://goo.gl/maps/G7BouLNtochaD4wHA) The traffic signals are way too far to the left.

Whoa. Sorry if I am new to the block on this one, but I have never seen a control "city" of Canada.

Yep. I-96 terminates at the exit to the Ambassador Bridge to Windsor, Ontario. It merges into southbound I-75 so the sign also could have shown a control city of Toledo, but none do.

Another example: Once you're in Port Huron, the control "city" for eastbound I-69 and I-94 is Canada (http://goo.gl/maps/GQwXfPobmBU7nEg99).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 09, 2020, 03:54:17 PM

For COVID-related terms...

I dislike people using the word 'quarantine' to mean any restrictions. Sorry, but your having to work from home because your office is open doesn't mean you're quarantined. When I got back from Mexico in March, I was under state order to stay in my house for two weeks. I couldn't pick up my computer from work, friends had to buy us groceries, couldn't take the remaining trip money to the church secretary. That's what 'quarantine' means.

I dislike the phrase 'social distancing' to mean only physical distancing. To me, social distancing is arranging things so that you don't have in-person interactions. It means canceling activities, doing meetings by phone instead of in the conference room, not having company over, that kind of thing. On the other hand, physical distancing means that, when you do have interactions with other people, you don't get close to each other. So, for example, a teacher moving desks around so they're six feet apart isn't doing so for reasons of social distancing: it's the same students interacting socially either way, just the physical separation is different.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on September 09, 2020, 03:57:02 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on September 09, 2020, 03:52:23 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 09, 2020, 02:09:25 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on September 09, 2020, 01:29:46 PM
On a roadgeek theme, I'm annoyed when BGSs and signals are centered over a lane(s) in a curve and therefore not centered as seen on approach. For example:

Westbound I-94 ramp to I-96 in Detroit (http://goo.gl/maps/hovCm5wehKt5SMHV8): The BGS for eastbound I-96 is too far to the left.

Westbound I-96 ramp to Wixom Road in Novi (http://goo.gl/maps/G7BouLNtochaD4wHA) The traffic signals are way too far to the left.

Whoa. Sorry if I am new to the block on this one, but I have never seen a control "city" of Canada.

Yep. I-96 terminates at the exit to the Ambassador Bridge to Windsor, Ontario. It merges into southbound I-75 so the sign also could have shown a control city of Toledo, but none do.

Another example: Once you're in Port Huron, the control "city" for eastbound I-69 and I-94 is Canada (http://goo.gl/maps/GQwXfPobmBU7nEg99).

Also at the Soo: BR I-75 near I-75 (https://www.google.com/maps/@46.4628385,-84.3781039,3a,75y,295.32h,97.85t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sXpPj-RHItNgCC1P701-YQw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on September 09, 2020, 04:14:31 PM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 09, 2020, 02:09:25 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on September 09, 2020, 01:29:46 PM
On a roadgeek theme, I'm annoyed when BGSs and signals are centered over a lane(s) in a curve and therefore not centered as seen on approach. For example:

Westbound I-94 ramp to I-96 in Detroit (http://goo.gl/maps/hovCm5wehKt5SMHV8): The BGS for eastbound I-96 is too far to the left.

Westbound I-96 ramp to Wixom Road in Novi (http://goo.gl/maps/G7BouLNtochaD4wHA) The traffic signals are way too far to the left.

Whoa. Sorry if I am new to the block on this one, but I have never seen a control "city" of Canada.

Portions of I-81 in New York use "Canada." The last time I was northbound on that road, in June 2019, I only used it for the short distance from I-781 to the border, but I seem to recall from prior trips many years earlier that "Canada" is the northbound "control country" once you're north of Watertown, as at that point there isn't really anywhere else notable in the USA on that road. There isn't really any good Canadian city to use, either, especially because after you cross the border you have to head either west or east to get somewhere significant enough to merit control city status. Kingston is a good one to use on 401, but it wouldn't really work well on I-81 because plenty of traffic will head in the other direction.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on September 09, 2020, 04:17:40 PM

Quote from: GaryV on September 09, 2020, 03:57:02 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on September 09, 2020, 03:52:23 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 09, 2020, 02:09:25 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on September 09, 2020, 01:29:46 PM
On a roadgeek theme, I'm annoyed when BGSs and signals are centered over a lane(s) in a curve and therefore not centered as seen on approach. For example:

Westbound I-94 ramp to I-96 in Detroit (http://goo.gl/maps/hovCm5wehKt5SMHV8): The BGS for eastbound I-96 is too far to the left.

Westbound I-96 ramp to Wixom Road in Novi (http://goo.gl/maps/G7BouLNtochaD4wHA) The traffic signals are way too far to the left.

Whoa. Sorry if I am new to the block on this one, but I have never seen a control "city" of Canada.

Yep. I-96 terminates at the exit to the Ambassador Bridge to Windsor, Ontario. It merges into southbound I-75 so the sign also could have shown a control city of Toledo, but none do.

Another example: Once you're in Port Huron, the control "city" for eastbound I-69 and I-94 is Canada (http://goo.gl/maps/GQwXfPobmBU7nEg99).

Also at the Soo: BR I-75 near I-75 (https://www.google.com/maps/@46.4628385,-84.3781039,3a,75y,295.32h,97.85t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sXpPj-RHItNgCC1P701-YQw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en)

https://www.google.com/maps/@31.7780005,-106.4544006,3a,22y,94.82h,99.3t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1syJIZpyQ-FurbMvBNCvyExw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@31.7780005,-106.4544006,3a,22y,94.82h,99.3t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1syJIZpyQ-FurbMvBNCvyExw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)

I am used to the foreign city actually being mentioned. Not just the entire country.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jmacswimmer on September 09, 2020, 04:25:43 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on September 09, 2020, 04:14:31 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 09, 2020, 02:09:25 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on September 09, 2020, 01:29:46 PM
On a roadgeek theme, I'm annoyed when BGSs and signals are centered over a lane(s) in a curve and therefore not centered as seen on approach. For example:
Westbound I-94 ramp to I-96 in Detroit (http://goo.gl/maps/hovCm5wehKt5SMHV8): The BGS for eastbound I-96 is too far to the left.
Westbound I-96 ramp to Wixom Road in Novi (http://goo.gl/maps/G7BouLNtochaD4wHA) The traffic signals are way too far to the left.
Whoa. Sorry if I am new to the block on this one, but I have never seen a control "city" of Canada.
Portions of I-81 in New York use "Canada." The last time I was northbound on that road, in June 2019, I only used it for the short distance from I-781 to the border, but I seem to recall from prior trips many years earlier that "Canada" is the northbound "control country" once you're north of Watertown, as at that point there isn't really anywhere else notable in the USA on that road. There isn't really any good Canadian city to use, either, especially because after you cross the border you have to head either west or east to get somewhere significant enough to merit control city status. Kingston is a good one to use on 401, but it wouldn't really work well on I-81 because plenty of traffic will head in the other direction.

Canada also makes an appearance at the I-90/I-190 interchange (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.8765912,-78.7850439,3a,75y,263.73h,88.84t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s1Z1GwCqbIWq2tzPOjm07EA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en) near Buffalo.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on September 09, 2020, 05:46:03 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on September 08, 2020, 10:31:39 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on September 08, 2020, 04:41:40 PM
It was "real quick" but now it's "reach out". For God's sakes....tell me to call them, email them, contact them, but "reaching out" is stupid.
Didn't we have this conversation?

Probably. Some of these pages go on for years.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on September 09, 2020, 07:30:01 PM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 09, 2020, 04:17:40 PM
Quote from: GaryV on September 09, 2020, 03:57:02 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on September 09, 2020, 03:52:23 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 09, 2020, 02:09:25 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on September 09, 2020, 01:29:46 PM
On a roadgeek theme, I'm annoyed when BGSs and signals are centered over a lane(s) in a curve and therefore not centered as seen on approach. For example:

Westbound I-94 ramp to I-96 in Detroit (http://goo.gl/maps/hovCm5wehKt5SMHV8): The BGS for eastbound I-96 is too far to the left.

Westbound I-96 ramp to Wixom Road in Novi (http://goo.gl/maps/G7BouLNtochaD4wHA) The traffic signals are way too far to the left.

Whoa. Sorry if I am new to the block on this one, but I have never seen a control "city" of Canada.

Yep. I-96 terminates at the exit to the Ambassador Bridge to Windsor, Ontario. It merges into southbound I-75 so the sign also could have shown a control city of Toledo, but none do.

Another example: Once you're in Port Huron, the control "city" for eastbound I-69 and I-94 is Canada (http://goo.gl/maps/GQwXfPobmBU7nEg99).

Also at the Soo: BR I-75 near I-75 (https://www.google.com/maps/@46.4628385,-84.3781039,3a,75y,295.32h,97.85t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sXpPj-RHItNgCC1P701-YQw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en)

https://www.google.com/maps/@31.7780005,-106.4544006,3a,22y,94.82h,99.3t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1syJIZpyQ-FurbMvBNCvyExw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@31.7780005,-106.4544006,3a,22y,94.82h,99.3t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1syJIZpyQ-FurbMvBNCvyExw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)

I am used to the foreign city actually being mentioned. Not just the entire country.

Could be worse - California doesn't even mention Mexico. Welcome to the town of International Border

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 10, 2020, 10:45:28 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on September 09, 2020, 07:30:01 PM
California doesn't even mention Mexico. Welcome to the town of International Border

Depends on the route. (https://goo.gl/maps/WBEdJEdWs7e98cUZ9)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on September 10, 2020, 01:37:28 PM

One of the minor things that bothers me on this forum is when people use a written description to present a more or less complex route that they've traveled. Perhaps it's just me, but it seems like drawing a line on a map would be easier and clearer. My eyes just glass over when trying to work through those mountains of text, which I can only make sense of by comparing the description to a map anyway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on September 10, 2020, 06:13:14 PM

Quote from: tdindy88 on September 09, 2020, 03:50:41 PM
It should be "physical distancing." There's no reason you can't be socially distant with people, just keep your physical distance.

I try to be socially distant from people even if I'm not physically distant from them. Example: I hate small talk in places like doctor's office waiting rooms. There's a reason I pick up a magazine or scroll through my phone once I sit down. It's because I DON'T WANT TO TALK TO YOU!!!! :-D :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on September 10, 2020, 06:16:20 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on September 10, 2020, 01:37:28 PM
One of the minor things that bothers me on this forum is when people use a written description to present a more or less complex route that they've traveled. Perhaps it's just me, but it seems like drawing a line on a map would be easier and clearer. My eyes just glass over when trying to work through those mountains of text, which I can only make sense of by comparing the description to a map anyway.

Sometimes I have to control myself from posting "I'M STUPID AND NEED VISUALIZATION, SO WILL SOMEBODY PLEASE POST A DAMN MAP ALREADY!" about three pages into some sort of discussion of an unfamiliar corridor.

(ah, that felt better)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on September 11, 2020, 01:30:47 AM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on September 10, 2020, 01:37:28 PM
One of the minor things that bothers me on this forum is when people use a written description to present a more or less complex route that they've traveled. Perhaps it's just me, but it seems like drawing a line on a map would be easier and clearer. My eyes just glass over when trying to work through those mountains of text, which I can only make sense of by comparing the description to a map anyway.

Old newspaper articles love to do this when describing the route of a proposed highway. Instead of a copy of the project map, however small, you'll instead see 3-4 paragraphs like this:

Quote
Starting at a point east of McGraw's General Store, the route proceeds northerly through properties belonging to the Benson and Chumley families; skirting the old apple orchards, the route follows the proposed Cedar Grove development boundary to the top of the ridge. Crossing Sharon Road (hey! something that still exists!), the route turns left at the barking dog and continues down the lane where Gertie Johnson rode her bike in the ditch 30 years ago. We wore an onion on our belt, as was the style at the time...

This might have all made sense in 1954 to someone having grown up in that town. But today, those businesses are gone, the families are gone, the landmarks are forgotten, (even the newspaper is no longer publishing) and a simple map would have been so much more useful.

Is a picture is worth 1,000 words? A map certainly would be.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on September 11, 2020, 09:36:13 AM

Quote from: kphoger on September 09, 2020, 03:54:17 PM
For COVID-related terms...

I dislike people using the word 'quarantine' to mean any restrictions. Sorry, but your having to work from home because your office is open doesn't mean you're quarantined. When I got back from Mexico in March, I was under state order to stay in my house for two weeks. I couldn't pick up my computer from work, friends had to buy us groceries, couldn't take the remaining trip money to the church secretary. That's what 'quarantine' means.

I dislike the phrase 'social distancing' to mean only physical distancing. To me, social distancing is arranging things so that you don't have in-person interactions. It means canceling activities, doing meetings by phone instead of in the conference room, not having company over, that kind of thing. On the other hand, physical distancing means that, when you do have interactions with other people, you don't get close to each other. So, for example, a teacher moving desks around so they're six feet apart isn't doing so for reasons of social distancing: it's the same students interacting socially either way, just the physical separation is different.

In that vein, for me it's the name of the "COVID-19" itself. It doesn't describe what causes, just says that is a disease caused by a coronavirus. And what the freak is it? It's just nondescript. I'd prefer "Wuhan Respiratory Syndrome", after where it was first described, even if it turns out it didn't originate there (compare Spanish flu, first reported in Spain as we were neutral in WWI and thus news circulated freely :sombrero:, although it really originated somewhere in Kansas). Or, if a location-based name is discouraged due to stygma, I'd rather use "Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome 2", like the virus itself.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 11, 2020, 10:46:36 AM

Quote from: kurumi on September 11, 2020, 01:30:47 AM
Old newspaper articles love to do this when describing the route of a proposed highway. Instead of a copy of the project map, however small, you'll instead see 3-4 paragraphs like this:

Quote
Starting at a point east of McGraw's General Store, the route proceeds northerly through properties belonging to the Benson and Chumley families; skirting the old apple orchards, the route follows the proposed Cedar Grove development boundary to the top of the ridge. Crossing Sharon Road (hey! something that still exists!), the route turns left at the barking dog and continues down the lane where Gertie Johnson rode her bike in the ditch 30 years ago. We wore an onion on our belt, as was the style at the time...

This might have all made sense in 1954 to someone having grown up in that town. But today, those businesses are gone, the families are gone, the landmarks are forgotten, (even the newspaper is no longer publishing) and a simple map would have been so much more useful.

Hey, that's how everybody gave directions in the town I grew up in!

– Where does Harold live?
– You know the house that Murphy Hamlin built back in '54?
– No.
– It's across the street from it.

One time, when I was on a mission trip at a children's home in Mexico, the phone rang while the director was running an errand. It was the police, and they needed to know which building to come to. (That freaked me out, by the way, especially when I was called outside to speak with them. It turned out they were just picking up a girl who had been kidnapped in another state and then put in the care of the children's home while everything was being processed.) I told them it was the building that had intimidating dogs on the roof, and they immediately knew which building to come to.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on September 11, 2020, 05:36:38 PM

It was more or less in this same way how "the street where the clinic is" in the same town as the Calles "Ote." and "Pte." came to be a reference point and magical spot for me :sombrero:. I even had a photo of the street sign for the Street Sign Name Game, but I lost the photo, too bad because the street name ends in Z...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on September 13, 2020, 11:18:41 AM

People, on travel sites and elsewhere, that say they are looking for a hotel that's clean and food that's good.

I've yet to see anyone say "Hey, I'm looking for a hotel room that specializes in roaches and bed bugs. Recommend restaurants would include alleyway varmints walking around the dining floor."

Related to this: People that describe themselves as "foodies", then say they want restaurant recommendations. No, you're not a foodie. You're looking for places to eat on vacation, which is what everyone does when they're on vacation.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on September 14, 2020, 01:01:42 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 13, 2020, 11:18:41 AM
People, on travel sites and elsewhere, that say they are looking for a hotel that's clean and food that's good.

I've yet to see anyone say "Hey, I'm looking for a hotel room that specializes in roaches and bed bugs. Recommend restaurants would include alleyway varmints walking around the dining floor."

Related to this: People that describe themselves as "foodies", then say they want restaurant recommendations. No, you're not a foodie. You're looking for places to eat on vacation, which is what everyone does when they're on vacation.

I look at total score. my wife looks at trip advisor and focuses on bad review and every place has some bad reviews.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on September 14, 2020, 05:19:48 PM

I tend to interpret "hotel that's clean and food that's good" as "I'm not picky as long as certain basic standards are met"--in other words, money or convenience (usually money) is the driving consideration.

I look at reviews too, but don't sweat the details. Euphemisms I've seen used over the years include "mature facility" (no longer subject to brand policing) and "ideal for solo travellers" (look elsewhere if you are concerned a substandard or downright squalid motel will prompt an intimate partner to wonder how highly you value the relationship).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on September 15, 2020, 06:49:31 AM

Quote from: J N Winkler on September 14, 2020, 05:19:48 PMEuphemisms I've seen used over the years include "mature facility" (no longer subject to brand policing)

Haven't seen that one before, though at first glance, I'd assume it's one step away from "retirement home".

Quote"ideal for solo travellers" (look elsewhere if you are concerned a substandard or downright squalid motel will prompt an intimate partner to wonder how highly you value the relationship).

:-D

Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 13, 2020, 11:18:41 AM
People that describe themselves as "foodies", then say they want restaurant recommendations. No, you're not a foodie. You're looking for places to eat on vacation, which is what everyone does when they're on vacation.

I think the "foodie" is one who plans out their meals at specific restaurants, so I would figure they would have already done their homework much like we plan our routes in advance. In the words of the late Steve Travis: "a foodie is someone who can't cook."*

In the past, I've tried to stop at one or two places that I'd had my eye on, but I've been just going to grocery stores and avoiding take-out at unfamiliar places. Sometimes it's just an additional headache to eat in the car or or take it back to the hotel. I'd imagine being a self-professed "foodie" in these times is a bit difficult.

* I'm not that good a cook, honestly.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 15, 2020, 09:15:28 AM

This is a different topic, but we're there now so...

When I read hotel reviews, I'm mainly looking for reviews that mention the following:
(1) a quiet night's sleep, i.e. not hearing their neighbors;
(2) comfortable beds;

Other than that, I mainly just make sure there aren't more than one or two people mentioning bugs or bad management or whatever. Those things are bound to happen sometimes no matter what hotel it is, so I just make sure they don't constitute like one-fifth of all reviews.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SEWIGuy on September 15, 2020, 09:26:38 AM

Quote from: formulanone on September 15, 2020, 06:49:31 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on September 14, 2020, 05:19:48 PMEuphemisms I've seen used over the years include "mature facility" (no longer subject to brand policing)

Haven't seen that one before, though at first glance, I'd assume it's one step away from "retirement home".

Quote"ideal for solo travellers" (look elsewhere if you are concerned a substandard or downright squalid motel will prompt an intimate partner to wonder how highly you value the relationship).

:-D

Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 13, 2020, 11:18:41 AM
People that describe themselves as "foodies", then say they want restaurant recommendations. No, you're not a foodie. You're looking for places to eat on vacation, which is what everyone does when they're on vacation.

I think the "foodie" is one who plans out their meals at specific restaurants, so I would figure they would have already done their homework much like we plan our routes in advance. In the words of the late Steve Travis: "a foodie is someone who can't cook."*

In the past, I've tried to stop at one or two places that I'd had my eye on, but I've been just going to grocery stores and avoiding take-out at unfamiliar places. Sometimes it's just an additional headache to eat in the car or or take it back to the hotel. I'd imagine being a self-professed "foodie" in these times is a bit difficult.

* I'm not that good a cook, honestly.

Exactly. A "foodie" is someone who feels that a good meal is part of the vacation experience, and researches and selects options in advance. And isn't going to the local Applebees because it's across the street from the hotel.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on September 16, 2020, 09:09:57 AM

Quote from: SEWIGuy on September 15, 2020, 09:26:38 AM
Quote from: formulanone on September 15, 2020, 06:49:31 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 13, 2020, 11:18:41 AM
People that describe themselves as "foodies", then say they want restaurant recommendations. No, you're not a foodie. You're looking for places to eat on vacation, which is what everyone does when they're on vacation.

I think the "foodie" is one who plans out their meals at specific restaurants, so I would figure they would have already done their homework much like we plan our routes in advance. In the words of the late Steve Travis: "a foodie is someone who can't cook."*

In the past, I've tried to stop at one or two places that I'd had my eye on, but I've been just going to grocery stores and avoiding take-out at unfamiliar places. Sometimes it's just an additional headache to eat in the car or or take it back to the hotel. I'd imagine being a self-professed "foodie" in these times is a bit difficult.

* I'm not that good a cook, honestly.

Exactly. A "foodie" is someone who feels that a good meal is part of the vacation experience, and researches and selects options in advance. And isn't going to the local Applebees because it's across the street from the hotel.

There are numerous definitions of a foodie, and it doesn't necessarily have anything to do with vacations or even eating out. Someone could consider themselves a foodie if they like to experiment with cooking different things at home.

But ultimately, regardless where people are eating, people have done this all the time. It's why people calling themselves Foodies bothers me (a little), because people have to eat! Maybe if someone were to say "I'll like to try different versions of Lamb recipes and meals" would I feel that's a bit more of a foodie. Someone saying "tell me places in the city where I can eat" isn't a foodie, because for the most part the food served in most restaurants really don't have anything specific to that city. The restaurants recommended may be nice restaurants, but ultimately you could move that restaurant to a different city, and the food would be the same.

Quote from: J N Winkler on September 14, 2020, 05:19:48 PM
I tend to interpret "hotel that's clean and food that's good" as "I'm not picky as long as certain basic standards are met"--in other words, money or convenience (usually money) is the driving consideration.

I look at reviews too, but don't sweat the details...

Sometimes it's not necessarily money, but rather...I dunno...just comfort I guess. It's not even unusual for someone to ask about clean, then ask if they should stay at either the Flamingo or the Bellagio in Vegas, which are normally vastly different price points. Both will be clean, and you can walk anywhere for food. But would the person want cheaper at the inclusion of possibly older, or nicer and newer? And even then, there's no guarantee what is actually nicer. The Flamingo is definitely older, but some of their recently renovated rooms are very nice. The Bellagio actually gets lower reviews sometimes. Some people think that it's a 5 star hotel, and they should be treated like royalty. When they're treated like an ordinary hotel guest, they get upset. When they lose money at the casino, they get really upset! And in a place like the Bellagio where they are probably spending a few hundred a night for a room, the only thing they can do is give a bad review.

Referencing reviews - I do the same thing. I'll look for consistencies between reviews, but otherwise I take them for a bit of entertainment value. My favorite ones always start with "I would give this hotel/restaurant 0 stars if I could". Bed bugs are also a red flag that they simply aren't happy with the hotel. While it's quite possible there could have been bed bugs, I've figured out that most people have no clue what bed bugs are. "The Bed Bugs were as big as a bumblebee". No. You probably saw a stink bug. Not pleasant, but not a bed bug.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on September 16, 2020, 12:31:33 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 16, 2020, 09:09:57 AM

There are numerous definitions of a foodie, and it doesn't necessarily have anything to do with vacations or even eating out. Someone could consider themselves a foodie if they like to experiment with cooking different things at home.

But ultimately, regardless where people are eating, people have done this all the time. It's why people calling themselves Foodies bothers me (a little), because people have to eat! Maybe if someone were to say "I'll like to try different versions of Lamb recipes and meals" would I feel that's a bit more of a foodie. Someone saying "tell me places in the city where I can eat" isn't a foodie, because for the most part the food served in most restaurants really don't have anything specific to that city. The restaurants recommended may be nice restaurants, but ultimately you could move that restaurant to a different city, and the food would be the same.

I hate the term foodie for the same reason. It's made up. I love to eat, and I love a lot of food that's not considered to be very good as well as food that many consider to be top notch. I am the guy that says pizza is like sex; when it's good, it's good, and when it's bad, it's still good. None of that makes me a foodie. It makes me a hungry human being.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on September 16, 2020, 12:41:30 PM

"Foodie" just means "picky eater," in terms of only wanting to eat foods they deem of a high quality, however subjective that determination is.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 16, 2020, 12:48:54 PM

Quote from: Rothman on September 16, 2020, 12:41:30 PM
"Foodie" just means "picky eater," in terms of only wanting to eat foods they deem of a high quality ...

I can get behind that definition.

A foodie never makes scrambled eggs with chopped-up store-brand hot dogs for lunch. A foodie never goes to McDonald's for the 2-for-2 deal. A foodie never buys a birthday cake from the Kroger counter. A foodie never gets Fettucine Alfredo at the Olive Garden. That's all too pedestrian for a foodie to even consider.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on September 16, 2020, 01:25:01 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 16, 2020, 12:48:54 PM
Quote from: Rothman on September 16, 2020, 12:41:30 PM
"Foodie" just means "picky eater," in terms of only wanting to eat foods they deem of a high quality ...

I can get behind that definition.

A foodie never makes scrambled eggs with chopped-up store-brand hot dogs for lunch. A foodie never goes to McDonald's for the 2-for-2 deal. A foodie never buys a birthday cake from the Kroger counter. A foodie never gets Fettucine Alfredo at the Olive Garden. That's all too pedestrian for a foodie to even consider.

That's how I picture it too. Thus, the request for restaurant recommendations doesn't disqualify someone from being a foodie for me - if they're traveling, they probably want a local, hole in the wall place service top-notch gourmet local cuisine, not tourist fare.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 16, 2020, 01:26:42 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 16, 2020, 12:48:54 PM
A foodie never makes scrambled eggs with chopped-up store-brand hot dogs for lunch.

I don't think anyone does that (at least I sure hope they don't).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on September 16, 2020, 01:43:08 PM

Quote from: vdeane on September 16, 2020, 01:25:01 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 16, 2020, 12:48:54 PM
Quote from: Rothman on September 16, 2020, 12:41:30 PM
"Foodie" just means "picky eater," in terms of only wanting to eat foods they deem of a high quality ...

I can get behind that definition.

A foodie never makes scrambled eggs with chopped-up store-brand hot dogs for lunch. A foodie never goes to McDonald's for the 2-for-2 deal. A foodie never buys a birthday cake from the Kroger counter. A foodie never gets Fettucine Alfredo at the Olive Garden. That's all too pedestrian for a foodie to even consider.
That's how I picture it too. Thus, the request for restaurant recommendations doesn't disqualify someone from being a foodie for me - if they're traveling, they probably want a local, hole in the wall place service top-notch gourmet local cuisine, not tourist fare.

And honestly, sometimes I think those people miss out on true local fare. Some locals are suggesting places with $40 steaks that can be cooked in any kitchen anywhere in the world.

In Philly, our local cuisine is the cheesesteak. A $10 heart attack served in waxy paper. Stray from that, and you might as well go to Any City, USA.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 16, 2020, 01:47:53 PM

Quote from: webny99 on September 16, 2020, 01:26:42 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 16, 2020, 12:48:54 PM
A foodie never makes scrambled eggs with chopped-up store-brand hot dogs for lunch.

I don't think anyone does that (at least I sure hope they don't).

Dude. You can make a pretty good authentic Mexican lunch this way for cheap. Honestly, the seasonings and cheese really make it less authentic, but they also make it tastier. I've had something similar to this, home-cooked in Mexico, more than once. It's a staple lunch for our family if we have some hot dogs leftover from grilling out. Boil some beets and carrots or something ahead of time to have on the side, and you've got yourself a full meal.

1. Sauté some onions, peppers, carrots, garlic, tomatoes–whatever leftover veggies you have floating around the kitchen, really.

2. Chop up hot dogs into little rounds. My wife and I prefer name-brand all-beef dogs (usually Oscar Mayer or Ballpark), but people like whatever they like. In this application, it doesn't matter so much. Toss them in with the veggies.

3. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, oregano, coriander–whatever floats your boat.

4. Add a little more butter (or oil or bacon grease or whatever you're using), and pour in some beaten eggs.

5. Cook over medium-how heat, stirring gently every few minutes. Just before they finish cooking/scrambling, throw in some cheese and stir one last time.

6. Serve with heated-up tortillas and either salsa or hot sauce.

Speaking of hot dog rounds, they make a tasty pizza topping too.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 07, 2020, 02:44:12 PM

If I search YouTube for a certain band, then I can click to play a mix by that band. Just need to skip ads every so often, but a lot of ads are short enough to not bother. I do this regularly at work.

Now, however, it has started asking me every so often to sign in to "get the best YouTube experience". I have to pause what I'm doing, bring the browser to the top, and then click [NOT NOW] in order for it to advance to the next song. Grrr.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tchafe1978 on October 07, 2020, 09:34:27 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 07, 2020, 02:44:12 PM
If I search YouTube for a certain band, then I can click to play a mix by that band. Just need to skip ads every so often, but a lot of ads are short enough to not bother. I do this regularly at work.

Now, however, it has started asking me every so often to sign in to "get the best YouTube experience". I have to pause what I'm doing, bring the browser to the top, and then click [NOT NOW] in order for it to advance to the next song. Grrr.

Even more annoying than having to click "not now", is of you're using the mobile app, every so often the video will pause and will ask "are you still watching?" and you'll have to click yes to continue. This is most annoying as I like to listen to music on Youtube while in the shower, and the music all of a sudden stops. So I have to step out of the shower dripping wet to tap on my phone. Ads that are longer than 15 seconds are annoying while in the shower too. Some ads can be 1-2 minutes or even longer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on October 08, 2020, 12:13:17 AM

Groups of people standing around talking in the parking lot with no awareness of what's going on around them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 08, 2020, 12:23:12 AM

Oh, we're bitching about YouTube? I like to watch Let's Play videos, where people record themselves playing a video game and offer vocal commentary, as I'm trying to fall asleep. These have a tendency to be broken apart as part of a series, and are usually titled something like "Let's Play Lemmings: 1 - [subtitle about this episode]" followed by "Let's Play Lemmings: 2 - [subtitle]" and so on. It used to be that the "Related Videos" list to the side would cotton on to this and offer the next video in the series for you. Then they broke it. Now it will do stupid things like recommend a video in the middle of a completely different series by the same channel, or follow episode 2 with a recommendation for episode 37, or other such lunacy.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on October 08, 2020, 01:22:14 AM

Only problem I have with YouTube would be the above problem, where the related videos are sometimes not always the next in a sequence. Doesn't happen a ton, but certainly does from time to time.

I have YouTube Premium thanks to my YouTube Music subscription, so I don't have ads on YouTube. My phone is water resistant and I do use it in the shower as well. But when I need to do something, I just say "Hey Google" and then whatever (next track, shuffle, replay, etc).

Technology can be expensive, but it can certainly spare you from those irritating things that bother so many people, like ads. Or when you lock your phone and YouTube stops playing (doesn't happen on my end thanks to the YouTube Premium thing).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 08, 2020, 01:29:35 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on October 08, 2020, 01:22:14 AM
Technology can be expensive, but it can certainly spare you from those irritating things that bother so many people, like ads. Or when you lock your phone and YouTube stops playing (doesn't happen on my end thanks to the YouTube Premium thing).

Clearly, the technology to keep playing when the phone is locked is not actually expensive, innovative, or difficult, Alphabet just wants to extort money for it.

Personally, I think it's gauche as hell for a company to create a problem (not create a problem in the customer's mind, but cause the problem) and then try to talk you into forking over money to fix it. It's like stuffing poison ivy down someone's shirt and then offering to sell them a bottle of calamine lotion.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on October 08, 2020, 09:51:37 AM

In the spirit of the thread's subject:

Server problems. :bigass:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on October 08, 2020, 09:53:24 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 08, 2020, 01:29:35 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on October 08, 2020, 01:22:14 AM
Technology can be expensive, but it can certainly spare you from those irritating things that bother so many people, like ads. Or when you lock your phone and YouTube stops playing (doesn't happen on my end thanks to the YouTube Premium thing).

Clearly, the technology to keep playing when the phone is locked is not actually expensive, innovative, or difficult, Alphabet just wants to extort money for it.

Personally, I think it's gauche as hell for a company to create a problem (not create a problem in the customer's mind, but cause the problem) and then try to talk you into forking over money to fix it. It's like stuffing poison ivy down someone's shirt and then offering to sell them a bottle of calamine lotion.

The internet's biggest issue: everyone thinks everything should be free, at no inconvenience to the end user.

Since the history of mankind, no company has been able to make money on such a platform.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 08, 2020, 10:05:09 AM

Quote from: tchafe1978 on October 07, 2020, 09:34:27 PM
Even more annoying than having to click "not now", is of you're using the mobile app, every so often the video will pause and will ask "are you still watching?" and you'll have to click yes to continue. This is most annoying as I like to listen to music on Youtube while in the shower, and the music all of a sudden stops. So I have to step out of the shower dripping wet to tap on my phone. Ads that are longer than 15 seconds are annoying while in the shower too. Some ads can be 1-2 minutes or even longer.

On my phone, it doesn't even ask "Are you still watching?" It just stops playing, and I then have to click the < to resume play. I don't listen to it in the shower, but I do while shaving, so I have similarly wet hands.

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 08, 2020, 12:23:12 AM
I like to watch Let's Play videos, where people record themselves playing a video game and offer vocal commentary,

Our boys used to watch those. Then we realized one day that the players don't always...mmmm...talk about wholesome topics or use appropriate language during the game.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 08, 2020, 09:53:24 AM
The internet's biggest issue: everyone thinks everything should be free, at no inconvenience to the end user.

Yep, and I think about that every single time I get annoyed. I think to myself, Well, I'm using their service for free.

On the other hand, the annoyances aren't directly related to the free-ness of the product. Even though I hate ads, I fully accept that YouTube must get ad revenue in order for me to watch videos for free. And I fully accept that premium options should be paid for by willing users. But interrupting the normal use of the product in order to request me to log in or to request me to sign up for said premium service is, in my opinion, unnecessary and purposely disruptive.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 08, 2020, 10:24:32 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 08, 2020, 09:53:24 AM
The internet's biggest issue: everyone thinks everything should be free, at no inconvenience to the end user.

Since the history of mankind, no company has been able to make money on such a platform.

Cool. I don't care whether they make money or not, just whether it works or not. After all, Google doesn't care about whether my website makes any money or not, why should I return the favor?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: STLmapboy on October 20, 2020, 09:32:21 PM

Quote from: kphoger on November 27, 2019, 12:15:36 PM
The phrase "it is what it is".

This aged perfectly.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on October 20, 2020, 10:21:16 PM

Quote from: formulanone on December 11, 2019, 08:20:07 AM
Quote from: texaskdog on December 11, 2019, 08:16:58 AM
Bathroom doors that open in. I don't wash my hands to touch a dirty door handle being that half the guys don't wash their hands.

Combine this with the air dryers, and we have a Major Thing, in terms of germ and disease control.

Ouch.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on October 20, 2020, 11:39:45 PM

annoy me? the tv.

i live in the mountain time zone and for some channels i have to perform differential calculus to figure out what time something 'really' comes on.

related: most networks, just completely omit mst/mdt from their schedules: 'tonight 8/7c'. thats no help at all.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on October 20, 2020, 11:54:57 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 20, 2020, 11:39:45 PMrelated: most networks, just completely omit mst/mdt from their schedules: 'tonight 8/7c'. thats no help at all.

Sports is worse (Looking at you ESPN). On the crawl, they put the exact time to the minute if it is shown on another network, but they show when the pregame show starts if it is on their network.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on October 21, 2020, 12:27:26 AM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 20, 2020, 11:39:45 PM
annoy me? the tv.

i live in the mountain time zone and for some channels i have to perform differential calculus to figure out what time something 'really' comes on.

related: most networks, just completely omit mst/mdt from their schedules: 'tonight 8/7c'. thats no help at all.

I've never had an issue with it. 8/7c just means it's at 7 PM mountain, but make sure to avoid any spoilers as everyone in Eastern and Central will see it an hour before you do. Sports and other similar events come in the format "8 PM ET" - in which case you just subtract 2 hours.

It would be far worse to live in the Pacific time zone as far as TV is concerned, in my opinion.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 21, 2020, 02:01:59 AM

I had assumed that 8/7 central means 8 in all time zones except Central, when it's at 7. Hearing the phrase "the 11 o'clock news", which seems to be the standard time for the nightly news everywhere else in the country, is always bizarre. Here, it's the 10 o'clock news.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on October 21, 2020, 07:31:21 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 21, 2020, 02:01:59 AM
I had assumed that 8/7 central means 8 in all time zones except Central, when it's at 7. Hearing the phrase "the 11 o'clock news", which seems to be the standard time for the nightly news everywhere else in the country, is always bizarre. Here, it's the 10 o'clock news.

Whereas here, the 10:00 news is a particular program on Channel 5. I remember when they first started airing it and their commercials had an annoying jingle, "Watch the 10 o'clock news–for an extra hour's snooze." Problem is, at least in its current iteration, it's just not as good a newscast as the 11:00 news on Channel 4 for several reasons (though I do often watch parts of it, such as the weather forecast, because I tend to fall asleep early in the 11:00 news).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on October 21, 2020, 08:41:23 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 21, 2020, 02:01:59 AM
I had assumed that 8/7 central means 8 in all time zones except Central, when it's at 7. Hearing the phrase "the 11 o'clock news", which seems to be the standard time for the nightly news everywhere else in the country, is always bizarre. Here, it's the 10 o'clock news.

I usually take it to be 8 eastern, 7 central, 6 mountain, 8 pacific. Depending on the station, sometimes they show it as 8e/7c, 8 eastern & pacific, 7 central, etc. Mountain Time almost always gets the short end of the stick, both because of brevity and population. That time zone has less than 7% of the US population, so while those in Denver and Phoenix may disagree, it's not a major portion of the show's viewership. Even though it would only takes a half-second to say the mountain time, it's a half-second to advertise the show or whatever so they skip it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on October 21, 2020, 09:30:15 AM

As someone who has lived in the Mountain time zone the vast majority of my life, this is what "8/7 Central" means:

8 PM Eastern
7 PM Central
7 PM Mountain (this means it is delayed one hour from the Eastern/Central viewing time)
8 PM Pacific (likewise, delayed three hours from Eastern/Central)

This is because of how the primetime TV schedule works: in Eastern and Pacific time, primetime TV programs begin at 8, but they start at 7 in Mountain and Central. This is also why the late-evening news is at 11 PM on the coasts, but 10 PM in Central and Mountain time.

Sports events are not subject to this weirdness because the entire country sees them at the same time - so general convention for those is just to give the time in Eastern and let everyone else calculate from there.

It is rather annoying that the millions of people living in Denver, Phoenix, Salt Lake, Albuquerque, Boise, and other smaller cities don't really exist to New Yorkers - but we're way better at doing time zone math in our heads because of it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on October 21, 2020, 09:56:41 AM

Quote from: US 89 on October 21, 2020, 09:30:15 AM
It is rather annoying that the millions of people living in Denver, Phoenix, Salt Lake, Albuquerque, Boise, and other smaller cities don't really exist to New Yorkers - but we're way better at doing time zone math in our heads because of it.

Eh, don't feel too bad. There's about 6 million people in their own state that don't exist to them either.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on October 21, 2020, 10:02:28 AM

I recall when I was a kid, TV promos for upcoming shows often specified a time as, for example, "8:00 Eastern, 7 Central and Mountain." Used to hear that frequently when the CBS football announcers (CBS had the NFC package back then, so it's the network I normally watched on Sunday) would mention upcoming programs.

Those of you who are bothered by this sort of thing could move to Newfoundland, which is 90 minutes ahead of Eastern Time. Thus, if a show airs at 9:00 PM Eastern and will air simultaneously in Newfoundland, it airs at 10:30 PM there.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 21, 2020, 10:55:27 AM

Quote from: US 89 on October 21, 2020, 09:30:15 AM
It is rather annoying that the millions of people living in Denver, Phoenix, Salt Lake, Albuquerque, Boise, and other smaller cities don't really exist to New Yorkers - but we're way better at doing time zone math in our heads because of it.

As Ned Flanders once said...

Quote from: The Simpsons, Season 14, Episode 13: A Star Is Born Again
Ha, ha, yup. We occupy that useless mass of land... between Los Angeles and New York called America.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CoreySamson on October 21, 2020, 11:52:41 AM

Something bothered me recently about Facebook.

During Hurricane Delta a couple of weeks ago, I was tracking it every day, so I followed some local meteorologists to see their updates on the storm. The annoying thing is with these kinds of updates they need to be in order for them to really make sense because they get outdated in a period of just a few hours. Well, guess what? Facebook elected to show me hurricane updates from 4 days ago instead of showing the latest update. So instead of telling me right away if the storm will hit me, instead it was talking about how the Yucatan would get clobbered (even though that happened days ago)

Also, TikTok and Snapchat.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tchafe1978 on October 21, 2020, 01:46:07 PM

Quote from: CoreySamson on October 21, 2020, 11:52:41 AM
Something bothered me recently about Facebook.

During Hurricane Delta a couple of weeks ago, I was tracking it every day, so I followed some local meteorologists to see their updates on the storm. The annoying thing is with these kinds of updates they need to be in order for them to really make sense because they get outdated in a period of just a few hours. Well, guess what? Facebook elected to show me hurricane updates from 4 days ago instead of showing the latest update. So instead of telling me right away if the storm will hit me, instead it was talking about how the Yucatan would get clobbered (even though that happened days ago)

Also, TikTok and Snapchat.

That is annoying about Facebook. I'll sometimes see posts from 3 or 4 days ago that I never saw, yet I don't see posts from just a few minutes or hours ago. My app on my phone recently updated, though, to give the option of most relevant, favorites, or most recent. I've found that even the most recent option doesn't always show the most recent posts, whether they're from friends or from pages I follow. I've found that sometimes when looking for the most recent posts from a news or weather station, for example, it's best just to go to that page's home page to see the most recent postings.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 21, 2020, 02:04:14 PM

Quote from: US 89 on October 21, 2020, 09:30:15 AM
Sports events are not subject to this weirdness because the entire country sees them at the same time - so general convention for those is just to give the time in Eastern and let everyone else calculate from there.

It is rather annoying that the millions of people living in Denver, Phoenix, Salt Lake, Albuquerque, Boise, and other smaller cities don't really exist to New Yorkers - but we're way better at doing time zone math in our heads because of it.

When I was working horse racing the broadcasts from the track would refer to race times in whatever the local time zone at the track was. That would get rather confusing, since they also didn't specify what the local time zone was (just something like "Friday 6:00pm"), so you had to just have the locations of the tracks you were interested in memorized. To help out, we did have a list of the times posted, translated to Central time.

Quote from: tchafe1978 on October 21, 2020, 01:46:07 PM
Quote from: CoreySamson on October 21, 2020, 11:52:41 AM
Something bothered me recently about Facebook.

During Hurricane Delta a couple of weeks ago, I was tracking it every day, so I followed some local meteorologists to see their updates on the storm. The annoying thing is with these kinds of updates they need to be in order for them to really make sense because they get outdated in a period of just a few hours. Well, guess what? Facebook elected to show me hurricane updates from 4 days ago instead of showing the latest update. So instead of telling me right away if the storm will hit me, instead it was talking about how the Yucatan would get clobbered (even though that happened days ago)

Also, TikTok and Snapchat.

That is annoying about Facebook. I'll sometimes see posts from 3 or 4 days ago that I never saw, yet I don't see posts from just a few minutes or hours ago. My app on my phone recently updated, though, to give the option of most relevant, favorites, or most recent. I've found that even the most recent option doesn't always show the most recent posts, whether they're from friends or from pages I follow. I've found that sometimes when looking for the most recent posts from a news or weather station, for example, it's best just to go to that page's home page to see the most recent postings.

This is because people figured out that if you wanted people to see your posts, all you had to do was post them at the time of the day that people are on Facebook the most–around lunchtime and after work, mostly. Since the only people who really care if someone sees their post are businesses, Facebook shuffled the posts in an "algorithm" so nobody knows what post is going to show up when, so anyone getting to see a particular post is not guaranteed. This means the only way to make sure your post is seen is to bribe Facebook to buy your way out of the algorithm. It's a shakedown–your user experience is irrelevant if Facebook can make more money off of breaking the interface.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 21, 2020, 02:17:43 PM

Quote from: tchafe1978 on October 21, 2020, 01:46:07 PM
I've found that even the most recent option doesn't always show the most recent posts

Ultimate annoyance.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on October 21, 2020, 02:30:53 PM

Rapid City's CBS station is a semi-satellite of Sioux Falls's. They can split it for NFL games (usually because Rapid is a Broncos town meaning sometimes they have to air the late game Sioux Falls doesn't always air). So they get primetime at 6 PM live with Central and Eastern.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on October 21, 2020, 02:36:06 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on October 21, 2020, 02:30:53 PM
Rapid City's CBS station is a semi-satellite of Sioux Falls's. They can split it for NFL games (usually because Rapid is a Broncos town meaning sometimes they have to air the late game Sioux Falls doesn't always air). So they get primetime at 6 PM live with Central and Eastern.

Nearby Wyoming, on the other hand, is becoming Bills country.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on October 21, 2020, 02:40:44 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 21, 2020, 02:17:43 PM
Quote from: tchafe1978 on October 21, 2020, 01:46:07 PM
I've found that even the most recent option doesn't always show the most recent posts

Ultimate annoyance.

Some sites, such as Twitter, will unilaterally change your feed periodically if you set it to show you the latest posts on top. Twitter has some algorithm it uses to determine what it thinks are "top tweets" and it considers that to be the default to which it unilaterally resets you every so often. Nextdoor will do that every 30 days, too.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on October 21, 2020, 02:56:39 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 21, 2020, 02:17:43 PM
Quote from: tchafe1978 on October 21, 2020, 01:46:07 PM
I've found that even the most recent option doesn't always show the most recent posts

Ultimate annoyance.

Overly annoying. Every once in a while I'll think of someone who I haven't seen for a while, and for some of them it concerns me that they're not on Facebook anymore or something happened to them. Then when I look them up, they posted 2 hours ago. And yesterday, 3 times. So they're very much alive; I'm just not getting their posts on my feed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on October 21, 2020, 03:36:44 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 21, 2020, 02:56:39 PM
Quote from: kphoger on October 21, 2020, 02:17:43 PM
Quote from: tchafe1978 on October 21, 2020, 01:46:07 PM
I've found that even the most recent option doesn't always show the most recent posts

Ultimate annoyance.

Overly annoying. Every once in a while I'll think of someone who I haven't seen for a while, and for some of them it concerns me that they're not on Facebook anymore or something happened to them. Then when I look them up, they posted 2 hours ago. And yesterday, 3 times. So they're very much alive; I'm just not getting their posts on my feed.

The social media companies think they know how to run your feed better than you do. That's the problem.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jemacedo9 on October 21, 2020, 03:42:14 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on October 21, 2020, 03:36:44 PM

The social media companies think they know how to run your ~~feed~~ life better than you do. That's the problem.

FTFY

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: STLmapboy on October 21, 2020, 03:46:06 PM

Traffic lights on span wires where the top half of the backplate has been cut off to accommodate the span wire. :angry:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on October 21, 2020, 04:05:30 PM

Quote from: US 89 on October 21, 2020, 09:30:15 AM
As someone who has lived in the Mountain time zone the vast majority of my life, this is what "8/7 Central" means:

8 PM Eastern
7 PM Central
7 PM Mountain (this means it is delayed one hour from the Eastern/Central viewing time)
8 PM Pacific (likewise, delayed three hours from Eastern/Central)

This is because of how the primetime TV schedule works: in Eastern and Pacific time, primetime TV programs begin at 8, but they start at 7 in Mountain and Central. This is also why the late-evening news is at 11 PM on the coasts, but 10 PM in Central and Mountain time.

Sports events are not subject to this weirdness because the entire country sees them at the same time - so general convention for those is just to give the time in Eastern and let everyone else calculate from there.

It is rather annoying that the millions of people living in Denver, Phoenix, Salt Lake, Albuquerque, Boise, and other smaller cities don't really exist to New Yorkers - but we're way better at doing time zone math in our heads because of it.

This is a big reason why I often think, in this era of hyper-connectivity, that it would be a very good idea to put the entire planet on UTC - instead of it now, as of this typing, being 3:05 pm/15:05 CDT, it would be 2005Z, same anywhere in the World.

:nod:

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on October 21, 2020, 04:46:44 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on October 21, 2020, 04:05:30 PM
Quote from: US 89 on October 21, 2020, 09:30:15 AM
As someone who has lived in the Mountain time zone the vast majority of my life, this is what "8/7 Central" means:

8 PM Eastern
7 PM Central
7 PM Mountain (this means it is delayed one hour from the Eastern/Central viewing time)
8 PM Pacific (likewise, delayed three hours from Eastern/Central)

This is because of how the primetime TV schedule works: in Eastern and Pacific time, primetime TV programs begin at 8, but they start at 7 in Mountain and Central. This is also why the late-evening news is at 11 PM on the coasts, but 10 PM in Central and Mountain time.

Sports events are not subject to this weirdness because the entire country sees them at the same time - so general convention for those is just to give the time in Eastern and let everyone else calculate from there.

It is rather annoying that the millions of people living in Denver, Phoenix, Salt Lake, Albuquerque, Boise, and other smaller cities don't really exist to New Yorkers - but we're way better at doing time zone math in our heads because of it.

This is a big reason why I often think, in this era of hyper-connectivity, that it would be a very good idea to put the entire planet on UTC - instead of it now, as of this typing, being 3:05 pm/15:05 CDT, it would be 2005Z, same anywhere in the World.

:nod:

Mike

:ded:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on October 21, 2020, 07:26:30 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on October 21, 2020, 04:05:30 PM
Quote from: US 89 on October 21, 2020, 09:30:15 AM
As someone who has lived in the Mountain time zone the vast majority of my life, this is what "8/7 Central" means:

8 PM Eastern
7 PM Central
7 PM Mountain (this means it is delayed one hour from the Eastern/Central viewing time)
8 PM Pacific (likewise, delayed three hours from Eastern/Central)

This is because of how the primetime TV schedule works: in Eastern and Pacific time, primetime TV programs begin at 8, but they start at 7 in Mountain and Central. This is also why the late-evening news is at 11 PM on the coasts, but 10 PM in Central and Mountain time.

Sports events are not subject to this weirdness because the entire country sees them at the same time - so general convention for those is just to give the time in Eastern and let everyone else calculate from there.

It is rather annoying that the millions of people living in Denver, Phoenix, Salt Lake, Albuquerque, Boise, and other smaller cities don't really exist to New Yorkers - but we're way better at doing time zone math in our heads because of it.

This is a big reason why I often think, in this era of hyper-connectivity, that it would be a very good idea to put the entire planet on UTC - instead of it now, as of this typing, being 3:05 pm/15:05 CDT, it would be 2005Z, same anywhere in the World.

:nod:

Mike

Not happening. But we won't be talking about the other option either.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 21, 2020, 08:35:27 PM

Quote from: jemacedo9 on October 21, 2020, 03:42:14 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on October 21, 2020, 03:36:44 PM

The social media companies think they know how to run your ~~feed~~ life better than you do. That's the problem.

FTFY

Again, they want to manufacture a problem that buying ads from them will solve.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on October 21, 2020, 09:45:42 PM

Quote from: US 89 on October 21, 2020, 09:30:15 AM
As someone who has lived in the Mountain time zone the vast majority of my life, this is what "8/7 Central" means:

8 PM Eastern
7 PM Central
7 PM Mountain (this means it is delayed one hour from the Eastern/Central viewing time)
8 PM Pacific (likewise, delayed three hours from Eastern/Central)

This is because of how the primetime TV schedule works: in Eastern and Pacific time, primetime TV programs begin at 8, but they start at 7 in Mountain and Central. This is also why the late-evening news is at 11 PM on the coasts, but 10 PM in Central and Mountain time.

Sports events are not subject to this weirdness because the entire country sees them at the same time - so general convention for those is just to give the time in Eastern and let everyone else calculate from there.

It is rather annoying that the millions of people living in Denver, Phoenix, Salt Lake, Albuquerque, Boise, and other smaller cities don't really exist to New Yorkers - but we're way better at doing time zone math in our heads because of it.

I find the way they handle Mountain time with TV to be odd. I would have assumed they would have combined Mountain and Pacific like they do Eastern and Central. Then they could have "8/7 Central" and "7/8 Mountain".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mrsman on October 22, 2020, 07:50:48 AM

Quote from: vdeane on October 21, 2020, 09:45:42 PM
Quote from: US 89 on October 21, 2020, 09:30:15 AM
As someone who has lived in the Mountain time zone the vast majority of my life, this is what "8/7 Central" means:

8 PM Eastern
7 PM Central
7 PM Mountain (this means it is delayed one hour from the Eastern/Central viewing time)
8 PM Pacific (likewise, delayed three hours from Eastern/Central)

This is because of how the primetime TV schedule works: in Eastern and Pacific time, primetime TV programs begin at 8, but they start at 7 in Mountain and Central. This is also why the late-evening news is at 11 PM on the coasts, but 10 PM in Central and Mountain time.

Sports events are not subject to this weirdness because the entire country sees them at the same time - so general convention for those is just to give the time in Eastern and let everyone else calculate from there.

It is rather annoying that the millions of people living in Denver, Phoenix, Salt Lake, Albuquerque, Boise, and other smaller cities don't really exist to New Yorkers - but we're way better at doing time zone math in our heads because of it.
I find the way they handle Mountain time with TV to be odd. I would have assumed they would have combined Mountain and Pacific like they do Eastern and Central. Then they could have "8/7 Central" and "7/8 Mountain".

It is sort of odd that Mountain has its own feed that is one hour delayed. It is also odd that unless an event is broadcast live, most Mountain TV stations have decided to broadcast prime time at 7-10, instead of 8-11. Since they aren't on the main feed, they could choose to delay one hour or two hour. I guess they feel it is better for their viewership if this is done this way.

Pacific generally follows a 3 hour delay, basically the entire prime time block is rebroadcast as soon as it is over. There are some weird exceptions to this. In Sacramento, most stations broadcast prime time 8-11, but the CBS affiliate broadcasts 7-10. Shows that would normally conflict in most of the country would not conflict there. So while it may be easier to just broadcast the 3 hour delayed feed, CBS in Sacramento made a business decision that it would be better for them to simply tape delay 2 hours and have a 7-10 prime time. [I initially found this confusing when I first lived in the area, but one summer when I had to get up really early for a project, I found that I would watch 7-8 on CBS and then go to bed, so it may make sense to get a one hour jump on the competition.] I am surprised the network allowed them to do this, since they seem to insist that all Pacific stations air on a 3 hour delay.

Arizona will broadcast 7-10 all year long, even though they have no DST. So a 1 hour delay of the national feed during standard time and a 2 hour delay of the national feed during DST. I found this confusing once when I was driving with my family to Arizona (and we were living in CA at the time) and we came to our hotel and wanted to watch a TV show that airs 8pm in L.A. (and the East Coast). While we did not have to change our clocks since Arizona during DST is basically the same as Pacific time in DST, the TV stations were all broadcast an hour earlier and we missed our show.

[I am sure there were some levels of confusion back when eastern and central Indiana also did not do DST. Since they are on the national feed, they probably were forced to change their broadcast schedule every time the clock changed in the rest of the country. So prime time was 8-11 during the winter, but 7-10 during the summer. But I have no first hand knowledge of the situation there. It would seem that they basically had to know what to do and ignore the national advertising of TV show times, since the 8/7 central thing just didn't really apply. They were in Eastern time, but the TV was on Central.]

A quick check seems to indicate that Anchorage, Alaska and Hawaii does prime time 7-10. Hawaii has to do a custom delay, but Anchorage, Alaska can just broadcast the Pacific feed, since they are 1 hour behind Pacific.

EDITED TO ADD: Here's a link to wikipedia article on Sacramento's CBS station and its weird early prime time practice. Seems like it was done for the sake of providing a 1 hour local news at 10 pm.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KOVR

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on October 22, 2020, 10:00:29 AM

Quote from: US 89 on October 21, 2020, 12:27:26 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 20, 2020, 11:39:45 PM
annoy me? the tv.

i live in the mountain time zone and for some channels i have to perform differential calculus to figure out what time something 'really' comes on.

related: most networks, just completely omit mst/mdt from their schedules: 'tonight 8/7c'. thats no help at all.

I've never had an issue with it. 8/7c just means it's at 7 PM mountain, but make sure to avoid any spoilers as everyone in Eastern and Central will see it an hour before you do. Sports and other similar events come in the format "8 PM ET" - in which case you just subtract 2 hours.

It would be far worse to live in the Pacific time zone as far as TV is concerned, in my opinion.

i have directv... and some channels its on either 3 hours before whatever time is is listed, or 1 hour after... something to do with 'east' and 'west' feeds for some channels, i'm told. i say, i'm in the western part of the country, so make it all 'west' feeds, and call it good.

i mean, with hd and all, there's no technical reason they can't list all time zones, or something like that.
i dunno. it just bugs me. i've also seen 8/7c and then they a time for pacific... like we don't exist here.. except for a lot of us in mst/mdt, directv or dish is the only option, so you'd think they'd know that a large # of their subscribers are in this zone..

</rant>

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tdindy88 on October 22, 2020, 10:25:20 AM

Quote from: mrsman on October 22, 2020, 07:50:48 AM
[I am sure there were some levels of confusion back when eastern and central Indiana also did not do DST. Since they are on the national feed, they probably were forced to change their broadcast schedule every time the clock changed in the rest of the country. So prime time was 8-11 during the winter, but 7-10 during the summer. But I have no first hand knowledge of the situation there. It would seem that they basically had to know what to do and ignore the national advertising of TV show times, since the 8/7 central thing just didn't really apply. They were in Eastern time, but the TV was on Central.]

I think prime time stayed 8-11 year round here in Indianapolis. At least I seem to think that's how it was. The news has always been on at 11 and that didn't change in the spring or fall. I never noticed anything different growing up on the TV scheduling. As a kid I don't think I even realized that we were on Central Time half of the year, it wasn't until my dad told me driving back from Ohio to Indiana that we were going back an hour that I noticed something was up.

Now I want to say that the national radio programs were offset an hour when they were on. There was one morning talk show I listened too that was on at 6-10 when we were on Eastern time and 5-9 on Central. Now they are just on at 6-10.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on October 22, 2020, 12:27:31 PM

I remember when shows were pitched as "8 Eastern, 7 Central and Mountain."

And of course there's the venerable promo for 60 Minutes during football games: "Stay tuned for 60 Minutes immediately following this game, except on the West Coast."

Someone else mentioned "east" and "west" feeds on satellite TV. I get three iterations of Ion via DirecTV. Apparently there is an over-the-air Ion broadcast on Channel 67 that is included in my local channels. Then there's the Ion East and Ion West feeds. If I miss a rerun of "Law & Order," I can see it three hours later on the west feed.

But while Ion is included in the OTA package, few of the secondary channels get picked up. We get CW, which is a subsidiary of WKYT, but not MeTV, AntennaTV, Heroes & Icons, or any number of other secondary offerings.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on October 22, 2020, 12:31:35 PM

None of this makes sense to me (although I don't watch TV). Why not just show it simultaneously everywhere in North America (possibly excluding Alaska and Hawaii)? 5 PM in California and 9 PM in New Brunswick.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on October 22, 2020, 12:43:43 PM

Quote from: 1 on October 22, 2020, 12:31:35 PM
None of this makes sense to me (although I don't watch TV). Why not just show it simultaneously everywhere in North America (possibly excluding Alaska and Hawaii)? 5 PM in California and 9 PM in New Brunswick.

Because as a major broadcast television network, you want your primetime shows to air at a time when people can watch them so you get good ratings. The 8-11 or 7-10 block is the time when most people watch TV after they get home from work, eat dinner, and settle in for the night. If you're running your show live across the country at 8 Eastern, that means it runs at 5 Pacific and nobody there is going to be able to watch it.

This is also why, say, tonight's presidential debate is so late from an East Coast point of view (9 PM ET). Because that is aired live across the country, it has to be late enough that they can expect a good amount of Pacific time people to be able to watch.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: STLmapboy on November 10, 2020, 01:09:54 PM

The Darien Gap really pisses me off.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: doorknob60 on November 10, 2020, 03:35:56 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 22, 2020, 10:00:29 AM
Quote from: US 89 on October 21, 2020, 12:27:26 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 20, 2020, 11:39:45 PM
annoy me? the tv.

i live in the mountain time zone and for some channels i have to perform differential calculus to figure out what time something 'really' comes on.

related: most networks, just completely omit mst/mdt from their schedules: 'tonight 8/7c'. thats no help at all.

I've never had an issue with it. 8/7c just means it's at 7 PM mountain, but make sure to avoid any spoilers as everyone in Eastern and Central will see it an hour before you do. Sports and other similar events come in the format "8 PM ET" - in which case you just subtract 2 hours.

It would be far worse to live in the Pacific time zone as far as TV is concerned, in my opinion.

i have directv... and some channels its on either 3 hours before whatever time is is listed, or 1 hour after... something to do with 'east' and 'west' feeds for some channels, i'm told. i say, i'm in the western part of the country, so make it all 'west' feeds, and call it good.

i mean, with hd and all, there's no technical reason they can't list all time zones, or something like that.
i dunno. it just bugs me. i've also seen 8/7c and then they a time for pacific... like we don't exist here.. except for a lot of us in mst/mdt, directv or dish is the only option, so you'd think they'd know that a large # of their subscribers are in this zone..

</rant>

On satellite, the rule of thumb is that all the cable networks (eg. TBS, USA, AMC, whatever else) are always going to be the Eastern feed. There are only a few national networks that have a Pacific feed on satellite, and it's usually the kids channels like Nick and Disney. And of course some networks like ESPN and CNN only have one live feed. Your local networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX) will of course be the your local time zone, same as if you were to use an antenna to pick them up.

The reason for this is that it would take almost twice as much satellite bandwidth to broadcast both an Eastern and Pacific feed of a network, as for nationwide service they'd need to have both, which means more satellites required in space, which is very expensive, for minimal gain, as you can just watch what you want a few hours earlier or DVR it. I honestly prefer it this way, I can watch it early if I want to, and if I don't, I can record it, watch it later, and be able to skip the ads. And worst case scenario, networks often replay that night's shows a few hours later in case you missed them.

The reason this is not the case on cable, is that your local cable system only has to broadcast either the Eastern or Pacific feeds of the channel (as far as I'm aware, no major networks, besides the local broadcast ones, have specific Mountain or Central feeds, you just get either Pacific or Eastern), not both, so there is no real difference either way cost wise.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on November 10, 2020, 11:23:29 PM

Quote from: STLmapboy on November 10, 2020, 01:09:54 PM
The Darien Gap really pisses me off.

I do wonder from time to time how much different Central America might be if there wasn't that gap there.

For example, would we see more South American plates driving around North America, and vice-versa?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on November 11, 2020, 04:48:05 PM

Quote from: jemacedo9 on October 21, 2020, 03:42:14 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on October 21, 2020, 03:36:44 PM

The social media companies think they know how to run your ~~feed~~ life better than you do. That's the problem.

FTFY

I don't need to be constantly followed by "fact checkers" of a different political persuasion.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on November 11, 2020, 04:57:26 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on November 11, 2020, 04:48:05 PM
Quote from: jemacedo9 on October 21, 2020, 03:42:14 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on October 21, 2020, 03:36:44 PM

The social media companies think they know how to run your ~~feed~~ life better than you do. That's the problem.

FTFY

I don't need to be constantly followed by "fact checkers" of a different political persuasion.

Fact checkers tell you what is objectively true or false, regardless of political beliefs. They do not fact check opinions.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 11, 2020, 04:58:08 PM

Something is either a fact or not a fact. The sky being blue doesn't indicate that all meteorologists are Democrats.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 74/171FAN on November 11, 2020, 05:13:27 PM

If everyone believed that the fact checkers were doing what they should be doing, then what 1 is stating would be correct.

However, there have been many issues recently regarding overall censorship based on personal political opinions, and that is where it becomes a Freedom of Speech issue.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 11, 2020, 07:42:12 PM

You have no freedom of speech on a website. Freedom of speech, like all of the enumerated rights in the constitution, applies to the government only. The person who controls a Web server is a private entity and is allowed to set whatever sort of conditions on the use of that server that they want. Your rights are not being trampled, because the owner of the server has rights too, and since they own the server their rights take precedent over yours. If you don't like it, you can rent your own server for twenty bucks a month and truly say whatever you want.

Legally, you're allowed to go to your city council meeting and say a bunch of racist stuff during an open hearing, because the government cannot restrict your speech. If you try that here you have your post deleted and your account banned. C'est la vie.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: allniter89 on November 12, 2020, 12:33:16 AM

Nearly everyone starting sentences with "so". :banghead:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 74/171FAN on November 12, 2020, 12:37:32 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 11, 2020, 07:42:12 PM
You have no freedom of speech on a website. Freedom of speech, like all of the enumerated rights in the constitution, applies to the government only. The person who controls a Web server is a private entity and is allowed to set whatever sort of conditions on the use of that server that they want. Your rights are not being trampled, because the owner of the server has rights too, and since they own the server their rights take precedent over yours. If you don't like it, you can rent your own server for twenty bucks a month and truly say whatever you want.

Legally, you're allowed to go to your city council meeting and say a bunch of racist stuff during an open hearing, because the government cannot restrict your speech. If you try that here you have your post deleted and your account banned. C'est la vie.

You are completely right. I am most concerned about a website allowing one side of a topic to be discussed publicly and completely silencing the other side.

Thankfully, that is not an issue here since political discussion (unless about roads) and religious discussion is banned.

EDIT: JoePCool14 explained it better below than I was willing to.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on November 12, 2020, 12:45:11 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 11, 2020, 07:42:12 PM
You have no freedom of speech on a website. Freedom of speech, like all of the enumerated rights in the constitution, applies to the government only. The person who controls a Web server is a private entity and is allowed to set whatever sort of conditions on the use of that server that they want. Your rights are not being trampled, because the owner of the server has rights too, and since they own the server their rights take precedent over yours. If you don't like it, you can rent your own server for twenty bucks a month and truly say whatever you want.

Legally, you're allowed to go to your city council meeting and say a bunch of racist stuff during an open hearing, because the government cannot restrict your speech. If you try that here you have your post deleted and your account banned. C'est la vie.

That's fine, but what isn't fine are:

Websites that promote themselves as allowing open and free speech or "dialogue" but restrict speech (false advertising)
Websites–that are so massive that they act as the modern-day public square–restricting speech to an excessive degree
Websites editorializing by placing "fact checks" under posts or videos and curating "trending" tabs, while also still claiming Section 230 protections against content that the website's users post
Websites colluding with one another to ban or censor users suspiciously at the same time

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on November 12, 2020, 12:48:38 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 12, 2020, 12:45:11 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 11, 2020, 07:42:12 PM
You have no freedom of speech on a website. Freedom of speech, like all of the enumerated rights in the constitution, applies to the government only. The person who controls a Web server is a private entity and is allowed to set whatever sort of conditions on the use of that server that they want. Your rights are not being trampled, because the owner of the server has rights too, and since they own the server their rights take precedent over yours. If you don't like it, you can rent your own server for twenty bucks a month and truly say whatever you want.

Legally, you're allowed to go to your city council meeting and say a bunch of racist stuff during an open hearing, because the government cannot restrict your speech. If you try that here you have your post deleted and your account banned. C'est la vie.

That's fine, but what isn't fine are:

Websites that promote themselves as allowing open and free speech or "dialogue" but restrict speech (false advertising)
Websites–that are so massive that they act as the modern-day public square–restricting speech to an excessive degree
Websites editorializing by placing "fact checks" under posts or videos and curating "trending" tabs, while also still claiming Section 230 protections against content that the website's users post
Websites colluding with one another to ban or censor users suspiciously at the same time

1. The websites you are thinking of actually do have free speech. It's just that their userbase is overwhelmingly far-right as it's basically the only type of website they can use without being banned.
2. This is more of a monopoly issue than a freedom of speech issue.
3. Fact checks are not editorializing; the truth is not up for debate. Curating "trending" tabs is useful if e.g. a whole bunch of Russian bots try to get something trending that's completely false, like a QAnon conspiracy theory.
4. Has this happened?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on November 12, 2020, 01:10:25 PM

Quote from: 74/171FAN on November 12, 2020, 12:37:32 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 11, 2020, 07:42:12 PM
You have no freedom of speech on a website. Freedom of speech, like all of the enumerated rights in the constitution, applies to the government only. The person who controls a Web server is a private entity and is allowed to set whatever sort of conditions on the use of that server that they want. Your rights are not being trampled, because the owner of the server has rights too, and since they own the server their rights take precedent over yours. If you don't like it, you can rent your own server for twenty bucks a month and truly say whatever you want.

Legally, you're allowed to go to your city council meeting and say a bunch of racist stuff during an open hearing, because the government cannot restrict your speech. If you try that here you have your post deleted and your account banned. C'est la vie.

You are completely right. I am most concerned about a website allowing one side of a topic to be discussed publicly and completely silencing the other side.

So, you're pretty much against the World Wide Web? (apologies to allniter89 :))

If I went to a website that knows, without a doubt, climate change is occurring, and I present my opinions and/or facts that it is not occurring, that website has to welcome me with open arms? Yeah, I don't think that is gonna happen.

Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 12, 2020, 12:45:11 PM
That's fine, but what isn't fine are:

Websites that promote themselves as allowing open and free speech or "dialogue" but restrict speech (false advertising)

How were you hurt? Did you respond to an ad, only to find out they didn't have the product in stock and would only sell you another product at an increased cost? That's false advertising. Your viewpoint of what a website terms open and free speech isn't false advertising, and unless you pay to sign up for a subscription, then get banned, you weren't financially harmed. But as already mentioned, the constitution isn't applicable to a website's content or even admittance, so your 1st amendment rights aren't a defense to getting banned.

If you want to become a member of a Facebook group and that group decides not to omit you, you can't fight that in court. If *this* website denies admittance to someone, that person can't fight that decision in court either. In both cases, you can exercise whatever free speech rights you think you have by operating another social media website, create a Facebook Page or create a forum.

Quote
Websites–that are so massive that they act as the modern-day public square–restricting speech to an excessive degree

Define "Excessive". Your viewpoint on a website isn't going to be considered "excessive".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 74/171FAN on November 12, 2020, 01:21:14 PM

QuoteSo, you're pretty much against the World Wide Web? (apologies to allniter89 :))

If I went to a website that knows, without a doubt, climate change is occurring, and I present my opinions and/or facts that it is not occurring, that website has to welcome me with open arms? Yeah, I don't think that is gonna happen.

I apologize for not fully clarifying that I was more or less thinking about general posts on social media (not private groups like on Facebook or discussion forums such as this one) more than anything else. Obviously someone that openly hates the idea of roads existing will more than likely not be allowed here.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 12, 2020, 01:26:50 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 12, 2020, 12:45:11 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 11, 2020, 07:42:12 PM
You have no freedom of speech on a website. Freedom of speech, like all of the enumerated rights in the constitution, applies to the government only. The person who controls a Web server is a private entity and is allowed to set whatever sort of conditions on the use of that server that they want. Your rights are not being trampled, because the owner of the server has rights too, and since they own the server their rights take precedent over yours. If you don't like it, you can rent your own server for twenty bucks a month and truly say whatever you want.

Legally, you're allowed to go to your city council meeting and say a bunch of racist stuff during an open hearing, because the government cannot restrict your speech. If you try that here you have your post deleted and your account banned. C'est la vie.

That's fine, but what isn't fine are:

Websites that promote themselves as allowing open and free speech or "dialogue" but restrict speech (false advertising)
Websites–that are so massive that they act as the modern-day public square–restricting speech to an excessive degree
Websites editorializing by placing "fact checks" under posts or videos and curating "trending" tabs, while also still claiming Section 230 protections against content that the website's users post
Websites colluding with one another to ban or censor users suspiciously at the same time

If what anyone has to say is so important, why not put up a Web server to unquestionably get the message out? Choosing not to do so, and to instead rely on a premade social media platform, apparently indicates that the opinion is not worth spending any money to share, or any spending any time to learn how to set up the server. If the person with the opinion isn't willing to do those things to share it, it must not be a very important opinion.

People who love baking don't buy cake mix.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on November 12, 2020, 01:45:34 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 12, 2020, 01:10:25 PM
Quote
Websites–that are so massive that they act as the modern-day public square–restricting speech to an excessive degree
Define "Excessive". Your viewpoint on a website isn't going to be considered "excessive".

Actually, they are not "public squares", they're just websites with an owner, no matter how popular they might seem. The barrier to entry is very basic and viewing is largely unrestricted, to entice the audience to use a no-charge product.

They're not operated nor regulated by any government (except on a technical basis: using a common basis of transmission).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on November 13, 2020, 01:45:57 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 12, 2020, 01:26:50 PM
If what anyone has to say is so important, why not put up a Web server to unquestionably get the message out? Choosing not to do so, and to instead rely on a premade social media platform, apparently indicates that the opinion is not worth spending any money to share, or any spending any time to learn how to set up the server. If the person with the opinion isn't willing to do those things to share it, it must not be a very important opinion.

I would say that most websites that aren't large social media platforms and/or platform organizations already are those things, and to suggest that somehow this isn't being done already is ridiculous.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 13, 2020, 04:04:48 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on November 13, 2020, 01:45:57 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 12, 2020, 01:26:50 PM
If what anyone has to say is so important, why not put up a Web server to unquestionably get the message out? Choosing not to do so, and to instead rely on a premade social media platform, apparently indicates that the opinion is not worth spending any money to share, or any spending any time to learn how to set up the server. If the person with the opinion isn't willing to do those things to share it, it must not be a very important opinion.

I would say that most websites that aren't large social media platforms and/or platform organizations already are those things, and to suggest that somehow this isn't being done already is ridiculous.

Yeah, but the only ones who really complain about Facebook/Twitter "censoring" them are people that depend on Facebook/Twitter to broadcast their opinions. If you can post elsewhere you just do that and Facebook/Twitter has no say over you.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on November 13, 2020, 05:40:11 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 13, 2020, 04:04:48 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on November 13, 2020, 01:45:57 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 12, 2020, 01:26:50 PM
If what anyone has to say is so important, why not put up a Web server to unquestionably get the message out? Choosing not to do so, and to instead rely on a premade social media platform, apparently indicates that the opinion is not worth spending any money to share, or any spending any time to learn how to set up the server. If the person with the opinion isn't willing to do those things to share it, it must not be a very important opinion.

I would say that most websites that aren't large social media platforms and/or platform organizations already are those things, and to suggest that somehow this isn't being done already is ridiculous.

Yeah, but the only ones who really complain about Facebook/Twitter "censoring" them are people that depend on Facebook/Twitter to broadcast their opinions. If you can post elsewhere you just do that and Facebook/Twitter has no say over you.

Well yeah, but those people alone don't carry enough baggage to start their own website. They share an opinion; it gets censored; they complain about censorship for a bit; they move on. Anyone who actually screams loud enough about censorship on social media likely already uses another platform that doesn't censor them to the same degree.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on November 13, 2020, 05:45:06 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on November 13, 2020, 05:40:11 PM
They share an opinion; it gets censored

They're not censoring opinions. They're taking down false QAnon conspiracy theories and Russian bots who are intentionally spreading disinformation, and slapping fact checks on the prominent verified accounts when they say something that is objectively false about either COVID-19 or the election. None of this is being done with opinions, and slapping a fact check on a tweet or Facebook post isn't even censorship.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 74/171FAN on November 13, 2020, 09:12:46 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on November 13, 2020, 05:40:11 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 13, 2020, 04:04:48 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on November 13, 2020, 01:45:57 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 12, 2020, 01:26:50 PM
If what anyone has to say is so important, why not put up a Web server to unquestionably get the message out? Choosing not to do so, and to instead rely on a premade social media platform, apparently indicates that the opinion is not worth spending any money to share, or any spending any time to learn how to set up the server. If the person with the opinion isn't willing to do those things to share it, it must not be a very important opinion.

I would say that most websites that aren't large social media platforms and/or platform organizations already are those things, and to suggest that somehow this isn't being done already is ridiculous.

Yeah, but the only ones who really complain about Facebook/Twitter "censoring" them are people that depend on Facebook/Twitter to broadcast their opinions. If you can post elsewhere you just do that and Facebook/Twitter has no say over you.

Well yeah, but those people alone don't carry enough baggage to start their own website. They share an opinion; it gets censored; they complain about censorship for a bit; they move on. Anyone who actually screams loud enough about censorship on social media likely already uses another platform that doesn't censor them to the same degree.

Ultimately, people will move to these other platforms that censor less (such as Parler) because they still want to get their opinions out there. We will have to wait and see what happens with these other platforms as time moves forward.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 13, 2020, 09:18:18 PM

Parler is 4chan for people who haven't figured out why 4chan users stay anonymous.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on November 14, 2020, 05:55:31 PM

Quote from: 1 on November 13, 2020, 05:45:06 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on November 13, 2020, 05:40:11 PM
They share an opinion; it gets censored

They're not censoring opinions. They're taking down false QAnon conspiracy theories and Russian bots who are intentionally spreading disinformation, and slapping fact checks on the prominent verified accounts when they say something that is objectively false about either COVID-19 or the election. None of this is being done with opinions, and slapping a fact check on a tweet or Facebook post isn't even censorship.

There is no censorship anywhere that I'm aware. The most I've seen is facebook blurring a post that has been fact-checked as BS. It's still clearly visible. But those who 'get blurred' complain about censorship nonetheless.

When I said "share an opinion", I meant share an obvious conspiracy theory that maybe ends up getting blurred; their "opinion" is the conspiracy theory itself in this regard. The point at which an opinion becomes a theory is quite subjective (and at what point a conspiracy becomes a conspiracy theory is even harder to tell), so I'm just categorizing crazy uncle Joe's sharing of a conspiracy theory post as him giving an opinion; Facebook blurs that post and thus blurs his opinion.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on November 14, 2020, 07:28:34 PM

Facebook will still not allow the posting of the name "Ciaramella" without the attempt being flagged as being against community standards.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on November 14, 2020, 07:29:53 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on November 14, 2020, 07:28:34 PM
Facebook will still not allow the posting of the name "Ciaramella" without the attempt being flagged as being against community standards.

Does that include people for whom it is their own name?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US71 on November 14, 2020, 07:51:21 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on November 14, 2020, 07:28:34 PM
Facebook will still not allow the posting of the name "Ciaramella" without the attempt being flagged as being against community standards.

Have you tried appealing?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on November 14, 2020, 08:47:38 PM

I thought bitching about other websites and social media was against our rules...?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on November 14, 2020, 11:00:27 PM

Quote from: formulanone on November 14, 2020, 08:47:38 PMI thought bitching about other websites and social media was against our rules...?

Are you thinking of this?

Quote from: Forum GuidelinesAny questions about other websites. If you have a question about another website or forum, post it on their forum or contact them directly.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: STLmapboy on November 14, 2020, 11:04:51 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on November 14, 2020, 07:28:34 PM
Facebook will still not allow the posting of the name "Ciaramella" without the attempt being flagged as being against community standards.

Huh, I managed to completely forget about that guy. As did much of America, probably.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 74/171FAN on November 15, 2020, 09:26:17 AM

Quote from: J N Winkler on November 14, 2020, 11:00:27 PM
Quote from: formulanone on November 14, 2020, 08:47:38 PMI thought bitching about other websites and social media was against our rules...?

Are you thinking of this?

Quote from: Forum GuidelinesAny questions about other websites. If you have a question about another website or forum, post it on their forum or contact them directly.

I think that this logic could argue that we should never post about issues that happen with Google Maps Updates. Anytime there is an update there that the community does not like, it almost certainly gets posted on here.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on November 15, 2020, 11:11:43 AM

WTF is the deal with videos with a viewable image in only the center 1/3 with complete blur on both sides?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on November 15, 2020, 11:28:23 AM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on November 15, 2020, 11:11:43 AM
WTF is the deal with videos with a viewable image in only the center 1/3 with complete blur on both sides?

It's called vertical video syndrome. If a video is filmed vertically, but it is displayed horizontally, only the center third will have content.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on November 15, 2020, 11:58:04 AM

Quote from: 1 on November 15, 2020, 11:28:23 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on November 15, 2020, 11:11:43 AM
WTF is the deal with videos with a viewable image in only the center 1/3 with complete blur on both sides?

It's called vertical video syndrome. If a video is filmed vertically, but it is displayed horizontally, only the center third will have content.

Drives me nuts if I have no idea what I'm supposed to be looking at, especially if it's a wide subject in profile or something with horizontal action.

But I would be lying if I didn't do it once in a while; it conveys horizontal motion from a subject/foreground with a narrow profile better in some situations (and for personal sharing, not for YouTube).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on November 15, 2020, 05:00:50 PM

Quote from: US71 on November 14, 2020, 07:51:21 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on November 14, 2020, 07:28:34 PM
Facebook will still not allow the posting of the name "Ciaramella" without the attempt being flagged as being against community standards.

Have you tried appealing?

Wasn't given that option.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on December 10, 2020, 04:56:06 PM

Quote from: edwaleni on December 10, 2020, 04:38:26 PM
Since Kentucky is the lead agency for the bridge, they will paint it UK blue and name it after Adolph Rupp.

Or they could name it after the most famous QB to ever play UK football. George Blanda.

UK football, in my mind, is association football in the United Kingdom, or at least the term "football" in UK English.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: STLmapboy on December 23, 2020, 11:33:53 PM

Minor things that bother me?

This (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ&ab/).

(yes, this is my second time today).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on December 24, 2020, 03:50:33 PM

Quote from: STLmapboy on December 23, 2020, 11:33:53 PM
Minor things that bother me?

This (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ&ab/).

(yes, this is my second time today).

Aw, ya got me. No hard feelings, though. I'll show you the Antonym Game. You read a series of words and say their antonyms out loud, as quick as you can.

Example: tall narrow left weak loud

You would say, "short wide right strong soft".

Try another one:

always coming from take me down

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 13, 2021, 11:04:28 AM

That annoying, shirtless guy on YouTube ads that keeps telling me how to lose weight and be more manly. It's got to be the most annoying YouTube ad so far,* and it seems to pop up on every other video. Considering that I use YouTube to listen to full music albums in the background at work, it gets really old.

* Yes, I know someone will happily post a counterexample to my assertion. Please don't be so cruel as to post worse ones!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on January 13, 2021, 11:19:51 AM

Quote from: kphoger on January 13, 2021, 11:04:28 AM
That annoying, shirtless guy on YouTube ads that keeps telling me how to lose weight and be more manly. It's got to be the most annoying YouTube ad so far,* and it seems to pop up on every other video. Considering that I use YouTube to listen to full music albums in the background at work, it gets really old.

* Yes, I know someone will happily post a counterexample to my assertion. Please don't be so cruel as to post worse ones!

"Running to lose weight works right? Wrong. It doesn't work and never has worked."

Yeah, hate that guy. Running does work, don't try to pander whatever you are selling that way.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Takumi on January 13, 2021, 11:24:24 AM

(https://i.imgur.com/nmLrvRS.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 13, 2021, 11:39:04 AM

Quote from: kphoger on January 13, 2021, 11:04:28 AM
That annoying, shirtless guy on YouTube ads that keeps telling me how to lose weight and be more manly. It's got to be the most annoying YouTube ad so far,* and it seems to pop up on every other video. Considering that I use YouTube to listen to full music albums in the background at work, it gets really old.

Welcome back!

Yeah, I know exactly what you're talking about. He reminds me of somebody, although I haven't been able to think of who it is, and I suspect it's not anyone that's famous publicly that others here would know.

There's only two ads that are worse, and for very different reasons:
-Dr. Squatch "you're not a dish, you're a man"
-Pipedrive "ready to grow your sales?"

I've actually come to not mind the iPhone 12 ad with the 15 different things spilling all at once.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 13, 2021, 12:40:13 PM

Quote from: webny99 on January 13, 2021, 11:39:04 AM
Welcome back!

Thanks. After Christmas, I disappeared down a rabbit hole of researching the historical basis for dating the nativity of Jesus to December 25. I ended up writing 21 pages over the last few weeks. Early on, I managed to dismiss both key source texts on the pagan/conspiracy side of the argument on scholarly grounds. However, now I've also managed to dismiss both key source texts on the opposite side of the argument as well. Which means I'm left with no silver bullet text on either side of the issue. Along the way, I've discovered a minor error in the Catholic Encyclopedia, plus a rather egregious one in the Encyclopedia Britannica–one which everybody and their uncle quotes as authoritative, one in which the author apparently took someone else's supposition and treated it as fact when writing the encyclopedia article. I've come to realize how rarely it is that people actually take the time to look at the source texts for themselves, how many people just quote someone else and assume that person did the legwork. But I've also come to appreciate the fact that doing the legwork takes quite a bit of time. And I can only imagine what it was like before the Internet.

So I have a bunch of un-writing, further research, and re-writing to do. That's kind of daunting, I needed a break, so I popped back on here today and decided to catch up.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on January 13, 2021, 01:52:59 PM

"2020 was (is) the worst year ever."

Yes the virus has been bad and I do not diminish the losses of life the virus has been responsible for, but I hear this from everyone that had to quarantine for a few months while they got to play "grown up kid" the whole time, never saw any real work stoppage, still get to wear their yoga pants and get their Starbucks, and are just a little put off they have to wear a mask when they go out. Yes, I hate that I can't go to sporting events either, but things could be worse, I could have had the virus! It seems the people I hear complaining about it are mostly just complaining that people and the news continue talking about it.

Not to say it hasn't been a very weird year, but glass houses. There was a lot of great things that came out of the past year as well. Some of the things we were told we couldn't do freed up time for some of us to start a new hobby, or we actually realized we loved our families after being forced to spend time with them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 13, 2021, 02:33:46 PM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on January 13, 2021, 01:52:59 PM
"2020 was (is) the worst year ever."

Yes the virus has been bad and I do not diminish the losses of life the virus has been responsible for, but I hear this from everyone that had to quarantine for a few months while they got to play "grown up kid" the whole time, never saw any real work stoppage, still get to wear their yoga pants and get their Starbucks, and are just a little put off they have to wear a mask when they go out. Yes, I hate that I can't go to sporting events either, but things could be worse, I could have had the virus! It seems the people I hear complaining about it are mostly just complaining that people and the news continue talking about it.

Not to say it hasn't been a very weird year, but glass houses. There was a lot of great things that came out of the past year as well. Some of the things we were told we couldn't do freed up time for some of us to start a new hobby, or we actually realized we loved our families after being forced to spend time with them.

I think it's not just the virus, but also the social unrest and political fighting. People think of the combination when calling this the worst year.

As for "things could be worse, I could have had the virus"... My dad got the virus a few weeks ago, and he described it as being the lightest case of the flu he's ever had. Staying home was the hardest part for him. Obviously, there are others who haven't had such an easy time as that: all I'm saying is that getting the virus isn't necessarily worse than __________ fill in the blank.

But what I really got tired of is people who just couldn't wait to "make it past 2020". Why? Are things substantially different now? Is the virus gone? Are Republicans and Democrats getting along as friends now? Did some sort of magic happen with the turn of the calendar page? Fortunately, the sentiment seems to have fizzled out over the past month.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on January 13, 2021, 02:37:02 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 13, 2021, 02:33:46 PM
But what I really got tired of is people who just couldn't wait to "make it past 2020". Why?

It's a combination of the vaccine and the change in administration (neither of which are exactly when 2020 turns to 2021, but they're close enough).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 13, 2021, 02:38:19 PM

Quote from: 1 on January 13, 2021, 02:37:02 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 13, 2021, 02:33:46 PM
But what I really got tired of is people who just couldn't wait to "make it past 2020". Why?

It's a combination of the vaccine and the change in administration (neither of which are exactly when 2020 turns to 2021, but they're close enough).

Except I know Trump supporters who don't care very much about the vaccine, and a lot of them have expressed the same thing about looking forward to turning the calendar page to 2021.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 13, 2021, 02:41:04 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 13, 2021, 02:33:46 PM
But what I really got tired of is people who just couldn't wait to "make it past 2020". Why? Are things substantially different now? Is the virus gone? Are Republicans and Democrats getting along as friends now? Did some sort of magic happen with the turn of the calendar page? Fortunately, the sentiment seems to have fizzled out over the past month.

Nope. I think we can all agree that while the calendar may say 2021, the year is still 2020 in spirit until the vaccine is widely distributed and life starts to resemble its 2019 self.

Similarly, Jan/Feb 2020 should be considered part of 2019.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 13, 2021, 02:45:03 PM

Quote from: webny99 on January 13, 2021, 02:41:04 PM
Nope. I think we can all agree that while the calendar may say 2021, the year is still 2020 in spirit until the vaccine is widely distributed and life starts to resemble its 2019 self.

Meh. Other than that brief time in the Spring when everything was shut down, 2020 hasn't been all that bad for my family.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CoreySamson on January 13, 2021, 02:49:43 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 13, 2021, 02:33:46 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on January 13, 2021, 01:52:59 PM
"2020 was (is) the worst year ever."
I think it's not just the virus, but also the social unrest and political fighting. People think of the combination when calling this the worst year.

For me 2020 from day 1 would've been my worst year even if the pandemic and social unrest had never happened, although I do think "2020 wAs tHE WOrsT yEar evER" is highly overused as a joke and it kinda hurts me when people use that phrase simply because they were locked in their house all year and got ticked off by something political on Facebook. I had to deal with that same stuff that everyone else experienced along with the other crap I experienced as well.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on January 13, 2021, 02:50:03 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 13, 2021, 02:45:03 PM
Quote from: webny99 on January 13, 2021, 02:41:04 PM
Nope. I think we can all agree that while the calendar may say 2021, the year is still 2020 in spirit until the vaccine is widely distributed and life starts to resemble its 2019 self.

Meh. Other than that brief time in the Spring when everything was shut down, 2020 hasn't been all that bad for my family.

That's my point. It was actually pretty good to my family. There were minor inconveniences and everyone I have heard take the stance of "get past 2020" also had minor inconveniences that they are throwing self pity to the world about. What would you rather have; 2020 when we have to wear masks with our favorite football team's logo on it to the grocery store, or any of the years during the Civil War or either World War? I will take 2020 in a second.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on January 13, 2021, 02:53:08 PM

Quote from: CoreySamson on January 13, 2021, 02:49:43 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 13, 2021, 02:33:46 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on January 13, 2021, 01:52:59 PM
"2020 was (is) the worst year ever."
I think it's not just the virus, but also the social unrest and political fighting. People think of the combination when calling this the worst year.
For me 2020 from day 1 would've been my worst year even if the pandemic and social unrest had never happened, although I do think "2020 wAs tHE WOrsT yEar evER" is highly overused as a joke and it kinda hurts me when people use that phrase simply because they were locked in their house all year and got ticked off by something political on Facebook. I had to deal with that same stuff that everyone else experienced along with the other crap I experienced as well.

I guess my point is most people that say "2020 is the worst year ever" are exactly the definition of 1st world problems and pity. Most people living in poverty would love to be stuck at their 3,000 square foot house all day.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 13, 2021, 02:55:35 PM

And heck, how much money did Uncle Sam send you this year, too? (OK, this last round happened in 2021, but still...) Not just the stimulus checks either, but increases in food stamps too, for those who rely on that.

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on January 13, 2021, 02:53:08 PM
I guess my point is most people that say "2020 is the worst year ever" are exactly the definition of 1st world problems and pity. Most people living in poverty would love to be stuck at their 3,000 square foot house all day.

Well, there are plenty of those people living in poverty in other countries who also get to be stuck at their 600-sqft house all day because of COVID, and they're not loving it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 13, 2021, 03:01:32 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 13, 2021, 02:45:03 PM
Quote from: webny99 on January 13, 2021, 02:41:04 PM
Nope. I think we can all agree that while the calendar may say 2021, the year is still 2020 in spirit until the vaccine is widely distributed and life starts to resemble its 2019 self.

Meh. Other than that brief time in the Spring when everything was shut down, 2020 hasn't been all that bad for my family.

My "nope" was in response to "are things substantially different now".

2020 wasn't that bad for me either - as I outlined here (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=28243.msg2559402#msg2559402) - but 2021 so far doesn't deserve a separate year. It's just more of 2020.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on January 13, 2021, 03:01:48 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 13, 2021, 02:55:35 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on January 13, 2021, 02:53:08 PM
I guess my point is most people that say "2020 is the worst year ever" are exactly the definition of 1st world problems and pity. Most people living in poverty would love to be stuck at their 3,000 square foot house all day.

Well, there are plenty of those people living in poverty in other countries who also get to be stuck at their 600-sqft house all day because of COVID, and they're not loving it.

Again, my point is not to the people who are living in squalor. I am referring to the people who I know that do live a very privileged life and a very privileged existence who go on and on in reality or on Facebook with memes about "if 2020 where a toilet paper, it would be toilet paper that looks like a cheese grater." It's just old and none of the people I am talking about really suffered more than "I just can't see that movie I wanted to see because theaters were closed."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 13, 2021, 03:08:58 PM

(https://media.tenor.com/images/c35842f478c274abb8cd0512764f68ba/tenor.gif)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 13, 2021, 03:18:37 PM

Quote from: webny99 on January 13, 2021, 02:41:04 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 13, 2021, 02:33:46 PM
But what I really got tired of is people who just couldn't wait to "make it past 2020". Why? Are things substantially different now? Is the virus gone? Are Republicans and Democrats getting along as friends now? Did some sort of magic happen with the turn of the calendar page? Fortunately, the sentiment seems to have fizzled out over the past month.

Nope. I think we can all agree that while the calendar may say 2021, the year is still 2020 in spirit until the vaccine is widely distributed and life starts to resemble its 2019 self.

Similarly, Jan/Feb 2020 should be considered part of 2019.

Nah, I don't think we can agree on that. 2021 is a new year. People are getting the vaccine. In some states, things have opened up a bit more. I'm already looking forward to a few trips I should be able to take.

For me, 2020 really wasn't all that bad. Yeah, the virus sucked. I missed out on a trip we were supposed to take. But we changed it up and still managed to take 2 trips, including one that was about as last minute as we could get. It turned out to be a fantastic vacation to a lakefront house with kayaks, and we spent a whole week social distancing more than if we were at home. In this regard, 2020 was just like 2019 for me. Which was like 2018. Which was like 2017...

Since mid-March, I have worked from home, waking up later than when I normally would've left for the office. The first half of that month sucked no doubt, wondering if we would even be able to do this successfully. Since then, we've thrived.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 13, 2021, 04:57:17 PM

I should say, though, that I know a lot of teachers, and their lives really have been a heck of a roller-coaster this past year. And that roller-coaster hasn't stopped running yet either.

Imagine trying to teach grade school music on Zoom. Imagine trying to teach students with special needs online. Yuck...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 13, 2021, 05:12:06 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 13, 2021, 02:33:46 PM
As for "things could be worse, I could have had the virus"... My dad got the virus a few weeks ago, and he described it as being the lightest case of the flu he's ever had. Staying home was the hardest part for him. Obviously, there are others who haven't had such an easy time as that: all I'm saying is that getting the virus isn't necessarily worse than __________ fill in the blank.

I had it back in October, and it wasn't really that bad at the time–I had a couple days of fever and a lot of coughing. It sucked, but I've had worse colds. The really bad thing about covid is the lingering effects–everything still tastes different than it did before, my sense of smell is shot (to the point that I have no idea that the meat in my fridge has gone bad without physically opening the drawer and checking it visually), any time I do any sort of physical labor I feel lightheaded and sore for the rest of the day, and my joints are sore all the time now. And I'm only 30. So although it's nice knowing I had it and survived and have some degree of immunity, I wish I hadn't ever caught it.

The guy I caught it from died from it, though. So it could be worse.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 13, 2021, 05:52:15 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 13, 2021, 05:12:06 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 13, 2021, 02:33:46 PM
As for "things could be worse, I could have had the virus"... My dad got the virus a few weeks ago, and he described it as being the lightest case of the flu he's ever had. Staying home was the hardest part for him. Obviously, there are others who haven't had such an easy time as that: all I'm saying is that getting the virus isn't necessarily worse than __________ fill in the blank.

I had it back in October, and it wasn't really that bad at the time–I had a couple days of fever and a lot of coughing. It sucked, but I've had worse colds. The really bad thing about covid is the lingering effects–everything still tastes different than it did before, my sense of smell is shot (to the point that I have no idea that the meat in my fridge has gone bad without physically opening the drawer and checking it visually), any time I do any sort of physical labor I feel lightheaded and sore for the rest of the day, and my joints are sore all the time now. And I'm only 30. So although it's nice knowing I had it and survived and have some degree of immunity, I wish I hadn't ever caught it.

The guy I caught it from died from it, though. So it could be worse.

The after-effect my dad had was that, for about two weeks, he could take half a dozen naps during the day and then still sleep all night long after that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 13, 2021, 07:36:23 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 13, 2021, 05:52:15 PM
The after-effect my dad had was that, for about two weeks, he could take half a dozen naps during the day and then still sleep all night long after that.

That's a feature, not a bug.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: qguy on January 14, 2021, 08:28:01 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 13, 2021, 04:57:17 PM
I should say, though, that I know a lot of teachers, and their lives really have been a heck of a roller-coaster this past year. And that roller-coaster hasn't stopped running yet either.

Imagine trying to teach grade school music on Zoom. Imagine trying to teach students with special needs online. Yuck...

I'm a substitute teacher in my local area and I can vouch for the stress teachers are under right now. In my area, on alternating days half their students are in class and the other half is home; the next day it's the other way around. Their workload has tripled, their uncertainty has exploded, and their stress is off the chart. I know more than a few who will be finding other lines of work if this continues beyond the end of this school year.

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 13, 2021, 05:12:06 PM
I had it back in October, and it wasn't really that bad at the time–I had a couple days of fever and a lot of coughing. It sucked, but I've had worse colds. The really bad thing about covid is the lingering effects–everything still tastes different than it did before, my sense of smell is shot (to the point that I have no idea that the meat in my fridge has gone bad without physically opening the drawer and checking it visually), any time I do any sort of physical labor I feel lightheaded and sore for the rest of the day, and my joints are sore all the time now. And I'm only 30. So although it's nice knowing I had it and survived and have some degree of immunity, I wish I hadn't ever caught it.

The guy I caught it from died from it, though. So it could be worse.

I had a similar experience. I contracted COVID, most likely from a student at school, just prior to Thanksgiving. (Mask or no, I probably inadvertantly walked through someone's sneeze cloud.) Fortunately, my symptoms were very mild. Like you, I've had worse colds. I didn't even know I was sick until my wife caught it from me and her symptoms were slightly worse than mine. I didn't even realize I had an elevated temperature until I measured it. My wife and son caught it from me. So did my mid-80s parents before I knew I was sick. They had very mild symptoms as well. We all basically shrugged it off.

I did have a stiff neck and my sense of taste disappeared for two days. None of could taste anything over Thanksgiving, so we went outside the box, canceled our usual turkey, and ordered Indian takeout. It was the only thing that we figured would register on our palates. It was a memorable Thanksgiving.

All in all, we were very fortunate and cannot complain.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 23, 2021, 03:49:11 PM

People leaving off "Interstate", "US" or "SH" prefixes when it's not at all clear what road (or even what state) they're talking about.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CapeCodder on January 23, 2021, 09:04:00 PM

St. Louis having more streets "Not Thru"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 24, 2021, 09:27:42 AM

Thought of this when I was out for a walk: People who don't pay attention to where the legal area for parallel parking begins or ends and who pull up too far, or not far enough, when parking at either end of the row. As an example of the sort of thing I mean, see this Street View image (https://goo.gl/maps/rJSrDQqv7zk7P6MX7). The guy with the SUV did a good job of parking–he made his vehicle snug to the line at the "back" of the parallel parking area. It maximizes the space for other vehicles to be parked in the rest of the available space, provided of course people don't leave too much room (they almost all leave too much room since parallel parking isn't part of the road test here and so is often omitted from behind-the-wheel classes).

But the guy who's currently parked at that spot did a crappy job. He parked his Nissan Rogue half a carlength further up from the line, so he's effectively taking up two spots. It reduces the available space for other people by at least one space (and it's currently by two because the guy at the other end parked half a carlength short of the line).

I suppose in a city where everyone has to park on the street, that would be more than a "minor" concern.

A related pet peeve of mine when I go for a walk is people who park like this: https://goo.gl/maps/FLK8QapwksmGiWnf7

Edited to clarify: I'm not necessarily referring to mid-block spots where one car leaves and then a smaller one comes and it winds up looking like there's too much space. That's a fact of life, although I do recall the time when a guy up the street would deliberately parallel park right in the middle of two available spots. If we lived in New York or Chicago, someone would have keyed his car for doing that all the time.

Edited again: From a prior thread, here is the picture of the guy who took up two spots. In the case of the picture below, I knew it was deliberate–I had been parked in front of the Honda to the right and when I left to go somewhere, so did the guy who was parked behind the Toyota to the left. I came back about 15 minutes later to find the minivan parked like this. Asshole. It was also a day when our street was closed for sealcoating work such that we all had to park around the corner, making it that much worse to take up two spaces.

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 20, 2015, 04:24:21 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi31.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc378%2F1995hoo%2F7edb6701.jpg&hash=65f9040ff9e31db081dfc258b0a5508c67c79061)

(Edited Monday using a PC to fix the iPad-generated Street View links that weren't working properly)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on January 24, 2021, 02:56:50 PM

he's protecting his car from damage. ;)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 24, 2021, 03:21:44 PM

When I must park at the curb in an area with scarce parking, I try to maintain surface compliance (e.g., keeping bumpers within transverse markings delimiting separate spaces), but am choosy so as to avoid ending up in a situation where someone else comes along and kisses my bumper, or I can't leave without trading paint with another vehicle. I'll even park an extra block or two away from my destination if it will allow me to take advantage of a block of multiple contiguous empty spaces.

I personally won't park in the throat of a tee intersection, nor would I buy a house that had curb frontage or a driveway opening there. Legality is one thing; accident prevention is another.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 25, 2021, 01:33:06 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 24, 2021, 09:27:42 AM
A related pet peeve of mine when I go for a walk is people who park like this: https://goo.gl/maps/FLK8QapwksmGiWnf7

Me too. Although I do feel for people who live in a house where they have to choose between [1] parking across a sidewalk (illegal), [2] parallel-parking on the street against parking restrictions (illegal), or [3] parking on their lawn (illegal). Yeah, I suppose they could park their car a few blocks away somewhere, but still...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 25, 2021, 02:52:33 PM

I believe we've been down this rabbit hole not too long ago, and I come down on the side of... yeah, it's annoying, but it's the result of poor neighborhood design/planning, and not something the individual driver should be blamed for.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 25, 2021, 02:54:29 PM

Quote from: webny99 on January 25, 2021, 02:52:33 PM
I believe we've been down this rabbit hole not too long ago, and I come down on the side of... yeah, it's annoying, but it's the result of poor neighborhood design/planning, and not something the individual driver should be blamed for.

The wheelchair-bound person on the sidewalk, now blocked from crossing the driveway, might disagree about that last point, though.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 25, 2021, 03:07:38 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 25, 2021, 02:54:29 PM
Quote from: webny99 on January 25, 2021, 02:52:33 PM
I believe we've been down this rabbit hole not too long ago, and I come down on the side of... yeah, it's annoying, but it's the result of poor neighborhood design/planning, and not something the individual driver should be blamed for.

The wheelchair-bound person on the sidewalk, now blocked from crossing the driveway, might disagree about that last point, though.

Oh, the driver is still responsible... but you just can't be too mad at them about it when the layout of the driveways leaves them with a bunch of less-than-ideal options. Ultimately, the people using the sidewalk have to go less distance out of their way (especially with driveways that close together) than the driver would to park somewhere else. And the presence of a sidewalk in the first place shouldn't be considered a given; many suburban streets don't even have that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 25, 2021, 03:25:11 PM

Quote from: webny99 on January 25, 2021, 03:07:38 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 25, 2021, 02:54:29 PM

Quote from: webny99 on January 25, 2021, 02:52:33 PM
I believe we've been down this rabbit hole not too long ago, and I come down on the side of... yeah, it's annoying, but it's the result of poor neighborhood design/planning, and not something the individual driver should be blamed for.

The wheelchair-bound person on the sidewalk, now blocked from crossing the driveway, might disagree about that last point, though.

Oh, the driver is still responsible... but you just can't be too mad at them about it when the layout of the driveways leaves them with a bunch of less-than-ideal options. Ultimately, the people using the sidewalk have to go less distance out of their way (especially with driveways that close together) than the driver would to park somewhere else. And the presence of a sidewalk in the first place shouldn't be considered a given; many suburban streets don't even have that.

Except that, in my neighborhood at least, the pedestrian is frequently left with little recourse but to walk in the mud around the car.

Here's an example (https://goo.gl/maps/kTEYYu9N9qVJ3b9U6) very near my house (didn't even have to move the GSV pegman from where I dropped him to find a good example). The street is an arterial with no shoulder. The large trees impede grass growth, meaning a lot of lawns are half mud. So you either tramp through the mud or walk in a traffic lane.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 25, 2021, 03:41:49 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 25, 2021, 03:25:11 PM
Except that, in my neighborhood at least, the pedestrian is frequently left with little recourse but to walk in the mud around the car.

Here's an example (https://goo.gl/maps/kTEYYu9N9qVJ3b9U6) very near my house (didn't even have to move the GSV pegman from where I dropped him to find a good example). The street is an arterial with no shoulder. The large trees impede grass growth, meaning a lot of lawns are half mud. So you either tramp through the mud or walk in a traffic lane.

That's a particularly grisly example, partly because that truck has no good reason to be blocking the sidewalk, and partly because, well... walking in a traffic lane isn't feasible on an arterial. I was picturing residential streets, but it's a different on a main road.

At least those driveways are wide enough for two cars. Around here, in the inner city, many garages were built behind the house to allow a longer queue if needed. In the suburbs, meanwhile, most driveways could fit at least four cars without blocking the sidewalk (if there is one).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 25, 2021, 05:12:10 PM

Quote from: webny99 on January 25, 2021, 03:41:49 PM
That's a particularly grisly example, partly because that truck has no good reason to be blocking the sidewalk, and partly because, well... walking in a traffic lane isn't feasible on an arterial. I was picturing residential streets, but it's a different on a main road.

The pickup has a trailer behind it, and I'm assuming the other half of the driveway is used for other vehicles. But the very next driveway up the street has room for one vehicle legally parked, then there's another blocking the driveway behind it, plus a third parked in the grass. Yes, they could park around the corner, but I assume the chances of having your car broken into go up when it isn't directly in front of a house.

It's so common along that road, that I've stopped taking my family that way during walks. Too much hassle.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: noelbotevera on January 25, 2021, 05:26:24 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 25, 2021, 03:25:11 PM
Except that, in my neighborhood at least, the pedestrian is frequently left with little recourse but to walk in the mud around the car.

Here's an example (https://goo.gl/maps/kTEYYu9N9qVJ3b9U6) very near my house (didn't even have to move the GSV pegman from where I dropped him to find a good example). The street is an arterial with no shoulder. The large trees impede grass growth, meaning a lot of lawns are half mud. So you either tramp through the mud or walk in a traffic lane.

Couldn't you walk into the lawn around the car?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 25, 2021, 05:49:29 PM

Quote from: noelbotevera on January 25, 2021, 05:26:24 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 25, 2021, 03:25:11 PM
Except that, in my neighborhood at least, the pedestrian is frequently left with little recourse but to walk in the mud around the car.

Here's an example (https://goo.gl/maps/kTEYYu9N9qVJ3b9U6) very near my house (didn't even have to move the GSV pegman from where I dropped him to find a good example). The street is an arterial with no shoulder. The large trees impede grass growth, meaning a lot of lawns are half mud. So you either tramp through the mud or walk in a traffic lane.

Couldn't you walk into the lawn around the car?

The bolded sentence is the answer to your question. Yes we can, but then our shoes are filthy. Here is a closeup of the mud (https://goo.gl/maps/QbitQBaQWVyz5Dt58). And here is the one up the street (https://goo.gl/maps/EvguHQTMtHvrghFC9). Those shots actually look pretty good compared to some on some days. It's often impossible to hop from grass clump to grass clump without ending up in the mud.

Also, we're able-bodied. Not so easy in a motorized wheelchair. The neighbor across the street uses one of those, and he likes to go for 'walks' every so often. Hopefully he doesn't get halfway down that street with nowhere to maneuver.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: noelbotevera on January 25, 2021, 06:07:49 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 25, 2021, 05:49:29 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on January 25, 2021, 05:26:24 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 25, 2021, 03:25:11 PM
Except that, in my neighborhood at least, the pedestrian is frequently left with little recourse but to walk in the mud around the car.

Here's an example (https://goo.gl/maps/kTEYYu9N9qVJ3b9U6) very near my house (didn't even have to move the GSV pegman from where I dropped him to find a good example). The street is an arterial with no shoulder. The large trees impede grass growth, meaning a lot of lawns are half mud. So you either tramp through the mud or walk in a traffic lane.

Couldn't you walk into the lawn around the car?

The bolded sentence is the answer to your question. Yes we can, but then our shoes are filthy. Here is a closeup of the mud (https://goo.gl/maps/QbitQBaQWVyz5Dt58). And here is the one up the street (https://goo.gl/maps/EvguHQTMtHvrghFC9). Those shots actually look pretty good compared to some on some days. It's often impossible to hop from grass clump to grass clump without ending up in the mud.

Also, we're able-bodied. Not so easy in a motorized wheelchair. The neighbor across the street uses one of those, and he likes to go for 'walks' every so often. Hopefully he doesn't get halfway down that street with nowhere to maneuver.

Ah, I see. I thought you meant the grass between the street curb and sidewalk was muddy; something must've eclipsed my mind. Considering how narrow some of these driveways are, there definitely isn't room to slip a wheelchair between the curb and a car.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 25, 2021, 09:44:10 PM

Quote from: webny99 on January 25, 2021, 03:41:49 PMAt least those driveways are wide enough for two cars. Around here, in the inner city, many garages were built behind the house to allow a longer queue if needed. In the suburbs, meanwhile, most driveways could fit at least four cars without blocking the sidewalk (if there is one).

Wichita has examples of both:

In Riverside--house with detached garage (https://www.google.com/maps/@37.702394,-97.3617364,3a,26.3y,285.36h,89.09t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sT6vNXrjjC9b6N6AKZR_esQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)

In Indian Hills--attached garage with copious driveway parking (https://www.google.com/maps/@37.7165583,-97.3663668,3a,75y,241.68h,86.65t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sQ5b9ygAld92Kjb8PjIAnOA!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo0.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DQ5b9ygAld92Kjb8PjIAnOA%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D309.70615%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656)

Ultimately it is a question of money. Property websites (Zillow, etc.) tend to quote estimates of around $60,000 for smaller houses with about 1000 SF and a garage that can accommodate only one car, and about double that for houses with 1500-2000 SF and a two-car garage.

I have some experience of Kphoger's neighborhood since I used to have a great-aunt who lived in it, and graduated from Southeast High School when it was still at the southwest corner of Lincoln and Edgemoor. (The high school was relocated several years ago and its former building now serves as headquarters for the Wichita Public Schools.) Most of the houses were built soon after World War II for factory and clerical workers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on January 26, 2021, 11:40:57 PM

To the question of parking across a sidewalk:

In Seattle, and sometimes in Tacoma too (though less often), it's quite normal to park your car so it's half in the street, half in the buffer zone.

This example (https://goo.gl/maps/u9cX6HqquuuN5Rud6) (the white Volvo V70 XC) I found almost immediately. It's quite common if you zoom around Seattle on street view.

If there are rules against it (I can't find any), they're not enforced. The only rule is that you don't do it along a street that doesn't allow parking, unless you want an accident.

It's also quite normal to park facing the wrong-way, but that's another thing entirely. Also not enforced, although I don't know why it should be along neighborhood streets.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 27, 2021, 08:49:51 AM

Quote from: kphoger on January 25, 2021, 05:12:10 PM
The pickup has a trailer behind it, and I'm assuming the other half of the driveway is used for other vehicles.

Ah, I missed that. Whoops.

Quote from: kphoger on January 25, 2021, 05:12:10 PM
It's so common along that road, that I've stopped taking my family that way during walks. Too much hassle.

To a larger point, why wouldn't on-street parking be allowed? I suspect it's something that wasn't much of an issue in earlier decades, as multi-vehicle households only became more common after the neighborhood was built.

Here's an example (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1398155,-77.5771407,3a,20.1y,208.38h,91.53t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sV9zkFmg04tm9mzpwRj0p0g!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1) of a four-lane arterial in my area where parking is allowed on the southbound side except from 4-6 PM on weekdays. Drive past on a weekend and there could be as many as two dozen cars parked in the travel lane. Other roads have a rotation system - left side parking one day, right side the next.

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 25, 2021, 09:44:10 PM
Quote from: webny99 on January 25, 2021, 03:41:49 PMAt least those driveways are wide enough for two cars. Around here, in the inner city, many garages were built behind the house to allow a longer queue if needed. In the suburbs, meanwhile, most driveways could fit at least four cars without blocking the sidewalk (if there is one).

Wichita has examples of both:
...

Indeed, I found a detached garage (https://www.google.com/maps/@37.6744259,-97.2713736,3a,29.1y,268.11h,87.36t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sAp-JLNf-zyg5DjFktVVrjQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en) on the very street kphoger linked to, although, when comparing it to nearby houses, it appears to have been improvised rather than something that was originally built that way.

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 25, 2021, 09:44:10 PM
Most of the houses were built soon after World War II for factory and clerical workers.

For some reason, the Rochester area doesn't have many small, one-story homes of this style. Almost all homes within the city limits have multiple stories, while homes in the suburbs are generally larger and sit on larger properties. The neighboring Buffalo area, however, has plenty of similar neighborhoods, including much of Cheektowaga. I wonder if it's partly because Rochester is traditionally a white-collar city while Buffalo is traditionally blue-collar.

Or looking at it another way, maybe Buffalo followed more traditional Midwestern development patterns (such neighborhoods are also common in Cleveland and Chicago, for example) while Rochester followed more traditional Northeastern ones.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 27, 2021, 08:58:56 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on January 26, 2021, 11:40:57 PM
To the question of parking across a sidewalk:

In Seattle, and sometimes in Tacoma too (though less often), it's quite normal to park your car so it's half in the street, half in the buffer zone.

This example (https://goo.gl/maps/u9cX6HqquuuN5Rud6) (the white Volvo V70 XC) I found almost immediately. It's quite common if you zoom around Seattle on street view.

If there are rules against it (I can't find any), they're not enforced. The only rule is that you don't do it along a street that doesn't allow parking, unless you want an accident.

Well, of course, not doing it along streets that don't allow parking is the catch. It makes perfect sense in the situation you linked to, but not in the Wichita example, which is on a four-lane arterial.

There are also cases where the sidewalk is so close to the road that there isn't a full car length between the sidewalk and the travel lane.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 27, 2021, 09:48:26 AM

Quote from: kphoger on January 25, 2021, 01:33:06 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 24, 2021, 09:27:42 AM
A related pet peeve of mine when I go for a walk is people who park like this: https://goo.gl/maps/FLK8QapwksmGiWnf7

Me too. Although I do feel for people who live in a house where they have to choose between [1] parking across a sidewalk (illegal), [2] parallel-parking on the street against parking restrictions (illegal), or [3] parking on their lawn (illegal). Yeah, I suppose they could park their car a few blocks away somewhere, but still...

I'm not entirely sympathetic because I feel like people knew what the parking situation was when they moved in. To give an example, I have a one-car garage. One car will fit in the driveway; if we tried to fit two, the second one would block the sidewalk and protrude into the street, so we don't park a second car in the driveway other than occasionally for brief loading or unloading if there is a heavy object. When I moved into this house, I was single and I had just the one car, so that arrangement was fine. I later got a second car and I parked it around the corner on the curb so as not to block my daily driver into the garage (my street is all yellow curbs, so I can't park out front on the street). I later got married and my wife had a car, so she sometimes blocked me in and sometimes parked around the corner. She later got a second car (we now have four), so one of hers is usually around the corner and one is in the driveway.

It seems to me that people who have two or more cars who move into a neighborhood like ours and fill their garages with household detritus so as to make it impossible to park there don't deserve a lot of sympathy for their self-caused parking "problems." They knew when they moved in that if they didn't park in the garage, they'd have an issue with where to put the second car (or additional cars beyond that), other than the people who live in the end units that have two-car garages and two-car driveways.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 27, 2021, 12:55:02 PM

Quote from: webny99 on January 27, 2021, 08:49:51 AM
To a larger point, why wouldn't on-street parking be allowed? I suspect it's something that wasn't much of an issue in earlier decades, as multi-vehicle households only became more common after the neighborhood was built.

Nighttime parking is permitted, but not from 7am to 7pm. It's a busy enough arterial that it wouldn't be good to allow daytime parking.

Note that I've never once seen anyone parallel-parked on that street, even overnight, except perhaps to pick up a passenger or load tree limbs or something.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 27, 2021, 01:37:33 PM

Quote from: webny99 on January 27, 2021, 08:49:51 AMTo a larger point, why wouldn't on-street parking be allowed? I suspect it's something that wasn't much of an issue in earlier decades, as multi-vehicle households only became more common after the neighborhood was built.

Here's an example (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1398155,-77.5771407,3a,20.1y,208.38h,91.53t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sV9zkFmg04tm9mzpwRj0p0g!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1) of a four-lane arterial in my area where parking is allowed on the southbound side except from 4-6 PM on weekdays. Drive past on a weekend and there could be as many as two dozen cars parked in the travel lane. Other roads have a rotation system - left side parking one day, right side the next.

I'm not aware of any places in Wichita where this is done. Drivers here expect any street striped for four or more lanes to be a clearway, with no vehicles parked or stopped in the traveled way regardless of whether no-parking signs are actually posted (sometimes they are, sometimes they are not).

I don't know if this portion of Edgemoor was striped for four lanes back in the 1950's when the houses along it were built (choosing one house at random for Zillow lookup gives a construction date of 1951; Southeast opened at the Lincoln and Edgemoor building in 1958). It has been striped for four for as long as I can remember, going back to the early 1980's, but unit lane width is substandard (I would say about 10 ft), and there are segments north of Kellogg that are about the same width curb-to-curb but are striped for two lanes and have parking bans only in the immediate vicinity of signalized intersections.

Quote from: webny99 on January 27, 2021, 08:49:51 AMIndeed, I found a detached garage (https://www.google.com/maps/@37.6744259,-97.2713736,3a,29.1y,268.11h,87.36t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sAp-JLNf-zyg5DjFktVVrjQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en) on the very street kphoger linked to, although, when comparing it to nearby houses, it appears to have been improvised rather than something that was originally built that way.

It is not at all uncommon for these older, smaller houses to have had one-car garages converted into indoor living space (such as an additional bedroom). The owners then either erect a detached garage in the backyard if the sideway is wide enough for a car, or do without covered parking altogether. Further north on Edgemoor, you can see houses within the no-parking envelopes around signals that have had the driveway widened or part of the front yard paved over, apparently to augment off-street parking.

I don't know how common this is among US cities, but in Wichita, city ordinance sets a (never signposted) 72-hour limit on curb parking. It is not at all uncommon for people to call the police when the curb is used to store nuisance vehicles such as spare cars that are never driven, trailers and campers that block sightlines, etc.

As a result, car hoarders and people who buy and sell cars out of their private residences often look to improvise off-street parking, sometimes in rather strange ways. There is a guy a few streets away from me who recently replaced a board fence and had a movable segment installed so that he can drive cars up the wide and shallow grassed ditch next to an arterial and through the fence to park in his backyard.

Quote from: webny99 on January 27, 2021, 08:49:51 AMFor some reason, the Rochester area doesn't have many small, one-story homes of this style. Almost all homes within the city limits have multiple stories, while homes in the suburbs are generally larger and sit on larger properties. The neighboring Buffalo area, however, has plenty of similar neighborhoods, including much of Cheektowaga. I wonder if it's partly because Rochester is traditionally a white-collar city while Buffalo is traditionally blue-collar.

I suspect the relative prevalence of blue- and white-collar jobs is a key factor. Another is the preferences of builders who were active in subdivisions that developed over a period of decades. For example, the subdivision immediately to the east of me--bounded by West, 13th, Meridian, and 21st--has a mixture of houses with the following: (1) wide eaves, hipped roofs, two-car garages; (2) narrow eaves, gabled roofs, one- or two-car garages (or a carport if no garage is provided); and (3) gabled roofs without eaves (similar to the houses along Edgemoor).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 27, 2021, 01:51:11 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 27, 2021, 01:37:33 PM

Quote from: webny99 on January 27, 2021, 08:49:51 AM
To a larger point, why wouldn't on-street parking be allowed? I suspect it's something that wasn't much of an issue in earlier decades, as multi-vehicle households only became more common after the neighborhood was built.

Here's an example (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1398155,-77.5771407,3a,20.1y,208.38h,91.53t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sV9zkFmg04tm9mzpwRj0p0g!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1) of a four-lane arterial in my area where parking is allowed on the southbound side except from 4-6 PM on weekdays. Drive past on a weekend and there could be as many as two dozen cars parked in the travel lane. Other roads have a rotation system - left side parking one day, right side the next.

I'm not aware of any places in Wichita where this is done. Drivers here expect any street striped for four or more lanes to be a clearway, with no vehicles parked or stopped in the traveled way regardless of whether no-parking signs are actually posted (sometimes they are, sometimes they are not).

There is actually a set of 64 arterial roads that are written into the municipal code as no-parking zones. There don't have to be any signs in order for parking on those streets to be illegal.

Quote from: Wichita, Kansas – Code of Ordinances
Title 11 – Traffic

Chapter 11.52 – Parking

§ 11.52.045. - Stopping or parking on main trafficway streets prohibited.

It is unlawful for any person or operator to stop or park a motor vehicle on any main trafficway as designated by Section 11.96.120 of this Code. For the purposes of this section no signs are required for enforcement of this section.

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 27, 2021, 01:37:33 PM
there are segments north of Kellogg that are about the same width curb-to-curb but are striped for two lanes and have parking bans only in the immediate vicinity of signalized intersections.

They even added left-turn lanes on Edgemoor at the Douglas stoplight a year or two ago without even widening the pavement at all. Traffic occasionally treats the wide two-lane sections as if they were four lanes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 27, 2021, 06:07:26 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 27, 2021, 12:55:02 PM
Nighttime parking is permitted, but not from 7am to 7pm. It's a busy enough arterial that it wouldn't be good to allow daytime parking.

I'm used to the opposite: Almost every city, town, and village in Western NY has some sort of restriction of on-street parking during the overnight hours. Some are year-round, many are Nov. 1st - April 1st (thanks to frequent snowfall during those months).

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 27, 2021, 01:37:33 PM
I'm not aware of any places in Wichita where this is done. Drivers here expect any street striped for four or more lanes to be a clearway, with no vehicles parked or stopped in the traveled way regardless of whether no-parking signs are actually posted (sometimes they are, sometimes they are not).

That's certainly the case here as well in the suburbs, but the city is a different beast. Lyell Ave and Monroe Ave, among others, also have segments striped for four lanes that are used for on-street parking.

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 27, 2021, 01:37:33 PM
It has been striped for four for as long as I can remember, going back to the early 1980's, but unit lane width is substandard (I would say about 10 ft), and there are segments north of Kellogg that are about the same width curb-to-curb but are striped for two lanes and have parking bans only in the immediate vicinity of signalized intersections.

I looked up those segments, and I must say, another "minor thing that bothers me" is when a street wide enough for four lanes but only used for two lacks shoulder stripes. It looks discombobulated and lacks the structure I like to see in a road network. Here (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1499726,-77.5352411,3a,75y,1.89h,86.65t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1stXv0lXfGZvWkVrY36vgSaw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1) is a local example that's always disgusted me. I vastly prefer the cleaner look of nearby Winton Road (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.151743,-77.5518787,3a,75y,188.95h,92.69t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1speIMj4D9myMNG1iQHXQ7Bg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on January 27, 2021, 06:17:55 PM

Quote from: webny99 on January 27, 2021, 06:07:26 PM
I looked up those segments, and I must say, another "minor thing that bothers me" is when a street wide enough for four lanes but only used for two lacks shoulder stripes. It looks discombobulated and lacks the structure I like to see in a road network. Here (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1499726,-77.5352411,3a,75y,1.89h,86.65t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1stXv0lXfGZvWkVrY36vgSaw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1) is a local example that's always disgusted me. I vastly prefer the cleaner look of nearby Winton Road (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.151743,-77.5518787,3a,75y,188.95h,92.69t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1speIMj4D9myMNG1iQHXQ7Bg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1).

Heh, your Clover Street example doesn't bother me at all. It may technically be wide enough for four lanes, but not comfortably and especially not if street parking is allowed. Yes, it's nice when a shoulder and/or bike lane is painted on the side, but not really a deal breaker as far as I'm concerned.

Quote from: kphoger on January 27, 2021, 01:51:11 PM
There is actually a set of 64 arterial roads that are written into the municipal code as no-parking zones. There don't have to be any signs in order for parking on those streets to be illegal.

Quote from: Wichita, Kansas — Code of Ordinances
Title 11 — Traffic

Chapter 11.52 — Parking

§ 11.52.045. - Stopping or parking on main trafficway streets prohibited.

It is unlawful for any person or operator to stop or park a motor vehicle on any main trafficway as designated by Section 11.96.120 of this Code. For the purposes of this section no signs are required for enforcement of this section.

Do they expect all Wichita drivers (and visitors) to memorize the list of 64 streets? Granted most of them are probably pretty obvious, but having unsigned no-parking zones and giving tickets on them seems questionable from a legal standpoint.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 27, 2021, 06:51:35 PM

Quote from: US 89 on January 27, 2021, 06:17:55 PM
Do they expect all Wichita drivers (and visitors) to memorize the list of 64 streets? Granted most of them are probably pretty obvious, but having unsigned no-parking zones and giving tickets on them seems questionable from a legal standpoint.

But there are all sorts of traffic laws that people are just supposed to know.

For example, I wish you well if you try to get out of a traffic ticket for making a U-turn in the city of Chicago at an intersection that didn't have a sign specifically allowing them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 27, 2021, 07:17:14 PM

Quote from: US 89 on January 27, 2021, 06:17:55 PMDo they expect all Wichita drivers (and visitors) to memorize the list of 64 streets? Granted most of them are probably pretty obvious, but having unsigned no-parking zones and giving tickets on them seems questionable from a legal standpoint.

I don't know if anyone has tried to get out of a ticket for parking on one of the 64 streets by arguing that the parking ban should have been signed but was not. I suspect both municipal court and district court would rule that listing the streets in the city code is adequate publicity.

The key here is that parking on one of these streets is not reasonable behavior. I would not do it and expect to come back to an undamaged car. Even when dealing with a four-lane arterial where parking is legal for part of the 24-hour day, such as the length of Edgemoor near where Kphoger lives, I would much rather leave my car in a side street.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on January 27, 2021, 07:19:08 PM

Quote from: US 89 on January 27, 2021, 06:17:55 PM
Quote from: webny99 on January 27, 2021, 06:07:26 PM
I looked up those segments, and I must say, another "minor thing that bothers me" is when a street wide enough for four lanes but only used for two lacks shoulder stripes. It looks discombobulated and lacks the structure I like to see in a road network. Here (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1499726,-77.5352411,3a,75y,1.89h,86.65t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1stXv0lXfGZvWkVrY36vgSaw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1) is a local example that's always disgusted me. I vastly prefer the cleaner look of nearby Winton Road (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.151743,-77.5518787,3a,75y,188.95h,92.69t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1speIMj4D9myMNG1iQHXQ7Bg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1).

Heh, your Clover Street example doesn't bother me at all. It may technically be wide enough for four lanes, but not comfortably and especially not if street parking is allowed. Yes, it's nice when a shoulder and/or bike lane is painted on the side, but not really a deal breaker as far as I'm concerned.

Yeah, I'm in the same boat. I prefer not having shoulder lines for a couple reasons: (1) makes it clearer that parking is permitted along the edge; and (2) permits passing on the right, which is only permitted through a shoulder in maybe a couple states (Texas...maybe a couple others). Painting shoulder lines would negate both of these positives.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 27, 2021, 07:58:18 PM

Quote from: US 89 on January 27, 2021, 06:17:55 PM
Quote from: webny99 on January 27, 2021, 06:07:26 PM
I looked up those segments, and I must say, another "minor thing that bothers me" is when a street wide enough for four lanes but only used for two lacks shoulder stripes. It looks discombobulated and lacks the structure I like to see in a road network. Here (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1499726,-77.5352411,3a,75y,1.89h,86.65t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1stXv0lXfGZvWkVrY36vgSaw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1) is a local example that's always disgusted me. I vastly prefer the cleaner look of nearby Winton Road (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.151743,-77.5518787,3a,75y,188.95h,92.69t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1speIMj4D9myMNG1iQHXQ7Bg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1).

Heh, your Clover Street example doesn't bother me at all. It may technically be wide enough for four lanes, but not comfortably and especially not if street parking is allowed. Yes, it's nice when a shoulder and/or bike lane is painted on the side, but not really a deal breaker as far as I'm concerned.

To be clear, the lack of a shoulder line (given the presence of the center yellow stripes) is what I object to. I definitely don't think they should stripe it for four lanes; it's not quite wide enough, and even if it was, it serves little through traffic.

Quote from: jakeroot on January 27, 2021, 07:19:08 PM
Yeah, I'm in the same boat. I prefer not having shoulder lines for a couple reasons: (1) makes it clearer that parking is permitted along the edge; and (2) permits passing on the right, which is only permitted through a shoulder in maybe a couple states (Texas...maybe a couple others). Painting shoulder lines would negate both of these positives.

Oh, I disagree with (1). Painted lines makes it much more obvious what's going on. No lines basically looks and feels like a free for all. As for (2), I agree in principle, as I do appreciate being able to (legally) pass a turning vehicle on the right. But in practice, people are going to cross the shoulder line regardless of what the law says about it. That's a problem with the law, not a problem with the paint.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on January 27, 2021, 08:19:48 PM

Quote from: webny99 on January 27, 2021, 07:58:18 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on January 27, 2021, 07:19:08 PM
Yeah, I'm in the same boat. I prefer not having shoulder lines for a couple reasons: (1) makes it clearer that parking is permitted along the edge; and (2) permits passing on the right, which is only permitted through a shoulder in maybe a couple states (Texas...maybe a couple others). Painting shoulder lines would negate both of these positives.

Oh, I disagree with (1). Painted lines makes it much more obvious what's going on. No lines basically looks and feels like a free for all. As for (2), I agree in principle, as I do appreciate being able to (legally) pass a turning vehicle on the right. But in practice, people are going to cross the shoulder line regardless of what the law says about it. That's a problem with the law, not a problem with the paint.

(1) Painted shoulder lines but with permitted parking is not exactly that common. Most streets with parallel parking are simply wide enough to allow parallel parking (https://goo.gl/maps/S7SkLejnkZnU1Y2x9) (almost every street in Tacoma looks like this), and painted parallel parking stalls generally aren't common unless you're in an urban area, or your local jurisdiction requires them. Plus, and this is a big one: parking to the right of a solid white line would constitute parking in a shoulder, and rarely is that permitted without signage.

That brings me to (2): passing on the right with a shoulder line is a problem with the law when you go and intentionally paint a shoulder line. It's not a problem if you just don't paint the damn line. Why paint a shoulder line when that would immediately make passing on the right and parallel parking illegal? The two main reasons why you'd have a wide lane?

The only way to achieve what you want is to either (A) make it four lanes, and have the outer lanes be combo through + parking lanes, or (B) paint a shoulder line, but install parking signs along the entire length. How either is better than no line is completely beyond me...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on January 27, 2021, 09:01:34 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on January 27, 2021, 07:19:08 PM
(2) permits passing on the right, which is only permitted through a shoulder in maybe a couple states (Texas...maybe a couple others). Painting shoulder lines would negate both of these positives.

Passing on the right is permitted in Wisconsin is legal only if the shoulder is paved, but they usually add the paved shoulder in rural intersections where there is left-turning traffic.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 27, 2021, 09:14:39 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on January 27, 2021, 08:19:48 PM
(1) Painted shoulder lines but with permitted parking is not exactly that common. Most streets with parallel parking are simply wide enough to allow parallel parking (https://goo.gl/maps/S7SkLejnkZnU1Y2x9) (almost every street in Tacoma looks like this), and painted parallel parking stalls generally aren't common unless you're in an urban area, or your local jurisdiction requires them. Plus, and this is a big one: parking to the right of a solid white line would constitute parking in a shoulder, and rarely is that permitted without signage.

Maybe it's uncommon in your area, but it's very common - basically the norm - in this area. Here (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1461836,-77.5711093,3a,75y,86.16h,86.88t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sUyx7GsaH21nZYyIMgkqyAQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1), here (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1566372,-77.5626963,3a,75y,260.31h,81.63t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s_XWlNqhufJdxowwZsJOsuw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1), and here (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1489083,-77.5907837,3a,75y,53.02h,86.36t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sL0px9eDwyrCpjmMrhC1WBw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1) are just a few of countless examples. And even just panning around the area you linked to, I found this example (https://www.google.com/maps/@47.269728,-122.4642869,3a,75y,285.13h,88.19t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1stcZpzeesFWJ4pluXNfXGjw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192), which I think is great, exactly how it should be, and complete with the bike lane.

Also, I've never heard of parking in a shoulder being illegal on a local street. That's what the line is there for - to separate between the lane of traffic and the parked cars! Sure, it's illegal on state highways and interstates, but I've never heard of it being illegal or any reason why it would be on any local or city street.

Quote from: jakeroot on January 27, 2021, 08:19:48 PM
That brings me to (2): passing on the right with a shoulder line is a problem with the law when you go and intentionally paint a shoulder line. It's not a problem if you just don't paint the damn line. Why paint a shoulder line when that would immediately make passing on the right and parallel parking illegal? The two main reasons why you'd have a wide lane?

The only way to achieve what you want is to either (A) make it four lanes, and have the outer lanes be combo through + parking lanes, or (B) paint a shoulder line, but install parking signs along the entire length. How either is better than no line is completely beyond me...

Well, as noted above, painting the line wouldn't make parallel parking illegal. If anything, on a city street, it would make it more explicitly legal. And, of course, the solution to passing on the right is simply to taper the line prior to the intersection (as shown here (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.147434,-77.5915901,3a,75y,34.35h,83.61t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sI3h93fFS4WDcLB6nVX8V3g!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1)). In many cases, especially when there's parking on both sides, tapering the line has the added bonus of creating space for a turning lane.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CoreySamson on January 27, 2021, 10:49:23 PM

Here's a street in Angleton, TX that is probably worse (https://www.google.com/maps/@29.1697006,-95.4291267,3a,42y,80.21h,87.69t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1snhbzaQhAnP4bgWEtsGFkeA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) than the Clover Street one. The center stripe is nearly invisible.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 28, 2021, 10:53:29 AM

Quote from: webny99 on January 27, 2021, 07:58:18 PM
No lines basically looks and feels like a free for all.

Quote from: CoreySamson on January 27, 2021, 10:49:23 PM
Here's a street in Angleton, TX that is probably worse (https://www.google.com/maps/@29.1697006,-95.4291267,3a,42y,80.21h,87.69t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1snhbzaQhAnP4bgWEtsGFkeA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) than the Clover Street one. The center stripe is nearly invisible.

See, I guess I'm just fine with having a free-for-all. Nothing wrong (https://goo.gl/maps/yJiQvA5uPmUQ5UHC7) with stripe-less streets (https://goo.gl/maps/tFSb5ir2jmddnoGWA), in my opinion (https://goo.gl/maps/s9Djf91kRSYE2AuK8).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on January 28, 2021, 10:56:50 AM

Quote from: kphoger on January 28, 2021, 10:53:29 AM
See, I guess I'm just fine with having a free-for-all.

You're probably used to it because Mexico doesn't have as stringent design standards as the US. Most US drivers aren't as used to situations that are free-for-alls.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on January 28, 2021, 11:11:41 AM

Quote from: kphoger on January 27, 2021, 06:51:35 PM
Quote from: US 89 on January 27, 2021, 06:17:55 PM
Do they expect all Wichita drivers (and visitors) to memorize the list of 64 streets? Granted most of them are probably pretty obvious, but having unsigned no-parking zones and giving tickets on them seems questionable from a legal standpoint.

But there are all sorts of traffic laws that people are just supposed to know.

For example, I wish you well if you try to get out of a traffic ticket for making a U-turn in the city of Chicago at an intersection that didn't have a sign specifically allowing them.

Yes, especially when a new law has been enacted, the police don't like to hear "I wasn't aware of that law" as a response to them pulling you over. They say it's your duty as a citizen to keep up with the laws.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 28, 2021, 11:44:40 AM

Quote from: 1 on January 28, 2021, 10:56:50 AM

Quote from: kphoger on January 28, 2021, 10:53:29 AM
See, I guess I'm just fine with having a free-for-all.

You're probably used to it because Mexico doesn't have as stringent design standards as the US. Most US drivers aren't as used to situations that are free-for-alls.

No, I might be used to it from growing up and learning to drive in a town where the streets look like this (https://goo.gl/maps/mF8cWcdwN4gTXjGH8) and this (https://goo.gl/maps/pi8c7xtXkKRMS9Sp6), then going to a college where the streets nearby look like this (https://goo.gl/maps/B8Zdo76Lz8AGEiYe8) and this (https://goo.gl/maps/XbZ9gYGftzALy2Mf9), then moving out to where they look like this (https://goo.gl/maps/w1thkjiRygxVgUrQ7) and the street my apartment was on looks like this (https://goo.gl/maps/Ch7JTdgSdbYRZCJKA)–all before having driven a single mile in Mexico–and currently living in a neighborhood where the streets look like this (https://goo.gl/maps/zxMYiZGZV1kLMfNJA) and this (https://goo.gl/maps/aVAzG5w7SaHV5N3e8).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 28, 2021, 11:51:41 AM

Quote from: kphoger on January 28, 2021, 10:53:29 AM
Quote from: webny99 on January 27, 2021, 07:58:18 PM
No lines basically looks and feels like a free for all.

Quote from: CoreySamson on January 27, 2021, 10:49:23 PM
Here's a street in Angleton, TX that is probably worse (https://www.google.com/maps/@29.1697006,-95.4291267,3a,42y,80.21h,87.69t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1snhbzaQhAnP4bgWEtsGFkeA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) than the Clover Street one. The center stripe is nearly invisible.

See, I guess I'm just fine with having a free-for-all. Nothing wrong (https://goo.gl/maps/yJiQvA5uPmUQ5UHC7) with stripe-less streets (https://goo.gl/maps/tFSb5ir2jmddnoGWA), in my opinion (https://goo.gl/maps/s9Djf91kRSYE2AuK8).

I don't have a problem with those examples. I have a problem with there being no shoulder lines when there's both a center yellow stripe and extra wide lanes. Your examples (including all the ones you just posted while I was typing this) only have extra wide lanes, with no center stripe. Here (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.1445158,-77.4973814,3a,75y,173.17h,85.9t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sqHBGpqpT71PdTNFUKdIRXw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1) is an example that only has a yellow stripe, but not extra wide lanes. Either one on its own is fine, but the combination, as seen in the Clover St. example upthread, is what bothers me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kenarmy on February 13, 2021, 10:49:07 PM

Ok so imma make just one.
- GA 20's shape. Georgia must've been playing around when they assigned this. Really? A capital J?
- 206 missing it's parent by literal walking distance
- Every single digit route besides 6. 1 being indirect of itself for half its route, 2's gap, 3, 5, and 7 being 1's forgotten children, 4 looking like a long division bar, 8 deserves more hate than it gets, 9 gets on my nerves.
- I-15's routing, is literally so unattractive
- US 411 paralleling its parent for so long but never connecting with it.
- US 160 going to Tuba instead of 64.
- 180's entire existence west of its junction with 62.
- US 43 not being a branch route of 45
- 80 and 180 not quite making it to DFW.
- 183 and 283 no longer connecting with 83.
- US 54 no longer going to Chicago. Why not?
- US 159.. why does it exist again?
- Interstate 90 not being swapped with 94.
- I-15 AGAIN
- US 34 paralleling/ overlapping/ being more indirect of 6 for pretty much its entire route
- US 33, 35, and 42's entire existence.
- I-22 ending abruptly at 269.
- US 278 overlapping with 61/49, 82, and 65 just to realign with itself. But this is pretty inevitable.
- US 72 and 76/74 not being one route
- US 73 being so short now.. 75, 59, and 69 just ate it up.
- US 71, 75, 77, 81, and 59 being so close together.
- US 57 being so short. This route makes sense as it connects to Mexico 57, but why not extend it so it can actually go somewhere important? Why not have it overlap with 35 and SR 21 to replace US 79?
- US 1 being so indirect of 95 (for the most part). It should be swapped with US 17 (from Jacksonville to its terminus)
- 27 existing south of Tallahassee. It is so indirect of 98.
- 82 and 84 swapping terminuses. Yes, 84 aligns with it more but it fit perfectly in the grid.
- I-220 not being named 255
- The gap in MS 18
- When water bottles start shrinking when you drink and they make that loud noise when you finish
- US 220 not connecting with 20. Like literally it is so easy for it to be extended.
- US 49 not using AR 1. Like seriously why not use the most direct route?? Also that curve is so UGLY it bothers me daily.
- US 98's route in MS. That dip down to Tylertown and that dip back up to Mccomb is so ugly.
- Everyone still thinking State Street is 51 (even google maps).. it hasn't used that for over 40 years
- US 190 being so close to MS but not entering it
- LA not using US 265 (recommended by AASHTO) for (mostly) what would eventually become 425..
- I-81 and I-59 not being one continuous route. It would be two lengthy interstate concurrencies but 75 is the one in the wrong.
- 87 being overlapped with 85 and 25 for like 1 million miles. The northern part and the southern part both could be branches of 85.
- US 90 having 3 or 4 concurrencies with 98 between Mobile and Pensacola.
- US 87 and 89 swapping terminuses. LITERALLY WHY?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 14, 2021, 03:19:06 AM

Quote from: kenarmy on February 13, 2021, 10:49:07 PM
- 27 existing south of Tallahassee.

Nah, Lubbock is way north of Florida.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on February 14, 2021, 05:37:00 AM

Quote from: kenarmy on February 13, 2021, 10:49:07 PM
- US 33, 35, and 42's entire existence.

So you think diagonal routes shouldn't exist at all?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zzcarp on February 14, 2021, 06:06:32 AM

Quote from: 1 on February 14, 2021, 05:37:00 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on February 13, 2021, 10:49:07 PM
- US 33, 35, and 42's entire existence.

So you think diagonal routes shouldn't exist at all?

Things that annoy me: people who diss major corridors that cross Ohio. 42 connects the 3 C-s and Louisville-so important that they routed an interstate parallel with and not too close to disrupt US 42's independent utility the entire route. US 33 connects northern Indiana to Columbus to Athens through West Virginia and Virginia (and is expressway or freeway through much of Ohio). US 35 is also expressway through much of Ohio and West Virginia, connecting Dayton through to Charleston.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on February 14, 2021, 08:54:34 AM

(Reposting because the original poster I replied deleted his/her/its messages and instead combined them into one)

Quote from: kenarmy on February 13, 2021, 10:49:07 PM
- US 87 and 89 swapping terminuses. LITERALLY WHY?

In that vein (US 87 actually ended at the Canadian border at Piegan before 1934), why was US 470 changed to US 366? Sure, it did no longer connect to US 70, but that alone didn't make US 470 invalid (it was around the same time US 138 became a orphan, and that one is still around today). This is a moot point anyway, since US 366 would soon disappear.

Also, why was US 566 changed to US 380 instead of just being extended East? Why was US 241 changed to US 431 instead of just being extended North (and realigned through Alabama)? The US 666 to US 491 change is another thing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kenarmy on February 14, 2021, 10:54:48 AM

Quote from: 1 on February 14, 2021, 05:37:00 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on February 13, 2021, 10:49:07 PM
- US 33, 35, and 42's entire existence.

So you think diagonal routes shouldn't exist at all?

I don't really like diagonal routes but I hate them even more because of their numbers. And they're not even long.

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 14, 2021, 03:19:06 AM
Quote from: kenarmy on February 13, 2021, 10:49:07 PM
- 27 existing south of Tallahassee.

Nah, Lubbock is way north of Florida.

Oops, sorry for not making it clear which 27 touches Tallahassee :crazy:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on February 14, 2021, 12:49:02 PM

When a pretty girl sniffs me (especially my armpit) she goes "you smell good!".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 14, 2021, 01:40:38 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on February 14, 2021, 12:49:02 PM
When a pretty girl sniffs me (especially my armpit) she goes "you smell good!".

what the fuck

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Takumi on February 14, 2021, 01:56:47 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on February 14, 2021, 12:49:02 PM
When a pretty girl sniffs me (especially my armpit) she goes "you smell good!".

(https://i.imgur.com/BQbdt7K.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 14, 2021, 02:39:22 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 14, 2021, 01:40:38 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on February 14, 2021, 12:49:02 PM
When a pretty girl sniffs me (especially my armpit) she goes "you smell good!".

what the fuck

We have a friend whose son likes to smell her armpit. It drives her nuts.

Our youngest son likes poking at the little balls of deodorant that form on my wife's underarm stubble. That drives her nuts.

However, I haven't yet heard of attractive adult females being wont to sniff adult males' armpits.

Now, my wife has commented that my deodorant smells good. And I've overheard women commenting on a man's cologne before. But that's a whole different ball of wax than 'sniffing'. The former is passive, the latter active.

Also... tolbs17: Is this one specific girl, or is it a phenomenon that has characterized your life over a period of time?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SectorZ on February 14, 2021, 03:00:10 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on February 14, 2021, 12:49:02 PM
When a pretty girl sniffs me (especially my armpit) she goes "you smell good!".

At least they're pretty. Brain dead, but pretty...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on February 14, 2021, 03:01:50 PM

Quote from: kenarmy on February 13, 2021, 10:49:07 PM
Ok so imma make just one.
- GA 20's shape. Georgia must've been playing around when they assigned this. Really? A capital J?
- 206 missing it's parent by literal walking distance
- Every single digit route besides 6. 1 being indirect of itself for half its route, 2's gap, 3, 5, and 7 being 1's forgotten children, 4 looking like a long division bar, 8 deserves more hate than it gets, 9 gets on my nerves.
- I-15's routing, is literally so unattractive
- US 411 paralleling its parent for so long but never connecting with it.
- US 160 going to Tuba instead of 64.
- 180's entire existence west of its junction with 62.
- US 43 not being a branch route of 45
- 80 and 180 not quite making it to DFW.
- 183 and 283 no longer connecting with 83.
- US 54 no longer going to Chicago. Why not?
- US 159.. why does it exist again?
- Interstate 90 not being swapped with 94.
- I-15 AGAIN
- US 34 paralleling/ overlapping/ being more indirect of 6 for pretty much its entire route
- US 33, 35, and 42's entire existence.
- I-22 ending abruptly at 269.
- US 278 overlapping with 61/49, 82, and 65 just to realign with itself. But this is pretty inevitable.
- US 72 and 76/74 not being one route
- US 73 being so short now.. 75, 59, and 69 just ate it up.
- US 71, 75, 77, 81, and 59 being so close together.
- US 57 being so short. This route makes sense as it connects to Mexico 57, but why not extend it so it can actually go somewhere important? Why not have it overlap with 35 and SR 21 to replace US 79?
- US 1 being so indirect of 95 (for the most part). It should be swapped with US 17 (from Jacksonville to its terminus)
- 27 existing south of Tallahassee. It is so indirect of 98.
- 82 and 84 swapping terminuses. Yes, 84 aligns with it more but it fit perfectly in the grid.
- I-220 not being named 255
- The gap in MS 18

- US 220 not connecting with 20. Like literally it is so easy for it to be extended.
- US 49 not using AR 1. Like seriously why not use the most direct route?? Also that curve is so UGLY it bothers me daily.
- US 98's route in MS. That dip down to Tylertown and that dip back up to Mccomb is so ugly.
- Everyone still thinking State Street is 51 (even google maps).. it hasn't used that for over 40 years
- US 190 being so close to MS but not entering it
- LA not using US 265 (recommended by AASHTO) for (mostly) what would eventually become 425..
- I-81 and I-59 not being one continuous route. It would be two lengthy interstate concurrencies but 75 is the one in the wrong.
- 87 being overlapped with 85 and 25 for like 1 million miles. The northern part and the southern part both could be branches of 85.
- US 90 having 3 or 4 concurrencies with 98 between Mobile and Pensacola.
- US 87 and 89 swapping terminuses. LITERALLY WHY?

I like roads.

Quote
- When water bottles start shrinking when you drink and they make that loud noise when you finish

Well, that does suck.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on February 14, 2021, 03:32:06 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 14, 2021, 02:39:22 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 14, 2021, 01:40:38 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on February 14, 2021, 12:49:02 PM
When a pretty girl sniffs me (especially my armpit) she goes "you smell good!".

what the fuck

We have a friend whose son likes to smell her armpit. It drives her nuts.

Our youngest son likes poking at the little balls of deodorant that form on my wife's underarm stubble. That drives her nuts.

However, I haven't yet heard of attractive adult females being wont to sniff adult males' armpits.

Now, my wife has commented that my deodorant smells good. And I've overheard women commenting on a man's cologne before. But that's a whole different ball of wax than 'sniffing'. The former is passive, the latter active.

Also... tolbs17: Is this one specific girl, or is it a phenomenon that has characterized your life over a period of time?

Just any pretty girl in general. So the one highlighted in bold. I find it weird and bothering.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on February 14, 2021, 03:43:09 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on February 14, 2021, 12:49:02 PM
When a pretty girl sniffs me (especially my armpit) she goes "you smell good!".

I have a lot of questions ... and I don't think I want to know the answers to them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on February 14, 2021, 04:13:09 PM

Quote from: US 89 on February 14, 2021, 03:43:09 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on February 14, 2021, 12:49:02 PM
When a pretty girl sniffs me (especially my armpit) she goes "you smell good!".

I have a lot of questions ... and I don't think I want to know the answers to them.

Yet another reason why a seriously growing number of guys have been getting 'Red Pilled' in recent years....

:spin:

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 14, 2021, 05:59:02 PM

No, no, wait, guys. We have to get to the bottom of this. For the sake of humanity.

Quote from: tolbs17 on February 14, 2021, 12:49:02 PM
When a pretty girl sniffs me (especially my armpit) she goes "you smell good!".

Quote from: kphoger on February 14, 2021, 02:39:22 PM
Also... tolbs17: Is this one specific girl, or is it a phenomenon that has characterized your life over a period of time?

Quote from: tolbs17 on February 14, 2021, 03:32:06 PM
Just any pretty girl in general. So the one highlighted in bold. I find it weird and bothering.

You're telling us that you're frequently plagued by pretty girls sniffing your armpit and complimenting you on your scent? How in... What the... Ummmmm... Could you describe one such interaction in detail? I think we need to know what sort of people you interact with.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on February 14, 2021, 06:27:22 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 14, 2021, 05:59:02 PM
No, no, wait, guys. We have to get to the bottom of this. For the sake of humanity.

Quote from: tolbs17 on February 14, 2021, 12:49:02 PM
When a pretty girl sniffs me (especially my armpit) she goes "you smell good!".

Quote from: kphoger on February 14, 2021, 02:39:22 PM
Also... tolbs17: Is this one specific girl, or is it a phenomenon that has characterized your life over a period of time?

Quote from: tolbs17 on February 14, 2021, 03:32:06 PM
Just any pretty girl in general. So the one highlighted in bold. I find it weird and bothering.

You're telling us that you're frequently plagued by pretty girls sniffing your armpit and complimenting you on your scent? How in... What the... Ummmmm... Could you describe one such interaction in detail? I think we need to know what sort of people you interact with.

ECU students. Serena did to me before.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 14, 2021, 06:43:26 PM

I don't know any more than I did earlier...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Takumi on February 14, 2021, 07:28:43 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on February 14, 2021, 06:27:22 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 14, 2021, 05:59:02 PM
No, no, wait, guys. We have to get to the bottom of this. For the sake of humanity.

Quote from: tolbs17 on February 14, 2021, 12:49:02 PM
When a pretty girl sniffs me (especially my armpit) she goes "you smell good!".

Quote from: kphoger on February 14, 2021, 02:39:22 PM
Also... tolbs17: Is this one specific girl, or is it a phenomenon that has characterized your life over a period of time?

Quote from: tolbs17 on February 14, 2021, 03:32:06 PM
Just any pretty girl in general. So the one highlighted in bold. I find it weird and bothering.

You're telling us that you're frequently plagued by pretty girls sniffing your armpit and complimenting you on your scent? How in... What the... Ummmmm... Could you describe one such interaction in detail? I think we need to know what sort of people you interact with.
ECU students. Serena did to me before.

Oh, of course, Serena. That explains everything.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: noelbotevera on February 14, 2021, 08:58:47 PM

I think I walked in at the wrong time. Anyone want to like...give me a recap or something?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on February 14, 2021, 09:04:37 PM

Quote from: noelbotevera on February 14, 2021, 08:58:47 PM
I think I walked in at the wrong time. Anyone want to like...give me a recap or something?

Nothing has been deleted, and the current discussion is under 20 posts long. You haven't missed it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on February 14, 2021, 10:14:23 PM

Quote from: noelbotevera on February 14, 2021, 08:58:47 PM
I think I walked in at the wrong time. Anyone want to like...give me a recap or something?

I suppose the most succinct recap would be this:
Reply# 1372 stole the show, and not necessarily in a good way... :paranoid:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 14, 2021, 10:27:02 PM

Quote from: webny99 on February 14, 2021, 10:14:23 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on February 14, 2021, 08:58:47 PM
I think I walked in at the wrong time. Anyone want to like...give me a recap or something?

I suppose the most succinct recap would be this:
Reply# 1372 stole the show, and not necessarily in a good way... :paranoid:

A more succinct one: tolbs gonna tolb.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 15, 2021, 12:04:06 AM

I think the sniffing-at-armpits thing is about scent attraction, major histocompatibility complex (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_histocompatibility_complex#In_sexual_mate_selection), the Wedekind T-shirt study (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claus_Wedekind), and so on.

I almost fell out of my chair years ago when one of the local TV stations aired a human-interest story about soldiers going on deployment and one of the wives commented that she and her husband exchanged T-shirts that each had worn for three days without washing. I wasn't surprised by their doing it so much as their admitting to it on camera, and the TV station including that in the broadcast.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 15, 2021, 09:53:51 AM

Quote from: webny99 on February 14, 2021, 10:14:23 PM
I suppose the most succinct recap would be this:
Reply# 1372 stole the show, and not necessarily in a good way... :paranoid:

Am I the only one for whom these numbers are one off?

(https://i.imgur.com/S26TJ50.png)

Quote from: J N Winkler on February 15, 2021, 12:04:06 AM
I think the sniffing-at-armpits thing is about scent attraction, major histocompatibility complex (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_histocompatibility_complex#In_sexual_mate_selection), the Wedekind T-shirt study (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claus_Wedekind), and so on.

I almost fell out of my chair years ago when one of the local TV stations aired a human-interest story about soldiers going on deployment and one of the wives commented that she and her husband exchanged T-shirts that each had worn for three days without washing. I wasn't surprised by their doing it so much as their admitting to it on camera, and the TV station including that in the broadcast.

And then, of course...

Quote from: Napoleon Bonaparte to Josephine (maybe apocryphal but maybe not)
Ne te lave pas, j'accours et dans huit jours je suis lÃ .

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on February 15, 2021, 09:56:44 AM

I'm not seeing them one off.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on February 15, 2021, 10:02:48 AM

Quote from: kphoger on February 15, 2021, 09:53:51 AM
Quote from: webny99 on February 14, 2021, 10:14:23 PM
Reply# 1372 stole the show, and not necessarily in a good way... :paranoid:

Am I the only one for whom these numbers are one off?

Quote from: 1 on February 15, 2021, 09:56:44 AM
I'm not seeing them one off.

Me either. I thought I had gone crazy for a minute there until I double-checked. That's really weird.

(https://imgur.com/1oCjNeP.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on February 15, 2021, 10:10:41 AM

Quote from: webny99 on February 15, 2021, 10:02:48 AM
Quote from: kphoger on February 15, 2021, 09:53:51 AM
Quote from: webny99 on February 14, 2021, 10:14:23 PM
Reply# 1372 stole the show, and not necessarily in a good way... :paranoid:

Am I the only one for whom these numbers are one off?

Quote from: 1 on February 15, 2021, 09:56:44 AM
I'm not seeing them one off.

Me either. I thought I had gone crazy for a minute there until I double-checked. That's really weird.

Aha! I think I figured it out. It's because you're showing the most recent replies at the top. When I changed that in my settings, the post in question became #1373. With that setting, it counts the OP as Reply #1, thus shifting everything off by one.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 15, 2021, 10:21:50 AM

Quote from: webny99 on February 15, 2021, 10:10:41 AM
Aha! I think I figured it out. It's because you're showing the most recent replies at the top. When I changed that in my settings, the post in question became #1373. With that setting, it counts the OP as Reply #1, thus shifting everything off by one.

Well, that's an annoying bug.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wxfree on February 28, 2021, 09:23:59 PM

Directionwards

People saying forwards, backwards, inwards, outwards, downwards, rightwards, leftwards... None of those needs the final S. I thought of one recently that does need the S, but I don't remember it. We need to move upwards and onwards past these mispronounciations.

I also hate hand sides. What is a hand side? I know what a right side is, and I know what a left side is. I don't know what a right hand side is or what a left hand side is. When did sides grow hands, and which sides have them? Does a house have a south hand side and a north hand side? Do I write with my right hand side hand? I prefer all sides without limbs or extremities.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on February 28, 2021, 09:40:34 PM

Quote from: wxfree on February 28, 2021, 09:23:59 PM
Directionwards

People saying forwards, backwards, inwards, outwards, downwards, rightwards, leftwards... None of those needs the final S. I thought of one recently that does need the S, but I don't remember it. We need to move upwards and onwards past these mispronounciations.

For the record, -ward vs. -wards isn't a question of mispronunciation. Both forms go pretty much equally back. From the OED:

Quote from: Oxford English Dictionary
In English the history of -wards as an adverbial suffix is identical with that of -ward; beside every adverb in -ward there has always existed (at least potentially) a parallel formation in -wards, and vice versa. The two forms are so nearly synonymous (the general sense of the adverbs being ‘in the direction indicated by the first element of the compound’) that the choice between them is mostly determined by some notion of euphony in the particular context; some persons, apparently, have a fixed preference for the one or the other form.

I wouldn't mention this of course, except that it reflects one of the minor thing that bothers me: Confusing variants with errors.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on March 01, 2021, 06:34:53 AM

ending sentences with extra fluff

* Propositions
* The total is $4.49 there for ya!
* The total is $5.59 today. (Like it would be any different tomorrow)

Fitting that putting "eh?" at the end of a sentence actually bothers Canadians.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on March 01, 2021, 06:43:48 AM

Cashier: The total is $4.57.
Me: Here's $10.57. (I had no 5s and not enough 1s at the time)
Cashier: Do you want two?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 01, 2021, 07:38:24 AM

Quote from: 1 on March 01, 2021, 06:43:48 AM
Cashier: The total is $4.57.
Me: Here's $10.57. (I had no 5s and not enough 1s at the time)
Cashier: Do you want two?

Or "the total is going to be $4.57" No, it is $4.57

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 01, 2021, 07:45:31 AM

Quote from: kenarmy on February 13, 2021, 10:49:07 PM
Ok so imma make just one.
- US 160 going to Tuba instead of 64.
- 180's entire existence west of its junction with 62.
- 80 and 180 not quite making it to DFW.
- US 190 being so close to MS but not entering it

Yes, 64 should go all the way to Grand Canyon as well.
How about ending 62 just after it enters Texas, since it would bounce Northwest and just make it all 180
And on top of that making that stretch of 180 into 80 and thus it would go through DFW
That's what she said.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SkyPesos on March 01, 2021, 08:13:25 AM

Quote from: kenarmy on February 13, 2021, 10:49:07 PM
- US 33, 35, and 42's entire existence.

US 42 can get replaced with extensions of US 25 in Ohio and US 22 in KY, but have you been on US 33 or US 35, especially 35? The fastest routings from most of the midwest west of Columbus to the area between I-77, I-64, US 74 and the Atlantic Ocean involve US 35. There's a reason why it's an expressway or freeway for most of its route from Dayton eastward. As for US 33, it's a freeway from both sides of Columbus to Athens and Bellefontaine, so its importance is more limited to Ohio than US 35.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on March 01, 2021, 08:14:24 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on March 01, 2021, 06:34:53 AM
ending sentences with extra fluff

* Propositions
* The total is $4.49 there for ya!
* The total is $5.59 today. (Like it would be any different tomorrow)

Fitting that putting "eh?" at the end of a sentence actually bothers Canadians.

Quote from: texaskdog on March 01, 2021, 07:38:24 AM
Quote from: 1 on March 01, 2021, 06:43:48 AM
Cashier: The total is $4.57.
Me: Here's $10.57. (I had no 5s and not enough 1s at the time)
Cashier: Do you want two?

Or "the total is going to be $4.57" No, it is $4.57

You guys probably haven't worked as a cashier for 9 hours in a day then. Changing things up is the only way I got through without feeling like a total robot.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 01, 2021, 08:20:24 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on March 01, 2021, 06:34:53 AM
ending sentences with extra fluff

On a similar note, when people add "if that's OK" or similar to something that is inevitably going to happen. Like I really have a choice whether it's OK or not!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on March 01, 2021, 08:21:38 AM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on March 01, 2021, 08:14:24 AM
You guys probably haven't worked as a cashier for 9 hours in a day then. Changing things up is the only way I got through without feeling like a total robot.

That still doesn't explain cashiers not understanding paying an amount to get an even amount of change back. While the situation above has only happened once, I've had them not accept the coins and instead give back change for the $10 bill multiple times (at different locations, not this one). Since cash registers typically give out more coins than they receive, they could probably use the coins I give them.

Unrelated: Increasing from A to B, regardless of what those numbers are, is not an exponential increase. You need at least three data points for it to be exponential.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SkyPesos on March 01, 2021, 08:22:33 AM

People starting a conversation with "˜Yo'

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on March 01, 2021, 08:24:27 AM

Quote from: SkyPesos on March 01, 2021, 08:22:33 AM
People starting a conversation with "˜Yo'

Don't go to anywhere people speak Spanish, then.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SkyPesos on March 01, 2021, 08:30:11 AM

Quote from: 1 on March 01, 2021, 08:24:27 AM
Quote from: SkyPesos on March 01, 2021, 08:22:33 AM
People starting a conversation with "˜Yo'

Don't go to anywhere people speak Spanish, then.

nah it's not Spanish related. You can ask me which discord servers I'm in later, because the habit is in a couple of those.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on March 01, 2021, 08:31:07 AM

Quote from: SkyPesos on March 01, 2021, 08:30:11 AM
Quote from: 1 on March 01, 2021, 08:24:27 AM
Quote from: SkyPesos on March 01, 2021, 08:22:33 AM
People starting a conversation with "˜Yo'

Don't go to anywhere people speak Spanish, then.
nah it's not Spanish related. You can ask me which discord servers I'm in later, because the habit is in a couple of those.

"Yo" means "I" in Spanish and is therefore a very common word to begin a sentence with. It has nothing to do with culture or ethnicity.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on March 01, 2021, 09:10:12 AM

Quote from: 1 on March 01, 2021, 08:31:07 AM
Quote from: SkyPesos on March 01, 2021, 08:30:11 AM
Quote from: 1 on March 01, 2021, 08:24:27 AM
Quote from: SkyPesos on March 01, 2021, 08:22:33 AM
People starting a conversation with "˜Yo'

Don't go to anywhere people speak Spanish, then.
nah it's not Spanish related. You can ask me which discord servers I'm in later, because the habit is in a couple of those.

"Yo" means "I" in Spanish and is therefore a very common word to begin a sentence with. It has nothing to do with culture or ethnicity.

I feel like we're having two separate conversations, yo.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kenarmy on March 01, 2021, 10:11:19 AM

Quote from: 1 on March 01, 2021, 08:31:07 AM
Quote from: SkyPesos on March 01, 2021, 08:30:11 AM
Quote from: 1 on March 01, 2021, 08:24:27 AM
Quote from: SkyPesos on March 01, 2021, 08:22:33 AM
People starting a conversation with "˜Yo'

Don't go to anywhere people speak Spanish, then.
nah it's not Spanish related. You can ask me which discord servers I'm in later, because the habit is in a couple of those.

"Yo" means "I" in Spanish and is therefore a very common word to begin a sentence with. It has nothing to do with culture or ethnicity.

"Yo" only makes sense in english as an informal "your". If you use it as a greeting, gross. But I'm a fan of the spanish "yo"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on March 01, 2021, 10:17:20 AM

Yo, this is a silly conversation over semantics, yo.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on March 01, 2021, 11:52:31 AM

Quote from: 1 on March 01, 2021, 08:21:38 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on March 01, 2021, 08:14:24 AM
You guys probably haven't worked as a cashier for 9 hours in a day then. Changing things up is the only way I got through without feeling like a total robot.

That still doesn't explain cashiers not understanding paying an amount to get an even amount of change back. While the situation above has only happened once, I've had them not accept the coins and instead give back change for the $10 bill multiple times (at different locations, not this one). Since cash registers typically give out more coins than they receive, they could probably use the coins I give them.

That I can understand. Some of the high schoolers I managed (and even some of the adults) had a lot of trouble with this concept. Or when they typed in the total into the register, then the customer found some extra coins and wanted to use it so their change would be less coins back. All you have to do is just add the extra amount they're giving you to their change!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 01, 2021, 11:54:48 AM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on March 01, 2021, 08:14:24 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on March 01, 2021, 06:34:53 AM
ending sentences with extra fluff

* Propositions
* The total is $4.49 there for ya!
* The total is $5.59 today. (Like it would be any different tomorrow)

Fitting that putting "eh?" at the end of a sentence actually bothers Canadians.

Quote from: texaskdog on March 01, 2021, 07:38:24 AM
Quote from: 1 on March 01, 2021, 06:43:48 AM
Cashier: The total is $4.57.
Me: Here's $10.57. (I had no 5s and not enough 1s at the time)
Cashier: Do you want two?

Or "the total is going to be $4.57" No, it is $4.57

You guys probably haven't worked as a cashier for 9 hours in a day then. Changing things up is the only way I got through without feeling like a total robot.

For many years unfortunately :P

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 01, 2021, 12:34:57 PM

people saying heighth as if that's a word

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on March 01, 2021, 08:53:26 PM

Saying "Your pant is in your sock.".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 02, 2021, 08:58:25 AM

Quote from: tolbs17 on March 01, 2021, 08:53:26 PM
Saying "Your pant is in your sock.".

Good one. Pants has an s at the end.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on March 02, 2021, 09:59:01 AM

He's good people.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on March 02, 2021, 10:45:31 AM

"Eye-Talian"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on March 02, 2021, 11:12:39 AM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 02, 2021, 10:45:31 AM
"Eye-Talian"

That's my grandmother every time. So what's the country, Eye-taly?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on March 02, 2021, 11:14:13 AM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on March 02, 2021, 11:12:39 AM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 02, 2021, 10:45:31 AM
"Eye-Talian"

That's my grandmother every time. So what's the country, Eye-taly?

It's an Apple product. Other Apple products include iCarly, iParty, iHop, iKea, and iMax.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 02, 2021, 11:23:58 AM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on March 02, 2021, 11:12:39 AM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 02, 2021, 10:45:31 AM
"Eye-Talian"

That's my grandmother every time. So what's the country, Eye-taly?

It isn't it-AL-ee either, though, so you're pronouncing them differently too.

I-rain-ian doesn't necessitate I-rain
Ba-hay-mian doesn't necessitate Ba-hay-mas
Can-ay-dian doesn't necessitate Can-ay-da
Is-rail-i doesn't necessitate Is-rail
Argen-tine doesn't necessitate Argen-tine-a
Sip-riot doesn't necessitate Sip-rus

:-|

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on March 02, 2021, 06:15:03 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on March 01, 2021, 06:34:53 AM
Fitting that putting "eh?" at the end of a sentence actually bothers Canadians.

It's not as common as Bob and Doug McKenzie might have you believe, but I have never heard of Canadians being bothered by "eh", no matter where in the sentence it is.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on March 02, 2021, 07:00:13 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on March 02, 2021, 06:15:03 PM
Quote from: SSOWorld on March 01, 2021, 06:34:53 AM
Fitting that putting "eh?" at the end of a sentence actually bothers Canadians.

It's not as common as Bob and Doug McKenzie might have you believe, but I have never heard of Canadians being bothered by "eh", no matter where in the sentence it is.

(https://media.giphy.com/media/l0K40fgfwb95hcw2Q/giphy.gif)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on March 04, 2021, 09:11:18 AM

Chairs that sit you about 30+ inches off the ground are irritating. There's no way to sit or dismount without looking and feeling oafish, and I prefer it if my feet can actually touch the ground.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 04, 2021, 10:24:36 AM

Quote from: formulanone on March 04, 2021, 09:11:18 AM
Chairs that sit you about 30+ inches off the ground are irritating. There's no way to sit or dismount without looking and feeling oafish, and I prefer it if my feet can actually touch the ground.

Don't sit at the bar/counter much, then, do ya?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on March 04, 2021, 10:29:20 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 04, 2021, 10:24:36 AM
Quote from: formulanone on March 04, 2021, 09:11:18 AM
Chairs that sit you about 30+ inches off the ground are irritating. There's no way to sit or dismount without looking and feeling oafish, and I prefer it if my feet can actually touch the ground.

Don't sit at the bar/counter much, then, do ya?

Nope.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on March 04, 2021, 01:14:09 PM

Quote from: formulanone on March 04, 2021, 09:11:18 AM
Chairs that sit you about 30+ inches off the ground are irritating. There's no way to sit or dismount without looking and feeling oafish, and I prefer it if my feet can actually touch the ground.

Heh. Just wait until your knees get about a decade and a half older.

And once you're on the seat, it's almost impossible to pull up to the table.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on March 04, 2021, 01:23:51 PM

Quote from: GaryV on March 04, 2021, 01:14:09 PM
Quote from: formulanone on March 04, 2021, 09:11:18 AM
Chairs that sit you about 30+ inches off the ground are irritating. There's no way to sit or dismount without looking and feeling oafish, and I prefer it if my feet can actually touch the ground.
Heh. Just wait until your knees get about a decade and a half older.

And once you're on the seat, it's almost impossible to pull up to the table.

That's the other thing, once I've managed to scale myself up, I don't want to get off that wacky perch, unless I'm leaving it for good.

I'd rather stand, which I suppose they want you to do from that position. Then, the chair is probably in the way.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 04, 2021, 02:00:14 PM

Quote from: formulanone on March 04, 2021, 09:11:18 AM
Chairs that sit you about 30+ inches off the ground are irritating. There's no way to sit or dismount without looking and feeling oafish, and I prefer it if my feet can actually touch the ground.

I hate them too. They generally seem to be around when someone is going for a "trendy" sort of setting (or pretending to be trendy, like a recently-remodeled McDonalds). As a result, they usually tend to be hard wood or metal without any sort of cushioning, as well, which certainly doesn't do anything to make them more comfortable.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 04, 2021, 02:04:08 PM

I don't mind them if there's a high-enough rung to put my feet on. But I get nerve pain in my legs if the backs of my thighs rest on the edge of a chair for too long.

Those seats/stools are especially fun with a kid who's barely big enough to climb up. Tumble! Yep, I could have told you that would happen...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 04, 2021, 04:03:29 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on March 01, 2021, 08:53:26 PM
Saying "Your pant is in your sock.".

"two pair" of glasses instead of "two pairs" "pair" just sounds stupid, pairs sounds complete. Same for Daylight Savings Time. and Sherbert.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 04, 2021, 04:10:44 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on March 04, 2021, 04:03:29 PM
Sherbert

Sure, Bert!

Quote from: texaskdog on March 04, 2021, 04:03:29 PM
"two pair" of glasses instead of "two pairs" "pair" just sounds stupid, pairs sounds complete.

Now that we're on the topic... Why is it a pair of panties but only one bra? Seems backward to me. :hmmm:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on March 04, 2021, 04:17:10 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 04, 2021, 04:10:44 PM
Why is it a pair of panties but only one bra? Seems backward to me. :hmmm:

This Quora post (https://www.quora.com/Why-are-panties-called-a-pair-of-panties-while-bras-are-just-singular) asked this exact question:

Quote
Its a hold over from a "pair of underwear" when you actually had 2 separate pants like legs that women belted into under dresses with a full split for easy elimination (kinda like the hole modern day spanx has). As fashion changed, the two pieces got connected, shrank, and eventually ended up as what we have now that range from boy shorts to g-strings!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 04, 2021, 04:23:45 PM

People who flick their cigarette butt out the car window. :no:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 04, 2021, 04:46:53 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on March 04, 2021, 04:03:29 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 01, 2021, 08:53:26 PM
Saying "Your pant is in your sock.".

"two pair" of glasses instead of "two pairs" "pair" just sounds stupid, pairs sounds complete. Same for Daylight Savings Time. and Sherbert.

I recall when Austin Rogers said "What is sherbert?" on Jeopardy and was judged incorrect. He protested, "I'm from New York. That's how we say it."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 04, 2021, 04:51:15 PM

What about "pant leg"?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 04, 2021, 05:59:48 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 04, 2021, 04:23:45 PM
People who flick their cigarette butt out the car window. :no:

would love to see one get a ticket for littering.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 04, 2021, 06:00:18 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on March 04, 2021, 04:46:53 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on March 04, 2021, 04:03:29 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 01, 2021, 08:53:26 PM
Saying "Your pant is in your sock.".

"two pair" of glasses instead of "two pairs" "pair" just sounds stupid, pairs sounds complete. Same for Daylight Savings Time. and Sherbert.

I recall when Austin Rogers said "What is sherbert?" on Jeopardy and was judged incorrect. He protested, "I'm from New York. That's how we say it."

YOURE WRONG ALEX>>>YOU ARE WRONGG!!!!!!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on March 04, 2021, 08:36:21 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on March 04, 2021, 05:59:48 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 04, 2021, 04:23:45 PM
People who flick their cigarette butt out the car window. :no:

would love to see one get a ticket for littering.

In North Carolina, if you do so, you get 1 point on your license.

Littering is illegal, and max fine here is $1,000!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 04, 2021, 08:40:53 PM

Problem is a cop has to see you do it and bother to write a ticket...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US71 on March 04, 2021, 09:33:29 PM

I have a neighbor who can't stop apologizing for minor things, even if I tell her it's no big deal.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 04, 2021, 10:17:44 PM

Quote from: US71 on March 04, 2021, 09:33:29 PM
I have a neighbor who can't stop apologizing for minor things, even if I tell her it's no big deal.

Our best friend's wife always says "I'm sorry" when she has no reason to. Years ago, her then-boyfriend-later-fiancé-now husband kept telling her "Don't apologize, it's a sign of weakness" Ã la Gibbs, and the two of us started doing it too. She still does it, and we invariably tell her "Stop apologizing". Actually, half the time, all we have to do is look at her and she'll say "I know, stop apologizing. Sorry."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 04, 2021, 10:31:48 PM

Quote from: SkyPesos on March 01, 2021, 08:22:33 AM
People starting a conversation with "˜Yo'

or end with "bro"

you mind, bro?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 04, 2021, 10:33:01 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 04, 2021, 08:40:53 PM
Problem is a cop has to see you do it and bother to write a ticket...

which had never ever ever happened

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 04, 2021, 10:35:01 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on March 04, 2021, 10:31:48 PM

Quote from: SkyPesos on March 01, 2021, 08:22:33 AM
People starting a conversation with "˜Yo'

or end with "bro"

you mind, bro?

You and I must have a different "crowd".

But, as long as we're on the topic... My sister calls her husband "bae". She's 46 years old. He was born in 1948. It makes me want to throw up in my mouth just a tiny bit to hear it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on March 04, 2021, 10:50:02 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 04, 2021, 04:23:45 PM
People who flick their cigarette butt out the car window. :no:

Not 'minor' in my book - that is a dangerous potential ignition source for dry-season wildfires.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on March 04, 2021, 10:54:16 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 04, 2021, 10:35:01 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on March 04, 2021, 10:31:48 PM

Quote from: SkyPesos on March 01, 2021, 08:22:33 AM
People starting a conversation with ‘Yo’

or end with "bro"

you mind, bro?

You and I must have a different "crowd".

But, as long as we're on the topic... My sister calls her husband "bae". She's 46 years old. He was born in 1948. It makes me want to throw up in my mouth just a tiny bit to hear it.

I've always been kind of set off by the use of undefined pronouns in conversation - "They said...." (Who is 'They'?).

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kenarmy on March 04, 2021, 11:15:46 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 04, 2021, 10:35:01 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on March 04, 2021, 10:31:48 PM

Quote from: SkyPesos on March 01, 2021, 08:22:33 AM
People starting a conversation with "˜Yo'

or end with "bro"

you mind, bro?

You and I must have a different "crowd".

But, as long as we're on the topic... My sister calls her husband "bae". She's 46 years old. He was born in 1948. It makes me want to throw up in my mouth just a tiny bit to hear it.

Waitt I thought "bae" was a >30 thing. Well at least she doesn't say hubby that has to be the cringiest

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CoreySamson on March 05, 2021, 12:52:54 AM

Quote from: US71 on March 04, 2021, 09:33:29 PM
I have a neighbor who can't stop apologizing for minor things, even if I tell her it's no big deal.

That reminds me of a time a couple weeks ago, where I was at the drive-thru at Wendy's and I got super fast service (within 30 seconds or so), and when the worker gave me my food, she said, "Sorry for the wait." Uh, that was the fastest drive-thru service I ever received; you don't need to apologize. Every other time I've sat in the drive-thru, I've had to wait longer and no one apologized for the wait.

Other restaurant-related annoyances:

- When they put 50 packets of ketchup in your bag. Like seriously, I'm not going to use all that ketchup, even if I do really like it, so most of it goes to waste.

- When my burger has so much on it that the meat slips out of the bun.

- When the cashier tries to get you to try a new side or dessert "for just another dollar." No thanks, I'm fine with what I ordered.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 05, 2021, 01:02:18 AM

Quote from: CoreySamson on March 05, 2021, 12:52:54 AM
- When they put 50 packets of ketchup in your bag. Like seriously, I'm not going to use all that ketchup, even if I do really like it, so most of it goes to waste.

I keep all of the extra ketchup in a drawer in my kitchen, to use in cases where the drive thru person shuts the window so fast I can't ask for any ketchup. (I also keep extra fast food sauce cups for the same reason.) Or, to use on burgers that I make at home. I have never actually bought a bottle of ketchup at the store.

Quote
- When the cashier tries to get you to try a new side or dessert "for just another dollar." No thanks, I'm fine with what I ordered.

Let's be accurate here: the cashier doesn't give a damn whether you try a new side or dessert. They are required to do this, because some marketing bozo at corporate thinks they'll make more money if they make the cashier ask you to try it. The only reason they do this is because said marketing bozos go through the drive thru sometimes to test if the cashier is indulging them in their bogosity, and tattle if they don't.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on March 05, 2021, 04:29:03 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 04, 2021, 10:17:44 PM
Quote from: US71 on March 04, 2021, 09:33:29 PM
I have a neighbor who can't stop apologizing for minor things, even if I tell her it's no big deal.

Our best friend's wife always says "I'm sorry" when she has no reason to. Years ago, her then-boyfriend-later-fiancé-now husband kept telling her "Don't apologize, it's a sign of weakness" Ã la Gibbs, and the two of us started doing it too. She still does it, and we invariably tell her "Stop apologizing". Actually, half the time, all we have to do is look at her and she'll say "I know, stop apologizing. Sorry."

Not to get too heavy on this topic, but I've heard excessive apologizing is often a resulting hangover from long-term abuse. Even when I try to be gentle with someone apologizing for nothing I think they still expect me to do something vicious to them out of habit/experience.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 05, 2021, 11:45:38 AM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 05, 2021, 04:29:03 AM
Not to get too heavy on this topic, but I've heard excessive apologizing is often a resulting hangover from long-term abuse. Even when I try to be gentle with someone apologizing for nothing I think they still expect me to do something vicious to them out of habit/experience.

Her parents have probably the least abusive demeanor of any I know. But her personality is generally to be really humble and make peace, so I think it just comes naturally. It's a good thing, too, because her husband is very strong-headed. Two strong-headed people don't typically make for a good marriage.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on March 05, 2021, 02:42:39 PM

Quote from: CoreySamson on March 05, 2021, 12:52:54 AM
- When they put 50 packets of ketchup in your bag. Like seriously, I'm not going to use all that ketchup, even if I do really like it, so most of it goes to waste.

Or things like napkins. Do I really need a wad an inch thick (more annoying because this happens to me at carry-out from a sub place nearby and I could easily just get my own napkins if I want to)? Stuff like this is why I try to avoid drive-thrus. You never know what you're going to get.

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 05, 2021, 01:02:18 AM
Let's be accurate here: the cashier doesn't give a damn whether you try a new side or dessert. They are required to do this, because some marketing bozo at corporate thinks they'll make more money if they make the cashier ask you to try it. The only reason they do this is because said marketing bozos go through the drive thru sometimes to test if the cashier is indulging them in their bogosity, and tattle if they don't.

And it won't stop because if even one person didn't look at that part of the menu or feels pressured and/or like going for it, that's an additional sale made due to the policy.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 05, 2021, 02:43:37 PM

I'd rather open my fast food bag three miles down the Interstate to find 50 packets of ketchup and 600 napkins, than to open it and find none.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 05, 2021, 03:05:49 PM

Quote from: vdeane on March 05, 2021, 02:42:39 PM
Quote from: CoreySamson on March 05, 2021, 12:52:54 AM
- When they put 50 packets of ketchup in your bag. Like seriously, I'm not going to use all that ketchup, even if I do really like it, so most of it goes to waste.
Or things like napkins. Do I really need a wad an inch thick (more annoying because this happens to me at carry-out from a sub place nearby and I could easily just get my own napkins if I want to)? Stuff like this is why I try to avoid drive-thrus. You never know what you're going to get.

I also keep the napkins. They go in a tray in the left-hand cabinet of my office desk, to be used for general paper towel purposes (emergency clean-up of drink spills, cleaning glasses with rubbing alcohol when the microfiber towel doesn't do the trick, cleaning the monitor, containing sneezes, etc.).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on March 05, 2021, 03:32:43 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 05, 2021, 01:02:18 AM
Quote from: CoreySamson on March 05, 2021, 12:52:54 AM
- When they put 50 packets of ketchup in your bag. Like seriously, I'm not going to use all that ketchup, even if I do really like it, so most of it goes to waste.

I keep all of the extra ketchup in a drawer in my kitchen, to use in cases where the drive thru person shuts the window so fast I can't ask for any ketchup. (I also keep extra fast food sauce cups for the same reason.) Or, to use on burgers that I make at home. I have never actually bought a bottle of ketchup at the store.

Quote
- When the cashier tries to get you to try a new side or dessert "for just another dollar." No thanks, I'm fine with what I ordered.

Let's be accurate here: the cashier doesn't give a damn whether you try a new side or dessert. They are required to do this, because some marketing bozo at corporate thinks they'll make more money if they make the cashier ask you to try it. The only reason they do this is because said marketing bozos go through the drive thru sometimes to test if the cashier is indulging them in their bogosity, and tattle if they don't.

Also, the cashier/order taker doesn't give a shit when you "take your money somewhere else" because we ran out of something or the ice cream machine broke or whatever. Your mocking us to feel powerful about losing your sale doesn't do anything except make us roll our eyes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 05, 2021, 03:36:39 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 05, 2021, 03:32:43 PM
... because ... the ice cream machine broke ...

McDonald's, you mean?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 05, 2021, 03:44:57 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 05, 2021, 03:32:43 PM
Also, the cashier/order taker doesn't give a shit when you "take your money somewhere else" because we ran out of something or the ice cream machine broke or whatever. Your mocking us to feel powerful about losing your sale doesn't do anything except make us roll our eyes.

Right? Cashiers are paid by the hour. If you go somewhere else, that just means less work for them. And if the restaurant closes, guess what? They all pay minimum wage and are constantly hiring, so if Burger King goes out of business that cashier will just end up at Taco Bell doing the same thing for the same amount of money. (My wife is always amused when we visit a fast-food place and run into one of my old BK coworkers running drive thru, which still happens some twelve years after I stopped working there. Although I notice it's happened less now that Oklahoma doesn't allow employers to test for marijuana as part of an employment drug screening.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 05, 2021, 04:38:09 PM

I hate those little red "new message" bubbles. I must clear them all out immediately.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 05, 2021, 04:39:11 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 05, 2021, 03:44:57 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 05, 2021, 03:32:43 PM
Also, the cashier/order taker doesn't give a shit when you "take your money somewhere else" because we ran out of something or the ice cream machine broke or whatever. Your mocking us to feel powerful about losing your sale doesn't do anything except make us roll our eyes.

Right? Cashiers are paid by the hour. If you go somewhere else, that just means less work for them. And if the restaurant closes, guess what? They all pay minimum wage and are constantly hiring, so if Burger King goes out of business that cashier will just end up at Taco Bell doing the same thing for the same amount of money. (My wife is always amused when we visit a fast-food place and run into one of my old BK coworkers running drive thru, which still happens some twelve years after I stopped working there. Although I notice it's happened less now that Oklahoma doesn't allow employers to test for marijuana as part of an employment drug screening.)

Minimum wage bothers me. If you pay someone minimum and no more you are saying they are nothing more than a warm body who you expect the absolute minimum. My 16 year old just got hired for her first job doing fast food for $13/hr.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 05, 2021, 04:41:32 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 05, 2021, 02:43:37 PM
I'd rather open my fast food bag three miles down the Interstate to find 50 packets of ketchup and 600 napkins, than to open it and find none.

have to say i check my order every time because i dont really expect perfection from minimum wage and i check my bag first. Even the good ones forget condiments, straws, etc. If you're in a place where they pay their employees decent I expect a lot better

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 05, 2021, 04:50:22 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on March 05, 2021, 04:38:09 PM
I hate those little red "new message" bubbles. I must clear them all out immediately.

I have a notification on my cell phone that there's a message that was unable to be delivered. If I open the notification and clear it, then it pops again the next time I go into my messages. I've deleted all message conversations one-by-one, cleared my messaging cache, cleared my messaging data, force-stopped the messaging app, and restarted my phone. Same thing, no difference. I can't go back to the stock messaging app instead because it IS the stock messaging app.

:banghead:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on March 05, 2021, 04:52:05 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on March 05, 2021, 04:39:11 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 05, 2021, 03:44:57 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 05, 2021, 03:32:43 PM
Also, the cashier/order taker doesn't give a shit when you "take your money somewhere else" because we ran out of something or the ice cream machine broke or whatever. Your mocking us to feel powerful about losing your sale doesn't do anything except make us roll our eyes.

Right? Cashiers are paid by the hour. If you go somewhere else, that just means less work for them. And if the restaurant closes, guess what? They all pay minimum wage and are constantly hiring, so if Burger King goes out of business that cashier will just end up at Taco Bell doing the same thing for the same amount of money. (My wife is always amused when we visit a fast-food place and run into one of my old BK coworkers running drive thru, which still happens some twelve years after I stopped working there. Although I notice it's happened less now that Oklahoma doesn't allow employers to test for marijuana as part of an employment drug screening.)

Minimum wage bothers me. If you pay someone minimum and no more you are saying they are nothing more than a warm body who you expect the absolute minimum. My 16 year old just got hired for her first job doing fast food for $13/hr.

While $13/hr might seem high to you, it's below minimum in Massachusetts.

I do agree that absolutely nobody should be paid $7.25/hr.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 05, 2021, 04:55:00 PM

I don't get the gripe anyway. If there's a minimum wage, then there's bound to be somebody who makes that wage. And there's bound to be some industry in which it's most common.

Edited to add: In other words, some jobs take basically no training at all. In those cases, as harsh as it sounds, you really are just a warm body as far as the employer is concerned. Now, I don't think fast food restaurant employees should fall into that category, because what they do takes training, ability, and customer service. But the very concept of a minimum wage doesn't bother me in general.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on March 05, 2021, 04:55:39 PM

We haven't ordered pizza since the virus struck. Because if there's anyone I trust to be healthy while preparing my food, it's not those kids at the pizza place.

My wife has made homemade deep-dish pizza with yeast dough a few times. That's pretty good.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 05, 2021, 05:03:06 PM

Quote from: GaryV on March 05, 2021, 04:55:39 PM
We haven't ordered pizza since the virus struck. Because if there's anyone I trust to be healthy while preparing my food, it's not those kids at the pizza place.

My wife has made homemade deep-dish pizza with yeast dough a few times. That's pretty good.

Obviously do what makes you feel safe, but cooking food kills any potential contamination. Especially since it would only be on the surface of the food, it would be killed immediately.

Chris

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on March 05, 2021, 05:10:12 PM

Quote from: jayhawkco on March 05, 2021, 05:03:06 PM
Quote from: GaryV on March 05, 2021, 04:55:39 PM
We haven't ordered pizza since the virus struck. Because if there's anyone I trust to be healthy while preparing my food, it's not those kids at the pizza place.

My wife has made homemade deep-dish pizza with yeast dough a few times. That's pretty good.

Obviously do what makes you feel safe, but cooking food kills any potential contamination. Especially since it would only be on the surface of the food, it would be killed immediately.

Chris

I'm just being safer about me not having to go into their place of business, or not having to worry about what the driver had while he was breathing in the delivery car. I know they've said the virus doesn't survive on surfaces (like a pizza box) very long. We don't sanitize our groceries as we bring them in anymore (after shopping at 6:00 am when the store opens because there's far less people there). It just feels like something to avoid if we can.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 05, 2021, 05:13:30 PM

Quote from: GaryV on March 05, 2021, 05:10:12 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on March 05, 2021, 05:03:06 PM
Quote from: GaryV on March 05, 2021, 04:55:39 PM
We haven't ordered pizza since the virus struck. Because if there's anyone I trust to be healthy while preparing my food, it's not those kids at the pizza place.

My wife has made homemade deep-dish pizza with yeast dough a few times. That's pretty good.

Obviously do what makes you feel safe, but cooking food kills any potential contamination. Especially since it would only be on the surface of the food, it would be killed immediately.

Chris

I'm just being safer about me not having to go into their place of business, or not having to worry about what the driver had while he was breathing in the delivery car. I know they've said the virus doesn't survive on surfaces (like a pizza box) very long. We don't sanitize our groceries as we bring them in anymore (after shopping at 6:00 am when the store opens because there's far less people there). It just feels like something to avoid if we can.

And fair enough. We were sanitizing groceries back in March 2020 but that ended quickly. I have some friends that only touch the groceries with gloves and then leave it in the garage for a couple of days before they bring it in.

Chris

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on March 05, 2021, 08:59:20 PM

Quote from: jayhawkco on March 05, 2021, 05:03:06 PM
Quote from: GaryV on March 05, 2021, 04:55:39 PM
We haven't ordered pizza since the virus struck. Because if there's anyone I trust to be healthy while preparing my food, it's not those kids at the pizza place.

My wife has made homemade deep-dish pizza with yeast dough a few times. That's pretty good.

Obviously do what makes you feel safe, but cooking food kills any potential contamination. Especially since it would only be on the surface of the food, it would be killed immediately.

Chris

Nah. You sneeze on a cooked pizza, it's contaminated.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 05, 2021, 09:07:15 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 05, 2021, 04:50:22 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on March 05, 2021, 04:38:09 PM
I hate those little red "new message" bubbles. I must clear them all out immediately.

I have a notification on my cell phone that there's a message that was unable to be delivered. If I open the notification and clear it, then it pops again the next time I go into my messages. I've deleted all message conversations one-by-one, cleared my messaging cache, cleared my messaging data, force-stopped the messaging app, and restarted my phone. Same thing, no difference. I can't go back to the stock messaging app instead because it IS the stock messaging app.

:banghead:

That happened to me once. I had to ask my temp to fix it...I don't know what she did.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 05, 2021, 09:37:54 PM

Quote from: Rothman on March 05, 2021, 08:59:20 PM

Quote from: jayhawkco on March 05, 2021, 05:03:06 PM

Quote from: GaryV on March 05, 2021, 04:55:39 PM
We haven't ordered pizza since the virus struck. Because if there's anyone I trust to be healthy while preparing my food, it's not those kids at the pizza place.

My wife has made homemade deep-dish pizza with yeast dough a few times. That's pretty good.

Obviously do what makes you feel safe, but cooking food kills any potential contamination. Especially since it would only be on the surface of the food, it would be killed immediately.

Nah. You sneeze on a cooked pizza, it's contaminated.

That's what I was thinking: I don't cook my pizza after it's been delivered.

(For the record, I still go to restaurants, and I had Domino's pizza as recently as two weekends ago.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 05, 2021, 10:18:11 PM

Quote from: GaryV on March 05, 2021, 05:10:12 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on March 05, 2021, 05:03:06 PM
Quote from: GaryV on March 05, 2021, 04:55:39 PM
We haven't ordered pizza since the virus struck. Because if there's anyone I trust to be healthy while preparing my food, it's not those kids at the pizza place.

My wife has made homemade deep-dish pizza with yeast dough a few times. That's pretty good.

Obviously do what makes you feel safe, but cooking food kills any potential contamination. Especially since it would only be on the surface of the food, it would be killed immediately.

Chris

I'm just being safer about me not having to go into their place of business, or not having to worry about what the driver had while he was breathing in the delivery car. I know they've said the virus doesn't survive on surfaces (like a pizza box) very long. We don't sanitize our groceries as we bring them in anymore (after shopping at 6:00 am when the store opens because there's far less people there). It just feels like something to avoid if we can.

that's the thing people don't know. my wife's coworker was exposed to her roommate who had it but it was less than 15 minutes. so she's told she's okay it was less than 15 minutes. yet that's not what we're told. it doesn't spread via surfaces yet we have to sanitize everything. its 6 feet OR a mask but one is not a substitute for the other, even though some say masks give you immunity to everything, yet if you get the vaccine you still have to wear one.

Quote from: kphoger on March 05, 2021, 09:37:54 PM
Quote from: Rothman on March 05, 2021, 08:59:20 PM

Quote from: jayhawkco on March 05, 2021, 05:03:06 PM

Quote from: GaryV on March 05, 2021, 04:55:39 PM
We haven't ordered pizza since the virus struck. Because if there's anyone I trust to be healthy while preparing my food, it's not those kids at the pizza place.

My wife has made homemade deep-dish pizza with yeast dough a few times. That's pretty good.

Obviously do what makes you feel safe, but cooking food kills any potential contamination. Especially since it would only be on the surface of the food, it would be killed immediately.

Nah. You sneeze on a cooked pizza, it's contaminated.

That's what I was thinking: I don't cook my pizza after it's been delivered.

(For the record, I still go to restaurants, and I had Domino's pizza as recently as two weekends ago.)

That local joint named "Duh meenos"

We had papa johns today. Of course I'm the poster boy for not following all their mandates.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on March 06, 2021, 08:15:10 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on March 05, 2021, 04:38:09 PM
I hate those little red "new message" bubbles. I must clear them all out immediately.

This is very much by design, and I hate them.

For the younger crowd on here who can relate, I hate seeing the stupid purple dot on Snapchat on the right tab on stories. So much of the "featured" stuff on there is trash and I avoid swiping right at all costs to avoid. Frankly I hate looking at the vast majority of people's stories on general, but problems related to social media is probably more than just a "minor thing". Heh...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kenarmy on March 06, 2021, 08:16:59 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on March 06, 2021, 08:15:10 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on March 05, 2021, 04:38:09 PM
I hate those little red "new message" bubbles. I must clear them all out immediately.

This is very much by design, and I hate them.

For the younger crowd on here who can relate, I hate seeing the stupid purple dot on Snapchat on the right tab on stories. So much of the "featured" stuff on there is trash and I avoid swiping right at all costs to avoid. Frankly I hate looking at the vast majority of people's stories on general, but problems related to social media is probably more than just a "minor thing". Heh...

^ YESSSS. And the "spotlight" page is even worse than the featured/ discover page.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bm7 on March 07, 2021, 01:31:50 AM

Food packaging that proclaims that it's "gluten free" for something that clearly would not contain gluten, like fruit or nuts.

Similarly, things that say "non-GMO" when there are no GMO varieties. For example, popcorn and tomatoes are always non-GMO because nobody grows genetically modified versions of those plants. The worst offender by far however, is the salt packages that say they're non-GMO. Just in case you were worried that your sodium chloride might have had its DNA modified...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on March 07, 2021, 02:32:16 AM

Quote from: GaryV on March 05, 2021, 05:10:12 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on March 05, 2021, 05:03:06 PM
Quote from: GaryV on March 05, 2021, 04:55:39 PM
We haven't ordered pizza since the virus struck. Because if there's anyone I trust to be healthy while preparing my food, it's not those kids at the pizza place.

My wife has made homemade deep-dish pizza with yeast dough a few times. That's pretty good.

Obviously do what makes you feel safe, but cooking food kills any potential contamination. Especially since it would only be on the surface of the food, it would be killed immediately.

Chris

I'm just being safer about me not having to go into their place of business, or not having to worry about what the driver had while he was breathing in the delivery car. I know they've said the virus doesn't survive on surfaces (like a pizza box) very long. We don't sanitize our groceries as we bring them in anymore (after shopping at 6:00 am when the store opens because there's far less people there). It just feels like something to avoid if we can.

Fair enough if you're not comfortable going inside even for a pickup, but I've never used a third-party delivery service (Grubhub, Uber Eats, etc.). I'll go to the restaurant and pick up the order myself. I don't have to wonder about what's happening during delivery, I can check to be sure it's correct and say hello to the staff, and most important to me is that the restaurant isn't screwed out of the profit by an unnecessary third party. I also make sure I use the direct telephone number to the restaurant, not one generated by the delivery services -- if you use the latter, they take the fee even if they don't do the delivery.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on March 07, 2021, 07:59:37 AM

We support our local mom (sadly, not mon-and-pop since he passed away) restaurant with (almost) weekly takeouts that we pick up. We trust them to be as careful as possible. Although when they recently opened to 25% and then 50% capacity we are a little concerned with what those dining in might be breathing into the air.

But we got a GrubHub certificate this week, and used that, the first time ever using a takeout delivery service. You can specify contact-free delivery - they drop it at your door. (We have a single-family home - I don't know what they do for apartments. You can specify delivery instructions.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 07, 2021, 09:12:22 AM

Quote from: bm7 on March 07, 2021, 01:31:50 AM
Food packaging that proclaims that it's "gluten free" for something that clearly would not contain gluten, like fruit or nuts.

Tito's vodka is my number one offender for this. All liquor is gluten free. They became the number one vodka brand because of it too.

Chris

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on March 07, 2021, 09:40:32 AM

Quote from: jayhawkco on March 07, 2021, 09:12:22 AM
Quote from: bm7 on March 07, 2021, 01:31:50 AM
Food packaging that proclaims that it's "gluten free" for something that clearly would not contain gluten, like fruit or nuts.

Tito's vodka is my number one offender for this. All liquor is gluten free. They became the number one vodka brand because of it too.

Chris

Never underestimate the General Population that thinks it's doing good by following some obscure (and likely inaccurate) principle.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tchafe1978 on March 07, 2021, 10:11:46 AM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on March 07, 2021, 09:40:32 AM
Quote from: jayhawkco on March 07, 2021, 09:12:22 AM
Quote from: bm7 on March 07, 2021, 01:31:50 AM
Food packaging that proclaims that it's "gluten free" for something that clearly would not contain gluten, like fruit or nuts.

Tito's vodka is my number one offender for this. All liquor is gluten free. They became the number one vodka brand because of it too.

Chris

Never underestimate the General Population that thinks it's doing good by following some obscure (and likely inaccurate) principle.

And the thing is, gluten isn't even necessarily a bad thing for most people, unless you're part of the 1% of the population that has celiac disease, or gluten sensitivity. So in essence, marking something as "gluten free" has essentially just become a marketing term used to sell more products to gullible people, the same way "fat free" was used when fat free items first started to become popular. These products aren't necessarily better or worse for you, but by companies getting people to think gluten free is a healthy thing for most people, they make profits. Items that wouldn't normally have gluten in them shouldn't be allowed to be labeled as gluten free. And then there are the products that are made gluten free that otherwise wouldn't be, and then are sold at a premium price. I can understand if you have celiac disease and wanting to eat those items, but if you're not, there is no point, as you're paying more for an inferior product. I've tried a few gluten free items and most of them have been very bland and tasteless.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kenarmy on March 07, 2021, 12:08:11 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on March 07, 2021, 09:40:32 AM
Quote from: jayhawkco on March 07, 2021, 09:12:22 AM
Quote from: bm7 on March 07, 2021, 01:31:50 AM
Food packaging that proclaims that it's "gluten free" for something that clearly would not contain gluten, like fruit or nuts.

Tito's vodka is my number one offender for this. All liquor is gluten free. They became the number one vodka brand because of it too.

Chris

Never underestimate the General Population that thinks it's doing good by following some obscure (and likely inaccurate) principle.

Idk about yall, but if i'm buying something for the first time and I see "Gluten-free" I already have it in my mind that it's probably nasty.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on March 07, 2021, 12:23:30 PM

That US 49 hasn't been decommissioned.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kenarmy on March 07, 2021, 12:45:34 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 07, 2021, 12:23:30 PM
That US 49 hasn't been decommissioned.

You're just jelly that it's important unlike gross MN 61 :pan:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 07, 2021, 03:53:02 PM

Quote from: GaryV on March 07, 2021, 07:59:37 AM
But we got a GrubHub certificate this week, and used that, the first time ever using a takeout delivery service. You can specify contact-free delivery - they drop it at your door. (We have a single-family home - I don't know what they do for apartments. You can specify delivery instructions.)

The thing that irritates me about Doordash and Grubhub is that we have to go to extremes to get them to ring the damn doorbell to let us know that the food is there. They love to drop the food off and skitter away without letting anyone know, so that by the time we think "Huh, this sure is taking a while" and check the porch, the food has been sitting outside long enough that it's ice cold.

Supposedly they send a notification through the phone that the food is delivered, but most of the time, we're playing video games while we wait, so we're not glued to the phone waiting for a notification. (Also, that wouldn't help people in other situations, like parents having to stay late at work and ordering something for their kid at home.) We started putting "Ring bell upon delivery" in the delivery instructions, and it was uniformly ignored.

This is the only thing that has managed to help.
(https://i.imgur.com/MGxSnFA.jpg)

Meanwhile, the local pizza places don't have to be told to do anything–they drop the food, ring the bell, then retreat to their car to make sure someone comes out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 07, 2021, 04:01:51 PM

If the pizza places are like the ones near us, they place the boxes on top of the insulated bag and then ring the bell. Placing them on the bag means they have an incentive to get you to bring in the food quickly so they can retrieve the bag and go to the next delivery. Other services like Uber Eats and the like often don't use insulated bags, so your food isn't all that hot to begin with (which is one of several reasons why we do not use them).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 07, 2021, 06:41:09 PM

Have never seen them do that–we have a couple of brick posts at the edge of the porch, on either side of the door, that are about the size of a pizza box. So they usually just put the pizza there.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 07, 2021, 07:03:51 PM

There's one guy from the Papa John's near us who even brings a little stepstool-type thing so he doesn't have to place the insulated bag on the ground. Outstanding.

But if we want to order from the good Italian place a few minutes away, we do curbside pickup. We get it more quickly than we do with Uber Eats or similar and the restaurant doesn't have to pay them a cut.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on March 07, 2021, 07:06:22 PM

The same television network promotional ads over and over and over EVERY SINGLE FREAKING COMMERCIAL BREAK. Either some upcoming show, or my latest bane of the ads on all the Discovery channels for the Discovery Plus streaming service. Enough already!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 07, 2021, 07:11:52 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on March 07, 2021, 07:06:22 PM
The same television network promotional ads over and over and over EVERY SINGLE FREAKING COMMERCIAL BREAK. Either some upcoming show, or my latest bane of the ads on all the Discovery channels for the Discovery Plus streaming service. Enough already!

SCOOP, there it is!

(Yes, I know you said "network.")

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 07, 2021, 09:16:45 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 07, 2021, 03:53:02 PM
Quote from: GaryV on March 07, 2021, 07:59:37 AM
But we got a GrubHub certificate this week, and used that, the first time ever using a takeout delivery service. You can specify contact-free delivery - they drop it at your door. (We have a single-family home - I don't know what they do for apartments. You can specify delivery instructions.)

The thing that irritates me about Doordash and Grubhub is that we have to go to extremes to get them to ring the damn doorbell to let us know that the food is there. They love to drop the food off and skitter away without letting anyone know, so that by the time we think "Huh, this sure is taking a while" and check the porch, the food has been sitting outside long enough that it's ice cold.

Supposedly they send a notification through the phone that the food is delivered, but most of the time, we're playing video games while we wait, so we're not glued to the phone waiting for a notification. (Also, that wouldn't help people in other situations, like parents having to stay late at work and ordering something for their kid at home.) We started putting "Ring bell upon delivery" in the delivery instructions, and it was uniformly ignored.

This is the only thing that has managed to help.
(https://i.imgur.com/MGxSnFA.jpg)

Meanwhile, the local pizza places don't have to be told to do anything—they drop the food, ring the bell, then retreat to their car to make sure someone comes out.

Even UPS and FedEx have gotten away from ringing the bell. And they wonder why packages get stolen. My daughter had a computer stolen from our doorstep while we were home.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 07, 2021, 09:17:34 PM

Quote from: kenarmy on March 07, 2021, 12:45:34 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 07, 2021, 12:23:30 PM
That US 49 hasn't been decommissioned.
You're just jelly that it's important unlike gross MN 61 :pan:

I wish 61 was an extention of 23. If it's not US 61 anymore stop pretending it is.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 07, 2021, 09:48:04 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on March 07, 2021, 09:16:45 PM

Even UPS and FedEx have gotten away from ringing the bell. And they wonder why packages get stolen. My daughter had a computer stolen from our doorstep while we were home.

It's been years since they've knocked the door at our place. What's a little more annoying is that as we have a fenced in front yard, that they'll just leave it inside that first gate rather than bring it to the porch. Some delivery drivers bring it up, some don't. No consistency.

My wife has her own shop, and when we were on vacation a large package was supposedly delivered. The stores on either side of us didn't get it. I looked up the 'signature' and it was 6 random letters that didn't form a last name. We informed FedEx of the issue, and they claimed it was delivered. The ironic thing...it was a security camera system, that could've been used to determine if it was delivered! The neighboring store did have cameras and we looked at the images, and it was pretty clear the truck never was there anywhere around the time claimed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 07, 2021, 09:53:51 PM

FedEx rang our doorbell on Friday, though I should note the package was perishable (seafood from Maine) and that might make a difference. UPS doesn't ring the doorbell, but I know they've always trained their drivers just to knock rather than wasting time looking for the doorbell since there's no real standardization as to where it might be (and we also have a storm door, so the driver would have to open that to knock). I've taken to loading the tracking info and refreshing it periodically when we expect a package so that I can go retrieve it when I see it's come.

What I find more annoying is the inconsistency some delivery services show. Amazon drivers sometimes leave things in front of the garage door instead of the front door–and our front door is on the ground level, so it's not like they have to climb a flight of steps to drop it off. Then lately UPS drivers don't use plastic wrap on rainy days, so it's a crapshoot what condition your package might be in.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on March 07, 2021, 10:04:55 PM

Quote from: bm7 on March 07, 2021, 01:31:50 AM
Food packaging that proclaims that it's "gluten free" for something that clearly would not contain gluten, like fruit or nuts.

Similarly, things that say "non-GMO" when there are no GMO varieties. For example, popcorn and tomatoes are always non-GMO because nobody grows genetically modified versions of those plants. The worst offender by far however, is the salt packages that say they're non-GMO. Just in case you were worried that your sodium chloride might have had its DNA modified...

Non-GMO salt is ridiculous, but for the others, how would a layperson know which foods have GMO plants and which don't? And popcorn comes from corn, and most of that is GMO, so if the corn used for popcorn isn't, that's food industry inside baseball.

For the gluten free labeling, could processing be an issue? Lots of items (especially candy) say "warning: may contain nuts", even if they are not an ingredient, because they're made in the same facilities and may get contaminated with trace amounts, enough to cause problems for someone with peanut allergies.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on March 07, 2021, 10:18:04 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 07, 2021, 03:53:02 PM

This is the only thing that has managed to help.
(https://i.imgur.com/MGxSnFA.jpg)

I triple dog dare you to post that in the "No way is that MUTCD-Compliant" Facebook group.

Concerning non-GMO foods, what's the big deal. Any time you eat some hybrid plant, you're eating genetically modified food. There are lots of varieties of corn and tomatoes, to name two items, that didn't exist in nature until man cross-pollinated, grafted, or otherwise manipulated them.

And I laugh every time I see gluten-free hot dogs. Since when is meat supposed to have gluten in it?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bm7 on March 07, 2021, 10:53:57 PM

Quote from: vdeane on March 07, 2021, 10:04:55 PM
Quote from: bm7 on March 07, 2021, 01:31:50 AM
Food packaging that proclaims that it's "gluten free" for something that clearly would not contain gluten, like fruit or nuts.

Similarly, things that say "non-GMO" when there are no GMO varieties. For example, popcorn and tomatoes are always non-GMO because nobody grows genetically modified versions of those plants. The worst offender by far however, is the salt packages that say they're non-GMO. Just in case you were worried that your sodium chloride might have had its DNA modified...
Non-GMO salt is ridiculous, but for the others, how would a layperson know which foods have GMO plants and which don't? And popcorn comes from corn, and most of that is GMO, so if the corn used for popcorn isn't, that's food industry inside baseball.

For the gluten free labeling, could processing be an issue? Lots of items (especially candy) say "warning: may contain nuts", even if they are not an ingredient, because they're made in the same facilities and may get contaminated with trace amounts, enough to cause problems for someone with peanut allergies.

It is true that most people wouldn't know what doesn't have GMO varieties, but putting it on the package is useless for anything other than pure marketing reasons, to try to imply their product is "better" than the ones who don't pay for the "non-GMO" status.

Quote from: hbelkins on March 07, 2021, 10:18:04 PM
Concerning non-GMO foods, what's the big deal. Any time you eat some hybrid plant, you're eating genetically modified food. There are lots of varieties of corn and tomatoes, to name two items, that didn't exist in nature until man cross-pollinated, grafted, or otherwise manipulated them.

I agree, farming has involved selective breeding of better plants for hundreds if not thousands of years, it's nothing new at all. What's the difference between replanting only certain plants in order to get a better crop, and modifying that crop's genes in a laboratory to get the same result? All it does is skip much the time-consuming process of breeding the plants and cut straight to the desired result. Not to mention how many more people we're able to produce food for due to the GMO plants, which is clearly a good thing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 07, 2021, 11:25:33 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 07, 2021, 09:48:04 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on March 07, 2021, 09:16:45 PM

Even UPS and FedEx have gotten away from ringing the bell. And they wonder why packages get stolen. My daughter had a computer stolen from our doorstep while we were home.

It's been years since they've knocked the door at our place. What's a little more annoying is that as we have a fenced in front yard, that they'll just leave it inside that first gate rather than bring it to the porch. Some delivery drivers bring it up, some don't. No consistency.

My wife has her own shop, and when we were on vacation a large package was supposedly delivered. The stores on either side of us didn't get it. I looked up the 'signature' and it was 6 random letters that didn't form a last name. We informed FedEx of the issue, and they claimed it was delivered. The ironic thing...it was a security camera system, that could've been used to determine if it was delivered! The neighboring store did have cameras and we looked at the images, and it was pretty clear the truck never was there anywhere around the time claimed.

every theft we had at our current address was the post office

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on March 07, 2021, 11:39:31 PM

Motels that won't turn on the No Vacancy sign when no rooms available.

Businesses that close and leave the specials up on the marquee or forget to remove the hours of operation from the front door. How hard is it to remove.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 08, 2021, 08:58:38 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on March 07, 2021, 11:39:31 PM
Motels that won’t turn on the No Vacancy sign when no rooms available.

Businesses that close and leave the specials up on the marquee or forget to remove the hours of operation from the front door. How hard is it to remove.

or businesses that close for the day and always forget to turn off the open sign

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on March 08, 2021, 09:08:27 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on March 08, 2021, 08:58:38 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on March 07, 2021, 11:39:31 PM
Motels that won't turn on the No Vacancy sign when no rooms available.

Businesses that close and leave the specials up on the marquee or forget to remove the hours of operation from the front door. How hard is it to remove.

or businesses that close for the day and always forget to turn off the open sign

Or businesses that open for the day and forget to turn on the Open sign.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 08, 2021, 01:36:38 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on March 07, 2021, 11:39:31 PM
Businesses that close and leave the specials up on the marquee or forget to remove the hours of operation from the front door. How hard is it to remove.

I mean, if you go out of business, by definition you are losing your job, and depending on the size of the business that's closing, the person locking everything up for the last time may not even be getting paid anymore. That last closedown is most likely a very emotional thing for those who are doing it. What's the incentive to focus on details like signage? The next person to rent/buy the building will do that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 08, 2021, 02:17:32 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 07, 2021, 03:53:02 PM
The thing that irritates me about Doordash and Grubhub is that we have to go to extremes to get them to ring the damn doorbell to let us know that the food is there. They love to drop the food off and skitter away without letting anyone know, so that by the time we think "Huh, this sure is taking a while" and check the porch, the food has been sitting outside long enough that it's ice cold.

Supposedly they send a notification through the phone that the food is delivered, but most of the time, we're playing video games while we wait, so we're not glued to the phone waiting for a notification. (Also, that wouldn't help people in other situations, like parents having to stay late at work and ordering something for their kid at home.) We started putting "Ring bell upon delivery" in the delivery instructions, and it was uniformly ignored.

Is the message through an app, or is it a text sent right to your phone?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 08, 2021, 02:33:14 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on March 08, 2021, 09:08:27 AM
Quote from: texaskdog on March 08, 2021, 08:58:38 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on March 07, 2021, 11:39:31 PM
Motels that won’t turn on the No Vacancy sign when no rooms available.

Businesses that close and leave the specials up on the marquee or forget to remove the hours of operation from the front door. How hard is it to remove.

or businesses that close for the day and always forget to turn off the open sign

Or businesses that open for the day and forget to turn on the Open sign.

Yes! Ever pull up and wonder if they were open? No cars and the open sign off.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 08, 2021, 02:34:17 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 08, 2021, 01:36:38 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on March 07, 2021, 11:39:31 PM
Businesses that close and leave the specials up on the marquee or forget to remove the hours of operation from the front door. How hard is it to remove.

I mean, if you go out of business, by definition you are losing your job, and depending on the size of the business that's closing, the person locking everything up for the last time may not even be getting paid anymore. That last closedown is most likely a very emotional thing for those who are doing it. What's the incentive to focus on details like signage? The next person to rent/buy the building will do that.

I used to like this taco place that closed 3 different times "to remodel". Looked exactly the same when they reopened.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on March 08, 2021, 03:02:24 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 04, 2021, 04:23:45 PM
People who flick their cigarette butt out the car window. :no:

guilty as charged.

funny story about that...

i was sitting a light once, and the radio station had a guy on the phone, talking about 'jeezis whenever i stop at this light i get stuck behind some fat guy picking his nose and flicking cigarette butts out the window'.

i was sitting at that light, one finger.. yup, up in there, and flicking with the other. i'm looking around for a guy on the phone...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 08, 2021, 03:28:59 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 08, 2021, 03:02:24 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 04, 2021, 04:23:45 PM
People who flick their cigarette butt out the car window. :no:

guilty as charged.

funny story about that...

i was sitting a light once, and the radio station had a guy on the phone, talking about 'jeezis whenever i stop at this light i get stuck behind some fat guy picking his nose and flicking cigarette butts out the window'.

i was sitting at that light, one finger.. yup, up in there, and flicking with the other. i'm looking around for a guy on the phone...

So do you throw other garbage out the window, too?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on March 08, 2021, 03:34:14 PM

As a part time delivery driver, I just want the address provided to be correct and the customer to have their phone on so they can answer my texts. And I would really like to not have maskless customers open their door as I am placing their no-contact delivery on the porch.

FWIW, I use a few insulated bags for all my orders because I don't want my car to smell like dozens of bags of food all day.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 08, 2021, 03:45:14 PM

One thing that occurs to me on deliveries: Some delivery drivers will put the box directly in front of the door. This is a problem if the door opens out (such as a storm door) and the package is not so small that the door will swing over it. On several occasions we've had to put up the garage door to go around to the front door to retrieve large packages that were positioned so as to block the door.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on March 08, 2021, 04:11:27 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on March 08, 2021, 03:45:14 PM
One thing that occurs to me on deliveries: Some delivery drivers will put the box directly in front of the door. This is a problem if the door opens out (such as a storm door) and the package is not so small that the door will swing over it. On several occasions we've had to put up the garage door to go around to the front door to retrieve large packages that were positioned so as to block the door.

I definitely try to look for doors that open outwards, but sometimes it isn't clear.

Another annoyance: customers don't leave notes of any kind. Some even neglect to add their building number for a sprawling apartment complex (which usually doesn't have a posted map, so trying to navigate in the dark is a gamble).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 08, 2021, 04:28:04 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 08, 2021, 02:17:32 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 07, 2021, 03:53:02 PM
The thing that irritates me about Doordash and Grubhub is that we have to go to extremes to get them to ring the damn doorbell to let us know that the food is there. They love to drop the food off and skitter away without letting anyone know, so that by the time we think "Huh, this sure is taking a while" and check the porch, the food has been sitting outside long enough that it's ice cold.

Supposedly they send a notification through the phone that the food is delivered, but most of the time, we're playing video games while we wait, so we're not glued to the phone waiting for a notification. (Also, that wouldn't help people in other situations, like parents having to stay late at work and ordering something for their kid at home.) We started putting "Ring bell upon delivery" in the delivery instructions, and it was uniformly ignored.

Is the message through an app, or is it a text sent right to your phone?

I think it's a notification on the phone, sent through an app. I'm not sure; all of the ordering apps and accounts are on my wife's phone.

Quote from: Bruce on March 08, 2021, 03:34:14 PM
As a part time delivery driver, I just want the address provided to be correct and the customer to have their phone on so they can answer my texts. And I would really like to not have maskless customers open their door as I am placing their no-contact delivery on the porch.

Quote from: Bruce on March 08, 2021, 04:11:27 PM
Another annoyance: customers don't leave notes of any kind.

If I leave a note to ring the bell, would you ring the bell? :P

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 08, 2021, 04:38:04 PM

Quote from: Bruce on March 08, 2021, 04:11:27 PM
Another annoyance: customers don't leave notes of any kind. Some even neglect to add their building number for a sprawling apartment complex (which usually doesn't have a posted map, so trying to navigate in the dark is a gamble).

Minor things that bother me: big apartment complexes whose buildings and/or apartments don't follow a clear numerical order.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on March 08, 2021, 07:44:43 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 08, 2021, 04:38:04 PM
Quote from: Bruce on March 08, 2021, 04:11:27 PM
Another annoyance: customers don't leave notes of any kind. Some even neglect to add their building number for a sprawling apartment complex (which usually doesn't have a posted map, so trying to navigate in the dark is a gamble).

Minor things that bother me: big apartment complexes whose buildings and/or apartments don't follow a clear numerical order.

I recall this being a real pain in the rear when delivering pizzas.

We had a few hand-drawn maps to help out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CoreySamson on March 08, 2021, 08:15:52 PM

I guess I don't know the pain of delivery-related annoyances, because my dog will bark like an air raid siren so I always know when a delivery arrives.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: noelbotevera on March 08, 2021, 09:54:08 PM

On the topic of restaurants:

-Restaurants that don't cross out or state what is out of stock/discontinued (if it's on the menu, then that assumes I can order it)
-Restaurants with bathrooms tucked in the deepest darkest corners, requiring you to navigate a flight of stairs straight out of a 14th century dungeon
-Restaurants that are closed on Sundays; if you're gonna pick a day to be closed, pick Tuesday. Everyone goes out on weekends.
-Customers at restaurants that order excessively specific menu items, holding up the line
-Customers at restaurants that have not decided their order upon reaching the cashier, holding up the line

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 08, 2021, 11:25:21 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 08, 2021, 04:38:04 PM
Quote from: Bruce on March 08, 2021, 04:11:27 PM
Another annoyance: customers don't leave notes of any kind. Some even neglect to add their building number for a sprawling apartment complex (which usually doesn't have a posted map, so trying to navigate in the dark is a gamble).

Minor things that bother me: big apartment complexes whose buildings and/or apartments don't follow a clear numerical order.

or have no signage. as a former uber driver would it be that hard? Its funny our old apt #s were four digits: 2 (phase 2 of the complex), 4 (bldg 4), 2 (2nd floor), 4 (apt 4). so when people looked for 2424 our building had a 4 on it and they'd wander around looking for bldg 24. I complained to the office and 2 weeks later they actually paid for new signage we were now building 24.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on March 08, 2021, 11:26:55 PM

Quote from: noelbotevera on March 08, 2021, 09:54:08 PM
-Restaurants that are closed on Sundays; if you're gonna pick a day to be closed, pick Tuesday. Everyone goes out on weekends.

I've noticed Mondays are becoming more popular for a day off in some locales. Doesn't matter to me really, but I dislike when I go to Grand Marais and forget that both the town's full service grocery stores are closed Sunday. The Cook County Co-Op, at least, is open 7 days.

Quote-Customers at restaurants that order excessively specific menu items, holding up the line

It's worse when you're the one making it. It's one thing to have a food allergy but it's another to order weird shit for the sake of doing weird shit. I used to work at a Burger King and one lady wanted Whoppers with all the condiments placed on the buns and the meat patty left on the side. She wasn't able to even explain clearly what she was trying to do so of course she came back huffy because it got messed up. Other people who don't know what they're ordering, so they try to order something that doesn't exist and of course it's your fault their non-existent item isn't on our menu and they leave in a rage.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 09, 2021, 12:02:39 AM

Quote from: noelbotevera on March 08, 2021, 09:54:08 PM
On the topic of restaurants:
-Restaurants that are closed on Sundays; if you're gonna pick a day to be closed, pick Tuesday. Everyone goes out on weekends.

Everyone except...guess who: Those that work at restaurants.

This one is a tough one. Some close Sundsys for religious reasons. Some close Sunday because they have families, and they want to spend times with their families. Imagine having a mom or dad own or run a restaurant, and you grew up never able to take a day trip as a family because one parent had to mind the store all the time.

It's not always as easy to say "well, they should just hire someone to run it". Not always that easy, especially if you're the one managing expenses and trying to pay the bills.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 09, 2021, 12:09:56 AM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 08, 2021, 11:26:55 PM
It's one thing to have a food allergy but it's another to order weird shit for the sake of doing weird shit. I used to work at a Burger King and one lady wanted Whoppers with all the condiments placed on the buns and the meat patty left on the side. She wasn't able to even explain clearly what she was trying to do so of course she came back huffy because it got messed up.

Easy to type in though:
[WHOPPER] [NO] [MEAT]
[WHOPPER PATTY]

Of course, that charges her for the meat twice, because "no" "meat" didn't actually subtract anything from the price of the Whopper on our registers, but it's what she wanted :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 09, 2021, 11:12:52 AM

Quote from: noelbotevera on March 08, 2021, 09:54:08 PM
-Restaurants that are closed on Sundays; if you're gonna pick a day to be closed, pick Tuesday. Everyone goes out on weekends.

I would be quite annoyed if I planned to go our for dinner with my family on a Tuesday evening, only to find that the restaurant owner had picked Tuesday–out of all the days to be closed!–to shut down.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 09, 2021, 12:02:39 AM
This one is a tough one. Some close Sundsys for religious reasons. Some close Sunday because they have families, and they want to spend times with their families. Imagine having a mom or dad own or run a restaurant, and you grew up never able to take a day trip as a family because one parent had to mind the store all the time.

It's not always as easy to say "well, they should just hire someone to run it". Not always that easy, especially if you're the one managing expenses and trying to pay the bills.

Yeah. Of all the days of the week, Sunday is when I half-expect businesses to be closed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 09, 2021, 12:31:12 PM

Quote from: noelbotevera on March 08, 2021, 09:54:08 PM
On the topic of restaurants:

-Restaurants that don't cross out or state what is out of stock/discontinued (if it's on the menu, then that assumes I can order it)

If it's long term out of stock, then I agree with you. But if the restaurant is sold out of something for a night, or there was a delivery issue, it doesn't make financial sense to print new menus.

Quote from: noelbotevera on March 08, 2021, 09:54:08 PM
-Restaurants that are closed on Sundays; if you're gonna pick a day to be closed, pick Tuesday. Everyone goes out on weekends.

Keep in mind Sundays are the days that the food delivery services don't deliver, so any food you order on a Sunday is less fresh than any other day of the week. That's why a lot of nicer restaurants close. Also, less people go out for dinner on a Sunday than a Tuesday. You typically will do at least 2x the sales on Tuesday than Sunday.

Chris

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 09, 2021, 12:41:56 PM

Quote from: noelbotevera on March 08, 2021, 09:54:08 PM
On the topic of restaurants:

-Restaurants that don't cross out or state what is out of stock/discontinued (if it's on the menu, then that assumes I can order it)

When they mention what they are out of something I didn't want it until I hear about it

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 09, 2021, 12:43:19 PM

Nose hairs that extend past the end of my nose.
Eyebrow hairs that decide to take a 90Â° turn upward.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on March 09, 2021, 01:01:45 PM

The phrase "invest in" as a euphemism for plain old "spend money on"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 09, 2021, 01:07:15 PM

Quote from: kurumi on March 09, 2021, 01:01:45 PM
The phrase "invest in" as a euphemism for plain old "spend money on"

"I need to invest in some new 9-volt batteries soon." :spin:

On the other hand, curtailing your spending habit might actually be an investment in your marriage.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 09, 2021, 01:08:25 PM

People that don't use a "ch" sound when saying mature.

Chris

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on March 09, 2021, 01:44:00 PM

Quote from: jayhawkco on March 09, 2021, 01:08:25 PM
People that don't use a "ch" sound when saying mature.

Chris

because t doesn't sound like "ch"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 09, 2021, 01:47:29 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on March 09, 2021, 01:44:00 PM

Quote from: jayhawkco on March 09, 2021, 01:08:25 PM
People that don't use a "ch" sound when saying mature.

because t doesn't sound like "ch"

Then how do you pronounce furniture?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 09, 2021, 01:49:41 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 09, 2021, 01:47:29 PM
Quote from: SSOWorld on March 09, 2021, 01:44:00 PM

Quote from: jayhawkco on March 09, 2021, 01:08:25 PM
People that don't use a "ch" sound when saying mature.

because t doesn't sound like "ch"

Then how do you pronounce furniture?

Apparently fur-nit-TOOOOOR. :)

Chris

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 09, 2021, 01:55:23 PM

...and...

culture
infrastructure
torture
dentures
signature
future
nature
tincture

:nod:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on March 09, 2021, 02:01:28 PM

Grub Hub? Door Dash? Uber Eats? What are those things?

As someone who lives in a rural area in a county of 7,000 people whose county seat has a population of 1,000, those services are foreign to me.

Which leads me to something else that bugs me: Cell phone companies that advertise they cover XX% of Americans. Not America. While technically true, it's definitely a bit misleading.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on March 09, 2021, 02:05:29 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on March 09, 2021, 02:01:28 PM
Which leads me to something else that bugs me: Cell phone companies that advertise they cover XX% of Americans. Not America. While technically true, it's definitely a bit misleading.

Grass, trees, crops, and rocks don't use cell phones.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 09, 2021, 02:13:37 PM

Quote from: 1 on March 09, 2021, 02:05:29 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on March 09, 2021, 02:01:28 PM
Which leads me to something else that bugs me: Cell phone companies that advertise they cover XX% of Americans. Not America. While technically true, it's definitely a bit misleading.

Grass, trees, crops, and rocks don't use cell phones.

Yeah, but cell reception out on the highway between cities is a good thing to have.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 09, 2021, 02:21:52 PM

Quote from: Bruce on March 08, 2021, 03:34:14 PM
And I would really like to not have maskless customers open their door as I am placing their no-contact delivery on the porch.

You might not be considering that to you it's a "no-contact delivery", but to them it's just "delivery".

When I hear UPS pull up in front of the house, the last thing I'm thinking about is where to find my mask. If I need to sign for the package, my first concern is to not make the driver wait for me at the door. My next concern is to be an appreciative customer and thank the driver for delivering my package. Similarly, if my wife and I order a pizza for delivery, it's not like we choose "no contact" or something. We just order a pizza, turn on the porch light, and wait for the driver to show up.

Now, if someone walks up to my house with a mask on, then that makes me also think about grabbing my mask too. But I don't think I've seen a single delivery driver wearing one, so it never even occurs to me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on March 09, 2021, 02:24:29 PM

Quote from: 1 on March 09, 2021, 02:05:29 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on March 09, 2021, 02:01:28 PM
Which leads me to something else that bugs me: Cell phone companies that advertise they cover XX% of Americans. Not America. While technically true, it's definitely a bit misleading.

Grass, trees, crops, and rocks don't use cell phones.

6G implants will fix that fault in the stars.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 09, 2021, 02:25:06 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 09, 2021, 02:21:52 PM
Now, if someone walks up to my house with a mask on, then that makes me also think about grabbing my mask too. But I don't think I've seen a single delivery driver wearing one, so it never even occurs to me.

I don't believe I've seen a delivery person out here without a mask.

Chris

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on March 09, 2021, 02:26:06 PM

One of the regional controversies in northeast Minnesota right now is AT&T being given a permit for a cell tower in the Boundary Waters. The handful of locals up the Gunflint Trail with no cell service as of now and emergency service workers responsible for an increasingly popular wilderness area are in favor of it but many of the wilderness purists aren't.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 09, 2021, 02:28:33 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 09, 2021, 02:26:06 PM
One of the regional controversies in northeast Minnesota right now is AT&T being given a permit for a cell tower in the Boundary Waters. The handful of locals up the Gunflint Trail with no cell service as of now and emergency service workers responsible for an increasingly popular wilderness area are in favor of it but many of the wilderness purists aren’t.

Maybe they can make it look like a tree

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 09, 2021, 02:29:09 PM

Quote from: jayhawkco on March 09, 2021, 02:25:06 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 09, 2021, 02:21:52 PM
Now, if someone walks up to my house with a mask on, then that makes me also think about grabbing my mask too. But I don't think I've seen a single delivery driver wearing one, so it never even occurs to me.

I don't believe I've seen a delivery person out here without a mask.

Chris

Most here don't wear them unless they anticipate meeting someone i.e if I was in my yard.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 09, 2021, 02:29:51 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on March 09, 2021, 02:28:33 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 09, 2021, 02:26:06 PM
One of the regional controversies in northeast Minnesota right now is AT&T being given a permit for a cell tower in the Boundary Waters. The handful of locals up the Gunflint Trail with no cell service as of now and emergency service workers responsible for an increasingly popular wilderness area are in favor of it but many of the wilderness purists aren't.

Maybe they can make it look like a tree

They have one of these on I-25 between Denver and Castle Rock.

Chris

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on March 09, 2021, 03:10:44 PM

Quote from: kurumi on March 09, 2021, 01:01:45 PM
The phrase "invest in" as a euphemism for plain old "spend money on"

On that note, a furniture store around here says "the more you spend, the more you save." I save a lot more by not buying anything.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 09, 2021, 03:12:51 PM

Quote from: Big John on March 09, 2021, 03:10:44 PM

Quote from: kurumi on March 09, 2021, 01:01:45 PM
The phrase "invest in" as a euphemism for plain old "spend money on"

On that note, a furniture store around here says "the more you spend, the more you save." I save a lot more by not buying anything.

But you can't afford not to buy it! It's like we're paying you!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 09, 2021, 04:56:32 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 09, 2021, 03:12:51 PM
Quote from: Big John on March 09, 2021, 03:10:44 PM

Quote from: kurumi on March 09, 2021, 01:01:45 PM
The phrase "invest in" as a euphemism for plain old "spend money on"

On that note, a furniture store around here says "the more you spend, the more you save." I save a lot more by not buying anything.

But you can't afford not to buy it! It's like we're paying you!

Literally throwing money away!!!!

I hate when they hand you a receipt and say out loud "you saved $46". No, if the stuff was full price I wouldn't have bought it at all.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: interstatefan990 on March 09, 2021, 05:06:44 PM

Any feature in a car that when I turn it off, it doesn't stay turned off. Example, auto engine stop/start or the radio playing upon startup. When I disable something, I do not want to have to turn it off again every darn time I get in the car.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CoreySamson on March 09, 2021, 06:11:09 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on March 09, 2021, 04:56:32 PM

Literally throwing money away!!!!

I hate when they hand you a receipt and say out loud "you saved $46". No, if the stuff was full price I wouldn't have bought it at all.

Dave Ramsey would approve.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on March 09, 2021, 06:34:34 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 09, 2021, 02:21:52 PM
When I hear UPS pull up in front of the house, the last thing I'm thinking about is where to find my mask. If I need to sign for the package, my first concern is to not make the driver wait for me at the door. My next concern is to be an appreciative customer and thank the driver for delivering my package. Similarly, if my wife and I order a pizza for delivery, it's not like we choose "no contact" or something. We just order a pizza, turn on the porch light, and wait for the driver to show up.

Now, if someone walks up to my house with a mask on, then that makes me also think about grabbing my mask too. But I don't think I've seen a single delivery driver wearing one, so it never even occurs to me.

Couple of concerns from me: (1) every delivery I've received in the last year has been delivered by someone masked. Pizza, Amazon, Door Dash, etc...all masked up. But that could be a geographic thing, as the vast majority of businesses around WA have very tight rules for mask-wearing by their employees; (2) I don't think about where my mask is. I've been wearing it for a year. If it's not in my back pocket, it's next to the door on a hook with like ten others. If you had to locate a mask, and it would take long enough to find one that a delivery driver would go from "normal delivery time" to "holy crap this is taking forever", you may want to just wear it around your neck like a pair of glasses. After all, we are far from being out the woods (and that's coming from someone who's fully vaccinated).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on March 09, 2021, 06:45:12 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on March 09, 2021, 04:56:32 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 09, 2021, 03:12:51 PM
Quote from: Big John on March 09, 2021, 03:10:44 PM

Quote from: kurumi on March 09, 2021, 01:01:45 PM
The phrase "invest in" as a euphemism for plain old "spend money on"

On that note, a furniture store around here says "the more you spend, the more you save." I save a lot more by not buying anything.

But you can't afford not to buy it! It's like we're paying you!

Literally throwing money away!!!!

Apparently paying "retail" for something is some sort of social sin.

While we're at it: most internet advertising tells you what you what percentage you'll save instead telling you the actual price <but you have to click through to find out>.

Saving is not about the price, but finding the value of it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on March 09, 2021, 06:50:36 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on March 09, 2021, 06:34:34 PM
(and that's coming from someone who's fully vaccinated).

Your age is listed as 25.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on March 09, 2021, 06:53:37 PM

Quote from: 1 on March 09, 2021, 06:50:36 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on March 09, 2021, 06:34:34 PM
(and that's coming from someone who's fully vaccinated).

Your age is listed as 25.

He mentioned he was vaccinated through his tribal authority.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on March 09, 2021, 07:15:38 PM

Quote from: 1 on March 09, 2021, 06:50:36 PM
Your age is listed as 25.

Age is only part of the equation here in Washington. There are countless exemptions to the general age limit, including living with people older than you, having underlying conditions, or being employed in a high-risk industry.

As a side-note: I would think my Facebook and Twitter profiles would make it very clear that I am not pretending to be 25.

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 09, 2021, 06:53:37 PM
He mentioned he was vaccinated through his tribal authority.

👍

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 09, 2021, 07:40:16 PM

As I mentioned in the vaccination status thread, in Oklahoma, they are now opening vaccinations to essential-services workers, that is, all the industries that were on the Oklahoma Department of Health list of essential services during the pandemic. Medical marijuana was on that list, and I'm part owner of a grow facility, so I'm eligible even though I'm only 31.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on March 09, 2021, 08:47:20 PM

Quote from: Big John on March 09, 2021, 03:10:44 PM
Quote from: kurumi on March 09, 2021, 01:01:45 PM
The phrase "invest in" as a euphemism for plain old "spend money on"
On that note, a furniture store around here says "the more you spend, the more you save." I save a lot more by not buying anything.

I don't save money, I spend less!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on March 09, 2021, 09:31:53 PM

Quote from: kphoger link=topic=26000.msg2581323#msg2581323
So do you throw other garbage out the window, too?

no, i don't. my justification, weak tho it may be, is that i smoke unfiltered cigarettes that melt into nothing as soon as it rains or snows.

if i smoked filtered ones, i woudn't flick.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on March 09, 2021, 10:10:50 PM

Quote from: jayhawkco on March 09, 2021, 01:08:25 PM
People that don't use a "ch" sound when saying mature.

Chris

You just reminded me of a huge peeve of mine: Singers who link words together with "ch," such as "wontchoo," cantchoo," "wouldjoo." No, it's "won't you," can't you," and "would you." Being a former barbershopper, I wince like I'm hearing someone scratching a chalkboard.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on March 10, 2021, 12:24:41 AM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on March 09, 2021, 10:10:50 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on March 09, 2021, 01:08:25 PM
People that don't use a "ch" sound when saying mature.

Chris

You just reminded me of a huge peeve of mine: Singers who link words together with "ch," such as "wontchoo," cantchoo," "wouldjoo." No, it's "won't you," can't you," and "would you." Being a former barbershopper, I wince like I'm hearing someone scratching a chalkboard.

For what it's worth, this process of t + y becoming ch, and the similar process of d + y becoming j (as in education), is called palatalization, and it is a very common process in language change. Among other things, it is through palatalization that the letters c and g got their double pronunciation.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 10, 2021, 07:36:30 AM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on March 09, 2021, 10:10:50 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on March 09, 2021, 01:08:25 PM
People that don't use a "ch" sound when saying mature.

Chris

You just reminded me of a huge peeve of mine: Singers who link words together with "ch," such as "wontchoo," cantchoo," "wouldjoo." No, it's "won't you," can't you," and "would you." Being a former barbershopper, I wince like I'm hearing someone scratching a chalkboard.

Whatchu talkin' 'bout, Willis?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on March 10, 2021, 07:55:02 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 09, 2021, 07:40:16 PM
As I mentioned in the vaccination status thread, in Oklahoma, they are now opening vaccinations to essential-services workers, that is, all the industries that were on the Oklahoma Department of Health list of essential services during the pandemic. Medical marijuana was on that list, and I'm part owner of a grow facility, so I'm eligible even though I'm only 31.

thank you for your service :spin:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 10, 2021, 10:14:15 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on March 09, 2021, 06:34:34 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 09, 2021, 02:21:52 PM
When I hear UPS pull up in front of the house, the last thing I'm thinking about is where to find my mask. If I need to sign for the package, my first concern is to not make the driver wait for me at the door. My next concern is to be an appreciative customer and thank the driver for delivering my package. Similarly, if my wife and I order a pizza for delivery, it's not like we choose "no contact" or something. We just order a pizza, turn on the porch light, and wait for the driver to show up.

Now, if someone walks up to my house with a mask on, then that makes me also think about grabbing my mask too. But I don't think I've seen a single delivery driver wearing one, so it never even occurs to me.

Couple of concerns from me: (1) every delivery I've received in the last year has been delivered by someone masked. Pizza, Amazon, Door Dash, etc...all masked up. But that could be a geographic thing, as the vast majority of businesses around WA have very tight rules for mask-wearing by their employees; (2) I don't think about where my mask is. I've been wearing it for a year. If it's not in my back pocket, it's next to the door on a hook with like ten others. If you had to locate a mask, and it would take long enough to find one that a delivery driver would go from "normal delivery time" to "holy crap this is taking forever", you may want to just wear it around your neck like a pair of glasses. After all, we are far from being out the woods (and that's coming from someone who's fully vaccinated).

(1) Every delivery driver I've received at work has been masked. That's because masks are required to enter a business. And, when I receive their delivery, I mask up when I get up from my desk, because I'm entering a customer-facing common area of the building. People are pretty good about that kind of thing around here–not universal, but generally followed. On the other hand, people don't have a general concept of masking up in their own home, nor to step out on the front porch for ten seconds. Few put on a mask to go for a walk, for example, and saying hello and thank you to a delivery driver is no longer of a personal interaction than to stop and pet another walker's dog. That's why I said it's actually normal for people to not even think of masking up to receive a delivery: it's not indoors, it's only a passing interaction, it's none of the things they've heard put them at risk. I've not seen a single mailman/-woman walk a route with a mask on, for example.

(2) My point wasn't necessarily that hunting down a mask would make the driver wait extra long, but rather that the only thing on my mind when the driver arrives is to answer the door as quickly as possible and to be sure and thank him for the delivery. I know exactly where my masks are: they are on a bedroom table next to my bed, so I can be sure and remember to grab one when I grab my cell phone before leaving for work in the morning. My wife's are on a peg by the front door, and one of my sons' are on the other peg. The rest of us keep ours somewhere else. I'm not about to hang mine on the same peg as someone else's, because I think that would be less than sanitary. But again, even if people keep their masks right by the door, that doesn't mean they think of or see the need to mask up for a ten-second interaction on the front porch. I'd suggest, in fact, that that might be the minority mindset. That doesn't mean it doesn't annoy |Bruce|, of course, but it should at least explain it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on March 10, 2021, 12:41:36 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 10, 2021, 10:14:15 AM
(1) Every delivery driver I've received at work has been masked. That's because masks are required to enter a business. And, when I receive their delivery, I mask up when I get up from my desk, because I'm entering a customer-facing common area of the building. People are pretty good about that kind of thing around here–not universal, but generally followed. On the other hand, people don't have a general concept of masking up in their own home, nor to step out on the front porch for ten seconds. Few put on a mask to go for a walk, for example, and saying hello and thank you to a delivery driver is no longer of a personal interaction than to stop and pet another walker's dog. That's why I said it's actually normal for people to not even think of masking up to receive a delivery: it's not indoors, it's only a passing interaction, it's none of the things they've heard put them at risk. I've not seen a single mailman/-woman walk a route with a mask on, for example.

(2) My point wasn't necessarily that hunting down a mask would make the driver wait extra long, but rather that the only thing on my mind when the driver arrives is to answer the door as quickly as possible and to be sure and thank him for the delivery. I know exactly where my masks are: they are on a bedroom table next to my bed, so I can be sure and remember to grab one when I grab my cell phone before leaving for work in the morning. My wife's are on a peg by the front door, and one of my sons' are on the other peg. The rest of us keep ours somewhere else. I'm not about to hang mine on the same peg as someone else's, because I think that would be less than sanitary. But again, even if people keep their masks right by the door, that doesn't mean they think of or see the need to mask up for a ten-second interaction on the front porch. I'd suggest, in fact, that that might be the minority mindset. That doesn't mean it doesn't annoy |Bruce|, of course, but it should at least explain it.

(1) in my area, masking up is done under all circumstances outside the residence apart from when you are physically not near others (family excluded). So far as I can tell, there are no exceptions, including USPS delivery people. Obviously our two states have different rules. I do also live in the city, so keeping apart is not necessarily an easy task.

(2) Frankly, I find this response a bit troubling. All I've heard the last year is that, no matter where you are, if you are within six feet of someone not in your household or maybe direct family, you should wear a mask. Hand-to-hand deliveries would certainly require a mask under these rules.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 10, 2021, 12:47:21 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on March 10, 2021, 12:41:36 PM
All I've heard the last year is that, no matter where you are, if you are within six feet of someone not in your household or maybe direct family, you should wear a mask. Hand-to-hand deliveries would certainly require a mask under these rules.

That's how it's been here, as well. It would be very surprising to see an employee of any kind interacting with the general public without wearing a mask. However, I wouldn't expect the person receiving the delivery to wear a mask in their own home, or, as mentioned upthread, while on a walk around the neighborhood, or something similar.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 10, 2021, 01:02:22 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on March 10, 2021, 12:41:36 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 10, 2021, 10:14:15 AM
(1) Every delivery driver I've received at work has been masked. That's because masks are required to enter a business. And, when I receive their delivery, I mask up when I get up from my desk, because I'm entering a customer-facing common area of the building. People are pretty good about that kind of thing around here–not universal, but generally followed. On the other hand, people don't have a general concept of masking up in their own home, nor to step out on the front porch for ten seconds. Few put on a mask to go for a walk, for example, and saying hello and thank you to a delivery driver is no longer of a personal interaction than to stop and pet another walker's dog. That's why I said it's actually normal for people to not even think of masking up to receive a delivery: it's not indoors, it's only a passing interaction, it's none of the things they've heard put them at risk. I've not seen a single mailman/-woman walk a route with a mask on, for example.

(2) My point wasn't necessarily that hunting down a mask would make the driver wait extra long, but rather that the only thing on my mind when the driver arrives is to answer the door as quickly as possible and to be sure and thank him for the delivery. I know exactly where my masks are: they are on a bedroom table next to my bed, so I can be sure and remember to grab one when I grab my cell phone before leaving for work in the morning. My wife's are on a peg by the front door, and one of my sons' are on the other peg. The rest of us keep ours somewhere else. I'm not about to hang mine on the same peg as someone else's, because I think that would be less than sanitary. But again, even if people keep their masks right by the door, that doesn't mean they think of or see the need to mask up for a ten-second interaction on the front porch. I'd suggest, in fact, that that might be the minority mindset. That doesn't mean it doesn't annoy |Bruce|, of course, but it should at least explain it.

(1) in my area, masking up is done under all circumstances outside the residence apart from when you are physically not near others (family excluded). So far as I can tell, there are no exceptions, including USPS delivery people. Obviously our two states have different rules. I do also live in the city, so keeping apart is not necessarily an easy task.

(2) Frankly, I find this response a bit troubling. All I've heard the last year is that, no matter where you are, if you are within six feet of someone not in your household or maybe direct family, you should wear a mask. Hand-to-hand deliveries would certainly require a mask under these rules.

I think every food delivery person I encountered has worn a mask. I try to wear one when greeting them, but if I'm getting delivery to the backyard when I've been swimming I've often realized I didn't have one with me, so I do try to maintain distance or limit being close as much as possible.

Our mailperson has a chin diaper, but rarely wears it over his mouth. He's doing a lot of walking and the chance encounters he sees someone are few and far in-between, so I don't worry about it much.

Delivery drivers (Fed Ex, UPS, Amazon) are hit and miss. We all know they should be wearing them; some do, some don't. They're usually gone before I get outside anyway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 10, 2021, 01:09:39 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 09, 2021, 06:53:37 PM

Quote from: 1 on March 09, 2021, 06:50:36 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on March 09, 2021, 06:34:34 PM
(and that's coming from someone who's fully vaccinated).

Your age is listed as 25.

He mentioned he was vaccinated through his tribal authority.

The link for my wife to schedule her appointment goes live today, and she's only 39 years old.

Quote from: webny99 on March 10, 2021, 12:47:21 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on March 10, 2021, 12:41:36 PM
All I've heard the last year is that, no matter where you are, if you are within six feet of someone not in your household or maybe direct family, you should wear a mask. Hand-to-hand deliveries would certainly require a mask under these rules.

That's how it's been here, as well. It would be very surprising to see an employee of any kind interacting with the general public without wearing a mask. However, I wouldn't expect the person receiving the delivery to wear a mask in their own home, or, as mentioned upthread, while on a walk around the neighborhood, or something similar.

Below is how the pertinent part of our local ordinance reads. As far as I can remember, every order since a year ago has had the same or similar wording. Are things different where you are?

Quote from: Emergency Public Health Order (February 26, 2021)
EMERGENCY PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER OF THE SEDGWICK COUNTY LOCAL HEALTH OFFICER
AMENDING AND REPLACING EMERGENCY PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER NO. 2021-2
ORDER NO. 2021-3

Applicable within the entirety of Sedgwick County, Kansas

Section II. Wearing of Masks or Other Face Coverings.

1. Individuals. Any person within Sedgwick County shall cover their mouth and nose with a mask or other face covering when they are in the following situations:

c. While outdoors and unable to maintain social distancing at all times, except for infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity;

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 10, 2021, 03:45:02 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 10, 2021, 01:09:39 PM
The link for my wife to schedule her appointment goes live today, and she's only 39 years old.

And now she's scheduled for tomorrow. Here's hoping we didn't have COVID asymptomaticly, what with all the colds the kids have had recently, because I've heard the side-effects of the vaccination are substantially worse if you've recently had COVID.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on March 10, 2021, 04:38:00 PM

When DOTs remove/realign a US route onto an Interstate but keep significant parts of the road on the state highway system with a different number anyway (NM 1, AR 77, IL 251/351, CO 36/40, etc.). Wasn't the effin' point not having to maintain the road anymore?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 10, 2021, 04:45:09 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 10, 2021, 04:38:00 PM
When DOTs remove/realign a US route onto an Interstate but keep significant parts of the road on the state highway system with a different number anyway (NM 1, AR 77, IL 251/351, CO 36/40, etc.). Wasn't the effin' point not having to maintain the road anymore?

If CO36/40 are any example, it's just so you can maintain the road less (or almost non-existantly).

Chris

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 10, 2021, 04:59:10 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 10, 2021, 01:09:39 PM
Below is how the pertinent part of our local ordinance reads. As far as I can remember, every order since a year ago has had the same or similar wording. Are things different where you are?

Quote from: Emergency Public Health Order (February 26, 2021)
...
1. Individuals. Any person within Sedgwick County shall cover their mouth and nose with a mask or other face covering when they are in the following situations:

c. While outdoors and unable to maintain social distancing at all times, except for infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity;

I'm not sure how ours reads, but using the delivery driver as an example, I would say that means the delivery driver should be wearing a mask, since his contact with others is neither infrequent nor incidental - that's what he/she is doing all day. Meanwhile, the customer doesn't necessarily need to wear a mask, since their contact with the delivery driver is both infrequent and (at least somewhat) incidental.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on March 11, 2021, 03:23:05 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 10, 2021, 01:09:39 PM
Below is how the pertinent part of our local ordinance reads. As far as I can remember, every order since a year ago has had the same or similar wording. Are things different where you are?

Quote from: Emergency Public Health Order (February 26, 2021)
...
1. Individuals. Any person within Sedgwick County shall cover their mouth and nose with a mask or other face covering when they are in the following situations:

c. While outdoors and unable to maintain social distancing at all times, except for infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity;

This is Washington State's mask mandate, and there is nothing about incidental proximity. Although there are a substantial number of exceptions. The most important one may be that you can remove your mask outside your home "while in an outdoor area, provided that a distance of at least six feet is maintained from non household members."

WA's Labor & Industries webpage for workers specifically states that delivery drivers are not exempt except when by themselves in their vehicles.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 11, 2021, 09:56:08 AM

Grocery store shelf price tags that look strikingly similar to sales price tags, even though they're actually just the regular price.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on March 11, 2021, 09:59:37 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 11, 2021, 09:56:08 AM
Grocery store shelf price tags that look strikingly similar to sales price tags, even though they're actually just the regular price.

Our grocery store would sometimes claim there was a (permanent) price decrease when there wasn't one. Occasionally, it would be ridiculous, such as a $28 item becoming $4.49 (it was $4.49 the whole time).

Then there would be the occasional time where there was a real sale, but the sale price and the amount off were switched, so a $2.99 item that was supposed to be 10% off would read 30Â¢ (save $2.69) instead of $2.69 (save 30Â¢). Of course, the customers got it for the cheaper price (and then we replaced the tag immediately).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on March 11, 2021, 01:08:58 PM

Quote from: 1 on March 11, 2021, 09:59:37 AM
Quote from: kphoger on March 11, 2021, 09:56:08 AMGrocery store shelf price tags that look strikingly similar to sales price tags, even though they're actually just the regular price.

Our grocery store would sometimes claim there was a (permanent) price decrease when there wasn't one. Occasionally, it would be ridiculous, such as a $28 item becoming $4.49 (it was $4.49 the whole time).

Then there would be the occasional time where there was a real sale, but the sale price and the amount off were switched, so a $2.99 item that was supposed to be 10% off would read 30Â¢ (save $2.69) instead of $2.69 (save 30Â¢). Of course, the customers got it for the cheaper price (and then we replaced the tag immediately).

Those kinds of long-lasting sales make me wonder what the relevant jurisdiction's regulations are for perpetual sales, if it has any at all. Tourists visiting New York City are advised that an article in commerce cannot be advertised as being on sale unless it is offered for sale at a higher "regular" price for a set percentage of time that it is available. I've long suspected this regulation exists partly because some industries in NYC (especially the garment manufacturers) have a reputation for sharp practices, but most other places don't, and many stores--especially supermarkets--use long-running sales and loyalty discounts to promote opacity as to prices and encourage consumer myopia, especially for goods that are not considered staples.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 11, 2021, 02:47:22 PM

Password fields on mobile that insist on hiding the password behind bullets or asterisks with no way of turning it on or off. On a desktop keyboard, this is fine, since I can touch-type and generally know if I fat-finger and hit keys I didn't mean to, but on mobile there's less positive feedback. Usually they will briefly show the most recently typed character, but if I slipped an extra character in there there's no way of knowing. I'd prefer the option to display the password in clear text if I know I am in an environment where shoulder-surfing isn't a concern (like when I am at home with nobody else here).

Linux console password prompts which display _nothing_ as keys are typed can also be frustrating, but I understand why–much of the Unix console was originally designed to be used with printing teletypes rather than a monitor and keyboard connected directly to the hosting machine.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 11, 2021, 02:59:05 PM

I think I remember a website once requiring me to type my whole VIN without showing me what I'd typed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 11, 2021, 02:59:32 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on March 11, 2021, 01:08:58 PM
... many stores--especially supermarkets--use long-running sales and loyalty discounts to promote opacity as to prices and encourage consumer myopia, especially for goods that are not considered staples.

This reminds me of something Tops, one of our local grocery stores, does: They'll double the price of something and then do a "buy one get one free" sale.

This often makes the price for one exorbitantly high; I suspect it's effectively a tactic of doubling their sales by forcing customers to get two, rather than coercing them into a "good deal" - anyone can see it's not a very good deal, and in some cases you're still paying more for one than you would for two at another grocery store. For example, a carton of ice cream at Tops might be $6.99 + BOGO, while a carton of ice cream at Wegmans might be $2.99 each (numbers not actual).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on March 11, 2021, 07:02:56 PM

Quote from: webny99 on March 11, 2021, 02:59:32 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on March 11, 2021, 01:08:58 PM
... many stores--especially supermarkets--use long-running sales and loyalty discounts to promote opacity as to prices and encourage consumer myopia, especially for goods that are not considered staples.

This reminds me of something Tops, one of our local grocery stores, does: They'll double the price of something and then do a "buy one get one free" sale.

This often makes the price for one exorbitantly high; I suspect it's effectively a tactic of doubling their sales by forcing customers to get two, rather than coercing them into a "good deal" - anyone can see it's not a very good deal, and in some cases you're still paying more for one than you would for two at another grocery store. For example, a carton of ice cream at Tops might be $6.99 + BOGO, while a carton of ice cream at Wegmans might be $2.99 each (numbers not actual).

king soopers does 'fuel points' - save 10c/gallon for every $100 you buy in the store... but i can usually go to smoker friendly, and they are 20c less than anywhere else in town so...

i read somewhere that loyalty card programs, they just give you the 'normal' price - the non-card price is artificially inflated.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on March 11, 2021, 07:14:55 PM

Rite Aid gave 20% off (more than employee discounts at most stores), excluding prescriptions, to anyone who bought more than a certain amount. However, their items are expensive to begin with.

On the other hand, they were one of the most reliable places to get 75% off clearance candy after holidays.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on March 11, 2021, 07:17:10 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 11, 2021, 07:02:56 PM
i read somewhere that loyalty card programs, they just give you the 'normal' price - the non-card price is artificially inflated.

I don't know how else they could stay in business. Those loyalty programs are hardly more than providing your phone number. How exactly does that qualify me to start saving money left and right?

I was at Fred Meyer (Kroger) a couple days ago, and they had all their vitamins buy-one-get-one-free with card. Aka, plug in your loyalty number and you get half off. Of course, the standard price on each bottle was exactly twice the cost on Amazon...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on March 11, 2021, 07:26:51 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on March 11, 2021, 07:17:10 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 11, 2021, 07:02:56 PM
i read somewhere that loyalty card programs, they just give you the 'normal' price - the non-card price is artificially inflated.

I don't know how else they could stay in business. Those loyalty programs are hardly more than providing your phone number. How exactly does that qualify me to start saving money left and right?

I was at Fred Meyer (Kroger) a couple days ago, and they had all their vitamins buy-one-get-one-free with card. Aka, plug in your loyalty number and you get half off. Of course, the standard price on each bottle was exactly twice the cost on Amazon...

At Stop & Shop, the cashiers will always provide it automatically if the customer doesn't have one, so the only time it's not on sale is if they go through self checkout without scanning their card or clicking "Forgot card" (which adds one automatically). All sales are officially with card only except for clearance items.

In January 2020, the self scans added a new rule (unstated) that you couldn't have more than a percentage off via sales unless overridden by the employee managing self scan.. The problem... this particular store was closing, many items were 50% off because of this, and the threshold was under 50%.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 11, 2021, 07:31:01 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 10, 2021, 04:38:00 PM
When DOTs remove/realign a US route onto an Interstate but keep significant parts of the road on the state highway system with a different number anyway (NM 1, AR 77, IL 251/351, CO 36/40, etc.). Wasn't the effin' point not having to maintain the road anymore?

Minnesota 952A :P

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 11, 2021, 08:05:27 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on March 11, 2021, 07:17:10 PM
I don't know how else they could stay in business. Those loyalty programs are hardly more than providing your phone number. How exactly does that qualify me to start saving money left and right?

It's because they provide data to the marketing department so that they can increase sales through other means. The point is not to get people to buy more of the things that are on sale, but to have a means to track Customer #21226's buying history. Say many people who buy Product A also often buy Product B. Put A & B on the same endcap, and watch sales of both increase.

If you can weasel other means of contact out of the customer, like a mailing address or email, you can profit even more. Now you can start using algorithms on someone's individual product history to pick out promotions or coupons to send them. There was a case where someone was incensed to find out that Target was sending their daughter pregnancy-related promotions (like deals on pregnancy tests) out of the blue–turns out the daughter was pregnant, and Target's algorithm had figured it out by what she was buying before she even knew.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: noelbotevera on March 11, 2021, 10:02:45 PM

Quote from: jayhawkco on March 09, 2021, 12:31:12 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on March 08, 2021, 09:54:08 PM
-Restaurants that are closed on Sundays; if you're gonna pick a day to be closed, pick Tuesday. Everyone goes out on weekends.

Keep in mind Sundays are the days that the food delivery services don't deliver, so any food you order on a Sunday is less fresh than any other day of the week. That's why a lot of nicer restaurants close. Also, less people go out for dinner on a Sunday than a Tuesday. You typically will do at least 2x the sales on Tuesday than Sunday.

Chris

I won't contest that food is less fresh on Sundays, but I will ponder this:

In my experience, Sundays are usually when most people have free time, as it is a weekend. I find it hard to justify a family night out when everyone is working. Now, whether families are more profitable than, say, the lunch rush hour on a Tuesday - I don't know, I haven't studied economics and there's definitely math to justify this; but what I do know is that families seem to spend more than a single adult or a couple.

Now of course there's religious reasons and you can't operate a restaurant 24/7, but it seems Mondays and Tuesdays have less customer traffic than Sunday.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 11, 2021, 10:35:19 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 11, 2021, 07:02:56 PM
i read somewhere that loyalty card programs, they just give you the 'normal' price - the non-card price is artificially inflated.

My guess is that the truth is somewhere in the middle: the regular price is slightly higher and the discount price is slightly lower, enabling the profit margin to stay roughly the same.

Quote from: noelbotevera on March 11, 2021, 10:02:45 PM

Quote from: jayhawkco on March 09, 2021, 12:31:12 PM

Quote from: noelbotevera on March 08, 2021, 09:54:08 PM
-Restaurants that are closed on Sundays; if you're gonna pick a day to be closed, pick Tuesday. Everyone goes out on weekends.

Keep in mind Sundays are the days that the food delivery services don't deliver, so any food you order on a Sunday is less fresh than any other day of the week. That's why a lot of nicer restaurants close. Also, less people go out for dinner on a Sunday than a Tuesday. You typically will do at least 2x the sales on Tuesday than Sunday.

I won't contest that food is less fresh on Sundays, but I will contest this:

In my experience, Sundays are usually when most people have free time, as it is a weekend. I find it hard to justify a family night out when everyone is working. Now, whether families are more profitable than, say, the lunch rush hour on a Tuesday - I don't know, I haven't studied economics and there's definitely math to justify this; but what I do know is that families seem to spend more than a single adult or a couple.

Now of course there's religious reasons and you can't operate a restaurant 24/7, but I do think Mondays and Tuesdays have less customer traffic than Sunday.

Do note that you just contradicted someone who–unless I'm mistaken–has worked in a restaurant environment for most of his life. So you might want to think twice before dismissing his assertions about customer traffic in restaurants.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: noelbotevera on March 11, 2021, 10:59:37 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 11, 2021, 10:35:19 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on March 11, 2021, 10:02:45 PM

Quote from: jayhawkco on March 09, 2021, 12:31:12 PM

Quote from: noelbotevera on March 08, 2021, 09:54:08 PM
-Restaurants that are closed on Sundays; if you're gonna pick a day to be closed, pick Tuesday. Everyone goes out on weekends.

Keep in mind Sundays are the days that the food delivery services don't deliver, so any food you order on a Sunday is less fresh than any other day of the week. That's why a lot of nicer restaurants close. Also, less people go out for dinner on a Sunday than a Tuesday. You typically will do at least 2x the sales on Tuesday than Sunday.

I won't contest that food is less fresh on Sundays, but I will contest this:

In my experience, Sundays are usually when most people have free time, as it is a weekend. I find it hard to justify a family night out when everyone is working. Now, whether families are more profitable than, say, the lunch rush hour on a Tuesday - I don't know, I haven't studied economics and there's definitely math to justify this; but what I do know is that families seem to spend more than a single adult or a couple.

Now of course there's religious reasons and you can't operate a restaurant 24/7, but I do think Mondays and Tuesdays have less customer traffic than Sunday.

Do note that you just contradicted someone who–unless I'm mistaken–has worked in a restaurant environment for most of his life. So you might want to think twice before dismissing his assertions about customer traffic in restaurants.

Certainly not seeking an argument or proving a point, simply finding an answer. Poor choice of words, me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Frafra Zoomer on March 11, 2021, 11:51:59 PM

The way people here drive in all lanes.

I found out that in Germany, the Netherlands, etc. they stay in the right lane and only move to the left if the lane they're in is moving slower than they want to go. That's much more organized and safer, but ofc in California you have trucks in the middle lane and people cruising in the left lane

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 11, 2021, 11:55:46 PM

That's the law in most parts of the United States, too. But it's not often enforced, so people don't bother complying.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on March 12, 2021, 02:28:42 AM

Quote from: Frafra Zoomer on March 11, 2021, 11:51:59 PM
The way people here drive in all lanes.

I found out that in Germany, the Netherlands, etc. they stay in the right lane and only move to the left if the lane they're in is moving slower than they want to go. That's much more organized and safer, but ofc in California you have trucks in the middle lane and people cruising in the left lane

I've heard passing on the right is a very, very serious traffic offense in some Euro countries, even on a multi-lane road. In the US it's usually acceptable to pass on the right around slow traffic and almost universally permitted by law.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on March 12, 2021, 03:25:08 AM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 12, 2021, 02:28:42 AM
Quote from: Frafra Zoomer on March 11, 2021, 11:51:59 PM
The way people here drive in all lanes.

I found out that in Germany, the Netherlands, etc. they stay in the right lane and only move to the left if the lane they're in is moving slower than they want to go. That's much more organized and safer, but ofc in California you have trucks in the middle lane and people cruising in the left lane

I've heard passing on the right is a very, very serious traffic offense in some Euro countries, even on a multi-lane road. In the US it's usually acceptable to pass on the right around slow traffic and almost universally permitted by law.

I've told many people over the years that the surest way to ruin your entire European vacation is to get caught passing someone on the right on a German autobahn.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 12, 2021, 08:04:27 AM

Quote from: mgk920 on March 12, 2021, 03:25:08 AM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 12, 2021, 02:28:42 AM
Quote from: Frafra Zoomer on March 11, 2021, 11:51:59 PM
The way people here drive in all lanes.

I found out that in Germany, the Netherlands, etc. they stay in the right lane and only move to the left if the lane they're in is moving slower than they want to go. That's much more organized and safer, but ofc in California you have trucks in the middle lane and people cruising in the left lane

I've heard passing on the right is a very, very serious traffic offense in some Euro countries, even on a multi-lane road. In the US it's usually acceptable to pass on the right around slow traffic and almost universally permitted by law.

I've told many people over the years that the surest way to ruin your entire European vacation is to get caught passing someone on the right on a German autobahn.

You shouldn't need to pass on the right, though, because everyone keeps right for the most part.

I have heard that, in Europe, if you're in the leftmost lane and approaching someone going slower than you, if you flash your lights they will move right ASAP. I'm not sure if it's true, but it does make sense.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on March 12, 2021, 01:50:20 PM

Quote from: webny99 on March 12, 2021, 08:04:27 AM
I have heard that, in Europe, if you're in the leftmost lane and approaching someone going slower than you, if you flash your lights they will move right ASAP. I'm not sure if it's true, but it does make sense.

True here too. Quick flash of the high-beams usually gets someone out of the way. But then Washington has fairly strict keep-right rules, so people don't put up a fight.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 12, 2021, 01:52:32 PM

It's true in Mexico, and not because of strict law enforcement.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 12, 2021, 03:15:39 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on March 12, 2021, 01:50:20 PM
Quote from: webny99 on March 12, 2021, 08:04:27 AM
I have heard that, in Europe, if you're in the leftmost lane and approaching someone going slower than you, if you flash your lights they will move right ASAP. I'm not sure if it's true, but it does make sense.

True here too. Quick flash of the high-beams usually gets someone out of the way. But then Washington has fairly strict keep-right rules, so people don't put up a fight.

I've never seen that in this country, and if I did, I'd think someone was either in an emergency or wanted road rage.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on March 12, 2021, 03:54:10 PM

Quote from: webny99 on March 12, 2021, 03:15:39 PMI've never seen that in this country, and if I did, I'd think someone was either in an emergency or wanted road rage.

I've seen it here, but it seems to have gotten a lot less common in the past 15 years or so, I think because it is viewed as a trigger for road rage.

Europe has its own road-rage issues, but I think headlamp flashes play out a little differently because drivers are more thoroughly socialized not to obstruct others who want to pass (especially in Germany). Also, when two cars meet from opposite directions, a flash from one is a signal for the other to go first.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 12, 2021, 03:59:42 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on March 12, 2021, 03:54:10 PM
I've seen it here, but it seems to have gotten a lot less common in the past 15 years or so, I think because it is viewed as a trigger for road rage.

I've seen it here as well, but usually only by people who are driving quite a bit faster than everyone else.

Quote from: J N Winkler on March 12, 2021, 03:54:10 PM
Europe has its own road-rage issues, but I think headlamp flashes play out a little differently because drivers are more thoroughly socialized not to obstruct others who want to pass (especially in Germany).

That's my experience in Mexico. Nobody gets upset at a flash of the headlights (or the more subtle left blinker turned on), because slower traffic keeping right is ingrained in the mind there–at least outside where there are only two lanes in each direction, whereas all bets are off with three or more lanes.

Quote from: J N Winkler on March 12, 2021, 03:54:10 PM
Also, when two cars meet from opposite directions, a flash from one is a signal for the other to go first.

That's true here as well, especially at a four-way stop. In some other countries, however, a flash of the headlights means "I'm going first".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: interstatefan990 on March 12, 2021, 08:35:01 PM

Quote from: webny99 on March 12, 2021, 03:15:39 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on March 12, 2021, 01:50:20 PM
Quote from: webny99 on March 12, 2021, 08:04:27 AM
I have heard that, in Europe, if you're in the leftmost lane and approaching someone going slower than you, if you flash your lights they will move right ASAP. I'm not sure if it's true, but it does make sense.

True here too. Quick flash of the high-beams usually gets someone out of the way. But then Washington has fairly strict keep-right rules, so people don't put up a fight.

I've never seen that in this country, and if I did, I'd think someone was either in an emergency or wanted road rage.

American drivers are way too impatient for something like that. They'd sooner zip past in the right lane (without signaling, of course) before you even notice that you're holding them up.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 12, 2021, 08:48:17 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 12, 2021, 03:59:42 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on March 12, 2021, 03:54:10 PM
Also, when two cars meet from opposite directions, a flash from one is a signal for the other to go first.

That's true here as well, especially at a four-way stop.

Good point. I had forgotten about four-way stops.

Now that I think about it, I can't help but wonder if the way the US interstate system was designed to serve urban areas as well as connect them plays into reduced willingness to adhere to KRETP in this country. Because of that, we've got a lot more urban and suburban freeways in this country, many of which are six or more lanes. When many drivers' interactions with freeways are in this context, it's much harder to instill KRETP in the consciousness than it would be if "freeway" was essentially a synonym for "rural four lane road where you can go as fast as you want".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on March 13, 2021, 12:20:53 AM

I'll sometimes flash my headlights at a vehicle that is in front of me in an adjacent lane to tell the driver that "I'm letting you in" so he/she can safely change lanes.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on March 13, 2021, 02:12:43 AM

Headlights on lifted vehicles that beam straight into your eyes, especially of the newer LED variety. They should be illegal.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: renegade on March 13, 2021, 01:23:29 PM

Quote from: Bruce on March 13, 2021, 02:12:43 AM
Headlights on lifted vehicles that beam straight into your eyes, especially of the newer LED variety. They should be illegal.

Agreed. As a side note, headlights should be able to be replaced without having to disassemble the front of the car.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on March 13, 2021, 01:50:17 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 12, 2021, 03:59:42 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on March 12, 2021, 03:54:10 PM
Europe has its own road-rage issues, but I think headlamp flashes play out a little differently because drivers are more thoroughly socialized not to obstruct others who want to pass (especially in Germany).

That's my experience in Mexico. Nobody gets upset at a flash of the headlights (or the more subtle left blinker turned on), because slower traffic keeping right is ingrained in the mind there–at least outside where there are only two lanes in each direction, whereas all bets are off with three or more lanes.

Honestly, this is my experience here in Washington, too. "Cascadians", rather stereotypically, avoid conflict when possible, so putting up a fight or slipping into road rage from a high-beam flash is exceptionally rare. I really don't have too many issues with drivers hogging the left lane here either, and probably for the same "flight over fight" instinct that causes drivers to change lanes when they see a high-beam flash: people would just rather avoid conflict than engage with another driver, especially when "keep right except to pass" signs are plastered every couple miles along Seattle freeways and most drivers know the rule.

Now, a good 80% of my high-beam flashes are to acknowledge someone's blinkers and allow them into my lane, and probably another 10% are to let pedestrians know that I'm stopping for them (to let them cross the street). But the other 10% are flashing the left-lane sitters, and it honestly almost never fails me as long as I give them some warning and I make the flashes very brief (some drivers mistakenly hold the high beams on -- this is a huge mistake which almost universally annoys drivers).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 13, 2021, 02:12:51 PM

This one has no actual bearing on me, so it has no real right to bother me. But it does anyway.

It's a gloomy sort of day. It was raining an hour ago, but now it isn't anymore. The sky looks like it might start raining again at any moment, but nothing's coming down. Yet there you are with your windshield wipers on. And not just the intermittent setting, but really and truly ON. Why???? Your windshield hasn't been wet since before you left the house.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 13, 2021, 02:23:35 PM

Piano keys that stick.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on March 13, 2021, 05:07:44 PM

Literally just noticed this one.

Minor things that bother you
versus
Minor things that annoy you-sports edition

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tchafe1978 on March 13, 2021, 10:57:26 PM

When people say "near-miss" when what they really mean is "near-hit".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 14, 2021, 01:09:25 AM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on March 13, 2021, 05:07:44 PM
Literally just noticed this one.

Minor things that bother you
versus
Minor things that annoy you-sports edition

When I set it up I didn't bother to look, that's what I thought it was!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on March 14, 2021, 07:58:19 AM

Oh, bother.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Flint1979 on March 14, 2021, 08:25:08 AM

Annoying and immature people

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Flint1979 on March 14, 2021, 08:28:37 AM

Quote from: interstatefan990 on March 12, 2021, 08:35:01 PM
Quote from: webny99 on March 12, 2021, 03:15:39 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on March 12, 2021, 01:50:20 PM
Quote from: webny99 on March 12, 2021, 08:04:27 AM
I have heard that, in Europe, if you're in the leftmost lane and approaching someone going slower than you, if you flash your lights they will move right ASAP. I'm not sure if it's true, but it does make sense.

True here too. Quick flash of the high-beams usually gets someone out of the way. But then Washington has fairly strict keep-right rules, so people don't put up a fight.

I've never seen that in this country, and if I did, I'd think someone was either in an emergency or wanted road rage.

American drivers are way too impatient for something like that. They'd sooner zip past in the right lane (without signaling, of course) before you even notice that you're holding them up.

What I can't stand is like on a four lane highway (two lanes in each direction) someone in the left lane is poking around the speed limit and another car in the right lane is doing the same speed. I have had this issue on US-23 several times it's so annoying just pass and get back over it's really not that hard.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on March 14, 2021, 09:17:52 AM

Quote from: tchafe1978 on March 13, 2021, 10:57:26 PM
When people say "near-miss" when what they really mean is "near-hit".

What is a near-miss, if not a near-hit? Sorry, the masses have spoken on this one.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on March 14, 2021, 09:48:00 AM

That's what they tell you.

"Get on the plane! get on the plane!"

Fuck you! I'm getting in the plane!

Let Evel Knievel get on the plane!

-----

Also "enplane" and "deplane"

So when did Tatoo speak become standard?

DEPLANE! DEPLANE!!!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on March 14, 2021, 03:30:01 PM

Tiktok emotions.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: renegade on March 14, 2021, 03:38:16 PM

Clickbait. I absolutely despise that.

Also could not care less about 'social media.' Fakebook, Twutter, Insta-crack ... none of that on my devices.

Online gambling commercials on TV.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: interstatefan990 on March 14, 2021, 04:01:57 PM

Quote from: Rothman on March 14, 2021, 09:17:52 AM
Quote from: tchafe1978 on March 13, 2021, 10:57:26 PM
When people say "near-miss" when what they really mean is "near-hit".
What is a near-miss, if not a near-hit? Sorry, the masses have spoken on this one.

I think it's kind of like two ideas combined into one- it was a miss that was nearly a hit. Hence, "near-miss".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CoreySamson on March 14, 2021, 06:09:04 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on March 14, 2021, 03:30:01 PM
Tiktok emotions.

How about TikTok in general? That app annoys the crap out of me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 14, 2021, 07:40:45 PM

Quote from: renegade on March 14, 2021, 03:38:16 PM
Clickbait. I absolutely despise that.

Also could not care less about 'social media.' Fakebook, Twutter, Insta-crack ... none of that on my devices.

Online gambling commercials on TV.

The worst are anything having to do with manscaping or having larger balls etc. It's disgusting and I stopped listening to all shows that carry that advertising.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wxfree on March 15, 2021, 01:09:37 AM

"Man," "men," everyone gets that. But somehow adding two letters makes it incomprehensible. Seeing "a good women" and "a group of woman" irritates me. It isn't just because it's wrong, but because it's so easy to get right.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on March 15, 2021, 01:39:01 AM

When you can see 2 digital clocks at the same time (like on an oven and microwave right above it) and they aren't exactly synched.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on March 15, 2021, 03:00:44 AM

Quote from: US 89 on March 15, 2021, 01:39:01 AM
When you can see 2 digital clocks at the same time (like on an oven and microwave right above it) and they aren't exactly synched.

That doesn't get me so much, given how hard it is to exactly synch them. Being two minutes apart, though, that's too much. Like this, at the Austin Convention Center which bothered me enough that I took a picture of it:

(https://i.imgur.com/vYPd3LK.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 15, 2021, 07:27:09 AM

Quote from: US 89 on March 15, 2021, 01:39:01 AM
When you can see 2 digital clocks at the same time (like on an oven and microwave right above it) and they aren’t exactly synched.

oh God I could live with my car clock being an hour off but 1:02 off this morning was too much. and I have to synch them all to the official time. https://time.gov/

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 15, 2021, 08:59:42 AM

Quote from: US 89 on March 15, 2021, 01:39:01 AM
When you can see 2 digital clocks at the same time (like on an oven and microwave right above it) and they aren't exactly synched.

Yikes... yes, definitely. I can deal with anything under 30 seconds, but if it's multiple minutes I'd go crazy.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on March 15, 2021, 09:04:01 AM

I know of a set of church bells (they don't ring anymore) that would get about 2 seconds earlier each day. They finally fixed the offset when it was 10 minutes early (well, 50 minutes late because it was in DST and we weren't), but they still didn't fix the drift.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Flint1979 on March 15, 2021, 10:27:56 AM

Quote from: US 89 on March 15, 2021, 01:39:01 AM
When you can see 2 digital clocks at the same time (like on an oven and microwave right above it) and they aren't exactly synched.

Mine does that. I'll set the time on both of them and the microwave will somehow get to be 2 minutes faster than the one on the range.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 15, 2021, 11:34:08 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on March 14, 2021, 09:48:00 AM
Also "enplane" and "deplane"

So when did Tatoo speak become standard?

DEPLANE! DEPLANE!!!

I've decided that, when I eat my dinner, I am actually 'deplating' my food.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 15, 2021, 03:07:18 PM

When there's two lanes, and one of them ends just beyond a stoplight, and everyone lines up single file at the stoplight, like as if the second lane doesn't even exist. :banghead:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 15, 2021, 03:49:48 PM

Quote from: webny99 on March 15, 2021, 03:07:18 PM
When there's two lanes, and one of them ends just beyond a stoplight, and everyone lines up single file at the stoplight, like as if the second lane doesn't even exist. :banghead:

Opposite for me, when they sit in the right lane and are not right turning and prevent everyone else from right turning

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 15, 2021, 04:12:40 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on March 15, 2021, 03:49:48 PM
Quote from: webny99 on March 15, 2021, 03:07:18 PM
When there's two lanes, and one of them ends just beyond a stoplight, and everyone lines up single file at the stoplight, like as if the second lane doesn't even exist. :banghead:

Opposite for me, when they sit in the right lane and are not right turning and prevent everyone else from right turning

I'm mostly referring to freeway interchanges, where the traffic exiting the freeway is coming from the right and therefore, nobody is turning right.

As for the situation you describe, I will use my judgment on a case-by-case basis as to whether to use the right lane if it's empty. If the line in the left lane is long enough that there's a risk of missing the light, then I will certainly use the right lane, or switch to the right lane when the light changes. If it's three cars or less, I usually won't, unless I can see far enough back and nobody's coming that might want to turn right.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 15, 2021, 04:22:53 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 15, 2021, 11:34:08 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on March 14, 2021, 09:48:00 AM
Also "enplane" and "deplane"

So when did Tatoo speak become standard?

DEPLANE! DEPLANE!!!

I've decided that, when I eat my dinner, I am actually 'deplating' my food.

Without further ado......has anyone ever said "with further ado"?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 15, 2021, 04:26:50 PM

Quote from: webny99 on March 15, 2021, 04:12:40 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on March 15, 2021, 03:49:48 PM
Quote from: webny99 on March 15, 2021, 03:07:18 PM
When there's two lanes, and one of them ends just beyond a stoplight, and everyone lines up single file at the stoplight, like as if the second lane doesn't even exist. :banghead:

Opposite for me, when they sit in the right lane and are not right turning and prevent everyone else from right turning

I'm mostly referring to freeway interchanges, where the traffic exiting the freeway is coming from the right and therefore, nobody is turning right.

As for the situation you describe, I will use my judgment on a case-by-case basis as to whether to use the right lane if it's empty. If the line in the left lane is long enough that there's a risk of missing the light, then I will certainly use the right lane, or switch to the right lane when the light changes. If it's three cars or less, I usually won't, unless I can see far enough back and nobody's coming that might want to turn right.

Agreed. but when its the FIRST guy who pulls up to the light and gets into the right lane, those people have no souls.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 15, 2021, 04:58:05 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on March 15, 2021, 03:49:48 PM

Quote from: webny99 on March 15, 2021, 03:07:18 PM
When there's two lanes, and one of them ends just beyond a stoplight, and everyone lines up single file at the stoplight, like as if the second lane doesn't even exist. :banghead:

Opposite for me, when they sit in the right lane and are not right turning and prevent everyone else from right turning

No stoplight required. Here's an example with stop signs instead (https://goo.gl/maps/y1xX9LM9yvxYPjBU6). Why six drivers line up in the ~~right~~ left lane but leave the ~~left~~ right lane open for me, I'll never know.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 15, 2021, 05:17:47 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 15, 2021, 04:58:05 PM
No stoplight required. Here's an example with stop signs instead (https://goo.gl/maps/y1xX9LM9yvxYPjBU6). Why six drivers line up in the right lane but leave the left lane open for me, I'll never know.

Whoa. I'm not sure I've ever seen anyone actively choose an empty right lane over an empty left lane in that situation, much less a right lane with other cars in it. Unless, of course, some of them were turning right.

(With that said, there should probably be a stoplight there if all those lanes really are needed.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 15, 2021, 05:21:33 PM

Quote from: webny99 on March 15, 2021, 05:17:47 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 15, 2021, 04:58:05 PM
No stoplight required. Here's an example with stop signs instead (https://goo.gl/maps/y1xX9LM9yvxYPjBU6). Why six drivers line up in the right lane but leave the left lane open for me, I'll never know.

Whoa. I'm not sure I've ever seen anyone actively choose an empty right lane over an empty left lane in that situation, much less a right lane with other cars in it. Unless, of course, some of them were turning right.

(With that said, there should probably be a stoplight there if all those lanes really are needed.)

Got that backwards. Fixed it in my post.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 15, 2021, 07:19:10 PM

My own clock pet peeve: when a digital clock has no way of running the clock backward, only forward. This makes sense when you're setting an analog clock because the mechanism only goes in one direction and running it backward could cause damage, but a digital device is just storing a number of seconds in memory so running it backwards doesn't hurt anything.

Likewise, a device that _could_ just display or use an existing number keypad (like a microwave) to directly enter the time, but instead makes you use "minute advance" and "hour advance" buttons like it's a 1970s clock radio.

Devices that want to know whether a time is AM or PM when they don't have alarm or date functionality, the ability to display 24-hour time, or any other reason to care whether it's AM or PM. In the rare instance that I can't tell whether it's AM or PM (disorientation due to sleeping at a weird time) I have plenty of devices (like a phone or computer) that know.

Quote from: US 89 on March 15, 2021, 01:39:01 AM
When you can see 2 digital clocks at the same time (like on an oven and microwave right above it) and they aren't exactly synched.

This is often inevitable because neither of them have a resettable or even displayable seconds hand, and clock interfaces are inconsistent about whether advancing the minutes will also reset the seconds, which is non-orthogonal, but there is often no other way to do it. (That is, if I press the "add minute" button at 17:39:23, will the time become 17:40:24 or 17:40:00? Often there's no way to tell.)

In this specific situation, where the microwave and oven both have clocks (and really I don't need both), I will set one of them (usually the microwave) to the correct time and just let the other one stay showing whatever time it got the last time the power went out. Thus, one of them will be clearly wrong because it will be off by six hours or so. Although a few times a power outage has occurred close enough to midnight or noon that it is still confusing which one is right, so I have to fix it.

Quote from: texaskdog on March 15, 2021, 07:27:09 AM
Quote from: US 89 on March 15, 2021, 01:39:01 AM
When you can see 2 digital clocks at the same time (like on an oven and microwave right above it) and they aren't exactly synched.

oh God I could live with my car clock being an hour off but 1:02 off this morning was too much. and I have to synch them all to the official time. https://time.gov/

My clock in my car is traditionally about 8 minutes fast, since at my last job 7 minutes was the maximum tolerance for tardiness. Thus the time on the clock was essentially timed such that if I rolled up in the parking lot with it showing 2:30, I would be on time after turning off the car, collecting my stuff, going into the building, and clocking in (the time clock wasn't right by the entrance to the building).

I usually don't bother resetting the time in my car for standard time, but that's mostly because I always forget where the time controls are (they're in a menu that I always forget how to activate) and it's too complex to mess with it while I'm driving. Of course, by the time I arrive at a destination, I'm focused on doing whatever it is I want to do there and forget to stop and mess with the clock. Usually, the only reason the clock gets reset for standard time is because I was driving my wife somewhere, and it bothered her that it was off an hour and she fiddled with it on my behalf.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 15, 2021, 08:29:21 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 15, 2021, 07:19:10 PM
I will set one of them (usually the microwave) to the correct time and just let the other one stay showing whatever time it got the last time the power went out. Thus, one of them will be clearly wrong because it will be off by six hours or so. Although a few times a power outage has occurred close enough to midnight or noon that it is still confusing which one is right, so I have to fix it.

Digital cable set-top boxes in the Cox system used to (still do?) display 5:00 when they're not getting signal. Sometimes, though, it's not that there isn't signal coming in, but rather than they need a signal "hit" sent to the device from the headend to refresh it. I used to be the guy on the other end of the phone when field techs called in about that kind of thing. I once had a guy call in, unable to figure out why he couldn't get signal to his customer's box. It was showing 5:00 on the display. Fortunately, before we went much further, I informed him that the current time was actually 5:00. Sure enough, it soon changed to 5:01. He had fixed the customer's problem but thought he hadn't.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 15, 2021, 08:39:14 PM

That seems like a clever way to indicate the problem, although it could lead to confusion in cases like the one you described. I wonder why they didn't design it to display a clearly impossible time (like 8:88 or 33:00 or 0:99) to prevent that from happening.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on March 16, 2021, 08:22:52 AM

Places that claim they sell things for .99Â¢ (or .25Â¢, etc.), which is less than a cent in reality. (Unless they really are less than a cent, which can happen in unit prices for things ~~such as paper clips~~.)

(edit: paper clips aren't that cheap)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 16, 2021, 08:25:26 AM

Quote from: 1 on March 16, 2021, 08:22:52 AM
Places that claim they sell things for .99Â¢ (or .25Â¢, etc.), which is less than a cent in reality. (Unless they really are less than a cent, which can happen in unit prices for things such as paper clips.)

Fake dollar stores. Dollar Tree is $1. Family Dollar and Dollar General are not.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on March 16, 2021, 08:29:28 AM

What's going to happen to dollar stores due to inflation? Will five dollar stores be next? Five Below sells everything at $5 or under, but I don't know of any stores in the US where everything is the same price with that price being more than $1 + tax.

(And for dollar stores, why can't they make their taxed items come out to a dollar after tax instead of before tax?)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kevinb1994 on March 16, 2021, 08:44:25 AM

Quote from: 1 on March 16, 2021, 08:29:28 AM
What's going to happen to dollar stores due to inflation? Will five dollar stores be next? Five Below sells everything at $5 or under, but I don't know of any stores in the US where everything is the same price with that price being more than $1 + tax.

(And for dollar stores, why can't they make their taxed items come out to a dollar after tax instead of before tax?)

That's why the Five Dollar Footlong stopped existing after Subway eventually realized that it wasn't going to last.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on March 16, 2021, 08:50:57 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on March 15, 2021, 04:22:53 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 15, 2021, 11:34:08 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on March 14, 2021, 09:48:00 AM
Also "enplane" and "deplane"

So when did Tatoo speak become standard?

DEPLANE! DEPLANE!!!

I've decided that, when I eat my dinner, I am actually 'deplating' my food.

Without further ado......has anyone ever said "with further ado"?

what's the right amount of ado? i mean, is there a measurement unit for it?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 16, 2021, 09:11:06 AM

Quote from: 1 on March 16, 2021, 08:29:28 AM
What's going to happen to dollar stores due to inflation? Will five dollar stores be next? Five Below sells everything at $5 or under...

You must've missed the news (and haven't been in a Five Below for a while). They started selling items up to $10 last year.

The logo is still Five Below, but their secondary logo is $1 to $5 to $10. https://www.fivebelow.com/info/company . They label things up to $10 as "Five Beyond".

Quote from: 1 on March 16, 2021, 08:29:28 AM
(And for dollar stores, why can't they make their taxed items come out to a dollar after tax instead of before tax?)

Because that would be a hit to their bottom line. They are working on volume, so having to take a loss on some things they sell would make many things not even worth selling. Also, they wouldn't have an incentive to open up in high tax areas, where sales taxes can rise to a total of 11% or so.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 16, 2021, 10:47:51 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 16, 2021, 09:11:06 AM

Quote from: 1 on March 16, 2021, 08:29:28 AM
(And for dollar stores, why can't they make their taxed items come out to a dollar after tax instead of before tax?)

Because that would be a hit to their bottom line. They are working on volume, so having to take a loss on some things they sell would make many things not even worth selling. Also, they wouldn't have an incentive to open up in high tax areas, where sales taxes can rise to a total of 11% or so.

I'm glad someone saw the obvious answer to that question.

(Hey, why not pay all their employees $.... [rescinded])

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 16, 2021, 11:46:04 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 15, 2021, 08:29:21 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 15, 2021, 07:19:10 PM
I will set one of them (usually the microwave) to the correct time and just let the other one stay showing whatever time it got the last time the power went out. Thus, one of them will be clearly wrong because it will be off by six hours or so. Although a few times a power outage has occurred close enough to midnight or noon that it is still confusing which one is right, so I have to fix it.

Digital cable set-top boxes in the Cox system used to (still do?) display 5:00 when they're not getting signal. Sometimes, though, it's not that there isn't signal coming in, but rather than they need a signal "hit" sent to the device from the headend to refresh it. I used to be the guy on the other end of the phone when field techs called in about that kind of thing. I once had a guy call in, unable to figure out why he couldn't get signal to his customer's box. It was showing 5:00 on the display. Fortunately, before we went much further, I informed him that the current time was actually 5:00. Sure enough, it soon changed to 5:01. He had fixed the customer's problem but thought he hadn't.

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 15, 2021, 08:39:14 PM
That seems like a clever way to indicate the problem, although it could lead to confusion in cases like the one you described. I wonder why they didn't design it to display a clearly impossible time (like 8:88 or 33:00 or 0:99) to prevent that from happening.

Different things on the display mean different things. 88:88 means something else. Other times, it displays a specific error code. Of course, this is all based on my recollection from back when Cox used non-MoCA boxes. For all I know now, not being a troubleshooter anymore, the newer boxes are different.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on March 16, 2021, 01:56:22 PM

On the subject of clocks, this time of year (return to daylight savings time), I hate when I correct the clocks in the house, but forget about that one clock and don't realize it's wrong for a month.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 16, 2021, 02:15:10 PM

Hard-boiled eggs that get torn to bits when you peel them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on March 16, 2021, 03:43:59 PM

Around here, the term "dollar store" was never meant to imply that all items cost only $1. It was meant to describe a discount store.

Two of my irritants involve the number nine (9). One is gas being priced at $N.NN9 per gallon. The other is the snooze button on alarm clocks giving only nine minutes of respite between alarms instead of 10 minutes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on March 16, 2021, 04:07:42 PM

^^ Along that line, something with a price that ends with a series of 9s, such as $299.99. Do people really think that it is significantly cheaper than $300?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 16, 2021, 04:30:52 PM

Quote from: 1 on March 16, 2021, 08:29:28 AM
(And for dollar stores, why can't they make their taxed items come out to a dollar after tax instead of before tax?)

Can't be done in the US, because sales tax rate varies tremendously from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Here in Oklahoma, different places in the same city can even charge different tax rates, because cities can cross county lines and different counties have different tax rates too. And these tax rates change over time, too, as various laws are passed by city councils and voter referendums. You can basically only include sales tax in the purchase price if you operate in one physical location that never does business outside of that location. For a national chain like Dollar Tree, any individual item would have a thousand different profit margins depending on where and when it was sold, which makes accounting practically impossible.

It is much simpler to simply add a surcharge of the tax amount and record "we owe $X in taxes to Y jurisdiction" as a liability, then settle up at the end of the month.

In other countries, sales tax can be included as part of the purchase price because they tend to have a uniform VAT or other tax mechanism that works on a nationwide or at least province-wide level.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 16, 2021, 04:33:49 PM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on March 16, 2021, 01:56:22 PM
On the subject of clocks, this time of year (return to daylight savings time), I hate when I correct the clocks in the house, but forget about that one clock and don't realize it's wrong for a month.

Hate to say it but I never changed the one above the door and now it's correct again

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 16, 2021, 04:37:03 PM

Quote from: Big John on March 16, 2021, 04:07:42 PM
^^ Along that line, something with a price that ends with a series of 9s, such as $299.99. Do people really think that it is significantly cheaper than $300?

You only need to make enough extra sales to cover the penny of lost profit on each sale for it to be worth it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on March 16, 2021, 04:40:57 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 16, 2021, 04:30:52 PM
Quote from: 1 on March 16, 2021, 08:29:28 AM
(And for dollar stores, why can't they make their taxed items come out to a dollar after tax instead of before tax?)

Can't be done in the US, because sales tax rate varies tremendously from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

It most certainly could be done, albeit potentially with some difficulty. I suspect that the main reason it's not is due to lobbying, so as to make prices seem lower than they are (as with the $.99 thing).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 16, 2021, 04:45:33 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 16, 2021, 04:40:57 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 16, 2021, 04:30:52 PM
Quote from: 1 on March 16, 2021, 08:29:28 AM
(And for dollar stores, why can't they make their taxed items come out to a dollar after tax instead of before tax?)

Can't be done in the US, because sales tax rate varies tremendously from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

It most certainly could be done, albeit potentially with some difficulty. I suspect that the main reason it's not is due to lobbying, so as to make prices seem lower than they are (as with the $.99 thing).

I think all tax should be included in the prices.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on March 16, 2021, 04:50:53 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on March 16, 2021, 04:45:33 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 16, 2021, 04:40:57 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 16, 2021, 04:30:52 PM
Quote from: 1 on March 16, 2021, 08:29:28 AM
(And for dollar stores, why can't they make their taxed items come out to a dollar after tax instead of before tax?)

Can't be done in the US, because sales tax rate varies tremendously from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

It most certainly could be done, albeit potentially with some difficulty. I suspect that the main reason it's not is due to lobbying, so as to make prices seem lower than they are (as with the $.99 thing).

I think all tax should be included in the prices.

I do too, as, I suspect, is the case for most people. The lobbying, though . . .

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 16, 2021, 05:04:43 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 16, 2021, 04:40:57 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 16, 2021, 04:30:52 PM
Quote from: 1 on March 16, 2021, 08:29:28 AM
(And for dollar stores, why can't they make their taxed items come out to a dollar after tax instead of before tax?)

Can't be done in the US, because sales tax rate varies tremendously from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

It most certainly could be done, albeit potentially with some difficulty. I suspect that the main reason it's not is due to lobbying, so as to make prices seem lower than they are (as with the $.99 thing).

Quote from: texaskdog on March 16, 2021, 04:45:33 PM
I think all tax should be included in the prices.

As someone who owns a business that charges sales tax: trust me, can't be done.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on March 16, 2021, 05:15:01 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 16, 2021, 05:04:43 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 16, 2021, 04:40:57 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 16, 2021, 04:30:52 PM
Quote from: 1 on March 16, 2021, 08:29:28 AM
(And for dollar stores, why can't they make their taxed items come out to a dollar after tax instead of before tax?)

Can't be done in the US, because sales tax rate varies tremendously from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

It most certainly could be done, albeit potentially with some difficulty. I suspect that the main reason it's not is due to lobbying, so as to make prices seem lower than they are (as with the $.99 thing).

Quote from: texaskdog on March 16, 2021, 04:45:33 PM
I think all tax should be included in the prices.

As someone who owns a business that charges sales tax: trust me, can't be done.

Of course it can. Sure it might cause a headache, and perhaps have an effect on profit margins, but given that it's a simple mathematical calculation – and one that already has to be done after a sale – it most certainly can be done beforehand instead. And with certain things, such as gasoline sales, it's already the case.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 16, 2021, 05:27:43 PM

The US has 3,143 counties or county equivalents and 50 states. That means you have the possibility of 3,193 different coefficients of that simple mathematical calculation, all of which could change at any given time. (This is intentionally ignoring municipal sales tax, which adds more possible rates.) Every time they do you have to calculate whether or not you can continue to afford to sell the product at the current price, or not, because the tax now cuts into your profit margin too much. If not, you have to change the pricing of the product, which means printing up new price labels, changing advertising, and so on.

Or you can call up the store and say "Hey, the tax rate changed. Program the register to charge 8.125% instead of 8%."

This gets even worse for an ecommerce business, because at least in Oklahoma, you're required to charge based on where the customer is placing the order, not where the business is located. So I'm supposed to charge unique tax rates any time someone orders from elsewhere in Oklahoma. (I cheese it by just charging everyone Norman sales tax and paying the difference, which amounts to a few cents, out of my pocket if they have a higher tax rate, but I'm a two-person business; a corporation would insist on everything being charged to the penny.) No, I can't adjust the price to cover sales tax, because if I ship out of state I don't charge sales tax at all.

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 16, 2021, 05:15:01 PM
And with certain things, such as gasoline sales, it's already the case.

Gasoline taxes are a flat number of cents rather than a percentage, and are generally done at the federal and state level, not local.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 16, 2021, 05:30:50 PM

well one restaurant in one town that prints its own menus can include prices. e.g we went to DQ and I wanted to use my $5 bill it was $4.79 yet $5.17 after tax. why cant the electronic menu say $5.17?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 16, 2021, 05:32:15 PM

Not every business has an electronic menu or a compelling business reason to install one.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on March 16, 2021, 05:36:50 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 16, 2021, 05:27:43 PM
The US has 3,143 counties or county equivalents and 50 states. That means you have the possibility of 3,193 different coefficients of that simple mathematical calculation, all of which could change at any given time.

This is the case whether the tax is calculated before the sale or after. Which honestly seems to underscore my point that businesses don't want to do the calculations beforehand, not that they can't.

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 16, 2021, 05:27:43 PM
No, I can't adjust the price to cover sales tax, because if I ship out of state I don't charge sales tax at all.

Extra profit of out of state sales! :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 16, 2021, 05:40:29 PM

[ Which honestly seems to underscore my point that businesses don't want to do the calculations beforehand, not that they can't.

if you cant do that math you shouldn't be in business

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on March 16, 2021, 05:40:39 PM

Restaurants/businesses that don't post hours on the door, especially showing up in a gray area like 9 PM where you're not sure if they're closed, closing soon (which means I don't want to inconvenience the staff if it's something that can be avoided). I get some places want the flexibility to close earlier or later based on that day's traffic, but I find it frustrating.

^Hell, there are differences in sales tax within cities themselves based on where you are in it. Duluth has a higher sales tax specifically in the Canal Park tourist district than in the rest of the city.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 16, 2021, 06:02:52 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 16, 2021, 05:36:50 PM
This is the case whether the tax is calculated before the sale or after. Which honestly seems to underscore my point that businesses don't want to do the calculations beforehand, not that they can't.

If you think it's so easy, why don't you become a consultant and do it for them, then?

Quote from: texaskdog on March 16, 2021, 05:40:29 PM
if you cant do that math you shouldn't be in business

There's only 24 hours in a day, my dude. I'd like to spend part of the day actually shipping out orders and not playing footsie with the tax code.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 16, 2021, 06:06:22 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 16, 2021, 06:02:52 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 16, 2021, 05:36:50 PM
This is the case whether the tax is calculated before the sale or after. Which honestly seems to underscore my point that businesses don't want to do the calculations beforehand, not that they can't.

If you think it's so easy, why don't you become a consultant and do it for them, then?

Quote from: texaskdog on March 16, 2021, 05:40:29 PM
if you cant do that math you shouldn't be in business

There's only 24 hours in a day, my dude. I'd like to spend part of the day actually shipping out orders and not playing footsie with the tax code.

And save time for this forum!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 16, 2021, 06:09:13 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 16, 2021, 04:40:57 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 16, 2021, 04:30:52 PM
Quote from: 1 on March 16, 2021, 08:29:28 AM
(And for dollar stores, why can't they make their taxed items come out to a dollar after tax instead of before tax?)

Can't be done in the US, because sales tax rate varies tremendously from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

It most certainly could be done, albeit potentially with some difficulty. I suspect that the main reason it's not is due to lobbying, so as to make prices seem lower than they are (as with the $.99 thing).

I'm sure it could be done, given that concession stand prices at sports arenas generally display prices inclusive of tax. Of course, traditionally they had an incentive to make prices come out in round amounts (dollar or half-dollar increments) to expedite giving change and moving the line.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on March 16, 2021, 06:19:03 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 16, 2021, 06:02:52 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 16, 2021, 05:36:50 PM
This is the case whether the tax is calculated before the sale or after. Which honestly seems to underscore my point that businesses don't want to do the calculations beforehand, not that they can't.

If you think it's so easy, why don't you become a consultant and do it for them, then?

Well, for starters, because businesses don't want me to. :-D What I should do is start a lobbying group, and then take all the money and retire.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 16, 2021, 10:36:20 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on March 16, 2021, 06:09:13 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 16, 2021, 04:40:57 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 16, 2021, 04:30:52 PM
Quote from: 1 on March 16, 2021, 08:29:28 AM
(And for dollar stores, why can't they make their taxed items come out to a dollar after tax instead of before tax?)

Can't be done in the US, because sales tax rate varies tremendously from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

It most certainly could be done, albeit potentially with some difficulty. I suspect that the main reason it's not is due to lobbying, so as to make prices seem lower than they are (as with the $.99 thing).

I'm sure it could be done, given that concession stand prices at sports arenas generally display prices inclusive of tax. Of course, traditionally they had an incentive to make prices come out in round amounts (dollar or half-dollar increments) to expedite giving change and moving the line.

That, and a sports concession stand only has one location, in a known jurisdiction, so it's very easy to do the calculations. What makes it unworkable is when the sales take place across several dozen jurisdictions.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 16, 2021, 11:01:13 PM

Quote from: Big John on March 16, 2021, 04:07:42 PM
^^ Along that line, something with a price that ends with a series of 9s, such as $299.99. Do people really think that it is significantly cheaper than $300?

Absolutely, which is why it's done. Nearly every business wouldn't be doing it if it didn't work.

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 16, 2021, 04:30:52 PM
Quote from: 1 on March 16, 2021, 08:29:28 AM
(And for dollar stores, why can't they make their taxed items come out to a dollar after tax instead of before tax?)

Can't be done in the US, because sales tax rate varies tremendously from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

One word: Bars.

It is extremely common for bars to include the tax in the price of the drink. And excepting of what I just mentioned above, it's very common for the price to be an even dollar amount, with half-dollars being the 2nd most common. The whole thing with bars and bartending is just a different atmosphere when it comes to money. Hell, you'll never go to a restaurant where they'll just give you a burger for free, yet if you're a frequent guest at a bar (or a really good tipper), the bartender is actually encouraged to give you a free drink. Using my home state as an example, it says that you can't sell alcohol below cost, yet it's written in the ABC guidelines that the occasional free drink is acceptable.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 16, 2021, 11:24:01 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 16, 2021, 11:01:13 PM
Quote from: Big John on March 16, 2021, 04:07:42 PM
^^ Along that line, something with a price that ends with a series of 9s, such as $299.99. Do people really think that it is significantly cheaper than $300?

Absolutely, which is why it's done. Nearly every business wouldn't be doing it if it didn't work.

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 16, 2021, 04:30:52 PM
Quote from: 1 on March 16, 2021, 08:29:28 AM
(And for dollar stores, why can't they make their taxed items come out to a dollar after tax instead of before tax?)

Can't be done in the US, because sales tax rate varies tremendously from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

One word: Bars.

It is extremely common for bars to include the tax in the price of the drink. And excepting of what I just mentioned above, it's very common for the price to be an even dollar amount, with half-dollars being the 2nd most common. The whole thing with bars and bartending is just a different atmosphere when it comes to money. Hell, you'll never go to a restaurant where they'll just give you a burger for free, yet if you're a frequent guest at a bar (or a really good tipper), the bartender is actually encouraged to give you a free drink. Using my home state as an example, it says that you can't sell alcohol below cost, yet it's written in the ABC guidelines that the occasional free drink is acceptable.

That, and a bar only has one location, in a known jurisdiction, so it's very easy to do the calculations. What makes it unworkable is when the sales take place across several dozen jurisdictions.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 17, 2021, 07:50:41 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 16, 2021, 11:24:01 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 16, 2021, 11:01:13 PM
Quote from: Big John on March 16, 2021, 04:07:42 PM
^^ Along that line, something with a price that ends with a series of 9s, such as $299.99. Do people really think that it is significantly cheaper than $300?

Absolutely, which is why it's done. Nearly every business wouldn't be doing it if it didn't work.

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 16, 2021, 04:30:52 PM
Quote from: 1 on March 16, 2021, 08:29:28 AM
(And for dollar stores, why can't they make their taxed items come out to a dollar after tax instead of before tax?)

Can't be done in the US, because sales tax rate varies tremendously from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

One word: Bars.

It is extremely common for bars to include the tax in the price of the drink. And excepting of what I just mentioned above, it's very common for the price to be an even dollar amount, with half-dollars being the 2nd most common. The whole thing with bars and bartending is just a different atmosphere when it comes to money. Hell, you'll never go to a restaurant where they'll just give you a burger for free, yet if you're a frequent guest at a bar (or a really good tipper), the bartender is actually encouraged to give you a free drink. Using my home state as an example, it says that you can't sell alcohol below cost, yet it's written in the ABC guidelines that the occasional free drink is acceptable.

That, and a bar only has one location, in a known jurisdiction, so it's very easy to do the calculations. What makes it unworkable is when the sales take place across several dozen jurisdictions.

That sounds familiar. Where might I have heard that theory before? :hmm:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 17, 2021, 09:01:03 AM

I went to a store once that showed "price + tax equals _______" if you ever worked at a store dealing with kids who had no comprehension of tax you'd appreciate it.

If I go to Dollar Tree I'd just as soon everything was $1.10 to cover the 8.25 pct tax. 2 items 2.20 3 items 3.30 life would be wonderful

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on March 17, 2021, 11:11:41 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 16, 2021, 05:27:43 PM
Gasoline taxes are a flat number of cents rather than a percentage, and are generally done at the federal and state level, not local.

There are states or localities that charge sales tax on gasoline, in addition to the per gallon excise tax.

I seem to recall when I was a kid Indiana charged sales tax, but it was not included in the price that was on the pump. After pumping $10.00, the final bill came out to $10.40 or something.

Re: concession stands and bars, the prices charged are high enough that they simply pay the tax later, and still make a profit.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 17, 2021, 11:20:59 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 16, 2021, 11:24:01 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 16, 2021, 11:01:13 PM
Quote from: Big John on March 16, 2021, 04:07:42 PM
^^ Along that line, something with a price that ends with a series of 9s, such as $299.99. Do people really think that it is significantly cheaper than $300?

Absolutely, which is why it's done. Nearly every business wouldn't be doing it if it didn't work.

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 16, 2021, 04:30:52 PM
Quote from: 1 on March 16, 2021, 08:29:28 AM
(And for dollar stores, why can't they make their taxed items come out to a dollar after tax instead of before tax?)

Can't be done in the US, because sales tax rate varies tremendously from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

One word: Bars.

It is extremely common for bars to include the tax in the price of the drink. And excepting of what I just mentioned above, it's very common for the price to be an even dollar amount, with half-dollars being the 2nd most common. The whole thing with bars and bartending is just a different atmosphere when it comes to money. Hell, you'll never go to a restaurant where they'll just give you a burger for free, yet if you're a frequent guest at a bar (or a really good tipper), the bartender is actually encouraged to give you a free drink. Using my home state as an example, it says that you can't sell alcohol below cost, yet it's written in the ABC guidelines that the occasional free drink is acceptable.

That, and a bar only has one location, in a known jurisdiction, so it's very easy to do the calculations. What makes it unworkable is when the sales take place across several dozen jurisdictions.

Not necessarily. Some chains subscribe to this practice as well.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 17, 2021, 12:07:05 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 16, 2021, 05:15:01 PM
And with certain things, such as gasoline sales, it's already the case.

Quote from: 1995hoo on March 16, 2021, 06:09:13 PM
I'm sure it could be done, given that concession stand prices at sports arenas generally display prices inclusive of tax.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 16, 2021, 11:01:13 PM
One word: Bars.

It is extremely common for bars to include the tax in the price of the drink.

With gas stations and concession stands, they're only selling a handful of items. Any time the tax rate changes, it's a relatively small endeavor to calculate the new price of each item. Note that, at a gas station, only the fuel at the pump is priced with tax included–not all the candy bars and cigarettes and Lorna Doone cookies and frozen burritos and bottles of Yoo-hoo and bags of ice and fountain drinks and antifreeze and beef jerky that the same establishment also sells.

With bars, there are more items being sold, but the number of price points might still be fairly small. That is, for example, they might have twenty-six kinds of beer, but they're all being sold at just one of three prices. Or all cocktails are sold for one of only two or three prices per glass, depending on what liquor is going into the shaker–even though the bartender knows how to make thirty different cocktails by memory and can look more up on Google as needed.

But, think about how many different items are sold at Hobby Lobby. Every time Flygut County passes a sales tax hike, do you want to be the guy who has to re-figure the sticker price of every single item? And then, when Catpecker County next door passes a similar but different tax hike twelve months later, to do it all over again, because you're in charge of both locations?

Quote from: texaskdog on March 16, 2021, 05:40:29 PM
[ Which honestly seems to underscore my point that businesses don't want to do the calculations beforehand, not that they can't.

if you cant do that math you shouldn't be in business

The math is that it isn't profitable to waste the necessary man-hours figuring out how to include tax in every item's price tag, when doing so provides your company little to no financial benefit. If you can't do that math, then you shouldn't be in business.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on March 17, 2021, 01:08:44 PM

Whether sales tax is included in the sticker price is a small facet of public finance generally. I have never heard of a jurisdiction that requires that tax be included in all prices displayed to customers and allows the creation of overlay districts (such as cities, counties, business improvement districts, etc.) that are financed partly or wholly by sales tax increments.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on March 17, 2021, 03:15:22 PM

Also, some states structure their sales taxes differently than others. Many states require that all of the taxable items in a retail transaction be taxed separately, then everything be added up at the end of the transaction. Here in Wisconsin, you add up all of the taxable items first, THEN add the 5 or 5.5% (depending on county) that is then remitted to the state.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 17, 2021, 05:37:41 PM

When you make a post on this forum and are notified someone posted in the meantime, like you're going to go redo your post.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on March 17, 2021, 05:44:56 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on March 17, 2021, 05:37:41 PM
When you make a post on this forum and are notified someone posted in the meantime, like you're going to go redo your post.

It's important. Sometimes the previous person replied with exactly what I was going to say, so I don't post in order to avoid duplication.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 17, 2021, 05:56:16 PM

Quote from: 1 on March 17, 2021, 05:44:56 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on March 17, 2021, 05:37:41 PM
When you make a post on this forum and are notified someone posted in the meantime, like you're going to go redo your post.

It's important. Sometimes the previous person replied with exactly what I was going to say, so I don't post in order to avoid duplication.

Or they're correcting something about the very post you're replying to.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 17, 2021, 06:21:12 PM

Quote from: 1 on March 17, 2021, 05:44:56 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on March 17, 2021, 05:37:41 PM
When you make a post on this forum and are notified someone posted in the meantime, like you're going to go redo your post.

It's important. Sometimes the previous person replied with exactly what I was going to say, so I don't post in order to avoid duplication.

Or sometimes they reply with something I want to address, so I insert a separator line and then reply to the new post in order to avoid posting multiple consecutive replies in the same thread (which is something the forum guidelines discourage people from doing).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 17, 2021, 07:38:58 PM

Or - and this is a big one for me - when you were replying to the post directly above yours, and someone else posts, you might want to insert the quote you're replying to for context.

(Whew - got this one in there without having to add a quote! :-P)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kenarmy on March 17, 2021, 10:45:54 PM

That loud radar sound when the card is ready to be removed out of the machine. Like damn you don't have to be so violent and scream at me :-|

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 17, 2021, 10:49:39 PM

HONK HONK HONK

The retailer can override that sound effect with their own (I remember for a while, Target was having theirs make kind of a doorbell-chime sound). But for whatever reason, a lot of them stick with the angry goose.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 17, 2021, 10:49:52 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 17, 2021, 05:56:16 PM
Quote from: 1 on March 17, 2021, 05:44:56 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on March 17, 2021, 05:37:41 PM
When you make a post on this forum and are notified someone posted in the meantime, like you're going to go redo your post.

It's important. Sometimes the previous person replied with exactly what I was going to say, so I don't post in order to avoid duplication.

Or they're correcting something about the very post you're replying to.

Me, all day every day.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 18, 2021, 09:13:43 AM

Quote from: kenarmy on March 17, 2021, 10:45:54 PM
That loud radar sound when the card is ready to be removed out of the machine. Like damn you don't have to be so violent and scream at me :-|

It wouldn't be so bad, except that it says DO NOT REMOVE CARD until 0.00002 seconds before ONK! ONK! ONK! REMOVE CARD NOW, YOU IDIOT!!!!!!

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 10, 2021, 12:24:41 AM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on March 09, 2021, 10:10:50 PM

Quote from: jayhawkco on March 09, 2021, 01:08:25 PM
People that don't use a "ch" sound when saying mature.

You just reminded me of a huge peeve of mine: Singers who link words together with "ch," such as "wontchoo," cantchoo," "wouldjoo." No, it's "won't you," can't you," and "would you." Being a former barbershopper, I wince like I'm hearing someone scratching a chalkboard.

For what it's worth, this process of t + y becoming ch, and the similar process of d + y becoming j (as in education), is called palatalization, and it is a very common process in language change. Among other things, it is through palatalization that the letters c and g got their double pronunciation.

I think that people who oppose palatalization should be forced to pronounce these sound combinations in exactly the same way:

suit yourself = suture

wait your turn = nature

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 18, 2021, 09:14:29 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 17, 2021, 10:49:52 PM
Me, all day every day.

At least you included a quote before that, or else we'd think you annoy yourself–all day, every day.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on March 18, 2021, 11:07:17 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 18, 2021, 09:13:43 AM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 10, 2021, 12:24:41 AM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on March 09, 2021, 10:10:50 PM

Quote from: jayhawkco on March 09, 2021, 01:08:25 PM
People that don't use a "ch" sound when saying mature.

You just reminded me of a huge peeve of mine: Singers who link words together with "ch," such as "wontchoo," cantchoo," "wouldjoo." No, it's "won't you," can't you," and "would you." Being a former barbershopper, I wince like I'm hearing someone scratching a chalkboard.

For what it's worth, this process of t + y becoming ch, and the similar process of d + y becoming j (as in education), is called palatalization, and it is a very common process in language change. Among other things, it is through palatalization that the letters c and g got their double pronunciation.

I think that people who oppose palatalization should be forced to pronounce these sound combinations in exactly the same way:

suit yourself = suture

wait your turn = nature

There are many situations like this. Words ending in the same letter as the next one starts with (Richard Dune will sometimes sound like Richardune) . Words ending with a letter, and the next word starting with another letter that is very commonly used with the first letter combined to make another sound all together (Jack Reacher can sound like Ja Creature).

I understand some of this is accent based. I know my accent sometimes makes a T in the middle of a word sound more like a D. Of course PEN and PIN in the Texas accent almost sound like both are being pronounced PIN, but the reality to it is the accent makes the short E and short I very similar but not. Even though I do it from time to time because of my accent, if I think about it real hard I can keep my accent out of the pronunciations. Basically, I am saying if stuff runs together, its because I am being lazy. All you go to do is give a little bit of a crap and you can not sound so lazy. That's why it bothers me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 18, 2021, 11:14:16 AM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on March 18, 2021, 11:07:17 AM
I know my accent sometimes makes a T in the middle of a word sound more like a D.

That's normal, though. The words ladder and latter have identical pronunciations.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on March 18, 2021, 11:15:24 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 18, 2021, 11:14:16 AM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on March 18, 2021, 11:07:17 AM
I know my accent sometimes makes a T in the middle of a word sound more like a D.

That's normal, though. The words ladder and latter have identical pronunciations.

Normal, yes. Still aggravates me when I do it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 18, 2021, 11:19:38 AM

Why? Are there any places in the USA that don't pronounce them the same?

Same with liter and leader. Are those not homophones everywhere in this country?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on March 18, 2021, 12:26:45 PM

The sound at the start of the 2nd syllable in Wisconsin is not a C.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on March 18, 2021, 12:30:17 PM

Quote from: GaryV on March 18, 2021, 12:26:45 PM
The sound at the start of the 2nd syllable in Wisconsin is not a C.

What is it, then?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on March 18, 2021, 01:55:03 PM

Quote from: GaryV on March 18, 2021, 12:26:45 PM
The sound at the start of the 2nd syllable in Wisconsin is not a C.

What? Sure it is. Wis - CON (as in Conference) - sin.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 18, 2021, 02:12:32 PM

Quote from: 1 on March 18, 2021, 12:30:17 PM

Quote from: GaryV on March 18, 2021, 12:26:45 PM
The sound at the start of the 2nd syllable in Wisconsin is not a C.

What is it, then?

K :hmmm: :awesomeface:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on March 18, 2021, 02:15:13 PM

Wis - KAYn - sin

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 18, 2021, 02:29:55 PM

wis-KYAAAAN-sin

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on March 18, 2021, 03:01:38 PM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on March 18, 2021, 11:07:17 AM
Basically, I am saying if stuff runs together, its because I am being lazy. All you go to do is give a little bit of a crap and you can not sound so lazy. That's why it bothers me.

For what it's worth, I disagree with this assessment. The things you've discussed far are just a common and essentially universal aspect of language change. I don't think they derive from laziness, or if they do, it's not the sort of laziness I would consider to be a moral lapse. These sorts of processes are, after all, how the sounds of English that you do appreciate came about.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on March 18, 2021, 03:20:08 PM

Listen carefully to someone saying Wisconsin, and you'll hear a G in there. Because it's easier for the mouth/tongue to switch from S to G than from S to C.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 18, 2021, 03:20:57 PM

Having a dog, TV shows that are always ringing doorbells. Can anyone knock?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 18, 2021, 03:21:18 PM

Quote from: GaryV on March 18, 2021, 03:20:08 PM
Listen carefully to someone saying Wisconsin, and you'll hear a G in there. Because it's easier for the mouth/tongue to switch from S to G than from S to C.

Like Gualmart

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on March 18, 2021, 03:31:57 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 18, 2021, 03:01:38 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on March 18, 2021, 11:07:17 AM
Basically, I am saying if stuff runs together, its because I am being lazy. All you go to do is give a little bit of a crap and you can not sound so lazy. That's why it bothers me.

For what it's worth, I disagree with this assessment. The things you've discussed far are just a common and essentially universal aspect of language change. I don't think they derive from laziness, or if they do, it's not the sort of laziness I would consider to be a moral lapse. These sorts of processes are, after all, how the sounds of English that you do appreciate came about.

Didn't say it was a moral lapse. I just say I feel lazy when I slur words together....without any help from drinking.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 18, 2021, 03:34:04 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on March 18, 2021, 03:20:57 PM
Having a dog, TV shows that are always ringing doorbells. Can anyone knock?

I've never had a doorbell, yet my dogs have always barked at the TV doorbell.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on March 18, 2021, 03:54:56 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 18, 2021, 03:34:04 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on March 18, 2021, 03:20:57 PM
Having a dog, TV shows that are always ringing doorbells. Can anyone knock?

I've never had a doorbell, yet my dogs have always barked at the TV doorbell.

Mine too. I have a doorbell, but no one every comes over and no one ever rings it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 18, 2021, 04:26:03 PM

Car dome lights that don't turn off immediately after you lock the doors.

Did someone not shut his door all the way, or will it shut off in a little bit? I don't know, let me just stare at the car out here in the blowing snow for a while to find out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 18, 2021, 05:00:00 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 17, 2021, 12:07:05 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 16, 2021, 05:15:01 PM
And with certain things, such as gasoline sales, it's already the case.

Quote from: 1995hoo on March 16, 2021, 06:09:13 PM
I’m sure it could be done, given that concession stand prices at sports arenas generally display prices inclusive of tax.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 16, 2021, 11:01:13 PM
One word: Bars.

It is extremely common for bars to include the tax in the price of the drink.

With gas stations and concession stands, they're only selling a handful of items. Any time the tax rate changes, it's a relatively small endeavor to calculate the new price of each item. Note that, at a gas station, only the fuel at the pump is priced with tax included—not all the candy bars and cigarettes and Lorna Doone cookies and frozen burritos and bottles of Yoo-hoo and bags of ice and fountain drinks and antifreeze and beef jerky that the same establishment also sells.

With bars, there are more items being sold, but the number of price points might still be fairly small. That is, for example, they might have twenty-six kinds of beer, but they're all being sold at just one of three prices. Or all cocktails are sold for one of only two or three prices per glass, depending on what liquor is going into the shaker—even though the bartender knows how to make thirty different cocktails by memory and can look more up on Google as needed.

But, think about how many different items are sold at Hobby Lobby. Every time Flygut County passes a sales tax hike, do you want to be the guy who has to re-figure the sticker price of every single item? And then, when Catpecker County next door passes a similar but different tax hike twelve months later, to do it all over again, because you're in charge of both locations?

Quote from: texaskdog on March 16, 2021, 05:40:29 PM
[ Which honestly seems to underscore my point that businesses don't want to do the calculations beforehand, not that they can't.

if you cant do that math you shouldn't be in business

The math is that it isn't profitable to waste the necessary man-hours figuring out how to include tax in every item's price tag, when doing so provides your company little to no financial benefit. If you can't do that math, then you shouldn't be in business.

So how often do prices change? at the gas station we relabeled shelves once a year anyway (always moving things around)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on March 18, 2021, 05:21:20 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 18, 2021, 02:29:55 PM
wis-KYAAAAN-sin

The biggest error in pronouncing Wisconsin is mispronouncing the second letter as an "E".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on March 18, 2021, 05:38:25 PM

Sometimes I hear "wesconsin".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on March 18, 2021, 05:49:32 PM

Quote from: GaryV on March 18, 2021, 03:20:08 PM
Listen carefully to someone saying Wisconsin, and you'll hear a G in there. Because it's easier for the mouth/tongue to switch from S to G than from S to C.

I'm not sure I'm hearing the /g/, but even if it's there, the tongue position is the same for /g/ and /k/, so that's not what would be causing the difference. If I had to guess, the difference I think relates to aspiration, whereby /t/, /p/, and /k/ are strongly pronounced, most often at the beginning of a word (compare the t of top to stop), while /d/, /b/, and /g/ are never aspirated. And, because the "c" of Wisconsin isn't aspirated as much in its position, this might explain the perception that the "c" sounds like /g/. The pronunciation of skin, scan, scare, and so on would also be similar.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on March 18, 2021, 05:55:17 PM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on March 18, 2021, 03:31:57 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 18, 2021, 03:01:38 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on March 18, 2021, 11:07:17 AM
Basically, I am saying if stuff runs together, its because I am being lazy. All you go to do is give a little bit of a crap and you can not sound so lazy. That's why it bothers me.

For what it's worth, I disagree with this assessment. The things you've discussed far are just a common and essentially universal aspect of language change. I don't think they derive from laziness, or if they do, it's not the sort of laziness I would consider to be a moral lapse. These sorts of processes are, after all, how the sounds of English that you do appreciate came about.

Didn't say it was a moral lapse. I just say I feel lazy when I slur words together....without any help from drinking.

Fair enough. I, though, would prefer to think of myself as more evolved. :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 18, 2021, 07:29:33 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 18, 2021, 05:49:32 PM

Quote from: GaryV on March 18, 2021, 03:20:08 PM
Listen carefully to someone saying Wisconsin, and you'll hear a G in there. Because it's easier for the mouth/tongue to switch from S to G than from S to C.

I'm not sure I'm hearing the /g/, but even if it's there, the tongue position is the same for /g/ and /k/, so that's not what would be causing the difference. If I had to guess, the difference I think relates to aspiration, whereby /t/, /p/, and /k/ are strongly pronounced, most often at the beginning of a word (compare the t of top to stop), while /d/, /b/, and /g/ are never aspirated. And, because the "c" of Wisconsin isn't aspirated as much in its position, this might explain the perception that the "c" sounds like /g/. The pronunciation of skin, scan, scare, and so on would also be similar.

You're correct. Technically, the only difference between a k sound and a g sound is presence or absence of a puff of air coming our of your mouth at the time. Hold the back of your hand right in front of your mouth, and pay attention to which letters make you feel breath on your skin. Chances are, you don't feel any on the 'cin' part of 'Wisconsin'. However, you probably don't on the 'kin' of 'skin' either, so what does that really prove?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on March 18, 2021, 09:15:38 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 18, 2021, 07:29:33 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 18, 2021, 05:49:32 PM

Quote from: GaryV on March 18, 2021, 03:20:08 PM
Listen carefully to someone saying Wisconsin, and you'll hear a G in there. Because it's easier for the mouth/tongue to switch from S to G than from S to C.

I'm not sure I'm hearing the /g/, but even if it's there, the tongue position is the same for /g/ and /k/, so that's not what would be causing the difference. If I had to guess, the difference I think relates to aspiration, whereby /t/, /p/, and /k/ are strongly pronounced, most often at the beginning of a word (compare the t of top to stop), while /d/, /b/, and /g/ are never aspirated. And, because the "c" of Wisconsin isn't aspirated as much in its position, this might explain the perception that the "c" sounds like /g/. The pronunciation of skin, scan, scare, and so on would also be similar.

You're correct. Technically, the only difference between a k sound and a g sound is presence or absence of a puff of air coming our of your mouth at the time. Hold the back of your hand right in front of your mouth, and pay attention to which letters make you feel breath on your skin. Chances are, you don't feel any on the 'cin' part of 'Wisconsin'. However, you probably don't on the 'kin' of 'skin' either, so what does that really prove?

Well, there are several differences between the /k/ and /g/ sounds, of which the most telling is generally held to be their voicing, that is, whether or not the vocal cords are vibrating while you say the sound. One way to perceive voicing is to hold your hand to your neck while you say "ffffffffffffffffffffffffff" and then "vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv." But there are other distinctions between /k/ and /g/, and what can make things complicated is that not all of them necessarily appear all the time. One of those other distinctions is aspiration, which, as I've pointed out, tends to only manifest at the beginning of a stressed syllable, and even in that case, it generally only manifests in unvoiced consonants, and not voiced consonants. Think of, for example, the way Draco Malfoy might disparagingly say "Potter," with a very strong /p/, which would not happen, at least to the same degree, if his name was "Botter."

Anyway, what my point was in the preceding, and I admit I might be incorrect, is that because that aspiration is absent in the /k/ in Wisconsin, that sound might have been perceived as /g/ because /g/ always lacks aspiration. And if that is the case, then skin, scan, and scare, which have the same sound in the same linguistic context, might very well be perceived as sgin, sgan, and sgare.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on March 18, 2021, 10:45:08 PM

When You Say Wisconsin, you said it all:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on March 18, 2021, 10:47:07 PM

recursive acronyms:

php='php hypertext preprocessor'
kde='kde desktop environment'
i heard but am not 100% on gnu='gnu's not unix'

repetitive acronyms:

'atm machine'
'pin number'

that'd be like calling the thing you play football with a 'football ball'.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on March 18, 2021, 10:48:34 PM

On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin! Plunge right through that line!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 18, 2021, 11:10:33 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 18, 2021, 10:47:07 PM
recursive acronyms:

php='php hypertext preprocessor'
kde='kde desktop environment'
i heard but am not 100% on gnu='gnu's not unix'

These are a thing because the open-source programmers back in the 90s when these projects were getting started thought recursive acronyms were pretty funny. Open-source programmers have a kind of unique culture that has a strange sense of humor.

Anyway, I don't think KDE was ever a recursive acronym. The "K" was originally for "Kool" (because CDE was already taken by the Common Desktop Environment), but later they just dropped it and it was the "K Desktop Environment", until they dropped that and now it's just the "KDE Software Collection" or "KDE SC". Whatever it's called, it's better than GNOME.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on March 19, 2021, 08:23:07 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 18, 2021, 11:10:33 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 18, 2021, 10:47:07 PM
recursive acronyms:

php='php hypertext preprocessor'
kde='kde desktop environment'
i heard but am not 100% on gnu='gnu's not unix'
Whatever it's called, it's better than GNOME.

agreed there.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: renegade on March 19, 2021, 04:03:34 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 18, 2021, 10:47:07 PMrepetitive acronyms:

'atm machine'
'pin number'

that'd be like calling the thing you play football with a 'football ball'.

Don't forget about 'VIN number'.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on March 19, 2021, 07:13:02 PM

Things like "Lake Kemijärvi" or "Songjiang River", in which the native word for that feature is said and thus creating a redundancy ("Lake Kemi Lake" and "Song River River" respectively). Personally I would say "Lake Kemi" or "Song River". Another thing is the recently elected European Tree of the Year, a holly oak located in the little village of Lecina, Aragon, Spain (Lecina being an old Aragonese word for oak, so that would be the "oak of Oak", although given the tree's age it seems likely the village was named after the tree).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on March 19, 2021, 07:28:40 PM

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on March 19, 2021, 07:13:02 PM
Things like "Lake Kemijärvi" or "Songjiang River", in which the native word for that feature is said and thus creating a redundancy ("Lake Kemi Lake" and "Song River River" respectively). Personally I would say "Lake Kemi" or "Song River". Another thing is the recently elected European Tree of the Year, a holly oak located in the little village of Lecina, Aragon, Spain (Lecina being an old Aragonese word for oak, so that would be the "oak of Oak", although given the tree's age it seems likely the village was named after the tree).

Translation is a messy and imperfect art. Most people don't know the ethnic words involved. We have "Lake Thousand Lakes", but no one seems bothered by it and few probably even know what "Mille Lacs" means in French.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on March 20, 2021, 12:40:15 AM

The use of "K-9" for "canine."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 20, 2021, 12:46:41 AM

Quote from: hbelkins on March 20, 2021, 12:40:15 AM
The use of "K-9" for "canine."

K-9, you say?
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5a/US77sKS9wSignRoadCurve-SouthOfMarysville_%2828267188573%29.jpg/800px-US77sKS9wSignRoadCurve-SouthOfMarysville_%2828267188573%29.jpg)
(credit formulanone)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on March 20, 2021, 07:19:52 AM

This. That road is KS 9 (and US 77) for me, not K-9, which I consider nonstandard notation despite being official.

About the sales tax thing, that doesn't happen here in Spain (where it is called the Value Added Tax), there are fixed rates everywhere (well, at least on the mainland and the Balearics, since the Canaries, Ceuta and Melilla are under different tax regulations). Oh, and have I said the tax is (almost) always included in the price tag? So no surprises in that respect, except at some restaurants.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on March 20, 2021, 07:31:23 AM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 18, 2021, 10:47:07 PM
recursive acronyms:

php='php hypertext preprocessor'
kde='kde desktop environment'
i heard but am not 100% on gnu='gnu's not unix'

repetitive acronyms:

'atm machine'
'pin number'

that'd be like calling the thing you play football with a 'football ball'.

Oh the good ol' department of redundancy department.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tchafe1978 on March 20, 2021, 09:03:29 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on March 20, 2021, 07:31:23 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 18, 2021, 10:47:07 PM
recursive acronyms:

php='php hypertext preprocessor'
kde='kde desktop environment'
i heard but am not 100% on gnu='gnu's not unix'

repetitive acronyms:

'atm machine'
'pin number'

that'd be like calling the thing you play football with a 'football ball'.
Oh the good ol' department of redundancy department.

I remember listening to a radio morning show as a kid, the hosts hated the stat in baseball being said "RBIs", because to them that meant you were saying "runs batted ins". So they would always say it "RsBI." I suppose it make sense...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on March 20, 2021, 09:37:35 AM

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on March 20, 2021, 07:19:52 AM
...which I consider nonstandard notation despite being official.

Wut.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 20, 2021, 10:58:14 AM

Quote from: tchafe1978 on March 20, 2021, 09:03:29 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on March 20, 2021, 07:31:23 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 18, 2021, 10:47:07 PM
recursive acronyms:

php='php hypertext preprocessor'
kde='kde desktop environment'
i heard but am not 100% on gnu='gnu's not unix'

repetitive acronyms:

'atm machine'
'pin number'

that'd be like calling the thing you play football with a 'football ball'.
Oh the good ol' department of redundancy department.

I remember listening to a radio morning show as a kid, the hosts hated the stat in baseball being said "RBIs", because to them that meant you were saying "runs batted ins". So they would always say it "RsBI." I suppose it make sense...

I've always just said "RBI": "Howie Kendrick's grand slam gave him 4 RBI for the inning." It's correct regardless of whether it's singular or plural because the first word is "R" either way.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on March 20, 2021, 12:09:09 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on March 20, 2021, 10:58:14 AM
Quote from: tchafe1978 on March 20, 2021, 09:03:29 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on March 20, 2021, 07:31:23 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 18, 2021, 10:47:07 PM
recursive acronyms:

php='php hypertext preprocessor'
kde='kde desktop environment'
i heard but am not 100% on gnu='gnu's not unix'

repetitive acronyms:

'atm machine'
'pin number'

that'd be like calling the thing you play football with a 'football ball'.
Oh the good ol' department of redundancy department.

I remember listening to a radio morning show as a kid, the hosts hated the stat in baseball being said "RBIs", because to them that meant you were saying "runs batted ins". So they would always say it "RsBI." I suppose it make sense...

I've always just said "RBI": "Howie Kendrick's grand slam gave him 4 RBI for the inning." It's correct regardless of whether it's singular or plural because the first word is "R" either way.

i once heard an announcer say 'this guy is definitely getting the runs'

and i'm thinking .. 'what.. was last night enchilada night or something?'

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 20, 2021, 12:31:22 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 20, 2021, 12:09:09 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 20, 2021, 10:58:14 AM
Quote from: tchafe1978 on March 20, 2021, 09:03:29 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on March 20, 2021, 07:31:23 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 18, 2021, 10:47:07 PM
recursive acronyms:

php='php hypertext preprocessor'
kde='kde desktop environment'
i heard but am not 100% on gnu='gnu's not unix'

repetitive acronyms:

'atm machine'
'pin number'

that'd be like calling the thing you play football with a 'football ball'.
Oh the good ol' department of redundancy department.

I remember listening to a radio morning show as a kid, the hosts hated the stat in baseball being said "RBIs", because to them that meant you were saying "runs batted ins". So they would always say it "RsBI." I suppose it make sense...

I've always just said "RBI": "Howie Kendrick's grand slam gave him 4 RBI for the inning." It's correct regardless of whether it's singular or plural because the first word is "R" either way.

i once heard an announcer say 'this guy is definitely getting the runs'

and i'm thinking .. 'what.. was last night enchilada night or something?'

The Capitals' play-by-play announcer, Joe Beninati, frequently refers to a player who's been called for a penalty as going to "sit for a deuce." I don't know whether he's purposely punning, but I assume he is.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on March 20, 2021, 01:23:53 PM

Quote from: Rothman on March 20, 2021, 09:37:35 AM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on March 20, 2021, 07:19:52 AM
...which I consider nonstandard notation despite being official.

Wut.

I think he's saying that standard notation (or suffix) would be two letters for a state route/highway. Kansas would be 'KS', not 'K'. Likewise, Michigan would be 'MI', not 'M'. But it seems the single-letter suffix is the official notation.

He has a point. Not sure why those states, despite being one of many that share a common first letter, were able to capitalize on the single-letter abbreviation.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on March 20, 2021, 02:02:51 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on March 20, 2021, 07:31:23 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 18, 2021, 10:47:07 PM
recursive acronyms:

php='php hypertext preprocessor'
kde='kde desktop environment'
i heard but am not 100% on gnu='gnu's not unix'

repetitive acronyms:

'atm machine'
'pin number'

that'd be like calling the thing you play football with a 'football ball'.
Oh the good ol' department of redundancy department.

On sports TV: The XYZ halftime show, brought to you by XYZ.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: oscar on March 20, 2021, 02:33:52 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 18, 2021, 11:10:33 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 18, 2021, 10:47:07 PM
recursive acronyms:

php='php hypertext preprocessor'
kde='kde desktop environment'
i heard but am not 100% on gnu='gnu's not unix'

These are a thing because the open-source programmers back in the 90s when these projects were getting started thought recursive acronyms were pretty funny. Open-source programmers have a kind of unique culture that has a strange sense of humor.

Anyway, I don't think KDE was ever a recursive acronym. The "K" was originally for "Kool" (because CDE was already taken by the Common Desktop Environment), but later they just dropped it and it was the "K Desktop Environment", until they dropped that and now it's just the "KDE Software Collection" or "KDE SC". Whatever it's called, it's better than GNOME.

Another one coming out of that community (where I lurked on the fringes, at Snodfart's computer science department):

MUNG = Mung Until No Good

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 20, 2021, 03:52:05 PM

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on March 20, 2021, 07:19:52 AM
This. That road is KS 9 (and US 77) for me, not K-9, which I consider nonstandard notation despite being official.

Well, you're just wrong, then. It is K-9 in both official designation and by what people call it. It would be as if I said your country was Storkslapper for me, not Spain or EspaÃ±a, which I consider nonstandard notation despite being official.

Quote from: jakeroot on March 20, 2021, 01:23:53 PM
He has a point. Not sure why those states, despite being one of many that share a common first letter, were able to capitalize on the single-letter abbreviation.

I mean, not really. Using the postal code for state routes is something a few states do, but for most of them roadgeeks made it up wholesale. Nowhere in State of Oklahoma parlance are our roads ever referred to as "OK-xx" or "Oklahoma xx"; they are uniformly "SH-xx" or "State Highway xx" (one of the rare times ODOT is consistent about something!). In Missouri, the state highways are not "MO-xx", but officially "Route xx", which is never to be abbreviated to "Rt." officially. "SH" and "Route" can be ambiguous, though (there are lots of states that use "SH", including Texas next door, and "Route" could refer to any numbered highway) so we as roadgeeks distinguish between them with postal codes because we talk about routes in a lot of different states.

Kansas and Michigan just made their routes K- and M- and just got lucky that Kentucky, Missouri, Minnesota, etc. didn't decide to do the same thing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on March 20, 2021, 03:57:48 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on March 20, 2021, 01:23:53 PM
Quote from: Rothman on March 20, 2021, 09:37:35 AM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on March 20, 2021, 07:19:52 AM
...which I consider nonstandard notation despite being official.

Wut.

I think he's saying that standard notation (or suffix) would be two letters for a state route/highway. Kansas would be 'KS', not 'K'. Likewise, Michigan would be 'MI', not 'M'. But it seems the single-letter suffix is the official notation.

He has a point. Not sure why those states, despite being one of many that share a common first letter, were able to capitalize on the single-letter abbreviation.

I guess those states just used it in their official documentation; however, Pennsylvania could just start using P-611, Florida could extoll the virtues of a single character dropped by switching to F-794, and Delaware can use D-141 at any time, but they haven't.

At this point, it would just add to confusion and take three decades to change an unseen speck of dust. I, and many other road geeks/enthusiasts/fans/foamers use the state abbreviation for denoting ribbons of routes outside their home state because there's only so many SHs and SRs to go around without complicating discussion.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on March 20, 2021, 04:02:23 PM

Quote from: formulanone on March 20, 2021, 03:57:48 PM
Pennsylvania could just start using P-611

Or they could decide to call it US 611, the same way that Colorado has one and only one route beginning with "E-".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 20, 2021, 05:35:27 PM

#1 for me...people sighing. Does sighing prompt anyone to change their behavior? I once sat next to a burned out employee and counted his sighs all day. hundreds.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 20, 2021, 05:36:39 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on March 20, 2021, 07:31:23 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 18, 2021, 10:47:07 PM
recursive acronyms:

php='php hypertext preprocessor'
kde='kde desktop environment'
i heard but am not 100% on gnu='gnu's not unix'

repetitive acronyms:

'atm machine'
'pin number'

that'd be like calling the thing you play football with a 'football ball'.
Oh the good ol' department of redundancy department.

Like New York Football Giants. The baseball Giants left New York 64 years ago.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 20, 2021, 05:38:35 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on March 20, 2021, 05:36:39 PM
Quote from: SSOWorld on March 20, 2021, 07:31:23 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 18, 2021, 10:47:07 PM
recursive acronyms:

php='php hypertext preprocessor'
kde='kde desktop environment'
i heard but am not 100% on gnu='gnu's not unix'

repetitive acronyms:

'atm machine'
'pin number'

that'd be like calling the thing you play football with a 'football ball'.
Oh the good ol' department of redundancy department.

Like New York Football Giants. The baseball Giants left New York 64 years ago.

That's just people/ESPN Broadcasters having fun with the team name. At least it's not official, like Washington Football Team.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 20, 2021, 05:43:03 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 20, 2021, 05:38:35 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on March 20, 2021, 05:36:39 PM
Quote from: SSOWorld on March 20, 2021, 07:31:23 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 18, 2021, 10:47:07 PM
recursive acronyms:

php='php hypertext preprocessor'
kde='kde desktop environment'
i heard but am not 100% on gnu='gnu's not unix'

repetitive acronyms:

'atm machine'
'pin number'

that'd be like calling the thing you play football with a 'football ball'.
Oh the good ol' department of redundancy department.

Like New York Football Giants. The baseball Giants left New York 64 years ago.

That's just people/ESPN Broadcasters having fun with the team name. At least it's not official, like Washington Football Team.

That's kind of funny. It shows A) if you hate our name we just wont have one B) they sound like any soccer team that goes nameless

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on March 20, 2021, 06:59:59 PM

"National" chains that aren't actually national.

Last time I checked, the Pacific Northwest is a pretty major part of this nation.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on March 20, 2021, 08:59:09 PM

Quote from: oscar on March 20, 2021, 02:33:52 PM

Another one coming out of that community (where I lurked on the fringes, at Snodfart's computer science department):

MUNG = Mung Until No Good
[/quote]

PINE = Pine Is Not Elm. (Did anyone here ever read m.t.r with Pine or Elm?)

Quote from: 1995hoo on March 20, 2021, 10:58:14 AM
Quote from: tchafe1978 on March 20, 2021, 09:03:29 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on March 20, 2021, 07:31:23 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 18, 2021, 10:47:07 PM
recursive acronyms:

php='php hypertext preprocessor'
kde='kde desktop environment'
i heard but am not 100% on gnu='gnu's not unix'

repetitive acronyms:

'atm machine'
'pin number'

that'd be like calling the thing you play football with a 'football ball'.
Oh the good ol' department of redundancy department.

I remember listening to a radio morning show as a kid, the hosts hated the stat in baseball being said "RBIs", because to them that meant you were saying "runs batted ins". So they would always say it "RsBI." I suppose it make sense...

I've always just said "RBI": "Howie Kendrick's grand slam gave him 4 RBI for the inning." It's correct regardless of whether it's singular or plural because the first word is "R" either way.

The plural of the title of the top elected lawyer in a state (or appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate at the federal level) is attorneys general, not attorney generals. I'm still unsure about the plural of the title of the top elected county official in Kentucky. It's county judge-executive (it used to be county judge until the system of county courts was abolished, and then the position was known as county judge-executive). I don't know whether to call them county judges-executive or county judge-executives.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on March 21, 2021, 08:17:58 AM

Quote from: hbelkins on March 20, 2021, 08:59:09 PM
PINE = Pine Is Not Elm. (Did anyone here ever read m.t.r with Pine or Elm?)

i used to. nice, quick and dirty without all that tedious mucking about with a gui.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 21, 2021, 01:30:42 PM

Quote from: Bruce on March 20, 2021, 06:59:59 PM
"National" chains that aren't actually national.

World Champions for sports that only play in one country

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on March 21, 2021, 02:12:20 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on March 21, 2021, 01:30:42 PM
Quote from: Bruce on March 20, 2021, 06:59:59 PM
"National" chains that aren't actually national.

World Champions for sports that only play in one country

Miss Universe that only consists of contestants of one planet.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on March 21, 2021, 03:46:34 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on March 20, 2021, 08:59:09 PMPINE = Pine Is Not Elm. (Did anyone here ever read m.t.r with Pine or Elm?)

I think I tried Pine once with Usenet newsgroups, though I used it almost exclusively for email. When I transitioned to reading newsgroups through an email client briefly before I quit Usenet altogether, I used Thunderbird. I didn't feel I was getting enough out of MTR in its later days to justify the learning curve of transitioning to a Unix-based client that would have offered content filtration.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kenarmy on March 21, 2021, 04:14:46 PM

Speaking of, it bothers me when there is a "1-XXX- XXX- "insert random word" . like just give me the whole number i dont have time to pay attention to those little letters 🙄. It's designed to help you remember but it doesn't help.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on March 21, 2021, 04:28:46 PM

^^ Or when a company tells you to call 1-800-8letters. It always has 7 digits after the "1-800", so what are you supposed to do with the 8th or more digits?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 21, 2021, 07:55:15 PM

For a while there, the phone I had didn't include the "traditional" dialing letters, because it had a QWERTY physical keyboard and the numbers were simply part of that keyboard. So if someone wanted to include an "S" or something like that in their phone number I would have had no way to translate it to the number it was supposed to be. Guess how many of that kind of phone number I called after I got that phone?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on March 21, 2021, 11:14:57 PM

What's funny is that Alps laughs of what I say sometimes. :D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 21, 2021, 11:24:38 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on March 21, 2021, 11:14:57 PM
What's funny is that Alps laughs of what I say sometimes. :D

And that bothers you?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 21, 2021, 11:38:29 PM

Quote from: Big John on March 21, 2021, 02:12:20 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on March 21, 2021, 01:30:42 PM
Quote from: Bruce on March 20, 2021, 06:59:59 PM
"National" chains that aren't actually national.

World Champions for sports that only play in one country
Miss Universe that only consists of contestants of one planet.

Genius!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on March 21, 2021, 11:47:28 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 21, 2021, 11:24:38 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 21, 2021, 11:14:57 PM
What's funny is that Alps laughs of what I say sometimes. :D

And that bothers you?

Naw, not really. I don't want to be rude

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 21, 2021, 11:54:22 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on March 21, 2021, 11:47:28 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 21, 2021, 11:24:38 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 21, 2021, 11:14:57 PM
What's funny is that Alps laughs of what I say sometimes. :D

And that bothers you?
Naw, not really.

Why did you post it in "minor things that bother you" then?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kenarmy on March 21, 2021, 11:56:33 PM

Speaking of.. i'm banned from the chat and i'm not exactly sure why :colorful:.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on March 22, 2021, 12:17:34 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 21, 2021, 11:54:22 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 21, 2021, 11:47:28 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 21, 2021, 11:24:38 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 21, 2021, 11:14:57 PM
What's funny is that Alps laughs of what I say sometimes. :D

And that bothers you?
Naw, not really.

Why did you post it in "minor things that bother you" then?

Cause I wanted to joke.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 22, 2021, 08:18:30 AM

Quote from: kenarmy on March 21, 2021, 11:56:33 PM
Speaking of.. i'm banned from the chat and i'm not exactly sure why :colorful:.

That might happen if you join, but don't contribute anything. Relevant quote from about a year ago is below:

Quote from: Alps on June 09, 2020, 12:32:33 AM
Quote from: webny99 on June 08, 2020, 11:30:50 PM
Do you have to contribute to the chat in order to stay? I jumped in just to see what it was all about, but got bumped back to the forum home page before long.
Yes, you shouldn't sit there.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 22, 2021, 09:17:42 AM

Lurking is discouraged

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on March 22, 2021, 09:54:04 AM

A long time ago, I would enter the chat only to kick off the last poster who had not logged out properly the previous night (it would say "connection timed out"), then exit properly in order to leave the chat room totally empty.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 22, 2021, 09:59:59 AM

Not really a minor thing but who are always late. They have no respect for anyone else's time. My wife has two friend, if you want them somewhere at 8 you tell one 7:30 and one 8:30.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on March 22, 2021, 02:26:16 PM

Quote from: Big John on March 21, 2021, 02:12:20 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on March 21, 2021, 01:30:42 PM
Quote from: Bruce on March 20, 2021, 06:59:59 PM
"National" chains that aren't actually national.

World Champions for sports that only play in one country
Miss Universe that only consists of contestants of one planet.

You win the thread! :D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 22, 2021, 03:02:02 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 18, 2021, 07:29:33 PM
You're correct. Technically, the only difference between a k sound and a g sound is presence or absence of a puff of air coming our of your mouth at the time. Hold the back of your hand right in front of your mouth, and pay attention to which letters make you feel breath on your skin. Chances are, you don't feel any on the 'cin' part of 'Wisconsin'. However, you probably don't on the 'kin' of 'skin' either, so what does that really prove?

I'm late to this, and someone already mentioned the real difference between g and k is the voicing, but another fun one is holding your hand in front of your mouth and say 'pot', noticing the puff of air after the 'p', but then saying 'spot' and not feeling the aspiration. In English, we still hear them the same because they are allophones, or different versions of the same phoneme depending on their environment. In other languages, my favorite being Malayalam, they have 4 different 't's, one aspirated, one unaspirated, one dental (with the tongue on the teeth instead of the alveolar ridge), and one retroflex (with the tongue curled up and creating a stereotypical Indian accent). All four of those are separate sounds and can create different words if you use the wrong one.

</linguistics>

Chris

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: frankenroad on March 22, 2021, 03:51:05 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on March 22, 2021, 09:59:59 AM
Not really a minor thing but who are always late. They have no respect for anyone else's time. My wife has two friend, if you want them somewhere at 8 you tell one 7:30 and one 8:30.

My aunt and uncle were famous for being late. If my grandmother was having a family event, she would tell them the start time was, say 12:00, and she would tell my parents 1:00. We would arrive promptly at 1:00 (or a few minutes before), and it would usually be a good 15-20 minutes more before my aunt and uncle showed up. Then I married into a family like my aunt and uncle, and would often tell my wife an earlier time than we needed to be somewhere, and often we'd still be late. Drove me nuts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 22, 2021, 03:58:10 PM

Quote from: frankenroad on March 22, 2021, 03:51:05 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on March 22, 2021, 09:59:59 AM
Not really a minor thing but who are always late. They have no respect for anyone else's time. My wife has two friend, if you want them somewhere at 8 you tell one 7:30 and one 8:30.

My aunt and uncle were famous for being late. If my grandmother was having a family event, she would tell them the start time was, say 12:00, and she would tell my parents 1:00. We would arrive promptly at 1:00 (or a few minutes before), and it would usually be a good 15-20 minutes more before my aunt and uncle showed up. Then I married into a family like my aunt and uncle, and would often tell my wife an earlier time than we needed to be somewhere, and often we'd still be late. Drove me nuts.

I always think it's funny when people complain about being fired for excessive tardiness.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 22, 2021, 04:21:04 PM

Back when I was working for the casino, I was late to personal things all the time because my job was such a stickler about tardiness that, on my days off, I was simply not willing to put myself through the stress (leave the house early, speeding/running yellow lights to make up time, etc.) that I did on workdays. So if someone was going to be pissed off at me for being late, I'd just as soon stay home and not go through all that.

Insisting that someone is on time to the minute, especially if it's something that's not important, shows no respect for their time, because in order to 100% guarantee that they satisfy your demand that they're on time, they usually have to build a schedule with enough let in it to compensate for things like red lights or people driving slow in front of them, and if none of the bad things end up happening, they end up milling around for ten minutes waiting on you.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 22, 2021, 04:44:08 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 22, 2021, 04:21:04 PM
Back when I was working for the casino, I was late to personal things all the time because my job was such a stickler about tardiness that, on my days off, I was simply not willing to put myself through the stress (leave the house early, speeding/running yellow lights to make up time, etc.) that I did on workdays. So if someone was going to be pissed off at me for being late, I'd just as soon stay home and not go through all that.

Insisting that someone is on time to the minute, especially if it's something that's not important, shows no respect for their time, because in order to 100% guarantee that they satisfy your demand that they're on time, they usually have to build a schedule with enough let in it to compensate for things like red lights or people driving slow in front of them, and if none of the bad things end up happening, they end up milling around for ten minutes waiting on you.

True dat, I'm one of those OCD people who times everything to the minute.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on March 22, 2021, 05:12:01 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 22, 2021, 04:21:04 PMInsisting that someone is on time to the minute, especially if it's something that's not important, shows no respect for their time, because in order to 100% guarantee that they satisfy your demand that they're on time, they usually have to build a schedule with enough let in it to compensate for things like red lights or people driving slow in front of them, and if none of the bad things end up happening, they end up milling around for ten minutes waiting on you.

I've found that the social penalties associated with being late (either petty unpunctuality such as one minute past the set time, or more substantial fractions of an hour) vary considerably depending on the context. For most things, I usually aim to be slightly early just to take punctuality off the table as a potential issue. I also sometimes find informal conversation during interstitial time (e.g., while waiting for something to happen) is a very efficient way of resolving certain issues. In any event, I always have something in hand to occupy myself.

I've seen minor deficiencies in timekeeping used as a way to accelerate employee attrition. For example, when Wichita city government was looking to make cuts to accommodate a budget squeeze three years ago rather than increase the mill levy, at least one city department instituted a rule that if you showed up even one second late on more than five occasions through the year, you would be progressed to termination.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 22, 2021, 05:17:03 PM

One second late is silly people who are frequently 15 minutes that's different

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 22, 2021, 06:46:03 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on March 22, 2021, 05:12:01 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 22, 2021, 04:21:04 PMInsisting that someone is on time to the minute, especially if it's something that's not important, shows no respect for their time, because in order to 100% guarantee that they satisfy your demand that they're on time, they usually have to build a schedule with enough let in it to compensate for things like red lights or people driving slow in front of them, and if none of the bad things end up happening, they end up milling around for ten minutes waiting on you.

I've found that the social penalties associated with being late (either petty unpunctuality such as one minute past the set time, or more substantial fractions of an hour) vary considerably depending on the context. For most things, I usually aim to be slightly early just to take punctuality off the table as a potential issue. I also sometimes find informal conversation during interstitial time (e.g., while waiting for something to happen) is a very efficient way of resolving certain issues. In any event, I always have something in hand to occupy myself.

If someone is inclined to penalize me for something so trivial as being slightly late, then my best bet is to simply put myself in a position where I cannot be so penalized–by removing myself from that person's social circle and thus any obligations to be on time for them. If I am socializing with someone, we are doing so in order to have a good time and enjoy each others' company, and if I have to stress myself to comport to their expectation, or they are going to be angry with me for not arriving on time, one or both of us are not going to be having a good time or enjoying ourselves, so what's the point?

Obviously there are times when one has to just hunker down and kowtow to someone else's schedule (things like flight schedules and meetings with public officials and the like). But we have done things like switch doctors in part because their staff was cantankerous at us for being late to an appointment and almost not letting my wife see the doctor.

Quote
I've seen minor deficiencies in timekeeping used as a way to accelerate employee attrition. For example, when Wichita city government was looking to make cuts to accommodate a budget squeeze three years ago rather than increase the mill levy, at least one city department instituted a rule that if you showed up even one second late on more than five occasions through the year, you would be progressed to termination.

This was my workplace to a T–thus why I had no tolerance for those that wanted to subject me to the same stress my employer did.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on March 22, 2021, 07:57:36 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 22, 2021, 06:46:03 PMIf someone is inclined to penalize me for something so trivial as being slightly late, then my best bet is to simply put myself in a position where I cannot be so penalized–by removing myself from that person's social circle and thus any obligations to be on time for them. If I am socializing with someone, we are doing so in order to have a good time and enjoy each others' company, and if I have to stress myself to comport to their expectation, or they are going to be angry with me for not arriving on time, one or both of us are not going to be having a good time or enjoying ourselves, so what's the point?

Obviously there are times when one has to just hunker down and kowtow to someone else's schedule (things like flight schedules and meetings with public officials and the like). But we have done things like switch doctors in part because their staff was cantankerous at us for being late to an appointment and almost not letting my wife see the doctor.

I don't like to sweat timekeeping either, so I have multiple strategies. Being slightly early to engagements made well in advance is one--knowing that there is padding in case I am unexpectedly delayed is helpful in reducing stress. Another is to avoid committing to a given time and place if I have a sense the other party isn't going to defend the time slot.

For example, I occasionally have Google chat conversations with a friend thousands of miles away who tends to overschedule and has a history of being late or no-showing. I have learned this is more likely to happen if we have talked recently, so when we talk for the first time after a hiatus and he suggests we set a time to get together again in a week or so, I just say, "That sounds like a nice idea. Why don't you check your schedule and get back to me?" This reduces the chances I'm kept waiting for something that is not going to happen.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on March 23, 2021, 03:27:49 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on March 22, 2021, 05:17:03 PM
One second late is silly people who are frequently 15 minutes that's different

A cliché here in Wisconsin is 'Vince Lombardi time' - "If you are 15 minutes early, you are on time. If you are on time, you are late and if you are late, don't bother!"

:-o

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 23, 2021, 08:29:35 AM

Quote from: mgk920 on March 23, 2021, 03:27:49 AM
Quote from: texaskdog on March 22, 2021, 05:17:03 PM
One second late is silly people who are frequently 15 minutes that's different

A cliché here in Wisconsin is 'Vince Lombardi time' - "If you are 15 minutes early, you are on time. If you are on time, you are late and if you are late, don't bother!"

:-o

Mike

I thought that was the military

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on March 23, 2021, 08:54:50 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 22, 2021, 06:46:03 PM
But we have done things like switch doctors in part because their staff was cantankerous at us for being late to an appointment and almost not letting my wife see the doctor.

Obviously you should try to be on time, but if you have a good reason once or twice, they shouldn't get upset with you. Compare it to how many times you got there on time but the doctor was running late!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Frafra Zoomer on March 23, 2021, 11:42:12 AM

True. I hate that so much

Quote from: kphoger on March 18, 2021, 04:26:03 PM
Car dome lights that don't turn off immediately after you lock the doors.

Did someone not shut his door all the way, or will it shut off in a little bit? I don't know, let me just stare at the car out here in the blowing snow for a while to find out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on March 23, 2021, 11:46:35 AM

Quote from: Frafra Zoomer on March 23, 2021, 11:42:12 AM
True. I hate that so much

Quote from: kphoger on March 18, 2021, 04:26:03 PM
Car dome lights that don't turn off immediately after you lock the doors.

Did someone not shut his door all the way, or will it shut off in a little bit? I don't know, let me just stare at the car out here in the blowing snow for a while to find out.

omg i HATE that. mine, will stay on and slowly dim to darkness... which makes me wonder if the battery is shot (or begging to be shot)

and cars that leave the lights on after you shut them off. my car has a headlight switch that as far as i can tell, does nothing. the only time i touch it is to go from high to low. if the car thinks its dark, it turns on the main headlights, otherwise its the dimmer daytime ones.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on March 23, 2021, 12:27:52 PM

Speaking of automotive lighting:

Headlamps that stay on even after you lock the car. Regardless if they're automatic or not.

My VW has three options (off, DRL, on), all of which default to "off" when the ignition is off (so this is not a personal issue). But there are some brands where the lights will stay on until the timeout period occurs. And then infinitely more where the lights will stay on until they kill the battery. Genius.

I seem to recall Honda, Acura, Nissan, and Infiniti having no way to shut off the automatic headlamps until the timeout occurs. Many others (GM vehicles, FCA vehicles (unlock+lock x2), Toyota, etc) allow you to double-click the lock button to turn off the lights. This is the way it should be, IMO.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on March 23, 2021, 01:16:11 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on March 23, 2021, 12:27:52 PMSpeaking of automotive lighting:

Headlamps that stay on even after you lock the car. Regardless if they're automatic or not.

My VW has three options (off, DRL, on), all of which default to "off" when the ignition is off (so this is not a personal issue). But there are some brands where the lights will stay on until the timeout period occurs. And then infinitely more where the lights will stay on until they kill the battery. Genius.

I seem to recall Honda, Acura, Nissan, and Infiniti having no way to shut off the automatic headlamps until the timeout occurs. Many others (GM vehicles, FCA vehicles, Toyota, etc) allow you to double-click the lock button to turn off the lights. This is the way it should be, IMO.

We have a Camry with auto headlamps and courtesy lighting (as the delay before turning off interior and exterior lighting is called--the intent is to help you see your way in a darkened garage or other unlit area). I simply let it operate as normal when I'm hooking the battery up to a maintainer immediately after parking. If I'm out and about and don't need or want the extra illumination, I simply turn the headlamp switch from Auto to DRL Off, open a door or the trunk, and switch back to Auto.

I've generally found that when cars are equipped with courtesy lighting, there are other ways to distinguish normal operation from undesirable conditions like false door closure: for example, door mechanisms are more gently sprung so that you can keep your finger on the door edge all the way when closing it and check that it sits flush with the rest of the body. There are often also security lights that come on when the locks successfully engage (not possible when a door is open), door-open telltales that show even when the key is not in the ignition, etc.

My biggest automotive lighting annoyance is courtesy lighting that energizes the backup lamps when someone uses RKE to unlock the car. This makes it difficult to tell whether the vehicle has just been opened for passengers to board or is imminently about to reverse into my path. This is GM's company-wide design approach, apparently because it was the most convenient or economical for them with the wiring harness designs they were using in the mid-noughties.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on March 23, 2021, 02:12:26 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on March 23, 2021, 01:16:11 PM
We have a Camry with auto headlamps and courtesy lighting (as the delay before turning off interior and exterior lighting is called--the intent is to help you see your way in a darkened garage or other unlit area). I simply let it operate as normal when I'm hooking the battery up to a maintainer immediately after parking. If I'm out and about and don't need or want the extra illumination, I simply turn the headlamp switch from Auto to DRL Off, open a door or the trunk, and switch back to Auto.

I've generally found that when cars are equipped with courtesy lighting, there are other ways to distinguish normal operation from undesirable conditions like false door closure: for example, door mechanisms are more gently sprung so that you can keep your finger on the door edge all the way when closing it and check that it sits flush with the rest of the body. There are often also security lights that come on when the locks successfully engage (not possible when a door is open), door-open telltales that show even when the key is not in the ignition, etc.

My biggest automotive lighting annoyance is courtesy lighting that energizes the backup lamps when someone uses RKE to unlock the car. This makes it difficult to tell whether the vehicle has just been opened for passengers to board or is imminently about to reverse into my path. This is GM's company-wide design approach, apparently because it was the most convenient or economical for them with the wiring harness designs they were using in the mid-noughties.

I have personally chosen to keep the interior lights on until I lock my car, so I can have some ambient lighting. This is certainly one advantage of courtesy lighting, although my annoyance with timeouts does persist.

When it comes to door closure, I have my VW set to the following: if all the doors are closed, the horn chirps and the blinkers flash once; if anything is even slightly ajar, it will not chirp and the blinkers will not flash. I prefer this method of checking for doors as I don't even have to look at the car. So far, I've not had any instances of false locking (where it ostensibly locks, but a door is actually barely still open).

The backup lamps-as-courtesy lighting is indeed very confusing. When I was a valet, this wasn't necessarily a problem, as the vehicles were always backed in and the backup lights were not usually visible. But it was a problem in the driveway, when people would visibly avoid being behind some of those GM vehicles because they thought they might begin reversing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 23, 2021, 03:11:27 PM

Quote from: GaryV on March 23, 2021, 08:54:50 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 22, 2021, 06:46:03 PM
But we have done things like switch doctors in part because their staff was cantankerous at us for being late to an appointment and almost not letting my wife see the doctor.
Obviously you should try to be on time, but if you have a good reason once or twice, they shouldn't get upset with you. Compare it to how many times you got there on time but the doctor was running late!

We were coming from Norman and the appointment was in Northwest Oklahoma City and got slowed down by traffic. And yeah, we still had to wait on the doctor, even though we were late...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 23, 2021, 03:21:47 PM

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on March 19, 2021, 07:13:02 PM
Things like "Lake Kemijärvi" or "Songjiang River", in which the native word for that feature is said and thus creating a redundancy ("Lake Kemi Lake" and "Song River River" respectively).

Here in this country, people say 'RÃo Grande River'. Then again, in Mexico, they call it the RÃo Bravo, so there's that.

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on March 20, 2021, 07:19:52 AM
This. That road is KS 9 (and US 77) for me, not K-9, which I consider nonstandard notation despite being official.

As has been pointed out, 'KS 9' isn't really all that more 'standard'. Plenty of states would refer to it as 'SH 9' or 'SR 9' instead.

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on March 22, 2021, 09:54:04 AM
A long time ago, I would enter the chat only to kick off the last poster who had not logged out properly the previous night (it would say "connection timed out"), then exit properly in order to leave the chat room totally empty.

A couple of times, I joined a mIRC chatroom that had no mods at the time. So I got to change the topic to whatever the heck I wanted.

Quote from: GaryV on March 23, 2021, 08:54:50 AM
Obviously you should try to be on time, but if you have a good reason once or twice, they shouldn't get upset with you. Compare it to how many times you got there on time but the doctor was running late!

Yesterday afternoon, we had an applicant come in here at the office. A truck full of animal parts had overturned on the northbound Canal Route, and traffic was stopped while he was heading up here. Furthermore, it was raining a lot that day, I think he was unfamiliar with the area, and our building is set way back from the road. So he called me when he finally got up near here, stating he was in the area but couldn't find our office. After all that, he still managed to walk in less than 15 minutes after his interview was scheduled. Yet the manager and both supervisors had already left. Good grief!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kenarmy on March 23, 2021, 07:59:30 PM

When people are always trying to correct thread titles and replies, but like in a smartass fashion. And it really doesn't contribute to anything. Just move along and take that mess somewhere else 😭👋.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 23, 2021, 08:17:44 PM

Quote from: kenarmy on March 23, 2021, 07:59:30 PM
When people are always trying to correct thread titles and replies, but like in a smartass fashion. And it really doesn't contribute to anything. Just move along and take that mess somewhere else 😭👋.

It wouldn't be a roadgeek forum if people weren't pedantic.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 23, 2021, 09:04:04 PM

Quote from: kenarmy on March 23, 2021, 07:59:30 PM
When people are always trying to correct thread titles and replies, but like in a smartass fashion. And it really doesn't contribute to anything. Just move along and take that mess somewhere else 😭👋.

You could have just said kphoger. Would have saved you some typing.

Mods: You should totally make a custom badge for my profile that includes the word "snark". I'd wear it like a scarlet letter.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 23, 2021, 09:09:50 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 23, 2021, 09:04:04 PM
Mods: You should totally make a custom badge for my profile that includes the word "snark". I'd wear it like a scarlet letter.

It's not an official badge, but US71 is already the "Master of Snark".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kenarmy on March 23, 2021, 09:42:30 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 23, 2021, 09:04:04 PM
Quote from: kenarmy on March 23, 2021, 07:59:30 PM
When people are always trying to correct thread titles and replies, but like in a smartass fashion. And it really doesn't contribute to anything. Just move along and take that mess somewhere else 😭👋.

You could have just said kphoger. Would have saved you some typing.

Mods: You should totally make a custom badge for my profile that includes the word "snark". I'd wear it like a scarlet letter.

sure i could've, but there are several others 🍵.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 24, 2021, 04:02:55 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 23, 2021, 03:11:27 PM
Quote from: GaryV on March 23, 2021, 08:54:50 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 22, 2021, 06:46:03 PM
But we have done things like switch doctors in part because their staff was cantankerous at us for being late to an appointment and almost not letting my wife see the doctor.
Obviously you should try to be on time, but if you have a good reason once or twice, they shouldn't get upset with you. Compare it to how many times you got there on time but the doctor was running late!

We were coming from Norman and the appointment was in Northwest Oklahoma City and got slowed down by traffic. And yeah, we still had to wait on the doctor, even though we were late...

At that point you were being punished.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on March 25, 2021, 08:25:49 PM

"Drive like your kids live here" or similar wording on any road with a center yellow line.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 25, 2021, 10:36:19 PM

Quote from: 1 on March 25, 2021, 08:25:49 PM
"Drive like your kids live here" or similar wording on any road with a center yellow line.

I do, because my kids know not to play in the street or run into the street without looking.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on March 25, 2021, 10:48:55 PM

The drive up ATM when the car in front of you stays there for more than five minutes without withdrawing or depositing. Most of the time the driver sits there and occasionally his or her hand comes out to push a few buttons, before another long pause, to return to the machine to push more buttons and then pull the arm in for another indefinite period to then again push more buttons to start over.

Sometimes the walk up ATM is more efficient.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on March 25, 2021, 10:49:33 PM

When a stranger hugs you cause you don't know them (to be honest, this is real and it happened!).

I was going to post this a while back but I thought it would make people laugh.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 25, 2021, 11:21:24 PM

Quote from: 1 on March 25, 2021, 08:25:49 PM
"Drive like your kids live here" or similar wording on any road with a center yellow line.

Those bother me regardless of whether there's a center yellow line or not.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on March 26, 2021, 02:27:16 AM

Quote from: 1 on March 25, 2021, 08:25:49 PM
"Drive like your kids live here" or similar wording on any road with a center yellow line.

If my kids live there, then I can pull into the driveway, open the fridge, have a beer, grill a couple steaks, call a babysitter to have the kids live somewhere else for a few hours, have a nice romantic evening with the wife, ... oh wait, my kids don't live here?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on March 26, 2021, 09:03:34 AM

If I drove like my kids, I'd probably be dead; or at least, need a new car.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Zeffy on March 26, 2021, 09:23:59 AM

Quote from: tolbs17 on March 25, 2021, 10:49:33 PM
When a stranger hugs you cause you don't know them (to be honest, this is real and it happened!).

I was going to post this a while back but I thought it would make people laugh.

Where I'm at in life, I'd take hugs no questions asked.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 26, 2021, 09:33:49 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on March 25, 2021, 10:48:55 PM
The drive up ATM when the car in front of you stays there for more than five minutes without withdrawing or depositing. Most of the time the driver sits there and occasionally his or her hand comes out to push a few buttons, before another long pause, to return to the machine to push more buttons and then pull the arm in for another indefinite period to then again push more buttons to start over.

Sometimes the walk up ATM is more efficient.

Also with drive up windows at fast food places. I hate drive throughs I only use them now because I have asthma and I'd rather not deal with all the protocols. You wait behind someone for 10 minutes and they always have either 10 bags of food or one small items. If you see a large van or SUV you're doomed. At least more places now are having you pull ahead.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 26, 2021, 09:34:41 AM

Quote from: Zeffy on March 26, 2021, 09:23:59 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 25, 2021, 10:49:33 PM
When a stranger hugs you cause you don't know them (to be honest, this is real and it happened!).

I was going to post this a while back but I thought it would make people laugh.

Where I'm at in life, I'd take hugs no questions asked.

I love hugs. the funniest hugs are the ones where the person talks to you like 2 inches in front of you and youre still hugging (either kiss me or let me go lol)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on March 26, 2021, 10:55:35 AM

Quote from: tolbs17 on March 25, 2021, 10:49:33 PM
When a stranger hugs you cause you don't know them (to be honest, this is real and it happened!).

It's only weird when you don't know them well; and not sure if public circumstances permit. It's weird if they hug one person and not another; but I don't really get bothered by it. In recent years, there seems to be a social divide whereby "hugs are okay if you want them" and it's "honestly okay to not want them", which I can understand from both sides. I have kids and they shouldn't feel pressured to hug anyone that isn't family (though we never pressure them). This is coming from someone whereby I'll even hug good friends of mine if I haven't seen them in a really long time, and I know they are not socially embarrassed by anything!

Of course, due to COVID-19, hugs are verboten in the workplace and handshakes are even oddities (pleased to meet you...but no offense, I'm using hand sanitizer or washing up right afterwards).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on March 26, 2021, 11:33:14 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on March 26, 2021, 09:33:49 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on March 25, 2021, 10:48:55 PM
The drive up ATM when the car in front of you stays there for more than five minutes without withdrawing or depositing. Most of the time the driver sits there and occasionally his or her hand comes out to push a few buttons, before another long pause, to return to the machine to push more buttons and then pull the arm in for another indefinite period to then again push more buttons to start over.

Sometimes the walk up ATM is more efficient.

Also with drive up windows at fast food places. I hate drive throughs I only use them now because I have asthma and I'd rather not deal with all the protocols. You wait behind someone for 10 minutes and they always have either 10 bags of food or one small items. If you see a large van or SUV you're doomed. At least more places now are having you pull ahead.

as a former mcrobot-drive-thru guy... totally agree. what used to really toast my waffles (and probably customers' as well) was when they think its cute to let their 2 year old kid. all kid can say that i can understand is 'goo'. which i have always translated to 'mcnuggets happy meal with sprite, and honey sauce (which is a terrible idea for a kid in a car in the first place).

also, from the headset-wearer's pov.. would you PLEASE shut off your gigantic diesel pickup when you order? i want to get your order right, as much as you want me to get your order right. i would ask politely once, 'could you kill your engine for second?', and if you did not, would hit about 5 or 6 random items on the register and read you your total. of course, you get to the window, i say 'hi, $14.85 please' and you're like 'all i wanted was a cheeseburger!' ... well, i though i heard something else.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on March 26, 2021, 11:38:53 AM

Quote from: formulanone on March 26, 2021, 10:55:35 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 25, 2021, 10:49:33 PM
When a stranger hugs you cause you don't know them (to be honest, this is real and it happened!).

It's only weird when you don't know them well; and not sure if public circumstances permit. It's weird if they hug one person and not another; but I don't really get bothered by it. In recent years, there seems to be a social divide whereby "hugs are okay if you want them" and it's "honestly okay to not want them", which I can understand from both sides. I have kids and they shouldn't feel pressured to hug anyone that isn't family (though we never pressure them). This is coming from someone whereby I'll even hug good friends of mine if I haven't seen them in a really long time, and I know they are not socially embarrassed by anything!

Of course, due to COVID-19, hugs are verboten in the workplace and handshakes are even oddities (pleased to meet you...but no offense, I'm using hand sanitizer or washing up right afterwards).

It was a total stranger at an event.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 26, 2021, 01:23:04 PM

While I hate most of the protocols, shaking hands is kind of filthy by nature and I won't miss it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: interstatefan990 on March 26, 2021, 01:34:26 PM

Quote from: 1 on March 25, 2021, 08:25:49 PM
"Drive like your kids live here" or similar wording on any road with a center yellow line.

On that topic, I hate school speed limits that are unreasonably low. 25 mph is fine. If I see a group of young ones or another hazard, I will slow down. I'm all for child safety, but no need to force us to go 15 or 20 and then threaten us with higher fines just because kids are occasionally in the area and some drivers speed through. The parents/teachers should be watching out for the kids anyway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on March 26, 2021, 02:02:36 PM

People who wrongly use the word "formally" for "formerly."

Used in a sentence: "The Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, formally known as the Tappan Zee Bridge," has an issue with substandard bolts."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on March 26, 2021, 05:25:00 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on March 26, 2021, 02:02:36 PM
People who wrongly use the word "formally" for "formerly."

Used in a sentence: "The Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, formally known as the Tappan Zee Bridge," has an issue with substandard bolts."

I'm sure this has something to do with the terms both being used for legitimate reasons. For example, using slang for something and then saying "formally known as...". It also has to do with the way the words are spoken. It's easy to write it wrong.

It's like "affect" versus "effect". People start getting lazy trying to use the right one.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on March 26, 2021, 05:34:20 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on March 26, 2021, 05:25:00 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on March 26, 2021, 02:02:36 PM
People who wrongly use the word "formally" for "formerly."

Used in a sentence: "The Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, formally known as the Tappan Zee Bridge," has an issue with substandard bolts."

I'm sure this has something to do with the terms both being used for legitimate reasons. For example, using slang for something and then saying "formally known as...". It also has to do with the way the words are spoken. It's easy to write it wrong.

It's like "affect" versus "effect". People start getting lazy trying to use the right one.

Not in his example.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on March 26, 2021, 05:34:55 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on March 26, 2021, 05:25:00 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on March 26, 2021, 02:02:36 PM
People who wrongly use the word "formally" for "formerly."

Used in a sentence: "The Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, formally known as the Tappan Zee Bridge," has an issue with substandard bolts."

I'm sure this has something to do with the terms both being used for legitimate reasons. For example, using slang for something and then saying "formally known as...". It also has to do with the way the words are spoken. It's easy to write it wrong.

It's like "affect" versus "effect". People start getting lazy trying to use the right one.

For all intensive purposes, at lease their trying. In the throws off passion, wheel make eras. :D

Seriously, I'd rather that some people just use small and/or simple words, and not try to act smart, if they so choose to misuse more than one word in a sentence. It has become increasingly obvious when autocorrect chose the word and it was accidentally selected, rather than the wrong word intentionally used.

Admittedly, effect and affect sound similar to some ears, but usually I can tell by context which one is correct (one is a verb, the other is a noun). I say we call the misuse of them a "daffect" or "deffect".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 26, 2021, 06:16:21 PM

Quote from: Rothman on March 26, 2021, 05:34:20 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on March 26, 2021, 05:25:00 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on March 26, 2021, 02:02:36 PM
People who wrongly use the word "formally" for "formerly."

Used in a sentence: "The Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, formally known as the Tappan Zee Bridge," has an issue with substandard bolts."

I'm sure this has something to do with the terms both being used for legitimate reasons. For example, using slang for something and then saying "formally known as...". It also has to do with the way the words are spoken. It's easy to write it wrong.

It's like "affect" versus "effect". People start getting lazy trying to use the right one.

Not in his example.

I think what he's getting at is that "the Stan Span, formally known as the Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge" is a legitimate use of the word, and the fact that it has such a legitimate use might contribute to its misuse elsewhere.

However, I hardly ever see it used that way. In that context, the word "officially" is generally used instead. I just did a Google search for {"officially named the Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge"} and for {"formally named the Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge"}; the first returned 48 results, but the second returned only two.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on March 26, 2021, 11:05:29 PM

Quote from: Zeffy on March 26, 2021, 09:23:59 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 25, 2021, 10:49:33 PM
When a stranger hugs you cause you don't know them (to be honest, this is real and it happened!).

I was going to post this a while back but I thought it would make people laugh.

Where I'm at in life, I'd take hugs no questions asked.

Same. I don't mind. I'm a big hugger :D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 26, 2021, 11:17:10 PM

Quote from: interstatefan990 on March 26, 2021, 01:34:26 PM
Quote from: 1 on March 25, 2021, 08:25:49 PM
"Drive like your kids live here" or similar wording on any road with a center yellow line.

On that topic, I hate school speed limits that are unreasonably low. 25 mph is fine. If I see a group of young ones or another hazard, I will slow down. I'm all for child safety, but no need to force us to go 15 or 20 and then threaten us with higher fines just because kids are occasionally in the area and some drivers speed through. The parents/teachers should be watching out for the kids anyway.

I called the city once for a school zone nowhere near a school this was in the spring and as promised, they investigated and stopped using the lights. I didn't have a problem with it if there was a reason for it. It was miles from any school.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 26, 2021, 11:20:05 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 26, 2021, 11:33:14 AM
Quote from: texaskdog on March 26, 2021, 09:33:49 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on March 25, 2021, 10:48:55 PM
The drive up ATM when the car in front of you stays there for more than five minutes without withdrawing or depositing. Most of the time the driver sits there and occasionally his or her hand comes out to push a few buttons, before another long pause, to return to the machine to push more buttons and then pull the arm in for another indefinite period to then again push more buttons to start over.

Sometimes the walk up ATM is more efficient.

Also with drive up windows at fast food places. I hate drive throughs I only use them now because I have asthma and I'd rather not deal with all the protocols. You wait behind someone for 10 minutes and they always have either 10 bags of food or one small items. If you see a large van or SUV you're doomed. At least more places now are having you pull ahead.

as a former mcrobot-drive-thru guy... totally agree. what used to really toast my waffles (and probably customers' as well) was when they think its cute to let their 2 year old kid. all kid can say that i can understand is 'goo'. which i have always translated to 'mcnuggets happy meal with sprite, and honey sauce (which is a terrible idea for a kid in a car in the first place).

also, from the headset-wearer's pov.. would you PLEASE shut off your gigantic diesel pickup when you order? i want to get your order right, as much as you want me to get your order right. i would ask politely once, 'could you kill your engine for second?', and if you did not, would hit about 5 or 6 random items on the register and read you your total. of course, you get to the window, i say 'hi, $14.85 please' and you're like 'all i wanted was a cheeseburger!' ... well, i though i heard something else.

They should just put buttons up there. Last night I ordered from a place that didn't let you order online and I had to call I asked for ribs and got shrimp. Luckily I really didn't care. Now with masks you can't understand anyone anyway. I had a 5 minute conversation with a guy at 7-11 Tuesday. he had a mask on, was behind Plexiglas, and the annoying country music was really loud. I didn't make out a word just nodded a lot.

Every drive thru needs to have the items pop up like McDonalds then its on the (don't call me a guest) customer

or repeat it back and not so fast that I cant understand

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 27, 2021, 08:32:38 AM

People who own big dogs who expect everyone else to laugh it off and be happy when their big dogs try to jump all over you. I'm uncomfortable around large dogs for several reasons and I don't like it one bit when they aggressively sniff at you, won't leave you alone, etc., and I like it even less when their owners act like somehow I'm in the wrong–"It's OK, he's friendly." No, it's not OK, control your damn dog! Now, I recognize there is an exception if I'm at a dog owner's house–I'm a stranger entering the dog's turf and the presence of something new makes the dog investigate. I get that and I know I have to deal with it there regardless of whether it bugs me (our relatives in Fort Myers have a big dog who is excessively friendly and they think it's hilarious that it drives me crazy when he won't stop sniffing at me). But if I'm out on the sidewalk going somewhere and I try to avoid your dog, it means I want to avoid your dog. Tug on the leash and keep it under control. (At least in these COVID times nobody thinks it's the least bit odd if you move into the street to avoid people–and I try to let dog owners have the sidewalk so there's no chance of a dog abruptly moving into the path of an oncoming car.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on March 27, 2021, 08:37:30 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on March 26, 2021, 11:20:05 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 26, 2021, 11:33:14 AM
Quote from: texaskdog on March 26, 2021, 09:33:49 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on March 25, 2021, 10:48:55 PM
The drive up ATM when the car in front of you stays there for more than five minutes without withdrawing or depositing. Most of the time the driver sits there and occasionally his or her hand comes out to push a few buttons, before another long pause, to return to the machine to push more buttons and then pull the arm in for another indefinite period to then again push more buttons to start over.

Sometimes the walk up ATM is more efficient.

Also with drive up windows at fast food places. I hate drive throughs I only use them now because I have asthma and I'd rather not deal with all the protocols. You wait behind someone for 10 minutes and they always have either 10 bags of food or one small items. If you see a large van or SUV you're doomed. At least more places now are having you pull ahead.

as a former mcrobot-drive-thru guy... totally agree. what used to really toast my waffles (and probably customers' as well) was when they think its cute to let their 2 year old kid. all kid can say that i can understand is 'goo'. which i have always translated to 'mcnuggets happy meal with sprite, and honey sauce (which is a terrible idea for a kid in a car in the first place).

also, from the headset-wearer's pov.. would you PLEASE shut off your gigantic diesel pickup when you order? i want to get your order right, as much as you want me to get your order right. i would ask politely once, 'could you kill your engine for second?', and if you did not, would hit about 5 or 6 random items on the register and read you your total. of course, you get to the window, i say 'hi, $14.85 please' and you're like 'all i wanted was a cheeseburger!' ... well, i though i heard something else.

They should just put buttons up there. Last night I ordered from a place that didn't let you order online and I had to call I asked for ribs and got shrimp. Luckily I really didn't care. Now with masks you can't understand anyone anyway. I had a 5 minute conversation with a guy at 7-11 Tuesday. he had a mask on, was behind Plexiglas, and the annoying country music was really loud. I didn't make out a word just nodded a lot.

Every drive thru needs to have the items pop up like McDonalds then its on the (don't call me a guest) customer

or repeat it back and not so fast that I cant understand

the store i worked at had the outside display thingy, so if it was a really complicated order i'd ask the customer 'check that over, make sure we got it right'.

eventually, the manager put a button on the register that would display 'please turn off engine'... but i guess there's something about diesels that mean you can't shut them off like that? its beyond what i know. the dodges were the worst, the cummins ones (this was back in 2003-05). the duramax ones were pretty quiet. and then there's the coal-rollers. don't get me started.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on March 27, 2021, 02:44:53 PM

Here's something really minor: flat-top 3's. I just prefer the look of a 3 with a rounded top. (Though it's interesting that one of the reasons for flat-top is to inhibit altering a printed 3 to look like an 8. They do similar things with other number systems: https://blogs.transparent.com/japanese/daiji/)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SkyPesos on March 27, 2021, 03:25:00 PM

I don't like flat top 3 either, but not going to say that much more, as I'm one of very few people that have no issue with clearview numbers in exit tabs.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on March 27, 2021, 10:45:40 PM

Living in between two radio station markets where the FCC licensed two radio stations to the same frequency. I thought that wasn't allowed but Tampa and Orlando both have two completely different Cox Media Group Stations assigned to 107.3 FM. Both cities are 80 miles apart and to make it more interesting Gainesville has a 107.3 station as well.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on March 27, 2021, 11:05:27 PM

Quote from: kurumi on March 27, 2021, 02:44:53 PM
Here's something really minor: flat-top 3's. I just prefer the look of a 3 with a rounded top. (Though it's interesting that one of the reasons for flat-top is to inhibit altering a printed 3 to look like an 8. They do similar things with other number systems: https://blogs.transparent.com/japanese/daiji/)

On that note, the flat-top three is similar to the hiragana ro sound.

I always wondered why there were a few "extra" numbers hanging out there in the Tōyō Kanji.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on March 27, 2021, 11:12:41 PM

Quote from: Rothman on March 26, 2021, 05:34:20 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on March 26, 2021, 05:25:00 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on March 26, 2021, 02:02:36 PM
People who wrongly use the word "formally" for "formerly."

Used in a sentence: "The Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, formally known as the Tappan Zee Bridge," has an issue with substandard bolts."

I'm sure this has something to do with the terms both being used for legitimate reasons. For example, using slang for something and then saying "formally known as...". It also has to do with the way the words are spoken. It's easy to write it wrong.

It's like "affect" versus "effect". People start getting lazy trying to use the right one.

Not in his example.

Well, to lots of people, it's still the TZ Bridge but is formally known as the MMC Bridge. Capice? :bigass:

Quote from: kphoger on March 26, 2021, 06:16:21 PM
Quote from: Rothman on March 26, 2021, 05:34:20 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on March 26, 2021, 05:25:00 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on March 26, 2021, 02:02:36 PM
People who wrongly use the word "formally" for "formerly."

Used in a sentence: "The Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, formally known as the Tappan Zee Bridge," has an issue with substandard bolts."

I'm sure this has something to do with the terms both being used for legitimate reasons. For example, using slang for something and then saying "formally known as...". It also has to do with the way the words are spoken. It's easy to write it wrong.

It's like "affect" versus "effect". People start getting lazy trying to use the right one.

Not in his example.

I think what he's getting at is that "the Stan Span, formally known as the Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge" is a legitimate use of the word, and the fact that it has such a legitimate use might contribute to its misuse elsewhere.

However, I hardly ever see it used that way. In that context, the word "officially" is generally used instead. I just did a Google search for {"officially named the Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge"} and for {"formally named the Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge"}; the first returned 48 results, but the second returned only two.

The context that gets me is like in obituaries when someone is described as "formally of..." I guess that was true in a technical sense of me when I was in college. I was currently staying in Morehead but I was "formally of Beattyville" since that was my hometown and I still maintained permanent residence there.

Another thing that bugs me is the phrase "all of the sudden." All my life, I've seen/read/said "all of a sudden." It just looks wrong to see "the" instead of "a" in that phrase.

Similarly, I find the new Associated Press style to capitalize "Black" in terms of race but leaving "white" all lowercase to be jarring to read. "Doe, who is Black, was injured when he was shot by Jones, who is white, during a struggle when Jones tried to arrest Doe." It seems terribly inconsistent, and AP's attempts to explain/justify the change are convoluted at best and mostly nonsensical.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 27, 2021, 11:57:21 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on March 27, 2021, 11:12:41 PM
Another thing that bugs me is the phrase "all of the sudden." All my life, I've seen/read/said "all of a sudden." It just looks wrong to see "the" instead of "a" in that phrase.

The whole phrase bothers me because it can be replaced with "suddenly", which is more concise, with no loss of meaning.

Quote from: hbelkins on March 27, 2021, 11:12:41 PM
Similarly, I find the new Associated Press style to capitalize "Black" in terms of race but leaving "white" all lowercase to be jarring to read. "Doe, who is Black, was injured when he was shot by Jones, who is white, during a struggle when Jones tried to arrest Doe." It seems terribly inconsistent, and AP's attempts to explain/justify the change are convoluted at best and mostly nonsensical.

My understanding of this, as explained by other outlets that have followed the AP's lead but are not AP themselves, is that it is meant to reflect that Black Americans have some degree of commonality, both in terms of culture and shared experiences, that white Americans do not. That is to say, white Americans are more likely to find cultural commonality with being Italian, or Irish, or German, or Jewish, or Catholic, or some other identity which is likely to be capitalized, than they are being "white".

I agree that it is kind of jarring to read, but I think a good degree of that is simply because it is a new grammatical practice that I am not used to seeing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: interstatefan990 on March 28, 2021, 01:23:48 AM

And don't forget when people fuse together words and type or write "apart of" or "alot of". With the former, it's actually funny because then it means the exact opposite of what the speaker intended. If I say "I am no longer apart of the book club" then it literally means me and the book club are no longer apart, because I have rejoined it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 28, 2021, 03:29:25 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on March 27, 2021, 08:32:38 AM
People who own big dogs who expect everyone else to laugh it off and be happy when their big dogs try to jump all over you. I'm uncomfortable around large dogs for several reasons and I don't like it one bit when they aggressively sniff at you, won't leave you alone, etc., and I like it even less when their owners act like somehow I'm in the wrong–"It's OK, he's friendly." No, it's not OK, control your damn dog! ... But if I'm out on the sidewalk going somewhere and I try to avoid your dog, it means I want to avoid your dog. Tug on the leash and keep it under control. (At least in these COVID times nobody thinks it's the least bit odd if you move into the street to avoid people–and I try to let dog owners have the sidewalk so there's no chance of a dog abruptly moving into the path of an oncoming car.)

I had to chuckle reading this because I'm exactly the same way. I don't handle dogs very well - I've tried to overcome it, and I've gotten a lot better when they're on a leash, but dogs on the loose without a leash freak me out to the point where I'll just turn around and go the other way if I can't keep a decent distance.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 28, 2021, 03:31:57 PM

What about "a whole 'nother"?

This is something I hear fairly often, but don't usually see in writing. It bothers me mostly because it just doesn't make any sense. Is it just easier to say, or is there some other reason why this has become the prevailing way to say "another whole"?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 28, 2021, 06:31:10 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 27, 2021, 11:57:21 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on March 27, 2021, 11:12:41 PM
Another thing that bugs me is the phrase "all of the sudden." All my life, I've seen/read/said "all of a sudden." It just looks wrong to see "the" instead of "a" in that phrase.

The whole phrase bothers me because it can be replaced with "suddenly", which is more concise, with no loss of meaning.

Quote from: hbelkins on March 27, 2021, 11:12:41 PM
Similarly, I find the new Associated Press style to capitalize "Black" in terms of race but leaving "white" all lowercase to be jarring to read. "Doe, who is Black, was injured when he was shot by Jones, who is white, during a struggle when Jones tried to arrest Doe." It seems terribly inconsistent, and AP's attempts to explain/justify the change are convoluted at best and mostly nonsensical.

My understanding of this, as explained by other outlets that have followed the AP's lead but are not AP themselves, is that it is meant to reflect that Black Americans have some degree of commonality, both in terms of culture and shared experiences, that white Americans do not. That is to say, white Americans are more likely to find cultural commonality with being Italian, or Irish, or German, or Jewish, or Catholic, or some other identity which is likely to be capitalized, than they are being "white".

I agree that it is kind of jarring to read, but I think a good degree of that is simply because it is a new grammatical practice that I am not used to seeing.

Life is far more pleasant by not reading or watching the news anymore.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 28, 2021, 06:33:08 PM

Quote from: webny99 on March 28, 2021, 03:29:25 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 27, 2021, 08:32:38 AM
People who own big dogs who expect everyone else to laugh it off and be happy when their big dogs try to jump all over you. I’m uncomfortable around large dogs for several reasons and I don’t like it one bit when they aggressively sniff at you, won’t leave you alone, etc., and I like it even less when their owners act like somehow I’m in the wrong—"It's OK, he’s friendly." No, it’s not OK, control your damn dog! ... But if I’m out on the sidewalk going somewhere and I try to avoid your dog, it means I want to avoid your dog. Tug on the leash and keep it under control. (At least in these COVID times nobody thinks it’s the least bit odd if you move into the street to avoid people—and I try to let dog owners have the sidewalk so there’s no chance of a dog abruptly moving into the path of an oncoming car.)

I had to chuckle reading this because I'm exactly the same way. I don't handle dogs very well - I've tried to overcome it, and I've gotten a lot better when they're on a leash, but dogs on the loose without a leash freak me out to the point where I'll just turn around and go the other way if I can't keep a decent distance.

Or anyone who says "he doesn't bite" we were hiking one day and my wife got bit by a yip dog who broke her skin and this big lady came lumbering around the corner and said "he doesn't bite" well, he just did. My wife is nicer than me I would have filed a police report. Luckily after a few weeks she healed up. We don't even walk ours without a leash and we took her to training so she stopped jumping on people.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on March 28, 2021, 07:32:48 PM

Here's one for y'all.

The fact that this thread is already 73 pages. :clap:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: interstatefan990 on March 28, 2021, 07:59:21 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on March 28, 2021, 07:32:48 PM
Here's one for y'all.

The fact that this thread is already 73 pages. :clap:

Switch those digits and you're correct. (At least if you were logged in to my account)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on March 28, 2021, 09:18:44 PM

Quote from: interstatefan990 on March 28, 2021, 07:59:21 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on March 28, 2021, 07:32:48 PM
Here's one for y'all.

The fact that this thread is already 73 pages. :clap:

Switch those digits and you're correct. (At least if you were logged in to my account)

by changing the number of post per page ;)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on March 28, 2021, 09:23:47 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on March 28, 2021, 09:18:44 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on March 28, 2021, 07:59:21 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on March 28, 2021, 07:32:48 PM
Here's one for y'all.

The fact that this thread is already 73 pages. :clap:

Switch those digits and you're correct. (At least if you were logged in to my account)
by changing the number of post per page ;)

In profile > Look and Layout.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: interstatefan990 on March 28, 2021, 09:26:13 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on March 28, 2021, 09:23:47 PM
Quote from: SSOWorld on March 28, 2021, 09:18:44 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on March 28, 2021, 07:59:21 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on March 28, 2021, 07:32:48 PM
Here's one for y'all.

The fact that this thread is already 73 pages. :clap:

Switch those digits and you're correct. (At least if you were logged in to my account)
by changing the number of post per page ;)
In profile > Look and Layout.

Correct and correct! I use the max number of posts allowed per page, but I wish there was an option to view all posts on one page as well.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SkyPesos on March 28, 2021, 09:27:19 PM

I use 50 per page mainly because there's more posts on a page, so less switching pages. Think there may be a good reason for using 25 that I can't think of rn.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on March 28, 2021, 09:33:54 PM

But i forget how there is no save button in the front of the page though.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 28, 2021, 10:08:36 PM

Quote from: SkyPesos on March 28, 2021, 09:27:19 PM
I use 50 per page mainly because there's more posts on a page, so less switching pages. Think there may be a good reason for using 25 that I can't think of rn.

It takes less time to load each page, which could be useful on slower connections. When the forum launched in 2009 the Internet was a lot slower than it is now; some people had just upgraded from 56k. (Me. I'm some people. My dad refused to let us upgrade to DSL until our dial-up provider literally went out of business.)

You can set the page to display even fewer posts too. We have a member who used to (still does?) serve in the Navy, and while he was on a ship, he could still get on the forum, but his connection was excruciatingly slow, to the point that I think he had to set it to hide all images.

This reminds me of another minor thing that bothers me: endless scrolling on websites. Things like Twitter or such. While it's convenient to not have to wait for subsequent pages to load, if you're looking through a bunch of stuff and then reload the page or accidentally click on a link and have to click back (there's been times when I've tried to expand an image on Twitter but instead click the post itself and get brought to a page with just the post and it's replies), you end up back at the top of the page and have to scroll a whole bunch to get back to where you were.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: interstatefan990 on March 28, 2021, 10:20:04 PM

^ I don't mind having to do that every once in a while if it means I don't have to keep clicking the next number every time I reach the end of a page.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on March 28, 2021, 10:54:23 PM

Quote from: interstatefan990 on March 28, 2021, 10:20:04 PM
^ I don't mind having to do that every once in a while if it means I don't have to keep clicking the next number every time I reach the end of a page.

I wish we had buttons that said "Next Page", "Previous Page", "First Page", and "Last Page" so I didn't have to be so precise with my clicking.

How's that for whining?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on March 28, 2021, 11:01:37 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on March 28, 2021, 10:54:23 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on March 28, 2021, 10:20:04 PM
^ I don't mind having to do that every once in a while if it means I don't have to keep clicking the next number every time I reach the end of a page.

I wish we had buttons that said "Next Page", "Previous Page", "First Page", and "Last Page" so I didn't have to be so precise with my clicking.

How's that for whining?

~~previous and next are on the bottom right side.~~ (it takes you to different threads). The number bar shows 1 and the last page number.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on March 28, 2021, 11:49:11 PM

OH! There's a "change profile" button. I was blind. I didn't see that

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on March 29, 2021, 12:32:13 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on March 26, 2021, 09:33:49 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on March 25, 2021, 10:48:55 PM
The drive up ATM when the car in front of you stays there for more than five minutes without withdrawing or depositing. Most of the time the driver sits there and occasionally his or her hand comes out to push a few buttons, before another long pause, to return to the machine to push more buttons and then pull the arm in for another indefinite period to then again push more buttons to start over.

Sometimes the walk up ATM is more efficient.

Also with drive up windows at fast food places. I hate drive throughs I only use them now because I have asthma and I'd rather not deal with all the protocols. You wait behind someone for 10 minutes and they always have either 10 bags of food or one small items. If you see a large van or SUV you're doomed. At least more places now are having you pull ahead.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V66XdulPrBM

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 29, 2021, 06:37:03 PM

being on the search engine that does not have AA roads bookmarked

People who eat half a donut and leave half in the box. Like saying you have all this control...you don't. Either eat the whole donut or find someone to go halfsies with you.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 29, 2021, 06:38:44 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on March 28, 2021, 11:49:11 PM
OH! There's a "change profile" button. I was blind. I didn't see that

People that go on a zoom meeting and never have the link, they never bookmark it, they just ask every single time. Or "what time do we meet" when you've already been to 20 meetings and it's always been noon.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on March 29, 2021, 08:54:08 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on March 29, 2021, 06:37:03 PM
People who eat half a donut and leave half in the box. Like saying you have all this control...you don't. Either eat the whole donut or find someone to go halfsies with you.

There's people who do that?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 29, 2021, 09:01:24 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on March 29, 2021, 08:54:08 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on March 29, 2021, 06:37:03 PM
People who eat half a donut and leave half in the box. Like saying you have all this control...you don't. Either eat the whole donut or find someone to go halfsies with you.

There's people who do that?

Right up there with those people who have to have one bite of your food no matter what you are eating.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SkyPesos on March 29, 2021, 11:11:05 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on March 29, 2021, 06:37:03 PM
People who eat half a donut and leave half in the box. Like saying you have all this control...you don't. Either eat the whole donut or find someone to go halfsies with you.

I don't get people that take a bite from any food and leave a part from you to eat in general, especially during times like now.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on March 30, 2021, 12:00:08 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on March 29, 2021, 06:37:03 PM
being on the search engine that does not have AA roads bookmarked

People who eat half a donut and leave half in the box. Like saying you have all this control...you don't. Either eat the whole donut or find someone to go halfsies with you.

I don't use bookmarks, AA roads always autofills when I type it into the search bar.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 30, 2021, 12:07:02 AM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on March 30, 2021, 12:00:08 AM
Quote from: texaskdog on March 29, 2021, 06:37:03 PM
being on the search engine that does not have AA roads bookmarked

People who eat half a donut and leave half in the box. Like saying you have all this control...you don't. Either eat the whole donut or find someone to go halfsies with you.
I don't use bookmarks, AA roads always autofills when I type it into the search bar.

typing is even worse

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 30, 2021, 12:07:39 AM

Quote from: SkyPesos on March 29, 2021, 11:11:05 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on March 29, 2021, 06:37:03 PM
People who eat half a donut and leave half in the box. Like saying you have all this control...you don't. Either eat the whole donut or find someone to go halfsies with you.
I don't get people that take a bite from any food and leave a part from you to eat in general, especially during times like now.

they cut them in half but come on donuts are not that big. Find someone to share it because inevitably half a piece is left and that's not enough for a normal person to even enjoy. kind of a big taunt.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on March 30, 2021, 08:45:42 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on March 30, 2021, 12:07:39 AM
Quote from: SkyPesos on March 29, 2021, 11:11:05 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on March 29, 2021, 06:37:03 PM
People who eat half a donut and leave half in the box. Like saying you have all this control...you don't. Either eat the whole donut or find someone to go halfsies with you.
I don't get people that take a bite from any food and leave a part from you to eat in general, especially during times like now.

they cut them in half but come on donuts are not that big. Find someone to share it because inevitably half a piece is left and that's not enough for a normal person to even enjoy. kind of a big taunt.

I'd eat 1 and 1/2 donuts. Problem solved.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SkyPesos on March 30, 2021, 08:54:54 AM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on March 30, 2021, 12:00:08 AM
Quote from: texaskdog on March 29, 2021, 06:37:03 PM
being on the search engine that does not have AA roads bookmarked

People who eat half a donut and leave half in the box. Like saying you have all this control...you don't. Either eat the whole donut or find someone to go halfsies with you.
I don't use bookmarks, AA roads always autofills when I type it into the search bar.

AARoads took over from American Airlines for my autofill from typing 'aa' recently.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on March 30, 2021, 09:16:20 AM

Quote from: SkyPesos on March 30, 2021, 08:54:54 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on March 30, 2021, 12:00:08 AM
Quote from: texaskdog on March 29, 2021, 06:37:03 PM
being on the search engine that does not have AA roads bookmarked

People who eat half a donut and leave half in the box. Like saying you have all this control...you don't. Either eat the whole donut or find someone to go halfsies with you.
I don't use bookmarks, AA roads always autofills when I type it into the search bar.
AARoads took over from American Airlines for my autofill from typing 'aa' recently.

I'm surprised that didn't happen sooner. :-D

Were you/are you a big traveler? I check this site too many times a day, hard to imagine anything replacing "a" for me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on March 30, 2021, 11:27:54 AM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on March 30, 2021, 09:16:20 AM
Quote from: SkyPesos on March 30, 2021, 08:54:54 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on March 30, 2021, 12:00:08 AM
Quote from: texaskdog on March 29, 2021, 06:37:03 PM
being on the search engine that does not have AA roads bookmarked

People who eat half a donut and leave half in the box. Like saying you have all this control...you don't. Either eat the whole donut or find someone to go halfsies with you.
I don't use bookmarks, AA roads always autofills when I type it into the search bar.
AARoads took over from American Airlines for my autofill from typing 'aa' recently.

I'm surprised that didn't happen sooner. :-D

Were you/are you a big traveler? I check this site too many times a day, hard to imagine anything replacing "a" for me.

When I have to check in on American 2-3 times a year, I sometimes wind up here by mistake.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SkyPesos on March 30, 2021, 11:34:05 AM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on March 30, 2021, 09:16:20 AM
Quote from: SkyPesos on March 30, 2021, 08:54:54 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on March 30, 2021, 12:00:08 AM
Quote from: texaskdog on March 29, 2021, 06:37:03 PM
being on the search engine that does not have AA roads bookmarked

People who eat half a donut and leave half in the box. Like saying you have all this control...you don't. Either eat the whole donut or find someone to go halfsies with you.
I don't use bookmarks, AA roads always autofills when I type it into the search bar.
AARoads took over from American Airlines for my autofill from typing 'aa' recently.

I'm surprised that didn't happen sooner. :-D

Were you/are you a big traveler? I check this site too many times a day, hard to imagine anything replacing "a" for me.

By 'recently', I meant about 2 months ago, though even then is still a surprise. As I haven't flown American Airlines in a long time, I'm surprised too. I see myself on Delta, United and Alaska more, and haven't been on a plane since 2019. The autofill was probably from me browsing their awards chart a few times. Though unrelated airline news, Alaska Airlines is joining Oneword (same alliance as AA) in a couple of days, so that may be enough to get me back to AA once I feel safe to fly again.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 30, 2021, 02:41:39 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 27, 2021, 11:57:21 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on March 27, 2021, 11:12:41 PM
Similarly, I find the new Associated Press style to capitalize "Black" in terms of race but leaving "white" all lowercase to be jarring to read. "Doe, who is Black, was injured when he was shot by Jones, who is white, during a struggle when Jones tried to arrest Doe." It seems terribly inconsistent, and AP's attempts to explain/justify the change are convoluted at best and mostly nonsensical.

My understanding of this, as explained by other outlets that have followed the AP's lead but are not AP themselves, is that it is meant to reflect that Black Americans have some degree of commonality, both in terms of culture and shared experiences, that white Americans do not. That is to say, white Americans are more likely to find cultural commonality with being Italian, or Irish, or German, or Jewish, or Catholic, or some other identity which is likely to be capitalized, than they are being "white".

I agree that it is kind of jarring to read, but I think a good degree of that is simply because it is a new grammatical practice that I am not used to seeing.

Personally, I think that's demeaning to black Americans. If they have lost sense of or appreciation for the different cultures of their homelands, then that is perhaps a failure on their part, but not a failure I feel obligated to participate in. If a person's heritage is from Liberia or Nigeria or Zaire* or Haiti (not even counting the numerous cultures within those nations), then that fascinates me and I hope he or she holds onto that heritage rather than jettisoning it for the 'Black' umbrella. Kansas doesn't have front license plates, and I occasionally see cars with foreign flags in place of the front plate: Mexico, Philippines, Italy. Rarely, but occasionally, do I see one representing Kenya. But it makes me smile every time I do.

I agree with HB, that we should either capitalize both or neither. With the current recommendation, it implies that the color of a black person's skin defines who he or she is more than the color of a white person's skin does. To me, that is the height of racism, and I'll take no part in it.

* Yes, I call it Zaire instead of Congo, and there's a reason. When I was looking for a roommate back in 2003 or so, a guy came over to check out the apartment. Being interested in all things foreign, I asked him where his accent was from. He said proudly, 'Zaire'. So I figure, if he so proudly called his homeland by that name, then I should too.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 31, 2021, 08:38:06 PM

Houses on television where the inside and outside don't match. Watching KOQ and the outside view has 3 windows on the left, none on the right. Inside there are clearly windows on both side. The Brady Bunch house does not match up. All in the family has a porch in closeups but not in the outside shot at the beginning.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 31, 2021, 08:38:51 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 30, 2021, 02:41:39 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 27, 2021, 11:57:21 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on March 27, 2021, 11:12:41 PM
Similarly, I find the new Associated Press style to capitalize "Black" in terms of race but leaving "white" all lowercase to be jarring to read. "Doe, who is Black, was injured when he was shot by Jones, who is white, during a struggle when Jones tried to arrest Doe." It seems terribly inconsistent, and AP's attempts to explain/justify the change are convoluted at best and mostly nonsensical.

My understanding of this, as explained by other outlets that have followed the AP's lead but are not AP themselves, is that it is meant to reflect that Black Americans have some degree of commonality, both in terms of culture and shared experiences, that white Americans do not. That is to say, white Americans are more likely to find cultural commonality with being Italian, or Irish, or German, or Jewish, or Catholic, or some other identity which is likely to be capitalized, than they are being "white".

I agree that it is kind of jarring to read, but I think a good degree of that is simply because it is a new grammatical practice that I am not used to seeing.

Personally, I think that's demeaning to black Americans. If they have lost sense of or appreciation for the different cultures of their homelands, then that is perhaps a failure on their part, but not a failure I feel obligated to participate in. If a person's heritage is from Liberia or Nigeria or Zaire* or Haiti (not even counting the numerous cultures within those nations), then that fascinates me and I hope he or she holds onto that heritage rather than jettisoning it for the 'Black' umbrella. Kansas doesn't have front license plates, and I occasionally see cars with foreign flags in place of the front plate: Mexico, Philippines, Italy. Rarely, but occasionally, do I see one representing Kenya. But it makes me smile every time I do.

I agree with HB, that we should either capitalize both or neither. With the current recommendation, it implies that the color of a black person's skin defines who he or she is more than the color of a white person's skin does. To me, that is the height of racism, and I'll take no part in it.

* Yes, I call it Zaire instead of Congo, and there's a reason. When I was looking for a roommate back in 2003 or so, a guy came over to check out the apartment. Being interested in all things foreign, I asked him where his accent was from. He said proudly, 'Zaire'. So I figure, if he so proudly called his homeland by that name, then I should too.

That is deep...and very correct

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: interstatefan990 on March 31, 2021, 08:47:47 PM

Finishing a good TV show, watching bloopers/behind the scenes, and discovering that the set being filmed on was entirely fake and constructed on a stage. Like, wow, I falsely believed for so long that the characters were in an actual house.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kenarmy on March 31, 2021, 08:55:26 PM

- people still entertaining fritzowl's schemes after nearly 200 pages.. it's obvious the plans are wonky, and fritz is aware of if :-D.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on March 31, 2021, 09:57:12 PM

Quote from: interstatefan990 on March 31, 2021, 08:47:47 PM
Finishing a good TV show, watching bloopers/behind the scenes, and discovering that the set being filmed on was entirely fake and constructed on a stage. Like, wow, I falsely believed for so long that the characters were in an actual house.

When I was a kid until maybe about 8 I thought songs on the radio involved bands going into the studio to play one after another

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 31, 2021, 10:50:22 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 30, 2021, 02:41:39 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 27, 2021, 11:57:21 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on March 27, 2021, 11:12:41 PM
Similarly, I find the new Associated Press style to capitalize "Black" in terms of race but leaving "white" all lowercase to be jarring to read. "Doe, who is Black, was injured when he was shot by Jones, who is white, during a struggle when Jones tried to arrest Doe." It seems terribly inconsistent, and AP's attempts to explain/justify the change are convoluted at best and mostly nonsensical.

My understanding of this, as explained by other outlets that have followed the AP's lead but are not AP themselves, is that it is meant to reflect that Black Americans have some degree of commonality, both in terms of culture and shared experiences, that white Americans do not. That is to say, white Americans are more likely to find cultural commonality with being Italian, or Irish, or German, or Jewish, or Catholic, or some other identity which is likely to be capitalized, than they are being "white".

I agree that it is kind of jarring to read, but I think a good degree of that is simply because it is a new grammatical practice that I am not used to seeing.

Personally, I think that's demeaning to black Americans. If they have lost sense of or appreciation for the different cultures of their homelands, then that is perhaps a failure on their part, but not a failure I feel obligated to participate in. If a person's heritage is from Liberia or Nigeria or Zaire* or Haiti (not even counting the numerous cultures within those nations), then that fascinates me and I hope he or she holds onto that heritage rather than jettisoning it for the 'Black' umbrella. Kansas doesn't have front license plates, and I occasionally see cars with foreign flags in place of the front plate: Mexico, Philippines, Italy. Rarely, but occasionally, do I see one representing Kenya. But it makes me smile every time I do.

I agree with HB, that we should either capitalize both or neither. With the current recommendation, it implies that the color of a black person's skin defines who he or she is more than the color of a white person's skin does. To me, that is the height of racism, and I'll take no part in it.

My understanding–again, I'm white as a sheet so I speak with no authority on the subject–is that slavery in the United States disrupted the ability to trace family ties for many people of African descent back to any individual country or region in Africa. After all, people were being bought and sold, often with no regard to keeping families together, and under those conditions, knowledge of extended family is next to impossible.

However, the very nature of that disruption means that many people of African descent in the United States have that experience in common, plus the shared difficulties of racism and all of the secondary effects of it. Thus an American descended from a slave is likely to have more in common culturally, socioeconomically, and in terms of shared experiences, with another person with a similar family history than they would with someone who today lives in the original African country their descendants are from, or someone who immigrated to the US from an African country voluntarily.

QuoteYes, I call it Zaire instead of Congo, and there's a reason. When I was looking for a roommate back in 2003 or so, a guy came over to check out the apartment. Being interested in all things foreign, I asked him where his accent was from. He said proudly, 'Zaire'. So I figure, if he so proudly called his homeland by that name, then I should too.

The country's original name was the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They had a dictator that took over in 1971 and he unilaterally changed the name of the country to Zaire. When they got rid of the dictator in 1997, they got rid of Zaire too, and went back to Democratic Republic of the Congo.

A new regime taking over and changing the name of the country isn't unique to DR Congo–the same thing happened to Burma when the military seized control of the country, which is why you often see it still referred to decades later as "Myanmar, Formerly Known as Burma" or just "Myanmar (Burma)". The people of Burma never had a say in what their own country is called.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on April 01, 2021, 10:35:37 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on March 31, 2021, 08:38:06 PM
The Brady Bunch house does not match up.

It does now, more or less. HGTV had a series in 2019 that renovated the house used for the exterior shots to have interiors based on the show's sets.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Zeffy on April 01, 2021, 11:46:53 AM

Feeling a fart but not having it want to come out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on April 01, 2021, 11:49:24 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 31, 2021, 10:50:22 PM
A new regime taking over and changing the name of the country isn't unique to DR Congo–the same thing happened to Burma when the military seized control of the country, which is why you often see it still referred to decades later as "Myanmar, Formerly Known as Burma" or just "Myanmar (Burma)". The people of Burma never had a say in what their own country is called.

Having been there (and it's one of my favorite countries), no one there called it Burma anymore just because of fear of the junta since they literally have spies in the cities. All of the expat Burmese that I've met call it Burma once they're outside of the country. An absolute shame what's happening there right now.

Chris

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 01, 2021, 03:11:05 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 31, 2021, 10:50:22 PM
My understanding–again, I'm white as a sheet so I speak with no authority on the subject–is that slavery in the United States disrupted the ability to trace family ties for many people of African descent back to any individual country or region in Africa. After all, people were being bought and sold, often with no regard to keeping families together, and under those conditions, knowledge of extended family is next to impossible.

However, the very nature of that disruption means that many people of African descent in the United States have that experience in common, plus the shared difficulties of racism and all of the secondary effects of it. Thus an American descended from a slave is likely to have more in common culturally, socioeconomically, and in terms of shared experiences, with another person with a similar family history than they would with someone who today lives in the original African country their descendants are from, or someone who immigrated to the US from an African country voluntarily.

I'm only slightly less white than a sheet, but that's only because I probably suntan better. Anyway...

Yep, I understand that, and I was thinking about it while I typed my earlier post. But that's not true for any black person who has immigrated since then. For an immigrant from Senegal or Mauritania or Tanzania, those things are not true. If a person is the descendent of slaves, has little to no knowledge of his or her African roots, and therefore identifies more as 'Black' than anything else, then I understand. But that does not compel me to assume the same about, for example, the Sudanese refugees I used to work with: the color of their skin may have been more black than anyone else I've known, but they were Sudanese, not Black.

Quote from: Zeffy on April 01, 2021, 11:46:53 AM
Feeling a fart but not having it want to come out.

Aw, that's the best, though! You thought you'd have to endure the stink, but then you don't have to after all.

A sneeze that doesn't want to happen, on the other hand... :no:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jmacswimmer on April 01, 2021, 03:16:26 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 01, 2021, 03:11:05 PM
Quote from: Zeffy on April 01, 2021, 11:46:53 AM
Feeling a fart but not having it want to come out.
Aw, that's the best, though! You thought you'd have to endure the stink, but then you don't have to after all.

A sneeze that doesn't want to happen, on the other hand... :no:

I'm with Zeffy on this one - I'd much rather have the fart come out than vanish on me, much more satisfying that way :-D (stink or no stink)

To quote Shrek:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owTGBSmeKOA

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: interstatefan990 on April 01, 2021, 03:18:15 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on March 31, 2021, 09:57:12 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on March 31, 2021, 08:47:47 PM
Finishing a good TV show, watching bloopers/behind the scenes, and discovering that the set being filmed on was entirely fake and constructed on a stage. Like, wow, I falsely believed for so long that the characters were in an actual house.

When I was a kid until maybe about 8 I thought songs on the radio involved bands going into the studio to play one after another

When I was a kid, I thought the Mile High Club was an actual club. Of people doing the dirty on airplanes. :-(

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Zeffy on April 01, 2021, 04:08:31 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 01, 2021, 03:11:05 PM

Quote from: Zeffy on April 01, 2021, 11:46:53 AM
Feeling a fart but not having it want to come out.

Aw, that's the best, though! You thought you'd have to endure the stink, but then you don't have to after all.

A sneeze that doesn't want to happen, on the other hand... :no:

Yeah but if it's causing tummy pressure I don't care if it clears the room or not, I just want it out :)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 01, 2021, 04:24:25 PM

My wife claims hers can get scared back in.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on April 01, 2021, 04:37:09 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on March 25, 2021, 10:48:55 PM
The drive up ATM when the car in front of you stays there for more than five minutes without withdrawing or depositing. Most of the time the driver sits there and occasionally his or her hand comes out to push a few buttons, before another long pause, to return to the machine to push more buttons and then pull the arm in for another indefinite period to then again push more buttons to start over.

Sometimes the walk up ATM is more efficient.

Also aggravating is the person who, after finishing his transactions, remains parked at the machine while putting away his card, counting his money, etc. Move your car forward so the next person can use the machine! Really, are you going to argue with the machine if you find a problem?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on April 01, 2021, 04:39:12 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 01, 2021, 04:24:25 PM
My wife claims hers can get scared back in.

its a real phenomenon.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on April 01, 2021, 05:49:34 PM

Our rather expensive refrigerator's ice maker has 2 modes:
* don't
* (Sorcerer's Apprentice broom scene from Fantasia)

Friends with the same fridge have the same "sensor? what sensor?" problem

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 01, 2021, 05:57:29 PM

The fact that, if a vehicle is driving with its hazard lights on, its turn signals are useless. I don't how many times I've been unaware that a garbage truck or snow plow or some other such vehicle is about to change lanes because of this. It seems to me that, if a vehicle is one that needs to be using its hazard lights, then there's a good chance I need to be warned most about what it's about to do.

And that brings me to another thing that bothers me: vehicles that drive with flashing lights for no good reason. Towing a vehicle? OK. Going 15 mph under the limit? OK. Wide or precarious load? OK. But going the speed limit down the Interstate? Nobody cares if you occasionally use your truck at construction sites, you don't need yellow lights flashing on top.

Quote from: kurumi on April 01, 2021, 05:49:34 PM
Our rather expensive refrigerator's ice maker has 2 modes:
* don't
* (Sorcerer's Apprentice broom scene from Fantasia)

Friends with the same fridge have the same "sensor? what sensor?" problem

With our friends' fridge, you never know if it's going to "dribble" one more ice cube out of the door five seconds after you remove your cup from the in-door dispenser. So you stand there with your cup under it, just waiting, for several seconds. Then you eventually give up, and it spits one onto the floor as soon as you do.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on April 01, 2021, 06:11:01 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 01, 2021, 05:57:29 PM
With our friends' fridge, you never know if it's going to "dribble" one more ice cube out of the door five seconds after you remove your cup from the in-door dispenser. So you stand there with your cup under it, just waiting, for several seconds. Then you eventually give up, and it spits one onto the floor as soon as you do.

That reminds me of another annoyance. When you're drinking a drink with ice, you lift it up and all of the ice decides to declump at the same time and the drink goes all over you.

Chris

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CoreySamson on April 01, 2021, 08:50:12 PM

My big beef with ice in drinks is when you get a soft drink at a restaurant that's been filled by the workers, the cup is filled up 90% with ice! C'mon, the drink is already pretty cold once out of the dispenser, so it doesn't really need that much more to get it cold. Plus the ice dilutes the drink.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on April 01, 2021, 08:58:57 PM

Quote from: Zeffy on April 01, 2021, 11:46:53 AM
Feeling a fart but not having it want to come out.

A reworded classic poem:

Here I sat with a broken heart.
Came to shit, didn't even fart.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on April 01, 2021, 08:59:05 PM

Quote from: CoreySamson on April 01, 2021, 08:50:12 PM
My big beef with ice in drinks is when you get a soft drink at a restaurant that's been filled by the workers, the cup is filled up 90% with ice! C'mon, the drink is already pretty cold once out of the dispenser, so it doesn't really need that much more to get it cold. Plus the ice dilutes the drink.

Yeah. If you order whiskey on the rocks at the restaurant I used to manage, you could fill up a 14 oz glass with ice with 2 oz of whiskey and have a full glass. (For the record, a 2 oz pour is a standard "on the rocks" pour. We weren't cheating people.)

Chris

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 01, 2021, 10:16:49 PM

Quote from: jayhawkco on April 01, 2021, 08:59:05 PM

Quote from: CoreySamson on April 01, 2021, 08:50:12 PM
My big beef with ice in drinks is when you get a soft drink at a restaurant that's been filled by the workers, the cup is filled up 90% with ice! C'mon, the drink is already pretty cold once out of the dispenser, so it doesn't really need that much more to get it cold. Plus the ice dilutes the drink.

Yeah. If you order whiskey on the rocks at the restaurant I used to manage, you could fill up a 14 oz glass with ice with 2 oz of whiskey and have a full glass. (For the record, a 2 oz pour is a standard "on the rocks" pour. We weren't cheating people.)

And–correct me if I'm wrong–diluting the whiskey is done on purpose.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on April 01, 2021, 11:16:21 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 01, 2021, 10:16:49 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on April 01, 2021, 08:59:05 PM

Quote from: CoreySamson on April 01, 2021, 08:50:12 PM
My big beef with ice in drinks is when you get a soft drink at a restaurant that's been filled by the workers, the cup is filled up 90% with ice! C'mon, the drink is already pretty cold once out of the dispenser, so it doesn't really need that much more to get it cold. Plus the ice dilutes the drink.

Yeah. If you order whiskey on the rocks at the restaurant I used to manage, you could fill up a 14 oz glass with ice with 2 oz of whiskey and have a full glass. (For the record, a 2 oz pour is a standard "on the rocks" pour. We weren't cheating people.)

And–correct me if I'm wrong–diluting the whiskey is done on purpose.

Kinda. If you use small ice cubes for your rocks, it will dilute the whiskey more than one large cube due to surface area. So if you order on the rocks and want it not quite as strong (eventually), you want small cubes.

That reminds me of James Bond. People think that when he orders his martini "shaken, not stirred" then that means he wants it stronger. It's the opposite. A shaken martini will shave little bits off of the ice cubes which melt and dilute the drink. A stirred martini will chill without those little chips so the drink will be stronger.

Chris

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on April 01, 2021, 11:49:50 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on March 31, 2021, 08:38:06 PM
Houses on television where the inside and outside don't match. Watching KOQ and the outside view has 3 windows on the left, none on the right. Inside there are clearly windows on both side. The Brady Bunch house does not match up. All in the family has a porch in closeups but not in the outside shot at the beginning.

The Cunningham house on Happy Days windows also don't match up. Plus what happened to the garage in the final season as in leaving by the back door the Cunningham's have an actual backyard where the garage is with Fonzies staircase missing.

Plus the Arnold's bathrooms outside doors don't match up with the men's room interior.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on April 02, 2021, 06:44:35 AM

Food packaging which fails to open properly, rendering the bag seal useless.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on April 02, 2021, 09:19:29 AM

Quote from: CoreySamson on April 01, 2021, 08:50:12 PM
My big beef with ice in drinks is when you get a soft drink at a restaurant that's been filled by the workers, the cup is filled up 90% with ice! C'mon, the drink is already pretty cold once out of the dispenser, so it doesn't really need that much more to get it cold. Plus the ice dilutes the drink.

That's my second beef. My first is that they immediately fill the drink and then it sits melting and diluting while there are still five cars in front of me waiting to pay and pick up their orders. Bonus irritation when they sit the drink or milkshake on the window ledge in direct sunlight to melt even faster. More than once, especially with a Wendy's Frosty, I've asked them to dump it and pull a fresh one because what they handed me was already half-melted.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 02, 2021, 12:21:40 PM

Quote from: jayhawkco on April 01, 2021, 11:16:21 PM
That reminds me of James Bond. People think that when he orders his martini "shaken, not stirred" then that means he wants it stronger. It's the opposite. A shaken martini will shave little bits off of the ice cubes which melt and dilute the drink. A stirred martini will chill without those little chips so the drink will be stronger.

Hmmm, I'm not sure about that. My impression is that, when Bond orders his "vodka martini, shaken not stirred", it's because he's rather particular/pretentious/persnickety about his drink–because they think shaking vs stirring makes no difference, and a normal person would just order a "martini".

Also, the choice of vodka over gin made Bond a more "modern" connoisseur, but that's probably lost on 95% of viewers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on April 02, 2021, 12:33:09 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 02, 2021, 12:21:40 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on April 01, 2021, 11:16:21 PM
That reminds me of James Bond. People think that when he orders his martini "shaken, not stirred" then that means he wants it stronger. It's the opposite. A shaken martini will shave little bits off of the ice cubes which melt and dilute the drink. A stirred martini will chill without those little chips so the drink will be stronger.

Hmmm, I'm not sure about that. My impression is that, when Bond orders his "vodka martini, shaken not stirred", it's because he's rather particular/pretentious/persnickety about his drink–because they think shaking vs stirring makes no difference, and a normal person would just order a "martini".

Also, the choice of vodka over gin made Bond a more "modern" connoisseur, but that's probably lost on 95% of viewers.

I just figure that, since James Bond is a badass, that they think that ordering it that way makes them more badass, when in theory it makes it a weaker drink. Kinda like most guys wouldn't order a Cosmo since it's a "girl drink" but probably wouldn't have a problem ordering a vodka/cranberry even though the former is stronger.

Chris

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 02, 2021, 04:33:15 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on April 02, 2021, 09:19:29 AM
Quote from: CoreySamson on April 01, 2021, 08:50:12 PM
My big beef with ice in drinks is when you get a soft drink at a restaurant that's been filled by the workers, the cup is filled up 90% with ice! C'mon, the drink is already pretty cold once out of the dispenser, so it doesn't really need that much more to get it cold. Plus the ice dilutes the drink.

That's my second beef. My first is that they immediately fill the drink and then it sits melting and diluting while there are still five cars in front of me waiting to pay and pick up their orders. Bonus irritation when they sit the drink or milkshake on the window ledge in direct sunlight to melt even faster.

Both of these can be fixed by ordering the beverage with no ice (which is a fairly common request). You can then add ice when you get home, if you're not immediately consuming the beverage.

There wouldn't be much point for the restaurant to intentionally overfill the cup with ice, as the cost of the soda is only a few cents–most of the expense of a soda is the custom-printed cup. When I worked at Burger King, I wouldn't ever fill the cups to the ice-fill line printed on the cups (which was about 3/4 of the way up the cup), I'd usually just do about half. Only got a few people complaining about not having enough ice.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on April 02, 2021, 07:32:06 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 02, 2021, 04:33:15 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on April 02, 2021, 09:19:29 AM
Quote from: CoreySamson on April 01, 2021, 08:50:12 PM
My big beef with ice in drinks is when you get a soft drink at a restaurant that's been filled by the workers, the cup is filled up 90% with ice! C'mon, the drink is already pretty cold once out of the dispenser, so it doesn't really need that much more to get it cold. Plus the ice dilutes the drink.

That's my second beef. My first is that they immediately fill the drink and then it sits melting and diluting while there are still five cars in front of me waiting to pay and pick up their orders. Bonus irritation when they sit the drink or milkshake on the window ledge in direct sunlight to melt even faster.

Both of these can be fixed by ordering the beverage with no ice (which is a fairly common request). You can then add ice when you get home, if you're not immediately consuming the beverage.

There wouldn't be much point for the restaurant to intentionally overfill the cup with ice, as the cost of the soda is only a few cents—most of the expense of a soda is the custom-printed cup. When I worked at Burger King, I wouldn't ever fill the cups to the ice-fill line printed on the cups (which was about 3/4 of the way up the cup), I'd usually just do about half. Only got a few people complaining about not having enough ice.

I work with a guy who puts only one cube in every drink. At that point why bother?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on April 02, 2021, 07:38:36 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on April 02, 2021, 07:32:06 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 02, 2021, 04:33:15 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on April 02, 2021, 09:19:29 AM
Quote from: CoreySamson on April 01, 2021, 08:50:12 PM
My big beef with ice in drinks is when you get a soft drink at a restaurant that's been filled by the workers, the cup is filled up 90% with ice! C'mon, the drink is already pretty cold once out of the dispenser, so it doesn't really need that much more to get it cold. Plus the ice dilutes the drink.

That's my second beef. My first is that they immediately fill the drink and then it sits melting and diluting while there are still five cars in front of me waiting to pay and pick up their orders. Bonus irritation when they sit the drink or milkshake on the window ledge in direct sunlight to melt even faster.

Both of these can be fixed by ordering the beverage with no ice (which is a fairly common request). You can then add ice when you get home, if you're not immediately consuming the beverage.

There wouldn't be much point for the restaurant to intentionally overfill the cup with ice, as the cost of the soda is only a few cents–most of the expense of a soda is the custom-printed cup. When I worked at Burger King, I wouldn't ever fill the cups to the ice-fill line printed on the cups (which was about 3/4 of the way up the cup), I'd usually just do about half. Only got a few people complaining about not having enough ice.

I work with a guy who puts only one cube in every drink. At that point why bother?

Assuming you're talking about liquor, just enough to cool it down and dilute it a bit. If you're talking a Big Gulp, I agree.

Chris

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 02, 2021, 08:20:17 PM

When radio DJs talk over the beginning of a song, before the vocals come in. The composer of the song put that there to introduce the listener to the musical themes of the piece, not for you to use it as a music bed for you to yap about a car wash that sponsored this hour of programming. I used to think that maybe they just had an itchy trigger finger and hit the 'start music' button before remembering they had more to say, but thinking about it today after a particularly long instance of this, I realized they have to have the amount of time they have until the vocals start written down somewhere and are instructed by station management to fill as much time with drivel as possible.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on April 02, 2021, 09:41:05 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 02, 2021, 08:20:17 PM
When radio DJs talk over the beginning of a song, before the vocals come in. The composer of the song put that there to introduce the listener to the musical themes of the piece, not for you to use it as a music bed for you to yap about a car wash that sponsored this hour of programming. I used to think that maybe they just had an itchy trigger finger and hit the 'start music' button before remembering they had more to say, but thinking about it today after a particularly long instance of this, I realized they have to have the amount of time they have until the vocals start written down somewhere and are instructed by station management to fill as much time with drivel as possible.

A lot of 45s used to have the intro time listed below the total song time. "Generic Radio Hit Song" might chime in at 3:32, and the record label would say "Intro 0:15." It told the DJ how long he had to talk before the lyrics began.

Something that bothers me: Use of the phrase "centered around." It's "centered on."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on April 02, 2021, 09:50:59 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 02, 2021, 08:20:17 PM
When radio DJs talk over the beginning of a song, before the vocals come in. ....

Heh. I came on here to grouse that while my wife loves hockey, she also loves talking over the TV commentators and I just want to tell her to STFU so I can listen. Tonight there was a commercial for a Kevin Bacon movie and she started talking about "Footloose" and kept talking about it after the game came back on.....I don't care about Kevin Bacon movies when I'm watching hockey!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on April 02, 2021, 10:53:48 PM

I hate single versions of songs as they leave out certain parts. Light My Fire has the middle organ solo eliminated in the single. Heart's Magic Man leaves out the Moog Synthesizer and the ohhh ohhhh part in the single.

However, Manfred Mann's Blinded By the Light, I do prefer the single as the album version annoys me after the tempo change which does not even cover Springsteen's song. The single goes right to the outro after Early Curly Whirly and cuts the second verse and slowdown out completely as well as the last verse.

That song is so played out it's not even likeable any longer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on April 03, 2021, 10:49:43 AM

How about On Threes Company when Furley tried to roast Jack like previous landlord Roper about being homosexual (though Jack only said he was one cause it was immoral to show unmarried people of both sexes cohabiting). Furley doing it wasn't funny like Roper was. To me it was carbon copied just like Jack Burns carbon copied Knotts on Andy Griffith which gave Burns Chuck Cunningham Syndrome after a few episodes.
IMO they should have dropped the Gay Charade after the Ropers left as it was a new decade then and new values.

Also in the end I think that they should have married off Jack and Janet to be the stars of Threes A Crowd instead of firing the other stars and replacing them with two new ones. Though Mary Choradette was a good actress, it wasn't the time for her to be in this show.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on April 03, 2021, 01:45:22 PM

Quote from: jayhawkco on April 02, 2021, 07:38:36 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on April 02, 2021, 07:32:06 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 02, 2021, 04:33:15 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on April 02, 2021, 09:19:29 AM
Quote from: CoreySamson on April 01, 2021, 08:50:12 PM
My big beef with ice in drinks is when you get a soft drink at a restaurant that's been filled by the workers, the cup is filled up 90% with ice! C'mon, the drink is already pretty cold once out of the dispenser, so it doesn't really need that much more to get it cold. Plus the ice dilutes the drink.

That's my second beef. My first is that they immediately fill the drink and then it sits melting and diluting while there are still five cars in front of me waiting to pay and pick up their orders. Bonus irritation when they sit the drink or milkshake on the window ledge in direct sunlight to melt even faster.

Both of these can be fixed by ordering the beverage with no ice (which is a fairly common request). You can then add ice when you get home, if you're not immediately consuming the beverage.

There wouldn't be much point for the restaurant to intentionally overfill the cup with ice, as the cost of the soda is only a few cents—most of the expense of a soda is the custom-printed cup. When I worked at Burger King, I wouldn't ever fill the cups to the ice-fill line printed on the cups (which was about 3/4 of the way up the cup), I'd usually just do about half. Only got a few people complaining about not having enough ice.

I work with a guy who puts only one cube in every drink. At that point why bother?

Assuming you're talking about liquor, just enough to cool it down and dilute it a bit. If you're talking a Big Gulp, I agree.

Chris

WATER!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on April 03, 2021, 01:47:09 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 02, 2021, 08:20:17 PM
When radio DJs talk over the beginning of a song, before the vocals come in. The composer of the song put that there to introduce the listener to the musical themes of the piece, not for you to use it as a music bed for you to yap about a car wash that sponsored this hour of programming. I used to think that maybe they just had an itchy trigger finger and hit the 'start music' button before remembering they had more to say, but thinking about it today after a particularly long instance of this, I realized they have to have the amount of time they have until the vocals start written down somewhere and are instructed by station management to fill as much time with drivel as possible.

If the song was an instrumental they'd never shut up.

Much like commentating sporting events. If it's on the radio I need the action described. Talking over something I can see is not as necessary. I like having people over to watch games to drown all of it out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on April 03, 2021, 01:48:10 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on April 03, 2021, 10:49:43 AM
How about On Threes Company when Furley tried to roast Jack like previous landlord Roper about being homosexual (though Jack only said he was one cause it was immoral to show unmarried people of both sexes cohabiting). Furley doing it wasn’t funny like Roper was. To me it was carbon copied just like Jack Burns carbon copied Knotts on Andy Griffith which gave Burns Chuck Cunningham Syndrome after a few episodes.
IMO they should have dropped the Gay Charade after the Ropers left as it was a new decade then and new values.

Also in the end I think that they should have married off Jack and Janet to be the stars of Threes A Crowd instead of firing the other stars and replacing them with two new ones. Though Mary Choradette was a good actress, it wasn’t the time for her to be in this show.

100% agreed. Would have been a much better ending.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ibthebigd on April 03, 2021, 09:22:49 PM

Getting off on an exit and the place you want to visit it pretty far away from the exit.

SM-G950U

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on April 03, 2021, 10:12:03 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on April 02, 2021, 10:53:48 PM
I hate single versions of songs as they leave out certain parts. Light My Fire has the middle organ solo eliminated in the single. Heart's Magic Man leaves out the Moog Synthesizer and the ohhh ohhhh part in the single.

Then there's Taylor Swift's song Me, where part of the song in the single version is omitted from the album version...

Apparently spelling is only fun on the radio.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on April 03, 2021, 10:13:58 PM

Suppose the next 3 exits ahead of you are 9, 10, and 13 (mileage-based). You normally take exit 10.

However, ~~Caltrans~~ your DOT has closed off your exit ramp 10 for construction. They post a sign for this not in advance of exit 9 (easy detour), but after exit 9, so you have to detour 6 miles instead of 1 using exit 13.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: noelbotevera on April 05, 2021, 04:00:24 PM

A pencil tip breaks/pen runs out of ink mid sentence, forcing you to get another one.

Definitely not speaking from experience, no siree.

(Add additional frustration when this happens in the middle of a test, despite sharpening your pencils/confirming your pen has ink beforehand)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on April 05, 2021, 04:07:48 PM

Quote from: kurumi on April 03, 2021, 10:13:58 PM
Suppose the next 3 exits ahead of you are 9, 10, and 13 (mileage-based). You normally take exit 10.

However, ~~Caltrans~~ your DOT has closed off your exit ramp 10 for construction. They post a sign for this not in advance of exit 9 (easy detour), but after exit 9, so you have to detour 6 miles instead of 1 using exit 13.

I talked to a DOT person about that once. No matter how much signage was used, motorists had a tendency to ignore it. Once they got to Exit 10 and realized the exit was closed, then they had to fend for themselves trying to figure out what roads to take. Thus, DOTs starting signing detours after the closed exit, since they now had the motorist's attention. Unfortunately, as you point out, it sometimes results in a very lengthy detour.

Obviously, as long as you know the shorter route, you can take it. And that's what most people will do. But for those not paying attention (and many people tune out everything until they get to their exit), the detour is signed at the closure point, not before.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on April 05, 2021, 04:20:52 PM

Quote from: noelbotevera on April 05, 2021, 04:00:24 PM
A pencil tip breaks/pen runs out of ink mid sentence, forcing you to get another one.

Definitely not speaking from experience, no siree.

(Add additional frustration when this happens in the middle of a test, despite sharpening your pencils/confirming your pen has ink beforehand)

Or the laptop battery low so you have to find the cord and plug it in :P

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: noelbotevera on April 05, 2021, 04:25:51 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on April 05, 2021, 04:20:52 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on April 05, 2021, 04:00:24 PM
A pencil tip breaks/pen runs out of ink mid sentence, forcing you to get another one.

Definitely not speaking from experience, no siree.

(Add additional frustration when this happens in the middle of a test, despite sharpening your pencils/confirming your pen has ink beforehand)

Or the laptop battery low so you have to find the cord and plug it in :P

Low battery isn't that annoying, unless you own a laptop that pesters you to plug it in or shuts off with low battery. Usually I keep my laptop charger nearby, but I'm sure there's weirdos who use their laptop away from the charger - as if it's some portable computer or something (scoff).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: I-55 on April 05, 2021, 04:40:18 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on April 05, 2021, 04:07:48 PM
Quote from: kurumi on April 03, 2021, 10:13:58 PM
Suppose the next 3 exits ahead of you are 9, 10, and 13 (mileage-based). You normally take exit 10.

However, ~~Caltrans~~ your DOT has closed off your exit ramp 10 for construction. They post a sign for this not in advance of exit 9 (easy detour), but after exit 9, so you have to detour 6 miles instead of 1 using exit 13.

I talked to a DOT person about that once. No matter how much signage was used, motorists had a tendency to ignore it. Once they got to Exit 10 and realized the exit was closed, then they had to fend for themselves trying to figure out what roads to take. Thus, DOTs starting signing detours after the closed exit, since they now had the motorist's attention. Unfortunately, as you point out, it sometimes results in a very lengthy detour.

Obviously, as long as you know the shorter route, you can take it. And that's what most people will do. But for those not paying attention (and many people tune out everything until they get to their exit), the detour is signed at the closure point, not before.

or you just sign it before AND after

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on April 05, 2021, 05:48:55 PM

Quote from: I-55 on April 05, 2021, 04:40:18 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on April 05, 2021, 04:07:48 PM
Quote from: kurumi on April 03, 2021, 10:13:58 PM
Suppose the next 3 exits ahead of you are 9, 10, and 13 (mileage-based). You normally take exit 10.

However, ~~Caltrans~~ your DOT has closed off your exit ramp 10 for construction. They post a sign for this not in advance of exit 9 (easy detour), but after exit 9, so you have to detour 6 miles instead of 1 using exit 13.

I talked to a DOT person about that once. No matter how much signage was used, motorists had a tendency to ignore it. Once they got to Exit 10 and realized the exit was closed, then they had to fend for themselves trying to figure out what roads to take. Thus, DOTs starting signing detours after the closed exit, since they now had the motorist's attention. Unfortunately, as you point out, it sometimes results in a very lengthy detour.

Obviously, as long as you know the shorter route, you can take it. And that's what most people will do. But for those not paying attention (and many people tune out everything until they get to their exit), the detour is signed at the closure point, not before.

or you just sign it before AND after

Only 1 signed detour is needed. Those that know can go the shorter way. Those that don't know can go the signed way. They won't know any better anyway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on April 05, 2021, 07:42:58 PM

Quote from: noelbotevera on April 05, 2021, 04:25:51 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on April 05, 2021, 04:20:52 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on April 05, 2021, 04:00:24 PM
A pencil tip breaks/pen runs out of ink mid sentence, forcing you to get another one.

Definitely not speaking from experience, no siree.

(Add additional frustration when this happens in the middle of a test, despite sharpening your pencils/confirming your pen has ink beforehand)

Or the laptop battery low so you have to find the cord and plug it in :P
Low battery isn't that annoying, unless you own a laptop that pesters you to plug it in or shuts off with low battery. Usually I keep my laptop charger nearby, but I'm sure there's weirdos who use their laptop away from the charger - as if it's some portable computer or something (scoff).

the warning is usually less than a minute before it shuts off

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on April 05, 2021, 08:27:56 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on April 05, 2021, 07:42:58 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on April 05, 2021, 04:25:51 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on April 05, 2021, 04:20:52 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on April 05, 2021, 04:00:24 PM
A pencil tip breaks/pen runs out of ink mid sentence, forcing you to get another one.

Definitely not speaking from experience, no siree.

(Add additional frustration when this happens in the middle of a test, despite sharpening your pencils/confirming your pen has ink beforehand)

Or the laptop battery low so you have to find the cord and plug it in :P
Low battery isn't that annoying, unless you own a laptop that pesters you to plug it in or shuts off with low battery. Usually I keep my laptop charger nearby, but I'm sure there's weirdos who use their laptop away from the charger - as if it's some portable computer or something (scoff).

the warning is usually less than a minute before it shuts off

i'm lucky to get 20 minutes out of my battery. i really need a new laptop.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 06, 2021, 02:54:02 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on April 02, 2021, 07:32:06 PM
I work with a guy who puts only one cube in every drink. At that point why bother?

To make the drink a little bit colder.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on April 06, 2021, 03:16:19 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 06, 2021, 02:54:02 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on April 02, 2021, 07:32:06 PM
I work with a guy who puts only one cube in every drink. At that point why bother?

To make the drink a little bit colder.

I used to do that with certain bourbons–I used one ice cube both to chill it slightly and to take a bit of the bite off, but I didn't use more than one ice cube because it would dilute the bourbon too much.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on April 06, 2021, 09:14:03 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on April 05, 2021, 08:27:56 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on April 05, 2021, 07:42:58 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on April 05, 2021, 04:25:51 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on April 05, 2021, 04:20:52 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on April 05, 2021, 04:00:24 PM
A pencil tip breaks/pen runs out of ink mid sentence, forcing you to get another one.

Definitely not speaking from experience, no siree.

(Add additional frustration when this happens in the middle of a test, despite sharpening your pencils/confirming your pen has ink beforehand)

Or the laptop battery low so you have to find the cord and plug it in :P
Low battery isn't that annoying, unless you own a laptop that pesters you to plug it in or shuts off with low battery. Usually I keep my laptop charger nearby, but I'm sure there's weirdos who use their laptop away from the charger - as if it's some portable computer or something (scoff).

the warning is usually less than a minute before it shuts off

i'm lucky to get 20 minutes out of my battery. i really need a new laptop.

Or maybe just a new battery.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ozarkman417 on April 06, 2021, 09:31:50 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on April 06, 2021, 09:14:03 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on April 05, 2021, 08:27:56 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on April 05, 2021, 07:42:58 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on April 05, 2021, 04:25:51 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on April 05, 2021, 04:20:52 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on April 05, 2021, 04:00:24 PM
A pencil tip breaks/pen runs out of ink mid sentence, forcing you to get another one.

Definitely not speaking from experience, no siree.

(Add additional frustration when this happens in the middle of a test, despite sharpening your pencils/confirming your pen has ink beforehand)

Or the laptop battery low so you have to find the cord and plug it in :P
Low battery isn't that annoying, unless you own a laptop that pesters you to plug it in or shuts off with low battery. Usually I keep my laptop charger nearby, but I'm sure there's weirdos who use their laptop away from the charger - as if it's some portable computer or something (scoff).

the warning is usually less than a minute before it shuts off

i'm lucky to get 20 minutes out of my battery. i really need a new laptop.

Or maybe just a new battery.

If that is possible with that specific model. I have a laptop that gives max 1 hour of battery, gives the low battery warning 1 minute before death, and said battery is not replaceable.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on April 06, 2021, 10:32:59 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on April 06, 2021, 09:14:03 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on April 05, 2021, 08:27:56 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on April 05, 2021, 07:42:58 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on April 05, 2021, 04:25:51 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on April 05, 2021, 04:20:52 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on April 05, 2021, 04:00:24 PM
A pencil tip breaks/pen runs out of ink mid sentence, forcing you to get another one.

Definitely not speaking from experience, no siree.

(Add additional frustration when this happens in the middle of a test, despite sharpening your pencils/confirming your pen has ink beforehand)

Or the laptop battery low so you have to find the cord and plug it in :P
Low battery isn't that annoying, unless you own a laptop that pesters you to plug it in or shuts off with low battery. Usually I keep my laptop charger nearby, but I'm sure there's weirdos who use their laptop away from the charger - as if it's some portable computer or something (scoff).

the warning is usually less than a minute before it shuts off

i'm lucky to get 20 minutes out of my battery. i really need a new laptop.

Or maybe just a new battery.

dell vostro thats past end-of-life... but soldiers on with the ac adapter...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 07, 2021, 09:57:25 AM

Quote from: ozarkman417 on April 06, 2021, 09:31:50 PM
If that is possible with that specific model. I have a laptop that gives max 1 hour of battery, gives the low battery warning 1 minute before death, and said battery is not replaceable.

It's for the same reason that I no longer buy cell phones that don't have a replaceable battery.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on April 07, 2021, 01:36:56 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 07, 2021, 09:57:25 AM
Quote from: ozarkman417 on April 06, 2021, 09:31:50 PM
If that is possible with that specific model. I have a laptop that gives max 1 hour of battery, gives the low battery warning 1 minute before death, and said battery is not replaceable.

It's for the same reason that I no longer buy cell phones that don't have a replaceable battery.

"Replaceable" or "user-replaceable?" Some laptops don't necessarily have a battery that just pops out, but can be replaced. Same with an iPhone. It doesn't have a removable battery like some cell phones do, but someone with the right tools and skills can replace the battery.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on April 08, 2021, 02:53:55 PM

Here's something else that bothers me. I get my mail at a post office box. Whenever I order something online, mostly from eBay or Amazon or Walmart, I'll often get a "cannot ship to this address" when I order. So I have to provide my physical address, where I've never gotten mail. And then the item gets shipped by USPS.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 08, 2021, 03:50:24 PM

Probably what's happening is that Amazon (or whatever) has a computer algorithm that runs through USPS, UPS, FedEx, their own internal delivery drivers, etc. and pulls rates to see which one is the cheapest. Given that you live in rural Kentucky, that will always be USPS. But UPS/FedEx can't deliver to a PO box, so they won't give a rate for that, so Amazon won't let you enter it.

Most of the time for places as rural as yours, if you send a parcel through UPS or FedEx they'd ship it to Lexington or some other nearby biggish city...then mail it through USPS from Lexington to your actual town. Which makes me question what the point of shipping UPS/FedEx even is.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 14, 2021, 09:03:34 AM

How does my pillow get twisted around inside its pillowcase during the night?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on April 14, 2021, 09:20:53 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 08, 2021, 03:50:24 PM
Probably what's happening is that Amazon (or whatever) has a computer algorithm that runs through USPS, UPS, FedEx, their own internal delivery drivers, etc. and pulls rates to see which one is the cheapest. Given that you live in rural Kentucky, that will always be USPS. But UPS/FedEx can't deliver to a PO box, so they won't give a rate for that, so Amazon won't let you enter it.

Most of the time for places as rural as yours, if you send a parcel through UPS or FedEx they'd ship it to Lexington or some other nearby biggish city...then mail it through USPS from Lexington to your actual town. Which makes me question what the point of shipping UPS/FedEx even is.

I'd guess it's because UPS/FedEx can get it to that biggish city faster and at lower cost than USPS can, but from there USPS may have the advantage. It's about using the best available option for each leg of the trip.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on April 14, 2021, 09:25:05 AM

When I'm sleeping and my blankets somehow fall on the floor and I need to pick them up in the middle of the night.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Zeffy on April 14, 2021, 09:37:10 AM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 14, 2021, 09:25:05 AM
When I'm sleeping and my blankets somehow fall on the floor and I need to pick them up in the middle of the night.

Somewhat related, when my giant husky plushie falls partially onto the floor and I feel compelled to pick him up whenever I notice it

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on April 14, 2021, 09:52:12 AM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 14, 2021, 09:25:05 AM
When I'm sleeping and my blankets somehow fall on the floor and I need to pick them up in the middle of the night.

I'm a side sleeper for the most part and don't seem to have that problem.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on April 14, 2021, 10:02:07 AM

Quote from: webny99 on April 14, 2021, 09:52:12 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 14, 2021, 09:25:05 AM
When I'm sleeping and my blankets somehow fall on the floor and I need to pick them up in the middle of the night.

I'm a side sleeper for the most part and don't seem to have that problem.

I sleep on my back

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 14, 2021, 10:48:28 AM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 14, 2021, 09:25:05 AM
When I'm sleeping and my blankets somehow fall on the floor and I need to pick them up in the middle of the night.

We have a top sheet and like three blankets on our bed (still winter-style). Somehow, the middle blanket tends to slide off on my side of the bed. The sheet and the other blankets don't. It's a great mystery.

After my wife gets in bed, she likes to kick her foot out the side and roll over so her body is half-uncovered. So I blame her for it.

I like to be completely covered up, so I always make sure to bring the covers with me when I roll over. So she blames me for it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on April 14, 2021, 11:20:11 AM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 14, 2021, 10:02:07 AM
Quote from: webny99 on April 14, 2021, 09:52:12 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 14, 2021, 09:25:05 AM
When I'm sleeping and my blankets somehow fall on the floor and I need to pick them up in the middle of the night.

I'm a side sleeper for the most part and don't seem to have that problem.
I sleep on my back

I sleep on the side.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on April 14, 2021, 09:12:11 PM

How about pulling into a parking space to have the next car open his/her door carelessly. Then also you being the one to open your door after being parked for a bit where another vehicle carelessly pulls in to the empty stall next to you.

Luck will always have experience both sides of it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 14, 2021, 11:19:47 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on April 14, 2021, 09:20:53 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 08, 2021, 03:50:24 PM
Probably what's happening is that Amazon (or whatever) has a computer algorithm that runs through USPS, UPS, FedEx, their own internal delivery drivers, etc. and pulls rates to see which one is the cheapest. Given that you live in rural Kentucky, that will always be USPS. But UPS/FedEx can't deliver to a PO box, so they won't give a rate for that, so Amazon won't let you enter it.

Most of the time for places as rural as yours, if you send a parcel through UPS or FedEx they'd ship it to Lexington or some other nearby biggish city...then mail it through USPS from Lexington to your actual town. Which makes me question what the point of shipping UPS/FedEx even is.

I'd guess it's because UPS/FedEx can get it to that biggish city faster and at lower cost than USPS can, but from there USPS may have the advantage. It's about using the best available option for each leg of the trip.

Yeah, but if you look at shipping rates offered to shippers UPS and FedEx are always more expensive than sending it USPS all the way. So if they can do it cheaper they're pocketing that difference as profit. And USPS Priority is pretty fast. Maybe there's some sort of cost savings for UPS/FedEx if you overnight stuff (which I never have any reason to do), or they offer steeper discounts if you qualify for whatever their equivalent to USPS's Commercial Plus tier is.

The only time it's ever made financial sense for me to use UPS to ship anything was when I had to ship an entire pallet, because USPS doesn't offer that service at all.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on April 15, 2021, 07:52:30 AM

Quote from: tolbs17 on April 14, 2021, 11:20:11 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 14, 2021, 10:02:07 AM
Quote from: webny99 on April 14, 2021, 09:52:12 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 14, 2021, 09:25:05 AM
When I'm sleeping and my blankets somehow fall on the floor and I need to pick them up in the middle of the night.

I'm a side sleeper for the most part and don't seem to have that problem.
I sleep on my back
I sleep on the side.

I sometimes sleep on my side. Never stomach though.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on April 15, 2021, 09:45:46 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 14, 2021, 11:19:47 PM
... The only time it's ever made financial sense for me to use UPS to ship anything was when I had to ship an entire pallet, because USPS doesn't offer that service at all.

I'd actually argue that it might not have made financial sense even then, given that UPS Freight was, to put it charitably, a complete joke. Their transit times ranged from ridiculous to mind-boggling - often close to a week between Rochester and Buffalo, for example. Fedex Freight is faster and more reliable by an order of magnitude.

(And I refer to UPS Freight in the past tense because they sold out to TFI International back in January: https://www.freightwaves.com/news/ups-to-sell-ups-freight-after-a-tough-15-year-run)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kenarmy on April 19, 2021, 08:54:54 AM

when i wake up and check my replies (thinking it's gonna be one of my threads) and then it's just a new page of "Fritzowl in one thread" or Alanland..

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 20, 2021, 01:59:22 PM

That's what you get for replying to FritzOwl or Alanland.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CoreySamson on April 20, 2021, 02:38:59 PM

That's why I've never posted in FritzOwl's thread. I don't want to check my replies for it every day.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on April 20, 2021, 03:34:05 PM

I only know Fritzowl from reputation and to me he has no interest to want to interact with him. So yes you should ignore him and don't respond to his Oversea Highway to Europe and such. It's not worth it. I have learned on here that you feed a troll they want more food and you end up giving out more food instead of ridding them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 20, 2021, 06:28:02 PM

You can't interact with FritzOwl, because that implies that FritzOwl will acknowledge what you have to say and respond in turn.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on April 20, 2021, 09:29:15 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on April 20, 2021, 03:34:05 PM
I only know Fritzowl from reputation and to me he has no interest to want to interact with him. ...

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 20, 2021, 06:28:02 PM
You can't interact with FritzOwl, because that implies that FritzOwl will acknowledge what you have to say and respond in turn.

FritzOwl actually sort of does that, if you count quoting someone's post as acknowledging them. He doesn't seem to be able to recognize criticism or change his plans, though, so it does seem like beating a dead horse after a while.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 21, 2021, 10:05:32 AM

Sometimes he actually gives you a justification for something. It usually goes something like "I saw it on a now-defunct GeoCities page by some guy named Curt seven years ago. Trust me."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on April 21, 2021, 11:13:23 AM

Quote from: webny99 on April 20, 2021, 09:29:15 PM
He doesn't seem to be able to recognize criticism or change his plans, though, so it does seem like beating a dead horse after a while.

FritzOwl doesn't really care, doesn't seem to argue with anyone else, and rarely tries to merge those plans into the real-life threads (at least, not in a long time).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 21, 2021, 11:56:07 AM

Quote from: formulanone on April 21, 2021, 11:13:23 AM
FritzOwl ... rarely tries to merge those plans into the real-life threads (at least, not in a long time).

That's because his thread was created specifically to keep his ideas out of those other threads. And he's been very good about heeding that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 21, 2021, 06:17:56 PM

I think one of the other mods (might have been Jake Bear, it was so long ago) told him point blank that if he didn't stop carpet-bombing the other threads in Fictional with his plans that he was going to get banned. He used to be very bad about posting his plans in every thread in the section.

Also of note is that FritzOwl has never posted outside of Fictional.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on April 21, 2021, 06:25:11 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 21, 2021, 06:17:56 PM
(might have been Jake Bear, it was so long ago)

His last post was in 2015. I started the compilation thread in 2016.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on April 21, 2021, 09:36:45 PM

Quote from: 1 on April 21, 2021, 06:25:11 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 21, 2021, 06:17:56 PM
(might have been Jake Bear, it was so long ago)

His last post was in 2015. I started the compilation thread in 2016.

In addition to his various threads breaking out his plan by state, he used to spam every other thread with his plans too. So if someone made a thread proposing to extend I-83 to Williamsport or Rochester, Fritz would chime in with "in my plan, I-83 would go...".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on April 22, 2021, 12:34:18 AM

He would take a quote from another thread over to his thread if he wanted to "discuss" how he'd "improve" on their plan. He still might do that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 22, 2021, 01:24:02 AM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on April 22, 2021, 12:34:18 AM
He would take a quote from another thread over to his thread if he wanted to "discuss" how he'd "improve" on their plan. He still might do that.

That's what he does now. Before he'd just barge into their thread and do it there.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: I-55 on April 22, 2021, 09:10:56 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 21, 2021, 06:17:56 PM
Also of note is that FritzOwl has never posted outside of Fictional.

Might explain why so many of his plans are out of touch with the real world.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mrsman on April 22, 2021, 09:52:43 PM

It seems that the forum has done a very good job of keeping Fritzowl under control. Yes his plans are crazy. But by keeping him in his own thread, he doesn't step out. So he can do whatever he wants in his sandbox and the rest of us can go on with life.

If you want to engage him on his plans, you're feeding the troll and you are the problem (not him).

I also have to say that he doesn't appear to get angry despite the criticism, and even if we find his stuff annoying, he is abiding by forum rules, so I guess we have to keep him.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on April 22, 2021, 10:06:21 PM

Quote from: mrsman on April 22, 2021, 09:52:43 PM
It seems that the forum has done a very good job of keeping Fritzowl under control. Yes his plans are crazy. But by keeping him in his own thread, he doesn't step out. So he can do whatever he wants in his sandbox and the rest of us can go on with life.

If you want to engage him on his plans, you're feeding the troll and you are the problem (not him).

I also have to say that he doesn't appear to get angry despite the criticism, and even if we find his stuff annoying, he is abiding by forum rules, so I guess we have to keep him.

It's fun to joke around with him, it's almost like another Alanland thread.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on April 23, 2021, 12:50:34 PM

Quote from: mrsman on April 22, 2021, 09:52:43 PM
I also have to say that he doesn't appear to get angry despite the criticism, and even if we find his stuff annoying, he is abiding by forum rules, so I guess we have to keep him.

I haven't so much as seen him acknowledge hardly any criticism, much less become angry with anyone. In fact, I think he deserves some praise for maintaining his composure in light of everyone's disgust with his plans.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on April 26, 2021, 09:00:32 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on April 23, 2021, 12:50:34 PM
Quote from: mrsman on April 22, 2021, 09:52:43 PM
I also have to say that he doesn't appear to get angry despite the criticism, and even if we find his stuff annoying, he is abiding by forum rules, so I guess we have to keep him.

I haven't so much as seen him acknowledge hardly any criticism, much less become angry with anyone. In fact, I think he deserves some praise for maintaining his composure in light of everyone's disgust with his plans.

In my plans, FritzOwl becomes highly radioactive and burns down at least one large city for one of his interstate proposal, but he gets stopped midway by The US Shield Force.

Several state highways were decommissioned in the final battle.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SkyPesos on April 26, 2021, 09:04:48 AM

Quote from: formulanone on April 26, 2021, 09:00:32 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on April 23, 2021, 12:50:34 PM
Quote from: mrsman on April 22, 2021, 09:52:43 PM
I also have to say that he doesn't appear to get angry despite the criticism, and even if we find his stuff annoying, he is abiding by forum rules, so I guess we have to keep him.

I haven't so much as seen him acknowledge hardly any criticism, much less become angry with anyone. In fact, I think he deserves some praise for maintaining his composure in light of everyone's disgust with his plans.

In my plans, FritzOwl becomes highly radioactive and burns down at least one large city for one of his interstate proposal, but he gets stopped midway by The US Shield Force.

Several state highways were decommissioned in the final battle.

You forgot the "I think this is needed" part of FritzOwl's copy paste :D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on April 26, 2021, 09:06:43 AM

Quote from: SkyPesos on April 26, 2021, 09:04:48 AM
Quote from: formulanone on April 26, 2021, 09:00:32 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on April 23, 2021, 12:50:34 PM
Quote from: mrsman on April 22, 2021, 09:52:43 PM
I also have to say that he doesn't appear to get angry despite the criticism, and even if we find his stuff annoying, he is abiding by forum rules, so I guess we have to keep him.

I haven't so much as seen him acknowledge hardly any criticism, much less become angry with anyone. In fact, I think he deserves some praise for maintaining his composure in light of everyone's disgust with his plans.

In my plans, FritzOwl becomes highly radioactive and burns down at least one large city for one of his interstate proposal, but he gets stopped midway by The US Shield Force.

Several state highways were decommissioned in the final battle.
You forgot the "I think this is needed" part of FritzOwl's copy paste :D

Those were his final words before getting hauled off to SCORNitentiary.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on April 27, 2021, 09:51:15 PM

Quote from: SkyPesos on April 26, 2021, 09:04:48 AM
Quote from: formulanone on April 26, 2021, 09:00:32 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on April 23, 2021, 12:50:34 PM
Quote from: mrsman on April 22, 2021, 09:52:43 PM
I also have to say that he doesn't appear to get angry despite the criticism, and even if we find his stuff annoying, he is abiding by forum rules, so I guess we have to keep him.

I haven't so much as seen him acknowledge hardly any criticism, much less become angry with anyone. In fact, I think he deserves some praise for maintaining his composure in light of everyone's disgust with his plans.

In my plans, FritzOwl becomes highly radioactive and burns down at least one large city for one of his interstate proposal, but he gets stopped midway by The US Shield Force.

Several state highways were decommissioned in the final battle.
You forgot the "I think this is needed" part of FritzOwl's copy paste :D

And "I think all of US Blank should become an Interstate"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 27, 2021, 10:10:03 PM

Quote from: formulanone on April 26, 2021, 09:06:43 AM
Quote from: SkyPesos on April 26, 2021, 09:04:48 AM
Quote from: formulanone on April 26, 2021, 09:00:32 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on April 23, 2021, 12:50:34 PM
Quote from: mrsman on April 22, 2021, 09:52:43 PM
I also have to say that he doesn't appear to get angry despite the criticism, and even if we find his stuff annoying, he is abiding by forum rules, so I guess we have to keep him.

I haven't so much as seen him acknowledge hardly any criticism, much less become angry with anyone. In fact, I think he deserves some praise for maintaining his composure in light of everyone's disgust with his plans.

In my plans, FritzOwl becomes highly radioactive and burns down at least one large city for one of his interstate proposal, but he gets stopped midway by The US Shield Force.

Several state highways were decommissioned in the final battle.
You forgot the "I think this is needed" part of FritzOwl's copy paste :D

Those were his final words before getting hauled off to SCORNitentiary.

not SCOURN (https://route.transportation.org/)itentiary?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 28, 2021, 09:19:59 AM

It bothers me that, when I search for a musical artist on YouTube, single songs sometimes appear in the "albums" section.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on April 28, 2021, 07:29:55 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 27, 2021, 10:10:03 PM
Quote from: formulanone on April 26, 2021, 09:06:43 AM

Those were his final words before getting hauled off to SCORNitentiary.

not SCOURN (https://route.transportation.org/)itentiary?

I was missing the U, oops.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CoreySamson on April 28, 2021, 11:56:00 PM

When the Weather Channel's website is not updated at all regarding certain weather events (especially in right-leaning states, I've noticed). For example, tonight San Antonio, Fort Worth, and Oklahoma City all had insane hailstorms, but as of this post all the Weather Channel has on the subject is a short 1-minute video explaining the basics and not highlighting the danger these storms pose that's been in the sidebar all day.

I was also a little ticked the day after Earth Day and instead of reporting on the severe weather Texas was having (or the cat 5 typhoon near the Philippines, for that matter), they still had all the clickbaity Earth Day articles about the president's actions towards climate change. Nothing against the president, but the Weather Channel needs to focus on weather if they want to be a credible news source.

If not, I suggest they change their name to the Climate Channel.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on April 29, 2021, 12:41:27 AM

Quote from: CoreySamson on April 28, 2021, 11:56:00 PM
When the Weather Channel's website is not updated at all regarding certain weather events (especially in right-leaning states, I've noticed). For example, tonight San Antonio, Fort Worth, and Oklahoma City all had insane hailstorms, but as of this post all the Weather Channel has on the subject is a short 1-minute video explaining the basics and not highlighting the danger these storms pose that's been in the sidebar all day.

I was also a little ticked the day after Earth Day and instead of reporting on the severe weather Texas was having (or the cat 5 typhoon near the Philippines, for that matter), they still had all the clickbaity Earth Day articles about the president's actions towards climate change. Nothing against the president, but the Weather Channel needs to focus on weather if they want to be a credible news source.

If not, I suggest they change their name to the Climate Channel.

Eh, I don't think their coverage or lack thereof is necessarily about political leaning as much as it is about population. They only care about what is happening in the Northeast, California, and sometimes Atlanta since that's where they're located. New Mexico is a blue state but good luck ever hearing about their weather. It's no different than ESPN who only ever cares about the Red Sox and Yankees when they talk about baseball.

That said, the Weather Channel stopped being about weather years ago. I don't mind some coverage on climate change since that is a real weather-related issue affecting us, but these days half of their news isn't even tangentially related. Like this (https://weather.com/science/nature/video/new-zealand-snorkeler-had-the-ultimate-killer-whale-encounter). I mean, whales are cool, but how is it at all related to weather or the atmosphere? Oceans do affect weather but this kind of thing is really best saved for Animal Planet or something else about more general nature.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 29, 2021, 01:30:33 AM

The Weather Channel is next to useless when it comes to severe weather even when they do cover it. We were caught in Ada once when a storm strong enough to get TWC's attention rolled in, and because the hospital we were at only had cable, TWC was what they had on. It was funny hearing the Atlanta-based meteorologist failing hard at pronouncing all the Chickasaw-derived toponyms, but it was pretty hard to find out what was really going on because it was clear he was just reading off the map and had no knowledge of the area or the typical behavior of Oklahoma storms.

If there's weather going on here, it's better to punch up the website of an Oklahoma City local news station– https://www.news9.com is my go-to out of habit but https://koco.com is good too–since they normally have live feeds from their weather departments streaming online.

Also, that storm hit Norman, not Oklahoma City. Went right over my house. :P

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on April 29, 2021, 01:43:33 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 29, 2021, 01:30:33 AM
Also, that storm hit Norman, not Oklahoma City. Went right over my house. :P

How many windows did you lose? Baseball size hail blowing at 60+ mph isn't exactly gentle when it lands on or blows into things.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 29, 2021, 01:44:46 AM

Fortunately the west side of my house is brick and there's a fence about 5 feet from it, so as far as I know we have no damage. Of course, it's dark. We did hear one of our friends had a window break, but it was double-paned and only the outer pane broke.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on April 29, 2021, 06:14:42 PM

As long as TWC continues to name winter storms and expect members of the general public to go along with it, they will continue to be worthless.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 06:17:12 PM

When websites auto log you out even if you press the "remember me" button.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SkyPesos on April 29, 2021, 06:18:44 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 06:17:12 PM
When websites auto log you out even if you press the "remember me" button.

*cough* College Board's site

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 06:24:57 PM

Quote from: SkyPesos on April 29, 2021, 06:18:44 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 06:17:12 PM
When websites auto log you out even if you press the "remember me" button.
*cough* College Board's site

That was the one I was thinking about!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SkyPesos on April 29, 2021, 06:26:54 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 06:24:57 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on April 29, 2021, 06:18:44 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 06:17:12 PM
When websites auto log you out even if you press the "remember me" button.
*cough* College Board's site
That was the one I was thinking about!

College Board is an annoyance to me for the past 3 years. Glad I'll be done with them after this year's AP exams.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 29, 2021, 06:32:24 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 06:17:12 PM
When websites auto log you out even if you press the "remember me" button.

The one I'm thinking of even says "remember me for 60 days". I get on once a week, and I have to log in every time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 29, 2021, 06:36:18 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 29, 2021, 06:32:24 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 06:17:12 PM
When websites auto log you out even if you press the "remember me" button.

The one I'm thinking of even says "remember me for 60 days". I get on once a week, and I have to log in every time.

What's worse is the sites that not only don't remember you, but they two-factor authenticate you, and then act like it's your fault with some sort of message about how they don't recognize you logging in from that browser before. I haven't even rebooted my computer since I logged in here last; if you don't recognize my browser that is strictly a you problem.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 29, 2021, 06:37:34 PM

All salt and pepper shakers should be clear.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on April 29, 2021, 07:09:42 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 29, 2021, 06:37:34 PM
All salt and pepper shakers should be clear.

I would have agreed, before I discovered the ones where the holes that the salt and pepper come out of are shaped like "S" and "P".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 29, 2021, 07:59:29 PM

Quote from: webny99 on April 29, 2021, 07:09:42 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 29, 2021, 06:37:34 PM
All salt and pepper shakers should be clear.

I would have agreed, before I discovered the ones where the holes that the salt and pepper come out of are shaped like "S" and "P".

That's cute, and I kind of want some like that now. But that wouldn't solve the problem of someone accidentally (or intentionally) putting pepper in the S shaker, which clear shakers would obviate.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on April 29, 2021, 08:13:03 PM

Quote from: SkyPesos on April 29, 2021, 06:26:54 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 06:24:57 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on April 29, 2021, 06:18:44 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 06:17:12 PM
When websites auto log you out even if you press the "remember me" button.
*cough* College Board's site
That was the one I was thinking about!
College Board is an annoyance to me for the past 3 years. Glad I'll be done with them after this year's AP exams.

Wait 'til you find out how common that is for employer's mandatory email systems and payroll systems...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 08:42:40 PM

Quote from: kkt on April 29, 2021, 08:13:03 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on April 29, 2021, 06:26:54 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 06:24:57 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on April 29, 2021, 06:18:44 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 06:17:12 PM
When websites auto log you out even if you press the "remember me" button.
*cough* College Board's site
That was the one I was thinking about!
College Board is an annoyance to me for the past 3 years. Glad I'll be done with them after this year's AP exams.

Wait 'til you find out how common that is for employer's mandatory email systems and payroll systems...

Can you not save passwords?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on April 29, 2021, 10:16:28 PM

Quote from: kkt on April 29, 2021, 08:13:03 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on April 29, 2021, 06:26:54 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 06:24:57 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on April 29, 2021, 06:18:44 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 06:17:12 PM
When websites auto log you out even if you press the "remember me" button.
*cough* College Board's site
That was the one I was thinking about!
College Board is an annoyance to me for the past 3 years. Glad I'll be done with them after this year's AP exams.

Wait 'til you find out how common that is for employer's mandatory email systems and payroll systems...

Speaking of payroll systems, the fact that NYS "upgraded" their online paycheck site to a system that is exactly the same in every way, except the login now requires a captcha and signing in and viewing your paycheck both have a pointless animation that makes everything take 10x as long as it used to.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on April 29, 2021, 11:11:39 PM

Quote from: SkyPesos on April 29, 2021, 06:26:54 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 06:24:57 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on April 29, 2021, 06:18:44 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 06:17:12 PM
When websites auto log you out even if you press the "remember me" button.
*cough* College Board's site
That was the one I was thinking about!
College Board is an annoyance to me for the past 3 years. Glad I'll be done with them after this year's AP exams.

College Board is anything but just a "minor annoyance".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: I-55 on April 30, 2021, 12:39:53 AM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on April 29, 2021, 11:11:39 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on April 29, 2021, 06:26:54 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 06:24:57 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on April 29, 2021, 06:18:44 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 06:17:12 PM
When websites auto log you out even if you press the "remember me" button.
*cough* College Board's site
That was the one I was thinking about!
College Board is an annoyance to me for the past 3 years. Glad I'll be done with them after this year's AP exams.

College Board is anything but just a "minor annoyance".

Word of the wise: If you can get AP credit for a college course but are considering retaking: don't. Take the credit and move on. My GPA would be higher if I didn't retake calc 2.

I took seven AP exams in HS. I got a 3 4's, 3 5's, and a 2 in gov (my online test submission must've gotten corrupted or something, College Board's standards were super strict last year, it very well could've been that my image submitted sideways even though I checked for that.)

It is annoying that I didn't get college credit for government, but I tested out of 6 classes in Civil Engineering so I'm not too salty. I tested out of as many humanities as the school would've allowed me so the gov credit wouldn't have mattered. But that 2 still bothers me...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on April 30, 2021, 03:39:06 AM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 08:42:40 PM
Quote from: kkt on April 29, 2021, 08:13:03 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on April 29, 2021, 06:26:54 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 06:24:57 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on April 29, 2021, 06:18:44 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 06:17:12 PM
When websites auto log you out even if you press the "remember me" button.
*cough* College Board's site
That was the one I was thinking about!
College Board is an annoyance to me for the past 3 years. Glad I'll be done with them after this year's AP exams.

Wait 'til you find out how common that is for employer's mandatory email systems and payroll systems...
Can you not save passwords?

My workplace's policy was not to use a password manager for our institutional ID and password, which is what we used for our email, payroll, a few other things. Our PCs were kept working with the original hard drives basically until they failed, so they did fail every few years. I'm not sure if they were afraid that the saved passwords would be unrecoverable from the backup, or if they could be recovered by unauthorized persons from the backups. Policy was we could use a password manager for all sorts of trivial things if we wanted, but not for those.

Also for some of us used shared computers a significant amount of the time, and if we didn't know our passwords we couldn't be moved around to cover absences.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on April 30, 2021, 04:08:42 AM

Quote from: kphoger on April 29, 2021, 06:37:34 PM
All salt and pepper shakers should be clear.

Dinner guest: Would you pass the salt?

Me: Sure

Dinner guest: I didn't ask for the pepper!

(A take on the "manners" of passing the pepper along with the salt even though it wasn't explicitly asked for)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on April 30, 2021, 05:21:06 AM

This doesn't affect you, since you have the originals. But why the heck they "translate" the commands??? :verymad: For example, I press Ctrl+S expecting a program to save the file, but instead I turn the underlined text on because the save command is Ctrl+G instead. And that starts a chain, because underlined text is Ctrl+S as said instead of the expected Ctrl+U, which in turn is open a new file instead of the expected Ctrl+N, which in turn is bold text instead of the expected Ctrl+B, which in turn is search alongside the expected Ctrl+F. Seriously, they couldn't keep all the commands the same for every language, like it happens with Ctrl+X (cut), Ctrl+C (copy), Ctrl+V (paste), Ctrl+P (print) or Ctrl+Z (undo)? Interestingly, the print one doesn't get changed to Ctrl+I, which is still italic text despite that getting an alternate command, Ctrl+K.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on April 30, 2021, 06:09:05 AM

Quote from: hbelkins on April 29, 2021, 06:14:42 PM
As long as TWC continues to name winter storms and expect members of the general public to go along with it, they will continue to be worthless.

If we were all worthless because of one or two annoying things, we're collectively bankrupt. I don't care about winter storm naming anymore than I care about the announcer's name, but I'd like to know if my travel plans are about to be borked.

Their tendency to sensationalize is a genuine annoyance. "200 MILLION AMERICANS AFFECTED BY RAIN EVENT" and "WORST ICE STORM EVER STAY TUNED" (...but it's in Yakutsk), is the troubling part but I suppose it puts them in line with modern news media standards...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on April 30, 2021, 07:45:08 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on April 30, 2021, 04:08:42 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 29, 2021, 06:37:34 PM
All salt and pepper shakers should be clear.

Dinner guest: Would you pass the salt?

Me: Sure

Dinner guest: I didn't ask for the pepper!

(A take on the "manners" of passing the pepper along with the salt even though it wasn't explicitly asked for)

My father once said you have to pass them together so the salt shaker won't get lonely.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SkyPesos on April 30, 2021, 08:51:10 AM

Quote from: I-55 on April 30, 2021, 12:39:53 AM
Word of the wise: If you can get AP credit for a college course but are considering retaking: don't. Take the credit and move on. My GPA would be higher if I didn't retake calc 2.

That's what current Purdue students are telling me too, so I'm going with it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on April 30, 2021, 08:53:36 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 29, 2021, 07:59:29 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 29, 2021, 07:09:42 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 29, 2021, 06:37:34 PM
All salt and pepper shakers should be clear.

I would have agreed, before I discovered the ones where the holes that the salt and pepper come out of are shaped like "S" and "P".

That's cute, and I kind of want some like that now. But that wouldn't solve the problem of someone accidentally (or intentionally) putting pepper in the S shaker, which clear shakers would obviate.

Yeah, it does require placing a bit of faith in whoever filled them, but that's about as good as you're going to get for a non-clear option.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on April 30, 2021, 08:53:54 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 29, 2021, 06:36:18 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 29, 2021, 06:32:24 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 06:17:12 PM
When websites auto log you out even if you press the "remember me" button.

The one I'm thinking of even says "remember me for 60 days". I get on once a week, and I have to log in every time.

What's worse is the sites that not only don't remember you, but they two-factor authenticate you, and then act like it's your fault with some sort of message about how they don't recognize you logging in from that browser before. I haven't even rebooted my computer since I logged in here last; if you don't recognize my browser that is strictly a you problem.

Any time I see a captcha I want to drink poison

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on April 30, 2021, 08:55:33 AM

Quote from: kphoger on April 29, 2021, 06:37:34 PM
All salt and pepper shakers should be clear.

Once I wanted parmesan on my spaghetti. Wouldn't have occured to me why someone put sea salt on the table.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on April 30, 2021, 09:00:11 AM

Quote from: kkt on April 29, 2021, 08:13:03 PM
Wait 'til you find out how common that is for employer's mandatory email systems and payroll systems...

And it gets really stupid. I have to log in to Windows when I open the laptop. Then I have to log in to the VPN. I have to log in if I want to get to my company profile, including payroll, vacation, benefits, etc. There are several apps that require logging. The stupid part - we have coordinated logins, so all of them have the same account and password! (And if you click the "remember me" box for those that have it, it only remembers you for that day.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 30, 2021, 10:23:39 AM

1. The new timeclock system at work only lets me submit PTO requests in whole-hour increments.

2. Cortana.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on April 30, 2021, 10:37:41 AM

People who delete their posts (particularly the OP) or edit out everything, so the thread no longer makes sense.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on April 30, 2021, 10:47:14 AM

Quote from: GaryV on April 30, 2021, 10:37:41 AM
People who delete their posts (particularly the OP) or edit out everything, so the thread no longer makes sense.

As if 7, o, and sorry weren't the top 3 threads on AARoads of all time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 30, 2021, 10:48:56 AM

Threads you'll never see on AARoads...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jmacswimmer on April 30, 2021, 10:49:38 AM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on April 30, 2021, 10:47:14 AM
Quote from: GaryV on April 30, 2021, 10:37:41 AM
People who delete their posts (particularly the OP) or edit out everything, so the thread no longer makes sense.

As if 7, o, and sorry weren't the top 3 threads on AARoads of all time.

The ironic part is that all of those edited OP's were completely reasonable, especially compared to some of the other content from the user in question :pan:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on April 30, 2021, 12:04:57 PM

Virginia

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 30, 2021, 12:07:56 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 30, 2021, 12:04:57 PM
Virginia

That's not a minor thing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Flint1979 on April 30, 2021, 12:09:25 PM

Well since Virginia was brought up the things I hate about Virginia are radar detectors are illegal and driving over 85 mph is considered reckless driving.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on April 30, 2021, 12:19:23 PM

Getting emails from unmonitored boxes. Especially when they ask for a reply.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on April 30, 2021, 12:46:29 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 30, 2021, 10:23:39 AM
2. Cortana.

If you happen to have a good microphone, she's actually quite decent. It's kind of nice to be able to just shout at my computer certain commands when I'm getting dressed or something. But then I'm one of those hermits who works primarily out of one room.

Still, I use my Echo for most voice things.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 30, 2021, 12:53:04 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on April 30, 2021, 12:46:29 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 30, 2021, 10:23:39 AM
2. Cortana.

If you happen to have a good microphone, she's actually quite decent. It's kind of nice to be able to just shout at my computer certain commands when I'm getting dressed or something. But then I'm one of those hermits who works primarily out of one room.

Still, I use my Echo for most voice things.

I don't want to ask my computer anything. So accidentally clicking on Cortana is annoying. But that's not the most bothersome thing.

I use Microsoft Outlook for my work e-mail. Every few days, Cortana sends a "daily briefing" to my inbox. It's worthless. So I tried to create a rule that all e-mails from Cortana be automatically sent to a dedicated folder I created. But that doesn't work, because they aren't actually e-mails. They're really just notifications that look like e-mails, and therefore e-mail rules don't apply to them. I once tried to unsubscribe from them, but I still get them. I just now tried it again, and we'll see what happens.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on April 30, 2021, 03:43:56 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 30, 2021, 10:23:39 AM

2. Cortana.

What is with those stupid reminders?? Thanks for telling me what to do today.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on April 30, 2021, 03:44:46 PM

Quote from: GaryV on April 30, 2021, 10:37:41 AM
People who delete their posts (particularly the OP) or edit out everything, so the thread no longer makes sense.

People who posts things like "what's the weather like there now" or "what do you like on your burger".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 30, 2021, 03:46:41 PM

Quote from: SkyPesos on April 30, 2021, 08:51:10 AM
Quote from: I-55 on April 30, 2021, 12:39:53 AM
Word of the wise: If you can get AP credit for a college course but are considering retaking: don't. Take the credit and move on. My GPA would be higher if I didn't retake calc 2.
That's what current Purdue students are telling me too, so I'm going with it.

I'm not sure why you would want to take something you tested out of anyway. That would just make it longer to get your degree, wouldn't it? And if you don't have a scholarship, you're paying tuition you could have gotten for free.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 30, 2021, 03:51:22 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on April 30, 2021, 12:19:23 PM
Getting emails from unmonitored boxes. Especially when they ask for a reply.

On a related note, people who send you email and then their email service is screwed up enough that it rejects your reply to them. I've had a few of those with my business email where a possible customer sends me a question, and I am completely unable to respond because their email is apparently configured to reject all emails from Gmail, or their spam filter doesn't like that it's being sent from the Gmail server but carries an @denexa.com email address (which is what G Suite is for), or whatever.

Then they start sending me increasingly angry emails about why I'm not answering, and of course I can't reply to those either.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on April 30, 2021, 03:58:11 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 30, 2021, 03:46:41 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on April 30, 2021, 08:51:10 AM
Quote from: I-55 on April 30, 2021, 12:39:53 AM
Word of the wise: If you can get AP credit for a college course but are considering retaking: don't. Take the credit and move on. My GPA would be higher if I didn't retake calc 2.
That’s what current Purdue students are telling me too, so I’m going with it.

I'm not sure why you would want to take something you tested out of anyway. That would just make it longer to get your degree, wouldn't it? And if you don't have a scholarship, you're paying tuition you could have gotten for free.

The only reason I can think of is if you wanted to make sure you had a full understanding of whatever material? But I agree it makes no sense. Colleges don't just hand out credit like candy - they make sure the credit you're trying to transfer (whether it's from AP tests or another college) matches up with a class at that college before they give it to you.

College classes are almost always harder than their high-school AP equivalents anyway because they're the same material taught over a semester as opposed to a full year, so you basically get half as much time to learn the same amount of material, and you don't understand it half as well because of it. I definitely developed a far better understanding of calculus from AP calc BC in high school than I ever would have from taking calc 1 and 2 in college, based on what I saw of those classes from my friends who were in them and didn't have AP credit. Which of course would defeat the entire purpose of retaking them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 30, 2021, 04:01:50 PM

And given that AP tests generally correspond to gen-ed requirements, which don't make a hill of difference to your actual degree, it often doesn't matter whether you understand the material or not. You basically get to skip part of the irrelevant part that's there to pad the university's profit margin.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 30, 2021, 04:53:34 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 29, 2021, 06:36:18 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 29, 2021, 06:32:24 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 06:17:12 PM
When websites auto log you out even if you press the "remember me" button.

The one I'm thinking of even says "remember me for 60 days". I get on once a week, and I have to log in every time.

What's worse is the sites that not only don't remember you, but they two-factor authenticate you, and then act like it's your fault with some sort of message about how they don't recognize you logging in from that browser before. I haven't even rebooted my computer since I logged in here last; if you don't recognize my browser that is strictly a you problem.

Crap. I just got on Facebook for the first time in a while. It didn't recognize my browser, so it had me verify my identity. The only option for how to do so was to correctly identify five of my "friends". I could only skip three times.

1. I'm seriously glad I trimmed my friends list several years ago. I can only imagine if I still had people on there whom I only knew for a week ten years ago.

2. Have you ever labeled a statue as one of your friends? Or a tree? Yeah, you'd better hope you don't get one of those photos. I did.

3. I barely made it. With no more skips available and four out of five friends correctly identified, I was a little nervous to see what #5 would be.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on April 30, 2021, 05:36:25 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on April 30, 2021, 03:44:46 PM
Quote from: GaryV on April 30, 2021, 10:37:41 AM
People who delete their posts (particularly the OP) or edit out everything, so the thread no longer makes sense.

People who posts things like "what's the weather like there now" or "what do you like on your burger".

"What do you like on your forum?"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on April 30, 2021, 06:45:59 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 30, 2021, 03:46:41 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on April 30, 2021, 08:51:10 AM
Quote from: I-55 on April 30, 2021, 12:39:53 AM
Word of the wise: If you can get AP credit for a college course but are considering retaking: don't. Take the credit and move on. My GPA would be higher if I didn't retake calc 2.
That's what current Purdue students are telling me too, so I'm going with it.

I'm not sure why you would want to take something you tested out of anyway. That would just make it longer to get your degree, wouldn't it? And if you don't have a scholarship, you're paying tuition you could have gotten for free.

I agree fully. It's been 30 years, but I went into college with basically a full year of credit (29 hours) due to AP credit. It made my third and fourth years a lot easier. I had to write a thesis as part of my major during the spring of my third year, so I took 13 hours that semester. Then I didn't feel like going back up to 15 hours my fourth year, so I took 12 hours both semesters, all based strictly on things I was interested in taking. Made for a great fourth year.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on April 30, 2021, 06:50:43 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on April 30, 2021, 06:45:59 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 30, 2021, 03:46:41 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on April 30, 2021, 08:51:10 AM
Quote from: I-55 on April 30, 2021, 12:39:53 AM
Word of the wise: If you can get AP credit for a college course but are considering retaking: don't. Take the credit and move on. My GPA would be higher if I didn't retake calc 2.
That's what current Purdue students are telling me too, so I'm going with it.

I'm not sure why you would want to take something you tested out of anyway. That would just make it longer to get your degree, wouldn't it? And if you don't have a scholarship, you're paying tuition you could have gotten for free.

I agree fully. It's been 30 years, but I went into college with basically a full year of credit (29 hours) due to AP credit. It made my third and fourth years a lot easier. I had to write a thesis as part of my major during the spring of my third year, so I took 13 hours that semester. Then I didn't feel like going back up to 15 hours my fourth year, so I took 12 hours both semesters, all based strictly on things I was interested in taking. Made for a great fourth year.

In my sophomore year, I started taking a class in the winter and summer. They're generally quick, small courses, not part of the major, and allowed me to get three credits out of the way, and only take 4 classes (12 credits) during the regular semester. I continued that through my senior year.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: I-55 on April 30, 2021, 08:18:55 PM

Quote from: US 89 on April 30, 2021, 03:58:11 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 30, 2021, 03:46:41 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on April 30, 2021, 08:51:10 AM
Quote from: I-55 on April 30, 2021, 12:39:53 AM
Word of the wise: If you can get AP credit for a college course but are considering retaking: don't. Take the credit and move on. My GPA would be higher if I didn't retake calc 2.
That's what current Purdue students are telling me too, so I'm going with it.

I'm not sure why you would want to take something you tested out of anyway. That would just make it longer to get your degree, wouldn't it? And if you don't have a scholarship, you're paying tuition you could have gotten for free.

The only reason I can think of is if you wanted to make sure you had a full understanding of whatever material? But I agree it makes no sense. Colleges don't just hand out credit like candy - they make sure the credit you're trying to transfer (whether it's from AP tests or another college) matches up with a class at that college before they give it to you.

College classes are almost always harder than their high-school AP equivalents anyway because they're the same material taught over a semester as opposed to a full year, so you basically get half as much time to learn the same amount of material, and you don't understand it half as well because of it. I definitely developed a far better understanding of calculus from AP calc BC in high school than I ever would have from taking calc 1 and 2 in college, based on what I saw of those classes from my friends who were in them and didn't have AP credit. Which of course would defeat the entire purpose of retaking them.

That was the reasoning I had because when our HS went online during COVID, we didn't cover any new material through March, April, or May, so I figured there was at least one key topic I was missing. But, Calc II in college didn't really introduce anything I would've needed for Calc III this semester, so it ended up as a waste.

And yes, this is Purdue, where the general rule ought to be to take as few math classes as possible. They're all convoluted enough to get hefty curves. Take the credit and move on.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SkyPesos on April 30, 2021, 11:01:03 PM

Quote from: I-55 on April 30, 2021, 08:18:55 PM
And yes, this is Purdue, where the general rule ought to be to take as few math classes as possible. They're all convoluted enough to get hefty curves. Take the credit and move on.

I'm going into engineering at Purdue next year, and it seems like most current/past students I've seen on Reddit agree to skip the Math/Physics/Chem classes with AP credit if possible (I don't have Physics C or Chem, so just maybe AB Calc after exams this year and score is high enough, so there's not much for me to choose anyways). Going to keep this in mind if my academic advisor says to retake them otherwise.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on May 01, 2021, 01:16:48 AM

Quote from: SkyPesos on April 30, 2021, 11:01:03 PM
I'm going into FYE at Purdue next year

Think about your audience before you use an acronym. If it's not in widespread use in the jargon of the forum, save the people who haven't been to Purdue from googling it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SkyPesos on May 01, 2021, 01:18:09 AM

Quote from: kkt on May 01, 2021, 01:16:48 AM
Think about your audience before you use an acronym. If it's not in widespread use in the jargon of the forum, save the people who haven't been to Purdue from googling it.

Ah thanks for reminding me. Fixed, hopefully it's more understandable now.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on May 01, 2021, 07:26:45 AM

Except now I had to Google it anyway, just cuz. :-/

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 01, 2021, 12:45:06 PM

College email spam. Shut up I have no interest in attending your school!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SkyPesos on May 01, 2021, 12:55:42 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 01, 2021, 12:45:06 PM
College email spam. Shut up I have no interest in attending your school!

I was ranting about this on the applyingtocollege subreddit about a week ago. I already marked some of them as spam, but I think Columbia is the worst offender. They're still emailing me to pay for their summer program after sending me a rejection letter. Not sure if you can get any lower than that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 01, 2021, 01:40:32 PM

Quote from: SkyPesos on May 01, 2021, 12:55:42 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 01, 2021, 12:45:06 PM
College email spam. Shut up I have no interest in attending your school!
I was ranting about this on the applyingtocollege subreddit about a week ago. I already marked some of them as spam, but I think Columbia is the worst offender. They're still emailing me to pay for their summer program after sending me a rejection letter. Not sure if you can get any lower than that.

What would be the point of their summer program at this point?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on May 01, 2021, 01:47:31 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 01, 2021, 01:40:32 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on May 01, 2021, 12:55:42 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 01, 2021, 12:45:06 PM
College email spam. Shut up I have no interest in attending your school!
I was ranting about this on the applyingtocollege subreddit about a week ago. I already marked some of them as spam, but I think Columbia is the worst offender. They're still emailing me to pay for their summer program after sending me a rejection letter. Not sure if you can get any lower than that.
What would be the point of their summer program at this point?

To put it on your resume.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 01, 2021, 05:45:01 PM

Quote from: kkt on May 01, 2021, 01:16:48 AM

Quote from: SkyPesos on April 30, 2021, 11:01:03 PM
I'm going into FYE at Purdue next year

Think about your audience before you use an acronym. If it's not in widespread use in the jargon of the forum, save the people who haven't been to Purdue from googling it.

Quote from: SkyPesos on May 01, 2021, 01:18:09 AM
Ah thanks for reminding me. Fixed, hopefully it's more understandable now.

In my world, FYE means "fiscal year end".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on May 01, 2021, 05:54:24 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 01, 2021, 05:45:01 PM
Quote from: kkt on May 01, 2021, 01:16:48 AM

Quote from: SkyPesos on April 30, 2021, 11:01:03 PM
I'm going into FYE at Purdue next year

Think about your audience before you use an acronym. If it's not in widespread use in the jargon of the forum, save the people who haven't been to Purdue from googling it.

Quote from: SkyPesos on May 01, 2021, 01:18:09 AM
Ah thanks for reminding me. Fixed, hopefully it's more understandable now.

In my world, FYE means "fiscal year end".

To me, FYE is this (source: Wikimedia Commons):

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/11/Fye_store_tower_city_center_cleveland.JPG)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 01, 2021, 06:11:28 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 01, 2021, 12:45:06 PM
College email spam. Shut up I have no interest in attending your school!

Back when I was a senior in 2007, nobody expected high schoolers to have emails (Gmail was still in beta and until February of that year you had to be invited by an existing user to start an account), so they had to send that stuff through physical mail. I remember getting a ton of stuff from Rose-Hulman, who I had never heard of before or since, and some school in Flint, Michigan. I remember knowing nothing about Flint, looking it up on Wikipedia, and deciding it sounded like an awful place to live (sorry Flint1979) and throwing all of their mailers away after that.

I ended up going to Missouri State simply because I had family in Springfield and liked the thought of living in a different state but knowing at least one person in town, so not one of those mailers ended up influencing my decision. I don't think Missouri State even sent me anything.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on May 01, 2021, 06:15:07 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 01, 2021, 06:11:28 PM
a ton of stuff from Rose-Hulman ... and some school in Flint, Michigan.

If you were getting mail from Rose-Hulman for engineering, the Flint school would be Kettering University, formerly GMI (General Motors Institute).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on May 01, 2021, 06:17:23 PM

Webny99 is nice and funny...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on May 01, 2021, 06:18:31 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on May 01, 2021, 06:17:23 PM
Webny99 is nice and funny...

I try. I'm sorry that bothers you. :-(

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 01, 2021, 06:19:41 PM

Quote from: GaryV on May 01, 2021, 06:15:07 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 01, 2021, 06:11:28 PM
a ton of stuff from Rose-Hulman ... and some school in Flint, Michigan.
If you were getting mail from Rose-Hulman for engineering, the Flint school would be Kettering University, formerly GMI (General Motors Institute).

Could be, but it doesn't ring a bell. I'm not really sure why either of them thought I'd be a potential good student at an engineering school–as much as I like the idea of being a PE, I've never had the aptitude in math to justify it. Maybe I marked down an interest in transportation on some questionnaire and that put their marketing department on alert.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on May 01, 2021, 06:20:07 PM

Quote from: webny99 on May 01, 2021, 06:18:31 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on May 01, 2021, 06:17:23 PM
Webny99 is nice and funny...

I try. I'm sorry that bothers you. :-(

When I'm at work or school people tell me to be quiet because I'm too loud

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 01, 2021, 07:09:31 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on May 01, 2021, 06:17:23 PM
Webny99 is nice and funny...

:confused:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on May 01, 2021, 07:22:16 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on May 01, 2021, 06:20:07 PM
Quote from: webny99 on May 01, 2021, 06:18:31 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on May 01, 2021, 06:17:23 PM
Webny99 is nice and funny...

I try. I'm sorry that bothers you. :-(
When I'm at work or school people tell me to be quiet because I'm too loud

LOL, I have no idea what any of this has to do with the topic at hand.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on May 01, 2021, 07:39:56 PM

Quote from: webny99 on May 01, 2021, 07:22:16 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on May 01, 2021, 06:20:07 PM
Quote from: webny99 on May 01, 2021, 06:18:31 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on May 01, 2021, 06:17:23 PM
Webny99 is nice and funny...

I try. I'm sorry that bothers you. :-(
When I'm at work or school people tell me to be quiet because I'm too loud

LOL, I have no idea what any of this has to do with the topic at hand.

Anything

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 01, 2021, 07:56:12 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on May 01, 2021, 07:39:56 PM
Quote from: webny99 on May 01, 2021, 07:22:16 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on May 01, 2021, 06:20:07 PM
Quote from: webny99 on May 01, 2021, 06:18:31 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on May 01, 2021, 06:17:23 PM
Webny99 is nice and funny...

I try. I'm sorry that bothers you. :-(
When I'm at work or school people tell me to be quiet because I'm too loud

LOL, I have no idea what any of this has to do with the topic at hand.
Anything

I don't get it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SkyPesos on May 01, 2021, 08:27:53 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 01, 2021, 06:11:28 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 01, 2021, 12:45:06 PM
College email spam. Shut up I have no interest in attending your school!

Back when I was a senior in 2007, nobody expected high schoolers to have emails (Gmail was still in beta and until February of that year you had to be invited by an existing user to start an account), so they had to send that stuff through physical mail. I remember getting a ton of stuff from Rose-Hulman, who I had never heard of before or since, and some school in Flint, Michigan. I remember knowing nothing about Flint, looking it up on Wikipedia, and deciding it sounded like an awful place to live (sorry Flint1979) and throwing all of their mailers away after that.

I ended up going to Missouri State simply because I had family in Springfield and liked the thought of living in a different state but knowing at least one person in town, so not one of those mailers ended up influencing my decision. I don't think Missouri State even sent me anything.

Rose-Hulman has sort of like the small liberal arts college vibe, except for engineering. From what I know, US News says it's #1 for best engineering schools without a graduate program. It's in Terre Haute, IN.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on May 02, 2021, 12:39:27 AM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 01, 2021, 07:56:12 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on May 01, 2021, 07:39:56 PM
Quote from: webny99 on May 01, 2021, 07:22:16 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on May 01, 2021, 06:20:07 PM
Quote from: webny99 on May 01, 2021, 06:18:31 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on May 01, 2021, 06:17:23 PM
Webny99 is nice and funny...

I try. I'm sorry that bothers you. :-(
When I'm at work or school people tell me to be quiet because I'm too loud

LOL, I have no idea what any of this has to do with the topic at hand.
Anything
I don't get it.

Just anything bothers me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on May 02, 2021, 12:52:14 AM

For the school mail, at least they give up and stop mailing you after a couple of years. Some other mailers are still sending mail to my grandfather, who's been dead for 15 years.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on May 02, 2021, 01:17:59 AM

Quote from: kkt on May 02, 2021, 12:52:14 AM
For the school mail, at least they give up and stop mailing you after a couple of years. Some other mailers are still sending mail to my grandfather, who's been dead for 15 years.

It gets worse. My grandmother lived in Oklahoma for the vast majority of her life all the way up until she passed back in...2017, I think. After that, we had her mail forwarded to my parents' house in Utah to make the legal paperwork easier since none of my family lived there anymore. Naturally, all the typical old person mailers (think doctors' offices) got wind of this and started sending stuff to her at my parents' house. The weirdest part is that there is now mail from Utah-based places being sent directly to my parents' address in her name. Some random hearing doctor in Davis County really shouldn't have known she existed in the first place, much less associated her with my parents' address.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 02, 2021, 01:31:58 AM

Quote from: kkt on May 02, 2021, 12:52:14 AM
For the school mail, at least they give up and stop mailing you after a couple of years. Some other mailers are still sending mail to my grandfather, who's been dead for 15 years.

I keep getting mail for the owner before the previous owner of the house I live in. Some of it importantish stuff, like investment statements. I stamp them "No Longer At This Address" and send them back, but they refuse to stop sending them or contact her through other means to get an updated address (assuming she's not dead).

Quote from: US 89 on May 02, 2021, 01:17:59 AM
It gets worse. My grandmother lived in Oklahoma

Oh no! I'm sorry to hear that.

Quote from: US 89 on May 02, 2021, 01:17:59 AM
The weirdest part is that there is now mail from Utah-based places being sent directly to my parents' address in her name. Some random hearing doctor in Davis County really shouldn't have known she existed in the first place, much less associated her with my parents' address.

I occasionally get mail addressed to players in my D&D group at my house. Reason being that when we all used to get together and play in person, we'd take turns ordering food for the group on Doordash or GrubHub, and of course they had it delivered to my house cause that's where we were. Doordash and GrubHub apparently assumes you will never have food delivered anywhere you don't live, and sold the addresses to third parties.

The most bizarre instance of this is one of my friends getting a mailer addressed to my house, from the Oklahoma State Department of Health, promoting the benefits of getting a covid vaccine. By the time I got it, my friend had already gotten both doses of Moderna...from the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on May 02, 2021, 02:15:37 AM

Quote from: US 89 on May 02, 2021, 01:17:59 AM
Quote from: kkt on May 02, 2021, 12:52:14 AM
For the school mail, at least they give up and stop mailing you after a couple of years. Some other mailers are still sending mail to my grandfather, who's been dead for 15 years.
It gets worse. My grandmother lived in Oklahoma for the vast majority of her life all the way up until she passed back in...2017, I think. After that, we had her mail forwarded to my parents' house in Utah to make the legal paperwork easier since none of my family lived there anymore. Naturally, all the typical old person mailers (think doctors' offices) got wind of this and started sending stuff to her at my parents' house. The weirdest part is that there is now mail from Utah-based places being sent directly to my parents' address in her name. Some random hearing doctor in Davis County really shouldn't have known she existed in the first place, much less associated her with my parents' address.

Yes. That grandfather's mail I mentioned got forwarded to my mom after my grandmother died, then after my mom died it got forwarded to me and followed me to my new home. I know I've called or written a couple of times to each mailer asking them to desist, and I'm pretty sure my mom did too, but no joy. People live and then they die, but junk mail is forever and ever amen.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 02, 2021, 02:28:23 AM

That's why I got a stamp that says No Longer At This Address and send them back. Once they start getting it back and see that it's a waste of money to send out (and have to dispose of the junk mail themselves), they usually get the clue and take you off the mailing list.

Unless, of course, they're savvy enough to put "...or current resident." Then you're stuck with it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on May 02, 2021, 02:38:30 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 02, 2021, 01:31:58 AMSome of it importantish stuff, like investment statements. I stamp them "No Longer At This Address" and send them back, but they refuse to stop sending them or contact her through other means to get an updated address (assuming she's not dead).

I went through this with an index-linked mutual fund in which I have some money invested. Back in 2020 statements stopped arriving and I didn't have the 1099 form I needed to do my tax returns. Finally something got through: a letter saying that since multiple pieces of mail had been returned undelivered, my funds were on the brink of being turned over to the state treasurer as unclaimed property. It seems the USPS (or some other address provider) re-coded my street as an Avenue or a Street, or vice versa, and this was sufficient to prevent delivery. (I can't tell you from one day to the next which it is.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on May 02, 2021, 02:43:06 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 02, 2021, 02:28:23 AM
That's why I got a stamp that says No Longer At This Address and send them back. Once they start getting it back and see that it's a waste of money to send out (and have to dispose of the junk mail themselves), they usually get the clue and take you off the mailing list.

Unless, of course, they're savvy enough to put "...or current resident." Then you're stuck with it.

The first class ones go back if you mark them "return to sender". The junk mail rates do not. If you want to ask them to take you off your list, you've got to pay for your own stamp.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 02, 2021, 03:25:07 AM

Quote from: J N Winkler on May 02, 2021, 02:38:30 AM
It seems the USPS (or some other address provider) re-coded my street as an Avenue or a Street, or vice versa, and this was sufficient to prevent delivery. (I can't tell you from one day to the next which it is.)

An inherent hazard of living in Wichita, I'd say. :-D

That raises the question of what they expected that letter to accomplish if every other piece of mail sent to that address had bounced, but it's a good thing that of all things, that was the one that went through.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on May 02, 2021, 06:44:46 AM

We have lived in our current house for over 30 years. We bought it from a couple that were retiring. Within the last 5 years we still have received a parish newsletter addressed to the mother of the previous owner.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on May 02, 2021, 12:35:58 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 02, 2021, 03:25:07 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on May 02, 2021, 02:38:30 AMIt seems the USPS (or some other address provider) re-coded my street as an Avenue or a Street, or vice versa, and this was sufficient to prevent delivery. (I can't tell you from one day to the next which it is.)

An inherent hazard of living in Wichita, I'd say. :-D

Yes--very much so.

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 02, 2021, 03:25:07 AMThat raises the question of what they expected that letter to accomplish if every other piece of mail sent to that address had bounced, but it's a good thing that of all things, that was the one that went through.

Yes, it was lucky. I suspect that letter was required for compliance purposes--i.e., demonstrating that all reasonable efforts to locate the beneficial owner of the account had been made before transferring the assets to the state treasurer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 02, 2021, 04:56:58 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 08:42:40 PM
Quote from: kkt on April 29, 2021, 08:13:03 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on April 29, 2021, 06:26:54 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 06:24:57 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on April 29, 2021, 06:18:44 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 06:17:12 PM
When websites auto log you out even if you press the "remember me" button.
*cough* College Board's site
That was the one I was thinking about!
College Board is an annoyance to me for the past 3 years. Glad I'll be done with them after this year's AP exams.

Wait 'til you find out how common that is for employer's mandatory email systems and payroll systems...
Can you not save passwords?

At the casino I worked at our systems were all configured to force password changes every 90 days. I had logins for, let's see...Windows (which also got me into email and payroll), Bally's ACSC, Everi, bingo, keno (which went away eventually), and off-track betting. So six different passwords I had to keep track of, and if you weren't careful you were likely to have the 90-day expiry windows hit at different times, so even if you were trying to save yourself some sanity and keep some of them the same (like I did) you had to be careful to proactively change all of the others so they'd all expire at once, or else you'd have some systems using your old password and some your new one. Except bingo wouldn't allow you to change your password yourself, so it would inevitably end up desynced and you'd either have to reset everything else to be on bingo's schedule or just deal with it having a different password.

No password manager was provided and users didn't have admin rights to install their own. It wouldn't have been that useful anyway, because bingo, keno, and OTB all used separate computer systems. So most people either synced their passwords so they were all the same, or they wrote all six of their passwords down on a sticky note and stuck it to the back of their ID badge (which of course would inevitably fall off and land on the floor in a customer-accessible area). Information security was clearly my old employer's passion.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SkyPesos on May 02, 2021, 09:25:17 PM

Can we get a "Compilation: Angelo71 in one thread" asap?
(https://i.imgur.com/hwTRooa.png?1)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on May 02, 2021, 10:25:27 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 02, 2021, 04:56:58 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 08:42:40 PM
Quote from: kkt on April 29, 2021, 08:13:03 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on April 29, 2021, 06:26:54 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 06:24:57 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on April 29, 2021, 06:18:44 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 29, 2021, 06:17:12 PM
When websites auto log you out even if you press the "remember me" button.
*cough* College Board's site
That was the one I was thinking about!
College Board is an annoyance to me for the past 3 years. Glad I'll be done with them after this year's AP exams.

Wait 'til you find out how common that is for employer's mandatory email systems and payroll systems...
Can you not save passwords?

At the casino I worked at our systems were all configured to force password changes every 90 days. I had logins for, let's see...Windows (which also got me into email and payroll), Bally's ACSC, Everi, bingo, keno (which went away eventually), and off-track betting. So six different passwords I had to keep track of, and if you weren't careful you were likely to have the 90-day expiry windows hit at different times, so even if you were trying to save yourself some sanity and keep some of them the same (like I did) you had to be careful to proactively change all of the others so they'd all expire at once, or else you'd have some systems using your old password and some your new one. Except bingo wouldn't allow you to change your password yourself, so it would inevitably end up desynced and you'd either have to reset everything else to be on bingo's schedule or just deal with it having a different password.

No password manager was provided and users didn't have admin rights to install their own. It wouldn't have been that useful anyway, because bingo, keno, and OTB all used separate computer systems. So most people either synced their passwords so they were all the same, or they wrote all six of their passwords down on a sticky note and stuck it to the back of their ID badge (which of course would inevitably fall off and land on the floor in a customer-accessible area). Information security was clearly my old employer's passion.

At NYSDOT we have two main ones - our Windows/email/LATS password, and our SLMS/online payroll one (there was also a separate one for TADS, but that went away - good riddance, too, because that was on a 80s mainframe!). I've been keeping mine in sync, but recently IT went from a 90 day change to a 365 day change. I'm wondering if that affects only the Windows/email/LATS password or if it will also affect the SLMS/online payroll one.

Of course, there are a bunch of other passwords that are needs for other various things, like SFS, Agile Assets, ProjectWise, etc., some of which I don't access often enough to keep a password remembered; adding it all together, I think I have over a dozen. I have a scheme, so I can at least keep a text file with a key to what each one is that is far enough removed that one who doesn't know what my scheme is will only see random codes that have no obvious way to figure out what the password is.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 02, 2021, 11:32:44 PM

Heh, Bally's ACSC runs on an 80s mainframe too. Or at least required an IBM 3270 terminal emulator to access. I really don't mind character-cell text user interfaces, like those produced by ncurses(3), but a lot of the interface design on ACSC (some of which I'm sure was caused by the terminal emulator) is highly questionable. Like F3 instead of Esc to exit, completely freezing the entire terminal any time text was entered with the cursor outside of a text field and requiring you to hit Ctrl to unfreeze it, displaying critical error messages in the status bar rather than somewhere more noticeable, etc. A lot of cashiers got themselves into financial difficulties due to the last one; it was too easy to miss a message saying that a ticket had been voided or was otherwise no good and paying it out anyway.

My strategy for password resets was to use the same password but cycle the special character from one to the next, so that after "!" was "@", then "#", and so on. This did cause a problem a couple of times because Everi used a brain-damaged password hashing algorithm that caused it to silently lock you out of your account if you used "*" (and a few other characters too that I can't remember) in a password. In any case, when one password expired I would go through the whole suite of programs and change them all to match.

The most awful thing about that job is that it was basically an all-day every-day parade of "minor things that bother you", and over time it just built up and up until it became toxic (and that's even before you get to the actual intentional toxicity of management).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on May 03, 2021, 10:33:35 AM

Quote from: kkt on May 02, 2021, 12:52:14 AM
For the school mail, at least they give up and stop mailing you after a couple of years. Some other mailers are still sending mail to my grandfather, who's been dead for 15 years.

I occasionally get mail addressed to family members who have never lived at my address:

–I suspect I sometimes got mail addressed to my father because once upon a time in the 1990s I was an additional cardholder on a credit card account he had set up. I don't get mail addressed to my father anymore, but now I sometimes get mail addressed to my mother. I suspect the reason is that when my father died in 2019 and my mom changed various things into her name, somehow the junk mailers updated their records and substituted her name on some of the junk they were sending to him at my address. On average this happens once or twice a month. I don't think I've received anything with my father's name on it recently.

–Even weirder, I sometimes (not very often) get mail addressed to my father's mother. She never lived in Virginia–she lived in Brooklyn when I was a little kid and moved to Far Rockaway in the early 1980s–and, more importantly, she died in 1995. I suspect my receiving mail addressed to her is related to my receiving mail addressed to my father because in her final years, my father held a power of attorney and managed her financial affairs as she became unable to do so herself.

Thankfully, it's all junk mail and we tear it up and recycle it, but it's still weird. Neither my father, my mother, nor my grandmother has ever lived at this address.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on May 03, 2021, 10:37:52 AM

Quote from: SkyPesos on May 02, 2021, 09:25:17 PM
Can we get a "Compilation: Angelo71 in one thread" asap?
(https://i.imgur.com/hwTRooa.png?1)

We could, but he would probably rename it to something else like "1", "e", or "apologies".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jmacswimmer on May 03, 2021, 10:42:24 AM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on May 03, 2021, 10:37:52 AM
Quote from: SkyPesos on May 02, 2021, 09:25:17 PM
Can we get a "Compilation: Angelo71 in one thread" asap?
(img snipped)

We could, but he would probably rename it to something else like "1", "e", or "apologies".

He could easily make his "Mass Interstate Highway System Overhaul" thread his compilation thread. I don't have an issue with that one since there's more to discuss, but all his threads with one-off ideas like "[route] control city" or "[route] widening" cluttering up the fictional board are definitely getting irritating.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 03, 2021, 02:35:23 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 02, 2021, 02:28:23 AM
Unless, of course, they're savvy enough to put "...or current resident." Then you're stuck with it.

It bothers me that I have to accept mail that doesn't have my name on it. If mail is addressed to "Current Resident", then I should be able to write "no such tenant" on the envelope and refuse delivery.

Quote from: J N Winkler on May 02, 2021, 02:38:30 AM
It seems the USPS (or some other address provider) re-coded my street as an Avenue or a Street, or vice versa, and this was sufficient to prevent delivery. (I can't tell you from one day to the next which it is.)

Whenever I have doubts about that for an address here, I simply look the address up in the computer system at work.

Interestingly, I used to live on Chautauqua Ave and now live on Christine St. They're both normal residential streets on the east side of town. Who knows why one got Ave and one got St?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 03, 2021, 03:34:25 PM

Usually it's just the developers (or whoever named the streets) deciding which one sounds better. In most cities there's no standardized meaning to any of them. Hell, Tulsa has a major arterial that goes on for several miles called Admiral Place. I usually associate "Pl." with small residential streets (often with the same name as the street it branches off of).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 03, 2021, 03:43:45 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 03, 2021, 03:34:25 PM
Hell, Tulsa has a major arterial that goes on for several miles called Admiral Place. I usually associate "Pl." with small residential streets (often with the same name as the street it branches off of).

At least they're not Broken Arrow, who thought a bunch of Okies could pronounce "Quinoa Avenue" correctly...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 03, 2021, 03:46:53 PM

I always pronounce it "quin-oh-ah" to make my wife mad.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 03, 2021, 03:51:59 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 03, 2021, 03:46:53 PM
I always pronounce it "quin-oh-ah" to make my wife mad.

Isn't that how the street there is pronounced? (I'm only basing this on what I've heard cable guys in the area say, which, now that I've typed that, seems like it might not be the most reliable almanac.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SkyPesos on May 03, 2021, 03:52:19 PM

Imagine how much fun delivery drivers have with Queens street system. There's like 6 different suffixes for each street number.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on May 03, 2021, 05:51:50 PM

Don't rename threads.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on May 03, 2021, 05:52:28 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on May 03, 2021, 05:51:50 PM
Don't rename threads.

I checked the initial post of this thread... nothing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 03, 2021, 06:12:19 PM

Quote from: 1 on May 03, 2021, 05:52:28 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on May 03, 2021, 05:51:50 PM
Don't rename threads.

I checked the initial post of this thread... nothing.

I think that's (the renaming threads) the thing that bothers him.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US71 on May 03, 2021, 07:14:38 PM

Those who think they know everything are annoying to those of us who DO. ;) :p

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 03, 2021, 07:15:43 PM

When people are still scared of covid after getting the vaccine.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 03, 2021, 09:30:49 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 03, 2021, 07:15:43 PM
When people are still scared of covid after getting the vaccine.

Breakthrough cases are a thing. They're not a particularly likely thing, but they are a thing. Commercial plane crashes aren't particularly likely either, but some people swear off flying anyhow.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US71 on May 03, 2021, 09:36:53 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 03, 2021, 09:30:49 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 03, 2021, 07:15:43 PM
When people are still scared of covid after getting the vaccine.

Breakthrough cases are a thing. They're not a particularly likely thing, but they are a thing. Commercial plane crashes aren't particularly likely either, but some people swear off flying anyhow.

After 9/11 my dad said he would never fly again.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 03, 2021, 09:39:00 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 03, 2021, 09:30:49 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 03, 2021, 07:15:43 PM
When people are still scared of covid after getting the vaccine.

Breakthrough cases are a thing. They're not a particularly likely thing, but they are a thing. Commercial plane crashes aren't particularly likely either, but some people swear off flying anyhow.

They happen, but they are very rare and even less likely to be serious.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: I-55 on May 03, 2021, 10:05:05 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 03, 2021, 09:39:00 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 03, 2021, 09:30:49 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 03, 2021, 07:15:43 PM
When people are still scared of covid after getting the vaccine.

Breakthrough cases are a thing. They're not a particularly likely thing, but they are a thing. Commercial plane crashes aren't particularly likely either, but some people swear off flying anyhow.
They happen, but they are very rare and even less likely to be serious.

but they always make the news so people think they happen more often than they actually do.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on May 03, 2021, 10:06:58 PM

They need to get the damn vaccine and move on!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on May 03, 2021, 10:12:22 PM

Also keep in mind that there are strains that are resistant to the vaccine. Right now they're not common, but that's mainly because other variants like the UK strain have crowded them out. As more people get vaccinated, that will change.

I read an article about a woman in a nursing home who had been vaccinated but died from the South African variant. So, while the vaccines are certainly important and do make us much safer than we were, we're not out of this yet.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bm7 on May 04, 2021, 12:14:59 AM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 03, 2021, 07:15:43 PM
When people are still scared of covid after getting the vaccine.

I agree, I don't understand it. Why did they even bother to get vaccinated if they don't think it does anything?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on May 04, 2021, 01:03:33 AM

Quote from: bm7 on May 04, 2021, 12:14:59 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 03, 2021, 07:15:43 PM
When people are still scared of covid after getting the vaccine.
I agree, I don't understand it. Why did they even bother to get vaccinated if they don't think it does anything?

When people start putting two and two together.....

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 04, 2021, 01:10:37 AM

The fact that Google's algorithm has gotten so clogged with commercial offerings you have to scroll before you are given any other options.

Just now I was reading the analog thread and decided I wanted to look up how manual film development works, so I type "film development" into Google...and get a bunch of companies offering to develop film for me. No, I just want to know how film is developed!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on May 04, 2021, 07:43:05 AM

Quote from: bm7 on May 04, 2021, 12:14:59 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 03, 2021, 07:15:43 PM
When people are still scared of covid after getting the vaccine.
I agree, I don't understand it. Why did they even bother to get vaccinated if they don't think it does anything?

It greatly lessens chances of getting sick or dying, but doesn't eliminate it. A healthy respect for those small chances is not irrational. Also a vaccinated person has the possibility of being a carrier (how much of a possibility is still being debated), so being cautious is being considerate of others who have not had the opportunity to be vaccinated.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on May 04, 2021, 08:50:44 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on April 30, 2021, 12:19:23 PM
Getting emails from unmonitored boxes. Especially when they ask for a reply.

Just happened again.....

Waze Map Editor <no-reply@waze.com>

Tue, May 4 at 5:20 AM

Hi texaskdog,

You received a comment on the map issue you reported, from 05.03.2021 on Seneca Lp, Kyle - "You cannot go westbound either until may 19th please fix" . An editor from the Waze mapping community wants to solve the problem, but needs some more information.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 04, 2021, 12:21:22 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 03, 2021, 07:15:43 PM
When people are still scared of covid after getting the vaccine.

Quote from: tolbs17 on May 03, 2021, 10:06:58 PM
They need to get the damn vaccine and move on!

When people don't read before posting.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on May 04, 2021, 12:53:45 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 04, 2021, 01:10:37 AMJust now I was reading the analog thread and decided I wanted to look up how manual film development works, so I type "film development" into Google...and get a bunch of companies offering to develop film for me. No, I just want to know how film is developed!

I have developed my own black-and-white film, so I remember in general terms how the process works. In absolute dark, all by feel, film is unspooled from the cartridge and rolled onto a developing reel that is then loaded into a light-tight developing tank. Then the lights are turned on and three solutions are cycled in and out in succession: developer (many kinds are available and your choice has an effect on the grain; I dimly remember that 20Â° C is the standard temperature), stop bath, and fixer.

In movies, TV shows, and other mass media, you sometimes see someone working in a darkroom in red light. This is typically necessary only when printing from negatives onto photographic paper. You need to be able to see to position the paper under the enlarger, and red light is safe because the emulsions used on photographic paper are very "slow" (less sensitive to light in general--the tradeoff is much finer grain) and also insensitive to red. Compared to paper, film is much faster and usually has full red sensitivity, which is why it has to be handled in absolute dark until it is developed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 04, 2021, 04:26:46 PM

When I'm using a virtual desktop, ⊞+R doesn't open the "Run Program Or File" window of my actual desktop. I can't seem to get this through my head, and it irritates me every time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on May 04, 2021, 10:03:26 PM

Using a VDI to chain in a remote desktop session to my work computer is annoying. It often lags or disconnects (things like Google Earth do not work well in it) and if I need to type all caps, I have to hit shift separately each time as if I were typing on a phone - simply holding shift down or using caps lock doesn't work. Using the Pulse remote desktop solution was much nicer, but that was updated recently and Windows 7 support was dropped, so I needed to switch to the method that doesn't require Windows 10 (or, as it happens, Windows at all, which I guess would be the plus side for the VDI).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Angelo71 on May 04, 2021, 10:28:20 PM

When you can't watch a tv show without having politics shuved down your throat.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 05, 2021, 01:16:59 AM

Quote from: kphoger on May 04, 2021, 04:26:46 PM
When I'm using a virtual desktop, ⊞+R doesn't open the "Run Program Or File" window of my actual desktop. I can't seem to get this through my head, and it irritates me every time.

The ⊞ key in general is a minor thing that bothers me. I don't use the start menu often enough to need a key for it, and everything it's used for on Windows can be done with Alt+F-key combinations on Linux (for example, the equivalent of the "Run Program or File" window is summoned with Alt+F2). My daily-driver keyboard is a Model M, so I have no ⊞ key on it. When it is present, I usually reprogram it (or the similarly-useless menu key) to be a Compose key, but I kind of resent Microsoft's territorial stamp on hardware that can be perfectly well used without their products.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on May 05, 2021, 01:43:41 AM

I have noticed newer computers designed for Windows 10 seem not to have Break keys. If I did not have a detachable keyboard, I would find this a nuisance when configuring a new machine, since I rely on the system dialog (accessed via WinKey+Break, with an easy mnemonic: "Break Windows") to access the environment variables.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 05, 2021, 11:56:04 AM

Zoom

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: STLmapboy on May 05, 2021, 12:14:55 PM

I play water polo, and we have to wear masks on the bench. ItÂ´s rarely enforced, but annoying when it is.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on May 05, 2021, 01:16:26 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 05, 2021, 11:56:04 AM
Zoom

I wonder what someone reading this in 2019 would have thought.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on May 05, 2021, 01:17:58 PM

Quote from: webny99 on May 05, 2021, 01:16:26 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 05, 2021, 11:56:04 AM
Zoom

I wonder what someone reading this in 2019 would have thought.

I had used Zoom, GoToMeeting, and WebEx at least once before 2020.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on May 05, 2021, 01:19:26 PM

Quote from: 1 on May 05, 2021, 01:17:58 PM
Quote from: webny99 on May 05, 2021, 01:16:26 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 05, 2021, 11:56:04 AM
Zoom

I wonder what someone reading this in 2019 would have thought.

I had used Zoom, GoToMeeting, and WebEx at least once before 2020.

OK, 2015 then.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 05, 2021, 01:32:12 PM

Quote from: webny99 on May 05, 2021, 01:16:26 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 05, 2021, 11:56:04 AM
Zoom

I wonder what someone reading this in 2019 would have thought.

I don't like going fast.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on May 05, 2021, 01:36:01 PM

Quote from: webny99 on May 05, 2021, 01:16:26 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 05, 2021, 11:56:04 AM
Zoom

I wonder what someone reading this in 2019 would have thought.

"Wasn't that a TV show when I was a kid?"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 05, 2021, 04:17:03 PM

When the [Tab] key goes somewhere other than the next field.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on May 05, 2021, 04:17:20 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 05, 2021, 04:17:03 PM
When the [Tab] key goes somewhere other than the next field.

Is something wrong with autocompletion?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 05, 2021, 04:19:54 PM

Quote from: 1 on May 05, 2021, 04:17:20 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 05, 2021, 04:17:03 PM
When the [Tab] key goes somewhere other than the next field.

Is something wrong with autocompletion?

My daily occurrence of this is while signing into a VPN at work, using two-factor authentication, so autocompletion wouldn't be very helpful. I am prompted twice for my username and password: once without the six-digit token code and once with it. On the first popup, [Tab] goes from the username field to the password field. On the second popup, it doesn't.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on May 05, 2021, 04:39:20 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on May 05, 2021, 01:36:01 PM
Quote from: webny99 on May 05, 2021, 01:16:26 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 05, 2021, 11:56:04 AM
Zoom

I wonder what someone reading this in 2019 would have thought.

"Wasn’t that a TV show when I was a kid?"

I don't remember anything at all from that show, but I do remember that WGBH [Moog-synth noise] Boston produced it for PBS.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on May 05, 2021, 04:57:03 PM

Chewing ice

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 05, 2021, 04:57:57 PM

Chalk

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on May 05, 2021, 05:52:49 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on May 05, 2021, 01:36:01 PM
Quote from: webny99 on May 05, 2021, 01:16:26 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 05, 2021, 11:56:04 AM
Zoom

I wonder what someone reading this in 2019 would have thought.

"Wasn't that a TV show when I was a kid?"

Exactly! Where do they get off stealing the name of a cool TV show for their derivitive app?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on May 05, 2021, 06:13:15 PM

Quote from: kkt on May 05, 2021, 05:52:49 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on May 05, 2021, 01:36:01 PM
Quote from: webny99 on May 05, 2021, 01:16:26 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 05, 2021, 11:56:04 AM
Zoom

I wonder what someone reading this in 2019 would have thought.

"Wasn't that a TV show when I was a kid?"

Exactly! Where do they get off stealing the name of a cool TV show for their derivitive app?

I don't remember the show, just the name.

The license plate on my Mazda includes the letters "ZMZM" in reference to their well-known slogan.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on May 05, 2021, 07:52:56 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on May 04, 2021, 12:53:45 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 04, 2021, 01:10:37 AMJust now I was reading the analog thread and decided I wanted to look up how manual film development works, so I type "film development" into Google...and get a bunch of companies offering to develop film for me. No, I just want to know how film is developed!

I have developed my own black-and-white film, so I remember in general terms how the process works. In absolute dark, all by feel, film is unspooled from the cartridge and rolled onto a developing reel that is then loaded into a light-tight developing tank. Then the lights are turned on and three solutions are cycled in and out in succession: developer (many kinds are available and your choice has an effect on the grain; I dimly remember that 20Â° C is the standard temperature), stop bath, and fixer.

In movies, TV shows, and other mass media, you sometimes see someone working in a darkroom in red light. This is typically necessary only when printing from negatives onto photographic paper. You need to be able to see to position the paper under the enlarger, and red light is safe because the emulsions used on photographic paper are very "slow" (less sensitive to light in general--the tradeoff is much finer grain) and also insensitive to red. Compared to paper, film is much faster and usually has full red sensitivity, which is why it has to be handled in absolute dark until it is developed.

You summarized the process pretty well, although in a pinch you can skip the stop bath and go directly from developer to fixer if you wash the film with water thoroughly. I ran a few hundred rolls of Tri-X or T-Max through the soup back in the 1980s.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 06, 2021, 09:05:08 AM

There's a stretch of "road construction" on I-135, on my way to work. The speed limit drops from 60 to 50, and fines are doubled within the work zone. Except there's literally nothing happening. Not so much as an orange cone. And it's been this way for a couple of weeks.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on May 06, 2021, 01:17:55 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 06, 2021, 09:05:08 AM
There's a stretch of "road construction" on I-135, on my way to work. The speed limit drops from 60 to 50, and fines are doubled within the work zone. Except there's literally nothing happening. Not so much as an orange cone. And it's been this way for a couple of weeks.

They're constructing infractions to fill the hole in their budget.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 06, 2021, 01:19:05 PM

Quote from: kkt on May 06, 2021, 01:17:55 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 06, 2021, 09:05:08 AM
There's a stretch of "road construction" on I-135, on my way to work. The speed limit drops from 60 to 50, and fines are doubled within the work zone. Except there's literally nothing happening. Not so much as an orange cone. And it's been this way for a couple of weeks.

They're constructing infractions to fill the hole in their budget.

Haven't seen a single cop there yet. Most people don't even slow down, honestly. But it bothers me nonetheless.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on May 06, 2021, 01:19:55 PM

It could be worse. They could have put up barrels to block off a lane and still not be doing any work.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on May 06, 2021, 01:25:53 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 06, 2021, 01:19:05 PM
Quote from: kkt on May 06, 2021, 01:17:55 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 06, 2021, 09:05:08 AM
There's a stretch of "road construction" on I-135, on my way to work. The speed limit drops from 60 to 50, and fines are doubled within the work zone. Except there's literally nothing happening. Not so much as an orange cone. And it's been this way for a couple of weeks.

They're constructing infractions to fill the hole in their budget.

Haven't seen a single cop there yet. Most people don't even slow down, honestly. But it bothers me nonetheless.

Illinois also seemed to be a fan of phantom work zones if I recall.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 06, 2021, 01:36:01 PM

Quote from: GaryV on May 06, 2021, 01:19:55 PM
It could be worse. They could have put up barrels to block off a lane and still not be doing any work.

I don't know. At least, then, there'd be a smallest shred of evidence they're even planning to do something.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bm7 on May 06, 2021, 09:40:40 PM

Whenever I've encountered "road closed to thru traffic" construction signs on rural gravel roads, I've just gone past them. Only once has there been anything preventing me from driving through as usual.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 06, 2021, 09:43:31 PM

It's usually due to grading. Just the other day, I chose to go around instead on my way to my destination. Then, not seeing any grading equipment, I chose to go through on my way back. It was slow going, because they were only half-done with the work. Lots of loose, large gravel.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on May 07, 2021, 08:05:26 AM

When you're waiting for a workman to show up (HVAC service in this morning's case) and you need to take a crap but you don't want to because you know as soon as you start to go that's when the doorbell will ring.

(I suppose this is a major annoyance when it happens and minor otherwise.)

As I typed this post, they called to say the man is on his way. So I guess I really need to hold it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 07, 2021, 12:58:44 PM

When you get a notification that your package has been delivered, and then the delivery driver shows up ten minutes later with your package.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 07, 2021, 04:27:59 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on May 07, 2021, 08:05:26 AM
When you're waiting for a workman to show up (HVAC service in this morning's case) and you need to take a crap but you don't want to because you know as soon as you start to go that's when the doorbell will ring.

(I suppose this is a major annoyance when it happens and minor otherwise.)

As I typed this post, they called to say the man is on his way. So I guess I really need to hold it.

Same is true when you're waiting on a phone call or other instant contact method. I had something similar happen yesterday–got in a virtual doctor's appointment and it said "9 patients are ahead of you" and showed my ugly mug on screen, and I realized, hey, I haven't shaved in a while... so since there were 9 patients ahead of me, I went off to the bathroom and shaved, hoping that the doctor wouldn't pop on screen before I was done. Fortunately there were still 3 ahead of me by the time I was done shaving.

Quote from: kphoger on May 07, 2021, 12:58:44 PM
When you get a notification that your package has been delivered, and then the delivery driver shows up ten minutes later with your package.

Of course, that's because the driver is pressing the "package delivered" button on their phone/tablet before they actually deliver the package. Who knows what incentive they might have to do this.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 11, 2021, 10:22:54 AM

Quote from: webny99 on May 11, 2021, 07:45:48 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 07, 2021, 12:58:37 PM
Quote from: webny99 on May 07, 2021, 12:25:52 PM
I know this is an old game, but shouldn't it be in Traffic Control now?
Yes, can a mod move it?

This is becoming a candidate for the "minor things that bothers you" thread...

When threads on AAroads are sitting in the wrong board forever.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on May 11, 2021, 12:06:24 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 07, 2021, 04:27:59 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on May 07, 2021, 08:05:26 AM
When you're waiting for a workman to show up (HVAC service in this morning's case) and you need to take a crap but you don't want to because you know as soon as you start to go that's when the doorbell will ring.

(I suppose this is a major annoyance when it happens and minor otherwise.)

As I typed this post, they called to say the man is on his way. So I guess I really need to hold it.

Same is true when you're waiting on a phone call or other instant contact method. I had something similar happen yesterday–got in a virtual doctor's appointment and it said "9 patients are ahead of you" and showed my ugly mug on screen, and I realized, hey, I haven't shaved in a while... so since there were 9 patients ahead of me, I went off to the bathroom and shaved, hoping that the doctor wouldn't pop on screen before I was done. Fortunately there were still 3 ahead of me by the time I was done shaving.

Quote from: kphoger on May 07, 2021, 12:58:44 PM
When you get a notification that your package has been delivered, and then the delivery driver shows up ten minutes later with your package.

Of course, that's because the driver is pressing the "package delivered" button on their phone/tablet before they actually deliver the package. Who knows what incentive they might have to do this.

Or they don't deliver at all.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on May 14, 2021, 12:55:42 PM

When people abbreviate time zones xST but meant xDT.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 14, 2021, 01:40:08 PM

1. When the trimmer runs out of string partway through doing the lawn.

2. Re-stringing the trimmer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 14, 2021, 01:41:20 PM

When people make vast, oversimplifying claims about complex subjects they don't know enough about. (Talking about an area that borders the Mediterranean Sea...)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 14, 2021, 01:54:27 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 14, 2021, 01:41:20 PM
When people make vast, oversimplifying claims about complex subjects they don't know enough about. (Talking about an area that borders the Mediterranean Sea...)

I assume you're referring to Titus 1:12.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 14, 2021, 01:57:53 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 14, 2021, 01:54:27 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 14, 2021, 01:41:20 PM
When people make vast, oversimplifying claims about complex subjects they don't know enough about. (Talking about an area that borders the Mediterranean Sea...)

I assume you're referring to Titus 1:12.

Nah I have nothing against Crete.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 14, 2021, 01:59:26 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 14, 2021, 01:57:53 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 14, 2021, 01:54:27 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 14, 2021, 01:41:20 PM
When people make vast, oversimplifying claims about complex subjects they don't know enough about. (Talking about an area that borders the Mediterranean Sea...)

I assume you're referring to Titus 1:12.

Nah I have nothing against Crete.

Ah, OK. Gotcha. I hate it when people say all Sicilians are the mafia too.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 14, 2021, 02:11:49 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 14, 2021, 01:59:26 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 14, 2021, 01:57:53 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 14, 2021, 01:54:27 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 14, 2021, 01:41:20 PM
When people make vast, oversimplifying claims about complex subjects they don't know enough about. (Talking about an area that borders the Mediterranean Sea...)

I assume you're referring to Titus 1:12.

Nah I have nothing against Crete.

Ah, OK. Gotcha. I hate it when people say all Sicilians are the mafia too.

Eastern part of the sea. A country that borders Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 14, 2021, 02:25:48 PM

Oh, Israel.

Why didn't you just say that, instead of "an area"?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 14, 2021, 02:27:53 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 14, 2021, 02:25:48 PM
Oh, Israel.

Why didn't you just say that, instead of "an area"?

I thought people would know what I meant, and I wanted to avoid saying Israel because of the politics rule.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 14, 2021, 02:38:35 PM

Israel is no more political than Ecuador, unless you make it so.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: doorknob60 on May 14, 2021, 02:56:05 PM

Quote from: US 89 on May 14, 2021, 12:55:42 PM
When people abbreviate time zones xST but meant xDT.

I'm glad I'm not the only one. It seems like literally 80-90% of people get this wrong. They'll say "Eastern Standard Time", without stopping to think for a second what standard means. If you don't want to think about it, just say ET, PT, etc.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: frankenroad on May 14, 2021, 03:34:48 PM

Quote from: doorknob60 on May 14, 2021, 02:56:05 PM
Quote from: US 89 on May 14, 2021, 12:55:42 PM
When people abbreviate time zones xST but meant xDT.

I'm glad I'm not the only one. It seems like literally 80-90% of people get this wrong. They'll say "Eastern Standard Time", without stopping to think for a second what standard means. If you don't want to think about it, just say ET, PT, etc.

This drives me nuts as well. It was really bad about 15 years ago when I worked for a company with major offices in both Cincinnati and Indianapolis (which are only about 100 miles apart). In the winter, we were all on EST, but in the summer, Cincinnati was on EDT, while Indianapolis remained on EST. More people missed meetings because they did not understand the difference between EST and EDT. In recent years, Indiana began observing DST, so I assume this problem has been reduced.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 14, 2021, 03:36:36 PM

My boss used to do this.

– ... Central Standard Time.
– You mean Central Daylight Time?
– Whatever.
– It matters. We're not on Central Standard Time right now. We're on Central Daylight Time.
– Central Standard Daylight Time, then.
– There's no such thing as that.
– OK, fine, I'll Google it. *types* {What time is it in Central Standard Time right now?}
– Yeah, OK...
– There! See! It says it's 2:15 PM, and that's what time it is!
– But look: Google is displaying the current time in Central Daylight Time. It says so right there.
– So they're the same thing, then.
– No, Google just assumed it knew what you meant and gave you answer to that instead.
– All I know is I asked it what time it is in Central Standard Time, and it gave me the current time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on May 14, 2021, 03:43:28 PM

Quote from: frankenroad on May 14, 2021, 03:34:48 PM
Quote from: doorknob60 on May 14, 2021, 02:56:05 PM
Quote from: US 89 on May 14, 2021, 12:55:42 PM
When people abbreviate time zones xST but meant xDT.

I'm glad I'm not the only one. It seems like literally 80-90% of people get this wrong. They'll say "Eastern Standard Time", without stopping to think for a second what standard means. If you don't want to think about it, just say ET, PT, etc.

This drives me nuts as well. It was really bad about 15 years ago when I worked for a company with major offices in both Cincinnati and Indianapolis (which are only about 100 miles apart). In the winter, we were all on EST, but in the summer, Cincinnati was on EDT, while Indianapolis remained on EST. More people missed meetings because they did not understand the difference between EST and EDT. In recent years, Indiana began observing DST, so I assume this problem has been reduced.

Which is why it's better just to say 10am, or 10am local time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on May 14, 2021, 03:55:29 PM

Anyone over the age of 10 who says "veggies"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on May 14, 2021, 05:03:03 PM

People that insist on keeping Taiwan apart from China :banghead:. Taiwan is part of China, just not of the PRC. It's like calling one of the Koreas simply "Korea" and the other something else.

Quote from: US 89 on May 14, 2021, 12:55:42 PM
When people abbreviate time zones xST but meant xDT.

That is the norm here in Europe :sombrero: (however the S stands for Summer). Standard time is denoted by simply xT.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 14, 2021, 05:13:30 PM

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on May 14, 2021, 05:03:03 PM
People that insist on keeping Taiwan apart from China :banghead:. Taiwan is part of China, just not of the PRC. It's like calling one of the Koreas simply "Korea" and the other something else.

Ireland says hi. :wave:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on May 14, 2021, 05:25:50 PM

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on May 14, 2021, 05:03:03 PM
People that insist on keeping Taiwan apart from China :banghead:. Taiwan is part of China, just not of the PRC

Functionally as of this time. they are two different countries. They have different governments, different entry requirements for visitors, different economies, different sports leagues, different many things. Yes, China views it as a part of them and sends cease and desists to anyone who suggests otherwise. Germany once viewed Austria as part of them because they didn't think two German-speaking nations should be separated.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on May 14, 2021, 05:27:21 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 14, 2021, 05:13:30 PM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on May 14, 2021, 05:03:03 PM
People that insist on keeping Taiwan apart from China :banghead:. Taiwan is part of China, just not of the PRC. It's like calling one of the Koreas simply "Korea" and the other something else.

Ireland says hi. :wave:

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=give+ireland+back+to+the+irish&view=detail&mid=11BFCDA5CBB010C0E4F911BFCDA5CBB010C0E4F9&FORM=VIRE0&ru=%2fsearch%3fq%3dgive%2bireland%2bback%2bto%2bthe%2birish%26cvid%3d94b67c80145141eba448bca382ecbf4f%26aqs%3dedge.1.69i57j0l6.5072j0j1%26pglt%3d675%26FORM%3dANNAB1%26PC%3dDCTS

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 14, 2021, 05:52:45 PM

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on May 14, 2021, 05:03:03 PM
People that insist on keeping Taiwan apart from China :banghead:. Taiwan is part of China, just not of the PRC. It's like calling one of the Koreas simply "Korea" and the other something else.
Quote from: US 89 on May 14, 2021, 12:55:42 PM
When people abbreviate time zones xST but meant xDT.

That is the norm here in Europe :sombrero: (however the S stands for Summer). Standard time is denoted by simply xT.

Many Taiwanese people don't consider themselves Chinese anymore.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on May 14, 2021, 07:10:55 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 14, 2021, 05:52:45 PM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on May 14, 2021, 05:03:03 PM
People that insist on keeping Taiwan apart from China :banghead:. Taiwan is part of China, just not of the PRC. It's like calling one of the Koreas simply "Korea" and the other something else.
Quote from: US 89 on May 14, 2021, 12:55:42 PM
When people abbreviate time zones xST but meant xDT.

That is the norm here in Europe :sombrero: (however the S stands for Summer). Standard time is denoted by simply xT.
Many Taiwanese people don't consider themselves Chinese anymore.

There can only be one (China)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on May 14, 2021, 07:11:54 PM

Thanks to the fear of death in this country, I won't have to die.

I'll pass away

Or I'll expire like a magazine subscription

</George Carlin>

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kevinb1994 on May 14, 2021, 08:15:06 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on May 14, 2021, 07:10:55 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 14, 2021, 05:52:45 PM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on May 14, 2021, 05:03:03 PM
People that insist on keeping Taiwan apart from China :banghead: . Taiwan is part of China, just not of the PRC. It's like calling one of the Koreas simply "Korea" and the other something else.
Quote from: US 89 on May 14, 2021, 12:55:42 PM
When people abbreviate time zones xST but meant xDT.

That is the norm here in Europe :sombrero: (however the S stands for Summer). Standard time is denoted by simply xT.
Many Taiwanese people don't consider themselves Chinese anymore.
There can only be one (China)

I'm in disagreement over the whole One China thing...my mother's family is from Taiwan (though my last name definitely isn't-it's Scottish). While not all of my extended family may agree, I do think that communism isn't 100% a good thing. Just my thoughts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GenExpwy on May 15, 2021, 04:49:37 AM

Quote from: kphoger on May 14, 2021, 01:40:08 PM
1. When the trimmer runs out of string partway through doing the lawn.

2. Re-stringing the trimmer.

Better yet: A few weeks ago I started my trimmer for the first time this year. It had been sitting in the garage all winter, so I pulled and pulled, oh how I pulled, 25 or 30 times. When it finally started, it instantly shed the last foot-and-a-half of line from the spool.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on May 16, 2021, 12:26:37 PM

Just now, I finally found the control in Acrobat Reader that allows me to force PDFs to open by default with view set to single page and fit page. Now I can stop growling about PDFs opening with view set to continuous page and fit width, which is the out-of-the-box setting.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on May 16, 2021, 01:20:30 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on May 16, 2021, 12:26:37 PM
Just now, I finally found the control in Acrobat Reader that allows me to force PDFs to open by default with view set to single page and fit page. Now I can stop growling about PDFs opening with view set to continuous page and fit width, which is the out-of-the-box setting.

Yes but did you find the control that stops that right pane from popping in advertising Adobe's services?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on May 16, 2021, 02:35:42 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on May 16, 2021, 01:20:30 PMYes but did you find the control that stops that right pane from popping in advertising Adobe's services?

I did--there actually is one. There is a checkbox somewhere in Preferences to remember tool (or task) pane setting. If it is checked and the pane is closed all the way (one click to open completely, two clicks to close completely), then it is invisible and stays that way.

There doesn't seem to be a control to prevent third-party review sites from lying about what can be done with Reader for free, however. I installed it partly because one such site assured me that it allows the user to extract pages for free. In fact, it takes a subscription (I think about $14/month) to unlock that capability. I'm just glad that the version 9.54 (current) Windows port of Ghostscript can handle PDFs that caused 9.14 to choke when attempting to remove a master password (there's apparently something called "Level 6" that 9.14 couldn't handle), perform a PDF version downgrade (1.4 tends to be safest for the types of PDF files I work with), or extract individual pages.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 16, 2021, 11:47:48 PM

This borders on "major things that bother you", but when things that don't belong to me end up in my yard. I live on a minor collector, so this usually happens from stuff falling off of a truck or something and landing in the street. Then someone "helpfully" drags it out of the street into my yard. And then it sits there because I don't have a truck or any way of dealing with it other than leaving it by the curb on trash day and hoping the city is willing to take it.

This has happened with a mattress, and recently one of those warning poles for an AT&T underground cable. What the heck do I do with this thing? Throwing it away sounds like a bad idea, but going to the dentist is usually more enjoyable than dealing with anyone in customer service at AT&T. Maybe I can talk my wife into dealing with them for me; her name's on our account with them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 16, 2021, 11:58:48 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on May 16, 2021, 02:35:42 PM
Quote from: SSOWorld on May 16, 2021, 01:20:30 PMYes but did you find the control that stops that right pane from popping in advertising Adobe's services?

I did--there actually is one. There is a checkbox somewhere in Preferences to remember tool (or task) pane setting. If it is checked and the pane is closed all the way (one click to open completely, two clicks to close completely), then it is invisible and stays that way.

There doesn't seem to be a control to prevent third-party review sites from lying about what can be done with Reader for free, however. I installed it partly because one such site assured me that it allows the user to extract pages for free. In fact, it takes a subscription (I think about $14/month) to unlock that capability. I'm just glad that the version 9.54 (current) Windows port of Ghostscript can handle PDFs that caused 9.14 to choke when attempting to remove a master password (there's apparently something called "Level 6" that 9.14 couldn't handle), perform a PDF version downgrade (1.4 tends to be safest for the types of PDF files I work with), or extract individual pages.

I use Okular (https://okular.kde.org/) (which comes with the KDE software collection on Linux, but is available for Windows) for my PDF-viewing needs. Having used both it and name-brand Acrobat Reader on Windows, I find I prefer the less noxious interface in Okular. I rarely do much with PDFs other than view, fill out forms, and copy from them for pasting elsewhere, so I am not sure if it would be useful for what you do with it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 18, 2021, 04:01:37 PM

My new-ish neighbors have unlicensed dogs that like to jump the fence and crap in everyone else's yards.

One of them is a youngster and, even though he's apparently able to jump out over the fence, doesn't seem to know how to jump back in again. Even if I charge the dog and shout, cornering him by the fence, he still can't figure out what to do.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on May 18, 2021, 04:06:04 PM

Dogs in general. :paranoid: :paranoid: :paranoid:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 18, 2021, 04:10:49 PM

Dogs that jump the fence would be pretty hard to deal with. I don't know how one would train a dog not to do that. Fortunately, both dogs that I've owned in the city have had no interest in doing so (one was a border collie who was smart enough to realize running away from the people that kept him fed didn't make a whole lot of sense, and our current dog spent time as a stray and has such little interest in returning to that lifestyle that she won't even go through an open door to anywhere but the backyard unless she is specifically called to go through it).

I'm not quite sure what the purpose of pet licensing is supposed to be. We keep our dog licensed–or at least attempt to, I can't remember if I renewed the license this year or not now that I think about it; it's always kind of a pain in the butt since I have to pester my wife for a copy of the vaccination certificate and she tends to drag her feet on giving me things like that–and always fully vaccinated. But we haven't told the city about our two (strictly indoor) cats. I guess the license helps animal welfare return lost dogs to their owners, but so does a tag engraved with the pet's name and address. (This was how I got to know the names of the dogs and who owned them in the rural neighborhood I grew up in, although sometimes I mixed up which name belonged to the dog and which to the owner.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on May 18, 2021, 04:40:07 PM

Quote from: webny99 on May 18, 2021, 04:06:04 PM
Dogs in general. :paranoid: :paranoid: :paranoid:

I'm also more of a cat person.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on May 18, 2021, 06:57:32 PM

I was not happy when this fellow showed up on our deck at 7:30 last night. We had the window open and I assume he smelled the bag of dry cat food we have inside just below the window to feed the feral cat who's been coming for seven years now–he came right up and stood up to look in the window, though he ran for the railing pretty quickly when I got up to take his picture and then he jumped into the tree and disappeared. Bunch of neighbors saw him out there too. I suppose the one benefit of the weather getting hotter is that he won't smell the cat food through the window because the window will be closed.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210518/02ac7cc257d8d59f6f2405ee80f81187.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on May 19, 2021, 11:52:57 AM

When you drive behind a slowpoke you can't pass, and feel relief up the road as you will be turning off the road so you don't have to deal with it anymore. However, the SOB decides to turn at that cut off as well, so you still with the idiot again.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 19, 2021, 03:07:37 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 18, 2021, 04:01:37 PM
My new-ish neighbors have unlicensed dogs that like to jump the fence and crap in everyone else's yards.

One of them is a youngster and, even though he's apparently able to jump out over the fence, doesn't seem to know how to jump back in again. Even if I charge the dog and shout, cornering him by the fence, he still can't figure out what to do.

Update: Another of my neighbors has an air gun she's started shooting, in an attempt to scare the dog out of her yard. :)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on May 19, 2021, 09:41:47 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 19, 2021, 03:07:37 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 18, 2021, 04:01:37 PM
My new-ish neighbors have unlicensed dogs that like to jump the fence and crap in everyone else's yards.

One of them is a youngster and, even though he's apparently able to jump out over the fence, doesn't seem to know how to jump back in again. Even if I charge the dog and shout, cornering him by the fence, he still can't figure out what to do.

Update: Another of my neighbors has an air gun she's started shooting, in an attempt to scare the dog out of her yard. :)

Perhaps next she'll try a sonic ray gun (https://www.grc.com/sn/sn-281.htm).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on May 25, 2021, 01:19:30 PM

When a deleted email or draft shows up as unread in the deleted items folder.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on May 25, 2021, 01:35:06 PM

Quote from: webny99 on May 25, 2021, 01:19:30 PM
When a deleted email or draft shows up as unread in the deleted items folder.

Then read it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on May 25, 2021, 01:57:33 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on May 18, 2021, 06:57:32 PM
I was not happy when this fellow showed up on our deck at 7:30 last night. We had the window open and I assume he smelled the bag of dry cat food we have inside just below the window to feed the feral cat who’s been coming for seven years now—he came right up and stood up to look in the window, though he ran for the railing pretty quickly when I got up to take his picture and then he jumped into the tree and disappeared. Bunch of neighbors saw him out there too. I suppose the one benefit of the weather getting hotter is that he won’t smell the cat food through the window because the window will be closed.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210518/02ac7cc257d8d59f6f2405ee80f81187.jpg)

Maybe he IS the feral cat?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on May 25, 2021, 02:06:15 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on May 25, 2021, 01:57:33 PM
Maybe he IS the feral cat?

Don't think so.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210525/8455658b5ab5908ddcd4ed0c860f2f69.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on May 25, 2021, 02:54:29 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on May 25, 2021, 01:35:06 PM
Quote from: webny99 on May 25, 2021, 01:19:30 PM
When a deleted email or draft shows up as unread in the deleted items folder.
Then read it.

Of course I already have, that's why it's a minor thing that bothers me..

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on May 25, 2021, 03:38:02 PM

I've run into one minor email-related annoyance with Gmail and Thunderbird: Gmail keeping multiple copies of a draft email composed in Thunderbird (making it hard to scroll to and from other messages in the same email chain when threading is enabled in Gmail) unless I proactively compact the draft folder on Thunderbird. These copies are generated when Thunderbird autosaves drafts to Gmail and there is seemingly no automated garbage collection, unless it has been added in a recent update.

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 16, 2021, 11:58:48 PMI use Okular (https://okular.kde.org/) (which comes with the KDE software collection on Linux, but is available for Windows) for my PDF-viewing needs. Having used both it and name-brand Acrobat Reader on Windows, I find I prefer the less noxious interface in Okular. I rarely do much with PDFs other than view, fill out forms, and copy from them for pasting elsewhere, so I am not sure if it would be useful for what you do with it.

Thank you for the suggestion--I'm keeping it in mind.

I'm still sorting through the PDF-handling capabilities I really need. So far I've determined I use PDF touchup occasionally, but still often enough that I don't want to do without it. Acrobat Distiller has long been regarded as the gold standard for producing PDFs, but I've recently discovered the family network printer includes a print-to-file driver that produces PRNs containing Level 3 PostScript, which Ghostscript distills to PDF easily. Otherwise, I now default to carrying out most PDF manipulation tasks (removing restrictions, extracting pages, unpacking portfolios, forcing version downgrades, etc.) using command-line tools, as those functions don't take over the PDF viewer while they are in progress.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on May 25, 2021, 04:12:27 PM

Frankly, PDF-derived language is a weird dialect of Jargon English. It's as if Adobe purposely chose words that already had a meaning, but decided to use them in a completely mysterious way, and without any context. Even the Acrobat clones (the patent on PDFs ran out over a decade ago) use the same verbiage, also requiring a glossary to re-translate what you'd like to perform and work backwards from there.

Making or performing minor editing of a PDF from a Word file either takes me 30 seconds or 3 hours, just to do something simple like set margins or combine pages is stupidly frustrating. It's one task I refuse to do off the clock, so to speak.

Quote from: SSOWorld on May 25, 2021, 01:35:06 PM
Quote from: webny99 on May 25, 2021, 01:19:30 PM
When a deleted email or draft shows up as unread in the deleted items folder.
Then read it.

This gets me about once every three months, though usually on my phone. You have find that needle in the haystack first, though usually deleting everything in Drafts/Junk/Spam/Deleted and then Mark All Read in Inbox helps it out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on May 25, 2021, 04:48:23 PM

Quote from: webny99 on May 25, 2021, 02:54:29 PM
Quote from: SSOWorld on May 25, 2021, 01:35:06 PM
Quote from: webny99 on May 25, 2021, 01:19:30 PM
When a deleted email or draft shows up as unread in the deleted items folder.
Then read it.

Of course I already have, that's why it's a minor thing that bothers me..

Especially in the case of draft items. If I made the draft, why is it unread?

On a similar note, Outlook now sends meeting updates that don't change the date/time/location (so things like attaching an agenda) to deleted items, bypassing the inbox completely. I've been in meetings where people never saw the agenda because of this, and the only way to know anything was received is to see the unread item in the deleted folder... and that's something that can be very easily missed if one isn't meticulous about keeping their email organized, which most people aren't.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 25, 2021, 05:17:23 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on May 25, 2021, 03:38:02 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 16, 2021, 11:58:48 PMI use Okular (https://okular.kde.org/) (which comes with the KDE software collection on Linux, but is available for Windows) for my PDF-viewing needs. Having used both it and name-brand Acrobat Reader on Windows, I find I prefer the less noxious interface in Okular. I rarely do much with PDFs other than view, fill out forms, and copy from them for pasting elsewhere, so I am not sure if it would be useful for what you do with it.

Thank you for the suggestion--I'm keeping it in mind.

I'm still sorting through the PDF-handling capabilities I really need. So far I've determined I use PDF touchup occasionally, but still often enough that I don't want to do without it. Acrobat Distiller has long been regarded as the gold standard for producing PDFs, but I've recently discovered the family network printer includes a print-to-file driver that produces PRNs containing Level 3 PostScript, which Ghostscript distills to PDF easily. Otherwise, I now default to carrying out most PDF manipulation tasks (removing restrictions, extracting pages, unpacking portfolios, forcing version downgrades, etc.) using command-line tools, as those functions don't take over the PDF viewer while they are in progress.

Fortunately, PDF creation is fairly straightforward and accessible on Linux, so I have a plethora of options for making new PDFs from scratch. Most major software that might reasonably be used to create a file for export to PDF, such as word processors or graphics programs like Gimp or Inkscape, have built-in functions to do so. For all others, there is a driver available (shown as "Print to File" on the list of available printers) that captures the PostScript sent to the CUPS printing subsystem (which is the same software stack used on OS X) and redirects it into a PDF.

Editing PDFs is more tricky, because there are so many ways they can be encoded and it can kind of be a crapshoot if the way they were done is conducive to the type of edits you want to make. A PDF version of a book, for instance, can vary from a one-to-one translation of the source file, with text-as-text to allow searching and embedded fonts to force proper display, to a version of the same with text converted to vector outlines, to merely being a compliation of flat image scans that makes even plain-text copy and pasting impossible without the use of OCR software (which I think Okular may incorporate to some degree). Software with the capability to open PDFs from editing handle these with varying degrees of grace.

I personally try to sidestep the issue by treating PDF as a write-only file format and providing files that I expect to be edited in an open file format suited to the purpose, like ODF, plain text, or SVG.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 27, 2021, 08:36:34 PM

Applications that insist on you using the latest version, and put up a "there's a new update!" wall until you update. This causes a problem on Linux and other OSes that have their own software management system, because oftentimes it takes a few days between when the developers push a new version out and when the package-management people test to make sure that it works fine on the target system and release the update file. In the meantime, you have the choice of doing an end-run around the package manager (through the means of flatpak or installing the application outside of the package-management system, both of which have implications on the ongoing ability to update and manage the application as a part of the full system).

Likewise, developers that provide their application as a .deb file and neglect to recognize that RPM-based systems didn't go away just because Ubuntu became the most popular distro.

Yes, this is about Discord.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bwana39 on May 28, 2021, 11:21:07 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 25, 2021, 05:17:23 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on May 25, 2021, 03:38:02 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 16, 2021, 11:58:48 PMI use Okular (https://okular.kde.org/) (which comes with the KDE software collection on Linux, but is available for Windows) for my PDF-viewing needs. Having used both it and name-brand Acrobat Reader on Windows, I find I prefer the less noxious interface in Okular. I rarely do much with PDFs other than view, fill out forms, and copy from them for pasting elsewhere, so I am not sure if it would be useful for what you do with it.

Thank you for the suggestion--I'm keeping it in mind.

I'm still sorting through the PDF-handling capabilities I really need. So far I've determined I use PDF touchup occasionally, but still often enough that I don't want to do without it. Acrobat Distiller has long been regarded as the gold standard for producing PDFs, but I've recently discovered the family network printer includes a print-to-file driver that produces PRNs containing Level 3 PostScript, which Ghostscript distills to PDF easily. Otherwise, I now default to carrying out most PDF manipulation tasks (removing restrictions, extracting pages, unpacking portfolios, forcing version downgrades, etc.) using command-line tools, as those functions don't take over the PDF viewer while they are in progress.

Fortunately, PDF creation is fairly straightforward and accessible on Linux, so I have a plethora of options for making new PDFs from scratch. Most major software that might reasonably be used to create a file for export to PDF, such as word processors or graphics programs like Gimp or Inkscape, have built-in functions to do so. For all others, there is a driver available (shown as "Print to File" on the list of available printers) that captures the PostScript sent to the CUPS printing subsystem (which is the same software stack used on OS X) and redirects it into a PDF.

Editing PDFs is more tricky, because there are so many ways they can be encoded and it can kind of be a crapshoot if the way they were done is conducive to the type of edits you want to make. A PDF version of a book, for instance, can vary from a one-to-one translation of the source file, with text-as-text to allow searching and embedded fonts to force proper display, to a version of the same with text converted to vector outlines, to merely being a compliation of flat image scans that makes even plain-text copy and pasting impossible without the use of OCR software (which I think Okular may incorporate to some degree). Software with the capability to open PDFs from editing handle these with varying degrees of grace.

I personally try to sidestep the issue by treating PDF as a write-only file format and providing files that I expect to be edited in an open file format suited to the purpose, like ODF, plain text, or SVG.

The easy way to create a PDF without using a dedicated PDF client is to create it then use the print to PDF function from Windows (Generally I use Word to create simple documents. This works from almost any printable media though.) Once you send a PDF, realistically it should need no changes beyond filling out blanks and getting digital signatures. A PDF should be a READ only format once you create it. A PDF done like this can be copied from and pasted. It is more than a simple image, but at the same time, not revisable either.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on May 28, 2021, 01:24:25 PM

On the topic of software updates.

Apple doesn't do automatic app updates unless you're on WIFI and charging the phone.

Also if you go without being connected to WIFI for over 2 weeks your phone will complain that you haven't backed up your data to the cloud.

All because Apple wants control over your phone (or life)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on May 28, 2021, 03:10:47 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on May 28, 2021, 01:24:25 PM
All because Apple wants control over your phone (or life)

(or your data)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on June 02, 2021, 12:41:20 PM

For those of you with kids, what age is normal for them to know how to use a knife and fork properly?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 02, 2021, 03:40:21 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on June 02, 2021, 12:41:20 PM
For those of you with kids, what age is normal for them to know how to use a knife and fork properly?

It takes a while. Probably around age ten, in my experience.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on June 02, 2021, 04:42:48 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on June 02, 2021, 12:41:20 PM
For those of you with kids, what age is normal for them to know how to use a knife and fork properly?

9-10 for my kids. My son didn't seem to have the dexterity for using a knife and fork together until he was around 10. He still sometimes uses his fingers for the tiny bits, if we're not looking.

I blame more processed and prepared foods for that, but what do I know?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on June 02, 2021, 06:20:09 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 02, 2021, 03:40:21 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on June 02, 2021, 12:41:20 PM
For those of you with kids, what age is normal for them to know how to use a knife and fork properly?

It takes a while. Probably around age ten, in my experience.

Ugh. The kid in question who doesn't know how is 15.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 03, 2021, 12:55:50 AM

What definition of "proper" are you going for? Are you measuring for proficiency or for compliance with arbitrary etiquette rules?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on June 03, 2021, 01:04:51 AM

The fact that you can't tell if others talk about you behind your back.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on June 03, 2021, 01:59:47 AM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 03, 2021, 01:04:51 AM
The fact that you can't tell if others talk about you behind your back.

My experience in life is that everybody gets talked about behind their back. It sucks and almost everyone is also guilty of doing it, but it is what it is.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on June 03, 2021, 08:25:30 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 03, 2021, 12:55:50 AM
What definition of "proper" are you going for? Are you measuring for proficiency or for compliance with arbitrary etiquette rules?

How to hold them correctly so as to be able to cut one's food!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on June 03, 2021, 08:57:59 AM

Quote from: frankenroad on May 14, 2021, 03:34:48 PM
Quote from: doorknob60 on May 14, 2021, 02:56:05 PM
Quote from: US 89 on May 14, 2021, 12:55:42 PM
When people abbreviate time zones xST but meant xDT.

I'm glad I'm not the only one. It seems like literally 80-90% of people get this wrong. They'll say "Eastern Standard Time", without stopping to think for a second what standard means. If you don't want to think about it, just say ET, PT, etc.

This drives me nuts as well. It was really bad about 15 years ago when I worked for a company with major offices in both Cincinnati and Indianapolis (which are only about 100 miles apart). In the winter, we were all on EST, but in the summer, Cincinnati was on EDT, while Indianapolis remained on EST. More people missed meetings because they did not understand the difference between EST and EDT. In recent years, Indiana began observing DST, so I assume this problem has been reduced.

Every state should be required to be on the same time, completely

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on June 03, 2021, 08:59:58 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on June 02, 2021, 12:41:20 PM
For those of you with kids, what age is normal for them to know how to use a knife and fork properly?

What I think is incredibly stupid is people cutting with their right hand, putting down their knife, eating with the right hand, etc. Total lack of efficiency. I learned early on to just cut left handed, it's not that difficult!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on June 03, 2021, 09:01:44 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on May 19, 2021, 11:52:57 AM
When you drive behind a slowpoke you can’t pass, and feel relief up the road as you will be turning off the road so you don’t have to deal with it anymore. However, the SOB decides to turn at that cut off as well, so you still with the idiot again.

Conversely when you know that road has an extra lane and you pass their sorry ass in about 2 seconds, and you look just to see whether they are old or stupid.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on June 03, 2021, 10:21:46 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on June 03, 2021, 09:01:44 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on May 19, 2021, 11:52:57 AM
When you drive behind a slowpoke you can't pass, and feel relief up the road as you will be turning off the road so you don't have to deal with it anymore. However, the SOB decides to turn at that cut off as well, so you still with the idiot again.

Conversely when you know that road has an extra lane and you pass their sorry ass in about 2 seconds, and you look just to see whether they are old or stupid.

Not near as bad as the people who drive one speed the whole time. It's 70 mph in a rural area and this guy is doing 60. You pass him, only to enter a small town. The speed limit drops to 55, then 45. This asshat continues to blow though this small town at 60, and by the grace of God he doesn't encounter Smokey (of course if you were going 60 you would). So now he blows by you in the town. Now you get through the town, and of course he is still driving. Now the speed limit is back up to 70, he is still driving 60. It's a 2 lane highway so it takes you 10 miles to find the best opportunity to pass him. You pass him, only to then enter yet another small town and repeat the above process. so basically he held you to 60 on a 70 mph road. Good job.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on June 03, 2021, 10:49:34 AM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on June 03, 2021, 10:21:46 AM
Quote from: texaskdog on June 03, 2021, 09:01:44 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on May 19, 2021, 11:52:57 AM
When you drive behind a slowpoke you can’t pass, and feel relief up the road as you will be turning off the road so you don’t have to deal with it anymore. However, the SOB decides to turn at that cut off as well, so you still with the idiot again.

Conversely when you know that road has an extra lane and you pass their sorry ass in about 2 seconds, and you look just to see whether they are old or stupid.

Not near as bad as the people who drive one speed the whole time. It's 70 mph in a rural area and this guy is doing 60. You pass him, only to enter a small town. The speed limit drops to 55, then 45. This asshat continues to blow though this small town at 60, and by the grace of God he doesn't encounter Smokey (of course if you were going 60 you would). So now he blows by you in the town. Now you get through the town, and of course he is still driving. Now the speed limit is back up to 70, he is still driving 60. It's a 2 lane highway so it takes you 10 miles to find the best opportunity to pass him. You pass him, only to then enter yet another small town and repeat the above process. so basically he held you to 60 on a 70 mph road. Good job.

Also goes for those people you pass going 55 in a 70. Then a few miles down the road they pass you at 80, and continually do this. I don't get it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: doorknob60 on June 03, 2021, 11:06:13 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on June 03, 2021, 08:57:59 AM
Quote from: frankenroad on May 14, 2021, 03:34:48 PM
Quote from: doorknob60 on May 14, 2021, 02:56:05 PM
Quote from: US 89 on May 14, 2021, 12:55:42 PM
When people abbreviate time zones xST but meant xDT.

I'm glad I'm not the only one. It seems like literally 80-90% of people get this wrong. They'll say "Eastern Standard Time", without stopping to think for a second what standard means. If you don't want to think about it, just say ET, PT, etc.

This drives me nuts as well. It was really bad about 15 years ago when I worked for a company with major offices in both Cincinnati and Indianapolis (which are only about 100 miles apart). In the winter, we were all on EST, but in the summer, Cincinnati was on EDT, while Indianapolis remained on EST. More people missed meetings because they did not understand the difference between EST and EDT. In recent years, Indiana began observing DST, so I assume this problem has been reduced.

Every state should be required to be on the same time, completely

Strongly disagree there. Would mess up Idaho.

1. SE Idaho is on the same time as Utah (MT)
2. North Idaho is on the same time as Spokane, WA (PT)
3. Ontario, OR is on the same time at Boise (MT)

If any of those were mismatched it would be inconvenient and a downgrade to what it is today. Nobody cares that it switches between MT and PT near Riggins, ID, because that's in the middle of nowhere. Same for switching near Huntington, OR. But switching at state lines would not be in the middle of nowhere and would be annoying to anyone living near that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on June 03, 2021, 11:17:00 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on June 03, 2021, 08:57:59 AM
Quote from: frankenroad on May 14, 2021, 03:34:48 PM
Quote from: doorknob60 on May 14, 2021, 02:56:05 PM
Quote from: US 89 on May 14, 2021, 12:55:42 PM
When people abbreviate time zones xST but meant xDT.

I'm glad I'm not the only one. It seems like literally 80-90% of people get this wrong. They'll say "Eastern Standard Time", without stopping to think for a second what standard means. If you don't want to think about it, just say ET, PT, etc.

This drives me nuts as well. It was really bad about 15 years ago when I worked for a company with major offices in both Cincinnati and Indianapolis (which are only about 100 miles apart). In the winter, we were all on EST, but in the summer, Cincinnati was on EDT, while Indianapolis remained on EST. More people missed meetings because they did not understand the difference between EST and EDT. In recent years, Indiana began observing DST, so I assume this problem has been reduced.

Every state should be required to be on the same time, completely

Lots of states have part of the state function as part of the metropolitan area of another state. State lines are generally not the best place to put time zone divisions.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on June 03, 2021, 11:26:40 AM

Quote from: doorknob60 on June 03, 2021, 11:06:13 AM
Quote from: texaskdog on June 03, 2021, 08:57:59 AM
Quote from: frankenroad on May 14, 2021, 03:34:48 PM
Quote from: doorknob60 on May 14, 2021, 02:56:05 PM
Quote from: US 89 on May 14, 2021, 12:55:42 PM
When people abbreviate time zones xST but meant xDT.

I'm glad I'm not the only one. It seems like literally 80-90% of people get this wrong. They'll say "Eastern Standard Time", without stopping to think for a second what standard means. If you don't want to think about it, just say ET, PT, etc.

This drives me nuts as well. It was really bad about 15 years ago when I worked for a company with major offices in both Cincinnati and Indianapolis (which are only about 100 miles apart). In the winter, we were all on EST, but in the summer, Cincinnati was on EDT, while Indianapolis remained on EST. More people missed meetings because they did not understand the difference between EST and EDT. In recent years, Indiana began observing DST, so I assume this problem has been reduced.

Every state should be required to be on the same time, completely

Strongly disagree there. Would mess up Idaho.

1. SE Idaho is on the same time as Utah (MT)
2. North Idaho is on the same time as Spokane, WA (PT)
3. Ontario, OR is on the same time at Boise (MT)

If any of those were mismatched it would be inconvenient and a downgrade to what it is today. Nobody cares that it switches between MT and PT near Riggins, ID, because that's in the middle of nowhere. Same for switching near Huntington, OR. But switching at state lines would not be in the middle of nowhere and would be annoying to anyone living near that.

The difference between standard time and daylight savings time is very important if you are dealing with Arizona. Either driving thorough or doing business with them. Being central myself, I have to think of what time of year it is to know if they are one hour or two hours behind my time.

I also hate when people call the event in the year in which the time changes "daylight savings day" or "daylight saving time day". The spring version is almost true to this, although it is in reality the switch to daylight savings time. Calling it daylight savings day sounds like we are saving daylight just that one day. No one understands that the fall time change is actually the switch to standard time, yet everyone calls it daylight savings time day. We are leaving daylight savings time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 03, 2021, 11:55:47 AM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on June 03, 2021, 01:59:47 AM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 03, 2021, 01:04:51 AM
The fact that you can't tell if others talk about you behind your back.

My experience in life is that everybody gets talked about behind their back. It sucks and almost everyone is also guilty of doing it, but it is what it is.

Of course people talk about you behind your back. What else do expect? Nobody to have any conversation about you unless you're in the room with them? That would be ridiculous. Heck, if you move out of town, that would really make it difficult for people to bring you up in conversation!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on June 03, 2021, 12:00:45 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 03, 2021, 11:55:47 AM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on June 03, 2021, 01:59:47 AM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 03, 2021, 01:04:51 AM
The fact that you can't tell if others talk about you behind your back.

My experience in life is that everybody gets talked about behind their back. It sucks and almost everyone is also guilty of doing it, but it is what it is.

Of course people talk about you behind your back. What else do expect? Nobody to have any conversation about you unless you're in the room with them? That would be ridiculous. Heck, if you move out of town, that would really make it difficult for people to bring you up in conversation!

I'm more talking about negative back talk, not just bringing me up.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 03, 2021, 12:12:02 PM

So you really want to be present for everything bad anyone says about you?

I'd rather people get that stuff out of their system between themselves, then get over it before interacting with me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on June 03, 2021, 12:16:27 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 03, 2021, 12:12:02 PM
So you really want to be present for everything bad anyone says about you?

I'd rather people get that stuff out of their system between themselves, then get over it before interacting with me.

I don't care that much, hence why I posted it in "Minor things that bother you".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on June 06, 2021, 02:27:03 AM

Even the nicest and most well respected people get talked about. It's part of our human nature, to judge and I am sure you never spoke a bad word about someone in your life.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on June 06, 2021, 02:27:46 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on June 06, 2021, 02:27:03 AM
Even the nicest and most well respected people get talked about. It's part of our human nature, to judge and I am sure you never spoke a bad word about someone in your life.

I've totally talked about others behind their back before. I think we all do.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on June 06, 2021, 02:28:10 AM

Yup, that we do.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: allniter89 on June 08, 2021, 12:09:47 AM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on June 03, 2021, 10:21:46 AM
Quote from: texaskdog on June 03, 2021, 09:01:44 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on May 19, 2021, 11:52:57 AM
When you drive behind a slowpoke you can't pass, and feel relief up the road as you will be turning off the road so you don't have to deal with it anymore. However, the SOB decides to turn at that cut off as well, so you still with the idiot again.

Conversely when you know that road has an extra lane and you pass their sorry ass in about 2 seconds, and you look just to see whether they are old or stupid.

Not near as bad as the people who drive one speed the whole time. It's 70 mph in a rural area and this guy is doing 60. You pass him, only to enter a small town. The speed limit drops to 55, then 45. This asshat continues to blow though this small town at 60, and by the grace of God he doesn't encounter Smokey (of course if you were going 60 you would). So now he blows by you in the town. Now you get through the town, and of course he is still driving. Now the speed limit is back up to 70, he is still driving 60. It's a 2 lane highway so it takes you 10 miles to find the best opportunity to pass him. You pass him, only to then enter yet another small town and repeat the above process. so basically he held you to 60 on a 70 mph road. Good job.

!* wheelers that were speed governed did that back when I drove. We passs them on the open road then when we enter a constucrtion zone they dont slow. We guessed they were trying to make up time. Pretty stupid cuz alot (all?) states double the fine in construction zones plus its just damn stupid to put the workers in danger.
I worked hwy construction many many years ago & when those Model Ts went by it was hair raising. I only worked a couple wks, thats some hard work hotter the hell summer & freeze your ball of in winter. no thanks

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on June 13, 2021, 12:39:56 PM

Improper comma usage.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 13, 2021, 01:21:02 PM

The thing that turns off the turn signal in my car when I go around a corner broke recently so I have to manually turn off the turn signal now.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on June 13, 2021, 01:23:03 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 13, 2021, 01:21:02 PM
The thing that turns off the turn signal in my car when I go around a corner broke recently so I have to manually turn off the turn signal now.

How old are you? That's not supposed to happen until you hit geezer status. I mean, that must be the only explanation of people driving miles down the highway with the turn signal going.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 13, 2021, 03:22:47 PM

Quote from: GaryV on June 13, 2021, 01:23:03 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 13, 2021, 01:21:02 PM
The thing that turns off the turn signal in my car when I go around a corner broke recently so I have to manually turn off the turn signal now.

How old are you? That's not supposed to happen until you hit geezer status. I mean, that must be the only explanation of people driving miles down the highway with the turn signal going.

I drive a 12-year-old car, and have had it for 6 years at this point, since there's nothing else really wrong with it and I like it well enough that I'm not interested in trading it in and going back to having a car payment. Perhaps geezers have that same philosophy.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on June 13, 2021, 03:26:47 PM

Quote from: GaryV on June 13, 2021, 01:23:03 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 13, 2021, 01:21:02 PM
The thing that turns off the turn signal in my car when I go around a corner broke recently so I have to manually turn off the turn signal now.

How old are you? That's not supposed to happen until you hit geezer status. I mean, that must be the only explanation of people driving miles down the highway with the turn signal going.

It says how old he is on his profile.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on June 13, 2021, 05:44:27 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 13, 2021, 03:22:47 PM
Quote from: GaryV on June 13, 2021, 01:23:03 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 13, 2021, 01:21:02 PM
The thing that turns off the turn signal in my car when I go around a corner broke recently so I have to manually turn off the turn signal now.

How old are you? That's not supposed to happen until you hit geezer status. I mean, that must be the only explanation of people driving miles down the highway with the turn signal going.

I drive a 12-year-old car, and have had it for 6 years at this point, since there's nothing else really wrong with it and I like it well enough that I'm not interested in trading it in and going back to having a car payment. Perhaps geezers have that same philosophy.

Might be a surprisingly cheap fix; probably just a bad turn signal stalk. Unless you drive something fancy...most vehicles are similar. It's not an extremely common issue, so even a used stalk much be a $30-50 part.

1) Disconnect the car's battery, 2) Remove about 6-8 screws that hold the upper and lower plastic shrouds of the steering column 3) it's pretty much a plug-and-play item from the little harness connector.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on June 13, 2021, 06:46:46 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 13, 2021, 03:26:47 PM
Quote from: GaryV on June 13, 2021, 01:23:03 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 13, 2021, 01:21:02 PM
The thing that turns off the turn signal in my car when I go around a corner broke recently so I have to manually turn off the turn signal now.

How old are you? That's not supposed to happen until you hit geezer status. I mean, that must be the only explanation of people driving miles down the highway with the turn signal going.
It says how old he is on his profile.

I think it was a joke. Making fun of the stereotype that it's usually old people driving with their blinker on for miles and miles.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 15, 2021, 10:36:33 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on June 13, 2021, 12:39:56 PM
Improper comma usage.

That bother's me a lot les's than erroneou's apostrophe's.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on June 15, 2021, 10:43:17 AM

Quote from: kphoger on June 15, 2021, 10:36:33 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on June 13, 2021, 12:39:56 PM
Improper comma usage.

That bother's me a lot les's than erroneou's apostrophe's.

Heh, I consider improper apostrophe usage to be a major error, at least in written work product related to my job.

I do recognize there is some room for debate on certain comma issues (the serial comma being the chief one) and certain apostrophe issues (for example, whether a singular word ending in an "s" should take 's or just an apostrophe, such as "Congress's" versus "Congress'").

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 15, 2021, 12:19:27 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on June 15, 2021, 10:43:17 AM

Quote from: kphoger on June 15, 2021, 10:36:33 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on June 13, 2021, 12:39:56 PM
Improper comma usage.

That bother's me a lot les's than erroneou's apostrophe's.

Heh, I consider improper apostrophe usage to be a major error, at least in written work product related to my job.

I do recognize there is some room for debate on certain comma issues (the serial comma being the chief one) and certain apostrophe issues (for example, whether a singular word ending in an "s" should take 's or just an apostrophe, such as "Congress's" versus "Congress'").

Also 1960s vs 1960's and the like.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on June 19, 2021, 12:21:09 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 16, 2021, 11:58:48 PMI use Okular (https://okular.kde.org/) (which comes with the KDE software collection on Linux, but is available for Windows) for my PDF-viewing needs. Having used both it and name-brand Acrobat Reader on Windows, I find I prefer the less noxious interface in Okular. I rarely do much with PDFs other than view, fill out forms, and copy from them for pasting elsewhere, so I am not sure if it would be useful for what you do with it.

One month later, I've had to abandon Acrobat Reader. The hurdle I couldn't get past came when it started taking multiple seconds to open and close PDF documents regardless of size. This issue has triggered multiple threads on Adobe's support forum (a sign it is a running sore), with suggested solutions ranging from disabling opening in AppContainer, turning off various enhanced security settings, checking for updates and installing newest version, etc. None has worked for me. Many other users have reported having to uninstall and reinstall to solve the problem, which of course necessitates rebuilding preferred defaults. I tried that at the end of last month, telling myself I would uninstall--probably for good--if the problem came back. In the past 24 hours it has. (In the past I have found that slow-to-launch/slow-to-close behavior often results from internal caches or search indexes getting too full, and can be solved simply by deleting them. However, I have not found any whose deletion results in visible performance improvement.)

I tried Okular, which is available through the Microsoft Store. It has a clean interface and opens PDF files quickly. However, I have not made it my default PDF viewer since it lacks some functionality I use heavily when looking for signing sheets in PDF files:

* Keystroke combination to zoom back to Fit Page (Ctrl + 0 in Adobe products and Foxit Reader zooms back to this level, but on Okular it zooms back to 100%)

* The ability to show more than one column of page thumbnails in the side panel (varying panel width changes thumbnail size, not the number of thumbnails shown in a row)

* True full-screen view (Ctrl + Shift + F strips some chrome instead of displaying the page and nothing but the page, as Ctrl + L does in Adobe and F11 in Foxit Reader)

At the moment I have Foxit Reader set as my default PDF viewer and plan to see how things go over the next few weeks. Most of the keystroke combinations (e.g., F4 to open side panel) carry over from Adobe, though there are some annoying quirks, such as it not remembering side panel width from session to session.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 19, 2021, 01:17:50 PM

^ I would suggest filing feature requests for the features you're missing in Okular. KDE developers are generally pretty responsive to them, especially if there's evidence of prior art in a competing software package. They also tend to be much more open to adding options to configuration dialogs than commercial developers are (there is no cultural sensitivity around presenting "too many" options to users). Even "Obey DRM limitations" is a checkbox that can be turned off.

As for the hotkey issue: my Okular allows you to configure hotkeys for every command on the menu from Settings > Configure Keyboard Shortcuts... You could theoretically set the entire hotkey configuration to be identical to what you're used to from Acrobat, so far as Okular has the corresponding feature. Is this functionality present in the Windows version?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on June 21, 2021, 12:01:48 AM

THE BLUE EYES SCARE ME!!

They are too attrative for my taste. Brown eyes ftw

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: I-55 on June 21, 2021, 09:11:01 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on June 21, 2021, 12:01:48 AM
THE BLUE EYES SCARE ME!!

They are too attrative for my taste. Brown eyes ftw

With the human body being made up of mostly tans and browns, blue eyes just stand out too much, way too distracting.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on June 22, 2021, 01:56:37 AM

Quote from: I-55 on June 21, 2021, 09:11:01 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on June 21, 2021, 12:01:48 AM
THE BLUE EYES SCARE ME!!

They are too attrative for my taste. Brown eyes ftw

With the human body being made up of mostly tans and browns, blue eyes just stand out too much, way too distracting.

Totally agree with you.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on June 22, 2021, 08:15:48 AM

Then you wouldn't want to meet me, as I have blue eyes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jmacswimmer on June 22, 2021, 08:19:31 AM

Quote from: tolbs17 on June 21, 2021, 12:01:48 AM
BLUE EYES

Quote from: tolbs17 on June 21, 2021, 12:01:48 AM
too attractive

I'm flattered :D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on June 22, 2021, 08:36:16 AM

Quote from: formulanone on June 13, 2021, 05:44:27 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 13, 2021, 03:22:47 PM
Quote from: GaryV on June 13, 2021, 01:23:03 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 13, 2021, 01:21:02 PM
The thing that turns off the turn signal in my car when I go around a corner broke recently so I have to manually turn off the turn signal now.

How old are you? That's not supposed to happen until you hit geezer status. I mean, that must be the only explanation of people driving miles down the highway with the turn signal going.

I drive a 12-year-old car, and have had it for 6 years at this point, since there's nothing else really wrong with it and I like it well enough that I'm not interested in trading it in and going back to having a car payment. Perhaps geezers have that same philosophy.

Might be a surprisingly cheap fix; probably just a bad turn signal stalk. Unless you drive something fancy...most vehicles are similar. It's not an extremely common issue, so even a used stalk much be a $30-50 part.

1) Disconnect the car's battery, 2) Remove about 6-8 screws that hold the upper and lower plastic shrouds of the steering column 3) it's pretty much a plug-and-play item from the little harness connector.

Might be out of blinker fluid

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on June 22, 2021, 11:27:13 AM

Quote from: I-55 on June 21, 2021, 09:11:01 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on June 21, 2021, 12:01:48 AM
THE BLUE EYES SCARE ME!!

They are too attrative for my taste. Brown eyes ftw

With the human body being made up of mostly tans and browns, blue eyes just stand out too much, way too distracting.

Some faults in the stars should never be repaired. I have hazel eyes, but my wife has blue eyes, so I'm only 99% biased.

If someone's natural colors scare you, then I think that qualm needs to be discussed with a doctor.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on June 22, 2021, 11:38:16 AM

Could be because I live in an area with a high Scandinavian-American population, but I never thought of eye color as strange, off-putting, or controversial.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on June 22, 2021, 12:33:40 PM

I myself have brown eyes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on June 22, 2021, 12:37:24 PM

"Don't it make my brown eyes blue"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on June 22, 2021, 12:57:30 PM

I don't have blue eyes but I like them

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bm7 on June 23, 2021, 01:32:20 AM

Automatic faucets in restrooms that require you to keep your hands almost touching the faucet in order for them to run.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on June 23, 2021, 01:13:14 PM

Quote from: bm7 on June 23, 2021, 01:32:20 AM
Automatic faucets in restrooms that require you to keep your hands almost touching the faucet in order for them to run.

Could be worse. It could be *cringe* a manually operated faucet :-o

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: renegade on June 23, 2021, 03:44:38 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on June 23, 2021, 01:13:14 PM
Quote from: bm7 on June 23, 2021, 01:32:20 AM
Automatic faucets in restrooms that require you to keep your hands almost touching the faucet in order for them to run.
Could be worse. It could be *cringe* a manually operated faucet :-o

When I'm washing my hands, I'm not usually worried about that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on June 23, 2021, 05:21:38 PM

One of the things I really hate is when I'm coming back home from the grocery store and I got lots of heavy stuff, but I have to wait a full traffic light cycle because the person wanting to cross just before I get there didn't activate the pedestrian beg button.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on June 23, 2021, 05:54:01 PM

Quote from: LilianaUwU on June 23, 2021, 05:21:38 PM
One of the things I really hate is when I'm coming back home from the grocery store and I got lots of heavy stuff, but I have to wait a full traffic light cycle because the person wanting to cross just before I get there didn't activate the pedestrian beg button.

I am a big proponent of automatic walk during the day for this reason. It is extremely frustrating to walk in areas with fully-actuated signalization given that walk signs only come on when requested. Somehow they can detect vehicles using a seemingly-infinite number of ways, yet pedestrians are still relegated to running and hitting buttons hopefully in time. It's just stupid.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on June 23, 2021, 07:52:26 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on June 23, 2021, 05:54:01 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on June 23, 2021, 05:21:38 PM
One of the things I really hate is when I'm coming back home from the grocery store and I got lots of heavy stuff, but I have to wait a full traffic light cycle because the person wanting to cross just before I get there didn't activate the pedestrian beg button.

I am a big proponent of automatic walk during the day for this reason. It is extremely frustrating to walk in areas with fully-actuated signalization given that walk signs only come on when requested. Somehow they can detect vehicles using a seemingly-infinite number of ways, yet pedestrians are still relegated to running and hitting buttons hopefully in time. It's just stupid.

Oh, but it's worse at the light near my house: people seem to refuse to use the button, leading to many times where I get frustrated because I can see people right next to the light, standing there acting as though there's no button.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on June 23, 2021, 08:06:44 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on June 23, 2021, 01:13:14 PM
Quote from: bm7 on June 23, 2021, 01:32:20 AM
Automatic faucets in restrooms that require you to keep your hands almost touching the faucet in order for them to run.
Could be worse. It could be *cringe* a manually operated faucet :-o

No matter what you do you finish up and then the door handle opens inward. Why wash at all then?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: I-55 on June 23, 2021, 10:42:51 PM

Quote from: renegade on June 23, 2021, 03:44:38 PM
Quote from: SSOWorld on June 23, 2021, 01:13:14 PM
Quote from: bm7 on June 23, 2021, 01:32:20 AM
~~Automatic faucets in restrooms that require you to keep your hands almost touching the faucet in order for them to run~~.
~~Could be worse. It could be *cringe* a manually operated faucet :-o~~
~~When I'm~~ washing my hands, I'm not usually worried about that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 24, 2021, 12:51:07 AM

Quote from: bm7 on June 23, 2021, 01:32:20 AM
Automatic faucets in restrooms that require you to keep your hands almost touching the faucet in order for them to run.

Having worked for 10 years in buildings with automatic faucets (and toilets and soap and paper towel dispensers), I hate the damn things. Even on the same model of faucet, you can never tell where the hitbox for the sensor is going to end up, so you have your hands all soaped up and are just kind of doing arcane three-dimensional gestures in the sink, trying to find the proper somatic component of the spell that awakens the faucet monster. And then sometimes they don't activate at all. And then when you finally get them on, sometimes they're configured to shoot a burst of water for like five seconds before turning off, because the building owner is a cheap-ass and doesn't care that they're presenting an obstacle to basic hygiene.

Paper towel dispensers are just as bad, if not worse, because at least faucets don't usually jam up. They also more uniformly exhibit tightwad behavior, so you're sitting there waving at the towel dispenser like you're on a float in a Thanksgiving Day parade, trying to accrue enough goodwill with it so that it can bear to part with enough towel to actually dry your hands.

Quote from: texaskdog on June 23, 2021, 08:06:44 PM
No matter what you do you finish up and then the door handle opens inward. Why wash at all then?

Multi-user public restrooms (i.e. those other than single-occupancy lockable ones) shouldn't have bathroom doors at all unless 100% unavoidable due to space reasons. I prefer the bathrooms with the U- or L- shaped corridor connecting them to the outside world, so that the view is blocked into the bathroom from outside but you need not open a door to get in and out.

Quote from: jakeroot on June 23, 2021, 05:54:01 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on June 23, 2021, 05:21:38 PM
One of the things I really hate is when I'm coming back home from the grocery store and I got lots of heavy stuff, but I have to wait a full traffic light cycle because the person wanting to cross just before I get there didn't activate the pedestrian beg button.

I am a big proponent of automatic walk during the day for this reason. It is extremely frustrating to walk in areas with fully-actuated signalization given that walk signs only come on when requested. Somehow they can detect vehicles using a seemingly-infinite number of ways, yet pedestrians are still relegated to running and hitting buttons hopefully in time. It's just stupid.

If there's enough ped traffic to support that, I presume you mean. There are big chunks of Norman where if you were automatically cycling the lights for peds, you'd end up burning a lot of cycle time to benefit 0 more people. Not a lot of people who want to walk in 90Â°+/70+% humidity weather if they have a choice otherwise.

Vehicles are a lot easier to detect than pedestrians, simply because vehicles are a lot more uniform in their composition, construction, and behavior than humans are. Cars nearly always contain enough iron to be magnetically detectable. They nearly always appear in the lines between lanes, so they can be detectable visually. Meanwhile, pedestrians can be anywhere from 3 to 7 feet tall and weigh from 50 to 400 pounds and rarely travel in straight lines and wait in uniform places. They're not always shaped the same (some are missing parts, use things like wheelchairs, walkers, or canes, or are carrying things like grocery bags that distort the silhouette). And if your ped-detecting algorithm happens to choke on a certain type of person that happens to coincide with a protected class (like, say, a dark background making it so dark-skinned people aren't reliably detected), now you've got a civil suit you've got to deal with.

Ideally, whenever a button is used, it wouldn't matter where in the cycle the light is, the button would trigger the requested pedestrian cycle more or less immediately (which seems to be the case in Norman whenever I've used a ped button). Even if you had flawless pedestrian detection equipment, it would be a scant improvement over a button if the request isn't serviced in a timely manner, which I suspect is your real beef with button-actuated signals.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on June 24, 2021, 02:24:27 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 24, 2021, 12:51:07 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on June 23, 2021, 05:54:01 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on June 23, 2021, 05:21:38 PM
One of the things I really hate is when I'm coming back home from the grocery store and I got lots of heavy stuff, but I have to wait a full traffic light cycle because the person wanting to cross just before I get there didn't activate the pedestrian beg button.

I am a big proponent of automatic walk during the day for this reason. It is extremely frustrating to walk in areas with fully-actuated signalization given that walk signs only come on when requested. Somehow they can detect vehicles using a seemingly-infinite number of ways, yet pedestrians are still relegated to running and hitting buttons hopefully in time. It's just stupid.

If there's enough ped traffic to support that, I presume you mean. There are big chunks of Norman where if you were automatically cycling the lights for peds, you'd end up burning a lot of cycle time to benefit 0 more people. Not a lot of people who want to walk in 90Â°+/70+% humidity weather if they have a choice otherwise.

Vehicles are a lot easier to detect than pedestrians, simply because vehicles are a lot more uniform in their composition, construction, and behavior than humans are. Cars nearly always contain enough iron to be magnetically detectable. They nearly always appear in the lines between lanes, so they can be detectable visually. Meanwhile, pedestrians can be anywhere from 3 to 7 feet tall and weigh from 50 to 400 pounds and rarely travel in straight lines and wait in uniform places. They're not always shaped the same (some are missing parts, use things like wheelchairs, walkers, or canes, or are carrying things like grocery bags that distort the silhouette). And if your ped-detecting algorithm happens to choke on a certain type of person that happens to coincide with a protected class (like, say, a dark background making it so dark-skinned people aren't reliably detected), now you've got a civil suit you've got to deal with.

Ideally, whenever a button is used, it wouldn't matter where in the cycle the light is, the button would trigger the requested pedestrian cycle more or less immediately (which seems to be the case in Norman whenever I've used a ped button). Even if you had flawless pedestrian detection equipment, it would be a scant improvement over a button if the request isn't serviced in a timely manner, which I suspect is your real beef with button-actuated signals.

First: yes, I am referring to areas with at least some pedestrian activity. Obviously we don't need automatic walk in the middle of nowhere. But cities do seem to interpret "some pedestrian activity" as meaning "eight square blocks downtown and nowhere else", and this is too often a poor assumption. Especially in areas with lots of transit or shopping. This rather suburban intersection (https://goo.gl/maps/udajSRo1WwjLG1ar7) near me has plenty of pedestrian activity, which may explain why the main road (Pacific Hwy) has automatic walk [at this intersection and every other intersection] during daylight hours.

Second: automatic pedestrian detection is not a new technology. There was a study about it performed in 2001 (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/safety/00097/00097.pdf) and published by the FHWA that showed them to be a rather successful technology. The use of either pressure-sensitive plates, microwave, or infrared were used to detect pedestrians, and they all seemed to perform quite adequately. The UK uses them already and refers to them as Puffin crossings.

Certainly in the intervening years, technology has advanced to where we can implement automatic pedestrian detection on a slightly-wider scale than a handful of intersections in decent-weather areas. Operationally, there would be advantages for vehicles too, as pedestrian detection could spell the end for minimum walk cycles (ie: walk sign remains on until the maximum time is reached or when no pedestrians are detected). Buttons and "detected" lights could also be used as backups.

Not saying this would be way better than automatic walk, but it would improve upon running for a tiny, often poorly-placed button.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on June 24, 2021, 07:48:38 AM

What if a pedestrian is detected, but he or she is waiting for a bus or Uber and not trying to cross the street?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on June 24, 2021, 08:48:27 AM

Many times a ped pushing the button will make a change to what the signal does. For example, the normally short cross-street timing may be extended because it takes a ped longer to cross the wide thoroughfare than the signal timing would usually allow. Or it turns off the FYA left turn light for that cycle, so the ped doesn't have to worry about those vehicles.

If you put the timing to "Ped Signals Always" in the day, it could create unnecessary delays for a lot of traffic. Unless you're in some place where every cycle there are pedestrians, it doesn't make sense.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on June 24, 2021, 08:53:48 AM

The only signal I know of in my area (Boston's too far away) that has pedestrians pretty much every cycle is VFW Highway/University Ave. in Lowell (on campus), and even then, only during times when there are classes (8 AM-6 PM weekdays, not during the summer despite summer classes existing, and definitely not during COVID-19). Downtown Lawrence and Haverhill get decent pedestrian crossings but not every cycle.

Note that I never press the button when I'm crossing streets myself; I wait for a gap in traffic, including checking for left turns. I'll often cross behind a car that's stopped if I think the light will turn green for that car soon, and I take strong advantage of medians.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on June 24, 2021, 01:32:26 PM

The one spot I'm specifically aware of having pedestrian detection locally is at a RRFB where the Mohawk-Hudson Hike-Bike Path crosses a local road. I presume there's less concern with false positives at the RRFB than there would be with a full signal.

There's bike detection on the Empire State Trail at US 4 and presumably other places too. In the case of bikes, though, they're able to put loops in the pavement. Pedestrians have to use a push button there, though the signal is only for the trail, so there's no waiting (in fact, if the signal hasn't been triggered in the last couple minutes, the bike signal will be green before the bike gets there!).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on June 29, 2021, 05:07:16 PM

Mundane routine annoyance: Shipping confirmation e-mails (whether UPS or FedEx, doesn't matter) that simply tell you the label was created, and then when you track the package it's two or three days before there's actually any tracking info. Tell me when the package actually ships.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on June 29, 2021, 05:09:14 PM

Google Forms not saving answers if you close the page.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on June 29, 2021, 09:27:45 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on June 29, 2021, 05:07:16 PM
Mundane routine annoyance: Shipping confirmation e-mails (whether UPS or FedEx, doesn't matter) that simply tell you the label was created, and then when you track the package it's two or three days before there's actually any tracking info. Tell me when the package actually ships.

package arrives. Two hours later... Echo/E-mail: "Your package has arrived"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on June 29, 2021, 09:54:26 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on June 29, 2021, 09:27:45 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on June 29, 2021, 05:07:16 PM
Mundane routine annoyance: Shipping confirmation e-mails (whether UPS or FedEx, doesn't matter) that simply tell you the label was created, and then when you track the package it's two or three days before there's actually any tracking info. Tell me when the package actually ships.
package arrives. Two hours later... Echo/E-mail: "Your package has arrived"

Heh. I finally got updated info for the current one. I'll be keeping a sharp eye out this time because it's supposed to come Thursday, it's supposed to rain Thursday, and the box is too big to wrap in plastic (not that UPS does that anymore anyway).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: I-55 on June 29, 2021, 09:55:02 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on June 29, 2021, 09:54:26 PM
Quote from: SSOWorld on June 29, 2021, 09:27:45 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on June 29, 2021, 05:07:16 PM
Mundane routine annoyance: Shipping confirmation e-mails (whether UPS or FedEx, doesn't matter) that simply tell you the label was created, and then when you track the package it's two or three days before there's actually any tracking info. Tell me when the package actually ships.
package arrives. Two hours later... Echo/E-mail: "Your package has arrived"

Heh. I finally got updated info for the current one. I'll be keeping a sharp eye out this time because it's supposed to come Thursday, it's supposed to rain Thursday, and the box is too big to wrap in plastic (not that UPS does that anymore anyway).

In a similar vein... When Severe Thunderstorm Warnings come over the radio AFTER the warning has already been canceled.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on June 29, 2021, 11:29:41 PM

Whatever the hell the double red lights (and arrows) mean.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on June 29, 2021, 11:42:56 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on June 29, 2021, 09:27:45 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on June 29, 2021, 05:07:16 PM
Mundane routine annoyance: Shipping confirmation e-mails (whether UPS or FedEx, doesn't matter) that simply tell you the label was created, and then when you track the package it's two or three days before there's actually any tracking info. Tell me when the package actually ships.
package arrives. Two hours later... Echo/E-mail: "Your package has arrived"

They drop off the package - and don't knock on my door nor ring my doorbell, but just leave. Sometimes even staying out of range of my Ring camera (like dropping it off at my garage door instead of my front door)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on June 30, 2021, 07:48:28 AM

UPS always trained their drivers to knock, rather than ring the bell, because it's faster–it's obvious where the door is, but doorbell locations vary. With that said, I've also noticed they don't knock anymore. Same applies to Amazon delivery.

Tomorrow's delivery is supposed to weigh 61 pounds (I ordered a new desk chair for my home office). I assume they'll put it in front of the garage door.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CapeCodder on June 30, 2021, 08:36:38 AM

Quote from: I-55 on June 29, 2021, 09:55:02 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on June 29, 2021, 09:54:26 PM
Quote from: SSOWorld on June 29, 2021, 09:27:45 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on June 29, 2021, 05:07:16 PM
Mundane routine annoyance: Shipping confirmation e-mails (whether UPS or FedEx, doesn't matter) that simply tell you the label was created, and then when you track the package it's two or three days before there's actually any tracking info. Tell me when the package actually ships.
package arrives. Two hours later... Echo/E-mail: "Your package has arrived"

Heh. I finally got updated info for the current one. I'll be keeping a sharp eye out this time because it's supposed to come Thursday, it's supposed to rain Thursday, and the box is too big to wrap in plastic (not that UPS does that anymore anyway).

In a similar vein... When Severe Thunderstorm Warnings come over the radio AFTER the warning has already been canceled.

This. Another wx related rant: Back in 2010 I remember it being a Sunday and the radio station I was listening to at work stated there was a tornado warning. Looked at the NWS site and there was no warning, only a watch for the area. That made me mad. Why? Because the general public often doesn't know the difference between a watch and warning. That could cause unnecessary panic.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jmacswimmer on June 30, 2021, 08:44:15 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on June 29, 2021, 09:27:45 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on June 29, 2021, 05:07:16 PM
Mundane routine annoyance: Shipping confirmation e-mails (whether UPS or FedEx, doesn't matter) that simply tell you the label was created, and then when you track the package it's two or three days before there's actually any tracking info. Tell me when the package actually ships.
package arrives. Two hours later... Echo/E-mail: "Your package has arrived"

I've had the opposite happen before (presumably because the driver scans a bunch of packages at once prior to actually dropping them off), and yes it has caused moments of panic when I don't see anything at the door :ded: (and then relief when it magically does appear a bit later!)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on June 30, 2021, 09:51:08 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on June 30, 2021, 07:48:28 AM
UPS always trained their drivers to knock, rather than ring the bell, because it's faster–it's obvious where the door is, but doorbell locations vary. With that said, I've also noticed they don't knock anymore. Same applies to Amazon delivery.

Tomorrow's delivery is supposed to weigh 61 pounds (I ordered a new desk chair for my home office). I assume they'll put it in front of the garage door.

My personal work experiences have shown me that doorbells are often very unreliable. A good 'police knock' usually does the trick. :nod:

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 01, 2021, 03:39:29 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on June 29, 2021, 05:07:16 PM
Mundane routine annoyance: Shipping confirmation e-mails (whether UPS or FedEx, doesn't matter) that simply tell you the label was created, and then when you track the package it's two or three days before there's actually any tracking info. Tell me when the package actually ships.

With USPS, this happens because it takes a while between when a package is sent and when USPS scans it in as received. I usually create the label the night before the package goes out, then it shows as "Label Created" (or even sometimes "No Information Available") even after USPS takes physical possession of the package, until they scan the package in at the distribution center. Which could take almost 24 hours, if they pick it up in the morning and then the truck's driving around town all day.

Since the shipper cannot tell when the package is going to get picked up or scanned in by the carrier, it makes sense to send the notification out as soon as the label is created, so the customer can check it at their leisure.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CoreySamson on July 01, 2021, 07:45:40 PM

I really dislike the use of the word "they" as a personal, gender-neutral, singular pronoun. It messes up grammar and causes confusion when used as such. I wish English had a better one than "it", which is not appropriate when referring to humans. I like using "he/she", but I would be fine with creating a new term for the idea (such as "che" or "zhe", dunno, just spitballing here), or even just using "he" as a gender-neutral pronoun (probably the best option).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kevinb1994 on July 01, 2021, 07:48:07 PM

Quote from: CoreySamson on July 01, 2021, 07:45:40 PM
I really dislike the use of the word "they" as a personal, gender-neutral, singular pronoun. It messes up grammar and causes confusion when used as such. I wish English had a better one than "it", which is not appropriate when referring to humans. I like using "he/she", but I would be fine with creating a new term for the idea (such as "che" or "zhe", dunno, just spitballing here), or even just using "he" as a gender-neutral pronoun (probably the best option).

You're not alone in this argument. My parents don't want to deal with using they/them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on July 01, 2021, 09:28:48 PM

Quote from: kevinb1994 on July 01, 2021, 07:48:07 PM
Quote from: CoreySamson on July 01, 2021, 07:45:40 PM
I really dislike the use of the word "they" as a personal, gender-neutral, singular pronoun. It messes up grammar and causes confusion when used as such. I wish English had a better one than "it", which is not appropriate when referring to humans. I like using "he/she", but I would be fine with creating a new term for the idea (such as "che" or "zhe", dunno, just spitballing here), or even just using "he" as a gender-neutral pronoun (probably the best option).
You’re not alone in this argument. My parents don’t want to deal with using they/them.

how about he/she? or like in German Der/Die/Das...... He/she/das

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 01, 2021, 10:12:18 PM

Quote from: CoreySamson on July 01, 2021, 07:45:40 PM
I really dislike the use of the word "they" as a personal, gender-neutral, singular pronoun. It messes up grammar and causes confusion when used as such. I wish English had a better one than "it", which is not appropriate when referring to humans. I like using "he/she", but I would be fine with creating a new term for the idea (such as "che" or "zhe", dunno, just spitballing here), or even just using "he" as a gender-neutral pronoun (probably the best option).

Too bad, it's been part of the language since as far back as 1375, meaning that usage is older than Shakespeare. Nobody even started complaining about it "messing up grammar" until 1750, which means it was being used for 375 years before anyone had a problem with it! And it's not just an American thing; it's used in every country that speaks English, including the UK.

"They" is the gender-neutral singular pronoun in English, and more or less always has been.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on July 01, 2021, 10:15:24 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on July 01, 2021, 09:28:48 PM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on July 01, 2021, 07:48:07 PM
Quote from: CoreySamson on July 01, 2021, 07:45:40 PM
I really dislike the use of the word "they" as a personal, gender-neutral, singular pronoun. It messes up grammar and causes confusion when used as such. I wish English had a better one than "it", which is not appropriate when referring to humans. I like using "he/she", but I would be fine with creating a new term for the idea (such as "che" or "zhe", dunno, just spitballing here), or even just using "he" as a gender-neutral pronoun (probably the best option).
You're not alone in this argument. My parents don't want to deal with using they/them.

how about he/she? or like in German Der/Die/Das...... He/she/das

In German, an unmarried woman is referred to a gender-neutral das.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tdindy88 on July 01, 2021, 10:29:49 PM

I thought German was er/sie/es when referring to people. Isn't Der/Die/Das meant for nouns?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kenarmy on July 02, 2021, 09:12:19 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 01, 2021, 10:12:18 PM
Quote from: CoreySamson on July 01, 2021, 07:45:40 PM
I really dislike the use of the word "they" as a personal, gender-neutral, singular pronoun. It messes up grammar and causes confusion when used as such. I wish English had a better one than "it", which is not appropriate when referring to humans. I like using "he/she", but I would be fine with creating a new term for the idea (such as "che" or "zhe", dunno, just spitballing here), or even just using "he" as a gender-neutral pronoun (probably the best option).

Too bad, it's been part of the language since as far back as 1375, meaning that usage is older than Shakespeare. Nobody even started complaining about it "messing up grammar" until 1750, which means it was being used for 375 years before anyone had a problem with it! And it's not just an American thing; it's used in every country that speaks English, including the UK.

"They" is the gender-neutral singular pronoun in English, and more or less always has been.

It can get confusing when you're talking about that person but I don't have a problem with it. I have a transgender (?) cousin, and I only refer to *their* name and avoid using pronouns period. Also, why isn't there an equivalent to "sir" or "ma'am"?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on July 02, 2021, 09:23:07 AM

Quote from: gonealookin on November 27, 2019, 12:22:08 PM
At the grocery store, when the old lady in front of me in line (it's always an old lady) has a bill of $9.48, and after peeling the five and four ones off her stack, goes digging through her coin purse until she finds exactly 48 cents.

The word "trickeration" used by football announcers.

having worked in a drive-thru for a long time...

'hey, i just want to get rid of some pennies...

well, what makes you think i want them?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on July 02, 2021, 09:27:21 AM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on July 02, 2021, 09:23:07 AM
having worked in a drive-thru for a long time...

'hey, i just want to get rid of some pennies...

well, what makes you think i want them?

I don't know whether you're referring to the customer or the cashier saying it, but if the customer is saying it, the cashier definitely needs them – they give out a lot more than they receive.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on July 02, 2021, 09:43:52 AM

Quote from: 1 on July 02, 2021, 09:27:21 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on July 02, 2021, 09:23:07 AM
having worked in a drive-thru for a long time...

'hey, i just want to get rid of some pennies...

well, what makes you think i want them?

I don't know whether you're referring to the customer or the cashier saying it, but if the customer is saying it, the cashier definitely needs them – they give out a lot more than they receive.

usually a customer. i always had all the pennies i needed. when someone came through and handed me socks full of them, it just meant more counting. generally this happened later at night ... we had a saying, 'the later, the stoned-er' (which applied to customers and employees equally...) and we were across the street from a trailer park. so, at 12am it wasn't uncommon to see a really baked person in a $200 car that barely ran counting pennies for a double cheeseburger.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on July 02, 2021, 01:25:52 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on July 02, 2021, 09:23:07 AM
Quote from: gonealookin on November 27, 2019, 12:22:08 PM
At the grocery store, when the old lady in front of me in line (it's always an old lady) has a bill of $9.48, and after peeling the five and four ones off her stack, goes digging through her coin purse until she finds exactly 48 cents.

The word "trickeration" used by football announcers.

having worked in a drive-thru for a long time...

'hey, i just want to get rid of some pennies...

well, what makes you think i want them?

How many pennies do they have? Maybe they think that you might want them for change?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on July 02, 2021, 02:11:34 PM

Quote from: CoreySamson on July 01, 2021, 07:45:40 PM
I really dislike the use of the word "they" as a personal, gender-neutral, singular pronoun. It messes up grammar and causes confusion when used as such. I wish English had a better one than "it", which is not appropriate when referring to humans. I like using "he/she", but I would be fine with creating a new term for the idea (such as "che" or "zhe", dunno, just spitballing here), or even just using "he" as a gender-neutral pronoun (probably the best option).

I have to start saying "y'all" (shudder even typing that) instead of saying "you guys" for the simple fact that a gendered term is in the saying. There is no chance 'he' will ever become gender-neutral when 'they' does the job far better.

We are moving quickly towards a society where people are referred to as specifically as possible ('he' or 'she' if absolutely certain), or a term without any gendering ('they'). I really don't see why this is problematic.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on July 02, 2021, 02:22:01 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 01, 2021, 10:12:18 PM
Quote from: CoreySamson on July 01, 2021, 07:45:40 PM
I really dislike the use of the word "they" as a personal, gender-neutral, singular pronoun. It messes up grammar and causes confusion when used as such. I wish English had a better one than "it", which is not appropriate when referring to humans. I like using "he/she", but I would be fine with creating a new term for the idea (such as "che" or "zhe", dunno, just spitballing here), or even just using "he" as a gender-neutral pronoun (probably the best option).

Too bad, it's been part of the language since as far back as 1375, meaning that usage is older than Shakespeare. Nobody even started complaining about it "messing up grammar" until 1750, which means it was being used for 375 years before anyone had a problem with it! And it's not just an American thing; it's used in every country that speaks English, including the UK.

"They" is the gender-neutral singular pronoun in English, and more or less always has been.

You said this so well all that's left is to agree. And to add that coining a new word rarely catches on, and that using "he" as a gender-neutral pronoun sounds deliberately hurtful. We don't need to coin a new word, because singular "they" is a long established usage.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CoreySamson on July 02, 2021, 03:06:10 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on July 02, 2021, 02:11:34 PM
Quote from: CoreySamson on July 01, 2021, 07:45:40 PM
I really dislike the use of the word "they" as a personal, gender-neutral, singular pronoun. It messes up grammar and causes confusion when used as such. I wish English had a better one than "it", which is not appropriate when referring to humans. I like using "he/she", but I would be fine with creating a new term for the idea (such as "che" or "zhe", dunno, just spitballing here), or even just using "he" as a gender-neutral pronoun (probably the best option).

I have to start saying "y'all" (shudder even typing that) instead of saying "you guys" for the simple fact that a gendered term is in the saying. There is no chance 'he' will ever become gender-neutral when 'they' does the job far better.

We are moving quickly towards a society where people are referred to as specifically as possible ('he' or 'she' if absolutely certain), or a term without any gendering ('they'). I really don't see why this is problematic.

Just to be clear, "they" is fine in certain situations, like this sentence:

"If someone is a NIMBY, then they are a freeway-hater."

I have no problem with "they" being used when referring to a vague pronoun like "someone", as it could mean either one person or many (although I would prefer "he/she" in this sentence). What I do have a problem with is when it's used like this:

"Jordan is a NIMBY, therefore they are a freeway-hater."

Jordan is not plural is this scenario (as evidenced by the word "is" immediately after it), so the subject and the linking verb in the sentence do not agree, as "are" is a plural linking verb. Now plug in "che" or "he/she" into the sentence instead, and suddenly the sentence's syntax actually agrees with itself. Using "they" instead brings confusion (is Jordan more than one person? Was there some other person named in a previous sentence that also is a freeway hater? Was there a typo?)), and quite frankly, looks sloppy. Sorry if I'm being a grammar Nazi.

And jakeroot and kkt, how do y'all feel about Spanish? The gender-neutral term for "they" in Spanish is "ellos", which is a masculine pronoun. I could name several other Spanish words that also follow that pattern.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on July 02, 2021, 03:16:49 PM

You're making up rules. "They" can be used both in singular and plural syntax.

Does it sound amazing? No, but it's correct.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DTComposer on July 02, 2021, 03:33:36 PM

Language is a fluid, ever-evolving construct; it always has been and always will be a reflection of the society in which it is used. At the end of the day, if there is comprehension and context, then the language has done its job.

Quote from: CoreySamson on July 02, 2021, 03:06:10 PM
Sorry if I'm being a grammar Nazi.

And yet you use the phrase "if someone is a NIMBY." NIMBY did not originate as a noun; it is an acronym for a phrase that has evolved to be used as a noun. Language evolves. Each individual can have their preferred level of formality or floridity, but no individual gets to be a linguistic gatekeeper.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on July 02, 2021, 03:36:05 PM

666

(https://i.imgur.com/68KL71t.png)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CoreySamson on July 02, 2021, 03:39:50 PM

Quote from: DTComposer on July 02, 2021, 03:33:36 PM
Language is a fluid, ever-evolving construct; it always has been and always will be a reflection of the society in which it is used. At the end of the day, if there is comprehension and context, then the language has done its job.

Quote from: CoreySamson on July 02, 2021, 03:06:10 PM
Sorry if I'm being a grammar Nazi.

And yet you use the phrase "if someone is a NIMBY." NIMBY did not originate as a noun; it is an acronym for a phrase that has evolved to be used as a noun. Language evolves. Each individual can have their preferred level of formality or floridity, but no individual gets to be a linguistic gatekeeper.

That is very true. After all, this is the "Minor things that bother you" thread, not the "Minor things that bother everyone" thread. Everyone has their own opinions, and what bothers me may not bother you.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kevinb1994 on July 02, 2021, 03:49:30 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on July 02, 2021, 03:36:05 PM
666

(https://i.imgur.com/68KL71t.png)

I guess some of us are on the highway to hell ;)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on July 02, 2021, 03:50:54 PM

Quote from: CoreySamson on July 02, 2021, 03:06:10 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on July 02, 2021, 02:11:34 PM
Quote from: CoreySamson on July 01, 2021, 07:45:40 PM
I really dislike the use of the word "they" as a personal, gender-neutral, singular pronoun. It messes up grammar and causes confusion when used as such. I wish English had a better one than "it", which is not appropriate when referring to humans. I like using "he/she", but I would be fine with creating a new term for the idea (such as "che" or "zhe", dunno, just spitballing here), or even just using "he" as a gender-neutral pronoun (probably the best option).

I have to start saying "y'all" (shudder even typing that) instead of saying "you guys" for the simple fact that a gendered term is in the saying. There is no chance 'he' will ever become gender-neutral when 'they' does the job far better.

We are moving quickly towards a society where people are referred to as specifically as possible ('he' or 'she' if absolutely certain), or a term without any gendering ('they'). I really don't see why this is problematic.
Just to be clear, "they" is fine in certain situations, like this sentence:

"If someone is a NIMBY, then they are a freeway-hater."

I have no problem with "they" being used when referring to a vague pronoun like "someone", as it could mean either one person or many (although I would prefer "he/she" in this sentence). What I do have a problem with is when it's used like this:

"Jordan is a NIMBY, therefore they are a freeway-hater."

Jordan is not plural is this scenario (as evidenced by the word "is" immediately after it), so the subject and the linking verb in the sentence do not agree, as "are" is a plural linking verb. Now plug in "che" or "he/she" into the sentence instead, and suddenly the sentence's syntax actually agrees with itself. Using "they" instead brings confusion (is Jordan more than one person? Was there some other person named in a previous sentence that also is a freeway hater? Was there a typo?)), and quite frankly, looks sloppy. Sorry if I'm being a grammar Nazi.

And jakeroot and kkt, how do y'all feel about Spanish? The gender-neutral term for "they" in Spanish is "ellos", which is a masculine pronoun. I could name several other Spanish words that also follow that pattern.

FYI, a NIMBY is not necessarily a freeway hater. They just don't want it going through their backyard. A BANANA is a hater of all freeways.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 02, 2021, 03:52:51 PM

Quote from: CoreySamson on July 02, 2021, 03:06:10 PM
I have no problem with "they" being used when referring to a vague pronoun like "someone", as it could mean either one person or many (although I would prefer "he/she" in this sentence). What I do have a problem with is when it's used like this:

"Jordan is a NIMBY, therefore they are a freeway-hater."

Jordan is not plural is this scenario (as evidenced by the word "is" immediately after it), so the subject and the linking verb in the sentence do not agree, as "are" is a plural linking verb. Now plug in "che" or "he/she" into the sentence instead, and suddenly the sentence's syntax actually agrees with itself. Using "they" instead brings confusion (is Jordan more than one person? Was there some other person named in a previous sentence that also is a freeway hater? Was there a typo?)), and quite frankly, looks sloppy. Sorry if I'm being a grammar Nazi.

So what if, in this example, Jordan does not particularly feel male or female, and has asked everyone to refer to them with "they/them" pronouns? Or what if Jordan is male and gets really upset when they're referred to as female, but we don't know them well enough to know which they are? Are we to say "nah, sentence syntax is more important to me than you being happy and comfortable?" If so, you've got some messed up priorities, because Jordan is a sentient person with feelings, and whether its syntax is correct a sentence care less could not.

If it bothers you that much, say "Jordan is a NIMBY, therefore they is a freeway-hater." Congrats, now everything matches lexically with the role it's playing in the sentence. "But 'they' is plural so–" Yeah, like English doesn't have any other words where the plural and the singular are the same word. Take some time to look over data on moose.

Intelligence comes from learning what they teach you in school, wisdom comes from knowing when it's appropriate to apply it and when it's not.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on July 02, 2021, 03:54:52 PM

Jordan is a country.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on July 02, 2021, 06:18:49 PM

The real problem with using they with singular meaning is a matter of sociolinguistics. Despite being attested to as far back as the 14th century, it isn't universally considered part of the Ausbausprache we refer to as "formal" or "standard" English.

These days, I tend to pluralize constructions to avoid using they as a singular pronoun, he as an (implicitly genderless) universal pronoun, or he or she (considered excluding of persons of nonbinary gender).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on July 02, 2021, 06:40:21 PM

If "they" is used as a singular pronoun, why do we use plural verbs with it? For one person the sentence should read, "They is going home." For 2 or more people, "They are going home."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 02, 2021, 07:32:17 PM

Quote from: GaryV on July 02, 2021, 06:40:21 PM
If "they" is used as a singular pronoun, why do we use plural verbs with it? For one person the sentence should read, "They is going home." For 2 or more people, "They are going home."

Probably just because we've been trained through repetition to always follow "they" with a plural verb, such that "they is" feels incorrect. If enough people were to use the "they is" construction, it wouldn't seem strange and wrong.

Quote from: J N Winkler on July 02, 2021, 06:18:49 PM
The real problem with using they with singular meaning is a matter of sociolinguistics. Despite being attested to as far back as the 14th century, it isn't universally considered part of the Ausbausprache we refer to as "formal" or "standard" English.

Well, Ausbausprache isn't standard English either. :D

When I was younger I was a lot more rigid regarding proper English, and prided myself on always following standard English rules. Then I befriended a descriptivist linguist, who opened my mind to the idea that language is a social construct, the rules of standard English are not universal Rules of the Universe handed down from on high on some sort of scroll or something, and that it is really the people speaking the language that decide how it is to be spoken, not a teacher in a classroom, a textbook editor, or tweed-jacket academic.

Because when you get down to it, any time someone prescribes rules for the behavior of a group of people, it is done for the benefit of someone, and often times the person making the rules has an incentive to bend the rules so that it is to their benefit. Establishing unnatural grammar rules that do not follow usage on the ground is a brilliant way to divide the "haves" from the "have nots". If these rules are promulgated as part of basic education, it becomes trivial to pick out those that did not receive that education, because they write and speak differently than everyone else. Now, find a way to limit the ability of people you don't like to receive that education, perhaps by charging more money for it than they can afford . . .

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on July 02, 2021, 08:15:49 PM

People that make names out of the first letter of words to spell something out but skip words. Past Leaders United in Service is "PLUIS" not "PLUS"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Takumi on July 02, 2021, 09:05:40 PM

Quote from: 1 on July 02, 2021, 03:54:52 PM
Jordan is a country.

Jordan is also a unisex name, so someone who does not know the gender of a specific Jordan somehow could use ~~Jordan~~ they/them as a precaution.

Edit: I was drunk

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on July 03, 2021, 10:37:44 AM

I suppose this could be considered minor or major:

Gas stations that only display the price for the lowest-octane grade of gas, or for that grade and diesel. Display all three grades, dammit! Unless I know a given station usually charges less than the others nearby, or unless I'm stopped at a red light and I have time to look at the GasBuddy app, I'll pick a station that shows the price for 93 octane over one that doesn't simply because I know prior to pulling in what price I'll see.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on July 03, 2021, 02:32:01 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on July 02, 2021, 02:11:34 PM
Quote from: CoreySamson on July 01, 2021, 07:45:40 PM
I really dislike the use of the word "they" as a personal, gender-neutral, singular pronoun. It messes up grammar and causes confusion when used as such. I wish English had a better one than "it", which is not appropriate when referring to humans. I like using "he/she", but I would be fine with creating a new term for the idea (such as "che" or "zhe", dunno, just spitballing here), or even just using "he" as a gender-neutral pronoun (probably the best option).

I have to start saying "y'all" (shudder even typing that) instead of saying "you guys" for the simple fact that a gendered term is in the saying. There is no chance 'he' will ever become gender-neutral when 'they' does the job far better.

We are moving quickly towards a society where people are referred to as specifically as possible ('he' or 'she' if absolutely certain), or a term without any gendering ('they'). I really don't see why this is problematic.

We were discussing this in person a short time ago, where Texas was ahead of the rest of the country on this issue :-)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on July 03, 2021, 03:13:11 PM

Quote from: kurumi on July 03, 2021, 02:32:01 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on July 02, 2021, 02:11:34 PM
I have to start saying "y'all" (shudder even typing that) instead of saying "you guys" for the simple fact that a gendered term is in the saying.

We were discussing this in person a short time ago, where Texas was ahead of the rest of the country on this issue :-)

Credit where credit's due!

With that: a minor thing that bothers me: having to say "y'all" now :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: sparker on July 05, 2021, 04:45:41 PM

Quote from: Big John on July 02, 2021, 03:50:54 PM
FYI, a NIMBY is not necessarily a freeway hater. They just don't want it going through their backyard. A BANANA is a hater of all freeways.

A bit of an ecological fallacy here. A BANANA, by definition (the first letter of the acronym stands for "build") wants to see nothing constructed; this includes but isn't limited to freeways/Interstates. And while any number of BANANAS may also be RE/T enthusiasts, it can't be definitively stated that all BANANAS want to see teardowns in general. So they aren't specifically freeway "haters"; their opposition is directed at freeways planned but not yet constructed.

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 02, 2021, 03:52:51 PM
Intelligence comes from learning what they teach you in school, wisdom comes from knowing when it's appropriate to apply it and when it's not.

Hate to burst a bubble here, but intelligence has nothing to do with taught subjects and how well they were learned/absorbed. Intelligence, in a practical sense, is the ability to analyze one's environment -- which may or may not include items gleaned from formal education -- determine what is relevant and what is not, and apply it to the situations one encounters. Separating the real from the wishful and/or manufactured is more often than not part of that process (and that includes parsing out the "separate realities" so often posited these days). Stanford-Benet, the folks who have administered various forms of "IQ" tests over the past century, have always endeavored (but not always successfully) to differentiate innate human intelligence from accumulated learning; this encompasses resource (and privilege!) differences between groups of test subjects due to the differing bounded rationalities endemic to the lives and/or daily routines of those subjects.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 05, 2021, 05:20:05 PM

Quote from: sparker on July 05, 2021, 04:45:41 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 02, 2021, 03:52:51 PM
Intelligence comes from learning what they teach you in school, wisdom comes from knowing when it's appropriate to apply it and when it's not.

Hate to burst a bubble here, but intelligence has nothing to do with taught subjects and how well they were learned/absorbed. Intelligence, in a practical sense, is the ability to analyze one's environment -- which may or may not include items gleaned from formal education -- determine what is relevant and what is not, and apply it to the situations one encounters. Separating the real from the wishful and/or manufactured is more often than not part of that process (and that includes parsing out the "separate realities" so often posited these days). Stanford-Benet, the folks who have administered various forms of "IQ" tests over the past century, have always endeavored (but not always successfully) to differentiate innate human intelligence from accumulated learning; this encompasses resource (and privilege!) differences between groups of test subjects due to the differing bounded rationalities endemic to the lives and/or daily routines of those subjects.

Intelligence = knowing all of that
Wisdom = knowing it's not really relevant to the point I was making

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: sparker on July 05, 2021, 05:53:11 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 05, 2021, 05:20:05 PM
Quote from: sparker on July 05, 2021, 04:45:41 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 02, 2021, 03:52:51 PM
Intelligence comes from learning what they teach you in school, wisdom comes from knowing when it's appropriate to apply it and when it's not.

Hate to burst a bubble here, but intelligence has nothing to do with taught subjects and how well they were learned/absorbed. Intelligence, in a practical sense, is the ability to analyze one's environment -- which may or may not include items gleaned from formal education -- determine what is relevant and what is not, and apply it to the situations one encounters. Separating the real from the wishful and/or manufactured is more often than not part of that process (and that includes parsing out the "separate realities" so often posited these days). Stanford-Benet, the folks who have administered various forms of "IQ" tests over the past century, have always endeavored (but not always successfully) to differentiate innate human intelligence from accumulated learning; this encompasses resource (and privilege!) differences between groups of test subjects due to the differing bounded rationalities endemic to the lives and/or daily routines of those subjects.

Intelligence = knowing all of that
Wisdom = knowing it's not really relevant to the point I was making

Actually -- since employment of lexicon is often inexorably linked to "separate realities" (I'd need more than my usual few paragraphs to parse that one out), it addresses at least a recurring factor within the lexicon, and the ensuing discussions thereof. Basically, it points those discussions backward to ascertain how what is learned/absorbed within a specific group or set of circumstances differs from that taken in from elsewhere. That applies to lexicon; until a usage becomes commonplace enough to be applied by disparate groups over an extended time frame, it is often considered an anomaly or break from an established norm and, depending upon the bounded rationality employed by any of those groups, potentially a point of contention or argument.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 05, 2021, 06:53:03 PM

Spelling it out more explicitly, since now I'm starting to think my point wasn't clear–it's all well and good to know what the rules of standard English are. It is a good idea to not embrace those rules so rigidly that you make a boor out of yourself by refusing to deviate from them for the sake of being polite to your conversational partner.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on July 06, 2021, 12:58:23 PM

Quote from: dkblake on July 06, 2021, 09:21:07 AM
Two road annoyances: when you stop for someone at a crosswalk and they walk unnecessarily slowly across, especially if they don't wave; and when a biker bikes in the road when there is a parallel bike path- not a sidewalk, but signed, paved bike route- that they could be using. I'm in favor of more bike paths, so not using them after they've been built gets to me.

Pedestrians in general.

1. Those who see you coming, close enough where they can't safely cross in front of you; they take a bunny hop into the street to try to force you to have to stop for them.

2. People who start crossing on on a red light or other time when they are prohibited from doing so, then lollygag their way across the street when you have the right of way.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on July 06, 2021, 01:23:26 PM

I particularly like it when I'm crossing on a walk sign and almost get run over by someone turning left on a solid green, and then almost get run over again by someone turning right on red.

Oh wait, what thread is this?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on July 06, 2021, 02:32:26 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on July 02, 2021, 09:23:07 AM
Quote from: gonealookin on November 27, 2019, 12:22:08 PM
At the grocery store, when the old lady in front of me in line (it's always an old lady) has a bill of $9.48, and after peeling the five and four ones off her stack, goes digging through her coin purse until she finds exactly 48 cents.

The word "trickeration" used by football announcers.

having worked in a drive-thru for a long time...

'hey, i just want to get rid of some pennies...

well, what makes you think i want them?

Once I was at Subway, not a tipping business. I always threw the coins in their tip jar whatever it was, without thinking. One time it was a penny and the guy went off on me and insisted I take it back.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on July 06, 2021, 02:33:19 PM

Quote from: CoreySamson on July 01, 2021, 07:45:40 PM
I really dislike the use of the word "they" as a personal, gender-neutral, singular pronoun. It messes up grammar and causes confusion when used as such. I wish English had a better one than "it", which is not appropriate when referring to humans. I like using "he/she", but I would be fine with creating a new term for the idea (such as "che" or "zhe", dunno, just spitballing here), or even just using "he" as a gender-neutral pronoun (probably the best option).

Correct it is plural. At least in German you have "der" "die" or "das"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dkblake on July 06, 2021, 03:27:07 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on July 06, 2021, 12:58:23 PM
Quote from: dkblake on July 06, 2021, 09:21:07 AM
Two road annoyances: when you stop for someone at a crosswalk and they walk unnecessarily slowly across, especially if they don't wave; and when a biker bikes in the road when there is a parallel bike path- not a sidewalk, but signed, paved bike route- that they could be using. I'm in favor of more bike paths, so not using them after they've been built gets to me.

Pedestrians in general.

1. Those who see you coming, close enough where they can't safely cross in front of you; they take a bunny hop into the street to try to force you to have to stop for them.

2. People who start crossing on on a red light or other time when they are prohibited from doing so, then lollygag their way across the street when you have the right of way.

I'm all for pedestrians! Walking is good! Just, like, if you see someone who takes the time to stop and wait for you, the least you can do is walk briskly across to minimize their waiting time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on July 07, 2021, 12:20:21 AM

A pedestrian with the signal can go at whatever pace they'd like. It's wasting at most a few seconds that you'd spend at the next signal anyway.

News flash: People with mobility issues need to use the crosswalks too.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CapeCodder on July 07, 2021, 05:07:32 AM

The way some towns in MA sign their intersections. Often there's just one street sign for the side street, leaving the main road/street unsigned. To some out-of-towners, this might be confusing as some main roads change names, often without warning.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 07, 2021, 08:22:56 AM

Quote from: Bruce on July 07, 2021, 12:20:21 AM
A pedestrian with the signal can go at whatever pace they'd like. It's wasting at most a few seconds that you'd spend at the next signal anyway.

News flash: People with mobility issues need to use the crosswalks too.

I have a lot more patience with someone who has a mobility issue than someone who is crossing the street diagonally (not from corner to corner, just ignoring the straight line the crosswalk provides), more interested in their conversation with their friend than they are with crossing the street, shuffling out into traffic while on their phone, etc.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dkblake on July 07, 2021, 01:45:53 PM

Quote from: Bruce on July 07, 2021, 12:20:21 AM
A pedestrian with the signal can go at whatever pace they'd like. It's wasting at most a few seconds that you'd spend at the next signal anyway.

News flash: People with mobility issues need to use the crosswalks too.

I don't believe I said anything about signals or mobility issues. To spell out what I said a little more, if I see someone at a sidewalk and voluntarily slow down to let them cross, it annoys me when they walk more slowly than necessary and don't acknowledge me. I see it as returning my politeness with ingratitude, so that's why it annoys me.

But I take it you'd prefer to presume that I'm selfish and ableist, which I guess is on you.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 08, 2021, 04:24:48 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 02, 2021, 03:52:51 PM

Quote from: CoreySamson on July 02, 2021, 03:06:10 PM
I have no problem with "they" being used when referring to a vague pronoun like "someone", as it could mean either one person or many (although I would prefer "he/she" in this sentence). What I do have a problem with is when it's used like this:

"Jordan is a NIMBY, therefore they are a freeway-hater."

Jordan is not plural is this scenario (as evidenced by the word "is" immediately after it), so the subject and the linking verb in the sentence do not agree, as "are" is a plural linking verb. Now plug in "che" or "he/she" into the sentence instead, and suddenly the sentence's syntax actually agrees with itself. Using "they" instead brings confusion (is Jordan more than one person? Was there some other person named in a previous sentence that also is a freeway hater? Was there a typo?)), and quite frankly, looks sloppy. Sorry if I'm being a grammar Nazi.

So what if, in this example, Jordan does not particularly feel male or female, and has asked everyone to refer to them with "they/them" pronouns? Or what if Jordan is male and gets really upset when they're referred to as female, but we don't know them well enough to know which they are? Are we to say "nah, sentence syntax is more important to me than you being happy and comfortable?" If so, you've got some messed up priorities, because Jordan is a sentient person with feelings, and whether its syntax is correct a sentence care less could not.

If it bothers you that much, say "Jordan is a NIMBY, therefore they is a freeway-hater." Congrats, now everything matches lexically with the role it's playing in the sentence. "But 'they' is plural so–" Yeah, like English doesn't have any other words where the plural and the singular are the same word. Take some time to look over data on moose.

Intelligence comes from learning what they teach you in school, wisdom comes from knowing when it's appropriate to apply it and when it's not.

I've had this discussion with a good friend, who is a public school teacher and also has a religious issue with using pronouns that don't correspond to a person's apparent sex. In such cases, she refers to the student exclusively by name–never using pronouns at all.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: frankenroad on July 09, 2021, 01:58:13 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 14, 2021, 03:43:28 PM
Quote from: frankenroad on May 14, 2021, 03:34:48 PM
Quote from: doorknob60 on May 14, 2021, 02:56:05 PM
Quote from: US 89 on May 14, 2021, 12:55:42 PM
When people abbreviate time zones xST but meant xDT.

I'm glad I'm not the only one. It seems like literally 80-90% of people get this wrong. They'll say "Eastern Standard Time", without stopping to think for a second what standard means. If you don't want to think about it, just say ET, PT, etc.

This drives me nuts as well. It was really bad about 15 years ago when I worked for a company with major offices in both Cincinnati and Indianapolis (which are only about 100 miles apart). In the winter, we were all on EST, but in the summer, Cincinnati was on EDT, while Indianapolis remained on EST. More people missed meetings because they did not understand the difference between EST and EDT. In recent years, Indiana began observing DST, so I assume this problem has been reduced.

Which is why it's better just to say 10am, or 10am local time.

My local time or your local time? Makes a difference if you're talking a conference call or Zoom meeting...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 09, 2021, 02:09:38 PM

Quote from: frankenroad on July 09, 2021, 01:58:13 PM
My local time or your local time? Makes a difference if you're talking a conference call or Zoom meeting...

On the rare occasions I get invitations to online meetings at work, the invitation says it's already been adjusted to match my local time. So, in my case, it's not an issue.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on July 09, 2021, 02:20:25 PM

When making arrangements across timezone boundaries, I generally just quote a hour and AM/PM as "your time" without confusing the issue by specifying the timezone offset or whether daylight savings is in effect.

Quote from: kphoger on July 09, 2021, 02:09:38 PMOn the rare occasions I get invitations to online meetings at work, the invitation says it's already been adjusted to match my local time. So, in my case, it's not an issue.

I absolutely hate setups that use localization settings from my computer, because it is on London time with sterling (Â£) as the currency. (My current and last two computers have been configured this way.) In addition to websites offering me meeting times that are all in the late evening/middle of the night London time, I've dealt with ecommerce sites that use the sterling currency symbol for dollar amounts for transactions occurring in the US. This is bad design practice: computers (and their users) can travel and not everyone chooses to share location information or to use the localization settings associated with their current physical location.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on July 09, 2021, 02:35:57 PM

The abbreviation "nuggs" for "nuggets."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 09, 2021, 08:34:12 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on July 09, 2021, 02:35:57 PM
The abbreviation "nuggs" for "nuggets."

The standard term for a chunk of marijuana flower is a nug (I have not yet heard anyone actually expand this to "nugget", so I think it'd be a hypercorrection). I imagine that applying this abbreviation to nuggets of something else, like chicken, is probably a wink-and-nod appeal to stoners.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on July 09, 2021, 08:46:43 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 09, 2021, 08:34:12 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on July 09, 2021, 02:35:57 PM
The abbreviation "nuggs" for "nuggets."

The standard term for a chunk of marijuana flower is a nug (I have not yet heard anyone actually expand this to "nugget", so I think it'd be a hypercorrection). I imagine that applying this abbreviation to nuggets of something else, like chicken, is probably a wink-and-nod appeal to stoners.

This observation was prompted by a promotional poster I saw today in the window of the Jackson Wendy's with the term "nuggs" and a picture of an order of chicken nuggets. I think I have heard that term used by other places in reference to their chicken nuggets as well.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 09, 2021, 09:40:58 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on July 09, 2021, 08:46:43 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 09, 2021, 08:34:12 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on July 09, 2021, 02:35:57 PM
The abbreviation "nuggs" for "nuggets."

The standard term for a chunk of marijuana flower is a nug (I have not yet heard anyone actually expand this to "nugget", so I think it'd be a hypercorrection). I imagine that applying this abbreviation to nuggets of something else, like chicken, is probably a wink-and-nod appeal to stoners.

This observation was prompted by a promotional poster I saw today in the window of the Jackson Wendy's with the term "nuggs" and a picture of an order of chicken nuggets. I think I have heard that term used by other places in reference to their chicken nuggets as well.

I've seen a similar poster at the Norman Wendy's, so I figured that's where you saw it. In any event, I stand by my interpretation (Wendy's is open late and chicken nuggets make excellent munchies).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on July 09, 2021, 09:50:45 PM

Sitting in heavy traffic on the highways. Such as the section between Zebulon and Wendell. US-64/264 (Future I-87).

I'm saying this because I'm going to Raleigh tomorrow.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on July 09, 2021, 11:37:34 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 09, 2021, 08:34:12 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on July 09, 2021, 02:35:57 PM
The abbreviation "nuggs" for "nuggets."

The standard term for a chunk of marijuana flower is a nug (I have not yet heard anyone actually expand this to "nugget", so I think it'd be a hypercorrection). I imagine that applying this abbreviation to nuggets of something else, like chicken, is probably a wink-and-nod appeal to stoners.

i can remember thinking, when i slaved for the clown, that a 5-nug happy meal would be a very happy meal indeed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on July 10, 2021, 07:55:23 AM

Dangling propositions there for ya.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on July 10, 2021, 01:11:42 PM

The idea that a combination pizza (pineapple, olives, mushrooms, sausage, ham, artichoke, peppers, etc.) is the best choice because "there's something for everyone".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bm7 on July 10, 2021, 08:11:52 PM

Quote from: kurumi on July 10, 2021, 01:11:42 PM
The idea that a combination pizza (pineapple, olives, mushrooms, sausage, ham, artichoke, peppers, etc.) is the best choice because "there's something for everyone".

More like something for everyone to dislike...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tchafe1978 on July 11, 2021, 10:43:03 AM

Quote from: bm7 on July 10, 2021, 08:11:52 PM
Quote from: kurumi on July 10, 2021, 01:11:42 PM
The idea that a combination pizza (pineapple, olives, mushrooms, sausage, ham, artichoke, peppers, etc.) is the best choice because "there's something for everyone".
More like something for everyone to dislike...

Pineapple I can see on pizza, but artichokes? C'mon, man!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on July 12, 2021, 10:18:04 AM

Quote from: tchafe1978 on July 11, 2021, 10:43:03 AM
Quote from: bm7 on July 10, 2021, 08:11:52 PM
Quote from: kurumi on July 10, 2021, 01:11:42 PM
The idea that a combination pizza (pineapple, olives, mushrooms, sausage, ham, artichoke, peppers, etc.) is the best choice because "there's something for everyone".
More like something for everyone to dislike...

Pineapple I can see on pizza, but artichokes? C'mon, man!

papa murphy's does a chicken-bacon-artichoke thing that is absolutely delish... i too initially looked sideways at the idea of artichoke.. but it works.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 12, 2021, 02:14:19 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on July 10, 2021, 07:55:23 AM
Dangling propositions

Is that when you ask a girl to marry you, and she doesn't answer you right away?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on July 12, 2021, 05:08:18 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 12, 2021, 02:14:19 PM
Quote from: SSOWorld on July 10, 2021, 07:55:23 AM
Dangling propositions

Is that when you ask a girl to marry you, and she doesn't answer you right away?

It seems like the dangling thing is why someone would be propositioning–well, never mind.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on July 12, 2021, 07:19:14 PM

I-99

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: I-55 on July 12, 2021, 07:24:52 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on July 12, 2021, 07:19:14 PM
I-99

To a lesser extent, I-238.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on July 12, 2021, 08:43:23 PM

That this thread will probably always have more posts than the Things You Enjoy thread.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on July 12, 2021, 09:28:08 PM

Quote from: formulanone on July 12, 2021, 08:43:23 PM
That this thread will probably always have more posts than the Things You Enjoy thread.

This thread is almost 2 years old, that one is very recent.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on July 15, 2021, 11:26:46 PM

That the Off Topic board is turning into a Music board.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 16, 2021, 12:25:35 AM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on July 15, 2021, 11:26:46 PM
That the Off Topic board is turning into a Music board.

I'm usually loath to propose new boards or sub-boards, because the more of them you have the more sprawling the forum feels and the more overwhelming it is to navigate, but music seems like it is a perennial enough topic it might be justified.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on July 16, 2021, 12:30:26 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 16, 2021, 12:25:35 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on July 15, 2021, 11:26:46 PM
That the Off Topic board is turning into a Music board.

I'm usually loath to propose new boards or sub-boards, because the more of them you have the more sprawling the forum feels and the more overwhelming it is to navigate, but music seems like it is a perennial enough topic it might be justified.

I would also support that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on July 16, 2021, 06:49:15 AM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 12, 2021, 09:28:08 PM
Quote from: formulanone on July 12, 2021, 08:43:23 PM
That this thread will probably always have more posts than the Things You Enjoy thread.
This thread is almost 2 years old, that one is very recent.

...it's because people like to complain before giving praise.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 16, 2021, 07:44:43 AM

Quote from: formulanone on July 16, 2021, 06:49:15 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 12, 2021, 09:28:08 PM
Quote from: formulanone on July 12, 2021, 08:43:23 PM
That this thread will probably always have more posts than the Things You Enjoy thread.
This thread is almost 2 years old, that one is very recent.

...it's because people like to complain before giving praise.

Well, also because this is a discussion forum and "minor things that bother you" is a more discussable topic than "things you enjoy".

If you post that you enjoy something, the only polite response is "I like it too", or silence. You could post "I don't like that thing that you like" but that comes off as rude, like the person is wrong to enjoy it and you're out to ruin their fun.

If you post a minor thing that bothers you, "that bothers me too" is a valid (and cathartic) response, but "that doesn't bother me" isn't an inherently rude statement, and "that bothers me too but here's how I avoid it" is a possibility that can be downright helpful. Sometimes you can post an explanation for why the minor thing that bothers someone is the way it is so that the person might potentially be less bothered by it (like I'm doing now).

So "minor things that bother you" will always have more posts just because there's more ways to engage with it than "things you enjoy".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on July 16, 2021, 09:11:56 AM

Quote from: formulanone on July 16, 2021, 06:49:15 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 12, 2021, 09:28:08 PM
Quote from: formulanone on July 12, 2021, 08:43:23 PM
That this thread will probably always have more posts than the Things You Enjoy thread.
This thread is almost 2 years old, that one is very recent.

...it's because people like to complain before giving praise.

Some of my most hated reviews people give are along the lines of: "I've gone to (such-and-such place) many times and it's always been great. But this time, it sucked. I'm never going back again." The person never once gave a review after all the enjoyable experiences they had. But they have one bad incident, and need to tell the world.

Also..."I would give 0 starts if I could". The fact the person lived to tell about the experience is worthy of 1 star.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on July 16, 2021, 02:07:32 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 16, 2021, 12:30:26 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 16, 2021, 12:25:35 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on July 15, 2021, 11:26:46 PM
That the Off Topic board is turning into a Music board.

I'm usually loath to propose new boards or sub-boards, because the more of them you have the more sprawling the forum feels and the more overwhelming it is to navigate, but music seems like it is a perennial enough topic it might be justified.
I would also support that.

If Sports can have its own board, I feel Music could also suffice. Just seems like there's so many music threads all of a sudden. When was the last time a new board was added anyway? Seems like it may be time for a new one.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on July 16, 2021, 06:30:09 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on July 16, 2021, 02:07:32 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 16, 2021, 12:30:26 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 16, 2021, 12:25:35 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on July 15, 2021, 11:26:46 PM
That the Off Topic board is turning into a Music board.

I'm usually loath to propose new boards or sub-boards, because the more of them you have the more sprawling the forum feels and the more overwhelming it is to navigate, but music seems like it is a perennial enough topic it might be justified.
I would also support that.

If Sports can have its own board, I feel Music could also suffice. Just seems like there's so many music threads all of a sudden. When was the last time a new board was added anyway? Seems like it may be time for a new one.

Urban Planning is the most recent one.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on July 16, 2021, 07:52:23 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on July 12, 2021, 05:08:18 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 12, 2021, 02:14:19 PM
Quote from: SSOWorld on July 10, 2021, 07:55:23 AM
Dangling propositions

Is that when you ask a girl to marry you, and she doesn't answer you right away?

It seems like the dangling thing is why someone would be propositioning–well, never mind.

LOL

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 17, 2021, 04:35:50 PM

When a gas pump has a nozzle that only dispenses one grade, yet the pump will still refuse to engage unless you lift that nozzle (which it acknowledges you doing) and press the button for that grade. If I pick up the nozzle that only dispenses regular with ethanol, why do I have to hit the regular with ethanol button too?!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on July 18, 2021, 04:07:33 PM

When people don't proofread their quote strings when they post in forums.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on July 18, 2021, 04:11:37 PM

Quote from: US 89 on July 18, 2021, 04:07:33 PM
When people don't proofread their quote strings when they post in forums.

People are either busy or walk away and they don't quote properly...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on July 18, 2021, 04:11:53 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 16, 2021, 06:30:09 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on July 16, 2021, 02:07:32 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 16, 2021, 12:30:26 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 16, 2021, 12:25:35 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on July 15, 2021, 11:26:46 PM
That the Off Topic board is turning into a Music board.

I'm usually loath to propose new boards or sub-boards, because the more of them you have the more sprawling the forum feels and the more overwhelming it is to navigate, but music seems like it is a perennial enough topic it might be justified.
I would also support that.
Like this!
If Sports can have its own board, I feel Music could also suffice. Just seems like there's so many music threads all of a sudden. When was the last time a new board was added anyway? Seems like it may be time for a new one.
Urban Planning is the most recent one.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on July 18, 2021, 04:25:41 PM

Quote from: US 89 on July 18, 2021, 04:07:33 PM
When people don't proofread their quote strings when they post in forums.

A glitch that doesn't always bring you to the bottom when quoting someone.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 18, 2021, 05:03:16 PM

Quote from: Big John on July 18, 2021, 04:25:41 PM
Quote from: US 89 on July 18, 2021, 04:07:33 PM
When people don't proofread their quote strings when they post in forums.
A glitch that doesn't always bring you to the bottom when quoting someone.

It's not a glitch, it's carelessness. The quote function always inserts the quote exactly where your cursor is. People can't be bothered to hit Ctrl+End to ensure their cursor is at the end of the message before they insert the quote or start typing their reply.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on July 19, 2021, 07:48:12 AM

Maybe their keyboards lack CTRL+END.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on July 19, 2021, 07:55:37 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on July 19, 2021, 07:48:12 AM
Maybe their keyboards lack CTRL+END.

Clicking at the end of the post works, too.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on July 19, 2021, 08:17:20 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 18, 2021, 05:03:16 PM
Quote from: Big John on July 18, 2021, 04:25:41 PM
Quote from: US 89 on July 18, 2021, 04:07:33 PM
When people don't proofread their quote strings when they post in forums.
A glitch that doesn't always bring you to the bottom when quoting someone.

It's not a glitch, it's carelessness. The quote function always inserts the quote exactly where your cursor is. People can't be bothered to hit Ctrl+End to ensure their cursor is at the end of the message before they insert the quote or start typing their reply.

Never make the assumption everyone uses a keyboard like you do.

Ot, for that matter, uses a keyboard. Many use their phone, or speak to text.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on July 19, 2021, 12:34:04 PM

When you are typing on a keyboard and after 1 second of your hand on the key, it starts repeating it. There is no scenario where you would be writing aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, so what's the point?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on July 19, 2021, 12:55:29 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 19, 2021, 12:34:04 PM
When you are typing on a keyboard and after 1 second of your hand on the key, it starts repeating it. There is no scenario where you would be writing aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, so what's the point?

I see a paradox.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 19, 2021, 01:06:03 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on July 19, 2021, 08:17:20 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 18, 2021, 05:03:16 PM
Quote from: Big John on July 18, 2021, 04:25:41 PM
Quote from: US 89 on July 18, 2021, 04:07:33 PM
When people don't proofread their quote strings when they post in forums.
A glitch that doesn't always bring you to the bottom when quoting someone.

It's not a glitch, it's carelessness. The quote function always inserts the quote exactly where your cursor is. People can't be bothered to hit Ctrl+End to ensure their cursor is at the end of the message before they insert the quote or start typing their reply.

Never make the assumption everyone uses a keyboard like you do.

Ot, for that matter, uses a keyboard. Many use their phone, or speak to text.

Trying to use a phone to write out a coherent forum post is like using a hammer to install a screw. It works eventually, but it's not the right tool for the job and it's way more frustrating than it has to be.

If your phone makes you mangle quotes every time you post, maybe stop using your phone to post?

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 19, 2021, 12:34:04 PM
When you are typing on a keyboard and after 1 second of your hand on the key, it starts repeating it. There is no scenario where you would be writing aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, so what's the point?

This is configurable on every OS I've used, including Windows (look in the Control Panel for it). On Linux you can turn it off entirely, or adjust the delay until it starts repeating and how fast it repeats.
(https://i.imgur.com/rLm3Uh1.png)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on July 19, 2021, 02:03:56 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 19, 2021, 12:34:04 PMWhen you are typing on a keyboard and after 1 second of your hand on the key, it starts repeating it. There is no scenario where you would be writing aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, so what's the point?

Besides the one 1995hoo mentioned, there is another: you want to write the number 768,614,336,404,564,650 in hexadecimal.

On a more serious note, when less competent input devices are being used--such as a Bluetooth keyboard that lacks Home, End, PgDn, and PgUp keys--holding down arrow keys is often the substitute for Ctrl+Home and Ctrl+End that come readily to hand.

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 19, 2021, 01:06:03 PMTrying to use a phone to write out a coherent forum post is like using a hammer to install a screw. It works eventually, but it's not the right tool for the job and it's way more frustrating than it has to be.

If your phone makes you mangle quotes every time you post, maybe stop using your phone to post?

With mobile devices having displaced PCs for a large share of everyday computing since 2010, this is a counsel of perfection. The deeper problem, as I see it, is that none of the purveyors of SQL-based Web forums have yet devised true mobile-responsive interfaces. This problem is far from unique to AARoads--I see it all the time on Web forums in general, including another I participate in (not related to roads) where quotes-inside-quotes are automatically removed and members are constantly sniping at each other for failure to prune quotebacks to the few sentences or phrases of utmost relevance.

I compose probably 99% of my posts here on a PC, but this is in order to archive the source code before committing each post, in adherence to the principle of keeping a copy of my own work product to avoid ever being in the position of a counterparty having the only copy of something I allegedly wrote. To automate the process on my Windows 10 machine, I hit Ctrl+A (select all) with focus on the post compose box, Ctrl+C (copy), and then Ctrl+Alt+P ("print" being the mnemonic) to launch a batch file that generates a timestamp (YYYY-MM-DD-HHMMSS) and uses a command-line utility to dump the clipboard to a file containing that timestamp in its name. On a mobile device, it's a more cumbersome process of manually generating the timestamp and Alt-Tabbing to paste copied text to an Android text editor for future (manual) repatriation to the posts folder. (I presume there is a way to implement this functionality using shell scripts in Android, but have yet to investigate how, and am slightly afraid of embarking on a coding project only to discover root access is necessary to grant the resulting script the permissions it requires to function.)

Another entry in the minor-annoyances file: "dollars" and the dollar sign used in the same phrase. "$30 million" is fine, as is "30 million dollars," but "$30 million dollars" . . .

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 19, 2021, 02:31:31 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on July 19, 2021, 02:03:56 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 19, 2021, 01:06:03 PMTrying to use a phone to write out a coherent forum post is like using a hammer to install a screw. It works eventually, but it's not the right tool for the job and it's way more frustrating than it has to be.

If your phone makes you mangle quotes every time you post, maybe stop using your phone to post?

With mobile devices having displaced PCs for a large share of everyday computing since 2010, this is a counsel of perfection. The deeper problem, as I see it, is that none of the purveyors of SQL-based Web forums have yet devised true mobile-responsive interfaces. This problem is far from unique to AARoads--I see it all the time on Web forums in general, including another I participate in (not related to roads) where quotes-inside-quotes are automatically removed and members are constantly sniping at each other for failure to prune quotebacks to the few sentences or phrases of utmost relevance.

I compose probably 99% of my posts here on a PC, but this is in order to archive the source code before committing each post, in adherence to the principle of keeping a copy of my own work product to avoid ever being in the position of a counterparty having the only copy of something I allegedly wrote. To automate the process on my Windows 10 machine, I hit Ctrl+A (select all) with focus on the post compose box, Ctrl+C (copy), and then Ctrl+Alt+P ("print" being the mnemonic) to launch a batch file that generates a timestamp (YYYY-MM-DD-HHMMSS) and uses a command-line utility to dump the clipboard to a file containing that timestamp in its name. On a mobile device, it's a more cumbersome process of manually generating the timestamp and Alt-Tabbing to paste copied text to an Android text editor for future (manual) repatriation to the posts folder. (I presume there is a way to implement this functionality using shell scripts in Android, but have yet to investigate how, and am slightly afraid of embarking on a coding project only to discover root access is necessary to grant the resulting script the permissions it requires to function.)

While a responsive theme definitely helps take some of the rough edges off of the mobile experience, it does nothing to solve what I feel is the biggest problem, which is that text-input on a mobile device is so cumbersome that it is next to impossible to get a result with an acceptable level of quality, when the same is simple to achieve with an actual keyboard.

Among other things, I find myself spending more time babysitting autocorrect than I do actually inputting text (no, I did mean to type "its", you don't need to correct it to "it's"), but I cannot turn autocorrect off entirely because the keys are small enough that I end up spending even more time fixing typos. I have configured my mobile keyboard to provide arrow keys, so I don't have to deal with the pain of moving the cursor around by dragging my finger slowly across the text (good luck placing the cursor on the correct side of an "i" or "l"), but there is nothing like Ctrl+arrow keys to jump over entire words at a time, no Ctrl+Backspace, and no Home/End functionality either. And the small screen size makes doing things like scanning over the text to check for errors (like malformed quote tags) much more difficult than it needs to be.

I am no Luddite; I do not object to the existence of mobile devices. I have a smartphone. But while smartphones are great at a number of things (it's great having a calculator, a camera, a flashlight, and a map whenever I want), there are some things they are abysmal at. Users of those devices either have to spend the time clean up after the mess those devices create, or learn when there are times that they should use a tool more suited to the purpose.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on July 19, 2021, 02:45:25 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on July 19, 2021, 12:55:29 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 19, 2021, 12:34:04 PM
When you are typing on a keyboard and after 1 second of your hand on the key, it starts repeating it. There is no scenario where you would be writing aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, so what's the point?

I see a paradox.

I only typed it out to make an example.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on July 19, 2021, 02:50:49 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 18, 2021, 05:03:16 PM
Quote from: Big John on July 18, 2021, 04:25:41 PM
Quote from: US 89 on July 18, 2021, 04:07:33 PM
When people don't proofread their quote strings when they post in forums.
A glitch that doesn't always bring you to the bottom when quoting someone.

It's not a glitch, it's carelessness. The quote function always inserts the quote exactly where your cursor is. People can't be bothered to hit Ctrl+End to ensure their cursor is at the end of the message before they insert the quote or start typing their reply.

It's not the most intuitive quoting system, compared to twenty years of using other forums' software. Until you mentioned Control+End or clicking on the area of the text box, I would have never figured out why it appeared to be random.

To wit, try inserting a return above the first line of text. It's a glitch and we deal with it. That's also not typical of any other software I've used before. The point is, there's minor usability flaws with SMF, but you get what you pay for. Most of the basic functionality is quite all right.

That's why sometimes I don't bother quoting posts on a mobile device just to pick up on one bit of a sentence. Frankly, it's probably a good self-deterrent from extraneous postings about an odd minor quibble in someone's posts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on July 19, 2021, 02:55:05 PM

There is nothing so pressing on this forum that I must use a mobile device to read or post to it. I may have read it a time or two on an iPad, but all other times, I've used a full-fledged computer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on July 19, 2021, 02:55:37 PM

Compared to City-Data and other forums, it only quotes one post at a time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on July 19, 2021, 03:15:46 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 19, 2021, 12:34:04 PM
When you are typing on a keyboard and after 1 second of your hand on the key, it starts repeating it. There is no scenario where you would be writing aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, so what's the point?

It's a nice exploit for this Sporcle challenge (https://www.sporcle.com/games/LumpyJ3/30-second-blitz-spacebar-challenge) :sombrero:. I never got past about 212 spacebar mashes before I ran out of time, before I discovered this...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on July 19, 2021, 03:36:19 PM

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on July 19, 2021, 03:15:46 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 19, 2021, 12:34:04 PM
When you are typing on a keyboard and after 1 second of your hand on the key, it starts repeating it. There is no scenario where you would be writing aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, so what's the point?

It's a nice exploit for this Sporcle challenge (https://www.sporcle.com/games/LumpyJ3/30-second-blitz-spacebar-challenge) :sombrero:. I never got past about 212 spacebar mashes before I ran out of time, before I discovered this...

225 times in nine seconds.

Quote from: tolbs17 on July 19, 2021, 02:55:37 PM
Compared to City-Data and other forums, it only quotes one post at a time.

What do you mean? You can quote multiple posts, you just have to scroll up (or down, depending on which editor you're using) and click the "Quote" icon for each post you want to quote. It's best to make sure your cursor is in the appropriate spot in the editor, of course.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on July 19, 2021, 03:50:50 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on July 19, 2021, 02:55:05 PM
There is nothing so pressing on this forum that I must use a mobile device to read or post to it. I may have read it a time or two on an iPad, but all other times, I've used a full-fledged computer.

I mostly use my computer unless I'm away.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on July 19, 2021, 05:42:39 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on July 19, 2021, 03:36:19 PM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on July 19, 2021, 03:15:46 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 19, 2021, 12:34:04 PM
When you are typing on a keyboard and after 1 second of your hand on the key, it starts repeating it. There is no scenario where you would be writing aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, so what's the point?

It's a nice exploit for this Sporcle challenge (https://www.sporcle.com/games/LumpyJ3/30-second-blitz-spacebar-challenge) :sombrero:. I never got past about 212 spacebar mashes before I ran out of time, before I discovered this...

225 times in nine seconds.

Quote from: tolbs17 on July 19, 2021, 02:55:37 PM
Compared to City-Data and other forums, it only quotes one post at a time.

What do you mean? You can quote multiple posts, you just have to scroll up (or down, depending on which editor you're using) and click the "Quote" icon for each post you want to quote. It's best to make sure your cursor is in the appropriate spot in the editor, of course.

I'm saying on City-Data you can only quote one post at a time compared to here that you can quote several.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on July 19, 2021, 05:56:48 PM

Cutting long quotes. It's annoying.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on July 19, 2021, 05:57:56 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on July 19, 2021, 05:42:39 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 19, 2021, 03:36:19 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on July 19, 2021, 02:55:37 PM
Compared to City-Data and other forums, it only quotes one post at a time.

What do you mean? You can quote multiple posts, you just have to scroll up (or down, depending on which editor you're using) and click the "Quote" icon for each post you want to quote. It's best to make sure your cursor is in the appropriate spot in the editor, of course.
I'm saying on City-Data you can only quote one post at a time compared to here that you can quote several.

Ah, I see. I thought you were saying exactly the opposite of that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on July 19, 2021, 11:02:05 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 19, 2021, 02:31:31 PM
I have configured my mobile keyboard to provide arrow keys

How do you do that?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 19, 2021, 11:35:48 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on July 19, 2021, 02:55:05 PM
There is nothing so pressing on this forum that I must use a mobile device to read or post to it. I may have read it a time or two on an iPad, but all other times, I've used a full-fledged computer.

Stop making me agree with you, H.B. It's weird. :-D

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on July 19, 2021, 11:02:05 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 19, 2021, 02:31:31 PM
I have configured my mobile keyboard to provide arrow keys

How do you do that?

On Android, you can download alternate keyboards besides the one which comes with the OS. I am using one called SwiftKey (which I believe is currently maintained by Microsoft), which allows you to enable arrow keys as a settings option. (It also allows you to swipe a finger over the keys without stopping and it's supposed to interpret that as the most likely word you meant based on the letters you hit, but I find it to be too unreliable to use regularly.)

Quote from: formulanone on July 19, 2021, 02:50:49 PM
To wit, try inserting a return above the first line of text. It's a glitch and we deal with it. That's also not typical of any other software I've used before. The point is, there's minor usability flaws with SMF, but you get what you pay for. Most of the basic functionality is quite all right.

I'm...not getting any glitch on Firefox/Linux?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on July 20, 2021, 07:02:07 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 19, 2021, 11:35:48 PM
I'm...not getting any glitch on Firefox/Linux?

Of course, I'm not getting it now. Maybe Chrome finally fixed it?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on July 20, 2021, 09:54:11 AM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 19, 2021, 05:56:48 PM
Cutting long quotes. It's annoying.

"To talk of the size of a thought is odd, perhaps, but to say that someone is thinking big thoughts is not without meaning. "I want you all to come to my birthday party" is a bigger thought than "I want only some of you to come." Bodhicitta is theoretically the biggest thought anyone can think because of the number of beings involved, what it wants them to have, and the length of time it must last before its motivating power dies out. Since the duration of a thought is a variable of the aim, in the sense that the actions motivated by a thought cease when the aim is attained, one can conceive of thoughts that last longer and longer. Bodhicitta necessarily lasts until the last living being reaches the state free of suffering, because it is only then that the aim is finally achieved. This explains the prayer of Samantabhadra at the end of the Gandavyūha section of the Avataṃsaka Sūtra, which the Dalai Lama often invokes: "For as long as space endures may I remain to work for the benefit of living beings."
― Gareth Sparham, Vast as the Heavens, Deep as the Sea: Verses in Praise of Bodhicitta

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on July 20, 2021, 10:08:53 AM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 19, 2021, 05:56:48 PM
Cutting long quotes. It's annoying.

On the contrary, I find it annoying when people quote a wall of text and 90% of it is irrelevant to their current post...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 20, 2021, 02:36:17 PM

Quote from: US 89 on July 18, 2021, 04:07:33 PM
When people don't proofread their quote strings when they post in forums.

Quote from: tolbs17 on July 18, 2021, 04:11:53 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 16, 2021, 06:30:09 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on July 16, 2021, 02:07:32 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 16, 2021, 12:30:26 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 16, 2021, 12:25:35 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on July 15, 2021, 11:26:46 PM
That the Off Topic board is turning into a Music board.

I'm usually loath to propose new boards or sub-boards, because the more of them you have the more sprawling the forum feels and the more overwhelming it is to navigate, but music seems like it is a perennial enough topic it might be justified.
I would also support that.
Like this!
If Sports can have its own board, I feel Music could also suffice. Just seems like there's so many music threads all of a sudden. When was the last time a new board was added anyway? Seems like it may be time for a new one.
Urban Planning is the most recent one.

OMG! That is absolutely the best post you've ever made, |tolbs17|!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 20, 2021, 02:40:41 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 19, 2021, 02:45:25 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on July 19, 2021, 12:55:29 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 19, 2021, 12:34:04 PM
When you are typing on a keyboard and after 1 second of your hand on the key, it starts repeating it. There is no scenario where you would be writing aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, so what's the point?

I see a paradox.

I only typed it out to make an example.

Why are you pressing a key on the keyboard for more than a second to begin with?

Besides which, it's with some frequency that I type things like these:
.....................
AAAAAAAAAAAARGGGGGGGHHHHH!
100000000000000000
=====================
hmmmmmmmmmmmm

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on July 20, 2021, 02:41:44 PM

spot the error (it's a content error, not grammatical)

Quote from: wanderer2575 on July 20, 2021, 01:53:32 PM
Am I not supposed to open up that big hole in the roof during the day because it's called a moonroof?

My keyboard only repeats characters that aren't alphanumeric. (Letters from other alphabets are considered alphanumeric.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 20, 2021, 02:41:44 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 19, 2021, 02:31:31 PM
I am no Luddite; I do not object to the existence of mobile devices. I have a smartphone. But while smartphones are great at a number of things (it's great having a calculator, a camera, a flashlight, and a map whenever I want), there are some things they are abysmal at.

For what it's worth, my dumbphone has a calculator, a camera, and a flashlight. All it doesn't have is a map.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 20, 2021, 02:44:59 PM

Quote from: US 89 on July 20, 2021, 10:08:53 AM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 19, 2021, 05:56:48 PM
Cutting long quotes. It's annoying.

On the contrary, I find it annoying when people quote a wall of text and 90% of it is irrelevant to their current post...

Absolutely.

Especially if the part they're replying to is 64% of the way down the quoted material, and I'm just supposed to figure that out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on July 20, 2021, 02:46:39 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 20, 2021, 02:41:44 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 19, 2021, 02:31:31 PM
I am no Luddite; I do not object to the existence of mobile devices. I have a smartphone. But while smartphones are great at a number of things (it's great having a calculator, a camera, a flashlight, and a map whenever I want), there are some things they are abysmal at.

For what it's worth, my dumbphone has a calculator, a camera, and a flashlight. All it doesn't have is a map.

Does it have a web browser?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 20, 2021, 03:54:54 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 20, 2021, 02:46:39 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 20, 2021, 02:41:44 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 19, 2021, 02:31:31 PM
I am no Luddite; I do not object to the existence of mobile devices. I have a smartphone. But while smartphones are great at a number of things (it's great having a calculator, a camera, a flashlight, and a map whenever I want), there are some things they are abysmal at.

For what it's worth, my dumbphone has a calculator, a camera, and a flashlight. All it doesn't have is a map.

Does it have a web browser?

Technically, yes, I could connect to Wi-Fi and get to the Internet. The full desktop version of the Internet. With no touchscreen, so all navigation would be by using arrow keys. Theoretically possible, it's true, but far from practical.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 20, 2021, 06:02:25 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 20, 2021, 03:54:54 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 20, 2021, 02:46:39 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 20, 2021, 02:41:44 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 19, 2021, 02:31:31 PM
I am no Luddite; I do not object to the existence of mobile devices. I have a smartphone. But while smartphones are great at a number of things (it's great having a calculator, a camera, a flashlight, and a map whenever I want), there are some things they are abysmal at.

For what it's worth, my dumbphone has a calculator, a camera, and a flashlight. All it doesn't have is a map.

Does it have a web browser?

Technically, yes, I could connect to Wi-Fi and get to the Internet. The full desktop version of the Internet. With no touchscreen, so all navigation would be by using arrow keys. Theoretically possible, it's true, but far from practical.

And I'm guessing you'd have to enter the entire URL with T9, yeah? That alone was enough of a deterrent to regularly using the Web browser on my Motorola Razr back in the day.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on July 20, 2021, 08:12:35 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 20, 2021, 06:02:25 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 20, 2021, 03:54:54 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 20, 2021, 02:46:39 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 20, 2021, 02:41:44 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 19, 2021, 02:31:31 PM
I am no Luddite; I do not object to the existence of mobile devices. I have a smartphone. But while smartphones are great at a number of things (it's great having a calculator, a camera, a flashlight, and a map whenever I want), there are some things they are abysmal at.

For what it's worth, my dumbphone has a calculator, a camera, and a flashlight. All it doesn't have is a map.

Does it have a web browser?

Technically, yes, I could connect to Wi-Fi and get to the Internet. The full desktop version of the Internet. With no touchscreen, so all navigation would be by using arrow keys. Theoretically possible, it's true, but far from practical.

And I'm guessing you'd have to enter the entire URL with T9, yeah? That alone was enough of a deterrent to regularly using the Web browser on my Motorola Razr back in the day.

on an AMD processor?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 21, 2021, 09:24:49 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 20, 2021, 06:02:25 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 20, 2021, 03:54:54 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 20, 2021, 02:46:39 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 20, 2021, 02:41:44 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 19, 2021, 02:31:31 PM
I am no Luddite; I do not object to the existence of mobile devices. I have a smartphone. But while smartphones are great at a number of things (it's great having a calculator, a camera, a flashlight, and a map whenever I want), there are some things they are abysmal at.

For what it's worth, my dumbphone has a calculator, a camera, and a flashlight. All it doesn't have is a map.

Does it have a web browser?

Technically, yes, I could connect to Wi-Fi and get to the Internet. The full desktop version of the Internet. With no touchscreen, so all navigation would be by using arrow keys. Theoretically possible, it's true, but far from practical.

And I'm guessing you'd have to enter the entire URL with T9, yeah? That alone was enough of a deterrent to regularly using the Web browser on my Motorola Razr back in the day.

Correct. Unless, I suppose, someone texted me the URL and I could copy & paste.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on July 21, 2021, 10:48:41 AM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 19, 2021, 05:56:48 PM
Cutting long quotes. It's annoying.

Cutting long farts. They're annoying, rude, and sometimes they stink.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 21, 2021, 11:26:13 AM

Quote from: tolbs17 on July 20, 2021, 08:12:35 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 20, 2021, 06:02:25 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 20, 2021, 03:54:54 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 20, 2021, 02:46:39 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 20, 2021, 02:41:44 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 19, 2021, 02:31:31 PM
I am no Luddite; I do not object to the existence of mobile devices. I have a smartphone. But while smartphones are great at a number of things (it's great having a calculator, a camera, a flashlight, and a map whenever I want), there are some things they are abysmal at.

For what it's worth, my dumbphone has a calculator, a camera, and a flashlight. All it doesn't have is a map.

Does it have a web browser?

Technically, yes, I could connect to Wi-Fi and get to the Internet. The full desktop version of the Internet. With no touchscreen, so all navigation would be by using arrow keys. Theoretically possible, it's true, but far from practical.

And I'm guessing you'd have to enter the entire URL with T9, yeah? That alone was enough of a deterrent to regularly using the Web browser on my Motorola Razr back in the day.
on an AMD processor?

The Motorola Razr, so far as I can tell, didn't have a processor. Or rather, the functions of a processor were performed by custom Motorola chips.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on July 21, 2021, 12:37:35 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on July 21, 2021, 10:48:41 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 19, 2021, 05:56:48 PM
Cutting long quotes. It's annoying.

Cutting long farts. They're annoying, rude, and sometimes they stink.

But they're never not funny.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jmacswimmer on July 21, 2021, 12:45:45 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on July 21, 2021, 12:37:35 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on July 21, 2021, 10:48:41 AM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 19, 2021, 05:56:48 PM
Cutting long quotes. It's annoying.

Cutting long farts. They're annoying, rude, and sometimes they stink.

But they're never not funny.

And (assuming you're the one cutting it) it feels great! :nod:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 21, 2021, 12:52:54 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on July 21, 2021, 12:37:35 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on July 21, 2021, 10:48:41 AM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 19, 2021, 05:56:48 PM
Cutting long quotes. It's annoying.

Cutting long farts. They're annoying, rude, and sometimes they stink.

But they're never not funny.

The wrong situation can make it decidedly un-funny.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on July 21, 2021, 02:34:55 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 21, 2021, 12:52:54 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on July 21, 2021, 12:37:35 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on July 21, 2021, 10:48:41 AM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 19, 2021, 05:56:48 PM
Cutting long quotes. It's annoying.

Cutting long farts. They're annoying, rude, and sometimes they stink.

But they're never not funny.

The wrong situation can make it decidedly un-funny.

Yep. Drawing mud is never funny.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on July 21, 2021, 02:39:18 PM

Things COVID taught us: Coughing in public is now as bad as, or worse than, farting in public.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 21, 2021, 02:41:53 PM

* nervous smile *

– It's OK, I don't have a GI infection.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 21, 2021, 05:53:34 PM

On my way home from work today, I come to a two-way stop. So I stop. A car is coming from my right, so I stay there, waiting. This guy is going to stop for no good reason, I think to myself. Sure enough, not only does he stop for no good reason, but he even waves me through. Good grief, I think to myself, and I just throw my hands in the air and stay put. It's a quiet intersection, so no big deal to wait a bit. After several seconds of nobody moving, he proceeds to turn right, and then I follow along through the intersection.

Fast-forward four blocks. We come up to another two-way stop. At this one, the cross-street is a four-lane arterial. Across the intersection, there are about four cars waiting, facing us, and the one in front has his left blinker on. The guy in front of me (whom I discussed earlier) sees that traffic from the left is clear, and he proceeds to turn right. I roll up to the intersection and wait for traffic from both directions to clear. The guy across from me just continues to sit there with his left blinker on. So I throw my hands in the air again and go. You snooze, you lose, but I feel bad for the three drivers behind you, I think to myself.

Am I the only one who knows what to do at a stop sign? Look here, people: if it's your turn to go, then just GO!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on July 21, 2021, 06:20:35 PM

When your hands still feel greasy after washing them

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 21, 2021, 06:26:37 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 21, 2021, 06:20:35 PM
When your hands still feel greasy after washing them

Soap that makes your hands feel greasy.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on July 21, 2021, 07:10:22 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 21, 2021, 06:20:35 PM
When your hands still feel greasy after washing them

Chicken soup?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on July 21, 2021, 07:38:24 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 21, 2021, 06:26:37 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 21, 2021, 06:20:35 PM
When your hands still feel greasy after washing them

Soap that makes your hands feel greasy.

Excessive water softeners that make your hands feel greasy.

(Though it does make shaving a little gentler.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 21, 2021, 07:46:04 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on July 21, 2021, 07:10:22 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 21, 2021, 06:20:35 PM
When your hands still feel greasy after washing them
Chicken soup?

I've...never tried washing my hands with chicken soup. Have you?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on July 21, 2021, 08:16:37 PM

Reminds me of a typo where it said employees must wash hands with soup.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on July 21, 2021, 08:20:29 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 21, 2021, 07:46:04 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on July 21, 2021, 07:10:22 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 21, 2021, 06:20:35 PM
When your hands still feel greasy after washing them
Chicken soup?

I've...never tried washing my hands with chicken soup. Have you?

No... gross 😝

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 21, 2021, 09:18:09 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on July 21, 2021, 07:10:22 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 21, 2021, 06:20:35 PM
When your hands still feel greasy after washing them

Chicken soup?

wut

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on July 21, 2021, 09:51:06 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on July 21, 2021, 08:20:29 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 21, 2021, 07:46:04 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on July 21, 2021, 07:10:22 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 21, 2021, 06:20:35 PM
When your hands still feel greasy after washing them
Chicken soup?

I've...never tried washing my hands with chicken soup. Have you?
No... gross 😝

Then why do you ask?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on July 21, 2021, 09:53:42 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 21, 2021, 09:51:06 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on July 21, 2021, 08:20:29 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 21, 2021, 07:46:04 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on July 21, 2021, 07:10:22 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 21, 2021, 06:20:35 PM
When your hands still feel greasy after washing them
Chicken soup?

I've...never tried washing my hands with chicken soup. Have you?
No... gross 😝
Then why do you ask?

Cause what you said is funny and made me ask that!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: cl94 on July 21, 2021, 10:01:28 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on July 21, 2021, 08:20:29 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 21, 2021, 07:46:04 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on July 21, 2021, 07:10:22 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 21, 2021, 06:20:35 PM
When your hands still feel greasy after washing them
Chicken soup?

I've...never tried washing my hands with chicken soup. Have you?
No... gross 😝

(https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/173/576/Wat8.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on July 21, 2021, 10:03:44 PM

This has been discussed elsewhere but has really spoiled InDOT BGS signage for me: the tiny, practically non-existent top margins on the patch-panel signs you see all over now.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on July 21, 2021, 10:03:59 PM

Quote from: cl94 on July 21, 2021, 10:01:28 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on July 21, 2021, 08:20:29 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 21, 2021, 07:46:04 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on July 21, 2021, 07:10:22 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 21, 2021, 06:20:35 PM
When your hands still feel greasy after washing them
Chicken soup?

I've...never tried washing my hands with chicken soup. Have you?
No... gross 😝

(https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/memepediadankmemes/images/c/cc/Wat8.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/604?cb=20180913191230)

Yes sir. GROSS!!!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on July 21, 2021, 10:08:24 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 21, 2021, 05:53:34 PM
On my way home from work today, I come to a two-way stop. So I stop. A car is coming from my right, so I stay there, waiting. This guy is going to stop for no good reason, I think to myself. Sure enough, not only does he stop for no good reason, but he even waves me through. Good grief, I think to myself, and I just throw my hands in the air and stay put. It's a quiet intersection, so no big deal to wait a bit. After several seconds of nobody moving, he proceeds to turn right, and then I follow along through the intersection.

Fast-forward four blocks. We come up to another two-way stop. At this one, the cross-street is a four-lane arterial. Across the intersection, there are about four cars waiting, facing us, and the one in front has his left blinker on. The guy in front of me (whom I discussed earlier) sees that traffic from the left is clear, and he proceeds to turn right. I roll up to the intersection and wait for traffic from both directions to clear. The guy across from me just continues to sit there with his left blinker on. So I throw my hands in the air again and go. You snooze, you lose, but I feel bad for the three drivers behind you, I think to myself.

Am I the only one who knows what to do at a stop sign? Look here, people: if it's your turn to go, then just GO!

Dashcam video with commentary about how bad other drivers are or it didn't happen! :-D

Quote from: formulanone on July 21, 2021, 07:38:24 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 21, 2021, 06:26:37 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 21, 2021, 06:20:35 PM
When your hands still feel greasy after washing them

Soap that makes your hands feel greasy.

Excessive water softeners that make your hands feel greasy.

(Though it does make shaving a little gentler.)

I absolutely hate staying in a hotel where the water is so slimy you don't feel like you get all the soap rinsed off when you shower, or you don't get dry when you step out of the shower and start toweling off. I had an aunt and uncle whose water was like that too, and I always dreaded taking a shower there when I spent a few days with them. I'd much rather shower in hard water than soft water.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on July 21, 2021, 10:24:42 PM

Speaking of hotel showers - when the ventilation is bad enough in the bathroom where everything is coated in steam/condensation when you're down showering and things don't normalize to the point where you can use the bathroom again for a couple hours afterwards. Sadly all too common.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on July 21, 2021, 10:35:23 PM

Quote from: vdeane on July 21, 2021, 10:24:42 PM
Speaking of hotel showers - when the ventilation is bad enough in the bathroom where everything is coated in steam/condensation when you're down showering and things don't normalize to the point where you can use the bathroom again for a couple hours afterwards. Sadly all too common.

And it's hard doing so without a bathtub I have to say in my opinion.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 21, 2021, 11:36:41 PM

Quote from: vdeane on July 21, 2021, 10:24:42 PM
Speaking of hotel showers - when the ventilation is bad enough in the bathroom where everything is coated in steam/condensation when you're down showering and things don't normalize to the point where you can use the bathroom again for a couple hours afterwards. Sadly all too common.

In most houses around here they have a vent fan in the ceiling that you can turn on to help with that. I don't remember if I've seen those in hotels.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CoreySamson on July 22, 2021, 01:19:36 AM

Quote from: cl94 on July 21, 2021, 10:01:28 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on July 21, 2021, 08:20:29 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 21, 2021, 07:46:04 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on July 21, 2021, 07:10:22 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 21, 2021, 06:20:35 PM
When your hands still feel greasy after washing them
Chicken soup?

I've...never tried washing my hands with chicken soup. Have you?
No... gross 😝

(https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/173/576/Wat8.jpg)

Posting a picture of the Grand Alan's mom in a thread without permission is prohibited by Alanland statute. First offense, you have to let her serve you chicken soup. Second offense, you are served in the chicken soup. Don't try washing your hands.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on July 22, 2021, 02:35:34 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 21, 2021, 11:36:41 PM
Quote from: vdeane on July 21, 2021, 10:24:42 PM
Speaking of hotel showers - when the ventilation is bad enough in the bathroom where everything is coated in steam/condensation when you're down showering and things don't normalize to the point where you can use the bathroom again for a couple hours afterwards. Sadly all too common.

In most houses around here they have a vent fan in the ceiling that you can turn on to help with that. I don't remember if I've seen those in hotels.

They're installed about one-third of the time, based on my stay averages. Not much consistency on brand, either.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on July 22, 2021, 07:18:31 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 21, 2021, 11:36:41 PM
Quote from: vdeane on July 21, 2021, 10:24:42 PM
Speaking of hotel showers - when the ventilation is bad enough in the bathroom where everything is coated in steam/condensation when you're down showering and things don't normalize to the point where you can use the bathroom again for a couple hours afterwards. Sadly all too common.

In most houses around here they have a vent fan in the ceiling that you can turn on to help with that. I don't remember if I've seen those in hotels.

A coworker was building or remodeling a home. He said he wanted a bathroom fan that did more than buzz in the ceiling. That's the kind of fan you find all too often in hotel rooms.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on July 22, 2021, 07:26:40 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on July 21, 2021, 02:39:18 PM
Things COVID taught us: Coughing in public is now as bad as, or worse than, farting in public.

THANK you!

used to be in the old days a fart would clear the room. now it's a cough. i'm a smoker, so sometimes i cough. and people just scatter.

bonus points if you cough to cover up a fart.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jmacswimmer on July 22, 2021, 07:44:10 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on July 21, 2021, 02:39:18 PM
Things COVID taught us: Coughing in public is now as bad as, or worse than, farting in public.

Sneezing too: I can think of a handful of times where I've sneezed in a grocery store and instantly got a few dirty looks...

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on July 22, 2021, 07:26:40 AM
bonus points if you cough to cover up a fart.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBx4Kak9TDc

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 22, 2021, 09:51:54 AM

Quote from: tolbs17 on July 21, 2021, 09:53:42 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 21, 2021, 09:51:06 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on July 21, 2021, 08:20:29 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 21, 2021, 07:46:04 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on July 21, 2021, 07:10:22 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 21, 2021, 06:20:35 PM
When your hands still feel greasy after washing them

Chicken soup?

I've...never tried washing my hands with chicken soup. Have you?

No... gross 😝

Then why do you ask?

Cause what you said is funny and made me ask that!

wut

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 22, 2021, 09:53:54 AM

Quote from: vdeane on July 21, 2021, 10:24:42 PM
Speaking of hotel showers - when the ventilation is bad enough in the bathroom where everything is coated in steam/condensation when you're down showering and things don't normalize to the point where you can use the bathroom again for a couple hours afterwards. Sadly all too common.

I dislike bathroom vent fans. We have one at home and I hardly ever use it. I usually leave the door open, though. When I keep the door closed, I only really use the vent fan so the mirror doesn't get as fogged up. But I enjoy stepping out of the shower into warm humidity. Less of a shock that way.

In a lot of hotels, the vent fan comes on automatically with the light, as they're tied to the same switch. I think that's annoying, especially if the sink and mirror are out on the other side of the door.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on July 22, 2021, 12:07:40 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 22, 2021, 09:51:54 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on July 21, 2021, 09:53:42 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 21, 2021, 09:51:06 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on July 21, 2021, 08:20:29 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 21, 2021, 07:46:04 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on July 21, 2021, 07:10:22 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 21, 2021, 06:20:35 PM
When your hands still feel greasy after washing them

Chicken soup?

I've...never tried washing my hands with chicken soup. Have you?

No... gross 😝

Then why do you ask?

Cause what you said is funny and made me ask that!

wut

Roadgeekteen being silly

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 22, 2021, 12:12:45 PM

Please explain:

How is it that a person saying ...

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 21, 2021, 06:20:35 PM
When your hands still feel greasy after washing them

... somehow ...

Quote from: tolbs17 on July 21, 2021, 09:53:42 PM
made

... you ask ...

Quote from: tolbs17 on July 21, 2021, 07:10:22 PM
Chicken soup?

I'm still thoroughly confused about how your question relates to his post.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 22, 2021, 12:27:44 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 22, 2021, 09:53:54 AM
Quote from: vdeane on July 21, 2021, 10:24:42 PM
Speaking of hotel showers - when the ventilation is bad enough in the bathroom where everything is coated in steam/condensation when you're down showering and things don't normalize to the point where you can use the bathroom again for a couple hours afterwards. Sadly all too common.

I dislike bathroom vent fans. We have one at home and I hardly ever use it. I usually leave the door open, though. When I keep the door closed, I only really use the vent fan so the mirror doesn't get as fogged up. But I enjoy stepping out of the shower into warm humidity. Less of a shock that way.

In a lot of hotels, the vent fan comes on automatically with the light, as they're tied to the same switch. I think that's annoying, especially if the sink and mirror are out on the other side of the door.

Unfortunately, I don't have the option of keeping the door open, since one of my bathrooms opens out to the bedroom (where my wife is often sleeping, and having the door open with the light on would bother her) and the other opens out into the main hallway (where the cats live, who like to destroy toilet paper if given the chance).

I don't care so much about the steam, except that during the summer it's already so damn humid that I don't want to make it worse. During the winter, I try to get away without using the vent fan to add moisture to the air to make it feel warmer. But I do normally use the fan if I have to shave in the same room as I showered in (my normal routine in two-bathroom houses is to shower in one and shave in the other so that I don't have to worry about the mirror getting fogged up at all).

What really is a minor thing that bothers me is that whenever my wife takes a shower she turns the vent fan on and never goes back to turn it off, so it's still running hours after she took a shower, or perhaps even after she's left the house.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on July 22, 2021, 01:26:28 PM

@Scott - Install a timer switch if you can. That way she could just put it on for 15, 30, or 60 minutes. ;-)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on July 22, 2021, 02:11:25 PM

To merge two emerging themes from this discussion: Anyone ever hear a bathroom exhaust ventilation system called a "fart fan?"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on July 22, 2021, 02:22:19 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 22, 2021, 12:12:45 PM
Please explain:

How is it that a person saying ...

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 21, 2021, 06:20:35 PM
When your hands still feel greasy after washing them

... somehow ...

Quote from: tolbs17 on July 21, 2021, 09:53:42 PM
made

... you ask ...

Quote from: tolbs17 on July 21, 2021, 07:10:22 PM
Chicken soup?

I'm still thoroughly confused about how your question relates to his post.

I was thinking chicken soup or oil was greasy so it made me ask that question.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 22, 2021, 02:42:07 PM

And see, I don't eat chicken soup with my hands. Maybe I've been doing it wrong my whole life?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on July 22, 2021, 02:43:51 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 22, 2021, 02:42:07 PM
And see, I don't eat chicken soup with my hands. Maybe I've been doing it wrong my whole life?

Maybe when you were a baby.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 22, 2021, 02:58:51 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on July 22, 2021, 02:43:51 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 22, 2021, 02:42:07 PM
And see, I don't eat chicken soup with my hands. Maybe I've been doing it wrong my whole life?

Maybe when you were a baby.

But I didn't know how to wash my hands back then.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on July 22, 2021, 03:01:42 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 22, 2021, 02:58:51 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on July 22, 2021, 02:43:51 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 22, 2021, 02:42:07 PM
And see, I don't eat chicken soup with my hands. Maybe I've been doing it wrong my whole life?

Maybe when you were a baby.

But I didn't know how to wash my hands back then.

Same. Your parents would do that for you.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on July 22, 2021, 03:10:06 PM

Quote from: formulanone on July 22, 2021, 02:35:34 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 21, 2021, 11:36:41 PM
Quote from: vdeane on July 21, 2021, 10:24:42 PM
Speaking of hotel showers - when the ventilation is bad enough in the bathroom where everything is coated in steam/condensation when you're down showering and things don't normalize to the point where you can use the bathroom again for a couple hours afterwards. Sadly all too common.

In most houses around here they have a vent fan in the ceiling that you can turn on to help with that. I don't remember if I've seen those in hotels.

They're installed about one-third of the time, based on my stay averages. Not much consistency on brand, either.

My experience is a bit different. I'm hard pressed to think of any hotels that I've been to that lacked a loud and inexplicably rattling vent fan. The only difference is whether it has its own switch or if it comes on automatically with the light.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 22, 2021, 03:12:34 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on July 22, 2021, 01:26:28 PM
@Scott - Install a timer switch if you can. That way she could just put it on for 15, 30, or 60 minutes. ;-)

That's not something I've thought of before. But I'm not sure that I care enough about it that it's worth monkeying around with the switch wiring...or whether my wife would even use the timer if I went through the effort. :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 22, 2021, 03:33:58 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on July 22, 2021, 03:01:42 PM
Same. Your parents would do that for you.

Oh. Now it all makes perfect sense.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on July 22, 2021, 04:33:17 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on July 22, 2021, 02:11:25 PM
To merge two emerging themes from this discussion: Anyone ever hear a bathroom exhaust ventilation system called a "fart fan?"

I always thought they vented into the attic ... so is the attic full of condensed fart particles?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 22, 2021, 04:57:27 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on July 22, 2021, 04:33:17 PM
I always thought they vented into the attic ... so is the attic full of condensed fart particles?

You mean unlike the rest of your house? You know, your house that's filled with dust made from human skin, which you breathe in all the time.

As my son recently said when I mentioned that: We're all cannibals.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 22, 2021, 06:21:09 PM

Here's one for the music theorists on the board:

The term "minor sixth" as defining a chord is ambiguous. Is it a major triad with an added minor sixth tone? Is it a minor triad with an added major sixth tone? Is it a minor triad with an added minor sixth tone?

The correct answer is the second one: a minor triad with an added major sixth tone. But this is unlike the minor seventh chord, which is a minor triad with an added minor seventh tone.

Thus, to name a chord that is merely the I, iii, V, and vi tones of a minor scale, one must write it as Xmin(min6). Whereas to name a chord that is merely the I, iii, V, and vii tones of a minor scale, one only needs to write it as Xmin7.

This is dumb, and we can do better.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on July 22, 2021, 10:04:56 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on July 22, 2021, 03:10:06 PM
Quote from: formulanone on July 22, 2021, 02:35:34 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 21, 2021, 11:36:41 PM
Quote from: vdeane on July 21, 2021, 10:24:42 PM
Speaking of hotel showers - when the ventilation is bad enough in the bathroom where everything is coated in steam/condensation when you're down showering and things don't normalize to the point where you can use the bathroom again for a couple hours afterwards. Sadly all too common.

In most houses around here they have a vent fan in the ceiling that you can turn on to help with that. I don't remember if I've seen those in hotels.

They're installed about one-third of the time, based on my stay averages. Not much consistency on brand, either.

My experience is a bit different. I'm hard pressed to think of any hotels that I've been to that lacked a loud and inexplicably rattling vent fan. The only difference is whether it has its own switch or if it comes on automatically with the light.

Meanwhile, it's been the opposite for me. In fact, the last place I stayed at, the fan seemed to be purely decorative. As the prospect of flooding my room with moisture does not appeal to me, I was stuck waiting a couple hours for the bathroom to be usable again. Its not fun trying to use the wall mirror and the outlet on a bed stand to dry my hair (after drying off my hair brushes, which were in the bathroom and covered in condensation; thank God my hairdryer was stored in the dresser).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on July 23, 2021, 03:31:28 AM

Quote from: vdeane on July 22, 2021, 10:04:56 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on July 22, 2021, 03:10:06 PM
Quote from: formulanone on July 22, 2021, 02:35:34 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 21, 2021, 11:36:41 PM
Quote from: vdeane on July 21, 2021, 10:24:42 PM
Speaking of hotel showers - when the ventilation is bad enough in the bathroom where everything is coated in steam/condensation when you're down showering and things don't normalize to the point where you can use the bathroom again for a couple hours afterwards. Sadly all too common.

In most houses around here they have a vent fan in the ceiling that you can turn on to help with that. I don't remember if I've seen those in hotels.

They're installed about one-third of the time, based on my stay averages. Not much consistency on brand, either.

My experience is a bit different. I'm hard pressed to think of any hotels that I've been to that lacked a loud and inexplicably rattling vent fan. The only difference is whether it has its own switch or if it comes on automatically with the light.
Meanwhile, it's been the opposite for me. In fact, the last place I stayed at, the fan seemed to be purely decorative. As the prospect of flooding my room with moisture does not appeal to me, I was stuck waiting a couple hours for the bathroom to be usable again. Its not fun trying to use the wall mirror and the outlet on a bed stand to dry my hair (after drying off my hair brushes, which were in the bathroom and covered in condensation; thank God my hairdryer was stored in the dresser).

Our experiences are definitely very different. Beyond the issue of the vent, I have never once put anything in a drawer in a hotel room. :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 23, 2021, 09:35:16 AM

Quote from: vdeane on July 22, 2021, 10:04:56 PM
Its not fun trying to use the wall mirror and the outlet on a bed stand to dry my hair ...

Really? It's hard for me to imagine that being a whole lot less convenient than doing so in the bathroom. Except for, possibly, all the hairs that might end up on/in the bed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on July 23, 2021, 09:54:04 AM

Women who call their husband "hubs"...unless they are married to a hubcap.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 23, 2021, 10:25:45 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on July 23, 2021, 09:54:04 AM
Women who call their husband "hubs"...unless they are married to a hubcap.

Our best friends call each other "Husband" and "Wife" most of the time, rather than by name or "sweetie" or anything else like that. It started out annoying, but we're getting used to it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 23, 2021, 11:16:26 AM

When I'm doing a multi-step process on the computer that I've done so many times it's mostly muscle memory–then I click the wrong thing, or I get a phone call, or whatever, and then I have no idea what step to do next on the computer.

When I type my name wrong. Seriously, it's my own name!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on July 23, 2021, 12:17:56 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 23, 2021, 11:16:26 AMWhen I'm doing a multi-step process on the computer that I've done so many times it's mostly muscle memory–then I click the wrong thing, or I get a phone call, or whatever, and then I have no idea what step to do next on the computer.

My previous machine, in daily service until April 30 this year, began freezing or crashing at frequent but unpredictable intervals (typically several times a week) late last year, so I had more or less memorized the locations of two text files I keep open all the time. Late last night I shut down my current machine after about three weeks so I could power down an external storage drive (software eject is not available for it--this is on-topic for this thread, BTW), and this morning I was blanking on where the two text files live.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on July 23, 2021, 12:26:22 PM

Parents and caregivers who introduce other adults to the little rugrats as "Mr. David" or "Miss Kathy" instead of "Mr. Smith" or "Miss Jones." I'm not on terms with the kid yet for him to call me by my first name.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 23, 2021, 01:07:40 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on July 23, 2021, 12:26:22 PM
Parents and caregivers who introduce other adults to the little rugrats as "Mr. David" or "Miss Kathy" instead of "Mr. Smith" or "Miss Jones." I'm not on terms with the kid yet for him to call me by my first name.

I much prefer Mr/Mrs _____ over first names in such situations, but I'm gradually (if grudgingly) accepting that most adults actually prefer kids to call them by first name. However, what I absolutely hate is Mr/Mrs First Name. Look, if everyone's going to be on familiar terms enough to use first names, then the Mr/Mrs doesn't belong there.

MS Excel frustration:

Say you have multiple Excel files open at once. Two of them are for a big project you're working on half the day, and you'll get back to them an hour from now, so you minimize them. Then you finish up working on a more minor project in Excel and close that file. Excel then decides that you no longer want those other two files minimized and opens them on top of whatever you actually want to be on top.

No, Excel! I minimized those for a reason. I'm not dealing with them yet.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 23, 2021, 04:24:14 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 23, 2021, 01:07:40 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on July 23, 2021, 12:26:22 PM
Parents and caregivers who introduce other adults to the little rugrats as "Mr. David" or "Miss Kathy" instead of "Mr. Smith" or "Miss Jones." I'm not on terms with the kid yet for him to call me by my first name.

I much prefer Mr/Mrs _____ over first names in such situations, but I'm gradually (if grudgingly) accepting that most adults actually prefer kids to call them by first name. However, what I absolutely hate is Mr/Mrs First Name. Look, if everyone's going to be on familiar terms enough to use first names, then the Mr/Mrs doesn't belong there.

It sort of bugs me when anyone calls me "Mr. Nazelrod", because if they go for that, there is invariably an interval in the conversation where they have to ask how to pronounce or spell it correctly, and it's just a lot easier to call me Scott. Also, I have a hard time imagining a situation I've gotten myself into that is so formal that calling me "Mr." anything would feel natural. The only thing I can think of was when I addressed a city council last winter.

At least if someone calls me "Mr. Scott" I can exclaim that I'm giving it all she's got, captain!

Quote
Say you have multiple Excel files open at once. Two of them are for a big project you're working on half the day, and you'll get back to them an hour from now, so you minimize them. Then you finish up working on a more minor project in Excel and close that file. Excel then decides that you no longer want those other two files minimized and opens them on top of whatever you actually want to be on top.

No, Excel! I minimized those for a reason. I'm not dealing with them yet.

Is that something unique to Excel, or do other programs on Windows exhibit that exact behavior? On Linux, there is a program called the window manager that would handle that function, and if a program started exhibiting needy behavior like that, the window manager I use (kwin) would probably ignore the program's request (kwin's default settings explicitly shoot down "bring window to front" requests and instead subtly highlights them on the taskbar to indicate that they're requesting user attention, which you can choose to act on if you like).

I would imagine that Windows has some sort of window-managing component of the OS, but one of the death-by-a-thousand-cuts annoyances that makes me very happy to sign out of Windows whenever I am forced to use it is the window manager's obsequiousness toward any program that wants to jump to the front of the window stack and get in the way. I also wouldn't be surprised if the window manager exhibited partisan behavior toward Microsoft products like Excel; Windows has been known in the past to contain code giving their own products special treatment by the OS.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 23, 2021, 04:32:19 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 23, 2021, 04:24:14 PM
I have a hard time imagining a situation I've gotten myself into that is so formal that calling me "Mr." anything would feel natural. The only thing I can think of was when I addressed a city council last winter.

If my family went over to your house for dinner (say, after a Goldsby roadmeet), I would instruct my children to call you Mr and Mrs Nazelrod. And they would already know to answer you with "yes sir" and "yes ma'am". If we then became friends, then I wouldn't expect it of them. But, so long as you were an adult stranger or mere acquaintance, I would.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on July 23, 2021, 04:40:23 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 23, 2021, 01:07:40 PM
MS Excel frustration:

Say you have multiple Excel files open at once. Two of them are for a big project you're working on half the day, and you'll get back to them an hour from now, so you minimize them. Then you finish up working on a more minor project in Excel and close that file. Excel then decides that you no longer want those other two files minimized and opens them on top of whatever you actually want to be on top.

No, Excel! I minimized those for a reason. I'm not dealing with them yet.

I don't get why Excel treats all spreadsheets as being in the same program window. Word doesn't do that with documents.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on July 23, 2021, 04:45:20 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 23, 2021, 04:32:19 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 23, 2021, 04:24:14 PM
I have a hard time imagining a situation I've gotten myself into that is so formal that calling me "Mr." anything would feel natural. The only thing I can think of was when I addressed a city council last winter.

If my family went over to your house for dinner (say, after a Goldsby roadmeet), I would instruct my children to call you Mr and Mrs Nazelrod. And they would already know to answer you with "yes sir" and "yes ma'am". If we then became friends, then I wouldn't expect it of them. But, so long as you were an adult stranger or mere acquaintance, I would.

I haven't heard yes sir or yes ma'am in years. Not sure if I've ever called anyone that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on July 23, 2021, 04:46:13 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 23, 2021, 04:45:20 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 23, 2021, 04:32:19 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 23, 2021, 04:24:14 PM
I have a hard time imagining a situation I've gotten myself into that is so formal that calling me "Mr." anything would feel natural. The only thing I can think of was when I addressed a city council last winter.

If my family went over to your house for dinner (say, after a Goldsby roadmeet), I would instruct my children to call you Mr and Mrs Nazelrod. And they would already know to answer you with "yes sir" and "yes ma'am". If we then became friends, then I wouldn't expect it of them. But, so long as you were an adult stranger or mere acquaintance, I would.
I haven't heard yes sir or yes ma'am in years. Not sure if I've ever called anyone that.

I do.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 23, 2021, 04:59:10 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 23, 2021, 04:45:20 PM
I haven't heard yes sir or yes ma'am in years. Not sure if I've ever called anyone that.

Your part of the country doesn't exactly have a reputation for being the most polite...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on July 23, 2021, 05:35:29 PM

"Ma'am" and "sir" are also not common around here. Using the terms outside of military settings (or military members) or dealing with elderly people is unusual and likely will get you a double-take. It's considered quite formal and not appropriate under most circumstances.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 23, 2021, 05:41:45 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 23, 2021, 04:32:19 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 23, 2021, 04:24:14 PM
I have a hard time imagining a situation I've gotten myself into that is so formal that calling me "Mr." anything would feel natural. The only thing I can think of was when I addressed a city council last winter.

If my family went over to your house for dinner (say, after a Goldsby roadmeet), I would instruct my children to call you Mr and Mrs Nazelrod. And they would already know to answer you with "yes sir" and "yes ma'am". If we then became friends, then I wouldn't expect it of them. But, so long as you were an adult stranger or mere acquaintance, I would.

My wife actually still uses her maiden name (she has no surviving parents so she chose to keep it in their honor). I've never been exactly clear on what that means for the formal title–as a married woman who doesn't use my last name, is she Mrs Perry or Miss Perry? I suppose that's one reason "Ms" was created. It also throws a wrench in the really archaic form "Mrs Scott Nazelrod" (or "Mr and Mrs Scott Nazelrod") that I remember seeing in my mom's old writing guidebooks from the 1960s and 1970s.

As for "sir" and "ma'am", they still give me horror flashbacks of people flagging me down by yelling either of them at me (I don't think I looked particularly feminine, but the patrons were usually drunk, so it was 50/50 whether I was "sir" or "ma'am") to try to get me to fix their slot machines, then getting upset that I couldn't help them because, as a cashier, I wasn't allowed to do anything but call someone else for them.

Now you've got me laughing thinking about what a Goldsby meet would even entail. My guess is it'd start at the new roundabout at I-35/SH-74, proceed south down SH-74 to Ladd Road (passing the digital speed radar sign), then east on Ladd Road to the new bridge over I-35. Total meet itinerary, 30 minutes including stops. :-D (The 2010 Oklahoma City meet actually passed through Goldsby twice, though there were no stops there. On Day 1 it was along the way during the post-dinner bonus bridge tour, which included a clinch of SH-74B–which elicited a review from one meet attendee of "this is the worst state highway I've ever been on"–en route to the old SH-24 bridge in Washington. On Day 2 we clipped the northern limit of Goldsby on SH-9 en route to the H.E. Bailey Spur and Grady County.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on July 23, 2021, 06:35:40 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 23, 2021, 04:24:14 PMIs that something unique to Excel, or do other programs on Windows exhibit that exact behavior? On Linux, there is a program called the window manager that would handle that function, and if a program started exhibiting needy behavior like that, the window manager I use (kwin) would probably ignore the program's request (kwin's default settings explicitly shoot down "bring window to front" requests and instead subtly highlights them on the taskbar to indicate that they're requesting user attention, which you can choose to act on if you like).

There is no known general method (https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-prevent-programs-from-stealing-focus-in-windows-2624453) for preventing programs from stealing focus in Windows, though at the command line start /min will force a new console window to open minimized, and there are API hooks to open windows minimized and to manipulate program icons on the taskbar (e.g., turn them red to indicate an error requiring attention, or show a progress graph) to communicate information to the user without restoring or maximizing the window.

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 23, 2021, 04:24:14 PMI would imagine that Windows has some sort of window-managing component of the OS, but one of the death-by-a-thousand-cuts annoyances that makes me very happy to sign out of Windows whenever I am forced to use it is the window manager's obsequiousness toward any program that wants to jump to the front of the window stack and get in the way. I also wouldn't be surprised if the window manager exhibited partisan behavior toward Microsoft products like Excel; Windows has been known in the past to contain code giving their own products special treatment by the OS.

In Windows, window behavior tends to be mediated by the programs rather than the OS itself. Some programs, for example, can be configured to launch with multiple documents in one window, or with one window for each document. As a result, if there isn't a preference setting or (possibly) a registry hack to tame undesirable behavior, you are generally SOL.

As for first names versus last names, with or without courtesy titles and words of deference, that can be tricky to navigate. Calling someone "Mr./Mrs./Miss" plus last name, or using "sir" or "ma'am," can (depending on the context) signal upbringing in a politically conservative household, habits learned in a career in the military, or certain types of hierarchical relationship, e.g. sales clerk to customer. It can be a distancing tactic rather than, or as well as, a signal of respect, and sometimes it can be difficult to tell which purpose is operative. Paradoxically, it can also be an assertion of authority--think of a policeman saying "Sir" to someone he has just pulled over for speeding.

It also gets tricky when an email conversation includes people of differing status levels. Courtesy titles plus last names sounds a bit too formal, while first names sound a bit too familiar, yet sometimes people have to be referred to by name to make it clear what specifically is being discussed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 23, 2021, 06:40:42 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on July 23, 2021, 05:35:29 PM
Using the terms outside of military settings (or military members) or dealing with elderly people is unusual and likely will get you a double-take. It's considered quite formal and not appropriate under most circumstances.

I'm not saying it's common around here either. But my wife and I will buck the trend.

I say "sir" and "ma'am" all the time, and I address my e-mails at work as "Mr" and "Ms". Occasionally, someone insists I use his or her first name (the CEO at work, for example, told me not to address his e-mails as "Mr"), but most people quite appreciate the sign of respect. And, when our kids remember to answer with "sir" or "ma'am", it might take people by surprise but always in a good way.

I'd rather be too polite than too rude.

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 23, 2021, 05:41:45 PM
My wife actually still uses her maiden name (she has no surviving parents so she chose to keep it in their honor). I've never been exactly clear on what that means for the formal title–as a married woman who doesn't use my last name, is she Mrs Perry or Miss Perry? I suppose that's one reason "Ms" was created. It also throws a wrench in the really archaic form "Mrs Scott Nazelrod" (or "Mr and Mrs Scott Nazelrod") that I remember seeing in my mom's old writing guidebooks from the 1960s and 1970s.

I don't think that's ever come up for us, as all our friends and family for whom it would come up share a last name. Even my sister, who got married in her 40s, took her husband's name. So I'm not quite sure what the convention is either. But I'm sure I'd be most apt to go with "Mrs Perry", as that's her last name, and she's married.

The issue does come up when addressing invitations. I addressed all the invitations to our wedding, but that was in 2006 so I don't really remember how I handled that type of situation (if at all). It probably would have been "Mr & Mrs Scott Nazelrod", though.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on July 23, 2021, 06:40:57 PM

My last name still causes supposedly mature adults to snicker when anyone calls me Mr. (my last name). I've heard the jokes my whole life, of course, so I couldn't care less. But I still find it very weird to hear "Mr." or "Miss" and a first name, and I especially find it weird for parents to tell their kids to address someone that way without first asking the person being addressed if it's OK. I never heard anyone address adults that way when I was a kid and nobody I knew would have ever thought of using an adult's first name except when addressing an aunt or uncle or, sometimes, a clergyman (our parish had a priest who was universally called Fr. Dominic, probably because in the 1970s people didn't know how to pronounce his last name, Irace).

I don't like it when an adult I'm meeting, or communicating with, for the first time presumes to use my first name (and I was pleased today that someone I had to contact for the first time responded with "Dear Mr. [my last name]"). I was taught that's rude and bad etiquette because it presumes a familiarity that does not exist. I like it a lot less when a kid uses it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 23, 2021, 06:44:51 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on July 23, 2021, 06:35:40 PM
It also gets tricky when an email conversation includes people of differing status levels. Courtesy titles plus last names sounds a bit too formal, while first names sound a bit too familiar, yet sometimes people have to be referred to by name to make it clear what specifically is being discussed.

My general practice at work (I also e-mail people at other companies as part of my job, especially companies we work for) is to address them formally (Mr Last Name), even if they sign their e-mails with their first name.

Again, I'd rather come across as overly respectful than overly cordial.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 23, 2021, 06:49:16 PM

I know I've said it elsewhere on this forum before, but it's relevant so I'll say it again–English is really lacking a gender-neutral equivalent to "sir" or "ma'am", for when there's a customer at your counter you want to be polite to but you are having a really hard time telling which they'd prefer to be called by.

In an ideal world you could just ask "Do you prefer 'sir' or 'ma'am'?" but there are people out there that will flip the fuck out if you dare to imply that sometimes someone doesn't like to be called by what they might outwardly resemble.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 23, 2021, 06:50:58 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 23, 2021, 06:49:16 PM
I know I've said it elsewhere on this forum before, but it's relevant so I'll say it again–English is really lacking a gender-neutral equivalent to "sir" or "ma'am", for when there's a customer at your counter you want to be polite to but you are having a really hard time telling which they'd prefer to be called by.

Also for addressing an e-mail to both men and women. It can't be "Gentlemen:" or "Ladies:".

I go with "Good afternoon" in those cases.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 23, 2021, 06:52:54 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 23, 2021, 06:50:58 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 23, 2021, 06:49:16 PM
I know I've said it elsewhere on this forum before, but it's relevant so I'll say it again–English is really lacking a gender-neutral equivalent to "sir" or "ma'am", for when there's a customer at your counter you want to be polite to but you are having a really hard time telling which they'd prefer to be called by.

Also for addressing an e-mail to both men and women. It can't be "Gentlemen:" or "Ladies:".

I go with "Good afternoon" in those cases.

A lot of the work emails I've gotten start with some variation of "Hello team,"

A couple of times I started emails addressed to just the off-track betting staff with "Hey horse friends," (My work email style is not that much different than my posting style on here. I got comments from people who said they would often choose to read my emails first when seeing them in their inbox because they knew they'd be entertaining, which, of course, was why I made the conscious decision to not tone myself down too much.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on July 23, 2021, 07:55:30 PM

I do use ma'am and sir to get the attention of strangers if those situations arise, mostly because I don't know how else to do so.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on July 23, 2021, 08:10:38 PM

I've seen people just say yes and no. Even yeah and nah.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: allniter89 on July 24, 2021, 04:18:15 AM

Quote from: kphoger on July 21, 2021, 05:53:34 PM
On my way home from work today, I come to a two-way stop. So I stop. A car is coming from my right, so I stay there, waiting. This guy is going to stop for no good reason, I think to myself. Sure enough, not only does he stop for no good reason, but he even waves me through. Good grief, I think to myself, and I just throw my hands in the air and stay put. It's a quiet intersection, so no big deal to wait a bit. After several seconds of nobody moving, he proceeds to turn right, and then I follow along through the intersection.

Fast-forward four blocks. We come up to another two-way stop. At this one, the cross-street is a four-lane arterial. Across the intersection, there are about four cars waiting, facing us, and the one in front has his left blinker on. The guy in front of me (whom I discussed earlier) sees that traffic from the left is clear, and he proceeds to turn right. I roll up to the intersection and wait for traffic from both directions to clear. The guy across from me just continues to sit there with his left blinker on. So I throw my hands in the air again and go. You snooze, you lose, but I feel bad for the three drivers behind you, I think to myself.

Am I the only one who knows what to do at a stop sign? Look here, people: if it's your turn to go, then just GO!

I use a street with a 3 way stop & a 4 way. Anyday anytime someone will pull up & wait & wait. When I'm 1st in line I count to 5 then I'm outa there.
My daughter hates them even tho I try to explain there one of the safest waze thru an intersection if people know how to use them.
I mean everyone is starting from a stop so even if 2 start off at the same time they should be able to stop & avoid a crash.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: allniter89 on July 24, 2021, 04:32:37 AM

Quote from: jmacswimmer on July 22, 2021, 07:44:10 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 21, 2021, 02:39:18 PM
Things COVID taught us: Coughing in public is now as bad as, or worse than, farting in public.

Sneezing too: I can think of a handful of times where I've sneezed in a grocery store and instantly got a few dirty looks...

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on July 22, 2021, 07:26:40 AM
bonus points if you cough to cover up a fart.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBx4Kak9TDc

COPD causes me to cough at random times, altho I always cover my pie whole I get dirty looks. I say its from smoking not COVID.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: The Nature Boy on July 24, 2021, 09:24:09 AM

When someone says "my work" to refer to their place of employment instead of "my job."

Ex. "I went to my work today to pick up some papers."

It hits my ears wrong and sounds grammatically incorrect. There is already a perfectly good English phrase to describe the place to which you're referring.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on July 24, 2021, 10:21:45 AM

Quote from: The Nature Boy on July 24, 2021, 09:24:09 AM
When someone says "my work" to refer to their place of employment instead of "my job."

Ex. "I went to my work today to pick up some papers."

It hits my ears wrong and sounds grammatically incorrect. There is already a perfectly good English phrase to describe the place to which you're referring.

The way I think of it, "my job" is my role within "my work" which is the physical space where I do my job. Typically when someone says "I went to my work to do X" I take that to mean they were going to the physical location of their job while not working (such as if they forgot their phone or something that they need to go back and retrieve), or were stopping by briefly while assigned elsewhere that day. In your example, the person going to pick up papers ostensibly to take them somewhere else.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on July 24, 2021, 10:52:40 AM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on July 24, 2021, 10:21:45 AM
Quote from: The Nature Boy on July 24, 2021, 09:24:09 AM
When someone says "my work" to refer to their place of employment instead of "my job."

Ex. "I went to my work today to pick up some papers."

It hits my ears wrong and sounds grammatically incorrect. There is already a perfectly good English phrase to describe the place to which you're referring.

The way I think of it, "my job" is my role within "my work" which is the physical space where I do my job. Typically when someone says "I went to my work to do X" I take that to mean they were going to the physical location of their job while not working (such as if they forgot their phone or something that they need to go back and retrieve), or were stopping by briefly while assigned elsewhere that day. In your example, the person going to pick up papers ostensibly to take them somewhere else.

If I forget something at work, I say "I have to go to my office to pick up______". The office has a double meaning. It can be the physical room you do the work in, or it can mean the entire building that houses the company you work for. I never call it "my work". I call it "the office" or "my office" or "I have to go to work". The first two mean I am going there to do something, but I am not traditionally clocking in, and the latter means I am going to the office to actually work.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on July 24, 2021, 11:10:48 AM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on July 24, 2021, 10:52:40 AM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on July 24, 2021, 10:21:45 AM
Quote from: The Nature Boy on July 24, 2021, 09:24:09 AM
When someone says "my work" to refer to their place of employment instead of "my job."

Ex. "I went to my work today to pick up some papers."

It hits my ears wrong and sounds grammatically incorrect. There is already a perfectly good English phrase to describe the place to which you're referring.

The way I think of it, "my job" is my role within "my work" which is the physical space where I do my job. Typically when someone says "I went to my work to do X" I take that to mean they were going to the physical location of their job while not working (such as if they forgot their phone or something that they need to go back and retrieve), or were stopping by briefly while assigned elsewhere that day. In your example, the person going to pick up papers ostensibly to take them somewhere else.

If I forget something at work, I say "I have to go to my office to pick up______". The office has a double meaning. It can be the physical room you do the work in, or it can mean the entire building that houses the company you work for. I never call it "my work". I call it "the office" or "my office" or "I have to go to work". The first two mean I am going there to do something, but I am not traditionally clocking in, and the latter means I am going to the office to actually work.

Agreed with all of this, except that I also jokingly use "the office" to refer to the place where the real work gets done–that is, the restroom.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on July 24, 2021, 11:18:03 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on July 24, 2021, 11:10:48 AM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on July 24, 2021, 10:52:40 AM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on July 24, 2021, 10:21:45 AM
Quote from: The Nature Boy on July 24, 2021, 09:24:09 AM
When someone says "my work" to refer to their place of employment instead of "my job."

Ex. "I went to my work today to pick up some papers."

It hits my ears wrong and sounds grammatically incorrect. There is already a perfectly good English phrase to describe the place to which you're referring.

The way I think of it, "my job" is my role within "my work" which is the physical space where I do my job. Typically when someone says "I went to my work to do X" I take that to mean they were going to the physical location of their job while not working (such as if they forgot their phone or something that they need to go back and retrieve), or were stopping by briefly while assigned elsewhere that day. In your example, the person going to pick up papers ostensibly to take them somewhere else.

If I forget something at work, I say "I have to go to my office to pick up______". The office has a double meaning. It can be the physical room you do the work in, or it can mean the entire building that houses the company you work for. I never call it "my work". I call it "the office" or "my office" or "I have to go to work". The first two mean I am going there to do something, but I am not traditionally clocking in, and the latter means I am going to the office to actually work.

Agreed with all of this, except that I also jokingly use "the office" to refer to the place where the real work gets done–that is, the restroom.

Hahaha! George Costanza.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 24, 2021, 05:07:34 PM

I've gotten in the habit of referring to my work with whatever city it's in. This is probably because my last long-term job was at a business that bore the name of the city it was in, so the two were already synonymous. So when I'm working on the building I'm remodeling for my business, I don't say I'm going to work or to my job, but just "I'm going out to Blanchard". (I don't have any other reason to go elsewhere in Blanchard.)

I'm also doing work for someone else on a contractor basis, and get sent to job sites that can theoretically be anywhere in the metro, and those I usually refer to by the street name (e.g. "the place on Waterloo").

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on July 25, 2021, 01:39:44 PM

Quote from: The Nature Boy on July 24, 2021, 09:24:09 AM
When someone says "my work" to refer to their place of employment instead of "my job."

I don't like either of them. For me both "work" and "job" are things that you do and not places that you go to.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on July 25, 2021, 04:24:22 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on July 25, 2021, 01:39:44 PM
Quote from: The Nature Boy on July 24, 2021, 09:24:09 AM
When someone says "my work" to refer to their place of employment instead of "my job."

I don't like either of them. For me both "work" and "job" are things that you do and not places that you go to.

The common phrase around here is "I'm going to work" or "I'm leaving work," not "I'm going to the office" or "I'm leaving my job." The latter, in these parts anyway, conveys that you're giving up your employment.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on July 25, 2021, 04:38:36 PM

I refer to my place of employment away from my home as "the office"; i.e. either I'm working from home or I'm going to the office. If I were working a blue-collar job that couldn't be done from home, I probably would simply say "I'm going to work."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 25, 2021, 04:45:02 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on July 25, 2021, 04:38:36 PM
I refer to my place of employment away from my home as "the office"; i.e. either I'm working from home or I'm going to the office. If I were working a blue-collar job that couldn't be done from home, I probably would simply say "I'm going to work."

Yeah, that's the main issue I'd have. I've only worked a job where I had use of an office for about six months. In order, my job locations were: restaurant drive-thru window, restaurant office (that I shared with several other managers), casino slot floor, casino cash cage, barn, marijuana grow facility.

If I ever told my wife I was going to the office, she'd assume I was going to the home office at the end of our hallway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on July 25, 2021, 04:47:12 PM

*Tolbs plays darts as he eats popcorn and gets a bullseye!*

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on July 25, 2021, 04:47:59 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on July 25, 2021, 04:47:12 PM
*Tolbs plays darts as he eats popcorn and gets a bullseye!*

As long as they're not lawn darts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 25, 2021, 04:48:24 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on July 25, 2021, 04:47:12 PM
*Tolbs plays darts as he eats popcorn and gets a bullseye!*

Why does that bother you?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on July 25, 2021, 04:51:02 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 25, 2021, 04:48:24 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on July 25, 2021, 04:47:12 PM
*Tolbs plays darts as he eats popcorn and gets a bullseye!*

Why does that bother you?

Cause one time I choked...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on July 25, 2021, 04:53:22 PM

Back on topic: yelling at things that don't deserve being yelled at.

Example: "Get the cat out of the stupid refrigerator!" (or possibly with a swear word instead of an insult) The refrigerator didn't do anything wrong; you're probably trying to yell at the cat, not the refrigerator.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 25, 2021, 05:00:32 PM

Quote from: 1 on July 25, 2021, 04:53:22 PM
Back on topic: yelling at things that don't deserve being yelled at.

Example: "Get the cat out of the stupid refrigerator!" (or possibly with a swear word instead of an insult) The refrigerator didn't do anything wrong; you're probably trying to yell at the cat, not the refrigerator.

I'm much more likely to yell at an inanimate object than a person. The fridge isn't going to be mad, scared, or upset if I yell at it. My cat, or my wife, is. So if I'm angry I'd rather direct that into an inanimate object than a living creature.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on July 25, 2021, 05:07:20 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 23, 2021, 04:59:10 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 23, 2021, 04:45:20 PM
I haven't heard yes sir or yes ma'am in years. Not sure if I've ever called anyone that.

Your part of the country doesn't exactly have a reputation for being the most polite...

Different regions have different words to show respect. It doesn't mean one region's way is Polite and the others are all Rude.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 25, 2021, 05:44:19 PM

Quote from: kkt on July 25, 2021, 05:07:20 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 23, 2021, 04:59:10 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 23, 2021, 04:45:20 PM
I haven't heard yes sir or yes ma'am in years. Not sure if I've ever called anyone that.

Your part of the country doesn't exactly have a reputation for being the most polite...

Different regions have different words to show respect. It doesn't mean one region's way is Polite and the others are all Rude.

Also different ideas of what is polite and what is rude. In some countries if you don't kiss your friends it means you don't care about them. In some countries if you eat with your left hand that's rude, as that's the hand you're supposed to wipe your ass with.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on July 25, 2021, 05:55:55 PM

That I don't know how to find imagery after 1992.

https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/Photogrammetry/Pages/Aerial-Imagery-Assets.aspx

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 25, 2021, 06:28:15 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on July 23, 2021, 07:55:30 PM
I do use ma'am and sir to get the attention of strangers if those situations arise, mostly because I don't know how else to do so.

Really, what do other people say in such situations? "Hey, lady over there!" "Excuse me, dude?"

Quote from: wanderer2575 on July 25, 2021, 04:38:36 PM
I refer to my place of employment away from my home as "the office"; i.e. either I'm working from home or I'm going to the office. If I were working a blue-collar job that couldn't be done from home, I probably would simply say "I'm going to work."

I have a desk job, but it's also "home base" for cable guys. There's a parts room, a warehouse, etc. So I often refer to it as "the shop". So, I might tell me wife, "I need to go up to the shop to make some copies", even though it's just computer work.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on July 25, 2021, 07:00:27 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 25, 2021, 06:28:15 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on July 23, 2021, 07:55:30 PMI do use ma'am and sir to get the attention of strangers if those situations arise, mostly because I don't know how else to do so.

Really, what do other people say in such situations? "Hey, lady over there!" "Excuse me, dude?"

I normally don't call out unless it is some type of emergency.

Generally I insert myself into the other person's visual field and make a bid for attention (often by raising my hand, making eye contact, and starting to speak) when an opportune moment arises.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on July 25, 2021, 07:02:26 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on July 25, 2021, 07:00:27 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 25, 2021, 06:28:15 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on July 23, 2021, 07:55:30 PMI do use ma'am and sir to get the attention of strangers if those situations arise, mostly because I don't know how else to do so.

Really, what do other people say in such situations? "Hey, lady over there!" "Excuse me, dude?"

I normally don't call out unless it is some type of emergency.

Generally I insert myself into the other person's visual field and make a bid for attention (often by raising my hand or starting to speak) when an opportune moment arises.

Usually when this happens for me it's because someone dropped something and didn't realize it, so I want to make sure they know I'm coming from behind them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on July 25, 2021, 07:08:26 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on July 25, 2021, 07:02:26 PMUsually when this happens for me it's because someone dropped something and didn't realize it, so I want to make sure they know I'm coming from behind them.

In that case, I usually try some variant of "Excuse me" or "Pardon me" at louder-than-usual volume and hold up the dropped object.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on July 25, 2021, 08:00:44 PM

That I feel funny today. :pan:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on July 25, 2021, 10:50:51 PM

I'm not sure what the term for this is. But people trying to be too nice always makes me want to punch a wall. In most situations it is a minor thing:

Other person: "Which restaurant do you want to go to?"

Me: *thinks about it* "Let's go to restaurant A."

Other person: "Are you sure you don't want to go to restaurant B? We were thinking about going to restaurant B."

If your decision is made then don't give me an open ended question to think about. Simply asking "Do you want to go to restaurant B?" makes things much easier.

There are situations, though, where trying to be too nice is a major thing, and not in a good way. For example, if the first office of a plane is too afraid to offend or annoy the pilot, he might not speak up urgently enough if he notices an issue, which can lead to disaster. That's an extreme example for sure, but it does happen.

Similarly, when people use "sorry" or "thank you" as a cop-out word even though it's not the word that is supposed to be used.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 25, 2021, 11:15:25 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on July 25, 2021, 08:00:44 PM
That I feel funny today. :pan:

Mary Hannah have something to do with that?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on July 25, 2021, 11:17:37 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 25, 2021, 11:15:25 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on July 25, 2021, 08:00:44 PM
That I feel funny today. :pan:

Mary Hannah have something to do with that?

No...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on July 25, 2021, 11:36:01 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on July 25, 2021, 11:17:37 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 25, 2021, 11:15:25 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on July 25, 2021, 08:00:44 PM
That I feel funny today. :pan:

Mary Hannah have something to do with that?
No...

Tolbs, I can explain, but not here in public.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on July 25, 2021, 11:37:40 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 25, 2021, 11:36:01 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on July 25, 2021, 11:17:37 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 25, 2021, 11:15:25 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on July 25, 2021, 08:00:44 PM
That I feel funny today. :pan:

Mary Hannah have something to do with that?
No...
Tolbs, I can explain, but not here in public.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on July 26, 2021, 08:15:00 AM

Quote from: tolbs17 on July 25, 2021, 04:51:02 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 25, 2021, 04:48:24 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on July 25, 2021, 04:47:12 PM
*Tolbs plays darts as he eats popcorn and gets a bullseye!*

Why does that bother you?
Cause one time I choked...

you choked on a lawn dart?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 26, 2021, 09:28:24 AM

Don't eat the lawn darts, folks.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 27, 2021, 10:36:25 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 26, 2021, 09:28:24 AM
Don't eat the lawn darts, folks.

Brought to you by the Ad Council.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on July 27, 2021, 12:49:36 PM

Quote from: thspfc on July 25, 2021, 10:50:51 PMI'm not sure what the term for this is. But people trying to be too nice always makes me want to punch a wall. In most situations it is a minor thing:

Other person: "Which restaurant do you want to go to?"

Me: *thinks about it* "Let's go to restaurant A."

Other person: "Are you sure you don't want to go to restaurant B? We were thinking about going to restaurant B."

If your decision is made then don't give me an open ended question to think about. Simply asking "Do you want to go to restaurant B?" makes things much easier.

I personally don't think of this as being "too nice"--it's really an example of bait and switch, though I realize that in context, the motivation is often to avoid feeling responsible for inflicting a personal preference on the group.

Quote from: thspfc on July 25, 2021, 10:50:51 PMThere are situations, though, where trying to be too nice is a major thing, and not in a good way. For example, if the first office of a plane is too afraid to offend or annoy the pilot, he might not speak up urgently enough if he notices an issue, which can lead to disaster. That's an extreme example for sure, but it does happen.

This is thought to have contributed to the Tenerife airport disaster (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenerife_airport_disaster) in 1976 (still considered the deadliest aviation accident in history).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 27, 2021, 12:53:53 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on July 27, 2021, 12:49:36 PM

Quote from: thspfc on July 25, 2021, 10:50:51 PM
I'm not sure what the term for this is. But people trying to be too nice always makes me want to punch a wall. In most situations it is a minor thing:

Other person: "Which restaurant do you want to go to?"

Me: *thinks about it* "Let's go to restaurant A."

Other person: "Are you sure you don't want to go to restaurant B? We were thinking about going to restaurant B."

If your decision is made then don't give me an open ended question to think about. Simply asking "Do you want to go to restaurant B?" makes things much easier.

I personally don't think of this as being "too nice"--it's really an example of bait and switch, though I realize that in context, the motivation is often to avoid feeling responsible for inflicting a personal preference on the group.

Or they want to hear you idea, to find out if it's better but they just hadn't thought of it yet. That is to say, their mind wasn't 100% made up yet.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on July 27, 2021, 01:12:01 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 27, 2021, 12:53:53 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on July 27, 2021, 12:49:36 PM

Quote from: thspfc on July 25, 2021, 10:50:51 PM
I'm not sure what the term for this is. But people trying to be too nice always makes me want to punch a wall. In most situations it is a minor thing:

Other person: "Which restaurant do you want to go to?"

Me: *thinks about it* "Let's go to restaurant A."

Other person: "Are you sure you don't want to go to restaurant B? We were thinking about going to restaurant B."

If your decision is made then don't give me an open ended question to think about. Simply asking "Do you want to go to restaurant B?" makes things much easier.

I personally don't think of this as being "too nice"--it's really an example of bait and switch, though I realize that in context, the motivation is often to avoid feeling responsible for inflicting a personal preference on the group.

Or they want to hear you idea, to find out if it's better but they just hadn't thought of it yet. That is to say, their mind wasn't 100% made up yet.

It's called marriage.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 27, 2021, 01:15:14 PM

Workplace annoyances:

1. If you drop a foul-smelling deuce in the bathroom, for the love of God, don't shut the door and trap that stench in there. Let the nasty OUT! Otherwise, it's still going to stink in there 20 minutes later when I go in.

2. If you use the microwave oven, and you take your item out before the countdown reaches zero, is it really too much trouble to clear the display so the next person doesn't have to do it for you?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on July 27, 2021, 01:23:48 PM

Quote from: thspfc on July 25, 2021, 10:50:51 PM
Other person: "Which restaurant do you want to go to?"

Me: *thinks about it* "Let's go to restaurant A."

Other person: "Are you sure you don't want to go to restaurant B? We were thinking about going to restaurant B."

If your decision is made then don't give me an open ended question to think about. Simply asking "Do you want to go to restaurant B?" makes things much easier.

Sometimes they're not really looking for your input; they're looking for validation of a decision they've already made. They want you to have picked the same thing. It's kind of a dance sometimes; if you say "sure, let's go to B" just to move things along, that won't count; "now you're just saying that". You have to go with the reason you picked A, and (depending on your goal) find a reason you'd be fine with B this time; you'll go for the black pepper scallops or something.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on July 27, 2021, 01:55:11 PM

Quote from: kurumi on July 27, 2021, 01:23:48 PM
Quote from: thspfc on July 25, 2021, 10:50:51 PM
Other person: "Which restaurant do you want to go to?"

Me: *thinks about it* "Let's go to restaurant A."

Other person: "Are you sure you don't want to go to restaurant B? We were thinking about going to restaurant B."

If your decision is made then don't give me an open ended question to think about. Simply asking "Do you want to go to restaurant B?" makes things much easier.

Sometimes they're not really looking for your input; they're looking for validation of a decision they've already made. They want you to have picked the same thing. It's kind of a dance sometimes; if you say "sure, let's go to B" just to move things along, that won't count; "now you're just saying that". You have to go with the reason you picked A, and (depending on your goal) find a reason you'd be fine with B this time; you'll go for the black pepper scallops or something.

Yes.

95% of the time someone asks for "advise" on picking one thing over another, they really don't give a crap what you think. They are hoping you pick their decision to give them validation for the choice they made. This also can be applied to advise in general. They don't care about your input, unless your input is 100% in line with what they already decided in their mind.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on July 27, 2021, 01:57:47 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 27, 2021, 01:15:14 PM
Workplace annoyances:

1. If you drop a foul-smelling deuce in the bathroom, for the love of God, don't shut the door and trap that stench in there. Let the nasty OUT! Otherwise, it's still going to stink in there 20 minutes later when I go in.

2. If you use the microwave oven, and you take your item out before the countdown reaches zero, is it really too much trouble to clear the display so the next person doesn't have to do it for you?

Number 2 (pun not intended) is one of my biggest annoyances. I hate time left over on the microwave. I am so glad I am not alone in that driving me crazy.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CoreySamson on July 27, 2021, 02:09:04 PM

I've actually managed to stop the microwave with 0 seconds on the timer several times in the past couple years, and I have the pictures to prove it. I guess there's a split second of time between the timer hitting zero and the beep. I always clear it afterwards, though.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 27, 2021, 02:13:51 PM

Quote from: CoreySamson on July 27, 2021, 02:09:04 PM
I've actually managed to stop the microwave with 0 seconds on the timer several times in the past couple years, and I have the pictures to prove it. I guess there's a split second of time between the timer hitting zero and the beep. I always clear it afterwards, though.

Depends on the model. On the one I grew up with, we used to do that all the time–after zero, actually, such that the display reverted to the time of day without ever beeping. On the one at home now and the one at work, I'm pretty sure it's impossible.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 27, 2021, 07:07:07 PM

I never understood what the point of opening the door with 5 seconds left on the clock is anyway. Is the microwave beep really that bothersome?

Maybe they should make microwaves that automatically zero out after remaining time has been left on them for more than 5 minutes or so.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kenarmy on July 27, 2021, 09:25:49 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 27, 2021, 07:07:07 PM
I never understood what the point of opening the door with 5 seconds left on the clock is anyway. Is the microwave beep really that bothersome?

Maybe they should make microwaves that automatically zero out after remaining time has been left on them for more than 5 minutes or so.

I know some people that mute the microwave somehow to avoid waking others in the house

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on July 27, 2021, 10:12:00 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 27, 2021, 07:07:07 PM
I never understood what the point of opening the door with 5 seconds left on the clock is anyway. Is the microwave beep really that bothersome?

It makes you feel like you've just diffused a bomb and saved the entire planet from imminent destruction. The ticker tape parade and talk-show circuit comes after the meal.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 28, 2021, 09:37:10 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 27, 2021, 07:07:07 PM
I never understood what the point of opening the door with 5 seconds left on the clock is anyway. Is the microwave beep really that bothersome?

1. For microwaves that stop beeping as soon as you open the door, it's no big deal. But, with the one at my house and the one at work, it beeps five times no matter what. That's pointless, if I'm standing right there and other people are trying to concentrate on TV/reading/work/whatever.

2. If your food appears to be done cooking before the thing reaches zero, what else are you going to do? Let it go longer for no good reason?

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 27, 2021, 07:07:07 PM
Maybe they should make microwaves that automatically zero out after remaining time has been left on them for more than 5 minutes or so.

I can't decide if that would be a silly little benefit that everyone would think unnecessary, or if everyone would think it's genius and buy that model. I'm leaning toward the former, but if all else were equal...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on July 28, 2021, 11:53:51 AM

Quote from: kphoger on July 27, 2021, 01:15:14 PM
Workplace annoyances:

1. If you drop a foul-smelling deuce in the bathroom, for the love of God, don't shut the door and trap that stench in there. Let the nasty OUT! Otherwise, it's still going to stink in there 20 minutes later when I go in.

Not possible in my office, where the main bathroom has two stalls and two urinals, and the two facilities on either end of the building have one stall and one urinal each.

The best option is for some air freshener or other odor-eliminating solution be available. If you open the door, the smell wafts out into the general area and everyone has to endure it (and if they saw you come out of the bathroom, they know who did it.)

In my old office, someone had really stunk the place up just prior to my going in to take a leak. (It had one stall and three urinals; the upstairs bathroom had two stalls). When I came out of the bathroom, the smell followed me out. The crazy cleaning lady we had working there at the time was walking by, caught a whiff, and loudly (in front of the employees and visitors in the lobby) accused me of fouling up the joint.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 28, 2021, 12:26:34 PM

The trend of removing capital letters from corporate logos/names.

(https://1000logos.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Walmart-Logo-1992-500x281.jpg) (https://1000logos.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Walmart-logo-500x296.jpg)

(https://1000logos.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Macys-Logo-1948.jpg) (https://1000logos.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Macys-logo-500x200.jpg)

(https://1000logos.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/BP-Logo-1989-500x333.png) (https://1000logos.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/BP-logo-500x333.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on July 28, 2021, 01:02:24 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on July 28, 2021, 11:53:51 AMThe best option is for some air freshener or other odor-eliminating solution be available. If you open the door, the smell wafts out into the general area and everyone has to endure it (and if they saw you come out of the bathroom, they know who did it).

I agree that there should be effective odor removal.

While I realize that this is not an option for many (the accepted range for bowel regularity runs from once every three days to three times a day), I try to time bowel movements for when I am at home, not just to avoid glares for stinking up a shared office environment, but also to avoid feeding other people's curiosity about how far off the rails I may be in terms of diet. (As an example: a stool that smells of burnt coffee is often a sign of constipation.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on July 28, 2021, 01:26:10 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on July 28, 2021, 01:02:24 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on July 28, 2021, 11:53:51 AMThe best option is for some air freshener or other odor-eliminating solution be available. If you open the door, the smell wafts out into the general area and everyone has to endure it (and if they saw you come out of the bathroom, they know who did it).

I agree that there should be effective odor removal.

While I realize that this is not an option for many (the accepted range for bowel regularity runs from once every three days to three times a day), I try to time bowel movements for when I am at home, not just to avoid glares for stinking up a shared office environment, but also to avoid feeding other people's curiosity about how far off the rails I may be in terms of diet. (As an example: a stool that smells of burnt coffee is often a sign of constipation.)

Boy, I wish I could do that. My system works like this: It's coming, whether you want it to or not.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 28, 2021, 01:57:32 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on July 28, 2021, 01:02:24 PM
I try to time bowel movements for when I am at home

Wow, that's even a possibility? I go to the bathroom whenever I feel like poop wants to come out. I don't have much control over when it wants to come out.

Quote from: J N Winkler on July 28, 2021, 01:02:24 PM
to avoid feeding other people's curiosity about how far off the rails I may be in terms of diet. (As an example: a stool that smells of burnt coffee is often a sign of constipation.)

I quite sure nobody at my work cares what sort of diet I'm eating, and I very surely don't care what sort of diet they're eating. Do you have any evidence that people might be thinking such things about you?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on July 28, 2021, 03:06:50 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 28, 2021, 01:57:32 PMWow, that's even a possibility? I go to the bathroom whenever I feel like poop wants to come out. I don't have much control over when it wants to come out.

Yes, it's a possibility. The key is to orchestrate things so that the urge arrives at a consistent time of day. An approach that works for some, not all, is to keep fiber intake at a high level that varies little from day to day (if you get 100% of the fiber RDA on a daily basis, you are ahead of 95% to 97% of Americans), maintain good hydration, and sleep at roughly the same time each day.

Quote from: kphoger on July 28, 2021, 01:57:32 PMI quite sure nobody at my work cares what sort of diet I'm eating, and I very surely don't care what sort of diet they're eating. Do you have any evidence that people might be thinking such things about you?

I've been part of conversations where it was noted that raw garlic could be smelled not just in the eater's feces, but also his urine, and that pork adds greatly to the stink of a stool. None of this has been in the context of humiliating someone who has just defecated--aside from being grossly improper, this is bullying--but it does testify that what happens to food in the GI tract is a matter of intellectual interest at the very least.

For the avoidance of doubt, I should say that I don't think the goal should necessarily be to produce a stool that doesn't smell. I am interested in life patterns that preserve good GI function as long as possible, and for a large share of the population, I suspect (but have not empirically verified) that these correspond to stools that stink more than might otherwise be the case. If it is a problem that bathroom smells bother other people, then I think that should be mitigated through better odor handling rather than through efforts to address the smell at the source that might be counterproductive in terms of health.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 28, 2021, 03:26:22 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on July 28, 2021, 03:06:50 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 28, 2021, 01:57:32 PM
Wow, that's even a possibility? I go to the bathroom whenever I feel like poop wants to come out. I don't have much control over when it wants to come out.

Yes, it's a possibility. The key is to orchestrate things so that the urge arrives at a consistent time of day. An approach that works for some, not all, is to keep fiber intake at a high level that varies little from day to day (if you get 100% of the fiber RDA on a daily basis, you are ahead of 95% to 97% of Americans), maintain good hydration, and sleep at roughly the same time each day.

Oh, I have fairly regular stools. That is to say, they are consistent. I generally have to go about an hour or two after I arrive at work. I assumed you were saying you could time them to hit at, say, early evening instead.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on July 28, 2021, 04:05:11 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on July 28, 2021, 03:06:50 PM
I've been part of conversations where it was noted that raw garlic could be smelled not just in the eater's feces, but also his urine, and that pork adds greatly to the stink of a stool.

Garlic can also be detected in the body odor/sweat of those who ingest it in significant amounts as well. Years ago, at the community newspaper where I worked, we also had a TMC publication (a "shopper") in which the inserts were placed by hand in the publication. A number of those who were contracted to do the inserting were heavy garlic eaters. When they were all congregated in one area for a couple of hours, their smell permeated the building, drifting up from the basement where they were working to the first floor where our offices were. The smell was overwhelming -- and, much like marijuana smoke, caused me to have headaches. Even today, with my various nasal allergy issues, I can smell a garlic eater when I get near them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on July 28, 2021, 04:19:01 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 28, 2021, 12:26:34 PM
The trend of removing capital letters from corporate logos/names.

I can expand this to anyone who thinks only using lowercase letters is "cool" and "hip". This is common in people who turn off auto-correct on their phones.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Takumi on July 28, 2021, 04:49:52 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on July 28, 2021, 04:19:01 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 28, 2021, 12:26:34 PM
The trend of removing capital letters from corporate logos/names.

I can expand this to anyone who thinks only using lowercase letters is "cool" and "hip". This is common in people who turn off auto-correct on their phones.

It was cool in 1995.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 28, 2021, 04:54:16 PM

Quote from: Takumi on July 28, 2021, 04:49:52 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on July 28, 2021, 04:19:01 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 28, 2021, 12:26:34 PM
The trend of removing capital letters from corporate logos/names.

I can expand this to anyone who thinks only using lowercase letters is "cool" and "hip". This is common in people who turn off auto-correct on their phones.

It was cool in 1995.

On mIRC, no less.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on July 28, 2021, 05:13:21 PM

The popularity of lower-case letters can be explained thusly:

WHICH OF THESE SENTENCES APPEARS MORE AGGRESSIVE
which of these sentences appears more aggressive

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on July 28, 2021, 05:18:50 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on July 28, 2021, 05:13:21 PM
The popularity of lower-case letters can be explained thusly:

WHICH OF THESE SENTENCES APPEARS MORE AGGRESSIVE
which of these sentences appears more aggressive

That's what I was thinking. Corporations gotta appear more "friendly". As for individual people typing like that, it's more common with girls than guys, and that's no coincidence either.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on July 28, 2021, 05:30:06 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 28, 2021, 12:26:34 PM
The trend of removing capital letters from corporate logos/names.

That doesn't bother me as much as the blandification of logos does. Almost nothing, in my opinion, looks good in a bold sans serif font:

(https://i.imgur.com/60coYyg.png)

That said, that last logo, despite its similarity to the others, was so poorly received that it only lasted in the wild for about a month. A rare victory.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 28, 2021, 07:00:56 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on July 28, 2021, 05:30:06 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 28, 2021, 12:26:34 PM
The trend of removing capital letters from corporate logos/names.

That doesn't bother me as much as the blandification of logos does. Almost nothing, in my opinion, looks good in a bold sans serif font:

---

That said, that last logo, despite its similarity to the others, was so poorly received that it only lasted in the wild for about a month. A rare victory.

This is due almost totally to the rise of smartphones and thus smaller display sizes that are less accommodating of graphical frills. Case in point:
(https://i.imgur.com/60coYyg.png)

Quote from: JoePCool14 on July 28, 2021, 04:19:01 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 28, 2021, 12:26:34 PM
The trend of removing capital letters from corporate logos/names.

I can expand this to anyone who thinks only using lowercase letters is "cool" and "hip". This is common in people who turn off auto-correct on their phones.

Generally, I find that only using lowercase letters imparts a more casual tone. If I post here in all-lowercase, for instance, that is generally a sign that I am trying to make a joke without being too obvious about it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on July 28, 2021, 07:10:44 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 28, 2021, 07:00:56 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on July 28, 2021, 04:19:01 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 28, 2021, 12:26:34 PM
The trend of removing capital letters from corporate logos/names.

I can expand this to anyone who thinks only using lowercase letters is "cool" and "hip". This is common in people who turn off auto-correct on their phones.

Generally, I find that only using lowercase letters imparts a more casual tone. If I post here in all-lowercase, for instance, that is generally a sign that I am trying to make a joke without being too obvious about it.

That's completely true. Meme culture thrives off of different text formatting.

you could be like this

O R L I K E T H I S

oR eVEn LIkE tHiSssSS!

That's all well and good, but I don't care for it when people use all lowercase for no good reason. :sombrero:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on July 28, 2021, 08:42:53 PM

Or JuSt AlTeRnAtInG cAsE fOr ThE LoLs. (I sEe ThAt WoRkEd OuT pErFeCtLy!)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on July 28, 2021, 09:28:16 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 28, 2021, 07:00:56 PM

This is due almost totally to the rise of smartphones and thus smaller display sizes that are less accommodating of graphical frills. Case in point:
(https://i.imgur.com/60coYyg.png)

That's what they say, but I'm pretty sure it's just a trend. Time will tell, I guess.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on July 28, 2021, 09:33:06 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on July 28, 2021, 08:42:53 PM
Or JuSt AlTeRnAtInG cAsE fOr ThE LoLs. (I sEe ThAt WoRkEd OuT pErFeCtLy!)

espn2 in 1994.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on July 28, 2021, 09:39:33 PM

Getting back on topic: Example_username posts something trollish and irrelevant. I report, it gets removed in 15 minutes. A few hours later, Example_username posts something similar, and the thread is now completely derailed. (Not this thread!) Shouldn't you have figured it out the first time, or are you trying to get the thread locked? Doing so when people have already stated "I don't know how long this thread will last" is not a good idea.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 28, 2021, 10:29:31 PM

Quote from: 1 on July 28, 2021, 09:39:33 PM
Getting back on topic: Example_username posts something trollish and irrelevant. I report, it gets removed in 15 minutes. A few hours later, Example_username posts something similar, and the thread is now completely derailed. (Not this thread!) Shouldn't you have figured it out the first time, or are you trying to get the thread locked? Doing so when people have already stated "I don't know how long this thread will last" is not a good idea.

I'm pretty sure that the person in question only posts here nowadays to derail threads into a lock. It's too bad because even though that has always been a thing they also used to post meaningful historic content that I found useful.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 28, 2021, 11:16:46 PM

If you see posts get deleted that means stop talking about what was being talked about in those posts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on July 28, 2021, 11:32:53 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on July 28, 2021, 09:28:16 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 28, 2021, 07:00:56 PM

This is due almost totally to the rise of smartphones and thus smaller display sizes that are less accommodating of graphical frills. Case in point:
(https://i.imgur.com/60coYyg.png)

That's what they say, but I'm pretty sure it's just a trend. Time will tell, I guess.

It is probably (hopefully) just a fad. It's similar to how we went from skew-morphism design to flat design, and then we'll end up going back again. Or glossy to flat to glossy. Anything to keep things looking different.

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 28, 2021, 11:16:46 PM
If you see posts get deleted that means stop talking about what was being talked about in those posts.

Purple and bold, things gettin' serious now! :wow:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on July 28, 2021, 11:35:31 PM

What bothers me is my new crown feels funny.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Takumi on July 28, 2021, 11:43:20 PM

When people continuously feed trolls.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on July 29, 2021, 12:12:08 AM

Quote from: tolbs17 on July 28, 2021, 11:35:31 PM
What bothers me is my new crown feels funny.

Either put that in the dentist thread or you don't need to share every detail of your life on the forum.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on July 29, 2021, 01:27:37 AM

Quote from: J N Winkler on July 27, 2021, 12:49:36 PM
Quote from: thspfc on July 25, 2021, 10:50:51 PMI'm not sure what the term for this is. But people trying to be too nice always makes me want to punch a wall. In most situations it is a minor thing:

Other person: "Which restaurant do you want to go to?"

Me: *thinks about it* "Let's go to restaurant A."

Other person: "Are you sure you don't want to go to restaurant B? We were thinking about going to restaurant B."

If your decision is made then don't give me an open ended question to think about. Simply asking "Do you want to go to restaurant B?" makes things much easier.

I personally don't think of this as being "too nice"--it's really an example of bait and switch, though I realize that in context, the motivation is often to avoid feeling responsible for inflicting a personal preference on the group.

Quote from: thspfc on July 25, 2021, 10:50:51 PMThere are situations, though, where trying to be too nice is a major thing, and not in a good way. For example, if the first office of a plane is too afraid to offend or annoy the pilot, he might not speak up urgently enough if he notices an issue, which can lead to disaster. That's an extreme example for sure, but it does happen.

This is thought to have contributed to the Tenerife airport disaster (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenerife_airport_disaster) in 1976 (still considered the deadliest aviation accident in history).

Yes, and it did lead to training all the flight crew to speak up if they thought the pilot in control was making a mistake, and pilots in control to listen to them. Like a lot of aviation disasters, there were a lot of contributing factors, but the last real chance to avoid the accident was the 1st officer asking "Hey, did the tower actually clear us to take off?" while the captain just shut him up saying "Yes. Taking off."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on July 29, 2021, 03:46:08 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 28, 2021, 11:16:46 PM
If you see posts get deleted that means stop talking about what was being talked about in those posts.

This. This means one of my favorite threads is going to be locked and I'm going to really miss it. So please, seriously, stop.

But at least this one has managed to reach page 100 (using the forum standard of 25 posts per page). I initially thought it was going to be locked quickly.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on July 29, 2021, 04:09:49 AM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on July 28, 2021, 11:32:53 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on July 28, 2021, 09:28:16 PM
That's what they say, but I'm pretty sure it's just a trend. Time will tell, I guess.

It is probably (hopefully) just a fad. It's similar to how we went from skew-morphism design to flat design, and then we'll end up going back again. Or glossy to flat to glossy. Anything to keep things looking different.

Skeuomorphism was not so much a design option as it was a design requirement for the time. It bridged the gap between real life and virtual. That gap, arguably, has long closed; most people have experience with touchscreens, smartphones, etc. With that being the case, there is no longer any advantage to skeuomorphism in the traditional sense, and going back to it serves little functional purpose. Many of the emulated objects are just as unfamiliar to today's users as the smartphone was to the average person 15 years ago. Additionally, many applications and uses for modern smartphones have no physical counterpart; how does one have a skeuomorphic UX when most applications have nothing physical to emulate? If the past is anything to go by, we end up with an overly glossy, drop shadow-heavy, 3D-ish user interface that succeeds only at feeling overdesigned.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on July 29, 2021, 04:48:42 AM

Quote from: kphoger on July 28, 2021, 12:26:34 PM
The trend of removing capital letters from corporate logos/names.

that doesn't bother me so much (says guy who despises capital letters in general) but the abbreviating of everything does.

village inn =vi
kentucky fried chicken=kfc

etc.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on July 29, 2021, 10:22:16 AM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on July 29, 2021, 04:48:42 AM
Quote from: kphoger on July 28, 2021, 12:26:34 PM
The trend of removing capital letters from corporate logos/names.

that doesn't bother me so much (says guy who despises capital letters in general) but the abbreviating of everything does.

village inn =vi
kentucky fried chicken=kfc

etc.

Everything being lowercase annoys me. It looks like a bunch of kids that were tired of their teachers telling them to use correct capitalization and punctuation got lose and started naming restaurants. Throw in a company named after a verb, or a recent trendy word (or non-word) and you there you go. I just liked it better when companies were named after the last name of the founder.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on July 29, 2021, 10:55:28 AM

Quote from: tolbs17 on July 28, 2021, 11:35:31 PM
What bothers me is my new crown feels funny.

You'll get used to it. My bite has changed slightly every time I've gotten a crown, but the adjustment period is fairly quick.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on July 29, 2021, 11:14:48 AM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on July 29, 2021, 04:48:42 AM
Quote from: kphoger on July 28, 2021, 12:26:34 PM
The trend of removing capital letters from corporate logos/names.

that doesn't bother me so much (says guy who despises capital letters in general) but the abbreviating of everything does.

village inn =vi
kentucky fried chicken=kfc

etc.

And combining partial words to spawn a new brand name, with multiple capital letters.

InterContiTransAmeriCo. We've changed our name to serve you better!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 29, 2021, 11:39:13 AM

Quote from: kphoger on July 28, 2021, 12:26:34 PM
The trend of removing capital letters from corporate logos/names.

Quote from: jakeroot on July 28, 2021, 05:13:21 PM
The popularity of lower-case letters can be explained thusly:

WHICH OF THESE SENTENCES APPEARS MORE AGGRESSIVE
which of these sentences appears more aggressive

But that's not always what happens.

Which of these corporate names appears more aggressive:
Macy's
macy's
Neither one appears aggressive!

I mean, why not do this for state welcome signs:
welcome to north carolina! :-)

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on July 29, 2021, 04:48:42 AM
that doesn't bother me so much (says guy who despises capital letters in general) but the abbreviating of everything does.

village inn =vi
kentucky fried chicken=kfc

etc.

But Kentucky Fried Chicken became KFC because fried chicken isn't very healthy. They kept selling fried chicken, of course. They just didn't, you know, put it on their sign. (This was admitted by the president of US operations.) I still remember the brief transition period, when they tried calling themselves Kitchen Fresh Chicken instead, as if they could do that and just make us forget what the letters really stand for.

Since 1991, KFC has been the official name of the company, so anyone calling it that is only being accurate.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on July 29, 2021, 11:58:51 AM

Quote from: kphoger on July 29, 2021, 11:39:13 AM
Quote from: kphoger on July 28, 2021, 12:26:34 PM
The trend of removing capital letters from corporate logos/names.

Quote from: jakeroot on July 28, 2021, 05:13:21 PM
The popularity of lower-case letters can be explained thusly:

WHICH OF THESE SENTENCES APPEARS MORE AGGRESSIVE
which of these sentences appears more aggressive

But that's not always what happens.

Which of these corporate names appears more aggressive:
Macy's
macy's
Neither one appears aggressive!

I mean, why not do this for state welcome signs:
welcome to north carolina! :-)

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on July 29, 2021, 04:48:42 AM
that doesn't bother me so much (says guy who despises capital letters in general) but the abbreviating of everything does.

village inn =vi
kentucky fried chicken=kfc

etc.

But Kentucky Fried Chicken became KFC because fried chicken isn't very healthy. They kept selling fried chicken, of course. They just didn't, you know, put it on their sign. (This was admitted by the president of US operations.) I still remember the brief transition period, when they tried calling themselves Kitchen Fresh Chicken instead, as if they could do that and just make us forget what the letters really stand for.

Since 1991, KFC has been the official name of the company, so anyone calling it that is only being accurate.

What bugs me about it is no one cared about a sentence in all caps vrs. written in mixed case until email and text messaging became the norm. This tells me the phenomenon is relatively new. I feel there is a "rewrite history" trajectory going on to make brand names all lowercase to make them more calming. That in combination with people and their lackluster capitalization just because they can. Again with the millennials. :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on July 29, 2021, 01:35:05 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 29, 2021, 11:39:13 AM
But Kentucky Fried Chicken became KFC because fried chicken isn't very healthy. They kept selling fried chicken, of course. They just didn't, you know, put it on their sign. (This was admitted by the president of US operations.) I still remember the brief transition period, when they tried calling themselves Kitchen Fresh Chicken instead, as if they could do that and just make us forget what the letters really stand for.

Since 1991, KFC has been the official name of the company, so anyone calling it that is only being accurate.

Congratulations, you've just made me want to get KFC for lunch! :-P

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 29, 2021, 08:42:39 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on July 29, 2021, 04:48:42 AM
village inn =vi

If I go in there and write q! on the ticket they'll let me leave without paying the check, right?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on July 30, 2021, 12:33:45 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 29, 2021, 08:42:39 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on July 29, 2021, 04:48:42 AM
village inn =vi

If I go in there and write q! on the ticket they'll let me leave without paying the check, right?

No, you'll still be there; missing a colon :-)

:q!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on July 30, 2021, 10:18:46 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 29, 2021, 08:42:39 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on July 29, 2021, 04:48:42 AM
village inn =vi

If I go in there and write q! on the ticket they'll let me leave without paying the check, right?

nerd :-D

but well-played.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on July 30, 2021, 10:28:30 AM

I'm sick of this grep.

Chris

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on August 05, 2021, 01:34:15 PM

This nonsense.

Warning: Pine nuts contain pine nuts.

(https://i.imgur.com/dbqMXJE.png)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 05, 2021, 01:41:29 PM

Of course, this is probably due to a regulation that says "Things that contain pine nuts must say 'Warning: Contains Pine Nut'" without an explicit exemption for cases where you're selling just pine nuts or things that are already marketed to contain pine nut (I would imagine, say, a pine nut variety of trail mix might also carry that unnecessary warning).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on August 05, 2021, 01:48:35 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 05, 2021, 01:41:29 PM
(I would imagine, say, a pine nut variety of trail mix might also carry that unnecessary warning)

And I'm fine with that part. The whole point of the warning is, I assume, so people aren't expected to read the whole ingredients list in order to determine if a product will make them sick or not, and that's not a bad idea.

But it's an ingredient! It doesn't contain pine nuts. It is pine nuts. Seriously, people.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on August 05, 2021, 01:50:27 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 05, 2021, 01:48:35 PM
Seriously, people.

Nah, that's soylent green.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on August 05, 2021, 02:33:46 PM

Some people have to be told that peanut butter contains peanuts, so there you go.

Lawyers ruin everything (apologies to Oscar, 1995hoo, and other attorneys who are members here.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on August 05, 2021, 02:37:03 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on August 05, 2021, 02:33:46 PM
Some people have to be told that peanut butter contains peanuts, so there you go.

Lawyers ruin everything (apologies to Oscar, 1995hoo, and other attorneys who are members here.)

I get the impression that lawyers tend to enjoy lawyer jokes.

Anyway...

(https://www.quotes.net/images/35027.png)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tchafe1978 on August 05, 2021, 02:57:18 PM

People mixing up the usuage of similar words, or different tenses of the same words. Examples:

Advise and advice: I would advise you to take his advice.

Worst and worse: Even the worst could be worse.

Lose, loose, loser, and looser: If you lose weight, your loose pants will become looser and you'll become a weight loser.

And of course, the ubiquitous your and you're; and there, they're, and their.

It drives me nuts that people can't seem to remember 3rd grade English.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on August 05, 2021, 03:04:15 PM

The one that trips people up in church is prophecy/prophesy.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on August 05, 2021, 03:16:25 PM

In the past few years I've been seeing reticent being used with the meaning of reluctant even in sources (such as the Guardian and the latest Dana Stabenow novel) that one would expect to have passed through the hands of paid copyeditors.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on August 05, 2021, 03:48:47 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on August 05, 2021, 02:33:46 PM
Some people have to be told that peanut butter contains peanuts, so there you go.

With that, I can at least imagine a person thinking peanut butter is only artificially peanut-flavored.

But someone buying a package of peanuts, on the other hand...

Well, that's just nuts.

(https://i.redd.it/8z440wjijus21.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 05, 2021, 04:29:19 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on August 05, 2021, 02:33:46 PM
Some people have to be told that peanut butter contains peanuts, so there you go.

Lawyers ruin everything (apologies to Oscar, 1995hoo, and other attorneys who are members here.)

Heh, never underestimate the ability of some attorneys to engage in utterly pedantic stupidity. I recently saw something where an attorney felt the need to use the "defined term" "U.S." in parentheses after referring to the United States: United States ("U.S.").....like a reader wouldn't know what "U.S." means without that utterly unnecessary definition.

I saw something else where a party's name was a single word, yet the name was "defined" in that manner anyway–like if it said, Forum member hbelkins ("hbelkins") argues [whatever]. The "defined term" was 100% identical to the term that appeared outside the parentheses. I think some people just think there's some requirement that they "define the parties" (there isn't).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on August 05, 2021, 04:55:05 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on August 05, 2021, 03:16:25 PM
In the past few years I've been seeing reticent being used with the meaning of reluctant even in sources (such as the Guardian and the latest Dana Stabenow novel) that one would expect to have passed through the hands of paid copyeditors.

Probably because the term -- and I have seen it used interchangeably with reluctant for years -- can be used as a substitute to the phrase "reluctant to -------"

One example sentence is "she was extremely reticent about her personal affairs." Change "reticent" to "reluctant to reveal" and you can see why the confusion.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 05, 2021, 05:52:02 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 05, 2021, 04:29:19 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on August 05, 2021, 02:33:46 PM
Some people have to be told that peanut butter contains peanuts, so there you go.

Lawyers ruin everything (apologies to Oscar, 1995hoo, and other attorneys who are members here.)

Heh, never underestimate the ability of some attorneys to engage in utterly pedantic stupidity. I recently saw something where an attorney felt the need to use the "defined term" "U.S." in parentheses after referring to the United States: United States ("U.S.").....like a reader wouldn't know what "U.S." means without that utterly unnecessary definition.

I saw something else where a party's name was a single word, yet the name was "defined" in that manner anyway–like if it said, Forum member hbelkins ("hbelkins") argues [whatever]. The "defined term" was 100% identical to the term that appeared outside the parentheses. I think some people just think there's some requirement that they "define the parties" (there isn't).

A similar annoyance is the practice in a lot of legalese of writing the words out then putting it in numbers in parentheses. That means the same thing is there two (2) different ways and it's irritating, because it looks like they were writing it for someone who is four (4) years old and struggles with numbers. I'm guessing this has something to do with keeping numbers from easily being altered on paper contracts, but it's two thousand and twenty-one (2021); the practice is archaic and should be dropped.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on August 05, 2021, 07:22:55 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 05, 2021, 05:52:02 PM
A similar annoyance is the practice in a lot of legalese of writing the words out then putting it in numbers in parentheses. That means the same thing is there two (2) different ways and it's irritating, because it looks like they were writing it for someone who is four (4) years old and struggles with numbers. I'm guessing this has something to do with keeping numbers from easily being altered on paper contracts, but it's two thousand and twenty-one (2021); the practice is archaic and should be dropped.

At my job, the only time I do it is this:

0 (zero)

And that's just because I want anyone reading it to understand it isn't the letter O.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on August 05, 2021, 07:23:54 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 05, 2021, 07:22:55 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 05, 2021, 05:52:02 PM
A similar annoyance is the practice in a lot of legalese of writing the words out then putting it in numbers in parentheses. That means the same thing is there two (2) different ways and it's irritating, because it looks like they were writing it for someone who is four (4) years old and struggles with numbers. I'm guessing this has something to do with keeping numbers from easily being altered on paper contracts, but it's two thousand and twenty-one (2021); the practice is archaic and should be dropped.

At my job, the only time I do it is this:

0 (zero)

And that's just because I want anyone reading it to understand it isn't the letter O.

That's what 0̸ is for.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on August 05, 2021, 07:53:59 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 05, 2021, 03:48:47 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on August 05, 2021, 02:33:46 PM
Some people have to be told that peanut butter contains peanuts, so there you go.

With that, I can at least imagine a person thinking peanut butter is only artificially peanut-flavored.

But someone buying a package of peanuts, on the other hand...

Well, that's just nuts.

(https://i.redd.it/8z440wjijus21.jpg)

The quoted posts contain hbelkins and kphoger ;)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on August 05, 2021, 08:52:17 PM

Uh... Yeah... Am I missing something interesting about that?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 05, 2021, 08:54:50 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 05, 2021, 05:52:02 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 05, 2021, 04:29:19 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on August 05, 2021, 02:33:46 PM
Some people have to be told that peanut butter contains peanuts, so there you go.

Lawyers ruin everything (apologies to Oscar, 1995hoo, and other attorneys who are members here.)

Heh, never underestimate the ability of some attorneys to engage in utterly pedantic stupidity. I recently saw something where an attorney felt the need to use the "defined term" "U.S." in parentheses after referring to the United States: United States ("U.S.").....like a reader wouldn't know what "U.S." means without that utterly unnecessary definition.

I saw something else where a party's name was a single word, yet the name was "defined" in that manner anyway–like if it said, Forum member hbelkins ("hbelkins") argues [whatever]. The "defined term" was 100% identical to the term that appeared outside the parentheses. I think some people just think there's some requirement that they "define the parties" (there isn't).

A similar annoyance is the practice in a lot of legalese of writing the words out then putting it in numbers in parentheses. That means the same thing is there two (2) different ways and it's irritating, because it looks like they were writing it for someone who is four (4) years old and struggles with numbers. I'm guessing this has something to do with keeping numbers from easily being altered on paper contracts, but it's two thousand and twenty-one (2021); the practice is archaic and should be dropped.

That is exactly why it originated. It may serve a perfectly legitimate purpose in that context, but otherwise, you're correct–it's a pointless superstition some people have.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on August 05, 2021, 09:01:03 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 05, 2021, 08:52:17 PM
Uh... Yeah... Am I missing something interesting about that?

I think he's calling us both nuts. :-D

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 05, 2021, 05:52:02 PM
A similar annoyance is the practice in a lot of legalese of writing the words out then putting it in numbers in parentheses. That means the same thing is there two (2) different ways and it's irritating, because it looks like they were writing it for someone who is four (4) years old and struggles with numbers. I'm guessing this has something to do with keeping numbers from easily being altered on paper contracts, but it's two thousand and twenty-one (2021); the practice is archaic and should be dropped.

Probably the same reason that you both write the numerals and spell out the numbers on a check. I once had a check returned because the amount and the "guarantee" amount didn't match. I think it was just a matter of my writing being hard to read, but it's been so long ago that I don't remember the exact circumstances.

I think it's done to make sure there is no misunderstanding as to the number you mean. When I place legally required ads in newspapers for public meetings, comment periods, and the like, I always make sure in my message to the newspaper ad department to run the ad two (2) times. That way, if they accidentally run it three times, we don't have to pay for the extra insertion, and if they only run it once and we get grief from the feds, we can point to the insertion request and note that we designated a certain number of times and the paper didn't comply.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 05, 2021, 10:11:57 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on August 05, 2021, 09:01:03 PM
Probably the same reason that you both write the numerals and spell out the numbers on a check. I once had a check returned because the amount and the "guarantee" amount didn't match. I think it was just a matter of my writing being hard to read, but it's been so long ago that I don't remember the exact circumstances.

This must be something that varies from bank to bank. I once deposited a check from a friend who was repaying some money from a friend of mine. He had accidentally written a different amount on the written-out amount line than the amount written in digits. My bank said that in that circumstance, the written-out amount governed. The amount written was deposited in my account, and his check wasn't returned. Then again, his handwriting was perfectly clear on both amounts, and there was clearly no attempt to alter either of the amounts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on August 06, 2021, 11:05:46 AM

Well, that was a strange post removal...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: renegade on August 06, 2021, 02:26:11 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 06, 2021, 11:05:46 AM
Well, that was a strange post removal...

Yup ... keepin' the mods busy 'round these parts nowadays.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: frankenroad on August 06, 2021, 02:34:08 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 05, 2021, 10:11:57 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on August 05, 2021, 09:01:03 PM
Probably the same reason that you both write the numerals and spell out the numbers on a check. I once had a check returned because the amount and the "guarantee" amount didn't match. I think it was just a matter of my writing being hard to read, but it's been so long ago that I don't remember the exact circumstances.

This must be something that varies from bank to bank. I once deposited a check from a friend who was repaying some money from a friend of mine. He had accidentally written a different amount on the written-out amount line than the amount written in digits. My bank said that in that circumstance, the written-out amount governed. The amount written was deposited in my account, and his check wasn't returned. Then again, his handwriting was perfectly clear on both amounts, and there was clearly no attempt to alter either of the amounts.

Back in the dark ages (1977-78), I worked for a bank and my job was to encode the amount of the check on the bottom adjacent to the routing number and account number. We were always taught that the written-out amount (e.g., "Four Hundred Twenty Eight and 64/100 Dollars") was the legal amount, regardless of what digits were written. Of course, to meet our items-per-hour target, we went by the digits when we encoded the check, unless we just happened to notice a discrepancy.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 09, 2021, 05:36:40 PM

I suppose if I used our neighborhood's pools, this would be more than a minor annoyance.

But the frequency of this sort of problem is why I don't go to the pools. Normally they're not quite this specific, though–they just mention water quality without citing Code Yellow or Code Brown.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210809/8ea86695a5e9ebe33bf50ad759ea48df.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on August 10, 2021, 11:51:41 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 09, 2021, 05:36:40 PM
I suppose if I used our neighborhood's pools, this would be more than a minor annoyance.

But the frequency of this sort of problem is why I don't go to the pools. Normally they're not quite this specific, though–they just mention water quality without citing Code Yellow or Code Brown.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210809/8ea86695a5e9ebe33bf50ad759ea48df.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on August 10, 2021, 02:52:03 PM

Things at work that require you to use a personal something-or-other. For example, needing an e-mail address other than your work address when setting up an account on a program you use. Or needing a two-factor authentication app but your company doesn't provide cell phones.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on August 10, 2021, 03:01:15 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 10, 2021, 02:52:03 PM
Things at work that require you to use a personal something-or-other. For example, needing an e-mail address other than your work address when setting up an account on a program you use. Or needing a two-factor authentication app but your company doesn't provide cell phones.

Even worse, being expected to supply your personal cell phone number so everyone can always get in touch with you. Or being expected to link your company email to your phone so you can always answer messages.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 10, 2021, 03:26:53 PM

Quote from: GaryV on August 10, 2021, 03:01:15 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 10, 2021, 02:52:03 PM
Things at work that require you to use a personal something-or-other. For example, needing an e-mail address other than your work address when setting up an account on a program you use. Or needing a two-factor authentication app but your company doesn't provide cell phones.

Even worse, being expected to supply your personal cell phone number so everyone can always get in touch with you. Or being expected to link your company email to your phone so you can always answer messages.

While it represents added expense, I would strongly urge anyone who is asked to do that to get a separate phone for work purposes, if at all possible, and never to commingle personal and work e-mail on a single device. Reason: If you use your device for work purposes, it's subject to discovery in litigation involving your employer, and that means in turn that your personal data will likely be viewed (even though it's not likely to be admissible nor relevant most of the time). The same principle applies to using a personal PC for work purposes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on August 10, 2021, 10:49:23 PM

despite my sincerest efforts i am not able to disable capital letters on my phone. if i actually type on it, it obeys me. however, if i talk to it, or talk to my watch to reply, it capitalizes things. and the watch seems to capitalize random words.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on August 10, 2021, 10:50:29 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on August 10, 2021, 10:49:23 PM
despite my sincerest efforts i am not able to disable capital letters on my phone. if i actually type on it, it obeys me. however, if i talk to it, or talk to my watch to reply, it capitalizes things. and the watch seems to capitalize random words.

Do you not want capital letters at all? Or is it caps lock you are trying to disable?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on August 10, 2021, 10:52:44 PM

Quote from: GaryV on August 10, 2021, 03:01:15 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 10, 2021, 02:52:03 PM
Things at work that require you to use a personal something-or-other. For example, needing an e-mail address other than your work address when setting up an account on a program you use. Or needing a two-factor authentication app but your company doesn't provide cell phones.

Even worse, being expected to supply your personal cell phone number so everyone can always get in touch with you. Or being expected to link your company email to your phone so you can always answer messages.

Two options here.

First is to say you don't have a personal cell phone. Second is to get a Google Voice number and set it to "do not disturb" so anyone who needs to get in touch with you has to leave a message.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on August 10, 2021, 11:08:29 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on August 10, 2021, 10:52:44 PM
Quote from: GaryV on August 10, 2021, 03:01:15 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 10, 2021, 02:52:03 PM
Things at work that require you to use a personal something-or-other. For example, needing an e-mail address other than your work address when setting up an account on a program you use. Or needing a two-factor authentication app but your company doesn't provide cell phones.

Even worse, being expected to supply your personal cell phone number so everyone can always get in touch with you. Or being expected to link your company email to your phone so you can always answer messages.

Two options here.

First is to say you don't have a personal cell phone. Second is to get a Google Voice number and set it to "do not disturb" so anyone who needs to get in touch with you has to leave a message.

I think the former is not worth the suspicion. Not if you're under 60, at least.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: renegade on August 10, 2021, 11:20:22 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on August 10, 2021, 11:08:29 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on August 10, 2021, 10:52:44 PM
Quote from: GaryV on August 10, 2021, 03:01:15 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 10, 2021, 02:52:03 PM
Things at work that require you to use a personal something-or-other. For example, needing an e-mail address other than your work address when setting up an account on a program you use. Or needing a two-factor authentication app but your company doesn't provide cell phones.

Even worse, being expected to supply your personal cell phone number so everyone can always get in touch with you. Or being expected to link your company email to your phone so you can always answer messages.

Two options here.

First is to say you don't have a personal cell phone. Second is to get a Google Voice number and set it to "do not disturb" so anyone who needs to get in touch with you has to leave a message.

I think the former is not worth the suspicion. Not if you're under 60, at least.

It is none of your employer's concern whether you have a personal cell phone or not, should you choose that it doesn't. However, if your employer then chooses to supply you with a cell phone, there's a certain amount of income tax liability that you would be expected to cover. At this point, it might be less expensive to get a cheap flip phone and low-cost plan. This is what I have, because my employer says that if I leave the company, they have the right to wipe the contents of my phone. Can't wipe information that doesn't exist, and my cell phone is for my personal use, period ... not the company's.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on August 10, 2021, 11:40:00 PM

Quote from: renegade on August 10, 2021, 11:20:22 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on August 10, 2021, 11:08:29 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on August 10, 2021, 10:52:44 PM
Quote from: GaryV on August 10, 2021, 03:01:15 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 10, 2021, 02:52:03 PM
Things at work that require you to use a personal something-or-other. For example, needing an e-mail address other than your work address when setting up an account on a program you use. Or needing a two-factor authentication app but your company doesn't provide cell phones.

Even worse, being expected to supply your personal cell phone number so everyone can always get in touch with you. Or being expected to link your company email to your phone so you can always answer messages.

Two options here.

First is to say you don't have a personal cell phone. Second is to get a Google Voice number and set it to "do not disturb" so anyone who needs to get in touch with you has to leave a message.

I think the former is not worth the suspicion. Not if you're under 60, at least.
It is none of your employer's concern whether you have a personal cell phone or not, should you choose that it doesn't. However, if your employer then chooses to supply you with a cell phone, there's a certain amount of income tax liability that you would be expected to cover. At this point, it might be less expensive to get a cheap flip phone and low-cost plan. This is what I have, because my employer says that if I leave the company, they have the right to wipe the contents of my phone. Can't wipe information that doesn't exist, and my cell phone is for my personal use, period ... not the company's.

Depends on your line of work. Maybe your employer doesn't need to know about your personal phone, but your fellow employees might find it useful. How do you intend to tell one but keep it from the other?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on August 11, 2021, 06:24:20 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 09, 2021, 05:36:40 PM
I suppose if I used our neighborhood's pools, this would be more than a minor annoyance.

But the frequency of this sort of problem is why I don't go to the pools. Normally they're not quite this specific, though–they just mention water quality without citing Code Yellow or Code Brown.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210809/8ea86695a5e9ebe33bf50ad759ea48df.jpg)

Well, shit! 💩

Medical terminology! Is a stool something you stand on, or something you drop in the toilet?

Are they hiding something?

Even worse with dental.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on August 11, 2021, 09:49:12 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on August 10, 2021, 10:50:29 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on August 10, 2021, 10:49:23 PM
despite my sincerest efforts i am not able to disable capital letters on my phone. if i actually type on it, it obeys me. however, if i talk to it, or talk to my watch to reply, it capitalizes things. and the watch seems to capitalize random words.

Do you not want capital letters at all? Or is it caps lock you are trying to disable?

when typing 'informally' i don't use capitals at all, it's just a .. personal style. i would like the option, in case i'm typing/dictating something 'formal'

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: on_wisconsin on August 11, 2021, 10:22:50 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 10, 2021, 03:26:53 PM
Quote from: GaryV on August 10, 2021, 03:01:15 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 10, 2021, 02:52:03 PM
Things at work that require you to use a personal something-or-other. For example, needing an e-mail address other than your work address when setting up an account on a program you use. Or needing a two-factor authentication app but your company doesn't provide cell phones.

Even worse, being expected to supply your personal cell phone number so everyone can always get in touch with you. Or being expected to link your company email to your phone so you can always answer messages.

While it represents added expense, I would strongly urge anyone who is asked to do that to get a separate phone for work purposes, if at all possible, and never to commingle personal and work e-mail on a single device. Reason: If you use your device for work purposes, it's subject to discovery in litigation involving your employer, and that means in turn that your personal data will likely be viewed (even though it's not likely to be admissible nor relevant most of the time).

IANAL, but it might even be advisable to have that cellular device on different carrier that's not connected to the one you use for personal stuff.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on August 11, 2021, 10:35:01 AM

Quote from: renegade on August 10, 2021, 11:20:22 PMHowever, if your employer then chooses to supply you with a cell phone, there's a certain amount of income tax liability that you would be expected to cover.

Huh? I have a work-issued cellphone, and income tax liability has never been mentioned. Since I am basically on-call 24/7, why would the phone be considered as income?

I also have a personal cellphone. Both are iPhones, and I use the same Apple ID on both devices. Since I had my iPhone long before they transitioned from BlackBerries to iPhones at work, I had the advantage of already having bought a few apps.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on August 11, 2021, 10:41:53 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on August 10, 2021, 11:08:29 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on August 10, 2021, 10:52:44 PM

Quote from: GaryV on August 10, 2021, 03:01:15 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 10, 2021, 02:52:03 PM
Things at work that require you to use a personal something-or-other. For example, needing an e-mail address other than your work address when setting up an account on a program you use. Or needing a two-factor authentication app but your company doesn't provide cell phones.

Even worse, being expected to supply your personal cell phone number so everyone can always get in touch with you. Or being expected to link your company email to your phone so you can always answer messages.

Two options here.

First is to say you don't have a personal cell phone. Second is to get a Google Voice number and set it to "do not disturb" so anyone who needs to get in touch with you has to leave a message.

I think the former is not worth the suspicion. Not if you're under 60, at least.

Until somewhat recently, I had a co-worker who not only dropped cell phone service to save money, but he also dropped home internet service. Our boss literally had no way to reach him outside of work hours. But what's wrong with that? About the only bad thing I can think of is that our boss wasn't able to call him in on short notice to cover a shift when someone called in sick–but I'm betting my co-worker actually considered that a benefit. For two-factor authentication to log into a work program, he elected to have the access code robo-called to our boss's desk phone rather than texted to a cell phone.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 11, 2021, 01:29:22 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 10, 2021, 02:52:03 PM
Things at work that require you to use a personal something-or-other. For example, needing an e-mail address other than your work address when setting up an account on a program you use. Or needing a two-factor authentication app but your company doesn't provide cell phones.

I tend to flatly refuse to use my personal stuff for work purposes, simply because I only get paid so much, and if the company wants something done they can pay their own money for it. My wife was a lot more liberal about it at her last job, bringing in all sorts of doodads for work (crate to put her feet up on, space heater, fancy Post-Its and pens, etc.) Then they randomly fired her and had a security guard walk her out, and she never got the chance to collect all of that stuff. She's a lot less enthusiastic about bringing things in to her current job.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on August 11, 2021, 01:35:28 PM

Quote from: on_wisconsin on August 11, 2021, 10:22:50 AM
IANAL

Now there's an acronym I don't plan on using.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on August 11, 2021, 02:19:30 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 11, 2021, 01:29:22 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 10, 2021, 02:52:03 PM
Things at work that require you to use a personal something-or-other. For example, needing an e-mail address other than your work address when setting up an account on a program you use. Or needing a two-factor authentication app but your company doesn't provide cell phones.

I tend to flatly refuse to use my personal stuff for work purposes, simply because I only get paid so much, and if the company wants something done they can pay their own money for it. My wife was a lot more liberal about it at her last job, bringing in all sorts of doodads for work (crate to put her feet up on, space heater, fancy Post-Its and pens, etc.) Then they randomly fired her and had a security guard walk her out, and she never got the chance to collect all of that stuff. She's a lot less enthusiastic about bringing things in to her current job.

When my boss was unexpectedly fired a while ago, he was fortunate enough that his wife still works in the same office space. Besides which, so do I, and I know where their house is.

Then again, I work in a small enough business that, if I suddenly lost my job like that, I could still probably just come in after hours with some higher-up watching over me till I gathered my things.

Honestly, what I'd be most unhappy about are all the personal files I've saved to the hard drive.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 11, 2021, 02:40:08 PM

Most employers will pack up personal items and ship them to a fired employee. They don't very well have a legitimate ground for just saying, "You're gone and you lose any stuff you had here." Of course, stuff like office supplies are a lot less clear than things like space heaters.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 11, 2021, 02:54:54 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 11, 2021, 02:40:08 PM
Most employers will pack up personal items and ship them to a fired employee. They don't very well have a legitimate ground for just saying, "You're gone and you lose any stuff you had here." Of course, stuff like office supplies are a lot less clear than things like space heaters.

Yeah, but the problem is, what are you going to do if they don't, take them to small claims court? Is the sort of person who'd bring a space heater to work and leave it there the sort of person to keep the receipt to justify the amount of damages in case the company keeps it? Or would you try to call the cops and report it as theft?

Then, in my wife's case, the employer that fired her is owned by a tribal government and she is a citizen of that same tribe, so McGirt v. Oklahoma probably applies in some as-yet-undefined way (and correct me if I'm wrong, but I think even the lawyers are still trying to wrap their head around what McGirt means since there's no case law stemming from it yet), so the case would probably have to take place in tribal court instead of state small claims court, which means that the court is ran by the same entity that she's suing, and the relevant law enforcement agency would also be the tribal police, so...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on August 11, 2021, 03:07:57 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 05, 2021, 03:48:47 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on August 05, 2021, 02:33:46 PM
Some people have to be told that peanut butter contains peanuts, so there you go.

With that, I can at least imagine a person thinking peanut butter is only artificially peanut-flavored.

But someone buying a package of peanuts, on the other hand...

Well, that's just nuts.

Well, in the case of soft serve ice cream, you could actually say it "contains dairy" , not as a warning, but as a marketing tool! That's because most ice cream from fast food restaurants doesn't contain dairy, as I found out from a friend with serious dairy allergies who can eat McDonalds ice cream just fine!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on August 11, 2021, 04:29:44 PM

Quote from: webny99 on August 11, 2021, 03:07:57 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 05, 2021, 03:48:47 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on August 05, 2021, 02:33:46 PM
Some people have to be told that peanut butter contains peanuts, so there you go.

With that, I can at least imagine a person thinking peanut butter is only artificially peanut-flavored.

But someone buying a package of peanuts, on the other hand...

Well, that's just nuts.

Well, in the case of soft serve ice cream, you could actually say it "contains dairy" , not as a warning, but as a marketing tool! That's because most ice cream from fast food restaurants doesn't contain dairy, as I found out from a friend with serious dairy allergies who can eat McDonalds ice cream just fine!

(https://frinkiac.com/meme/S07E21/770986.jpg?b64lines=IFdlbGwsIEkgY2FuIHBpY3R1cmUgdGhlCiBjaGVlc2UsIGJ1dCwgdWgsIGRvIHRoZXkKIGhhdmUgS3J1c3R5IHBhcnRpYWxseQogZ2VsYXRpbmF0ZWQsIG5vbmRhaXJ5LAogZ3VtLWJhc2VkIGJldmVyYWdlcz8=)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on August 11, 2021, 04:41:34 PM

When sites use random acronyms that you don't know the meaning of.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on August 11, 2021, 04:43:44 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on August 11, 2021, 04:41:34 PM
When sites use random acronyms that you don't know the meaning of.

BGS
FYA
TOTSO
SPUI

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on August 11, 2021, 04:46:25 PM

For what it's worth, it took me a while to decipher what "FWIW" and a few others meant.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on August 11, 2021, 04:47:28 PM

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on August 11, 2021, 04:46:25 PM
For what it's worth, it took me a while to decipher what "FWIW" and a few others meant.

AFAIK

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on August 11, 2021, 04:48:07 PM

Then there's FAP 420, which is actually road-related and has nothing to do with either of its components.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on August 11, 2021, 04:49:55 PM

Quote from: 1 on August 11, 2021, 04:43:44 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on August 11, 2021, 04:41:34 PM
When sites use random acronyms that you don't know the meaning of.

BGS
FYA
TOTSO
SPUI

These are ok, I'm more talking about obscure ones that you can't google.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on August 11, 2021, 04:56:33 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on August 11, 2021, 04:49:55 PM

Quote from: 1 on August 11, 2021, 04:43:44 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on August 11, 2021, 04:41:34 PM
When sites use random acronyms that you don't know the meaning of.

BGS
FYA
TOTSO
SPUI

These are ok, I'm more talking about obscure ones that you can't google.

Have you tried Googling to find out what BGS or FYA means? It doesn't exactly pop out at you.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on August 11, 2021, 05:05:57 PM

I get annoyed when people making presentations at work use acronyms and initialisms and they expect you to know what they're talking about. Because they work with it every day, they know it and assume everyone else knows it too.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on August 11, 2021, 05:07:54 PM

Quote from: GaryV on August 11, 2021, 05:05:57 PM
I get annoyed when people making presentations at work use acronyms and initialisms and they expect you to know what they're talking about. Because they work with it every day, they know it and assume everyone else knows it too.

My wife and I know a lot of teachers, and they throw around school-related acronyms and initialisms all the time as if we know what they're talking about. I'm sure everyone employed in the district knows what they mean, but that doesn't mean I do.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on August 11, 2021, 05:08:29 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 11, 2021, 04:56:33 PMHave you tried Googling to find out what BGS or FYA means? It doesn't exactly pop out at you.

Adding "roads" seems to help--the top Google result for each of {BGS roads} and {FYA roads} is relevant.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on August 12, 2021, 10:57:12 AM

People who drop F-bombs in work presentations without knowing their audience. (Or, really, go on cursing sprees in public in general).

Not only is it unprofessional, but you never know who might be offended.

I attended a meeting a few years ago during which one of the presenters to a small group dropped an F-bomb. Half the audience was female, there were several devoutly religious people in the room, one ordained minister and one lay minister. I thought it was terribly inappropriate.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on August 12, 2021, 12:57:37 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on August 12, 2021, 10:57:12 AM
People who drop F-bombs in work presentations without knowing their audience. (Or, really, go on cursing sprees in public in general).

Not only is it unprofessional, but you never know who might be offended.

I attended a meeting a few years ago during which one of the presenters to a small group dropped an F-bomb. Half the audience was female, there were several devoutly religious people in the room, one ordained minister and one lay minister. I thought it was terribly inappropriate.

There is a tremendous amount of open cursing (particularly F-bombing) in society now. It makes me sad. A lot of it has to do with so many entertainment platforms with no censoring regulations. F-bombs are now everywhere to everyone, including young children. Between TikTok and streaming shows, it's common place, causing everyone to have no filter. Yes, those words were always there years ago, but because of large amounts of censorship and down right better manners, people would save the inappropriate words for situations where there were only 1 or 2 adults in a room. It drives me crazy that so many of these stupid TikTok videos the girls in my house love to watch have so many F-bombs in them. What happened to society? Cursing used to be something that had an effect only because it was used sparingly. Now it just comes off as oafishly rude.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 12, 2021, 12:59:16 PM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on August 12, 2021, 12:57:37 PM
What happened to society?

They realized it's a word that's not really any different than any other word?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on August 12, 2021, 01:22:23 PM

I really haven't noticed a day to day change in the amount of swearing. The main difference is now that it is just accepted as part of the normal routine on media platforms.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on August 12, 2021, 01:33:12 PM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on August 12, 2021, 12:57:37 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on August 12, 2021, 10:57:12 AM
People who drop F-bombs in work presentations without knowing their audience. (Or, really, go on cursing sprees in public in general).

Not only is it unprofessional, but you never know who might be offended.

I attended a meeting a few years ago during which one of the presenters to a small group dropped an F-bomb. Half the audience was female, there were several devoutly religious people in the room, one ordained minister and one lay minister. I thought it was terribly inappropriate.

There is a tremendous amount of open cursing (particularly F-bombing) in society now. It makes me sad. A lot of it has to do with so many entertainment platforms with no censoring regulations. F-bombs are now everywhere to everyone, including young children. Between TikTok and streaming shows, it's common place, causing everyone to have no filter. Yes, those words were always there years ago, but because of large amounts of censorship and down right better manners, people would save the inappropriate words for situations where there were only 1 or 2 adults in a room. It drives me crazy that so many of these stupid TikTok videos the girls in my house love to watch have so many F-bombs in them. What happened to society? Cursing used to be something that had an effect only because it was used sparingly. Now it just comes off as oafishly rude.

Society is becoming less sensitive to swearing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jmacswimmer on August 12, 2021, 01:44:52 PM

My take on swearing is that the words are only taboo because we as a society evidently decided they must be.

That said, I am aware enough to not swear in a professional setting like hbelkins was getting at, and I also try not to overdo it (as an example, using the f-bomb as an adjective multiple times in one sentence is definitely overkill).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on August 12, 2021, 03:26:17 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on August 12, 2021, 01:22:23 PM
I really haven't noticed a day to day change in the amount of swearing. The main difference is now that it is just accepted as part of the normal routine on media platforms.

I've also noticed that high school aged kids no longer feel any need to watch their language in mixed company. They used to.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 12, 2021, 03:31:21 PM

What I don't understand is how some people will constantly spew profanities, like every third word, yet if someone else curses at them or gives them the finger, they go absolutely ballistic claiming to be mortally offended by it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 12, 2021, 05:58:12 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 12, 2021, 03:31:21 PM
What I don't understand is how some people will constantly spew profanities, like every third word, yet if someone else curses at them or gives them the finger, they go absolutely ballistic claiming to be mortally offended by it.

Could just be hypocrisy, but could also be the nuance of who the profanity is directed to. I'm generally pretty liberal with my use of swear words, but they're generally only used as an intensifier or directed to an inanimate object ("I'm running so fucking late because my printer is a piece of shit"). But if someone were to yell "fuck you" at me and give me the finger, I'd probably be pretty upset.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on August 12, 2021, 07:19:33 PM

Yea, a juicy word that is losing its punch due to over and mis-use.

:no:

There is a reason why some of us strive to protect those words!

And don't get me started on what is in the lyrics of some of those popular (c)raps....

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on August 13, 2021, 01:14:29 AM

Cursing doesn't bother me as much as cuss-word substitutes as attention grabbers in situations when it's not acceptable, like one TV ad that went like this:

"Let's talk about the F-word!"

*crowd gasps and screen shows some cute animals staring in horror*

"No, not that F-word!"

There was also some (defunct, as I understand it) grocery store whose jingle touted how "F'n easy" they were to shop at. For some reason these really annoy me. You're not funny or clever and it just sounds like your ad agency script writers and sales staff can't be creative enough to not sound like a parent pretending their 10-year old doesn't already know what the minced oath "effing" refers to. Even though I cuss plenty myself, I just roll my eyes at things like this.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 13, 2021, 01:17:57 AM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on August 13, 2021, 01:14:29 AM
There was also some (defunct, as I understand it) grocery store whose jingle touted how "F'n easy" they were to shop at. For some reason these really annoy me. You're not funny or clever and it just sounds like your ad agency script writers and sales staff can't be creative enough to not sound like a parent pretending their 10-year old doesn't already know what the minced oath "effing" refers to. Even though I cuss plenty myself, I just roll my eyes at things like this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8enIDEKrzA

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on August 13, 2021, 05:24:08 AM

The new vans of the Spanish post. They say on the side (translated from Spanish) "This van is green". I should note that "green" is in the sense of "ecological" (as they are electric vans), as otherwise they are yellow.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on August 13, 2021, 08:17:44 AM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on August 12, 2021, 12:57:37 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on August 12, 2021, 10:57:12 AM
People who drop F-bombs in work presentations without knowing their audience. (Or, really, go on cursing sprees in public in general).

Not only is it unprofessional, but you never know who might be offended.

I attended a meeting a few years ago during which one of the presenters to a small group dropped an F-bomb. Half the audience was female, there were several devoutly religious people in the room, one ordained minister and one lay minister. I thought it was terribly inappropriate.

There is a tremendous amount of open cursing (particularly F-bombing) in society now. It makes me sad. A lot of it has to do with so many entertainment platforms with no censoring regulations. F-bombs are now everywhere to everyone, including young children. Between TikTok and streaming shows, it's common place, causing everyone to have no filter. Yes, those words were always there years ago, but because of large amounts of censorship and down right better manners, people would save the inappropriate words for situations where there were only 1 or 2 adults in a room. It drives me crazy that so many of these stupid TikTok videos the girls in my house love to watch have so many F-bombs in them. What happened to society? Cursing used to be something that had an effect only because it was used sparingly. Now it just comes off as oafishly rude.

I agree. I blame social media for it, and also platforms like Netflix. I watched a trailer for Drive to Survive, their show based on retelling current seasons of Formula 1, and one of the ones I watched (can't remember which one) had at least half a dozen f-bombs in two minutes. It felt incredibly gratuitous and made me not want to watch it. And TikTok is the worst social media platform currently online. It promotes so much awful behavior beyond excessive profanity.

People in my age group (high school and now college) use them way too much. It's not just f-bombs either, it's the whole spectrum of them. You can also blame games like Cards Against Humanity as well, which is obviously built on crude humor.

I've had to watch myself, because I have days where I get too careless, and I have to realize that it's completely unnecessary.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on August 13, 2021, 09:07:16 AM

Usage of the F word was in all-too-common use way before Tik-tok, Netflix and Facebook. It just makes hearing it all the more common.

The downfall goes back earlier than that, when it was determined that its use falls under free speech, especially by kids in school. And then when kids learned that their parents wouldn't punish them, or even encourage it, then it makes them just continues to push the boundaries of when and where they can say it, and to whom.

See also: MILF

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on August 13, 2021, 10:26:55 AM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on August 13, 2021, 01:14:29 AM
Cursing doesn't bother me as much as cuss-word substitutes as attention grabbers in situations when it's not acceptable, like one TV ad that went like this:

"Let's talk about the F-word!"

*crowd gasps and screen shows some cute animals staring in horror*

"No, not that F-word!"

There was also some (defunct, as I understand it) grocery store whose jingle touted how "F'n easy" they were to shop at. For some reason these really annoy me. You're not funny or clever and it just sounds like your ad agency script writers and sales staff can't be creative enough to not sound like a parent pretending their 10-year old doesn't already know what the minced oath "effing" refers to. Even though I cuss plenty myself, I just roll my eyes at things like this.

^^This

This has been a pet peeve of mine for years. It is so gimmicky and obvious that all you are doing is piggy backing on the vulgarity, but "keeping it clean".

booking.com had commercials that said "It's so booking easy to book a great booking hotel."
O.com had commercials with gratuitus and salacious ways to say "O".
My wife and I bought a wall decoration for the RV that said "Beach please" I thought it just mean we wanted to travel to the beach until one day I realized it was a euphuism for "Bitch, please",

Although, I sadly did laugh at the Kmart commercials "Ship my Pants" and "Big Gas Prices". I mainly loved the comedic timing and rapid fire dialog.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Mike2357 on August 13, 2021, 12:13:04 PM

One thing about highway exits that annoys me so much is when they have Exit 7A and then 7..etc instead of just using another number. I understand the point of having "7N-S" but when the exits are to two completely different highways, there is no point in using the same number with a million different letters. And even when they do the north-south labeling, they usually just skip the next number anyway to compensate, so why not just do 27, 28, and 29, instead of 27N, 27S, and then 29!? That's so confusing and unnecessary. Also, why does every long island highway start at Exit 13? No wonder there are so many accidents on 495 and the SS PKWY. The beautiful interstate highway system should use every beautiful number in the base 10 math system, once and only once with no letters!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 13, 2021, 12:35:27 PM

Quote from: Mike2357 on August 13, 2021, 12:13:04 PM
One thing about highway exits that annoys me so much is when they have Exit 7A and then 7..etc instead of just using another number. I understand the point of having "7N-S" but when the exits are to two completely different highways, there is no point in using the same number with a million different letters. And even when they do the north-south labeling, they usually just skip the next number anyway to compensate, so why not just do 27, 28, and 29, instead of 27N, 27S, and then 29!? That's so confusing and unnecessary. Also, why does every long island highway start at Exit 13? No wonder there are so many accidents on 495 and the SS PKWY. The beautiful interstate highway system should use every beautiful number in the base 10 math system, once and only once with no letters!

No, they shouldn't use "every number" if it's not necessary to do so. There's no reason why exit numbering can't omit numbers (such as how I-95 near where I live has Exits 166, 169, 170, 173, 174, 176, and 177, in that order northbound). Your state's stubborn refusal to use proper mile-based exit numbering is why you have the problem of suffixed exit numbers when they need to insert a new number in between sequential numbers (such as on the northbound Thruway when it goes 21, 21B, 21A, 22) and they don't want to renumber all the other interchanges on that highway. If they had numbered the exits using mileposts, they wouldn't have that problem.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Mike2357 on August 13, 2021, 01:19:20 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 13, 2021, 12:35:27 PM
Quote from: Mike2357 on August 13, 2021, 12:13:04 PM
One thing about highway exits that annoys me so much is when they have Exit 7A and then 7..etc instead of just using another number. I understand the point of having "7N-S" but when the exits are to two completely different highways, there is no point in using the same number with a million different letters. And even when they do the north-south labeling, they usually just skip the next number anyway to compensate, so why not just do 27, 28, and 29, instead of 27N, 27S, and then 29!? That's so confusing and unnecessary. Also, why does every long island highway start at Exit 13? No wonder there are so many accidents on 495 and the SS PKWY. The beautiful interstate highway system should use every beautiful number in the base 10 math system, once and only once with no letters!

No, they shouldn't use "every number" if it's not necessary to do so. There's no reason why exit numbering can't omit numbers (such as how I-95 near where I live has Exits 166, 169, 170, 173, 174, 176, and 177, in that order northbound). Your state's stubborn refusal to use proper mile-based exit numbering is why you have the problem of suffixed exit numbers when they need to insert a new number in between sequential numbers (such as on the northbound Thruway when it goes 21, 21B, 21A, 22) and they don't want to renumber all the other interchanges on that highway. If they had numbered the exits using mileposts, they wouldn't have that problem.

I know they are supposed be based on mile markers, and yes it wouldn't be as big a deal if they used the next number in addition to using the N-S/W-E but skipping numbers like that is totally unacceptable.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 13, 2021, 01:33:22 PM

Quote from: Mike2357 on August 13, 2021, 01:19:20 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 13, 2021, 12:35:27 PM
Quote from: Mike2357 on August 13, 2021, 12:13:04 PM
One thing about highway exits that annoys me so much is when they have Exit 7A and then 7..etc instead of just using another number. I understand the point of having "7N-S" but when the exits are to two completely different highways, there is no point in using the same number with a million different letters. And even when they do the north-south labeling, they usually just skip the next number anyway to compensate, so why not just do 27, 28, and 29, instead of 27N, 27S, and then 29!? That's so confusing and unnecessary. Also, why does every long island highway start at Exit 13? No wonder there are so many accidents on 495 and the SS PKWY. The beautiful interstate highway system should use every beautiful number in the base 10 math system, once and only once with no letters!

No, they shouldn't use "every number" if it's not necessary to do so. There's no reason why exit numbering can't omit numbers (such as how I-95 near where I live has Exits 166, 169, 170, 173, 174, 176, and 177, in that order northbound). Your state's stubborn refusal to use proper mile-based exit numbering is why you have the problem of suffixed exit numbers when they need to insert a new number in between sequential numbers (such as on the northbound Thruway when it goes 21, 21B, 21A, 22) and they don't want to renumber all the other interchanges on that highway. If they had numbered the exits using mileposts, they wouldn't have that problem.

I know they are supposed be based on mile markers, and yes it wouldn't be as big a deal if they used the next number in addition to using the N-S/W-E but skipping numbers like that is totally unacceptable.

You know that skipping numbers (as they do when they're based on mile markers) means they don't have to use suffix letters, right?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on August 13, 2021, 02:10:05 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on August 13, 2021, 08:17:44 AM
I agree. I blame social media for it, and also platforms like Netflix. I watched a trailer for Drive to Survive, their show based on retelling current seasons of Formula 1, and one of the ones I watched (can't remember which one) had at least half a dozen f-bombs in two minutes. It felt incredibly gratuitous and made me not want to watch it.

As a fan, it's interesting to see another side to the sport, but it seems as if they purposely edited to find the exact moments where they'd cursed and used that. It gets a little petulant after a while...but what do you expect from a bunch of adrenaline junkies who are mostly in the ages of 19-25, and have to toe the corporate sponsors' line in nearly every other circumstance?

Then again, I'm quite sure that 95% of their radio conversation wouldn't be all that interesting; mostly a discussion of time intervals, to 'keep pushing', pit strategy, change brake bias settings, manage fuel loads, watch temperatures, keeping delta times behind the safety car...which isn't interesting to most people without any meaningful context.

So yeah, it bothers me a little too, but they're not apt to quoting Shakespeare and Twain with barely a high school education inside the helmet...while things start to go wrong during a pulse rate over 140, and their job (or possibly their lives) are on the line.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on August 13, 2021, 02:22:07 PM

Quote from: formulanone on August 13, 2021, 02:10:05 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on August 13, 2021, 08:17:44 AM
I agree. I blame social media for it, and also platforms like Netflix. I watched a trailer for Drive to Survive, their show based on retelling current seasons of Formula 1, and one of the ones I watched (can't remember which one) had at least half a dozen f-bombs in two minutes. It felt incredibly gratuitous and made me not want to watch it.

As a fan, it's interesting to see another side to the sport, but it seems as if they purposely edited to find the exact moments where they'd cursed and used that. It gets a little petulant after a while...but what do you expect from a bunch of adrenaline junkies who are mostly in the ages of 19-25, and have to toe the corporate sponsors' line in nearly every other circumstance?

Then again, I'm quite sure that 95% of their radio conversation wouldn't be all that interesting; mostly a discussion of time intervals, to 'keep pushing', pit strategy, change brake bias settings, manage fuel loads, watch temperatures, keeping delta times behind the safety car...which isn't interesting to most people without any meaningful context.

So yeah, it bothers me a little too, but they're not apt to quoting Shakespeare and Twain with barely a high school education inside the helmet...while things start to go wrong during a pulse rate over 140, and their job (or possibly their lives) are on the line.

There are instances of them inserting quotes in the wrong places to add drama. For example, I watched a clip of Grosjean's fireball crash from last year. They added this really awkward clip of him saying the f-world before slamming into the wall, when im pretty sure he didn't actually say that on radio in that moment. And even if he did, it's not necessary to have it there.

There are many reasons I'm okay with skipping the show. I much prefer analysis from YouTubers online.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on August 13, 2021, 03:07:47 PM

Speaking of profanity and minor things that bother me...

It bothers me that, if I tell Alexa to "play _______ music", my young children end up listening to music with profanity in it. I guess I expect Alexa to be more like the radio and filter that stuff out.

Also: Never, ever, ever, for the love of God and your own soul, never tell Alexa to "play Christmas hip-hop music". * shudder *

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 13, 2021, 03:36:33 PM

Quote from: Mike2357 on August 13, 2021, 01:19:20 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 13, 2021, 12:35:27 PM
Quote from: Mike2357 on August 13, 2021, 12:13:04 PM
One thing about highway exits that annoys me so much is when they have Exit 7A and then 7..etc instead of just using another number. I understand the point of having "7N-S" but when the exits are to two completely different highways, there is no point in using the same number with a million different letters. And even when they do the north-south labeling, they usually just skip the next number anyway to compensate, so why not just do 27, 28, and 29, instead of 27N, 27S, and then 29!? That's so confusing and unnecessary. Also, why does every long island highway start at Exit 13? No wonder there are so many accidents on 495 and the SS PKWY. The beautiful interstate highway system should use every beautiful number in the base 10 math system, once and only once with no letters!

No, they shouldn't use "every number" if it's not necessary to do so. There's no reason why exit numbering can't omit numbers (such as how I-95 near where I live has Exits 166, 169, 170, 173, 174, 176, and 177, in that order northbound). Your state's stubborn refusal to use proper mile-based exit numbering is why you have the problem of suffixed exit numbers when they need to insert a new number in between sequential numbers (such as on the northbound Thruway when it goes 21, 21B, 21A, 22) and they don't want to renumber all the other interchanges on that highway. If they had numbered the exits using mileposts, they wouldn't have that problem.

I know they are supposed be based on mile markers, and yes it wouldn't be as big a deal if they used the next number in addition to using the N-S/W-E but skipping numbers like that is totally unacceptable.

Insofar as I'm aware, most states long ago stopped using the N/S/E/W suffixes in favor of A/B/C/D suffixes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Mike2357 on August 13, 2021, 04:19:02 PM

And there's no reason for any highway to start at a number other than 1 (or 0) so the long island expressway has no reason to start at 13, the queens midtown tunnel is certainly not 13 miles long! Same with the SSP

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: oscar on August 13, 2021, 04:39:26 PM

Quote from: Mike2357 on August 13, 2021, 04:19:02 PM
And there's no reason for any highway to start at a number other than 1 (or 0) so the long island expressway has no reason to start at 13, the queens midtown tunnel is certainly not 13 miles long! Same with the SSP

Alaska and Arizona have some milepost and/or exit numbers starting higher than 1. For example, the starting milepost for Alaska state route 2 is 1187, based on the historical distance between the international border and the beginning of the Alaska Highway in Dawson Creek BC. There are good reasons for Alaska not to reset to zero, such as that mileposts are used for rural street addresses.

You should be careful with the sweeping statements, at least until your experience becomes equally sweeping.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on August 13, 2021, 04:41:20 PM

I'd rather have a "zero point" be higher than zero, than have two same-numbered exits in close proximity (on different highways).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jmacswimmer on August 13, 2021, 04:53:37 PM

Quote from: Mike2357 on August 13, 2021, 04:19:02 PM
And there's no reason for any highway to start at a number other than 1 (or 0) so the long island expressway has no reason to start at 13, the queens midtown tunnel is certainly not 13 miles long! Same with the SSP

I'm pretty sure both those routes have specific reasons for starting at not-zero that involve the Mid-Manhattan Expressway & Cross Island Parkway, respectively. (In other words, it wasn't planners arbitrarily deciding they liked the number 13 like you make it sound :-D)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Mike2357 on August 13, 2021, 05:04:21 PM

I understand the mid-manhattan EXPWY problem, but the cross island parkway just continues the numbering from the Belt parkway, not the southern state. I could be wrong but don't ever remember seeing mileposts on the SSP

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 13, 2021, 05:13:57 PM

Quote from: Mike2357 on August 13, 2021, 04:19:02 PM
And there's no reason for any highway to start at a number other than 1 (or 0) so the long island expressway has no reason to start at 13, the queens midtown tunnel is certainly not 13 miles long! Same with the SSP

I don't agree with that. I-66's first exit is Exit 6 because it's six miles east of where the road begins at I-81. I-95's first exit in Virginia is Exit 4 because it's four miles north of the North Carolina state line.

Why do you think exit numbering should always start at 1 or 0?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on August 13, 2021, 05:33:25 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 13, 2021, 03:07:47 PM
Speaking of profanity and minor things that bother me...

It bothers me that, if I tell Alexa to "play _______ music", my young children end up listening to music with profanity in it. I guess I expect Alexa to be more like the radio and filter that stuff out.

Also: Never, ever, ever, for the love of God and your own soul, never tell Alexa to "play Christmas hip-hop music". * shudder *

Run-DMC's Christmas song is about all I can take in that specific department.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Mike2357 on August 13, 2021, 06:34:12 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 13, 2021, 05:13:57 PM
Quote from: Mike2357 on August 13, 2021, 04:19:02 PM
And there's no reason for any highway to start at a number other than 1 (or 0) so the long island expressway has no reason to start at 13, the queens midtown tunnel is certainly not 13 miles long! Same with the SSP

I don't agree with that. I-66's first exit is Exit 6 because it's six miles east of where the road begins at I-81. I-95's first exit in Virginia is Exit 4 because it's four miles north of the North Carolina state line.

Why do you think exit numbering should always start at 1 or 0?

I stated earlier it wouldn't be a problem if the exits matched the mile markers, but that is not the case with the highways mentioned. And one of the highways mentioned didn't have any precursor planning that could explain it either. The beginning of the Southern State may be 13 miles from the Jersey Border (probably more because just cutting straight across Brooklyn from Red Hook to Conduit Avenue via route 27 took 15 miles once) but it should be based on how many miles away from the beginning of the highway the exit is, not the distance to a nearby state line.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on August 13, 2021, 06:56:54 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 13, 2021, 03:07:47 PM
It bothers me that, if I tell Alexa to "play _______ music", my young children end up listening to music with profanity in it. I guess I expect Alexa to be more like the radio and filter that stuff out.

And honestly, I'm glad it doesn't. If I want to listen to filtered music, I will turn on something governed by the FCC. The best thing about the internet is being able to choose your limits. I don't want a company doing that for me.

If the Alexa app doesn't allow you to filter music, or request non-explicit music, that should be a feature. But it should not be the default.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CoreySamson on August 13, 2021, 07:22:56 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on August 13, 2021, 01:14:29 AM
Cursing doesn't bother me as much as cuss-word substitutes as attention grabbers in situations when it's not acceptable, like one TV ad that went like this:

"Let's talk about the F-word!"

*crowd gasps and screen shows some cute animals staring in horror*

"No, not that F-word!"

There was also some (defunct, as I understand it) grocery store whose jingle touted how "F'n easy" they were to shop at. For some reason these really annoy me. You're not funny or clever and it just sounds like your ad agency script writers and sales staff can't be creative enough to not sound like a parent pretending their 10-year old doesn't already know what the minced oath "effing" refers to. Even though I cuss plenty myself, I just roll my eyes at things like this.

I hate the Groupon ads that go "Are you bleeping ready?

But one of the worst things about heavy use of profanity is that it makes you look unintelligent by using cuss words all the time instead of using creative terms that are honestly better. I think hbelkins once said here that his favorite insult was buffoon, and I've used "Oh, Buddha" once or twice. We need more stuff like that (might I suggest we all read Shakespeare's creative insults for inspiration?). If you must curse, use it only for the really bad stuff.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on August 13, 2021, 10:49:23 PM

Quote from: Mike2357 on August 13, 2021, 05:04:21 PM
I understand the mid-manhattan EXPWY problem, but the cross island parkway just continues the numbering from the Belt parkway, not the southern state. I could be wrong but don't ever remember seeing mileposts on the SSP

The Cross Island was renumbered at some point. Originally it was 1-12 starting at the Whitestone Bridge.

As for why they decided to continue the Cross Island's numbering rather than the Belt's or restarting at 1, I don't know.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Mike2357 on August 14, 2021, 12:13:08 PM

Yes that's weird, since the Belt Parkway and Southern State are generally the same direction rather than perpendicular. Is it also a general rule that exit numbers increase always from N to S?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 14, 2021, 01:28:09 PM

They increase from south to north and west to east.

~~You may want to read this to get caught up with how exit numbers work in the rest of the country. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exit_numbers_in_the_United_States~~ Actually, that article sucks. The MTR FAQ has a better explanation: http://www.roadfan.com/mtrfaq.html#59

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on August 16, 2021, 03:08:34 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on August 13, 2021, 06:56:54 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 13, 2021, 03:07:47 PM
It bothers me that, if I tell Alexa to "play _______ music", my young children end up listening to music with profanity in it. I guess I expect Alexa to be more like the radio and filter that stuff out.

And honestly, I'm glad it doesn't. If I want to listen to filtered music, I will turn on something governed by the FCC. The best thing about the internet is being able to choose your limits. I don't want a company doing that for me.

If the Alexa app doesn't allow you to filter music, or request non-explicit music, that should be a feature. But it should not be the default.

Aw, man, do you mean to say you think I should have to actually take the time to research my options? It's much more enjoyable to just sit here and complain about it...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on August 16, 2021, 07:44:42 PM

Watch the tram car please! Watch the tram car please! Watch the tram car please!

The infamous Wildwood Boardwalk Tram announcement in Cape May County, NJ.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on August 17, 2021, 05:33:50 PM

We just bought a new-to-us vehicle, and I wondered at the time where the battery was. So I googled it. In order to get to the battery, I'll have to pull up the floor mat in front of the second-row passenger-side seat, pull up a hard plastic cover, and use a Torx driver to unfasten a carpeted compartment cover.

I have a feeling this is going to bother me whenever I need to give someone a jumpstart. On the other hand, if I have to replace our battery when it's five degrees outside, I might appreciate being in out of the winter wind to do so.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on August 17, 2021, 05:45:57 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 17, 2021, 05:33:50 PM
We just bought a new-to-us vehicle, and I wondered at the time where the battery was. So I googled it. In order to get to the battery, I'll have to pull up the floor mat in front of the second-row passenger-side seat, pull up a hard plastic cover, and use a Torx driver to unfasten a carpeted compartment cover.

What on earth did you buy?

I'd leave an example of the appropriate Torx screwdriver in the car so you're not stranded. There's about 6 standard sizes (like T-10 through T-40), and about 6-10 more that are less common.

Once I had to remove a bolt from my old Dodge Neon which was a Torx fasterner; I just eyeballed it and went to an auto parts store, picked up a single T-25 because that's all they had. Mercifully, that was exactly the one I needed. It never occurred to me to buy an entire set until 15 years later.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: renegade on August 17, 2021, 06:12:23 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 17, 2021, 05:33:50 PM
We just bought a new-to-us vehicle, and I wondered at the time where the battery was. So I googled it. In order to get to the battery, I'll have to pull up the floor mat in front of the second-row passenger-side seat, pull up a hard plastic cover, and use a Torx driver to unfasten a carpeted compartment cover.

I have a feeling this is going to bother me whenever I need to give someone a jumpstart. On the other hand, if I have to replace our battery when it's five degrees outside, I might appreciate being in out of the winter wind to do so.

Rule #1: Never give anyone a jump-start. It's the most direct route to shortening the life of your alternator

Rule #2: In case of emergency, there should be a point somewhere under the hood to connect jumper cables.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Mike2357 on August 17, 2021, 06:14:33 PM

I still can't get the lack of interchange between the Jersey Turnpike and Atlantic City Expressway out of my mind. That's on top of a lack of 95 numbering along the whole Turnpike and lack of 76 along the A.C.E...triple interstate insanity!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 17, 2021, 06:46:25 PM

Quote from: formulanone on August 17, 2021, 05:45:57 PM
I'd leave an example of the appropriate Torx screwdriver in the car so you're not stranded. There's about 6 standard sizes (like T-10 through T-40), and about 6-10 more that are less common.

Or replace the screws with something that isn't ridiculous.

Quote from: renegade on August 17, 2021, 06:12:23 PM
Rule #1: Never give anyone a jump-start. It's the most direct route to shortening the life of your alternator

Some people put a higher priority on improving the lives of people over the lives of alternators...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 17, 2021, 06:47:31 PM

Quote from: Mike2357 on August 17, 2021, 06:14:33 PM
I still can't get the lack of interchange between the Jersey Turnpike and Atlantic City Expressway out of my mind. That's on top of a lack of 95 numbering along the whole Turnpike and lack of 76 along the A.C.E...triple interstate insanity!

Would someone go check the needle? I think the record is stuck.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jmacswimmer on August 17, 2021, 06:49:26 PM

Quote from: Mike2357 on August 17, 2021, 06:14:33 PM
I still can't get the lack of interchange between the Jersey Turnpike and ~~Atlantic City Expressway~~ NJ 42 out of my mind.

The NJTP & ACE never touch each other ;-)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on August 17, 2021, 07:41:36 PM

We have threads about road opinions, and this one is about everything but road-stuff. Well, mostly.

Unpopular Route Opinions:
https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=28403.0

Unpopular Anything Road-Related Opinions:
https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=28884.0

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on August 17, 2021, 07:43:01 PM

Quote from: formulanone on August 17, 2021, 07:41:36 PM
We have threads about road opinions, and this one is about everything but road-stuff. Well, mostly.

Unpopular Route Opinions:
https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=28403.0

Unpopular Anything Road-Related Opinions:
https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=28884.0

This is the minor things that bother you thread, not the unpopular non-road opinion thread.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on August 17, 2021, 07:43:23 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 17, 2021, 06:46:25 PM
Quote from: formulanone on August 17, 2021, 05:45:57 PM
I'd leave an example of the appropriate Torx screwdriver in the car so you're not stranded.
Or replace the screws with something that isn't ridiculous.

$8 + tax is cheap enough...heck, there's like 20%-off coupons all over the place for Harbor Freight Tools (https://www.harborfreight.com/6-piece-star-bit-screwdriver-set-94757.html).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 17, 2021, 08:02:26 PM

It's not the expense of the screwdriver that's the issue to me, but rather the overhead of having to accommodate for the non-standard fastener by being sure to keep the screwdriver around in the event I need to access the compartment while away from home. I'm the sort of person who'd still somehow manage to lose the screwdriver somehow. Better to spend $1 + tax to just replace the screws so that if I need in there and can't find my screwdriver, I have a decent shot of being able to borrow one from someone that will work.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on August 18, 2021, 03:39:32 AM

Quote from: kphoger on August 16, 2021, 03:08:34 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on August 13, 2021, 06:56:54 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 13, 2021, 03:07:47 PM
It bothers me that, if I tell Alexa to "play _______ music", my young children end up listening to music with profanity in it. I guess I expect Alexa to be more like the radio and filter that stuff out.

And honestly, I'm glad it doesn't. If I want to listen to filtered music, I will turn on something governed by the FCC. The best thing about the internet is being able to choose your limits. I don't want a company doing that for me.

If the Alexa app doesn't allow you to filter music, or request non-explicit music, that should be a feature. But it should not be the default.

Aw, man, do you mean to say you think I should have to actually take the time to research my options? It's much more enjoyable to just sit here and complain about it...

Well, it's the minor things in life, ya know?!

Doing some actual research and not just typing angrily: there is definitely a filter option in the settings. I wish everything was like that, like network TV or terrestrial radio.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on August 18, 2021, 07:21:23 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 17, 2021, 08:02:26 PM
It's not the expense of the screwdriver that's the issue to me, but rather the overhead of having to accommodate for the non-standard fastener by being sure to keep the screwdriver around in the event I need to access the compartment while away from home. I'm the sort of person who'd still somehow manage to lose the screwdriver somehow. Better to spend $1 + tax to just replace the screws so that if I need in there and can't find my screwdriver, I have a decent shot of being able to borrow one from someone that will work.

It depends on the the way a fastener used; if it's some sort of screw that loosens, but which doesn't fully come out from its backing, then replacement is not an option.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on August 18, 2021, 10:42:48 AM

Quote from: formulanone on August 17, 2021, 05:45:57 PM
What on earth did you buy?

2009 Chevrolet Traverse

Quote from: formulanone on August 17, 2021, 05:45:57 PM
I'd leave an example of the appropriate Torx screwdriver in the car so you're not stranded.

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 17, 2021, 08:02:26 PM
being sure to keep the screwdriver around in the event I need to access the compartment while away from home.

I always keep a crate of car supplies in there anyway–motor oil, trans fluid, brake fluid, antifreeze, funnel, duct tape, rags, pliers, socket wrenches, ratchet straps, hammer, repair manual, block of wood, zip ties, cable cutters, that kind of stuff. And I think I have a driver set that includes Torx bits; I've never used it before, so I'll have to check, but it's likely I just need to toss that in the crate.

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 17, 2021, 06:46:25 PM

Quote from: renegade on August 17, 2021, 06:12:23 PM
Rule #1: Never give anyone a jump-start. It's the most direct route to shortening the life of your alternator

Some people put a higher priority on improving the lives of people over the lives of alternators...

That, plus I've never had to replace an alternator in any car I've owned. My most recent vehicle just crapped out at somewhere over 228,700 miles (thrown rod), having given plenty of jumpstarts during its time with me, and I hadn't even replaced the battery since 2017.

Quote from: renegade on August 17, 2021, 06:12:23 PM
Rule #2: In case of emergency, there should be a point somewhere under the hood to connect jumper cables.

There is a positive terminal under the hood, plus a grounding point at the firewall. I was assuming that's only good for receiving a jumpstart, not giving a jumpstart. Or do you mean the grounding point is also a negative connection (grounded through the frame)?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on August 18, 2021, 12:17:17 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 18, 2021, 10:42:48 AMThat, plus I've never had to replace an alternator in any car I've owned. My most recent vehicle just crapped out at somewhere over 228,700 miles (thrown rod), having given plenty of jumpstarts during its time with me, and I hadn't even replaced the battery since 2017.

For an alternator there are two traditional rules of thumb: it is on borrowed time after the second battery or 100,000 miles. I have actually taken out the one in my current daily driver, had it rebuilt, and reinstalled it, so I understand the work involved (it can be difficult to find a new rather than rebuilt alternator, and rebuilders are not easy to find even in a city as large as Wichita), and coddle the electrical system by using an AGM battery with a maintainer.

This said, I carry jumper cables and am not averse to giving a jumpstart if I can get my car in position. But I think I have successfully jumped another car just once in four or five tries.

Quote from: kphoger on August 18, 2021, 10:42:48 AMThere is a positive terminal under the hood, plus a grounding point at the firewall. I was assuming that's only good for receiving a jumpstart, not giving a jumpstart. Or do you mean the grounding point is also a negative connection (grounded through the frame)?

It should be. If you can see a voltage drop between ground and the negative terminal of the battery, that is a symptom of problems with the electrical system.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: renegade on August 18, 2021, 02:51:13 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 17, 2021, 06:46:25 PM
Quote from: renegade on August 17, 2021, 06:12:23 PM
Rule #1: Never give anyone a jump-start. It's the most direct route to shortening the life of your alternator
Some people put a higher priority on improving the lives of people over the lives of alternators...

When you need to replace one at a most inconvenient time/place/location, and at a cost you really can't afford ... your priorities will shift rather quickly.

... see below:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: renegade on August 18, 2021, 02:53:40 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 18, 2021, 10:42:48 AM
Quote from: renegade on August 17, 2021, 06:12:23 PM
Rule #2: In case of emergency, there should be a point somewhere under the hood to connect jumper cables.

There is a positive terminal under the hood, plus a grounding point at the firewall. I was assuming that's only good for receiving a jumpstart, not giving a jumpstart. Or do you mean the grounding point is also a negative connection (grounded through the frame)?

Yup. That's the spot. It will work either way.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on August 18, 2021, 03:09:48 PM

Quote from: Mike2357 on August 18, 2021, 12:52:18 PM
My old English professor in college several years ago said that he had a Japanese car with a quarter million miles on it and that it drove like a new car, and that American cars sick. I wholeheartedly agree, American car companies put 0 effort into making functional parts or reliable safety features. My dad's old car boiled over at around 225,000 miles on the way to work, what a piece of crap, every car should last at least 1 M miles.

"Boiling over" at 225,000 miles? That's hardly a car killer, unless it also happens to blow the head gasket or crack the block. I ran the radiator dry in my previous vehicle (Japanese brand but made in Canada) while on vacation in the summer of 2017, then blew a huge hole in the thing and had to replace it in April of the next year. Since then, I put about 45,000 miles on the vehicle. In the meantime, it needed a new heater hose assembly and a new expansion tank last year, so I had those replaced as well.

The reason it's a brick now, at just shy of 229,000 miles, is that a rod came loose on Friday–not because of anything related to the previous cooling system issues.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 18, 2021, 09:59:01 PM

Quote from: renegade on August 18, 2021, 02:51:13 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 17, 2021, 06:46:25 PM
Quote from: renegade on August 17, 2021, 06:12:23 PM
Rule #1: Never give anyone a jump-start. It's the most direct route to shortening the life of your alternator
Some people put a higher priority on improving the lives of people over the lives of alternators...
When you need to replace one at a most inconvenient time/place/location, and at a cost you really can't afford ... your priorities will shift rather quickly.

... see below:

Yeah, but at the same time, if I were about to leave work and had a dead battery, I asked my coworker for a jump, and he replied, "Nah, I don't give jumps because it's bad for the alternator," and left me stranded, I am going to think he's a douche for the rest of the time I know him.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: renegade on August 18, 2021, 11:00:14 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 18, 2021, 09:59:01 PM
Quote from: renegade on August 18, 2021, 02:51:13 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 17, 2021, 06:46:25 PM
Quote from: renegade on August 17, 2021, 06:12:23 PM
Rule #1: Never give anyone a jump-start. It's the most direct route to shortening the life of your alternator
Some people put a higher priority on improving the lives of people over the lives of alternators...
When you need to replace one at a most inconvenient time/place/location, and at a cost you really can't afford ... your priorities will shift rather quickly.

... see below:

Yeah, but at the same time, if I were about to leave work and had a dead battery, I asked my coworker for a jump, and he replied, "Nah, I don't give jumps because it's bad for the alternator," and left me stranded, I am going to think he's a douche for the rest of the time I know him.

Two words: Booster box. They are way cheaper than a replacement alternator, and will eliminate the douche factor.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kenarmy on August 19, 2021, 12:37:10 AM

People using England, Great Britain, and UK interchangeably.
People thinking Spanish is from Mexico. What????
People pointing out that someone else said the same thing from page 11 of ~50+ page threads in a negative way.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on August 19, 2021, 07:59:45 AM

Quote from: renegade on August 18, 2021, 11:00:14 PM
Two words: Booster box. They are way cheaper than a replacement alternator, and will eliminate the douche factor.

These are fine in places which perform lots of jumpstarts. Car dealerships, used car lots, or towing services and the like.

Otherwise, a typical booster box stays idle for long periods of time and either (1) fizzles out due to a lack of repeated usage (2) stays plugged in constantly and therefore also predictably becomes weaker with age after about 2-3 years. I bought one because I'd leave my car idle in an airport parking lot for a week and stupidly leave a map light on. So I'd charge it every few weeks, leave it in my hatch, and it successfully self-jumped my car and I'm good. By the time I'd needed it again, the power meter was dead after just 4 days of sitting idle in my trunk. After a few weeks, I noticed it couldn't even hold a full charge after unplugging it from an overnight re-charge, figuring it might help my wife out.

I have yet to encounter a failed alternator due to jumpstarting, although if you perform a jumpstart incorrectly, yes you can damage your alternator.

1. attach good battery positive cable clamp to battery post
2. attach bad battery positive cable clamp to battery post
3. attach good negative cable clamp to battery post
4. attach last negative cable clamp to a grounding piece of metal on bad battery car (make sure it's not plastic nor the battery itself)
5. personally avoid coming in direct contact with both vehicles' metal surfaces at the same time (eh, maybe an old wives' tale)
6. idle for 2-3 minutes (revving engine much higher is not necessary)
7. detach cables in reverse order (steps 4,3,2,1)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on August 19, 2021, 08:10:34 AM

Quote from: formulanone on August 19, 2021, 07:59:45 AM
Quote from: renegade on August 18, 2021, 11:00:14 PM
Two words: Booster box. They are way cheaper than a replacement alternator, and will eliminate the douche factor.

These are fine in places which perform lots of jumpstarts. Car dealerships, used car lots, or towing services and the like.

Otherwise, a typical booster box stays idle for long periods of time and either (1) fizzles out due to a lack of repeated usage (2) stays plugged in constantly and therefore also predictably becomes weaker with age after about 2-3 years.

I have a little Viking one that I charge up every 3-4 months and take with me when I head into the mountains. Always does the trick if necessary.

Chris

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on August 19, 2021, 08:26:36 AM

Interestingly we used to have to deal with another type of "booster box" in retail Loss Prevention. Essentially it was a container of some kind that was lined with foil which tended to fool older EAS towers. Some creative female shoplifters even taped the booster box to their inner thighs and would cover it with dresses. A "booster" also referred to someone who stole merchandise for resale and profit.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on August 19, 2021, 10:08:36 AM

Quote from: formulanone on August 19, 2021, 07:59:45 AM
1. attach good battery positive cable clamp to battery post
2. attach bad battery positive cable clamp to battery post
3. attach good negative cable clamp to battery post
4. attach last negative cable clamp to a grounding piece of metal on bad battery car (make sure it's not plastic nor the battery itself)
5. personally avoid coming in direct contact with both vehicles' metal surfaces at the same time (eh, maybe an old wives' tale)
6. idle for 2-3 minutes (revving engine much higher is not necessary)
7. detach cables in reverse order (steps 4,3,2,1)

For years, I used to just connect to all four battery posts (not using a grounding point on the dead vehicle). Only recently have I switched away from doing so. No explosions resulted from my prior method, but ... ummm ... your mileage may vary, I suppose.

And, for what it's worth, I've always heard you're supposed to hook "red to dead" first rather than second. It probably doesn't matter, but it does save one step of back-and-forth walking compared to your outline.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on August 19, 2021, 12:40:01 PM

I think the best protection against being stranded by a dead battery is a friend or family member with a second car. All of the other approaches have shortcomings:

* Auto club--Won't respond in remote areas.

* Rapid charger and extension cord--Doesn't work if the nearest building is too far away or there are no buildings with accessible exterior outlets within range of the cord.

* Booster box--The problems noted in previous posts are endemic to battery-powered devices. (I use an air compressor that runs off wall current when I need to adjust tire air pressures.)

* Jumper cables--If you need a jump, you discover other people's incredible ability to avert their eyes and hurry along: I've never known conversation even to reach the point of a douchey excuse like "Wish I could oblige, but it might kill my alternator." More often the person willing to give a jump is on the other side of the parking lot and cannot pull close to your car without blocking in someone else who (of course) shows up and wants to leave right that instant, or simply doesn't have the juice to crank the starter fast enough for the engine to turn over.

Some people adhere to a philosophy of replacing car batteries after a set period of time (say, three winters and two summers) rather than waiting for the installed battery to reach the point where it can no longer start the car reliably. This sacrifices usable residual life and thus results in higher running costs for periodic battery replacement, but it can save money if, for some reason, it is unusually costly or risky to be stranded.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MCRoads on August 19, 2021, 03:43:54 PM

Now that I know this it us super annoying. The longest bridge structure in the US is NOT the Ponchatrain Causeway. It is, in fact, on I-55/I-10/I-310. It is 14 miles longer than the causeway!

Here are the google maps directions for proof:

I-55/I-10/I-310: https://goo.gl/maps/QFbWkzBYkNEBPwq6A
Ponchatrain Causeway: https://goo.gl/maps/vFrEqCenaKwdvPLB6

This bridge structure is 4 miles longer than the longest officially reccognised road bridge, in Bangkok!

The reason it probably isn't counted is that Louisiana considers the I-310, I-10, and I-55 parts separate from each other. We need to rectify this! This extremely niche fact needs to be published!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on August 19, 2021, 03:46:10 PM

Quote from: MCRoads on August 19, 2021, 03:43:54 PM
The reason it probably isn't counted is that Louisiana considers the I-310, I-10, and I-55 parts separate from each other.

If they touch land in between, I would consider them three separate bridges.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on August 19, 2021, 03:46:59 PM

Another minor thing that bothers me:

When you have to fill out a Word document and the length of the underlines increases as you type! :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MCRoads on August 19, 2021, 03:56:23 PM

Quote from: webny99 on August 19, 2021, 03:46:10 PM
Quote from: MCRoads on August 19, 2021, 03:43:54 PM
The reason it probably isn't counted is that Louisiana considers the I-310, I-10, and I-55 parts separate from each other.

If they touch land in between, I would consider them three separate bridges.

That's the thing though... they don't! You go straight from one bridge onto the next! It is seamless!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on August 19, 2021, 06:34:26 PM

Quote from: webny99 on August 19, 2021, 03:46:59 PM
Another minor thing that bothers me:

When you have to fill out a Word document and the length of the underlines increases as you type! :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

You mean as you're filling in a spot with a blank underline already there? Just delete the underline before typing what you need to add.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on August 19, 2021, 06:40:18 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on August 19, 2021, 06:34:26 PM
Quote from: webny99 on August 19, 2021, 03:46:59 PM
Another minor thing that bothers me:

When you have to fill out a Word document and the length of the underlines increases as you type! :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

You mean as you're filling in a spot with a blank underline already there? Just delete the underline before typing what you need to add.

Yes, that is what I mean. The only problem is that if it's a form I'm submitting, I'm never sure if it's OK to remove the underline or not.
(I guess it's probably fine and I shouldn't get hung up on something so trivial... but even deleting the underline seems unnecessarily time-consuming.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on August 19, 2021, 07:14:25 PM

Wow, someone needs to learn how to make a better form.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on August 19, 2021, 07:25:40 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 19, 2021, 07:14:25 PM
Wow, ~~someone~~ many companies needs to learn how to make a better form.

FTFY, and I couldn't agree more. Once in a while, I'll encounter a form with proper fillable fields (it is possible, even on Word and I believe also .pdf), but usually, I end up printing the form, filling it out by hand, and scanning it back to myself.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on August 19, 2021, 07:28:52 PM

Quote from: webny99 on August 19, 2021, 07:25:40 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 19, 2021, 07:14:25 PM
Wow, ~~someone~~ many companies needs to learn how to make a better form.

FTFY, and I couldn't agree more. Once in a while, I'll encounter a form with proper fillable fields (it is possible, even on Word and I believe also .pdf), but usually, I end up printing the form, filling it out by hand, and scanning it back to myself.

Heck, just use Excel instead.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on August 19, 2021, 07:35:30 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 19, 2021, 07:28:52 PM
Quote from: webny99 on August 19, 2021, 07:25:40 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 19, 2021, 07:14:25 PM
Wow, ~~someone~~ many companies needs to learn how to make a better form.

FTFY, and I couldn't agree more. Once in a while, I'll encounter a form with proper fillable fields (it is possible, even on Word and I believe also .pdf), but usually, I end up printing the form, filling it out by hand, and scanning it back to myself.

Heck, just use Excel instead.

Actually, now that you mention it, I have seen that occasionally, but not often enough to think about how much better it is than Word. I might even recommend that in the future!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 28, 2021, 05:43:42 PM

Quote from: vdeane on February 05, 2020, 08:37:08 PM
People who don't put carts into the corral neatly. It's amazing how many times I'll put a cart away in one that's "full" but which magically gains room for double the amount of carts when I fix it (yeah, it bothers me so much that I actually take the time to organize them into a row of small carts and a row of big carts).

....

vdeane's presence was needed at the Wegmans near us. "If I just shove harder, the cart will fit!" (Picture doesn't show the big sign saying to put the small carts on the left and the big carts on the right.)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210828/665ce1ff0f51e0aa483483b85add6630.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: interstatefan990 on August 28, 2021, 06:27:43 PM

The fact that there are many millions of miles more road than I will ever be able to explore in my lifetime.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: frankenroad on August 31, 2021, 04:02:30 PM

Quote from: webny99 on August 19, 2021, 07:35:30 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 19, 2021, 07:28:52 PM
Quote from: webny99 on August 19, 2021, 07:25:40 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 19, 2021, 07:14:25 PM
Wow, ~~someone~~ many companies needs to learn how to make a better form.

FTFY, and I couldn't agree more. Once in a while, I'll encounter a form with proper fillable fields (it is possible, even on Word and I believe also .pdf), but usually, I end up printing the form, filling it out by hand, and scanning it back to myself.

Heck, just use Excel instead.

Actually, now that you mention it, I have seen that occasionally, but not often enough to think about how much better it is than Word. I might even recommend that in the future!

I frequently develop fillable forms for use at my job - I always use Excel. It allows free-form as well as drop-downs. I even mock-up forms in Excel that come to me as paper forms. It takes a little while to get the spacing and stuff right, but that time is quickly recovered if the form is used frequently.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on September 02, 2021, 10:22:52 AM

When you have to poop right after you finish your shower.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 02, 2021, 10:29:31 AM

Quote from: US 89 on September 02, 2021, 10:22:52 AM
When you have to poop right after you finish your shower.

No doubt!

(Wait a minute... How do you know when I have to poop? Or when I finish my shower?)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on September 02, 2021, 10:57:24 AM

People who drive honkin' ass big pickups that can't park them, taking up 2 spaces.

similar:
the main drag in town has center-of-street diagonal parking, and often one has to divert around them because they've left the ass (or the front) end hanging out into traffic,

*if you can't park it, you can't drive it*

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 02, 2021, 11:24:23 AM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on September 02, 2021, 10:57:24 AM
People who drive honkin' ass big pickups that can't park them, taking up 2 spaces.

I get the impression that a lot of these folks don't even care that they're taking up two spaces. They feel entitled to two spaces.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on September 02, 2021, 11:30:26 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 28, 2021, 05:43:42 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 05, 2020, 08:37:08 PM
People who don't put carts into the corral neatly. It's amazing how many times I'll put a cart away in one that's "full" but which magically gains room for double the amount of carts when I fix it (yeah, it bothers me so much that I actually take the time to organize them into a row of small carts and a row of big carts).

....

vdeane's presence was needed at the Wegmans near us. "If I just shove harder, the cart will fit!" (Picture doesn't show the big sign saying to put the small carts on the left and the big carts on the right.)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210828/665ce1ff0f51e0aa483483b85add6630.jpg)

wait they have wegmans in virginia?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on September 02, 2021, 11:32:52 AM

Quote from: kphoger on September 02, 2021, 11:24:23 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on September 02, 2021, 10:57:24 AM
People who drive honkin' ass big pickups that can't park them, taking up 2 spaces.

I get the impression that a lot of these folks don't even care that they're taking up two spaces. They feel entitled to two spaces.

I don't have a problem with huge trucks using two spots. They may be able to squeeze into a regular spot, but with very little neutral space between surrounding cars, it becomes an annoying experience as people cannot open their doors barely far enough to even exit their vehicles.

Trucks should be able to use two spots, but only in the back-forty.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MikieTimT on September 02, 2021, 11:34:50 AM

Neglecting to use turn signals. Seems to be predominantly a trait of those from the state to the southwest of us that have delusions of being their own country again. It's both a safety and courtesy thing in my mind.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 02, 2021, 11:40:23 AM

Quote from: kphoger on September 02, 2021, 11:24:23 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on September 02, 2021, 10:57:24 AM
People who drive honkin' ass big pickups that can't park them, taking up 2 spaces.

I get the impression that a lot of these folks don't even care that they're taking up two spaces. They feel entitled to two spaces.

Which is fine, as long as it's not two prime parking spaces. I have no issues whatsoever with a large vehicle occupying two spaces if it's in a sparsely occupied part of a large parking lot, just not in the prime spots near the storefront.

Because when it comes to parking, big vehicles are an inconvenience for both its driver and other drivers. If they do try to fit in a single spot, it's not only an inconvenience for them to have to get in and out extra cautiously (and worry about other people hitting their car), it's also an inconvenience for the people they're parked next to, who now also have to worry about those things.

In short, a big vehicle taking up two parking spots in a large parking lot is fine and understandable, but there are tradeoffs: you should recognize that parking spaces weren't made for your size vehicle, and be prepared to park further away and walk the extra steps if you want to take two spaces.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 02, 2021, 11:40:31 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on September 02, 2021, 11:32:52 AM

Quote from: kphoger on September 02, 2021, 11:24:23 AM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on September 02, 2021, 10:57:24 AM
People who drive honkin' ass big pickups that can't park them, taking up 2 spaces.

I get the impression that a lot of these folks don't even care that they're taking up two spaces. They feel entitled to two spaces.

I don't have a problem with huge trucks using two spots. They may be able to squeeze into a regular spot, but with very little neutral space between surrounding cars, it becomes an annoying experience as people cannot open their doors barely far enough to even exit their vehicles.

Trucks should be able to use two spots, but only in the back-forty.

The same goes for shiny, fancy sports cars. Want to take up two spaces to avoid risk of door dings? Great, just be sure to park in the back of the lot where no one else might need that second spot.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 02, 2021, 11:44:00 AM

Quote from: snowc on September 02, 2021, 11:30:26 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 28, 2021, 05:43:42 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 05, 2020, 08:37:08 PM
People who don't put carts into the corral neatly. It's amazing how many times I'll put a cart away in one that's "full" but which magically gains room for double the amount of carts when I fix it (yeah, it bothers me so much that I actually take the time to organize them into a row of small carts and a row of big carts).
...
vdeane's presence was needed at the Wegmans near us. "If I just shove harder, the cart will fit!" (Picture doesn't show the big sign saying to put the small carts on the left and the big carts on the right.)
[img snipped]
wait they have wegmans in virginia?

They sure do, and North Carolina as well. Much of their expansion from the Rochester area has been in a southward direction, although they have also expanded east with some locations in Massachusetts. No locations west of Erie, PA, as of yet. https://www.wegmans.com/about-us/future-store-locations/

And hey, it's funny that I never thought about this until now, but Wegmans approached and entered the NYC market through PA and NJ even though they started in NY - how fitting (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/New+York,+NY/Rochester,+NY/@41.6789458,-76.8362476,7.5z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c24fa5d33f083b:0xc80b8f06e177fe62!2m2!1d-74.0059728!2d40.7127753!1m5!1m1!1s0x89d6b3059614b353:0x5a001ffc4125e61e!2m2!1d-77.6088465!2d43.1565779!3e0!5m1!1e1)!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MikieTimT on September 02, 2021, 11:45:36 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on September 02, 2021, 11:32:52 AM
Quote from: kphoger on September 02, 2021, 11:24:23 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on September 02, 2021, 10:57:24 AM
People who drive honkin' ass big pickups that can't park them, taking up 2 spaces.

I get the impression that a lot of these folks don't even care that they're taking up two spaces. They feel entitled to two spaces.

I don't have a problem with huge trucks using two spots. They may be able to squeeze into a regular spot, but with very little neutral space between surrounding cars, it becomes an annoying experience as people cannot open their doors barely far enough to even exit their vehicles.

Trucks should be able to use two spots, but only in the back-forty.

My big-ass truck, and it literally has a big ass being a dually, gets parked in the boonies and I expend precious calories to transport myself to the front door. It's surprising how many retailers really don't consider the width of larger vehicles when striping their spots. If I don't have a choice, I'll shoehorn into one spot by backing in, which puts the width where it affects others the least. It's a courtesy and safety thing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on September 02, 2021, 11:56:26 AM

Quote from: webny99 on September 02, 2021, 11:44:00 AM
Quote from: snowc on September 02, 2021, 11:30:26 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 28, 2021, 05:43:42 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 05, 2020, 08:37:08 PM
People who don't put carts into the corral neatly. It's amazing how many times I'll put a cart away in one that's "full" but which magically gains room for double the amount of carts when I fix it (yeah, it bothers me so much that I actually take the time to organize them into a row of small carts and a row of big carts).
...
vdeane's presence was needed at the Wegmans near us. "If I just shove harder, the cart will fit!" (Picture doesn't show the big sign saying to put the small carts on the left and the big carts on the right.)
[img snipped]
wait they have wegmans in virginia?

They sure do, and North Carolina as well. Much of their expansion from the Rochester area has been in a southward direction, although they have also expanded east with some locations in Massachusetts. No locations west of Erie, PA, as of yet. https://www.wegmans.com/about-us/future-store-locations/

And hey, it's funny that I never thought about this until now, but Wegmans approached and entered the NYC market through PA and NJ even though they started in NY - how fitting (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/New+York,+NY/Rochester,+NY/@41.6789458,-76.8362476,7.5z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c24fa5d33f083b:0xc80b8f06e177fe62!2m2!1d-74.0059728!2d40.7127753!1m5!1m1!1s0x89d6b3059614b353:0x5a001ffc4125e61e!2m2!1d-77.6088465!2d43.1565779!3e0!5m1!1e1)!

Thats really interesting!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on September 02, 2021, 12:12:00 PM

Quote from: MikieTimT on September 02, 2021, 11:45:36 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 02, 2021, 11:32:52 AM
Quote from: kphoger on September 02, 2021, 11:24:23 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on September 02, 2021, 10:57:24 AM
People who drive honkin' ass big pickups that can't park them, taking up 2 spaces.

I get the impression that a lot of these folks don't even care that they're taking up two spaces. They feel entitled to two spaces.

I don't have a problem with huge trucks using two spots. They may be able to squeeze into a regular spot, but with very little neutral space between surrounding cars, it becomes an annoying experience as people cannot open their doors barely far enough to even exit their vehicles.

Trucks should be able to use two spots, but only in the back-forty.

My big-ass truck, and it literally has a big ass being a dually, gets parked in the boonies and I expend precious calories to transport myself to the front door. It's surprising how many retailers really don't consider the width of larger vehicles when striping their spots. If I don't have a choice, I'll shoehorn into one spot by backing in, which puts the width where it affects others the least. It's a courtesy and safety thing.

I have actually designed parking lots on a semi-professional level. The widths are quite standardized and are significantly affected by zoning codes. Increasing the width of each spot could reduce total spots below the required minimum for the square footage of the lot improvements. You could increase the stall sizes, but that would result in more compact stalls elsewhere in the lot.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GenExpwy on September 03, 2021, 05:33:51 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on September 02, 2021, 12:12:00 PM
Quote from: MikieTimT on September 02, 2021, 11:45:36 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 02, 2021, 11:32:52 AM
Quote from: kphoger on September 02, 2021, 11:24:23 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on September 02, 2021, 10:57:24 AM
People who drive honkin' ass big pickups that can't park them, taking up 2 spaces.

I get the impression that a lot of these folks don't even care that they're taking up two spaces. They feel entitled to two spaces.

I don't have a problem with huge trucks using two spots. They may be able to squeeze into a regular spot, but with very little neutral space between surrounding cars, it becomes an annoying experience as people cannot open their doors barely far enough to even exit their vehicles.

Trucks should be able to use two spots, but only in the back-forty.

My big-ass truck, and it literally has a big ass being a dually, gets parked in the boonies and I expend precious calories to transport myself to the front door. It's surprising how many retailers really don't consider the width of larger vehicles when striping their spots. If I don't have a choice, I'll shoehorn into one spot by backing in, which puts the width where it affects others the least. It's a courtesy and safety thing.

I have actually designed parking lots on a semi-professional level. The widths are quite standardized and are significantly affected by zoning codes. Increasing the width of each spot could reduce total spots below the required minimum for the square footage of the lot improvements. You could increase the stall sizes, but that would result in more compact stalls elsewhere in the lot.

I like the variation where there are double lines between each space (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.1464421,-77.0613973,3a,37.5y,242.84h,78.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1stipXAEOJwMn7fSZxr9NDOA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656). It helps enforce a buffer zone between vehicles, even when someone does a mediocre job of parking.

Quote from: kphoger on September 02, 2021, 11:40:31 AM
The same goes for shiny, fancy sports cars. Want to take up two spaces to avoid risk of door dings? Great, just be sure to park in the back of the lot where no one else might need that second spot.

I have seen a car take up four spaces (2Ã—2) at the Corning NY Wegmans. It was way far back, farther than the red car in the link above, and it was a Rolls-Royce.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MikieTimT on September 03, 2021, 11:26:26 AM

Quote from: GenExpwy on September 03, 2021, 05:33:51 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 02, 2021, 12:12:00 PM
Quote from: MikieTimT on September 02, 2021, 11:45:36 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 02, 2021, 11:32:52 AM
Quote from: kphoger on September 02, 2021, 11:24:23 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on September 02, 2021, 10:57:24 AM
People who drive honkin' ass big pickups that can't park them, taking up 2 spaces.

I get the impression that a lot of these folks don't even care that they're taking up two spaces. They feel entitled to two spaces.

I don't have a problem with huge trucks using two spots. They may be able to squeeze into a regular spot, but with very little neutral space between surrounding cars, it becomes an annoying experience as people cannot open their doors barely far enough to even exit their vehicles.

Trucks should be able to use two spots, but only in the back-forty.

My big-ass truck, and it literally has a big ass being a dually, gets parked in the boonies and I expend precious calories to transport myself to the front door. It's surprising how many retailers really don't consider the width of larger vehicles when striping their spots. If I don't have a choice, I'll shoehorn into one spot by backing in, which puts the width where it affects others the least. It's a courtesy and safety thing.

I have actually designed parking lots on a semi-professional level. The widths are quite standardized and are significantly affected by zoning codes. Increasing the width of each spot could reduce total spots below the required minimum for the square footage of the lot improvements. You could increase the stall sizes, but that would result in more compact stalls elsewhere in the lot.

I like the variation where there are double lines between each space (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.1464421,-77.0613973,3a,37.5y,242.84h,78.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1stipXAEOJwMn7fSZxr9NDOA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656). It helps enforce a buffer zone between vehicles, even when someone does a mediocre job of parking.

Quote from: kphoger on September 02, 2021, 11:40:31 AM
The same goes for shiny, fancy sports cars. Want to take up two spaces to avoid risk of door dings? Great, just be sure to park in the back of the lot where no one else might need that second spot.

I have seen a car take up four spaces (2Ã—2) at the Corning NY Wegmans. It was way far back, farther than the red car in the link above, and it was a Rolls-Royce.

Shocking that they do their own shopping at that level of financial attainment.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on September 03, 2021, 11:37:54 AM

I hate when a pick up with a trailer comes into a convenience store gas station to pump gas. His rear end blocks the driveway into the pumps, which I can tolerate. However, when the driver is done pumping his gas, and decides to go inside for a snack or use the restroom while still leaving his vehicle blocking a driveway (which could create a situation if a first responder needs to circumvent the property) which is very rude and thoughtless of others by the driver.

I had one at Wawa where I had to go around him. Afterwards spent time inside the store, came out, and still his vehicle had not moved! I was in the store longer than he needed to gas up, even gas up some cans, as some landscapers fill their gas cans up for their ride on mowers, and had no clue that he was blocking traffic for several minutes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SectorZ on September 03, 2021, 12:09:19 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on September 03, 2021, 11:37:54 AM
I had one at Wawa where I had to go around him. Afterwards spent time inside the store, came out, and still his vehicle had not moved! I was in the store longer than he needed to gas up, even gas up some cans, as some landscapers fill their gas cans up for their ride on mowers, and had no clue that he was blocking traffic for several minutes.

I need to jump off this one.

Landscapers, that instead of filling gas cans at the pump and then filling the ride-on lawnmowers with those, instead open the trailer, drive the lawnmower out, and then fill it at a third pump (since they're already taking up two). This mentality seems to be a Cape Cod thing. It makes the tropes from the movie Summer Catch look quite reasonable.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: allniter89 on September 03, 2021, 09:40:31 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on September 02, 2021, 10:57:24 AM
People who drive honkin' ass big pickups that can't park them, taking up 2 spaces.

similar:
the main drag in town has center-of-street diagonal parking, and often one has to divert around them because they've left the ass (or the front) end hanging out into traffic,

*if you can't park it, you can't drive it*

Or people driving jacked up pickups so the headlights are in your mirror :angry:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on September 03, 2021, 11:12:57 PM

Quote from: SectorZ on September 03, 2021, 12:09:19 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on September 03, 2021, 11:37:54 AM
I had one at Wawa where I had to go around him. Afterwards spent time inside the store, came out, and still his vehicle had not moved! I was in the store longer than he needed to gas up, even gas up some cans, as some landscapers fill their gas cans up for their ride on mowers, and had no clue that he was blocking traffic for several minutes.
I need to jump off this one.

Landscapers, that instead of filling gas cans at the pump and then filling the ride-on lawnmowers with those, instead open the trailer, drive the lawnmower out, and then fill it at a third pump (since they're already taking up two). This mentality seems to be a Cape Cod thing. It makes the tropes from the movie Summer Catch look quite reasonable.

Unless the pumps are full, what's the issue?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on September 04, 2021, 12:22:41 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 03, 2021, 11:12:57 PM
Quote from: SectorZ on September 03, 2021, 12:09:19 PM
Landscapers, that instead of filling gas cans at the pump and then filling the ride-on lawnmowers with those, instead open the trailer, drive the lawnmower out, and then fill it at a third pump (since they're already taking up two). This mentality seems to be a Cape Cod thing. It makes the tropes from the movie Summer Catch look quite reasonable.

Unless the pumps are full, what's the issue?

well, they weren't full until the landscapers showed up and took the last three!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on September 04, 2021, 10:24:07 AM

Quote from: webny99 on September 02, 2021, 11:40:23 AM
Quote from: kphoger on September 02, 2021, 11:24:23 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on September 02, 2021, 10:57:24 AM
People who drive honkin' ass big pickups that can't park them, taking up 2 spaces.

I get the impression that a lot of these folks don't even care that they're taking up two spaces. They feel entitled to two spaces.

Which is fine, as long as it's not two prime parking spaces. I have no issues whatsoever with a large vehicle occupying two spaces if it's in a sparsely occupied part of a large parking lot, just not in the prime spots near the storefront.

The parking lot at my work has a row labeled 'compact cars only'. my Camry fits fine, and no door bumping issues. But quite frequently someone with one of the aforementioned vehicles tries to shoehorn himself in there, and doesn't have the courtesy to leave a can opener so i can enter my car.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on September 04, 2021, 10:54:08 AM

Quote from: MikieTimT on September 02, 2021, 11:34:50 AM
Neglecting to use turn signals. Seems to be predominantly a trait of those from the state to the southwest of us that have delusions of being their own country again. It's both a safety and courtesy thing in my mind.

If there is nobody and I mean nobody at the intersection and you turn left, do you use your signal?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on September 04, 2021, 11:08:49 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on September 04, 2021, 10:54:08 AM
Quote from: MikieTimT on September 02, 2021, 11:34:50 AM
Neglecting to use turn signals. Seems to be predominantly a trait of those from the state to the southwest of us that have delusions of being their own country again. It's both a safety and courtesy thing in my mind.
If there is nobody and I mean nobody at the intersection and you turn left, do you use your signal?

Why wouldn't you? If there is nobody and I mean nobody at the intersection, do you stop? If there's nobody on the road, do you constantly speed to unnormal speeds? If there's nobody on the road, do you shotgun some beers?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on September 04, 2021, 12:09:00 PM

I buckle my seatbelt even when I'm parked or not moving. Some things are just habits. I cannot imagine turning without a signal as it's a habit.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on September 04, 2021, 01:02:48 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on September 04, 2021, 10:54:08 AMIf there is nobody and I mean nobody at the intersection and you turn left, do you use your signal?

Yes. In fact, I disagree with the school of thought that holds that a turn signal should not be used unless there is another road user in sight who will benefit. Sightlines are rarely good enough for a driver to be certain that he or she sees everyone who might see his or her turn signal. Moreover, in most if not all US states, use of the turn signal is a matter of legal obligation, so compliance improves if it is a habit.

I typically signal late, or refrain from signalling altogether, only if there is genuine potential for signalling well in advance to prompt another road user to make an ill-timed conflicting movement. The most common scenario is someone waiting at a driveway or side road intersection that is upstream of my planned turn but within the signalling envelope. I usually delay the signal until I am past that other person to avoid misleading him or her into thinking I am slowing down enough not to be in conflict.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on September 04, 2021, 10:47:51 PM

I can't imagine why someone would selectively not use your turn signal. I find I'm far less likely to forget to do something if it is a habit and part of my routine. Not signaling every time one turns seems like a good way to randomly forget to use the turn signal even in traffic.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 05, 2021, 03:02:16 PM

I don't use my signal if I'm out in the boonies and really know there's nobody else around. I'm talking about farm roads here–turning from one unpaved road onto another, where I can see all around with no problem, or turning from a main road onto some dirt sideroad where obviously nobody is coming. Other than situations like that, I generally assume that either (a) there's actually someone near me but I missed noticing them or (b) someone will approach the intersection right at the last second.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on September 05, 2021, 05:04:03 PM

You know you're in a small town when no one uses their turn signals, because everyone knows where you're going.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: noelbotevera on September 05, 2021, 07:23:16 PM

Okay I know I'm late to the pickup discussion but there is a peeve of mine that always bothers me:

Using a pickup truck just because "you want to drive a big car".

If your job involves hauling things pretty regularly (lawn care, landscaping, storage, home rehab, etc.) then that's practical and it makes sense. But if you're the type of ass who "just likes driving a big car", then you're the type who takes up good parking spaces at the grocery store, unnecessarily outfits your headlights with blinding LEDs, and the list of grievances go on. I will never understand that mindset, because if you really love big cars, then drive them around for a job so that at least you get paid and there's a reason for it, please.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 05, 2021, 08:38:22 PM

I don't get what the preference for driving a big car is anyway. The few times I've had to drive anything bigger than a sedan it feels like I have so much inertia that speeding up or stopping takes way too long to achieve.

That being said, I don't begrudge a family for keeping a truck around just to make it easier in those irregular occasions where it's helpful to have one (moving, picking up furniture from the store, hauling large items to the dump, picking up materials for a home improvement project, etc.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on September 05, 2021, 10:21:55 PM

I've gotten in such a habit of using a turn signal that I sometimes catch myself using it when I pull out of my gravel driveway in a rural area onto the road.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on September 06, 2021, 01:01:40 AM

Quote from: MikieTimT on September 03, 2021, 11:26:26 AM
Quote from: GenExpwy on September 03, 2021, 05:33:51 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 02, 2021, 12:12:00 PM
Quote from: MikieTimT on September 02, 2021, 11:45:36 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 02, 2021, 11:32:52 AM
Quote from: kphoger on September 02, 2021, 11:24:23 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on September 02, 2021, 10:57:24 AM
People who drive honkin' ass big pickups that can't park them, taking up 2 spaces.

I get the impression that a lot of these folks don't even care that they're taking up two spaces. They feel entitled to two spaces.

I don't have a problem with huge trucks using two spots. They may be able to squeeze into a regular spot, but with very little neutral space between surrounding cars, it becomes an annoying experience as people cannot open their doors barely far enough to even exit their vehicles.

Trucks should be able to use two spots, but only in the back-forty.

My big-ass truck, and it literally has a big ass being a dually, gets parked in the boonies and I expend precious calories to transport myself to the front door. It's surprising how many retailers really don't consider the width of larger vehicles when striping their spots. If I don't have a choice, I'll shoehorn into one spot by backing in, which puts the width where it affects others the least. It's a courtesy and safety thing.

I have actually designed parking lots on a semi-professional level. The widths are quite standardized and are significantly affected by zoning codes. Increasing the width of each spot could reduce total spots below the required minimum for the square footage of the lot improvements. You could increase the stall sizes, but that would result in more compact stalls elsewhere in the lot.

I like the variation where there are double lines between each space (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.1464421,-77.0613973,3a,37.5y,242.84h,78.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1stipXAEOJwMn7fSZxr9NDOA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656). It helps enforce a buffer zone between vehicles, even when someone does a mediocre job of parking.

Quote from: kphoger on September 02, 2021, 11:40:31 AM
The same goes for shiny, fancy sports cars. Want to take up two spaces to avoid risk of door dings? Great, just be sure to park in the back of the lot where no one else might need that second spot.

I have seen a car take up four spaces (2Ã—2) at the Corning NY Wegmans. It was way far back, farther than the red car in the link above, and it was a Rolls-Royce.

Shocking that they do their own shopping at that level of financial attainment.

The chauffeur was picking up a cold bottled water to be ready for the passengers when they've finished their errand.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: interstatefan990 on September 06, 2021, 01:12:05 AM

I don't know if anyone else feels this way, but using my turn signal is actually satisfying for me. The snap of the lever coming into place and subsequent clicking of the signals is oddly soothing. Maybe the inner kid in me just likes fidgeting with things, but who knows?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GenExpwy on September 06, 2021, 03:05:02 AM

Quote from: GaryV on September 05, 2021, 05:04:03 PM
You know you're in a small town when no one uses their turn signals, because everyone knows where you're going.

My favorite is when oncoming drivers both want to turn left (at a 4-way), but neither one moves because each is waiting for the other to go straight. :rolleyes:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on September 06, 2021, 06:38:55 AM

Quote from: noelbotevera on September 05, 2021, 07:23:16 PM
Okay I know I'm late to the pickup discussion but there is a peeve of mine that always bothers me:

Using a pickup truck just because "you want to drive a big car".

You need to remember, you don't buy a vehicle for your minimum needs. You buy it for your maximum needs.

When our kids still lived at home or were in college we had a minivan. Even though we usually didn't "need" it - often times it was driven with only 1 or 2 people. But because sometimes we did need it, we had it. We also had a smaller car for the other driver to use. But when both of us needed to drive somewhere, one of us drove the larger vehicle.

It isn't practical to have 5 different cars just so you can choose which one to drive based on your current need.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: noelbotevera on September 06, 2021, 11:32:04 AM

Quote from: GaryV on September 06, 2021, 06:38:55 AM
Quote from: noelbotevera on September 05, 2021, 07:23:16 PM
Okay I know I'm late to the pickup discussion but there is a peeve of mine that always bothers me:

Using a pickup truck just because "you want to drive a big car".

You need to remember, you don't buy a vehicle for your minimum needs. You buy it for your maximum needs.

When our kids still lived at home or were in college we had a minivan. Even though we usually didn't "need" it - often times it was driven with only 1 or 2 people. But because sometimes we did need it, we had it. We also had a smaller car for the other driver to use. But when both of us needed to drive somewhere, one of us drove the larger vehicle.

It isn't practical to have 5 different cars just so you can choose which one to drive based on your current need.

If you're carrying people, then sure a minivan is reasonable. Maybe you go out with friends a lot and having everyone in one car is simply more convenient.

I think it's impractical to own a pickup truck if you rarely haul objects. Consider that a pickup truck tends to have a lower MPG than a sedan or SUV. For the greater price you spend on gas, you could've rented a U-haul (or Penske or whatever) for cheaper.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on September 07, 2021, 01:01:39 AM

When you work hard to pass a truck on a rural 2 lane road, only for him to pass you back where the road widens to 4 lanes in the next town because he didn't slow down to the speed limit like you did.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on September 07, 2021, 03:48:50 AM

Quote from: GaryV on September 06, 2021, 06:38:55 AM
Quote from: noelbotevera on September 05, 2021, 07:23:16 PM
Okay I know I'm late to the pickup discussion but there is a peeve of mine that always bothers me:

Using a pickup truck just because "you want to drive a big car".

You need to remember, you don't buy a vehicle for your minimum needs. You buy it for your maximum needs.

Better would be buying for your maximum need on a regular and expected basis. A small SUV would be enough for most people except for maybe once or twice in a year...which is a good time to just use a rental for a larger vehicle.

I certainly wouldn't want to try and park a pickup on a crowded city street or a narrow trail parking space. My small-ish SUV is enough to not be blinded by literally every oncoming vehicle at night but short enough to not have blind spots that I really have to worry about.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on September 07, 2021, 06:29:06 AM

Quote from: US 89 on September 07, 2021, 01:01:39 AM
When you work hard to pass a truck on a rural 2 lane road, only for him to pass you back where the road widens to 4 lanes in the next town because he didn't slow down to the speed limit like you did.

Or you wait 20 minutes for the best passing opportunity, but that passed vehicle just shuffles off the same route 30 seconds later.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 07, 2021, 01:30:25 PM

Quote from: vdeane on September 04, 2021, 10:47:51 PM
I can't imagine why someone would selectively not use your turn signal. I find I'm far less likely to forget to do something if it is a habit and part of my routine. Not signaling every time one turns seems like a good way to randomly forget to use the turn signal even in traffic.

I agree with this, but strangely tend to not use my signal when turning into the driveway. It's not a busy road, so I guess I feel like I'd probably be recognized by anyone who might be around.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 07, 2021, 01:32:05 PM

Quote from: US 89 on September 07, 2021, 01:01:39 AM
When you work hard to pass a truck on a rural 2 lane road, only for him to pass you back where the road widens to 4 lanes in the next town because he didn't slow down to the speed limit like you did.

I guess I'd keep an eye on the rearview and punch it if I saw that happening! :D

(Granted, "four lanes in the next town" isn't even applicable in much of the Northeast...)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on September 07, 2021, 02:48:32 PM

I'm late to the discussion about turn signals, but quick question for those here: do you always use them when in a double "left turn only" situation? I've found myself a couple of times using my blinker to get over to the lane, but once I'm in the lane, since I don't have any other options but to turn, I turn it off. Mostly this is because if I'm in the rightmost left turn lane, my car will beep at me due to blind spot monitoring (since there is someone to my left when I want to be turning left).

Chris

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on September 07, 2021, 05:03:51 PM

Quote from: jayhawkco on September 07, 2021, 02:48:32 PMI'm late to the discussion about turn signals, but quick question for those here: do you always use them when in a double "left turn only" situation? I've found myself a couple of times using my blinker to get over to the lane, but once I'm in the lane, since I don't have any other options but to turn, I turn it off. Mostly this is because if I'm in the rightmost left turn lane, my car will beep at me due to blind spot monitoring (since there is someone to my left when I want to be turning left).

I always keep the signal blinking when I am waiting to turn. The legal test is whether I am in the signalling envelope (100 ft on surface streets/300 ft on the open road), and I very rarely encounter a situation where I can be stopped waiting to turn while outside the envelope. On occasion, however, I sometimes change into the turn lane on one signal and then prepare to make the turn on a separate signal, on the basis that the time interval between the two emphasizes that the rightmost left-turn lane is not a through lane (such as at northbound Zoo Boulevard in Wichita approaching Windmill Road (https://www.google.com/maps/@37.7155985,-97.4014226,3a,75y,326.79h,93.59t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sXxIFHGuiLVyAGz1Vw2ySfA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656), where worn markings and occlusion of lane assignment signs by large trucks can fool drivers).

For me, the key is to remember that the turn signal is one way to avoid being rear-ended. This is why I quite often begin signalling outside the envelope (e.g., at the last cross street before the turn even if it is more than 100 ft away).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on September 07, 2021, 05:32:00 PM

I hate when toothpaste stains on your shirt or in the sink. You wet it, wash it with a cloth until it appears clean. Then when the water evaporates the stain returns.

Because it becomes invisible when wet, you have no idea how good of a cleaning job you have until later on. It can be embarrassing when you go out, and when you get to your destination you notice it never disappeared even though it vanished when you cleaned it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on September 07, 2021, 05:40:35 PM

In regard to the overtaking scenarios described upthread, I'll describe a situation where I ended up making what I have since come to believe is an error of judgment.

I was on US 54 just outside Liberal, Kansas, returning to Wichita after visiting Arizona. An 18-wheeler was behind me and pulled out to pass when a passing lane opened up just past the Cimarron River bridge. The driver did not put on speed while he was going downhill, however, and as we entered a mild uphill incline, he was barely keeping abreast. Eventually we were about to run out of passing opportunity, so I put on some speed to merge back before the taper. This apparently infuriated the driver, who proceeded to ride my back bumper all the way to Plains, ten miles later. I did not feel I could pull over onto the shoulder at any point because it was littered with debris. When we reached the start of the four-lane section through town, he leaned on his horn to make sure I pulled to the right lane.

No-one was injured or even seriously inconvenienced, but it was a nervous-making incident. The truck driver's aggressive behavior was unexpected but not altogether impossible to predict. In retrospect, I think I should have made a different choice when I realized he was not going to put on speed to complete his overtake while he was actually in the passing lane. (I am not sure why he didn't; I couldn't tell whether his vehicle belonged to one of the major trucking lines and so might have been fitted with a governor. The trailer was a generic long white box and I didn't see any branding on the tractor doors that I recognized.) If, for example, I had slowed to a crawl in the driving lane so that he overshot me, I would have been in his rear, which is a more tactically favorable position when dealing with other drivers who are prone to road rage.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 07, 2021, 07:56:15 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on September 07, 2021, 05:40:35 PM
In retrospect, I think I should have made a different choice when I realized he was not going to put on speed to complete his overtake while he was actually in the passing lane. (I am not sure why he didn't; I couldn't tell whether his vehicle belonged to one of the major trucking lines and so might have been fitted with a governor. The trailer was a generic long white box and I didn't see any branding on the tractor doors that I recognized.)

That's very generous of you, but it sounds to me like it was the truck driver that should have made a different choice. From what I can see on Street View, it's quite a lengthy passing lane. Surely he would have had enough time to get past if he was set on doing so.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on September 07, 2021, 08:03:00 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on September 07, 2021, 05:40:35 PM
In regard to the overtaking scenarios described upthread, I'll describe a situation where I ended up making what I have since come to believe is an error of judgment.

I was on US 54 just outside Liberal, Kansas, returning to Wichita after visiting Arizona. An 18-wheeler was behind me and pulled out to pass when a passing lane opened up just past the Cimarron River bridge. The driver did not put on speed while he was going downhill, however, and as we entered a mild uphill incline, he was barely keeping abreast. Eventually we were about to run out of passing opportunity, so I put on some speed to merge back before the taper. This apparently infuriated the driver, who proceeded to ride my back bumper all the way to Plains, ten miles later. I did not feel I could pull over onto the shoulder at any point because it was littered with debris. When we reached the start of the four-lane section through town, he leaned on his horn to make sure I pulled to the right lane.

No-one was injured or even seriously inconvenienced, but it was a nervous-making incident. The truck driver's aggressive behavior was unexpected but not altogether impossible to predict. In retrospect, I think I should have made a different choice when I realized he was not going to put on speed to complete his overtake while he was actually in the passing lane. (I am not sure why he didn't; I couldn't tell whether his vehicle belonged to one of the major trucking lines and so might have been fitted with a governor. The trailer was a generic long white box and I didn't see any branding on the tractor doors that I recognized.) If, for example, I had slowed to a crawl in the driving lane so that he overshot me, I would have been in his rear, which is a more tactically favorable position when dealing with other drivers who are prone to road rage.

My mother had a wrecking ball hit her car (not literally! :biggrin:) when one of the NC 540 (and I95) workers SLAMMED into her passenger door on the RAV4. Took at least a MONTH to repair that sucker. :colorful" :wow: :rolleyes:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on September 07, 2021, 09:49:59 PM

Quote from: webny99 on September 07, 2021, 07:56:15 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on September 07, 2021, 05:40:35 PM
In retrospect, I think I should have made a different choice when I realized he was not going to put on speed to complete his overtake while he was actually in the passing lane. (I am not sure why he didn't; I couldn't tell whether his vehicle belonged to one of the major trucking lines and so might have been fitted with a governor. The trailer was a generic long white box and I didn't see any branding on the tractor doors that I recognized.)

That's very generous of you, but it sounds to me like it was the truck driver that should have made a different choice. From what I can see on Street View, it's quite a lengthy passing lane. Surely he would have had enough time to get past if he was set on doing so.

I would go so far as to say that the truck driver should lose his licence. That "I don't actually want to go faster than you, I just want to be in front, even if it's inconvenient for you and gains me nothing" attitude is appalling even when it's just a regular car. If he didn't want to go faster, he shouldn't have passed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on September 07, 2021, 10:23:20 PM

Quote from: vdeane on September 04, 2021, 10:47:51 PM
I can't imagine why someone would selectively not use your turn signal. I find I'm far less likely to forget to do something if it is a habit and part of my routine. Not signaling every time one turns seems like a good way to randomly forget to use the turn signal even in traffic.

got one word for ya,

AUTOPILOT!

if they get rid of the clock sounding relay, then MAYBE, I'll use it.

then again, one scenario where I will use the signal religiously is when i CHANGE LANES!!!.

Speaking of drivers who want to get so close to kiss your car's ass with their grille, People who come up 1 inch behind you, hold there for 2 miles, then move over - NO SIGNAL! pass you, then move over so YOU are 1 inch behind them!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on September 08, 2021, 01:01:12 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on September 07, 2021, 05:32:00 PM
I hate when toothpaste stains on your shirt or in the sink. You wet it, wash it with a cloth until it appears clean. Then when the water evaporates the stain returns.

I typically brush my teeth after showering but before getting dressed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on September 10, 2021, 02:45:08 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on September 08, 2021, 01:01:12 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on September 07, 2021, 05:32:00 PM
I hate when toothpaste stains on your shirt or in the sink. You wet it, wash it with a cloth until it appears clean. Then when the water evaporates the stain returns.

I typically brush my teeth after showering but before getting dressed.

Do you always shower prior to brushing?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: renegade on September 10, 2021, 03:05:27 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on September 10, 2021, 02:45:08 PM
Do you always shower prior to brushing?

Not a question I need an answer to.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on September 10, 2021, 05:16:12 PM

Quote from: renegade on September 10, 2021, 03:05:27 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 10, 2021, 02:45:08 PM
Do you always shower prior to brushing?
Not a question I need an answer to.

Ideally it was rhetorical. If you always brush after showering then, in theory, you shower at least twice a day.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 10, 2021, 06:11:20 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on September 10, 2021, 05:16:12 PM
Quote from: renegade on September 10, 2021, 03:05:27 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 10, 2021, 02:45:08 PM
Do you always shower prior to brushing?
Not a question I need an answer to.

Ideally it was rhetorical. If you always brush after showering then, in theory, you shower at least twice a day.

Or maybe a revised phrasing... "Do you ever brush your teeth without showering?" ... might have been more along the lines of what you were actually wondering based on the context.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on September 10, 2021, 06:26:58 PM

Quote from: webny99 on September 10, 2021, 06:11:20 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 10, 2021, 05:16:12 PM
Quote from: renegade on September 10, 2021, 03:05:27 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 10, 2021, 02:45:08 PM
Do you always shower prior to brushing?
Not a question I need an answer to.

Ideally it was rhetorical. If you always brush after showering then, in theory, you shower at least twice a day.

Or maybe a revised phrasing... "Do you ever brush your teeth without showering?" ... might have been more along the lines of what you were actually wondering based on the context.

I'm perfectly happy with my original question. But sure, that's fine too.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 10, 2021, 07:16:36 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on September 10, 2021, 06:26:58 PM
Quote from: webny99 on September 10, 2021, 06:11:20 PM
Or maybe a revised phrasing... "Do you ever brush your teeth without showering?" ... ~~might have been more along the lines of what you were actually wondering based on the context.~~

I'm perfectly happy with my original question. But sure, that's fine too.

Sorry, I wasn't very clear. You can scratch the second half of that sentence. My thought was that making the teeth brushing the subject would have been less likely to elicit "not a question I need the answer to" as a response.

Either way I think your point is that one shower to one teeth brushing is kind of an odd ratio?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on September 10, 2021, 08:04:47 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on September 10, 2021, 07:37:00 PM
Quote from: webny99 on September 10, 2021, 07:16:36 PM
Sorry, I wasn't very clear. You can scratch the second half of that sentence. My thought was that making the teeth brushing the subject would have been less likely to elicit "not a question I need the answer to" as a response.

Either way I think your point is that one shower to one teeth brushing is kind of an odd ratio?

Gotcha, no worries. My question was designed to elicit a response from HB along the lines of "no, I brush without showering as well" or something like that. Because, yes, I am secretly hoping that wasn't code for "I only brush once a day" since, although that's a common habit, it's not one I think many people admit to :-D.

Let's not go trolling people please.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 10, 2021, 08:44:43 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on September 10, 2021, 07:37:00 PM
I am secretly hoping that wasn't code for "I only brush once a day" since, although that's a common habit, it's not one I think many people admit to :-D.

Personally although I do usually brush more than once a day (usually twice), it varies, and I feel like it has gotten more variable since the start of the pandemic for some reason.

Come to think of it, however, I am with HB in that I often brush my teeth before getting dressed or changed (OK, now this is starting to seem more like "strange habits you have"... :-D)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on September 10, 2021, 08:51:57 PM

Quote from: webny99 on September 10, 2021, 08:44:43 PM
Come to think of it, however, I am with HB in that I often brush my teeth before getting dressed or changed (OK, now this is starting to seem more like "strange habits you have"... :-D)

Truthfully, same here as well. While I'm waiting for hair to dry I often brush my teeth.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on September 10, 2021, 09:22:35 PM

My daily average number of brushings would be somewhere between 1 and 2. When I do brush without having previously showered as part of my start-of-the-day grooming routine, I'm usually home for the evening and either don't have a shirt on, or have an old beat-around-the-house T-shirt on and it wouldn't matter if I got toothpaste on it or not.

Maybe we should split part of this discussion off to a "How often do you brush your teeth" thread?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 11, 2021, 12:21:10 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on September 10, 2021, 09:22:35 PM
Maybe we should split part of this discussion off to a "How often do you brush your teeth" thread?

Or, in the light of how it came up originally, how about "Toothpaste stain management"? :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on September 18, 2021, 09:27:13 PM

I use command-click (or control-click depending on OS) to open a link in a new tab all the time.

A number of websites see fit to fuck with this functionality, and have command-click open a new link in the same page, or not at all. May those developers step on a wet lego, after having their cargo shorts pocket and headphone cord snag on a doorknob.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 18, 2021, 10:03:54 PM

Quote from: kurumi on September 18, 2021, 09:27:13 PM
I use command-click (or control-click depending on OS) to open a link in a new tab all the time.

A number of websites see fit to fuck with this functionality, and have command-click open a new link in the same page, or not at all. May those developers step on a wet lego, after having their cargo shorts pocket and headphone cord snag on a doorknob.

100% agreed (though in my case it's middle-click). I've actually considered posting that very same thing myself, but never gotten around to it.

In general, whenever I do development my philosophy is to leave as much of the defaults of the OS, toolkit, and/or browser in place as possible. It's less work for me, and it means that if the user has a setting set the way they want it I'm not going to step on it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on September 20, 2021, 12:14:56 PM

One specific forum user who can get away with posting incoherent remarks that other users would get in trouble for.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on September 20, 2021, 02:49:16 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 18, 2021, 10:03:54 PM
Quote from: kurumi on September 18, 2021, 09:27:13 PMI use command-click (or control-click depending on OS) to open a link in a new tab all the time.

A number of websites see fit to fuck with this functionality, and have command-click open a new link in the same page, or not at all. May those developers step on a wet lego, after having their cargo shorts pocket and headphone cord snag on a doorknob.

100% agreed (though in my case it's middle-click). I've actually considered posting that very same thing myself, but never gotten around to it.

In general, whenever I do development my philosophy is to leave as much of the defaults of the OS, toolkit, and/or browser in place as possible. It's less work for me, and it means that if the user has a setting set the way they want it I'm not going to step on it.

I use control-click heavily too, and have come to realize that there is a hierarchy of annoyance involved. In addition to sites that force the new page to open in the same tab, there are also sites that suppress URL/postback trigger display on mouseover (making it impossible to predict what the behavior will be on simple click, let alone control-click), prevent the mouse cursor from changing from an arrow to an index finger so the active area can be seen, or force the browser to expire pages with every click so that the back and forward buttons don't work without an intermediate "repost form data" step.

It doesn't take too many of these antipatterns to incentivize me to write a wget/curl wrapper script so I can extract the information I want from a given site without wasting eyeball time on it in the browser. Web Developer Tools has been a lifesaver.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on September 20, 2021, 03:00:01 PM

Speaking of tabs, one huge thing that annoys me is the grouped tabs on Google Chrome - mobile version (at least Android). I don't want to have subsets of stuff; I just want to have x amount of total windows available. No easy way to turn off either.

Chris

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 20, 2021, 03:41:29 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on September 20, 2021, 02:49:16 PM
I use control-click heavily too, and have come to realize that there is a hierarchy of annoyance involved. In addition to sites that force the new page to open in the same tab, there are also sites that suppress URL/postback trigger display on mouseover (making it impossible to predict what the behavior will be on simple click, let alone control-click), prevent the mouse cursor from changing from an arrow to an index finger so the active area can be seen, or force the browser to expire pages with every click so that the back and forward buttons don't work without an intermediate "repost form data" step.

It doesn't take too many of these antipatterns to incentivize me to write a wget/curl wrapper script so I can extract the information I want from a given site without wasting eyeball time on it in the browser. Web Developer Tools has been a lifesaver.

You're fortunate you haven't had to deal with a site that redirects attempts to grab a single file or page in such a way that it thoroughly confuses wget, then. (I've found a few of those. Fortunately very few.)

In a similar vein, websites that go out of their way to obstruct the saving of images, either by disabling right-click context menus or displaying a transparent PNG over top of them to cause the browser to save the wrong file. I understand the site owner's desire to deter copyright violation, but normally I am saving a file for personal use (e.g. for future use as a reference image for artwork, or to make a MapTool D&D token out of it which will be shown to exactly 3 friends). With Firefox, this can be worked around by hitting Ctrl+I (I as in India) and selecting the image from the Media list, but that is annoying to have to resort to.

Quote from: jayhawkco on September 20, 2021, 03:00:01 PM
Speaking of tabs, one huge thing that annoys me is the grouped tabs on Google Chrome - mobile version (at least Android). I don't want to have subsets of stuff; I just want to have x amount of total windows available. No easy way to turn off either.

Chris

Tab grouping used to bother me too, until I got an extension for Firefox that shows the tabs down the left side of the window in a tree view. Now at least the visual relationship between tab groups is much more explicit, and as a bonus, I can collapse the tabs and close an entire group in one click. Very handy for when I have, e.g. five tabs from the same site open to perform a task of some kind and I finish with them all at once.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on September 20, 2021, 04:18:10 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 20, 2021, 03:41:29 PMYou're fortunate you haven't had to deal with a site that redirects attempts to grab a single file or page in such a way that it thoroughly confuses wget, then. (I've found a few of those. Fortunately very few.)

I've run into those and had to familiarize myself with wget and curl's switches for managing redirect behavior. (Curl doesn't follow 302s by default, while wget does.) I've also run into sites that use user-agent checking (no goodies for you unless you fool them into thinking you're using a popular browser), HTTP referer checking, and even one or two that check the Accept-Language and Accept-Encoding headers.

I've had generally good luck writing scripts to automate download of the information I want, even if this means writing ten or more subroutines just to confect postdata for HTTP POST requests. But there are a couple of big caveats. The sites I've worked with are generally designed to serve data to their users for local retention, even if it's made slightly difficult to get--it's just that their designers assume that the users will tolerate sitting at their computers and clicking like monkeys to initiate downloads. And nothing I've devised gets around CAPTCHA mechanisms like Google ReCaptcha. SIMAP (the Swiss tendering platform) is one example: in order to download documentation for a highway construction project, I have to register a formal expression of interest, and to do that I need to solve a CAPTCHA. I've thus had to write two scripts: one that generates a webpage with links to the CAPTCHA pages for new projects of interest, and one that downloads documentation after I've solved the CAPTCHAs.

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 20, 2021, 03:41:29 PMIn a similar vein, websites that go out of their way to obstruct the saving of images, either by disabling right-click context menus or displaying a transparent PNG over top of them to cause the browser to save the wrong file. I understand the site owner's desire to deter copyright violation, but normally I am saving a file for personal use (e.g. for future use as a reference image for artwork, or to make a MapTool D&D token out of it which will be shown to exactly 3 friends). With Firefox, this can be worked around by hitting Ctrl+I (I as in India) and selecting the image from the Media list, but that is annoying to have to resort to.

I've run into this as well. I've also run into construction plan providers (such as QuestCDN) that generate low-resolution raster copies of the actual plans sets for previewing purposes as an anti-leeching measure. (The DOTs in four states currently use QuestCDN as their provider for letting plans: WY, ID, NV, and MN. Fortunately NV and MN make plans available on an EDMS after contract award, but there is no such workaround for WY or ID.)

The other day I was doing Web research on real-estate prospectors (mostly to confirm a long-held intuition that they are creeps looking to profit from others' misfortune), and ran across a PDF primer for which local saving had been disabled. When I looked under the hood, I realized this was done by downloading JavaScript for PDF decryption and display to the browser, and then sending each PDF page one at a time in Base64 encoding.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 20, 2021, 05:02:18 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on September 20, 2021, 04:18:10 PM
The other day I was doing Web research on real-estate prospectors (mostly to confirm a long-held intuition that they are creeps looking to profit from others' misfortune), and ran across a PDF primer for which local saving had been disabled. When I looked under the hood, I realized this was done by downloading JavaScript for PDF decryption and display to the browser, and then sending each PDF page one at a time in Base64 encoding.

This is a fantastic example of bogus web developer chicanery that probably cost the site owner more money in labor than was lost to piracy. Presumably the JavaScript had to download the data from somewhere to display it in the browser though–was it pulling from a source PDF file and merely breaking it up for display purposes, or was the site emitting the Base64 with PHP/Perl upon the JavaScript routine requesting it?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on September 20, 2021, 05:35:59 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 20, 2021, 05:02:18 PMThis is a fantastic example of bogus web developer chicanery that probably cost the site owner more money in labor than was lost to piracy. Presumably the JavaScript had to download the data from somewhere to display it in the browser though–was it pulling from a source PDF file and merely breaking it up for display purposes, or was the site emitting the Base64 with PHP/Perl upon the JavaScript routine requesting it?

The latter--scrolling across a page boundary results in a request to the server for the next page's worth of Base64-encoded content. The original PDF is nowhere exposed in a URL for direct download. (First-generation tantalus mechanisms did used to expose a file URL, but these days nearly all content providers have closed that backdoor.)

I suspect the original PDF could be reconstructed by downloading all the pages in Base64, decoding each Base64 snippet to get the corresponding segment of the PDF, and using a binary-capable concatenate tool to put them all together in order. But this assumes there isn't an additional encryption layer underneath the Base64; if there is, then finding where and how the necessary decryption key is passed to the browser would likely mean looking at the JavaScript code.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 20, 2021, 06:00:52 PM

The above also presupposes that the Base64 being emitted is itself PDF-compatible; the Base64 could very well represent data in a proprietary format designed to be interpreted and displayed only by the JavaScript display routine (which would mean that there would be no need to transmit whatever headers, etc. PDF requires, as the equivalent could be baked into the JS).

Such could be reverse engineered by looking at the JS source code, of course. It could also be archived by simply saving all the Base64 code somewhere and modifying the JS to draw from a local source rather than a remote one. But at that point you're sinking enough time into it that unless the PDF represents very critical information that must be archived, you are guaranteed to come out behind on the time-sink factor alone.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on September 26, 2021, 09:19:56 PM

My wife constantly remarks about she hates the phrase "It is what it is."

A couple of my disliked phrases are "living my best life" and "living the dream."

[Removed gratuitous politics. -S.]

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on September 26, 2021, 10:07:30 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on September 26, 2021, 09:19:56 PM
My wife constantly remarks about she hates the phrase "It is what it is."

Well, It is what is is.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US71 on September 26, 2021, 10:55:54 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on September 26, 2021, 10:07:30 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 26, 2021, 09:19:56 PM
My wife constantly remarks about she hates the phrase "It is what it is."
Well, It is what is is.

My friend Baron Liam used that for his box business.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on September 27, 2021, 04:26:41 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 26, 2021, 11:47:42 PM
[Removed gratuitous politics. -S.]

This. Both the original post and the edit were made while I was asleep, so I had no chance to read what this said originally.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 27, 2021, 09:30:47 AM

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on September 27, 2021, 04:26:41 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 26, 2021, 11:47:42 PM
[Removed gratuitous politics. -S.]

This. Both the original post and the edit were made while I was asleep, so I had no chance to read what this said originally.

The whole point of a moderator removing something is so that nobody can read it. :rolleyes:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on September 27, 2021, 12:13:18 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 27, 2021, 09:30:47 AM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on September 27, 2021, 04:26:41 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 26, 2021, 11:47:42 PM
[Removed gratuitous politics. -S.]

This. Both the original post and the edit were made while I was asleep, so I had no chance to read what this said originally.

The whole point of a moderator removing something is so that nobody can read it. :rolleyes:

OK, I'll rephrase to remove any reference to politics.

I don't like the term "progressive."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on September 27, 2021, 12:18:13 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on September 26, 2021, 09:19:56 PM
My wife constantly remarks about she hates the phrase "It is what it is."

She might like this song, then:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mb5L9mnq88s

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on September 27, 2021, 01:13:17 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on September 27, 2021, 12:13:18 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 27, 2021, 09:30:47 AM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on September 27, 2021, 04:26:41 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 26, 2021, 11:47:42 PM
[Removed gratuitous politics. -S.]

This. Both the original post and the edit were made while I was asleep, so I had no chance to read what this said originally.

The whole point of a moderator removing something is so that nobody can read it. :rolleyes:

OK, I'll rephrase to remove any reference to politics.

I don't like the term "progressive."

fine, but you don't have to impose it on us or insist that we should not either. Keep politics off the board unless it involves roads

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 27, 2021, 01:19:25 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 27, 2021, 09:30:47 AM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on September 27, 2021, 04:26:41 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 26, 2021, 11:47:42 PM
[Removed gratuitous politics. -S.]

This. Both the original post and the edit were made while I was asleep, so I had no chance to read what this said originally.

The whole point of a moderator removing something is so that nobody can ~~read~~ respond to it. :rolleyes:

FTFY (?) :-P

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on September 27, 2021, 04:48:59 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on September 26, 2021, 09:19:56 PM"living the dream."

Tired of hearing this one as well.

I told someone in retaliation that "I'm probably living in someone else's dream" just to get them to stop saying it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on September 27, 2021, 09:29:32 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on September 27, 2021, 01:13:17 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 27, 2021, 12:13:18 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 27, 2021, 09:30:47 AM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on September 27, 2021, 04:26:41 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 26, 2021, 11:47:42 PM
[Removed gratuitous politics. -S.]

This. Both the original post and the edit were made while I was asleep, so I had no chance to read what this said originally.

The whole point of a moderator removing something is so that nobody can read it. :rolleyes:

OK, I'll rephrase to remove any reference to politics.

I don't like the term "progressive."
fine, but you don't have to impose it on us or insist that we should not either. Keep politics off the board unless it involves roads

I don't think that me saying I don't like a term used in a popular context is imposing it on anyone, or forcing anyone else not to like it.

But whatever.

Here's a few more terms that bug me.

"Multiplex." I prefer "concurrency" or "share pavement."

"Shield." My preference is "route marker."

"Hip-hop." To me, it's "rap."

"Application" when discussing computer terminology. I like "software" or "program."

But conversely, I prefer "show" over "program" when discussing broadcast items. Some talk radio hosts refer to their offerings as "programs" (the late Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck) while others use "show." (Sean Hannity and Mark Levin.)

"Glam rock." I always thought "hair band" was a fitting description.

And then there are those common phrases that so many people use just in casual conversation without realizing it. I know someone who is constantly saying, "you know what I mean?" It's not really a question, it's a conversation filler. I went to high school with someone who always said "it see" (his version of "let's see") as a break between phrases. I never had a voice and articulation class, but I've had enough public speaking workshops and done enough interviews to try to keep those little fillers out of my speech.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on September 27, 2021, 09:31:52 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on September 27, 2021, 09:29:32 PM
"Application" when discussing computer terminology. I like "software" or "program."

Not synonyms. The Python programs I write are definitely not applications.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on September 27, 2021, 10:23:13 PM

I've come to agree on "multiplex" over the years. I've adopted NYSDOT's official term of "overlap" for my use.

The mention of "applications" makes me think of a minor pet peeve of my own - when people use "app" to refer to a website, or worse, a desktop application.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 27, 2021, 11:12:05 PM

Quote from: vdeane on September 27, 2021, 10:23:13 PM
when people use "app" to refer to a website, or worse, a desktop application.

I seem to recall Microsoft was guilty of the latter back during the Windows 8 days.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on September 27, 2021, 11:18:35 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 27, 2021, 11:12:05 PM
Quote from: vdeane on September 27, 2021, 10:23:13 PM
when people use "app" to refer to a website, or worse, a desktop application.

I seem to recall Microsoft was guilty of the latter back during the Windows 8 days.

Are you talking about the start menu that sucked?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 27, 2021, 11:29:00 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on September 27, 2021, 11:18:35 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 27, 2021, 11:12:05 PM
Quote from: vdeane on September 27, 2021, 10:23:13 PM
when people use "app" to refer to a website, or worse, a desktop application.

I seem to recall Microsoft was guilty of the latter back during the Windows 8 days.
Are you talking about the start menu that sucked?

That was just one of many things about Windows 8 that sucked (8.1 sort of fixed it, but only sort of). It's been over a year since I used Windows last, and even longer than that since I used Windows 8.1, but I seem to recall the OS would refer to any sort of program as an "app". I don't remember whether they changed that in Windows 10 or not.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on September 27, 2021, 11:31:15 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 27, 2021, 11:29:00 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on September 27, 2021, 11:18:35 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 27, 2021, 11:12:05 PM
Quote from: vdeane on September 27, 2021, 10:23:13 PM
when people use "app" to refer to a website, or worse, a desktop application.

I seem to recall Microsoft was guilty of the latter back during the Windows 8 days.
Are you talking about the start menu that sucked?

That was just one of many things about Windows 8 that sucked (8.1 sort of fixed it, but only sort of). It's been over a year since I used Windows last, and even longer than that since I used Windows 8.1, but I seem to recall the OS would refer to any sort of program as an "app". I don't remember whether they changed that in Windows 10 or not.

The start menu is finally more like 7 but 10 also removed the aero glass theme. I do miss the aero glass theme... I think it looked very cool...don't you think?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 27, 2021, 11:50:02 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on September 27, 2021, 11:31:15 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 27, 2021, 11:29:00 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on September 27, 2021, 11:18:35 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 27, 2021, 11:12:05 PM
Quote from: vdeane on September 27, 2021, 10:23:13 PM
when people use "app" to refer to a website, or worse, a desktop application.

I seem to recall Microsoft was guilty of the latter back during the Windows 8 days.
Are you talking about the start menu that sucked?

That was just one of many things about Windows 8 that sucked (8.1 sort of fixed it, but only sort of). It's been over a year since I used Windows last, and even longer than that since I used Windows 8.1, but I seem to recall the OS would refer to any sort of program as an "app". I don't remember whether they changed that in Windows 10 or not.
The start menu is finally more like 7 but 10 also removed the aero glass theme. I do miss the aero glass theme... I think it looked very cool...don't you think?

I dunno, I don't get really excited about glass-like compositor effects, mostly because they tax the processor/graphics card and don't really add much benefit. (I feel the same way about UI animations–just draw the window, don't get bogged down trying to do an animation that ends up slowing the processor down enough that it ends up dropping half the frame anyway!)

I was digging around trying to see if I could find a way to install the old Crux window decoration from GNOME 2 recently. No such luck, unfortunately.

(https://docs.oracle.com/cd/E19754-01/806-6873/images/gedit_window.tiff.gif)

Of course, what really gets the nostalgia going for me is the old Keramik theme from KDE 3, back in the days when I had no idea what the hell I was doing and mangled an embarrassingly high number of XFree86 installs... Keramik was about as skeuomorphic as you can get without having actual buttons glued to your monitor, but by God that's the way we liked it. (Or the way I liked it, anyway. The default theme was more subdued.)

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/23/KDE-3.1-es-ES.png)
(this is the Spanish version but it looked the same set to English)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on September 28, 2021, 01:25:39 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 27, 2021, 11:12:05 PM
Quote from: vdeane on September 27, 2021, 10:23:13 PM. . . When people use "app" to refer to a website, or worse, a desktop application.

I seem to recall Microsoft was guilty of the latter back during the Windows 8 days.

There is still a distinction between Universal Windows Platform apps (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Windows_Platform_apps) (formerly known as "Metro-style apps" and by other terms; now often called "Microsoft Store apps") and old-school Windows desktop applications, though consumer pressure forced Microsoft to jettison the more coercive aspects of the Metro UI as seen in Windows 8.x.

As an example: unwanted Microsoft Store apps are a pain for those trying to keep the start menu clean, since their start menu entries are stored separately and getting the icon for a Store app not to display in the start menu is about as difficult as deleting Internet Explorer from Windows 95.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on September 28, 2021, 06:48:25 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 27, 2021, 11:12:05 PM
Quote from: vdeane on September 27, 2021, 10:23:13 PM
when people use "app" to refer to a website, or worse, a desktop application.

I seem to recall Microsoft was guilty of the latter back during the Windows 8 days.

I recall the term "killer app" was used a lot in the mid-1990s.

I don't see why a website should be referred to as an app, but that's how to best access some websites from a phone. Then again, most folks don't say microcomputer anymore, either.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on September 28, 2021, 06:58:33 AM

I remember getting a computer with a newer version of Windows and wondering how to install my programs. All I could find was installing apps. I didn't want an app, I wanted my program that I'd used on my previous computer. Then I figured out that Windows was calling anything installed an "app".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on September 28, 2021, 07:38:53 AM

Microsoft Teams will ask if you want to open a file in the "desktop app." I always thought of an app as a slimmed-down, reconfigured kernel of software for use on a mobile device.

As far as multiplex, I'm trying to picture the old 14-screen cinema in Merrifield as "Concurrency Cinemas." Doesn't have the same vibe as "Multiplex Cinemas." :bigass:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on September 28, 2021, 10:47:59 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on September 28, 2021, 07:38:53 AM
Microsoft Teams will ask if you want to open a file in the "desktop app." I always thought of an app as a slimmed-down, reconfigured kernel of software for use on a mobile device.

To me, "app" is short for "applet," which to my way of thinking is a miniature program -- I seem to remember references to Java applets.

A lot of phone apps are just glorified shortcuts to a mobile Web site.

And that reminds me of a couple of other things that bother me. As a former journalist and a current PR person who has used AP style for decades, I don't like a lot of the changes they've instituted.

For instance, "website" for "Web site," "email" for "e-mail," the capitalization of "Black" when referring to race but leaving "white" lowercase, and allowing "under" for "less than."

And I have taken to using the Oxford comma even though it's been gone from AP style for eons.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on September 28, 2021, 10:52:54 AM

They can have my Oxford comma when they pry it from my cold, dead hands.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on September 28, 2021, 11:36:29 AM

I always use the Oxford comma, and I will go so far as to insert it, using brackets, if I'm quoting something that omitted it. There was a federal appeals case out of the First Circuit some years back where something like $10 million hinged on whether the Maine legislature's failure to use the serial comma rendered a statute ambiguous. The court found it did and ruled in favor of the party seeking damages. I happen to think the court got it wrong because even without the serial comma, the construction the party challenging the statute argued didn't make sense, but from the standpoint of someone who strongly favors the use of that comma I did take some delight in the ruling.

I couldn't care less what AP style is, as I don't work for any media outlet.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on September 28, 2021, 01:05:23 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on September 28, 2021, 07:38:53 AM
Microsoft Teams will ask if you want to open a file in the "desktop app." I always thought of an app as a slimmed-down, reconfigured kernel of software for use on a mobile device.

That sounds almost like a relic from when Microsoft was trying to push everything into the Metro tablet-style UI with the traditional desktop relegated to an app under it on the Start Screen.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on September 28, 2021, 01:50:49 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on September 28, 2021, 10:47:59 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on September 28, 2021, 07:38:53 AM
Microsoft Teams will ask if you want to open a file in the "desktop app." I always thought of an app as a slimmed-down, reconfigured kernel of software for use on a mobile device.

To me, "app" is short for "applet," which to my way of thinking is a miniature program -- I seem to remember references to Java applets.

A lot of phone apps are just glorified shortcuts to a mobile Web site.

And that reminds me of a couple of other things that bother me. As a former journalist and a current PR person who has used AP style for decades, I don't like a lot of the changes they've instituted.

For instance, "website" for "Web site," "email" for "e-mail," the capitalization of "Black" when referring to race but leaving "white" lowercase, and allowing "under" for "less than."

And I have taken to using the Oxford comma even though it's been gone from AP style for eons.

"App" is short for "application program" - a program that the end user is expected to use directly, as opposed to a "systems program" - compilers, operating systems, disc repair programs, etc., that the end user is not usually expected to use directly.

I have many disagreements with AP Style, of which the so-called Oxford comma is only one of the most obvious.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on September 28, 2021, 02:26:29 PM

Quote from: formulanone on September 28, 2021, 06:48:25 AMI don't see why a website should be referred to as an app, but that's how to best access some websites from a phone. Then again, most folks don't say microcomputer anymore, either.

When a website can be accessed through its own app (as is true for Facebook and many newspaper websites), I often wonder if use of the term app refers to the website owner attempting to coerce users into accessing its content through the app. For example, if I have Chrome open on my phone and want to check my Facebook messages, I have to select "Request desktop version" to avoid being redirected to Google Play to install Messenger.

Quote from: hbelkins on September 28, 2021, 10:47:59 AMTo me, "app" is short for "applet," which to my way of thinking is a miniature program -- I seem to remember references to Java applets.

Java applets (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Java_applet) are still a thing, though they have been deprecated for years and people are now encouraged to avoid installing Java Runtime Edition (which they need in order to run) if at all possible because it is considered a major security hole even when it is kept patched.

I still run into highway construction document distribution websites that rely on Java applets to allow users to download documentation. Since I don't have JRE on my system, I often just download the JNLP files (which become the targets of download requests when JRE is not available) and inspect them in Notepad to see if I can find file download URLs. With a few sites, I've had good luck using my own wget scripts to download in lieu of Java applets.

Quote from: hbelkins on September 28, 2021, 10:47:59 AMAnd I have taken to using the Oxford comma even though it's been gone from AP style for eons.

I still use the Oxford comma--for precision it can't be beat. As for the AP stylebook in general, I tend to think of it as setting limits on the extent to which style can be policed for materials intended for a general readership. I am a member of and (now) a very occasional participant in a writing forum, where distinctions such as "fewer"/"less" have spawned heated discussion over dozens of posts that have struck me as being more about policing other people than about craft development. "The AP stylebook [or some other authority on English usage--I often rely on Fowler's Modern English Usage] says this is acceptable" has struck me as a convenient way to exit such conversations.

Quote from: 1995hoo on September 28, 2021, 07:38:53 AMAs far as multiplex, I'm trying to picture the old 14-screen cinema in Merrifield as "Concurrency Cinemas." Doesn't have the same vibe as "Multiplex Cinemas." :bigass:

Physics majors typically have to take a course in physical measurement instrumentation, where multiplex is used in an electrical engineering/signal processing sense and often abbreviated mux. "I-70 is muxed with US 40 for much of its length." I greatly prefer concurrency and overlap when talking about actual highways.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on September 28, 2021, 02:58:06 PM

Of course, part of AP's style was in the past geared for brevity and to avoid redundancy (see what I did there?) Back in the day when it cost real money and was much harder to transmit something from a remote location, the bureaus wanted tightly-edited copy. Consistency was a bit of a byproduct of that.

Even now, though, some outlets and agencies that otherwise embrace AP style have their own internal exemptions.

One rare change in AP style has come in recent years when the sitting president is referred to by his full name. It's President Joe Biden, not just President Biden. I think this happened during the Obama administration but am not sure. It may have occurred during the Bush 43 administration to stave off confusion between him and his father.

Regarding the Facebook mobile app, it's look and feel are very different than the mobile browser. Even though Facebook has tried to make the desktop browser version and the mobile app version look similar, there are differences. And I've found those differences to be even more pronounced when using the app vs. using Chrome or Safari on the iPhone. I've also noticed that some third-party apps that use Facebook login will open the app if you have it installed; others will open Facebook in the mobile browser and prompt you to sign in if necessary.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on September 28, 2021, 07:57:25 PM

Politicians in the USA and how they are addressed in the media - Senator Mitch McConnnell (R), KY. Or the modern version: Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat. The fact that you have to attach the party to the name!

</end political rant>Â¯\_(ツ)_/Â¯

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on September 28, 2021, 08:15:37 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on September 27, 2021, 09:29:32 PM
"Hip-hop." To me, it's "rap."

I think you'd know these terms were not necessarily interchangeable if you were a bit more familiar with either.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on September 28, 2021, 08:21:09 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on September 28, 2021, 08:15:37 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 27, 2021, 09:29:32 PM
"Hip-hop." To me, it's "rap."

I think you'd know these terms were not necessarily interchangeable if you were a bit more familiar with either.

Wikipedia disagrees with you.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on September 28, 2021, 09:53:38 PM

Quote from: 1 on September 28, 2021, 08:21:09 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 28, 2021, 08:15:37 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 27, 2021, 09:29:32 PM
"Hip-hop." To me, it's "rap."

I think you'd know these terms were not necessarily interchangeable if you were a bit more familiar with either.

Wikipedia disagrees with you.

Wikipedia is wrong on this one.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 28, 2021, 10:00:03 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on September 28, 2021, 09:53:38 PM
Quote from: 1 on September 28, 2021, 08:21:09 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 28, 2021, 08:15:37 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 27, 2021, 09:29:32 PM
"Hip-hop." To me, it's "rap."

I think you'd know these terms were not necessarily interchangeable if you were a bit more familiar with either.

Wikipedia disagrees with you.

Wikipedia is wrong on this one.

To complicate it even more, there's actually two questions here:
1) Are hip-hop and rap are two different things?
2) Should HB know that they're two different things? :-P

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 29, 2021, 12:45:59 AM

Quote from: kkt on September 28, 2021, 01:50:49 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 28, 2021, 10:47:59 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on September 28, 2021, 07:38:53 AM
Microsoft Teams will ask if you want to open a file in the "desktop app." I always thought of an app as a slimmed-down, reconfigured kernel of software for use on a mobile device.

To me, "app" is short for "applet," which to my way of thinking is a miniature program -- I seem to remember references to Java applets.

A lot of phone apps are just glorified shortcuts to a mobile Web site.

And that reminds me of a couple of other things that bother me. As a former journalist and a current PR person who has used AP style for decades, I don't like a lot of the changes they've instituted.

For instance, "website" for "Web site," "email" for "e-mail," the capitalization of "Black" when referring to race but leaving "white" lowercase, and allowing "under" for "less than."

And I have taken to using the Oxford comma even though it's been gone from AP style for eons.

"App" is short for "application program" - a program that the end user is expected to use directly, as opposed to a "systems program" - compilers, operating systems, disc repair programs, etc., that the end user is not usually expected to use directly.

Oooh! I get to be pedantic!

A compiler is an application because gcc is listed as gcc(1) in man! (System administration commands are listed with an (8) suffix, and OS system calls are (2).)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on September 29, 2021, 08:18:52 AM

Logically, you should argue or fight against, not with, someone if you're opposing each other. For example, in the soda vs. pop debate, Brandon argues with hbelkins against 1995hoo – "with" indicates that they're allied.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SectorZ on September 29, 2021, 08:33:48 AM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on September 28, 2021, 09:53:38 PM
Quote from: 1 on September 28, 2021, 08:21:09 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 28, 2021, 08:15:37 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 27, 2021, 09:29:32 PM
"Hip-hop." To me, it's "rap."

I think you'd know these terms were not necessarily interchangeable if you were a bit more familiar with either.

Wikipedia disagrees with you.

Wikipedia is wrong on this one.

Agreed.

Making it a simple answer, hip-hop is a genre of music. Rapping is typically the style of vocals contained within hip-hop.

We've had the genres "rap rock" and "rap metal" for rock and metal that had rapping instead of/in addition to regular vocals.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on September 29, 2021, 08:38:17 AM

Quote from: SectorZ on September 29, 2021, 08:33:48 AM
Making it a simple answer, hip-hop is a genre of music. Rapping is typically the style of vocals contained within hip-hop.

Wikipedia does have a separate article on rapping, but rap music redirects to hip hop music.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SectorZ on September 29, 2021, 08:38:33 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on September 28, 2021, 07:57:25 PM
Politicians in the USA and how they are addressed in the media - Senator Mitch McConnnell (R), KY. Or the modern version: Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat. The fact that you have to attach the party to the name!

</end political rant>Â¯\_(ツ)_/Â¯

Boston media puts the party name in addition to the name of the Boston mayor when their mayoral races are nonpartisan. They do the same for mayors in other cities as well that run the elections the same way. I don't know if it's incorrect to list their party in this case, but it's bugged me because the city chose to make the party irrelevant and the media undoes that.

[Hope this isn't considered a political complaint - it's really intended to be a media one]

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SectorZ on September 29, 2021, 08:44:00 AM

Quote from: 1 on September 29, 2021, 08:38:17 AM
Quote from: SectorZ on September 29, 2021, 08:33:48 AM
Making it a simple answer, hip-hop is a genre of music. Rapping is typically the style of vocals contained within hip-hop.

Wikipedia does have a separate article on rapping, but rap music redirects to hip hop music.

Progressive death metal redirects to technical death metal, considering both the same. I expect no one but me on this forum to understand that they are distinctly different subgenres of death metal, and every site but wikipedia knows this. Wikipedia sometimes just overgeneralizes for convenience, and when it's a democracy that in reality is run by the priests at the Temples of Syrinx many legitimate observations get thrown in the trash because a small minority run it the way they see fit.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on September 29, 2021, 12:36:23 PM

Quote from: SectorZ on September 29, 2021, 08:38:33 AMBoston media puts the party name in addition to the name of the Boston mayor when their mayoral races are nonpartisan. They do the same for mayors in other cities as well that run the elections the same way. I don't know if it's incorrect to list their party in this case, but it's bugged me because the city chose to make the party irrelevant and the media undoes that.

Here in Wichita, City Council races are considered nonpartisan and coverage in the Wichita Eagle typically doesn't mention party affiliation unless it is part of the story. On the occasions that it is, I've wondered what the basis is for saying that such and such a council member belongs to party X, since voter registration records are not public in Kansas and you need a birthdate to find someone else's details. Also, although we have one council member (the one representing my district, in fact) who is not affiliated with a party, votes are often described as "party-line" if all of the Rs are on one side and all of the Ds are on the other.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on September 29, 2021, 05:16:54 PM

Speaking of musical genres, does anyone refer to it as "country and western" music anymore? These days, seems like it should be split up into "traditional country" and "bro country" or "pop country."

And I remember when "R&B/soul" were combined as one genre. I actually see "rap/hip-hop" combined that way sometimes too.

Death metal -- is that where the vocals are just guttural grunting? Starkest memory I have of listening to that type of music was when a friend of mine was playing Voi Vod (or is it Voivod, one word?) I found it unlistenable.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SectorZ on September 29, 2021, 06:22:39 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on September 29, 2021, 05:16:54 PM
Death metal -- is that where the vocals are just guttural grunting? Starkest memory I have of listening to that type of music was when a friend of mine was playing Voi Vod (or is it Voivod, one word?) I found it unlistenable.

Voivod is more thrash or speed metal mixed with progressive metal. I actually had to remind myself of the lead singer's vocal style (I own their greatest hits - such as the irony of a band really with none having one of those), and it's more clean vocals mixed with Slayer/early Metallica-like yelling. Maybe some death growls in some of their stuff I'm not aware of.

But, yes, death metal is mostly aggressive vocals, be it grunting or screaming, with various subgenres incorporating clean vocals in part or in some cases in whole (making for an odd mismatch vocally and musically).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Takumi on September 29, 2021, 07:09:04 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on September 29, 2021, 05:16:54 PM
Speaking of musical genres, does anyone refer to it as "country and western" music anymore? These days, seems like it should be split up into "traditional country" and "bro country" or "pop country."

The only people I've heard of refer to it as "country and western" in the 21st century are from other countries. Jeremy Clarkson, for one, when impersonating Carroll Shelby, said "I know what a hybrid is! It's like country and western!"

Quote
And I remember when "R&B/soul" were combined as one genre. I actually see "rap/hip-hop" combined that way sometimes too.

I used to see "dance/techno" grouped together for electronic music. Neither is particularly correct; techno is a subgenre of electronic music, and almost any music can be considered dance music.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on September 30, 2021, 12:03:32 AM

^^^^
Makes me think of Blues Brothers...

https://youtu.be/vS-zEH8YmiM

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on September 30, 2021, 05:53:26 PM

Somebody that offers a HIGHER price than me on a house! :no: :pan:
:colorful: The sellers declined the offer, because we went LOWER!
Can somebody tell me why people like them are total buttholes when it comes to buying houses?!

[Removed extraneous formatting. -S.]

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: renegade on September 30, 2021, 06:00:24 PM

Quote from: snowc on September 30, 2021, 05:53:26 PM
Somebody that offers a HIGHER price than me on a house! :no: :pan:
:colorful: The sellers declined the offer, because we went LOWER!
Can somebody tell me why people like them are total buttholes when it comes to buying houses?!

[Removed extraneous formatting. -S.]

Because that's how it works.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 30, 2021, 06:28:38 PM

If I have a house for sale and one person offers $100,000 and another gives an otherwise-identical offer for $110,000, why would I not take the offer for $110,000? Likewise, if someone like a house enough to spend $110,000 on it and they have the money to do so, why should they not offer that much for it?

It took me about five months to purchase a house, during which some pretty impressive stuff happened, like houses selling six hours after they were listed. In one case, a house sold while we were touring it (we wouldn't have known if not for the fact that the seller was a realtor selling his own house, had his email up on his computer, and our realtor just so happened to glance that way when the message came in).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on September 30, 2021, 06:32:56 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 30, 2021, 06:28:38 PM
If I have a house for sale and one person offers $100,000 and another gives an otherwise-identical offer for $110,000, why would I not take the offer for $110,000? Likewise, if someone like a house enough to spend $110,000 on it and they have the money to do so, why should they not offer that much for it?

Is this actually the price of houses in your area? The first digit is 3-4 where I live.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on September 30, 2021, 06:42:24 PM

When a house sells within minutes or hours of being listed, that is often a sign the asking price was too low.

On the other hand, I can think of reasons why someone would not necessarily accept the highest offer for a house. Many of them have to do with goodwill. For example, if I lived in a neighborhood where most of the houses were owner-occupied, I was on friendly terms with the neighbors, and the house I was selling was in good condition with only light updating needed, I'd be reluctant to sell to someone who wanted to turn it into a rental property.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on September 30, 2021, 07:29:43 PM

Quote from: 1 on September 30, 2021, 06:32:56 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 30, 2021, 06:28:38 PM
If I have a house for sale and one person offers $100,000 and another gives an otherwise-identical offer for $110,000, why would I not take the offer for $110,000? Likewise, if someone like a house enough to spend $110,000 on it and they have the money to do so, why should they not offer that much for it?

Is this actually the price of houses in your area? The first digit is 3-4 where I live.

The first digit is 1 where I live! Only there are more of them.

Yes, there are many possible reasons for accepting an offer than the highest. Sentimental value for what the buyers are going to do with the house is one. Or maybe they have a cash offer while the higher offer was contingent on financing. Maybe the lower offer waived inspections. Maybe it was from the seller's cousin. You could ask your realtor although it's also possible that they wouldn't tell you even if they know.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on September 30, 2021, 07:58:52 PM

Quote from: 1 on September 29, 2021, 08:18:52 AM
Logically, you should argue or fight against, not with, someone if you're opposing each other. For example, in the soda vs. pop debate, Brandon argues with hbelkins against 1995hoo – "with" indicates that they're allied.

Well, if you hate that, there are a whole bunch of words that can be their own opposites, such as "oversight," "dust," "off," and "sanction," in addition to "with."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US71 on September 30, 2021, 08:37:37 PM

Using Fort Smith as a Control City along I-49.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 30, 2021, 09:52:50 PM

Quote from: 1 on September 30, 2021, 06:32:56 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 30, 2021, 06:28:38 PM
If I have a house for sale and one person offers $100,000 and another gives an otherwise-identical offer for $110,000, why would I not take the offer for $110,000? Likewise, if someone like a house enough to spend $110,000 on it and they have the money to do so, why should they not offer that much for it?

Is this actually the price of houses in your area? The first digit is 3-4 where I live.

No, I was using that as an example. When we were looking at houses in 2017, our price range was $120,000 to $140,000. There were houses available below $120,000, but those were the fixer-uppers, which wasn't appealing to us, as we were first-time homebuyers looking for a primary residence. Most of those same houses run in the $170,000 range now.

Quote from: J N Winkler on September 30, 2021, 06:42:24 PM
When a house sells within minutes or hours of being listed, that is often a sign the asking price was too low.

It can also be an indication of undersupply in the market. I've read horror stories in markets hotter than Central Oklahoma (Denver, Bay Area) of homes going off-market both within a day and for far over asking price.

Quote from: J N Winkler on September 30, 2021, 06:42:24 PM
On the other hand, I can think of reasons why someone would not necessarily accept the highest offer for a house. Many of them have to do with goodwill. For example, if I lived in a neighborhood where most of the houses were owner-occupied, I was on friendly terms with the neighbors, and the house I was selling was in good condition with only light updating needed, I'd be reluctant to sell to someone who wanted to turn it into a rental property.

Another scenario is that the highest offer is contingent on the seller making certain repairs or alterations to the home, and the difference between the high bid and the runner-up is less than the seller expects the cost to make the repair would be.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on October 01, 2021, 11:34:10 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 30, 2021, 06:28:38 PM
If I have a house for sale and one person offers $100,000 and another gives an otherwise-identical offer for $110,000, why would I not take the offer for $110,000? Likewise, if someone like a house enough to spend $110,000 on it and they have the money to do so, why should they not offer that much for it?

It took me about five months to purchase a house, during which some pretty impressive stuff happened, like houses selling six hours after they were listed. In one case, a house sold while we were touring it (we wouldn't have known if not for the fact that the seller was a realtor selling his own house, had his email up on his computer, and our realtor just so happened to glance that way when the message came in).

Sorry Scott for the graphicness! I was too mad to do anything last night. :rolleyes: :ded:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on October 01, 2021, 11:41:00 AM

Home ownership is overrated. That's not a minor thing that bothers me, that's a comment on the above line of discussion.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on October 01, 2021, 11:50:52 AM

Quote from: hbelkins on October 01, 2021, 11:41:00 AMHome ownership is overrated. That's not a minor thing that bothers me, that's a comment on the above line of discussion.

It is not impossible for a neighborhood of rental homes to develop a high degree of social cohesion, and indeed that is the norm in much of Europe. However, as a country we have incentivized homeownership (through, e.g., the mortgage interest deduction)--often at the expense of multigenerational, single-parent, or female-headed households--because it is widely seen as a precondition for stable neighborhoods.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on October 01, 2021, 11:57:19 AM

Quote from: J N Winkler on October 01, 2021, 11:50:52 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on October 01, 2021, 11:41:00 AMHome ownership is overrated. That's not a minor thing that bothers me, that's a comment on the above line of discussion.

It is not impossible for a neighborhood of rental homes to develop a high degree of social cohesion, and indeed that is the norm in much of Europe. However, as a country we have incentivized homeownership (through, e.g., the mortgage interest deduction)--often at the expense of multigenerational, single-parent, or female-headed households--because it is widely seen as a precondition for stable neighborhoods.

And it's a chicken-or-egg thing, but it's also much harder to qualify for a mortgage in other countries.

I used to think home ownership was underrated, I figured renting was like purchasing an insurance policy that guaranteed I would never have to pay $X per month to live in a home, but it does have its upsides. I don't have to worry about a landlord kicking me out at the end of a lease, I don't have to beg a landlord to replace an appliance that isn't working, and I can make significantly more modifications to my home when I own it. And I'm not going into it with pie-eyed expectations of making a windfall when we sell the home, but if we sell it for what we paid for it, then we'll basically have lived here rent-free for four-ish years.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 01, 2021, 01:12:30 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on October 01, 2021, 11:41:00 AM
Home ownership is overrated. That's not a minor thing that bothers me, that's a comment on the above line of discussion.

Home ownership isn't great–it can be a hassle sometimes–but it allows one to avoid having a landlord, who in the best case scenario is a parasite who adds no value to the process and in the worst case scenario can outright be an obstacle to obtaining livable housing. That, and all of the money you spend toward a mortgage is refunded to you when you sell the house, whereas with a rental property it's gone forever.

The last house I rented before I bought was nice and well-maintained enough, but we had a debacle where I noticed termites in the master bedroom and it took them the better part of a month to send someone out to do anything about it, while the rental management company went back and forth with the homeowner (who resided in Georgia) to communicate the problem, agree to do something about it, go back and forth on what company they wanted to use, how much they wanted to spend, etc. And that was with something that really affected the property more than me. The thought of that happening in the case of something like the air conditioning going out was one of the motivating factors for purchasing a home.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on October 01, 2021, 02:59:57 PM

Wow. I can't say I've ever had it that bad renting, but then, I'm normally renting an apartment in a complex; not a house with some random person as landlord (I only did that once, for three months when I had an internship; it wasn't the greatest place, but it got me though those three months), with dedicated maintenance people. At my current place, every time a large number of small bugs have found their way in and taken residence (usually ants, but it was termites once), they've been over to spray the next day. Snow removal is done well and prompt as well. I like not having to worry about maintenance, yard work, and snow removal, plus a house would be way more space than I need (though I do have a larger than average one bedroom; most places wouldn't have room for my combined living room/office, especially with a dining room). The main minuses I can think of are having to do laundry in a communal room in a separate building (coin-operated, too, so I periodically run to the bank for quarters), occasionally wishing I could go beyond what maintenance did (particularly with the paneling around the door or the plumbing), being stuck with an indoor TV antenna, and things like cabinetry and countertops are only updated between tenants. I could see myself potentially getting a condo in the future, but I don't see owning a full home. I don't feel like cleaning all that space, or doing yard work and snow removal.

I question, however, the idea that rent is just throwing money away while homeowners live "rent free" because mortgages get paid off or refunded when selling. As a renter, I don't directly pay property or school taxes. They're just another thing bundled into the rent. Meanwhile, my parents pay more than double what I pay in rent just on those taxes for their house. Property and school taxes are basically just rent paid to the government. They're not like income taxes (based on what you make), sales taxes (based on what you spend), or fees (based on your activity). The only way out of them is homelessness, and they're big money, too. They strike me as a hassle, too, as everyone I've heard talk about paying them mentions going in person to the town/county offices to personally hand in a check.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 01, 2021, 03:09:58 PM

I mean, as you mention above, you're paying those taxes one way or another; you're either paying them directly or paying them as part of your rent. But if you're paying them directly you can write part of them off against your federal taxes. Obviously, in high-tax states, you're going to run into the SALT cap, but here, property taxes are low enough that we come in well under the cap. (Our property taxes were $1,707 for the year 2020, which is less than two months of rent at the last place we rented.) When you have an active mortgage, this is all handled through the mortgage escrow account, so you're effectively paying it as part of your monthly housing bill the same as you would if you were renting.

Having to deliver the tax payment in person seems bizarre. Here, you get a tax bill in the mail from the county assessor in November, and you mail back your payment in the enclosed envelope by December 31, just like you would an electric bill or something. If you have a mortgage, the bank handles that for you out of the escrow account and you just get a copy of the bill in the mail for your records.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on October 01, 2021, 03:41:17 PM

My highway engineering professor constantly mislabeling and misspeaking about road things.

Emphasis on highway engineering professor.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on October 01, 2021, 04:09:02 PM

I've resided in the same building for a couple of years now, and it's been a good experience. The original management company was just for the building, and they were very prompt. The company was purchased by another company about eight months later, which runs many other properties. The quality has dropped slightly since that happened (maintenance crew isn't always on site like they used to be). Still, maintenance requests are promptly serviced; common areas are clean; there are even a few new perks like door-to-door mail and trash service (as opposed to common areas for both).

Still, renting has some clear downsides:

* When I moved in (two beds, two baths), our rent was about $1850/month (12-month term). Once COVID hit, we went month to month, and it dropped into the $1700s. Now it's going back up, closer to $2000. The variable rate is not too troublesome, but it gets a little annoying, especially when it goes up substantially. Two-month warnings are required for rent increases, though, so it's workable.

* You're not earning any equity. Owning a home is considered one of the better investments you can make. Not the best, necessarily, but there is zero investment opportunity in renting. You're left to invest elsewhere, although this can be a good thing too if the money you are investing comes from what you might spend on homeownership-related expenses (property taxes, HOA dues, homeowners insurance).

* Either zero or reduced ability to make adjustments to the living conditions. Apart from a few things like my smart-home system (light bulbs + Amazon Echo), I am not free to change things like appliances, door locks, fixtures, paint, etc. This isn't a huge deal, and if those things break, it isn't on me. But there is a particular part of life you miss out on when you don't get to control those things. Recently, this became a significant issue when they started replacing our refrigerators with front panels that lacked water and ice dispensers. As it turns out, that feature is considered a liability. Fortunately, the backlash from other residents was strong enough that they stopped quite a few floors below us. The original replacement plan was rooted in improving the building's environmental impact; still not sure how throwing away a few hundred refrigerators is good for the environment.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on October 01, 2021, 04:27:52 PM

In any housing market, there will be some demand for rentals to accommodate short tenures, even for relatively well-paid workers. For example, in the old days wet-behind-the-ears engineers newly hired by state highway departments were often posted in different districts around the state (where they and their families often lived in rental housing) so they could learn about real problems instead of relying just on what they learned at the A&M.

But it's certainly true that building equity is one of the big reasons for homeownership. Another, in states that have homestead laws, is to avoid being made homeless if financial reverses result in bankruptcy.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on October 01, 2021, 04:30:21 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on October 01, 2021, 03:41:17 PM
My highway engineering professor constantly mislabeling and misspeaking about road things.

Emphasis on highway engineering professor.

That's nothing - I took a computer literacy class as an undergrad where the professor told us you could erase data from a CD-ROM with a magnet.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on October 01, 2021, 07:57:33 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on October 01, 2021, 04:30:21 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on October 01, 2021, 03:41:17 PM
My highway engineering professor constantly mislabeling and misspeaking about road things.

Emphasis on highway engineering professor.

That's nothing - I took a computer literacy class as an undergrad where the professor told us you could erase data from a CD-ROM with a magnet.

If you use that magnet to break the CD-ROM into hundreds of small pieces that can't be reassembled, maybe.

I've found that data can be erased from a CD-ROM by applying one of the paper labels from a labeling kit on it. It's happened to me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on October 01, 2021, 08:36:27 PM

I wish that's what she meant. She meant that they could be wiped the same way a floppy disk could be wiped.

had to label a lot of CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs of data when I was a paralegal, and I messed up quite a few, but I don't think I ever put the label on the business side.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: renegade on October 02, 2021, 11:25:59 AM

A guy in my office used to "erase" CD-ROMs by putting them in the microwave and turning it on for a couple of seconds.

The building manager couldn't figure out exactly why the microwave in the lunchroom needed to be replaced every couple of months.

:confused:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on October 02, 2021, 12:00:48 PM

Quote from: renegade on October 02, 2021, 11:25:59 AM
A guy in my office used to "erase" CD-ROMs by putting them in the microwave and turning it on for a couple of seconds.

The building manager couldn't figure out exactly why the microwave in the lunchroom needed to be replaced every couple of months.

:confused:

Didn't follow the proper steps:

https://www.thoughtco.com/how-to-microwave-cd-safely-607827

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on October 02, 2021, 02:12:08 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on October 01, 2021, 08:36:27 PM
I wish that's what she meant. She meant that they could be wiped the same way a floppy disk could be wiped.

had to label a lot of CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs of data when I was a paralegal, and I messed up quite a few, but I don't think I ever put the label on the business side.

I didn't do that. But for some reason, a couple of data disks to which I affixed a label became unreadable by any CD-ROM drive I own. I even removed the label and it didn't help. Unfortunately, one of the disks had data I didn't have stored anywhere else.

Interesting thought: Why do we spell computer storage devices "disk" but music storage devices "disc?"

Here's a minor thing that bothers me. One. Word. Sentences. That trend is becoming very popular. I. Just. Don't. Get. It. :D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on October 02, 2021, 03:13:11 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on October 02, 2021, 02:12:08 PMI didn't do that. But for some reason, a couple of data disks to which I affixed a label became unreadable by any CD-ROM drive I own. I even removed the label and it didn't help. Unfortunately, one of the disks had data I didn't have stored anywhere else.

I never write directly onto an optical disc, even with a soft-tip utensil, let alone affix labels.

* Labels can put a disc out of balance, so it doesn't spin correctly and becomes difficult to read. (Some drives are more forgiving than others--I have an external CD/DVD/Blu-ray drive that often successfully reads discs that laptop internal drives can't handle.) Removing the label doesn't necessarily correct the out-of-balance condition because adhesive residue is rarely deposited evenly.

* Writing onto a disc can easily result in scratches on the recording side that render it unreadable.

When I burn an optical disc for archiving purposes, I generally save a directory listing of the contents as a log file and put the disc back on the spindle.

If I'm burning a CD or DVD to send someone through the mail, I put it in a jewel case with a piece of paper in the front (against the label side) describing the contents.

Quote from: hbelkins on October 02, 2021, 02:12:08 PMInteresting thought: Why do we spell computer storage devices "disk" but music storage devices "disc?"

I think the current names for the various types of optical discs are all genericized trademarks, with Sony setting the trend decades ago with Compact Disc.

Fun fact: Blu-ray is correct while Blu-Ray (a very common usage) is not.

Quote from: hbelkins on October 02, 2021, 02:12:08 PMHere's a minor thing that bothers me. One. Word. Sentences. That trend is becoming very popular. I. Just. Don't. Get. It. :D

In fiction I often see this usage of which to isolate relative clauses in their own sentences:

QuoteShe found him monumentally irritating. Which was inconvenient, since she had to work alongside him every day.

I can see it's done to improve flow, but it makes me cringe.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on October 02, 2021, 06:55:03 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on October 02, 2021, 03:13:11 PM
Fun fact: Blu-ray is correct while Blu-Ray (a very common usage) is not.

Still wished they could have come up with a name without a hyphen. Regardless of the reason behind the name.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on October 02, 2021, 07:06:07 PM

When I am watching a football game played on artificial turf and the announcer says "nothing but green grass"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on October 03, 2021, 09:23:25 AM

Quote from: Big John on October 02, 2021, 07:06:07 PM
When I am watching a football game played on artificial turf and the announcer says "nothing but green grass"

Watch a game played at Eastern Washington (Roos Field in Cheney, WA). I won't link a picture so as not to spoil the fun for you in finding it. Put it this way, it makes Boise State's field look mundane.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on October 04, 2021, 08:52:59 PM

Today's Facebook outage prompted me to think of something that's annoyed me for awhile. People love to get on Twitter and complain about Facebook, how toxic Facebook is, how much misinformation is on Facebook, how FB is divisive, blah blah blah.

Really? How is Twitter any different? They're basically two different roads to get to the same destination. Facebook allows longer posts while Twitter has a very small character limit for a tweet. Facebook doesn't allow anonymous accounts (in theory anyway) while there are all sorts of accounts on Twitter of unknown origin. Facebook defaults to showing your stuff only to your friends unless you select "public", while Twitter feeds are viewable by everyone by default and you have to consciously limit your tweets to approved followers. Both purport to fact-check and flag "misinformation."

So tell me again why Facebook is so bad and Twitter isn't?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: renegade on October 04, 2021, 09:49:18 PM

Facebook sucks. Twitter blows.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on October 04, 2021, 10:24:01 PM

Ford versus Chevy
Your team against My Team
Hamburgers or Hot Dogs
Twitter and Facebook

Everyone has their favorites and some people talk trash because that's what gets attention. Nothing more to it than that; but generally the largest / most popular entity is always the biggest target.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on October 04, 2021, 10:33:12 PM

I think Twitter is far more toxic than FB, personally.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 04, 2021, 10:56:26 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on October 04, 2021, 10:33:12 PM
I think Twitter is far more toxic than FB, personally.

They both suck for different reasons. Facebook leads people into dens of toxic crap because of its boneheaded algorithm that pushes groups and pages on people because they're highly engaged-with (meaning that shit-stirrers disproportionately end up on people's radar). Twitter's artificial character limit makes it so that posts must have any context truncated out of them, so any nuance goes right out the window for lack of any way to explain it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on October 05, 2021, 12:03:06 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on October 02, 2021, 06:55:03 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on October 02, 2021, 03:13:11 PM
Fun fact: Blu-ray is correct while Blu-Ray (a very common usage) is not.

Still wished they could have come up with a name without a hyphen. Regardless of the reason behind the name.

I mostly just wish they had spelled blue correctly.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on October 05, 2021, 12:46:23 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 04, 2021, 10:56:26 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on October 04, 2021, 10:33:12 PM
I think Twitter is far more toxic than FB, personally.

They both suck for different reasons. Facebook leads people into dens of toxic crap because of its boneheaded algorithm that pushes groups and pages on people because they're highly engaged-with (meaning that shit-stirrers disproportionately end up on people's radar). Twitter's artificial character limit makes it so that posts must have any context truncated out of them, so any nuance goes right out the window for lack of any way to explain it.

Yes. We're much better off here.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on October 05, 2021, 01:32:58 AM

Microsoft has forced an update on me that requires that I sign into every website I'm on all over again. So far though, I don't think they eliminated my files like when they forced it on me a couple of years ago,

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on October 05, 2021, 02:01:53 AM

Damn, $170K is what my neighborhood went for back in the 1990s.

Today most homes around here are in the $450K+ range. And that's a bargain for the metro area.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 05, 2021, 02:17:23 AM

Quote from: Bruce on October 05, 2021, 02:01:53 AM
Damn, $170K is what my neighborhood went for back in the 1990s.

Today most homes around here are in the $450K+ range. And that's a bargain for the metro area.

$470,000 here would get you a 4 bd/4 ba built in 2019 in a gated community (https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/5704-Windstone-Dr-Norman-OK-73072/122286071_zpid/).

But median household income here is only $55,849, compared to $89,260 for Snohomish County (and $102,486 for Seattle proper). If the average home here were $470,000, pretty much the whole damn city would be homeless.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on October 05, 2021, 04:06:05 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 05, 2021, 02:17:23 AM
Quote from: Bruce on October 05, 2021, 02:01:53 AM
Damn, $170K is what my neighborhood went for back in the 1990s.

Today most homes around here are in the $450K+ range. And that's a bargain for the metro area.

$470,000 here would get you a 4 bd/4 ba built in 2019 in a gated community (https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/5704-Windstone-Dr-Norman-OK-73072/122286071_zpid/).

But median household income here is only $55,849, compared to $89,260 for Snohomish County (and $102,486 for Seattle proper). If the average home here were $470,000, pretty much the whole damn city would be homeless.

Gotta say that gated community does not look appealing one bit. My home is a 3 bd/2.5 ba built in the early 1990s and with a very small yard, but is at least pretty close to normal amenities (even a bit walkable).

Looking around on Zillow, it looks the new-built SFHs in the immediate area, which are spaced even closer together and often without proper street access, are going for upwards of $700K. And that's just about the median home price (https://www.heraldnet.com/business/the-current-real-estate-market-isnt-for-the-faint-of-heart/) for the entire county, which was $716,000 in June, a 32% increase from 2020.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on October 05, 2021, 07:12:06 AM

Kinda of a MAJOR thing that bothered me.
Food Lion in Lillington (the one over by 401, NOT by the river), NOT only dropped the ball, they also THREW OUT MY DANG CAKE! :bigass:
Why the heck would FL in Lillington throw out a perfectly designed cake?!
I was extremely mad, and I went spider monkey on them.
People, NEVER order cakes from that Food Lion EVER again! :pan: :no:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on October 05, 2021, 08:47:40 AM

Quote from: snowc on October 05, 2021, 07:12:06 AMPeople, NEVER order cakes from that Food Lion EVER again! :pan: :no:

Done.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on October 05, 2021, 09:44:39 AM

Quote from: Bruce on October 05, 2021, 04:06:05 AMGotta say that gated community does not look appealing one bit. My home is a 3 bd/2.5 ba built in the early 1990s and with a very small yard, but is at least pretty close to normal amenities (even a bit walkable).

Looking around on Zillow, it looks the new-built SFHs in the immediate area, which are spaced even closer together and often without proper street access, are going for upwards of $700K. And that's just about the median home price (https://www.heraldnet.com/business/the-current-real-estate-market-isnt-for-the-faint-of-heart/) for the entire county, which was $716,000 in June, a 32% increase from 2020.

I have a friend near the I-405 corridor in suburban King County who purchased her house--three bedrooms, one and a half bathrooms, 1310 SF--in the late nineties for a bit under $200,000. It is now appraised at well north of $600,000 (Zillow quotes an estimate above $750,000). She and her husband have two children, and that growth in housing costs over 20 years makes me wonder how they will be able to afford their own homes when they set out on their own. I don't know of anyplace on the West Coast that doesn't have a housing affordability problem, with the possible exception of rural Oregon.

Here in Wichita, the norm is slow but steady growth in real estate values--I can't remember houses here dropping in value at any point in the last several decades, let alone experiencing a correction as severe as Stockton, California during the Great Recession. A large part of the housing stock consists of narrow-eaves houses built in the immediate postwar years, each with a bit over 1000 SF and valued at about $60,000-$100,000 (this is the main activity focus of the cash-for-houses operators I'm aware of). There are also wide-eaves houses in 1960's-1980's subdivisions, with roughly 1500-2500 SF and valued at about $150,000-$250,000. $300,000 and above is McMansion territory.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: renegade on October 05, 2021, 12:41:45 PM

Quote from: snowc on October 05, 2021, 07:12:06 AM
Kinda of a MAJOR thing that bothered me.
Food Lion in Lillington (the one over by 401, NOT by the river), NOT only dropped the ball, they also THREW OUT MY DANG CAKE! :bigass:
Why the heck would FL in Lillington throw out a perfectly designed cake?!
I was extremely mad, and I went spider monkey on them.
People, NEVER order cakes from that Food Lion EVER again! :pan: :no:

Damn. Here I was, all set to get into my car, drive to Lillington, North Carolina and go to the Food Lion over by 401, not the one by the river, from my home in the far western end of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to pick up a perfectly-designed cake. I guess I'll save myself the trip, seeing as they'll only throw it out before I get there.

I read this as: O-NOES! They threw away my CAKE!! The whole WORLD'S gonna come to an END! PANIC! :confused:

It would have been worth the trip though, just to see the spider monkey.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on October 05, 2021, 02:38:58 PM

Quote from: snowc on October 05, 2021, 07:12:06 AM
Kinda of a MAJOR thing that bothered me.
Food Lion in Lillington (the one over by 401, NOT by the river), NOT only dropped the ball, they also THREW OUT MY DANG CAKE! :bigass:
Why the heck would FL in Lillington throw out a perfectly designed cake?!
I was extremely mad, and I went spider monkey on them.
People, NEVER order cakes from that Food Lion EVER again! :pan: :no:

I feel like there's details we're missing here. Why would they design and prepare a cake and then throw it out?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on October 05, 2021, 03:12:17 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on October 05, 2021, 12:03:06 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on October 02, 2021, 06:55:03 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on October 02, 2021, 03:13:11 PM
Fun fact: Blu-ray is correct while Blu-Ray (a very common usage) is not.

Still wished they could have come up with a name without a hyphen. Regardless of the reason behind the name.

I mostly just wish they had spelled blue correctly.

Quote from: renegade on October 04, 2021, 09:49:18 PM
Facebook sucks. Twitter blows.

To combine these two things, I recently saw "blue cheese" trending on Twitter. Blue cheese? When was the spelling of bleu cheese changed?

Quote from: vdeane on October 05, 2021, 02:38:58 PM
Quote from: snowc on October 05, 2021, 07:12:06 AM
Kinda of a MAJOR thing that bothered me.
Food Lion in Lillington (the one over by 401, NOT by the river), NOT only dropped the ball, they also THREW OUT MY DANG CAKE! :bigass:
Why the heck would FL in Lillington throw out a perfectly designed cake?!
I was extremely mad, and I went spider monkey on them.
People, NEVER order cakes from that Food Lion EVER again! :pan: :no:
I feel like there's details we're missing here. Why would they design and prepare a cake and then throw it out?

Kroger in Stanton, Ky., totally messed up a special-order cake my wife ordered for her mom's birthday. She told them she didn't want it, and they found a pre-made cake and decorated it appropriately. She suspects they threw away the specially-prepared cake (which would have been fine for general-purpose sales, as it had no specific icing writing on it, which was part of the problem).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on October 05, 2021, 03:33:00 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on October 05, 2021, 03:12:17 PMTo combine these two things, I recently saw "blue cheese" trending on Twitter. Blue cheese? When was the spelling of bleu cheese changed?

"Blue cheese" Google search: About 37,300,000 results
"Bleu cheese" Google search: About 2,810,000 results

The first one of these that springs to my mind is "ice tea" instead of "iced tea."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on October 05, 2021, 04:15:02 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on October 05, 2021, 09:44:39 AM
I don't know of anyplace on the West Coast that doesn't have a housing affordability problem, with the possible exception of rural Oregon.

It's even worse in rural areas, since the supply simply isn't there. And especially the few "large" towns out there, like Bend, where the market has been going wild due to an influx of remote workers who are able to outbid the locals.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: noelbotevera on October 05, 2021, 04:32:49 PM

Don't think I've mentioned this, but people who reverse into parking spots are annoying. Unless you're parallel parking on a street, there is no reason for you to take eons trying to get into the spot.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on October 05, 2021, 04:54:02 PM

People who reverse into parking spots and don't know what the hell they're doing, yeah.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on October 05, 2021, 05:04:02 PM

Quote from: noelbotevera on October 05, 2021, 04:32:49 PM
Don't think I've mentioned this, but people who reverse into parking spots are annoying. Unless you're parallel parking on a street, there is no reason for you to take eons trying to get into the spot.

If it takes eons because the driver doesn't know how to handle the vehicle, I agree. (For that matter, it takes some of them eons to back OUT of a parking spot.) But I always back in, or pull through two spots so I am facing out in the second spot. In a parking lot, you have a much better view of the aisle driving out forward than backing out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on October 05, 2021, 05:09:20 PM

Quote from: noelbotevera on October 05, 2021, 04:32:49 PM
Don't think I've mentioned this, but people who reverse into parking spots are annoying. Unless you're parallel parking on a street, there is no reason for you to take eons trying to get into the spot.

I always try to back in, if I have the time and space to do so. It's easier in my opinion especially with a rear-view camera.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on October 05, 2021, 05:16:05 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on October 05, 2021, 04:54:02 PM
People who reverse into parking spots and don't know what the hell they're doing, yeah.

People that pull into parking spots and don't know what the hell they're doing.

If they pulled in crooked and the back-end is over the line, they're an idiot.

If they pulled in and need to back out once to readjust, ok. If they need to do it 2 or more times, they're an idiot.

If they're purposely taking up 2 spots, that's fine. They're being a dick, but at least they know what they're doing when they do it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on October 05, 2021, 05:24:19 PM

Quote from: noelbotevera on October 05, 2021, 04:32:49 PM
Don't think I've mentioned this, but people who reverse into parking spots are annoying. Unless you're parallel parking on a street, there is no reason for you to take eons trying to get into the spot.

Far safer to back in when in a crowded lot. When trying to reverse out of a parking spot, people will ignore your lights and just walk next to your bumper.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on October 05, 2021, 06:00:54 PM

I know that things are currently slower due to Covid, but this seems a bit long:

(https://i.imgur.com/yA7IS6H.png)

I remember when licenses were printed while you wait, and I get that it's now required that they be printed in a secure location, but, at least in normal times, it should take no more than four or five days to arrive by mail. As it stands, I have no "official" driver's license to present when needed, and so, I'm compelled to use my passport, which is bulky, and also people sometimes don't know how to deal with it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: allniter89 on October 05, 2021, 08:25:32 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on October 05, 2021, 04:54:02 PM
People who reverse into parking spots and don't know what the hell they're doing, yeah.

I dont back into a parking spot but I will pull thru it so I dont have 2 back out. People here are bad for letting a car back into them for lawsuit money.
Pensacola had the bright idea yrs ago to have back in angled parking downtown. The problem was people had trouble backing in angled so it held up traffic as bad as parrell parking. I learned from parrell parking an 18 wheeler in a rest area to watch where the rear of yur v-hickle iz. I think its as ez to parrell park a truck as a car. With a truck u have that handy pivot point at the 5th wheel. U just gotta turn the steer weel s_l_o_w_l_y.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on October 05, 2021, 10:23:09 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on October 05, 2021, 03:33:00 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on October 05, 2021, 03:12:17 PMTo combine these two things, I recently saw "blue cheese" trending on Twitter. Blue cheese? When was the spelling of bleu cheese changed?

"Blue cheese" Google search: About 37,300,000 results
"Bleu cheese" Google search: About 2,810,000 results

The first one of these that springs to my mind is "ice tea" instead of "iced tea."

The one that springs to my mind is people who write "should of" when they mean "should've" (contraction of "should have"). "Should of" (or "would of") is the throwaway answer on the SAT that's there to trick stupid people into throwing away easy points. I genuinely cannot believe that anyone is stupid enough to think that's the correct expression, regardless of how the contraction "sounds." It simply makes no sense whatsoever to write it that way.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on October 05, 2021, 10:38:37 PM

I think I've seen "should/could/would have" used genuinely more times than I've seen it used ironically, and I use it ironically all the time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on October 05, 2021, 11:06:17 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on October 05, 2021, 10:38:37 PM
I think I've seen "should/could/would have" used genuinely more times than I've seen it used ironically, and I use it ironically all the time.

Heh, the forum corrected you there... :sombrero:

And on that note, "might of" should probably be added to that word filter too.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on October 05, 2021, 11:18:21 PM

Quote from: snowc on October 05, 2021, 07:12:06 AM
Kinda of a MAJOR thing that bothered me.
Food Lion in Lillington (the one over by 401, NOT by the river), NOT only dropped the ball, they also THREW OUT MY DANG CAKE! :bigass:
Why the heck would FL in Lillington throw out a perfectly designed cake?!
I was extremely mad, and I went spider monkey on them.
People, NEVER order cakes from that Food Lion EVER again! :pan: :no:

I don't think there's much chance that I will ever do that :)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on October 05, 2021, 11:24:52 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on October 05, 2021, 03:12:17 PM
To combine these two things, I recently saw "blue cheese" trending on Twitter. Blue cheese? When was the spelling of bleu cheese changed?

When people realized it was pretentious to use the French spelling instead of the English spelling for no particular reason.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 06, 2021, 03:42:37 AM

Quote from: snowc on October 05, 2021, 07:12:06 AM
I was extremely mad, and I went spider monkey on them.

By which you probably mean you brought a lot of stress and unhappiness upon someone who either made a simple mistake, or wasn't involved in it at all and just happened to randomly be the person on shift when you came in, and who in either case probably doesn't make nearly enough money to compensate them for having to deal with such antics.

Being unkind to service staff is never something one should be proud of.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on October 06, 2021, 07:32:56 AM

Quote from: US 89 on October 05, 2021, 11:06:17 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on October 05, 2021, 10:38:37 PM
I think I've seen "should/could/would have" used genuinely more times than I've seen it used ironically, and I use it ironically all the time.

Heh, the forum corrected you there... :sombrero:

And on that note, "might of" should probably be added to that word filter too.

It didn't correct his post on my screen. There's a setting you can turn on or off in your forum profile to determine whether the forum censors words. "Censor" is arguably an overinclusive term because in this case it simply corrects a spelling error that certain forum users seem determined to make.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on October 06, 2021, 07:39:02 AM

Something Awful, at one time, replaced misspelled words with something mocking you for not knowing how to spell. It falsely triggered on "ingenious" because it saw "genious" as a misspelling of "genius".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on October 06, 2021, 09:45:13 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 06, 2021, 03:42:37 AMBeing unkind to service staff is never something one should be proud of.

It's also something one should never do.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on October 06, 2021, 10:02:13 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 05, 2021, 05:16:05 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on October 05, 2021, 04:54:02 PM
People who reverse into parking spots and don't know what the hell they're doing, yeah.

People that pull into parking spots and don't know what the hell they're doing.

If they pulled in crooked and the back-end is over the line, they're an idiot.

If they pulled in and need to back out once to readjust, ok. If they need to do it 2 or more times, they're an idiot.

If they're purposely taking up 2 spots, that's fine. They're being a dick, but at least they know what they're doing when they do it.

add 'people in big-honkin-ass trucks that do this. or park said truck in space that says 'compact only'. my camry goes there, not your ford f350.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on October 06, 2021, 10:08:10 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on October 06, 2021, 07:32:56 AM
Quote from: US 89 on October 05, 2021, 11:06:17 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on October 05, 2021, 10:38:37 PM
I think I've seen "should/could/would have" used genuinely more times than I've seen it used ironically, and I use it ironically all the time.

Heh, the forum corrected you there... :sombrero:

And on that note, "might of" should probably be added to that word filter too.

It didn't correct his post on my screen. There's a setting you can turn on or off in your forum profile to determine whether the forum censors words. "Censor" is arguably an overinclusive term because in this case it simply corrects a spelling error that certain forum users seem determined to make.

I just looked at my profile and didn't see the option.

The auto-correct could also have been done by Safari for iOS, I didn't check the post again after posting.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on October 06, 2021, 10:12:57 AM

Quote from: abefroman329 on October 06, 2021, 10:08:10 AM
The auto-correct could also have been done by Safari for iOS, I didn't check the post again after posting.

It's done by this forum.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on October 06, 2021, 10:17:03 AM

Minor thing that bothers me. When people ask a question that could more easily just be Googled themselves. It's one thing midstream in a conversation, because you want the input of whomever you're talking to. But if you start an online conversation with "What time do the Giants play tonight?"... uh, in the age of the internet, and while using the internet, you choose not to use the most convenient part of the internet?

</rant>

Chris

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on October 06, 2021, 10:23:28 AM

Quote from: abefroman329 on October 06, 2021, 10:08:10 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 06, 2021, 07:32:56 AM
Quote from: US 89 on October 05, 2021, 11:06:17 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on October 05, 2021, 10:38:37 PM
I think I've seen "should/could/would have" used genuinely more times than I've seen it used ironically, and I use it ironically all the time.

Heh, the forum corrected you there... :sombrero:

And on that note, "might of" should probably be added to that word filter too.

It didn't correct his post on my screen. There's a setting you can turn on or off in your forum profile to determine whether the forum censors words. "Censor" is arguably an overinclusive term because in this case it simply corrects a spelling error that certain forum users seem determined to make.

I just looked at my profile and didn't see the option.

The auto-correct could also have been done by Safari for iOS, I didn't check the post again after posting.

Profile -> Look and Layout -> Leave Words Uncensored (and remember to click the button at the bottom to save the changes).

As "1" notes, the forum is what's changing the spelling.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: renegade on October 06, 2021, 12:13:33 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on October 05, 2021, 05:04:02 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on October 05, 2021, 04:32:49 PM
Don't think I've mentioned this, but people who reverse into parking spots are annoying. Unless you're parallel parking on a street, there is no reason for you to take eons trying to get into the spot.

If it takes eons because the driver doesn't know how to handle the vehicle, I agree. (For that matter, it takes some of them eons to back OUT of a parking spot.) But I always back in, or pull through two spots so I am facing out in the second spot. In a parking lot, you have a much better view of the aisle driving out forward than backing out.

It takes *some* people eons to back out of a parking space, because the process goes like this:

- Get in car.
- Start it up.
- Put in reverse, with foot on brake.
- Pull out cellphone. Text. Check Fakebook. Tweet. Text some more. Fakebook again.

Seen it multiple times.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on October 06, 2021, 12:14:39 PM

Using the "all x are not y" structure in anything but the Shakespeare play where it originated. It's poetic but wrong.

Updating a bit, to say "All US routes are not even" when you mean to say "Not all US Routes are even".

"All US Routes (1, 2, 3, ... 730) are not even": wrong. 2 is even.

Not all US Routes (1, 2, 3, ... 730) are even: correct. 1 is odd.

I had an English class teach me about this as if it were correct, and it's a minor thing that bothered me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on October 06, 2021, 12:48:28 PM

Quote from: kurumi on October 06, 2021, 12:14:39 PM
Using the "all x are not y" structure in anything but the Shakespeare play where it originated. It's poetic but wrong.

Updating a bit, to say "All US routes are not even" when you mean to say "Not all US Routes are even".

"All US Routes (1, 2, 3, ... 730) are not even": wrong. 2 is even.

Not all US Routes (1, 2, 3, ... 730) are even: correct. 1 is odd.

I had an English class teach me about this as if it were correct, and it's a minor thing that bothered me.

I've never heard the phrase. I agree with your logic, though.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on October 06, 2021, 02:01:45 PM

Quote from: noelbotevera on October 05, 2021, 04:32:49 PMDon't think I've mentioned this, but people who reverse into parking spots are annoying. Unless you're parallel parking on a street, there is no reason for you to take eons trying to get into the spot.

My own feelings about this are a bit nuanced. Yes, it can be irritating to see someone else take seemingly forever to screw up a simple maneuver. On the other hand, even a low-speed collision with another vehicle--not to mention a pedestrian--takes far more time (at minimum) to resolve, so for that reason, I would prefer other drivers not to feel pushed to move faster than their respective skill levels will allow.

The safety benefits of parking nose-out are such that I think it is worth rehearsing backing into parking spaces in a largely empty lot. Yes, it's safer and more convenient to park nose-out by driving through an adjacent space, but in many lots this is not possible, often as a result of design. I prefer to drive past the space and then reverse through the appropriate angle in such a way that my steering wheel starts and finishes the maneuver in the straight-ahead position, as this minimizes wear on the tires and on hydraulically assisted power steering. This is also easy to do quickly. Many other drivers begin the reversing maneuver by cocking their vehicles at an angle in front of the space. While this blocks a following driver from stealing the space, it also involves more tire scrub and, in my experience, is more likely to result in the vehicle being crooked and off-center with the steering wheel turned away from straight-ahead position.

Earlier in this thread, I think I mentioned vehicles (such as most recent GM products) that energize the backup lights as part of the courtesy lighting system. I think this should be banned, as it makes it impossible for drivers negotiating a parking lot to differentiate vehicles that are loading or unloading passengers from those that are imminently about to back out.

And while I realize that a parked vehicle is often the only semiprivate space available for communicating on a smartphone, I think there is much to be said for being in a vehicle only to drive in it or ride in it. It's not just a question of avoiding misleading other drivers into thinking you are about to start moving. It's also about "getting off the X": if you are by yourself in a parking lot and your attention is on your phone, you are vulnerable to opportunistic attacks.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on October 06, 2021, 02:04:01 PM

If we're talking about improper word usage/spelling:

"Publically" for "publicly."

"Kindly" instead of "kind of."

Speaking of "kindly," the slogan of Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill (commonly called Shakertown) in Kentucky is "We bid you kindly welcome." That drives me up a wall. Shouldn't it be, " We kindly bid you welcome?"

Also, shouldn't Peloton change its name to "Peloton Plus" or something? A peloton is the main group of bicyclists in a race or rally. The original Peloton was an interactive bicycle. I just find it odd that Peloton is now selling an interactive treadmill.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on October 06, 2021, 02:04:57 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 06, 2021, 10:02:13 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 05, 2021, 05:16:05 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on October 05, 2021, 04:54:02 PM
People who reverse into parking spots and don't know what the hell they're doing, yeah.

People that pull into parking spots and don't know what the hell they're doing.

If they pulled in crooked and the back-end is over the line, they're an idiot.

If they pulled in and need to back out once to readjust, ok. If they need to do it 2 or more times, they're an idiot.

If they're purposely taking up 2 spots, that's fine. They're being a dick, but at least they know what they're doing when they do it.

add 'people in big-honkin-ass trucks that do this. or park said truck in space that says 'compact only'. my camry goes there, not your ford f350.

See I disagree. If you can successfully fit your Ford F-350 into a "compact only" space and maneuver it in and out of the spot quickly, more power to you.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Takumi on October 06, 2021, 02:21:54 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on October 06, 2021, 02:04:01 PM
"Kindly" instead of "kind of."

I've never seen or heard this. Is it a Kentucky thing?

Quote from: US 89 on October 06, 2021, 02:04:57 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 06, 2021, 10:02:13 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 05, 2021, 05:16:05 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on October 05, 2021, 04:54:02 PM
People who reverse into parking spots and don't know what the hell they're doing, yeah.

People that pull into parking spots and don't know what the hell they're doing.

If they pulled in crooked and the back-end is over the line, they're an idiot.

If they pulled in and need to back out once to readjust, ok. If they need to do it 2 or more times, they're an idiot.

If they're purposely taking up 2 spots, that's fine. They're being a dick, but at least they know what they're doing when they do it.

add 'people in big-honkin-ass trucks that do this. or park said truck in space that says 'compact only'. my camry goes there, not your ford f350.

See I disagree. If you can successfully fit your Ford F-350 into a "compact only" space and maneuver it in and out of the spot quickly, more power to you.

A Camry is a midsize anyway. Technically it doesn't belong in the "compact only" spot either.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on October 06, 2021, 02:36:20 PM

Quote from: renegade on October 06, 2021, 12:13:33 PM
It takes *some* people eons to back out of a parking space, because the process goes like this:

- Get in car.
- Start it up.
- Put in reverse, with foot on brake.
- Pull out cellphone. Text. Check Fakebook. Tweet. Text some more. Fakebook again.

Seen it multiple times.

I'm guilty of this. Except I check Twitter (I don't have Fakebook) before starting up.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on October 06, 2021, 03:54:09 PM

Quote from: Takumi on October 06, 2021, 02:21:54 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on October 06, 2021, 02:04:01 PM
"Kindly" instead of "kind of."
I've never seen or heard this. Is it a Kentucky thing?

I know a few people who say it that way. And one who will write it that way in informal communications.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on October 06, 2021, 04:03:15 PM

Regarding back-in parking, the people I don't understand are the ones who insist on doing that in a one-way drive aisle that has diagonal parking spaces and that is also configured with the concrete blocks to prevent pulling straight through. You really have to turn your vehicle big time and you wind up facing the wrong way relative to the proper direction of traffic.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 06, 2021, 04:24:00 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on October 06, 2021, 02:01:45 PM
And while I realize that a parked vehicle is often the only semiprivate space available for communicating on a smartphone, I think there is much to be said for being in a vehicle only to drive in it or ride in it. It's not just a question of avoiding misleading other drivers into thinking you are about to start moving. It's also about "getting off the X": if you are by yourself in a parking lot and your attention is on your phone, you are vulnerable to opportunistic attacks.

While there is something to be said in favor of situational awareness, I tend to think of being accosted by a stranger in a large parking lot as a very 1980s—1990s phenomenon. There have been a few instances where someone approached me with a nuisance query (religious proselytizing or panhandling) but not in a way that I felt overtly threatened. Then again, I live in a suburb.

I would generally feel safe enough checking my phone inside a car, especially if the doors were locked and windows shut, such that if someone were to approach the vehicle maliciously, I could easily drop the phone, turn on the car, and leave. One is certainly better-placed to do that there, and also less of an obstruction to others, than if one were to stop in an indoor walkway or aisle to do so, which I've seen enough to qualify as a "minor thing that bothers me".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on October 06, 2021, 04:29:38 PM

Quote from: US 89 on October 06, 2021, 02:04:57 PM
If you can successfully fit your Ford F-350 into a "compact only" space and maneuver it in and out of the spot quickly, more power to you.

Most vehicles can literally fit into a compact stall (most being 8 feet wide). The issue is actually ingress/egress, which is much harder to do when the neighboring vehicle is right on the line or very close to it.

When I was a valet, we were able to park most cars in compact stalls, even huge trucks. But we had to use a trick: we'd always park starting from the very edge of the end stalls, working our way in. When we got to a huge vehicle (really, huge doors -- coupes suck), we always had room to work with on at least one side; the next parked vehicle would be positioned slightly away from one edge as much as necessary to ensure the driver's door could be opened.

To this day, I always park on the very edge of end stalls, especially compact stalls, to give as much room as possible for the next car. Oh, and I always back-in. No camera, manual shift -- I can do it in about five seconds, tops.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on October 06, 2021, 04:55:06 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on October 06, 2021, 10:23:28 AM
Quote from: abefroman329 on October 06, 2021, 10:08:10 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 06, 2021, 07:32:56 AM
Quote from: US 89 on October 05, 2021, 11:06:17 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on October 05, 2021, 10:38:37 PM
I think I've seen "should/could/would have" used genuinely more times than I've seen it used ironically, and I use it ironically all the time.

Heh, the forum corrected you there... :sombrero:

And on that note, "might of" should probably be added to that word filter too.

It didn't correct his post on my screen. There's a setting you can turn on or off in your forum profile to determine whether the forum censors words. "Censor" is arguably an overinclusive term because in this case it simply corrects a spelling error that certain forum users seem determined to make.

I just looked at my profile and didn't see the option.

The auto-correct could also have been done by Safari for iOS, I didn't check the post again after posting.

Profile -> Look and Layout -> Leave Words Uncensored (and remember to click the button at the bottom to save the changes).

As "1" notes, the forum is what's changing the spelling.

Thanks - not really sure what the point of a word censor is if it can be deactivated by the user.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on October 06, 2021, 07:45:21 PM

Quote from: kurumi on October 06, 2021, 12:14:39 PM
Using the "all x are not y" structure in anything but the Shakespeare play where it originated. It's poetic but wrong.

Updating a bit, to say "All US routes are not even" when you mean to say "Not all US Routes are even".

"All US Routes (1, 2, 3, ... 730) are not even": wrong. 2 is even.

Not all US Routes (1, 2, 3, ... 730) are even: correct. 1 is odd.

I had an English class teach me about this as if it were correct, and it's a minor thing that bothered me.

I'm not sure about this. It seems to be mostly a matter of parsing, more or less revolving around whether you are considering things individually or collectively.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 06, 2021, 08:33:32 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on October 06, 2021, 07:45:21 PM
Quote from: kurumi on October 06, 2021, 12:14:39 PM
Using the "all x are not y" structure in anything but the Shakespeare play where it originated. It's poetic but wrong.

Updating a bit, to say "All US routes are not even" when you mean to say "Not all US Routes are even".

"All US Routes (1, 2, 3, ... 730) are not even": wrong. 2 is even.

Not all US Routes (1, 2, 3, ... 730) are even: correct. 1 is odd.

I had an English class teach me about this as if it were correct, and it's a minor thing that bothered me.

I'm not sure about this. It seems to be mostly a matter of parsing, more or less revolving around whether you are considering things individually or collectively.

But parsing it collectively does not make a whole lot of sense either–"all US routes" is a set and therefore attempting to do a modulo 2 on it is undefined behavior.

Or to put another way:

Code Select


[scott@localhost ~]$ python
Python 3.9.7 (default, Aug 30 2021, 00:00:00) 
[GCC 11.2.1 20210728 (Red Hat 11.2.1-1)] on linux
Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.

# Define route numbers.
>>> route1 = 1 
>>> route2 = 2
>>> route3 = 3
>>> route730 = 730

# Define a set (array) of route numbers.
>>> usroutes = [1, 2, 3, 730]

# Divide each value by 2 and take the remainder (modulo). 
# A remainder of 1 = odd and a remainder of 0 = even.
>>> route1 % 2
1
>>> route2 % 2
0
>>> route3 % 2
1
>>> route730 % 2
0
>>> usroutes % 2
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "<stdin>", line 1, in <module>
TypeError: unsupported operand type(s) for %: 'list' and 'int'

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on October 06, 2021, 09:27:40 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 06, 2021, 08:33:32 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on October 06, 2021, 07:45:21 PM
Quote from: kurumi on October 06, 2021, 12:14:39 PM
Using the "all x are not y" structure in anything but the Shakespeare play where it originated. It's poetic but wrong.

Updating a bit, to say "All US routes are not even" when you mean to say "Not all US Routes are even".

"All US Routes (1, 2, 3, ... 730) are not even": wrong. 2 is even.

Not all US Routes (1, 2, 3, ... 730) are even: correct. 1 is odd.

I had an English class teach me about this as if it were correct, and it's a minor thing that bothered me.

I'm not sure about this. It seems to be mostly a matter of parsing, more or less revolving around whether you are considering things individually or collectively.

But parsing it collectively does not make a whole lot of sense either—"all US routes" is a set and therefore attempting to do a modulo 2 on it is undefined behavior.

Maybe "collectively" isn't the word to use, but the idea is that if you put all the even routes in one pot, and all the odd ones in another pot, all of them are not going to end up in the same pot. Again, it seems to be a question of parsing.

I mean, I understand that the expression can be weird, but if it is wrong, it's not wrong in the same way "I could care less" is, which is more or less the claim that started all this.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on October 06, 2021, 11:04:28 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 06, 2021, 08:33:32 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on October 06, 2021, 07:45:21 PM
Quote from: kurumi on October 06, 2021, 12:14:39 PM
Using the "all x are not y" structure in anything but the Shakespeare play where it originated. It's poetic but wrong.

Updating a bit, to say "All US routes are not even" when you mean to say "Not all US Routes are even".

"All US Routes (1, 2, 3, ... 730) are not even": wrong. 2 is even.

Not all US Routes (1, 2, 3, ... 730) are even: correct. 1 is odd.

I had an English class teach me about this as if it were correct, and it's a minor thing that bothered me.

I'm not sure about this. It seems to be mostly a matter of parsing, more or less revolving around whether you are considering things individually or collectively.

But parsing it collectively does not make a whole lot of sense either–"all US routes" is a set and therefore attempting to do a modulo 2 on it is undefined behavior.

Or to put another way:
Code Select Expand
[scott@localhost ~]$ python Python 3.9.7 (default, Aug 30 2021, 00:00:00) [GCC 11.2.1 20210728 (Red Hat 11.2.1-1)] on linux Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information. # Define route numbers. >>> route1 = 1 >>> route2 = 2 >>> route3 = 3 >>> route730 = 730 # Define a set (array) of route numbers. >>> usroutes = [1, 2, 3, 730] # Divide each value by 2 and take the remainder (modulo). # A remainder of 1 = odd and a remainder of 0 = even. >>> route1 % 2 1 >>> route2 % 2 0 >>> route3 % 2 1 >>> route730 % 2 0 >>> usroutes % 2 Traceback (most recent call last): File "<stdin>", line 1, in <module> TypeError: unsupported operand type(s) for %: 'list' and 'int'

That's right. You'd want to map any() or all() over the list comprehension:

Code Select


>>> all(x % 2 != 0 for x in usroutes) # all routes are not even
False
>>> any(x % 2 != 0 for x in usroutes) # not all routes are even
True

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: noelbotevera on October 07, 2021, 12:04:34 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 05, 2021, 05:16:05 PM
If they're purposely taking up 2 spots, that's fine. They're being a dick, but at least they know what they're doing when they do it.

This is a significantly bigger issue because usually these people take the closest spots to the store - which is handicap parking in most cases. So, (1) fuck you for inconveniencing at least two disabled people who could've used those spots and (2) why not just park far away and walk?

Quote from: J N Winkler on October 06, 2021, 02:01:45 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on October 05, 2021, 04:32:49 PMDon't think I've mentioned this, but people who reverse into parking spots are annoying. Unless you're parallel parking on a street, there is no reason for you to take eons trying to get into the spot.

My own feelings about this are a bit nuanced. Yes, it can be irritating to see someone else take seemingly forever to screw up a simple maneuver. On the other hand, even a low-speed collision with another vehicle--not to mention a pedestrian--takes far more time (at minimum) to resolve, so for that reason, I would prefer other drivers not to feel pushed to move faster than their respective skill levels will allow.

The safety benefits of parking nose-out are such that I think it is worth rehearsing backing into parking spaces in a largely empty lot. Yes, it's safer and more convenient to park nose-out by driving through an adjacent space, but in many lots this is not possible, often as a result of design. I prefer to drive past the space and then reverse through the appropriate angle in such a way that my steering wheel starts and finishes the maneuver in the straight-ahead position, as this minimizes wear on the tires and on hydraulically assisted power steering. This is also easy to do quickly. Many other drivers begin the reversing maneuver by cocking their vehicles at an angle in front of the space. While this blocks a following driver from stealing the space, it also involves more tire scrub and, in my experience, is more likely to result in the vehicle being crooked and off-center with the steering wheel turned away from straight-ahead position.

Whenever I have to back out of a space, I simply wait until there's no cars (or people) in a decent distance from me. Sure, it may take a few minutes, but when I'm backing out I am POSITIVE that nobody will interfere with my backing out. Could I have avoided that if I backed in? Yes, but I'd still need to wait for people and/or cars to clear the area before I start moving, so at worst I lose a minute or two.

Granted, I don't deal with busy lots often and I've had sour experiences trying to back into a space (nearly hit the other - family - car in my own driveway when practicing, nearly clipped a mailbox...) so this is probably just clear-cut bias.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on October 07, 2021, 01:07:27 AM

Quote from: noelbotevera on October 07, 2021, 12:04:34 AM
(2) why not just park far away and walk?

This is one of those "two types of people" memes. I typically park far away unless it's obvious the store isn't busy, because I don't mind the walk and I don't have to deal with people walking around my car, other vehicles coming and going behind me, etc.

My ex-best friend on the other hand was the type who would circle the lot all night if he had to in order to get a spot near the store. I remember once at the house we rented in Superior, WI where we had street parking, one night there was a space in front of the house maybe a few inches larger than his bumpers on either end of his car. He insisted on trying to parallel park into it, steadily losing his notoriously short temper more and more with each failed attempt. He did get it eventually, but it was hardly worth the time lost.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on October 07, 2021, 07:45:12 AM

As I've noted before, the situation in which I absolutely do not understand back-in parking is at any business where you'll have a lot of stuff to put in the trunk of your car, or bulky items to put in the trunk (the grocery store and the hardware store are the two prime examples in my mind). Pushing the car between cars to get to the trunk, or constantly carrying items from the cart around the car (assuming the lot is not sloped, such that you can leave the cart in the drive aisle while you carry stuff), are both nuisances.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on October 07, 2021, 09:02:46 AM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on October 07, 2021, 01:07:27 AM
Quote from: noelbotevera on October 07, 2021, 12:04:34 AM
(2) why not just park far away and walk?

This is one of those "two types of people" memes. I typically park far away unless it's obvious the store isn't busy, because I don't mind the walk and I don't have to deal with people walking around my car, other vehicles coming and going behind me, etc.

My ex-best friend on the other hand was the type who would circle the lot all night if he had to in order to get a spot near the store.

The one situation in which it makes sense to circle around looking for a spot would be when a passenger jumps out and runs into the store for just one or a few items. In that case you want to be positioned so that you can see them and they can see you when they come out, and you might want to be as close to the storefront as possible for that reason.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on October 07, 2021, 09:35:27 AM

Quote from: US 89 on October 06, 2021, 02:04:57 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 06, 2021, 10:02:13 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 05, 2021, 05:16:05 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on October 05, 2021, 04:54:02 PM
People who reverse into parking spots and don't know what the hell they're doing, yeah.

People that pull into parking spots and don't know what the hell they're doing.

If they pulled in crooked and the back-end is over the line, they're an idiot.

If they pulled in and need to back out once to readjust, ok. If they need to do it 2 or more times, they're an idiot.

If they're purposely taking up 2 spots, that's fine. They're being a dick, but at least they know what they're doing when they do it.

add 'people in big-honkin-ass trucks that do this. or park said truck in space that says 'compact only'. my camry goes there, not your ford f350.

See I disagree. If you can successfully fit your Ford F-350 into a "compact only" space and maneuver it in and out of the spot quickly, more power to you.

yes but these people don't leave a can opener so i can get into MY car when i leave. the parking lot i speak of, is tight. REALLY tight. when one of these things parks next to me, i'm not able to get to, much less open, my door. there are other non-compact-only spaces a tad further out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on October 07, 2021, 12:45:33 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on October 07, 2021, 01:07:27 AM
Quote from: noelbotevera on October 07, 2021, 12:04:34 AM
(2) why not just park far away and walk?

This is one of those "two types of people" memes. I typically park far away unless it's obvious the store isn't busy, because I don't mind the walk and I don't have to deal with people walking around my car, other vehicles coming and going behind me, etc.

My ex-best friend on the other hand was the type who would circle the lot all night if he had to in order to get a spot near the store. I remember once at the house we rented in Superior, WI where we had street parking, one night there was a space in front of the house maybe a few inches larger than his bumpers on either end of his car. He insisted on trying to parallel park into it, steadily losing his notoriously short temper more and more with each failed attempt. He did get it eventually, but it was hardly worth the time lost.

My preference is that unless there is a spot near the entrance to the store -- and I do have a state-issued handicapped parking permit due to my knee issues with gout, but it's rarely used -- I want to park as close to the cart return corral as possible.

Count as a minor thing that bothers me people not returning their carts to the proper storage places, especially if they leave them in parking spaces.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on October 07, 2021, 12:51:32 PM

The worst "minor thing that bothers me" is when people leave a voicemail telling you to call back without telling you why they're calling! Like, what??? :paranoid:
Even a brief explanation like "quick question" is one thing, but no context whatsoever is the worst. It's almost like a weird psychological game where they're trying to create uncertainty and scare you into calling back, which in turn makes me think it isn't that important, or why wouldn't they just say what they're calling about?

(I'm realizing as I type that this is probably a very Gen Z comment. Yeah, I really don't like the phone, especially with total strangers, so you better have a good reason for calling!)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on October 07, 2021, 01:10:00 PM

Quote from: webny99 on October 07, 2021, 12:51:32 PM
The worst "minor thing that bothers me" is when people leave a voicemail telling you to call back without telling you why they're calling! Like, what??? :paranoid:
Even a brief explanation like "quick question" is one thing, but no context whatsoever is the worst. It's almost like a weird psychological game where they're trying to create uncertainty and scare you into calling back, which in turn makes me think it isn't that important, or why wouldn't they just say what they're calling about?

(I'm realizing as I type that this is probably a very Gen Z comment. Yeah, I really don't like the phone, especially with total strangers, so you better have a good reason for calling!)

Unless it's family or a close friend and you probably already know the reason or you're going to chat anyway, it's likely a scam or sales pitch and no reason to call back.

I would say a minor thing that bothers people is leaving a voicemail message in the first place... even calling in the first place... But that's too easy.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on October 07, 2021, 01:26:55 PM

Quote from: noelbotevera on October 07, 2021, 12:04:34 AMWhenever I have to back out of a space, I simply wait until there's no cars (or people) in a decent distance from me. Sure, it may take a few minutes, but when I'm backing out I am POSITIVE that nobody will interfere with my backing out. Could I have avoided that if I backed in? Yes, but I'd still need to wait for people and/or cars to clear the area before I start moving, so at worst I lose a minute or two.

Sightlines are also a factor. If you are parked nose-out, you are closer to the end of the parking space and have a larger sight triangle out to conflicting foot and vehicle traffic when you leave. You are also facing in the direction you are going and are thus better positioned to notice and react promptly to the unexpected. This all can help you avoid bent sheet metal if, for example, you are in a small car parked between two tall SUVs and someone comes racing up the aisle just as you think it's clear.

As for time, I think of it this way: if you make, say, 360 trips a year that involve negotiating parking lots at each end, and you choose a method that takes a minute longer, then that's an extra 12 hours over the course of a year. It sounds like a lot, but at a probable eventual minimum wage of $15/hour, that's just $180. It's pretty hard to find an auto insurance policy with affordable collision coverage that doesn't have a deductible of at least $500, and nowadays it is hard to have even minor bumper damage repaired without spending the whole deductible. Plus dealing with property-damage-only collisions in parking lots can be a time pit in and of itself since it typically involves a three-way liaison between you, the body shop, and your insurance provider.

Quote from: noelbotevera on October 07, 2021, 12:04:34 AMGranted, I don't deal with busy lots often and I've had sour experiences trying to back into a space (nearly hit the other - family - car in my own driveway when practicing, nearly clipped a mailbox...) so this is probably just clear-cut bias.

It does take some practice to develop muscle memory and to identify index points that you can use to ensure the vehicle ends up straight and centered in the space. I've been doing it for years and years, and I still find it easier to back in to the left than to the right. On the other hand, reversing in can be a fantastic way of dealing with awkward spaces (such as the end stall in a blind aisle that doesn't have an apron for backing out: example (https://www.google.com/maps/@45.4250182,-75.6883048,36m/data=!3m1!1e3)) since the pivot point is a lot closer to your rear axle than it is to your front axle.

Quote from: 1995hoo on October 07, 2021, 07:45:12 AMAs I've noted before, the situation in which I absolutely do not understand back-in parking is at any business where you'll have a lot of stuff to put in the trunk of your car, or bulky items to put in the trunk (the grocery store and the hardware store are the two prime examples in my mind). Pushing the cart between cars to get to the trunk, or constantly carrying items from the cart around the car (assuming the lot is not sloped, such that you can leave the cart in the drive aisle while you carry stuff), are both nuisances.

I park nose-out pretty much everywhere it is not explicitly forbidden, including at the supermarket and warehouse clubs. I don't typically have a problem maneuvering the cart to the trunk and loading bulky cargo. The only real disadvantages are having to work around a curb at the back of the stall (example (https://www.google.com/maps/@37.7387297,-97.4604736,41m/data=!3m1!1e3)) and trying not to step in oil spots.

This said, on the rare occasions I encounter diagonal spaces laid out in a herringbone pattern with one-way aisles and parking stops at the back of each space, I usually go with the flow and nose in.

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on October 07, 2021, 01:07:27 AMThis is one of those "two types of people" memes. I typically park far away unless it's obvious the store isn't busy, because I don't mind the walk and I don't have to deal with people walking around my car, other vehicles coming and going behind me, etc.

When I visit a big-box store that has diagonal parking stalls without parking stops, I often park at the foot of the lot to maximize my chances of being able to leave by driving through an empty adjacent stall without having to deadhead up to the front of the store (where pedestrian traffic is heaviest) to reach the exit.

Quote from: webny99 on October 07, 2021, 12:51:32 PMThe worst "minor thing that bothers me" is when people leave a voicemail telling you to call back without telling you why they're calling! Like, what??? :paranoid:

Even a brief explanation like "quick question" is one thing, but no context whatsoever is the worst. It's almost like a weird psychological game where they're trying to create uncertainty and scare you into calling back, which in turn makes me think it isn't that important, or why wouldn't they just say what they're calling about?

In the case of cold calls from strangers, yes, it absolutely is a psychological game to get you to engage with them by provoking you into thinking there is a fire you have to put out.

A related tactic, often used in direct-mail postcards from real-estate prospectors, is to say something along the lines of "I have been trying to get a hold of you for the past few weeks regarding your property at [address]. Unfortunately, I have not been successful in contacting you, so as a last resort, I have sent you this postcard in hopes that you will respond back soon." This is calculated to create a sense of urgency (seize the business opportunity before it goes!) in gullible people--specifically, the kind that have inherited property they don't know what to do with and can be induced to part with for 60%-70% of fair market value, which is the target demographic for these postcards. The reality is that if they're using direct mail, they aren't making other attempts at contact, full stop.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on October 08, 2021, 09:34:37 AM

Minor annoyance in the scheme of things: Looking at last night's CONCACAF scores (or really for that matter any soccer scores, including MLS scores), ESPN has them listed backwards with the home team first. I get that the Europeans apparently do it that way, but it doesn't mean the American media need to follow. Home team second is customary here, presumably because of the standard "Visitor at Home" usage (last night, "Jamaica at USA" or "Canada at Mexico"), and there's no real reason to change it just for one sport.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on October 08, 2021, 02:46:04 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on October 08, 2021, 09:34:37 AM
Minor annoyance in the scheme of things: Looking at last night's CONCACAF scores (or really for that matter any soccer scores, including MLS scores), ESPN has them listed backwards with the home team first. I get that the Europeans apparently do it that way, but it doesn't mean the American media need to follow. Home team second is customary here, presumably because of the standard "Visitor at Home" usage (last night, "Jamaica at USA" or "Canada at Mexico"), and there's no real reason to change it just for one sport.

No, it's USA v Jamaica and Canada v Mexico. When the results are finals... or full time.... USA 1 - 0 Jamaica and Mexico 2 - 2 Mexico. (made them up). American sports do it wrong. Association Futbol is showing them how to do it RIGHT!!!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on October 08, 2021, 02:46:43 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on October 08, 2021, 02:46:04 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 08, 2021, 09:34:37 AM
Minor annoyance in the scheme of things: Looking at last night's CONCACAF scores (or really for that matter any soccer scores, including MLS scores), ESPN has them listed backwards with the home team first. I get that the Europeans apparently do it that way, but it doesn't mean the American media need to follow. Home team second is customary here, presumably because of the standard "Visitor at Home" usage (last night, "Jamaica at USA" or "Canada at Mexico"), and there's no real reason to change it just for one sport.
No, it's USA v Jamaica and Canada v Mexico. When the results are finals... or full time.... USA 1 - 0 Jamaica and Mexico 2 - 2 Mexico. (made them up). American sports do it wrong. Association Futbol is showing them how to do it RIGHT!!!

No, "v" is for court cases.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on October 08, 2021, 07:46:37 PM

Quote from: webny99 on October 07, 2021, 12:51:32 PM
The worst "minor thing that bothers me" is when people leave a voicemail telling you to call back without telling you why they're calling! Like, what??? :paranoid:
Even a brief explanation like "quick question" is one thing, but no context whatsoever is the worst. It's almost like a weird psychological game where they're trying to create uncertainty and scare you into calling back, which in turn makes me think it isn't that important, or why wouldn't they just say what they're calling about?

(I'm realizing as I type that this is probably a very Gen Z comment. Yeah, I really don't like the phone, especially with total strangers, so you better have a good reason for calling!)

I'm not Gen Z and I don't like the phone much either. If I don't know you and you don't leave a good reason for me to call you back, your call will remain unreturned.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on October 08, 2021, 09:26:05 PM

Hotel key cards that will stop working if they go near a phone. Apparently "near" means "anywhere in my purse", so I'm not sure where exactly I'm supposed to carry it. Pockets are hit or miss with women's clothing, and if I'm standing for a long time (as I tend to on roadmeets), I tend to switch which side my purse is on because it gets uncomfortable (especially if I have to have my umbrella on me, as it makes my purse heavy), so it would get near my phone anyways.

On the subject of hotels, room service. I don't need my soap thrown out and replaced every single day. Same for the towels. It's wasteful and makes more work for me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on October 08, 2021, 09:30:56 PM

Quote from: 1 on October 08, 2021, 02:46:43 PM
Quote from: SSOWorld on October 08, 2021, 02:46:04 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 08, 2021, 09:34:37 AM
Minor annoyance in the scheme of things: Looking at last night's CONCACAF scores (or really for that matter any soccer scores, including MLS scores), ESPN has them listed backwards with the home team first. I get that the Europeans apparently do it that way, but it doesn't mean the American media need to follow. Home team second is customary here, presumably because of the standard "Visitor at Home" usage (last night, "Jamaica at USA" or "Canada at Mexico"), and there's no real reason to change it just for one sport.
No, it's USA v Jamaica and Canada v Mexico. When the results are finals... or full time.... USA 1 - 0 Jamaica and Mexico 2 - 2 Mexico. (made them up). American sports do it wrong. Association Futbol is showing them how to do it RIGHT!!!
No, "v" is for court cases.

Your opinion. I have mine too (above)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on October 08, 2021, 10:10:23 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on October 08, 2021, 02:46:04 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 08, 2021, 09:34:37 AM
Minor annoyance in the scheme of things: Looking at last night's CONCACAF scores (or really for that matter any soccer scores, including MLS scores), ESPN has them listed backwards with the home team first. I get that the Europeans apparently do it that way, but it doesn't mean the American media need to follow. Home team second is customary here, presumably because of the standard "Visitor at Home" usage (last night, "Jamaica at USA" or "Canada at Mexico"), and there's no real reason to change it just for one sport.
No, it's USA v Jamaica and Canada v Mexico. When the results are finals... or full time.... USA 1 - 0 Jamaica and Mexico 2 - 2 Mexico. (made them up). American sports do it wrong. Association Futbol is showing them how to do it RIGHT!!!

It's not really a question of right or wrong, but of convention. That said, listing the home team last comes from baseball where it makes sense because the visiting team bats first. The rest of American sports, which didn't become popular until later, followed suit.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on October 08, 2021, 10:57:14 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on October 08, 2021, 10:10:23 PM
Quote from: SSOWorld on October 08, 2021, 02:46:04 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 08, 2021, 09:34:37 AM
Minor annoyance in the scheme of things: Looking at last night's CONCACAF scores (or really for that matter any soccer scores, including MLS scores), ESPN has them listed backwards with the home team first. I get that the Europeans apparently do it that way, but it doesn't mean the American media need to follow. Home team second is customary here, presumably because of the standard "Visitor at Home" usage (last night, "Jamaica at USA" or "Canada at Mexico"), and there's no real reason to change it just for one sport.
No, it's USA v Jamaica and Canada v Mexico. When the results are finals... or full time.... USA 1 - 0 Jamaica and Mexico 2 - 2 Mexico. (made them up). American sports do it wrong. Association Futbol is showing them how to do it RIGHT!!!

It's not really a question of right or wrong, but of convention. That said, listing the home team last comes from baseball where it makes sense because the visiting team bats first. The rest of American sports, which didn't become popular until later, followed suit.

At the stadium/arena where they are playing (except baseball), they will show the home team first. Otherwise they show the home team last.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on October 08, 2021, 11:11:44 PM

Quote from: Big John on October 08, 2021, 10:57:14 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on October 08, 2021, 10:10:23 PM
Quote from: SSOWorld on October 08, 2021, 02:46:04 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 08, 2021, 09:34:37 AM
Minor annoyance in the scheme of things: Looking at last night's CONCACAF scores (or really for that matter any soccer scores, including MLS scores), ESPN has them listed backwards with the home team first. I get that the Europeans apparently do it that way, but it doesn't mean the American media need to follow. Home team second is customary here, presumably because of the standard "Visitor at Home" usage (last night, "Jamaica at USA" or "Canada at Mexico"), and there's no real reason to change it just for one sport.
No, it's USA v Jamaica and Canada v Mexico. When the results are finals... or full time.... USA 1 - 0 Jamaica and Mexico 2 - 2 Mexico. (made them up). American sports do it wrong. Association Futbol is showing them how to do it RIGHT!!!

It's not really a question of right or wrong, but of convention. That said, listing the home team last comes from baseball where it makes sense because the visiting team bats first. The rest of American sports, which didn't become popular until later, followed suit.
At the stadium/arena where they are playing (except baseball), they will show the home team first. Otherwise they show the home team last.

I remember some years back the Capitals tried swapping that in the arena. There was some pushback and ultimately the solution that was reached (which makes sense) is that the out-of-town scoreboard listed the visiting teams on top, home teams on bottom, in the normal fashion, while the main scoreboard showing the in-house game listed the Caps first–which also makes sense because if you're at the game, presumably you know which team is at home and which team is visiting (and if you don't, you have bigger problems than being confused by the scoreboard).

As I said, I don't think it makes sense for the media to use the opposite convention for one sport (soccer). At least most media sources I read do list the standings in the normal win-loss-tie order.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on October 09, 2021, 01:41:27 AM

There's some MLS broadcasts that insist on using the baseball ordering and it's awful. The international standard makes more sense for the sport and should not be modified for the perceived American palette.

Also, another annoyance is seeing the start of soccer broadcasts bumped to a lesser ESPN channel (like ESPNU) because the preceding event is running over its slot, or worse yet the next event's kickoff getting delayed. It would be pretty easy to take this into account when scheduling, and in fact most cup or knockout matches do get some slack time in the schedule in case they have to go to extra time and/or penalties.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 09, 2021, 02:13:48 AM

Quote from: Bruce on October 09, 2021, 01:41:27 AM
The international standard makes more sense for the sport and should not be modified for the perceived American palette.

That's kind of silly–listing them either way is an arbitrary convention. If you're an American that likes watching all the sports, you're going to be used to seeing them listed one way for the four other sports you like to watch, and then have to mentally keep reminding yourself that it's the other way on this one sport. Them following the European convention is of no benefit to you if you don't also watch European football.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on October 09, 2021, 02:44:28 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 09, 2021, 02:13:48 AM
Quote from: Bruce on October 09, 2021, 01:41:27 AM
The international standard makes more sense for the sport and should not be modified for the perceived American palette.

That's kind of silly–listing them either way is an arbitrary convention. If you're an American that likes watching all the sports, you're going to be used to seeing them listed one way for the four other sports you like to watch, and then have to mentally keep reminding yourself that it's the other way on this one sport. Them following the European convention is of no benefit to you if you don't also watch European football.

My gut tells me that a lot of people who watch MLS also watch international soccer/football matches somewhat regularly. Using 'Visitor at Home' for domestic broadcasts but 'Home vs Visitor' for everything else seems more confusing than simply accepting soccer as a sport that uses 'Home' first, and sticking to that convention.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on October 09, 2021, 03:04:00 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on October 05, 2021, 06:00:54 PM
I know that things are currently slower due to Covid, but this seems a bit long:

(https://i.imgur.com/yA7IS6H.png)

I remember when licenses were printed while you wait, and I get that it's now required that they be printed in a secure location, but, at least in normal times, it should take no more than four or five days to arrive by mail. As it stands, I have no "official" driver's license to present when needed, and so, I'm compelled to use my passport, which is bulky, and also people sometimes don't know how to deal with it.

I may have spoken too soon. My license showed up yesterday, making for 8 days total wait, which, while longer than I think ideal, is on the whole not that big of a deal.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on October 09, 2021, 09:33:14 PM

When I see all the archives in the Wayback Machine such as here - https://web.archive.org/web/20201031165301/https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=100.3625

I wonder if users are keeping track of what's happened.

That's a minor thing that bothers me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on October 09, 2021, 09:37:50 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on October 09, 2021, 09:33:14 PM
When I see all the archives in the Wayback Machine such as here - https://web.archive.org/web/20201031165301/https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=100.3625

Not seeing the problem. It's considerably less broken than most Wayback pages I've seen, and it doesn't seem to be a content issue, either.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on October 09, 2021, 09:41:11 PM

Quote from: 1 on October 09, 2021, 09:37:50 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on October 09, 2021, 09:33:14 PM
When I see all the archives in the Wayback Machine such as here - https://web.archive.org/web/20201031165301/https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=100.3625

Not seeing the problem. It's considerably less broken than most Wayback pages I've seen, and it doesn't seem to be a content issue, either.

The stuff you see on there is permanently saved.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 10, 2021, 01:07:13 AM

Quote from: tolbs17 on October 09, 2021, 09:41:11 PM
Quote from: 1 on October 09, 2021, 09:37:50 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on October 09, 2021, 09:33:14 PM
When I see all the archives in the Wayback Machine such as here - https://web.archive.org/web/20201031165301/https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=100.3625

Not seeing the problem. It's considerably less broken than most Wayback pages I've seen, and it doesn't seem to be a content issue, either.
The stuff you see on there is permanently saved.

Good.

There was a site that I used to reference all the time that had a lot of good info on it. One day it just went down out of the blue, no warning or anything. Turns out the guy who ran it died, so the server went offline whenever he stopped paying for it. But all of that is stored in the Wayback Machine, so I can still access his work. I think he would be happy that I could still appreciate it.

Stuff goes offline all the time, for both good reasons and stupid ones, so it's nice that there's a way to still access it when it does.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on October 10, 2021, 01:44:25 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on October 09, 2021, 09:41:11 PM
Quote from: 1 on October 09, 2021, 09:37:50 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on October 09, 2021, 09:33:14 PM
When I see all the archives in the Wayback Machine such as here - https://web.archive.org/web/20201031165301/https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=100.3625

Not seeing the problem. It's considerably less broken than most Wayback pages I've seen, and it doesn't seem to be a content issue, either.
The stuff you see on there is permanently saved.

It's best practice to assume that anything you post on the internet will stay there "forever" in some sort of archive, such as the Wayback Machine. Always a good thing to remember before posting something you may later regret - such as profane rants by "(Un)SafeSpeeder" a month or so ago, or by "Cra_shit" last Friday.

To its credit, the Wayback Machine was a big help when a friend of mine thought she had lost the entire content of her web site. I was able to recover almost all of it through the Wayback Machine (which she had never heard of before).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on October 10, 2021, 02:44:45 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on October 07, 2021, 01:07:27 AM
My ex-best friend on the other hand was the type who would circle the lot all night if he had to in order to get a spot near the store ...

I was always amused when I saw people do this at an athletic facility. You're here to "work out" but it's going to kill you just to walk to the entrance?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 10, 2021, 02:52:09 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on October 10, 2021, 02:44:45 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on October 07, 2021, 01:07:27 AM
My ex-best friend on the other hand was the type who would circle the lot all night if he had to in order to get a spot near the store ...

I was always amused when I saw people do this at an athletic facility. You're here to "work out" but it's going to kill you just to walk to the entrance?

I mean, it makes some degree of sense if you're there to do squats. After doing a leg workout I want to keep my walking to a minimum, get home, park it in my chair, and not get up for the rest of the night.

If you're there to do cardio or upper-body workouts it's pretty silly.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on October 10, 2021, 03:06:13 PM

If I'm circling the lot, I'm just trying to find a space that has the shortest distance to the nearest covered walkway, even if it is physically further from the nearest entrance.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on October 10, 2021, 08:18:46 PM

Quote from: vdeane on October 08, 2021, 09:26:05 PM
On the subject of hotels, room service. I don't need my soap thrown out and replaced every single day. Same for the towels. It's wasteful and makes more work for me.

That's what the "do not disturb" sign is for. But why would it make more work for you, other than opening a new bar of soap?

I usually take the toiletries with me whenever I stay, because I bring my own shampoo and body wash, but one way to preserve the soap is to put the used bar in one of the coffee or drink cups in the room. I learned this trick on a two-night stay many years ago. When I came in for the second night, the used bar had been placed in a cup and left on the sink. It's rare that I stay in the same room two straight nights if I'm traveling, but when I do, I always do this and rarely is that bar of soap thrown out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on October 10, 2021, 10:51:44 PM

It's annoying to constantly be getting the soap out and to have to remember to grab a new towel for brushing my teeth rather than just use the one that's already there (because it's not there anymore). The towel I give myself 50/50 odds on whether I'll actually remember to do that or if I'll be finishing up and looking to pat everything dry and find that the towel isn't there and I have to pick out a new one. Thankfully I've never forgotten the soap. I tend to do a lot of my routines on pure autopilot.

Plus the room is less secure if someone is going through it in the middle of the day. I bring my laptop with me when traveling, so it's always in the back of my mind whether things are fine on that front.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on October 11, 2021, 01:28:54 AM

I've always thought that having large lockers in hotel rooms would be a nice feature. I've stayed in plenty of hostels that have them (usually repurposed from a high school) and it's handy to have as a minimal level of security.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on October 11, 2021, 01:49:45 AM

Quote from: Bruce on October 11, 2021, 01:28:54 AM
I've always thought that having large lockers in hotel rooms would be a nice feature. I've stayed in plenty of hostels that have them (usually repurposed from a high school) and it's handy to have as a minimal level of security.

A related annoyance: hotels charging you for using their safe as a default and you having to tell every hotel to take it off of your bill.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on October 11, 2021, 05:07:40 AM

As of late, many hotels are not even performing room service unless you stay over 4-5 nights and/or you specifically request it. For the last few years, hotels have been trying to cut costs; so requesting no cleaning/services (reduce the housekeeping staff), using shower-installed pumps (cut toiletries shrink), reducing towel washes (putting less towels in the rooms that go unused), was becoming part of the cost-cutting features. Mostly, they'd like you to go to the front desk and request it nowadays...where hopefully there's someone to help you in the next 5-15 minutes.

I rarely take the extra soap, shampoo, or conditioner anymore, I've got seemingly dozens of each at home. The housekeeping staff would leave so many extras over the years that I'm overloaded. I will travel with an extra bar of soap, usually the tiniest one I can find. Sometimes I have a tough time finding a white bar of soap on white floors in a steamy room with no glasses on...the missus likes having extras when her favorite flavors aren't in stock.

As long as we have some "travel hacks" in the thread, I've found that the packet of decaffeinated coffee is a good way to eliminate odors, providing you don't mind the smell of coffee.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on October 11, 2021, 09:54:51 AM

I thought hotels that put out a bunch of the little packets of soaps were getting them for free/cheap from suppliers as a way of getting free samples out to a portion of the public with some money to spend. I usually don't use them anyway, I decided on the brands I use based on a some trial and error and don't usually want to experiment.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on October 11, 2021, 12:00:02 PM

Quote from: kkt on October 11, 2021, 09:54:51 AM
I thought hotels that put out a bunch of the little packets of soaps were getting them for free/cheap from suppliers as a way of getting free samples out to a portion of the public with some money to spend. I usually don't use them anyway, I decided on the brands I use based on a some trial and error and don't usually want to experiment.

At the lower-end chains, it's unbranded.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on October 11, 2021, 12:13:57 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on October 11, 2021, 12:00:02 PM
Quote from: kkt on October 11, 2021, 09:54:51 AM
I thought hotels that put out a bunch of the little packets of soaps were getting them for free/cheap from suppliers as a way of getting free samples out to a portion of the public with some money to spend. I usually don't use them anyway, I decided on the brands I use based on a some trial and error and don't usually want to experiment.
At the lower-end chains, it's unbranded.

I usually restock my car supply of soap every year from a hotel stay. I'm always glad to have extra soap if it's needed on some sort of weird mountain road.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on October 11, 2021, 12:20:43 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on October 10, 2021, 08:18:46 PMI bring my own shampoo and body wash

I do too, if it's a work trip and I'm going to be gone all week. It makes being away from home a little less depressing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on October 11, 2021, 01:58:10 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 11, 2021, 12:13:57 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on October 11, 2021, 12:00:02 PM
Quote from: kkt on October 11, 2021, 09:54:51 AM
I thought hotels that put out a bunch of the little packets of soaps were getting them for free/cheap from suppliers as a way of getting free samples out to a portion of the public with some money to spend. I usually don't use them anyway, I decided on the brands I use based on a some trial and error and don't usually want to experiment.
At the lower-end chains, it's unbranded.

I usually restock my car supply of soap every year from a hotel stay. I'm always glad to have extra soap if it's needed on some sort of weird mountain road.

So you may be stuck trapped behind a landslide with no food or drinking water, but at least you'll be clean? :)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on October 11, 2021, 04:19:15 PM

Flocabulary.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on October 11, 2021, 07:11:29 PM

STAY THE HECK AWAY FROM DOORDASH, UBER EATS, GRUBHUB, WHATEVER THE HECK YOU CAN CALL IT.
If admins think this is a rant, I'll take my rant to the next level, BBB
Today, I went to Sheraton in Four Seasons and Boy, it was UNSAFE!
$159 was NOT worth it in my opinion.
26 floors and we were on the 19th. VERY fancy.
Had to PAY for Wireless and TV did NOT have local channels.
But here's the kicker, the area.
The area is VERY :colorful: and :wow:, so we ordered DoorDash to test it out. But BOY I was wrong.
At the time of writing, I have STILL not eaten yet. $97 for delivery fees and a f*** bomb bonanza! :pan:
DoorDash were total a**holes and my dad was :pan:ing the drivers, eventually being HUNG UP ON!
We are packing now and heading back home TOMORROW MORNING.
Went to Kickback and they WERE OUT of ALMOST EVERYTHING. I almost said go to Popeyes.
I just want this f**ing year to go 🤬 off into the cold deep waters of he**.
I was saying in my head, "Take me now lord!"
But, I was calm. Just want to go to sleep and head back home so I can sleep for 24 hours and forget school. 2021 is a TOTAL jerky year and was a total loss after Delta came out.
For people like @SSOWorld, I am calm, my father is going to pickup the food from KickBack.
@Scott5114, if this is a huge rant blown out of proportion, I can remove this.
I am so 😡 livid right now I can scream into a pillow.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on October 11, 2021, 07:34:31 PM

Quote from: snowc on October 11, 2021, 07:11:29 PM
STAY THE HECK AWAY FROM DOORDASH, UBER EATS, GRUBHUB, WHATEVER THE HECK YOU CAN CALL IT.
If admins think this is a rant, I'll take my rant to the next level, BBB
Today, I went to Sheraton in Four Seasons and Boy, it was UNSAFE!
$159 was NOT worth it in my opinion.
26 floors and we were on the 19th. VERY fancy.
Had to PAY for Wireless and TV did NOT have local channels.
But here's the kicker, the area.
The area is VERY :colorful: and :wow:, so we ordered DoorDash to test it out. But BOY I was wrong.
At the time of writing, I have STILL not eaten yet. $97 for delivery fees and a f*** bomb bonanza! :pan:
DoorDash were total a**holes and my dad was :pan:ing the drivers, eventually being HUNG UP ON!
We are packing now and heading back home TOMORROW MORNING.
Went to Kickback and they WERE OUT of ALMOST EVERYTHING. I almost said go to Popeyes.
I just want this f**ing year to go 🤬 off into the cold deep waters of he**.
I was saying in my head, "Take me now lord!"
But, I was calm. Just want to go to sleep and head back home so I can sleep for 24 hours and forget school. 2021 is a TOTAL jerky year and was a total loss after Delta came out.
For people like @SSOWorld, I am calm, my father is going to pickup the food from KickBack.
@Scott5114, if this is a huge rant blown out of proportion, I can remove this.
I am so 😡 livid right now I can scream into a pillow.

Did you look at the BBB before you placed your orders? Yeah, I didn't think so. Neither does anyone else. So while you're pissed, there's literally nothing you can do other than complain to the sources - the delivery app companies - and try to get your money back.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 11, 2021, 07:41:13 PM

snowc, you really need to stop using purple text in your posts. Moderators use that color to communicate that we are acting as a moderator. You're not a moderator, so using it may confuse other people into thinking we edited your post when we didn't.

In any event, yeah, it is pretty much a rant, since you never actually said what Doordash did that made you upset. I use them regularly and I've never had a $97 delivery fee (I think it's usually like $4) and I've only ever talked to anyone from Doordash on the phone once, and that was because the Buffalo Wild Wings told the driver we didn't have an order in with them (we confirmed with the driver that we did, and they were able to find it). So it's unclear what your issue is, other than possibly not understanding how it works.

Also, there's more than one person on this forum that actually works as a Doordash/Uber Eats/Grubhub driver, so maybe think carefully about what you might say and how it might make them feel.

Also also, assuming by BBB you mean Better Business Bureau, that's not a government organization, it's just a review service like Yelp or the reviews on Google Maps or whatever. Anyone reading a review like this there would likewise have a hard time understanding what the issue even was, so it's not going to materially affect their business (which is doubtful even if you had a clearly written, obviously major issue).

Also also also, what does it mean for an area to be :colorful:?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on October 11, 2021, 07:44:09 PM

I've never used any of them. However, once, I ordered takeout normally from Cracker Barrel, and an Uber Eats driver took my meal instead of the one they were supposed to take.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on October 11, 2021, 07:48:25 PM

Another thing that bothers me is when they demolish perfectly fine buildings.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 11, 2021, 07:49:48 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on October 11, 2021, 07:48:25 PM
Another thing that bothers me is when they demolish perfectly fine buildings.

It is pretty wasteful, especially when they do something like demolish a McDonalds to build a Taco Bell because they didn't like the McDonald's mansard roof.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on October 11, 2021, 07:53:27 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 11, 2021, 07:49:48 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on October 11, 2021, 07:48:25 PM
Another thing that bothers me is when they demolish perfectly fine buildings.

It is pretty wasteful, especially when they do something like demolish a McDonalds to build a Taco Bell because they didn't like the McDonald's mansard roof.

Or this Clayton Bypass bridge - https://www.google.com/maps/@35.5971826,-78.4111352,3a,75y,1.54h,91.22t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sO35JAttuoLf5fYn4nmy2Rg!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DO35JAttuoLf5fYn4nmy2Rg%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D83.22392%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192

It was built in 80s and rebuilt in 2007 for some unknown reason. Like what was wrong with the old bridge??

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on October 11, 2021, 09:37:17 PM

Quote from: kkt on October 11, 2021, 09:54:51 AM
I thought hotels that put out a bunch of the little packets of soaps were getting them for free/cheap from suppliers as a way of getting free samples out to a portion of the public with some money to spend. I usually don't use them anyway, I decided on the brands I use based on a some trial and error and don't usually want to experiment.

One thing they're good for is something I encounter with distressing frequency. I've come across a lot of public restrooms where the soap dispenser is empty. Not good, especially if you have just taken a dump and want to wash your hands. It pays to stick a little bar of hotel soap in your pocket just in case they're out of soap.

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 11, 2021, 07:49:48 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on October 11, 2021, 07:48:25 PM
Another thing that bothers me is when they demolish perfectly fine buildings.

It is pretty wasteful, especially when they do something like demolish a McDonalds to build a Taco Bell because they didn't like the McDonald's mansard roof.

Or when they tear down a perfectly good stadium and build two new ones to replace it, and raise taxes on the local populace to pay for it. Yes, I'm talking about Cincinnati. If the Cubs can still use Wrigley, then a stadium built in 1970 ought to still be good.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Mapmikey on October 11, 2021, 10:03:40 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on October 11, 2021, 09:37:17 PM
Quote from: kkt on October 11, 2021, 09:54:51 AM
I thought hotels that put out a bunch of the little packets of soaps were getting them for free/cheap from suppliers as a way of getting free samples out to a portion of the public with some money to spend. I usually don't use them anyway, I decided on the brands I use based on a some trial and error and don't usually want to experiment.

One thing they're good for is something I encounter with distressing frequency. I've come across a lot of public restrooms where the soap dispenser is empty. Not good, especially if you have just taken a dump and want to wash your hands. It pays to stick a little bar of hotel soap in your pocket just in case they're out of soap.

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 11, 2021, 07:49:48 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on October 11, 2021, 07:48:25 PM
Another thing that bothers me is when they demolish perfectly fine buildings.

It is pretty wasteful, especially when they do something like demolish a McDonalds to build a Taco Bell because they didn't like the McDonald's mansard roof.

Or when they tear down a perfectly good stadium and build two new ones to replace it, and raise taxes on the local populace to pay for it. Yes, I'm talking about Cincinnati. If the Cubs can still use Wrigley, then a stadium built in 1970 ought to still be good.

To be fair, the citizens of Hamilton County voted specifically to raise their sales tax 1/2% to do this.

Seems like a lot of other cities just decide to fund these things without a specific citizen vote on it.

Not sure many of those 1970-era cookie cutter stadiums are still in use anywhere.

Atlanta is on its 3rd baseball stadium since the Braves arrived in 1966. Their second stadium, Turner Field is the one that didn't stay in use all that long.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on October 11, 2021, 10:40:04 PM

Quote from: 1 on October 11, 2021, 07:44:09 PM
I've never used any of them. However, once, I ordered takeout normally from Cracker Barrel, and an Uber Eats driver took my meal instead of the one they were supposed to take.

i work for a pizzeria, and i don't even remotely understand the doordash/grubhub/noco nosh thing at all.

you put in an order on one of those, a tablet in the store honks/toots/whistles etc, and then someone prints it out, keys it into our POS, then we deliver it. what exactly is their fee for? we have our own online ordering, or you can go old school (quiver) and actually just call us.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on October 11, 2021, 10:44:13 PM

Quote from: 1 on October 11, 2021, 07:44:09 PM
I've never used any of them. However, once, I ordered takeout normally from Cracker Barrel, and an Uber Eats driver took my meal instead of the one they were supposed to take.

On the other end of the chain, I've had drivers from Door Dash/Uber Eats deliver food to me rather than wherever it was supposed to go on at least two occasions. The first time, it was supposed to go to the neighboring apartment, and they must have seen it, because they picked it up from me practically as soon as the driver knocked on my door. The second, it sat out there for 12 hours before I even knew something was there, and it was another 36 before someone bothered to take it away from my door. Even that might have just been maintenance throwing it out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on October 11, 2021, 11:18:53 PM

I've hesitated to use restaurant food delivery services since I've been told the business model relies on taking a fairly substantial cut of what the restaurant gets.

Whether I order online from a particular establishment depends on how well-organized their process for order pickup is. I've dealt with a couple of places that had no obvious area set aside for collecting to-go orders.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 12, 2021, 01:05:14 AM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 11, 2021, 10:40:04 PM
Quote from: 1 on October 11, 2021, 07:44:09 PM
I've never used any of them. However, once, I ordered takeout normally from Cracker Barrel, and an Uber Eats driver took my meal instead of the one they were supposed to take.

i work for a pizzeria, and i don't even remotely understand the doordash/grubhub/noco nosh thing at all.

you put in an order on one of those, a tablet in the store honks/toots/whistles etc, and then someone prints it out, keys it into our POS, then we deliver it. what exactly is their fee for? we have our own online ordering, or you can go old school (quiver) and actually just call us.

Doordash is really meant for ordering delivery of restaurants that aren't traditionally staffed with delivery drivers. Sit-down restaurants like Red Lobster or Chili's. You can also order Taco Bell or McDonalds through it if you're high and have the munchies (this is the only possible reason I can think of for paying to have McDonald's delivered to you).

In most cases, it would be pretty silly to order pizza through Doordash, but they may have had a credit or coupon through Doordash, or have a Doordash subscription that waives fees on the customer's end. Or perhaps they were out of town and didn't know what options were available, so they turned to Doordash.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on October 12, 2021, 03:29:04 AM

Most of the time, if I'm delivering for DD/Uber from a place that traditionally has delivery, it's because I'm going to a place that is outside of their normal range. I don't mind since I can see a guaranteed tip or am heading that way anyway, but deadheading for the in-house drivers must be brutal.

Also, most seasoned drivers loathe delivering to high-rise hotels, so we don't even bother to pick up that kind of order.

That being said, for all the delivery fees charged, the driver typically only makes $3 before tips. For short trips, that's been dropped in the past few weeks to $2.50. All of those fees go back to DoorDash to help cover their massive losses.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on October 12, 2021, 07:35:12 AM

Quote from: Mapmikey on October 11, 2021, 10:03:40 PM
....

Not sure many of those 1970-era cookie cutter stadiums are still in use anywhere.

....

I think Oakland's stadium dates to the 1960s, but it's a cookie-cutter in most ways and it's still in use for baseball. Maybe slightly less of a cookie-cutter look than some of the others because it's not a "concrete donut" like RFK Stadium or old Three Rivers Stadium or several others, but it's definitely of that general class.

We used Uber Eats once at home because I get a discount via American Express. But our food arrived lukewarm because the driver didn't use an insulated bag like the pizza men use. We haven't used their service again because we decided we'd get our food more quickly, and it'd be hotter, if we just picked it up ourselves.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 12, 2021, 09:42:32 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on October 12, 2021, 07:35:12 AM
We used Uber Eats once at home because I get a discount via American Express. But our food arrived lukewarm because the driver didn't use an insulated bag like the pizza men use. We haven't used their service again because we decided we'd get our food more quickly, and it'd be hotter, if we just picked it up ourselves.

Our only issue with Doordash is when the driver leaves the food at the step and doesn't ring the bell to let us know it's there, so it sits on the porch and gets cold. We've taken to leaving notes for the driver and even posting signage directing the driver to ring the bell, but some of them just straight up ignore both.

We also had a recent order where Doordash triple-booked the driver, so we got to wait while our food was in their car but they were delivering other orders to other customers. By the time our food got there it was pretty cold, and my wife was irked enough to leave a negative review. I think most experienced drivers reject multiple-order stacks for that reason, but as far as I know there's really no way to force Doordash to not group your order like this, or for a driver to accept just one order of the stack, so if your order ends up as part of a group like that you're just kind of fucked.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on October 12, 2021, 09:49:02 AM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 11, 2021, 10:40:04 PM
Quote from: 1 on October 11, 2021, 07:44:09 PM
I've never used any of them. However, once, I ordered takeout normally from Cracker Barrel, and an Uber Eats driver took my meal instead of the one they were supposed to take.

i work for a pizzeria, and i don't even remotely understand the doordash/grubhub/noco nosh thing at all.

you put in an order on one of those, a tablet in the store honks/toots/whistles etc, and then someone prints it out, keys it into our POS, then we deliver it. what exactly is their fee for? we have our own online ordering, or you can go old school (quiver) and actually just call us.

There are a number of restaurants here that either (a) don't deliver at all or (b) have their own delivery drivers, but we're not within their delivery radius (but we are within the delivery radius for Insert App Here). Plus, with the various food delivery apps, I get notified when the driver leaves the restaurant and I have an exact delivery time, and I can pay a monthly fee and get free delivery in exchange.

I do try to order delivery directly from the restaurant whenever possible. Uber Eats in particular is horrible in their dealings with complaints that the wrong order was delivered, or the food wasn't prepared correctly, etc. - several times, they've just said "we're sorry that happened" and not given any sort of refund or replacement food.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on October 12, 2021, 11:41:58 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 11, 2021, 07:49:48 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on October 11, 2021, 07:48:25 PM
Another thing that bothers me is when they demolish perfectly fine buildings.

It is pretty wasteful, especially when they do something like demolish a McDonalds to build a Taco Bell because they didn't like the McDonald's mansard roof.

Nothing wrong with it though. Companies have their brand images to maintain. McDonald's could claim a copyright issue against Taco Bell for using the likeness of a McDonalds.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on October 12, 2021, 11:47:10 AM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 11, 2021, 10:40:04 PM
Quote from: 1 on October 11, 2021, 07:44:09 PM
I've never used any of them. However, once, I ordered takeout normally from Cracker Barrel, and an Uber Eats driver took my meal instead of the one they were supposed to take.

i work for a pizzeria, and i don't even remotely understand the doordash/grubhub/noco nosh thing at all.

you put in an order on one of those, a tablet in the store honks/toots/whistles etc, and then someone prints it out, keys it into our POS, then we deliver it. what exactly is their fee for? we have our own online ordering, or you can go old school (quiver) and actually just call us.

Many pizzerias have delivery fees, even for those that use their own ordering system or call in a order. Since you work in the business, maybe you can tell us why.

That said, using a third-party to order food is just like using a third-party site to book hotel rooms, airfare, car rentals, etc. Anyone can go to United, American, Hilton, Marriott, Avis, etc, and book direct. But sites like Expedia, hotels.com, and hundreds of other websites allow you to book indirectly too.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on October 12, 2021, 12:07:10 PM

Quote from: snowc on October 11, 2021, 07:11:29 PM
STAY THE HECK AWAY FROM DOORDASH, UBER EATS, GRUBHUB, WHATEVER THE HECK YOU CAN CALL IT.
If admins think this is a rant, I'll take my rant to the next level, BBB
Today, I went to Sheraton in Four Seasons and Boy, it was UNSAFE!
$159 was NOT worth it in my opinion.
26 floors and we were on the 19th. VERY fancy.
Had to PAY for Wireless and TV did NOT have local channels.
But here's the kicker, the area.
The area is VERY :colorful: and :wow:, so we ordered DoorDash to test it out. But BOY I was wrong.
At the time of writing, I have STILL not eaten yet. $97 for delivery fees and a f*** bomb bonanza! :pan:
DoorDash were total a**holes and my dad was :pan:ing the drivers, eventually being HUNG UP ON!
We are packing now and heading back home TOMORROW MORNING.
Went to Kickback and they WERE OUT of ALMOST EVERYTHING. I almost said go to Popeyes.
I just want this f**ing year to go 🤬 off into the cold deep waters of he**.
I was saying in my head, "Take me now lord!"
But, I was calm. Just want to go to sleep and head back home so I can sleep for 24 hours and forget school. 2021 is a TOTAL jerky year and was a total loss after Delta came out.
For people like @SSOWorld, I am calm, my father is going to pickup the food from KickBack.
@Scott5114, if this is a huge rant blown out of proportion, I can remove this.
I am so 😡 livid right now I can scream into a pillow.

Spending 1000 words on a blip-filled rant full of incomplete sentences that never even gets to the point of what was wrong.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: renegade on October 12, 2021, 12:35:25 PM

Quote from: kkt on October 12, 2021, 12:07:10 PM
Quote from: snowc on October 11, 2021, 07:11:29 PM
STAY THE HECK AWAY FROM DOORDASH, UBER EATS, GRUBHUB, WHATEVER THE HECK YOU CAN CALL IT.
If admins think this is a rant, I'll take my rant to the next level, BBB
Today, I went to Sheraton in Four Seasons and Boy, it was UNSAFE!
$159 was NOT worth it in my opinion.
26 floors and we were on the 19th. VERY fancy.
Had to PAY for Wireless and TV did NOT have local channels.
But here's the kicker, the area.
The area is VERY :colorful: and :wow:, so we ordered DoorDash to test it out. But BOY I was wrong.
At the time of writing, I have STILL not eaten yet. $97 for delivery fees and a f*** bomb bonanza! :pan:
DoorDash were total a**holes and my dad was :pan:ing the drivers, eventually being HUNG UP ON!
We are packing now and heading back home TOMORROW MORNING.
Went to Kickback and they WERE OUT of ALMOST EVERYTHING. I almost said go to Popeyes.
I just want this f**ing year to go 🤬 off into the cold deep waters of he**.
I was saying in my head, "Take me now lord!"
But, I was calm. Just want to go to sleep and head back home so I can sleep for 24 hours and forget school. 2021 is a TOTAL jerky year and was a total loss after Delta came out.
For people like @SSOWorld, I am calm, my father is going to pickup the food from KickBack.
@Scott5114, if this is a huge rant blown out of proportion, I can remove this.
I am so 😡 livid right now I can scream into a pillow.

Spending 1000 words on a blip-filled rant full of incomplete sentences that never even gets to the point of what was wrong.

Gotta love those emojis. They communicate what words can't. :bigass:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on October 12, 2021, 01:13:11 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 12, 2021, 11:47:10 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 11, 2021, 10:40:04 PM
Quote from: 1 on October 11, 2021, 07:44:09 PM
I've never used any of them. However, once, I ordered takeout normally from Cracker Barrel, and an Uber Eats driver took my meal instead of the one they were supposed to take.

i work for a pizzeria, and i don't even remotely understand the doordash/grubhub/noco nosh thing at all.

you put in an order on one of those, a tablet in the store honks/toots/whistles etc, and then someone prints it out, keys it into our POS, then we deliver it. what exactly is their fee for? we have our own online ordering, or you can go old school (quiver) and actually just call us.

Many pizzerias have delivery fees, even for those that use their own ordering system or call in a order. Since you work in the business, maybe you can tell us why.

you know what? i'm gonna ask when i go to work friday night, because that piques my own curiosity. it's not paid to the delivery driver, i know the farther out it is, the more it is, thats for sure. i get, 6.5% commission on everything i deliver, plus whatever you decide to tip me.

and you will tip me. i promise, if i ever deliver you pizza, you will remember me in a cool way. i am not your average 20-something driver.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on October 12, 2021, 04:22:52 PM

I've never used any of those services, in large part because I live in a rural area in a county with a population of 7,000. Last year when all the restaurants were ordered closed for in-person dining, someone tried to start a local delivery service, but I don't know if it lasted or if it's still in business.

I'm wary of ordering a prepared meal for delivery, on the (very good and increasingly more likely) chance that something's not right. I honestly don't get the appeal of having something delivered from Applebee's, Chili's, O'Charley's, or someplace like that. I'm more likely to place a carryout order and go get it myself if I'm in a city that has those restaurants. (But I'm even more likely to find a Culver's or someplace like that).

I don't even really like to order pizza to be delivered if I'm in a motel somewhere, unless it's raining and I just don't want to get out and am exceedingly hungry. (Remember, I'm the guy who would rather skip lunch than have to sit in a drive-thru line to order and get my food). Wait times are exceedingly long -- I remember Domino's coming to Morehead when I was a student and loving their 30-minute delivery guarantee -- and then there's the added cost of a tip to the driver. You don't have to pay that if you pick it up yourself.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on October 12, 2021, 04:44:36 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 12, 2021, 01:13:11 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 12, 2021, 11:47:10 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 11, 2021, 10:40:04 PM
Quote from: 1 on October 11, 2021, 07:44:09 PM
I've never used any of them. However, once, I ordered takeout normally from Cracker Barrel, and an Uber Eats driver took my meal instead of the one they were supposed to take.

i work for a pizzeria, and i don't even remotely understand the doordash/grubhub/noco nosh thing at all.

you put in an order on one of those, a tablet in the store honks/toots/whistles etc, and then someone prints it out, keys it into our POS, then we deliver it. what exactly is their fee for? we have our own online ordering, or you can go old school (quiver) and actually just call us.

Many pizzerias have delivery fees, even for those that use their own ordering system or call in a order. Since you work in the business, maybe you can tell us why.

you know what? i'm gonna ask when i go to work friday night, because that piques my own curiosity. it's not paid to the delivery driver, i know the farther out it is, the more it is, thats for sure. i get, 6.5% commission on everything i deliver, plus whatever you decide to tip me.

and you will tip me. i promise, if i ever deliver you pizza, you will remember me in a cool way. i am not your average 20-something driver.

In the summer, we often try to put on the order to deliver to the back gate. Many ignore that. One driver not only went to the back gate, she even knew how to unlatch the lock! That got her an extra tip!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on October 12, 2021, 05:41:25 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 12, 2021, 04:44:36 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 12, 2021, 01:13:11 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 12, 2021, 11:47:10 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 11, 2021, 10:40:04 PM
Quote from: 1 on October 11, 2021, 07:44:09 PM
I've never used any of them. However, once, I ordered takeout normally from Cracker Barrel, and an Uber Eats driver took my meal instead of the one they were supposed to take.

i work for a pizzeria, and i don't even remotely understand the doordash/grubhub/noco nosh thing at all.

you put in an order on one of those, a tablet in the store honks/toots/whistles etc, and then someone prints it out, keys it into our POS, then we deliver it. what exactly is their fee for? we have our own online ordering, or you can go old school (quiver) and actually just call us.

Many pizzerias have delivery fees, even for those that use their own ordering system or call in a order. Since you work in the business, maybe you can tell us why.

you know what? i'm gonna ask when i go to work friday night, because that piques my own curiosity. it's not paid to the delivery driver, i know the farther out it is, the more it is, thats for sure. i get, 6.5% commission on everything i deliver, plus whatever you decide to tip me.

and you will tip me. i promise, if i ever deliver you pizza, you will remember me in a cool way. i am not your average 20-something driver.

In the summer, we often try to put on the order to deliver to the back gate. Many ignore that. One driver not only went to the back gate, she even knew how to unlatch the lock! That got her an extra tip!

i pay special attention to things like that, and will generally send you a picture of your food in your requested location, unless i know for a fact that the phone number on the ticket is a landline. then i'll call. i also leave my own number on the ticket, so if there's god forbid a problem, you can contact me directly so i can make things right. i have told my managers that if a customer calls about the status of food that's currently in my possession, they can give the customer my phone number. i will also call customers if i'm running late (trains are a problem in my area, for example). i provide better than average service, and consistently out-earn the other drivers on my shift.

i'm a people guy, and genuinely enjoy the work i do, which i imagine shows in my interactions with the customers.

i have:

chased escaped dogs and cats for customers
delivered to the jail, the hospital, and police station
seen pretty much any weirdness you can think of
gone to a convenience store to get a soda for someone who forgot to order it

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on October 12, 2021, 05:51:42 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 12, 2021, 09:42:32 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 12, 2021, 07:35:12 AM
We used Uber Eats once at home because I get a discount via American Express. But our food arrived lukewarm because the driver didn't use an insulated bag like the pizza men use. We haven't used their service again because we decided we'd get our food more quickly, and it'd be hotter, if we just picked it up ourselves.

Our only issue with Doordash is when the driver leaves the food at the step and doesn't ring the bell to let us know it's there, so it sits on the porch and gets cold. We've taken to leaving notes for the driver and even posting signage directing the driver to ring the bell, but some of them just straight up ignore both.

We also had a recent order where Doordash triple-booked the driver, so we got to wait while our food was in their car but they were delivering other orders to other customers. By the time our food got there it was pretty cold, and my wife was irked enough to leave a negative review. I think most experienced drivers reject multiple-order stacks for that reason, but as far as I know there's really no way to force Doordash to not group your order like this, or for a driver to accept just one order of the stack, so if your order ends up as part of a group like that you're just kind of fucked.

The app is pretty buggy and will often not include the delivery notes (which is why I have to annoy customers by texting them for their apartment number and stuff). Also, a lot of drivers aren't native English speakers, so they might not be able to read the notes; the app does have a built-in translation, which mostly gets it right from Spanish-to-English from what I've experienced.

And yeah, no excuse for the insulated bags thing (unless the order is awkwardly large). I always have at least four when I'm delivering (in various sizes) so that the smell doesn't get all over my car. Keeping the food warm/cool for the customer is just an added bonus.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on October 12, 2021, 06:18:00 PM

I usually try to pick up almost any food instead of delivery; it's much easier for them to fix a mistake in your favor, and naturally...you get to drive.

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 12, 2021, 05:41:25 PM
i have:

chased escaped dogs and cats for customers
delivered to the jail, the hospital, and police station
seen pretty much any weirdness you can think of
gone to a convenience store to get a soda for someone who forgot to order it

I delivered pizzas about 25 years ago. I enjoyed most of it, and the job was good pay/tips for the time spent.

1) I have a really big mean dog chase me down once. Thank goodness it stopped inches away from me (probably because it smelled food).

2) Out of that group, I only delivered to hospitals. Both the patients and medical staff tipped quite well!

3) I had a few weird deliveries...

- An apartment I was supposed to deliver to became a crime scene (sadly, domestic battery). The cop and next-door neighbor split the bill on two pizzas.

- I'd delivered to restaurants, though usually to the staff; meet them in the back (they also tip well). But one manager actually ordered a pizza to a patron's table; they literally couldn't decide on what to eat at a Mexican restaurant, so he ordered them a pizza.*

- I'm amazed how few clothes people will wear (if any) and still answer the door. For some people, pizza must be better than sex.

4) I've had to do that too. Usually it's because I forgot to grab it from the fridge. There was one grocery mart that charged about the same, so it wasn't a big loss.

* Don't try to figure it out, you'll probably get an aneurysm.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on October 12, 2021, 07:21:35 PM

Quote from: formulanone on October 12, 2021, 06:18:00 PM
I usually try to pick up almost any food instead of delivery; it's much easier for them to fix a mistake in your favor, and naturally...you get to drive.

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 12, 2021, 05:41:25 PM
i have:

chased escaped dogs and cats for customers
delivered to the jail, the hospital, and police station
seen pretty much any weirdness you can think of
gone to a convenience store to get a soda for someone who forgot to order it

3) I had a few weird deliveries...

- I'm amazed how few clothes people will wear (if any) and still answer the door. For some people, pizza must be better than sex.

had a lady come to the door a few weeks ago, topless. she goes 'oh my god i'm so stoned i forgot to put a shirt on!'

careful with the ranch sauce, ma'am.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wxfree on October 12, 2021, 08:17:02 PM

I'm bothered by years of different lengths. I don't mean leap years, but "long years" and "short years." If something happened three years ago, how do I know if that was three long years ago or three short years ago? What if it was two short years and one long year? How do you average those out? Do all of the years in a set have to be the same length? Are there any medium years? What if people disagree about whether a year, or a block of years, was long or short?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on October 12, 2021, 09:09:10 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 12, 2021, 07:21:35 PM
Quote from: formulanone on October 12, 2021, 06:18:00 PM
3) I had a few weird deliveries...

- I'm amazed how few clothes people will wear (if any) and still answer the door. For some people, pizza must be better than sex.

had a lady come to the door a few weeks ago, topless. she goes 'oh my god i'm so stoned i forgot to put a shirt on!'

careful with the ranch sauce, ma'am.

My goodness. When I was younger I used to go door to door selling things as a fundraiser, and never had an experience like that. Of course, it's a little different when they're not expecting you... on the one hand they can just not answer the door, but on the other hand you don't expect them to be prepared either. One time a guy came to the door shirtless, clearly awoken by the doorbell, but that was about as, umm... interesting... as it got.

But for something that you've ordered and are expecting, I'd say come to the door looking somewhat respectable or don't come at all!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: allniter89 on October 12, 2021, 09:13:10 PM

Quote from: wxfree on October 12, 2021, 08:17:02 PM
I'm bothered by years of different lengths. I don't mean leap years, but "long years" and "short years." If something happened three years ago, how do I know if that was three long years ago or three short years ago? What if it was two short years and one long year? How do you average those out? Do all of the years in a set have to be the same length? Are there any medium years? What if people disagree about whether a year, or a block of years, was long or short?

What constitutes a long yr or short yr for u?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wxfree on October 12, 2021, 09:38:31 PM

Quote from: allniter89 on October 12, 2021, 09:13:10 PM
Quote from: wxfree on October 12, 2021, 08:17:02 PM
I'm bothered by years of different lengths. I don't mean leap years, but "long years" and "short years." If something happened three years ago, how do I know if that was three long years ago or three short years ago? What if it was two short years and one long year? How do you average those out? Do all of the years in a set have to be the same length? Are there any medium years? What if people disagree about whether a year, or a block of years, was long or short?
What constitutes a long yr or short yr for u?

I don't think in those terms. All years are the same to me. Even a leap year is still just a year. One extra day isn't enough to make it a long year.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on October 12, 2021, 10:05:15 PM

Quote from: wxfree on October 12, 2021, 09:38:31 PM
Quote from: allniter89 on October 12, 2021, 09:13:10 PM
Quote from: wxfree on October 12, 2021, 08:17:02 PM
I'm bothered by years of different lengths. I don't mean leap years, but "long years" and "short years." If something happened three years ago, how do I know if that was three long years ago or three short years ago? What if it was two short years and one long year? How do you average those out? Do all of the years in a set have to be the same length? Are there any medium years? What if people disagree about whether a year, or a block of years, was long or short?
What constitutes a long yr or short yr for u?

I don't think in those terms. All years are the same to me. Even a leap year is still just a year. One extra day isn't enough to make it a long year.

I guess I am confused. If you don't count leap years, in what context is a year longer or shorter than any other year?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wxfree on October 12, 2021, 10:42:08 PM

Quote from: webny99 on October 12, 2021, 10:05:15 PM
Quote from: wxfree on October 12, 2021, 09:38:31 PM
Quote from: allniter89 on October 12, 2021, 09:13:10 PM
Quote from: wxfree on October 12, 2021, 08:17:02 PM
I'm bothered by years of different lengths. I don't mean leap years, but "long years" and "short years." If something happened three years ago, how do I know if that was three long years ago or three short years ago? What if it was two short years and one long year? How do you average those out? Do all of the years in a set have to be the same length? Are there any medium years? What if people disagree about whether a year, or a block of years, was long or short?
What constitutes a long yr or short yr for u?

I don't think in those terms. All years are the same to me. Even a leap year is still just a year. One extra day isn't enough to make it a long year.

I guess I am confused. If you don't count leap years, in what context is a year longer or shorter than any other year?

In no context. I don't use those terms. What bothers me is people saying "short years" and "long years." That's what I was complaining about.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 12, 2021, 11:08:29 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 12, 2021, 11:41:58 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 11, 2021, 07:49:48 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on October 11, 2021, 07:48:25 PM
Another thing that bothers me is when they demolish perfectly fine buildings.

It is pretty wasteful, especially when they do something like demolish a McDonalds to build a Taco Bell because they didn't like the McDonald's mansard roof.

Nothing wrong with it though. Companies have their brand images to maintain. McDonald's could claim a copyright issue against Taco Bell for using the likeness of a McDonalds.

There is something wrong with it–it wastes a tremendous amount of building materials. That lumber and metal has to come from somewhere. It also negatively affects other people in the market for building materials by driving up the price, and also all of the demolished building materials have to be disposed of somehow. But waaaah waaahh, widdle Wonald McDonwald is gonna get his fee-fees hurt if big mean Taco Bell sells tacos out of his old building. My advice to Ronald is to get over it and dry your tears with a hundred-dollar bill, you stupid clown; if you want control over what buildings that look like that are used for, you shouldn't close down your restaurants and sell them to someone else.

There was an old Pizza Hut near here that was vacated when they built a new one. It was one of those older Pizza Huts that's very obviously a Pizza Hut. A great Asian restaurant operated out of there until they went out of business. Then it got demolished and a Scooter's Coffee was built there (snore, we have 10,811 of those around here already).

Around ten years ago there was even a McDonald's demolished here to build...a McDonald's, with the "eyebrow of doom" instead of the mansard roof. That's really dumb. If your purpose-built building is such shit you have to demolish it and build a new one to do the exact same thing in it, you either fucked up in planning or maintenance somewhere along the way.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kenarmy on October 13, 2021, 12:04:08 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 12, 2021, 11:08:29 PM

Nothing wrong with it though. Companies have their brand images to maintain. McDonald's could claim a copyright issue against Taco Bell for using the likeness of a McDonalds.

[/quote]
There was an old Pizza Hut near here that was vacated when they built a new one. It was one of those older Pizza Huts that's very obviously a Pizza Hut. A great Asian restaurant operated out of there until they went out of business. Then it got demolished and a Scooter's Coffee was built there (snore, we have 10,811 of those around here already).
[/quote]
Omg that's the same thing that happened to the Pizza Hut near Northpark Mall in Ridgeland. If I remember correctly the Asian restaurant closed down and now it's another Asian restaurant now but the building wasn't demolished. Yet.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Takumi on October 13, 2021, 01:08:39 AM

Former Pizza Huts are common enough that there are websites about them.

Nearby where I am there was an old, old Dairy Queen that was a Chinese takeout restaurant for many years after the Dairy Queen closed. Recently it became a Mexican restaurant, with a cheap banner over the old Chinese restaurant's sign, but still in the recognizable former Dairy Queen building.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on October 13, 2021, 08:07:57 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 12, 2021, 11:08:29 PM
Around ten years ago there was even a McDonald's demolished here to build...a McDonald's, with the "eyebrow of doom" instead of the mansard roof. That's really dumb. If your purpose-built building is such shit you have to demolish it and build a new one to do the exact same thing in it, you either fucked up in planning or maintenance somewhere along the way.

A McDonald's near me was rebuilt as a McDonald's because the location became busier than expected.

Moving away from McDonald's itself, many commerical businesses buy a property, only to tear down what currently exists to build something else that fits their needs. Or many people buy properties to knock down the existing house to build a new house in its place.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on October 13, 2021, 09:35:57 AM

Quote from: Takumi on October 13, 2021, 01:08:39 AMFormer Pizza Huts are common enough that there are websites about them.

http://usedtobeapizzahut.blogspot.com/ and, if you want to cast a wider net, http://notfoolinganybody.com/

One of the local ambulance-chasers has an office in a former Taco Bell. Very on-brand.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Takumi on October 13, 2021, 10:15:58 AM

Quote from: abefroman329 on October 13, 2021, 09:35:57 AM
http://usedtobeapizzahut.blogspot.com/ and, if you want to cast a wider net, http://notfoolinganybody.com/

Well, I know how I'm spending half my day now.

Quote
One of the local ambulance-chasers has an office in a former Taco Bell. Very on-brand.

I'd say that sounds like something Lionel Hutz would do, but I don't think he could afford a stand-alone building, hence why he had his office in a mall.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on October 13, 2021, 12:13:27 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 12, 2021, 07:21:35 PM

had a lady come to the door a few weeks ago, topless. she goes 'oh my god i'm so stoned i forgot to put a shirt on!'

Maybe it was her way of inviting you in for a good time.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 13, 2021, 08:07:57 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 12, 2021, 11:08:29 PM
Around ten years ago there was even a McDonald's demolished here to build...a McDonald's, with the "eyebrow of doom" instead of the mansard roof. That's really dumb. If your purpose-built building is such shit you have to demolish it and build a new one to do the exact same thing in it, you either fucked up in planning or maintenance somewhere along the way.

A McDonald's near me was rebuilt as a McDonald's because the location became busier than expected.

Moving away from McDonald's itself, many commerical businesses buy a property, only to tear down what currently exists to build something else that fits their needs. Or many people buy properties to knock down the existing house to build a new house in its place.

A number of McDonald's have been pretty much gutted to be reconstructed with the new exterior design. Myself, I don't see the point in making cosmetic renovations to serve the same food. I don't choose a restaurant based on the looks of the outside. A McDonald's with the gray and tan blocks on the outside isn't going to have anything different on the menu than one with the yellow and red highlights.

Quote from: wxfree on October 12, 2021, 10:42:08 PM
Quote from: webny99 on October 12, 2021, 10:05:15 PM
Quote from: wxfree on October 12, 2021, 09:38:31 PM
Quote from: allniter89 on October 12, 2021, 09:13:10 PM
Quote from: wxfree on October 12, 2021, 08:17:02 PM
I'm bothered by years of different lengths. I don't mean leap years, but "long years" and "short years." If something happened three years ago, how do I know if that was three long years ago or three short years ago? What if it was two short years and one long year? How do you average those out? Do all of the years in a set have to be the same length? Are there any medium years? What if people disagree about whether a year, or a block of years, was long or short?
What constitutes a long yr or short yr for u?

I don't think in those terms. All years are the same to me. Even a leap year is still just a year. One extra day isn't enough to make it a long year.

I guess I am confused. If you don't count leap years, in what context is a year longer or shorter than any other year?

In no context. I don't use those terms. What bothers me is people saying "short years" and "long years." That's what I was complaining about.

It's just a matter of perception. We all have periods of time (hours, days, weeks, months, years) that seem to fly by, and others that seem to drag on. It's also a figure of speech that people use to note just how quickly or slowly things can change. For instance, in 1991, George H.W. Bush seemed to be a shoo-in for re-election, but a short year later, he lost. Or, Kentucky basketball fans were clamoring for change after a perceived slide to mediocrity in the last years of Tubby Smith's tenure as coach. So there was excitement in the air when Billy Gillispie, one of the nation's hottest coaches who had endeared himself to UK fans by coaching Texas A&M to an NCAA Tournament over Rick Pitino's Louisville team in a game played in Rupp Arena, was hired to replace Smith. But after two long years, fans were only too happy when Gillispie was jettisoned in favor of John Calipari.

So you're saying you've never said, "that was a short hour" or "this week went by quickly," or "today just seemed to drag on forever, it was the longest day."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on October 13, 2021, 01:29:22 PM

Quote from: Takumi on October 13, 2021, 10:15:58 AM
Quote from: abefroman329 on October 13, 2021, 09:35:57 AM
http://usedtobeapizzahut.blogspot.com/ and, if you want to cast a wider net, http://notfoolinganybody.com/
Well, I know how I'm spending half my day now.

Ha - the latter is (or was) pretty Atlanta-centric.

Quote
Quote
One of the local ambulance-chasers has an office in a former Taco Bell. Very on-brand.
I'd say that sounds like something Lionel Hutz would do, but I don't think he could afford a stand-alone building, hence why he had his office in a mall.

Could be that they threw him out to turn the storefront into a Starbucks, though.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on October 14, 2021, 12:53:56 PM

Restaurants that went to a default of closed lobbies unless stating they were open. There has been more than one place I've gone to that had no posted signs or other visible indications until I yanked on locked doors, which wasted my time that could have been spent already in the drive thru.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on October 14, 2021, 12:57:54 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on October 14, 2021, 12:53:56 PM
Restaurants that went to a default of closed lobbies unless stating they were open. There has been more than one place I've gone to that had no posted signs or other visible indications until I yanked on locked doors, which wasted my time that could have been spent already in the drive thru.

I know I've been avoiding McDonalds as of late, mainly because they shut down in-restaurant ordering last year and even now that many are open again, I'm not sure if there's any source to know which ones.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on October 14, 2021, 01:14:24 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on October 14, 2021, 12:53:56 PMRestaurants that went to a default of closed lobbies unless stating they were open. There has been more than one place I've gone to that had no posted signs or other visible indications until I yanked on locked doors, which wasted my time that could have been spent already in the drive thru.

That hasn't been a problem around here since the March-May 2020 lockdown ended, and I am grateful for it because if a drive-thru is my only option for obtaining food from a given restaurant, I won't go to it at all.

One related annoyance is being stuck in a drive-thru queue for a restaurant that is closed.

Another, which I suspect is largely specific to regions of the country where restaurants can be granted liquor licenses without having to meet a minimum food sales percentage, is remaining open for business without posting at the door that the kitchen is closed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: allniter89 on October 14, 2021, 08:01:55 PM

Our local McDs has someone stand at the end of the drive-thru line at closing time to turn latecomers away. Apparently, they take a lot of abuse. I was at the end of the line last night & I heard a lot of loud angry voices.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on October 14, 2021, 08:07:24 PM

When you can still see remnants of construction striping when the road is finished, as happens on one of the Illinois Tollway's own web pages:

(https://www.getipass.com/documents/20184/0/88_TrafficOnRoad.jpg/f1e771a6-930a-4381-8d52-4ba864f72005?t=1418919943978)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on October 14, 2021, 08:18:57 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on October 14, 2021, 08:07:24 PM
When you can still see remnants of construction striping when the road is finished, as happens on one of the Illinois Tollway's own web pages:

(https://www.getipass.com/documents/20184/0/88_TrafficOnRoad.jpg/f1e771a6-930a-4381-8d52-4ba864f72005?t=1418919943978)

In Washington, the faded striping is almost indistinguishable from current markings in rainy and wet conditions (which is most of the winter commute). Super fun to drive in.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on October 19, 2021, 07:57:45 PM

That I heard on the news that more rumble strips are coming on two-lane highways!

And that being said, I would like for you guys to keep that discussion in this (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=28707.msg2672877#new) thread.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on October 19, 2021, 09:10:44 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on October 19, 2021, 07:57:45 PM
And that being said, I would like for you guys to keep that discussion in this (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=28707.msg2672877#new) thread.

Well, you're the one that brought the discussion over here! :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: I-39 on October 19, 2021, 11:46:25 PM

When restaurants sprinkle some sort of green garnish on top of food. Seriously, this has been an annoying trend in the last few years. It's not just fancy restaurants that do it anymore.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on October 20, 2021, 08:51:10 AM

Quote from: I-39 on October 19, 2021, 11:46:25 PM
When restaurants sprinkle some sort of green garnish on top of food. Seriously, this has been an annoying trend in the last few years. It's not just fancy restaurants that do it anymore.

since the garnish is free... could you go into a restaurant and order, say, a plate of garnish and a glass of water?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tchafe1978 on October 20, 2021, 10:13:39 AM

Two things that bother me, both phone related. I work in a large retail store that shall remain nameless, and there are two types of phone users that drive me nuts. One is the person using a bluetooth earpiece to talk on their phone. They'll be walking around the store talking on their phone, but I don't notice their earpiece, so I either think they're talking to themselves, or trying to ask me a question. On more than one occasion I've answered them, and then I get a wierd look from them wondering why I'm butting in on their conversation.

The other type that drives me nuts are the ones walking around the store with their phone on speaker, having a loud conversation that everyone can hear. No, sir, I don't want to know what you're having for dinner, or how so-and-so's doctor appointment went. Keep that stuff private!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: renegade on October 20, 2021, 12:34:19 PM

I was just watching the news. The young woman talking about the weather and the fall colors referred to it as "follage." Then she tossed it over to the anchor. His next story was about the "mayorial" campaign.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on October 20, 2021, 05:25:12 PM

Someone goofs up at work and I'm the one who has to fix it. (In my specific case: I'm in payroll, so when someone doesn't get paid correctly because of someone else's entry error into the system, I'm asked to cut a manual payment.) Okay, we're all human and make mistakes; I'll accommodate when I can. What drives me nuts is when the person asking the favor says "Let me know if I can do anything to help." Yeah, if there's really something you could do about it now, you'd be doing it instead of asking me. It's just another phrase of useless small talk.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on October 21, 2021, 05:52:56 AM

Things that bother me:

People who think the parking lot is the perfect disposal area for their used masks.
"Mommy fixes" - These are the tacky repairs (e.g. covering some exposed wiring with scotch tape) because they don't want to "waste" the eight bucks to get an actual replacement power supply
People whose mantra is "if it ain't broke, don't fix it", even though the technology is technologically obsolete, and it's replacement is both cheaper to operate, more efficient, and more productive. Plus, there is the issue of actually finding the replacement parts.
In a similar brush stroke, people who cling on to the "old way of doing things", and resist even learning how to do things "the new way" because it is "too different" and perceive it to be "too complicated", even though the "new way", once learned, will be actually faster and less expensive.
People who purchase the absolute cheapest and lowest quality "no name" products, then complain that "things don't last anymore".
People who can't be bothers to return their shopping cart to the cart corral... three spaces down.
Whiners who complain that the tornado warning are interrupting their viewing of their sports event because the warning takes place on the other side of the station's viewing area.
People who criticize you for "having no consideration of others", then promptly stomp all over your carefully laid plans.
Computer users who can't be bothered to set up even automated backups (even to the cloud) of their computers, yet expect you to perform a resurrection act when their computers crash.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on October 22, 2021, 09:38:27 AM

words. words bother me, tho this might be more of a 'thing that moderately bothers me':

at some point recently, we started on this 'lets nice-up potentially offensive things' kick.

i am no longer an ex-con. now i'm a 'justice-involved person'. the guy hanging out in front of wal-mart hitting me up for change isn't a homeless person. he's a 'person who is experiencing homelessness'. to say nothing of why is he begging out in front of walmart anyway? he needs to be outside a higher-class store. but i digress. i don't get food stamps, i get an 'electronic benefits transfer' card. i'm not an 'idiot', i'm 'a person who chooses not to use capital letters'. and the list goes on and on.

whats the point of all this, really?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on October 22, 2021, 09:49:06 AM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 22, 2021, 09:38:27 AM
i don't get food stamps, i get an 'electronic benefits transfer' card.

EBT is the electronic system. SNAP, also called food stamps, is the program.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on October 22, 2021, 09:52:22 AM

Quote from: 1 on October 22, 2021, 09:49:06 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 22, 2021, 09:38:27 AM
i don't get food stamps, i get an 'electronic benefits transfer' card.

EBT is the electronic system. SNAP, also called food stamps, is the program.

*smacks forehead* "doh".
but you get the idea.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on October 22, 2021, 10:26:10 AM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 22, 2021, 09:38:27 AM
words. words bother me, tho this might be more of a 'thing that moderately bothers me':

at some point recently, we started on this 'lets nice-up potentially offensive things' kick.

i am no longer an ex-con. now i'm a 'justice-involved person'. the guy hanging out in front of wal-mart hitting me up for change isn't a homeless person. he's a 'person who is experiencing homelessness'. to say nothing of why is he begging out in front of walmart anyway? he needs to be outside a higher-class store. but i digress. i don't get food stamps, i get an 'electronic benefits transfer' card. i'm not an 'idiot', i'm 'a person who chooses not to use capital letters'. and the list goes on and on.

whats the point of all this, really?

Mainly to get people to stop sneering at ex-cons and homeless people. Kinda like how some people wouldn't say I was "collecting unemployment benefits" last year, I was "sitting around collecting handouts from hardworking taxpapers."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on October 22, 2021, 10:55:28 AM

Quote from: I-39 on October 19, 2021, 11:46:25 PM
When restaurants sprinkle some sort of green garnish on top of food. Seriously, this has been an annoying trend in the last few years. It's not just fancy restaurants that do it anymore.

Fancy restaurants are actually less likely to do this. Having worked in a bunch of them, one of my favorite quotes is "one you use parsley or kale as a garnish, you've lost all inspiration". Garnishes should add flavor or texture, not just make a crappy dish look 1% less plain.

Chris

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on October 22, 2021, 12:01:46 PM

Quote from: 1 on October 22, 2021, 09:49:06 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 22, 2021, 09:38:27 AM
i don't get food stamps, i get an 'electronic benefits transfer' card.

EBT is the electronic system. SNAP, also called food stamps, is the program.

That is carryover for when they had paper vouchers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on October 22, 2021, 12:43:52 PM

Quote from: 1 on October 22, 2021, 09:49:06 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 22, 2021, 09:38:27 AM
i don't get food stamps, i get an 'electronic benefits transfer' card.

EBT is the electronic system. SNAP, also called food stamps, is the program.

But were they ever really stamps? I remember "food coupons" that came in booklets, and the recipients weren't allowed to detach the coupons from the book. They had to give the book to the cashier to tear out the coupons.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on October 22, 2021, 12:51:56 PM

Quote from: jayhawkco on October 22, 2021, 10:55:28 AM
Quote from: I-39 on October 19, 2021, 11:46:25 PM
When restaurants sprinkle some sort of green garnish on top of food. Seriously, this has been an annoying trend in the last few years. It's not just fancy restaurants that do it anymore.

Fancy restaurants are actually less likely to do this. Having worked in a bunch of them, one of my favorite quotes is "one you use parsley or kale as a garnish, you've lost all inspiration". Garnishes should add flavor or texture, not just make a crappy dish look 1% less plain.

Chris

I think the original purpose of garnish was to cleanse the palate between courses or types of food. Putting it directly on the main course does not serve much purpose, so it's probably just for color balance.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 22, 2021, 12:52:47 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 22, 2021, 09:38:27 AM
words. words bother me, tho this might be more of a 'thing that moderately bothers me':

at some point recently, we started on this 'lets nice-up potentially offensive things' kick.

i am no longer an ex-con. now i'm a 'justice-involved person'. the guy hanging out in front of wal-mart hitting me up for change isn't a homeless person. he's a 'person who is experiencing homelessness'.

whats the point of all this, really?

Both of these constructions are done to make the word "person" the primary focus. This is considered desirable by those who feel that terms like "ex-con" dehumanizes the person it's referring to, and "homeless person" makes it sound like "homeless" is an inherent, immutable quality of the person.

I don't necessarily feel like it's necessary, especially since it tends to be less concise, but that's the rationale.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on October 22, 2021, 12:55:39 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 22, 2021, 12:52:47 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 22, 2021, 09:38:27 AM
words. words bother me, tho this might be more of a 'thing that moderately bothers me':

at some point recently, we started on this 'lets nice-up potentially offensive things' kick.

i am no longer an ex-con. now i'm a 'justice-involved person'. the guy hanging out in front of wal-mart hitting me up for change isn't a homeless person. he's a 'person who is experiencing homelessness'.

whats the point of all this, really?

Both of these constructions are done to make the word "person" the primary focus. This is considered desirable by those who feel that terms like "ex-con" dehumanizes the person it's referring to, and "homeless person" makes it sound like "homeless" is an inherent, immutable quality of the person.

I don't necessarily feel like it's necessary, especially since it tends to be less concise, but that's the rationale.

Or re-programming.

https://youtu.be/vuEQixrBKCc

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on October 22, 2021, 12:57:52 PM

Quote from: formulanone on October 22, 2021, 12:51:56 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on October 22, 2021, 10:55:28 AM
Quote from: I-39 on October 19, 2021, 11:46:25 PM
When restaurants sprinkle some sort of green garnish on top of food. Seriously, this has been an annoying trend in the last few years. It's not just fancy restaurants that do it anymore.

Fancy restaurants are actually less likely to do this. Having worked in a bunch of them, one of my favorite quotes is "one you use parsley or kale as a garnish, you've lost all inspiration". Garnishes should add flavor or texture, not just make a crappy dish look 1% less plain.

Chris

I think the original purpose of garnish was to cleanse the palate between courses or types of food. Putting it directly on the main course does not serve much purpose, so it's probably just for color balance.

I've heard the palate cleansing thing re: parsley before although I've never seen anything to confirm that. But on any course, you can have a garnish that does a bunch of different things: adds texture (think crispy noodles in egg drop soup), adds color (as you alluded to), adds aroma (a mint sprig in a mojito), adds flavor (any sauce or something like sesame seeds), etc.

Chris

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on October 22, 2021, 01:25:00 PM

Quote from: jayhawkco on October 22, 2021, 12:57:52 PM
Quote from: formulanone on October 22, 2021, 12:51:56 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on October 22, 2021, 10:55:28 AM
Quote from: I-39 on October 19, 2021, 11:46:25 PM
When restaurants sprinkle some sort of green garnish on top of food. Seriously, this has been an annoying trend in the last few years. It’s not just fancy restaurants that do it anymore.

Fancy restaurants are actually less likely to do this. Having worked in a bunch of them, one of my favorite quotes is "one you use parsley or kale as a garnish, you've lost all inspiration". Garnishes should add flavor or texture, not just make a crappy dish look 1% less plain.

Chris

I think the original purpose of garnish was to cleanse the palate between courses or types of food. Putting it directly on the main course does not serve much purpose, so it's probably just for color balance.

I've heard the palate cleansing thing re: parsley before although I've never seen anything to confirm that. But on any course, you can have a garnish that does a bunch of different things: adds texture (think crispy noodles in egg drop soup), adds color (as you alluded to), adds aroma (a mint sprig in a mojito), adds flavor (any sauce or something like sesame seeds), etc.

Chris

Long ago, I used to be the ordering clerk and That Computer Guy* for the food service departments at UF. When he told me he needed more parsley for next day's order, I asked why, and was told to try it between sampling different types of food.

I'm no food aficionado, but it seemed to do the trick, if you don't mind the plasticky notes and texture of parsley in the first place. But it does seem to empty out a flavor. (Maybe I was just susceptible to all the free samples on a college student's budget.)

* in mid-1990s, nobody I knew in the mainstream public really used the term I.T., but almost nobody else really felt comfortable around a PC.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on October 22, 2021, 01:38:18 PM

Quote from: formulanone on October 22, 2021, 01:25:00 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on October 22, 2021, 12:57:52 PM
Quote from: formulanone on October 22, 2021, 12:51:56 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on October 22, 2021, 10:55:28 AM
Quote from: I-39 on October 19, 2021, 11:46:25 PM
When restaurants sprinkle some sort of green garnish on top of food. Seriously, this has been an annoying trend in the last few years. It's not just fancy restaurants that do it anymore.

Fancy restaurants are actually less likely to do this. Having worked in a bunch of them, one of my favorite quotes is "one you use parsley or kale as a garnish, you've lost all inspiration". Garnishes should add flavor or texture, not just make a crappy dish look 1% less plain.

Chris

I think the original purpose of garnish was to cleanse the palate between courses or types of food. Putting it directly on the main course does not serve much purpose, so it's probably just for color balance.

I've heard the palate cleansing thing re: parsley before although I've never seen anything to confirm that. But on any course, you can have a garnish that does a bunch of different things: adds texture (think crispy noodles in egg drop soup), adds color (as you alluded to), adds aroma (a mint sprig in a mojito), adds flavor (any sauce or something like sesame seeds), etc.

Chris

Long ago, I used to be the ordering clerk and That Computer Guy* for the food service departments at UF. When he told me he needed more parsley for next day's order, I asked why, and was told to try it between sampling different types of food.

I'm no food aficionado, but it seemed to do the trick, if you don't mind the plasticky notes and texture of parsley in the first place. But it does seem to empty out a flavor. (Maybe I was just susceptible to all the free samples on a college student's budget.)

* in mid-1990s, nobody I knew in the mainstream public really used the term I.T., but almost nobody else really felt comfortable around a PC.

I guess I don't understand why it was/is common to put a sprig of parsley on a plate to cleanse the palate in between bites. If something on the plate doesn't pair well with everything else and wasn't meant to be eaten together, why is it on the plate in the first place?

Chris

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on October 22, 2021, 01:40:55 PM

Quote from: jayhawkco on October 22, 2021, 01:38:18 PM
Quote from: formulanone on October 22, 2021, 01:25:00 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on October 22, 2021, 12:57:52 PM
Quote from: formulanone on October 22, 2021, 12:51:56 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on October 22, 2021, 10:55:28 AM
Quote from: I-39 on October 19, 2021, 11:46:25 PM
When restaurants sprinkle some sort of green garnish on top of food. Seriously, this has been an annoying trend in the last few years. It's not just fancy restaurants that do it anymore.

Fancy restaurants are actually less likely to do this. Having worked in a bunch of them, one of my favorite quotes is "one you use parsley or kale as a garnish, you've lost all inspiration". Garnishes should add flavor or texture, not just make a crappy dish look 1% less plain.

Chris

I think the original purpose of garnish was to cleanse the palate between courses or types of food. Putting it directly on the main course does not serve much purpose, so it's probably just for color balance.

I've heard the palate cleansing thing re: parsley before although I've never seen anything to confirm that. But on any course, you can have a garnish that does a bunch of different things: adds texture (think crispy noodles in egg drop soup), adds color (as you alluded to), adds aroma (a mint sprig in a mojito), adds flavor (any sauce or something like sesame seeds), etc.

Chris

Long ago, I used to be the ordering clerk and That Computer Guy* for the food service departments at UF. When he told me he needed more parsley for next day's order, I asked why, and was told to try it between sampling different types of food.

I'm no food aficionado, but it seemed to do the trick, if you don't mind the plasticky notes and texture of parsley in the first place. But it does seem to empty out a flavor. (Maybe I was just susceptible to all the free samples on a college student's budget.)

* in mid-1990s, nobody I knew in the mainstream public really used the term I.T., but almost nobody else really felt comfortable around a PC.

I guess I don't understand why it was/is common to put a sprig of parsley on a plate to cleanse the palate in between bites. If something on the plate doesn't pair well with everything else and wasn't meant to be eaten together, why is it on the plate in the first place?

Chris

Probably not so much that they don't pair well, but to appreciate the differences in between a few bites. Otherwise, the plate might be one-third garnish.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on October 22, 2021, 01:46:44 PM

Quote from: formulanone on October 22, 2021, 01:40:55 PM
Probably not so much that they don't pair well, but to appreciate the differences in between a few bites. Otherwise, the plate might be one-third garnish.

But coming from a former chef and restaurant GM at some high level places, I want everything to be a composed dish. Wine should be the thing consumed in between bites to refresh the palate and allow for different enjoyment of the various components, not a leafy green. If we're doing a whole tasting menu where you're doing multiple courses, it's very common to have something called an intermezzo which is a whole course designed to cleanse the palate. I guess I'd rather see something like that than an afterthought that's tossed on the the side of the plate.

Chris

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on October 22, 2021, 01:51:25 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on October 21, 2021, 05:52:56 AM
Things that bother me:

People whose mantra is "if it ain't broke, don't fix it", even though the technology is technologically obsolete, and it's replacement is both cheaper to operate, more efficient, and more productive. Plus, there is the issue of actually finding the replacement parts.
In a similar brush stroke, people who cling on to the "old way of doing things", and resist even learning how to do things "the new way" because it is "too different" and perceive it to be "too complicated", even though the "new way", once learned, will be actually faster and less expensive.

While I get this, it also ignores the upfront cost to doing things. If someone could save $50 a month by doing it the new way, but it's going to cost them $1,000 to buy the equipment, or days more time to learn the new way, most people aren't going to worry about it. If someone *needs* to buy the new equipment or *have* to learn the new way because the former version just doesn't exist anymore, that's different.

Think of it in terms of LED lighting - it's cheaper to operate, but many people aren't going to remove their good working light bulbs to spend more money on LEDs. As their existing light bulbs go dead, they'll change over.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on October 22, 2021, 02:00:12 PM

Quote from: jayhawkco on October 22, 2021, 01:46:44 PM
Quote from: formulanone on October 22, 2021, 01:40:55 PM
Probably not so much that they don't pair well, but to appreciate the differences in between a few bites. Otherwise, the plate might be one-third garnish.

But coming from a former chef and restaurant GM at some high level places, I want everything to be a composed dish. Wine should be the thing consumed in between bites to refresh the palate and allow for different enjoyment of the various components, not a leafy green. If we're doing a whole tasting menu where you're doing multiple courses, it's very common to have something called an intermezzo which is a whole course designed to cleanse the palate. I guess I'd rather see something like that than an afterthought that's tossed on the the side of the plate.

Chris

Well you definitely worked at a fancier place than some university's hotel (we didn't serve alcohol, though I was responsible for ordering quite a lot of it for cooking or for premises such as the stadia).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on October 22, 2021, 02:00:45 PM

I guess the thing is sorta road-related, but it's when people go considerably slower than the flow of traffic to enjoy the scenery. Just because the maximum speed is 90 km/h doesn't mean it's safe to go 60...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 22, 2021, 02:58:48 PM

Quote from: jayhawkco on October 22, 2021, 01:46:44 PM
But coming from a former chef and restaurant GM at some high level places, I want everything to be a composed dish. Wine should be the thing consumed in between bites to refresh the palate and allow for different enjoyment of the various components, not a leafy green.

What if the diner is a teetotaler or otherwise doesn't like wine?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 22, 2021, 03:14:08 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 22, 2021, 01:51:25 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on October 21, 2021, 05:52:56 AM
Things that bother me:

People whose mantra is "if it ain't broke, don't fix it", even though the technology is technologically obsolete, and it's replacement is both cheaper to operate, more efficient, and more productive. Plus, there is the issue of actually finding the replacement parts.
In a similar brush stroke, people who cling on to the "old way of doing things", and resist even learning how to do things "the new way" because it is "too different" and perceive it to be "too complicated", even though the "new way", once learned, will be actually faster and less expensive.

While I get this, it also ignores the upfront cost to doing things. If someone could save $50 a month by doing it the new way, but it's going to cost them $1,000 to buy the equipment, or days more time to learn the new way, most people aren't going to worry about it. If someone *needs* to buy the new equipment or *have* to learn the new way because the former version just doesn't exist anymore, that's different.

Think of it in terms of LED lighting - it's cheaper to operate, but many people aren't going to remove their good working light bulbs to spend more money on LEDs. As their existing light bulbs go dead, they'll change over.

One of the first things I do when I move into a place is replace all of the bulbs with LED bulbs. Reason being, it's a lot easier to access the light fixtures when the house is newly moved-into, rather than after it's having been lived in for a while and accumulated clutter, etc. Second, I would rather get all the fixtures done at once and then not have to worry about it for a few years rather than have to intermittently replace them all here and there as they blow one by one. Third, I want to reduce the amount of energy loss due to incandescent usage as much as possible.

I usually keep the incandescent bulbs in a cabinet or whatever as "spares" but I'm not sure why. LEDs usually fail gradually rather than blowing out, so even when a bulb starts flickering I can deal with it until I can get around to getting a replacement.

In re "if it ain't broke, don't fix it", there are some cases where it makes sense to use technically obsolete equipment. Newer equipment may be optimized for a use case that didn't apply when the older equipment was in use, or the operator may well be more efficient with older equipment. An example is phones with physical keyboards; while touchscreens are cheaper and a more efficient use of space than physical keyboards, someone used to touch-typing on a physical keyboard can output far more text than if they were forced to upgrade to a touchscreen.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on October 22, 2021, 03:23:09 PM

I've seen parsley advocated as a way of killing garlic breath after eating dishes that contain garlic. It's also one of the key ingredients in tabbouleh. Otherwise, pretty much the only recipe I fix that uses it is a potato-and-onion soup.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on October 22, 2021, 05:38:23 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 22, 2021, 02:58:48 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on October 22, 2021, 01:46:44 PM
But coming from a former chef and restaurant GM at some high level places, I want everything to be a composed dish. Wine should be the thing consumed in between bites to refresh the palate and allow for different enjoyment of the various components, not a leafy green.

What if the diner is a teetotaler or otherwise doesn't like wine?

Just saying for an "ideal" dining experience. Obviously not everyone drinks, but a) I'm dubious parsley does much and b) I think refreshing the palate is a somewhat unnecessary step.

Chris

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on October 23, 2021, 03:31:20 AM

Quote from: LilianaUwU on October 22, 2021, 02:00:45 PM
I guess the thing is sorta road-related, but it's when people go considerably slower than the flow of traffic to enjoy the scenery. Just because the maximum speed is 90 km/h doesn't mean it's safe to go 60...

i live on a mountain road in a touristy area and experience this literally every day, tho in mph :)

speed limit on the road varies from 45 to 35, the 'real' speed most of us that live here go is more like 45-55 with the exception of some of the curves.

our specific problem is that said touristy mountain road is also a working state highway that people use to actually get places and commute to/from work.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on October 23, 2021, 07:31:48 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 22, 2021, 01:51:25 PM
While I get this, it also ignores the upfront cost to doing things. If someone could save $50 a month by doing it the new way, but it's going to cost them $1,000 to buy the equipment, or days more time to learn the new way, most people aren't going to worry about it. If someone *needs* to buy the new equipment or *have* to learn the new way because the former version just doesn't exist anymore, that's different.

If it costs $1,000 to purchase the new equipment, and there is a savings of $50 per month, then after 20 months, the equipment upgrade will pay for itself. Yes, there is a period of reduced productivity as there is a slight adaption period. You want to make sure that the disruption is minimized, and there is a good cost-benefit analysis.

One example I can think of is when I worked in a small family-owned machine shop in the late 1980s-1990s. At the time of purchase, the owner (my father) ignored my recommendations and overspent on a 80386-20Mhz system for AutoCAD for parts blueprints (this is the late 1980s) with a pen plotter for generating A and B-size drawings. As the drawing became more complex, it would take longer and longer to render the drawing on the screen. Four years after that system installation, I began recommending that we replace it with a 80486-66 MHz system to increase productivity by reducing rendering time by at least 50%. As it was still MS-DOS, it would have been a in-place copying of files over. The response was beyond "if it ain't broke", it was the owner comparing his age and throwing him away because he was "old". He was also tight-fisted, meaning that he used a graphics tablet (nicknamed the ouija board) to create the drawings. I have no problem with the graphics tablet.... until there was a technical issue where the pointer starts dancing around on the screen, potentially causing inaccurate input. It took some major jumps around before I got the release of funds to purchase a new one. Eventually, he did purchase a ink jet plotter which generated prints up to "D" size, and reduced the generation time for "A" and "B"-sized prints from several minutes to under one minute.

Eventually I left being a machinist and retrained for a full-time career in IT. After my departure, the system was replaced with a Pentium system under Windows. However, within two years of my departure, the owner has died, and the shop was subsequently shut down in 2000.

Another example involves my frugal German mother (https://markholtz.info/1vb). She wanted to live with me as part of the move to Texas, so I made sure that I installed Roku televisions for the streaming capabilities. I am also a physical media collector and have a vast collection of older films on both DVD and Bluray, most of which have been ripped to a Plex media server. You would think that she would utilize resources that, from her perspective, were "free" to her. Oh no! She wanted her Lifetime channel fix for her nightly Golden Girls, and is paying for DirecTV Stream, although most of the time, it's just for background noise. Did I mention that I have the entire Golden Girls series on DVD without commercials? Yet she wants to pay $70 per month for a single channel.

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 22, 2021, 03:14:08 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 22, 2021, 01:51:25 PM
Think of it in terms of LED lighting - it's cheaper to operate, but many people aren't going to remove their good working light bulbs to spend more money on LEDs. As their existing light bulbs go dead, they'll change over.

One of the first things I do when I move into a place is replace all of the bulbs with LED bulbs. Reason being, it's a lot easier to access the light fixtures when the house is newly moved-into, rather than after it's having been lived in for a while and accumulated clutter, etc. Second, I would rather get all the fixtures done at once and then not have to worry about it for a few years rather than have to intermittently replace them all here and there as they blow one by one. Third, I want to reduce the amount of energy loss due to incandescent usage as much as possible.

The advantages of LED light bulbs over the legacy incandescent bulbs is the reduced power cost, longer life, and less energy wasted due to heat generation. Although they were expensive when LED bulbs first came out, the price has come down significantly. When I moved to Texas, I made sure that all of the bulbs in my home were replaced with LEDs before the movers arrived, although there may be a closet or two where an incandescent light still lives. I know I have incandescent bulbs in my pool, but those are rarely lit, and will be replaced as part of a pool equipment automation process some time in the future.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on October 23, 2021, 08:18:16 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on October 23, 2021, 07:31:48 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 22, 2021, 01:51:25 PM
While I get this, it also ignores the upfront cost to doing things. If someone could save $50 a month by doing it the new way, but it's going to cost them $1,000 to buy the equipment, or days more time to learn the new way, most people aren't going to worry about it. If someone *needs* to buy the new equipment or *have* to learn the new way because the former version just doesn't exist anymore, that's different.

If it costs $1,000 to purchase the new equipment, and there is a savings of $50 per month, then after 20 months, the equipment upgrade will pay for itself. Yes, there is a period of reduced productivity as there is a slight adaption period. You want to make sure that the disruption is minimized, and there is a good cost-benefit analysis.

This also ignores that if the person doesn't have the $1,000 up front. Yes the payback maybe what to some people is a short period of time, but if a person doesn't have the thousand dollars to begin with, they will make due with the cheaper per-month option they already have.

And don't get stuck on the example amount here. If it's $10,000 or $100,000, fact is if the person doesn't have the money, they can't just simply upgrade because the technology is there.

No doubt you aren't buying a new car every time some new technology comes out, or a new phone every time something is improved. Even you have your limits on when you're going to go out and upgrade or purchase something new.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on October 23, 2021, 08:28:15 AM

I still have the original iPhone SE (the one between 5 and 6). It works perfectly fine except sometimes the ding for a text message doesn't occur. (I previously thought it was whenever I was in class based on my computer's calendar, but that's not the case, and it appears to be just a bug.) It can even run something that says it only works on the latest devices quite well. I see no need to upgrade.

Unrelated: minor things that bother you: if your username contains your first name, and it's a well-known name, why do you need to list your pronouns? (I've seen this on at least three unrelated websites.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on October 23, 2021, 08:32:11 AM

Quote from: 1 on October 23, 2021, 08:28:15 AM

Unrelated: minor things that bother you: if your username contains your first name, and it's a well-known name, why do you need to list your pronouns? (I've seen this in on at least three unrelated websites.)

Name and perferred pronouns are unrelated.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on October 23, 2021, 10:22:15 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 23, 2021, 08:32:11 AM
Quote from: 1 on October 23, 2021, 08:28:15 AM

Unrelated: minor things that bother you: if your username contains your first name, and it's a well-known name, why do you need to list your pronouns? (I've seen this in on at least three unrelated websites.)

Name and perferred pronouns are unrelated.

Yes. And not every trans/non-binary person changes their name, even after they come out as such in daily public life.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on October 23, 2021, 11:53:10 AM

People often refuse to upgrade to the latest and newest not just because they don't have the money in hand (and are unwilling to use some mechanism for spreading the cost in time, such as a loan, mortgage, or rent-to-own), but also because it is not, in fact, the best. One non-IT-related example is cars: if the one you're driving now runs well, is new enough to have multiport electronic fuel injection, and does not burn oil, then buying a brand-new replacement risks leaving you worse off in terms of deposits on intake valves (a common problem with gasoline direct injection), oil burning (often a result of designing in slow drainback to accommodate lower viscosities; otherwise, engine manufacturers have understood since the 1920's what it takes to achieve zero oil consumption), and even constrained outward visibility (the tradeoff for expanded airbag provision).

And even in cases where the willingness to upgrade exists, many people stall on transitioning to a new technology until it reaches a subjective threshold of maturity in terms of market availability. With LED bulbs, for example, it is a lot easier to avoid compromising on color temperature and illumination pattern now than it was five years ago.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 23, 2021, 12:56:21 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on October 23, 2021, 10:22:15 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 23, 2021, 08:32:11 AM
Quote from: 1 on October 23, 2021, 08:28:15 AM

Unrelated: minor things that bother you: if your username contains your first name, and it's a well-known name, why do you need to list your pronouns? (I've seen this in on at least three unrelated websites.)

Name and perferred pronouns are unrelated.

Yes. And not every trans/non-binary person changes their name, even after they come out as such in daily public life.

It also normalizes the practice of listing pronouns, such that someone is not necessarily backdoor-outing themselves as trans or drawing attention to their transness by listing preferred pronouns. Thus, doing such also serves as a marker to show support for the trans community, even if the correct pronouns to use match up with what people would expect.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on October 23, 2021, 01:52:46 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 23, 2021, 08:18:16 AMThis also ignores that if the person doesn't have the $1,000 up front. Yes the payback maybe what to some people is a short period of time, but if a person doesn't have the thousand dollars to begin with, they will make due with the cheaper per-month option they already have.

And don't get stuck on the example amount here. If it's $10,000 or $100,000, fact is if the person doesn't have the money, they can't just simply upgrade because the technology is there.

If you are talking $10,000 or $100,000, then obviously you are probably talking about capital equipment here, thus the "Return of Investment (ROI)". And, if that equipment is broken, then there is zero productivity, and negative income if you have people standing around doing NOTHING because there is no work. And quite frankly, if your business is dependent on a $1,000 mission critical equipment that is giving issues, but they cannot "upgrade" it, I would question how the business is managing their finances.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 23, 2021, 08:18:16 AMNo doubt you aren't buying a new car every time some new technology comes out, or a new phone every time something is improved. Even you have your limits on when you're going to go out and upgrade or purchase something new.

Lets see here.... did you say "new car"? A reasonable assumption would be that a car would last 200k miles provided you take good care of it. While I would love to get a new car for the Android Auto integration, the fact is that my 2013 vehicle which I had purchased in 2014 has only 90k miles on, and is running great. Just change the oil on a regular basis, and do the scheduled maintenance. It also has Bluetooth integration, and is paid off. Thus, the compelling reason to even think about replacing my car is extremely weak.

Mobile phone? Again, a reasonable assumption would be that a smart phone will last three years. New phone generations are introduced on a yearly basis, but the incremental improvements from year to year just isn't that great, but if you cumulate those updates across two-years years, then the difference is more significant. It is also standard industry practice to support a device and provide upgrades for 3-4 years. It also doesn't help that the mobile phone manufacturers no longer allow easy user replacement of the battery. My Pixel 3 phone is having battery life issues, but replacing the battery is nightmarish (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0C7qzUvePQQ) ("This device is among the most difficult battery replacement process"), and I don't have the necessary equipment. I am looking forward to replacing it with a Pixel 6 phone, and while I would like to pay cash for it, in order to take advantage of the trade-in discount, I have to take advantage of the 0% financing.

Now, lets take a look from another aspect. As far as I can determine, there is no cost to utilize Apple or Google Calendar and Contacts in the cloud. (I'm sure there is a cost elsewhere in this "free" service, but I digress.) I don't know about Apple Calendar, but I live and die by my Google calendar. I can access the calendar from a web browser, my smart phone, and my tablet. My appointment details can include an address which can I launch into Google maps, and I can share my appointment details with another person, and automatically provide updates when the details change. For hotel and event registrations, often they provide a ICS file to import into the calendar if not a direct add link. The only change I have to make to my methods is that I have to stop thinking about "Event starts at 5 PM" and more along the lines of "I have the event blocked out from 5 PM to 6:30 PM". Yet, some people still spend money on paper planners because they don't want to change their habits even through they lost their paper planners several times. :hmmm:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on October 23, 2021, 02:04:58 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 20, 2021, 08:51:10 AM
Quote from: I-39 on October 19, 2021, 11:46:25 PM
When restaurants sprinkle some sort of green garnish on top of food. Seriously, this has been an annoying trend in the last few years. It's not just fancy restaurants that do it anymore.

since the garnish is free... could you go into a restaurant and order, say, a plate of garnish and a glass of water?

You could order it, but I wouldn't expect them to bring it to you. (There's probably a minimum purchase requirement.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on October 23, 2021, 02:08:05 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on October 23, 2021, 01:52:46 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 23, 2021, 08:18:16 AMThis also ignores that if the person doesn't have the $1,000 up front. Yes the payback maybe what to some people is a short period of time, but if a person doesn't have the thousand dollars to begin with, they will make due with the cheaper per-month option they already have.

And don't get stuck on the example amount here. If it's $10,000 or $100,000, fact is if the person doesn't have the money, they can't just simply upgrade because the technology is there.

If you are talking $10,000 or $100,000, then obviously you are probably talking about capital equipment here, thus the "Return of Investment (ROI)". And, if that equipment is broken, then there is zero productivity, and negative income if you have people standing around doing NOTHING because there is no work. And quite frankly, if your business is dependent on a $1,000 mission critical equipment that is giving issues, but they cannot "upgrade" it, I would question how the business is managing their finances.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 23, 2021, 08:18:16 AMNo doubt you aren't buying a new car every time some new technology comes out, or a new phone every time something is improved. Even you have your limits on when you're going to go out and upgrade or purchase something new.

Lets see here.... did you say "new car"? A reasonable assumption would be that a car would last 200k miles provided you take good care of it. While I would love to get a new car for the Android Auto integration, the fact is that my 2013 vehicle which I had purchased in 2014 has only 90k miles on, and is running great. Just change the oil on a regular basis, and do the scheduled maintenance. It also has Bluetooth integration, and is paid off. Thus, the compelling reason to even think about replacing my car is extremely weak.

Mobile phone? Again, a reasonable assumption would be that a smart phone will last three years. New phone generations are introduced on a yearly basis, but the incremental improvements from year to year just isn't that great, but if you cumulate those updates across two-years years, then the difference is more significant. It is also standard industry practice to support a device and provide upgrades for 3-4 years. It also doesn't help that the mobile phone manufacturers no longer allow easy user replacement of the battery. My Pixel 3 phone is having battery life issues, but replacing the battery is nightmarish (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0C7qzUvePQQ) ("This device is among the most difficult battery replacement process"), and I don't have the necessary equipment. I am looking forward to replacing it with a Pixel 6 phone, and while I would like to pay cash for it, in order to take advantage of the trade-in discount, I have to take advantage of the 0% financing.

Now, lets take a look from another aspect. As far as I can determine, there is no cost to utilize Apple or Google Calendar and Contacts in the cloud. (I'm sure there is a cost elsewhere in this "free" service, but I digress.) I don't know about Apple Calendar, but I live and die by my Google calendar. I can access the calendar from a web browser, my smart phone, and my tablet. My appointment details can include an address which can I launch into Google maps, and I can share my appointment details with another person, and automatically provide updates when the details change. For hotel and event registrations, often they provide a ICS file to import into the calendar if not a direct add link. The only change I have to make to my methods is that I have to stop thinking about "Event starts at 5 PM" and more along the lines of "I have the event blocked out from 5 PM to 6:30 PM". Yet, some people still spend money on paper planners because they don't want to change their habits even through they lost their paper planners several times. :hmmm:

Did we ever specify if we were talking personal or business? Even in businesses, a small business in someone's basement may struggle with that $1,000 upgrade. A startup business needs to prioritize. It's all relative.

But then you state the exist opposite for your own needs. You don't seem to mind pushing costly upgrades on others, but once I mentioned a car, suddenly your 8 year old car is fine, or a 3 year old cell phone is fine. So you're not all in on needing the lastest technology...only when it suits your preferences.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on October 23, 2021, 03:30:07 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on October 23, 2021, 11:53:10 AMAnd even in cases where the willingness to upgrade exists, many people stall on transitioning to a new technology until it reaches a subjective threshold of maturity in terms of market availability. With LED bulbs, for example, it is a lot easier to avoid compromising on color temperature and illumination pattern now than it was five years ago.

I agree, as being an early adopter is extremely challenging. The technology landscape is littered with failed and/or abandoned technology. Any remember Divx discs? HD-DVD? Windows Phone? Amazon's Fire phone? Apple's Newton?

I can understand the product maturity part. The Apple iPhone was released in June, 2007 while the first Android phone was released in October, 2008. The first iPhones didn't even have app support. My first Android phone was a personal graduation gift to myself in December 2010, and even then, it was running Android 2.1 (Eclair). Even at that point, there was significant improvements from Android 1.0 from two years previous. And, even then, it was a few more years of product maturity because I recommended smart phones to my not-so-tech savvy mother.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 23, 2021, 02:08:05 PMDid we ever specify if we were talking personal or business? Even in businesses, a small business in someone's basement may struggle with that $1,000 upgrade. A startup business needs to prioritize. It's all relative.

But then you state the exist opposite for your own needs. You don't seem to mind pushing costly upgrades on others, but once I mentioned a car, suddenly your 8 year old car is fine, or a 3 year old cell phone is fine. So you're not all in on needing the lastest technology...only when it suits your preferences.

You completely misinterpreted what I have stated. Let me requote what I stated what bothered me and highlight a key phrase:

People whose mantra is "if it ain't broke, don't fix it", even though the technology is technologically obsolete, and it's replacement is both cheaper to operate, more efficient, and more productive. Plus, there is the issue of actually finding the replacement parts.
In a similar brush stroke, people who cling on to the "old way of doing things", and resist even learning how to do things "the new way" because it is "too different" and perceive it to be "too complicated", even though the "new way", once learned, will be actually faster and less expensive.

A eight-year old car with 90K miles can hardly be called "technologically obsolete", and you can easily obtain replacement parts. My Pixel 3 phone was running Android 11 until I upgraded to Android 12 earlier this week, and all Android apps support Android 11. On the other hand, a ASUS tablet that I got in 2017 never upgraded beyond Android 7 (Nougat), and some apps stopped supporting Android 7 recently, thus it's "technologically obsolete". Another term for "technologically obsolete" is "end of life" which is a point where no drivers upgrades are offered and any calls to support is met with a terse "you must upgrade".

In the past, I have been involved in small business, and am well aware of the fiscal challenges some of those business face. You make sure that whatever you get lasts, and that you get the most usage out of said product. Sadly, I have been in situations where the business was "penny wise, pound foolish" to the point where they made decisions that had negative future impacts. One example is ignoring making regular backups of your computer systems or even automating your backups of your critical data offsite, only to have the hard drive completely crash at the most inopportune time, the computer destroyed in a fire, or stolen in a theft. Or, ignoring the minor time and costs of preventative maintenance of your equipment, only to wait several days while an expensive replacement refurbished part to arrive, thus no income to the business.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 24, 2021, 01:29:29 PM

This is starting to become a major thing that bothers me, but... Programs that don't free memory they're not using anymore. If I have multiple documents or tabs open and close some of them, the memory usage of the program should go down. It's not 1988, where doing a system call to the OS to have memory allocated to you was a huge overhead burden. If you just keep requesting more and more and more memory you don't need, the only thing that's going to get you is a SIGKILL from the kernel's out-of-memory routine.

Firefox has long been an offender in this regard but I'm learning Inkscape has gotten to be this way too.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on October 24, 2021, 08:36:46 PM

Here's something that bothers me. As I type this, it's 8:35 PM Eastern time. It's pitch-black dark outside and has been dark for about 90 minutes.

Next week at this time, it will be 7:35 PM Eastern time and it will have been pitch-black dark outside for about 90 minutes.

:bigass:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on October 24, 2021, 08:44:53 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on October 24, 2021, 08:36:46 PM
Here's something that bothers me. As I type this, it's 8:35 PM Eastern time. It's pitch-black dark outside and has been dark for about 90 minutes.

Next week at this time, it will be 7:35 PM Eastern time and it will have been pitch-black dark outside for about 90 minutes.

:bigass:

US clocks don't change until the week after next–first Sunday in November, which this year is November 7 (the latest possible date).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on October 25, 2021, 09:49:56 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on October 24, 2021, 08:44:53 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on October 24, 2021, 08:36:46 PM
Here's something that bothers me. As I type this, it's 8:35 PM Eastern time. It's pitch-black dark outside and has been dark for about 90 minutes.

Next week at this time, it will be 7:35 PM Eastern time and it will have been pitch-black dark outside for about 90 minutes.

:bigass:

US clocks don't change until the week after next–first Sunday in November, which this year is November 7 (the latest possible date).

That's right, I should have known that, because most communities are setting trick-or-treat hours for Saturday, because the 31st is on a Sunday, so they don't conflict with evening church services.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on October 25, 2021, 10:05:05 AM

Quote from: hbelkins on October 24, 2021, 08:36:46 PM
Here's something that bothers me. As I type this, it's 8:35 PM Eastern time. It's pitch-black dark outside and has been dark for about 90 minutes.

Next week at this time, it will be 7:35 PM Eastern time and it will have been pitch-black dark outside for about 90 minutes.

:bigass:

Yeah, winter is depressing enough here as it is; the fact that it's pitch-black by 5 pm is just the cherry on the shit sundae.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on October 25, 2021, 10:11:08 AM

I don't know why we have to change clocks? Yes I am aware the history, but both Arizona and Hawaii are exempt yet Florida has to do the change despite voters wanted one consistent time year round.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on October 25, 2021, 11:10:56 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on October 25, 2021, 10:11:08 AM
I don't know why we have to change clocks? Yes I am aware the history, but both Arizona and Hawaii are exempt yet Florida has to do the change despite voters wanted one consistent time year round.

The disruption in personal lives really isn't worth it. Standard time year round!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on October 25, 2021, 11:11:43 AM

Don't get this thread locked.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on October 25, 2021, 12:25:09 PM

I don't want to get this thread locked, but it is certainly a minor thing that bothers me that the latest sunrise(s) of the year are in late October/early November instead of on the shortest day(s) of the year.

This past weekend or the one prior would have been the perfect time for DST to end. Instead, we have another two full weeks of brutally late sunrises, and it's even worse for people further west in the eastern time zone.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on October 25, 2021, 12:37:47 PM

Quote from: webny99 on October 25, 2021, 12:25:09 PM
I don't want to get this thread locked, but it is certainly a minor thing that bothers me that the latest sunrise(s) of the year are in late October/early November instead of on the shortest day(s) of the year.

This past weekend or the one prior would have been the perfect time for DST to end. Instead, we have another two full weeks of brutally late sunrises, and it's even worse for people further west in the eastern time zone.

If they'd actually split up the U.S. Eastern Time Zone to have some folks in Eastern and some in Atlantic as the actual geography would dictate, this would help some too.

Chris

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on October 25, 2021, 01:32:01 PM

Quote from: webny99 on October 25, 2021, 12:25:09 PM
I don't want to get this thread locked, but it is certainly a minor thing that bothers me that the latest sunrise(s) of the year are in late October/early November instead of on the shortest day(s) of the year.

This past weekend or the one prior would have been the perfect time for DST to end. Instead, we have another two full weeks of brutally late sunrises, and it's even worse for people further west in the eastern time zone.

I don't mind the late sunrises. It's the early sunsets I don't like.

All I'm doing in the morning is showering and driving to work. I'd like to have a little time to see to do a few things outside when I get home from work in the evenings.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: renegade on October 25, 2021, 02:58:36 PM

Quote from: 1 on October 25, 2021, 11:11:43 AM
Don't get this thread locked.

Please don't get this thread locked!

Quote from: hbelkins on October 25, 2021, 01:32:01 PM
Quote from: webny99 on October 25, 2021, 12:25:09 PM
I don't want to get this thread locked, but it is certainly a minor thing that bothers me that the latest sunrise(s) of the year are in late October/early November instead of on the shortest day(s) of the year.

This past weekend or the one prior would have been the perfect time for DST to end. Instead, we have another two full weeks of brutally late sunrises, and it's even worse for people further west in the eastern time zone.

I don't mind the late sunrises. It's the early sunsets I don't like.

All I'm doing in the morning is showering and driving to work. I'd like to have a little time to see to do a few things outside when I get home from work in the evenings.

Once again, please don't get this thread locked. Please?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on October 25, 2021, 03:02:13 PM

Center-mounted brake lights which blink 3-4 times.

That dealer-installed item becomes very irritating when you're stuck behind them in a slow-moving traffic jam.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on October 25, 2021, 03:22:09 PM

Quote from: formulanone on October 25, 2021, 03:02:13 PM
Center-mounted brake lights which blink 3-4 times.

That dealer-installed item becomes very irritating when you're stuck behind them in a slow-moving traffic jam.

Definitely agreed. Not sure how Pulse/BrakePlus/etc got into the pockets of so many dealers, but it's very irritating and I don't believe there is any safety evidence behind them. Worse, they seem to charge buyers for these addons at an exorbitant cost.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 25, 2021, 04:33:01 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on October 25, 2021, 03:22:09 PM
Quote from: formulanone on October 25, 2021, 03:02:13 PM
Center-mounted brake lights which blink 3-4 times.

That dealer-installed item becomes very irritating when you're stuck behind them in a slow-moving traffic jam.

Definitely agreed. Not sure how Pulse/BrakePlus/etc got into the pockets of so many dealers, but it's very irritating and I don't believe there is any safety evidence behind them. Worse, they seem to charge buyers for these addons at an exorbitant cost.

I've seen them often enough I figured it was some new safety requirement. A little bit of research shows they're not. Hmm.

My car doesn't have it, but sometimes I pump my brake pedal in such a way to cause my brake lights to flash when I feel like there is a risk of getting rear-ended, e.g. when I am the last car on a slow-moving or stopped exit ramp with free-flowing traffic on the freeway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on October 25, 2021, 04:43:39 PM

Quote from: webny99 on October 25, 2021, 12:25:09 PM

.... brutally late sunrises, and it's even worse for people further west in the eastern time zone.

i work nights. i'm all about late sunrises over here.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on October 25, 2021, 05:30:11 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 25, 2021, 04:33:01 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on October 25, 2021, 03:22:09 PM
Quote from: formulanone on October 25, 2021, 03:02:13 PM
Center-mounted brake lights which blink 3-4 times.

That dealer-installed item becomes very irritating when you're stuck behind them in a slow-moving traffic jam.

Definitely agreed. Not sure how Pulse/BrakePlus/etc got into the pockets of so many dealers, but it's very irritating and I don't believe there is any safety evidence behind them. Worse, they seem to charge buyers for these addons at an exorbitant cost.

I've seen them often enough I figured it was some new safety requirement. A little bit of research shows they're not. Hmm.

My car doesn't have it, but sometimes I pump my brake pedal in such a way to cause my brake lights to flash when I feel like there is a risk of getting rear-ended, e.g. when I am the last car on a slow-moving or stopped exit ramp with free-flowing traffic on the freeway.

I think it's not a bad idea (for the high-mounted brake light to flash) if the brake pedal hasn't been pressed in say, 10-15 minutes or slowing from above 55mph. When the driver presses the brake pedal every 30 seconds, it's pointless; furthermore, if most vehicles had it, the effect would be distracting.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on October 25, 2021, 06:05:57 PM

Same with all of you who don't want this thread to be locked. I'm surprised with how long this thread has been running, and I still want for more.

But, one minor thing that bothers me with DST, is the different start and end dates. This means for some weeks a year (one in the fall, happening next week; and two or three in March) using the nominal time difference results in a time that differs in one hour from the actual observed time at the other end (one hour ahead going from North America to Europe, one hour behind going the other way). This effect is more noticeable when crossing the equator: The nominal time difference I have with Sydney, Australia is 9 hours, but that only happens for about four weeks a year. Most of the time, it's either 8 or 10.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on October 25, 2021, 09:21:52 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 25, 2021, 04:33:01 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on October 25, 2021, 03:22:09 PM
Quote from: formulanone on October 25, 2021, 03:02:13 PM
Center-mounted brake lights which blink 3-4 times.

That dealer-installed item becomes very irritating when you're stuck behind them in a slow-moving traffic jam.

Definitely agreed. Not sure how Pulse/BrakePlus/etc got into the pockets of so many dealers, but it's very irritating and I don't believe there is any safety evidence behind them. Worse, they seem to charge buyers for these addons at an exorbitant cost.

I've seen them often enough I figured it was some new safety requirement. A little bit of research shows they're not. Hmm.

My car doesn't have it, but sometimes I pump my brake pedal in such a way to cause my brake lights to flash when I feel like there is a risk of getting rear-ended, e.g. when I am the last car on a slow-moving or stopped exit ramp with free-flowing traffic on the freeway.

I've noticed a lot of flashing brake lights on bigger trucks (box trucks and semis) lately.

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on October 25, 2021, 06:05:57 PM
Same with all of you who don't want this thread to be locked. I'm surprised with how long this thread has been running, and I still want for more.

But, one minor thing that bothers me with DST, is the different start and end dates. This means for some weeks a year (one in the fall, happening next week; and two or three in March) using the nominal time difference results in a time that differs in one hour from the actual observed time at the other end (one hour ahead going from North America to Europe, one hour behind going the other way). This effect is more noticeable when crossing the equator: The nominal time difference I have with Sydney, Australia is 9 hours, but that only happens for about four weeks a year. Most of the time, it's either 8 or 10.

I think the reason is to make sure it happens on a weekend, when most people aren't working. That's why it's specified to begin on the second Sunday in March and end on the first Sunday in November, rather than on a fixed date that might come in the middle of a work week.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on October 26, 2021, 05:43:17 AM

The problem with the spring forward and fall back is when you are working the overnight shift on the weekend. In the springtime, since we are "losing" an hour, I either had to show up one hour early to work or work one hour later to make up for that skipped hour. In the fall, I either show up to work one hour later, leave one hour earlier, or get one hour of overtime because of coverage issues.

I haven't worked overnight shift since July, 2019, and it's doubtful I will do overnight shift anymore.

Which brings up another "minor thing that bother me".... people who think that because you work overnights, you have plenty of time available to do chores or run errands during the day. No, not really. I'm trying my best to sleep when it's daylight, and that is a challenge in itself. It becomes worse when you worked extra time because of complex technical issue, you are bleeping tired, and when you get home, you get told "Before you go to bed, we need to pick up my car", and the car repair people is a 30 minute drive away.... each way. Oh, and they remind you that they tried calling you, but you weren't picking up.... because you had silenced the phone because of that complex issue.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on October 26, 2021, 12:48:30 PM

Friends of mine who were police officers had issues with some split scheduling. Some weeks they worked nights; others they worked days. And some weeks they worked nights some days and days on others. It really messed with their sleep habits.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on October 26, 2021, 01:04:46 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on October 26, 2021, 12:48:30 PM
Friends of mine who were police officers had issues with some split scheduling. Some weeks they worked nights; others they worked days. And some weeks they worked nights some days and days on others. It really messed with their sleep habits.

Lots of years in the restaurant industry was hard on me too. Closing the restaurant and not getting home until 1:30 and then having to be back at 8:00 to open the restaurant wasn't ever fun. Once I was a GM and I created the schedule, I tried to never schedule anyone other than myself a "clopen" which is what we called that.

Chris

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on October 26, 2021, 08:37:49 PM

House numbers in old-fashioned cursive words instead of numerals.

What's easier to read: 12018 or 𝒯𝓌𝑒𝓁𝓋𝑒 𝑜𝒽 𝐸𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉𝑒𝑒��?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on October 26, 2021, 08:45:45 PM

Quote from: kurumi on October 26, 2021, 08:37:49 PM
House numbers in old-fashioned cursive words instead of numerals.

What's easier to read: 12018 or 𝒯𝓌𝑒𝓁𝓋𝑒 𝑜𝒽 𝐸𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉𝑒𝑒��?

The idea might be so that they're not misread; 12018 could be 12010 or 12818 in bad lighting.

Side note: I've noticed that my computer no longer copies the actual bytes for a replacement character. Trying to copy and paste gives me the Unicode replacement character; it used to copy the invalid UTF-8 bytes as-is.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on October 26, 2021, 08:49:14 PM

Address numbers should be standardized nationally, if only to improve emergency response times.

And especially in apartment complexes, where the letters on buildings can be entirely invisible at night.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on October 26, 2021, 09:00:41 PM

Quote from: kurumi on October 26, 2021, 08:37:49 PM
House numbers in old-fashioned cursive words instead of numerals.

What's easier to read: 12018 or 𝒯𝓌𝑒𝓁𝓋𝑒 𝑜𝒽 𝐸𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉𝑒𝑒��?

Anything is better than:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on October 27, 2021, 02:51:21 AM

Quote from: kurumi on October 26, 2021, 08:37:49 PM
House numbers in old-fashioned cursive words instead of numerals.

What's easier to read: 12018 or 𝒯𝓌𝑒𝓁𝓋𝑒 𝑜𝒽 𝐸𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉𝑒𝑒��?

pizza driver here, says 12018. i also have a nuclear powered flashlight that makes my high beams look like kerosene lamps, to find address... and change traffic lights.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on October 27, 2021, 02:53:11 AM

Quote from: Bruce on October 26, 2021, 08:49:14 PM
Address numbers should be standardized nationally, if only to improve emergency response times.

And especially in apartment complexes, where the letters on buildings can be entirely invisible at night.

same pizza driver. apt buildings are the bane of my existence. no standard place to find buildings/units. i use an app on my phone that does a decent job of locating buildings/units though.

remember when the numbers were on the curb? how cool was that?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on October 27, 2021, 06:54:19 AM

Quote from: Bruce on October 26, 2021, 08:49:14 PM
Address numbers should be standardized nationally, if only to improve emergency response times.

I'm picturing a number grid starting in Indy ("Crossroads") and going upward into 7 or maybe 8 digits by the time it reaches the Aleutians.
:-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on October 28, 2021, 03:22:01 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on October 25, 2021, 10:11:08 AM
I don't know why we have to change clocks? Yes I am aware the history, but both Arizona and Hawaii are exempt yet Florida has to do the change despite voters wanted one consistent time year round.

State governments can opt out of changing for DST. I don't know what Florida's process was but apparently it didn't end up as the government deciding to opt out. Speculating, maybe due to the large tourism business in Florida it was decided to keep the same time as in the rest of the east coast states.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on October 28, 2021, 03:41:13 AM

Quote from: kkt on October 28, 2021, 03:22:01 AMState governments can opt out of changing for DST. I don't know what Florida's process was but apparently it didn't end up as the government deciding to opt out. Speculating, maybe due to the large tourism business in Florida it was decided to keep the same time as in the rest of the east coast states.

My understanding is that Florida wanted "permanent DST" (i.e., UTC-4:00 year-round), which is not allowed under federal law since a state may choose only whether it observes DST; its time zones and the national schedule for DST changes are set by USDOT.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 28, 2021, 04:18:19 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 27, 2021, 02:53:11 AM
remember when the numbers were on the curb? how cool was that?

When did they stop doing that? We had it in the 90s in Del City, Oklahoma; I remember the neighborhood watch association going through and redoing the curb numbers and joking around with my parents that they had to buy a whole second set of stencils because they only came with two of each number and our house number was 3333. Then I moved somewhere with no curbs, and by the time I got back to civilization there were no curb numbers anymore.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CoreySamson on October 28, 2021, 04:22:08 PM

In my neighborhood someone was going around offering to paint numbers on the curb for a fee. Most people have done it, and I think it's a great idea. Some people even have a rudimentary logo for their favorite sports team painted right beside it. I've seen A&M, UT, UH, the Texans, and the Astros.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on October 28, 2021, 04:32:58 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 28, 2021, 04:18:19 PMWhen did they stop doing that? We had it in the 90s in Del City, Oklahoma; I remember the neighborhood watch association going through and redoing the curb numbers and joking around with my parents that they had to buy a whole second set of stencils because they only came with two of each number and our house number was 3333. Then I moved somewhere with no curbs, and by the time I got back to civilization there were no curb numbers anymore.

I think painting house numbers on curbs goes in and out of fashion. In the Wichita area it has always been offered by private contractors--there is no requirement that it be done. I also speculate that the market for it has shrunk due to widespread adoption of GPS.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 28, 2021, 04:43:23 PM

I would think GPS would make having clearly-marked house numbers would be of more importance. Among my generation, an invitation to someone's house or place of business is accompanied with just a street address, with the expectation that the visitor will use whichever mapping service they like to plot their own course. Traditional direction-giving (with identifiers like "it's the fifth house on the right, with the flagpole out front") is generally only done when the host knows from experience that the location is not easily findable on popular mapping services, usually because it is newly constructed or in a rural area with poor coverage (or both).

I have a stencil cutter, so I could do it myself, but I'm a little unsure of whether there's any permits needed to do so. Additionally, the way it was done in my old neighborhood, the number was painted right next to the driveway. My driveway doesn't let out onto the street my address is on, so I'd need to figure out how to handle that. (My first inclination is to paint it next to the driveway along with the full street name, then also paint just the numbers in front of the mailbox.)

Then again, my house is pretty clearly marked (address is on both the mailbox, which is right by the street, and on the siding right next to the front door). I've never seen why someone wouldn't ensure their house is marked properly; it seems like it would just cause difficulties for deliveries or people coming over. One of the first things I did upon moving into the last house I rented was install house numbers at my expense, since the house lacked them previously.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on October 28, 2021, 04:44:07 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on October 28, 2021, 04:32:58 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 28, 2021, 04:18:19 PMWhen did they stop doing that? We had it in the 90s in Del City, Oklahoma; I remember the neighborhood watch association going through and redoing the curb numbers and joking around with my parents that they had to buy a whole second set of stencils because they only came with two of each number and our house number was 3333. Then I moved somewhere with no curbs, and by the time I got back to civilization there were no curb numbers anymore.

I think painting house numbers on curbs goes in and out of fashion. In the Wichita area it has always been offered by private contractors--there is no requirement that it be done. I also speculate that the market for it has shrunk due to widespread adoption of GPS.

i really feel like there should be some 'standard' way to indicate address -- i liked the curb myself, but there's more than one way to accomplish this. myself being a delivery driver, it'd definitely make my life easier, but more importantly, for first responders and such.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on October 28, 2021, 04:46:12 PM

Addresses on the curb won't work here because of snow. In addition, many streets don't even have a curb.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on October 28, 2021, 04:56:50 PM

Quote from: 1 on October 28, 2021, 04:46:12 PM
Addresses on the curb won't work here because of snow. In addition, many streets don't even have a curb.

curb probably isn't the end-all for this problem, but there's other 'standard' places one could put it --- highest point of the house, directly over front door.. million ways to do it, we just need to pick one.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on October 28, 2021, 05:15:21 PM

We have our house number indicated in these ways:

* Carved (using FHWA Series D Modified) on a limestone block set into the brickwork next to the front door

* Set out in brass letters fastened to the post that supports our curbside mailbox

* Shown (barely legibly) in the surviving remnants of the last curb painting

None of these is especially helpful to people arriving at night. We turn on the porch light and give directions to invited visitors, but this doesn't help UPS or FedEx drivers.

I've been intrigued by Wisconsin's approach of putting the house number (big digits) and street name (small letters) on a double-sided retroreflectorized white-on-red placard that is mounted knee-high next to the driveway and positioned to face traffic in the road. However, AFAIK this is done only in rural areas.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 28, 2021, 05:55:46 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 28, 2021, 04:44:07 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on October 28, 2021, 04:32:58 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 28, 2021, 04:18:19 PMWhen did they stop doing that? We had it in the 90s in Del City, Oklahoma; I remember the neighborhood watch association going through and redoing the curb numbers and joking around with my parents that they had to buy a whole second set of stencils because they only came with two of each number and our house number was 3333. Then I moved somewhere with no curbs, and by the time I got back to civilization there were no curb numbers anymore.

I think painting house numbers on curbs goes in and out of fashion. In the Wichita area it has always been offered by private contractors--there is no requirement that it be done. I also speculate that the market for it has shrunk due to widespread adoption of GPS.

i really feel like there should be some 'standard' way to indicate address -- i liked the curb myself, but there's more than one way to accomplish this. myself being a delivery driver, it'd definitely make my life easier, but more importantly, for first responders and such.

In some rural areas around here, there is a small standard signpost installed by the town or county that accompanies every property.

Slaughterville (https://www.google.com/maps/@35.1229056,-97.2652575,3a,15y,239.85h,80.97t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sqgWeDnHArIbO5xOmAGlBPA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)
Seminole County (https://www.google.com/maps/@34.9635697,-96.765876,3a,15y,175.45h,84.24t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1srjHFEh8CLXDVWnYrH1hVPA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on October 28, 2021, 05:59:07 PM

Quote from: 1 on October 28, 2021, 04:46:12 PM
Addresses on the curb won't work here because of snow.

Eh, painted address numbers on curbs are pretty common in the Salt Lake area which gets plenty of snow in winter. Sure, they get blocked when it snows and you'll have to find the actual numbers on the house somewhere, but they're pretty useful as a supplemental marker 90% of the time when there isn't any snow cover.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on October 29, 2021, 07:33:17 AM

What happens when someone is parked on the street next to the painted number?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on October 29, 2021, 10:08:46 AM

Quote from: GaryV on October 29, 2021, 07:33:17 AM
What happens when someone is parked on the street next to the painted number?

You look at the two houses next to it, and if the number you're looking for is the same even/oddness and in between the other two, you win!

Chris

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on October 29, 2021, 11:26:42 AM

Quote from: jayhawkco on October 29, 2021, 10:08:46 AM
Quote from: GaryV on October 29, 2021, 07:33:17 AM
What happens when someone is parked on the street next to the painted number?

You look at the two houses next to it, and if the number you're looking for is the same even/oddness and in between the other two, you win!

Chris

i use google maps frequently in my job to find addresses, and almost all the time, when it tells me 'i've arrived', i'm usually 1-2 houses short of the address in question.

also, in this area, the numerical distance between houses varies, sometimes widely. where i actually live, i'm at 160. my neighbor to one side is 140, my neighbor to the other side is 164. the houses are all roughly the same physical difference apart.

in town, it's anywhere from 2 to 6 between houses depending on the neighborhood.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on October 29, 2021, 11:29:11 AM

I have a colleague who for some reason single-spaces everything and doesn't include blank lines between paragraphs. It makes written work product borderline illegible. I don't understand why he doesn't just format his work the same way the rest of us do. Plus he manually formats everything in Word's "Normal" style, making it impossible just to correct it quickly by applying the proper style. I'm going to have to get IT to put the correct default document template on his PC instead of whatever weird one he's using now. I have no idea why some idiot at Microsoft thinks Calibri is a remotely acceptable default typeface for software intended for business use.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on October 29, 2021, 11:34:46 AM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 29, 2021, 11:26:42 AM
Quote from: jayhawkco on October 29, 2021, 10:08:46 AM
Quote from: GaryV on October 29, 2021, 07:33:17 AM
What happens when someone is parked on the street next to the painted number?

You look at the two houses next to it, and if the number you're looking for is the same even/oddness and in between the other two, you win!

Chris

i use google maps frequently in my job to find addresses, and almost all the time, when it tells me 'i've arrived', i'm usually 1-2 houses short of the address in question.

also, in this area, the numerical distance between houses varies, sometimes widely. where i actually live, i'm at 160. my neighbor to one side is 140, my neighbor to the other side is 164. the houses are all roughly the same physical difference apart.

in town, it's anywhere from 2 to 6 between houses depending on the neighborhood.

I think a lot of navigation software must be programmed using a standard lot size that may have no correlation to a particular neighborhood. The sat-nav in my car shows my mom's house as being halfway up the block from where it actually is, for example. She lives in a neighborhood of large single-family houses set on large lots (not like new single-family neighborhoods where the houses are very close together). If it were a townhouse neighborhood, the location my sat-nav gives would probably be accurate. But it's not a townhouse neighborhood. Google Maps gets it right (I just tried).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on October 29, 2021, 01:17:26 PM

Our house is second from the corner on our block. For a long time, Google directions ended on the side street, not on our street (even though Google knew the address). I guess they expected people to jump the fence into the neighbor's yard and then jump again into our yard. Beware the large white dog.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 29, 2021, 01:22:54 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on October 29, 2021, 11:29:11 AM
I have a colleague who for some reason single-spaces everything and doesn't include blank lines between paragraphs. It makes written work product borderline illegible. I don't understand why he doesn't just format his work the same way the rest of us do. Plus he manually formats everything in Word's "Normal" style, making it impossible just to correct it quickly by applying the proper style. I'm going to have to get IT to put the correct default document template on his PC instead of whatever weird one he's using now. I have no idea why some idiot at Microsoft thinks Calibri is a remotely acceptable default typeface for software intended for business use.

Well, their justification is:

QuoteJoe Friend, a program manager on Word for Office 2007's release, explained that the decision to switch to Calibri was caused by a desire to make the default font one optimised towards onscreen display: "We believed that more and more documents would never be printed but would solely be consumed on a digital device", and to achieve a "modern look".

Problem with going for "a modern look" is that it doesn't stay modern–Microsoft is already jonesing for a new typeface to replace Calibri. There are far more attractive fonts that are optimized for on-screen display, like Georgia, but I have a feeling they're going to go with a more "modern" one.

Really, using the default typeface, even when it was Times New Roman, is to me a glaring signal that whoever created the document didn't care enough about it to ensure that the document looks good. At the very least, it often shows that the composer doesn't know when it's appropriate to use serif (long, running text) or sans-serif (for displaying small amounts of text, like on signs) fonts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on October 29, 2021, 02:09:46 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on October 29, 2021, 11:29:11 AMI have a colleague who for some reason single-spaces everything and doesn't include blank lines between paragraphs. It makes written work product borderline illegible. I don't understand why he doesn't just format his work the same way the rest of us do. Plus he manually formats everything in Word's "Normal" style, making it impossible just to correct it quickly by applying the proper style. I'm going to have to get IT to put the correct default document template on his PC instead of whatever weird one he's using now. I have no idea why some idiot at Microsoft thinks Calibri is a remotely acceptable default typeface for software intended for business use.

When I encounter situations like this, I often wonder not just about workflow but also about things like office culture and individuals protesting passively against demands they feel are unreasonable.

I belong to a writing forum where snippets are often shared for critique. I draft my own submissions in plain text (Windows ANSI) with double CR-LF as a paragraph separator, but most others use either Word or LibreOffice with typical book manuscript formatting: double-spaced with CR-LF followed by tab for paragraph breaks, often with a font other than the default for whatever combination of software and version they are using.

In contradistinction to our forum, which allows posts to be composed in source view only, this forum allows users to compose in either WYSIWYG view or source view, with the former being the default. Many members simply copy-paste text directly from Word into the compose box in WYSIWYG view and hit Post, even though the result is painful to read: no visible paragraph breaks, text that is full black rather than 80% gray (interferes with hinting and triggers contrast sensitivity), font size smaller than the default, font that clashes with the forum default, etc.

The forum administrators have tried to cure the problem by making available a text cleaner that removes Word formatting. But it is hard to use, since the following procedure must be followed exactly:

* Copy-paste from Word (or similar) into compose box in WYSIWYG view

* Toggle compose box from WYSIWYG view to source view

* Copy-paste from compose box to text cleaner input box (text cleaner is on a separate website)

* Run text cleaner

* Copy-paste from text cleaner output box to compose box

Moreover, the text cleaner only removes formatting tags for font, text color, and the like--it doesn't insert an extra CR-LF after each paragraph to generate visible paragraph breaks. This has to be done manually.

I've had the sense that many members simply skip the text cleaner because they'd rather apologize for redundant formatting if they are called on it than accept the extra work that is created for them through the administrators failing to devise an intuitive solution.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on October 29, 2021, 02:14:03 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on October 29, 2021, 02:09:46 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 29, 2021, 11:29:11 AMI have a colleague who for some reason single-spaces everything and doesn't include blank lines between paragraphs. It makes written work product borderline illegible. I don't understand why he doesn't just format his work the same way the rest of us do. Plus he manually formats everything in Word's "Normal" style, making it impossible just to correct it quickly by applying the proper style. I'm going to have to get IT to put the correct default document template on his PC instead of whatever weird one he's using now. I have no idea why some idiot at Microsoft thinks Calibri is a remotely acceptable default typeface for software intended for business use.

When I encounter situations like this, I often wonder not just about workflow but also about things like office culture and individuals protesting passively against demands they feel are unreasonable.

I belong to a writing forum where snippets are often shared for critique. I draft my own submissions in plain text (Windows ANSI) with double CR-LF as a paragraph separator, but most others use either Word or LibreOffice with typical book manuscript formatting: double-spaced with CR-LF followed by tab for paragraph breaks, often with a font other than the default for whatever combination of software and version they are using.

In contradistinction to our forum, which allows posts to be composed in source view only, this forum allows users to compose in either WYSIWYG view or source view, with the former being the default. Many members simply copy-paste text directly from Word into the compose box in WYSIWYG view and hit Post, even though the result is painful to read: no visible paragraph breaks, text that is full black rather than 80% gray (interferes with hinting and triggers contrast sensitivity), font size smaller than the default, font that clashes with the forum default, etc.

The forum administrators have tried to cure the problem by making available a text cleaner that removes Word formatting. But it is hard to use, since the following procedure must be followed exactly:

* Copy-paste from Word (or similar) into compose box in WYSIWYG view

* Toggle compose box from WYSIWYG view to source view

* Copy-paste from compose box to text cleaner input box (text cleaner is on a separate website)

* Run text cleaner

* Copy-paste from text cleaner output box to compose box

Moreover, the text cleaner only removes formatting tags for font, text color, and the like--it doesn't insert an extra CR-LF after each paragraph to generate visible paragraph breaks. This has to be done manually.

I've had the sense that many members simply skip the text cleaner because they'd rather apologize for redundant formatting if they are called on it than accept the extra work that is created for them through the administrators failing to devise an intuitive solution.

All of that seems ironic in a forum where it apperas the very basis of it is to try to present the best work possible. If they can't bother to care how its presented, and the presentation is less than stellar, do members still provide good feedback on the actual writing?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on October 29, 2021, 06:04:33 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 28, 2021, 04:56:50 PM
Quote from: 1 on October 28, 2021, 04:46:12 PM
Addresses on the curb won't work here because of snow. In addition, many streets don't even have a curb.

curb probably isn't the end-all for this problem, but there's other 'standard' places one could put it --- highest point of the house, directly over front door.. million ways to do it, we just need to pick one.

In some rural parts of Wisconsin, they're are poles about 4 foot poles with the alphanumeric address on it and is colored coded to which fire department serves it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on October 30, 2021, 04:55:47 PM

Quote from: Big John on October 29, 2021, 06:04:33 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 28, 2021, 04:56:50 PM
Quote from: 1 on October 28, 2021, 04:46:12 PM
Addresses on the curb won't work here because of snow. In addition, many streets don't even have a curb.

curb probably isn't the end-all for this problem, but there's other 'standard' places one could put it --- highest point of the house, directly over front door.. million ways to do it, we just need to pick one.
In some rural parts of Wisconsin, they're are poles about 4 foot poles with the alphanumeric address on it and is colored coded to which fire department serves it.

I live about 15 miles from Madison, and that's how mine is. The pole is by the mailbox.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on October 30, 2021, 09:08:21 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on October 29, 2021, 02:09:46 PMI belong to a writing forum where snippets are often shared for critique. I draft my own submissions in plain text (Windows ANSI) with double CR-LF as a paragraph separator, but most others use either Word or LibreOffice with typical book manuscript formatting: double-spaced with CR-LF followed by tab for paragraph breaks, often with a font other than the default for whatever combination of software and version they are using.

Quick ideas:

Which browser are you utilizing? I know that Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge has a right-click → Paste as plain text. Firefox doesn't have that functionality built in, but there are several "Copy Plain Text" extensions available.
If you are on Windows, the free Ditto Clipboard Manager (https://markholtz.info/ditto) has a function to paste as plain text as well. I use that function constantly.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on November 05, 2021, 09:34:16 AM

Ever feel like the lone Terry in a bunch of Jerrys?

Here's the problem, here's the solution, it's easy to implement, but the folks that need to "enforce it" are lollygagging and dismissive. Problem continues.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on November 05, 2021, 09:50:39 AM

Saw this one today in a news headline and story. The use of the term "K9" as a shortcut for "canine."

MY AP Stylebook is from 2010, and it uses "K-9."

I know AP preaches brevity, but I'd much rather use "canine" or "canine unit" or "police dog" than the coded abbreviation of "canine."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 05, 2021, 01:25:59 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on November 05, 2021, 09:50:39 AM
Saw this one today in a news headline and story. The use of the term "K9" as a shortcut for "canine."

MY AP Stylebook is from 2010, and it uses "K-9."

I know AP preaches brevity, but I'd much rather use "canine" or "canine unit" or "police dog" than the coded abbreviation of "canine."

Roadgeek joke: Check out this picture of a dog I saw in Kansas.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d5/US77LeftKS9aheadSignsRoad-BlueRapids_%2828267189253%29.jpg/800px-US77LeftKS9aheadSignsRoad-BlueRapids_%2828267189253%29.jpg)
(photo by formulanone)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on November 05, 2021, 02:26:17 PM

Two things that bothered me this week...

Since I'm working from home, I have an office VoIP phone. That phone does not ring when I am sitting at my desk working away (except on Fridays), but when I am on the other side of the house, the phone rings, having me run across the house to pick it up.

Of course, the phone call is a extended warranty spam call from a number identified as local.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on November 05, 2021, 08:55:14 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 05, 2021, 01:25:59 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on November 05, 2021, 09:50:39 AM
Saw this one today in a news headline and story. The use of the term "K9" as a shortcut for "canine."

MY AP Stylebook is from 2010, and it uses "K-9."

I know AP preaches brevity, but I'd much rather use "canine" or "canine unit" or "police dog" than the coded abbreviation of "canine."

Roadgeek joke: Check out this picture of a dog I saw in Kansas.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d5/US77LeftKS9aheadSignsRoad-BlueRapids_%2828267189253%29.jpg/800px-US77LeftKS9aheadSignsRoad-BlueRapids_%2828267189253%29.jpg)
(photo by formulanone)

It's a snow dog. Where's By-Tor?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on November 06, 2021, 04:05:51 AM

Quote from: hbelkins on November 05, 2021, 08:55:14 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 05, 2021, 01:25:59 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on November 05, 2021, 09:50:39 AM
Saw this one today in a news headline and story. The use of the term "K9" as a shortcut for "canine."

MY AP Stylebook is from 2010, and it uses "K-9."

I know AP preaches brevity, but I'd much rather use "canine" or "canine unit" or "police dog" than the coded abbreviation of "canine."

Roadgeek joke: Check out this picture of a dog I saw in Kansas.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d5/US77LeftKS9aheadSignsRoad-BlueRapids_%2828267189253%29.jpg/800px-US77LeftKS9aheadSignsRoad-BlueRapids_%2828267189253%29.jpg)
(photo by formulanone)

It's a snow dog. Where's By-Tor?

he was in a rush.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on November 06, 2021, 09:55:15 AM

I don't see any puns. That route is styled by me as KS 9, regardless of the official formatting.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on November 06, 2021, 11:16:12 AM

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on November 06, 2021, 09:55:15 AM
I don't see any puns. That route is styled by me as KS 9, regardless of the official formatting.

So, Â¿la ceguera deliberada?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on November 06, 2021, 12:18:03 PM

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on November 06, 2021, 09:55:15 AM
I don't see any puns. That route is styled by me as KS 9, regardless of the official formatting.

... which sounds like a Spanish speaker who hasn't yet learned German for "no"

(there's always a pun, but it's usually bad)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 06, 2021, 12:23:21 PM

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on November 06, 2021, 09:55:15 AM
I don't see any puns. That route is styled by me as KS 9, regardless of the official formatting.

How's the weather in Storkslapper?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on November 06, 2021, 01:16:43 PM

I had to look up Storkslapper.

In regard to how numbered routes are referred to in Kansas, I've had the sense that the K-XX nomenclature is gradually falling into disuse. Google Maps appears to have standardized on USPS two-letter abbreviations for primary state routes in all states, and there is an increasing lack of uniformity in the news media that I think is traceable to cub reporters not receiving any grounding in how highway systems work and how to decode highway references in official documentation. I've seen "Kansas 13," "K-13 highway," "Kansas 13 highway," and so on in newspaper articles. Recently there was a report of a fatal accident on "highway U-40"--I guess US 40 was meant, but KDOT and, presumably, the KHP seem to be transitioning to single-letter identifiers for all route systems, including the US highways. (KDOT had long insisted on hyphenating US highway designations: hence "US-50," "US-183," etc.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on November 07, 2021, 01:37:46 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on November 06, 2021, 01:16:43 PM
... KDOT had long insisted on hyphenating US highway designations: hence "US-50," "US-183," etc. ...

Nothing wrong with that. That's how our electronic signs in Virginia sign them. It's consistent with hyphenating Interstate highway designations (I-95, I-395, etc.). I've never really understood why some people don't hyphenate them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on November 07, 2021, 02:24:13 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on November 06, 2021, 01:16:43 PM
"highway U-40"

So... Utah State Route 40 (which would also be US 40)? Makes no sense to change what has been previously estabilished for decades prior.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on November 07, 2021, 02:25:56 PM

U-240 has a half-life of 14.1 hours. Surely the road lasted much longer than that?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on November 07, 2021, 03:00:48 PM

Quote from: 1 on November 07, 2021, 02:25:56 PM
U-240 has a half-life of 14.1 hours. Surely the road lasted much longer than that?

(https://c.tenor.com/OfY5JTuuOOAAAAAM/michael-scott-the.gif)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Mapmikey on November 07, 2021, 04:32:26 PM

Quote from: 1 on November 07, 2021, 02:25:56 PM
U-240 has a half-life of 14.1 hours. Surely the road lasted much longer than that?

Great news - K-40 has a half-life of 1.3 billion years...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 07, 2021, 08:07:15 PM

Quote from: Mapmikey on November 07, 2021, 04:32:26 PM
Quote from: 1 on November 07, 2021, 02:25:56 PM
U-240 has a half-life of 14.1 hours. Surely the road lasted much longer than that?

Great news - K-40 has a half-life of 1.3 billion years...

Of course, there's not a K-40, because US-40 runs through Kansas.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on November 07, 2021, 08:24:58 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 07, 2021, 08:07:15 PM
Quote from: Mapmikey on November 07, 2021, 04:32:26 PM
Quote from: 1 on November 07, 2021, 02:25:56 PM
U-240 has a half-life of 14.1 hours. Surely the road lasted much longer than that?

Great news - K-40 has a half-life of 1.3 billion years...

Of course, there's not a K-40, because US-40 runs through Kansas.

But is Kansas one of those states that classify all their routes as state routes regardless of shield (such as California)?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on November 07, 2021, 08:56:31 PM

Quote from: LilianaUwU on November 07, 2021, 08:24:58 PMBut is Kansas one of those states that classify all their routes as state routes regardless of shield (such as California)?

It's actually hard to say one way or the other. Kansas is one of the states that normally don't duplicate numbers across systems, US 177 and K-177 being a conspicuous (possibly unique) exception. In press releases, environmental impact statements, and similar official documentation, routes are identified by system and number rather than just number, but in construction plans sets, the route-county portion of the project number does not identify the system (e.g., 59-50 KA-3903-01 is a project on US 59 in Labette County, 50th in the alphabetical listing of the 105 counties). (Project numbers aren't "retconned" when the route number changes: hence, the construction history for I-135 in Sedgwick County includes a bunch of 35W-87 and 135-87 projects.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on November 08, 2021, 10:46:35 AM

I suspect some of you on this forum will agree with Rat. I'm not going to comment further because the moderators don't want the substantive issue discussed, but I assume posting something like this intended to be humorous is still OK.

(https://virginia.sportswar.com/post_images/general/00/00/00/16/24/96/49/16249649_0.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on November 08, 2021, 12:16:05 PM

This year, instead of setting them back one hour, I simply removed the AA batteries from a couple of infrequently used clocks that had stopped running unobserved and set them to 12:00 to signal that they're not running. I don't know if there have been changes to how they are manufactured, but I've had the sense AA dry cells are much more likely to leak than they were 10 years ago.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on November 08, 2021, 01:09:30 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on November 08, 2021, 10:46:35 AM
I suspect some of you on this forum will agree with Rat. I'm not going to comment further because the moderators don't want the substantive issue discussed, but I assume posting something like this intended to be humorous is still OK.

(https://virginia.sportswar.com/post_images/general/00/00/00/16/24/96/49/16249649_0.jpg)

I agree with Rat in the fall, but not in the spring. :bigass:

"Pearls Before Swine" was one of my favorite strips when I subscribed to a daily newspaper. When I let my subscription lapse years ago, I subscribed to the comics I liked most first via an RSS reader, then later via email when the RSS feed went buggy for some reason. "Dilbert," "BC," "Mallard Fillmore," "The Wizard of Id," and "Garfield" were among my must-reads. Life changes, though, and now I delete those emails sight unseen anymore. The only strip I read regularly anymore is "Rex Morgan M.D." and that's because it's a serial with a continuing storyline. I have to read it online on the web because I haven't found a direct feed for it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on November 08, 2021, 03:26:08 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on November 08, 2021, 12:16:05 PM
This year, instead of setting them back one hour, I simply removed the AA batteries from a couple of infrequently used clocks that had stopped running unobserved and set them to 12:00 to signal that they're not running. I don't know if there have been changes to how they are manufactured, but I've had the sense AA dry cells are much more likely to leak than they were 10 years ago.

Last week, my son handed me a toy the kids hadn't used in about 6-7 years; I was amazed the original batteries hadn't leaked. Usually within 2-3 years of disuse, a battery-operated device seems to have leaky cells. I presume the diminishing mercury content is part of that problem?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on November 09, 2021, 01:43:52 PM

Only had to change three things this Fall: microwave, oven, and my car.

My printer, originally manufactured in 2014, thinks it's 2006. So clearly I don't care about that clock. As well, my Keurig is broken, so that clock isn't getting touched.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 09, 2021, 02:04:20 PM

Standard time is short enough anymore that I often leave non-self-updating clocks on Daylight Time year round and just mentally subtract an hour. (All of the main clocks I look at–computer, phone, the one by the TV–all self-update.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on November 09, 2021, 02:19:38 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 09, 2021, 02:04:20 PM
Standard time is short enough anymore that I often leave non-self-updating clocks on Daylight Time year round and just mentally subtract an hour. (All of the main clocks I look at–computer, phone, the one by the TV–all self-update.)

I would definitely forget that they're an hour ahead, and leave to go someplace an hour before I'm supposed to.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 09, 2021, 02:28:29 PM

Quote from: thspfc on November 09, 2021, 02:19:38 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 09, 2021, 02:04:20 PM
Standard time is short enough anymore that I often leave non-self-updating clocks on Daylight Time year round and just mentally subtract an hour. (All of the main clocks I look at–computer, phone, the one by the TV–all self-update.)
I would definitely forget that they're an hour ahead, and leave to go someplace an hour before I'm supposed to.

It's definitely made easier by them not being the main ones that I use for telling time; the way my house is structured, if I'm getting ready to go somewhere I'm probably not in the kitchen looking at the microwave or stove (seriously, they're a foot apart from each other, why do I need clocks on both), or in the hallway looking at the clock on the intercom controller (which I forget even exists most of the time) or thermostat (I forget this has a clock). The only one that really trips me up sometimes is my car, but by that point I've already left, and I'm like "Oh shit, how am I an hour late–oh, wait, yeah, the clock is off an hour".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on November 09, 2021, 03:22:45 PM

I guess being a writer by trade, a lot of my pet peeves are language-related.

I saw this one posted in a thread elsewhere today and made a mental note to mention it here.

"Centered around." That term is contradictory, if you think about it. The correct term is "centered on."

Wrong: "His transportation strategy centered around identifying the lowest-rated bridge in each county and putting it on the replacement list."

Right: "His transportation strategy centered on identifying the lowest-rated bridge in each county and putting it on the replacement list."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on November 09, 2021, 05:14:26 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on November 09, 2021, 03:22:45 PM
I guess being a writer by trade, a lot of my pet peeves are language-related.

I saw this one posted in a thread elsewhere today and made a mental note to mention it here.

"Centered around." That term is contradictory, if you think about it. The correct term is "centered on."

Wrong: "His transportation strategy centered around identifying the lowest-rated bridge in each county and putting it on the replacement list."

Right: "His transportation strategy centered on identifying the lowest-rated bridge in each county and putting it on the replacement list."

That used to be me, but I guess I accepted that our semi-broken education system allows students to pass high school English classes without really knowing English.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on November 09, 2021, 05:39:57 PM

Quote from: thspfc on November 09, 2021, 05:14:26 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on November 09, 2021, 03:22:45 PM
I guess being a writer by trade, a lot of my pet peeves are language-related.

I saw this one posted in a thread elsewhere today and made a mental note to mention it here.

"Centered around." That term is contradictory, if you think about it. The correct term is "centered on."

Wrong: "His transportation strategy centered around identifying the lowest-rated bridge in each county and putting it on the replacement list."

Right: "His transportation strategy centered on identifying the lowest-rated bridge in each county and putting it on the replacement list."
That used to be me, but I guess I accepted that our semi-broken education system allows students to pass high school English classes without really knowing English.

Eh. You know English. If you're understood by other people who speak it, you speak it. There's a whole different world between prescriptive and descriptive grammar.

Chris

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on November 09, 2021, 07:19:06 PM

Quote from: 1 on November 07, 2021, 02:25:56 PM
U-240 has a half-life of 14.1 hours. Surely the road lasted much longer than that?

:-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on November 09, 2021, 07:21:55 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on November 08, 2021, 12:16:05 PM
This year, instead of setting them back one hour, I simply removed the AA batteries from a couple of infrequently used clocks that had stopped running unobserved and set them to 12:00 to signal that they're not running. I don't know if there have been changes to how they are manufactured, but I've had the sense AA dry cells are much more likely to leak than they were 10 years ago.

One thing I really like about my microwave is that you can just set the clock window to blank. No flashing 12:00, just blank, until you microwave something. A clock in the microwave is really redundant - there are clocks in the regular oven, one on the wall, and one on the cordless phone.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on November 09, 2021, 07:23:54 PM

I've heard about flashing 12:00, but in my experience, it doesn't work that way. With everything I've seen, it starts at 12:00 flashing but moves in real time (still flashing), which means you can tell what time the power came back on by subtracting the amount of time on the clock.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on November 14, 2021, 09:47:52 PM

People who aren't moderators or admins who try to dictate discussions in threads.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on November 16, 2021, 12:33:14 PM

On that topic except the opposite: moderators and admins deleting relevant discussion for reasons other than it was offensive/a personal attack.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on November 16, 2021, 12:47:48 PM

Seen on another forum this morning. I'm mildly bothered that Wahoos1 didn't tell us how the discussion went after she made this request.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FEVNLZJX0AI6tLn?format=jpg&name=900x900)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on November 16, 2021, 01:00:09 PM

Quote from: thspfc on November 16, 2021, 12:33:14 PM
On that topic except the opposite: moderators and admins deleting relevant discussion for reasons other than it was offensive/a personal attack.

They're not mutually exclusive... I've been annoyed about interesting side discussions getting ended or nuked, but at least the mods/admins have a staff role around that that individual users declaring "now this thread will be about X" do not.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on November 16, 2021, 01:39:17 PM

One issue I see on the road from time to time:

People who drive vehicles with bent frames, resulting in the vehicle body looking like it's "drifting" to the left or right, but the wheels are aligned to drive straight.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on November 16, 2021, 01:43:32 PM

Use of the term "vibe" as a description of relating to, getting along with, hanging out, etc.

"I'm looking for someone to vibe with."

My warped mind immediately goes to thinking they're soliciting a partner for mutual masturbation with battery-powered sex toys. :rofl:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on November 16, 2021, 03:56:43 PM

First of all, congrats to @formulanone to being promoted to LTFWWTM! :clap:
Second, I lost power. Won't be back on till 6. Getting takeout. :popcorn: :clap: :banghead:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on November 16, 2021, 03:58:41 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on November 08, 2021, 12:16:05 PM
This year, instead of setting them back one hour, I simply removed the AA batteries from a couple of infrequently used clocks that had stopped running unobserved and set them to 12:00 to signal that they're not running. I don't know if there have been changes to how they are manufactured, but I've had the sense AA dry cells are much more likely to leak than they were 10 years ago.

We are definitely different people. I would have either replaced the batteries or thrown the clocks way. A deliberately nonfunctioning clock is just not allowed in my brain.

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 09, 2021, 02:04:20 PM
Standard time is short enough anymore that I often leave non-self-updating clocks on Daylight Time year round and just mentally subtract an hour.

My brain wouldn't allow this either. Even when traveling, I adjust my clock at the next place I stop, even if, say, I'm traveling from Chicago to Florida (65-24-75), and I have to adjust the clock three times.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on November 16, 2021, 04:54:49 PM

Quote from: thenetwork on November 16, 2021, 01:39:17 PM
One issue I see on the road from time to time:

People who drive vehicles with bent frames, resulting in the vehicle body looking like it's "drifting" to the left or right, but the wheels are aligned to drive straight.

I once read something about how a similar look was common on Chevrolet Novas built in the mid-1970s. There was a design defect that caused the pin keeping the rear axle aligned to shear off, thus causing the axle to go out of alignment. Supposedly some cars were already out of alignment before they even left the factory.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on November 19, 2021, 05:19:13 PM

When the traffic lights at freeway interchanges (or at any other location where two signals are located close together) are not in sync with one another.

In addition to messing with the flow of traffic, it's also potentially dangerous, especially in cases where the first light is green and there's an overpass that could impede your view of the second light, which is red. When you see the first light is green, you're not expecting to slow down for the second one. I've noticed this on NY 250 where it crosses the NY 104 freeway in Webster, and it's a head scratcher.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US71 on November 19, 2021, 06:22:19 PM

When I worked for EZ Mart, this one customer always paid in 20's. Pack of cigarettes, $20 bill. "oh no, I forgot to get a Coke". $20 bill

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 19, 2021, 07:21:18 PM

Quote from: US71 on November 19, 2021, 06:22:19 PM
When I worked for EZ Mart, this one customer always paid in 20's. Pack of cigarettes, $20 bill. "oh no, I forgot to get a Coke". $20 bill

I used to have customers like that at Burger King. I always wondered if they didn't recognize the change as money and threw it in the trash with their receipt.

At the casino we had a customer sometimes who would cash out every single ticket as a separate transaction because she saved coins in a change jar. I do that too, but I only have so much change in my drawer and there's people behind you in line...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US71 on November 19, 2021, 07:25:51 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 19, 2021, 07:21:18 PM
Quote from: US71 on November 19, 2021, 06:22:19 PM
When I worked for EZ Mart, this one customer always paid in 20's. Pack of cigarettes, $20 bill. "oh no, I forgot to get a Coke". $20 bill

At the casino we had a customer sometimes who would cash out every single ticket as a separate transaction because she saved coins in a change jar. I do that too, but I only have so much change in my drawer and there's people behind you in line...

That's what my customer did: saved all the loose change.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on November 19, 2021, 11:27:38 PM

Quote from: US71 on November 19, 2021, 06:22:19 PMWhen I worked for EZ Mart, this one customer always paid in 20's.

It doesn't help that the ATM dispenses the cash in $20 bills.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on November 19, 2021, 11:49:26 PM

I'd purposely break $20 at larger businesses so I can have smaller bills for other places where it's preferable to pay in smaller bills, or to have money for tips.

I was with a non-profit group that would have a fundraiser at a community date event. Their "bank" to start the day was 2 $5s and 10 $1s. The first person comes with a $20 and wipes out most of their small bills. I tried explaining that ATMs spit out $20, so it's very likely people will pay in $20s early on. I would personally never start with a bank below $100, and prefer to have up to $250 in one's and fives available.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on November 20, 2021, 03:34:45 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 19, 2021, 07:21:18 PM
Quote from: US71 on November 19, 2021, 06:22:19 PM
When I worked for EZ Mart, this one customer always paid in 20's. Pack of cigarettes, $20 bill. "oh no, I forgot to get a Coke". $20 bill

I used to have customers like that at Burger King. I always wondered if they didn't recognize the change as money and threw it in the trash with their receipt.

At the casino we had a customer sometimes who would cash out every single ticket as a separate transaction because she saved coins in a change jar. I do that too, but I only have so much change in my drawer and there's people behind you in line...

'oh, i just want to get rid of these pennies..'

well, i don't want them either..

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on November 20, 2021, 07:17:40 AM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on November 20, 2021, 03:34:45 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 19, 2021, 07:21:18 PM
Quote from: US71 on November 19, 2021, 06:22:19 PM
When I worked for EZ Mart, this one customer always paid in 20's. Pack of cigarettes, $20 bill. "oh no, I forgot to get a Coke". $20 bill

I used to have customers like that at Burger King. I always wondered if they didn't recognize the change as money and threw it in the trash with their receipt.

At the casino we had a customer sometimes who would cash out every single ticket as a separate transaction because she saved coins in a change jar. I do that too, but I only have so much change in my drawer and there's people behind you in line...

'oh, i just want to get rid of these pennies..'

well, i don't want them either..

If you're a cashier, you probably do want them. They give out a lot more pennies than they receive.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on November 20, 2021, 08:08:06 AM

Quote from: 1 on November 20, 2021, 07:17:40 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on November 20, 2021, 03:34:45 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 19, 2021, 07:21:18 PM
Quote from: US71 on November 19, 2021, 06:22:19 PM
When I worked for EZ Mart, this one customer always paid in 20's. Pack of cigarettes, $20 bill. "oh no, I forgot to get a Coke". $20 bill

I used to have customers like that at Burger King. I always wondered if they didn't recognize the change as money and threw it in the trash with their receipt.

At the casino we had a customer sometimes who would cash out every single ticket as a separate transaction because she saved coins in a change jar. I do that too, but I only have so much change in my drawer and there's people behind you in line...

'oh, i just want to get rid of these pennies..'

well, i don't want them either..
If you're a cashier, you probably do want them. They give out a lot more pennies than they receive.

If it's early on in the shift, maybe. If you're the last customer of the day, hell to the no.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on November 20, 2021, 09:08:29 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on November 19, 2021, 11:27:38 PM
Quote from: US71 on November 19, 2021, 06:22:19 PMWhen I worked for EZ Mart, this one customer always paid in 20's.

It doesn't help that the ATM dispenses the cash in $20 bills.

The ATM at the bank I use gives you a choice between $10s, $20s, and $100s, and you can specify how many of each. The bank my wife uses offers at least $5s, $10s, and $20s, not sure about above that, and it also lets you specify how many of each. Citibank ATMs used to (may still, I don't know) give you $50s if you withdrew enough, but they didn't ask what denominations you wanted–if you withdrew, say, $300, it automatically gave you five $20s and four $50s.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US71 on November 20, 2021, 11:03:20 AM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on November 20, 2021, 03:34:45 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 19, 2021, 07:21:18 PM
Quote from: US71 on November 19, 2021, 06:22:19 PM
When I worked for EZ Mart, this one customer always paid in 20's. Pack of cigarettes, $20 bill. "oh no, I forgot to get a Coke". $20 bill

I used to have customers like that at Burger King. I always wondered if they didn't recognize the change as money and threw it in the trash with their receipt.

At the casino we had a customer sometimes who would cash out every single ticket as a separate transaction because she saved coins in a change jar. I do that too, but I only have so much change in my drawer and there's people behind you in line...

'oh, i just want to get rid of these pennies..'

well, i don't want them either..

My bank has a coin sorter. You just dump your coins, get a receipt, then get your money from a teller. :)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on November 20, 2021, 11:07:38 AM

I use the Coinstar machine at the grocery store. I avoid having it take a cut of the transaction by having it give me an Amazon gift card instead of a cash voucher. They charge some percentage if you want cash, but the machine at the store near us doesn't take a cut for gift cards, so I figure I'll buy something from Amazon sooner or later anyway such that the gift card makes more sense.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on November 20, 2021, 11:13:42 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on November 20, 2021, 11:07:38 AM
I use the Coinstar machine at the grocery store. I avoid having it take a cut of the transaction by having it give me an Amazon gift card instead of a cash voucher. They charge some percentage if you want cash, but the machine at the store near us doesn't take a cut for gift cards, so I figure I'll buy something from Amazon sooner or later anyway such that the gift card makes more sense.

Which reminds me: some people throw the rejected coins in the trash. Usually they're ones would work if put in again, are too damaged, are stuck together, or are foreign or tokens, but I've found a few silver coins (both US and foreign) in that trash.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 20, 2021, 12:37:29 PM

Quote from: 1 on November 20, 2021, 07:17:40 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on November 20, 2021, 03:34:45 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 19, 2021, 07:21:18 PM
Quote from: US71 on November 19, 2021, 06:22:19 PM
When I worked for EZ Mart, this one customer always paid in 20's. Pack of cigarettes, $20 bill. "oh no, I forgot to get a Coke". $20 bill

I used to have customers like that at Burger King. I always wondered if they didn't recognize the change as money and threw it in the trash with their receipt.

At the casino we had a customer sometimes who would cash out every single ticket as a separate transaction because she saved coins in a change jar. I do that too, but I only have so much change in my drawer and there's people behind you in line...

'oh, i just want to get rid of these pennies..'

well, i don't want them either..
If you're a cashier, you probably do want them. They give out a lot more pennies than they receive.

No, you really don't. You have to count that shit at the end of the shift. And if your manager is competent, there should always be rolled change in the safe if you need it. I'd rather have 29 loose pennies and a roll than having 79 loose pennies because some dipstick thought "oh hurr this guy NEEDS my sticky car cupholder pennies".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on November 20, 2021, 06:03:03 PM

Today's thing that bothers me: People who name their kids with weirdly-spelled names.

There are gobs of females in my area named "Chasity."

It's Chastity. Chastity!

Parents, learn to spell.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on November 20, 2021, 07:14:23 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on November 20, 2021, 09:08:29 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on November 19, 2021, 11:27:38 PM
Quote from: US71 on November 19, 2021, 06:22:19 PMWhen I worked for EZ Mart, this one customer always paid in 20's.

It doesn't help that the ATM dispenses the cash in $20 bills.

The ATM at the bank I use gives you a choice between $10s, $20s, and $100s, and you can specify how many of each. The bank my wife uses offers at least $5s, $10s, and $20s, not sure about above that, and it also lets you specify how many of each. Citibank ATMs used to (may still, I don't know) give you $50s if you withdrew enough, but they didn't ask what denominations you wanted–if you withdrew, say, $300, it automatically gave you five $20s and four $50s.

It depends on the model of ATM machine and how it is configured. The credit union that I use has small withdrawal-only ATMs at the RaceTracs, Sam's Clubs, and Costcos around here. They only spit out twenties.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 20, 2021, 09:06:30 PM

Meanwhile, in Oklahoma, I've never seen an ATM that allows you to choose, even if it has multiple denoms in it. The one at my bank will let you get out $50, but it always dispenses two $20s and two $5s. There's no option to get, say, a $20 and $30 in $5s, or ten $5s, or whatever. I'm sure they do exist, but I haven't found one.

I usually just go to the bank and have the human teller give me $10s. I hate that retail businesses don't ever seem to carry $10s, so if you pay for a $5 transaction with a $20, they'll give you three $5s. If you don't pay with $10s, the $5s can really start to stack up quickly.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on November 20, 2021, 09:09:21 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 20, 2021, 09:06:30 PM
even if it has multiple denoms in it

I read that as demons at first.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 20, 2021, 10:29:16 PM

Quote from: 1 on November 20, 2021, 09:09:21 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 20, 2021, 09:06:30 PM
even if it has multiple denoms in it

I read that as demons at first.

Having dealt with enough cash-handling equipment, I can assure you that it can be taken for granted that they always contain multiple demons, so there's no need to even bother pointing it out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on November 21, 2021, 06:58:33 AM

Quote from: hbelkins on November 20, 2021, 06:03:03 PM
Today's thing that bothers me: People who name their kids with weirdly-spelled names.

There are gobs of females in my area named "Chasity."

It's Chastity. Chastity!

Parents, learn to spell.

Maybe they don't really want to name the kid after some quality they don't think has any possibly of being upheld. :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on November 21, 2021, 10:58:04 AM

Quote from: GaryV on November 21, 2021, 06:58:33 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on November 20, 2021, 06:03:03 PM
Today's thing that bothers me: People who name their kids with weirdly-spelled names.

There are gobs of females in my area named "Chasity."

It's Chastity. Chastity!

Parents, learn to spell.

Maybe they don't really want to name the kid after some quality they don't think has any possibly of being upheld. :-D

Or they want to give their kids a mental complex when they go into gift shops when they are a bit older and can't find souvenir swag with their correctly-spelled name on it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on November 21, 2021, 01:15:15 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on November 20, 2021, 06:03:03 PMToday's thing that bothers me: People who name their kids with weirdly-spelled names.

There are gobs of females in my area named "Chasity."

It's Chastity. Chastity!

Parents, learn to spell.

As a person whose first name is often misspelled, I hear you, but I also think that this is part of the price we pay for freedom, and consistency (not just using the accepted spelling, but also using the same spelling for your own name--whether it is standard or not--across multiple documents) is partly a matter of temperament. One of my great-granduncles married a Helen whose name appears in various written sources as Helena, Hellen, and Hehlen.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on November 21, 2021, 03:31:58 PM

Try doing genealogy when the family name goes back to the beginning settlements of North American or before. One of my wife's ancestors' name was spelled Treat, Tret, Trat, Trette, Trotte and Trott in various (legal and church) documents.

As for non-standard spelling, my daughter hates Brittney Spears, because "she spells her name wrong". When Spears got famous, my daughter's name got spelled like Spears' name, instead of the standard Brittany.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kevinb1994 on November 21, 2021, 03:39:17 PM

Quote from: GaryV on November 21, 2021, 03:31:58 PM
Try doing genealogy when the family name goes back to the beginning settlements of North American or before. One of my wife's ancestors' name was spelled Treat, Tret, Trat, Trette, Trotte and Trott in various (legal and church) documents.

As for non-standard spelling, my daughter hates Brittney Spears, because "she spells her name wrong". When Spears got famous, my daughter's name got spelled like Spears' name, instead of the standard Brittany.

I didn't realize that the Treat name extends that far into the present. I'm aware of who founded Newark, NJ, a city that my family has lived near.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on November 21, 2021, 03:52:56 PM

One thing that bothers me is the supposed stigma against "gift certificates" or their modern version, the "gift card". Lord knows there is a difference between the $10 gift and the $20 gift, but after purging as part of a move halfway across the country, I'm very cautious against having useless baubles that just sit, collect dust, and eventually get regifted. I have more use for a Amazon, Steam, Home Depot, Lowes, or Target gift card than that fruitcake that I have seen in gift exchanges. I can stack those gift cards for something that I need or can use around the house. No, please don't do me the "favor" of purchasing a new monitor, especially when I am your go-to person for free technical support or training. Yes, Virginia, there is a major difference between a $110 monitor (https://amzn.to/3HHnvbf) and a $170 monitor (https://amzn.to/3HDSmFA), and yes, there is a difference between the DVD and BluRay version of the same movie.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 21, 2021, 04:10:51 PM

If someone wants to buy me something like a monitor, I would rather them spoil the surprise and ask me the specific model I want. That's better than them getting me something that doesn't work with my system, is worse than what I already have, etc.

Gift cards and cash are both excellent, but I have the problem of being far too rational with my purchases, so if I have cash or a gift card I tend to go straight to "Sweet! Free groceries!" and don't actually buy something I want with it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on November 21, 2021, 04:23:46 PM

Online forms that ask you for both state and zip code and won't autofill the state for you.

Which, yeah, is most forms you encounter... but if you know zip code, you automatically know not just what state, but what general area of the state you're mailing to.

Also, forms that alphabetize a list of countries and don't put the US at the top by default. If 99.5% of people filling it out are going to select "United States" for the box in question, you'd think they might want to to save people some time instead of having them scroll all the way down to the U's.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 21, 2021, 04:31:13 PM

Quote from: US 89 on November 21, 2021, 04:23:46 PM
Online forms that ask you for both state and zip code and won't autofill the state for you.

Which, yeah, is most forms you encounter... but if you know zip code, you automatically know not just what state, but what general area of the state you're mailing to.

I was about to argue and say that would require frequent updates with the USPS servers but...the first 3 digits of a zip code correspond to a postal sorting office, and those don't cross state lines.

Quote from: US 89 on November 21, 2021, 04:23:46 PM
Also, forms that alphabetize a list of countries and don't put the US at the top by default. If 99.5% of people filling it out are going to select "United States" for the box in question, you'd think they might want to to save people some time instead of having them scroll all the way down to the U's.

This is definitely pretty frustrating, especially if you're a tech-savvy enough person to click the box and hit U on the keyboard...and get Uganda.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on November 21, 2021, 05:58:33 PM

Brittany/Britney/Brittney -- Kentucky's governor's wife's first name is spelled "Britainy." Wonder if she was named after a country?

I wonder what motivates people to choose alternate spellings. "Micheal" for "Michael," "Shelia" for "Sheila," and so on.

That's not to mention all these made-up names. "Domquavious." Not that I know anyone, nor have I ever heard of anyone, with that name, but it wouldn't be surprising.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on November 21, 2021, 06:01:17 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on November 21, 2021, 05:58:33 PM
"Micheal" for "Michael"

Irish but with a missing accent.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on November 21, 2021, 06:02:20 PM

Spelling is off-the-books with regards to names. Someone does a misspell for a birth certificate, it sticks for their life.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on November 21, 2021, 06:29:23 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on November 21, 2021, 06:02:20 PM
Spelling is off-the-books with regards to names. Someone does a misspell for a birth certificate, it sticks for their life.

Unless they get it legally changed when they're 18.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 21, 2021, 06:36:52 PM

Quote from: kkt on November 21, 2021, 06:29:23 PM
Quote from: SSOWorld on November 21, 2021, 06:02:20 PM
Spelling is off-the-books with regards to names. Someone does a misspell for a birth certificate, it sticks for their life.

Unless they get it legally changed when they're 18.

I feel like if my parents had used some sort of goofy spelling like Skawt or Schocht or something like that, that's exactly what I would do.

I actually seriously considered taking my wife's last name, Perry, when we got married, simply because it's way easier to spell than Nazelrod, and even got to the point designing a new signature. I'm a little glad I didn't go through with it, though, because there's a Congressman by that name now, and I don't want to be associated with a Congressman.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: noelbotevera on November 21, 2021, 08:35:03 PM

My full name is ridiculously complicated, is inherited from the men of my father's side, has my mother's maiden name for some reason, is slightly Spanish despite them being kicked out of the Philippines in 1898, and has a mineral.

Just call me Alex.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on November 21, 2021, 09:58:22 PM

About 29 years ago I worked with a guy in Minneapolis whose last name was...

Hittler.

Note the spelling is not the same as the infamous German's. Still hard for me to imagine not changing your name. On the other hand, it made me think about just how hard it must be to change your name.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on November 21, 2021, 10:04:37 PM

I don't think it is that hard, really. Maybe he just didn't want to. His family name, and why should he change it just because of that German guy?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on November 21, 2021, 10:38:22 PM

Quote from: kkt on November 21, 2021, 10:04:37 PM
I don't think it is that hard, really. Maybe he just didn't want to. His family name, and why should he change it just because of that German guy?

That reminds me of this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADgS_vMGgzY&t=16s).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on November 21, 2021, 10:39:49 PM

Car commercials and tech (cellphone and laptop) commercials with indie music featuring a singer who sounds like he/she just crawled out of bed and still has a hangover. This is supposed to make me want to buy the product?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on November 21, 2021, 11:16:48 PM

Quote from: US 89 on November 21, 2021, 04:23:46 PM
Online forms that ask you for both state and zip code and won't autofill the state for you.

Which, yeah, is most forms you encounter... but if you know zip code, you automatically know not just what state, but what general area of the state you're mailing to.

Also, forms that alphabetize a list of countries and don't put the US at the top by default. If 99.5% of people filling it out are going to select "United States" for the box in question, you'd think they might want to to save people some time instead of having them scroll all the way down to the U's.

Also those online forms that ask you to enter a phone number, date or birthdate, but do not tell you the PROPER way to enter it until after your first attempt.

ie MM/DD/YY instead of MM-DD-YYYY.
Or (###)###‐#### instead of ##########.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on November 21, 2021, 11:40:20 PM

Quote from: US 89 on November 21, 2021, 04:23:46 PM
Online forms that ask you for both state and zip code and won't autofill the state for you.

Which, yeah, is most forms you encounter... but if you know zip code, you automatically know not just what state, but what general area of the state you're mailing to.

Also, forms that alphabetize a list of countries and don't put the US at the top by default. If 99.5% of people filling it out are going to select "United States" for the box in question, you'd think they might want to to save people some time instead of having them scroll all the way down to the U's.

Or zip codes that auto fill the town, except the zip may cover a few towns and you have to change the town anyway, then verify that, yes, that is the actual mailing address.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on November 22, 2021, 12:03:14 AM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on November 21, 2021, 10:38:22 PM
Quote from: kkt on November 21, 2021, 10:04:37 PM
I don't think it is that hard, really. Maybe he just didn't want to. His family name, and why should he change it just because of that German guy?
That reminds me of this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADgS_vMGgzY&t=16s).

Yeah, I was kinda thinking of poor Michael.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 22, 2021, 01:03:19 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 21, 2021, 11:40:20 PM
Quote from: US 89 on November 21, 2021, 04:23:46 PM
Online forms that ask you for both state and zip code and won't autofill the state for you.

Which, yeah, is most forms you encounter... but if you know zip code, you automatically know not just what state, but what general area of the state you're mailing to.

Also, forms that alphabetize a list of countries and don't put the US at the top by default. If 99.5% of people filling it out are going to select "United States" for the box in question, you'd think they might want to to save people some time instead of having them scroll all the way down to the U's.

Or zip codes that auto fill the town, except the zip may cover a few towns and you have to change the town anyway, then verify that, yes, that is the actual mailing address.

If it's autofilling correctly, it's pulling the names from the USPS database. USPS has one preferred town name assigned to each zip code. Of course, some zip codes contain multiple cities, like 73093, which contains both Goldsby and Washington, Oklahoma. But the PO is in Washington, so 73093 = 'WASHINGTON OK' in the USPS database. This means that any letters to "Goldsby, OK, 73093" are technically addressed incorrectly. However, USPS uses zip codes in combination with the street address to route mail, and the city name is just a backup to that, so most of the time it doesn't actually matter.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on November 22, 2021, 05:41:17 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 22, 2021, 01:03:19 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 21, 2021, 11:40:20 PM
Quote from: US 89 on November 21, 2021, 04:23:46 PM
Online forms that ask you for both state and zip code and won't autofill the state for you.

Which, yeah, is most forms you encounter... but if you know zip code, you automatically know not just what state, but what general area of the state you're mailing to.

Also, forms that alphabetize a list of countries and don't put the US at the top by default. If 99.5% of people filling it out are going to select "United States" for the box in question, you'd think they might want to to save people some time instead of having them scroll all the way down to the U's.

Or zip codes that auto fill the town, except the zip may cover a few towns and you have to change the town anyway, then verify that, yes, that is the actual mailing address.

If it's autofilling correctly, it's pulling the names from the USPS database. USPS has one preferred town name assigned to each zip code. Of course, some zip codes contain multiple cities, like 73093, which contains both Goldsby and Washington, Oklahoma. But the PO is in Washington, so 73093 = 'WASHINGTON OK' in the USPS database. This means that any letters to "Goldsby, OK, 73093" are technically addressed incorrectly. However, USPS uses zip codes in combination with the street address to route mail, and the city name is just a backup to that, so most of the time it doesn't actually matter.

Also companies looks for the bottom line when it comes to programming web forms as this is not a pressing interest for them, selling product/services is. I am bothered by the quality of forms - period.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on November 22, 2021, 08:17:57 AM

Quote from: kevinb1994 on November 21, 2021, 03:39:17 PM
Quote from: GaryV on November 21, 2021, 03:31:58 PM
Try doing genealogy when the family name goes back to the beginning settlements of North American or before. One of my wife's ancestors' name was spelled Treat, Tret, Trat, Trette, Trotte and Trott in various (legal and church) documents.

As for non-standard spelling, my daughter hates Brittney Spears, because "she spells her name wrong". When Spears got famous, my daughter's name got spelled like Spears' name, instead of the standard Brittany.
I didn't realize that the Treat name extends that far into the present. I'm aware of who founded Newark, NJ, a city that my family has lived near.

My wife's line descended through several daughters, so they didn't bear the Treat family name. After co-founding Newark, Robert Treat moved back to Connecticut and became the colonial governor for 40 years. There are still a number of Treat's living in CT. And I believe some living in NJ from his nephew's(?) family who went with Robert to NJ.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on November 22, 2021, 12:50:07 PM

Another annoyance with forms is when they use a drop-down for state but don't let you type out the postal abbreviation or name and have it go to the correct entry. It's awesome when it does because then I can just tab through and type all the fields, but more often than not, they only use the first letter if anything and then I have to grab the mouse, scroll to NY, and then switch back to the keyboard for the ZIP code.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on November 22, 2021, 01:28:23 PM

Quote from: thenetwork on November 21, 2021, 11:16:48 PMAlso those online forms that ask you to enter a phone number, date or birthdate, but do not tell you the PROPER way to enter it until after your first attempt.

ie MM/DD/YY instead of MM-DD-YYYY.

Or (###)###‐#### instead of ##########.

Related annoyance: forms that reject your input when you click to post to the server but don't tell you what format will pass validation. (A few days ago I was trying to book a covid booster shot and it took multiple tries before I figured out the form was complaining about "Jonathan N Winkler" in the patient name fields and "Jonathan N. Winkler" in the signature line.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 22, 2021, 02:35:11 PM

Forms that require typing a "signature" bother me. Anyone can type someone's name in a box–that's no proof of the identity of the person filling out the form at all. May as well leave it off.

I was quite alarmed that the online signing process for buying a house allowed the user to just type their signature onto the form (although at least the signing process had to be initiated by the real estate agent, so there was a verifier who could say "Yes, I sent the form to Scott's email after talking to him about it on the phone at X date and time"). It did allow the user to draw a bitmap signature as well, though, so I opted to use my tablet to sign my actual signature onto the form.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on November 22, 2021, 02:41:48 PM

Let's be honest. The fact that we're still scribbling ink on to a piece of paper to verify identity seems a little bit 19th century (or earlier) to me. I don't even try to make my signature look like my name, because, what's the point?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 22, 2021, 03:25:58 PM

To me a signature doesn't really verify identity. I think we've all seen a printed or stamped signature on something. It verifies intent. "I agree to the above", "It was by my authority that the above was done", etc. After all, when the President signs a bill, everyone knows that the person signing it is the actual President, but the signature is still important because applying it to the bill makes it law.

Typing a name into a box doesn't carry that level of deliberateness and intent to me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on November 22, 2021, 03:38:11 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 22, 2021, 03:25:58 PM
To me a signature doesn't really verify identity. I think we've all seen a printed or stamped signature on something. It verifies intent. "I agree to the above", "It was by my authority that the above was done", etc. After all, when the President signs a bill, everyone knows that the person signing it is the actual President, but the signature is still important because applying it to the bill makes it law.

Typing a name into a box doesn't carry that level of deliberateness and intent to me.

But still. The fact that a legal standard is proven by some pattern of oil and carbon dropped into a pattern on tree scraps just still screams antiquated.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on November 22, 2021, 06:11:47 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 22, 2021, 03:25:58 PM
To me a signature doesn't really verify identity. I think we've all seen a printed or stamped signature on something. It verifies intent. "I agree to the above", "It was by my authority that the above was done", etc. After all, when the President signs a bill, everyone knows that the person signing it is the actual President, but the signature is still important because applying it to the bill makes it law.

Typing a name into a box doesn't carry that level of deliberateness and intent to me.

Yes. When you really need to verify your identity, you get a notary to check your ID and certify that you look like your photo.

Then there's medalion signature guarantees in which not only does your bank certify that the photo looks like you but your signature matches what they have on file, and your bank takes financial responsibility if through their negligence the person or institution transferring money to you loses it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on November 22, 2021, 06:38:22 PM

Quote from: jayhawkco on November 22, 2021, 03:38:11 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 22, 2021, 03:25:58 PM
To me a signature doesn't really verify identity. I think we've all seen a printed or stamped signature on something. It verifies intent. "I agree to the above", "It was by my authority that the above was done", etc. After all, when the President signs a bill, everyone knows that the person signing it is the actual President, but the signature is still important because applying it to the bill makes it law.

Typing a name into a box doesn't carry that level of deliberateness and intent to me.

But still. The fact that a legal standard is proven by some pattern of oil and carbon dropped into a pattern on tree scraps just still screams antiquated.

Antiquated is the medieval system of tax receipts in England. They wrote the receipt for taxes paid along two halves of flat stick, on the left and right, then split the board down the middle. One half for the taxpayer, the other half for records. By matching up the wood grain between the halves it could be verified that they were the copies of the same talley stick. A similar system was used for private debts also. The Exchequer's halves of the talley stick were stored in the basement of the Palace of Westminster for centuries, until they were too close to the furnace one day in 1834 and acted as great kindling so the ensuing fire consumed not only the basement but almost the entire palace - at the time both a royal palace and the meeting place of parliament. The loss of the palace was serious, but the loss of centuries of talley sticks was even more serious to students of history. Also lost were the primary reference standards for the yard and the pound (weight) which led to the British adopted a new set of standards - and that is why British and U.S. gallons are different.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on November 23, 2021, 08:58:20 AM

On a different subject: stopped school buses have flashing red lights on them and stop signs that pull out. Everywhere else, flashing red and stop signs mean stop, then continue when clear. Why is the meaning of the signs and signals different for school buses? (Even railroad crossings are equivalent to a flashing red, not a solid red, if there's no gate physically blocking you.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on November 23, 2021, 09:02:59 AM

Quote from: 1 on November 23, 2021, 08:58:20 AM
On a different subject: stopped school buses have flashing red lights on them and stop signs that pull out. Everywhere else, flashing red and stop signs mean stop, then continue when clear. Why is the meaning of the signs and signals different for school buses?

Don't they mean the same thing for school buses (stop, then continue when clear)?

You could argue there's a slightly different meaning of "clear" in the case of school buses - clear of pedestrians as opposed to clear of other vehicles - but it's ultimately pretty much the same meaning.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on November 23, 2021, 09:20:33 AM

School Bus stop means stop until the stop sign is pulled and the flashing red lights stop flashing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on November 23, 2021, 09:38:42 AM

Quote from: webny99 on November 23, 2021, 09:02:59 AM
Quote from: 1 on November 23, 2021, 08:58:20 AM
On a different subject: stopped school buses have flashing red lights on them and stop signs that pull out. Everywhere else, flashing red and stop signs mean stop, then continue when clear. Why is the meaning of the signs and signals different for school buses?

Don't they mean the same thing for school buses (stop, then continue when clear)?

You could argue there's a slightly different meaning of "clear" in the case of school buses - clear of pedestrians as opposed to clear of other vehicles - but it's ultimately pretty much the same meaning.

If I'm not mistaken, the red lights flash in an alternating pattern, similar to a railroad crossing. It does not have a "winking" (temporarily blank) phase.

If anything, there's probably a few intersections that could use a treatment like this, but (1) it's not in the MUTCD for intersections (2) would probably get over-used if applied.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on November 24, 2021, 12:40:50 PM

Finding a pair of jeans and then realizing they're button fly. Who likes this?!?!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on November 24, 2021, 12:52:43 PM

Quote from: jayhawkco on November 24, 2021, 12:40:50 PM
Finding a pair of jeans and then realizing they're button fly. Who likes this?!?!

Ben Stiller's character in Something About Mary might like a button fly.....

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on November 24, 2021, 12:59:39 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on November 24, 2021, 12:52:43 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on November 24, 2021, 12:40:50 PM
Finding a pair of jeans and then realizing they're button fly. Who likes this?!?!

Ben Stiller's character in Something About Mary might like a button fly.....

I mean, there has maybe been a time when camping and I got a little over eager to get back into the tent, but outside of the edge cases (I cringe a little using the word edge), buttons take ten times as long every time you undo your fly! The only perk is that you don't have to button them up when drying them to avoid the weird fly "wrinkle" that some jeans get from the zipper getting too hot.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on November 24, 2021, 01:37:07 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on November 24, 2021, 12:52:43 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on November 24, 2021, 12:40:50 PM
Finding a pair of jeans and then realizing they're button fly. Who likes this?!?!

Ben Stiller's character in Something About Mary might like a button fly.....

Exactly my first thought. Ouch.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: qguy on November 25, 2021, 10:58:40 AM

Levi's 501 buttonfly is the only jeans I wear. Since I was in my 20s, back when dirt was new.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on November 26, 2021, 12:44:28 AM

I can't wear jeans at all, as they're wildly uncomfortable for me. Which brings me to something that bothers me: the stigma against sweatpants/jogging pants (from my experience wearing them all the time). What's wrong with being comfy?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on November 26, 2021, 08:31:53 AM

Quote from: LilianaUwU on November 26, 2021, 12:44:28 AM
I can't wear jeans at all, as they're wildly uncomfortable for me. Which brings me to something that bothers me: the stigma against sweatpants/jogging pants (from my experience wearing them all the time). What's wrong with being comfy?

I feel like it's gone away some recently. At least for guys, joggers are seen as normal "out of the house"wear. Athleisure overall is way more popular than it used to be.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on November 26, 2021, 11:08:01 AM

I watch several reality shows on TV. One thing I see time and time again is when they show a "sunrise" to indicate a new day.

The transition scene shows the sun "rising" and arcing to the LEFT.

Now, if you are filming a reality show based NORTH of the Equator, the sun always arc to the RIGHT, or clockwise in the sky.

Therefore, these crack producers or video editors use a sunset and play the video "backwards" to make it look like a sunrise.

How freaking hard is it to get up at the crack of dawn to film a real sunrise, or digitally reverse the image so the sun is rising and going in the "right" direction instead of catching a sunset and playing it backwards?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on November 26, 2021, 11:11:31 AM

Quote from: thenetwork on November 26, 2021, 11:08:01 AM
How freaking hard is it to get up at the crack of dawn to film a real sunrise...

a) stock footage is cheap and easy
b) said programming spends lots of time in post-production anyhow
c) nobody wants to get up that early, especially the stars (the water-and-carbon ones)
d) most people don't sweat the details, hence propagation of tropes
e) all of the above

Quote from: jayhawkco on November 26, 2021, 08:31:53 AM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on November 26, 2021, 12:44:28 AM
I can't wear jeans at all, as they're wildly uncomfortable for me. Which brings me to something that bothers me: the stigma against sweatpants/jogging pants (from my experience wearing them all the time). What's wrong with being comfy?

I feel like it's gone away some recently. At least for guys, joggers are seen as normal "out of the house"wear. Athleisure overall is way more popular than it used to be.

So as long as people are doing their job reliably, safely, and without disruption, I'm personally not a stickler for details of a dress code. Let people be comfortable so as long as they're not inept, lazy, genuinely offensive, or unsafe. If you don't need a solid and cohesive uniform, why have it?

Of course, the handbook for my job tells me otherwise, and it goes through phases of rigid enforcement to a proverbial wagging of the finger. Depends on who's around, and rarely anyone terribly important towards the peak of the org-chart shows up on Fridays.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on November 26, 2021, 11:19:16 AM

I also hate wearing jeans. They're uncomfortable, none of them fit me, and they look terrible.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 26, 2021, 12:02:00 PM

Agreed to the jeans. It seems like no matter what, my waist decides it wants to settle on an odd number of inches, and jeans for men are almost always only available in even-numbered sizes. And then they are seldom roomy enough in the ass and thighs.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on November 26, 2021, 12:10:33 PM

Something that bothered me this past week: Smart televisions and the expectation that you enter in the password such as p1!V0$AovF&V,ybTm82g to access the streaming service utilizing the television remote instead of displaying a code that you can enter through a web browser. At least I can use the Roku app to paste the password in, but the SiriusXM app on Roku doesn't even allow THAT! Can I at least view the password on the screen? Noooooo...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on November 26, 2021, 12:21:49 PM

I've noticed, at least at Texas A&M, that jeans are not as popular as they were when I was at college.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tchafe1978 on November 27, 2021, 12:50:23 AM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on November 26, 2021, 12:21:49 PM
I've noticed, at least at Texas A&M, that jeans are not as popular as they were when I was at college.

Leggings and yoga pants have become the new jeans.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on November 27, 2021, 11:23:08 AM

Yeah, I wear joggers A LOT.

But I do have a couple pairs of jeans, since there are definitely places that require some dressing up.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on November 27, 2021, 12:57:24 PM

Quote from: LilianaUwU on November 26, 2021, 12:44:28 AMI can't wear jeans at all, as they're wildly uncomfortable for me. Which brings me to something that bothers me: the stigma against sweatpants/jogging pants (from my experience wearing them all the time). What's wrong with being comfy?

Nothing, I would say, though my personal choice for comfort is khaki trousers rather than sweatpants. Joggers and so on are certainly safer for casual indoors public settings (such as the coffee nook off the lobby at a hotel or motel) than a bathrobe. Footwear is the main area in which I push back against dress codes--men's dress shoes, not to say ladies' pumps, are hell not just on the skin and the small bones in the foot, but also the large joints in the leg.

Classic blue denim is a stout and stiff fabric, which makes it ideal for manual-labor occupations such as farming, ranching, and lumberjacking where a degree of resistance to impact and friction is desirable but the specific use cases don't quite rise to the level of requiring expensive leather gear such as chaps. But it can also be uncomfortably hot, especially in the warmer and more humid summers that come with climate change.

Though jeans are increasingly seen as part of the dressy end of the casual-wear spectrum for both men and women (for the latter, Andrea Linett's The Cool Factor advocates various ensembles that include jeans and a navy-blue blazer with a soft top), personally I wear chocolate-brown khakis with a wrinkle-free light-brown dress shirt with an Oxford collar and add a tie (Windsor knot, bottom end low enough to cover my belt buckle) and a navy-blue "beater blazer" when necessary. (I'm also a fan of undershirts, not just for sweat management but also for shaping, and prefer extra-thickness white cotton with short sleeves and round collar, or V-neck if the top button of the dress shirt will be left undone.)

I've not worn jeans in about 30 years, but after the winter covid surge petered out earlier this year, I shopped for them as part of exploring the lumbersexual (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lumberjack#Aesthetic) look. It took two afternoons of visiting multiple department stores and clothing boutiques just to approximate good fit. Choices have to be made along a bewildering array of axes--color, saturation, degree of fabric distress (real or simulated), landing point of the belt line (high or low on waist), cut, treatment of cuffs, etc. I also had the sense that tailoring in general is oriented toward sexual display (tight around the buttocks for the "bubble butt" look, tight around the crotch so that it's easier to see whether a male wearer has an erection) rather than comfort. Friends who have organized their looks around jeans have told me they often need to go to boutiques such as Old Navy rather than to the major department stores to find ones that fit, and I certainly had an easier time there since their athletic-cut 32x34s almost fit (though I struggled to tuck in a shirt). But even the near misses were uncomfortably hot and tight, and moving up a waist size was no help.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 27, 2021, 01:25:19 PM

Another thing that makes finding a good jean fit difficult is that, in my experience, they relax as you wear them and shrink back up when they're washed. So a pair of jeans that fits well right out of the dryer is likely to be falling off after a couple of hours of wear.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on November 27, 2021, 01:32:36 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on November 27, 2021, 12:57:24 PM
"bubble butt"

"'Term I thought I'd never hear J N Winkler use' for $800, Alex."

Jokes aside, my girl loves it when I wear pants that show off my butt, so I know what you mean.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on November 27, 2021, 01:41:59 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 27, 2021, 01:25:19 PM
Another thing that makes finding a good jean fit difficult is that, in my experience, they relax as you wear them and shrink back up when they're washed. So a pair of jeans that fits well right out of the dryer is likely to be falling off after a couple of hours of wear.

Levi's advises you to freeze their jeans rather to wash them. But it doesn't kill off the germs unlike what Levi's advises.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on November 27, 2021, 02:04:49 PM

I don't have to have jeans to show off my butt. No one is ever going to miss seeing it. :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 27, 2021, 03:46:30 PM

Quote from: Big John on November 27, 2021, 01:41:59 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 27, 2021, 01:25:19 PM
Another thing that makes finding a good jean fit difficult is that, in my experience, they relax as you wear them and shrink back up when they're washed. So a pair of jeans that fits well right out of the dryer is likely to be falling off after a couple of hours of wear.
Levi's advises you to freeze their jeans rather to wash them. But it doesn't kill off the germs unlike what Levi's advises.

I also don't see how it would do anything against dirt or spilled food/drink. About the only thing that would do is reduce odors...maybe. (And that presupposes you have the freezer space to put a pair of jeans in, which I don't.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on November 28, 2021, 03:10:14 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 27, 2021, 01:25:19 PM
Another thing that makes finding a good jean fit difficult is that, in my experience, they relax as you wear them and shrink back up when they're washed. So a pair of jeans that fits well right out of the dryer is likely to be falling off after a couple of hours of wear.

it doesn't help that i suffer from the same affliction that hank hill has : diminished glutes. apparently i'm really weirdly configured -- 300lbs and no rear end.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on November 28, 2021, 11:42:45 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 26, 2021, 12:02:00 PM
Agreed to the jeans. It seems like no matter what, my waist decides it wants to settle on an odd number of inches, and jeans for men are almost always only available in even-numbered sizes. And then they are seldom roomy enough in the ass and thighs.

I have been wearing a belt for about 20 years now for that reason. I like loose-fitting clothing, but my hips aren't symmetrical and my left leg is about a quarter-inch longer than the right.

I've found Wrangler Relaxed Fit or Regular Fit jeans work quite well for me, the latter being a little less baggy below the knee, but both fit the same fit from beltway to the knees. They seem to not pinch during outdoor work, play, or just sitting. They're bargain-priced at $15-25 a pair (depending on sales), and last 5-10 years.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 29, 2021, 07:11:03 PM

The fact that if I do a bank-to-bank transfer between my business account and my personal account, it takes a week for the money to show in my personal account, but if I write a paper check to myself and drive to the bank with it, I have the money in my personal account before I leave the branch.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Lukeisroads on November 29, 2021, 07:38:57 PM

The calamity of cali im meaning the jams in this state

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on November 29, 2021, 07:42:50 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 29, 2021, 07:11:03 PM
The fact that if I do a bank-to-bank transfer between my business account and my personal account, it takes a week for the money to show in my personal account, but if I write a paper check to myself and drive to the bank with it, I have the money in my personal account before I leave the branch.

similar, but with different stuff:
transfer a huge file over slow satellite: forever
copy it to external drive, drive to town, like 40 min.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on November 29, 2021, 07:43:37 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 29, 2021, 07:11:03 PM
The fact that if I do a bank-to-bank transfer between my business account and my personal account, it takes a week for the money to show in my personal account, but if I write a paper check to myself and drive to the bank with it, I have the money in my personal account before I leave the branch.

I was in a situation a few years ago where I needed to move some money from one financial institution to another, as I was closing an account. Doing an electronic transfer was going to cost some unreasonable amount (and really, any amount is unreasonable for something that can be done so easily) but it was going to be free for them to cut a check, put it in an envelope, and affix postage and stick it in the mail. I opted for the latter.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on November 29, 2021, 07:44:43 PM

Quote from: Lukeisroads on November 29, 2021, 07:38:57 PM
The calamity of cali im meaning the jams in this state

We have our jams, too. Both the kind you get stuck in and the kind you eat. In fact, Concord grapes are named after Concord, Massachusetts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on November 29, 2021, 09:26:16 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on November 29, 2021, 07:42:50 PM
transfer a huge file over slow satellite: forever
copy it to external drive, drive to town, like 40 min.

Dare I ask what the upload speed is and what the size of the file is? Because satellite Internet, which is used on cruise ships, is terrible for VPNs and online meetings because of the latency and the bandwidth constraints.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 29, 2021, 09:37:52 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on November 29, 2021, 07:43:37 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 29, 2021, 07:11:03 PM
The fact that if I do a bank-to-bank transfer between my business account and my personal account, it takes a week for the money to show in my personal account, but if I write a paper check to myself and drive to the bank with it, I have the money in my personal account before I leave the branch.

I was in a situation a few years ago where I needed to move some money from one financial institution to another, as I was closing an account. Doing an electronic transfer was going to cost some unreasonable amount (and really, any amount is unreasonable for something that can be done so easily) but it was going to be free for them to cut a check, put it in an envelope, and affix postage and stick it in the mail. I opted for the latter.

Yeah, transfer fees are exceedingly dumb, since I believe cashing a check is just scanning it in and putting through the same system that an electronic transfer is done through. You're paying them to do less work than the free option, and it's slower. (But then, I think that's probably because checks are more tightly regulated than electronic transfers.)

In a similar vein, it costs 45Â¢ to pay my water bill online, but mailing in a check is free. The only reason I go ahead and pay the fee is because it's cheaper than a stamp, so I still come out ahead.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on November 29, 2021, 10:02:25 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 29, 2021, 09:37:52 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on November 29, 2021, 07:43:37 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 29, 2021, 07:11:03 PM
The fact that if I do a bank-to-bank transfer between my business account and my personal account, it takes a week for the money to show in my personal account, but if I write a paper check to myself and drive to the bank with it, I have the money in my personal account before I leave the branch.

I was in a situation a few years ago where I needed to move some money from one financial institution to another, as I was closing an account. Doing an electronic transfer was going to cost some unreasonable amount (and really, any amount is unreasonable for something that can be done so easily) but it was going to be free for them to cut a check, put it in an envelope, and affix postage and stick it in the mail. I opted for the latter.

Yeah, transfer fees are exceedingly dumb, since I believe cashing a check is just scanning it in and putting through the same system that an electronic transfer is done through. You're paying them to do less work than the free option, and it's slower. (But then, I think that's probably because checks are more tightly regulated than electronic transfers.)

In a similar vein, it costs 45Â¢ to pay my water bill online, but mailing in a check is free. The only reason I go ahead and pay the fee is because it's cheaper than a stamp, so I still come out ahead.

That's a generous fee. My water bill electronic payment fee via the bank was $1.05, and it recently went up to $1.95. Paying via a CC is 2.95% of the bill.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on November 30, 2021, 09:49:54 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 29, 2021, 09:37:52 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on November 29, 2021, 07:43:37 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 29, 2021, 07:11:03 PM
The fact that if I do a bank-to-bank transfer between my business account and my personal account, it takes a week for the money to show in my personal account, but if I write a paper check to myself and drive to the bank with it, I have the money in my personal account before I leave the branch.

I was in a situation a few years ago where I needed to move some money from one financial institution to another, as I was closing an account. Doing an electronic transfer was going to cost some unreasonable amount (and really, any amount is unreasonable for something that can be done so easily) but it was going to be free for them to cut a check, put it in an envelope, and affix postage and stick it in the mail. I opted for the latter.

Yeah, transfer fees are exceedingly dumb, since I believe cashing a check is just scanning it in and putting through the same system that an electronic transfer is done through. You're paying them to do less work than the free option, and it's slower. (But then, I think that's probably because checks are more tightly regulated than electronic transfers.)

In a similar vein, it costs 45Â¢ to pay my water bill online, but mailing in a check is free. The only reason I go ahead and pay the fee is because it's cheaper than a stamp, so I still come out ahead.

I first tried online bill pay back in 2003 or so for two reasons: (1) The bank offered me $25 if I tried "e-bills" where the creditor sends the bill to my bank account electronically, the bank shoots me an e-mail, and then pay it through the bank's bill pay service. (2) Right around the same time, my car insurance carrier added a $3 a month fee if you wanted to receive a paper bill, so it seemed like the ideal one for which to try e-bills. Needless to say, it was so much easier that I've never looked back. I still receive a paper bill from the mortgage company. I've thought about changing it because I pay them electronically and ultimately I scan the paper bills and then shred them, but I just haven't done it yet. I don't pay a fee to the bank to pay bills electronically.

Certain creditors keep trying to get me to sign up for their automatic payments where they directly debit your bank account. I won't do it. The only time I ever did was one where I had no choice–I had an Obamacare health insurance policy for about 20 months at one point and I was given no choice in setting up payment. I don't have that insurance anymore. I never had a problem with the automatic debit, but that doesn't mean I like the idea. I prefer to be in control in case there are financial hiccups in any given month.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on November 30, 2021, 11:17:12 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on November 29, 2021, 09:26:16 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on November 29, 2021, 07:42:50 PM
transfer a huge file over slow satellite: forever
copy it to external drive, drive to town, like 40 min.

Dare I ask what the upload speed is and what the size of the file is? Because satellite Internet, which is used on cruise ships, is terrible for VPNs and online meetings because of the latency and the bandwidth constraints.

i take online classes. from home i can download/upload most of the assignments in a reasonable time, but anything that requires 'real-time' access (zoom/webex/etc) i have to go to town for, for the very reason you mentioned. i tried it at home once, the video was stuttery, and people were hearing what i was saying, like 2 seconds after i said it.

for the record: (i'm not in estes, that was just the best ping out of everything it tried)

Code Select

Retrieving speedtest.net server list...
Selecting best server based on ping...
Hosted by Trailblazer Broadband (Estes Park, CO) [16.23 km]: 574.494 ms
Testing download speed................................................................................
Download: 9.42 Mbit/s
Testing upload speed...
Upload: 1.96 Mbit/s

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on November 30, 2021, 03:26:53 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 29, 2021, 10:02:25 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 29, 2021, 09:37:52 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on November 29, 2021, 07:43:37 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 29, 2021, 07:11:03 PM
The fact that if I do a bank-to-bank transfer between my business account and my personal account, it takes a week for the money to show in my personal account, but if I write a paper check to myself and drive to the bank with it, I have the money in my personal account before I leave the branch.

I was in a situation a few years ago where I needed to move some money from one financial institution to another, as I was closing an account. Doing an electronic transfer was going to cost some unreasonable amount (and really, any amount is unreasonable for something that can be done so easily) but it was going to be free for them to cut a check, put it in an envelope, and affix postage and stick it in the mail. I opted for the latter.

Yeah, transfer fees are exceedingly dumb, since I believe cashing a check is just scanning it in and putting through the same system that an electronic transfer is done through. You're paying them to do less work than the free option, and it's slower. (But then, I think that's probably because checks are more tightly regulated than electronic transfers.)

In a similar vein, it costs 45Â¢ to pay my water bill online, but mailing in a check is free. The only reason I go ahead and pay the fee is because it's cheaper than a stamp, so I still come out ahead.

That's a generous fee. My water bill electronic payment fee via the bank was $1.05, and it recently went up to $1.95. Paying via a CC is 2.95% of the bill.

There's a flat fee of around $3 for my water bill if you pay online, but I just write a check, staple it to the card on which the bill is printed, and drop it in their payment box when I'm in town.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on November 30, 2021, 05:16:28 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on November 30, 2021, 11:17:12 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on November 29, 2021, 09:26:16 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on November 29, 2021, 07:42:50 PM
transfer a huge file over slow satellite: forever
copy it to external drive, drive to town, like 40 min.

Dare I ask what the upload speed is and what the size of the file is? Because satellite Internet, which is used on cruise ships, is terrible for VPNs and online meetings because of the latency and the bandwidth constraints.

i take online classes. from home i can download/upload most of the assignments in a reasonable time, but anything that requires 'real-time' access (zoom/webex/etc) i have to go to town for, for the very reason you mentioned. i tried it at home once, the video was stuttery, and people were hearing what i was saying, like 2 seconds after i said it.

In order to have a quality online experience, your Round-Trip Time between your computer and the meeting server has to be less than 250-300ms. Anything above 500ms, and you start having issues. In addition, the VoIP audio/webcam video utilize UDP packets to carry the data, and if there is a problem with packet, it's gets thrown away. Too much UDP packet loss (above 5%), and you start having audio/video dropouts. Not to mention that audio and video traffic is very bandwidth intensive. Satellite Internet is usually the "Internet of last resort", and when something better comes along, guess what gets dropped. While cellular Internet is much better, unless you are willing to pay for a premium package, you are also having issues.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on November 30, 2021, 06:19:39 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on November 30, 2021, 05:16:28 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on November 30, 2021, 11:17:12 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on November 29, 2021, 09:26:16 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on November 29, 2021, 07:42:50 PM
transfer a huge file over slow satellite: forever
copy it to external drive, drive to town, like 40 min.

Dare I ask what the upload speed is and what the size of the file is? Because satellite Internet, which is used on cruise ships, is terrible for VPNs and online meetings because of the latency and the bandwidth constraints.

i take online classes. from home i can download/upload most of the assignments in a reasonable time, but anything that requires 'real-time' access (zoom/webex/etc) i have to go to town for, for the very reason you mentioned. i tried it at home once, the video was stuttery, and people were hearing what i was saying, like 2 seconds after i said it.

In order to have a quality online experience, your Round-Trip Time between your computer and the meeting server has to be less than 250-300ms. Anything above 500ms, and you start having issues. In addition, the VoIP audio/webcam video utilize UDP packets to carry the data, and if there is a problem with packet, it's gets thrown away. Too much UDP packet loss (above 5%), and you start having audio/video dropouts. Not to mention that audio and video traffic is very bandwidth intensive. Satellite Internet is usually the "Internet of last resort", and when something better comes along, guess what gets dropped. While cellular Internet is much better, unless you are willing to pay for a premium package, you are also having issues.

i can get spotty 4g around here, one of my neighbors runs a booster, and it is definitely less laggy than the satellite. funny part, is one goes 20 miles up the canyon (i.e. further from town), one can get some sort of dsl from the phone company.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on December 05, 2021, 10:33:27 AM

New one, and this one resulted from a friend's posting....

The phrase "Hard work never killed anyone!". This one just drives me up the wall to no end! :banghead: How many of our parents used that phrase to get off our lazy butts and do some lazy, mundane chore (like raking the leaves or cleaning the garage)? Yet, the glamorization of overworking, combined with the absence of sleep, good diet, exercise, relaxation, and time with family and friends, can lead to serious health issues. See How overwork is literally killing us (https://markholtz.info/2h6). There is even a rebellian against the 996 work culture where you work from 9 AM to 9 PM six days a week.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on December 05, 2021, 11:44:34 AM

"the truth will set you free"

not, says guy who told the truth and still did time. lots of time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 05, 2021, 12:24:44 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on December 05, 2021, 10:33:27 AM
New one, and this one resulted from a friend's posting....

The phrase "Hard work never killed anyone!". This one just drives me up the wall to no end! :banghead:

Notice how the people who use this phrase are always the ones who benefit from you doing the work in question?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on December 06, 2021, 02:42:11 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 05, 2021, 12:24:44 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on December 05, 2021, 10:33:27 AM
New one, and this one resulted from a friend's posting....

The phrase "Hard work never killed anyone!". This one just drives me up the wall to no end! :banghead:

Notice how the people who use this phrase are always the ones who benefit from you doing the work in question?

can i get an 'amen' up in here?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on December 06, 2021, 09:28:42 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on December 05, 2021, 10:33:27 AM
New one, and this one resulted from a friend's posting....

The phrase "Hard work never killed anyone!". This one just drives me up the wall to no end! :banghead: How many of our parents used that phrase to get off our lazy butts and do some lazy, mundane chore (like raking the leaves or cleaning the garage)? Yet, the glamorization of overworking, combined with the absence of sleep, good diet, exercise, relaxation, and time with family and friends, can lead to serious health issues. See How overwork is literally killing us (https://markholtz.info/2h6). There is even a rebellian against the 996 work culture where you work from 9 AM to 9 PM six days a week.

Yes, I definitely noticed this working with construction workers the past few years on a road reconstruction project. Their hours were 7am-6pm Mon-Thurs, and 7am-3pm on Fridays, with about an hour of break time for the whole day. A lot of them also commuted from London to Kitchener (about an hour each way) for the job. So Mon-Thurs, they basically work all day, go home to eat and then go straight to bed.

And then, on weekends, a lot of them would work a side job (ex: pouring concrete driveways). Most of them had families with kids, and when would they have time to see them? I felt like some did the side jobs because they needed the extra money, whereas others enjoyed keeping busy, but both reasons are still sad to me.

-------

On a lighter note, a minor thing that bothers me is that my car makes a "ding" sound when the temperature drops to 4 C (39 F) or lower. It still startles me for a split second until I look down and see the message :angry:.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on December 06, 2021, 01:48:46 PM

^^
Interesting example. Construction workers generally do work longer hours, although I've been led to believe that the pay and benefits (always a union job here in WA) more than make up for it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on December 06, 2021, 03:23:11 PM

Quote from: 7/8 on December 06, 2021, 09:28:42 AMAnd then, on weekends, a lot of them would work a side job (ex: pouring concrete driveways). Most of them had families with kids, and when would they have time to see them? I felt like some did the side jobs because they needed the extra money, whereas others enjoyed keeping busy, but both reasons are still sad to me.

In some cases, I wonder if not seeing the wife and kids is part of the point.

Quote from: 7/8 on December 06, 2021, 09:28:42 AMOn a lighter note, a minor thing that bothers me is that my car makes a "ding" sound when the temperature drops to 4 C (39 F) or lower. It still startles me for a split second until I look down and see the message :angry:.

A related irritation is people suggesting to me that I turn on the A/C in my daily driver to dehumidify interior air and thus accelerate defrosting on cold days. I don't dispute that as a general piece of advice, but it doesn't work in my specific model, which prohibits actuation of the A/C compressor clutch when the intake air temperature sensor tells the PCM ambient temperature is below 40Â° F.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on December 06, 2021, 03:40:59 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on December 06, 2021, 01:48:46 PM
^^
Interesting example. Construction workers generally do work longer hours, although I've been led to believe that the pay and benefits (always a union job here in WA) more than make up for it.

Yeah, construction workers are typically unionized here too (and they were on my site). I believe the pay is good for a job with no post-secondary, but I could imagine people still struggling to make ends meet with the insane cost of housing in Ontario. Also, particularly those who had multiple kids, I think their wives were stay-at-home, which at least saves the cost of daycare. But only having one income is tough.

Or they might simply value having extra spending money over having free time.

Quote from: J N Winkler on December 06, 2021, 03:23:11 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on December 06, 2021, 09:28:42 AMAnd then, on weekends, a lot of them would work a side job (ex: pouring concrete driveways). Most of them had families with kids, and when would they have time to see them? I felt like some did the side jobs because they needed the extra money, whereas others enjoyed keeping busy, but both reasons are still sad to me.

In some cases, I wonder if not seeing the wife and kids is part of the point.

Yeah, I remember one guy had a lot of kids (5 or 6?) and he jokingly said he was happy to be working on Saturday to get away from them (though I'm also sure he meant it :)). I still think it sucks for the kids to never see their dad.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on December 07, 2021, 11:00:26 AM

Quote from: J N Winkler on December 06, 2021, 03:23:11 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on December 06, 2021, 09:28:42 AMAnd then, on weekends, a lot of them would work a side job (ex: pouring concrete driveways). Most of them had families with kids, and when would they have time to see them? I felt like some did the side jobs because they needed the extra money, whereas others enjoyed keeping busy, but both reasons are still sad to me.

In some cases, I wonder if not seeing the wife and kids is part of the point.

Quote from: 7/8 on December 06, 2021, 09:28:42 AMOn a lighter note, a minor thing that bothers me is that my car makes a "ding" sound when the temperature drops to 4 C (39 F) or lower. It still startles me for a split second until I look down and see the message :angry:.

A related irritation is people suggesting to me that I turn on the A/C in my daily driver to dehumidify interior air and thus accelerate defrosting on cold days. I don't dispute that as a general piece of advice, but it doesn't work in my specific model, which prohibits actuation of the A/C compressor clutch when the intake air temperature sensor tells the PCM ambient temperature is below 40Â° F.

my car does this (99 camry) if you set the vents to 'defrost only'. the 'a/c' light doesn't turn on, but you can hear/feel the compressor kick on. if you set the vents to 'defrost and floor vents', it doesn't do this.

it seems to defrost fine with or without the compressor on, i prefer it off since it's just a litle 4-banger and loses some performance with the compressor on.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on December 07, 2021, 11:49:21 AM

The use of the compressor, in my experience, doesn't affect defrosting the exterior.

Defogging the interior, on the other hand...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on December 08, 2021, 12:05:28 AM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 07, 2021, 11:49:21 AM
The use of the compressor, in my experience, doesn't affect defrosting the exterior.

Defogging the interior, on the other hand...

nerd.

well played, tho.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on December 08, 2021, 01:20:17 AM

Quote from: 7/8 on December 06, 2021, 09:28:42 AM
On a lighter note, a minor thing that bothers me is that my car makes a "ding" sound when the temperature drops to 4 C (39 F) or lower. It still startles me for a split second until I look down and see the message :angry:.

My car does that too. 2018 Honda Accord. I guess it's a warning to take it easy on bridges because they may ice up.

The car beeps at me for so many things it hardly seems worth while getting bothered by that particular one.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on December 08, 2021, 02:33:38 AM

Quote from: kkt on December 08, 2021, 01:20:17 AM
Quote from: 7/8 on December 06, 2021, 09:28:42 AM
On a lighter note, a minor thing that bothers me is that my car makes a "ding" sound when the temperature drops to 4 C (39 F) or lower. It still startles me for a split second until I look down and see the message :angry:.

My car does that too. 2018 Honda Accord. I guess it's a warning to take it easy on bridges because they may ice up.

The car beeps at me for so many things it hardly seems worth while getting bothered by that particular one.

I had to get from my hometown to Québec City with one of those cars once. It beeped when the driver changed lanes, because it thought we were swerving.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 08, 2021, 04:24:58 AM

That there are 20 states with no national park. Every state should at least have one.

Quote from: LilianaUwU on December 08, 2021, 02:33:38 AM
Quote from: kkt on December 08, 2021, 01:20:17 AM
Quote from: 7/8 on December 06, 2021, 09:28:42 AM
On a lighter note, a minor thing that bothers me is that my car makes a "ding" sound when the temperature drops to 4 C (39 F) or lower. It still startles me for a split second until I look down and see the message :angry:.

My car does that too. 2018 Honda Accord. I guess it's a warning to take it easy on bridges because they may ice up.

The car beeps at me for so many things it hardly seems worth while getting bothered by that particular one.

I had to get from my hometown to Québec City with one of those cars once. It beeped when the driver changed lanes, because it thought we were swerving.

I rented one like that once. You could make it not beep when changing lanes if you used the turn signal. Very passive-aggressive way to encourage signal use.

My aunt's car lets out a long, continuous beep if you don't heed the first few sets of seatbelt-warning beeps. It will just keep going in one long, unbroken beep until whoever the offending passenger is buckles their belt.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on December 08, 2021, 04:28:03 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 08, 2021, 04:24:58 AM
That there are 20 states with no national park. Every state should at least have one.

But what would be National Park worthy in those states?

(wait, which states are we talking about?)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 08, 2021, 04:32:28 AM

Quote from: LilianaUwU on December 08, 2021, 04:28:03 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 08, 2021, 04:24:58 AM
That there are 20 states with no national park. Every state should at least have one.

But what would be National Park worthy in those states?

(wait, which states are we talking about?)

Every state has some feature that's worth protecting and/or maintaining as a recreational destination. They don't have to be Yellowstone to be worth protecting. Sometimes, they even have other park-ish designations but aren't National Parks™ for some reason. Oklahoma, for instance, used to have a national park that got downgraded to a National Recreational Area in 1976. They should make it a national park again. The Ouachita National Forest could be one as well.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on December 08, 2021, 06:55:36 AM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 07, 2021, 11:49:21 AM
The use of the compressor, in my experience, doesn't affect defrosting the exterior.

Defogging the interior, on the other hand...

I've had to defrost the interior. It's a pain. Because of the curvature of the glass, a scraper only makes contact at the outer edges of the scraper. So you pretty much just have to wait for it to warm up. And you certainly wouldn't want the compressor running then.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on December 08, 2021, 07:39:54 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 08, 2021, 04:24:58 AM
That there are 20 states with no national park. Every state should at least have one.

If New England has six, California would have at least 15.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on December 08, 2021, 09:19:33 AM

Quote from: GaryV on December 08, 2021, 06:55:36 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on December 07, 2021, 11:49:21 AM
The use of the compressor, in my experience, doesn't affect defrosting the exterior.

Defogging the interior, on the other hand...

I've had to defrost the interior. It's a pain. Because of the curvature of the glass, a scraper only makes contact at the outer edges of the scraper. So you pretty much just have to wait for it to warm up. And you certainly wouldn't want the compressor running then.

The car I had when I was in high school (a '77 Granada) used to get frost on both the inside and outside of the windshield and my brother and I had to scrape both inside and out in the mornings before driving to school. It also lacked a rear defroster, so we had to scrape back there too.

There were some mornings when we were cutting it close on timing when we'd be driving with the windows open hanging out the windows to see where we were going....

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on December 08, 2021, 01:00:40 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 08, 2021, 04:32:28 AM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on December 08, 2021, 04:28:03 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 08, 2021, 04:24:58 AM
That there are 20 states with no national park. Every state should at least have one.

But what would be National Park worthy in those states?

(wait, which states are we talking about?)

Every state has some feature that's worth protecting and/or maintaining as a recreational destination. They don't have to be Yellowstone to be worth protecting. Sometimes, they even have other park-ish designations but aren't National Parks™ for some reason. Oklahoma, for instance, used to have a national park that got downgraded to a National Recreational Area in 1976. They should make it a national park again. The Ouachita National Forest could be one as well.

Given what happens to National Parks in government shutdowns (either closed or trashed), I think I'd prefer it if things like Niagara Falls and Letchworth stay exactly where they are. Plus National Parks are far more expensive than state parks.

Of course, the reason why there are many more national parks out west is because that's where the unceded federal land was when they were created. States out east tends to own their land or have it in private hands, but so much of the states out west is owned and controlled by the federal government.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on December 08, 2021, 01:07:27 PM

"Customer service" people for whom English is a secondary or tertiary language, read from a script, and are actually unable to help you with the problem or the questions you have.

Case in point: My wife ordered something from Macy's, as the nearest one to us is in Lexington and we don't go there very often, and sure wouldn't to make a special trip (and fight holiday traffic on Nicholasville Road to get to the mall) to get one item. She input all her information, actually had me look over it to make sure she had everything right, and placed the order online. It seemed to go through, and then today she gets an email saying the order was canceled because they couldn't verify some of the information. So she decided to call them. All the info she provided on the online order was correct, and the info she gave to the non-native-English speaker on the phone was also correct. But the person on the other end of the line was unable to tell what information their system was unable to verify and was very obviously reading from a script on what to say instead of actually trying to solve the problem.

As I type this, she's been on the phone for nearly 30 minutes, and on hold for about 20 minutes, waiting to talk to a supervisor about what, exactly, their system can't verify.

It's certainly not a good way to build goodwill for your company.

The clueless woman on the phone can't even tell her if the problem is with the address or phone number associated with the bank card, the fact that we have a post office box for a mailing and billing address instead of a physical address, or what the issue is.

Even if they approve the purchase now, she's not going to buy it. It's a matter of principle now.

And don't lecture people on being considerate to customer service personnel if they can't get it right or actually do their jobs. I know no one is perfect, but how hard can it be to find out which information could not be verified, or at what point in the system, so she can find out if she needs to call the bank to update an address or phone number or make sure they have the right one on file, especially since this is the first time this has happened?

Related: The saying "the customer is always right," which may have been discussed here before. In reality, the customer is hardly ever right, at least from the terms of the business.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on December 08, 2021, 01:21:43 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 08, 2021, 01:07:27 PM
And don't lecture people on being considerate to customer service personnel if they can't get it right or actually do their jobs. I know no one is perfect, but how hard can it be to find out which information could not be verified, or at what point in the system, so she can find out if she needs to call the bank to update an address or phone number or make sure they have the right one on file, especially since this is the first time this has happened?

While I understand your/her pain, I think being considerate to people, whether or not they're good at their jobs is just being a good person. Keep in mind that person is using likely some shitty software where it's just as hard for them to diagnose the problem as it is for you. It's not like they're the one who told you that there was an issue. Being rude to them accomplishes zero.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 08, 2021, 01:33:34 PM

Quote from: 1 on December 08, 2021, 07:39:54 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 08, 2021, 04:24:58 AM
That there are 20 states with no national park. Every state should at least have one.

If New England has six, California would have at least 15.

California already has 9 as it is.

Quote from: hbelkins on December 08, 2021, 01:07:27 PM
And don't lecture people on being considerate to customer service personnel if they can't get it right or actually do their jobs. I know no one is perfect, but how hard can it be to find out which information could not be verified, or at what point in the system, so she can find out if she needs to call the bank to update an address or phone number or make sure they have the right one on file, especially since this is the first time this has happened?

Sometimes, really fucking hard. The last customer service job I worked, I was considered one of the most competent people there, to the point that on multiple occasions management would call me to fix problems that they didn't understand. And still there were some problems where I had zero information to give the customer, because the computer system simply didn't dispense the information that was needed as to why a particular transaction wasn't going through. I couldn't tell the customer how to fix the problem because the people who wrote the software didn't think it was important to make that information available to the customer.

So tell me how the customer being rude or inconsiderate to me, the person trying to help but being unable to because I'm not being given the information necessary to do that, would help matters at all? Am I supposed to hack the computer's admin password so I can install a decompiler and rewrite the credit card processing software to provide more specific error messages? (You better be standing there with me the whole sixteen hours or whatever it takes to do that, by the way.) Or maybe you should accept that the front-line employee isn't the one at fault here and take it up with whoever made the boneheaded decision to not provide any sort of information as to why the transaction isn't going through?

I've found that employees naturally want to do their jobs, because making customers happy makes the job more pleasant and happy customers are easier to deal with than pissed-off ones. When you encounter someone that can't do their jobs, nine times out of ten it's because there is a manager somewhere stopping them from doing their job. In a lot of cases these managers have never done the job of the person helping you and may not have ever even once talked to one of the company's customers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on December 08, 2021, 01:36:36 PM

Preach.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on December 08, 2021, 01:45:10 PM

Quote from: jayhawkco on December 08, 2021, 01:21:43 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on December 08, 2021, 01:07:27 PM
And don't lecture people on being considerate to customer service personnel if they can't get it right or actually do their jobs. I know no one is perfect, but how hard can it be to find out which information could not be verified, or at what point in the system, so she can find out if she needs to call the bank to update an address or phone number or make sure they have the right one on file, especially since this is the first time this has happened?

While I understand your/her pain, I think being considerate to people, whether or not they're good at their jobs is just being a good person. Keep in mind that person is using likely some shitty software where it's just as hard for them to diagnose the problem as it is for you. It's not like they're the one who told you that there was an issue. Being rude to them accomplishes zero.

Whenever someone bitches about rude customer service 99.9% of the time it's because the customer was rude first, then turns around and cries victim because they expect to be able to be a dick to service employees without having to get any in return because "the customer is always right".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on December 08, 2021, 03:33:06 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on December 08, 2021, 01:45:10 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on December 08, 2021, 01:21:43 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on December 08, 2021, 01:07:27 PM
And don't lecture people on being considerate to customer service personnel if they can't get it right or actually do their jobs. I know no one is perfect, but how hard can it be to find out which information could not be verified, or at what point in the system, so she can find out if she needs to call the bank to update an address or phone number or make sure they have the right one on file, especially since this is the first time this has happened?

While I understand your/her pain, I think being considerate to people, whether or not they're good at their jobs is just being a good person. Keep in mind that person is using likely some shitty software where it's just as hard for them to diagnose the problem as it is for you. It's not like they're the one who told you that there was an issue. Being rude to them accomplishes zero.

Whenever someone bitches about rude customer service 99.9% of the time it's because the customer was rude first, then turns around and cries victim because they expect to be able to be a dick to service employees without having to get any in return because "the customer is always right".

Or because the employee made a mistake which they quickly corrected and apologized for, but the customer is so hungry for validation that they choose to be angry about it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on December 08, 2021, 03:44:41 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on December 08, 2021, 01:45:10 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on December 08, 2021, 01:21:43 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on December 08, 2021, 01:07:27 PM
And don't lecture people on being considerate to customer service personnel if they can't get it right or actually do their jobs. I know no one is perfect, but how hard can it be to find out which information could not be verified, or at what point in the system, so she can find out if she needs to call the bank to update an address or phone number or make sure they have the right one on file, especially since this is the first time this has happened?

While I understand your/her pain, I think being considerate to people, whether or not they're good at their jobs is just being a good person. Keep in mind that person is using likely some shitty software where it's just as hard for them to diagnose the problem as it is for you. It's not like they're the one who told you that there was an issue. Being rude to them accomplishes zero.

Whenever someone bitches about rude customer service 99.9% of the time it's because the customer was rude first, then turns around and cries victim because they expect to be able to be a dick to service employees without having to get any in return because "the customer is always right".

It was really fun when I was the GM of a fancy restaurant and I got to 86 people so they could never come back. A lot of people were so rude and mean that they made my employees cry. I told several of them that if the couldn't treat our employees with respect, then we are under no mandate to treat them with respect and we would prefer that they left. Most of those people made more money than god and rarely heard the word "no". It shut them up pretty quick once I kicked them out, especially when it was in front of a client or fellow employee out for a business dinner.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on December 08, 2021, 04:21:40 PM

I generally think it's never a good idea to come out being rude to someone, on the phone or in person. If the other person is rude first, then fine, you can be a little short and defend your turf if you feel it's warranted.

If you're dealing with someone that you feel is incompetent, I don't see that as a reason to be rude because there's a 99% chance that their incompetence is the result of someone else above them in the chain/org chart. Either they didn't receive proper training, their HR department hired an unqualified candidate, or their systems haven't been properly developed enough enabled them to properly answer the customers questions. So if incompetence is the issue, ask to talk to a manager before you get too worked up.

Now if you're dealing with someone that is straight up unhelpful and has a bad attitude, that's different and goes back to my first point.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on December 08, 2021, 07:25:02 PM

Postscript to the story: The person on the other end of the line basically called my wife a scammer who had used unverifiable information in an attempt to order a $50 Christmas present for her favorite aunt.

After a lengthy hold, she finally got through to Person 1's supervisor, who was also someone for whom English is obviously a secondary or tertiary language. They were never able to tell her exactly what the issue was (she genuinely wanted to know if she needed to contact the bank to verify some information, or if they had something wrong on her account) but they did manually process the order. When she got the confirmation email, the only difference was that the billing and shipping addresses had the ZIP+4 instead of just the five-digit ZIP. It got her order placed, but it still didn't solve the mystery of what went wrong in the first place so it won't happen again. And the first person never apologized for calling her a scammer.

I go out of my way to be nice to customer service people, but I expect politeness and competence in return.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on December 08, 2021, 08:09:05 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 08, 2021, 01:07:27 PMThe clueless woman on the phone can't even tell her if the problem is with the address or phone number associated with the bank card, the fact that we have a post office box for a mailing and billing address instead of a physical address, or what the issue is.

I think some of this comes down to the corporate attitude of "increase revenue, decrease expenses, increase profits". The customer service representatives can only use the systems that are provided to them, usually by an overworked and understaffed Information Technology department. The order systems probably aren't a in-house system either, but adapted from a third party vendor solution, probably with very limited options. There are also limits to what that CSR or their "manager" can and cannot do.

Quote from: hbelkins on December 08, 2021, 01:07:27 PMRelated: The saying "the customer is always right," which may have been discussed here before. In reality, the customer is hardly ever right, at least from the terms of the business.

"The customer is always right" originated around 1905-1908, and is meant to be respectful of the customer. Unfortunately, too many people in the world (especially the obnoxious Karens) have twisted this around to no end that it has become a joke.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on December 08, 2021, 08:25:49 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 08, 2021, 04:24:58 AM
That there are 20 states with no national park. Every state should at least have one.

Quote from: LilianaUwU on December 08, 2021, 02:33:38 AM
Quote from: kkt on December 08, 2021, 01:20:17 AM
Quote from: 7/8 on December 06, 2021, 09:28:42 AM
On a lighter note, a minor thing that bothers me is that my car makes a "ding" sound when the temperature drops to 4 C (39 F) or lower. It still startles me for a split second until I look down and see the message :angry:.

My car does that too. 2018 Honda Accord. I guess it's a warning to take it easy on bridges because they may ice up.

The car beeps at me for so many things it hardly seems worth while getting bothered by that particular one.

I had to get from my hometown to Québec City with one of those cars once. It beeped when the driver changed lanes, because it thought we were swerving.

I rented one like that once. You could make it not beep when changing lanes if you used the turn signal. Very passive-aggressive way to encourage signal use.

My aunt's car lets out a long, continuous beep if you don't heed the first few sets of seatbelt-warning beeps. It will just keep going in one long, unbroken beep until whoever the offending passenger is buckles their belt.

Yes. I have to admit, it may have made a small improvement in my habits. I always generally signalled, but now I have two reason: because it's the right thing to do, and in order not to get beeped at.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 08, 2021, 10:31:47 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on December 08, 2021, 08:09:05 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on December 08, 2021, 01:07:27 PMRelated: The saying "the customer is always right," which may have been discussed here before. In reality, the customer is hardly ever right, at least from the terms of the business.

"The customer is always right" originated around 1905-1908, and is meant to be respectful of the customer. Unfortunately, too many people in the world (especially the obnoxious Karens) have twisted this around to no end that it has become a joke.

That's also not what it originally meant. Originally, it was a warning to the business owner that the customers' preferences should govern what the business sells. If you think bright green curtains are tacky but they're flying off the shelves, you bite your tongue and restock them, because the customer is always right.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on December 08, 2021, 10:48:00 PM

The Customer is Always Right is only when you are the employee. When you are the customer, it don't work that way

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on December 12, 2021, 11:55:17 AM

Oh for me this is one I live with, but seems odd. Without being sexist here, I often wonder why females now exclusively paint their toes but not their fingers as the fingernails seems like it's only a percentage of the female population.

To me the ones who paint their toenails and do not paint their fingernails is like spraying deodorant under one arm and leaving the other arm unprotected.

Not that I lose sleep over this, but it is odd to do one side only and not the other and plus do most guys look down at a girls toes if they are not in high heels and mini skirts?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on December 12, 2021, 05:46:38 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on December 12, 2021, 11:55:17 AM
Oh for me this is one I live with, but seems odd. Without being sexist here, I often wonder why females now exclusively paint their toes but not their fingers as the fingernails seems like it's only a percentage of the female population.

To me the ones who paint their toenails and do not paint their fingernails is like spraying deodorant under one arm and leaving the other arm unprotected.

Not that I lose sleep over this, but it is odd to do one side only and not the other and plus do most guys look down at a girls toes if they are not in high heels and mini skirts?

I can't speak for other women, but I actually do this myself, and the reason I stopped painting my fingernails has to do with work. Back in college, leaving polish on for a month was just fine, as if my nails grew a bit or it chipped it wouldn't matter much. But once I started working in an office, the effort to cover up chips and constantly change it got to be too much (over time, my nails started to peel a bit too, which was another factor). This isn't an issue for my toes, which not only grow slower and chip less often, but are also easily hidden when wearing closed-toe shoes, so whether the polish looks professional doesn't matter like it does for fingernails.

It's also worth noting that the things women do with their appearance aren't just for the benefit of men, but also other women. Just as men will establish a social pecking order based on things like firm handshakes and dominating group conversations, women will do the same based on things like appearance.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2021, 06:42:34 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on December 08, 2021, 10:48:00 PM
The Customer is Always Right is only when you are the employee. When you are the customer, it don't work that way

The customer often is in reality very much wrong. Unreasonable customers are largely how things like the Karen meme spawned.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 12, 2021, 07:21:10 PM

Nail polish sort of weirds me out in general, no matter which set of nails it's on, since that's not a place on the body bright colors naturally develop. I can appreciate a set of nicely manicured nails, but anything other than clear nail polish is too much for me. The same is true of brightly-colored lipstick. On the other hand, seeing someone with lime green hair doesn't bother me at all, because there's already such a natural variation in hair colors that it feels more normal to me to change the color of your hair than your nails or lips.

I acknowledge that this is mostly done for social, rather than attractiveness reasons, but I think that's a kind of bullshit thing that nobody should have to participate in anyway. It's a distraction from the business of whatever the workplace is trying to accomplish that doesn't help get anything done. Fortunately, with work-from-home being normalized due to the pandemic, I hope holding sentiments like "oh well Kathy doesn't do her nails so she must not care about her job very much" will eventually become as acceptable as casual sexual harassment and drinking on the job.

If you want to spend money on something because it's beautiful, buy artwork for the office. When you're hiring an employee, you should be hiring their brain.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on December 14, 2021, 08:27:24 AM

On a road related note, when a turn lane or entrance to a roadway gets its own lane on the road it's entering, and yet there's a yield sign. That creates the false expectation that you need to yield, when you don't under any circumstance (except maybe the rare case where you have to cross other lanes of traffic for a quick left turn, but that's extremely rare).

Even worse, when other drivers get mad when you don't wait for them, as if they are somehow entitled to hog multiple lanes in this scenario. It happened to me today (I got honked at as I was entering, in my own lane, at the same time as another truck). I sped up to get past, then rolled down my window and held up two fingers to represent two lanes. Unfortunately I didn't have a free hand to point at the fingers I was holding up, but hopefully they got the message!! :D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: paulthemapguy on December 14, 2021, 09:35:22 AM

Quote from: webny99 on December 14, 2021, 08:27:24 AM
On a road related note, when a turn lane or entrance to a roadway gets its own lane on the road it's entering, and yet there's a yield sign. That creates the false expectation that you need to yield, when you don't under any circumstance (except maybe the rare case where you have to cross other lanes of traffic for a quick left turn, but that's extremely rare).

Even worse, when other drivers get mad when you don't wait for them, as if they are somehow entitled to hog multiple lanes in this scenario. It happened to me today (I got honked at as I was entering, in my own lane, at the same time as another truck). I sped up to get past, then rolled down my window and held up two fingers to represent two lanes. Unfortunately I didn't have a free hand to point at the fingers I was holding up, but hopefully they got the message!! :D

Was there a W4-3 (https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/htm/2009/part2/fig2c_08_longdesc.htm) sign at the intersection? Maybe there should be!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on December 14, 2021, 10:12:25 AM

Quote from: paulthemapguy on December 14, 2021, 09:35:22 AM
Quote from: webny99 on December 14, 2021, 08:27:24 AM
On a road related note, when a turn lane or entrance to a roadway gets its own lane on the road it's entering, and yet there's a yield sign. That creates the false expectation that you need to yield, when you don't under any circumstance (except maybe the rare case where you have to cross other lanes of traffic for a quick left turn, but that's extremely rare).
...

Was there a W4-3 (https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/htm/2009/part2/fig2c_08_longdesc.htm) sign at the intersection? Maybe there should be!

No, there isn't... only a yield sign. But I agree there definitely should be, and it should replace the yield sign IMO.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on December 14, 2021, 10:21:02 AM

Quote from: webny99 on December 14, 2021, 08:27:24 AM
On a road related note, when a turn lane or entrance to a roadway gets its own lane on the road it's entering, and yet there's a yield sign. That creates the false expectation that you need to yield, when you don't under any circumstance (except maybe the rare case where you have to cross other lanes of traffic for a quick left turn, but that's extremely rare).

Even worse, when other drivers get mad when you don't wait for them, as if they are somehow entitled to hog multiple lanes in this scenario. It happened to me today (I got honked at as I was entering, in my own lane, at the same time as another truck). I sped up to get past, then rolled down my window and held up two fingers to represent two lanes. Unfortunately I didn't have a free hand to point at the fingers I was holding up, but hopefully they got the message!! :D

The purpose of the yield sign is because there's a situation nearby, in which a vehicle in the thru lane - in this case, the truck - may need to merge over into the entering lane to access a nearby road or driveway. It was determined via studies and engineering that the yield sign would be needed, as it's preferred to give traffic in the thru lane priority to merge over to prevent blocking of the thru lane, and have entering traffic - you - wait.

There are absolutely circumstances where entering traffic that had a continuous lane needs to yield. Signage is used to convey such times.

So, to put it bluntly, you flew thru a yield sign, and looked like an ass as you waved at the other vehicle, even though you ignored the traffic control device.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on December 14, 2021, 10:34:59 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 14, 2021, 10:21:02 AM
Quote from: webny99 on December 14, 2021, 08:27:24 AM
On a road related note, when a turn lane or entrance to a roadway gets its own lane on the road it's entering, and yet there's a yield sign. That creates the false expectation that you need to yield, when you don't under any circumstance (except maybe the rare case where you have to cross other lanes of traffic for a quick left turn, but that's extremely rare).

Even worse, when other drivers get mad when you don't wait for them, as if they are somehow entitled to hog multiple lanes in this scenario. It happened to me today (I got honked at as I was entering, in my own lane, at the same time as another truck). I sped up to get past, then rolled down my window and held up two fingers to represent two lanes. Unfortunately I didn't have a free hand to point at the fingers I was holding up, but hopefully they got the message!! :D

The purpose of the yield sign is because there's a situation nearby, in which a vehicle in the thru lane - in this case, the truck - may need to merge over into the entering lane to access a nearby road or driveway. It was determined via studies and engineering that the yield sign would be needed, as it's preferred to give traffic in the thru lane priority to merge over to prevent blocking of the thru lane, and have entering traffic - you - wait.

There are absolutely circumstances where entering traffic that had a continuous lane needs to yield. Signage is used to convey such times.

So, to put it bluntly, you flew thru a yield sign, and looked like an ass as you waved at the other vehicle, even though you ignored the traffic control device.

No. No, there is not. There absolutely is not. I'm not going to disclose the location, but it probably wouldn't be hard to figure out if you wanted to. But there are no driveways whatsoever on the road. It's a fully limited access service road with zero access points other than at merge points and signalized intersections.

I would be OK with the yield sign if there was any need for anyone to be switching into the entering lane, but there isn't. The nearest right turn is nearly 3/4 mile away. There's hundreds, probably thousands, of auxiliary lanes that are much shorter than that, many of them on roads with much higher speeds. So if you're going to argue a yield sign is needed here, then yield signs are also needed for every freeway weave in the country since traffic needs to enter the entering lane.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on December 14, 2021, 10:47:15 AM

Quote from: webny99 on December 14, 2021, 10:34:59 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 14, 2021, 10:21:02 AM
Quote from: webny99 on December 14, 2021, 08:27:24 AM
On a road related note, when a turn lane or entrance to a roadway gets its own lane on the road it's entering, and yet there's a yield sign. That creates the false expectation that you need to yield, when you don't under any circumstance (except maybe the rare case where you have to cross other lanes of traffic for a quick left turn, but that's extremely rare).

Even worse, when other drivers get mad when you don't wait for them, as if they are somehow entitled to hog multiple lanes in this scenario. It happened to me today (I got honked at as I was entering, in my own lane, at the same time as another truck). I sped up to get past, then rolled down my window and held up two fingers to represent two lanes. Unfortunately I didn't have a free hand to point at the fingers I was holding up, but hopefully they got the message!! :D

The purpose of the yield sign is because there's a situation nearby, in which a vehicle in the thru lane - in this case, the truck - may need to merge over into the entering lane to access a nearby road or driveway. It was determined via studies and engineering that the yield sign would be needed, as it's preferred to give traffic in the thru lane priority to merge over to prevent blocking of the thru lane, and have entering traffic - you - wait.

There are absolutely circumstances where entering traffic that had a continuous lane needs to yield. Signage is used to convey such times.

So, to put it bluntly, you flew thru a yield sign, and looked like an ass as you waved at the other vehicle, even though you ignored the traffic control device.

No. No, there is not. There absolutely is not. I'm not going to disclose the location, but it probably wouldn't be hard to figure out if you wanted to. But there are no driveways whatsoever on the road. It's a fully limited access service road with zero access points other than at merge points and signalized intersections.

I would be OK with the yield sign if there was any need for anyone to be switching into the entering lane, but there isn't. The nearest right turn is nearly 3/4 mile away. There's hundreds, probably thousands, of auxiliary lanes that are much shorter than that, many of them on roads with much higher speeds. So if you're going to argue a yield sign is needed here, then yield signs are also needed for every freeway weave in the country since traffic needs to enter the entering lane.

As each instance is unique, there's no sense arguing why one is used one place and not another. I see cases like this too where yield signs should be present but aren't, and vice versa. There's usually a reason for the sign, and when accidents do occur, it's likely the person ignoring the sign will receive the ticket. They'll then go on social media complaining why they got the ticket for failing to yield at the yield sign, where a bunch of people that also ignore the sign will give them their much needed compassion.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on December 14, 2021, 10:59:25 AM

And to be clear, I'm not saying I was right for ignoring the sign. My minor grievance is that the sign doesn't need to exist.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on December 14, 2021, 12:49:20 PM

Quote from: webny99 on December 14, 2021, 10:34:59 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 14, 2021, 10:21:02 AM
Quote from: webny99 on December 14, 2021, 08:27:24 AM
On a road related note, when a turn lane or entrance to a roadway gets its own lane on the road it's entering, and yet there's a yield sign. That creates the false expectation that you need to yield, when you don't under any circumstance (except maybe the rare case where you have to cross other lanes of traffic for a quick left turn, but that's extremely rare).

Even worse, when other drivers get mad when you don't wait for them, as if they are somehow entitled to hog multiple lanes in this scenario. It happened to me today (I got honked at as I was entering, in my own lane, at the same time as another truck). I sped up to get past, then rolled down my window and held up two fingers to represent two lanes. Unfortunately I didn't have a free hand to point at the fingers I was holding up, but hopefully they got the message!! :D

The purpose of the yield sign is because there's a situation nearby, in which a vehicle in the thru lane - in this case, the truck - may need to merge over into the entering lane to access a nearby road or driveway. It was determined via studies and engineering that the yield sign would be needed, as it's preferred to give traffic in the thru lane priority to merge over to prevent blocking of the thru lane, and have entering traffic - you - wait.

There are absolutely circumstances where entering traffic that had a continuous lane needs to yield. Signage is used to convey such times.

So, to put it bluntly, you flew thru a yield sign, and looked like an ass as you waved at the other vehicle, even though you ignored the traffic control device.

No. No, there is not. There absolutely is not. I'm not going to disclose the location, but it probably wouldn't be hard to figure out if you wanted to. But there are no driveways whatsoever on the road. It's a fully limited access service road with zero access points other than at merge points and signalized intersections.

I would be OK with the yield sign if there was any need for anyone to be switching into the entering lane, but there isn't. The nearest right turn is nearly 3/4 mile away. There's hundreds, probably thousands, of auxiliary lanes that are much shorter than that, many of them on roads with much higher speeds. So if you're going to argue a yield sign is needed here, then yield signs are also needed for every freeway weave in the country since traffic needs to enter the entering lane.

Here? (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.2133633,-77.4745582,3a,75y,58.57h,87.08t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1slxiCpgqNgVNs8lEKWsN1iA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) Looking at that location, it appears that it's not so much an added lane as a lane that's forming when the slip ramp comes in (note the offset line and contrast to here (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.2161923,-77.4304168,3a,75y,283.41h,78.23t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1scDbarWO2MJ7eaTSJ3FR3lQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192), reconfigured in 2018. And I can see where traffic might want to move right rather than deal with traffic coming off NY 104.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on December 14, 2021, 03:21:46 PM

Quote from: vdeane on December 14, 2021, 12:49:20 PM
Here? (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.2133633,-77.4745582,3a,75y,58.57h,87.08t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1slxiCpgqNgVNs8lEKWsN1iA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) Looking at that location, it appears that it's not so much an added lane as a lane that's forming when the slip ramp comes in (note the offset line and contrast to here (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.2161923,-77.4304168,3a,75y,283.41h,78.23t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1scDbarWO2MJ7eaTSJ3FR3lQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192), reconfigured in 2018. And I can see where traffic might want to move right rather than deal with traffic coming off NY 104.

Yes, but to me the two are functionally identical. I don't see why either one would have a yield sign. There's arguably way less of a case for it at Five Mile Line considering there's much more room to merge before the freeway entrance (roughly 1200 ft vs 700 ft), and the only reason anyone entering from the left would want to merge right would be to get to Hard Road southbound, which is almost 3/4 mile down the road, and that's only a tiny fraction of the traffic, especially given the shortcut to BJ's plaza through Lowe's.

On the subject of NY 104 slip ramps, this one (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.2146409,-77.4464159,3a,75y,40.32h,70.48t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sFE7-_131uWGm8liJvrHAYg!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DFE7-_131uWGm8liJvrHAYg%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D145.829%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192) was also redone recently, though it has a proper merging lane and fortunately didn't have a yield sign even before the improvements.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on December 14, 2021, 09:05:35 PM

Quote from: webny99 on December 14, 2021, 03:21:46 PM
Quote from: vdeane on December 14, 2021, 12:49:20 PM
Here? (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.2133633,-77.4745582,3a,75y,58.57h,87.08t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1slxiCpgqNgVNs8lEKWsN1iA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) Looking at that location, it appears that it's not so much an added lane as a lane that's forming when the slip ramp comes in (note the offset line and contrast to here (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.2161923,-77.4304168,3a,75y,283.41h,78.23t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1scDbarWO2MJ7eaTSJ3FR3lQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192), reconfigured in 2018. And I can see where traffic might want to move right rather than deal with traffic coming off NY 104.

Yes, but to me the two are functionally identical. I don't see why either one would have a yield sign. There's arguably way less of a case for it at Five Mile Line considering there's much more room to merge before the freeway entrance (roughly 1200 ft vs 700 ft), and the only reason anyone entering from the left would want to merge right would be to get to Hard Road southbound, which is almost 3/4 mile down the road, and that's only a tiny fraction of the traffic, especially given the shortcut to BJ's plaza through Lowe's.

That merge can feel surprisingly short, especially when traffic is moving at 55, which it almost always is; with the lack of deceleration lane and the short slip ramp, traffic would be hard pressed to slow down to 40 by that point if they were even attempting to do so, which nearly nobody does (anything below 50 feels like crawling, but it's also necessary due to the short weave). I know that area far too well, given that my parents go to Proietti's nearly every week and have been since before I was born.

On the subject of cutting through Lowe's, going a shorter distance wouldn't seem to be worth the inconvenience of going through all these stop signs (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.2119399,-77.4715566,3a,75y,108.5h,78.87t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s8C1hrMcdgG7TnPZ4GBEV6Q!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3D8C1hrMcdgG7TnPZ4GBEV6Q%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D16.57143%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656), but that's just me. Incidentally, it does seem like there's a decent amount of right-turning traffic when we're there, at least relative to the amount of traffic on the road. I certainly never felt like we were a distinct minority in turning right onto Hard Road.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on December 14, 2021, 11:09:47 PM

Quote from: vdeane on December 14, 2021, 09:05:35 PM
That merge can feel surprisingly short, especially when traffic is moving at 55, which it almost always is; with the lack of deceleration lane and the short slip ramp, traffic would be hard pressed to slow down to 40 by that point if they were even attempting to do so, which nearly nobody does (anything below 50 feels like crawling, but it's also necessary due to the short weave). I know that area far too well, given that my parents go to Proietti's nearly every week and have been since before I was born.

I know it well too, but I'm almost always entering 104 there, not exiting. Agreed that speed differentials can be a problem; speeds of 55-60 mph are common on the slip ramp, but coming from Five Mile you have to really accelerate fast to get up to that speed (which I have no problem doing, but many drivers seem to immediately drift into the left lane at 35 or 40 mph, interfering with much faster traffic exiting to Hard Rd). That's one reason I tend to use the right lane to accelerate and then merge left twice as soon as there's a gap. I actually think the westbound setup, with no auxiliary lane, is a little better in terms of the weaving situation, although the tradeoff is that many drivers seem to think there is an auxiliary lane and turn their blinker on to merge only for the lane to end.

Quote from: vdeane on December 14, 2021, 09:05:35 PM
Incidentally, it does seem like there's a decent amount of right-turning traffic when we're there, at least relative to the amount of traffic on the road. I certainly never felt like we were a distinct minority in turning right onto Hard Road.

Of course. There's plenty of traffic turning right onto Hard. but most of it is coming from 104, not Five Mile.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on December 14, 2021, 11:41:15 PM

Quote from: vdeane on December 14, 2021, 09:05:35 PM
On the subject of cutting through Lowe's, going a shorter distance wouldn't seem to be worth the inconvenience of going through all these stop signs (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.2119399,-77.4715566,3a,75y,108.5h,78.87t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s8C1hrMcdgG7TnPZ4GBEV6Q!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3D8C1hrMcdgG7TnPZ4GBEV6Q%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D16.57143%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656), but that's just me.

This took me down a giant three-paragraph rabbit hole, but my laptop restarted and I lost the post :-(

I don't have the heart to re-type it the way it was before, but basically:
1) The Lowe's shortcut makes sense to/from the BJ's plaza and anything else west of Hard Rd, but it's more of an alternate to Ridge Rd than it is to 104.
2) This intersection (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.2106559,-77.4611538,3a,75y,7.89h,97.13t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sUhhpRZ1W_Xorr263vXTrbA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) has really poor signal timing and strange phasing. Not enough green time for Hard Rd combined with the lack of green arrows leads to major afternoon backups. It's so bad that on several occasions I've even beat the light by turning right (where the red truck in the link is turning), and re-entering at Van Ingen Dr.
3) I'd like to see Hard Rd completely overhauled to mirror Holt Rd, with four through lanes between 104 and Ridge and a new signal at Van Ingen. It's sorely needed given the ever-increasing traffic on that stretch and in Webster in general.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: XamotCGC on December 14, 2021, 11:51:12 PM

Being honked at for not turning right on a red light.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on December 15, 2021, 12:50:10 PM

Quote from: XamotCGC on December 14, 2021, 11:51:12 PM
Being honked at for not turning right on a red light.

Yes. I'm at the stop line, so I am the best judge of how fast approaching traffic is coming and how much visibility I have and how fast my car can accelerate into traffic.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on December 15, 2021, 09:31:19 PM

Find someone who loves you as much as 18-wheelers love blocking traffic in the passing lane.

I took a road trip along I-5, CA 58, and I-15 among others, and despite the supply chain shortages, there is a buttload of America's Needs Moving By Truck, especially in the #1 lane, traveling at 60.00001 mph

(not an original rant by any means)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on December 15, 2021, 09:59:57 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 14, 2021, 10:21:02 AM
The purpose of the yield sign is because there's a situation nearby, in which a vehicle in the thru lane - in this case, the truck - may need to merge over into the entering lane to access a nearby road or driveway. It was determined via studies and engineering that the yield sign would be needed, as it's preferred to give traffic in the thru lane priority to merge over to prevent blocking of the thru lane, and have entering traffic - you - wait.

I don't think this is right. How exactly does a yield sign in a slip lane automatically grant priority to traffic in other lanes to change lanes into the add-lane with priority? I'm not aware of any law, much less any sign, that would actually allow drivers to willfully cross a solid white or even dashed line into another lane and somehow have the right-of-way over drivers already in that lane.

To expand a bit: the drivers in the slip lane may have a yield sign, but the yield sign does not make it clear to whom they should yield to if that slip lane otherwise forms its own lane. For all drivers know, the yield sign is just there for pedestrians who may be crossing, and that beyond the yield sign, all other traffic rules would otherwise apply (chiefly: maintain your lane). Further, traffic in the through lanes would certainly not be aware of the slip lane and its yield sign. Even if that yield sign was to prevent the drivers in the slip lane from completing a continuous turn, thereby permitting a driver in the other lanes to more easily access the added lane, the drivers in the through lane would have no way of knowing that was the situation without a sign explicitly stating something to the effect of "lane changing permitted with priority" (or similar). Which I'm sure we could both agree is not a sign that is posted anywhere.

Here is a situation near me where the slip lane forms its own lane (https://goo.gl/maps/p7pCdNgTdUJjRVzW6), but there is still a yield sign. To the best of my knowledge, this sign is a mistake: there is no additional signage to allow traffic to change into the new lane with any sort of priority; the markings clearly suggest that lane changing is cautioned against (solid line) for 150+ feet; there is also no driveway or side street which would otherwise require an immediate lane change for through traffic. If anything, my best bet is that the yield sign was installed (incorrectly) to prevent drivers in the slip lane from flying over three lanes into the far lane to access the left turn lanes of the upcoming intersection. To actually solve this, either an add-lane sign should have been used, or some other measure (flexi-posts) that would actually be enforceable in the event of a crash.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on December 16, 2021, 08:46:29 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on December 15, 2021, 09:59:57 PM
Here is a situation near me where the slip lane forms its own lane (https://goo.gl/maps/p7pCdNgTdUJjRVzW6), but there is still a yield sign. To the best of my knowledge, this sign is a mistake: there is no additional signage to allow traffic to change into the new lane with any sort of priority; the markings clearly suggest that lane changing is cautioned against (solid line) for 150+ feet; there is also no driveway or side street which would otherwise require an immediate lane change for through traffic. If anything, my best bet is that the yield sign was installed (incorrectly) to prevent drivers in the slip lane from flying over three lanes into the far lane to access the left turn lanes of the upcoming intersection. To actually solve this, either an add-lane sign should have been used, or some other measure (flexi-posts) that would actually be enforceable in the event of a crash.

Interesting. That's basically how I read it as well: the yield sign means you have to yield if you're entering any lane other than the one designated to you. It doesn't mean through traffic is going to be cutting into your lane, rather just that you must yield if entering another lane, which makes sense. But the solid line would also seem to discourage you from doing that, so this is another case similar to my own example where I can't see how the yield sign is warranted.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Mr_Northside on December 16, 2021, 03:06:19 PM

Quote from: webny99 on December 16, 2021, 08:46:29 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 15, 2021, 09:59:57 PM
Here is a situation near me where the slip lane forms its own lane (https://goo.gl/maps/p7pCdNgTdUJjRVzW6), but there is still a yield sign. To the best of my knowledge, this sign is a mistake: there is no additional signage to allow traffic to change into the new lane with any sort of priority; the markings clearly suggest that lane changing is cautioned against (solid line) for 150+ feet; there is also no driveway or side street which would otherwise require an immediate lane change for through traffic. If anything, my best bet is that the yield sign was installed (incorrectly) to prevent drivers in the slip lane from flying over three lanes into the far lane to access the left turn lanes of the upcoming intersection. To actually solve this, either an add-lane sign should have been used, or some other measure (flexi-posts) that would actually be enforceable in the event of a crash.

Interesting. That's basically how I read it as well: the yield sign means you have to yield if you're entering any lane other than the one designated to you. It doesn't mean through traffic is going to be cutting into your lane, rather just that you must yield if entering another lane, which makes sense. But the solid line would also seem to discourage you from doing that, so this is another case similar to my own example where I can't see how the yield sign is warranted.

The ramp from Babcock Blvd to McKnight Rd northbound is also a lane add that has a Yield sign for some reason. There is no crosswalk that I can discern, though there are some business driveways shortly after the lane add that may be the reason for that sign.

https://goo.gl/maps/UZMrbJiFGsHskW8U9

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on December 16, 2021, 09:38:07 PM

Because of what I watched on TikTok!

And generally, TikTok clips bother me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on December 17, 2021, 08:14:13 AM

Quote from: tolbs17 on December 16, 2021, 09:38:07 PM
Because of what I watched on TikTok!

And generally, TikTok clips bother me.

TikTok is one of the worst things to happen to society in the last 10 years.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 17, 2021, 08:53:58 AM

Traffic control issues that could go in their own thread(s) that are in this thread.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tchafe1978 on December 17, 2021, 10:13:57 AM

What bothers me is when you're snacking on popcorn on the couch, and you drop a kernal or two. The kernals fall on the edge of the cushion and the armrest. You reach to pick up the kernal, but as you try to grab it, it keeps falling further and further down between the cushion and armrest, eventually falling all the way through so you can't reach it anymore. So there the kernal sits, under the couch, until you finally decide to move the couch to clean under it 6 months later. The poor kernal is completly wasted, as the dog doesn't even get a chance to scarf up the dropped kernal. Such a tragedy!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on December 17, 2021, 11:03:07 AM

An on-camera meteorologist friend of mine mentioned this one, and I agree.

Use of the phrase "first annual." There's no such thing. I can be the first of what is hoped will or is planned to become an annual event, but it can't be a first annual event. Only after it's held once is it an annual event.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on December 17, 2021, 12:44:36 PM

Quote from: thspfc on December 17, 2021, 08:14:13 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on December 16, 2021, 09:38:07 PM
Because of what I watched on TikTok!

And generally, TikTok clips bother me.
TikTok is one of the worst things to happen to society in the last 10 years.

If I were benevolent dictator for life, I wouldn't ban TikTok. But there would have to be no sound, ever. Watch it all you want, silently, reading subtitles. Everyone's happy.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on December 17, 2021, 12:58:45 PM

Quote from: kurumi on December 17, 2021, 12:44:36 PM
Quote from: thspfc on December 17, 2021, 08:14:13 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on December 16, 2021, 09:38:07 PM
Because of what I watched on TikTok!

And generally, TikTok clips bother me.
TikTok is one of the worst things to happen to society in the last 10 years.

If I were benevolent dictator for life, I wouldn't ban TikTok. But there would have to be no sound, ever. Watch it all you want, silently, reading subtitles. Everyone's happy.

Oh no! Oh no! Oh no no no no no! :banghead: (that one's awful!)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on December 18, 2021, 03:09:25 PM

When I get a message saying "Free up storage space by deleting unused data such as rarely used apps and unnecessary documents." I'm nowhere near low space! This is on my Galaxy S9 Plus btw...

(https://i.imgur.com/ZCHTk3k.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on December 19, 2021, 09:20:09 AM

People that ask questions like "I'm looking for a good Chinese restaurant. And Go!". Like, wait a minute, did you just enter me in a race? And it's all but guaranteed the person will never return to thank those that responded and state what restaurant they chose, or will say, "I decided to eat a few chips and play on the Xbox instead.".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on December 19, 2021, 09:51:44 AM

Quote from: kurumi on December 15, 2021, 09:31:19 PM
Find someone who loves you as much as 18-wheelers love blocking traffic in the passing lane.

I took a road trip along I-5, CA 58, and I-15 among others, and despite the supply chain shortages, there is a buttload of America's Needs Moving By Truck, especially in the #1 lane, traveling at 60.00001 mph

(not an original rant by any means)

What really pisses me off about truckers is when they block lanes micropassing or not being able to keep their speed on uphills, and then tailgate my ass (sometimes even honking or flashing their brights) when I'm not speeding enough for them on a downhill.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on December 20, 2021, 12:43:05 PM

Scraping frost off the windshield. I can never seem to get it off easily and cleanly unless it's very nearly melted anyways, and today was particularly bad. The ice scraper was doing absolutely nothing at all - just sliding on the frost as if that was the actual windshield. I got delayed 10 minutes going to work as I had no choice but to sit and wait for the defroster to melt it. We're definitely no longer in the part of winter where the sun is out long enough before I go to work to soften or melt the frost.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on December 20, 2021, 06:26:45 PM

Bridges over rivers where the sides are too high to see over.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 20, 2021, 09:25:15 PM

Here's one: people who post something they can look up just as easily as posting the question to begin with. "Anyone know if there is a Wing Stop in Kyle?" FREAKING LOOK IT UP!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 20, 2021, 09:25:53 PM

Quote from: vdeane on December 20, 2021, 12:43:05 PM
Scraping frost off the windshield. I can never seem to get it off easily and cleanly unless it's very nearly melted anyways, and today was particularly bad. The ice scraper was doing absolutely nothing at all - just sliding on the frost as if that was the actual windshield. I got delayed 10 minutes going to work as I had no choice but to sit and wait for the defroster to melt it. We're definitely no longer in the part of winter where the sun is out long enough before I go to work to soften or melt the frost.

you can buy cans of spray that melts it in about a minute. even in Texas I always keep a couple on hand.

https://www.amazon.com/Prestone-AS244-Windshield-Icer-Aerosol/dp/B01C6AV6J0/ref=asc_df_B01C6AV6J0?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80195684681657&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583795260966421&psc=1

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on December 21, 2021, 12:06:56 AM

Here is a 2-in-1 snit:

* When you go to a bank or credit union that has an ATM that shares the same lane as an open auto teller. And, of course, when you hope to cruise in to grab some quick cash at the ATM only to have to wait for someone who wants every transaction available from the teller...

AND when the person in front of you IS using the ATM, but when they are done, they don't move until after they balance their checkbook for the month.

At least when I'm done with the ATM, I have the courtesy to move far enough ahead to allow anyone behind me to access the ATM freely.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on December 21, 2021, 03:56:09 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on December 20, 2021, 09:25:15 PM"Anyone know if there is a Wing Stop in Kyle?" FREAKING LOOK IT UP!

https://letmegooglethat.com/?q=wing+stop+in+kyle

And, for what it's worth, DFW has much wider variety of restaurants than Sacramento, CA.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on December 21, 2021, 06:45:58 PM

Quote from: thenetwork on December 21, 2021, 12:06:56 AM
Here is a 2-in-1 snit:

* When you go to a bank or credit union that has an ATM that shares the same lane as an open auto teller. And, of course, when you hope to cruise in to grab some quick cash at the ATM only to have to wait for someone who wants every transaction available from the teller...

AND when the person in front of you IS using the ATM, but when they are done, they don't move until after they balance their checkbook for the month.

At least when I'm done with the ATM, I have the courtesy to move far enough ahead to allow anyone behind me to access the ATM freely.

I don't pull away from the ATM until I have counted my money to make sure I got all that I requested to be withdrawn. The reason is that there are usually cameras embedded in the ATMs, and if you're shorted on the cash (say you withdraw $200 but you only get nine $20 bills dispensed) you can hold the money up and mouth the words "I didn't get all the money I was supposed to get but the receipt still shows a $200 withdrawal." If you come back the next day to complain you were shorted, they're not going to believe you. But if there's video evidence, you have proof.

Otherwise, yes, I pull away immediately.

On a related note, people who stop traffic in parking lots waiting for people who just get in their cars to back out of the space so they can pull in. Once someone gets in their car, they are under no obligation to leave their parking spot immediately And I typically don't. I'll check text messages, sometimes email or social media, change the music on my player, clean my hands, or any number of other things. Now, if the driver starts the vehicle, puts their foot on the brake, and shifts into reverse, that means they're leaving, and you're more than welcome to stop to let them back out and then take that spot. If I get in the vehicle and someone stops waiting for me to pull out before I've started the attempt to back out, it bugs me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Tom958 on December 21, 2021, 06:57:03 PM

Quote from: texaskdog on December 20, 2021, 09:25:15 PM
Here's one: people who post something they can look up just as easily as posting the question to begin with. "Anyone know if there is a Wing Stop in Kyle?" FREAKING LOOK IT UP!

Absolutely! I do a lot of amateur photography, mostly of small towns in Georgia, and I post my photos in a couple of Georgia history-nostalgia groups on Facebook. People will ask, "Where is Tarrytown?" Or, worse, "What county is it in?" Why would I know or care what county it's in? Occasionally I'll calmly and sarcastically explain that the information they seek can easily be found on Google Maps. Then they usually get butthurt about it. One woman even told me that she didn't have Google Maps because she'd removed the app from her phone. :spin:

Come to think of it, that hasn't happened in some time. Maybe I got through to them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on December 21, 2021, 08:46:55 PM

Quote from: thenetwork on December 21, 2021, 12:06:56 AM
Here is a 2-in-1 snit:

* When you go to a bank or credit union that has an ATM that shares the same lane as an open auto teller. And, of course, when you hope to cruise in to grab some quick cash at the ATM only to have to wait for someone who wants every transaction available from the teller...

AND when the person in front of you IS using the ATM, but when they are done, they don't move until after they balance their checkbook for the month.

At least when I'm done with the ATM, I have the courtesy to move far enough ahead to allow anyone behind me to access the ATM freely.

The best strategy is to use a walk-up ATM. I've only used the drive-thru variant a handful of times and it's always far slower than parking and walking up to one attached to the bank building or even using a standalone one in the middle of a parking lot.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on December 21, 2021, 10:49:16 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 21, 2021, 06:45:58 PM
On a related note, people who stop traffic in parking lots waiting for people who just get in their cars to back out of the space so they can pull in. Once someone gets in their car, they are under no obligation to leave their parking spot immediately And I typically don't. I'll check text messages, sometimes email or social media, change the music on my player, clean my hands, or any number of other things. Now, if the driver starts the vehicle, puts their foot on the brake, and shifts into reverse, that means they're leaving, and you're more than welcome to stop to let them back out and then take that spot. If I get in the vehicle and someone stops waiting for me to pull out before I've started the attempt to back out, it bugs me.

Reminds me of one time while doing some Christmas shopping at the mall (in the pre-Amazon days). The parking lot was usually filled close to capacity, and I was walking out of the mall with several bags of stuff. Someone looking for a space slowly followed me down the aisle as I was walking to my car, presumably to snag my spot when I left.

Little did he know that I wasn't done shopping - I was just wanting to put a handful of bags in my trunk and go back in the mall to do more shopping. I'm sure he was pissed when I turned around to head back to the mall.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on December 22, 2021, 02:26:20 AM

Quote from: dlsterner on December 21, 2021, 10:49:16 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on December 21, 2021, 06:45:58 PM
On a related note, people who stop traffic in parking lots waiting for people who just get in their cars to back out of the space so they can pull in. Once someone gets in their car, they are under no obligation to leave their parking spot immediately And I typically don't. I'll check text messages, sometimes email or social media, change the music on my player, clean my hands, or any number of other things. Now, if the driver starts the vehicle, puts their foot on the brake, and shifts into reverse, that means they're leaving, and you're more than welcome to stop to let them back out and then take that spot. If I get in the vehicle and someone stops waiting for me to pull out before I've started the attempt to back out, it bugs me.

Reminds me of one time while doing some Christmas shopping at the mall (in the pre-Amazon days). The parking lot was usually filled close to capacity, and I was walking out of the mall with several bags of stuff. Someone looking for a space slowly followed me down the aisle as I was walking to my car, presumably to snag my spot when I left.

Little did he know that I wasn't done shopping - I was just wanting to put a handful of bags in my trunk and go back in the mall to do more shopping. I'm sure he was pissed when I turned around to head back to the mall.

We call that activity parking lot vulching -- it's what vulchers do, circle around and wait :-)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on December 22, 2021, 07:42:47 AM

Quote from: dlsterner on December 21, 2021, 10:49:16 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on December 21, 2021, 06:45:58 PM
On a related note, people who stop traffic in parking lots waiting for people who just get in their cars to back out of the space so they can pull in. Once someone gets in their car, they are under no obligation to leave their parking spot immediately And I typically don't. I'll check text messages, sometimes email or social media, change the music on my player, clean my hands, or any number of other things. Now, if the driver starts the vehicle, puts their foot on the brake, and shifts into reverse, that means they're leaving, and you're more than welcome to stop to let them back out and then take that spot. If I get in the vehicle and someone stops waiting for me to pull out before I've started the attempt to back out, it bugs me.

Reminds me of one time while doing some Christmas shopping at the mall (in the pre-Amazon days). The parking lot was usually filled close to capacity, and I was walking out of the mall with several bags of stuff. Someone looking for a space slowly followed me down the aisle as I was walking to my car, presumably to snag my spot when I left.

Little did he know that I wasn't done shopping - I was just wanting to put a handful of bags in my trunk and go back in the mall to do more shopping. I'm sure he was pissed when I turned around to head back to the mall.

If I'm in a bad mood and the parking lot vultures are out in force, I'll sometimes intentionally walk down the next drive aisle over from where I'm parked, then walk between cars to get to my car, leaving the vulture stuck in the wrong aisle.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on December 22, 2021, 09:14:04 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on December 22, 2021, 07:42:47 AM
If I'm in a bad mood and the parking lot vultures are out in force, I'll sometimes intentionally walk down the next drive aisle over from where I'm parked, then walk between cars to get to my car, leaving the vulture stuck in the wrong aisle.

i've never thought of that. that is awesome.

to add to parking lot annoyingness...

the parking lot at my work, several of the spaces are for 'compact only'. the annoying part is when some guy in an F-500000000 is back-and-forthing trying to get in or out of one of these spaces..

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jmacswimmer on December 22, 2021, 09:25:54 AM

There is a small parking lot on the south side of BWI Airport that sits alongside the final approach to Runway 33L (which handles arrivals most of the time during ideal weather). This small parking lot is used not just by plane-watchers such as myself, but also by bicyclists using the BWI loop trail and families coming to an adjacent playground, and as such the lot tends to be full throughout the day on a weekend. Since I typically just sit in my car while plane-watching, others driving by will see me in my car and think I'm about to leave and initiate the whole vulture-sequence. Usually they realize after a bit and move along, but a couple times I've had a vulture honk at me and there was once where someone even got out of their car and walked right up to me to ask if I was leaving (and then got irritated when I said no, as if I owed them the spot).

Quote from: 1995hoo on December 22, 2021, 07:42:47 AM
If I'm in a bad mood and the parking lot vultures are out in force, I'll sometimes intentionally walk down the next drive aisle over from where I'm parked, then walk between cars to get to my car, leaving the vulture stuck in the wrong aisle.

If I'm in a bad mood, the parking lot vultures are out in force, AND I'm in no hurry to get anywhere, I'll just sit in my car and wait until the vulture impatiently moves on to another ~~victim~~ spot.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 22, 2021, 09:35:04 AM

Adding another log to the parking rage fire: I think more people aren't as careful when vehicles are backing up. People will still walk right behind a vehicle that's backing up, into the path of a backed-up vehicle, or ignore a vehicle that's moving forward out of a space.

Curiously, it's not because I see many more people strolling through parking lots on their phones. Do they just assume that back-up cameras will notify the driver? Or is it a self-centered problem...hey, I'll just sue if I get hit? An increase of human cranial-posterior interface errors? Or just mis-perception on my part?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on December 22, 2021, 12:57:46 PM

Quote from: jmacswimmer on December 22, 2021, 09:25:54 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on December 22, 2021, 07:42:47 AM
If I'm in a bad mood and the parking lot vultures are out in force, I'll sometimes intentionally walk down the next drive aisle over from where I'm parked, then walk between cars to get to my car, leaving the vulture stuck in the wrong aisle.

If I'm in a bad mood, the parking lot vultures are out in force, AND I'm in no hurry to get anywhere, I'll just sit in my car and wait until the vulture impatiently moves on to another ~~victim~~ spot.

What!? :-D I had never heard of the term "parking lot vulture" until reading these posts. I can't say I've ever even considered waiting in the aisle for a parking spot unless someone has their backup lights on and is actively backing or pulling out of their spot.

But going to the trouble of following people to their car and waiting for them to leave? That's crazy. It must be more of an east coast thing... which I suppose makes sense...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on December 22, 2021, 01:06:21 PM

An evil dastardly and perfectly wonderful thing to do for one of the vultures who is following you out of the store is to pull out your phone, call the cops, give them a description of the vehicle, and tell them that they are following you suspiciously and you are fearful they are going to attempt to rob you when you get in your car. :evilgrin:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on December 22, 2021, 01:35:27 PM

Common as it now is for people to sit in their parked cars checking their phones before they set off, I still appreciate it when people leave promptly, as this spares me wondering whether they are going to start moving imminently or remain stationary for an indefinite period of time. This is more to do with accident prevention, since I've realized long ago that waiting for someone else to vacate a space (even if it is close in) usually takes longer than moving on to one that is already available.

Quote from: 1995hoo on December 22, 2021, 07:42:47 AMIf I'm in a bad mood and the parking lot vultures are out in force, I'll sometimes intentionally walk down the next drive aisle over from where I'm parked, then walk between cars to get to my car, leaving the vulture stuck in the wrong aisle.

I occasionally resort to that form of misdirection, not to punish vulture behavior, but rather to minimize the chances that someone waiting in a narrow aisle for me to leave forces me to turn away from my preferred exit.

In my local area, most people wait patiently for a parking space to be freed, but occasionally I encounter someone who gets visibly steamed when I walk to my trunk to deposit hand luggage (such as a gym bag) instead of just opening the driver's door and throwing it into the passenger seat footwell as I climb in.

Quote from: formulanone on December 22, 2021, 09:35:04 AMAdding another log to the parking rage fire: I think more people aren't as careful when vehicles are backing up. People will still walk right behind a vehicle that's backing up, into the path of a backed-up vehicle, or ignore a vehicle that's moving forward out of a space.

Curiously, it's not because I see many more people strolling through parking lots on their phones. Do they just assume that back-up cameras will notify the driver? Or is it a self-centered problem...hey, I'll just sue if I get hit? An increase of human cranial-posterior interface errors? Or just mis-perception on my part?

I think there are multiple factors in play:

* Not all people who walk through parking lots drive and thus understand the visibility limitations drivers must deal with, which in any case vary from vehicle to vehicle. (I keep driving a 27-year-old Saturn partly because it has much more DLO than current production vehicles in its size class.)

* The practice of using backup lights as part of courtesy lighting systems has resulted in a large share of the vehicle fleet crying wolf. (I think this should be banned, so that backup lights are energized only when reverse gear is engaged.)

* People sitting in their vehicles checking their phones, etc. have weakened the expectation that a vehicle with a human in the driver's seat will be about to start moving imminently.

Quote from: webny99 on December 22, 2021, 12:57:46 PMBut going to the trouble of following people to their car and waiting for them to leave? That's crazy. It must be more of an east coast thing... which I suppose makes sense...

It's not an East Coast thing at all--I've observed some form of it in places where parking is scarce overall or the pool of parking available for a given establishment incorporates a steep falloff in perceived convenience.

For example, my local YMCA has a downtown branch (https://www.google.com/maps/@37.6918104,-97.335891,168m/data=!3m1!1e3) that offers free parking for its members in a smallish lot on its property and in an overflow lot across the street. Most other parking downtown requires payment. As a result, during peak times it is very common for members to spend many minutes looping around the onsite lot instead of moving on immediately to the overflow lot, which nearly always has multiple spaces available.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on December 22, 2021, 01:44:29 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on December 22, 2021, 01:35:27 PM
* The practice of using backup lights as part of courtesy lighting systems has resulted in a large share of the vehicle fleet crying wolf. (I think this should be banned, so that backup lights are energized only when reverse gear is engaged.)

These are the worst! Several times I've been in my car waiting for someone to backup only for it to be those stupid lights. My parents Chevy truck has them, so now I have to deal with them when we're rearranging the cars in the driveway. :angry:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 22, 2021, 01:47:31 PM

Quote from: Bruce on December 21, 2021, 08:46:55 PM
The best strategy is to use a walk-up ATM. I've only used the drive-thru variant a handful of times and it's always far slower than parking and walking up to one attached to the bank building or even using a standalone one in the middle of a parking lot.

I don't think my credit union even has any walk-up ATMs that are outside the branch. Each branch has one drive-thru ATM, and one ATM inside the branch (and if I'm going inside the branch anyway, I'd rather talk to an actual teller so I can get $10s instead of $20s).

Of course, all sorts of convenience stores and pharmacies and such have indoor walk-up ATMs, but they charge higher fees than the credit union ones, and I have a firm belief in not paying for money.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ran4sh on December 22, 2021, 02:19:49 PM

Quote from: kkt on December 15, 2021, 12:50:10 PM
Quote from: XamotCGC on December 14, 2021, 11:51:12 PM
Being honked at for not turning right on a red light.

Yes. I'm at the stop line, so I am the best judge of how fast approaching traffic is coming and how much visibility I have and how fast my car can accelerate into traffic.

I've also seen where some driver who was about 3rd or 4th in line, honk at the driver at the line, while that driver (at the line) was following the law and stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross. Not sure if the honking driver saw the pedestrian but I don't think they did.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on December 22, 2021, 04:10:07 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on December 22, 2021, 01:35:27 PM
Quote from: webny99 on December 22, 2021, 12:57:46 PMBut going to the trouble of following people to their car and waiting for them to leave? That's crazy. It must be more of an east coast thing... which I suppose makes sense...

It's not an East Coast thing at all--I've observed some form of it in places where parking is scarce overall or the pool of parking available for a given establishment incorporates a steep falloff in perceived convenience.

For example, my local YMCA has a downtown branch (https://www.google.com/maps/@37.6918104,-97.335891,168m/data=!3m1!1e3) that offers free parking for its members in a smallish lot on its property and in an overflow lot across the street. Most other parking downtown requires payment. As a result, during peak times it is very common for members to spend many minutes looping around the onsite lot instead of moving on immediately to the overflow lot, which nearly always has multiple spaces available.

That's fair - it's perhaps not so much an East Coast vs. the rest of the country divide as it is an urban vs. suburban/rural divide, as this situation is most likely to occur in an urban setting. With that said, I suspect "vultures" are less common in Rust Belt cities/suburbs in particular, as those cities tend to have less population than they did at their peak, causing fewer of the parking availability issues common elsewhere.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on December 22, 2021, 06:21:57 PM

I try and be considerate by dropping my mother off at the front entrance and then finding a parking space. The walk does me some good. Of course, does my mother allow me to go get the car and then pick her up? Only sometimes....

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on December 22, 2021, 06:44:25 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 22, 2021, 01:47:31 PM
Quote from: Bruce on December 21, 2021, 08:46:55 PM
The best strategy is to use a walk-up ATM. I've only used the drive-thru variant a handful of times and it's always far slower than parking and walking up to one attached to the bank building or even using a standalone one in the middle of a parking lot.

I don't think my credit union even has any walk-up ATMs that are outside the branch. Each branch has one drive-thru ATM, and one ATM inside the branch (and if I'm going inside the branch anyway, I'd rather talk to an actual teller so I can get $10s instead of $20s).

Of course, all sorts of convenience stores and pharmacies and such have indoor walk-up ATMs, but they charge higher fees than the credit union ones, and I have a firm belief in not paying for money.

Definitely the opposite for the biggest credit unions around the Seattle area.

BECU is a behemoth, so they have dozens of branches and tons of standalone ATMs (an example in a parking lot (https://goo.gl/maps/UrxXxD5VSuCBLDmS8)). Even smaller CUs like Seattle CU have their own machines (https://goo.gl/maps/ZJgNJnf1Rif1t8Lc9) in strategic spots.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 22, 2021, 07:06:05 PM

I don't know that I've ever seen a walk-up ATM in the middle of a parking lot in Norman before. Most ATMs here are either drive-thru (invariably attached to the side of a bank) or inside a business like a retailer, grocery store, or convenience store.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on December 22, 2021, 07:09:00 PM

https://www.google.com/maps/@42.5328489,-83.1621229,3a,75y,314.24h,90.94t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1suLsc1kitHpRuXVM6xsQ13Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en

The nearest Chase bank is miles away.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on December 22, 2021, 07:34:07 PM

If there isn't a walk-up ATM available, I often just use the drive-thru ATM on foot.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 22, 2021, 08:12:19 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on December 22, 2021, 06:21:57 PM
I try and be considerate by dropping my mother off at the front entrance and then finding a parking space. The walk does me some good. Of course, does my mother allow me to go get the car and then pick her up? Only sometimes....

52 year old Texans unite!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on December 22, 2021, 10:19:43 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 21, 2021, 06:45:58 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on December 21, 2021, 12:06:56 AM
Here is a 2-in-1 snit:

* When you go to a bank or credit union that has an ATM that shares the same lane as an open auto teller. And, of course, when you hope to cruise in to grab some quick cash at the ATM only to have to wait for someone who wants every transaction available from the teller...

AND when the person in front of you IS using the ATM, but when they are done, they don't move until after they balance their checkbook for the month.

At least when I'm done with the ATM, I have the courtesy to move far enough ahead to allow anyone behind me to access the ATM freely.

I don't pull away from the ATM until I have counted my money to make sure I got all that I requested to be withdrawn. The reason is that there are usually cameras embedded in the ATMs, and if you're shorted on the cash (say you withdraw $200 but you only get nine $20 bills dispensed) you can hold the money up and mouth the words "I didn't get all the money I was supposed to get but the receipt still shows a $200 withdrawal." If you come back the next day to complain you were shorted, they're not going to believe you. But if there's video evidence, you have proof.

Otherwise, yes, I pull away immediately.

On a related note, people who stop traffic in parking lots waiting for people who just get in their cars to back out of the space so they can pull in. Once someone gets in their car, they are under no obligation to leave their parking spot immediately And I typically don't. I'll check text messages, sometimes email or social media, change the music on my player, clean my hands, or any number of other things. Now, if the driver starts the vehicle, puts their foot on the brake, and shifts into reverse, that means they're leaving, and you're more than welcome to stop to let them back out and then take that spot. If I get in the vehicle and someone stops waiting for me to pull out before I've started the attempt to back out, it bugs me.

How often do you get shorted by an ATM? I never have.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on December 23, 2021, 07:58:52 PM

Quote from: kkt on December 22, 2021, 10:19:43 PM

How often do you get shorted by an ATM? I never have.

I never have, either. But who's to say it won't happen the next time I use one?

Since there's a new Festivus thread, here's something that annoys me. "Seinfeld." That show never held any attraction for me.

For that matter, neither did "Friends."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on December 24, 2021, 04:38:46 PM

I'm not a space circler but the 2nd best space was open. Lady gets into her car in the first space, taking forever, then leaves the car door open for over a minute so I can't pull in. Got mad and parked elsewhere and she had finally closed the door and still hadn't moved.

2nd one today, left lane goes left/straight, right lane turns right, jackass in the right lane decides to get into the other lane, blocking the entire lane of right turners. If you can't plan properly go around the block!!

3rd one, backing into an end space, lady pops up out of nowhere between cars behind me. This was not the driveway it was a random lady popping up as I'm backing in.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on December 24, 2021, 05:34:44 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 21, 2021, 06:45:58 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on December 21, 2021, 12:06:56 AM
Here is a 2-in-1 snit:

* When you go to a bank or credit union that has an ATM that shares the same lane as an open auto teller. And, of course, when you hope to cruise in to grab some quick cash at the ATM only to have to wait for someone who wants every transaction available from the teller...

AND when the person in front of you IS using the ATM, but when they are done, they don't move until after they balance their checkbook for the month.

At least when I'm done with the ATM, I have the courtesy to move far enough ahead to allow anyone behind me to access the ATM freely.

I don't pull away from the ATM until I have counted my money to make sure I got all that I requested to be withdrawn. The reason is that there are usually cameras embedded in the ATMs, and if you're shorted on the cash (say you withdraw $200 but you only get nine $20 bills dispensed) you can hold the money up and mouth the words "I didn't get all the money I was supposed to get but the receipt still shows a $200 withdrawal." If you come back the next day to complain you were shorted, they're not going to believe you. But if there's video evidence, you have proof.

Your video "evidence" means nothing. It just shows the amount of money you choose to display to the camera. Anybody can sleight-of-hand a few bills and hold the rest up to the camera and claim a shortage. If you are truly shorted, they very well will believe you when you go to the teller counter because the counts will be out of whack when the transactions are reconciled to the cash remaining in the machine next time it is stocked, and the bank will step thoroughly through every transaction looking for the discrepancy. It may help to let them know that you were the one shorted, but they will find it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 24, 2021, 06:23:19 PM

In my experience working with that sort of machine, incorrect dispenses are very rare anyway. If a machine screws up, usually it's the result of a jam, which will cause nothing to be dispensed, the transaction cancelled, a very obvious error code to be inserted into the log, and the machine putting itself out of order until the jam can be cleared.

On the other hand, I do remember hearing a story when I was at the casino of soft count accidentally putting a $100s canister into the $20s slot on a bill-breaking machine. Management only realized what was happening when a huge line formed at that particular machine and none of the others...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on December 25, 2021, 05:28:12 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on December 24, 2021, 05:34:44 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on December 21, 2021, 06:45:58 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on December 21, 2021, 12:06:56 AM
Here is a 2-in-1 snit:

* When you go to a bank or credit union that has an ATM that shares the same lane as an open auto teller. And, of course, when you hope to cruise in to grab some quick cash at the ATM only to have to wait for someone who wants every transaction available from the teller...

AND when the person in front of you IS using the ATM, but when they are done, they don't move until after they balance their checkbook for the month.

At least when I'm done with the ATM, I have the courtesy to move far enough ahead to allow anyone behind me to access the ATM freely.

I don't pull away from the ATM until I have counted my money to make sure I got all that I requested to be withdrawn. The reason is that there are usually cameras embedded in the ATMs, and if you're shorted on the cash (say you withdraw $200 but you only get nine $20 bills dispensed) you can hold the money up and mouth the words "I didn't get all the money I was supposed to get but the receipt still shows a $200 withdrawal." If you come back the next day to complain you were shorted, they're not going to believe you. But if there's video evidence, you have proof.

Your video "evidence" means nothing. It just shows the amount of money you choose to display to the camera. Anybody can sleight-of-hand a few bills and hold the rest up to the camera and claim a shortage. If you are truly shorted, they very well will believe you when you go to the teller counter because the counts will be out of whack when the transactions are reconciled to the cash remaining in the machine next time it is stocked, and the bank will step thoroughly through every transaction looking for the discrepancy. It may help to let them know that you were the one shorted, but they will find it.

Yes, I strongly suspect they would wait for the count of cash in the ATM to be wrong before they reimbursed anyone. Maybe reporting it would let them know who should get an overage, and maybe motivate a special trip to count the cash in the ATM sooner rather than later.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Tom958 on December 25, 2021, 06:09:35 PM

Cops parked sideways in the gore. They call it that for a reason, y'know.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on December 25, 2021, 08:29:34 PM

Quote from: Tom958 on December 25, 2021, 06:09:35 PM
Cops parked sideways in the gore. They call it that for a reason, y'know.

Especially in the post-COVID world where far more drivers give zero fucks about exiting through it than they did before.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on December 27, 2021, 06:57:39 PM

When the sidewalk is wide enough for two people to cross one another safely... but then you get a couple who get lost if they stop being next to each other for the time they cross other people, resulting in not enough space for me to cross them without accidentally bumping into them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: frankenroad on December 28, 2021, 11:59:11 AM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 23, 2021, 07:58:52 PM
Quote from: kkt on December 22, 2021, 10:19:43 PM

How often do you get shorted by an ATM? I never have.

I never have, either. But who's to say it won't happen the next time I use one?

in my almost 50 years of using ATMs, I've never been shorted, however, one time I got an extra $20. At the time, I actually worked for the bank, and the ATM was in the lobby of our building (office building, not branch), so I took the extra money upstairs to the department that manages ATMs.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 01, 2022, 09:07:56 AM

Finding shredded tissues all over the laundry machine because my wife doesn't check her pockets before putting stuff in the laundry. I try to check them, but it never occurred to me she'd put a wad of tissues in her kitchen apron. Lovely way to start the new year, peeling shredded tissues out of the laundry machine.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tchafe1978 on January 01, 2022, 09:17:29 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 01, 2022, 09:07:56 AM
Finding shredded tissues all over the laundry machine because my wife doesn't check her pockets before putting stuff in the laundry. I try to check them, but it never occurred to me she'd put a wad of tissues in her kitchen apron. Lovely way to start the new year, peeling shredded tissues out of the laundry machine.

Think that's annoying? Wait until your wife or daughters leave their period pads or tampons in their pockets when doing laundry. They'll soak up a lot of water in the washer, and then come apart in thousands of pieces in the dryer!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 01, 2022, 10:40:48 AM

Quote from: tchafe1978 on January 01, 2022, 09:17:29 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 01, 2022, 09:07:56 AM
Finding shredded tissues all over the laundry machine because my wife doesn't check her pockets before putting stuff in the laundry. I try to check them, but it never occurred to me she'd put a wad of tissues in her kitchen apron. Lovely way to start the new year, peeling shredded tissues out of the laundry machine.

Think that's annoying? Wait until your wife or daughters leave their period pads or tampons in their pockets when doing laundry. They'll soak up a lot of water in the washer, and then come apart in thousands of pieces in the dryer!

Heh, I found a pad stuck to her underwear a few weeks ago. I told her to come downstairs: "You left a pussy pad stuck to your underwear and you need to remove it." She actually seemed embarrassed by it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on January 01, 2022, 10:58:39 PM

I might have mentioned this before, but restaurants that require you to make an account to use their online ordering system.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on January 01, 2022, 11:22:28 PM

Quote from: vdeane on January 01, 2022, 10:58:39 PM
I might have mentioned this before, but restaurants that require you to make an account to use their online ordering system.

Especially if the account is with a third-party service rather than directly with the restaurant's systems.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on January 01, 2022, 11:30:04 PM

Quote from: vdeane on January 01, 2022, 10:58:39 PM
I might have mentioned this before, but ~~restaurants~~ any merchants that require you to make an account to use their online ordering system.

Fixed that for you. Or me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on January 02, 2022, 01:58:14 AM

And more fun when the third-party service doesn't display the notes left (allegedly) by the customer in the ordering form. Lots of fun having to fish out apartment numbers, gate entry codes, callbox codes, instructions for sprawling complexes, and other bullshit from customers who might be too asleep/drunk/high to answer promptly.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on January 02, 2022, 11:44:12 AM

Quote from: Bruce on January 02, 2022, 01:58:14 AM
And more fun when the third-party service doesn't display the notes left (allegedly) by the customer in the ordering form. Lots of fun having to fish out apartment numbers, gate entry codes, callbox codes, instructions for sprawling complexes, and other bullshit from customers who might be too asleep/drunk/high to answer promptly.

and for that matter (i've mentioned this before) why people would order via grubhub/doordash etc from a restaurant that already has its own delivery mechanism. from my experience, is no contact with people, and no tips. "leave at door and text". ok, it's 5 below outside, enjoy your cold stuff and don't blame me because it's cold.

where i work, the joke's on them. if they were to call us directly there's all sorts of specials and deals we can apply. if they order via 3rd party, they pay full price for everything.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 02, 2022, 12:17:09 PM

Speaking of online ordering systems, how about software (doesn't have to be for ordering) that doesn't fill in the city and state automatically if you type the ZIP Code.

Another that I think was mentioned before: Systems that impose password-formatting requirements (say, at least one capital letter, at least one number, and at least one symbol but it can only be from a certain set of symbols) but don't tell you what the requirements are until after you create a password that it then rejects because it doesn't meet their secret requirements. Those sorts of requirements are a good thing, on the whole, but it doesn't make sense to fail to communicate them before the user has to create a password.

That all prompts me to think of another: Sites that let you click "remember this device" to bypass two-factor authentication in the future but that then ignore that setting. Why bother giving me the option if I'm going to have to get a code every time anyway? (To be clear, I don't mind two-factor authentication. My wife hates it, but I recognize its value. My gripe is simply that if you give me the option to skip it, the option should work.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on January 02, 2022, 05:21:25 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on January 01, 2022, 11:30:04 PM
Quote from: vdeane on January 01, 2022, 10:58:39 PM
I might have mentioned this before, but ~~restaurants~~ any merchants that require you to make an account to use their online ordering system.

Fixed that for you. Or me.

That too, though I seem far more likely to see it with restaurants than anything. That post was motivated by one such place requiring it last night - instead I just said "screw that, I'll just drive to East Greenbush to get my usual order from the one location in the local chain I normally get my pizza/wings from that's actually open on this holiday", causing them to lose a sale in the process. I don't tend to order a lot online, though.

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 02, 2022, 12:17:09 PM
Speaking of online ordering systems, how about software (doesn't have to be for ordering) that doesn't fill in the city and state automatically if you type the ZIP Code.

Another that I think was mentioned before: Systems that impose password-formatting requirements (say, at least one capital letter, at least one number, and at least one symbol but it can only be from a certain set of symbols) but don't tell you what the requirements are until after you create a password that it then rejects because it doesn't meet their secret requirements. Those sorts of requirements are a good thing, on the whole, but it doesn't make sense to fail to communicate them before the user has to create a password.

That all prompts me to think of another: Sites that let you click "remember this device" to bypass two-factor authentication in the future but that then ignore that setting. Why bother giving me the option if I'm going to have to get a code every time anyway? (To be clear, I don't mind two-factor authentication. My wife hates it, but I recognize its value. My gripe is simply that if you give me the option to skip it, the option should work.)

Or worse, password requirements that have requirements such as maximum lengths or restrictions on special characters that can be used that expose how the organization isn't following security best practices like hashing passwords or escaping special characters.

The online system my primary care doctor uses has that issue - no matter whether you set "remember this device", the system will still prompt for security question answers every time. This makes me think of another issue - sites that get significant resources from a third party, making them difficult to whitelist if blocking things like ads, scripts, or third party cookies is causing problems. I remember one time having to turn to Google, because even NBC's own technical support couldn't tell me what I needed to whitelist in AdBlock Plus to get Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist to actually play in Chrome.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 02, 2022, 06:39:00 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 02, 2022, 12:17:09 PMSpeaking of online ordering systems, how about software (doesn't have to be for ordering) that doesn't fill in the city and state automatically if you type the ZIP Code.

It's not a a hard and fast rule that a single city is assigned to a zip code. For example:

95670 - The primary city is Rancho Cordova, CA, but it is also used by Gold River, CA
94608 - The primary city is Emeryville, CA, but is also used for a part of Oakland, CA
90008 - The primary city is Los Angeles, CA, but is also used for Baldwin Hills and Baldwin Hills

In addition, a city can have multiple zip codes depending on the area. The city that I live in has three zip codes for the physical addresses and two zip codes for PO Boxes.

So, you need to actually have the street address in order to get the actual city.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 02, 2022, 07:14:21 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on January 02, 2022, 06:39:00 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 02, 2022, 12:17:09 PMSpeaking of online ordering systems, how about software (doesn't have to be for ordering) that doesn't fill in the city and state automatically if you type the ZIP Code.

It's not a a hard and fast rule that a single city is assigned to a zip code. For example:

95670 - The primary city is Rancho Cordova, CA, but it is also used by Gold River, CA
94608 - The primary city is Emeryville, CA, but is also used for a part of Oakland, CA
90008 - The primary city is Los Angeles, CA, but is also used for Baldwin Hills and Baldwin Hills

In addition, a city can have multiple zip codes depending on the area. The city that I live in has three zip codes for the physical addresses and two zip codes for PO Boxes.

So, you need to actually have the street address in order to get the actual city.

In the case of the first example, generally the zip code will default to the main town, then the user can switch it, or a selection menu appears. I live with a zip code associated with 7 different town names, so I'm used to switching the default town to my town.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 02, 2022, 07:23:45 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 02, 2022, 12:17:09 PMAnother that I think was mentioned before: Systems that impose password-formatting requirements (say, at least one capital letter, at least one number, and at least one symbol but it can only be from a certain set of symbols) but don't tell you what the requirements are until after you create a password that it then rejects because it doesn't meet their secret requirements. Those sorts of requirements are a good thing, on the whole, but it doesn't make sense to fail to communicate them before the user has to create a password.

One of the first things that you should be learning if you are doing any programming, especially any web programming, is "never ever trust the input from any source". Just because you limit the field length of the input field to 32 characters doesn't mean that what you receive as part of the POST will be less than 32 characters. Plus, if you are passing the input directly to the SQL call, you open yourself up to a SQL injection attack.

This brings up an irritation of mine. Ideally, you should be storing the password as a "salted" hash. For example (and I'm intentionally using a bad password for example purposes), the customer's password is is Fluffy62. I would salt the password with the customer ID so it looks like 147258963Fluffy62, thus avoiding the lookup tables. If I then use a one way hash, then the hashes that get generated (https://markholtz.info/2hp) are as follows:

CRC32: 8c561b69
MD5: 923c3966548efc54440782514ed455ed
SHA-256: d664be784d6054f0771c84ebdaa6ecc025b7c6f6eb59be93ea176672e4c8457a
SHA-512: 04479f5b19b5d733fd25eb626217d76b93e8206bddc4d78fd0e555ef053c8eaf4dadc74dee0890495c2a635bef4fd8003a89ef153db4bd4e4a2b094b2d588b0d

Anyone notice a pattern to these hashes? They are all numbers and letters, have a fixed length, and are easily stored in a database table. Now, lets try a complex password that is tied to a UUID that points to a customer number..... like 123e4567-e89b-12d3-a456-426614174000 + ~DU@_0$#oN0y~V^N3DFza|f\k}\yq<....

CRC32: 4b5827d0
MD5: 1015ef364aa58d316c5467b286168fc5
SHA-256: 0201c2cb0eda29f928f14375f4c10e8f5ad156aafe8d7fddbf071db93aa03415
SHA-512: beb6d5decaa9ddf6c6bcacda3dce019b18eac6dbb053218dbaff95007bdbfe33caecf046bfdb7c10fef702fb2d07725dae67fad9ad6c648a92835f2da73f6dbf

This means that while I enforce a minimum password length with minimum password requirements (one upper, one lower, one number, one special character), there should not be a maximum password length nor should there be a limitation on the special characters used. In fact, using accented characters or foreign characters make the password harder to crack. Yet, how many times have I encountered a website that limits a password to 16-20 characters, or limits the special characters being used? I've seen longer passwords allowed on a hobbyist web board than on a financial institution site.

Which puts me on another rant.... people just don't get that their "easily-remembered password" that they use on all of their websites are also quick to be cracked. Take a look at at How Secure Is My Password? (https://markholtz.info/securepassword) Fluffy62 takes one hour to crack. ~DU@_0$#oN0y~V^N3DFza|f\k}\yq< takes "2 hundred duodecillion years". I believe that both values are optimistic especially in a age where they use graphics cards to mine cyber currency.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 02, 2022, 07:49:00 PM

Of course, an inherent problem with passwords is that in the real world a user is not balancing the risk of the password being cracked but rather the negative consequences of the password being cracked versus ease of use in remembering the password. If someone hacks into my Pizza Hut account and uses up all of my rewards points, that will be annoying, but not as annoying as having to remember whether my password is ~DU@_0$#oN0y~V^N3DFza|f\k}\yq< or ~DU@_0$#oN0y~V%N3DFza|f\k}\yq< when I'm hungry and trying to order a pizza. If someone hacks into my bank account, they can do far worse things, so having a strong password there makes far more sense.

Yes, yes, password managers. Try to explain them to anyone over the age of 50 and see if that still seems like a viable, scalable solution. Personally, I use strong passwords for the things that matter, but keep them written in a paper notebook at home to enforce an air gap that a hacker couldn't actually cross if they got into my computer. If someone breaks into my house, I probably have bigger problems than them getting into my Web server. (And the sorts of people that burglarize a house are usually not the sorts of people that would know what to do with a password to a Web server anyway. If someone wants a Web server password bad enough to break into someone's house for it, they probably also want it bad enough to do way worse stuff to me to get it.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 02, 2022, 07:49:12 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 02, 2022, 07:14:21 PMIn the case of the first example, generally the zip code will default to the main town, then the user can switch it, or a selection menu appears. I live with a zip code associated with 7 different town names, so I'm used to switching the default town to my town.

I don't disagree with you there. It's just that we grew up with the specific format of entering in data by street name → city → state → ZIP code, or from specific to vague (with the exception of the ZIP code) because that was the expected format by the United States Postal Service and, by extension, adopted by the shipping and other businesses. Now, if we design the interface to first prompt for the zip code followed by the city selection, we are adding two-three more screens.

You just can't win from the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) perspective. :banghead: Of course, you should be able to determine the general location of the state and country based upon the IP address so that I don't have to scroll through 100 countries just to get to the United States.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on January 02, 2022, 10:27:16 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on January 02, 2022, 06:39:00 PM
It's not a a hard and fast rule that a single city is assigned to a zip code. For example:

95670 - The primary city is Rancho Cordova, CA, but it is also used by Gold River, CA
94608 - The primary city is Emeryville, CA, but is also used for a part of Oakland, CA
90008 - The primary city is Los Angeles, CA, but is also used for Baldwin Hills and Baldwin Hills

This is true, but what happens when a zip code is split between two different cities is that the post office deems one of the city names the preferred city name and the others as acceptable city names. And as far as the delivery of the mail goes, it doesn't matter which of these city names you use, even if it's otherwise inaccurate.

Such is the case, for example, for zip code 90210, which is partially in Beverly Hills and partially in Los Angeles. Many people in the Los Angeles portion of 90210 state their addresses as being in Beverly Hills, presumably for the prestige, and this is allowed by the post office, if potentially problematic for other things like 911 calls.

Some recent web sites I've visited have asked for the zip code first and then filled out the other associated boxes, but with regular text that you can then edit. Others will pull up full addresses as you type in the street address box, and you just type until the one you want has been uniquely identified.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 03, 2022, 02:00:36 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 02, 2022, 07:49:00 PM
Of course, an inherent problem with passwords is that in the real world a user is not balancing the risk of the password being cracked but rather the negative consequences of the password being cracked versus ease of use in remembering the password. If someone hacks into my Pizza Hut account and uses up all of my rewards points, that will be annoying, but not as annoying as having to remember whether my password is ~DU@_0$#oN0y~V^N3DFza|f\k}\yq< or ~DU@_0$#oN0y~V%N3DFza|f\k}\yq< when I'm hungry and trying to order a pizza. If someone hacks into my bank account, they can do far worse things, so having a strong password there makes far more sense.

Yes, yes, password managers. Try to explain them to anyone over the age of 50 and see if that still seems like a viable, scalable solution. Personally, I use strong passwords for the things that matter, but keep them written in a paper notebook at home to enforce an air gap that a hacker couldn't actually cross if they got into my computer. If someone breaks into my house, I probably have bigger problems than them getting into my Web server. (And the sorts of people that burglarize a house are usually not the sorts of people that would know what to do with a password to a Web server anyway. If someone wants a Web server password bad enough to break into someone's house for it, they probably also want it bad enough to do way worse stuff to me to get it.)

Passwords are a really mediocre way to provide security. The more secure the passwords, the more likely they're on a postit on one's monitor. And password managers just seem like an extremely tempting hacking target to me. I do use one, but only for the less sensitive sites. (Of course, I am over 50, so take this with whatever salt you think is appropriate.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on January 03, 2022, 07:16:28 AM

How important is password strength anyway when most passwords are stolen from a database or phished rather than guessed?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on January 03, 2022, 12:50:44 PM

Quote from: kkt on January 03, 2022, 02:00:36 AM
Passwords are a really mediocre way to provide security. The more secure the passwords, the more likely they're on a postit on one's monitor. And password managers just seem like an extremely tempting hacking target to me. I do use one, but only for the less sensitive sites. (Of course, I am over 50, so take this with whatever salt you think is appropriate.)

Not necessarily (see link below). I do share your skepticism of password managers, though. I'll save some relatively unimportant stuff in Chrome, but not really important stuff like bank accounts. I don't think someone stealing my computer should be able to instantly access my bank accounts, credit cards, etc.

https://xkcd.com/936/

Quote from: 1 on January 03, 2022, 07:16:28 AM
How important is password strength anyway when most passwords are stolen from a database or phished rather than guessed?

Kinda hard to steal something from a database if all the database has is salted hashes. That's why a password should never be stored as plain text and why limitations such as maximum lengths or special character restrictions are an issue - they are only needed if the organization is doing the thing they should never, ever do.

Password guessing is still a thing. If a password is sufficiently weak or is one of the most common passwords ("monkey" was an example of one just a couple years ago, maybe still is; arguably an example of both!), a computer can run through guesses pretty fast and figure out what it is. A strong password, combined with the organization following best practices and the individual being mindful of phishing attempts, is really the way to go (and even then is still vulnerable to social engineering... it's hard to make an air-tight system, but we do at least want to make it as hard as possible for the criminal).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 03, 2022, 05:45:20 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 02, 2022, 07:49:00 PMOf course, an inherent problem with passwords is that in the real world a user is not balancing the risk of the password being cracked but rather the negative consequences of the password being cracked versus ease of use in remembering the password. If someone hacks into my Pizza Hut account and uses up all of my rewards points, that will be annoying, but not as annoying as having to remember whether my password is ~DU@_0$#oN0y~V^N3DFza|f\k}\yq< or ~DU@_0$#oN0y~V%N3DFza|f\k}\yq< when I'm hungry and trying to order a pizza. If someone hacks into my bank account, they can do far worse things, so having a strong password there makes far more sense.

The Fluffy1962 and ~DU@_0$#oN0y~V^N3DFza|f\k}\yq< were used as extreme examples of a week and extremely strong password respectively just so that I could emphasize my point. Do I expect anyone to have a 32 character password to place an order with Pizza The Hutt? Nope. But, there is other Personal Identifiable Information that can be contained in your account, such as your birthday, phone number, street address.... all of which could be used as part of an application or request for information. Or they can change the address and... woohoo.... free food and merchandise that can be resold for recreational medication. And, there are too many malicious people out there who take great delight in making other people lives miserable.

"Your identity is your most valuable possession. Protect it."

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 02, 2022, 07:49:00 PMYes, yes, password managers. Try to explain them to anyone over the age of 50 and see if that still seems like a viable, scalable solution.

Lets see here... I'm over 50, and utilize a password manager such as KeePass (https://markholtz.info/keepass) to maintain my master list of passwords, plus a subset is maintained through LastPass (https://markholtz.info/lastpass). The entire database is encrypted through a Master Password, and KeePass supports the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES, Rijndael) and the Twofish algorithm to encrypt its password databases. Both of these ciphers are regarded as being very secure.

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 02, 2022, 07:49:00 PMPersonally, I use strong passwords for the things that matter, but keep them written in a paper notebook at home to enforce an air gap that a hacker couldn't actually cross if they got into my computer.

Really? REALLY? Why don't you just tape those passwords to the bottom of your keyboard while you are at it?

Quote from: 1 on January 03, 2022, 07:16:28 AMHow important is password strength anyway when most passwords are stolen from a database or phished rather than guessed?

See my earlier explanation. If the password table are encrypted utilizing a one-way hash such as SHA-512 and properly salted, then it is extremely hard to reverse-engineer the password.(HINT: If the company mails you your password when you do a password reset, then it's not utilizing a one-way hash.) The problem lies when I see lists of extremely common passwords such as this list of the 200 most common passwords for 2021 (https://markholtz.info/password2021)? Too many people value convenience over security, and then, SURPRISE! have to spend months if not years cleaning up the mess. It's bad enough that enough companies treat IT as an expensive that has to be minimized. Do I have to use fear, uncertainly, and doubt (FUD) to encourage users to adopt better security habits? This is also why we have to adopt two-factor authentication system.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 03, 2022, 07:38:49 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on January 03, 2022, 05:45:20 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 02, 2022, 07:49:00 PMOf course, an inherent problem with passwords is that in the real world a user is not balancing the risk of the password being cracked but rather the negative consequences of the password being cracked versus ease of use in remembering the password. If someone hacks into my Pizza Hut account and uses up all of my rewards points, that will be annoying, but not as annoying as having to remember whether my password is ~DU@_0$#oN0y~V^N3DFza|f\k}\yq< or ~DU@_0$#oN0y~V%N3DFza|f\k}\yq< when I'm hungry and trying to order a pizza. If someone hacks into my bank account, they can do far worse things, so having a strong password there makes far more sense.

The Fluffy1962 and ~DU@_0$#oN0y~V^N3DFza|f\k}\yq< were used as extreme examples of a week and extremely strong password respectively just so that I could emphasize my point. Do I expect anyone to have a 32 character password to place an order with Pizza The Hutt? Nope. But, there is other Personal Identifiable Information that can be contained in your account, such as your birthday, phone number, street address.... all of which could be used as part of an application or request for information. Or they can change the address and... woohoo.... free food and merchandise that can be resold for recreational medication. And, there are too many malicious people out there who take great delight in making other people lives miserable.

"Your identity is your most valuable possession. Protect it."

All of that stuff is available in government open records anyway, though. You can get my street address by looking up where my LLC is registered or by searching the county assessor's records for my name. All of this is available on publicly-facing websites. You don't even have to talk to a clerk to get it. I couldn't "protect it" if I wanted to.

Changing the address wouldn't really work since they'd need the CVV to my card to actually place an order. Unlike Amazon, Pizza Hut doesn't have one-click ordering. And if they did somehow get it, I'd just file a chargeback with the credit card company and they'd kill the transaction. A possible nuisance, versus the guaranteed nuisance of having a ridiculous password.

Quote from: ZLoth on January 03, 2022, 05:45:20 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 02, 2022, 07:49:00 PMYes, yes, password managers. Try to explain them to anyone over the age of 50 and see if that still seems like a viable, scalable solution.
Lets see here... I'm over 50, and utilize a password manager such as KeePass (https://markholtz.info/keepass) to maintain my master list of passwords, plus a subset is maintained through LastPass (https://markholtz.info/lastpass). The entire database is encrypted through a Master Password, and KeePass supports the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES, Rijndael) and the Twofish algorithm to encrypt its password databases. Both of these ciphers are regarded as being very secure.

Sure, but I want to see the look on Brenda from Accounting's face when you start saying things like "Rijndael" and "Twofish" to her.

Besides, then KeepAss has your passwords. If someone breaks your master password, you're in exactly the same place as if you had used the same password on every website you have an account on. Oh, use a strong password for that? Like the ones you're saving in a password manager because you can't remember them? I see.

Quote from: ZLoth on January 03, 2022, 05:45:20 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 02, 2022, 07:49:00 PMPersonally, I use strong passwords for the things that matter, but keep them written in a paper notebook at home to enforce an air gap that a hacker couldn't actually cross if they got into my computer.

Really? REALLY? Why don't you just tape those passwords to the bottom of your keyboard while you are at it?

I work from home, not in an office where any random passersby could come into my cube and purloin the password list while I'm off taking a shit. So, tell me, realistically...who's going to get the passwords out of my notebook? My wife? (She wouldn't know what to do with them, and has resisted learning how a Web server works even when I've tried to teach her.) My dog? (She's going blind so she probably can't read it.)

So the only way someone could get my passwords is by physically breaking into my house. Who is going to do that to get the password to a shitty $24/month Web server? It's way easier and far less legally risky to just find one with a weaker password.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 03, 2022, 08:23:47 PM

Some random thief stealing your "password book" is the stuff of either bad movie trope or untrustworthy friends. If you keep it right next to the computer, then that's a problem, but if you keep in a bookcase among 250 other books...good luck finding it.

If you'd asked me five years ago if that was stupid, I'd agree, but to the degree that various websites are getting compromised, then there's not a whole lot you can do. If some yutz answers a email without questioning the sender through "social engineering" or someone was fired and their master password hasn't been modified since Windows 98 was a standard...your little nondescript book is just to keep up with the fact you should change them every 3-12 months.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on January 05, 2022, 02:35:18 PM

My mom insists on leaving the TV remotes underneath the TV, instead of beside the couch (because "it looks tidier"). Why have a remote if you have to get up every time to grab it? I usually end up sitting down before noticing they're by the TV. :pan:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on January 05, 2022, 03:03:33 PM

Quote from: 7/8 on January 05, 2022, 02:35:18 PM
My mom insists on leaving the TV remotes underneath the TV, instead of beside the couch (because "it looks tidier"). Why have a remote if you have to get up every time to grab it? I usually end up sitting down before noticing they're by the TV. :pan:

related: reaching for the remote and grabbing the phone instead thus calling egypt instead of changing the channel. or alternatively reaching for the phone and finding yourself in the nosebleed channels when all you wanted to do was order pizza.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 05, 2022, 03:21:45 PM

Heh, when I was in law school, my mom called me–paying weekday rates for a long-distance call–to ask why the remote for their Magnavox TV was beeping. (I had an almost identical TV–my father bought theirs because he liked mine.) I told her she must have turned on the TV using the button on the TV and she confirmed she had. So I told her it was locating the remote for her and the beeping was to help her find it. Mom's response: "I know where the remote is. I don't need to locate it." My reaction: "Then why the hell did you use the button on the TV if you know where the remote is? It assumes you lost the remote because nobody uses the button on the TV." She didn't have a response to that and I told her to press any button on the remote to get the beeping to stop. (Semi-related: During my fourth year of college, the batteries in the remote in my apartment died. Thank God the TV was on ESPN when that happened. It stayed on, tuned to that channel, for three days until we got around to buying new batteries.)

At some point, my parents had a remote that would turn the TV on and off and adjust the volume but would not operate the cable box. If you wanted to change the channel, you still had to walk over there and change the channel, this because they were not willing to pay the cable company to rent a remote that would operate the cable box.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 05, 2022, 03:35:44 PM

I remember the first remote control we ever had had to be plugged into our VCR. I think the cord was maybe 6' long.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on January 05, 2022, 09:32:34 PM

Quote from: 7/8 on January 05, 2022, 02:35:18 PM
My mom insists on leaving the TV remotes underneath the TV, instead of beside the couch (because "it looks tidier"). Why have a remote if you have to get up every time to grab it? I usually end up sitting down before noticing they're by the TV. :pan:

I would think the idea would be that you'd remember to grab the remote when you want to watch TV and return it when you're done, not that you'd be getting it for every single channel change.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on January 05, 2022, 10:28:35 PM

Quote from: vdeane on January 05, 2022, 09:32:34 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on January 05, 2022, 02:35:18 PM
My mom insists on leaving the TV remotes underneath the TV, instead of beside the couch (because "it looks tidier"). Why have a remote if you have to get up every time to grab it? I usually end up sitting down before noticing they're by the TV. :pan:
I would think the idea would be that you'd remember to grab the remote when you want to watch TV and return it when you're done, not that you'd be getting it for every single channel change.

The problem is I usually don't remember until after I've sat down. :-D I'd still prefer leaving them on the end tables or even on the couch, but I won't win this one. :)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 05, 2022, 11:41:35 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 05, 2022, 03:21:45 PM
Heh, when I was in law school, my mom called me–paying weekday rates for a long-distance call–to ask why the remote for their Magnavox TV was beeping. (I had an almost identical TV–my father bought theirs because he liked mine.) I told her she must have turned on the TV using the button on the TV and she confirmed she had. So I told her it was locating the remote for her and the beeping was to help her find it. Mom's response: "I know where the remote is. I don't need to locate it." My reaction: "Then why the hell did you use the button on the TV if you know where the remote is? It assumes you lost the remote because nobody uses the button on the TV." She didn't have a response to that and I told her to press any button on the remote to get the beeping to stop. (Semi-related: During my fourth year of college, the batteries in the remote in my apartment died. Thank God the TV was on ESPN when that happened. It stayed on, tuned to that channel, for three days until we got around to buying new batteries.)

At some point, my parents had a remote that would turn the TV on and off and adjust the volume but would not operate the cable box. If you wanted to change the channel, you still had to walk over there and change the channel, this because they were not willing to pay the cable company to rent a remote that would operate the cable box.

That sounds like a nice feature! I wish my remote had that feature about 15 years ago. The remote stayed lost for about a year and a half. I looked under the easy chair cushions, and under the easy chair, but at the back of the platform for the chair seat cushion there was a little slot just right for a remote to fall down and get stuck above the springs...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 06, 2022, 07:30:06 AM

Quote from: kkt on January 05, 2022, 11:41:35 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 05, 2022, 03:21:45 PM
Heh, when I was in law school, my mom called me–paying weekday rates for a long-distance call–to ask why the remote for their Magnavox TV was beeping. (I had an almost identical TV–my father bought theirs because he liked mine.) I told her she must have turned on the TV using the button on the TV and she confirmed she had. So I told her it was locating the remote for her and the beeping was to help her find it. Mom's response: "I know where the remote is. I don't need to locate it." My reaction: "Then why the hell did you use the button on the TV if you know where the remote is? It assumes you lost the remote because nobody uses the button on the TV." She didn't have a response to that and I told her to press any button on the remote to get the beeping to stop. (Semi-related: During my fourth year of college, the batteries in the remote in my apartment died. Thank God the TV was on ESPN when that happened. It stayed on, tuned to that channel, for three days until we got around to buying new batteries.)

At some point, my parents had a remote that would turn the TV on and off and adjust the volume but would not operate the cable box. If you wanted to change the channel, you still had to walk over there and change the channel, this because they were not willing to pay the cable company to rent a remote that would operate the cable box.

That sounds like a nice feature! I wish my remote had that feature about 15 years ago. The remote stayed lost for about a year and a half. I looked under the easy chair cushions, and under the easy chair, but at the back of the platform for the chair seat cushion there was a little slot just right for a remote to fall down and get stuck above the springs...

The "SmartSound" feature in the second ad worked pretty well and didn't muffle explosions or the like in TV shows.

https://youtu.be/ZGdo_hb0BCQ

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 06, 2022, 08:27:21 AM

Here's one: people that brake when approaching a green light. Ahhhhh! WHY!?

To me it seems like you must be more choke-prone than the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI if you're going to slow down in that scenario. You've been given a beautiful, rare gift. Take it and RUN!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on January 06, 2022, 08:27:58 AM

Quote from: webny99 on January 06, 2022, 08:27:21 AM
Here's one: people that brake when approaching a green light. Ahhhhh! WHY!?

Because they're turning left and they have to wait for incoming traffic to clear?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 06, 2022, 08:29:53 AM

Quote from: 1 on January 06, 2022, 08:27:58 AM
Quote from: webny99 on January 06, 2022, 08:27:21 AM
Here's one: people that brake when approaching a green light. Ahhhhh! WHY!?

Because they're turning left and they have to wait for incoming traffic to clear?

No, I'm talking about going straight, with a clear lane ahead.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 06, 2022, 09:07:05 AM

Quote from: webny99 on January 06, 2022, 08:29:53 AM
Quote from: 1 on January 06, 2022, 08:27:58 AM
Quote from: webny99 on January 06, 2022, 08:27:21 AM
Here's one: people that brake when approaching a green light. Ahhhhh! WHY!?

Because they're turning left and they have to wait for incoming traffic to clear?

No, I'm talking about going straight, with a clear lane ahead.

Never hurts to be cautious for red-light runners.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 06, 2022, 09:23:15 AM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 06, 2022, 09:07:05 AM
Never hurts to be cautious for red-light runners.

Only when the light has just turned. I'm talking about people braking when it's already been green for a while (10 seconds or more), almost as if they are scared of going through, or perhaps for some reason are actively trying to miss it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 06, 2022, 01:28:55 PM

Quote from: 7/8 on January 05, 2022, 02:35:18 PMMy mom insists on leaving the TV remotes underneath the TV, instead of beside the couch (because "it looks tidier"). Why have a remote if you have to get up every time to grab it?

It could be worse. In the laste 1980s, my mother "hid" the remotes to my own television and VCR, and insisted that I get off my lazy butt and change the channel. Mind you, not the family television, but my own television and VCR in my own room. And, the VCR was one of those models that you needed the remote to set up recordings.

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 05, 2022, 03:21:45 PMAt some point, my parents had a remote that would turn the TV on and off and adjust the volume but would not operate the cable box. If you wanted to change the channel, you still had to walk over there and change the channel, this because they were not willing to pay the cable company to rent a remote that would operate the cable box.

Let me guess... you grew up in the 1970s or 1980s where the family had only one television set, and a remote wasn't needed because you were the remote. If there were multiple TVs, the cable only went to the main family television. Usually, the program that got watched was what the father wanted to watch, followed by the mother.

Yeah, I remember those days. X-(

My mother elected to move with me to Texas. I figured, get a Roku television, they're cheap, and the user interface is fairly simple. We'll save some money by using streaming services. For the record, I have:

Amazon Prime (paid subscription)
AMC+ (promo subscription)
Criterion Channel (paid annual subscription)
Discovery+ (free through mobile provider)
Disney+ (free through mobile provider)
ESPN+ (free through mobile provider)
HBOMax (free though Internet provider)
HULU-Ad supported (free through mobile provider)
Starz (promo subscription)

Plus, I have a Plex media server with many movies and TV shows, some of which may be of interest to her (e.g. The Sound Of Music, Dancing In The Rain, Casablanca, The Spirit of 76, other musicals and older dramas).

What does my mother do? She insists on subscribing to a linear television service, but I convinced her to use DirecTV Now (now DirecTV Stream), but all she watches is one single channel: The Hallmark Channel. :banghead: Furthermore, if the Hallmark Channel is not on, she interrupts me to the point of waking me up to set her television to the Hallmark Channel. Can she observe what I'm doing to get to that point? Nope. Can she watch her precious Golden Girls on Plex or HULU? No, it's too "complicated".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 06, 2022, 02:22:47 PM

Sounds like you need to just stop doing it for her then–if she wants Hallmark badly enough she can figure out how it works. If she can't figure it out, it means she doesn't want Hallmark badly enough to learn and it's no great loss.

Such is the only way to escape indefinite unpaid IT support contracts sometimes. (I've managed to escape my own with "I dunno, I don't use Windows anymore.")

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 07, 2022, 09:10:03 AM

Could you just type up a set of instructions for her? I had to do that for my wife when we switched from DirecTV to YouTube TV, especially for the TV in the basement because the volume down there is controlled through the stereo receiver. I essentially typed up an instruction sheet using numbered paragraphs that says "Pick up the Logitech remote," "Press Watch TV," etc., saying what to press, what to move the cursor to on the screen, and when to switch between "Activity" and "Device" mode on the remote (and how to do so).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on January 07, 2022, 11:31:02 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on January 06, 2022, 01:28:55 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on January 05, 2022, 02:35:18 PMMy mom insists on leaving the TV remotes underneath the TV, instead of beside the couch (because "it looks tidier"). Why have a remote if you have to get up every time to grab it?

It could be worse. In the laste 1980s, my mother "hid" the remotes to my own television and VCR, and insisted that I get off my lazy butt and change the channel. Mind you, not the family television, but my own television and VCR in my own room. And, the VCR was one of those models that you needed the remote to set up recordings.

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 05, 2022, 03:21:45 PMAt some point, my parents had a remote that would turn the TV on and off and adjust the volume but would not operate the cable box. If you wanted to change the channel, you still had to walk over there and change the channel, this because they were not willing to pay the cable company to rent a remote that would operate the cable box.

Let me guess... you grew up in the 1970s or 1980s where the family had only one television set, and a remote wasn't needed because you were the remote. If there were multiple TVs, the cable only went to the main family television. Usually, the program that got watched was what the father wanted to watch, followed by the mother.

Yeah, I remember those days. X-(

My mother elected to move with me to Texas. I figured, get a Roku television, they're cheap, and the user interface is fairly simple. We'll save some money by using streaming services. For the record, I have:

Amazon Prime (paid subscription)
AMC+ (promo subscription)
Criterion Channel (paid annual subscription)
Discovery+ (free through mobile provider)
Disney+ (free through mobile provider)
ESPN+ (free through mobile provider)
HBOMax (free though Internet provider)
HULU-Ad supported (free through mobile provider)
Starz (promo subscription)

Plus, I have a Plex media server with many movies and TV shows, some of which may be of interest to her (e.g. The Sound Of Music, Dancing In The Rain, Casablanca, The Spirit of 76, other musicals and older dramas).

What does my mother do? She insists on subscribing to a linear television service, but I convinced her to use DirecTV Now (now DirecTV Stream), but all she watches is one single channel: The Hallmark Channel. :banghead: Furthermore, if the Hallmark Channel is not on, she interrupts me to the point of waking me up to set her television to the Hallmark Channel. Can she observe what I'm doing to get to that point? Nope. Can she watch her precious Golden Girls on Plex or HULU? No, it's too "complicated".

Disney+ has good stuff too! :)
When we got rid of CenturyLink in 2018 (internet remained till 2020), we had some channels that remained through TV Everywhere.
Now we have spectrum, and that got rid of most of them. :no:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 07, 2022, 11:46:40 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 07, 2022, 09:10:03 AMCould you just type up a set of instructions for her?

That would rely entirely on my mother actually reading the instructions. You would think they would provide an online guide to download and print out. The guides I have found were "bare bones" (https://letmegooglethat.com/?q=directv+stream+roku+guide) on how to add the DirecTV Stream channel and how to access it, but not an actual users guide.

I have tried sitting down and tutoring my mother in the afternoon, and these are the responses I get:

"You aren't coming at a good time." (She is watching a YouTube video or Facebook)
"I'm tired and going to bed."
"Why do they make things so complicated?"

It's already bad that she doesn't have much patience... or likes to interrupt me when I'm trying to patiently explain how to use Roku. As they say, you can lead a horse to water....

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Mr_Northside on January 07, 2022, 02:43:18 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 05, 2022, 03:35:44 PM
I remember the first remote control we ever had had to be plugged into our VCR. I think the cord was maybe 6' long.

That was the case that I remember growing up. I think the remote cord was longer than 6', but it was certainly corded. I imagine there was some overlap afterwards where a TV got replaced with a non-corded remote for that TV (but still needing the wired remote for the VCR)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 08, 2022, 01:13:43 AM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 06, 2022, 09:07:05 AM
Quote from: webny99 on January 06, 2022, 08:29:53 AM
Quote from: 1 on January 06, 2022, 08:27:58 AM
Quote from: webny99 on January 06, 2022, 08:27:21 AM
Here's one: people that brake when approaching a green light. Ahhhhh! WHY!?

Because they're turning left and they have to wait for incoming traffic to clear?

No, I'm talking about going straight, with a clear lane ahead.

Never hurts to be cautious for red-light runners.

Yes. My wife and kid got T-boned by a red light runner. There was no visibility around the corner but slowing down would have given her a precious split-second. Not "serious", the car seat protected the toddler very well, but wife had a year of physical therapy and some permanent reduction of function of her leg. And the car was totalled.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on January 08, 2022, 01:39:18 AM

Quote from: kkt on January 08, 2022, 01:13:43 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 06, 2022, 09:07:05 AM
Quote from: webny99 on January 06, 2022, 08:29:53 AM
Quote from: 1 on January 06, 2022, 08:27:58 AM
Quote from: webny99 on January 06, 2022, 08:27:21 AM
Here's one: people that brake when approaching a green light. Ahhhhh! WHY!?

Because they're turning left and they have to wait for incoming traffic to clear?

No, I'm talking about going straight, with a clear lane ahead.

Never hurts to be cautious for red-light runners.

Yes. My wife and kid got T-boned by a red light runner. There was no visibility around the corner but slowing down would have given her a precious split-second. Not "serious", the car seat protected the toddler very well, but wife had a year of physical therapy and some permanent reduction of function of her leg. And the car was totalled.

I always get nervous when I see someone come flying up to the stop line looking to RTOR because I have to defensively assume they either don't understand and/or don't really care about the "on red" part of the equation.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on January 09, 2022, 01:15:53 AM

Quote from: webny99 on January 06, 2022, 09:23:15 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 06, 2022, 09:07:05 AM
Never hurts to be cautious for red-light runners.

Only when the light has just turned. I'm talking about people braking when it's already been green for a while (10 seconds or more), almost as if they are scared of going through, or perhaps for some reason are actively trying to miss it.

I don't necessarily hit the brakes, however if a green light is what I would think is stale then I will let my foot off the gas and coast especially considering the number of red light cameras in this town

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on January 09, 2022, 03:25:22 PM

How common is red light running in the middle of the light cycle? Usually I see it as something where someone misjudged the length of the yellow or is playing the "the person in front of me entered the intersection therefore I can too regardless of what the light says" game that is often played right as the light turns red. I can only think of one time, maybe twice, where I ever saw someone blatantly run a red that had been red for a while.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on January 09, 2022, 03:42:44 PM

Quote from: vdeane on January 09, 2022, 03:25:22 PM
How common is red light running in the middle of the light cycle? Usually I see it as something where someone misjudged the length of the yellow or is playing the "the person in front of me entered the intersection therefore I can too regardless of what the light says" game that is often played right as the light turns red. I can only think of one time, maybe twice, where I ever saw someone blatantly run a red that had been red for a while.

I am seeing a lot more red light runners than I ever used to, and I don't think it has anything to do with misjudging or following the person in front. I think it's related to people still driving 90+ mph on urban freeways and recklessly weaving through traffic to do so, because they liked the openness when the roads were empty during COVID confinements and they're not giving it up.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on January 09, 2022, 04:05:48 PM

Quote from: vdeane on January 09, 2022, 03:25:22 PM
How common is red light running in the middle of the light cycle? Usually I see it as something where someone misjudged the length of the yellow or is playing the "the person in front of me entered the intersection therefore I can too regardless of what the light says" game that is often played right as the light turns red. I can only think of one time, maybe twice, where I ever saw someone blatantly run a red that had been red for a while.

I admit recently I got myself into a pickle where I piggybacked off a car turning left on yellow, but as I was about to turn I saw a guy who was flooring it to head straight through and was just not going to give a shit about his red light whatsoever, so I got caught in the middle of the intersection on the cross traffic's green light. It was not pretty.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 09, 2022, 04:36:12 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 09, 2022, 04:05:48 PMI admit recently I got myself into a pickle where I piggybacked off a car turning left on yellow, but as I was about to turn I saw a guy who was flooring it to head straight through and was just not going to give a shit about his red light whatsoever, so I got caught in the middle of the intersection on the cross traffic's green light. It was not pretty.

I wouldn't worry too much about this type of situation. Staking a left turn (moving beyond the stop bar and advancing into the intersection while waiting to turn) is partly about risk mitigation, as it ensures you are visible to traffic that gets the green if you are trapped in the intersection by someone who is bound and determined not to stop. People usually won't launch into an obstacle that is right in front of them. On the other hand, I know at least one person whose car was declared a total loss because she tried to turn in front of someone who was speeding up to make the light.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SectorZ on January 09, 2022, 08:09:47 PM

As I dealt with yesterday, people that will take a left turn attempting to pull into a full Starbucks/Dunkin' Donuts parking lot (due to the drive thru) and block traffic.

In this case, this person had a left green arrow and got caught when she clearly could have just stayed at the light and only turned if it was clear. Blocked two of three straight lanes of the oncoming side that got the green soon after on a 45 MPH road.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 09, 2022, 08:54:39 PM

Quote from: SectorZ on January 09, 2022, 08:09:47 PM
As I dealt with yesterday, people that will take a left turn attempting to pull into a full Starbucks/Dunkin' Donuts parking lot (due to the drive thru) and block traffic.

In this case, this person had a left green arrow and got caught when she clearly could have just stayed at the light and only turned if it was clear. Blocked two of three straight lanes of the oncoming side that got the green soon after on a 45 MPH road.

This is very annoying. But at the same time, there's too many people on these forums that will also say they had the green and the right of way, so they could turn. As long as they turned before the light turned red, they believe they're in the right, even though they're now obstructing traffic.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 09, 2022, 11:44:15 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 09, 2022, 08:54:39 PM
Quote from: SectorZ on January 09, 2022, 08:09:47 PM
As I dealt with yesterday, people that will take a left turn attempting to pull into a full Starbucks/Dunkin' Donuts parking lot (due to the drive thru) and block traffic.

In this case, this person had a left green arrow and got caught when she clearly could have just stayed at the light and only turned if it was clear. Blocked two of three straight lanes of the oncoming side that got the green soon after on a 45 MPH road.

This is very annoying. But at the same time, there's too many people on these forums that will also say they had the green and the right of way, so they could turn. As long as they turned before the light turned red, they believe they're in the right, even though they're now obstructing traffic.

If they think they have the right to turn just because the light is green, they should reread their drivers' handbook. They have the right to turn when the light is green AND it is safe to do so.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on January 10, 2022, 09:26:15 AM

When a driver ahead of me is being nice and stops to let a car out of a business driveway, and then said exiting car tries to turn left, but can't because the other lanes have traffic. Now we have to wait for the exiting car to get out of the way.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 10, 2022, 10:38:34 AM

Quote from: GaryV on January 10, 2022, 09:26:15 AM
When a driver ahead of me is being nice and stops to let a car out of a business driveway, and then said exiting car tries to turn left, but can't because the other lanes have traffic. Now we have to wait for the exiting car to get out of the way.

If I let a car into my lane, it's karma.

If they then want to stop everything to get over over three lanes to make a left, it's dogma.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: gonealookin on January 10, 2022, 09:44:16 PM

I'm finding it very annoying that whoever owns the rights to the "Cheers" theme song has licensed its use to Applebee's for their commercials. Sam's bar in no way bore any resemblance to an Applebee's.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on January 12, 2022, 12:18:27 PM

Those semi trucks with multiple trailers. They just seem dangerous. I've never seen one drive completely straight without swinging back and forth to some greater or lesser extent. And when one of them tries to pass another one, you definitely want to stay way back and let the process finish.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on January 12, 2022, 08:11:52 PM

Hotel room bathrooms where they place a full length mirror directly opposite the toilet. Yeah ... that's the last thing I want to look at while taking a shit ...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: I-55 on January 12, 2022, 09:57:08 PM

Quote from: dlsterner on January 12, 2022, 08:11:52 PM
Hotel room bathrooms where they place a full length mirror directly opposite the toilet. Yeah ... that's the last thing I want to look at while taking a shit ...

For that matter I've been in hotels where the bathroom door either doubles as the closet door, is a sliding door that is easy to see through, or doesn't lock altogether.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 13, 2022, 12:21:37 AM

I've stayed in a (fairly pricey) hotel where the bathroom door slid in a track instead of moving on hinges, and was so hard to get going and so hard to stop once it got moving that there were visible patches of damage to the finish where other guests had not been able to keep it from crashing into the stop.

Another time my Google-fu failed me when I arrived in a new town, and I ended up staying in a decayed old motel where the bathroom door had a broken knob. I was very lucky my first attempt to pull it closed all the way failed; if it had latched, I would have been trapped inside the bathroom (naked) until someone came to let me out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on January 13, 2022, 10:02:47 AM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 13, 2022, 12:21:37 AM
I've stayed in a (fairly pricey) hotel where the bathroom door slid in a track instead of moving on hinges, and was so hard to get going and so hard to stop once it got moving that there were visible patches of damage to the finish where other guests had not been able to keep it from crashing into the stop.

Another time my Google-fu failed me when I arrived in a new town, and I ended up staying in a decayed old motel where the bathroom door had a broken knob. I was very lucky my first attempt to pull it closed all the way failed; if it had latched, I would have been trapped inside the bathroom (naked) until someone came to let me out.

One of the local hotels (SYR) had a sliding door bedroom with its own bathroom! :love:
This was at CrestHill Suites in Syracuse (right off New Venture Gear Drive / Former Kinne Street)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 13, 2022, 01:07:23 PM

Quote from: I-55 on January 12, 2022, 09:57:08 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on January 12, 2022, 08:11:52 PM
Hotel room bathrooms where they place a full length mirror directly opposite the toilet. Yeah ... that's the last thing I want to look at while taking a shit ...

For that matter I've been in hotels where the bathroom door either doubles as the closet door, is a sliding door that is easy to see through, or doesn't lock altogether.

I've had a few Hampton Inns that use that setup; usually it's a recent build or re-design.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on January 13, 2022, 01:15:04 PM

I stayed at a place (low-end chain place) where the drain pipe from the bathroom sink was disconnected, and then kind of lined back up so some of the water went down the pipe. I put a barrier of towels around the spill.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 13, 2022, 06:30:20 PM

I'm bothered when national figures make sweeping generalizations about a place without knowing the actual background of said place. It happens fairly often to Kentucky, where outsiders who know nothing about the political history and makeup of the Bluegrass State spout off.

I wrote a column about it...

https://kentuckyvalleyviews.blogspot.com/2021/09/a-brief-history-of-kentucky-politics.html

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on January 13, 2022, 06:49:12 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 13, 2022, 06:30:20 PM
I'm bothered when national figures make sweeping generalizations about a place without knowing the actual background of said place. It happens fairly often to Kentucky, where outsiders who know nothing about the political history and makeup of the Bluegrass State spout off.

Even though you and I agree on virtually nothing when it comes to individual politics, these issues are the ultimate sum of:

-the death and consolidation of local media, resulting in analysis and reporting largely falling to outsiders
-coastal domination of media that has little interest on what happens between I-5 and I-95
-people who demand oversimplified explanations for the things they don't know

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on January 13, 2022, 10:37:08 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 13, 2022, 06:30:20 PM
I'm bothered when national figures make sweeping generalizations about a place without knowing the actual background of said place. It happens fairly often to Kentucky, where outsiders who know nothing about the political history and makeup of the Bluegrass State spout off.

I wrote a column about it...

https://kentuckyvalleyviews.blogspot.com/2021/09/a-brief-history-of-kentucky-politics.html

From what I understand, these Democrats you talk about (except state legislators representing Louisville and the current governor of Kentucky) are not liberal – they're a remnant of the Southern Democrats that held the South from the two-party system to the 2000s decade for most of the South and 2014-2016 for the last three states to switch: Arkansas, Kentucky, and West Virginia – and it's not fully over in West Virginia.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 14, 2022, 11:51:14 AM

Quote from: tolbs17 on January 14, 2022, 08:02:55 AM
A contract is already underway to replace these (https://www.google.com/maps/@34.5920572,-79.102678,3a,41.9y,281.24h,95.7t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1svCYRVNiLU9hdYMvdoddExg!2e0!5s20210601T000000!7i16384!8i8192) signs with more reflective sheeting, eliminating the need for attached lighting. They are prolly doing it because it just creates light pollution.

Using the made-up word "prolly" for "probably." Also, "tryna" for "trying to."

The English language continues to die a slow, painful death.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on January 14, 2022, 02:28:28 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 14, 2022, 11:51:14 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on January 14, 2022, 08:02:55 AM
A contract is already underway to replace these (https://www.google.com/maps/@34.5920572,-79.102678,3a,41.9y,281.24h,95.7t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1svCYRVNiLU9hdYMvdoddExg!2e0!5s20210601T000000!7i16384!8i8192) signs with more reflective sheeting, eliminating the need for attached lighting. They are prolly doing it because it just creates light pollution.

Using the made-up word "prolly" for "probably." Also, "tryna" for "trying to."

The English language continues to die a slow, painful death.

don't forget 'finna' or 'finta' ...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on January 14, 2022, 02:41:52 PM

Quote from: vdeane on January 01, 2022, 10:58:39 PM
I might have mentioned this before, but restaurants that require you to make an account to use their online ordering system.

More restaurant stuff - places that require you to start an online order just to look at their menu. I've run into non-zero places that I've randomly been interested in scouting out late at night that had closed foe the day and wouldn't allow me to look at their menu on account of not being able to place an order at that time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 14, 2022, 03:15:10 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on January 14, 2022, 02:28:28 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 14, 2022, 11:51:14 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on January 14, 2022, 08:02:55 AM
A contract is already underway to replace these (https://www.google.com/maps/@34.5920572,-79.102678,3a,41.9y,281.24h,95.7t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1svCYRVNiLU9hdYMvdoddExg!2e0!5s20210601T000000!7i16384!8i8192) signs with more reflective sheeting, eliminating the need for attached lighting. They are prolly doing it because it just creates light pollution.

Using the made-up word "prolly" for "probably." Also, "tryna" for "trying to."

The English language continues to die a slow, painful death.

don't forget 'finna' or 'finta' ...

Yea, but watcha gonna do?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 14, 2022, 03:24:17 PM

anyone seen the movie idiocracy? "Jack Inna Box" this is how it starts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 14, 2022, 04:29:01 PM

Has anyone ever tried to read Old English? As much as I hate "Textese" it certainly is way easier to understand than the outright gibberish that is Old English.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on January 14, 2022, 04:34:34 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on November 26, 2021, 12:10:33 PM
Something that bothered me this past week: Smart televisions and the expectation that you enter in the password such as p1!V0$AovF&V,ybTm82g to access the streaming service utilizing the television remote instead of displaying a code that you can enter through a web browser. At least I can use the Roku app to paste the password in, but the SiriusXM app on Roku doesn't even allow THAT! Can I at least view the password on the screen? Noooooo...

I'm not sure if you were aware of this, but if you use the Roku app on your phone and go to the remote screen, chances are, you'll be able to enter the password using a keyboard on your phone.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 14, 2022, 06:39:31 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 14, 2022, 04:29:01 PMHas anyone ever tried to read Old English? As much as I hate "Textese" it certainly is way easier to understand than the outright gibberish that is Old English.

FÃ¦der ure Ã¾u Ã¾e eart on heofonum;
Si Ã¾in nama gehalgod
to becume Ã¾in rice
gewurÃ¾e Ã°in willa
on eorÃ°an swa swa on heofonum.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on January 15, 2022, 05:23:10 PM

I went into a house with a bathroom in a living room. That was so weird

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 15, 2022, 05:50:58 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on January 15, 2022, 05:23:10 PM
I went into a house with a bathroom in a living room. That was so weird

I assume you mean the bathroom was a separate room off of the living room and not that the toilet was actually in the living room, which would be a lot more weird.

Houses of a certain size and price point tend to assume that the owners of the house will regularly have guests over, and thus will include a bathroom specifically intended for guests. This is done both for ease of access, and to discourage guests from wandering into the parts of the house containing more private areas, such as bedrooms. I have seen houses set up to have the bathroom in the main entryway, for example.

Smaller houses tend to locate bathrooms in a more utilitarian location. For example, my house has one of its two bathrooms off of the main hallway, in between the second and third bedroom. (The other bathroom is located off the master bedroom and thus is not accessible to guests.)

My parents' 2 bed/3 bath house has only one toilet not accessed through a bedroom, and that is located in the laundry room, which is an odd choice, since most people wouldn't want their guests to see their washer and dryer or any laundry left in there. More oddly, the room contains no sink–there is one in the hallway, however (which also leads to the garage, meaning someone coming in from outside can easily wash their hands, if necessary, before entering the main body of the house).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 15, 2022, 08:35:12 PM

The powder room in our house is right off the living room/dining room. It's the only bathroom on that level. It's the only logical place for it on that floor, though I admit it's not always an ideal location (when my father was in his last months and his kidneys were failing, it was not the most pleasant thing to hear him in there when he'd become stricken with the need to go have a seat on the toilet during dinner–but, on the other hand, his medical condition at the time combined with trouble climbing stairs made it that much more important for that powder room to be so conveniently located).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 15, 2022, 10:25:08 PM

I suppose if having to hear someone conducting a transaction in the lavatory at inopportune times was disturbing enough and frequent enough, one could expend the resources to install some degree of soundproofing of the room. This might be difficult or impossible depending on the particulars of the bathroom, however. For example, many things that are excellent at absorbing sound waves would also promote growth of mold in high-humidity conditions (for the very same reasons they make good sound dampers), so they could only be used in a half-bath.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 16, 2022, 03:06:31 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 15, 2022, 05:50:58 PMMy parents' 2 bed/3 bath house has only one toilet not accessed through a bedroom, and that is located in the laundry room, which is an odd choice, since most people wouldn't want their guests to see their washer and dryer or any laundry left in there. More oddly, the room contains no sink–there is one in the hallway, however (which also leads to the garage, meaning someone coming in from outside can easily wash their hands, if necessary, before entering the main body of the house).

In my experience of this local area, it's pretty common for there to be a half-bath located off a laundry room that doubles as a mudroom for the door to the garage. My parents and both sets of grandparents have all lived in such houses.

I can think of three motivations for this particular design choice. It allows one hot water pipe to be run to serve two distinct types of uses, and thus reduces the amount of lukewarm water that has to be flushed through the tap to get hot water. Also, it permits a rectangle of space to be carved into the laundry room, the bathroom, and a storage room of some kind (the pantry in my parents' house, and a closet off the garage in both grandparents' houses) without any voids. And finally, it increases privacy by putting another room between someone using the toilet and other occupants of the house. It's not just a question of not wanting to be heard through a hollow-core door by people in the next room: even if there is an exhaust fan, defecating with other people so close means sharing intimate information about diet and bowel function.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on January 16, 2022, 03:09:38 PM

Quote from: dlsterner on January 12, 2022, 08:11:52 PM
Hotel room bathrooms where they place a full length mirror directly opposite the toilet. Yeah ... that's the last thing I want to look at while taking a shit ...

I just think damn he looks good, wait am I gay? No, that's just me!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 16, 2022, 09:56:34 PM

Government agencies that use Weather Channel winter storm names in their press releases.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: cl94 on January 16, 2022, 10:29:52 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 16, 2022, 09:56:34 PM
Government agencies that use Weather Channel winter storm names in their press releases.

Oh god. Those stupid Weather Channel names can burn in a fire.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 16, 2022, 10:54:38 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 16, 2022, 09:56:34 PM
Government agencies that use Weather Channel winter storm names in their press releases.

Weather Channel making up their own names for storms.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on January 17, 2022, 07:48:27 AM

How else are they going to keep track of which snow-mageddon they are talking about this week?
"You mean the storm of the century that hit last week?"
"No, the storm of the century that we're predicting for Tuesday."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on January 17, 2022, 07:57:17 AM

Quote from: GaryV on January 17, 2022, 07:48:27 AM
How else are they going to keep track of which snow-mageddon they are talking about this week?
"You mean the storm of the century that hit last week?"
"No, the storm of the century that we're predicting for Tuesday."

Early January 2022, mid-January 2022, late January 2022. This naming system allows about 10 days between them.

(year not required when talking about the current one or one that just happened, but useful for those in the past)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 17, 2022, 08:13:04 AM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 16, 2022, 09:56:34 PM
Government agencies that use Weather Channel winter storm names in their press releases.

Those annoy the crap out of me. I don't watch the Weather Channel, and NO weatherman I've heard on either the TV or the radio uses those stupid names. If the Weather Channel considers themselves to have such a high and mighty position, why don't they try to impose their own hurricane names instead of what the National Hurricane Center puts out?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 17, 2022, 08:37:16 AM

Quote from: cl94 on January 16, 2022, 10:29:52 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 16, 2022, 09:56:34 PM
Government agencies that use Weather Channel winter storm names in their press releases.

Oh god. Those stupid Weather Channel names can burn in a fire.

I hear this complaint every year, and yet it doesn't go away. Maybe the name is not that big a deal?

#noworsethananyothercryptichashtag

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 17, 2022, 09:08:54 AM

Quote from: formulanone on January 17, 2022, 08:37:16 AM
Quote from: cl94 on January 16, 2022, 10:29:52 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 16, 2022, 09:56:34 PM
Government agencies that use Weather Channel winter storm names in their press releases.

Oh god. Those stupid Weather Channel names can burn in a fire.

I hear this complaint every year, and yet it doesn't go away. Maybe the name is not that big a deal?

#noworsethananyothercryptichashtag

No, but the Weather Channel is nearly irrelevant in the weather business as they have switched to mostly 30 and 60 minute shows. It's basically free advertising if they can get people talking about their naming of storms.

Of course, notice that no one ever says, hey, do you remember snowstorm Carl? No. They remember they had 20 inches of snow to shovel.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 17, 2022, 10:07:50 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 17, 2022, 09:08:54 AM

Of course, notice that no one ever says, hey, do you remember snowstorm Carl? No. They remember they had 20 inches of snow to shovel.

That's why I think it's irrelevant, and not worth getting annoyed about it. I think there's a tendency to Give Everything a Name/Title, to give it "historic meaning".

People coin new words all the time; some catch on, some get forgotten, and others are lost to irrelevance.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 17, 2022, 10:32:28 AM

The Weather Channel was a good channel until it's sale by Landmark Communications (now Landmark Media Enterprises) in January, 2008 to NBC Universal. In the months after the sale, they laid off many long-time meteorologists from that channel. It had gotten so bad that in 2014, there was a carriage dispute with DirecTV where, not only the per-subscriber fees cited as a dispute item, but also the complaints in regards to the programming at that time, including the high amount of reality programming.

I prefer to get my weather information from online sources such as weather.gov. When there are thunderstorms in my area, I have a Lightning Map on a second monitor (https://markholtz.info/lightningmaps). When there are tornadoes in the forecast, there are several YouTubers who I tune to to show the latest tornado tracks.

And, as for naming anything less than a hurricane, that is going to cause issues with kids who share the same name as the storm.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on January 17, 2022, 11:23:30 AM

If they ever name one of those snowstorms "Cantore",...

And speaking of the other weather channels, I can't stand that they like running the same non-severe weather segments over and over for an hour or 2 before they do it again. Pure laziness.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on January 17, 2022, 11:59:53 AM

The names don't really bother me, although I would prefer if they were given by a more official organization. I'd be okay with a numbering system or anything else along those lines, too, since it does seem helpful to distinguish among storms that occur near one another, in both time and space.

Quote from: ZLoth on January 17, 2022, 10:32:28 AM
And, as for naming anything less than a hurricane, that is going to cause issues with kids who share the same name as the storm.

I assure you, it causes problems with kids who share their names with hurricanes as well. I know, I have a cousin named Katrina.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 17, 2022, 12:42:37 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on January 17, 2022, 11:59:53 AMI assure you, it causes problems with kids who share their names with hurricanes as well. I know, I have a cousin named Katrina.

Still better than "Karen". (My mother is named Karin as well)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 17, 2022, 01:50:42 PM

If you like what Weather Channel used to be, there's a WeatherStar 4000 emulator (http://www.taiganet.com/) that downloads weather data from NWS and displays it in the format of a mid-90s Weather Channel local weather segment (what they now call "Local on the 8s"). Takes a little bit of tinkering to set up but it's pretty cool.

If I ever had the money to splurge on it, I would set up a Raspberry Pi or something with it running on a loop and hook it up to one of the HDMI slots on my TV, so I could have "the weather channel" without all of the bullshit.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on January 17, 2022, 03:01:16 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 17, 2022, 01:50:42 PM
If you like what Weather Channel used to be, there's a WeatherStar 4000 emulator (http://www.taiganet.com/) that downloads weather data from NWS and displays it in the format of a mid-90s Weather Channel local weather segment (what they now call "Local on the 8s"). Takes a little bit of tinkering to set up but it's pretty cool.

If I ever had the money to splurge on it, I would set up a Raspberry Pi or something with it running on a loop and hook it up to one of the HDMI slots on my TV, so I could have "the weather channel" without all of the bullshit.

If it also played instrumental Phish songs like they used to do in the early 2000s, I'd be in.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on January 17, 2022, 06:14:40 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 17, 2022, 08:13:04 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 16, 2022, 09:56:34 PM
Government agencies that use Weather Channel winter storm names in their press releases.

Those annoy the crap out of me. I don't watch the Weather Channel, and NO weatherman I've heard on either the TV or the radio uses those stupid names. If the Weather Channel considers themselves to have such a high and mighty position, why don't they try to impose their own hurricane names instead of what the National Hurricane Center puts out?

The Green Bay TV stations uses their own names for snowstorms.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 17, 2022, 07:00:34 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on January 17, 2022, 03:01:16 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 17, 2022, 01:50:42 PM
If you like what Weather Channel used to be, there's a WeatherStar 4000 emulator (http://www.taiganet.com/) that downloads weather data from NWS and displays it in the format of a mid-90s Weather Channel local weather segment (what they now call "Local on the 8s"). Takes a little bit of tinkering to set up but it's pretty cool.

If I ever had the money to splurge on it, I would set up a Raspberry Pi or something with it running on a loop and hook it up to one of the HDMI slots on my TV, so I could have "the weather channel" without all of the bullshit.
If it also played instrumental Phish songs like they used to do in the early 2000s, I'd be in.

Good news–you can configure a playlist with whatever you want, including instrumental Phish songs if you have a copy of them. (I have mine set to play video game music.) It even has separate playlists for each season, so you can select music appropriate to the time of year.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on January 17, 2022, 07:29:12 PM

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 17, 2022, 07:45:40 PM

Quote from: thenetwork on January 17, 2022, 07:29:12 PM
If they ever name one of those snowstorms "Cantore",...

And speaking of the other weather channels, I can't stand that they like running the same non-severe weather segments over and over for an hour or 2 before they do it again. Pure laziness.

I was about to delete this post as a duplicate, but then I realized that maybe you like running the same post over and over for 8 hours before you do it again.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on January 18, 2022, 01:19:41 AM

When I want dessert and the server just brings the check without asking if I want dessert, which I'm not going to go to the hassle of telling them I'm not done, then forcing them to run off and get me dessert and a new check, etc. Their loss.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 18, 2022, 01:43:50 AM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 18, 2022, 01:19:41 AM
When I want dessert and the server just brings the check without asking if I want dessert, which I'm not going to go to the hassle of telling them I'm not done, then forcing them to run off and get me dessert and a new check, etc. Their loss.

As someone who rarely wants dessert, I appreciate the waiters who show up with the check in hand, but ask if there's anyone who wants dessert before handing it over. That seems like the smoothest way to handle both answers to the question–dessert-getters are still presented the option with no fuss, but dessert-decliners get to have the check immediately so they can be on their way more quickly. Best of both worlds.

More annoying is when you're in a party that wants to split the check and the waiter presents a single check without asking if it's on one check or separate. This should always be asked–I have taken friends of the opposite gender out to lunch or something to celebrate something or catch up, and they put it on one check, I guess because they assume we're on a date. Bonus obnoxious points when they present the check specifically to the male instead of placing it midway between the two diners–when my wife and I went on dates before we were married, we would take turns paying.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 18, 2022, 01:59:39 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 18, 2022, 01:43:50 AM
More annoying is when you're in a party that wants to split the check and the waiter presents a single check without asking if it's on one check or separate. This should always be asked–I have taken friends of the opposite gender out to lunch or something to celebrate something or catch up, and they put it on one check, I guess because they assume we're on a date. Bonus obnoxious points when they present the check specifically to the male instead of placing it midway between the two diners–when my wife and I went on dates before we were married, we would take turns paying.

The diners are responsible to say they want separate checks, and this should be done prior to any ordering. While some servers may ask large parties if they'll want separate checks, if it's two people, that would be treated as an insult to many couples.

It can also be difficult, along with time consuming, for a server to separate out a check at the end of a service. If the people at the table don't remember what they ordered and don't want to take the time to figure it out themselves, it shouldn't be expected for the server to do it for you.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: oscar on January 18, 2022, 02:13:58 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 18, 2022, 01:59:39 AM
The diners are responsible to say they want separate checks, and this should be done prior to any ordering. While some servers may ask large parties if they'll want separate checks, if it's two people, that would be treated as an insult to many couples.

It can also be difficult, along with time consuming, for a server to separate out a check at the end of a service. If the people at the table don't remember what they ordered and don't want to take the time to figure it out themselves, it shouldn't be expected for the server to do it for you.

This became standard practice for road meets, after a rather disastrous experience with asking for separate checks at the end of lunch rather than the beginning. It took the server about half an hour to reconstruct separate checks, which the server was expecting to be covered by one check for our group. That meant a late start for our meet tour.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 18, 2022, 02:15:19 AM

It sometimes happens that desserts are nominally on the menu but dessert orders are not welcome, at least at busy times, as the margins don't justify the added delay in turning over the table. This is one of the things I typically play by ear.

The more serious problem, in my experience, is showing up hungry at an establishment that has an alcohol license, only to find--after being seated--that the kitchen has closed and no food (with the possible exception of microwave-reheatable finger foods) is available. This can usually be avoided by showing up no later than eight PM (preferably seven PM in really small towns), but that can't always be arranged on long hauls that entail driving well into the evening.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on January 18, 2022, 03:02:47 AM

Speaking of naming weather-ish phenomena: wildfires are named for wherever they were first discovered and aren't usually updated to reflect the full scope (like earthquakes are). As such, names like the "Camp Fire" (named for Camp Creek Road) were used instead of something more logical "Paradise Fire" or "Butte Canyon Fire".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 18, 2022, 03:31:15 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 18, 2022, 01:59:39 AM
The diners are responsible to say they want separate checks, and this should be done prior to any ordering. While some servers may ask large parties if they'll want separate checks, if it's two people, that would be treated as an insult to many couples.

It can also be difficult, along with time consuming, for a server to separate out a check at the end of a service. If the people at the table don't remember what they ordered and don't want to take the time to figure it out themselves, it shouldn't be expected for the server to do it for you.

It is always in the interest of someone who is owed money to ensure that the accounting is done correctly. If they fail to, they're apt to not get paid properly. (Who's responsible for adding up the total at the grocery store?)

In my experience, around here, if I'm in a group of more than about three or so, after the entrees have been delivered but before bringing the check, the server will ask at some point (usually during drink refills) "Is this all on one check, or separate?" Based on some of the receipts I've gotten, my understanding is that the register systems used by modern restaurants require the server to enter the ticket, separated by guest, at the time the order is initially placed (this process is probably also what communicates the order to the kitchen). Then when it comes time to print the checks, it is trivial to put "Guest 1" and "Guest 2" on one ticket and "Guest 3" on another.

I'm usually pretty forgiving about service mistakes, but botching the billing process is a sure-fire way to be dropped from our restaurant rotation. It's such a basic function of a restaurant that there are enough of them that can get it right, so there's no need to tolerate the ones that can't.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 18, 2022, 03:34:45 AM

Quote from: Bruce on January 18, 2022, 03:02:47 AM
Speaking of naming weather-ish phenomena: wildfires are named for wherever they were first discovered and aren't usually updated to reflect the full scope (like earthquakes are). As such, names like the "Camp Fire" (named for Camp Creek Road) were used instead of something more logical "Paradise Fire" or "Butte Canyon Fire".

I figured whoever picked the name for the Camp Fire was probably thinking they were really funny at the time. (Notice it wasn't the Camp Creek fire.) Then it became a major disaster and it wasn't funny anymore.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on January 18, 2022, 06:55:31 AM

Interestingly, it doesn't matter that much to me. While I've always almost had it as one check, I created a Python program that determines how much each person pays after tax and tip, rounded to the nearest dollar, using the Huntington-Hill algorithm. It also takes into account coupons and comped items (you're supposed to tip on the original). We almost always pay cash. This means that even if we did want it split and it came out as one check, it wouldn't make a difference.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 18, 2022, 07:33:32 AM

When I go out with a group for work, we usually remind the server "separate checks" before ordering, and remind them again before bringing us our respective bills. Sometimes even the greeter will smartly ask us while we're being seated (usually it's obvious when it's lunch time).

Since most of us have corporate cards, we have to eyeball the cards' names very carefully when they're returned to us...you don't want to wind up checking into the hotel the following week with a reservation for BALLYHOO GERHARD FITZSIMMONS with a card that says RUFUS XAVIER SASPARILLA on it.

That's why usually I've avoided gatherings over 8-12 people, because the checks have more of a chance of getting messed up. It's easier if we can get someone high up with the company to cover the entire bill, report the attendees, and deduct it straight out of the per diem.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 18, 2022, 12:34:24 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 18, 2022, 03:31:15 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 18, 2022, 01:59:39 AM
The diners are responsible to say they want separate checks, and this should be done prior to any ordering. While some servers may ask large parties if they'll want separate checks, if it's two people, that would be treated as an insult to many couples.

It can also be difficult, along with time consuming, for a server to separate out a check at the end of a service. If the people at the table don't remember what they ordered and don't want to take the time to figure it out themselves, it shouldn't be expected for the server to do it for you.

It is always in the interest of someone who is owed money to ensure that the accounting is done correctly. If they fail to, they're apt to not get paid properly. (Who's responsible for adding up the total at the grocery store?)

In my experience, around here, if I'm in a group of more than about three or so, after the entrees have been delivered but before bringing the check, the server will ask at some point (usually during drink refills) "Is this all on one check, or separate?" Based on some of the receipts I've gotten, my understanding is that the register systems used by modern restaurants require the server to enter the ticket, separated by guest, at the time the order is initially placed (this process is probably also what communicates the order to the kitchen). Then when it comes time to print the checks, it is trivial to put "Guest 1" and "Guest 2" on one ticket and "Guest 3" on another.

I'm usually pretty forgiving about service mistakes, but botching the billing process is a sure-fire way to be dropped from our restaurant rotation. It's such a basic function of a restaurant that there are enough of them that can get it right, so there's no need to tolerate the ones that can't.

When you go to the grocery store with friends, do you all put your stuff on the conveyer belt, have the cashier ring everything up, then decide to tell the cashier they need to separate the products by the person who wanted them?

Your definition of 'accounting' here doesn't match the situation because you believe they botched some secret-to-you billing process. The server accounted for all the food and drinks ordered. You, as a diner, decided to wait till the end to want to split the check. There is no mistake here by the server. The server can't assume you want the bill split, and how it would be split. All 3 paying at separately? Guest 1 & 2 on one bill? Guest 1 & 3? Guest 2 & 3? All separate, but you're buying the drinks?

And in these modern times, one person can pay for the bill, and the others can Venmo the money.

Quote...my understanding is...

Hard stop. Anytime someone thinks they have an understanding of the way something works, chances are they fully don't. There are a multitude of restaurant ordering systems out there; each has different functions, and some easier to work with than others. Some may instruct the server to separate items by guest; others may not. Some restaurants may instruct their servers to enter items one way unless specified by a guest. But ultimately, nearly any time the server is given instructions post-meal, chances are they have to make changes, which delays not only your table, but service to other tables as well.

There are some jobs I think everyone should experience in their lifetime. Being a server is one of those jobs. Many people have many different ideas of what is normal. You may think a server should automatically split a bill and place the bill directly in the center of the table; others may assume the bill will just be paid for by a specific person and don't expect a bill to be split. How you conduct yourself may inadvertently tell the server you're a boss, taking clients or employees out. What you do may be totally out of the relm of the norm. Servers have to deal with all types of diners; some easier to deal with than others. It shouldn't be a server's duty to read a crystal ball.

Taking 2 seconds to say "We'll need separate checks" at the beginning of the meal clears up so much for everyone involved.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 18, 2022, 12:42:41 PM

As a person who worked in the restaurant industry for almost 20 years, the easiest way to find out if separating the bill is super easy in their POS system (point of sale) is if your food is dropped off without the food runner auctioning off the food (i.e. who had the BLT?) because that means that you ring everything in with a seat number and, in turn, separating checks based on that is very simple. That said, good servers can pretty easily separate checks after the fact without the software making it easy. Shitty ones can't.

I would agree that if you really need something separated and can't Venmo your friends (i.e., you all have corporate cards, etc.) than it's just polite to let your server know early, no matter how hard or simple it may or may not be.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 18, 2022, 12:44:26 PM

Another thing regarding people splitting the check is that not all people do that based on the actual amounts ordered. Some people just split it evenly unless one person ordered something particularly more expensive than everyone else (in which case it's reasonable for that person to pay his actual share).

Some restaurants won't split the check if the group is bigger than a certain size. That worked well for me once on a trip to England. I was with a group of about 20 people and the tab got passed around the table with everyone putting in the actual amount owed. I was last, and it occurred to me that while their charge cards got them one mile per pound, mine would get me one mile per dollar, so with Â£1 roughly equal to $2 at the time, I astonished all of them by picking up all the cash and putting the whole bill on my American Express.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 18, 2022, 12:47:12 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 18, 2022, 12:44:26 PM
Another thing regarding people splitting the check is that not all people do that based on the actual amounts ordered. Some people just split it evenly unless one person ordered something particularly more expensive than everyone else (in which case it's reasonable for that person to pay his actual share).

Some restaurants won't split the check if the group is bigger than a certain size. That worked well for me once on a trip to England. I was with a group of about 20 people and the tab got passed around the table with everyone putting in the actual amount owed. I was last, and it occurred to me that while their charge cards got them one mile per pound, mine would get me one mile per dollar, so with Â£1 roughly equal to $2 at the time, I astonished all of them by picking up all the cash and putting the whole bill on my American Express.

I always do this. I get 3x points on restaurants.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on January 18, 2022, 12:50:29 PM

Speaking of checks:

That in the US, the staff still have to run off with my card to pay. Just bring the machine to me so I can tap my phone and be done with it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on January 18, 2022, 12:58:50 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on January 18, 2022, 12:50:29 PM
Speaking of checks:

That in the US, the staff still have to run off with my card to pay. Just bring the machine to me so I can tap my phone and be done with it.

I've heard that the restaurant industry refusing to change this practice to match the rest of the world is a major reason why our credit cards are chip and sign instead of chip and PIN.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 18, 2022, 01:04:23 PM

Regarding financial issues and minor things that annoy you:

Does anyone know why an interbank ACH transfer of money sometimes shows up as "on hold" for a long time, up to a week, even though it's clear you have enough money in your account that is not subject to a hold such that the amount would be covered if the transaction bounced? I can understand it if the transfer is a large amount (five figures), or if your balance is low and you're trying to transfer a decent bit more than that, but sometimes even piddly amounts like $300 will be "on hold" for a week. The money shows as having been received, but you don't have access to it. If I were going to try to defraud a bank, it would not be for the paltry sum of $300. I should, as they say, go for the bundle. Next paycheck when I want to transfer money like that, I think I'll write a check and do a mobile deposit to see whether it's any faster to post.

Basically, it seems to me that if you have a five-figure balance in the account and you do an ACH transaction to add another $300, the bank is not at risk of losing the $300 if they give you immediate access to it and then the transaction bounces–they can recover the amount from the remaining balance in the account.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 18, 2022, 01:14:29 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 18, 2022, 12:44:26 PM
Another thing regarding people splitting the check is that not all people do that based on the actual amounts ordered. Some people just split it evenly unless one person ordered something particularly more expensive than everyone else (in which case it's reasonable for that person to pay his actual share).

Some restaurants won't split the check if the group is bigger than a certain size. That worked well for me once on a trip to England. I was with a group of about 20 people and the tab got passed around the table with everyone putting in the actual amount owed. I was last, and it occurred to me that while their charge cards got them one mile per pound, mine would get me one mile per dollar, so with Â£1 roughly equal to $2 at the time, I astonished all of them by picking up all the cash and putting the whole bill on my American Express.

Anytime I've done this, I will let the table know I'll keep their cash and put the bill on my card. Years ago, this was almost normal. Now, just about everyone is paying with cards anyway.

Speaking of cash...if I were to plan on paying with cash (which admittedly is extremely rare), I try to plan that in advance to make sure I bring 4 ones, a five & a ten, along with 20's, 50's or 100's, to eliminate the need for the serve to bring back change. Even if I plan on paying with a card, I generally try to bring smaller bills for tip money.

Quote from: vdeane on January 18, 2022, 12:58:50 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on January 18, 2022, 12:50:29 PM
Speaking of checks:

That in the US, the staff still have to run off with my card to pay. Just bring the machine to me so I can tap my phone and be done with it.
I've heard that the restaurant industry refusing to change this practice to match the rest of the world is a major reason why our credit cards are chip and sign instead of chip and PIN.

I tend to see this more at smaller places that will use the Square, like local restaurants or small breweries.

Frankly, people just holding their card themselves waiting to put it in a machine or hand it to someone is long enough for someone to walk by with their cell phone camera to take a pic or video record that name/number. If you hold your card, hold it so at least a few of the digits are covered.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on January 18, 2022, 01:23:17 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 18, 2022, 01:14:29 PM
Frankly, people just holding their card themselves waiting to put it in a machine or hand it to someone is long enough for someone to walk by with their cell phone camera to take a pic or video record that name/number. If you hold your card, hold it so at least a few of the digits are covered.

Yet another great reason to use tap-to-pay with an electronic device: card numbers are not shown on screen, and the card number shown to retailers is not the same as your actual card number.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 18, 2022, 01:31:51 PM

Microsoft's tendency to name software updates after the year in which they're released. When you get updated from Software 2010 to Software 2013 in the year 2015, it just seems a little odd.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 18, 2022, 01:37:25 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 18, 2022, 01:14:29 PM
....

Frankly, people just holding their card themselves waiting to put it in a machine or hand it to someone is long enough for someone to walk by with their cell phone camera to take a pic or video record that name/number. If you hold your card, hold it so at least a few of the digits are covered.

I've noticed more cards now have the numbers printed on the back side, probably for just that reason. On my Discover card, for example, if I hold it right side up (magnetic strip down), all you'll see is the chip, the Stanley Cup, and the Discover logo.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 18, 2022, 01:48:50 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 18, 2022, 01:37:25 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 18, 2022, 01:14:29 PM
....

Frankly, people just holding their card themselves waiting to put it in a machine or hand it to someone is long enough for someone to walk by with their cell phone camera to take a pic or video record that name/number. If you hold your card, hold it so at least a few of the digits are covered.

I've noticed more cards now have the numbers printed on the back side, probably for just that reason. On my Discover card, for example, if I hold it right side up (magnetic strip down), all you'll see is the chip, the Stanley Cup, and the Discover logo.

My Visa card has this; AmEx seems a little slow to the concept.

Quote from: jakeroot on January 18, 2022, 01:23:17 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 18, 2022, 01:14:29 PM
Frankly, people just holding their card themselves waiting to put it in a machine or hand it to someone is long enough for someone to walk by with their cell phone camera to take a pic or video record that name/number. If you hold your card, hold it so at least a few of the digits are covered.

Yet another great reason to use tap-to-pay with an electronic device: card numbers are not shown on screen, and the card number shown to retailers is not the same as your actual card number.

I've used my Fitbit on occasion like this. Actually, in the NY City MTA Subways, this is now a preferred way of paying the fare. And it was much easier than paying for a new card and downloading money, especially for a tourist who won't need the card after a few days (and will probably lose some balance money).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 18, 2022, 02:26:32 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 18, 2022, 01:48:50 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 18, 2022, 01:37:25 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 18, 2022, 01:14:29 PM
....

Frankly, people just holding their card themselves waiting to put it in a machine or hand it to someone is long enough for someone to walk by with their cell phone camera to take a pic or video record that name/number. If you hold your card, hold it so at least a few of the digits are covered.

I've noticed more cards now have the numbers printed on the back side, probably for just that reason. On my Discover card, for example, if I hold it right side up (magnetic strip down), all you'll see is the chip, the Stanley Cup, and the Discover logo.

My Visa card has this; AmEx seems a little slow to the concept.

I'd have to go find the card and look at it to confirm, but I believe my American Express card has the information printed on the back. My card renewed in February 2020, so if yours is older than that, it could account for the difference.

One of our banks sent us renewal ATM cards last week and I was surprised to find that they don't have the information on the back (although they do have printed numbers, rather than the raised numbers that used to be customary).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on January 18, 2022, 02:31:06 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 18, 2022, 01:48:50 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on January 18, 2022, 01:23:17 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 18, 2022, 01:14:29 PM
Frankly, people just holding their card themselves waiting to put it in a machine or hand it to someone is long enough for someone to walk by with their cell phone camera to take a pic or video record that name/number. If you hold your card, hold it so at least a few of the digits are covered.

Yet another great reason to use tap-to-pay with an electronic device: card numbers are not shown on screen, and the card number shown to retailers is not the same as your actual card number.

I've used my Fitbit on occasion like this. Actually, in the NY City MTA Subways, this is now a preferred way of paying the fare. And it was much easier than paying for a new card and downloading money, especially for a tourist who won't need the card after a few days (and will probably lose some balance money).

I've used my phone and watch similarly riding Translink services in Vancouver, BC. Tap on/tap off for the SkyTrain (metro system), single tap for other services. Still, it ends up being more expensive than using the fare card ("Compass"), which is slightly irritating, even if explicable.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 18, 2022, 03:14:22 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 18, 2022, 03:34:45 AMI figured whoever picked the name for the Camp Fire was probably thinking they were really funny at the time. (Notice it wasn't the Camp Creek fire.) Then it became a major disaster and it wasn't funny anymore.

From SF Gate:

Why is it called the Camp Fire? How California's most destructive wildfire got its name

QuoteHow did California's most destructive fire come to be called the Camp Fire?

Butte County's deadly Camp Fire was named after Camp Creek Road, the location where the fire started.

Wildfires are often named after their places of origin. For example, last year's deadly Tubbs Fire was named after Tubbs Lane in Calistoga.

According to Cal Fire, naming wildfires based on location "allows fire officials to track and prioritize incidents by name."

FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://www.sfgate.com/california-wildfires/article/Why-is-it-called-Camp-Fire-name-Butte-County-destr-13380824.php)

Who names California's wildfires?

QuoteThough exceptions to the rule, most wildfires are named not by an aspiring Dr. Seuss, but the initial responders on the scene. What the team names the blaze is up to their discretion, says Slate, but they typically stick to locations and landmarks.

The monikers aren't simply for our amusement, either. Dashing off a quick name provides responders with an additional locator, and "allows fire officials to track and prioritize incidents by name," according to Cal Fire.

FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://www.sfgate.com/outdoors/article/Who-names-California-s-wildfires-11307815.php)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 18, 2022, 03:43:18 PM

Yes, but "Camp Creek fire" is one more syllable and more accurate to the location, but doesn't have the added bonus of "haha campfire".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on January 18, 2022, 09:05:20 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on January 18, 2022, 01:23:17 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 18, 2022, 01:14:29 PM
Frankly, people just holding their card themselves waiting to put it in a machine or hand it to someone is long enough for someone to walk by with their cell phone camera to take a pic or video record that name/number. If you hold your card, hold it so at least a few of the digits are covered.

Yet another great reason to use tap-to-pay with an electronic device: card numbers are not shown on screen, and the card number shown to retailers is not the same as your actual card number.

Now if only tap to pay actually worked consistently on my cards that have it. I think it's only worked once - at the Thousand Islands Winery. All other attempts to use it with my credit cards have led to the attempt being rejected for whatever reason.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on January 18, 2022, 09:09:27 PM

Quote from: vdeane on January 18, 2022, 09:05:20 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on January 18, 2022, 01:23:17 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 18, 2022, 01:14:29 PM
Frankly, people just holding their card themselves waiting to put it in a machine or hand it to someone is long enough for someone to walk by with their cell phone camera to take a pic or video record that name/number. If you hold your card, hold it so at least a few of the digits are covered.

Yet another great reason to use tap-to-pay with an electronic device: card numbers are not shown on screen, and the card number shown to retailers is not the same as your actual card number.
Now if only tap to pay actually worked consistently on my cards that have it. I think it's only worked once - at the Thousand Islands Winery. All other attempts to use it with my credit cards have led to the attempt being rejected for whatever reason.

Maybe that one did work because it's to Canadian standards that work just fine?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on January 18, 2022, 09:30:29 PM

Quote from: vdeane on January 18, 2022, 09:05:20 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on January 18, 2022, 01:23:17 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 18, 2022, 01:14:29 PM
Frankly, people just holding their card themselves waiting to put it in a machine or hand it to someone is long enough for someone to walk by with their cell phone camera to take a pic or video record that name/number. If you hold your card, hold it so at least a few of the digits are covered.

Yet another great reason to use tap-to-pay with an electronic device: card numbers are not shown on screen, and the card number shown to retailers is not the same as your actual card number.
Now if only tap to pay actually worked consistently on my cards that have it. I think it's only worked once - at the Thousand Islands Winery. All other attempts to use it with my credit cards have led to the attempt being rejected for whatever reason.

I've not used it with cards, only my phone and watch. It's been a long time since I've had it fail to work at all (sometimes I have to tap again, but it's pretty rare). The success rate is so high that I don't usually bring my cards with me, just ID.

Quote from: 1 on January 18, 2022, 09:09:27 PM
Maybe that one did work because it's to Canadian standards that work just fine?

From what I've seen, it's the same standard in the US and Canada. Canada was just quicker to adopt it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on January 19, 2022, 12:39:07 AM

My tap card has worked everywhere I've tried it (on machines or devices with the tap symbol) in the U.S. and Canada. Just a normal Visa credit card from my credit union, nothing special about it.

Only hiccup is trying to find where on the device the reader actually is: sometimes it's in the center, or just above the number pad, or somewhere else entirely.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on January 19, 2022, 09:34:33 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 18, 2022, 12:44:26 PM
Another thing regarding people splitting the check is that not all people do that based on the actual amounts ordered. Some people just split it evenly unless one person ordered something particularly more expensive than everyone else (in which case it's reasonable for that person to pay his actual share).

Some restaurants won't split the check if the group is bigger than a certain size. That worked well for me once on a trip to England. I was with a group of about 20 people and the tab got passed around the table with everyone putting in the actual amount owed. I was last, and it occurred to me that while their charge cards got them one mile per pound, mine would get me one mile per dollar, so with Â£1 roughly equal to $2 at the time, I astonished all of them by picking up all the cash and putting the whole bill on my American Express.

Buffalo Wild Wings allows you to split checks with their rewards program. :D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on January 19, 2022, 11:47:41 AM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 18, 2022, 12:42:41 PMif your food is dropped off without the food runner auctioning off the food (i.e. who had the BLT?)

Maybe I'm wildly off base here, but there's a price point (probably $50 for an entrée) at which I would think the staff bringing the food wouldn't go "and who had the lobster thermidor?" upon arrival at the table. Honestly, the whole thing is overly casual in a keep-your-fork-Duke-there's-pie kind of way, but understandable at TGI Friday's.

I'd say what annoys me most is people who used to work in the industry and proceed to treat waitstaff like dirt because they think they were God's own contribution to the industry. One story that I was reminded of while reading the recent contributions was the time I went to a group dinner, and the group wanted to split the check, and the waiter said "we can't do that," and another diner said "yes you can, that's a blah-blah-blah POS and you can split checks up to 8 ways." Maybe "it's not our policy" would have been better than "we physically can't," but honestly.

And honestly, anyone who treats waitstaff like indentured servants annoys me, majorly.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: InterstateFan621 on January 19, 2022, 11:53:53 AM

I get mildly bothered by large groups of people all in one room, loud noises, and strong smells.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 19, 2022, 12:29:04 PM

Quote from: vdeane on January 18, 2022, 09:05:20 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on January 18, 2022, 01:23:17 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 18, 2022, 01:14:29 PM
Frankly, people just holding their card themselves waiting to put it in a machine or hand it to someone is long enough for someone to walk by with their cell phone camera to take a pic or video record that name/number. If you hold your card, hold it so at least a few of the digits are covered.

Yet another great reason to use tap-to-pay with an electronic device: card numbers are not shown on screen, and the card number shown to retailers is not the same as your actual card number.
Now if only tap to pay actually worked consistently on my cards that have it. I think it's only worked once - at the Thousand Islands Winery. All other attempts to use it with my credit cards have led to the attempt being rejected for whatever reason.

I have a few cards that allow tap to pay, and often find that it's the store's credit card terminal that's not working properly, not the cards, since I'll experience issues with both cards at the same terminal, yet no issue inserting the card into the terminal. Other places, the tap function works on those same cards.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 19, 2022, 12:41:27 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on January 19, 2022, 11:47:41 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 18, 2022, 12:42:41 PMif your food is dropped off without the food runner auctioning off the food (i.e. who had the BLT?)

Maybe I'm wildly off base here, but there's a price point (probably $50 for an entrée) at which I would think the staff bringing the food wouldn't go "and who had the lobster thermidor?" upon arrival at the table. Honestly, the whole thing is overly casual in a keep-your-fork-Duke-there's-pie kind of way, but understandable at TGI Friday's.

I'd say what annoys me most is people who used to work in the industry and proceed to treat waitstaff like dirt because they think they were God's own contribution to the industry. One story that I was reminded of while reading the recent contributions was the time I went to a group dinner, and the group wanted to split the check, and the waiter said "we can't do that," and another diner said "yes you can, that's a blah-blah-blah POS and you can split checks up to 8 ways." Maybe "it's not our policy" would have been better than "we physically can't," but honestly.

And honestly, anyone who treats waitstaff like indentured servants annoys me, majorly.

Yes, really at pretty much any restaurant I would expect the server to keep track of who ordered what and bring their order to them. I hope for smooth and graceful service, and auctioning off the dishes isn't either. They should also be happy to split the check if the customers ask them when they order. It's a bit more work for the server, but makes the evening much more smooth and graceful for the customers. I've had to spend half an hour with all our heads muddled by wine trying to make the bill come out, trying to match up which item on the bill was for what, and it's not a pleasant conclusion to the meal.

And absolutely, smooth and graceful service should be rewarded.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 19, 2022, 01:02:54 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on January 19, 2022, 11:47:41 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 18, 2022, 12:42:41 PMif your food is dropped off without the food runner auctioning off the food (i.e. who had the BLT?)

Maybe I'm wildly off base here, but there's a price point (probably $50 for an entrée) at which I would think the staff bringing the food wouldn't go "and who had the lobster thermidor?" upon arrival at the table. Honestly, the whole thing is overly casual in a keep-your-fork-Duke-there's-pie kind of way, but understandable at TGI Friday's.

Price point should be lower than that to not auction and to "mark" new silverware (i.e. remove the old stuff and bring new in anticipation of the next course). I'd say probably $25 per entree.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 19, 2022, 01:12:15 PM

Quote from: kkt on January 19, 2022, 12:41:27 PM
They should also be happy to split the check if the customers ask them when they order. It's a bit more work for the server, but makes the evening much more smooth and graceful for the customers. I've had to spend half an hour with all our heads muddled by wine trying to make the bill come out, trying to match up which item on the bill was for what, and it's not a pleasant conclusion to the meal.

I suppose that it's in the server's interest to split checks, because most people will probably round up tips; thus, a slightly-greater overall gratuity. Maybe there's some cases where people actually "forget" to tip, or that Bob and Janice in Accounting only tip exactly 15% to the penny, which nullifies any gains, but how often does that occur anymore?

Saying "we can't do that" borders on lazy, unless...I dunno, the power just went out?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 19, 2022, 01:16:27 PM

Quote from: formulanone on January 19, 2022, 01:12:15 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 19, 2022, 12:41:27 PM
They should also be happy to split the check if the customers ask them when they order. It's a bit more work for the server, but makes the evening much more smooth and graceful for the customers. I've had to spend half an hour with all our heads muddled by wine trying to make the bill come out, trying to match up which item on the bill was for what, and it's not a pleasant conclusion to the meal.

I suppose that it's in the server's interest to split checks, because most people will probably round up tips; thus, a slightly-greater overall gratuity. Maybe there's some cases where people actually "forget" to tip, or that Bob and Janice in Accounting only tip exactly 15% to the penny, which nullifies any gains, but how often does that occur anymore?

Saying "we can't do that" borders on lazy, unless...I dunno, the power just went out?

It's always funny to see when people split the checks evenly and then some people tip less than others (and not trying to rectify someone having more expensive drinks or whatever). Don't you check with your friends so you don't look like the cheapass?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on January 19, 2022, 01:41:52 PM

Quote from: InterstateFan621 on January 19, 2022, 11:53:53 AM
I get mildly bothered by large groups of people all in one room, loud noises, and strong smells.

Same here. I am autistic and this bothers me, even when driving at NIGHT. :-| :colorful:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 19, 2022, 02:01:38 PM

For those that read the story about the guys who damaged the "80 Miles to Cuba" bouy in Key West, a bartender recognized the guys because they were at their bar...and were the only ones not to tip that night. 2 of them used credit cards. They now have their names. Not sure if they've been charged yet.

The point is...don't make your restaurant visit rememberable to the staff in a bad way.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 19, 2022, 02:05:55 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 19, 2022, 02:01:38 PM
For those that read the story about the guys who damaged the "80 Miles to Cuba" bouy in Key West, a bartender recognized the guys because they were at their bar...and were the only ones not to tip that night. 2 of them used credit cards. They now have their names. Not sure if they've been charged yet.

The point is...don't make your restaurant visit rememberable to the staff in a bad way.

I once had a guy who had a ton of allergies. He had so many that he had a business card listing everything that he was allergic to and just plain didn't like. On the bottom of the business card, it said, "if you can actually get this all right, you will get a 30% tip". I'm really good at knowing what allergens are in every menu item, so of course I didn't screw up. At the end of the night, he left me a 9% tip.

Unfortunately for him, his name and address was on the other side of the card and maaaaaybe after a couple of beers after my shift, I got some eggs and made a visit to his house. (I think I was 23 at the time.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SectorZ on January 19, 2022, 02:23:25 PM

Quote from: snowc on January 19, 2022, 09:34:33 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 18, 2022, 12:44:26 PM
Another thing regarding people splitting the check is that not all people do that based on the actual amounts ordered. Some people just split it evenly unless one person ordered something particularly more expensive than everyone else (in which case it's reasonable for that person to pay his actual share).

Some restaurants won't split the check if the group is bigger than a certain size. That worked well for me once on a trip to England. I was with a group of about 20 people and the tab got passed around the table with everyone putting in the actual amount owed. I was last, and it occurred to me that while their charge cards got them one mile per pound, mine would get me one mile per dollar, so with Â£1 roughly equal to $2 at the time, I astonished all of them by picking up all the cash and putting the whole bill on my American Express.
Buffalo Wild Wings allows you to split checks with their rewards program. :D

Tangent to BWW for "minor things that bother me"...

The last three times I have been in one I've had to leave because no one for 5-10 minutes bothered to even seat us (or others waiting as well). I know times are tough with staffing, but when I can go to the restaurant next door and three people greet me and get me promptly seated, that's more a BWW problem than an economic problem.

The rewards problem is good, but it's a shame they literally can't keep their restaurants (around me at least) staffed to the point to even accept new customers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 19, 2022, 02:28:47 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 19, 2022, 02:05:55 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 19, 2022, 02:01:38 PM
For those that read the story about the guys who damaged the "80 Miles to Cuba" bouy in Key West, a bartender recognized the guys because they were at their bar...and were the only ones not to tip that night. 2 of them used credit cards. They now have their names. Not sure if they've been charged yet.

The point is...don't make your restaurant visit rememberable to the staff in a bad way.

I once had a guy who had a ton of allergies. He had so many that he had a business card listing everything that he was allergic to and just plain didn't like. On the bottom of the business card, it said, "if you can actually get this all right, you will get a 30% tip". I'm really good at knowing what allergens are in every menu item, so of course I didn't screw up. At the end of the night, he left me a 9% tip.

Unfortunately for him, his name and address was on the other side of the card and maaaaaybe after a couple of beers after my shift, I got some eggs and made a visit to his house. (I think I was 23 at the time.)

Was he maaaaybe allergic to eggs?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 19, 2022, 02:30:20 PM

Quote from: formulanone on January 19, 2022, 02:28:47 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 19, 2022, 02:05:55 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 19, 2022, 02:01:38 PM
For those that read the story about the guys who damaged the "80 Miles to Cuba" bouy in Key West, a bartender recognized the guys because they were at their bar...and were the only ones not to tip that night. 2 of them used credit cards. They now have their names. Not sure if they've been charged yet.

The point is...don't make your restaurant visit rememberable to the staff in a bad way.

I once had a guy who had a ton of allergies. He had so many that he had a business card listing everything that he was allergic to and just plain didn't like. On the bottom of the business card, it said, "if you can actually get this all right, you will get a 30% tip". I'm really good at knowing what allergens are in every menu item, so of course I didn't screw up. At the end of the night, he left me a 9% tip.

Unfortunately for him, his name and address was on the other side of the card and maaaaaybe after a couple of beers after my shift, I got some eggs and made a visit to his house. (I think I was 23 at the time.)

Was he maaaaybe allergic to eggs?

Can't remember, but wouldn't be surprised. Hopefully he had his mouth open as I tossed them from the moving car.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on January 19, 2022, 02:31:50 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on January 18, 2022, 12:50:29 PM
Speaking of checks:

That in the US, the staff still have to run off with my card to pay. Just bring the machine to me so I can tap my phone and be done with it.

Lol, this always felt so weird to me when I'd go to the US. Feels like I'm putting a lot of trust that:
a) they'll charge me the right amount
b) they won't write down all the info on my card

Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 18, 2022, 01:14:29 PM
Frankly, people just holding their card themselves waiting to put it in a machine or hand it to someone is long enough for someone to walk by with their cell phone camera to take a pic or video record that name/number. If you hold your card, hold it so at least a few of the digits are covered.

But at least if you're using the machine yourself, it's unlikely someone will see the 3-digit CVV on the back of the card. I also think it's less likely someone will take a photo of your card when you're holding it out of fear of being caught (though you're right, they still could).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 19, 2022, 02:37:24 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on January 18, 2022, 12:50:29 PMThat in the US, the staff still have to run off with my card to pay. Just bring the machine to me so I can tap my phone and be done with it.

Depends on the restaurant. At one locally-owned restaurant I went to a few months ago, the check included a QR code that I could scan to get to a secure third-party website, review my check, adjust my tip, enter in my payment information, and email the receipt.

This goes back to an easier posting:

Quote from: ZLoth on October 21, 2021, 05:52:56 AM
Things that bother me:

People whose mantra is "if it ain't broke, don't fix it", even though the technology is technologically obsolete, and it's replacement is both cheaper to operate, more efficient, and more productive. Plus, there is the issue of actually finding the replacement parts.
In a similar brush stroke, people who cling on to the "old way of doing things", and resist even learning how to do things "the new way" because it is "too different" and perceive it to be "too complicated", even though the "new way", once learned, will be actually faster and less expensive.

The restaurant industry is a low profit-margin industry, and from the owner's perspective, why have a credit card machine that can be dropped and broken thanks to the finest help minimum wage can find. Yet, if I insist on accompanying the waiter to their processing machine so that my credit card remains in sight, I will then get treated as a "Karen" for being so obstinate, not to mention a guilty look and a "was that REALLY necessary" lecture afterward. Yet, credit card number theft has occurred at restaurants in the past. I just keep in mind that they don't know what a SIP record is, and I don't know how to prepare an Italian Easter Pie.

Having said that, I will make the request in advance to split the check prior to placing my order, and I will be more than happy to show them that I don't have more than $10 in my wallet. Asking the waiter to split the check AFTER the meal is done and everyone is ready to leave is, quite simply, cruel and unusual punishment on the server.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on January 19, 2022, 02:40:55 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on January 19, 2022, 02:37:24 PM
from the owner's perspective, why have a credit card machine that can be dropped and broken

It reduces time spent waiting at the table, so if they can get more customers per hour, the tradeoff might be worth it.

They're also quite popular. People who have been to both the US and Canadian side always say the Canadian side is better.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jmacswimmer on January 19, 2022, 02:51:21 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on January 19, 2022, 02:37:24 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on January 18, 2022, 12:50:29 PMThat in the US, the staff still have to run off with my card to pay. Just bring the machine to me so I can tap my phone and be done with it.
Depends on the restaurant. At one locally-owned restaurant I went to a few months ago, the check included a QR code that I could scan to get to a secure third-party website, review my check, adjust my tip, enter in my payment information, and email the receipt.

I've seen this occasionally, and more often than not the third-party website tends to be ToastTab. But it introduces another wrinkle: confusion. We once got the check at a restaurant that had the scan-QR-code option, and after paying the check off my phone and getting up to leave our waitress came running over, not realizing we paid that way and thinking we were about to dine-and-dash!

There's also the Ziosk things I still see occasionally at places like Red Robin that allow you to pay at the table without the server present. (And they usually have a light at the top that changes from red to green after you've paid, which eliminates the potential confusion like I described above.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 19, 2022, 02:52:24 PM

Quote from: jmacswimmer on January 19, 2022, 02:51:21 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on January 19, 2022, 02:37:24 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on January 18, 2022, 12:50:29 PMThat in the US, the staff still have to run off with my card to pay. Just bring the machine to me so I can tap my phone and be done with it.
Depends on the restaurant. At one locally-owned restaurant I went to a few months ago, the check included a QR code that I could scan to get to a secure third-party website, review my check, adjust my tip, enter in my payment information, and email the receipt.

I've seen this occasionally, and more often than not the third-party website tends to be ToastTab.

This often isn't third-party. Toast is a common POS system restaurants use.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 19, 2022, 02:59:39 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on January 19, 2022, 02:37:24 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on January 18, 2022, 12:50:29 PMThat in the US, the staff still have to run off with my card to pay. Just bring the machine to me so I can tap my phone and be done with it.

Depends on the restaurant. At one locally-owned restaurant I went to a few months ago, the check included a QR code that I could scan to get to a secure third-party website, review my check, adjust my tip, enter in my payment information, and email the receipt.

This is a cool solution, especially since if one was in a huge hurry and someone else is driving/they're taking a cab, they could theoretically leave and settle up on the way home. But credit card processors charge a higher rate for "card not present" transactions (i.e. any transaction where there is no record of the card being physically read, such as online transactions) due to a higher potential of fraud. And, as you note...

Quote from: ZLoth on January 19, 2022, 02:37:24 PM
The restaurant industry is a low profit-margin industry

There are a few restaurants I've been to that have a credit card terminal that remains at each table, that also serves as a microtransaction kiosk where one can pay $1 or something for the privilege of playing some sort of touchscreen game while you wait for your food. I believe some of them also have a button to call the waiter. This seems like a good idea, other than the microtransactions, which I find somewhat nauseating. But it would probably be too expensive for non-chain restaurants, and every person older than me that I've dined with had their brains shut down when confronted by it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on January 19, 2022, 03:24:45 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 19, 2022, 01:02:54 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 19, 2022, 11:47:41 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 18, 2022, 12:42:41 PMif your food is dropped off without the food runner auctioning off the food (i.e. who had the BLT?)

Maybe I'm wildly off base here, but there's a price point (probably $50 for an entrée) at which I would think the staff bringing the food wouldn't go "and who had the lobster thermidor?" upon arrival at the table. Honestly, the whole thing is overly casual in a keep-your-fork-Duke-there's-pie kind of way, but understandable at TGI Friday's.

Price point should be lower than that to not auction and to "mark" new silverware (i.e. remove the old stuff and bring new in anticipation of the next course). I'd say probably $25 per entree.

That's fair. At $50, I'd just expect to have a full set of silverware (salad fork, soup spoon, what have you).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 19, 2022, 03:32:17 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on January 19, 2022, 03:24:45 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 19, 2022, 01:02:54 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 19, 2022, 11:47:41 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 18, 2022, 12:42:41 PMif your food is dropped off without the food runner auctioning off the food (i.e. who had the BLT?)

Maybe I'm wildly off base here, but there's a price point (probably $50 for an entrée) at which I would think the staff bringing the food wouldn't go "and who had the lobster thermidor?" upon arrival at the table. Honestly, the whole thing is overly casual in a keep-your-fork-Duke-there's-pie kind of way, but understandable at TGI Friday's.

Price point should be lower than that to not auction and to "mark" new silverware (i.e. remove the old stuff and bring new in anticipation of the next course). I'd say probably $25 per entree.
That's fair. At $50, I'd just expect to have a full set of silverware (salad fork, soup spoon, what have you).

Depends on the restaurant and the level of formality. I used to be the GM of Guard & Grace (https://www.guardandgrace.com/) out here and people were unlikely to escape for less than $125 per person with drinks included. We just re-marked after every course. Having four different forks on the table just screams stuffy fine dining as opposed to the modern approach we took.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on January 19, 2022, 03:40:05 PM

Some fast-casual places like Olive Garden and Chili's have self-pay kiosks on their tables now.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on January 19, 2022, 03:47:11 PM

Quote from: SectorZ on January 19, 2022, 02:23:25 PM
Quote from: snowc on January 19, 2022, 09:34:33 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 18, 2022, 12:44:26 PM
Another thing regarding people splitting the check is that not all people do that based on the actual amounts ordered. Some people just split it evenly unless one person ordered something particularly more expensive than everyone else (in which case it's reasonable for that person to pay his actual share).

Some restaurants won't split the check if the group is bigger than a certain size. That worked well for me once on a trip to England. I was with a group of about 20 people and the tab got passed around the table with everyone putting in the actual amount owed. I was last, and it occurred to me that while their charge cards got them one mile per pound, mine would get me one mile per dollar, so with Â£1 roughly equal to $2 at the time, I astonished all of them by picking up all the cash and putting the whole bill on my American Express.
Buffalo Wild Wings allows you to split checks with their rewards program. :D

Tangent to BWW for "minor things that bother me"...

The last three times I have been in one I've had to leave because no one for 5-10 minutes bothered to even seat us (or others waiting as well). I know times are tough with staffing, but when I can go to the restaurant next door and three people greet me and get me promptly seated, that's more a BWW problem than an economic problem.

The rewards problem is good, but it's a shame they literally can't keep their restaurants (around me at least) staffed to the point to even accept new customers.

Agree with you. We were told that no more Boneless Twosdays because of COVID.
There was a sign that said Please Seat Yourself. We went to the last booth because of the direct sunlight. Plus I had a Live Lesson going on during that time.
The redhead lady served us, but FORGOT OUR MENUS! :banghead:
We had a NICER guy that said they were OUT of mac and cheese, wedges, and cheese curds! I nevertheless ordered my usual, 15 boneless wings tossed in honey bbq sauce. My mother ordered 10 traditional wings, and they were DRY! We ordered the appetizer beforehand, as my mother has severe RA and has to get a infusion from her rheumatologist every 8 weeks. She is 60 years old effective may 7.
Anyways, my food was very good, and it only came to $65 (pretty cheap, eh?)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on January 19, 2022, 03:50:04 PM

Quote from: jmacswimmer on January 19, 2022, 02:51:21 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on January 19, 2022, 02:37:24 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on January 18, 2022, 12:50:29 PMThat in the US, the staff still have to run off with my card to pay. Just bring the machine to me so I can tap my phone and be done with it.
Depends on the restaurant. At one locally-owned restaurant I went to a few months ago, the check included a QR code that I could scan to get to a secure third-party website, review my check, adjust my tip, enter in my payment information, and email the receipt.

I've seen this occasionally, and more often than not the third-party website tends to be ToastTab. But it introduces another wrinkle: confusion. We once got the check at a restaurant that had the scan-QR-code option, and after paying the check off my phone and getting up to leave our waitress came running over, not realizing we paid that way and thinking we were about to dine-and-dash!

There's also the Ziosk things I still see occasionally at places like Red Robin that allow you to pay at the table without the server present. (And they usually have a light at the top that changes from red to green after you've paid, which eliminates the potential confusion like I described above.)

Toast is what they use at local businesses, like Heid's and Nucilli's. Red Robin USED to be good, but now they :ded: the Bleu Ribbon Burger, replacing it with the Black And Bleu Burger (and its :ded:) Blech!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on January 19, 2022, 05:14:16 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 19, 2022, 03:32:17 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 19, 2022, 03:24:45 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 19, 2022, 01:02:54 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 19, 2022, 11:47:41 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 18, 2022, 12:42:41 PMif your food is dropped off without the food runner auctioning off the food (i.e. who had the BLT?)

Maybe I'm wildly off base here, but there's a price point (probably $50 for an entrée) at which I would think the staff bringing the food wouldn't go "and who had the lobster thermidor?" upon arrival at the table. Honestly, the whole thing is overly casual in a keep-your-fork-Duke-there's-pie kind of way, but understandable at TGI Friday's.

Price point should be lower than that to not auction and to "mark" new silverware (i.e. remove the old stuff and bring new in anticipation of the next course). I'd say probably $25 per entree.
That's fair. At $50, I'd just expect to have a full set of silverware (salad fork, soup spoon, what have you).

Depends on the restaurant and the level of formality. I used to be the GM of Guard & Grace (https://www.guardandgrace.com/) out here and people were unlikely to escape for less than $125 per person with drinks included. We just re-marked after every course. Having four different forks on the table just screams stuffy fine dining as opposed to the modern approach we took.

Yeah, that's a good point - I don't think they even do that on the Cunard ships.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 19, 2022, 06:04:52 PM

Quote from: formulanone on January 19, 2022, 01:12:15 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 19, 2022, 12:41:27 PM
They should also be happy to split the check if the customers ask them when they order. It's a bit more work for the server, but makes the evening much more smooth and graceful for the customers. I've had to spend half an hour with all our heads muddled by wine trying to make the bill come out, trying to match up which item on the bill was for what, and it's not a pleasant conclusion to the meal.

I suppose that it's in the server's interest to split checks, because most people will probably round up tips; thus, a slightly-greater overall gratuity. Maybe there's some cases where people actually "forget" to tip, or that Bob and Janice in Accounting only tip exactly 15% to the penny, which nullifies any gains, but how often does that occur anymore?

Saying "we can't do that" borders on lazy, unless...I dunno, the power just went out?

I don't think rounding up to tip is going to produce a whole lot more for the server, but being remembered as a helpful server instead of someone who just says "we can't do that" might well produce more repeat customers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 20, 2022, 02:51:21 PM

I always prefer to tip with cash instead of adding it on to the card receipt.

Speaking of tips, I dislike places that automatically add a tip to the check if there are more than a certain number of people in the party, especially if that mandatory tip is over 15 percent. A tip is supposed to be a gift; a reward for good service. If the service is crappy, then yes, I will leave nothing, or maybe a penny. Why should I reward poor service? The amount to tip should be up to the discretion of the customer. If you want to require a tip, put it on the bill as a "service fee" or something, especially since there's no guarantee that mandatory tip is going to go to the person who served you. (Which is why I prefer to tip with cash.)

I tip at 15 percent because that's the long-established standard, plus it's easy to compute in your head. Ten percent of your bill, and then half of that. If your meal comes to $18, then $1.80 plus $0.90, for a total of $2.70. I will tip more if the service is excellent. And I've engaged in that practice since the advent of smartphones with calculators.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 20, 2022, 03:36:05 PM

I would argue 20% is even easier math and more of the standard in most parts of the country.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on January 20, 2022, 03:37:39 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 20, 2022, 03:36:05 PM
I would argue 20% is even easier math and more of the standard in most parts of the country.

Oh pshaw, the plebes don't deserve 20%.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 20, 2022, 03:43:04 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on January 20, 2022, 03:37:39 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 20, 2022, 03:36:05 PM
I would argue 20% is even easier math and more of the standard in most parts of the country.
Oh pshaw, the plebes don't deserve 20%.

I've been a plebe all my life. Yes we do. :bigass:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on January 20, 2022, 03:44:36 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 20, 2022, 02:51:21 PM
A tip is supposed to be a gift

Only in states with a very high minimum wage. Otherwise it's compulsory and expected, regardless of service.

I tip 20% for dine-in service, bare minimum.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on January 20, 2022, 03:46:13 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 20, 2022, 03:43:04 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 20, 2022, 03:37:39 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 20, 2022, 03:36:05 PM
I would argue 20% is even easier math and more of the standard in most parts of the country.
Oh pshaw, the plebes don't deserve 20%.

I've been a plebe all my life. Yes we do. :bigass:

Forgot that darn sarcasm tag, silly me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on January 20, 2022, 03:50:08 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on January 20, 2022, 03:44:36 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 20, 2022, 02:51:21 PM
A tip is supposed to be a gift

Only in states with a very high minimum wage.

I'd say this describes hotel staff as well - they get paid the regular minimum wage and there's no need to tip them unless they actually do something for you.

Quote from: jakeroot on January 20, 2022, 03:44:36 PMI tip 20% for dine-in service, bare minimum.

I'm not really sure when I'm supposed to tip for a carryout order - I'll tip 10% if it's a server or bartender handling it for me, but I'm not really sure what to do when you have a dedicated restaurant employee who handles nothing but carryout orders.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on January 20, 2022, 03:51:26 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 20, 2022, 02:51:21 PM
Speaking of tips, I dislike places that automatically add a tip to the check if there are more than a certain number of people in the party

Well, they have to, because some attitudes towards tipping are

Quote from: hbelkins on January 20, 2022, 02:51:21 PMA tip is supposed to be a gift; a reward for good service. If the service is crappy, then yes, I will leave nothing, or maybe a penny. Why should I reward poor service? The amount to tip should be up to the discretion of the customer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 20, 2022, 03:55:04 PM

Having worked for tips before, I maintain that it is incredibly stupid that there are employment positions in this country where the wage is dependent on whether or not the customer you serve that day is an asshole or not. Especially given that this is a majority-asshole country.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on January 20, 2022, 03:56:18 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 20, 2022, 03:55:04 PM
Having worked for tips before, I maintain that it is incredibly stupid that there are employment positions in this country where the wage is dependent on whether or not the customer you serve that day is an asshole or not. Especially given that this is a majority-asshole country.

Speaking of which, the brass balls on Christians who leave propaganda instead of a tip...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 20, 2022, 04:02:00 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on January 20, 2022, 03:46:13 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 20, 2022, 03:43:04 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 20, 2022, 03:37:39 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 20, 2022, 03:36:05 PM
I would argue 20% is even easier math and more of the standard in most parts of the country.
Oh pshaw, the plebes don't deserve 20%.

I've been a plebe all my life. Yes we do. :bigass:

Forgot that darn sarcasm tag, silly me.

I knew what you meant. My sarcasm meter is fully functional.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 20, 2022, 04:02:46 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on January 20, 2022, 03:50:08 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on January 20, 2022, 03:44:36 PMI tip 20% for dine-in service, bare minimum.

I'm not really sure when I'm supposed to tip for a carryout order - I'll tip 10% if it's a server or bartender handling it for me, but I'm not really sure what to do when you have a dedicated restaurant employee who handles nothing but carryout orders.

I do 10% to 15% for to go orders.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 20, 2022, 04:18:13 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on January 20, 2022, 03:56:18 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 20, 2022, 03:55:04 PM
Having worked for tips before, I maintain that it is incredibly stupid that there are employment positions in this country where the wage is dependent on whether or not the customer you serve that day is an asshole or not. Especially given that this is a majority-asshole country.
Speaking of which, the brass balls on Christians who leave propaganda instead of a tip...

I have to wonder if they ever try to pay their mortgage with those, and how well it goes over.

We had a sort of hilarious incident at the casino once where one of those Bible tracts camouflaged as a $20 bill was left on a slot machine and was left undisturbed until it was time to do drop in the wee hours of the morning. It ended up on the floor, and there was a general fear (probably unfounded) among the security and drop team that Surveillance wouldn't have the sufficient image resolution to distinguish that it was not a genuine $20 bill that had simply fallen out of the BA canister somehow.

Turns out all of the casino bureaucracy and procedures were utterly unequipped to handle the situation of "obviously fake bill discovered during drop" so they basically had to treat it like a real bill until they got it to the vault, where the vault staff had to "discover" that the bill was counterfeit and follow the counterfeit procedures from there, which probably involved turning it over to the police. The whole thing was a very entertaining comedy of errors for someone standing ten feet away watching it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on January 20, 2022, 04:21:19 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 20, 2022, 04:18:13 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 20, 2022, 03:56:18 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 20, 2022, 03:55:04 PM
Having worked for tips before, I maintain that it is incredibly stupid that there are employment positions in this country where the wage is dependent on whether or not the customer you serve that day is an asshole or not. Especially given that this is a majority-asshole country.
Speaking of which, the brass balls on Christians who leave propaganda instead of a tip...

I have to wonder if they ever try to pay their mortgage with those, and how well it goes over.

We had a sort of hilarious incident at the casino once where one of those Bible tracts camouflaged as a $20 bill was left on a slot machine and was left undisturbed until it was time to do drop in the wee hours of the morning. It ended up on the floor, and there was a general fear (probably unfounded) among the security and drop team that Surveillance wouldn't have the sufficient image resolution to distinguish that it was not a genuine $20 bill that had simply fallen out of the BA canister somehow.

Turns out all of the casino bureaucracy and procedures were utterly unequipped to handle the situation of "obviously fake bill discovered during drop" so they basically had to treat it like a real bill until they got it to the vault, where the vault staff had to "discover" that the bill was counterfeit and follow the counterfeit procedures from there, which probably involved turning it over to the police. The whole thing was a very entertaining comedy of errors for someone standing ten feet away watching it.

Haha yikes. I once fell for that (not at a casino), and I don't remember how long ago it was, but I believe it was hanging out of the coin return slot of a pay phone.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 20, 2022, 05:59:51 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 20, 2022, 04:18:13 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 20, 2022, 03:56:18 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 20, 2022, 03:55:04 PM
Having worked for tips before, I maintain that it is incredibly stupid that there are employment positions in this country where the wage is dependent on whether or not the customer you serve that day is an asshole or not. Especially given that this is a majority-asshole country.
Speaking of which, the brass balls on Christians who leave propaganda instead of a tip...

I have to wonder if they ever try to pay their mortgage with those, and how well it goes over.

We had a sort of hilarious incident at the casino once where one of those Bible tracts camouflaged as a $20 bill was left on a slot machine and was left undisturbed until it was time to do drop in the wee hours of the morning. It ended up on the floor, and there was a general fear (probably unfounded) among the security and drop team that Surveillance wouldn't have the sufficient image resolution to distinguish that it was not a genuine $20 bill that had simply fallen out of the BA canister somehow.

Turns out all of the casino bureaucracy and procedures were utterly unequipped to handle the situation of "obviously fake bill discovered during drop" so they basically had to treat it like a real bill until they got it to the vault, where the vault staff had to "discover" that the bill was counterfeit and follow the counterfeit procedures from there, which probably involved turning it over to the police. The whole thing was a very entertaining comedy of errors for someone standing ten feet away watching it.

Jeez. Um, no pun intended.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 20, 2022, 06:59:52 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on January 20, 2022, 03:50:08 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on January 20, 2022, 03:44:36 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 20, 2022, 02:51:21 PM
A tip is supposed to be a gift

Only in states with a very high minimum wage.

I'd say this describes hotel staff as well - they get paid the regular minimum wage and there's no need to tip them unless they actually do something for you.

Quote from: jakeroot on January 20, 2022, 03:44:36 PMI tip 20% for dine-in service, bare minimum.

I'm not really sure when I'm supposed to tip for a carryout order - I'll tip 10% if it's a server or bartender handling it for me, but I'm not really sure what to do when you have a dedicated restaurant employee who handles nothing but carryout orders.

Too often, that employee is paid the same $2.13 minimum wage that the other servers are getting. While you only see them for a brief moment, they still put the food in the container, made sure you had the appropriate sides, sauces, etc (well, hopefully they did that!).

I usually give 10%-15%, but it varies. If it's just a simple burger and fries that come to $10, I'll probably give then $2 or $3 for their efforts.

In the end, I sometimes say to myself, am I really going to miss this dollar? I'm not even going to think about it the moment I open the door leaving the place.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 20, 2022, 08:28:01 PM

Since we are talking about restaurants, let me tell of something that would have bothered me had I not escaped California.

In certain areas of California, food establishments are adding surcharges on top of the published price. I know that San Francisco establishments have been adding in a "surcharge" for health care costs. In other examples, there have been a 2% "wellness" charge, a 3% "disposables" charge, or a 15% "dine-in" charge. Such charges should be included in the price of the meal as they aren't really optional. Plus, it hurts the wait staff as the customer probably deducts the surcharges from the tip.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on January 20, 2022, 09:15:48 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on January 20, 2022, 08:28:01 PM
Since we are talking about restaurants, let me tell of something that would have bothered me had I not escaped California.

In certain areas of California, food establishments are adding surcharges on top of the published price. I know that San Francisco establishments have been adding in a "surcharge" for health care costs. In other examples, there have been a 2% "wellness" charge, a 3% "disposables" charge, or a 15% "dine-in" charge. Such charges should be included in the price of the meal as they aren't really optional. Plus, it hurts the wait staff as the customer probably deducts the surcharges from the tip.

Some restaurants have deliberately pointed it out as a form of protest with a snarky comment about its purpose.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 21, 2022, 02:45:51 AM

At my favorite places that are doing take-out I tip about 20-25%. I really want them to remain and helping out their employees seems reasonable.

There is a place that started adding a 20% surcharge which does not go directly to the employee - it's for medical care and a boost in wages for the kitchen help who don't share in the tips to give them a wage that is closer to what the tipped employees get. I don't like that system; it leaves me confused about how much the employees are actually getting and I don't want to have to be an expert on our two stage minimum wage law or how much the medical is really costing or helping them. I also don't appreciate that it's a tiny note on the bottom of the page of menus. As Zloth said, if it's a mandatory charge just raise the prices of the menu items to indicate what the real price is. I don't need to have your cash wages, medical care costs, rent, utilities, and ingredients all broken down for me on the menu. I just don't go there anymore. Anyway, their food was good and their service was good, but their real specialty was wine - one of the great cellars in the region, or so they say. And I just don't care that much about wine.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on January 21, 2022, 11:21:27 AM

A 20% surcharge seems pretty hefty, and I don't know why they're guaranteeing $X per hour to employees that aren't tipped or in the tip pool, when the employees that are tipped or in the tip pool aren't guaranteed $X per hour.

I've seen noble and not-so-noble surcharges, and I don't understand why they can't just raise the price of food and beverages to cover it. If Target can sell me goods without going into detail on how the money is being allocated, so can restaurants.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 21, 2022, 12:14:44 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on January 21, 2022, 11:21:27 AM
A 20% surcharge seems pretty hefty, and I don't know why they're guaranteeing $X per hour to employees that aren't tipped or in the tip pool, when the employees that are tipped or in the tip pool aren't guaranteed $X per hour.

I've seen noble and not-so-noble surcharges, and I don't understand why they can't just raise the price of food and beverages to cover it. If Target can sell me goods without going into detail on how the money is being allocated, so can restaurants.

It's about the same thing as a delivery charge. It's literally 100% profit providing absolutely nothing to the buyer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on January 21, 2022, 12:42:08 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 21, 2022, 12:14:44 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 21, 2022, 11:21:27 AM
A 20% surcharge seems pretty hefty, and I don't know why they're guaranteeing $X per hour to employees that aren't tipped or in the tip pool, when the employees that are tipped or in the tip pool aren't guaranteed $X per hour.

I've seen noble and not-so-noble surcharges, and I don't understand why they can't just raise the price of food and beverages to cover it. If Target can sell me goods without going into detail on how the money is being allocated, so can restaurants.

It's about the same thing as a delivery charge. It's literally 100% profit providing absolutely nothing to the buyer.

You're getting something with a delivery charge: Food delivered to you. These nonsense surcharges are more equivalent to charging everyone a corkage fee regardless of whether you brought your own wine.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 21, 2022, 01:45:08 PM

Often the delivery charges are to pay off a third-party delivery service like Doordash to handle the actual delivery. The restaurant has to pay Doordash so they have to recover that money somehow.

I've never really understood the purpose of delivery fees at places that keep delivery people on staff, like pizza places, though. They very loudly declare the DELIVERY CHARGE IS NOT A TIP and doesn't go to staff. So what does it go toward, then? If they didn't offer delivery I probably wouldn't be buying the pizza at all, so offering that service is actually a form of marketing, not an add-on.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 21, 2022, 02:01:13 PM

Gas and insurance for the vehicles?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on January 21, 2022, 03:02:42 PM

Quote from: kkt on January 21, 2022, 02:01:13 PM
Gas and insurance for the vehicles?

IIRC (it's been 20 years since I delivered for Domino's), I was offered the choice of a flat rate per delivery (I think it was 50 cents) or being reimbursed per mile at the IRS rate, whatever that was back then. It's absolutely not a tip, but it does go to the driver. I don't remember needing extra auto insurance to do this, but I think you do now.

I would hope that the remainder goes to cover insuring drivers against robberies.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 21, 2022, 05:15:44 PM

The discussion about tips just points out that the two-tiered minimum wage system is crazy. If there is going to be a uniform minimum wage, it should be the same for all employees, since, after all, tips are not intended to be a part of someone's wages. They are intended to be a reward for stellar service.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 21, 2022, 05:32:40 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 21, 2022, 05:15:44 PM
The discussion about tips just points out that the two-tiered minimum wage system is crazy. If there is going to be a uniform minimum wage, it should be the same for all employees, since, after all, tips are not intended to be a part of someone's wages. They are intended to be a reward for stellar service.

And, to boot, for those states that still pay $2.13 an hour, it was made that back when the standard minimum wage was $4.15/hr, so 50%. Now there are states like Nebraska who have a state minimum wage of $9.00/hr, yet the tipped minimum wage is still $2.13. So we've gone from 50% to 23.6%.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 21, 2022, 05:46:40 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 21, 2022, 05:15:44 PM
The discussion about tips just points out that the two-tiered minimum wage system is crazy. If there is going to be a uniform minimum wage, it should be the same for all employees, since, after all, tips are not intended to be a part of someone's wages. They are intended to be a reward for stellar service.

100% in agreement with this. I was fortunate that the tipped position that I worked still paid $9/hour, so even if nobody tipped all day long I would still make something. If I only made $2.13/hour that barely would have even paid for the gas to get there.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on January 21, 2022, 06:02:03 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 21, 2022, 01:45:08 PM
Often the delivery charges are to pay off a third-party delivery service like Doordash to handle the actual delivery. The restaurant has to pay Doordash so they have to recover that money somehow.

I've never really understood the purpose of delivery fees at places that keep delivery people on staff, like pizza places, though. They very loudly declare the DELIVERY CHARGE IS NOT A TIP and doesn't go to staff. So what does it go toward, then? If they didn't offer delivery I probably wouldn't be buying the pizza at all, so offering that service is actually a form of marketing, not an add-on.

i deliver pizza, and our store interfaces with doordash, and the hub-o-grub. they are a pain in my ass. for one, they will allow a customer to put in any address, whether or not it's actually in our delivery area. when that happens someone gets the pleasure of calling them and telling them "you're outside the area", and then they're wondering why we had the audacity to call them in the first place.

i don't know how it works elsewhere, but for our store, if you call us directly (or use our own website), there's deals and specials that we can (and happily will) apply. if you order through a delivery app, you're paying full price, plus an extra $5 for them to convey your order to us. they come on a tablet which then prints your order out, and someone types it into our POS.

the service charge does NOT go to me. my understanding is that it's related to the infrastructure of having a delivery system, which is probably pure bullshit. having a delivery system = a bunch of random 20-somethings (except me, the random 50-something) ready and able to drive it out to you.

with tipping ... remember we put our lives on the line for you. new years eve we had a substantial snowstorm here, in which no one could drive any faster than 25-30mph, and that was sketchy as hell. you didn't want to drive in it, so you ordered delivery. consider the person who braved the elements for you so you could have your food hot and ready when it got to you. consider that i personally will go above and beyond so you get the service you deserve. that means, for me, if i'm running late with your stuff, i'll call you. trains are an issue in this town, and most people understand that. if you call the store wondering where you food is, management will give you my phone number (i am one of few that allow this) and you can call me and check.

us delivery people are really no different from restaurant servers, except for the table is a little further from the kitchen.

on a related note, that night i DID have the pleasure of delivering to an apartment full of very stoned (and very cool) lesbians, who tipped me $30 on a $50 order, for just that very reason. restored some of my faith in humanity.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 21, 2022, 06:10:57 PM

Yes... Maybe someday we'll have everyone paid a living wage for the hours they work and tipping can be reserved for service that's truly unusual, but we aren't there yet. So tip generously. Serving is hard work.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 21, 2022, 06:18:10 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on January 21, 2022, 06:02:03 PM
with tipping ... remember we put our lives on the line for you. new years eve we had a substantial snowstorm here, in which no one could drive any faster than 25-30mph, and that was sketchy as hell. you didn't want to drive in it, so you ordered delivery. consider the person who braved the elements for you so you could have your food hot and ready when it got to you.

When the weather is bad here, I will go out of my way to avoid doing delivery, if at all possible, because if I don't want to go out in it I certainly don't want you to have to. If there's no other option (i.e. I was caught unprepared and have nothing to cook) I will tip at least double what I would otherwise.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on January 21, 2022, 06:54:07 PM

It's already icing here, and I will slip. Bothers me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 22, 2022, 08:57:43 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 21, 2022, 01:45:08 PMOften the delivery charges are to pay off a third-party delivery service like Doordash to handle the actual delivery. The restaurant has to pay Doordash so they have to recover that money somehow.

I've never really understood the purpose of delivery fees at places that keep delivery people on staff, like pizza places, though. They very loudly declare the DELIVERY CHARGE IS NOT A TIP and doesn't go to staff. So what does it go toward, then? If they didn't offer delivery I probably wouldn't be buying the pizza at all, so offering that service is actually a form of marketing, not an add-on.

My family was so cheap, "delivery" meant I was the one who hopped into the car, picked up the pizza, and "delivered" it to the home. No tip, no compensation, it was expected.

Years later, I don't own a truck. This means that when I had to get furniture, I would bundle it into one big order so that the sting of the delivery fee wasn't as much, or it's Amazon. And guess who gets the fun of assembly.

How many times we've seem something like this....
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/fa/b2/16/fab216044a34bedfaa60b214022f7fe2.jpg) (https://awkward.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Screen-Shot-2021-06-21-at-9.43.45-AM.png)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 22, 2022, 09:51:16 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on January 22, 2022, 08:57:43 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 21, 2022, 01:45:08 PMOften the delivery charges are to pay off a third-party delivery service like Doordash to handle the actual delivery. The restaurant has to pay Doordash so they have to recover that money somehow.

I've never really understood the purpose of delivery fees at places that keep delivery people on staff, like pizza places, though. They very loudly declare the DELIVERY CHARGE IS NOT A TIP and doesn't go to staff. So what does it go toward, then? If they didn't offer delivery I probably wouldn't be buying the pizza at all, so offering that service is actually a form of marketing, not an add-on.

My family was so cheap, "delivery" meant I was the one who hopped into the car, picked up the pizza, and "delivered" it to the home. No tip, no compensation, it was expected.

Pizza out, huh? We have the Celeste Pizza for Ones growing up.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 22, 2022, 02:22:26 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on January 22, 2022, 08:57:43 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 21, 2022, 01:45:08 PMOften the delivery charges are to pay off a third-party delivery service like Doordash to handle the actual delivery. The restaurant has to pay Doordash so they have to recover that money somehow.

I've never really understood the purpose of delivery fees at places that keep delivery people on staff, like pizza places, though. They very loudly declare the DELIVERY CHARGE IS NOT A TIP and doesn't go to staff. So what does it go toward, then? If they didn't offer delivery I probably wouldn't be buying the pizza at all, so offering that service is actually a form of marketing, not an add-on.

My family was so cheap, "delivery" meant I was the one who hopped into the car, picked up the pizza, and "delivered" it to the home. No tip, no compensation, it was expected.

When I was growing up, we didn't have the option of delivery because we didn't live in the same county as any of the closest pizza places. So Mom would call it in and go up there and get it.

Once I moved to a city, pizza delivery became thing to do. Pizza is actually quite a bit more inconvenient than other food if you're not having it delivered; it takes longer to make than, say, a burger, so just dropping in and picking one up in between errands is a no-go. To minimize the wait involves some degree of forethought; calling in the pizza and timing it so that you arrive after it has been made, but not too long after it has been made. If I'm going to leave the house to go get food, it's simpler to just go somewhere that has a drive-thru.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on January 22, 2022, 05:18:14 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 22, 2022, 02:22:26 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on January 22, 2022, 08:57:43 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 21, 2022, 01:45:08 PMOften the delivery charges are to pay off a third-party delivery service like Doordash to handle the actual delivery. The restaurant has to pay Doordash so they have to recover that money somehow.

I've never really understood the purpose of delivery fees at places that keep delivery people on staff, like pizza places, though. They very loudly declare the DELIVERY CHARGE IS NOT A TIP and doesn't go to staff. So what does it go toward, then? If they didn't offer delivery I probably wouldn't be buying the pizza at all, so offering that service is actually a form of marketing, not an add-on.

My family was so cheap, "delivery" meant I was the one who hopped into the car, picked up the pizza, and "delivered" it to the home. No tip, no compensation, it was expected.

When I was growing up, we didn't have the option of delivery because we didn't live in the same county as any of the closest pizza places. So Mom would call it in and go up there and get it.

Once I moved to a city, pizza delivery became thing to do. Pizza is actually quite a bit more inconvenient than other food if you're not having it delivered; it takes longer to make than, say, a burger, so just dropping in and picking one up in between errands is a no-go. To minimize the wait involves some degree of forethought; calling in the pizza and timing it so that you arrive after it has been made, but not too long after it has been made. If I'm going to leave the house to go get food, it's simpler to just go somewhere that has a drive-thru.

same here.
we had a bad snowstorm (tolbs said earlier) and we had no other choice other than to get mcdonalds.
go to drive thru and it said they were CLOSED. :no:
go to the other one over by food lion and sure enough, a LONG line. :colorful:
dad got wendys because of it. :nod:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 22, 2022, 05:26:00 PM

When I worked at Burger King, the only time we were ever able to close at an unscheduled time was because a bad snowstorm was starting. Nobody was out ordering food in it anyway, and the district manager wanted us to be able to make it home safely.

At the casino we stayed open come hell or high water. If you got stuck there because it hit in the middle of your shift, sucks to be you. They gave you the option to work as many hours as you wanted to cover for the people that got stuck at home, or you could sleep in some random manager's office. (The casino I worked at that had a hotel did offer hotel rooms to stranded employees, but the other one I worked at was a series of trailers strung together so there was no such hospitality.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 22, 2022, 05:41:45 PM

Quote from: snowc on January 22, 2022, 05:18:14 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 22, 2022, 02:22:26 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on January 22, 2022, 08:57:43 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 21, 2022, 01:45:08 PMOften the delivery charges are to pay off a third-party delivery service like Doordash to handle the actual delivery. The restaurant has to pay Doordash so they have to recover that money somehow.

I've never really understood the purpose of delivery fees at places that keep delivery people on staff, like pizza places, though. They very loudly declare the DELIVERY CHARGE IS NOT A TIP and doesn't go to staff. So what does it go toward, then? If they didn't offer delivery I probably wouldn't be buying the pizza at all, so offering that service is actually a form of marketing, not an add-on.

My family was so cheap, "delivery" meant I was the one who hopped into the car, picked up the pizza, and "delivered" it to the home. No tip, no compensation, it was expected.

When I was growing up, we didn't have the option of delivery because we didn't live in the same county as any of the closest pizza places. So Mom would call it in and go up there and get it.

Once I moved to a city, pizza delivery became thing to do. Pizza is actually quite a bit more inconvenient than other food if you're not having it delivered; it takes longer to make than, say, a burger, so just dropping in and picking one up in between errands is a no-go. To minimize the wait involves some degree of forethought; calling in the pizza and timing it so that you arrive after it has been made, but not too long after it has been made. If I'm going to leave the house to go get food, it's simpler to just go somewhere that has a drive-thru.
same here.
we had a bad snowstorm (tolbs said earlier) and we had no other choice other than to get mcdonalds.
go to drive thru and it said they were CLOSED. :no:
go to the other one over by food lion and sure enough, a LONG line. :colorful:
dad got wendys because of it. :nod:

You know minor things bothers me?

:colorful:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 22, 2022, 07:10:40 PM

When I was in college, Domino's opened. They were the first major pizza delivery chain to open in Morehead (we had Pizza Hut, which didn't deliver, and some local places). They guaranteed 30 minute delivery back in those days within a certain radius of the store.

I can't remember exactly when they dropped that guarantee, but I think it was after they'd been sued after speeding delivery drivers rushing to meet the deadline were involved in some wrecks. I'm thinking any late deliveries, meaning the pizza was free, came out of the driver's salary.

I've never used GrubHub, DoorDash, UberEats, or any of those services. Mainly because I'm in a rural area where we don't 'have many restaurants and that service isn't offered. I've thought about it when I've been in Louisville for conferences, but was turned off by the delivery fees. I have ordered pizza delivered to my hotel room before if I didn't want to get out, but for any other type of carryout, I don't mind going to get the food myself.

Domino's got some grief for their ad where they talked about buying gift cards for local restaurants. I presume the terms of those cards include the customer needing to pick up the orders themselves rather than using a third-party delivery service. Them doing that makes me wonder if other restaurants moving into the delivery field has cut into pizza business, which traditionally was the biggest user of delivery services.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 23, 2022, 03:36:22 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 22, 2022, 09:51:16 AMPizza out, huh? We have the Celeste Pizza for Ones growing up.

My mother had a low opinion of store-bought pizza. It was probably because she purchased the cheapest available. Having pizza in the home was already a rarity. ("It's so greasy"). I've been meaning to get an actual pizza stone to cook pizza on instead of a pan.

To be fair, before the Work From Home started, one of my unofficial job responsibilities was handling the weekly lunch order via Doordash corporate. It was extremely rare that I would do a pizza order, and even that come with some begging from my manager. Ordering pizza or a fast food restaurant from my perspective, is not only easy, but if it is the same thing each week, everyone gets burned out. Instead, I challenged myself by focusing on a different type of cuisine (Italian, Chinese, Italian, BBQ, etc) and tried to target the local places instead of the national chains.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: noelbotevera on January 24, 2022, 10:07:02 PM

Having spent the last six months working part- and full-time at a mom-and-pop Korean restaurant:

-It is amazing how many people can't pronounce "bimbimbap". Long I, long A. It is even more amazing when I hear "ray-men" instead of "RA-men".
-Split checks are very inconvenient.
-Special orders are even more inconvenient, especially when split checks are involved. (Context: a couple/family wanted to deliver food to their friends. It took ten to fifteen minutes to negotiate how they wanted to pay the bill, and this whole time I was thinking "just get Doordash".)
-People don't tip when picking up food, despite the same amount of effort being put into making it.
-Specks of burnt food that remain on the pans no matter how many times I rub them with steel wool.
-Lunch and dinner breaks being interrupted by customers wanting to dine in.
-People dining in at 8:30 when the restaurant closes at 9:00 and we're clearly sweeping the floors.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on January 24, 2022, 10:34:43 PM

Quote from: noelbotevera on January 24, 2022, 10:07:02 PM
-People don't tip when picking up food, despite the same amount of effort being put into making it.

Interesting, I always tip no matter what. I thought it was fairly common. Maybe just in my area though?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: noelbotevera on January 24, 2022, 10:49:01 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on January 24, 2022, 10:34:43 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on January 24, 2022, 10:07:02 PM
-People don't tip when picking up food, despite the same amount of effort being put into making it.

Interesting, I always tip no matter what. I thought it was fairly common. Maybe just in my area though?

I live in Pennsyltucky. They probably don't even know what a Seattle is.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on January 24, 2022, 11:49:28 PM

Quote from: noelbotevera on January 24, 2022, 10:49:01 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on January 24, 2022, 10:34:43 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on January 24, 2022, 10:07:02 PM
-People don't tip when picking up food, despite the same amount of effort being put into making it.

Interesting, I always tip no matter what. I thought it was fairly common. Maybe just in my area though?
I live in Pennsyltucky. They probably don't even know what a Seattle is.

Is that code for cheap or something? I would have thought areas like where you live would have been really good tippers on account of the lower minimum wage.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 25, 2022, 12:42:42 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on January 24, 2022, 11:49:28 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on January 24, 2022, 10:49:01 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on January 24, 2022, 10:34:43 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on January 24, 2022, 10:07:02 PM
-People don't tip when picking up food, despite the same amount of effort being put into making it.

Interesting, I always tip no matter what. I thought it was fairly common. Maybe just in my area though?
I live in Pennsyltucky. They probably don't even know what a Seattle is.

Is that code for cheap or something? I would have thought areas like where you live would have been really good tippers on account of the lower minimum wage.

One would hope so!

But seriously, if you're going be serving, you have to learn to deal with split checks. Customers will continue to expect you to handle that for them. If they're a pain in the butt for you, think how much more a pain in the butt they'd be if all the customers have been having their share of adult beverages all evening. Some restaurants have computers where you enter everything ordered that make it easier.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 25, 2022, 12:42:02 PM

Quote from: kkt on January 25, 2022, 12:42:42 AMBut seriously, if you're going be serving, you have to learn to deal with split checks. Customers will continue to expect you to handle that for them. If they're a pain in the butt for you, think how much more a pain in the butt they'd be if all the customers have been having their share of adult beverages all evening. Some restaurants have computers where you enter everything ordered that make it easier.

Harrrggghhhh.... asking the wait staff to be splitting the check at the end of the meal is "cruel and unusual punishment". Any modern point-of-sale system should be able to handle split checks, but it's much easier on everyone when you specify up-front.

Quote from: noelbotevera on January 24, 2022, 10:07:02 PM
Having spent the last six months working part- and full-time at a mom-and-pop Korean restaurant:

-People dining in at 8:30 when the restaurant closes at 9:00 and we're clearly sweeping the floors.

From my perspective based upon your comment, if you don't want people ordering food at 8:32 PM, then close the restaurant at 8:30 PM stating that the kitchen is closed. There are no-prep items available, and you can wait until last to remove and soak/sanitize the soft drink nozzles. I wouldn't chase the customers out for another half-hour though... that could affect the tip.

Also, what do you recommend to someone dining for the first time at a Korean restaurant?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on January 25, 2022, 12:57:18 PM

Quote from: noelbotevera on January 24, 2022, 10:07:02 PM
-People don't tip when picking up food, despite the same amount of effort being put into making it.

Aren't the tips for the waiters handling table service at a sit-down restaurant? That wouldn't be a factor with take-out.

Quote from: ZLoth on January 25, 2022, 12:42:02 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on January 24, 2022, 10:07:02 PM
Having spent the last six months working part- and full-time at a mom-and-pop Korean restaurant:

-People dining in at 8:30 when the restaurant closes at 9:00 and we're clearly sweeping the floors.

From my perspective based upon your comment, if you don't want people ordering food at 8:32 PM, then close the restaurant at 8:30 PM stating that the kitchen is closed. There are no-prep items available, and you can wait until last to remove and soak/sanitize the soft drink nozzles. I wouldn't chase the customers out for another half-hour though... that could affect the tip.

Yeah, isn't closing time usually the last time you can start something, not "get out now, we want to go home" time?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on January 25, 2022, 01:20:38 PM

Quote from: vdeane on January 25, 2022, 12:57:18 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on January 24, 2022, 10:07:02 PM
-People don't tip when picking up food, despite the same amount of effort being put into making it.
Aren't the tips for the waiters handling table service at a sit-down restaurant? That wouldn't be a factor with take-out.

Quote from: ZLoth on January 25, 2022, 12:42:02 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on January 24, 2022, 10:07:02 PM
Having spent the last six months working part- and full-time at a mom-and-pop Korean restaurant:

-People dining in at 8:30 when the restaurant closes at 9:00 and we're clearly sweeping the floors.

From my perspective based upon your comment, if you don't want people ordering food at 8:32 PM, then close the restaurant at 8:30 PM stating that the kitchen is closed. There are no-prep items available, and you can wait until last to remove and soak/sanitize the soft drink nozzles. I wouldn't chase the customers out for another half-hour though... that could affect the tip.
Yeah, isn't closing time usually the last time you can start something, not "get out now, we want to go home" time?

Either that or post separate times for kitchen closes and dining room closes; I've seen this several times though normally in places which switch from restaurant to club after 9 or 10 PM. I used to work until 11 PM, so it was normal for me to eat dinner late on my days off. It annoys me when I'm eating in a restaurant and it's not closing for thirty minutes yet workers start cleaning the floor all around you and glaring at you like you've committed some sort of horrible faux pas. It works both ways.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 25, 2022, 01:31:37 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on January 25, 2022, 12:42:02 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 25, 2022, 12:42:42 AMBut seriously, if you're going be serving, you have to learn to deal with split checks. Customers will continue to expect you to handle that for them. If they're a pain in the butt for you, think how much more a pain in the butt they'd be if all the customers have been having their share of adult beverages all evening. Some restaurants have computers where you enter everything ordered that make it easier.

Harrrggghhhh.... asking the wait staff to be splitting the check at the end of the meal is "cruel and unusual punishment". Any modern point-of-sale system should be able to handle split checks, but it's much easier on everyone when you specify up-front.

Noelbotevera didn't say anything about the diners waiting until the end of the meal to mention wanting the check split. That would be annoying.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on January 25, 2022, 01:40:49 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on January 24, 2022, 11:49:28 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on January 24, 2022, 10:49:01 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on January 24, 2022, 10:34:43 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on January 24, 2022, 10:07:02 PM
-People don't tip when picking up food, despite the same amount of effort being put into making it.

Interesting, I always tip no matter what. I thought it was fairly common. Maybe just in my area though?
I live in Pennsyltucky. They probably don't even know what a Seattle is.

Is that code for cheap or something? I would have thought areas like where you live would have been really good tippers on account of the lower minimum wage.

Oh God no, tips are better in cities than rural areas, from coast to coast.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on January 25, 2022, 04:50:57 PM

delivery minor thing:

customer : "yeah, i'm the 4th house out on the old blibbetyfuck road"

me : * looking on map for aforementioned blibbetyfuck road, not finding it, and realizing its now 'west county road something and hasn't been 'the old blibbetyfuck road' since 1952.
*asks customer for actual address

customer "i don't know. its just the 4th house"

me: *fumes

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on January 25, 2022, 05:07:15 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on January 25, 2022, 04:50:57 PM
delivery minor thing:

customer : "yeah, i'm the 4th house out on the old blibbetyfuck road"

me : * looking on map for aforementioned blibbetyfuck road, not finding it, and realizing its now 'west county road something and hasn't been 'the old blibbetyfuck road' since 1952.
*asks customer for actual address

customer "i don't know. its just the 4th house"

me: *fumes

That's annoying. Also annoying: Providing instructions on how to get to my front door from the street that are so detailed, they border on "take ten paces south, then take five paces east," only to have the delivery driver tell me they can't find it.

Also annoying: That woman who was an asshole to her third-party delivery service driver and went viral.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: noelbotevera on January 25, 2022, 06:45:13 PM

Quote from: vdeane on January 25, 2022, 12:57:18 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on January 25, 2022, 12:42:02 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on January 24, 2022, 10:07:02 PM
Having spent the last six months working part- and full-time at a mom-and-pop Korean restaurant:

-People dining in at 8:30 when the restaurant closes at 9:00 and we're clearly sweeping the floors.

From my perspective based upon your comment, if you don't want people ordering food at 8:32 PM, then close the restaurant at 8:30 PM stating that the kitchen is closed. There are no-prep items available, and you can wait until last to remove and soak/sanitize the soft drink nozzles. I wouldn't chase the customers out for another half-hour though... that could affect the tip.
Yeah, isn't closing time usually the last time you can start something, not "get out now, we want to go home" time?

Huh, I never knew different restaurants did closing time differently. To clarify, we actually start wrapping things up by 8. Usually there's few people dining in and most are picking up orders (also soda is given in cans - not enough room for a fountain!). 9:00 is essentially "we're closed, and we MEAN it" because we've finished cleaning and taking out the trash and such. The latest I've stayed is 9:30 simply because I had to help pack away a bunch of kimchi and clean the containers used to brine and wash cabbage.

I actually don't serve that often - I'm usually on meal prep/dishes/cooking (with a gas stove). But the few times I have served, the stars align in such a way that I get the worst customers where dealing with them is like the Iranian hostage crisis. Check splits are annoying because I have to make two tickets and figure out who gets what - not easy when it's a big order, and it usually is. Luckily, I don't have to deal with drunks since it's a BYOB place.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 25, 2022, 06:50:37 PM

I think what I would do in your position is arbitrarily assign one person as A, the next as B, etc. You can even come up with an arbitrary rule like "A is always the person closest to me on the left-hand side" or something like that if it helps. Then as I was writing down the order I'd put a small A or B or whatever next to whatever the person ordered (making sure to do so in such a way that the kitchen doesn't get confused by it). If they don't split the check, it doesn't matter and the markings can be ignored. If they do split the check, you know who had what.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 25, 2022, 07:45:48 PM

Quote from: skluth on January 25, 2022, 01:20:38 PM
Quote from: vdeane on January 25, 2022, 12:57:18 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on January 25, 2022, 12:42:02 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on January 24, 2022, 10:07:02 PM-People dining in at 8:30 when the restaurant closes at 9:00 and we're clearly sweeping the floors.

From my perspective based upon your comment, if you don't want people ordering food at 8:32 PM, then close the restaurant at 8:30 PM stating that the kitchen is closed. There are no-prep items available, and you can wait until last to remove and soak/sanitize the soft drink nozzles. I wouldn't chase the customers out for another half-hour though... that could affect the tip.

Yeah, isn't closing time usually the last time you can start something, not "get out now, we want to go home" time?

Either that or post separate times for kitchen closes and dining room closes; I've seen this several times though normally in places which switch from restaurant to club after 9 or 10 PM. I used to work until 11 PM, so it was normal for me to eat dinner late on my days off. It annoys me when I'm eating in a restaurant and it's not closing for thirty minutes yet workers start cleaning the floor all around you and glaring at you like you've committed some sort of horrible faux pas. It works both ways.

My personal bottom line is this: if I show up at a restaurant expecting either takeaway or a sit-down meal and it is too late for it to be prepared without inconveniencing the kitchen staff, I want to know that up front so I can go elsewhere. I do not want to be seated and offered drinks and a menu, and then simply be ignored until I get the message (as at a Pizza Hut where the staff were trying to close over an hour before their posted time), or have a food order rebuffed with the statement that only microwave reheatables are being served (as at a local-chain bar-and-grill restaurant).

On the other hand, I've come to realize there are often non-obvious reasons front-of-house staff are not straightforward about the non-availability of food. These can be simple conflict avoidance (even though it is myopic to set the stage for greater conflict by leaving the customer to realize his or her time has been wasted), misguided corporate policies along the lines of "Don't let the customer ever hear No first thing in the door," or even not wanting to let an outsider into an impromptu decision to close early.

These days I usually try not to go looking for a sit-down meal too far outside the usual dinner hours of five to seven PM. Even showing up at seven PM prompt can be cutting it fine on a Sunday in a small town. If I'm on the road and cannot easily stop to eat in or near that window, I fall back to restaurant chains where 24-hour dining is an established part of the business model (like Denny's or IHOP), fast food, or packaged salads at Walmart.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on January 25, 2022, 08:17:25 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 25, 2022, 07:45:48 PM
Quote from: skluth on January 25, 2022, 01:20:38 PM
Quote from: vdeane on January 25, 2022, 12:57:18 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on January 25, 2022, 12:42:02 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on January 24, 2022, 10:07:02 PM-People dining in at 8:30 when the restaurant closes at 9:00 and we're clearly sweeping the floors.

From my perspective based upon your comment, if you don't want people ordering food at 8:32 PM, then close the restaurant at 8:30 PM stating that the kitchen is closed. There are no-prep items available, and you can wait until last to remove and soak/sanitize the soft drink nozzles. I wouldn't chase the customers out for another half-hour though... that could affect the tip.

Yeah, isn't closing time usually the last time you can start something, not "get out now, we want to go home" time?

Either that or post separate times for kitchen closes and dining room closes; I've seen this several times though normally in places which switch from restaurant to club after 9 or 10 PM. I used to work until 11 PM, so it was normal for me to eat dinner late on my days off. It annoys me when I'm eating in a restaurant and it's not closing for thirty minutes yet workers start cleaning the floor all around you and glaring at you like you've committed some sort of horrible faux pas. It works both ways.

My personal bottom line is this: if I show up at a restaurant expecting either takeaway or a sit-down meal and it is too late for it to be prepared without inconveniencing the kitchen staff, I want to know that up front so I can go elsewhere. I do not want to be seated and offered drinks and a menu, and then simply be ignored until I get the message (as at a Pizza Hut where the staff were trying to close over an hour before their posted time), or have a food order rebuffed with the statement that only microwave reheatables are being served (as at a local-chain bar-and-grill restaurant).

On the other hand, I've come to realize there are often non-obvious reasons front-of-house staff are not straightforward about the non-availability of food. These can be simple conflict avoidance (even though it is myopic to set the stage for greater conflict by leaving the customer to realize his or her time has been wasted), misguided corporate policies along the lines of "Don't let the customer ever hear No first thing in the door," or even not wanting to let an outsider into an impromptu decision to close early.

These days I usually try not to go looking for a sit-down meal too far outside the usual dinner hours of five to seven PM. Even showing up at seven PM prompt can be cutting it fine on a Sunday in a small town. If I'm on the road and cannot easily stop to eat in or near that window, I fall back to restaurant chains where 24-hour dining is an established part of the business model (like Denny's or IHOP), fast food, or packaged salads at Walmart.

I agree if your closing time is 9:00 and you really want to close at 8:30, make 8:30 your closing time. I work until 5:00. I don't get to start mailing it in at 4:30 because I am "shutting down". Be upfront about these things. Nothing is more aggravating than being somewhere during business hours, yet no one wants to serve you because they wanted to go home at closing time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 25, 2022, 08:25:40 PM

Problem is that in a lot of these places the person who sets the closing time at 9:00 is not the person who wants to start closing at 8:30. Said person who sets the closing time at 9:00 (often with an eye to getting everyone off the clock by 10:00) may have no clue that closing duties take an hour and a half, probably because they've never actually had to close the restaurant themselves. In a particularly large chain, the person setting the closing time at 9:00 may have never even set foot in one of the stores they set policy for after 5pm and is more likely to hold a business or marketing degree than actual experience working as a cook, server, or dishwasher.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on January 25, 2022, 09:42:12 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on January 25, 2022, 05:07:15 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on January 25, 2022, 04:50:57 PM
delivery minor thing:

customer : "yeah, i'm the 4th house out on the old blibbetyfuck road"

me : * looking on map for aforementioned blibbetyfuck road, not finding it, and realizing its now 'west county road something and hasn't been 'the old blibbetyfuck road' since 1952.
*asks customer for actual address

customer "i don't know. its just the 4th house"

me: *fumes
That's annoying. Also annoying: Providing instructions on how to get to my front door from the street that are so detailed, they border on "take ten paces south, then take five paces east," only to have the delivery driver tell me they can't find it.

Also annoying: That woman who was an asshole to her third-party delivery service driver and went viral.

at least you use cardinal directions. some customers use 'right' or 'left', not considering that the address can be approached from more than one direction. better to use a description : "blue house with funny porch light" works.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on January 26, 2022, 01:04:57 AM

Regarding giving directions, here's Psychostick from 2009 (sorry, it's sexist):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5_HhqcbF_0

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on January 26, 2022, 10:19:25 PM

One thing I've been noticing on radio and streaming internet music channels during the commercials is that the difference between the Lowe's and Home Depot commercials and the JCPenney/Macy's/Kohls ads are so homogenized, it is really hard to distinguish between their stores in their respective categories.

The background music is so generic, their ad copy pretty much is vague, concentrating on "xx% off throughout our store" and "earn extra bonus bucks this weekend" tag lines week after week.

When I was growing up, ad agencies would frequently come up with memorable jingles for a company used in every ad, and the ads would have a some sort of unique theme to each of them. Kind of like the Liberty/Progressive/Geico insurance ads (Although I occasionally have trouble remembering which radio ad was Progressive's and which was Geico's -- again because there is no sung jingle or music signature.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 27, 2022, 12:31:20 AM

That's probably because now that, thanks to Internet advertising, advertisers have access to actual honest-to-God data on what makes people buy and what doesn't...and the ad agencies have discovered that jingles, mascots, themes, and sitcom-esque scenarios don't actually move product. All of that is actually... clutter.

If you have 30 seconds to talk to a customer, you have to pack that time as densely as you can with the message you want the customer to actually receive. The window dressing doesn't actually communicate what you want the customer to do, or why they should do it. In fact, in some cases it can actually distract from the message.

Now, is message-focused advertising more boring? Sure. But ads aren't there to be entertaining, they're there to enrich the people who put them together.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on January 27, 2022, 11:10:44 AM

Quote from: thenetwork on January 26, 2022, 10:19:25 PM
One thing I've been noticing on radio and streaming internet music channels during the commercials is that the difference between the Lowe's and Home Depot commercials and the JCPenney/Macy's/Kohls ads are so homogenized, it is really hard to distinguish between their stores in their respective categories.

The background music is so generic, their ad copy pretty much is vague, concentrating on "xx% off throughout our store" and "earn extra bonus bucks this weekend" tag lines week after week.

When I was growing up, ad agencies would frequently come up with memorable jingles for a company used in every ad, and the ads would have a some sort of unique theme to each of them. Kind of like the Liberty/Progressive/Geico insurance ads (Although I occasionally have trouble remembering which radio ad was Progressive's and which was Geico's -- again because there is no sung jingle or music signature.

I take a nod from both the above campaigns. I can't say any ad ever made me rush out and buy a product or go to the restaurant they are portraying. I will give them maybe a hint of subliminal affect there, maybe, but I am stuck in my ways so I went to In-n-Out burger today, not because I heard the song, but because I wanted In-n-Out.

Now on the flip side, I think there is a huge reason why I can still do these things from the 80s-90s:

Sing the Folger's song (The best part of waking up, is Folger's in your cup)
Sing the Kentucky Fried Chicken song (Kentucky Fried Chicken, we do chicken right!)
Sing the number to Empire Carpet (800-588-2300 Empire!)
Sing the Michelob Light song (Michelob Light, oh yes you can!)
Do the Nestea Plunge
Sing the Zest song (You're not fully clean unless you're Zest fully clean)
Sing the Juicy Fruit song (Juicy Fruit is gonna move you. It's like a song, it gets right to ya. Juicy Fruit, the taste, the taste, the taste is gonna move ya)

There are way more to put on the list (not even talking about sitcom and gameshow jingles). Whether or not I ever bought any of these products is irrelevant to the staying power those jingles have had in my mind. A lot of it came from me being a lonely kid and jingles entertained me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on January 27, 2022, 12:17:18 PM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on January 27, 2022, 11:10:44 AM
I can't say any ad ever made me rush out and buy a product or go to the restaurant they are portraying.

Well, no. This is almost never the objective of advertising, although it does happen every once in a while. It's all about the subliminals, or mental impressions that are by and large outside conscious control.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 27, 2022, 12:22:43 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 27, 2022, 12:31:20 AM
That's probably because now that, thanks to Internet advertising, advertisers have access to actual honest-to-God data on what makes people buy and what doesn't...and the ad agencies have discovered that jingles, mascots, themes, and sitcom-esque scenarios don't actually move product. All of that is actually... clutter.

I'm not an advertising expert, but I think the concept of the jingle was a "long game"; get it stuck in your head and even to get others to occasionally say it (whether naturally or in jest). Psychologically, an advertisement wasn't there to get you to do something Right Now, but in time; it would imprint the message over time and parasitically implant it in a emotional way.

Maybe you took on some reflection before making a choice, or took some recommendations from those you knew, but you probably first encountered the brand or offer from the initial advertising. This way, when you needed it, you'd remember which plumber, breakfast cereal, repair facility, insurance company, or florist to use when you needed it. Or...look it up in the book of thin yellow-paper with lots of words, conveniently aaaaalphabetized.

Internet advertising works somewhat along those lines, but there's more immediacy (i.e. shock) because there's the assumption of bombardment by information and clutter, causing a low signal-to-noise ratio. It still works on repetition, but until recently, there wasn't the ability to pump in sound into an animated banner. You can get an ad in the message before playing a video, but the ads also have to be a lot shorter; one might only get 5 seconds before the message is skipped or entirely discarded. Since the "jingle" was almost always secondary - occurring after the message - it was also supposed to be a "reminder" of the ad you just saw.

Maybe some well-established brands with a long-lasting jingle will stick with it, because they've seen some market research that people have a positive effect on the brand and people aren't totally annoyed by it. Of course, sometimes the shock value gets more people to pay attention; after all, there's a lot of "fear of missing/losing out" involved in grabbing your attention. I have heard a few brands use a short "ringtone" melody at the beginning of the ad. Honda does this, and I want to say a few others do to (but I can't think of any others offhand).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 27, 2022, 01:57:04 PM

A couple of new entries in the minor-annoyances file:

* Large files that won't download 100% and cannot be resumed. (I'm dealing with this right now with the National Roads Agency in South Africa--four files are involved, the smallest of which is 200 MB and the largest about 1.8 GB, and of course these are the ones that have the traffic sign drawings.) Remote upload through a cloud broker (like MultCloud) used to offer a satisfactory workaround but now does so no longer.

* Highway construction advertisements that mention the possibility of free anonymous download of the documents but don't have the plans attached. (I've just run into this trying to find expressway construction plans for Sichuan province.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on February 05, 2022, 08:15:45 AM

On this forum: 3Ã—3 and 4Ã—4 roads. If they existed, they would have 9 and 16 lanes, respectively. They should be called 3+3 and 4+4 roads instead.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on February 05, 2022, 08:44:37 AM

That's why I use 2x3 and 2x4 (or 2*3 and 2*4) respectively. 2x2 and 2+2 (and for that matter, 2²) yield the same result.

Some minor things that really bother me when they happen to Big Rig Steve:
- Getting a red light (or no light at all), meaning one truck is forced to enter a weigh station (when it's open in the latter case), only to get instructed to go on the bypass lane. If you are doing that, better give a green light.
- Weight stations that are off the way. Extensible to American Truck Simulator, I once got fined in that game as I didn't show up to the weigh station near Cortez, Colorado as my route didn't take me past it (I was going from US 491 coming from Utah to US 160 East, the weigh station is located on US 160/491 South of that city both in real life and in ATS).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on February 05, 2022, 10:41:07 AM

Quote from: 1 on February 05, 2022, 08:15:45 AM
On this forum: 3Ã—3 and 4Ã—4 roads. If they existed, they would have 9 and 16 lanes, respectively. They should be called 3+3 and 4+4 roads instead.

There are probably at least a few examples of actual 3x3 and 4x4 roads. This section of ON 401 (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.7255288,-79.4696999,3a,67.9y,67.14h,89.9t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sotjTUoVRz1vJ8ZCSHWK3kQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1) is a true 4x4.

3x3 is harder to find since it would require three reversible express lanes. This section of I-95 south of DC (https://www.google.com/maps/@38.725856,-77.2028966,3a,89.2y,207.77h,82.73t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sVUyAE8nlIz5zyuwVEkzh7w!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1) has just that, but the outer carriageways have four lanes each.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 08, 2022, 02:49:01 PM

People clinging to the notion that Michigan has the worst roads in the country.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: interstatefan990 on February 08, 2022, 07:16:54 PM

Speaking of tips, I dislike when you take an Uber in a high-demand area at a surged price rate and the app still gives you options of 15%, 18%, etc. I always tip based on the normal rate, not the surged rate. If an Uber between two areas is usually 20 bucks, I'm tipping $3 on that route no matter how much the fare has been increased due to demand. The driver's effort and time is the same regardless.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on February 08, 2022, 09:30:47 PM

Quote from: interstatefan990 on February 08, 2022, 07:16:54 PM
Speaking of tips, I dislike when you take an Uber in a high-demand area at a surged price rate and the app still gives you options of 15%, 18%, etc. I always tip based on the normal rate, not the surged rate. If an Uber between two areas is usually 20 bucks, I'm tipping $3 on that route no matter how much the fare has been increased due to demand. The driver's effort and time is the same regardless.

No different than a restaurant where one meal is $10 and another is $20. A water is free but a soda is $3. Etc.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: interstatefan990 on February 09, 2022, 08:14:44 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 08, 2022, 09:30:47 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on February 08, 2022, 07:16:54 PM
Speaking of tips, I dislike when you take an Uber in a high-demand area at a surged price rate and the app still gives you options of 15%, 18%, etc. I always tip based on the normal rate, not the surged rate. If an Uber between two areas is usually 20 bucks, I'm tipping $3 on that route no matter how much the fare has been increased due to demand. The driver's effort and time is the same regardless.

No different than a restaurant where one meal is $10 and another is $20. A water is free but a soda is $3. Etc.

It's more like if the restaurant decided there wasn't enough pay for the waiters and reacted by charging $10 for the soda so they would get higher tips. Uber does it to incentivize more drivers to be out and about in order to meet periods of high demand, not because they incur a higher cost.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on February 09, 2022, 08:33:35 AM

Quote from: interstatefan990 on February 09, 2022, 08:14:44 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 08, 2022, 09:30:47 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on February 08, 2022, 07:16:54 PM
Speaking of tips, I dislike when you take an Uber in a high-demand area at a surged price rate and the app still gives you options of 15%, 18%, etc. I always tip based on the normal rate, not the surged rate. If an Uber between two areas is usually 20 bucks, I'm tipping $3 on that route no matter how much the fare has been increased due to demand. The driver's effort and time is the same regardless.

No different than a restaurant where one meal is $10 and another is $20. A water is free but a soda is $3. Etc.

It’s more like if the restaurant decided there wasn’t enough pay for the waiters and reacted by charging $10 for the soda so they would get higher tips. Uber does it to incentivize more drivers to be out and about in order to meet periods of high demand, not because they incur a higher cost.

Look at this way, they're probably sacrificing their Friday and Saturday nights to serve you, instead of going out and having fun.

When I worked in various service industries, my gratuities averaged slightly higher during weekends.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 14, 2022, 12:02:37 AM

Mobile phone cameras not actually rotating the image when the phone is rotated; they just put a flag in the file telling every application that uses the file from then on to rotate it 90 degrees. Then, of course, some applications don't do that, so your image looks correct in some situations but is rotated 90Â° from how it should be in others.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 14, 2022, 02:15:30 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 14, 2022, 12:02:37 AMMobile phone cameras not actually rotating the image when the phone is rotated; they just put a flag in the file telling every application that uses the file from then on to rotate it 90 degrees. Then, of course, some applications don't do that, so your image looks correct in some situations but is rotated 90Â° from how it should be in others.

This is an old problem. In the case of PDFs that serve as containers for bitonal CCITT Group IV TIFFs, it often leads to some pages drawing from left to right while others draw from top to bottom, which was really noticeable (and distracting) back in the days of slow GPUs and inefficient rendering routines.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on February 14, 2022, 04:18:04 AM

Something that annoys me roads wise is when people use "interstate" to refer to any kind of freeway. Just because it's a freeway doesn't mean it's an interstate.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 14, 2022, 07:41:28 AM

People who spell "Super Bowl" (correct) as "Superbowl" (incorrect). I've never understood this one. If you write "Superbowl," you should also write "Rosebowl" or "Orangebowl" or "Sugarbowl" (to say nothing of the sponsor-named games).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on February 14, 2022, 07:49:29 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 14, 2022, 12:02:37 AM
Mobile phone cameras not actually rotating the image when the phone is rotated; they just put a flag in the file telling every application that uses the file from then on to rotate it 90 degrees. Then, of course, some applications don't do that, so your image looks correct in some situations but is rotated 90Â° from how it should be in others.

I hate this too. Just resave the image and let me move on with life.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 14, 2022, 07:54:02 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 14, 2022, 07:41:28 AM
People who spell "Super Bowl" (correct) as "Superbowl" (incorrect). I've never understood this one. If you write "Superbowl," you should also write "Rosebowl" or "Orangebowl" or "Sugarbowl" (to say nothing of the sponsor-named games).

All wrong, it's "Superb Owl."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 14, 2022, 09:49:01 PM

I just sat down on the couch next to our cat. Holy shit, she must have ripped a huge fart while I was in the other room. What a stench.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: allniter89 on February 14, 2022, 11:19:46 PM

I make it a point not to go into a restraunt for a sit down meal less than 1 hr b4 closing. I've worked too many jobs wheere people come in 1/2 hr b4 closing & make everyone get off late :banghead:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on February 15, 2022, 11:13:06 AM

Exit only markers on APL signs. They don't seem necessary or helpful to me.

And also, now that I think about it, the new way left exit tabs are laid out. They're just too big. There's got to be a better way to convey that information.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on February 15, 2022, 08:10:54 PM

Team Whatever.

I hate that term. "Team USA" (heard often during the Olympics). "Team Mitch" (frequently used by the campaign of our detestable senior senator and current minority leader). "Team Kelly" (for members of Kelly Clarkson's team on "The Voice."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on February 15, 2022, 09:19:07 PM

When UDOT switches between "Salt Lake City" and just "Salt Lake" as the control city on it's BGSs -- especially within the same interchange.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on February 15, 2022, 10:07:18 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on February 15, 2022, 08:10:54 PM
Team Whatever.

I hate that term. "Team USA" (heard often during the Olympics). "Team Mitch" (frequently used by the campaign of our detestable senior senator and current minority leader). "Team Kelly" (for members of Kelly Clarkson's team on "The Voice."

Similarly, "[Place] Strong" (or #placestrong).

Is a community going to admit they're weak?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on February 15, 2022, 10:45:24 PM

^^ First time I saw ______strong was for former Colts head coach Chuck Pagino who developed leukemia and the fighting slogan was ChuckStrong.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on February 15, 2022, 10:47:47 PM

Quote from: thenetwork on February 15, 2022, 09:19:07 PM
When UDOT switches between "Salt Lake City" and just "Salt Lake" as the control city on it's BGSs -- especially within the same interchange.

Where is it inconsistent in the same interchange? I bet it is probably a product of just old vs. new signage.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 16, 2022, 01:46:47 AM

Quote from: hbelkins on February 15, 2022, 08:10:54 PM
Team Whatever.

I hate that term. "Team USA" (heard often during the Olympics). "Team Mitch" (frequently used by the campaign of our detestable senior senator and current minority leader). "Team Kelly" (for members of Kelly Clarkson's team on "The Voice."

This doesn't bother me if it's an actual team in a sport or competition. It's a handy collapsing of "the American boat-wrestling team" or whatever. Or it's fine for a hastily-constructed temporary team for some game where it's not worth the time or mental energy to come up with a mascot or other creative way to distinguish between the teams.

But when it's being used to refer to some organization that's not a competitive team, like the chelonian example you cite, and especially as a collective form of address for the employees of an organization, it is somewhere between annoying and creepy. I'm not a part of "Team Flatco*" or whatever, I get paid to show up and I'm out the door the second your checks stop clearing. Especially true when someone starts an email with just "Team:" as the salutation.

*Amusingly, there is a company actually called Flatco. Unfortunately it's in Kansas, not Illinois, but that's still just as funny.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on February 16, 2022, 11:35:16 AM

Team Not Bothered By The Use Of Team Whatever over here.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on February 16, 2022, 06:34:50 PM

Ask X for all your Y needs.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on February 16, 2022, 06:51:26 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 16, 2022, 01:46:47 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on February 15, 2022, 08:10:54 PM
Team Whatever.

I hate that term. "Team USA" (heard often during the Olympics). "Team Mitch" (frequently used by the campaign of our detestable senior senator and current minority leader). "Team Kelly" (for members of Kelly Clarkson's team on "The Voice."

This doesn't bother me if it's an actual team in a sport or competition. It's a handy collapsing of "the American boat-wrestling team" or whatever. Or it's fine for a hastily-constructed temporary team for some game where it's not worth the time or mental energy to come up with a mascot or other creative way to distinguish between the teams.

I was going to say the same thing (but I'll say it nonetheless since that's what we do on AARoads!): Team USA definitely makes sense to me as a catch-all, i.e. "Team USA has fetched 15 medals so far". Frankly, I can't think of a better way to say it.

Every other case, yeah, seems tacky.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on February 16, 2022, 07:38:52 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 16, 2022, 01:46:47 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on February 15, 2022, 08:10:54 PM
Team Whatever.
...
...
But when it's being used to refer to some organization that's not a competitive team, like the chelonian example you cite, and especially as a collective form of address for the employees of an organization, it is somewhere between annoying and creepy. I'm not a part of "Team Flatco*" or whatever, I get paid to show up and I'm out the door the second your checks stop clearing. Especially true when someone starts an email with just "Team:" as the salutation.

Agreed if it's disingenuous, but there are sometimes cases where it's not, and then I don't have a big problem with it. A boss handing down orders would qualify as the former, but a group of employees collaborating on a project would qualify as the latter (IMO).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on February 17, 2022, 08:52:50 AM

"Tell your doctor if you have [name a condition] before taking [latest wonder drug with loads of side effects]."

Shouldn't your doctor be diagnosing your disease, instead of you telling him/her?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on February 17, 2022, 08:59:45 AM

Quote from: GaryV on February 17, 2022, 08:52:50 AM
"Tell your doctor if you have [name a condition] before taking [latest wonder drug with loads of side effects]."

Shouldn't your doctor be diagnosing your disease, instead of you telling him/her?

Yes, I find that so odd too. Isn't it more normal to list your symptoms and the doctor decides what medications you need? The large number of pharmaceutical ads is really jarring when I watch American TV channels, and they seem like such odd things to advertise. Not to mention the comically long list of side effects that take up over half of the ads. :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 17, 2022, 09:04:24 AM

The part that amuses me is when they say not to take a drug if you're allergic to it. Doesn't that assume you know of the allergy? Of course if you're allergic to any other drugs you should tell your doctor and he might be able to determine whether that indicates a likely allergy, but you may be allergic to some other drug and not know it. I'd never experienced any drug allergies and then when I took a particular prescription about 15 years ago I broke out in big hives that went away when I stopped taking it. I had no idea that would happen and I had no reason to have told the doctor of any allergies prior to being prescribed it. I suppose I was lucky that was the only allergic reaction I had.

My wife likes to complain about the ridiculous names a lot of the drugs have, but I keep telling her it's for trademark reasons.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on February 17, 2022, 12:24:21 PM

Quote from: GaryV on February 17, 2022, 08:52:50 AM
"Tell your doctor if you have [name a condition] before taking [latest wonder drug with loads of side effects]."

Shouldn't your doctor be diagnosing your disease, instead of you telling him/her?

Yes, and doctors are none too pleased about people coming into their office and saying "I have X and I need you to prescribe me Y," despite never having been diagnosed with X.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 17, 2022, 01:33:55 PM

Quote from: 7/8 on February 17, 2022, 08:59:45 AMYes, I find that so odd too. Isn't it more normal to list your symptoms and the doctor decides what medications you need? The large number of pharmaceutical ads is really jarring when I watch American TV channels, and they seem like such odd things to advertise. Not to mention the comically long list of side effects that take up over half of the ads. :-D

A talking point that often surfaces in the US healthcare debate--I'm not sure how true it actually is--is that the US and New Zealand are the only two developed countries that allow direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs. Pharmaceutical companies also aggressively promote new drugs to doctors through medical journals and direct sales visits. Patrick Radden Keefe's Empire of Pain reports that the Sackler family helped seed the opiate crisis by marketing OxyContin in these ways as a painkiller with low addiction potential.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on February 17, 2022, 05:01:17 PM

Quote from: GaryV on February 17, 2022, 08:52:50 AM
"Tell your doctor if you have [name a condition] before taking [latest wonder drug with loads of side effects]."

Shouldn't your doctor be diagnosing your disease, instead of you telling him/her?

This would be applicable if you're seeing a specialist for a certain condition, and you've been prescribed a maintenance drug by your general practitioner, or if you've been prescribed something by a different specialist for another condition.

The doctor treating your glaucoma may not know if you have diabetes or not unless you tell him or her.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 17, 2022, 05:15:56 PM

I mean, they're supposed to know that sort of thing, since your chart is supposed to be shared between your GP and any specialists they refer you to. But doctors are just like any other profession; some don't give enough of a shit to do things the right way.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 17, 2022, 06:20:01 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 17, 2022, 05:15:56 PMI mean, they're supposed to know that sort of thing, since your chart is supposed to be shared between your GP and any specialists they refer you to. But doctors are just like any other profession; some don't give enough of a shit to do things the right way.

I've seen receptionists at doctors' offices ask patients to fill out a complete medical history on each visit, even when the answers have not changed since the last visit. I suspect it's a CYA measure.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on February 17, 2022, 08:25:37 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on February 17, 2022, 06:20:01 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 17, 2022, 05:15:56 PMI mean, they're supposed to know that sort of thing, since your chart is supposed to be shared between your GP and any specialists they refer you to. But doctors are just like any other profession; some don't give enough of a shit to do things the right way.

I've seen receptionists at doctors' offices ask patients to fill out a complete medical history on each visit, even when the answers have not changed since the last visit. I suspect it's a CYA measure.

Legal - Thanks Obama!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on February 17, 2022, 09:20:45 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 17, 2022, 09:04:24 AM
The part that amuses me is when they say not to take a drug if you're allergic to it.

They have to say that for the same reason the manufacturer of a Halloween costume has to say that said costume will not enable you to fly.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on February 18, 2022, 01:22:36 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on February 17, 2022, 06:20:01 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 17, 2022, 05:15:56 PMI mean, they're supposed to know that sort of thing, since your chart is supposed to be shared between your GP and any specialists they refer you to. But doctors are just like any other profession; some don't give enough of a shit to do things the right way.

I've seen receptionists at doctors' offices ask patients to fill out a complete medical history on each visit, even when the answers have not changed since the last visit. I suspect it's a CYA measure.

I swear I have to do this every time I go to the dentist. And it asks for family history too - I can never remember what random heart condition my great-uncle I never knew died of 30 years ago, but because he was under a certain age when it happened, the dentist for some reason needs to know...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on February 19, 2022, 06:29:39 PM

A very minor thing: when the bus is late, but not horribly late (5 to 10 min). It happens, but it still sucks, especially when it's cold outside. It being late for more than 10 minutes usually means something exceptional (at least where I live), so I'm not as bothered then.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: allniter89 on February 20, 2022, 09:03:17 PM

I watch Dish Network. Most of the time certain channels show the same 4-6 commercials for every commercial break during an entire 2 hr program! Drives me knutz! :banghead:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 20, 2022, 09:17:50 PM

Quote from: allniter89 on February 20, 2022, 09:03:17 PM
I watch Dish Network. Most of the time certain channels show the same 4-6 commercials for every commercial break during an entire 2 hr program! Drives me knutz! :banghead:

That's not unique to Dish Network. I wish it were, as we don't have Dish!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 20, 2022, 09:19:23 PM

Hotel fees.

It's bad enough that the hotel taxes are much higher than the sales taxes, probably to help fund some entertainment venue. However, on top of advertised hotel fee is the so-called "resort fee" for items that I'm probably not going to be using if I'm staying overnight. Does that include Internet access? No.

I stayed at the Horseshoe in Bossier City, LA last December. There was no charge for the "basic" internet access, but there was a limit of two devices, and the transfer speed was limited to 1.5 Megabits. After that, if you wanted higher speed or additional devices, there is a per-device daily fee. Now, please understand what devices I carry with me when traveling:

My own personal mobile phone
My mother's personal mobile phone
A personal tablet
My work laptop which I have to take with me even on vacation in case of an work emergency

I don't know about you, but 1.5 Megabit would have been considered high-speed access almost 20 years ago. In this age of streaming media, that is tortoise slow. I also dislike watching hotel TV, and prefer to listen to music or watch programming from my personal Plex server (https://markholtz.info/plex). At least I had pre-downloaded several movies prior to taking the trip, and, in a pinch, I would use my phone as a WiFi hotspot.

Last week, I stayed at a local Marriott while my mother had some surgery, partially because I didn't want to drive in DFW morning rush hour traffic. There, they had "basic" internet for fee, but if you wanted streaming, it was $4.95 per device. I was able to VPN to work though.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 20, 2022, 09:21:20 PM

Quote from: allniter89 on February 20, 2022, 09:03:17 PMI watch Dish Network. Most of the time certain channels show the same 4-6 commercials for every commercial break during an entire 2 hr program! Drives me knutz! :banghead:

Not unique to Dish network. It also occurs with the ad-supported streaming platforms as well. By the end, either you are dying to get that product, or swear never to touch that product. :pan:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: allniter89 on February 20, 2022, 09:28:39 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 20, 2022, 09:17:50 PM
Quote from: allniter89 on February 20, 2022, 09:03:17 PM
I watch Dish Network. Most of the time certain channels show the same 4-6 commercials for every commercial break during an entire 2 hr program! Drives me knutz! :banghead:

That's not unique to Dish Network. I wish it were, as we don't have Dish!

Yeah, I enjoy Dish. I have the 250 channel option. A huge variety of programing! I'm going to miss it when I move into a senior apt bldg in my beloved Dover, DE.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 20, 2022, 09:29:47 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on February 20, 2022, 09:19:23 PM
Hotel fees.

It's bad enough that the hotel taxes are much higher than the sales taxes, probably to help fund some entertainment venue.

Well, yeah, it's a political ploy. If you tax hotels, the voters never have to pay the taxes, so the politicians don't have to worry about the "taxes are too high, throw the bums out" crowd. A little bit of misdirection with "these facilities will periodically be used by someone from another city, therefore hotel fees are a good way to pay for them" is enough to placate people.

Quote
However, on top of advertised hotel fee is the so-called "resort fee" for items that I'm probably not going to be using if I'm staying overnight. Does that include Internet access? No.

I stayed at the Horseshoe in Bossier City, LA last December. There was no charge for the "basic" internet access, but there was a limit of two devices, and the transfer speed was limited to 1.5 Megabits. [...]

Well, did you go back to the front desk to turn your key in and kill the transaction when you found that out? If not, they have no incentive to change such ridiculous policies. The only way to get the attention of the sort of lunkhead that would make that sort of policy is by giving them a nice swift kick in the revenue.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on February 20, 2022, 09:37:20 PM

Quote from: allniter89 on February 20, 2022, 09:28:39 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on February 20, 2022, 09:17:50 PM
Quote from: allniter89 on February 20, 2022, 09:03:17 PM
I watch Dish Network. Most of the time certain channels show the same 4-6 commercials for every commercial break during an entire 2 hr program! Drives me knutz! :banghead:

That's not unique to Dish Network. I wish it were, as we don't have Dish!
Yeah, I enjoy Dish. I have the 250 channel option. A huge variety of programing! I'm going to miss it when I move into a senior apt bldg in my beloved Dover, DE.

What bothers the shit out of me is when broadcast channels throw a long banner up about their contract disputes with providers (cable, sattelite or streaming) telling you to make contact with the provider to petition them. It's up there and distracting to me especially when the dispute doesn't involve me. I don't know what's worse, that or the persistent graphics for weather advisories in the market area. (many times blocking more vital information on the screen)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MATraveler128 on February 20, 2022, 09:53:45 PM

Does anyone else hate that feature from Google where you visit a page and it says "You've visited this page on date" ? For some reason, this is really annoying, at least for me. Are they trying to judge users for viewing pages?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on February 20, 2022, 10:22:25 PM

Quote from: allniter89 on February 20, 2022, 09:03:17 PM
I watch Dish Network. Most of the time certain channels show the same 4-6 commercials for every commercial break during an entire 2 hr program! Drives me knutz! :banghead:

At least I can DVR the programs and fast-forward through the commercials. What really irritates me is the promos that pop up onscreen DURING the program I'm watching, often blocking relevant information.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on February 20, 2022, 11:21:51 PM

Quote from: BlueOutback7 on February 20, 2022, 09:53:45 PM
Does anyone else hate that feature from Google where you visit a page and it says "You've visited this page on date" ? For some reason, this is really annoying, at least for me. Are they trying to judge users for viewing pages?

If I'm trying to find a source of info, it's convenient in that maybe I found that info within a website I've visited. Alternatively, if I'm searching for something that I haven't found the answer to yet, it's convenient as it's telling me I've already been to this site, so don't waste my time.

I actually find it more annoying on Google Maps. I may be clicking around looking for something, and accidently click on a business in the area. When I continue searching, I can't get that business to disappear because it keeps telling me I visited (clicked on) that business.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 21, 2022, 04:04:33 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 20, 2022, 09:29:47 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on February 20, 2022, 09:19:23 PMHowever, on top of advertised hotel fee is the so-called "resort fee" for items that I'm probably not going to be using if I'm staying overnight. Does that include Internet access? No.

I stayed at the Horseshoe in Bossier City, LA last December. There was no charge for the "basic" Internet access, but there was a limit of two devices, and the transfer speed was limited to 1.5 Megabits. [...]

Well, did you go back to the front desk to turn your key in and kill the transaction when you found that out? If not, they have no incentive to change such ridiculous policies. The only way to get the attention of the sort of lunkhead that would make that sort of policy is by giving them a nice swift kick in the revenue.

I never made it that far. I just stuck with the limited Internet.

Quote from: SSOWorld on February 20, 2022, 09:37:20 PMWhat bothers the shit out of me is when broadcast channels throw a long banner up about their contract disputes with providers (cable, satellite or streaming) telling you to make contact with the provider to petition them. It's up there and distracting to me especially when the dispute doesn't involve me. I don't know what's worse, that or the persistent graphics for weather advisories in the market area. (many times blocking more vital information on the screen)

It's called a "carriage dispute", SSOWorld, and it's a pressure technique. You might as well call it "In an effort to increase your cable and satellite bills beyond the point of affordability and to further pad the pockets of our executives..." . The multichannel providers are under pressure to keep the subscription lows, especially now with people utilizing streaming services, while the programming providers are trying to increase the per-subscriber carriage fee to carry the channel even when you don't watch the channel. Many subscribers think that the multichannel provider want to "take away my favorite channel"... they don't. It just costs too much. And, notice how the contractual expiration takes place right around a big major event.

For what it's worth, E$PN and the Regional $ports Networks (R$Ns) are the most expensive non-premium channels, often costing at least $6 per subscriber. E$PN carriage is tied with the carriage of Disney-owned national and local ABC affiliates, thus everyone gets E$PN. But, R$Ns have been on the chopping block with the multichannel providers citing high costs and low ratings, and Dish Network dropped their last R$N, NESN, on December 21st, 2021. When we have the Covid-related shutdown in 2020 and there were no live sports programming for months, the R$Ns still insisted on their monthly payment.

Carriage disputes has become so commonplace that I just sigh and ask where the carriage dispute bingo cards are, as I see the same tactics and phrases trotted out each time. When I moved in early 2019, I used it as an opportunity to drop DirecTV and go with streaming services.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on February 21, 2022, 05:04:59 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on February 20, 2022, 09:19:23 PM
Now, please understand what devices I carry with me when traveling:

My own personal mobile phone
My mother's personal mobile phone
A personal tablet
My work laptop which I have to take with me even on vacation in case of an work emergency
I don't know about you, but 1.5 Megabit would have been considered high-speed access almost 20 years ago. In this age of streaming media, that is tortoise slow.

Because I have nearly unlimited data plans - I haven't knowingly run into an slow-down yet - I just tether the phone to the PC, or decide which device is most intensive for the login; though usually it's 3 devices. Unless I'm in some armpit 3G zone, it's usually enough to get work done, though at a reduced pace. Then again, I don't use too many streaming services on the road (usually the F1 Pro app and YouTube, and that's it) but also rarely watch hotel's TV...it could be two months at a time before I turn on that monolith in in my room. I'd say most of the hotels I'm at run at 3-10 Mb/s, but I've had some that were slow or even unusable...that's where I try to have some back-up activities.

The hotel isn't under any obligation for you to allow you stream to and from your server; if 100-200 other patrons were doing the same during the typical evening crunch of 8-11pm*, there wouldn't be enough bandwidth for the hotel to justify the expense. Maybe the bigger-name hotel chains are just better at this than the smaller lines and one-offs.

* typically, uploading or transferring dozens of photos from the hotel is a lot faster at 5am than at 8-9pm.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 21, 2022, 01:24:04 PM

I don't stream, but I would still hate to depend on hotel/motel wifi for real connectivity, just because the latency characteristics are so unpredictable.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on February 22, 2022, 10:46:00 PM

There's a reality show called Amazing Race, where frequently everyone's progress gets reset (there's one daily flight to the next destination, etc.)

The background music for that show is always so histrionic, as if the hero had exactly 22 seconds to prevent Satan from killing everyone in the world. It's just so relentlessly THRILLING

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 26, 2022, 04:57:26 PM

Quote from: kurumi on February 22, 2022, 10:46:00 PMThere's a reality show called Amazing Race, where frequently everyone's progress gets reset (there's one daily flight to the next destination, etc.)

The Amazing Race is absolutely one of my favorite reality competition programs (along with the original RyÃ´ri no tetsujin aka Iron Chef). There have been so many destinations that I have wanted to visit (along with a few on my avoid list). But yeah, they can be overly dramatic at times.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 26, 2022, 05:19:27 PM

AndroidOS vs microSD cards.

So, let me give you some background on this... despite how much storage is on your device, it is never enough. I know we live in the age of "the cloud", but there are times where you want to rely on your media rather than try and stream it through a bad Internet connection or weak carrier signal. In some cases, you have NO usable internet and/or you don't want to pay through the nose for access, such as flying on a plane or vacationing on a cruise ship. This is where storing some audiobooks, music, movies, or TV shows comes in very handy.... along with a noise cancelling headset.

My previous phone was a Pixel 3, and it had two choices for storage: 64GB or 128GB. I took the 128GB storage. Last fall, when I ordered it's replacement, I had a choice between 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB.... except that the 512GB version was simply not available, and the 256GB version had a two month waiting period. I took the two month waiting period as my Pixel 3 battery gave my phone less than 2 hours battery power. Neither phone has a microSD slot, as Google believes in the Cloud storage solution.

Now comes my Android Tablet. It isa Samsung tablet that I purchased on sale last fall from Costco, and great for watching streaming media in bed. At the moment, 16GB of the available 24GB is being used. At least it has a microSD slot, so I added a 256GB card. It is working out pretty well, except that some of the apps won't allow themselves to be transferred to the microSD card. OK, that's understandable, the app size isn't that big. However, some of the media streaming services that I have a subscription to, in the name of "security" and "digital rights management", won't allow you to save a offline copy of the movie/show to the microSD card. That means my tablet can only have two movies from applications such as HBOMax.

Grrrrr......

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 26, 2022, 05:31:09 PM

DRM should be banned. It is simply not something that benefits anyone except people who have way too much money, trying to set themselves up for a situation where they have way, way too much money.

Fortunately the open-source software I tend to use usually simply disregards DRM restrictions. I think there's some program I have where "Follow DRM restrictions" is even a check box on in the config menu. Who would ever turn that on?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on February 26, 2022, 05:43:36 PM

more of a 'moderate' thing...

I have several linux machines, one windows machine, an android phone and an ipad.

why can't i, say, download a windows app and transfer it to the windows machine? sometimes i can, most of the time i get 'this isn't compatible with your device'. OK, i know this. just download the file, and i'll take it from there.

sometimes I'm in town with the ipad, same problem. i just want the file, and i'll work out the installation details on whatever device it's intended for.

like, don't worry about what i'm doing. just give me the file. this happens with pretty much any permutation of the above devices.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 26, 2022, 07:03:54 PM

Yeah, I've run into that problem before, especially when I'm trying to use my Linux computer to look up how to help out a friend who uses Windows. It's neat that you do or do not have a Linux version, but this information isn't for me!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 26, 2022, 07:52:25 PM

Posting this comment while watching soccer. They just had a substitution and the on-screen graphic came up to say who was coming on and who was being replaced. Yet despite that graphic, the broadcaster still felt the need to cut to the fourth official holding up the sign with the red and green numbers. What for? Why do we need to be shown that sign when the on-screen graphic is giving us the same, and actually more, information (the graphic includes the players' names)?

Same thing applies to showing the fourth official holding up the stoppage time sign. It reminds me of the old days when you'd watch an NFK broadcast and after a team converted a PAT, the broadcaster would immediately cut to showing the referee turning around and giving the signal that the try was good (even though you just saw it was good). I note they don't do that anymore.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on February 26, 2022, 08:21:54 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 26, 2022, 05:31:09 PM
DRM should be banned. It is simply not something that benefits anyone except people who have way too much money, trying to set themselves up for a situation where they have way, way too much money.

Fortunately the open-source software I tend to use usually simply disregards DRM restrictions. I think there's some program I have where "Follow DRM restrictions" is even a check box on in the config menu. Who would ever turn that on?

:clap:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bm7 on February 28, 2022, 12:44:39 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 20, 2022, 11:21:51 PM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on February 20, 2022, 09:53:45 PM
Does anyone else hate that feature from Google where you visit a page and it says "You've visited this page on date" ? For some reason, this is really annoying, at least for me. Are they trying to judge users for viewing pages?

If I'm trying to find a source of info, it's convenient in that maybe I found that info within a website I've visited. Alternatively, if I'm searching for something that I haven't found the answer to yet, it's convenient as it's telling me I've already been to this site, so don't waste my time.

I actually find it more annoying on Google Maps. I may be clicking around looking for something, and accidently click on a business in the area. When I continue searching, I can't get that business to disappear because it keeps telling me I visited (clicked on) that business.

I turned off my history for places on Google Maps for that reason. It was also annoying that if you clicked on a business, it would think you're interested in that type of business and show them more prominently. So I would click on somewhere, sometimes by accident, and it would keep showing me where similar businesses are. No, Google, just because I clicked on a lawn care store once doesn't mean I care about every business that sells anything related to lawns.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Tom958 on February 28, 2022, 06:41:36 PM

Misuse of the word "wonky" to mean crooked or out of kilter. A wonk is someone with extensive knowledge about an often-obscure-or-arcane but important topic. No one disputes that. A wonky book, article, or discussion is one that laypeople might find hard to follow, but which is elucidating and worthwhile for those who can. Wonky, then, is an important word that should not be casually debased. Because it has been, ignorant people might hear or read a reference to "a wonky debate" and completely, diametrically misinterpret the nature of the exchange. Not good.

The obvious alternative is "wanky," which has the same satisfying crunch but no other meaning to confuse the issue. One friend objected that "wanky" seems to allude to a colloquial British term for male masturbation, which... is that really a problem? I think not.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Mapmikey on February 28, 2022, 07:20:14 PM

Quote from: Tom958 on February 28, 2022, 06:41:36 PM
Misuse of the word "wonky" to mean crooked or out of kilter. A wonk is someone with extensive knowledge about an often-obscure-or-arcane but important topic. No one disputes that. A wonky book, article, or discussion is one that laypeople might find hard to follow, but which is elucidating and worthwhile for those who can. Wonky, then, is an important word that should not be casually debased. Because it has been, ignorant people might hear or read a reference to "a wonky debate" and completely, diametrically misinterpret the nature of the exchange. Not good.

The obvious alternative is "wanky," which has the same satisfying crunch but no other meaning to confuse the issue. One friend objected that "wanky" seems to allude to a colloquial British term for male masturbation, which... is that really a problem? I think not.

The use of 'wonky' that way is a little hinky...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on February 28, 2022, 07:21:51 PM

Quote from: Tom958 on February 28, 2022, 06:41:36 PM
Misuse of the word "wonky" to mean crooked or out of kilter.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the use of wonky to mean, "Of a person: shaky, groggy; unstable. Of a thing: faulty, unsound; unreliable," dates to 1919, while the use of wonky to mean "Bookish, studious, "˜nerdy'. Also (Politics): excessively concerned with minute points of policy," dates much later, to 1978.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on March 01, 2022, 02:44:14 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 26, 2022, 07:52:25 PM
Posting this comment while watching soccer. They just had a substitution and the on-screen graphic came up to say who was coming on and who was being replaced. Yet despite that graphic, the broadcaster still felt the need to cut to the fourth official holding up the sign with the red and green numbers. What for? Why do we need to be shown that sign when the on-screen graphic is giving us the same, and actually more, information (the graphic includes the players' names)?

It's tradition and it fills dead time that would otherwise be occupied by cameras lingering on players waiting around for the change or (in American sports) an ad break. And since ad breaks are not what we watch soccer for, it's not much of an issue to cut away to the substitution happening. Sometimes there's a nice handshake or hug between the players, other times they get a little ovation from the crowd, or it's a good time to bring up the last time they did X on Y at Z.

Sometimes it can be a hugely emotional moment, like when a fan favorite returns from injury (but isn't at the level where they can start).

(For context, Steve Zakuani broke his leg while playing against the Colorado Rapids, the team he is substituting against here, from a horrific tackle. His career was ultimately cut short by the injury and some complications later, but he still was able to play a few times for the Sounders until retiring)

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 26, 2022, 07:52:25 PM
Same thing applies to showing the fourth official holding up the stoppage time sign.

I think this one has to do with tradition as well, but I'm not sure.

On a similar note, the stoppage time is not shown on in-stadium clocks (to not influence the referee, who has full discretion over timekeeping), so many of us whip out our phones to run the timer and glance at it every so often. Of course it rarely matters since stoppage time isn't accurate and often is cut short.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on March 01, 2022, 12:30:17 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on February 20, 2022, 09:19:23 PM
Hotel fees.

It's bad enough that the hotel taxes are much higher than the sales taxes, probably to help fund some entertainment venue. However, on top of advertised hotel fee is the so-called "resort fee" for items that I'm probably not going to be using if I'm staying overnight. Does that include Internet access? No.

I stayed at the Horseshoe in Bossier City, LA last December. There was no charge for the "basic" internet access, but there was a limit of two devices, and the transfer speed was limited to 1.5 Megabits. After that, if you wanted higher speed or additional devices, there is a per-device daily fee. Now, please understand what devices I carry with me when traveling:

My own personal mobile phone
My mother's personal mobile phone
A personal tablet
My work laptop which I have to take with me even on vacation in case of an work emergency
I don't know about you, but 1.5 Megabit would have been considered high-speed access almost 20 years ago. In this age of streaming media, that is tortoise slow. I also dislike watching hotel TV, and prefer to listen to music or watch programming from my personal Plex server (https://markholtz.info/plex). At least I had pre-downloaded several movies prior to taking the trip, and, in a pinch, I would use my phone as a WiFi hotspot.

Last week, I stayed at a local Marriott while my mother had some surgery, partially because I didn't want to drive in DFW morning rush hour traffic. There, they had "basic" internet for fee, but if you wanted streaming, it was $4.95 per device. I was able to VPN to work though.

Same here. I had recently stayed at the Sheraton in Greensboro, and they required an account or else you pay money for internet. And in April, my family are heading to Asheville (anybody heard of Omni Grove Park inn?) We are also going to the Outer Banks, and even going to the zoo! :clap:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on March 01, 2022, 12:31:22 PM

Quote from: LilianaUwU on February 14, 2022, 04:18:04 AM
Something that annoys me roads wise is when people use "interstate" to refer to any kind of freeway. Just because it's a freeway doesn't mean it's an interstate.

US 421 -> I-685. :D
However, I70 -> Breezwood is NOT an interstate! :colorful:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on March 01, 2022, 12:32:34 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 14, 2022, 09:49:01 PM
I just sat down on the couch next to our cat. Holy shit, she must have ripped a huge fart while I was in the other room. What a stench.

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
My cat does this too!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on March 01, 2022, 12:35:50 PM

Quote from: 7/8 on February 17, 2022, 08:59:45 AM
Quote from: GaryV on February 17, 2022, 08:52:50 AM
"Tell your doctor if you have [name a condition] before taking [latest wonder drug with loads of side effects]."

Shouldn't your doctor be diagnosing your disease, instead of you telling him/her?

Yes, I find that so odd too. Isn't it more normal to list your symptoms and the doctor decides what medications you need? The large number of pharmaceutical ads is really jarring when I watch American TV channels, and they seem like such odd things to advertise. Not to mention the comically long list of side effects that take up over half of the ads. :-D

This also is a pain to watch. Every daytime soap opera contains one or two of medication ads for Jardiance, DuPixent, and Embrel.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on March 01, 2022, 12:37:43 PM

Quote from: BlueOutback7 on February 20, 2022, 09:53:45 PM
Does anyone else hate that feature from Google where you visit a page and it says "You've visited this page on date" ? For some reason, this is really annoying, at least for me. Are they trying to judge users for viewing pages?

I actually like this feature! This feature helps me along with Timeline, to see what places I've went before.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: gonealookin on March 01, 2022, 01:12:31 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on February 20, 2022, 09:19:23 PM
Hotel fees.

It's bad enough that the hotel taxes are much higher than the sales taxes, probably to help fund some entertainment venue. However, on top of advertised hotel fee is the so-called "resort fee" for items that I'm probably not going to be using if I'm staying overnight. Does that include Internet access? No.
...

I would add to this, the difficulty of comparing the bottom line price when shopping for a hotel room.

I need a hotel room in Reno before a 5:30 a.m. flight. Looking at Priceline, there's an "Express Deal" for the Atlantis, with a headline price of $52/night, which when sorted by price is #7 lowest out of 73 listings. What you don't see until you have chosen a room and get to the payment page: "Taxes and fees" of $18.97 (part of that being Priceline's commission) and an "Additional Mandatory Fee" (the "Resort Fee") of $39.55, so that $52 is actually $110.52. The $39.55 "Resort Fee" appears to include "standard wi-fi"; I'm sure higher-speed wi-fi that would allow video streaming is additional. Anyway, there a quite a few places showing up lower in the ranked-by-price listing that I can get for less than $110.52.

The same thing happens when trying to make a rental car reservation. Some sites do give you the all-in price on the first page (for example if you're reserving a Budget Rent a Car through the Costco Travel site); others just show the base price on the first page and don't give you the all-in until after a couple more clicks (if you're looking at Budget's own site at Budget.com).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on March 01, 2022, 01:44:08 PM

Yes. I would argue that such deceipt is actually fraud and not a minor thing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on March 01, 2022, 01:44:58 PM

Quote from: gonealookin on March 01, 2022, 01:12:31 PMThe same thing happens when trying to make a rental car reservation. Some sites do give you the all-in price on the first page (for example if you're reserving a Budget Rent a Car through the Costco Travel site); others just show the base price on the first page and don't give you the all-in until after a couple more clicks (if you're looking at Budget's own site at Budget.com).

avis.com gives you the option to show prices with taxes and fees included. Which is really handy, given the sheer amount you'll pay in taxes and fees at a major airport.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 01, 2022, 02:05:02 PM

Quote from: snowc on March 01, 2022, 12:30:17 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on February 20, 2022, 09:19:23 PM
Hotel fees.

It's bad enough that the hotel taxes are much higher than the sales taxes, probably to help fund some entertainment venue. However, on top of advertised hotel fee is the so-called "resort fee" for items that I'm probably not going to be using if I'm staying overnight. Does that include Internet access? No.

I stayed at the Horseshoe in Bossier City, LA last December. There was no charge for the "basic" internet access, but there was a limit of two devices, and the transfer speed was limited to 1.5 Megabits. After that, if you wanted higher speed or additional devices, there is a per-device daily fee. Now, please understand what devices I carry with me when traveling:

My own personal mobile phone
My mother's personal mobile phone
A personal tablet
My work laptop which I have to take with me even on vacation in case of an work emergency
I don't know about you, but 1.5 Megabit would have been considered high-speed access almost 20 years ago. In this age of streaming media, that is tortoise slow. I also dislike watching hotel TV, and prefer to listen to music or watch programming from my personal Plex server (https://markholtz.info/plex). At least I had pre-downloaded several movies prior to taking the trip, and, in a pinch, I would use my phone as a WiFi hotspot.

Last week, I stayed at a local Marriott while my mother had some surgery, partially because I didn't want to drive in DFW morning rush hour traffic. There, they had "basic" internet for fee, but if you wanted streaming, it was $4.95 per device. I was able to VPN to work though.
Same here. I had recently stayed at the Sheraton in Greensboro, and they required an account or else you pay money for internet. And in April, my family are heading to Asheville (anybody heard of Omni Grove Park inn?) We are also going to the Outer Banks, and even going to the zoo! :clap:

Regarding Internet access at a hotel, I carry a mobile hotspot with me and I use that if I want to do anything work-related (this per our IT security rules) or anything personal that's more than basic stuff like reading the news or the sports scores. I certainly don't do online banking via hotel wifi, for example.

Regarding the Grove Park Inn, I know my parents went there, though I don't remember when it was. Has to have been quite some time ago because I believe they played golf there and they largely stopped playing golf in 2002. I think they spoke highly of it in general. I've been to Asheville (for a job interview in law school on my own nickel, so I stayed at the Super 8) but I haven't been to the Grove Park Inn. I'd like to go sometime–might be a nice anniversary trip some year–but it's quite a haul for us just for a weekend trip.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 01, 2022, 02:48:49 PM

One thing that's really funny is the suckier of a hotel you stay in, the better the wifi is. If you stay in a Comfort Inn or something like that, the wifi is free and works just fine. This is probably because someone staying at a Sheraton or a Marriott is more likely to be on business and thus expensing everything, where as someone staying in a Comfort Inn is more likely to be paying for themselves and thus be aggrieved by non-free wifi.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on March 01, 2022, 02:50:43 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 01, 2022, 02:48:49 PM
One thing that's really funny is the suckier of a hotel you stay in, the better the wifi is. If you stay in a Comfort Inn or something like that, the wifi is free and works just fine. This is probably because someone staying at a Sheraton or a Marriott is more likely to be on business and thus expensing everything, where as someone staying in a Comfort Inn is more likely to be paying for themselves and thus be aggrieved by non-free wifi.

Never thought of it that way, but I have noticed, the crappier the hotel, the free-er the wifi.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on March 01, 2022, 03:18:34 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on February 26, 2022, 05:19:27 PM
AndroidOS vs microSD cards.

So, let me give you some background on this... despite how much storage is on your device, it is never enough. I know we live in the age of "the cloud", but there are times where you want to rely on your media rather than try and stream it through a bad Internet connection or weak carrier signal. In some cases, you have NO usable internet and/or you don't want to pay through the nose for access, such as flying on a plane or vacationing on a cruise ship. This is where storing some audiobooks, music, movies, or TV shows comes in very handy.... along with a noise cancelling headset.

My previous phone was a Pixel 3, and it had two choices for storage: 64GB or 128GB. I took the 128GB storage. Last fall, when I ordered it's replacement, I had a choice between 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB.... except that the 512GB version was simply not available, and the 256GB version had a two month waiting period. I took the two month waiting period as my Pixel 3 battery gave my phone less than 2 hours battery power. Neither phone has a microSD slot, as Google believes in the Cloud storage solution.

Now comes my Android Tablet. It isa Samsung tablet that I purchased on sale last fall from Costco, and great for watching streaming media in bed. At the moment, 16GB of the available 24GB is being used. At least it has a microSD slot, so I added a 256GB card. It is working out pretty well, except that some of the apps won't allow themselves to be transferred to the microSD card. OK, that's understandable, the app size isn't that big. However, some of the media streaming services that I have a subscription to, in the name of "security" and "digital rights management", won't allow you to save a offline copy of the movie/show to the microSD card. That means my tablet can only have two movies from applications such as HBOMax.

Grrrrr......

Use Force2SD if you want movable apps moved if you have root.
Also, Link2SD is a great app for root users. Sadly, the Pixels DO NOT have root! :banghead:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on March 01, 2022, 03:19:40 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 26, 2022, 05:31:09 PM
DRM should be banned. It is simply not something that benefits anyone except people who have way too much money, trying to set themselves up for a situation where they have way, way too much money.

Fortunately the open-source software I tend to use usually simply disregards DRM restrictions. I think there's some program I have where "Follow DRM restrictions" is even a check box on in the config menu. Who would ever turn that on?

Use Calibre with dedrm if you want books without this feature!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 01, 2022, 03:25:13 PM

Quote from: snowc on March 01, 2022, 03:19:40 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 26, 2022, 05:31:09 PM
DRM should be banned. It is simply not something that benefits anyone except people who have way too much money, trying to set themselves up for a situation where they have way, way too much money.

Fortunately the open-source software I tend to use usually simply disregards DRM restrictions. I think there's some program I have where "Follow DRM restrictions" is even a check box on in the config menu. Who would ever turn that on?
Use Calibre with dedrm if you want books without this feature!

I normally don't have much use for epub and similar file formats (I tend to use either pdfs or dead trees), but Okular is capable of opening them, and it turns out it was the program I was thinking of where you can turn DRM off:

(https://i.imgur.com/LyXMj2j.png)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on March 01, 2022, 03:25:57 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 01, 2022, 02:48:49 PM
One thing that's really funny is the suckier of a hotel you stay in, the better the wifi is. If you stay in a Comfort Inn or something like that, the wifi is free and works just fine. This is probably because someone staying at a Sheraton or a Marriott is more likely to be on business and thus expensing everything, where as someone staying in a Comfort Inn is more likely to be paying for themselves and thus be aggrieved by non-free wifi.

That's weird, because Sleep Inn in Syracuse (owned by Al Barbagallo) has one option for basic WiFi, and its free! :colorful:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jlam on March 01, 2022, 03:26:12 PM

Something that has bothered me for ages: When people use apostrophes to pluralize words.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on March 01, 2022, 03:27:03 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 01, 2022, 03:25:13 PM
Quote from: snowc on March 01, 2022, 03:19:40 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 26, 2022, 05:31:09 PM
DRM should be banned. It is simply not something that benefits anyone except people who have way too much money, trying to set themselves up for a situation where they have way, way too much money.

Fortunately the open-source software I tend to use usually simply disregards DRM restrictions. I think there's some program I have where "Follow DRM restrictions" is even a check box on in the config menu. Who would ever turn that on?
Use Calibre with dedrm if you want books without this feature!

I normally don't have much use for epub and similar file formats (I tend to use either pdfs or dead trees), but Okular is capable of opening them, and it turns out it was the program I was thinking of where you can turn DRM off:

(https://i.imgur.com/LyXMj2j.png)

So, you are not a Calibre user? :hmmm:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 01, 2022, 03:36:39 PM

Never even heard of it until today. As I said, I don't find myself in possession of epub files often. I generally don't believe in paying for digital files, so if I spend money on a piece of writing generally it's by acquiring a paper book.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on March 01, 2022, 03:42:38 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 01, 2022, 02:48:49 PM
One thing that's really funny is the suckier of a hotel you stay in, the better the wifi is. If you stay in a Comfort Inn or something like that, the wifi is free and works just fine. This is probably because someone staying at a Sheraton or a Marriott is more likely to be on business and thus expensing everything, where as someone staying in a Comfort Inn is more likely to be paying for themselves and thus be aggrieved by non-free wifi.

Can confirm. The best hotel internet I've ever used was the free wi-fi at a no-name motel in Portland that was $60/night. Got over 70 Mbps and decent enough latency to play some games on.

Worst was a Westin in Vancouver, which was "complimentary" because of the room cost but struggled to load Wikipedia, let alone any site with ads and trackers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 01, 2022, 03:55:49 PM

Quote from: jlam on March 01, 2022, 03:26:12 PM
Something that has bothered me for ages: When people use apostrophes to pluralize words.

Heh, my mother was an English teacher (she's now retired), so I had grammar and punctuation drilled into me and what you note is the sort of thing that drives me nuts. One of my cousins used to send a Christmas card with her family's last name "pluralized" with an apostrophe (e.g., "Merry Christmas from the Smith's"). It looked so stupid, but none of us wanted to come across as rude or snobbish by pointing out the error.

Then there's this, although it's amusing to note it contains a punctuation error itself.

(https://www.liveabout.com/thmb/S7hsbwwfRdh1-Iwc1S0Zi7AxRsU=/647x640/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/your-youre-memes-5c1bd45c46e0fb00016b94c3.png)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 01, 2022, 03:57:54 PM

Four of them to be exact.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on March 01, 2022, 03:59:54 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 01, 2022, 02:48:49 PM
One thing that's really funny is the suckier of a hotel you stay in, the better the wifi is. If you stay in a Comfort Inn or something like that, the wifi is free and works just fine. This is probably because someone staying at a Sheraton or a Marriott is more likely to be on business and thus expensing everything, where as someone staying in a Comfort Inn is more likely to be paying for themselves and thus be aggrieved by non-free wifi.

Eh, there's not a lot of rhyme or reason. Best bet for speed is a mid-sized or larger hotel with low occupancy. Hard to tell that in advance, but if the lot is empty at 8-9pm, it's rarely going to get full...unless a few buses of high schoolers suddenly park there for the night.

Could be in a big city or small town, and the speed varies. I was in San Jose last week and the service was unreliable, and tethering off a 4G signal was erratic...and that's in Silicon Valley. Stayed at one hotel outside Toronto that was incredibly slow (vaguely 3G/dial-up speeds), and tethering was going to be too expensive. Just chose a different hotel for the following week. As I said before, worst I do is upload files to the cloud and that's where I see the weaknesses; not all upload speeds are even half of download speeds, they might be a tenth of the downstream rate.

That said, it's been a long time since I had to pay for hotel internet; though we can expense it. Some of them will comp it if you have a mid-tier status with their chain, but half the time they charge it to the room, and you have to still have to rectify that before you leave. I've rarely noticed a difference in the up/down speeds when a hotel offers "premium internet".

While we're on similar annoyances; many hotels have a 24-hour pass for their internet connections; you don't get much of a warning when it stops, but it's always at a point where you didn't need it to cut out or act weird. This is even more troublesome on a VPN, because you have to cut internet connection entirely (airplane mode), cease the VPN connection which is still looking for an internet connection, try again with a site that isn't secure (hey, AARoads.com), which then allows you to plug in your stay information again on the hotel's secure site, login to your VPN again, and finally get back to work. It's so much better if they either set it for the length of your stay, or actually just cut you off after 8-10 hours. Nobody can remember the 24-hour limit, and you can't just reset it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MATraveler128 on March 01, 2022, 04:44:17 PM

Something that bothers me is small dogs. I just think they're annoying because of their high pitched bark. (sorry to anyone who has one)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: allniter89 on March 02, 2022, 10:21:32 AM

Quote from: snowc on March 01, 2022, 12:32:34 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on February 14, 2022, 09:49:01 PM
I just sat down on the couch next to our cat. Holy shit, she must have ripped a huge fart while I was in the other room. What a stench.
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

My cat does this too!

So does my dog and he has bad breath and he snores!!! I gave him something for his breath & he brought me a bottle of Listerine :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MATraveler128 on March 03, 2022, 10:31:28 AM

I don't like the sound of Amazon vans backing up. It sounds like a walkie-talkie. So annoying.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on March 03, 2022, 10:36:36 AM

Quote from: BlueOutback7 on March 03, 2022, 10:31:28 AM
I don't like the sound of Amazon vans backing up. It sounds like a walkie-talkie. So annoying.

Agree with this.
Amazon delivered 3 packages that were ordered by my (yes) my cat. :colorful:
Had to drive to the UPS store three times in a ROW! :angry:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on March 03, 2022, 10:37:34 AM

Quote from: snowc on March 03, 2022, 10:36:36 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on March 03, 2022, 10:31:28 AM
I don't like the sound of Amazon vans backing up. It sounds like a walkie-talkie. So annoying.
Agree with this.
Amazon delivered 3 packages that were ordered by my (yes) my cat. :colorful:
Had to drive to the UPS store three times in a ROW! :angry:

Maybe turn off one-click ordering?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 03, 2022, 10:48:07 AM

Quote from: vdeane on January 25, 2022, 12:57:18 PM

Quote from: noelbotevera on January 24, 2022, 10:07:02 PM
-People don't tip when picking up food, despite the same amount of effort being put into making it.

Aren't the tips for the waiters handling table service at a sit-down restaurant? That wouldn't be a factor with take-out.

This.

My tip is for the waiter or waitress. (I understand that some establishments expect a portion of the tips to go to busboys as well.) But the kitchen staff preparing my meal is paid at least minimum wage; they don't live on tips. Yes, the same amount of effort went into preparing my order, but the people preparing it are not the people to whom tips are expected to go.

When I order my food for pickup, no hostess seated me, no waiter took my order, no busboy cleaned up my table. To whom would my tip be going for a pickup order?

When I walk into a counter-serve restaurant and see a tip jar on the counter, ... well, that's a minor thing that bothers me. You don't get a tip just because you rang up my order on the register. Can you imagine if the cashier at Target had a tip jar sitting out?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on March 03, 2022, 10:49:48 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 03, 2022, 10:48:07 AM
Quote from: vdeane on January 25, 2022, 12:57:18 PM

Quote from: noelbotevera on January 24, 2022, 10:07:02 PM
-People don't tip when picking up food, despite the same amount of effort being put into making it.

Aren't the tips for the waiters handling table service at a sit-down restaurant? That wouldn't be a factor with take-out.

This.

My tip is for the waiter or waitress. (I understand that some establishments expect a portion of the tips to go to busboys as well.) But the kitchen staff preparing my meal is paid at least minimum wage; they don't live on tips. Yes, the same amount of effort went into preparing my order, but the people preparing it are not the people to whom tips are expected to go.

When I order my food for pickup, no hostess seated me, no waiter took my order, no busboy cleaned up my table. To whom would my tip be going for a pickup order?

When I walk into a counter-serve restaurant and see a tip jar on the counter, ... well, that's a minor thing that bothers me. You don't get a tip just because you rang up my order on the register. Can you imagine if the cashier at Target had a tip jar sitting out?

Tipping doesnt really work well in non dine in environments. I dont tip that well with orders that are carryout.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 03, 2022, 11:17:52 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 03, 2022, 10:48:07 AM
When I walk into a counter-serve restaurant and see a tip jar on the counter, ... well, that's a minor thing that bothers me. You don't get a tip just because you rang up my order on the register. Can you imagine if the cashier at Target had a tip jar sitting out?

Oooh... and even worse, when the credit card machine forces you to enter a tip, oftentimes defaulting to 10 or 15% unless you select "No Tip" - all while the cashier is watching. There's a local pizza shop near me that has this, and it makes me cringe every time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on March 03, 2022, 11:31:25 AM

Quote from: webny99 on March 03, 2022, 11:17:52 AM
Oooh... and even worse, when the credit card machine forces you to enter a tip, oftentimes defaulting to 10 or 15% unless you select "No Tip" - all while the cashier is watching. There's a local pizza shop near me that has this, and it makes me cringe every time.

Why not pay cash?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on March 03, 2022, 11:34:58 AM

Quote from: 1 on March 03, 2022, 11:31:25 AM
Quote from: webny99 on March 03, 2022, 11:17:52 AM
Oooh... and even worse, when the credit card machine forces you to enter a tip, oftentimes defaulting to 10 or 15% unless you select "No Tip" - all while the cashier is watching. There's a local pizza shop near me that has this, and it makes me cringe every time.

Why not pay cash?

Not everyone accept cash! They want their smoochy money that only one person will understand. See below.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/f8/Mr._Krabs.svg/800px-Mr._Krabs.svg.png)
:bigass: :bigass: :bigass:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on March 03, 2022, 11:41:07 AM

Quote from: webny99 on March 03, 2022, 11:17:52 AM
Quote from: kphoger on March 03, 2022, 10:48:07 AM
When I walk into a counter-serve restaurant and see a tip jar on the counter, ... well, that's a minor thing that bothers me. You don't get a tip just because you rang up my order on the register. Can you imagine if the cashier at Target had a tip jar sitting out?

Oooh... and even worse, when the credit card machine forces you to enter a tip, oftentimes defaulting to 10 or 15% unless you select "No Tip" - all while the cashier is watching. There's a local pizza shop near me that has this, and it makes me cringe every time.

I feel we may have had this discussion on here before but maybe it was somewhere else. I don't mind if the local coffee/pizza shop asks for a tip. I do mind that places like Subway started suggesting one.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on March 03, 2022, 11:43:50 AM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 03, 2022, 11:41:07 AM
Quote from: webny99 on March 03, 2022, 11:17:52 AM
Quote from: kphoger on March 03, 2022, 10:48:07 AM
When I walk into a counter-serve restaurant and see a tip jar on the counter, ... well, that's a minor thing that bothers me. You don't get a tip just because you rang up my order on the register. Can you imagine if the cashier at Target had a tip jar sitting out?

Oooh... and even worse, when the credit card machine forces you to enter a tip, oftentimes defaulting to 10 or 15% unless you select "No Tip" - all while the cashier is watching. There's a local pizza shop near me that has this, and it makes me cringe every time.

I feel we may have had this discussion on here before but maybe it was somewhere else. I don't mind if the local coffee/pizza shop asks for a tip. I do mind that places like Subway started suggesting one.

Tips are tips. If you don't have enough money, JUST ROUND IT! Usually Walmart will round the prices to be even. $8.00 - $7.89 = $0.11!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on March 03, 2022, 11:54:51 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 03, 2022, 10:48:07 AMWhen I order my food for pickup, no hostess seated me, no waiter took my order, no busboy cleaned up my table. To whom would my tip be going for a pickup order?

More often than not, it is a server who bagged up your order, so...your tip goes to them, same as if they waited on you in the restaurant.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 03, 2022, 12:11:52 PM

Quote from: 1 on March 03, 2022, 11:31:25 AM
Quote from: webny99 on March 03, 2022, 11:17:52 AM
Oooh... and even worse, when the credit card machine forces you to enter a tip, oftentimes defaulting to 10 or 15% unless you select "No Tip" - all while the cashier is watching. There's a local pizza shop near me that has this, and it makes me cringe every time.

Why not pay cash?

I often do - probably more often than many other people. I find cash still works reasonably well anywhere with a drive thru, as I keep change in my dash compartment and I can have exact change or the simplest available denomination ready to give the cashier before I get up to the window. That doesn't work as well at a pizza shop with no drive thru, as I don't keep much change (if any) in my wallet, so I'll end up having to get change, which is ironically even more awkward at the counter than it is at the drive thru.

So when places started have coin shortages about a year ago, combined with sanitary concerns over Covid, I all but abandoned the use of cash for any over the counter transactions except at drive-thrus.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 03, 2022, 01:39:23 PM

I stopped using much cash during covid too, though that's mostly because my bank banned people from going inside for a while, and the closest branch with a drive thru is on the west side. I could get money from an ATM, but I don't like $20s. And then there's the issue of dealing with the coins. I generally prefer to keep all coins at home and then deposit them into savings when I get around $20 worth. But with the bank lobby closed, I couldn't get at the coin counter, and sitting in my car watching the teller count the change by hand was embarrassing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on March 03, 2022, 02:11:17 PM

The vast majority of my cash use last year came in one day at the Minnesota State Fair. Usually I only use cash for official purposes like a government entity who won't take cards.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on March 03, 2022, 02:47:55 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on March 03, 2022, 11:54:51 AM
Quote from: kphoger on March 03, 2022, 10:48:07 AMWhen I order my food for pickup, no hostess seated me, no waiter took my order, no busboy cleaned up my table. To whom would my tip be going for a pickup order?
More often than not, it is a server who bagged up your order, so...your tip goes to them, same as if they waited on you in the restaurant.

Yes... if minimum wage (if they even get that) isn't enough to live on when they're serving at tables, it's still not enough to live on when they're putting food in containers for you.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on March 03, 2022, 02:48:52 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 03, 2022, 01:39:23 PMthe closest branch with a drive thru is on the west side

Oh, now there's a minor thing that bothers me: The decline of drive-up banking. Yes, I'm aware that it's in decline because not enough people are using it, but an ATM can't perform every single function you need (cash withdrawals in specific denominations and obtaining cashier's checks are two that spring to mind), and in the age of COVID, drive-up banking is even more valuable than it was a few years ago.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 03, 2022, 03:09:36 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on March 03, 2022, 02:48:52 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 03, 2022, 01:39:23 PMthe closest branch with a drive thru is on the west side
Oh, now there's a minor thing that bothers me: The decline of drive-up banking. Yes, I'm aware that it's in decline because not enough people are using it, but an ATM can't perform every single function you need (cash withdrawals in specific denominations and obtaining cashier's checks are two that spring to mind), and in the age of COVID, drive-up banking is even more valuable than it was a few years ago.

Some ATMs do allow a choice of denominations. The Bank of America closest to our house offers $100s, $20s, and $10s; the Capital One in Springfield, Virginia, offers some level of selection that includes $5s and $1s (I'm not sure what else it offers). The Bank of America ATM in question asks whether you want to pick your own denominations or have the machine select, and it tells you what you'll get if you let the machine pick (e.g., if you get $200 and let it select, you'll get a $100 and five $20s). I like being able to get $10s because they're more convenient for tipping when I go for a haircut.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 03, 2022, 03:21:08 PM

Quote from: kkt on March 03, 2022, 02:47:55 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on March 03, 2022, 11:54:51 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 03, 2022, 10:48:07 AM
When I order my food for pickup, no hostess seated me, no waiter took my order, no busboy cleaned up my table. To whom would my tip be going for a pickup order?

More often than not, it is a server who bagged up your order, so...your tip goes to them, same as if they waited on you in the restaurant.

Yes... if minimum wage (if they even get that) isn't enough to live on when they're serving at tables, it's still not enough to live on when they're putting food in containers for you.

Are you telling me that the servers are actually putting my food in the containers? Why isn't the kitchen staff doing that?

If not, then all the server did was to pick it up from the kitchen and stick it in a bag on the counter. What's that, 90 seconds of work? Forgive my ignorance of how restaurant staff run their operation, but I still fail to see how that's worth a tip. At $10 per hour, 90 seconds is worth 25 cents.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on March 03, 2022, 03:25:35 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on March 03, 2022, 03:09:36 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on March 03, 2022, 02:48:52 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 03, 2022, 01:39:23 PMthe closest branch with a drive thru is on the west side
Oh, now there's a minor thing that bothers me: The decline of drive-up banking. Yes, I'm aware that it's in decline because not enough people are using it, but an ATM can't perform every single function you need (cash withdrawals in specific denominations and obtaining cashier's checks are two that spring to mind), and in the age of COVID, drive-up banking is even more valuable than it was a few years ago.

Some ATMs do allow a choice of denominations. The Bank of America closest to our house offers $100s, $20s, and $10s; the Capital One in Springfield, Virginia, offers some level of selection that includes $5s and $1s (I'm not sure what else it offers). The Bank of America ATM in question asks whether you want to pick your own denominations or have the machine select, and it tells you what you'll get if you let the machine pick (e.g., if you get $200 and let it select, you'll get a $100 and five $20s). I like being able to get $10s because they're more convenient for tipping when I go for a haircut.

There are also Chase ATMs here that are like that, but they're incredibly rare, and useless if they're out of a particular denomination.

A couple weeks ago, I went to get cash to pay our handyman, and I couldn't select denominations, so the ATM gave me a big stack of 20s. The Chase I went to didn't have drive-up banking, and the bank across the street wouldn't exchange the bills because I'm not a customer, so I had to give our handyman a big stack of 20s.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on March 03, 2022, 04:03:24 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 03, 2022, 03:21:08 PM
Quote from: kkt on March 03, 2022, 02:47:55 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on March 03, 2022, 11:54:51 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 03, 2022, 10:48:07 AM
When I order my food for pickup, no hostess seated me, no waiter took my order, no busboy cleaned up my table. To whom would my tip be going for a pickup order?

More often than not, it is a server who bagged up your order, so...your tip goes to them, same as if they waited on you in the restaurant.

Yes... if minimum wage (if they even get that) isn't enough to live on when they're serving at tables, it's still not enough to live on when they're putting food in containers for you.

Are you telling me that the servers are actually putting my food in the containers? Why isn't the kitchen staff doing that?

If not, then all the server did was to pick it up from the kitchen and stick it in a bag on the counter. What's that, 90 seconds of work? Forgive my ignorance of how restaurant staff run their operation, but I still fail to see how that's worth a tip. At $10 per hour, 90 seconds is worth 25 cents.

How often are you ordering take-out from sit-down restaurants that adding an extra buck or two to the purchase would severely negatively impact your bank account?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 03, 2022, 04:13:24 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on March 03, 2022, 04:03:24 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 03, 2022, 03:21:08 PM

Quote from: kkt on March 03, 2022, 02:47:55 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on March 03, 2022, 11:54:51 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 03, 2022, 10:48:07 AM
When I order my food for pickup, no hostess seated me, no waiter took my order, no busboy cleaned up my table. To whom would my tip be going for a pickup order?

More often than not, it is a server who bagged up your order, so...your tip goes to them, same as if they waited on you in the restaurant.

Yes... if minimum wage (if they even get that) isn't enough to live on when they're serving at tables, it's still not enough to live on when they're putting food in containers for you.

Are you telling me that the servers are actually putting my food in the containers? Why isn't the kitchen staff doing that?

If not, then all the server did was to pick it up from the kitchen and stick it in a bag on the counter. What's that, 90 seconds of work? Forgive my ignorance of how restaurant staff run their operation, but I still fail to see how that's worth a tip. At $10 per hour, 90 seconds is worth 25 cents.

How often are you ordering take-out from sit-down restaurants that adding an extra buck or two to the purchase would severely negatively impact your bank account?

How is that the point?

What I'm questioning is why a take-out order calls for tipping at all in the first place. I mean, I don't tip at Wendy's either, even though adding an extra buck or two wouldn't impact my bank account. I don't see how putting some napkins in the sack with my food containers is remotely the same as taking ownership of my dining experience while I'm seated at a table–taking my order, making sure my drinks are topped off and that everything is as expected, being there to bring me anything extra I might want, etc.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on March 03, 2022, 04:23:43 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 03, 2022, 04:13:24 PMHow is that the point?

You're the one arguing that the serfs don't deserve your largesse, not me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on March 03, 2022, 10:53:40 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 03, 2022, 03:21:08 PM
Quote from: kkt on March 03, 2022, 02:47:55 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on March 03, 2022, 11:54:51 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 03, 2022, 10:48:07 AM
When I order my food for pickup, no hostess seated me, no waiter took my order, no busboy cleaned up my table. To whom would my tip be going for a pickup order?

More often than not, it is a server who bagged up your order, so...your tip goes to them, same as if they waited on you in the restaurant.

Yes... if minimum wage (if they even get that) isn't enough to live on when they're serving at tables, it's still not enough to live on when they're putting food in containers for you.

Are you telling me that the servers are actually putting my food in the containers? Why isn't the kitchen staff doing that?

If not, then all the server did was to pick it up from the kitchen and stick it in a bag on the counter. What's that, 90 seconds of work? Forgive my ignorance of how restaurant staff run their operation, but I still fail to see how that's worth a tip. At $10 per hour, 90 seconds is worth 25 cents.

I believe the boxing is done by lower-level employees than the cooks, yes. The cooks are keeping their eyes on the stove and several heating processes and are paid more than servers for their expertise. They should not be distracted by boxing food up in containers.

And the point remains, in many states servers make "tipped minimum wage" which is $2.13 an hour. No one can live on that, so I certainly hope some people are tipping them.

I'm not fond of the custom of tipping but it's the custom we have and I'm not going to cheat the people who serve me, whether it's at a table or boxing and bagging my order for me to grab it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 04, 2022, 07:46:07 AM

Quote from: kkt on March 03, 2022, 10:53:40 PM
I'm not fond of the custom of tipping but it's the custom we have and I'm not going to cheat the people who serve me, whether it's at a table or boxing and bagging my order for me to grab it.

But if you ordered takeout, the servers aren't doing nearly the same amount of work as serving you at a table over the course of 20+ minutes. If there's other context - say you want to leave a tip to help a struggling restaurant that's lost a lot of dine-in sales due to Covid - that's completely different. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if that's a big reason why tipping for takeout has become more of a thing in the last two years.

But under 100% normal circumstances, you shouldn't need to tip for takeout orders. The whole concept of takeout is "I don't want to spend the time to eat in and have to tip for service", so you shouldn't have to tip or the tip should be a lot less at the very least.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 04, 2022, 09:46:30 AM

Quote from: kkt on March 03, 2022, 10:53:40 PM
And the point remains, in many states servers make "tipped minimum wage" which is $2.13 an hour. No one can live on that, so I certainly hope some people are tipping them.

They don't live on $2.13 per hour.

If a tipped employee's hourly wage plus tips come out to less than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, then their employer is required by law to make up the difference. In other words, their actual pay cannot legally be less than $7.25 per hour.

And that's the minimum. Several states set the bar even higher; for example, your state of Washington requires tipped employees to get the full $14.49 per hour plus tips. In New Jersey, tipped employees get $5.13 per hour plus tips–but, if wages plus tips doesn't exceed $13 per hour, then their employer is required to make up the difference.

Short story: no tipped employee in America brings in less than $7.25 per hour.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on March 04, 2022, 10:20:28 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 04, 2022, 09:46:30 AMIf a tipped employee's hourly wage plus tips come out to less than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, then their employer is required by law to make up the difference.

Tell me you've never been a server without telling me you've never been a server.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on March 04, 2022, 11:25:50 AM

Quote from: abefroman329 on March 04, 2022, 10:20:28 AM
Quote from: kphoger on March 04, 2022, 09:46:30 AMIf a tipped employee's hourly wage plus tips come out to less than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, then their employer is required by law to make up the difference.
Tell me you've never been a server without telling me you've never been a server.

Yep.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 04, 2022, 12:17:12 PM

If an employee is getting screwed over by an employer who defies state and/or federal wage laws, and isn't reporting them to the Department of Labor, then...

1. How on earth would you and I know that?

2. Why is it our responsibility to fill the gap?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 04, 2022, 12:42:55 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 04, 2022, 12:17:12 PM
If an employee is getting screwed over by an employer who defies state and/or federal wage laws, and isn't reporting them to the Department of Labor, then...

1. How on earth would you and I know that?

2. Why is it our responsibility to fill the gap?

Most tipped employees don't have the resources to file these complaints, then actually fight them. Employees that also complain they are under tipped, we'll probably rarely be forthcoming when they're overtipped, and documenting their full tips received.

If you think a single complaint is going to launch a large investigation against a company, you're sadly mistaken.

It's a sucky system, but everyone is aware of the game that's played.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 04, 2022, 12:51:18 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 04, 2022, 12:42:55 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 04, 2022, 12:17:12 PM
If an employee is getting screwed over by an employer who defies state and/or federal wage laws, and isn't reporting them to the Department of Labor, then...

1. How on earth would you and I know that?

2. Why is it our responsibility to fill the gap?

Most tipped employees don't have the resources to file these complaints, then actually fight them. Employees that also complain they are under tipped, we'll probably rarely be forthcoming when they're overtipped, and documenting their full tips received.

If you think a single complaint is going to launch a large investigation against a company, you're sadly mistaken.

It's a sucky system, but everyone is aware of the game that's played.

I would beg to differ. I was involved in a lawsuit at a previous employer due to them using our tip share to pay management, which is illegal. It only took our complaint to make some wholesale changes for a large company.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 04, 2022, 12:54:19 PM

I would seriously question whether there's anyone making less than 7.25/hour that wouldn't complain about it. Given the current labor shortages, companies would be crazy to try to get away with that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 04, 2022, 02:40:34 PM

Nothing about your post makes sense.

Why shouldn't people be able to sell real estate to anyone they want, even if it's the original builder? What if they don't have the resources or competency to rebuild the house, or it's not worth the money to repair?

Why does what other people do with destroyed property bother you?

What does this article have to do with what you're even talking about? Nothing in the quoted portion even mentions them selling the property. If it's mentioned in the part you didn't quote, well, why did you quote the irrelevant part of the story?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on March 04, 2022, 02:41:42 PM

@Scott5114
removed post as this in fact doesnt make sense. :colorful:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 04, 2022, 02:47:09 PM

And, here, I was thinking Scott posted in the wrong thread...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on March 04, 2022, 02:54:04 PM

Quote from: webny99 on March 04, 2022, 12:54:19 PMI would seriously question whether there's anyone making less than 7.25/hour that wouldn't complain about it.

For starters, every single undocumented immigrant.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 04, 2022, 03:24:23 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 04, 2022, 02:47:09 PM
And, here, I was thinking Scott posted in the wrong thread...

Me too... with an extra layer of intrigue because now it immediately follows my post, so I was worried it was addressed to me for a minute. :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 04, 2022, 03:28:50 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 04, 2022, 12:51:18 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 04, 2022, 12:42:55 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 04, 2022, 12:17:12 PM
If an employee is getting screwed over by an employer who defies state and/or federal wage laws, and isn't reporting them to the Department of Labor, then...

1. How on earth would you and I know that?

2. Why is it our responsibility to fill the gap?

Most tipped employees don't have the resources to file these complaints, then actually fight them. Employees that also complain they are under tipped, we'll probably rarely be forthcoming when they're overtipped, and documenting their full tips received.

If you think a single complaint is going to launch a large investigation against a company, you're sadly mistaken.

It's a sucky system, but everyone is aware of the game that's played.

I would beg to differ. I was involved in a lawsuit at a previous employer due to them using our tip share to pay management, which is illegal. It only took our complaint to make some wholesale changes for a large company.

How often do you think the practice occurs...and how often are companies sued? How long did this occur at your company before the suit was filed? How much pressure did Management put on employees before and during the suit?

You mentioned "we", not "I", meaning it took a group of people to have the courage to fight the issue.

It's not the only time I've heard of such a lawsuit, but I imagine there's many other cases that we haven't heard about.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on March 04, 2022, 04:33:52 PM

About the housing market in general, I will say this: because shelter is one of the necessities of life, I am very sympathetic to measures designed to limit speculative activity in the housing sector. Illinois, for example, now tries to clamp down on real-estate prospecting by requiring a license to be involved in more than one property transaction a year.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 04, 2022, 04:52:07 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 04, 2022, 03:28:50 PM
How often do you think the practice occurs...and how often are companies sued?

Very often, especially at smaller restaurants that don't understand the rules. I know of a lot of places that pay the kitchen staff out of tips which is illegal. I can't speak to the amount of lawsuits that are out there, but I bet it's higher than people who aren't intimately familiar with the restaurant industry would think.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 04, 2022, 03:28:50 PM
How long did this occur at your company before the suit was filed?

It happened for about a year.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 04, 2022, 03:28:50 PM
How much pressure did Management put on employees before and during the suit?

No pressure from management before because they didn't know the lawsuit was coming (it was somewhat of a "straw broke the camel's back situation" and none at all during the suit because, you know, super fucking illegal to intimidate people suing you.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 04, 2022, 03:28:50 PM
You mentioned "we", not "I", meaning it took a group of people to have the courage to fight the issue.

One person filed the lawsuit. The rest of the staff were invited into the class action.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 04, 2022, 03:28:50 PM
It's not the only time I've heard of such a lawsuit, but I imagine there's many other cases that we haven't heard about.

I know offhand of lawsuits against Brinker (the company that owned/owns Chili's) and Starbucks for similar things. I'm sure there are a ton that I don't know about. But, this all goes to reinforce my point that those who get screwed over always don't just sit back and take it. It doesn't cost anything to hire an ambulance chasing lawyer to file a lawsuit and try to get the company to settle.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 04, 2022, 06:01:08 PM

Over the course of a year, the amount of money the management cheated out of the employees probably added up to be quite a substantial sum.

The problem here is that not every company has a staff that's willing to stand up to management. I've met plenty of employees that have an attitude of "yes, what the boss is doing isn't right, but I can't afford to lose this job so I'm scared to make waves". That and while retaliation against someone making a wage claim is indeed super fucking illegal, some managers are slick enough to do it in ways that make it impossible to prove it was retaliation ("Well, we expected business to decline over the next quarter, so since we had lower staff needs, we scheduled Kathy and Tim for fewer hours. It had nothing to do with the lawsuit that Kathy's filing, as evidenced by the fact that we cut Tim's hours too.").

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on March 04, 2022, 07:52:18 PM

Quote from: webny99 on March 04, 2022, 07:46:07 AM
The whole concept of takeout is "I don't want to spend the time to eat in and have to tip for service", so you shouldn't have to tip or the tip should be a lot less at the very least.

You tip for service? I've never done that. Tipping is effectively mandatory. I don't really care how bad the service is, you tip. If something is wrong, tell someone, but don't stiff 'em.

For me, takeout tipping has still been mandatory due to lower levels of dine-in service at restaurants, and my desire to try and make up the difference (to the extent a single consumer can).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 04, 2022, 09:18:02 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on March 04, 2022, 07:52:18 PM
Quote from: webny99 on March 04, 2022, 07:46:07 AM
The whole concept of takeout is "I don't want to spend the time to eat in and have to tip for service", so you shouldn't have to tip or the tip should be a lot less at the very least.

You tip for service? I've never done that. Tipping is effectively mandatory. I don't really care how bad the service is, you tip. If something is wrong, tell someone, but don't stiff 'em.

Maybe we just have two different terms for the same thing? I'm talking about leaving a tip when you eat at a sit-down restaurant. The reason you give the tip is because you get table service. And yes, it would be rude not to leave a tip, but it's still your choice, so in my view it's still "tipping for service" even if you always tip the same percentage.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 04, 2022, 10:41:26 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on March 04, 2022, 07:52:18 PM
You tip for service? I've never done that. Tipping is effectively mandatory. I don't really care how bad the service is, you tip. If something is wrong, tell someone, but don't stiff 'em.

Are you telling me you leave the same tip, no matter how good or bad the service was? If so, then that's a totally foreign concept to me.

My baseline tip is whatever the receipt shows, then multiply by 15%. Service that's anything better than the bare minimum prompts me to increase that percentage, with the amount varying by how impressed my wife and I were with the service. For a really wonderful server, that tip might go up to 45%. And I might even write a long note thanking the server and/or detail our satisfaction with him or her to the manager verbally.

There has been on very rare occasion, however, service that was just really and truly awful–probably only twice so far. And I mean bad. In a case like that, I'll have a very different conversation with the manager. And I'll leave a 25-cent tip on the table: because, if I were to leave nothing, the server might think I was just a tightwad or forgot the tip or something.

Your tip is your way of monetarily showing your appreciation for their good service. If the service wasn't good, then the tip shouldn't be good either.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on March 04, 2022, 10:42:27 PM

Is when some states don't comply with the MUTCD.

But some do it correctly even though it does not comply.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 04, 2022, 10:54:23 PM

I've only done the less-than-a-dollar tip once. That was an unfortunate experience at a Cheddar's. It took an inordinate amount of time to get our food because the server said she dropped it on the floor and the kitchen had to remake it. Well, okay, mistakes happen. But then we saw her leaning up against the wall chatting with someone for a rather long amount of time, and then when we finally got the remade food, it was cold. Having worked for tips before, I'm generally pretty accommodating, and my wife even more so, but we both agreed that it was justified.

But in general...I will still tip 20% unless the service is inexcusable. I assume that we can all agree that the amount of your paycheck being determined primarily through the generosity of whichever random members of the general public darken your doorstep on that particular day is a suboptimal place to be in. I've been in the position of performing the best service I have in myself to give, and being let down enough times, that I don't want to be a part of that problem even if I am mildly rankled by something that I'll forget by the time I go to bed that night.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on March 05, 2022, 04:32:49 AM

One thing that bothers me is when A. A television station does a live report of how high gas prices are, or B. Someone on social media posts OMG-how high gas prices are, see this picture. Yes, yes, I know that gas prices are going up, and there is a whole topic on the actual gas prices (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=62.msg), but this is something different.

The thing that bothers me is which station they choose to be representative of the high gas prices. In California, it's inevitable the Chevron station which is notorious for having the most expensive gas, yet people are filling up there despite cheaper gas on the opposite corner. Some stations are intentionally more expensive as that's not their main business, or they are on the road headed back to the car rental counters.

When I want to compare gas prices between geographic areas, I will go with Costco and Sam's Club prices. Yes, I know that these are warehouse chains that require a membership to shop there, and that the prices are below market average. It is the fact that these low prices that make them a good way to compare prices across geographic areas.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 05, 2022, 09:07:23 AM

That tiny gap between the sun visor and the rearview mirror, when the sun is directly in front of you.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on March 05, 2022, 09:50:25 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 05, 2022, 09:07:23 AM
That tiny gap between the sun visor and the rearview mirror, when the sun is directly in front of you.

A couple of mid-1990s Toyotas used to have a miniature visor that folded down. Looking around, a few other makes and models did it too.

(https://preview.redd.it/ettk6yjbrhb31.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=4157156ed4ae86f19ae139874ad47504754d23f6)

Image courtesy of Reddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/Justrolledintotheshop/comments/cfo7c1/this_old_lexus_has_a_tiny_sun_visor_for_the_gap/). (I waste some time on r/justrolledintheshop)

An inexpensive way to add safety and convenience, yet nowhere near as commonplace. Can't remember the last rental car I've had with the feature.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on March 05, 2022, 09:55:20 AM

When garbage trucks can't turn off the yellow strobes when they are not picking up trash bins. It makes it hard to tell if they are just in transit or going to make a sudden stop.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 05, 2022, 10:06:59 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on March 05, 2022, 09:55:20 AM
When garbage trucks can't turn off the yellow strobes when they are not picking up trash bins. It makes it hard to tell if they are just in transit or going to make a sudden stop.

Along that same line, when trucks have yellow strobes on, and they hit their turn signal. That usually gets lost in the fray of all the strobe flashing. I'm aware of it and sometimes I'll turn my strobes off a moment before I put my turn signal on to make it more apparent that I'm turning.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on March 05, 2022, 11:34:10 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 04, 2022, 10:41:26 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on March 04, 2022, 07:52:18 PM
You tip for service? I've never done that. Tipping is effectively mandatory. I don't really care how bad the service is, you tip. If something is wrong, tell someone, but don't stiff 'em.

Are you telling me you leave the same tip, no matter how good or bad the service was? If so, then that's a totally foreign concept to me.

Correct, that's always what I've done. But then horrible experiences are so incredibly few and far between that I cannot readily think of the last time I felt like not tipping.

Quote from: kphoger on March 04, 2022, 10:41:26 PM
Your tip is your way of monetarily showing your appreciation for their good service. If the service wasn't good, then the tip shouldn't be good either.

That's totally fine, but that's not usually how I've communicated my experience (good or bad). If things are great, sure, I tip a bit more than normal, but I try to make a point of leaving a review or saying that I appreciated their service (not in the military way), or even saying something to the manager. If I have a bad experience, I'll still tip (15 to 20%), but usually leave a poor review or say something to management. Substantially-reduced tipping or not tipping at all for "poor service" doesn't seem like it would have a positive effect on that person, and I don't want to assume that everyone in the service industry is always in great moods, not insanely overworked, etc. Some people have bad days, wake up on the wrong side of the bed, etc, and I don't feel like punishing them personally for that, especially without explaining why. Leaving reviews or speaking directly to either the server or management is much more likely to reduce or eliminate whatever problem there may have been, at least for people being served after me.

You may also do all of these things, I just don't *also* reduce the tip.

Quote from: webny99 on March 04, 2022, 09:18:02 PM
Maybe we just have two different terms for the same thing? I'm talking about leaving a tip when you eat at a sit-down restaurant. The reason you give the tip is because you get table service. And yes, it would be rude not to leave a tip, but it's still your choice, so in my view it's still "tipping for service" even if you always tip the same percentage.

I think my response above is sufficient enough of a response to your reply too.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 05, 2022, 03:43:02 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on March 05, 2022, 11:34:10 AM
I try to make a point of leaving a review or saying that I appreciated their service (not in the military way)

I know on a conscious level what you're trying to say, but the first mental image that leapt to my mind for "appreciating their service in the military way" was you approaching the waiter and solemnly and wordlessly pinning a medal to their shirt.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: noelbotevera on March 05, 2022, 10:54:10 PM

To add to the tip vs. no tip discussion: not every restaurant is created equal. I work for a mom-and-pop store, and all tips go into a shared pot. Tips have been used for...practically anything, from throwing parties to purchasing new pots and pans. I don't complain simply because I'm paid more than other restaurants in Chambersburg, through the magic of being paid under the table.

Not tipping in my case probably won't make or break the business. But it's a minor thing that bothers me, so it's in the thread.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 05, 2022, 11:06:10 PM

Quote from: noelbotevera on March 05, 2022, 10:54:10 PM
Tips have been used for...practically anything, from throwing parties to purchasing new pots and pans. I don't complain simply because I'm paid more than other restaurants in Chambersburg, through the magic of being paid under the table.

All of that is hilariously illegal.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: noelbotevera on March 05, 2022, 11:16:40 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 05, 2022, 11:06:10 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on March 05, 2022, 10:54:10 PM
Tips have been used for...practically anything, from throwing parties to purchasing new pots and pans. I don't complain simply because I'm paid more than other restaurants in Chambersburg, through the magic of being paid under the table.

All of that is hilariously illegal.

Yes it is, but who's complaining?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on March 05, 2022, 11:40:30 PM

Quote from: noelbotevera on March 05, 2022, 11:16:40 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 05, 2022, 11:06:10 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on March 05, 2022, 10:54:10 PM
Tips have been used for...practically anything, from throwing parties to purchasing new pots and pans. I don't complain simply because I'm paid more than other restaurants in Chambersburg, through the magic of being paid under the table.

All of that is hilariously illegal.
Yes it is, but who's complaining?

Hopefully there aren't any IRS employees who are also forum members.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on March 06, 2022, 12:52:56 AM

Quote from: dlsterner on March 05, 2022, 11:40:30 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on March 05, 2022, 11:16:40 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 05, 2022, 11:06:10 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on March 05, 2022, 10:54:10 PM
Tips have been used for...practically anything, from throwing parties to purchasing new pots and pans. I don't complain simply because I'm paid more than other restaurants in Chambersburg, through the magic of being paid under the table.

All of that is hilariously illegal.
Yes it is, but who's complaining?
Hopefully there aren't any IRS employees who are also forum members.

In a semi-anonymous forum with no specific restaurant named? I don't think the IRS is going to get a warrant based only on that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 06, 2022, 01:03:41 AM

Quote from: kkt on March 06, 2022, 12:52:56 AM
Quote from: dlsterner on March 05, 2022, 11:40:30 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on March 05, 2022, 11:16:40 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 05, 2022, 11:06:10 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on March 05, 2022, 10:54:10 PM
Tips have been used for...practically anything, from throwing parties to purchasing new pots and pans. I don't complain simply because I'm paid more than other restaurants in Chambersburg, through the magic of being paid under the table.

All of that is hilariously illegal.
Yes it is, but who's complaining?
Hopefully there aren't any IRS employees who are also forum members.

In a semi-anonymous forum with no specific restaurant named? I don't think the IRS is going to get a warrant based only on that.

They should probably be more wary of State taxation employees, because if they're hiding tips, they're also hiding reporting taxable income to the state. And they're also probably hiding revenue, so a loss in sales taxes to the state as well.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on March 06, 2022, 02:30:26 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on March 04, 2022, 07:52:18 PM
Quote from: webny99 on March 04, 2022, 07:46:07 AM
The whole concept of takeout is "I don't want to spend the time to eat in and have to tip for service", so you shouldn't have to tip or the tip should be a lot less at the very least.

You tip for service? I've never done that. Tipping is effectively mandatory. I don't really care how bad the service is, you tip. If something is wrong, tell someone, but don't stiff 'em.

For me, takeout tipping has still been mandatory due to lower levels of dine-in service at restaurants, and my desire to try and make up the difference (to the extent a single consumer can).

THANK you... not quite relevant, but i'm a delivery driver, and for me, that means the same as a server, just the kitchen is a little further from your table.

I'm not just 'a' pizza guy, I'm "the" pizza guy. If I deliver to you, you will remember the brand, and me, in a good way.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on March 06, 2022, 09:24:21 AM

When I search google and finds no results, this pops up.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFdV29k.gif)
This kinds of annoys me because Im trying to do work. And Not focus on a monster who wants to go fishing. :spin:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on March 06, 2022, 09:46:38 AM

Quote from: snowc on March 06, 2022, 09:24:21 AM
When I search google and finds no results, this pops up.
(https://i.imgur.com/YFdV29k.gif)
This kinds of annoys me because Im trying to do work. And Not focus on a monster who wants to go fishing. :spin:

I got that last week by realizing how badly I misspelled something.

On the other hand, it means there's all sorts of new words (or intentionally-misspelled apps/websites) to be created!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on March 06, 2022, 05:35:35 PM

Quote from: kkt on March 06, 2022, 12:52:56 AM
Quote from: dlsterner on March 05, 2022, 11:40:30 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on March 05, 2022, 11:16:40 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 05, 2022, 11:06:10 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on March 05, 2022, 10:54:10 PM
Tips have been used for...practically anything, from throwing parties to purchasing new pots and pans. I don't complain simply because I'm paid more than other restaurants in Chambersburg, through the magic of being paid under the table.

All of that is hilariously illegal.
Yes it is, but who's complaining?
Hopefully there aren't any IRS employees who are also forum members.

In a semi-anonymous forum with no specific restaurant named? I don't think the IRS is going to get a warrant based only on that.

They could certainly audit his returns, especially since his real name is known. Plus this forum is public (aside from a few boards like Fictional Highways), so they wouldn't even need to be a member... just happen to stumble on the wrong posts when browsing the internet.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 07, 2022, 09:49:14 AM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 06, 2022, 02:30:26 AM
THANK you... not quite relevant, but i'm a delivery driver, and for me, that means the same as a server, just the kitchen is a little further from your table.

I'm not just 'a' pizza guy, I'm "the" pizza guy. If I deliver to you, you will remember the brand, and me, in a good way.

And another thing that annoys me: when we order delivery using an app, and it makes us enter in the tip amount ahead of time. The driver hasn't even served me yet, so how can I possibly know if his service was good or bad?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on March 07, 2022, 11:58:29 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 07, 2022, 09:49:14 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 06, 2022, 02:30:26 AM
THANK you... not quite relevant, but i'm a delivery driver, and for me, that means the same as a server, just the kitchen is a little further from your table.

I'm not just 'a' pizza guy, I'm "the" pizza guy. If I deliver to you, you will remember the brand, and me, in a good way.

And another thing that annoys me: when we order delivery using an app, and it makes us enter in the tip amount ahead of time. The driver hasn't even served me yet, so how can I possibly know if his service was good or bad?

if you're orderring from a place that has its own delivery mechanism, don't use an app. call them directly. the apps provide no service if the restaurant already has delivery. when a doordash/whatever order comes to my store, somebody grabs the ticket, enters it into our own POS, and we deliver it. doordash charged you 4.99 for the privilege of ordering online, even though we have our own website for that, or god forbid, the phone. for other places it makes sense. for where i work, you can fill in a 'pre-tip' when you order, some base amount that makes sense to you, like a minimum. if the service was particularly good (as it always is with me), there's a space to add more if you want.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on March 07, 2022, 12:04:41 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 07, 2022, 09:49:14 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 06, 2022, 02:30:26 AM
THANK you... not quite relevant, but i'm a delivery driver, and for me, that means the same as a server, just the kitchen is a little further from your table.

I'm not just 'a' pizza guy, I'm "the" pizza guy. If I deliver to you, you will remember the brand, and me, in a good way.

And another thing that annoys me: when we order delivery using an app, and it makes us enter in the tip amount ahead of time. The driver hasn't even served me yet, so how can I possibly know if his service was good or bad?

It's useless when you're using a third-party app where the delivery route is probably set by a computer, but try ordering, say, Domino's on the website or the app, leave a 20% pre-tax tip, and see how many minutes get shaved off the estimated delivery time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on March 07, 2022, 01:44:44 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on March 07, 2022, 12:04:41 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 07, 2022, 09:49:14 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 06, 2022, 02:30:26 AM
THANK you... not quite relevant, but i'm a delivery driver, and for me, that means the same as a server, just the kitchen is a little further from your table.

I'm not just 'a' pizza guy, I'm "the" pizza guy. If I deliver to you, you will remember the brand, and me, in a good way.

And another thing that annoys me: when we order delivery using an app, and it makes us enter in the tip amount ahead of time. The driver hasn't even served me yet, so how can I possibly know if his service was good or bad?
It's useless when you're using a third-party app where the delivery route is probably set by a computer, but try ordering, say, Domino's on the website or the app, leave a 20% pre-tax tip, and see how many minutes get shaved off the estimated delivery time.

I don't personally roll like that, you get the same service from me whether you tip or not. can't say there aren't those who do, but i'm a little older than most of my co-workers. i've lived in this area my whole life and for the rare address i can't find, i google it to get an idea of where it is, then set my own route. i can usually beat google.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 07, 2022, 02:04:58 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on March 07, 2022, 12:04:41 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 07, 2022, 09:49:14 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 06, 2022, 02:30:26 AM
THANK you... not quite relevant, but i'm a delivery driver, and for me, that means the same as a server, just the kitchen is a little further from your table.

I'm not just 'a' pizza guy, I'm "the" pizza guy. If I deliver to you, you will remember the brand, and me, in a good way.

And another thing that annoys me: when we order delivery using an app, and it makes us enter in the tip amount ahead of time. The driver hasn't even served me yet, so how can I possibly know if his service was good or bad?
It's useless when you're using a third-party app where the delivery route is probably set by a computer, but try ordering, say, Domino's on the website or the app, leave a 20% pre-tax tip, and see how many minutes get shaved off the estimated delivery time.

Seems like that could greatly vary if you order a single pizza, or $50 meal.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 07, 2022, 04:32:36 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 07, 2022, 09:49:14 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 06, 2022, 02:30:26 AM
THANK you... not quite relevant, but i'm a delivery driver, and for me, that means the same as a server, just the kitchen is a little further from your table.

I'm not just 'a' pizza guy, I'm "the" pizza guy. If I deliver to you, you will remember the brand, and me, in a good way.

And another thing that annoys me: when we order delivery using an app, and it makes us enter in the tip amount ahead of time. The driver hasn't even served me yet, so how can I possibly know if his service was good or bad?

If you're talking about something like Doordash, my understanding is that tipping works slightly different there, to the point that I'd argue that "tip" is the wrong word to describe it. I know there are some people here who deliver through Doordash, so maybe they can correct me if I'm wrong.

What you're actually paying is functionally a commission to the driver. When a Doordash driver is shown the opportunity to do a delivery, they are shown the amount of money they will make by accepting it. This amount is the amount Doordash is paying + the tip. If the driver doesn't think the amount shown is worth it, they can decline the offer and instead wait for an offer that is more lucrative. (There is no penalty for doing this, so long as they don't accept an order and quit out of it before delivery.)

Of course, if you tip less than a dollar for a delivery all the way across town, you're going to wait longer, because all of the drivers are going to see that as a bad use of their time, so you're going to get rejected over and over. If you tip $20 for a delivery that's two blocks, the drivers will fall all over themselves to accept it.

Thus, the amount you're tipping is really "this is how much I am willing to pay for this delivery", and thus the word "tip" is a misnomer. Each driver is an independent contractor who has the choice to service whichever orders will make them the most money. So when you "tip" on that app you're not showing gratuity at all. What you're really doing is competing with other customers for a share of a limited number of delivery drivers.

Ain't capitalism fun?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on March 07, 2022, 05:24:29 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 07, 2022, 04:32:36 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 07, 2022, 09:49:14 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 06, 2022, 02:30:26 AM
THANK you... not quite relevant, but i'm a delivery driver, and for me, that means the same as a server, just the kitchen is a little further from your table.

I'm not just 'a' pizza guy, I'm "the" pizza guy. If I deliver to you, you will remember the brand, and me, in a good way.

And another thing that annoys me: when we order delivery using an app, and it makes us enter in the tip amount ahead of time. The driver hasn't even served me yet, so how can I possibly know if his service was good or bad?

If you're talking about something like Doordash, my understanding is that tipping works slightly different there, to the point that I'd argue that "tip" is the wrong word to describe it. I know there are some people here who deliver through Doordash, so maybe they can correct me if I'm wrong.

What you're actually paying is functionally a commission to the driver. When a Doordash driver is shown the opportunity to do a delivery, they are shown the amount of money they will make by accepting it. This amount is the amount Doordash is paying + the tip. If the driver doesn't think the amount shown is worth it, they can decline the offer and instead wait for an offer that is more lucrative. (There is no penalty for doing this, so long as they don't accept an order and quit out of it before delivery.)

Of course, if you tip less than a dollar for a delivery all the way across town, you're going to wait longer, because all of the drivers are going to see that as a bad use of their time, so you're going to get rejected over and over. If you tip $20 for a delivery that's two blocks, the drivers will fall all over themselves to accept it.

Thus, the amount you're tipping is really "this is how much I am willing to pay for this delivery", and thus the word "tip" is a misnomer. Each driver is an independent contractor who has the choice to service whichever orders will make them the most money. So when you "tip" on that app you're not showing gratuity at all. What you're really doing is competing with other customers for a share of a limited number of delivery drivers.

Ain't capitalism fun?

Thank you for explaining that. I haven't used Doordash, but it's nice to know what to expect in case I should have to isolate myself at home and then run out of milk, etc.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on March 07, 2022, 06:05:58 PM

DoorDash/Uber/Grubhub only pay $2.50 to $3 for most deliveries. The rest has to be covered by "tips" or locality-specific bonuses.

I use "tip" in quotations because it's more similar to a bidding system. You are bidding to be accepted by the driver against other people ordering on the platform. We see a good portion of the total payout (base pay + tip) on most orders and determine whether it's worth 20-40 minutes of our time. Thus, it's not a good idea to leave a low tip and expect speedy service, even if you plan on making up the difference in cash.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 07, 2022, 06:22:09 PM

Quote from: kkt on March 07, 2022, 05:24:29 PM
I haven't used Doordash, but it's nice to know what to expect in case I should have to isolate myself at home and then run out of milk, etc.

We had never used such a service before March 2020, when we returned from Mexico and found ourselves in an unexpected 14-day home quarantine.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 07:07:30 PM

That i have severe ADHD

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on March 07, 2022, 07:39:36 PM

Just to add my thanks to Scott for explaining the bidding aspect of the Uber/DoorDash/GrubHub business model--it sounds like a thoroughly bad idea and I do not regret picking up my own takeaway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 07, 2022, 08:12:49 PM

You're welcome, to the both of you.

I don't think it's necessarily a bad idea myself. Having been someone in the position of working for tips, I appreciate that the system gives the driver the freedom to choose the runs they feel are worth the compensation. I also like that the customer is essentially able to pay for the privilege of receiving top priority should their finances allow it, and that money goes directly to the driver. And, of course, paying a driver frees you up to do something else while the food is being made and delivered.

But, yes, if you're in a position to pick up the food yourself, that's always going to result in the best outcome for you as a customer, since it's cheaper, you have much more control over the food, and it eliminates the risk of your order getting double-booked with another order. I once watched a late-night IHOP order of mine tour the entire city of Norman as the driver picked up what appeared to be five orders at once and distributed them around town.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on March 07, 2022, 08:19:39 PM

We're roadgeeks, right? We should be picking up our own food on the order of 90-100% of the time now.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 07, 2022, 08:30:15 PM

Quote from: formulanone on March 07, 2022, 08:19:39 PM
We're roadgeeks, right? We should be picking up our own food on the order of 90-100% of the time now.

Eh...I mean, I like a good road trip as much as anyone, but that doesn't mean I find the trip down Classen to Buffalo Wild Wings and dealing with the Classen/12th/Constitution clusterfuck fun or interesting.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 08:33:08 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 07:07:30 PM
That i have severe ADHD

I was more bothered by the social label ADHD came with in the 80s and 90s than actually having it. Back in those days you got stuck in the Resource Room for having ADHD by default. It was a convenient excuse to get away with a lot of things that I otherwise wouldn't have been high school.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on March 07, 2022, 09:02:18 PM

Quote from: formulanone on March 07, 2022, 08:19:39 PM
We're roadgeeks, right? We should be picking up our own food on the order of 90-100% of the time now.

If I'm isolating at home I'm not going to walk into some restaurant or store to spread my disease around no matter how much I enjoy a drive.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 09:05:55 PM

Quote from: kkt on March 07, 2022, 09:02:18 PM
Quote from: formulanone on March 07, 2022, 08:19:39 PM
We're roadgeeks, right? We should be picking up our own food on the order of 90-100% of the time now.

If I'm isolating at home I'm not going to walk into some restaurant or store to spread my disease around no matter how much I enjoy a drive.

Amusingly the last time I used Door Dash was when I was throwing up overnight in a hotel room. I had a nasty migraine and was getting vertigo from it. I would have gladly not incurred the trip fee if I can actually focus enough to get in the car and go to the drug store.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 07, 2022, 09:09:54 PM

Quote from: formulanone on March 07, 2022, 08:19:39 PM
We're roadgeeks, right? We should be picking up our own food on the order of 90-100% of the time now.

As much as we like a good drive, we also like a good walk, run, sitting on a bus, train or plane.

Or, just staying home.

Taking the same trip to the same restaurants, knowing nothing has changed, is a drive I don't mind not doing on occasion.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 09:10:04 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 08:33:08 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 07:07:30 PM
That i have severe ADHD

I was more bothered by the social label ADHD came with in the 80s and 90s than actually having it. Back in those days you got stuck in the Resource Room for having ADHD by default. It was a convenient excuse to get away with a lot of things that I otherwise wouldn't have been high school.

Examples are, aggression, hyperactivity (not sitting still), attention, and excessive talking.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 09:17:38 PM

Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 09:10:04 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 08:33:08 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 07:07:30 PM
That i have severe ADHD

I was more bothered by the social label ADHD came with in the 80s and 90s than actually having it. Back in those days you got stuck in the Resource Room for having ADHD by default. It was a convenient excuse to get away with a lot of things that I otherwise wouldn't have been high school.
Examples are, aggression, hyperactivity (not sitting still), attention, and excessive talking.

Yes, very much aware of what the symptoms are. I am in retrospect amused that people were so concerned that a child (seven year old me) didn't like school, became bored easily and had lots of energy. I did get into lots of fights, but that was normal for boys at the time. I was never much for talking, really even now.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 08, 2022, 05:52:00 AM

A friend of mine has ADHD and one day he said "You know, you have a lot of the same symptoms I do." I looked into what the symptoms of it were, and sure enough, I'm pretty sure I do have it, though I haven't sought professional diagnosis yet. Most of my symptoms are more along the lines of executive dysfunction and getting distracted easily. I've never heard of aggression being a symptom of it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on March 08, 2022, 07:52:39 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 09:05:55 PM
Quote from: kkt on March 07, 2022, 09:02:18 PM
Quote from: formulanone on March 07, 2022, 08:19:39 PM
We're roadgeeks, right? We should be picking up our own food on the order of 90-100% of the time now.

If I'm isolating at home I'm not going to walk into some restaurant or store to spread my disease around no matter how much I enjoy a drive.

Amusingly the last time I used Door Dash was when I was throwing up overnight in a hotel room. I had a nasty migraine and was getting vertigo from it. I would have gladly not incurred the trip fee if I can actually focus enough to get in the car and go to the drug store.

So that's the 10% I left room for...or when you're incredibly busy and can't get it yourself. Make up whatever percentage you want.

My point is there's a solution to feeding a corporate monster not everyone here likes, and it's part of our hobby. Seems disingenuous for us to act as if there's no solution to the problem.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 08, 2022, 08:03:43 AM

^^^

Totally one of the few times I would have been ever okay paying $50 dollars for a carton of Gatorade and generic pain medication.

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 08, 2022, 05:52:00 AM
A friend of mine has ADHD and one day he said "You know, you have a lot of the same symptoms I do." I looked into what the symptoms of it were, and sure enough, I'm pretty sure I do have it, though I haven't sought professional diagnosis yet. Most of my symptoms are more along the lines of executive dysfunction and getting distracted easily. I've never heard of aggression being a symptom of it.

Essentially I'm convinced that ADHD was way over diagnosed, especially the further back in time you go. A lot of the symptoms seem like normal behavior for a child. I'm not sure how having abundant energy at any age is supposedly a bad thing. I do feel like a lot people who had been "diagnosed" used it in the past as a crutch to make excuses for their behavior. I know that I took advantage of naive teachers and adults to get away with things other kids who weren't diagnosed could not. That's not even getting into things like those horrid mood altering drugs like Ritalin did.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 08, 2022, 08:15:25 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 08, 2022, 08:03:43 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 08, 2022, 05:52:00 AM
A friend of mine has ADHD and one day he said "You know, you have a lot of the same symptoms I do." I looked into what the symptoms of it were, and sure enough, I'm pretty sure I do have it, though I haven't sought professional diagnosis yet. Most of my symptoms are more along the lines of executive dysfunction and getting distracted easily. I've never heard of aggression being a symptom of it.

Essentially I'm convinced that ADHD was way over diagnosed, especially the further back in time you go. A lot of the symptoms seem like normal behavior for a child. I'm not sure how having abundant energy at any age is supposedly a bad thing. I do feel like a lot people who had been "diagnosed" used it in the past as a crutch to make excuses for their behavior. I know that I took advantage of naive teachers and adults to get away with things other kids who weren't diagnosed could not. That's not even getting into things like those horrid mood altering drugs like Ritalin did.

A friend of mine who has ADHD (definitely actually has it, not misdiagnosed) is one of the smartest people I know. He can do absolutely anything hands-on, and can understand pretty much any concept right away, he just has/had trouble channeling his energy to focus on anything for more than a minute, so reading/writing/etc. were challenging for him.

And what you said about taking advantage of teachers and other staff to do things other kids couldn't... wow, that's spot on as well.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on March 08, 2022, 09:00:44 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 08, 2022, 05:52:00 AM
A friend of mine has ADHD and one day he said "You know, you have a lot of the same symptoms I do." I looked into what the symptoms of it were, and sure enough, I'm pretty sure I do have it, though I haven't sought professional diagnosis yet. Most of my symptoms are more along the lines of executive dysfunction and getting distracted easily. I've never heard of aggression being a symptom of it.

I was screened for ADD as an adult by a psychologist about seven years ago, and I highly recommend it.

I didn't think I had it because I could focus on a single task for hours at a time, but it turns out that's also a symptom of ADD.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 08, 2022, 10:01:54 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 08, 2022, 08:03:43 AM
Essentially I'm convinced that ADHD was way over diagnosed, especially the further back in time you go. A lot of the symptoms seem like normal behavior for a child.

Especially a male child. As I once heard it said: That's not ADHD, that's called being a boy.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 08, 2022, 10:15:21 AM

Quote from: abefroman329 on March 08, 2022, 09:00:44 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 08, 2022, 05:52:00 AM
A friend of mine has ADHD and one day he said "You know, you have a lot of the same symptoms I do." I looked into what the symptoms of it were, and sure enough, I'm pretty sure I do have it, though I haven't sought professional diagnosis yet. Most of my symptoms are more along the lines of executive dysfunction and getting distracted easily. I've never heard of aggression being a symptom of it.
I was screened for ADD as an adult by a psychologist about seven years ago, and I highly recommend it.

The fact that I can sit down for 8 hours and write detailed highway articles with noise and potential distraction around is enough evidence to tell me I don't have issues with paying attention.

Quote from: kphoger on March 08, 2022, 10:01:54 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 08, 2022, 08:03:43 AM
Essentially I'm convinced that ADHD was way over diagnosed, especially the further back in time you go. A lot of the symptoms seem like normal behavior for a child.

Especially a male child. As I once heard it said: That's not ADHD, that's called being a boy.

Pretty much that is my exact though. Even my 6 year old niece meets all those attributes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on March 08, 2022, 12:18:20 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 08:33:08 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 07:07:30 PM
That i have severe ADHD

I was more bothered by the social label ADHD came with in the 80s and 90s than actually having it. Back in those days you got stuck in the Resource Room for having ADHD by default. It was a convenient excuse to get away with a lot of things that I otherwise wouldn't have been high school.

i spent yerars in the 'resource room' and rode the short bus. not for adhd, though. i was jus a weird kid.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on March 08, 2022, 12:20:10 PM

Quote from: formulanone on March 08, 2022, 07:52:39 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 09:05:55 PM
Quote from: kkt on March 07, 2022, 09:02:18 PM
Quote from: formulanone on March 07, 2022, 08:19:39 PM
We're roadgeeks, right? We should be picking up our own food on the order of 90-100% of the time now.

If I'm isolating at home I'm not going to walk into some restaurant or store to spread my disease around no matter how much I enjoy a drive.

Amusingly the last time I used Door Dash was when I was throwing up overnight in a hotel room. I had a nasty migraine and was getting vertigo from it. I would have gladly not incurred the trip fee if I can actually focus enough to get in the car and go to the drug store.

So that's the 10% I left room for...or when you're incredibly busy and can't get it yourself. Make up whatever percentage you want.

My point is there's a solution to feeding a corporate monster not everyone here likes, and it's part of our hobby. Seems disingenuous for us to act as if there's no solution to the problem.

i promise, you'll have a much better time talking to me on the phone than you will clicking buttons on a delivery app. plus, i'll look for discounts for you. doordash doesn't do that, at least with our store.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on March 08, 2022, 12:42:00 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 08, 2022, 10:01:54 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 08, 2022, 08:03:43 AM
Essentially I'm convinced that ADHD was way over diagnosed, especially the further back in time you go. A lot of the symptoms seem like normal behavior for a child.

Especially a male child. As I once heard it said: That's not ADHD, that's called being a boy.

It was more or less called "hyperactive" when I was young.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 08, 2022, 12:51:13 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 08, 2022, 12:18:20 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 08:33:08 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 07:07:30 PM
That i have severe ADHD

I was more bothered by the social label ADHD came with in the 80s and 90s than actually having it. Back in those days you got stuck in the Resource Room for having ADHD by default. It was a convenient excuse to get away with a lot of things that I otherwise wouldn't have been high school.
i spent yerars in the 'resource room' and rode the short bus. not for adhd, though. i was jus a weird kid.

Amusing tidbit about the Resource Room in high school. During my Junior Year I installed emulators onto the school shared drive and hid the programs under several layers of files. Basically I used Resource Room as my opportunity to install the software given we had cubicles at the computer and I was left alone so long as I looked busy. My friends I knew where the emulator files were and we spent most of Resource Room hour playing Super Nintendo or Sega Genesis with the volume off. The files stayed on the school network my entire Senior year and by the time I was about graduate I noticed some kids in the library found where they were.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on March 08, 2022, 12:53:33 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 08, 2022, 08:03:43 AMEssentially I'm convinced that ADHD was way over diagnosed, especially the further back in time you go.

I don't know that ADHD started becoming over-diagnosed until about twenty years ago. It certainly was never suggested by anyone that I had it, despite having a number of symptoms, and I was born in 1979.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 08, 2022, 01:16:18 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 08, 2022, 10:01:54 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 08, 2022, 08:03:43 AM
Essentially I'm convinced that ADHD was way over diagnosed, especially the further back in time you go. A lot of the symptoms seem like normal behavior for a child.

Especially a male child. As I once heard it said: That's not ADHD, that's called being a boy.

When I was growing up, I never heard of anyone having ADHD, or even ADD for that matter. When they did become the terminology, it seemed a lot of people were labeled with it, even when they were "boys being boys", or someone that simply had an intense interest in something.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on March 08, 2022, 07:46:25 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 08, 2022, 12:51:13 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 08, 2022, 12:18:20 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 07, 2022, 08:33:08 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 07, 2022, 07:07:30 PM
That i have severe ADHD

I was more bothered by the social label ADHD came with in the 80s and 90s than actually having it. Back in those days you got stuck in the Resource Room for having ADHD by default. It was a convenient excuse to get away with a lot of things that I otherwise wouldn't have been high school.
i spent yerars in the 'resource room' and rode the short bus. not for adhd, though. i was jus a weird kid.

Amusing tidbit about the Resource Room in high school. During my Junior Year I installed emulators onto the school shared drive and hid the programs under several layers of files. Basically I used Resource Room as my opportunity to install the software given we had cubicles at the computer and I was left alone so long as I looked busy. My friends I knew where the emulator files were and we spent most of Resource Room hour playing Super Nintendo or Sega Genesis with the volume off. The files stayed on the school network my entire Senior year and by the time I was about graduate I noticed some kids in the library found where they were.

:clap:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on March 09, 2022, 10:04:36 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 08, 2022, 01:16:18 PM"boys being boys"

Now there's an attitude that needs to die a quick death.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 09, 2022, 10:07:52 AM

Quote from: abefroman329 on March 09, 2022, 10:04:36 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 08, 2022, 01:16:18 PM
"boys being boys"

Now there's an attitude that needs to die a quick death.

As parents of three boys, my wife and I actually find ourselves trying hard to keep it alive. If we didn't, then they'd get in trouble for every little thing they do or don't do.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 09, 2022, 10:45:32 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 09, 2022, 10:07:52 AM
Quote from: abefroman329 on March 09, 2022, 10:04:36 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 08, 2022, 01:16:18 PM
"boys being boys"

Now there's an attitude that needs to die a quick death.

As parents of three boys, my wife and I actually find ourselves trying hard to keep it alive. If we didn't, then they'd get in trouble for every little thing they do or don't do.

It's one of those statements that has a slightly different meaning to everyone you ask, but usually ends up bordering on a stereotype.

I don't have a major issue with it, but I also don't have an issue separating out hyperactive kids from actual ADHD, while also acknowledging that plenty of boys are neither hyperactive nor have ADHD.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on March 09, 2022, 10:48:29 AM

Quote from: webny99 on March 09, 2022, 10:45:32 AMIt's one of those statements that has a slightly different meaning to everyone you ask

Yep - and I'm saying that it needs to die a quick death when it's used to handwave borderline-criminal (and criminal) behavior by white teenagers and twentysomethings.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 09, 2022, 10:59:40 AM

Quote from: webny99 on March 09, 2022, 10:45:32 AM
It's one of those statements that has a slightly different meaning to everyone you ask, but usually ends up bordering on a stereotype.

I actually think it can be harmful to call something that's so common among boys a "disorder"–basically, if boys are acting differently than girls, and the behavior is considered disruptive or harmful in some way, then the boys must have a disorder. Instead, I think it's more helpful to just understand that boys' and girls' brains and development are generally different in some ways, that individuals within a gender are bound to be different from each other too, and that we shouldn't be so quick to label something a "disorder" just because it's different from some pre-existing expectation we have for how good children ought to act and think.

Quote from: abefroman329 on March 09, 2022, 10:48:29 AM
I'm saying that it needs to die a quick death when it's used to handwave borderline-criminal (and criminal) behavior by white teenagers and twentysomethings.

OK, I agree with that statement, and I hadn't thought of that aspect. Yes, "boys will be boys" does get used to gloss over vandalism and other types of delinquency that really ought to be addressed head-on. On the other hand, I suspect that such behavior might be less appealing if boys had more outlets for their energies–more opportunities to put their male-ness to use–that are within the bounds of decency and the law. Unfortunately, providing such outlets and opportunities becomes harder work and countercultural as our society settles into an ever more docile and mild-mannered existence.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 09, 2022, 11:33:24 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 09, 2022, 10:59:40 AM
Quote from: webny99 on March 09, 2022, 10:45:32 AM
It's one of those statements that has a slightly different meaning to everyone you ask, but usually ends up bordering on a stereotype.

I actually think it can be harmful to call something that's so common among boys a "disorder"–basically, if boys are acting differently than girls, and the behavior is considered disruptive or harmful in some way, then the boys must have a disorder. Instead, I think it's more helpful to just understand that boys' and girls' brains and development are generally different in some ways, that individuals within a gender are bound to be different from each other too, and that we shouldn't be so quick to label something a "disorder" just because it's different from some pre-existing expectation we have for how good children ought to act and think.

But - what am I missing here? - It seems to me that "boys will be boys" is the pre-existing expectation for how children - boys specifically - ought to act and think.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 09, 2022, 11:43:02 AM

Quote from: webny99 on March 09, 2022, 11:33:24 AM
But - what am I missing here? - It seems to me that "boys will be boys" is the pre-existing expectation for how children - boys specifically - ought to act and think.

I think it's becoming less and less the expectation. And, at some point, we started labeling a lot of normal boy behavior as a disorder.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 09, 2022, 04:32:16 PM

I think the presupposition that males and females are supposed to be running different software is the root cause of some of society's ills. It certainly messed me up in my teenage years because society had primed me to see girls as this terrifying Other Type Of Person that I didn't know how to interact with. Once I figured out girls are just people and have basically the same motivations and thought processes I do, it made life a lot easier for me. It seems like some people never make that realization, and that leads to things like sexism in hiring/promotion practices, sexual assault, and so on.

A lot of things about gender that were just taken as granted when I was a kid in the 90s seem really weird looking back at them as an adult. I remember one of the fast-food chains would sometimes offer "girl toys" and "boy toys" in the kids' meal. Most of the time they did this it would be something like, a Transformers toy in the boys' and a toy horse or something in the girls'. I was never into Transformers but that was my gender's assigned toy, so I ended up with enough Transformers I never played with. I finally got up the courage to ask Mom if I could please have the plastic horse instead. Fortunately for me, she didn't consider it to be a big deal, but I know some parents would have freaked the hell out over a boy playing with a girls' toy.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 09, 2022, 04:46:51 PM

The best approach is probably the middle road:

1. Understanding that, in general, as a whole, boys and girls are different, and we should be very hesitant to create labels that end up stuck on boys a lot more than stuck on girls (and also vice versa). So, for example, considering that boys are much more likely than girls to be diagnosed with ADHD, perhaps we might need to re-evaluate how such a "disorder" is defined.

2. Understanding that individuals rarely fit the general stereotype in every degree, and we should be very hesitant to apply societal gender role expectations to people with too heavy a hand. And, in fact, doing so might create real damage in the name of preventing some sort of imagined damage.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 09, 2022, 04:49:27 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on March 09, 2022, 10:04:36 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 08, 2022, 01:16:18 PM"boys being boys"
Now there's an attitude that needs to die a quick death.

You never heard this growing up in the 80s? The attitude has been around for decades. It wasn't something made up on the fly. And I'm not talking about criminal activity that you somehow translated this into. I'm talking about boys running around, getting dirty in the mud, playing cops and robbers, stuff that on the 90s and 00s suddenly became taboo and caused too many kids to be stuck inside, playing video games, and watched the obesity rate rise.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 09, 2022, 04:57:44 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 09, 2022, 04:49:27 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on March 09, 2022, 10:04:36 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 08, 2022, 01:16:18 PM
"boys being boys"

Now there's an attitude that needs to die a quick death.

You never heard this growing up in the 80s? The attitude has been around for decades. It wasn't something made up on the fly. And I'm not talking about criminal activity that you somehow translated this into. I'm talking about boys running around, getting dirty in the mud, playing cops and robbers, stuff that on the 90s and 00s suddenly became taboo and caused too many kids to be stuck inside, playing video games, and watched the obesity rate rise.

Yes, but the phrase is also used to justify more egregious behavior. It's used both ways.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on March 09, 2022, 04:58:25 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 09, 2022, 04:49:27 PMAnd I'm not talking about criminal activity that you somehow translated this into.

So you've never heard "boys will be boys" used to justify, I dunno, rape, assault, vandalism? When the perpetrator is a white teenager who's good at a sport and/or goes to church?

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 09, 2022, 04:49:27 PMboys running around, getting dirty in the mud, playing cops and robbers, stuff that on the 90s and 00s suddenly became taboo and caused too many kids to be stuck inside, playing video games, and watched the obesity rate rise.

(a) Tell me you don't have kids without telling me you don't have kids. My son runs around, gets dirty in the mud, plays cops and robbers, etc.
(b) Why the fuck can't little girls do this?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ran4sh on March 09, 2022, 05:09:53 PM

The answer to your question (b) is that they can but they often don't want to.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 09, 2022, 05:10:06 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 09, 2022, 04:46:51 PM
The best approach is probably the middle road:

1. Understanding that, in general, as a whole, boys and girls are different, and we should be very hesitant to create labels that end up stuck on boys a lot more than stuck on girls (and also vice versa). So, for example, considering that boys are much more likely than girls to be diagnosed with ADHD, perhaps we might need to re-evaluate how such a "disorder" is defined.

This is actually quite a bit more complicated than that, especially in the case of ADHD. The same disorder tends to present itself differently in males and females. This leads it to be under-diagnosed in females, as the symptoms females present tend to be things like brain fog, distractability, executive dysfunction, etc. and less physical things like hyperactivity/rowdiness/loudness/fidgetiness. (My guess is that the presence of testosterone encourages such things.)

This actually is a symptom (ha!) of a bigger problem that plays out all across the medical industry. Practitioners tend to latch on to a certain set of symptoms as the canonical set of symptoms of a certain disorder or disease. Unfortunately, these tend to be based on how the disorder presents itself in white males, as that is the type of patient who is most readily available to university medical research programs. The result is that doctors are trained basically how to treat white males, and if those diagnostic criteria do not happen to work well on women or people of different races (even simple things like a rash will look quite a bit different on black skin than it does on white), conditions will end up getting under-diagnosed. This applies all over the body, not just the mind; a lot of what we think are classic symptoms of a cardiac problem in fact apply more to males than they do females.

My friend that I mentioned upthread with ADHD has also said he sees his symptoms in a mutual female friend of ours, so she's gotten tested for it. It's taken months to get the results back. I suspect that the results from a 30-year-old woman are quite a bit different than those from the 8-year-old boys they're used to treating. And, of course, if she does come back positive, it will mean she'll have had the disorder for decades and just nobody thought to test her because of a perception that ADHD was a boys-only affliction.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ran4sh on March 09, 2022, 05:14:24 PM

Mostly true, but there aren't biological differences between races though. (like there are between sexes)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 09, 2022, 05:19:51 PM

Quote from: ran4sh on March 09, 2022, 05:14:24 PM
Mostly true, but there aren't biological differences between races though. (like there are between sexes)

That's mostly right, but I was referring more to diagnostic criteria there, especially external appearance-based ones, which do differ based on race. Something like the telltale target-shaped inflammation pattern of Lyme disease is much harder to pick up on dark skin. In that case, doctors need to use different tools, but some of them are just like "I see no target pattern, so this person doesn't have Lyme" and move on.

There are some genetic differences that lead to members of certain races to be more or less susceptible to certain diseases (e.g. the genes that cause sickle-cell anemia are more likely to be present in black patients), but that's a whole other ball of wax.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 09, 2022, 05:52:51 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 09, 2022, 04:57:44 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 09, 2022, 04:49:27 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on March 09, 2022, 10:04:36 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 08, 2022, 01:16:18 PM
"boys being boys"

Now there's an attitude that needs to die a quick death.

You never heard this growing up in the 80s? The attitude has been around for decades. It wasn't something made up on the fly. And I'm not talking about criminal activity that you somehow translated this into. I'm talking about boys running around, getting dirty in the mud, playing cops and robbers, stuff that on the 90s and 00s suddenly became taboo and caused too many kids to be stuck inside, playing video games, and watched the obesity rate rise.

Yes, but the phrase is also used to justify more egregious behavior. It's used both ways.

Quote from: abefroman329 on March 09, 2022, 04:58:25 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 09, 2022, 04:49:27 PMAnd I'm not talking about criminal activity that you somehow translated this into.
So you've never heard "boys will be boys" used to justify, I dunno, rape, assault, vandalism? When the perpetrator is a white teenager who's good at a sport and/or goes to church?

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 09, 2022, 04:49:27 PMboys running around, getting dirty in the mud, playing cops and robbers, stuff that on the 90s and 00s suddenly became taboo and caused too many kids to be stuck inside, playing video games, and watched the obesity rate rise.
(a) Tell me you don't have kids without telling me you don't have kids. My son runs around, gets dirty in the mud, plays cops and robbers, etc.
(b) Why the fuck can't little girls do this?

Wow. I didn't realize how a previously commonly used phrase gets some guys panties in a bunch. Especially when I clearly referenced it as being a common phrase 30 or 40 years ago, not something I personally go around saying. But enjoy your freak out there.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 09, 2022, 07:54:07 PM

On the subject of ADHD, does anyone have first hand experience of someone being diagnosed with ADHD and then later finding out the diagnosis was incorrect?

I would be really surprised if that's a frequent occurrence, I know a few people with ADHD and it never even occurred to me that it might have been a misdiagnosis. Anyone that has spent a lot of time with someone that has ADHD would probably know that the difference between being an active/hyperactive kid and actually having ADHD is a fairly bright line. So when it comes to whether ADHD is over- or under-diagnosed... I don't think there's a very strong case for either one.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 09, 2022, 07:57:00 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 09, 2022, 04:57:44 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 09, 2022, 04:49:27 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on March 09, 2022, 10:04:36 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 08, 2022, 01:16:18 PM
"boys being boys"

Now there's an attitude that needs to die a quick death.

You never heard this growing up in the 80s? The attitude has been around for decades. It wasn't something made up on the fly. And I'm not talking about criminal activity that you somehow translated this into. I'm talking about boys running around, getting dirty in the mud, playing cops and robbers, stuff that on the 90s and 00s suddenly became taboo and caused too many kids to be stuck inside, playing video games, and watched the obesity rate rise.

Yes, but the phrase is also used to justify more egregious behavior. It's used both ways.

Speaking of which, what's the age at which the phrase "boys being boys" no longer applies? 12, maybe, 14 at the most? I was surprised to see it used in reference to teens/twenties.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kevinb1994 on March 09, 2022, 09:24:54 PM

I was diagnosed with ADD first, then it turned out, at a later age, that this diagnosis was no longer suitable, so I was diagnosed with ADHD.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on March 09, 2022, 09:38:39 PM

Quote from: webny99 on March 09, 2022, 07:54:07 PM
On the subject of ADHD, does anyone have first hand experience of someone being diagnosed with ADHD and then later finding out the diagnosis was incorrect?

I would be really surprised if that's a frequent occurrence, I know a few people with ADHD and it never even occurred to me that it might have been a misdiagnosis. Anyone that has spent a lot of time with someone that has ADHD would probably know that the difference between being an active/hyperactive kid and actually having ADHD is a fairly bright line. So when it comes to whether ADHD is over- or under-diagnosed... I don't think there's a very strong case for either one.

I wouldn't be surprised if this was the case for the people who "grow out" of ADHD, especially given that a study years ago found that the youngest kids in a given grade at school are more likely to be diagnosed. I wonder if many of those people never had ADHD in the first place, and were just less mature than the older kids they were being compared to.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 09, 2022, 09:44:57 PM

Meanwhile the symptoms I have that match up with ADHD have gotten worse as I've gotten older.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on March 10, 2022, 08:49:09 AM

Quote from: webny99 on March 09, 2022, 07:57:00 PM
Speaking of which, what's the age at which the phrase "boys being boys" no longer applies? 12, maybe, 14 at the most? I was surprised to see it used in reference to teens/twenties.

Yes, 12-14, HS football team excepted.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on March 10, 2022, 09:54:56 AM

Quote from: GaryV on March 10, 2022, 08:49:09 AM
Quote from: webny99 on March 09, 2022, 07:57:00 PM
Speaking of which, what's the age at which the phrase "boys being boys" no longer applies? 12, maybe, 14 at the most? I was surprised to see it used in reference to teens/twenties.

Yes, 12-14, HS football team excepted.

Double-exempted if you're also in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on March 13, 2022, 11:43:07 PM

While I don't like the Daylight Saving Time as much as anyone, the fact is that it is going to take an act of Congress to kill off this long-time bad idea.

There are various ways nowadays for devices to set the time by themselves, whether it be through the NIST's atomic clock, GPS, Radio Data Broadcasting System (RDBS) radios, Network Time Protocol (NTP), or your mobile network. In fact, anything that comes into my home now that has a clock needs to set itself. Yes, it costs a little bit more, but it's well worth it for accurate time. Yes, this will annoy the people who insist on setting their watches 5-10 minutes fast.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 14, 2022, 04:33:42 AM

When there's multiple versions of a song on YouTube, and the auto-play algorithm insists on hitting them all. Oh, say, you just listened to "Deacon Blues" by Steely Dan? Well, you seem like you might be the sort of person who might like to hear "Deacon Blues" by Steely Dan! And, our calculations indicate that another song you might really like is "Deacon Blues" by Steely Dan. And after you're done listening to that, may we suggest..."Deacon Blues" by Steely Dan?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on March 14, 2022, 09:13:58 AM

Quote from: webny99 on March 09, 2022, 10:45:32 AM
Quote from: kphoger on March 09, 2022, 10:07:52 AM
Quote from: abefroman329 on March 09, 2022, 10:04:36 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 08, 2022, 01:16:18 PM
"boys being boys"

Now there's an attitude that needs to die a quick death.

As parents of three boys, my wife and I actually find ourselves trying hard to keep it alive. If we didn't, then they'd get in trouble for every little thing they do or don't do.

It's one of those statements that has a slightly different meaning to everyone you ask, but usually ends up bordering on a stereotype.

I don't have a major issue with it, but I also don't have an issue separating out hyperactive kids from actual ADHD, while also acknowledging that plenty of boys are neither hyperactive nor have ADHD.

me too. have this same issue. :-|

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 14, 2022, 09:44:44 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on March 13, 2022, 11:43:07 PM
While I don't like the Daylight Saving Time as much as anyone, the fact is that it is going to take an act of Congress to kill off this long-time bad idea.

There are various ways nowadays for devices to set the time by themselves, whether it be through the NIST's atomic clock, GPS, Radio Data Broadcasting System (RDBS) radios, Network Time Protocol (NTP), or your mobile network. In fact, anything that comes into my home now that has a clock needs to set itself. Yes, it costs a little bit more, but it's well worth it for accurate time. Yes, this will annoy the people who insist on setting their watches 5-10 minutes fast.

Minor things that annoy you, clocks edition: when a clock gets just a few minutes fast or slow between DST time changes. It's not enough (always) to make me take it off the wall and set it right again, but it's enough to bug me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on March 14, 2022, 09:49:31 AM

Prices such as "2/$4" when you don't need to buy two.

There was one time when a can of something (maybe pet food?) was normally 10/$9 and was on sale for 20/$16. I was working on self scan. The way things ring up on the register, it shows the original price and then the amount taken off for the discount in red. The customer asked where the discount was. I explained that 90Â¢ minus 10Â¢ is 80Â¢, and it's exactly as advertised. The customer understood. I blame corporate entirely for this one, not the customer.

3/$5 is fine, though; you can't put an infinite number of decimal places on a price tag.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jlam on March 14, 2022, 11:11:19 AM

When people pronounce Colorado as Color-RAW-do.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on March 14, 2022, 11:12:19 AM

Quote from: jlam on March 14, 2022, 11:11:19 AM
When people pronounce Colorado as Color-RAW-do.

Heh. Color-AY-do? :D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 14, 2022, 11:15:49 AM

When people say Missour-uh but don't likewise say Mississipp-uh.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on March 14, 2022, 11:17:45 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 14, 2022, 11:15:49 AM
When people say Missour-uh but don't likewise say Mississipp-uh.

*shrug* People say "Birming-HAM" but they also say "Dur-um" [for Durham, NC]

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 14, 2022, 11:20:59 AM

dun HAM

(https://i.makeagif.com/media/7-22-2015/R0jsNG.gif)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on March 14, 2022, 11:58:07 AM

Quote from: Rothman on March 14, 2022, 11:12:19 AM
Quote from: jlam on March 14, 2022, 11:11:19 AM
When people pronounce Colorado as Color-RAW-do.
Heh. Color-AY-do? :D

You have to emphasize the second syllable, and roll your R, like native ColoradeÃ±os. Otherwise they'll assume you are from out of state (i.e. California) and resent you :-)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 14, 2022, 12:43:25 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 14, 2022, 09:44:44 AM
Minor things that annoy you, clocks edition: when a clock gets just a few minutes fast or slow between DST time changes. It's not enough (always) to make me take it off the wall and set it right again, but it's enough to bug me.

Minor things that annoy you, clocks edition: my office has an "atomic clock" on the wall, yet it still operates on the pre-2007 DST schedule.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on March 14, 2022, 01:09:35 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on March 13, 2022, 11:43:07 PM
While I don't like the Daylight Saving Time as much as anyone, the fact is that it is going to take an act of Congress to kill off this long-time bad idea.

Conversely, I'm bugged by the fact it will take a literal act of Congress to make DST year-round.

That extra hour of daylight when I get home from work can be put to productive uses outside.

Quote from: 1 on March 14, 2022, 09:49:31 AM
Prices such as "2/$4" when you don't need to buy two.

Most places with this pricing scheme will sell you one for $2 unless it's expressly noted, "You must purchase two to qualify for discount; otherwise, individual cost is $2.49" or something similar.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 14, 2022, 01:20:23 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on March 14, 2022, 01:09:35 PM
Most places with this pricing scheme will sell you one for $2 unless it's expressly noted, "You must purchase two to qualify for discount; otherwise, individual cost is $2.49" or something similar.

For some reason, I have a hard time remembering which number to divide by which number in order to figure out the per-item price. That is to say, if something is on sale at 4/$5, then I have to stand there a minute to figure out if it costs 80Â¢ or $1.25 and is therefore cheaper or more expensive than the brand next to it on the shelf.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: plain on March 14, 2022, 01:22:28 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on March 14, 2022, 01:09:35 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on March 13, 2022, 11:43:07 PM
While I don't like the Daylight Saving Time as much as anyone, the fact is that it is going to take an act of Congress to kill off this long-time bad idea.

Conversely, I'm bugged by the fact it will take a literal act of Congress to make DST year-round.

That extra hour of daylight when I get home from work can be put to productive uses outside.

Quote from: 1 on March 14, 2022, 09:49:31 AM
Prices such as "2/$4" when you don't need to buy two.

Most places with this pricing scheme will sell you one for $2 unless it's expressly noted, "You must purchase two to qualify for discount; otherwise, individual cost is $2.49" or something similar.

In the part you have in Italics, 7-Eleven is infamous for this.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on March 14, 2022, 02:43:50 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 14, 2022, 09:44:44 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on March 13, 2022, 11:43:07 PM
While I don't like the Daylight Saving Time as much as anyone, the fact is that it is going to take an act of Congress to kill off this long-time bad idea.

There are various ways nowadays for devices to set the time by themselves, whether it be through the NIST's atomic clock, GPS, Radio Data Broadcasting System (RDBS) radios, Network Time Protocol (NTP), or your mobile network. In fact, anything that comes into my home now that has a clock needs to set itself. Yes, it costs a little bit more, but it's well worth it for accurate time. Yes, this will annoy the people who insist on setting their watches 5-10 minutes fast.

Minor things that annoy you, clocks edition: when a clock gets just a few minutes fast or slow between DST time changes. It's not enough (always) to make me take it off the wall and set it right again, but it's enough to bug me.

My kitchen clock bugs me. It's got just one AAA battery which is only enough to power it for about 3 months before it runs down and the second hand can't quite make it up the hill to the 8 hour marker. There would have been loads of space in the back of the clock for a bigger battery or even several batteries so it could go for years...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on March 14, 2022, 02:54:54 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on March 14, 2022, 01:09:35 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on March 13, 2022, 11:43:07 PM
While I don't like the Daylight Saving Time as much as anyone, the fact is that it is going to take an act of Congress to kill off this long-time bad idea.
Conversely, I'm bugged by the fact it will take a literal act of Congress to make DST year-round.

That extra hour of daylight when I get home from work can be put to productive uses outside.

DST in winter is a terrible idea. We tried it one year, 1974, hoping it would save energy. It didn't. But it did increase the number of accidents as it was still dark as people had to get up and get to work and drivers were half asleep.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 14, 2022, 02:57:12 PM

Oh, dear Scott, please let this thread not get locked too...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on March 14, 2022, 03:31:44 PM

Before its locked, lets say two things that bother me!
USPS before COVID hit, used to scan the items into the system upon pickup by USPS. Now they don't, just scans it when it arrives in Fayetteville Annex. :nod:
Another thing.
Why do products from China constantly keep me from searching for my favorite thing? :confused:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on March 14, 2022, 03:32:10 PM

Quote from: 1 on March 14, 2022, 09:49:31 AM
Prices such as "2/$4" when you don't need to buy two.
.
.
.
3/$5 is fine, though; you can't put an infinite number of decimal places on a price tag.

The late comedian/actor Alan King told a story about how he once went grocery shopping and bought one can of green beans at 2/29 cents (this was in 1962). It was 15 cents and he argued the point: "Look, kid," he said to the cashier, "if it's 2/29 then one can costs 14 cents and one can costs 15 cents. I'll take the cheap one. Give the one for 15 to somebody else."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on March 14, 2022, 03:33:31 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on March 14, 2022, 03:32:10 PM
Quote from: 1 on March 14, 2022, 09:49:31 AM
Prices such as "2/$4" when you don't need to buy two.
.
.
.
3/$5 is fine, though; you can't put an infinite number of decimal places on a price tag.

The late comedian/actor Alan King told a story about how he once went grocery shopping and bought one can of green beans at 2/29 cents (this was in 1962). It was 15 cents and he argued the point: "Look, kid," he said to the cashier, "if it's 2/29 then one can costs 14 cents and one can costs 15 cents. I'll take the cheap one. Give the one for 15 to somebody else."

Quote from: Food Lion
Purchase of 2 required to get the sales price!

:bigass:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: plain on March 14, 2022, 04:04:09 PM

Quote from: snowc on March 14, 2022, 03:33:31 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on March 14, 2022, 03:32:10 PM
Quote from: 1 on March 14, 2022, 09:49:31 AM
Prices such as "2/$4" when you don't need to buy two.
.
.
.
3/$5 is fine, though; you can't put an infinite number of decimal places on a price tag.

The late comedian/actor Alan King told a story about how he once went grocery shopping and bought one can of green beans at 2/29 cents (this was in 1962). It was 15 cents and he argued the point: "Look, kid," he said to the cashier, "if it's 2/29 then one can costs 14 cents and one can costs 15 cents. I'll take the cheap one. Give the one for 15 to somebody else."
Quote from: Food Lion
Purchase of 2 required to get the sales price!
:bigass:

Huh? When I go to Food Lion I can buy one and still get the sale price.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Mr_Northside on March 14, 2022, 04:13:25 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on March 14, 2022, 01:09:35 PM
Most places with this pricing scheme will sell you one for $2 unless it's expressly noted, "You must purchase two to qualify for discount; otherwise, individual cost is $2.49" or something similar.

While I can't say I never saw this years ago (say, around the turn of the millennium), it was very rare. As the quote above mentions, most of the time you'd get the sale price even if you didn't buy 2 (or however they displayed the sale price). I'd say most places I shop, it's still the majority of situations, but over the last handful of years the "must buy (x) for sale price" condition has become much more frequent.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Mapmikey on March 14, 2022, 04:16:44 PM

Quote from: Mr_Northside on March 14, 2022, 04:13:25 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on March 14, 2022, 01:09:35 PM
Most places with this pricing scheme will sell you one for $2 unless it's expressly noted, "You must purchase two to qualify for discount; otherwise, individual cost is $2.49" or something similar.

While I can't say I neversaw this years ago (say, around the turn of the millennium), it was very rare. As the quote above mentions, most of the time you'd get the sale price even if you didn't buy 2 (or however they displayed the sale price). I'd say most places I shop, it's still the majority of situations, but over the last handful of years the "must buy
for sale price" condition has become much more frequent.

Wegmans is doing this pricing scheme on some of their sales but they do make it quite clear whether you have to buy a certain quantity to get the sale price and what the single unit price will be if you do not.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on March 14, 2022, 04:25:10 PM

My mother used to hate the "$X for Y" verbiage because she viewed it as encouragement to overpurchase in order not to miss the discount. However, I think cost-conscious regular shoppers do eventually develop the savvy to realize that the discount will apply to single items unless a minimum purchase quantity (with or without a "mix and match" option) is explicitly specified.

Things do get interesting when the discount fails to ring up, which does happen from time to time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on March 14, 2022, 05:43:52 PM

More pronunciations that sound like nails on a chalkboard:

Warshington.

Ore-Ayy-Gone.

Pah-Get (somehow this one is not uncommon).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on March 14, 2022, 05:56:02 PM

Quote from: Bruce on March 14, 2022, 05:43:52 PMOre-Ayy-Gone.

Meanwhile, over here I get people attempting to correct my pronunciation when I say "Irrigun." It's become a shibboleth, a bit like Arkansas in regard to the river.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 14, 2022, 06:02:03 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on March 14, 2022, 05:56:02 PM

Quote from: Bruce on March 14, 2022, 05:43:52 PMOre-Ayy-Gone.

"Irrigun."

Never heard either one.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on March 14, 2022, 06:58:15 PM

Wes - con - sen

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on March 14, 2022, 07:29:46 PM

Quote from: plain on March 14, 2022, 01:22:28 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on March 14, 2022, 01:09:35 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on March 13, 2022, 11:43:07 PM
While I don't like the Daylight Saving Time as much as anyone, the fact is that it is going to take an act of Congress to kill off this long-time bad idea.

Conversely, I'm bugged by the fact it will take a literal act of Congress to make DST year-round.

That extra hour of daylight when I get home from work can be put to productive uses outside.

Quote from: 1 on March 14, 2022, 09:49:31 AM
Prices such as "2/$4" when you don't need to buy two.

Most places with this pricing scheme will sell you one for $2 unless it's expressly noted, "You must purchase two to qualify for discount; otherwise, individual cost is $2.49" or something similar.

In the part you have in Italics, 7-Eleven is infamous for this.

EXACTLY!!! C-stores almost always require you to buy the listed quantity to get the sale price. Especially the soft drinks/power drinks.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: XamotCGC on March 15, 2022, 12:14:13 AM

Loud Bass from car speakers

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on March 15, 2022, 12:43:46 AM

The stompy people who live above me. Oh how I hate them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on March 15, 2022, 01:27:27 AM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 15, 2022, 12:43:46 AM
The stompy people who live above me. Oh how I hate them.

I'm in the same boat, but not only are the people in the apartment above me noisy, so are those right next to me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 15, 2022, 07:39:47 AM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 15, 2022, 12:43:46 AM
The stompy people who live above me. Oh how I hate them.

You're making me think of my fourth year of college when the guys upstairs lifted free weights and dropped them on the floor when they were done, shaking our apartment. Being the mature college guys we were, our solution was to go outside and lob our empty beer cans at their door.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on March 15, 2022, 07:44:35 AM

My dorm neighbors played loud music late at night. We got them back by cranking up "Hallelujah Chorus" early one Sunday morning as we left the room.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 15, 2022, 09:47:41 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on March 14, 2022, 06:58:15 PM
Wes - con - sen

People from Wisconsin saying "melk" instead of "milk"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 15, 2022, 09:48:33 AM

Quote from: GaryV on March 15, 2022, 07:44:35 AM
My dorm neighbors played loud music late at night. We got them back by cranking up "Hallelujah Chorus" early one Sunday morning as we left the room.

Hehehe. Kind of reminds me of one Friday evening my dad and I drove up Michigan Avenue in Chicago with the windows down and NPR blasting classical music at full volume.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on March 15, 2022, 11:35:15 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on March 15, 2022, 07:39:47 AM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 15, 2022, 12:43:46 AM
The stompy people who live above me. Oh how I hate them.

You're making me think of my fourth year of college when the guys upstairs lifted free weights and dropped them on the floor when they were done, shaking our apartment. Being the mature college guys we were, our solution was to go outside and lob our empty beer cans at their door.

Oddly enough, I've described the noise to my friends as them picking up weights and dropping them again and again and again (but that's probably not what it is). And oddly enough still, these people are also litterbugs, and on occasion, I have taken their own half empty cans and thrown them up onto their porch.

Quote from: LilianaUwU on March 15, 2022, 01:27:27 AM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 15, 2022, 12:43:46 AM
The stompy people who live above me. Oh how I hate them.

I'm in the same boat, but not only are the people in the apartment above me noisy, so are those right next to me.

The people next to me are talky, but that's easy enough for me to drown out with a box fan.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on March 15, 2022, 01:47:46 PM

Quote from: Bruce on March 14, 2022, 05:43:52 PM
More pronunciations that sound like nails on a chalkboard:

Warshington.

Ore-Ayy-Gone.

Pah-Get (somehow this one is not uncommon).

How about Skag-it rather than Skaj-it? I heard the former a lot when that bridge collapsed.

I hear Warshington a lot among older people, I wouldn't get too hung up on it. It's just an accent among older people. Intrusive R's are common in many accents.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 15, 2022, 01:49:16 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on March 15, 2022, 01:47:46 PM

Quote from: Bruce on March 14, 2022, 05:43:52 PM
More pronunciations that sound like nails on a chalkboard:

Warshington.

Ore-Ayy-Gone.

Pah-Get (somehow this one is not uncommon).

How about Skag-it rather than Skaj-it? I heard the former a lot when that bridge collapsed.

I hear Warshington a lot among older people, I wouldn't get too hung up on it. It's just an accent among older people. Intrusive R's are common in many accents.

When I was on family vacation to DC as a kid, I distinctly remember hearing a lot of locals pronouncing their own city's name as Warshington.

From what I've read, it's actually sign that someone is from a long-time, established DC family. The R-intrusive pronunciation is on the decline, meaning newcomers are actually more likely to pronounce it "correctly".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on March 15, 2022, 01:55:56 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 15, 2022, 01:49:16 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on March 15, 2022, 01:47:46 PM

Quote from: Bruce on March 14, 2022, 05:43:52 PM
More pronunciations that sound like nails on a chalkboard:

Warshington.

Ore-Ayy-Gone.

Pah-Get (somehow this one is not uncommon).

How about Skag-it rather than Skaj-it? I heard the former a lot when that bridge collapsed.

I hear Warshington a lot among older people, I wouldn't get too hung up on it. It's just an accent among older people. Intrusive R's are common in many accents.

When I was on family vacation to DC as a kid, I distinctly remember hearing a lot of locals pronouncing their own city's name as Warshington.

From what I've read, it's actually sign that someone is from a long-time, established DC family. The R-intrusive pronunciation is on the decline, meaning newcomers are actually more likely to pronounce it "correctly".

When I was a kid, I thought for the longest time that when you went to the sink, you WARSHED your hands. That's all I heard my mom say. Of course that translated to the DC city.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: gonealookin on March 15, 2022, 02:43:51 PM

Quote from: LilianaUwU on March 15, 2022, 01:27:27 AM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 15, 2022, 12:43:46 AM
The stompy people who live above me. Oh how I hate them.

I'm in the same boat, but not only are the people in the apartment above me noisy, so are those right next to me.

Most people who have lived in cheap, thin-walled apartments have at some point probably known more about the neighbors' love life than they cared to.

I had an older couple next door who had a weekly tradition, Saturday morning at 8 a.m. I would have preferred that "alarm clock" to at least go off a little later.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 15, 2022, 02:54:50 PM

Quote from: gonealookin on March 15, 2022, 02:43:51 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on March 15, 2022, 01:27:27 AM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 15, 2022, 12:43:46 AM
The stompy people who live above me. Oh how I hate them.

I'm in the same boat, but not only are the people in the apartment above me noisy, so are those right next to me.

Most people who have lived in cheap, thin-walled apartments have at some point probably known more about the neighbors' love life than they cared to.

I had an older couple next door who had a weekly tradition, Saturday morning at 8 a.m. I would have preferred that "alarm clock" to at least go off a little later.

I always insisted on living on the top floor when I rented apartments so the stompers wouldn't be an issue. I bought an industrial use fan at work at one point to drown out all the sex and music noise. I got so used to sleeping with a droning fan that it was hard to adjust when I moved in with my now wife (who gets cold easy and doesn't like droning noise).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 15, 2022, 03:19:27 PM

Quote from: gonealookin on March 15, 2022, 02:43:51 PM

Quote from: LilianaUwU on March 15, 2022, 01:27:27 AM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 15, 2022, 12:43:46 AM
The stompy people who live above me. Oh how I hate them.

I'm in the same boat, but not only are the people in the apartment above me noisy, so are those right next to me.

Most people who have lived in cheap, thin-walled apartments have at some point probably known more about the neighbors' love life than they cared to.

I had an older couple next door who had a weekly tradition, Saturday morning at 8 a.m. I would have preferred that "alarm clock" to at least go off a little later.

When my wife and I were first married, we lived in a two-flat and got to hear the bedroom activities of our upstairs neighbors. What made it especially awkward was knowing that the guy was engaged to someone other than the chick who was living with him (his fiancée lived in another state).

One night, the two of them had a loud fight. I got up out of bed, not knowing at first where the noise was coming from. I looked out the kitchen window and saw our next-door neighbor come out of his house with a baseball bat (presumably to defend whomever needed defending), look up and see who it was that was fighting, and promptly go back inside. No sympathy there either, I guess.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on March 15, 2022, 03:37:34 PM

Living in a dorm or apartment for university is kind of like that, although the majority of the time it's not that. Sometimes it's as simple as talking too loudly on the phone at a stupid hour or whatever.

My strategy has been to turn on a fan to at least drown it out in white noise. Sure, it's adding noise, but it's noise that's more tolerable and easy to tune out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on March 15, 2022, 03:49:51 PM

Years ago, I lived in an apartment and for a short time, a rather amorous couple moved in upstairs. You never knew when the rhythmic shaking and throes-of-passion vocalizations would start.

During that time, my dad came to stay with me for a couple of days because of a power outage at his place. Thankfully the couple upstairs never got in the mood while he was there, or I would have been rather embarrassed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 15, 2022, 03:58:41 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on March 15, 2022, 03:37:34 PM
Living in a dorm or apartment for university is kind of like that, although the majority of the time it's not that. Sometimes it's as simple as talking too loudly on the phone at a stupid hour or whatever.

....

During my third year of college, one of the women next door said they could hear us in our apartment whenever we took a leak because the two apartments had the same floor plan in reverse such that the bathrooms backed up against each other. That, in turn, prompted me to drag a chair in there and stand on it to amplify the sound the next time I had to take a leak at a time they'd be likely to hear.

Looking back, the asshole thing we tended to do in that apartment was to play our stereo far too loudly, insanely loudly. Everyone on our floor certainly knew we all loved Boston's first album. At least that year (and the year before) we were on the top floor, so the number of people affected by that was more limited. (Not the same apartment as my fourth year with the free-weights guys upstairs.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on March 15, 2022, 04:16:26 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on March 15, 2022, 03:58:41 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on March 15, 2022, 03:37:34 PM
Living in a dorm or apartment for university is kind of like that, although the majority of the time it's not that. Sometimes it's as simple as talking too loudly on the phone at a stupid hour or whatever.

....

During my third year of college, one of the women next door said they could hear us in our apartment whenever we took a leak because the two apartments had the same floor plan in reverse such that the bathrooms backed up against each other. That, in turn, prompted me to drag a chair in there and stand on it to amplify the sound the next time I had to take a leak at a time they'd be likely to hear.

Looking back, the asshole thing we tended to do in that apartment was to play our stereo far too loudly, insanely loudly. Everyone on our floor certainly knew we all loved Boston's first album. At least that year (and the year before) we were on the top floor, so the number of people affected by that was more limited. (Not the same apartment as my fourth year with the free-weights guys upstairs.)

This year, I've been fortunate to be on the top floor, so I haven't had to deal with as much either. Last year I wasn't on the top floor, although I don't think anyone occupied the room above. The school had significantly less people mostly due to the virus.

I actually had a girl from the floor below come up and complain because my friend and I were playing Smash Bros. and stomping on the floor when we got mad/excited. Otherwise, I've tried my best to be cognizant of others.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 15, 2022, 04:35:28 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on March 15, 2022, 03:58:41 PM
That, in turn, prompted me to drag a chair in there and stand on it to amplify the sound the next time I had to take a leak at a time they'd be likely to hear.

I can only hope you also moaned with relief.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on March 15, 2022, 07:01:46 PM

I thought of another one. My roommate (owner of the afore-mentioned Handel album) was on the track team. If you roll a shot put down the (asbestos-tiled) hall, it sounds like the building is about to collapse.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on March 15, 2022, 09:49:26 PM

I consider myself fortunate that I never lived in an apartment.

One thing that has bugged me for the past month is the pestering to update my credit card. :banghead: Yes, I know my credit card is about to expire at the end of the month, but until I actually receive and activate the replacement card, my hands are completely tied. The current card is still good until the end of March. The new one arrived in the mail this morning, and I've updated almost 40 companies that have my credit card information. This is a rewards card that I pay off each month.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 15, 2022, 10:33:07 PM

I lived in an apartment for 13 months. Never heard any odd noises, but the downstairs dwellers cooked some really stinky food. There were 2 guys in an upstairs apartment (father and adult son maybe) that upped and left in the middle of the night. Never saw them again.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on March 15, 2022, 11:55:58 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 15, 2022, 02:54:50 PM
Quote from: gonealookin on March 15, 2022, 02:43:51 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on March 15, 2022, 01:27:27 AM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 15, 2022, 12:43:46 AM
The stompy people who live above me. Oh how I hate them.

I'm in the same boat, but not only are the people in the apartment above me noisy, so are those right next to me.

Most people who have lived in cheap, thin-walled apartments have at some point probably known more about the neighbors' love life than they cared to.

I had an older couple next door who had a weekly tradition, Saturday morning at 8 a.m. I would have preferred that "alarm clock" to at least go off a little later.

I always insisted on living on the top floor when I rented apartments so the stompers wouldn't be an issue. I bought an industrial use fan at work at one point to drown out all the sex and music noise. I got so used to sleeping with a droning fan that it was hard to adjust when I moved in with my now wife (who gets cold easy and doesn't like droning noise).

Of course the top floor is also hotter than the other floors, which would bother some people.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ran4sh on March 16, 2022, 12:06:20 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on March 15, 2022, 03:58:41 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on March 15, 2022, 03:37:34 PM
Living in a dorm or apartment for university is kind of like that, although the majority of the time it's not that. Sometimes it's as simple as talking too loudly on the phone at a stupid hour or whatever.

....

During my third year of college, one of the women next door said they could hear us in our apartment whenever we took a leak because the two apartments had the same floor plan in reverse such that the bathrooms backed up against each other. That, in turn, prompted me to drag a chair in there and stand on it to amplify the sound the next time I had to take a leak at a time they'd be likely to hear.

It's interesting that the bathrooms are back to back and they complained about hearing you take a leak, but it seems like you never heard them take a leak

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on March 16, 2022, 12:29:47 AM

Quote from: J N Winkler on March 14, 2022, 05:56:02 PM

Quote from: Bruce on March 14, 2022, 05:43:52 PMOre-Ayy-Gone.

"Irrigun."

That's a strange one. We use "Ore-ah-guhn" or "Ore-ee-gun" around these parts. Irrigon is a city on the Columbia River.

Quote from: jakeroot on March 15, 2022, 01:47:46 PM
How about Skag-it rather than Skaj-it? I heard the former a lot when that bridge collapsed.

Yep, that one did make the rounds quite a lot

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on March 16, 2022, 01:16:13 AM

My stupid computer is giving me shit, and making it take forever to organize the photos from my previous day trip to Folkston, Georgia.

It's keeping me from renaming one of the folders, no matter how long or short I make the new name. Taking it off write protection doesn't work, So I decided to make a whole new folder with a name close to what I want and then transfer the pics to that one. And it kept taking longer and longer to transfer them. And then it took longer to pause the transfer and wouldn't let me un-pause it. Now it's taking too long to cancel the transfer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 16, 2022, 03:16:09 AM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on March 16, 2022, 01:16:13 AM
My stupid computer is giving me shit, and making it take forever to organize the photos from my previous day trip to Folkston, Georgia.

It's keeping me from renaming one of the folders, no matter how long or short I make the new name. Taking it off write protection doesn't work, So I decided to make a whole new folder with a name close to what I want and then transfer the pics to that one. And it kept taking longer and longer to transfer them. And then it took longer to pause the transfer and wouldn't let me un-pause it. Now it's taking too long to cancel the transfer.

Sounds like your hard drive might be going out. Run whatever the disk check utility in Windows is called these days.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 16, 2022, 07:44:48 AM

Quote from: ran4sh on March 16, 2022, 12:06:20 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 15, 2022, 03:58:41 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on March 15, 2022, 03:37:34 PM
Living in a dorm or apartment for university is kind of like that, although the majority of the time it's not that. Sometimes it's as simple as talking too loudly on the phone at a stupid hour or whatever.

....

During my third year of college, one of the women next door said they could hear us in our apartment whenever we took a leak because the two apartments had the same floor plan in reverse such that the bathrooms backed up against each other. That, in turn, prompted me to drag a chair in there and stand on it to amplify the sound the next time I had to take a leak at a time they'd be likely to hear.

It's interesting that the bathrooms are back to back and they complained about hearing you take a leak, but it seems like you never heard them take a leak

That doesn't seem the least bit peculiar to me for what seem to me to be rather obvious reasons, based on who I said lived next door.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 16, 2022, 11:02:30 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 15, 2022, 10:33:07 PM
... but the downstairs dwellers cooked some really stinky food.

Early in my parents' marriage (mid-70s), before I was born and my sister was young enough to sleep in a crib, they rented half of a two-flat somewhere around here (https://goo.gl/maps/r2dJL2U4Ads8XPWc7) in Saint Louis. The other tenant in the building was a Korean family; some days the smell of their home-cooking was heavenly, and other days it was disgusting. (I feel the same way about Korean food, incidentally).

Then there was the time that my dad went down into the basement area and found the grandmother in that family totally naked, taking a shower with a garden hose...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on March 16, 2022, 11:06:30 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 15, 2022, 01:49:16 PMThe R-intrusive pronunciation is on the decline, meaning newcomers are actually more likely to pronounce it "correctly".

Unless they're from downstate Illinois, Missouri, or another place where "wash" is pronounced "warsh/worsh"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 16, 2022, 11:11:55 AM

From another thread:

Quote from: webny99 on March 16, 2022, 11:10:31 AM
... the Georgia thread being pinned while the other Southeast state threads aren't

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on March 16, 2022, 05:43:58 PM

Overuse of protective measures such as all-way stops in a residential neighborhood. Too much is like not enough, and after the one-hundredth stop sign, you don't pay attention to them as much anymore.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on March 16, 2022, 05:47:00 PM

Quote from: LilianaUwU on March 16, 2022, 05:43:58 PM
Overuse of protective measures such as all-way stops in a residential neighborhood. Too much is like not enough, and after the one-hundredth stop sign, you don't pay attention to them as much anymore.

Does the Quebec equivalent of the MUTCD discourage stop signs from being a speed-control device?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on March 16, 2022, 05:48:30 PM

Quote from: Big John on March 16, 2022, 05:47:00 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on March 16, 2022, 05:43:58 PM
Overuse of protective measures such as all-way stops in a residential neighborhood. Too much is like not enough, and after the one-hundredth stop sign, you don't pay attention to them as much anymore.
Does the Quebec equivalent of the MUTCD discourage stop signs from being a speed-control device?

With how many of them there are, I can safely say that no, the Tome V doesn't discourage stop signs from being used as speed control.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on March 16, 2022, 06:49:03 PM

Quote from: Bruce on March 16, 2022, 12:29:47 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on March 14, 2022, 05:56:02 PM

Quote from: Bruce on March 14, 2022, 05:43:52 PMOre-Ayy-Gone.

"Irrigun."

That's a strange one. We use "Ore-ah-guhn" or "Ore-ee-gun" around these parts. Irrigon is a city on the Columbia River.

Quote from: jakeroot on March 15, 2022, 01:47:46 PM
How about Skag-it rather than Skaj-it? I heard the former a lot when that bridge collapsed.

Yep, that one did make the rounds quite a lot

Then stay out of the Toledo, Ohio area...The suburb of Oregon is pronounced as OR-RAH-GAHN, and Nevada Avenue in T-Town is pronounced as NAH-VAY-DA.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on March 16, 2022, 06:59:28 PM

I've always pronounced Oregon as 'or-gn', two syllables.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on March 17, 2022, 12:29:53 AM

When Haley tells me to not email her work email.

It's for work-related stuff yes, but isn't that for alternate communication when service goes down or something and you want to take a break from social media, you use emails to contact people?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on March 17, 2022, 12:31:18 AM

Quote from: tolbs17 on March 17, 2022, 12:29:53 AM
When Haley tells me to not email her work email.

When people assume we're going to know who Haley is.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on March 17, 2022, 01:19:07 AM

Quote from: tolbs17 on March 17, 2022, 12:29:53 AM
When Haley tells me to not email her work email.

Is Haley related to Mary Hannah?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tolbs17 on March 17, 2022, 01:23:37 AM

Quote from: dlsterner on March 17, 2022, 01:19:07 AM
Quote from: tolbs17 on March 17, 2022, 12:29:53 AM
When Haley tells me to not email her work email.
Is Haley related to Mary Hannah?

No. Just another friend of mine

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on March 17, 2022, 01:52:25 AM

Many people keep their work email totally separate from their personal email. Employers are allowed to peek at email sent or received on their servers. If it's work for a public agency, like a public college, in many states that email is a public record that can be requested through FOIA request. Or they may just never check their work email when they're not on the clock and certainly won't be answering personal email when they are on the clock.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 17, 2022, 09:43:34 AM

Quote from: kkt on March 17, 2022, 01:52:25 AM
Many people keep their work email totally separate from their personal email. Employers are allowed to peek at email sent or received on their servers. If it's work for a public agency, like a public college, in many states that email is a public record that can be requested through FOIA request. Or they may just never check their work email when they're not on the clock and certainly won't be answering personal email when they are on the clock.

Also of note: any e-mail you send from your work account is a legal document.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on March 17, 2022, 10:02:02 AM

Quote from: kkt on March 17, 2022, 01:52:25 AM
Many people keep their work email totally separate from their personal email. Employers are allowed to peek at email sent or received on their servers. If it's work for a public agency, like a public college, in many states that email is a public record that can be requested through FOIA request. Or they may just never check their work email when they're not on the clock and certainly won't be answering personal email when they are on the clock.

Just operate on the assumption that anything that is on a work computer is subject to viewing by your corporate security department.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on March 17, 2022, 11:05:12 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 17, 2022, 09:43:34 AM
Quote from: kkt on March 17, 2022, 01:52:25 AM
Many people keep their work email totally separate from their personal email. Employers are allowed to peek at email sent or received on their servers. If it's work for a public agency, like a public college, in many states that email is a public record that can be requested through FOIA request. Or they may just never check their work email when they're not on the clock and certainly won't be answering personal email when they are on the clock.

Also of note: any e-mail you send from your work account is a legal document.

Really, any e-mail you send or receive using your work account would be discoverable.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on March 17, 2022, 02:14:51 PM

Here's one that cropped up today,....again.

When someone who waits on you in a business, and they consistently call you "buddy" or "chief".

First off, when I was a kid, that's what they would call us small fry around the neighborhood.

I am now 50-something, and I don't know you from Adam. I'm not your drinking or bowling buddy, nor am I your local fire or police chief.

"Sir", IMHO, is a more mature and proper form of address to a stranger or very distant acquaintance if you don't try to find out and use their actual name.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 17, 2022, 02:28:50 PM

Quote from: thenetwork on March 17, 2022, 02:14:51 PM
Here's one that cropped up today,....again.

When someone who waits on you in a business, and they consistently call you "buddy" or "chief".

First off, when I was a kid, that's what they would call us small fry around the neighborhood.

I am now 50-something, and I don't know you from Adam. I'm not your drinking or bowling buddy, nor am I your local fire or police chief.

"Sir", IMHO, is a more mature and proper form of address to a stranger or very distant acquaintance if you don't try to find out and use their actual name.

"Chief" always sounded like something Toby McGuire's Spider Man would say before I worked on a Navy Base.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on March 17, 2022, 02:47:44 PM

Quote from: thenetwork on March 17, 2022, 02:14:51 PM
When someone who waits on you in a business, and they consistently call you "buddy" or "chief".

What about "boss"? I get that sometimes as well.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 17, 2022, 02:58:52 PM

Anything's better than "bro".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on March 17, 2022, 03:35:24 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on March 17, 2022, 02:47:44 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on March 17, 2022, 02:14:51 PM
When someone who waits on you in a business, and they consistently call you "buddy" or "chief".

What about "boss"? I get that sometimes as well.

Once in a while I get that. It makes me uncomfortable when it's from a black man to me (white man).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 17, 2022, 03:38:39 PM

Quote from: kkt on March 17, 2022, 03:35:24 PM
Once in a while I get that. It makes me uncomfortable when it's from a black man to me (white man).

Oh, great... That had never even occurred to me before, and now I won't be able to help thinking about it whenever I'm in that situation.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on March 17, 2022, 03:43:12 PM

Hannibal Buress has a really funny bit about going to a timeshare pitch and resisting the pressure to buy, and it's centered on the fact that the first guy he talked to was a white guy named Rocky who kept calling him "bro" and he doesn't like it when white guys call him "bro."

Quote from: kphoger on March 17, 2022, 03:38:39 PM
Quote from: kkt on March 17, 2022, 03:35:24 PM
Once in a while I get that. It makes me uncomfortable when it's from a black man to me (white man).

Oh, great... That had never even occurred to me before, and now I won't be able to help thinking about it whenever I'm in that situation.

Yeah, we're in the middle of a house hunt, and I'm really trying to get "master bedroom" out of my vocabulary.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 17, 2022, 03:53:12 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on March 17, 2022, 11:05:12 AM
Quote from: kphoger on March 17, 2022, 09:43:34 AM
Quote from: kkt on March 17, 2022, 01:52:25 AM
Many people keep their work email totally separate from their personal email. Employers are allowed to peek at email sent or received on their servers. If it's work for a public agency, like a public college, in many states that email is a public record that can be requested through FOIA request. Or they may just never check their work email when they're not on the clock and certainly won't be answering personal email when they are on the clock.

Also of note: any e-mail you send from your work account is a legal document.
Really, any e-mail you send or receive using your work account would be discoverable.

Commingling material on your home device is also a bad idea because if you use your personal device for work, anything you save on there could be subject to disclosure if a forensic expert had to examine the device in discovery to retrieve work-related material.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 17, 2022, 03:56:24 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on March 17, 2022, 03:43:12 PM
Yeah, we're in the middle of a house hunt, and I'm really trying to get "master bedroom" out of my vocabulary.

Just stay away from "master's bedroom", and let "master bedroom" stay in your vocabulary.

The word "master" as an adjective has a definition meaning "principal, predominant, superlative". That room is the master bedroom, just as the man in the kitchen at your favorite restaurant is a master chef.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on March 17, 2022, 05:26:54 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on March 17, 2022, 02:47:44 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on March 17, 2022, 02:14:51 PM
When someone who waits on you in a business, and they consistently call you "buddy" or "chief".

What about "boss"? I get that sometimes as well.

I had a classmate in my Navy A School who called everybody "big guy." He was about 5'7", but I'm shorter at 5'6". Just felt very strange but it was only for three months.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 17, 2022, 11:13:31 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 17, 2022, 03:56:24 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on March 17, 2022, 03:43:12 PM
Yeah, we're in the middle of a house hunt, and I'm really trying to get "master bedroom" out of my vocabulary.

Just stay away from "master's bedroom", and let "master bedroom" stay in your vocabulary.

The word "master" as an adjective has a definition meaning "principal, predominant, superlative". That room is the master bedroom, just as the man in the kitchen at your favorite restaurant is a master chef.

Master bedrooms in general are a minor thing that bother me. I wish all of the bedrooms in my house had a bathroom and walk-in closet like the master bedroom does.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on March 17, 2022, 11:42:21 PM

There is apparently a push (https://www.reso.org/blog/reso-using-primary-in-display-names/) to rename the master bedroom the primary bedroom.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on March 18, 2022, 01:05:50 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 17, 2022, 11:13:31 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 17, 2022, 03:56:24 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on March 17, 2022, 03:43:12 PM
Yeah, we're in the middle of a house hunt, and I'm really trying to get "master bedroom" out of my vocabulary.

Just stay away from "master's bedroom", and let "master bedroom" stay in your vocabulary.

The word "master" as an adjective has a definition meaning "principal, predominant, superlative". That room is the master bedroom, just as the man in the kitchen at your favorite restaurant is a master chef.

Master bedrooms in general are a minor thing that bother me. I wish all of the bedrooms in my house had a bathroom and walk-in closet like the master bedroom does.

I've seen houses with two or three "master" bedrooms - the seller's realtor's term for a large bedroom with attached bathroom and large closet. I guess it's for extended families or a poly large family.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 18, 2022, 08:18:06 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 17, 2022, 11:13:31 PM
Master bedrooms in general are a minor thing that bother me. I wish all of the bedrooms in my house had a bathroom and walk-in closet like the master bedroom does.

Wouldn't that be the other bedrooms that bother you? :D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on March 18, 2022, 10:42:16 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 17, 2022, 11:13:31 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 17, 2022, 03:56:24 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on March 17, 2022, 03:43:12 PM
Yeah, we're in the middle of a house hunt, and I'm really trying to get "master bedroom" out of my vocabulary.

Just stay away from "master's bedroom", and let "master bedroom" stay in your vocabulary.

The word "master" as an adjective has a definition meaning "principal, predominant, superlative". That room is the master bedroom, just as the man in the kitchen at your favorite restaurant is a master chef.

Master bedrooms in general are a minor thing that bother me. I wish all of the bedrooms in my house had a bathroom and walk-in closet like the master bedroom does.

Not all master bedrooms have an en-suite bathroom or a walk-in closet - many do not have either one.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on March 18, 2022, 11:29:42 AM

Quote from: J N Winkler on March 17, 2022, 11:42:21 PM
There is apparently a push (https://www.reso.org/blog/reso-using-primary-in-display-names/) to rename the master bedroom the primary bedroom.

I could go along with this, especially if the term "the primary" or "secondaries" became shorthand.

Eg, "the primary and two secondaries are downstairs, along with two secondaries upstairs".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Ned Weasel on March 20, 2022, 09:31:57 AM

Woah, this thread got LONG, and I'm not gonna BOTHER to read most of it.

Here's one that has irked me for ages:

People who use a left turn lane like this:

(https://i.imgur.com/xi6d4eG.png)

Instead of like this:

(https://i.imgur.com/AoYtiez.png)

The lane is there to allow you to get out of the way of through traffic before making your left turn. Why is this so difficult for people to grasp?

Quote from: kphoger on March 17, 2022, 02:58:52 PM
Anything's better than "bro".

I don't mind "bro." It kind of feels gender-affirming.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 20, 2022, 09:39:19 AM

Probably about 95% of the uses of the word "bro" I've heard is at the gym. I don't think that "bro" left meat head culture for the mainstream unlike "chief" and "boss" which always seemed to be there with younger demographics.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on March 20, 2022, 10:48:21 PM

Typical mentality of the anti-highway groups:

(https://images.yourdiy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/26130358/SignsGallery_7__1bb5eb581f.jpg?tr=dpr-1,fo-auto,ar-,w-1000)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DTComposer on March 23, 2022, 12:51:03 PM

This may very well have been mentioned in the previous 150 pages, but:

People who back-in park in angled spots in a one-way parking aisle, meaning they have to do awkward movements to get in and out; and since one-way parking aisles are generally narrower, they often have to execute a multi-point maneuver.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on March 23, 2022, 01:33:53 PM

Quote from: DTComposer on March 23, 2022, 12:51:03 PMPeople who back-in park in angled spots in a one-way parking aisle, meaning they have to do awkward movements to get in and out; and since one-way parking aisles are generally narrower, they often have to execute a multi-point maneuver.

I think one-way aisles are just a nuisance in general. If the store is large or busy, I'd much rather be able to get out of the parking lot without having to go all the way up to the entrance and deal with pedestrians there.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 23, 2022, 01:54:40 PM

Quote from: DTComposer on March 23, 2022, 12:51:03 PM
This may very well have been mentioned in the previous 150 pages, but:

People who back-in park in angled spots in a one-way parking aisle, meaning they have to do awkward movements to get in and out; and since one-way parking aisles are generally narrower, they often have to execute a multi-point maneuver.

How about people who back into spots in general? Do they just like being contrary? Especially with the advent of rear-view cameras, I don't get it. I had neighbors that backed into their garage. For what purpose?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: frankenroad on March 23, 2022, 03:48:27 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 23, 2022, 01:54:40 PM
Quote from: DTComposer on March 23, 2022, 12:51:03 PM
This may very well have been mentioned in the previous 150 pages, but:

People who back-in park in angled spots in a one-way parking aisle, meaning they have to do awkward movements to get in and out; and since one-way parking aisles are generally narrower, they often have to execute a multi-point maneuver.

How about people who back into spots in general? Do they just like being contrary? Especially with the advent of rear-view cameras, I don't get it. I had neighbors that backed into their garage. For what purpose?

I do that sometimes - especially when I anticipate that I will be leaving the parking lot at the same time as a lot of others (like after a concert).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DTComposer on March 23, 2022, 03:52:03 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on March 23, 2022, 01:33:53 PM
Quote from: DTComposer on March 23, 2022, 12:51:03 PMPeople who back-in park in angled spots in a one-way parking aisle, meaning they have to do awkward movements to get in and out; and since one-way parking aisles are generally narrower, they often have to execute a multi-point maneuver.

I think one-way aisles are just a nuisance in general. If the store is large or busy, I'd much rather be able to get out of the parking lot without having to go all the way up to the entrance and deal with pedestrians there.

Fair point, although I feel like way too much space is used on parking - your average big-box retailer or mid-sized shopping center uses as much land for parking as it does for the buildings themselves - land that goes wasted much of the time, since zoning requires you have the maximum number of spaces for *potential* people in the stores, and that number is rarely reached.

I'd be interested in exploring a requirement that any retail/commercial development over a certain square footage utilize multi-level parking (whether it be above or below the store, or a separate structure).

Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 23, 2022, 01:54:40 PM
How about people who back into spots in general? Do they just like being contrary? Especially with the advent of rear-view cameras, I don't get it. I had neighbors that backed into their garage. For what purpose?

This used to bother me more, although I've gotten used to it. That said, it never seemed to me that the perceived benefits of back-in parking outweighed those of head-in parking. I was told the main reason is that, when leaving the space, the driver can more easily see oncoming cars/pedestrians. However, in addition to what you said about backup cameras and object detectors, what I've seen is people going into "autopilot" mode (since they're driving forward instead of reverse) and not paying as much attention as they pull out of the space. For me, going into reverse and using mirrors/cameras/looking over shoulders reminds me that I need to be extra-cautious.

Also, I would rather use my more developed skills (driving forward) to navigate into a tight parking spot than my less developed skills (driving in reverse).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 23, 2022, 03:59:19 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 23, 2022, 01:54:40 PM
Quote from: DTComposer on March 23, 2022, 12:51:03 PM
This may very well have been mentioned in the previous 150 pages, but:

People who back-in park in angled spots in a one-way parking aisle, meaning they have to do awkward movements to get in and out; and since one-way parking aisles are generally narrower, they often have to execute a multi-point maneuver.

How about people who back into spots in general? Do they just like being contrary? Especially with the advent of rear-view cameras, I don't get it. I had neighbors that backed into their garage. For what purpose?

Depending on what car I'm driving (I daily an Impreza) I tend to back in. With my Challenger and previous Camaro the sight lines over the hood were questionable at best. With those cars it is way easier to park with maximum accuracy backing in as opposed to pulling forward.

With my garage, I back the Challenger in because it largely sits there and I think it looks cooler that way.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 23, 2022, 04:27:49 PM

In the Great Lakes region, where there could be anywhere from 10 to 50 days per season with fresh snow in the morning, it actually makes sense to back in to your driveway (unless you park in a garage, of course). It's worth the extra seconds on the clear days for the days when there's six+ inches of snow and backing through the snowbank and getting stuck at the end of the driveway when you're in a hurry.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 23, 2022, 04:50:56 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 23, 2022, 01:54:40 PM
Quote from: DTComposer on March 23, 2022, 12:51:03 PM
This may very well have been mentioned in the previous 150 pages, but:

People who back-in park in angled spots in a one-way parking aisle, meaning they have to do awkward movements to get in and out; and since one-way parking aisles are generally narrower, they often have to execute a multi-point maneuver.

How about people who back into spots in general? Do they just like being contrary? Especially with the advent of rear-view cameras, I don't get it. I had neighbors that backed into their garage. For what purpose?

I back in almost all the time. I have a backup camera. I just back straight in. When I'm ready to leave, I pull straight out. Sightlines are better too for seeing traffic.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on March 23, 2022, 05:12:50 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 23, 2022, 01:54:40 PMHow about people who back into spots in general? Do they just like being contrary? Especially with the advent of rear-view cameras, I don't get it.

I park nose-out almost everywhere I can. While I won't pretend I don't relish marching to the beat of a different drummer, backing in affords better sightlines when leaving, reduces tire scrub since the steering wheel does not need to be turned through as wide an angle, cuts the risk of damage to the front bumper assembly/radiator bracket/engine cradle as a result of pulling in too far, and makes it easier to leave the steering wheel in the straight-ahead, neutral position. I have no interest in spending tens of thousands of dollars to buy a car that has rear-view cameras when my daily driver still runs well.

Backing in is considered safer to the extent that organizations that operate large vehicle fleets--such as state DOTs, police departments, and the military--encourage their employees to do so as a matter of course. At some large companies, such as BP, nosing in has actually become grounds for discipline.

This said, it is not hard to make a nuisance of oneself while seeking to park nose-out. When I am in a parking lot that does not have parking stops at the inside ends of each space, I tend to look for opportunities to pull forward through another space. When I actually reverse in, I usually pull past at least one stall width and back through a 90Â° angle, straightening out the steering wheel as my rear wheels edge into the space. Other drivers tend to cock their vehicles just outside the stall at the start of the maneuver, which prevents following traffic from stealing the space but leads to bad tire scrub and makes it harder to get the vehicle straight and centered between the lines.

Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 23, 2022, 01:54:40 PMI had neighbors that backed into their garage. For what purpose?

If there were young children in the neighborhood, that might be part of the reason. I personally don't back into my garage, but this is mainly because I leave vehicles on battery maintainers and the power cabling is less in the way the closer it is to the back wall of the garage. I do back into the driveway when I'm dropping off groceries midway through an errand chain, as this puts the trunk nearer the front door.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on March 23, 2022, 06:41:47 PM

I back into most parking spaces, unless I require to access the trunk/hatch which may not easily be accessible. Sightlines are much more preferable when sitting 2 feet from the front windshield than looking 4-6 feet away out the rear windshield, with more blind spots (especially at night).

But I rarely back into my garage space, maybe just once or twice a year. It's already a tight fit and tougher to account for the tolerances of the rear hatch swinging up.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 23, 2022, 10:22:30 PM

I almost never back into parking spaces, but I will pull thru to face out if possible, especially in the parking garage where we park for hockey games. I pull thru to face the drive aisle that leads to the exit in order to expedite leaving. I NEVER pull thru at the grocery store, though, because I want easier access to the trunk.

Our one-car garage is too narrow to back into easily, even with a backup camera, but if I park the RX-7 in there I put the convertible top down, back it in, and then put the top back up. Putting the top down eliminates some huge blind spots, and with that car the reason for backing it in is to make it easier to jumpstart it if needed (which has happened more than once over the years).

What I really hate are the people who think you should be a mind-reader and know that they're randomly going to throw it in reverse, without using a blinker, in order to park backwards. I'm not going to back up for that, especially if there's someone else behind me. You fail to signal, you forfeit any right to expect anyone else to know you're going to park in a different way from most people.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on March 23, 2022, 10:41:58 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 23, 2022, 01:54:40 PM
How about people who back into spots in general? Do they just like being contrary? Especially with the advent of rear-view cameras, I don't get it. I had neighbors that backed into their garage. For what purpose?

My cars have backup cameras and I still always back in or pull through two spots so I am facing out. Better sightlines than what the camera provides, and I also get out there faster which means less chance of a collision with another vehicle backing out whose driver is not looking.

And I always back into my garage. Again, better sightlines and faster exit when pulling into the road when I leave.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on March 23, 2022, 10:49:00 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on March 23, 2022, 10:22:30 PMI NEVER pull thru at the grocery store, though, because I want easier access to the trunk.

This is a personal preference, but I park nose-out at the grocery store too, so I don't have to mind a cart in the aisle.

Quote from: 1995hoo on March 23, 2022, 10:22:30 PMWhat I really hate are the people who think you should be a mind-reader and know that they're randomly going to throw it in reverse, without using a blinker, in order to park backwards. I'm not going to back up for that, especially if there's someone else behind me. You fail to signal, you forfeit any right to expect anyone else to know you're going to park in a different way from most people.

I always put my signal on as I approach my target space, but I fully expect a following vehicle to gazump it unless I'm actually reversing as it arrives. I also try to keep well back of a vehicle in front so the driver seeking a space has the flexibility to back rather than turn into it, but I know this courtesy will rarely (if ever) be reciprocated.

As with many driving-related things, there is a long game here. I'm willing to put up with some inconvenience, including having to cruise a bit longer for a free space I can conveniently park in nose-out, to shave my risk of a parking-lot collision. Even low-speed PDO crashes are enormous time-wasters.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 23, 2022, 10:57:04 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on March 23, 2022, 10:22:30 PM
What I really hate are the people who think you should be a mind-reader and know that they're randomly going to throw it in reverse, without using a blinker, in order to park backwards. I'm not going to back up for that, especially if there's someone else behind me. You fail to signal, you forfeit any right to expect anyone else to know you're going to park in a different way from most people.

I always use a blinker if I'm backing in, and motorists will still ride up on my bumper, as if they think I'm signaling to pull in to a space up ahead. I see this in the parking garage all the time (it's a 2 way garage). And what does the person who was on my (or someone else's) ass do? They drive to the next open spot, stop, and back in as well. No turn signal. If that's how they normally park, they should expect others to do the same.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 24, 2022, 07:12:53 PM

Turning to things other than parking...

My wife feels the need to react to, and comment on, things she sees on TV, and she will comment out loud immediately whenever she feels the urge. Doesn't matter what's on (news, sports, Jeopardy, anything), nor what her comment is, nor whether anyone else present is trying to listen to the TV (as I often am–I want to hear what the person on TV is saying, not the Social Justice Warrior complaining). So I back up the broadcast a bit to hear what was said, which almost causes a bigger argument than asking her to shut up.

Yet if I comment when she wants to hear something, you'd think I'd just cancelled Christmas.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 24, 2022, 07:18:21 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on March 24, 2022, 07:12:53 PM
Turning to things other than parking...

My wife feels the need to react to, and comment on, things she sees on TV, and she will comment out loud immediately whenever she feels the urge. Doesn't matter what's on (news, sports, Jeopardy, anything), nor what her comment is, nor whether anyone else present is trying to listen to the TV (as I often am–I want to hear what the person on TV is saying, not the Social Justice Warrior complaining). So I back up the broadcast a bit to hear what was said, which almost causes a bigger argument than asking her to shut up.

Yet if I comment when she wants to hear something, you'd think I'd just cancelled Christmas.

My wife does the exact same thing to me. She'll talk over movies all the time asking me to explain the plot. But if I'm in the room when she watching junk like This is Us (or whatever that cat show with the girl from Blossom is called) she'll flip if I talk outside of a commercial.

The former really doesn't bother me since I like trying to dissect movie plots. The latter really just gives me an excuse to go into the bedroom and watch something I want to on YouTube. In fact I've purposely said things a couple times during shows so I get asked to leave.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on March 24, 2022, 07:42:14 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on March 24, 2022, 07:12:53 PM
Turning to things other than parking...

My wife feels the need to react to, and comment on, things she sees on TV, and she will comment out loud immediately whenever she feels the urge. Doesn't matter what's on (news, sports, Jeopardy, anything), nor what her comment is, nor whether anyone else present is trying to listen to the TV (as I often am–I want to hear what the person on TV is saying, not the Social Justice Warrior complaining). So I back up the broadcast a bit to hear what was said, which almost causes a bigger argument than asking her to shut up.

Yet if I comment when she wants to hear something, you'd think I'd just cancelled Christmas.

A friend specifically invited me to watch an important Packers/Vikings game with her in Week 17 of 2012 with a playoff spot on the line for the Vikings. She just kind of nonchalantly chatted through the entire thing in her usual manner telling me about this and that and not really watching much of the game, which I was very into and wished she would just shut up and keep knitting especially as the game turned into a nailbiter. Things like this are why I prefer to watch sports alone.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on March 25, 2022, 02:53:45 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 23, 2022, 10:57:04 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 23, 2022, 10:22:30 PM
What I really hate are the people who think you should be a mind-reader and know that they're randomly going to throw it in reverse, without using a blinker, in order to park backwards. I'm not going to back up for that, especially if there's someone else behind me. You fail to signal, you forfeit any right to expect anyone else to know you're going to park in a different way from most people.

I always use a blinker if I'm backing in, and motorists will still ride up on my bumper, as if they think I'm signaling to pull in to a space up ahead. I see this in the parking garage all the time (it's a 2 way garage). And what does the person who was on my (or someone else's) ass do? They drive to the next open spot, stop, and back in as well. No turn signal. If that's how they normally park, they should expect others to do the same.

As a former valet, I too always use my blinker when backing in (which is 98% of the time even years after I quit the job), and it makes zero difference. Sometimes I have to lay into the horn just to get someone to stop.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on March 26, 2022, 05:18:06 PM

That Google accounts are all-or-nothing when it comes to being signed in. For example, I can't be logged into YouTube and logged out of e-mail that I don't want to be checking.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 26, 2022, 05:27:43 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 26, 2022, 05:18:06 PM
That Google accounts are all-or-nothing when it comes to being signed in. For example, I can't be logged into YouTube and logged out of e-mail that I don't want to be checking.

Although it makes sense. And it would be a lot more of a pain if someone had to sign in to every...single...Google...app...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 26, 2022, 05:47:37 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 26, 2022, 05:27:43 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 26, 2022, 05:18:06 PM
That Google accounts are all-or-nothing when it comes to being signed in. For example, I can't be logged into YouTube and logged out of e-mail that I don't want to be checking.

Although it makes sense. And it would be a lot more of a pain if someone had to sign in to every...single...Google...app...

It makes more sense for Google, because that way they can track what you do in all of their apps more easily.

Signing into every single app didn't feel like much of a problem before Google bought all of them...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on March 26, 2022, 07:11:37 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 26, 2022, 05:47:37 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 26, 2022, 05:27:43 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 26, 2022, 05:18:06 PM
That Google accounts are all-or-nothing when it comes to being signed in. For example, I can't be logged into YouTube and logged out of e-mail that I don't want to be checking.

Although it makes sense. And it would be a lot more of a pain if someone had to sign in to every...single...Google...app...

It makes more sense for Google, because that way they can track what you do in all of their apps more easily.

Signing into every single app didn't feel like much of a problem before Google bought all of them...

I don't think Google has any trouble at all tracking you through all their apps.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on March 27, 2022, 05:12:29 AM

There's one reason I started using DuckDuckGo for web searches, I don't want freaking Google to save my searches.

And by the way, I've had to log into Gmail despite having been logged in for YouTube before.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on March 27, 2022, 01:37:55 PM

I configure Firefox to block tracking cookies and third-party cookies, keep location services turned off, and use an ad-blocking HOSTS file on every device I conveniently can (I've never heard of a way to install one on an Android device without access to Android developer tools), but I'm under no illusions that I can still be tracked through browser fingerprinting (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Device_fingerprint).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on March 29, 2022, 01:56:57 PM

I may have mentioned this one before, but one of my biggest grammatical pet peeves is the use of "formally" when you mean "formerly."

I actually saw a social media ad from an area hospital noting that a doctor, "formally" of another practice, had joined them.

It's like the proverbial fingernails down a chalkboard when I read that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on March 29, 2022, 02:10:59 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on March 29, 2022, 01:56:57 PMI may have mentioned this one before, but one of my biggest grammatical pet peeves is the use of "formally" when you mean "formerly."

I actually saw a social media ad from an area hospital noting that a doctor, "formally" of another practice, had joined them.

It's like the proverbial fingernails down a chalkboard when I read that.

Copyeditors these days seem to have given up on phrases such as "fulsome praise" or "he was reticent to [perform action]."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 29, 2022, 03:01:21 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on March 29, 2022, 01:56:57 PM
I actually saw a social media ad from an area hospital noting that a doctor, "formally" of another practice, had joined them.

Maybe he was on their payroll but never actually did anything. So he was formally of that practice, but not practically. :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 30, 2022, 03:14:44 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 23, 2022, 01:54:40 PM
How about people who back into spots in general? Do they just like being contrary? Especially with the advent of rear-view cameras, I don't get it. I had neighbors that backed into their garage. For what purpose?

Quote from: DTComposer on March 23, 2022, 03:52:03 PM
it never seemed to me that the perceived benefits of back-in parking outweighed those of head-in parking. I was told the main reason is that, when leaving the space, the driver can more easily see oncoming cars/pedestrians.

Ever come out to your car, only to find the battery's dead? Ever need to have your neighbor give you a jump-start so you can get to AutoZone?

Jump-starting a car is a lot more difficult if it's nosed in. I don't have a garage, but I can only imagine what it would be like to try and jump-start a vehicle that's nosed into a below-street-level garage.

That's half the reason I back in to most spots.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on March 30, 2022, 03:21:02 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 23, 2022, 01:54:40 PM
Quote from: DTComposer on March 23, 2022, 12:51:03 PM
This may very well have been mentioned in the previous 150 pages, but:

People who back-in park in angled spots in a one-way parking aisle, meaning they have to do awkward movements to get in and out; and since one-way parking aisles are generally narrower, they often have to execute a multi-point maneuver.

How about people who back into spots in general? Do they just like being contrary? Especially with the advent of rear-view cameras, I don't get it. I had neighbors that backed into their garage. For what purpose?

Because of backup cameras, I find it almost easier to back in than pull in to a parking spot. Because I have a low car, if I pull in, I have to be careful to not hit the bumper on the curb (if there is one), but backing in, I can see exactly how far to go. It's also safer pulling out than backing out even with the camera.

As far as garages go, my preference for a two-car garage is to back in on the left side (facing the house) and pull in on the right side. That why, the cars can sit close to the outside walls, leaving more space in the middle to walk and open the car doors.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on March 31, 2022, 01:44:28 AM

When you get a shock of static electricity from touching things. EVERYTHING at UMass is metal, so I've been shocked by sink handles, shower handles, doorknobs, elevator buttons, dining hall serving utensils... I actually had some bad anxiety about touching sink handles so I had to use my sleeve to turn on the sink and I also use my sleeve to open doors and touch elevator buttons. Hopefully, people don't think it's too weird...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on March 31, 2022, 02:15:08 AM

people who get bitchy because others have prefereces that don't match theirs.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on March 31, 2022, 12:54:53 PM

Chrome taking away the flag to stop the menus for bookmarks and right click in incognito being changed to dark mode. It's so ugly and makes things harder to find (especially bookmarks, since the favicons are less visible). I was already considering switching browsers over the coming API changes that will break adblockers, but this might just be the final nail in the coffin. Maybe I'll switch to Firefox (since I've figured out how to fix the font annoyance), though I'd have to figure out new ways to do a few things and being on a difference rendering engine than most internet users could be an issue given that I have a website (also not sure how streaming services will react, given that I run Linux and probably can't fall back on OS codecs if the browser can't do something). Vivaldi is also a strong contender, though I've never used it before so I'll have to try it out. Can't do Brave (I think) unfortunately since I need bookmark and reading list sync across my desktop, laptop, and phone and their system doesn't sound as good.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on March 31, 2022, 04:56:02 PM

Quote from: vdeane on March 31, 2022, 12:54:53 PMI was already considering switching browsers over the coming API changes that will break adblockers, but this might just be the final nail in the coffin.

Manifest version 3, you mean? Google's pretense that this isn't a naked exercise of its economic power is even more threadbare than usual. I'm just glad they aren't doing anything about ad-blocking HOSTS files.

Speaking of which, I have discovered another browser-related annoyance: websites that use JavaScript calls to read the system clock for purposes of allowing or denying access to resources. Popeyes' website, for instance, will not allow me to place an order online past a time in the early afternoon, because my current system time (British Summer Time) is six hours ahead of Central Daylight Time. Developers have attempted to write extensions to give users control over whether and how timezones are reported, but it's a game of Whac-a-Mole since websites can use different JavaScript commands and no one extension seems to cover them all.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 31, 2022, 05:11:07 PM

Either Firefox has code to finesse the issue, or I just haven't had the misfortune of trying to do business with a place that cares enough to check my system clock... but I wonder how that functions on Linux, where the hardware system clock is by custom set to UTC, and adjusted to local time only when it is to be displayed to the user. (This leads to various forms of weirdness in the rare case I need to run Windows software on Linux, like GRLevel3's auto-polling breaking because thinks the next Doppler data refresh will be 6 hours in the future.)

Related: websites that have "hours of operation" and close at night, like the IRS website. Have their Web developers somehow never been on the Internet before?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on March 31, 2022, 06:25:43 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 31, 2022, 05:11:07 PMEither Firefox has code to finesse the issue, or I just haven't had the misfortune of trying to do business with a place that cares enough to check my system clock... but I wonder how that functions on Linux, where the hardware system clock is by custom set to UTC, and adjusted to local time only when it is to be displayed to the user. (This leads to various forms of weirdness in the rare case I need to run Windows software on Linux, like GRLevel3's auto-polling breaking because thinks the next Doppler data refresh will be 6 hours in the future.)

If you are curious, you can go to Popeyes' store locator (https://www.popeyes.com/store-locator), enter your city and state, and see if any of the locations are reported as closed. I've done this just now for Norman, Oklahoma and the website says they are all closed, which is just not believable going into the dinner hour in this timezone. (This is with Firefox 98 64-bit on Windows 10.)

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 31, 2022, 05:11:07 PMRelated: websites that have "hours of operation" and close at night, like the IRS website. Have their Web developers somehow never been on the Internet before?

This is strange. I wonder if the hours-of-operation thing arises from the website being so buggy it cannot be allowed to serve remote clients without a sysadmin on hand to intervene manually when it falls over.

I actually try to run downloaders outside usual business hours so I'm not competing with office workers in the respective timezones for resource availability. I launch many of them shortly after six PM my local time, which is after five PM closing for about half the country and is in the middle of the night in Europe.

Every so often, I work with a website that hosts large files and seems to undergo a reboot every day at 5 AM in its local time. If downloads are still active at 5 AM, they are interrupted with a hard close even though this corrupts the local copies of the files. If a new downloading session is then started shortly after 5 AM, it will usually run smoothly for hours and hours. If it is started much later in the day, say during the evening or even the late afternoon, trouble (stalled downloads, attempts to load new pages landing instead on the "session expired" page despite use of an autologout suppressor, etc.) is much more likely to happen.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on March 31, 2022, 06:28:47 PM

Web forms

PERIOD!

They are of such crap design and are often broken (I've often gotten an error for a field that was mandatory - but yet didn't exist on the page - as an example)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 31, 2022, 06:51:56 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on March 31, 2022, 06:28:47 PM
Web forms

PERIOD!

They are of such crap design and are often broken (I've often gotten an error for a field that was mandatory - but yet didn't exist on the page - as an example)

Our application process at work has one question that's multiple choice. Because of that, we can't make it a mandatory field and applicants are able to submit their application without it having been answered. However, without it being answered, we cannot submit the application to the next step in the process, which then means they have to fill out a paper copy and fax it over to us.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on March 31, 2022, 06:57:04 PM

Web form problems could easily be a thread in their own right. I especially love the forms where "You got this wrong!" appears right away--usually meaning client-side validation is in play--but don't say what exactly the problem is. Every so often I feel tempted to use curl to do a postback with the noncompliant input and let the server blow up (https://xkcd.com/327/).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 31, 2022, 07:04:38 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on March 31, 2022, 06:25:43 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 31, 2022, 05:11:07 PMEither Firefox has code to finesse the issue, or I just haven't had the misfortune of trying to do business with a place that cares enough to check my system clock... but I wonder how that functions on Linux, where the hardware system clock is by custom set to UTC, and adjusted to local time only when it is to be displayed to the user. (This leads to various forms of weirdness in the rare case I need to run Windows software on Linux, like GRLevel3's auto-polling breaking because thinks the next Doppler data refresh will be 6 hours in the future.)

If you are curious, you can go to Popeyes' store locator (https://www.popeyes.com/store-locator), enter your city and state, and see if any of the locations are reported as closed. I've done this just now for Norman, Oklahoma and the website says they are all closed, which is just not believable going into the dinner hour in this timezone. (This is with Firefox 98 64-bit on Windows 10.)

It would appear Firefox is reporting local time, since the nearest Popeyes at I-240 and Sooner is showing as open. With a little bit of digging into the underlying architecture, my guess is that Firefox probably just uses the localtime(3) system call, which returns the system clock time translated into whatever time zone is set in the TZ environment variable. This would mean that the true system clock time is opaque to Popeyes.

(The reason for setting the system clock to UTC and using TZ/localtime(3) to translate, rather than simply setting the clock to local time, is to allow individual user accounts to specify their preferred timezone, since remote access to a user account through ssh is assumed to be a possibility. This can lead to silliness on Windows/Linux dual-boot systems if both OSes are set to automatically adjust the system clock to match an Internet time signal.)

Quote from: J N Winkler on March 31, 2022, 06:25:43 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 31, 2022, 05:11:07 PMRelated: websites that have "hours of operation" and close at night, like the IRS website. Have their Web developers somehow never been on the Internet before?

This is strange. I wonder if the hours-of-operation thing arises from the website being so buggy it cannot be allowed to serve remote clients without a sysadmin on hand to intervene manually when it falls over.

I have two guesses. One is that it may be a particularly ham-fisted attempt at queue management (i.e. it stems from a desire to not have a backlog of work submitted overnight to deal with at start of business). The other is that it's a misguided attempt at avoiding frustration due to work being lost from a user starting work outside of business hours, encountering a question they need to ask an IRS employee, and then finding the form has timed out between then and when an IRS employee is available.

Quote from: J N Winkler on March 31, 2022, 06:57:04 PM
Web form problems could easily be a thread in their own right. I especially love the forms where "You got this wrong!" appears right away--usually meaning client-side validation is in play--but don't say what exactly the problem is. Every so often I feel tempted to use curl to do a postback with the noncompliant input and let the server blow up.

Indeed they are. Fortunately, they've recently improved somewhat due to HTML 5 making some extended behavior that was commonly shimmed into them with (often poorly-implemented) JavaScript now part of their standard feature set.

Recently I've found that the Pizza Hut website has become wholly unusable for me. under Firefox, and noticeably broken but still usable under Chrome. I wonder what has happened and why it hasn't been fixed yesterday, as I can't imagine it does wonders for their bottom line–Domino's website works perfectly fine.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: StarlightRunner on March 31, 2022, 07:29:34 PM

County Route numbering here in 'Jersey annoys me to no end. Not that I need them to navigate - We live in the era of smartphones and GPS, luckily. - but because it seems every other non-residential road you come across is a County Route. Especially when many are under a mile long (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_county_routes_in_Mercer_County,_New_Jersey), it largely desensitizes you to the shield, which is bad in a State where 500-series CR's (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_500-series_county_routes_in_New_Jersey) are valid long-distance routes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kevinb1994 on March 31, 2022, 08:28:49 PM

Quote from: StarlightRunner on March 31, 2022, 07:29:34 PM
County Route numbering here in 'Jersey annoys me to no end. Not that I need them to navigate - We live in the era of smartphones and GPS, luckily. - but because it seems every other non-residential road you come across is a County Route. Especially when many are under a mile long (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_county_routes_in_Mercer_County,_New_Jersey), it largely desensitizes you to the shield, which is bad in a State where 500-series CR's (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_500-series_county_routes_in_New_Jersey) are valid long-distance routes.

I get that the state used to NOT sign each and every county route on the overhead for the traffic signals. They had stuck to their policy of signing the route at ground level. Of course, there were notable exceptions.

On the other hand, I recall when I was going to school in Cherry Hill that they completely screwed up the overhead for what is actually Coles Ave, but was somehow changed to Coles Mill Road before someone realized that whoever was in charge of sign replacement screwed up somehow.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on March 31, 2022, 09:00:52 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on March 31, 2022, 04:56:02 PM
Quote from: vdeane on March 31, 2022, 12:54:53 PMI was already considering switching browsers over the coming API changes that will break adblockers, but this might just be the final nail in the coffin.
Manifest version 3, you mean? Google's pretense that this isn't a naked exercise of its economic power is even more threadbare than usual. I'm just glad they aren't doing anything about ad-blocking HOSTS files.

Yes, that. Supposedly AdBlock Plus is less affected than others like UBlock Origin, but I'm still concerned with how things like blocking YouTube ads will work once Manifest v2 goes away.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 31, 2022, 09:19:31 PM

Personally, if the ads on YouTube get too much more intrusive when not blocked, I'm apt to stop using the platform altogether. 30 seconds worth of ads to watch a sub-10-minute video just isn't a good use of my time, and paying to get rid of them isn't a good use of my money.

Previously if an ad was too long, you could report it (I would always select the reason as "inappropriate" because I don't think advertising is ever appropriate) and once this was done it would jump you to the video, but now doing this merely shows a different ad.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on March 31, 2022, 09:32:37 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 31, 2022, 09:19:31 PM
Personally, if the ads on YouTube get too much more intrusive when not blocked, I'm apt to stop using the platform altogether. 30 seconds worth of ads to watch a sub-10-minute video just isn't a good use of my time, and paying to get rid of them isn't a good use of my money.

Early in the COVID era YouTube instead of showing you one 15-second ad that was usually skippable started showing very short back-to-back and usually non-skippable ads that add up to about 15 seconds instead. I found this far more annoying than the previous format.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MATraveler128 on March 31, 2022, 10:25:08 PM

Ads for YouTube these days are worse than before as a 15 second ad that you can't skip will play and there will be another ad after sometimes also 15 seconds unskippable. It's always annoying to see "Ad 1 of 2 0:15" with no skip button. Even worse, they sometimes play 5 second ads on 15 second meme videos regardless of how many subscribers that channel has.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on March 31, 2022, 10:51:39 PM

And then more ads that appear covering the picture while it plays. fuckem. I now only open the few youtube links that seem really really compelling. No description, no open.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on March 31, 2022, 11:06:25 PM

^^ any links without a description.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on April 01, 2022, 11:10:09 AM

Another language-related gripe: Use of "publically" instead of "publicly." I'm not sure that "publically" is actually a word.

Also, "noone" for "no one."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on April 01, 2022, 11:21:08 AM

Typing "were" into a phone and having it autocorrect to "we're" pisses me off to no end. Most of the time I start a sentence with those four letters, it's going to become a question of some sort (i.e. "Were you going to...").

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 01, 2022, 11:37:21 AM

Quote from: US 89 on April 01, 2022, 11:21:08 AM
Typing "were" into a phone and having it autocorrect to "we're" pisses me off to no end. Most of the time I start a sentence with those four letters, it's going to become a question of some sort (i.e. "Were you going to...").

I have a dumbphone, so I use predicative T9 for text messages. For some reason, it refuses to believe that anyone would ever want to start a text message with the word "In". Drives me nuts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on April 01, 2022, 11:39:35 AM

Dozens of phony happenings in threads here on April Fools Day.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 01, 2022, 11:42:12 AM

People who expect me to wear green on St Patrick's Day.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MATraveler128 on April 01, 2022, 11:43:49 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on April 01, 2022, 11:39:35 AM
Dozens of phony happenings in threads here on April Fools Day.

Yeah, I know it's April Fools Day, but those types of threads get tiring after a while.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 01, 2022, 11:46:50 AM

My opinion: They need to be of excellent quality. The title should be halfway believable, enough so that you get two or three sentences in before you're totally convinced it's a spoof.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on April 01, 2022, 12:05:29 PM

Autocorrect is a demon from hell.

I'm perfectly capable of making my own mistakes, I don't need autocorrect adding to them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on April 01, 2022, 12:07:10 PM

Quote from: kkt on April 01, 2022, 12:05:29 PM
Autocorrect is a demon from he'll.

FTFY

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on April 01, 2022, 12:18:51 PM

Quote from: 1 on April 01, 2022, 12:07:10 PM
Quote from: kkt on April 01, 2022, 12:05:29 PM
Autocorrect is a demon from he'll.

FTFY

:-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Mapmikey on April 01, 2022, 12:58:57 PM

Quote from: BlueOutback7 on April 01, 2022, 11:43:49 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on April 01, 2022, 11:39:35 AM
Dozens of phony happenings in threads here on April Fools Day.

Yeah, I know it's April Fools Day, but those types of threads get tiring after a while.

What would be more fun is to present something ridiculous on April 1 that is actually true.

An example would be the proposal to extend US 70 to Hawaii. However, it was October when I found that and didn't want to wait 6 months to share it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on April 01, 2022, 01:07:47 PM

Yeah, I thought usually it was just the annual CNGL-Leudimin thread and maybe one other thing, if I knew there would be like 20 threads today I would have skipped.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on April 01, 2022, 01:32:56 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on April 01, 2022, 11:39:35 AM
Dozens of phony happenings in threads here on April Fools Day.

Not sure if this was intentional based on the previous posts before yours, but if so, well done. :cool:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on April 01, 2022, 01:47:08 PM

Quote from: BlueOutback7 on April 01, 2022, 11:43:49 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on April 01, 2022, 11:39:35 AM
Dozens of phony happenings in threads here on April Fools Day.

Yeah, I know it's April Fools Day, but those types of threads get tiring after a while.

I posted mine at like 1 AM I get a pass here.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on April 01, 2022, 01:49:56 PM

Clickbait articles that besides being clickbait never even address the question that they teased with.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on April 01, 2022, 01:50:14 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on April 01, 2022, 01:47:08 PM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on April 01, 2022, 11:43:49 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on April 01, 2022, 11:39:35 AM
Dozens of phony happenings in threads here on April Fools Day.

Yeah, I know it's April Fools Day, but those types of threads get tiring after a while.
I posted mine at like 1 AM I get a pass here.

No, that just causes everyone to rush to be the first.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dvferyance on April 02, 2022, 05:53:01 PM

All these overlapping FM stations. Mainly due to all these new translators they are putting on FM from AM stations. Some of them don't even need one like WLW for example.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on April 02, 2022, 06:04:42 PM

Quote from: dvferyance on April 02, 2022, 05:53:01 PM
All these overlapping FM stations. Mainly due to all these new translators they are putting on FM from AM stations. Some of them don't even need one like WLW for example.

FM translators aren't the worst thing, because it's higher quality sound.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on April 03, 2022, 08:57:36 AM

For some portable electronic devices such as portable audio players, an included feature is the ability to tune in FM radio stations (but not AM stations). This included some Android smartphones (https://crgsoft.com/the-list-of-2019-smartphones-that-have-fm-radio/) provided the carrier didn't disable the FM tuner in the phone (https://www.reddit.com/r/verizon/comments/9mwa3q/verizon_disables_fm_receiver_chips_thanks/). Yes, I know there are alternatives including Radio Garden (https://markholtz.info/radiogarden) for tuning in radio stations via streaming, but what if a major disaster hits and the data services are down?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on April 03, 2022, 09:12:35 AM

While this isn't as bad as disabled parking abuse, it still bothers me...

When people decide to park in the spaces designated as "Curbside pickup", but then go immediately into the store to do regular shopping. I can understand it if there is a problem with the order, but at least you would be parked there at least ten minutes. At least it wasn't busy, but I've seen it occur three times already.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 03, 2022, 09:53:41 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on April 03, 2022, 09:12:35 AM
While this isn't as bad as disabled parking abuse, it still bothers me...

When people decide to park in the spaces designated as "Curbside pickup", but then go immediately into the store to do regular shopping. I can understand it if there is a problem with the order, but at least you would be parked there at least ten minutes. At least it wasn't busy, but I've seen it occur three times already.

Usually doesn't help when a store puts them in prime parking locations as opposed to off to the side.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on April 03, 2022, 01:35:11 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on April 02, 2022, 06:04:42 PM
Quote from: dvferyance on April 02, 2022, 05:53:01 PM
All these overlapping FM stations. Mainly due to all these new translators they are putting on FM from AM stations. Some of them don't even need one like WLW for example.

FM translators aren't the worst thing, because it's higher quality sound.

They are the worst thing when they are too close together, in frequency and location.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on April 03, 2022, 01:48:35 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on April 03, 2022, 09:12:35 AM
While this isn't as bad as disabled parking abuse, it still bothers me...

When people decide to park in the spaces designated as "Curbside pickup", but then go immediately into the store to do regular shopping. I can understand it if there is a problem with the order, but at least you would be parked there at least ten minutes. At least it wasn't busy, but I've seen it occur three times already.

or, giant truck parked in 'compact-only' spaces. screws up parking for entire row when they do that since they're in like 1 1/2 spaces.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 03, 2022, 02:21:38 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on April 03, 2022, 09:12:35 AM
While this isn't as bad as disabled parking abuse, it still bothers me...

When people decide to park in the spaces designated as "Curbside pickup", but then go immediately into the store to do regular shopping. I can understand it if there is a problem with the order, but at least you would be parked there at least ten minutes. At least it wasn't busy, but I've seen it occur three times already.

When a space is designated for the disabled, people who have physical limitations are given preferential treatment. This preferential treatment makes it easier for them to conduct daily life, which they may not have been able to do without the preferential treatment. This benefits society because it means that more people can participate in it than otherwise. People who are not disabled benefit since they will be there if they become disabled (which most people do as they get older). Misuse of a disabled parking spot can result in getting trouble with the government, which may fine you if they find out about it.

When a space is designated for curbside pickup, a certain type of customer is given preferential treatment by a corporation. This preferential treatment makes it easier for them to spend more money at the store, which they could have done without the preferential treatment. This benefits the corporation because they have more money. People who are not doing curbside pickup don't benefit from the space being designated at all. Misuse of a disabled parking spot can result in getting trouble with store management, which may write a report to corporate if they find out about it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on April 03, 2022, 03:18:11 PM

^ Doesn't that just prove that curbside pickup abuse isn't as bad as accessible parking abuse?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 03, 2022, 03:35:55 PM

Quote from: webny99 on April 03, 2022, 03:18:11 PM
^ Doesn't that just prove that curbside pickup abuse isn't as bad as accessible parking abuse?

Yeah, that was my point.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on April 03, 2022, 04:18:58 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 03, 2022, 03:35:55 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 03, 2022, 03:18:11 PM
^ Doesn't that just prove that curbside pickup abuse isn't as bad as accessible parking abuse?

Yeah, that was my point.

That's what I thought, but then I wasn't sure if you were agreeing or disagreeing with Zloth. :D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on April 03, 2022, 04:19:58 PM

Dedicated curbside pickup spaces are a godsend for deliveries, especially those at busy malls and on city streets. For the latter, there needs to be a loading/delivery space on every block in any neighborhood with high parking utilization.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 03, 2022, 04:21:58 PM

Quote from: Bruce on April 03, 2022, 04:19:58 PM
Dedicated curbside pickup spaces are a godsend for deliveries, especially those at busy malls and on city streets. For the latter, there needs to be a loading/delivery space on every block in any neighborhood with high parking utilization.

Designated loading zones in downtown Seattle are a lot different than the 4-5 spots reserved for pickup at a suburban big box store.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on April 03, 2022, 07:16:43 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 03, 2022, 04:21:58 PM
Quote from: Bruce on April 03, 2022, 04:19:58 PM
Dedicated curbside pickup spaces are a godsend for deliveries, especially those at busy malls and on city streets. For the latter, there needs to be a loading/delivery space on every block in any neighborhood with high parking utilization.

Designated loading zones in downtown Seattle are a lot different than the 4-5 spots reserved for pickup at a suburban big box store.

I also deliver from suburban big box stores where there's a huge time savings using curbside parking. Walmart's system is fairly straightforward for us, though some still want us to call in and give the parking stall number; compared to waiting in line at the indoor pickup door, it's a half-hour of time saved.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 03, 2022, 07:22:11 PM

Quote from: Bruce on April 03, 2022, 07:16:43 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 03, 2022, 04:21:58 PM
Quote from: Bruce on April 03, 2022, 04:19:58 PM
Dedicated curbside pickup spaces are a godsend for deliveries, especially those at busy malls and on city streets. For the latter, there needs to be a loading/delivery space on every block in any neighborhood with high parking utilization.

Designated loading zones in downtown Seattle are a lot different than the 4-5 spots reserved for pickup at a suburban big box store.

I also deliver from suburban big box stores where there's a huge time savings using curbside parking. Walmart's system is fairly straightforward for us, though some still want us to call in and give the parking stall number; compared to waiting in line at the indoor pickup door, it's a half-hour of time saved.

Yes, but if I am actually going into a big box store and don't use pickup, why should you get to save time instead of me? My money is just as green as yours (or your customer's).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on April 04, 2022, 03:10:05 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 03, 2022, 07:22:11 PM
Quote from: Bruce on April 03, 2022, 07:16:43 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 03, 2022, 04:21:58 PM
Quote from: Bruce on April 03, 2022, 04:19:58 PM
Dedicated curbside pickup spaces are a godsend for deliveries, especially those at busy malls and on city streets. For the latter, there needs to be a loading/delivery space on every block in any neighborhood with high parking utilization.

Designated loading zones in downtown Seattle are a lot different than the 4-5 spots reserved for pickup at a suburban big box store.

I also deliver from suburban big box stores where there's a huge time savings using curbside parking. Walmart's system is fairly straightforward for us, though some still want us to call in and give the parking stall number; compared to waiting in line at the indoor pickup door, it's a half-hour of time saved.

Yes, but if I am actually going into a big box store and don't use pickup, why should you get to save time instead of me? My money is just as green as yours (or your customer's).

Well in this case the customer is paying an extra fee to Walmart and/or the delivery platform. The store will want to incentivize speedier service for that customer to keep using their delivery service and also should (in theory) treat the drivers well because they could choose to blacklist the store and leave them with longer wait times and worse service. There's some Walmarts I avoid because they take too long to get their items out of the side door to me, which affects my earnings and ratings on the platform.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 04, 2022, 04:39:39 AM

Quote from: Bruce on April 04, 2022, 03:10:05 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 03, 2022, 07:22:11 PM
Quote from: Bruce on April 03, 2022, 07:16:43 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 03, 2022, 04:21:58 PM
Quote from: Bruce on April 03, 2022, 04:19:58 PM
Dedicated curbside pickup spaces are a godsend for deliveries, especially those at busy malls and on city streets. For the latter, there needs to be a loading/delivery space on every block in any neighborhood with high parking utilization.

Designated loading zones in downtown Seattle are a lot different than the 4-5 spots reserved for pickup at a suburban big box store.

I also deliver from suburban big box stores where there's a huge time savings using curbside parking. Walmart's system is fairly straightforward for us, though some still want us to call in and give the parking stall number; compared to waiting in line at the indoor pickup door, it's a half-hour of time saved.

Yes, but if I am actually going into a big box store and don't use pickup, why should you get to save time instead of me? My money is just as green as yours (or your customer's).

Well in this case the customer is paying an extra fee to Walmart and/or the delivery platform. The store will want to incentivize speedier service for that customer to keep using their delivery service and also should (in theory) treat the drivers well because they could choose to blacklist the store and leave them with longer wait times and worse service. There's some Walmarts I avoid because they take too long to get their items out of the side door to me, which affects my earnings and ratings on the platform.

Yeah, but as a non-delivery, non-pickup customer...what's any of that got to do with me?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on April 04, 2022, 06:44:26 AM

You chose to walk in. If you're that lazy, get a handicap sticker.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on April 04, 2022, 07:44:29 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 03, 2022, 07:22:11 PM
Quote from: Bruce on April 03, 2022, 07:16:43 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 03, 2022, 04:21:58 PM
Quote from: Bruce on April 03, 2022, 04:19:58 PM
Dedicated curbside pickup spaces are a godsend for deliveries, especially those at busy malls and on city streets. For the latter, there needs to be a loading/delivery space on every block in any neighborhood with high parking utilization.

Designated loading zones in downtown Seattle are a lot different than the 4-5 spots reserved for pickup at a suburban big box store.

I also deliver from suburban big box stores where there's a huge time savings using curbside parking. Walmart's system is fairly straightforward for us, though some still want us to call in and give the parking stall number; compared to waiting in line at the indoor pickup door, it's a half-hour of time saved.

Yes, but if I am actually going into a big box store and don't use pickup, why should you get to save time instead of me? My money is just as green as yours (or your customer's).

It's to conserve the Wal-Mart employee's time to bring your stuff out to your vehicle. The buyer gets the benefit, but the employee has to swiftly return to the store to do something else...to make sure they're 99% efficient all the time in the eyes of the company. If they are delivering it clear across the lot, then there's a lot more wasted time. That's why they do it.

[Insert Scott's rant about Wal-Mart after this space]

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on April 04, 2022, 08:10:54 AM

Quote from: formulanone on April 04, 2022, 07:44:29 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 03, 2022, 07:22:11 PM
Quote from: Bruce on April 03, 2022, 07:16:43 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 03, 2022, 04:21:58 PM
Quote from: Bruce on April 03, 2022, 04:19:58 PM
Dedicated curbside pickup spaces are a godsend for deliveries, especially those at busy malls and on city streets. For the latter, there needs to be a loading/delivery space on every block in any neighborhood with high parking utilization.

Designated loading zones in downtown Seattle are a lot different than the 4-5 spots reserved for pickup at a suburban big box store.

I also deliver from suburban big box stores where there's a huge time savings using curbside parking. Walmart's system is fairly straightforward for us, though some still want us to call in and give the parking stall number; compared to waiting in line at the indoor pickup door, it's a half-hour of time saved.

Yes, but if I am actually going into a big box store and don't use pickup, why should you get to save time instead of me? My money is just as green as yours (or your customer's).

It's to conserve the Wal-Mart employee's time to bring your stuff out to your vehicle. The buyer gets the benefit, but the employee has to swiftly return to the store to do something else...to make sure they're 99% efficient all the time in the eyes of the company. If they are delivering it clear across the lot, then there's a lot more wasted time. That's why they do it.

Actually, the store in question was "Total Wine" where I was doing the curbside pickup which is interesting because I'm not a drinker. I do pick up some of the specialty sodas, but mostly, it's for my mother.

The local Chick-Fil-A has discontinued curbside pickup, and encourages you to use the drive-through.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 04, 2022, 10:08:14 AM

Able-bodied relatives of handicapped drivers, who still use the handicap mirror-hanger when driving the vehicle, just so they can park closer to the store unnecessarily.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on April 04, 2022, 10:21:51 AM

Quote from: kphoger on April 04, 2022, 10:08:14 AM
Able-bodied relatives of handicapped drivers, who still use the handicap mirror-hanger when driving the vehicle, just so they can park closer to the store unnecessarily.

Agreed. The handicapped spaces are for people who really need them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 04, 2022, 10:38:04 AM

I find it difficult to adhere to not using a stores made up parking zones like curbside, compact or EV as opposed to a legally designated spaces like handicap zones. The store designated stuff really isn't my concern to worry about. Either way, I tend to park far out in the lot when I'm alone so it's easy to leave coupled with not minding a decent walk.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on April 04, 2022, 01:53:44 PM

Here is how I see it:

* Disabled parking spaces--a legal issue

* Spaces reserved for curbside pickup, compacts only, EVs only, etc.--a property-rights issue

* Traffic control (stop signs, etc.) wholly internal to the parking lot (if in a jurisdiction where it has no legal force)--a property-rights issue

I generally try to follow the law, though I admit to a degree of prioritization when the public-interest justification for the law is especially compelling (as it arguably is for disabled parking spaces). Where property rights are concerned, at a conceptual level I consider that there is a bit more room for negotiation, but I do not want ever to be in the position of being asked to cure trespass, and a fundamental principle of defensive driving is to remain aware of the collateral effect of your own rule violations, even if seemingly minor, on other drivers' behavior.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 04, 2022, 02:16:38 PM

When it feels like you have a bunch of snot in your nose, but really it's just constricted nasal passages.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on April 04, 2022, 02:30:42 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 03, 2022, 07:22:11 PM
Quote from: Bruce on April 03, 2022, 07:16:43 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 03, 2022, 04:21:58 PM
Quote from: Bruce on April 03, 2022, 04:19:58 PM
Dedicated curbside pickup spaces are a godsend for deliveries, especially those at busy malls and on city streets. For the latter, there needs to be a loading/delivery space on every block in any neighborhood with high parking utilization.

Designated loading zones in downtown Seattle are a lot different than the 4-5 spots reserved for pickup at a suburban big box store.

I also deliver from suburban big box stores where there's a huge time savings using curbside parking. Walmart's system is fairly straightforward for us, though some still want us to call in and give the parking stall number; compared to waiting in line at the indoor pickup door, it's a half-hour of time saved.

Yes, but if I am actually going into a big box store and don't use pickup, why should you get to save time instead of me? My money is just as green as yours (or your customer's).

If we were to consider the MUTCD crossing time of 3.5 feet per second, and a parking stall width of 10 feet, for every parking spot thats taken up by a curbside delivery spot you lose about 3 seconds. Assuming you're more able-bodied than 3.5 feet per second, you're losing less time.

You'll lose more time at a red light that's waitng to cycle.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 04, 2022, 02:33:08 PM

Anything that has the potential to save the business employee-hours has the potential to save the business money, which in turn has the potential to keep prices lower.

That's a whole lot of "potential", right there. Probably so much that the savings only exist in a hypothetical world.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on April 04, 2022, 03:18:31 PM

In regard to curbside delivery, an aspect not yet mentioned is that the employees who deliver the orders need a way to match each order to its pickup vehicle. This is easier to do, and thus more efficient, if markings for the space are readily visible to (1) the driver of the vehicle and (2) staff at the store building.

Even at locations (e.g., several branches of our local public library) where drivers are asked to specify their license plate numbers rather than stall numbers, there are still dedicated stalls for curbside delivery so employees don't have to fish for the correct car in the parking lot.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on April 04, 2022, 03:29:59 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on April 04, 2022, 03:18:31 PM
In regard to curbside delivery, an aspect not yet mentioned is that the employees who deliver the orders need a way to match each order to its pickup vehicle. This is easier to do, and thus more efficient, if markings for the space are readily visible to (1) the driver of the vehicle and (2) staff at the store building.

Even at locations (e.g., several branches of our local public library) where drivers are asked to specify their license plate numbers rather than stall numbers, there are still dedicated stalls for curbside delivery so employees don't have to fish for the correct car in the parking lot.

It's also rather astonishing how many people do not know their own license plate numbers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 04, 2022, 03:50:12 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 04, 2022, 02:33:08 PM
Anything that has the potential to save the business employee-hours has the potential to save the business money, which in turn has the potential to keep prices lower.

That's a whole lot of "potential", right there. Probably so much that the savings only exist in a hypothetical world.

It's nice to think of a board meeting where the CEO says "Well, we budgeted for 50% profit and thanks to increased efficiency, we got 55%, so let's lower the prices", but has that ever happened? American business culture is to say "hey cool, increased profit!" and congratulate yourself by raising your own salary.

Quote from: 1995hoo on April 04, 2022, 03:29:59 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on April 04, 2022, 03:18:31 PM
In regard to curbside delivery, an aspect not yet mentioned is that the employees who deliver the orders need a way to match each order to its pickup vehicle. This is easier to do, and thus more efficient, if markings for the space are readily visible to (1) the driver of the vehicle and (2) staff at the store building.

Even at locations (e.g., several branches of our local public library) where drivers are asked to specify their license plate numbers rather than stall numbers, there are still dedicated stalls for curbside delivery so employees don't have to fish for the correct car in the parking lot.

It's also rather astonishing how many people do not know their own license plate numbers.

Before I got my current set of plates, I could usually only remember the letter portion, but odds are that if someone says a license plate number with that set of letters, it will be me as opposed to one of the other 999 people with those license plate letters.

Now, though...my license plate is BZZ 100. I had it memorized before I put it on the car.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 04, 2022, 03:57:58 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 04, 2022, 03:50:12 PM
It's nice to think of a board meeting where the CEO says "Well, we budgeted for 50% profit and thanks to increased efficiency, we got 55%, so let's lower the prices", but has that ever happened? American business culture is to say "hey cool, increased profit!" and congratulate yourself by raising your own salary.

And this is why I don't like self-checkout lanes at the store. Take away people's jobs in the name of keeping prices low? Yeah, I'm guessing not.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: frankenroad on April 04, 2022, 04:02:00 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on April 04, 2022, 03:29:59 PM

It's also rather astonishing how many people do not know their own license plate numbers.

I have always been a license plate geek, so not only do I know my own, I know lots of other people's too!

To be fair, mine is only 4 characters, and has been in the family since at least 1940, maybe earlier, but no one is alive to remember.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 04, 2022, 04:05:22 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 04, 2022, 03:57:58 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 04, 2022, 03:50:12 PM
It's nice to think of a board meeting where the CEO says "Well, we budgeted for 50% profit and thanks to increased efficiency, we got 55%, so let's lower the prices", but has that ever happened? American business culture is to say "hey cool, increased profit!" and congratulate yourself by raising your own salary.

And this is why I don't like self-checkout lanes at the store. Take away people's jobs in the name of keeping prices low? Yeah, I'm guessing not.

On the other hand... I've personally experienced how a company is more willing to give raises to its workers when profit margins are wide but less willing when they're slim. It's not all that hard to imagine that, for a different company that cares less about its workers and more about its market competitiveness, wider profit margins could actually result in lower prices.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on April 04, 2022, 04:20:10 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 04, 2022, 03:50:12 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 04, 2022, 02:33:08 PM
Anything that has the potential to save the business employee-hours has the potential to save the business money, which in turn has the potential to keep prices lower.

That's a whole lot of "potential", right there. Probably so much that the savings only exist in a hypothetical world.

It's nice to think of a board meeting where the CEO says "Well, we budgeted for 50% profit and thanks to increased efficiency, we got 55%, so let's lower the prices", but has that ever happened?

The only times it probably happens is when there's some ridiculous surplus (hey...we gotta dump all those old fidget spinners and make room for this year's thing!) because demand became super low.

The other is when Wal-Mart suddenly discovers that Local General Store Company also is selling Chazzwazzers for $3.50 and they shouldn't be undercut, so they mark their Chazzwazzers down to $3.48 to steal their traffic away. After LGSC is desperate or bankrupt, the Chazzwazzers are back to $4.79 a piece. Or they partner with some overseas firm who ignores intellectual property rights and makes knock-offs called Shasswajers which are close enough.

(Amazon then sells some FWSHKiiPQs-branded Chazzwazzers.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on April 04, 2022, 04:21:39 PM

Quote from: formulanone on April 04, 2022, 04:20:10 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 04, 2022, 03:50:12 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 04, 2022, 02:33:08 PM
Anything that has the potential to save the business employee-hours has the potential to save the business money, which in turn has the potential to keep prices lower.

That's a whole lot of "potential", right there. Probably so much that the savings only exist in a hypothetical world.

It's nice to think of a board meeting where the CEO says "Well, we budgeted for 50% profit and thanks to increased efficiency, we got 55%, so let's lower the prices", but has that ever happened?

The only times it probably happens is when there's some ridiculous surplus (hey...we gotta dump all those old fidget spinners and make room for this year's thing!) because demand became super low. The other is when Wal-Mart suddenly discovers that Local General Store Company also is selling chazzwazzers for $3.50 and they shouldn't be undercut, so they mark their chazzwazzers down to $3.48 to steal their traffic away.

After LGSC is reduced or bankrupt, the chazzwazzers are back to $4.79 a piece.

I love how generically vague this example is.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 04, 2022, 04:30:49 PM

Oops, my bad. I forgot to assume that everybody who makes more than some magic number in annual income is obviously greedy and evil, that all large corporations are run by money-hungry sadists, and that only mom-and-pop stores on brick-lined streets in small towns strive to actually serve the needs of their customers. I'll do better next time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 04, 2022, 07:23:04 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 04, 2022, 04:30:49 PM
Oops, my bad. I forgot to assume that everybody who makes more than some magic number in annual income is obviously greedy and evil, that all large corporations are run by money-hungry sadists, and that only mom-and-pop stores on brick-lined streets in small towns strive to actually serve the needs of their customers. I'll do better next time.

The only inaccuracy in this post is the implication that mom-and-pop stores aren't also sometimes run by greedy, evil, money-hungry sadists. They're less likely to be, but it still happens.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on April 04, 2022, 07:34:57 PM

Come on now. Most businesses are actually neither large corporations nor mom-and-pop stores, and there's a decent chance that their owners might not even make more than the magic number.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on April 04, 2022, 08:29:09 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 04, 2022, 07:23:04 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 04, 2022, 04:30:49 PM
Oops, my bad. I forgot to assume that everybody who makes more than some magic number in annual income is obviously greedy and evil, that all large corporations are run by money-hungry sadists, and that only mom-and-pop stores on brick-lined streets in small towns strive to actually serve the needs of their customers. I'll do better next time.

The only inaccuracy in this post is the implication that mom-and-pop stores aren't also sometimes run by greedy, evil, money-hungry sadists. They're less likely to be, but it still happens.

The sincerity is whether there's a 8"x11" piece of white paper explaining in one or two simple sentences why prices have increased.

It's usually located next to the long-since-modified store hours, and held up by at least two pieces of transparent tape.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on April 05, 2022, 12:34:25 AM

I don't even remember the last time I saw a sign posted explaining why prices increased. Or decreased, for that matter.
They'd rather just assume most people won't notice.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 05, 2022, 01:38:50 AM

Quote from: kkt on April 05, 2022, 12:34:25 AM
I don't even remember the last time I saw a sign posted explaining why prices increased. Or decreased, for that matter.
They'd rather just assume most people won't notice.

And if they do, there's no way to know if the given reason is truthful or not.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 05, 2022, 08:46:50 AM

These days, it's much more likely to see a sign explaining why certain items are (a) completely out of stock or (b) limited to x number of items per purchase.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MATraveler128 on April 05, 2022, 10:10:17 AM

I work at a grocery store and we recently switched EBT systems two months ago. Sometimes an elderly person will come through our line and doesn't know how it works. So the cashier will be frantically trying to explain it to them while they're holding the entire line up. It gets worse when it's really busy, with Easter right around the corner. It's really annoying.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 05, 2022, 10:23:07 AM

Quote from: kphoger on April 05, 2022, 08:46:50 AM
These days, it's much more likely to see a sign explaining why certain items are (a) completely out of stock or (b) limited to x number of items per purchase.

More or less staffing and/or supply issues have been the go to crutch a lot of businesses use. It started with COVID but became normalized as an excuse as time progressed.

One that bothers me that I just encountered again was not being able to schedule oil change appointments at my dealer. The service is about $20 dollars cheaper at the dealership but they want me to use their oil change lane. I rather just eat the $20 dollars and compete with less people at the likes of Jiffy Lube. Now that a recycling center opened near me I just might start doing them myself again.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on April 05, 2022, 02:04:37 PM

Another language-related irritant: Use of "K-9" for "canine."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on April 05, 2022, 02:25:59 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on April 05, 2022, 02:04:37 PM
Another language-related irritant: Use of "K-9" for "canine."

Wait, is it C3PO or See Threepeo?

I hate that too. Or should I say h8?
K-9 is used so frequently that I would say most people don't realize its actually a word instead of a letter and a number.
I hate any butchering of English for sloppy, lazy reasons.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 05, 2022, 02:29:35 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on April 05, 2022, 02:04:37 PM
Another language-related irritant: Use of "K-9" for "canine."

In the US military, at least, that term goes back 80 years (March 13, 1942).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on April 05, 2022, 02:42:39 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 04, 2022, 10:08:14 AM
Able-bodied relatives of handicapped drivers, who still use the handicap mirror-hanger when driving the vehicle, just so they can park closer to the store unnecessarily.

When I drove my green Camry I always parked in the "green vehicles" space

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on April 05, 2022, 02:43:22 PM

Quote from: BlueOutback7 on April 05, 2022, 10:10:17 AM
I work at a grocery store and we recently switched EBT systems two months ago. Sometimes an elderly person will come through our line and doesn't know how it works. So the cashier will be frantically trying to explain it to them while they're holding the entire line up. It gets worse when it's really busy, with Easter right around the corner. It's really annoying.

People getting mad because they can't use EBT for lottery

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on April 05, 2022, 02:55:43 PM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on April 05, 2022, 02:25:59 PMWait, is it C3PO or See Threepeo?

A pet theory of mine is that K2SO (from Rouge One) is cheesy, like queso. It's definitely salty to others...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 05, 2022, 04:02:45 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 05, 2022, 10:23:07 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 05, 2022, 08:46:50 AM
These days, it's much more likely to see a sign explaining why certain items are (a) completely out of stock or (b) limited to x number of items per purchase.

More or less staffing and/or supply issues have been the go to crutch a lot of businesses use. It started with COVID but became normalized as an excuse as time progressed.

One that bothers me that I just encountered again was not being able to schedule oil change appointments at my dealer. The service is about $20 dollars cheaper at the dealership but they want me to use their oil change lane. I rather just eat the $20 dollars and compete with less people at the likes of Jiffy Lube. Now that a recycling center opened near me I just might start doing them myself again.

My dad is retired and likes to tinker with cars, so he built himself a shop that has a lift in it. Normally, I would say the marginal sum an oil change costs is a wash with the effort expended, so I didn't mind paying for it. But having access to a lift makes it so appallingly simple I don't think I'll ever pay for an oil change again. Not in cash, anyway. I get to pay in the form of having to listen to my dad make rude comments about Hillary Clinton and whatever minority he thinks is responsible for the car's design the whole time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on April 05, 2022, 04:05:49 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 05, 2022, 04:02:45 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 05, 2022, 10:23:07 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 05, 2022, 08:46:50 AM
These days, it's much more likely to see a sign explaining why certain items are (a) completely out of stock or (b) limited to x number of items per purchase.

More or less staffing and/or supply issues have been the go to crutch a lot of businesses use. It started with COVID but became normalized as an excuse as time progressed.

One that bothers me that I just encountered again was not being able to schedule oil change appointments at my dealer. The service is about $20 dollars cheaper at the dealership but they want me to use their oil change lane. I rather just eat the $20 dollars and compete with less people at the likes of Jiffy Lube. Now that a recycling center opened near me I just might start doing them myself again.

My dad is retired and likes to tinker with cars, so he built himself a shop that has a lift in it. Normally, I would say the marginal sum an oil change costs is a wash with the effort expended, so I didn't mind paying for it. But having access to a lift makes it so appallingly simple I don't think I'll ever pay for an oil change again. Not in cash, anyway. I get to pay in the form of having to listen to my dad make rude comments about Hillary Clinton and whatever minority he thinks is responsible for the car's design the whole time.

Oh, man, I'd rather take it to Jiffy Lube.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on April 05, 2022, 05:43:41 PM

I do my own oil changes (using Rhino Ramps) and don't really understand this thing about having to pay to dispose of the used oil. Don't all county household hazardous waste disposal locations take it just to avoid incentivizing people to dump it on the ground?

While oil change shops (called "iffy lubes" on car forums) are usually more convenient, I like being able to use synthetic oil and a filter of my choice and not having to clean up after the all-points inspection a shop will insist on, which I've found does more harm than good (e.g. bolts not screwed back in after inspecting the air filter, air let out of tires that are already correctly inflated).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 05, 2022, 07:23:50 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on April 05, 2022, 05:43:41 PM
I do my own oil changes (using Rhino Ramps) and don't really understand this thing about having to pay to dispose of the used oil. Don't all county household hazardous waste disposal locations take it just to avoid incentivizing people to dump it on the ground?

I don't believe McClain County (where I change the oil) even has a household hazardous waste disposal location. Google returns nothing but links to the local Superfund site, which is probably an ill-advised destination for it. My dad just dumps his used oil on his gravel drive, which I'm sure will be fun to deal with should I inherit that house from him. I could insist on taking my own used oil back to Norman and using Cleveland County's facilities (which I am entitled to use), but I'm sure expressing a desire to do so would probably open me to ridicule from the old man, so I don't press the issue.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on April 05, 2022, 09:05:14 PM

My county accepts quite the list of household waste: https://snohomishcountywa.gov/477/Hazardous-Waste

Honestly sad and shocking that there's no collection site in a suburban county, and that people still think it's acceptable to just dump it into the ground.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 05, 2022, 10:00:31 PM

Quote from: Bruce on April 05, 2022, 09:05:14 PM
Honestly sad and shocking that there's no collection site in a suburban county, and that people still think it's acceptable to just dump it into the ground.

Well, three key points to keep in mind:
1) McClain County isn't really suburban. Exurban is generous, and that's just for the far northern reaches of it; the southern two-thirds of it are pretty firmly rural.
2) It is Oklahoma. The vote percentage in favor of Trump actually increased from 2016 to 2020, to 79.5%.
3) My dad used to drive a black PT Cruiser with purple flames on the fenders and an aftermarket button that triggered an aaahoooga horn. He also liked it enough he managed to convince me to buy a PT Cruiser as the first car that I actually bought myself. (This is something I remind myself of before committing to following Dad's advice on anything.)

Honestly, I would be more shocked if there was a collection site in Purcell, and even more shocked if Dad used it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on April 06, 2022, 09:11:18 AM

Usually, the chain oil-change places and dealerships will take back small amounts of used oil as part of "environmental stewardship". Call ahead to be sure.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on April 06, 2022, 09:19:15 AM

So does Dallas Household Hazardous Waste (https://www.dallascounty.org/departments/consolidated-services/hhw/). Problem is, they are only open three days a week, evening hours is Tuesdays only, plus the 2nd and 4th Saturdays.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 06, 2022, 09:22:31 AM

Quote from: kkt on April 05, 2022, 04:05:49 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 05, 2022, 04:02:45 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 05, 2022, 10:23:07 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 05, 2022, 08:46:50 AM
These days, it's much more likely to see a sign explaining why certain items are (a) completely out of stock or (b) limited to x number of items per purchase.

More or less staffing and/or supply issues have been the go to crutch a lot of businesses use. It started with COVID but became normalized as an excuse as time progressed.

One that bothers me that I just encountered again was not being able to schedule oil change appointments at my dealer. The service is about $20 dollars cheaper at the dealership but they want me to use their oil change lane. I rather just eat the $20 dollars and compete with less people at the likes of Jiffy Lube. Now that a recycling center opened near me I just might start doing them myself again.

My dad is retired and likes to tinker with cars, so he built himself a shop that has a lift in it. Normally, I would say the marginal sum an oil change costs is a wash with the effort expended, so I didn't mind paying for it. But having access to a lift makes it so appallingly simple I don't think I'll ever pay for an oil change again. Not in cash, anyway. I get to pay in the form of having to listen to my dad make rude comments about Hillary Clinton and whatever minority he thinks is responsible for the car's design the whole time.

Oh, man, I'd rather take it to Jiffy Lube.

I have my limits for what I'm willing to pay versus what level annoyance I'm willing to endure. If I had access to a lift there is no question that I would be changing my own oil too given the simplicity.

Now larger services like brake pad replacement and spark plugs I have done with the help of my brother in law the last six months. I'm not paying someone $600 dollars (what the dealer was asking) when I can just do myself and give my brother in law (an ASE certified mechanic) $100 dollars and beer to help/bring tools.

Regarding oil disposal, the city of Fresno just released a list of certified collection sites/businesses. There wasn't a overt published list before and no clear options near me previously. After searching for awhile I decided to use the left over oil from the couple times my wife made me change it in her car as weed killer in the back yard.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 06, 2022, 09:48:49 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 05, 2022, 07:23:50 PM
I don't believe McClain County (where I change the oil) even has a household hazardous waste disposal location. Google returns nothing but links to the local Superfund site, which is probably an ill-advised destination for it. My dad just dumps his used oil on his gravel drive, which I'm sure will be fun to deal with should I inherit that house from him. I could insist on taking my own used oil back to Norman and using Cleveland County's facilities (which I am entitled to use), but I'm sure expressing a desire to do so would probably open me to ridicule from the old man, so I don't press the issue.

Quote from: Bruce on April 05, 2022, 09:05:14 PM
Honestly sad and shocking that there's no collection site in a suburban county, and that people still think it's acceptable to just dump it into the ground.

When I was a little kid growing up in New Lenox (IL), we lived on a street that dead-ended at a railroad. My dad used to just pour the used motor oil onto the driest-looking railroad tie.

Later on, when we lived in a small Kansas town of less than 1500 people and 30 miles from the nearest stoplight, I think he just dumped it in the gutter at the bottom of the driveway.

Now that they live in a decent-sized city, I don't even think he changes his own oil anymore.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tchafe1978 on April 06, 2022, 10:12:54 AM

Quote from: formulanone on April 06, 2022, 09:11:18 AM
Usually, the chain oil-change places and dealerships will take back small amounts of used oil as part of "environmental stewardship". Call ahead to be sure.

Walmart Auto Care Centers will take used oil, I'm not sure if there is a limit on amount or anything. I don't change the oil in my cars as to me it's not worth the hassle just to save a few bucks and I can give my local trusted mechanic the business. I do however take back to Walmart the small amount of oil I get every spring from changing the oil in my lawnmowers and snowblower, usually less than a gallon. I figure taking it to any collection site is well worth it vs. just dumping it on the ground for it to get into the groundwater, lakes, streams, etc.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on April 06, 2022, 10:26:42 AM

Quote from: tchafe1978 on April 06, 2022, 10:12:54 AM
Quote from: formulanone on April 06, 2022, 09:11:18 AM
Usually, the chain oil-change places and dealerships will take back small amounts of used oil as part of "environmental stewardship". Call ahead to be sure.

Walmart Auto Care Centers will take used oil, I'm not sure if there is a limit on amount or anything. I don't change the oil in my cars as to me it's not worth the hassle just to save a few bucks and I can give my local trusted mechanic the business. I do however take back to Walmart the small amount of oil I get every spring from changing the oil in my lawnmowers and snowblower, usually less than a gallon. I figure taking it to any collection site is well worth it vs. just dumping it on the ground for it to get into the groundwater, lakes, streams, etc.

I have taken my used oil to Walmart for the past 25 years. They got to the point that they just asked me to leave it by the door tot he auto center, so I do that and don't talk to anyone. If they started to charge for it, I am nowhere is sight for them to charge.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on April 07, 2022, 02:06:22 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on April 04, 2022, 08:10:54 AM
The local Chick-Fil-A has discontinued curbside pickup, and encourages you to use the drive-through.

I don't recall the Seattle Chick Fil A's having any curbside service, except maybe a single location. It was either drive-thru or in-store pickup. I've personally only ever ordered for in-store pickup since, unlike so many, I can actually be arsed to get out of my car, and it's a billion times faster.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on April 07, 2022, 06:52:42 AM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on April 06, 2022, 10:26:42 AM
Quote from: tchafe1978 on April 06, 2022, 10:12:54 AM
Quote from: formulanone on April 06, 2022, 09:11:18 AM
Usually, the chain oil-change places and dealerships will take back small amounts of used oil as part of "environmental stewardship". Call ahead to be sure.

Walmart Auto Care Centers will take used oil, I'm not sure if there is a limit on amount or anything. I don't change the oil in my cars as to me it's not worth the hassle just to save a few bucks and I can give my local trusted mechanic the business. I do however take back to Walmart the small amount of oil I get every spring from changing the oil in my lawnmowers and snowblower, usually less than a gallon. I figure taking it to any collection site is well worth it vs. just dumping it on the ground for it to get into the groundwater, lakes, streams, etc.

I have taken my used oil to Walmart for the past 25 years. They got to the point that they just asked me to leave it by the door tot he auto center, so I do that and don't talk to anyone. If they started to charge for it, I am nowhere is sight for them to charge.

I've worked for several dealerships in the past; so as long as they can hand-carry all the oil in 1-2 trips, it's all good. Some places even use it for oil-burning heaters in the winter, and can take all they can get.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 07, 2022, 09:29:38 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on April 07, 2022, 02:06:22 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on April 04, 2022, 08:10:54 AM
The local Chick-Fil-A has discontinued curbside pickup, and encourages you to use the drive-through.

I don't recall the Seattle Chick Fil A's having any curbside service, except maybe a single location. It was either drive-thru or in-store pickup. I've personally only ever ordered for in-store pickup since, unlike so many, I can actually be arsed to get out of my car, and it's a billion times faster.

By the time I realized it wasn't only Uber drivers who were allowed to pick up inside, our local CFA was already about to re-open the dining room.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on April 07, 2022, 05:30:00 PM

I was on buc-ees.com looking for their locations, but they do not show them on a map. They only have a list, making it a pain in the neck to see whether I might be passing by one at some point. This is not the only place that does that, and as a visually oriented person, I hate it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 07, 2022, 07:09:13 PM

These things:

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fb/Spanish_needles_3.jpeg)
https://uswildflowers.com/detail.php?SName=Bidens%20bipinnata

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on April 07, 2022, 09:43:54 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on April 07, 2022, 05:30:00 PM
I was on buc-ees.com looking for their locations, but they do not show them on a map. They only have a list, making it a pain in the neck to see whether I might be passing by one at some point. This is not the only place that does that, and as a visually oriented person, I hate it.

What's even worse is the places that won't even give you that, but instead force you to search for an address to get any information on where locations might be.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on April 07, 2022, 10:34:29 PM

Quote from: vdeane on April 07, 2022, 09:43:54 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on April 07, 2022, 05:30:00 PM
I was on buc-ees.com looking for their locations, but they do not show them on a map. They only have a list, making it a pain in the neck to see whether I might be passing by one at some point. This is not the only place that does that, and as a visually oriented person, I hate it.

What's even worse is the places that won't even give you that, but instead force you to search for an address to get any information on where locations might be.

I haven't come across that, but it would definitely be very frustrating.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 08, 2022, 09:22:21 AM

Quote from: vdeane on April 07, 2022, 09:43:54 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on April 07, 2022, 05:30:00 PM
I was on buc-ees.com looking for their locations, but they do not show them on a map. They only have a list, making it a pain in the neck to see whether I might be passing by one at some point. This is not the only place that does that, and as a visually oriented person, I hate it.

What's even worse is the places that won't even give you that, but instead force you to search for an address to get any information on where locations might be.

I was just on a restaurant chain's website this morning. When I clicked on "Locations", it led me to map that either wanted to discover my location or have me enter an address. I didn't want to do either one, so I decided to hunt around other parts of their website for info about where in the country they're concentrated. Unfortunately, there was no way to exit out of the map search, and no way to go to click anywhere else on the page while the map search was open. Even when I went back to Google and clicked on the link again, my browser automatically decided I wanted the map search again.

And, of course, I wasn't about to close the browser entirely and re-open. Because, well, I had AARoads open in another tab, and then the "Show unread posts since last visit" would be worthless.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on April 08, 2022, 12:45:56 PM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on April 05, 2022, 02:25:59 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on April 05, 2022, 02:04:37 PM
Another language-related irritant: Use of "K-9" for "canine."

Wait, is it C3PO or See Threepeo?

I hate that too. Or should I say h8?
K-9 is used so frequently that I would say most people don't realize its actually a word instead of a letter and a number.
I hate any butchering of English for sloppy, lazy reasons.

km? or klick?

K=Niner!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 08, 2022, 01:20:13 PM

When I'm squeezing a lemon wedge and juice goes all over the place.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: interstatefan990 on April 08, 2022, 01:37:56 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 08, 2022, 01:20:13 PM
When I'm squeezing a lemon wedge and juice goes all over the place.

Worse, when you're squeezing it over a drink and a seed pops out and falls in.

When you get drive-thru and they give you about 1/4 of the ketchup packets you actually need for your meal.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on April 08, 2022, 01:47:29 PM

Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 08, 2022, 01:37:56 PM
When you get drive-thru and they give you about 1/4 of the ketchup packets you actually need for your meal.

I think the bigger problem is just the size of ketchup packets in general. "Opening ketchup packets" becomes a designated pre-meal activity because you need about 5 of them to do any good.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 08, 2022, 01:48:08 PM

Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 08, 2022, 01:37:56 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 08, 2022, 01:20:13 PM
When I'm squeezing a lemon wedge and juice goes all over the place.

Worse, when you're squeezing it over a drink and a seed pops out and falls in.

Now that I've gotten into cocktails, I've been buying a lot more lemons and limes than I used to (no more scurvy for me!). Lately I've noticed that maybe a third of the lemons I end up with have no seeds at all. They come from the same bin at the grocery store as the ones with seeds. What's up with that?

Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 08, 2022, 01:37:56 PM
When you get drive-thru and they give you about 1/4 of the ketchup packets you actually need for your meal.

For me, the amount of ketchup I need for the meal is zero. So a minor thing that bothers me is when I get drive-thru and they give me about 6,520 ketchup packets.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: interstatefan990 on April 08, 2022, 01:59:36 PM

Quote from: webny99 on April 08, 2022, 01:47:29 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 08, 2022, 01:37:56 PM
When you get drive-thru and they give you about 1/4 of the ketchup packets you actually need for your meal.

I think the bigger problem is just the size of ketchup packets in general. "Opening ketchup packets" becomes a designated pre-meal activity because you need about 5 of them to do any good.

Except Chick-fil-A, which has those newer dip-style packets that are actually the proper size.

Quote from: kphoger on April 08, 2022, 01:48:08 PM
For me, the amount of ketchup I need for the meal is zero. So a minor thing that bothers me is when I get drive-thru and they give me about 6,520 ketchup packets.

So you'd eat a full cheeseburger and fries (regardless of whether or not you eat that) with no ketchup whatsoever?

(post #500....yay... :spin:)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 08, 2022, 02:03:41 PM

Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 08, 2022, 01:59:36 PM
Except Chick-fil-A, which has those newer dip-style packets that are actually the proper size.

They have those for ketchup? I thought CFA just had the usual foil ketchup packets.

Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 08, 2022, 01:59:36 PM
So you'd eat a full cheeseburger and fries (regardless of whether or not you eat that) with no ketchup whatsoever?

Absolutely. Ketchup is gross, and it only belongs on two things: a Whopper or a meatloaf. And Whoppers already come with ketchup.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on April 08, 2022, 02:09:27 PM

Why would you mask the taste of the bacon cheeseburger and fries by putting ketchup on it?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on April 08, 2022, 02:10:21 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 08, 2022, 09:22:21 AM
Quote from: vdeane on April 07, 2022, 09:43:54 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on April 07, 2022, 05:30:00 PM
I was on buc-ees.com looking for their locations, but they do not show them on a map. They only have a list, making it a pain in the neck to see whether I might be passing by one at some point. This is not the only place that does that, and as a visually oriented person, I hate it.

What's even worse is the places that won't even give you that, but instead force you to search for an address to get any information on where locations might be.

I was just on a restaurant chain's website this morning. When I clicked on "Locations", it led me to map that either wanted to discover my location or have me enter an address. I didn't want to do either one, so I decided to hunt around other parts of their website for info about where in the country they're concentrated. Unfortunately, there was no way to exit out of the map search, and no way to go to click anywhere else on the page while the map search was open. Even when I went back to Google and clicked on the link again, my browser automatically decided I wanted the map search again.

And, of course, I wasn't about to close the browser entirely and re-open. Because, well, I had AARoads open in another tab, and then the "Show unread posts since last visit" would be worthless.

That was infuriating just to read about.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on April 08, 2022, 02:10:36 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 08, 2022, 01:48:08 PMNow that I've gotten into cocktails, I've been buying a lot more lemons and limes than I used to (no more scurvy for me!). Lately I've noticed that maybe a third of the lemons I end up with have no seeds at all. They come from the same bin at the grocery store as the ones with seeds. What's up with that?

I buy probably at least 40 lemons a year since I make at least one thing on a weekly or semiweekly basis that requires juice from a whole lemon: fifteen-bean soup weekly in the winter and chicken Marcella every two weeks in the summer. I rarely encounter a lemon that is completely seedless, but I've noticed a lemon with just three or four seeds may be followed the next week by one that has as many as 20. I suspect there is a harvest cycle in play.

I squeeze lemons over a bowl instead of using a juicer, and after halving one for squeezing, I probe the cut face of each half with a fork to pry out seeds. It helps prevent them from ending up in soup--they don't change the flavor but they release a lot of bitterness when you bite into them.

Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 08, 2022, 01:59:36 PMSo you'd eat a full cheeseburger and fries (regardless of whether or not you eat that) with no ketchup whatsoever?

I also usually eat fries without ketchup, though I'm partial to the fry sauce (https://www.amazon.com/Freddys-Frozen-Custard-Steakburgers-Famous/dp/B07K1YF2MC) available at Freddy's Frozen Custard--it has a nice tomatoey and garlicky kick.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on April 08, 2022, 02:12:16 PM

Piping hot crinkle-cut fries with ketchup, like you might get at Portillo's, I find to be one of life's simple pleasures.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: interstatefan990 on April 08, 2022, 02:16:13 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 08, 2022, 02:03:41 PM
They have those for ketchup? I thought CFA just had the usual foil ketchup packets.

(https://i.ibb.co/fCpDyM6/A3-F9840-A-02-C5-4-EA5-9-DE3-B999245-D8860.jpg) (https://ibb.co/NLjTJxD)

Nope, they have these new ones.

Quote
Absolutely. Ketchup is gross, and it only belongs on two things: a Whopper or a meatloaf. And Whoppers already come with ketchup.

*Darth Vader voice* I guess we'll just have to wait till the day your Whopper doesn't come with ketchup...mwahahahaaa :evilgrin:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: interstatefan990 on April 08, 2022, 02:17:43 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on April 08, 2022, 02:10:36 PM
I also usually eat fries without ketchup, though I'm partial to the fry sauce (https://www.amazon.com/Freddys-Frozen-Custard-Steakburgers-Famous/dp/B07K1YF2MC) available at Freddy's Frozen Custard--it has a nice tomatoey and garlicky kick.

I've also become fond of sweet-and-sour sauce lately. Goes well with fries, but not as well as ketchup does.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 08, 2022, 02:22:42 PM

Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 08, 2022, 02:16:13 PM
*Darth Vader voice* I guess we'll just have to wait till the day your Whopper doesn't come with ketchup...mwahahahaaa :evilgrin:

Which would be totally fine with me. I'd be happy with mayo only.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MATraveler128 on April 08, 2022, 02:24:15 PM

Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 08, 2022, 02:17:43 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on April 08, 2022, 02:10:36 PM
I also usually eat fries without ketchup, though I'm partial to the fry sauce (https://www.amazon.com/Freddys-Frozen-Custard-Steakburgers-Famous/dp/B07K1YF2MC) available at Freddy's Frozen Custard--it has a nice tomatoey and garlicky kick.

I've also become fond of sweet-and-sour sauce lately. Goes well with fries, but not as well as ketchup does.

When I have fried clams, they always give me fries and I like to dip them in the tartar sauce. Does anyone else do this?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on April 08, 2022, 03:12:10 PM

Quote from: BlueOutback7 on April 08, 2022, 02:24:15 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 08, 2022, 02:17:43 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on April 08, 2022, 02:10:36 PM
I also usually eat fries without ketchup, though I'm partial to the fry sauce (https://www.amazon.com/Freddys-Frozen-Custard-Steakburgers-Famous/dp/B07K1YF2MC) available at Freddy's Frozen Custard--it has a nice tomatoey and garlicky kick.

I've also become fond of sweet-and-sour sauce lately. Goes well with fries, but not as well as ketchup does.

When I have fried clams, they always give me fries and I like to dip them in the tartar sauce. Does anyone else do this?

Where do you get fried clams? That's one of the few seafoods I like, and they're hard to find. Long John Silver's has them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 08, 2022, 05:25:32 PM

Part of the problem is that everyone seems to have different ideas of how many ketchup packets are needed for an order of fries. I only use 2, but when I worked at Burger King giving people 2 packets per order of fries was liable to get me cussed out, so I got trained by the customers to just grab a handful and chuck it in the bag. This probably ended up being way too much ketchup for most people, but it kept people from sitting at my window bitching and running up the timer, and besides, it was easier than counting out packets.

When I get too many packets, I just keep the extras in my utensil drawer. That way I have them for situations when the drive-thru clerk forgets them or hands over the bag and shuts the window too abruptly for me to ask for any ketchup. If the Strategic Ketchup Reserve gets too high, I just stop asking for it altogether and use packets out of that for a while.

One benefit of this arrangement is I don't think I have ever spent money on a bottle of ketchup. Even when I make burgers at home, they get their topping out of the Strategic Ketchup Reserve.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 08, 2022, 05:32:36 PM

Yeah, I try to save extra sauce packets too. I eventually throw out 99% of them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on April 08, 2022, 05:36:54 PM

Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 08, 2022, 02:17:43 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on April 08, 2022, 02:10:36 PM
I also usually eat fries without ketchup, though I'm partial to the fry sauce (https://www.amazon.com/Freddys-Frozen-Custard-Steakburgers-Famous/dp/B07K1YF2MC) available at Freddy's Frozen Custard--it has a nice tomatoey and garlicky kick.

I've also become fond of sweet-and-sour sauce lately. Goes well with fries, but not as well as ketchup does.

Ketchup kind of is a sweet and sour sauce. Tomato + vinegar + sugar.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on April 08, 2022, 05:38:19 PM

Quote from: BlueOutback7 on April 08, 2022, 02:24:15 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 08, 2022, 02:17:43 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on April 08, 2022, 02:10:36 PM
I also usually eat fries without ketchup, though I'm partial to the fry sauce (https://www.amazon.com/Freddys-Frozen-Custard-Steakburgers-Famous/dp/B07K1YF2MC) available at Freddy's Frozen Custard--it has a nice tomatoey and garlicky kick.

I've also become fond of sweet-and-sour sauce lately. Goes well with fries, but not as well as ketchup does.

When I have fried clams, they always give me fries and I like to dip them in the tartar sauce. Does anyone else do this?

:wave:

Not all the time, but a lot of the time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 08, 2022, 06:41:01 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 08, 2022, 05:32:36 PM
Yeah, I try to save extra sauce packets too. I eventually throw out 99% of them.

I usually will only throw out ketchup is it is obviously going bad in some way (e.g. it's puffed up or the packet is leaking).

I keep other sauces too, but those tend to get either used up super fast (ranch) or thrown out when they've been around for too long (anything else).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on April 08, 2022, 06:56:50 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 08, 2022, 06:41:01 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 08, 2022, 05:32:36 PM
Yeah, I try to save extra sauce packets too. I eventually throw out 99% of them.

I usually will only throw out ketchup is it is obviously going bad in some way (e.g. it's puffed up or the packet is leaking).

I keep other sauces too, but those tend to get either used up super fast (ranch) or thrown out when they've been around for too long (anything else).

At home, I have regular bottles or whatnot of any condiment that I commonly use, and so any little packets get thrown out right away with the rest of the waste of the meal.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MATraveler128 on April 08, 2022, 10:14:23 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on April 08, 2022, 03:12:10 PM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on April 08, 2022, 02:24:15 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 08, 2022, 02:17:43 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on April 08, 2022, 02:10:36 PM
I also usually eat fries without ketchup, though I'm partial to the fry sauce (https://www.amazon.com/Freddys-Frozen-Custard-Steakburgers-Famous/dp/B07K1YF2MC) available at Freddy's Frozen Custard--it has a nice tomatoey and garlicky kick.

I've also become fond of sweet-and-sour sauce lately. Goes well with fries, but not as well as ketchup does.

When I have fried clams, they always give me fries and I like to dip them in the tartar sauce. Does anyone else do this?

Where do you get fried clams? That's one of the few seafoods I like, and they're hard to find. Long John Silver's has them.

In New England, we have a bunch of local places that sell them. Long John Silvers doesn't really exist in my area.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on April 08, 2022, 10:21:21 PM

Quote from: BlueOutback7 on April 08, 2022, 10:14:23 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on April 08, 2022, 03:12:10 PM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on April 08, 2022, 02:24:15 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 08, 2022, 02:17:43 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on April 08, 2022, 02:10:36 PM
I also usually eat fries without ketchup, though I'm partial to the fry sauce (https://www.amazon.com/Freddys-Frozen-Custard-Steakburgers-Famous/dp/B07K1YF2MC) available at Freddy's Frozen Custard--it has a nice tomatoey and garlicky kick.

I've also become fond of sweet-and-sour sauce lately. Goes well with fries, but not as well as ketchup does.

When I have fried clams, they always give me fries and I like to dip them in the tartar sauce. Does anyone else do this?

Where do you get fried clams? That's one of the few seafoods I like, and they're hard to find. Long John Silver's has them.

In New England, we have a bunch of local places that sell them. Long John Silvers doesn't really exist in my area.

Really? Huh? Let me check on the store location map. Oh, wait...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 08, 2022, 10:21:31 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on April 08, 2022, 06:56:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 08, 2022, 06:41:01 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 08, 2022, 05:32:36 PM
Yeah, I try to save extra sauce packets too. I eventually throw out 99% of them.

I usually will only throw out ketchup is it is obviously going bad in some way (e.g. it's puffed up or the packet is leaking).

I keep other sauces too, but those tend to get either used up super fast (ranch) or thrown out when they've been around for too long (anything else).

At home, I have regular bottles or whatnot of any condiment that I commonly use, and so any little packets get thrown out right away with the rest of the waste of the meal.

That's one way to do it...but bottles of condiments cost money and packets are already paid for as part of the cost of the meal. I'm too poor to just throw away perfectly good food if I'll actually use it later. Pretty much the only condiment bottles I buy are ones where I don't get packets with meals often enough to keep up with usage (like mayo).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on April 09, 2022, 12:51:55 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 08, 2022, 10:21:31 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on April 08, 2022, 06:56:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 08, 2022, 06:41:01 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 08, 2022, 05:32:36 PM
Yeah, I try to save extra sauce packets too. I eventually throw out 99% of them.

I usually will only throw out ketchup is it is obviously going bad in some way (e.g. it's puffed up or the packet is leaking).

I keep other sauces too, but those tend to get either used up super fast (ranch) or thrown out when they've been around for too long (anything else).

At home, I have regular bottles or whatnot of any condiment that I commonly use, and so any little packets get thrown out right away with the rest of the waste of the meal.

That's one way to do it...but bottles of condiments cost money and packets are already paid for as part of the cost of the meal. I'm too poor to just throw away perfectly good food if I'll actually use it later. Pretty much the only condiment bottles I buy are ones where I don't get packets with meals often enough to keep up with usage (like mayo).

I can't argue with that, of course. In my own experience, though, I just get annoyed at having to deal with the little packets. They constantly fall out of the fridge, you have to open so many of them, it can take forever to scrounge up enough of them. And so, even in grad school, my preference was to just spend the five dollars to buy a regular container and be done with it for a year.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on April 09, 2022, 01:54:50 PM

However, I like the condiments I buy in bottles better than the ones in little foil packets.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 09, 2022, 03:37:55 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on April 09, 2022, 12:51:55 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 08, 2022, 10:21:31 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on April 08, 2022, 06:56:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 08, 2022, 06:41:01 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 08, 2022, 05:32:36 PM
Yeah, I try to save extra sauce packets too. I eventually throw out 99% of them.

I usually will only throw out ketchup is it is obviously going bad in some way (e.g. it's puffed up or the packet is leaking).

I keep other sauces too, but those tend to get either used up super fast (ranch) or thrown out when they've been around for too long (anything else).

At home, I have regular bottles or whatnot of any condiment that I commonly use, and so any little packets get thrown out right away with the rest of the waste of the meal.

That's one way to do it...but bottles of condiments cost money and packets are already paid for as part of the cost of the meal. I'm too poor to just throw away perfectly good food if I'll actually use it later. Pretty much the only condiment bottles I buy are ones where I don't get packets with meals often enough to keep up with usage (like mayo).

I can't argue with that, of course. In my own experience, though, I just get annoyed at having to deal with the little packets. They constantly fall out of the fridge, you have to open so many of them, it can take forever to scrounge up enough of them. And so, even in grad school, my preference was to just spend the five dollars to buy a regular container and be done with it for a year.

I suppose the time savings adds up if you use more than 2 packets per meal, which is all I use. I don't bother to save the salt/pepper packets that come with some meals for that reason.

I avoid the problem of packets falling out of the fridge by...not putting them in the fridge. When I worked at Burger King, none of the packeted condiments were kept refrigerated. Not even the mayo. And this wasn't something our store was just getting away with; things that needed to be kept refrigerated were very much warned as such on the packaging and in the operations manual, and there was nothing requiring refrigeration for the boxes of packets. My guess is that the packet-sealing process replaces the air with an inert gas like nitrogen, so the packets won't spoil before they're opened, much like how jars of mayo aren't kept refrigerated at the grocery store.

As mentioned above, I keep them in the utensil drawer, in one of those little drawer divider box things that looks like a tiny laundry basket.

Quote from: kkt on April 09, 2022, 01:54:50 PM
However, I like the condiments I buy in bottles better than the ones in little foil packets.

With ketchup, they're almost always genuine Heinz or something similar enough to it that I can't discern the difference. And since Heinz is what I'd be buying anyway...

There are few places that hand out packets of Hunt's or Red Gold ketchup. I throw away the Hunt's.

There are a few condiment packets I find superior to the stuff you can buy in a store. Chick-Fil-A mayonnaise, Whataburger ketchup (now available in bottle form), most fast food ranch other than McDonald's...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on April 09, 2022, 03:52:21 PM

One way to avoid accumulating packets is simply not to use the drive-thru.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: interstatefan990 on April 10, 2022, 04:07:47 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on April 09, 2022, 03:52:21 PM
One way to avoid accumulating packets is simply not to use the drive-thru.

Well, not using the drive-thru means not getting food at all for a lot of customers. Plus, this issue could still occur if you go into the store to pick up your food and don't check how many ketchup packets they gave you before you leave.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on April 10, 2022, 10:59:36 PM

When not only does the opposing direction of traffic get a green left turn arrow when no one is waiting there, but then their straight movement turns green too while we're still waiting for their green arrow with that non-existent traffic to turn red.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on April 11, 2022, 01:16:15 AM

Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 10, 2022, 04:07:47 PM
Well, not using the drive-thru means not getting food at all for a lot of customers.

They somehow made it to the car they're going through the drive-thru in, so I don't see why they couldn't get out of said car to go into the restaurant. What it is, a hundred feet?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 11, 2022, 01:29:34 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on April 11, 2022, 01:16:15 AM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 10, 2022, 04:07:47 PM
Well, not using the drive-thru means not getting food at all for a lot of customers.

They somehow made it to the car they're going through the drive-thru in, so I don't see why they couldn't get out of said car to go into the restaurant. What it is, a hundred feet?

Sort of ableist, don't you think? Just because they can get in and out of the car doesn't mean it's easy or time-effective to do so (consider wheelchair users), and if someone keeps their car garaged the amount of distance they have to travel to get into it would be well under 100 feet.

The vast majority of people in a drive-thru are not using it as an accessibility feature, of course, and for most people going inside is at worst an inconvenience. But it's good to be mindful that for a small percentage of people the options are "drive-thru" or "stay home and eat a ham sandwich".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on April 11, 2022, 09:47:55 AM

On the other hand, not using the drive-thru came up as an option to avoid getting extra ketchup or other sauce packets, which is an extremely small "burden" (hesitate to even call it that since you're getting them essentially for free) in the grand scheme of things.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on April 11, 2022, 09:50:21 AM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on April 10, 2022, 10:59:36 PM
When not only does the opposing direction of traffic get a green left turn arrow when no one is waiting there, but then their straight movement turns green too while we're still waiting for their green arrow with that non-existent traffic to turn red.

See, I would much rather the opposing through traffic get to go than the alternative, which is that there's a green arrow in both directions and no one gets to go.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on April 11, 2022, 12:59:31 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on April 10, 2022, 10:59:36 PM
When not only does the opposing direction of traffic get a green left turn arrow when no one is waiting there, but then their straight movement turns green too while we're still waiting for their green arrow with that non-existent traffic to turn red.

It does often seem like many traffic lights are specifically programmed to maximize delay. There's one in my commute that lingers in the all-straight phase for a long time even if there's nobody coming from the other direction and the protected left could have been triggered. Another that cycles between all straight and straight plus a protected left in one direction even if there's nobody there, so if you're on the intersecting street and you hit it at the wrong part of the cycle, you could be waiting through a whole cycle for a green.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on April 11, 2022, 02:04:19 PM

Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 10, 2022, 04:07:47 PMWell, not using the drive-thru means not getting food at all for a lot of customers. Plus, this issue could still occur if you go into the store to pick up your food and don't check how many ketchup packets they gave you before you leave.

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 11, 2022, 01:29:34 AMThe vast majority of people in a drive-thru are not using it as an accessibility feature, of course, and for most people going inside is at worst an inconvenience. But it's good to be mindful that for a small percentage of people the options are "drive-thru" or "stay home and eat a ham sandwich".

Quote from: webny99 on April 11, 2022, 09:47:55 AMOn the other hand, not using the drive-thru came up as an option to avoid getting extra ketchup or other sauce packets, which is an extremely small "burden" (hesitate to even call it that since you're getting them essentially for free) in the grand scheme of things.

Yes to all of the above. (I've ridden with a wheelchair user, so I have firsthand experience of the convenience advantages drive-thru offers versus two wheelchair transfers, two uses of a ramp or motorized lift, and two transits of a double door.) And it has to be admitted that restaurants vary in how they handle condiment packets--for example, when I picked up a Popeyes order last Saturday at the drive-thru window (the dining room was closed; not sure why, but it can't have been covid since our current numbers are very low), I noticed a "Condiments by request only" sign.

But, as a general rule, if a fast-food restaurant makes condiments available at no extra charge, in bins in the dining area to allow self-serve access, then if you pick up an order inside, you will be usually left to pick up as many or as few packets as you wish. Many customers will be oversupplied at the drive-thru because the ruling consideration there is avoiding friction (customers complaining about too few packets, extra time to load the bag with more, etc.).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 11, 2022, 02:18:37 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on April 11, 2022, 02:04:19 PM
Many customers will be oversupplied at the drive-thru because the ruling consideration there is avoiding friction (customers complaining about too few packets, extra time to load the bag with more, etc.).

It sometimes goes like this:

– Would you like any ketchup or dipping sauce today?
– Yeah, just give me couple of mustard and one mayo.
– Here you go.
* gives me 650 mustard packets and 1 mayo packet *

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 11, 2022, 05:12:55 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 11, 2022, 02:18:37 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on April 11, 2022, 02:04:19 PM
Many customers will be oversupplied at the drive-thru because the ruling consideration there is avoiding friction (customers complaining about too few packets, extra time to load the bag with more, etc.).

It sometimes goes like this:

– Would you like any ketchup or dipping sauce today?
– Yeah, just give me couple of mustard and one mayo.
– Here you go.
* gives me 650 mustard packets and 1 mayo packet *

Of course, when I worked drive-thru, I had this exact conversation more than once, before I learned not to bother attempting to parse customer requests for meaning:

– Any salt, pepper, ketchup?*
– Give me a couple of mustard and one mayo.
– Here you go.
* gives them 2 mustard packets and 1 mayo packet. *
– What the hell, I need more mustard than this!

Excuse me for not being able to read your mind to know you believe in a non-standard meaning of the word "couple", my guy!

* I tried "condiments" to be more general for a bit, but it turns out nobody knows what that word means.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on April 11, 2022, 06:02:32 PM

Count me in as another Strategic Condiment ReserveÂ® user. Why let free food you made no extra effort to get go to waste and then spend money getting more of that same food? Yeah, it's not that much money in the long run, but every dollar you save adds up.

Mine currently contains 24 ketchup packets (2 full-size CFA ones, some from Wendy's and Zaxby's, some Heinz packets, and some other generic looking ones I have no idea where they came from). There's also several mustard packets and BBQ sauce containers from various locations, one mayo packet, a few packets of Waffle House sauce and some syrup from there, a honey packet from Bojangles, some teriyaki sauce from Panda Express, and some ranch dressing of unknown origin. The rate of input into this reserve approximately equals the rate of output, and so I haven't bought condiments in over a year.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: HighwayStar on April 11, 2022, 06:33:15 PM

Quote from: US 89 on April 11, 2022, 06:02:32 PM
Count me in as another Strategic Condiment ReserveÂ® user. Why let free food you made no extra effort to get go to waste and then spend money getting more of that same food? Yeah, it's not that much money in the long run, but every dollar you save adds up.

Mine currently contains 24 ketchup packets (2 full-size CFA ones, some from Wendy's and Zaxby's, some Heinz packets, and some other generic looking ones I have no idea where they came from). There's also several mustard packets and BBQ sauce containers from various locations, one mayo packet, a few packets of Waffle House sauce and some syrup from there, a honey packet from Bojangles, some teriyaki sauce from Panda Express, and some ranch dressing of unknown origin. The rate of input into this reserve approximately equals the rate of output, and so I haven't bought condiments in over a year.

The Strategic Condiment Reserve seems like a very corona time era thing. Right next to the Strategic TP reserve.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on April 11, 2022, 08:40:33 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 11, 2022, 01:29:34 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on April 11, 2022, 01:16:15 AM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 10, 2022, 04:07:47 PM
Well, not using the drive-thru means not getting food at all for a lot of customers.

They somehow made it to the car they're going through the drive-thru in, so I don't see why they couldn't get out of said car to go into the restaurant. What it is, a hundred feet?

Sort of ableist, don't you think? Just because they can get in and out of the car doesn't mean it's easy or time-effective to do so (consider wheelchair users), and if someone keeps their car garaged the amount of distance they have to travel to get into it would be well under 100 feet.

The vast majority of people in a drive-thru are not using it as an accessibility feature, of course, and for most people going inside is at worst an inconvenience. But it's good to be mindful that for a small percentage of people the options are "drive-thru" or "stay home and eat a ham sandwich".

I don't personally agree with your characterization of my comment. First, driving itself, and the reliance upon it, is quite ableist to begin with (don't get me started on COVID "drive thru only" service). Second, the vast majority of restaurants do not have drive thru service -- are they ableist? No, because they have others means of access. Being able to go through a drive-thru is not exactly a restaurant meeting some kind of ADA requirement; that is fulfilled by nearby ADA stalls, which are usually adjacent to the entrance.

The idea of a car is generally to get from A, to B, maybe C, and then back to A. Since B, C, etc have no legal requirement to offer curbside service (despite its increasing popularity), suggesting that people may occasionally need to get out of their car (say, to ensure they do not receive too many sauce packets) is not unreasonable or ableist, especially if the facility otherwise meets ADA requirements (ADA stalls, ramps, wide doors, etc). Some may have physical difficulty entering/exiting their car, and sure, the drive-thru is great for that. But it's not ableist to suggest that even these people may need to occasionally exit their car to accomplish certain tasks, even when a drive-thru exists.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 12, 2022, 09:58:28 AM

By the time I might actually get around to using a Strategic Condiment ReserveÂ® packet, I no longer have any clue how long it's been in my cupboard. This means I have no clue if it might be starting to go bad. And, certainly, I've seen sauce packets start to puff up after a year or two, so I know rancidity is a possibility. At least the stuff in a full-sized jar comes with a best-by date.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 12, 2022, 02:28:50 PM

When I try and fail to avoid the reflectors while changing lanes: attempt to time it such that my wheels go between the skip lines, but it doesn't work.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on April 12, 2022, 03:19:43 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 12, 2022, 02:28:50 PM
When I try and fail to avoid the reflectors while changing lanes: attempt to time it such that my wheels go between the skip lines, but it doesn't work.

Meanwhile, I've been known to intentionally drive on the reflectors. They make a very pleasant whirring sound, and doing so at night (and when traffic is light) helps one stay awake.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on April 12, 2022, 05:03:45 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 12, 2022, 09:58:28 AM
By the time I might actually get around to using a Strategic Condiment ReserveÂ® packet, I no longer have any clue how long it's been in my cupboard.

Usually the good stuff in our SCR is used up within a few days. BBQ sauce and anything "special" (for example, extra Zax Sauce) rarely make it past the Twenty-Four hour Limit. When the TFL (tough frickin' luck) limit is exceeded, all take-out food is in the family domain for any type of leftover consumption, unless accompanied by a Post-It note (this is for school!) or a lunch container.

I throw out all the extra ketchup, mustard, and mayo packets every six months or so; I rarely use it and it becomes obvious that nobody else wants it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 12, 2022, 06:20:45 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 12, 2022, 09:58:28 AM
At least the stuff in a full-sized jar comes with a best-by date.

I generally ignore best-by dates, since, in my experience, they tend to be less an indicator of actual expected rate of quality degradation and more a CYA exercise by the manufacturer (or to be more cynical, an attempt at moving more product through voluntary planned obsolescence). I generally only take dates printed on packaging under advisement if there's legitimate safety concerns associated with consuming expired product–but even then I will still consume expired product if it still looks and smells good. (Only eggs will I automatically throw out based on the expiration date alone.)

My mom stubbornly keeps a package of oatmeal with a 1996 expiration date in her pantry. I think this is mostly a response to me pointing this out and making light of it, though; I doubt she actually intends to ever eat it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on April 12, 2022, 07:10:38 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 12, 2022, 06:20:45 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 12, 2022, 09:58:28 AM
At least the stuff in a full-sized jar comes with a best-by date.

I generally ignore best-by dates, since, in my experience, they tend to be less an indicator of actual expected rate of quality degradation and more a CYA exercise by the manufacturer (or to be more cynical, an attempt at moving more product through voluntary planned obsolescence). I generally only take dates printed on packaging under advisement if there's legitimate safety concerns associated with consuming expired product–but even then I will still consume expired product if it still looks and smells good. (Only eggs will I automatically throw out based on the expiration date alone.)

My mom stubbornly keeps a package of oatmeal with a 1996 expiration date in her pantry. I think this is mostly a response to me pointing this out and making light of it, though; I doubt she actually intends to ever eat it.

Yes. I even take the expiration date of eggs with some salt. It's a sell-by date, so a month past is probably fine unless they smell off.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on April 12, 2022, 07:14:46 PM

With eggs, the traditional rule of thumb is that if they float, pockets of hydrogen sulfide gas have developed inside the shell and they are therefore no longer safe to eat. Personally, I go by smell when I crack the shell, and I haven't had problems with eggs that have been continuously refrigerated.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on April 13, 2022, 09:57:11 AM

At restaurants, I've noticed an uptick in the last 4 months or so in places where the menu prices don't match the actual price. In both directions.

(I'm not counting over-the-counter pizza/sub places or Chinese places that round down to the nearest 50Â¢; that's actually something I support.)

So far:

Yesterday (Chinese): $13 advertised, $12.50 actual
Chili's: $10 special updated to $10.99, but a few of the menus haven't updated
Cracker Barrel: $9 advertised, $8 (previous price) actual
Chinese: overcharged twice (first one overturned), both from pre-inflation menus
Sandwich: What I typically get is slightly above $8 after tax; I variously get charged $7, $7.50, or $8
Sit-down: $12, actual $12 with no tax (bottled water is taxed, though, although it was taken off because I only ordered tap water)
Sandwich: Used to charge MA (7%) meal's tax instead of NH (8.5%) meal's tax
Chinese: $11 advertised, $10 actual
Pizza: $11.25 → $12, $13.50 → $13 (note these are in different directions), 31Â¢ (1.2%) credit card fee despite paying cash, rounded down from xx.62 to xx.50, all in the same order. I wasn't charged the credit card fee the time I came in after that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 13, 2022, 01:51:32 PM

Live Updater.

That little blue box that keeps popping up on my computer screen. And it won't just disappear after a few seconds, and it won't let any other window be on top of it. No, I have to click the [X] every time.

I restarted my computer this morning, and the doggone thing has popped up about seven times so far since then.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on April 13, 2022, 01:54:46 PM

On a similar note, whenever I get an email I get a notification in the lower right hand side of the screen. If I want to click anything even nearby where the box is, I have to close the box first. I know I can't click things behind the box, but something 1/2" away (on my large monitor) I can't click? That's dumb.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 13, 2022, 02:09:04 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 13, 2022, 01:54:46 PM
On a similar note, whenever I get an email I get a notification in the lower right hand side of the screen. If I want to click anything even nearby where the box is, I have to close the box first. I know I can't click things behind the box, but something 1/2" away (on my large monitor) I can't click? That's dumb.

Outlook? I think you can turn off those little pop-ups.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on April 13, 2022, 02:09:58 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 13, 2022, 01:51:32 PMLive Updater.

That little blue box that keeps popping up on my computer screen. And it won't just disappear after a few seconds, and it won't let any other window be on top of it. No, I have to click the [X] every time.

I restarted my computer this morning, and the doggone thing has popped up about seven times so far since then.

Can it be disabled? There should be a way to do so.

Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 13, 2022, 01:54:46 PMOn a similar note, whenever I get an email I get a notification in the lower right hand side of the screen. If I want to click anything even nearby where the box is, I have to close the box first. I know I can't click things behind the box, but something 1/2" away (on my large monitor) I can't click? That's dumb.

Can this be turned off?

A related annoyance: the web browser popping up a window: "This site wants to send you notifications. Allow? Cancel?" After the 20th or 21st time, I Googled and discovered most (if not all) browsers have a setting to prevent notification requests. Toggling it on my default browser has gotten rid of about 99% of them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on April 13, 2022, 02:10:34 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 13, 2022, 02:09:04 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 13, 2022, 01:54:46 PM
On a similar note, whenever I get an email I get a notification in the lower right hand side of the screen. If I want to click anything even nearby where the box is, I have to close the box first. I know I can't click things behind the box, but something 1/2" away (on my large monitor) I can't click? That's dumb.

Outlook? I think you can turn off those little pop-ups.

I know, but they come in handy for my job for me to glance at the topics being responded to. I just wish the notifications didn't affect other portions of the desktop.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 13, 2022, 02:16:10 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on April 13, 2022, 02:09:58 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 13, 2022, 01:51:32 PM
Live Updater.

That little blue box that keeps popping up on my computer screen. And it won't just disappear after a few seconds, and it won't let any other window be on top of it. No, I have to click the [X] every time.

I restarted my computer this morning, and the doggone thing has popped up about seven times so far since then.

Can it be disabled? There should be a way to do so.

It's an Acer thing that checks for software updates on my PC. I don't think it would be wise to uninstall it, because–who knows–there might come a day in the distant future when I actually want to do the updates.

It would be a lot less annoying if it would time-out after a few seconds like the e-mail notifications |JayhawkCO| mentioned.

Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 13, 2022, 02:10:34 PM
I know, but they come in handy for my job for me to glance at the topics being responded to. I just wish the notifications didn't affect other portions of the desktop.

Oh, I hear you. It annoyed me as well, back before I disabled the notifications. I wanted to make sure you knew that was an option.

Another Outlook-related one... Do you ever have a folder that shows a [1] for an unread message, yet there's no unread message in that folder? Even when you right-click and choose [Mark All as Read], the little blue [1] is still there? Bah!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on April 13, 2022, 02:20:30 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 13, 2022, 02:16:10 PM
Oh, I hear you. It annoyed me as well, back before I disabled the notifications. I wanted to make sure you knew that was an option.

Another Outlook-related one... Do you ever have a folder that shows a [1] for an unread message, yet there's no unread message in that folder? Even when you right-click and choose [Mark All as Read], the little blue [1] is still there? Bah!

Yep. Sometimes I just close out of Outlook completely when that happens.

Another Outlook annoyance, when you click "mark as unread" on one message and then all of a sudden you have 12 unread emails because it's everything in the chain? I just want the last email to remain unread so I can come back to it later!!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: interstatefan990 on April 13, 2022, 02:36:02 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 13, 2022, 02:20:30 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 13, 2022, 02:16:10 PM
Oh, I hear you. It annoyed me as well, back before I disabled the notifications. I wanted to make sure you knew that was an option.

Another Outlook-related one... Do you ever have a folder that shows a [1] for an unread message, yet there's no unread message in that folder? Even when you right-click and choose [Mark All as Read], the little blue [1] is still there? Bah!

Yep. Sometimes I just close out of Outlook completely when that happens.

Another Outlook annoyance, when you click "mark as unread" on one message and then all of a sudden you have 12 unread emails because it's everything in the chain? I just want the last email to remain unread so I can come back to it later!!

A Gmail annoyance: The "Promotions" category that some messages get hidden behind. I've almost missed several important emails due to them being mislabeled as promotions and sorted away from my inbox. And unlike with Spam, there is no button to click to teach it which emails belong there and which don't.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on April 13, 2022, 02:57:07 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 13, 2022, 02:16:10 PMIt's an Acer thing that checks for software updates on my PC. I don't think it would be wise to uninstall it, because–who knows–there might come a day in the distant future when I actually want to do the updates.

I have an Acer too, but Live Updater is not showing up as a separate installed program--the functionality may be folded into Acer Care Center.

In any event, I do not allow maintenance apps to throw up notifications, and like you, I tend not to uninstall preloaded software (unless I am very sure it is bloatware or trialware) in case I need the functionality down the line. Short of uninstalling Live Updater, you should be able to prevent it generating notifications or stealing focus by changing configuration settings or by using the Startup tab in Task Manager (assuming you're using Windows 10) to ensure it does not launch at boot.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 13, 2022, 03:01:40 PM

Quote from: interstatefan990 on April 13, 2022, 02:36:02 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 13, 2022, 02:20:30 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 13, 2022, 02:16:10 PM
Oh, I hear you. It annoyed me as well, back before I disabled the notifications. I wanted to make sure you knew that was an option.

Another Outlook-related one... Do you ever have a folder that shows a [1] for an unread message, yet there's no unread message in that folder? Even when you right-click and choose [Mark All as Read], the little blue [1] is still there? Bah!

Yep. Sometimes I just close out of Outlook completely when that happens.

Another Outlook annoyance, when you click "mark as unread" on one message and then all of a sudden you have 12 unread emails because it's everything in the chain? I just want the last email to remain unread so I can come back to it later!!

A Gmail annoyance: The "Promotions" category that some messages get hidden behind. I've almost missed several important emails due to them being mislabeled as promotions and sorted away from my inbox. And unlike with Spam, there is no button to click to teach it which emails belong there and which don't.

You can drag emails from there to another inbox category and it theoretically trains Gmail to sort similar emails into that box.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on April 13, 2022, 03:31:46 PM

Speaking of Outlook: You mark an e-mail as unread for future reference. Then when you get another message, view it, and delete it, you wind up viewing the one you marked unread and Outlook unilaterally changes it back to "read" because you looked at it again. I know I can click to another message before deleting in order to avoid that behavior, but it's annoying.

I recently tried the Outlook iOS app and it doesn't work that way–when you delete a message, it doesn't automatically open the next one. I like that. But I don't like that it refuses to display my name when I send an e-mail from my iCloud account (instead, it displays just my address). So I think I will refrain from using that app for my iCloud messages, which is actually not a bad thing because it lets me further segregate things. I use the iCloud account solely for immediate family.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 13, 2022, 03:42:57 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on April 13, 2022, 03:31:46 PM
Speaking of Outlook: You mark an e-mail as unread for future reference. Then when you get another message, view it, and delete it, you wind up viewing the one you marked unread and Outlook unilaterally changes it back to "read" because you looked at it again. I know I can click to another message before deleting in order to avoid that behavior, but it's annoying.

I recently tried the Outlook iOS app and it doesn't work that way–when you delete a message, it doesn't automatically open the next one. I like that. But I don't like that it refuses to display my name when I send an e-mail from my iCloud account (instead, it displays just my address). So I think I will refrain from using that app for my iCloud messages, which is actually not a bad thing because it lets me further segregate things. I use the iCloud account solely for immediate family.

You can change your settings to where merely viewing an e-mail doesn't mark it "read".

> File
>> Options
>>> Mail

Under the [Outlook panes] section, click on the [Reading Pane...] button.

Review your settings and change them to suit your needs.

(https://i.imgur.com/77u1Z5w.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on April 13, 2022, 04:00:14 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on April 13, 2022, 03:31:46 PM
Speaking of Outlook: You mark an e-mail as unread for future reference. Then when you get another message, view it, and delete it, you wind up viewing the one you marked unread and Outlook unilaterally changes it back to "read" because you looked at it again. I know I can click to another message before deleting in order to avoid that behavior, but it's annoying.

I know exactly what you mean, and I don't try to mark mail as unread once I've clicked on it for that very reason. I instead use the flag feature for things that I'll need to read more closely or follow up on later. ...

Quote from: kphoger on April 13, 2022, 03:42:57 PM
You can change your settings to where merely viewing an e-mail doesn't mark it "read".

> File
>> Options
>>> Mail

Under the [Outlook panes] section, click on the [Reading Pane...] button.

Review your settings and change them to suit your needs.

Interesting. I never knew about those options. I just unchecked "Mark item as read when selection changes", which, if I'm understanding correctly, should eliminate the issue 1995hoo describes.

EDIT: just tried it, and it works! I'll see how it goes for a few days before deciding whether to make the settings change permanent, but in any case, thanks kphoger for the tip!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on April 13, 2022, 04:01:04 PM

I just looked at the settings and I see the first box there ("Mark items as read when viewed in the Reading Pane") is de-selected. But it doesn't seem to matter–it marks them as read anyway when I view them that way. Maybe the key is to turn off the second option as well.

Edited to add: De-selecting the second box as well seems to solve it. Thanks for the tip!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 13, 2022, 04:14:35 PM

Of course, here's one I haven't figured out how to get around:

I share two of my work inbox accounts with a co-worker. If a new e-mail comes in, and she determines it doesn't need to be kept in the inbox, and so she marks it as "read" and moves it to the Deleted Items folder–then it disappears from my inbox as well, but Outlook on my Start bar still displays a "new message" alert. So I click on Outlook, and there's no unread message anywhere to be found, nor is there any e-mail sitting in the inbox.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on April 13, 2022, 10:22:12 PM

Quote from: webny99 on April 13, 2022, 04:00:14 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 13, 2022, 03:42:57 PM
You can change your settings to where merely viewing an e-mail doesn't mark it "read".
...

Interesting. I never knew about those options. I just unchecked "Mark item as read when selection changes", which, if I'm understanding correctly, should eliminate the issue 1995hoo describes.

EDIT: just tried it, and it works! I'll see how it goes for a few days before deciding whether to make the settings change permanent, but in any case, thanks kphoger for the tip!

An update: I've already reversed this change, because I've found that I do want emails to show read when the selection changes about 90% of the time. The other 10%... well, I can manage those. It is, after all, only a "minor thing", and I'm already used to using the flag feature for follow up.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on April 13, 2022, 10:41:51 PM

Quote from: 1 on April 13, 2022, 09:57:11 AM
At restaurants, I've noticed an uptick in the last 4 months or so in places where the menu prices don't match the actual price.

Late last year, I stopped by a national pizza chain that advertised a special takeout pizza deal for $6. I came into the store, ordered and paid for it in person.

The high school dropout behind the counter said my total with tax was over $1.50 more than what I had expected. I got a receipt (my company p-card was buying) and I saw that I was charged $1.00+ more than the posted price. I questioned the charge, and he couldnt give me any reasonable answer. The manager on duty also gave me the shoulder shrug and insisted that was the price.

Sent emails to their corporate office and left a few voicemails as I had all the evidence. A general manager from the store did contact me and claimed that I was charged the proper price and that accusations were false. I went back and forth with this person (as corporate never called to address the issue despite photos of posted price and receipt emailed to all) and finally, she begrudgingly refunded my entire charge with NO apology nor any admission of guilt.

I related the story to as many local and trip advisor websites I could find as the store was right off the freeway at a busy exit for travelers.

The reason why I rode them so long and hard with bad reviews was because of their attitude from start to finish. I hope karma bit their staff in the ass with mass firings due to corporate involvement (doubtful) or the location went out of business as other people got screwed and insulted.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 13, 2022, 11:00:52 PM

Quote from: thenetwork on April 13, 2022, 10:41:51 PM
Quote from: 1 on April 13, 2022, 09:57:11 AM
At restaurants, I've noticed an uptick in the last 4 months or so in places where the menu prices don't match the actual price.

Late last year, I stopped by a national pizza chain that advertised a special takeout pizza deal for $6. I came into the store, ordered and paid for it in person.

The high school dropout behind the counter said my total with tax was over $1.50 more than what I had expected. I got a receipt (my company p-card was buying) and I saw that I was charged $1.00+ more than the posted price. I questioned the charge, and he couldnt give me any reasonable answer. The manager on duty also gave me the shoulder shrug and insisted that was the price.

Sent emails to their corporate office and left a few voicemails as I had all the evidence. A general manager from the store did contact me and claimed that I was charged the proper price and that accusations were false. I went back and forth with this person (as corporate never called to address the issue despite photos of posted price and receipt emailed to all) and finally, she begrudgingly refunded my entire charge with NO apology nor any admission of guilt.

I related the story to as many local and trip advisor websites I could find as the store was right off the freeway at a busy exit for travelers.

The reason why I rode them so long and hard with bad reviews was because of their attitude from start to finish. I hope karma bit their staff in the ass with mass firings due to corporate involvement (doubtful) or the location went out of business as other people got screwed and insulted.

Wow, listen to yourself. You wish that masses of people would lose their jobs over a difference of one dollar and fifty cents. You spent untold amounts of time bitching into the void on the internet for one dollar and fifty cents. Even at minimum wage, that's twelve minutes worth of pay. What were you going to spend it on, two and a half stamps? No, because it wasn't even your $1.50.

I wish I could know what it was like to have that kind of time to waste and to think I was so important to the world.

Gross.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: HighwayStar on April 13, 2022, 11:15:04 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 13, 2022, 11:00:52 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on April 13, 2022, 10:41:51 PM
Quote from: 1 on April 13, 2022, 09:57:11 AM
At restaurants, I've noticed an uptick in the last 4 months or so in places where the menu prices don't match the actual price.

Late last year, I stopped by a national pizza chain that advertised a special takeout pizza deal for $6. I came into the store, ordered and paid for it in person.

The high school dropout behind the counter said my total with tax was over $1.50 more than what I had expected. I got a receipt (my company p-card was buying) and I saw that I was charged $1.00+ more than the posted price. I questioned the charge, and he couldnt give me any reasonable answer. The manager on duty also gave me the shoulder shrug and insisted that was the price.

Sent emails to their corporate office and left a few voicemails as I had all the evidence. A general manager from the store did contact me and claimed that I was charged the proper price and that accusations were false. I went back and forth with this person (as corporate never called to address the issue despite photos of posted price and receipt emailed to all) and finally, she begrudgingly refunded my entire charge with NO apology nor any admission of guilt.

I related the story to as many local and trip advisor websites I could find as the store was right off the freeway at a busy exit for travelers.

The reason why I rode them so long and hard with bad reviews was because of their attitude from start to finish. I hope karma bit their staff in the ass with mass firings due to corporate involvement (doubtful) or the location went out of business as other people got screwed and insulted.

Wow, listen to yourself. You wish that masses of people would lose their jobs over a difference of one dollar and fifty cents. You spent untold amounts of time bitching into the void on the internet for one dollar and fifty cents. Even at minimum wage, that's twelve minutes worth of pay. What were you going to spend it on, two and a half stamps? No, because it wasn't even your $1.50.

I wish I could know what it was like to have that kind of time to waste and to think I was so important to the world.

Gross.

There are some things which are about principle, not just if it is NPV positive to do it. He did not say he wanted them to lose their jobs over the buck fifty, but over the poor attitude and customer service they provided. I've had the same thing happen when I was given incorrect change and politely informed the cashier about it. Her reply was rude and unprofessional, and because of that I stuck it out and waited for a manager to come resolve the issue. Had she been polite and professional I would have let it go. I know that when I was cashiering if I had responded to a customer like she did in front of the store manager I would have been out looking for a new job that day.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 13, 2022, 11:34:36 PM

You realize those aren't robots they keep behind the counter, right?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Takumi on April 14, 2022, 12:37:44 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 13, 2022, 11:34:36 PM
You realize those aren't robots they keep behind the counter, right?

A lot of customers don’t see retail staff as people. And it’s a growing amount.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on April 14, 2022, 06:34:36 AM

Quote from: Takumi on April 14, 2022, 12:37:44 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 13, 2022, 11:34:36 PM
You realize those aren't robots they keep behind the counter, right?
A lot of customers don’t see retail staff as people. And it’s a growing amount.

I have worked in retail for about 10-20 years (depending on POV); at the moment of monetary transactions, some people ragefully snap back, since you're the verge of that slippery slope step, all because the customer has brought the wrong shoes. You're the cause and pain of a world of suffering, you're doing the bidding of another leader, you're the ignorant one, you're trying to jerk them around...but they'll remind you "it's not about the money!"

I get it, we're at this mysteriously kooky inflection point on a graph where On Average: there's a lot more demand than supply, the wage race to the bottom sucks, people don't want shitty jobs when there's better ones available (no, not everyone is on the dole), specific job expertise is lacking, prices/costs have gone up, retail service is quite low, and quality is decreasing. The sign or tag should be correct, or what's the point of doing business? It sure isn't the cashier's fault.

Knowing all of this while flashing our Erudite Expert Badge to other internet denizens, try to be an adult about it all.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 14, 2022, 09:41:48 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 13, 2022, 11:34:36 PM
You realize those aren't robots they keep behind the counter, right?

I think we all realize that. But "The manager on duty also gave me the shoulder shrug" is a far cry from "Hey, everyone's human". I frankly expect a lot more out of a manager than I do a cashier.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: HighwayStar on April 14, 2022, 10:40:53 AM

Quote from: kphoger on April 14, 2022, 09:41:48 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 13, 2022, 11:34:36 PM
You realize those aren't robots they keep behind the counter, right?

I think we all realize that. But "The manager on duty also gave me the shoulder shrug" is a far cry from "Hey, everyone's human". I frankly expect a lot more out of a manager than I do a cashier.

I expect it out of both. I don't know when this country decided that half ass service from anyone in a store was acceptable, but when I worked retail it was not that way.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on April 14, 2022, 10:41:42 AM

Quote from: kphoger on April 14, 2022, 09:41:48 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 13, 2022, 11:34:36 PM
You realize those aren't robots they keep behind the counter, right?

I think we all realize that. But "The manager on duty also gave me the shoulder shrug" is a far cry from "Hey, everyone's human". I frankly expect a lot more out of a manager than I do a cashier.

I expect the manager to give me a smile.
Because he knows that it's me they've been coming to see
to forget about life for a while.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on April 14, 2022, 10:44:53 AM

Quote from: HighwayStar on April 14, 2022, 10:40:53 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 14, 2022, 09:41:48 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 13, 2022, 11:34:36 PM
You realize those aren't robots they keep behind the counter, right?

I think we all realize that. But "The manager on duty also gave me the shoulder shrug" is a far cry from "Hey, everyone's human". I frankly expect a lot more out of a manager than I do a cashier.

I expect it out of both. I don't know when this country decided that half ass service from anyone in a store was acceptable, but when I worked retail it was not that way.

I don't know, maybe it was that thing about being paid and treated fairly by the company that went by the wayside.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: HighwayStar on April 14, 2022, 10:45:34 AM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on April 14, 2022, 10:41:42 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 14, 2022, 09:41:48 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 13, 2022, 11:34:36 PM
You realize those aren't robots they keep behind the counter, right?

I think we all realize that. But "The manager on duty also gave me the shoulder shrug" is a far cry from "Hey, everyone's human". I frankly expect a lot more out of a manager than I do a cashier.

I expect the manager to give me a smile.
Because he knows that it's me they've been coming to see
to forget about life for a while.

Now that is something that never bothers me!

Though I prefer

Well, we're waiting here in Allentown
For the Pennsylvania we never found
For the promises our teachers gave
If we worked hard, if we behaved

So the graduations hang on the wall
But they never really helped us at all
No they never taught us what was real
Iron and coke, chromium steel

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: HighwayStar on April 14, 2022, 10:47:12 AM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on April 14, 2022, 10:44:53 AM
Quote from: HighwayStar on April 14, 2022, 10:40:53 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 14, 2022, 09:41:48 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 13, 2022, 11:34:36 PM
You realize those aren't robots they keep behind the counter, right?

I think we all realize that. But "The manager on duty also gave me the shoulder shrug" is a far cry from "Hey, everyone's human". I frankly expect a lot more out of a manager than I do a cashier.

I expect it out of both. I don't know when this country decided that half ass service from anyone in a store was acceptable, but when I worked retail it was not that way.

I don't know, maybe it was that thing about being paid and treated fairly by the company that went by the wayside.

I was paid minimum wage, could not have been making less, but that did not change my work ethic. And funny enough after I came back to that job from living elsewhere for a bit I was no longer making minimum wage...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 14, 2022, 10:50:37 AM

Quote from: HighwayStar on April 14, 2022, 10:40:53 AM

Quote from: kphoger on April 14, 2022, 09:41:48 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 13, 2022, 11:34:36 PM
You realize those aren't robots they keep behind the counter, right?

I think we all realize that. But "The manager on duty also gave me the shoulder shrug" is a far cry from "Hey, everyone's human". I frankly expect a lot more out of a manager than I do a cashier.

I expect it out of both. I don't know when this country decided that half ass service from anyone in a store was acceptable, but when I worked retail it was not that way.

I expect it out of both, but not to the same degree. I fully understand that an entry-level cashier position doesn't demand or require the same dedication or professionalism that a management position does. With more authority comes more responsibility.

When I'm treated poorly by a waiter, for example, I'm quite willing to forgive if the manager apologizes and makes it right–especially because there's a really good chance the two of them will have a conversation later. But, if the manager doesn't seem to care either, then that's when a bad review goes up on Google.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: HighwayStar on April 14, 2022, 10:51:59 AM

Quote from: kphoger on April 14, 2022, 10:50:37 AM
Quote from: HighwayStar on April 14, 2022, 10:40:53 AM

Quote from: kphoger on April 14, 2022, 09:41:48 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 13, 2022, 11:34:36 PM
You realize those aren't robots they keep behind the counter, right?

I think we all realize that. But "The manager on duty also gave me the shoulder shrug" is a far cry from "Hey, everyone's human". I frankly expect a lot more out of a manager than I do a cashier.

I expect it out of both. I don't know when this country decided that half ass service from anyone in a store was acceptable, but when I worked retail it was not that way.

I expect it out of both, but not to the same degree. I fully understand that an entry-level cashier position doesn't demand or require the same dedication or professionalism that a management position does. With more authority comes more responsibility.

When I'm treated poorly by a waiter, for example, I'm quite willing to forgive if the manager apologizes and makes it right–especially because there's a really good chance the two of them will have a conversation later. But, if the manager doesn't seem to care either, then that's when a bad review goes up on Google.

I would say that comes closest to my policy.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on April 14, 2022, 10:53:00 AM

Quote from: HighwayStar on April 14, 2022, 10:45:34 AM
So the graduations hang on the wall

This lyric grates on me like nails on a chalkboard. The graduation is the ceremony. What hangs on the wall is the diploma.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: HighwayStar on April 14, 2022, 10:54:07 AM

Quote from: kkt on April 14, 2022, 10:53:00 AM
Quote from: HighwayStar on April 14, 2022, 10:45:34 AM
So the graduations hang on the wall

This lyric grates on me like nails on a chalkboard. The graduation is the ceremony. What hangs on the wall is the diploma.

Well Billy did not graduate so cut him some slack

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on April 14, 2022, 10:56:28 AM

Quote from: HighwayStar on April 14, 2022, 10:47:12 AM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on April 14, 2022, 10:44:53 AM
Quote from: HighwayStar on April 14, 2022, 10:40:53 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 14, 2022, 09:41:48 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 13, 2022, 11:34:36 PM
You realize those aren't robots they keep behind the counter, right?

I think we all realize that. But "The manager on duty also gave me the shoulder shrug" is a far cry from "Hey, everyone's human". I frankly expect a lot more out of a manager than I do a cashier.

I expect it out of both. I don't know when this country decided that half ass service from anyone in a store was acceptable, but when I worked retail it was not that way.

I don't know, maybe it was that thing about being paid and treated fairly by the company that went by the wayside.

I was paid minimum wage, could not have been making less, but that did not change my work ethic. And funny enough after I came back to that job from living elsewhere for a bit I was no longer making minimum wage...

Minimum wage went a lot further years ago. Why would I want to work hard for someone who treats me like shit?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: HighwayStar on April 14, 2022, 11:01:21 AM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on April 14, 2022, 10:56:28 AM
Quote from: HighwayStar on April 14, 2022, 10:47:12 AM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on April 14, 2022, 10:44:53 AM
Quote from: HighwayStar on April 14, 2022, 10:40:53 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 14, 2022, 09:41:48 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 13, 2022, 11:34:36 PM
You realize those aren't robots they keep behind the counter, right?

I think we all realize that. But "The manager on duty also gave me the shoulder shrug" is a far cry from "Hey, everyone's human". I frankly expect a lot more out of a manager than I do a cashier.

I expect it out of both. I don't know when this country decided that half ass service from anyone in a store was acceptable, but when I worked retail it was not that way.

I don't know, maybe it was that thing about being paid and treated fairly by the company that went by the wayside.

I was paid minimum wage, could not have been making less, but that did not change my work ethic. And funny enough after I came back to that job from living elsewhere for a bit I was no longer making minimum wage...

Minimum wage went a lot further years ago. Why would I want to work hard for someone who treats me like shit?

This was not long enough ago for minimum wage to go that much farther. Also most service jobs today are not paying minimum wage due to inflation and market conditions making the minimum wage irrelevant. So people in the job I was working are likely making well over minimum wage at this point.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on April 14, 2022, 11:05:07 AM

Quote from: HighwayStar on April 14, 2022, 10:40:53 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 14, 2022, 09:41:48 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 13, 2022, 11:34:36 PM
You realize those aren't robots they keep behind the counter, right?

I think we all realize that. But "The manager on duty also gave me the shoulder shrug" is a far cry from "Hey, everyone's human". I frankly expect a lot more out of a manager than I do a cashier.

I expect it out of both. I don't know when this country decided that half ass service from anyone in a store was acceptable, but when I worked retail it was not that way.

When did you work retail?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on April 14, 2022, 11:06:37 AM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on April 14, 2022, 10:56:28 AM
Quote from: HighwayStar on April 14, 2022, 10:47:12 AM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on April 14, 2022, 10:44:53 AM
Quote from: HighwayStar on April 14, 2022, 10:40:53 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 14, 2022, 09:41:48 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 13, 2022, 11:34:36 PM
You realize those aren't robots they keep behind the counter, right?

I think we all realize that. But "The manager on duty also gave me the shoulder shrug" is a far cry from "Hey, everyone's human". I frankly expect a lot more out of a manager than I do a cashier.

I expect it out of both. I don't know when this country decided that half ass service from anyone in a store was acceptable, but when I worked retail it was not that way.

I don't know, maybe it was that thing about being paid and treated fairly by the company that went by the wayside.

I was paid minimum wage, could not have been making less, but that did not change my work ethic. And funny enough after I came back to that job from living elsewhere for a bit I was no longer making minimum wage...

Minimum wage went a lot further years ago. Why would I want to work hard for someone who treats me like shit?

The flip side also applies: why would someone hire you for a better job if you're slacking at the one you have?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 14, 2022, 11:19:11 AM

Quote from: kkt on April 14, 2022, 10:53:00 AM

Quote from: HighwayStar on April 14, 2022, 10:45:34 AM
So the graduations hang on the wall

This lyric grates on me like nails on a chalkboard. The graduation is the ceremony. What hangs on the wall is the diploma.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metonymy

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on April 14, 2022, 12:47:24 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on April 14, 2022, 10:56:28 AM
Quote from: HighwayStar on April 14, 2022, 10:47:12 AM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on April 14, 2022, 10:44:53 AM
Quote from: HighwayStar on April 14, 2022, 10:40:53 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 14, 2022, 09:41:48 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 13, 2022, 11:34:36 PM
You realize those aren't robots they keep behind the counter, right?

I think we all realize that. But "The manager on duty also gave me the shoulder shrug" is a far cry from "Hey, everyone's human". I frankly expect a lot more out of a manager than I do a cashier.

I expect it out of both. I don't know when this country decided that half ass service from anyone in a store was acceptable, but when I worked retail it was not that way.

I don't know, maybe it was that thing about being paid and treated fairly by the company that went by the wayside.

I was paid minimum wage, could not have been making less, but that did not change my work ethic. And funny enough after I came back to that job from living elsewhere for a bit I was no longer making minimum wage...

Minimum wage went a lot further years ago. Why would I want to work hard for someone who treats me like shit?

for me, it's because decisions i've made in the past make me essentially unemployable for any sort of 'shower-before-work' job. so i take what i can get and i'm damned grateful for the opportunity.

society wants us to go away. i've already gone away. apparently not long enough.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on April 14, 2022, 02:05:10 PM

Quote from: thenetwork on April 13, 2022, 10:41:51 PM
The high school dropout behind the counter said my total with tax was over $1.50 more than what I had expected. I got a receipt (my company p-card was buying) and I saw that I was charged $1.00+ more than the posted price. I questioned the charge, and he couldnt give me any reasonable answer. The manager on duty also gave me the shoulder shrug and insisted that was the price.

Why do you think that person was a high school dropout? Why do you feel the need to describe that person as such even if they are?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 14, 2022, 03:41:51 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 14, 2022, 02:05:10 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on April 13, 2022, 10:41:51 PM
The high school dropout behind the counter said my total with tax was over $1.50 more than what I had expected. I got a receipt (my company p-card was buying) and I saw that I was charged $1.00+ more than the posted price. I questioned the charge, and he couldnt give me any reasonable answer. The manager on duty also gave me the shoulder shrug and insisted that was the price.

Why do you think that person was a high school dropout? Why do you feel the need to describe that person as such even if they are?

I get a look at all the new hire packets we have for our stores as part of my position duties. I can't recall the last time I saw an employee much less a cashier we've hired that didn't at least have a GED.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on April 14, 2022, 03:45:33 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 14, 2022, 03:41:51 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 14, 2022, 02:05:10 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on April 13, 2022, 10:41:51 PM
The high school dropout behind the counter said my total with tax was over $1.50 more than what I had expected. I got a receipt (my company p-card was buying) and I saw that I was charged $1.00+ more than the posted price. I questioned the charge, and he couldnt give me any reasonable answer. The manager on duty also gave me the shoulder shrug and insisted that was the price.

Why do you think that person was a high school dropout? Why do you feel the need to describe that person as such even if they are?

I get a look at all the new hire packets we have for our stores as part of my position duties. I can't recall the last time I saw an employee much less a cashier we've hired that didn't at least have a GED.

I mean, I get a person with a JD isn't probably working at Little Caesar's, but to include an assumption about the educational status of the person trying to serve you (and who, as far as I can tell from the account, wasn't mean or rude in any way), seems a bit... snobbish.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 14, 2022, 03:53:56 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 14, 2022, 03:45:33 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 14, 2022, 03:41:51 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 14, 2022, 02:05:10 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on April 13, 2022, 10:41:51 PM
The high school dropout behind the counter said my total with tax was over $1.50 more than what I had expected. I got a receipt (my company p-card was buying) and I saw that I was charged $1.00+ more than the posted price. I questioned the charge, and he couldnt give me any reasonable answer. The manager on duty also gave me the shoulder shrug and insisted that was the price.

Why do you think that person was a high school dropout? Why do you feel the need to describe that person as such even if they are?

I get a look at all the new hire packets we have for our stores as part of my position duties. I can't recall the last time I saw an employee much less a cashier we've hired that didn't at least have a GED.

I mean, I get a person with a JD isn't probably working at Little Caesar's, but to include an assumption about the educational status of the person trying to serve you (and who, as far as I can tell from the account, wasn't mean or rude in any way), seems a bit... snobbish.

As the years wear on I'm finding generalizations like that are often what people actually believe.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 14, 2022, 04:41:51 PM

The thing that gets me is how so many people think the fast food clerk or manager or whatever is intentionally, personally trying to rip them off. Fuck no, service employees don't give enough of a shit to rip someone off. It's very rare that the guy running the register is going to actually get an extra $1.50 if they overcharge you $1.50–that money is just going to end up in some corporate bank account in Delaware, so why would they bother? (This is why "I'm never coming here again!" isn't a threat anyone takes seriously either–everyone you're yelling it to gets paid hourly, so you not going there anymore doesn't really affect their paycheck much unless you were a great tipper, and chances are, if you're making threats like that, you're not.)

If you can make the service employees like you, they'll actually sometimes go out of the way to ring things up in some roundabout fashion that gives you a discount. A plain Whopper Jr. was identical to a plain hamburger (only difference was the toppings), but a Whopper Jr. was $1 and a hamburger was 89Â¢. If someone ordered a plain Whopper Jr., and they treated me like a human, I'd ring it up as a hamburger and tell them that so they'd know for next time. If the customer was being a dick, I'd just hit the Whopper Jr. button and say nothing.

Quote from: kphoger on April 14, 2022, 09:41:48 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 13, 2022, 11:34:36 PM
You realize those aren't robots they keep behind the counter, right?

I think we all realize that. But "The manager on duty also gave me the shoulder shrug" is a far cry from "Hey, everyone's human". I frankly expect a lot more out of a manager than I do a cashier.

I mean, that's understandable, but... When I was a Burger King manager, I made the same $6/hour I did when I was the drive thru guy. I just got to wear a button-up shirt, knew the safe combination, was responsible for balancing all of the cash, had the keys to the store, had the void/no-sale password to the registers, and worked 60-hour weeks. I was also a dumb 19-year-old who thought all of that was okay, because they were "working on giving me my raise". But after a few months when it became clear they weren't actually working on that, I bailed and got a casino job making more than I would have as a manager anyway.

Now imagine someone in my position who doesn't have the opportunity to leave. All of the management responsibility but they're making the same money as the dude in the back on the broiler. Should you really expect anything more out of someone enduring that?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on April 14, 2022, 04:45:34 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 14, 2022, 04:41:51 PM
It's very rare that the guy running the register is going to actually get an extra $1.50 if they overcharge you $1.50–that money is just going to end up in some corporate bank account in Delaware, so why would they bother?

They don't keep the difference for themselves and keep the amount in the register as it should be?

That said, I mostly agree with you, especially since I've been undercharged about as often as I've been overcharged.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on April 14, 2022, 04:51:06 PM

Quote from: 1 on April 14, 2022, 04:45:34 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 14, 2022, 04:41:51 PM
It's very rare that the guy running the register is going to actually get an extra $1.50 if they overcharge you $1.50–that money is just going to end up in some corporate bank account in Delaware, so why would they bother?

They don't keep the difference for themselves and keep the amount in the register as it should be?

That said, I mostly agree with you, especially since I've been undercharged about as often as I've been overcharged.

You're still going to see the amount due before you pay. Line level employees probably can't void things off without managerial approval (otherwise they could void and keep all of the cash). Credit cards are 90% of all transactions anyway, rendering it even more moot.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: HighwayStar on April 14, 2022, 05:02:23 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 14, 2022, 04:51:06 PM
Quote from: 1 on April 14, 2022, 04:45:34 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 14, 2022, 04:41:51 PM
It's very rare that the guy running the register is going to actually get an extra $1.50 if they overcharge you $1.50–that money is just going to end up in some corporate bank account in Delaware, so why would they bother?

They don't keep the difference for themselves and keep the amount in the register as it should be?

That said, I mostly agree with you, especially since I've been undercharged about as often as I've been overcharged.

You're still going to see the amount due before you pay. Line level employees probably can't void things off without managerial approval (otherwise they could void and keep all of the cash). Credit cards are 90% of all transactions anyway, rendering it even more moot.

Depending on the business there may be a lot of cash handled, and most places are not 90% credit cards. Depending on the POS system the cashier may or may not be able to pocket the difference.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on April 14, 2022, 05:05:31 PM

Quote from: HighwayStar on April 14, 2022, 05:02:23 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 14, 2022, 04:51:06 PM
Quote from: 1 on April 14, 2022, 04:45:34 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 14, 2022, 04:41:51 PM
It's very rare that the guy running the register is going to actually get an extra $1.50 if they overcharge you $1.50–that money is just going to end up in some corporate bank account in Delaware, so why would they bother?

They don't keep the difference for themselves and keep the amount in the register as it should be?

That said, I mostly agree with you, especially since I've been undercharged about as often as I've been overcharged.

You're still going to see the amount due before you pay. Line level employees probably can't void things off without managerial approval (otherwise they could void and keep all of the cash). Credit cards are 90% of all transactions anyway, rendering it even more moot.

Depending on the business there may be a lot of cash handled, and most places are not 90% credit cards. Depending on the POS system the cashier may or may not be able to pocket the difference.

Fine. 75%. Better?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SD Mapman on April 14, 2022, 05:14:08 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 14, 2022, 05:05:31 PM
Quote from: HighwayStar on April 14, 2022, 05:02:23 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 14, 2022, 04:51:06 PM
Quote from: 1 on April 14, 2022, 04:45:34 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 14, 2022, 04:41:51 PM
It's very rare that the guy running the register is going to actually get an extra $1.50 if they overcharge you $1.50–that money is just going to end up in some corporate bank account in Delaware, so why would they bother?

They don't keep the difference for themselves and keep the amount in the register as it should be?

That said, I mostly agree with you, especially since I've been undercharged about as often as I've been overcharged.

You're still going to see the amount due before you pay. Line level employees probably can't void things off without managerial approval (otherwise they could void and keep all of the cash). Credit cards are 90% of all transactions anyway, rendering it even more moot.

Depending on the business there may be a lot of cash handled, and most places are not 90% credit cards. Depending on the POS system the cashier may or may not be able to pocket the difference.

Fine. 75%. Better?

I mean out in this part of the country pretty much everyone has 100% credit card acceptance. Some places might not take, say, Discover (like the really good restaurant in the back of a Mexican grocery store in Idaho Falls, if anyone's in the area and they're still in operation would recommend), but I think I've only been to one place in the States that was cash-only for years (seafood stand in Key West).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 14, 2022, 05:19:12 PM

Quote from: HighwayStar on April 14, 2022, 05:02:23 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 14, 2022, 04:51:06 PM
Quote from: 1 on April 14, 2022, 04:45:34 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 14, 2022, 04:41:51 PM
It's very rare that the guy running the register is going to actually get an extra $1.50 if they overcharge you $1.50–that money is just going to end up in some corporate bank account in Delaware, so why would they bother?

They don't keep the difference for themselves and keep the amount in the register as it should be?

That said, I mostly agree with you, especially since I've been undercharged about as often as I've been overcharged.

You're still going to see the amount due before you pay. Line level employees probably can't void things off without managerial approval (otherwise they could void and keep all of the cash). Credit cards are 90% of all transactions anyway, rendering it even more moot.

Depending on the business there may be a lot of cash handled, and most places are not 90% credit cards. Depending on the POS system the cashier may or may not be able to pocket the difference.

There are far easier ways to steal from a cash-heavy business than come up with bogus charges and add them to random customers' totals. One customer noticing and throwing a fit is enough to get you caught. And once it ends up on the register there's no easy way to take the money for yourself, anyway, because now it's accounted for.

It's far cleaner to do something like memorize the price of things like that don't require the kitchen's involvement, like drinks and fries, so that if someone orders one of them, you can quote the correct total to them, but never actually add those items to the ticket. Then you just pocket the difference at a convenient time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Mr_Northside on April 14, 2022, 05:21:40 PM

Quote from: HighwayStar on April 14, 2022, 05:02:23 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 14, 2022, 04:51:06 PM
Quote from: 1 on April 14, 2022, 04:45:34 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 14, 2022, 04:41:51 PM
It's very rare that the guy running the register is going to actually get an extra $1.50 if they overcharge you $1.50–that money is just going to end up in some corporate bank account in Delaware, so why would they bother?

They don't keep the difference for themselves and keep the amount in the register as it should be?

That said, I mostly agree with you, especially since I've been undercharged about as often as I've been overcharged.

You're still going to see the amount due before you pay. Line level employees probably can't void things off without managerial approval (otherwise they could void and keep all of the cash). Credit cards are 90% of all transactions anyway, rendering it even more moot.

Depending on the business there may be a lot of cash handled, and most places are not 90% credit cards. Depending on the POS system the cashier may or may not be able to pocket the difference.

Especially if they keep a running total throughout the day and palm it out in one lump some (making sure not to under or over take) at the end of the shift. Though I'm thinking more about incorrect change (or short-change) than a straight-up overcharging.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: HighwayStar on April 14, 2022, 06:23:04 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 14, 2022, 03:53:56 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 14, 2022, 03:45:33 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 14, 2022, 03:41:51 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 14, 2022, 02:05:10 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on April 13, 2022, 10:41:51 PM
The high school dropout behind the counter said my total with tax was over $1.50 more than what I had expected. I got a receipt (my company p-card was buying) and I saw that I was charged $1.00+ more than the posted price. I questioned the charge, and he couldnt give me any reasonable answer. The manager on duty also gave me the shoulder shrug and insisted that was the price.

Why do you think that person was a high school dropout? Why do you feel the need to describe that person as such even if they are?

I get a look at all the new hire packets we have for our stores as part of my position duties. I can't recall the last time I saw an employee much less a cashier we've hired that didn't at least have a GED.

I mean, I get a person with a JD isn't probably working at Little Caesar's, but to include an assumption about the educational status of the person trying to serve you (and who, as far as I can tell from the account, wasn't mean or rude in any way), seems a bit... snobbish.

As the years wear on I'm finding generalizations like that are often what people actually believe.

And by and large they are not inaccurate, though there are occasional exceptions for whatever reason.
When I worked as a cashier one of my coworkers had a customer tell her that "this is why you don't drop out of high school" which she had to grin and bear, even though she was still in school.
I unfortunately never had such an encounter, but I rather doubt I could have suppressed my urge to put them in their place in a most fantastic fashion. I definitely would have needed a new job but it might have been worth it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on April 14, 2022, 06:32:06 PM

My parents had friends in Atlanta who (at the time) had a teenaged daughter, and her mom would take her to Hooters and say "this is what will happen to you if you don't get good grades."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 14, 2022, 07:00:16 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 14, 2022, 05:19:12 PM
And once it ends up on the register there's no easy way to take the money for yourself, anyway, because now it's accounted for.

Most important part of your post. You can't ring up a total for too much money and then pocket the "too much" part. Your drawer would be short at the end of the shift.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on April 14, 2022, 07:09:53 PM

Quote from: Mr_Northside on April 14, 2022, 05:21:40 PM
Quote from: HighwayStar on April 14, 2022, 05:02:23 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 14, 2022, 04:51:06 PM
Quote from: 1 on April 14, 2022, 04:45:34 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 14, 2022, 04:41:51 PM
It's very rare that the guy running the register is going to actually get an extra $1.50 if they overcharge you $1.50–that money is just going to end up in some corporate bank account in Delaware, so why would they bother?

They don't keep the difference for themselves and keep the amount in the register as it should be?

That said, I mostly agree with you, especially since I've been undercharged about as often as I've been overcharged.

You're still going to see the amount due before you pay. Line level employees probably can't void things off without managerial approval (otherwise they could void and keep all of the cash). Credit cards are 90% of all transactions anyway, rendering it even more moot.

Depending on the business there may be a lot of cash handled, and most places are not 90% credit cards. Depending on the POS system the cashier may or may not be able to pocket the difference.

Especially if they keep a running total throughout the day and palm it out in one lump some (making sure not to under or over take) at the end of the shift. Though I'm thinking more about incorrect change (or short-change) than a straight-up overcharging.

from back in my own fast-food days (not proud of this, but it seems relevant)

if you're talking on the phone when you do your money transaction at the window, count your change. i used to make a LOT of money on this. if i were caught, it was a simple matter of 'oh.. whoops'. i think i had to do that like twice. every other time, customer zooms off yakking away.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: HighwayStar on April 14, 2022, 07:13:49 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on April 14, 2022, 07:09:53 PM
Quote from: Mr_Northside on April 14, 2022, 05:21:40 PM
Quote from: HighwayStar on April 14, 2022, 05:02:23 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 14, 2022, 04:51:06 PM
Quote from: 1 on April 14, 2022, 04:45:34 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 14, 2022, 04:41:51 PM
It's very rare that the guy running the register is going to actually get an extra $1.50 if they overcharge you $1.50–that money is just going to end up in some corporate bank account in Delaware, so why would they bother?

They don't keep the difference for themselves and keep the amount in the register as it should be?

That said, I mostly agree with you, especially since I've been undercharged about as often as I've been overcharged.

You're still going to see the amount due before you pay. Line level employees probably can't void things off without managerial approval (otherwise they could void and keep all of the cash). Credit cards are 90% of all transactions anyway, rendering it even more moot.

Depending on the business there may be a lot of cash handled, and most places are not 90% credit cards. Depending on the POS system the cashier may or may not be able to pocket the difference.

Especially if they keep a running total throughout the day and palm it out in one lump some (making sure not to under or over take) at the end of the shift. Though I'm thinking more about incorrect change (or short-change) than a straight-up overcharging.

from back in my own fast-food days (not proud of this, but it seems relevant)

if you're talking on the phone when you do your money transaction at the window, count your change. i used to make a LOT of money on this. if i were caught, it was a simple matter of 'oh.. whoops'. i think i had to do that like twice. every other time, customer zooms off yakking away.

Arguably a good reason to use that credit card.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 19, 2022, 08:46:50 PM

When the glue holding a box closed is stronger than the actual box is, so that whenever you try to open the box, it just tears horribly rather than opening neatly.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 19, 2022, 09:07:14 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 19, 2022, 08:46:50 PM
When the glue holding a box closed is stronger than the actual box is, so that whenever you try to open the box, it just tears horribly rather than opening neatly.

Absolutely!

Also, when the seal on a plastic bag is stronger than the plastic bag itself.

Get a box of cereal. Attempt to open the box such that you can re-insert the little tab into the little slot. No luck, because the glue is stronger than the box itself, so you end up ripping the top flaps all to hell. Call it some dirty names, then take a deep breath and calm down. Set to opening the bag inside the box such that you can easily pour just the right amount into your bowl each morning No luck, because the seal is stronger than the bag itself, so you end up ripping a big gash down the side of the bag, and now bits of cereal spill out down the side of it every time you get breakfast ready. You feel like throwing the darned thing across the kitchen, but that would only compound the problem...

And they can send men to the moon!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 19, 2022, 11:16:37 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 19, 2022, 09:07:14 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 19, 2022, 08:46:50 PM
When the glue holding a box closed is stronger than the actual box is, so that whenever you try to open the box, it just tears horribly rather than opening neatly.

Absolutely!

Also, when the seal on a plastic bag is stronger than the plastic bag itself.

Get a box of cereal. Attempt to open the box such that you can re-insert the little tab into the little slot. No luck, because the glue is stronger than the box itself, so you end up ripping the top flaps all to hell. Call it some dirty names, then take a deep breath and calm down. Set to opening the bag inside the box such that you can easily pour just the right amount into your bowl each morning No luck, because the seal is stronger than the bag itself, so you end up ripping a big gash down the side of the bag, and now bits of cereal spill out down the side of it every time you get breakfast ready. You feel like throwing the darned thing across the kitchen, but that would only compound the problem...

And they can send men to the moon!

No lie, I've taken to buying the off-brand cereal that comes in just a bag, primarily because it opens in a more consistent way (and it's got a little zipper on it, so it stays fresher than the name-brand bag-in-box variety). And it's cheaper to boot.

A related annoyance is the disappearance of true tabs and slots on boxes. In the 90s you would actually have a real slot that the tab on the other flap could be seated in. It wasn't perfect, but at least it kept the box closed. These days a lot of boxes have a tab but the other flap just has a notch in it. That isn't anywhere near as good at holding the box closed as an actual slot is. I can only imagine this change was made because it's somehow 1Â¢ cheaper per box to do it that way than to have an actual slot cut into the cardboard.

Even worse, though, are the boxes that have a top flap that has additional flaps extending down away from the top of the box, which are glued to the inside sides of the box. I get those on frozen-food boxes sometimes. Whoever designs these boxes must be an alien from another planet, or else someone rich enough to pay someone else to open boxes for them, because nobody who has never opened a box themselves would design a box that way.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on April 20, 2022, 08:17:20 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 19, 2022, 08:46:50 PM
When the glue holding a box closed is stronger than the actual box is, so that whenever you try to open the box, it just tears horribly rather than opening neatly.

Something similar is the old green-bar paper in the line printer. How could the perforations be stronger than the paper itself?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on April 20, 2022, 01:08:14 PM

In the last couple of years or so, I've noticed cereal boxes have been made of a thinner grade of cardboard that not only delaminates more easily if you try to separate glue joints to flatten an empty box, but also is more likely to leave cuts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 20, 2022, 04:31:31 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on April 20, 2022, 01:08:14 PM
In the last couple of years or so, I've noticed cereal boxes have been made of a thinner grade of cardboard that not only delaminates more easily if you try to separate glue joints to flatten an empty box, but also is more likely to leave cuts.

I wonder if this accounts for the change in tab closure style that I described in my last post.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on April 20, 2022, 06:54:26 PM

When in doubt, fetch the scissors.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 20, 2022, 07:26:33 PM

If I'm standing in my kitchen trying and failing to get into a cereal box at 3am, what makes you think anything about my life is together enough I would have thought to go get the scissors beforehand? :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on April 21, 2022, 01:05:25 AM

Keep a pair of scissors in the kitchen just for these 3 am emergencies :)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 21, 2022, 09:17:52 AM

Doesn't everyone keep scissors in the kitchen? I certainly do.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on April 21, 2022, 09:31:14 AM

I even keep a tiny pair of foldable scissors (https://www.fiskars.com/en-gb/scissors-shears/products/office%20scissors/classic-foldable-scissors-1005134) in my backpack (because the TSA hates knives and I don't want to fumble with sharp edges at odd hours). Kept them in my stash for about 8 years...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on April 21, 2022, 09:37:41 AM

Quote from: kphoger on April 21, 2022, 09:17:52 AM
Doesn't everyone keep scissors in the kitchen? I certainly do.

I believe we have three pairs of scissors there for different purposes (the ones used to cut open shipping boxes are never used for cooking, for example).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on April 21, 2022, 09:39:59 AM

Quote from: formulanone on April 21, 2022, 09:31:14 AM
I even keep a tiny pair of foldable scissors (https://www.fiskars.com/en-gb/scissors-shears/products/office%20scissors/classic-foldable-scissors-1005134) in my backpack (because the TSA hates knives and I don't want to fumble with sharp edges at odd hours). Kept them in my stash for about 8 years...

I have something a lot like this (https://www.harborfreight.com/key-shaped-folding-knife-66837.html) and the TSA hasn't found it in the 6-7 years I've had it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on April 21, 2022, 09:53:55 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on April 21, 2022, 09:37:41 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 21, 2022, 09:17:52 AM
Doesn't everyone keep scissors in the kitchen? I certainly do.

I believe we have three pairs of scissors there for different purposes (the ones used to cut open shipping boxes are never used for cooking, for example).

Not all are in the kitchen, but sewing scissors, box opening/random stuff scissors, small bathroom scissors (stray hairs and beard trimming), and kitchen shears.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 21, 2022, 04:10:00 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 21, 2022, 09:17:52 AM
Doesn't everyone keep scissors in the kitchen? I certainly do.

I have a place for scissors in my kitchen.

Does everyone in the house put the scissors back in that spot when they're done with them? No.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 21, 2022, 04:20:51 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 21, 2022, 04:10:00 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 21, 2022, 09:17:52 AM
Doesn't everyone keep scissors in the kitchen? I certainly do.

I have a place for scissors in my kitchen.

Does everyone in the house put the scissors back in that spot when they're done with them? No.

Our kitchen shears have a plastic case, and we hang them up above the sink on a pair of nails whenever we're done with them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on April 21, 2022, 04:46:46 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 21, 2022, 04:20:51 PM
Our kitchen shears have a plastic case, and we hang them up above the sink on a pair of nails whenever we're done with them.

Ours have their own spot in the knife block.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on April 21, 2022, 05:19:59 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 21, 2022, 09:17:52 AM
Doesn't everyone keep scissors in the kitchen? I certainly do.

Scissors are an essential utensil. Need big ones to cut up meat for galbi.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: HighwayStar on April 21, 2022, 05:36:14 PM

The last couple weeks the trees by me were blooming or something to that effect, and dropping copious quantities of these pollen laden pods everywhere. Including on any car parked remotely near these things.
When dry they mostly blow off once you drive away, but if it happens to rain on them before that they stick to everything and give the car the appearance of having been assaulted by a bottle of mustard.
I spent more quarters on car washes in 2 weeks than I did in the last 4 months.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 21, 2022, 05:42:39 PM

Quote from: HighwayStar on April 21, 2022, 05:36:14 PM
the appearance of having been assaulted by a bottle of mustard

That right there is what's called poetry.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on April 22, 2022, 06:28:29 AM

Quote from: abefroman329 on April 21, 2022, 09:39:59 AM
Quote from: formulanone on April 21, 2022, 09:31:14 AM
I even keep a tiny pair of foldable scissors (https://www.fiskars.com/en-gb/scissors-shears/products/office%20scissors/classic-foldable-scissors-1005134) in my backpack (because the TSA hates knives and I don't want to fumble with sharp edges at odd hours). Kept them in my stash for about 8 years...
I have something a lot like this (https://www.harborfreight.com/key-shaped-folding-knife-66837.html) and the TSA hasn't found it in the 6-7 years I've had it.

I'm always tempted to pick one up when I make a visit to Harbor Freight Tools...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: oscar on April 25, 2022, 11:17:30 PM

A recent TV ad by Dell Technologies (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUJFk4NktVg), featuring a woman dragging her desk into the middle of a city street, and pounding away at her laptop, soon joined by others doing likewise (one of them towing a worktable behind a vehicle, apparently from a rural location). The ad theme is "there's an innovator in all of us". But I don't get why this "innovation" was portrayed as being on a busy non-closed city street, apparently blocking traffic (including a bus), rather than inside an office, or on a sidewalk, or in a park. Kind of baffling, and not exactly a display of productive innovation, IMHO.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on April 26, 2022, 12:11:27 AM

But the ad was memorable to you.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: oscar on April 26, 2022, 12:48:39 AM

Quote from: kkt on April 26, 2022, 12:11:27 AM
But the ad was memorable to you.

Doesn't make me want to run out and get a Dell, though. I have some old Dells I don't use anymore, but my current notebook PCs are other brands.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 26, 2022, 09:12:21 AM

Quote from: oscar on April 25, 2022, 11:17:30 PM

A recent TV ad by Dell Technologies (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUJFk4NktVg), featuring a woman dragging her desk into the middle of a city street, and pounding away at her laptop, soon joined by others doing likewise (one of them towing a worktable behind a vehicle, apparently from a rural location). The ad theme is "there's an innovator in all of us". But I don't get why this "innovation" was portrayed as being on a busy non-closed city street, apparently blocking traffic (including a bus), rather than inside an office, or on a sidewalk, or in a park. Kind of baffling, and not exactly a display of productive innovation, IMHO.

How about that ... what was it? ... an Old Navy commercial? ... that had a lady playing electric guitar in the middle of the street, with the quarter-inch cable plugged into the guitar but not leading anywhere at the other end.

That minor thing bothered both my wife and me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on April 26, 2022, 11:17:50 AM

People who make things harder or more complicated than they need to be.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on April 26, 2022, 12:26:53 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on April 26, 2022, 11:17:50 AM
People who make things harder or more complicated than they need to be.

I've found a lot of times it's people with a self-interest in something who won't trust or allow someone else who is capable to just do the damn thing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 29, 2022, 10:15:55 AM

A little while ago, I was typing at my computer here at work, and I saw a spider up near the F8 key. I freaked out for a second. Then I reached for my can of compressed air, to blow it off the keyboard. Well, all I succeeded in doing was to scare the spider, and it then crawled down in between the keys. No amount of digging between the keys with a letter opener, or banging the keyboard upside-down on the desk, or spraying air between every row of keys–none of that has had any effect of getting the little bugger back up again. So now I'm typing on a keyboard that surely has a spider somewhere in it. Maybe alive, maybe dead by now, I don't know.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on April 29, 2022, 12:59:22 PM

Converting labels to annotation in ArcGIS Pro, big time. While there are advantages (moving annotation is MUCH faster due to ArcGIS Pro being 64 bit and no longer locking everything up and re-rendering everything for every tiny change, and one can convert all layer labels to annotation all at once; the project-based geodatabse even makes not being able to store them in the map document less of an annoyance than it could be), overall they completely broke the feature for how my coworker and I use it. Placing unplaced annotation is HARD. Before, we could just use the labeling toolbar, click on a feature, and have a lable (annotation) appear. Now, we have to click though and find which annotation item is the one we need, and edit the attributes to say "Placed" instead of "Unplaced" - all the while it's bouncing around the map, completely obliterating any pan/zoom settings we had for out map. Same story for removal and editing text - can no longer just click to select and then hit the delete key on the keyboard or right click to open a text window to edit. Earlier today, I edited the text for the wrong one, as I had hoped that going into attributes after clicking the annotation would get rid of the pan/zoom obliteration. No dice, it didn't change which one was active for editing there and I edited the wrong one - so I had to obliterate all my edits and now I need to start from scratch again.

Esri should really get some feedback from people who actually use GIS before they try to design something that is completely unintuitive and makes everything worse. The only reason we need annotation in the first place is because the labeling engine is completely broken and places labels in horrible locations no matter how many times we try to tweak the settings.

They also removed data driven pages for whatever reason. Map series is cool, but doesn't do everything data driven pages did. No, Esri, 8 1/2 x 11 paper will not work with tessellated squares!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on April 29, 2022, 01:48:26 PM

I hate when people don't realize a marathon is a fixed distance. I can't stand it when I tell people I used to run marathons competitively and they ask "how long was your longest one?" They were all 26.2 miles.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 29, 2022, 01:58:15 PM

Back on spiders...

When you're about ready to go to bed, then you see a spider, so you get up to turn the light on or get a Kleenex or whatever, and when you come back in it isn't there. Great, now I can't sleep.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on April 29, 2022, 02:06:24 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 29, 2022, 01:58:15 PM
Back on spiders...

When you're about ready to go to bed, then you see a spider, so you get up to turn the light on or get a Kleenex or whatever, and when you come back in it isn't there. Great, now I can't sleep.

Agree with this! Cockroaches are the same. We have a house that was built in the 20s and we have NUMEROUS cockroaches that have to be slayed by my cat or my father, cause I'm scared of them! :paranoid:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on April 29, 2022, 02:56:57 PM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on April 29, 2022, 01:48:26 PM
I hate when people don't realize a marathon is a fixed distance. I can't stand it when I tell people I used to run marathons competitively and they ask "how long was your longest one?" They were all 26.2 miles.

I doubt many non-marathoners realize that it's always the same distance. Races that aren't 26.2 miles are fairly common. Eg, the Rainier to Ruston Relay here in the Seattle region is 50 miles.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on April 29, 2022, 03:02:48 PM

Today's computer-related minor annoyance is a download that is taking forever.

In Norway, the Public Road Administration recently advertised package E102 of an ongoing improvement to the E18 in Lysaker, near Oslo. (Lysaker is to Oslo what Tysons Corner is to Washington, DC--an edge city/transport hub with the local HQs of many multinationals.) It is complex, with high structure content (including several tunnels), and the server where this material is hosted does not support high single-thread download speeds, so I have had a script running for 15 hours to pull in 9 GB and counting, one file at a time.

I've considered rewriting the script so that it can download multiple files at the same time, but there is no guarantee this would actually increase throughput.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 29, 2022, 05:52:22 PM

I wonder if, at that point, it might be worth using a general-purpose (i.e. interactive) download manager for that task. I've used DownThemAll (a Firefox extension) for similar purposes before. However, my need for it is so infrequent, I don't remember the details of how it works well enough to comment on whether it would be particularly well-suited to that particular task.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on April 29, 2022, 06:20:44 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 29, 2022, 05:52:22 PMI wonder if, at that point, it might be worth using a general-purpose (i.e. interactive) download manager for that task. I've used DownThemAll (a Firefox extension) for similar purposes before. However, my need for it is so infrequent, I don't remember the details of how it works well enough to comment on whether it would be particularly well-suited to that particular task.

I have used Internet Download Manager, which offers integration with major browsers and works quite well for grabbing not just links (especially on servers which allow interrupted downloads to be resumed--not all do) but also videos. This type of software can indeed be a big help in various niche cases.

To my mind, there are a couple of issues with using an off-the-shelf download manager in this particular situation. The first is that there is no file listing that loads all at once--there is a document tree in JSON with file listings for individual folders in XML. My script actually downloads these first and resolves them into a set of download parameters for all files in the project. The second is that the server does not permit multiple concurrent downloads using the same session cookie and also times out each cookie after ten minutes of inactivity (defined as no new page loads or download requests--ongoing downloads don't count). I get around this by having a "timer" script that launches at the start of each download, runs for eight minutes, and then terminates. If the downloader can't "see" the timer once download finishes, it logs back in for the next file.

I think I could probably implement multithreaded downloading by making an union list of all files for all chosen projects and forwarding it to a "download engine" that runs in multiple sessions, each with its own login and working on its own part of the file list. I do this with PennDOT's ECMS and it works well. I haven't with this particular provider because there's just enough of a time gap between the big contracts to drain my motivation to tinker with something that already sort of works--hence, categorization as a "minor thing."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on April 29, 2022, 08:02:57 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 29, 2022, 01:58:15 PM
Back on spiders...

When you're about ready to go to bed, then you see a spider, so you get up to turn the light on or get a Kleenex or whatever, and when you come back in it isn't there. Great, now I can't sleep.

Doesn't bother me. We're about a million times the size of a spider, they're a lot more scared of us than we need to be of them.
Very very few species of spider are poisonous*.

* may not be true in Australia.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on April 30, 2022, 02:42:23 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on April 29, 2022, 06:20:44 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 29, 2022, 05:52:22 PMI wonder if, at that point, it might be worth using a general-purpose (i.e. interactive) download manager for that task. I've used DownThemAll (a Firefox extension) for similar purposes before. However, my need for it is so infrequent, I don't remember the details of how it works well enough to comment on whether it would be particularly well-suited to that particular task.

I have used Internet Download Manager, which offers integration with major browsers and works quite well for grabbing not just links (especially on servers which allow interrupted downloads to be resumed--not all do) but also videos. This type of software can indeed be a big help in various niche cases.

To my mind, there are a couple of issues with using an off-the-shelf download manager in this particular situation. The first is that there is no file listing that loads all at once--there is a document tree in JSON with file listings for individual folders in XML. My script actually downloads these first and resolves them into a set of download parameters for all files in the project. The second is that the server does not permit multiple concurrent downloads using the same session cookie and also times out each cookie after ten minutes of inactivity (defined as no new page loads or download requests--ongoing downloads don't count). I get around this by having a "timer" script that launches at the start of each download, runs for eight minutes, and then terminates. If the downloader can't "see" the timer once download finishes, it logs back in for the next file.

I think I could probably implement multithreaded downloading by making an union list of all files for all chosen projects and forwarding it to a "download engine" that runs in multiple sessions, each with its own login and working on its own part of the file list. I do this with PennDOT's ECMS and it works well. I haven't with this particular provider because there's just enough of a time gap between the big contracts to drain my motivation to tinker with something that already sort of works--hence, categorization as a "minor thing."

I have fast internet speeds. However, my computers are running at 2.4GHz speed, rather than 5GHz speed. This causes the internet to be SLOW and unresponsive. Now I use Chrome and Edge because of the slow speeds. My phone is not on 2.4GHz cause the internet cant go to 802.11ac rather the three slow standards of 802.11 (b, g, n)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on April 30, 2022, 03:01:19 PM

Quote from: snowc on April 30, 2022, 02:42:23 PMI have fast internet speeds. However, my computers are running at 2.4GHz speed, rather than 5GHz speed. This causes the internet to be SLOW and unresponsive. Now I use Chrome and Edge because of the slow speeds. My phone is not on 2.4GHz cause the internet cant go to 802.11ac rather the three slow standards of 802.11 (b, g, n)

For downloads managed by script, I generally find throughput is controlled by factors lying beyond my connection to my ISP. We have cable Internet and I have a hard connection (via Ethernet cable) to the router, so for certain servers I see files come in as rapidly as 5 MB/sec, while others average a piddly 100 KB/sec.

Implementing multi-threaded downloading also does not always improve throughput since the existing bandwidth is sometimes split among the parallel downloads. So rewriting a script to implement multi-threading is often a speculative exercise.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 30, 2022, 04:59:43 PM

I would also be worried that the site may detect a certain number of downloads originating from one IP address (especially an overseas one) and cut off access in toto in order to prevent excess use of resources or a possible DDOS attack. Granted, I would think that number would probably be much higher than would be necessary for downloading a single project, but it would be something that would worry me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on April 30, 2022, 06:27:56 PM

Not really a minor thing, but ever since version 1.18.30, Minecraft has become unplayable thanks to major lag. And they released a new patch, 1.18.31, that didn't fix the most important bug despite them saying they did.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on April 30, 2022, 06:28:36 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 30, 2022, 04:59:43 PM
I would also be worried that the site may detect a certain number of downloads originating from one IP address (especially an overseas one) and cut off access in toto in order to prevent excess use of resources or a possible DDOS attack. Granted, I would think that number would probably be much higher than would be necessary for downloading a single project, but it would be something that would worry me.

My former webhost, HelioHost, had a DDoS attack recently due to large amounts of hosting. Tommy, the web server I used, was the fastest and most reliable, went down on the day of my trip to NY (August 9-15 2019). Luckily I had a backup of it. :biggrin:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on April 30, 2022, 06:29:53 PM

Just when I posted the last post. :colorful:
WARNING: While you were typing, a new post has been posted.
You may wish to review your post.

That bugs me cause I think somebody, such as road sign UNO, plays in front of me, when posting a OSC image from my street view recordings. Any way to turn it off Scott? :colorful:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on April 30, 2022, 08:30:27 PM

Twice recently, I've received an email from a company asking me to take a survey about my customer experience before the interaction was complete. In both cases, I had been waiting more than 24 hours for a response from them, and in both cases, I was annoyed and immediately thought of this thread (the second one being just a few minutes ago).

Why on earth would I take the survey now, and even if I did, how could the feedback possibly positive if I'm doing it while I wait to hear back from them? "Yeah, this incomplete interaction really was great, I hope I hear back from you someday!" :crazy:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 30, 2022, 08:43:47 PM

Quote from: snowc on April 30, 2022, 06:29:53 PM
Just when I posted the last post. :colorful:
WARNING: While you were typing, a new post has been posted.
You may wish to review your post.

That bugs me cause I think somebody, such as road sign UNO, plays in front of me, when posting a OSC image from my street view recordings. Any way to turn it off Scott? :colorful:

NOTABUG WONTFIX

Edit: The purpose of the notification is to allow you to see if someone else has posted something that would be the same thing as you were about to post (solution: now you don't post, because it would be a useless duplicate of the same idea), or provides more information that you didn't have when you wrote your post (solution: revise your post if necessary). Basically, it's there to keep you from posting something that makes you look stupid. I would imagine the vast majority of members of the forum find this useful, so we're not going to turn it off.

Posting Google Street View in game threads (including the Road Sign Uno thread) is normally disallowed anyway, since the whole point of game threads is to give people who enjoy taking their own photos an opportunity to share them with others (and for others to enjoy those photos). Google Street View imagery is boring because we all know perfectly well where to find it if we wanted to. It's more special seeing a photo someone on the forum created themselves.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on April 30, 2022, 08:50:47 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 30, 2022, 08:43:47 PM
Quote from: snowc on April 30, 2022, 06:29:53 PM
Just when I posted the last post. :colorful:
WARNING: While you were typing, a new post has been posted.
You may wish to review your post.

That bugs me cause I think somebody, such as road sign UNO, plays in front of me, when posting a OSC image from my street view recordings. Any way to turn it off Scott? :colorful:

NOTABUG WONTFIX

Admittedly, it's kind of annoying.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 30, 2022, 08:53:52 PM

I edited my previous post to provide a further elaboration as to what the feature is attempting to achieve.

Edit: On further investigation, you can turn off this notification on a per-user basis by going to Profile, Look and Layout, then checking "Don't warn on new replies made while posting." Be forewarned, though: turning off this warning may result in you making posts that make you look silly. Don't be surprised if people point and laugh, or express irritation with you, if you do.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on April 30, 2022, 09:14:27 PM

I find it very useful. However, I think the 120-day message should be changed (but not removed), since it's sometimes beneficial to bump topics.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 30, 2022, 09:42:44 PM

Quote from: 1 on April 30, 2022, 09:14:27 PM
I find it very useful. However, I think the 120-day message should be changed (but not removed), since it's sometimes beneficial to bump topics.

I think we can tweak the duration after which it appears, but the message itself is hard-coded into the forum software (such that we'd have to change it to whatever we wanted after every software update, which isn't a great use of our time). In any event, the purpose of the message is to encourage the poster to stop and think about whether it may be a better idea to start a new thread.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on May 01, 2022, 12:46:34 AM

What would you rather have? Annoying reply notices or a message telling you to dial back your settings because they don't meet iOS's privacy requirements?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on May 01, 2022, 05:08:22 PM

Toilet paper with incorrect perforation, causing some squares to be hard to separate (often needing me to fold and carefully tear where the perforation should be but isn't or is only barely). It never used to be a problem, but since COVID it seems like a couple rolls per pack of my Charmin Ultra Soft do this, and given that my ground floor apartment has plumbing issues, "just use more when you encounter the problem" isn't really an option.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on May 01, 2022, 08:53:39 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on April 29, 2022, 02:56:57 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on April 29, 2022, 01:48:26 PM
I hate when people don't realize a marathon is a fixed distance. I can't stand it when I tell people I used to run marathons competitively and they ask "how long was your longest one?" They were all 26.2 miles.

I doubt many non-marathoners realize that it's always the same distance. Races that aren't 26.2 miles are fairly common. Eg, the Rainier to Ruston Relay here in the Seattle region is 50 miles.

True, but the word marathon isn't in their title.

Now ultra-marathons can be any distance greater then 26.2 miles, but its more of just crappy syntax.

I guess it bothers me because I knew a marathon was always 26.2 miles long before I started running them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on May 02, 2022, 01:00:37 AM

Quote from: vdeane on May 01, 2022, 05:08:22 PM
Toilet paper with incorrect perforation, causing some squares to be hard to separate (often needing me to fold and carefully tear where the perforation should be but isn't or is only barely). It never used to be a problem, but since COVID it seems like a couple rolls per pack of my Charmin Ultra Soft do this, and given that my ground floor apartment has plumbing issues, "just use more when you encounter the problem" isn't really an option.

I've noticed this too, even though Charmin isn't my brand. Maybe put an extra pair of scissors next to the TP?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on May 02, 2022, 07:27:38 AM

What I've noticed lately about TP is that often the beginning of the roll is glued so securely that it's very difficult to get the roll started and you wind up tearing up a few squares in the process.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on May 02, 2022, 09:12:42 AM

I moved into my apartment two months ago and bought a small pack of TP and am nowhere close to out. Living with women before that, that pack wouldn't have lasted a week. Why do women use so much TP????

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on May 02, 2022, 09:33:02 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on May 02, 2022, 09:12:42 AM
I moved into my apartment two months ago and bought a small pack of TP and am nowhere close to out. Living with women before that, that pack wouldn't have lasted a week. Why do women use so much TP????

They wipe for both 1 and 2.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 02, 2022, 11:13:51 AM

Quote from: kkt on April 29, 2022, 08:02:57 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 29, 2022, 01:58:15 PM
Back on spiders...

When you're about ready to go to bed, then you see a spider, so you get up to turn the light on or get a Kleenex or whatever, and when you come back in it isn't there. Great, now I can't sleep.

Doesn't bother me. We're about a million times the size of a spider, they're a lot more scared of us than we need to be of them.
Very very few species of spider are poisonous*.

* may not be true in Australia.

1. You mean 'venomous', not 'poisonous'. [/pedantic]

2. It doesn't necessarily bother me because of reason or logic, but rather on an emotional level.

3. The lingering question is 'Did a brown recluse just decide to bunk under my sheets, and now I'm going to surprise it by getting in?'

Quote from: vdeane on May 01, 2022, 05:08:22 PM
Toilet paper with incorrect perforation

I've never even worried about making sure to tear along the perforation. Maybe it's because I grew up with unperforated toilet paper? I just estimate how much I need, then pull to tear: the exact line it cuts doesn't matter to me.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 02, 2022, 09:33:02 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on May 02, 2022, 09:12:42 AM
I moved into my apartment two months ago and bought a small pack of TP and am nowhere close to out. Living with women before that, that pack wouldn't have lasted a week. Why do women use so much TP????

They wipe for both 1 and 2.

This should be obvious to anyone who's been in the bathroom while a lady was wiping herself. But, if someone has not been in that situation, then perhaps it's not such an obvious fact. After all, men don't wipe after #1, so it's not immediately obvious why a woman would.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on May 02, 2022, 12:45:15 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 02, 2022, 11:13:51 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 02, 2022, 09:33:02 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on May 02, 2022, 09:12:42 AM
I moved into my apartment two months ago and bought a small pack of TP and am nowhere close to out. Living with women before that, that pack wouldn't have lasted a week. Why do women use so much TP????

They wipe for both 1 and 2.

This should be obvious to anyone who's been in the bathroom while a lady was wiping herself. But, if someone has not been in that situation, then perhaps it's not such an obvious fact. After all, men don't wipe after #1, so it's not immediately obvious why a woman would.

This is such a weird conversation. :-D I thought it was a pretty obvious fact even though I haven't been in that situation, and I sure hope no one is finding out from this thread. I've known that since... I don't know... early grade school, maybe?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on May 02, 2022, 02:12:42 PM

It happened this morning when I was trying to link up a payment account... sites that intentionally disable paste for information. I don't know about you, but I use a password manager to manage my passwords,, and my passwords are more along the lines of zU-X\VD>B3!U5ntH instead of JoeBob1997! . Needless to say, a complex password is hard to type, but in most cases, I can just copy/paste the username/password from KeePass (https://markholtz.info/keepass) into the proper password fields. Some web sites, however, intentionally DISABLE the paste function either by Control-V or right-click → Paste.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 02, 2022, 02:30:45 PM

Quote from: webny99 on May 02, 2022, 12:45:15 PM
This is such a weird conversation.

Well, then let's get back to annoying food packaging...

* Zip-top packages that have a notch at the top corner, so you can rip a strip off the top, leaving the zip-strip exposed for you to easily pull open–except that, when you rip the strip off, the zip-strip still isn't exposed.

* Chips or candy bags that rip down the side when you open the top–such that it's nigh impossible to keep the contents from going stale when you roll the top down later.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Takumi on May 02, 2022, 02:43:24 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 02, 2022, 02:30:45 PM
* Zip-top packages that have a notch at the top corner, so you can rip a strip off the top, leaving the zip-strip exposed for you to easily pull open–except that, when you rip the strip off, the zip-strip still isn't exposed.

Ugh, this just happened to me yesterday, though with car parts as opposed to food.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on May 02, 2022, 04:15:05 PM

Quote from: Takumi on May 02, 2022, 02:43:24 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 02, 2022, 02:30:45 PM
* Zip-top packages that have a notch at the top corner, so you can rip a strip off the top, leaving the zip-strip exposed for you to easily pull open–except that, when you rip the strip off, the zip-strip still isn't exposed.
Ugh, this just happened to me yesterday, though with car parts as opposed to food.

Hah, beat you all to that frustration first.

Perhaps the inventor of the feature had to be the most frustrated...doubtful it worked on the first try!

Quote from: formulanone on April 02, 2021, 06:44:35 AM
Food packaging which fails to open properly, rendering the bag seal useless.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on May 02, 2022, 09:15:04 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on May 02, 2022, 02:12:42 PM
It happened this morning when I was trying to link up a payment account... sites that intentionally disable paste for information. I don't know about you, but I use a password manager to manage my passwords,, and my passwords are more along the lines of zU-X\VD>B3!U5ntH instead of JoeBob1997! . Needless to say, a complex password is hard to type, but in most cases, I can just copy/paste the username/password from KeePass (https://markholtz.info/keepass) into the proper password fields. Some web sites, however, intentionally DISABLE the paste function either by Control-V or right-click → Paste.

For desktop, at least, there is a "Don't fuck with paste" extension for Chrome and Firefox that prevents this. I'm also on team KeePass. I don't know any of my passwords.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on May 02, 2022, 09:27:24 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 02, 2022, 02:30:45 PM
Quote from: webny99 on May 02, 2022, 12:45:15 PM
This is such a weird conversation.

Well, then let's get back to annoying food packaging...

* Zip-top packages that have a notch at the top corner, so you can rip a strip off the top, leaving the zip-strip exposed for you to easily pull open—except that, when you rip the strip off, the zip-strip still isn't exposed.
'

I'll see your zip lock issue and raise you another.

How about those cheap packages that can't secure their zip halves to their appropriate sides of the bags...Then the one time you try to pull apart the zip lock seal, the one half of the zip track separates from the package.

So yes, you opened the bag, but the zip lock halves are still together and now you can't close the bag up the way it was just moments ago!!!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 02, 2022, 09:32:09 PM

Quote from: thenetwork on May 02, 2022, 09:27:24 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 02, 2022, 02:30:45 PM

Quote from: webny99 on May 02, 2022, 12:45:15 PM
This is such a weird conversation.

Well, then let's get back to annoying food packaging...

* Zip-top packages that have a notch at the top corner, so you can rip a strip off the top, leaving the zip-strip exposed for you to easily pull open–except that, when you rip the strip off, the zip-strip still isn't exposed.
'

I'll see your zip lock issue and raise you another.

How about those cheap packages that can't secure their zip halves to their appropriate sides of the bags...Then the one time you try to pull apart the zip lock seal, the one half of the zip track separates from the package.

So yes, you opened the bag, but the zip lock halves are still together and now you can't close the bag up the way it was just moments ago!!!

For me, those two things often happen at the same time. The pulled-off strip doesn't expose the zip-strip, so I try to open the package by pulling from below it instead, which then ends up with exactly the problem you describe.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on May 02, 2022, 09:49:36 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 02, 2022, 09:32:09 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on May 02, 2022, 09:27:24 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 02, 2022, 02:30:45 PM

Quote from: webny99 on May 02, 2022, 12:45:15 PM
This is such a weird conversation.

Well, then let's get back to annoying food packaging...

* Zip-top packages that have a notch at the top corner, so you can rip a strip off the top, leaving the zip-strip exposed for you to easily pull open–except that, when you rip the strip off, the zip-strip still isn't exposed.
'

I'll see your zip lock issue and raise you another.

How about those cheap packages that can't secure their zip halves to their appropriate sides of the bags...Then the one time you try to pull apart the zip lock seal, the one half of the zip track separates from the package.

So yes, you opened the bag, but the zip lock halves are still together and now you can't close the bag up the way it was just moments ago!!!

For me, those two things often happen at the same time. The pulled-off strip doesn't expose the zip-strip, so I try to open the package by pulling from below it instead, which then ends up with exactly the problem you describe.

^^ THIS!!!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on May 03, 2022, 09:43:11 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 02, 2022, 09:33:02 AM
Quote from: texaskdog on May 02, 2022, 09:12:42 AM
I moved into my apartment two months ago and bought a small pack of TP and am nowhere close to out. Living with women before that, that pack wouldn't have lasted a week. Why do women use so much TP????

They wipe for both 1 and 2.

with a LOT of paper

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 03, 2022, 10:21:43 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on May 03, 2022, 09:43:11 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 02, 2022, 09:33:02 AM
Quote from: texaskdog on May 02, 2022, 09:12:42 AM
I moved into my apartment two months ago and bought a small pack of TP and am nowhere close to out. Living with women before that, that pack wouldn't have lasted a week. Why do women use so much TP????

They wipe for both 1 and 2.

with a LOT of paper

Couldn't spare a square?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on May 03, 2022, 11:43:28 AM

Minor thing of the day: Power outages blocking street!
(https://storage13.openstreetcam.org/files/photo/2022/5/3/proc/5162057_ced4a4b0b90f068746ca08a90f8b03c0.jpg)
We had a duke truck blocking C Street after getting lunch, probably due to upgrades. :colorful:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on May 03, 2022, 03:12:28 PM

Google docs apparently doesn't have Canadian English as an option. Whether I choose American or British English, there will still be lots of words shown as "wrong", so I have to keep adding them to my dictionary. :-|

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on May 03, 2022, 03:17:51 PM

Quote from: 7/8 on May 03, 2022, 03:12:28 PMGoogle docs apparently doesn't have Canadian English as an option.

But Microsoft Word does.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tchafe1978 on May 03, 2022, 11:49:02 PM

Minor major annoyance: webpages with ads that load as you scroll down the page, causing the text to "jump" up and down as you're trying to read it. I do have adblocker, but many sites are now requring you to whitelist them and allow ads on their site.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 04, 2022, 01:15:22 AM

Quote from: tchafe1978 on May 03, 2022, 11:49:02 PM
Minor major annoyance: webpages with ads that load as you scroll down the page, causing the text to "jump" up and down as you're trying to read it. I do have adblocker, but many sites are now requring you to whitelist them and allow ads on their site.

Usually, I will use the adblocker to block the whitelist box. If that still doesn't work, I'll turn off JavaScript with the YesScript2 Firefox extension. If the browser executes no code from the site, the box can't spawn.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on May 06, 2022, 02:13:50 PM

Quote from: tchafe1978 on May 03, 2022, 11:49:02 PM
Minor major annoyance: webpages with ads that load as you scroll down the page, causing the text to "jump" up and down as you're trying to read it. I do have adblocker, but many sites are now requring you to whitelist them and allow ads on their site.

to add to this: webpages that 'autoplay' videos and such. i have decent internet at home now, but i would rather that bandwidth be used for actual content rather than junk-enhancement pill ads.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 06, 2022, 02:55:55 PM

SOLVED: Every few months, this happens. When I pass my mouse pointer over a program button on my Windows taskbar, the name of the program pops up and then sticks there for a few seconds. This is annoying for me, because I have my taskbar in vertical orientation, such that my pointer passes over the taskbar whenever I move it from one monitor to the other. Then the program name is blocking a small portion of my screen for a few seconds.

The solution is this:
1. Hit Ctrl+Alt+Delete, then choose the Task Manager.
2. Find 'Windows Explorer' in the Processes list.
3. Right-click and choose 'Restart'.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on May 06, 2022, 03:06:34 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 04, 2022, 01:15:22 AM
Quote from: tchafe1978 on May 03, 2022, 11:49:02 PMMinor major annoyance: webpages with ads that load as you scroll down the page, causing the text to "jump" up and down as you're trying to read it. I do have adblocker, but many sites are now requiring you to whitelist them and allow ads on their site.

Usually, I will use the adblocker to block the whitelist box. If that still doesn't work, I'll turn off JavaScript with the YesScript2 Firefox extension. If the browser executes no code from the site, the box can't spawn.

I basically don't use an adblocker anymore, because from my perspective the real problem is having to interact with the whitelist box, not the ads, and sites now almost invariably run JavaScript code that is designed to detect the presence of working adblockers. Most still do not check whether third-party ads actually load, so an ad-blocking HOSTS file (which forces localhost loopback for known ad servers) still works well to block ads.

There is a spectrum of commercial strategies in play: allowing free incognito loads, allowing payload retrieval but with JavaScript to hang a "Subscribe to see this" screen over the content, using JavaScript to load the payload so that meaningful content is almost impossible to see unless the ad delivery mechanism is working, and not allowing article page loads at all unless the user supplies a login cookie. I think the bottom line is that one has to pay somewhere in order to support investigative journalism that serves as a check on large corporations and the government.

Though I find it more comfortable to read in my easy chair, I now make an effort not to visit ad-supported sites on my Android tablet, simply because the ad infrastructure taxes it more and I do not think I have the admin rights required to install an ad-blocking HOSTS file. (When I have looked cursorily into the possibility, I've gotten the impression I need the Android developers' toolkit to "push" the HOSTS file onto the OS, and it requires admin rights to install said kit.)

Quote from: kphoger on May 06, 2022, 02:55:55 PMSOLVED: Every few months, this happens. When I pass my mouse pointer over a program button on my Windows taskbar, the name of the program pops up and then sticks there for a few seconds. This is annoying for me, because I have my taskbar in vertical orientation, such that my pointer passes over the taskbar whenever I move it from one monitor to the other. Then the program name is blocking a small portion of my screen for a few seconds.

The solution is this:
1. Hit Ctrl+Alt+Delete, then choose the Task Manager.
2. Find 'Windows Explorer' in the Processes list.
3. Right-click and choose 'Restart'.

This sounds like a screen-drawing bug that comes into play when a Windows session goes stale. Have you tried forcing a full screen redraw (e.g., WinKey + D for "desktop" to minimize everything) to get rid of hover boxes that don't time out?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 06, 2022, 03:10:35 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on May 06, 2022, 03:06:34 PM
Have you tried forcing a full screen redraw (e.g., WinKey + D for "desktop" to minimize everything) to get rid of hover boxes that don't time out?

I do that multiple times every day anyway, just as a convenient way to minimize all my windows at once, so it definitely isn't a solution to the problem. At least I now know an actual solution.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on May 06, 2022, 03:59:21 PM

People attending concerts who start clapping in rhythm.

Harry Connick famously "fixed" a crowd clapping on 1 and 3 (considered worse than on 2 and 4, but both are bad) by inserting a 5/4 measure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mI-CU2VTVic

But it's better not to clap.

(Another annoyance: I stopped watching Letterman when the audience would applaud for 15 seconds after every joke, bad or good)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 06, 2022, 04:06:25 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 06, 2022, 03:10:35 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on May 06, 2022, 03:06:34 PM
Have you tried forcing a full screen redraw (e.g., WinKey + D for "desktop" to minimize everything) to get rid of hover boxes that don't time out?

I do that multiple times every day anyway, just as a convenient way to minimize all my windows at once, so it definitely isn't a solution to the problem. At least I now know an actual solution.

Couldn't post this image earlier, because... NEW minor thing that bothers me: Apparently, the VPN that I use to access Charter Communication's database blocks Flickr. It means I can't see Flickr images posted on this forum, nor can I upload my own photo to the site. I don't think it used to be a problem, so maybe it was recently added to their list.

Anyway, here is what my taskbar usually looks like. You can see why WinKey+D is a welcome shortcut.

(https://i.imgur.com/uRsaZyO.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on May 06, 2022, 04:06:35 PM

Quote from: kurumi on May 06, 2022, 03:59:21 PM
People attending concerts who start clapping in rhythm.

Harry Connick famously "fixed" a crowd clapping on 1 and 3 (considered worse than on 2 and 4, but both are bad) by inserting a 5/4 measure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mI-CU2VTVic

But it's better not to clap.

(Another annoyance: I stopped watching Letterman when the audience would applaud for 15 seconds after every joke, bad or good)

I heard Penn Jillette talking about that on his podcast last year, and he mentioned a similar moment with another performer, but I can't remember who it was.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 06, 2022, 04:11:17 PM

Quote from: kurumi on May 06, 2022, 03:59:21 PM
But it's better not to clap.

It's especially annoying in a large concert hall. Because sound travels relatively slowly, the audience hears the beat slightly after it actually happens. So, if the audience claps to the beat, then they're actually behind the beat. Then that same lag happens when the band hears the clapping. Therefore, if the room is large enough, the band might actually be hearing the audience clap a third of a beat after they've already played the corresponding note. It gets really hard for a musician to keep time that way.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 06, 2022, 04:16:15 PM

The only thing you should clap in time to is the Radetzky March.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on May 06, 2022, 04:37:31 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 06, 2022, 03:10:35 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on May 06, 2022, 03:06:34 PMHave you tried forcing a full screen redraw (e.g., WinKey + D for "desktop" to minimize everything) to get rid of hover boxes that don't time out?

I do that multiple times every day anyway, just as a convenient way to minimize all my windows at once, so it definitely isn't a solution to the problem. At least I now know an actual solution.

It is good to have one that is known to work. I asked about WinKey + D because, with older versions of Windows, I found it was helpful to have less drastic solutions (or even to tolerate the drawing problem) because of the back-end costs of restarting the shell. The most annoying of these was the complete refusal of the file chooser to update file listings after rename/copy/move/delete operations. A few times I actually restarted the computer instead, because it was just not worth it to try organizing files if I was going to have to hit F5 after every single thing.

That's quite a busy taskbar!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on May 07, 2022, 10:02:47 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 06, 2022, 04:16:15 PM
The only thing you should clap in time to is the Radetzky March.

:clap: :clap:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on May 12, 2022, 07:51:17 PM

Computer-related minor thing: "We tried to send you this email as HTML (words and pictures) but it wasn't possible." My reaction: I read email in plain text as a security measure, so why aren't you cooperating?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on May 12, 2022, 07:52:18 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on May 12, 2022, 07:51:17 PM
Computer-related minor thing: "We tried to send you this email as HTML (words and pictures) but it wasn't possible." My reaction: I read email in plain text as a security measure, so why aren't you cooperating?

Yes. Plain text is more secure and will render pretty much anywhere.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 12, 2022, 09:49:38 PM

My work e-mail signature is an image. Every so often, I run across someone whose e-mail settings cause it to be added to their reply as an attachment. So I open the attachment, thinking it must be pertinent to their reply, only to find out it's my own e-mail signature.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 13, 2022, 01:54:03 AM

You probably shouldn't have your email signature be an image if you have any say in the matter–aside from people who have their email to load plain-text only, any textual content in it would be inaccessible to anyone who uses a screen reader or touch bar to read your email.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on May 13, 2022, 06:35:12 AM

Quote from: J N Winkler on May 12, 2022, 07:51:17 PM
Computer-related minor thing: "We tried to send you this email as HTML (words and pictures) but it wasn't possible." My reaction: I read email in plain text as a security measure, so why aren't you cooperating?

I gave up on the "plain text" thing YEARS ago, and this is from someone who been utilizing the Internet since he used a dial-up modem connecting to a Unix box since 1989. I understand where you are coming from since initially, the HTML /Rich Text Format emails initially was used to send out email with too much cuteness and fluff which, in turn, increased the size of the email message from 2k in size to 50k... which can be problematic on 28.8k connection or a 2G connection. Having said that, since I'm dealing with both external customers and engineers, and some of this requires that I highlight options in bold when providing step by step directions including embedded images.

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 13, 2022, 01:54:03 AM
You probably shouldn't have your email signature be an image if you have any say in the matter–aside from people who have their email to load plain-text only, any textual content in it would be inaccessible to anyone who uses a screen reader or touch bar to read your email.

Thankfully, my email signature is image-free, although for readability reasons, I do use HTML to format the text and put all of the required information including my manager contact information and my working hours with time zone with a clickable link to a online clock showing what time it currently is where I'm located (because, for some folks, "time conversion is hard"). I've lost count as to how many times I went into the attachments of a case and had to remove three different versions of an image included with a signature.

My gripes with email:

It was designed and implemented at a time when you could really trust each other on the Internet. Sadly, that time disappeared over 25 years ago.
Small businesses whose email domain ends in @hotmail.com, @gmail.com, @icloud.com, @outlook.com, @yahoo.com, or the dreaded @aol.com address. Look, I get why you want a cheap yet permanent email address. However, I see those domains as "disposable email accounts", and it gives me the impression that you are a unreliable fly-by-night operation and "too cheap to care about me as a customer", thus your card promptly gets filed into the recycle bin. It's very cheap to register and retain a domain name and attach it to a email service. Heck, I have nohootsgiven.com as one of my domain names (but no email is attached to that domain).
Spammers and phishers. They are the lowest of low lifes, and even pond scum refuse to be associated with them. They have converted email from "useful communications tool" to "junk mail heaven", and one of my domain names has been long been contaminated by them because they thought it would be good to use that as a return email address.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on May 13, 2022, 08:13:02 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on May 13, 2022, 06:35:12 AM
Small businesses whose email domain ends in @hotmail.com, @gmail.com, @icloud.com, @outlook.com, @yahoo.com, or the dreaded @aol.com address. Look, I get why you want a cheap yet permanent email address. However, I see those domains as "disposable email accounts", and it gives me the impression that you are a unreliable fly-by-night operation and "too cheap to care about me as a customer", thus your card promptly gets filed into the recycle bin. It's very cheap to register and retain a domain name and attach it to a email service. Heck, I have nohootsgiven.com as one of my domain names (but no email is attached to that domain).

I get your point here, but don't write off small businesses due to the email address. Small businesses have a number of small ticket items to consider...and those small ticket items add up to a lot of money. They can't implement everything few potential random customers may care about. And even if a small business got a personalized domain name, they probably don't have the technical expertise to generate emails using that address. There may be an additonal expense to do so to have the domain name hosted. And if they overlook renewing the subscription, suddenly their account is possibly lost.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 13, 2022, 09:19:09 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 13, 2022, 01:54:03 AM
You probably shouldn't have your email signature be an image if you have any say in the matter–aside from people who have their email to load plain-text only, any textual content in it would be inaccessible to anyone who uses a screen reader or touch bar to read your email.

I don't have a say. But the only non-text parts of my sig are (1) my name, (2) my title, (3) the name and address of the company, (4) the company phone number and fax number, and (5) my e-mail address. Well, I don't care if they know my name, my title and the name of the company are in my e-mail address itself, I don't care if they know our address, and nobody calls me or faxes me for anything anyway.

I did get away with editing the image file that was created for me, in order to satisfy my anal-retentive need for the vertical bars (pipe symbols) in two separate lines of text to line up. I then connected them in order to make it one vertical line. I suspect nobody even noticed my alteration–except the co-worker at the next desk over, who is similarly anal-retentive about such things...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on May 13, 2022, 10:26:36 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 13, 2022, 08:13:02 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on May 13, 2022, 06:35:12 AM
Small businesses whose email domain ends in @hotmail.com, @gmail.com, @icloud.com, @outlook.com, @yahoo.com, or the dreaded @aol.com address. Look, I get why you want a cheap yet permanent email address. However, I see those domains as "disposable email accounts", and it gives me the impression that you are a unreliable fly-by-night operation and "too cheap to care about me as a customer", thus your card promptly gets filed into the recycle bin. It's very cheap to register and retain a domain name and attach it to a email service. Heck, I have nohootsgiven.com as one of my domain names (but no email is attached to that domain).

I get your point here, but don't write off small businesses due to the email address. Small businesses have a number of small ticket items to consider...and those small ticket items add up to a lot of money. They can't implement everything few potential random customers may care about. And even if a small business got a personalized domain name, they probably don't have the technical expertise to generate emails using that address. There may be an additonal expense to do so to have the domain name hosted. And if they overlook renewing the subscription, suddenly their account is possibly lost.

I've worked with small business when I was younger, and you need to be "smart" with your IT to keep your costs down. There is a difference between the "cheap" solution and the "frugal" solution. I've had too many situations where I had to "clean up" the mess months after the implementation of the "cheap" solution, and then arguing about why the cleanup bill is so high. Backups of their computer, especially their computer that handles their accounting information, is critical. You can back up easily online for $7 per month, which is much cheaper than shipping a crashed hard drive and praying for data recovery. Try explaining to the IRS or the California Franchise Tax Board why you are unable to submit your business tax returns because your laptop is missing. Thank goodness between the time I stopped helping small business IT and now, there are now cloud-based accounting solutions.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 13, 2022, 05:58:38 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 13, 2022, 09:19:09 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 13, 2022, 01:54:03 AM
You probably shouldn't have your email signature be an image if you have any say in the matter–aside from people who have their email to load plain-text only, any textual content in it would be inaccessible to anyone who uses a screen reader or touch bar to read your email.

I don't have a say. But the only non-text parts of my sig are (1) my name, (2) my title, (3) the name and address of the company, (4) the company phone number and fax number, and (5) my e-mail address. Well, I don't care if they know my name, my title and the name of the company are in my e-mail address itself, I don't care if they know our address, and nobody calls me or faxes me for anything anyway.

I did get away with editing the image file that was created for me, in order to satisfy my anal-retentive need for the vertical bars (pipe symbols) in two separate lines of text to line up. I then connected them in order to make it one vertical line. I suspect nobody even noticed my alteration–except the co-worker at the next desk over, who is similarly anal-retentive about such things...

If you ever want to cause problems on purpose, casually mention to someone in a suit that the company would probably lose an ADA lawsuit because of that policy...

Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 13, 2022, 08:13:02 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on May 13, 2022, 06:35:12 AM
Small businesses whose email domain ends in @hotmail.com, @gmail.com, @icloud.com, @outlook.com, @yahoo.com, or the dreaded @aol.com address. Look, I get why you want a cheap yet permanent email address. However, I see those domains as "disposable email accounts", and it gives me the impression that you are a unreliable fly-by-night operation and "too cheap to care about me as a customer", thus your card promptly gets filed into the recycle bin. It's very cheap to register and retain a domain name and attach it to a email service. Heck, I have nohootsgiven.com as one of my domain names (but no email is attached to that domain).

I get your point here, but don't write off small businesses due to the email address. Small businesses have a number of small ticket items to consider...and those small ticket items add up to a lot of money. They can't implement everything few potential random customers may care about. And even if a small business got a personalized domain name, they probably don't have the technical expertise to generate emails using that address. There may be an additonal expense to do so to have the domain name hosted. And if they overlook renewing the subscription, suddenly their account is possibly lost.

Yeah, the process of linking an email to a domain is not hard per se, but it does have a lot of steps. I'm generally pretty technically-inclined, and the first time I did it, it took a little bit of tinkering before I understood what I was doing. Good luck explaining it to someone who only has a tenuous concept of what a "domain name" is. Watch their eyes glaze over when you say "MX record".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 13, 2022, 06:03:43 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 13, 2022, 05:58:38 PM
If you ever want to cause problems on purpose, casually mention to someone in a suit that the company would probably lose an ADA lawsuit because of that policy...

Why? Are company e-mails required to have all that information included? Couldn't I just have no sig at all? Plenty of people do.

In other words, how is my little sig card image any different than, say, a 49ers logo?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on May 13, 2022, 06:10:31 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 06, 2022, 04:16:15 PM
The only thing you should clap in time to is the Radetzky March.

I will continue to Stomp, Stomp, Clap to We Will Rock You until I die

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 13, 2022, 06:17:38 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 13, 2022, 06:03:43 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 13, 2022, 05:58:38 PM
If you ever want to cause problems on purpose, casually mention to someone in a suit that the company would probably lose an ADA lawsuit because of that policy...

Why? Are company e-mails required to have all that information included? Couldn't I just have no sig at all? Plenty of people do.

In other words, how is my little sig card image any different than, say, a 49ers logo?

Information that could help complete a transaction (yes, your company's processes don't use that information, but it could be perceived to be of value by the customer for reasons nobody else understands) is being provided to non-disabled users in a format that disabled users can't access. That is a form of discrimination. If no sig is provided, nobody gets any information, so there is no discrimination. And a 49ers logo going missing probably isn't going to impede the customer from completing their transaction, so it's fine if they don't get that.

Now, could they just get the relevant information in some other way? Yeah, probably. So is it likely to materially negatively impact a disabled customer? Eh, it might annoy them a bit because they have to Google it or get it off the company website, or have an abled friend read the image to them. The main reason this becomes relevant is if someone has an ADA claim to a more serious issue. Then, the lawyer for the plaintiff could say "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, you see, Company X is so committed to discriminating against the disabled that they don't even allow their employees to write their email signatures in a way that they might be accessible to the blind..."

In any event, the reason why I said "if you want to cause problems on purpose" is that the stars would have to align for this to be an actual issue, but once you bring it up to a management type, you'll probably get to see them wearing a different pair of trousers for the rest of the day.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on May 14, 2022, 08:29:29 PM

I downloaded various of the "roadgeek" fonts for my work computer and used them in my work email signature for years. Of course, they don't render properly on the recipient's machine unless they have those fonts installed. So I tried to design a signature graphic using the fonts, but it looked awful, and didn't always render properly, so I gave up.

A number of people have little clickable images in their sigs (Facebook, Twitter, various Web sites, etc.) and no one has said anything to them about issues.

Of course, there are a whole lot of people I work with that don't have signatures at all.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on May 15, 2022, 01:24:27 AM

That the title of one of the sub-forums on here is "Urban Planning and design" with a lowercase D.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 15, 2022, 01:34:33 AM

Quote from: US 89 on May 15, 2022, 01:24:27 AM
That the title of one of the sub-forums on here is "Urban Planning and design" with a lowercase D.

Is that better?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on May 15, 2022, 12:55:28 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 15, 2022, 01:34:33 AM
Quote from: US 89 on May 15, 2022, 01:24:27 AM
That the title of one of the sub-forums on here is "Urban Planning and design" with a lowercase D.

Is that better?

Ow, my eyes!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on May 15, 2022, 01:35:23 PM

Quote from: US 89 on May 15, 2022, 12:55:28 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 15, 2022, 01:34:33 AM
Quote from: US 89 on May 15, 2022, 01:24:27 AM
That the title of one of the sub-forums on here is "Urban Planning and design" with a lowercase D.

Is that better?

Ow, my eyes!

Hey, at least the text isn't LiKe ThAt OnE SpOnGeBoB MoCkInG mEmE.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on May 15, 2022, 02:17:46 PM

Title case (a variant of which is used to render all-uppercase legends on US warning and regulatory signs to avoid shouty all-caps): "Urban Planning and Design."

Sentence case (required for British road signs): "Urban planning and design."

Programmers' case: "urban planning and Design."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on May 15, 2022, 04:27:45 PM

^ I would have thought "urbanPlanningAndDesign" for the programming one... in any case, I see you've influenced the forum.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on May 15, 2022, 05:48:00 PM

I have a colleague who insists on naming electronic files using title case. She's the only one who does it, and we don't normally use title case for anything except centered section headings, so I'm not sure why she insists on it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 15, 2022, 05:54:53 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on May 15, 2022, 05:48:00 PM
I have a colleague who insists on naming electronic files using title case. She's the only one who does it, and we don't normally use title case for anything except centered section headings, so I'm not sure why she insists on it.

As someone who uses a case-sensitive filesystem, I hate your coworker.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on May 15, 2022, 06:15:47 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 15, 2022, 05:54:53 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on May 15, 2022, 05:48:00 PM
I have a colleague who insists on naming electronic files using title case. She's the only one who does it, and we don't normally use title case for anything except centered section headings, so I'm not sure why she insists on it.

As someone who uses a case-sensitive filesystem, I hate your coworker.

That's like half my files until I got over using spaces in long filenames a few years ago.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on May 15, 2022, 07:24:04 PM

Unicode filenames are fun:

甘肃省高速公路交通标志优化提升工程施工图设计敦煌高速公路处 .pdf

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 15, 2022, 08:11:33 PM

Quote from: formulanone on May 15, 2022, 06:15:47 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 15, 2022, 05:54:53 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on May 15, 2022, 05:48:00 PM
I have a colleague who insists on naming electronic files using title case. She's the only one who does it, and we don't normally use title case for anything except centered section headings, so I'm not sure why she insists on it.

As someone who uses a case-sensitive filesystem, I hate your coworker.

That's like half my files until I got over using spaces in long filenames a few years ago.

Spaces are even worse, since command-line arguments use spaces as separators. For example mv file1 file2 moves/renames file1 to file2. So if you have a file called Big Huge Long Name With Caps.pdf and want to rename it sensible_name.pdf you have to do mv Big\ Huge\ Long\ Name\ With\ Caps.pdf sensible_name.pdf. Otherwise it will assume you are trying to move a file named Big to Huge and it will fail.

All files I create are all lowercase with hyphens or underscores in place of spaces.

"Wouldn't a case-insensitive filesystem be better?" No, because if you're procedurally generating files whose filenames will never be used by a human, having "7gpxhY" and "7gpxhy" refer to different files doubles the amount of file names you can have in the same number of characters. (Also, changing it now would break compatibility going back to the 1970s.)

"Why don't you just use a graphical file manager so you don't have to worry about spaces?" Ever had to rename 1300+ files in a graphical file manager?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on May 15, 2022, 08:52:07 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 15, 2022, 08:11:33 PMSpaces are even worse, since command-line arguments use spaces as separators. For example mv file1 file2 moves/renames file1 to file2. So if you have a file called Big Huge Long Name With Caps.pdf and want to rename it sensible_name.pdf you have to do mv Big\ Huge\ Long\ Name\ With\ Caps.pdf sensible_name.pdf. Otherwise it will assume you are trying to move a file named Big to Huge and it will fail.

It's been a while since I used the Unix shell in anger, but doesn't the single quote (') still work as a grouping character? In NT batch the double quote (") fulfills that function.

When I generate filenames for my own use, I limit myself to lowercase letters (a-z), the ten digits (0-9), period only as the extension separator, and hyphen to separate words without whitespace. (I don't use the underscore character to eliminate whitespace because it won't necessarily show up against hyperlink underlining if the file is subsequently uploaded to the Web.) When I am working with files others have named, however, I tend to retain the original filenames--even with whitespace and problematic characters--to maintain traceability. If I am sent a file through email and have to try to find it again (e.g., sender lost it and wants me to send it back), the original filename is an easy search term. If I downloaded the file years ago and the website hosting it later disappears or moves and someone wants to know where the resource can be found if it is still available online, Googling the original filename is one way to find an answer.

This said, I absolutely hate filenames with characters that are reserved in any OS because they cause all kinds of problems with downloading and archiving. I've seen wget act strange with URLs that have an octothorp (#) or dollar sign ($) in the filename. In Windows environments, a tarball that is copied with robocopy will not pass elementary validation (number of files in copy matches number of files in the original) if one of the files copied has a tilde (~).

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 15, 2022, 08:11:33 PM"Why don't you just use a graphical file manager so you don't have to worry about spaces?" Ever had to rename 1300+ files in a graphical file manager?

Some GUI file choosers do have batch renaming capability--Windows Explorer does, for example. However, I tend not to use them if order matters. Windows Explorer's batch-renaming mechanism basically substitutes the base filename you type in for the filenames of the original files, with an underscore followed by the number in the sequence in which Windows thinks a given file was selected. This is often (always?) something like (first file), (last file), (files between first and last along direction of selection), or some such nonsense. The sequence numbers are not zero-filled either.

I do not actually spend much time sitting at my computer typing in names for files. If I didn't create the data stream and it comes in without a filename, the name I use for storing it locally is typically generated by an algorithm. I also have a script that generates timestamp filenames (YYYYMMDD-HHMMSS) for diary entries before opening them in Notepad++ for composition.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on May 15, 2022, 10:13:09 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 15, 2022, 08:11:33 PM
Quote from: formulanone on May 15, 2022, 06:15:47 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 15, 2022, 05:54:53 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on May 15, 2022, 05:48:00 PM
I have a colleague who insists on naming electronic files using title case. She's the only one who does it, and we don't normally use title case for anything except centered section headings, so I'm not sure why she insists on it.

As someone who uses a case-sensitive filesystem, I hate your coworker.

That's like half my files until I got over using spaces in long filenames a few years ago.

Spaces are even worse, since command-line arguments use spaces as separators. For example mv file1 file2 moves/renames file1 to file2. So if you have a file called Big Huge Long Name With Caps.pdf and want to rename it sensible_name.pdf you have to do mv Big\ Huge\ Long\ Name\ With\ Caps.pdf sensible_name.pdf. Otherwise it will assume you are trying to move a file named Big to Huge and it will fail.

All files I create are all lowercase with hyphens or underscores in place of spaces.

"Wouldn't a case-insensitive filesystem be better?" No, because if you're procedurally generating files whose filenames will never be used by a human, having "7gpxhY" and "7gpxhy" refer to different files doubles the amount of file names you can have in the same number of characters. (Also, changing it now would break compatibility going back to the 1970s.)

"Why don't you just use a graphical file manager so you don't have to worry about spaces?" Ever had to rename 1300+ files in a graphical file manager?

Case-sensitive file names MORE than double the possible file names. It doubles the possible names for EACH LETTER in the file name, so if your filenames are, say, 8 letters long instead of 26^8 possibilities (about 208 billion) you have 52^8 possibilities (about 50 trillion).

However, 208 billion files in the same directory will hit all sorts of other limits. Filespace, inodes...

There are lots and lots of OSs, each with their own special demands for characters in the filenames. It's very hard to make all of them happy. At least Unix lets you use almost all of them, even if it makes typing it to the shell a living hell.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on May 15, 2022, 10:17:49 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 15, 2022, 05:54:53 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on May 15, 2022, 05:48:00 PM
I have a colleague who insists on naming electronic files using title case. She's the only one who does it, and we don't normally use title case for anything except centered section headings, so I'm not sure why she insists on it.

As someone who uses a case-sensitive filesystem, I hate your coworker.

I have my issues with her, but part of that was just due to being in close proximity for too long last week and having to put up with annoying foibles. Might be my turning into a grumpy old man, too (I will hit 49 later this month; my colleague is 31).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on May 15, 2022, 10:24:25 PM

Unrelated to the above (and hence the reason for the double post):

The woman who sits in front of us at Verizon Center always wears jeans that don't fit properly and invariably exposes buttcrack at some point during a game when she stands up. It's become a running joke among our season-ticket group. My wife and I know her name, but our season ticket partners apparently don't and they've taken to calling her "Buttcrack" and viewing her as the team's lucky charm (e.g., "No Buttcrack tonight, we're sunk.").

This has become so pervasive that my phone has discovered it:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220516/36eac7cda3e88707c34f1823dc13fa75.jpeg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on May 16, 2022, 10:51:59 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on May 15, 2022, 10:24:25 PMVerizon Center

If you're gonna do this, go all the way. Call it the MCI Center.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 16, 2022, 03:16:07 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 15, 2022, 08:11:33 PM
All files I create are all lowercase with hyphens or underscores in place of spaces.

I tend to do this as well. Especially the underscore.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 16, 2022, 04:37:16 PM

People who get bent out of shape when I use official terminology in writing over local slang. Example: a person got on my case today for using "California State Route 90," "Yorba Linda Freeway," and "Richard Nixon Parkway" over SoCal-slang "The 90."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on May 16, 2022, 05:35:01 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 15, 2022, 08:11:33 PM
Quote from: formulanone on May 15, 2022, 06:15:47 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 15, 2022, 05:54:53 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on May 15, 2022, 05:48:00 PM
I have a colleague who insists on naming electronic files using title case. She's the only one who does it, and we don't normally use title case for anything except centered section headings, so I'm not sure why she insists on it.

As someone who uses a case-sensitive filesystem, I hate your coworker.

That's like half my files until I got over using spaces in long filenames a few years ago.

Spaces are even worse, since command-line arguments use spaces as separators. For example mv file1 file2 moves/renames file1 to file2. So if you have a file called Big Huge Long Name With Caps.pdf and want to rename it sensible_name.pdf you have to do mv Big\ Huge\ Long\ Name\ With\ Caps.pdf sensible_name.pdf. Otherwise it will assume you are trying to move a file named Big to Huge and it will fail.

All files I create are all lowercase with hyphens or underscores in place of spaces.

"Wouldn't a case-insensitive filesystem be better?" No, because if you're procedurally generating files whose filenames will never be used by a human, having "7gpxhY" and "7gpxhy" refer to different files doubles the amount of file names you can have in the same number of characters. (Also, changing it now would break compatibility going back to the 1970s.)

"Why don't you just use a graphical file manager so you don't have to worry about spaces?" Ever had to rename 1300+ files in a graphical file manager?

I literally don't have this problem but I get your point.

I also hate the "extra work" of having an underscore character and despised how you couldn't see them back in the dark days of web design. Spaces were no better because they were annoying "%20" turds in the URL. In short, I plugged along with all-lower case filenames for ages, moved onto TitleCase since Windows permitted it, but stopped doing it since I haven't seriously hosted anything in the last half-decade.

I'll only use underscores if the file name must have a visual space to prevent ambiguity and the application won't allow spaces in filenames, but that's a really short list.

TL;DR there's always a reason and it's usually lame but that's also added job security.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 17, 2022, 12:42:38 AM

When someone you did business with sends you a bill, and you pay them, but their billing cycle is such that they send you another bill for the same transaction before they get around to applying your payment to your account. Then you have to dig into your records and see if they're trying to charge you twice, or if they're just sending you an unnecessary reminder to pay the bill you already paid.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on May 17, 2022, 07:25:20 AM

Similarly, when you schedule an automatic payment for a bill on the date it is due. A week before the payment, they send you another email telling you about the bill that is due. Uhh, couldn't your fancy computer check to see that the payment is already scheduled?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on May 17, 2022, 07:39:45 AM

Quote from: GaryV on May 17, 2022, 07:25:20 AM
Similarly, when you schedule an automatic payment for a bill on the date it is due. A week before the payment, they send you another email telling you about the bill that is due. Uhh, couldn't your fancy computer check to see that the payment is already scheduled?

I thought your comment sounded familiar, and indeed it was (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=30258.msg2665494#msg2665494). Since I use my bank's system, I guess the creditor can't tell that I scheduled the payment. What mildly irks me about the messages you cite is the way they're written–like somehow you're expected to pay your bill super-early. As I said in reply to your comment linked above, they don't reward you for paying early. The one time a creditor did, I did pay early (our HOA used to give a 5% discount if you paid the full year in a lump sum, so I did so; when they stopped the discount, I stopped paying the lump sum).

With that said, I can understand why some people might schedule bill payments on a different basis, such as to coincide with payday or the like. I consider myself fortunate that I don't normally need to do that; the most I sometimes do is I either "time" purchases based on when a card statement will close or I use a different card if I want a later payment due date.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: index on May 17, 2022, 08:48:32 AM

People projecting their obsessions on to you!

My mother always uses things I did and things that happened a decade and a half ago to justify her obsessions about me. I'm home for the summer and now she always freaks out when I'm not at the house, telling me stuff like "how do I know you're not psychotic and in the hospital?" or "how do I know you're not buying drugs?" because I experimented with weed and ended up going to the hospital this one time (of my own volition, I had a friend take care of it for me), which is when she found out I had schizoaffective (I did not tell her either). I used to tell a lot of white lies when I was 5-9 years old, and that was what she used to justify the fact she was obsessed over the idea whenever I'm not home, I'm in some sort of grave danger and I'm not telling her the truth about it. As if I'm still a six-year-old.

Ever since then, she scrutinizes every single thing I do, looking for signs of psychosis/drug use and constantly talks about it nonstop in every single topic she brings up, regardless if it's relevant or not. Me doing that one thing didn't cause her to worry, she's been like that pretty much her entire life and only does this to me, not any other of her children. When I went to the Hampton Roads last year, she tried to convince me not to go because I could get "kidnapped and/or raped by pedophiles", despite the fact I was 18 years old, and look much older than my age. When I was 12 years old she called the police and insisted they search my computer and press charges because I was being "hunted by child predators." What was I actually doing? Making crude sex jokes on the phone with a friend from middle school, as 12-year-olds do. She referred to that kind of stuff as "mentally disturbed". She refused to let me see friends whose parents she didn't know, which may seem normal, except when you consider that her justification was that they "might kill me". Her justification for that is that I almost died as an infant due to a birth defect, even though that's completely unrelated to anything that she worries about.

I could go on and on about this. This is why I need to move out for good...

Now that I finish typing this, I'm not so sure it's just something "minor" that bothers me but oh well. She just did this again and I guess I'm pissed off about it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on May 17, 2022, 11:19:22 AM

Quote from: index on May 17, 2022, 08:48:32 AM
People projecting their obsessions on to you!

My mother always uses things I did and things that happened a decade and a half ago to justify her obsessions about me. I'm home for the summer and now she always freaks out when I'm not at the house, telling me stuff like "how do I know you're not psychotic and in the hospital?" or "how do I know you're not buying drugs?" because I experimented with weed and ended up going to the hospital this one time (of my own volition, I had a friend take care of it for me), which is when she found out I had schizoaffective (I did not tell her either). I used to tell a lot of white lies when I was 5-9 years old, and that was what she used to justify the fact she was obsessed over the idea whenever I'm not home, I'm in some sort of grave danger and I'm not telling her the truth about it. As if I'm still a six-year-old.

Ever since then, she scrutinizes every single thing I do, looking for signs of psychosis/drug use and constantly talks about it nonstop in every single topic she brings up, regardless if it's relevant or not. Me doing that one thing didn't cause her to worry, she's been like that pretty much her entire life and only does this to me, not any other of her children. When I went to the Hampton Roads last year, she tried to convince me not to go because I could get "kidnapped and/or raped by pedophiles", despite the fact I was 18 years old, and look much older than my age. When I was 12 years old she called the police and insisted they search my computer and press charges because I was being "hunted by child predators." What was I actually doing? Making crude sex jokes on the phone with a friend from middle school, as 12-year-olds do. She referred to that kind of stuff as "mentally disturbed". She refused to let me see friends whose parents she didn't know, which may seem normal, except when you consider that her justification was that they "might kill me". Her justification for that is that I almost died as an infant due to a birth defect, even though that's completely unrelated to anything that she worries about.

I could go on and on about this. This is why I need to move out for good...

Now that I finish typing this, I'm not so sure it's just something "minor" that bothers me but oh well. She just did this again and I guess I'm pissed off about it.

I've had my days too.
Let me explain about my parents. They are good in some way, but you know what in the other.
When I was 12 years old, I started performing criminal activity, resulting in credit card damage, financial losses and other things to the point of changing locks on their phones, computers, and even locking up my computers at night. I can't even get my own phone due to the lack of responsibility. I have, however, an old phone of my fathers, a Samsung Galaxy On5, which I have to use. My parents even lock up their food in the fridge or now a locker! They even have separate keys. Every morning, I have to get my father's pants to go unlock the fridge and locker.
How pathetic is this, that my behavior has been going ever since I was 2.5 years old.
Bryce

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on May 17, 2022, 11:40:12 AM

Such is the nature of reputation. Decades to build a good one, and a day to destroy it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on May 18, 2022, 08:19:39 AM

Quote from: index on May 17, 2022, 08:48:32 AM
People projecting their obsessions on to you!

(In the absence of professional advice.) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shadow_(psychology))

Standard Disclaimer, yada yada yada.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on May 18, 2022, 10:18:03 AM

(https://i.imgur.com/CQXZMOv.png)
My watch return required me to exchange for a different item. I wanted to refund it to my card, but no!
Bryce

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2022, 10:23:52 AM

"Worst ever" seems a little harsh. How much research did you do before you came to the conclusion Amazon was the worst store ever?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 18, 2022, 10:29:45 AM

I shouldn't have even expected to get my money back for a "no longer needed" return...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on May 18, 2022, 10:31:49 AM

Quote from: kphoger on May 18, 2022, 10:29:45 AM
I shouldn't have even expected to get my money back for a "no longer needed" return...

I agree with you.
But Amazon was greedy enough to require an exchange.
Bryce

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on May 18, 2022, 10:32:47 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2022, 10:23:52 AM
"Worst ever" seems a little harsh. How much research did you do before you came to the conclusion Amazon was the worst store ever?

https://www.businessinsider.com/work-at-amazon-jobs-performance-reviews-hiring-firing-interviews-warehouses-delivery-drivers (https://www.businessinsider.com/work-at-amazon-jobs-performance-reviews-hiring-firing-interviews-warehouses-delivery-drivers)
The link above is where Amazon is the worst place to work.
Bryce

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 18, 2022, 10:39:27 AM

Quote from: snowc on May 18, 2022, 10:31:49 AM

Quote from: kphoger on May 18, 2022, 10:29:45 AM
I shouldn't have even expected to get my money back for a "no longer needed" return...

I agree with you.
But Amazon was greedy enough to require an exchange.

Huh?

Look, if I were to buy an activity fitness tracker, then decide I didn't ~~want~~ need it anymore, I shouldn't expect the store to even accept it as a return at all. There's nothing wrong with it, and I've already used it, so why should I expect them to take it back? The fact that they're taking it back at all is un-greedy of them. Having stipulations about how to pay out your refund (cash back on your card, gift card sent in the mail, item exchange, free monthly chewing gum subscription service (https://www.mysubscriptionaddiction.com/2021/09/theres-a-subscription-for-that-chewing-gum.html)–whatever–is totally understandable.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2022, 10:40:36 AM

Quote from: snowc on May 18, 2022, 10:32:47 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2022, 10:23:52 AM
"Worst ever" seems a little harsh. How much research did you do before you came to the conclusion Amazon was the worst store ever?
https://www.businessinsider.com/work-at-amazon-jobs-performance-reviews-hiring-firing-interviews-warehouses-delivery-drivers (https://www.businessinsider.com/work-at-amazon-jobs-performance-reviews-hiring-firing-interviews-warehouses-delivery-drivers)
The link above is where Amazon is the worst place to work.
Bryce

But that wasn't the conclusion you came to. In your analysis you concluded Amazon was the store ever. Please expound upon on the calculus you used to conclude that in all of human history that Amazon is the absolute worst there has been.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: snowc on May 18, 2022, 10:45:31 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2022, 10:40:36 AM
Quote from: snowc on May 18, 2022, 10:32:47 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2022, 10:23:52 AM
"Worst ever" seems a little harsh. How much research did you do before you came to the conclusion Amazon was the worst store ever?
https://www.businessinsider.com/work-at-amazon-jobs-performance-reviews-hiring-firing-interviews-warehouses-delivery-drivers (https://www.businessinsider.com/work-at-amazon-jobs-performance-reviews-hiring-firing-interviews-warehouses-delivery-drivers)
The link above is where Amazon is the worst place to work.
Bryce

But that wasn't the conclusion you came to. In your analysis you concluded Amazon was the store ever. Please expound upon on the calculus you used to conclude that in all of human history that Amazon is the absolute worst there has been.

Ok, I will remove that statement. -BM

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 18, 2022, 10:49:42 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2022, 10:40:36 AM
In your analysis you concluded Amazon was the store ever. Please expound upon on the calculus you used to conclude that in all of human history that Amazon is the absolute worst there has been.

It's possible he employed a literary device known as hyperbole...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2022, 10:51:58 AM

Quote from: kphoger on May 18, 2022, 10:49:42 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2022, 10:40:36 AM
In your analysis you concluded Amazon was the store ever. Please expound upon on the calculus you used to conclude that in all of human history that Amazon is the absolute worst there has been.

It's possible he employed a literary device known as hyperbole...

It certainly is "possible" but...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on May 18, 2022, 11:06:43 AM

I wonder how many people bitching about Jeff Bezos' wealth and Amazon's treatment of employees also continue to purchase from the company.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on May 18, 2022, 11:28:24 AM

I recently returned something to Amazon as "no longer needed." I don't know that I had the option to denote whether the item had been opened or not, but it had not been opened (it was Feliway and we bought it to calm a temperamental cat who ended up dying unexpectedly). I was given the refund option, but had to pay for the return shipping, and that amount was deducted from the refund.

I note the above says the exchange is "suggested." Were any attempts made to request a refund rather than accept the default exchange?

If the item has been opened and used and you just don't want it anymore, they'll have to take the loss on it and an exchange is actually quite generous of them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bulldog1979 on May 18, 2022, 11:37:44 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 07, 2021, 03:53:02 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/MGxSnFA.jpg)

"...or else you're getting a ticket!"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on May 18, 2022, 12:49:17 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on May 18, 2022, 11:06:43 AMI wonder how many people bitching about Jeff Bezos' wealth and Amazon's treatment of employees also continue to purchase from the company.

Well, I certainly spend a hell of a lot less at Amazon than I did a few years ago, but getting it down to $0 is a bit of a challenge.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2022, 12:51:23 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on May 18, 2022, 11:06:43 AM
I wonder how many people bitching about Jeff Bezos' wealth and Amazon's treatment of employees also continue to purchase from the company.

Probably not many. It never really stopped many people from shopping at Walmart either when similar issues have come up regarding employee treatment.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on May 18, 2022, 01:15:16 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 18, 2022, 10:29:45 AM
I shouldn't have even expected to get my money back for a "no longer needed" return...

Makes no difference on Amazon, it's just for their data. You can return literally anything within 30-60 days for any reason, without question.

I don't think snowc scrolled far enough, exchanging is never the only option.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 18, 2022, 01:29:48 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on May 18, 2022, 01:15:16 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 18, 2022, 10:29:45 AM
I shouldn't have even expected to get my money back for a "no longer needed" return...

Makes no difference on Amazon, it's just for their data. You can return literally anything within 30-60 days for any reason, without question.

I don't think snowc scrolled far enough, exchanging is never the only option.

Oh, I figured Amazon had some sort of policy like that. I didn't really mean Amazon specifically, though. I mean that, as a consumer, my general expectation is that a store won't take back an item I've already used just because I find it "no longer needed". To call a company that does so "worst ever" shows a lack of reasonable expectations.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Takumi on May 18, 2022, 01:55:13 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on May 18, 2022, 12:49:17 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on May 18, 2022, 11:06:43 AMI wonder how many people bitching about Jeff Bezos' wealth and Amazon's treatment of employees also continue to purchase from the company.
Well, I certainly spend a hell of a lot less at Amazon than I did a few years ago, but getting it down to $0 is a bit of a challenge.

I haven't intentionally bought from Amazon in quite some time, but I'm sure I still inadvertently buy things from places that use them as a middleman or use AWS hosting.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2022, 02:47:24 PM

Quote from: Takumi on May 18, 2022, 01:55:13 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 18, 2022, 12:49:17 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on May 18, 2022, 11:06:43 AMI wonder how many people bitching about Jeff Bezos' wealth and Amazon's treatment of employees also continue to purchase from the company.
Well, I certainly spend a hell of a lot less at Amazon than I did a few years ago, but getting it down to $0 is a bit of a challenge.
I haven't intentionally bought from Amazon in quite some time, but I'm sure I still inadvertently buy things from places that use them as a middleman or use AWS hosting.

It's way too easier to walk out of my security office at the Base Exchange and get what I need while working. The fact that I didn't have an Amazon account vexed my now wife when I first dated her.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 18, 2022, 05:30:55 PM

Quote from: snowc on May 18, 2022, 10:45:31 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2022, 10:40:36 AM
Quote from: snowc on May 18, 2022, 10:32:47 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2022, 10:23:52 AM
"Worst ever" seems a little harsh. How much research did you do before you came to the conclusion Amazon was the worst store ever?
https://www.businessinsider.com/work-at-amazon-jobs-performance-reviews-hiring-firing-interviews-warehouses-delivery-drivers (https://www.businessinsider.com/work-at-amazon-jobs-performance-reviews-hiring-firing-interviews-warehouses-delivery-drivers)
The link above is where Amazon is the worst place to work.
Bryce

But that wasn't the conclusion you came to. In your analysis you concluded Amazon was the store ever. Please expound upon on the calculus you used to conclude that in all of human history that Amazon is the absolute worst there has been.
Ok, I will remove that statement. -BM

It's kind of odd how instead of defending an unpopular opinion you hold, you just delete it. Do you actually have any strong beliefs about anything, or could we get you to delete anything you say just by disagreeing with you strongly enough?

Quote from: bulldog1979 on May 18, 2022, 11:37:44 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 07, 2021, 03:53:02 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/MGxSnFA.jpg)
"...or else you're getting a ticket!"

Does the threat of a bad rating on DoorDash count as a ticket? :P

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2022, 05:38:08 PM

^^^

So basically the exact opposite approach to arguments that a certain flat lander would take? Despite what snowc said, he never actually did delete his Amazon post.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 18, 2022, 05:40:26 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2022, 05:38:08 PM
^^^

So basically the exact opposite approach to arguments that a certain flat lander would take? Despite what snowc said, he never actually did delete his Amazon post.

He edited his first post to remove any claim that Amazon was the worst store ever.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2022, 05:43:24 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 18, 2022, 05:40:26 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2022, 05:38:08 PM
^^^

So basically the exact opposite approach to arguments that a certain flat lander would take? Despite what snowc said, he never actually did delete his Amazon post.

He edited his first post to remove any claim that Amazon was the worst store ever.

I see now, I'm not sure why he would bother given the claim of "worst store ever" context is preserved in the replies?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 18, 2022, 05:47:32 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2022, 05:43:24 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 18, 2022, 05:40:26 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2022, 05:38:08 PM
^^^

So basically the exact opposite approach to arguments that a certain flat lander would take? Despite what snowc said, he never actually did delete his Amazon post.

He edited his first post to remove any claim that Amazon was the worst store ever.

I see now, I'm not sure why he would bother given the claim of "worst store ever" context is preserved in the replies?

I don't really get the impression that Bryce normally thinks things through before committing to doing something.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2022, 05:51:37 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 18, 2022, 05:47:32 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2022, 05:43:24 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 18, 2022, 05:40:26 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2022, 05:38:08 PM
^^^

So basically the exact opposite approach to arguments that a certain flat lander would take? Despite what snowc said, he never actually did delete his Amazon post.

He edited his first post to remove any claim that Amazon was the worst store ever.

I see now, I'm not sure why he would bother given the claim of "worst store ever" context is preserved in the replies?

I don't really get the impression that Bryce normally thinks things through before committing to doing something.

Yes, hence my above statement that I'm not really sure if we were to ask Bryce that he would say that he had engaged in hyperbole.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 18, 2022, 06:21:29 PM

Why do the big 9s have tails, but the small 9s don't?

https://goo.gl/maps/s4icTzhWhCRZiujm7

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on May 18, 2022, 06:27:07 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2022, 05:51:37 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 18, 2022, 05:47:32 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2022, 05:43:24 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 18, 2022, 05:40:26 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2022, 05:38:08 PM
^^^

So basically the exact opposite approach to arguments that a certain flat lander would take? Despite what snowc said, he never actually did delete his Amazon post.

He edited his first post to remove any claim that Amazon was the worst store ever.

I see now, I'm not sure why he would bother given the claim of "worst store ever" context is preserved in the replies?

I don't really get the impression that Bryce normally thinks things through before committing to doing something.

Yes, hence my above statement that I'm not really sure if we were to ask Bryce that he would say that he had engaged in hyperbole.

You've gotta drop the ego and let a little undirected hyperbole go in Off-Topic.

Venting with precision is usually difficult and tedious.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 18, 2022, 06:36:01 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 18, 2022, 06:21:29 PM
Why do the big 9s have tails, but the small 9s don't?

https://goo.gl/maps/s4icTzhWhCRZiujm7

The big 9s have to have a horizontal segment there anyway to display a 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8. Since the segment is there, may as well light it up for readability (though they could have programmed the sign controller to not do that).

Meanwhile, there will never be a need to display a price like 3.57⁶. Thus, they probably don't even have LEDs there in a shape that could display anything but a tailless 9, and probably no provision in the hardware or controller that would make displaying anything but a 9 (like say a 1 or a 4) a possibility. This probably makes the sign at least $3.09⁹ cheaper.

Quote from: formulanone on May 18, 2022, 06:27:07 PM
You've gotta drop the ego and let a little undirected hyperbole go in Off-Topic.

Venting with precision is usually difficult and tedious.

I think it's not beyond the pale to consider that someone might disagree with the grievances aired in one's venting, or even be presented with a logical reason why things are the way they are or why they're not so bad (like the other half of my post). In that case, one can freely present a reason why they still feel aggrieved. (There are plenty of times people have pointed out something that bothers me makes someone money and I've replied with some variation on "I am more bothered by this than I am the thought of them losing revenue.") There's also the option to just say "Oh, I didn't know that, my opinion has changed" or just not respond on that topic any further. Someone trying to pretend that they didn't have an opinion in the first place by editing their posts just makes it seem like we are a legislature that votes on their opinions.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2022, 06:38:25 PM

Quote from: formulanone on May 18, 2022, 06:27:07 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2022, 05:51:37 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 18, 2022, 05:47:32 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2022, 05:43:24 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 18, 2022, 05:40:26 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2022, 05:38:08 PM
^^^

So basically the exact opposite approach to arguments that a certain flat lander would take? Despite what snowc said, he never actually did delete his Amazon post.

He edited his first post to remove any claim that Amazon was the worst store ever.

I see now, I'm not sure why he would bother given the claim of "worst store ever" context is preserved in the replies?

I don't really get the impression that Bryce normally thinks things through before committing to doing something.

Yes, hence my above statement that I'm not really sure if we were to ask Bryce that he would say that he had engaged in hyperbole.

You've gotta drop the ego and let a little undirected hyperbole go in Off-Topic.

Venting with precision is usually difficult and tedious.

Ego? On my end it's more boredom at work and sarcasm that I wasn't sure would get picked up on. Sometimes it leads to more interesting places like someone expounding on their statement that Amazon is the "worst store ever."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Takumi on May 18, 2022, 08:51:05 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 18, 2022, 02:47:24 PM
Quote from: Takumi on May 18, 2022, 01:55:13 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 18, 2022, 12:49:17 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on May 18, 2022, 11:06:43 AMI wonder how many people bitching about Jeff Bezos' wealth and Amazon's treatment of employees also continue to purchase from the company.
Well, I certainly spend a hell of a lot less at Amazon than I did a few years ago, but getting it down to $0 is a bit of a challenge.
I haven't intentionally bought from Amazon in quite some time, but I'm sure I still inadvertently buy things from places that use them as a middleman or use AWS hosting.

It's way too easier to walk out of my security office at the Base Exchange and get what I need while working. The fact that I didn't have an Amazon account vexed my now wife when I first dated her.

I mentioned my non-use of Amazon to my girlfriend today when I mentioned I need to shop for luggage. Her reaction was probably similar to your wife's.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 18, 2022, 09:32:55 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 18, 2022, 06:36:01 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 18, 2022, 06:21:29 PM
Why do the big 9s have tails, but the small 9s don't?

https://goo.gl/maps/s4icTzhWhCRZiujm7

The big 9s have to have a horizontal segment there anyway to display a 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8. Since the segment is there, may as well light it up for readability (though they could have programmed the sign controller to not do that).

I personally find the absence of a tail on the 9 to make for easier readability. But I'm no scientist, nor have I ever played one on TV.

Quote from: formulanone on May 18, 2022, 06:27:07 PM
Venting with precision is usually difficult and tedious.

This forum is crowded with nerdy nit-pickers who have nothing better to do than make pedantic criticisms of the inane minutiae of road signs and squabble over the wording of transportation agency file designations from a half-century ago. The chances that someone on here will make a snarky comment about any given forum post–if that post is anything less than grammatically perfect and literally accurate–approaches 100%. (Hey, don't look at me in that tone of voice.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on May 18, 2022, 09:49:49 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 18, 2022, 06:21:29 PM
Why do the big 9s have tails, but the small 9s don't?

https://goo.gl/maps/s4icTzhWhCRZiujm7

Dammit! Now I will obsess with this every time I see one of those signs!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 18, 2022, 10:25:10 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 18, 2022, 09:32:55 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 18, 2022, 06:36:01 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 18, 2022, 06:21:29 PM
Why do the big 9s have tails, but the small 9s don't?

https://goo.gl/maps/s4icTzhWhCRZiujm7

The big 9s have to have a horizontal segment there anyway to display a 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8. Since the segment is there, may as well light it up for readability (though they could have programmed the sign controller to not do that).

I personally find the absence of a tail on the 9 to make for easier readability. But I'm no scientist, nor have I ever played one on TV.

I wonder if it's ever been studied formally which is superior. The pro-tail-9 advocates tend to make the point that the sixth illuminated segment makes the 9 shaped more like a 9 in regular fonts. Tailless-9 advocates point out the slight energy savings and that most people's handwriting makes a tailless 9.

I'm used to tailless 9s because I was raised on game shows that used them a lot. Because 1990s LEDs weren't bright enough to avoid getting washed out by studio lighting, they either had to use incandescent bulbs to light seven-segment displays, or else use a vane display. This was a seven-segment display made of bright white segments on swivels. When the segment needed to be turned off, it would be rotated with an electromagnet so that the edge of the segment, painted black, would be displayed against the black background of the display, making them invisible. (This is the tech that made the giant calculator on The Price Is Right's Check Out game possible.) Vane displays near-always have a tailless 9, for whatever reason; my thought was it was to reduce the amount of wear on the bottom segment, but a 9 is most likely to change to a 0 or an 8, both of which use the bottom segment anyway.

The one pet peeve of mine having to do with the tailless 9 is when a display uses it, but the 6 still has a tail.

Really, LEDs are cheap enough these days pretty much all applications of seven-segment displays should transition to more readable dot-matrix displays, but you can get a half-inch seven-segment display (with bonus decimal point!) for 78Â¢ on Amazon, so maybe it's no wonder we still use them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on May 19, 2022, 08:30:19 AM

Quote from: kphoger on May 18, 2022, 06:21:29 PM
Why do the big 9s have tails, but the small 9s don't?

https://goo.gl/maps/s4icTzhWhCRZiujm7

Forget the 9's, I'd love the opportunity to pay that much for gas today.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 19, 2022, 09:46:46 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 18, 2022, 10:25:10 PM
The one pet peeve of mine having to do with the tailless 9 is when a display uses it, but the 6 still has a tail.

I look at this from a handwriting perspective. Most people handwrite a 9 with the stem going straight up-and-down, but not so with 6.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on May 19, 2022, 10:45:53 AM

Quote from: kphoger on May 19, 2022, 09:46:46 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 18, 2022, 10:25:10 PM
The one pet peeve of mine having to do with the tailless 9 is when a display uses it, but the 6 still has a tail.

I look at this from a handwriting perspective. Most people handwrite a 9 with the stem going straight up-and-down, but not so with 6.

Except handwriting isn’t text, and in just about every font in existence the 6 and 9 characters are just upside-down versions of each other.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 19, 2022, 11:20:40 AM

Quote from: US 89 on May 19, 2022, 10:45:53 AM

Quote from: kphoger on May 19, 2022, 09:46:46 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 18, 2022, 10:25:10 PM
The one pet peeve of mine having to do with the tailless 9 is when a display uses it, but the 6 still has a tail.

I look at this from a handwriting perspective. Most people handwrite a 9 with the stem going straight up-and-down, but not so with 6.

Except handwriting isn't text, and in just about every font in existence the 6 and 9 characters are just upside-down versions of each other.

And I think both digits can be a bit illegible in some fonts because of that fact–especially ones that use a large loop. They can end up looking too much like an 8.

For example, if I need to be able to easily distinguish numbers, then I greatly favor fonts like those in the bottom set below over those in the top set. The ones in the bottom set minimize the hooked-ness of both numerals.

(https://i.imgur.com/WNXOw8r.jpg)

But my point is that it doesn't bother me if a digital readout has a tailless 9 but a hooked 6–because that's how people write the numerals anyway. This, I suppose, is why a lot of the fonts that don't use a rotated 6 for a 9 are those that seek to mimic handwriting. Examples:

(https://i.imgur.com/aUSZq4j.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on May 19, 2022, 11:52:07 AM

Quote from: kphoger on May 19, 2022, 09:46:46 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 18, 2022, 10:25:10 PM
The one pet peeve of mine having to do with the tailless 9 is when a display uses it, but the 6 still has a tail.

I look at this from a handwriting perspective. Most people handwrite a 9 with the stem going straight up-and-down, but not so with 6.

It's pedantic (like most everything else here), but I write my 9's in one stroke starting at the bottom. My 9's do look like upside-down 6's. It's not how I learned to write 9's. But I worked in weather offices in the Navy and I had to manually plot over 200 stations on a chart like below every shift (either at 0000Z or 1200Z) in about 90 minutes. It was slightly faster to write 9's in one stroke than two and I needed to save every second. After a while it just became the way I write 9's.

(https://www.weatherwizkids.com/stationweatherplot.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 19, 2022, 12:07:23 PM

Quote from: skluth on May 19, 2022, 11:52:07 AM
It's pedantic (like most everything else here), but I write my 9's in one stroke starting at the bottom. My 9's do look like upside-down 6's. It's not how I learned to write 9's. But I worked in weather offices in the Navy and I had to manually plot over 200 stations on a chart like below every shift (either at 0000Z or 1200Z) in about 90 minutes. It was slightly faster to write 9's in one stroke than two and I needed to save every second. After a while it just became the way I write 9's.

I used to write my 9s like that, years ago. Then I realized they looked kind of ridiculous. I also dragged my 1s back then, too, which drove my math teacher bonkers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on May 19, 2022, 12:46:48 PM

Quote from: skluth on May 19, 2022, 11:52:07 AM
It's pedantic (like most everything else here), but I write my 9's in one stroke starting at the bottom. My 9's do look like upside-down 6's. It's not how I learned to write 9's. But I worked in weather offices in the Navy and I had to manually plot over 200 stations on a chart like below every shift (either at 0000Z or 1200Z) in about 90 minutes. It was slightly faster to write 9's in one stroke than two and I needed to save every second. After a while it just became the way I write 9's.

I write my 9's the same way. I actually write a lot of my numbers and letters from the bottom-up, or with less strokes than typical. I've been thinking of making a thread on it to see other people's opinions.

I remember playing Brain Age on the DS, where you have to write your answers with the stylus and it just didn't work for me. In particular, I remember "5" never registering correctly (I write it from the bottom-up in one stroke).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on May 19, 2022, 01:30:09 PM

I write with my right hand, so I tend to avoid strokes that begin at the bottom or left as they lead to the pen pushing against dry paper. It's the same principle as not stroking a cat from tail to head.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on May 20, 2022, 11:43:25 PM

Going to a restaurant with paper napkin dispensers on the table - where the person who last filled it crammed in about 20% more napkins than it was designed for, and somehow closes up the dispenser.

You end up getting nothing but shreds of paper if you try to remove one. And even if you decide to open it to remove a bunch of napkins, you find the release button is jammed from all those napkins.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on May 21, 2022, 07:07:32 AM

Quote from: kphoger on May 18, 2022, 06:21:29 PM
Why do the big 9s have tails, but the small 9s don't?

https://goo.gl/maps/s4icTzhWhCRZiujm7

There's zero point to that little 9 being there in the first place!!!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on May 21, 2022, 07:52:45 AM

Last night, I attended the show An Evening with Neil Gaiman. This was a show that I had purchased tickets to on December 2nd, 2021. So, after work, I walked home, washed up, taken light rail to downtown Dallas, had a nice pre-show dinner, and arrived at the Winspear Opera House at 7:30, and promptly found my seat. Since I was at the END of the row, I constantly had to pop up and down to let other ticketholders arrive.

At 7:55 PM, there was the raising of The Moody Chandelier accompanied by the composition "The Lights Are Rising (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCrCC53NvKk)" by (then high school senior) Damoyee Janai Neroes and performed by the students at the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (recorded). So, the show is about to start.

At 8:15 PM, Neil Gaiman is formally introduced, and he takes the stage. A later start than expected, but it's a one man show, and there may have been an unexpected delay.

There are still last minute arrivals who are taking their seats until 8:30 PM.... 30 minutes after the show was supposed to start. 30 MINUTES. These weren't the cheap seats either, as I had purchased a seat in the orchestra seating section (I-26) at a cost, included added fees, of $90, and the seats closer to the stage are even more expensive. Per industry practice, Winspear Opera House was open about one hour prior to performance. I know traffic and parking can be a challenge on a Friday evening in Dallas so you plan for it. (I chose to take light rail than drive because of this, plus the light rail ticket is just $3 and the light rail station near my home is a five minute drive away). I'm aware of a playoff game, but it is being played in San Francisco, not Dallas.

Unfortunately, this isn't an isolated issue, but seems to occur with every performance. It occurred last March with a performance of Swan Lake (drove with my mom, and a noisy family arrived late), last January with a MST3K Live performance (that I drove to because of the unseasonably cold weather instead of light rail), and last December with Mannheim Steamroller. It is so annoying.

Whatever happened to "late arrivals will not be seated until intermission"?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on May 21, 2022, 08:52:42 AM

The Season 10 opener of Dallas when they revealed that the previous season didn't exist all to get Patrick Duffy's character back on the show without science fiction like daytime soaps use.

Then the season where JR stole a young girl's virginity, who was of legal age, but got thrown in a backwoods jail, with a Kangaroo court to convict him, of rape for doing it. Then they made it look super easy for the girls family to bust him out of prison and then made the Sheriff look stupid as while thinking JR was an escaped man, the Hall of records recorded the marriage license of the secret shotgun wedding.

Then JR was even more stupid to be as instead of defending himself for the false charge against him, he tried to bribe his way out instead. Even JR had to have known that the town was not for sale, especially the JR of the first three seasons. Then the writers forgot that Texas was part of the Confederate South as another big issue as the crazed hillbillies who tried to murder JR for sleeping with Cally accused JR of being a northern city slick.

With the dumb storyline of that hillbilly encounter the producers should have used science fiction to bring Bobby back in previous season storyline as the Cally thing was far more unbelievable than having Bobby show up alive on Pam's honeymoon in the shower.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 21, 2022, 06:03:03 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on May 21, 2022, 07:52:45 AM
Whatever happened to "late arrivals will not be seated until intermission"?

What's easier, having that policy and having to deal with a rich person throwing a tantrum every time you don't let them in to see the show that they paid for? Or just letting them go inside and mildly annoy the other customers, who if they complain you can just say "I'm sorry, sir, we have no policy prohibiting late arrivals, you got to see the show you paid for, so there's nothing we can do..."

The General Public is a hydra that always has one head trying to devour you. Customer service is a game of picking your battles to dodge whichever head looks the hungriest.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on May 21, 2022, 06:20:24 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 21, 2022, 06:03:03 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on May 21, 2022, 07:52:45 AM
Whatever happened to "late arrivals will not be seated until intermission"?

What's easier, having that policy and having to deal with a rich person throwing a tantrum every time you don't let them in to see the show that they paid for? Or just letting them go inside and mildly annoy the other customers, who if they complain you can just say "I'm sorry, sir, we have no policy prohibiting late arrivals, you got to see the show you paid for, so there's nothing we can do..."

The General Public is a hydra that always has one head trying to devour you. Customer service is a game of picking your battles to dodge whichever head looks the hungriest.

Late arrival seating is usually done between songs or scenes. It's usually only a minute or two wait before they can be seated. I volunteer for many local theater events and most late arrivals will patiently wait in back for the short time until a scene ends which allows them to watch the event from the back until they can be seated. It's usually a good 30 seconds between scenes (and sometimes longer with musicals with all the clapping) which is long enough to seat late arrivals. Never had anyone throw a tantrum but they'd be told to leave if they did. I don't recall any events where late arrivals had to wait for intermission.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 21, 2022, 06:26:58 PM

Quote from: skluth on May 21, 2022, 06:20:24 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 21, 2022, 06:03:03 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on May 21, 2022, 07:52:45 AM
Whatever happened to "late arrivals will not be seated until intermission"?

What's easier, having that policy and having to deal with a rich person throwing a tantrum every time you don't let them in to see the show that they paid for? Or just letting them go inside and mildly annoy the other customers, who if they complain you can just say "I'm sorry, sir, we have no policy prohibiting late arrivals, you got to see the show you paid for, so there's nothing we can do..."

The General Public is a hydra that always has one head trying to devour you. Customer service is a game of picking your battles to dodge whichever head looks the hungriest.

Late arrival seating is usually done between songs or scenes. It's usually only a minute or two wait before they can be seated. I volunteer for many local theater events and most late arrivals will patiently wait in back for the short time until a scene ends which allows them to watch the event from the back until they can be seated. It's usually a good 30 seconds between scenes (and sometimes longer with musicals with all the clapping) which is long enough to seat late arrivals. Never had anyone throw a tantrum but they'd be told to leave if they did. I don't recall any events where late arrivals had to wait for intermission.

Seemingly this kind of thing that only happens to Spider Man when he's being harassed by Bruce Campbell:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on May 21, 2022, 06:47:31 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 21, 2022, 06:03:03 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on May 21, 2022, 07:52:45 AM
Whatever happened to "late arrivals will not be seated until intermission"?

What's easier, having that policy and having to deal with a rich person throwing a tantrum every time you don't let them in to see the show that they paid for?

Let me guess.... that rich person is a potential contributor to the foundation that keeps that venue alive, right? :pan:

I was brought up to be on time or early for events, and to allow enough time for traffic and parking. The focus of attention should be on the hard working performers, with both the backstage/technical people closely behind, followed by the theater ushers, and arriving late while the performance is in progress is disrespectful.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on May 21, 2022, 07:00:32 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 21, 2022, 06:03:03 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on May 21, 2022, 07:52:45 AM
Whatever happened to "late arrivals will not be seated until intermission"?

What's easier, having that policy and having to deal with a rich person throwing a tantrum every time you don't let them in to see the show that they paid for? Or just letting them go inside and mildly annoy the other customers, who if they complain you can just say "I'm sorry, sir, we have no policy prohibiting late arrivals, you got to see the show you paid for, so there's nothing we can do..."

The General Public is a hydra that always has one head trying to devour you. Customer service is a game of picking your battles to dodge whichever head looks the hungriest.

When "Professor" Peter Schickele toured with his P.D.Q. Bach concerts, knowing audience members would make sure they were seated on time and would look forward to late arrivals. His crotchety-acting stage manager, William Walters, would come onstage (always dressed in a garish outfit that would make a used-car salesman look like a funeral director) and announce that the Professor had not yet arrived (the gag was that the Professor had confused the location with a rival town). To kill time, Walters would ramble on with stories, but as latecomers arrived he would stop talking and silently glare at them until they were seated. As more arrived, he would get more irritable, making a show of looking at his watch and delivering sarcastic comments. At one theater where latecomers took extra-long to get to their seats, he remarked "Ain't continental seating a bitch?" The audience would get a laugh out of the whole thing, which hopefully latecomers took to heart for future.

Quote from: SSOWorld on May 21, 2022, 07:07:32 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 18, 2022, 06:21:29 PM
Why do the big 9s have tails, but the small 9s don't?

https://goo.gl/maps/s4icTzhWhCRZiujm7
There's zero point to that little 9 being there in the first place!!!

Of course there is. When the price is posted as $4.299, your brain sees $4.29 but the pump rounds it up to $4.30. Unless you get 10 gallons, in which case you can claim your triumphant victory in having paid $42.99 instead of $43.00.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 21, 2022, 07:20:16 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on May 21, 2022, 06:47:31 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 21, 2022, 06:03:03 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on May 21, 2022, 07:52:45 AM
Whatever happened to "late arrivals will not be seated until intermission"?

What's easier, having that policy and having to deal with a rich person throwing a tantrum every time you don't let them in to see the show that they paid for?

Let me guess.... that rich person is a potential contributor to the foundation that keeps that venue alive, right? :pan:

Hah, I wouldn't know for sure, I've never worked in a performance venue. I've just had to deal with enough members of the General Public to know that someone losing out on something they paid for out of the consequences of their own actions is fertile ground for a customer tantrum to take root in. And it seems that as a person's income goes up, their emotional maturity level tends to approach the age of five.

Quote from: ZLoth on May 21, 2022, 06:47:31 PM
I was brought up to be on time or early for events, and to allow enough time for traffic and parking. The focus of attention should be on the hard working performers, with both the backstage/technical people closely behind, followed by the theater ushers, and arriving late while the performance is in progress is disrespectful.

Eh, I can kind of see both sides of it. Yes, being unnecessarily disruptive to the performance is disrespectful to the performers. This is especially true if one is disruptive enough that the performers themselves notice it. But on the other hand...enjoying a performance is a leisure activity, and a policy of "butts must be in seats by 8:00:00.0000000000 sharp" would just add needless stress to what is meant to be an enjoyable activity. I couldn't stand having to adhere to that level of punctuality in a corporate job when they were giving me money to do so; I'm not going to do it just for fun.

It's been my experience that performances very rarely start at the actual start time quoted on the ticket anyway, and when they do there's very often an opening performer rather than the performance you are interested in seeing anyway. So to some extent the respect for one another's time that punctuality is usually cited as indicating is already eroded. Obviously, one should try to avoid being too disruptive to one's neighbors, but if something puts me behind, I'm not going to make up time by speeding or whatever to avoid momentarily distracting a stranger and annoying them such a small amount that they'll probably forget about it by the time the show ends.

But then again, I generally prefer watching performances on video rather than in person. I have just enough audio-processing latency in my brain that anything other than perfectly mixed sound with good acoustics makes it hard for me to discern things like instrument voices in a concert setting, and unfortunately most concert venues in this area don't often have those. And I usually can't afford seats close enough to have a good enough view of the stage to make out what's going on better than what's being displayed on the big screens. If I'm going to watch the concert on a TV anyway, I may as well get the better sound quality by staying home.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on May 22, 2022, 07:00:56 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 21, 2022, 07:20:16 PM
Eh, I can kind of see both sides of it. Yes, being unnecessarily disruptive to the performance is disrespectful to the performers. This is especially true if one is disruptive enough that the performers themselves notice it. But on the other hand...enjoying a performance is a leisure activity, and a policy of "butts must be in seats by 8:00:00.0000000000 sharp" would just add needless stress to what is meant to be an enjoyable activity. I couldn't stand having to adhere to that level of punctuality in a corporate job when they were giving me money to do so; I'm not going to do it just for fun.

It's been my experience that performances very rarely start at the actual start time quoted on the ticket anyway, and when they do there's very often an opening performer rather than the performance you are interested in seeing anyway.

If the published start time is 8:00 PM, the realistic start time is more like 8:05 PM. What had occurred is that this was part of a "meet the author" tour, so the start of the performance time was actually 8:15 PM.

I try to be very respectful of people's time, but as a team manager for a "tiny yet mighty" specialized technical support team for mission critical systems that has been work-from-home for the past two years, I have to focus on whats important. That happens to be making sure new cases are picked up in a timely manner, worked to resolution, and the customer being provided timely updates. That happens to be more important than if you are at your desk working at 8:00 AM... or 8:05 AM.

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 21, 2022, 07:20:16 PM
But then again, I generally prefer watching performances on video rather than in person. I have just enough audio-processing latency in my brain that anything other than perfectly mixed sound with good acoustics makes it hard for me to discern things like instrument voices in a concert setting, and unfortunately most concert venues in this area don't often have those. And I usually can't afford seats close enough to have a good enough view of the stage to make out what's going on better than what's being displayed on the big screens. If I'm going to watch the concert on a TV anyway, I may as well get the better sound quality by staying home.

Cheaper? Yes. But there is the energy and mood of an in-person experience that being at home can't provide, whether it be a concert, sporting event, or road trip.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 22, 2022, 07:33:54 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on May 22, 2022, 07:00:56 AM
Cheaper? Yes. But there is the energy and mood of an in-person experience that being at home can't provide, whether it be a concert, sporting event, or road trip.

I would agree with this in the general case (I certainly don't think GSV is a valid substitute for driving a road myself). However, with concerts specifically, I've found that any benefits the energy and mood add are a wash because I don't enjoy the product itself as much. If the mixing is bad enough that I can't make out the bassline, or the singer's words come across as indistinct, or the stage is so far away that I can't even see the expressions on the performers' faces...I'd rather save the money and watch it on video.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on May 22, 2022, 10:39:50 AM

We were at a Paul McCartney concert that started two hours late once. Turned out a truck had overturned on the Beltway and delayed a large part of the crowd, so he pushed the show back. Once we learned the reason for the delay, we said "good for him."

The Kennedy Center in DC doesn't allow latecomers in during a performance.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on May 22, 2022, 12:27:54 PM

Most performing arts I've been to start within 5-10 minutes of the announced time. Everybody in the audience who got to the theatre before the announced time is allowed to get their seats, but if they're after that they don't get to march in front of the rest of the audience during a scene. Only time we were late the house manager put us in a balcony to watch until the end of the scene and then moved us forward.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on May 22, 2022, 01:02:00 PM

People have walked late into church during prayers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on May 22, 2022, 01:10:47 PM

Quote from: GaryV on May 22, 2022, 01:02:00 PM
People have walked late into church during prayers.

That's totally something I do. But then again, I'm dragged to churches on occasion as a spectator by my wife instead of being a willing participant. Therefore my level of respect for the custom at hand is likely to be lesser than others in the crowd by default. I prefer not go, but sometimes not participating in family activities is just not something I have the option of.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on May 23, 2022, 03:12:27 PM

Yeah, I'm not sure if it's the same with all opera companies, but the Lyric Opera WILL NOT seat latecomers until the first intermission. Once, we had to watch the first act on a TV in the basement of the Lyric Opera House, and another time, they herded latecomers into a sparsely-populated section for the first act.

I don't know how they handle latecomers to operas with no intermission, since we've never been late to one.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 23, 2022, 03:22:53 PM

Quote from: GaryV on May 22, 2022, 01:02:00 PM
People have walked late into church during prayers.

Shame on you for having your eyes open... :-P

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on May 23, 2022, 05:49:20 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on May 22, 2022, 10:39:50 AM
We were at a Paul McCartney concert that started two hours late once. Turned out a truck had overturned on the Beltway and delayed a large part of the crowd, so he pushed the show back. Once we learned the reason for the delay, we said "good for him."

The Kennedy Center in DC doesn't allow latecomers in during a performance.

Something similar happened a few years ago in Seattle: a Sounders game had to be delayed by 23 minutes due to an overturned fish truck (https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/overturned-fish-truck-creates-highway-99-rush-hour-debacle/) on the Alaskan Way Viaduct that caused a domino reaction across downtown and gridlocked the city. Goalkeeper Stefan Frei had to run through downtown to make it in time for warm-ups, since he was also caught in the jam.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on May 24, 2022, 08:56:08 AM

Forms that require two family names to be mandatorily imputed in separate boxes. Although this isn't a problem for me as my full name has indeed two family names, it can be for anyone not from any Spanish or Portuguese-speaking countries. In that case, one of the family names (the first for Portuguese-based forms, the second for Spanish ones) should be the maiden's name of one's mother.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 24, 2022, 10:13:08 AM

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on May 24, 2022, 08:56:08 AM
Forms that require two family names to be mandatorily imputed in separate boxes. Although this isn't a problem for me as my full name has indeed two family names, it can be for anyone not from any Spanish or Portuguese-speaking countries. In that case, one of the family names (the first for Portuguese-based forms, the second for Spanish ones) should be the maiden's name of one's mother.

A similar frustration is programs that cannot accommodate two-word or hyphenated surnames.

For example, a program we use at work to run background checks cannot accommodate any spaces or hyphens in the surname field. Not only is this bad for Hispanic immigrants who use both a maternal and a paternal surname, but also for a surname as simple as St James, and for the common Marshallese surname Chong Gum. So then we have to choose what to do: smoosh the words together with no space/hyphen, drop the second one, drop the first one...? At any rate, then, it's bound to not exactly match the way the surname is spelled out in every other program–many of which don't have that issue. Then, when one program needs to correspond to another program (such as background check and driving record), things get complicated.

Why did people set them up like this? Did it never occur to them that some people have spaces and hyphens in their names?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on May 24, 2022, 11:52:13 AM

Quote from: kphoger on May 24, 2022, 10:13:08 AM
Why did people set them up like this? Did it never occur to them that some people have spaces and hyphens in their names?

https://www.kalzumeus.com/2010/06/17/falsehoods-programmers-believe-about-names/

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 24, 2022, 12:07:07 PM

Quote from: kurumi on May 24, 2022, 11:52:13 AM

Quote from: kphoger on May 24, 2022, 10:13:08 AM
Why did people set them up like this? Did it never occur to them that some people have spaces and hyphens in their names?

https://www.kalzumeus.com/2010/06/17/falsehoods-programmers-believe-about-names/

Falsehood #37 is the one at play in my point: "Two different systems containing data about the same person will use the same name for that person."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on May 24, 2022, 12:16:20 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 24, 2022, 10:13:08 AMFor example, a program we use at work to run background checks cannot accommodate any spaces or hyphens in the surname field. Not only is this bad for Hispanic immigrants who use both a maternal and a paternal surname, but also for a surname as simple as St James, and for the common Marshallese surname Chong Gum. So then we have to choose what to do: smoosh the words together with no space/hyphen, drop the second one, drop the first one...? At any rate, then, it's bound to not exactly match the way the surname is spelled out in every other program–many of which don't have that issue. Then, when one program needs to correspond to another program (such as background check and driving record), things get complicated.

I deal with a similar issue at work when the race/ethnicity of an applicant isn't available and we need to use proxies to come up with an educated guess - the system just throws out entries where the surname is hyphenated or there's a space between two names, which is doubly problematic when there's a high likelihood that these are going to be non-white borrowers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on May 24, 2022, 12:33:27 PM

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on May 24, 2022, 08:56:08 AMForms that require two family names to be mandatorily imputed in separate boxes. Although this isn't a problem for me as my full name has indeed two family names, it can be for anyone not from any Spanish or Portuguese-speaking countries. In that case, one of the family names (the first for Portuguese-based forms, the second for Spanish ones) should be the maiden's name of one's mother.

The mirror image of this annoyance--which I suspect is not often encountered in Hispanophone or Lusophone areas--is Web forms which do not allow you to choose your security question for two-factor authentication and demand your mother's maiden name.

Quote from: kphoger on May 24, 2022, 10:13:08 AMA similar frustration is programs that cannot accommodate two-word or hyphenated surnames.

[. . .]

Why did people set them up like this? Did it never occur to them that some people have spaces and hyphens in their names?

The piece Kurumi linked to has a funny and by no means exhaustive list of assumptions programmers (and people in general) make about names. (Andrew Vachss wrote a whole series of crime novels featuring a main character who is identified on his birth certificate only as "Baby Boy Burke.")

It is by no means a given that even educated people will recognize that a surname is an open compound. "St. James" is easy to pick up as two parts that must go together, but there are plenty of Welsh surnames where the first part of the last name is easy to mistake as one of the forenames. David Lloyd George (British prime minister during the later part of World War I) is well-known enough that this does not often happen for him, but I've come across multiple sources where William Rees Jeffreys (an influential advocate for highway funding in the first half of the twentieth century, but hardly a household-word celebrity) is identified just as "Jeffreys."

Things get interesting in terms both of capitalization and spacing when a last name consists of a preposition (not necessarily a nobiliary particle) and a placename--e.g., "di Renzo" versus "DiRenzo."

A related annoyance, in terms of bad form design, is the assumption that a place is uniquely identifiable as city and country. British officialdom is especially susceptible to this one, despite the UK itself having duplicate placenames that are often used for certain types of fraud (e.g., telling officers manning a mobile weighbridge and checking driving hours that your load came from nearby Blackburn, Lancashire, rather than the more distant Blackburn, West Lothian).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 24, 2022, 01:48:46 PM

And then, even if you get it correct–let's use Rojo ZÃºÃ±iga for the surname–it's a roll of the dice that the person didn't get a driver's license name under just Rojo or under just Zuniga, and therefore one of them should (unbeknownst to you) be considered an "alias".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 24, 2022, 03:54:40 PM

And good luck knowing which one the first person to help that customer put their account under! Sometimes we had customers with three separate accounts because people would search one version of the name and come up with nothing, so they'd make yet another new account assuming it to be a new customer.

We had a customer named Carolyn once. That was it. That was her whole name. You look on her driver's license and where mine would say "NAZELROD, SCOTT" hers just said "CAROLYN,". Of course the system demanded we give her a last name. She was listed in all of our databases as Carolyn X.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on May 24, 2022, 04:03:15 PM

Quote from: kurumi on May 24, 2022, 11:52:13 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 24, 2022, 10:13:08 AM
Why did people set them up like this? Did it never occur to them that some people have spaces and hyphens in their names?

https://www.kalzumeus.com/2010/06/17/falsehoods-programmers-believe-about-names/

I wonder how much is a legacy of older languages (like BASIC, FORTRAN, and COBOL) which had more strict rules regarding fields. It's been decades since I even programmed but I do remember being frustrated frequently by field syntax when I was learning to program.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: frankenroad on May 24, 2022, 05:09:04 PM

The other situation where this can be a problem, is if you have a suffix in your name. I recently tried to book tickets on Delta.com but I couldn't because the last name on my Delta Frequent Flyer account is, for example, "SMITH". But somewhere in some ID system (including on my passport), my last name is "SMITHJR". I had to book the Delta flight on Travelocity.

My legal name is and always has been Frank Mxxx Smith, Jr., but since my dad passed away 15 years ago, I am less diligent about using the Jr. than I used to be. And don't get me started on sports players who put the JR or III on their uniforms - unless your dad is still playing in the same league, (e.g., Ken Griffey at one time), it's not necessary. When I played soccer, my shirt just said SMITH on the back.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on May 24, 2022, 05:21:20 PM

The Library of Congress made a pretty good attempt at coding names for their first attempt at an online catalog in the 1960s. Okay, they punted on non-Roman alphabets, but at least they had trained specialist catalogers applying the same romanization scheme to all the names from one language group. There was enough coding in the names to put them in a reasonable order, too.

They did decide not to include "Sr." "Jr.", "II", etc., for most people mainly because those suffixes are often changed during their life. Instead, they put in dates of birth (and death, if applicable).

Most other libraries copied the Library of Congress coding for author's names, but often not for borrowers names in their checkouts system.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on May 24, 2022, 06:51:56 PM

Quote from: frankenroad on May 24, 2022, 05:09:04 PM
The other situation where this can be a problem, is if you have a suffix in your name. I recently tried to book tickets on Delta.com but I couldn't because the last name on my Delta Frequent Flyer account is, for example, "SMITH". But somewhere in some ID system (including on my passport), my last name is "SMITHJR". I had to book the Delta flight on Travelocity.

My middle name is sometimes crammed into my first name (no space) with one airline, set apart as a "second first name" with another, displays as a true middle name with another...so there's no consistency. It gets even more weird with the spellings for the hotel brands, but they're a lot more lenient about exact spelling than the TSA and airlines' loyalty programs. My understanding is that many airlines are using a lot of legacy superstructures that date back to the 1970s-1980s so there's inconsistencies with modern web platforms. From my vague understanding of coding, it seems to check out.

My 17-year-old self should have made it clearer to the Driver's License Office to not include my middle name on my IDs and I probably wouldn't have this issue. But who knows...maybe someone with the same first-and-last winds up on a Do Not Fly list, and having that wild card helps out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on May 25, 2022, 11:01:03 AM

When a company requires you to pay by credit card and then charges a fee to do so.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on May 25, 2022, 11:45:54 AM

Quote from: webny99 on May 25, 2022, 11:01:03 AMWhen a company requires you to pay by credit card and then charges a fee to do so.

And it got much worse during the pandemic, too. "The only way you can buy this is online, and we're going to charge you a convenience fee to do it."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 25, 2022, 12:28:04 PM

What's the deal with people who flush the urinal over and over again while they pee?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on May 25, 2022, 12:43:25 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 25, 2022, 12:28:04 PM
What's the deal with people who flush the urinal over and over again while they pee?

It might be shy bladder (paruresis). For some people (such as me), the issue is fear of judgment from others that they can hear that you're not peeing when you're standing at the urinal. Flushing the urinal would mask that lack of sound, ironically making it easier to pee. Personally I'll just go for the stall if it's open. :colorful:

On that note, I hate when urinals don't have the barriers between them (I find it helps a bit with that).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 25, 2022, 01:00:10 PM

Quote from: 7/8 on May 25, 2022, 12:43:25 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 25, 2022, 12:28:04 PM
What's the deal with people who flush the urinal over and over again while they pee?

It might be shy bladder (paruresis). For some people (such as me), the issue is fear of judgment from others that they can hear that you're not peeing when you're standing at the urinal. Flushing the urinal would mask that lack of sound, ironically making it easier to pee. Personally I'll just go for the stall if it's open. :colorful:

On that note, I hate when urinals don't have the barriers between them (I find it helps a bit with that).

That only makes sense until you start to pee, though. Some people keep flushing the whole time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on May 25, 2022, 01:14:15 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 25, 2022, 01:00:10 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on May 25, 2022, 12:43:25 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 25, 2022, 12:28:04 PM
What's the deal with people who flush the urinal over and over again while they pee?

It might be shy bladder (paruresis). For some people (such as me), the issue is fear of judgment from others that they can hear that you're not peeing when you're standing at the urinal. Flushing the urinal would mask that lack of sound, ironically making it easier to pee. Personally I'll just go for the stall if it's open. :colorful:

On that note, I hate when urinals don't have the barriers between them (I find it helps a bit with that).

That only makes sense until you start to pee, though. Some people keep flushing the whole time.

I'm usually fine once I start, but maybe some people have issues keeping it going. I can't think of any other reason unless they just like the sound lol.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 25, 2022, 01:17:10 PM

Quote from: 7/8 on May 25, 2022, 01:14:15 PM
I'm usually fine once I start, but maybe some people have issues keeping it going. I can't think of any other reason unless they just like the sound lol.

At any rate, there is a guy at my office who flushes while he's peeing while he's talking on the phone. Considering that, I doubt it's a shy bladder thing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on May 25, 2022, 02:32:47 PM

Quote from: 7/8 on May 25, 2022, 12:43:25 PMPersonally I'll just go for the stall if it's open. :colorful:

On that note, I hate when urinals don't have the barriers between them (I find it helps a bit with that).

I hate urinals, full stop, with the heat of a thousand suns.

In terms of stalls, I dislike coming into one that has toilet paper on the floor (perfect for sticking to your shoe unless you're careful) or unflushed matter in the bowl. When I encounter either, I flush pre-emptively first thing so I can time the plume for when I'm breathing out, and then don't do my business until I have cleaned up whatever mess there is on the floor and flushed again. I don't bother with water conservation because the cost of remedying clogs is always greater than that of the excess water used.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on May 25, 2022, 06:59:59 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on May 25, 2022, 02:32:47 PM
I hate urinals, full stop, with the heat of a thousand suns.

Urinals are great. I wish I had one in my house. It's awesome to be able to walk out of the bathroom literally 60 seconds after walking in.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on May 25, 2022, 07:29:23 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on May 25, 2022, 06:34:24 PM
Quote from: Big John on May 24, 2022, 05:40:56 PM
Quote from: frankenroad on May 24, 2022, 05:09:04 PM
And don't get me started on sports players who put the JR or III on their uniforms - unless your dad is still playing in the same league, (e.g., Ken Griffey at one time), it's not necessary. When I played soccer, my shirt just said SMITH on the back.

Started with Robert Griffin III. The NFL changed the rule allowing such suffixes with him as a rookie. Not all teams do that though.

NASCAR's done that for years. One of the earliest ones I remember was Bobby Hillin Jr. I never heard of Bobby Hillin Sr., so I don't know why he always needed to be referred to as Bobby Hillin Jr.

Today, there's Martin Truex Jr. Not sure why the suffix is needed.

UK athletes have started doing that. Last year's basketball team had a player named Keion Brooks Jr., and the back of his jersey read BROOKS JR. Never mind that his dad had never played for UK.

(https://y.yarn.co/2bcf44d7-05f4-4163-99fa-2061cc2eb2b4_text.gif)

Quote from: kphoger on May 25, 2022, 06:59:59 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on May 25, 2022, 02:32:47 PM
I hate urinals, full stop, with the heat of a thousand suns.

Urinals are great. I wish I had one in my house. It's awesome to be able to walk out of the bathroom literally 60 seconds after walking in.

and they stink up to high heaven.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 25, 2022, 07:57:29 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 25, 2022, 06:59:59 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on May 25, 2022, 02:32:47 PM
I hate urinals, full stop, with the heat of a thousand suns.

Urinals are great. I wish I had one in my house. It's awesome to be able to walk out of the bathroom literally 60 seconds after walking in.

I'd rather have a bidet than a urinal in my house.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on May 25, 2022, 08:13:07 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on May 25, 2022, 11:45:54 AM
Quote from: webny99 on May 25, 2022, 11:01:03 AMWhen a company requires you to pay by credit card and then charges a fee to do so.
And it got much worse during the pandemic, too. "The only way you can buy this is online, and we're going to charge you a convenience fee to do it."

"Convnience fee" is a contradictory statement.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on May 25, 2022, 08:17:55 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 25, 2022, 07:57:29 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 25, 2022, 06:59:59 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on May 25, 2022, 02:32:47 PM
I hate urinals, full stop, with the heat of a thousand suns.

Urinals are great. I wish I had one in my house. It's awesome to be able to walk out of the bathroom literally 60 seconds after walking in.

I'd rather have a bidet than a urinal in my house.

We got a GenieBidet several years ago and it's life-changing. A bit bracing in the winter, though, since the water isn't heated.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on May 25, 2022, 10:43:42 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on May 25, 2022, 02:32:47 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on May 25, 2022, 12:43:25 PMPersonally I'll just go for the stall if it's open. :colorful:

On that note, I hate when urinals don't have the barriers between them (I find it helps a bit with that).

I hate urinals, full stop, with the heat of a thousand suns.

In terms of stalls, I dislike coming into one that has toilet paper on the floor (perfect for sticking to your shoe unless you're careful) or unflushed matter in the bowl. When I encounter either, I flush pre-emptively first thing so I can time the plume for when I'm breathing out, and then don't do my business until I have cleaned up whatever mess there is on the floor and flushed again. I don't bother with water conservation because the cost of remedying clogs is always greater than that of the excess water used.

I cannot stand automated toilets in rest room stalls!!

When I am done sitting and am just "finishing the paperwork", I have had toilets flush up to 4 TIMES before I can leave the stall, and I have had toilets that DONT flush once the TP is dropped in!

And also rest rooms -- especially Walmarts ‐‐ that have tose cylindrical paper towel dispensers where it pulls out from the center as a thin, snakey paper thing. Either you'll spend the extra time to unfold it, or you just pull 5 or 6 snakes and hope you can dry your hands quickly enough without unfolding.

I also have those add-on bidet sprays on my thrones at home. Definitely a godsend!!!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on May 25, 2022, 10:58:44 PM

I hate when someone pees on the toilet seat cause they're too lazy to lift the seat.

Then I very well dislike when the guy walks in front of you to the restroom while you have a strong urge to do number two, then goes for the only stall over the open urinal to take a piss.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on May 26, 2022, 06:39:14 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on May 25, 2022, 08:17:55 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 25, 2022, 07:57:29 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 25, 2022, 06:59:59 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on May 25, 2022, 02:32:47 PM
I hate urinals, full stop, with the heat of a thousand suns.

Urinals are great. I wish I had one in my house. It's awesome to be able to walk out of the bathroom literally 60 seconds after walking in.

I'd rather have a bidet than a urinal in my house.
We got a GenieBidet several years ago and it's life-changing. A bit bracing in the winter, though, since the water isn't heated.

My dad ran a hot water line to the toilet that he'd switch on during the winter. (I grew up in Green Bay.) It was popular not only with my mother but several female cousins still remember it fondly from their visits.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on May 26, 2022, 07:26:37 PM

All the insurance and other junk mail I get from Costco, AARP, and those who want me to change my Medicare coverage (which I was getting for a couple years before I was even eligible). I don't mind the emails as my spam filters take care of most of it. But I have to check the junk mail before I throw it out because if they include any PII (as they do all too often) I'll shred it instead. It's not bad when it's only one or two. But if it accumulates for a week or so when I'm out of town, it may take several minutes to shred it all.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 26, 2022, 07:54:40 PM

Quote from: skluth on May 26, 2022, 07:26:37 PM
All the insurance and other junk mail I get from Costco, AARP, and those who want me to change my Medicare coverage (which I was getting for a couple years before I was even eligible). I don't mind the emails as my spam filters take care of most of it. But I have to check the junk mail before I throw it out because if they include any PII (as they do all too often) I'll shred it instead. It's not bad when it's only one or two. But if it accumulates for a week or so when I'm out of town, it may take several minutes to shred it all.

I hate how some junk-mail creators seem to try to include PII in as many places they physically can. For example, I remember getting Cox cable advertisements where my information was on the cover letter, the form that I would have to mail in to claim the offer, and then on an entirely unnecessary wallet-size card restating the terms of the offer, as if it were a coupon I needed to take somewhere to redeem.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on May 26, 2022, 10:19:51 PM

I just collect junk mail that may or may not have PII and shred it unopened once or twice a year.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 27, 2022, 08:22:58 PM

Minor things that annoy you–sports edition (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=26190.0)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on May 27, 2022, 10:49:37 PM

Suppose an unknown number calls you, and doesn't leave voicemail. Curious, you plug the number into Google to see if there's any information.

Dozens of scammy-looking sites in results, each one promising to have information on that number (or something close to it). It might be a clever ruse by telemarketers to flood the domain with nonsense so you can't determine anything.

A little more annoying: how easy it is to spoof caller ID in America. It'll never change because powerful people like it the way it is.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on May 27, 2022, 10:57:03 PM

Quote from: kurumi on May 27, 2022, 10:49:37 PM
Suppose an unknown number calls you, and doesn't leave voicemail. Curious, you plug the number into Google to see if there's any information.

Dozens of scammy-looking sites in results, each one promising to have information on that number (or something close to it). It might be a clever ruse by telemarketers to flood the domain with nonsense so you can't determine anything.

A little more annoying: how easy it is to spoof caller ID in America. It'll never change because powerful people like it the way it is.

Yes.

Sometimes it's my dentist's office, who uses an autocall system for appointment reminders that does not get along with my answering machine.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on May 28, 2022, 09:36:01 AM

Quote from: formulanone on May 24, 2022, 06:51:56 PM
Quote from: frankenroad on May 24, 2022, 05:09:04 PM
The other situation where this can be a problem, is if you have a suffix in your name. I recently tried to book tickets on Delta.com but I couldn't because the last name on my Delta Frequent Flyer account is, for example, "SMITH". But somewhere in some ID system (including on my passport), my last name is "SMITHJR". I had to book the Delta flight on Travelocity.

My middle name is sometimes crammed into my first name (no space) with one airline, set apart as a "second first name" with another, displays as a true middle name with another...so there's no consistency. It gets even more weird with the spellings for the hotel brands, but they're a lot more lenient about exact spelling than the TSA and airlines' loyalty programs. My understanding is that many airlines are using a lot of legacy superstructures that date back to the 1970s-1980s so there's inconsistencies with modern web platforms. From my vague understanding of coding, it seems to check out.

This varies even within the same airline for me. On Delta, I have been all of "First Last" , "First Middle Last" , "First M Last" , or "Firstmiddle Last" at some point in the last couple years. As long as it's enough to get me through TSA, it doesn't really matter, but I really don't like the Firstmiddle squish.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 28, 2022, 08:29:38 PM

Sports go in the sports thread created for sports discussion and not in the not-sports thread intended for not-sports discussion.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on May 29, 2022, 08:11:42 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 28, 2022, 08:29:38 PM
Sports go in the sports thread created for sports discussion and not in the not-sports thread intended for not-sports discussion.

I suspect some people may do the same thing I did–hit the "New" icon to see the new posts in the thread, see a response to one's own post, and then respond to it without seeing the further post later on about splitting the thread. Of course it's the better practice to read the whole thread before responding (also avoids possible repetition of what someone else said), but it's hardly surprising if someone doesn't.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on May 29, 2022, 09:03:26 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on May 29, 2022, 08:11:42 AM
Of course it's the better practice to read the whole thread before responding

This thread is 170 pages long.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on May 29, 2022, 02:32:31 PM

Quote from: 1 on May 29, 2022, 09:03:26 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on May 29, 2022, 08:11:42 AM
Of course it's the better practice to read the whole thread before responding

This thread is 170 pages long.

85 pages.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on May 29, 2022, 02:36:01 PM

Nah, this thread is exactly 169.44 pages once I make this post.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on May 29, 2022, 03:57:11 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on May 29, 2022, 02:32:31 PM
Quote from: 1 on May 29, 2022, 09:03:26 AM
This thread is 170 pages long.

85 pages.

Because you have this forum set to 50 posts per page instead of the default 25 like most do (including me) :spin:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on May 29, 2022, 05:08:16 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on May 29, 2022, 02:32:31 PM
Quote from: 1 on May 29, 2022, 09:03:26 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on May 29, 2022, 08:11:42 AM
Of course it's the better practice to read the whole thread before responding

This thread is 170 pages long.

85 pages.

Yes master, I will gladly read all 4,230something posts. Anything for you.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on May 29, 2022, 08:57:41 PM

Quote from: thspfc on May 29, 2022, 05:08:16 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on May 29, 2022, 02:32:31 PM
Quote from: 1 on May 29, 2022, 09:03:26 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on May 29, 2022, 08:11:42 AM
Of course it's the better practice to read the whole thread before responding

This thread is 170 pages long.

85 pages.
Yes master, I will gladly read all 4,230something posts. Anything for you.

Hey, Scott5114 is the one who complained, not me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on May 31, 2022, 03:09:45 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on May 31, 2022, 02:10:28 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 31, 2022, 01:10:11 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on May 28, 2022, 08:08:17 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 26, 2022, 10:50:13 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on May 26, 2022, 10:42:27 AM
One reason Griffin did that was because when he played for Baylor, there was another Robert Griffin on the team. But they had different middle initials, so who knows why they chose to use the suffix instead.

I assume it's because only the last name is shown on a jersey.

Some teams do use first initials if two players have the same last name. Baltimore's baseball team used to have "C. Ripken" and "B. Ripken," for example.

... which still isn't a middle name.

But you said "only the last name is shown on a jersey" and I was saying that's not necessarily true. Once you include first initials, there's no real reason why you couldn't use two initials if appropriate (and I know Texas A&M football, at a minimum, has used the first two letters of players' first names when two players had the same first initial and last name–it would be like putting "Ch. Johnson" and "Cl. Johnson" if a team had players named Chad Johnson and Clyde Johnson).

Of course there was the year two WRs named Gene Washington (https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1970/probowl.htm) made the Pro Bowl.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on May 31, 2022, 05:52:38 PM

Intended for sports thread created for not-sports thread intended for not in the sports thread intended for sports discussion.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on May 31, 2022, 07:45:36 PM

minor thing that bothers me?

Why there's a separate thread for sports.

but not ROADS!!!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US71 on June 01, 2022, 02:49:46 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on May 31, 2022, 07:45:36 PM
minor thing that bothers me?

Why there's a separate thread for sports.

but not ROADS!!!

You're an Admin....create something ;0

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on June 01, 2022, 05:29:55 AM

Quote from: US71 on June 01, 2022, 02:49:46 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on May 31, 2022, 07:45:36 PM
minor thing that bothers me?

Why there's a separate thread for sports.

but not ROADS!!!

You're an Admin....create something ;0

Minor ROADS that bother you?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on June 01, 2022, 08:48:40 AM

Quote from: formulanone on June 01, 2022, 05:29:55 AM
Quote from: US71 on June 01, 2022, 02:49:46 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on May 31, 2022, 07:45:36 PM
minor thing that bothers me?

Why there's a separate thread for sports.

but not ROADS!!!

You're an Admin....create something ;0

Minor ROADS that bother you?

I-180 Illinois?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on June 01, 2022, 09:21:15 AM

Quote from: formulanone on June 01, 2022, 05:29:55 AM
Quote from: US71 on June 01, 2022, 02:49:46 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on May 31, 2022, 07:45:36 PM
minor thing that bothers me?

Why there's a separate thread for sports.

but not ROADS!!!

You're an Admin....create something ;0

Minor ROADS that bother you?

Minor Road in Charlottesville, perhaps? (https://goo.gl/maps/oqMHPtFwiMiUKMAR6)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 01, 2022, 10:25:37 AM

Quote from: US71 on June 01, 2022, 02:49:46 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on May 31, 2022, 07:45:36 PM
minor thing that bothers me?

Why there's a separate thread for sports.

but not ROADS!!!

You're an Admin....create something ;0

Better yet, create a whole forum dedicated to roads.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US71 on June 01, 2022, 11:03:22 AM

Quote from: kphoger on June 01, 2022, 10:25:37 AM
Quote from: US71 on June 01, 2022, 02:49:46 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on May 31, 2022, 07:45:36 PM
minor thing that bothers me?

Why there's a separate thread for sports.

but not ROADS!!!

You're an Admin....create something ;0

Better yet, create a whole forum dedicated to roads.

What a novel idea. Do you think anyone would subscribe? :p

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 01, 2022, 11:18:21 AM

Quote from: US71 on June 01, 2022, 11:03:22 AM
Do you think anyone would subscribe?

Probably a lot of the members here. If it's done well.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on June 01, 2022, 03:04:30 PM

The phrase "totally destroyed."

It's either destroyed or it's damaged. "Totally destroyed" is redundant.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 01, 2022, 03:24:29 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on June 01, 2022, 03:04:30 PM
The phrase "totally destroyed."

It's either destroyed or it's damaged. "Totally destroyed" is redundant.

Suppose you had a factory that had four buildings. And suppose one of them were to be leveled by an EF-5 tornado, while the other three buildings only sustained minor damage. You could then say the plant was "partially destroyed". Saying the plant was "totally destroyed" would mean that all four buildings were destroyed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on June 01, 2022, 04:31:59 PM

Quote from: 1 on June 01, 2022, 06:47:21 AM
There should be a restaurant called Jimmy Buffet – All You Can Eat Cheeseburger Paradise.

People who mis-spell Jimmy Buffett's last name. There are two "t"'s dammit!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Takumi on June 01, 2022, 05:11:11 PM

Quote from: dlsterner on June 01, 2022, 04:31:59 PM
Quote from: 1 on June 01, 2022, 06:47:21 AM
There should be a restaurant called Jimmy Buffet – All You Can Eat Cheeseburger Paradise.

People who mis-spell Jimmy Buffett's last name. There are two "t"'s dammit!

I'm pretty sure it was done intentionally in that case.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jmacswimmer on June 01, 2022, 05:25:03 PM

Quote from: 1 on June 01, 2022, 06:47:21 AM
There should be a restaurant called Jimmy Buffet – All You Can Eat Cheeseburger Paradise.

Fun fact: my hometown did actually have a food joint named "Cheeseburgers "˜n Paradise" . Supposedly Buffett found out about it at some point and sued, resulting in the establishment renaming itself to "Beef "˜n Buns "˜n Paradise."

https://www.fredericknewspost.com/archives/paradise-almost-lost-singer-makes-eatery-change-its-cheeseburger-name/article_6278a044-4776-5d65-a045-5ff11da47480.html

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on June 01, 2022, 05:40:15 PM

Buffett does have a licensed line of Margaritaville restaurants; we have one at the Mall of America.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on June 01, 2022, 06:24:21 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on June 01, 2022, 05:40:15 PM
Buffett does have a licensed line of Margaritaville restaurants; we have one at the Mall of America.

He also had a licensed line of Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurants, but I'm not sure if it still exists.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on June 01, 2022, 06:46:31 PM

Quote from: jmacswimmer on June 01, 2022, 05:25:03 PM
Quote from: 1 on June 01, 2022, 06:47:21 AM
There should be a restaurant called Jimmy Buffet – All You Can Eat Cheeseburger Paradise.

Fun fact: my hometown did actually have a food joint named "Cheeseburgers "˜n Paradise" . Supposedly Buffett found out about it at some point and sued, resulting in the establishment renaming itself to "Beef "˜n Buns "˜n Paradise."

https://www.fredericknewspost.com/archives/paradise-almost-lost-singer-makes-eatery-change-its-cheeseburger-name/article_6278a044-4776-5d65-a045-5ff11da47480.html

Quote"I don't even care for his music," Mr. Hoffman said. "I like his lifestyle but not his music. We never claimed to be connected with Jimmy Buffett at all."

Well, yeah, that's what most people are doing when they try to name something close to something famous or well known. The person who opened the restaurant in Lahaina, which I've been to, at least was in 'Paradise'. Frederick, not so much.

Quote"I don't even play Jimmy Buffett's music," Mr. Chew said from his restaurant Wednesday. "I didn't really even know who he was."

This person is an idiot just for saying that. There's really no other context of using 'Margaritaville' other than in connection with Jimmy Buffett.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on June 01, 2022, 09:11:19 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 01, 2022, 11:18:21 AM
Quote from: US71 on June 01, 2022, 11:03:22 AM
Do you think anyone would subscribe?

Probably a lot of the members here. If it's done well.

Will it bip?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 01, 2022, 09:38:16 PM

Quote from: vdeane on June 01, 2022, 09:11:19 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 01, 2022, 11:18:21 AM

Quote from: US71 on June 01, 2022, 11:03:22 AM
Do you think anyone would subscribe?

Probably a lot of the members here. If it's done well.

Will it bip?

Yes, I imagine it would. Perhaps he should somehow incorporate the word 'bip' into the name of the forum.

Also, this could be the slogan:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MATraveler128 on June 01, 2022, 10:29:26 PM

Eating chips with dip and having the chip break in half as you’re dipping the chip. This is especially annoying at parties when there’s enough for everyone to share, meaning that you now have a bowl of dip with leftover pieces of chip in it and you can’t take it out because of germs.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CoreySamson on June 01, 2022, 11:06:38 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 01, 2022, 03:24:29 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on June 01, 2022, 03:04:30 PM
The phrase "totally destroyed."

It's either destroyed or it's damaged. "Totally destroyed" is redundant.

Suppose you had a factory that had four buildings. And suppose one of them were to be leveled by an EF-5 tornado, while the other three buildings only sustained minor damage. You could then say the plant was "partially destroyed". Saying the plant was "totally destroyed" would mean that all four buildings were destroyed.

I have a beef about the term "totally destroyed" in relating to tornadoes. I'm seeing it used way too often by first responders and tornado victims to describe their homes and towns after relatively weak tornadoes or even just straight-line winds blow through. Like yeah sure, your garage door is dented in, half your shingles were blown off, and the tree in the front yard fell over, but is that "totally destroyed"? Your house is still mostly intact. It's just damaged. I was watching a stream from Ryan Hall just a couple days ago and the reports they were getting in from Minnesota seemed to suggest EF-4 or higher level damage based on wording, when it turned out that the tornadoes that spawned those reports were only EF-1s.

Save the term for when things are actually completely destroyed, like the Moore 1999 F5.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on June 02, 2022, 12:15:01 AM

Quote from: BlueOutback7 on June 01, 2022, 10:29:26 PM
Eating chips with dip and having the chip break in half as you're dipping the chip. This is especially annoying at parties when there's enough for everyone to share, meaning that you now have a bowl of dip with leftover pieces of chip in it and you can't take it out because of germs.

I guess you can always get another chip to send on a "rescue mission" to try to retrieve the broken piece of the first chip. Of course, the second chip always breaks as well, and you're worse off than before.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 02, 2022, 12:22:38 AM

Quote from: CoreySamson on June 01, 2022, 11:06:38 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 01, 2022, 03:24:29 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on June 01, 2022, 03:04:30 PM
The phrase "totally destroyed."

It's either destroyed or it's damaged. "Totally destroyed" is redundant.

Suppose you had a factory that had four buildings. And suppose one of them were to be leveled by an EF-5 tornado, while the other three buildings only sustained minor damage. You could then say the plant was "partially destroyed". Saying the plant was "totally destroyed" would mean that all four buildings were destroyed.
I have a beef about the term "totally destroyed" in relating to tornadoes. I'm seeing it used way too often by first responders and tornado victims to describe their homes and towns after relatively weak tornadoes or even just straight-line winds blow through. Like yeah sure, your garage door is dented in, half your shingles were blown off, and the tree in the front yard fell over, but is that "totally destroyed"? Your house is still mostly intact. It's just damaged. I was watching a stream from Ryan Hall just a couple days ago and the reports they were getting in from Minnesota seemed to suggest EF-4 or higher level damage based on wording, when it turned out that the tornadoes that spawned those reports were only EF-1s.

Save the term for when things are actually completely destroyed, like the Moore 1999 F5.

Yeah, if your roof is still there, it's not "totally destroyed".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 02, 2022, 09:51:00 AM

Quote from: BlueOutback7 on June 01, 2022, 10:29:26 PM
Eating chips with dip and having the chip break in half as you're dipping the chip. This is especially annoying at parties when there's enough for everyone to share, meaning that you now have a bowl of dip with leftover pieces of chip in it and you can't take it out because of germs.

There are people who complain if you just pick the chip out of the dip? Don't associate with that type of person. They don't make for very fun parties.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on June 02, 2022, 10:26:32 AM

Quote from: kphoger on June 02, 2022, 09:51:00 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on June 01, 2022, 10:29:26 PM
Eating chips with dip and having the chip break in half as you're dipping the chip. This is especially annoying at parties when there's enough for everyone to share, meaning that you now have a bowl of dip with leftover pieces of chip in it and you can't take it out because of germs.

There are people who complain if you just pick the chip out of the dip? Don't associate with that type of person. They don't make for very fun parties.

It was probably this guy:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on June 02, 2022, 10:47:38 AM

Quote from: kphoger on June 02, 2022, 09:51:00 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on June 01, 2022, 10:29:26 PM
Eating chips with dip and having the chip break in half as you're dipping the chip. This is especially annoying at parties when there's enough for everyone to share, meaning that you now have a bowl of dip with leftover pieces of chip in it and you can't take it out because of germs.

There are people who complain if you just pick the chip out of the dip? Don't associate with that type of person. They don't make for very fun parties.

Guess they ain't taking a swig from the bottle and passing it on either.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on June 02, 2022, 01:17:29 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 02, 2022, 09:51:00 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on June 01, 2022, 10:29:26 PM
Eating chips with dip and having the chip break in half as you're dipping the chip. This is especially annoying at parties when there's enough for everyone to share, meaning that you now have a bowl of dip with leftover pieces of chip in it and you can't take it out because of germs.

There are people who complain if you just pick the chip out of the dip? Don't associate with that type of person. They don't make for very fun parties.

Like just dig in with your fingers? Yeah, don't do that. Get a spoon.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 02, 2022, 01:24:14 PM

Wow, you guys apparently don't hang out with the same sort of people that I do.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on June 02, 2022, 01:26:23 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 02, 2022, 01:24:14 PM
Wow, you guys apparently don't hang out with the same sort of people that I do.

It's probably for the best. :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 02, 2022, 01:34:33 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on June 02, 2022, 01:26:23 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 02, 2022, 01:24:14 PM
Wow, you guys apparently don't hang out with the same sort of people that I do.

It's probably for the best. [cut]

I agree. I don't need that kind of negativity in my life. [paste] :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on June 02, 2022, 02:35:05 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on June 02, 2022, 10:47:38 AM
Quote from: kphoger on June 02, 2022, 09:51:00 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on June 01, 2022, 10:29:26 PM
Eating chips with dip and having the chip break in half as you're dipping the chip. This is especially annoying at parties when there's enough for everyone to share, meaning that you now have a bowl of dip with leftover pieces of chip in it and you can't take it out because of germs.

There are people who complain if you just pick the chip out of the dip? Don't associate with that type of person. They don't make for very fun parties.

Guess they ain't taking a swig from the bottle and passing it on either.

to say nothing of passing the joint/bong/etc

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on June 02, 2022, 02:45:51 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 02, 2022, 01:34:33 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on June 02, 2022, 01:26:23 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 02, 2022, 01:24:14 PM
Wow, you guys apparently don't hang out with the same sort of people that I do.

It's probably for the best. [cut]

I agree. I don't need that kind of negativity in my life. [paste] :-D

Doctor: "I believe your problem is that your outlook is too negative. You should try to avoid negative words like 'can't' or 'not.' Do you think you can do that?"

Patient: "I can't see why not."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on June 02, 2022, 05:55:10 PM

Watchlist bots in Twitch chats annoy me. Their only purpose is to clog up the viewers list so they can farm follows. They don't even add to the viewer count, and a higher viewer count is something I need if I want to be affiliate someday.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 03, 2022, 10:57:40 AM

When I need to scan something to print onto a blank portion of another document–except I don't know one or both of the following: (1) the correct alignment or orientation I should use when putting it on the glass, (2) the correct orientation for putting the document into the feeder.

So I might end up with something like this:

a. The new item over-prints what's already on the document, rather than printing in the blank portion.

b. The new item manages to end up in the blank portion, but it's sideways or upside-down.

c. The new item ends up on the back of the sheet, rather than the front.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on June 03, 2022, 12:39:37 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 03, 2022, 10:57:40 AMWhen I need to scan something to print onto a blank portion of another document–except I don't know one or both of the following: (1) the correct alignment or orientation I should use when putting it on the glass, (2) the correct orientation for putting the document into the feeder.

So I might end up with something like this:

a. The new item over-prints what's already on the document, rather than printing in the blank portion.

b. The new item manages to end up in the blank portion, but it's sideways or upside-down.

c. The new item ends up on the back of the sheet, rather than the front.

Is it an option to access the form as a PDF and paste the scanned material into it?

A related annoyance is a demand for wet signatures on forms that are distributed in PDF. This typically entails downloading the form, filling it out, printing it, signing it in ink, and mailing it. In the past I've had to deal with this as part of the process of obtaining and maintaining access to an online resource, and feel fortunate that the provider now accepts digital signatures in lieu of ink, meaning I can simply sign the required forms digitally in Foxit Reader and email them, thus sidestepping postal delays.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 03, 2022, 01:12:14 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on June 03, 2022, 12:39:37 PM
A related annoyance is a demand for wet signatures on forms that are distributed in PDF. This typically entails downloading the form, filling it out, printing it, signing it in ink, and mailing it.

My co-worker deals with this one all the time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on June 03, 2022, 01:30:51 PM

People who call me and don't leave a voicemail. If I have a missed call from you, and I don't know who you are, then I'm not calling you back.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on June 03, 2022, 01:36:18 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on June 03, 2022, 12:39:37 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 03, 2022, 10:57:40 AMWhen I need to scan something to print onto a blank portion of another document–except I don't know one or both of the following: (1) the correct alignment or orientation I should use when putting it on the glass, (2) the correct orientation for putting the document into the feeder.

So I might end up with something like this:

a. The new item over-prints what's already on the document, rather than printing in the blank portion.

b. The new item manages to end up in the blank portion, but it's sideways or upside-down.

c. The new item ends up on the back of the sheet, rather than the front.

Is it an option to access the form as a PDF and paste the scanned material into it?

A related annoyance is a demand for wet signatures on forms that are distributed in PDF. This typically entails downloading the form, filling it out, printing it, signing it in ink, and mailing it. In the past I've had to deal with this as part of the process of obtaining and maintaining access to an online resource, and feel fortunate that the provider now accepts digital signatures in lieu of ink, meaning I can simply sign the required forms digitally in Foxit Reader and email them, thus sidestepping postal delays.

I have an image of my signature that I can just copy and paste into PDFs, which I then email back to whoever. No one has ever questioned me on it, but that could just be apathy on their part.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 03, 2022, 01:57:08 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on June 03, 2022, 01:30:51 PM
People who call me and don't leave a voicemail. If I have a missed call from you, and I don't know who you are, then I'm not calling you back.

If it's not important that you call me back, then I generally don't bother leaving a message. Not every missed call justifies expecting a call-back.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on June 03, 2022, 04:46:21 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on June 03, 2022, 01:30:51 PM
People who call me and don't leave a voicemail. If I have a missed call from you, and I don't know who you are, then I'm not calling you back.

In most cases it is a telemarketer/robocall.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 03, 2022, 05:07:24 PM

Actually, that's why I always answer the phone. If it's a number I don't recognize, then I just say 'llo and then go silent. I hate it when I receive a new voicemail, and it ends up just being the last 60% of a scam recording.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on June 03, 2022, 06:13:54 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on June 03, 2022, 01:36:18 PMI have an image of my signature that I can just copy and paste into PDFs, which I then email back to whoever. No one has ever questioned me on it, but that could just be apathy on their part.

I have the same thing and it is usually accepted, but I've dealt with several organizations that do want wet signatures.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 07, 2022, 12:43:50 PM

Microsoft Excel's default column width is the ridiculously not-round value of 8.43. How has this been allowed to continue?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 07, 2022, 05:29:05 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 07, 2022, 12:43:50 PM
Microsoft Excel's default column width is the ridiculously not-round value of 8.43. How has this been allowed to continue?

8.43 what?

LibreOffice defaults to 0.89" (with inches specified as the unit), which is similarly a not-round number. But it does at least correlate to 64 points, which is a power of two, so at least there's some squint-and-tilt-your-head logic to it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on June 07, 2022, 05:47:13 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 07, 2022, 12:43:50 PM
Microsoft Excel's default column width is the ridiculously not-round value of 8.43. How has this been allowed to continue?

It's measured in pixels of eight, which means it was probably devised by some pirate.

I think one of the first things I do is make columns in round numbers. Like 10.00 or 25.00 and size all the heights up to something like 20.00 because it looks nicer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 07, 2022, 08:53:48 PM

Quote from: formulanone on June 07, 2022, 05:47:13 PM
I think one of the first things I do is make columns in round numbers. Like 10.00 or 25.00 and size all the heights up to something like 20.00 because it looks nicer.

Depending on the application, I do this as well. I especially do it when copying and pasting a table into, say, an e-mail. This is because, if I shrink the column widths to fit the data, then pasting into another application somehow results in columns that are too narrow and therefore wraps the data onto a second line. So I round up a couple of whole numbers for each column width to account for the variation.

Quote from: formulanone on June 07, 2022, 05:47:13 PM
It's measured in pixels of eight, which means it was probably devised by some pirate.

Very clever.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on June 07, 2022, 09:28:47 PM

The fact that Hulu can't be bothered to provide a uniform experience across devices. Some use "My Stuff". Others use "Watchlist". It's not just a different term, they're two completely different lists that are mutually incompatible. Apparently it doesn't store watch history in your account and sync across devices, either, at least from what I've read. WTF? I would have expected far better from one of the original streaming services.

Incidentally, it's only last week that I actually had a chance to try the Hulu app on my TV. I ended up subscribing for The Orville and it's the first time I've watched it since they went pay-only. The TV app only worked with Hulu Plus, so I was stuck with the computer for Hulu free, so I never noticed all this before.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 08, 2022, 09:46:25 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 07, 2022, 05:29:05 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 07, 2022, 12:43:50 PM
Microsoft Excel's default column width is the ridiculously not-round value of 8.43. How has this been allowed to continue?

8.43 what?

LibreOffice defaults to 0.89" (with inches specified as the unit), which is similarly a not-round number. But it does at least correlate to 64 points, which is a power of two, so at least there's some squint-and-tilt-your-head logic to it.

Its width is apparently measured in "characters". This is supposedly based on the "default font" used for "Normal" style, and I've further read that it represents how many 0s of that font will fit within the cell. So I tried it:

With the default 8.43 column width and the default font of 11-point Calibri, I typed eight 0s, then double-clicked the left boundary of the column to autofit the column width. And guess what? It changed the width to 8.71 instead. Well, I guess 8.43 is the wrong default width, then.

Oh, but OK, older versions of Excel used 10-point Arial for the default font. So I tried that. I formatted a cell to 10-point Arial and typed eight 0s, then double-clicked to autofit. And that column also changed to 8.71 instead of 8.43.

So then I thought maybe it's an issue of padding (or whatever that's really called). Maybe the 8.43 number doesn't account for any white space, even though autofit provides some white space padding. Except... no. When I changed the column width to exactly 8 and zoomed in to 400% resolution, both columns still had a tiny bit of white space padding. Who knows, maybe it's a rounding error or something...

So now at least I know what the number is supposed to represent, but I'm not 100% convinced that it's what the number actually does represent.

In contrast row height appears to be fairly simple, at 1 = 1⅓ pixels.

For what it's worth, here are some sample units from Excel:

default column width = 8.43 (64 pixels)
width 1 = 12 pixels
width 10 = 75 pixels
width 20 = 145 pixels
width 100 = 705 pixels
width 255 (max) = 1790 pixels

default column height = 15.00 (20 pixels)
height 0.75 = 1 pixel
height 1.50 = 2 pixels
height 12.00 = 16 pixels
height 24.00 = 32 pixels
height 75.00 = 100 pixels

And, at this point, I guess I should probably state the obvious: pixels are not actual (physical) pixels. And, if someone could explain the relationship between resolution-independent pixels and twips, in language that a dummy like me can understand, then I'd appreciate it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 08, 2022, 04:44:18 PM

My guess is that Martholomew S. Excel programmed MS Excel 0.1 Beta to use some scale where each unit was "yay big" and doesn't have any actual intended correlation to any real-world unit. It's probably just convenient to calculate in whatever logical mess is going on under the hood there. And now they're afraid to change it to an actual useful unit because it will break compatibility with a church treasurer's spreadsheet that was created in 1987 and has been updated continuously ever since.

It's also entirely possible that the fake units were created by Lotus 1-2-3 of all things, and Excel merely emulates them as part of the all-too-successful attempt to usurp Lotus's position as the most popular spreadsheet program on the market. (It's weird thinking that that was the sort of thing companies did back in the days when people bought software.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 08, 2022, 05:08:18 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 08, 2022, 04:44:18 PM
My guess is that Martholomew S. Excel programmed MS Excel 0.1 Beta to use some scale where each unit was "yay big" and doesn't have any actual intended correlation to any real-world unit. It's probably just convenient to calculate in whatever logical mess is going on under the hood there. And now they're afraid to change it to an actual useful unit because it will break compatibility with a church treasurer's spreadsheet that was created in 1987 and has been updated continuously ever since.

It's also entirely possible that the fake units were created by Lotus 1-2-3 of all things, and Excel merely emulates them as part of the all-too-successful attempt to usurp Lotus's position as the most popular spreadsheet program on the market. (It's weird thinking that that was the sort of thing companies did back in the days when people bought software.)

I know that church treasurer. She's actually using Lotus 1-2-3.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 08, 2022, 07:43:49 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 08, 2022, 05:08:18 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 08, 2022, 04:44:18 PM
My guess is that Martholomew S. Excel programmed MS Excel 0.1 Beta to use some scale where each unit was "yay big" and doesn't have any actual intended correlation to any real-world unit. It's probably just convenient to calculate in whatever logical mess is going on under the hood there. And now they're afraid to change it to an actual useful unit because it will break compatibility with a church treasurer's spreadsheet that was created in 1987 and has been updated continuously ever since.

It's also entirely possible that the fake units were created by Lotus 1-2-3 of all things, and Excel merely emulates them as part of the all-too-successful attempt to usurp Lotus's position as the most popular spreadsheet program on the market. (It's weird thinking that that was the sort of thing companies did back in the days when people bought software.)

I know that church treasurer. She's actually using Lotus 1-2-3.

She must be related to the 87-year-old computer teacher I had sophomore year of high school who still kept track of grades on an Apple II in 2007.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on June 08, 2022, 09:41:08 PM

People (usually boomers and older) who say "well, it must not have been important" whenever I mention having forgot something. I forget important things all the time (especially lately, it seems like I've gotten a lot more forgetful in the last few months).

People who compare the price of gas to what it was in the middle of 2020 to complain about how high it is now. Yes, it's high, but comparing to that epic low is being VERY disingenuous. Mid-2020 was the middle of COVID and people were not traveling, so of course the price of gas was low. In fact, oil prices even went negative for a brief time, that's how little demand there was! That actually feeds into the current high prices, since extraction and refining capacity was lowered a lot to bring the price back up, and now that people are traveling again (and with an attitude unusually resistant to price increases, with an attitude of "I wasn't traveling for the past two years, I'm not missing out this year even if I go broke") it's gone way up (the Russia/Ukraine situation on top of this does not help at all). In short, it's a whole different ballgame now.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on June 08, 2022, 10:30:11 PM

Quote from: vdeane on June 08, 2022, 09:41:08 PM
People who compare the price of gas to what it was in the middle of 2020 to complain about how high it is now. Yes, it's high, but comparing to that epic low is being VERY disingenuous. Mid-2020 was the middle of COVID and people were not traveling, so of course the price of gas was low.

Just for fun, I'm going to look at my old expense reports...I can go back to mid-2014. Unfortunately, my prices are literally all over the map:

12/2019 - 2.45 (Austin, TX)
12/2019 - 2.45 (Buda, TX)
12/2019 - 2.60 (San Angelo, TX)
1/2020 - 2.66 (Medina, OH)
1/2020 - 2.40 (Hot Springs, SD)
1/2020 - 2.29 (Rapid City, SD)
2/2020 - 2.74 (Clinton, PA...right by the Pittsburgh airport)
2/2020 - 2.30 (Appleton, WI)
2/2020 - 2.50 (Rochester, NY)
2/2020 - 2.68 (Fairport, NY)

3/2020 - 2.15 (Scott City, MO)
3/2020 - 1.90 (St. Joseph, MO)
3/2020 - 1.99 (Decatur, AL)
5/2020 - 1.60 (Wycliffe, KY)
5/2020 - 1.60 (Ardmore, TN)
10/2020 - 2.20 (Odessa, TX)
10/2020 - 1.98 (Kansas City, MO)
10/2020 - 2.20 (Romulus, MI)
10/2020 - 2.04 (Angola, IN)
10/2020 - 2.00 (Glendale, WI)

Looking way back...

10/2014 - 3.20 (Kalamazoo, MI)
10/2014 - 3.20 (Grand Rapids, MI)
11/2014 - 2.41 (Prarieville, LA)
12/2014 - 2.67 (Denver, CO - right by airport)
1/2015 - 1.74 (Joliet, IL)
3/2015 - 2.47 (Euless, TX)
3/2015 - 2.14 (Houston, TX)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on June 09, 2022, 07:52:28 AM

The lowest price I ever remember paying for gas was 73Â¢ a gallon for 87 octane in Roanoke in July 1998 the day after the bar exam. When I first got my driver's license in 1989 gas was generally around a dollar a gallon.

Highest I've paid in the USA so far was $5.19 for 93 octane the weekend before last (that is, Memorial Day Weekend).

I suppose this issue could be a thread unto itself.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: stlukeyo7 on June 09, 2022, 08:39:32 AM

Quote from: kphoger on November 27, 2019, 04:14:10 PM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on November 27, 2019, 04:10:35 PM
Certain American customs that bother me are too major for this thread.

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, huh?

went to a crab shack yesterday with a bunch of kids and they had ran out of pbj. was funny but also kind of bothersome.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 09, 2022, 10:29:51 AM

Quote from: stlukeyo7 on June 09, 2022, 08:39:32 AM

Quote from: kphoger on November 27, 2019, 04:14:10 PM

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on November 27, 2019, 04:10:35 PM
Certain American customs that bother me are too major for this thread.

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, huh?

went to a crab shack yesterday with a bunch of kids and they had ran out of pbj. was funny but also kind of bothersome.

In March 2010, I stopped at a Subway south of Nuevo Laredo (https://goo.gl/maps/ieKbYDmjRmkjoy3B6) with a group of like twelve people or so. And they were out of BREAD. At SUBWAY. Before NOON.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on June 09, 2022, 11:57:33 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on June 09, 2022, 07:52:28 AM
The lowest price I ever remember paying for gas was 73Â¢ a gallon for 87 octane in Roanoke in July 1998 the day after the bar exam. When I first got my driver's license in 1989 gas was generally around a dollar a gallon.

Highest I've paid in the USA so far was $5.19 for 93 octane the weekend before last (that is, Memorial Day Weekend).

I suppose this issue could be a thread unto itself.

I was a small child in the mid 1960s in the back seat when my parents were paying 25 cents a gallon during a price war. That was 1/4 of an hour's pay at minimum wage.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on June 09, 2022, 11:59:37 AM

Quote from: kkt on June 09, 2022, 11:57:33 AM
I was a small child in the mid 1960s in the back seat when my parents were paying 25 cents a gallon during a price war. That was 1/4 of an hour's pay at minimum wage.

In Massachusetts, 1/4 of an hour's pay at minimum wage could buy a gallon of gas as recently as earlier this year, immediately before Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Massachusetts has a high minimum wage compared to other states, though.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on June 09, 2022, 12:04:14 PM

Quote from: 1 on June 09, 2022, 11:59:37 AM
Quote from: kkt on June 09, 2022, 11:57:33 AM
I was a small child in the mid 1960s in the back seat when my parents were paying 25 cents a gallon during a price war. That was 1/4 of an hour's pay at minimum wage.

In Massachusetts, 1/4 of an hour's pay at minimum wage could buy a gallon of gas as recently as earlier this year, immediately before Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Massachusetts has a high minimum wage compared to other states, though.

Same in Illinois, where the minimum wage is $15 an hour.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on June 09, 2022, 12:54:43 PM

Quote from: kkt on June 09, 2022, 11:57:33 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on June 09, 2022, 07:52:28 AM
The lowest price I ever remember paying for gas was 73Â¢ a gallon for 87 octane in Roanoke in July 1998 the day after the bar exam. When I first got my driver's license in 1989 gas was generally around a dollar a gallon.

Highest I've paid in the USA so far was $5.19 for 93 octane the weekend before last (that is, Memorial Day Weekend).

I suppose this issue could be a thread unto itself.

I was a small child in the mid 1960s in the back seat when my parents were paying 25 cents a gallon during a price war. That was 1/4 of an hour's pay at minimum wage.

69 cents/gallon after the Wawa opened off Exit 16 of NJ's I-195 near Great Adventure, most likely in 1999 or 2000.

I joined a carpool when prices shot up to an expensive $1.35 in 2001.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on June 09, 2022, 12:56:24 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on June 09, 2022, 07:52:28 AM
I suppose this issue could be a thread unto itself.

I'd say it already is (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=62.3250).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 09, 2022, 01:22:07 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 06, 2022, 04:06:25 PM
NEW minor thing that bothers me: Apparently, the VPN that I use to access Charter Communication's database blocks Flickr. It means I can't see Flickr images posted on this forum, nor can I upload my own photo to the site. I don't think it used to be a problem, so maybe it was recently added to their list.

Related... Also when I'm on Charter's VPN, my computer cannot connect to the network printer, which I can literally see from my desk. Grr..

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on June 09, 2022, 01:38:31 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 09, 2022, 01:22:07 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 06, 2022, 04:06:25 PM
NEW minor thing that bothers me: Apparently, the VPN that I use to access Charter Communication's database blocks Flickr. It means I can't see Flickr images posted on this forum, nor can I upload my own photo to the site. I don't think it used to be a problem, so maybe it was recently added to their list.

Related... Also when I'm on Charter's VPN, my computer cannot connect to the network printer, which I can literally see from my desk. Grr..

That happens to me at home when I use my employer's VPN. The solution is to run a printer cable from the printer to the PC (in my case, a USB cable).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 09, 2022, 01:42:26 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on June 09, 2022, 01:38:31 PM
That happens to me at home when I use my employer's VPN. The solution is to run a printer cable from the printer to the PC (in my case, a USB cable).

Yeah, that's... not an option.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on June 09, 2022, 02:17:24 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on June 09, 2022, 01:38:31 PM
That happens to me at home when I use my employer's VPN. The solution is to run a printer cable from the printer to the PC (in my case, a USB cable).

I recently retired, but while I was working from home, we were not allowed to print from our work computer on our home network, for "security". The solution was to email the doc to your personal email and print it from your home computer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on June 09, 2022, 03:18:19 PM

I don't think, as a general rule, that it is possible to access a LAN printer while a VPN is active, because the VPN "tunnel" passes through the LAN directly to the client running VPN--indeed, I suspect any solution that allowed the client to escape the tunnel to access a LAN resource (such as a printer) would be considered a security flaw in the VPN.

My latest tech annoyance surfaced yesterday as I was testing a new downloader for ConnDOT plans and proposals. (I had lost access when the State of Connecticut retired its old Biznet system in favor of WebProcure, a contracting platform solution from Perfect, itself a subsidiary of Proactis, which runs several tendering platforms in Europe.) I wrote the downloader with the ability to pull project numbers and filenames for the documents attached to each project. Naively, I had wget save each file locally as "ck," at which point "ck" would be changed to the actual name and it would be moved to a folder with the project number as its name.

It turns out that occasionally uploads are fumbled, so the same project has multiple project numbers differentiated only by punctuation--e.g., "0015-0382" and "0015-0382." (note trailing period). If you instruct Windows to move a file to folder "X.", it will move it to folder "X". If the target folder's name ends in a space followed by a period--e.g., "0015-0382 ."--then the move operation will fail and the next wget download will overwrite ck.

I discovered this last quirk when I was trying to figure out why the download log showed 1702 files while the download tarball had only 1677 files. Just one project--"0015-0382 ."--accounted for the entirety of the 25-file difference.

The WebProcure server also stores project-related dates and times as Unix epochs rather than ISO 8601 date/time expressions. So when I was looking to populate a blockout list to prevent projects being pulled a second time after their closing dates, I converted current date/time to Unix epoch and did date comparisons thusly:

Code Select

IF 1646010800000 LSS 1656010800000 echo Yes

This resulted in nothing.

However:

Code Select

IF "1646010800000" LSS "1656010800000" echo Yes

output

Code Select

Yes

Knowing that batch has limitations in how it handles large numbers, I was sort of prepared to make this change.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 09, 2022, 05:10:38 PM

Is there any reason you use DOS batch for your scripts other than familiarity? I would think you would be well-served by a general-purpose scripting language like Perl or Python, which could probably do the sorts of things you're doing more cleanly and with standard functions, and thus would be less troublesome.

Even with the comparatively more powerful bash shell at my disposal, I find that there's a fairly low bar of complexity that, when met, makes it far easier to shift all of the logic code to Perl and just use system() calls whenever I actually need the shell to do something.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on June 09, 2022, 05:46:33 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 09, 2022, 05:10:38 PMIs there any reason you use DOS batch for your scripts other than familiarity? I would think you would be well-served by a general-purpose scripting language like Perl or Python, which could probably do the sorts of things you're doing more cleanly and with standard functions, and thus would be less troublesome.

Even with the comparatively more powerful bash shell at my disposal, I find that there's a fairly low bar of complexity that, when met, makes it far easier to shift all of the logic code to Perl and just use system() calls whenever I actually need the shell to do something.

To answer your question--not really. I haven't taught myself Perl (or indeed any other programming language other than Pascal) and pick up Unix commands as I go along. As I use GnuWin32 ports of common Unix commands like sed, tr, grep, and awk heavily, I might be writing shell scripts if I were starting completely from scratch. Although few of my batch files are complicated, there are many of them and thus a fair amount of legacy code to port over.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DenverBrian on June 09, 2022, 05:53:36 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on June 03, 2022, 01:30:51 PM
People who call me and don't leave a voicemail. If I have a missed call from you, and I don't know who you are, then I'm not calling you back.

99.9% of people who call you and don't leave a voicemail are people you don't want to talk to - e.g., scammers. Be grateful they don't clog up your voice mailbox.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on June 09, 2022, 09:05:31 PM

Use of "smol" for "small." Most often seen on social media.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 09, 2022, 09:08:23 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on June 09, 2022, 09:05:31 PM
Use of "smol" for "small." Most often seen on social media.

Smol doesn't mean small.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 09, 2022, 09:40:30 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 09, 2022, 09:08:23 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on June 09, 2022, 09:05:31 PM
Use of "smol" for "small." Most often seen on social media.

Smol doesn't mean small.

I've never seen it used, but every definition I'm seeing online right now says it means small & cute.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 10, 2022, 04:14:33 AM

Quote from: kphoger on June 09, 2022, 09:40:30 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 09, 2022, 09:08:23 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on June 09, 2022, 09:05:31 PM
Use of "smol" for "small." Most often seen on social media.

Smol doesn't mean small.

I've never seen it used, but every definition I'm seeing online right now says it means small & cute.

Yeah, the cuteness is the important part of that.

A dime is small but not smol.

A tiger cub is smol but not small.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bulldog1979 on June 10, 2022, 09:09:24 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 08, 2022, 07:43:49 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 08, 2022, 05:08:18 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 08, 2022, 04:44:18 PM
My guess is that Martholomew S. Excel programmed MS Excel 0.1 Beta to use some scale where each unit was "yay big" and doesn't have any actual intended correlation to any real-world unit. It's probably just convenient to calculate in whatever logical mess is going on under the hood there. And now they're afraid to change it to an actual useful unit because it will break compatibility with a church treasurer's spreadsheet that was created in 1987 and has been updated continuously ever since.

It's also entirely possible that the fake units were created by Lotus 1-2-3 of all things, and Excel merely emulates them as part of the all-too-successful attempt to usurp Lotus's position as the most popular spreadsheet program on the market. (It's weird thinking that that was the sort of thing companies did back in the days when people bought software.)

I know that church treasurer. She's actually using Lotus 1-2-3.

She must be related to the 87-year-old computer teacher I had sophomore year of high school who still kept track of grades on an Apple II in 2007.

There's a Commodore 64C in Gdansk, Poland, that was still running an auto repair shop in 2016. In 2015, a Commodore Amiga was running the HVAC for 19 Grand Rapids Public Schools buildings. It was set to be replaced if a millage passed that year.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DenverBrian on June 10, 2022, 09:41:01 AM

Use of "loose" for "lose." 99% of the time, the word you're looking for is "lose."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 10, 2022, 10:02:49 AM

Putting an s at the end of store names for no reason.

(https://i.imgur.com/25JvQVo.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on June 10, 2022, 10:07:26 AM

Quote from: kphoger on June 10, 2022, 10:02:49 AM
Putting an s at the end of store names for no reason.

(https://i.imgur.com/25JvQVo.jpg)

Yes.

Jewel's and Kroger's, to name but two.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 10, 2022, 02:30:45 PM

When I restore-down a window and it disappears off the edge of my screen.

Just today, I finally figured out how to move it without being able to click on it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on June 10, 2022, 04:39:55 PM

When I have the second monitor turned off, and programs insist on opening on it. Or also, when I can't find the mouse cursor because I've somehow moved it onto the turned-off second monitor.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 10, 2022, 04:42:24 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on June 10, 2022, 04:39:55 PM
When I have the second monitor turned off, and programs insist on opening on it. Or also, when I can't find the mouse cursor because I've somehow moved it onto the turned-off second monitor.

Have you ever started up your computer, and it thought the left screen was the right screen and vice versa? That's fun!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 10, 2022, 06:03:03 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 10, 2022, 10:02:49 AM
Putting an s at the end of store names for no reason.

(https://i.imgur.com/25JvQVo.jpg)

Illinoi's

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on June 10, 2022, 06:43:53 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 10, 2022, 10:02:49 AM
Putting an s at the end of store names for no reason.

(https://i.imgur.com/25JvQVo.jpg)

The S in Illinois is flat.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 10, 2022, 07:04:37 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on June 10, 2022, 06:43:53 PM
The S in Illinois is flat.

You win the internet.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on June 11, 2022, 06:06:49 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 10, 2022, 07:04:37 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on June 10, 2022, 06:43:53 PM
The S in Illinois is flat.

You win the internet.

Illinoiſ ?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on June 11, 2022, 11:09:14 PM

Quote from: formulanone on June 11, 2022, 06:06:49 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 10, 2022, 07:04:37 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on June 10, 2022, 06:43:53 PM
The S in Illinois is flat.

You win the internet.

Illinoiſ ?

:clap:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on June 12, 2022, 03:09:38 AM

One of the things that bothers me with the streaming video services and the mobile apps is the lack of an Audio-only playback mode. Many of the older television shows and movies are essentially "filmed stage plays", and if you close your eyes, you can still pick up most of the dialogue and audio "hints" much like a radio play. This is useful when you are in a low-bandwidth area or are driving and need to concentrate on the road. I even put this in as Plex Feature Request (https://forums.plex.tv/t/allow-playback-of-movie-tv-series-audio-while-in-android-auto-mode/718945).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bulldog1979 on June 12, 2022, 05:36:39 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on June 12, 2022, 03:09:38 AM
One of the things that bothers me with the streaming video services and the mobile apps is the lack of an Audio-only playback mode. Many of the older television shows and movies are essentially "filmed stage plays", and if you close your eyes, you can still pick up most of the dialogue and audio "hints" much like a radio play. This is useful when you are in a low-bandwidth area or are driving and need to concentrate on the road. I even put this in as Plex Feature Request (https://forums.plex.tv/t/allow-playback-of-movie-tv-series-audio-while-in-android-auto-mode/718945).

That reminds me of the fact that the audio portion of analog TV channel 6 can be picked up on the radio at 87.7 FM. We used to listen to our local station in the car when the news was airing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on June 12, 2022, 10:59:57 AM

Quote from: bulldog1979 on June 12, 2022, 05:36:39 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on June 12, 2022, 03:09:38 AM
One of the things that bothers me with the streaming video services and the mobile apps is the lack of an Audio-only playback mode. Many of the older television shows and movies are essentially "filmed stage plays", and if you close your eyes, you can still pick up most of the dialogue and audio "hints" much like a radio play. This is useful when you are in a low-bandwidth area or are driving and need to concentrate on the road. I even put this in as Plex Feature Request (https://forums.plex.tv/t/allow-playback-of-movie-tv-series-audio-while-in-android-auto-mode/718945).

That reminds me of the fact that the audio portion of analog TV channel 6 can be picked up on the radio at 87.7 FM. We used to listen to our local station in the car when the news was airing.

not so much nowadays, thanks to digital tv.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on June 12, 2022, 11:27:46 AM

Caling it (even on posted signs) 'Railroad tracks' (plural) when there is only one of them.

:spin:

mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on June 12, 2022, 11:33:37 AM

News agencies using the phrase "semi-automatic handgun." Would they go into such overly descriptive detail as "single-action handgun" if a Colt SAA/M1873 was used?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on June 12, 2022, 11:44:49 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 12, 2022, 11:33:37 AMNews agencies using the phrase "semi-automatic handgun." Would they go into such overly descriptive detail as "single-action handgun" if a Colt SAA/M1873 was used?

I looked up the Wikipedia article on pistols (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pistol) after the last mention on this forum of how TV stations, etc. handle "semi-automatic" handguns, and it appears there are definitions that compete according to whether they include revolvers and derringers. In the absence of details about the specific weapon, I tend to visualize a magazine-fed pistol with a slide (either full-size like a Browning Hi-Power/Colt M1911/Glock 17 or compact like a Glock 19/Walther PPK/FN Model 1910).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on June 12, 2022, 11:54:50 AM

Quote from: J N Winkler on June 12, 2022, 11:44:49 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 12, 2022, 11:33:37 AMNews agencies using the phrase "semi-automatic handgun." Would they go into such overly descriptive detail as "single-action handgun" if a Colt SAA/M1873 was used?

I looked up the Wikipedia article on pistols (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pistol) after the last mention on this forum of how TV stations, etc. handle "semi-automatic" handguns, and it appears there are definitions that compete according to whether they include revolvers and derringers. In the absence of details about the specific weapon, I tend to visualize a magazine-fed pistol with a slide (either full-size like a Browning Hi-Power/Colt M1911/Glock 17 or compact like a Glock 19/Walther PPK/FN Model 1910).

Right, which is why add the vague terminology "handgun" is even more odd if you aren't going to be specific about the kind of firearm used. Just saying "handgun" or "revolver" and leaving it at that would be a lot more fitting as catch all terms. Like you said, when someone says "semi-automatic handgun" what springs to mind is a magazine fed firearm.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on June 12, 2022, 12:25:38 PM

Quote from: bulldog1979 on June 12, 2022, 05:36:39 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on June 12, 2022, 03:09:38 AM
One of the things that bothers me with the streaming video services and the mobile apps is the lack of an Audio-only playback mode. Many of the older television shows and movies are essentially "filmed stage plays", and if you close your eyes, you can still pick up most of the dialogue and audio "hints" much like a radio play. This is useful when you are in a low-bandwidth area or are driving and need to concentrate on the road. I even put this in as Plex Feature Request (https://forums.plex.tv/t/allow-playback-of-movie-tv-series-audio-while-in-android-auto-mode/718945).

That reminds me of the fact that the audio portion of analog TV channel 6 can be picked up on the radio at 87.7 FM. We used to listen to our local station in the car when the news was airing.

XM carries the audio feed for a couple of cable TV channels (CNN and FOX News come to mind), but listening to them in the car is weird because of the times when the person speaking refers to what you can see on the screen.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on June 12, 2022, 12:59:47 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on June 12, 2022, 11:27:46 AM
Caling it (even on posted signs) 'Railroad tracks' (plural) when there is only one of them.

:spin:

mike

To distinguish that pair of tracks from a monorail? :confused:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DTComposer on June 12, 2022, 03:34:11 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on June 10, 2022, 10:07:26 AM
Quote from: kphoger on June 10, 2022, 10:02:49 AM
Putting an s at the end of store names for no reason.

(https://i.imgur.com/25JvQVo.jpg)
Yes.

Jewel's and Kroger's, to name but two.

Nordstrom is the one I hear get this treatment a lot, and almost universally - I'm guessing because so many of the other similar department stores (Macy's, Dillard's, etc.) do have the s.

Quote from: mgk920 on June 12, 2022, 11:27:46 AM
Caling it (even on posted signs) 'Railroad tracks' (plural) when there is only one of them.

:spin:

mike

I hadn't thought about this before, and from I've now read I can understand some ambiguity. Consensus seems to be track (singular) refers to the physical path - the trail, road, or railroad; and tracks (plural) is what is left by whom/whatever uses that path (as in "to make tracks" or animal tracks). Couple this with the visual of a pair of rails and multiple ties, and I can see where people tend towards the plural.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on June 12, 2022, 04:17:06 PM

^^ Also that if a railroad crossing has multiple paths, it will call each separate path a track, such as "2 tracks" if there are 2 paths.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DenverBrian on June 13, 2022, 09:40:18 AM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on June 12, 2022, 10:59:57 AM
Quote from: bulldog1979 on June 12, 2022, 05:36:39 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on June 12, 2022, 03:09:38 AM
One of the things that bothers me with the streaming video services and the mobile apps is the lack of an Audio-only playback mode. Many of the older television shows and movies are essentially "filmed stage plays", and if you close your eyes, you can still pick up most of the dialogue and audio "hints" much like a radio play. This is useful when you are in a low-bandwidth area or are driving and need to concentrate on the road. I even put this in as Plex Feature Request (https://forums.plex.tv/t/allow-playback-of-movie-tv-series-audio-while-in-android-auto-mode/718945).

That reminds me of the fact that the audio portion of analog TV channel 6 can be picked up on the radio at 87.7 FM. We used to listen to our local station in the car when the news was airing.

not so much nowadays, thanks to digital tv.

...which makes it a minor thing that bothers me. :D :D :D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on June 13, 2022, 08:40:11 PM

My parents had an old stereo system that used to be able to pick up analog Channel *8* on the far left side of the FM dial in the mid 70s before we moved.

This was WJ(K)W‐TV in Cleveland, at the time a CBS affiliate. There was no TV channel 6 anywhere in NE Ohio. I used to tape a lot of TV themes off that channel.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on June 15, 2022, 11:02:24 AM

Hangnails. I seem to have five or more at any given moment, and one I have right now is so bad it oozes blood and fluid onto my fingernail when I put pressure on it, not to mention the redness and swelling in the adjacent area of my finger.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MATraveler128 on June 15, 2022, 11:13:47 AM

Quote from: webny99 on June 15, 2022, 11:02:24 AM
Hangnails. I seem to have five or more at any given moment, and one I have right now is so bad it oozes blood and fluid onto my fingernail when I put pressure on it, not to mention the redness and swelling in the adjacent area of my finger.

I'm with you on this one. I hate getting these. It's even worse when you're eating something and the grease gets in it and it REALLY hurts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 15, 2022, 11:15:03 AM

(https://i.imgur.com/19LRMsL.jpg)

This shouldn't stay on my screen for five minutes. Obviously, Windows doesn't know what the phrase "100% complete" means.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on June 15, 2022, 11:53:14 AM

Why does the "working on updates" screen have a red background?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 15, 2022, 01:59:15 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 15, 2022, 11:15:03 AM
This shouldn't stay on my screen for five minutes. Obviously, Windows doesn't know what the phrase "100% complete" means.

It shouldn't stay on your screen at all–the update process entirely locking out all user interaction with the system while in progress is unique to Windows. (On Linux, for example, the only update that cannot be swapped out in a fully-running system is the kernel–the very lowest level of the operating system–and even that can have updates installed without disturbing the user; the system merely continues to run the old kernel until the next reboot, whenever the user should decide that is appropriate.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 15, 2022, 02:00:43 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on June 15, 2022, 11:53:14 AM
Why does the "working on updates" screen have a red background?

*shrug* Ask Bill Gates. I think it was more of a Burgundy color...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 15, 2022, 02:01:52 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 15, 2022, 01:59:15 PM
Linux

yeah yeah we get it nerd

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on June 15, 2022, 03:18:43 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 15, 2022, 02:00:43 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on June 15, 2022, 11:53:14 AM
Why does the "working on updates" screen have a red background?

*shrug* Ask Bill Gates. I think it was more of a Burgundy color...

Oh, was it that color for the entire course of the update? Mine usually goes through a rainbow of colors while updating.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on June 15, 2022, 05:08:33 PM

Quote from: webny99 on June 15, 2022, 03:18:43 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 15, 2022, 02:00:43 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on June 15, 2022, 11:53:14 AMWhy does the "working on updates" screen have a red background?

*shrug* Ask Bill Gates. I think it was more of a Burgundy color...

Oh, was it that color for the entire course of the update? Mine usually goes through a rainbow of colors while updating.

I don't get a color display at all--mine is a cool sky blue, just like the current version of the BSOD. A Google search on {are colors of "working on updates" screen customizable?} brings up references to a 2017 update that fixed a problem where the screen in question was all black with a small box in theme colors, so I suspect the background color (including any animations) forms part of the Windows theme.

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 15, 2022, 01:59:15 PMIt shouldn't stay on your screen at all–the update process entirely locking out all user interaction with the system while in progress is unique to Windows. (On Linux, for example, the only update that cannot be swapped out in a fully-running system is the kernel–the very lowest level of the operating system–and even that can have updates installed without disturbing the user; the system merely continues to run the old kernel until the next reboot, whenever the user should decide that is appropriate.)

The "lock-out" effect only happens with updates that require reboot and then only while the reboot is in progress. Many others do not, but are still effectively blocked (for a time) using the do-not-apply settings in Windows Update. There is another class of updates that are not referenced in Windows Update and cannot be blocked there: they install silently and the only trace they leave is a notation in the Windows log and changed build numbers and look/feel for built-in Windows apps. (I hate them. For a few weeks, until Microsoft fixed the problem, they took away true full-screen image viewing in Photos except as part of a slideshow.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 15, 2022, 09:05:42 PM

The frequency of updates requiring a reboot is likely due to the tightly-wound nature of Windows's architecture. Unfortunately, this is the root cause of a whole host of problems that plague it, chief among them being that it is tremendously easy to make the entire OS unrecoverable simply by damaging one component of it (the Registry is particularly vulnerable to this).

I have a laptop with Windows 10 on it in my office, but my need for it is infrequent. That is compounded by the fact that because I boot it up one every few months at best, I get assaulted by a ticker-tape parade of mandatory updates any time I attempt to use it for anything. It feels rather like the machine thinks is primary purpose is to run Windows Update, which means I get no use out of it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on June 15, 2022, 09:20:50 PM

About a year and a quarter ago, one of my cats turned on a Windows computer that probably hadn't been turned on for 15 years, and we didn't even know it still worked until the cat turned it on. It didn't seem to be pushing for updates. Maybe because it's too old?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 15, 2022, 10:11:16 PM

Quote from: 1 on June 15, 2022, 09:20:50 PM
About a year and a quarter ago, one of my cats turned on a Windows computer that probably hadn't been turned on for 15 years, and we didn't even know it still worked until the cat turned it on. It didn't seem to be pushing for updates. Maybe because it's too old?

Probably–at a certain point, operating systems do get end-of-lifed and stop getting any updates at all. (That is the point at which upgrading them usually becomes critical, because they stop receiving security updates too, of course.) I also seem to recall Windows XP wasn't quite as annoying about updates as the later issues, and Windows 98 and before had no update mechanism at all other than by obtaining a service pack CD.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: XamotCGC on June 15, 2022, 11:50:55 PM

Tinnitus.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bulldog1979 on June 16, 2022, 04:55:26 AM

Misuse of apostrophes. I had a coworker who pluralized nearly every word with one and didn't know the difference between "it's" (contraction for "it is") and "its" (possessive form of "it").

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 16, 2022, 12:00:38 PM

When you're in a driving situation that requires your full attention... let's say you're in the center lane of a freeway, and there are vehicles on all sides of you, and you're in the middle of a curve... and you feel a big sneeze coming on... and you know it's going to be big enough that you're going to have to close your eyes for that split-second during the sneeze... but you can't really afford to take your eyes off the road...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 16, 2022, 12:56:33 PM

When computers have precise data but obscure it for no real reason. Like, say, a social media post saying it was posted "4d ago" and has "37k likes". Can you not just put that it was posted June 12, 2022 and has 37,027 likes?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on June 16, 2022, 12:59:43 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 16, 2022, 12:56:33 PM
When computers have precise data but obscure it for no real reason. Like, say, a social media post saying it was posted "4d ago" and has "37k likes". Can you not just put that it was posted 10:56:33 AM MDT, June 12, 2022 and has 37,027 likes?

FTFY

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 16, 2022, 01:23:40 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 16, 2022, 12:56:33 PM
When computers have precise data but obscure it for no real reason. Like, say, a social media post saying it was posted "4d ago" and has "37k likes". Can you not just put that it was posted June 12, 2022 and has 37,027 likes?

Due to audit/QC reviews, a view count on YouTube can actually decrease. How's that for wacky?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on June 16, 2022, 03:51:00 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 16, 2022, 12:00:38 PM
When you're in a driving situation that requires your full attention... let's say you're in the center lane of a freeway, and there are vehicles on all sides of you, and you're in the middle of a curve... and you feel a big sneeze coming on... and you know it's going to be big enough that you're going to have to close your eyes for that split-second during the sneeze... but you can't really afford to take your eyes off the road...

Or when it happens in bumper to bumper traffic and you're going to lose sight of the car in front of you for long enough to possibly rear end him by the time the sneeze fit is over.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on June 16, 2022, 05:46:31 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 16, 2022, 12:56:33 PM
When computers have precise data but obscure it for no real reason. Like, say, a social media post saying it was posted "4d ago" and has "37k likes". Can you not just put that it was posted June 12, 2022 and has 37,027 likes?

On a similar note, YouTube removing the dislike count is pretty shitty. So what if the dislike count is visible? It's not hurting anybody.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on June 16, 2022, 06:02:39 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 16, 2022, 12:56:33 PM
When computers have precise data but obscure it for no real reason. Like, say, a social media post saying it was posted "4d ago" and has "37k likes". Can you not just put that it was posted June 12, 2022 and has 37,027 likes?

Phone screen space is kind of limited. That's space that could be (probably) another ad. Or something else.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on June 16, 2022, 06:12:48 PM

Quote from: LilianaUwU on June 16, 2022, 05:46:31 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 16, 2022, 12:56:33 PM
When computers have precise data but obscure it for no real reason. Like, say, a social media post saying it was posted "4d ago" and has "37k likes". Can you not just put that it was posted June 12, 2022 and has 37,027 likes?

On a similar note, YouTube removing the dislike count is pretty shitty. So what if the dislike count is visible? It's not hurting anybody.

It was hurting a certain flat YouTuber from Illinois.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 16, 2022, 06:17:13 PM

Quote from: LilianaUwU on June 16, 2022, 05:46:31 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 16, 2022, 12:56:33 PM
When computers have precise data but obscure it for no real reason. Like, say, a social media post saying it was posted "4d ago" and has "37k likes". Can you not just put that it was posted June 12, 2022 and has 37,027 likes?

On a similar note, YouTube removing the dislike count is pretty shitty. So what if the dislike count is visible? It's not hurting anybody.

Eh, as satisfying as it is to see some influencer tool get downvoted to oblivion from posting a shitty hot take, that hits differently when it's a high schooler posting something and the downvoting is meant as a form of bullying.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on June 16, 2022, 07:00:19 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 16, 2022, 12:56:33 PM
When computers have precise data but obscure it for no real reason. Like, say, a social media post saying it was posted "4d ago" and has "37k likes". Can you not just put that it was posted June 12, 2022 and has 37,027 likes?

The ones where you can mouse over the "4y ago" and find out the exact date, I don't mind so much.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bm7 on June 17, 2022, 12:50:03 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 16, 2022, 06:17:13 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on June 16, 2022, 05:46:31 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 16, 2022, 12:56:33 PM
When computers have precise data but obscure it for no real reason. Like, say, a social media post saying it was posted "4d ago" and has "37k likes". Can you not just put that it was posted June 12, 2022 and has 37,027 likes?

On a similar note, YouTube removing the dislike count is pretty shitty. So what if the dislike count is visible? It's not hurting anybody.

Eh, as satisfying as it is to see some influencer tool get downvoted to oblivion from posting a shitty hot take, that hits differently when it's a high schooler posting something and the downvoting is meant as a form of bullying.

I don't see that as relevant in Youtube's case. Despite their claims that the change was to "protect creators", said creators can still see the dislikes, so if dislikes were seen as "bullying", it doesn't change anything for the targeted person. And if the issue was that they were publicly visible, it was already an option to not show them, so it didn't change anything there either.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 17, 2022, 02:38:49 AM

Quote from: bm7 on June 17, 2022, 12:50:03 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 16, 2022, 06:17:13 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on June 16, 2022, 05:46:31 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 16, 2022, 12:56:33 PM
When computers have precise data but obscure it for no real reason. Like, say, a social media post saying it was posted "4d ago" and has "37k likes". Can you not just put that it was posted June 12, 2022 and has 37,027 likes?

On a similar note, YouTube removing the dislike count is pretty shitty. So what if the dislike count is visible? It's not hurting anybody.

Eh, as satisfying as it is to see some influencer tool get downvoted to oblivion from posting a shitty hot take, that hits differently when it's a high schooler posting something and the downvoting is meant as a form of bullying.

I don't see that as relevant in Youtube's case. Despite their claims that the change was to "protect creators", said creators can still see the dislikes, so if dislikes were seen as "bullying", it doesn't change anything for the targeted person. And if the issue was that they were publicly visible, it was already an option to not show them, so it didn't change anything there either.

At least it removes the possibility of "Oh my God, look at how Tammy got ratio'd" gossiping.

Honestly, the mindless up-or-down reactions on the mainstream social media platforms is one reason why I barely use any of them. If you can't even bother to take the time to type out "YOU SUCK!", and be willing to have your screen name attached to that, your opinion shouldn't be treated as having any meaning at all.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on June 17, 2022, 08:27:49 PM

As a corollary to some of what's been mentioned above, I'm irked by the fact that people can make careers out of being "influencers" or "thought leaders" or "opinion leaders" and that I haven't found a way to monetize my commentary, which is just as valid as Philip Bump or Maureen Dowd or Paul Krugman or any of those nationally-known columnists.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on June 19, 2022, 11:09:02 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on June 16, 2022, 03:51:00 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 16, 2022, 12:00:38 PM
When you're in a driving situation that requires your full attention... let's say you're in the center lane of a freeway, and there are vehicles on all sides of you, and you're in the middle of a curve... and you feel a big sneeze coming on... and you know it's going to be big enough that you're going to have to close your eyes for that split-second during the sneeze... but you can't really afford to take your eyes off the road...

Or when it happens in bumper to bumper traffic and you're going to lose sight of the car in front of you for long enough to possibly rear end him by the time the sneeze fit is over.

I don't know, how long does the eyes-closed portion of a sneeze really last? 2 seconds at most? I feel like if I tracked it, I probably take my eyes of the road for longer than that all the time without even noticing it. Even something as simple as adjusting the A/C can take longer than that. And because you can often feel a sneeze coming, your attention level is probably going to increase in the seconds beforehand, so you're more prepared to react right away once your eyes reopen. I think activities such as drifting off and checking mobile devices while driving are much more hazardous.

As for slow traffic, if it was that bad, you could just come to a complete stop first - then roll your windows down and make the sneeze extra loud for emphasis. :-P

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on June 20, 2022, 10:32:32 AM

Who said it had to be logical? When I was a new driver one of my biggest fears was sneezing on the interstate. I've gotten over that some after having had to do it several times, but it's still annoying.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on June 20, 2022, 12:26:01 PM

Quote from: US 89 on June 20, 2022, 10:32:32 AM
Who said it had to be logical? When I was a new driver one of my biggest fears was sneezing on the interstate. I've gotten over that some after having had to do it several times, but it's still annoying.

Of course, but inserting logic is what's sustained this thread for over 4000+ replies. :-P

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on June 20, 2022, 03:38:18 PM

Quote from: webny99 on June 19, 2022, 11:09:02 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on June 16, 2022, 03:51:00 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 16, 2022, 12:00:38 PM
When you're in a driving situation that requires your full attention... let's say you're in the center lane of a freeway, and there are vehicles on all sides of you, and you're in the middle of a curve... and you feel a big sneeze coming on... and you know it's going to be big enough that you're going to have to close your eyes for that split-second during the sneeze... but you can't really afford to take your eyes off the road...

Or when it happens in bumper to bumper traffic and you're going to lose sight of the car in front of you for long enough to possibly rear end him by the time the sneeze fit is over.

I don't know, how long does the eyes-closed portion of a sneeze really last? 2 seconds at most? I feel like if I tracked it, I probably take my eyes of the road for longer than that all the time without even noticing it. Even something as simple as adjusting the A/C can take longer than that. And because you can often feel a sneeze coming, your attention level is probably going to increase in the seconds beforehand, so you're more prepared to react right away once your eyes reopen. I think activities such as drifting off and checking mobile devices while driving are much more hazardous.

As for slow traffic, if it was that bad, you could just come to a complete stop first - then roll your windows down and make the sneeze extra loud for emphasis. :-P

I tend to sneeze in bunches of 4-6 at a time, so that is why it's a problem.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on June 20, 2022, 06:20:06 PM

People not looking where they're walking. Walking really slowly. Walking smack in the middle of a narrow corridor. Stopping in the middle of a narrow corridor.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 20, 2022, 07:07:20 PM

Quote from: thspfc on June 20, 2022, 06:20:06 PM
People not looking where they're walking. Walking really slowly. Walking smack in the middle of a narrow corridor. Stopping in the middle of a narrow corridor.

All four of these are things that casino patrons do regularly, and it was one of the most maddening parts of working in one–especially when you need to be halfway across the facility Right Now™ and someone is staring, moth-like, at the pretty lights and oblivious to the fact that there's anyone in the universe besides themselves, no matter how loud you yell "EXCUSE ME".

Any time they need to move something large on a cart (like machine parts, bags of change, etc.) there are usually no less than six people flanking the cart, all yelling in unison "CART ROLLING" and people still jump out in front of it and stare in the opposite direction.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on June 20, 2022, 07:11:25 PM

Speaking of walking (and I think I already pointed that out, but oh well), people who think they own the sidewalk and won't move over to let me cross them, no matter how narrow the sidewalk is.

EDIT: Oops, yes I did.

Quote from: LilianaUwU on December 27, 2021, 06:57:39 PM
When the sidewalk is wide enough for two people to cross one another safely... but then you get a couple who get lost if they stop being next to each other for the time they cross other people, resulting in not enough space for me to cross them without accidentally bumping into them.

Uh, elaborating on this, pedestrians aren't the only offender in this, bicycles are too. The sidewalk is for peds, not bicycles.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on June 20, 2022, 08:35:51 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 20, 2022, 07:07:20 PM
Quote from: thspfc on June 20, 2022, 06:20:06 PM
People not looking where they're walking. Walking really slowly. Walking smack in the middle of a narrow corridor. Stopping in the middle of a narrow corridor.

All four of these are things that casino patrons do regularly, and it was one of the most maddening parts of working in one–especially when you need to be halfway across the facility Right Now™ and someone is staring, moth-like, at the pretty lights and oblivious to the fact that there's anyone in the universe besides themselves, no matter how loud you yell "EXCUSE ME."

For me this type of issue is compounded because I've found that I walk really quietly. Often people get scared when I walk past them from behind, as if I popped out of nowhere. Or maybe I walk at a normal volume and people are just that oblivious.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 20, 2022, 08:41:02 PM

Quote from: thspfc on June 20, 2022, 08:35:51 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 20, 2022, 07:07:20 PM
Quote from: thspfc on June 20, 2022, 06:20:06 PM
People not looking where they're walking. Walking really slowly. Walking smack in the middle of a narrow corridor. Stopping in the middle of a narrow corridor.

All four of these are things that casino patrons do regularly, and it was one of the most maddening parts of working in one–especially when you need to be halfway across the facility Right Now™ and someone is staring, moth-like, at the pretty lights and oblivious to the fact that there's anyone in the universe besides themselves, no matter how loud you yell "EXCUSE ME."
For me this type of issue is compounded because I've found that I walk really quietly. Often people get scared when I walk past them from behind, as if I popped out of nowhere. Or maybe I walk at a normal volume and people are just that oblivious.

I'm not a particularly quiet walker, but I do naturally walk at a faster pace than most people. So I have more people in my way than the average person would.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on June 20, 2022, 08:41:11 PM

Quote from: LilianaUwU on June 20, 2022, 07:11:25 PM
Speaking of walking (and I think I already pointed that out, but oh well), people who think they own the sidewalk and won't move over to let me cross them, no matter how narrow the sidewalk is.

EDIT: Oops, yes I did.

Quote from: LilianaUwU on December 27, 2021, 06:57:39 PM
When the sidewalk is wide enough for two people to cross one another safely... but then you get a couple who get lost if they stop being next to each other for the time they cross other people, resulting in not enough space for me to cross them without accidentally bumping into them.

Uh, elaborating on this, pedestrians aren't the only offender in this, bicycles are too. The sidewalk is for peds, not bicycles.

And then there's when a group of walkers on multi-use trails make a wall across the trail. Cyclists catch up behind them and say "on your left" , to which the pedestrians respond by having a complete mental shutdown and scrambling to the left, into the path of the cyclist.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on June 20, 2022, 08:47:20 PM

People clumping in parking lots to chat. They're invariably blocking at least one lane if not the entire driving space, and slowly shuffle out of the way when they need to move like they can't believe anyone would have to get past them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on June 20, 2022, 08:50:53 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 20, 2022, 07:07:20 PM
Quote from: thspfc on June 20, 2022, 06:20:06 PM
People not looking where they're walking. Walking really slowly. Walking smack in the middle of a narrow corridor. Stopping in the middle of a narrow corridor.

All four of these are things that casino patrons do regularly, and it was one of the most maddening parts of working in one–especially when you need to be halfway across the facility Right Now™ and someone is staring, moth-like, at the pretty lights and oblivious to the fact that there's anyone in the universe besides themselves, no matter how loud you yell "EXCUSE ME".

Any time they need to move something large on a cart (like machine parts, bags of change, etc.) there are usually no less than six people flanking the cart, all yelling in unison "CART ROLLING" and people still jump out in front of it and stare in the opposite direction.

Yeah, see, I never do this, because I don't want to get tased for getting too close to the cart.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on June 20, 2022, 11:49:09 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on June 20, 2022, 08:50:53 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 20, 2022, 07:07:20 PM
Quote from: thspfc on June 20, 2022, 06:20:06 PM
People not looking where they're walking. Walking really slowly. Walking smack in the middle of a narrow corridor. Stopping in the middle of a narrow corridor.

All four of these are things that casino patrons do regularly, and it was one of the most maddening parts of working in one–especially when you need to be halfway across the facility Right Now™ and someone is staring, moth-like, at the pretty lights and oblivious to the fact that there's anyone in the universe besides themselves, no matter how loud you yell "EXCUSE ME".

Any time they need to move something large on a cart (like machine parts, bags of change, etc.) there are usually no less than six people flanking the cart, all yelling in unison "CART ROLLING" and people still jump out in front of it and stare in the opposite direction.
Yeah, see, I never do this, because I don't want to get tased for getting too close to the cart.

How about those people who will try to cross a street, parking lot aisle, or any type of vehicle lane in the smallest acute angle as possible instead of a short, perpendicular, 90Â° crossing???

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on June 21, 2022, 07:49:23 AM

Quote from: thspfc on June 20, 2022, 08:41:11 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on June 20, 2022, 07:11:25 PM
Speaking of walking (and I think I already pointed that out, but oh well), people who think they own the sidewalk and won't move over to let me cross them, no matter how narrow the sidewalk is.

EDIT: Oops, yes I did.

Quote from: LilianaUwU on December 27, 2021, 06:57:39 PM
When the sidewalk is wide enough for two people to cross one another safely... but then you get a couple who get lost if they stop being next to each other for the time they cross other people, resulting in not enough space for me to cross them without accidentally bumping into them.

Uh, elaborating on this, pedestrians aren't the only offender in this, bicycles are too. The sidewalk is for peds, not bicycles.
And then there's when a group of walkers on multi-use trails make a wall across the trail. Cyclists catch up behind them and say "on your left" , to which the pedestrians respond by having a complete mental shutdown and scrambling to the left, into the path of the cyclist.

Cyclists here seem to think they're exempt from yelling a warning, although if you don't get out of the way on the sidewalk (I don't), they're very enthusiastic about letting you hear about that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on June 21, 2022, 08:19:13 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on June 21, 2022, 07:49:23 AM
Cyclists here seem to think they're exempt from yelling a warning, although if you don't get out of the way on the sidewalk (I don't), they're very enthusiastic about letting you hear about that.

Cyclists on proper trails around here are usually pretty good about announcing their presence, usually with "on your left!". I also try to be good about keeping right on trails, just like I would on the road.

Sidewalks, though, I regard a little differently. If I was the one biking I acknowledge that I'd prefer the sidewalk because it's safer, but then again, that's part of why I'm not an avid biker. Ultimately I do think bikes should be on the road, not the sidewalk. Or even better, just bike on a proper trail (which we're fortunate to have plenty of in this area, such as the Erie Canal trail (https://goo.gl/maps/mSw4oLyNBQ1Wb27G7)).

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 20, 2022, 08:41:02 PM
Quote from: thspfc on June 20, 2022, 08:35:51 PM
For me this type of issue is compounded because I've found that I walk really quietly. Often people get scared when I walk past them from behind, as if I popped out of nowhere. Or maybe I walk at a normal volume and people are just that oblivious.

I'm not a particularly quiet walker, but I do naturally walk at a faster pace than most people. So I have more people in my way than the average person would.

I haven't given much thought to how quiet or loud I am while walking, but I do have a faster pace as well, especially when walking for exercise. I also don't have an issue with passing people who are walking more slowly. In fact on that note, a minor thing that bothers me is when people do have an issue with passing slower foot traffic and instead just stop to let them get ahead or slow down for the duration of the walk. I don't see the issue. Maybe they think it will be awkward or something, but really you can pass someone on foot with as little interaction as you'd have passing them on the road.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DenverBrian on June 21, 2022, 09:15:51 AM

Quote from: thspfc on June 20, 2022, 06:20:06 PM
People not looking where they're walking. Walking really slowly. Walking smack in the middle of a narrow corridor. Stopping in the middle of a narrow corridor.

X1000 at airports. Families who believe the only way they can walk through an airport is if the entire family is side by side, creating a giant, slow, flying wedge blocking dozens of people trying to get to a flight on time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 21, 2022, 10:18:10 AM

A bicycle bell is an awesome yet cheap addition to your handlebars. Ring the bell before shouting "on your left", and it works much better.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on June 21, 2022, 11:27:07 AM

Quote from: kphoger on June 21, 2022, 10:18:10 AM
A bicycle bell is an awesome yet cheap addition to your handlebars. Ring the bell before shouting "on your left", and it works much better.

And they make great musical instruments too:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on June 21, 2022, 11:30:55 AM

Traffic lights that change the location of phases in the cycle for protected lefts during the course of the day.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on June 21, 2022, 12:29:24 PM

When people refer to their significant other as "partner".

It seems like it used to be a term only used by the LGBTQ community when marriage wasn't legal yet (so there wasn't a good "status" to use), but nowadays it seems like a good amount of people use it for any kind of romantic relationship. Is it to be gender neutral? Is it to be purposely vague whether or not you're married? My wife is my wife. Yeah, she's my partner in life, but I would never use the term "partner" to indicate her relation to me. In my head, it just sounds hoity toity.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 21, 2022, 12:43:31 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on June 21, 2022, 12:29:24 PM
When people refer to their significant other as "partner".

It seems like it used to be a term only used by the LGBTQ community when marriage wasn't legal yet (so there wasn't a good "status" to use), but nowadays it seems like a good amount of people use it for any kind of romantic relationship. Is it to be gender neutral? Is it to be purposely vague whether or not you're married? My wife is my wife. Yeah, she's my partner in life, but I would never use the term "partner" to indicate her relation to me. In my head, it just sounds hoity toity.

Here's my take:

If you're married, then she's your wife.
If you're engaged to be married, then she's your fiancée.
If you're cohabiting but not engaged, then she's your girlfriend or your lover.

My theory is that "girlfriend" sounds too juvenile and "lover" sounds too salacious for people's tastes, so they've picked up the label "partner" from the LGB community.

One alternative is "lady friend", but I'm not aware of a suitable male equivalent to that term.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on June 21, 2022, 12:48:41 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 21, 2022, 12:43:31 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on June 21, 2022, 12:29:24 PM
When people refer to their significant other as "partner".

It seems like it used to be a term only used by the LGBTQ community when marriage wasn't legal yet (so there wasn't a good "status" to use), but nowadays it seems like a good amount of people use it for any kind of romantic relationship. Is it to be gender neutral? Is it to be purposely vague whether or not you're married? My wife is my wife. Yeah, she's my partner in life, but I would never use the term "partner" to indicate her relation to me. In my head, it just sounds hoity toity.

Here's my take:

If you're married, then she's your wife.
If you're engaged to be married, then she's your fiancée.
If you're cohabiting but not engaged, then she's your girlfriend or your lover.

My theory is that "girlfriend" sounds too juvenile and "lover" sounds too salacious for people's tastes, so they've picked up the label "partner" from the LGB community.

One alternative is "lady friend", but I'm not aware of a suitable male equivalent to that term.

I've heard "man friend" as a joke too.

It seems like "partner" is particularly widespread among Europeans that I meet. I just don't understand.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 21, 2022, 12:54:32 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on June 21, 2022, 12:29:24 PM
My wife is my wife. Yeah, she's my partner in life, but I would never use the term "partner" to indicate her relation to me.

I actually do occasionally call my wife my "partner". But I don't do so in the third person. Rather, I say it to her directly as a way of affirming our marriage: "You're my partner".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on June 21, 2022, 12:57:51 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 21, 2022, 12:54:32 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on June 21, 2022, 12:29:24 PM
My wife is my wife. Yeah, she's my partner in life, but I would never use the term "partner" to indicate her relation to me.

I actually do occasionally call my wife my "partner". But I don't do so in the third person. Rather, I say it to her directly as a way of affirming our marriage: "You're my partner".

Yeah, no problem with that. I'm only "complaining" about situations like "my partner told me to take out the trash".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 21, 2022, 02:37:46 PM

Quote from: DenverBrian on June 21, 2022, 09:15:51 AM

Quote from: thspfc on June 20, 2022, 06:20:06 PM
People not looking where they're walking. Walking really slowly. Walking smack in the middle of a narrow corridor. Stopping in the middle of a narrow corridor.

X1000 at airports. Families who believe the only way they can walk through an airport is if the entire family is side by side, creating a giant, slow, flying wedge blocking dozens of people trying to get to a flight on time.

Or what my kids do: open the door, walk in, then just stand there in the doorway while they look around and try to figure out which way to go.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on June 21, 2022, 03:12:59 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on June 21, 2022, 12:48:41 PMIt seems like "partner" is particularly widespread among Europeans that I meet. I just don't understand.

The incentives to get married are lower in, well, any country that offers universal healthcare and doesn't offer tax benefits for being married.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on June 21, 2022, 04:08:38 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on June 21, 2022, 12:29:24 PM
When people refer to their significant other as "partner".

It seems like it used to be a term only used by the LGBTQ community when marriage wasn't legal yet (so there wasn't a good "status" to use), but nowadays it seems like a good amount of people use it for any kind of romantic relationship. Is it to be gender neutral? Is it to be purposely vague whether or not you're married? My wife is my wife. Yeah, she's my partner in life, but I would never use the term "partner" to indicate her relation to me. In my head, it just sounds hoity toity.

"Partner" has been used by many people for various reasons. If a couple were living together but not married, the census described that at POSSLQ, Person of Opposite Sex Sharing Living Quarters, and you can see why that didn't catch on in general use.

"Partner" means more than just sharing an apartment to save money, but less than a long-term commitment.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 21, 2022, 04:15:19 PM

Quote from: kkt on June 21, 2022, 04:08:38 PM
If a couple were living together but not married, the census described that at POSSLQ, Person of Opposite Sex Sharing Living Quarters, and you can see why that didn't catch on in general use.

Pronounced poss-lick, I can only assume. Sounds like someone who has inappropriate relations with American marsupials.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on June 21, 2022, 04:18:57 PM

When my wife worked in child welfare, the preferred term to describe one half of a pair of non-married cohabitating adults was "paramour"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on June 21, 2022, 04:20:53 PM

Quote from: kkt on June 21, 2022, 04:08:38 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on June 21, 2022, 12:29:24 PM
When people refer to their significant other as "partner".

It seems like it used to be a term only used by the LGBTQ community when marriage wasn't legal yet (so there wasn't a good "status" to use), but nowadays it seems like a good amount of people use it for any kind of romantic relationship. Is it to be gender neutral? Is it to be purposely vague whether or not you're married? My wife is my wife. Yeah, she's my partner in life, but I would never use the term "partner" to indicate her relation to me. In my head, it just sounds hoity toity.

"Partner" has been used by many people for various reasons. If a couple were living together but not married, the census described that at POSSLQ, Person of Opposite Sex Sharing Living Quarters, and you can see why that didn't catch on in general use.

"Partner" means more than just sharing an apartment to save money, but less than a long-term commitment.

I'm mostly referring to those in long term committed relationships (whether or not they are officially married, I guess I don't know) but the term is used anyway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 21, 2022, 04:29:11 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on June 21, 2022, 04:20:53 PM
I'm mostly referring to those in long term committed relationships (whether or not they are officially married, I guess I don't know) but the term is used anyway.

I've noticed that, if it's truly a committed long-term relationship, then those folks are likely to at occasionally use the term 'husband' or 'wife' just for the sake of simplicity. In fact, it's not uncommon to hear something like 'So my boyfriend, husband, whatever, anyway, Mark called me from work the other day...'

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on June 21, 2022, 05:03:37 PM

Apparently I'm not the only one that's noticed: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2019/01/21/forget-boyfriend-or-girlfriend-why-millennials-are-using-word-partner/

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on June 21, 2022, 05:16:28 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on June 21, 2022, 12:48:41 PMIt seems like "partner" is particularly widespread among Europeans that I meet. I just don't understand.

It's the accepted journalistic term in the UK for unmarried people in long-term cohabiting relationships. I see it all the time in the Guardian. I've also seen it in a New Yorker article about a Welshman trying to persuade the town of Newport to allow him to root around in the dump for a 15-year-old discarded laptop that is his only access point to a digital wallet with millions of pounds' worth of Bitcoin. Meanwhile, a more recent New Yorker article (by a different writer) used the term girlfriend for the unmarried long-term female companion of a man driving his 13-year-old daughter to Santa Teresa, New Mexico for an abortion.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 21, 2022, 06:46:26 PM

I try to use 'girlfriend' and 'boyfriend' as much as possible, even for adults.

However, at a certain age point, it really doesn't work so well. For example, my sister was born in 1974. She got married less than ten years ago to a man who was born in 1948. It didn't really seem appropriate to refer to a man who was 70 years old–and older than my father–as my sister's 'boyfriend'. But I hardly ever referred to him in the third person anyway, except by name among people who already knew who he was. I wouldn't have gone with 'partner', though, so perhaps I still would have gone with 'boyfriend'... The term 'partner' still has strong LGB connotations to me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on June 21, 2022, 07:08:35 PM

I use SO pretty often. "Significant Other" . But also girlfriend, since that's what we are, plus we're not "old" per se.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on June 21, 2022, 07:12:18 PM

I know we live in the age of the Boomer girlfriend/boyfriend. However, I try to steer clear of those words for married-but-in-name relationships unless the people talked about use them in reference to each other or otherwise signal those are their preferred terms, because they carry a connotation of impermanency. People in committed relationships who do not get married tend to be very conscious of the fact that they are not legally bound, whether it is an intentional choice (often to avoid gambling on divorce) or something backed into through inertia.

While I do notice it when a heterosexual couple describe themselves as partners, I don't see the term as being particularly associated with the LGBTQIA+ community. Especially with full nationwide marriage equality since 2015, it seems to me more common for gay guys to speak of husbands and lesbian women to speak of wives.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 21, 2022, 07:15:32 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on June 21, 2022, 07:08:35 PM
I use SO pretty often. "Significant Other" .

See, for some reason I think of that term as rather passé. Like maybe a term from the 90s?

For what it's worth, here are the results of a British survey from 2019:

(https://d25d2506sfb94s.cloudfront.net/cumulus_uploads/inlineimage/2019-10-10/Boyfriend%20girlfriend%20or%20partner-01.png)

Quote from: J N Winkler on June 21, 2022, 07:12:18 PM
While I do notice it when a heterosexual couple describe themselves as partners, I don't see the term as being particularly associated with the LGBTQIA+ community. Especially with full nationwide marriage equality since 2015, it seems to me more common for gay guys to speak of husbands and lesbian women to speak of wives.

That's been my experience as well. Yet, for whatever reason, the term still carries an LGB connotation to me–even if that isn't the way most people are currently using it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on June 21, 2022, 07:15:48 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on June 21, 2022, 05:03:37 PM
Apparently I'm not the only one that's noticed: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2019/01/21/forget-boyfriend-or-girlfriend-why-millennials-are-using-word-partner/

Interesting, because one of the thoughts I was having was that "partner" being used by some was similar to cisgender people putting their pronouns on stuff - a way to show support for LGBT people where people may not be outing themselves as anything, but they talked to a gay man in the article who doesn't really appreciate it and feels like straight people sort of took it away from them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 21, 2022, 07:22:06 PM

1. When you put the trash out at night, but then the truck doesn't come by the next day because it's a holiday.

2. When you don't put the trash out at night because the next day is a holiday, but then the truck comes by anyway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on June 21, 2022, 08:44:20 PM

This discussion of the word "partner" makes me think of one that doesn't really "bother" me per se but that I've always thought is weird–the way women will use the term "girlfriend" to refer to their female friends generally regardless of age (e.g., "I'm meeting a girlfriend for lunch tomorrow"). I'm not talking about the way some black women draw out the word, either (like "GIRL-friennnnnd"). I mean in ordinary, generic usage. Men do not use the term "boyfriend" like that–the only time I've ever heard any males use that word to refer to their own friends is when both parties in question are homosexual.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 21, 2022, 09:20:11 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on June 21, 2022, 08:44:20 PM
This discussion of the word "partner" makes me think of one that doesn't really "bother" me per se but that I've always thought is weird–the way women will use the term "girlfriend" to refer to their female friends generally regardless of age (e.g., "I'm meeting a girlfriend for lunch tomorrow"). I'm not talking about the way some black women draw out the word, either (like "GIRL-friennnnnd"). I mean in ordinary, generic usage. Men do not use the term "boyfriend" like that–the only time I've ever heard any males use that word to refer to their own friends is when both parties in question are homosexual.

Ladies even have the term "guy friend" to refer to a friend who is male but not romantically involved. The closest we men can get to that, I think, might be "female friend".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 21, 2022, 09:36:25 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on June 21, 2022, 07:12:18 PM
While I do notice it when a heterosexual couple describe themselves as partners, I don't see the term as being particularly associated with the LGBTQIA+ community.

One minor thing that bothers is me when people use LGBT(QIA+) when referring to something that is specific only to the LGB part or specific only to the T part. I think this bothers me for a few reasons:

1. It's lazy. Instead of figuring out which segment of the population should be represented, the person just throws the whole alphabet in there because at least part of it is correct.

2. The string of letters is getting outrageously long. Labels, for whatever they're worth, should be short and to the point, easily communicating what is meant by them.

3. It lumps together various groups of people who don't, themselves, necessarily consider themselves to be one "community". That is, it assumes that everyone who is L or G or B or Q is also sympathetic to transgender issues. And it assumes that everyone who is T is also sympathetic to gay issues. It's my understanding that such is not the case.

For these reasons, I generally do the following:

a. I use LGB when referring to matters of homosexuality. In my mind, the Q gets lumped in with those three, even though I realize it isn't an exact fit. I might at some point use LGBQ instead, but even four letters seems a bit long to me.

b. I just say Trans or Transgender when referring to those matters. As with the previous note, in my mind, the I gets lumped in with the T here, even though I realize it isn't an exact fit.

c. I'm not sure what do with the A, because it seems to stand for a variety of things, depending on who you ask. So I just ignore it entirely. Not the best solution, but whatever.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on June 22, 2022, 12:08:19 AM

I avoid using the "girlfriend" and "boyfriend" terms for any but the most casual of relationships. It sounds like kids in middle school who hit each other on the shoulder to show they like each other.

"Partner" is a useful generic term for someone who may be close enough to file taxes jointly or visit the other in the hospital without needing permission from the real family.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 22, 2022, 04:45:50 AM

Quote from: kphoger on June 21, 2022, 09:36:25 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on June 21, 2022, 07:12:18 PM
While I do notice it when a heterosexual couple describe themselves as partners, I don't see the term as being particularly associated with the LGBTQIA+ community.

One minor thing that bothers is me when people use LGBT(QIA+) when referring to something that is specific only to the LGB part or specific only to the T part.

LGBTQ people have more in common than we do differences. And historically, people have sought to turn each of the various components of that label against each other to divide and conquer. Best to just use the whole acronym to avoid looking like that's what you're trying to do. And, of course, there are plenty of people who are trans who are also one of the other letters in the acronym (in fact, I think that's more common than not).

In my opinion, a good place to cut it off is after the Q–"queer" has essentially become a catch-all term for "anyone who isn't strictly straight and cisgender". While it's a noble goal to include everyone that the acronym could possibly cover, it starts diminishing the utility of the term when it takes up half of the amount of time it takes to say a single sentence it's included in.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 22, 2022, 09:22:42 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 22, 2022, 04:45:50 AM
LGBTQ people have more in common than we do differences. And historically, people have sought to turn each of the various components of that label against each other to divide and conquer. Best to just use the whole acronym to avoid looking like that's what you're trying to do. And, of course, there are plenty of people who are trans who are also one of the other letters in the acronym (in fact, I think that's more common than not).

Example: transgender athletes. This is not an LGB issue. So it bothers me when people describe the argument as an LGBTQ issue.

My wife's favorite cousin, David, is named after his father. Uncle David has always been an avid ice hockey player, up in the Twin Cities area. Maybe twelve years ago (or more?) he transitioned, was divorced by his wife, changed his name to Dana, and continues to play ice hockey–now on a women's team instead of a men's team. When I hear people describe the transgender athletics debate in "LGBTQ" terms, it makes me think of the other women on that ice hockey team, and it makes me wonder if any of them are lesbian. I imagine that a gay woman and a straight woman being body-checked out there on the ice might actually see the issue from a similar perspective. (My wife's sister is lesbian, but she isn't an athlete, yet now I'm curious to know her opinion on the matter anyway.)

Another example would be Iran, where sex reassignment surgery is legal–with numerous pre-requisites and other obstacles, plus severe social stigma, of course–and people who have transitioned can actually receive a new birth certificate with the other gender marked, but where homosexual activity is punishable by death. I haven't studied the matter in depth by any stretch, but it's easy to imagine that quite a number of trans advocates would not likewise advocate for LGB agendas.

Quote from: kkt on June 22, 2022, 12:08:19 AM
I avoid using the "girlfriend" and "boyfriend" terms for any but the most casual of relationships. It sounds like kids in middle school who hit each other on the shoulder to show they like each other.

Does the term 'lady friend' have the same connotation as 'girlfriend', or does it sound less casual?

I keep thinking of this thread, because my wife and I are watching Burn Notice, and the term 'lady friend' is used in nearly every episode.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on June 22, 2022, 11:11:27 AM

Quote from: kphoger on June 22, 2022, 09:22:42 AMDoes the term 'lady friend' have the same connotation as 'girlfriend', or does it sound less casual?

This may help you to understand the distinction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FE50uB9YL3A

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 22, 2022, 11:17:17 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 22, 2022, 04:45:50 AM
Best to just use the whole acronym ...

... the other letters in the acronym

Here's another minor thing that bothers me: using the term 'acronym' to refer to something that isn't pronounced as a word.

OPEC is an acronym. WTO is not.

Quote from: Cambridge Dictionary
acronym
noun
US /ˈÃ¦k.rə.nɪm/ UK /ˈÃ¦k.rə.nɪm/

an abbreviation consisting of the first letters of each word in the name of something, pronounced as a word

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/acronym

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on June 22, 2022, 11:34:47 AM

Actually, the letter "W" bothers me when used in abbreviations (especially when spoken), since "double-u" almost always takes longer to say than whatever you were trying to shorten.

And WTO is a case in point. Why shouldn't it just be pronounced "witto" (2 syllables) instead of "double-u-tee-oh" (5 syllables)?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 22, 2022, 11:45:29 AM

Quote from: webny99 on June 22, 2022, 11:34:47 AM
Actually, the letter "W" bothers me when used in abbreviations (especially when spoken), since "double-u" almost always takes longer to say than whatever you were trying to shorten.

And WTO is a case in point. Why shouldn't it just be pronounced "witto" (2 syllables) instead of "double-u-tee-oh" (5 syllables)?

Perfect example: GSW. It takes less time to just say 'gun shot wound'.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on June 22, 2022, 11:47:23 AM

Quote from: kphoger on June 22, 2022, 11:45:29 AM
Quote from: webny99 on June 22, 2022, 11:34:47 AM
Actually, the letter "W" bothers me when used in abbreviations (especially when spoken), since "double-u" almost always takes longer to say than whatever you were trying to shorten.

And WTO is a case in point. Why shouldn't it just be pronounced "witto" (2 syllables) instead of "double-u-tee-oh" (5 syllables)?

Perfect example: GSW. It takes less time to just say 'gun shot wound'.

You mean Golden State Warriors?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 22, 2022, 11:52:57 AM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on June 22, 2022, 11:47:23 AM
You mean Golden State Warriors?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on June 22, 2022, 11:57:17 AM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on June 22, 2022, 11:47:23 AM
Quote from: kphoger on June 22, 2022, 11:45:29 AM
Quote from: webny99 on June 22, 2022, 11:34:47 AM
Actually, the letter "W" bothers me when used in abbreviations (especially when spoken), since "double-u" almost always takes longer to say than whatever you were trying to shorten.

And WTO is a case in point. Why shouldn't it just be pronounced "witto" (2 syllables) instead of "double-u-tee-oh" (5 syllables)?

Perfect example: GSW. It takes less time to just say 'gun shot wound'.

You mean Golden State Warriors?

Ha, that was my first thought as well - although in that case, "dubs" is much shorter than both.

Come to think of it, why not just change the official spoken pronunciation of the letter W to "dub"? The meaning of the word "dub" that we already have is a wonderful sort of irony: "to give an unofficial name or nickname to (someone or something)"

And "dub-tee-oh" has a nice ring to it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 22, 2022, 12:03:38 PM

(https://i.imgur.com/DtAW9Ia.png)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on June 22, 2022, 12:19:06 PM

I can think of the occasional one that could be an acronym or an abbreviation depending on how someone says it. "HTSUS" is a good example. It stands for "Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States." Some people say it as a word (like "hits us"), others say it as a string of five separate letters.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 22, 2022, 12:27:58 PM

I once knew a woman from Murrieta (CA) who pronounced the name of the auto parts store as en-a-pee-a because, in her words, "Napa is valley in California".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on June 22, 2022, 01:00:13 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 22, 2022, 11:17:17 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 22, 2022, 04:45:50 AMBest to just use the whole acronym ...

... the other letters in the acronym

Here's another minor thing that bothers me: using the term 'acronym' to refer to something that isn't pronounced as a word.

OPEC is an acronym. WTO is not.

Quote from: Cambridge Dictionaryacronym
noun
US /ˈÃ¦k.rə.nɪm/ UK /ˈÃ¦k.rə.nɪm/

an abbreviation consisting of the first letters of each word in the name of something, pronounced as a word

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/acronym

Wikipedia does not agree with you or the Cambridge Dictionary. Personally, if I were copyediting and ran across an instance of WTO being described as an acronym, I would not request a correction.

Citing dictionary authority can be tricky: there are ones out there that claim, e.g., a turnpike with full control of access cannot be a freeway. Cue members of the Freeways in Los Angeles Facebook group claiming the Pennsylvania Turnpike, which opened almost three months before the Arroyo Seco Parkway, could not possibly have been the first freeway because tolls were levied.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on June 22, 2022, 01:09:24 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on June 22, 2022, 01:00:13 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 22, 2022, 11:17:17 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 22, 2022, 04:45:50 AMBest to just use the whole acronym ...

... the other letters in the acronym

Here's another minor thing that bothers me: using the term 'acronym' to refer to something that isn't pronounced as a word.

OPEC is an acronym. WTO is not.

Quote from: Cambridge Dictionaryacronym
noun
US /ˈÃ¦k.rə.nɪm/ UK /ˈÃ¦k.rə.nɪm/

an abbreviation consisting of the first letters of each word in the name of something, pronounced as a word

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/acronym

Wikipedia does not agree with you or the Cambridge Dictionary. Personally, if I were copyediting and ran across an instance of WTO being described as an acronym, I would not request a correction.

Citing dictionary authority can be tricky: there are ones out there that claim, e.g., a turnpike with full control of access cannot be a freeway. Cue members of the Freeways in Los Angeles Facebook group claiming the Pennsylvania Turnpike, which opened almost three months before the Arroyo Seco Parkway, could not possibly have been the first freeway because tolls were levied.

Wikipedia can be changed then to be in agreement. Any reasoning should never use Wikipedia because of its editability.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 22, 2022, 01:57:29 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on June 22, 2022, 01:00:13 PM
Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acronym) does not agree with you or the Cambridge Dictionary. Personally, if I were copyediting and ran across an instance of WTO being described as an acronym, I would not request a correction.

Citing dictionary authority can be tricky ...

I don't think it's quite fair to say Wikipedia "does not agree". It says it's a topic of debate.

Quote
Dictionary and style-guide editors are not in universal agreement on the naming for such abbreviations, and it is a matter of some dispute whether the term acronym can be legitimately applied to abbreviations which are not pronounced "as words", nor do these language authorities agree on the correct use of spacing, casing, and punctuation.

Quote
It is an unsettled question in English lexicography and style guides whether it is legitimate to use the word acronym to describe forms that use initials but are not pronounced as a word. While there is plenty of evidence that acronym is used widely in this way, some sources do not acknowledge this usage, reserving the term acronym only for forms pronounced as a word, and using initialism or abbreviation for those that are not. Some sources acknowledge the usage, but vary in whether they criticize or forbid it, allow it without comment, or explicitly advocate for it.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acronym#Lexicography_and_style_guides

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on June 22, 2022, 02:10:11 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on June 22, 2022, 01:09:24 PMWikipedia can be changed then to be in agreement. Any reasoning should never use Wikipedia because of its editability.

Such edits generate an audit trail that can expose dishonest intent, but yes. Merriam-Webster (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acronym) is an example of a resource, not editable by its ordinary users, that allows the term acronym to cover initialisms.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 22, 2022, 02:26:15 PM

If nothing else, this discussion has taught me that the non-word usage goes back to the term's earliest days, so maybe it won't bother me so much anymore.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on June 22, 2022, 03:02:31 PM

The problem with abbreviations and acronyms is that you need to know what they mean. It's terrible in IT becase there is so many of them. Anyone know what l10n or i18n means? It's short for localization and internationalization .

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on June 22, 2022, 03:55:53 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 21, 2022, 04:15:19 PM
Quote from: kkt on June 21, 2022, 04:08:38 PM
If a couple were living together but not married, the census described that at POSSLQ, Person of Opposite Sex Sharing Living Quarters, and you can see why that didn't catch on in general use.

Pronounced poss-lick, I can only assume. Sounds like someone who has inappropriate relations with American marsupials.

I remember it being pronounced "possul-cue," and there was either a parody song or a comedy routine about it at the time, but my memory is hazy because it was a long time ago.

I do remember the term getting about the same amount of ridicule as "sanitation engineer" did for "garbage collector."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 22, 2022, 04:53:18 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 22, 2022, 11:17:17 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 22, 2022, 04:45:50 AM
Best to just use the whole acronym ...

... the other letters in the acronym

Here's another minor thing that bothers me: using the term 'acronym' to refer to something that isn't pronounced as a word.

How do you know I'm not sitting here saying it as "lullgibtic"? :spin:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on June 22, 2022, 05:35:26 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on June 22, 2022, 01:00:13 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 22, 2022, 11:17:17 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 22, 2022, 04:45:50 AMBest to just use the whole acronym ...

... the other letters in the acronym

Here's another minor thing that bothers me: using the term 'acronym' to refer to something that isn't pronounced as a word.

OPEC is an acronym. WTO is not.

Quote from: Cambridge Dictionaryacronym
noun
US /ˈÃ¦k.rə.nɪm/ UK /ˈÃ¦k.rə.nɪm/

an abbreviation consisting of the first letters of each word in the name of something, pronounced as a word

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/acronym

Wikipedia does not agree with you or the Cambridge Dictionary. Personally, if I were copyediting and ran across an instance of WTO being described as an acronym, I would not request a correction.

Citing dictionary authority can be tricky: there are ones out there that claim, e.g., a turnpike with full control of access cannot be a freeway. Cue members of the Freeways in Los Angeles Facebook group claiming the Pennsylvania Turnpike, which opened almost three months before the Arroyo Seco Parkway, could not possibly have been the first freeway because tolls were levied.

Different dictionaries have significantly different goals. Some are trying to document how the language is actually used, warts and all. Others are providing suggested usage for formal situations. Most do a mixture of both, including informal definitions but labeling them as situational.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Takumi on June 22, 2022, 11:38:35 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 22, 2022, 12:27:58 PM
I once knew a woman from Murrieta (CA) who pronounced the name of the auto parts store as en-a-pee-a because, in her words, "Napa is valley in California".

You've mentioned this before, and I remember finding out that she's technically correct, in that the auto parts store stands for "National Auto Parts Association" . Would I still look at her like she had three heads if she said it? Yes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on June 23, 2022, 12:54:11 AM

Quote from: Takumi on June 22, 2022, 11:38:35 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 22, 2022, 12:27:58 PM
I once knew a woman from Murrieta (CA) who pronounced the name of the auto parts store as en-a-pee-a because, in her words, "Napa is valley in California".
You've mentioned this before, and I remember finding out that she's technically correct, in that the auto parts store stands for "National Auto Parts Association" . Would I still look at her like she had three heads if she said it? Yes.

FWIW I don't know a single person in California who pronounces Napa or Napa Valley any different from how they do the auto parts store.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on June 23, 2022, 01:01:42 AM

Some British newspapers, like the Guardian, have a style convention of using title case for initialisms that are pronounced as a word, e.g. Aids rather than AIDS.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on June 23, 2022, 02:32:21 AM

Quote from: kphoger on June 22, 2022, 12:27:58 PMI once knew a woman from Murrieta (CA) who pronounced the name of the auto parts store as en-a-pee-a because, in her words, "Napa is valley in California".

The folks who live in the City of Napa (https://www.cityofnapa.org/) would like a word, since they are part of the Napa Valley and Napa County (https://www.countyofnapa.org/). The name "Napa" was probably derived from the name given to a southern Nappan village whose native people shared the area with elk, deer, grizzlies and cougars for many centuries.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on June 23, 2022, 03:11:55 AM

Quote from: webny99 on June 22, 2022, 11:34:47 AM
Actually, the letter "W" bothers me when used in abbreviations (especially when spoken), since "double-u" almost always takes longer to say than whatever you were trying to shorten.

And WTO is a case in point. Why shouldn't it just be pronounced "witto" (2 syllables) instead of "double-u-tee-oh" (5 syllables)?

W is also the beginning call letter of a radio station east of the Mississippi River.😅

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on June 23, 2022, 04:30:14 AM

Quote from: kphoger on June 21, 2022, 07:15:32 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on June 21, 2022, 07:08:35 PM
I use SO pretty often. "Significant Other" .

See, for some reason I think of that term as rather passé. Like maybe a term from the 90s?

For what it's worth, here are the results of a British survey from 2019:

(https://d25d2506sfb94s.cloudfront.net/cumulus_uploads/inlineimage/2019-10-10/Boyfriend%20girlfriend%20or%20partner-01.png)

Quote from: J N Winkler on June 21, 2022, 07:12:18 PM
While I do notice it when a heterosexual couple describe themselves as partners, I don't see the term as being particularly associated with the LGBTQIA+ community. Especially with full nationwide marriage equality since 2015, it seems to me more common for gay guys to speak of husbands and lesbian women to speak of wives.

That's been my experience as well. Yet, for whatever reason, the term still carries an LGB connotation to me–even if that isn't the way most people are currently using it.

Calling them "something else" might offend them. ;)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on June 23, 2022, 07:40:14 AM

Quote from: J N Winkler on June 23, 2022, 01:01:42 AM
Some British newspapers, like the Guardian, have a style convention of using title case for initialisms that are pronounced as a word, e.g. Aids rather than AIDS.

The New York Times does that as well, notably as to what they call "Nascar," because of their stylebook requiring the use of periods (e.g., they insist on "N.H.L." and "N.B.A."). I guess even they realize that "N.A.S.C.A.R." looks absurd. I can't say as I've noticed whether they do that as to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 23, 2022, 09:53:09 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on June 23, 2022, 04:30:14 AM
Calling them "something else" might offend them. ;)

I tell you what, man: she's something else!

Quote from: 1995hoo on June 23, 2022, 07:40:14 AM

Quote from: J N Winkler on June 23, 2022, 01:01:42 AM
Some British newspapers, like the Guardian, have a style convention of using title case for initialisms that are pronounced as a word, e.g. Aids rather than AIDS.

The New York Times does that as well, notably as to what they call "Nascar," because of their stylebook requiring the use of periods (e.g., they insist on "N.H.L." and "N.B.A."). I guess even they realize that "N.A.S.C.A.R." looks absurd. I can't say as I've noticed whether they do that as to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

S.C.U.B.A. diving

B.A.S.E. jumping

L.A.S.E.R. pointer

C.A.R.E. package

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 23, 2022, 10:45:05 AM

Live song recordings that start with a whole bunch of applause at the beginning of the track. Sorry, but, if I'm 40 seconds in and the music hasn't even started yet, then all you've done is recorded your ego and I'm no longer interested.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on June 23, 2022, 12:12:01 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 23, 2022, 10:45:05 AM
Live song recordings that start with a whole bunch of applause at the beginning of the track. Sorry, but, if I'm 40 seconds in and the music hasn't even started yet, then all you've done is recorded your ego and I'm no longer interested.

I generally dislike live albums in general. I think the only two I've actually enjoyed were Nirvana Unplugged and Eagles - Hell Freezes Over.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on June 23, 2022, 12:50:36 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on June 23, 2022, 07:40:14 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on June 23, 2022, 01:01:42 AM
Some British newspapers, like the Guardian, have a style convention of using title case for initialisms that are pronounced as a word, e.g. Aids rather than AIDS.

The New York Times does that as well, notably as to what they call "Nascar," because of their stylebook requiring the use of periods (e.g., they insist on "N.H.L." and "N.B.A."). I guess even they realize that "N.A.S.C.A.R." looks absurd. I can't say as I've noticed whether they do that as to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

AIDS is not, but "H.I.V." is.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on June 23, 2022, 01:40:19 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on June 22, 2022, 03:02:31 PM
The problem with abbreviations and acronyms is that you need to know what they mean. It's terrible in IT becase there is so many of them. Anyone know what l10n or i18n means? It's short for localization and internationalization .

This is my main beef with them as well. With the older style Greek and Latin compounds you get some sort of clue to the meaning, but with these, there's nothing and you just have to know. Many articles often have a list of initialisms/acronyms at the end for this reason, which in my view underscores their limited semantic utility.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 23, 2022, 08:14:08 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on June 22, 2022, 03:02:31 PM
The problem with abbreviations and acronyms is that you need to know what they mean. It's terrible in IT becase there is so many of them. Anyone know what l10n or i18n means? It's short for localization and internationalization .

Then again, I think the conceit is that if you're deep enough into software engineering to have to worry about l10n or i18n, you've doubtlessly been exposed to the abbreviation before. They are not exactly something a hobbyist will come across; I only know about them because I used to follow KDE dev blogs back when RSS was a thing. (And I'm not really sure that there's any abbreviation for either of those words that would be anything other than arbitrary, since they're very long single words.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on June 24, 2022, 03:46:57 PM

This one doesn't really "bother" me so much as I just find it a bit odd. On an email I sometimes get from a company, a line of the fine print reads as follows: If you cannot relate to this email, please feel free to delete it.

Usually the fine print takes a much more serious tone, but this one always strikes me as very dismissive.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on June 24, 2022, 11:34:41 PM

In-flight announcements (probably waking up a few passengers) about the airline's duty-free shopping. In case you missed the several duty-free stores in both airports.

(worse than this was the domestic airlines that would have a 3-minute spiel over the loudspeaker about their co-branded credit card. Talk about a captive audience)

TBH there could be an entire airline/airport peeve thread

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on June 25, 2022, 05:06:57 AM

Quote from: kurumi on June 24, 2022, 11:34:41 PM
In-flight announcements (probably waking up a few passengers) about the airline's duty-free shopping. In case you missed the several duty-free stores in both airports.

(worse than this was the domestic airlines that would have a 3-minute spiel over the loudspeaker about their co-branded credit card. Talk about a captive audience)

TBH there could be an entire airline/airport peeve thread

OK :popcorn:

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=31698

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on June 25, 2022, 07:29:01 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on June 23, 2022, 01:01:42 AM
Some British newspapers, like the Guardian, have a style convention of using title case for initialisms that are pronounced as a word, e.g. Aids rather than AIDS.

BBC does that as well

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on June 27, 2022, 12:59:58 PM

The fact that the news and interests widget in Windows will change the stories after clicking just one. If there's more than one you want to check out, too bad, it goes bye bye right after clicking the first.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on June 27, 2022, 02:49:20 PM

This is IT-related, and I am not sure it counts as minor: website redesigns that seem aimed at frustrating automated retrieval of content.

My latest case in point is the public resource trading platform for Gansu province in China, from which I have retrieved many gigabytes' worth of expressway construction and traffic signing plans over the past four years. It used to be quite simple to work with: one postback to search on a given keyword (e.g., "高速公路" for expressway), one more for each additional page of 10 search results, and then one to load a page with document download links for each search result. Searching was the only part of the retrieval process that required obtaining and retaining session cookies--the project pages and the documentation could all be fetched without them. The site ran on HTTP rather than HTTPS, a rarity these days.

About a month ago, the site was redesigned to run on HTTPS and to require a cookie that changes with each page request. Moreover, the server does not supply the key part of each cookie to the client. It merely makes a JavaScript file (200 KB in length and hideously complex-looking even when de-minified) available to the client browser to calculate the cookie value before sending each page request.

Now, if you attempt to load the first page of the contract notice listing (https://ggzyjy.gansu.gov.cn/f/newprovince/annogoods/list?selectedProjectType=1) in a browser, you get a HTTP 412 Precondition Failed error message and the browser fetches a page that points at the 200-KB JavaScript file. Then the browser either stalls (it may be necessary to hit F5 to force reload) or runs the JavaScript to generate the cookie that will elicit actual search results. Once it is generated, the cookie remains valid only for a brief period of time (experimentation suggests one minute). If the cookie expires or is not valid to begin with, the server loops back to HTTP 412 and the pointer to the JavaScript file.

If you then click on an individual search result, the browser runs JavaScript again to generate a new cookie to load that result (it's a simple postback--each contract has a sequence number and for recent advertisements this is in the 36000's or so). If the cookie is not correct, the server returns HTTP 400 Bad Request. If you open the Network tab in Firefox Developer Tools and right-click "Resend request," you get HTTP 400 too, apparently because each cookie can be used only once to fetch a project page.

To make a long story short: one of the easiest sites to script has now become one of the hardest. I think it might be possible to restore full automation by spaghetti-ing something together in Selenium to run Chrome or Firefox in headless mode, but it is a significant learning curve just to get started.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on June 28, 2022, 08:26:15 PM

People trying the handle of a bathroom door, realizing it's locked, and then knocking on the door. If the door is locked then there's someone in there (or, in rare cases, there's another good reason such as the toilet is not in working order). The door wouldn't just be locked for no reason. The stupid "is someone in there" question that you already know the answer to is not entitled to a response from someone sitting on a toilet who probably doesn't hear what you're saying anyways.

And knocking does not make people speed up.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on June 28, 2022, 10:16:33 PM

Quote from: thspfc on June 28, 2022, 08:26:15 PM
People trying the handle of a bathroom door, realizing it's locked, and then knocking on the door. If the door is locked then there's someone in there (or, in rare cases, there's another good reason such as the toilet is not in working order). The door wouldn't just be locked for no reason. The stupid "is someone in there" question that you already know the answer to is not entitled to a response from someone sitting on a toilet who probably doesn't hear what you're saying anyways.

And knocking does not make people speed up.

It can, if the reason they are in there is to vape or use other recreational drugs, which seems to be the most common reason people take more than 5 minutes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on June 28, 2022, 11:37:23 PM

Quote from: thspfc on June 28, 2022, 08:26:15 PM
People trying the handle of a bathroom door, realizing it's locked, and then knocking on the door. If the door is locked then there's someone in there (or, in rare cases, there's another good reason such as the toilet is not in working order). The door wouldn't just be locked for no reason. The stupid "is someone in there" question that you already know the answer to is not entitled to a response from someone sitting on a toilet who probably doesn't hear what you're saying anyways.

And knocking does not make people speed up.

Oh, I can't stand that when I'm the one in the stall (or bathroom if it's a single unit). I feel like not responding, but I usually at least grumble or something to confirm that I am indeed there. The last thing I need is someone banging the door down. If it's a bathroom with more than one toilet, it sure doesn't make me speed up, in fact it usually makes me wait until they leave. :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 29, 2022, 03:53:35 AM

It's still annoying when it's a staff member that does it. That used to happen to me a lot at the casino...I'd be in there doing my business and hear a loud knock, accompanied by "HOUSEKEEPING!" I'd usually yell back "CASHIER!" They never really seemed sure how to respond to that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on June 29, 2022, 04:22:40 AM

Stores rearranging product.

(Long story short - they do it to "keep it fresh" and get people thinking about what else to buy)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 29, 2022, 05:18:30 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on June 29, 2022, 04:22:40 AM
Stores rearranging product.

(Long story short - they do it to "keep it fresh" and get people thinking about what else to buy)

This is one of the reasons I like my current grocery store–the only substantial rearranging they've done since it opened 8 years ago is when they added a liquor section.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on June 30, 2022, 09:31:26 PM

The trend of the cast and crew spoiling 70% of an upcoming movie/TV show in interviews before it ever hits the screen. Even if you're not looking for it it's tough to avoid every single headline that pops up due to algorithm-based suggestions.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 01, 2022, 08:37:17 AM

When a bar of soap gets down to just a little sliver. Throwing it away makes me feel like I'm wasteful, but I know at some point it's going to break apart and be practically useless. And, when it does, I'm inevitable going to be in the shower and in no mood to go hunt down another bar of soap.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on July 01, 2022, 10:27:44 AM

Quote from: kphoger on July 01, 2022, 08:37:17 AM
When a bar of soap gets down to just a little sliver. Throwing it away makes me feel like I'm wasteful, but I know at some point it's going to break apart and be practically useless. And, when it does, I'm inevitable going to be in the shower and in no mood to go hunt down another bar of soap.

When my bar of soap reaches that point, I try to remember to bring in another bar of soap and stick the old bar to the underside of the new bar before it gets too thin. That's the goal, anyway. But I more or less have to try to remember to do that right after I get out of the shower (otherwise I wind up in the situation you mention), and because the spare bars of soap are in a different bathroom (for reasons of space in the cabinet), I tend to forget about it after I finish drying off, brushing my hair, etc.

Speaking of showers, a mild annoyance to me is when I stay in a hotel and the bathroom doesn't have a towel hook or towel shelf right outside the shower. The hotel room in which I was staying earlier this week had the towels across the bathroom from the shower underneath the sink, and the only place easily accessible from the shower (without stepping out) to place a towel was on top of the toilet seat if you lowered the lid. That doesn't seem all that sanitary, so I had to hang the towel over the shower glass at the end closer to the showerhead. Did the job, but I don't see what's so hard about installing a simple towel hook outside the shower door.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 01, 2022, 10:31:35 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on July 01, 2022, 10:27:44 AM
Speaking of showers, a mild annoyance to me is when I stay in a hotel and the bathroom doesn't have a towel hook or towel shelf right outside the shower. The hotel room in which I was staying earlier this week had the towels across the bathroom from the shower underneath the sink, and the only place easily accessible from the shower (without stepping out) to place a towel was on top of the toilet seat if you lowered the lid. That doesn't seem all that sanitary, so I had to hang the towel over the shower glass at the end closer to the showerhead. Did the job, but I don't see what's so hard about installing a simple towel hook outside the shower door.

Just put it on the floor, on top of the bathmat.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on July 01, 2022, 10:35:25 AM

Quote from: kphoger on July 01, 2022, 10:31:35 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 01, 2022, 10:27:44 AM
Speaking of showers, a mild annoyance to me is when I stay in a hotel and the bathroom doesn't have a towel hook or towel shelf right outside the shower. The hotel room in which I was staying earlier this week had the towels across the bathroom from the shower underneath the sink, and the only place easily accessible from the shower (without stepping out) to place a towel was on top of the toilet seat if you lowered the lid. That doesn't seem all that sanitary, so I had to hang the towel over the shower glass at the end closer to the showerhead. Did the job, but I don't see what's so hard about installing a simple towel hook outside the shower door.

Just put it on the floor, on top of the bathmat.

I didn't want to do that in this case because the shower was the type with a door that swings out over the bathmat and invariably drips water on whatever is below it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 01, 2022, 10:52:43 AM

I'm a tea drinker. Recently, I've started having a cup of coffee before we head to church, but that's it; otherwise, it's always tea. It's annoying when a place like a hotel breakfast area pretends to offer tea by having a selection of teabags–but when you actually poke through it, they're all actually herbal infusions like chamomile or ginger or hibiscus or whatever.

Imagine the uproar if none of the coffee on offer had caffeine! And didn't even taste like coffee...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on July 01, 2022, 10:59:27 AM

Quote from: kphoger on July 01, 2022, 10:52:43 AM
I'm a tea drinker. Recently, I've started having a cup of coffee before we head to church, but that's it; otherwise, it's always tea. It's annoying when a place like a hotel breakfast area pretends to offer tea by having a selection of teabags–but when you actually poke through it, they're all actually herbal infusions like chamomile or ginger or hibiscus or whatever.

Imagine the uproar if none of the coffee on offer had caffeine! And didn't even taste like coffee...

Agreed. It's always herbal or just plain Lipton black tea which, in my opinion, tastes like garbage. Right now at home I have a Genmaicha and a Lavender Earl Grey.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 01, 2022, 11:48:26 AM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on July 01, 2022, 10:59:27 AM

Quote from: kphoger on July 01, 2022, 10:52:43 AM
I'm a tea drinker. Recently, I've started having a cup of coffee before we head to church, but that's it; otherwise, it's always tea. It's annoying when a place like a hotel breakfast area pretends to offer tea by having a selection of teabags–but when you actually poke through it, they're all actually herbal infusions like chamomile or ginger or hibiscus or whatever.

Imagine the uproar if none of the coffee on offer had caffeine! And didn't even taste like coffee...

Agreed. It's always herbal or just plain Lipton black tea which, in my opinion, tastes like garbage. Right now at home I have a Genmaicha and a Lavender Earl Grey.

I have a box of Lipton yellow label teabags at home. Yeah, it doesn't taste great, but it's perfect for mixing things into when you want that black tea flavor to still come through. For example, a tasty strong "builder's brew" can be accomplished with a dark cup of Lipton, a squeeze of honey, and a splash of whole milk. Or a nice wintertime treat is equal parts Lipton, Disaronno Originale (amaretto), and half & half.

Otherwise, I use loose-leaf tea. Today at work, it's a blend of Russian Caravan and Spicy Earl Grey–each of which is itself a blend.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Takumi on July 01, 2022, 01:15:51 PM

Rooibos is my favorite tea, but I'm also heavily biased.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: english si on July 01, 2022, 01:26:21 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 01, 2022, 10:52:43 AMIt's annoying when a place like a hotel breakfast area pretends to offer tea by having a selection of teabags–but when you actually poke through it, they're all actually herbal infusions like chamomile or ginger or hibiscus or whatever.

It also won't have water hot enough to actually make tea, unless America has come along way with their hot water facilities.

In Ireland (which drinks more tea than the British, per capita) - at breakfast at the hotel I was staying at, there was the coffee machines that dispensed hot water, but if you asked someone for tea, they bought out a tea pot.

Also porridge was an 'ask for' option - on a buffet breakfast, and they didn't tell you that there were ask-for options, you had to find out.

But worst of all was that the water dispenser next to the juice had fruit sitting in it, giving it a slight citrus flavour (and occasional bits) - perhaps plain water was something you had to ask for. Who does that? Sure, garnish a drink with fruit, but cut up a couple of oranges and a lemon and dump them in a water butt and have that as your drinking water? Very odd.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 01, 2022, 01:46:37 PM

Quote from: english si on July 01, 2022, 01:26:21 PM
It also won't have water hot enough to actually make tea, unless America has come along way with their hot water facilities.

My experience is that you'll find one of two situations:

1. The coffee machine has a spigot for hot water. This water is quite hot, certainly sufficient for making tea from a bag.

2. There's no hot water at all. Do you think they wonder why they never have to restock the teabags?

I've never stayed somewhere that only had moderately hot water for tea.

Quote from: english si on July 01, 2022, 01:26:21 PM
But worst of all was that the water dispenser next to the juice had fruit sitting in it, giving it a slight citrus flavour (and occasional bits) - perhaps plain water was something you had to ask for. Who does that? Sure, garnish a drink with fruit, but cut up a couple of oranges and a lemon and dump them in a water butt and have that as your drinking water? Very odd.

Says the guy from England–the country where I once took mandarin oranges from the breakfast buffet, only to find they'd been marinating in white wine. Yuck!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on July 01, 2022, 04:58:43 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 01, 2022, 10:52:43 AM
I'm a tea drinker. Recently, I've started having a cup of coffee before we head to church, but that's it; otherwise, it's always tea. It's annoying when a place like a hotel breakfast area pretends to offer tea by having a selection of teabags–but when you actually poke through it, they're all actually herbal infusions like chamomile or ginger or hibiscus or whatever.

Imagine the uproar if none of the coffee on offer had caffeine! And didn't even taste like coffee...

Yes! I too am a tea drinker. I think a lot of restaurants just order a case of assorted teabags and don't think about ordering more until they're all gone.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on July 01, 2022, 05:14:58 PM

In May, our relatives in Pembroke Pines gave us a bag of ground "gold coffee" from Ethiopia. The coffee grounds are indeed a far lighter color than I've ever seen before. We tried it last weekend because I had slept horribly–the bag said it contains 1.5 times the caffeine of normal coffee, so I thought we should try it. The brewed coffee was a strange color, which makes sense given that the grounds were so light, and the flavor was a lot more like a tea than a coffee. We weren't all that thrilled. I may try using it for cold brew next time I make some. It seemed like it might be more palatable for that, although I'm mildly concerned that the grind may be too fine to work well for that purpose.

I bring this up because you folks who like tea might find it interesting to try.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on July 01, 2022, 05:48:21 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 01, 2022, 10:52:43 AM
I'm a tea drinker. Recently, I've started having a cup of coffee before we head to church, but that's it; otherwise, it's always tea. It's annoying when a place like a hotel breakfast area pretends to offer tea by having a selection of teabags—but when you actually poke through it, they're all actually herbal infusions like chamomile or ginger or hibiscus or whatever.

I'm a lot more of a coffee drinker, but I can get a bit more picky about my tea. Probably because Lipton's chalky aftertaste is awful, and it's the default/only tea in most places.

I find a lot of the Hilton and IHG (Holiday Inn) hotels tend to have Bigelow teas, which are more my liking. Usually I'll pick the Earl Grey, the green tea, or the Constant Comment. I'll only choose the herbal stuff when I just need something hot on a cold evening and do not want caffeine. Many other hotels offer just black tea and the quality varies. United Airlines uses Bigelow as well, although I think the choices are little more limited. Delta and American use Lipton, sadly (probably contracts with Coca-Cola).

I'm not sure how hot tea is supposed to be, but I usually let it cool for about 5 minutes or so. It all depends on how long the hot water station has been sitting out.

My mother-in-law likes fancy teas and they're fine, but I just try a few of the items when they appear in the store (Yorkshire and PG Tips are on the shelves once in a while, but not consistently). A box lasts me about a 6-12 months at home, so I tend to wait until I'm out to try another brand.

Quote from: english si on July 01, 2022, 01:26:21 PM
But worst of all was that the water dispenser next to the juice had fruit sitting in it, giving it a slight citrus flavour (and occasional bits) - perhaps plain water was something you had to ask for. Who does that? Sure, garnish a drink with fruit, but cut up a couple of oranges and a lemon and dump them in a water butt and have that as your drinking water? Very odd.

This seems to a recent phenomenon in places which desire an "upscale" image. It's not terrible but I don't go out of my way to ever ask for it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 01, 2022, 06:38:12 PM

In the absence of hot water, one can microwave some water to get a cup hot enough to brew tea, although that presupposes you have a microwave-safe cup (and something to put in it to keep the water from superheating, which is a concern when microwaving water). If you're going to go to the lengths to bring those with you, you may as well just get an electric kettle and bring that.

If you can find one of those 5-gallon office-style "water cooler" dispensers that has a working hot water tap, it usually makes water hot enough for brewing something in. But I don't know that they're too common in hotels, and in my experience, the hot water side is often the first to break and rarely gets repaired.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on July 01, 2022, 07:12:08 PM

Speaking of hotels, for me these fall in the "minor annoyance" category:

* In-room coffee service that is so well-hidden you don't find it until it's almost time to check out.

* No coffee-whitening options other than powdered non-dairy creamer or those little pots of grotesquely oversweetened flavored cream.

* A breakfast buffet that is never replenished.

* No washcloths provided in the room.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on July 01, 2022, 07:44:35 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 01, 2022, 06:38:12 PM
In the absence of hot water, one can microwave some water to get a cup hot enough to brew tea, although that presupposes you have a microwave-safe cup (and something to put in it to keep the water from superheating, which is a concern when microwaving water). If you're going to go to the lengths to bring those with you, you may as well just get an electric kettle and bring that.

If you can find one of those 5-gallon office-style "water cooler" dispensers that has a working hot water tap, it usually makes water hot enough for brewing something in. But I don't know that they're too common in hotels, and in my experience, the hot water side is often the first to break and rarely gets repaired.

None of those options generally work for a hotel breakfast area type situation. Maybe the microwave.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 01, 2022, 09:29:38 PM

Quote from: kphoger on July 01, 2022, 07:44:35 PM
None of those options generally work for a hotel breakfast area type situation. Maybe the microwave.

My general strategy is to retrieve whatever breakfast options look appealing and bring the food back to the room to eat in private. I assume I'm not the only one who does this. Granted, that's not feasible if one is traveling with a large party, but I don't.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on July 01, 2022, 09:54:25 PM

Google Maps’s terrain view shades south-facing slopes a darker color than north-facing slopes with the same steepness. This is simply wrong. In the northern hemisphere, where Google and the vast majority of its users are located, the sun illuminates south-facing aspects more.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on July 03, 2022, 02:31:45 AM

Quote from: kphoger on July 01, 2022, 08:37:17 AM
When a bar of soap gets down to just a little sliver. Throwing it away makes me feel like I'm wasteful, but I know at some point it's going to break apart and be practically useless. And, when it does, I'm inevitable going to be in the shower and in no mood to go hunt down another bar of soap.

If the soap is still viable, just small, it becomes handwarshing soap.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on July 03, 2022, 10:25:45 AM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on July 03, 2022, 02:31:45 AM
Quote from: kphoger on July 01, 2022, 08:37:17 AM
When a bar of soap gets down to just a little sliver. Throwing it away makes me feel like I'm wasteful, but I know at some point it's going to break apart and be practically useless. And, when it does, I'm inevitable going to be in the shower and in no mood to go hunt down another bar of soap.

If the soap is still viable, just small, it becomes handwarshing soap.

Or just soap for a scrubbing brush.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on July 03, 2022, 07:34:51 PM

Quote from: formulanone on July 03, 2022, 10:25:45 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on July 03, 2022, 02:31:45 AM
Quote from: kphoger on July 01, 2022, 08:37:17 AM
When a bar of soap gets down to just a little sliver. Throwing it away makes me feel like I'm wasteful, but I know at some point it's going to break apart and be practically useless. And, when it does, I'm inevitable going to be in the shower and in no mood to go hunt down another bar of soap.

If the soap is still viable, just small, it becomes handwarshing soap.

Or just soap for a scrubbing brush.

I always just stick the sliver to a new bar of soap.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on July 07, 2022, 05:29:04 PM

Here is something that bothers me about the movies and television set in the "present day" that I'm asking now that I haven't really asked in the past... lets pull up some popcorn...

:popcorn:

Hopefully, I'm not the only one, but when I watch some action, horror, science fiction, and/or superhero flick, I'm starting to question the fiscal, legal, and insurance impacts. Such as....

How does my car insurance handle a claim when it's "an alien turned my car into a lump of melted metal"?
Why do people still live in a city that is regularly attacked by a giant monster?
What criminal charges would a movie villain face for their actions? And, if the villain dies, how would they go about recovering damages?
Similarly, how long can a superhero keep their "secret identity" hidden? How can some of their "heroic" actions be considered legal?
This one is directly from Speed, but how would they handle the damages incurred by a city bus that can't slow down below 50 MPH, plus being driven by a person whose license has been suspended?
Then, there is the "superhero minor" which could also be called the "child soldier". Can we say "child endangerment"?

:hmmm: I know I know, it's just a movie, so I should relax....

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on July 07, 2022, 05:42:58 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on July 07, 2022, 05:29:04 PM

Why do people still live in a city that is regularly attacked by a giant monster?

Property values decrease significantly, meaning living there is affordable for even the poor. Some people who were there before the monster attack are probably too poor to move out.

For an example not related to cost, see Grand Isle, LA, which gets hit by a hurricane about once per year.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on July 07, 2022, 06:06:47 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on July 07, 2022, 05:29:04 PM
Here is something that bothers me about the movies and television set in the "present day" that I'm asking now that I haven't really asked in the past... lets pull up some popcorn...

:popcorn:

Hopefully, I'm not the only one, but when I watch some action, horror, science fiction, and/or superhero flick, I'm starting to question the fiscal, legal, and insurance impacts. Such as....

How does my car insurance handle a claim when it's "an alien turned my car into a lump of melted metal"?
Why do people still live in a city that is regularly attacked by a giant monster?
What criminal charges would a movie villain face for their actions? And, if the villain dies, how would they go about recovering damages?
Similarly, how long can a superhero keep their "secret identity" hidden? How can some of their "heroic" actions be considered legal?
This one is directly from Speed, but how would they handle the damages incurred by a city bus that can't slow down below 50 MPH, plus being driven by a person whose license has been suspended?
Then, there is the "superhero minor" which could also be called the "child soldier". Can we say "child endangerment"?
:hmmm: I know I know, it's just a movie, so I should relax....

If you're up for a bit of reading, the the online serial Worm (complete) is a reconstruction of the superhero genre, basically asking the questions "what would the world actually be like if superpowers were real" and "what would need to be true for the superhero tropes to actually make sense". It's quite good, but also fairly dark. The general wisdom is to read through arc 8, and if it doesn't hook you by then feel free to drop it.

https://parahumans.wordpress.com

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on July 07, 2022, 06:27:31 PM

If Cthulhu stomps your house, claim will probably be denied as "An act of Elder God"

If Superman used the internet, Facebook/Google/etc. would have figured out he's Clark Kent via browser fingerprinting / IP address / etc.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on July 07, 2022, 09:16:35 PM

Quote from: kurumi on July 07, 2022, 06:27:31 PM
If Cthulhu stomps your house, claim will probably be denied as "An act of Elder God"

If Superman used the internet, Facebook/Google/etc. would have figured out he's Clark Kent via browser fingerprinting / IP address / etc.

Superman uses an IP forwarding service.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on July 08, 2022, 12:22:43 PM

Related to "smol," which I saw used to describe a font on a speed limit sign in "There is NO way that is MUTCD-Compliant" yesterday...

thicc

What's the point of the intentional misspelling?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on July 08, 2022, 03:12:55 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on July 03, 2022, 07:34:51 PM
Quote from: formulanone on July 03, 2022, 10:25:45 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on July 03, 2022, 02:31:45 AM
Quote from: kphoger on July 01, 2022, 08:37:17 AM
When a bar of soap gets down to just a little sliver. Throwing it away makes me feel like I'm wasteful, but I know at some point it's going to break apart and be practically useless. And, when it does, I'm inevitable going to be in the shower and in no mood to go hunt down another bar of soap.

If the soap is still viable, just small, it becomes handwarshing soap.

Or just soap for a scrubbing brush.

I always just stick the sliver to a new bar of soap.

That's pretty much what I do, too. I was a bit peeved about 8-10 years ago when Dial changed the shape of their soap bars (they did NOT aim the 'shrink ray' at them, though :wow: ), making that process a bit harder. :banghead:

I also have a commercial grade liquid soap dispenser that I also found to be a good way of disposing of some otherwise useless old slivers and bars of motel soap. I just unwrapped them and tossed them in with its usual supply of generic liquid soap where over time, they soaked in the liquid soap, broke apart, dissolved and were used with the liquid soap.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on July 08, 2022, 03:20:29 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on July 08, 2022, 03:12:55 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on July 03, 2022, 07:34:51 PM
Quote from: formulanone on July 03, 2022, 10:25:45 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on July 03, 2022, 02:31:45 AM
Quote from: kphoger on July 01, 2022, 08:37:17 AM
When a bar of soap gets down to just a little sliver. Throwing it away makes me feel like I'm wasteful, but I know at some point it's going to break apart and be practically useless. And, when it does, I'm inevitable going to be in the shower and in no mood to go hunt down another bar of soap.

If the soap is still viable, just small, it becomes handwarshing soap.

Or just soap for a scrubbing brush.

I always just stick the sliver to a new bar of soap.

That's pretty much what I do, too. I was a bit peeved about 8-10 years ago when Dial changed the shape of their soap bars (they did NOT aim the 'shrink ray' at them, though :wow: ), making that process a bit harder. :banghead:

Mike

Body wash instead? It's way easier.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on July 08, 2022, 03:25:19 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on July 08, 2022, 03:20:29 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on July 08, 2022, 03:12:55 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on July 03, 2022, 07:34:51 PM
Quote from: formulanone on July 03, 2022, 10:25:45 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on July 03, 2022, 02:31:45 AM
Quote from: kphoger on July 01, 2022, 08:37:17 AM
When a bar of soap gets down to just a little sliver. Throwing it away makes me feel like I'm wasteful, but I know at some point it's going to break apart and be practically useless. And, when it does, I'm inevitable going to be in the shower and in no mood to go hunt down another bar of soap.

If the soap is still viable, just small, it becomes handwarshing soap.

Or just soap for a scrubbing brush.

I always just stick the sliver to a new bar of soap.

That's pretty much what I do, too. I was a bit peeved about 8-10 years ago when Dial changed the shape of their soap bars (they did NOT aim the 'shrink ray' at them, though :wow: ), making that process a bit harder. :banghead:

Mike

Body wash instead? It's way easier.

And Much more expensive.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on July 08, 2022, 03:32:19 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on July 08, 2022, 03:25:19 PM
And Much more expensive.

Mike

While body wash is more expensive, I buy a new bottle probably once every two months or so. If I'm paying double the price of soap, that's an extra $20 a year I'll pay for convenience (and not having to scrape soap scum/remnants out of the soap tray built into my shower).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 08, 2022, 05:19:08 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on July 08, 2022, 12:22:43 PM
Related to "smol," which I saw used to describe a font on a speed limit sign in "There is NO way that is MUTCD-Compliant" yesterday...

thicc

What's the point of the intentional misspelling?

"Thicc" is usually used to describe a person who is sexually attractive because they have wide hips, thick thighs, etc. thus distinguishing them from the standard rail-thin beauty standard. The difference in spelling is to signify that the person considers it a compliment/a good thing, as opposed to "thick" which could be taken as insulting (and in Britain means "stupid", i.e. "thick as a board").

Applying it to something that isn't a person is an attempt at being humorous.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on July 08, 2022, 05:44:19 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 08, 2022, 05:19:08 PM
... as opposed to "thick" which could be taken as insulting (and in Britain means "stupid", i.e. "thick as a board").

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on July 09, 2022, 10:13:59 AM

The short memory that your cars remote door lock has. I hate when you press unlock to get into your car, then seconds later you realize you need to open your passenger back door. So you hit open a second time to unlock the rear door to only find that it's not opened requiring you to depress a third time. One more time than originally needed you end up doing all because the computer forgot the first command was already completed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on July 09, 2022, 11:55:38 AM

It bugs me when I use the key fob to unlock the doors, and only the driver door unlocks. I can't come up with any scenario except fleeing an attacker that you might want that to happen. And if you're in a stress situation like that, you're probably going to be mashing on the button as fast and as often as you can to make sure the driver door is open. You're not going to take time to think about not letting them in the passenger side.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on July 09, 2022, 01:11:27 PM

I'm minorly annoyed that my current car does not have a mechanical key lock on the trunk ('boot' for the Brits here in the crowd) lid and that I must use the FOB to open it. It's a royal PITA when the battery is run down and that's where the jumping cables are. :evilgrin:

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on July 09, 2022, 03:00:23 PM

Quote from: GaryV on July 09, 2022, 11:55:38 AMIt bugs me when I use the key fob to unlock the doors, and only the driver door unlocks. I can't come up with any scenario except fleeing an attacker that you might want that to happen. And if you're in a stress situation like that, you're probably going to be mashing on the button as fast and as often as you can to make sure the driver door is open. You're not going to take time to think about not letting them in the passenger side.

I think the motivation for requiring a second click to unlock all doors (which, in my experience, is universal with all RKE systems) is to address situations where the driver is alone and a stealth attacker is waiting out of sight, next to the front passenger door, to get in with the driver and point a gun at him or her. Few drivers approach their cars in a way that gives them a view of all four sides, which is what it takes to preclude this type of attack.

As for RKE-related annoyances, the one that really chaps my skin is rejecting the second click unless it occurs a precisely timed interval after the first. The 2009 Honda Fit in the family has this issue.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on July 09, 2022, 03:59:58 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on July 09, 2022, 03:00:23 PM
As for RKE-related annoyances, the one that really chaps my skin is rejecting the second click unless it occurs a precisely timed interval after the first. The 2009 Honda Fit in the family has this issue.

I think Subaru is really bad about that too. I swear, sometimes, it takes three or four punches just to get everything unlocked.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on July 09, 2022, 11:56:00 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on July 09, 2022, 03:59:58 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on July 09, 2022, 03:00:23 PM
As for RKE-related annoyances, the one that really chaps my skin is rejecting the second click unless it occurs a precisely timed interval after the first. The 2009 Honda Fit in the family has this issue.

I think Subaru is really bad about that too. I swear, sometimes, it takes three or four punches just to get everything unlocked.

I've never had an issue with that. The only thing about my Subaru's door locks that I wish were different is that they don't lock automatically when you start driving. The technology has long since existed but apparently it is some sort of Subaru culture thing to not implement it. If I want to lock them while I'm driving, I have to push the button on my door to do that. No big deal, since I'm used to it, but if someone else is driving for some reason, they never realize the doors don't lock on their own.

What does bother me is when I'm driving with other people and they take forever to get out of the car because they can't figure out how to get the door open. They'll pull the lever and then fumble around and panic when the door doesn't open. How hard can it be to flip the lock switch yourself once you realize pulling the lever isn't going to work? Quite difficult, apparently. Usually by the time they start messing with the switch I've already pushed the button to unlock the doors anyway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GenExpwy on July 10, 2022, 07:09:17 AM

Quote from: GaryV on July 09, 2022, 11:55:38 AM
It bugs me when I use the key fob to unlock the doors, and only the driver door unlocks. I can't come up with any scenario except fleeing an attacker that you might want that to happen. And if you're in a stress situation like that, you're probably going to be mashing on the button as fast and as often as you can to make sure the driver door is open. You're not going to take time to think about not letting them in the passenger side.

Have you read the owner's manual? My 2009 Buick can be programmed (via the dashboard buttons) to unlock all the doors with either one click or two.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on July 10, 2022, 08:12:48 AM

I fortunately have a proximity key, so assuming my fob is in my pocket, I just have to put my hand near either the driver's seat, passenger seat, or tailgate and it opens all doors.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on July 11, 2022, 02:41:58 PM

I think it would be handy if the key could operate the lock both ways, say, turn to the left operates it electrically, to the right operates it mechanically. I drive and old(er) school car that doesn't do fobs and whatnot.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on July 11, 2022, 03:14:06 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on July 11, 2022, 02:41:58 PMI think it would be handy if the key could operate the lock both ways, say, turn to the left operates it electrically, to the right operates it mechanically. I drive and old(er) school car that doesn't do fobs and whatnot.

My daily driver is a 28-year-old Saturn, and while it has power locks, I am pretty sure RKE was not available even as a factory option. Turning the key toward the front of the car locks; turning it toward the back of the car unlocks (mechanical action). If the key is inserted into the driver's door lock, then turning the key toward the front of the door locks all doors, while turning the key toward the back, then toward the front, and then back toward neutral position unlocks all doors (electrical action).

Generally speaking, older cars are passively secure. They do not communicate that the owner has money and a thief cannot be confident that they will run.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on July 11, 2022, 08:34:26 PM

Quote from: US 89 on July 09, 2022, 11:56:00 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on July 09, 2022, 03:59:58 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on July 09, 2022, 03:00:23 PM
As for RKE-related annoyances, the one that really chaps my skin is rejecting the second click unless it occurs a precisely timed interval after the first. The 2009 Honda Fit in the family has this issue.

I think Subaru is really bad about that too. I swear, sometimes, it takes three or four punches just to get everything unlocked.

I've never had an issue with that. The only thing about my Subaru's door locks that I wish were different is that they don't lock automatically when you start driving. The technology has long since existed but apparently it is some sort of Subaru culture thing to not implement it. If I want to lock them while I'm driving, I have to push the button on my door to do that. No big deal, since I'm used to it, but if someone else is driving for some reason, they never realize the doors don't lock on their own.

What does bother me is when I'm driving with other people and they take forever to get out of the car because they can't figure out how to get the door open. They'll pull the lever and then fumble around and panic when the door doesn't open. How hard can it be to flip the lock switch yourself once you realize pulling the lever isn't going to work? Quite difficult, apparently. Usually by the time they start messing with the switch I've already pushed the button to unlock the doors anyway.

I seem to recall most manufacturers have a setting in the car's infotainment system that allows the operator to modify the door lock settings, from "never" to "when in Drive" to "above [xx] mph", etc. In my Volkswagen, I only have two options (never and above a certain speed) as it's a stick-shift, but the idea is the same; I personally do not have auto locks on. Also, do Subaru passenger doors not open even when locked? In most cars (including my VW), the front two doors will open even when locked, though not the rear doors. This may be because (in my case) there is no manual switch for the door locks, just buttons on the front two doors that light up depending on whether the doors are locked or unlocked.

Another thing about Subaru's that drive me up the wall: the electrics completely die the moment the car is switched off. I don't mind the radio shutting off, but the wipers just freeze and windows won't keep rolling up either. In my VW, the windows stay active for a good few minutes, and the wipers complete a wipe and then recess into the hood (though both would also freeze if I opened the doors). The wipers thing isn't necessarily common in other manufacturers, but the window issue seems to be Subaru-specific; other manufacturers don't kill those electrics until a door opens.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on July 11, 2022, 11:33:21 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on July 11, 2022, 08:34:26 PM
Quote from: US 89 on July 09, 2022, 11:56:00 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on July 09, 2022, 03:59:58 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on July 09, 2022, 03:00:23 PM
As for RKE-related annoyances, the one that really chaps my skin is rejecting the second click unless it occurs a precisely timed interval after the first. The 2009 Honda Fit in the family has this issue.

I think Subaru is really bad about that too. I swear, sometimes, it takes three or four punches just to get everything unlocked.

I've never had an issue with that. The only thing about my Subaru's door locks that I wish were different is that they don't lock automatically when you start driving. The technology has long since existed but apparently it is some sort of Subaru culture thing to not implement it. If I want to lock them while I'm driving, I have to push the button on my door to do that. No big deal, since I'm used to it, but if someone else is driving for some reason, they never realize the doors don't lock on their own.

What does bother me is when I'm driving with other people and they take forever to get out of the car because they can't figure out how to get the door open. They'll pull the lever and then fumble around and panic when the door doesn't open. How hard can it be to flip the lock switch yourself once you realize pulling the lever isn't going to work? Quite difficult, apparently. Usually by the time they start messing with the switch I've already pushed the button to unlock the doors anyway.

I seem to recall most manufacturers have a setting in the car's infotainment system that allows the operator to modify the door lock settings, from "never" to "when in Drive" to "above [xx] mph", etc. In my Volkswagen, I only have two options (never and above a certain speed) as it's a stick-shift, but the idea is the same; I personally do not have auto locks on. Also, do Subaru passenger doors not open even when locked? In most cars (including my VW), the front two doors will open even when locked, though not the rear doors. This may be because (in my case) there is no manual switch for the door locks, just buttons on the front two doors that light up depending on whether the doors are locked or unlocked.

Another thing about Subaru's that drive me up the wall: the electrics completely die the moment the car is switched off. I don't mind the radio shutting off, but the wipers just freeze and windows won't keep rolling up either. In my VW, the windows stay active for a good few minutes, and the wipers complete a wipe and then recess into the hood (though both would also freeze if I opened the doors). The wipers thing isn't necessarily common in other manufacturers, but the window issue seems to be Subaru-specific; other manufacturers don't kill those electrics until a door opens.

I think I looked in the manual once and I couldn't find any sort of auto-lock setting. And yeah, even the front doors don't open when they're locked. I guess thinking about other cars, in the front even if they don't open on the first try, they'll usually open on the second (i.e. the first try unlocks it, the second one opens).

The only thing that bothers me about the electrics issue is that the radio turns off - but I've discovered a fix for this! If you really want the music to keep playing until your song finishes, if you turn off the car before you put it in park, it kills everything but the radio (and then beeps at you to put it in park, of course). For windows, it's not that hard to just close them before you turn off the car, or if you forget, to turn the electrics on without starting the engine.

I guess this is how you know you know your car - when you've pretty much memorized all the idiosyncracies, solved the ones you can, and learned to deal with the ones you can't.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 11, 2022, 11:55:55 PM

My 2009 Pontiac locks the doors when the car is in put in gear. It only unlocks them when the car is turned off. This was really irritating last month when my garage door opener went out and I had to back the car out, then get out of the car to close the door. When I remembered to, I would just grab hold of the door lock (one of those traditional up/down pin-type ones) and forcibly hold it unlocked while I put the car into reverse. But about half the time I would forget and then I'd be fighting the door to get out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on July 12, 2022, 07:36:30 AM

My driver's-side door is messed up right now. Pulling the handle on the inside isn't opening the door for whatever reason, so I have to put down the window and reach outside to open it, then put the window back up. I almost always forget, of course. While I can still put the window up or down for some short amount of time after I turn off the car, that only works one way–I have to turn the key to the accessory position to put the window back up.

I should just go get it fixed, but it's a relatively low priority at the moment because I'm not driving a lot.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on July 12, 2022, 12:09:12 PM

This intersection (https://www.google.ca/maps/@43.4216448,-80.4607516,3a,15y,307.93h,92.28t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sWmjOTuqU5n3g0YL0pa6OGA!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DWmjOTuqU5n3g0YL0pa6OGA%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D281.3079%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192), Courtland and Middle Block in Kitchener. Coming from the south, you can only see the left turn signals. Since Ontario doesn't use red arrows, it looks like the light is red until you get close enough to see the through signals. I think part of the issue is that one of the left turn signals is to the right of the median.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on July 12, 2022, 12:11:49 PM

Quote from: 7/8 on July 12, 2022, 12:09:12 PM
This intersection (https://www.google.ca/maps/@43.4216448,-80.4607516,3a,15y,307.93h,92.28t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sWmjOTuqU5n3g0YL0pa6OGA!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DWmjOTuqU5n3g0YL0pa6OGA%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D281.3079%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192), Courtland and Middle Block in Kitchener. Coming from the south, you can only see the left turn signals. Since Ontario doesn't use red arrows, it looks like the light is red until you get close enough to see the through signals. I think part of the issue is that one of the left turn signals is to the right of the median.

No doubt it's on purpose to make you slow down entering the intersection and not have you speed up to beat the light, because from far out, you can't tell if it's green to try and beat it. I have seen a few like this.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on July 12, 2022, 12:15:09 PM

Quote from: 7/8 on July 12, 2022, 12:09:12 PM
This intersection (https://www.google.ca/maps/@43.4216448,-80.4607516,3a,15y,307.93h,92.28t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sWmjOTuqU5n3g0YL0pa6OGA!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DWmjOTuqU5n3g0YL0pa6OGA%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D281.3079%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192), Courtland and Middle Block in Kitchener. Coming from the south, you can only see the left turn signals. Since Ontario doesn't use red arrows, it looks like the light is red until you get close enough to see the through signals. I think part of the issue is that one of the left turn signals is to the right of the median.

Wait, there is a railroad signal there on the sidewalk at the crosswalk between the sidewalk and the road? I see that it is to keep people from crossing the road that leads straight onto the tracks, but I have never seen that type of setup before.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on July 12, 2022, 01:03:03 PM

^ Here's RR crossing gates for the sidewalk in Royal Oak, MI: https://goo.gl/maps/n6bXrqe42wpK5Zue8

You can barely see the sidewalk gate behind the "X" on the near side. You can see the gate a little better on the far side signal.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on July 12, 2022, 01:25:57 PM

Quote from: GaryV on July 12, 2022, 01:03:03 PM
^ Here's RR crossing gates for the sidewalk in Royal Oak, MI: https://goo.gl/maps/n6bXrqe42wpK5Zue8

You can barely see the sidewalk gate behind the "X" on the near side. You can see the gate a little better on the far side signal.

I have seen that numerous times in my life. What I am talking about is a signal for the sidewalk and directly behind the gate is the paved roadway, not the railroad tracks. In other words, when the train comes, they won't even let you cross the street to get to where the tracks are.

It is actually the next intersection on Courtland I was talking about. Google Maps is acting quite janky at the intersection and bouncing me all around when I want to advance it (even forcing me into the parking lot of the adjacent business).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on July 12, 2022, 01:43:15 PM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on July 12, 2022, 01:25:57 PM
Quote from: GaryV on July 12, 2022, 01:03:03 PM
^ Here's RR crossing gates for the sidewalk in Royal Oak, MI: https://goo.gl/maps/n6bXrqe42wpK5Zue8

You can barely see the sidewalk gate behind the "X" on the near side. You can see the gate a little better on the far side signal.

I have seen that numerous times in my life. What I am talking about is a signal for the sidewalk and directly behind the gate is the paved roadway, not the railroad tracks. In other words, when the train comes, they won't even let you cross the street to get to where the tracks are.

It is actually the next intersection on Courtland I was talking about. Google Maps is acting quite janky at the intersection and bouncing me all around when I want to advance it (even forcing me into the parking lot of the adjacent business).

This spot? (https://www.google.ca/maps/@43.4224921,-80.4624375,3a,37.8y,204.18h,79.24t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s_JRtYt_pK2fTRP6PsFyGMw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) I know what you mean, it does look odd.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on July 12, 2022, 01:45:41 PM

Quote from: 7/8 on July 12, 2022, 01:43:15 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on July 12, 2022, 01:25:57 PM
Quote from: GaryV on July 12, 2022, 01:03:03 PM
^ Here's RR crossing gates for the sidewalk in Royal Oak, MI: https://goo.gl/maps/n6bXrqe42wpK5Zue8

You can barely see the sidewalk gate behind the "X" on the near side. You can see the gate a little better on the far side signal.

I have seen that numerous times in my life. What I am talking about is a signal for the sidewalk and directly behind the gate is the paved roadway, not the railroad tracks. In other words, when the train comes, they won't even let you cross the street to get to where the tracks are.

It is actually the next intersection on Courtland I was talking about. Google Maps is acting quite janky at the intersection and bouncing me all around when I want to advance it (even forcing me into the parking lot of the adjacent business).

This spot? (https://www.google.ca/maps/@43.4224921,-80.4624375,3a,37.8y,204.18h,79.24t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s_JRtYt_pK2fTRP6PsFyGMw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) I know what you mean, it does look odd.

That is odd, but it was actually here (https://goo.gl/maps/YaLVLLCGSV5eft5B8). I mean I get it, once you cross the road you are in the railroad tracks basically so when a train comes you might want to not cross the road entirely, but it's a setup I have never seen before.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on July 12, 2022, 03:36:00 PM

Use of the word "preventative" for "preventive."

That one bugs me about as bad as using the non-word "publically" for "publicly."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on July 12, 2022, 04:28:20 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on July 12, 2022, 03:36:00 PMUse of the word "preventative" for "preventive."

That one bugs me about as bad as using the non-word "publically" for "publicly."

Merriam-Webster endorses both preventive (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preventive) and preventative (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preventative). The same is not quite true of publicly (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/publicly) versus publically, the latter being described as a "less common" usage.

Personally, I disapprove of reticent used in the sense of reluctant, but it seems that battle has been lost (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reticent).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on July 12, 2022, 05:44:36 PM

When people don't communicate and then put the onus on you to be responsible for their non-communication.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 12, 2022, 06:03:56 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on July 12, 2022, 05:44:36 PM
When people don't communicate and then put the onus on you to be responsible for their non-communication.

I think this goes beyond a "minor thing". Had plenty of issues with supervisors in the past making up a new rule, not telling everyone about it, then getting you in trouble for not reading their mind and learning what you're supposed to do by osmosis. Or if you found out you're supposed to be doing X from a co-worker, getting you in trouble for gossiping.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on July 12, 2022, 08:52:45 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 12, 2022, 06:03:56 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on July 12, 2022, 05:44:36 PM
When people don't communicate and then put the onus on you to be responsible for their non-communication.

I think this goes beyond a "minor thing". Had plenty of issues with supervisors in the past making up a new rule, not telling everyone about it, then getting you in trouble for not reading their mind and learning what you're supposed to do by osmosis. Or if you found out you're supposed to be doing X from a co-worker, getting you in trouble for gossiping.

That sounds a lot like "terms and conditions" when you download an app, sign up for a Web site, etc. There are volumes and volumes of workplace policies and it would be nigh on impossible for someone to read and remember them all, but woe be unto you if they have it out for you and you violate some obscure rule.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on July 12, 2022, 09:29:26 PM

Macy's is doing a Black Friday sale right now. It's July.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on July 13, 2022, 02:53:55 PM

Quote from: 1 on July 12, 2022, 09:29:26 PM
Macy's is doing a Black Friday sale right now. It's July.

Blame Amazon.

Although it was nice to not have to wait until November to replace our electric griddle.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on July 13, 2022, 09:53:27 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on July 13, 2022, 02:53:55 PM
Quote from: 1 on July 12, 2022, 09:29:26 PM
Macy's is doing a Black Friday sale right now. It's July.
Blame Amazon.

Although it was nice to not have to wait until November to replace our electric griddle.

I have no problem with the sale, but they should call it something else.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on July 13, 2022, 10:28:58 PM

Quote from: webny99 on July 13, 2022, 09:53:27 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on July 13, 2022, 02:53:55 PM
Quote from: 1 on July 12, 2022, 09:29:26 PM
Macy's is doing a Black Friday sale right now. It's July.
Blame Amazon.

Although it was nice to not have to wait until November to replace our electric griddle.

I have no problem with the sale, but they should call it something else.

Announcing BigBoxCo's Composite Days: "When the savings are divisible by you!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on July 13, 2022, 10:31:02 PM

https://www.google.com/maps/@40.6873688,-74.0566425,13.76z

Why NY claims ownership of Ellis Island and Bedlow Island, aka Liberty Island, when both islands are across the state line and are in NJ waters? In fact Jersey City Police and Hudson County, NJ both should have criminal jurisdiction and not the City and County of New York.

This isnt like the twelve mile circle of Delaware where all the Delaware River is in NJ from 12 miles up and downstream from New Castle Delaware.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on July 13, 2022, 11:56:15 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on July 13, 2022, 10:31:02 PM
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.6873688,-74.0566425,13.76z

Why NY claims ownership of Ellis Island and Bedlow Island, aka Liberty Island, when both islands are across the state line and are in NJ waters? In fact Jersey City Police and Hudson County, NJ both should have criminal jurisdiction and not the City and County of New York.

It's one of those compromises that happens every now and again. That said, it's more complicated than that, since it's not the whole of these islands that are in New York, but only the natural parts. The landfill parts of these islands are in New Jersey, as you believe they should be.

Essentially what happened is that New York had claim to the whole of the Hudson River while New Jersey had none. But early in the nineteenth century, it was able to set up an agreement with New York to split the border down the middle. By that time, though, the islands had been administered as part of New York for long enough that it was allowed to retain them. This was before the islands had been enlarged though land reclamation, which led to a case to the Supreme Court, which set up the current situation.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on July 14, 2022, 12:12:45 AM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on July 13, 2022, 11:56:15 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on July 13, 2022, 10:31:02 PM
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.6873688,-74.0566425,13.76z

Why NY claims ownership of Ellis Island and Bedlow Island, aka Liberty Island, when both islands are across the state line and are in NJ waters? In fact Jersey City Police and Hudson County, NJ both should have criminal jurisdiction and not the City and County of New York.

It's one of those compromises that happens every now and again. That said, it's more complicated than that, since it's not the whole of these islands that are in New York, but only the natural parts. The landfill parts of these islands are in New Jersey, as you believe they should be.

Essentially what happened is that New York claimed the whole of the Hudson River (and in various ways maintained those claims) until the issue was settled by the Supreme Court. But by that time the islands had been administered as part of New York that it was allowed to retain them when the rest of the border was shifted. This was before the islands had been enlarged though land reclamation, leading to the current situation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgZ1f4ACZBQ

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on July 14, 2022, 12:17:46 AM

Quote from: US 89 on July 14, 2022, 12:12:45 AM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on July 13, 2022, 11:56:15 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on July 13, 2022, 10:31:02 PM
https://www.google.com/maps/@40.6873688,-74.0566425,13.76z

Why NY claims ownership of Ellis Island and Bedlow Island, aka Liberty Island, when both islands are across the state line and are in NJ waters? In fact Jersey City Police and Hudson County, NJ both should have criminal jurisdiction and not the City and County of New York.

It's one of those compromises that happens every now and again. That said, it's more complicated than that, since it's not the whole of these islands that are in New York, but only the natural parts. The landfill parts of these islands are in New Jersey, as you believe they should be.

Essentially what happened is that New York claimed the whole of the Hudson River (and in various ways maintained those claims) until the issue was settled by the Supreme Court. But by that time the islands had been administered as part of New York that it was allowed to retain them when the rest of the border was shifted. This was before the islands had been enlarged though land reclamation, leading to the current situation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgZ1f4ACZBQ

(Let the record show that I have modified my original comment.)

Let the record also show that the question of the video, "Who owns the Statue of Liberty, New York or New Jersey?" is somewhat inaccurate. The statue is, of course, owned by the federal government.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on July 14, 2022, 12:24:56 AM

Quote from: J N Winkler on July 12, 2022, 04:28:20 PM
Personally, I disapprove of reticent used in the sense of reluctant, but it seems that battle has been lost (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reticent).

Not to rub salt into the wound, but the Oxford English Dictionary dates this meaning to 1875.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on July 16, 2022, 11:35:39 AM

The big dispute WRT those two islands (I agree, the feds 'own' everything on both of them) is who collects the sales and income tax revenue from from the activity on them.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 16, 2022, 05:04:29 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on July 16, 2022, 11:35:39 AM
The big dispute WRT those two islands (I agree, the feds 'own' everything on both of them) is who collects the sales and income tax revenue from from the activity on them.

Mike

I think they should just assign both of them to Kansas so it can have some coastline for a change.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on July 16, 2022, 05:57:25 PM

As a Wikipedia editor, it bothers me whenever I revert vandalism only for the vandal to do it again.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 16, 2022, 06:55:56 PM

Quote from: LilianaUwU on July 16, 2022, 05:57:25 PM
As a Wikipedia editor, it bothers me whenever I revert vandalism only for the vandal to do it again.

I just block them for 37 hours when they do that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on July 17, 2022, 01:39:38 AM

Trucks and SUVs with removable trailer hitches that don't remove them when they're not being used.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on July 17, 2022, 06:41:40 AM

^ And then they park them so the trailer hitch hangs out over the sidewalk so you can bang your shins as you go by.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on July 17, 2022, 03:09:49 PM

Headlines written in this format:

"Man drove away from gas pumps without paying: Police"

This should be properly written in this format:

"Police: Man drove away from gas pumps without paying"

Ideally, it would be written as "Police say man drove away from gas pumps without paying" but having been a headline writer myself in a past life, I understand the desire to omit words when possible.

The offending phrasing could be corrected by "Man drove away from gas pumps without paying, police say"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on July 17, 2022, 03:16:58 PM

Today it would be a clickbait headline, such as "Police report a crime you won't believe!"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on July 17, 2022, 03:28:38 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on July 17, 2022, 03:09:49 PM
Headlines written in this format:

"Man drove away from gas pumps without paying: Police"

This should be properly written in this format:

"Police: Man drove away from gas pumps without paying"

Ideally, it would be written as "Police say man drove away from gas pumps without paying" but having been a headline writer myself in a past life, I understand the desire to omit words when possible.

The offending phrasing could be corrected by "Man drove away from gas pumps without paying, police say"

Or: Headlines and stories that use "Experts say". Who are the experts? Rarely mentioned. What made them an expert? Who knows.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on July 17, 2022, 11:16:08 PM

Quote from: GaryV on July 17, 2022, 06:41:40 AM
^ And then they park them so the trailer hitch hangs out over the sidewalk so you can bang your shins as you go by.

When that happens, it can be hard to suppress the urge to remove them myself and throw them through the back window.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on July 18, 2022, 07:44:13 AM

I really love it when people who only occasionally ride in my daily driver know my car better than I do, especially when it comes to gas milage. My vehicle has an effective gas efficiency of 25 MPG, which means that the effective range is 390 miles. Obviously, if I'm on a road trip, the range is higher (up to around 450 miles), but for planning purposes, I target 300 miles daily milage and fill up my gas tank accordingly. I have never run out of gas. But, you take someone who lived though the 1970s, and they start getting on my case if my car is below a half-tank full.

Uh, wait a second. I live in DFW Metroplex which has plenty of gas stations within a 5 minute drive. There are plenty of stations on both US-75 between DFW and Tulsa and I-35 between DFW and Oklahoma City, especially if I'm not really picky on prices (my preference is Costco and Sam's Club), and much better options than I-40 between Barstow and the Arizona state line or I-10 between Indio and the Arizona state line. I know that my gas gage is not a 1:1 indication as it goes down slower when the tank is nearly full verses when the tank is nearly empty. My car not only provides an estimated fuel range, but starts warning me when I have approximately 40-50 mile range left (about 2 gallons). I am also aware of the fuel pump issues if you run your gas tank "bone dry" between fill-ups. Did I mention that I'm taking good car of my vehicle, as I cannot afford a new one under the current situation. It's 9 years old, but only has 95K miles on it, and I'm drive less now.

Not for my mother. Here we are driving on I-20 returning from a Christmas holiday break in Shreveport, LA. (Sigh... are there any good casinos in LA? The ones in Durant and Thackerville, OK are better, but my mother doesn't like the size of the Thackerville casino. It's only the worlds largest). I had topped off my tank before I started on this trip, and do expect to hit a Buc-ees for a fillup on the return trip. I got this. My mother disagrees, and when we are driving home, my mom is on my case as soon as the gas gage hits the halfway mark. :pan: I keep telling her, we're OK, but what if we are stuck and can't move for three hours. :banghead: This is Texas, not upstate New York. It is not only very unlikely that we will get a blizzard in Texas, but if there is snow in the forecast, WE STAY HOME.

No wonder solo road trips are so relaxing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on July 18, 2022, 01:00:27 PM

I've had people tell me that I should turn on the A/C (when it still worked) in my Saturn in the winter to speed up defogging. As a general rule, that is a good idea, but it does not work in any of the three generations of the Saturn S-Series because, by design, the PCM prohibits A/C operation when ambient temperature is under 40Â° F.

As regards the nuisances other people make of their own vehicles: once I happened to be out for a walk in pitch-black night and, for the better part of a block, had to deal with glare from a vehicle parked at the curb with its headlamps on. When I got to it and saw that it was unoccupied with the engine running (wasting gas), I was tempted to open the driver's door, shut off the engine, and throw the keys underneath one of the seats.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on July 18, 2022, 05:22:26 PM

Having been stuck in multi-hour traffic jams in the middle of the mountains before, I can see the wisdom in keeping your gas tank topped off as soon as you leave the metro area. I try to fill up somewhat close to the pass, and gas tends to be cheaper there anyway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on July 18, 2022, 07:16:55 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on July 18, 2022, 07:44:13 AM
I really love it when people who only occasionally ride in my daily driver know my car better than I do

I'm not sure that this is about knowing your car better or worse than you, but rather peace of mind or gas-filling philosophy.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on July 18, 2022, 11:21:09 PM

Quote from: Bruce on July 18, 2022, 05:22:26 PMHaving been stuck in multi-hour traffic jams in the middle of the mountains before, I can see the wisdom in keeping your gas tank topped off as soon as you leave the metro area. I try to fill up somewhat close to the pass, and gas tends to be cheaper there anyway.

Again, depends on the route. I can only speak about California in some details, but one of the planned (now canceled) road trips was US-395 end-to-end. A trip like that requires some planning because of the distance between fuel stations and the cost of transporting fuel there.

There are also some legitimate fuel deserts where, before hopping on the rural route, I will top off no matter what the gas gage says. Besides I-70 between Salina and Green River, Utah (again, I hope to take one day), there is also the US-95 "ION" (Idaho-Oregon-Nevada) highway between Winnemucca, NV and Marsing, ID. Again, the fuel stations are few and far between, and the mobile coverage can be spotty.

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on July 18, 2022, 07:16:55 PMI'm not sure that this is about knowing your car better or worse than you, but rather peace of mind or gas-filling philosophy.

More like "I stared at gas buddy, knew what to prepare for, and planned accordingly".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on July 18, 2022, 11:38:44 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on July 18, 2022, 11:21:09 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on July 18, 2022, 07:16:55 PMI'm not sure that this is about knowing your car better or worse than you, but rather peace of mind or gas-filling philosophy.

More like "I stared at gas buddy, knew what to prepare for, and planned accordingly".

Right, but that is a manifestation of your own preferences for peace of mind and gas-filling philosophy. Other people will do things in different ways.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on July 19, 2022, 08:11:13 AM

But half a tank? Seriously? If your car gets 390 miles per tank, and you have half a tank left, that's 145 miles. In that next 145 miles of I-20, there's probably 50 gas stations. It's almost impossible to run out of gas at that point, and if you did, it would be due to major neglect.

I don't fill up until about quarter tank is left (83 miles), often less than that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on July 19, 2022, 09:49:49 AM

Quote from: J N Winkler on July 18, 2022, 01:00:27 PM
I've had people tell me that I should turn on the A/C (when it still worked) in my Saturn in the winter to speed up defogging. As a general rule, that is a good idea, but it does not work in any of the three generations of the Saturn S-Series because, by design, the PCM prohibits A/C operation when ambient temperature is under 40Â° F.

As regards the nuisances other people make of their own vehicles: once I happened to be out for a walk in pitch-black night and, for the better part of a block, had to deal with glare from a vehicle parked at the curb with its headlamps on. When I got to it and saw that it was unoccupied with the engine running (wasting gas), I was tempted to open the driver's door, shut off the engine, and throw the keys underneath one of the seats.

My car seems to engage the compressor when you turn the dial to defrost, whether or not the A/C button is pushed. There's no indicator light in this mode, but I can feel it kicking in and out when I'm stopped at a light.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on July 20, 2022, 12:03:10 AM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on July 19, 2022, 09:49:49 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on July 18, 2022, 01:00:27 PM
I've had people tell me that I should turn on the A/C (when it still worked) in my Saturn in the winter to speed up defogging. As a general rule, that is a good idea, but it does not work in any of the three generations of the Saturn S-Series because, by design, the PCM prohibits A/C operation when ambient temperature is under 40Â° F.

As regards the nuisances other people make of their own vehicles: once I happened to be out for a walk in pitch-black night and, for the better part of a block, had to deal with glare from a vehicle parked at the curb with its headlamps on. When I got to it and saw that it was unoccupied with the engine running (wasting gas), I was tempted to open the driver's door, shut off the engine, and throw the keys underneath one of the seats.

My car seems to engage the compressor when you turn the dial to defrost, whether or not the A/C button is pushed. There's no indicator light in this mode, but I can feel it kicking in and out when I'm stopped at a light.

That is normal. The air conditioner also dries the air, cutting down on fogging and frost.

Turning on the air conditioner with the seat set to 'high' is a good and fast way to clear the windows when it is raining with high humidity, also to defrost the windows.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MATraveler128 on July 21, 2022, 08:22:46 AM

When the fitted sheet on the bed just barely fits on the corner and you wake up in the middle of the night halfway on the mattress itself and you try to fix it while exhausted.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kirbykart on July 21, 2022, 08:33:20 AM

When people don't celebrate Pi Day. When people intentionally do incredibly stupid things in front of a camera.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on July 21, 2022, 08:40:25 AM

Quote from: kirbykart on July 21, 2022, 08:33:20 AM
When people intentionally do incredibly stupid things in front of a camera.

Worse: their own camera (e.g. selfies with wild animals).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on July 21, 2022, 12:44:11 PM

Quote from: kirbykart on July 21, 2022, 08:33:20 AM
When people don't celebrate Pi Day. When people intentionally do incredibly stupid things in front of a camera.

Pi sucks. Tau is where it's at.

No argument with your second one, though.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on July 21, 2022, 01:19:15 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on July 21, 2022, 12:44:11 PM
Pi sucks. Tau is where it's at.

But e^iτ/2 + 1 = 0 just doesn't look as pretty.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 21, 2022, 01:19:42 PM

Pi day just doesn't seem like as much fun after 3/14/15.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on July 21, 2022, 02:36:47 PM

Quote from: US 89 on July 21, 2022, 01:19:15 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on July 21, 2022, 12:44:11 PM
Pi sucks. Tau is where it's at.

But e^iτ/2 + 1 = 0 just doesn't look as pretty.

To each their own, of course, but I prefer e^iτ = 1 since you don't have to hide that ‐1 like you do with the pi version.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on July 21, 2022, 02:51:40 PM

Why do people insist pies are round when πrÂ²?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on July 21, 2022, 03:41:53 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 21, 2022, 01:19:42 PM
Pi day just doesn't seem like as much fun after 3/14/15.

The problems are the constant jokes going around by squares, so pie day gets a little stale.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kirbykart on July 21, 2022, 04:40:47 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 21, 2022, 01:19:42 PM
Pi day just doesn't seem like as much fun after 3/14/15.

Oh, definitely. Technically if the holiday had been created 500 years ago, it would have been most fun on 3/14/1592. Coincidentally that's 100 years after Christopher Columbus went on his famous voyage to the Caribbean Islands.
Pi Day should be on April 31st in any part of the globe that writes the day before the month. (31/4)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on July 21, 2022, 05:06:27 PM

Quote from: kirbykart on July 21, 2022, 04:40:47 PM

Pi Day should be on April 31st in any part of the globe that writes the day before the month. (31/4)

Backwards April Fool's on a day that doesn't exist?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kirbykart on July 21, 2022, 05:16:24 PM

Quote from: Big John on July 21, 2022, 05:06:27 PM
Quote from: kirbykart on July 21, 2022, 04:40:47 PM

Pi Day should be on April 31st in any part of the globe that writes the day before the month. (31/4)
Backwards April Fool's on a day that doesn't exist?

Not sure what you mean. The US writes dates MM/DD/YY, however most of the rest of the world writes dates DD/MM/YY.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on July 21, 2022, 05:18:18 PM

There is no April 31.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kirbykart on July 21, 2022, 05:21:04 PM

Quote from: 1 on July 21, 2022, 05:18:18 PM
There is no April 31.

Thank you for making me realize my incredibly stupid error. :banghead:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 21, 2022, 11:07:49 PM

Quote from: kirbykart on July 21, 2022, 04:40:47 PM
Pi Day should be on April 31st in any part of the globe that writes the day before the month. (31/4)

Why not tomorrow? 22/7 = 3.14. (It's wrong for all of the places after that, though.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on July 22, 2022, 12:21:59 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 21, 2022, 11:07:49 PM
Quote from: kirbykart on July 21, 2022, 04:40:47 PM
Pi Day should be on April 31st in any part of the globe that writes the day before the month. (31/4)

Why not tomorrow? 22/7 = 3.14. (It's wrong for all of the places after that, though.)

I think it's pretty cool though that you can get two decimal digits of pi with a denominator that is so much less than 100. Also, somewhat amazingly, you can get 6 digits of pi with 355/113. (Or, if you prefer, like I do, tau is really close to 44/7 and 710/113.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on July 22, 2022, 07:15:37 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 21, 2022, 11:07:49 PM
Quote from: kirbykart on July 21, 2022, 04:40:47 PM
Pi Day should be on April 31st in any part of the globe that writes the day before the month. (31/4)

Why not tomorrow? 22/7 = 3.14. (It's wrong for all of the places after that, though.)

It actually is celebrated on 22/7 in Europe. It's not just your idea.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kirbykart on July 22, 2022, 07:39:53 AM

Quote from: 1 on July 22, 2022, 07:15:37 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 21, 2022, 11:07:49 PM
Quote from: kirbykart on July 21, 2022, 04:40:47 PM
Pi Day should be on April 31st in any part of the globe that writes the day before the month. (31/4)

Why not tomorrow? 22/7 = 3.14. (It's wrong for all of the places after that, though.)

It actually is celebrated on 22/7 in Europe. It's not just your idea.

Well then I wish everyone in Europe a Happy Pi Day! (60th Post)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on July 22, 2022, 01:41:40 PM

Why isn't December 5th a major annual bar holiday, specially here in Wisconsin? On 1933-12-05, Utah became the 36th state to ratify the 21st Amendment to the USA's Constitution, repealing Prohibition (Amendment 18). Nowadays, you need the assent of 37 states to ratify a Constitution Amendment, but there were only 48 states in 1933, not 50.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on July 22, 2022, 01:44:07 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on July 22, 2022, 01:41:40 PM
Why isn't December 5th a major annual bar holiday, specially here in Wisconsin? On 1933-12-05, Utah became the 36 to ratify the 21st Amendment to the USA's Constitution, repealing Prohibition (Amendment 18). Nowadays, you need the assent of 37 states to ratify a Constitution Amendment, but there were only 48 states in 1933, not 50.

Mike

38, not 37. Three-quarters of the states have to ratify a proposed amendment, which is 37.5 with 50 states, so you have to round up to 38 because if 37 states ratified, you wouldn't have reached the 75% threshold.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on July 22, 2022, 01:59:46 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on July 22, 2022, 01:44:07 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on July 22, 2022, 01:41:40 PM
Why isn't December 5th a major annual bar holiday, specially here in Wisconsin? On 1933-12-05, Utah became the 36 to ratify the 21st Amendment to the USA's Constitution, repealing Prohibition (Amendment 18). Nowadays, you need the assent of 37 states to ratify a Constitution Amendment, but there were only 48 states in 1933, not 50.

Mike

38, not 37. Three-quarters of the states have to ratify a proposed amendment, which is 37.5 with 50 states, so you have to round up to 38 because if 37 states ratified, you wouldn't have reached the 75% threshold.

In 1933, there were 48 states in the USA. Thus 36 were needed to ratify a Constitution Amendment.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on July 22, 2022, 02:06:33 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on July 22, 2022, 01:59:46 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 22, 2022, 01:44:07 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on July 22, 2022, 01:41:40 PM
Why isn't December 5th a major annual bar holiday, specially here in Wisconsin? On 1933-12-05, Utah became the 36 to ratify the 21st Amendment to the USA's Constitution, repealing Prohibition (Amendment 18). Nowadays, you need the assent of 37 states to ratify a Constitution Amendment, but there were only 48 states in 1933, not 50.

Mike

38, not 37. Three-quarters of the states have to ratify a proposed amendment, which is 37.5 with 50 states, so you have to round up to 38 because if 37 states ratified, you wouldn't have reached the 75% threshold.

In 1933, there were 48 states in the USA. Thus 36 were needed to ratify a Constitution Amendment.

Mike

1995hoo was talking about your claim of 37 for the present day. That should be 38. 36 for 1933 is accurate but not what he was correcting you for.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on July 22, 2022, 02:32:41 PM

Quote from: 1 on July 22, 2022, 02:06:33 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on July 22, 2022, 01:59:46 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 22, 2022, 01:44:07 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on July 22, 2022, 01:41:40 PM
Why isn't December 5th a major annual bar holiday, specially here in Wisconsin? On 1933-12-05, Utah became the 36 to ratify the 21st Amendment to the USA's Constitution, repealing Prohibition (Amendment 18). Nowadays, you need the assent of 37 states to ratify a Constitution Amendment, but there were only 48 states in 1933, not 50.

Mike

38, not 37. Three-quarters of the states have to ratify a proposed amendment, which is 37.5 with 50 states, so you have to round up to 38 because if 37 states ratified, you wouldn't have reached the 75% threshold.

In 1933, there were 48 states in the USA. Thus 36 were needed to ratify a Constitution Amendment.

Mike

1995hoo was talking about your claim of 37 for the present day. That should be 38. 36 for 1933 is accurate but not what he was correcting you for.

Thank you. You are, of course, correct on both fronts. I thought my use of boldface to highlight the salient part of mgk920's comment was sufficient to make it clear what I was saying, but I guess not.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on July 22, 2022, 10:24:41 PM

An mot comment was regarding why the day that repeal was ratified is not a bar holiday....

:hmmm:

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on July 22, 2022, 11:48:52 PM

Quote from: kirbykart on July 22, 2022, 07:39:53 AM
Quote from: 1 on July 22, 2022, 07:15:37 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 21, 2022, 11:07:49 PM
Quote from: kirbykart on July 21, 2022, 04:40:47 PM
Pi Day should be on April 31st in any part of the globe that writes the day before the month. (31/4)

Why not tomorrow? 22/7 = 3.14. (It's wrong for all of the places after that, though.)

It actually is celebrated on 22/7 in Europe. It's not just your idea.
Well then I wish everyone in Europe a Happy Pi Day! (60th Post)

:-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tchafe1978 on July 23, 2022, 12:39:26 AM

Quote from: mgk920 on July 22, 2022, 01:41:40 PM
Why isn't December 5th a major annual bar holiday, specially here in Wisconsin? On 1933-12-05, Utah became the 36th state to ratify the 21st Amendment to the USA's Constitution, repealing Prohibition (Amendment 18). Nowadays, you need the assent of 37 states to ratify a Constitution Amendment, but there were only 48 states in 1933, not 50.

Mike

Wisconsinites hardly need another reason to celebrate with alcohol, and I say this as someone who loves a good beer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on July 24, 2022, 01:17:53 AM

Referring to household pets as "furbabies". I mean, I don't call kids "skin dogs".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on July 24, 2022, 02:55:34 AM

Quote from: LilianaUwU on July 24, 2022, 01:17:53 AM
Referring to household pets as "furbabies". I mean, I don't call kids "skin dogs".

When I was kid, I was a 'yard ape', right after being a 'rug rat'. Apparently there's stages.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on July 24, 2022, 02:16:01 PM

People on a plane who recline the seat but then sit leaning way the heck forward, almost like they're taking a dump with the newspaper spread on the floor. (Like, say, the guy in front of me right now.) Don't recline the seat if you're not going to lean back in the seat.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 24, 2022, 02:23:29 PM

They should put a second recline handle on the back of an airplane seat, so the passenger behind the seat can force the seat forward if they're leaning back too far.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on July 24, 2022, 04:03:39 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on July 24, 2022, 02:16:01 PM
People on a plane who recline the seat but then sit leaning way the heck forward, almost like they're taking a dump with the newspaper spread on the floor. (Like, say, the guy in front of me right now.) Don't recline the seat if you're not going to lean back in the seat.

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 24, 2022, 02:23:29 PM
They should put a second recline handle on the back of an airplane seat, so the passenger behind the seat can force the seat forward if they're leaning back too far.

You pay for a seat that reclines, that's how it goes. All you can reasonably do is recline yours to make up the space.

The seats in the back row of a plane usually do not recline, or it is very limited in seatback pitch. I avoid them, if at all possible.

I have also had numerous seats whereby the seat reclined back with the lightest of pressure, almost immediately after pushing it forward. There's nothing you can do about it.

If you want a seat back that doesn't recline into your space, then you have to choose one in the exit row; those seats just in front of any exit row(s) do not recline. The choice pick is the last (or only) exit row, they usually recline back and prohibit the row in front from reclining. The exit row almost always costs more money, but sometimes you can luck out on a lightly-sold flight whereby nobody wanted to pay extra...usually a flight attendant wants at least one warm body sitting there in an emergency.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on July 24, 2022, 04:13:22 PM

The Knee Defender (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knee_Defender) controversy has established that neither the person reclining a seat nor the person sitting behind him or her has an absolute right to the wedge of space through which the seatback moves when it reclines. The airlines are essentially using ambiguity to sell it twice.

Ideally a regulator would step in to enforce minimum seat pitch, but I have not seen any with an appetite to tell airlines how to run their business to that degree. There are even nightmarish proposals for two-level stacked seats (https://slate.com/human-interest/2022/06/double-decker-airplane-seats-economy-fly-unconscious.html) that would essentially make it impossible to do anything but look at a screen right in front of your nose.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 24, 2022, 04:16:24 PM

And people wonder why we choose to drive...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on July 24, 2022, 04:55:05 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 24, 2022, 04:16:24 PM
And people wonder why we choose to drive...

Which I would love to have been able to do, except it's just too damn far to be viable for a business trip and I would never be able to get reimbursed for the mileage (which would easily be more than double the airfare).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on July 24, 2022, 07:28:20 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on July 24, 2022, 04:13:22 PM
The Knee Defender (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knee_Defender) controversy has established that neither the person reclining a seat nor the person sitting behind him or her has an absolute right to the wedge of space through which the seatback moves when it reclines. The airlines are essentially using ambiguity to sell it twice.

There's honestly so few of those in use it's pretty much a non-issue. Any sort of enforcement is based on the whims and temperament of the flight crew. If my seat back did not noticeably recline on a long flight, I would just ask for a new seat.

One is far more likely to be situated near folks with an outsized body mass index. Or happens to be very tall. Or traveling with too many items.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on July 24, 2022, 09:25:16 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on July 24, 2022, 02:55:34 AM
When I was kid, I was a 'yard ape', right after being a 'rug rat'. Apparently there's stages.

"Yard ape," at least in these parts, was always considered a racial slur. I was very surprised to hear it in general use later in my life.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on July 24, 2022, 10:17:58 PM

Quote from: formulanone on July 24, 2022, 07:28:20 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on July 24, 2022, 04:13:22 PM
The Knee Defender (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knee_Defender) controversy has established that neither the person reclining a seat nor the person sitting behind him or her has an absolute right to the wedge of space through which the seatback moves when it reclines. The airlines are essentially using ambiguity to sell it twice.

There's honestly so few of those in use it's pretty much a non-issue. Any sort of enforcement is based on the whims and temperament of the flight crew. If my seat back did not noticeably recline on a long flight, I would just ask for a new seat.

One is far more likely to be situated near folks with an outsized body mass index. Or happens to be very tall. Or traveling with too many items.

Certainly agreed on the second part! And maybe I'm strange but I don't really care if the person in front of me reclines their seat. The difference it makes to your leg room is minimal, and the upper part of the seat doesn't really matter. It's just air space and there's no reason to care about that unless you're claustrophobic.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 24, 2022, 11:03:34 PM

Quote from: webny99 on July 24, 2022, 10:17:58 PM
Quote from: formulanone on July 24, 2022, 07:28:20 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on July 24, 2022, 04:13:22 PM
The Knee Defender (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knee_Defender) controversy has established that neither the person reclining a seat nor the person sitting behind him or her has an absolute right to the wedge of space through which the seatback moves when it reclines. The airlines are essentially using ambiguity to sell it twice.

There's honestly so few of those in use it's pretty much a non-issue. Any sort of enforcement is based on the whims and temperament of the flight crew. If my seat back did not noticeably recline on a long flight, I would just ask for a new seat.

One is far more likely to be situated near folks with an outsized body mass index. Or happens to be very tall. Or traveling with too many items.

Certainly agreed on the second part! And maybe I'm strange but I don't really care if the person in front of me reclines their seat. The difference it makes to your leg room is minimal, and the upper part of the seat doesn't really matter. It's just air space and there's no reason to care about that unless you're claustrophobic.

If I was on a long flight, especially if I didn't have a window seat, I'd probably want to be getting some work done on my laptop. And if someone was reclining their seat into my face, that'd make that hard-to-impossible.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on July 25, 2022, 08:19:03 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 24, 2022, 11:03:34 PM
Quote from: webny99 on July 24, 2022, 10:17:58 PM
Quote from: formulanone on July 24, 2022, 07:28:20 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on July 24, 2022, 04:13:22 PM
The Knee Defender (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knee_Defender) controversy has established that neither the person reclining a seat nor the person sitting behind him or her has an absolute right to the wedge of space through which the seatback moves when it reclines. The airlines are essentially using ambiguity to sell it twice.

There's honestly so few of those in use it's pretty much a non-issue. Any sort of enforcement is based on the whims and temperament of the flight crew. If my seat back did not noticeably recline on a long flight, I would just ask for a new seat.

One is far more likely to be situated near folks with an outsized body mass index. Or happens to be very tall. Or traveling with too many items.

Certainly agreed on the second part! And maybe I'm strange but I don't really care if the person in front of me reclines their seat. The difference it makes to your leg room is minimal, and the upper part of the seat doesn't really matter. It's just air space and there's no reason to care about that unless you're claustrophobic.

If I was on a long flight, especially if I didn't have a window seat, I'd probably want to be getting some work done on my laptop. And if someone was reclining their seat into my face, that'd make that hard-to-impossible.

It might depend on the airline, but on most I've been on, the seats don't recline enough to significantly interfere with anything you might want do on your tray table, including use your laptop. (It's proving a challenge to find information on how much airplane seats actually recline, but I'd be surprised if many are more than 6-8 inches at most.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on July 25, 2022, 08:55:56 AM

Quote from: webny99 on July 25, 2022, 08:19:03 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 24, 2022, 11:03:34 PM
Quote from: webny99 on July 24, 2022, 10:17:58 PM
Quote from: formulanone on July 24, 2022, 07:28:20 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on July 24, 2022, 04:13:22 PM
The Knee Defender (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knee_Defender) controversy has established that neither the person reclining a seat nor the person sitting behind him or her has an absolute right to the wedge of space through which the seatback moves when it reclines. The airlines are essentially using ambiguity to sell it twice.

There's honestly so few of those in use it's pretty much a non-issue. Any sort of enforcement is based on the whims and temperament of the flight crew. If my seat back did not noticeably recline on a long flight, I would just ask for a new seat.

One is far more likely to be situated near folks with an outsized body mass index. Or happens to be very tall. Or traveling with too many items.

Certainly agreed on the second part! And maybe I'm strange but I don't really care if the person in front of me reclines their seat. The difference it makes to your leg room is minimal, and the upper part of the seat doesn't really matter. It's just air space and there's no reason to care about that unless you're claustrophobic.

If I was on a long flight, especially if I didn't have a window seat, I'd probably want to be getting some work done on my laptop. And if someone was reclining their seat into my face, that'd make that hard-to-impossible.

It might depend on the airline, but on most I've been on, the seats don't recline enough to significantly interfere with anything you might want do on your tray table, including use your laptop. (It's proving a challenge to find information on how much airplane seats actually recline, but I'd be surprised if many are more than 6-8 inches at most.)

Most main-cabin airline seats recline no more than 2-4 inches. It just seems like a lot more, especially in a cramped section of the plane (or a regional jet). The extra knee room promises are also all over the map...you might get a measly 2 inches of extra space with one layout and a 8-10" more in an exit row. It's more for some first/business class seats and of course, the rare opportunities for so-called "lay flat" seating. The airlines rarely give out precise information because some airlines have a lot of different configurations, and they like to shroud as many things in mystery as possible.

Spirit Airlines does not have reclining seats. Many seats on Frontier Airlines' aircraft also do not recline. Since both airlines are set to merge...make what you will of that.

Some recent aircraft interiors or interior retrofits include a seat cushion which slides forward as you recline, which is sort of a penalty for reclining, but sometimes almost unnoticeable. The tray table may also tend to shift with seatback movement, or just avoid placing your laptop where it could get pinched my a recess between the tray its seatback cavity. Sometimes your lap really is the best place for a laptop computer, because the seat pitch intrusion is reduced the lower you go.

People who use the back of your seat headrest as a grab handle when getting in and out of a seat, or walking across an aisle, is a much more annoying habit. Push back on your seat or use the armrest. There's no reason to push on the forward-facing seatback, other that extricating yourself from an accident.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on July 25, 2022, 02:33:07 PM

Quote from: formulanone on July 24, 2022, 07:28:20 PMThere's honestly so few of those in use it's pretty much a non-issue. Any sort of enforcement is based on the whims and temperament of the flight crew. If my seat back did not noticeably recline on a long flight, I would just ask for a new seat.

One is far more likely to be situated near folks with an outsized body mass index. Or happens to be very tall. Or traveling with too many items.

Supposedly the Knee Defender has been on the market since 2003, but I can't remember seeing one in use even before the August 2014 incident mentioned in the Wikipedia article, which I think is by far the most extensively publicized air-rage episode involving it.

Though I have great sympathy for people who don't like seatbacks reclined into their faces, I don't think the Knee Defender is or ever was a solution. Using it is confrontational, since it means you impair the next-row passenger's use of the seat in a way that is very obvious to that passenger. Many airlines ban it outright, so using it instantly puts you out of compliance with the conditions of carriage and gives the airline legal cover to eject you from the plane. Disobeying a flight attendant who tells you to stop using it can also be interference with a member of flight crew, which is a federal felony with the possibility of prison time and heavy fines.

The August 2014 incident involved a man using the Knee Defender and a woman in the seat in front of him, on a Newark-Denver flight that had to make an unplanned stop in Chicago to throw both of them off. I don't think either was ever charged. The woman has steadfastly refused to engage with the press in any way and I'm not sure she has ever been named, but the man has given multiple interviews in which he has admitted that the situation escalated to a drink being poured on his laptop. I'm not sure he realized it at the time, but attaching one's own name and face to such an imbroglio not only is a humiliation in its own right, but also locks in lasting reputational damage.

Quote from: Scott5114 on July 24, 2022, 11:03:34 PMIf I was on a long flight, especially if I didn't have a window seat, I'd probably want to be getting some work done on my laptop. And if someone was reclining their seat into my face, that'd make that hard-to-impossible.

Personally, I just read a book. Business travelers who try to work on planes have to stay alert for orders to put the tray up, try to avoid having liquid spilled on the electronics when drinks are served, etc. Plus you almost have to use a ultraportable to deal with today's seat pitches.

Quote from: webny99 on July 24, 2022, 10:17:58 PMAnd maybe I'm strange but I don't really care if the person in front of me reclines their seat. The difference it makes to your leg room is minimal, and the upper part of the seat doesn't really matter. It's just air space and there's no reason to care about that unless you're claustrophobic.

How tall are you? I think the guy in the August 2014 mess was at least a six-footer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on July 25, 2022, 03:04:09 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on July 25, 2022, 02:33:07 PM
Quote from: webny99 on July 24, 2022, 10:17:58 PMAnd maybe I'm strange but I don't really care if the person in front of me reclines their seat. The difference it makes to your leg room is minimal, and the upper part of the seat doesn't really matter. It's just air space and there's no reason to care about that unless you're claustrophobic.

How tall are you? I think the guy in the August 2014 mess was at least a six-footer.

Just a hair under 6' 3". But I'm also not one to engage in a lot of activity of any sort while seated on a plane. It helps that most of my air travel to date has been personal (to visit family etc.), not for business. I vastly prefer window seats, so most of the time I'm either looking out the window if possible, or resting.

Also, I've found that the space and comfort level can vary a lot from plane to plane and airline to airline. Smaller planes have less head space in both the seat and aisle, for example, and I've found that Delta is quite a bit more spacious than United.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on July 25, 2022, 03:05:41 PM

Delta's seats are also far more comfortable than United's. Last time I flew United I likened it to sitting in an old style church pew.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on July 25, 2022, 04:46:25 PM

I've tried using a laptop on a flight, and even with the seat in front of me in its full and upright position, it's a pain. Plus, the tray is too high for me and the room is too small. And where am I going to put my drink and pretzels? Any work I could get done is at a much slower pace. Just easier to listen to music or shut my eyes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on July 25, 2022, 08:05:09 PM

Quote from: formulanone on July 24, 2022, 04:03:39 PM
(explaining seat reclining on airplanes)

Defending seat reclining on airplanes?

(https://y.yarn.co/5929b94f-bbbf-42cd-a42c-afc68f6e2a47_text.gif)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on July 25, 2022, 08:16:30 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on July 25, 2022, 08:05:09 PM
Quote from: formulanone on July 24, 2022, 04:03:39 PM
(explaining seat reclining on airplanes)

Defending seat reclining on airplanes?

Spare me your armchair moralizing.

What about when someone stands up in front of your seat at a sporting event or concert?

How about the one time you forgot to use your turn signal, is that an intrusion of another's lane?

I might recline my seat about half the time, and almost never on a short flight...and even on a somewhat longer one today, I didn't need to at all. The button is there for a reason. Don't like it? Don't fly.

Get squeezed between a wall and one or even two overweight passenger(s), and you've gotta do something.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 25, 2022, 08:31:33 PM

This recent round trip to Mexico is the first time I can recall in the last decade where I was able to sleep on a plane. Granted, neither flight was a comfortable rest and I woke up with my usual airplane borne sore neck. At least it wasn't as bad as the return flight home from Hawaii, my neck was sore for about three weeks after that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on July 27, 2022, 05:28:27 PM

Here are some phrases that irk me every time I hear them:

"Beautiful inside and out."

"Love him/her/you so big."

"Love him/her/you so good."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on July 27, 2022, 08:52:54 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on July 27, 2022, 05:28:27 PM
"Beautiful inside and out."

They're just referring to the color of your kidneys.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BehwuPQm16A

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on July 28, 2022, 07:34:52 AM

The way the television markets are ranked and how the programming and advertising is molded to fit those markets. Consider this (per the 2021-2022 Television rankings, because the 2022-2023 was never released):

The top 25 markets consist of 49.657% of all television households.
The top 20 markets consist of 44.476% of all television households.
The top 10 markets consist of 29.395% of all television households.
The top 8 markets consist of 25.215% of all television households.
The top 5 markets (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, DFW) consist of 18.705% of all television households.
The top 2 markets (New York and Los Angeles) consists of 10.906% of all television households.
The bottom 10% of television households consists of television markets 116-210.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on July 28, 2022, 11:49:12 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on July 28, 2022, 07:34:52 AM
The way the television markets are ranked and how the programming and advertising is molded to fit those markets. Consider this (per the 2021-2022 Television rankings, because the 2022-2023 was never released):

The top 25 markets consist of 49.657% of all television households.
The top 20 markets consist of 44.476% of all television households.
The top 10 markets consist of 29.395% of all television households.
The top 8 markets consist of 25.215% of all television households.
The top 5 markets (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, DFW) consist of 18.705% of all television households.
The top 2 markets (New York and Los Angeles) consists of 10.906% of all television households.
The bottom 10% of television households consists of television markets 116-210.

I don't know enough about tv to understand what's bothersome about this.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on July 28, 2022, 12:31:21 PM

Quote from: formulanone on July 25, 2022, 08:16:30 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on July 25, 2022, 08:05:09 PM
Quote from: formulanone on July 24, 2022, 04:03:39 PM
(explaining seat reclining on airplanes)

Defending seat reclining on airplanes?

Spare me your armchair moralizing.

What about when someone stands up in front of your seat at a sporting event or concert?

How about the one time you forgot to use your turn signal, is that an intrusion of another's lane?

I might recline my seat about half the time, and almost never on a short flight...and even on a somewhat longer one today, I didn't need to at all. The button is there for a reason. Don't like it? Don't fly.

Get squeezed between a wall and one or even two overweight passenger(s), and you've gotta do something.

Oh Jesus. I'm not being completely serious. If you want to recline, it's more than within your privilege as a passenger to do so.

The unwritten rule on Alaska Airlines is generally to not recline. I can't remember the last time the person in front of me reclined. I do recall, though, the look on someone's face when the person in front of them reclines. That face is usually what keeps me from reclining :-D.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on August 02, 2022, 03:06:55 PM

TV shows and movies where the title is a character's name but also a regular word, so its meaning is not clear if you're unfamiliar with it. Like, Monk is not about a monk.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on August 02, 2022, 04:29:58 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on July 28, 2022, 11:49:12 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on July 28, 2022, 07:34:52 AM
The way the television markets are ranked and how the programming and advertising is molded to fit those markets. Consider this (per the 2021-2022 Television rankings, because the 2022-2023 was never released):

I don't know enough about tv to understand what's bothersome about this.

Simple. There are 210 television markets. However, half of the US viewing population is in the top 25 markets, and the programming decisions by the networks is made primarily to appeal to viewers in those top 25 markets.... or 20.... or 10....

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on August 02, 2022, 04:37:02 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on August 02, 2022, 04:29:58 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on July 28, 2022, 11:49:12 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on July 28, 2022, 07:34:52 AM
The way the television markets are ranked and how the programming and advertising is molded to fit those markets. Consider this (per the 2021-2022 Television rankings, because the 2022-2023 was never released):

I don't know enough about tv to understand what's bothersome about this.

Simple. There are 210 television markets. However, half of the US viewing population is in the top 25 markets, and the programming decisions by the networks is made primarily to appeal to viewers in those top 25 markets.... or 20.... or 10....

So you're saying that they base their programming on the majority of viewership?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DenverBrian on August 02, 2022, 09:40:51 PM

Television markets. How quaint. Especially when you can stream over a hundred times the available programming content of the "major networks."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on August 02, 2022, 10:52:08 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on August 02, 2022, 03:06:55 PM
TV shows and movies where the title is a character's name but also a regular word, so its meaning is not clear if you're unfamiliar with it. Like, Monk is not about a monk.

You mean there's not a 3-bedroom, 2-bath Bungalow that can give you a heart transplant!?!??

(A.k.a.: House)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on August 03, 2022, 10:13:46 AM

Quote from: thenetwork on August 02, 2022, 10:52:08 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on August 02, 2022, 03:06:55 PM
TV shows and movies where the title is a character's name but also a regular word, so its meaning is not clear if you're unfamiliar with it. Like, Monk is not about a monk.

You mean there's not a 3-bedroom, 2-bath Bungalow that can give you a heart transplant!?!??

(A.k.a.: House)

What about shows who's title is a common phrase (even cliché) but one of the words in the phrase is the main character/main family's last name: King of the Hill

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GenExpwy on August 04, 2022, 09:39:28 AM

Quote from: thenetwork on August 02, 2022, 10:52:08 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on August 02, 2022, 03:06:55 PM
TV shows and movies where the title is a character's name but also a regular word, so its meaning is not clear if you're unfamiliar with it. Like, Monk is not about a monk.

You mean there's not a 3-bedroom, 2-bath Bungalow that can give you a heart transplant!?!??

(A.k.a.: House)

When I first heard the title The Sopranos, I thought it was about opera.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on August 04, 2022, 10:12:58 AM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on August 02, 2022, 03:06:55 PM
TV shows and movies where the title is a character's name but also a regular word, so its meaning is not clear if you're unfamiliar with it. Like, Monk is not about a monk.

Well, either that or tack "American" onto the front of the show/series/movie/book/album name to make it sound unique, smug, or quasi-patriotic. No crap, most of our programming comes from America. Try harder. (https://www.vulture.com/2013/12/american-in-title-music-books-movies-tv.html)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on August 04, 2022, 11:26:42 AM

Quote from: formulanone on August 04, 2022, 10:12:58 AM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on August 02, 2022, 03:06:55 PM
TV shows and movies where the title is a character's name but also a regular word, so its meaning is not clear if you're unfamiliar with it. Like, Monk is not about a monk.

Well, either that or tack "American" onto the front of the show/series/movie/book/album name to make it sound unique, smug, or quasi-patriotic. No crap, most of our programming comes from America. Try harder. (https://www.vulture.com/2013/12/american-in-title-music-books-movies-tv.html)

I would also like to include Wheel of Fortune "America's Game" and the Dallas Cowboys "America's Team" in this:

I am an American...Wheel of Fortune is nowhere close to my favorite game show and Dallas is NOT my team. And I am willing to bet the farm that there are Millions of other Americans who would agree with me.

False Advertising.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on August 04, 2022, 11:39:01 AM

Facebook birthday fundraisers. FB keeps pestering you to donate, then when your birthday is coming up they pester you to create a fundraiser which I won't do.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on August 04, 2022, 12:32:07 PM

Quote from: thenetwork on August 04, 2022, 11:26:42 AM(text deleted) Dallas Cowboys "America's Team" (text deleted) I am an American... (text deleted) Dallas is NOT my team.

The nickname America's Team was actually first coined in 1978 in a Dallas Cowboys highlight film by narrator John Facenda, who mentioned that the team appears on TV so much that they are as recognizable as movie stars and US presidents. One could make the argument that the New England Patriots is more deserving of the title based upon number of Super Bowl appearances in the past twenty years. Also, since the Dallas Cowboys won Super Bowl XXX for the 1995 season, they share the same number of NFC Championship appearances as the Detroit Lions and the Washington Somethings.

Yes, I am writing this in the heart of Cowboy country.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on August 04, 2022, 01:15:35 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on August 04, 2022, 12:32:07 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on August 04, 2022, 11:26:42 AM(text deleted) Dallas Cowboys "America's Team" (text deleted) I am an American... (text deleted) Dallas is NOT my team.

The nickname America's Team was actually first coined in 1978 in a Dallas Cowboys highlight film by narrator John Facenda, who mentioned that the team appears on TV so much that they are as recognizable as movie stars and US presidents. One could make the argument that the New England Patriots is more deserving of the title based upon number of Super Bowl appearances in the past twenty years. Also, since the Dallas Cowboys won Super Bowl XXX for the 1995 season, they share the same number of NFC Championship appearances as the Detroit Lions and the Washington Somethings.

Yes, I am writing this in the heart of Cowboy country.

No, the 49ers are the only team to have more NFC Championship game appearances than the Cowboys as of 2022. The Cowboys have been to 15 NFC Championship Games and two NFL Championship games (66 and 67, the game that preceded the first 4 Super Bowls with the right to represent the NFL in the game) all before their last Super Bowl win, meaning in the first 30 Super Bowls, more than half of the games played to decide who would represent the NFC (or NFL) in the Super Bowl was played by the Cowboys.

Not NFC East titles either, because the Cowboys have more NFC East titles than any combination of two of the other teams in the division (Giants/Commanders, Commanders/Eagles or Eagles/Giants)

Yes I am a Cowboys fan, but I am also not happy that all of the accolades come from a period between 1967 and 1995. Despite that, the Cowboys still are either first, tied for first or a close second in a lot of categories.

Tied for second with the most Super Bowl victories (5)
Second with the most Super Bowl appearances (8)
The most NFC Championship Game victories (8)
Second most NFC Championship appearances (15)
Most NFC East titles (24)
Most consecutive winning seasons (20)

I guess that's one of the minor things that bother me. People only remember how average or awful they have been in recent years. They have no idea that they still are a force to be reckoned with when it comes to all time stats. That shows how dominant they were for almost 30 years.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 04, 2022, 01:52:22 PM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on August 04, 2022, 01:15:35 PM
I guess that's one of the minor things that bother me. People only remember how average or awful they have been in recent years. They have no idea that they still are a force to be reckoned with when it comes to all time stats.

So is Sears, Roebuck and Co.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on August 04, 2022, 02:08:30 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 04, 2022, 01:52:22 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on August 04, 2022, 01:15:35 PM
I guess that's one of the minor things that bother me. People only remember how average or awful they have been in recent years. They have no idea that they still are a force to be reckoned with when it comes to all time stats.

So is Sears, Roebuck and Co.

Blockbuster Video too.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CoreySamson on August 04, 2022, 02:22:06 PM

Quote from: Big John on August 04, 2022, 11:39:01 AM
Facebook birthday fundraisers. FB keeps pestering you to donate, then when your birthday is coming up they pester you to create a fundraiser which I won't do.

To me that seems to go against the very motivation one would even do a fundraiser for. I would think a fundraiser would be done out of love or the goodness of one's own heart, not out of pride or pestering. TBH I would rather give to organizations or people that aren't asking for my money via online fundraisers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on August 04, 2022, 02:29:26 PM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on August 04, 2022, 01:15:35 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on August 04, 2022, 12:32:07 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on August 04, 2022, 11:26:42 AM(text deleted) Dallas Cowboys "America's Team" (text deleted) I am an American... (text deleted) Dallas is NOT my team.

The nickname America's Team was actually first coined in 1978 in a Dallas Cowboys highlight film by narrator John Facenda, who mentioned that the team appears on TV so much that they are as recognizable as movie stars and US presidents. One could make the argument that the New England Patriots is more deserving of the title based upon number of Super Bowl appearances in the past twenty years. Also, since the Dallas Cowboys won Super Bowl XXX for the 1995 season, they share the same number of NFC Championship appearances as the Detroit Lions and the Washington Somethings.

No, the 49ers are the only team to have more NFC Championship game appearances than the Cowboys as of 2022.

I want to emphasize the key point... "since the Dallas Cowboys won Super Bowl XXX for the 1995 season".

8 - Green Bay Packers - 1996, 1997, 2007, 2010, 2014, 2016, 2019, 2020
6 - San Francisco 49ers - 1997, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2019, 2021
6 - Philadelphia Eagles - 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, 2017
5 - Carolina Panthers - 1996, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2015
4 - St Louis/Los Angeles Rams - 1999, 2001, 2018, 2021
4 - New York Giants - 2000, 2007, 2010, 2011
4 - Minnesota Vikings - 1998, 2000, 2009, 2017
4 - Atlanta Falcons - 1998, 2012, 2013, 2016
3 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 1999, 2002, 2020
3 - New Orleans Saints - 2006, 2009, 2018
2 - Seattle Seahawks - 2005, 2014
2 - Chicago Bears - 2006, 2010
2 - Arizona Cardinals - 2008, 2015
0 - Washington Somethings
0 - Detroit Lions
0 - Dallas Cowboys

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on August 04, 2022, 02:37:52 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on August 04, 2022, 02:29:26 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on August 04, 2022, 01:15:35 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on August 04, 2022, 12:32:07 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on August 04, 2022, 11:26:42 AM(text deleted) Dallas Cowboys "America's Team" (text deleted) I am an American... (text deleted) Dallas is NOT my team.

The nickname America's Team was actually first coined in 1978 in a Dallas Cowboys highlight film by narrator John Facenda, who mentioned that the team appears on TV so much that they are as recognizable as movie stars and US presidents. One could make the argument that the New England Patriots is more deserving of the title based upon number of Super Bowl appearances in the past twenty years. Also, since the Dallas Cowboys won Super Bowl XXX for the 1995 season, they share the same number of NFC Championship appearances as the Detroit Lions and the Washington Somethings.

No, the 49ers are the only team to have more NFC Championship game appearances than the Cowboys as of 2022.

I want to emphasize the key point... "since the Dallas Cowboys won Super Bowl XXX for the 1995 season".

8 - Green Bay Packers - 1996, 1997, 2007, 2010, 2014, 2016, 2019, 2020
6 - San Francisco 49ers - 1997, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2019, 2021
6 - Philadelphia Eagles - 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, 2017
5 - Carolina Panthers - 1996, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2015
4 - St Louis/Los Angeles Rams - 1999, 2001, 2018, 2021
4 - New York Giants - 2000, 2007, 2010, 2011
4 - Minnesota Vikings - 1998, 2000, 2009, 2017
4 - Atlanta Falcons - 1998, 2012, 2013, 2016
3 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 1999, 2002, 2020
3 - New Orleans Saints - 2006, 2009, 2018
2 - Seattle Seahawks - 2005, 2014
2 - Chicago Bears - 2006, 2010
2 - Arizona Cardinals - 2008, 2015
0 - Washington Somethings
0 - Detroit Lions
0 - Dallas Cowboys

That can't be argued. I make fun of myself for being a Cowboys fan so I know what I signed up for.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on August 04, 2022, 02:38:53 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on August 04, 2022, 02:29:26 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on August 04, 2022, 01:15:35 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on August 04, 2022, 12:32:07 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on August 04, 2022, 11:26:42 AM(text deleted) Dallas Cowboys "America's Team" (text deleted) I am an American... (text deleted) Dallas is NOT my team.

The nickname America's Team was actually first coined in 1978 in a Dallas Cowboys highlight film by narrator John Facenda, who mentioned that the team appears on TV so much that they are as recognizable as movie stars and US presidents. One could make the argument that the New England Patriots is more deserving of the title based upon number of Super Bowl appearances in the past twenty years. Also, since the Dallas Cowboys won Super Bowl XXX for the 1995 season, they share the same number of NFC Championship appearances as the Detroit Lions and the Washington Somethings.

No, the 49ers are the only team to have more NFC Championship game appearances than the Cowboys as of 2022.

I want to emphasize the key point... "since the Dallas Cowboys won Super Bowl XXX for the 1995 season".

8 - Green Bay Packers - 1996, 1997, 2007, 2010, 2014, 2016, 2019, 2020
6 - San Francisco 49ers - 1997, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2019, 2021
6 - Philadelphia Eagles - 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, 2017
5 - Carolina Panthers - 1996, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2015
4 - St Louis/Los Angeles Rams - 1999, 2001, 2018, 2021
4 - New York Giants - 2000, 2007, 2010, 2011
4 - Minnesota Vikings - 1998, 2000, 2009, 2017
4 - Atlanta Falcons - 1998, 2012, 2013, 2016
3 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 1999, 2002, 2020
3 - New Orleans Saints - 2006, 2009, 2018
2 - Seattle Seahawks - 2005, 2014
2 - Chicago Bears - 2006, 2010
2 - Arizona Cardinals - 2008, 2015
0 - Washington Somethings
0 - Detroit Lions
0 - Dallas Cowboys

I'm always amused how the Cowboy fan base seems to collectively believe the last three decades of mediocrity doesn't matter somehow.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on August 04, 2022, 02:42:25 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on August 04, 2022, 02:38:53 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on August 04, 2022, 02:29:26 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on August 04, 2022, 01:15:35 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on August 04, 2022, 12:32:07 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on August 04, 2022, 11:26:42 AM(text deleted) Dallas Cowboys "America's Team" (text deleted) I am an American... (text deleted) Dallas is NOT my team.

The nickname America's Team was actually first coined in 1978 in a Dallas Cowboys highlight film by narrator John Facenda, who mentioned that the team appears on TV so much that they are as recognizable as movie stars and US presidents. One could make the argument that the New England Patriots is more deserving of the title based upon number of Super Bowl appearances in the past twenty years. Also, since the Dallas Cowboys won Super Bowl XXX for the 1995 season, they share the same number of NFC Championship appearances as the Detroit Lions and the Washington Somethings.

No, the 49ers are the only team to have more NFC Championship game appearances than the Cowboys as of 2022.

I want to emphasize the key point... "since the Dallas Cowboys won Super Bowl XXX for the 1995 season".

8 - Green Bay Packers - 1996, 1997, 2007, 2010, 2014, 2016, 2019, 2020
6 - San Francisco 49ers - 1997, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2019, 2021
6 - Philadelphia Eagles - 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, 2017
5 - Carolina Panthers - 1996, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2015
4 - St Louis/Los Angeles Rams - 1999, 2001, 2018, 2021
4 - New York Giants - 2000, 2007, 2010, 2011
4 - Minnesota Vikings - 1998, 2000, 2009, 2017
4 - Atlanta Falcons - 1998, 2012, 2013, 2016
3 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 1999, 2002, 2020
3 - New Orleans Saints - 2006, 2009, 2018
2 - Seattle Seahawks - 2005, 2014
2 - Chicago Bears - 2006, 2010
2 - Arizona Cardinals - 2008, 2015
0 - Washington Somethings
0 - Detroit Lions
0 - Dallas Cowboys

I'm always amused how the Cowboy fan base seems to collectively believe the last three decades of mediocrity doesn't matter somehow.

Never said it didn't matter. It matters. It matters a lot we don't have a real GM. I don't know what Cowboys fans you come in contact with that are happy with the past 27 years, but I can assure you, my friends and myself included have been furious for years. I still am amazed statically speaking how good the Cowboys look despite a pitiful run since 1995.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on August 04, 2022, 02:45:29 PM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on August 04, 2022, 02:42:25 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on August 04, 2022, 02:38:53 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on August 04, 2022, 02:29:26 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on August 04, 2022, 01:15:35 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on August 04, 2022, 12:32:07 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on August 04, 2022, 11:26:42 AM(text deleted) Dallas Cowboys "America's Team" (text deleted) I am an American... (text deleted) Dallas is NOT my team.

The nickname America's Team was actually first coined in 1978 in a Dallas Cowboys highlight film by narrator John Facenda, who mentioned that the team appears on TV so much that they are as recognizable as movie stars and US presidents. One could make the argument that the New England Patriots is more deserving of the title based upon number of Super Bowl appearances in the past twenty years. Also, since the Dallas Cowboys won Super Bowl XXX for the 1995 season, they share the same number of NFC Championship appearances as the Detroit Lions and the Washington Somethings.

No, the 49ers are the only team to have more NFC Championship game appearances than the Cowboys as of 2022.

I want to emphasize the key point... "since the Dallas Cowboys won Super Bowl XXX for the 1995 season".

8 - Green Bay Packers - 1996, 1997, 2007, 2010, 2014, 2016, 2019, 2020
6 - San Francisco 49ers - 1997, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2019, 2021
6 - Philadelphia Eagles - 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, 2017
5 - Carolina Panthers - 1996, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2015
4 - St Louis/Los Angeles Rams - 1999, 2001, 2018, 2021
4 - New York Giants - 2000, 2007, 2010, 2011
4 - Minnesota Vikings - 1998, 2000, 2009, 2017
4 - Atlanta Falcons - 1998, 2012, 2013, 2016
3 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 1999, 2002, 2020
3 - New Orleans Saints - 2006, 2009, 2018
2 - Seattle Seahawks - 2005, 2014
2 - Chicago Bears - 2006, 2010
2 - Arizona Cardinals - 2008, 2015
0 - Washington Somethings
0 - Detroit Lions
0 - Dallas Cowboys

I'm always amused how the Cowboy fan base seems to collectively believe the last three decades of mediocrity doesn't matter somehow.

Never said it didn't matter. It matters. It matters a lot we don't have a real GM. I don't know what Cowboys fans you come in contact with that are happy with the past 27 years, but I can assure you, my friends and myself included have been furious for years. I still am amazed statically speaking how good the Cowboys look despite a pitiful run since 1995.

One of my closer friends in Arizona is a diehard Cowboys fan and probably meets the definition of the popular stereotype of the fan base. He might not be the best example of a sane fan given he lives in the glory days of Jimmy Johnson era. What gets me is how he thinks Jerry Jones was somehow fully responsible for those 1990s Super Bowl teams and is a Jimmy Johnson denier.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 04, 2022, 03:27:04 PM

When people post about sports outside of the nice sports containment board specifically set up for that purpose.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on August 04, 2022, 07:09:00 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on August 04, 2022, 02:38:53 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on August 04, 2022, 02:29:26 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on August 04, 2022, 01:15:35 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on August 04, 2022, 12:32:07 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on August 04, 2022, 11:26:42 AM(text deleted) Dallas Cowboys "America's Team" (text deleted) I am an American... (text deleted) Dallas is NOT my team.

The nickname America's Team was actually first coined in 1978 in a Dallas Cowboys highlight film by narrator John Facenda, who mentioned that the team appears on TV so much that they are as recognizable as movie stars and US presidents. One could make the argument that the New England Patriots is more deserving of the title based upon number of Super Bowl appearances in the past twenty years. Also, since the Dallas Cowboys won Super Bowl XXX for the 1995 season, they share the same number of NFC Championship appearances as the Detroit Lions and the Washington Somethings.

No, the 49ers are the only team to have more NFC Championship game appearances than the Cowboys as of 2022.

I want to emphasize the key point... "since the Dallas Cowboys won Super Bowl XXX for the 1995 season".

8 - Green Bay Packers - 1996, 1997, 2007, 2010, 2014, 2016, 2019, 2020
6 - San Francisco 49ers - 1997, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2019, 2021
6 - Philadelphia Eagles - 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, 2017
5 - Carolina Panthers - 1996, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2015
4 - St Louis/Los Angeles Rams - 1999, 2001, 2018, 2021
4 - New York Giants - 2000, 2007, 2010, 2011
4 - Minnesota Vikings - 1998, 2000, 2009, 2017
4 - Atlanta Falcons - 1998, 2012, 2013, 2016
3 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 1999, 2002, 2020
3 - New Orleans Saints - 2006, 2009, 2018
2 - Seattle Seahawks - 2005, 2014
2 - Chicago Bears - 2006, 2010
2 - Arizona Cardinals - 2008, 2015
0 - Washington Somethings
0 - Detroit Lions
0 - Dallas Cowboys

I’m always amused how the Cowboy fan base seems to collectively believe the last three decades of mediocrity doesn’t matter somehow.

Or regardless of their win-loss record, it seems like Fox (and way back when when CBS was the network for NFC games) always seems to have an excuse to force feed the whole nation Dallas Cowboys games as the lone late game more often than not.

Is it because of the gratuitous cheerleader camera shots? The fact that there is a Cowboy alumni in the announcing booth? Closed door deals with Jerry Jones to showcase his team and stadium because they are "America's Team"?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on August 04, 2022, 07:10:10 PM

Quote from: thenetwork on August 04, 2022, 07:09:00 PM
Or regardless of their win-loss record, it seems like Fox (and way back when when CBS was the network for NFC games) always seems to have an excuse to force feed the whole nation Dallas Cowboys games

Because people watch them in large numbers - not just Cowboy fans, but also people who hate them and hope they lose.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 04, 2022, 07:30:25 PM

When people post about sports outside of the nice sports containment board specifically set up for that purpose.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on August 04, 2022, 07:48:50 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 04, 2022, 03:27:04 PM
When people post about sports outside of the nice sports containment board specifically set up for that purpose.

Agreed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on August 05, 2022, 07:35:01 AM

At Texas Roadhouse, quite frequently, servers want "the attention of the entire Texas Roadhouse", yelling so that the entire restaurant can hear it. So far, it's always been a birthday, which is insignificant. This is like the boy who cried wolf; what if they actually need the attention of the entire Texas Roadhouse, such as needing to evacuate the building?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on August 05, 2022, 08:30:03 AM

Quote from: 1 on August 05, 2022, 07:35:01 AM
At Texas Roadhouse, quite frequently, servers want "the attention of the entire Texas Roadhouse", yelling so that the entire restaurant can hear it. So far, it's always been a birthday, which is insignificant. This is like the boy who cried wolf; what if they actually need the attention of the entire Texas Roadhouse, such as needing to evacuate the building?

Besides, is there anyone who would actually want everyone in the restaurant to know it's their birthday? That seems like more of an embarrassment than a nice gesture.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on August 05, 2022, 12:58:24 PM

Quote from: 1 on August 05, 2022, 07:35:01 AM
At Texas Roadhouse, quite frequently, servers want "the attention of the entire Texas Roadhouse", yelling so that the entire restaurant can hear it. So far, it's always been a birthday, which is insignificant. This is like the boy who cried wolf; what if they actually need the attention of the entire Texas Roadhouse, such as needing to evacuate the building?

That reminds me of the Kinjo in Saratoga Springs. If someone has a birthday, they turn on a multi-colored disco ball, very loudly play the stereo system (playing the Happy Birthday/Where are You? song), bring out a bowl of ice cream, and light a sparkler in front of the birthday person. There was a roadgeek dinner there in March 2020 and there were 4-5 "birthdays" at other tables in the time we were there (the last one was our cue to go, as by that point most of the group was sick of it).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cvJPC6nGZ0

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on August 05, 2022, 01:11:24 PM

Quote from: vdeane on August 05, 2022, 12:58:24 PM
Quote from: 1 on August 05, 2022, 07:35:01 AM
At Texas Roadhouse, quite frequently, servers want "the attention of the entire Texas Roadhouse", yelling so that the entire restaurant can hear it. So far, it's always been a birthday, which is insignificant. This is like the boy who cried wolf; what if they actually need the attention of the entire Texas Roadhouse, such as needing to evacuate the building?
That reminds me of the Kinjo in Saratoga Springs. If someone has a birthday, they turn on a multi-colored disco ball, very loudly play the stereo system (playing the Happy Birthday/Where are You? song), bring out a bowl of ice cream, and light a sparkler in front of the birthday person. There was a roadgeek dinner there in March 2020 and there were 4-5 "birthdays" at other tables in the time we were there (the last one was our cue to go, as by that point most of the group was sick of it).

August and September must be hell then. Per one source, the top five birthdays are:

September 9th
September 19th
September 12th
September 17th
September 10th

Why those two months? Go back nine months....

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on August 05, 2022, 01:29:57 PM

Windows using \ for path separators, because DOS decided to use / for command line options.

Windows paths are clumsier to work with in C and other languages. (Even though Windows kinda supports / in paths too, now)

Earlier, people tended to read out URLs like "foo.com backslash bar"; and someone pointed out that it's not backslash, it's just slash, and now they say "foo.com forward slash bar"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 05, 2022, 02:58:02 PM

^^^^

I hear lots of people erroneously using "backslash" for URLs, including frequently in radio ads when I'm driving. Less common in TV ads, presumably because they can just display the URL on the screen.

I believe DOS's use of the slash for command line options was derived from CP/M.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DenverBrian on August 05, 2022, 09:04:48 PM

Quote from: kurumi on August 05, 2022, 01:29:57 PM
Windows using \ for path separators, because DOS decided to use / for command line options.

Windows paths are clumsier to work with in C and other languages. (Even though Windows kinda supports / in paths too, now)

Earlier, people tended to read out URLs like "foo.com backslash bar"; and someone pointed out that it's not backslash, it's just slash, and now they say "foo.com forward slash bar"

People who call it "foobar" when it's really "fubar." :D :D :D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 06, 2022, 02:49:43 PM

Quote from: DenverBrian on August 05, 2022, 09:04:48 PM
Quote from: kurumi on August 05, 2022, 01:29:57 PM
Windows using \ for path separators, because DOS decided to use / for command line options.

Windows paths are clumsier to work with in C and other languages. (Even though Windows kinda supports / in paths too, now)

Earlier, people tended to read out URLs like "foo.com backslash bar"; and someone pointed out that it's not backslash, it's just slash, and now they say "foo.com forward slash bar"
People who call it "foobar" when it's really "fubar." :D :D :D

http://catb.org/jargon/html/F/foobar.html
http://catb.org/jargon/html/F/foo.html

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on August 06, 2022, 03:07:56 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 06, 2022, 02:49:43 PMhttp://catb.org/jargon/html/F/foobar.html
http://catb.org/jargon/html/F/foo.html

Apropos of those links, it's worth noting that the concept of a metasyntactic variable (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metasyntactic_variable) has relevance for traffic signing documentation. The example destinations used for guide signs often serve as clues to how and when the signs were first developed--e.g., "Metropolis" and "Utopia" come from the 1958 BPR study that fixed green as the background color for Interstate signs, while the three lines on the interchange sequence sign ("Santa Barbara Ave," "Vernon Ave," "51st Street") originated as labels for actual exits on different Southern California freeways that were then rubber-cemented onto a black background to create an example sign.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 06, 2022, 03:15:48 PM

And, of course, Kansas's use of "Smallville" on example sign sheets being a nod to the fictional Kansas town in the Superman mythos. (I'm surprised KDOT has never used "Emerald City" for this purpose, given the state's cultural preoccupation with The Wizard of Oz–though I suppose it may be because Emerald City is a distinctively non-Kansas locale in the source material.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on August 07, 2022, 02:41:48 AM

Quote from: kurumi on August 05, 2022, 01:29:57 PM
Windows using \ for path separators, because DOS decided to use / for command line options.

Windows paths are clumsier to work with in C and other languages. (Even though Windows kinda supports / in paths too, now)

Earlier, people tended to read out URLs like "foo.com backslash bar"; and someone pointed out that it's not backslash, it's just slash, and now they say "foo.com forward slash bar"

Isn't that one of those things that windows does one way, and the rest of the world does it the other way?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on August 07, 2022, 05:03:27 AM

When certain people say that mid-west state is "as flat as a pancake" indicating that it is flat and therefore "boring". Per this article (https://markholtz.info/2od), the flattest state is Florida with the highest point being 345 feet above sea level. I know that people call Florida many things, but I doubt people would say it's "as flat as a pancake".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 07, 2022, 05:12:33 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on August 07, 2022, 05:03:27 AM
When certain people say that mid-west state is "as flat as a pancake" indicating that it is flat and therefore "boring". Per this article (https://markholtz.info/2od), the flattest state is Florida with the highest point being 345 feet above sea level. I know that people call Florida many things, but I doubt people would say it's "as flat as a pancake".

Would you say that you enjoy operating the horn on your car?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Georgia Guardrail on August 07, 2022, 03:17:54 PM

When I see servers, chefs, and cooks wear disposable latex gloves when cooking/serving/touching food. I have a very strong sense of smell and can smell the rubber on the food. Plus this is dangerous for people with latex allergies.

It seems more restaurants are switching to nitrile and vinyl gloves which is great.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 07, 2022, 03:52:32 PM

Quote from: Georgia Guardrail on August 07, 2022, 03:17:54 PM
When I see servers, chefs, and cooks wear disposable latex gloves when cooking/serving/touching food. I have a very strong sense of smell and can smell the rubber on the food. Plus this is dangerous for people with latex allergies.

It seems more restaurants are switching to nitrile and vinyl gloves which is great.

When I worked at Burger King, we kept getting phone calls from this one angry customer who was mad that nobody was wearing gloves in the kitchen. Wearing gloves was not part of the Cleveland County health code, and we had a handwashing sink in the kitchen that people were required to use before touching food. We did provide gloves if someone wanted to wear them, but everyone preferred to just wash their hands. No amount of explaining this to the customer would get them to shut up, so we ended up having to hang up on them, and then they'd call back a few days later and say the same things as they did the last time they called. I think at one point I told them they should stop eating in Cleveland County altogether, and only eat in McClain County, because they actually did require gloves.

My glove-related thing that bothers me is when someone handles money with gloves on. You have now made the gloves dirty and they need to be replaced, so you may as well have taken them off before you touched the money. They certainly aren't going to protect anyone else should you go straight into making food afterward.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on August 07, 2022, 06:40:18 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on August 07, 2022, 05:03:27 AM
When certain people say that mid-west state is "as flat as a pancake" indicating that it is flat and therefore "boring". Per this article (https://markholtz.info/2od), the flattest state is Florida with the highest point being 345 feet above sea level. I know that people call Florida many things, but I doubt people would say it's "as flat as a pancake".

I've seen pancakes with more topographic variety than South Florida.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on August 08, 2022, 09:22:35 AM

Something that I've been wondering about. It doesn't bother me as such, but makes me think about it.

My car can tell me how far I can drive on the remaining gas. Suppose there is 10 gallons in the tank, and I'm getting 30 mpg. It should tell me 300 miles to empty. Now suppose that I speed up and get down to 25 mpg. The display doesn't immediately change to 250 miles to empty. I wonder when the number resets.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on August 08, 2022, 09:48:32 AM

Quote from: Georgia Guardrail on August 07, 2022, 03:17:54 PM
When I see servers, chefs, and cooks wear disposable latex gloves when cooking/serving/touching food. I have a very strong sense of smell and can smell the rubber on the food. Plus this is dangerous for people with latex allergies.

It seems more restaurants are switching to nitrile and vinyl gloves which is great.

What bothers me about gloves is that it's usually Food Safety Theater because it's done wrong. If a person is performing multiple tasks (e.g. handling a raw protein, then handling money, then handling other food items) and not changing into fresh gloves between each one, he/she might as well not bother wearing gloves at all and not washing. Either way, hello cross-contamination.

ETA: I just now saw that Scott already made this point in #4623.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on August 08, 2022, 10:53:32 AM

Quote from: GaryV on August 08, 2022, 09:22:35 AM
Something that I've been wondering about. It doesn't bother me as such, but makes me think about it.

My car can tell me how far I can drive on the remaining gas. Suppose there is 10 gallons in the tank, and I'm getting 30 mpg. It should tell me 300 miles to empty. Now suppose that I speed up and get down to 25 mpg. The display doesn't immediately change to 250 miles to empty. I wonder when the number resets.

It must be taking an average. It's probably not showing exactly 300 miles when you're getting exactly 30 mpg, either.

I believe I've mentioned this before but I've seen my "miles to empty" steadily increase while cruising at around 55 mph. After speeding up, the "miles to empty" started to go down again.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 08, 2022, 04:59:05 PM

On my car, you can reset the trip computer data that it uses to calculate average MPG (and thus the remaining gas mileage) at will. So I would assume if you never reset it, it would just keep amassing data and you'd end up with something close to the lifetime MPG of the car.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on August 08, 2022, 06:10:15 PM

Yes, we had a reset for trip odometer. Until the button on the steering wheel went out and it wasn't worth taking the car in to fix it. So maybe it still is using the average mpg for a very long trip. The trip odometer reset automatically at 2000 miles; I'm not sure if the rest of the data did so. Although if the correct screen was up on the dash display (which the button won't change any more) it would show the current mpg and that would fluctuate every few seconds depending on what you were doing with the throttle or if you were on a hill.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Georgia Guardrail on August 08, 2022, 06:23:23 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on August 08, 2022, 09:48:32 AM
Quote from: Georgia Guardrail on August 07, 2022, 03:17:54 PM
When I see servers, chefs, and cooks wear disposable latex gloves when cooking/serving/touching food. I have a very strong sense of smell and can smell the rubber on the food. Plus this is dangerous for people with latex allergies.

It seems more restaurants are switching to nitrile and vinyl gloves which is great.

What bothers me about gloves is that it's usually Food Safety Theater because it's done wrong. If a person is performing multiple tasks (e.g. handling a raw protein, then handling money, then handling other food items) and not changing into fresh gloves between each one, he/she might as well not bother wearing gloves at all and not washing. Either way, hello cross-contamination.

ETA: I just now saw that Scott already made this point in #4623.

I think the Food Safety Theater is done for all the hypochondriac Karens that are out there.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 08, 2022, 06:53:17 PM

Quote from: GaryV on August 08, 2022, 06:10:15 PM
Yes, we had a reset for trip odometer. Until the button on the steering wheel went out and it wasn't worth taking the car in to fix it. So maybe it still is using the average mpg for a very long trip. The trip odometer reset automatically at 2000 miles; I'm not sure if the rest of the data did so. Although if the correct screen was up on the dash display (which the button won't change any more) it would show the current mpg and that would fluctuate every few seconds depending on what you were doing with the throttle or if you were on a hill.

Mine has two MPG display screens, the average, and "inst", which fluctuates the way yours does.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CapeCodder on August 09, 2022, 09:56:08 AM

A-frame buildings in areas such as Cape Cod. When I think of A-frames, I think of the Alps. Sand piles like Cape Cod are the furthest thing from it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Georgia Guardrail on August 09, 2022, 12:02:42 PM

Another one I have is people who wear the Salty Dog Cafe T-shirts when they haven't actually been there.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on August 09, 2022, 12:30:03 PM

Quote from: Georgia Guardrail on August 09, 2022, 12:02:42 PM
Another one I have is people who wear the Salty Dog Cafe T-shirts when they haven't actually been there.

(sorry for stirring shit up, but this came to mind...)

"You've been to Salty Dog? Name three appetizers."

"Uhhh... Jake's Hush Puppies; uhhh... Gator Bites.... um - Onion Rings?"

(scoffs) "Poser."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on August 09, 2022, 05:22:55 PM

Quote from: kurumi on August 09, 2022, 12:30:03 PM
Quote from: Georgia Guardrail on August 09, 2022, 12:02:42 PM
Another one I have is people who wear the Salty Dog Cafe T-shirts when they haven't actually been there.

(sorry for stirring shit up, but this came to mind...)

"You've been to Salty Dog? Name three appetizers."

"Uhhh... Jake's Hush Puppies; uhhh... Gator Bites.... um - Onion Rings?"

(scoffs) "Poser."

:-D :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on August 10, 2022, 04:48:09 AM

Quote from: Georgia Guardrail on August 09, 2022, 12:02:42 PM
Another one I have is people who wear the Salty Dog Cafe T-shirts when they haven't actually been there.

I used to privately resent it if people gave me a T-shirt from a place I'd never visited, because then I'd have the social anxiety of explaining how I got it.

"Where'd you get the Mexico shirt?"

Me: "Luxembourg, I think."

Quote from: kurumi on August 09, 2022, 12:30:03 PM
"You've been to Salty Dog? Name three appetizers."

:-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on August 10, 2022, 08:52:48 AM

Quote from: CapeCodder on August 09, 2022, 09:56:08 AM
A-frame buildings in areas such as Cape Cod. When I think of A-frames, I think of the Alps. Sand piles like Cape Cod are the furthest thing from it.

Quite a few lake homes in Michigan are A-frames.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 10, 2022, 04:44:07 PM

When I'm on a roadgeeking trip somewhere far from where I usually go, and I run across a traffic counter. I feel bad that I'm skewing the results slightly.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on August 10, 2022, 05:58:29 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 10, 2022, 04:44:07 PM
When I'm on a roadgeeking trip somewhere far from where I usually go, and I run across a traffic counter. I feel bad that I'm skewing the results slightly.

If it wasn't you though, it would be somebody else. Probably at least 5-10% of traffic on most roads isn't going to be repeating regularly (and that's just a guess - maybe much more than that on major through routes like interstates?), so that's why it's an average.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ran4sh on August 10, 2022, 06:36:00 PM

Just go over the counter repeatedly on the same day or something, then when they look at the data, that day shows as an outlier and they ignore it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on August 10, 2022, 06:43:21 PM

Considering many like to cruise who aren't road geeks nowadays, you're none other than those others who refuse to get a life.

Not saying we don't have lives, but many non road geeks who cruise around in their automobiles for recreation, are life less if they can't find friends or find something on line to occupy themselves.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on August 10, 2022, 10:08:15 PM

Had this happened to me today in a retail store:

Kid was not looking where he was running, which was toward my stopped cart. Parents were a few steps behind....

To avoid the likely potential of the kid crashing into my stopped cart and getting hurt, I gave a courteous "CAREFUL" warning, since the parents were not acting on the situation.

Kid stopped, but the father gave me the evil eye like, "How DARE you reprimand my child!"

Hey, I'm just avoiding an injury to your kid, which wouldn't have been my fault in the first place as you weren't doing your parenting duties!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on August 11, 2022, 11:43:44 AM

Best to just run into the kid.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: gonealookin on August 15, 2022, 04:47:12 PM

I got a new credit card in the mail today, and immediately went to set it up on Google Pay, which I use all the time in stores. Couldn't do it, and when I looked up the reason why:

QuoteAll Citi branded consumer credit and debit cards issued in the US are eligible for Google Pay, except for ATM cards, American ExpressÂ® cards, and CitiÂ® / AAdvantageÂ® cards.

Well, why is that specific one excluded? Yes, I can use the actual card, but I have to dig it out of my wallet, when with all my other credit cards I just use the phone. At least this one is the low-end, no annual fee "AAdvantage MileUp" card so I didn't commit to an annual fee before finding out about this omission.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CapeCodder on August 15, 2022, 08:53:38 PM

Quote from: GaryV on August 10, 2022, 08:52:48 AM
Quote from: CapeCodder on August 09, 2022, 09:56:08 AM
A-frame buildings in areas such as Cape Cod. When I think of A-frames, I think of the Alps. Sand piles like Cape Cod are the furthest thing from it.

Quite a few lake homes in Michigan are A-frames.

The lake effect snow is a good reason for the A-frames. I should've clarified. Places where snow is measured in feet, not inches are good places for A-frames. Cape Cod doesn't get much snow.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on August 17, 2022, 12:17:47 PM

Windows progress bars/indications.

When the computer says 'You're 100% there", I expect things to happen soon. They don't.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 17, 2022, 04:59:27 PM

All of the junk mail and spam calls/texts from people begging for us to sell our house to them. Who decides they're just going to up and move from a spam call?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on August 17, 2022, 05:30:13 PM

Being ridiculed for not getting sarcasm.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on August 17, 2022, 08:10:35 PM

Quote from: Big John on August 17, 2022, 05:30:13 PM
Being ridiculed for not getting sarcasm.

You have got to be kidding me, how do you not get sarcasm?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Georgia Guardrail on August 18, 2022, 08:53:30 PM

Long lines at amusement parks. Why pay $80 admission when you're going to spend most of your time waiting for the ride and not actually going on it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on August 18, 2022, 10:03:32 PM

Quote from: Georgia Guardrail on August 18, 2022, 08:53:30 PM
Long lines at amusement parks. Why pay $80 admission when you're going to spend most of your time waiting for the ride and not actually going on it.

True story. We came back to Ohio to visit family on Father's Day, 2016. The Cavs were Wolrd Champions later that night.

The day we went to Cedar Point, the Cavs had their victory parade and almost the whole state went to the party (They filled all Park & Ride locations for the RTA AND all Airport Parking lots!). The most we waited for any ride was 20 minutes, 2 minute wait for most. It was the least crowded time I ever saw, and the weather was perfect!!!

I felt sorry for those who spent twice the regular price for the Fast Pass option to jump the "lines" on the major rides only to find there were no lines to jump....NOT!!! <BWAAAHAHAHAAA!>

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on August 20, 2022, 03:37:49 AM

People putting watermarks on content that they don't own.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on August 20, 2022, 02:00:55 PM

If I haven't been in the car for a day, and I plug in my phone, the music app forgets where I was (usually a language podcast) and basically resets to Aaron Abbott and the Aardvarks. It takes just a handful of bytes to mark your place down to the second. Why is this information thrown away?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on August 20, 2022, 05:17:03 PM

Quote from: kurumi on August 20, 2022, 02:00:55 PM
If I haven't been in the car for a day, and I plug in my phone, the music app forgets where I was (usually a language podcast) and basically resets to Aaron Abbott and the Aardvarks. It takes just a handful of bytes to mark your place down to the second. Why is this information thrown away?

I wonder the same thing about my DVD/blu ray player.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on August 21, 2022, 09:18:47 AM

What bothers me is when people who are older that I am (early 50s) say that the younger generation (way younger than I am) "have it SOOO easy". Uh, no. If anything, the challenges of 2022 is much different than 1972, Just take a look at cost of living between 1972 and 2022 (https://markholtz.info/2oj). In fact, people who are just barely younger than I am cannot recall when they had double-digit inflation rates prior to this year. Those who are panicking because the 30 year mortgage rates jumped from 3.22% for a 30 year fixed rate to a 5.25% rate, yet do not recall that those 30 year fixed rates were over 18% in 1981, or that from November 1978 to November 1999, that same 30 year fixed rarely dropped below 10%.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on August 21, 2022, 09:59:01 AM

Quote from: kkt on August 20, 2022, 05:17:03 PM
Quote from: kurumi on August 20, 2022, 02:00:55 PM
If I haven't been in the car for a day, and I plug in my phone, the music app forgets where I was (usually a language podcast) and basically resets to Aaron Abbott and the Aardvarks. It takes just a handful of bytes to mark your place down to the second. Why is this information thrown away?

I wonder the same thing about my DVD/blu ray player.

Most DO remember, in my experience. If you hit 'stop' once, you have the option to resume, with some players even across discs and power-cycles. If you hit 'stop' twice, that data is cleared and you start at the menu. Helpful hint for DVD's -- most players you can skip the 'unskippable' parts (previews, fbi, etc.) by once the disc is loaded and playing previews, hit 'stop' twice, then 'play', and you'll go striaight to the main menu.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on August 21, 2022, 11:18:02 AM

Every time I park a car in a stall, an SUV or giant pick up pulls next to me to hinder my view of traffic. Then half the time comes along a speeder as we all know people do 25 mph or greater in small parking area, making me having to inch my way out when backing out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on August 21, 2022, 11:47:07 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on August 21, 2022, 11:18:02 AM
Every time I park a car in a stall, an SUV or giant pick up pulls next to me to hinder my view of traffic. Then half the time comes along a speeder as we all know people do 25 mph or greater in small parking area, making me having to inch my way out when backing out.

You may want to consider backing in.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on August 21, 2022, 12:33:44 PM

People (including gray-haired older adults) who have no idea how to safely cross a street. Doesn't anyone teach their kids how to do that anymore?

:banghead:

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 22, 2022, 07:41:31 AM

This is one that some people would consider more than a minor thing:

When someone e-mails a large group of people and puts all their addresses in the "To:" field instead of bcc'ing everyone. A fellow I know (who is, to be sure, a bit of a Luddite and probably doesn't even know about using bcc for this purpose) did that this weekend–I was one of 48 people on the message he sent. I think what annoys me more than the failure to use bcc is that some of the other recipients have hit reply-all, one of them three times.

But I'm not going to say anything to him any time soon. Reason: It would be in poor taste and tacky to do so right now because the reason he sent the message was to tell us his father died on Saturday morning and to let us know when Mass will be.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: gonealookin on August 22, 2022, 01:06:38 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on August 21, 2022, 11:47:07 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on August 21, 2022, 11:18:02 AM
Every time I park a car in a stall, an SUV or giant pick up pulls next to me to hinder my view of traffic. Then half the time comes along a speeder as we all know people do 25 mph or greater in small parking area, making me having to inch my way out when backing out.

You may want to consider backing in.

When the spaces are perpendicular to the aisle I usually pull through to the second space so I'm going forward pulling out. I look for that availability even if it means being quite a bit further out in the lot from the entrance to the business (as long as it's reasonably close to a cart corral if the business is a grocery store). I think backing up in a parking lot is the routine maneuver most likely to result in a fender bender or occasionally a pedestrian injury.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on August 22, 2022, 01:16:04 PM

Quote from: gonealookin on August 22, 2022, 01:06:38 PMWhen the spaces are perpendicular to the aisle I usually pull through to the second space so I'm going forward pulling out. I look for that availability even if it means being quite a bit further out in the lot from the entrance to the business (as long as it's reasonably close to a cart corral if the business is a grocery store). I think backing up in a parking lot is the routine maneuver most likely to result in a fender bender or occasionally a pedestrian injury.

I also look for opportunities to park nose-out by driving through another space, and don't limit myself to right-angle spaces, since the strategy also works with diagonal spaces as long as they are not served by one-way aisles (I hate herringbone patterns). But, as a general rule, accident risk when backing in is significantly less than when backing out, because the sightlines are less likely to be obstructed and pedestrians are usually less likely to be walking through isolated empty spaces than along the aisle.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on August 22, 2022, 01:19:42 PM

Re: the parking topic, I feel like backup cameras by and large make this extreme caution pretty moot.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: royo6022 on August 22, 2022, 01:41:44 PM

Quote from: TheGrassGuy on November 28, 2019, 12:26:42 PM
2 ads in YouTube. Need I say more?

May be a little late to the first half of this thread but something that bothers me that has become more and more common recently... when I'm watching YouTube on my phone and they give you vertical ads... and then it messes up your orientation and you have to flip your phone around again but you have to wait until the vertical ad is over before it lets you turn it sideways again. Super irritating.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on August 22, 2022, 01:43:47 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 22, 2022, 07:41:31 AM
This is one that some people would consider more than a minor thing:

When someone e-mails a large group of people and puts all their addresses in the "To:" field instead of bcc'ing everyone. A fellow I know (who is, to be sure, a bit of a Luddite and probably doesn't even know about using bcc for this purpose) did that this weekend–I was one of 48 people on the message he sent. I think what annoys me more than the failure to use bcc is that some of the other recipients have hit reply-all, one of them three times.

But I'm not going to say anything to him any time soon. Reason: It would be in poor taste and tacky to do so right now because the reason he sent the message was to tell us his father died on Saturday morning and to let us know when Mass will be.

I think it depends on the issue or original email.

When it's sent to many people, and those many people are closely related as friends or family, I would prefer knowing that everyone knows. If there's someone not on that list, I can tell them individually. If the email was sent BCC, I wouldn't have a clue who knows, and even more emails could be sent as forwards, or someone left out completely, to fill in those that some believe were left out.

There's also the risk when there's some people listed as TO recipients and others as BCC's. If the BCC'd people reply via Reply All, the people listed as TOs then get the response, yet may have no idea the person responding received the email originally.

In the end, I'll probably rather be informed people got the email rather than not, and blame the people responding Reply All, rather than the original sender.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Mr. Matté on August 22, 2022, 01:50:22 PM

Quote from: royo6022 on August 22, 2022, 01:41:44 PM
Quote from: TheGrassGuy on November 28, 2019, 12:26:42 PM
2 ads in YouTube. Need I say more?

May be a little late to the first half of this thread but something that bothers me that has become more and more common recently... when I'm watching YouTube on my phone and they give you vertical ads... and then it messes up your orientation and you have to flip your phone around again but you have to wait until the vertical ad is over before it lets you turn it sideways again. Super irritating.

I've seen some ads on games I play on my phone that says "Rotate your device to view this ad." Ummm, no... wait the 5 OR 30 seconds and the X comes up.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 22, 2022, 01:54:52 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on August 22, 2022, 01:43:47 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 22, 2022, 07:41:31 AM
This is one that some people would consider more than a minor thing:

When someone e-mails a large group of people and puts all their addresses in the "To:" field instead of bcc'ing everyone. A fellow I know (who is, to be sure, a bit of a Luddite and probably doesn't even know about using bcc for this purpose) did that this weekend–I was one of 48 people on the message he sent. I think what annoys me more than the failure to use bcc is that some of the other recipients have hit reply-all, one of them three times.

But I'm not going to say anything to him any time soon. Reason: It would be in poor taste and tacky to do so right now because the reason he sent the message was to tell us his father died on Saturday morning and to let us know when Mass will be.

I think it depends on the issue or original email.

When it's sent to many people, and those many people are closely related as friends or family, I would prefer knowing that everyone knows. If there's someone not on that list, I can tell them individually. If the email was sent BCC, I wouldn't have a clue who knows, and even more emails could be sent as forwards, or someone left out completely, to fill in those that some believe were left out.

There's also the risk when there's some people listed as TO recipients and others as BCC's. If the BCC'd people reply via Reply All, the people listed as TOs then get the response, yet may have no idea the person responding received the email originally.

In the end, I'll probably rather be informed people got the email rather than not, and blame the people responding Reply All, rather than the original sender.

In this case, from the list of recipients there is no way to tell who most of these people are (other than two people I know and a couple of people I surmise to be related to the sender based on their last names being the same).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: royo6022 on August 22, 2022, 02:56:20 PM

Quote from: Mr. Matté on August 22, 2022, 01:50:22 PM
Quote from: royo6022 on August 22, 2022, 01:41:44 PM
Quote from: TheGrassGuy on November 28, 2019, 12:26:42 PM
2 ads in YouTube. Need I say more?

May be a little late to the first half of this thread but something that bothers me that has become more and more common recently... when I'm watching YouTube on my phone and they give you vertical ads... and then it messes up your orientation and you have to flip your phone around again but you have to wait until the vertical ad is over before it lets you turn it sideways again. Super irritating.

I've seen some ads on games I play on my phone that says "Rotate your device to view this ad." Ummm, no... wait the 5 OR 30 seconds and the X comes up.

Going off the game ads, there are the ads where they have a logo or watermark that LOOKS like an X just to get you to click on the link thinking that you're closing the ad... whoever makes those is evil.

Another one I just thought of that happens to me a lot is when the internet you're using will load your show just fine but when it gets to an ad it acts like its 1999 dial up and takes an infuriating amount of time just to load the ad that you don't want to watch anyways.... and then after it FINALLY loads, the show just loads up perfect speed again.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on August 22, 2022, 03:44:04 PM

Here's one, probably specific to only those that watch soccer, but British announces being so purposely terrible about pronouncing Latin names. Never does an Englishman say "mahr-TEE-nez"; it's always "MARH-tuh-nez". Why is that so damn hard?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 22, 2022, 04:04:07 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on August 22, 2022, 03:44:04 PM
Here's one, probably specific to only those that watch soccer, but British announces being so purposely terrible about pronouncing Latin names. Never does an Englishman say "mahr-TEE-nez"; it's always "MARH-tuh-nez". Why is that so damn hard?

I've noticed the same thing with Canadian broadcasters covering hockey–they deliberately butcher Russian names. Don Cherry, of course, was just an asshole who deliberately mispronounced anything that wasn't English (notably Patrick Roy's last name), but I'm not referring to him. A guy like Sergei Makarov, for example, whose name is properly pronounced with the stress on "KAR" (muh-KAR-ov), has his name butchered by Canadian announcers so the stress is on "MAK," like "Mack truck" (MACK-er-ov), or they'll turn Kasatonov (kas-uh-TOE-nov) into "kuh-SAT-i-nov."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on August 22, 2022, 04:09:15 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 22, 2022, 04:04:07 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on August 22, 2022, 03:44:04 PM
Here's one, probably specific to only those that watch soccer, but British announces being so purposely terrible about pronouncing Latin names. Never does an Englishman say "mahr-TEE-nez"; it's always "MARH-tuh-nez". Why is that so damn hard?

I've noticed the same thing with Canadian broadcasters covering hockey–they deliberately butcher Russian names. Don Cherry, of course, was just an asshole who deliberately mispronounced anything that wasn't English (notably Patrick Roy's last name), but I'm not referring to him. A guy like Sergei Makarov, for example, whose name is properly pronounced with the stress on "KAR" (muh-KAR-ov), has his name butchered by Canadian announcers so the stress is on "MAK," like "Mack truck" (MACK-er-ov), or they'll turn Kasatonov (kas-uh-TOE-nov) into "kuh-SAT-i-nov."

So annoying. I understand not trying to do French or Brazilian nasalized vowels. I understand pronouncing "kh" as "k" instead of the phonetic "x" (a.k.a. hocking a loogie). But is stress and overall vowel length so hard?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 22, 2022, 04:14:32 PM

I wonder if this is just a British media phenomenon in general. I seem to recall BBC coverage of "Bare-ick O'Bomber" during the 2008 election. After he actually won, they started pronounce it properly (mostly–a few reporters still say "O'Bomber" on the rare occasion he's mentioned these days, but they mostly have "Barack" right), presumably because they'd be ridiculed for not correctly pronouncing the name of the President of the United States.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on August 22, 2022, 04:20:23 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 22, 2022, 04:14:32 PM
I wonder if this is just a British media phenomenon in general. I seem to recall BBC coverage of "Bare-ick O'Bomber" during the 2008 election. After he actually won, they started pronounce it properly (mostly–a few reporters still say "O'Bomber" on the rare occasion he's mentioned these days, but they mostly have "Barack" right), presumably because they'd be ridiculed for not correctly pronouncing the name of the President of the United States.

The rhotic "a" I can live with as that's a Britishism. The complete disregard for which vowels are present in, and the stress of, his first name drives me insane.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on August 22, 2022, 07:37:29 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on August 22, 2022, 03:44:04 PM
Never does an Englishman say "mahr-TEE-nez"; it's always "MARH-tuh-nez". Why is that so damn hard?

It's probably because Martinez is pronounced "MARH-tuh-nez" in British English. As in, people with that surname in the UK pronounce it that way.

Or the name is unfamiliar. So they say "Martin" the way all people in English do, and then add "nez" to the end :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on August 22, 2022, 09:04:47 PM

Heartburn.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on August 22, 2022, 10:47:08 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on August 22, 2022, 09:04:47 PM
Heartburn.

Especially when trying to get rest.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on August 22, 2022, 11:11:39 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on August 22, 2022, 07:37:29 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on August 22, 2022, 03:44:04 PM
Never does an Englishman say "mahr-TEE-nez"; it's always "MARH-tuh-nez". Why is that so damn hard?

It's probably because Martinez is pronounced "MARH-tuh-nez" in British English. As in, people with that surname in the UK pronounce it that way.

Or the name is unfamiliar. So they say "Martin" the way all people in English do, and then add "nez" to the end :-D

I have multiple Latin male friends who would beg to differ.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on August 23, 2022, 01:17:35 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on August 22, 2022, 07:37:29 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on August 22, 2022, 03:44:04 PM
Never does an Englishman say "mahr-TEE-nez"; it's always "MARH-tuh-nez". Why is that so damn hard?

It's probably because Martinez is pronounced "MARH-tuh-nez" in British English. As in, people with that surname in the UK pronounce it that way.

Or the name is unfamiliar. So they say "Martin" the way all people in English do, and then add "nez" to the end :-D

If they're pronouncing it like Spanish, the stress should be on the middle syllable. If it is a Spanish name and the stress was on the first syllable it would need to have an accent mark over it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Georgia Guardrail on August 23, 2022, 12:13:15 PM

Ice cream trucks annoy me. They're loud and obnoxious and think they're all that going through neighborhoods and college campuses.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on August 23, 2022, 12:17:00 PM

Quote from: Georgia Guardrail on August 23, 2022, 12:13:15 PM
Ice cream trucks annoy me. They're loud and obnoxious and think they're all that going through neighborhoods and college campuses.

Ice cream trucks are arrogant?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on August 23, 2022, 12:25:48 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on August 22, 2022, 11:11:39 PM
I have multiple Latin male friends who would beg to differ.

No argument from me that Martinez should be pronounced with the stress on the first syllable. I'm just guessing that in British English, those string of letters suggest stressing of the first syllable. Even if, as Americans, we know very well that the stress is on the second syllable. Per Spanish rules. With which we have lots of experience, of course. Unlike the English.

If the English are to say it right, though, it should end with a "th" sound. British-Spanish rules follow Spain. Eg, "Ibitha".

Quote from: kkt on August 23, 2022, 01:17:35 AM
If they're pronouncing it like Spanish

I don't think they're pronouncing it even close to the Spanish or Latin American pronunciation. They're saying it in British English. And butchering it. lol.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on August 23, 2022, 12:32:47 PM

I don't think an Englishman would say "MART-in-ee" when chugging gin and dry vermouth with a lemon twist.

I think that's my point. It's one thing to translate a foreign word into your own phonology. There are plenty of sounds that are in world languages that don't exist in English, so it makes sense I'd pronounce a Swedish 'y' like 'oo', a Ukrainian 'x' like 'k', or a French 'r' with a hard American 'r', unless I was really trying to get the accent right, which, in everyday conversation I would not.

It makes absolutely no sense whatsoever to change the stress of a word, which in turn "schwas" some vowels and lengthens others.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on August 24, 2022, 11:59:25 AM

Parents when we were kids: "Hard work never killed anyone!"

Parents when we were working full-time and going to college part-time: "All that hard work will open up opportunities in your career."

Parents when we are working hard with limited resources: "Why are you working so damn hard? All those hours are stressing you out. Are you trying to work yourself into a early grave? Don't you have enough people? You need to enjoy life!" :banghead:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on August 24, 2022, 03:50:30 PM

When apps quit working on your phone because you don't have the most recent OS installed, and you can't install the most recent OS because you use an older phone that won't run the newer OS, and you can't afford to buy a new(er) phone that will run the apps.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on August 24, 2022, 03:54:18 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on August 24, 2022, 03:50:30 PM
When apps quit working on your phone because you don't have the most recent OS installed, and you can't install the most recent OS because you use an older phone that won't run the newer OS, and you can't afford to buy a new(er) phone that will run the apps.

I have an iPhone SE, the first one (between iPhone 5 and iPhone 6), and I could update to current until about a month ago, and the reason I can't now is because I've used almost all of my 16 GB and there's a lack of space and not because it can't run the newer OS. How old is your phone?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 24, 2022, 04:28:59 PM

Quote from: 1 on August 24, 2022, 03:54:18 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on August 24, 2022, 03:50:30 PM
When apps quit working on your phone because you don't have the most recent OS installed, and you can't install the most recent OS because you use an older phone that won't run the newer OS, and you can't afford to buy a new(er) phone that will run the apps.

I have an iPhone SE, the first one (between iPhone 5 and iPhone 6), and I could update to current until about a month ago, and the reason I can't now is because I've used almost all of my 16 GB and there's a lack of space and not because it can't run the newer OS. How old is your phone?

My wife has the first-generation iPhone SE. I understand that model will be cut off later this year when iOS 16 rolls out. I believe the same is true of the iPhone 7, which my mom has. No longer being able to run the new operating system isn't in and of itself necessarily a reason to get a new phone unless and until there is some very important app you need (assuming, of course, you're able to get a new phone when that time comes). My wife really doesn't want a new phone because she likes the very small size of the original SE–it fits her hand just right and it fits in her various handbags. I get that aspect–I have an iPhone X and anything bigger would not fit properly in the car's cupholder, which is where I normally stick it for local driving. (If I did have to get a new phone, I'd consider offering mine to hbelkins depending on how much I could get from Verizon for a trade-in.)

I have an old (2012-era) iPad that ceased to be updateable a long time ago. I keep meaning to wipe the device, remove the passcode, and configure it so that it can be used solely for purposes of displaying recipes in the kitchen, which is something for which I regularly use an iPad.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on August 24, 2022, 04:32:18 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 24, 2022, 04:28:59 PM(If I did have to get a new phone, I'd consider offering mine to hbelkins depending on how much I could get from Verizon for a trade-in.)

If you time it right, you can make a mint in trade-in credit - back in April, I traded in our iPhone XS phones for iPhone 13s and got $700 per phone.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on August 24, 2022, 04:35:10 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 24, 2022, 04:28:59 PM
My wife really doesn't want a new phone because she likes the very small size of the original SE–it fits her hand just right and it fits in her various handbags.

Apple has been offering "mini" version of their recent iPhones that are smaller than the SE and other iPhones from that era.

My sister and girlfriend both have an iPhone 12 Mini and really like them. Finally a small phone again, which is great for regular hands (I personally have larger hands so I have the iPhone Max).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 24, 2022, 05:16:42 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on August 24, 2022, 04:35:10 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 24, 2022, 04:28:59 PM
My wife really doesn't want a new phone because she likes the very small size of the original SE–it fits her hand just right and it fits in her various handbags.

Apple has been offering "mini" version of their recent iPhones that are smaller than the SE and other iPhones from that era.

My sister and girlfriend both have an iPhone 12 Mini and really like them. Finally a small phone again, which is great for regular hands (I personally have larger hands so I have the iPhone Max).

I'm aware of the "mini" phones but I haven't paid a lot of attention because, frankly, Ms1995hoo really doesn't want to replace her current one unless and until she has no choice. Did either your sister or girlfriend ever have a phone sized comparably to the iPhone 4 or the original iPhone SE? I ask because I'm interested in hearing how the sizing compares, although ultimately I think when the time comes I'll just take the missus to the store and have her handle the different phones to see which one she likes. The head of IT at my old job suggested that idea for deciding which Blackberry device to get when they issued said devices to all of us back in 2005 or 2006–go to the store and try them out to see which one you like–and it really makes extremely eminent sense to do that if you're unsure.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on August 25, 2022, 02:17:49 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 24, 2022, 05:16:42 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on August 24, 2022, 04:35:10 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 24, 2022, 04:28:59 PM
My wife really doesn't want a new phone because she likes the very small size of the original SE–it fits her hand just right and it fits in her various handbags.

Apple has been offering "mini" version of their recent iPhones that are smaller than the SE and other iPhones from that era.

My sister and girlfriend both have an iPhone 12 Mini and really like them. Finally a small phone again, which is great for regular hands (I personally have larger hands so I have the iPhone Max).

I'm aware of the "mini" phones but I haven't paid a lot of attention because, frankly, Ms1995hoo really doesn't want to replace her current one unless and until she has no choice. Did either your sister or girlfriend ever have a phone sized comparably to the iPhone 4 or the original iPhone SE? I ask because I'm interested in hearing how the sizing compares, although ultimately I think when the time comes I'll just take the missus to the store and have her handle the different phones to see which one she likes. The head of IT at my old job suggested that idea for deciding which Blackberry device to get when they issued said devices to all of us back in 2005 or 2006–go to the store and try them out to see which one you like–and it really makes extremely eminent sense to do that if you're unsure.

Oddly, they both had the iPhone 6. Both seem to really like the "small body, large screen" format that you get with the Mini models.

I've never been too picky with phone size, but I know in the case of my sister, she wanted a smaller phone. We did go the Apple Store and had her look at the options beforehand. She really liked the smaller body of the Mini, so she went with that because it was easier to hold. When my girlfriend broke her 6, I just told her to get the Mini because it was basically the same phone she had minus the huge bezels on the top and bottom. And I already knew from my sister's experience that it was a good phone with all the latest features. Plus, very easy to hold.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 25, 2022, 07:31:16 AM

I sort of miss having bezels, to be honest. Selecting things at the edges of the screen feels a lot more hit-or-miss without them. And having the screen go all the way to the edges is sort of useless when most content that would be consumed on the device doesn't have that aspect ratio (and I don't like having the edges of the content cropped off so I can use the extra pixels).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on August 25, 2022, 11:56:47 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 25, 2022, 07:31:16 AM
I sort of miss having bezels, to be honest. Selecting things at the edges of the screen feels a lot more hit-or-miss without them. And having the screen go all the way to the edges is sort of useless when most content that would be consumed on the device doesn't have that aspect ratio (and I don't like having the edges of the content cropped off so I can use the extra pixels).

I'm not sure what phones you are thinking of, but most modern phones have at least a small bezel around the screen that maximizes screen-to-body ratio without making the screen hard to hit (the current iPhones have about a 5mm bezel around the edge). This is very much intentional as, by and large, the market wants phones that aren't physically huge, but do have big screens. The exception are some Android phones with curved displays and such, but even then, the software is designed to keep buttons out of the curved areas.

The old iPhone had a screen ratio of 16:9, but the new one has a wider 19.5:9 ratio. Apple has worked quite well to optimize apps for the new ratio, and I've yet to experience an app where anything on the screen was hard to hit.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 25, 2022, 05:07:32 PM

Mine is an Android where the glass surface kind of curves around the edges, although now that I look at it closer there's approximately 1 mm margin with no pixels under the glass. Still, I wish I had more margin for error so I am more confident as to where I am tapping. Most apps don't require selecting anything that close to the edge of the screen, but there is an OS interface widget that functions as a tray that must be dragged in from the right edge of the screen that I consistently have trouble with.

I'm not particularly convinced that "the market" wants anything that phone manufacturers claim it does. In fact, I'm not convinced phone manufacturers have ever talked to one of their customers at all; pretty much nobody is in favor of changes like non-removable batteries or removing the headphone jack (to say nothing of oft-desired niche features that no mainstream phone offers, like a physical keyboard). These changes benefit the manufacturers at the expense of the users, so the "the market wants" excuse is hard to swallow. It makes it difficult to trust that argument even when the benefit to manufacturers is not so clear.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on August 25, 2022, 05:33:27 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 25, 2022, 05:07:32 PMpretty much nobody is in favor of changes like non-removable batteries or removing the headphone jack (to say nothing of oft-desired niche features that no mainstream phone offers, like a physical keyboard).

They may not want the removal of a headphone jack, but they do want phones that are too thin to accommodate one. They may want physical keyboards, but they don't want phones that are double in size in order to fit a physical keyboard, or smaller screens so you can include a physical keyboard without making the phone bigger.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 25, 2022, 06:17:52 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on August 25, 2022, 05:33:27 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 25, 2022, 05:07:32 PMpretty much nobody is in favor of changes like non-removable batteries or removing the headphone jack (to say nothing of oft-desired niche features that no mainstream phone offers, like a physical keyboard).
They may not want the removal of a headphone jack, but they do want phones that are too thin to accommodate one. They may want physical keyboards, but they don't want phones that are double in size in order to fit a physical keyboard, or smaller screens so you can include a physical keyboard without making the phone bigger.

How do they know that's what "they" want? I'm "they". I would much rather have a phone like the one I had in 2012 with the slide-out keyboard over anything in the AT&T store. But they don't even give me the option to make that choice. I'm not expecting the top of the line Galaxy to cater to my needs, but I would like to have something that does.

Chalk that up as a minor thing that bothers me: when an industry standardizes so much on some practice that there is no actual choice in the matter given to the customer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on August 25, 2022, 07:35:16 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 25, 2022, 06:17:52 PM
Chalk that up as a minor thing that bothers me: when an industry standardizes so much on some practice that there is no actual choice in the matter given to the customer.

I think if you did an objective overview of the mobile phone market over the last twenty years, consumers are actually gifted with a remarkable level of choice these days. The phones are all pretty similar, sure, but there is still a lot of choice.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 25, 2022, 07:36:32 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on August 25, 2022, 07:35:16 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 25, 2022, 06:17:52 PM
Chalk that up as a minor thing that bothers me: when an industry standardizes so much on some practice that there is no actual choice in the matter given to the customer.

I think if you did an objective overview of the mobile phone market over the last twenty years, consumers are actually gifted with a remarkable level of choice these days. The phones are all pretty similar, sure, but there is still a lot of choice.

If the phones are all pretty similar, then by definition there is not a lot of choice. Are you a marketing major or something? :P

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on August 25, 2022, 07:44:37 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 25, 2022, 07:36:32 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on August 25, 2022, 07:35:16 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 25, 2022, 06:17:52 PM
Chalk that up as a minor thing that bothers me: when an industry standardizes so much on some practice that there is no actual choice in the matter given to the customer.

I think if you did an objective overview of the mobile phone market over the last twenty years, consumers are actually gifted with a remarkable level of choice these days. The phones are all pretty similar, sure, but there is still a lot of choice.

If the phones are all pretty similar, then by definition there is not a lot of choice. Are you a marketing major or something? :P

I don't mean like that, exactly. I mean, the original iPhone was a Cingular exclusive because no other carrier would give Apple any free-will. The first Android phone was on T-Mobile only. Two year contracts were the norm. Carrier bloatware on every single phone was the norm. If I wanted a certain type of phone, there was a decent chance that Samsung would offer four different versions, one for each US carrier (at the time). Only half the carriers even used SIM cards. Phones were always carrier locked. The damn list goes on.

Now, it's the polar opposite. No contracts to be found. Phones are always unlockable. Everything has a SIM. Carrier bloatware is at least limited (non-existent on iPhones at least). Yeah, there's less replaceable batteries, 3.5mm jacks, and physical keyboards, but the overall market is better for the consumer. Even if smartphone choice is between a lot of decently similar phones.

For the record, there are still plenty of phones with headphone jacks on sale. It's just the mainstream phones that people buy over and over again (pretty good indication of market satisfaction?) that have lost the jack. Personally, I've used wireless earbuds for a few years, so good riddance!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on August 25, 2022, 09:08:50 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 25, 2022, 06:17:52 PMHow do they know that's what "they" want? I'm "they". I would much rather have a phone like the one I had in 2012 with the slide-out keyboard over anything in the AT&T store. But they don't even give me the option to make that choice. I'm not expecting the top of the line Galaxy to cater to my needs, but I would like to have something that does.

Chalk that up as a minor thing that bothers me: when an industry standardizes so much on some practice that there is no actual choice in the matter given to the customer.

Look, I dislike capitalism as much as you do, but the simple truth is that it may not be cost-effective to offer, say, one version of the iPhone that has a headphone jack and one that doesn't. And offering one Galaxy with a physical keyboard and one without would be a logistical nightmare, even if it was cost-effective. And then there's the fact that, if you offer a consumer too many choices, they won't buy anything at all.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 25, 2022, 09:16:07 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on August 25, 2022, 09:08:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 25, 2022, 06:17:52 PMHow do they know that's what "they" want? I'm "they". I would much rather have a phone like the one I had in 2012 with the slide-out keyboard over anything in the AT&T store. But they don't even give me the option to make that choice. I'm not expecting the top of the line Galaxy to cater to my needs, but I would like to have something that does.

Chalk that up as a minor thing that bothers me: when an industry standardizes so much on some practice that there is no actual choice in the matter given to the customer.
Look, I dislike capitalism as much as you do, but the simple truth is that it may not be cost-effective to offer, say, one version of the iPhone that has a headphone jack and one that doesn't. And offering one Galaxy with a physical keyboard and one without would be a logistical nightmare, even if it was cost-effective. And then there's the fact that, if you offer a consumer too many choices, they won't buy anything at all.

Well, I don't even necessarily have to have a Samsung Galaxy or an iPhone that meets my needs. I'm fine with it being a Bobwrote Nebula or a jPhone. I don't care who the manufacturer is–I just want to be able to buy those features at all!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on August 25, 2022, 10:02:10 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 25, 2022, 09:16:07 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on August 25, 2022, 09:08:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 25, 2022, 06:17:52 PMHow do they know that's what "they" want? I'm "they". I would much rather have a phone like the one I had in 2012 with the slide-out keyboard over anything in the AT&T store. But they don't even give me the option to make that choice. I'm not expecting the top of the line Galaxy to cater to my needs, but I would like to have something that does.

Chalk that up as a minor thing that bothers me: when an industry standardizes so much on some practice that there is no actual choice in the matter given to the customer.
Look, I dislike capitalism as much as you do, but the simple truth is that it may not be cost-effective to offer, say, one version of the iPhone that has a headphone jack and one that doesn't. And offering one Galaxy with a physical keyboard and one without would be a logistical nightmare, even if it was cost-effective. And then there's the fact that, if you offer a consumer too many choices, they won't buy anything at all.

Well, I don't even necessarily have to have a Samsung Galaxy or an iPhone that meets my needs. I'm fine with it being a Bobwrote Nebula or a jPhone. I don't care who the manufacturer is–I just want to be able to buy those features at all!

I would be shocked if you couldn't find something that closely resembles a Samsung Galaxy or iPhone, only with a headphone jack and/or physical keyboard, on AliBaba or Wish.

And "Bobwrote Nebula" might be the worst pun I've ever heard.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 25, 2022, 10:56:46 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on August 25, 2022, 10:02:10 PM
And "Bobwrote Nebula" might be the worst pun I've ever heard.

I aim to please. :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on August 26, 2022, 06:00:55 AM

Quote from: hbelkins on August 22, 2022, 09:04:47 PM
Heartburn.

My cure for this has always been baking soda, so what's worse than the heartburn? The whatever-you-ate-flavored burp that comes after the baking soda.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on August 27, 2022, 08:31:51 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on August 25, 2022, 07:44:37 PM
For the record, there are still plenty of phones with headphone jacks on sale. It's just the mainstream phones that people buy over and over again (pretty good indication of market satisfaction?) that have lost the jack. Personally, I've used wireless earbuds for a few years, so good riddance!

Minor thing that bothers me. My phone has a proprietary headphone jack, so nothing I own plugs into it.

(https://i.imgur.com/6hwT93t.png)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 28, 2022, 05:13:36 AM

That looks like the headphone jack on the walkie-talkies we used at the casino.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on August 28, 2022, 07:23:09 AM

Remember when the iPhone 7 came out and people were shocked that it had no headphone jack? Thinking there was no way wireless earbuds would ever catch on? And now headphones with wires are far outnumbered by headphones without them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on August 28, 2022, 03:40:01 PM

^ I can't help but wonder if that's because people actually wanted wireless headphones, or because they have no choice with both Apple and Samsung getting rid of the headphone jack.

I have noticed that it's getting harder to find good quality earbuds these days (such was true even before the whole wireless thing since headsets became popular with smartphones), which is an issue for me since my desktop doesn't support wireless headphones (and even if it did, my speakers don't, and the computer's base headphone jack gives me a lot less volume than the one on my speakers).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on August 28, 2022, 10:29:13 PM

Quote from: vdeane on August 28, 2022, 03:40:01 PM
^ I can't help but wonder if that's because people actually wanted wireless headphones, or because they have no choice with both Apple and Samsung getting rid of the headphone jack.

I have noticed that it's getting harder to find good quality earbuds these days (such was true even before the whole wireless thing since headsets became popular with smartphones), which is an issue for me since my desktop doesn't support wireless headphones (and even if it did, my speakers don't, and the computer's base headphone jack gives me a lot less volume than the one on my speakers).

Does your desktop have Bluetooth? If so, wouldn't it support Bluetooth headphones or earbuds?

BTW, I don't like the single earbuds. They look too prone to falling out. I'm using a Bluetooth headset that has the earbuds wired to each other. But about the only time I use it is when I'm mowing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on August 29, 2022, 01:05:18 PM

^ It doesn't, but even if it did, I'd still lose out on the amplification provided by my speakers (which conveniently have their own headphone jack). The main reason I use headphones is because I like listening to music loud, which is hard to do in an apartment (and even if it weren't for my apartment, it became a habit in college).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 29, 2022, 06:35:37 PM

20th century technology was all about solving problems.

21st century technology is about creating new problems so they can sell you solutions you didn't need before they started changing things that were perfectly fine how they were.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on August 29, 2022, 07:12:02 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 29, 2022, 06:35:37 PM21st century technology is about creating new problems so they can sell you solutions you didn't need before they started changing things that were perfectly fine how they were.

Oh please, they said the same thing about Walkmen with an auto-reverse feature.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 29, 2022, 07:34:30 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on August 29, 2022, 07:12:02 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 29, 2022, 06:35:37 PM21st century technology is about creating new problems so they can sell you solutions you didn't need before they started changing things that were perfectly fine how they were.
Oh please, they said the same thing about Walkmen with an auto-reverse feature.

Adding an auto-reverse feature = if you don't like it/find it useful, you don't have to use it.

Removing a headphone jack = You now have to buy new wireless earbuds because your old wired ones don't work anymore. The company responsible for removing the headphone jack would be happy to sell you some. Unlike your wired ones, the wireless ones have batteries, meaning now you need to charge them (which you didn't before). The batteries only have a service life of a year or two and are not replaceable, meaning that now you are buying new headphones every other year (whereas the wired earbuds would continue to work just fine indefinitely until your idiot cat inevitably eats the cable).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on August 29, 2022, 08:04:34 PM

Related... Should your eye doctor's office sell eyeglasses?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on August 29, 2022, 08:22:13 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on August 29, 2022, 07:12:02 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 29, 2022, 06:35:37 PM21st century technology is about creating new problems so they can sell you solutions you didn't need before they started changing things that were perfectly fine how they were.
Oh please, they said the same thing about Walkmen with an auto-reverse feature.

(https://i.pinimg.com/736x/7a/61/b2/7a61b274326b5cfd49b7109cba6b3858.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 29, 2022, 09:30:49 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 29, 2022, 08:04:34 PM
Related... Should your eye doctor's office sell eyeglasses?

I believe this practice is actually illegal in Oklahoma.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on August 29, 2022, 09:47:26 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 29, 2022, 06:35:37 PM
20th century technology was all about solving problems.

21st century technology is about creating new problems so they can sell you solutions you didn't need before they started changing things that were perfectly fine how they were.

There wasn't a single auto repair shop until the auto came along. Before that, horse and buggies got people around just fine.

This is all 20th century technology.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 29, 2022, 09:58:09 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on August 29, 2022, 09:47:26 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 29, 2022, 06:35:37 PM
20th century technology was all about solving problems.

21st century technology is about creating new problems so they can sell you solutions you didn't need before they started changing things that were perfectly fine how they were.

There wasn't a single auto repair shop until the auto came along. Before that, horse and buggies got people around just fine.

This is all 20th century technology.

This is missing the point.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on August 29, 2022, 10:12:01 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 29, 2022, 07:34:30 PM
Removing a headphone jack = You now have to buy new wireless earbuds because your old wired ones don't work anymore. The company responsible for removing the headphone jack would be happy to sell you some. Unlike your wired ones, the wireless ones have batteries, meaning now you need to charge them (which you didn't before). The batteries only have a service life of a year or two and are not replaceable, meaning that now you are buying new headphones every other year (whereas the wired earbuds would continue to work just fine indefinitely until your idiot cat inevitably eats the cable).

https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/best-usb-c-headphone-adapters/

I feel like not enough attention is paid to the advantages of wireless earbuds. First, they can be quite cheap; you can get some bluetooth earbuds for $20 to $30. Not amazing quality, to be sure, but they're very cheap. Second, they don't have wires. This seems like a disadvantage in that, without that wire, they need to be self-powered. True, but no wires means no more trip hazard or accidental yanking, plus a much longer listening distance (eg: leave your phone on the patio while you mow). Third, they often offer additional features such as voice activation and noise cancellation/amplification, which is very helpful when doing daily chores as you can adjust their settings to avoid taking them out to hear other people and whatnot. Fourth, battery life is usually quite good. Most offer quick-charge options through the case and at least four to six hours of listening time, more after a quick charge. Wired earbuds may offer unlimited battery life, sure, but like gasoline or diesel vehicles, not having to worry about having enough "go juice" is only an advantage in specific, relatively rare scenarios, as you usually won't run into battery life barriers day to day. Wireless earphones also have battery life in the multiple-day range, which works for pretty much everyone in every other scenario, even with devices that are not portable, like desktop computers. If anything, the issue with those is forgetting to charge them.

So, to me, wireless earbuds are the more practical choice. They're not my only choice, to be clear. Apple sells a dongle to plug in headphones and earbuds. But I don't want any wires at all, as long as it's a practical option. And with the insanely low price of some options, it just makes more sense to me, especially when I consider the disadvantage of wires.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on August 29, 2022, 11:03:06 PM

My wired earbuds are just fine. $10 for a decent-sounding pair that lasts a few years, does not need to have its battery replaced, can work with no charge, and is good for however long I need it to last. The wire doesn't really get in my way unless I'm moving and it gets cut off by something, but that's fairly rare. No dongle needed either, which means I can charge AND play media without a fuss.

If my earbuds do break, then I can go find a random store that will sell me a very cheap pair (even a dollar store pair if necessary) until I can find my preferred type. Buying a very very cheap pair of wireless earbuds is going to cost more and come with risks related to cheap batteries.

I hope the EU or another consumer-focused government agency is able to push through some mandatory design rules for smartphones. All of them should be able to charge off USB-C and have a usable 3.5 mm jack.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on August 29, 2022, 11:25:37 PM

Wireless earbuds >>> wired earbuds, and wireless earbuds would be mainstream by now whether Apple had taken away the headphone jack or not.

1. Easier in and out.

2. No tangled wires.

3. Cleaner appearance with no wires.

4. Easier storage.

If you personally like wired earbuds, that's fine, but I don't see a reason for preferring wired earbuds other than disdain for changing technology, a feeling that I think a lot of forum members share. Same reason why some of us have inexplicable hatred for roundabouts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Takumi on August 30, 2022, 12:00:13 AM

Wireless earbuds also don't become useless when your puppy breaks through her enclosure and rampages through the house, chewing up numerous objects.

Uh, allegedly.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on August 30, 2022, 12:27:07 AM

Quote from: kphoger on August 29, 2022, 08:04:34 PM
Related... Should your eye doctor's office sell eyeglasses?

Mine actually does. Although (I guess) to their credit, they've never pushed me to buy from them. If my prescription has barely changed, they'll say there's no need to buy a new pair.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on August 30, 2022, 12:31:42 AM

I still carry the Apple-included wired headphones for watching movies on flights. Sometimes the airline offers free headphones, other times they charge you (which was formerly the more common option; making it one of the very few "free" services airlines have given the flying public...I'm surprised they hadn't figured out a way to charge you for using their apps.)

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 29, 2022, 09:30:49 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 29, 2022, 08:04:34 PM
Related... Should your eye doctor's office sell eyeglasses?

I believe this practice is actually illegal in Oklahoma.

My experience is that you're allowed to request the prescription and take it to any other place you wish. Lately, the local eye docs have loads of shelves with $600 frames and just one tiny shelf with sub-$200 frames that just seems sketchy. I know quality counts to a point (and insurance might cover the first 150-200 in frames), but I feel a little robbed at that price level, since I require all sorts other needs and conveniences with lenses, which push it to $400+ overall.

I kind of loathe picking out new frames because it's hard for me to see what exactly I'm trying on.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 30, 2022, 03:19:28 AM

One problem with wireless earbuds I haven't seen pointed out is the tremendous amount of waste that throwing them away when they die causes. They're basically a bunch of rare earth metals in a shell of non-biodegradable plastic. Not exactly a great deal for the environment.

And it's not just me being stodgy and not liking changing technology. I would have no problem with them if you could pop them open with a screwdriver and swap the battery out yourself. What I have a problem with is the business model of selling you something unfixable so you have no choice but to buy a new one when the old one breaks. The world would be a better place if we forced every tech company MBA or marketing exec and forced them to sell salmon for a living instead.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on August 30, 2022, 04:39:23 AM

Quote from: formulanone on August 30, 2022, 12:31:42 AM
I still carry the Apple-included wired headphones for watching movies on flights. Sometimes the airline offers free headphones, other times they charge you (which was formerly the more common option; making it one of the very few "free" services airlines have given the flying public...

They rob either way - the only time you don't get charged extra (airline dependent) from my experience is if you fly premium class - particularly business or international first class - both of which are a shit-ton more than the cattle car.

Quote from: formulanone on August 30, 2022, 12:31:42 AM
I'm surprised they hadn't figured out a way to charge you for using their apps.)

Don't give them any ideas ;)

Quote from: formulanone on August 30, 2022, 12:31:42 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 29, 2022, 09:30:49 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 29, 2022, 08:04:34 PM
Related... Should your eye doctor's office sell eyeglasses?

I believe this practice is actually illegal in Oklahoma.

My experience is that you're allowed to request the prescription and take it to any other place you wish. Lately, the local eye docs have loads of shelves with $600 frames and just one tiny shelf with sub-$200 frames that just seems sketchy. I know quality counts to a point (and insurance might cover the first 150-200 in frames), but I feel a little robbed at that price level, since I require all sorts other needs and conveniences with lenses, which push it to $400+ overall.

I kind of loathe picking out new frames because it's hard for me to see what exactly I'm trying on.

Always easier to do it at one stop - but then again, it bothers me how people spend more (also known as "waste") time and money in order to spend less (also known as "save") money on other things. It also makes it complicated for your benefit provider (also known as "insurance"). 😛 Â¯\_(ツ)_/Â¯

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bulldog1979 on August 30, 2022, 08:28:42 AM

Quote from: kphoger on August 29, 2022, 08:04:34 PM
Related... Should your eye doctor's office sell eyeglasses?

The various states are either "one-door states" or "two-door states" when it comes to optometry and opticians. Michigan is a one-door state, meaning optometrists' offices can directly sell eye glasses and contacts to their patients, so you only need to walk through one door. There's no requirement to purchase the glasses from the optometrist, and they will provide a copy of the prescription to go elsewhere. (Last year I had an eye exam at Walmart and uploaded my prescription to Warby Parker online to purchase glasses and contacts there. Even if I had purchased my glasses from Walmart, I'd have had separate receipts to submit to my insurance because the independent doctor of optometry has a totally separate machine for payments than the store.)

In other states, these functions are separated. If an optometry clinic wants to sell glasses, it has to be in a separate space, hence two doors: one for exams and one for glasses. I've seen photos of Walmart stores with a single door out the front of the building under an awning labeled "Optometrist", meaning you have to go in that door for the exam before walking into the main entrance to visit the Vision Center. As noted above though, even without that extra step, or even if visiting a different clinic, there's no requirement to purchase glasses from the same place that conducted the exam.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on August 30, 2022, 08:30:46 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 30, 2022, 03:19:28 AM
One problem with wireless earbuds I haven't seen pointed out is the tremendous amount of waste that throwing them away when they die causes. They're basically a bunch of rare earth metals in a shell of non-biodegradable plastic. Not exactly a great deal for the environment.

And it's not just me being stodgy and not liking changing technology. I would have no problem with them if you could pop them open with a screwdriver and swap the battery out yourself. What I have a problem with is the business model of selling you something unfixable so you have no choice but to buy a new one when the old one breaks. The world would be a better place if we forced every tech company MBA or marketing exec and forced them to sell salmon for a living instead.

Do wired earbuds not have that issue?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on August 30, 2022, 09:08:37 AM

Quote from: bulldog1979 on August 30, 2022, 08:28:42 AM
Quote from: kphoger on August 29, 2022, 08:04:34 PM
Related... Should your eye doctor's office sell eyeglasses?

The various states are either "one-door states" or "two-door states" when it comes to optometry and opticians. Michigan is a one-door state, meaning optometrists' offices can directly sell eye glasses and contacts to their patients, so you only need to walk through one door. There's no requirement to purchase the glasses from the optometrist, and they will provide a copy of the prescription to go elsewhere. (Last year I had an eye exam at Walmart and uploaded my prescription to Warby Parker online to purchase glasses and contacts there. Even if I had purchased my glasses from Walmart, I'd have had separate receipts to submit to my insurance because the independent doctor of optometry has a totally separate machine for payments than the store.)

In other states, these functions are separated. If an optometry clinic wants to sell glasses, it has to be in a separate space, hence two doors: one for exams and one for glasses. I've seen photos of Walmart stores with a single door out the front of the building under an awning labeled "Optometrist", meaning you have to go in that door for the exam before walking into the main entrance to visit the Vision Center. As noted above though, even without that extra step, or even if visiting a different clinic, there's no requirement to purchase glasses from the same place that conducted the exam.

These are things I've never thought about before, since the two states I'd ever bought glasses had both options in the same place without the extra doors. It's weird to me but it sort of makes sense. There's certainly a convenience factor (I went to my local optometrist for 30 years, except when I needed an emergency set).

But does that affect all sorts of medical practices in those states? Can hospitals or clinics have onsite pharmacies? Or does that just affect specific fields?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on August 30, 2022, 09:19:55 AM

Quote from: thspfc on August 30, 2022, 08:30:46 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 30, 2022, 03:19:28 AM
One problem with wireless earbuds I haven't seen pointed out is the tremendous amount of waste that throwing them away when they die causes. They're basically a bunch of rare earth metals in a shell of non-biodegradable plastic. Not exactly a great deal for the environment.

And it's not just me being stodgy and not liking changing technology. I would have no problem with them if you could pop them open with a screwdriver and swap the battery out yourself. What I have a problem with is the business model of selling you something unfixable so you have no choice but to buy a new one when the old one breaks. The world would be a better place if we forced every tech company MBA or marketing exec and forced them to sell salmon for a living instead.
Do wired earbuds not have that issue?

To some extent yes, I've had many pairs of earbuds die when one of the wires comes loose and ruins the connection on one side. One point though is that wireless earbuds have batteries while wired ones don't.

Quote from: Bruce on August 29, 2022, 11:03:06 PM
I hope the EU or another consumer-focused government agency is able to push through some mandatory design rules for smartphones. All of them should be able to charge off USB-C and have a usable 3.5 mm jack.

Yes, I couldn't care less if lots of other people enjoy using wireless earbuds/headphones. Heck, some day I might have a pair myself. But don't take away my ability to use my pair of wired headphones that I really love, especially since it's clearly a cash-grab to sell more expensive Bluetooth headphones/earbuds. It's annoying having to use the dongle to connect my headphones on my tablet (unfortunately it's hard to find a tablet with a headphone jack these days). I find the dongle frequently has a weird issue where it often makes a static-y noise and I have to unplug and replug it in to fix it, not to mention it's easy to lose. Thankfully my Samsung Galaxy S10e phone has a headphone jack and I'll try to keep this phone for a while!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on August 30, 2022, 10:21:34 AM

Quote from: kphoger on August 29, 2022, 08:04:34 PMRelated... Should your eye doctor's office sell eyeglasses?

As long as they're required by law to give me my prescription so I can take it to Costco, why not?

I don't think eye doctors have a habit of pushing vision correction on people who don't need it. Now, sleep centers, on the other hand...close to 100% of the people who get a sleep study are told that they need to buy a CPAP right. this. very. second.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on August 30, 2022, 10:54:36 AM

Quote from: kphoger on August 29, 2022, 08:04:34 PM
Related... Should your eye doctor's office sell eyeglasses?

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 29, 2022, 09:30:49 PM
I believe this practice is actually illegal in Oklahoma.

Quote from: bulldog1979 on August 30, 2022, 08:28:42 AM
The various states are either "one-door states" or "two-door states" when it comes to optometry and opticians.

Yes, yes. That's precisely why I didn't ask "Why is your eye doctor's office allowed to sell eyeglasses?" I know that it's a state-by-state legal thing. The question I wanted you to answer is, Should they sell eyeglasses?

To me the idea is unsettling: you go to a medical professional, they say you need to purchase something, and on yeah they just happen to have some of that for sale. But what's even more unsettling is that, if your eyesight improves (say you were near-sighted and your eyes change shape in your upper 30s such that they're basically normal), is your eye doctor actually going to tell you that you no longer need glasses? Maybe so, but they have a financial incentive to keep you buying glasses even if you no longer need them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on August 30, 2022, 11:03:48 AM

Quote from: kphoger on August 30, 2022, 10:54:36 AM
To me the idea is unsettling: you go to a medical professional, they say you need to purchase something, and on yeah they just happen to have some of that for sale.

Is it? I think it would be worse if it were the opposite, like if a doctor were to say, "Your arm is broken, be careful out there. Good luck."

Quote from: kphoger on August 30, 2022, 10:54:36 AM
But what's even more unsettling is that, if your eyesight improves (say you were near-sighted and your eyes change shape in your upper 30s such that they're basically normal), is your eye doctor actually going to tell you that you no longer need glasses? Maybe so, but they have a financial incentive to keep you buying glasses even if you no longer need them.

How much can they really mess with you with this, though? It's not like you can't take off your glasses and notice that you can see better without them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on August 30, 2022, 11:18:55 AM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on August 30, 2022, 11:03:48 AM
How much can they really mess with you with this, though? It's not like you can't take off your glasses and notice that you can see better without them.

Easy. You're told to go in periodically for checkups, and they write you a new scrip every time.

It's not a matter of seeing better without glasses. It's a matter of not realizing that not wearing them is adequate–when you're not used to that being the case, by virtue of it being inadequate for years.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on August 30, 2022, 11:57:37 AM

Quote from: kphoger on August 30, 2022, 11:18:55 AM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on August 30, 2022, 11:03:48 AM
How much can they really mess with you with this, though? It's not like you can't take off your glasses and notice that you can see better without them.

Easy. You're told to go in periodically for checkups, and they write you a new scrip every time.

It's not a matter of seeing better without glasses. It's a matter of not realizing that not wearing them is adequate–when you're not used to that being the case, by virtue of it being inadequate for years.

So if I'm understanding you correctly, what you're essentially saying is that it is in fact possible to take off your glasses and not notice that you can see better without them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on August 30, 2022, 12:00:05 PM

Quote from: 7/8 on August 30, 2022, 09:19:55 AM
Yes, I couldn't care less if lots of other people enjoy using wireless earbuds/headphones. Heck, some day I might have a pair myself. But don't take away my ability to use my pair of wired headphones that I really love, especially since it's clearly a cash-grab to sell more expensive Bluetooth headphones/earbuds. It's annoying having to use the dongle to connect my headphones on my tablet (unfortunately it's hard to find a tablet with a headphone jack these days)...

I'm similarly annoyed at having to use a keyless fob to unlock my car doors and start the car. Because it's such neat-o cool whiz-bang toy and eliminates the unbearable hassle of turning my wrist to do those things. (/s) Now I've got something else for which I need to buy batteries. Or worse -- I broke some part of the plastic case last time I changed batteries and the thing won't stay together or make connection with the battery, and replacing the fobs and having the new ones programmed (sold separately even though a new fob requires it) would have cost close to $400.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on August 30, 2022, 12:03:11 PM

My optometrist sells glasses, but I haven't bought glasses from them in eons. The first pair I ever had came from them, but none since. I did buy my contacts from them when I was still wearing contacts, but I gave contacts up about five years ago because they were such a hassle to deal with putting them in every morning.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on August 30, 2022, 12:08:01 PM

I never buy glasses from the optometrist. Only from www.zenni.com. Sooooo much cheaper.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on August 30, 2022, 12:19:09 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on August 30, 2022, 11:57:37 AM

Quote from: kphoger on August 30, 2022, 11:18:55 AM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on August 30, 2022, 11:03:48 AM
How much can they really mess with you with this, though? It's not like you can't take off your glasses and notice that you can see better without them.

Easy. You're told to go in periodically for checkups, and they write you a new scrip every time.

It's not a matter of seeing better without glasses. It's a matter of not realizing that not wearing them is adequate–when you're not used to that being the case, by virtue of it being inadequate for years.

So if I'm understanding you correctly, what you're essentially saying is that it is in fact possible to take off your glasses and not notice that you can see better without them.

Not at all. Compare the two bolded phrases above.

I'm saying that, if your eyesight improves to the point that your glasses make only a minor and not very meaningful improvement to your eyesight, then you likely don't need to wear them anymore, but your eye doctor will happily continue writing you scrips for glasses that correct what realistically doesn't need to be corrected.

I'm a personal example of this. Growing up, I was slightly far-sighted, and I wore glasses since the early school grades (late 80s or early 90s). One day in 2006 or 2007, I was getting tired of swapping my eyeglasses for sunglasses while driving my work truck, and it occurred to me that I'd actually gone a few days at a time without wearing them on occasion for this or that reason. Why, I asked myself, was I still wearing them, then? So I simply stopped wearing them. It wasn't until about twelve years later (my upper 30s, which is when people's lenses tend to become less flexible and they therefore experience more farsightedness) that I started needing to wear glasses again. Now I wear them everywhere I go, and my farsightedness is increasing such that it's already time for a new scrip. But, in those intervening dozen years when I didn't really need glasses to live my life, my eye doctor would have been perfectly content to write me scrips. When that same doctor's office is the one selling glasses, that strikes me the wrong way.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on August 30, 2022, 01:06:38 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 30, 2022, 12:19:09 PMI'm saying that, if your eyesight improves to the point that your glasses make only a minor and not very meaningful improvement to your eyesight, then you likely don't need to wear them anymore, but your eye doctor will happily continue writing you scrips for glasses that correct what realistically doesn't need to be corrected.

I'm a personal example of this. Growing up, I was slightly far-sighted, and I wore glasses since the early school grades (late 80s or early 90s). One day in 2006 or 2007, I was getting tired of swapping my eyeglasses for sunglasses while driving my work truck, and it occurred to me that I'd actually gone a few days at a time without wearing them on occasion for this or that reason. Why, I asked myself, was I still wearing them, then? So I simply stopped wearing them. It wasn't until about twelve years later (my upper 30s, which is when people's lenses tend to become less flexible and they therefore experience more farsightedness) that I started needing to wear glasses again. Now I wear them everywhere I go, and my farsightedness is increasing such that it's already time for a new scrip. But, in those intervening dozen years when I didn't really need glasses to live my life, my eye doctor would have been perfectly content to write me scrips. When that same doctor's office is the one selling glasses, that strikes me the wrong way.

To me this question comes down to the amount of trust you have in your optometrist and thus the amount of communication that occurs about real-world use of eyeglasses or contacts. I have never encountered one who was unwilling to give me the prescription, and just looking at the diopter measurements is enough to give you an idea of whether your eyes are moving to or away from needing correction for most purposes.

I think most optometrists are used to customers who expect to be able to dispense with vision correction for some tasks. For example, I am nearsighted and although I've been gently pressed to get glasses with inset lenses or progressive correction so I can read while wearing them, I have always refused to do so--I have glasses for distance vision only and take them off to read, which has worked well for over 30 years. I also have enough astigmatism to require correction, but have requested it for glasses only since the mechanism for correcting it with contact lenses (basically concentric rings with differing levels of refraction) has never made sense to me at a conceptual level. I have listened carefully as the pros and cons were explained to me, made my decisions, and had them accepted without any pushback.

On the other hand, I don't think you will encounter a competent and ethical optometrist who will issue a prescription for zero diopter correction unless the eye exam actually shows that things look more blurry when viewed through other than clear glass. This has more to do with the exigencies of professional practice than with selling you glasses or contacts. An optometrist can usually give you some idea of whether correction is actually required to meet certain legal thresholds (e.g., for a driver's license in Kansas, visual acuity of 20/60 in at least one eye with or without correction), but it would be malpractice to recommend no correction whatsoever when the vision exam says otherwise.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 30, 2022, 01:20:59 PM

Regarding the whole earbud discussion, I refuse to wear them at all (wired or wireless) because I simply find them extremely uncomfortable.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on August 30, 2022, 02:22:45 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 30, 2022, 12:19:09 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on August 30, 2022, 11:57:37 AM

Quote from: kphoger on August 30, 2022, 11:18:55 AM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on August 30, 2022, 11:03:48 AM
How much can they really mess with you with this, though? It's not like you can't take off your glasses and notice that you can see better without them.

Easy. You're told to go in periodically for checkups, and they write you a new scrip every time.

It's not a matter of seeing better without glasses. It's a matter of not realizing that not wearing them is adequate—when you're not used to that being the case, by virtue of it being inadequate for years.

So if I'm understanding you correctly, what you're essentially saying is that it is in fact possible to take off your glasses and not notice that you can see better without them.

Not at all. Compare the two bolded phrases above.

I'm saying that, if your eyesight improves to the point that your glasses make only a minor and not very meaningful improvement to your eyesight, then you likely don't need to wear them anymore, but your eye doctor will happily continue writing you scrips for glasses that correct what realistically doesn't need to be corrected.

I'm a personal example of this. Growing up, I was slightly far-sighted, and I wore glasses since the early school grades (late 80s or early 90s). One day in 2006 or 2007, I was getting tired of swapping my eyeglasses for sunglasses while driving my work truck, and it occurred to me that I'd actually gone a few days at a time without wearing them on occasion for this or that reason. Why, I asked myself, was I still wearing them, then? So I simply stopped wearing them. It wasn't until about twelve years later (my upper 30s, which is when people's lenses tend to become less flexible and they therefore experience more farsightedness) that I started needing to wear glasses again. Now I wear them everywhere I go, and my farsightedness is increasing such that it's already time for a new scrip. But, in those intervening dozen years when I didn't really need glasses to live my life, my eye doctor would have been perfectly content to write me scrips. When that same doctor's office is the one selling glasses, that strikes me the wrong way.

Fair enough, I will edit my comment: How much can they really mess with you with this, though? It's not like you can't take off your glasses and notice that you don't really need them to see.

Overall, what you're describing is a situation with enough buffers to not be "unsettling." 1. You have your own eyes to see with. 2. You know, or at least can know, your prescription and can go without if it's weak enough. 3. You are under no obligation to get your glasses there if you don't want to.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on August 30, 2022, 02:57:33 PM

When I'm typing something into a search bar, go to click my desired entry, and a delayed set of auto-fill options generates resulting in me clicking on something I didn't intend to.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on August 30, 2022, 03:04:55 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 29, 2022, 06:35:37 PM
20th century technology was all about solving problems.

21st century technology is about creating new problems so they can sell you solutions you didn't need before they started changing things that were perfectly fine how they were.

If ever we needed an Upvote button, it's for this comment.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on August 30, 2022, 03:13:46 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on August 30, 2022, 02:22:45 PM
How much can they really mess with you with this, though? It's not like you can't take off your glasses and notice that you don't really need them to see.

As I said, I was farsighted. I wore my glasses all the time except when putting sunglasses on while driving, swimming, etc, ever since childhood. Trying to read a chapter in a book without my glasses isn't something I had even considered trying.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on August 30, 2022, 03:49:07 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 29, 2022, 06:35:37 PM
20th century technology was all about solving problems.

21st century technology is about creating new problems so they can sell you solutions you didn't need before they started changing things that were perfectly fine how they were.

I believe the turning point was 2010, not 2000.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 30, 2022, 05:05:41 PM

Quote from: thspfc on August 30, 2022, 08:30:46 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 30, 2022, 03:19:28 AM
One problem with wireless earbuds I haven't seen pointed out is the tremendous amount of waste that throwing them away when they die causes. They're basically a bunch of rare earth metals in a shell of non-biodegradable plastic. Not exactly a great deal for the environment.

And it's not just me being stodgy and not liking changing technology. I would have no problem with them if you could pop them open with a screwdriver and swap the battery out yourself. What I have a problem with is the business model of selling you something unfixable so you have no choice but to buy a new one when the old one breaks. The world would be a better place if we forced every tech company MBA or marketing exec and forced them to sell salmon for a living instead.
Do wired earbuds not have that issue?

Not to the same extent that wireless ones do. I have a pair of wired earbuds that are so old I don't even remember when and where I got them, and as well as the wired earbuds that came with my Galaxy S4. Both of them work perfectly fine whenever I need them, I can just plug them in and they work as good as they did whenever I got them. Eventually I'm sure they'll wear out or get damaged and I'll have to throw them away, but I'm not going to have to replace them as frequently as I would a pair with a non-replaceable battery (especially since I rarely actually need to use headphones). A non-replaceable battery on a device means it has a built-in expiration date.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 30, 2022, 07:52:50 PM

When stores try to hide the fact that they're out of a product by putting another, similar-looking product in the spot on the shelf belonging to the product they're out of. For example, being out of meat lover's frozen lasagna and filling the space with veggie lover's frozen lasagna to make it less obvious they're out of the meat lover's kind.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on August 30, 2022, 08:28:56 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 30, 2022, 07:52:50 PM
When stores try to hide the fact that they're out of a product by putting another, similar-looking product in the spot on the shelf belonging to the product they're out of. For example, being out of meat lover's frozen lasagna and filling the space with veggie lover's frozen lasagna to make it less obvious they're out of the meat lover's kind.

I'm betting that, at least sometimes, that's a stock-boy error rather than a top-down malicious decision.

I have a related one, though: when people pick an item off the shelf, decide not to buy it after all, and then put it back in the wrong location instead–blocking the view of the thing you now have to spend three minutes searching for.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on August 30, 2022, 08:34:11 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 30, 2022, 08:28:56 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 30, 2022, 07:52:50 PM
When stores try to hide the fact that they're out of a product by putting another, similar-looking product in the spot on the shelf belonging to the product they're out of. For example, being out of meat lover's frozen lasagna and filling the space with veggie lover's frozen lasagna to make it less obvious they're out of the meat lover's kind.

I'm betting that, at least sometimes, that's a stock-boy error rather than a top-down malicious decision.

Yeah...sure...maybe. :-D Sometimes we just forgot to order things.

Back when I stocked grocery shelves, if I had a lot of stock-outs or "holes", then I'd put something similar in its place. Sometimes that incrementally helped to move out less-desirable inventory.

During quarterly inventory counts, we were told to put similar items with the same price in the place of empty spots, to alleviate the overall back-stock counts and simplify the process.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on August 30, 2022, 08:40:15 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on August 30, 2022, 01:06:38 PM
... it would be malpractice to recommend no correction whatsoever when the vision exam says otherwise.

It wouldn't be malpractice to say something like, "Your vision is kind of right on the line of needing glasses and not needing them. Would you still like me to write a scrip, or do want to try going without them for a while before you make a decision?"

But that isn't what happens. They just write you a scrip.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 30, 2022, 08:51:29 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 30, 2022, 08:28:56 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 30, 2022, 07:52:50 PM
When stores try to hide the fact that they're out of a product by putting another, similar-looking product in the spot on the shelf belonging to the product they're out of. For example, being out of meat lover's frozen lasagna and filling the space with veggie lover's frozen lasagna to make it less obvious they're out of the meat lover's kind.

I'm betting that, at least sometimes, that's a stock-boy error rather than a top-down malicious decision.

I think the truth is somewhere in between–there's somebody in middle management who thinks it looks "unprofessional" for there to be a bare spot on a shelf, so the stockers put the wrong thing in the spot so they won't get chewed out.

During the early parts of the pandemic, this same store had a wide variety of Cheez-Its filling up the empty toilet paper shelves. That's what makes me think that it's not malicious intent, but trying to appease some neurotic manager. It's not like someone who came to buy toilet paper can be tricked into buying Cheez-Its instead.

Personally, if I were managing something like that, I would want the big obvious bare spot on the shelf so that it's more obvious to the people who order stuff what we're out of stock on, to the people who restock that restocking needs to happen, etc.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on August 30, 2022, 09:02:01 PM

Or: Well, I've got 32 boxes of meat lover's lasagna here, and there's only room for 18. Looks like the other 14 are going in the veggie lover's spot instead.

Of course, it would never play out exactly like that, for two reasons:

1. The stock-boy just did mental math. Yeah, right, even the clerks at the register can't do mental math.

2. There's no way the veggie lover's lasagna would sell out faster than the meat lover's.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on August 31, 2022, 07:24:27 AM

Quote from: kphoger on August 30, 2022, 08:40:15 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on August 30, 2022, 01:06:38 PM
... it would be malpractice to recommend no correction whatsoever when the vision exam says otherwise.

It wouldn't be malpractice to say something like, "Your vision is kind of right on the line of needing glasses and not needing them. Would you still like me to write a scrip, or do want to try going without them for a while before you make a decision?"

But that isn't what happens. They just write you a scrip.

My last exam, the eye doctor wrote me a new script, but told me that it wasn't changed enough to warrant buying new glasses. They have in-house optician services.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tchafe1978 on August 31, 2022, 10:47:29 AM

Quote from: GaryV on August 31, 2022, 07:24:27 AM
Quote from: kphoger on August 30, 2022, 08:40:15 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on August 30, 2022, 01:06:38 PM
... it would be malpractice to recommend no correction whatsoever when the vision exam says otherwise.

It wouldn't be malpractice to say something like, "Your vision is kind of right on the line of needing glasses and not needing them. Would you still like me to write a scrip, or do want to try going without them for a while before you make a decision?"

But that isn't what happens. They just write you a scrip.

My last exam, the eye doctor wrote me a new script, but told me that it wasn't changed enough to warrant buying new glasses. They have in-house optician services.

The doctor can write you a script and make his recommendations, but of course it's up to you as to whether you use it to get new glasses or whatever. You just had the exam and paid the doctor, there is no harm in them writing you the script. If your eyes haven't changed and your current glasses are fine, i.e. the lenses aren't scratched up and the frame isn't broken, take your script and go home. I work in a vision center and we have people all the time who leave without buying new glasses. Either they don't need them right now or they're going to order from someplace else or online. Our optometrist is also independent, he rents the space from the store and it is in his contract that he pays for admin services such as appointment scheduling, etc. But he his completely removed from the retail portion of the business, so he has nothing to gain if someone buys glasses here or somewhere else. He's also bound by regulations and professional ethics and integrity, so there are rules in place for how long a script is good for, and how he treats the patients, and the recommendations he makes. It's not just so he can keep people coming back every year and feeding him money.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on August 31, 2022, 12:15:18 PM

If you have a doctor -- any doctor -- who is writing prescriptions for medications or corrective devices that are not necessary, especially without consulting with the patient about the marginal need for those prescriptions, then I would suggest that they are engaging in unethical behavior.

But every medical professional has a different opinion on the need for treatment. For years, my creatinine levels have been on the high side of normal. It's not anything that my doctor ever prescribed anything for, but his choice was just to monitor the levels and take action when needed. After his death last year, I had to find a new doctor. My new one, after my first examination and blood work, prescribed Farxiga even though my creatinine level was basically what it usually is. He felt a need to prescribe a medication where my previous doctor did not.

I had an eye exam last week. The results were that the vision in one eye wasn't any different, and the vision in the other eye had changed just slightly -- not enough, he said, to warrant a new pair of glasses.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on August 31, 2022, 01:16:07 PM

Quote from: kphoger on August 30, 2022, 08:40:15 PMIt wouldn't be malpractice to say something like, "Your vision is kind of right on the line of needing glasses and not needing them. Would you still like me to write a scrip, or do want to try going without them for a while before you make a decision?"

That's pretty much how it has worked at my optometrist. (Mind you, I haven't been back in quite a while.)

Quote from: kphoger on August 30, 2022, 08:40:15 PMBut that isn't what happens. They just write you a scrip.

This makes me wonder about the business model in play, since that would seem to imply lack of interest in a continuing relationship.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on August 31, 2022, 01:54:52 PM

My doctor wrote a scrip because, if for some reason I needed new glasses (say they were broken) then I'd replace them with the changed scrip. But he specifically told me that I didn't need to replace my current glasses. That's not prescribing something you don't need; that's being proactive.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Georgia Guardrail on August 31, 2022, 05:32:26 PM

People who order takeout from fancy/interesting restaurants. What's the point?

Wouldn't you rather enjoy the food at its freshest and the restaurant ambiance?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 31, 2022, 05:59:18 PM

Re: the eye doctor thing–I think there's a natural tendency in any field to want to do "something" when called upon by someone, even when "nothing" might be the right course of action. Even if a patient has had little change in their vision, not writing a scrip may make a patient feel like their time was wasted by the doctor, so they may be less likely to pursue further treatment from that doctor. May as well write a scrip that's off by like 0.01 from the previous one just so that the customer feels like they're getting their money's worth.

Quote from: Georgia Guardrail on August 31, 2022, 05:32:26 PM
People who order takeout from fancy/interesting restaurants. What's the point?

Wouldn't you rather enjoy the food at its freshest and the restaurant ambiance?

This is one of those "yes, but" situations.

Whenever I order take out, one or more of the following is probably true:
- None of us feel like getting dressed up, leaving the house, doing protocol with the server, etc.
- My wife is not physically up to going out.
- We have an event going on at the house (a game of some kind, pool party) for which leaving en masse doesn't make a lot of sense.

Now, we don't mess around with the extreme $100-a-plate fancy restaurants–even if we had the money for that I would oppose eating there on principle because they don't provide good value for money in my opinion. And, yes, I would say it would be really weird to spend that much money only to hand it off to a DoorDash driver with five other orders in his car.

Also, restaurant ambiance doesn't do much for me. When I spend money on food, my attention is on the food, not the surroundings. That's not to say that I don't like eating in an architecturally interesting space, but it's also not something I'm willing to pay more for.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DenverBrian on August 31, 2022, 10:48:51 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on August 30, 2022, 12:08:01 PM
I never buy glasses from the optometrist. Only from www.zenni.com. Sooooo much cheaper.

And if you don't have severe astigmatism, and your eyes are roughly the same power, you can now get glasses on Amazon for $15-$20. We've had "reading glasses" with + power forever, but lately, you can buy glasses with - power. The $20 pair I got on Amazon at -3.75 matches my right eye prescription, is very close to my left eye prescription, and I don't have much astigmatism. And they're pretty stylish. Much easier and cheaper than $80 or $120 at Costco.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on August 31, 2022, 11:02:18 PM

Quote from: Georgia Guardrail on August 31, 2022, 05:32:26 PMPeople who order takeout from fancy/interesting restaurants. What's the point?

Wouldn't you rather enjoy the food at its freshest and the restaurant ambiance?

While I see your point, I've also had some recent adult caregiver issues where the parent was stuck in bed. If it was for an extended period, I may order out a fancy meal to make their recovery period a bit earlier.

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 31, 2022, 05:59:18 PMNow, we don't mess around with the extreme $100-a-plate fancy restaurants–even if we had the money for that I would oppose eating there on principle because they don't provide good value for money in my opinion. (text deleted) Also, restaurant ambiance doesn't do much for me. When I spend money on food, my attention is on the food, not the surroundings. That's not to say that I don't like eating in an architecturally interesting space, but it's also not something I'm willing to pay more for.

There is a steakhouse in the DFW area called Texas (https://www.thesonoftexas.com/) that I would consider one of the best steakhouses in the area. Not only is it family-owned, but it is also around the corner from where I live. It is expensive, but you taste it in the quality of the food that is served there. Another is a French restaurant called Lavendou (https://www.lavendou.com/) which serves some of the best French food and which a neighbor highly recommends and has given me gift certificates in exchange for work that I perform because I'm a nice guy.

Mind you, these aren't places that I would consider going to on a regular basis, but for very special occasions (like very good friends coming from out of town, mother's day), they are a treat.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 01, 2022, 02:49:23 PM

Quote from: Georgia Guardrail on August 31, 2022, 05:32:26 PM
People who order takeout from fancy/interesting restaurants. What's the point?

Wouldn't you rather enjoy the food at its freshest and the restaurant ambiance?

Presumably, the reason is the same as ordering takeout from un-fancy/un-interesting restaurants.

Are you saying it's better to order takeout from mediocre places?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MATraveler128 on September 01, 2022, 03:39:08 PM

When people leave their turn signal on for miles after turning and don't shut it off until they get home.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on September 01, 2022, 03:44:59 PM

Quote from: BlueOutback7 on September 01, 2022, 03:39:08 PM
... and don't shut it off until they get home.

Naah, they leave it on to bother the next guy on the next day.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: elsmere241 on September 01, 2022, 03:50:02 PM

Quote from: BlueOutback7 on September 01, 2022, 03:39:08 PM
When people leave their turn signal on for miles after turning and don't shut it off until they get home.

My new van beeps at you and turns the signal off if it's on for a while. Sometimes I wind up turning it back on because I'm about to enter a ramp or something.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 01, 2022, 03:55:20 PM

Quote from: BlueOutback7 on September 01, 2022, 03:39:08 PM
When people leave their turn signal on for miles after turning and don't shut it off until they get home.

You follow them home??

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on September 01, 2022, 04:10:04 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 01, 2022, 03:55:20 PM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on September 01, 2022, 03:39:08 PM
When people leave their turn signal on for miles after turning and don't shut it off until they get home.

You follow them home??

I usually do, just to be sure.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on September 01, 2022, 07:12:27 PM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on September 01, 2022, 04:10:04 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 01, 2022, 03:55:20 PM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on September 01, 2022, 03:39:08 PM
When people leave their turn signal on for miles after turning and don't shut it off until they get home.

You follow them home??

I usually do, just to be sure.

The correct response would have been...

(https://thumbs.gfycat.com/CommonYoungAfricangroundhornbill-size_restricted.gif)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wxfree on September 06, 2022, 12:59:50 AM

Multiples of less

I know what "one third less" means and what "ten percent less" means, but what does "three times less" mean? When you say "three times more" you're referring to the obvious reference point of zero, such that 12 is three times more than four. But I've heard the phrase of some number times less, usually referring to a price. It makes no sense.

There has to be some kind of reference point. For example, 7 is three times less than 9 if the reference point is 10, because 9 is one less than 10 and 7 is 3 less. If one thing costs three times less than something else, what does that mean? A comparison requires three values, the two compared values and a reference point. If the comparison is positive, then the reference point is zero, but if the comparison is negative, what is the reference value? What does it mean for something to cost three times less than something else if there is no value to compare it to?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on September 06, 2022, 10:18:44 AM

All last Tuesday everyone I've run into has led their conversations off with "it's so hot out" amid the current heat wave. I find those complaints to be incredibly annoying given I live in a city where 100-105F weather is common in the summer. If something like high heat is common, what's the point of complaining about it to everyone you know?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on September 06, 2022, 10:52:51 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 06, 2022, 10:18:44 AMAll last Tuesday everyone I've run into has led their conversations off with "it's so hot out" amid the current heat wave. I find those complaints to be incredibly annoying given I live in a city where 100-105F weather is common in the summer.

Makes me want to reply: "So, it's HOT outside? Let me remind you of the snowfall from last February when you were complaining about how COLD it was."

Right now, my complaint is having to clean up after a brief but nasty storm that dumped 1.16" inches of rain and the winds blowing down branches from water-deprived trees.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on September 06, 2022, 12:11:52 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on September 06, 2022, 10:52:51 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 06, 2022, 10:18:44 AMAll last Tuesday everyone I've run into has led their conversations off with "it's so hot out" amid the current heat wave. I find those complaints to be incredibly annoying given I live in a city where 100-105F weather is common in the summer.

Makes me want to reply: "So, it's HOT outside? Let me remind you of the snowfall from last February when you were complaining about how COLD it was."

Right now, my complaint is having to clean up after a brief but nasty storm that dumped 1.16" inches of rain and the winds blowing down branches from water-deprived trees.

I lived in Phoenix for thirteen, dry heat doesn't bother me I guess. It was tangibly more miserable in Philadelphia in the low 80s due to humidity after rain.

When was I complaining about cold and snowfall in Fresno? The latter seems semi-plausible, especially if I went for a run outside and it was super windy. The only real reason I would complain about snow is if I was somehow obstructed from going somewhere in the Sierra Nevada Mountains by bad weather.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on September 06, 2022, 04:53:31 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 06, 2022, 10:18:44 AM
All last Tuesday everyone I've run into has led their conversations off with "it's so hot out" amid the current heat wave. I find those complaints to be incredibly annoying given I live in a city where 100-105F weather is common in the summer. If something like high heat is common, what's the point of complaining about it to everyone you know?

Because it's September and it is not supposed to be that hot this late?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on September 06, 2022, 04:57:11 PM

Quote from: US 89 on September 06, 2022, 04:53:31 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 06, 2022, 10:18:44 AM
All last Tuesday everyone I've run into has led their conversations off with "it's so hot out" amid the current heat wave. I find those complaints to be incredibly annoying given I live in a city where 100-105F weather is common in the summer. If something like high heat is common, what's the point of complaining about it to everyone you know?

Because it's September and it is not supposed to be that hot this late?

Yes, all the same 90% of conversations don't need to start off about it. Even in Monterey people were asking me how hot it was in Fresno.

I still want to know where I complained about snow in Fresno...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on September 06, 2022, 05:08:22 PM

I try to be sparing about complaints since they can grate even when they are justified. Here in Wichita it has been a little cooler since the start of the month--enough that I can walk two miles at sunset without coming back in dripping with perspiration--but the daily maximum dewpoints are still above 60Â° F. I predict it will take another two weeks for the really pleasant autumn weather to arrive.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on September 06, 2022, 05:44:18 PM

When someone corrects a misspelled word on this forum like it's the crime of century. Like who cares if you spell ConocoPhillips as Conco or Corco or whatever.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on September 06, 2022, 05:58:11 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 06, 2022, 10:18:44 AM
All last Tuesday everyone I've run into has led their conversations off with "it's so hot out" amid the current heat wave. I find those complaints to be incredibly annoying given I live in a city where 100-105F weather is common in the summer. If something like high heat is common, what's the point of complaining about it to everyone you know?

Hot one today, huh?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on September 06, 2022, 06:46:10 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on September 06, 2022, 05:44:18 PM
When someone corrects a misspelled word on this forum like it's the crime of century. Like who cares if you spell ConocoPhillips as Conco or Corco or whatever.

Not specifically related, but when 95 people all point it out, like "ok, we get it, we know."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on September 06, 2022, 06:52:21 PM

Quote from: 7/8 on September 06, 2022, 05:58:11 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 06, 2022, 10:18:44 AM
All last Tuesday everyone I've run into has led their conversations off with "it's so hot out" amid the current heat wave. I find those complaints to be incredibly annoying given I live in a city where 100-105F weather is common in the summer. If something like high heat is common, what's the point of complaining about it to everyone you know?

Hot one today, huh?

Not hot enough, seems we will only get to 112F and not match the record of 115F. :no:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on September 06, 2022, 08:07:38 PM

Using the term "four-way concurrency" as a substitute for a concurrency with four routes regardless of cardinal direction. To me, a "four-way concurrency" is where each of the four routes is signed a different cardinal direction.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 06, 2022, 09:39:50 PM

Quote from: US 89 on September 06, 2022, 04:53:31 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 06, 2022, 10:18:44 AM
All last Tuesday everyone I've run into has led their conversations off with "it's so hot out" amid the current heat wave. I find those complaints to be incredibly annoying given I live in a city where 100-105F weather is common in the summer. If something like high heat is common, what's the point of complaining about it to everyone you know?

Because it's September and it is not supposed to be that hot this late?

meh. The average high temperature in Fresno in September (91Â°F) is only 5Â°F less than the average high in August, and it's the same as the average high in June.

September 6 averages a high of 93Â°F. That's the same as June 23.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on September 06, 2022, 09:44:02 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 06, 2022, 09:39:50 PM
Quote from: US 89 on September 06, 2022, 04:53:31 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 06, 2022, 10:18:44 AM
All last Tuesday everyone I've run into has led their conversations off with "it's so hot out" amid the current heat wave. I find those complaints to be incredibly annoying given I live in a city where 100-105F weather is common in the summer. If something like high heat is common, what's the point of complaining about it to everyone you know?

Because it's September and it is not supposed to be that hot this late?

meh. The average high temperature in Fresno in September (91Â°F) is only 5Â°F less than the average high in August, and it's the same as the average high in June.

September 6 averages a high of 93Â°F. That's the same as June 23.

The previous all time Fresno September high before today was 111F.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 06, 2022, 09:57:23 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 06, 2022, 09:44:02 PM
The previous all time Fresno September high before today was 111F.

Exactly. As you said, triple digits in the summer in Fresno isn't exactly uncommon...

September 7, 2021 – 106Â°F
September 6, 2020 – 109Â°F
September 2, 2019 – 102Â°F
September 7, 2018 – 100Â°F
September 2, 2017 – 108Â°F
September 19, 2016 – 102Â°F
September 9, 2015 – 104Â°F

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on September 07, 2022, 08:32:17 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 06, 2022, 04:57:11 PM
Quote from: US 89 on September 06, 2022, 04:53:31 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 06, 2022, 10:18:44 AM
All last Tuesday everyone I've run into has led their conversations off with "it's so hot out" amid the current heat wave. I find those complaints to be incredibly annoying given I live in a city where 100-105F weather is common in the summer. If something like high heat is common, what's the point of complaining about it to everyone you know?

Because it's September and it is not supposed to be that hot this late?

Yes, all the same 90% of conversations don't need to start off about it. Even in Monterey people were asking me how hot it was in Fresno.

I still want to know where I complained about snow in Fresno...

That wasn't directed at you. Looking at ZLoth's location of Richardson TX, "last February", . . . yeah.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on September 07, 2022, 08:36:32 AM

Here it's been about usual. Saturday morning I wore a sweatshirt for the first time in months. Last fall the tree colors didn't peak until the last few days of October, and then this spring they didn't turn green until the first few days of May. That's about two weeks late in both cases.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on September 07, 2022, 09:06:17 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 06, 2022, 04:57:11 PMI still want to know where I complained about snow in Fresno...

You didn't. It snowed the past two Februarys in north Dallas, and in significant accumulations. I saved the pictures, created Memes, and have been using them when people complained how it's too hot around here.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on September 07, 2022, 09:09:31 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on September 07, 2022, 09:06:17 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 06, 2022, 04:57:11 PMI still want to know where I complained about snow in Fresno...

You didn't. It snowed the past two Februarys in north Dallas, and in significant accumulations. I saved the pictures, created Memes, and have been using them when people complained how it's too hot around here.

The problem wasn't the snow. It was that lack of regulations meant that Texas had its own power grid which failed for several days during the storm, and if Texas was on the same grid as the rest of the country, the long power outage wouldn't have happened.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on September 07, 2022, 09:14:17 AM

Quote from: 1 on September 07, 2022, 09:09:31 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on September 07, 2022, 09:06:17 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 06, 2022, 04:57:11 PMI still want to know where I complained about snow in Fresno…

You didn't. It snowed the past two Februarys in north Dallas, and in significant accumulations. I saved the pictures, created Memes, and have been using them when people complained how it's too hot around here.

The problem wasn't the snow. It was that lack of regulations meant that Texas had its own power grid which failed for several days during the storm, and if Texas was on the same grid as the rest of the country, the long power outage wouldn't have happened.

And that Texas had failed to adequately design and protect its generation equipment against winter conditions that were known to be unlikely but well within the realm of possibility.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on September 07, 2022, 11:19:27 AM

Quote from: 1 on September 07, 2022, 09:09:31 AM
The problem wasn't the snow. It was that lack of regulations meant that Texas had its own power grid which failed for several days during the storm, and if Texas was on the same grid as the rest of the country, the long power outage wouldn't have happened.

That's not relevant to the cold temperatures. And, without question, the snow was a problem.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on September 07, 2022, 11:25:23 AM

Quote from: US 89 on September 07, 2022, 09:14:17 AM
And that Texas had failed to adequately design and protect its generation equipment against winter conditions that were known to be unlikely but well within the realm of possibility.

I have not seen this logic applied anywhere except the Texas snowstorm.

City in tornado alley gets leveled by a tornado? "How tragic."

East/gulf coast flooded due to a hurricane? "Terrible."

Texas hit by a once in 1,000 years blizzard and cold wave? "Why weren't they prepared???"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on September 07, 2022, 11:40:16 AM

Quote from: thspfc on September 07, 2022, 11:25:23 AM
Texas hit by a once in 1,000 years blizzard and cold wave? "Why weren't they prepared???"

I don't know about that. Something similar happened in 2011, causing rolling blackouts across most of the state, which led to recommendations for various upgrades and other preparations, many of which were ignored. And are continuing to be ignored.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 07, 2022, 11:45:32 AM

Yeah, that 2011 winter storm in Dallas basically shut the city down for about three days.

They're just weren't ready for something like this:

(https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1ynvnR81BkXjSz5OVZ70NPtKIo4=/0x0:430x287/920x613/filters:focal(0x0:430x287):format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/imported_assets/645771/ice-storm-street.jpg)

Then again, they're certainly not alone. I remember when an ice storm hit Saltillo, Coahuila. An online newspaper article had a picture of a state highway pickup truck on an interchange flyover, with guys standing in the back emptying bags of ice melt onto the concrete...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on September 07, 2022, 11:51:10 AM

Quote from: thspfc on September 07, 2022, 11:25:23 AM
Quote from: US 89 on September 07, 2022, 09:14:17 AM
And that Texas had failed to adequately design and protect its generation equipment against winter conditions that were known to be unlikely but well within the realm of possibility.
I have not seen this logic applied anywhere except the Texas snowstorm.

City in tornado alley gets leveled by a tornado? "How tragic."

East/gulf coast flooded due to a hurricane? "Terrible."

Texas hit by a once in 1,000 years blizzard and cold wave? "Why weren't they prepared???"

Really, you don't remember "this logic" applied in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 07, 2022, 12:00:34 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on September 07, 2022, 11:51:10 AM

Quote from: thspfc on September 07, 2022, 11:25:23 AM

Quote from: US 89 on September 07, 2022, 09:14:17 AM
And that Texas had failed to adequately design and protect its generation equipment against winter conditions that were known to be unlikely but well within the realm of possibility.
I have not seen this logic applied anywhere except the Texas snowstorm.

City in tornado alley gets leveled by a tornado? "How tragic."

East/gulf coast flooded due to a hurricane? "Terrible."

Texas hit by a once in 1,000 years blizzard and cold wave? "Why weren't they prepared???"

Really, you don't remember "this logic" applied in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina?

The logic applied in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina was "They shouldn't be living there at all." :rolleyes:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on September 07, 2022, 12:17:27 PM

Massachusetts isn't prepared for three specific things: sustained winds above 30 mph (this can cause power outages even in storms that don't qualify as hurricanes or tornadoes), earthquakes (Massachusetts is in the region of "rare but extremely severe if it does happen"; last one 1755), and solar flares (more northern latitudes = more affected; most recent 1859 globally and 2003 at our latitude in Europe).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 07, 2022, 12:22:22 PM

Quote from: 1 on September 07, 2022, 12:17:27 PM
Massachusetts isn't prepared for three specific things: sustained winds above 30 mph ...

Ha! Where I grew up, sustained winds above 30 mph was called "summer". The weather forecast would commonly contain the phrase "light winds, 15 to 30 miles per hour".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on September 07, 2022, 01:37:45 PM

Quote from: thspfc on September 07, 2022, 11:25:23 AM
Quote from: US 89 on September 07, 2022, 09:14:17 AM
And that Texas had failed to adequately design and protect its generation equipment against winter conditions that were known to be unlikely but well within the realm of possibility.
I have not seen this logic applied anywhere except the Texas snowstorm.

City in tornado alley gets leveled by a tornado? "How tragic."

East/gulf coast flooded due to a hurricane? "Terrible."

Texas hit by a once in 1,000 years blizzard and cold wave? "Why weren't they prepared???"

Because Texas chose to play dumb political games, and won stupid prizes as a result.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on September 07, 2022, 02:21:00 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 07, 2022, 12:00:34 PMThe logic applied in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina was "They shouldn't be living there at all." :rolleyes:

And during Katrina, it was "'those people' should've gotten off their lazy asses and evacuated."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 07, 2022, 06:34:35 PM

Those who are inclined to let the Texas government off the hook for the 2021 snowstorm should be aware that Oklahoma, the state whose government created the "Craig County" sign, got hit by the exact same storms as Texas at the same time and suffered practically no ill effects, even in the parts of the state adjoining Texas (and therefore see comparable snowfall amounts). I don't think the lights even so much as flickered in Norman.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 07, 2022, 06:54:35 PM

So when is everyone going to start hating on Quebec for the same reason? :hmmm:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on September 07, 2022, 07:05:19 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 07, 2022, 06:54:35 PM
So when is everyone going to start hating on Quebec for the same reason? :hmmm:

What do you mean? I can't identify any preventable power failures in Québec that killed anywhere near 200 people or even the comparative population equivalent of about 59.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 07, 2022, 07:05:27 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on September 07, 2022, 07:02:22 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 07, 2022, 06:54:35 PM
So when is everyone going to start hating on Quebec for the same reason? :hmmm:

What do you mean? I can't identify any preventable power failures in Québec that killed anywhere near 200 people or even the comparative population equivalent of about 59.

Isn't that because Quebec's power grid is better than Texas' power grid? But isn't it still just as disconnected? If that's the case, then it really shouldn't boil down to hating on Texas for not wanting to deal with interstate regulation–because that's not much different from Quebec.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on September 07, 2022, 07:06:32 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 07, 2022, 07:05:27 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on September 07, 2022, 07:02:22 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 07, 2022, 06:54:35 PM
So when is everyone going to start hating on Quebec for the same reason? :hmmm:

What do you mean? I can't identify any preventable power failures in Québec that killed anywhere near 200 people or even the comparative population equivalent of about 59.

Isn't that because Quebec's power grid is better than Texas' power grid? But isn't it still just as disconnected? If that's the case, then it really shouldn't boil down to hating on Texas for not wanting to deal with interstate regulation–because that's not much different from Quebec.

I'm not following.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on September 07, 2022, 08:15:47 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on September 07, 2022, 07:06:32 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 07, 2022, 07:05:27 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on September 07, 2022, 07:02:22 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 07, 2022, 06:54:35 PM
So when is everyone going to start hating on Quebec for the same reason? :hmmm:

What do you mean? I can't identify any preventable power failures in Québec that killed anywhere near 200 people or even the comparative population equivalent of about 59.

Isn't that because Quebec's power grid is better than Texas' power grid? But isn't it still just as disconnected? If that's the case, then it really shouldn't boil down to hating on Texas for not wanting to deal with interstate regulation–because that's not much different from Quebec.

I'm not following.

This sounds like a qu'enestisme...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on September 07, 2022, 08:23:14 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 07, 2022, 07:05:27 PMIsn't that because Quebec's power grid is better than Texas' power grid? But isn't it still just as disconnected? If that's the case, then it really shouldn't boil down to hating on Texas for not wanting to deal with interstate regulation–because that's not much different from Quebec.

The underlying reliability issues are very different. The Texas grid almost collapsed because output from poorly winterized power plants dropped just as demand rose: this is a problem that can be fixed in the short term if the grid is able to draw power from areas that are less stressed by weather (not possible since the cold covered all of Texas) and can be prevented if utility infrastructure is winterized (Texas tried to do things on the cheap and didn't make the required investments). The power loss event in Québec that is most nearly comparable, a nine-day blackout in 1998 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydro-Qu%C3%A9bec%27s_electricity_transmission_system#1998_ice_storm), occurred when 735 kV transmission lines went down in an ice storm: there was plenty of power but no way to get it to load centers. (The pylons were designed to handle up to 45 mm of ice accumulation and were considered "indestructible" on that basis; the 1998 storm deposited 70 mm of ice.)

AIUI, Texas relies much more on cheap power than the vast majority of US states, so weak standards extend all the way from electricity generation at the plant to houses at the other end of the transmission and distribution infrastructure. For this reason, I would hesitate to buy a house anywhere in the state without having an energy efficiency survey done.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on September 08, 2022, 09:45:59 AM

One thing that annoys me a bit is that they're rebuilding a bunch of bridges overcrossing I-55 in southern Illinois, and so there's some lane closures and all that in the vicinity of the bridges. However, the the orange signs and flashing lights warning of these lane closures start way far back, making it seems like an miles long traffic shift is coming up ahead, but when you actually get there, it's over in couple hundred feet or so. It seems like a disproportionately big production for the actual work involved, and it's repeated for how many bridges there are.

(Having looked into the matter a bit, they might just be repainting the bridges.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 08, 2022, 10:47:59 AM

Quote from: J N Winkler on September 07, 2022, 08:23:14 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 07, 2022, 07:05:27 PM
Isn't that because Quebec's power grid is better than Texas' power grid? But isn't it still just as disconnected? If that's the case, then it really shouldn't boil down to hating on Texas for not wanting to deal with interstate regulation–because that's not much different from Quebec.

The underlying reliability issues are very different. The Texas grid almost collapsed because output from poorly winterized power plants dropped just as demand rose: this is a problem that can be fixed in the short term if the grid is able to draw power from areas that are less stressed by weather (not possible since the cold covered all of Texas) and can be prevented if utility infrastructure is winterized (Texas tried to do things on the cheap and didn't make the required investments). The power loss event in Québec that is most nearly comparable, a nine-day blackout in 1998 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydro-Qu%C3%A9bec%27s_electricity_transmission_system#1998_ice_storm), occurred when 735 kV transmission lines went down in an ice storm: there was plenty of power but no way to get it to load centers. (The pylons were designed to handle up to 45 mm of ice accumulation and were considered "indestructible" on that basis; the 1998 storm deposited 70 mm of ice.)

All correct. Quebec's power grid is cordoned off from the rest of Canada, but it operates well because it is designed well and can handle all but the most unthinkably severe winter weather. Texas' power grid is cordoned off from the rest of the USA, and its comparative inferiority of standards mean it cannot handle incidents that are much more likely to occur. The issue isn't that it has its own grid, as is evidenced by the superiority of Quebec's grid: the issue is that the grid it has isn't good enough. The issue isn't that it's not subject to interstate regulations: it's the insufficiency of state regulations.

And yet I keep hearing people say that the disaster was caused by Texas' decision decades ago to not tie in with the nation's other, larger grids. No, as Quebec has proven, merely remaining disconnected doesn't have to spell disaster. Pointing out that only the most mind-blowing ice storm has been able to cripple Quebec's power grid only proves my point: Texas' grid could have been just fine, isolated as it is from the rest of the US, if only it had been designed and maintained with standards that aren't so "weak", as you put it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 08, 2022, 10:57:15 AM

However, the problem would have still been avoided if Texas had decided to tie in with the nation's other larger grids. Of course that's not the only way the problem could have been avoided, but it is definitely among them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on September 08, 2022, 11:04:09 AM

Quote from: webny99 on September 08, 2022, 10:57:15 AM
However, the problem would have still been avoided if Texas had decided to tie in with the nation's other larger grids. Of course that's not the only way the problem could have been avoided, but it is definitely among them.

So, what you're saying is that the problem was caused by Texas's power grid being disconnected and shitty, but it could have been avoided, at least the bulk of it, by being disconnected or shitty.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 08, 2022, 11:39:03 AM

Being disconnected also is occasionally a benefit. Every so often, something goes wrong in one of the two big interconnects, and power is shuttled from neighboring states–which can then trip those other states' power offline and cause rolling blackouts, which in turn can cause their own fatalities. The biggest blackout in US history was like that, and it contributed to more than 100 deaths (https://www.reuters.com/article/us-blackout-newyork/spike-in-deaths-blamed-on-2003-new-york-blackout-idUSTRE80Q07G20120127); the failure occurred in Ohio, but the deaths tied to the power outage ranged from Ontario to New York.

Besides, when it comes to the 2021 storm:
With most of the country also facing bitterly cold temperatures, the rest of the U.S. wouldn't have had much to spare anyway, said Bill White, the former Houston mayor and former deputy U.S. energy secretary who also once served on the board of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, a nonprofit that oversees grid reliability and security for the United States, Canada, and parts of Mexico. [Texas Monthly, 27-FEB-2021]

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on September 08, 2022, 01:19:16 PM

Here in Washington, there are two outstanding natural disasters that threaten portions of the state: (1) earthquakes, and (2) lahar flows.

For (1), I think more could be done to prepare for earthquakes at the home/personal level, but public infrastructure has been built to withstand the vast majority of earthquakes. Bridges, buildings, and public areas in general have largely been built properly, with more things being rebuilt or retrofitted each year. There's still plenty to do, but I feel quite confident that most people would survive without injury if a large earthquake struck the Puget Sound region.

For (2), Washington has done an excellent job preparing for lahar flows (Mt Rainier eruption). There are warning systems throughout the areas most prone to pyroclastic flows; children practice evacuations from schools; there are posted "volcano evacuation" routes (blue circular signs) throughout the area; there is an incredibly advanced monitoring system in place to watch the mountain and give as much warning as possible; etc. About the only other thing that could be done would be to improve the roads leading into and out of the lahar zones to hasten evacuation efforts, as some of the communities won't have more than about 20, maybe 30 minutes of notice.

I only bring these things up because it is possible to be prepared for things that are rare, especially when (in the case of (2)) it doesn't take that long or that much money to do so. I think it's unfair to compare ice storms in Texas to hurricanes on the east coast or tornadoes in the Midwest because the latter two can occur almost anywhere and with enough force to do serious damage to all but the most well-built structures. Preparing public infrastructure and every building to withstand natural disasters like a hurricane or tornado would certainly cost more than anyone would be willing to pay. We could build natural barriers along every inch of shoreline from Texas to Maine, but such a project would be Interstate-level infrastructure construction. On the flip side, I don't think weather-proofing power-generating equipment is as large of an undertaking. And if Texas hasn't started doing it now, they're going to look very foolish if another large cold-weather storm knocks out the power again.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on September 08, 2022, 01:20:34 PM

From The Verge:

Streaming services show the same ad over and over, and it's driving me crazy - FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2oo)

Whats worse... when I'm watching a English-language program, and they decide to show a Spanish-language advertisement. It's probably the geolocation generated by my IP address, but still, I cannot understand more than two-three words. I can guess the product that you are probably trying to sell me, but I'm not your target audience. At least it isn't one of those "learn English" advertisements.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 08, 2022, 02:28:19 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on September 08, 2022, 01:20:34 PM
Whats worse... when I'm watching a English-language program, and they decide to show a Spanish-language advertisement. It's probably the geolocation generated by my IP address, but still, I cannot understand more than two-three words. I can guess the product that you are probably trying to sell me, but I'm not your target audience. At least it isn't one of those "learn English" advertisements.

meh. What's the problem? I hate ads, and a foreign-language one is easier for me to ignore (even if it's in a language I understand, like Spanish) than an English one. We get them here too every so often, even in a mostly white and black neighborhood.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on September 08, 2022, 02:32:47 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 08, 2022, 02:28:19 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on September 08, 2022, 01:20:34 PM
Whats worse... when I'm watching a English-language program, and they decide to show a Spanish-language advertisement. It's probably the geolocation generated by my IP address, but still, I cannot understand more than two-three words. I can guess the product that you are probably trying to sell me, but I'm not your target audience. At least it isn't one of those "learn English" advertisements.

meh. What's the problem? I hate ads, and a foreign-language one is easier for me to ignore (even if it's in a language I understand, like Spanish) than an English one. We get them here too every so often, even in a mostly white and black neighborhood.

We used to get Spanish-language ads on Hulu because we were sharing an account with my wife's best friends from college, who both speak Spanish fluently and were missionaries in Bolivia for many years, and were using Hulu to watch Spanish-language programming.

Didn't bother me; there was an amusing Subway ad that used a song in Spanish where the chorus was LLEGO PAVO followed by a turkey noise.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Georgia Guardrail on September 08, 2022, 09:40:52 PM

People who talk in their car with their bluetoothed speakers super loud so you can hear their entire conversation when just walking by. It's like Knight Rider.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CoreySamson on September 09, 2022, 05:04:11 PM

I'd say Texas is pretty hardy to natural disasters that would typically cripple the rest of the nation. Of course, that means it is vulnerable to the disasters that the rest of the nation can handle.

Homes have to be built for tornadoes and hurricanes, which means they are stronger than their northern counterparts. At least close to the coast, homes have thick metal strips bolting the walls to the concrete foundation. Heat waves don't kill very many people in Texas because of widespread AC use (do you remember how the media said there would be rolling blackouts to deal with the record heat this year in Texas? Did those ever happen? Because I never experienced one).

Rain events in eastern Texas usually take about 5 inches to do anything of note. Last year, we had a minimal hurricane (Nicholas) in my area that dropped almost 10 inches of rain in just as many hours and had 75 mph wind gusts, yet other than a couple trees falling over, there really wasn't that much damage and there was no flooding. Take that hurricane and drop it literally anywhere else in the Western world (except for maybe the Gulf coast and the Carolinas) and it would be pretty catastrophic (on a side note, late last year I was formulating a new hurricane rating system based on a hurricane's stats and I noticed that Nicholas ranked much higher than Henri, a similar storm that affected the NE. Granted, the scale is unbalanced, but if anyone wants to see it, I can share it). We saw from Hurricane Ida last year that even 5 inches of rain in the NE can do massive amounts of damage. You need at least twice that to do that sort of damage in the Houston area.

My point is that different areas of the world have different sorts of natural disasters that they are well equipped to handle. The north of the US is well equipped to handle snowstorms. The Gulf coast can handle hurricanes. California can handle earthquakes. At the same time, each area has sorts of natural disasters that they can't handle that well. Seattle can't handle heat waves well. Texas can't handle massive ice storms. California can't handle hurricanes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 14, 2022, 12:12:58 PM

Computer programs/applications/sites that log you out after only 15 minutes of inactivity. Even worse, if the window automatically closes at that point too.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 14, 2022, 12:21:19 PM

When I go to click a command shortcut in Excel and, right before I do, all the buttons shift around, and I end up clicking on something else instead. Lately a few times, this has resulted in formatting an entire spreadsheet as 'Stocks' rather than simply opening the Sort popup.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on September 14, 2022, 01:15:26 PM

On the Excel topic, when Scroll Lock somehow gets turned on despite not even having that button on my laptop keyboard.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 14, 2022, 01:24:24 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 14, 2022, 01:15:26 PM
On the Excel topic, when Scroll Lock somehow gets turned on despite not even having that button on my laptop keyboard.

Check this post for your laptop brand, and see if the Fn-key shortcut works.

https://www.quora.com/Where-is-the-scroll-lock-button-on-a-laptop

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on September 14, 2022, 02:05:52 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 14, 2022, 12:12:58 PMComputer programs/applications/sites that log you out after only 15 minutes of inactivity. Even worse, if the window automatically closes at that point too.

I've had to develop strategies for dealing with autologout when scripting retrieval of highway construction documentation packages. The usual scenario is that the server logs the script out when the time required to download a file exceeds the login window.

* The simplest countermeasure is to add logic to detect logout (typically by looking for HTML code for a login in whatever is downloaded from the server) and then log back in.

* Another approach is to set a timer script that terminates before autologout and then have the main script check whether a timer is active. If it finds none, it then logs back in.

* Sometimes the server will extend the validity of the login cookie if it receives a page request while a file is downloading. Ideally, the page in question will load just with a HTTP GET request, meaning postdata does not have to be confected to produce a HTTP POST request. I have several "autologout suppressor" scripts that run in conjunction with downloaders to generate dummy requests when a timeout interval (always set to be shorter than the login window) passes. This is not an especially clean solution, but it is sometimes necessary for servers that require multiple page loads for a script to "find its place" after a logout. (I used to work with a server that listed projects 20 at a time on a results page. If the script got logged out while downloading files for the 310th project, for example, the following sequence was necessary to get back in: login; load results pages 1, 2, 3, . . ., 10; load page to flip over to a new group of 10 results pages; load pages 11, 12, . . ., 15; request 310th project; clear disclaimer screen; load file listing for 310th project. The files for the project were never available for download until the file listing page was loaded, since it took a HTTP POST request followed by a HTTP GET request to download each file and only the file listing page had the ASP.Net variable values necessary to generate postdata for the first request.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on September 14, 2022, 02:19:40 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 14, 2022, 01:24:24 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 14, 2022, 01:15:26 PM
On the Excel topic, when Scroll Lock somehow gets turned on despite not even having that button on my laptop keyboard.

Check this post for your laptop brand, and see if the Fn-key shortcut works.

https://www.quora.com/Where-is-the-scroll-lock-button-on-a-laptop

I just pull up the virtual keyboard to turn it off. I have zero idea how it gets turned on. I use the function key maybe once a month.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on September 14, 2022, 02:33:10 PM

Wait, Scroll Lock actually does something? Today I learned.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 14, 2022, 03:35:24 PM

Quote from: US 89 on September 14, 2022, 02:33:10 PM
Wait, Scroll Lock actually does something? Today I learned.

Wow, seriously? Yeah. Open any spreadsheet, or a new one, in Excel. Press the down-arrow key on the keyboard, and it highlights the next cell down on the sheet. Turn on Scroll Lock, and pressing the down-arrow key scrolls down the spreadsheet instead.

Quote from: J N Winkler on September 14, 2022, 02:05:52 PM
I've had to develop strategies for dealing with autologout when scripting [tech babble logic script server mainframe dns beep beep boop beep abort retry fail

And also, my worst offending program is within a virtual desktop environment.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on September 14, 2022, 04:55:25 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 14, 2022, 03:35:24 PMWow, seriously? Yeah. Open any spreadsheet, or a new one, in Excel. Press the down-arrow key on the keyboard, and it highlights the next cell down on the sheet. Turn on Scroll Lock, and pressing the down-arrow key scrolls down the spreadsheet instead.

Excel is one of the few programs left that implements scroll lock. (This makes me wonder: what advantages does it have over PageUp/PageDown?)

Quote from: kphoger on September 14, 2022, 03:35:24 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on September 14, 2022, 02:05:52 PMI've had to develop strategies for dealing with autologout when scripting [tech babble logic script server mainframe dns beep beep boop beep abort retry fail

And also, my worst offending program is within a virtual desktop environment.

That makes it tough. I've personally seen virtual desktop environments used only when it is desired to really lock down what users can do. (One example is court files for our judicial district--registered users have differing levels of authorized access according to the cases they are involved in, and I suspect the county uses a VDE so it can prevent individuals with valid logins from obtaining sideways access to documents they are not entitled to see that might otherwise be available through a Web application.) Unfortunately, this has the effect of blocking many types of automation solutions that allow the user to stop being a "click monkey." I don't know if anyone has designed a software robot to work with resources held captive within VDEs.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 14, 2022, 05:22:28 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on September 14, 2022, 04:55:25 PM
Excel is one of the few programs left that implements scroll lock. (This makes me wonder: what advantages does it have over PageUp/PageDown?)

At least in Excel, PgUp and PgDn scroll and entire page at a time, where as ScrLk+↑ and ScrLk+↓ scroll only one cell at a time.

Quote from: J N Winkler on September 14, 2022, 04:55:25 PM
I've personally seen virtual desktop environments used only when it is desired to really lock down what users can do. (One example is court files for our judicial district--registered users have differing levels of authorized access according to the cases they are involved in, and I suspect the county uses a VDE so it can prevent individuals with valid logins from obtaining sideways access to documents they are not entitled to see that might otherwise be available through a Web application.) Unfortunately, this has the effect of blocking many types of automation solutions that allow the user to stop being a "click monkey." I don't know if anyone has designed a software robot to work with resources held captive within VDEs.

Technically, I misrepresented the environment. I do use an Intuit virtual desktop at work in order to access QuickBooks, but that isn't the environment I actually had in mind. Rather, it's a program within an Azure cloud desktop, which I use to access MSO programs. I see cloud desktops being described as virtual desktops, but my limited understanding is that they don't operate exactly the same. Perhaps someone more computer-savvy could chime in on that one.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on September 14, 2022, 06:16:37 PM

The Endless Circle that you get when a window on your PC is trying to open. To me I hate it as it don't give you a yes, no, or maybe to why your computer is so slow or if it has ability to open the window.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 14, 2022, 06:43:10 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on September 14, 2022, 06:16:37 PM
The Endless Circle that you get when a window on your PC is trying to open. To me I hate it as it don't give you a yes, no, or maybe to why your computer is so slow or if it has ability to open the window.

I'd settle for a circle, on those occasions when I click on an icon and nothing happens for two minutes. Did it register? Click again, and I might end up with two of the same program open. Don't click again, and I might sit there for two more minutes for no good reason.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on September 14, 2022, 07:16:49 PM

On the other hand, using a Mac, it won't even let you have two of the same program open. Attempting to do so just puts the existing one in front. I strongly prefer this over Windows' system.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on September 14, 2022, 07:51:05 PM

Quote from: 1 on September 14, 2022, 07:16:49 PM
On the other hand, using a Mac, it won't even let you have two of the same program open. Attempting to do so just puts the existing one in front. I strongly prefer this over Windows' system.

I personally disagree. If I need to have two different spreadsheets open or even two different windows of Chrome, it's much nicer on Windows to be able to alt+tab back and forth.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on September 14, 2022, 08:02:53 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 14, 2022, 03:35:24 PM
Quote from: US 89 on September 14, 2022, 02:33:10 PM
Wait, Scroll Lock actually does something? Today I learned.

Wow, seriously? Yeah. Open any spreadsheet, or a new one, in Excel. Press the down-arrow key on the keyboard, and it highlights the next cell down on the sheet. Turn on Scroll Lock, and pressing the down-arrow key scrolls down the spreadsheet instead.

I've somehow never used Excel on a PC desktop. I've only ever used it on my MacBook Air laptop or an iMac desktop - which lack a scroll lock function as far as I know. Although I do use a PC desktop at work now, these days I usually use Google Sheets as I can continue working on anything on my laptop at home should I need to.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 14, 2022, 10:34:34 PM

Re: scroll lock: it was considered a useless enough key that at the casino I worked at, we had two different computers at each workstation (one was provided by a vendor to run their proprietary software for redeeming only tickets created by that vendor's machines; all others were processed through the main computer) that shared a keyboard. One swapped the keyboard from one to the other by double-striking Scroll Lock. I think that probably accounts for 98% of my intentional Scroll Lock keypresses over the course of my lifetime.

(On a related note, has anyone ever actually found a use for Pause/Break in the wild?)

Re: circular loading notifications: What was it that caused the universal "loading" animation to go to an abstract circle, rather than the 90s-era animated hourglass that would turn over? I feel like the hourglass is a more intuitive way of representing that information.

KDE used to have a loading animation where the icon of the application that was loading would bounce up and down next to the cursor arrow, like a basketball being dribbled. I always thought that was a pretty charming, if cheesy, way of communicating what was going on. That no longer animates, now it just displays statically next to the cursor arrow.

Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 14, 2022, 07:51:05 PM
Quote from: 1 on September 14, 2022, 07:16:49 PM
On the other hand, using a Mac, it won't even let you have two of the same program open. Attempting to do so just puts the existing one in front. I strongly prefer this over Windows' system.

I personally disagree. If I need to have two different spreadsheets open or even two different windows of Chrome, it's much nicer on Windows to be able to alt+tab back and forth.

Same here–there are rare, but still existent, situations in which it is necessary to have two instances of the same program open in two separate processes, e.g. because one doesn't want certain session-wide environment settings to cross-pollinate between two different contexts. Further, I run two Firefox windows spawned from the same process as part of my standard setup–I work from home, so one is for personal-use tabs and the other for business-use. Currently, I even have a third window I'm doing a PHP programming project in (containing whichever page I'm debugging at the time, and a bunch of random tabs where I'm looking up some bit of syntax).

Given that there are plenty of use cases for multiple windows of the same program being open, enforcing only one per program by edict of the window manager is nothing less than brain-damaged behavior. (On KDE, one can instruct the taskbar to group multiple windows spawned from the same process; I tend to disable this feature because it makes it more difficult for me to find the precise window I want.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 15, 2022, 09:21:33 AM

Quote from: US 89 on September 14, 2022, 08:02:53 PM
I've somehow never used Excel on a PC desktop. I've only ever used it on my MacBook Air laptop or an iMac desktop - which lack a scroll lock function as far as I know. Although I do use a PC desktop at work now, these days I usually use Google Sheets as I can continue working on anything on my laptop at home should I need to.

Google Sheets is for people who want to use Excel but don't know how to use Excel. There are so many features missing from Google Sheets, that I avoid it like the plague.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on September 15, 2022, 11:24:56 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 14, 2022, 10:34:34 PMRe: scroll lock: it was considered a useless enough key that at the casino I worked at, we had two different computers at each workstation (one was provided by a vendor to run their proprietary software for redeeming only tickets created by that vendor's machines; all others were processed through the main computer) that shared a keyboard. One swapped the keyboard from one to the other by double-striking Scroll Lock. I think that probably accounts for 98% of my intentional Scroll Lock keypresses over the course of my lifetime.

(On a related note, has anyone ever actually found a use for Pause/Break in the wild?)

You had a KVM switch, and double-hitting Scroll-Lock switched between computers. Also, Excel uses Scroll-Lock to prevent panning of large spreadsheets.

As for Pause/Break... uhhh.... it does nothing for me. I'm still wondering why it hasn't been obsoleted.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 15, 2022, 12:00:17 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 14, 2022, 10:34:34 PM
(On a related note, has anyone ever actually found a use for Pause/Break in the wild?)

Quote from: ZLoth on September 15, 2022, 11:24:56 AM
As for Pause/Break... uhhh.... it does nothing for me. I'm still wondering why it hasn't been obsoleted.

If you're using Windows, then you can use [⊞ Win]+[Pause|Break] as a hotkey to open up the Settings panel.

Also...

Do you ever run ping tests in Command Prompt? I do with some frequency; if our internet seems to be going in and out, I run a ping test to check for packet loss. A couple of years ago, in fact, all of our signal levels were good but I was still seeing some packet loss, and that prompted a mainline ticket to be put in, and the line crew eventually found an issue at the headend.

Anyway, I didn't know this until researching an answer to your question, but... While the ping test is running, you can hit [Pause|Break], and it will pause the series of ping requests; then hit [Pause|Break] again to resume sending ping requests. Also, if you hit [Ctrl]+[Pause|Break] at any point, it will return data for the results so far but then still keep sending ping requests until it reaches the total you specified. You can see this illustrated in the screenshot below, where I sent 30 ping requests to the Yahoo! IP and then hit [Ctrl]+[Pause|Break] three times in the middle of it running.

(https://i.imgur.com/kPWmiee.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on September 15, 2022, 12:15:42 PM

I need to test if this works with pathping.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on September 15, 2022, 01:10:07 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 14, 2022, 10:34:34 PMRe: circular loading notifications: What was it that caused the universal "loading" animation to go to an abstract circle, rather than the 90s-era animated hourglass that would turn over? I feel like the hourglass is a more intuitive way of representing that information.

The wait cursor (Microsoft's formal name for it) changed from the hourglass to the blue circle (sometimes called "blue circle of death") with Vista. I haven't seen a formal name for the spinning balls that typically show when more recent versions of Windows are first starting, but apparently they are considered a type of throbber (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Throbber).

Quote from: kphoger on September 15, 2022, 12:00:17 PMIf you're using Windows, then you can use [⊞ Win]+[Pause|Break] as a hotkey to open up the Settings panel.

Specifically, it opens a panel (Windows 10) or dialog (Windows 7) with specs for the system. "Break Windows" is a useful mnemonic for the key combination since it gives access to other dialog boxes that can in fact be used to make configuration changes that cripple the system.

Quote from: ZLoth on September 15, 2022, 11:24:56 AMAs for Pause/Break... uhhh.... it does nothing for me. I'm still wondering why it hasn't been obsoleted.

Many keyboards, including the one built into my current laptop (purchased 2021), no longer have labelled Break keys. (On my laptop, Pause is on F11 and scroll lock on F12.) I presume it is still possible to elicit Break through a keystroke combination, but would have no idea how to do so without hunting down documentation.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on September 15, 2022, 03:29:37 PM

Didn't know what to quote so I just picked this.

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 14, 2022, 10:34:34 PM
Given that there are plenty of use cases for multiple windows of the same program being open, enforcing only one per program by edict of the window manager is nothing less than brain-damaged behavior.

Despite earlier comments that may have alluded to the contrary, you can have multiple windows of a program open on Mac. Eg, multiple web browser windows. That's been a feature of Mac OS for as long as it's been a feature of any OS.

Also: you can have multiple of the same program open. It just requires the use of command line code.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on September 15, 2022, 03:31:55 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on September 15, 2022, 03:29:37 PM
Didn't know what to quote so I just picked this.

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 14, 2022, 10:34:34 PM
Given that there are plenty of use cases for multiple windows of the same program being open, enforcing only one per program by edict of the window manager is nothing less than brain-damaged behavior.

Despite earlier comments that may have alluded to the contrary, you can have multiple windows of a program open on Mac. Eg, multiple web browser windows. That's been a feature of Mac OS for as long as it's been a feature of any OS.

Also: you can have multiple of the same program open. It just requires the use of command line code.

Can you alt+tab (or something similar) between two different browser windows?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on September 15, 2022, 03:35:21 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on September 08, 2022, 01:19:16 PM
Here in Washington, there are two outstanding natural disasters that threaten portions of the state: (1) earthquakes, and (2) lahar flows.

We're sadly really really behind on tsunami preparedness. A few cities have even rejected funding for vertical evacuation shelters built into their schools, even though they have proven successful in Japan and have been built in the US.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on September 15, 2022, 03:35:26 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 15, 2022, 03:31:55 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 15, 2022, 03:29:37 PM
Didn't know what to quote so I just picked this.

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 14, 2022, 10:34:34 PM
Given that there are plenty of use cases for multiple windows of the same program being open, enforcing only one per program by edict of the window manager is nothing less than brain-damaged behavior.

Despite earlier comments that may have alluded to the contrary, you can have multiple windows of a program open on Mac. Eg, multiple web browser windows. That's been a feature of Mac OS for as long as it's been a feature of any OS.

Also: you can have multiple of the same program open. It just requires the use of command line code.

Can you alt+tab (or something similar) between two different browser windows?

On my laptop, swiping down with four fingers shows all windows of that program, even if they're in different desktops, while swiping up with four fingers shows everything (not just that program) on that desktop. Then you can click the one you want. Left and right with four fingers switch between desktops; this works even after I've swiped up and am able to view everything.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on September 15, 2022, 03:38:05 PM

Quote from: 1 on September 15, 2022, 03:35:26 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 15, 2022, 03:31:55 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 15, 2022, 03:29:37 PM
Didn't know what to quote so I just picked this.

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 14, 2022, 10:34:34 PM
Given that there are plenty of use cases for multiple windows of the same program being open, enforcing only one per program by edict of the window manager is nothing less than brain-damaged behavior.

Despite earlier comments that may have alluded to the contrary, you can have multiple windows of a program open on Mac. Eg, multiple web browser windows. That's been a feature of Mac OS for as long as it's been a feature of any OS.

Also: you can have multiple of the same program open. It just requires the use of command line code.

Can you alt+tab (or something similar) between two different browser windows?

On my laptop, swiping down with four fingers shows all windows of that program, even if they're in different desktops, while swiping up with four fingers shows everything (not just that program) on that desktop. Then you can click the one you want. Left and right with four fingers switch between desktops; this works even after I've swiped up and am able to view everything.

That strikes me as requiring a lot more coordination than just alt+tabbing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on September 15, 2022, 04:28:18 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 15, 2022, 03:31:55 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 15, 2022, 03:29:37 PM
Didn't know what to quote so I just picked this.

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 14, 2022, 10:34:34 PM
Given that there are plenty of use cases for multiple windows of the same program being open, enforcing only one per program by edict of the window manager is nothing less than brain-damaged behavior.

Despite earlier comments that may have alluded to the contrary, you can have multiple windows of a program open on Mac. Eg, multiple web browser windows. That's been a feature of Mac OS for as long as it's been a feature of any OS.

Also: you can have multiple of the same program open. It just requires the use of command line code.

Can you alt+tab (or something similar) between two different browser windows?

Control + down. Brings up all the windows for that app only. Command + tab shows your open apps. Can't remember how to show all windows for all apps, though I'm sure there's a way...haven't actually used a Mac for a while.

Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 15, 2022, 03:38:05 PM
That strikes me as requiring a lot more coordination than just alt+tabbing.

Mac gestures take some getting used to, but there's a lot, and it's quite powerful in practice. It's not really convoluted.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on September 15, 2022, 04:29:45 PM

Quote from: Bruce on September 15, 2022, 03:35:21 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 08, 2022, 01:19:16 PM
Here in Washington, there are two outstanding natural disasters that threaten portions of the state: (1) earthquakes, and (2) lahar flows.

We're sadly really really behind on tsunami preparedness. A few cities have even rejected funding for vertical evacuation shelters built into their schools, even though they have proven successful in Japan and have been built in the US.

Such a great point that I completely forgot to mention tsunamis. I don't hear about preparation for those nearly as often.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on September 15, 2022, 04:44:10 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on September 15, 2022, 04:28:18 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 15, 2022, 03:31:55 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 15, 2022, 03:29:37 PM
Didn't know what to quote so I just picked this.

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 14, 2022, 10:34:34 PM
Given that there are plenty of use cases for multiple windows of the same program being open, enforcing only one per program by edict of the window manager is nothing less than brain-damaged behavior.

Despite earlier comments that may have alluded to the contrary, you can have multiple windows of a program open on Mac. Eg, multiple web browser windows. That's been a feature of Mac OS for as long as it's been a feature of any OS.

Also: you can have multiple of the same program open. It just requires the use of command line code.

Can you alt+tab (or something similar) between two different browser windows?

Control + down. Brings up all the windows for that app only. Command + tab shows your open apps. Can't remember how to show all windows for all apps, though I'm sure there's a way...haven't actually used a Mac for a while.

Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 15, 2022, 03:38:05 PM
That strikes me as requiring a lot more coordination than just alt+tabbing.

Mac gestures take some getting used to, but there's a lot, and it's quite powerful in practice. It's not really convoluted.

Sure, but when I want two different windows "back to back", i.e. just toggling between the two, alt+tab works great. It even works great (when you get your rhythm) between three windows. As I remember, on the Mac, it brings them up in the same order so you can't "rearrange".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on September 15, 2022, 04:53:14 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 15, 2022, 04:44:10 PM
Sure, but when I want two different windows "back to back", i.e. just toggling between the two, alt+tab works great. It even works great (when you get your rhythm) between three windows. As I remember, on the Mac, it brings them up in the same order so you can't "rearrange".

Most common for Mac users are separate desktops that you switch between (using keyboard or swipe gestures), rather than a bunch of windows on the same desktop. It's effectively the same thing. It's very helpful when you want to work full screen. It also works when running Windows (the OS), which can run in its own desktop.

Still, if you'd rather work with one desktop and require alt-tabbing, you can install an app that adds that functionality. And you can change it to any keyboard shortcut.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 15, 2022, 06:30:10 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on September 15, 2022, 03:29:37 PM
Also: you can have multiple of the same program open. It just requires the use of command line code.

That is insane. Even Linux, which loves its command line to bits, doesn't require using it for window management!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on September 15, 2022, 06:43:23 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 15, 2022, 06:30:10 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 15, 2022, 03:29:37 PM
Also: you can have multiple of the same program open. It just requires the use of command line code.

That is insane. Even Linux, which loves its command line to bits, doesn't require using it for window management!

I don't mean multiple windows of one instance of a program. I mean multiple instances of the same program. Eg, three instances of Adobe Photoshop open simultaneously rather than one instance with three windows. Mac OS supports this the same as other OS's, it just takes running a simple command line code. Which is fair, since most users don't need to do this. And in fact, most users probably should avoid doing this for obvious reasons, which is why they probably make it harder.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 15, 2022, 06:57:04 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on September 15, 2022, 06:43:23 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 15, 2022, 06:30:10 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 15, 2022, 03:29:37 PM
Also: you can have multiple of the same program open. It just requires the use of command line code.

That is insane. Even Linux, which loves its command line to bits, doesn't require using it for window management!

I don't mean multiple windows of one instance of a program. I mean multiple instances of the same program. Eg, three instances of Adobe Photoshop open simultaneously rather than one instance with three windows. Mac OS supports this the same as other OS's, it just takes running a simple command line code. Which is fair, since most users don't need to do this. And in fact, most users probably should avoid doing this for obvious reasons, which is why they probably make it harder.

That's still insane. If I want another window in the same process, I click whatever "new window" button the program makes available (on Inkscape this is simply the new document button, on Firefox there is an explicit "new window" button). If I want another process, I select it from the launcher menu again. I don't even have to touch the command line (though of course there is a way to do it from there if you just want to).

I can't believe Mac managed to screw up a simple GUI task and require using the command line as a fall back. That's Linux's schtick, dammit!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 15, 2022, 08:22:30 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on September 15, 2022, 06:43:23 PM
I don't mean multiple windows of one instance of a program. I mean multiple instances of the same program. Eg, three instances of Adobe Photoshop open simultaneously rather than one instance with three windows.

I don't understand the difference. What's the difference between an 'instance' and a 'window'?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on September 15, 2022, 09:00:27 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 15, 2022, 08:22:30 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 15, 2022, 06:43:23 PM
I don't mean multiple windows of one instance of a program. I mean multiple instances of the same program. Eg, three instances of Adobe Photoshop open simultaneously rather than one instance with three windows.

I don't understand the difference. What's the difference between an 'instance' and a 'window'?

Honestly, I have no idea what the differences is. Why someone needs to do it? Ask Scott...I sure as heck have no use for it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on September 15, 2022, 09:02:41 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 15, 2022, 08:22:30 PMI don't understand the difference. What's the difference between an 'instance' and a 'window'?

The difference is that an instance can often exist (and, in Windows, be visible in Task Manager) without a corresponding window.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on September 15, 2022, 09:04:49 PM

Another minor annoyance: PDF drawings formatted and oriented like this:

(https://i.imgur.com/56nwfaV.png)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 15, 2022, 09:27:31 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on September 15, 2022, 09:00:27 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 15, 2022, 08:22:30 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on September 15, 2022, 06:43:23 PM
I don't mean multiple windows of one instance of a program. I mean multiple instances of the same program. Eg, three instances of Adobe Photoshop open simultaneously rather than one instance with three windows.

I don't understand the difference. What's the difference between an 'instance' and a 'window'?

Honestly, I have no idea what the differences is. Why someone needs to do it? Ask Scott...I sure as heck have no use for it.

But you're the one who specified that you meant "multiple instances" rather than "multiple windows". How could you have specified that, if you don't know the difference?

Example: I use Excel a lot at work. Every day, I receive data in Excel files, and I often need to break that data up into two parts. To do so, I first hit [⊞ Win]+[R] to bring up the Run box, type "excel", and then hit [Enter ↵]. This opens a separate window of Excel, which I can then drag over to the other monitor. Now I have one Excel window on one monitor, and another on the other. I sort my data as needed, then cut-and-paste from one to the other. In your verbiage, are those two "windows" or two "instances"?

Another example: I use Chrome to access Dropbox and a couple of other websites for work. Partway through the day, I get on a VPN that allows me access to Charter Communications programs (and also annoyingly prevents me from sending to the network printer, or from viewing AAroads photos hosted on imgur, or from accessing Dropbox); some of the applications within those programs launch pages in Chrome, whose tabs cannot be combined into my already-open Chrome window. Then, moreover, I also use a cloud/virtual desktop environment to access Cox Communications programs; some of the applications within that environment open in Chrome, and I can even open a blank browser window within it; those windows cannot be combined with either of the aforementioned. Are all of those different "windows" or different "instances"?

A third example: While I have Edge open, I open up a separate InPrivate window to play YouTube and stuff in the background. Is that a separate "window" or a separate "instance"?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on September 15, 2022, 09:34:57 PM

I would think that the distinction between two "windows" in the same "instance" is no different than one between two tabs, and that having two "instances" would be running two programs that happen to be the same application but neither is aware of the other's existence.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 15, 2022, 09:35:56 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on September 15, 2022, 09:00:27 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 15, 2022, 08:22:30 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 15, 2022, 06:43:23 PM
I don't mean multiple windows of one instance of a program. I mean multiple instances of the same program. Eg, three instances of Adobe Photoshop open simultaneously rather than one instance with three windows.

I don't understand the difference. What's the difference between an 'instance' and a 'window'?

Honestly, I have no idea what the differences is. Why someone needs to do it? Ask Scott...I sure as heck have no use for it.

An "instance" in this case is a wholly separate copy of a program that's running in a separate OS process. If I have two instances of the same program running, Instance #1 does not know anything about the state of the universe over in Instance #2. Instance #1 probably doesn't even know Instance #2 exists. Thus, the content of various values held in memory cannot be affected across the two instances.

You can think of it as having two identical houses on one street, rather than a duplex. In a duplex (single instance with two windows), you have two families living separately under one roof, but they probably share a driveway, yard, and maybe the electrical and water system taps too. If one side of the house catches fire, both families have to evacuate. When you have two separate houses (two instances), what happens in one house only effects the other to the extent that it affects every house on the street. Everyone has a separate roof, if one house catches fire the others don't catch fire, etc. This is a less efficient use of resources because everyone has to build their own roof and walls, but that is the price that is paid for separation.

Normally, having two instances of the same program just wastes memory and makes certain operations more difficult and/or awkward, and it is better to have a single instance that displays two windows but is unified on the back-end. But on occasion there is utility to having two separate instances of the same program:

- Perhaps the program has no inherent ability to display two windows and you want two windows anyway.
- Perhaps you are editing a document, you want to view the saved version of the same document on disk, and the program is coded such that it takes a request to load an already-loaded document as a request to dump all changes and revert back to the version on disk.
- Perhaps the program has some sort of environment-wide mode or setting that cannot be set at document-level granularity, and you want to view one document using one mode and another in another mode simultaneously.
- Perhaps you are performing an operation that experience has shown has a high risk of crashing the program, and you want to isolate the document you are doing that operation on to a separate process so that if that process crashes it doesn't affect the work going on elsewhere.

It's not a terribly-common use case, specifically because thoughtful programmers tend to make things in such a way that it shouldn't be necessary, but in the edge cases where it makes sense, it's useful enough that not having it in my back pocket would make me anxious.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on September 16, 2022, 12:18:01 AM

Quote from: kphoger on September 15, 2022, 09:27:31 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 15, 2022, 09:00:27 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 15, 2022, 08:22:30 PM
I don't understand the difference. What's the difference between an 'instance' and a 'window'?

Honestly, I have no idea what the differences is. Why someone needs to do it? Ask Scott...I sure as heck have no use for it.

But you're the one who specified that you meant "multiple instances" rather than "multiple windows". How could you have specified that, if you don't know the difference?

I mean, I don't know the technical explanation as to the functional difference between the two. Luckily it was spelled out above by Scott.

To be clear, my research into the matter was prompted by these posts, with the initial insinuation by 1 being that Mac does not support multiple instances. Which technically isn't true, it's just that the user can't as easily activate it as in Windows.

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 14, 2022, 10:34:34 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 14, 2022, 07:51:05 PM
Quote from: 1 on September 14, 2022, 07:16:49 PM
On the other hand, using a Mac, it won't even let you have two of the same program open. Attempting to do so just puts the existing one in front. I strongly prefer this over Windows' system.

I personally disagree. If I need to have two different spreadsheets open or even two different windows of Chrome, it's much nicer on Windows to be able to alt+tab back and forth.

Same here–there are rare, but still existent, situations in which it is necessary to have two instances of the same program open in two separate processes, e.g. because one doesn't want certain session-wide environment settings to cross-pollinate between two different contexts. Further, I run two Firefox windows spawned from the same process as part of my standard setup–I work from home, so one is for personal-use tabs and the other for business-use. Currently, I even have a third window I'm doing a PHP programming project in (containing whichever page I'm debugging at the time, and a bunch of random tabs where I'm looking up some bit of syntax).

Given that there are plenty of use cases for multiple windows of the same program being open, enforcing only one per program by edict of the window manager is nothing less than brain-damaged behavior. (On KDE, one can instruct the taskbar to group multiple windows spawned from the same process; I tend to disable this feature because it makes it more difficult for me to find the precise window I want.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on September 16, 2022, 06:05:35 AM

Quote from: J N Winkler on September 07, 2022, 08:23:14 PMThe underlying reliability issues are very different. The Texas grid almost collapsed because output from poorly winterized power plants dropped just as demand rose: this is a problem that can be fixed in the short term if the grid is able to draw power from areas that are less stressed by weather (not possible since the cold covered all of Texas) and can be prevented if utility infrastructure is winterized (Texas tried to do things on the cheap and didn't make the required investments).

Again, what happened in February, 2021 even I would consider an "extreme weather event". Take a look at these weather calendars from 2021:

Dallas, TX (https://markholtz.info/2b-) - Where the high was just 14℉ on Monday, February 15th, the low was 3℉ the following morning (third lowest low), and the DART Light Rail system was completely shut down. One week later, on February 21st-February 21st-24th, the highs were in the 70s.
Austin, TX (https://markholtz.info/2or) - When the high was 76℉ on Monday, February 8th, the low was 6℉ the following Tuesday, February 16th, and the high was 75℉ the following Sunday, February 21st
Houston, TX (https://markholtz.info/2oq)

Now, tell me what is "expected" for the DFW area under a "normal" year? My list...

Rainstorms that have the potential to drop 1-2 inches of rain within an hour period
Thunderstorms including lightning strikes
High winds exceeding 70 MPH
Large-sized damaging hail that can exceed Â¾"
High temperatures exceeding 100℉
A "dusting" of snow in the northern part of Dallas that can be completely melted by 11 AM

Now, mister city planner, it's 2020, and you are planning the budget for 2021. How well is your crystal ball working? Was an extreme weather event even REMOTELY on your radar? Would it be fiscally prudent to purchase snow plows that will spend 360 days doing NOTHING? As a family, are you purchasing snow suits that will collect dust, or (hopefull) have a tornado preparedness kit for that 1 tornadoes that may hit your county based upon historical data (https://markholtz.info/tornadocollincty) (Last time there were 3, it was 2015)?

And, where do you think the money is going to come from to winterize the Texas power plants? HINT: It is going to come from the actual end customers in the form of higher electric bills. High winds in the DFW area means that lines get blown down, but the soil shifts around preventing the undergrounding of utilities. My current electric contract running from February 2022 to February 2023 is 10.91Â¢/kWh fixed, which was an increase from 8.67Â¢/kWh fixed from the previous contract. I'm looking at PowerToChoose for my zip code, and the current rate offerings start at 14.6Â¢/kWh fixed. (I don't touch variable rates).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on September 16, 2022, 10:40:44 AM

Texans themselves don't seem to have any issue winterizing their vehicle purchases. Last time I was down there, it seemed like almost every vehicle was a truck or SUV.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on September 16, 2022, 12:03:53 PM

Finally hit a word with a certain distribution of letters (no spoiling) and could not converge on a solution in time. Switching strategy at turn 4 to "find more letters using orthogonal words" instead of "try for probable solution" would not have succeeded.

Wordle 454 X/6

⬛🟨🟨⬛🟨
⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛
⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛
⬛🟩⬛🟩🟩
⬛🟩⬛🟩🟩
🟩🟩⬛🟩🟩

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on September 16, 2022, 12:26:28 PM

Quote from: kurumi on September 16, 2022, 12:03:53 PM
Finally hit a word with a certain distribution of letters (no spoiling) and could not converge on a solution in time. Switching strategy at turn 4 to "find more letters using orthogonal words" instead of "try for probable solution" would not have succeeded.

Wordle 454 X/6

⬛🟨🟨⬛🟨
⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛
⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛
⬛🟩⬛🟩🟩
⬛🟩⬛🟩🟩
🟩🟩⬛🟩🟩

Yeah, I missed today too. Only 3rd time ever. I read something that only 47% of people got it within 6 where normally it's 98%.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on September 16, 2022, 12:50:40 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on September 16, 2022, 06:05:35 AMAgain, what happened in February, 2021 even I would consider an "extreme weather event". Take a look at these weather calendars from 2021:

Dallas, TX (https://markholtz.info/2b-) - Where the high was just 14℉ on Monday, February 15th, the low was 3℉ the following morning (third lowest low), and the DART Light Rail system was completely shut down. One week later, on February 21st-February 21st-24th, the highs were in the 70s.
Austin, TX (https://markholtz.info/2or) - When the high was 76℉ on Monday, February 8th, the low was 6℉ the following Tuesday, February 16th, and the high was 75℉ the following Sunday, February 21st
Houston, TX (https://markholtz.info/2oq)

Those extremes are not untypical for Wichita, though I think we were around 10Â° F cooler during the same time for both the highs and the lows.

Quote from: ZLoth on September 16, 2022, 06:05:35 AMNow, tell me what is "expected" for the DFW area under a "normal" year? My list...

Rainstorms that have the potential to drop 1-2 inches of rain within an hour period
Thunderstorms including lightning strikes
High winds exceeding 70 MPH
Large-sized damaging hail that can exceed Â¾"
High temperatures exceeding 100℉
A "dusting" of snow in the northern part of Dallas that can be completely melted by 11 AM

Also not untypical for Wichita.

Quote from: ZLoth on September 16, 2022, 06:05:35 AMNow, mister city planner, it's 2020, and you are planning the budget for 2021. How well is your crystal ball working? Was an extreme weather event even REMOTELY on your radar? Would it be fiscally prudent to purchase snow plows that will spend 360 days doing NOTHING? As a family, are you purchasing snow suits that will collect dust, or (hopefully) have a tornado preparedness kit for that 1 tornadoes that may hit your county based upon historical data (https://markholtz.info/tornadocollincty) (Last time there were 3, it was 2015)?

The bulk of the population in both Kansas and Texas lives in areas with continental climates, so yes, it absolutely is necessary to prepare for extreme weather.

* Both the City of Wichita and KDOT spend heavily not just to buy snowplows but also to equip them with GIS so that drivers can have up-to-the-minute information as to which streets or highways have just been plowed. Bridges on state highways also have RWIS sensors so drivers can tell in real time whether their decks are cold enough to freeze. Although the Wichita area sees blizzards infrequently and spends only a small fraction of each winter on average with snow on the ground, there is typically one winter every few years with multiple heavy snowstorms (2013, 2014, and 2021).

* Houses in Wichita commonly, though not universally, have basements. The same logic of making provision for low-probability, high-impact events applies.

* Though we do not have snowsuits or snow boots, we do have parkas, scarves, ski masks, heavy gloves, etc. as well as a working fireplace and access to a generator. The worst winter-related emergency we have faced in at least the last 30 years was not actually the snowstorms and deep freeze in 2021, but rather a major ice storm in 2005 that led to a weeklong power outage.

Quote from: ZLoth on September 16, 2022, 06:05:35 AMAnd, where do you think the money is going to come from to winterize the Texas power plants? HINT: It is going to come from the actual end customers in the form of higher electric bills. High winds in the DFW area means that lines get blown down, but the soil shifts around preventing the undergrounding of utilities. My current electric contract running from February 2022 to February 2023 is 10.91Â¢/kWh fixed, which was an increase from 8.67Â¢/kWh fixed from the previous contract. I'm looking at PowerToChoose for my zip code, and the current rate offerings start at 14.6Â¢/kWh fixed. (I don't touch variable rates.)

Our residential electricity rates were around $0.13/kWh during the 2021 storm and are now around $0.16/kWh. The power market here has not (AFAIK) been deregulated to the extent that retail customers are given access to wholesale rates, which many people were relying on in Texas and which led to individuals receiving power bills of over $25,000 during the 2021 storm (driving at least one person to kill himself). Texas really is overdependent on cheap power.

I have seen apologists for Texas' approach to deregulation claim that dwellings in Texas cannot be all that poorly winterized since houses need good insulation in order to run A/C during the summer without incurring high power bills. However, I have also read that while cities in Texas tend to require good insulation, counties do not. Rock-bottom power rates in general do not incentivize insulation, and this is especially true of pass-through wholesale rates at low-demand times. One big indicator of Texas' lack of preparedness in the 2021 storm was the sheer number of inhabited structures with frozen pipes. This was also a concern in Kansas, but not to nearly the same degree.

On this forum (possibly in this very thread), we've also seen Texas' preparedness defended on the basis that nothing came of seemingly hysterical media predictions of grid collapse due to high demand for electricity to run A/C earlier this summer. However, I've also seen it reported that Governor Abbott asked the bitcoin miners to cool it at that time. (Given that cryptocurrency is basically a scam and now draws more power than many sovereign countries, I think a global ban on cryptocurrency mining would be a better answer.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on September 16, 2022, 12:53:50 PM

Quote from: kurumi on September 16, 2022, 12:03:53 PM
Finally hit a word with a certain distribution of letters (no spoiling) and could not converge on a solution in time. Switching strategy at turn 4 to "find more letters using orthogonal words" instead of "try for probable solution" would not have succeeded.

Wordle 454 X/6

⬛🟨🟨⬛🟨
⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛
⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛
⬛🟩⬛🟩🟩
⬛🟩⬛🟩🟩
🟩🟩⬛🟩🟩

However at turn 4 or 5 you may have tried a number of different letters, none of which worked, leaving you with fewer options. Other letters will obviously not work (like Q), so your chances of figuring it out by guessing actually go up considerably.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on September 16, 2022, 01:14:02 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 16, 2022, 12:53:50 PM
Quote from: kurumi on September 16, 2022, 12:03:53 PM
Finally hit a word with a certain distribution of letters (no spoiling) and could not converge on a solution in time. Switching strategy at turn 4 to "find more letters using orthogonal words" instead of "try for probable solution" would not have succeeded.

Wordle 454 X/6

⬛🟨🟨⬛🟨
⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛
⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛
⬛🟩⬛🟩🟩
⬛🟩⬛🟩🟩
🟩🟩⬛🟩🟩

However at turn 4 or 5 you may have tried a number of different letters, none of which worked, leaving you with fewer options. Other letters will obviously not work (like Q), so your chances of figuring it out by guessing actually go up considerably.

A) If you're in expert mode, you can't do that.

and

B) Not to spoil, but it wouldn't have helped in this case.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 16, 2022, 01:17:00 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on September 16, 2022, 12:50:40 PM
Those extremes are not untypical for Wichita, though I think we were around 10Â° F cooler during the same time for both the highs and the lows.

[...]

Also not untypical for Wichita.

(I think this may be the first time I've seen the word untypical in place of atypical.)

The temperature swing reminded me of another bitter February: the one ten years earlier. In both cases, Wichita had a wild temperature swing over the course of one week.

FEB 2011 – Wichita
Lowest temp = 2/10/2011 = -15Â°F
Highest temp = 2/17/2011 = 77Â°F

FEB 2021 – Wichita
Lowest temp = 2/16/2021 = -16Â°F
Highest temp = 2/23/2021 = 68Â°F

(https://i.imgur.com/Y2VVdMF.png)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on September 16, 2022, 01:50:52 PM

I checked your calendar. Wichita, Kansas had more days of significant snowfall measured at the airport between October, 2020 to April, 2021.

Quote from: J N Winkler on September 16, 2022, 12:50:40 PMOur residential electricity rates were around $0.13/kWh during the 2021 storm and are now around $0.16/kWh. The power market here has not (AFAIK) been deregulated to the extent that retail customers are given access to wholesale rates, which many people were relying on in Texas and which led to individuals receiving power bills of over $25,000 during the 2021 storm (driving at least one person to kill himself). Texas really is overdependent on cheap power.

Just as a point of clarification for those "super high bills". Those people were part of the approximately 29,000 customers who utilized Griddy as their electric provider. For a small monthly fee, those customer had access to wholesale electric pricing that was lower than the fixed rates. The problem occurs when there a either a heat wave or a extreme weather event where the wholesale pricing hit the cap of $9/kwh. Griddy even told their customers to switch off them beforehand, but at that point, no other electric providers were offering ANY plans to transfer to. After that weather event, Griddy's authority to operate in the Texas market was revoked, and the company declared bankruptcy shortly thereafter.

That's why I only use fixed rate plans.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on September 16, 2022, 01:57:02 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on September 16, 2022, 01:50:52 PM
I checked your calendar. Wichita, Kansas had more days of significant snowfall measured at the airport between October, 2020 to April, 2021.

How about the parts of Oklahoma immediately north of the Texas border, which had no power issues and has the same climate as just across the river? (Scott5114 already mentioned this.)

Or Louisiana, which got hit by the same storm, is east rather than north, and had a lot fewer issues.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on September 16, 2022, 02:35:58 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on September 16, 2022, 01:50:52 PMI checked your calendar. Wichita, Kansas had more days of significant snowfall measured at the airport between October, 2020 to April, 2021.

It's not a question of days of measurable snowfall, depth of accumulation, etc. so much as it is of taking the consequences of extremes into account as well as their frequency.

Do not underestimate the depth of resentment for Texas' grasshopper approach. It raised costs for the rest of us outside Texas despite our own efforts to make appropriate provision, even though the typical Texan suffered more during February 2021 than the typical person outside Texas. Here in Kansas, we are paying $10 to $20 a month more for gas and electricity for the next five years as a direct result of natural gas prices spiking that month.

Quote from: ZLoth on September 16, 2022, 01:50:52 PMJust as a point of clarification for those "super high bills". Those people were part of the approximately 29,000 customers who utilized Griddy as their electric provider. For a small monthly fee, those customer had access to wholesale electric pricing that was lower than the fixed rates. The problem occurs when there a either a heat wave or a extreme weather event where the wholesale pricing hit the cap of $9/kwh. Griddy even told their customers to switch off them beforehand, but at that point, no other electric providers were offering ANY plans to transfer to. After that weather event, Griddy's authority to operate in the Texas market was revoked, and the company declared bankruptcy shortly thereafter.

Yes. But Texas allowed them to operate in the first place, even though it was 100% foreseeable that weather emergencies would arise that would generate bills in the tens of thousands of dollars. Moreover, they did so at the (partial) expense of those of us outside the state.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 16, 2022, 04:00:25 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on September 16, 2022, 02:35:58 PM
Do not underestimate the depth of resentment for Texas' grasshopper approach. It raised costs for the rest of us outside Texas despite our own efforts to make appropriate provision, even though the typical Texan suffered more during February 2021 than the typical person outside Texas. Here in Kansas, we are paying $10 to $20 a month more for gas and electricity for the next five years as a direct result of natural gas prices spiking that month.

Why wouldn't our bills be going up if Texas' grid had been interconnected with ours?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on September 16, 2022, 04:20:10 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 16, 2022, 04:00:25 PMWhy wouldn't our bills be going up if Texas' grid had been interconnected with ours?

The cold in February 2021 covered such a large part of the continental US that I don't think there would have been much spare power to deliver to Texas. But the lack of winterization in Texas increased demand nationally for natural gas, for both home heating and electricity generation, and the market for that operates nationwide.

I am personally not among those hating on Texas for isolating its grid from the rest of the US. I think that is a questionable decision, but February 2021 is not actually my reason for thinking so. Texas found itself in trouble because it made the mistake of not ensuring adequate winterization all along the line from fuel supply to insulation within houses. Nor were the failures confined to energy supply. Water treatment plants in Texas had to stop operating because they froze (leading to boil-water orders that were comical under the circumstances--boil with what energy?) while their counterparts in states to the north continued to operate normally.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 16, 2022, 04:40:11 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on September 16, 2022, 04:20:10 PM
But the lack of winterization in Texas increased demand nationally for natural gas, for both home heating and electricity generation, and the market for that operates nationwide.

How did that happen, especially the former? If your apartment has electric heat, you can't exactly heat it with gas instead for a week.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on September 16, 2022, 06:03:35 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 16, 2022, 04:40:11 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on September 16, 2022, 04:20:10 PMBut the lack of winterization in Texas increased demand nationally for natural gas, for both home heating and electricity generation, and the market for that operates nationwide.

How did that happen, especially the former? If your apartment has electric heat, you can't exactly heat it with gas instead for a week.

Texas depends heavily on natural gas for electricity production, including for electric heaters in homes (60% of houses in Texas depend on electricity for heating in the winter, which is a much higher percentage than in states to the north (https://energyathaas.wordpress.com/2021/02/22/the-texas-power-crisis-new-home-construction-and-electric-heating/)). And much natural gas production within Texas itself is not winterized (https://www.texastribune.org/2021/02/16/natural-gas-power-storm/), so supply plummeted. Most natural gas providers prioritized maintaining supply pressures for residential customers because it is much more difficult to recover from a pressure drop that involves multiple delivery points. That in turn caused the spot price to zoom up by a factor of 200.

So we have lack of winterization causing problems at multiple points along the line in Texas:

* Natural gas supply goes down, from 24 billion cubic feet to 12-17 billion cubic feet.

* Multiple power plants, not all gas-fired--including one nuclear generating station--shut down because of the extreme cold.

* Houses in Texas are not that well-insulated, despite heavy A/C usage in summer, because (1) electric power has historically been cheap, (2) the house-building sector is under-regulated compared to other states, and (3) the difference between ambient temperatures and thermostat setpoints in the winter (measured as heating degree days) is usually lower in Texas than in states further to the north.

I would just add that relying on electricity for home heating is a recipe for blackouts during unusually cold winters. Texas is far from exceptional in this regard. Britain had long-lasting blackouts in the winter of 1946-47 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_of_1946%E2%80%9347_in_the_United_Kingdom), at a time when much home heating came from electric space heaters.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on September 16, 2022, 06:11:30 PM

When people put up wordle updates with only colored squares.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on September 16, 2022, 09:09:54 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on September 16, 2022, 04:20:10 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 16, 2022, 04:00:25 PMWhy wouldn't our bills be going up if Texas' grid had been interconnected with ours?

The cold in February 2021 covered such a large part of the continental US that I don't think there would have been much spare power to deliver to Texas. But the lack of winterization in Texas increased demand nationally for natural gas, for both home heating and electricity generation, and the market for that operates nationwide.

I am personally not among those hating on Texas for isolating its grid from the rest of the US. I think that is a questionable decision, but February 2021 is not actually my reason for thinking so. Texas found itself in trouble because it made the mistake of not ensuring adequate winterization all along the line from fuel supply to insulation within houses. Nor were the failures confined to energy supply. Water treatment plants in Texas had to stop operating because they froze (leading to boil-water orders that were comical under the circumstances--boil with what energy?) while their counterparts in states to the north continued to operate normally.

It's worth noting that winterization is required per federal regulations - federal regulations that the Texas grid is exempt from due to being disconnected (in fact, being exempt from federal regulations is WHY Texas has a separate grid in the first place).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 16, 2022, 11:35:06 PM

I'm going to make everyone in this thread hate me, but...

Wordle 454 3/6

⬛🟨🟨⬛🟨
🟨🟨🟨⬛⬛
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on September 17, 2022, 01:31:49 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 16, 2022, 11:35:06 PM
I'm going to make everyone in this thread hate me, but...

Wordle 454 3/6

⬛🟨🟨⬛🟨
🟨🟨🟨⬛⬛
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

This bothered me a lot. Both seeing that you actually solved it and not solving it myself.

Wordle 454 X/6*

⬛⬛🟨🟨⬛
⬛🟩🟨🟩🟩
🟩🟩⬛🟩🟩
🟩🟩⬛🟩🟩
🟩🟩⬛🟩🟩
🟩🟩⬛🟩🟩

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on September 17, 2022, 07:20:28 PM

Quote from: US 89 on September 17, 2022, 01:31:49 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 16, 2022, 11:35:06 PM
I'm going to make everyone in this thread hate me, but...

Wordle 454 3/6

This bothered me a lot. Both seeing that you actually solved it and not solving it myself.

Wordle 454 X/6*

I got it in four yesterday (RADII was a really cheeky 2nd guess, but helped me get two letters further).

Also... https://statle.us/

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on September 18, 2022, 08:49:49 PM

When you have to flush four times to make a persistent floating nugget finally go down the toilet.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on September 18, 2022, 09:01:36 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on September 18, 2022, 08:49:49 PM
When you have to flush four times to make a persistent floating nugget finally go down the toilet.

:-D

My toilet is so powerful I have to run away after flushing to make sure I don't go down with it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on September 18, 2022, 09:25:11 PM

The changed Smart Balance formula. It's vastly inferior to the old one. Despite the packaging, it cannot, in fact, be used for cooking (too much water), which is very unfortunate since it was the only thing I had that could spread over my non-stick pan. It doesn't melt on toast, either. What it does do is separate so easily that it had already begun doing so even before I opened the tub. I ended up throwing it out, which is very unusual for me. I'm not sure if I've ever thrown out food that wasn't spoiled or something before. Now I'm stuck using a Land o Lakes butter + canola oil spread that doesn't spread over the bottom of the pan as easily (as the vapor point is lower, so it sizzles rather than melts), splatters all over the stove and counter a lot more, and contains milk (I'm lactose intolerant), but it's all I can think of to use, since everything else that isn't stick butter has a high water content, and my pan specifically said not to use Pam.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 18, 2022, 09:32:15 PM

I'll add a few road-related ones...

-When drivers turning left stay on the right side of the lane so traffic can't get past on the shoulder

-When drivers turning left stay on the left side of the lane so traffic can get past on the shoulder, but then other drivers refuse to do so, creating a long backup for no reason. (I'll always consider passing the person going straight if it's safe to do so)

-When drivers turning right refuse to pull up next to drivers going straight to complete a right turn on red, especially when the shoulder is specifically widened to do so. There have even been times when I went whizzing by a line of traffic supposedly going straight, only to later notice that one of them has their right blinker on. Whoops! Oh well... I guess their sub-zero situational awareness is not my problem. TBH, I probably would have considered passing them even if I did see their blinker on! :-P

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 18, 2022, 11:30:28 PM

Quote from: webny99 on September 18, 2022, 09:32:15 PM
-When drivers turning left stay on the left side of the lane so traffic can get past on the shoulder, but then other drivers refuse to do so, creating a long backup for no reason. (I'll always consider passing the person going straight if it's safe to do so)

You do realize that in most states, using the shoulder to pass is illegal, right? In Oklahoma, for instance:

Quote(b) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. In no event shall such movement be made by driving off the pavement or main traveled portion of the roadway.

Now, I'm no lawyer, so I don't know if I could credibly argue that the shoulder qualifies as part of the "main traveled portion of the roadway", but I'm not about to risk having an interaction with Officer Chad Fortyguns to save six seconds of travel time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 19, 2022, 08:30:38 AM

It's SOP around here if/when the shoulder is wide enough to do so. Here's one example (https://goo.gl/maps/6SXgAUyxUqQ4fwpe9) of where the shoulder has been specifically widened to allow passing of left turning vehicles. The same also applies to vehicles turning right, at locations such as this one (https://goo.gl/maps/h4TzaeYK3Qgp7EZe8) where the right shoulder functions as a de-facto right turn lane minus the outside stripe. In both cases, I view using it as such as a courtesy to other drivers, so as not to hold them up unduly. When you get a line of a dozen or more vehicles, the chain effect of braking is annoying and disruptive, and that six second delay multiplies quickly.

I'm not sure about the legal definition either, and I'm sure it varies from state to state, but what I do know is that crossing a single line is much less egregious than crossing a double line, which clearly means "do not cross".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kirbykart on September 19, 2022, 09:59:27 AM

Quote from: webny99 on September 18, 2022, 09:32:15 PM
I'll add a few road-related ones...

-When drivers turning left stay on the right side of the lane so traffic can't get past on the shoulder

-When drivers turning left stay on the left side of the lane so traffic can get past on the shoulder, but then other drivers refuse to do so, creating a long backup for no reason. (I'll always consider passing the person going straight if it's safe to do so)

-When drivers turning right refuse to pull up next to drivers going straight to complete a right turn on red, especially when the shoulder is specifically widened to do so. There have even been times when I went whizzing by a line of traffic supposedly going straight, only to later notice that one of them has their right blinker on. Whoops! Oh well... I guess their sub-zero situational awareness is not my problem. TBH, I probably would have considered passing them even if I did see their blinker on! :-P

Here's one I've seen a couple of different times: When someone makes a left turn by going into the left lane a good hundred meters before the turn! Thankfully, I've only seen this on rural roads when someone is turning into a driveway, because this is extremely dangerous and illegal!!!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on September 19, 2022, 11:48:08 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 18, 2022, 11:30:28 PM
Quote from: webny99 on September 18, 2022, 09:32:15 PM
-When drivers turning left stay on the left side of the lane so traffic can get past on the shoulder, but then other drivers refuse to do so, creating a long backup for no reason. (I'll always consider passing the person going straight if it's safe to do so)

You do realize that in most states, using the shoulder to pass is illegal, right? In Oklahoma, for instance:

Quote(b) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. In no event shall such movement be made by driving off the pavement or main traveled portion of the roadway.

Now, I'm no lawyer, so I don't know if I could credibly argue that the shoulder qualifies as part of the "main traveled portion of the roadway", but I'm not about to risk having an interaction with Officer Chad Fortyguns to save six seconds of travel time.

It sounds illegal in New York as well:

Quote
NY Veh & Traf L § 1131 (2015)

Driving on shoulders and slopes.
Except for bicycles and those classes of vehicles required to travel on shoulders or slopes, no motor vehicle shall be driven over, across, along, or within any shoulder or slope of any state controlled-access highway except at a location specifically authorized and posted by the department of transportation. The foregoing limitation shall not prevent motor vehicles from using shoulders or slopes when directed by police officers or flagpersons, nor does it prevent motor vehicles from stopping, standing, or parking on shoulders or slopes where such stopping, standing, or parking is lawful.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DenverBrian on September 19, 2022, 11:50:22 AM

Quote from: kirbykart on September 19, 2022, 09:59:27 AM
Quote from: webny99 on September 18, 2022, 09:32:15 PM
I'll add a few road-related ones...

-When drivers turning left stay on the right side of the lane so traffic can't get past on the shoulder

-When drivers turning left stay on the left side of the lane so traffic can get past on the shoulder, but then other drivers refuse to do so, creating a long backup for no reason. (I'll always consider passing the person going straight if it's safe to do so)

-When drivers turning right refuse to pull up next to drivers going straight to complete a right turn on red, especially when the shoulder is specifically widened to do so. There have even been times when I went whizzing by a line of traffic supposedly going straight, only to later notice that one of them has their right blinker on. Whoops! Oh well... I guess their sub-zero situational awareness is not my problem. TBH, I probably would have considered passing them even if I did see their blinker on! :-P
Here's one I've seen a couple of different times: When someone makes a left turn by going into the left lane a good hundred meters before the turn! Thankfully, I've only seen this on rural roads when someone is turning into a driveway, because this is extremely dangerous and illegal!!!

Speeding is extremely dangerous and illegal. And everyone does it. <shrugs>

If the left turner is on a rural road, with good sightlines, and no oncoming traffic anywhere to be seen...then, by all means, move into the oncoming traffic lane to make the left turn into the driveway and let cars behind get around.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on September 19, 2022, 11:51:40 AM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on September 19, 2022, 11:48:08 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 18, 2022, 11:30:28 PM
Quote from: webny99 on September 18, 2022, 09:32:15 PM
-When drivers turning left stay on the left side of the lane so traffic can get past on the shoulder, but then other drivers refuse to do so, creating a long backup for no reason. (I'll always consider passing the person going straight if it's safe to do so)

You do realize that in most states, using the shoulder to pass is illegal, right? In Oklahoma, for instance:

Quote(b) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. In no event shall such movement be made by driving off the pavement or main traveled portion of the roadway.

Now, I'm no lawyer, so I don't know if I could credibly argue that the shoulder qualifies as part of the "main traveled portion of the roadway", but I'm not about to risk having an interaction with Officer Chad Fortyguns to save six seconds of travel time.

It sounds illegal in New York as well:
Quote
NY Veh & Traf L § 1131 (2015)

Driving on shoulders and slopes.
Except for bicycles and those classes of vehicles required to travel on shoulders or slopes, no motor vehicle shall be driven over, across, along, or within any shoulder or slope of any state controlled-access highway except at a location specifically authorized and posted by the department of transportation. The foregoing limitation shall not prevent motor vehicles from using shoulders or slopes when directed by police officers or flagpersons, nor does it prevent motor vehicles from stopping, standing, or parking on shoulders or slopes where such stopping, standing, or parking is lawful.

If someone's making a left turn, it's not controlled-access.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on September 19, 2022, 11:54:09 AM

Quote from: 1 on September 19, 2022, 11:51:40 AM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on September 19, 2022, 11:48:08 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 18, 2022, 11:30:28 PM
Quote from: webny99 on September 18, 2022, 09:32:15 PM
-When drivers turning left stay on the left side of the lane so traffic can get past on the shoulder, but then other drivers refuse to do so, creating a long backup for no reason. (I'll always consider passing the person going straight if it's safe to do so)

You do realize that in most states, using the shoulder to pass is illegal, right? In Oklahoma, for instance:

Quote(b) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. In no event shall such movement be made by driving off the pavement or main traveled portion of the roadway.

Now, I'm no lawyer, so I don't know if I could credibly argue that the shoulder qualifies as part of the "main traveled portion of the roadway", but I'm not about to risk having an interaction with Officer Chad Fortyguns to save six seconds of travel time.

It sounds illegal in New York as well:
Quote
NY Veh & Traf L § 1131 (2015)

Driving on shoulders and slopes.
Except for bicycles and those classes of vehicles required to travel on shoulders or slopes, no motor vehicle shall be driven over, across, along, or within any shoulder or slope of any state controlled-access highway except at a location specifically authorized and posted by the department of transportation. The foregoing limitation shall not prevent motor vehicles from using shoulders or slopes when directed by police officers or flagpersons, nor does it prevent motor vehicles from stopping, standing, or parking on shoulders or slopes where such stopping, standing, or parking is lawful.

If someone's making a left turn, it's not controlled-access.

That is a good point. Looking into the matter further, I did find this, though (bolding mine):

Quote
NY Veh & Traf L § 1123 (2015)

When overtaking on the right is permitted.
(a) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions:

1. When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn;

2. Upon a street or highway with unobstructed pavement not occupied by parked vehicles of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles in each direction;

3. Upon a one-way street, or upon any roadway on which traffic is restricted to one direction of movement, where the roadway is free from obstructions and of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles.

(b) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. Such movement shall not be made by driving off the pavement or main-traveled portion of the roadway, except as permitted by section eleven hundred thirty-one of this article.

Which is similar to the Oklahoma law.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 19, 2022, 12:14:25 PM

^ Yes, upon looking at it more closely I would say that section 1131 only applies to interstates and other fully access-controlled freeways.

Also, "shall not be made by driving off the pavement", not mentioned in the Oklahoma law, is an important distinction. I'm talking about cases where the passing maneuver is completed on a paved shoulder (see the two links in my previous post).

Quote from: DenverBrian on September 19, 2022, 11:50:22 AM
Quote from: kirbykart on September 19, 2022, 09:59:27 AM
Here's one I've seen a couple of different times: When someone makes a left turn by going into the left lane a good hundred meters before the turn! Thankfully, I've only seen this on rural roads when someone is turning into a driveway, because this is extremely dangerous and illegal!!!
Speeding is extremely dangerous and illegal. And everyone does it. <shrugs>

If the left turner is on a rural road, with good sightlines, and no oncoming traffic anywhere to be seen...then, by all means, move into the oncoming traffic lane to make the left turn into the driveway and let cars behind get around.

I also don't have a problem with moving left to make a left turn if sightlines are good, especially if it's in a passing zone. I don't see it as a safety issue, and in fact, you could even argue it's a safety benefit: moving left in this manner makes clear to drivers behind you that you are going to be turning, which will prevent them from pulling out to pass.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on September 19, 2022, 12:48:31 PM

The equivalent law here in Washington does not permit driving off the "roadway": to complete a pass.

Quote from: RCW 46.61.115
(1) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions:
(a) When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn;
(b) Upon a roadway with unobstructed pavement of sufficient width for two or more lines of vehicles moving lawfully in the direction being traveled by the overtaking vehicle.
(2) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. Such movement shall not be made by driving off the roadway.

As defined elsewhere, the roadway does not include the shoulder.

Quote from: RCW 46.04.500
"Roadway" means that portion of a highway improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel, exclusive of the sidewalk or shoulder even though such sidewalk or shoulder is used by persons riding bicycles. In the event a highway includes two or more separated roadways, the term "roadway" shall refer to any such roadway separately but shall not refer to all such roadways collectively.

I believe Texas legislatively permits passing on the shoulder.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on September 19, 2022, 12:51:13 PM

I once used the shoulder for a short distance to access the left-turn lane near my parents' neighborhood near Fairfax City when I could see that if I didn't do so, I'd have to wait through another light cycle. Problem: The SUV in front of me caused me not to see the police car two vehicles up. He pulled me over for driving on the shoulder, although ultimately he let me off with a warning.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on September 19, 2022, 01:03:33 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on September 18, 2022, 08:49:49 PMWhen you have to flush four times to make a persistent floating nugget finally go down the toilet.

If the stool is easy to pass and floats as a result of following dietary recommendations (100% fiber RDA every day, five servings from at least three different vegetables other than potatoes), I'd say this is a good problem to have. It really takes a flushometer to clear bulky stools on a single flush, though every so often I work my toilet over with a plunger to keep flushing performance up to scratch.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DTComposer on September 19, 2022, 02:41:39 PM

When a pedestrian pushes the crosswalk button, but then crosses before the light changes, meaning vehicles sit through a 30-second crosswalk cycle waiting for no one.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: elsmere241 on September 19, 2022, 02:43:01 PM

How about when pedestrians completely ignore the signals? Happens all the time on the arterial three blocks parallel from my street.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 19, 2022, 03:03:00 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 18, 2022, 11:30:28 PM

Quote from: webny99 on September 18, 2022, 09:32:15 PM
-When drivers turning left stay on the left side of the lane so traffic can get past on the shoulder, but then other drivers refuse to do so, creating a long backup for no reason. (I'll always consider passing the person going straight if it's safe to do so)

You do realize that in most states, using the shoulder to pass is illegal, right? In Oklahoma, for instance:

Quote(b) The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. In no event shall such movement be made by driving off the pavement or main traveled portion of the roadway.

Now, I'm no lawyer, so I don't know if I could credibly argue that the shoulder qualifies as part of the "main traveled portion of the roadway", but I'm not about to risk having an interaction with Officer Chad Fortyguns to save six seconds of travel time.

You don't need to be a lawyer for that one. Oklahoma's legal definition of "roadway" specifically excludes the shoulder–therefore the shoulder is most certainly not "part of the main traveled portion of the roadway".

Quote from: OKLAHOMA STATUTES
Title 47 – Motor Vehicles

§4 7-1-158 – Roadway and shoulder.
(a) Roadway. That portion of a highway improved, designed or ordinarily used for vehicular travel, exclusive of the shoulder. In the event a highway includes two or more separate roadways the term "roadway" as used herein shall refer to any such roadway separately but not to all such roadways collectively.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on September 19, 2022, 03:04:39 PM

Quote from: elsmere241 on September 19, 2022, 02:43:01 PM
How about when pedestrians completely ignore the signals? Happens all the time on the arterial three blocks parallel from my street.

Depends on where. If you're in downtown Denver and you wait for the signal, you're immediately outed as a tourist. It's not that hard to see if traffic is coming or not.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on September 19, 2022, 05:40:45 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 19, 2022, 03:04:39 PM
Quote from: elsmere241 on September 19, 2022, 02:43:01 PM
How about when pedestrians completely ignore the signals? Happens all the time on the arterial three blocks parallel from my street.

Depends on where. If you're in downtown Denver and you wait for the signal, you're immediately outed as a tourist. It's not that hard to see if traffic is coming or not.

I wait to see how the locals are doing it. Of course, that also depends on how many other tourists are around.

Usually I just cross if nobody's coming (or quite distant). When the kids were little, I tried to set an example. Now that they're older, I look to see if we can all cross at once even if it's a DONT WALK situation. Kind of bugs me that my wife's gut reaction is to wait a few moments even when there's zero vehicles around.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on September 19, 2022, 07:13:19 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 19, 2022, 03:04:39 PM
If you're in downtown Denver and you wait for the signal, you're immediately outed as a tourist.

That's true for every city. Locals know where to look for cars, how long the lights last, etc. Tourists don't, so they're more likely to wait.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on September 19, 2022, 08:24:44 PM

Quote from: DTComposer on September 19, 2022, 02:41:39 PM
When a pedestrian pushes the crosswalk button, but then crosses before the light changes, meaning vehicles sit through a 30-second crosswalk cycle waiting for no one.

Quote from: elsmere241 on September 19, 2022, 02:43:01 PM
How about when pedestrians completely ignore the signals? Happens all the time on the arterial three blocks parallel from my street.

It's often safer to go when you can see a clear break in traffic rather than wait for the signal, which may include conflicting driver movements (such as a left turn). I'd rather take my chances with a known quantity.

Case in point: I've been almost run over and killed by blind left turns when I have the crosswalk signal. If I had chosen to cross against the signal in a gap in traffic, I would have been much safer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 20, 2022, 01:15:51 PM

Quote from: formulanone on September 19, 2022, 05:40:45 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 19, 2022, 03:04:39 PM

Quote from: elsmere241 on September 19, 2022, 02:43:01 PM
How about when pedestrians completely ignore the signals? Happens all the time on the arterial three blocks parallel from my street.

Depends on where. If you're in downtown Denver and you wait for the signal, you're immediately outed as a tourist. It's not that hard to see if traffic is coming or not.

I wait to see how the locals are doing it. Of course, that also depends on how many other tourists are around.

Usually I just cross if nobody's coming (or quite distant). When the kids were little, I tried to set an example. Now that they're older, I look to see if we can all cross at once even if it's a DONT WALK situation. Kind of bugs me that my wife's gut reaction is to wait a few moments even when there's zero vehicles around.

I tell my kids that, even if there's a car coming, it's still safer to stay with the group than to hang back and try to cross by himself later. A family of five is a lot more visible to drivers than a single child.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bm7 on September 20, 2022, 06:10:47 PM

When a line of cars are stopped at a stoplight, and one car pulls up slightly, then the car behind it pulls up, then the next, and the next, etc.

What's the point? It very rarely is going to do you any good to be a foot closer to the light, yet almost everyone seems to do this at every intersection. When the car in front of me does this, I just stay put.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on September 20, 2022, 06:19:55 PM

Quote from: bm7 on September 20, 2022, 06:10:47 PM
When a line of cars are stopped at a stoplight, and one car pulls up slightly, then the car behind it pulls up, then the next, and the next, etc.

What's the point? It very rarely is going to do you any good to be a foot closer to the light, yet almost everyone seems to do this at every intersection. When the car in front of me does this, I just stay put.

As do I.

What's really stupid is when the driver in front repeatedly inches forward, eventually over the stop line and well into or past the crosswalk, then isn't looking and sits there for a few seconds when the light turns green.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on September 20, 2022, 06:41:35 PM

Quote from: bm7 on September 20, 2022, 06:10:47 PM
When a line of cars are stopped at a stoplight, and one car pulls up slightly, then the car behind it pulls up, then the next, and the next, etc.

What's the point? It very rarely is going to do you any good to be a foot closer to the light, yet almost everyone seems to do this at every intersection. When the car in front of me does this, I just stay put.

I absolutely stay put because I normally have the car in neutral and I'm not going to step on the clutch and shift into gear just to roll forward a short distance. If a gap of a carlength or more were to appear likely to open, that'd be different because I don't want someone to see it as an invitation to pull into the gap.

If I'm first on line, I'm watching the light for the other street to see when my light is likely to turn green, so I'm not one of those people who rolls forward randomly while waiting. I will always wish American traffic lights had the combined red-yellow cycle signalling you're about to get a green.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 20, 2022, 08:01:37 PM

Quote from: bm7 on September 20, 2022, 06:10:47 PM
When a line of cars are stopped at a stoplight, and one car pulls up slightly, then the car behind it pulls up, then the next, and the next, etc.

What's the point? It very rarely is going to do you any good to be a foot closer to the light, yet almost everyone seems to do this at every intersection. When the car in front of me does this, I just stay put.

Depends on the situation.

If there's a lot of traffic, then I pull forward in order to keep the queue of stacked traffic as short as possible. This may allow turning traffic toward the back of the queue a chance to turn, where there wouldn't have been an opportunity otherwise. If there's a turn bay, it may allow a car to enter it, where access to the lane would have been blocked otherwise. If it's a tight diamond interchange and we're all under the bridge at a red light, then it may allow more cars to clear the light, where they would possibly have been blocking the box otherwise.

Also, if I know that the stoplight has a hair trigger for turning red, such that any halfway decent gap between cars will prompt the end of the green cycle, then I'll glue my front bumper to the rear bumper of the leading car. All too often, I've left what seemed like a reasonable gap in front of me, only to find the sensor decide prematurely that our queue was emptying out. There's one intersection on my regular commute home that's particularly bad about this, and it has four-way split phasing and waiting through a whole set of cycles is excruciating if you just miss the end of the green.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on September 20, 2022, 08:28:50 PM

When people decide to send three emails when one will do. I just had that happen today, containing materials for a training to happen in a couple weeks, and now I have three emails to sit in my inbox for that whole time; meanwhile, I've been trying to clean my inbox up a little so I don't have to scroll so much all the time. The reason for three emails? There were about 12 attachments between them - little ones, too, so it's not like file size was a problem. This is why zip files were invented!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 20, 2022, 09:22:33 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 20, 2022, 08:01:37 PM
If there's a lot of traffic, then I pull forward in order to keep the queue of stacked traffic as short as possible. This may allow turning traffic toward the back of the queue a chance to turn, where there wouldn't have been an opportunity otherwise. If there's a turn bay, it may allow a car to enter it, where access to the lane would have been blocked otherwise.

Agreed. I've seen this exact scenario play out many times at NY 31/NY 65 (https://goo.gl/maps/YFEPWbpHbf6roFwC6) . The right turn lane for NY 65 SB used to extend back to I-590, but that became a safety issue for cross traffic when the through lanes were stopped while the right turn lane was moving at speed. Now, the right lane (former center lane) keeps moving as people move into the turn lane, but only if it's not blocked by traffic going straight (and it is very annoying when that happens given how congested it can get here).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on September 21, 2022, 07:36:31 AM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on September 20, 2022, 06:19:55 PM
What's really stupid is when the driver in front repeatedly inches forward, eventually over the stop line and well into or past the crosswalk, ...

Especially if it's the car in the left lane, and I'm in the right lane trying RTOR - now I can't see the traffic coming from my left because this big vehicle is blocking my sight line. And it's always a big vehicle - pickup or SUV - often with tinted windows you can't see through.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on September 21, 2022, 08:04:12 AM

Quote from: kphoger on September 20, 2022, 08:01:37 PM
Depends on the situation.

If there's a lot of traffic, then I pull forward in order to keep the queue of stacked traffic as short as possible. This may allow turning traffic toward the back of the queue a chance to turn, where there wouldn't have been an opportunity otherwise. If there's a turn bay, it may allow a car to enter it, where access to the lane would have been blocked otherwise. ....

....

I wasn't thinking of that scenario when I made my comment earlier and you make an excellent point. I definitely try to maintain awareness of the situation around me and I will not only move up, I will also try to pull further to one side of the lane if necessary to help someone access a turn lane. One of my pet peeves is people who deny me access to the left-turn lane that leads to my neighborhood such that I miss the green arrow, either because they leave too much space and won't pull up or because they slow down so far in advance that there's no hope of making the arrow. Because that bugs me, I try not to do the same. But if I'm in the middle of the queue well beyond the start of the turn lane and the car in front of me moves up less than half a carlength, I'm not likely to shift into gear and move up then unless I see in my mirror that someone back there is trying to get into the turn lane. I don't leave huge gaps between cars in the first place (except maybe on a steep uphill in case the car in front of me rolls back).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 21, 2022, 09:25:12 AM

Quote from: GaryV on September 21, 2022, 07:36:31 AM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on September 20, 2022, 06:19:55 PM
What's really stupid is when the driver in front repeatedly inches forward, eventually over the stop line and well into or past the crosswalk, ...

Especially if it's the car in the left lane, and I'm in the right lane trying RTOR - now I can't see the traffic coming from my left because this big vehicle is blocking my sight line. And it's always a big vehicle - pickup or SUV - often with tinted windows you can't see through.

It also encourages left-turning traffic coming from the right to not keep their lane: when the normal curve takes you within a couple of feet of someone's front bumper, it seems more prudent to swing wide into the right lane during your turn instead.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 21, 2022, 09:33:49 AM

Quote from: kphoger on September 21, 2022, 09:25:12 AM
Quote from: GaryV on September 21, 2022, 07:36:31 AM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on September 20, 2022, 06:19:55 PM
What's really stupid is when the driver in front repeatedly inches forward, eventually over the stop line and well into or past the crosswalk, ...

Especially if it's the car in the left lane, and I'm in the right lane trying RTOR - now I can't see the traffic coming from my left because this big vehicle is blocking my sight line. And it's always a big vehicle - pickup or SUV - often with tinted windows you can't see through.

It also encourages left-turning traffic coming from the right to not keep their lane: when the normal curve takes you within a couple of feet of someone's front bumper, it seems more prudent to swing wide into the right lane during your turn instead.

Which is especially problematic when it's a double-left turn.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on September 21, 2022, 09:45:05 AM

The phrase that has irked me lately has been.... "I know you meant well.... but..."

This has been used many times by my 81 year old mother over the past few months. She lives with me, and has been having a bout of health challenges over the past three months. I also manage a small, specialized support team which had some challenges. That means that I'm balancing my work, my mother, my home, and my sanity. These include scheduling medical appointments. Some of these appointments are identified as "priority", which means I take the first available one even if it's in the early morning and juggling my work schedule around it. My mother hates anything earlier than "late morning", but often those appointment slots fill up fairly quick! Yet, she relies on me as her unpaid administrative assistant. So, I'm juggling the best I can, and resent that phrase when I tell her she has an early appointment and has to get started early. Would she have tolerated that when I was a child? Certainly NOT.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on September 21, 2022, 11:53:57 AM

Some people use the word "but" in a way that everything in their sentence preceding it should be ignored

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on September 21, 2022, 11:58:38 AM

Quote from: kurumi on September 21, 2022, 11:53:57 AMSome people use the word "but" in a way that everything in their sentence preceding it should be ignored

Or, as covered extensively on Curb Your Enthusiasm, "that being said"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 21, 2022, 12:59:34 PM

Quote from: kurumi on September 21, 2022, 11:53:57 AM
Some people use the word "but" in a way that everything in their sentence preceding it should be ignored

I'm not racist or anything . . . but . . .

I mean this in the nicest way possible . . . but . . .

And the worst offender of all: I don't mean to gossip . . . but . . .

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kirbykart on September 21, 2022, 01:23:16 PM

Quote from: webny99 on September 19, 2022, 12:14:25 PM
^ Yes, upon looking at it more closely I would say that section 1131 only applies to interstates and other fully access-controlled freeways.

Also, "shall not be made by driving off the pavement", not mentioned in the Oklahoma law, is an important distinction. I'm talking about cases where the passing maneuver is completed on a paved shoulder (see the two links in my previous post).

Quote from: DenverBrian on September 19, 2022, 11:50:22 AM
Quote from: kirbykart on September 19, 2022, 09:59:27 AM
Here's one I've seen a couple of different times: When someone makes a left turn by going into the left lane a good hundred meters before the turn! Thankfully, I've only seen this on rural roads when someone is turning into a driveway, because this is extremely dangerous and illegal!!!
Speeding is extremely dangerous and illegal. And everyone does it. <shrugs>

If the left turner is on a rural road, with good sightlines, and no oncoming traffic anywhere to be seen...then, by all means, move into the oncoming traffic lane to make the left turn into the driveway and let cars behind get around.

I also don't have a problem with moving left to make a left turn if sightlines are good, especially if it's in a passing zone. I don't see it as a safety issue, and in fact, you could even argue it's a safety benefit: moving left in this manner makes clear to drivers behind you that you are going to be turning, which will prevent them from pulling out to pass.

And when someone comes towards this person around a blind corner or crest? Absolute death trap! There aren't very many flat, straight roads around here, y'know.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 21, 2022, 01:31:58 PM

Quote from: kirbykart on September 21, 2022, 01:23:16 PM
Quote from: webny99 on September 19, 2022, 12:14:25 PM
...
Quote from: DenverBrian on September 19, 2022, 11:50:22 AM
Quote from: kirbykart on September 19, 2022, 09:59:27 AM
Here's one I've seen a couple of different times: When someone makes a left turn by going into the left lane a good hundred meters before the turn! Thankfully, I've only seen this on rural roads when someone is turning into a driveway, because this is extremely dangerous and illegal!!!
Speeding is extremely dangerous and illegal. And everyone does it. <shrugs>

If the left turner is on a rural road, with good sightlines, and no oncoming traffic anywhere to be seen...then, by all means, move into the oncoming traffic lane to make the left turn into the driveway and let cars behind get around.

I also don't have a problem with moving left to make a left turn if sightlines are good, especially if it's in a passing zone. I don't see it as a safety issue, and in fact, you could even argue it's a safety benefit: moving left in this manner makes clear to drivers behind you that you are going to be turning, which will prevent them from pulling out to pass.
And when someone comes towards this person around a blind corner or crest? Absolute death trap! There aren't very many flat, straight roads around here, y'know.

Note the bolded phrases. Of course, this would exclude blind corners and crests.

And even if The Great State of New York (NYSDOT Region 5) doesn't have very many flat, straight roads... other parts of the country do.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on September 21, 2022, 04:30:00 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on September 21, 2022, 08:04:12 AM
Quote from: kphoger on September 20, 2022, 08:01:37 PM
Depends on the situation.

If there's a lot of traffic, then I pull forward in order to keep the queue of stacked traffic as short as possible. This may allow turning traffic toward the back of the queue a chance to turn, where there wouldn't have been an opportunity otherwise. If there's a turn bay, it may allow a car to enter it, where access to the lane would have been blocked otherwise. ....

....

I wasn't thinking of that scenario when I made my comment earlier and you make an excellent point. I definitely try to maintain awareness of the situation around me and I will not only move up, I will also try to pull further to one side of the lane if necessary to help someone access a turn lane. One of my pet peeves is people who deny me access to the left-turn lane that leads to my neighborhood such that I miss the green arrow, either because they leave too much space and won't pull up or because they slow down so far in advance that there's no hope of making the arrow. Because that bugs me, I try not to do the same. But if I'm in the middle of the queue well beyond the start of the turn lane and the car in front of me moves up less than half a carlength, I'm not likely to shift into gear and move up then unless I see in my mirror that someone back there is trying to get into the turn lane. I don't leave huge gaps between cars in the first place (except maybe on a steep uphill in case the car in front of me rolls back).

That might actually be one thing about Tallahassee that really bothers me. A lot of people will stop with so much space in front of them and eventually block access to the left-turn bays (where often times very few cars are lined up, and the turn cycles are quite short). And most of the big roads here have concrete medians, so it is physically impossible to access the left-turn lane until you actually get up there - as opposed to most roads in Utah or Georgia, which often have a center turn lane you can use to get around anyone blocking the way to the left-turn bay.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on September 22, 2022, 10:16:13 AM

Quote from: US 89 on September 21, 2022, 04:30:00 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on September 21, 2022, 08:04:12 AM
Quote from: kphoger on September 20, 2022, 08:01:37 PM
Depends on the situation.

If there's a lot of traffic, then I pull forward in order to keep the queue of stacked traffic as short as possible. This may allow turning traffic toward the back of the queue a chance to turn, where there wouldn't have been an opportunity otherwise. If there's a turn bay, it may allow a car to enter it, where access to the lane would have been blocked otherwise. ....

....

I wasn't thinking of that scenario when I made my comment earlier and you make an excellent point. I definitely try to maintain awareness of the situation around me and I will not only move up, I will also try to pull further to one side of the lane if necessary to help someone access a turn lane. One of my pet peeves is people who deny me access to the left-turn lane that leads to my neighborhood such that I miss the green arrow, either because they leave too much space and won't pull up or because they slow down so far in advance that there's no hope of making the arrow. Because that bugs me, I try not to do the same. But if I'm in the middle of the queue well beyond the start of the turn lane and the car in front of me moves up less than half a carlength, I'm not likely to shift into gear and move up then unless I see in my mirror that someone back there is trying to get into the turn lane. I don't leave huge gaps between cars in the first place (except maybe on a steep uphill in case the car in front of me rolls back).

That might actually be one thing about Tallahassee that really bothers me. A lot of people will stop with so much space in front of them and eventually block access to the left-turn bays (where often times very few cars are lined up, and the turn cycles are quite short). And most of the big roads here have concrete medians, so it is physically impossible to access the left-turn lane until you actually get up there - as opposed to most roads in Utah or Georgia, which often have a center turn lane you can use to get around anyone blocking the way to the left-turn bay.

Sometimes, when there's a really big gap like that, I will merge in, even if I'm not going that way, just for humor.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on September 22, 2022, 11:49:10 AM

When your MacBook fails to boot due to a kernel panic and you have to restore from a Time Machine backup.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on September 22, 2022, 04:02:27 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on September 22, 2022, 11:49:10 AM
When your MacBook fails to boot due to a kernel panic and you have to restore from a Time Machine backup.

At least Time Machine keeps it a "Minor thing" rather than a "Major thing". :)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 22, 2022, 05:29:17 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on September 22, 2022, 11:49:10 AM
When your MacBook fails to boot due to a kernel panic and you have to restore from a Time Machine backup.

How the heck are you experiencing kernel panics in 2022? Are Apple update releases really that slipshod?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on September 23, 2022, 11:31:56 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 22, 2022, 05:29:17 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 22, 2022, 11:49:10 AM
When your MacBook fails to boot due to a kernel panic and you have to restore from a Time Machine backup.

How the heck are you experiencing kernel panics in 2022? Are Apple update releases really that slipshod?

I have no idea. I am using my brother's MacBook Pro because mine died a couple of years ago. He has 10.9.5 installed and can't go any higher on the internal drive because newer versions of the OS break some software he uses.

What happened was, I started up from an external drive with a newer version of the OS installed because I needed to do something that required that newer version. When I shut down and then attempted to restart using the internal drive, that's when I got the error. I knew it was software related because it started back up with the external drive.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on September 23, 2022, 04:00:04 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on September 23, 2022, 11:31:56 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 22, 2022, 05:29:17 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 22, 2022, 11:49:10 AM
When your MacBook fails to boot due to a kernel panic and you have to restore from a Time Machine backup.

How the heck are you experiencing kernel panics in 2022? Are Apple update releases really that slipshod?

I have no idea. I am using my brother's MacBook Pro because mine died a couple of years ago. He has 10.9.5 installed and can't go any higher on the internal drive because newer versions of the OS break some software he uses.

What happened was, I started up from an external drive with a newer version of the OS installed because I needed to do something that required that newer version. When I shut down and then attempted to restart using the internal drive, that's when I got the error. I knew it was software related because it started back up with the external drive.

Yeah, going backwards in version numbers can be problematic with macOS, and should be avoided if possible. When booting the newer OS, perhaps something was written to disk that when the older OS was booted, it choked on it. You did say that you were able to restore from Time Machine and everything is OK now, right?

My two cents ... macOS 10.9.5 "Mavericks" is ancient (2013). Apple no longer supports it with security updates etc. You or your brother may want to see if there is a newer version of his critical application (or a suitable replacement application) that will run on a newer OS, and to consider upgrading the application and the OS to something newer. Assuming that the macBook Pro itself isn't too old to run a newer OS. Again, just my thoughts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on September 23, 2022, 04:10:57 PM

I had previously booted from the external (running El Capitan) without issue. It only happened this time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on September 24, 2022, 01:51:51 PM

Being within like 20 miles of clinching I-70 in colorado, but mom didn't want to go. We went to Grand Junction, ok, cool, new mileage for me, but... *rips hair out*.

Of course, then I'd have to continute to Cove Fort, thus clinching 70 in its entirety. But no. She wanted to go back to Glenwood to go thrift shopping.

Oh well. fun trip anyway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on September 24, 2022, 05:03:45 PM

Related: family drive to Disneyland, long ago, and I'm looking forward to getting some area highway photos on the way back. The plan is to leave right after lunch, to get home at a decent hour.

Instead, the shoppers in the family spend *hours* of extra time shopping (i.e. get the perfect souvenir for everyone you know), so we're not even on the road until it's dark.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on September 24, 2022, 05:47:06 PM

That the NHC uses 1 minute winds instead of the 10 minute ones recommended by the WMO. This means I have to guesstimate those to get a more direct comparative with the rest of the world. Also, they don't have a "strong" tropical storm category (i.e. separate gale-force and storm-force tropical cyclones) like the rest of the world.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 24, 2022, 06:38:34 PM

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on September 24, 2022, 05:47:06 PM
Also, they don't have a "strong" tropical storm category (i.e. separate gale-force and storm-force tropical cyclones) like the rest of the world.

This is probably because weather media in the United States tends to dispense with wind categorization in favor of quoting just raw wind speed numbers in miles per hour (or knots in aviation and a few other contexts). Thus we don't use things like the Beaufort scale or terms like "gale force" winds (although we do use the Fujita and Saffir-Simpson scales for tornadoes and hurricanes respectively, owing to the difficulties in getting accurate wind speed measures).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on September 25, 2022, 01:45:05 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 24, 2022, 06:38:34 PM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on September 24, 2022, 05:47:06 PM
Also, they don't have a "strong" tropical storm category (i.e. separate gale-force and storm-force tropical cyclones) like the rest of the world.

This is probably because weather media in the United States tends to dispense with wind categorization in favor of quoting just raw wind speed numbers in miles per hour (or knots in aviation and a few other contexts). Thus we don't use things like the Beaufort scale or terms like "gale force" winds (although we do use the Fujita and Saffir-Simpson scales for tornadoes and hurricanes respectively, owing to the difficulties in getting accurate wind speed measures).

The EF-scale used for tornadoes is explicitly a damage scale. The Saffir-Simpson scale is actually a wind scale. It is rare to get land-based station measurements to confirm higher-end hurricane windspeeds, but we fly planes into hurricanes and set their intensities using the wind speeds that they measure. Whereas if a Doppler radar measures 300 mph winds in a tornado, it doesn't matter at all towards the rating unless the tornado happens to hit a perfectly-built significant enough building and destroy it in just the right way while those winds are occurring. Which isn't a great way to go about tornado surveying in my opinion, but whatever.

Also, another reason for these scales is that the speeds these scales are used to describe are so high we aren't really familiar with them. Most people are probably familiar with what a 10 mph wind feels like vs. what a 30 mph wind feels like. Nobody really knows the difference between a 110 mph and 130 mph wind in the same way.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 25, 2022, 05:42:29 PM

Quote from: US 89 on September 25, 2022, 01:45:05 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 24, 2022, 06:38:34 PM
Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on September 24, 2022, 05:47:06 PM
Also, they don't have a "strong" tropical storm category (i.e. separate gale-force and storm-force tropical cyclones) like the rest of the world.

This is probably because weather media in the United States tends to dispense with wind categorization in favor of quoting just raw wind speed numbers in miles per hour (or knots in aviation and a few other contexts). Thus we don't use things like the Beaufort scale or terms like "gale force" winds (although we do use the Fujita and Saffir-Simpson scales for tornadoes and hurricanes respectively, owing to the difficulties in getting accurate wind speed measures).

The EF-scale used for tornadoes is explicitly a damage scale. The Saffir-Simpson scale is actually a wind scale. It is rare to get land-based station measurements to confirm higher-end hurricane windspeeds, but we fly planes into hurricanes and set their intensities using the wind speeds that they measure. Whereas if a Doppler radar measures 300 mph winds in a tornado, it doesn't matter at all towards the rating unless the tornado happens to hit a perfectly-built significant enough building and destroy it in just the right way while those winds are occurring. Which isn't a great way to go about tornado surveying in my opinion, but whatever.

Enhanced Fujita is the gold standard despite being a damage scale because of the difficulty of measuring the wind speed directly. Because tornadoes generally have such a narrow track, the odds that they'll hit a pre-placed anemometer are low. Also, since tornadoes only last for an hour or so at most, and their course is so unpredictable, it's practically impossible to send a team out to deploy an anemometer the same way a hurricane hunter aircraft can measure the wind speed in a hurricane.

As you mentioned, wind speeds can also be measured by Doppler, but I'm not entirely sure if those measurements are yet reliable enough to be used for the sorts of things EF ratings are used for. I'm of the impression that the widespread availability Doppler wind measurement is a fairly recent development.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 26, 2022, 04:40:57 PM

When I print stuff off at work, I walk over to the printer while it's doing its thing. Once the last sheet has been spit out onto the tray, these little plastic fingers clamp down on the stack of papers–basically holding them captive so I can't grab them for a few seconds.

It's like the printer is on some power trip. All right, wait for it... wait for it... wait for it... OK, now you can have them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Amaury on September 26, 2022, 05:30:27 PM

People, specifically males, as it seems to be more common with them, who intentionally sag their pants or shorts–doesn't matter what kind (sweatpants or jeans). It's worse when over half of their underwear is showing, but even if their underwear is not showing because they're wearing a big shirt that's covering it, it still looks very tacky. It's even worse when they have a belt on just to keep their jeans from falling down all the way, when belts–besides sometimes being just for fashion, as some jeans will fit properly even without a belt–are meant to keep your jeans at your waist.

When it's unintentional, it can still be tacky, but most people in the unintentional category are more conscious about it and pull them up as needed. I understand that pants can slide down or underwear can ride up, even with a belt, but if it's the former, try to pull them up as needed. However, this is minor, so it's not like I'm ever going to say anything. If it's friends, I'll joke around and give them a hard time about it, but I don't get upset with them or anything.

Another minor annoyance, related to the above, is plumber's crack, but I'm near positive that one is always unintentional. I don't know what causes that one, as it's happened with me sometimes, but I'm pretty conscious about that and always pull them up when I feel them sliding down. Might just be some combinations of types or sizes of underwear and pants.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 26, 2022, 06:25:21 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 26, 2022, 04:40:57 PM
When I print stuff off at work, I walk over to the printer while it's doing its thing. Once the last sheet has been spit out onto the tray, these little plastic fingers clamp down on the stack of papers–basically holding them captive so I can't grab them for a few seconds.

It's like the printer is on some power trip. All right, wait for it... wait for it... wait for it... OK, now you can have them.

I wonder if this is because of some sort of chemical process needs to finish during that time, like perhaps the bonding of the toner to the paper.

Quote from: Amaury on September 26, 2022, 05:30:27 PM
People, specifically males, as it seems to be more common with them, who intentionally sag their pants or shorts–doesn't matter what kind (sweatpants or jeans). It's worse when over half of their underwear is showing, but even if their underwear is not showing because they're wearing a big shirt that's covering it, it still looks very tacky. It's even worse when they have a belt on just to keep their jeans from falling down all the way, when belts–besides sometimes being just for fashion, as some jeans will fit properly even without a belt–are meant to keep your jeans at your waist.

When it's unintentional, it can still be tacky, but most people in the unintentional category are more conscious about it and pull them up as needed. I understand that pants can slide down or underwear can ride up, even with a belt, but if it's the former, try to pull them up as needed. However, this is minor, so it's not like I'm ever going to say anything. If it's friends, I'll joke around and give them a hard time about it, but I don't get upset with them or anything.

I mean...people have been doing that for 20 years at this point. I remember people doing it in high school and I graduated in 2007. At some point you just have to accept that people will do things with their clothes you don't like and just get over it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Amaury on September 26, 2022, 06:47:44 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 26, 2022, 06:25:21 PMI mean...people have been doing that for 20 years at this point. I remember people doing it in high school and I graduated in 2007. At some point you just have to accept that people will do things with their clothes you don't like and just get over it.

Oh, yeah. Definitely. Like I said, it's a minor thing and I don't get worked up over it. If I notice it, that's all it is. I notice it and move on.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 26, 2022, 06:58:12 PM

Quote from: Amaury on September 26, 2022, 05:30:27 PM
People, specifically males, as it seems to be more common with them, who intentionally sag their pants or shorts–doesn't matter what kind (sweatpants or jeans). It's worse when over half of their underwear is showing, but even if their underwear is not showing because they're wearing a big shirt that's covering it, it still looks very tacky. It's even worse when they have a belt on just to keep their jeans from falling down all the way, when belts–besides sometimes being just for fashion, as some jeans will fit properly even without a belt–are meant to keep your jeans at your waist.

When it's unintentional, it can still be tacky, but most people in the unintentional category are more conscious about it and pull them up as needed. I understand that pants can slide down or underwear can ride up, even with a belt, but if it's the former, try to pull them up as needed. However, this is minor, so it's not like I'm ever going to say anything. If it's friends, I'll joke around and give them a hard time about it, but I don't get upset with them or anything.

We have a neighbor one block up the street whom we've nicknamed "Mister Pants on the Ground". I think he's a little bit "off in the head", or possibly on drugs sometimes, or possibly both. We once saw him wearing a Halloween mask, spinning in circles in his driveway. Anyway, he likes to strut down the middle of the street, sometimes walking his dog, to the smoke shop, and doing so apparently requires one hand to hold his pants up at all times. Ridiculous. Hilarious, but ridiculous.

The best was when I was on the bus and a saggy-britches fellow boarded. He had to hunt for change in both of his pockets but, if he let go of his pants, they'd fall down. It was like watching a comedy routine, except he wasn't even trying.

Quote from: Amaury on September 26, 2022, 05:30:27 PM
Another minor annoyance, related to the above, is plumber's crack, but I'm near positive that one is always unintentional. I don't know what causes that one, as it's happened with me sometimes, but I'm pretty conscious about that and always pull them up when I feel them sliding down. Might just be some combinations of types or sizes of underwear and pants.

Over the years, I've realized that some people's "anal cleft" is apparent farther up their back than others'. This means that their pants might not actually be riding low, but you can still see the "crack". I haven't totally made my peace with that but, every time I see it, I tell myself that that's just the way their body is made, so stop being bothered by it.

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 26, 2022, 06:25:21 PM
I mean...people have been doing _____ for _____ years at this point. ... At some point you just have to accept that people will do things ... you don't like and just get over it.

Then what would we talk about in this thread?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on September 26, 2022, 07:55:56 PM

Quote from: Amaury on September 26, 2022, 05:30:27 PM
People, specifically males, as it seems to be more common with them, who intentionally sag their pants or shorts–doesn't matter what kind (sweatpants or jeans). It's worse when over half of their underwear is showing, but even if their underwear is not showing because they're wearing a big shirt that's covering it, it still looks very tacky. It's even worse when they have a belt on just to keep their jeans from falling down all the way, when belts–besides sometimes being just for fashion, as some jeans will fit properly even without a belt–are meant to keep your jeans at your waist.

When it's unintentional, it can still be tacky, but most people in the unintentional category are more conscious about it and pull them up as needed. I understand that pants can slide down or underwear can ride up, even with a belt, but if it's the former, try to pull them up as needed. However, this is minor, so it's not like I'm ever going to say anything. If it's friends, I'll joke around and give them a hard time about it, but I don't get upset with them or anything.

Another minor annoyance, related to the above, is plumber's crack, but I'm near positive that one is always unintentional. I don't know what causes that one, as it's happened with me sometimes, but I'm pretty conscious about that and always pull them up when I feel them sliding down. Might just be some combinations of types or sizes of underwear and pants.

1) re: the low hanging pants...It's been rap/ hip-hop thing for decades, unfortunately. I heard a comedian say one time he went up to a group of them and asked them "which artist died now?" They asked why. He said, "because I see you're wearing your pants at half-mast".

2) re the showing of the PlumberstButt Crack: I want to say part of that is because both men's and women's jeans don't rise as high as they used to. That extra 1-2 inches make a big difference in whether you see the crack, Whale tail, etc,...or not.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 26, 2022, 08:29:14 PM

Can someone explain to me why someone wearing their pants low bothers you or is "unfortunate"?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 26, 2022, 08:49:37 PM

Because your butt being visible for people to see is generally considered inappropriate. Showing your underwear is just one step below that. And, even if you can't actually see the butt/underwear, the sagging pants makes it obvious that you could if only the shirt were shorter.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 26, 2022, 09:24:34 PM

I think of it as unfortunate for the person to have to keep making adjustments, unless they've got a means of keeping their pants in place that I hadn't considered. But it doesn't bother me that much unless it's visibly affecting their gait.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DTComposer on September 26, 2022, 09:25:29 PM

To me (and it's not annoying, just curious), it's not where they choose to let their pants hang, but the practicality of it. If you have to continually pull up your pants to keep them from hitting the ground, then it seems like a lot of wasted effort (and potential embarrassment) to follow a fashion trend.

A friend of mine who teaches high school drama would have her students move flats/scenery/etc. during class or rehearsals, and they would need both hands to carry it, and their pants would fall down mid-move. Not meant to embarrass, but to point out the idea that if your fashion gets in the way of your day-to-day activities or obligations, then perhaps the fashion isn't worth it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on September 26, 2022, 10:31:25 PM

Quote from: thenetwork on September 26, 2022, 07:55:56 PM2) re the showing of the Plumber's Butt Crack: I want to say part of that is because both men's and women's jeans don't rise as high as they used to. That extra 1-2 inches make a big difference in whether you see the crack, Whale tail, etc,...or not.

Yes, jeans these days are almost universally cut to rest on the hip rather than the natural waist. I also suspect stiff fabric and ungenerous cut through the crotch contribute to the problem. This is actually one of the reasons I prefer khaki trousers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on September 27, 2022, 08:39:46 AM

Heh, the posts above about sagging jeans make me think of this comment I made earlier in this thread. It's still valid–my phone still suggests "Buttcrack" even though we haven't been to a Caps game since May. (Regarding sagging jeans generally, Virginia had the infamous "Droopy Drawers Bill" back in 2005 where a state legislator sought to impose a fine on kids who walked around with their underwear hanging out (https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2005/feb/8/20050208-105116-2078r/). The bill failed. It makes me wonder, if that bill passed, shouldn't there also be a law fining women who walk around with their bra straps exposed? I mean, is there really that big a difference in principle?)

Quote from: 1995hoo on May 15, 2022, 10:24:25 PM
Unrelated to the above (and hence the reason for the double post):

The woman who sits in front of us at Verizon Center always wears jeans that don't fit properly and invariably exposes buttcrack at some point during a game when she stands up. It's become a running joke among our season-ticket group. My wife and I know her name, but our season ticket partners apparently don't and they've taken to calling her "Buttcrack" and viewing her as the team's lucky charm (e.g., "No Buttcrack tonight, we're sunk.").

This has become so pervasive that my phone has discovered it:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220516/36eac7cda3e88707c34f1823dc13fa75.jpeg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 27, 2022, 09:27:31 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 26, 2022, 08:29:14 PM
Can someone explain to me why someone wearing their pants low bothers you or is "unfortunate"?

Quote from: kphoger on September 26, 2022, 08:49:37 PM
Because your butt being visible for people to see is generally considered inappropriate. Showing your underwear is just one step below that. And, even if you can't actually see the butt/underwear, the sagging pants makes it obvious that you could if only the shirt were shorter.

Actually, I've been thinking about this, and I believe there's more at play.

Clothing norms are obviously culturally dependent, which is to say they vary across time and geography. There was once an anthropologist working among a tribe in Papua New Guinea (or somewhere in that general area) whose only typical clothing item was a cord around the waist for hanging tools on. Aside from that cord, they went around otherwise nude. One day, the anthropologist asked one of the men if anyone ever went without the cord around their waist. With shocked disbelief on the man's face, he answered, And be naked!?? We can chuckle at that, but on some level we all understand that dress codes vary from culture to culture. For this reason, then, it's unavoidably a bit foolish to try and conform such norms to the rigors of logic and reason: at some point, we have to just admit that that's the way things are in our culture.

But clothing norms are also situationally dependent–even within the same culture. We can think nothing of seeing a woman in a bikini at the beach or the pool, yet we'd be startled at seeing her dressed like that at the office copy machine or taking communion at mass. I wouldn't let my sons wear gym shorts and an old T-shirt to a wedding, even though I have no problem sending them out to play in those clothes. Go to a hot springs pool, and you can take all your clothes off without shocking anyone; try heading downstairs to the hotel breakfast with no clothes on the next morning, however, and be prepared for them to kick you out in short order.

With that in mind, it is my expectation that people in normal everyday life will keep their pants on. If my pants were to fall down to my knees as I was heading into my boss's office at work, then that would be embarrassing for both of us. If you come over to my house for dinner, then I expect you to keep your pants from falling off. Knowing what brand and style of underwear you have isn't a big deal in the locker room, but it's not something people should find out while waiting for their order at Burger King.

And, when someone lets their pants sag to the point that it's obviously noticeable, then it basically looks like they're halfway to ending up undressed–and that they don't really care–and, moreover, that they actually want that. It looks like, any second now, they might end up "letting it all hang out", and that they're fine with that, to the point that they didn't even bother to put on a belt.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on September 27, 2022, 09:49:12 AM

Quote from: kphoger on September 27, 2022, 09:27:31 AM
With that in mind, it is my expectation that people in normal everyday life will keep their pants on. If my pants were to fall down to my knees as I was heading into my boss's office at work, then that would be embarrassing for both of us. If you come over to my house for dinner, then I expect you to keep your pants from falling off. Knowing what brand and style of underwear you have isn't a big deal in the locker room, but it's not something people should find out while waiting for their order at Burger King.

And, when someone lets their pants sag to the point that it's obviously noticeable, then it basically looks like they're halfway to ending up undressed–and that they don't really care–and, moreover, that they actually want that. It looks like, any second now, they might end up "letting it all hang out", and that they're fine with that, to the point that they didn't even bother to put on a belt.

Not sure if everyone is aware of the original genesis of sagging is/was, but it basically stems from guys in prison not being allowed to have belts and so their pants would always fall down a bit. So when it became mainstream, it was during the rise of the gangsta rap era where showing (at the time) your boxer band made you look tougher as if you had been in prison. As with most things with urban culture during that age, it crossed over to the suburbs due to kids wanting to emulate the rappers and also with things like the Mark Walhberg Calvin Klein ads.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 27, 2022, 10:14:14 AM

Quote from: kphoger on April 04, 2022, 03:57:58 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 04, 2022, 03:50:12 PM
It's nice to think of a board meeting where the CEO says "Well, we budgeted for 50% profit and thanks to increased efficiency, we got 55%, so let's lower the prices", but has that ever happened? American business culture is to say "hey cool, increased profit!" and congratulate yourself by raising your own salary.

And this is why I don't like self-checkout lanes at the store. Take away people's jobs in the name of keeping prices low? Yeah, I'm guessing not.

At least two of our local Dillon's (Kroger) stores now have a new kind of self-checkout. The self-scan terminal is the same, but there's a full-length conveyor belt from there down to a sacking area. This isn't very convenient for a single shopper, as you have to scan all your items, let them pile up a couple of yards away, and then go over there to sack them all up while the next shopper is anxiously waiting. But, for two people shopping together, it's great. One person scans, the other one sacks.

And now I'm hooked. My desire to interact with a human employee in the checkout lane has been eclipsed by my desire to be in control of how my groceries get sacked. I can now generally walk out of the store with one well-packed cardboard flat (like what they have produce in at Aldi) and two well-packed paper sacks. I'm a happy camper.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on September 27, 2022, 10:40:22 AM

Scam artists on Facebook who claim to be someone you know and tell you the good new that you qualify for a new government program that awards you a half a million dollars because you fall into the "category."

Though I have seen through them before they ask me to give them personal info, it still annoys me a bit that some could be so low.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: elsmere241 on September 27, 2022, 12:03:29 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 27, 2022, 09:49:12 AM
Not sure if everyone is aware of the original genesis of sagging is/was, but it basically stems from guys in prison not being allowed to have belts and so their pants would always fall down a bit. So when it became mainstream, it was during the rise of the gangsta rap era where showing (at the time) your boxer band made you look tougher as if you had been in prison. As with most things with urban culture during that age, it crossed over to the suburbs due to kids wanting to emulate the rappers and also with things like the Mark Walhberg Calvin Klein ads.

I knew it was something like that. In the mid-1990s (I don't know if they still do) Warner Brothers had cartoons of Looney Tunes characters with sagging pants.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on September 27, 2022, 01:13:50 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 26, 2022, 06:25:21 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 26, 2022, 04:40:57 PM
When I print stuff off at work, I walk over to the printer while it's doing its thing. Once the last sheet has been spit out onto the tray, these little plastic fingers clamp down on the stack of papers–basically holding them captive so I can't grab them for a few seconds.

It's like the printer is on some power trip. All right, wait for it... wait for it... wait for it... OK, now you can have them.

I wonder if this is because of some sort of chemical process needs to finish during that time, like perhaps the bonding of the toner to the paper.

Quote from: Amaury on September 26, 2022, 05:30:27 PM
People, specifically males, as it seems to be more common with them, who intentionally sag their pants or shorts–doesn't matter what kind (sweatpants or jeans). It's worse when over half of their underwear is showing, but even if their underwear is not showing because they're wearing a big shirt that's covering it, it still looks very tacky. It's even worse when they have a belt on just to keep their jeans from falling down all the way, when belts–besides sometimes being just for fashion, as some jeans will fit properly even without a belt–are meant to keep your jeans at your waist.

When it's unintentional, it can still be tacky, but most people in the unintentional category are more conscious about it and pull them up as needed. I understand that pants can slide down or underwear can ride up, even with a belt, but if it's the former, try to pull them up as needed. However, this is minor, so it's not like I'm ever going to say anything. If it's friends, I'll joke around and give them a hard time about it, but I don't get upset with them or anything.

I mean...people have been doing that for 20 years at this point. I remember people doing it in high school and I graduated in 2007. At some point you just have to accept that people will do things with their clothes you don't like and just get over it.

It goes back further than that. It was worth a sight gag in the movie "Clueless" which came out in 1995.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on September 27, 2022, 01:17:55 PM

Quote from: kkt on September 27, 2022, 01:13:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 26, 2022, 06:25:21 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 26, 2022, 04:40:57 PM
When I print stuff off at work, I walk over to the printer while it's doing its thing. Once the last sheet has been spit out onto the tray, these little plastic fingers clamp down on the stack of papers–basically holding them captive so I can't grab them for a few seconds.

It's like the printer is on some power trip. All right, wait for it... wait for it... wait for it... OK, now you can have them.

I wonder if this is because of some sort of chemical process needs to finish during that time, like perhaps the bonding of the toner to the paper.

Quote from: Amaury on September 26, 2022, 05:30:27 PM
People, specifically males, as it seems to be more common with them, who intentionally sag their pants or shorts–doesn't matter what kind (sweatpants or jeans). It's worse when over half of their underwear is showing, but even if their underwear is not showing because they're wearing a big shirt that's covering it, it still looks very tacky. It's even worse when they have a belt on just to keep their jeans from falling down all the way, when belts–besides sometimes being just for fashion, as some jeans will fit properly even without a belt–are meant to keep your jeans at your waist.

When it's unintentional, it can still be tacky, but most people in the unintentional category are more conscious about it and pull them up as needed. I understand that pants can slide down or underwear can ride up, even with a belt, but if it's the former, try to pull them up as needed. However, this is minor, so it's not like I'm ever going to say anything. If it's friends, I'll joke around and give them a hard time about it, but I don't get upset with them or anything.

I mean...people have been doing that for 20 years at this point. I remember people doing it in high school and I graduated in 2007. At some point you just have to accept that people will do things with their clothes you don't like and just get over it.

It goes back further than that. It was worth a sight gag in the movie "Clueless" which came out in 1995.

It started being popular right around 1992-93, right when I was in my peak "I need to do whatever to be cool" mode in 6th grade.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 27, 2022, 02:21:06 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 27, 2022, 09:27:31 AM
With that in mind, it is my expectation that people in normal everyday life will keep their pants on. If my pants were to fall down to my knees as I was heading into my boss's office at work, then that would be embarrassing for both of us. If you come over to my house for dinner, then I expect you to keep your pants from falling off. Knowing what brand and style of underwear you have isn't a big deal in the locker room, but it's not something people should find out while waiting for their order at Burger King.

And, when someone lets their pants sag to the point that it's obviously noticeable, then it basically looks like they're halfway to ending up undressed–and that they don't really care–and, moreover, that they actually want that. It looks like, any second now, they might end up "letting it all hang out", and that they're fine with that, to the point that they didn't even bother to put on a belt.

On the other hand: is it really all that different from wearing pajamas to the grocery store, or Burger King, or whatever?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 27, 2022, 02:32:52 PM

Quote from: webny99 on September 27, 2022, 02:21:06 PM
On the other hand: is it really all that different from wearing pajamas to the grocery store, or Burger King, or whatever?

I think that's tacky, yes, but it isn't the same thing. (Again, this isn't necessarily completely logical.) Pajamas are a step, or more than one step, above underwear.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on September 27, 2022, 02:39:34 PM

Wikipedia has articles on both sagging (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sagging_(fashion)) and buttock cleavage (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buttock_cleavage). The version of the prison origin story for sagging I have heard (not mentioned in the Wikipedia article) is that it is deliberate sexual display, as was also true of its use in several of the Marky Mark underwear ads (https://www.vogue.com/article/calvin-klein-jeans-90s-ads-kate-moss-mark-wahlberg-controversy) from the 1990's. The article on plumber's crack notes that several fashion designers, such as Alexander McQueen, have intentionally incorporated it into their jeans.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on September 27, 2022, 02:46:56 PM

I won't talk about sagging pants. What I will talk about is something that bugs me about work. If you want to leave a company to pursue work at another employer, it is good practice to provide two weeks notice "to minimum interruption and train your replacement." Yet, if the company decides that your services are no longer needed (outside of a mass layoff), they can drop you "at will" with no regards for how the termination of service affects your personal life or finances. Now, I understand that there is some good security concerns behind that policy (you don't want a disgruntled worker around some critical systems that would negatively affect the company should critical data get lost or the system has a costly shutdown), but still...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 27, 2022, 03:03:16 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on September 27, 2022, 02:46:56 PM
I won't talk about sagging pants. What I will talk about is something that bugs me about work. If you want to leave a company to pursue work at another employer, it is good practice to provide two weeks notice "to minimum interruption and train your replacement." Yet, if the company decides that your services are no longer needed (outside of a mass layoff), they can drop you "at will" with no regards for how the termination of service affects your personal life or finances. Now, I understand that there is some good security concerns behind that policy (you don't want a disgruntled worker around some critical systems that would negatively affect the company should critical data get lost or the system has a costly shutdown), but still...

Of course, depending on the state of course, they can drop you "at will" at any time they like–two weeks notice or not.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 27, 2022, 03:05:49 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 27, 2022, 02:32:52 PM
Quote from: webny99 on September 27, 2022, 02:21:06 PM
On the other hand: is it really all that different from wearing pajamas to the grocery store, or Burger King, or whatever?

I think that's tacky, yes, but it isn't the same thing. (Again, this isn't necessarily completely logical.) Pajamas are a step, or more than one step, above underwear.

I think of them as more or less "on the same level". Both encompass a wide variety of articles and would usually be considered unsuitable in a formal or professional setting.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 27, 2022, 03:07:09 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 27, 2022, 03:03:16 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on September 27, 2022, 02:46:56 PM
I won't talk about sagging pants. What I will talk about is something that bugs me about work. If you want to leave a company to pursue work at another employer, it is good practice to provide two weeks notice "to minimum interruption and train your replacement." Yet, if the company decides that your services are no longer needed (outside of a mass layoff), they can drop you "at will" with no regards for how the termination of service affects your personal life or finances. Now, I understand that there is some good security concerns behind that policy (you don't want a disgruntled worker around some critical systems that would negatively affect the company should critical data get lost or the system has a costly shutdown), but still...

Of course, depending on the state of course, they can drop you "at will" at any time they like–two weeks notice or not.

I think that was the point: it's bothersome that an employee has to give two weeks notice, while the employer does not.

Of course, this is why many employers offer severance pay when terminating an employee, so they have an income while they search for a new job.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on September 27, 2022, 03:13:25 PM

Quote from: webny99 on September 27, 2022, 03:07:09 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 27, 2022, 03:03:16 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on September 27, 2022, 02:46:56 PM
I won't talk about sagging pants. What I will talk about is something that bugs me about work. If you want to leave a company to pursue work at another employer, it is good practice to provide two weeks notice "to minimum interruption and train your replacement." Yet, if the company decides that your services are no longer needed (outside of a mass layoff), they can drop you "at will" with no regards for how the termination of service affects your personal life or finances. Now, I understand that there is some good security concerns behind that policy (you don't want a disgruntled worker around some critical systems that would negatively affect the company should critical data get lost or the system has a costly shutdown), but still...

Of course, depending on the state of course, they can drop you "at will" at any time they like–two weeks notice or not.

I think that was the point: it's bothersome that an employee has to give two weeks notice, while the employer does not.

Of course, this is why many employers offer severance pay when terminating an employee, so they have an income while they search for a new job.

I wouldn't say many employers. Quite few in fact.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 27, 2022, 03:23:12 PM

Quote from: webny99 on September 27, 2022, 03:07:09 PM
I think that was the point: it's bothersome that an employee has to give two weeks notice, while the employer does not.

Oh, I thought he was talking about the situation where an employee gives two weeks' notice, and then the employer terms him immediately, rather than letting him work another two weeks.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on September 27, 2022, 03:26:45 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 27, 2022, 03:23:12 PM
Quote from: webny99 on September 27, 2022, 03:07:09 PM
I think that was the point: it's bothersome that an employee has to give two weeks notice, while the employer does not.

Oh, I thought he was talking about the situation where an employee gives two weeks' notice, and then the employer terms him immediately, rather than letting him work another two weeks.

He was, but that stems from an employer also being able to let someone go at their discretion in 'at will' states -- notice or not.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on September 27, 2022, 03:31:29 PM

Pretty much all of the states (and equivalent jurisdictions) in the US have at-will employment (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/At-will_employment) by default, though there are typically exceptions for public policy (e.g., can't fire an employee as retaliation for reporting illegal conduct or because of the color of his or her skin) and workplaces covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Employment by written contract is not the norm in the US the way it is in the UK.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 27, 2022, 03:38:54 PM

This all leads to the unfortunate situation in which it often works to the employee's benefit to not even give two weeks' notice–but rather to just up-and-quit once he's ready to start his new job.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on September 27, 2022, 03:41:52 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 27, 2022, 03:38:54 PM
This all leads to the unfortunate situation in which it often works to the employee's benefit to not even give two weeks' notice–but rather to just up-and-quit once he's ready to start his new job.

I've always given at least two weeks notice at every job I've had, even back in high school. I had one place where I worked that was known for not paying out accrued vacation despite it being in their handbook that they would do so. So, I took my week and a half vacation and, on the drive to the airport, I emailed them my 2 week notice so they wouldn't have the ability to just let me go and not pay me. I felt scummy, but their shitty business ethics pretty much drove me to it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on September 27, 2022, 03:49:18 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on September 27, 2022, 03:31:29 PM
Employment by written contract is not the norm in the US the way it is in the UK.

Wait, so most Americans don't sign an employment contract? How does a worker guarantee the employer provides them the agreed-upon salary, vacation days, sick days, etc. without a contract?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 27, 2022, 03:57:20 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 27, 2022, 03:41:52 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 27, 2022, 03:38:54 PM
This all leads to the unfortunate situation in which it often works to the employee's benefit to not even give two weeks' notice–but rather to just up-and-quit once he's ready to start his new job.

I've always given at least two weeks notice at every job I've had, even back in high school. I had one place where I worked that was known for not paying out accrued vacation despite it being in their handbook that they would do so. So, I took my week and a half vacation and, on the drive to the airport, I emailed them my 2 week notice so they wouldn't have the ability to just let me go and not pay me. I felt scummy, but their shitty business ethics pretty much drove me to it.

The only time I didn't give two week's notice is when I quit a job I had through a temp agency. I went in for an interview, they said they'd hire me, I asked when I should start, and they answered, "How about this evening?" So I drove to the DMV to get a copy of my driving record and, on my way from there to my new job, I stopped by the temp agency and told them I quit.

I felt a little bad. But, on the other hand, a temp job is by nature temporary.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on September 27, 2022, 04:04:08 PM

Quote from: 7/8 on September 27, 2022, 03:49:18 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on September 27, 2022, 03:31:29 PM
Employment by written contract is not the norm in the US the way it is in the UK.

Wait, so most Americans don't sign an employment contract? How does a worker guarantee the employer provides them the agreed-upon salary, vacation days, sick days, etc. without a contract?

For "career-type" jobs, you sign your offer letter initially which guarantees your salary and then other bits of paperwork basically saying you agree to the employee handbook and such which will have all of your benefits information. So, it's similar to what you've have the U.K. but there is nothing that implies the amount of notice that either party need provide in case one side wants to terminate the contract. For less "career-type" jobs, i.e. restaurant workers, gas station attendants, etc., you just sign something in your paperwork after you verbally agree to the pay rate.

It's just professional courtesy in the U.S. for the employee to provide at least two weeks notice when they want to quit. The employer, in reality, doesn't have any requirement to provide notice. That said, most larger companies, if they want to lay you off, will provide pretty extensive notice if for no other reason than mitigating bad publicity.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on September 27, 2022, 05:26:41 PM

I've seen proponents of at-will state that "well if benefits employees too as they can leave any bad or undesirable situation at any time" but it's clear to me it's one of those things designed to benefit employers more.

At a number of jobs I worked, the at-will employment part was the most important thing they wanted you to know. It was always listed first in the handbook with CYAs about "at-will employment overrides any contradictions that may be present in this manual"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 27, 2022, 06:15:05 PM

re the pants-sagging thing: I just don't feel the need to be the arbiter of what is "appropriate" or not in places where I have no authority to do so. If I owned a business that were open to the public and someone were to wear something inappropriate, I might feel inclined to say something (although I've always thought dress codes were sort of stupid). But if someone wears something inappropriate/tacky in Walmart, it doesn't bother me–I'm not in charge of Walmart so saying what is and is not appropriate to wear there isn't any of my business.

Honestly, I think the world might be a better (or at least more interesting) place if we lightened up on what people wore. We used to have a customer at the casino who would show up on occasion decked out like an 18th-century pirate. It was awesome. But I could never do something like that. I would feel too self-conscious that people were judging me for wearing something "inappropriate". Yeah, being dressed as a pirate to do your errands is inappropriate attire, but it would make buying groceries more fun...

Quote from: 7/8 on September 27, 2022, 03:49:18 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on September 27, 2022, 03:31:29 PM
Employment by written contract is not the norm in the US the way it is in the UK.

Wait, so most Americans don't sign an employment contract? How does a worker guarantee the employer provides them the agreed-upon salary, vacation days, sick days, etc. without a contract?

They don't. Basically, when you go into a job, you simply have to trust that they will honor the salary and benefits they promised you during the recruitment/hiring process. Most places, but not all, will give you a paper to sign outlining this, and you sign that paper to accept the position. But as far as I know it's not legally binding. That being said, only particularly scummy companies will change things on you like that, because most people will react to "pay/benefits not being what was agreed to" by quitting. More common is them promising you something like a raise or a change in schedule after a period of time ("we'll start you at $10/hour on graveyard shift, and then after six months you'll be out of your training period so we'll raise you to $15 and move you to swing") and then after that time elapses coming up with excuses ("well, we can't move you to swing until after we replace Marsha...and the budget is a little tight so we can't go through with the raise yet...")

Employment is, like healthcare, one of the parts of American society that is about 75 years behind best practice in most other Western countries. Minimum wage is still US$7.25/hour, and there is no requirement to provide any sort of sick leave or vacation time. The idea is that companies will have to compete for employees by offering more luxurious benefits to make themselves a more attractive employer, but in practice that only tends to happen for jobs with more specialized requirements. And when conditions change that make employment in certain fields unpalatable, a good chunk of the populace has been brainwashed into asking "Why are people too lazy to work anymore?" rather than "What's wrong with these jobs that's causing nobody to want to take them?"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 27, 2022, 06:42:44 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 27, 2022, 06:15:05 PM
re the pants-sagging thing: I just don't feel the need to be the arbiter of what is "appropriate" or not in places where I have no authority to do so.

Well, yeah, I don't tell people to dress differently. But you asked why it "bothers" us, so I answered.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on September 27, 2022, 06:43:24 PM

To raise a minor annoyance aside from sagging jeans and employment:

Political ads on TV. I'm at the point where I just hit "mute" when they cut to commercial at this time of year.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 27, 2022, 06:45:11 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 27, 2022, 06:15:05 PM
Basically, when you go into a job, you simply have to trust that they will honor the salary and benefits they promised you during the recruitment/hiring process. Most places, but not all, will give you a paper to sign outlining this, and you sign that paper to accept the position. But as far as I know it's not legally binding.

I mean, even if they did have a contract to sign, I'm 100% sure it would contain the phrase "subject to change at any time".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 27, 2022, 06:48:59 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on September 27, 2022, 06:43:24 PM
To raise a minor annoyance aside from sagging jeans and employment:

Political ads on TV. I'm at the point where I just hit "mute" when they cut to commercial at this time of year.

It's especially annoying when all the ad intends to do is make you hate the opponent. There's a political ad that airs multiple times during every episode of Burn Notice my wife and I watch on Hulu–and I still have no idea who they want me to vote for. All they do is bad-mouth their opponent, which might make a lot more sense if I already knew who was in the race.

But now, if I decide to go to the polls later, I will have one name brightly emblazoned in my mind. And that name recognition might actually prompt me to vote for the guy, just because his name might be the only one I recognize on the ballot. Also, if I consider the knocks against him as being rather feeble and reaching, then I might even figure there was nothing more substantial to hold against him.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 27, 2022, 06:49:39 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 27, 2022, 06:45:11 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 27, 2022, 06:15:05 PM
Basically, when you go into a job, you simply have to trust that they will honor the salary and benefits they promised you during the recruitment/hiring process. Most places, but not all, will give you a paper to sign outlining this, and you sign that paper to accept the position. But as far as I know it's not legally binding.

I mean, even if they did have a contract to sign, I'm 100% sure it would contain the phrase "subject to change at any time".

Yeah. Theoretically an employer could cut your pay at any time. They just know that doing that is normally a guaranteed way to lose an employee (and that employee is likely to spread the word to potential replacements), so they don't do that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on September 27, 2022, 07:00:29 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 27, 2022, 10:14:14 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 04, 2022, 03:57:58 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 04, 2022, 03:50:12 PM
It's nice to think of a board meeting where the CEO says "Well, we budgeted for 50% profit and thanks to increased efficiency, we got 55%, so let's lower the prices", but has that ever happened? American business culture is to say "hey cool, increased profit!" and congratulate yourself by raising your own salary.

And this is why I don't like self-checkout lanes at the store. Take away people's jobs in the name of keeping prices low? Yeah, I'm guessing not.

At least two of our local Dillon's (Kroger) stores now have a new kind of self-checkout. The self-scan terminal is the same, but there's a full-length conveyor belt from there down to a sacking area. This isn't very convenient for a single shopper, as you have to scan all your items, let them pile up a couple of yards away, and then go over there to sack them all up while the next shopper is anxiously waiting. But, for two people shopping together, it's great. One person scans, the other one sacks.

And now I'm hooked. My desire to interact with a human employee in the checkout lane has been eclipsed by my desire to be in control of how my groceries get sacked. I can now generally walk out of the store with one well-packed cardboard flat (like what they have produce in at Aldi) and two well-packed paper sacks. I'm a happy camper.

Oh, I love those things. I've only ever seen them in Walmarts though - and the ones I've seen have the conveyor belt leading up into the scan terminal.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on September 27, 2022, 07:29:57 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 27, 2022, 06:48:59 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on September 27, 2022, 06:43:24 PM
To raise a minor annoyance aside from sagging jeans and employment:

Political ads on TV. I'm at the point where I just hit "mute" when they cut to commercial at this time of year.

It's especially annoying when all the ad intends to do is make you hate the opponent. There's a political ad that airs multiple times during every episode of Burn Notice my wife and I watch on Hulu–and I still have no idea who they want me to vote for. All they do is bad-mouth their opponent, which might make a lot more sense if I already knew who was in the race.

My response to anyone bad-mouthing the opponent: I'm not interested in why the other person/party is wrong for the job; I want to hear specifics on why YOUR person/party is RIGHT for the job. Every time I have used that line on a campaigner, I have been met with a blank stare and silence as apparently his/her 8-track slips off the spools.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on September 27, 2022, 07:46:42 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on September 27, 2022, 07:29:57 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 27, 2022, 06:48:59 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on September 27, 2022, 06:43:24 PM
To raise a minor annoyance aside from sagging jeans and employment:

Political ads on TV. I'm at the point where I just hit "mute" when they cut to commercial at this time of year.

It's especially annoying when all the ad intends to do is make you hate the opponent. There's a political ad that airs multiple times during every episode of Burn Notice my wife and I watch on Hulu–and I still have no idea who they want me to vote for. All they do is bad-mouth their opponent, which might make a lot more sense if I already knew who was in the race.

My response to anyone bad-mouthing the opponent: I'm not interested in why the other person/party is wrong for the job; I want to hear specifics on why YOUR person/party is RIGHT for the job. Every time I have used that line on a campaigner, I have been met with a blank stare and silence as apparently his/her 8-track slips off the spools.

It's usually easier to persuade voters that the opponent is a rotten scounderel than that the campaigner is a great leader.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 27, 2022, 07:47:47 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 27, 2022, 03:13:25 PM
Quote from: webny99 on September 27, 2022, 03:07:09 PM
Of course, this is why many employers offer severance pay when terminating an employee, so they have an income while they search for a new job.

I wouldn't say many employers. Quite few in fact.

It's probably more situation-dependent than company-dependent. I'd guess most companies do at least sometimes, as it helps prevent the termination from ending on a bad note... and the higher the position the more likely that would be.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 27, 2022, 07:50:55 PM

Quote from: kkt on September 27, 2022, 07:46:42 PM
It's usually easier to persuade voters that the opponent is a rotten scounderel than that the campaigner is a great leader.

Because the former is bound to be somewhat true, while the latter is bound to be somewhat false.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 27, 2022, 07:53:35 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 27, 2022, 07:50:55 PM
Quote from: kkt on September 27, 2022, 07:46:42 PM
It's usually easier to persuade voters that the opponent is a rotten scounderel than that the campaigner is a great leader.

Because the former is bound to be somewhat true, while the latter is bound to be somewhat false.

You could also take a glass-half-full approach and say that the former is bound to be somewhat false, while the latter is bound to be somewhat true... ... but it's a little harder to convince oneself of each of those cases, isn't it?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on September 27, 2022, 08:05:12 PM

I basically don't watch TV that has commercials anymore, but I am so done with emotionally manipulative political postcards.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on September 27, 2022, 08:14:59 PM

Quote from: webny99 on September 27, 2022, 07:47:47 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 27, 2022, 03:13:25 PM
Quote from: webny99 on September 27, 2022, 03:07:09 PM
Of course, this is why many employers offer severance pay when terminating an employee, so they have an income while they search for a new job.

I wouldn't say many employers. Quite few in fact.

It's probably more situation-dependent than company-dependent. I'd guess most companies do at least sometimes, as it helps prevent the termination from ending on a bad note... and the higher the position the more likely that would be.

It's also because -- maybe primarily because -- the employee signs a release of any claims in exchange for the severance pay. Potential future lawsuits for wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, etc.? Pay the employee a wad of money in exchange for the employee's promise to never pursue any such claims of which the employer is not already aware (except for unemployment compensation, over which the employer has no control).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on September 27, 2022, 09:44:09 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on September 27, 2022, 07:29:57 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 27, 2022, 06:48:59 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on September 27, 2022, 06:43:24 PM
To raise a minor annoyance aside from sagging jeans and employment:

Political ads on TV. I'm at the point where I just hit "mute" when they cut to commercial at this time of year.

It's especially annoying when all the ad intends to do is make you hate the opponent. There's a political ad that airs multiple times during every episode of Burn Notice my wife and I watch on Hulu–and I still have no idea who they want me to vote for. All they do is bad-mouth their opponent, which might make a lot more sense if I already knew who was in the race.

My response to anyone bad-mouthing the opponent: I'm not interested in why the other person/party is wrong for the job; I want to hear specifics on why YOUR person/party is RIGHT for the job. Every time I have used that line on a campaigner, I have been met with a blank stare and silence as apparently his/her 8-track slips off the spools.

What makes it all the more annoying is that the ads that are blanketing the airwaves here are for a different congressional district from ours, so the ads are basically irrelevant to us. This past Saturday we met up with some friends who live in Maryland. They get all the same ads and I think they find them more irritating than we do (oddly, there haven't been any ads for the Maryland gubernatorial candidates so far).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on September 27, 2022, 11:47:35 PM

Back to medical TV ads:

The nonstop Medicare "helpline" commercials (although I'm amused they assume everyone still recognizes Joe Namath but they surround Jimmie Walker with Good Times memorabilia to jog everyone's recall).

Drug ads where the patient talks about "my moderate to severe" whatever-itis. Nobody talks like that. Yours is either moderate or it's severe. I know the whole thing is scripted snake oil, but that one line drives me nuts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 28, 2022, 12:09:01 AM

Quote from: webny99 on September 27, 2022, 07:53:35 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 27, 2022, 07:50:55 PM
Quote from: kkt on September 27, 2022, 07:46:42 PM
It's usually easier to persuade voters that the opponent is a rotten scounderel than that the campaigner is a great leader.

Because the former is bound to be somewhat true, while the latter is bound to be somewhat false.

You could also take a glass-half-full approach and say that the former is bound to be somewhat false, while the latter is bound to be somewhat true... ... but it's a little harder to convince oneself of each of those cases, isn't it?

This is overlooking one of the more fundamental issues with political advertisements, which is that it's pretty damn hard to put out a positive ad that's only 30 seconds long.

Candidate Albert Foonly (J-GC) is going to balance the budget by increasing the taxes on boat nectar and reducing subsidies for airport farmers. That's all well and good, but now you need to convince people that is the right course of action, which means explaining 1) why the budget needs to be balanced, 2) why we should increase the taxes on boat nectar, and 3) why we should eliminate airport farmer subsidies. That's hard to do in 30 seconds. This then invites criticism from people who buy lots of boat nectar, and from people worried about increasing the costs of airports by no longer subsidizing the people who farm them. And of course you've also immediately lost people who are against any tax increase in any situation.

It's much easier and more effective for Foonly to just run ads saying that his opponent, Tyler Prongbottom (M), has suspicious ties to fish whisperers and is known to have illegally employed a yak shearer.

Of course, this all assumes the efficacy of political advertising to begin with. Since 2016, American political parties are disparate enough that most actual voters cannot be persuaded to vote for the other side. Most people who claim to be independents or politically open-minded actually vote for the same party time after time. About the best you can hope for is to demoralize the other side's voters to the point that they don't bother to vote (and energize your voters enough that they'll show up in droves).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on September 28, 2022, 12:36:45 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 28, 2022, 12:09:01 AMCandidate Albert Foonly (J-GC) is going to balance the budget by increasing the taxes on boat nectar and reducing subsidies for airport farmers. That's all well and good, but now you need to convince people that is the right course of action, which means explaining 1) why the budget needs to be balanced, 2) why we should increase the taxes on boat nectar, and 3) why we should eliminate airport farmer subsidies. That's hard to do in 30 seconds. This then invites criticism from people who buy lots of boat nectar, and from people worried about increasing the costs of airports by no longer subsidizing the people who farm them. And of course you've also immediately lost people who are against any tax increase in any situation.

It's much easier and more effective for Foonly to just run ads saying that his opponent, Tyler Prongbottom (M), has suspicious ties to fish whisperers and is known to have illegally employed a yak shearer.

First go at a script for the commercial: "Alanlanders expect their government to spend wisely and live within its means. This is why I support freedom to airport-farm and will ask the boat nectar gatherers to pay their fair share. My opponent's record of ties to the fish-whispering industry and [load picture of head of yak-shearers' union] yaks speaks for itself."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Amaury on September 28, 2022, 01:19:58 AM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 27, 2022, 09:49:12 AMNot sure if everyone is aware of the original genesis of sagging is/was, but it basically stems from guys in prison not being allowed to have belts and so their pants would always fall down a bit. So when it became mainstream, it was during the rise of the gangsta rap era where showing (at the time) your boxer band made you look tougher as if you had been in prison. As with most things with urban culture during that age, it crossed over to the suburbs due to kids wanting to emulate the rappers and also with things like the Mark Walhberg Calvin Klein ads.

I've heard a few theories now on the origins of this. The one you mentioned is new to me. I already know about the no belt part, but otherwise this is new to me, with regard to the "mainstream gangsta" stuff.

The other two I heard before ever even coming across this forum were:

It was simply a fashion trend that started.
It started in prison, where men were lonely because they didn't have their wives or girlfriends and didn't care if they did it with other men, and sagging was the signal to go ahead and do it. Then it just became a fashion trend and it was no longer a signal for that, but that is still mentioned since, even though it's just a fashion trend now and nothing else, that's where it originated from and what it originally meant.

J N Winkler alluded to the second one in his post.

Quote from: J N Winkler on September 27, 2022, 02:39:34 PMWikipedia has articles on both sagging (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sagging_(fashion)) and buttock cleavage (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buttock_cleavage). The version of the prison origin story for sagging I have heard (not mentioned in the Wikipedia article) is that it is deliberate sexual display, as was also true of its use in several of the Marky Mark underwear ads (https://www.vogue.com/article/calvin-klein-jeans-90s-ads-kate-moss-mark-wahlberg-controversy) from the 1990's.

In either case, I don't think intentional sagging is really that common anymore, but it's possible I may be missing something. I don't count unintentional sagging toward this, because sometimes pants are just too big (or small), and even a belt doesn't help much sometimes. This is in addition to the other things I mentioned in my first post in this thread.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on September 28, 2022, 05:24:00 AM

Quote from: webny99 on September 27, 2022, 03:07:09 PMI think that was the point: it's bothersome that an employee has to give two weeks notice, while the employer does not.

That is exactly my point.

Quote from: webny99 on September 27, 2022, 03:07:09 PMOf course, this is why many employers offer severance pay when terminating an employee, so they have an income while they search for a new job.

It all depends on the position. I was lucky. In late 2018, I had a choice when my entire department was eliminated... a nice severance package with a retention bonus (not to mention over 200 hours accumulated PTO time that must be paid out upon separation per California labor law), or job relocation to the new team in Texas. Under my circumstances, I elected to escape from California, and am very happy in Texas.

Quote from: kphoger on September 27, 2022, 03:23:12 PMOh, I thought he was talking about the situation where an employee gives two weeks' notice, and then the employer terms him immediately, rather than letting him work another two weeks.

That too. Unfortunately, in this day and age, employers have to be very security conscious and protect internal confidential information requiring such measures. :(

Quote from: kphoger on September 27, 2022, 06:48:59 PMThere's a political ad that airs multiple times during every episode of Burn Notice my wife and I watch on Hulu–and I still have no idea who they want me to vote for.

FWIW... if you want Hulu with no advertising, that's another $6 per month. I get Hulu (with ads) for free as part of my wireless plan, but watch it so rarely that I haven't added the add-free feature to my plan.

Also, I checked, and Just Watch (https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/burn-notice), and all seven seasons of Burn Notice is Hulu, Pluto TV, and FreeVue.

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 28, 2022, 12:09:01 AMSince 2016, American political parties are disparate enough that most actual voters cannot be persuaded to vote for the other side. Most people who claim to be independents or politically open-minded actually vote for the same party time after time.

Sorry, I disagree with your 2016 assertion, and put it on a earlier year. Which year? Depends on your political viewpoint. All that I can say is that politics is a crassy profession, not a classy profession, and every time I think the profession has hit rock bottom, someone finds a way to hit a new low. Sometimes, it feels like the politicos live in another plane of reality.

Unfortunately, I'm one of those people who votes for a particular political party. Part of it is that many of the viewpoints align with my own. But, I also put it as the results of the policies that have been pushed through by the dominant party of the state that have caused the state to have one of the highest cost of living, yet one of the worst quality-of-life, especially in the urban areas. This has caused both people and major businesses to flee to other, more affordable and business-friendly states. The irony: The immediate previous homeowners of my home moved to Southern California, while I escaped from Northern California.

Look, I vote in every election to maintain my right to whine and complain about the current situation. I just feel sorry for those folks who based their decisions on just a 30-second political blipvert. And, for several decades, I stopped relying on the broadcast media (television AND radio) because of the political biases resulting in the story selection, how much precious airtime is spent (or not spent), and what points to emphasize or gloss over, all to appeal to a particular audience for the advertising dollars. I'm not saying that the print (ok, the online versions) isn't free of bias (far from it), but that there is more detail than I can uncover and further research than from a audio story.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on September 28, 2022, 07:14:12 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on September 28, 2022, 05:24:00 AM
have caused the state to have one of the highest cost of living, yet one of the worst quality-of-life, especially in the urban areas

Did you even check?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._states_and_territories_by_Human_Development_Index

California: tied for 15th
Texas: 32nd

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on September 28, 2022, 07:23:00 AM

I once experience a person get suspended at a job. The suspension was for three days, but it was pending investigation. That meant really his return was depending on what the boss decided to do at anytime and not just a simple punishment and return.

Well needless to say the three days were over, he was not yet allowed to return. On day four the boss wanted to speak with him in person. He drove all the way to work. The boss, supervisor, and shop steward met with him for ten minutes where he was officially terminated.

To me that was cat and mouse. Why not fire the guy right away? Or call him up on the phone to say he was fired instead of calling him in to the office?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on September 28, 2022, 09:35:14 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on September 28, 2022, 07:23:00 AM
I once experience a person get suspended at a job. The suspension was for three days, but it was pending investigation. That meant really his return was depending on what the boss decided to do at anytime and not just a simple punishment and return.

Well needless to say the three days were over, he was not yet allowed to return. On day four the boss wanted to speak with him in person. He drove all the way to work. The boss, supervisor, and shop steward met with him for ten minutes where he was officially terminated.

To me that was cat and mouse. Why not fire the guy right away? Or call him up on the phone to say he was fired instead of calling him in to the office?

I'm sure they probably needed some time to talk to HR or whatever. Or, if not, it's better to fire someone in person so they can sign a form (or attempt to) saying they were fired so that, if it's for cause, they can't claim unemployment.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on September 28, 2022, 10:04:08 AM

Quote from: J N Winkler on September 28, 2022, 12:36:45 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 28, 2022, 12:09:01 AMCandidate Albert Foonly (J-GC) is going to balance the budget by increasing the taxes on boat nectar and reducing subsidies for airport farmers. That's all well and good, but now you need to convince people that is the right course of action, which means explaining 1) why the budget needs to be balanced, 2) why we should increase the taxes on boat nectar, and 3) why we should eliminate airport farmer subsidies. That's hard to do in 30 seconds. This then invites criticism from people who buy lots of boat nectar, and from people worried about increasing the costs of airports by no longer subsidizing the people who farm them. And of course you've also immediately lost people who are against any tax increase in any situation.

It's much easier and more effective for Foonly to just run ads saying that his opponent, Tyler Prongbottom (M), has suspicious ties to fish whisperers and is known to have illegally employed a yak shearer.

First go at a script for the commercial: "Alanlanders expect their government to spend wisely and live within its means. This is why I support freedom to airport-farm and will ask the boat nectar gatherers to pay their fair share. My opponent's record of ties to the fish-whispering industry and [load picture of head of yak-shearers' union] yaks speaks for itself."

If I'm going to be forced to hear political ads this morning...

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/gallery/2069_28_09_22_10_02_47.jpeg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on September 28, 2022, 10:58:07 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on September 28, 2022, 07:23:00 AM
I once experience a person get suspended at a job. The suspension was for three days, but it was pending investigation. That meant really his return was depending on what the boss decided to do at anytime and not just a simple punishment and return.

Well needless to say the three days were over, he was not yet allowed to return. On day four the boss wanted to speak with him in person. He drove all the way to work. The boss, supervisor, and shop steward met with him for ten minutes where he was officially terminated.

To me that was cat and mouse. Why not fire the guy right away? Or call him up on the phone to say he was fired instead of calling him in to the office?

It's speculation, but maybe his boss really was making sure he talked to all the people who knew anything about the incident before he decided to terminate the employee?

Maybe the employee had personal possessions at work and they wanted both the employee and the boss to be present as they sorted out what belonged to the company and what belonged to the employee? And they probably had other paperwork they were required to present to the employee - how to keep your insurance through Cobra etc.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on September 28, 2022, 12:35:14 PM

Re: saggy pants -- how can they be comfortable? I'm one to prefer comfort over style. I'm losing weight again, after having lost about 100 pounds over the years and then gained 60 of it back due to a thyroid issue. When I lost the weight the first time, I'd often find that my pants would start slipping down, and it wasn't a pleasant feeling. I'm beginning to notice it again.

Re: two-week notices -- I think this has become somewhat of a cultural norm, much like 15 percent tipping. It's not a requirement for most jobs. My present job requires a two-week notice to be paid accrued leave time. I have always given more than two weeks notice as a matter of courtesy for my employers, including one who had requested when I was first hired that I give him "a hell of a lot more than two weeks notice" because it was a small business with few overlapping duties. I was able to give him about 3-1/2 weeks and he was good with that.

Re: political ads -- most challengers to incumbents base their campaigns on the need to change. So they will market themselves as "the incumbent is wrong for this job, and you need to change." Similarly, incumbents say there's no need to change, so they say "my challenger is trying to change things that don't need to be changed." There seems to be a playbook now that you start off positive by introducing yourself to the electorate, then in the middle of the campaign you attack your opponent, then as the campaign closes, you go positive again.

Election season hasn't really heated up in Kentucky. I'm in the Lexington TV market, which covers at least four of Kentucky's six congressional districts, so we should expect to see lots of ads, but none of the House races are really competitive. None of the incumbents will be seriously challenged, and the challengers in the 5th and 6th districts are fringe candidates who aren't well-financed or well-known. We do have a statewide Senate race, but no one here expects it to be close or even competitive. Some people from other states think the challenger has a real opportunity to defeat Rand Paul, but they're delusional.

I expect the state legislative races to pick up steam next month, as there are a number of contested ones.

There are also local elections this year, but most of those won't be played out on the airwaves. A few candidates may purchase ads on WYMT-TV in Hazard but since most of those market area counties are small and rural, the message gets diluted, especially for the cost involved. It doesn't make a whole lot of sense for a county judge-executive candidate in Pike County to buy an ad on a broadcast outlet that reaches distant counties like Pulaski and Laurel.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on September 28, 2022, 01:14:07 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on September 28, 2022, 05:24:00 AMAlso, I checked, and Just Watch (https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/burn-notice), and all seven seasons of Burn Notice is Hulu, Pluto TV, and FreeVue.

I'd just add that the public library local to Kphoger and me has all seven seasons of Burn Notice available on DVD (https://catalog.wichitalibrary.org/Polaris/search/searchresults.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.6&type=Keyword&term=Burn%20Notice&by=TI&sort=RELEVANCE&limit=TOM=dvd&query=&page=0&searchid=2).

Quote from: 1 on September 28, 2022, 07:14:12 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on September 28, 2022, 05:24:00 AMhave caused the state to have one of the highest cost of living, yet one of the worst quality-of-life, especially in the urban areas

Did you even check?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._states_and_territories_by_Human_Development_Index

California: tied for 15th

Texas: 32nd

He isn't really talking about HDI, which is based on population indicators for life expectancy, education, and per-capita income, with (since 2010) an adjustment for inequality. California can do quite well on the three primary variables while still struggling with high cost of living (which is only imperfectly accounted for through a purchasing power parity adjustment) and significant income inequality. Moreover, HDI explicitly does not account for quality-of-life detriments such as climate, traffic, etc. I can totally understand wanting to get out of California despite its relatively high HDI rank among US states, though Texas isn't necessarily where I would go.

Quote from: formulanone on September 28, 2022, 10:04:08 AM(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/gallery/2069_28_09_22_10_02_47.jpeg)

I love it!

Quote from: hbelkins on September 28, 2022, 12:35:14 PMRe: saggy pants -- how can they be comfortable? I'm one to prefer comfort over style. I'm losing weight again, after having lost about 100 pounds over the years and then gained 60 of it back due to a thyroid issue. When I lost the weight the first time, I'd often find that my pants would start slipping down, and it wasn't a pleasant feeling. I'm beginning to notice it again.

Comfort is not the point so much as display, so il faut souffrir pour Ãªtre belle applies. The Wikipedia article on sagging includes several pictures of rappers who (IMO) pull off the style successfully, though it is not one I would ever choose for myself. (In terms of fashion that is so unusual for my local area as to be almost unknown, I'd probably go for a kilt.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on September 28, 2022, 08:24:25 PM

One problem with political ads, debates, etc. is they're fundamentally useless to 85-90% of voters. These things are entirely geared toward that 10% of undecided voters - and usually the candidate with more money wins because they're able to get their message out there more.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on September 28, 2022, 08:34:39 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on September 28, 2022, 01:14:07 PM
Quote from: 1 on September 28, 2022, 07:14:12 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on September 28, 2022, 05:24:00 AMhave caused the state to have one of the highest cost of living, yet one of the worst quality-of-life, especially in the urban areas

Did you even check?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._states_and_territories_by_Human_Development_Index

California: tied for 15th

Texas: 32nd

He isn't really talking about HDI, which is based on population indicators for life expectancy, education, and per-capita income, with (since 2010) an adjustment for inequality. California can do quite well on the three primary variables while still struggling with high cost of living (which is only imperfectly accounted for through a purchasing power parity adjustment) and significant income inequality. Moreover, HDI explicitly does not account for quality-of-life detriments such as climate, traffic, etc. I can totally understand wanting to get out of California despite its relatively high HDI rank among US states, though Texas isn't necessarily where I would go.

There are plenty of statistics and rankings available that you can construct your ranking and apply the appropriate weighting to make any state look like paradise and hell as appropriate. Furthermore, the states of Texas and California are the first and second largest states in the continental United States in terms of land area, occupying 8.61% and 5.25% of the total land area accordingly, and more than double the average continental state size of 65,007 square miles. With the exception of Minnesota, Missouri, Florida, and Wisconsin are, all of the states above the average continental state size lie on or west of the 98th East-West parallel, while 80% of the United States population lives East of that same 98th East-West parallel. The large state sizes mean that there can be big differences between areas. Living in Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, or Austin will be much different than living in El Paso, Lubbock, Amarillo, Tyler, Texarkana, or Wichita Falls. Likewise, in California, there are folks who live in Sacramento, Stockton, Modesto, Roseville, or Auburn, but super-commute to the San Francisco bay area because of the housing prices.

Population density? The most population-dense of the 48 continental states are New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. New York is ranked number 7, but most of that is in the New York City area. California is ranked number 11 with 33.6% of the total population being in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) while another 12.0% of the total population being in the San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA MSA. Texas, by it's huge size, is the number 23 most densely populated continental state, yet some areas of the state are sparsely populated (Loving County, anyone?)

I'm not going to sit here and say that Texas is "total paradise" while California is a "hell hole". I will admit that I miss the scenery and weather of northern California, but not the high gas prices, high electric prices, and the worsening of quality of life due to the decisions made by the California leadership to the point where I'm stating "The California my family moved to in 1977 is not the same California I escaped from at the end of 2018." Furthermore, I will state that Texas has changed since I moved to the DFW area at the beginning of 2019 where the housing prices have jumped over 50% since I purchased my home. They are correcting now, but many of the folks who purchased in the past five years are now rate-locked at those historic low rates, and they won't sell. (As an example, I refinanced in 2019 to a 15 year fixed at 3.25%. While they dropped as low as 2.16% in January 2021 per Freddie Mac, they are now at 5.44% as of September 22nd, and expected to go higher.) Mind you, I love it here in DFW, including the better career, entertainment, and travel opportunities in comparison to Sacramento and traveling two hours each way to the San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose Bay Area. And, I have no intention of moving again. Moving is a traumatic experience. Furthermore, there are other states that are worthy considerations, and people from California have moved to Oregon, Nevada, Idaho, Arizona, and other states as well.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 28, 2022, 08:59:07 PM

Of course, much like Oklahoma, if you're anything other than a straight white male Christian that likes bad weather, living in Texas has major downsides that can't be compensated for, no matter how nice the financial incentives are.

If someone gave me land in Texas for free, my first inclination would be to sell it as fast as possible, not go live on it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: interstatefan990 on September 28, 2022, 09:28:01 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on September 28, 2022, 07:23:00 AM
I once experience a person get suspended at a job. The suspension was for three days, but it was pending investigation. That meant really his return was depending on what the boss decided to do at anytime and not just a simple punishment and return.

Well needless to say the three days were over, he was not yet allowed to return. On day four the boss wanted to speak with him in person. He drove all the way to work. The boss, supervisor, and shop steward met with him for ten minutes where he was officially terminated.

To me that was cat and mouse. Why not fire the guy right away? Or call him up on the phone to say he was fired instead of calling him in to the office?

Yeah, I don't like when businesses aren't upfront about letting someone go. One time when I worked a crappy retail job, they called me in the back at the end of my shift and said they would be giving me a two-week "break" because their schedule was full already and had me sign a resignation form. I asked what would happen at the end of the two weeks and they said they would "assess their needs" and call me then. I knew they were full of sh*t in that moment, but needless to say, I never received a call from them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on September 28, 2022, 11:48:22 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on September 28, 2022, 08:34:39 PMI'm not going to sit here and say that Texas is "total paradise" while California is a "hell hole". I will admit that I miss the scenery and weather of northern California, but not the high gas prices, high electric prices, and the worsening of quality of life due to the decisions made by the California leadership to the point where I'm stating "The California my family moved to in 1977 is not the same California I escaped from at the end of 2018." Furthermore, I will state that Texas has changed since I moved to the DFW area at the beginning of 2019 where the housing prices have jumped over 50% since I purchased my home. They are correcting now, but many of the folks who purchased in the past five years are now rate-locked at those historic low rates, and they won't sell. (As an example, I refinanced in 2019 to a 15 year fixed at 3.25%. While they dropped as low as 2.16% in January 2021 per Freddie Mac, they are now at 5.44% as of September 22nd, and expected to go higher.) Mind you, I love it here in DFW, including the better career, entertainment, and travel opportunities in comparison to Sacramento and traveling two hours each way to the San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose Bay Area. And, I have no intention of moving again. Moving is a traumatic experience. Furthermore, there are other states that are worthy considerations, and people from California have moved to Oregon, Nevada, Idaho, Arizona, and other states as well.

I personally think Texas is headed in the same direction as California, only 40-50 years behind, largely for the same reason: population growth. I visited Dallas in 2003 and 2018 and on the latter visit was astonished at how congestion had worsened even with much new highway and commuter rail infrastructure in service.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on September 29, 2022, 07:27:33 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 28, 2022, 08:59:07 PMOf course, much like Oklahoma, if you're anything other than a straight white male Christian that likes bad weather...

Maybe in the more rural areas of Texas. Where I'm living in North Texas (Richardson/Plano), I'm was surprised at how much more multicultural the area is. This is due to the tech industry. One thing that I noticed in my area is a noticeable Muslim and Indian presence in the community. I was working a community outreach event through work, and the charity person we were working with had a Texas drawl while wearing a head scarf. There are several mosques that are within a 5 mile radius of my home. Outside of that, you are more likely to see a baseball cap around here than someone wearing cowboy hat (and not a Dallas Cowboys-logo cap either!).

In terms of food choice, there is three good German restaurants nearby, a Polish restaurant, a Hawaiian restaurant, a Portuguese restaurant, a Thai/Japanese restaurant, a Syrian restaurant, and several Mediterranean restaurants.

When I take a look at the broadcast radio listings (https://markholtz.info/dfwradio) for the DFW market, in addition to the significant English/Spanish language presence, there is also eleven stations that are tagged "Asian". For televsion stations, there is a Vietnamese station KNAV-LD and KLEG-CD which carries KBS World (Korean).

As for "bad weather", that is a subjective term. Having lived in upstate New York and dealing with the blizzards and the lake-effect snow, Texas is better. In comparison to Sacramento, it's slightly worse with the humidity, thunderstorms, and large-sized hail, not to mention the occasional tornado. As a result, the homeowner policies in Texas have a deductible based upon the percentage of the home value rather than a fixed amount, and the real estate listings show when the roof was last replaced. When it comes to the average number of tornadoes for calendar year 2017-2021 and normalized by calculating it over 10k square miles, Mississippi (21.571), Louisiana (17.261), Alabama (15.369), Georgia (11.879), and Illinois (11.404) are the top five states. Kansas (7.797) and Oklahoma (7.426) are #18 and #20 respectively, while Texas (4.857) is #29. Even Florida (7.815) is #17 and slightly higher than Kansas, and we have a hurricane Ian hitting that state at the moment. But, for where I'm living here in Texas, I make sure that I have a S.A.M.E. Weather Radio, have a tornado kit, and pay attention whenever thunderstorms are in the forecast, plus I garage my vehicle.

Quote from: J N Winkler on September 28, 2022, 11:48:22 PMI personally think Texas is headed in the same direction as California, only 40-50 years behind, largely for the same reason: population growth. I visited Dallas in 2003 and 2018 and on the latter visit was astonished at how congestion had worsened even with much new highway and commuter rail infrastructure in service.

Yup, congestion is a major problem in the DFW area, but there are multiple projects to improve the traffic flow in progress. I think that TxDOT is more aggressive in addressing traffic issues compared with CalTrans, especially with money diverted to fund the high-speed choo-choo boondoggle.

In Waco, a major expansion on I-35 has been completed on the Interstate portion, while street portion of the project should be be completed by Christmas. There are also active projects on US-75 in Sherman (completion in 2023), I-635 (completion in late 2024), and I-30 over Lake Ray Hubbard (in progress) that I am aware of. I don't see much of the congestion because I'm either working from home, and my workplace is within walking distance.

As for public transportation, I lucked out by having a DART light rail station within a five minute drive of my home. That station not only has trains that go to downtown Dallas, but a major project called the "Silver Line" is in progress now to go to the DFW airport. Still, overall, the public transportation, like many cities in United States, needs significant improvement.

Keep in mind, in terms of Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) population size, Dallas-Fort Worth is the #4 MSA, while Houston is #5. Only New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago MSAs have a higher population. San Francisco-Oakland is #13.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GenExpwy on September 29, 2022, 07:41:07 AM

Minor thing that bothers me:

Quote from: ZLoth on September 28, 2022, 08:34:39 PM
...Furthermore, the states of Texas and California are the first and second largest states in the continental United States in terms of land area,...

Alaska is not contiguous with the "lower 48" , but it is on the North American continent.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 29, 2022, 07:51:10 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on September 29, 2022, 07:27:33 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 28, 2022, 08:59:07 PMOf course, much like Oklahoma, if you're anything other than a straight white male Christian that likes bad weather...

Maybe in the more rural areas of Texas. Where I'm living in North Texas (Richardson/Plano), I'm was surprised at how much more multicultural the area is...

Unfortunately, the government of Texas does not govern solely the rural areas. The state government is consistently neck deep in culture-wars issues that unfortunately have extremely nasty effects on its non-majority constituents and little tangible benefit for its majority constituents. A die-hard Texan may argue the merits of these policies up and down until they are red in the face (and I don't care to litigate them here), but the plain fact is that if someone has a child who identifies as transgender, Texas would be a thoroughly unacceptable place to live, because they are at risk of the state government intervening in nearly any attempt at quality-of-life improvements for that child. And just about every other non-majority group can find some Texas policy or another that, intentionally or not, similarly curtails their freedom. This fact cannot be mitigated by any number of fancy restaurants, welcoming neighbors, or cheap housing.

Quote from: ZLoth on September 29, 2022, 07:27:33 AM
As for "bad weather", that is a subjective term. Having lived in upstate New York and dealing with the blizzards and the lake-effect snow, Texas is better. In comparison to Sacramento, it's slightly worse with the humidity, thunderstorms, and large-sized hail, not to mention the occasional tornado. As a result, the homeowner policies in Texas have a deductible based upon the percentage of the home value rather than a fixed amount, and the real estate listings show when the roof was last replaced. When it comes to the average number of tornadoes for calendar year 2017-2021 and normalized by calculating it over 10k square miles, Mississippi (21.571), Louisiana (17.261), Alabama (15.369), Georgia (11.879), and Illinois (11.404) are the top five states. Kansas (7.797) and Oklahoma (7.426) are #18 and #20 respectively, while Texas (4.857) is #29. Even Florida (7.815) is #17 and slightly higher than Kansas, and we have a hurricane Ian hitting that state at the moment. But, for where I'm living here in Texas, I make sure that I have a S.A.M.E. Weather Radio, have a tornado kit, and pay attention whenever thunderstorms are in the forecast, plus I garage my vehicle.

I have grown up with more or less the same weather, and take all of the same precautions you do. I function just fine in this environment and do not unduly fear the risk of tornadoes. Nevertheless, I think we can agree that a climate that features occasional winter lows of 0Â°, regular summer highs above 100Â°, annual storms capable of wiping a town off the map, and wildly diverging rainfall totals from year to year will not be everyone's cup of tea. Furthermore, southern and eastern Texas has the threat of hurricanes that Kansas and Oklahoma do not share. Flooding is such a regular occurrence in Houston that the freeway system is engineered to serve as an emergency storm drain supplement, but even that is not enough to prevent flooding of private property in really bad storms.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on September 29, 2022, 02:45:32 PM

I'd rather live in Tornado Alley than Hurricane Alley.

The odds of an individual storm hitting you in the midwest are a lot higher than the odds of a hurricane hitting you in Florida or the Gulf Coast or southeastern Atlantic Coast.

Tornadoes have small footprints; hurricanes are huge.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on September 29, 2022, 02:55:30 PM

Quote from: GenExpwy on September 29, 2022, 07:41:07 AM
Alaska is not contiguous with the "lower 48" , but it is on the North American continent.

Not to snipe at you, but the term Lower 48 bugs me because the 50th state is even lower than the other 49. Shouldn't it be "Lower 49" if you're form Alaska?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: interstatefan990 on September 29, 2022, 02:59:47 PM

Quote from: GenExpwy on September 29, 2022, 07:41:07 AM
Alaska is not contiguous with the "lower 48" , but it is on the North American continent.

Fun fact: Hawaii is politically part of North America, but geographically not part of any continent.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on September 29, 2022, 03:00:51 PM

A minor song that ends with a Piccadilly Third. (But I guess that's not minor anymore.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 29, 2022, 03:01:07 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 28, 2022, 08:59:07 PM
Of course, much like Oklahoma, if you're anything other than a straight white male Christian that likes bad weather, living in Texas has major downsides that can't be compensated for, no matter how nice the financial incentives are.

If someone gave me land in Texas for free, my first inclination would be to sell it as fast as possible, not go live on it.

Considering that 40% of Texans are Hispanic/Latino, your label of "white" may be misleading your audience.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on September 29, 2022, 03:51:11 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 28, 2022, 08:59:07 PM
Of course, much like Oklahoma, if you're anything other than a straight white male Christian that likes bad weather, living in Texas has major downsides that can't be compensated for, no matter how nice the financial incentives are.

If someone gave me land in Texas for free, my first inclination would be to sell it as fast as possible, not go live on it.

Is that why Texas is one of the 5 fastest growing states?

Quote
Considering that 40% of Texans are Hispanic/Latino, your label of "white" may be misleading your audience.

Stop! You're hurting his narrative!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 29, 2022, 03:53:58 PM

Quote from: thspfc on September 29, 2022, 03:51:11 PM
Is that why Texas is one of the 5 fastest growing states?

Naw, he's just saying that all those people shouldn't want to move there. You know, because its laws may negatively affect people other than themselves. While also admitting defeat, by vehemently insisting on not ever becoming a voting member of the state's population.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on September 29, 2022, 04:11:15 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on September 29, 2022, 02:45:32 PM
I'd rather live in Tornado Alley than Hurricane Alley.

I feel like I hear about tornadoes more than I hear about hurricanes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 29, 2022, 04:58:02 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 29, 2022, 03:01:07 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 28, 2022, 08:59:07 PM
Of course, much like Oklahoma, if you're anything other than a straight white male Christian that likes bad weather, living in Texas has major downsides that can't be compensated for, no matter how nice the financial incentives are.

If someone gave me land in Texas for free, my first inclination would be to sell it as fast as possible, not go live on it.

Considering that 40% of Texans are Hispanic/Latino, your label of "white" may be misleading your audience.

I mean, it's not like Texas is well-known for fair and equitable treatment of its Hispanic/Latino populace. There is a pretty obvious through-line from the Porvenir massacre of 1918 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porvenir_massacre_(1918)) to the modern practice of busing and flying Hispanic/Latino migrants to other states.

Quote from: kphoger on September 29, 2022, 03:53:58 PM
Quote from: thspfc on September 29, 2022, 03:51:11 PM
Is that why Texas is one of the 5 fastest growing states?

Naw, he's just saying that all those people shouldn't want to move there. You know, because its laws may negatively affect people other than themselves. While also admitting defeat, by vehemently insisting on not ever becoming a voting member of the state's population.

Sorry for not wanting to risk going to jail in Texas for a minuscule chance at getting to change the government of a state I don't care for already, I guess.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on September 29, 2022, 05:02:45 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on September 29, 2022, 04:11:15 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 29, 2022, 02:45:32 PM
I'd rather live in Tornado Alley than Hurricane Alley.

I feel like I hear about tornadoes more than I hear about hurricanes.

Well there are more tornados than hurricanes. But a major factor in my retiring in California vs the Southeast was hurricanes. I experienced Isabel when I lived in Tidewater. My neighborhood had no electricity for a week afterwards and I lived less than two miles from downtown. Tornadoes may destroy individual homes and neighborhoods but usually there's only a narrow (compared to a hurricane) swath of destruction and lost power which rarely lasts more than a day or two if it's lost at all. Even a tornado outbreak won't leave 90% of a state without electricity (which happened to Virginia after Isabel).

The lack of warning is a problem with tornados but warning systems have gotten better. The ample warning system for hurricanes means only the poor and stupid won't leave. At least the poor have an excuse for not evacuating.

In any case, I never want to experience another hurricane or its aftermath. I realize that means living in earthquake territory (I'm only a few miles from the San Andreas), but a major one only hits every few decades and I don't mind the smaller ones.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on September 29, 2022, 05:09:48 PM

Quote from: skluth on September 29, 2022, 05:02:45 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 29, 2022, 04:11:15 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 29, 2022, 02:45:32 PM
I'd rather live in Tornado Alley than Hurricane Alley.

I feel like I hear about tornadoes more than I hear about hurricanes.

Well there are more tornados than hurricanes. But a major factor in my retiring in California vs the Southeast was hurricanes. I experienced Isabel when I lived in Tidewater. My neighborhood had no electricity for a week afterwards and I lived less than two miles from downtown. Tornadoes may destroy individual homes and neighborhoods but usually there's only a narrow (compared to a hurricane) swath of destruction and lost power which rarely lasts more than a day or two if it's lost at all. Even a tornado outbreak won't leave 90% of a state without electricity (which happened to Virginia after Isabel).

The lack of warning is a problem with tornados but warning systems have gotten better. The ample warning system for hurricanes means only the poor and stupid won't leave. At least the poor have an excuse for not evacuating.

In any case, I never want to experience another hurricane or its aftermath. I realize that means living in earthquake territory (I'm only a few miles from the San Andreas), but a major one only hits every few decades and I don't mind the smaller ones.

Come up to where we live. No risk of hurricanes, almost zero risk of tornadoes, almost zero risk of earthquakes, little risk of catastrophic flooding, little risk of catastrophic thunderstorms or hail. The only thing we might get is a blizzard or some extreme cold which aren't that bad.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 29, 2022, 05:16:07 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on September 29, 2022, 05:09:48 PM
Come up to where we live. No risk of hurricanes, almost zero risk of tornadoes, almost zero risk of earthquakes, little risk of catastrophic flooding, little risk of catastrophic thunderstorms or hail. The only thing we might get is a blizzard or some extreme cold which aren't that bad.

That's weird for me to read, considering I've been through multiple tornado warnings while in the Chicago area–both as a tourist and as a resident.

For what it's worth, there is usually a tornado once every couple of years in the Chicago area.
https://www.weather.gov/media/lot/severe/chitorlist.pdf

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on September 29, 2022, 06:03:50 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on September 29, 2022, 05:09:48 PM
Quote from: skluth on September 29, 2022, 05:02:45 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 29, 2022, 04:11:15 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 29, 2022, 02:45:32 PM
I'd rather live in Tornado Alley than Hurricane Alley.

I feel like I hear about tornadoes more than I hear about hurricanes.

Well there are more tornados than hurricanes. But a major factor in my retiring in California vs the Southeast was hurricanes. I experienced Isabel when I lived in Tidewater. My neighborhood had no electricity for a week afterwards and I lived less than two miles from downtown. Tornadoes may destroy individual homes and neighborhoods but usually there's only a narrow (compared to a hurricane) swath of destruction and lost power which rarely lasts more than a day or two if it's lost at all. Even a tornado outbreak won't leave 90% of a state without electricity (which happened to Virginia after Isabel).

The lack of warning is a problem with tornados but warning systems have gotten better. The ample warning system for hurricanes means only the poor and stupid won't leave. At least the poor have an excuse for not evacuating.

In any case, I never want to experience another hurricane or its aftermath. I realize that means living in earthquake territory (I'm only a few miles from the San Andreas), but a major one only hits every few decades and I don't mind the smaller ones.

Come up to where we live. No risk of hurricanes, almost zero risk of tornadoes, almost zero risk of earthquakes, little risk of catastrophic flooding, little risk of catastrophic thunderstorms or hail. The only thing we might get is a blizzard or some extreme cold which aren't that bad.

No thanks. I grew up in Green Bay. I've experienced enough snow and extreme cold. The only thing I like about snow is that it looks pretty.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 29, 2022, 06:36:57 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on September 29, 2022, 04:11:15 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 29, 2022, 02:45:32 PM
I'd rather live in Tornado Alley than Hurricane Alley.

I feel like I hear about tornadoes more than I hear about hurricanes.

Of course tornadoes are more common than hurricanes, but tornadoes affect a much smaller area, and the risk is almost entirely wind damage, while water damage is a huge factor with hurricanes.

And, importantly, there can be tornadoes associated with hurricanes too, as was the case in Florida over the past few days.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on September 29, 2022, 06:58:08 PM

To (hopefully) end the tornado vs. hurricane debate: all hurricanes produce tornadoes. Why don't a lot of people know that? Because the damage those tornadoes cause is so minuscule compared to the damage the associated hurricane causes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on September 29, 2022, 07:02:01 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 29, 2022, 05:16:07 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on September 29, 2022, 05:09:48 PM
Come up to where we live. No risk of hurricanes, almost zero risk of tornadoes, almost zero risk of earthquakes, little risk of catastrophic flooding, little risk of catastrophic thunderstorms or hail. The only thing we might get is a blizzard or some extreme cold which aren't that bad.

That's weird for me to read, considering I've been through multiple tornado warnings while in the Chicago area–both as a tourist and as a resident.

For what it's worth, there is usually a tornado once every couple of years in the Chicago area.
https://www.weather.gov/media/lot/severe/chitorlist.pdf

Even in Chicagoland, the chances that your life specifically will be affected by a tornado (beyond short-term things like your flight getting cancelled) are extremely slim.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on September 29, 2022, 07:13:56 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on September 29, 2022, 07:27:33 AMI think that TxDOT is more aggressive in addressing traffic issues compared with CalTrans, especially with money diverted to fund the high-speed choo-choo boondoggle.

Give TxDOT time. Decades ago, Caltrans was very aggressive at building too. What is happening now with the NHHIP (albeit in Houston) may be a sign of things to come in the future.

High-speed rail has already been studied in the Texas Triangle (DFW-San Antonio-Houston) (https://www.texasfreeway.com/Statewide/tgv/tgv.shtml) and the concept has never been fully abandoned, so "choo choo" may be on its way too.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on September 30, 2022, 08:05:30 AM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on September 27, 2022, 09:49:12 AM
Quote from: kphoger on September 27, 2022, 09:27:31 AM
With that in mind, it is my expectation that people in normal everyday life will keep their pants on. If my pants were to fall down to my knees as I was heading into my boss's office at work, then that would be embarrassing for both of us. If you come over to my house for dinner, then I expect you to keep your pants from falling off. Knowing what brand and style of underwear you have isn't a big deal in the locker room, but it's not something people should find out while waiting for their order at Burger King.

And, when someone lets their pants sag to the point that it's obviously noticeable, then it basically looks like they're halfway to ending up undressed–and that they don't really care–and, moreover, that they actually want that. It looks like, any second now, they might end up "letting it all hang out", and that they're fine with that, to the point that they didn't even bother to put on a belt.

Not sure if everyone is aware of the original genesis of sagging is/was, but it basically stems from guys in prison not being allowed to have belts and so their pants would always fall down a bit. So when it became mainstream, it was during the rise of the gangsta rap era where showing (at the time) your boxer band made you look tougher as if you had been in prison. As with most things with urban culture during that age, it crossed over to the suburbs due to kids wanting to emulate the rappers and also with things like the Mark Walhberg Calvin Klein ads.

did 15 years here in colorado, we had belts up until they switched to stretchy-waist pants. I could not get rid of the belt fast enough.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 30, 2022, 11:56:23 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 29, 2022, 04:58:02 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 29, 2022, 03:01:07 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 28, 2022, 08:59:07 PM
Of course, much like Oklahoma, if you're anything other than a straight white male Christian that likes bad weather, living in Texas has major downsides that can't be compensated for, no matter how nice the financial incentives are.

If someone gave me land in Texas for free, my first inclination would be to sell it as fast as possible, not go live on it.

Considering that 40% of Texans are Hispanic/Latino, your label of "white" may be misleading your audience.

I mean, it's not like Texas is well-known for fair and equitable treatment of its Hispanic/Latino populace. There is a pretty obvious through-line from the Porvenir massacre of 1918 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porvenir_massacre_(1918)) to the modern practice of busing and flying Hispanic/Latino migrants to other states.

I personally think it's tragic and offensive that migrants are being used in what appears to be political stunts by top-level public servants.

But.

One-third of all Texas residents is either an immigrant or the child of an immigrant, due to Texas' long history of immigration. The state is routinely one of the top few in the nation when it comes to immigration; pre-COVID, in fact, Texas had more net international migrants per capita than California. Whenever I'm in Texas, my general impression is that immigration is an accepted and completely normal part of life there. With that in mind, though, it's also the case that one-third of all immigrants in Texas are undocumented (a.k.a. illegal aliens). It's pretty easy for me to understand, then, how Texas would be frustrated with federal immigration policies that seem to disproportionately affect that state–especially when it comes to unauthorized foreigners being 'released' into the state–even if the effects of that have been exaggerated and politicized.

I do find it ironic that such busing is described in left-wing media as wreaking havoc on the northern and eastern cities to which the migrants are being bused. For some reason, that shouldn't be those states' problem, but it should be Texas' problem. WTF? If Texas doesn't want the influx, then we're supposed to believe it's because of racism and xenophobia; but, if New York or DC doesn't want them either, then we're supposed to be sympathetic. Well, I guess, maybe Texas should have thought of that before they went and put their border next to Mexico...

But, anyway, that's all tangential to race. Are white Venezuelans and Mexicans being given preferential treatment over black Haitians and indigenous Guatemalans? Or do you just think of everyone from south of the border as "not white"?

All right, enough about race and immigration.

You also claim that not being a Christian has "major downsides" in Texas. Would you please go into more detail about that? I'm scratching my head, trying to figure out what disadvantages non-Christians in Texas might have–you know, in a state where a full one-fourth of adults 'seldom' or 'never' attend any religious services, Christian or otherwise.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on September 30, 2022, 12:11:02 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 30, 2022, 11:56:23 AM
I do find it ironic that such busing is described in left-wing media as wreaking havoc on the northern and eastern cities to which the migrants are being bused. For some reason, that shouldn't be those states' problem, but it should be Texas' problem. WTF? If Texas doesn't want the influx, then we're supposed to believe it's because of racism and xenophobia; but, if New York or DC doesn't want them either, then we're supposed to be sympathetic. Well, I guess, maybe Texas should have thought of that before they went and put their border next to Mexico...

I don't think New York and DC are having problems with the people themselves (rather than the actions). You were probably looking at the media talking about Martha's Vineyard, a rich community that's not set up to handle 50 people that couldn't afford to live there. They were moved to the mainland, where they were accepted.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 30, 2022, 12:18:51 PM

Quote from: 1 on September 30, 2022, 12:11:02 PM
I don't think New York and DC are having problems with the people themselves (rather than the actions). You were probably looking at the media talking about Martha's Vineyard, a rich community that's not set up to handle 50 people that couldn't afford to live there. They were moved to the mainland, where they were accepted.

No, I'm talking about media that lament how those locations often cannot adequately accommodate the migrants, that they sometimes end up in homeless shelters, etc, etc, etc. As if that should for some reason only be Texas' problem.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on September 30, 2022, 05:13:22 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 30, 2022, 12:18:51 PM
Quote from: 1 on September 30, 2022, 12:11:02 PM
I don't think New York and DC are having problems with the people themselves (rather than the actions). You were probably looking at the media talking about Martha's Vineyard, a rich community that's not set up to handle 50 people that couldn't afford to live there. They were moved to the mainland, where they were accepted.

No, I'm talking about media that lament how those locations often cannot adequately accommodate the migrants, that they sometimes end up in homeless shelters, etc, etc, etc. As if that should for some reason only be Texas' problem.

Texas is red and those other places are blue. End of story.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 30, 2022, 05:25:07 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on September 29, 2022, 07:13:56 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on September 29, 2022, 07:27:33 AMI think that TxDOT is more aggressive in addressing traffic issues compared with CalTrans, especially with money diverted to fund the high-speed choo-choo boondoggle.

Give TxDOT time. Decades ago, Caltrans was very aggressive at building too. What is happening now with the NHHIP (albeit in Houston) may be a sign of things to come in the future.

High-speed rail has already been studied in the Texas Triangle (DFW-San Antonio-Houston) (https://www.texasfreeway.com/Statewide/tgv/tgv.shtml) and the concept has never been fully abandoned, so "choo choo" may be on its way too.

The more I think about it, the more I agree that Texas is probably going to end up going the same way as California, just delayed by 40-50 years. It just makes too much sense when you look at the influx of population and fast growth of the major population centers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on September 30, 2022, 06:27:39 PM

Quote from: webny99 on September 29, 2022, 06:36:57 PMAnd, importantly, there can be tornadoes associated with hurricanes too, as was the case in Florida over the past few days.

Right. For the five year average of 2017-2021, Floria had 7.815 tornadoes per 10k square miles, which is slightly above Kansas 7.797 tornadoes per 10k square miles.

You pick your state, you pick your hazards.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 30, 2022, 07:35:47 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 30, 2022, 11:56:23 AM
I do find it ironic that such busing is described in left-wing media as wreaking havoc on the northern and eastern cities to which the migrants are being bused. For some reason, that shouldn't be those states' problem, but it should be Texas' problem. WTF? If Texas doesn't want the influx, then we're supposed to believe it's because of racism and xenophobia; but, if New York or DC doesn't want them either, then we're supposed to be sympathetic. Well, I guess, maybe Texas should have thought of that before they went and put their border next to Mexico...

I haven't seen anything saying the destination cities were claiming to have havoc wreaked on them, or that they claimed they didn't want them, and I don't think any of that is true.* The depiction I have always seen was more of a reaction of "what the heck, we can help these people, but why is Texas not taking care of their own people?" I've also seen some state and local officials express a desire to be the recipient of the next busload of migrants, seeing it as an elegant solution to labor shortages.

Were I a Texas resident, I would staunchly oppose these policies not only on humanitarian grounds, but also on the fact that it simply isn't a good use of tax money to be paying for transportation to rid itself of a potential contributor to the economy. (Even if a migrant were to send 100% of their savings back to their country of origin, they still must acquire food and housing in the US, and the value added to a product by the migrant's labor will be retained by the US company that employed them.)

Quote from: kphoger on September 30, 2022, 11:56:23 AM
But, anyway, that's all tangential to race. Are white Venezuelans and Mexicans being given preferential treatment over black Haitians and indigenous Guatemalans? Or do you just think of everyone from south of the border as "not white"?

I'm not going to get into this too deeply because it is not a subject where (not experiencing it myself), I know enough to confidently give a summary of the situation with any accuracy. But in short, yes, there are distinctions between migrants from differing countries. But they are sort of irrelevant for the sorts of social problems being discussed, because the starkest division line is really "majority/not in majority". Put simply, I wouldn't expect anyone who feels strong animosity against Mexican immigrants to suddenly change their tune and go "Oh, you're a Guatemalan immigrant? Well, why didn't you say so? Sorry about that!"

Quote from: kphoger on September 30, 2022, 11:56:23 AM
You also claim that not being a Christian has "major downsides" in Texas. Would you please go into more detail about that? I'm scratching my head, trying to figure out what disadvantages non-Christians in Texas might have–you know, in a state where a full one-fourth of adults 'seldom' or 'never' attend any religious services, Christian or otherwise.

I'll shift here to speak about my personal experiences as a non-Christian in Oklahoma, which I would expect to be more or less the same as in Texas due to the cultural similarities between the two. The chief problem here, which as far as I can see is shared by Texas, is that there is a base assumption that the only acceptable source of morality is the Christian faith, and that government policy must therefore necessarily be based on what is generally assumed to be Christian doctrine. (Whether this is actually true or not. The most devout Christians I know personally are typically quite acutely aware that what God's word actually is tends to be quite open to interpretation in practice, and what gets cited politically as "Christian values" are sometimes not actually present in the text of the Bible.)

And so the Christian way of doing things becomes the government way of doing things, when it comes to policies like:

- marriage (in Oklahoma one cannot get married without the signature of an ordained minister whose credentials are on file with the state)
- abortion (so much has been written about it elsewhere there's scarcely any point to debating the merits for and against it here, but it is included because the authors of the most recent bills on this subject have explicitly cited the Bible as the source of their beliefs for why the legislation is necessary)
- school prayer (a pastor always gave a prayer over the PA system at football games, either immediately before or after the Star Spangled Banner and school fight song, and I seem to recall having them even at non-football marching band events; the problem with this is there is no way to respectfully excuse oneself from participating in one of these without calling attention to one's lack of faith and thus presenting oneself as a target for bullying and social shunning)
- liquor policy (it is illegal to operate a liquor store on Thanksgiving or Christmas, or between midnight and 8 am any other day; there are some complicated restrictions on what grocery stores are allowed to sell that I don't quite understand fully as I don't drink)

These are just the first issues that come to mind; there are assuredly others. Now, you may say that these policies are enacted by the democratically-elected Legislature, and thus Oklahoma is getting the government its voters want. And that's a valid argument. However, the practical effect of it is to bind those to Christian morality those who have never agreed to and don't believe in it. The 25th of December has no religious significance to me at all, yet if I have a few friends over and we decide we want to have a few drinks, we are not granted the freedom to purchase any because of the doctrine of somebody else's religion.

All of this is apparently seen by the electorate here as a feature, not a bug. To be nominated for office, a candidate must underscore their Christian faith in every advertisement they run. The winner is generally the one who manages to illustrate that they are a better Christian than the opponent. Little is said about issues actually facing the state, unless the proposed solution to them can be used to illustrate the soundness of the candidate's Christian faith.

And so if someone is not Christian, the only real way to avoid being bound by Christian morality is to avoid being bound by Oklahoma law altogether. The only way to do that, of course, is to leave the state.

This is before we get into the non-governmental implications of not being of the majority religion. One example is that my wife has had extreme difficulty finding a competent therapist that does not use Christianity as part and parcel of their therapeutic practice; she outright had one therapist tell her that her professionally-diagnosed clinical depression was due to her being "mad at God" and essentially that she needed to get right with a God she didn't believe in before the therapist could help her. This has left her with little progress in actually getting treatment for her condition.

This is all just what someone who is not religious would experience. People who have non-Christian religious beliefs face an additional constellation of issues on top of these. I can't imagine any of the employers here would be too accommodating of an observant Jew that wants time off for Yom Kippur, other than to the extent that federal law requires it. (And maybe not even to that extent. Employers in all 50 states sometimes employ the tack of "Yes, what we're doing is blatantly against federal employment law, but what are you going to do about it? You need us to keep your house, do you really want to risk that to raise a stink?")

In summary, were I to advise a non-Christian as to which state they should live in, I wouldn't recommend moving to Oklahoma or most of the states that border it.

* This is especially true of Massachusetts. I have, in a few places online, mentioned that I am thinking about moving to another state, and without fail someone from Massachusetts will immediately respond saying that I would be welcome there and asking me to consider it as an option. It would certainly be tempting, if I weren't concerned my southern-Californian wife would freeze to death in the winter.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 30, 2022, 09:09:38 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 30, 2022, 07:35:47 PM
I can't imagine any of the employers here would be too accommodating of an observant Jew that wants time off for Yom Kippur, other than to the extent that federal law requires it.

We used to have a field tech at my work who was a Moroccan immigrant, and he was a sort-of-non-practicing Muslim. At that time, Cox (the market he worked in) didn't schedule appointments on Sundays, so we ran routes Monday through Saturday. I remember that he tried rather unsuccessfully to get off work early during Ramadan, because he observed the fast during that month and wanted to get home not long after sundown to eat. He only halfheartedly tried, but it was an awkward situation that everyone kind of knew was unfair. But, on the other hand, our company wasn't in a position to be able to tell Cox quota to drop the number of evening appointments they could schedule, just because one of the techs at one of the contracting firms was Muslim. No: the routes they gave us were the routes that needed to be run. And so, awkward it remained.

I once had a college professor who grew up in a Christian family in Kuwait–a religious minority there. In Kuwait, the "off" day during the week is Friday. And yet, she said, Christian students could be excused from school every Sunday for a "holiday". Can you imagine if someone suggested that Muslims in the US be given every Friday off from school as a "holiday"? That would never fly!

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 30, 2022, 07:35:47 PM
I'll shift here to speak about my personal experiences as a non-Christian in Oklahoma, which I would expect to be more or less the same as in Texas ...

Some of those laws do sound awfully archaic, especially the one about marriages requiring an ordained minister to be the officiant. (By the way, I'm looking at Statute 43-7, and Section A also permits "a judge or retired judge of any court in this state" to officiate, so I'm not so sure you're correct about that one. This is similar to Texas law, except that in Texas the minister or rabbi or judge or whatever doesn't even need to register with the state.)

Are there still public school prayers in Texas (or Oklahoma, for that matter) being led by coaches, teachers, or pastors? I thought this wasn't a thing anymore.

Some of the issues you raised aren't specific to Christianity or being non-Christian. Shiite Muslim doctrine forbids abortion. Sikhism, Jainism, and the Baha'i all forbid the consumption of alcohol. It isn't because you aren't Christian that you can't buy a bottle of schnapps on Thanksgiving or Christmas: I, as a Christian, would be just as ticked off as you about that–perhaps even more so, because religious holidays are when I'm most likely to want to buy schnapps. My mother is a Christian who taught for the last several years at a classical/Christian school, and she hated school prayer time too, wished she could just skip it, but felt obligated to endure it for the sake of propriety.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CoreySamson on September 30, 2022, 10:05:25 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 30, 2022, 09:09:38 PM
Are there still public school prayers in Texas (or Oklahoma, for that matter) being led by coaches, teachers, or pastors?

I know that in Texas where I was (exurban area for context) you couldn't talk about the Bible in public schools and I'm fairly sure that school-sanctioned prayer was nonexistent. I would guess that unless one was at a Christian private school or way out in the sticks that prayer is not done at schools very much anymore.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on September 30, 2022, 10:30:23 PM

At some point, the topic of this thread changed from "Minor Things that Bother You" to "Major Things that Threaten the Continued Stability of the Republic."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 01, 2022, 01:25:17 AM

Quote from: kphoger on September 30, 2022, 09:09:38 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 30, 2022, 07:35:47 PM
I'll shift here to speak about my personal experiences as a non-Christian in Oklahoma, which I would expect to be more or less the same as in Texas ...

Some of those laws do sound awfully archaic, especially the one about marriages requiring an ordained minister to be the officiant. (By the way, I'm looking at Statute 43-7, and Section A also permits "a judge or retired judge of any court in this state" to officiate, so I'm not so sure you're correct about that one. This is similar to Texas law, except that in Texas the minister or rabbi or judge or whatever doesn't even need to register with the state.)

You're probably right, but this wasn't given to me as an option whenever I inquired with the Cleveland County courthouse as to how to go about the legal process of getting married in 2016. Our original plan was to have a judge do a courthouse wedding of the type you see in TV shows and such; we were told that this was categorically not an option in Oklahoma. (Given that Cleveland County is one of Oklahoma's more urban counties, it is sort of surprising if they were misinformed or intentionally trying to deter us from using that option. Perhaps that wasn't yet part of the law in 2016.)

The end-run we made around this process was to have a (non-Christian) friend be ordained by an online ministry for a nominal fee, and then register that ordainment at the county courthouse. The most onerous part of this process was that Cleveland County refused to accept the first copy of the certificate we presented to them because it wasn't printed on certificate paper. We had to hit up an office-supply store, reprint the certificate on fancy paper, and run it up to the courthouse the morning of the ceremony before they would finally accept it.

Quote from: kphoger on September 30, 2022, 09:09:38 PM
Are there still public school prayers in Texas (or Oklahoma, for that matter) being led by coaches, teachers, or pastors? I thought this wasn't a thing anymore.

I don't have any interaction with the Oklahoma public school system anymore, but a pastor was leading prayers before football games as late as my senior year in 2007.

Quote from: kphoger on September 30, 2022, 09:09:38 PM
Some of the issues you raised aren't specific to Christianity or being non-Christian. Shiite Muslim doctrine forbids abortion. Sikhism, Jainism, and the Baha'i all forbid the consumption of alcohol. It isn't because you aren't Christian that you can't buy a bottle of schnapps on Thanksgiving or Christmas: I, as a Christian, would be just as ticked off as you about that–perhaps even more so, because religious holidays are when I'm most likely to want to buy schnapps. My mother is a Christian who taught for the last several years at a classical/Christian school, and she hated school prayer time too, wished she could just skip it, but felt obligated to endure it for the sake of propriety.

Right, by all means Christians can be negatively affected by these sorts of issues as well. (And I would imagine non-Baptist Christians would likely have some problems here as well!) If a Christian liquor store owner wishes to close for Christmas on their own initiative, or if a Christian chooses to honor the holiday by not buying alcohol that day, that is their right and I don't begrudge them for it. My issue is with that being enshrined in law. I would object just as much an attempt at instituting practices enshrining any other religion's practice in law as well, because it results in the same problem that I have with that being done with Christian practices (i.e. requiring me to be bound by religious doctrine I don't subscribe to).

The key point here is that being in an overwhelming minority sucks.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 01, 2022, 09:33:54 AM

The fact that, when using two-digit month codes, there are more months starting with 0 than 1. So I go 9 months writing the month starting with a 0 (the entire year up to 09-30), and have to change to starting the month with a 1 at the beginning of October (on 10-01). Then by the time I get used to doing that, it's already January 1st (01-01).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on October 01, 2022, 10:05:57 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 01, 2022, 09:33:54 AM
The fact that, when using two-digit month codes, there are more months starting with 0 than 1. So I go 9 months writing the month starting with a 0 (the entire year up to 09-30), and have to change to starting the month with a 1 at the beginning of October (on 10-01). Then by the time I get used to doing that, it's already January 1st (01-01).

Scrapping the bottom or the barrel here on what constitutes a minor thing that would bother someone.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on October 01, 2022, 11:58:52 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 01, 2022, 10:05:57 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 01, 2022, 09:33:54 AM
The fact that, when using two-digit month codes, there are more months starting with 0 than 1. So I go 9 months writing the month starting with a 0 (the entire year up to 09-30), and have to change to starting the month with a 1 at the beginning of October (on 10-01). Then by the time I get used to doing that, it's already January 1st (01-01).

Scrapping the bottom or the barrel here on what constitutes a minor thing that would bother someone.

That doesn't bother me, but I do find it mildly bothersome when people omit the 0's in front and just write or type 1/1/22. I know the 0's are meaningless, but it looks oddly informal without them for some reason.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on October 01, 2022, 12:05:29 PM

Quote from: webny99 on October 01, 2022, 11:58:52 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 01, 2022, 10:05:57 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 01, 2022, 09:33:54 AM
The fact that, when using two-digit month codes, there are more months starting with 0 than 1. So I go 9 months writing the month starting with a 0 (the entire year up to 09-30), and have to change to starting the month with a 1 at the beginning of October (on 10-01). Then by the time I get used to doing that, it's already January 1st (01-01).

Scrapping the bottom or the barrel here on what constitutes a minor thing that would bother someone.

That doesn't bother me, but I do find it mildly bothersome when people omit the 0's in front and just write or type 1/1/22. I know the 0's are meaningless, but it looks oddly informal without them for some reason.

It depends how I'm writing it. If I'm writing it in a paragraph, then I omit the 0's. But if I'm writing a list, then I tend to use the 0 as a placeholder to keep the list consistent.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on October 01, 2022, 01:41:48 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 01, 2022, 12:05:29 PM
Quote from: webny99 on October 01, 2022, 11:58:52 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 01, 2022, 10:05:57 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 01, 2022, 09:33:54 AM
The fact that, when using two-digit month codes, there are more months starting with 0 than 1. So I go 9 months writing the month starting with a 0 (the entire year up to 09-30), and have to change to starting the month with a 1 at the beginning of October (on 10-01). Then by the time I get used to doing that, it's already January 1st (01-01).

Scrapping the bottom or the barrel here on what constitutes a minor thing that would bother someone.

That doesn't bother me, but I do find it mildly bothersome when people omit the 0's in front and just write or type 1/1/22. I know the 0's are meaningless, but it looks oddly informal without them for some reason.

It depends how I'm writing it. If I'm writing it in a paragraph, then I omit the 0's. But if I'm writing a list, then I tend to use the 0 as a placeholder to keep the list consistent.

ell, we COULD go to using 'hex' numbers in the accepted ISO format for dates.

:nod:

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on October 01, 2022, 01:42:57 PM

Quote from: webny99 on October 01, 2022, 11:58:52 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 01, 2022, 10:05:57 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 01, 2022, 09:33:54 AM
The fact that, when using two-digit month codes, there are more months starting with 0 than 1. So I go 9 months writing the month starting with a 0 (the entire year up to 09-30), and have to change to starting the month with a 1 at the beginning of October (on 10-01). Then by the time I get used to doing that, it's already January 1st (01-01).

Scrapping the bottom or the barrel here on what constitutes a minor thing that would bother someone.

That doesn't bother me, but I do find it mildly bothersome when people omit the 0's in front and just write or type 1/1/22. I know the 0's are meaningless, but it looks oddly informal without them for some reason.

I hate when date formats aren't written as ISO8601 (YYYY-MM-DD). There's nothing worse than seeing a date like 1/2/22 and not knowing if it's January 2nd or February 1st. :angry:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on October 01, 2022, 02:35:19 PM

I also prefer to write dates in year-month-day order with zero fills, but don't follow ISO 8601 exactly in all cases--for example, when naming script run folders I typically begin with the launch date and time as YYYYMMDD-HHMMSS (no delimitation of year, month, and day number groups). I haven't seen that many situations where there are absolutely no contextual clues that dates are day-first or month-first, even if it is something really subtle like diction, register, or dialect.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on October 01, 2022, 02:50:44 PM

Quote from: 7/8 on October 01, 2022, 01:42:57 PMI hate when date formats aren't written as ISO8601 (YYYY-MM-DD). There's nothing worse than seeing a date like 1/2/22 and not knowing if it's January 2nd or February 1st. :angry:

When I mentor a new technician, I always tell them that you write out the full name of the month, never just the number, in both your case documentation and your communications with the customer. I emphasize that 2/3/yyyy.... is that February 3rd (United States) or March 2nd? That can lead to confusion.

If I'm listing log files or data captures, I start the name as yyyy-mm-dd for sorting reasons. My screen shots are auto-named to yyyy-mm-dd hh-mm-ss format with hours in 24 hour format, not AM/PM. (I love you, ShareX (https://markholtz.info/sharex), you Swiss-purpose of a free Windowsscreen capture program).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on October 01, 2022, 03:11:30 PM

There are things the US does differently from the rest of the world that make little sense (i.e. imperial system, Fahrenheit), but if there's one thing we got right, it's how we write dates.

Putting the month before the day makes sense because the month adds more context than the day does - there's 12 "1sts" of the year but only one October. And putting the year last makes sense because in many situations it's not necessary to write the year, so the date can easily be shortened to just MM/DD.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on October 01, 2022, 03:36:17 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 01, 2022, 10:05:57 AM
Scrapping the bottom or the barrel

That bothers me. Scrapping out the bottom of a barrel would make it useless for holding anything.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on October 01, 2022, 03:42:46 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on October 01, 2022, 02:50:44 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on October 01, 2022, 01:42:57 PMI hate when date formats aren't written as ISO8601 (YYYY-MM-DD). There's nothing worse than seeing a date like 1/2/22 and not knowing if it's January 2nd or February 1st. :angry:
When I mentor a new technician, I always tell them that you write out the full name of the month, never just the number, in both your case documentation and your communications with the customer. I emphasize that 2/3/yyyy.... is that February 3rd (United States) or March 2nd? That can lead to confusion.

If I'm listing log files or data captures, I start the name as yyyy-mm-dd for sorting reasons. My screen shots are auto-named to yyyy-mm-dd hh-mm-ss format with hours in 24 hour format, not AM/PM. (I love you, ShareX (https://markholtz.info/sharex), you Swiss-purpose of a free Windowsscreen capture program).

At work and many times socially, I write date - month in three letter abbreviation - year.
Makes it clear what's going on, no matter where you're from.

And the American system is just the U.S. customary system, NOT the Imperial system. The Imperial system was created in the 1820s after the Houses of Parliament burned destroying the reference pound from their old system of measurement. Some of our measurements are a lot like Imperial, other (volume especially) are very different.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on October 01, 2022, 03:54:03 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 01, 2022, 01:25:17 AMYou're probably right, but this wasn't given to me as an option whenever I inquired with the Cleveland County courthouse as to how to go about the legal process of getting married in 2016. Our original plan was to have a judge do a courthouse wedding of the type you see in TV shows and such; we were told that this was categorically not an option in Oklahoma. (Given that Cleveland County is one of Oklahoma's more urban counties, it is sort of surprising if they were misinformed or intentionally trying to deter us from using that option. Perhaps that wasn't yet part of the law in 2016.)

The end-run we made around this process was to have a (non-Christian) friend be ordained by an online ministry for a nominal fee, and then register that ordainment at the county courthouse. The most onerous part of this process was that Cleveland County refused to accept the first copy of the certificate we presented to them because it wasn't printed on certificate paper. We had to hit up an office-supply store, reprint the certificate on fancy paper, and run it up to the courthouse the morning of the ceremony before they would finally accept it.

I would have thought all 50 states (and equivalent jurisdictions) in the US would have had some provision for secular marriage, since it is increasingly understood that religious freedom includes the freedom not to be of any particular religion. (Since the Obama administration, the US ambassador for religious freedom has been required to promote the interests of the non-religious as well as religious minorities.) However, it is surprisingly difficult to research this topic without digging up the statute book for each jurisdiction.

In Kansas, both current and retired judges can perform weddings, and the Wichita Eagle recently ran a reported obituary for a district court judge who died aged 100 after becoming known as the "Marrying Judge" for carrying out about a hundred weddings statewide after reaching mandatory retirement age (70 at the time; it is now 75).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on October 01, 2022, 03:55:16 PM

I hate the MM/DD/YYYY date format, especially on the 12 first days of every month (It's Independence Day or my birthday?). It is unordered as well. Therefore I'll write either DD/MM/YYYY or YYYY/MM/DD. OTOH I don't have any problem with either 12 or 24 hour clock, as I speak with the former format and write with the latter (i.e. I'll write "at 19:00" but say that as "at seven").

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Amaury on October 01, 2022, 04:09:52 PM

Well, here's one that just came up. When local news places, like NBC, don't know the difference between local state routes and US routes. There have been times where there was some kind of incident somewhere on US Route 97 here in Washington, and our local NBC station or website referred to it as SR 97. There is no local state route called Washington State Route 97! We have a local state route called Washington State Route 397, but that is totally difference! If you don't know the difference or you're just blanking, just use the generic highway route phrase. For example, Highway 97.

About 30 minutes ago, iFiber One News reported on a semi crash near Ritzville that happened earlier around 12:00 AM and mislabeled US Route 395 as SR 395. Again, there is no local state route called Washington State Route 395! If you're not sure, just say or write Highway 395.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on October 01, 2022, 06:12:26 PM

Quote from: Amaury on October 01, 2022, 04:09:52 PM
Well, here's one that just came up. When local news places, like NBC, don't know the difference between local state routes and US routes. There have been times where there was some kind of incident somewhere on US Route 97 here in Washington, and our local NBC station or website referred to it as SR 97. There is no local state route called Washington State Route 97! We have a local state route called Washington State Route 397, but that is totally difference! If you don't know the difference or you're just blanking, just use the generic highway route phrase. For example, Highway 97.

About 30 minutes ago, iFiber One News reported on a semi crash near Ritzville that happened earlier around 12:00 AM and mislabeled US Route 395 as SR 395. Again, there is no local state route called Washington State Route 395! If you're not sure, just say or write Highway 395.

Technically all Interstates and US Routes in Washington are also state highways. See the RCW Chapter (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=47.17).

The distinction between US and state highways matters less in states that avoid overlapping numbers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 01, 2022, 06:46:04 PM

Quote from: thspfc on October 01, 2022, 03:11:30 PM
There are things the US does differently from the rest of the world that make little sense (i.e. imperial system, Fahrenheit), but if there's one thing we got right, it's how we write dates.

Putting the month before the day makes sense because the month adds more context than the day does - there's 12 "1sts" of the year but only one October. And putting the year last makes sense because in many situations it's not necessary to write the year, so the date can easily be shortened to just MM/DD.

There are things the US does differently from the rest of the world that make little sense (i.e. imperial system, Fahrenheit), and one of them is how we write dates. The customary way of writing dates is MM/DD/YYYY, which goes medium size unit/small size unit/large size unit, which is dumb.

My preferred date format is that specified by ISO 8601, which is 2022-10-01 (YYYY-MM-DD). This date format is instantly recognizable as what it is (no other date format puts the year first; nobody uses YYYY-DD-MM), making it unambiguous, and because the units go large-medium-small, an alphabetical sort will also sort the dates. ISO 8601 also specifies formats for dates with no year (10-01) and weeks (2022-W39).

There is really no rational argument against ISO 8601 date formats other than "I just don't want to get with the program".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on October 01, 2022, 07:57:17 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 01, 2022, 06:46:04 PM
. . . nobody uses YYYY-DD-MM . . .

(Cough) (cough) Kazakhstan (in Kazakh).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on October 01, 2022, 08:18:02 PM

I use YYYY-MM-DD when writing checks.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on October 02, 2022, 08:06:17 PM

Reading Scott's tale of the hoops he had to jump through to be married in Oklahoma reminds me of what used to be a frequent occurrence in Kentucky. Kentucky used to require a blood test before marriage. I don't remember when that requirement was scrapped (or scraped, if you will, in accordance with a post upthread) but before it was removed, a whole lot of Kentuckians traveled to Tennessee to get married, where no such requirement existed. The practice was so popular that a whole lot of people got married in Jellico, which sits on the border of Kentucky but is not a county seat. Quite a few marriages were also performed for Kentuckians in Harrogate, across Cumberland Gap from Middlesboro.

Here, a number of lay elected officials can perform wedding ceremonies, including judges and supreme court justices, county judges-executives, and possibly even legislators. I've seen legislators perform ceremonies, but I don't know if that's due to their elected status or if they are also ordained.

It's also not required that you be married in the county where you obtain your license, as I understand is the case in some states. Our county clerk's office is not open on Saturdays. When my wife and I got married, i worked out of town during the week and so did she, including every other Saturday. In an adjoining county, the clerk's office was open on Saturday mornings. So we went there to get our license, were married in our hometown, and then I either took the license to the clerk's office to be recorded or mailed it back to them. I can't remember which.

All of this makes me wonder if it might not have been easier for Scott and his bride to get married in another state.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 02, 2022, 09:14:05 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on October 02, 2022, 08:06:17 PM
Reading Scott's tale of the hoops he had to jump through to be married in Oklahoma reminds me of what used to be a frequent occurrence in Kentucky. Kentucky used to require a blood test before marriage. I don't remember when that requirement was scrapped (or scraped, if you will, in accordance with a post upthread) but before it was removed, a whole lot of Kentuckians traveled to Tennessee to get married, where no such requirement existed.

A blood test? To ensure you weren't related to the person you were married to, or was there some other reason? (Also, I was of the impression that DNA tech to determine that sort of thing was only viable in the early 90s or so–what were they testing, exactly?)

Quote from: hbelkins on October 02, 2022, 08:06:17 PM
All of this makes me wonder if it might not have been easier for Scott and his bride to get married in another state.

Traveling to another state for the wedding wasn't considered as an option, since we didn't really want to make a huge production out of our wedding–the ceremony was about 15 minutes long, at the duck pond on the OU campus. The only people there beside us was the "minister", best man, maid of honor, and our dog. We had a slightly larger reception afterward at the game store the best man owned, but if I remember correctly the guestbook only had about 20 names in it or so. We didn't have a honeymoon or anything; I don't remember if we even took off work afterward.

If this already sounds like an odd arrangement, consider the date we chose–February 29, 2016. We've been married for 6 years, but won't be celebrating our second anniversary until 2024. We felt like this would make the date more special, and there's practically no way to forget it's coming up, because it always takes place in the midst of presidential primaries.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on October 02, 2022, 11:08:59 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 02, 2022, 09:14:05 PMA blood test? To ensure you weren't related to the person you were married to, or was there some other reason? (Also, I was of the impression that DNA tech to determine that sort of thing was only viable in the early 90s or so–what were they testing, exactly?)

They were testing for the presence of STDs. States started requiring blood tests during the Progressive Era (when eugenics was in fashion) and eventually about two-thirds had a blood test requirement. They are now pretty much gone since it was realized very few people who would test positive for a STD look to get married (one statistic I've seen is $80 million spent on blood tests in one year to catch 425 cases).

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 02, 2022, 09:14:05 PMTraveling to another state for the wedding wasn't considered as an option, since we didn't really want to make a huge production out of our wedding . . .

It is also, AIUI, not trivially simple to find a state that will permit nonresidents to apply for a marriage license, and in any event the marriage license has to be used in the issuing state. Arkansas (which will issue to nonresidents) might have been an option, but I don't know if it would have been practical to do license issue and the ceremony in the same trip.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on October 03, 2022, 11:40:33 AM

I don't know how residency requirements work today in Tennessee, but I do know that the wedding chapels in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge are very popular among residents of this area.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 03, 2022, 02:58:08 PM

Quote from: kkt on October 01, 2022, 03:42:46 PM
At work and many times socially, I write date - month in three letter abbreviation - year.
Makes it clear what's going on, no matter where you're from.

I do this too. I recently typed some notes in a work order that included today's date–as 03-OCT-2022.

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 01, 2022, 06:46:04 PM
There are things the US does differently from the rest of the world that make little sense (i.e. imperial system, Fahrenheit), and one of them is how we write dates. The customary way of writing dates is MM/DD/YYYY, which goes medium size unit/small size unit/large size unit, which is dumb.

My preferred date format is that specified by ISO 8601, which is 2022-10-01 (YYYY-MM-DD). This date format is instantly recognizable as what it is (no other date format puts the year first; nobody uses YYYY-DD-MM), making it unambiguous, and because the units go large-medium-small, an alphabetical sort will also sort the dates. ISO 8601 also specifies formats for dates with no year (10-01) and weeks (2022-W39).

There is really no rational argument against ISO 8601 date formats other than "I just don't want to get with the program".

It's a minor thing that bothers me that the US way of writing dates isn't "in order", so I do slightly prefer day-month-year. And, while I do use YYYY-MM-DD for filenames that I want to keep in chronological order, I don't find it at all useful in any spoken context. When people say a date, it's pretty much never useful to know the year first.

For example, if I'm reading a dentist's reminder card out loud, I might say, "You have an appointment scheduled for March 16 2023 at 11:15". Or I might say, "You have an appointment scheduled for 16 March 2023 at 11:15". In both cases, the two most useful bits of information come first. However, to say "You have an appointment scheduled for 2023 March 16 at 11:15" does manage to go "in order" but includes the most throwaway bit of information right at the beginning. That seems dumb to me.

And so, if it's dumb to say things that way out loud, then I consider that to be a "rational argument against" using it in other contexts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 03, 2022, 05:41:45 PM

There's plenty of instances where something is perfectly acceptable to say out loud but awkward in text, and vice versa, so I consider them as two completely separate contexts. There's generally no confusion with capital I, lowercase l, and digit 1 in speech, but in writing there is; there is no confusion between the name of letters B and D in text but there is when spelling something aloud. And of course there's a plethora of words that aren't spelled how they're pronounced.

So if I'm reading a note of mine where I wrote "2022-10-03" aloud to someone, I'll pronounce it "October 3rd, 2022".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 03, 2022, 06:04:35 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 03, 2022, 05:41:45 PM
So if I'm reading a note of mine where I wrote "2022-10-03" aloud to someone, I'll pronounce it "October 3rd, 2022".

And that's what doesn't make sense to me.

There is really no rational argument against writing something the same way you say it other than "this is my hill and I'm going to die on it".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 03, 2022, 06:09:41 PM

There are plenty of Americans who write "10/03" and say it out loud as "the third of October".

Also, one of my reasons for writing it year-first in text format is to help eliminate ambiguity about which date format is being used. There is usually no such ambiguity in spoken word context because, in my experience, dates are usually never spoken as numbers, except for well-known dates like "nine eleven" (and sometimes not even then–it is nearly always "January 6th", not "one six").

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on October 03, 2022, 06:11:49 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 03, 2022, 06:04:35 PM
There is really no rational argument against writing something the same way you say it other than "this is my hill and I'm going to die on it".

Other than, you know, the fact that it would call into question approximately 50% of the spellings in the entire English language...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 03, 2022, 06:14:54 PM

Quote from: webny99 on October 03, 2022, 06:11:49 PM
Other than, you know, the very trivial fact that it would call into question approximately 50% of the spellings in the entire English language...

that of but a Sorry, with lick the just order, not sentence read and of all I sense. out words made it

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 03, 2022, 06:21:18 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 03, 2022, 06:14:54 PM
Quote from: webny99 on October 03, 2022, 06:11:49 PM
Other than, you know, the very trivial fact that it would call into question approximately 50% of the spellings in the entire English language...

that of but a Sorry, with lick the just order, not sentence read and of all I sense. out words made it

syntax error at post 5058 line 5, near 'that'
Execution of post 5058 aborted due to compilation errors.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on October 03, 2022, 06:34:36 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 03, 2022, 06:14:54 PM
Quote from: webny99 on October 03, 2022, 06:11:49 PM
Other than, you know, the very trivial fact that it would call into question approximately 50% of the spellings in the entire English language...

that of but a Sorry, with lick the just order, not sentence read and of all I sense. out words made it

Mmmhmm. Tough epitome of hyperbole gone awry colonel, need another psychology primer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on October 04, 2022, 03:47:58 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 01, 2022, 01:25:17 AMI don't have any interaction with the Oklahoma public school system anymore, but a pastor was leading prayers before football games as late as my senior year in 2007.

We were at a public high school basketball game in Arkansas in 2014 where a local clergyman launched into an explicitly Christian prayer with no notice during the usual pre-game announcements (granted, this was because some students had just been involved in a serious car accident, but, to your point, I can't see the fans tolerating an explicitly non-Christian prayer for non-Christian students who were hurt).

And my high school in suburban Atlanta had a youth minister from one of the local churches hang out in the lunchroom "just in case anyone needed to talk," which, again, can't see them tolerating a rabbi or imam doing the same thing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on October 04, 2022, 04:10:31 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 30, 2022, 11:56:23 AMWith that in mind, though, it's also the case that one-third of all immigrants in Texas are undocumented (a.k.a. illegal aliens).

Are you including asylum-seekers in this figure, because (a) crossing the border to seek asylum isn't a crime (Abbott's deplorable stunts appear to be linked to the fact that the Remain In Mexico policy was eliminated and (b) a whole lot of elected officials and candidates for office are doing their best to redefine "legal immigration" as "immigration by white people" and "illegal immigration" as "immigration by non-white people."

Quote from: kphoger on September 30, 2022, 11:56:23 AMIt's pretty easy for me to understand, then, how Texas would be frustrated with federal immigration policies that seem to disproportionately affect that state–especially when it comes to unauthorized foreigners being 'released' into the state–even if the effects of that have been exaggerated and politicized.

It WOULD be, well, easier for me to understand if (a) this hadn't been going on for almost 30 years and (b) Texas wasn't already being compensated by the federal government for the influx of immigrants.

Quote from: kphoger on September 30, 2022, 11:56:23 AMI do find it ironic that such busing is described in left-wing media as wreaking havoc on the northern and eastern cities to which the migrants are being bused.

It's being described as "wreaking havoc" because buses are just showing up in cities with no advance notice.

Quote from: kphoger on September 30, 2022, 11:56:23 AMFor some reason, that shouldn't be those states' problem, but it should be Texas' problem. WTF? If Texas doesn't want the influx, then we're supposed to believe it's because of racism and xenophobia; but, if New York or DC doesn't want them either, then we're supposed to be sympathetic. Well, I guess, maybe Texas should have thought of that before they went and put their border next to Mexico...

Again, it's not that New York or DC don't want them, it's the fact that Texas (and, most recently, Florida) are making absolutely no effort whatsoever to coordinate these movements with the destinations.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on October 04, 2022, 04:29:01 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on October 04, 2022, 04:10:31 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 30, 2022, 11:56:23 AMWith that in mind, though, it's also the case that one-third of all immigrants in Texas are undocumented (a.k.a. illegal aliens).

Are you including asylum-seekers in this figure, because (a) crossing the border to seek asylum isn't a crime (Abbott's deplorable stunts appear to be linked to the fact that the Remain In Mexico policy was eliminated and (b) a whole lot of elected officials and candidates for office are doing their best to redefine "legal immigration" as "immigration by white people" and "illegal immigration" as "immigration by non-white people."

Quote from: kphoger on September 30, 2022, 11:56:23 AMIt's pretty easy for me to understand, then, how Texas would be frustrated with federal immigration policies that seem to disproportionately affect that state–especially when it comes to unauthorized foreigners being 'released' into the state–even if the effects of that have been exaggerated and politicized.
It WOULD be, well, easier for me to understand if (a) this hadn't been going on for almost 30 years and (b) Texas wasn't already being compensated by the federal government for the influx of immigrants.

Quote from: kphoger on September 30, 2022, 11:56:23 AMI do find it ironic that such busing is described in left-wing media as wreaking havoc on the northern and eastern cities to which the migrants are being bused.
It's being described as "wreaking havoc" because buses are just showing up in cities with no advance notice.

Quote from: kphoger on September 30, 2022, 11:56:23 AMFor some reason, that shouldn't be those states' problem, but it should be Texas' problem. WTF? If Texas doesn't want the influx, then we're supposed to believe it's because of racism and xenophobia; but, if New York or DC doesn't want them either, then we're supposed to be sympathetic. Well, I guess, maybe Texas should have thought of that before they went and put their border next to Mexico...

Again, it's not that New York or DC don't want them, it's the fact that Texas (and, most recently, Florida) are making absolutely no effort whatsoever to coordinate these movements with the destinations.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot of Chicago bussed a few dozen ~~illegal~~ migrants to a hotel in the suburb of Burr Ridge, IL instead of finding a place to house them in Chicago.

Edit: The migrants were given legal refugee status.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on October 04, 2022, 04:45:36 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on October 04, 2022, 04:29:01 PMMayor Lori Lightfoot of Chicago bussed a few dozen illegal migrants to a hotel in the suburb of Burr Ridge, IL instead of finding a place to house them in Chicago.

Come on man, even the mayor himself admits they're here legally:

https://cms5.revize.com/revize/burrridge/Document%20Center/Press%20Releases/Village%20Statement%20-%20Refugees.pdf

Thanks for proving my point about nativists doing their damndest to redefine "legal immigrant" as "white" and "illegal immigrant" as "non-white," though.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 04, 2022, 04:53:33 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on October 04, 2022, 04:10:31 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 30, 2022, 11:56:23 AM
With that in mind, though, it's also the case that one-third of all immigrants in Texas are undocumented (a.k.a. illegal aliens).

Are you including asylum-seekers in this figure, because (a) crossing the border to seek asylum isn't a crime (Abbott's deplorable stunts appear to be linked to the fact that the Remain In Mexico policy was eliminated and (b) a whole lot of elected officials and candidates for office are doing their best to redefine "legal immigration" as "immigration by white people" and "illegal immigration" as "immigration by non-white people."

I don't recall now where I got the statistics from, but I do specifically remember them being called "residents". I have a hard time imagining that asylum seekers would be defined that way, but I'm sure you're more knowledgeable about that kind of thing than I am.

Quote from: abefroman329 on October 04, 2022, 04:10:31 PM
It's being described as "wreaking havoc" because buses are just showing up in cities with no advance notice.

Again, it's not that New York or DC don't want them, it's the fact that Texas (and, most recently, Florida) are making absolutely no effort whatsoever to coordinate these movements with the destinations.

So they just need to call ahead, and then no havoc is wreaked? Would it be somehow more appropriate to bus them to Houston or Lubbock with no advance notice? Again, the immigrants have to go somewhere, and I see no compelling reason that they should have to remain in Texas instead of being bused to a different state. Does Texas receive some special sort of advance notice that no other states receive?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on October 04, 2022, 05:03:22 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on October 04, 2022, 04:45:36 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on October 04, 2022, 04:29:01 PMMayor Lori Lightfoot of Chicago bussed a few dozen illegal migrants to a hotel in the suburb of Burr Ridge, IL instead of finding a place to house them in Chicago.
Come on man, even the mayor himself admits they're here legally:

https://cms5.revize.com/revize/burrridge/Document%20Center/Press%20Releases/Village%20Statement%20-%20Refugees.pdf

Thanks for proving my point about nativists doing their damndest to redefine "legal immigrant" as "white" and "illegal immigrant" as "non-white," though.

Original post has been edited. That being said, the point still sands about them being relocated outside of Chicago city limits.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on October 04, 2022, 05:19:25 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 04, 2022, 04:53:33 PMSo they just need to call ahead, and then no havoc is wreaked?

It looks like it's a 22-hour drive from a border town to Chicago (I checked the travel time from El Paso and from McAllen), so yeah, if someone had reached out to the Mayor's office (or the Governor's office, for that matter) and said "fyi a bus full of migrants is going to be there in 22 hours," then there would have been a hell of a lot more that could be done to prepare for their arrival, and, at minimum, less havoc would have been wreaked.

Quote from: kphoger on October 04, 2022, 04:53:33 PMWould it be somehow more appropriate to bus them to Houston or Lubbock with no advance notice?

It wouldn't be appropriate to bus them anywhere with no advance notice.

Quote from: kphoger on October 04, 2022, 04:53:33 PMAgain, the immigrants have to go somewhere, and I see no compelling reason that they should have to remain in Texas instead of being bused to a different state.

Other than the fact that their court appearances related to their petitions tend to be scheduled at courthouses in Texas, I don't either. I also don't think they should be bussed anywhere under false pretenses, as was definitely the case with the infamous flight to Martha's Vineyard.

Quote from: kphoger on October 04, 2022, 04:53:33 PMDoes Texas receive some special sort of advance notice that no other states receive?/quote]They've...shared a border with Mexico for 150 years. Migration from Mexico has been up since about five minutes after NAFTA was ratified, so they've had 30 years' notice in that regard as well. What sort of "special sort of advance notice" does Texas deserve? And why are New Mexico, Arizona, and California able to handle an influx of immigrants where Texas isn't?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on October 04, 2022, 05:21:37 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on October 04, 2022, 05:03:22 PMOriginal post has been edited. That being said, the point still sands about them being relocated outside of Chicago city limits.

OK, fair.

If someone called the hotel in question and reserved X number of rooms, then that's still more notice than any city has received about migrants being relocated there. If not, then I'm not going to defend what Lightfoot did, either.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 04, 2022, 06:25:30 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on October 04, 2022, 05:19:25 PM
I also don't think they should be bussed anywhere under false pretenses, as was definitely the case with the infamous flight to Martha's Vineyard.

Totally agree. That was awful.

Quote from: abefroman329 on October 04, 2022, 05:19:25 PM
why are New Mexico, Arizona, and California able to handle an influx of immigrants where Texas isn't?

1. I think Texas is able to handle the influx of immigrants. They have historically shown that immigration is part of the fabric of their state. They obviously didn't get to the level of immigrant and second-gen immigrant population that they have without being able to "handle" immigrants.

2. I'm on the fence about whether I think a state should be able to say "no more, thanks" when it comes to putting up asylum seekers or immigrants in general, but I tend to lean on the "no they shouldn't" side of that question. However, if immigration does spike, then that really does put a state like Texas at what seems like an unfair disadvantage–especially when the decisions that lead to such a spike come from the federal level.

3. Pre-pandemic, Texas had a per-capita net foreign immigration figure that's 20% larger than California, more than twice that of Arizona, and three times that of New Mexico. In 2020, they basically said "we're done for a while". That is a bit ridiculous of a position to take (see point 2), but maybe we should ask why AZ and NM and CA can't take their turn this time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on October 04, 2022, 07:07:03 PM

Here's another that reared it's ugly head *again* today:

Seat belts that occasionally don't retract properly when you unbuckle and leave your car.

You close your car door assuming all is fine until....BANG!!! The buckle part of the seat belt decided to get in between the door and the door jamb.

I have damaged more than my share of buckle housings, fortunately it is mostly cosmetic and no need to replace the belt.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on October 04, 2022, 11:47:15 PM

When the price displayed on the shelf does not match what the item actually costs.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on October 04, 2022, 11:50:00 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on October 04, 2022, 11:47:15 PM
When the price displayed on the shelf does not match what the item actually costs.

Worse yet is when there's no pricetag to be found and you have to do a pricecheck at the checkout.

I've lucked out with some unexpected savings but often it just goes in the take-back pile at the end of the conveyer belt.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on October 05, 2022, 08:21:32 AM

Quote from: hbelkins on October 04, 2022, 11:47:15 PM
When the price displayed on the shelf does not match what the item actually costs.

Massachusetts has a law saying that if it's a grocery item (which also includes a few things that aren't food that are commonly found at grocery stores), and you're overcharged, you get one unit free (or $10 off if it's over $10), and any item past the first is for the labeled price. Does Kentucky have no similar law?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on October 05, 2022, 09:39:17 AM

Quote from: 1 on October 05, 2022, 08:21:32 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on October 04, 2022, 11:47:15 PM
When the price displayed on the shelf does not match what the item actually costs.

Massachusetts has a law saying that if it's a grocery item (which also includes a few things that aren't food that are commonly found at grocery stores), and you're overcharged, you get one unit free (or $10 off if it's over $10), and any item past the first is for the labeled price. Does Kentucky have no similar law?

Most stores will at least sell it to you at the lowest posted price.

But even with these laws, a store can pretty much ignore the law. What are you going to do, file a lawsuit where the filing fee alone is more than what you stand to win? As a consumer, the most you realistically can do is shop elsewhere. And when every store will occasionally have this issue, you'll just be running around store to store dealing with the inevitable.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on October 05, 2022, 10:37:23 AM

Quote from: hbelkins on October 04, 2022, 11:47:15 PM
When the price displayed on the shelf does not match what the item actually costs.

Heh, I was picking out a Bluetooth speaker at Dollar General yesterday and the cashier was like "...yeah, the prices on the shelf aren't accurate."

Considering how much dust had accumulated on the boxes, I don't think they had a lot of customers coming in to buy any speakers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on October 05, 2022, 11:20:54 AM

Quote from: kphoger on October 04, 2022, 06:25:30 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on October 04, 2022, 05:19:25 PM
I also don't think they should be bussed anywhere under false pretenses, as was definitely the case with the infamous flight to Martha's Vineyard.

Totally agree. That was awful.

Quote from: abefroman329 on October 04, 2022, 05:19:25 PM
why are New Mexico, Arizona, and California able to handle an influx of immigrants where Texas isn't?

1. I think Texas is able to handle the influx of immigrants. They have historically shown that immigration is part of the fabric of their state. They obviously didn't get to the level of immigrant and second-gen immigrant population that they have without being able to "handle" immigrants.

2. I'm on the fence about whether I think a state should be able to say "no more, thanks" when it comes to putting up asylum seekers or immigrants in general, but I tend to lean on the "no they shouldn't" side of that question. However, if immigration does spike, then that really does put a state like Texas at what seems like an unfair disadvantage–especially when the decisions that lead to such a spike come from the federal level.

3. Pre-pandemic, Texas had a per-capita net foreign immigration figure that's 20% larger than California, more than twice that of Arizona, and three times that of New Mexico. In 2020, they basically said "we're done for a while". That is a bit ridiculous of a position to take (see point 2), but maybe we should ask why AZ and NM and CA can't take their turn this time.

Yeah, I'm not sure we disagree fundamentally, and, as Robin Williams once said, no one walks into a bar at last call and says "there's two guys in the parking lot agreeing with each other!"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 05, 2022, 09:31:20 PM

When you get junk mail that bears markings like "IMMEDIATE RESPONSE TO THIS NOTICE REQUESTED". Gee, sure would be nice for the company if everyone immediately responded to their ad just because it said so in all-caps Arial.

Unfortunately, they didn't include a Business Reply Mail envelope, or even a return address, so I can't actually mail back my reply. I'm guessing they wouldn't like it very much. (Usually I clip a picture out of the newspaper that looks bizarre with no context and mail that back.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on October 06, 2022, 09:44:50 AM

It's the same strategy email scammers use: If you keep hammering how urgently a reply is needed, the potential victim will be likelier to do something stupid.

Come to think of it, car salesmen use the same technique.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on October 06, 2022, 12:38:54 PM

Real estate prospectors ("I will buy your house for cash!") often seek to create false urgency too.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 06, 2022, 01:06:33 PM

Quote from: webny99 on October 03, 2022, 06:11:49 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 03, 2022, 06:04:35 PM
There is really no rational argument against writing something the same way you say it other than "this is my hill and I'm going to die on it".

Other than, you know, the fact that it would call into question approximately 50% of the spellings in the entire English language...

This is a similar argument to when my former boss claimed that people in Wichita saying "I-35" when referring to I-135 was really no different from them saying "ar-KAN-zass" instead of "AR-kan-saw" when referring to Arkansas Avenue. I didn't buy that argument either.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on October 06, 2022, 06:44:47 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 06, 2022, 01:06:33 PM
Quote from: webny99 on October 03, 2022, 06:11:49 PM
Quote from: kphoger on October 03, 2022, 06:04:35 PM
There is really no rational argument against writing something the same way you say it other than "this is my hill and I'm going to die on it".

Other than, you know, the fact that it would call into question approximately 50% of the spellings in the entire English language...

This is a similar argument to when my former boss claimed that people in Wichita saying "I-35" when referring to I-135 was really no different from them saying "ar-KAN-zass" instead of "AR-kan-saw" when referring to Arkansas Avenue. I didn't buy that argument either.

Sorry, I guess I missed the part where "writing something" applied only to numbers and not words.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 09, 2022, 06:23:28 PM

When someone rings the doorbell but is not patient enough to wait for me to answer it, so that by the time I get there, there's nobody around.

Since I work from home and don't leave the house most days, the majority of the time I am not dressed enough to answer the door for a stranger. But apparently the amount of time it takes to get up, go get dressed, and answer the door is too much to wait for some people. (Especially kids. It seems like most of the time it's kids ringing our bell. I'm not sure why–they're never around long enough for me to ask!)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on October 09, 2022, 06:53:59 PM

Automatic Dialers. I dislike when you pick up the phone and there is nobody there until a few seconds later an operator starts pitching.

As a former telemarketing expert, those things annoyed me as a caller too as the dialer would constantly be calling numbers and if all callers were busy it would put the callee on hold until one of us was available to pitch. By having that caller on hold makes it nearly impossible to make your sale as if you don't get a person's attention during the first half a second of contact you don't get "˜em at all. People make their minds the moment they pick the phone up to answer.

That rationale was taught at my first marketing job as no one heard of an automatic dialer when I started in that business. My boss would say that we must state our business right away as even one second of pause could lose a sale. He further told us we're invading their privacy and the answer is no before the phone is answered so we have one quick moment to make that impression to listen to you.

However, now all firms forgot that and claim the auto dialer way is norm and the agents have to compensate. It wouldn't be so bad if it dialed knowing you are there to take the call, but we the agents never even heard the ring tone as that step is already done prior to connection. It should be that when we're free the phone dials with us waiting for an answer so we are talking the moment they pick up.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on October 09, 2022, 09:14:44 PM

The fact that my phone won't use mobile data unless I reboot it first. I'm now rebooting the phone every day just to use data.

The fact that my apartment doesn't have assigned parking. If I get bumped out of my preferred space, my choices are either:
-Along the building on the other side of the lot, which doesn't get the morning sun, and which results in the sun being right in my eyes as I park (summer only, as I need morning sun to help defrost the windows)
-Far away at the edge of the lot by the entrance where it splits in two directions, vulnerable to collision if someone miscalculates the turn
-On the other side of the steps, which is in the dark due to the parking lot lighting not hitting that area

This is all due to the fact that all the other spots near my preferred one are directly under trees, meaning that my car would be bombarded with bird poop if I park in them (this happens even in the middle of February).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on October 09, 2022, 10:06:19 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on October 09, 2022, 06:53:59 PM
Automatic Dialers. I dislike when you pick up the phone and there is nobody there until a few seconds later an operator starts pitching.

That's why I generally don't answer the phone unless I know who's calling. An unknown number can leave a voicemail. If the call isn't important enough for them to leave a message, it's certainly not important enough for me to answer.

And on the rare occasion when I do answer an unknown number, if I hear some phrase such as "please stay on the line for the next representative," I'm hanging up. YOU called ME, not the other way around. Ditto if there is any sort of delay in speaking on the other end when I answer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on October 10, 2022, 02:07:29 AM

That's why I enjoy the call screening feature of my Android Pixel phone.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 10, 2022, 03:22:13 AM

I generally don't answer the phone at all. If you know me, you have my email address.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on October 10, 2022, 10:05:18 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 10, 2022, 03:22:13 AM
I generally don't answer the phone at all. If you know me, you have my email address.

How about, when someone calls your phone, and asks if you're there? Who were they expecting to be answering your phone? Were they expecting someone else? Where is that someone else? What does he know? What has he seen?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on October 10, 2022, 10:21:08 AM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 10, 2022, 10:05:18 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 10, 2022, 03:22:13 AM
I generally don't answer the phone at all. If you know me, you have my email address.

How about, when someone calls your phone, and asks if you're there? Who were they expecting to be answering your phone? Were they expecting someone else? Where is that someone else? What does he know? What has he seen?

This is probably a holdover from landlines, where anyone in the house could reasonably have answered.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on October 10, 2022, 10:22:55 AM

Quote from: 1 on October 10, 2022, 10:21:08 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 10, 2022, 10:05:18 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 10, 2022, 03:22:13 AM
I generally don't answer the phone at all. If you know me, you have my email address.

How about, when someone calls your phone, and asks if you're there? Who were they expecting to be answering your phone? Were they expecting someone else? Where is that someone else? What does he know? What has he seen?

This is probably a holdover from landlines, where anyone in the house could reasonably have answered.

(https://media.tenor.com/coME96vNSNUAAAAM/the-simpsons-ahoy-hoy.gif)

Supposedly "ahoy" was a really short-lived idea for phone etiquette.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on October 10, 2022, 10:26:59 AM

I like the one where you answer the phone, someone asks for you by name. You respond, may I ask what is this in regards to. Of course they will say that it's personal matter. You then ask what is the issue. Then they won't say. They need to have get yourself to the phone or state you are yourself.

They know that you are the person they're asking for, but insist that you bring that person to the phone anyway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on October 10, 2022, 11:02:01 AM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 10, 2022, 10:05:18 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 10, 2022, 03:22:13 AM
I generally don't answer the phone at all. If you know me, you have my email address.

How about, when someone calls your phone, and asks if you're there? Who were they expecting to be answering your phone? Were they expecting someone else? Where is that someone else? What does he know? What has he seen?

It's quite possible for someone else to answer your phone even with a mobile phone–suppose, for example, you're expecting an urgent call but you really have to take a leak, so your wife answers for you when it invariably rings mid-stream.

Another thing is, people do dial the wrong number sometimes. Asking for the person by name is a good way to verify that they called the right number.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on October 10, 2022, 02:16:46 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 10, 2022, 03:22:13 AMI generally don't answer the phone at all. If you know me, you have my email address.

That response would get you a death stare from some older adults, including my mother, who have a poor opinion of email, and would rather that you pick up the phone.

Me... it depends on the situation. I prefer email because it is written documentation and can be sent at 2 AM where a phone call would be met by someone shouting something along the languages of Klingon, Orc, and/or Swear. Unfortunately, email has been too contaminated by the spammy and his irk.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 10, 2022, 03:39:16 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on October 10, 2022, 11:02:01 AM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 10, 2022, 10:05:18 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 10, 2022, 03:22:13 AM
I generally don't answer the phone at all. If you know me, you have my email address.

How about, when someone calls your phone, and asks if you're there? Who were they expecting to be answering your phone? Were they expecting someone else? Where is that someone else? What does he know? What has he seen?

It's quite possible for someone else to answer your phone even with a mobile phone–suppose, for example, you're expecting an urgent call but you really have to take a leak, so your wife answers for you when it invariably rings mid-stream.

Another thing is, people do dial the wrong number sometimes. Asking for the person by name is a good way to verify that they called the right number.

Before we got our eldest son his own cell phone a couple of months ago, my wife and I would simply leave one of ours for him to use in case of an emergency or if we needed to call him about something while we were out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on October 10, 2022, 03:41:39 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on October 10, 2022, 11:02:01 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 10, 2022, 10:05:18 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 10, 2022, 03:22:13 AM
I generally don't answer the phone at all. If you know me, you have my email address.

How about, when someone calls your phone, and asks if you're there? Who were they expecting to be answering your phone? Were they expecting someone else? Where is that someone else? What does he know? What has he seen?

It's quite possible for someone else to answer your phone even with a mobile phone–suppose, for example, you're expecting an urgent call but you really have to take a leak, so your wife answers for you when it invariably rings mid-stream.

Another thing is, people do dial the wrong number sometimes. Asking for the person by name is a good way to verify that they called the right number.

True, though I've definitely had phone conversations where the person asked if I'm me right after I just said that, sometimes even a couple times. It's as if they didn't listen.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on October 10, 2022, 03:56:26 PM

If we have a "driving pet peeves" thread, I guess this could go there too, but I don't feel like searching:

People who don't know what to do at a flashing yellow arrow and who just sit there when nobody's coming the other way. Got stuck behind someone like that this morning; she finally went (reluctantly) after I blasted the horn quite a few times. There were only two cars coming the other way and both of them were in the left turn lane, which is why we got the flashing yellow arrow.

I wonder how long some of those people are willing to sit there waiting for a green.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on October 10, 2022, 04:42:40 PM

Related: people who don't think they need to signal when turning left on green. When I'm coming from the other direction and waiting to turn left (with my blinker on well in advance, of course), it's a Mexican standoff until the other vehicle belatedly turns on its signal.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 10, 2022, 05:27:25 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on October 10, 2022, 02:16:46 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 10, 2022, 03:22:13 AMI generally don't answer the phone at all. If you know me, you have my email address.

That response would get you a death stare from some older adults, including my mother, who have a poor opinion of email, and would rather that you pick up the phone.

Me... it depends on the situation. I prefer email because it is written documentation and can be sent at 2 AM where a phone call would be met by someone shouting something along the languages of Klingon, Orc, and/or Swear. Unfortunately, email has been too contaminated by the spammy and his irk.

She would either have to get over it and send me one, or just accept that she will never talk to me.

I like email for the same reason that you do, and also because I have auditory processing issues where it takes me a lot of effort to understand what someone on the phone is saying (I hear it just fine, but my brain has trouble deciphering it). I can also read a lot faster than most people can talk, so I could get a 30-minute conversation done in five minutes on email.

About the only time I like a voice call is if it's going to be a long, interactive process with a lot of back and forth. Even then I would prefer to use a VOIP service like Discord because the audio quality is better, so it doesn't tax my brain to process as much.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on October 10, 2022, 05:53:50 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on October 10, 2022, 11:02:01 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 10, 2022, 10:05:18 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 10, 2022, 03:22:13 AM
I generally don't answer the phone at all. If you know me, you have my email address.

How about, when someone calls your phone, and asks if you're there? Who were they expecting to be answering your phone? Were they expecting someone else? Where is that someone else? What does he know? What has he seen?

It’s quite possible for someone else to answer your phone even with a mobile phone—suppose, for example, you’re expecting an urgent call but you really have to take a leak, so your wife answers for you when it invariably rings mid-stream.

Another thing is, people do dial the wrong number sometimes. Asking for the person by name is a good way to verify that they called the right number.

One time as a telemarketer I asked for Tom Smith ( or whatever) and the man answering the phone said “ Wrong Number.” I immediately said I was sorry, and just as I was ready to move on to the next call, he demanded I remove his number from the my list. I of course was willing to oblige and verified the number on my screen that the auto dialer dialed. The man got hostile and then refused to verify the number I called out and said “ You dialed it, you know what it is!” Then he said don’t call again or be reported to the feds.

Of course, it wasn’t a wrong number. It was the guy using the wrong number excuse to get out of dealing with me, but forgetting that asking at the same time to remove me from the list contradicts and cancels the first excuse.

Then the refusal of the verification process was dumb on his part as to verify With me the number I mentioned, meant that I was removing his number from my list especially if the number I verbally verified was indeed his. Plus if I called out verbally the wrong number he had nothing to worry about being solicited again.

Unfortunately in that case I couldn’t do anything but recycle the number as I can’t legally remove that number unless I know for sure it’s the right number to remove. Sad to say he might get harassed again all because he got upset over a silly number verification.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on October 10, 2022, 06:30:30 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on October 09, 2022, 10:06:19 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on October 09, 2022, 06:53:59 PM
Automatic Dialers. I dislike when you pick up the phone and there is nobody there until a few seconds later an operator starts pitching.

That's why I generally don't answer the phone unless I know who's calling. An unknown number can leave a voicemail. If the call isn't important enough for them to leave a message, it's certainly not important enough for me to answer.

And on the rare occasion when I do answer an unknown number, if I hear some phrase such as "please stay on the line for the next representative," I'm hanging up. YOU called ME, not the other way around. Ditto if there is any sort of delay in speaking on the other end when I answer.

I do all that too. I technically have a landline which I don't use and the only reason I have it is that it forces ~~telemarketers~~ spammers to use that number instead of my cell phone when calling. The only reason I know it's used is the Caller ID shows up on my TV (it's a Spectrum bundle). I probably average a half dozen calls daily that might have otherwise come over my mobile line (also Spectrum).

I do get annoyed by the fake texts I get on my cell phone but I can delete those.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on October 11, 2022, 10:51:30 AM

Dress pants that are sold with unfinished bottoms. I get why it's more efficient for manufacturers and consumers, but I don't really like the fact that a $50 pair of slacks actually cost $60 because it'll cost another $10 to hem them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on October 11, 2022, 11:06:16 AM

Quote from: abefroman329 on October 11, 2022, 10:51:30 AM
Dress pants that are sold with unfinished bottoms. I get why it's more efficient for manufacturers and consumers, but I don't really like the fact that a $50 pair of slacks actually cost $60 because it'll cost another $10 to hem them.

I'm short, so even the standard 30" inseam is too long for me and I'd end up with frayed pants legs. Before I retired, I bought all my work pants from Lands End as you can buy their pants with custom inseams to the nearest 1/4". It was nice wearing pants with a 29.25" inseam. I don't know if they still have this policy as I've been retired for five years now.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on October 11, 2022, 11:08:42 AM

Quote from: skluth on October 11, 2022, 11:06:16 AM
Quote from: abefroman329 on October 11, 2022, 10:51:30 AM
Dress pants that are sold with unfinished bottoms. I get why it's more efficient for manufacturers and consumers, but I don't really like the fact that a $50 pair of slacks actually cost $60 because it'll cost another $10 to hem them.

I'm short, so even the standard 30" inseam is too long for me and I'd end up with frayed pants legs. Before I retired, I bought all my work pants from Lands End as you can buy their pants with custom inseams to the nearest 1/4". It was nice wearing pants with a 29.25" inseam. I don't know if they still have this policy as I've been retired for five years now.

I'm somewhere between 30" and 32", it really depends on the manufacturer, but as long as I don't have a ton of sock showing and I'm not stepping on the bottoms, I'm happy.

I think I've seen something similar to what Lands End does, but don't you still have to pay extra for the custom hems?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on October 11, 2022, 11:15:07 AM

Quote from: abefroman329 on October 11, 2022, 11:08:42 AM
Quote from: skluth on October 11, 2022, 11:06:16 AM
Quote from: abefroman329 on October 11, 2022, 10:51:30 AM
Dress pants that are sold with unfinished bottoms. I get why it's more efficient for manufacturers and consumers, but I don't really like the fact that a $50 pair of slacks actually cost $60 because it'll cost another $10 to hem them.

I'm short, so even the standard 30" inseam is too long for me and I'd end up with frayed pants legs. Before I retired, I bought all my work pants from Lands End as you can buy their pants with custom inseams to the nearest 1/4". It was nice wearing pants with a 29.25" inseam. I don't know if they still have this policy as I've been retired for five years now.
I'm somewhere between 30" and 32", it really depends on the manufacturer, but as long as I don't have a ton of sock showing and I'm not stepping on the bottoms, I'm happy.

I think I've seen something similar to what Lands End does, but don't you still have to pay extra for the custom hems?

No idea if Lands End still does custom hems. However, I bought their pants almost exclusively from the late 90's until I retired in 2017 and the custom inseams were built into the price.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 11, 2022, 01:09:16 PM

Quote from: webny99 on October 06, 2022, 06:44:47 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 06, 2022, 01:06:33 PM

Quote from: webny99 on October 03, 2022, 06:11:49 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 03, 2022, 06:04:35 PM
There is really no rational argument against writing something the same way you say it other than "this is my hill and I'm going to die on it".

Other than, you know, the fact that it would call into question approximately 50% of the spellings in the entire English language...

This is a similar argument to when my former boss claimed that people in Wichita saying "I-35" when referring to I-135 was really no different from them saying "ar-KAN-zass" instead of "AR-kan-saw" when referring to Arkansas Avenue. I didn't buy that argument either.

Sorry, I guess I missed the part where "writing something" applied only to numbers and not words.

You're also ignoring the fact that the huge majority of the weird spellings in English are due to the Great Vowel Shift: that is, the spelling of our language's words was standardized just as the pronunciation of our language's words was undergoing a monumental change. Or, to put it another way, the spelling of our words does match the pronunciation of our words–a pronunciation from southern England 500 years ago. If you understand the Great Vowel Shift, then those wacky spellings make total sense.

In contrast, no such change has happened in the way we say dates. We didn't use to say the year first, and we still don't say the year first. So there's no commonsense reason to write the year first in most contexts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on October 11, 2022, 03:03:04 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 09, 2022, 06:23:28 PM
When someone rings the doorbell but is not patient enough to wait for me to answer it, so that by the time I get there, there's nobody around.

Since I work from home and don't leave the house most days, the majority of the time I am not dressed enough to answer the door for a stranger. But apparently the amount of time it takes to get up, go get dressed, and answer the door is too much to wait for some people. (Especially kids. It seems like most of the time it's kids ringing our bell. I'm not sure why–they're never around long enough for me to ask!)

I'm fine with that if it's for a delivery and they leave it on the porch.

For other purposes, it seems like the era of door-to-door soliciting is largely over post-covid, but I did it a few times as a kid and usually waited up to a minute, less than that if it looked like no one was home. One time someone came to the door while pulling on a t-shirt (I was cool with that), and another time, someone came to the door wearing only sweatpants, which was explained when he said he worked night shift (I actually felt bad for waking him up!). I guess that's just an inherent downside to working from home and/or dressing casually while at home. Personally, I might just not answer the door if it was going to take more than about 30 seconds to do so in respectable fashion, but that's just me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 11, 2022, 03:49:33 PM

The opposite is even more bothersome: someone rings your doorbell, you ignore it because you don't want to interact with the person, and then he just stands in your driveway for like five minutes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on October 11, 2022, 05:07:08 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 11, 2022, 03:49:33 PMThe opposite is even more bothersome: someone rings your doorbell, you ignore it because you don't want to interact with the person, and then he just stands in your driveway for like five minutes.

Another variant: you are returning from an errand and already have your blinker on to turn into your driveway when you see door-to-door salespeople walking up to your door, so you have to cancel your signal in a hurry and circle the block until they leave.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on October 12, 2022, 02:58:52 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 11, 2022, 03:49:33 PM
The opposite is even more bothersome: someone rings your doorbell, you ignore it because you don't want to interact with the person, and then he just stands in your driveway for like five minutes.

It's definitely a tricky balance. Five minutes - or even half that long! - is too long to wait, but you don't want to give up immediately either, especially if it looks like someone is home.

And of course, when to answer the door and when not to is a whole 'nother subject. I'm generally pretty conservative in that regard (except on Halloween), but it's highly context-dependent.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on October 12, 2022, 05:01:37 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on October 11, 2022, 05:07:08 PM
Quote from: kphoger on October 11, 2022, 03:49:33 PMThe opposite is even more bothersome: someone rings your doorbell, you ignore it because you don't want to interact with the person, and then he just stands in your driveway for like five minutes.

Another variant: you are returning from an errand and already have your blinker on to turn into your driveway when you see door-to-door salespeople walking up to your door, so you have to cancel your signal in a hurry and circle the block until they leave.

Though entirely plausible, this also seems like something from a Seinfeld episode.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on October 12, 2022, 05:29:45 PM

Quote from: formulanone on October 12, 2022, 05:01:37 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on October 11, 2022, 05:07:08 PM
Quote from: kphoger on October 11, 2022, 03:49:33 PMThe opposite is even more bothersome: someone rings your doorbell, you ignore it because you don't want to interact with the person, and then he just stands in your driveway for like five minutes.

Another variant: you are returning from an errand and already have your blinker on to turn into your driveway when you see door-to-door salespeople walking up to your door, so you have to cancel your signal in a hurry and circle the block until they leave.

Though entirely plausible, this also seems like something from a Seinfeld episode.

It happened to me--for real--about a year ago. The door-to-door folk numbered three and since I didn't speak to them, I'm not completely sure they were selling goods or services: they might have been missionaries or soliciting charitable donations. (It was the wrong season for them to be going door-to-door on behalf of a candidate for elected office.) My reasoning was that letting them wait outside an empty house was better than any of several unpalatable options that crossed my mind (each beginning with me pulling into the garage):

* Cut the engine immediately, close the garage door with the remote in the car, and enter through the back door, snubbing the three people.

* Get out of my car, head for the front door, and go through the whole "Can you write it down? I can't hear" routine when I know up front I'm not going to buy anything they are selling.

* Get out of my car, and let myself into the house through the front door, pretending they're not there.

Edited to add: A while ago the New Yorker had an article on door-to-door selling as currently practiced (https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/08/08/sam-taggarts-hard-sell). It notes that, compared to other sales methods, door-to-door works especially well for products prospective buyers would like to have, or think they need to have, but whose quality dimensions are so complex it takes an offputting amount of research and optimization to be sure of getting a good deal. Solar power is currently big in the US right now. In the UK, where most of the housing stock has single-pane windows, "double-glazing salesmen" has become slang for shysters trying to lock customers into disadvantageous deals.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on October 12, 2022, 08:35:53 PM

Obituaries of people far from dead.

Recently I've seen Chuck Norris, Tom Selleck, and Ron Howard reported to have died.

Then just today I read that Valeri Bertinelli died.

I of course recently searched all and found them to be hoaxes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kirbykart on October 12, 2022, 08:55:38 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on October 12, 2022, 08:35:53 PM
Obituaries of people far from dead.

Recently I've seen Chuck Norris, Tom Selleck, and Ron Howard reported to have died.

Then just today I read that Valeri Bertinelli died.

I of course recently searched all and found them to be hoaxes.

My great-aunt always says that her brother would read the obituaries in the paper every day to make sure he wasn't dead.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on October 12, 2022, 09:02:12 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on October 12, 2022, 08:35:53 PM
Obituaries of people far from dead.

Recently I've seen Chuck Norris, Tom Selleck, and Ron Howard reported to have died.

Then just today I read that Valeri Bertinelli died.

I of course recently searched all and found them to be hoaxes.

Where are you getting your news??

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on October 12, 2022, 10:46:36 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 12, 2022, 09:02:12 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on October 12, 2022, 08:35:53 PM
Obituaries of people far from dead.

Recently I’ve seen Chuck Norris, Tom Selleck, and Ron Howard reported to have died.

Then just today I read that Valeri Bertinelli died.

I of course recently searched all and found them to be hoaxes.

Where are you getting your news??

Not news but pop up ads that seem to take the MO of the National Enquirer and those mags you see in a super market checkout. Remember the ones that say Elvis is alive.

The funny thing is that some of them appeared on FB. However the Norris one didn’t as for once their fact checkers proved false info on a non political person.
https://www.facebook.com/AprendendoIngles0/photos/corona-virus-claims-a-black-belt-chuck-norris-dead-at-80carlos-ray-chuck-norris-/2911702705588355/

This might be why. https://christpoint.com/chuck-norris-the-resurrection-and-suffering/
Someone posted a joke article about him during Covid.

Here’s something to back up the rumor of Valeri Bertinellis rumored death.
https://deadorkicking.com/valerie-bertinelli-dead-or-alive/
https://en.mediamass.net/people/valerie-bertinelli/deathhoax.html

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 13, 2022, 12:59:10 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on September 30, 2022, 07:35:47 PM
This is before we get into the non-governmental implications of not being of the majority religion. One example is that my wife has had extreme difficulty finding a competent therapist that does not use Christianity as part and parcel of their therapeutic practice; she outright had one therapist tell her that her professionally-diagnosed clinical depression was due to her being "mad at God" and essentially that she needed to get right with a God she didn't believe in before the therapist could help her. This has left her with little progress in actually getting treatment for her condition.

Do bear in mind that 31% of respondents in Nevada attend religious services "at least once a week", compared to 43% in Oklahoma. It's a difference, yes, but perhaps it's not the night-and-day difference you might be expecting. It's the difference between #9 and #38 in the nation; as a whole, even Wisconsin is less church-going than Nevada. Anecdotally, the only person I personally know who lives in Nevada is a Southern Baptist and the son of a former Christian missionary.

(https://i.imgur.com/MkIexo8.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on October 13, 2022, 01:02:23 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 13, 2022, 12:59:10 PM
even Wisconsin is less church-going than Wisconsin

Are you sure about this?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 13, 2022, 01:23:53 PM

Quote from: 1 on October 13, 2022, 01:02:23 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 13, 2022, 12:59:10 PM
even Wisconsin is less church-going than Wisconsin

Are you sure about this?

https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/religious-landscape-study/compare/attendance-at-religious-services/by/state/

Nevada beats Wisconsin for "At least once a week" by 4%. Nevada does beat Wisconsin for "Seldom/never", but only by a tight 2% margin.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on October 13, 2022, 01:35:47 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 13, 2022, 01:23:53 PM
Quote from: 1 on October 13, 2022, 01:02:23 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 13, 2022, 12:59:10 PM
even Wisconsin is less church-going than Wisconsin

Are you sure about this?

https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/religious-landscape-study/compare/attendance-at-religious-services/by/state/

Nevada beats Wisconsin for "At least once a week" by 4%. Nevada does beat Wisconsin for "Seldom/never", but only by a tight 2% margin.

The claim of yours I quoted was for Wisconsin vs. Wisconsin, not Nevada vs. Wisconsin.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 13, 2022, 01:45:28 PM

Quote from: 1 on October 13, 2022, 01:35:47 PM
The claim of yours I quoted was for Wisconsin vs. Wisconsin, not Nevada vs. Wisconsin.

Well, in that case, it's a dead tie. :awesomeface:

Fixed my post.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 13, 2022, 01:47:43 PM

The lack of pockets in most athletic pants.
And those that do have them tend to only have front pockets, no rear ones.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on October 13, 2022, 02:20:11 PM

Advance warning signage for an upcoming signal with a supplementary plaque that reads "PREPARE TO STOP WHEN FLASHING".

The timing of the flashing should be offset according to the speed limit and the sign's distance from the signal, not just flashing when yellow/red, and I'm never sure if it is, so I end up just ignoring the flashing when I can see the light. It would actually be very useful if you could use it to forecast an upcoming yellow phase (prepare to stop even though the light is green) or an upcoming green phase (light will be green by the time you get there, so don't prepare to stop unless warranted by other traffic).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 13, 2022, 02:24:52 PM

Quote from: webny99 on October 13, 2022, 02:20:11 PM
Advance warning signage for an upcoming signal with a supplementary plaque that reads "PREPARE TO STOP WHEN FLASHING".

The timing of the flashing should be offset according to the speed limit and the sign's distance from the signal, not just flashing when yellow/red, and I'm never sure if it is, so I end up just ignoring the flashing when I can see the light. It would actually be very useful if you could use it to forecast an upcoming yellow phase (prepare to stop even though the light is green) or an upcoming green phase (light will be green by the time you get there, so don't prepare to stop unless warranted by other traffic).

You mean that as in "is required to be", or "ought to be in my opinion"?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on October 13, 2022, 02:40:41 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 13, 2022, 02:24:52 PM
Quote from: webny99 on October 13, 2022, 02:20:11 PM
Advance warning signage for an upcoming signal with a supplementary plaque that reads "PREPARE TO STOP WHEN FLASHING".

The timing of the flashing should be offset according to the speed limit and the sign's distance from the signal, not just flashing when yellow/red, and I'm never sure if it is, so I end up just ignoring the flashing when I can see the light. It would actually be very useful if you could use it to forecast an upcoming yellow phase (prepare to stop even though the light is green) or an upcoming green phase (light will be green by the time you get there, so don't prepare to stop unless warranted by other traffic).

You mean that as in "is required to be", or "ought to be in my opinion"?

Should be required to be, in my opinion. :-P

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 13, 2022, 02:51:07 PM

Quote from: webny99 on October 13, 2022, 02:40:41 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 13, 2022, 02:24:52 PM

Quote from: webny99 on October 13, 2022, 02:20:11 PM
Advance warning signage for an upcoming signal with a supplementary plaque that reads "PREPARE TO STOP WHEN FLASHING".

The timing of the flashing should be offset according to the speed limit and the sign's distance from the signal, not just flashing when yellow/red, and I'm never sure if it is, so I end up just ignoring the flashing when I can see the light. It would actually be very useful if you could use it to forecast an upcoming yellow phase (prepare to stop even though the light is green) or an upcoming green phase (light will be green by the time you get there, so don't prepare to stop unless warranted by other traffic).

You mean that as in "is required to be", or "ought to be in my opinion"?

Should be required to be, in my opinion. :-P

Gotcha.

FYI, the MUTCD guidance for placing warning signs in accordance with Perception-Response Time (Table 2C-4) is "should" language.

Quote from: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices – 2009 Edition
Chapter 2C – Warning Signs And Object Markers

Section 2C.05 – Placement of Warning Signs

Support:
02 – The time needed for detection, recognition, decision, and reaction is called the Perception-Response Time (PRT). Table 2C-4 is provided as an aid for determining warning sign location. The distances shown in Table 2C-4 can be adjusted for roadway features, other signing, and to improve visibility.

Guidance:
03 – Warning signs should be placed so that they provide an adequate PRT. The distances contained in Table 2C-4 are for guidance purposes and should be applied with engineering judgment. Warning signs should not be placed too far in advance of the condition, such that drivers might tend to forget the warning because of other driving distractions, especially in urban areas.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on October 13, 2022, 02:56:30 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 13, 2022, 12:59:10 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 30, 2022, 07:35:47 PM
This is before we get into the non-governmental implications of not being of the majority religion. One example is that my wife has had extreme difficulty finding a competent therapist that does not use Christianity as part and parcel of their therapeutic practice; she outright had one therapist tell her that her professionally-diagnosed clinical depression was due to her being "mad at God" and essentially that she needed to get right with a God she didn't believe in before the therapist could help her. This has left her with little progress in actually getting treatment for her condition.

Do bear in mind that 31% of respondents in Nevada attend religious services "at least once a week", compared to 43% in Oklahoma. It's a difference, yes, but perhaps it's not the night-and-day difference you might be expecting. It's the difference between #9 and #38 in the nation; as a whole, even Wisconsin is less church-going than Nevada. Anecdotally, the only person I personally know who lives in Nevada is a Southern Baptist and the son of a former Christian missionary.

(https://i.imgur.com/MkIexo8.jpg)

Wait, why are we (a) comparing Nevada to Oklahoma and (b) citing a study on attendance at weekly "religious services" when Scott is talking specifically about Christianity?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 13, 2022, 03:05:16 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on October 13, 2022, 02:56:30 PM
(a) comparing Nevada to Oklahoma

Because he lives in Oklahoma and is considering moving to Nevada in order to escape the religiosity of his home state?

Quote from: abefroman329 on October 13, 2022, 02:56:30 PM
(b) citing a study on attendance at weekly "religious services" when Scott is talking specifically about Christianity?

This is a more apt question. In fact, I suspect that even within the Christian religion there's a significant difference between Oklahoma and Nevada. For example, the Baptist/Catholic breakdown between OK and NV is 23%/8% and 4%/25% respectively. This sort of intra-religious difference could manifest in ways that affect a non-religious person's life experience.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on October 13, 2022, 03:40:57 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 13, 2022, 01:23:53 PM
Quote from: 1 on October 13, 2022, 01:02:23 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 13, 2022, 12:59:10 PM
even Wisconsin is less church-going than Wisconsin

Are you sure about this?

https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/religious-landscape-study/compare/attendance-at-religious-services/by/state/

Nevada beats Wisconsin for "At least once a week" by 4%. Nevada does beat Wisconsin for "Seldom/never", but only by a tight 2% margin.

That actually makes sense. Nevada was originally settled by Mormons which is still the second most-popular religion in the state after Roman Catholic, and predominantly Mormon Utah is #1. It's also over 1/4 Hispanic who tend to be more devoutly RC than Northern Europeans. OTOH, Wisconsin is mostly Northern European Catholic and Lutheran, plus it's hard to go to church when you want to tailgate at the Packers games all fall.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 13, 2022, 07:18:00 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 13, 2022, 12:59:10 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 30, 2022, 07:35:47 PM
This is before we get into the non-governmental implications of not being of the majority religion. One example is that my wife has had extreme difficulty finding a competent therapist that does not use Christianity as part and parcel of their therapeutic practice; she outright had one therapist tell her that her professionally-diagnosed clinical depression was due to her being "mad at God" and essentially that she needed to get right with a God she didn't believe in before the therapist could help her. This has left her with little progress in actually getting treatment for her condition.

Do bear in mind that 31% of respondents in Nevada attend religious services "at least once a week", compared to 43% in Oklahoma. It's a difference, yes, but perhaps it's not the night-and-day difference you might be expecting. It's the difference between #9 and #38 in the nation; as a whole, even Wisconsin is less church-going than Nevada. Anecdotally, the only person I personally know who lives in Nevada is a Southern Baptist and the son of a former Christian missionary.

(https://i.imgur.com/MkIexo8.jpg)

Would you happen to have data for this broken down by county? My understanding is that Nevada is one of those states where things differ wildly depending on what part of the state you're looking at–I have no doubt that were I to live in Elko or Winnemucca it wouldn't be too different than staying in Oklahoma. But we're specifically looking at Clark County, which has a reputation for...not being like that.

I also feel like cultural differences between the states are an important, but unquantifiable, part of the equation here. I'm sure my wife would have no problem with a therapist who goes to church twice a week...so long as the therapist was professional enough to separate their personal beliefs from their profession. (Especially since, now that I think about it, if you felt a religious solution would help you, shouldn't you be talking to a pastor, not a therapist?)

I'm actually going to Las Vegas starting on the 23rd to see what it's like in person (and of course do the requisite county clinching and such).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 14, 2022, 10:52:03 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 13, 2022, 07:18:00 PM
Would you happen to have data for this broken down by county?

Not that I can find from a quick search. The Public Religion Research Institute has "N/A" next to every religious category for the Las Vegas metro area.

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 13, 2022, 07:18:00 PM
My understanding is that Nevada is one of those states where things differ wildly depending on what part of the state you're looking at–I have no doubt that were I to live in Elko or Winnemucca it wouldn't be too different than staying in Oklahoma. But we're specifically looking at Clark County, which has a reputation for...not being like that.

Yes, I imagine that's probably correct. I just want to caution you that, considering three-fourths of Nevada's population lives in Clark County, statewide statistics are probably pretty relevant there.

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 13, 2022, 07:18:00 PM
I also feel like cultural differences between the states are an important, but unquantifiable, part of the equation here. I'm sure my wife would have no problem with a therapist who goes to church twice a week...so long as the therapist was professional enough to separate their personal beliefs from their profession. (Especially since, now that I think about it, if you felt a religious solution would help you, shouldn't you be talking to a pastor, not a therapist?)

Well, pastors may have received training in counseling (marital, parental, grief, etc), but that's not quite the same thing as being trained as a therapist. Religious people may need more than what a pastor can offer, yet still want a therapist whose worldview aligns with their own–and therewith strategies and solutions that are less likely to be inconsistent or dissonant with their existing fundamental beliefs.

I must say, it's shocking to hear that your wife couldn't find–in a large metro area, no less–a secular therapist who offers therapy without injecting her own religious beliefs into the sessions. That took me by surprise.

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 13, 2022, 07:18:00 PM
I'm actually going to Las Vegas starting on the 23rd to see what it's like in person (and of course do the requisite county clinching and such).

...and hopefully get an accurate read of the culture of everyday life.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on October 14, 2022, 11:23:45 AM

Quote from: webny99 on October 13, 2022, 02:20:11 PM
Advance warning signage for an upcoming signal with a supplementary plaque that reads "PREPARE TO STOP WHEN FLASHING".

The timing of the flashing should be offset according to the speed limit and the sign's distance from the signal, not just flashing when yellow/red, and I'm never sure if it is, so I end up just ignoring the flashing when I can see the light. It would actually be very useful if you could use it to forecast an upcoming yellow phase (prepare to stop even though the light is green) or an upcoming green phase (light will be green by the time you get there, so don't prepare to stop unless warranted by other traffic).

Kentucky's are well-timed. They'll start flashing when the light is green and the timing works out that the light is either yellow or getting ready to turn yellow by the time you pass through.

OTOH, I don't like "signal ahead" signs with flashing beacons that flash all the time, not just when the light is going to change. Virginia is bad about that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on October 14, 2022, 11:27:46 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on October 10, 2022, 03:56:26 PM
If we have a "driving pet peeves" thread, I guess this could go there too, but I don't feel like searching:

People who don't know what to do at a flashing yellow arrow and who just sit there when nobody's coming the other way. Got stuck behind someone like that this morning; she finally went (reluctantly) after I blasted the horn quite a few times. There were only two cars coming the other way and both of them were in the left turn lane, which is why we got the flashing yellow arrow.

I wonder how long some of those people are willing to sit there waiting for a green.

Turning left on red (with FYA) still feels weird to me. It's also rare one can do this, at least around here, because in that phase, the other side has green ball and arrow and has just started moving. Done it a few times late at night.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on October 14, 2022, 12:51:34 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 14, 2022, 11:27:46 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 10, 2022, 03:56:26 PM
If we have a "driving pet peeves" thread, I guess this could go there too, but I don't feel like searching:

People who don't know what to do at a flashing yellow arrow and who just sit there when nobody's coming the other way. Got stuck behind someone like that this morning; she finally went (reluctantly) after I blasted the horn quite a few times. There were only two cars coming the other way and both of them were in the left turn lane, which is why we got the flashing yellow arrow.

I wonder how long some of those people are willing to sit there waiting for a green.

Turning left on red (with FYA) still feels weird to me. It's also rare one can do this, at least around here, because in that phase, the other side has green ball and arrow and has just started moving. Done it a few times late at night.

Around here, the turn lane doesn't have a red light if there's a flashing yellow arrow. The other lanes going the same way will have red lights, but the turn lane has a separate signal (VDOT has been replacing left-turn doghouse signals with two separate signals for the two lanes to which the doghouse applied).

At the intersection about which I was grumbling in the comment quoted above, traffic coming the other way from where I was has two lanes–a left-only and a right-or-straight option lane–and someone who pulls up to make a right turn will trip the green ball indicator for straight-ahead traffic but may make a right on red before the green comes on. In that case, you get what I had the other day–traffic coming that way has a green ball plus a green left-turn arrow, while traffic going in the direction I was going has a flashing yellow left-turn arrow for the left-turn lane and red balls for the other two lanes (one a straight-only, one a right-turn-only). So the other day the guy coming the other way who tripped the green ball–and, consequently, the flashing yellow arrow for traffic coming from my direction–had already gone right on red and there was nobody else coming except for someone turning left, yet the woman in front of me seemed to be unaware that she was permitted to turn.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on October 14, 2022, 01:33:09 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on October 13, 2022, 07:18:00 PMI have no doubt that were I to live in Elko or Winnemucca it wouldn't be too different than staying in Oklahoma. But we're specifically looking at Clark County, which has a reputation for...not being like that.

It is very much...not like that - and, honestly, if you lived in a red/purple-ish state that also had lots of ~~carpetbaggers~~ transplants, then you probably wouldn't have as much trouble finding, say, a therapist whose approach to mental health isn't explicitly Christian.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on October 14, 2022, 01:36:31 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 13, 2022, 03:05:16 PMThis is a more apt question. In fact, I suspect that even within the Christian religion there's a significant difference between Oklahoma and Nevada. For example, the Baptist/Catholic breakdown between OK and NV is 23%/8% and 4%/25% respectively. This sort of intra-religious difference could manifest in ways that affect a non-religious person's life experience.

It turns out there is a significant difference just between Oklahoma (https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/religious-landscape-study/state/oklahoma/) and Kansas (https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/religious-landscape-study/state/kansas/). The proportion of adults identifying as Christian (all types, including Mormon) is approximately the same (79% versus 76%), but the percentage identifying as evangelical Christian is much higher in Oklahoma (47% versus 31%). This disparity is largely at the expense of Catholics and mainline Protestants.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 14, 2022, 01:59:09 PM

I can buy a decent-looking package of kale at the grocery store on Saturday, and by Wednesday it's already gone slimy.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on October 14, 2022, 02:12:27 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 14, 2022, 01:59:09 PMI can buy a decent-looking package of kale at the grocery store on Saturday, and by Wednesday it's already gone slimy.

Does it help if you rinse it at home, shaking out the excess water, and put it back in the crisper drawer in the thin translucent plastic bag? This is what I have to do with green leaf lettuce to keep it crunchy for a week or more.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 14, 2022, 02:20:11 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on October 14, 2022, 02:12:27 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 14, 2022, 01:59:09 PM
I can buy a decent-looking package of kale at the grocery store on Saturday, and by Wednesday it's already gone slimy.

Does it help if you rinse it at home, shaking out the excess water, and put it back in the crisper drawer in the thin translucent plastic bag? This is what I have to do with green leaf lettuce to keep it crunchy for a week or more.

That's what I do with parsley and cilantro and even green onions. I rinse it out, roll it up in paper towels to stay damp, and then put it back in the bag. Cilantro will stay good like that for about a week, parsley even longer.

But I'm talking about this. It's a package of individual leaves.

(https://tailoredstay.com/enchanted-circle/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/00011110917270.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on October 14, 2022, 02:22:27 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 14, 2022, 01:59:09 PM
I can buy a decent-looking package of kale at the grocery store on Saturday, and by Wednesday it's already gone slimy.

And have you seen the price of arugala at Whole Foods?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 14, 2022, 02:27:30 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on October 14, 2022, 02:22:27 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 14, 2022, 01:59:09 PM
I can buy a decent-looking package of kale at the grocery store on Saturday, and by Wednesday it's already gone slimy.

And have you seen the price of arugala at Whole Foods?

No, we only shop at Whole Foods a few times a year, and it's only for a couple of specific items.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on October 14, 2022, 02:47:27 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 14, 2022, 02:27:30 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on October 14, 2022, 02:22:27 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 14, 2022, 01:59:09 PM
I can buy a decent-looking package of kale at the grocery store on Saturday, and by Wednesday it's already gone slimy.

And have you seen the price of arugala at Whole Foods?

No, we only shop at Whole Foods a few times a year, and it's only for a couple of specific items.

Yikes, I didn't realize my political reference was that obscure.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 14, 2022, 02:49:43 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on October 14, 2022, 02:47:27 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 14, 2022, 02:27:30 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on October 14, 2022, 02:22:27 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 14, 2022, 01:59:09 PM
I can buy a decent-looking package of kale at the grocery store on Saturday, and by Wednesday it's already gone slimy.

And have you seen the price of arugala at Whole Foods?

No, we only shop at Whole Foods a few times a year, and it's only for a couple of specific items.

Yikes, I didn't realize my political reference was that obscure.

Ah, it was apparently an Obama thing. Yeah, that was before I became at all interested in politics.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on October 14, 2022, 05:44:53 PM

Maybe a little more than a minor thing for me, but: read receipts. Especially ones like Messenger that cannot be hidden or disabled.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 14, 2022, 06:32:35 PM

That Google keeps "recommending" I use Chrome. Yeah, really?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Amaury on October 14, 2022, 07:03:30 PM

A few years ago, Firefox used to be my default browser. Then it was Chrome. And now, as of getting my new computer in 2020, it's been Edge.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on October 14, 2022, 07:29:20 PM

Places. like small independent takeout restaurants, that are STILL in the 'Bug BAD and will kill us ALL' mode....

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Takumi on October 14, 2022, 09:37:32 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on October 14, 2022, 07:29:20 PM
Places. like small independent takeout restaurants, that are STILL in the 'Bug BAD and will kill us ALL' mode....

Mike

Nobody's forcing you to patronize them. If you don't like it, spend your money elsewhere.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on October 14, 2022, 09:40:25 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on October 14, 2022, 11:23:45 AM
Quote from: webny99 on October 13, 2022, 02:20:11 PM
Advance warning signage for an upcoming signal with a supplementary plaque that reads "PREPARE TO STOP WHEN FLASHING".

The timing of the flashing should be offset according to the speed limit and the sign's distance from the signal, not just flashing when yellow/red, and I'm never sure if it is, so I end up just ignoring the flashing when I can see the light. It would actually be very useful if you could use it to forecast an upcoming yellow phase (prepare to stop even though the light is green) or an upcoming green phase (light will be green by the time you get there, so don't prepare to stop unless warranted by other traffic).

Kentucky's are well-timed. They'll start flashing when the light is green and the timing works out that the light is either yellow or getting ready to turn yellow by the time you pass through.

OTOH, I don't like "signal ahead" signs with flashing beacons that flash all the time, not just when the light is going to change. Virginia is bad about that.

Durango, CO has several intersections with advance Signal Ahead signs -- Problem is they only show the traffic light logo, but the flashers only go on when the light is going to change...yet they don't have the Prepare To Stop notations anywhere.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 17, 2022, 09:21:24 AM

Quote from: mgk920 on October 14, 2022, 07:29:20 PM
Places. like small independent takeout restaurants, that are STILL in the 'Bug BAD and will kill us ALL' mode....

Even more annoying: fast-food chain restaurants that still aren't open for dine-in. For example, the nearest Hardee's to where we live. Our family goes out to eat on Friday evenings, and that doesn't mean drive-through and then eat back at the house.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on October 17, 2022, 10:25:49 AM

Quote from: kphoger on October 17, 2022, 09:21:24 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on October 14, 2022, 07:29:20 PM
Places. like small independent takeout restaurants, that are STILL in the 'Bug BAD and will kill us ALL' mode....

Even more annoying: fast-food chain restaurants that still aren't open for dine-in. For example, the nearest Hardee's to where we live. Our family goes out to eat on Friday evenings, and that doesn't mean drive-through and then eat back at the house.

The problem is staffing. Even though there are people looking for work, the people needing help are not in synch with them. Thanks to cyber net and assessment tests, the employer never gets to meet the help he needs.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 17, 2022, 10:32:28 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on October 17, 2022, 10:25:49 AM

Quote from: kphoger on October 17, 2022, 09:21:24 AM

Quote from: mgk920 on October 14, 2022, 07:29:20 PM
Places. like small independent takeout restaurants, that are STILL in the 'Bug BAD and will kill us ALL' mode....

Even more annoying: fast-food chain restaurants that still aren't open for dine-in. For example, the nearest Hardee's to where we live. Our family goes out to eat on Friday evenings, and that doesn't mean drive-through and then eat back at the house.

The problem is staffing. Even though there are people looking for work, the people needing help are not in synch with them. Thanks to cyber net and assessment tests, the employer never gets to meet the help he needs.

If a bunch of the other fast-food chains around here were also closed, or even severely understaffed, then I'd understand. But that doesn't appear to be the case.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on October 17, 2022, 11:28:28 AM

Quote from: kphoger on October 17, 2022, 10:32:28 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on October 17, 2022, 10:25:49 AM

Quote from: kphoger on October 17, 2022, 09:21:24 AM

Quote from: mgk920 on October 14, 2022, 07:29:20 PM
Places. like small independent takeout restaurants, that are STILL in the 'Bug BAD and will kill us ALL' mode....

Even more annoying: fast-food chain restaurants that still aren't open for dine-in. For example, the nearest Hardee's to where we live. Our family goes out to eat on Friday evenings, and that doesn't mean drive-through and then eat back at the house.

The problem is staffing. Even though there are people looking for work, the people needing help are not in synch with them. Thanks to cyber net and assessment tests, the employer never gets to meet the help he needs.

If a bunch of the other fast-food chains around here were also closed, or even severely understaffed, then I'd understand. But that doesn't appear to be the case.

Maybe dine-in wasn't that popular even before the pandemic and they just can't be arsed to reopen the dining room?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 17, 2022, 11:38:47 AM

Quote from: abefroman329 on October 17, 2022, 11:28:28 AM
Maybe dine-in wasn't that popular even before the pandemic and they just can't be arsed to reopen the dining room?

Hardee's was a newcomer to Wichita, and people went nuts over it. I know multiple people who, before it opened up here, would take a drive on the Turnpike just so they could eat at the service plaza location. So no, it isn't that dine-in wasn't popular before COVID.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on October 17, 2022, 12:34:46 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 17, 2022, 09:21:24 AMEven more annoying: fast-food chain restaurants that still aren't open for dine-in. For example, the nearest Hardee's to where we live. Our family goes out to eat on Friday evenings, and that doesn't mean drive-through and then eat back at the house.

I suspect they simply aren't willing to offer the wages or conditions necessary to hire staff to keep the dining room open. Of our fast-food regulars, none has closed its dining room since the initial wave in 2020, with the lone exception of the nearest Popeyes, which had a problem with inconsistent service and frequent staff turnover (other signs of pay and working environment not up to scratch) well before covid.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on October 17, 2022, 01:02:35 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on October 14, 2022, 05:44:53 PM
Maybe a little more than a minor thing for me, but: read receipts. Especially ones like Messenger that cannot be hidden or disabled.

I actually like read receipts. It means I can show someone I read their message without necessarily having to respond. I also like "reactions" for the same reason.

You should definitely be able to disable it though, because there's definitely people who I'd rather not know whether I opened something or not.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 17, 2022, 02:11:34 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on October 17, 2022, 01:02:35 PM
I also like "reactions" for the same reason.

One of the most annoying things in the universe is when someone with an iPhone (read: someone who doesn't know how to reply without replying-all) "reacts" to a group text message with a reaction. News flash: everyone in the group doesn't need or want to know that you "liked" or "laughed at" the message.

There was once such a group text conversation going on, and one of my friends texted out sarcastically "I bet Terry will like this message". And then, shortly thereafter, Terry "liked" that friend's message.

:banghead:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on October 17, 2022, 02:20:29 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 17, 2022, 02:11:34 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on October 17, 2022, 01:02:35 PM
I also like "reactions" for the same reason.

One of the most annoying things in the universe is when someone with an iPhone (read: someone who doesn't know how to reply without replying-all) "reacts" to a group text message with a reaction. News flash: everyone in the group doesn't need or want to know that you "liked" or "laughed at" the message.

There was once such a group text conversation going on, and one of my friends texted out sarcastically "I bet Terry will like this message". And then, shortly thereafter, Terry "liked" that friend's message.

:banghead:

iMessage groups don't have the ability to reply to only one person without sending a notification to everyone, unless everyone has the chat silenced aside from mentions. Also, reacting has its uses. "Who's available to go to the bar Friday night?" People who are can like, or dislike as appropriate.

Or you can just use it to mess with people, which I won't lie I have indulged in.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 17, 2022, 02:27:05 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 17, 2022, 02:11:34 PM
someone with an iPhone (read: someone who doesn't know how to reply without replying-all)

Quote from: JoePCool14 on October 17, 2022, 02:20:29 PM
iMessage groups don't have the ability to reply to only one person without sending a notification to everyone, unless everyone has the chat silenced aside from mentions.

And that apparently makes 100% of all iPhone users throw their hands up in the air and exclaim that it's impossible. As if they don't how, or as if it's exceedingly cumbersome, to just start a new message to a single recipient. No, instead of jumping through all of those massive hurdles like tapping their phone three extra times, they send a message that everyone else in the group doesn't need or want to read–and making them all take out their phone and read said message for no reason.

Quote from: JoePCool14 on October 17, 2022, 02:20:29 PM
Also, reacting has its uses. "Who's available to go to the bar Friday night?" People who are can like, or dislike as appropriate.

Which results in anyone who is unable to attend still getting everyone else's reactions–even though they have zero reason to care who's going.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on October 17, 2022, 03:06:00 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on October 17, 2022, 12:34:46 PM
Quote from: kphoger on October 17, 2022, 09:21:24 AMEven more annoying: fast-food chain restaurants that still aren't open for dine-in. For example, the nearest Hardee's to where we live. Our family goes out to eat on Friday evenings, and that doesn't mean drive-through and then eat back at the house.

I suspect they simply aren't willing to offer the wages or conditions necessary to hire staff to keep the dining room open. Of our fast-food regulars, none has closed its dining room since the initial wave in 2020, with the lone exception of the nearest Popeyes, which had a problem with inconsistent service and frequent staff turnover (other signs of pay and working environment not up to scratch) well before covid.

I think it's this. After a day of hiking last week, I stopped at a Burger King to eat before starting the long drive home. They had a huge "Drive Thru Only" sign in the window; clearly it was long-term and not just for the day. I wasn't going to eat in my car so I continued down the road. Less than a mile away, a Chcik-Fil-A was fully open and fully staffed, so workers are available.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 17, 2022, 03:13:03 PM

And my understanding (from knowing someone in local management) is that Chick-fil-A pays its workers well.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on October 17, 2022, 03:58:15 PM

I'll see this, especially on local Facebook pages. Someone comments that their car was broken into, or a bicycle was taken, or something relatively minor. Others comment that it's a shame that people are now doing this stuff.

I'm thinking, what do you mean "now"? People have stolen other people's properties since caveman times. There's a reason police departments exist - and they existed since before the invention of the automobile, so it ain't solely to catch speeders.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on October 17, 2022, 04:19:45 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 17, 2022, 03:58:15 PM
I'll see this, especially on local Facebook pages. Someone comments that their car was broken into, or a bicycle was taken, or something relatively minor. Others comment that it's a shame that people are now doing this stuff.

I'm thinking, what do you mean "now"? People have stolen other people's properties since caveman times. There's a reason police departments exist - and they existed since before the invention of the automobile, so it ain't solely to catch speeders.

It's a classic case of, it used to happen probably at the same rate it currently does, but before the advent of smartphones, social media and 24-hour news, people just didn't know about it back then, or at least the frequency of it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 17, 2022, 04:43:28 PM

When I'm listening to a music album on YouTube, and there's an ad for a new music album that keeps popping up, I really wish YouTube would match the ad to the type of music I'm listening to. I mean, if I'm listening to Bob Dylan, do you really think I'm interested in the latest hip-hop album?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 17, 2022, 07:04:55 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on October 17, 2022, 12:34:46 PM
Quote from: kphoger on October 17, 2022, 09:21:24 AMEven more annoying: fast-food chain restaurants that still aren't open for dine-in. For example, the nearest Hardee's to where we live. Our family goes out to eat on Friday evenings, and that doesn't mean drive-through and then eat back at the house.

I suspect they simply aren't willing to offer the wages or conditions necessary to hire staff to keep the dining room open. Of our fast-food regulars, none has closed its dining room since the initial wave in 2020, with the lone exception of the nearest Popeyes, which had a problem with inconsistent service and frequent staff turnover (other signs of pay and working environment not up to scratch) well before covid.

This is probably it. There are also tons of businesses that are putting out all sorts of ludicrous requirements, like multiple years of experience for an entry-level job, or requiring applicants to pass some sort of personality test. Or, here in Oklahoma, refusing to hire anyone with THC in their system (which, going by the number of people who have medical marijuana cards, is probably something like 10% of the population). Then when they can't find anyone that meets their demands, it's not the employer's fault, it's "nobody wants to work anymore".

There was a casino around here who had the general manager–the most senior manager of the entire casino–personally pulling the cash out of the slot machines at 4am because their hiring policies would not let them hire anyone who actually applied.

Quote from: JoePCool14 on October 17, 2022, 01:02:35 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on October 14, 2022, 05:44:53 PM
Maybe a little more than a minor thing for me, but: read receipts. Especially ones like Messenger that cannot be hidden or disabled.

I actually like read receipts. It means I can show someone I read their message without necessarily having to respond. I also like "reactions" for the same reason.

You should definitely be able to disable it though, because there's definitely people who I'd rather not know whether I opened something or not.

My problem is that more frequently I'll read someone's message and then either not be in a position to answer it immediately (like if I'm not near the computer or busy with something more pressing) or straight up not want to answer it (like an acquaintance wanting to sell me something out of the blue and I don't want to respond lest they not take a direct no for an answer). But "leaving someone on read" is generally considered rude, so now the onus is on me to concoct some sort of response.

Quote from: kphoger on October 17, 2022, 02:11:34 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on October 17, 2022, 01:02:35 PM
I also like "reactions" for the same reason.

One of the most annoying things in the universe is when someone with an iPhone (read: someone who doesn't know how to reply without replying-all) "reacts" to a group text message with a reaction. News flash: everyone in the group doesn't need or want to know that you "liked" or "laughed at" the message.

I have an Android, and the person with an iPhone I text with most frequently is my wife. She knows I don't have an iPhone, so she never uses those extra iPhone features (this is one of the many reasons I love her). So I had no idea that iPhones did that, until I sent my aunt a photo and her reply was "Laughed at an image." I just looked at the message and thought, "Welp, looks like Theron's finally lost her marbles." It wasn't until I showed it to my wife that she informed me, no, Aunt Theron did not type that bizarre message out by hand, and that it was an iPhone feature.

I don't find that kind of feature too annoying just on the face of it (though I might if I texted more), but I do resent iMessage for being an apparent latter-day attempt at embracing, extending, and extinguishing (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embrace,_extend,_and_extinguish) the SMS protocol.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on October 17, 2022, 07:51:36 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on October 17, 2022, 03:06:00 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on October 17, 2022, 12:34:46 PM
Quote from: kphoger on October 17, 2022, 09:21:24 AMEven more annoying: fast-food chain restaurants that still aren't open for dine-in. For example, the nearest Hardee's to where we live. Our family goes out to eat on Friday evenings, and that doesn't mean drive-through and then eat back at the house.

I suspect they simply aren't willing to offer the wages or conditions necessary to hire staff to keep the dining room open. Of our fast-food regulars, none has closed its dining room since the initial wave in 2020, with the lone exception of the nearest Popeyes, which had a problem with inconsistent service and frequent staff turnover (other signs of pay and working environment not up to scratch) well before covid.

I think it's this. After a day of hiking last week, I stopped at a Burger King to eat before starting the long drive home. They had a huge "Drive Thru Only" sign in the window; clearly it was long-term and not just for the day. I wasn't going to eat in my car so I continued down the road. Less than a mile away, a Chcik-Fil-A was fully open and fully staffed, so workers are available.

Firebaugh has a purpose built drive-thru only Burger King which opened about two years ago. I think the format works well in a small city like that given it is fairly space efficient and probably close to home for the customer base. To your point I don't like eating in my car, so I usually avoid places that don't permit dine in.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on October 17, 2022, 08:03:38 PM

Al's Pizza in Kissimmee, FL has the best pizza, but they have only take as they have no dining room. I will make an exception here to eat in my car as the taste is worth it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on October 17, 2022, 08:50:26 PM

When a store is closed but there is no sign on the door, and you don't find out until you park your car and get out and try to open the door and find that the door is locked.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on October 17, 2022, 09:48:41 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on October 17, 2022, 08:50:26 PM
When a store is closed but there is no sign on the door, and you don't find out until you park your car and get out and try to open the door and find that the door is locked.

Or when a motel has its no vacancy sign not turned on, but states "Vacancy" and walk up to the window and the owner says he has no rooms. When you complain about his sign, he ignores you and says sorry! Does a flip of a switch really cause hardship?

Oh and the business closed situation irks me, when the owner decides to not operate the business but leaves the hours of operation in the window or on the door. You go to open the door to find it locked. You check your watch to see that its between open and close. You only find out the place is closed when you peak inside and see no activity. I had one restaurant open in my old neighborhood and I decided to try it two weeks after the place opened. I found it out of business already and hours of operation still posted. That irratated me as much as the fact that someone could actually conclude that his business is a failure during his first two weeks?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 17, 2022, 11:28:39 PM

Similarly, when a business closes for the day but leaves their OPEN sign turned on. It's usually pretty obvious they're not actually open, but sometimes it's hard to tell, especially if they close at 5pm or some other time when it's still light out, so the building being dark isn't particularly obvious.

Or lit up signs that have red text and a blue border, like a typical OPEN sign, but it really says something like ATM or something like that, so at first glance it looks like an OPEN sign but it's not.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on October 18, 2022, 08:35:34 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on October 17, 2022, 10:25:49 AM
Quote from: kphoger on October 17, 2022, 09:21:24 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on October 14, 2022, 07:29:20 PM
Places. like small independent takeout restaurants, that are STILL in the 'Bug BAD and will kill us ALL' mode....

Even more annoying: fast-food chain restaurants that still aren't open for dine-in. For example, the nearest Hardee's to where we live. Our family goes out to eat on Friday evenings, and that doesn't mean drive-through and then eat back at the house.

The problem is staffing. Even though there are people looking for work, the people needing help are not in synch with them. Thanks to cyber net and assessment tests, the employer never gets to meet the help he needs.

I think it's that, plus corporate greed. "why hire 10 people, when we can do it with 6?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on October 18, 2022, 12:53:55 PM

Related to my last complaint, businesses that don't answer the phone, let you leave a message, and then don't return your call.

Tried to call my doctor's office recently to get an appointment for refills of maintenance prescriptions. After two or three attempts, I finally got the automated system to answer, and at the prompt to leave a message, I did so. Told them I needed to make an appointment, left my name and number, and asked for a return call. We're going on two weeks now and I haven't heard back from them. They're notorious for not answering the phone.

So I'm looking for a new primary care physician. If you can't make an appointment at the doctor's office, why even have a doctor?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on October 18, 2022, 01:12:13 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on October 18, 2022, 12:53:55 PM
Related to my last complaint, businesses that don't answer the phone, let you leave a message, and then don't return your call.

Tried to call my doctor's office recently to get an appointment for refills of maintenance prescriptions. After two or three attempts, I finally got the automated system to answer, and at the prompt to leave a message, I did so. Told them I needed to make an appointment, left my name and number, and asked for a return call. We're going on two weeks now and I haven't heard back from them. They're notorious for not answering the phone.

So I'm looking for a new primary care physician. If you can't make an appointment at the doctor's office, why even have a doctor?

I had that problem this summer when my AC went out. First company I called (on a Monday) didn't call back until two days later. By then I had already gone with another company because I wasn't going with a company that can't call back for two days on AC calls during the summer in Palm Springs.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on October 18, 2022, 01:17:21 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 18, 2022, 08:35:34 AMI think it's that, plus corporate greed. "why hire 10 people, when we can do it with 6?"

Hmmmm.... what about the employer who wants to offer below-market wages and then complains "nobody wants to work anymore"?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on October 18, 2022, 01:42:42 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on October 18, 2022, 12:53:55 PM
Related to my last complaint, businesses that don't answer the phone, let you leave a message, and then don't return your call.

This worked in my favor once. I called a hotel in La Crosse, WI several years ago. No one picked up and I left a message which wasn't immediately returned. A couple hours later they still hadn't so I went to the property with the intention of booking directly on site and saw it was a horrific-looking shithole on the outside.

The funny coda to this is that they finally called me back about three days later, long after I had returned home.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on October 18, 2022, 04:32:24 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on October 18, 2022, 12:53:55 PM
Related to my last complaint, businesses that don't answer the phone, let you leave a message, and then don't return your call.

Tried to call my doctor's office recently to get an appointment for refills of maintenance prescriptions. After two or three attempts, I finally got the automated system to answer, and at the prompt to leave a message, I did so. Told them I needed to make an appointment, left my name and number, and asked for a return call. We're going on two weeks now and I haven't heard back from them. They're notorious for not answering the phone.

So I'm looking for a new primary care physician. If you can't make an appointment at the doctor's office, why even have a doctor?

Why indeed, but I'm not sure that's a minor thing any more. Good luck.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on October 18, 2022, 05:11:55 PM

You can’t trust Bookings either. I booked the Rodeway Inn in Lagrange, GA that advertised free breakfast. The Lobby had tables as well as a breakfast counter as seen when checking in. I asked lady at desk, what time is breakfast? She said “ We don’t offer it.”

I informed her about the set up in lobby and pointed her ad on Bookings.com and said “ Sorry, we’re not responsible for bookings website.”

Needless to say I was too tired to find another motel so I flopped there for the night.

Not to mention Rodeway is part of Choice Hotels which owns the Comfort and Quality Brands, which is a requirement of all properties of Choice to offer the amenities. However, Rodeway Brand gets the Get Out Of Jail Free Card for the entire chain and is exempt from corporate policies unlike the other brands.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 18, 2022, 05:14:37 PM

I had the same trouble at the Super 8 I stayed at in Natchez MS for the road meet there. The website said there was breakfast and a pool. In reality there was neither, "because of covid". Not that the staff was wearing masks or anything...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tchafe1978 on October 18, 2022, 11:15:50 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on October 18, 2022, 12:53:55 PM
Related to my last complaint, businesses that don't answer the phone, let you leave a message, and then don't return your call.

Tried to call my doctor's office recently to get an appointment for refills of maintenance prescriptions. After two or three attempts, I finally got the automated system to answer, and at the prompt to leave a message, I did so. Told them I needed to make an appointment, left my name and number, and asked for a return call. We're going on two weeks now and I haven't heard back from them. They're notorious for not answering the phone.

So I'm looking for a new primary care physician. If you can't make an appointment at the doctor's office, why even have a doctor?

Kind of related, but on the other side of the deal, I have to call customers to let them know when their orders are ready to be picked up. Many times when the customer doesn't answer, it goes to voicemail, of course. But then there are customers who haven't set up their voicemail, and even better, their mailbox is full, so I can't leave a message. And then I'll end up getting a call back from the customer wondering why they got a call from us, many times while I'm in the process of leaving them a message, if their voicemail is working. In that case, why don't you just listen to your voicemail!!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on October 19, 2022, 05:08:45 AM

Quote from: kkt on October 18, 2022, 04:32:24 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on October 18, 2022, 12:53:55 PM
Related to my last complaint, businesses that don't answer the phone, let you leave a message, and then don't return your call.

Tried to call my doctor's office recently to get an appointment for refills of maintenance prescriptions. After two or three attempts, I finally got the automated system to answer, and at the prompt to leave a message, I did so. Told them I needed to make an appointment, left my name and number, and asked for a return call. We're going on two weeks now and I haven't heard back from them. They're notorious for not answering the phone.

So I'm looking for a new primary care physician. If you can't make an appointment at the doctor's office, why even have a doctor?

Why indeed, but I'm not sure that's a minor thing any more. Good luck.

I've had some essentially meaningless jobs where you could be fired for not returning phone calls, but I feel few are held to the same standards.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on October 19, 2022, 10:56:13 AM

Quote from: formulanone on October 19, 2022, 05:08:45 AM
Quote from: kkt on October 18, 2022, 04:32:24 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on October 18, 2022, 12:53:55 PM
Related to my last complaint, businesses that don't answer the phone, let you leave a message, and then don't return your call.

Tried to call my doctor's office recently to get an appointment for refills of maintenance prescriptions. After two or three attempts, I finally got the automated system to answer, and at the prompt to leave a message, I did so. Told them I needed to make an appointment, left my name and number, and asked for a return call. We're going on two weeks now and I haven't heard back from them. They're notorious for not answering the phone.

So I'm looking for a new primary care physician. If you can't make an appointment at the doctor's office, why even have a doctor?

Why indeed, but I'm not sure that's a minor thing any more. Good luck.

I've had some essentially meaningless jobs where you could be fired for not returning phone calls, but I feel few are held to the same standards.

Not that there's anything unique about how you felt, but the reason you were held to that standard was because you thought the job was essentially meaningless.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on October 19, 2022, 11:00:00 AM

Quote from: abefroman329 on October 19, 2022, 10:56:13 AM
Quote from: formulanone on October 19, 2022, 05:08:45 AM
Quote from: kkt on October 18, 2022, 04:32:24 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on October 18, 2022, 12:53:55 PM
Related to my last complaint, businesses that don't answer the phone, let you leave a message, and then don't return your call.

Tried to call my doctor's office recently to get an appointment for refills of maintenance prescriptions. After two or three attempts, I finally got the automated system to answer, and at the prompt to leave a message, I did so. Told them I needed to make an appointment, left my name and number, and asked for a return call. We're going on two weeks now and I haven't heard back from them. They're notorious for not answering the phone.

So I'm looking for a new primary care physician. If you can't make an appointment at the doctor's office, why even have a doctor?

Why indeed, but I'm not sure that's a minor thing any more. Good luck.

I've had some essentially meaningless jobs where you could be fired for not returning phone calls, but I feel few are held to the same standards.
Not that there's anything unique about how you felt, but the reason you were held to that standard was because you thought the job was essentially meaningless.

I was implying the job wasn't as essential as an emergency dispatcher or dealing with life-saving issues, or those with a tremendous financial impact. But it also wasn't my primary task, which I can no longer assume is any phone operator's sole job duty.

In the big scheme of things, not calling back (within 12-18 hours) one or two of 30-50 people who dropped off their car, awaiting special orders, or those desiring appointments on top of actually doing all those things is a bit more trifling. Let alone the hearsay of someone claiming you never called them because they didn't answer their phone nor explain that their phone number(s) changed when asked to verify information.

In today's world of various retail service industries, burden of proof is merely a survey score.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on October 19, 2022, 03:24:04 PM

Today's minor irritation: the pressure switch on the gas-fired furnace tripping (Rheem code 57) due to a few small spiderwebs in the flue, so it won't run at full speed, leaving us freezing during the first hard frost of the season.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on October 19, 2022, 10:33:55 PM

( :ninja: take a bite of something :thumbsup: )

NOMnomnomnomnomyumyumyumMmmMmmMmm(burp)nomnomyumyumMmmMmmnomnom
*CRUNCH!! :-o *OW!* :wow: (bites inside of cheek)

:-|

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kirbykart on October 20, 2022, 01:18:55 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on October 19, 2022, 10:33:55 PM
( :ninja: take a bite of something :thumbsup: )

NOMnomnomnomnomyumyumyumMmmMmmMmm(burp)nomnomyumyumMmmMmmnomnom
*CRUNCH!! :-o *OW!* :wow: (bites inside of cheek)

:-|

Mike

This is going in "Your Favorite Forum Quotes" for sure.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on October 20, 2022, 01:38:51 PM

Quote from: kirbykart on October 20, 2022, 01:18:55 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on October 19, 2022, 10:33:55 PM
...
NOMnomnomnomnomyumyumyumMmmMmmMmm(burp)nomnomyumyumMmmMmmnomnom
*CRUNCH!! :-o *OW!* :wow: (bites inside of cheek)

This is going in "Your Favorite Forum Quotes" for sure.

Any post that contains the phrase "nom-nom" should have automatic rite of passage.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on October 20, 2022, 07:36:21 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on October 19, 2022, 10:33:55 PM
( :ninja: take a bite of something :thumbsup: )

NOMnomnomnomnomyumyumyumMmmMmmMmm(burp)nomnomyumyumMmmMmmnomnom
*CRUNCH!! :-o *OW!* :wow: (bites inside of cheek)

:-|

Mike

I usually get my tongue, but ouch.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on October 21, 2022, 06:37:55 AM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 20, 2022, 07:36:21 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on October 19, 2022, 10:33:55 PM
( :ninja: take a bite of something :thumbsup: )

NOMnomnomnomnomyumyumyumMmmMmmMmm(burp)nomnomyumyumMmmMmmnomnom
*CRUNCH!! :-o *OW!* :wow: (bites inside of cheek)

:-|

Mike

I usually get my tongue, but ouch.

...three minutes later:

Quote from: mgk920 on October 19, 2022, 10:33:55 PM
( :ninja: take a bite of something :thumbsup: )

NOMnomnomnomnomyumyumyumMmmMmmMmm(burp)nomnomyumyumMmmMmmnomnom
*CRUNCH!! :-o *OW!* :wow: (bites inside of cheek)

:ded:

At that point, I feel like I'm dooming us as a species and start to feel a little guilty.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kirbykart on October 21, 2022, 08:12:05 AM

This morning on the local (WNY) news, the traffic reporter Mike McQueen told of a crash on State Route 20 in the Town of Pomfret.

Messing up designations of highways is a minor thing that bothers me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MATraveler128 on October 21, 2022, 08:15:01 AM

Quote from: kirbykart on October 21, 2022, 08:12:05 AM
This morning on the local (WNY) news, the traffic reporter Mike McQueen told of a crash on State Route 20 in the Town of Pomfret.

Messing up designations of highways is a minor thing that bothers me.

Come to Massachusetts where MassDOT constantly posts MA 1, MA 6, MA 20 etc shields.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on October 21, 2022, 08:49:14 AM

Since we are talking food....

From EatingWell:

Why Deli Sandwiches Taste Better Than Yours

QuoteWhat's your favorite sandwich? A club sandwich? Maybe a Cuban sandwich? What about a chicken sandwich or even a breakfast sandwich? No matter your preference, you've probably been disappointed by your own sandwiches versus the ones you order at a deli. Here's why, plus tips on how to make a better tasting sandwich at home (Psst, have someone else make it for you, seriously.)

FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2oz)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on October 21, 2022, 08:52:37 AM

JayhawkCO's comment at the end of the string below prompts me to think of a minor thing that used to bug me at work–when people would be talking about having kids and someone would say that a colleague and her husband really wanted kids and were trying really hard to have one. It would bring to mind various unwanted mental images of one's colleagues engaging in procreational activities.

Quote from: JayhawkCO on October 20, 2022, 11:54:05 PM
Quote from: Rothman on October 20, 2022, 11:14:53 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on October 20, 2022, 10:56:43 PM
Quote from: Rothman on October 20, 2022, 08:22:10 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on October 20, 2022, 05:16:54 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 20, 2022, 01:40:21 PM
Quote from: triplemultiplex on October 20, 2022, 11:09:32 AM
I cringe at the idea that any country in the world needs MORE PEOPLE; as if we've got unlimited resources on this stupid planet.
Neutral growth means a future for all.

Population stagnation often equates to economic stagnation, the latter is what nobody wants. Basically if you aren't growing, you are falling behind. I'm not saying that should be how population trends should he viewed, but that's how it is.

Japan is almost the opposite of that trend -- no kids because everyone is only focusing on their jobs.
They don't take the defense of their country seriously, then. Children should be mandatory.

China found out the hard way that there's an extreme on that end too.

I'm not a fan of "we need kids so we can have people available to die in a trench at 18"..

It's not a matter of morality, it's a matter of survival. Go and make babies.

I already had one. Now I just like to practice.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kirbykart on October 21, 2022, 02:53:48 PM

Quote from: BlueOutback7 on October 21, 2022, 08:15:01 AM
Quote from: kirbykart on October 21, 2022, 08:12:05 AM
This morning on the local (WNY) news, the traffic reporter Mike McQueen told of a crash on State Route 20 in the Town of Pomfret.

Messing up designations of highways is a minor thing that bothers me.

Come to Massachusetts where MassDOT constantly posts MA 1, MA 6, MA 20 etc shields.

That sort of crap does happen here also, though thankfully not too often.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 26, 2022, 04:27:49 PM

When www.wunderground.com chooses a weather station that's across town from me.

But seriously?? This one really takes the cake...

(https://i.imgur.com/bumJVzP.png)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 28, 2022, 02:40:28 PM

When you go to text someone, but then you accidentally call them instead.

1. If you hang up right away, then your number will still likely pop up on their caller ID and alert them to a missed call. So they'll probably call you back anyway–and probably before you even finish sending your text message, so you can't even text them to ignore the call.

2. If you stay on the line until they answer, then either (a) there's a reason you preferred texting but now you're stuck communicating by voice call, or else (b) there's a reason you preferred texting but now you have to try and explain that without being rude and basically telling them you'd prefer a less personal form of communication.

3. If you stay on the line and they don't answer, then you're back to texting again, except there's a pretty good chance they'll call you back right before you hit 'Send', so you just wasted all that time typing the message, and now see (2) above...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 28, 2022, 07:27:54 PM

Me, at Wendy's an hour ago – Could I have some salt, please? I didn't see any out there.

Them – Salt? Oh... We don't serve salt.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on October 28, 2022, 07:42:53 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 28, 2022, 07:27:54 PM
Me, at Wendy's an hour ago – Could I have some salt, please? I didn't see any out there.

Them – Salt? Oh... We don't serve salt.

Tell that to your person working the fry station about 33% of the time I'm there. Almost always the fries are way too salty.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 31, 2022, 10:39:30 AM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on October 28, 2022, 07:42:53 PM
the fries are way too salty.

That's an impossibility.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: plain on October 31, 2022, 11:00:36 AM

If there's a place that's known for under salting fries, it's definitely Wendy's

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US71 on October 31, 2022, 11:43:42 AM

Quote from: plain on October 31, 2022, 11:00:36 AM
If there's a place that's known for under salting fries, it's definitely Wendy's

How about re-frying them if they've been sitting too long under the sun lamp?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on November 01, 2022, 09:51:23 AM

Quote from: kphoger on October 31, 2022, 10:39:30 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on October 28, 2022, 07:42:53 PM
the fries are way too salty.

That's an impossibility.

That very much is a possibility! Over-salted or over-seasoned foods are awful.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on November 01, 2022, 11:41:13 AM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 01, 2022, 09:51:23 AM
Quote from: kphoger on October 31, 2022, 10:39:30 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on October 28, 2022, 07:42:53 PM
the fries are way too salty.

That's an impossibility.

That very much is a possibility! Over-salted or over-seasoned foods are awful.

Yes, it's much easier to add more salt if you like it that way than it is to take salt away if you don't want all your food to taste like a salt lick.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on November 01, 2022, 11:42:50 AM

But that's never a problem with French fries. The more salt the better.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on November 01, 2022, 11:59:35 AM

Quote from: kphoger on November 01, 2022, 11:42:50 AM
But that's never a problem with French fries. The more salt the better.

The old me definitely agreed; but in that last 20 years...YMMV. I've picked up more sensitivity to the saltiness over the years and I feel it overpowers too many other flavors.

When I had COVID, everything tasted like salt for the first two days (except ice cream). Thankfully, that went away and I never lost any sense of taste or smell.

Quote from: plain on October 31, 2022, 11:00:36 AM
If there's a place that's known for under salting fries, it's definitely Wendy's

I feel that most Wendy's establishments don't use enough salt on their fries, and that's just the right amount. But they're all a little different; maybe lots of patrons at jayhawkCO's location complained there wasn't enough so the manager told the fry clerks to use more of it, since it's not a big expense.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on November 01, 2022, 12:16:48 PM

That Wendy's should've just handed out salt packets then to the people who complained. I'm in support of the proposal of a 28th Amendment for the right to bear salt (or not).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on November 01, 2022, 12:32:03 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 01, 2022, 12:16:48 PM
That Wendy's should've just handed out salt packets then to the people who complained. I'm in support of the proposal of a 28th Amendment for the right to bear salt (or not).

Which brings me back to my post that started this discussion in the first place...

Quote from: kphoger on October 28, 2022, 07:27:54 PM
Me, at Wendy's an hour ago – Could I have some salt, please? I didn't see any out there.

Them – Salt? Oh... We don't serve salt.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on November 01, 2022, 12:36:14 PM

Quote from: kphoger on November 01, 2022, 12:32:03 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 01, 2022, 12:16:48 PM
That Wendy's should've just handed out salt packets then to the people who complained. I'm in support of the proposal of a 28th Amendment for the right to bear salt (or not).

Which brings me back to my post that started this discussion in the first place...

Quote from: kphoger on October 28, 2022, 07:27:54 PM
Me, at Wendy's an hour ago – Could I have some salt, please? I didn't see any out there.

Them – Salt? Oh... We don't serve salt.

This reminds me of when I've waited tables or bartended and people asked me if we had hot water. Nope, plum out. We actually wash our dishes with melted ice cubes. Of course they serve salt. Eeeediots.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on November 01, 2022, 01:24:08 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 01, 2022, 12:36:14 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 01, 2022, 12:32:03 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 01, 2022, 12:16:48 PM
That Wendy's should've just handed out salt packets then to the people who complained. I'm in support of the proposal of a 28th Amendment for the right to bear salt (or not).

Which brings me back to my post that started this discussion in the first place...

Quote from: kphoger on October 28, 2022, 07:27:54 PM
Me, at Wendy's an hour ago – Could I have some salt, please? I didn't see any out there.

Them – Salt? Oh... We don't serve salt.

This reminds me of when I've waited tables or bartended and people asked me if we had hot water. Nope, plum out. We actually wash our dishes with melted ice cubes. Of course they serve salt. Eeeediots.

I think I'll keep quiet about my moments of.... "blondness".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on November 01, 2022, 08:03:18 PM

My work laptop only has USB-C ports.

All of my wired accessories are USB-A.

The laptop came with an adapter doohickey...that I promptly misplaced.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on November 01, 2022, 09:18:21 PM

Quote from: kphoger on November 01, 2022, 11:42:50 AM
But that's never a problem with French fries. The more salt the better.

I strongly disagree. I'm on a low-salt diet for blood pressure and one result is that I dislike foods that are so heavily salted that you can't taste the actually food. You should be able to taste the potato in the french fries!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on November 01, 2022, 11:08:46 PM

Quote from: kkt on November 01, 2022, 09:18:21 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 01, 2022, 11:42:50 AM
But that's never a problem with French fries. The more salt the better.

I strongly disagree. I'm on a low-salt diet for blood pressure and one result is that I dislike foods that are so heavily salted that you can't taste the actually food. You should be able to taste the potato in the french fries!

I was going to say the same thing. My dad has high blood pressure so I am supposed to be watching my sodium intake. I'm not wasting precious salt intake space on making something even more salty.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on November 02, 2022, 10:16:05 AM

Quote from: kkt on November 01, 2022, 09:18:21 PM
I'm on a low-salt diet for blood pressure and one result is that ...

Quote from: US 89 on November 01, 2022, 11:08:46 PM
My dad has high blood pressure so I am supposed to ...

See, now, what I'm hearing is, If it weren't special dietary restrictions, I'd be dumping salt on my fries too.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on November 02, 2022, 12:11:19 PM

In general, there's no such thing as too salty in my book. I've been known to salt a ham sandwich.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on November 02, 2022, 08:39:48 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on November 02, 2022, 12:11:19 PM
In general, there's no such thing as too salty in my book. I've been known to assault a ham sandwich.

FTFY! :bigass:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on November 02, 2022, 09:13:43 PM

Does anyone want to indict a ham sandwich?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 02, 2022, 09:17:47 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on November 02, 2022, 09:13:43 PM
Does anyone want to indict a ham sandwich?

I would, if I were on a grand jury.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on November 02, 2022, 09:18:53 PM

Quote from: kphoger on November 02, 2022, 10:16:05 AM
Quote from: kkt on November 01, 2022, 09:18:21 PM
I'm on a low-salt diet for blood pressure and one result is that ...

Quote from: US 89 on November 01, 2022, 11:08:46 PM
My dad has high blood pressure so I am supposed to ...

See, now, what I'm hearing is, If it weren't special dietary restrictions, I'd be dumping salt on my fries too.

No, I like them better with low salt. They should put just a little salt on in the kitchen, and have packets available for those who want them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on November 03, 2022, 06:41:21 AM

Quote from: J N Winkler on November 02, 2022, 09:13:43 PM
Does anyone want to indict a ham sandwich?

Leave the poor ham sandwich alone, it's innocent, HB assaulted it ;)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on November 03, 2022, 12:22:08 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on November 02, 2022, 08:39:48 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on November 02, 2022, 12:11:19 PM
In general, there's no such thing as too salty in my book. I've been known to assault a ham sandwich.
FTFY! :bigass:

No, I don't assault ham sandwiches, I assault dead horses (like DST.) :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on November 03, 2022, 12:23:38 PM

And now I'm imagining HB in mid-air, with fists raised, about to slam the heck out a ham sandwich that's just minding its own business there on a TV tray...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 04, 2022, 12:54:28 PM

My boss likes to send out significant accomplishments or milestones on group emails. The initial emails I'm okay with, what gets me though is when one of the recipients hits reply all only to say something like "good job." Wouldn't it not be easier just to forward said sentiment to the affected person rather than the entire group? Probably 10% of emails every week consist of group replies.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on November 04, 2022, 01:43:57 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on November 04, 2022, 12:54:28 PM
... group ...

Group anything bothers me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on November 04, 2022, 01:57:36 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on November 04, 2022, 12:54:28 PM
My boss likes to send out significant accomplishments or milestones on group emails. The initial emails I'm okay with, what gets me though is when one of the recipients hits reply all only to say something like "good job." Wouldn't it not be easier just to forward said sentiment to the affected person rather than the entire group? Probably 10% of emails every week consist of group replies.

Very few people have mastered the art of putting the recipients of a bulk email in the BCC field. I have occasionally hit "reply all" by accident, but usually it's intentional. If I "reply all" then I want everyone on the chain to see it. What bugs me is when "reply all" is the default option, as it appears to be on the Outlook mobile app for iPhones.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on November 04, 2022, 02:09:06 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on November 04, 2022, 01:57:36 PM
Very few people have mastered the art of putting the recipients of a bulk email in the BCC field. I have occasionally hit "reply all" by accident, but usually it's intentional. If I "reply all" then I want everyone on the chain to see it. What bugs me is when "reply all" is the default option, as it appears to be on the Outlook mobile app for iPhones.

1. The BCC line can also be annoying because, if you think of someone else who might need the information contained in the e-mail, you can't see that they've already received it. Then you forward it to them, even though they've already received it.

2. Even better than people who know the difference between 'Reply' and 'Reply All' are those who remove individual recipients who don't need to read the reply, but leave only those people who do.

3. 'Reply All' as the default is annoying as heck. It is the bane of text messaging.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on November 04, 2022, 02:12:40 PM

The bcc line can be dangerous, too, because the bcc recipient can still hit reply-all. In the legal field, if you bcc your client, counsel risks having his client waive privilege if the client hits reply-all and sends what would otherwise have been a privileged communication that he should have sent solely to counsel.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on November 04, 2022, 02:15:17 PM

I generally use Thunderbird to send emails since I don't like Gmail having the only copy of any email I send, and it makes it easy to avoid inadvertent mass-mailing since I have to hit Ctrl+Shift+R to do "Reply All" instead of just Ctrl+R for a reply to the sender only.

Quote from: kphoger on November 04, 2022, 01:43:57 PMGroup anything bothers me.

I get uncomfortable when I see people on an email chain without understanding why they need to be looped into the conversation. I default to copying in as few people as possible, but I do try to include everybody who might feel slighted if he or she is not included in the recipient list. I can't recall a specific instance this has happened to me personally, but I've heard lots of stories of office politics gone bad where someone copies new people (typically higher-ups) into a round-robin email just at the point where he or she expects one of the ongoing correspondents to embarrass himself or herself.

Edit: Following up on others' replies:

Quote from: kphoger on November 04, 2022, 02:09:06 PMEven better than people who know the difference between 'Reply' and 'Reply All' are those who remove individual recipients who don't need to read the reply, but leave only those people who do.

I try to be careful when pruning recipients. There is always the risk of being suspected of playing games with access to information when that is not my intention. I far prefer to work with a recipient list that has been appropriately circumscribed to begin with.

Quote from: 1995hoo on November 04, 2022, 02:12:40 PMThe bcc line can be dangerous, too, because the bcc recipient can still hit reply-all. In the legal field, if you bcc your client, counsel risks having his client waive privilege if the client hits reply-all and sends what would otherwise have been a privileged communication that he should have sent solely to counsel.

"Reply All" (whether the courtesy-copying is blind or overt) is legally dangerous for public bodies because of open-meeting legislation. In Kansas there is some provision for discussion of logistics (such as when and how to meet) not needing to be open, but as a general rule, members of a public body emailing each other back and forth expose themselves to accusations of conducting an illegal chain meeting.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on November 04, 2022, 02:46:37 PM

Reply All goes to those on the bcc list too? That kind of defeats the purpose of "blind" cc, if all you need to do to see the list is to create a reply.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on November 04, 2022, 02:51:58 PM

Quote from: GaryV on November 04, 2022, 02:46:37 PM
Reply All goes to those on the bcc list too? That kind of defeats the purpose of "blind" cc, if all you need to do to see the list is to create a reply.

What I was referring to is that someone on the bcc list can hit reply-all and everyone in the To: and cc: fields will receive that reply. Insofar as I know, other bcc recipients will not receive the reply-all.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on November 04, 2022, 02:56:52 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on November 04, 2022, 02:51:58 PM

Quote from: GaryV on November 04, 2022, 02:46:37 PM
Reply All goes to those on the bcc list too? That kind of defeats the purpose of "blind" cc, if all you need to do to see the list is to create a reply.

What I was referring to is that someone on the bcc list can hit reply-all and everyone in the To: and cc: fields will receive that reply. Insofar as I know, other bcc recipients will not receive the reply-all.

Original e-mail
From: Scott Nazelrod
To: Jonathan Winkler
CC: Kyle Hoger
BCC: Chris Willers, Jake Bear

Jake Bear hits 'Reply All'
To: Scott Nazelrod
CC: Jonathan Winkler, Kyle Hoger

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on November 04, 2022, 03:13:44 PM

Quote from: kphoger on November 04, 2022, 02:56:52 PMOriginal e-mail
From: Scott Nazelrod
To: Jonathan Winkler
CC: Kyle Hoger
BCC: Chris Willers, Jake Bear

Jake Bear hits 'Reply All'
To: Scott Nazelrod
CC: Jonathan Winkler, Kyle Hoger

This scenario gets even more embarrassing if Jake Bear uses an email program that leaves evidence he received an original copy, not a forward (indicates one of the overt participants is sending blind copies).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on November 04, 2022, 03:32:30 PM

The context I most often see BCC being used (which is ironic, considering I can't actually see it being used) is when an MSO sends a mass e-mail to every contracting firm that works for them. 130 e-mail addresses that probably nobody wants each other to have. So the MSO puts everybody in the BCC line.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on November 04, 2022, 03:47:09 PM

I use BCC for only one reason: I send a work email to about 400 participants on occasion for an announcement, usually regarding a change in the normal schedule of what we do. No reason to let everyone know who everyone else is. Because this process is more manual than I wish, I get a whole bunch of out of office messages. While many are true out of office messages, some alert me to an email address that's no longer valid, so I delete those from future emails, or that they've retired/left, and I'll replace them with the people referenced in the email. If they don't want future emails from me, I nicely include in my email that if they don't want more emails, let me know. Unlike ~~advertisers~~ scammers that use that to know that they've hit upon a valid email address, mine is truly just work related.

There's one section in my Division at work that I believe BCC's their boss every time they have to email me (and others also, I would imagine). This becomes known once in a while when their boss decides he needs to input his unwanted 2 cents, and replies to the email he wasn't supposedly on.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on November 06, 2022, 06:02:24 PM

Here's a nuisance I haven't dealt with before. At least, not in this form.

Most of us have experienced the annoyance of being on a plane and sitting in front of someone who constantly fidgets, digs around on the floor, slams the tray table up and down, and shakes your seat when doing all of the above.

The guy in the seat behind me is doing all that as I type this. All the more annoying on a day when I have a stiff lower back.

Problem: I'm reluctant to say anything because the guy behind me happens to be my boss.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on November 06, 2022, 07:10:32 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on November 06, 2022, 06:02:24 PM
Here's a nuisance I haven't dealt with before. At least, not in this form.

Most of us have experienced the annoyance of being on a plane and sitting in front of someone who constantly fidgets, digs around on the floor, slams the tray table up and down, and shakes your seat when doing all of the above.

The guy in the seat behind me is doing all that as I type this. All the more annoying on a day when I have a stiff lower back.

Problem: I'm reluctant to say anything because the guy behind me happens to be my boss.

Hopefully he doesn't see what you're typing... or maybe he will and catch on that you're annoyed! :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on November 06, 2022, 07:23:36 PM

His eyes aren't good enough to read an iPhone screen from that far away. :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: texaskdog on November 07, 2022, 03:31:45 AM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 01, 2022, 12:16:48 PM
That Wendy's should've just handed out salt packets then to the people who complained. I'm in support of the proposal of a 28th Amendment for the right to bear salt (or not).

I've never, in my life, put salt on anything. It's been on plenty of things of course.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on November 07, 2022, 09:53:25 AM

Quote from: texaskdog on November 07, 2022, 03:31:45 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 01, 2022, 12:16:48 PM
That Wendy's should've just handed out salt packets then to the people who complained. I'm in support of the proposal of a 28th Amendment for the right to bear salt (or not).

I've never, in my life, put salt on anything. It's been on plenty of things of course.

Me either. I get comments from busybodies who think that is sacrilegious.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on November 07, 2022, 10:57:42 AM

The fact that "modern" computer cases do not come with either 5Â¼" or 3Â½" external drive days. I'm in process of building a new system to replace my old i7-4790K, but I still use the CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drives. If I want a case that has modern USB 3/USB-C connectors, then there are no external drive days. That's good for air circulation, but bad because some of us still need legacy technology.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Dirt Roads on November 07, 2022, 11:22:21 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on November 07, 2022, 10:57:42 AM
The fact that "modern" computer cases do not come with either 5Â¼" or 3Â½" external drive days. I'm in process of building a new system to replace my old i7-4790K, but I still use the CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drives. If I want a case that has modern USB 3/USB-C connectors, then there are no external drive days. That's good for air circulation, but bad because some of us still need legacy technology.

I've got a 3-1/2" floppy external drive that works off of USB power/databus. I've never tried it out, but I've also got a USB -to- IDE external connector port that was intended to "rescue" old hard drives, but would certainly interface with an IDE-based 5-1/4" floppy drive. (I've still got an old 386 machine to transfer files from 5-1/4" and Zip Drive to 3-1/2"). Both of those guys are already getting pretty old, and might not work with anything newer than Windows 7. You still might be able to find these devices somewhere, but you had better hurry to transport your files over an external hard drive.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on November 07, 2022, 01:11:45 PM

Quote from: Dirt Roads on November 07, 2022, 11:22:21 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on November 07, 2022, 10:57:42 AMThe fact that "modern" computer cases do not come with either 5Â¼" or 3Â½" external drive days. I'm in process of building a new system to replace my old i7-4790K, but I still use the CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drives. If I want a case that has modern USB 3/USB-C connectors, then there are no external drive days. That's good for air circulation, but bad because some of us still need legacy technology.

I've got a 3Â½" floppy external drive that works off of USB power/databus. I've never tried it out, but I've also got a USB -to- IDE external connector port that was intended to "rescue" old hard drives, but would certainly interface with an IDE-based 5Â¼" floppy drive. (I've still got an old 386 machine to transfer files from 5Â¼" and Zip Drive to 3Â½"). Both of those guys are already getting pretty old, and might not work with anything newer than Windows 7. You still might be able to find these devices somewhere, but you had better hurry to transport your files over an external hard drive.

The "external hard drive" is actually a TrueNAS file server which has eight 8TB drives in a RAID-Z2 configuration, thus two of the drives are redundant in case of failure, and the effective storage of the six remaining drives is about 41 TB once you deduct about 10% for ZFS overhead. Having said that, I'm still a physical media guy, and have set up a Plex media server for remote playback. (One of these days, a home theater system). So, I have to have a BluRay drive to read the discs. Oh well, I'm keeping my old machine, and will build a new Windows 11 machine just for ripping.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on November 10, 2022, 11:54:55 PM

When you're working with weather stations or observations and the system will only let you use all-customary or all-metric units instead of picking and choosing for each quantity. It is apparently too much to ask to have temperatures in ÂºF and winds in mph, but also have pressures in millibars. Inches of mercury is a stupid unit that should be abolished.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bulldog1979 on November 11, 2022, 02:34:12 PM

Quote from: US 89 on November 10, 2022, 11:54:55 PM
When you're working with weather stations or observations and the system will only let you use all-customary or all-metric units instead of picking and choosing for each quantity. It is apparently too much to ask to have temperatures in ÂºF and winds in mph, but also have pressures in millibars. Inches of mercury is a stupid unit that should be abolished.

When I was traveling in Canada three years ago, I switched my dashboard over to metric units so that I could see my speed in km/h on the digital speedometer. (The "analog" speedometer is only marked in mph on that car.) The temperature display on the touchscreen also went to Â°C, which makes sense, but it would have been nice if I could have overridden that to keep Â°F. I know this is something that can be done on an iPhone/Apple Watch so that directions are metric but weather is US.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on November 12, 2022, 08:41:12 AM

^^^^

I can switch my sat-nav to km but not my odometer, which kinds of defeats the purpose of changing the sat-nav unless you're good at converting units in your head on the fly. The idea of having the directions the voice is giving you match the units on the sign is sensible, but it's a lot less useful if you don't have an easy way to confirm the distance.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: elsmere241 on November 12, 2022, 01:04:37 PM

Quote from: US 89 on November 10, 2022, 11:54:55 PM
When you're working with weather stations or observations and the system will only let you use all-customary or all-metric units instead of picking and choosing for each quantity. It is apparently too much to ask to have temperatures in ÂºF and winds in mph, but also have pressures in millibars. Inches of mercury is a stupid unit that should be abolished.

I had a chemistry teacher who preferred millimeters of mercury. I didn't know at the time how millibars were calculated - I assumed from my chemistry and physics classes that they were based on something like 760 mm = 1 atmosphere = 1000 millibars. I was surprised when I lived in Italy and found that it's more like 750 mm (it's actually close to 752).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on November 12, 2022, 01:07:58 PM

Multimillionmiler

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on November 12, 2022, 01:48:59 PM

Quote from: elsmere241 on November 12, 2022, 01:04:37 PM
Quote from: US 89 on November 10, 2022, 11:54:55 PM
When you're working with weather stations or observations and the system will only let you use all-customary or all-metric units instead of picking and choosing for each quantity. It is apparently too much to ask to have temperatures in ÂºF and winds in mph, but also have pressures in millibars. Inches of mercury is a stupid unit that should be abolished.

I had a chemistry teacher who preferred millimeters of mercury. I didn't know at the time how millibars were calculated - I assumed from my chemistry and physics classes that they were based on something like 760 mm = 1 atmosphere = 1000 millibars. I was surprised when I lived in Italy and found that it's more like 750 mm (it's actually close to 752).

A bar is more or less an atmosphere of pressure, but it's convenient because it is equal to exactly 100,000 Pascals (the SI unit of pressure, defined as a newton of force per square meter of area). In fact, "millibar" and "hectopascal" are used interchangeably and I've never seen the "hecto" SI prefix used anywhere else. And beyond that, the millibar/hectopascal is pretty much the standard pressure unit in the meteorology field that everybody uses, even in the US in contexts outside pure science that often use customary measures for other quantities like temperature and wind speed.

The big conversion for standard atmospheric pressure at sea level: 760 mmHg ≈ 760 torr = 1 atm = 1.01325 bar = 101.325 kPa = 1013.25 mb (hPa) = 101325 Pa ≈ 29.92 inHg ≈ 14.7 psi. Perhaps unfortunately, all of these units see some use today in various contexts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on November 12, 2022, 02:52:32 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on November 12, 2022, 01:07:58 PM
Multimillionmiler

I know, they get all my airline upgrades.

(I'm actually at around 915,000 miles with Delta.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: elsmere241 on November 12, 2022, 07:26:48 PM

Quote from: US 89 on November 12, 2022, 01:48:59 PMIn fact, "millibar" and "hectopascal" are used interchangeably and I've never seen the "hecto" SI prefix used anywhere else.e units see some use today in various contexts.

In Italy at least, recipes are often in hundreds of grams (I know Germany's Pfund (pound) is now 500 grams) and food is often sold in "etti" ("etto" being Italian shorthand for hectogram).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on November 12, 2022, 07:41:41 PM

Translating recipes between countries is a pain. Many British and European cookbooks measure in grams. Many US cookbooks measure volume instead and hope for the best. If a US kitchen has a scale at all it's probably in ounces. A lot of ingredients have different names from their US name, or they have the same name but differ somehow. Is British "plain flour" like US all purpose flour or pastry flour or bread flour? Are their eggs the same size as ours?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 12, 2022, 07:43:40 PM

My digital kitchen scale, a cheap, not-particularly-accurate thing I got from Walmart, lets me convert between pounds, ounces, and grams. It's not that unusual, is it?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: elsmere241 on November 12, 2022, 07:49:01 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 12, 2022, 07:43:40 PM
My digital kitchen scale, a cheap, not-particularly-accurate thing I got from Walmart, lets me convert between pounds, ounces, and grams. It's not that unusual, is it?

You'd think it wouldn't be here, where different things are measured differently, often by different people.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on November 12, 2022, 11:30:52 PM

Quote from: kkt on November 12, 2022, 07:41:41 PM
Translating recipes between countries is a pain. Many British and European cookbooks measure in grams. Many US cookbooks measure volume instead and hope for the best. If a US kitchen has a scale at all it's probably in ounces. A lot of ingredients have different names from their US name, or they have the same name but differ somehow. Is British "plain flour" like US all purpose flour or pastry flour or bread flour? Are their eggs the same size as ours?

Have to also watch for the US pint/British pint difference. Having units of different sizes share the same name is very dumb.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on November 12, 2022, 11:40:32 PM

I have a massively built cast iron baker's scale with a pan for what you're measuring and a plate for counterweights. At the moment I have weights totalling 7 pounds, plus the fine adjustment arm gives ounces up to 8 pounds, but if I wanted to improvise more counterweights it could weigh more.

It was my mom's when I was a baby. I was small as a baby, and my pediatrician wanted to be sure I was gaining weight, so mom weighed me on that scale every week.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on November 13, 2022, 02:25:12 AM

Quote from: kkt on November 12, 2022, 07:41:41 PMIs British "plain flour" like US all purpose flour or pastry flour or bread flour? Are their eggs the same size as ours?

I think "plain flour" is used in contradistinction to self-raising flour. The Wikipedia article on chicken egg sizes (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_egg_sizes) has details of sizing standards by country; the UK now uses European sizes (https://www.egginfo.co.uk/egg-facts-and-figures/industry-information/egg-sizes) (the old classes, from 0 to 7, are now obsolete), and they are close enough to those in the US that I would not worry about any differences for recipe purposes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on November 13, 2022, 08:19:26 AM

Also Britian uses different definitions for large numbers. Million is the largest number which have the same definition. 1,000,000,000 is billion in America and milliard in Britain, then to confuse even more, 1,000,000,000,000 is trillion in America and billion in Britain.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on November 13, 2022, 08:21:12 AM

Quote from: Big John on November 13, 2022, 08:19:26 AM
Also Britian uses different definitions for large numbers. Million is the largest number which have the same definition. 1,000,000,000 is billion in America and milliard in Britain, then to confuse even more, 1,000,000,000,000 is trillion in America and billion in Britain.

Not anymore. However, mainland Europe still does what you described.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on November 13, 2022, 12:01:43 PM

This is the distinction between short and long scales (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_and_short_scales). The only real complication (when having to deal with documents that report currency amounts) is having to differentiate between foreign-language abbreviations for million and milliard (short-scale billion)--in German these are Mio. and Mrd. respectively.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on November 13, 2022, 10:18:21 PM

Quote from: Big John on November 13, 2022, 08:19:26 AM
Also Britian uses different definitions for large numbers. Million is the largest number which have the same definition. 1,000,000,000 is billion in America and milliard in Britain, then to confuse even more, 1,000,000,000,000 is trillion in America and billion in Britain.

Pretty sure the special British use of Billion etc. is antique now. The UK Treasury abandoned it sometime in the 1980s, if I remember right, and everyone else followed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on November 14, 2022, 08:33:56 AM

This is more specific to me:

I grab imagery from 3 radio towers near me, to assemble timelapse videos. To do this properly, the camera has to be pointed at the same thing, at the same time of day. I don't own these cameras, so I can't bitch a lot (or at all) but the people who own them periodically move them around, thus causing up-f--kage in my video.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on November 14, 2022, 05:09:52 PM

When I need to get into a CAD file, but my co-worker leaves it open on his computer overnight.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on November 14, 2022, 05:27:34 PM

Quote from: Bruce on November 12, 2022, 11:30:52 PM
Quote from: kkt on November 12, 2022, 07:41:41 PM
Translating recipes between countries is a pain. Many British and European cookbooks measure in grams. Many US cookbooks measure volume instead and hope for the best. If a US kitchen has a scale at all it's probably in ounces. A lot of ingredients have different names from their US name, or they have the same name but differ somehow. Is British "plain flour" like US all purpose flour or pastry flour or bread flour? Are their eggs the same size as ours?

Have to also watch for the US pint/British pint difference. Having units of different sizes share the same name is very dumb.

I had no idea about this and I've ordered pints a couple times in pubs. Makes Merry even more a partier in LotR when he says "This, my friend, is a pint" to Pippin in the Prancing Pony.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on November 14, 2022, 05:51:58 PM

Quote from: skluth on November 14, 2022, 05:27:34 PM
Quote from: Bruce on November 12, 2022, 11:30:52 PM
Quote from: kkt on November 12, 2022, 07:41:41 PM
Translating recipes between countries is a pain. Many British and European cookbooks measure in grams. Many US cookbooks measure volume instead and hope for the best. If a US kitchen has a scale at all it's probably in ounces. A lot of ingredients have different names from their US name, or they have the same name but differ somehow. Is British "plain flour" like US all purpose flour or pastry flour or bread flour? Are their eggs the same size as ours?

Have to also watch for the US pint/British pint difference. Having units of different sizes share the same name is very dumb.

I had no idea about this and I've ordered pints a couple times in pubs. Makes Merry even more a partier in LotR when he says "This, my friend, is a pint" to Pippin in the Prancing Pony.

Yes.... after visiting England for the first time, returning home to the 12 US Oz. beers I was wondering who took the other half of my beer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 14, 2022, 06:42:41 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 14, 2022, 05:09:52 PM
When I need to get into a CAD file, but my co-worker leaves it open on his computer overnight.

Wait, your OS locks the file for reading when someone else has it open? Not just writing?

Or is it the CAD program doing that? If the latter, you could use the OS file manager to copy it to a clean file name and access that. (Unless there's some sort of lock flag in the file itself, which would be a horribly botched design–suppose the coworker's computer loses power without ever releasing the file lock?)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on November 14, 2022, 11:07:28 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 14, 2022, 06:42:41 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 14, 2022, 05:09:52 PM
When I need to get into a CAD file, but my co-worker leaves it open on his computer overnight.

Wait, your OS locks the file for reading when someone else has it open? Not just writing?

Or is it the CAD program doing that? If the latter, you could use the OS file manager to copy it to a clean file name and access that. (Unless there's some sort of lock flag in the file itself, which would be a horribly botched design–suppose the coworker's computer loses power without ever releasing the file lock?)

Is the file under a revision control system? ISTR Microsoft SourceSafe was like that -- you check out a file for editing and no one else can check it in (this was about 20 years ago though). In that case, if the coworker spontaneously retires* with the laptop, a sysadmin can flip that bit on the server.

\* this did happen a few jobs ago -- a finance guy went to Mexico over the holidays and didn't come back. I assume he was OK and it wasn't like an Ambrose Bierce situation

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 14, 2022, 11:47:21 PM

Source control has improved so much over the last 20 years that I would hope nobody's using a system as mindless as that in the year 2022...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on November 15, 2022, 01:20:59 AM

Quote from: J N Winkler on November 13, 2022, 12:01:43 PM
This is the distinction between short and long scales (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_and_short_scales). The only real complication (when having to deal with documents that report currency amounts) is having to differentiate between foreign-language abbreviations for million and milliard (short-scale billion)--in German these are Mio. and Mrd. respectively.

Meanwhile, the abbreviation for milliard (billion in French) is G. Whyyyyyyy?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on November 15, 2022, 05:07:48 AM

It comes from Giga, the SI prefix for billion.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 15, 2022, 05:46:02 AM

Meanwhile, in the US, you sometimes see G as an abbreviation for 1000, from the slang term grand. This used to be more common in the past; nowadays K for kilo is more common.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on November 15, 2022, 09:24:26 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 14, 2022, 06:42:41 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 14, 2022, 05:09:52 PM
When I need to get into a CAD file, but my co-worker leaves it open on his computer overnight.

Wait, your OS locks the file for reading when someone else has it open? Not just writing?

Or is it the CAD program doing that? If the latter, you could use the OS file manager to copy it to a clean file name and access that. (Unless there's some sort of lock flag in the file itself, which would be a horribly botched design–suppose the coworker's computer loses power without ever releasing the file lock?)

No, we can still open files to read and save an extra copy if we really wanted to. When I said getting into, I meant actually editing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on November 15, 2022, 12:53:04 PM

Quote from: kurumi on November 14, 2022, 11:07:28 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 14, 2022, 06:42:41 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 14, 2022, 05:09:52 PM
When I need to get into a CAD file, but my co-worker leaves it open on his computer overnight.

Wait, your OS locks the file for reading when someone else has it open? Not just writing?

Or is it the CAD program doing that? If the latter, you could use the OS file manager to copy it to a clean file name and access that. (Unless there's some sort of lock flag in the file itself, which would be a horribly botched design–suppose the coworker's computer loses power without ever releasing the file lock?)

Is the file under a revision control system? ISTR Microsoft SourceSafe was like that -- you check out a file for editing and no one else can check it in (this was about 20 years ago though). In that case, if the coworker spontaneously retires* with the laptop, a sysadmin can flip that bit on the server.

\* this did happen a few jobs ago -- a finance guy went to Mexico over the holidays and didn't come back. I assume he was OK and it wasn't like an Ambrose Bierce situation

Reminds me of ProjectWise.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 15, 2022, 07:48:09 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 15, 2022, 09:24:26 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 14, 2022, 06:42:41 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 14, 2022, 05:09:52 PM
When I need to get into a CAD file, but my co-worker leaves it open on his computer overnight.

Wait, your OS locks the file for reading when someone else has it open? Not just writing?

Or is it the CAD program doing that? If the latter, you could use the OS file manager to copy it to a clean file name and access that. (Unless there's some sort of lock flag in the file itself, which would be a horribly botched design–suppose the coworker's computer loses power without ever releasing the file lock?)

No, we can still open files to read and save an extra copy if we really wanted to. When I said getting into, I meant actually editing.

I'd be really tempted to just work on a local copy of the file to do what I need to do and clobber the other dude's changes as soon as he releases the file lock. Serves him right for leaving the file locked overnight. :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 16, 2022, 05:19:28 PM

I went to Taco Bell the other day and the total for two people was over $20.

Taco Bell isn't worth $20.

So I guess that was the last time I'll have Taco Bell.

The 21st century sucks.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on November 16, 2022, 05:28:06 PM

I'm noticing USD getting weaker, or the Yen getting stronger. Exchange rate has not been in my favor the last week. Mid October, 1USD = 150 yen, now it's closer to 140 yen.

So, minor thing that bothers me: paying rent in another currency than the one you get paid in.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 16, 2022, 05:34:13 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 16, 2022, 05:19:28 PM
I went to Taco Bell the other day and the total for two people was over $20.

Taco Bell isn't worth $20.

So I guess that was the last time I'll have Taco Bell.

The 21st century sucks.

Didn't back the future claim some stupid level of inflation where a quarter in 1985 became the equivalent to $100 by 2015?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on November 16, 2022, 05:39:25 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on November 16, 2022, 05:34:13 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 16, 2022, 05:19:28 PM
I went to Taco Bell the other day and the total for two people was over $20.

Taco Bell isn't worth $20.

So I guess that was the last time I'll have Taco Bell.

The 21st century sucks.

Didn't back the future claim some stupid level of inflation where a quarter in 1985 became the equivalent to $100 by 2015?

The other direction is seeming more likely now...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 16, 2022, 05:42:53 PM

Quote from: kkt on November 16, 2022, 05:39:25 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on November 16, 2022, 05:34:13 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 16, 2022, 05:19:28 PM
I went to Taco Bell the other day and the total for two people was over $20.

Taco Bell isn't worth $20.

So I guess that was the last time I'll have Taco Bell.

The 21st century sucks.

Didn't back the future claim some stupid level of inflation where a quarter in 1985 became the equivalent to $100 by 2015?

The other direction is seeming more likely now...

To rephrase, 2015 $100 was analogous to the purchasing power of a 1985 Quarter in the continuity of the films.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on November 16, 2022, 05:46:17 PM

Quote from: kkt on November 16, 2022, 05:39:25 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on November 16, 2022, 05:34:13 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 16, 2022, 05:19:28 PM
I went to Taco Bell the other day and the total for two people was over $20.

Taco Bell isn't worth $20.

So I guess that was the last time I'll have Taco Bell.

The 21st century sucks.

Didn't back the future claim some stupid level of inflation where a quarter in 1985 became the equivalent to $100 by 2015?

The other direction is seeming more likely now...

You're confusing real money with cryptocurrency

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on November 16, 2022, 10:34:49 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 16, 2022, 05:19:28 PM
I went to Taco Bell the other day and the total for two people was over $20.

Taco Bell isn't worth $20.

So I guess that was the last time I'll have Taco Bell.

The 21st century sucks.

But are there any fast food places where that's not the case?

Aside from snacks or meal deals (I can't believe Wendy's still has the $5 Biggie Bag), I can't remember the last time I spent less than $10 at a fast food restaurant.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CoreySamson on November 16, 2022, 10:42:04 PM

I can get a good hearty lunch for about 5 or 6 dollars at Taco Bell:

3 Bean or Beef burritos: $2.97
1 Medium Drink: $1.89
Tax: $0.39

Total: $5.25 (cheaper if you get a smaller drink)

Probably the best fast food value I've seen anywhere.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on November 16, 2022, 10:49:33 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 16, 2022, 05:19:28 PM
I went to Taco Bell the other day and the total for two people was over $20.

Taco Bell isn't worth $20.

So I guess that was the last time I'll have Taco Bell.

The 21st century sucks.

Heck, the last time I was in Five Guys (by myself) I topped $20 (Little Bacon Cheeseburger, Little Fry, Large Drink plus tax)

(I do remember spending $1.62 at Mickey D's in college - Quarter Pounder, fries, drink back in college - many moons ago)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 16, 2022, 10:59:47 PM

Quote from: webny99 on November 16, 2022, 10:34:49 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 16, 2022, 05:19:28 PM
I went to Taco Bell the other day and the total for two people was over $20.

Taco Bell isn't worth $20.

So I guess that was the last time I'll have Taco Bell.

The 21st century sucks.

But are there any fast food places where that's not the case?

Aside from snacks or meal deals (I can't believe Wendy's still has the $5 Biggie Bag), I can't remember the last time I spent less than $10 at a fast food restaurant.

I regularly could before the pandemic.

Quote from: dlsterner on November 16, 2022, 10:49:33 PM
Heck, the last time I was in Five Guys (by myself) I topped $20 (Little Bacon Cheeseburger, Little Fry, Large Drink plus tax)

If you're comparing Five Guys to Taco Bell, that really doesn't make Five Guys look very good.

(I also only rarely go to Five Guys, because I feel like it's overpriced for what you get. The burger is really not any better than Wendy's, but it is a heck of a lot more expensive.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on November 16, 2022, 11:34:40 PM

Five Guys is worth it if you like an exorbitant number of toppings, since they're all included. The few times I've been there, I've gotten almost every possible topping and enjoyed it thoroughly, but I recognize that's not for everyone.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 12:05:05 AM

Yeah, and I don't care for the toppings, since to me the most important flavor in a burger is the beef. If I can't taste that, I'm not happy. (I also don't care for the cognitive load of having to keep a bunch of toppings inside the sandwich while I eat it.) So the ideal burger for me is either lettuce, ketchup, and mayo, or mustard and ketchup. (I don't even put onions on unless I'm the one building the sandwich, because most burger joints think you want a giant handful of onions that fucking blasts every other flavor in the burger out of the sky. One or two slivers of onion is the perfect amount.)

Given my preferences, then, Five Guys is a tremendous waste of money.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on November 17, 2022, 01:26:54 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 16, 2022, 10:59:47 PM
Quote from: webny99 on November 16, 2022, 10:34:49 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 16, 2022, 05:19:28 PM
I went to Taco Bell the other day and the total for two people was over $20.

Taco Bell isn't worth $20.

So I guess that was the last time I'll have Taco Bell.

The 21st century sucks.

But are there any fast food places where that's not the case?

Aside from snacks or meal deals (I can't believe Wendy's still has the $5 Biggie Bag), I can't remember the last time I spent less than $10 at a fast food restaurant.

I regularly could before the pandemic.

I still can. The typical burger+fries+drink meal tends to run me somewhere between $7.50 and $9.50 depending on location.

I paid $11 for the Arby's beef and cheddar meal somewhere off I-75 in Georgia, and that was noticeable enough that I decided I'd never go back to that location. That same meal was like $8.50 at another Arby's.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on November 17, 2022, 02:16:34 AM

Buying fast food without the app or coupon code just isn't worth it at all.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 03:49:56 AM

Quote from: Bruce on November 17, 2022, 02:16:34 AM
Buying fast food without the app or coupon code just isn't worth it at all.

And see, I refuse to use apps belonging to a single company. I deal with enough companies in my life that if I have to install an app for every single one of them, my phone will be full of money-grubber apps and I won't have any space for anything I actually want to use the phone for.

So I judge a company on its cash prices, without any apps or coupons. If their cash price is too high, they lose my business. End of story.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on November 17, 2022, 05:03:28 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 03:49:56 AM
Quote from: Bruce on November 17, 2022, 02:16:34 AM
Buying fast food without the app or coupon code just isn't worth it at all.

And see, I refuse to use apps belonging to a single company. I deal with enough companies in my life that if I have to install an app for every single one of them, my phone will be full of money-grubber apps and I won't have any space for anything I actually want to use the phone for.

So I judge a company on its cash prices, without any apps or coupons. If their cash price is too high, they lose my business. End of story.

I don't understand the logic here. Single companies are, theoretically, more important to the economy than large conglomerates. Yet you prefer things like Amazon, or Groupon? I don't get it. Most apps are individual apps by individual companies anyway; where do you draw the line?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 05:34:16 AM

No. I prefer to go to McDonalds, give them a piece of paper the government gave me (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/49/US10dollarbill-Series_2004A.jpg/800px-US10dollarbill-Series_2004A.jpg), and get some pieces of metal the government gave them and a burger in return, without my phone being involved in the transaction at all.

If someone is feeling like they might be conglomerating, they should take medication and lie down until it stops.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on November 17, 2022, 05:51:07 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 05:34:16 AM
No. I prefer to go to McDonalds, give them a piece of paper the government gave me (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/49/US10dollarbill-Series_2004A.jpg/800px-US10dollarbill-Series_2004A.jpg), and get some pieces of metal the government gave them and a burger in return, without my phone being involved in the transaction at all.

If someone is feeling like they might be conglomerating, they should take medication and lie down until it stops.

Download the AARoads app today to access the advanced features! :P

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on November 17, 2022, 07:05:58 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 05:34:16 AM
No. I prefer to go to McDonalds, give them a piece of paper the government gave me (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/49/US10dollarbill-Series_2004A.jpg/800px-US10dollarbill-Series_2004A.jpg), and get some pieces of metal the government gave them and a burger in return, without my phone being involved in the transaction at all.

If someone is feeling like they might be conglomerating, they should take medication and lie down until it stops.

That reply had nothing to do with what I asked.

If McDonalds, BK, Chick-Fil-A, Subway, and others teamed up on an app, would you download that? Because you clearly stated:

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 03:49:56 AM
I refuse to use apps belonging to a single company.

Are you just thinking of reasons to not like smartphones, or are you genuinely partial to companies like Amazon, Groupon, WhatsApp, etc?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on November 17, 2022, 07:14:39 AM

One restaurant I go to, Bertucci's, is fairly expensive for my price range. (It's in line with some non-chain restaurants but above most chains.) However, they often give out coupons that are really good, such as $15 off $30, making it cheaper than most places when I use it. No smartphone app required, though; email is enough. Pretty much every other restaurant has moved to a point rewards system rather than giving out really good coupons.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on November 17, 2022, 10:18:17 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 05:34:16 AM
No. I prefer to go to McDonalds, give them a piece of paper the government gave me (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/49/US10dollarbill-Series_2004A.jpg/800px-US10dollarbill-Series_2004A.jpg), and get some pieces of metal the government gave them and a burger in return, without my phone being involved in the transaction at all.

If someone is feeling like they might be conglomerating, they should take medication and lie down until it stops.

Just wait until cash is outright banned because the government decides that they can't track it (and you) and that's a huge problem for them...

As for fast food prices, what do you (not directing this specifically at you, Scott) expect when these businesses were forced to pay all employees $15/hr (which now isn't enough in the eyes of those who pushed for it in the first place) plus the increased fuel costs (which I don't think will be coming down)? Working as a cook at McDonald's or a bagger at Kroger was never meant to be a career that could support a family.

Mandating higher minimum wages is a surefire way to increase inflation. Either that, or a surefire way to replace more jobs with computers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on November 17, 2022, 10:31:42 AM

There are two features of the fast food apps that I like The first is that it's nice and easy to ensure that my order is customized right (no pickles no onions on my burger). The second is the reward points which I plan to use for free food during my next road trip.

Also, if someone looks at my life, they will either determine that I am "extremely boring" or "mostly harmless".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on November 17, 2022, 12:08:31 PM

Fast-food meals are still routinely under $10 per person in my area. This said, I hardly ever get drinks with mine. I all but gave up on sweet carbonated beverages decades ago, and while I still like milkshakes, I view them more as a dessert course.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on November 17, 2022, 12:45:16 PM

I'd love to see some of those self-actualized protesters gather around outlets of the local McD's franchise here in the Appleton, WI area and *DEMAND* they pay their crew members $15/h!

-------

The last few times I dined with them, it was 3 cheeseburgers and a large SODA (Diet Coke without ice) for between $6 and $7 (Grrrrr....) and there were help wanted signs in the doors offering fifteen dollars per hour to start.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on November 17, 2022, 02:17:12 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 16, 2022, 05:19:28 PM
I went to Taco Bell the other day and the total for two people was over $20.

Taco Bell isn't worth $20.

So I guess that was the last time I'll have Taco Bell.

The 21st century sucks.

Quote from: CoreySamson on November 16, 2022, 10:42:04 PM
I can get a good hearty lunch for about 5 or 6 dollars at Taco Bell:

3 Bean or Beef burritos: $2.97
1 Medium Drink: $1.89
Tax: $0.39

Total: $5.25 (cheaper if you get a smaller drink)

Probably the best fast food value I've seen anywhere.

Yeah, Scott, you're just ordering wrong.

$1.00 – cheesy bean & rice burrito
$4.98 – soft taco supreme x 2
$1.00 – medium drink

$7.98 – total

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on November 17, 2022, 02:20:07 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 16, 2022, 05:19:28 PM
I went to Taco Bell the other day and the total for two people was over $20.

Taco Bell isn't worth $20.

So I guess that was the last time I'll have Taco Bell.

The 21st century sucks.

I would ask whether Taco Bell is worth approximately $10, since that's really the scenario if you have two people and the price was a bit over $20–averages out to around $10 a person. Unless one person didn't eat.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on November 17, 2022, 02:30:09 PM

Taco Bell is one of the trickier ones to navigate because they have an extensive a la carte menu in addition to their standard combos and whatever rotating specials they currently have. The standard combo prices are nothing special, about $8-9 per. A la carte selections vary based on what you get, but if you want a drink this is where any savings can go out the window (although, TB does have a $1 medium drink special from 2-5 PM). The $2 value burritos are fairly filling in my experience too.

The special "box" combos centered on whatever limited time item they're promoting are probably the most bang for your buck, especially if you save some of it as leftovers (typically the hard shell taco won't hold up so well, but some of the other stuff might).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on November 17, 2022, 02:34:15 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on November 17, 2022, 02:30:09 PM
The special "box" combos are probably the most bang for your buck, especially if you save some of it as leftovers (typically the hard shell taco won't hold up so well, but some of the other stuff might).

Yeah, if my family of five gets Taco Bell on the way home from church, we generally get the Supreme Soft Taco Party Pack to go, which has a dozen tacos for $21.99. If everyone eats two tacos, it works out to $3.67 per person with leftovers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on November 17, 2022, 02:41:42 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on November 17, 2022, 02:30:09 PM
Taco Bell is one of the trickier ones to navigate because they have an extensive a la carte menu in addition to their standard combos and whatever rotating specials they currently have. The standard combo prices are nothing special, about $8-9 per. A la carte selections vary based on what you get, but if you want a drink this is where any savings can go out the window (although, TB does have a $1 medium drink special from 2-5 PM).

The special "box" combos centered on whatever limited time item they're promoting are probably the most bang for your buck, especially if you save some of it as leftovers (typically the hard shell taco won't hold up so well, but some of the other stuff might).

That first part is actually true of most fast food places, but I do agree that the box combos are by far the best value at Taco Bell. (I didn't even know you could get burritos for $1 - not sure that's the case here.)

Quote from: 1995hoo on November 17, 2022, 02:20:07 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 16, 2022, 05:19:28 PM
I went to Taco Bell the other day and the total for two people was over $20.

Taco Bell isn't worth $20.

...

I would ask whether Taco Bell is worth approximately $10, since that's really the scenario if you have two people and the price was a bit over $20–averages out to around $10 a person. Unless one person didn't eat.

I'm sure he knows that. I think the math was implied :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on November 17, 2022, 02:51:49 PM

I'm surprised we got this far without someone mentioning that analyst from a few weeks ago on some business TV channel implying he ate $28 of Taco Bell all by himself in one sitting.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on November 17, 2022, 02:56:16 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on November 17, 2022, 02:51:49 PM
I'm surprised we got this far without someone mentioning that analyst from a few weeks ago on some business TV channel implying he ate $28 of Taco Bell all by himself in one sitting.

I mean, if I were really hungry, I suppose I might be able to eat six Doritos Cheesy Gordita Crunch thingies.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on November 17, 2022, 03:02:33 PM

I think it would be easy to spend $28 if you tried - that is, if you cherry-picked three or four of the most expensive, worst-value items, and added a drink or two at the end. But it would be almost impossible to do by accident with a standard run-of-the-mill Taco Bell order.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on November 17, 2022, 03:22:47 PM

I used to really like Five Guys, and I'm not one who wants a lot of toppings on my burger. Cheese is usually a must and bacon if it's available without too much of an extra charge. For condiments, I either want mustard alone or mustard with ketchup, A-1, or BBQ sauce, and maybe some lettuce. No onion, no pickle, no tomato, definitely no mayo. But I too determined that Five Guys is too pricey for what you get, even if you get a crap ton of fries, so I haven't been to Five Guys in years. I've actually come to prefer Culver's. It's cheaper and just as tasty, even if the fries aren't as good or as plentiful.

I like Hardee's, but without some sort of coupon or deal, it's become far too expensive for anything more than an occasional splurge.

Unlike our friend in Oklahoma, I make great use of apps, using digital deals and ordering ahead so I can quickly pick up my lunch and get back to the office. McDonald's offers free fries in the app most days; Wendy's and Hardee's will have occasional deals and you can accrue points for free food.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DenverBrian on November 17, 2022, 03:25:50 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 17, 2022, 10:18:17 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 05:34:16 AM
No. I prefer to go to McDonalds, give them a piece of paper the government gave me (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/49/US10dollarbill-Series_2004A.jpg/800px-US10dollarbill-Series_2004A.jpg), and get some pieces of metal the government gave them and a burger in return, without my phone being involved in the transaction at all.

If someone is feeling like they might be conglomerating, they should take medication and lie down until it stops.

Just wait until cash is outright banned because the government decides that they can't track it (and you) and that's a huge problem for them...

As for fast food prices, what do you (not directing this specifically at you, Scott) expect when these businesses were forced to pay all employees $15/hr (which now isn't enough in the eyes of those who pushed for it in the first place) plus the increased fuel costs (which I don't think will be coming down)? Working as a cook at McDonald's or a bagger at Kroger was never meant to be a career that could support a family.

Mandating higher minimum wages is a surefire way to increase inflation. Either that, or a surefire way to replace more jobs with computers.

One minor thing that bothers me is when people repeat the hoary old claim that higher minimum wages lead to inflation.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on November 17, 2022, 03:41:55 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on November 17, 2022, 03:22:47 PM
I too determined that Five Guys is too pricey for what you get, even if you get a crap ton of fries, so I haven't been to Five Guys in years. I've actually come to prefer Culver's. It's cheaper and just as tasty, even if the fries aren't as good or as plentiful.

I judge a burger by the fries that come with it, so I'd prefer Five Guys even if I didn't think its burgers were better than those at Culver's (which I do).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on November 17, 2022, 03:52:22 PM

Quote from: DenverBrian on November 17, 2022, 03:25:50 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 17, 2022, 10:18:17 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 05:34:16 AM
No. I prefer to go to McDonalds, give them a piece of paper the government gave me (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/49/US10dollarbill-Series_2004A.jpg/800px-US10dollarbill-Series_2004A.jpg), and get some pieces of metal the government gave them and a burger in return, without my phone being involved in the transaction at all.

If someone is feeling like they might be conglomerating, they should take medication and lie down until it stops.

Just wait until cash is outright banned because the government decides that they can't track it (and you) and that's a huge problem for them...

As for fast food prices, what do you (not directing this specifically at you, Scott) expect when these businesses were forced to pay all employees $15/hr (which now isn't enough in the eyes of those who pushed for it in the first place) plus the increased fuel costs (which I don't think will be coming down)? Working as a cook at McDonald's or a bagger at Kroger was never meant to be a career that could support a family.

Mandating higher minimum wages is a surefire way to increase inflation. Either that, or a surefire way to replace more jobs with computers.
One minor thing that bothers me is when people repeat the hoary old claim that higher minimum wages lead to inflation.

Explain how it doesn't then.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on November 17, 2022, 03:52:46 PM

Yeah, I wasn't super impressed with the Culver's fries. But I will say their burger was pretty good.

Honestly, in my opinion, McDonalds' fries are the gold standard.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 04:01:14 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on November 17, 2022, 07:05:58 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 05:34:16 AM
No. I prefer to go to McDonalds, give them a piece of paper the government gave me (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/49/US10dollarbill-Series_2004A.jpg/800px-US10dollarbill-Series_2004A.jpg), and get some pieces of metal the government gave them and a burger in return, without my phone being involved in the transaction at all.

If someone is feeling like they might be conglomerating, they should take medication and lie down until it stops.

That reply had nothing to do with what I asked.

If McDonalds, BK, Chick-Fil-A, Subway, and others teamed up on an app, would you download that? Because you clearly stated:

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 03:49:56 AM
I refuse to use apps belonging to a single company.

Are you just thinking of reasons to not like smartphones, or are you genuinely partial to companies like Amazon, Groupon, WhatsApp, etc?

I don't know, maybe? Probably not, because I've seen a friend use the McDonalds app and it didn't really seem like it made the transaction any faster or more convenient. We just waited in a parking spot instead of in the drive thru and it was about the same amount of time. I guess she got a discount or something, I don't know. But it just seemed like a hassle compared to paying cash.

I don't have any of the apps you describe in the rest of your post, either. I only access Amazon through Firefox on my desktop. I don't use Groupon or WhatsApp.

Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 17, 2022, 10:18:17 AM
As for fast food prices, what do you (not directing this specifically at you, Scott) expect when these businesses were forced to pay all employees $15/hr (which now isn't enough in the eyes of those who pushed for it in the first place) plus the increased fuel costs (which I don't think will be coming down)? Working as a cook at McDonald's or a bagger at Kroger was never meant to be a career that could support a family.

Get rid of a bunch of the district managers and other corporate gunk that just drains money and provides no benefit to the customer. When I was at Burger King we always had all sorts of district managers, regional managers, corporate secret shoppers, and who knows what else always buzzing around causing problems. None of them made things any better for the customer. They can be cut. (After all, you can have a burger joint without a regional manager, but you can't have a burger joint without a cook or a drive-thru person.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on November 17, 2022, 04:01:41 PM

Quote from: US 89 on November 17, 2022, 03:52:46 PM
Honestly, in my opinion, McDonalds' fries are the gold standard.

Pizza Hut has some of the best fries.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on November 17, 2022, 04:40:45 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 05:34:16 AM
No. I prefer to go to McDonalds, give them a piece of paper the government gave me (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/49/US10dollarbill-Series_2004A.jpg/800px-US10dollarbill-Series_2004A.jpg), and get some pieces of metal the government gave them and a burger in return, without my phone being involved in the transaction at all.

If someone is feeling like they might be conglomerating, they should take medication and lie down until it stops.

With the app, all I have to do is read out the coupon code number at the drive-thru speaker and I can proceed much faster than ordering the normal way. It'll pop up on their screen as the complete order.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DenverBrian on November 17, 2022, 04:53:43 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 17, 2022, 03:52:22 PM
Quote from: DenverBrian on November 17, 2022, 03:25:50 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on November 17, 2022, 10:18:17 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 05:34:16 AM
No. I prefer to go to McDonalds, give them a piece of paper the government gave me (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/49/US10dollarbill-Series_2004A.jpg/800px-US10dollarbill-Series_2004A.jpg), and get some pieces of metal the government gave them and a burger in return, without my phone being involved in the transaction at all.

If someone is feeling like they might be conglomerating, they should take medication and lie down until it stops.

Just wait until cash is outright banned because the government decides that they can't track it (and you) and that's a huge problem for them...

As for fast food prices, what do you (not directing this specifically at you, Scott) expect when these businesses were forced to pay all employees $15/hr (which now isn't enough in the eyes of those who pushed for it in the first place) plus the increased fuel costs (which I don't think will be coming down)? Working as a cook at McDonald's or a bagger at Kroger was never meant to be a career that could support a family.

Mandating higher minimum wages is a surefire way to increase inflation. Either that, or a surefire way to replace more jobs with computers.
One minor thing that bothers me is when people repeat the hoary old claim that higher minimum wages lead to inflation.

Explain how it doesn't then.

Another minor thing that bugs me is when posters try insert their economic/political/religious beliefs into otherwise innocuous forum topics. <shrugs>

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 05:07:51 PM

Quote from: Bruce on November 17, 2022, 04:40:45 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 05:34:16 AM
No. I prefer to go to McDonalds, give them a piece of paper the government gave me (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/49/US10dollarbill-Series_2004A.jpg/800px-US10dollarbill-Series_2004A.jpg), and get some pieces of metal the government gave them and a burger in return, without my phone being involved in the transaction at all.

If someone is feeling like they might be conglomerating, they should take medication and lie down until it stops.

With the app, all I have to do is read out the coupon code number at the drive-thru speaker and I can proceed much faster than ordering the normal way. It'll pop up on their screen as the complete order.

The one time I was with someone with the app it really didn't seem any faster to me.

And if you go through the drive thru, the ordering process isn't normally the rate-limiting factor. It's the guy in front of you in line who ordered 18,357 cheeseburgers and 19,099 orders of fries (768 of them with no salt). I have first-hand experience with this, running a drive thru myself. (I could ring up orders very fast, but it didn't really matter too much because all that did was fill the kitchen's screen up with crap and it didn't make them any faster.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on November 17, 2022, 05:08:19 PM

Quote from: DenverBrian on November 17, 2022, 04:53:43 PM
Another minor thing that bugs me is when posters try insert their economic/political/religious beliefs into otherwise innocuous forum topics. <shrugs>

Yes, thank you. We went from a discussion of the benefits of cash vs smartphone apps to posts about ~~government tracking and~~ minimum wage, for no apparent reason other than wanting to insert politics into the forum.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on November 17, 2022, 05:08:46 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 05:07:51 PM
And if you go through the drive thru, the ordering process isn't normally the rate-limiting factor. It's the guy in front of you in line who ordered 18,357 cheeseburgers and 19,099 orders of fries (768 of them with no salt).

That guy should have just used the app. :evilgrin:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 05:13:17 PM

Quote from: kphoger on November 17, 2022, 05:08:46 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 05:07:51 PM
And if you go through the drive thru, the ordering process isn't normally the rate-limiting factor. It's the guy in front of you in line who ordered 18,357 cheeseburgers and 19,099 orders of fries (768 of them with no salt).

That guy should have just used the app. :evilgrin:

How would it have helped? Apparently when they get an app order they don't start making it until the person arrives at the restaurant anyway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on November 17, 2022, 05:14:24 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 05:13:17 PM
How would it have helped? Apparently when they get an app order they don't start making it until the person arrives at the restaurant anyway.

When they don't get an app order they don't start making it until the customer is done ordering at the speaker.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 05:22:32 PM

Quote from: kphoger on November 17, 2022, 05:14:24 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 05:13:17 PM
How would it have helped? Apparently when they get an app order they don't start making it until the person arrives at the restaurant anyway.

When they don't get an app order they don't start making it until the customer is done ordering at the speaker.

So, we're talking, what, 30 seconds' difference? Seems like a wash considering that's probably how much longer it would take me to order on a clumsy phone interface.

Hey, your phone can't even run the McDonalds app, can it? What are you doing in this discussion? :D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on November 17, 2022, 05:50:31 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 05:13:17 PM
Apparently when they get an app order they don't start making it until the person arrives at the restaurant anyway.

I just say "I'm here" when I'm still five minutes away. Food is usually ready when I get there. Granted that doesn't work for drive thru ordering, but that option is usually too risky (because you can get stuck behind your aforementioned dude ordering "18,357 cheeseburgers and 19,099 orders of fries").

Starbucks is great for ordering ahead, as they automatically make your order after you place it (unlike most places where you have to trick the app). Assuming it's been around 10 minutes, the order is usually ready to pick up immediately after you walk into the store.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on November 18, 2022, 09:14:15 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on November 17, 2022, 05:50:31 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 05:13:17 PM
Apparently when they get an app order they don't start making it until the person arrives at the restaurant anyway.

I just say "I'm here" when I'm still five minutes away. Food is usually ready when I get there. ...

Starbucks is great for ordering ahead, as they automatically make your order after you place it (unlike most places where you have to trick the app).

Having to trick the app is very much a minor thing that bothers me. Any company that requires you to say you're "here" before starting your order has zero understanding of 21st century customer service. People are ordering ahead because they want to make sure it's ready. They could care less if it's ready 5 minutes early, but they will be annoyed if they have to wait for it, or forget to say they're "here" and have to ask for it only to find out it hasn't even been started.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on November 18, 2022, 10:24:42 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on November 17, 2022, 05:50:31 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 05:13:17 PM
Apparently when they get an app order they don't start making it until the person arrives at the restaurant anyway.

I just say "I'm here" when I'm still five minutes away. Food is usually ready when I get there. Granted that doesn't work for drive thru ordering, but that option is usually too risky (because you can get stuck behind your aforementioned dude ordering "18,357 cheeseburgers and 19,099 orders of fries").

Starbucks is great for ordering ahead, as they automatically make your order after you place it (unlike most places where you have to trick the app). Assuming it's been around 10 minutes, the order is usually ready to pick up immediately after you walk into the store.

The Chick-fil-A app uses your cell phone GPS data to determine when you're arriving to the restaurant. This is annoying when my wife orders on her phone and then I pick it up, because then I have to make sure I have her cell phone with me.

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 05:22:32 PM
Hey, your phone can't even run the McDonalds app, can it? What are you doing in this discussion? :D

Oh, me? I was just in the area...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on November 18, 2022, 11:11:41 AM

Quote from: Bruce on November 12, 2022, 11:30:52 PM
Quote from: kkt on November 12, 2022, 07:41:41 PM
Translating recipes between countries is a pain. Many British and European cookbooks measure in grams. Many US cookbooks measure volume instead and hope for the best. If a US kitchen has a scale at all it's probably in ounces. A lot of ingredients have different names from their US name, or they have the same name but differ somehow. Is British "plain flour" like US all purpose flour or pastry flour or bread flour? Are their eggs the same size as ours?

Have to also watch for the US pint/British pint difference. Having units of different sizes share the same name is very dumb.

It's not just beer, as I noticed the first time I did serious grocery shopping in England. Quarts, half-gallons, and gallons of milk are also larger.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on November 18, 2022, 11:33:07 AM

Quote from: kphoger on November 18, 2022, 10:24:42 AMThe Chick-fil-A app uses your cell phone GPS data to determine when you're arriving to the restaurant. This is annoying when my wife orders on her phone and then I pick it up, because then I have to make sure I have her cell phone with me.

What happens if you turn location services off? Does it then prompt you to say "here" and thus open the door to Jakeroot's "'here' when five minutes away" trick?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on November 18, 2022, 11:34:37 AM

Quote from: J N Winkler on November 18, 2022, 11:33:07 AM

Quote from: kphoger on November 18, 2022, 10:24:42 AM
The Chick-fil-A app uses your cell phone GPS data to determine when you're arriving to the restaurant. This is annoying when my wife orders on her phone and then I pick it up, because then I have to make sure I have her cell phone with me.

What happens if you turn location services off? Does it then prompt you to say "here" and thus open the door to Jakeroot's "'here' when five minutes away" trick?

Beats me.

(It doesn't matter to me, because my wife's phone is the one with the app. I mean, I guess I could say "here" right before I walk out the door...)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jmacswimmer on November 18, 2022, 11:46:05 AM

Quote from: kphoger on November 18, 2022, 11:34:37 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on November 18, 2022, 11:33:07 AM

Quote from: kphoger on November 18, 2022, 10:24:42 AM
The Chick-fil-A app uses your cell phone GPS data to determine when you're arriving to the restaurant. This is annoying when my wife orders on her phone and then I pick it up, because then I have to make sure I have her cell phone with me.

What happens if you turn location services off? Does it then prompt you to say "here" and thus open the door to Jakeroot's "'here' when five minutes away" trick?

Beats me.

(It doesn't matter to me, because my wife's phone is the one with the app. I mean, I guess I could say "here" right before I walk out the door...)

I think there's an "I'm already here" option, which I had to use once when I had arrived at CFA but the app wasn't recognizing it for some reason. Which, yes, does indeed open up the trick described above, though I find that CFA is usually pretty quick despite the order not being prepared until you've arrived.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on November 18, 2022, 11:55:19 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 03:49:56 AM
Quote from: Bruce on November 17, 2022, 02:16:34 AM
Buying fast food without the app or coupon code just isn't worth it at all.

And see, I refuse to use apps belonging to a single company. I deal with enough companies in my life that if I have to install an app for every single one of them, my phone will be full of money-grubber apps and I won't have any space for anything I actually want to use the phone for.

So I judge a company on its cash prices, without any apps or coupons. If their cash price is too high, they lose my business. End of story.

There is certainly a calculated rick here. Businesses need to determine what will ultimately bring in more revenue & profit: Do they raise their prices and count on people using apps or coupons? How much do they raise the prices and how much of a discount do they provide via other options?

While most of the world focuses on the $15 burger flippers, it's the people in headquarters making 6 figures making these decisions, and running continuous projections on what will draw in customers.

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 05:34:16 AM
No. I prefer to go to McDonalds, give them a piece of paper the government gave me (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/49/US10dollarbill-Series_2004A.jpg/800px-US10dollarbill-Series_2004A.jpg), and get some pieces of metal the government gave them and a burger in return, without my phone being involved in the transaction at all.

If someone is feeling like they might be conglomerating, they should take medication and lie down until it stops.

This is becoming increasingly rare. To some people, cash is king, but businesses are fully keen on that credit card and electronic forms of payment result in bigger sales.

Quote from: webny99 on November 17, 2022, 02:41:42 PM
That first part is actually true of most fast food places, but I do agree that the box combos are by far the best value at Taco Bell.

Absolutely. They're a great value, and the only noticeable difference over a value meal is they give you a medium soda instead of a large. Oh, and you generally have to use the App to order them.

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 04:01:14 PM
I don't know, maybe? Probably not, because I've seen a friend use the McDonalds app and it didn't really seem like it made the transaction any faster or more convenient. We just waited in a parking spot instead of in the drive thru and it was about the same amount of time. I guess she got a discount or something, I don't know. But it just seemed like a hassle compared to paying cash.

Do restaurants tell people it's faster thru the app? I'm not sure. But even if they do, I agree it's certainly not faster than pulling up and saying what you want. However, the apps are really meant for the restaurants to make money - after all, that's why they offer it. When you're sitting there, you can look at what you want, and they can push for larger portions, or an extra side, or a higher priced drink. That's the real incentive behind that app. Sure, there's coupons, but if that app convinced someone to order food and go to the restaurant, whatever revenue is brought in is 100% higher than no revenue.

Just having the app itself is an advertisement as you scroll thru your phone, and incentivizing the potential customer to order something.

Personally for me, I don't use the parking spots. I'll rather go thru the drive-thru or go inside. My experiences with parking and waiting is they may forget something or didn't bring out a condiment I wanted (that, of course, they didn't know about beforehand), and then I'm waiting longer for them to return the missing or omitted item.

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 04:01:14 PM
Get rid of a bunch of the district managers and other corporate gunk that just drains money and provides no benefit to the customer. When I was at Burger King we always had all sorts of district managers, regional managers, corporate secret shoppers, and who knows what else always buzzing around causing problems. None of them made things any better for the customer. They can be cut. (After all, you can have a burger joint without a regional manager, but you can't have a burger joint without a cook or a drive-thru person.)

No doubt corporate structures are filled with bloating positions, but Burger King brought in $22 Billion in 2019. I'm going to go out on a limb and say them paying millions to those "always buzzing around causing problems" are responsible for the company earning billions.

A guy I carpool with works with Home Depot part time. He used to work for Lowes, but was dismissed during a "layoff of 1". He also tends to speak his mind in what the stores are doing wrong, and his experience there 12 hours a week for 8 months no doubt qualifies him to inform everyone what the international company is doing wrong (end sarcasm). Similar issue. He makes $13 an hour. Home Depot made $110 Billion in revenue in 2022. He sees what's going on in Aisle 17 of the one and only store he's worked at. Those district managers and secret shoppers see a lot more.

No company does everything perfect. Every company tries different things, and they all won't succeed. But companies don't make billions failing at everything, and not having management staff keeping an eye on things.

Quote from: webny99 on November 18, 2022, 09:14:15 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on November 17, 2022, 05:50:31 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 05:13:17 PM
Apparently when they get an app order they don't start making it until the person arrives at the restaurant anyway.

I just say "I'm here" when I'm still five minutes away. Food is usually ready when I get there. ...

Starbucks is great for ordering ahead, as they automatically make your order after you place it (unlike most places where you have to trick the app).

Having to trick the app is very much a minor thing that bothers me. Any company that requires you to say you're "here" before starting your order has zero understanding of 21st century customer service. People are ordering ahead because they want to make sure it's ready. They could care less if it's ready 5 minutes early, but they will be annoyed if they have to wait for it, or forget to say they're "here" and have to ask for it only to find out it hasn't even been started.

There's a certain risk here too. Start it too early, then the food gets cold or tastes like it was under a heat lamp. Or the driver gets stuck in congestion. Or the pickup option has a long line. Or the driver thinking they're 5 minutes away was really 15 minutes away. A lot can go wrong especially with food that they want hot.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on November 18, 2022, 12:10:33 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 18, 2022, 11:55:19 AMThere's a certain risk here too. Start it too early, then the food gets cold or tastes like it was under a heat lamp. Or the driver gets stuck in congestion. Or the pickup option has a long line. Or the driver thinking they're 5 minutes away was really 15 minutes away. A lot can go wrong especially with food that they want hot.

In my experience, the real risk is having the food picked up by someone else, as I've had happen a time or two.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on November 18, 2022, 12:30:27 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 18, 2022, 11:55:19 AM
No doubt corporate structures are filled with bloating positions, but Burger King brought in $22 Billion in 2019. I'm going to go out on a limb and say them paying millions to those "always buzzing around causing problems" are responsible for the company earning billions.

It humors me when someone seems to suggest that a corporation like Burger King hasn't already figured out how many of its expenses it can afford to trim–as if it isn't already in the business of calculating profit and value down the penny. "Get rid of a bunch of the district managers and other corporate gunk that just drains money"? Yeah, I'm betting the company's financial analysts area constantly evaluating just how worth it those folks are to the company–and, if they determined that the positions were a drain to the bottom line, that the company would eliminate the positions.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on November 18, 2022, 01:18:00 PM

Quote from: kphoger on November 18, 2022, 12:30:27 PMIt humors me when someone seems to suggest that a corporation like Burger King hasn't already figured out how many of its expenses it can afford to trim–as if it isn't already in the business of calculating profit and value down the penny. "Get rid of a bunch of the district managers and other corporate gunk that just drains money"? Yeah, I'm betting the company's financial analysts area constantly evaluating just how worth it those folks are to the company–and, if they determined that the positions were a drain to the bottom line, that the company would eliminate the positions.

We live in a world with information asymmetry, so I view Jeffandnicole (middle management is essential to profitability) and Scott5411 (middle managers are parasites) as being both correct.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on November 18, 2022, 01:21:47 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on November 18, 2022, 01:18:00 PM
We live in a world with information asymmetry, so I view Jeffandnicole (middle management is essential to profitability) and Scott5411 (middle managers are parasites) as being both correct.

One year decades ago when I worked at Chrysler (so long ago that "Chrysler" was it's name), management got bonuses. My manager got a 100% bonus. We grunts got nothing or just a few percent, I forget. That clearly was a case of a middle manager parasite. The conversation around the office was, "What did Bill do deserve that money that any of us didn't do for him?"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on November 18, 2022, 01:59:52 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on November 18, 2022, 12:10:33 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 18, 2022, 11:55:19 AMThere's a certain risk here too. Start it too early, then the food gets cold or tastes like it was under a heat lamp. Or the driver gets stuck in congestion. Or the pickup option has a long line. Or the driver thinking they're 5 minutes away was really 15 minutes away. A lot can go wrong especially with food that they want hot.

In my experience, the real risk is having the food picked up by someone else, as I've had happen a time or two.

The Starbucks near my office has one employee during the morning crush who is specifically tasked with handing mobile orders to customers and verifying names before handing you your order. It works well and I have not seen that elsewhere, including at the other Starbucks two blocks in the opposite direction.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Hunty2022 on November 18, 2022, 02:37:46 PM

1. My 2+ month long curse on the Guess the Speed Limit Challenge, it started when I got the speed limit right, but I chose not to post anything since I was, and still am, on mobile. All of my guesses since then were wrong.

2. Whenever I find an interesting "in your state" thread, but someone already said something about Virginia, significantly lowering my interest and chances of posting something there.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on November 18, 2022, 02:47:53 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on November 18, 2022, 01:18:00 PM
I view Jeffandnicole (middle management is essential to profitability) and Scott5411 (middle managers are parasites) as being both correct.

Are you the new Alan?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on November 18, 2022, 03:06:50 PM

Quote from: kphoger on November 18, 2022, 02:47:53 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on November 18, 2022, 01:18:00 PM
I view Jeffandnicole (middle management is essential to profitability) and Scott5411 (middle managers are parasites) as being both correct.

Are you the new Alan?

Well, Scott5411 is definitely fictional. ;-)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on November 18, 2022, 03:16:21 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 18, 2022, 11:55:19 AM

Quote from: webny99 on November 18, 2022, 09:14:15 AM
Having to trick the app is very much a minor thing that bothers me. Any company that requires you to say you're "here" before starting your order has zero understanding of 21st century customer service. People are ordering ahead because they want to make sure it's ready. They could care less if it's ready 5 minutes early, but they will be annoyed if they have to wait for it, or forget to say they're "here" and have to ask for it only to find out it hasn't even been started.

There's a certain risk here too. Start it too early, then the food gets cold or tastes like it was under a heat lamp. Or the driver gets stuck in congestion. Or the pickup option has a long line. Or the driver thinking they're 5 minutes away was really 15 minutes away. A lot can go wrong especially with food that they want hot.

If you order ahead on the Dunkin app while several miles or more away from the store, there's a pop-up that asks if you want to wait until you're closer. You can choose to wait or place the order now, and there's also an option to never ask again for that location. That's the best way to handle it IMO, since it transfers the risk of it being ready too early to the customer. Yes, unexpected issues can arise, but 9 times out 10, people are using the app to save time, and they care more about the time savings than the order being ready too early (especially at Dunkin, where the morning drive thru lines can be absurd and the app regularly saves 10+ minutes).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on November 18, 2022, 03:24:44 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on November 18, 2022, 01:18:00 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 18, 2022, 12:30:27 PMIt humors me when someone seems to suggest that a corporation like Burger King hasn't already figured out how many of its expenses it can afford to trim–as if it isn't already in the business of calculating profit and value down the penny. "Get rid of a bunch of the district managers and other corporate gunk that just drains money"? Yeah, I'm betting the company's financial analysts area constantly evaluating just how worth it those folks are to the company–and, if they determined that the positions were a drain to the bottom line, that the company would eliminate the positions.

We live in a world with information asymmetry, so I view Jeffandnicole (middle management is essential to profitability) and Scott5411 (middle managers are parasites) as being both correct.

And Scott#### isn't wrong - there are many companies that have done away with middle managers. And while some of the work is paper-pushing that will never see the light of day again, there's also work that gets pushed to others to complete, without corresponding compensation.

Later on, the middle manager positions always seems to quietly come back, until the next round of layoffs needs to occur.

In my office, I can name the 'middle managers' that I wonder what they're really doing. I was involved with one of them today, as he was questioning me about something he had no clue what he was talking about. And in turn, I had no clue what he was questioning. I finally figured out enough to realize this wasn't a Jeff problem, so I pushed him off onto someone else.

The secret shoppers of the world are a necessary evil. Employees will act more proper around bosses and suits. And companies have their traits. Some of which may be stoopid, but that's their culture, and if you wanna be paid by the company, gotta live that culture.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on November 18, 2022, 03:36:06 PM

Quote from: webny99 on November 18, 2022, 03:06:50 PMWell, Scott5411 is definitely fictional. ;-)

Ooops! (Sorry, Scott.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 18, 2022, 03:47:52 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 18, 2022, 11:55:19 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 04:01:14 PM
I don't know, maybe? Probably not, because I've seen a friend use the McDonalds app and it didn't really seem like it made the transaction any faster or more convenient. We just waited in a parking spot instead of in the drive thru and it was about the same amount of time. I guess she got a discount or something, I don't know. But it just seemed like a hassle compared to paying cash.

Do restaurants tell people it's faster thru the app? I'm not sure. But even if they do, I agree it's certainly not faster than pulling up and saying what you want. However, the apps are really meant for the restaurants to make money - after all, that's why they offer it. When you're sitting there, you can look at what you want, and they can push for larger portions, or an extra side, or a higher priced drink. That's the real incentive behind that app. Sure, there's coupons, but if that app convinced someone to order food and go to the restaurant, whatever revenue is brought in is 100% higher than no revenue.

Just having the app itself is an advertisement as you scroll thru your phone, and incentivizing the potential customer to order something.

This is more or less a summary of why I don't use the apps. All of the benefits here are to the company. There's no real incentive to me to play ball other than the potential for discounts, which feels less like a carrot and more like a stick ("submit to our desire to more directly manipulate your purchasing pattern or we will charge you higher prices").

Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 18, 2022, 11:55:19 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 17, 2022, 04:01:14 PM
Get rid of a bunch of the district managers and other corporate gunk that just drains money and provides no benefit to the customer. When I was at Burger King we always had all sorts of district managers, regional managers, corporate secret shoppers, and who knows what else always buzzing around causing problems. None of them made things any better for the customer. They can be cut. (After all, you can have a burger joint without a regional manager, but you can't have a burger joint without a cook or a drive-thru person.)

No doubt corporate structures are filled with bloating positions, but Burger King brought in $22 Billion in 2019. I'm going to go out on a limb and say them paying millions to those "always buzzing around causing problems" are responsible for the company earning billions.

You have a much higher opinion of BKC corporate than direct experience with them indicates is justified. These were the same people that whipped for 2m 30s drive thru times and yet also continually created products like the Oreo shake that took about ten steps to make and thus was basically impossible to actually fulfill in 2m 30s.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 18, 2022, 11:55:19 AM
A guy I carpool with works with Home Depot part time. He used to work for Lowes, but was dismissed during a "layoff of 1". He also tends to speak his mind in what the stores are doing wrong, and his experience there 12 hours a week for 8 months no doubt qualifies him to inform everyone what the international company is doing wrong (end sarcasm). Similar issue. He makes $13 an hour. Home Depot made $110 Billion in revenue in 2022. He sees what's going on in Aisle 17 of the one and only store he's worked at. Those district managers and secret shoppers see a lot more.

While someone with only 8 months of experience probably doesn't have the answers to everything, a recurring problem in my corporate employment experience was edicts coming from higher-ups that assumed facts on the ground that simply didn't match reality. Many times, policies would come down the pike that made certain assumptions that customers would act in a certain way, or that machines or computer programs would allow certain things that that they didn't. The result was often that following the policy as written was either impossible, only possible under a narrow set of circumstances, or produced ludicrous or customer-angering results given real-world inputs. These policies could have easily been improved if the manager writing them had merely bothered to consult with an experienced frontline employee for 15 minutes.

One example was the member casino upper management who visited one of our properties and declared that the gaming floor looked too cluttered because there were too many trash cans. He ordered that half of them be removed, then fucked off back to HQ. On his next visit to the property, he got to bear witness to customers throwing their trash–including full drink cups!–directly onto the ground because they couldn't be bothered to walk twice the distance to the next available trash can. (Fortunately, the removed trash cans were kept in storage rather than discarded.)

Also, a company making X amount of money is no guarantee that it is doing everything right. Home Depot may make $110 billion in revenue, but it's entirely possible that with some adjustments to policy, they could be making $220 billion. (This was certainly true of the casinos I worked at, which tended to just putter along on auto-pilot, secure in the knowledge that if they angered a customer with $100 to spend, they just needed someone to hit the button four times on a $25 machine to get the same total coin-in.) And revenue is only one side of the equation; a reasonably bright frontline employee could probably spot a half-dozen ways the company could save money just through experience of what is actually needed, what is wasteful, and what upsets customers.

Quote from: kphoger on November 18, 2022, 12:30:27 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 18, 2022, 11:55:19 AM
No doubt corporate structures are filled with bloating positions, but Burger King brought in $22 Billion in 2019. I'm going to go out on a limb and say them paying millions to those "always buzzing around causing problems" are responsible for the company earning billions.

It humors me when someone seems to suggest that a corporation like Burger King hasn't already figured out how many of its expenses it can afford to trim–as if it isn't already in the business of calculating profit and value down the penny. "Get rid of a bunch of the district managers and other corporate gunk that just drains money"? Yeah, I'm betting the company's financial analysts area constantly evaluating just how worth it those folks are to the company–and, if they determined that the positions were a drain to the bottom line, that the company would eliminate the positions.

Profitability is sometimes not the main goal of these positions–sometimes it's ensuring compliance with policy (which may or may not drive profitability in and of itself–policing the number of tomatoes put on a sandwich probably does, while policing that all employees wear black shoes probably does not). Sometimes management positions are created as semi-sinecures to show favor to particular employees. Or sometimes they're created because there is a need to create a position with a higher level of trust than is afforded to frontline employees.

One example of the latter two functions is the "lead" position above me when I was a casino cashier, which made quite a lot more money than the regular cashiers did. They only had the additional responsibilities of transporting larger amounts of money across the facility, entering override passwords when a computer wouldn't process a transaction, and being the person who appears when someone wants to talk to a manager. I found out after I left that one of the leads I was on good terms with was able to discharge these duties while under the influence of cannabis on a daily basis, and nobody was able to tell, because the position was that useless.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 18, 2022, 03:24:44 PM
The secret shoppers of the world are a necessary evil. Employees will act more proper around bosses and suits. And companies have their traits. Some of which may be stoopid, but that's their culture, and if you wanna be paid by the company, gotta live that culture.

Of course, you could do it a lot better than BKC did, which was to invariably order a burger and a drink through the drive-thru at off-peak hours, and wait to be asked if they wanted fries to make it a combo. This just resulted in any burger-and-drink-only drive-thru order getting top priority in the kitchen. The form we were given with our results even had the instructions given to the secret shopper of what to order and when printed out on the top of it, so it was very much an open-book test.

Quote from: J N Winkler on November 18, 2022, 03:36:06 PM
Quote from: webny99 on November 18, 2022, 03:06:50 PMWell, Scott5411 is definitely fictional. ;-)

Ooops! (Sorry, Scott.)

Not a problem! (The number after my name is pretty arbitrary, after all.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on November 18, 2022, 03:53:57 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 18, 2022, 03:24:44 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on November 18, 2022, 01:18:00 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 18, 2022, 12:30:27 PMIt humors me when someone seems to suggest that a corporation like Burger King hasn't already figured out how many of its expenses it can afford to trim–as if it isn't already in the business of calculating profit and value down the penny. "Get rid of a bunch of the district managers and other corporate gunk that just drains money"? Yeah, I'm betting the company's financial analysts area constantly evaluating just how worth it those folks are to the company–and, if they determined that the positions were a drain to the bottom line, that the company would eliminate the positions.

We live in a world with information asymmetry, so I view Jeffandnicole (middle management is essential to profitability) and Scott5411 (middle managers are parasites) as being both correct.

And Scott#### isn't wrong - there are many companies that have done away with middle managers. And while some of the work is paper-pushing that will never see the light of day again, there's also work that gets pushed to others to complete, without corresponding compensation.

Later on, the middle manager positions always seems to quietly come back, until the next round of layoffs needs to occur.

In my office, I can name the 'middle managers' that I wonder what they're really doing. I was involved with one of them today, as he was questioning me about something he had no clue what he was talking about. And in turn, I had no clue what he was questioning. I finally figured out enough to realize this wasn't a Jeff problem, so I pushed him off onto someone else.

The secret shoppers of the world are a necessary evil. Employees will act more proper around bosses and suits. And companies have their traits. Some of which may be stoopid, but that's their culture, and if you wanna be paid by the company, gotta live that culture.

As a retired government employee, this Dilbert summarizes my attitude towards middle management more than any argument I could write. I had this posted in my cubicle for several years.

(https://external-preview.redd.it/OR7Z_7dD_GzzHn_d_O7zmH31eM2q_CZzda2D131G80M.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=574ace5c340eb53b57b0b7aaa4b1c3d96cd76749)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on November 18, 2022, 04:00:44 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 18, 2022, 03:47:52 PM
... I don't use the apps. All of the benefits here are to the company. There's no real incentive to me to play ball other than the potential for discounts, which feels less like a carrot and more like a stick ("submit to our desire to more directly manipulate your purchasing pattern or we will charge you higher prices").

The Chick-fil-A app allows my family to walk in the door, find an empty table, sit down, look over the menu at our leisure, and order from our seats–no need to wait in line at all. Then, when our order is ready, they bring it out to us (as they would anyway). That's a really nice perk.

It also saves past orders. So, after we've sat down, my wife can go around and ask each person in the family, "Do you want x, y, and z again"? Most of the time, the answer is "yes". Bam! Ordered.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 18, 2022, 04:08:05 PM

Quote from: kphoger on November 18, 2022, 04:00:44 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 18, 2022, 03:47:52 PM
... I don't use the apps. All of the benefits here are to the company. There's no real incentive to me to play ball other than the potential for discounts, which feels less like a carrot and more like a stick ("submit to our desire to more directly manipulate your purchasing pattern or we will charge you higher prices").

The Chick-fil-A app allows my family to walk in the door, find an empty table, sit down, look over the menu at our leisure, and order from our seats–no need to wait in line at all. Then, when our order is ready, they bring it out to us (as they would anyway). That's a really nice perk.

It also saves past orders. So, after we've sat down, my wife can go around and ask each person in the family, "Do you want x, y, and z again"? Most of the time, the answer is "yes". Bam! Ordered.

Not really a perk for me–I'm familiar enough in general with the menus of the fast food restaurants I frequent that I generally know what I want before I leave the house, much less get in line. (For Chick-Fil-A in particular, I know I'm going to either get a #1 chicken sandwich combo or the nuggets combo. I forget what sizes of nuggets they have, but a quick glance at the overhead menu board solves this.)

If I'm ordering for my wife, the procedure is to nudge her awake, tell her where I'm going, and order whatever she mumbles that she wants while half-asleep. (Letting her peruse the menu through the app wouldn't be of much help, because it would require her to put on her glasses, and she won't.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on November 18, 2022, 04:42:15 PM

Screw the apps and their unnecessary tracking with the ability to get even more time-wasting spam phone calls.

I'll save my sanity and time in exchange for some free fries, which I can get at thousands of other restaurants.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on November 18, 2022, 06:34:43 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 12, 2022, 07:43:40 PM
My digital kitchen scale, a cheap, not-particularly-accurate thing I got from Walmart, lets me convert between pounds, ounces, and grams. It's not that unusual, is it?

Mine also lets me measure in fluid ounces and milliliters.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on November 18, 2022, 06:56:30 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on November 18, 2022, 06:34:43 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 12, 2022, 07:43:40 PM
My digital kitchen scale, a cheap, not-particularly-accurate thing I got from Walmart, lets me convert between pounds, ounces, and grams. It's not that unusual, is it?
Mine also lets me measure in fluid ounces and milliliters.

That shouldn't be possible. How does it know the density of what you put on it?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on November 18, 2022, 07:45:39 PM

I drive a work van. I use several restaurant apps on my daily travels as my van height is a shade above 9 feet, which is usually the max clearance for most drive thrus.

If I'm doing an overnight run, the company pays for my meals, which I throw on their credit card. Then I have them bring it out to my curbside spot as I can't drive thru and I really don't wish to go inside to order and pay.

What bugs me is that very few restaurant apps will allow pre-ordering for pickup and payment by CASH inside.

I know a pre-cash pickup order might be risky for some places, as if the person who orders decides to change their mind or makes a bogus order, the restaurant is stuck with the unclaimed prepared food.

But on the other side of the coin, these restaurants are making cash-payers having to order and wait on-site for the maximum time, and in some cases, they cannot utilize app-only deals because they are paying cash.

I know I'm in the minority with an oversized vehicle that does not want to take the time to sit down and eat inside or having to go inside a "fast food" restaurant not knowing how long the queue is inside, but if you cannot make it convenient for cash payers, I'll take my business elsewhere, just like other truck/large vehicle drivers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ilpt4u on November 18, 2022, 07:52:47 PM

Quote from: 1 on November 18, 2022, 06:56:30 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on November 18, 2022, 06:34:43 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 12, 2022, 07:43:40 PM
My digital kitchen scale, a cheap, not-particularly-accurate thing I got from Walmart, lets me convert between pounds, ounces, and grams. It's not that unusual, is it?
Mine also lets me measure in fluid ounces and milliliters.

That shouldn't be possible. How does it know the density of what you put on it?

I assume it uses the mass equivalent at the current Temperature and Pressure combination, and being a kitchen scale, is probably set with "water" as the density basis, as most cooking fluids are water-based

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on November 18, 2022, 07:55:52 PM

Quote from: ilpt4u on November 18, 2022, 07:52:47 PM
Quote from: 1 on November 18, 2022, 06:56:30 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on November 18, 2022, 06:34:43 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 12, 2022, 07:43:40 PM
My digital kitchen scale, a cheap, not-particularly-accurate thing I got from Walmart, lets me convert between pounds, ounces, and grams. It's not that unusual, is it?
Mine also lets me measure in fluid ounces and milliliters.

That shouldn't be possible. How does it know the density of what you put on it?
I assume it uses the mass equivalent at the current Temperature and Pressure combination, and being a kitchen scale, is probably set with "water" as the density basis, as most cooking fluids are water-based

Vanilla extract, brandy, other spirits are cooked with sometimes and have a significant proportion of alcohol.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ilpt4u on November 18, 2022, 08:00:28 PM

Quote from: kkt on November 18, 2022, 07:55:52 PM
Quote from: ilpt4u on November 18, 2022, 07:52:47 PM
Quote from: 1 on November 18, 2022, 06:56:30 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on November 18, 2022, 06:34:43 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 12, 2022, 07:43:40 PM
My digital kitchen scale, a cheap, not-particularly-accurate thing I got from Walmart, lets me convert between pounds, ounces, and grams. It's not that unusual, is it?
Mine also lets me measure in fluid ounces and milliliters.

That shouldn't be possible. How does it know the density of what you put on it?
I assume it uses the mass equivalent at the current Temperature and Pressure combination, and being a kitchen scale, is probably set with "water" as the density basis, as most cooking fluids are water-based

Vanilla extract, brandy, other spirits are cooked with sometimes and have a significant proportion of alcohol.

Cooking oils also have a different density, but a kitchen scale is most likely using water as a density basis for converting mass units to volume units, unless it has a substance/density input selector (if digital) or an adjuster knob (if analog)

Lets be honest: most (private/residential) kitchen creations aren't exactly exact chemical formulas

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on November 19, 2022, 09:51:20 AM

Quote from: thenetwork on November 18, 2022, 07:45:39 PM.
I know I'm in the minority with an oversized vehicle that does not want to take the time to sit down and eat inside or having to go inside a "fast food" restaurant not knowing how long the queue is inside, but if you cannot make it convenient for cash payers, I'll take my business elsewhere, just like other truck/large vehicle drivers.

Generally, restaurants are not going to send employees out into the parking lot with cash, collecting cash. That just greatly ups the opportunities to have employees robbed. And considering you're talking about an oversized van that generally has limited visibility for those outside to see inside, you're not going to win your argument with any company that they should be collecting your cash in a parking lot.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on November 19, 2022, 10:02:30 AM

Legal tender laws mean that if you order first and then pay (and there's no way to back out of it), they must accept cash.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on November 19, 2022, 10:37:05 AM

Quote from: 1 on November 19, 2022, 10:02:30 AM
Legal tender laws mean that if you order first and then pay (and there's no way to back out of it), they must accept cash.

I'm not sure that's exactly what the legal tender laws mean. If the customer is unable or unwilling to pay any way but cash, the restaurant might just take the food back and send the customer on their way.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on November 19, 2022, 10:40:22 AM

Quote from: kkt on November 19, 2022, 10:37:05 AM
Quote from: 1 on November 19, 2022, 10:02:30 AM
Legal tender laws mean that if you order first and then pay (and there's no way to back out of it), they must accept cash.

I'm not sure that's exactly what the legal tender laws mean. If the customer is unable or unwilling to pay any way but cash, the restaurant might just take the food back and send the customer on their way.

Okay, that does seem to be a possibility, since unlike sit-down restaurants, you haven't eaten the food yet. I wasn't thinking of that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on November 19, 2022, 12:33:41 PM

Quote from: 1 on November 19, 2022, 10:02:30 AM
Legal tender laws mean that if you order first and then pay (and there's no way to back out of it), they must accept cash.

This is not true. Perhaps it should be, but it is not, except in various cities and states where specific legislation has passed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 19, 2022, 07:32:51 PM

Legal tender laws say that cash is to be accepted in payment of a debt unless it's been agreed by the parties that payment will be tendered in some other form. In the case of a sit-down restaurant, since you eat the food first and then pay, you owe the restaurant money (you have incurred a debt), and so they are obliged to accept cash...unless they inform you before you incur the debt that they will not (which could be in the form of a sign at the entrance, a note on the menu, or whatever).

Put another way, if they send you the check, it says $20, and you leave a $20 on the table and walk out, you are legally free and clear even if the manager is so angry about it he's eating his own necktie...so long as you didn't pass a sign informing you ahead of time that you couldn't do that.

But, yes, since the fast food model generally incurs getting the money up front, they are free to decline to accept your cash and then are not obliged to provide you anything in return.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on November 19, 2022, 11:32:13 PM

I'd be interested in some citations about that.

When I bought a car, the dealer said No cash transactions. Take your cash to a bank and get a cashier's check or money order. Ditto for buying a house. For that matter, when I pay my property taxes, there's no place to go plunk down a few thousand $ worth of greenbacks. I can't even pay for a birth certificate or death certificate in cash.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on November 19, 2022, 11:36:15 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 19, 2022, 07:32:51 PM
Legal tender laws say that cash is to be accepted in payment of a debt unless it's been agreed by the parties that payment will be tendered in some other form. In the case of a sit-down restaurant, since you eat the food first and then pay, you owe the restaurant money (you have incurred a debt), and so they are obliged to accept cash...unless they inform you before you incur the debt that they will not (which could be in the form of a sign at the entrance, a note on the menu, or whatever).

Do you have a legal citation for this? I know you have retail business experience, but my understanding has always been that the legal tender law is really really weak.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 20, 2022, 12:38:32 AM

A lot of this is, I believe, derived from case law and not legal statute. There is quite a lot of case law on the subject from the 19th century when people were going back and forth on whether paper money was legal tender or not. Not being a lawyer, though, I'm not going to pore over it since I'm not getting paid to do so. So instead I'll do some lazy Googling and summarize it here.

The Fed says:

Quote from: The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
There is no federal statute mandating that a private business, a person, or an organization must accept currency or coins as payment for goods or services. Private businesses are free to develop their own policies on whether to accept cash unless there is a state law that says otherwise.

Section 31 U.S.C. 5103, entitled "Legal tender," states: "United States coins and currency [including Federal Reserve notes and circulating notes of Federal Reserve Banks and national banks] are legal tender for all debts, public charges, taxes, and dues." This statute means that all U.S. money as identified above is a valid and legal offer of payment for debts when tendered to a creditor.

The relevant technicality is "when tendered to a creditor"–the vast majority of the transactions you engage in on a daily basis are not resolving debts tendered to a creditor. Thus the legal tender laws do not apply.

As for the situations kkt mentions:
- "When I bought a car, the dealer said No cash transactions. Take your cash to a bank and get a cashier's check or money order." –until the dealer gave you title to the car, you hadn't incurred a debt, so they were free to stipulate what tender they would accept
- "Ditto for buying a house." –ditto but s/car/house/
- "For that matter, when I pay my property taxes, there's no place to go plunk down a few thousand $ worth of greenbacks." –this is explicitly addressed by 31 USC 5103, so while the county assessor probably very very much does not want you to do this, you could probably force them to if you caused enough of a stink about it (thus how we get the periodic stories of some jackass paying their taxes in pennies)
- "I can't even pay for a birth certificate or death certificate in cash." –this is a little less cut and dried because it is a fee for a government service and not a tax, but I would imagine that if you wanted to stand your ground and pound on 31 USC 5103 at the clerk for a while, they might accept your cash to get you to go away. (This might qualify as a "public charge" depending on what case law says that phrase means, in which case they would be obliged to accept it.)

Cornell Law mentions the following interesting elaboration:

QuoteAlthough the original creditor who is owed money is not necessarily obligated to accept the tendered payment, the specific act of tendering the payment absolves the debt.

This makes it sound like if you have a debt, try to pay with a $100 bill, and the creditor rejects the payment, you now are free to keep the $100 and the debt is considered legally paid.

Of course many of these situations may lead to you getting sued (and the court presumably finding in your favor...eventually) and/or barred from doing business with the creditor ever again, meaning it'd be more of a pain the ass to take advantage of the legal tender laws than just writing a check or using your credit card or whatever.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on November 20, 2022, 10:09:31 AM

If a customer wants to buy a vehicle with cash; there's a certain limit (say, around $3000-5000) where anything over that amount requires cash reporting documentation. I'm not a finance wizard, but typically these documents require a bank account number, information on your employer, disclosing how much you earned and reported to the IRS in previous years, et cetera...or making reasonable explanations why this information doesn't exist. This is probably easier for the buy-here/pay-here (https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/what-is-a-buy-here-pay-here-dealership) stores which sell used vehicles, since there's no franchise dictating requirements and insurance policies. They're willing to take on a little more risk but also have a lot less overhead.

The difficulty is then safely taking large sums of money to a bank; if it's really large sums of cash, they are likely to work out a pick up with armored transport. Either that, or there's the risk of the low-level accounting clerk to decide to forgo work in the next...lifetime. After that, the burden of documentation falls primarily the buyer. While a dealership tends to store these legal docs for many years, the buyer is probably the one creating the larger fuss because they may not want to disclose information related to large sums of money they themselves couldn't have bothered taking to a bank in the first place. A dealership is out a lot of money, loses a vehicle over a shady transaction, and has to try to recover that vehicle, so they're not on the wrong side of their financial statement with their franchise. It's a tremendous headache with a ton of lost profit and regulation.

My understanding is that dispensaries also have problems in the reverse, and have to deal with large sums of cash because they can't accept much of anything else; credit card companies aren't legally allowed to deal with electronic credit transactions of any sort until the feds make it 50-state legal to do so.

I have not worked in a restaurant before, but I would imagine that they are one of the last places to stop accepting cash (except in cases where there were genuine shortages of coins and bills) since they prefer to perform business and pay their employees that form of currency, especially as the gratuity payments are on the hush-hush. Maybe the extreme end of the upscale places prefer to use credit cards, but I'd imagine that the other 99% is fine with cash transactions, though becoming less and less the case as convenience marches on.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on November 20, 2022, 10:11:09 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 20, 2022, 12:38:32 AM
A lot of this is, I believe, derived from case law and not legal statute. There is quite a lot of case law on the subject from the 19th century when people were going back and forth on whether paper money was legal tender or not. Not being a lawyer, though, I'm not going to pore over it since I'm not getting paid to do so. So instead I'll do some lazy Googling and summarize it here.

The Fed says:
Quote from: The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
There is no federal statute mandating that a private business, a person, or an organization must accept currency or coins as payment for goods or services. Private businesses are free to develop their own policies on whether to accept cash unless there is a state law that says otherwise.

Section 31 U.S.C. 5103, entitled "Legal tender," states: "United States coins and currency [including Federal Reserve notes and circulating notes of Federal Reserve Banks and national banks] are legal tender for all debts, public charges, taxes, and dues." This statute means that all U.S. money as identified above is a valid and legal offer of payment for debts when tendered to a creditor.

Yeah, I found this myself, and it's really inconclusive. It essentially says two separate things while pretending to say one.

As far as case law goes, it's possible that there isn't all that much. To sue someone in federal court, there must be minimum damages of 75,000$, so it's imaginable that restaurant check situations have never been tested, leading nonjudges, such as ourselves, to try figure things out. Any larger comparable situations, as you've pointed out, seem have an out, such as the title not being transferred, and so on.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on November 20, 2022, 11:16:13 AM

^^^^

The $75,000 amount-in-controversy requirement only applies to diversity jurisdiction. If you had a claim based on a federal statute or similar (known as federal-question jurisdiction), the $75,000 minimum wouldn't apply.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on November 20, 2022, 11:21:49 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on November 20, 2022, 11:16:13 AM
^^^^

The $75,000 amount-in-controversy requirement only applies to diversity jurisdiction. If you had a claim based on a federal statute or similar (known as federal-question jurisdiction), the $75,000 minimum wouldn't apply.

Well, so much for that theory, then.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 20, 2022, 05:43:46 PM

Quote from: formulanone on November 20, 2022, 10:09:31 AM
If a customer wants to buy a vehicle with cash; there's a certain limit (say, around $3000-5000) where anything over that amount requires cash reporting documentation. I'm not a finance wizard, but typically these documents require a bank account number, information on your employer, disclosing how much you earned and reported to the IRS in previous years, et cetera...or making reasonable explanations why this information doesn't exist.

Hey, what do you know, I have direct experience with that law. :D That's the Bank Secrecy Act, often referred to as Title 31. The limit set by the law under which the reporting requirements kick in is a combined $10,000 in one business day, although businesses can choose to create a policy to collect the information required to file the report at a lower threshold. (Casinos often begin collecting the information at a lower level–which varies from casino to casino–just in case the customer accumulates $10,000 across a number of smaller transactions.) BSA also requires reporting any attempts to avoid the reporting requirements, like by withdrawing $9,900 and then $100 the next day. (This was how former House Speaker Dennis Hastert went to jail. The bank had asked him about multiple withdrawals he'd been making of $50,000; thereafter, he changed the withdrawals to be less than the $10,000 reporting requirement. A bank employee flagged this as suspicious behavior and alerted the Treasury Department. Come to find out he'd been using the cash as hush money to pay off someone he'd sexually abused, and intended to pull out $3.5 million altogether.)

The reporting requirements are not quite as onerous as you state; mostly it's name/physical address/social security number, date of birth, method of ID verification (e.g. driver license number), and line of work the customer is in (needless to say if someone is, say, a clerk at a shoe store and they're showing up with $20,000 in cash, that is going to be very interesting to the feds). That all goes in the Currency Transaction Report (FinCEN form 104 (https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-tege/fin104_ctr.pdf)) that gets passed off to the Treasury Department (and they can then pull IRS records as needed for any investigation, of course).

BSA compliance is not really what I'd call hard, especially since the customer would expect a car dealer to collect much of the information needed anyway. But fucking up carries some pretty big risks; the Treasury Department has the right to slap both the business and the individual employees involved with some pretty hefty fines. So it's no wonder that a business that regularly does transactions over $10,000 would want to avoid the risk by insisting a customer use more traceable financial instruments that don't require the paperwork overhead.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on November 20, 2022, 05:54:34 PM

Regarding cash purchases at $10,000 or higher most reputable businesses usually will have you covered for all the paperwork required to report under the provisions of the BSA. I've never really found it to be something that has held me up the handful of times I've made purchases in excess of 10K.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 20, 2022, 06:02:38 PM

Beyond the reporting requirements, there's also the problem that $10,000 in cash is actually pretty cumbersome to deal with. Because the biggest denomination printed today is only $100, you need 100 bills. That takes a fair while to count unless you have a money counting machine. It definitely looks like a lot more money than it actually is.

(https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/b/hundred-dollar-bills-currency-strap-pack-modern-multi-colored-one-paper-128851115.jpg)

If I was ever in the position where I got to choose, I probably wouldn't want to deal with anything more than about $4,000 or so in cash. That's about the point where I start getting bored of counting.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on November 20, 2022, 06:25:44 PM

^^^^

About 30 years ago I worked at Micro Center in Fairfax, Virginia, and someone paid $4600 cash for a laptop. That was a pain in the arse counting out all those $100 bills on the checkout counter and then getting a "cash pull" ASAP so all that money wouldn't be in the register, given that other customers had seen the money being counted.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on November 22, 2022, 01:14:26 PM

What counts as "cash" when it comes to reporting purposes? I mean, I once bought a used car for $10,000 and wrote the dealer a personal check. No income or employment information or verification required.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on November 22, 2022, 01:21:32 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 20, 2022, 12:38:32 AM
the vast majority of the transactions you engage in on a daily basis are not resolving debts tendered to a creditor. Thus the legal tender laws do not apply.

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on November 20, 2022, 10:11:09 AM
As far as case law goes, it's possible that there isn't all that much ... it's imaginable that restaurant check situations have never been tested, leading nonjudges, such as ourselves, to try figure things out.

This has long been my suspicion. I've read lawyers' and others' opinions and interpretations that state a sit-down restaurant is legally obligated to accept cash as payment, so long as payment is required after dining rather than before. However, I don't recall ever having seen an actual legal case that decided that.

Our cash got its 'legal tender for all debts' tagline back when there was risk of businesses accepting foreign currency while refusing US dollars. It was added to our money in an age when people were buying goods and property with Spanish silver, not in an age when people were accidentally leaving their Discover card at home before heading to Applebee's–and it's therefore conceivable to me that a court would decide a business must accept US dollars, but that those dollars could be electronic just as well as paper notes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on November 22, 2022, 01:26:26 PM

Quote from: kphoger on November 22, 2022, 01:14:26 PMWhat counts as "cash" when it comes to reporting purposes? I mean, I once bought a used car for $10,000 and wrote the dealer a personal check. No income or employment information or verification required.

Just cash. The concern in this case would be that the purchase of the car is the means to an end of laundering money. A personal check is a paper trail; cash is not.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 22, 2022, 10:02:21 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on November 22, 2022, 01:26:26 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 22, 2022, 01:14:26 PMWhat counts as "cash" when it comes to reporting purposes? I mean, I once bought a used car for $10,000 and wrote the dealer a personal check. No income or employment information or verification required.
Just cash. The concern in this case would be that the purchase of the car is the means to an end of laundering money. A personal check is a paper trail; cash is not.

Right. Cash or cash equivalents are all that go on a Currency Transaction Report. (Casino chips count as cash, for instance.) A check goes on a Monetary Instrument Log, which has totally different requirements (and I think that's only for when you exchange a check for cash or vice-versa, e.g. if you buy a cashier's check).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on November 23, 2022, 12:07:27 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 22, 2022, 10:02:21 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on November 22, 2022, 01:26:26 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 22, 2022, 01:14:26 PMWhat counts as "cash" when it comes to reporting purposes? I mean, I once bought a used car for $10,000 and wrote the dealer a personal check. No income or employment information or verification required.
Just cash. The concern in this case would be that the purchase of the car is the means to an end of laundering money. A personal check is a paper trail; cash is not.

Right. Cash or cash equivalents are all that go on a Currency Transaction Report. (Casino chips count as cash, for instance.) A check goes on a Monetary Instrument Log, which has totally different requirements (and I think that's only for when you exchange a check for cash or vice-versa, e.g. if you buy a cashier's check).

Out of curiosity, will your casino accept chips from another casino, and if they don't now, did they ever do that at one time?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 23, 2022, 10:23:55 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on November 23, 2022, 12:07:27 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 22, 2022, 10:02:21 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on November 22, 2022, 01:26:26 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 22, 2022, 01:14:26 PMWhat counts as "cash" when it comes to reporting purposes? I mean, I once bought a used car for $10,000 and wrote the dealer a personal check. No income or employment information or verification required.
Just cash. The concern in this case would be that the purchase of the car is the means to an end of laundering money. A personal check is a paper trail; cash is not.

Right. Cash or cash equivalents are all that go on a Currency Transaction Report. (Casino chips count as cash, for instance.) A check goes on a Monetary Instrument Log, which has totally different requirements (and I think that's only for when you exchange a check for cash or vice-versa, e.g. if you buy a cashier's check).
Out of curiosity, will your casino accept chips from another casino, and if they don't now, did they ever do that at one time?

Not on purpose, because chips are essentially a bearer instrument backed by each individual casino. So accepting chips from "Casino R" would mess up the books at "Casino N", even though they were both owned by "Tribe C". (And it would mess things up even more if they were to accept chips from "Casino F" that was run by "Tribe P".)

There was a protocol for what happened if a foreign chip was accepted by mistake, though. Basically they would wait until enough chips from a certain casino amassed in the vault, and then send a member of management over there to cash them out at the cage like any other customer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US71 on November 24, 2022, 12:15:48 PM

seeing 20 people post the same Mene on Fakebook, :bigass: :no:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 24, 2022, 12:31:10 PM

When you take the seatbelt off and it doesn't retract, so when you close the car door it just clangs off the seatbelt buckle and bounces back open.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on November 24, 2022, 07:16:13 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on November 20, 2022, 06:25:44 PM
^^^^

About 30 years ago I worked at Micro Center in Fairfax, Virginia, and someone paid $4600 cash for a laptop. That was a pain in the arse counting out all those $100 bills on the checkout counter and then getting a "cash pull" ASAP so all that money wouldn't be in the register, given that other customers had seen the money being counted.

Every time I think that spending $1500-2000 on a computer is a little too much, I fall back on those times when it was at least twice as much for double the physical space and a mere fragment of the overall abilities of today's computer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 24, 2022, 07:19:39 PM

And of course $4600 was a lot more money in 1992 than it is today. (The Minneapolis Fed says $4600 in 1992 = $9651.77 today.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on November 24, 2022, 07:38:03 PM

Table knives in a stainless steel tableware set with blades that stain easily. I know, the higher grade of steel holds a sharp edge better. But it's a tableknife. Mainly it's spreading butter or jam, not slicing gristle. If I need to get out the steak knives, I know where they are. I want tableknives that continue to look nice for the life of the other tableware in the set and don't have to be hand washed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on November 24, 2022, 07:41:01 PM

Found a Microcenter ad from 1993 with these two laptops:

(https://i.imgur.com/4VNVRiB.png)

A whopping 80MB hard drive on a laptop? And for only $1600? What a deal.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Dirt Roads on November 24, 2022, 08:06:58 PM

Quote from: Bruce on November 24, 2022, 07:41:01 PM
Found a Microcenter ad from 1993 with these two laptops:

(https://i.imgur.com/4VNVRiB.png)

A whopping 80MB hard drive on a laptop? And for only $1600? What a deal.

I remember looking at those prices (in the store at Microcenter) and throwing my hands up. I was moving from a Tandy Dual luggable 8086 with twin 3-1/2" floppy drives (and no hard drive) to something with a decent hard drive and CD-Rom reader. I gave up on a laptop because of price. I ended up buying a 33Mhz Microcenter-branded Turbo 8086 desktop combo with 80MB hard drive. I'm not sure, but I believe that this computer was the only 8086 machine to have ever been strapped up to a CD-Rom reader. Since it came without Windows, it was blazing fast for it's time. I had to jury-rig the DOS games because they assumed that a clock speed of 3KHz. Nowadays, you can strap to the higher clock speeds with a special DOS command.

It was the most expensive computer that I ever purchased prior to 2007, coming in at a whopping price of $299. Inflation adjusted, it is still my most expensive one.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on November 24, 2022, 08:50:02 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 24, 2022, 12:31:10 PM
When you take the seatbelt off and it doesn't retract, so when you close the car door it just clangs off the seatbelt buckle and bounces back open.

I think this may be related to the seatbelt having gunk built-up on it. I think you can clean it and improve the retraction.

Quote from: Dirt Roads on November 24, 2022, 08:06:58 PM
Quote from: Bruce on November 24, 2022, 07:41:01 PM
Found a Microcenter ad from 1993 with these two laptops:
...

A whopping 80MB hard drive on a laptop? And for only $1600? What a deal.

I remember looking at those prices (in the store at Microcenter) and throwing my hands up. I was moving from a Tandy Dual luggable 8086 with twin 3-1/2" floppy drives (and no hard drive) to something with a decent hard drive and CD-Rom reader. I gave up on a laptop because of price. I ended up buying a 33Mhz Microcenter-branded Turbo 8086 desktop combo with 80MB hard drive. I'm not sure, but I believe that this computer was the only 8086 machine to have ever been strapped up to a CD-Rom reader. Since it came without Windows, it was blazing fast for it's time. I had to jury-rig the DOS games because they assumed that a clock speed of 3KHz. Nowadays, you can strap to the higher clock speeds with a special DOS command.

It was the most expensive computer that I ever purchased prior to 2007, coming in at a whopping price of $299. Inflation adjusted, it is still my most expensive one.

Technology, particular computers, have dropped in price dramatically the last twenty years. It's almost unbelievable what some things, like computers, used to cost, adjusted for inflation.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on November 24, 2022, 09:16:05 PM

Quote from: formulanone on November 24, 2022, 07:16:13 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on November 20, 2022, 06:25:44 PM
^^^^

About 30 years ago I worked at Micro Center in Fairfax, Virginia, and someone paid $4600 cash for a laptop. That was a pain in the arse counting out all those $100 bills on the checkout counter and then getting a "cash pull" ASAP so all that money wouldn't be in the register, given that other customers had seen the money being counted.

Every time I think that spending $1500-2000 on a computer is a little too much, I fall back on those times when it was at least twice as much for double the physical space and a mere fragment of the overall abilities of today's computer.

When I changed newspaper jobs in 1987, I went from a paper that was still doing phototypesetting using Compugraphic equipment to one of the pioneers of desktop publishing, using Macintosh computers and a laser printer to output copy on plain paper for pasteup.

Most of the computers used for writing or maintaining circulation, classified ads, and accounting, were Mac 512s. As the editor, I got to use a Mac Plus with 1 MB of RAM and a 20 MB external SCSI hard drive. The Mac Plus used for ad composition was upgraded to 2 MB of RAM and it sat atop a 40 MB external hard drive. I don't remember exactly how much those Mac Plus machines cost, but they were upwards of 2 grand each, I think.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on November 24, 2022, 10:26:44 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 24, 2022, 07:19:39 PM
And of course $4600 was a lot more money in 1992 than it is today. (The Minneapolis Fed says $4600 in 1992 = $9651.77 today.)

IMHO, those 'official' numbers are absurdly low. $4.6K in 1960 money now has the equivalent buying power of at least $20K, perhaps $25K or more today.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on November 25, 2022, 04:15:06 AM

The worst part of 1992 computer technology is that what was considered "start of the art" in 1992 would be considered low-end just five years later. One example is a hard drive. In 1992, a 2,000 MB (2GB) hard drive would have set you back $2,799. Five years later, that same size drive would be just $276. Nowadays, you can get a 240GB SSD for less than $20. In September 2014, I build my computer with a i7-4790k (https://markholtz.info/i7-4790k) processor which was one of the best at the time I assembled my computer. Even today, it's still a very capable processor for web browsing, viewing videos, and utilizing Microsoft office, but not if you want to use virtual backgrounds in a online meeting or play modern games. Even that processor will be completely obsolete when Windows 10 goes end-of-life in favor of Windows 11. At that point, it would still have Linux uses.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on November 25, 2022, 06:23:59 AM

Quote from: formulanone on November 24, 2022, 07:16:13 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on November 20, 2022, 06:25:44 PM
^^^^

About 30 years ago I worked at Micro Center in Fairfax, Virginia, and someone paid $4600 cash for a laptop. That was a pain in the arse counting out all those $100 bills on the checkout counter and then getting a "cash pull" ASAP so all that money wouldn't be in the register, given that other customers had seen the money being counted.

Every time I think that spending $1500-2000 on a computer is a little too much, I fall back on those times when it was at least twice as much for double the physical space and a mere fragment of the overall abilities of today's computer.

I still have my father's Radio Shack Pocket Computer PC-1, with an earth-shattering 1424 bytes of memory. Course, I also remember at the time getting a LOT of miles out of that thing. That's where I started learning programming.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on November 25, 2022, 09:16:06 AM

The discussion of technology evolving and how much it used to cost makes me remember how in the late 1980s a ten-pack of 3.5-inch floppy disks used to cost something like $25—$30 for the 720 KB variety and even more for the "high capacity" 1.44 MB variety.

My mother was a teacher and she continued to use 1.44 MB floppy disks to store her data until around 2005. I think what made her realize they were outdated was when I explained that to store just one photo taken on my then-new Canon DSLR would require at least four of her floppy disks.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on November 25, 2022, 09:28:08 AM

My first computer was a MacBook Pro given to me for Christmas in 2010. The price was $1000. (No tax because it was bought in New Hampshire.)

I've been wondering why prices for the same product have matched inflation (i.e. what all other products do) rather than going down like they used to. My current (2019) computer is almost identical to the 2010 one in terms of what it can do except it has 250 GB memory instead of 128 GB.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on November 25, 2022, 11:18:41 AM

The same thing with detachable USB Flash drives, The biggest, most expensive ones that were available 10-12 years ago are not even available now, except in the most bargainy of the bargain bins as novelty gifts. The 256 Gb USB Flash thumb drive that I currently use on my key ring as a back up for my files is now pushing that lower limit (yet it is still most certainly big enough in storage capacity for the needs that I have now).

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on November 25, 2022, 11:19:57 AM

Back in the day when I started at DMA (now NGA) I bought my first PC, a generic 286 with 1 MB of RAM and a 40 MB hard drive (partitioned in 2 because DOS 3 couldn't handle more than 32 MB on one drive) that cost about $1400. After training, I was assigned to ADRG (https://www.loc.gov/preservation/digital/formats/fdd/fdd000282.shtml). It was a new office where we were scanning and digitizing military charts to save on CDs so they could be stored and reproduced more easily. The drum scanner (for scanning large maps) and its image processor had a mind-blowing 96 MB RAM. The biggest charts like JNCs would need to be processed overnight.

We found out after the war that our CDs were used by tanks invading Iraq during the First Gulf War because tank personnel only had a few paper charts as they expected more resistance. The tanks all contained a small library of ADRG CDs for much of the battlespace. After the tanks went beyond their paper charts, drivers learned to use the ADRG CDs on the fly as they advanced on Baghdad. They were also pleasantly surprised that not only the map showed up on their display but also the positions of all tanks using their displays (though with a slight delay).

To get back to the topic, the reason it's a minor thing that bothered me was that while I was happy to have a good paying job, I was bothered that I wasn't using my geography skills/degree much - especially compared to those I went through training with. My ADRG job was mostly administrative and typing ability was more useful than anything map related. Right after the First Gulf War I requested and got a move to another office where I could use my photo interpretation skills to map charts of my own. It meant shift work but I was much happier.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on November 25, 2022, 07:28:10 PM

That "PA Turnpike doesn't deserve to be a toll road" thread. :banghead:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on November 28, 2022, 12:24:11 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 23, 2022, 10:23:55 PMNot on purpose, because chips are essentially a bearer instrument backed by each individual casino. So accepting chips from "Casino R" would mess up the books at "Casino N", even though they were both owned by "Tribe C". (And it would mess things up even more if they were to accept chips from "Casino F" that was run by "Tribe P".)

Right - I'm pretty sure that, once upon a time, in Vegas, you could cash in chips from the Desert Inn at the Stardust, and the two casinos would just work things out on your behalf.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 28, 2022, 04:10:38 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on November 28, 2022, 12:24:11 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 23, 2022, 10:23:55 PMNot on purpose, because chips are essentially a bearer instrument backed by each individual casino. So accepting chips from "Casino R" would mess up the books at "Casino N", even though they were both owned by "Tribe C". (And it would mess things up even more if they were to accept chips from "Casino F" that was run by "Tribe P".)
Right - I'm pretty sure that, once upon a time, in Vegas, you could cash in chips from the Desert Inn at the Stardust, and the two casinos would just work things out on your behalf.

Sure. That's a totally different market, though. Most of the patrons are tourists who need to leave town with zero chips, because they are not going to be back in Las Vegas for a long time. If you're the Desert Inn and you cash a Stardust chip, a patron might spend that money on your property instead of going back to the Stardust to cash it there (and they'll be grateful you saved them the trip).

Most of the Oklahoma casinos cater primarily to locals. All of the OKC casinos are within easy driving distance of the patron's home, so if you decline a foreign chip the customer just kind of grumbles and hangs on to it until the next time they end up at that property anyway. And since most of the casinos in a given area will be owned by the same tribe, it's not like it really makes a difference to the higher-ups one way or another if the tribe takes in that $100 or whatever at Casino R or Casino N.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on November 29, 2022, 11:44:43 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 28, 2022, 04:10:38 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on November 28, 2022, 12:24:11 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 23, 2022, 10:23:55 PMNot on purpose, because chips are essentially a bearer instrument backed by each individual casino. So accepting chips from "Casino R" would mess up the books at "Casino N", even though they were both owned by "Tribe C". (And it would mess things up even more if they were to accept chips from "Casino F" that was run by "Tribe P".)
Right - I'm pretty sure that, once upon a time, in Vegas, you could cash in chips from the Desert Inn at the Stardust, and the two casinos would just work things out on your behalf.

Sure. That's a totally different market, though. Most of the patrons are tourists who need to leave town with zero chips, because they are not going to be back in Las Vegas for a long time. If you're the Desert Inn and you cash a Stardust chip, a patron might spend that money on your property instead of going back to the Stardust to cash it there (and they'll be grateful you saved them the trip).

Most of the Oklahoma casinos cater primarily to locals. All of the OKC casinos are within easy driving distance of the patron's home, so if you decline a foreign chip the customer just kind of grumbles and hangs on to it until the next time they end up at that property anyway. And since most of the casinos in a given area will be owned by the same tribe, it's not like it really makes a difference to the higher-ups one way or another if the tribe takes in that $100 or whatever at Casino R or Casino N.

I thought the ones on the Oklahoma/Texas state line catered more to Texans.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on November 29, 2022, 11:51:51 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 28, 2022, 04:10:38 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on November 28, 2022, 12:24:11 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 23, 2022, 10:23:55 PMNot on purpose, because chips are essentially a bearer instrument backed by each individual casino. So accepting chips from "Casino R" would mess up the books at "Casino N", even though they were both owned by "Tribe C". (And it would mess things up even more if they were to accept chips from "Casino F" that was run by "Tribe P".)
Right - I'm pretty sure that, once upon a time, in Vegas, you could cash in chips from the Desert Inn at the Stardust, and the two casinos would just work things out on your behalf.

Sure. That's a totally different market, though. Most of the patrons are tourists who need to leave town with zero chips, because they are not going to be back in Las Vegas for a long time. If you're the Desert Inn and you cash a Stardust chip, a patron might spend that money on your property instead of going back to the Stardust to cash it there (and they'll be grateful you saved them the trip).

Most of the Oklahoma casinos cater primarily to locals. All of the OKC casinos are within easy driving distance of the patron's home, so if you decline a foreign chip the customer just kind of grumbles and hangs on to it until the next time they end up at that property anyway. And since most of the casinos in a given area will be owned by the same tribe, it's not like it really makes a difference to the higher-ups one way or another if the tribe takes in that $100 or whatever at Casino R or Casino N.

Makes sense. I think the situation I was describing is no more, what with it being a massive AML concern and all.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on November 29, 2022, 12:50:01 PM

When a box of honey nut cheerios is missing the honey and is just normal cheerios. This happens surprisingly often - about once every month or two, in fact!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on November 29, 2022, 01:36:38 PM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on November 29, 2022, 11:44:43 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 28, 2022, 04:10:38 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on November 28, 2022, 12:24:11 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 23, 2022, 10:23:55 PMNot on purpose, because chips are essentially a bearer instrument backed by each individual casino. So accepting chips from "Casino R" would mess up the books at "Casino N", even though they were both owned by "Tribe C". (And it would mess things up even more if they were to accept chips from "Casino F" that was run by "Tribe P".)
Right - I'm pretty sure that, once upon a time, in Vegas, you could cash in chips from the Desert Inn at the Stardust, and the two casinos would just work things out on your behalf.

Sure. That's a totally different market, though. Most of the patrons are tourists who need to leave town with zero chips, because they are not going to be back in Las Vegas for a long time. If you're the Desert Inn and you cash a Stardust chip, a patron might spend that money on your property instead of going back to the Stardust to cash it there (and they'll be grateful you saved them the trip).

Most of the Oklahoma casinos cater primarily to locals. All of the OKC casinos are within easy driving distance of the patron's home, so if you decline a foreign chip the customer just kind of grumbles and hangs on to it until the next time they end up at that property anyway. And since most of the casinos in a given area will be owned by the same tribe, it's not like it really makes a difference to the higher-ups one way or another if the tribe takes in that $100 or whatever at Casino R or Casino N.

I thought the ones on the Oklahoma/Texas state line catered more to Texans.

Winstar in Thackerville and Choctaw in Durant most certainly cater to Texans, especially since they are about an 75-90 minute drive from North Texas. Also, Winstar is the second largest casino in the world and largest in the United States in terms of casino square feet (519,000 square feet). Otherwise, you have a three hour drive to Shreveport, Louisiana, and the casinos there aren't that great in my opinion..

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 29, 2022, 03:08:32 PM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on November 29, 2022, 11:44:43 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 28, 2022, 04:10:38 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on November 28, 2022, 12:24:11 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 23, 2022, 10:23:55 PMNot on purpose, because chips are essentially a bearer instrument backed by each individual casino. So accepting chips from "Casino R" would mess up the books at "Casino N", even though they were both owned by "Tribe C". (And it would mess things up even more if they were to accept chips from "Casino F" that was run by "Tribe P".)
Right - I'm pretty sure that, once upon a time, in Vegas, you could cash in chips from the Desert Inn at the Stardust, and the two casinos would just work things out on your behalf.

Sure. That's a totally different market, though. Most of the patrons are tourists who need to leave town with zero chips, because they are not going to be back in Las Vegas for a long time. If you're the Desert Inn and you cash a Stardust chip, a patron might spend that money on your property instead of going back to the Stardust to cash it there (and they'll be grateful you saved them the trip).

Most of the Oklahoma casinos cater primarily to locals. All of the OKC casinos are within easy driving distance of the patron's home, so if you decline a foreign chip the customer just kind of grumbles and hangs on to it until the next time they end up at that property anyway. And since most of the casinos in a given area will be owned by the same tribe, it's not like it really makes a difference to the higher-ups one way or another if the tribe takes in that $100 or whatever at Casino R or Casino N.

I thought the ones on the Oklahoma/Texas state line catered more to Texans.

Those two casinos are the exception. All of my casino experience has been in the OKC area. (Although, I was privy to the policies in place at one of the state line casinos, since I worked for the same tribe and theoretically they used the same policy book. Though I also heard from transfer employees that whenever upper management came down from HQ to try the nonsense they pulled with us, they were politely told to go back to HQ and stop meddling with the tribe's biggest source of income.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on November 29, 2022, 03:57:35 PM

Quote from: kkt on November 24, 2022, 07:38:03 PM
Table knives in a stainless steel tableware set with blades that stain easily. I know, the higher grade of steel holds a sharp edge better. But it's a tableknife. Mainly it's spreading butter or jam, not slicing gristle. If I need to get out the steak knives, I know where they are. I want tableknives that continue to look nice for the life of the other tableware in the set and don't have to be hand washed.

I hear you, man. You're not alone.

Also, when a fork decides one day that its tines no longer need to line up with each other.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on November 29, 2022, 04:35:07 PM

Quote from: vdeane on November 29, 2022, 12:50:01 PM
When a box of honey nut cheerios is missing the honey and is just normal cheerios. This happens surprisingly often - about once every month or two, in fact!

A few weeks ago, I bit into a pure chocolate Kit-Kat with no wafer cookie bars inside.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on November 30, 2022, 07:40:32 AM

Quote from: thenetwork on November 29, 2022, 04:35:07 PM
Quote from: vdeane on November 29, 2022, 12:50:01 PM
When a box of honey nut cheerios is missing the honey and is just normal cheerios. This happens surprisingly often - about once every month or two, in fact!

A few weeks ago, I bit into a pure chocolate Kit-Kat with no wafer cookie bars inside.

Bag of Flamin' Hot cheetos, with the correct cheetos, and a large semisolid ball of obscene-red powdery stuff.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Hunty2022 on November 30, 2022, 08:15:49 AM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on November 30, 2022, 07:40:32 AM
Quote from: thenetwork on November 29, 2022, 04:35:07 PM
Quote from: vdeane on November 29, 2022, 12:50:01 PM
When a box of honey nut cheerios is missing the honey and is just normal cheerios. This happens surprisingly often - about once every month or two, in fact!

A few weeks ago, I bit into a pure chocolate Kit-Kat with no wafer cookie bars inside.

Bag of Flamin' Hot cheetos, with the correct cheetos, and a large semisolid ball of obscene-red powdery stuff.

Seeing those make me want to just puke myself to bed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on November 30, 2022, 09:17:26 AM

Quote from: thenetwork on November 29, 2022, 04:35:07 PM
Quote from: vdeane on November 29, 2022, 12:50:01 PM
When a box of honey nut cheerios is missing the honey and is just normal cheerios. This happens surprisingly often - about once every month or two, in fact!

A few weeks ago, I bit into a pure chocolate Kit-Kat with no wafer cookie bars inside.

That's a good thing, right? More chocolate and caramel. I always thought the cookies in KitKat (and the rice in Crunch bars) was just for filler.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kirbykart on November 30, 2022, 09:59:21 AM

^Since when is there caramel in a KitKat?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on November 30, 2022, 11:19:00 AM

You're right, I was thinking of Twix.

Still, the principle applies. More chocolate > cookie filler.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on November 30, 2022, 12:57:45 PM

The wafers are part of the experience with KitKat. If you don't want them, why not just buy a plain chocolate bar? Then you don't have any "cookie filler" to deal with.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 30, 2022, 01:56:09 PM

I personally wouldn't mind getting a plain chocolate bar, but a bar with no wafer in it isn't a KitKat.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on November 30, 2022, 01:56:55 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 30, 2022, 01:56:09 PMa bar with no wafer in it isn't a KitKat.

And a flute with no holes is not a flute, but a doughnut with no hole is a Danish.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on November 30, 2022, 02:10:22 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on November 30, 2022, 01:56:55 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 30, 2022, 01:56:09 PMa bar with no wafer in it isn't a KitKat.
And a flute with no holes is not a flute, but a doughnut with no hole is a Danish.

Depends on if you put the filling on top or inside. Put the filling inside and it's still a donut, jelly or Boston cream donut depending on the filling.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 01, 2022, 02:40:36 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on November 30, 2022, 07:40:32 AM
Bag of Flamin' Hot cheetos, with the correct cheetos, and a large semisolid ball of obscene-red powdery stuff.

Did you take a bite of the powder ball? Did you briefly consider it?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on December 01, 2022, 06:30:41 PM

Quote from: thenetwork on November 29, 2022, 04:35:07 PM
Quote from: vdeane on November 29, 2022, 12:50:01 PM
When a box of honey nut cheerios is missing the honey and is just normal cheerios. This happens surprisingly often - about once every month or two, in fact!

A few weeks ago, I bit into a pure chocolate Kit-Kat with no wafer cookie bars inside.

We got a bunch of those at Halloween, with the mini Kit-Kats. Bastards.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 02, 2022, 08:59:38 PM

When you run out of postage stamps in December, so when you buy more you end up getting Christmas-themed ones. And then it takes you until March to use them all up. (I guess I could just buy more in January and keep the Christmas-themed ones for next year, but it doesn't bother me that much.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on December 03, 2022, 09:35:34 AM

Quote from: kphoger on December 01, 2022, 02:40:36 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on November 30, 2022, 07:40:32 AM
Bag of Flamin' Hot cheetos, with the correct cheetos, and a large semisolid ball of obscene-red powdery stuff.

Did you take a bite of the powder ball? Did you briefly consider it?

Did second thing first, then first thing. It wasn't the nuclear death I was expecting, but definitely high-yield conventional death, to be sure.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 04, 2022, 07:47:25 AM

Since I just posted in the music thread, I may as well vent this here:

I can't stand when some radio stations start playing 80% Christmas songs in November. Living near NYC my 2 favorite stations are 95.5 and 106.7, and these two unfortunately are the first to start reverting to all holiday music early. I can't complain about 95.5 because they are a Christian station, but I still like their normal songs way more than any Christmas ones.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on December 04, 2022, 08:21:36 AM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 04, 2022, 07:47:25 AM
Since I just posted in the music thread, I may as well vent this here:

I can't stand when some radio stations start playing 80% Christmas songs in November. Living near NYC my 2 favorite stations are 95.5 and 106.7, and these two unfortunately are the first to start reverting to all holiday music early. I can't complain about 95.5 because they are a Christian station, but I still like their normal songs way more than any Christmas ones.

NY area radio has apparently changed quite a bit. When I was a real little kid (born in NJ) I recall 95.5 being WPLJ and a fairly decent rock station.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 04, 2022, 08:23:44 AM

Yep, now it's a Christian Rock Station. To be honest I actually like it better than much of the regular rock today.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on December 04, 2022, 11:51:34 AM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 04, 2022, 08:23:44 AM
Yep, now it's a Christian Rock Station. To be honest I actually like it better than much of the regular rock today.

I was born there, but haven't lived there since probably the late 70's. Now I'm in the land of KBPI rocking the rockies.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: XamotCGC on December 04, 2022, 04:10:22 PM

Stores no longer having credit card stickers on there doors.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on December 04, 2022, 05:55:20 PM

Quote from: XamotCGC on December 04, 2022, 04:10:22 PM
Stores no longer having credit card stickers on there doors.

I believe that the credit card companies don't give them to merchants anymore, assuming that they are pretty much the norm now.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bm7 on December 04, 2022, 06:22:42 PM

Quote from: XamotCGC on December 04, 2022, 04:10:22 PM
Stores no longer having credit card stickers on there doors.

Is there much need for that to be shown these days? I've never been to a store where they haven't accepted my credit card.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on December 04, 2022, 06:32:00 PM

Quote from: bm7 on December 04, 2022, 06:22:42 PM
Quote from: XamotCGC on December 04, 2022, 04:10:22 PM
Stores no longer having credit card stickers on there doors.
Is there much need for that to be shown these days? I've never been to a store where they haven't accepted my credit card.

Sure. Plenty of places don't take Amex, for example. Smith's grocery store went through a phase for a year or two where they didn't take Visa. I have a friend who every so often runs into a place that won't take his Discover card.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on December 04, 2022, 07:11:18 PM

Quote from: US 89 on December 04, 2022, 06:32:00 PM
Quote from: bm7 on December 04, 2022, 06:22:42 PM
Quote from: XamotCGC on December 04, 2022, 04:10:22 PM
Stores no longer having credit card stickers on there doors.
Is there much need for that to be shown these days? I've never been to a store where they haven't accepted my credit card.

Sure. Plenty of places don't take Amex, for example. Smith's grocery store went through a phase for a year or two where they didn't take Visa. I have a friend who every so often runs into a place that won't take his Discover card.

I'll admit the other day I was at a diner I've never been to, and looked at the door to see if it was OK to give them my AmEx. Seeing no sticker, I handed it over waiting to see if it would be rejected. No issues.

That said, it's fairly rare. I carry an AmEx and Visa, so if they say no to one, I have the other.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 04, 2022, 07:31:11 PM

Quote from: US 89 on December 04, 2022, 06:32:00 PM
Quote from: bm7 on December 04, 2022, 06:22:42 PM
Quote from: XamotCGC on December 04, 2022, 04:10:22 PM
Stores no longer having credit card stickers on there doors.
Is there much need for that to be shown these days? I've never been to a store where they haven't accepted my credit card.

Sure. Plenty of places don't take Amex, for example. Smith's grocery store went through a phase for a year or two where they didn't take Visa. I have a friend who every so often runs into a place that won't take his Discover card.

Amex and Discover acceptance is kind of patchy, but MasterCard and Visa acceptance is basically the bare minimum, unless you're doing a cash-only store. I'm surprised a grocery store toyed with Visa non-acceptance–I've been using my bank since I was six and they only issue Visa, so it's pretty funny that a grocery store thought I'm going to scrounge up some other method of payment or switch banks for them instead of just finding another store to shop at.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on December 04, 2022, 07:54:34 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 04, 2022, 07:31:11 PM
Quote from: US 89 on December 04, 2022, 06:32:00 PM
Quote from: bm7 on December 04, 2022, 06:22:42 PM
Quote from: XamotCGC on December 04, 2022, 04:10:22 PM
Stores no longer having credit card stickers on there doors.
Is there much need for that to be shown these days? I've never been to a store where they haven't accepted my credit card.

Sure. Plenty of places don't take Amex, for example. Smith's grocery store went through a phase for a year or two where they didn't take Visa. I have a friend who every so often runs into a place that won't take his Discover card.

Amex and Discover acceptance is kind of patchy, but MasterCard and Visa acceptance is basically the bare minimum, unless you're doing a cash-only store. I'm surprised a grocery store toyed with Visa non-acceptance–I've been using my bank since I was six and they only issue Visa, so it's pretty funny that a grocery store thought I'm going to scrounge up some other method of payment or switch banks for them instead of just finding another store to shop at.

Woodman's in Wisconsin accepts only Discover for credit, but accepts Visa/MC debit cards.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on December 04, 2022, 09:00:37 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 04, 2022, 07:31:11 PM
Quote from: US 89 on December 04, 2022, 06:32:00 PM
Quote from: bm7 on December 04, 2022, 06:22:42 PM
Quote from: XamotCGC on December 04, 2022, 04:10:22 PM
Stores no longer having credit card stickers on there doors.
Is there much need for that to be shown these days? I've never been to a store where they haven't accepted my credit card.

Sure. Plenty of places don't take Amex, for example. Smith's grocery store went through a phase for a year or two where they didn't take Visa. I have a friend who every so often runs into a place that won't take his Discover card.

Amex and Discover acceptance is kind of patchy, but MasterCard and Visa acceptance is basically the bare minimum, unless you're doing a cash-only store. I'm surprised a grocery store toyed with Visa non-acceptance—I've been using my bank since I was six and they only issue Visa, so it's pretty funny that a grocery store thought I'm going to scrounge up some other method of payment or switch banks for them instead of just finding another store to shop at.

According to Smith's, Visa was charging higher processing fees than any of the other credit card companies. Their Visa ban lasted about six months and they never gave any particular reason why it was ending when it did. Obviously their sales took a hit.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/10/30/visa-now-accepted-all-kroger-stores-including-smiths-food-co/4097824002/

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on December 04, 2022, 11:13:13 PM

Quote from: US 89 on December 04, 2022, 09:00:37 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 04, 2022, 07:31:11 PM
Quote from: US 89 on December 04, 2022, 06:32:00 PM
Quote from: bm7 on December 04, 2022, 06:22:42 PM
Quote from: XamotCGC on December 04, 2022, 04:10:22 PM
Stores no longer having credit card stickers on there doors.
Is there much need for that to be shown these days? I've never been to a store where they haven't accepted my credit card.

Sure. Plenty of places don't take Amex, for example. Smith's grocery store went through a phase for a year or two where they didn't take Visa. I have a friend who every so often runs into a place that won't take his Discover card.

Amex and Discover acceptance is kind of patchy, but MasterCard and Visa acceptance is basically the bare minimum, unless you're doing a cash-only store. I'm surprised a grocery store toyed with Visa non-acceptance–I've been using my bank since I was six and they only issue Visa, so it's pretty funny that a grocery store thought I'm going to scrounge up some other method of payment or switch banks for them instead of just finding another store to shop at.

According to Smith's, Visa was charging higher processing fees than any of the other credit card companies. Their Visa ban lasted about six months and they never gave any particular reason why it was ending when it did. Obviously their sales took a hit.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/10/30/visa-now-accepted-all-kroger-stores-including-smiths-food-co/4097824002/

I seem to remember a similar situation at Sam's Club &/or Walmart a few years ago...

As far as businesses not accepting Discover, it happened a lot up in Canada pre 9/11. Is Discover accepted more outside of the US now?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on December 05, 2022, 08:28:26 AM

Aldi did not accept credit cards at all until a few years ago. They were one of the last major chain/grocery stores to start accepting them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on December 05, 2022, 09:47:45 AM

WinCo still doesn't accept credit cards, which is a little annoying but understandable for an employee-owned company.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on December 05, 2022, 09:49:08 AM

Quote from: Bruce on December 05, 2022, 09:47:45 AMWinCo still doesn't accept credit cards, which is a little annoying but understandable for an employee-owned company.

As long as they accept Debit cards, I'm happy.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 05, 2022, 10:39:54 AM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 04, 2022, 07:47:25 AM
Since I just posted in the music thread, I may as well vent this here:

I can't stand when some radio stations start playing 80% Christmas songs in November. Living near NYC my 2 favorite stations are 95.5 and 106.7, and these two unfortunately are the first to start reverting to all holiday music early. I can't complain about 95.5 because they are a Christian station, but I still like their normal songs way more than any Christmas ones.

I dislike it too–and, as a Christian myself, I'll complain about the Christian stations doing it too. Christmastide begins on December 25, it doesn't end then, but you'd never know that from listening to the radio. I get it that people look forward to Christmas, and that music is a part of that, but it doesn't need to go full bore the day after Thanksgiving (or, worse, the day after Halloween). A good compromise is a tack I've heard a couple of stations take: start peppering in the Christmas music after Thanksgiving, and then gradually increase the percentage as Christmas approaches.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on December 05, 2022, 10:50:04 AM

I agree. If the radio didn't starting playing Christmas music before Halloween, I wouldn't be sick to death of it by December 20th.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on December 05, 2022, 10:52:51 AM

Quote from: kphoger on December 05, 2022, 10:39:54 AM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 04, 2022, 07:47:25 AM
Since I just posted in the music thread, I may as well vent this here:

I can't stand when some radio stations start playing 80% Christmas songs in November. Living near NYC my 2 favorite stations are 95.5 and 106.7, and these two unfortunately are the first to start reverting to all holiday music early. I can't complain about 95.5 because they are a Christian station, but I still like their normal songs way more than any Christmas ones.

I dislike it too–and, as a Christian myself, I'll complain about the Christian stations doing it too. Christmastide begins on December 25, it doesn't end then, but you'd never know that from listening to the radio. I get it that people look forward to Christmas, and that music is a part of that, but it doesn't need to go full bore the day after Thanksgiving (or, worse, the day after Halloween). A good compromise is a tack I've heard a couple of stations take: start peppering in the Christmas music after Thanksgiving, and then gradually increase the percentage as Christmas approaches.

You'd never know that based on a lot of society. Obviously, a big portion of that comes from the stores hyping up Christmas shopping before, which is also no different for other holidays/seasons. The bigger problem with the Christmas music stations remains the lack of variety. I was listening the other day while driving to Lake Geneva, and I heard a version of Last Christmas three times and I was only in the car for a total of about two hours.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on December 05, 2022, 11:53:51 AM

Quote from: thenetwork on December 04, 2022, 11:13:13 PM
Quote from: US 89 on December 04, 2022, 09:00:37 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 04, 2022, 07:31:11 PM
Quote from: US 89 on December 04, 2022, 06:32:00 PM
Quote from: bm7 on December 04, 2022, 06:22:42 PM
Quote from: XamotCGC on December 04, 2022, 04:10:22 PM
Stores no longer having credit card stickers on there doors.
Is there much need for that to be shown these days? I've never been to a store where they haven't accepted my credit card.

Sure. Plenty of places don't take Amex, for example. Smith's grocery store went through a phase for a year or two where they didn't take Visa. I have a friend who every so often runs into a place that won't take his Discover card.

Amex and Discover acceptance is kind of patchy, but MasterCard and Visa acceptance is basically the bare minimum, unless you're doing a cash-only store. I'm surprised a grocery store toyed with Visa non-acceptance–I've been using my bank since I was six and they only issue Visa, so it's pretty funny that a grocery store thought I'm going to scrounge up some other method of payment or switch banks for them instead of just finding another store to shop at.

According to Smith's, Visa was charging higher processing fees than any of the other credit card companies. Their Visa ban lasted about six months and they never gave any particular reason why it was ending when it did. Obviously their sales took a hit.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/10/30/visa-now-accepted-all-kroger-stores-including-smiths-food-co/4097824002/

I seem to remember a similar situation at Sam's Club &/or Walmart a few years ago...

As far as businesses not accepting Discover, it happened a lot up in Canada pre 9/11. Is Discover accepted more outside of the US now?

Last time I was a member of Sam's was 2007. They only took Discover back then so I had to get a Discover card. When I switched to Costco in 2007 I dropped the Discover card because I otherwise never used it and the card had no real benefits compared to my other couple cards; Costco was also with AmEx back then (they're Citi Visa now) and I don't care to have more than three credit cards. (And that doesn't include the government credit card I needed for work because somewhere around 2007 my agency informed us that we would need to put all our travel on their card rather than any that might earn points/cash for us. I wasn't happy especially as I put a lot on that card during my trips to the Qatar and they weren't real timely on their reimbursement.) Never heard of Walmart not taking Visa or MC and I've had both since the 90's.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 05, 2022, 12:08:34 PM

Hey, how about Diners Club? :awesomeface:

A few years ago, I got a call from a scam operation while I was doing something out in the back yard. I enjoyed messing with scam operators back then, and I had some time to kill. They told me I qualified for a 0% rate on my credit card. (I don't have a credit card of any sort.) I decided to play the part of a slightly confused elderly man for this particular act. I made up some personal information, such as a bogus name and birthday, maybe an address, I don't remember exactly. I asked the caller to repeat himself fairly often; sometimes this tactic prompts the scammer to hang up, but not this time. When he asked which credit card I use most often, I would answer "the blue one", and then there'd be some more back-and-forth while he tried to get me to figure out which agency the card was from. He eventually asked me to get the card out so he could tell me where to look, and I told him I'd have to hunt for the card because my wife had used it last. So I walked over to the shed, banged around a bunch, pretended to talk to my wife, dropped the phone a few times, etc. And this guy was totally buying my whole schtick! He waited patiently for me.

Probably ten minutes had passed by this point. At least. Finally I told him: it was a Disney Diners Club card. He was amazed! He couldn't believe it! But I confirmed, yes sir, it was indeed a Disney Diners Club credit card. Boy oh boy, was he surprised, but he believed it. So he transferred me to someone else, who wasn't having any of it and hung up on me in short order.

Ah, good times...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 05, 2022, 12:34:58 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 05, 2022, 10:39:54 AM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 04, 2022, 07:47:25 AM
Since I just posted in the music thread, I may as well vent this here:

I can't stand when some radio stations start playing 80% Christmas songs in November. Living near NYC my 2 favorite stations are 95.5 and 106.7, and these two unfortunately are the first to start reverting to all holiday music early. I can't complain about 95.5 because they are a Christian station, but I still like their normal songs way more than any Christmas ones.

I dislike it too–and, as a Christian myself, I'll complain about the Christian stations doing it too. Christmastide begins on December 25, it doesn't end then, but you'd never know that from listening to the radio. I get it that people look forward to Christmas, and that music is a part of that, but it doesn't need to go full bore the day after Thanksgiving (or, worse, the day after Halloween). A good compromise is a tack I've heard a couple of stations take: start peppering in the Christmas music after Thanksgiving, and then gradually increase the percentage as Christmas approaches.

The thing is though I actually love their normal Christian Rock music, I just can't stand the holiday music.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on December 05, 2022, 12:43:01 PM

Another one involving my senior mother... when I was younger, my parents would get on my case for leaving the lights on in a room I wasn't in, and also for leaving the television when I wasn't in the room. Yet, what does my mother do? Leave the light on in her bedroom and also the television on all day "for the noise". At least I use LED light bulbs and the flat screen TV is more energy efficient.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 05, 2022, 12:52:21 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 05, 2022, 12:34:58 PM
The thing is though I actually love their normal Christian Rock music, I just can't stand the holiday music.

I totally get it. I enjoy listening to the local Christian FM stations. But I completely avoid them during December.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on December 05, 2022, 01:03:43 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 05, 2022, 12:08:34 PM
Hey, how about Diners Club? :awesomeface:

A few years ago, I got a call from a scam operation while I was doing something out in the back yard. I enjoyed messing with scam operators back then, and I had some time to kill. They told me I qualified for a 0% rate on my credit card. (I don't have a credit card of any sort.) I decided to play the part of a slightly confused elderly man for this particular act. I made up some personal information, such as a bogus name and birthday, maybe an address, I don't remember exactly. I asked the caller to repeat himself fairly often; sometimes this tactic prompts the scammer to hang up, but not this time. When he asked which credit card I use most often, I would answer "the blue one", and then there'd be some more back-and-forth while he tried to get me to figure out which agency the card was from. He eventually asked me to get the card out so he could tell me where to look, and I told him I'd have to hunt for the card because my wife had used it last. So I walked over to the shed, banged around a bunch, pretended to talk to my wife, dropped the phone a few times, etc. And this guy was totally buying my whole schtick! He waited patiently for me.

Probably ten minutes had passed by this point. At least. Finally I told him: it was a Disney Diners Club card. He was amazed! He couldn't believe it! But I confirmed, yes sir, it was indeed a Disney Diners Club credit card. Boy oh boy, was he surprised, but he believed it. So he transferred me to someone else, who wasn't having any of it and hung up on me in short order.

Ah, good times...

Good job. Telemarketers deserve to have their time wasted.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on December 05, 2022, 02:03:42 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 05, 2022, 12:08:34 PM
Hey, how about Diners Club? :awesomeface:

A few years ago, I got a call from a scam operation while I was doing something out in the back yard. I enjoyed messing with scam operators back then, and I had some time to kill. They told me I qualified for a 0% rate on my credit card. (I don't have a credit card of any sort.) I decided to play the part of a slightly confused elderly man for this particular act. I made up some personal information, such as a bogus name and birthday, maybe an address, I don't remember exactly. I asked the caller to repeat himself fairly often; sometimes this tactic prompts the scammer to hang up, but not this time. When he asked which credit card I use most often, I would answer "the blue one", and then there'd be some more back-and-forth while he tried to get me to figure out which agency the card was from. He eventually asked me to get the card out so he could tell me where to look, and I told him I'd have to hunt for the card because my wife had used it last. So I walked over to the shed, banged around a bunch, pretended to talk to my wife, dropped the phone a few times, etc. And this guy was totally buying my whole schtick! He waited patiently for me.

Probably ten minutes had passed by this point. At least. Finally I told him: it was a Disney Diners Club card. He was amazed! He couldn't believe it! But I confirmed, yes sir, it was indeed a Disney Diners Club credit card. Boy oh boy, was he surprised, but he believed it. So he transferred me to someone else, who wasn't having any of it and hung up on me in short order.

Ah, good times...

I once did something similar, only I told them I had a Players Club card. Good luck finding a credit card more obscure than that!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bulldog1979 on December 05, 2022, 06:47:10 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on December 04, 2022, 05:55:20 PM
Quote from: XamotCGC on December 04, 2022, 04:10:22 PM
Stores no longer having credit card stickers on there doors.

I believe that the credit card companies don't give them to merchants anymore, assuming that they are pretty much the norm now.

Mike

American Express gives them out for free along with the folders for restaurant bills in limited quantities along with various other signage. Discover also gives out free signage. Apple has a program to order Apple Pay signs. Visa and Mastercard had signage, and I think it was limited in what other logos they displayed, while Discover will include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diner's Club, JCB and Union Pay on some signs. (Diner's Club, JCB and Union Pay are processed on the Discover Network in the US.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 06, 2022, 05:52:05 PM

'Suggested for you' posts on Facebook. I got Facebook to keep in touch with people I know, not to sift through a bunch of memes from pages I don't follow.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 06, 2022, 06:09:46 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 06, 2022, 05:52:05 PM
'Suggested for you' posts on Facebook. I got Facebook to keep in touch with people I know, not to sift through a bunch of memes from pages I don't follow.

'Suggested for you' posts on any social media platform can be much more than a minor thing, depending on the user's tendencies. It can lead some people into a rabbit hole where they are shown progressively more kooky things until they become a conspiracy theorist and/or political radical.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on December 06, 2022, 06:13:37 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 06, 2022, 06:09:46 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 06, 2022, 05:52:05 PM
'Suggested for you' posts on Facebook. I got Facebook to keep in touch with people I know, not to sift through a bunch of memes from pages I don't follow.

'Suggested for you' posts on any social media platform can be much more than a minor thing, depending on the user's tendencies. It can lead some people into a rabbit hole where they are shown progressively more kooky things until they become a conspiracy theorist and/or political radical.

I think that's more a YouTube and Twitter problem (along with FB) than other social media but that may be more what I've heard from reporting than any real evidence

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on December 06, 2022, 06:23:47 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 06, 2022, 05:52:05 PM'Suggested for you' posts on Facebook. I got Facebook to keep in touch with people I know, not to sift through a bunch of memes from pages I don't follow.

FB Purity blocks them but requires a Windows browser. I largely limit my Facebook usage to my laptop, not just because it runs Windows, but also because I can and do have an ad-blocking HOSTS file installed.

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 06, 2022, 06:09:46 PM'Suggested for you' posts on any social media platform can be much more than a minor thing, depending on the user's tendencies. It can lead some people into a rabbit hole where they are shown progressively more kooky things until they become a conspiracy theorist and/or political radical.

The UI features that are designed to discourage the user from stepping out of the dopamine loop are evil, in and of themselves. The endless feed is a classic example--Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and so on do not want you to leave their sites because you got to the end of something.

Quote from: skluth on December 06, 2022, 06:13:37 PMI think that's more a YouTube and Twitter problem (along with FB) than other social media but that may be more what I've heard from reporting than any real evidence

It's a problem with all of them. YouTube's special menace is creepy autogenerated content for kids.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 06, 2022, 06:32:57 PM

Quote from: skluth on December 06, 2022, 06:13:37 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 06, 2022, 06:09:46 PM
'Suggested for you' posts on any social media platform can be much more than a minor thing, depending on the user's tendencies. It can lead some people into a rabbit hole where they are shown progressively more kooky things until they become a conspiracy theorist and/or political radical.

I think that's more a YouTube and Twitter problem (along with FB) than other social media but that may be more what I've heard from reporting than any real evidence

YouTube's suggested videos are what got me into politics shortly before the COVID outbreak began, and it carried me through the first year of the pandemic. I respect a couple of the hosts whose videos I watched, but there were definitely some that I didn't dare clock on.

I didn't like the person I was becoming, and that's part of the reason I got rid of my smartphone.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 06, 2022, 07:02:34 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 06, 2022, 06:32:57 PM
Quote from: skluth on December 06, 2022, 06:13:37 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 06, 2022, 06:09:46 PM
'Suggested for you' posts on any social media platform can be much more than a minor thing, depending on the user's tendencies. It can lead some people into a rabbit hole where they are shown progressively more kooky things until they become a conspiracy theorist and/or political radical.

I think that's more a YouTube and Twitter problem (along with FB) than other social media but that may be more what I've heard from reporting than any real evidence

YouTube's suggested videos are what got me into politics shortly before the COVID outbreak began, and it carried me through the first year of the pandemic. I respect a couple of the hosts whose videos I watched, but there were definitely some that I didn't dare clock on.

I didn't like the person I was becoming, and that's part of the reason I got rid of my smartphone.

Your experience is definitely something a lot of people have run into. Most don't have the self-awareness to take the steps you did to break the cycle before it's too late.

I have a strict policy of not consuming any algorithm-curated content for that reason. (However, Facebook's algorithm in particular has a history of its guesses about what kind of person I am being laughably wrong anyway, so I've never really been tempted to click on anything it recommends me.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 06, 2022, 07:12:46 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 06, 2022, 07:02:34 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 06, 2022, 06:32:57 PM
Quote from: skluth on December 06, 2022, 06:13:37 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 06, 2022, 06:09:46 PM
'Suggested for you' posts on any social media platform can be much more than a minor thing, depending on the user's tendencies. It can lead some people into a rabbit hole where they are shown progressively more kooky things until they become a conspiracy theorist and/or political radical.

I think that's more a YouTube and Twitter problem (along with FB) than other social media but that may be more what I've heard from reporting than any real evidence

YouTube's suggested videos are what got me into politics shortly before the COVID outbreak began, and it carried me through the first year of the pandemic. I respect a couple of the hosts whose videos I watched, but there were definitely some that I didn't dare clock on.

I didn't like the person I was becoming, and that's part of the reason I got rid of my smartphone.

Your experience is definitely something a lot of people have run into. Most don't have the self-awareness to take the steps you did to break the cycle before it's too late.

I have a strict policy of not consuming any algorithm-curated content for that reason. (However, Facebook's algorithm in particular has a history of its guesses about what kind of person I am being laughably wrong anyway, so I've never really been tempted to click on anything it recommends me.)

Facebook for some reason thinks I'm into Urbanist mass transit pages. I don't really engage in mass transit talk and especially not Urbanism. I think the algorithm mistakes an interest in roads for all forms of transportation. I do follow some rail history pages, but those are basically all freight lines.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 06, 2022, 07:28:01 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 06, 2022, 07:02:34 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 06, 2022, 06:32:57 PM
Quote from: skluth on December 06, 2022, 06:13:37 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 06, 2022, 06:09:46 PM
'Suggested for you' posts on any social media platform can be much more than a minor thing, depending on the user's tendencies. It can lead some people into a rabbit hole where they are shown progressively more kooky things until they become a conspiracy theorist and/or political radical.

I think that's more a YouTube and Twitter problem (along with FB) than other social media but that may be more what I've heard from reporting than any real evidence

YouTube's suggested videos are what got me into politics shortly before the COVID outbreak began, and it carried me through the first year of the pandemic. I respect a couple of the hosts whose videos I watched, but there were definitely some that I didn't dare clock on.

I didn't like the person I was becoming, and that's part of the reason I got rid of my smartphone.

Your experience is definitely something a lot of people have run into. Most don't have the self-awareness to take the steps you did to break the cycle before it's too late.

I have a strict policy of not consuming any algorithm-curated content for that reason. (However, Facebook's algorithm in particular has a history of its guesses about what kind of person I am being laughably wrong anyway, so I've never really been tempted to click on anything it recommends me.)

I've clicked on a few random-ass YouTube videos that have actually been interesting, to be honest. Usually I search directly what I'm looking for.

Not exactly going for crazy ideas and views; mostly home improvement or how-to stuff, where I don't know much about the subject at hand to begin with. But if the video isn't cutting to the chase in the first 15-30 seconds, or it just seems like a big ad for a product/service, I just block it out or down vote it. That's really the only defense.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on December 06, 2022, 08:22:11 PM

Quote from: formulanone on December 06, 2022, 07:28:01 PMNot exactly going for crazy ideas and views; mostly home improvement or how-to stuff, where I don't know much about the subject at hand to begin with. But if the video isn't cutting to the chase in the first 15-30 seconds, or it just seems like a big ad for a product/service, I just block it out or down vote it. That's really the only defense.

These and road videos are pretty much all I use YouTube for. I get my exposure to crazy ideas and views through textual means.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 06, 2022, 08:58:52 PM

Quote from: formulanone on December 06, 2022, 07:28:01 PM
I've clicked on a few random-ass YouTube videos that have actually been interesting, to be honest. Usually I search directly what I'm looking for.

As someone who leans to the political right, I found some good conservative YouTube hosts by clicking on suggested videos. However, the real danger is this: YouTube assumes that, if you like Mr Reasonable's political videos, then you might also enjoy Mr Nutjob's political videos–and, if you watch more than a couple of Mr Nutjob's videos, then who knows what will be suggested next.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on December 07, 2022, 09:06:34 AM

Quote from: abefroman329 on December 05, 2022, 02:03:42 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 05, 2022, 12:08:34 PM
Hey, how about Diners Club? :awesomeface:

A few years ago, I got a call from a scam operation while I was doing something out in the back yard. I enjoyed messing with scam operators back then, and I had some time to kill. They told me I qualified for a 0% rate on my credit card. (I don't have a credit card of any sort.) I decided to play the part of a slightly confused elderly man for this particular act. I made up some personal information, such as a bogus name and birthday, maybe an address, I don't remember exactly. I asked the caller to repeat himself fairly often; sometimes this tactic prompts the scammer to hang up, but not this time. When he asked which credit card I use most often, I would answer "the blue one", and then there'd be some more back-and-forth while he tried to get me to figure out which agency the card was from. He eventually asked me to get the card out so he could tell me where to look, and I told him I'd have to hunt for the card because my wife had used it last. So I walked over to the shed, banged around a bunch, pretended to talk to my wife, dropped the phone a few times, etc. And this guy was totally buying my whole schtick! He waited patiently for me.

Probably ten minutes had passed by this point. At least. Finally I told him: it was a Disney Diners Club card. He was amazed! He couldn't believe it! But I confirmed, yes sir, it was indeed a Disney Diners Club credit card. Boy oh boy, was he surprised, but he believed it. So he transferred me to someone else, who wasn't having any of it and hung up on me in short order.

Ah, good times...
I once did something similar, only I told them I had a Players Club card. Good luck finding a credit card more obscure than that!

I think the only person who used it was this guy:
https://youtu.be/HJZdiAThXLI

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on December 07, 2022, 09:49:27 AM

Yeah Youtube bugs me too, on multiple levels. I really only look at it to follow a link a real person has suggested to me. It always starts out with the volume turned up to eardrum-splitting level, and the volume control is at a different place on the screen every time, and it's all covered with ads. By the time I close enough ads to find the damn volume contol most of the time the video is over and I am NOT interested in whatever followups Youtube suggests.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 07, 2022, 10:02:22 AM

Quote from: kphoger on December 06, 2022, 08:58:52 PM
Quote from: formulanone on December 06, 2022, 07:28:01 PM
I've clicked on a few random-ass YouTube videos that have actually been interesting, to be honest. Usually I search directly what I'm looking for.

As someone who leans to the political right, I found some good conservative YouTube hosts by clicking on suggested videos. However, the real danger is this: YouTube assumes that, if you like Mr Reasonable's political videos, then you might also enjoy Mr Nutjob's political videos–and, if you watch more than a couple of Mr Nutjob's videos, then who knows what will be suggested next.

The older I get, I just don't care about the opinion stuff because I mostly feel like I'm just a open vessel to fight everyone else's battles or causes. My BS detector just keeps going off and that back-and-forth is ultimately unrewarding. I've got my own agendas and interests way up to my gills! So it's mostly easy enough for me to ignore; I figure one gets the helpful to the absurd in really any field of interest and that's kind of to be expected. After all, for any given amount of views, someone has to take it to another set of extremes or fill a niche or interest, et cetera.

Also, it's nice to just find a song directly or discover a new artist. Or some comedian. It's not all terrible, but it's also not somewhere where I average more than 5-10 minutes a day. That's because there's also a point where it's overload...do I really need to spend 5-10 minutes of my day hearing another content-creator's fresh new take on ground that's been repeatedly treaded? The answer is usually no.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on December 07, 2022, 11:42:47 AM

I've probably watched more YouTube this week than I have in a while but it's thanks to Mauna Loa. Lava flows are just cool to watch.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on December 07, 2022, 01:55:44 PM

For some reason, the Facebook app on my phone has been suggesting car wreck compilation videos for me recently, and I have been watching some of them. I was surprised to find one of them used a police PIT maneuver on the Mountain Parkway in Powell County that happened a few months ago and went viral in this area.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on December 08, 2022, 08:55:42 AM

I wish county and country weren't spelled so similar. I misread county as country way too often on this forum. :pan:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 08, 2022, 06:01:21 PM

That there are churches in the USA called 'Episcopal' and ones called 'Anglican'. I'm so confused...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Takumi on December 08, 2022, 07:32:22 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 08, 2022, 06:01:21 PM
That there are churches in the USA called 'Episcopal' and ones called 'Anglican'. I'm so confused...

Didn't they have a schism at some point?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on December 09, 2022, 09:48:20 AM

When manufacturers quit making, or stores quit carrying, items you frequently use.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on December 09, 2022, 10:26:44 AM

Quote from: Takumi on December 08, 2022, 07:32:22 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 08, 2022, 06:01:21 PM
That there are churches in the USA called 'Episcopal' and ones called 'Anglican'. I'm so confused...
Didn't they have a schism at some point?

The "Episcopal Church" in the US split off from the Church of England after the American Revolution because the Church of England required clergy to swear allegiance to the British monarch, who is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England. I assume they still require that–the monarch appoints Anglican archbishops and bishops on advice from the Prime Minister, who in turn acts on advice from a church commission.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on December 09, 2022, 10:52:21 AM

Quote from: skluth on December 07, 2022, 11:42:47 AM
I've probably watched more YouTube this week than I have in a while but it's thanks to Mauna Loa. Lava flows are just cool to watch.

I've probably watched more YouTube this year than any other previously. It's too much and I need to clamp down on my time spent there. Way too much.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 09, 2022, 01:41:58 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on December 09, 2022, 10:26:44 AM
The "Episcopal Church" in the US split off from the Church of England after the American Revolution because the Church of England required clergy to swear allegiance to the British monarch, who is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England. I assume they still require that–the monarch appoints Anglican archbishops and bishops on advice from the Prime Minister, who in turn acts on advice from a church commission.

Which is why it slightly bothers me that there are also Anglican churches in the USA.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on December 09, 2022, 02:01:33 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 09, 2022, 01:41:58 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on December 09, 2022, 10:26:44 AM
The "Episcopal Church" in the US split off from the Church of England after the American Revolution because the Church of England required clergy to swear allegiance to the British monarch, who is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England. I assume they still require that–the monarch appoints Anglican archbishops and bishops on advice from the Prime Minister, who in turn acts on advice from a church commission.

Which is why it slightly bothers me that there are also Anglican churches in the USA.

I don't know anything about who the clergy are at those parishes, so this is just speculation, but it would be interesting to know whether they are British citizens with lawful permanent resident status in the United States. Alternatively, perhaps the form of the ecclesiastical oath may have changed since the Revolution–maybe they only have to swear allegiance to the monarch with respect to ecclesiastical matters. Certainly there would be a First Amendment problem if anyone tried to prevent the establishment of an Anglican parish in the United States.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 09, 2022, 02:16:06 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on December 09, 2022, 02:01:33 PM
I don't know anything about who the clergy are at those parishes, so this is just speculation, but it would be interesting to know whether they are British citizens with lawful permanent resident status in the United States. Alternatively, perhaps the form of the ecclesiastical oath may have changed since the Revolution–maybe they only have to swear allegiance to the monarch with respect to ecclesiastical matters. Certainly there would be a First Amendment problem if anyone tried to prevent the establishment of an Anglican parish in the United States.

I've seen more than one that's labeled itself as a charismatic Anglican church. In fact, I once visited such a church in Glen Ellyn (IL), and it was a Spanish-speaking congregation.

After digging a little more, I found this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglican_Church_in_North_America

That explains one such church here in Wichita, but not the one in Glen Ellyn, because I visited that back at least twenty years ago. I also remember that there was a different Anglican church in Glen Ellyn at around the same time–but meeting at the performance hall at College of DuPage (I visited it once as well).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bulldog1979 on December 09, 2022, 04:09:03 PM

Quote from: Takumi on December 08, 2022, 07:32:22 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 08, 2022, 06:01:21 PM
That there are churches in the USA called 'Episcopal' and ones called 'Anglican'. I'm so confused...
Didn't they have a schism at some point?

Yes. The Episcopal Church is the original branch of the Church of England in the United States as it organized after the American Revolution, and itt is a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion with connections to the Archbishop of Canterbury in England. The Anglican Church in North America is a schismatic branch that split over issues related to the blessing of same-sex unions and the election of gay clergy, among other issues. ACNA is not a member of the Anglican Communion.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 09, 2022, 06:29:06 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 09, 2022, 09:48:20 AM
When manufacturers quit making, or stores quit carrying, items you frequently use.

At least if the stores quit carrying it, these days you can usually find it online. There is a particular type of Tuna Helper my mom used to make when I was a kid that the stores around here no longer carry. So I just go online and order it by the case.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 09, 2022, 06:34:04 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 09, 2022, 06:29:06 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on December 09, 2022, 09:48:20 AM
When manufacturers quit making, or stores quit carrying, items you frequently use.

At least if the stores quit carrying it, these days you can usually find it online. There is a particular type of Tuna Helper my mom used to make when I was a kid that the stores around here no longer carry. So I just go online and order it by the case.

There was a hell of a transition when I managed a security department which hadn't upgraded from VHS to DVR by 2010. By then nobody carried 8 hour VHS tapes and you had to special order them from certain suppliers. The same thing is happening now with analog based CCTV equipment which has been phased out in favor of IP based systems. Finding analog parts and CDs is getting harder by the year. I try to replace the analog equipment in certain buildings and my budget allows.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 09, 2022, 06:36:13 PM

When our grocery store was recently renovated, they stopped carrying two items that we get. (One of which was brand-name Saran wrap, which is the only brand I buy.) On the same day we discovered this fact, we also saw a sign promoting the renovation that said "More of what you're looking for". That bothered me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on December 10, 2022, 11:44:52 AM

Quote from: kphoger on December 09, 2022, 06:36:13 PM
When our grocery store was recently renovated, they stopped carrying two items that we get. (One of which was brand-name Saran wrap, which is the only brand I buy.) On the same day we discovered this fact, we also saw a sign promoting the renovation that said "More of what you're looking for". That bothered me.

Ah, yes. Of course, what they meant was "more looking for what you're looking for," not "more product that you're looking for." :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on December 10, 2022, 01:45:22 PM

It bothers me when I pull up to the drive-up window and see this sign.

(https://i.ibb.co/0BqTd9q/Common-Courtesy.png) (https://ibb.co/0BqTd9q)

Quote
Attention:

PLEASE SHOW SOME COMMON COURTESY AND SMOKE AND AIR OUT BEFORE PULLING UP TO ORDER.

IF YOU ARE SMOKING IN THE DRIVE THRU YOU WILL NOT BE SERVED.

THANK YOU MANAGEMENT

I'm not a smoker, and I fully understand the sentiment of management. Some of the stuff being smoked.... wow, just wow! It's just sad that we have to post signs like this to remind certain groups of their manners.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on December 10, 2022, 03:19:20 PM

Smoking in cars = taking out money and burning it (owing to the effect on resale value).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 10, 2022, 05:55:48 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on December 10, 2022, 01:45:22 PM
I'm not a smoker, and I fully understand the sentiment of management. Some of the stuff being smoked.... wow, just wow! It's just sad that we have to post signs like this to remind certain groups of their manners.

The first rule of dealing with the general public is to expect that absolutely nobody has any manners ever.

That said, smoking didn't bother me much when I was running a BK drive thru (I could just close the drive thru window so it wouldn't get in the restaurant). Far more annoying was people with diesel pickup trucks that were so loud you couldn't hear the person over the sound of the engine. And then they'd get shitty with you when you asked them to turn the engine off.

Or people pulling trailers through the drive thru. Our line only had room for four regular cars in it (the building was not originally built as a Burger King; I was told that before we had it, it was a Shoneys, then a Hooters). If someone pulled a trailer through we would have a confusing "dead space" in the line, and of course it would make it more likely that line would back up and block people in the parking lot from leaving.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on December 10, 2022, 08:24:46 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 10, 2022, 05:55:48 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on December 10, 2022, 01:45:22 PM
I'm not a smoker, and I fully understand the sentiment of management. Some of the stuff being smoked.... wow, just wow! It's just sad that we have to post signs like this to remind certain groups of their manners.
The first rule of dealing with the general public is to expect that absolutely nobody has any manners ever.

Trust me... I've had my war stories of dealing with the Mac Karens, and have heard my share of retail horror tales.

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 10, 2022, 05:55:48 PMThat said, smoking didn't bother me much when I was running a BK drive thru (I could just close the drive thru window so it wouldn't get in the restaurant).

I have a funny feeling that there was an incident involving something more pungent than the tobacco in regular cigarettes. And, I don't want to know more. :crazy:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on December 10, 2022, 08:52:21 PM

The standard for manners in the general public has definitely been trending downward though. Same goes for driving skills. I was out on several highways around Chicagoland this afternoon into evening and there were multiple instances I thought I was going to get hit.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on December 10, 2022, 09:16:15 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on December 10, 2022, 03:19:20 PM
Smoking ~~in cars~~ = taking out money and burning it ~~(owing to the effect on resale value)~~ (owing to the high cost of cigarettes and their effect on the smoker's health).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 10, 2022, 10:11:33 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on December 10, 2022, 08:24:46 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 10, 2022, 05:55:48 PMThat said, smoking didn't bother me much when I was running a BK drive thru (I could just close the drive thru window so it wouldn't get in the restaurant).

I have a funny feeling that there was an incident involving something more pungent than the tobacco in regular cigarettes. And, I don't want to know more. :crazy:

Let's just say that the staff of our BK probably wouldn't have had the same issue with that that yours did....

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on December 11, 2022, 08:21:06 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 10, 2022, 05:55:48 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on December 10, 2022, 01:45:22 PM
I'm not a smoker, and I fully understand the sentiment of management. Some of the stuff being smoked.... wow, just wow! It's just sad that we have to post signs like this to remind certain groups of their manners.

The first rule of dealing with the general public is to expect that absolutely nobody has any manners ever.

That said, smoking didn't bother me much when I was running a BK drive thru (I could just close the drive thru window so it wouldn't get in the restaurant). Far more annoying was people with diesel pickup trucks that were so loud you couldn't hear the person over the sound of the engine. And then they'd get shitty with you when you asked them to turn the engine off.

Or people pulling trailers through the drive thru. Our line only had room for four regular cars in it (the building was not originally built as a Burger King; I was told that before we had it, it was a Shoneys, then a Hooters). If someone pulled a trailer through we would have a confusing "dead space" in the line, and of course it would make it more likely that line would back up and block people in the parking lot from leaving.

Had a guy in a Big Angry Truck (r) take out the menu board at the McD's I used to work out.

The loud diesel thing was simple: I'd ask you twice, politely, to turn off your vehicle. In the event you did not comply, I would close my eyes, hit 5 or 6 random items, and read you the total. When you got to the window, I'd politely explain that "well, that's all I could hear over the truck."

Had people tell me they couldn't shut them off, too. So what happens when they get home? They just leave it running?

For a small coke.

I'm gonna put the unpopular opinion about that sign. My car, my rules. A person in a fast-food joint doesn't get to tell me what I can and can't do in my own car. That place wouldn't even have to ask me to do this - I'd drive right by it. Smokers pay a LOT in taxes, fees, and whatever else they call them. I'll spend my money where I'm welcomed, or at least, not automatically turned away.

Having been a drive thru worker in the past, I knew this sort of thing was a possibility going in. Seems like other workers would understand this. Common sense dictates that when you deal with people in their personal cars, this sort of thing is going to happen. "suck it up" doesn't quite seem fitting if one's avoiding smoke. Shut the window, or whatever. Know the potentials of your work enviroment before choosing to work there. Just sayin.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on December 11, 2022, 08:23:38 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 10, 2022, 10:11:33 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on December 10, 2022, 08:24:46 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 10, 2022, 05:55:48 PMThat said, smoking didn't bother me much when I was running a BK drive thru (I could just close the drive thru window so it wouldn't get in the restaurant).

I have a funny feeling that there was an incident involving something more pungent than the tobacco in regular cigarettes. And, I don't want to know more. :crazy:

Let's just say that the staff of our BK probably wouldn't have had the same issue with that that yours did....

No BK would have a problem with that. [that stuff] fuels the fast-food industry. I couldn't have handled my job at McD's were it not so. Fast food work is depressing, degrading, dehumanizing work, unless you're the manager doing the degrading and dehumanizing. It was the only way I could deal.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on December 11, 2022, 10:20:49 AM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on December 11, 2022, 08:21:06 AM
That place wouldn't even have to ask me to do this - I'd drive right by it. Smokers pay a LOT in taxes, fees, and whatever else they call them. I'll spend my money where I'm welcomed, or at least, not automatically turned away.

It seems like the sign works, then. You won't have to deal with them, and they won't have to deal with you. It's win-win.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on December 11, 2022, 10:33:54 AM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on December 11, 2022, 08:23:38 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 10, 2022, 10:11:33 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on December 10, 2022, 08:24:46 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 10, 2022, 05:55:48 PMThat said, smoking didn't bother me much when I was running a BK drive thru (I could just close the drive thru window so it wouldn't get in the restaurant).

I have a funny feeling that there was an incident involving something more pungent than the tobacco in regular cigarettes. And, I don't want to know more. :crazy:

Let's just say that the staff of our BK probably wouldn't have had the same issue with that that yours did....

No BK would have a problem with that. [that stuff] fuels the fast-food industry. I couldn't have handled my job at McD's were it not so. Fast food work is depressing, degrading, dehumanizing work, unless you're the manager doing the degrading and dehumanizing. It was the only way I could deal.

I think it's a fairly degrading job, even for the manager. Sure they get paid a few more pennies for their time, but they seem to be pretty eager to get out of there even if it's just to work at a sitdown restaurant.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Billy F 1988 on December 11, 2022, 02:47:21 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on December 10, 2022, 01:45:22 PM
It bothers me when I pull up to the drive-up window and see this sign.

(https://i.ibb.co/0BqTd9q/Common-Courtesy.png) (https://ibb.co/0BqTd9q)

Quote
Attention:

PLEASE SHOW SOME COMMON COURTESY AND SMOKE AND AIR OUT BEFORE PULLING UP TO ORDER.

IF YOU ARE SMOKING IN THE DRIVE THRU YOU WILL NOT BE SERVED.

THANK YOU MANAGEMENT

I'm not a smoker, and I fully understand the sentiment of management. Some of the stuff being smoked.... wow, just wow! It's just sad that we have to post signs like this to remind certain groups of their manners.

I recall a recent uptick in customers with large backpacks or carrier bags while working at Missoula Fresh Market (now known as Yoke's Fresh Market). It annoyed a few employees having to somewhat politely remind them to take them to the customer service counter and leave them there until they're done shopping. It got to a point where I made two signs about the backpacks and stuck them at both the deli and floral entrances before management took my signs and made official ones with a little more clarity. We even had the entryways rearranged at one point due to an uptick of thieves from the Poverello Center coming to snag, and don't ask how I know the brand beer, Ritas! Yes. Ritas! Mang-o-Rita, Melon-Rita, yeah. That. They're the most common alcoholic drink to be stolen. For what rhyme or reason, I have no clue, but a handful seemed to have come along and snag those buggers. Some went as far as bruising the shoulder of my current manager while in a bit of a tussle with a thief. I even played part escort 86ing a trespasser with a fellow cashier with a military background in Army tank mechanics. I've heard of baskets gone missing, carts going missing, some as far as being spotted at my apartment! Yes! Two in fact.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on December 11, 2022, 02:59:00 PM

Quote from: Billy F 1988 on December 11, 2022, 02:47:21 PM

I recall a recent uptick in customers with large backpacks or carrier bags while working at Missoula Fresh Market (now known as Yoke's Fresh Market). It annoyed a few employees having to somewhat politely remind them to take them to the customer service counter and leave them there until they're done shopping. It got to a point where I made two signs about the backpacks and stuck them at both the deli and floral entrances before management took my signs and made official ones with a little more clarity. We even had the entryways rearranged at one point due to an uptick of thieves from the Poverello Center coming to snag, and don't ask how I know the brand beer, Ritas! Yes. Ritas! Mang-o-Rita, Melon-Rita, yeah. That. They're the most common alcoholic drink to be stolen. For what rhyme or reason, I have no clue, but a handful seemed to have come along and snag those buggers. Some went as far as bruising the shoulder of my current manager while in a bit of a tussle with a thief. I even played part escort 86ing a trespasser with a fellow cashier with a military background in Army tank mechanics. I've heard of baskets gone missing, carts going missing, some as far as being spotted at my apartment! Yes! Two in fact.

I was once at a grocery store that had a sign saying that large bags weren't allowed inside the store. I had my typical reusable grocery bags with me. I didn't buy anything there, and on the way out, they told me that I wasn't supposed to bring my reusable bags with me and that I needed to leave them at the front. I'm confused now. Are reusable bags considered to be large bags or not?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on December 11, 2022, 03:40:31 PM

Quote from: kkt on December 11, 2022, 10:33:54 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on December 11, 2022, 08:23:38 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 10, 2022, 10:11:33 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on December 10, 2022, 08:24:46 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 10, 2022, 05:55:48 PMThat said, smoking didn't bother me much when I was running a BK drive thru (I could just close the drive thru window so it wouldn't get in the restaurant).

I have a funny feeling that there was an incident involving something more pungent than the tobacco in regular cigarettes. And, I don't want to know more. :crazy:

Let's just say that the staff of our BK probably wouldn't have had the same issue with that that yours did....

No BK would have a problem with that. [that stuff] fuels the fast-food industry. I couldn't have handled my job at McD's were it not so. Fast food work is depressing, degrading, dehumanizing work, unless you're the manager doing the degrading and dehumanizing. It was the only way I could deal.

I think it's a fairly degrading job, even for the manager. Sure they get paid a few more pennies for their time, but they seem to be pretty eager to get out of there even if it's just to work at a sitdown restaurant.

It would depend on the pay. McD's and most other local fast food places are paying $15/hour or more these day. The local sitdown restaurants are still paying what little they can and figure the wait staff makes it up on tips while the cooks and dishwashers are making minimum wage and being as abused as they are at fast food places. It's probably better at the casinos and some of the bigger chain restaurants, but the family restaurants haven't adjusted to the change and complain to the local media that nobody wants to work.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on December 11, 2022, 03:58:35 PM

How minimum wage is applied depends on the place. Here at the sitdown restaurants the servers make minimum wage, $15 something, AND keep their tips on top of it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on December 11, 2022, 04:25:59 PM

I finally figured out that you can get rid of the pesky leading 0 in dates as they are displayed on this web forum. So, there's a thing that used to annoy me that doesn't any more.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 11, 2022, 06:10:28 PM

Quote from: kkt on December 11, 2022, 10:33:54 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on December 11, 2022, 08:23:38 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 10, 2022, 10:11:33 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on December 10, 2022, 08:24:46 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 10, 2022, 05:55:48 PMThat said, smoking didn't bother me much when I was running a BK drive thru (I could just close the drive thru window so it wouldn't get in the restaurant).

I have a funny feeling that there was an incident involving something more pungent than the tobacco in regular cigarettes. And, I don't want to know more. :crazy:

Let's just say that the staff of our BK probably wouldn't have had the same issue with that that yours did....

No BK would have a problem with that. [that stuff] fuels the fast-food industry. I couldn't have handled my job at McD's were it not so. Fast food work is depressing, degrading, dehumanizing work, unless you're the manager doing the degrading and dehumanizing. It was the only way I could deal.

I think it's a fairly degrading job, even for the manager. Sure they get paid a few more pennies for their time, but they seem to be pretty eager to get out of there even if it's just to work at a sitdown restaurant.

When I was a manager, I made the same six dollars an hour everyone did. (I also didn't do any degrading because we got plenty of that from the customers, so I saw no reason to make it any worse.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on December 11, 2022, 08:35:21 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 11, 2022, 06:29:28 PM
Minimum wage should be at least $10 an hour, after taxes, regardless of the nature of the job, and tips should not deduct from that via "tip tax". All commercial drivers should make 6 figures minimum. What bothers me the most is how a stupid tik tok influencer can make 6x the salary of a neurosurgeon.

Basic economics out the window?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on December 11, 2022, 08:40:02 PM

Quote from: thspfc on December 11, 2022, 08:35:21 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 11, 2022, 06:29:28 PM
Minimum wage should be at least $10 an hour, after taxes, regardless of the nature of the job, and tips should not deduct from that via "tip tax". All commercial drivers should make 6 figures minimum. What bothers me the most is how a stupid tik tok influencer can make 6x the salary of a neurosurgeon.
Basic economics out the window?

I agree on everything here except truck driver salaries. There should be an official cost of living index. Minimum wage should be a formula based on cost of living. There's nothing magic about the amount $10, but the formula would give numbers slightly above $10 post-tax for the cheapest areas. (States and cities can still set it higher.) Lower tipped minimum wages should not exist.

Don't influencers mainly make money from their fans giving it to them? That can't be controlled by the platforms, whether it's TikTok, Instagram, or something else.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2022, 08:45:01 PM

^^^

I find it odd to begrudge what somewhat makes on social media just because I don't understand or care for presentation at hand. I sure wish people who would pay me for the things I presently do in a hobby capacity.

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 11, 2022, 06:29:28 PM
Minimum wage should be at least $10 an hour, after taxes, regardless of the nature of the job, and tips should not deduct from that via "tip tax". All commercial drivers should make 6 figures minimum. What bothers me the most is how a stupid tik tok influencer can make 6x the salary of a neurosurgeon.

Economic policy from the guy who from all evidence put forth is jobless.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 11, 2022, 08:55:45 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2022, 08:45:01 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 11, 2022, 06:29:28 PM
Minimum wage should be at least $10 an hour, after taxes, regardless of the nature of the job, and tips should not deduct from that via "tip tax". All commercial drivers should make 6 figures minimum. What bothers me the most is how a stupid tik tok influencer can make 6x the salary of a neurosurgeon.

Economic policy from the guy who from all evidence put forth is jobless.

Ever consider that this is the reason? Given how extremely unfair it is I will wait as long as it takes to find the best possible job. Truck drivers should get paid a minimum of $50 an hour, with a bonus for bad weather, and the ability to choose their own hours each day so they don't have to drive while sleep deprived. Anyone with basic economic knowledge knows that without truck drivers, the economy slams on the brakes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 11, 2022, 09:14:16 PM

The unfair compensation that truck drivers receive (the pay structure is so bad that some of them even lose money doing it) is one of the reasons why there is a now-chronic shortage of truck drivers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 11, 2022, 09:17:59 PM

Quote from: 1 on December 11, 2022, 08:40:02 PM
Quote from: thspfc on December 11, 2022, 08:35:21 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 11, 2022, 06:29:28 PM
Minimum wage should be at least $10 an hour, after taxes, regardless of the nature of the job, and tips should not deduct from that via "tip tax". All commercial drivers should make 6 figures minimum. What bothers me the most is how a stupid tik tok influencer can make 6x the salary of a neurosurgeon.
Basic economics out the window?

I agree on everything here except truck driver salaries. There should be an official cost of living index. Minimum wage should be a formula based on cost of living. There's nothing magic about the amount $10, but the formula would give numbers slightly above $10 post-tax for the cheapest areas. (States and cities can still set it higher.) Lower tipped minimum wages should not exist.

Don't influencers mainly make money from their fans giving it to them? That can't be controlled by the platforms, whether it's TikTok, Instagram, or something else.

The platform can't control it, but people who make multi-millions from useless shit like that should be taxed enormously. Use those taxes to help increase pay for useful workers and the creation of universal Healthcare.

@Scott, yep and people whine when there's a shortage of them. I am considering on not wasting my time with commercial driving school as the crappy pay isn't worth the effort, compared to personal vehicle courriers, or certain unionized companies that don't require a CDL.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 11, 2022, 09:21:57 PM

Perhaps if you have such strong opinions on tax policy and wage issues, you should vote for candidates for federal office that feel the same way you do.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2022, 09:22:53 PM

^^^

He doesn't vote remember? Easier to armchair quarterback when you're opinion literally counts for nothing.

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 11, 2022, 08:55:45 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2022, 08:45:01 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 11, 2022, 06:29:28 PM
Minimum wage should be at least $10 an hour, after taxes, regardless of the nature of the job, and tips should not deduct from that via "tip tax". All commercial drivers should make 6 figures minimum. What bothers me the most is how a stupid tik tok influencer can make 6x the salary of a neurosurgeon.

Economic policy from the guy who from all evidence put forth is jobless.

Ever consider that this is the reason? Given how extremely unfair it is I will wait as long as it takes to find the best possible job. Truck drivers should get paid a minimum of $50 an hour, with a bonus for bad weather, and the ability to choose their own hours each day so they don't have to drive while sleep deprived. Anyone with basic economic knowledge knows that without truck drivers, the economy slams on the brakes.

I worked through high school and moved across the country a week after high school with my savings. I struggled financially until I was 22 when I obtained my first management but I made things work by budgeting (which included paying for community college). Basically I had to take what many would consider undesirable work and build a resume to parlay into something better. Nobody felt sorry for me, so if you want sympathy you're barking up the wrong tree. Come back in five years when you have actually taken some sort of effort into this commercial driving career you claim to want to pursue.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on December 11, 2022, 09:27:25 PM

A minor thing that bothers me: when people who are not experts on a subject try to act as though they know everything on that subject.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on December 11, 2022, 09:29:08 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 11, 2022, 08:55:45 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2022, 08:45:01 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 11, 2022, 06:29:28 PM
Minimum wage should be at least $10 an hour, after taxes, regardless of the nature of the job, and tips should not deduct from that via "tip tax". All commercial drivers should make 6 figures minimum. What bothers me the most is how a stupid tik tok influencer can make 6x the salary of a neurosurgeon.

Economic policy from the guy who from all evidence put forth is jobless.

Ever consider that this is the reason? Given how extremely unfair it is I will wait as long as it takes to find the best possible job. Truck drivers should get paid a minimum of $50 an hour, with a bonus for bad weather, and the ability to choose their own hours each day so they don't have to drive while sleep deprived. Anyone with basic economic knowledge knows that without truck drivers, the economy slams on the brakes.

There's certainly jobs like that, but there's also a such thing as seniority. Everyone wants to work 7 to 4, or 8 to 5, so someone coming in off the street will have to fight with someone who's already employed at the business. Someone putting in their dues with the crappy hours will eventually get the opportunity to work the better hours.

There's also a thing regarding a gap in job history. There's plenty of jobs out there. If people apply for a position, interviewers will question why a resume has an unexplained absence in their work history.

And, sure, the economy stops without trucks rolling. We've all heard that as an excuse from truckers to get their way. But the entire trucking industry isn't going to shut down. A company here and there may experience a strike, or a shortage, but the line of thought that you can hold out for $50 a hour because the country needs truckers is akeen to a high school dropout wanting a 6 figure management position without prior experience. There's going to be one or two examples where it worked. There's going to be millions of examples where it didn't.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 11, 2022, 09:33:36 PM

Quote from: LilianaUwU on December 11, 2022, 09:27:25 PM
A minor thing that bothers me: when people who are not experts on a subject try to act as though they know everything on that subject.

A label which would apply to every opinion expressed by MMM on this forum.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on December 11, 2022, 10:26:28 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 11, 2022, 06:29:28 PM
Minimum wage should be at least $10 an hour, after taxes, regardless of the nature of the job, and tips should not deduct from that via "tip tax". All commercial drivers should make 6 figures minimum. What bothers me the most is how a stupid tik tok influencer can make 6x the salary of a neurosurgeon.

So it doesn't matter whether they're working in Manhattan or Cheyenne, the minimum wage should be the same?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on December 11, 2022, 10:27:50 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 11, 2022, 09:31:22 PM
I'm 23 and still live at home.

I'm one year older than you and in the same situation, yet I know what you're saying is unrealistic.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on December 11, 2022, 10:55:52 PM

Things that actually bother me (and probably most other Americans): the ultra-wealthy paying next to nothing in taxes because they can utilize all sorts of loopholes and breaks.

Even worse in a state like mine without an income tax. Sales tax is our main revenue source for a lot of essential needs and it's regressive, so the poor pay a higher percentage than Bill and Jeff in Medina.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on December 11, 2022, 11:11:22 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 11, 2022, 09:31:22 PM
That lack of empathy for struggling Gen Z is part of the problem.

Lack of?

You're not struggling. Struggling would mean you're trying to get a job and trying to make ends meet. Sitting back until you get the best possible job is telling everyone you refuse to get experience.

Interview with me and I'll have two questions: Why the gap in your work experience, and what is your experience? Maybe you're out of college for a few years. Maybe you can explain the "struggle" of trying to find a job. But most people conducting interviews knows what's out there. There's plenty of people with the qualifications. We aren't taking everyone we talk with.

If you're going for an entry level position, we're willing to overlook certain things based on your interview and how you conduct yourself. But if you're going for a position that most people would need a few promotions to obtain, or need a few year's experience, you won't even make it on the long list of resumes to review if you don't show any relevant history for us.

If you have a CDL Class A but want $100,000, drive local and be home nightly after never driving a Class A truck, me and my insurance company are going to file your application in a folder that will never see the light of day again. If we see you drove for Swift or JB Hunt to get your trucking career going, or even drove a Class B truck, then you'll be invited in to talk.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Hunty2022 on December 11, 2022, 11:14:43 PM

When I take a picture of any sign while going 70+ mph on an interstate, just for the photo to delay when it gets taken, so I just get an image of grass and trees.

When the image converter I use to be able to post my images here doesn't work, so I have to wait or not post the image at all.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 11, 2022, 11:37:57 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 11, 2022, 09:29:08 PM
There's certainly jobs like that, but there's also a such thing as seniority. Everyone wants to work 7 to 4, or 8 to 5, so someone coming in off the street will have to fight with someone who's already employed at the business. Someone putting in their dues with the crappy hours will eventually get the opportunity to work the better hours.

My strategy was to always try to work the shittiest hours because then I would be assured at being able to at least exert some control over the situation. By the time I was at the top of the seniority stack I had organized my life around working 2:30p-11p with Tue/Wed/Thu off for so long that it was a no-brainer to keep picking that, which seemed to baffle management.

Honestly, I kind of liked working those hours. The weekends were far busier at work than during the week. If I would have done the obvious thing and taken Fri/Sat/Sun off, I would have died of boredom, both because work was dead during the week and I wouldn't have had anything to do on the weekends because everyone I knew would have been at work in my stead. (And since I worked a tipped position, probably made less money, too.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2022, 12:06:56 AM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 11, 2022, 09:31:22 PM
Did your parents kick you out or something? I'm 23 and still live at home. I went to CUNY for free too, spending 5 figures on a degree was always out of the question for me. I will never understand why people put themselves in that great a debt. It's insane. My parents and I also saved enough just in case I couldn't go to free. Not a dime in debt and a good 29,000 in savings as of now. That lack of empathy for struggling Gen Z is part of the problem. Many of them work harder than their parents these days and are still bashed as lazy and selfish. I would propose a good 60% tax for social media stars however, some make $5,000,000 a year, and they'd still be able to live a lavish lifestyle with "only" $2 Million a year, for dancing around on tiktok. Tax shouldn't just be based on income but how useful your job is.

I'm fairly certain you directed this comment at me. No, I wanted to move out when I was 18 and had planned on ways to do so for two-three years ahead of time. My original plan was to enlist in the military but my brother owned a house in Phoenix and offered a room for at $300 a month. I would have been stupid to stay in the Midwest with something easy like that sitting on the table. All I had to do was get on the road from Lansing and drive across to Phoenix in the truck I bought in high school. I ended up renting from my brother for about a year before I built up my credit enough to get my own apartment without a co-signer.

Also, I never took on student loan debt. I was making $14 an hour working catching shoplifters by the time I turned 21 ($7.50 an hour doing the same thing when I started at Target in 2001). A credit hour in Maricopa County community colleges was $80 at the time. Once I could pay for 6-9 credit hours a semester I started going to school in my off hours from work. I ended up getting a security manager job at Sears in 2005 but kept up with school as much as I could until 2008. A year prior I bought a house and most of my spare time went into that.

If you expect handouts (what you call empathy) you'll never succeed in your adult life. The real problem is that you seem to know what you want to do but aren't willing to take the steps or risks necessary to do it. The longer you stay out of the work force the more it is going to hurt you later in life. Assuming your claim of having 29k in savings is accurate it's your failing that you haven't reinvested into career development. But then again, fear and apathy regarding growing up isn't as exclusive to Gen-Z as you think it is.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 12, 2022, 12:43:10 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2022, 12:06:56 AM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 11, 2022, 09:31:22 PM
That lack of empathy for struggling Gen Z is part of the problem. Many of them work harder than their parents these days and are still bashed as lazy and selfish.

If you expect handouts (what you call empathy) you'll never succeed in your adult life. The real problem is that you seem to know what you want to do but aren't willing to take the steps or risks necessary to do it.

Eh, at a certain point you can try pulling yourself up by your bootstraps and all that does is break the bootstraps.

Both my wife and I are hard workers (my wife even more so than me because she has a chronic health condition that makes it difficult to work, but she forces herself to anyway). We bought our first house in 2017. We got lucky to find a plain, boring house that was reasonably priced after a few months of looking, but even with that we barely squeaked by and have been house poor ever since. If we hadn't been in a position to buy in 2017 and were trying to now, or if we lived in a more expensive market (i.e. anyplace other than Central Oklahoma), we never would have made it. We didn't do anything more or less right than anyone else, we just lucked out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bm7 on December 12, 2022, 12:44:03 AM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 11, 2022, 09:31:22 PM
Tax shouldn't just be based on income but how useful your job is.

Who would decide how "useful" a job is? Besides, while I'm no fan of them, clearly people do think that influencers are useful. If they didn't, the people paying money to their Patreon or whatever would be spending their money on other entertainment instead, and the businesses giving them sponsorship deals would use their advertising money on things that would get them more sales.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2022, 01:02:03 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 12, 2022, 12:43:10 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2022, 12:06:56 AM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 11, 2022, 09:31:22 PM
That lack of empathy for struggling Gen Z is part of the problem. Many of them work harder than their parents these days and are still bashed as lazy and selfish.

If you expect handouts (what you call empathy) you'll never succeed in your adult life. The real problem is that you seem to know what you want to do but aren't willing to take the steps or risks necessary to do it.

Eh, at a certain point you can try pulling yourself up by your bootstraps and all that does is break the bootstraps.

Both my wife and I are hard workers (my wife even more so than me because she has a chronic health condition that makes it difficult to work, but she forces herself to anyway). We bought our first house in 2017. We got lucky to find a plain, boring house that was reasonably priced after a few months of looking, but even with that we barely squeaked by and have been house poor ever since. If we hadn't been in a position to buy in 2017 and were trying to now, or if we lived in a more expensive market (i.e. anyplace other than Central Oklahoma), we never would have made it. We didn't do anything more or less right than anyone else, we just lucked out.

Yes, but let's not forget who's begging for sympathy. We are talking about an adult living at home with his parents sitting on 29k and apparently some level of secondary education. At some point even with education a person is going to need to enter the workforce and seek experience. The real issue seems to be there is a generalized expectation by MMM that a secondary education should equate to instant career success. The phenomenon of needing actual real world experience no matter the education isn't exactly new. It doesn't seem MMM realizes this and is classifying it as agism/lack of empathy for Gen-Z.

So yes paint me unsympathetic to the adult who lives at home, has some college experience and money to burn when they refuse to enter a career field from entry level. I think a lot of us if given the same circumstances as MMM has right now would gladly take it if we were back in our early 20s and had no career experience. Living paycheck to paycheck back then with no safety net sucked and I never want to repeat it even after all these years.

Regarding the economic conditions for buying a home versus income, that's a different story there. When I bought my house in the Phoenix area circa 2007 the market was still somewhat affordable. I make way more nowadays, but I don't think that I could reasonably afford a decent home in the Phoenix market anymore given how the real estate market ballooned. But then again, that was a huge part of the reason I bailed on Phoenix in 2013 post-recession for Florida.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 12, 2022, 01:06:29 AM

I'll drink to that, I suppose. I've never had $29,000 in cash in my life. Any time I've gotten close, I've invested it in starting a business or buying my house.

That being said, $29,000 wouldn't even cover the down payment on a house in Norman these days, much less anywhere else.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2022, 01:16:51 AM

Like you said, $29,000 certainly would go a long way towards reinvesting into career development. I would imagine breaking into the short haul trucking industry driving for someone who owns the truck wouldn't make a significant dent in those savings. Maybe with some experience some of that 29k could eventually go back into becoming an owner/operator years down the road? Just putting the money into actual investments in the meantime is better than letting it sit in a savings account.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on December 12, 2022, 02:16:11 AM

And some Anglican congregations worldwide have recently gone as far as to re-unify with the Vatican, their vicars were accepted as priests in the Catholic Church, even if marred. IIRC, the main issues involved the ordination of women and homosexuals.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: signalman on December 12, 2022, 02:25:11 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2022, 01:02:03 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 12, 2022, 12:43:10 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2022, 12:06:56 AM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 11, 2022, 09:31:22 PM
That lack of empathy for struggling Gen Z is part of the problem. Many of them work harder than their parents these days and are still bashed as lazy and selfish.

If you expect handouts (what you call empathy) you'll never succeed in your adult life. The real problem is that you seem to know what you want to do but aren't willing to take the steps or risks necessary to do it.

Eh, at a certain point you can try pulling yourself up by your bootstraps and all that does is break the bootstraps.

Both my wife and I are hard workers (my wife even more so than me because she has a chronic health condition that makes it difficult to work, but she forces herself to anyway). We bought our first house in 2017. We got lucky to find a plain, boring house that was reasonably priced after a few months of looking, but even with that we barely squeaked by and have been house poor ever since. If we hadn't been in a position to buy in 2017 and were trying to now, or if we lived in a more expensive market (i.e. anyplace other than Central Oklahoma), we never would have made it. We didn't do anything more or less right than anyone else, we just lucked out.

Yes, but let's not forget who's begging for sympathy. We are talking about an adult living at home with his parents sitting on 29k and apparently some level of secondary education. At some point even with education a person is going to need to enter the workforce and seek experience. The real issue seems to be there is a generalized expectation by MMM that a secondary education should equate to instant career success. The phenomenon of needing actual real world experience no matter the education isn't exactly new. It doesn't seem MMM realizes this and is classifying it as agism/lack of empathy for Gen-Z.

So yes paint me unsympathetic to the adult who lives at home, has some college experience and money to burn when they refuse to enter a career field from entry level. I think a lot of us if given the same circumstances as MMM has right now would gladly take it if we were back in our early 20s and had no career experience. Living paycheck to paycheck back then with no safety net sucked and I never want to repeat it even after all these years.

Regarding the economic conditions for buying a home versus income, that's a different story there. When I bought my house in the Phoenix area circa 2007 the market was still somewhat affordable. I make way more nowadays, but I don't think that I could reasonably afford a decent home in the Phoenix market anymore given how the real estate market ballooned. But then again, that was a huge part of the reason I bailed on Phoenix in 2013 post-recession for Florida.

Depending on the line of work even some entry level jobs prefer some experience. Certainly with commercial truck driving that experience has to come from a low paying entry level transporter, like Swift. I agree with Max that holding out for some big break isn't viable or reasonable. Like him, I'd suggest sucking it up for a few years and get the experience necessary to move on to more desirable working conditions and hours. You're young, you're far more resilient and adaptable than someone like me who's almost twice your age, MMM. Believe me, time moves pretty fast and before you know it you will get older and less willing to adapt. Suck up the crappy working conditions now and keep in mind it's not forever and you'll thank yourself in the future.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 12, 2022, 02:35:01 AM

The fact that when I pay Amazon an absurd yearly rate for free two-day delivery, they sit on the order for a week or two, then deliver it two days after that and pat themselves on the back for completing a two-day delivery.

It's even worse this time of year. Just because everyone is ordering unnecessary horseshit for each other doesn't mean that I should have to give up on replacing things that break and ordering office supplies.

I buy things infrequently enough I might just let my subscription lapse. If I have to wait two weeks, I can just get whatever it is while I'm out grocery shopping.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on December 12, 2022, 08:18:11 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 11, 2022, 11:11:22 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 11, 2022, 09:31:22 PM
That lack of empathy for struggling Gen Z is part of the problem.
Interview with me and I'll have two questions: Why the gap in your work experience, and what is your experience? Maybe you're out of college for a few years. Maybe you can explain the "struggle" of trying to find a job. But most people conducting interviews knows what's out there. There's plenty of people with the qualifications. We aren't taking everyone we talk with.

If you're going for an entry level position, we're willing to overlook certain things based on your interview and how you conduct yourself. But if you're going for a position that most people would need a few promotions to obtain, or need a few year's experience, you won't even make it on the long list of resumes to review if you don't show any relevant history for us.

Just curious - what's your take on when people explain the gap in the employment? Mine was 'incarcerated for 15 years' (thank you for not asking why, not looking for a job). Am I automatically out, or is there still wiggle room? That's been my struggle. I'm doing well now, but it wasn't always the case. When they talk about labor shortages, there's a huge pool of labor that's willing to work, but can't get hired because the background check kicks the applications out before a human sees them. I was lucky enough to find a pizza joint that was like 'ok, you were locked up. can you drive you car?' and a business owner that's willing to give people a chance. Now I do remote work, though it might tank, and if so, I can call the pizza joint.
I understand concerns about felons - dude's gonna rip me off, etc. etc., but it's not really different from hiring anyone else. The only difference, is you know the ex-con has already did something. A 'regular' person, well, you just don't know what they've been up to, or are capable of.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on December 12, 2022, 08:21:43 AM

When people on here ( well not all) seem to crap their pants when Clearview fonts are used on guidesigns.

Considering how we try to educate certain users on not going overboard with ideas and suggestions, we ourselves go overboard with road agencies who still want to use the fonts they are suggested not to use by the feds.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on December 12, 2022, 09:01:21 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on December 12, 2022, 08:21:43 AM
When people on here ( well not all) seem to crap their pants when Clearview fonts are used on guidesigns.

Considering how we try to educate certain users on not going overboard with ideas and suggestions, we ourselves go overboard with road agencies who still want to use the fonts they are suggested not to use by the feds.

Wait, so I should put down the pitchforks?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on December 12, 2022, 09:05:20 AM

I mean what's the deal how they write it as long as it's written.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on December 12, 2022, 10:38:36 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on December 12, 2022, 09:05:20 AM
I mean what's the deal how they write it as long as it's written.

(https://i.imgflip.com/741kaj.jpg)

(Edited to replace text with meme template)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on December 12, 2022, 10:43:27 AM

Quote from: webny99 on December 12, 2022, 10:38:36 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on December 12, 2022, 09:05:20 AM
I mean what's the deal how they write it as long as it's written.

Roadman 65 :handshake: craIG county
not caring how it looks as long as it's written

Whatever.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2022, 12:06:34 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on December 12, 2022, 08:18:11 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 11, 2022, 11:11:22 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 11, 2022, 09:31:22 PM
That lack of empathy for struggling Gen Z is part of the problem.
Interview with me and I'll have two questions: Why the gap in your work experience, and what is your experience? Maybe you're out of college for a few years. Maybe you can explain the "struggle" of trying to find a job. But most people conducting interviews knows what's out there. There's plenty of people with the qualifications. We aren't taking everyone we talk with.

If you're going for an entry level position, we're willing to overlook certain things based on your interview and how you conduct yourself. But if you're going for a position that most people would need a few promotions to obtain, or need a few year's experience, you won't even make it on the long list of resumes to review if you don't show any relevant history for us.
Just curious - what's your take on when people explain the gap in the employment? Mine was 'incarcerated for 15 years' (thank you for not asking why, not looking for a job). Am I automatically out, or is there still wiggle room? That's been my struggle. I'm doing well now, but it wasn't always the case. When they talk about labor shortages, there's a huge pool of labor that's willing to work, but can't get hired because the background check kicks the applications out before a human sees them. I was lucky enough to find a pizza joint that was like 'ok, you were locked up. can you drive you car?' and a business owner that's willing to give people a chance. Now I do remote work, though it might tank, and if so, I can call the pizza joint.
I understand concerns about felons - dude's gonna rip me off, etc. etc., but it's not really different from hiring anyone else. The only difference, is you know the ex-con has already did something. A 'regular' person, well, you just don't know what they've been up to, or are capable of.

Depends greatly on the circumstances through which someone has a work history gap. Years ago one of my security supervisors out of the blue told me he once went to prison for two years for assault when he was 19. It never came up when I did his background check because it was 14 years in the past, we only went back 7 years at the time. His resume had a gap around that his 19-22 year old time frame but it wasn't something too notable given how far back it was. I never had an issue from the guy aside from him being maybe too opinionated. Apparently he became a bounty hunter and bouncer around the age of 22 after getting out of prison.

So if you're looking for an opinion if I think it's unfair that convicted felons are basically job pariahs for 7-10 years, I can't give you a universal answer. Depending the crime committed, absolutely it can be unfair. Some criminal offenses like drug crimes and petty theft have tended to carry in my opinion way too strict of sentences. For more serious charges like rape, assault and other acts of violence I think it is unreasonable for an employer to not want to hire someone with those convictions in the 7-10 year aftermath.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on December 12, 2022, 12:36:39 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 12, 2022, 02:35:01 AMThe fact that when I pay Amazon an absurd yearly rate for free two-day delivery, they sit on the order for a week or two, then deliver it two days after that and pat themselves on the back for completing a two-day delivery.

It's even worse this time of year. Just because everyone is ordering unnecessary horseshit for each other doesn't mean that I should have to give up on replacing things that break and ordering office supplies.

I buy things infrequently enough I might just let my subscription lapse. If I have to wait two weeks, I can just get whatever it is while I'm out grocery shopping.

I have never had Amazon Prime. This said, I rarely buy time-sensitive stuff from Amazon, so I can use a 25- or 50-count spindle of recordable Blu-rays to pad out each order that doesn't otherwise meet the free shipping threshold.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 12, 2022, 07:07:23 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2022, 12:06:34 PM
For more serious charges like rape, assault and other acts of violence I think it is unreasonable for an employer to not want to hire someone with those convictions in the 7-10 year aftermath.

These are tricky to deal with. As someone that believes in second chances and being open-minded in general, I would want to help someone get back on their feet who had already paid the price for what they did as far as the state's concerned. On the other hand, should the person reoffend, while I could write off a theft or something like that, another employee getting assaulted or raped causes harm that isn't so easily fixed. And I would feel pretty bad about one of my employees getting raped because that I put that person there knowing the person had a history as a rapist.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on December 12, 2022, 07:37:20 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2022, 12:06:34 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on December 12, 2022, 08:18:11 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 11, 2022, 11:11:22 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 11, 2022, 09:31:22 PM
That lack of empathy for struggling Gen Z is part of the problem.
Interview with me and I'll have two questions: Why the gap in your work experience, and what is your experience? Maybe you're out of college for a few years. Maybe you can explain the "struggle" of trying to find a job. But most people conducting interviews knows what's out there. There's plenty of people with the qualifications. We aren't taking everyone we talk with.

If you're going for an entry level position, we're willing to overlook certain things based on your interview and how you conduct yourself. But if you're going for a position that most people would need a few promotions to obtain, or need a few year's experience, you won't even make it on the long list of resumes to review if you don't show any relevant history for us.
Just curious - what's your take on when people explain the gap in the employment? Mine was 'incarcerated for 15 years' (thank you for not asking why, not looking for a job). Am I automatically out, or is there still wiggle room? That's been my struggle. I'm doing well now, but it wasn't always the case. When they talk about labor shortages, there's a huge pool of labor that's willing to work, but can't get hired because the background check kicks the applications out before a human sees them. I was lucky enough to find a pizza joint that was like 'ok, you were locked up. can you drive you car?' and a business owner that's willing to give people a chance. Now I do remote work, though it might tank, and if so, I can call the pizza joint.
I understand concerns about felons - dude's gonna rip me off, etc. etc., but it's not really different from hiring anyone else. The only difference, is you know the ex-con has already did something. A 'regular' person, well, you just don't know what they've been up to, or are capable of.

Depends greatly on the circumstances through which someone has a work history gap. Years ago one of my security supervisors out of the blue told me he once went to prison for two years for assault when he was 19. It never came up when I did his background check because it was 14 years in the past, we only went back 7 years at the time. His resume had a gap around that his 19-22 year old time frame but it wasn't something too notable given how far back it was. I never had an issue from the guy aside from him being maybe too opinionated. Apparently he became a bounty hunter and bouncer around the age of 22 after getting out of prison.

So if you're looking for an opinion if I think it's unfair that convicted felons are basically job pariahs for 7-10 years, I can't give you a universal answer. Depending the crime committed, absolutely it can be unfair. Some criminal offenses like drug crimes and petty theft have tended to carry in my opinion way too strict of sentences. For more serious charges like rape, assault and other acts of violence I think it is unreasonable for an employer to not want to hire someone with those convictions in the 7-10 year aftermath.

That's probably the most 'real' answer I've ever had to that question. Thanks.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on December 12, 2022, 09:02:06 PM

I've often seen references to people being influencers, opinion leaders, and thought leaders. Heck, one person I know (the son of a now-retired coworker) works professionally as an expert on influence marketing. (Look up books written by Jason Falls.)

I'd like to have a gig doing something like that.

Quote from: Hunty2022 on December 11, 2022, 11:14:43 PM
When I take a picture of any sign while going 70+ mph on an interstate, just for the photo to delay when it gets taken, so I just get an image of grass and trees.

That is one advantage that a film camera had, has, and always will have over a digital camera. When you press the shutter, it will take the picture. I have yet to own a digital camera that doesn't occasionally have a lag to the point where when you press the shutter, the camera has to think about it before it snaps the photo.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 12, 2022, 09:35:45 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 12, 2022, 09:02:06 PM
That is one advantage that a film camera had, has, and always will have over a digital camera. When you press the shutter, it will take the picture. I have yet to own a digital camera that doesn't occasionally have a lag to the point where when you press the shutter, the camera has to think about it before it snaps the photo.

Honestly, DSLRs rarely have this problem. Point-and-shoots have much more lag if not fully manually-controlled, and creates sacrifices to achieve whatever directive the user has prioritized. And if we're going to compare a Canon 1V or Nikon F6 film camera to the ground-floor DSLRs, there will be some benefits to those aforementioned titans of film cameras.

The biggest mistake I usually cause is a lack of focus; either because I manually set the focus point away from the desired subject, and forgot to move the setting back after shooting an entirely different subject matter or in different conditions. That could occur with a film camera with the ability to set desired autofocus points, though autofocus for SLR cameras is only about 35-40 years old, and the ability to change focus points is a relatively new feature.

The other is when a type of lens doesn't focus on moving subjects as well; in the Canon realm, the USM lenses are a bit sharper, but they have a tendency to re-think their desired subject if there's any motion, or it wants to recalculate distance from the sensor plane to the subject. When the object or photographer is moving, the lens does cause some blurry shots. But I've found that preparing for the focus a half-second sooner provides the autofocus time delay it needs, or by giving it a narrower aperture to give more clearance for parallax and creating sharper shots. This is sometimes at the expense of cranking up the ISO a notch so the shutter speed and f/stop are desirable for sharpness. Interestingly, I've found some of the cheaper (non-USM) lenses don't seem to have this issue; but only in the sense of a specific road-going-photography purpose; you'd almost always want them for almost any other type of photography.

The last bugaboo is the type of autofocus setting: I have three types, ONE SHOT, AI FOCUS, and AI SERVO...while you'd figure the one for moving subjects (AI Servo) would work better, that's not the case if the photographer is also moving. The first setting (ONE SHOT) is best for roadgeekery, but the last one is better for objects that move, so as long as I am stationary. (I haven't found any particular roadgeek-use for AI Focus, since it alternates between the two. My camera's technology is approaching 15 years old, so maybe that's improved.) Sometimes I leave it in the incorrect setting and that also gets bothersome.

If they don't take the photo, it's for the same reasons a film camera wouldn't take the photo: batteries drained, autofocus left in manual setting [arrggh!], damage/wear to camera or lens, but maybe only some electrical short or interference would be at play after that...and it's fair to say a film camera probably has a lot less electronics inside of them. But even the Canon AE-1, which dated from the mid-1970s, had an internal microprocessor for light metering.

At least you don't have the problem of a film spool being improperly wound inside the camera, an accidental double-exposure, or pesky film light leaks, anymore.

(Wow, the Canon 1V was only $600. Wished I bought a new one.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2022, 09:39:11 PM

Did MMM come back on today to delete his last couple posts in this thread? Seems like he missed the fact that some of us already quoted his more choice statements.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Hunty2022 on December 12, 2022, 09:56:32 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2022, 09:39:11 PM
Did MMM come back on today to delete his last couple posts in this thread? Seems like he missed the fact that some of us already quoted his more choice statements.

A few hours ago, I saw that his post count was down to 1000 on the spot. Yesterday it was around 1002.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2022, 09:58:58 PM

Quote from: Hunty2022 on December 12, 2022, 09:56:32 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2022, 09:39:11 PM
Did MMM come back on today to delete his last couple posts in this thread? Seems like he missed the fact that some of us already quoted his more choice statements.

A few hours ago, I saw that his post count was down to 1000 on the spot. Yesterday it was around 1002.

I guess he didn't get the sympathy he was looking for.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on December 12, 2022, 10:31:16 PM

He hasn't posted in his thread dedicated to him since the third of the month. He got my serious thread locked already. He was posting regularly in the thread about two digits being removed.

I don't know what's up with him.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on December 12, 2022, 10:44:24 PM

Speaking of lack of empathy, how about being oblivious that most young people in the United States do NOT have free college options like CUNY and either their parents must pay a lot or they must take on a lot of debt, and that debt in that case may not be such a bad decision.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on December 12, 2022, 10:46:02 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on December 12, 2022, 10:31:16 PM
He hasn't posted in his thread dedicated to him since the third of the month. He got my serious thread locked already. He was posting regularly in the thread about two digits being removed.

I don't know what's up with him.

It's not unusual for trolls to retreat back to their safe place under the bridge or down mom's basement.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2022, 11:18:50 PM

Quote from: kkt on December 12, 2022, 10:44:24 PM
Speaking of lack of empathy, how about being oblivious that most young people in the United States do NOT have free college options like CUNY and either their parents must pay a lot or they must take on a lot of debt, and that debt in that case may not be such a bad decision.

The GI Bill was my initial plan to get around that. My brother was the one who convinced me to give Phoenix a try for a year first. Just so happened 9/11 happened in said year and the military became a lot more uncertain. Fortunately I more or less has gotten into what I do now by then and had a stable enough income by 2004 to pay for community college courses. I did briefly consider enlisting again during 2010 when I found that I was going to be laid off during 2011. I ended find a district security manager job instead after about a full year of searching and stuck with what I was doing career wise.

Quote from: skluth on December 12, 2022, 10:46:02 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on December 12, 2022, 10:31:16 PM
He hasn't posted in his thread dedicated to him since the third of the month. He got my serious thread locked already. He was posting regularly in the thread about two digits being removed.

I don't know what's up with him.

It's not unusual for trolls to retreat back to their safe place under the bridge or down mom's basement.

Perhaps a parental figure advised him that claiming Gen-Z workplace plight doesn't exactly jive with 29k in cash on hand. One sure could buy a lot of rollercoaster tickets with 29k in cash.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: signalman on December 13, 2022, 01:18:55 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2022, 09:58:58 PM
Quote from: Hunty2022 on December 12, 2022, 09:56:32 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2022, 09:39:11 PM
Did MMM come back on today to delete his last couple posts in this thread? Seems like he missed the fact that some of us already quoted his more choice statements.

A few hours ago, I saw that his post count was down to 1000 on the spot. Yesterday it was around 1002.

I guess he didn't get the sympathy he was looking for.

He could try looking in the dictionary between the words sex and syphilis.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on December 13, 2022, 04:28:38 AM

Quote from: skluth on December 12, 2022, 10:46:02 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on December 12, 2022, 10:31:16 PM
He hasn't posted in his thread dedicated to him since the third of the month. He got my serious thread locked already. He was posting regularly in the thread about two digits being removed.

I don't know what's up with him.

It's not unusual for trolls to retreat back to their safe place under the bridge or down mom's basement.

I got a couple DMs from the guy. He seems to be frightened by a moderator on here. So he is laying low.

I don't know which one, but Bugo once said all the mods are transparent and we all know which moderator is going act on which user, lock what topic, and moderate which specific individual. I have my suspicions but in this case the young user is asking for it as he reacts way too much over common criticism which raises his posts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 13, 2022, 06:41:53 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on December 13, 2022, 04:28:38 AM
Quote from: skluth on December 12, 2022, 10:46:02 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on December 12, 2022, 10:31:16 PM
He hasn't posted in his thread dedicated to him since the third of the month. He got my serious thread locked already. He was posting regularly in the thread about two digits being removed.

I don't know what's up with him.

It's not unusual for trolls to retreat back to their safe place under the bridge or down mom's basement.

I got a couple DMs from the guy. He seems to be frightened by a moderator on here. So he is laying low.

I don't know which one, but Bugo once said all the mods are transparent and we all know which moderator is going act on which user, lock what topic, and moderate which specific individual. I have my suspicions but in this case the young user is asking for it as he reacts way too much over common criticism which raises his posts.

That makes it sound like we assign individual moderators to individual users to watch over. Which is sort of hilarious, knowing just how disorganized we actually are. There's really nothing more to it than whoever gets to it first gets to be the one who decides what to do. If it happens after midnight, that's usually me. Otherwise it could be anyone.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on December 13, 2022, 07:30:19 AM

Well there is one troll on here that seems to never have action taken by a specific moderator. This troll who shall be name less has been suspended multiple times for crossing the political line, but it's always the same MOD that catches him, but another moderator, who coincidentally went to school with the aforementioned troll and established a personal relationship with him, will never be the one to act.

Not saying that it's total nepotism but there are some that will ignore outbursts from personal friends off the forum and hope another moderator will catch them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 13, 2022, 07:46:29 AM

Hang on, if someone has a personal relationship with a particular person, shouldn't they not moderate that person, to prevent the appearance of a conflict of interest? (Obviously, if moderation is needed, someone else should do it, but not the person who's a close friend of that person.)

Any time I've gotten a bit too snarky in a thread and it starts heading downhill, I'll give a heads-up to someone else to look at it because I don't want to give the appearance I'm trying to get the last word by locking the thread. Sometimes my posts get deleted just like anyone else's would.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on December 13, 2022, 07:53:58 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on December 13, 2022, 07:30:19 AM
Well there is one troll on here that seems to never have action taken by a specific moderator. This troll who shall be name less has been suspended multiple times for crossing the political line, but it's always the same MOD that catches him, but another moderator, who coincidentally went to school with the aforementioned troll and established a personal relationship with him, will never be the one to act.

Not saying that it's total nepotism but there are some that will ignore outbursts from personal friends off the forum and hope another moderator will catch them.

The person you are referring to was once banned for a month for changing one letter of a moderator's real name into something offensive.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on December 13, 2022, 12:38:28 PM

Anyone is mildly bothered by soggy cereals? (Look, I gotta lighten up the mood somehow.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on December 13, 2022, 12:56:17 PM

Quote from: Hunty2022 on December 12, 2022, 09:56:32 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2022, 09:39:11 PM
Did MMM come back on today to delete his last couple posts in this thread? Seems like he missed the fact that some of us already quoted his more choice statements.

A few hours ago, I saw that his post count was down to 1000 on the spot. Yesterday it was around 1002.

Didn't he once post that he would slow down with posting once he got to 1000 and even delete older posts in order to maintain a post count at 1000?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on December 13, 2022, 12:58:42 PM

Quote from: vdeane on December 13, 2022, 12:56:17 PM
Quote from: Hunty2022 on December 12, 2022, 09:56:32 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2022, 09:39:11 PM
Did MMM come back on today to delete his last couple posts in this thread? Seems like he missed the fact that some of us already quoted his more choice statements.

A few hours ago, I saw that his post count was down to 1000 on the spot. Yesterday it was around 1002.
Didn't he once post that he would slow down with posting once he got to 1000 and even delete older posts in order to maintain a post count at 1000?

He did say that. However, I'm under an NDA as to another reason why his posting rate has slowed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on December 13, 2022, 12:58:54 PM

Quote from: LilianaUwU on December 13, 2022, 12:38:28 PM
Anyone is mildly bothered by soggy cereals? (Look, I gotta lighten up the mood somehow.)

I'm more than mildly bothered. I would only eat dry cereal when I was growing up. I always had my cereal with a glass of milk (I did grow up in Wisconsin) but I hated how milk added to cereal would both make cereal soggy and the sugar in cereal would render that milk undrinkable for me. The milk also turned an unappetizing shit brown if I had Cocoa Krispies, one of my favorites though my mom rarely bought it. These days my breakfast is usually a bagel with cream cheese, OJ, and coffee so soggy cereal isn't a problem.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Hunty2022 on December 13, 2022, 01:03:54 PM

Quote from: LilianaUwU on December 13, 2022, 12:38:28 PM
Anyone is mildly bothered by soggy cereals? (Look, I gotta lighten up the mood somehow.)

Milk ≠ Cereal
Liquids ≠ Cereal

Cereal is better dry.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on December 13, 2022, 01:15:18 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 13, 2022, 06:41:53 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on December 13, 2022, 04:28:38 AM
Quote from: skluth on December 12, 2022, 10:46:02 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on December 12, 2022, 10:31:16 PM
He hasn't posted in his thread dedicated to him since the third of the month. He got my serious thread locked already. He was posting regularly in the thread about two digits being removed.

I don't know what's up with him.

It's not unusual for trolls to retreat back to their safe place under the bridge or down mom's basement.

I got a couple DMs from the guy. He seems to be frightened by a moderator on here. So he is laying low.

I don't know which one, but Bugo once said all the mods are transparent and we all know which moderator is going act on which user, lock what topic, and moderate which specific individual. I have my suspicions but in this case the young user is asking for it as he reacts way too much over common criticism which raises his posts.

That makes it sound like we assign individual moderators to individual users to watch over. Which is sort of hilarious, knowing just how disorganized we actually are. There's really nothing more to it than whoever gets to it first gets to be the one who decides what to do. If it happens after midnight, that's usually me. Otherwise it could be anyone.

They're all assigned to monitor me. :bigass:

I've noticed that Scott is generally more apt to address and engage with those showing troll-ish behavior without the use of purple text, than are the other mods.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 13, 2022, 02:43:11 PM

Quote from: Hunty2022 on December 13, 2022, 01:03:54 PM
Milk ≠ Cereal
Liquids ≠ Cereal

Agreed. Milk is not cereal, and liquids are not cereal.

I do, however, like milk on my cereal, and I prefer that it be slightly soggy.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Hunty2022 on December 13, 2022, 03:03:06 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 13, 2022, 02:43:11 PM
Quote from: Hunty2022 on December 13, 2022, 01:03:54 PM
Milk ≠ Cereal
Liquids ≠ Cereal

Agreed. Milk is not cereal, and liquids are not cereal.

I do, however, like milk on my cereal, and I prefer that it be slightly soggy.

There's only some cereals that are good with milk on it. But, most cereals are bad with milk.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on December 13, 2022, 03:40:14 PM

Quote from: 1 on December 13, 2022, 12:58:42 PM
Quote from: vdeane on December 13, 2022, 12:56:17 PM
Quote from: Hunty2022 on December 12, 2022, 09:56:32 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 12, 2022, 09:39:11 PM
Did MMM come back on today to delete his last couple posts in this thread? Seems like he missed the fact that some of us already quoted his more choice statements.

A few hours ago, I saw that his post count was down to 1000 on the spot. Yesterday it was around 1002.
Didn't he once post that he would slow down with posting once he got to 1000 and even delete older posts in order to maintain a post count at 1000?

He did say that. However, I'm under an NDA as to another reason why his posting rate has slowed.

Without you disclosing it, my strong suspicion is that he's on a warning level where his posts are being monitored and require moderator approval. I had to do that once and it was no fun. I could still contribute, but there was a time delay, and low-quality/spam type posts are rejected. (I found this out by intentionally submitting a single low-quality post.)

Suffice to say, I learned my lesson, and hopefully sharing it isn't a problem...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: signalman on December 13, 2022, 05:13:23 PM

Quote from: skluth on December 13, 2022, 12:58:54 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on December 13, 2022, 12:38:28 PM
Anyone is mildly bothered by soggy cereals? (Look, I gotta lighten up the mood somehow.)

I'm more than mildly bothered. I would only eat dry cereal when I was growing up. I always had my cereal with a glass of milk (I did grow up in Wisconsin) but I hated how milk added to cereal would both make cereal soggy and the sugar in cereal would render that milk undrinkable for me. The milk also turned an unappetizing shit brown if I had Cocoa Krispies, one of my favorites though my mom rarely bought it. These days my breakfast is usually a bagel with cream cheese, OJ, and coffee so soggy cereal isn't a problem.

I love soggy cereal. I know that it's abnormal but whatever, I'm eating it. The way I prepare cereal is put it in a bowl, add milk and then ignore it for 10 minutes. A coworker watched me do this once (it was available recently in the break room as a treat) and said "dude, that's gross" My response was "no one asked or told YOU to eat it that way"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 13, 2022, 06:00:48 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 13, 2022, 02:43:11 PM
I prefer that it be slightly soggy.

Quote from: signalman on December 13, 2022, 05:13:23 PM
The way I prepare cereal is put it in a bowl, add milk and then ignore it for 10 minutes.

OK, now ten minutes is maybe too much. One minute is plenty for me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on December 13, 2022, 06:28:31 PM

Quote from: LilianaUwU on December 13, 2022, 12:38:28 PM
Anyone is mildly bothered by soggy cereals? (Look, I gotta lighten up the mood somehow.)

(https://i.imgur.com/pa46pI6.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on December 13, 2022, 06:31:02 PM

I love dry Cheerios (or a store-brand equivalent) and the sugar-coated puffed rice (I think the Kellogg's brand is Sugar Smacks, but I'm not sure).

For crisped rice and corn flakes, I want milk (but no sugar) in them. I can also eat Cheerios with milk. But I don't want any sugar in my cereal

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on December 13, 2022, 07:06:20 PM

I start eating cold cereal immediately after I pour the milk--I like to get the crunch before it fades. The only cereals I typically eat dry are oversweetened ones I think of as vice foods, like Froot Loops.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on December 13, 2022, 07:09:44 PM

I put some milk on my bran flakes. The flakes at the bottom get a bit soggy and I like the mix of crunchy ones on top and soggy ones on the bottom.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on December 14, 2022, 08:10:28 AM

Without milk, you don't get Snap, Crackle, Pop

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on December 14, 2022, 08:26:19 AM

Why anyone would ruin perfectly good cereal with .. cow secretions .. is a mystery to me. But, to each their own.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on December 14, 2022, 09:54:20 AM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on December 13, 2022, 06:28:31 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on December 13, 2022, 12:38:28 PM
Anyone is mildly bothered by soggy cereals? (Look, I gotta lighten up the mood somehow.)

(https://i.imgur.com/pa46pI6.jpg)

Same, but I'm usually trying to find a good YouTube to watch.

As a side note, watching YouTube (Netflix, TV, Hulu, take your pick) while eating has got to be one of the worst habits. You start watching and eating, you finish your video but you still haven't finished eating. Time to find another video then. But then you finish your food before the second video ends. Well, I have to finish watching this, so I might as well get something else to eat while I do. And repeat until sick in the stomach, head, or both.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Hunty2022 on December 14, 2022, 10:12:53 AM

How about when you look up any route like "VA-20" or "NC-33" , but the results end up being something completely different, like some random fighter jet?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on December 14, 2022, 12:20:12 PM

Quote from: Hunty2022 on December 14, 2022, 10:12:53 AM
How about when you look up any route like "VA-20" or "NC-33" , but the results end up being something completely different, like some random fighter jet?

Or Arkansas State Highway 15.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on December 14, 2022, 12:21:48 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on December 14, 2022, 12:20:12 PM
Quote from: Hunty2022 on December 14, 2022, 10:12:53 AM
How about when you look up any route like "VA-20" or "NC-33" , but the results end up being something completely different, like some random fighter jet?

Or Arkansas State Highway 15.

I'd love to fly in a State Route 71 though

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on December 14, 2022, 12:35:44 PM

When searching for the Wikipedia entry on a given route, I try to avoid hyphenated constructions for this precise reason. This is unavoidable for Kansas because the entries do follow the local idiom of K-2, K-3, etc., so I add "highway" in the search box. This usually leads me to the desired page without a stop for disambiguation.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 14, 2022, 12:38:25 PM

Quote from: kurumi on December 14, 2022, 12:21:48 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on December 14, 2022, 12:20:12 PM
Quote from: Hunty2022 on December 14, 2022, 10:12:53 AM
How about when you look up any route like "VA-20" or "NC-33" , but the results end up being something completely different, like some random fighter jet?

Or Arkansas State Highway 15.

I'd love to fly in a State Route 71 though

The firearm iteration of M-14 is arguably more interesting.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on December 14, 2022, 03:23:02 PM

Quote from: Hunty2022 on December 14, 2022, 10:12:53 AM
How about when you look up any route like "VA-20" or "NC-33" , but the results end up being something completely different, like some random fighter jet?

How about when you look up any fighter jet like "VA-20" or "NC-33", but the results end up being something completely different, like some random route?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 14, 2022, 03:23:35 PM

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Naming_conventions_(U.S._state_and_territory_highways) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Naming_conventions_(U.S._state_and_territory_highways)) is the master key in case anyone was wondering. This page basically exists because NE2 decided this was the hill he wanted to die on back in 2007 and basically led to everyone having to go to Wikipedia Supreme Court over it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kirbykart on December 14, 2022, 03:32:20 PM

Quote from: Hunty2022 on December 13, 2022, 01:03:54 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on December 13, 2022, 12:38:28 PM
Anyone is mildly bothered by soggy cereals? (Look, I gotta lighten up the mood somehow.)

Milk ≠ Cereal
Liquids ≠ Cereal

Cereal is better dry.

Same here (when I used to eat cereal). I can't stand soggy cereal, and when people would say "you just eat it quickly so it doesn't get soggy", I then wondered "why do you even put milk on it to begin with?".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on December 14, 2022, 04:02:33 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 14, 2022, 03:23:35 PM
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Naming_conventions_(U.S._state_and_territory_highways) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Naming_conventions_(U.S._state_and_territory_highways)) is the master key in case anyone was wondering. This page basically exists because NE2 decided this was the hill he wanted to die on back in 2007 and basically led to everyone having to go to Wikipedia Supreme Court over it.

I went to ANI for a handful of reasons, but being Roadgeek Anal™ was certainly not one of those reasons.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 14, 2022, 04:10:57 PM

Quote from: LilianaUwU on December 14, 2022, 04:02:33 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 14, 2022, 03:23:35 PM
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Naming_conventions_(U.S._state_and_territory_highways) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Naming_conventions_(U.S._state_and_territory_highways)) is the master key in case anyone was wondering. This page basically exists because NE2 decided this was the hill he wanted to die on back in 2007 and basically led to everyone having to go to Wikipedia Supreme Court over it.
I went to ANI for a handful of reasons, but being Roadgeek Anal™ was certainly not one of those reasons.

This went way past ANI, all the way to freakin' ArbCom.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on December 14, 2022, 04:12:24 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 14, 2022, 04:10:57 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on December 14, 2022, 04:02:33 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 14, 2022, 03:23:35 PM
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Naming_conventions_(U.S._state_and_territory_highways) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Naming_conventions_(U.S._state_and_territory_highways)) is the master key in case anyone was wondering. This page basically exists because NE2 decided this was the hill he wanted to die on back in 2007 and basically led to everyone having to go to Wikipedia Supreme Court over it.
I went to ANI for a handful of reasons, but being Roadgeek Anal™ was certainly not one of those reasons.

This went all the way to freakin' ArbCom.

So did a recent ANI case of mine, but again, it was for a bigger reason than being Roadgeek Anal™.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on December 14, 2022, 08:52:02 PM

Quote from: GaryV on December 14, 2022, 08:10:28 AM
Without milk, you don't get Snap, Crackle, Pop

Then throw in some Pop Rocks into your bowl of DRY Rice Krispies 😉

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on December 15, 2022, 07:30:53 AM

When the wind blows my satellite dish down the street.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 15, 2022, 10:13:34 AM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on December 15, 2022, 07:30:53 AM
When the wind blows my satellite dish down the street.

I forgot to take down my satellite dish down during Hurricane Wilma, and the winds bent up both sides like a taco. The post mounted to the side of my house eventually broke free, but now had an additional 30-degree bend in it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on December 15, 2022, 10:28:53 AM

Quote from: formulanone on December 15, 2022, 10:13:34 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on December 15, 2022, 07:30:53 AM
When the wind blows my satellite dish down the street.

I forgot to take down my satellite dish down during Hurricane Wilma, and the winds bent up both sides like a taco. The post mounted to the side of my house eventually broke free, but now had an additional 30-degree bend in it.

I really felt like Hughes did a decent job mounting it -- the thing didn't budge when he tried to wiggle it around, but it has been very bigly windy around here lately.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on December 15, 2022, 10:59:31 AM

When dead baseball players emerge from the woods and play baseball in my yard.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on December 15, 2022, 11:04:44 AM

Let's revisit the cereal discussion...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on December 15, 2022, 11:14:27 AM

A minor thing that used to bother me...

Ever since I got my Pixel 6 phone, the song/media information would only display on my mother's 2016 vehicle, but not my 2013 vehicle... same make and model, but just an older model. Apparently, there was a patch to the Android 13 OS just recently, as the media information is now displaying again. This makes me happy as my vehicle has just 97k miles on it, and is no immediate need for replacement.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 15, 2022, 03:45:39 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on December 14, 2022, 08:26:19 AM
cow secretions

Don't think too long and hard about what honey is.
Or where eggs come from.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on December 15, 2022, 03:58:05 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 15, 2022, 03:45:39 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on December 14, 2022, 08:26:19 AM
cow secretions

Don't think too long and hard about what honey is.
Or where eggs come from.

I wasn't, till you mentioned it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 15, 2022, 04:28:11 PM

(https://images.fineartamerica.com/images/artworkimages/mediumlarge/2/1-chickens-the-pet-that-poops-breakfast-sassy-lassy.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 15, 2022, 04:52:07 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on December 15, 2022, 03:58:05 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 15, 2022, 03:45:39 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on December 14, 2022, 08:26:19 AM
cow secretions

Don't think too long and hard about what honey is.
Or where eggs come from.

I wasn't, till you mentioned it.

Or that alcohol is the vomit of bacteria.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on December 16, 2022, 09:46:37 AM

Quote from: kphoger on December 15, 2022, 04:28:11 PM
(https://images.fineartamerica.com/images/artworkimages/mediumlarge/2/1-chickens-the-pet-that-poops-breakfast-sassy-lassy.jpg)

Um... no one been in a yard where there are chickens, or taken sex ed in school? Laying an egg is not pooping.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 16, 2022, 09:57:48 AM

Browsers that save a login or password improperly, recalling the saved login id and password as literal asterisks and/or dots.

Sorry: for******** is not a valid account name, and you're a chucklehead for using -------- as your password.

Thanks, Marriott.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 16, 2022, 10:37:47 AM

Quote from: kkt on December 16, 2022, 09:46:37 AM

Quote from: kphoger on December 15, 2022, 04:28:11 PM
(https://images.fineartamerica.com/images/artworkimages/mediumlarge/2/1-chickens-the-pet-that-poops-breakfast-sassy-lassy.jpg)

Um... no one been in a yard where there are chickens, or taken sex ed in school? Laying an egg is not pooping.

In birds such as chickens, the intestine (excretory tract) and oviduct (reproductive tract) both empty out into the aptly named "vent". While the egg is descending into the vent, the cloaca also descends and blocks off the excretory tract.

So, no, technically the egg doesn't come from the intestine, nor can a hen expel waste and lay eggs at the same time. But both eggs and feces come out the same hole, and this is why farm-fresh eggs often have specks of feces on the shells.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on December 19, 2022, 10:14:57 AM

The numbers on phone keyboards and calculator keyboards are reversed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on December 19, 2022, 11:18:52 AM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 19, 2022, 10:14:57 AM
The numbers on phone keyboards and calculator keyboards are reversed.

https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=119296&page=1
https://thenextweb.com/news/heres-why-telephones-and-calculators-use-different-numeric-keypads
https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/question641.htm

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: gonealookin on December 19, 2022, 11:41:01 AM

I don't like seeing the "Fasten Seat Belt" sign left illuminated for an entire flight regardless of the flight cruising at altitude in smooth, clear weather conditions. I noticed this happening on a Hawaiian Airlines flight a couple weeks ago from Sacramento to Kahului, which is over 5 hours in the air. When passengers see that they consider it a "Boy who cried Wolf" warning, ignore it and get out of their seat at their leisure. The sign should only be illuminated during takeoff/climb, descent/landing and when atmospheric conditions create turbulence or suggest that it could be ahead.

I doubt it's a Hawaiian Airlines policy to do that, as on the return Hawaiian flight to the mainland the warning light was turned on and off in the way I suggest there. I have seen the warning light left lit on some other airlines' flights as well.

In the case of the Phoenix to Honolulu flight yesterday where a number of people were injured during a turbulence event, I wonder if that was a factor. The airplane was approaching Hawaii and there was bad weather in the area, so having the warning light lit at that time would have been justified. However, if the warning had been lit ever since the plane left Phoenix, it wouldn't be surprising at all if the passengers were ignoring it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on December 19, 2022, 12:32:33 PM

Clear Air Turbulence (https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimfoerster/2019/02/08/how-clear-are-the-implications-of-clear-air-turbulence/) is one of the toughest things for many passengers to understand. CAT is a common problem around mountains (e.g., the Hawaiian chain) but also can occur in the middle of the ocean. It looks clear and beautiful out the window. That doesn't mean there's nothing out there. The worst thing is you can't see it unless there is something showing the turbulence like lenticular clouds (https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/learn-about/weather/types-of-weather/clouds/other-clouds/lenticular). There's a good chance that CAT was in the pilot's weather flight brief. The pilot isn't turning off the "Fasten Seat Belt" sign because if someone is injured in CAT because the sign is off and CAT was in the brief, the pilot can be held responsible.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on December 19, 2022, 12:47:43 PM

Quote from: gonealookin on December 19, 2022, 11:41:01 AMI don't like seeing the "Fasten Seat Belt" sign left illuminated for an entire flight regardless of the flight cruising at altitude in smooth, clear weather conditions. I noticed this happening on a Hawaiian Airlines flight a couple weeks ago from Sacramento to Kahului, which is over 5 hours in the air. When passengers see that they consider it a "Boy who cried Wolf" warning, ignore it and get out of their seat at their leisure. The sign should only be illuminated during takeoff/climb, descent/landing and when atmospheric conditions create turbulence or suggest that it could be ahead.

It often feels like the pilots have an "out of sight, out of mind" problem that leads to passengers being treated like inanimate freight. I've found it very hit-and-miss whether I have ear pain as the plane descends for a landing, and I've been told that much of the variability comes from pilot behavior in adjusting cabin pressurization.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: gonealookin on December 19, 2022, 01:04:13 PM

I understand the issue of clear air turbulence and always keep my seat belt fastened unless I need to get out of my seat for a couple minutes for the obvious reason. My criticism is that the "Fasten Seat Belt" light should be an order, not a recommendation, and it's not reasonable to order passengers not to get up for an entire multi-hour flight unless the whole flight is in rough conditions. I get a captain's CYA mentality on the subject but leaving it lit begs for it to be ignored.

I have a similar criticism of Nevada DOT around here for leaving the Chains Required lights flashing for hours after the road has been cleared and is down to bare wet pavement. This happens particularly on Nevada 207 between Carson Valley and Lake Tahoe, a curvy climb and descent over the mountains. Drivers see those lights flashing, find that road conditions are perfectly good even at the summit and learn to disregard the warning. Then there's a time when conditions are bad, the lights are flashing but based on the prior experience drivers assume they can make it without chains or snow tires. And that's when the fleet of tow trucks has to head up there.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 19, 2022, 01:39:51 PM

Quote from: gonealookin on December 19, 2022, 11:41:01 AM
I don't like seeing the "Fasten Seat Belt" sign left illuminated for an entire flight regardless of the flight cruising at altitude in smooth, clear weather conditions. I noticed this happening on a Hawaiian Airlines flight a couple weeks ago from Sacramento to Kahului, which is over 5 hours in the air. When passengers see that they consider it a "Boy who cried Wolf" warning, ignore it and get out of their seat at their leisure. The sign should only be illuminated during takeoff/climb, descent/landing and when atmospheric conditions create turbulence or suggest that it could be ahead.

I doubt it's a Hawaiian Airlines policy to do that, as on the return Hawaiian flight to the mainland the warning light was turned on and off in the way I suggest there. I have seen the warning light left lit on some other airlines' flights as well.

In the case of the Phoenix to Honolulu flight yesterday where a number of people were injured during a turbulence event, I wonder if that was a factor. The airplane was approaching Hawaii and there was bad weather in the area, so having the warning light lit at that time would have been justified. However, if the warning had been lit ever since the plane left Phoenix, it wouldn't be surprising at all if the passengers were ignoring it.

Typically, I think they just forget to turn it off. My misguided suspicion is that the flight crew was tired that day, and therefore didn't have to serve anything (which sucks on the days where you have a smooth flight). Probably more likely on a 45-60 minute haul, when you might only have 20-30 minutes of possible cabin service time.

Supposedly, the flight crew can't stop you from using the lavatory or moving around the cabin, unless the phases of flight are takeoff and landing (at 10,000 feet below ground level). There might be an exception for genuine cases of declared "extreme turbulence", which is very rare unless people become physically injured. Pilots have to fill out a whole lot of paperwork in that case, so they're reluctant to use the term in an official capacity.

I leave my seatbelt buckled the entire time, except when getting up to use the lav or getting something from the overhead. Or if I can't reach something from my bag, for those oddball exit seats with tons of legroom.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on December 19, 2022, 04:42:25 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on December 19, 2022, 12:47:43 PM
I've found it very hit-and-miss whether I have ear pain as the plane descends for a landing, and I've been told that much of the variability comes from pilot behavior in adjusting cabin pressurization.

My understanding is that the process is largely automatic. I believe the pilots set the altitude of the destination airport on a little device on the instrument panel, and that's pretty much that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on December 19, 2022, 04:52:14 PM

In a similar vein to the seatbelt sign, when flight attendants force all windows to be dimmed on modern aircraft like the B787 or upcoming Air Bus A350. I'm okay with giving passengers some sleep time, but it's unfair to have it locked down for the entire flight.

For the record, I haven't been on a 787 as of yet. But I've heard about it through trip reports on YouTube.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SectorZ on December 19, 2022, 06:37:47 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on December 19, 2022, 12:47:43 PM
Quote from: gonealookin on December 19, 2022, 11:41:01 AMI don't like seeing the "Fasten Seat Belt" sign left illuminated for an entire flight regardless of the flight cruising at altitude in smooth, clear weather conditions. I noticed this happening on a Hawaiian Airlines flight a couple weeks ago from Sacramento to Kahului, which is over 5 hours in the air. When passengers see that they consider it a "Boy who cried Wolf" warning, ignore it and get out of their seat at their leisure. The sign should only be illuminated during takeoff/climb, descent/landing and when atmospheric conditions create turbulence or suggest that it could be ahead.

It often feels like the pilots have an "out of sight, out of mind" problem that leads to passengers being treated like inanimate freight. I've found it very hit-and-miss whether I have ear pain as the plane descends for a landing, and I've been told that much of the variability comes from pilot behavior in adjusting cabin pressurization.

Wouldn't they be subject to the same conditions though, if so?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on December 19, 2022, 09:26:30 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on December 19, 2022, 04:52:14 PM
For the record, I haven't been on a 787 as of yet. But I've heard about it through trip reports on YouTube.

The only 787 I can think of having been on is this one (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.6607377,-73.7377859,3a,49.1y,25.58h,87.99t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1swiO5tg3pYNvLk10hjHOOWQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192). :bigass:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on December 20, 2022, 12:47:05 AM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on December 19, 2022, 04:52:14 PM
In a similar vein to the seatbelt sign, when flight attendants force all windows to be dimmed on modern aircraft like the B787 or upcoming Air Bus A350. I'm okay with giving passengers some sleep time, but it's unfair to have it locked down for the entire flight.

For the record, I haven't been on a 787 as of yet. But I've heard about it through trip reports on YouTube.

I experienced this flying from Seattle to Tokyo (JAL 787). The flight is entirely daylight, so the cabin crew will dim the windows midway through the flight for about four hours so that people can catch up on sleep. It's actually really important because flights like the one I was on results in some crazy long days...the last thing I need in a 32-hour day is more daylight lol (when I landed in Tokyo at 16:30, it would have been 02:30 back in Seattle ... time kind of stands still flying east to west).

Passengers were not locked out from un-dimming their windows, but it was insanely bright anytime someone did, and they usually dimmed it again right after.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on December 20, 2022, 07:45:42 AM

^^^^

Similar thing happens going the other way. Leaving JFK on an overnight flight to London (flying east towards the solar terminator), British Airways crews make an announcement asking everyone to close the window shades because it will get bright outside very quickly and even one open window will make it very hard for people to sleep.

I would have liked to have experienced what it was like to take a late fall or winter Concorde flight when you took off at night in London and caught the solar terminator such that you got to see the sun rising in the west.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kirbykart on December 20, 2022, 07:57:07 AM

Quote from: vdeane on December 19, 2022, 09:26:30 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on December 19, 2022, 04:52:14 PM
For the record, I haven't been on a 787 as of yet. But I've heard about it through trip reports on YouTube.
The only 787 I can think of having been on is this one (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.6607377,-73.7377859,3a,49.1y,25.58h,87.99t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1swiO5tg3pYNvLk10hjHOOWQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192). :bigass:

Same. :D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on December 20, 2022, 09:22:24 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on December 20, 2022, 12:47:05 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on December 19, 2022, 04:52:14 PM
In a similar vein to the seatbelt sign, when flight attendants force all windows to be dimmed on modern aircraft like the B787 or upcoming Air Bus A350. I'm okay with giving passengers some sleep time, but it's unfair to have it locked down for the entire flight.

For the record, I haven't been on a 787 as of yet. But I've heard about it through trip reports on YouTube.

I experienced this flying from Seattle to Tokyo (JAL 787). The flight is entirely daylight, so the cabin crew will dim the windows midway through the flight for about four hours so that people can catch up on sleep. It's actually really important because flights like the one I was on results in some crazy long days...the last thing I need in a 32-hour day is more daylight lol (when I landed in Tokyo at 16:30, it would have been 02:30 back in Seattle ... time kind of stands still flying east to west).

Passengers were not locked out from un-dimming their windows, but it was insanely bright anytime someone did, and they usually dimmed it again right after.

Yes, I completely understand that. But if I'm on a 15-hour flight, hypothetically, it's unfair to lock down the windows for that entire time. If people need to sleep that desperately for that long, use eye shades.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on December 20, 2022, 09:25:51 AM

Quote from: kirbykart on December 20, 2022, 07:57:07 AM
Quote from: vdeane on December 19, 2022, 09:26:30 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on December 19, 2022, 04:52:14 PM
For the record, I haven't been on a 787 as of yet. But I've heard about it through trip reports on YouTube.
The only 787 I can think of having been on is this one (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.6607377,-73.7377859,3a,49.1y,25.58h,87.99t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1swiO5tg3pYNvLk10hjHOOWQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192). :bigass:

Same. :D

Oh no, it's an Albany expression...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 20, 2022, 12:31:05 PM

Pop-up windows that never time out. By golly, if I haven't clicked on it in two minutes, it's probably because I don't care about it. In fact, I've specifically decided it's so worthless that it doesn't deserve the respect of a mouse-click. Just go away.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 01:46:44 PM

The windows being misaligned with the seats is my main issue with them when flying. Do they do that deliberately for some reason? On my flight to Charlotte, the windows were almost exactly between the seat rows.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 20, 2022, 01:56:14 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 01:46:44 PM
The windows being misaligned with the seats is my main issue with them when flying. Do they do that deliberately for some reason? On my flight to Charlotte, the windows were almost exactly between the seat rows.

The airline determines how much distance to put between the rows based on how much capacity they want, not based on where the windows are. One airline's legroom will differ from another airline's by a couple of inches per row aboard the same aircraft, which adds up. In fact, first class probably isn't even the same size between the two airlines.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 20, 2022, 01:59:29 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 20, 2022, 01:56:14 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 01:46:44 PM
The windows being misaligned with the seats is my main issue with them when flying. Do they do that deliberately for some reason? On my flight to Charlotte, the windows were almost exactly between the seat rows.

The airline determines how much distance to put between the rows based on how much capacity they want, not based on where the windows are. One airline's legroom will differ from another airline's by a couple of inches per row aboard the same aircraft, which adds up.

Frankly, this annoys me as well. Even a closed window shade offers an addition inch to tilt my sleepy head, whereas a pillar between the windows isn't as comfortable.

Sometimes, they have to put some A/C ductwork or wiring, and a window gets omitted, so they're noisier or colder places to sit. I check out seatguru.com if I'm on an unfamiliar airline or aircraft type.

QuoteIn fact, first class probably isn't even the same size between the two airlines.

Even between airlines, they offer different sizes of First Clast cabin. For example, Delta uses 3 rows of 4 seats for the Airbus A319, which American uses 2 rows in the same aircraft type. And of course, Southwest only offers a single cabin, so seat spacing on their 737 is naturally different than two-cabin 737s.

While we're on the subject of minor things and airplane windows:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/4623/39245140805_c94db4123f_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/22MXB5H)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on December 20, 2022, 02:11:14 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 20, 2022, 01:56:14 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 01:46:44 PM
The windows being misaligned with the seats is my main issue with them when flying. Do they do that deliberately for some reason? On my flight to Charlotte, the windows were almost exactly between the seat rows.

The airline determines how much distance to put between the rows based on how much capacity they want, not based on where the windows are. One airline's legroom will differ from another airline's by a couple of inches per row aboard the same aircraft, which adds up. In fact, first class probably isn't even the same size between the two airlines.

And just to complete the thought, the only limit is FAA regulations and testing, which require that plane be "evacuable," at least under ideal circumstances, in 90 seconds.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 20, 2022, 02:31:20 PM

Quote from: formulanone on December 20, 2022, 01:59:29 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 20, 2022, 01:56:14 PM
In fact, first class probably isn't even the same size between the two airlines.

Even between airlines, they offer different sizes of First Clast cabin. For example, Delta uses 3 rows of 4 seats for the Airbus A319, which American uses 2 rows in the same aircraft type. And of course, Southwest only offers a single cabin, so seat spacing on their 737 is naturally different than two-cabin 737s.

I even think there are cases of a single airline having multiple arrangements on a single aircraft model.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 02:32:45 PM

While we're on the subject of airlines, let me share my insane story flying from JFK to Charlotte. We left at 12:15 pm for a 2:30 pm flight, since I live about 20 miles from JFK. When 2:30 came at the airport, first there was a pilot who was delayed due to maintenance issues on another flight so we had to wait until a new pilot arrived. So 2:30 already turned into 3:30 by the time we boarded. Next, after taxiing out, we were told that because of bad weather in the D.C. area, we were going to be on a new route to Charlotte via Cleveland, which would take twice as long, so we were going to have to go back to the gate to get more fuel for the extra 300+ miles added. This took 2 hours to get the extra fuel. Next, we taxi out to the runway, only to here that we are back on our original path due to the weather dissipating. We finally took off at 6:10 instead of 3:30. But since we are back on our original route, the flight only has a little over an hour left (541 miles)..WRONG! About 100 miles from landing, we are told that there are now thunderstorms over charlotte, so we had to wait again as we did figure 8s over and over in a holding pattern for 40 minutes. We finally landed at 8:10-8:15. 8 hours from start to finish, for a 1 hour flight. 4-5 hours on the plane itself, most of which was taking a tour of the airport on the tarmac due to zigzagging back and forth which ended up being for nothing anyway! And on top of all this, the windows literally being almost between the rows of seats!! Unbelievable.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 20, 2022, 02:39:56 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 20, 2022, 02:31:20 PM
Quote from: formulanone on December 20, 2022, 01:59:29 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 20, 2022, 01:56:14 PM
In fact, first class probably isn't even the same size between the two airlines.

Even between airlines, they offer different sizes of First Clast cabin. For example, Delta uses 3 rows of 4 seats for the Airbus A319, which American uses 2 rows in the same aircraft type. And of course, Southwest only offers a single cabin, so seat spacing on their 737 is naturally different than two-cabin 737s.

I even think there are cases of a single airline having multiple arrangements on a single aircraft model.

Delta had 7-8 versions of the Boeing 757 in use at the same time. Sometimes the differences were one or two passengers; other times, several dozen. If there was an unexpected last-moment aircraft change, it wasn't unusual to see someone get involuntarily bumped, or to suddenly have 20 more passengers on a standby list. In recent years, they've standardized a lot of that aircraft type, so less of that seems to occur.

Of the Boeing 757, there were just the 200 and 300 series (the longer of the two), but in multiple configurations for each. One reason was that they have versions with a little more legroom and lay-flat seating for trans-Atlantic flights or for flights to Hawaii. The other reason was that they had acquired 757s from other airlines and also through their merger with Northwest; while they'd retrofit them with new seats and such, the galley and restroom locations might be a little different, so they'd have to work around that.

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 02:32:45 PM
While we're on the subject of airlines, let me share my insane story flying from JFK to Charlotte. We left at 12:15 pm for a 2:30 pm flight, since I live about 20 miles from JFK. When 2:30 came at the airport, first there was a pilot who was delayed due to maintenance issues on another flight so we had to wait until a new pilot arrived. So 2:30 already turned into 3:30 by the time we boarded. Next, after taxiing out, we were told that because of bad weather in the D.C. area, we were going to be on a new route to Charlotte via Cleveland, which would take twice as long, so we were going to have to go back to the gate to get more fuel for the extra 300+ miles added. This took 2 hours to get the extra fuel. Next, we taxi out to the runway, only to here that we are back on our original path due to the weather dissipating. We finally took off at 6:10 instead of 3:30. But since we are back on our original route, the flight only has a little over an hour left (541 miles)..WRONG! About 100 miles from landing, we are told that there are now thunderstorms over charlotte, so we had to wait again as we did figure 8s over and over in a holding pattern for 40 minutes. We finally landed at 8:10-8:15. 8 hours from start to finish, for a 1 hour flight. 4-5 hours on the plane itself, most of which was taking a tour of the airport on the tarmac due to zigzagging back and forth which ended up being for nothing anyway! And on top of all this, the windows literally being almost between the rows of seats!! Unbelievable.

I get that kind of thing every two years or so, which is honestly no fun. Worst was when we had to keep going back three times for more fuel, which would have been less of a problem had they just topped it off to begin with, but...

1) extra weight of added fuel on the aircraft is less fuel efficient

2) the added take-off weight leads to more wear and tear on engines, which is basically a $5,000,000 component

3) weather patterns change, and that affect the other aircraft already in the air; they can't easily land if there's too much head/tail wind, wind shear is detected, or thunderstorms

4) large airports have less availability to make space for your landing; they need at least 60 seconds (120 for a widebody jet) between movements. While they try to leave a little gap for unexpected moments like that, it's not always practical or possible.

5) you'd think you could just have air traffic control just ask twelve other planes to slow down or zig-zag to make room, but that's reserved for bona fide emergencies and not a practical use of resources

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 03:15:31 PM

The real question was why would you have to go to Cleveland just to get around some bad weather in D.C.? No thunderstorm squall line is that wide. The bad weather line was north-south anyway, so why would we have had to go 400 miles west to get around it?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on December 20, 2022, 03:16:37 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 02:32:45 PM
While we're on the subject of airlines, let me share my insane story flying from JFK to Charlotte. We left at 12:15 pm for a 2:30 pm flight, since I live about 20 miles from JFK. When 2:30 came at the airport, first there was a pilot who was delayed due to maintenance issues on another flight so we had to wait until a new pilot arrived. So 2:30 already turned into 3:30 by the time we boarded. Next, after taxiing out, we were told that because of bad weather in the D.C. area, we were going to be on a new route to Charlotte via Cleveland, which would take twice as long, so we were going to have to go back to the gate to get more fuel for the extra 300+ miles added. This took 2 hours to get the extra fuel. Next, we taxi out to the runway, only to here that we are back on our original path due to the weather dissipating. We finally took off at 6:10 instead of 3:30. But since we are back on our original route, the flight only has a little over an hour left (541 miles)..WRONG! About 100 miles from landing, we are told that there are now thunderstorms over charlotte, so we had to wait again as we did figure 8s over and over in a holding pattern for 40 minutes. We finally landed at 8:10-8:15. 8 hours from start to finish, for a 1 hour flight. 4-5 hours on the plane itself, most of which was taking a tour of the airport on the tarmac due to zigzagging back and forth which ended up being for nothing anyway! And on top of all this, the windows literally being almost between the rows of seats!! Unbelievable.

That sounds like a mess. That's why 1 hour flights generally aren't worth the hassle, unless it's a connecting flight. It's been years since I've had to deal with so many issues. I've dealt with delays, but once we were airborne, no holding patterns or diversions.

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 03:15:31 PM
The real question was why would you have to go to Cleveland just to get around some bad weather in D.C.? No thunderstorm squall line is that wide. The bad weather line was north-south anyway, so why would we have had to go 400 miles west to get around it?

There have been some massive storm systems that can easily cover the entire eastern half of the country to some extent. So it's definitely possible.

I don't understand going to Charlotte from New York City via Cleveland though.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on December 20, 2022, 03:24:51 PM

1-hour flights should be banned unless there is no good alternative. Boston to DC or any subset of that is easily doable by train. Even in places with no train, most pairs of cities are still drivable. Fuel consumption is the main concern here, as taking off and landing require more fuel than just staying in the air. Europe actually enforces this with a rule that if it's easily doable by train, you can't schedule a flight between those two cities (connecting flights are still allowed).

And just in case anyone gets confused and is wondering why New York to Charlotte should be banned: the story was for a 2h15m flight, not a 1-hour flight. I'm referring to shorter ones.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 03:27:26 PM

Because apparently the bad weather was concentrated in D.C. so to avoid their airspace we were going to go to Cleveland. Don't ask me why LOL! But by the time we got the new fuel we were back on the direct route anyway. Now that I think of it, it may have taken around the same amount of time to drive. Even at 70 mph, that's around 8 hours. The flight time is more like 1 hr 30 cause it takes time to accelerate to 500 mph. (Max speed was 510 according to my speedometer app)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on December 20, 2022, 03:53:45 PM

The NYC-Charlotte routing via Cleveland makes me wonder if the goal was to spread workload on en-route controllers by routing ZNY-ZOB-ZID-ZTL instead of ZNY-ZDC-ZTL.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on December 20, 2022, 05:31:29 PM

Quote from: 1 on December 20, 2022, 03:24:51 PM
1-hour flights should be banned unless there is no good alternative. Boston to DC or any subset of that is easily doable by train. Even in places with no train, most pairs of cities are still drivable. Fuel consumption is the main concern here, as taking off and landing require more fuel than just staying in the air. Europe actually enforces this with a rule that if it's easily doable by train, you can't schedule a flight between those two cities (connecting flights are still allowed).

And just in case anyone gets confused and is wondering why New York to Charlotte should be banned: the story was for a 2h15m flight, not a 1-hour flight. I'm referring to shorter ones.

Many short flights are to hubs with connecting flights to other destinations. My last flight back from Europe ended in Phoenix where I caught a short hop to Palm Springs, a 45 minute flight but a four hour drive. And I was not in the mood to drive four hours after flying back from Spain. I'd have been happy to take a train home from PHX but we only get one train on alternate days and it goes via Tucson, not Phoenix (plus our train station is well out of the populated part of PS (https://www.google.com/maps/@33.8978089,-116.5488013,17.5z?hl=en)). Build high speed rail from the Coachella Valley to either PHX or LAX and I'll happily take the train. HSR going to LAX would also solve one of So Cal's greatest dilemmas, getting a friend to take you to or pick you up at LAX (https://laist.com/news/lax-pickups). Yes, a lot of jet fuel is wasted on flights along the Eastern Corridor where passengers could take trains. But that's really not an option for much of the country no matter how much I wish I could.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on December 20, 2022, 06:35:24 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 02:32:45 PM
Unbelievable.

If only it really were unbelievable.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 20, 2022, 06:40:40 PM

Quote from: kkt on December 20, 2022, 06:35:24 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 02:32:45 PM
Unbelievable.

If only it really were unbelievable.

That's sure a lot of flying for someone with aspirations to drive 2,000,000 miles. But hey, why not buy the entourage holiday flights when you have $29,000 in liquid cash assets?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 07:28:12 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 20, 2022, 06:40:40 PM
Quote from: kkt on December 20, 2022, 06:35:24 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 02:32:45 PM
Unbelievable.

If only it really were unbelievable.

That's sure a lot of flying for someone with aspirations to drive 2,000,000 miles. But hey, why not buy the entourage holiday flights when you have $29,000 in liquid cash assets?

It's actually 26,000 now, car expenses hit me hard this year. But I rarely fly. My last flight was over 9 years ago. Charlotte was originally going to be a road trip but I changed my mind.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on December 20, 2022, 07:48:21 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on December 20, 2022, 09:22:24 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 20, 2022, 12:47:05 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on December 19, 2022, 04:52:14 PM
In a similar vein to the seatbelt sign, when flight attendants force all windows to be dimmed on modern aircraft like the B787 or upcoming Air Bus A350. I'm okay with giving passengers some sleep time, but it's unfair to have it locked down for the entire flight.

For the record, I haven't been on a 787 as of yet. But I've heard about it through trip reports on YouTube.

I experienced this flying from Seattle to Tokyo (JAL 787). The flight is entirely daylight, so the cabin crew will dim the windows midway through the flight for about four hours so that people can catch up on sleep. It's actually really important because flights like the one I was on results in some crazy long days...the last thing I need in a 32-hour day is more daylight lol (when I landed in Tokyo at 16:30, it would have been 02:30 back in Seattle ... time kind of stands still flying east to west).

Passengers were not locked out from un-dimming their windows, but it was insanely bright anytime someone did, and they usually dimmed it again right after.

Yes, I completely understand that. But if I'm on a 15-hour flight, hypothetically, it's unfair to lock down the windows for that entire time. If people need to sleep that desperately for that long, use eye shades.

That's not what happens. On my ten hour JAL flight from Seattle to Tokyo, the windows were dimmed about half the flight (4 to 5 hours), and no one was locked out from dimming control at all during the flight. On the other hand, you'd have to be a massive wanker to un-dim your window during the dimmed period. It's like opening the blinds in a room with darkening curtains.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Dirt Roads on December 20, 2022, 08:08:04 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on December 20, 2022, 03:53:45 PM
The NYC-Charlotte routing via Cleveland makes me wonder if the goal was to spread workload on en-route controllers by routing ZNY-ZOB-ZID-ZTL instead of ZNY-ZDC-ZTL.

Your suspicion is likely correct, but perhaps for an odd reason. ZDC and ZTL (Atlanta) are getting overly congested because of the number of airlines that are operating overland between the Northeast and Florida, instead of the preferred overseas air lanes. The FAA recently issued a stern warning to airlines to resume using aircraft properly equipped for Overwater Operations before the uptick in Christmas passengers. But I suspect that the issue is more than equipment assignments. Those aircraft need to be properly staffed with personnel certified for overwater emergencies, and it wouldn't surprise me that COVID has prompted airlines and their employees to intentionally allow some of their more intense safety certifications to expire. Rerouting a JFK -to- CLT flight into the Cleveland and Indy air traffic control zones (probably only over Western Pennsylvania and western West Virginia) appears to be quite a drastic measure, since ZDC also controls a mountainous air lane using high altitude sectors over Moorefield (03) and Marlinton (37), both in eastern West Virginia. This may be the first of the "drastic measures" promised by the FAA.

Sorry that MMM had to endure this, but I assure you that his adventure was not as bad as the average flight from Raleigh-Durham -to- JFK back between Y2K and 2010. Back then, it was common to wait four hours on the tarmac at RDU for a slot to open up, then four hours at JFK for a gate to open up. It was faster to drive to BWI and take Amtrak up.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 08:12:13 PM

I'm just grateful that I was off the ground that day and it wasn't canceled. That's all I wanted, even it took 5 hours, I didn't want to have to rebook or cancel. As for the window dimming issue, that's another good reason for the windows to be aligned, so the sunlight only affects you through that window.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 20, 2022, 08:17:38 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 07:28:12 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 20, 2022, 06:40:40 PM
Quote from: kkt on December 20, 2022, 06:35:24 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 02:32:45 PM
Unbelievable.

If only it really were unbelievable.

That's sure a lot of flying for someone with aspirations to drive 2,000,000 miles. But hey, why not buy the entourage holiday flights when you have $29,000 in liquid cash assets?

It's actually 26,000 now, car expenses hot me hard this year. But I rarely fly. My last flight was over 9 years ago. Charlotte was originally going to be a road trip but I changed my mind.

So, all this bouncing around on flights when a trip behind the wheel would have likely taken 10-12 hours to complete depending on when you left. Had your flight gone to plan how much time would you really have been saving? Seems like the easier thing to do would have been to get on the road before sunrise (weather permitting) to get out to I-81 and I-77.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 08:24:40 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 20, 2022, 08:17:38 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 07:28:12 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 20, 2022, 06:40:40 PM
Quote from: kkt on December 20, 2022, 06:35:24 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 02:32:45 PM
Unbelievable.

If only it really were unbelievable.

That's sure a lot of flying for someone with aspirations to drive 2,000,000 miles. But hey, why not buy the entourage holiday flights when you have $29,000 in liquid cash assets?

It's actually 26,000 now, car expenses hot me hard this year. But I rarely fly. My last flight was over 9 years ago. Charlotte was originally going to be a road trip but I changed my mind.

So, all this bouncing around on flights when a trip behind the wheel would have likely taken 10-12 hours to complete depending on when you left. Had your flight gone to plan how much time would you really have been saving? Seems like the easier thing to do would have been to get on the road before sunrise (weather permitting) to get out to I-81 and I-77.

Nah I don't get up early for road trips, but had it gone normally, I would have been there 3:55 ish whereas driving would have taken at least 9 hours. Add in a long half hour rest stop and it may have been 10 hours (I can only go about 6-7 hours of driving right now before needing food/bathroom..etc). My main point in going there wasn't for the driving, it was for riding Fury325.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 20, 2022, 08:31:40 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 08:24:40 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 20, 2022, 08:17:38 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 07:28:12 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 20, 2022, 06:40:40 PM
Quote from: kkt on December 20, 2022, 06:35:24 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 02:32:45 PM
Unbelievable.

If only it really were unbelievable.

That's sure a lot of flying for someone with aspirations to drive 2,000,000 miles. But hey, why not buy the entourage holiday flights when you have $29,000 in liquid cash assets?

It's actually 26,000 now, car expenses hot me hard this year. But I rarely fly. My last flight was over 9 years ago. Charlotte was originally going to be a road trip but I changed my mind.

So, all this bouncing around on flights when a trip behind the wheel would have likely taken 10-12 hours to complete depending on when you left. Had your flight gone to plan how much time would you really have been saving? Seems like the easier thing to do would have been to get on the road before sunrise (weather permitting) to get out to I-81 and I-77.

Nah I don't get up early for road trips, but had it gone normally, I would have been there 3:55 ish whereas driving would have taken at least 9 hours. Add in a long half hour rest stop and it may have been 10 hours (I can only go about 6-7 hours of driving right now before needing food/bathroom..etc). My main point in going there wasn't for the driving, it was for riding Fury325.

Must be nice to not to have to worry about the cost of flights for several people and rental car prices right? That's a shit load of money that could have been saved simply by planning better and not being lazy about leaving early. You say you want to drive 2,000,000 miles but you aren't even doing the basics of east coast road trip-101.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 08:40:15 PM

Well I wanted as much time as possible, and with driving there is more of chance something could go wrong, like getting in a minor accident, having car trouble..etc, which could ruin the trip whereas a plane that is less likely (provided the flights not canceled). We didn't use a rental car. We stayed at the Comfort Inn at the park in South Carolina, less than half a mile from carowinds, and just walked. Good exercise. Besides gas prices were peaking around that time (although airline prices weren't the best either). One thing that was nice at the end of the flight though, was our cab driver going 96+ mph on I-485 and I-77 going to the hotel. 650 miles by road would have been hard to do in 1 day, and I wanted to get there the first day. I only went with my dad, so it wasn't that unaffordable.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 20, 2022, 08:44:38 PM

And all those minor inconveniences were worth getting your parents to pay an extra $1,500-$2,000? Did you witness them commit a murder and hold all the evidence in a secure location? How gracious of you to allow them to walk to the park and not get a rental car. How much did that cab fare end up being?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 09:00:41 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 20, 2022, 08:44:38 PM
And all those minor inconveniences were worth getting your parents to pay an extra $1,500-$2,000? Did you witness them commit a murder and hold all the evidence in a secure location? How gracious of you to allow them to walk to the park and not get a rental car. How much did that cab fare end up being?

The whole trip was barely $1200-$1300 total, what are you talking about? I payed for the airfare myself, and it was like a little college graduation present I treated myself to, why are you so obsessed with my financial habits? Maybe it was $800 more than driving, at most. Like I am really going to drive 10 hours instead of flying 2, just so we don't have to walk .4 miles? My dad wouldn't have preferred a 10 hour drive anyway, he's not a road geek like me. And I could have done the trip myself but my dad came to help with practical things like credit card payments/babysitting belongings at the park, since he himself can't tolerate rollercoasters much. My parents had nothing against it. What's the big deal? I don't spend much on anything else anyway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 20, 2022, 09:11:15 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 07:28:12 PM
hot me hard

this isn't that type of website, gosh

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on December 20, 2022, 09:17:14 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 20, 2022, 09:11:15 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 07:28:12 PM
hot me hard

this isn't that type of website, gosh

Until Elon buys it.

Can we all get a cut of the sale?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 09:23:00 PM

Typo corrected, is it just me, or is hitting o instead of i, the most common typo on a smartphone? That's something that bothers me a little. Autocorrect only works when it tries to correct a word you're trying to type but it doesn't recognize, but doesn't change 1 letter when you need it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 20, 2022, 09:39:24 PM

I seem to have the most problem with R/E for some reason.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on December 20, 2022, 09:43:04 PM

Facebook just started auto-playing videos on my phone. I had to dig into my controls to turn that off.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 20, 2022, 09:50:30 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 09:00:41 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 20, 2022, 08:44:38 PM
And all those minor inconveniences were worth getting your parents to pay an extra $1,500-$2,000? Did you witness them commit a murder and hold all the evidence in a secure location? How gracious of you to allow them to walk to the park and not get a rental car. How much did that cab fare end up being?

The whole trip was barely $1200-$1300 total, what are you talking about? I payed for the airfare myself, and it was like a little college graduation present I treated myself to, why are you so obsessed with my financial habits? Maybe it was $800 more than driving, at most. Like I am really going to drive 10 hours instead of flying 2, just so we don't have to walk .4 miles? My dad wouldn't have preferred a 10 hour drive anyway, he's not a road geek like me. And I could have done the trip myself but my dad came to help with practical things like credit card payments/babysitting belongings at the park, since he himself can't tolerate rollercoasters much. My parents had nothing against it. What's the big deal? I don't spend much on anything else anyway.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but did you not say your parents savings contributed heavily to by your current savings? Perhaps if you hadn't claimed Gen-Z angst (lack of empathy) while you had 29k sitting the bank you wouldn't have painted such a target on your back.

But yeah, way to invest into your financial future blowing $1,300 on a trip when you could be reinvesting into your "career" which you haven't begun pursuing for "reasons." Like I've said before, must be nice at your age to basically carry zero responsibility and the funds to do what you want anyways. No wonder you've made a habit of telling all of us "how it really is" since you've been on this forum.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 20, 2022, 09:57:44 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 20, 2022, 09:11:15 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 07:28:12 PM
hot me hard

this isn't that type of website, gosh

I've often wondered why nobody on here has made a non-signage "road porn." There seems to be niche porn for every other walk of life in the world.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 20, 2022, 10:14:27 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 08:40:15 PM
with driving there is more of chance something could go wrong, like getting in a minor accident

You were all but guaranteed to flip your car at the first curve.

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 20, 2022, 09:57:44 PM
I've often wondered why nobody on here has made a non-signage "road porn." There seems to be niche porn for every other walk of life in the world.

In another niche forum I used to frequent, the term "porn" referred to pictures that hobby-enthusiasts would drool over. With that in mind, button copy seems to be the "road porn" of this forum.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 10:22:40 PM

Gen Z angst wasn't for me, it was for other people in my age group who work endlessly, often simultaneously while in school, and are still bashed as selfish and lazy for no good reason. I have it better than alot of Gen Z, which is why I feel bad for those who have it worse. So you're saying I have no right to spend my own money occasionally just because it was given to me over the years? It would be gone in 2-3 years if I lived on my own, so it isn't "that much" in that respect. I never planned on investing it into owner-operator type careers, someone else may have suggested it earlier on in this thread but it wasn't me. One $1300 trip in 9 years, oh the horror! Prior generations also didn't have to deal with a pandemic alongside massive inflation, but again, I wasn't asking for sympathy for me, but for people who have it much worse than me, that was my whole point! $13,000 for one semester at an "elite college" that most companies aren't going to give a shit about seems alot less logical. It seems you think parental support into early adulthood is an extra, when it should be a default. If one wants to move out and work 2 jobs to barely get by paycheck to paycheck just for the "pride" of living alone, fine, but that doesn't appeal to me. I choose health over that, and my parents wouldn't want me to do that to myself just so they wouldn't have to support me as much. I am not waiting for the "perfect career opportunity" but I am also not going to get some shitty working condition type jobs just for the "experience" or just so I can say I got a job at 18 years old..etc. If I had say $10,000,000 in a bank account and I had 2 kids, I'd give them each a couple million so they'd never have to work a day in their life, and I don't see what's wrong with that. Working just for the principle of doing it isn't useful in itself. I'm not telling anyone how it is, you're the one claiming how $26,000 is so loaded, which is ridiculous in this day and age. People on here say people take road trips just for the sake of going on every route number or every county in a state, but spending $1300 on 1 trip is "blowing it"?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 20, 2022, 10:37:34 PM

See, when you go out of your way to delete your commentary on these topics it makes me think that you aren't exactly telling truth about a lot of things. At minimum your deletions are awfully convenient with the narrative you are trying to spin now. You opened the door on yourself for being critiqued by being a know it all in a hobby you hadn't established yourself in. You aren't helping your case by telling a bunch of working adults you want a career but aren't willing to do the things to make it happen. Do you not understand how all of this makes you sound conceited and arrogant? Does not instill the slightest notion why none of us want to listen to your opinions regarding highway and infrastructure matters?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 20, 2022, 10:44:17 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 20, 2022, 10:14:27 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 08:40:15 PM
with driving there is more of chance something could go wrong, like getting in a minor accident

You were all but guaranteed to flip your car at the first curve.

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 20, 2022, 09:57:44 PM
I've often wondered why nobody on here has made a non-signage "road porn." There seems to be niche porn for every other walk of life in the world.

In another niche forum I used to frequent, the term "porn" referred to pictures that hobby-enthusiasts would drool over. With that in mind, button copy seems to be the "road porn" of this forum.

The term "road porn" I've found typically was applied to unique and interesting signage in several road groups. I've seen term applied less frequently to unique or scenic roadways. The term is usually masked on Facebook road groups as "road pr0n."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 10:56:02 PM

What did I delete? The last posts I deleted were on highway topics that I changed my mind about several pages back on my list of posts. I was on a warning level prior to this so maybe some posts never got approved, or they were taking so long I gave up and removed them (even if they might have been approved). Now that the level has dropped below 35% I don't need "approval" anymore but am still on a watch list, which is why I don't want to continue this argument any longer as well. I will finish by saying I never told anyone what a "working adult" should mean, nor judged how people spend their money. You're the one who has been complaining about how I spent $1200, not me, while claiming that a 10 hour road trip would have been more responsible despite spending almost as much in gas in the process. I myself, would prefer working right now, but I can't just magically create a suitable job for myself. And finally, one thing related to this topic that bothers me, is how there is so much massive resistance to student loan forgiveness when rich corporations or agencies that constantly misuse their funds, get all the bailouts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 20, 2022, 11:13:21 PM

Pages 220 and 221 in this very thread is where you deleted post gap can be found. Your deleted posts were captured on reply quotes.

How much do you really think you're going to spend on gas on ten hour road trip? It certainly isn't anywhere close to $1,200-$1,300.

Doesn't the fact that you have had warnings and your posts restricted not say "maybe I'm not doing something right" on this forum?

What makes you think that you need a four year degree to be a trucker or obtain a CDL?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 21, 2022, 12:43:57 AM

I regret going to college, I wish I had just started a driving career sooner. The warning didn't have anything to do with this thread, it had to do with some fictional plan I posted in a New York State thread. That was the only warning I ever got on this forum. Also, me deleting a post isn't about trying to "conceal it". I am well aware they may have been quoted but I may still delete something if I felt it was low quality, or changed my mind after the fact. I wanted my 1000 posts to be accurate of my feelings and opinions. That's all. No agenda or OCD about posts ending on a round number before logging off..etc

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 21, 2022, 07:44:08 AM

Wanting a specific post count and replying to me poking holes in your story at 1 AM when you could just ignore me isn't obsessive how? Didn't you attend CUNY tuition free? If so, that's seems like a pretty mild thing thing to regret or at least not much a gamble. What's stopping you from your driving career now that was available earlier?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on December 21, 2022, 07:48:22 AM

Quote from: 1 on December 20, 2022, 03:24:51 PM
1-hour flights should be banned unless there is no good alternative. Boston to DC or any subset of that is easily doable by train. Even in places with no train, most pairs of cities are still drivable. Fuel consumption is the main concern here, as taking off and landing require more fuel than just staying in the air. Europe actually enforces this with a rule that if it's easily doable by train, you can't schedule a flight between those two cities (connecting flights are still allowed).

And just in case anyone gets confused and is wondering why New York to Charlotte should be banned: the story was for a 2h15m flight, not a 1-hour flight. I'm referring to shorter ones.

DC to Boston is about six hours 45 minutes on the Acela versus in the neighborhood of one hour on the air shuttles. Easy to see why a lot of people fly that route. Flying makes a day trip to Boston possible (which I have done), whereas on the train that's not really viable unless you want to leave extremely early and return extremely late. (And obviously for people who don't take the Acela it's an even longer train ride.)

There's not a lot of reason to fly between DC and New York because the Acela is faster to Manhattan once you factor in the airport's TSA line, waiting to board, taxiing, etc., plus the hassle of getting into the city from LaGuardia. But the niche operators, like the floatplane operator that runs a service from Dulles to the floatplane base on the East River at 23d Street, probably have a place.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on December 21, 2022, 09:08:03 AM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 01:46:44 PM
The windows being misaligned with the seats is my main issue with them when flying. Do they do that deliberately for some reason? On my flight to Charlotte, the windows were almost exactly between the seat rows.

Windows do not pay fares. Asses in seats pay fares. More seats = more space for paying asses.

Your view is a secondary consideration. The primary consideration, is a receptacle for a paying ass.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on December 21, 2022, 09:41:46 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on December 20, 2022, 07:48:21 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on December 20, 2022, 09:22:24 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 20, 2022, 12:47:05 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on December 19, 2022, 04:52:14 PM
In a similar vein to the seatbelt sign, when flight attendants force all windows to be dimmed on modern aircraft like the B787 or upcoming Air Bus A350. I'm okay with giving passengers some sleep time, but it's unfair to have it locked down for the entire flight.

For the record, I haven't been on a 787 as of yet. But I've heard about it through trip reports on YouTube.

I experienced this flying from Seattle to Tokyo (JAL 787). The flight is entirely daylight, so the cabin crew will dim the windows midway through the flight for about four hours so that people can catch up on sleep. It's actually really important because flights like the one I was on results in some crazy long days...the last thing I need in a 32-hour day is more daylight lol (when I landed in Tokyo at 16:30, it would have been 02:30 back in Seattle ... time kind of stands still flying east to west).

Passengers were not locked out from un-dimming their windows, but it was insanely bright anytime someone did, and they usually dimmed it again right after.

Yes, I completely understand that. But if I'm on a 15-hour flight, hypothetically, it's unfair to lock down the windows for that entire time. If people need to sleep that desperately for that long, use eye shades.

That's not what happens. On my ten hour JAL flight from Seattle to Tokyo, the windows were dimmed about half the flight (4 to 5 hours), and no one was locked out from dimming control at all during the flight. On the other hand, you'd have to be a massive wanker to un-dim your window during the dimmed period. It's like opening the blinds in a room with darkening curtains.

It doesn't always happen, but I've watched trip reviews where the host said that they did lock the dimmers, and they were locked during almost the entire flight.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on December 21, 2022, 09:43:24 AM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 10:22:40 PM
Gen Z angst wasn't for me, it was for other people in my age group who work endlessly, often simultaneously while in school, and are still bashed as selfish and lazy for no good reason. I have it better than alot of Gen Z, which is why I feel bad for those who have it worse. So you're saying I have no right to spend my own money occasionally just because it was given to me over the years? It would be gone in 2-3 years if I lived on my own, so it isn't "that much" in that respect. I never planned on investing it into owner-operator type careers, someone else may have suggested it earlier on in this thread but it wasn't me. One $1300 trip in 9 years, oh the horror! Prior generations also didn't have to deal with a pandemic alongside massive inflation, but again, I wasn't asking for sympathy for me, but for people who have it much worse than me, that was my whole point! $13,000 for one semester at an "elite college" that most companies aren't going to give a shit about seems alot less logical. It seems you think parental support into early adulthood is an extra, when it should be a default. If one wants to move out and work 2 jobs to barely get by paycheck to paycheck just for the "pride" of living alone, fine, but that doesn't appeal to me. I choose health over that, and my parents wouldn't want me to do that to myself just so they wouldn't have to support me as much. I am not waiting for the "perfect career opportunity" but I am also not going to get some shitty working condition type jobs just for the "experience" or just so I can say I got a job at 18 years old..etc. If I had say $10,000,000 in a bank account and I had 2 kids, I'd give them each a couple million so they'd never have to work a day in their life, and I don't see what's wrong with that. Working just for the principle of doing it isn't useful in itself. I'm not telling anyone how it is, you're the one claiming how $26,000 is so loaded, which is ridiculous in this day and age. People on here say people take road trips just for the sake of going on every route number or every county in a state, but spending $1300 on 1 trip is "blowing it"?

For the love of language, please consider splitting posts of this length into multiple paragraphs. It's hard to read when it's one massive block of text.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 21, 2022, 09:47:42 AM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 21, 2022, 09:19:54 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 21, 2022, 07:44:08 AM
Wanting a specific post count and replying to me poking holes in your story at 1 AM when you could just ignore me isn't obsessive how? Didn't you attend CUNY tuition free? If so, that's seems like a pretty mild thing thing to regret or at least not much a gamble. What's stopping you from your driving career now that was available earlier?

Some days I don't fall asleep until 3 am. Others I am tired early and wake up feeling fully rested by 5-6 am. Posting 18 times a day is nothing.

But on a vacation you spent a considerable amount of money on? I'd figured your priorities would be elsewhere other than trying to debate me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on December 21, 2022, 09:53:21 AM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on December 19, 2022, 04:52:14 PMupcoming Air Bus[sic] A350

I just flew on an Airbus A350 and it had standard, manually-operated window shades. We were asked to put them up 30-60 minutes into the flight and then were asked to put them down before landing. I can assure that no one was trampling my individual right to ~~be a massive wanker~~ open my window shade as soon as the sun came back up.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on December 21, 2022, 09:56:19 AM

Quote from: abefroman329 on December 21, 2022, 09:53:21 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on December 19, 2022, 04:52:14 PMupcoming Air Bus[sic] A350
I just flew on an Airbus A350 and it had standard, manually-operated window shades. We were asked to put them up 30-60 minutes into the flight and then were asked to put them down before landing. I can assure that no one was trampling my individual right to ~~be a massive wanker~~ open my window shade as soon as the sun came back up.

There's an upcoming revision to the Airbus A350™ that will have 787-style dimmers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on December 21, 2022, 10:56:30 AM

I think MMM is Autistic.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on December 21, 2022, 10:59:02 AM

^^^^

The moderators have VERY SERIOUSLY discouraged that sort of post in the past, for what it's worth.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 21, 2022, 11:04:07 AM

Quote from: abefroman329 on December 21, 2022, 09:53:21 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on December 19, 2022, 04:52:14 PMupcoming Air Bus[sic] A350
I just flew on an Airbus A350 and it had standard, manually-operated window shades. We were asked to put them up 30-60 minutes into the flight and then were asked to put them down before landing. I can assure that no one was trampling my individual right to ~~be a massive wanker~~ open my window shade as soon as the sun came back up.

While there isn't a lot to look at over the ocean, and have had very little Very Long Flights (usually 5 hours, tops), I typically don't like being a darkened airplane in daylight. I like cracking in the shade and taking a peek if there's something interesting, especially flying over or west of the Rocky Mountain Front Range. If I'm working/playing on my laptop, I need just a little light to see the keyboard, and it's less obtrusive than the overhead light.

Some regional jets use an inverted window shade on the exit row, which means it rises up from the bottom to open, and that's kind of annoying unless I want to look out the window the whole time. You can't just crack the shade for a little light on your keyboard, it goes straight into your eyes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on December 21, 2022, 11:09:57 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on December 21, 2022, 10:59:02 AM
^^^^

The moderators have VERY SERIOUSLY discouraged that sort of post in the past, for what it's worth.

Cause of one of the other users on here who came out and admitted he was on the Spectrum is most likely why.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 21, 2022, 11:16:36 AM

Quote from: 1 on December 20, 2022, 03:24:51 PM
1-hour flights should be banned unless there is no good alternative.

It's a four-hour drive from Huntsville to Atlanta, and the time zone change effectively adds a fifth hour to that. Granted, only once did I intentionally fly that route without a connecting flight (another time was a cancellation, ironically to a destination also less than an hour away).

The hassle to trying to get back to ATL from Macon on a rainy day plus (un)expected traffic fiascos, a massive security line, and everything involved with returning a rental car means I reserved that option just to be home at 4pm on a Friday, which isn't common for me. All it would take is one puzzle piece getting lost and my plans would have been ruined.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on December 21, 2022, 11:21:19 AM

I like having my window open on a plane unless the sun is beaming directly into it. I suppose I'm biased because I don't sleep on flights regardless of the time of day (a tendency that will probably hurt me if I ever have to fly overseas at the wrong hours). But the way I see it, an airliner is not anyone's personal bedroom. As long as I'm not being obnoxious, it's not my responsibility to ensure someone else sleeps nice, especially if it's the middle of the day. If I'm asked to close the window I will.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on December 21, 2022, 11:24:10 AM

Quote from: formulanone on December 21, 2022, 11:04:07 AM
Quote from: abefroman329 on December 21, 2022, 09:53:21 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on December 19, 2022, 04:52:14 PMupcoming Air Bus[sic] A350
I just flew on an Airbus A350 and it had standard, manually-operated window shades. We were asked to put them up 30-60 minutes into the flight and then were asked to put them down before landing. I can assure that no one was trampling my individual right to ~~be a massive wanker~~ open my window shade as soon as the sun came back up.

While there isn't a lot to look at over the ocean, and have had very little Very Long Flights (usually 5 hours, tops), I typically don't like being a darkened airplane in daylight. I like cracking in the shade and taking a peek if there's something interesting, especially flying over or west of the Rocky Mountain Front Range. If I'm working/playing on my laptop, I need just a little light to see the keyboard, and it's less obtrusive than the overhead light.

Some regional jets use an inverted window shade on the exit row, which means it rises up from the bottom to open, and that's kind of annoying unless I want to look out the window the whole time. You can't just crack the shade for a little light on your keyboard, it goes straight into your eyes.

On the aforementioned DC-Tokyo flight, the window shades were closed for the entire 14-hour flight, but I believe that was because the flight was in daylight for most, if not all, of the flight.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on December 21, 2022, 11:26:59 AM

Never heard that flights would require you to close the window shades. All the flights I have flown gave it the option to the window seat passenger.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on December 21, 2022, 11:37:07 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on December 21, 2022, 11:26:59 AM
Never heard that flights would require you to close the window shades. All the flights I have flown gave it the option to the window seat passenger.

No one was "required" to do anything. The FAs asked people to close their window shades, and closed the window shades if the passenger at the window was asleep or not at their seats. No one was prevented from opening the shade, although, as 1995hoo pointed out, it would have been a colossal dick move to yell MUH FREEDOM! and open the window shade.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 21, 2022, 11:40:53 AM

All this is telling me that planes need to be faster. 500 mph is too slow for worldwide travel. Passenger Planes should be in the 2000-3000 mph range. Then sleep wouldn't be as much of an issue. Currently the longest flight is from NYC to Singapore (19 hours, 10,000 miles). Although if a continous flight from NYC to Perth, Australia was ever added, that would be over 11,600 miles.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 21, 2022, 11:49:46 AM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 21, 2022, 11:40:53 AM
All this is telling me that planes need to be faster. 500 mph is too slow for worldwide travel. Passenger Planes should be in the 2000-3000 mph range. Then sleep wouldn't be as much of an issue. Currently the longest flight is from NYC to Singapore (19 hours, 10,000 miles). Although if a continous flight from NYC to Perth, Australia was ever added, that would be over 11,600 miles.

How'd things work out for the Concorde supersonic jet?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 21, 2022, 11:55:19 AM

Smaller planes like that, and private planes, should be in the 4000-5000 mph range. 2000-3000 mph is more reasonable for commercial airliners due to their extreme mass. Only issue with that is the extreme friction generated heated in the atmosphere. Imagine looking out your window and only seeing a huge fireball the whole time!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on December 21, 2022, 11:58:35 AM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 21, 2022, 11:55:19 AM
Smaller planes like that, and private planes, should be in the 4000-5000 mph range. 2000-3000 mph is more reasonable for commercial airliners due to their extreme mass. Only issue with that is the extreme friction generated heated in the atmosphere. Imagine looking out your window and only seeing a huge fireball the whole time!

What are you smoking?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on December 21, 2022, 11:59:51 AM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 21, 2022, 11:55:19 AM
Smaller planes like that, and private planes, should be in the 4000-5000 mph range. 2000-3000 mph is more reasonable for commercial airliners due to their extreme mass. Only issue with that is the extreme friction generated heated in the atmosphere. Imagine looking out your window and only seeing a huge fireball the whole time!

Imagine being on the ground and having all the windows of your home blown out from the sonic boom generated by the plane flying overhead.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 21, 2022, 12:00:40 PM

I should go tell the guys on the flight line that their F/A-18s are pathetically slow and should be several times faster. 1,190 miles per hour is for pussies.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on December 21, 2022, 12:01:41 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 21, 2022, 11:55:19 AM
Smaller planes like that, and private planes, should be in the 4000-5000 mph range. 2000-3000 mph is more reasonable for commercial airliners due to their extreme mass. Only issue with that is the extreme friction generated heated in the atmosphere. Imagine looking out your window and only seeing a huge fireball the whole time!

Once you take all the curves out of all turnpikes, you can invent one of these super-speed planes. The world will thank you.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 21, 2022, 12:04:04 PM

Quote from: skluth on December 21, 2022, 11:59:51 AM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 21, 2022, 11:55:19 AM
Smaller planes like that, and private planes, should be in the 4000-5000 mph range. 2000-3000 mph is more reasonable for commercial airliners due to their extreme mass. Only issue with that is the extreme friction generated heated in the atmosphere. Imagine looking out your window and only seeing a huge fireball the whole time!

Imagine being on the ground and having all the windows of your home blown out from the sonic boom generated by the plane flying overhead.

Well they would fly at a much higher altitude, for lesser air resistance and being able to stay in the air in a thinner atmosphere due to increased speed and lift.

@Max R

Even 3,000 mph for commercial airplanes is barely cutting it. That's still more than 1 second to go a mile.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 21, 2022, 12:05:23 PM

And you seriously wonder why so many of us give you shit about the things you say? :rolleyes:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 21, 2022, 01:49:54 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on December 21, 2022, 11:24:10 AM
Quote from: formulanone on December 21, 2022, 11:04:07 AM
Quote from: abefroman329 on December 21, 2022, 09:53:21 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on December 19, 2022, 04:52:14 PMupcoming Air Bus[sic] A350
I just flew on an Airbus A350 and it had standard, manually-operated window shades. We were asked to put them up 30-60 minutes into the flight and then were asked to put them down before landing. I can assure that no one was trampling my individual right to ~~be a massive wanker~~ open my window shade as soon as the sun came back up.

While there isn't a lot to look at over the ocean, and have had very little Very Long Flights (usually 5 hours, tops), I typically don't like being a darkened airplane in daylight. I like cracking in the shade and taking a peek if there's something interesting, especially flying over or west of the Rocky Mountain Front Range. If I'm working/playing on my laptop, I need just a little light to see the keyboard, and it's less obtrusive than the overhead light.

Some regional jets use an inverted window shade on the exit row, which means it rises up from the bottom to open, and that's kind of annoying unless I want to look out the window the whole time. You can't just crack the shade for a little light on your keyboard, it goes straight into your eyes.
On the aforementioned DC-Tokyo flight, the window shades were closed for the entire 14-hour flight, but I believe that was because the flight was in daylight for most, if not all, of the flight.

I get a little jumpy without a little sunlight after about 4-5 hours. As much as I'm used to flying, it's in much shorter stints and I don't sleep well on aircraft (personally, even lay-flat seating requires a lot of extra blankets or pillow for me to get comfortable).

Quote from: thspfc on December 21, 2022, 11:21:19 AM
I like having my window open on a plane unless the sun is beaming directly into it. I suppose I'm biased because I don't sleep on flights regardless of the time of day (a tendency that will probably hurt me if I ever have to fly overseas at the wrong hours). But the way I see it, an airliner is not anyone's personal bedroom. As long as I'm not being obnoxious, it's not my responsibility to ensure someone else sleeps nice, especially if it's the middle of the day. If I'm asked to close the window I will.

That's kind of how I look at it. But then again, the longest flight I've ever taken was 8 hours, and getting 1-2 hours' sleep is as much as I can get. Even with a 1500+ flights under my belt, I just don't relax that well but I can't ply myself with alcohol for a variety of reasons.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DenverBrian on December 21, 2022, 03:19:22 PM

Quote from: thspfc on December 21, 2022, 11:21:19 AM
I like having my window open on a plane unless the sun is beaming directly into it.

Isn't that a little...um...windy? :D :D :D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 21, 2022, 03:22:28 PM

Quote from: DenverBrian on December 21, 2022, 03:19:22 PM
Quote from: thspfc on December 21, 2022, 11:21:19 AM
I like having my window open on a plane unless the sun is beaming directly into it.
Isn't that a little...um...windy? :D :D :D

The windows aren't aligned with the seats, so you won't get much of the breeze

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 21, 2022, 03:23:50 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 21, 2022, 03:22:28 PM
Quote from: DenverBrian on December 21, 2022, 03:19:22 PM
Quote from: thspfc on December 21, 2022, 11:21:19 AM
I like having my window open on a plane unless the sun is beaming directly into it.
Isn't that a little...um...windy? :D :D :D

The windows aren't aligned with the seats, so you won't get much of the breeze

You must have trained to climb Mount Everest given you can withstand oxygen deprivation.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 21, 2022, 03:39:55 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 21, 2022, 03:32:37 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 21, 2022, 03:23:50 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 21, 2022, 03:22:28 PM
Quote from: DenverBrian on December 21, 2022, 03:19:22 PM
Quote from: thspfc on December 21, 2022, 11:21:19 AM
I like having my window open on a plane unless the sun is beaming directly into it.
Isn't that a little...um...windy? :D :D :D

The windows aren't aligned with the seats, so you won't get much of the breeze

You must have trained to climb Mount Everest given you can withstand oxygen deprivation.

Are planes actually airtight? I know they aren't space worthy but would you suffocate if you stayed on a sealed plane for days?

No, the cabin is pressurized to mimic atmospheric conditions similar to being at surface elevation. A plane flying at cruising altitude is just moving through thinner atmosphere, it's not a vacuum.

To a lesser extent a lot of people who aren't used to high elevation and lower oxygen levels can begin to experience altitude sickness even at an elevation a mile above sea level. I found this to be quite common with friends/family visit me here when I take them into the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Usually it takes an hour or so for their blood to oxygenate enough for the affects of altitude sickness to abate.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 21, 2022, 05:39:48 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on December 21, 2022, 11:09:57 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on December 21, 2022, 10:59:02 AM
^^^^

The moderators have VERY SERIOUSLY discouraged that sort of post in the past, for what it's worth.

Cause of one of the other users on here who came out and admitted he was on the Spectrum is most likely why.

No, mostly because it's pretty tacky for people without degrees in psychiatric medicine to speculate about what medical conditions someone has.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on December 21, 2022, 06:00:52 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 20, 2022, 09:11:15 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 07:28:12 PM
hot me hard

this isn't that type of website, gosh

me roadtrip you long time

Re: the discussion about short flights, I don't understand why anyone in my part of Kentucky flies to DC. It's around an eight-hour drive. I am 90 minutes away from the nearest commercial airport (Lexington, which is in the opposite direction from DC) and if you allow yourself 90 minutes arriving there before your flight departs, that's three hours -- or nearly half the trip. In three hours, barring roadway issues, I can be well past Charleston heading up I-79. I don't know how long a flight from Lexington to DC takes, or if it stops anywhere in between, but by the time you land, retrieve your luggage, and hail a cab or a rideshare, you can nearly be to your destination by car.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 21, 2022, 06:27:03 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 21, 2022, 06:00:52 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 20, 2022, 09:11:15 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 20, 2022, 07:28:12 PM
hot me hard

this isn't that type of website, gosh

me roadtrip you long time

Re: the discussion about short flights, I don't understand why anyone in my part of Kentucky flies to DC. It's around an eight-hour drive. I am 90 minutes away from the nearest commercial airport (Lexington, which is in the opposite direction from DC) and if you allow yourself 90 minutes arriving there before your flight departs, that's three hours -- or nearly half the trip. In three hours, barring roadway issues, I can be well past Charleston heading up I-79. I don't know how long a flight from Lexington to DC takes, or if it stops anywhere in between, but by the time you land, retrieve your luggage, and hail a cab or a rideshare, you can nearly be to your destination by car.

My old work area was centered around Phoenix but was spread east/west from Los Angeles to Midland, Texas. There wasn't really anywhere in that range where I could reliably fly to and get to the work location faster than driving. Two tanks or gas and mileage reimbursement cost a fraction of the price of a flight plus rental. Essentially I wasn't flying unless there was some extenuating reason to do so because my expense account dictated I drive given it was the far more cost effective option.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on December 21, 2022, 06:47:03 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 21, 2022, 06:00:52 PM
Re: the discussion about short flights, I don't understand why anyone in my part of Kentucky flies to DC. It's around an eight-hour drive. I am 90 minutes away from the nearest commercial airport (Lexington, which is in the opposite direction from DC) and if you allow yourself 90 minutes arriving there before your flight departs, that's three hours -- or nearly half the trip. In three hours, barring roadway issues, I can be well past Charleston heading up I-79. I don't know how long a flight from Lexington to DC takes, or if it stops anywhere in between, but by the time you land, retrieve your luggage, and hail a cab or a rideshare, you can nearly be to your destination by car.

Building up status and mileage that can be used for personal trips is an appealing reason for some, I imagine.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on December 22, 2022, 12:47:24 AM

A couple of years or so ago, I say a feature clip on line abut a non-stop direct test fight from London Heathrow (LHR) to Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD). The passengers on board saw TWO sunrises.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on December 22, 2022, 01:59:15 AM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 21, 2022, 11:40:53 AM
All this is telling me that planes need to be faster. 500 mph is too slow for worldwide travel. Passenger Planes should be in the 2000-3000 mph range. Then sleep wouldn't be as much of an issue. Currently the longest flight is from NYC to Singapore (19 hours, 10,000 miles). Although if a continous flight from NYC to Perth, Australia was ever added, that would be over 11,600 miles.

It takes most people 3-4 days to get over jetlag after a long flight. What does it matter if the flight itself is 11 hours or 5 hours.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on December 22, 2022, 03:34:37 AM

Quote from: mgk920 on December 22, 2022, 12:47:24 AM
A couple of years or so ago, I say a feature clip on line abut a non-stop direct test fight from London Heathrow (LHR) to Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD). The passengers on board saw TWO sunrises.

Mike

Yep, which is why they called it Project Sunrise.

Presumably it would be a premium service, since the only way it can be done using current technology is to have as little weight as possible on board (to make room for all the fuel that's required), and I'm not sure how appealing the cost/benefit analysis would be to business travelers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 22, 2022, 11:05:20 AM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 10:55:39 AM
Quote from: kkt on December 22, 2022, 01:59:15 AM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 21, 2022, 11:40:53 AM
All this is telling me that planes need to be faster. 500 mph is too slow for worldwide travel. Passenger Planes should be in the 2000-3000 mph range. Then sleep wouldn't be as much of an issue. Currently the longest flight is from NYC to Singapore (19 hours, 10,000 miles). Although if a continous flight from NYC to Perth, Australia was ever added, that would be over 11,600 miles.

It takes most people 3-4 days to get over jetlag after a long flight. What does it matter if the flight itself is 11 hours or 5 hours.

11 hours is the better part of a day, 5 hours may not imply much of a change in sunlight in the destination.

Says the guy who literally saved himself no time on a $1,300 flight/s versus maybe $200 tops via overland excursion to rollercoaster land. .

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 11:08:13 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 22, 2022, 11:05:20 AM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 10:55:39 AM
Quote from: kkt on December 22, 2022, 01:59:15 AM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 21, 2022, 11:40:53 AM
All this is telling me that planes need to be faster. 500 mph is too slow for worldwide travel. Passenger Planes should be in the 2000-3000 mph range. Then sleep wouldn't be as much of an issue. Currently the longest flight is from NYC to Singapore (19 hours, 10,000 miles). Although if a continous flight from NYC to Perth, Australia was ever added, that would be over 11,600 miles.

It takes most people 3-4 days to get over jetlag after a long flight. What does it matter if the flight itself is 11 hours or 5 hours.

11 hours is the better part of a day, 5 hours may not imply much of a change in sunlight in the destination.

Says the guy who literally saved himself no time on a $1,300 flight/s versus maybe $100 tops via overland excursion to rollercoaster land. .

$100 tops? I was paying $60-70 for gas back then, and my car only gets 450 miles a tank. Add in a couple extra hotel nights for 2 full days of travel. There's no jet lag flying down the east coast. It's the same time zone.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bm7 on December 22, 2022, 11:11:39 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 22, 2022, 11:05:20 AM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 10:55:39 AM
Quote from: kkt on December 22, 2022, 01:59:15 AM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 21, 2022, 11:40:53 AM
All this is telling me that planes need to be faster. 500 mph is too slow for worldwide travel. Passenger Planes should be in the 2000-3000 mph range. Then sleep wouldn't be as much of an issue. Currently the longest flight is from NYC to Singapore (19 hours, 10,000 miles). Although if a continous flight from NYC to Perth, Australia was ever added, that would be over 11,600 miles.

It takes most people 3-4 days to get over jetlag after a long flight. What does it matter if the flight itself is 11 hours or 5 hours.

11 hours is the better part of a day, 5 hours may not imply much of a change in sunlight in the destination.

Says the guy who literally saved himself no time on a $1,300 flight/s versus maybe $200 tops via overland excursion to rollercoaster land. .

Maybe he just wanted to fly somewhere?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 22, 2022, 11:14:54 AM

^^^

Probably, but what MMM doesn't get is why I'm giving him a hard time. He got on the case with several other users about how they orient their trips based around route clinching. He thought it was fun to critique the trips of others, now I'm having fun critiquing his.

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 11:08:13 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 22, 2022, 11:05:20 AM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 10:55:39 AM
Quote from: kkt on December 22, 2022, 01:59:15 AM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 21, 2022, 11:40:53 AM
All this is telling me that planes need to be faster. 500 mph is too slow for worldwide travel. Passenger Planes should be in the 2000-3000 mph range. Then sleep wouldn't be as much of an issue. Currently the longest flight is from NYC to Singapore (19 hours, 10,000 miles). Although if a continous flight from NYC to Perth, Australia was ever added, that would be over 11,600 miles.

It takes most people 3-4 days to get over jetlag after a long flight. What does it matter if the flight itself is 11 hours or 5 hours.

11 hours is the better part of a day, 5 hours may not imply much of a change in sunlight in the destination.

Says the guy who literally saved himself no time on a $1,300 flight/s versus maybe $100 tops via overland excursion to rollercoaster land. .

$100 tops? I was paying $60-70 for gas back then, and my car only gets 450 miles a tank. Add in a couple extra hotel nights for 2 full days of travel. There's no jet lag flying down the east coast. It's the same time zone.

One way yes, just punching in Long Island-Charlotte in Google shows a 664 mile result (which I assume isn't 100% to where you live) and a drive of 11-12 hours depending on the route. How much of a light weight behind the wheel are you that you can't hack 12 hours on Interstates in a single day with people you can switch driving duties with? Oh that's right, you don't get up early on the morning for road trips because that's beneath you.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 11:23:49 AM

8 hours is shorter than 12, don't you think? And we probably wouldn't switch, I'd want to do all the driving, as just sitting in a car without driving gets boring very fast. But I wouldn't waste a road trip on 600-700 miles. I'd drive across the country. What's the fun of driving through Virginia and I-77 when you could be on I-80 going to California? California, Oregon, Nevada, Nebraska are 4 of my 5 favorite states, so of course that would be the better road trip. Besides the fastest route there involves I-78 in PA which is a very shitty road.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 22, 2022, 11:27:08 AM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 11:23:49 AM
8 hours is shorter than 12, don't you think? And we probably wouldn't switch, I'd want to do all the driving, as just sitting in a car without driving gets boring very fast. But I wouldn't waste a road trip on 600-700 miles. I'd drive across the country. What's the fun of driving through Virginia and I-77 when you could be on I-80 going to California? California, Oregon, Nevada, Nebraska are 4 of my 5 favorite states, so of course that would be the better road trip. Besides the fastest route there involves I-78 in PA which is a very shitty road.

And you say you want to be the guy who drives 2,000,000 miles. :rolleyes:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on December 22, 2022, 11:31:14 AM

WTF? Wouldn't it be much easier if you just drove to every damn destination?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 22, 2022, 11:33:06 AM

Of course not, that means driving through scary curves on the PA Turnpike and shitty roads you don't like I-78.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 11:35:25 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on December 22, 2022, 11:31:14 AM
WTF? Wouldn't it be much easier if you just drove to every damn destination?

No, because I would have a day less of Fury325 riding time. That was the main purpose of the trip. Road trips are better when you have nothing else to do and no destinations along the route you wish to see, since you can devote 99% of the time to driving.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 11:37:30 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 22, 2022, 11:33:06 AM
Of course not, that means driving through scary curves on the PA Turnpike and shitty roads you don't like I-78.

The construction zones and potholes on 78 in PA were scarier than anything on the Penn Turnpike to be honest. That was a major thing that bothered me driving to Harrisburg last month. Fix that damn road!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 22, 2022, 11:39:33 AM

^^^

Do you even realize how much of a wuss you sound like when you profess being afraid of limited access highways?

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 11:35:25 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on December 22, 2022, 11:31:14 AM
WTF? Wouldn't it be much easier if you just drove to every damn destination?

No, because I would have a day less of Fury325 riding time. That was the main purpose of the trip. Road trips are better when you have nothing else to do and no destinations along the route you wish to see, since you can devote 99% of the time to driving.

And there it is, you aren't a real "Roadgeek." You don't have enthusiasm about roads and travel, at best you are a rollercoaster enthusiast. Sorry, I don't think this hobby gives out the participation trophies you're accustomed to getting.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 22, 2022, 11:55:51 AM

Do you think 20,000 miles driven in a year recreationally impresses me? Why are you even on this forum if you don't like roads? There is plenty of basic tourism pages that sound way more your speed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kirbykart on December 22, 2022, 12:00:42 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 11:35:25 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on December 22, 2022, 11:31:14 AM
WTF? Wouldn't it be much easier if you just drove to every damn destination?

No, because I would have a day less of Fury325 riding time. That was the main purpose of the trip. Road trips are better when you have nothing else to do and no destinations along the route you wish to see, since you can devote 99% of the time to driving.

No. Just no.

What's the point of going somewhere if you don't get out of the car and see the things that are there?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 12:11:46 PM

Because you have to exit the interstate. It's torture having to get off a beautiful highway to go to your destination when there is more highway in front of you. One minor thing that bothers me is when the road is curvy, and it is finally about to straighten out, but my exit is just before the straight section. Sometimes I feel tempted to drive the length of the straight section and backtrack, to not leave the good stretches of the road out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on December 22, 2022, 12:13:52 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 22, 2022, 11:55:51 AM
Do you think 20,000 miles driven in a year recreationally impresses me? Why are you even on this forum if you don't like roads? There is plenty of basic tourism pages that sound way more your speed.

20K miles in a year is fine for a road geek. I've only hit that a couple times in my life and things are much farther apart wherever I've lived compared MMMs home in the Northeast. My typical annual driving was 10-12k even in the Midwest. It's down to about 10k since I retired but it stays that high because I'm in So Cal now; I'd probably be down to about 6k per year if I still lived in St Louis even with regular trips to my family in Wisconsin. Everything from Texas west requires a lot more driving that anything from the Mississippi east unless you're in Florida which is also bigger (at least lengthwise) than most people who've never been there think. I may not understand MMMs issues with curves on the Penn Turnpike but 20k is impressive enough for anyone in the NE Corridor.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on December 22, 2022, 12:18:35 PM

Quote from: kirbykart on December 22, 2022, 12:00:42 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 11:35:25 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on December 22, 2022, 11:31:14 AM
WTF? Wouldn't it be much easier if you just drove to every damn destination?

No, because I would have a day less of Fury325 riding time. That was the main purpose of the trip. Road trips are better when you have nothing else to do and no destinations along the route you wish to see, since you can devote 99% of the time to driving.

No. Just no.

What's the point of going somewhere if you don't get out of the car and see the things that are there?

That's why, when I go on a multiday road trip, I try to limit myself to 250 to 300 miles per day. 300 miles at 60 mph means five hours of driving per day. While it's a bit low, it allows the time to drive rather than driving for time, and take in the sights, make stops along the way, and r-e-l-a-x. Even stop by a small mom-and-pop restaurant. And some of the back roads have lower speed limits, so 300 miles per day at 50 mph means six hours of driving per day.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 22, 2022, 12:20:48 PM

Quote from: skluth on December 22, 2022, 12:13:52 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 22, 2022, 11:55:51 AM
Do you think 20,000 miles driven in a year recreationally impresses me? Why are you even on this forum if you don’t like roads? There is plenty of basic tourism pages that sound way more your speed.

20K miles in a year is fine for a road geek. I've only hit that a couple times in my life and things are much farther apart wherever I've lived compared MMMs home in the Northeast. My typical annual driving was 10-12k even in the Midwest. It's down to about 10k since I retired but it stays that high because I'm in So Cal now; I'd probably be down to about 6k per year if I still lived in St Louis even with regular trips to my family in Wisconsin. Everything from Texas west requires a lot more driving that anything from the Mississippi east unless you're in Florida which is also bigger (at least lengthwise) than most people who've never been there think. I may not understand MMMs issues with curves on the Penn Turnpike but 20k is impressive enough for anyone in the NE Corridor.

20,000 is actually plenty of miles in a year, since the national average seems to vary from 13,000-14,000. There's a few people here who do 30/40/50K per year which is definitely on the extreme side of things for those who aren't in transportation/delivery jobs, but those are still outliers.

I might hover between 15,000-30,000 driven a year but I also live/work where there's some decent stretches of open road.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on December 22, 2022, 12:36:35 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 12:26:54 PM
My record is about 22,000-22,500 in 1 year. And when I get a job and can afford more gas/tolls, that number is going to Skyrocket, especially since my job will likely also involve driving. Traffic is horrible in the northeast, but that doesn't deter me. And my commute to college wasn't that long, so 98% of it was joyriding. Many people's yearly mileage comes at least half from work. Mine is usually for fun or to get familiar with as many roads as I can. I also do road research, such as resetting my tripodometer right before a long straight section of road so I can measure how long it is. So far, the longest straight stretch of the Penn Turnpike, is tied with the longest straight stretch of the Jersey Turnpike, at 11.8 miles. (And I mean perfectly straight stretches, the slightest veer to the right or left, and the trip gets reset). In doing so I have also discovered some mile markers that aren't accurate, and should be adjusted.

@Zloth

I do driving to relax.

No wonder why curves are so dangerous. You're constantly fiddling with the trip odometer while you are turning the wheel.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kirbykart on December 22, 2022, 12:37:27 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 12:11:46 PM
Because you have to exit the interstate. It's torture having to get off a beautiful highway to go to your destination when there is more highway in front of you. One minor thing that bothers me is when the road is curvy, and it is finally about to straighten out, but my exit is just before the straight section. Sometimes I feel tempted to drive the length of the straight section and backtrack, to not leave the good stretches of the road out.

Just think about that statement for a second.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on December 22, 2022, 12:45:18 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 11:28:18 AM
Much easier to get to 3,000,000 miles if I save flying for the shorter destinations and driving for the longer ones.

Now this makes a lot of sense.😮

:-o As someone wanting to pay $4 for the same item that the store next door sells for $2 and not having to drive to get to the $4 product.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 12:47:13 PM

I just remember the number on the tripodometer when the curve beings. When the curve ends, I reset. I dont do this with every section of road, only straightaways longer than 2 miles are worthy of exact measurement. I literally can press the button without looking at it LOL. Sometimes I forget to note the number when the straightaway ends and it was for nothing, which is a little road rage moment. My car has 2 tripodometers. Trip B I reset every time I get gas so I can measure how many miles I got in between. Trip A I use for any individual road measurements. I just wish they were more accurate down to a 1/100th of a mile, instead of a tenth. I have a speed/altitude/odometer app on my phone thats accurate to .01 miles, but I don't like to use my phone when driving.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on December 22, 2022, 12:49:33 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 12:47:13 PMbut I don't like to use my phone when driving.

Except to post here.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kirbykart on December 22, 2022, 12:56:26 PM

^But only in stop-and-go traffic!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 22, 2022, 01:05:48 PM

Quote from: kirbykart on December 22, 2022, 12:37:27 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 12:11:46 PM
Because you have to exit the interstate. It's torture having to get off a beautiful highway to go to your destination when there is more highway in front of you. One minor thing that bothers me is when the road is curvy, and it is finally about to straighten out, but my exit is just before the straight section. Sometimes I feel tempted to drive the length of the straight section and backtrack, to not leave the good stretches of the road out.

Just think about that statement for a second.

There is certainly something to be said that the journey is the destination. A good percentage of the interesting items I find on road trips are what I wasn't expecting along highways. Some of those would include things like monuments, hikes, vistas, old bridges, signs and even the occasion abandoned town site. You tend to get less experiences like that along corridors that have facets of limited access or virtually none on completely limited access.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on December 22, 2022, 01:10:42 PM

What is the affixiation of straight roads anyway? To me a road is to get between two points. Why does it matter how?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 22, 2022, 01:32:48 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 21, 2022, 11:49:46 AM
How'd things work out for the Concorde supersonic jet?

I've heard from a friend who works in the industry that they're starting to come back around to the idea of supersonic again.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on December 22, 2022, 01:38:03 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 22, 2022, 01:32:48 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 21, 2022, 11:49:46 AM
How'd things work out for the Concorde supersonic jet?

I've heard from a friend who works in the industry that they're starting to come back around to the idea of supersonic again.

https://boomsupersonic.com/

With Concorde, I've heard that the real money was supposed to be in delivering documents, since, in 1976, the only way you could get a document from one person to another was to deliver a hard copy of the document. Then, a few years later, along came the fax machine...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 02:26:04 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on December 22, 2022, 01:10:42 PM
What is the affixiation of straight roads anyway? To me a road is to get between two points. Why does it matter how?

Because the most efficient route between 2 points is a straight line.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on December 22, 2022, 02:38:10 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 02:26:04 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on December 22, 2022, 01:10:42 PM
What is the affixiation of straight roads anyway? To me a road is to get between two points. Why does it matter how?

Because the most efficient route between 2 points is a straight line.

No, it isn't.... at least for great circle navigation (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great-circle_navigation). It's why your flight from the United States to Asia may go north through Alaska instead of Hawaii.

Also, a straight-line may be the most efficient, but may not be scenic.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 22, 2022, 02:40:32 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on December 22, 2022, 02:38:10 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 02:26:04 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on December 22, 2022, 01:10:42 PM
What is the affixiation of straight roads anyway? To me a road is to get between two points. Why does it matter how?

Because the most efficient route between 2 points is a straight line.

No, it isn't.... at least for great circle navigation (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great-circle_navigation). It's why your flight from the United States to Asia may go north through Alaska instead of Hawaii.

Also, a straight-line may be the most efficient, but may not be scenic.

Given MMM's fictional post content I suspect he's a fan of symmetry.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 22, 2022, 02:43:57 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 02:26:04 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on December 22, 2022, 01:10:42 PM
What is the affixiation of straight roads anyway? To me a road is to get between two points. Why does it matter how?

Because the most efficient route between 2 points is a straight line.

So I'm sure you'd also like every highway to tunnel down below the curvature of the Earth, correct?

Someone who's better at math than I am: Assuming an 80-mile surface drive from point A to point B, and assuming the Earth's surface were smooth between those two points, how many feet below the surface would a straight line pass at its midpoint?

(https://i.imgur.com/fq79aNz.png)

Oops. I meant CD = ?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 02:49:07 PM

I meant straight lines along earth surface. I know this results in great circles that would seem illogical on a 2D map. I didn't mean literally straight as in drilling through the mantle (even that wouldn't necessarily be perfectly straight as the effects of gravity and the warping of spacetime itself caused by earth's mass would ever so slightly vary depending on how close you are to the core, which would technically distort any straight line even if all 3 dimensions. But yes, I am aware of the great circles, and Europe is actually more north than it is east.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 22, 2022, 02:51:45 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 02:49:07 PM
I meant straight lines along earth surface.

Why? Why not bore underground?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 22, 2022, 03:18:32 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 03:06:47 PM
Because you aren't saving any meaningful distance. Even the most extreme case of drilling through the core to get to the antipode from your current location, it is 8000 miles vs 12,000, saving 1/3 of the distance. So imagine how little you are saving in shorter distances, such as a few hundred miles. The earth curves maybe 1 degree every 70 miles. Not to mention you would be going against gravity as you pass the midpoint, but I am not quite sure how you would perceive this. It's like the question of falling through the core and flying back to the surface on the other side, would you suddenly feel upside down even though your body never changed orientation? How would your brain process this? For driving through the earth, at first you would feel like you are going slightly downhill, then you'd feel like you are going flat, then you'd feel like you are going uphill, against gravity, even though it is a mathematically perfectly straight line.

You do realize that tunnels already exist in reality, right?

Anyway, curves don't add "any meaningful distance" either. As an example, I just checked US-60 across southern Missouri, which has plenty of curves and hills. The straight-line surface distance between I-44 Exit 69 and I-55 Exit 66 is 217 miles. The current driving distance between those two points is 242 miles. At 68 mph, that's only a 22-minute difference. It barely takes that much time to fill up with gas and go to the bathroom.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 03:36:39 PM

But the tunnels aren't designed to compensate for the curvature of the earth. They are just to bypass things on the surface, like water. They still follow the earth's curvature in that respect. Curves on highways can really add up however. It's not the fact of more miles added, it is the fact that you have to navigate them slower. You can measure the difference by drawing a line on the map "as the cross flies" between 2 points on a highway, and then ask Google maps to give you the distance between those points via the highway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 22, 2022, 03:42:40 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 22, 2022, 03:18:32 PM
You do realize that tunnels already exist in reality, right?

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 03:36:39 PM
But the tunnels aren't designed to compensate for the curvature of the earth. They are just to bypass things on the surface, like water. They still follow the earth's curvature in that respect.

My point is that "going against gravity" isn't a thing with the tunnels that already exist, so I'm not sure what you brought it up for.

Quote from: kphoger on December 22, 2022, 03:18:32 PM
Anyway, curves don't add "any meaningful distance" either. As an example, I just checked US-60 across southern Missouri, which has plenty of curves and hills. The straight-line surface distance between I-44 Exit 69 and I-55 Exit 66 is 217 miles. The current driving distance between those two points is 242 miles. At 68 mph, that's only a 22-minute difference. It barely takes that much time to fill up with gas and go to the bathroom.

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 03:36:39 PM
Curves on highways can really add up however. It's not the fact of more miles added, it is the fact that you have to navigate them slower. You can measure the difference by drawing a line on the map "as the cross flies" between 2 points on a highway, and then ask Google maps to give you the distance between those points via the highway.

Yes, that's literally what I just did. It's only a 22-minute difference for a trip across very hilly terrain. And no, most curves don't have to be navigated more slower than the straightaways. You're apparently just inept at navigating curves, which you've already made clear in another thread. I once drove US-60 across southern Missouri and almost never let the needle drop below 85 the whole way.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 03:59:47 PM

The going against gravity thing was when you brought up drilling under the surface in a straight line. Even though the line is mathematically straight, it's going to feel like it slightly changed direction as you Traverse it. Earth appearing flat because it is so large and the curves are gradual is only part of the reason. Gravity is also the reason. It is literally the warping of the fabric of spacetime. This literally affects the perception of flatness, beyond just the illusion of gradually curves surfaces appearing flat.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 22, 2022, 04:10:10 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 03:59:47 PM
The going against gravity thing was when you brought up drilling under the surface in a straight line. Even though the line is mathematically straight, it's going to feel like it slightly changed direction as you Traverse it. Earth appearing flat because it is so large and the curves are gradual is only part of the reason. Gravity is also the reason. It is literally the warping of the fabric of spacetime. This literally affects the perception of flatness, beyond just the illusion of gradually curves surfaces appearing flat.

And my point is that none of that matters. Tunnels already go down and then up again.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on December 22, 2022, 05:02:47 PM

How long before this thread gets locked. It seems every thread that gets hijacked by this troll seems to end up like the other, MMM promoting his ideas and then the padlock.

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=32429.0
That's what this thread is for MMM to promote or discuss his ideas.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 22, 2022, 06:29:05 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 05:09:32 PM
And my MMM thread is in fictional highways, not just a thread I can dump other non-road related miscellaneous ideas in. That would be off topic posting, which is what I was warned for.

Are any of your ideas not fictional?

Yes, please keep yourself from spewing all over the forum.

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 05:09:32 PM
I'm not sure how we went from talking about airplane seating to earth's curvature, but I'll stop responding here if people wish.

It started when you said ...

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 12:11:46 PM
One minor thing that bothers me is when the road is curvy, and it is finally about to straighten out, but my exit is just before the straight section. Sometimes I feel tempted to drive the length of the straight section and backtrack, to not leave the good stretches of the road out.

... and then |roadman65| asked what's up with your obsession about straight roads. So yeah, you started it. It had nothing to do with airplane seating.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on December 22, 2022, 07:18:54 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 03:06:47 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 22, 2022, 02:51:45 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 02:49:07 PM
I meant straight lines along earth surface.

Why? Why not bore underground?

Because you aren't saving any meaningful distance. Even the most extreme case of drilling through the core to get to the antipode from your current location, it is 8000 miles vs 12,000, saving 1/3 of the distance. So imagine how little you are saving in shorter distances, such as a few hundred miles. The earth curves maybe 1 degree every 70 miles. Not to mention you would be going against gravity as you pass the midpoint, but I am not quite sure how you would perceive this. It's like the question of falling through the core and flying back to the surface on the other side, would you suddenly feel upside down even though your body never changed orientation? How would your brain process this? For driving through the earth, at first you would feel like you are going slightly downhill, then you'd feel like you are going flat, then you'd feel like you are going uphill, against gravity, even though it is a mathematically perfectly straight line.

The Fall Enslaves Us All.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on December 22, 2022, 07:28:48 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 05:09:32 PM
And my MMM thread is in fictional highways, not just a thread I can dump other non-road related miscellaneous ideas in. That would be off topic posting, which is what I was warned for. I'm not sure how we went from talking about airplane seating to earth's curvature, but I'll stop responding here if people wish.

Perhaps the admins of this board might be willing to give you carte blanche to post off-topic posts in your MMM thread. That could help contain ~~the shitshow~~ the spread of posts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 22, 2022, 07:31:07 PM

Quote from: dlsterner on December 22, 2022, 07:28:48 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 05:09:32 PM
And my MMM thread is in fictional highways, not just a thread I can dump other non-road related miscellaneous ideas in. That would be off topic posting, which is what I was warned for. I'm not sure how we went from talking about airplane seating to earth's curvature, but I'll stop responding here if people wish.

Perhaps the admins of this board might be willing to give you carte blanche to post off-topic posts in your MMM thread. That could help contain ~~the shitshow~~ the spread of posts.

He can't hack it on the legitimate boards. Staying grounded in reality just isn't something he does.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 07:44:06 PM

Regular boards are boring. I think it also had something to do with Max R asking me about why I didn't drive to Charlotte (which was brought up in the airplane discussion) and I mentioned how bad 78 in PA was. That's wasn't because of curves though. That was because of potholes and narrow sections/long construction zones.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on December 22, 2022, 08:16:34 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 22, 2022, 02:43:57 PM

Someone who's better at math than I am: Assuming an 80-mile surface drive from point A to point B, and assuming the Earth's surface were smooth between those two points, how many feet below the surface would a straight line pass at its midpoint?

(https://i.imgur.com/fq79aNz.png)

Oops. I meant CD = ?

Being a math geek in addition to being a road geek, I felt compelled to try to solve this, scraping the rust off my trigonometry. Assuming the earth's radius is 4000 miles (for ease of computation), as well as a perfect sphere, and the distance along the arc is 80 miles, looks like the straight line distance is 79.9987 miles, or a whopping 7 feet shorter. Paradoxically it looks like the CD distance is around 4200 feet (seems to defy logic). Others can feel free to check my math - I have been known to be wrong :)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on December 22, 2022, 08:32:20 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 08:30:54 PM
I'm confused what the 422 420 is in that problem? No lengths are given so there isn't enough information to see how far apart the 2 lines are.

422400 feet = 80 miles.

There is no 420 in that problem.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 08:40:15 PM

Quote from: 1 on December 22, 2022, 08:32:20 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 08:30:54 PM
I'm confused what the 422 420 is in that problem? No lengths are given so there isn't enough information to see how far apart the 2 lines are.

422400 feet = 80 miles.

There is no 420 in that problem.

Oh this is using the curvature of the earth, so there is enough info. NVM. How does the 4200 feet defy logic? That means the straight line underground would be a little less than a mile below the surface at the deepest point. For the distance of 80 miles and the 1 degree change every 65-70 miles, that makes sense. It would be that deep at the midpoint (40 miles into the trip)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 22, 2022, 08:48:18 PM

Cool! So, assuming your math is correct, the tunnel would need to get down to 4200 feet below grade in order to shave 7 feet off the travel distance. That hardly seems worth it.

I feel the same way about blasting a straight line through hills. (However, I remember when this (https://goo.gl/maps/rAnRviAgSQQg4tKF6) was nothing but a rock wall, and I must admit it was pretty cool to see them blast through it.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SkyPesos on December 22, 2022, 10:49:09 PM

Quote from: kirbykart on December 22, 2022, 12:37:27 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 12:11:46 PM
Because you have to exit the interstate. It's torture having to get off a beautiful highway to go to your destination when there is more highway in front of you. One minor thing that bothers me is when the road is curvy, and it is finally about to straighten out, but my exit is just before the straight section. Sometimes I feel tempted to drive the length of the straight section and backtrack, to not leave the good stretches of the road out.

Just think about that statement for a second.

MMM thinks I-80 in Nebraska is very scenic, so this is not that far off for him.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on December 23, 2022, 06:25:45 AM

Another minor computer thing that bothers me...

I'm one of those people who has set up all of their computers to backup every day... usually when everyone is sleeping. Those computers backup to a SMB share on my TrueNAS server, then the TrueNAS server does the off-site backup to BackBlaze which is a offsite storage solution. At $0.005 per GB per month, my bill runs under $5 per month. There is a cost to download a file beyond a certain file size, but if that occurs, something catastrophic has happened. So far, so good?

I just built a new computer (after eight years, no less). My old computer was running the Acronis backup software (now called "Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office") under an older incremental backup configuration. That meant that a full backup file was created, followed by several smaller incremental backups. Each of these backups were a separate file. However, when I checked my new computer, there is only one single file created. Per Acronis, this is intentional with the new file format (https://forum.acronis.com/forum/acronis-true-image-2020-forum/daily-incremental-backups-do-not-show-separate-individual-files-0). I can understand the reasoning, however, that means that 84GB file is now being uploaded every night to my offsite storage provider. With the backup copies, that's about 235GB at $1.18 per month. Because Cloud Sync tasks are a low-priority/low bandwidth event, it takes 2Â½ hours for the file to upload each night. I might as well make a full backup each night.

Minor, but irritating.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on December 23, 2022, 09:48:09 AM

People referring to airports with their three-letter codes in a context where their audience likely is not familiar with these codes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 23, 2022, 11:36:15 AM

Quote from: thspfc on December 23, 2022, 09:48:09 AM
People referring to airports with their three-letter codes in a context where their audience likely is not familiar with these codes.

YEA (https://www.seabaycargo.com/airport-code/yea-edmonton.html), IDA (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idaho_Falls_Regional_Airport) KNO (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kualanamu_International_Airport) ALO (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterloo_Regional_Airport) TOV (https://airportguide.com/airport/info/TOV) THE (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teresina_Airport) MEE (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mar%C3%A9_Airport) THR (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mehrabad_International_Airport).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on December 23, 2022, 11:37:59 AM

Quote from: formulanone on December 23, 2022, 11:36:15 AM
Quote from: thspfc on December 23, 2022, 09:48:09 AM
People referring to airports with their three-letter codes in a context where their audience likely is not familiar with these codes.

YEA, IDA KNO ALO TOV THE MEE THR.

ORD.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SkyPesos on December 23, 2022, 01:30:34 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on December 23, 2022, 11:37:59 AM
Quote from: formulanone on December 23, 2022, 11:36:15 AM
Quote from: thspfc on December 23, 2022, 09:48:09 AM
People referring to airports with their three-letter codes in a context where their audience likely is not familiar with these codes.

YEA, IDA KNO ALO TOV THE MEE THR.

ORD.

SIN to HEL

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Dirt Roads on December 23, 2022, 01:49:37 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 22, 2022, 02:43:57 PM

Someone who's better at math than I am: Assuming an 80-mile surface drive from point A to point B, and assuming the Earth's surface were smooth between those two points, how many feet below the surface would a straight line pass at its midpoint?

(https://i.imgur.com/fq79aNz.png)

Oops. I meant CD = ?

Quote from: dlsterner on December 22, 2022, 08:16:34 PM
Being a math geek in addition to being a road geek, I felt compelled to try to solve this, scraping the rust off my trigonometry. Assuming the earth's radius is 4000 miles (for ease of computation), as well as a perfect sphere, and the distance along the arc is 80 miles, looks like the straight line distance is 79.9987 miles, or a whopping 7 feet shorter. Paradoxically it looks like the CD distance is around 4200 feet (seems to defy logic). Others can feel free to check my math - I have been known to be wrong :)

Quote from: kphoger on December 22, 2022, 08:48:18 PM
Cool! So, assuming your math is correct, the tunnel would need to get down to 4200 feet below grade in order to shave 7 feet off the travel distance. That hardly seems worth it.

I feel the same way about blasting a straight line through hills. (However, I remember when this (https://goo.gl/maps/rAnRviAgSQQg4tKF6) was nothing but a rock wall, and I must admit it was pretty cool to see them blast through it.)

All of which reminds me of the former Memorial Tunnel on the West Virginia Turnpike:
https://www.google.com/maps/@38.1354749,-81.4082973,3a,75y,259.74h,99.87t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1skpYiWbQE2FmUJ3RaQgOd9A!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

Memorial Tunnel is the longest [entirely] in West Virginia at 2,802 feet, but certainly saved travellers many miles of widing roads.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 23, 2022, 03:00:23 PM

Quote from: SkyPesos on December 23, 2022, 01:30:34 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on December 23, 2022, 11:37:59 AM
Quote from: formulanone on December 23, 2022, 11:36:15 AM
Quote from: thspfc on December 23, 2022, 09:48:09 AM
People referring to airports with their three-letter codes in a context where their audience likely is not familiar with these codes.

YEA, IDA KNO ALO TOV THE MEE THR.

ORD.
SIN to HEL

PNS to CLT via AA (that's Pensacola to Charlotte via American Airlines) exists, but there's a MOB of people who'd fly elsewhere.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on December 23, 2022, 03:52:42 PM

[Derby Field, Lovelock NV]

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on December 23, 2022, 04:30:24 PM

Quote from: formulanone on December 23, 2022, 03:00:23 PM
Quote from: SkyPesos on December 23, 2022, 01:30:34 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on December 23, 2022, 11:37:59 AM
Quote from: formulanone on December 23, 2022, 11:36:15 AM
Quote from: thspfc on December 23, 2022, 09:48:09 AM
People referring to airports with their three-letter codes in a context where their audience likely is not familiar with these codes.

YEA, IDA KNO ALO TOV THE MEE THR.

ORD.
SIN to HEL

PNS to CLT via AA (that's Pensacola to Charlotte via American Airlines) exists, but there's a MOB of people who'd fly elsewhere.

ORD-SUX.

I'm sure many travelers would agree.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 23, 2022, 05:02:11 PM

I do have a soft spot for Midway, I must admit.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 23, 2022, 05:11:23 PM

I rather my dystopian airport come with a like atmosphere, Midway delivers on that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on December 23, 2022, 05:25:07 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 23, 2022, 05:11:23 PM
I rather my dystopian airport come with a like atmosphere, Midway delivers on that.

Really? I have to admit it looks like any other midsize airport in the country to me.

(https://i.imgur.com/NTmCzg6.png) (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.7881079,-87.7420141,3a,75y,88.71h,87.33t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1sAF1QipM34LaSQX0LlGLwA85fd2sTHfF36cZjdKyX2KtK!2e10!3e11!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipM34LaSQX0LlGLwA85fd2sTHfF36cZjdKyX2KtK%3Dw203-h100-k-no-pi-0-ya151.09317-ro-0-fo100!7i8704!8i4352)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on December 23, 2022, 05:29:22 PM

Quote from: thspfc on December 23, 2022, 09:48:09 AM
People referring to airports with their three-letter codes in a context where their audience likely is not familiar with these codes.

Upstate NY is an exception to this, since most of the codes are painstakingly obvious (BUF, ROC, SYR, and ALB).

I once heard Portland, OR referred to as "PDX" and it took me a minute to figure out that was the airport code.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 23, 2022, 05:34:09 PM

Quote from: webny99 on December 23, 2022, 05:29:22 PM
I once heard Portland, OR referred to as "PDX" and it took me a minute to figure out that was the airport code.

Whenever I see that, my first thought is always Phoenix.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on December 23, 2022, 05:36:35 PM

EWR for Newark is far from obvious as well. NWK would be bettter. At least LaGuardia is LGA and JFK is JFK.

Then MCO for Orlando named after the former Air Force Base it was is far from the name.

ORD for O Hare is another.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 23, 2022, 05:41:46 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on December 23, 2022, 05:36:35 PM
ORD for O Hare is another.

ORcharD Place (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orchard_Place,_Illinois).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on December 23, 2022, 05:49:16 PM

Of course, I think Post 5728 means that even though letters are derived from related wording, it can confuse the non informed flyer. That is why I said ORD for O Hare as no one is going to think Orchard.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 23, 2022, 05:57:19 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on December 23, 2022, 05:25:07 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 23, 2022, 05:11:23 PM
I rather my dystopian airport come with a like atmosphere, Midway delivers on that.

Really? I have to admit it looks like any other midsize airport in the country to me.

(https://i.imgur.com/NTmCzg6.png) (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.7881079,-87.7420141,3a,75y,88.71h,87.33t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1sAF1QipM34LaSQX0LlGLwA85fd2sTHfF36cZjdKyX2KtK!2e10!3e11!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipM34LaSQX0LlGLwA85fd2sTHfF36cZjdKyX2KtK%3Dw203-h100-k-no-pi-0-ya151.09317-ro-0-fo100!7i8704!8i4352)

They've obviously modernized it slightly since I last flew there during the early 2000s. Used to give me Airplane! vibes back when I used to fly into Midway from Lansing during the mid-to-late 1990s.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 23, 2022, 06:04:11 PM

Yeah, Midway definitely used to feel like "the other airport".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on December 23, 2022, 06:44:21 PM

It wasn't until relatively recently that I found out why Rush entitled that certain instrumental "YYZ."

And why is it pronounced "Y Y Zed" sometimes?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on December 23, 2022, 06:46:26 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 23, 2022, 06:44:21 PM
And why is it pronounced "Y Y Zed" sometimes?

Because both the airport and the band are Canadian. That's how it's supposed to be pronounced.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on December 23, 2022, 06:59:50 PM

Quote from: 1 on December 23, 2022, 06:46:26 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on December 23, 2022, 06:44:21 PM
And why is it pronounced "Y Y Zed" sometimes?

Because both the airport and the band are Canadian. That's how it's supposed to be pronounced.

If you say "Y Y Zeeee", Krieger will correct you:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBJO3Zj-Sv0

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Takumi on December 23, 2022, 09:32:29 PM

Quote from: formulanone on December 23, 2022, 11:36:15 AM
Quote from: thspfc on December 23, 2022, 09:48:09 AM
People referring to airports with their three-letter codes in a context where their audience likely is not familiar with these codes.

YEA (https://www.seabaycargo.com/airport-code/yea-edmonton.html), IDA (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idaho_Falls_Regional_Airport) KNO (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kualanamu_International_Airport) ALO (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterloo_Regional_Airport) TOV (https://airportguide.com/airport/info/TOV) THE (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teresina_Airport) MEE (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mar%C3%A9_Airport) THR (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mehrabad_International_Airport).

How long were you waiting to use that?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on December 23, 2022, 10:01:45 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on December 23, 2022, 05:36:35 PM
EWR for Newark is far from obvious as well. NWK would be bettter. At least LaGuardia is LGA and JFK is JFK.

Then MCO for Orlando named after the former Air Force Base it was is far from the name.

ORD for O Hare is another.

My list of airport codes that are acceptable to use in a normal setting (definitely missing some)

- JFK
- DFW
- OKC
- LAX because it sounds cool

All the others that I can think of are either a) not obvious enough, b) stupid, or c) redundant to the name of the city because the three letters take more effort to say than the city name (i.e. SLC vs Salt Lake, STL vs St. Louis).

Yes, I am choosing to die on this hill. Admittedly I've barely left my house since Wednesday because of awful weather.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on December 23, 2022, 10:19:32 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 23, 2022, 10:05:22 PM
This whacky weather. Here in New York State, the temperature dropped from 58 degrees...to 10...in 12 hours.

In Cheyenne, WY on Wednesday, it dropped from 43 to 19 in 10 minutes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 24, 2022, 12:59:05 AM

Quote from: thspfc on December 23, 2022, 10:01:45 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on December 23, 2022, 05:36:35 PM
EWR for Newark is far from obvious as well. NWK would be bettter. At least LaGuardia is LGA and JFK is JFK.

Then MCO for Orlando named after the former Air Force Base it was is far from the name.

ORD for O Hare is another.
My list of airport codes that are acceptable to use in a normal setting (definitely missing some)

- JFK
- DFW
- OKC
- LAX because it sounds cool

All the others that I can think of are either a) not obvious enough, b) stupid, or c) redundant to the name of the city because the three letters take more effort to say than the city name (i.e. SLC vs Salt Lake, STL vs St. Louis).

Yes, I am choosing to die on this hill. Admittedly I've barely left my house since Wednesday because of awful weather.

I assume this applies to speech only? I agree that saying "ess ell cee" aloud instead of "Salt Lake City" is kind of silly, but in textual form it seems like a perfectly reasonable abbreviation.

Other possible "normal" airport codes: ABQ, MSP, COS

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 24, 2022, 01:01:38 AM

Quote from: Takumi on December 23, 2022, 09:32:29 PM
Quote from: formulanone on December 23, 2022, 11:36:15 AM
Quote from: thspfc on December 23, 2022, 09:48:09 AM
People referring to airports with their three-letter codes in a context where their audience likely is not familiar with these codes.

YEA (https://www.seabaycargo.com/airport-code/yea-edmonton.html), IDA (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idaho_Falls_Regional_Airport) KNO (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kualanamu_International_Airport) ALO (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterloo_Regional_Airport) TOV (https://airportguide.com/airport/info/TOV) THE (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teresina_Airport) MEE (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mar%C3%A9_Airport) THR (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mehrabad_International_Airport).

How long were you waiting to use that?

10-12 minutes; there's pages with every code.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on December 24, 2022, 01:15:04 AM

Quote from: thspfc on December 23, 2022, 09:48:09 AM
People referring to airports with their three-letter codes in a context where their audience likely is not familiar with these codes.

Even worse: Calgary uses YYC, their airport code, for everything Calgary.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on December 24, 2022, 08:25:25 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on December 23, 2022, 05:36:35 PM
EWR for Newark is far from obvious as well. NWK would be bettter. At least LaGuardia is LGA and JFK is JFK.

...

Interestingly, NWK is the train station code for Newark Penn Station (the stop in the city, not the separate stop for Newark Airport). I assume that has no bearing whatsoever on assignment of airport codes, but I have no idea, and I have no idea which was assigned first.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on December 24, 2022, 08:28:00 AM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 23, 2022, 06:44:21 PM
It wasn't until relatively recently that I found out why Rush entitled that certain instrumental "YYZ."

Ah, but did you know that the rhythm of the guitar riff is set to "YYZ" in Morse code?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Hunty2022 on December 24, 2022, 09:39:37 AM

Quote from: LilianaUwU on December 24, 2022, 01:15:04 AM
Quote from: thspfc on December 23, 2022, 09:48:09 AM
People referring to airports with their three-letter codes in a context where their audience likely is not familiar with these codes.

Even worse: Calgary uses YYC, their airport code, for everything Calgary.

CGY is used for the Calgary Flames, but the NHL may have assigned the abbreviation to them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on December 24, 2022, 09:42:13 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 24, 2022, 12:59:05 AM
Quote from: thspfc on December 23, 2022, 10:01:45 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on December 23, 2022, 05:36:35 PM
EWR for Newark is far from obvious as well. NWK would be bettter. At least LaGuardia is LGA and JFK is JFK.

Then MCO for Orlando named after the former Air Force Base it was is far from the name.

ORD for O Hare is another.
My list of airport codes that are acceptable to use in a normal setting (definitely missing some)

- JFK
- DFW
- OKC
- LAX because it sounds cool

All the others that I can think of are either a) not obvious enough, b) stupid, or c) redundant to the name of the city because the three letters take more effort to say than the city name (i.e. SLC vs Salt Lake, STL vs St. Louis).

Yes, I am choosing to die on this hill. Admittedly I've barely left my house since Wednesday because of awful weather.

I assume this applies to speech only? I agree that saying "ess ell cee" aloud instead of "Salt Lake City" is kind of silly, but in textual form it seems like a perfectly reasonable abbreviation.

Other possible "normal" airport codes: ABQ, MSP, COS

SLC and STL are reasonable in text. Come to think of it I do use those abbreviations, though not specifically referring to the airports.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on December 24, 2022, 10:49:57 AM

Quote from: Hunty2022 on December 24, 2022, 09:39:37 AM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on December 24, 2022, 01:15:04 AM
Quote from: thspfc on December 23, 2022, 09:48:09 AM
People referring to airports with their three-letter codes in a context where their audience likely is not familiar with these codes.

Even worse: Calgary uses YYC, their airport code, for everything Calgary.

CGY is used for the Calgary Flames, but the NHL may have assigned the abbreviation to them.

Part of the reason for the league's use of CGY is that when the Flames moved from Atlanta to Calgary in 1980, it hadn't been that long since the California Golden Seals had relocated to Cleveland, so "CAL" was still associated with them in the record book and recent stats. (It's still technically associated with them in the record book. You just don't see it that often anymore.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on December 24, 2022, 11:36:46 AM

Or like with CVG for CoVinGton, KY (the main airport for the Cincinnati,OH metro area).

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on December 24, 2022, 12:05:04 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 07:44:06 PM
Regular boards are boring.

Well, the ones about tunnels certainly are...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 24, 2022, 12:12:35 PM

Quote from: kkt on December 24, 2022, 12:05:04 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 07:44:06 PM
Regular boards are boring.

Well, the ones about tunnels certainly are...

Regular boards are boring to those who deal in the fantastical and unrealistic.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on December 24, 2022, 12:41:57 PM

Quote from: thspfc on December 23, 2022, 10:01:45 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on December 23, 2022, 05:36:35 PM
EWR for Newark is far from obvious as well. NWK would be bettter. At least LaGuardia is LGA and JFK is JFK.

Then MCO for Orlando named after the former Air Force Base it was is far from the name.

ORD for O Hare is another.
My list of airport codes that are acceptable to use in a normal setting (definitely missing some)

- JFK
- DFW
- OKC
- LAX because it sounds cool

All the others that I can think of are either a) not obvious enough, b) stupid, or c) redundant to the name of the city because the three letters take more effort to say than the city name (i.e. SLC vs Salt Lake, STL vs St. Louis).

Yes, I am choosing to die on this hill. Admittedly I've barely left my house since Wednesday because of awful weather.

All four of the upstate NY ones I mentioned, those being BUF, ROC, SYR, and ALB, are significantly shorter than saying the entire city name.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on December 24, 2022, 03:12:09 PM

Quote from: webny99 on December 24, 2022, 12:41:57 PM
All four of the upstate NY ones I mentioned, those being BUF, ROC, SYR, and ALB, are significantly shorter than saying the entire city name.

Maybe if you pronounce it "buff" or "rock", etc. But if you pronounce the letters individually it's 3 syllables each - the same as saying the city name.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 24, 2022, 03:31:44 PM

...and I've never heard anyone pronounce DFW or SLC as acronyms. Actually, come to think of it, I've never heard LAX pronounced as an acronym either.

Wichita is ICT, which does indeed sound kind of fun as an acronym.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on December 24, 2022, 05:50:50 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 07:44:06 PM
Regular boards are boring.

I find most of Fictional Highways boring. I appreciate creative threads like turning a state into a lake and adjusting highways or threads about one state's DOT running another. These are fun and don't take themselves too seriously. But the threads full of random proposals from one or even several individuals aren't interesting.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 24, 2022, 06:01:07 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on December 24, 2022, 05:50:50 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 22, 2022, 07:44:06 PM
Regular boards are boring.

I find most of Fictional Highways boring. I appreciate creative threads like turning a state into a lake and adjusting highways or threads about one state's DOT running another. These are fun and don't take themselves too seriously. But the threads full of random proposals from one or even several individuals aren't interesting.

They do have the tendency to be either breathtakingly obvious (why yes, maybe US-71 in Kansas City should be a freeway) or absolutely demented (FritzOwl).

Hitting the sweet spot in between (like the Denver-OKC interstate proposals) does happen, but it's uncommon.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on December 24, 2022, 06:17:30 PM

Quote from: 1 on December 23, 2022, 06:46:26 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on December 23, 2022, 06:44:21 PM
And why is it pronounced "Y Y Zed" sometimes?

Because both the airport and the band are Canadian. That's how it's supposed to be pronounced.

So Canadians pronounce the letter "Z" as "zed" instead of "zee" like Americans do?

Why?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 24, 2022, 06:21:49 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 24, 2022, 06:17:30 PM
Quote from: 1 on December 23, 2022, 06:46:26 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on December 23, 2022, 06:44:21 PM
And why is it pronounced "Y Y Zed" sometimes?

Because both the airport and the band are Canadian. That's how it's supposed to be pronounced.

So Canadians pronounce the letter "Z" as "zed" instead of "zee" like Americans do?

Why?

"Zed" is "zeta" without the "a" sound on the end. America is the only English-speaking country that pronounces Z as "zee".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on December 25, 2022, 01:18:04 AM

Quote from: kphoger on December 24, 2022, 03:31:44 PM
...and I've never heard anyone pronounce DFW or SLC as acronyms.

I haven't either, but there is SLCC, which stands for Salt Lake Community College and is pronounced "slick" .

Also, I have never heard the individual letters pronounced in SLC. It takes less effort to just say "Salt Lake" or "the airport" , which is fine because there's only one commercial airport. DFW is useful as a code because it clarifies you're not talking about Love Field.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on December 25, 2022, 09:10:58 AM

Quote from: abefroman329 on December 24, 2022, 08:28:00 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on December 23, 2022, 06:44:21 PM
It wasn't until relatively recently that I found out why Rush entitled that certain instrumental "YYZ."
Ah, but did you know that the rhythm of the guitar riff is set to "YYZ" in Morse code?

Welp, any day I can learn something new, it's a good one. Love that song, but this literally never occurred to me. I thought, for some weird Rush-y reason, it was named after the zipper manufacturer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on December 25, 2022, 01:42:51 PM

Quote from: webny99 on December 24, 2022, 12:41:57 PM
Quote from: thspfc on December 23, 2022, 10:01:45 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on December 23, 2022, 05:36:35 PM
EWR for Newark is far from obvious as well. NWK would be bettter. At least LaGuardia is LGA and JFK is JFK.

Then MCO for Orlando named after the former Air Force Base it was is far from the name.

ORD for O Hare is another.
My list of airport codes that are acceptable to use in a normal setting (definitely missing some)

- JFK
- DFW
- OKC
- LAX because it sounds cool

All the others that I can think of are either a) not obvious enough, b) stupid, or c) redundant to the name of the city because the three letters take more effort to say than the city name (i.e. SLC vs Salt Lake, STL vs St. Louis).

Yes, I am choosing to die on this hill. Admittedly I've barely left my house since Wednesday because of awful weather.

All four of the upstate NY ones I mentioned, those being BUF, ROC, SYR, and ALB, are significantly shorter than saying the entire city name.

Are any of those cities identifiable by those codes (for the average person, not us nerds)?

If someone told me they're flying to "BUF" or "ALB" I would be like "where? :confused:"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on December 25, 2022, 11:25:56 PM

Quote from: thspfc on December 25, 2022, 01:42:51 PM
Quote from: webny99 on December 24, 2022, 12:41:57 PM
All four of the upstate NY ones I mentioned, those being BUF, ROC, SYR, and ALB, are significantly shorter than saying the entire city name.
Are any of those cities identifiable by those codes (for the average person, not us nerds)?

If someone told me they're flying to "BUF" or "ALB" I would be like "where? :confused:"

They're definitely identifiable and understandable for anyone who lives in upstate NY; not necessarily for a random person in another state, but I think that's outside the scope of the discussion if we're talking "in a normal setting". None of these are hub airports and pretty much no one flies here except locals, people visiting locals, and the occasional business traveler.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on December 25, 2022, 11:28:47 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 24, 2022, 06:01:07 PM
[Fictional Highways threads] do have the tendency to be either breathtakingly obvious (why yes, maybe US-71 in Kansas City should be a freeway) or absolutely demented (FritzOwl).

My ideas are so demented that they're in a different universe altogether (Minecraft's).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 25, 2022, 11:42:31 PM

Quote from: webny99 on December 25, 2022, 11:25:56 PM
Quote from: thspfc on December 25, 2022, 01:42:51 PM
Quote from: webny99 on December 24, 2022, 12:41:57 PM
All four of the upstate NY ones I mentioned, those being BUF, ROC, SYR, and ALB, are significantly shorter than saying the entire city name.
Are any of those cities identifiable by those codes (for the average person, not us nerds)?

If someone told me they're flying to "BUF" or "ALB" I would be like "where? :confused:"

They're definitely identifiable and understandable for anyone who lives in upstate NY; not necessarily for a random person in another state, but I think that's outside the scope of the discussion if we're talking "in a normal setting". None of these are hub airports and pretty much no one flies here except locals, people visiting locals, and the occasional business traveler.

I could see someone thinking ALB is Albuquerque, but really, what else would BUF possibly be?

Quote from: LilianaUwU on December 25, 2022, 11:28:47 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 24, 2022, 06:01:07 PM
[Fictional Highways threads] do have the tendency to be either breathtakingly obvious (why yes, maybe US-71 in Kansas City should be a freeway) or absolutely demented (FritzOwl).
My ideas are so demented that they're in a different universe altogether (Minecraft's).

I inflict mine upon my friends and make them roll dice to get out of them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on December 25, 2022, 11:43:44 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 25, 2022, 11:42:31 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on December 25, 2022, 11:28:47 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 24, 2022, 06:01:07 PM
[Fictional Highways threads] do have the tendency to be either breathtakingly obvious (why yes, maybe US-71 in Kansas City should be a freeway) or absolutely demented (FritzOwl).
My ideas are so demented that they're in a different universe altogether (Minecraft's).

I inflict mine upon my friends and make them roll dice to get out of them.

Speaking of which, when are we gonna hear about your system that's run by orcs?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 26, 2022, 02:30:30 AM

Quote from: LilianaUwU on December 25, 2022, 11:43:44 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 25, 2022, 11:42:31 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on December 25, 2022, 11:28:47 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 24, 2022, 06:01:07 PM
[Fictional Highways threads] do have the tendency to be either breathtakingly obvious (why yes, maybe US-71 in Kansas City should be a freeway) or absolutely demented (FritzOwl).
My ideas are so demented that they're in a different universe altogether (Minecraft's).

I inflict mine upon my friends and make them roll dice to get out of them.

Speaking of which, when are we gonna hear about your system that's run by orcs?

I'm, uh. Revising the MUTCD right now, actually. So as soon as I have time to finish that...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on December 26, 2022, 08:57:51 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 25, 2022, 11:42:31 PM
Quote from: webny99 on December 25, 2022, 11:25:56 PM
Quote from: thspfc on December 25, 2022, 01:42:51 PM
Quote from: webny99 on December 24, 2022, 12:41:57 PM
All four of the upstate NY ones I mentioned, those being BUF, ROC, SYR, and ALB, are significantly shorter than saying the entire city name.
Are any of those cities identifiable by those codes (for the average person, not us nerds)?

If someone told me they're flying to "BUF" or "ALB" I would be like "where? :confused:"

They're definitely identifiable and understandable for anyone who lives in upstate NY; not necessarily for a random person in another state, but I think that's outside the scope of the discussion if we're talking "in a normal setting". None of these are hub airports and pretty much no one flies here except locals, people visiting locals, and the occasional business traveler.

I could see someone thinking ALB is Albuquerque, but really, what else would BUF possibly be?

For ALB, point taken, but I'd actually say it a little differently when speaking. I would say Albany more like "ulb" but Albuquerque with more of a nasal "A" sound (but who knows if I'm pronouncing it correctly).

And I haven't gotten creative enough to come up with somewhere else that BUF could be referring to.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on December 26, 2022, 09:21:40 PM

^ Buffalo, WY? According to Google Maps, there's even an airport near there...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on December 26, 2022, 09:21:52 PM

Quote from: LilianaUwU on December 25, 2022, 11:28:47 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 24, 2022, 06:01:07 PM
[Fictional Highways threads] do have the tendency to be either breathtakingly obvious (why yes, maybe US-71 in Kansas City should be a freeway) or absolutely demented (FritzOwl).
My ideas are so demented that they're in a different universe altogether (Minecraft's).

I read somewhere an article, talking about how Mojang tricked all us Minecraft people, into learning a CAD program with monsters.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 26, 2022, 09:37:04 PM

Not to mention I believe redstone is Turing-complete, so you're at risk of learning programming too.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on December 27, 2022, 07:15:25 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 26, 2022, 09:37:04 PM
Not to mention I believe redstone is Turing-complete, so you're at risk of learning programming too.

There's people who've built all kinds of advanced stuff using redstone - wanna say I've seen full-fledged processors and stuff.

I mean, I thought it was a win when I was able to make lights turn on and off in the game with it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on December 27, 2022, 02:21:31 PM

'MSN' is Madison (WI) - 'MAD" is Madrid (as in EspaÃ±a).

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 27, 2022, 03:47:56 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 24, 2022, 06:21:49 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 24, 2022, 06:17:30 PM

Quote from: 1 on December 23, 2022, 06:46:26 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 23, 2022, 06:44:21 PM
And why is it pronounced "Y Y Zed" sometimes?

Because both the airport and the band are Canadian. That's how it's supposed to be pronounced.

So Canadians pronounce the letter "Z" as "zed" instead of "zee" like Americans do?

Why?

"Zed" is "zeta" without the "a" sound on the end. America is the only English-speaking country that pronounces Z as "zee".

This.

The 'zee' pronunciation is, worldwide, the clear outlier. Not only do other English-speaking countries say 'zed', but a lot of other languages have a similar name for that letter: zeta in Spanish and Italian, zÃ¨de in French, Zett in German, etc.

So the better question is this: why do American's say 'zee'? And the answer is basically twofold. (1) Webster's dictionary. Both pronunciations existed on both sides of the Pond before the 19th Century but, when Webster's gave 'zee' as the official pronunciation in US English, it was basically a done deal, considering how influential that dictionary was. (2) The alphabet song that you and I have been singing out whole lives is more than 185 years old by this point, which means parents have been singing it to their children since the US flag had half as many stars as it does now.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 27, 2022, 04:19:04 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on December 27, 2022, 07:15:25 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 26, 2022, 09:37:04 PM
Not to mention I believe redstone is Turing-complete, so you're at risk of learning programming too.
There's people who've built all kinds of advanced stuff using redstone - wanna say I've seen full-fledged processors and stuff.

I mean, I thought it was a win when I was able to make lights turn on and off in the game with it.

I've seen someone make an entire Game Boy emulator with it, with a playable copy of one of the Gen I Pokemon games.

Quote from: kphoger on December 27, 2022, 03:47:56 PM
(2) The alphabet song that you and I have been singing out whole lives is more than 185 years old by this point, which means parents have been singing it to their children since the US flag had half as many stars as it does now.

I've always thought it's interesting that the alphabet song is set to the tune of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 27, 2022, 04:22:37 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 27, 2022, 04:19:04 PM
I've always thought it's interesting that the alphabet song is set to the tune of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

Actually, it's more accurate to say that both of them are set to the "Ah! vous dirai-je, maman" tune.

Also, "Baa Baa Black Sheep".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on December 27, 2022, 04:25:16 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 27, 2022, 04:19:04 PMI've always thought it's interesting that the alphabet song is set to the tune of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

As is Baa Baa Black Sheep.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 27, 2022, 04:57:42 PM

We don't have Baa Baa Black Sheep in Oklahoma.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on December 27, 2022, 05:01:02 PM

How easily earjacks get tangled. Is it just me or do you also find your earbud cables in elaborate knots that you couldn't even make if you tried.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 27, 2022, 05:05:03 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 27, 2022, 05:01:02 PM
earjacks

That's a thing?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on December 27, 2022, 06:39:34 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 27, 2022, 03:47:56 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 24, 2022, 06:21:49 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 24, 2022, 06:17:30 PM

Quote from: 1 on December 23, 2022, 06:46:26 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 23, 2022, 06:44:21 PM
And why is it pronounced "Y Y Zed" sometimes?

Because both the airport and the band are Canadian. That's how it's supposed to be pronounced.

So Canadians pronounce the letter "Z" as "zed" instead of "zee" like Americans do?

Why?

"Zed" is "zeta" without the "a" sound on the end. America is the only English-speaking country that pronounces Z as "zee".

This.

The 'zee' pronunciation is, worldwide, the clear outlier. Not only do other English-speaking countries say 'zed', but a lot of other languages have a similar name for that letter: zeta in Spanish and Italian, zÃ¨de in French, Zett in German, etc.

So the better question is this: why do American's say 'zee'? And the answer is basically twofold. (1) Webster's dictionary. Both pronunciations existed on both sides of the Pond before the 19th Century but, when Webster's gave 'zee' as the official pronunciation in US English, it was basically a done deal, considering how influential that dictionary was. (2) The alphabet song that you and I have been singing out whole lives is more than 185 years old by this point, which means parents have been singing it to their children since the US flag had half as many stars as it does now.

It's also in line with how other consonants are pronounced. "B" is "bee," not "bed." "G" is "gee," not "ged." (Or Geddy, since we're talking about Rush.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on December 27, 2022, 06:40:53 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 27, 2022, 06:39:34 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 27, 2022, 03:47:56 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 24, 2022, 06:21:49 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 24, 2022, 06:17:30 PM

Quote from: 1 on December 23, 2022, 06:46:26 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 23, 2022, 06:44:21 PM
And why is it pronounced "Y Y Zed" sometimes?

Because both the airport and the band are Canadian. That's how it's supposed to be pronounced.

So Canadians pronounce the letter "Z" as "zed" instead of "zee" like Americans do?

Why?

"Zed" is "zeta" without the "a" sound on the end. America is the only English-speaking country that pronounces Z as "zee".

This.

The 'zee' pronunciation is, worldwide, the clear outlier. Not only do other English-speaking countries say 'zed', but a lot of other languages have a similar name for that letter: zeta in Spanish and Italian, zÃ¨de in French, Zett in German, etc.

So the better question is this: why do American's say 'zee'? And the answer is basically twofold. (1) Webster's dictionary. Both pronunciations existed on both sides of the Pond before the 19th Century but, when Webster's gave 'zee' as the official pronunciation in US English, it was basically a done deal, considering how influential that dictionary was. (2) The alphabet song that you and I have been singing out whole lives is more than 185 years old by this point, which means parents have been singing it to their children since the US flag had half as many stars as it does now.

It's also in line with how other consonants are pronounced. "B" is "bee," not "bed." "G" is "gee," not "ged." (Or Geddy, since we're talking about Rush.)

This reply chain is approaching happy goat territory.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on December 27, 2022, 08:17:46 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 27, 2022, 03:47:56 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 24, 2022, 06:21:49 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 24, 2022, 06:17:30 PM

Quote from: 1 on December 23, 2022, 06:46:26 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 23, 2022, 06:44:21 PM
And why is it pronounced "Y Y Zed" sometimes?

Because both the airport and the band are Canadian. That's how it's supposed to be pronounced.

So Canadians pronounce the letter "Z" as "zed" instead of "zee" like Americans do?

Why?

"Zed" is "zeta" without the "a" sound on the end. America is the only English-speaking country that pronounces Z as "zee".

This.

The 'zee' pronunciation is, worldwide, the clear outlier. Not only do other English-speaking countries say 'zed', but a lot of other languages have a similar name for that letter: zeta in Spanish and Italian, zÃ¨de in French, Zett in German, etc.

So the better question is this: why do American's say 'zee'? And the answer is basically twofold. (1) Webster's dictionary. Both pronunciations existed on both sides of the Pond before the 19th Century but, when Webster's gave 'zee' as the official pronunciation in US English, it was basically a done deal, considering how influential that dictionary was. (2) The alphabet song that you and I have been singing out whole lives is more than 185 years old by this point, which means parents have been singing it to their children since the US flag had half as many stars as it does now.

Yes. For the few hundred years, if you learned English anywhere other than the United States, you probably learned British English or something much more closely related to it than American English. British was the high status dialect, the dialect of the colonial rulers in most places, and the center of wordwide trade until the 1940s.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 27, 2022, 08:43:34 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 27, 2022, 06:39:34 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 27, 2022, 03:47:56 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 24, 2022, 06:21:49 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 24, 2022, 06:17:30 PM

Quote from: 1 on December 23, 2022, 06:46:26 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 23, 2022, 06:44:21 PM
And why is it pronounced "Y Y Zed" sometimes?

Because both the airport and the band are Canadian. That's how it's supposed to be pronounced.

So Canadians pronounce the letter "Z" as "zed" instead of "zee" like Americans do?

Why?

"Zed" is "zeta" without the "a" sound on the end. America is the only English-speaking country that pronounces Z as "zee".

This.

The 'zee' pronunciation is, worldwide, the clear outlier. Not only do other English-speaking countries say 'zed', but a lot of other languages have a similar name for that letter: zeta in Spanish and Italian, zÃ¨de in French, Zett in German, etc.

So the better question is this: why do American's say 'zee'? And the answer is basically twofold. (1) Webster's dictionary. Both pronunciations existed on both sides of the Pond before the 19th Century but, when Webster's gave 'zee' as the official pronunciation in US English, it was basically a done deal, considering how influential that dictionary was. (2) The alphabet song that you and I have been singing out whole lives is more than 185 years old by this point, which means parents have been singing it to their children since the US flag had half as many stars as it does now.

It's also in line with how other consonants are pronounced. "B" is "bee," not "bed." "G" is "gee," not "ged." (Or Geddy, since we're talking about Rush.)

That's because the Romans pronounced B as "bee" and G as "gee". But they pronounced Z as "zeta".

Funnily enough, you don't seem to have a problem with the fact that H isn't "hay" to match K being "kay", but that's how the Romans did it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on December 27, 2022, 10:04:36 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 27, 2022, 05:01:02 PM
How easily earjacks get tangled. Is it just me or do you also find your earbud cables in elaborate knots that you couldn't even make if you tried.

That's a new one. Why not just call them ear buds?

Despite the higher cost, I usually use a wireless pair these days. They should better and are more convenient. But I usually use wired earbuds for my computers. If you hold one end around a few of your fingers, wrap the wires around those same fingers and just pull the whole thing off after, I find they don't usually get knotted up.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on December 27, 2022, 11:07:10 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 27, 2022, 08:43:34 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on December 27, 2022, 06:39:34 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 27, 2022, 03:47:56 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 24, 2022, 06:21:49 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 24, 2022, 06:17:30 PM

Quote from: 1 on December 23, 2022, 06:46:26 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 23, 2022, 06:44:21 PM
And why is it pronounced "Y Y Zed" sometimes?

Because both the airport and the band are Canadian. That's how it's supposed to be pronounced.

So Canadians pronounce the letter "Z" as "zed" instead of "zee" like Americans do?

Why?

"Zed" is "zeta" without the "a" sound on the end. America is the only English-speaking country that pronounces Z as "zee".

This.

The 'zee' pronunciation is, worldwide, the clear outlier. Not only do other English-speaking countries say 'zed', but a lot of other languages have a similar name for that letter: zeta in Spanish and Italian, zÃ¨de in French, Zett in German, etc.

So the better question is this: why do American's say 'zee'? And the answer is basically twofold. (1) Webster's dictionary. Both pronunciations existed on both sides of the Pond before the 19th Century but, when Webster's gave 'zee' as the official pronunciation in US English, it was basically a done deal, considering how influential that dictionary was. (2) The alphabet song that you and I have been singing out whole lives is more than 185 years old by this point, which means parents have been singing it to their children since the US flag had half as many stars as it does now.

It's also in line with how other consonants are pronounced. "B" is "bee," not "bed." "G" is "gee," not "ged." (Or Geddy, since we're talking about Rush.)

That's because the Romans pronounced B as "bee" and G as "gee". But they pronounced Z as "zeta".

Funnily enough, you don't seem to have a problem with the fact that H isn't "hay" to match K being "kay", but that's how the Romans did it.

By a similar argument, Z should be "ez", in line with how other more similarconsonants are pronounced - S is "es", F is "ef"...

(Seriously, S and Z are the same sound. One involves vibrating your vocal cords and one doesn't.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on December 28, 2022, 04:37:22 AM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 27, 2022, 05:01:02 PM
How easily earjacks get tangled. Is it just me or do you also find your earbud cables in elaborate knots that you couldn't even make if you tried.

I do, but I also only use my wired earbuds when my AirPods are dead or I can't find them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 28, 2022, 10:54:21 AM

Quote from: kphoger on December 27, 2022, 05:05:03 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 27, 2022, 05:01:02 PM
earjacks

That's a thing?

Quote from: JoePCool14 on December 27, 2022, 10:04:36 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on December 27, 2022, 05:01:02 PM
How easily earjacks get tangled. Is it just me or do you also find your earbud cables in elaborate knots that you couldn't even make if you tried.

That's a new one. Why not just call them ear buds?

Wouldn't an earjack be the place you plug your ears in?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on December 28, 2022, 11:06:25 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 27, 2022, 08:43:34 PM

That's because the Romans pronounced B as "bee" and G as "gee". But they pronounced Z as "zeta".

Funnily enough, you don't seem to have a problem with the fact that H isn't "hay" to match K being "kay", but that's how the Romans did it.

Well, B was more like "bay" and and H was more like "ha," but yes. For whatever reason, the Romans gave Z its Greek name, but not for its counterpart Y, which they called Greek I (i graeca) instead of something like upsilon. How that became "wye" in English I don't know. It's "i grec" in French (and i griega in Spanish, but the English didn't come from the Spanish).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on December 28, 2022, 12:19:27 PM

A minor annoyance common to this time of year, though one that also often shows up in late June: E-mails asking you to donate money to some cause because "the deadline" is approaching or you're "running out of time." There's no "deadline." I can donate, or not donate, whenever the heck I choose. In the vast majority of cases, the only "deadline" is the charity or other organization's internal accounting or statistical "deadline" to book donations within a particular calendar year or fiscal year. But I don't see why I should feel any concern about their own internal aspirations as to how much they want their books to show on a given date. (An exception, I suppose, is something like college athletics where a donation gets you priority points that help determine seat location and you need to donate within a certain period for the points to count for the next season. Another possibility would be if you can claim a tax deduction if you donate by year's end, though that's far less common for the average person under the current federal tax law than it was ten years ago.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on December 28, 2022, 01:35:23 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on December 28, 2022, 12:19:27 PM
A minor annoyance common to this time of year, though one that also often shows up in late June: E-mails asking you to donate money to some cause because "the deadline" is approaching or you're "running out of time." There's no "deadline." I can donate, or not donate, whenever the heck I choose. In the vast majority of cases, the only "deadline" is the charity or other organization's internal accounting or statistical "deadline" to book donations within a particular calendar year or fiscal year. But I don't see why I should feel any concern about their own internal aspirations as to how much they want their books to show on a given date. (An exception, I suppose, is something like college athletics where a donation gets you priority points that help determine seat location and you need to donate within a certain period for the points to count for the next season. Another possibility would be if you can claim a tax deduction if you donate by year's end, though that's far less common for the average person under the current federal tax law than it was ten years ago.)

Try getting on a regular mail list. I get more junk mail this time of year for charity than any other time of year and for charities I never knew existed. Some even come with cheap "gifts" like return address stickers and notepads so the envelope is thick. (St Jude's is good for this and after living here for four years I have enough return addresses for the rest of my life.) I can delete the emails but the snail mail solicitations require me to check for PII and possibly shred, but it's still trash.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on December 29, 2022, 03:39:22 AM

Related to the conversation around the pronunciation of Z: I would be curious to know how many English speakers (either first or second language) use "zee" versus "zed".

Obviously it comes down to whether one learns American or British English. Most countries with English as a primary language use British English, but there's the whole thing of secondary languages. For example, here in Japan, American English is most often learned (the average Japanese english speaker would say "zee"), and the same is true for the Philippines, where American English dominates.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on December 29, 2022, 01:12:03 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on December 29, 2022, 03:39:22 AMRelated to the conversation around the pronunciation of Z: I would be curious to know how many English speakers (either first or second language) use "zee" versus "zed".

Obviously it comes down to whether one learns American or British English. Most countries with English as a primary language use British English, but there's the whole thing of secondary languages. For example, here in Japan, American English is most often learned (the average Japanese English speaker would say "zee"), and the same is true for the Philippines, where American English dominates.

In Germany there are separate streams for American and British English as second languages, and native German speakers who learned in one often struggle with the other, typically to a greater degree than native English speakers.

As a postlingually deaf person, I learned American English and occasionally find non-rhotic British dialects (including RP) difficult to lipread because the rolled r looks very different on the lips. (This is not to say that rhotic British dialects, like the Glaswegian accent, are necessarily much easier--after a certain point the syntactical and phonemic influences of broad Scots dominate.)

In Stargate Atlantis, one of the two spinoffs of Stargate SG-1, one of the magic devices--a zero-point module--was consistently referred to as a "zedPM" by a Canadian actor playing a Canadian character, and as a "zeePM" by the rest of the cast. This was very obvious on the lips with subtitling synced to the dialogue (as is typical for scripted dramas but not for broadcasts, such as the news, that receive captioning in real time with a lag).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on January 02, 2023, 04:03:40 PM

When you watch a physics video that's supposed to explain gravity, and they use the example of a ball bending a trampoline downward, and another ball rolling toward it as a result. In other words, using gravity to explain gravity.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 02, 2023, 04:07:46 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on January 02, 2023, 04:03:40 PM
When you watch a physics video that's supposed to explain gravity, and they use the example of a ball bending a trampoline downward, and another ball rolling toward it as a result. In other words, using gravity to explain gravity.

Yes, I preferred gravity be explained by way of application of Weak Nuclear Force.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on January 02, 2023, 04:40:02 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on January 02, 2023, 04:03:40 PM
When you watch a physics video that's supposed to explain gravity, and they use the example of a ball bending a trampoline downward, and another ball rolling toward it as a result. In other words, using gravity to explain gravity.

How else would you explain gravity other than showing its effects? I mean, there's obviously other ways to describe it, but visually showing it is simple and easy for anyone to understand. Unless you're talking about explaining why gravity works.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 02, 2023, 04:48:18 PM

g = GM/r²

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kirbykart on January 02, 2023, 05:30:45 PM

A road-related one in my immediate area:

A minor thing that bothers me is that the Township of Napoli (pronounced nuh-POLE-eye because us New Yorkers know how to pronounce an Italian word better than Italians) has put a 45 mph speed limit on all rural roads, when all the surrounding townships have the default 55. Napoli is completely rural, having zero incorporated communities, and if you stretch it you could say it has one unincorporated community. So I really don't understand why they did this, and I hate it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on January 02, 2023, 08:54:15 PM

Try Long Island. Both major straight and flat highways have 55 mph speed limits, despite the state allowing for 65 mph. Traffic is always going 75-80 mph and today I was on Sunrise Expressway cruising at 75 mph at night, and a state police car just eased by me going at least 80 without lights on. Even the cops think it's ridiculous. The joke is that the minimum speed is like 40-45 (with the 55 speed limit) and construction zones drop it to 45. So there is a stretch that recently had a minimum speed 40 sign with a work zone 45 sign, within a few hundred feet LOL

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on January 03, 2023, 01:31:03 AM

Sounds like quite a few roads need to be reengineered for safer speeds. Changing limits does nothing if the road still makes it that easy to speed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 03, 2023, 06:47:24 AM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on January 02, 2023, 08:54:15 PM
Try Long Island. Both major straight and flat highways have 55 mph speed limits, despite the state allowing for 65 mph. Traffic is always going 75-80 mph and today I was on Sunrise Expressway cruising at 75 mph at night, and a state police car just eased by me going at least 80 without lights on. Even the cops think it's ridiculous. The joke is that the minimum speed is like 40-45 (with the 55 speed limit) and construction zones drop it to 45. So there is a stretch that recently had a minimum speed 40 sign with a work zone 45 sign, within a few hundred feet LOL

I get the idea that traffic engineers suggested 55 for the complications all the way to Van Wyck and then someone tuned out suggestions for the remaining stretch to Riverhead.

Maintaining 55 on I-495 from Riverhead to Jericho was a challenge I couldn't accept. Luckily, only two vehicles were trying it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on January 03, 2023, 01:51:57 PM

Quote from: Bruce on January 03, 2023, 01:31:03 AM
Sounds like quite a few roads need to be reengineered for safer speeds. Changing limits does nothing if the road still makes it that easy to speed.

What would the point of that be? Are you saying deliberately downgrade the road so cars go slower? If the road can safely handle those speeds then the limit should be raised, not the other way around?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on January 03, 2023, 01:57:19 PM

Quote from: formulanone on January 03, 2023, 06:47:24 AM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on January 02, 2023, 08:54:15 PM
Try Long Island. Both major straight and flat highways have 55 mph speed limits, despite the state allowing for 65 mph. Traffic is always going 75-80 mph and today I was on Sunrise Expressway cruising at 75 mph at night, and a state police car just eased by me going at least 80 without lights on. Even the cops think it's ridiculous. The joke is that the minimum speed is like 40-45 (with the 55 speed limit) and construction zones drop it to 45. So there is a stretch that recently had a minimum speed 40 sign with a work zone 45 sign, within a few hundred feet LOL

I get the idea that traffic engineers suggested 55 for the complications all the way to Van Wyck and then someone tuned out suggestions for the remaining stretch to Riverhead.

Maintaining 55 on I-495 from Riverhead to Jericho was a challenge I couldn't accept. Luckily, only two vehicles were trying it.

Sunrise Hwy
https://maps.app.goo.gl/36cJuPNXp8AHwEU19

Yeah, imagine saying this road can't handle 65 or 75. Long Island speed limits are professional troll job. And the traffic levels googlemaps is displaying here aren't even accurate. They are hardly ever that high.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 03, 2023, 02:33:54 PM

Awkward possessive grammatical constructions.

Here's an example:

Our church has a few small groups (small-ish groups that regularly meet together in homes for a study, discussion, games, dinner, whatever). I'm a teacher in one of those small groups. In our group, there's a guy who has two sons part-time on the weekends, plus another son he recently and unexpectedly got full custody of (I think). Yesterday, he invited me and my boys over to his apartment. The six kids played on the Xbox, while he and I talked about all sorts of stuff and played a couple rounds of Uno. To sum up the events, I could say...

We went over to the apartment of one of the members of one of our church's small groups.

But that's obviously not the most natural-sounding sentence. So instead, maybe...

We went over to one of our church's small group's member's apartment.

That makes it sound like our church only has one small group, which isn't true. There's not a great solution that takes into account all of the nuances–especially not one that is verbally clear (consider that 's sounds just like s' when spoken).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on January 03, 2023, 02:36:18 PM

A recent minor annoyance, in some threads on this site, I don't get a slider bar on the right side of the screen. I have to manually scroll up or down. Only some threads. Huh.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CoreySamson on January 03, 2023, 03:10:53 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on January 03, 2023, 01:51:57 PM
Quote from: Bruce on January 03, 2023, 01:31:03 AM
Sounds like quite a few roads need to be reengineered for safer speeds. Changing limits does nothing if the road still makes it that easy to speed.

What would the point of that be? Are you saying deliberately downgrade the road so cars go slower? If the road can safely handle those speeds then the limit should be raised, not the other way around?

I think deliberately downgrading the road is one of the only effective ways to lower a speed limit and have it be obeyed properly. IMO, every road has an "ideal speed," i.e, a speed that drivers on that road gravitate toward going. In your example, MMM, the "ideal speed" might be 70 mph, which would be an accurate 85th percentile speed for that highway you're describing. Drivers automatically assume certain road conditions (say, wide straight lanes) to be indicative of a certain speed that they feel comfortable going. The only ways to make them want to go slower is to either make enforcement of the limit extremely harsh or to make the road feel less comfortable to go that fast on, which means downgrading it. In general, it seems that if the speed limit decreases on a road but the conditions of the road don't change, then drivers will completely ignore it.

Case in point:

Last year I was driving I-45 between Houston and Dallas. This section of I-45, based on my observations, seems to have an ideal speed somewhere between 70 and 75 mph. About halfway in between the two cities, I came across a construction zone, which had an associated speed limit decrease from 75 to 60. So I put the cruise on 60 (my personal driving style is to go as fast as the speed limit will let me, because I know the day I decide to start speeding will be the day I get a ticket with my luck), and drove, expecting some kind of lane drop or something like that. But no such work ever appeared, just a lot of cones in the median (perhaps preparing for future work). The kicker here is that the conditions of the road never changed, and all of a sudden I was getting passed by the cars that I had passed earlier, even the drivers that were going much slower than me. Since the "ideal speed" of the road did not change, the drivers did not change their speed, even though the limit decreased massively. As such, I think downgrading a road in order to maintain a lower limit is perfectly fine, since it is the only way drivers will notice and lower their speed.

TL;DR:
- Every road has an "ideal speed" that drivers feel comfortable going, regardless of the posted limit. As such, the only way to change an "ideal speed" is to change the road conditions in some way.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on January 03, 2023, 03:28:08 PM

But doesn't all that say that the speed limit shouldn't have been dropped to begin with? You're saying worsen the road conditions so the lower limit makes more sense, but why not just keep the limit as it is in the first place? The fact of the matter is a road would less safe with worsened conditions. If all the drivers are feeling comfortable with 75, that probably means the road can handle 75. Doesn't it make more sense to have a higher speed limit on a higher quality road, than a lower quality road with a lower limit?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CoreySamson on January 03, 2023, 03:41:27 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on January 03, 2023, 03:28:08 PM
But doesn't all that say that the speed limit shouldn't have been dropped to begin with? You're saying worsen the road conditions so the lower limit makes more sense, but why not just keep the limit as it is in the first place? The fact of the matter is a road would less safe with worsened conditions. If all the drivers are feeling comfortable with 75, that probably means the road can handle 75. Doesn't it make more sense to have a higher speed limit on a higher quality road, than a lower quality road with a lower limit?

Well, yes. I believe that the speed limit should generally match the quality of the road. After all, if there is a massive discrepancy between the limit and the actual speed being traveled by drivers, then the speed difference between the speeders and rule-followers becomes dangerous. With a higher limit, the rule-followers who would like to go faster (like me) more generally match the speed of those who are going the "ideal speed," making the road safer. So you are right that changing the ideal speed to be arbitrarily low would not be the best solution if all the drivers are going a safe, faster speed. I'm not proposing that we change road conditions to be bad and substandard just so we can lower speed limits. I'm just pointing out that if a speed limit were to be changed, the most effective way to enforce that change is to change the road conditions to match.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on January 03, 2023, 03:55:43 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on January 03, 2023, 03:48:51 PM
But how would that be done? It would also make it even more dangerous for people who don't base their travel speeds on road conditions. Whereas someone going 80 on a 70 mph designed road may result in nothing happening. If the road was somehow downgraded for 60 mph, now 80 mph would be much more dangerous.

Narrower lanes and tighter corners. Create more conflict (parking, intersections, crosswalks - obviously, this doesn't really apply to freeways). Not every lane is created equal. If towns want to have a road with a lower speed limit, they should engineer the road with a design speed of 30 or 35, not 45 or 50. It's bad design to over-design a road in terms of design speed, in my opinion.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CoreySamson on January 03, 2023, 04:02:26 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on January 03, 2023, 03:48:51 PM
But how would that be done? It would also make it even more dangerous for people who don't base their travel speeds on road conditions. Whereas someone going 80 on a 70 mph designed road may result in nothing happening. If the road was somehow downgraded for 60 mph, now 80 mph would be much more dangerous.

If a road were all of a sudden downgraded to 60 mph with no other changes, yeah, that would be dangerous because no one going the "ideal speed" would obey it at all. But say, if the lanes were narrowed or the shoulders removed, then drivers going 80 mph in that scenario would likely lose some of the comfort that they would've had with wider lanes and shoulders, and would likely go at least a little slower as a result. I realize no measure can really be taken to stop chronic speeders from going way over the limit regardless of road conditions, but they make up a tiny percentage of overall drivers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on January 03, 2023, 04:04:23 PM

But all that would just make driving in general more dangerous, which is the exact opposite of the prupose of speed limits. If speeding is dangerous, why make a road more conducive to crashes such as by deliberately making it curvy or making the lanes narrower? Isn't that logic a little like "let's swerve into the left lane at 40 mph to cut off a 70 mph driver to show how dangerous it is" when in fact you would be the danger in that case. I understand not creating a wide road in the first place if the speed limit is planned to be low, but to downgrade an existing wide road so it matches an artificially low speed limit is self-contradictory and lessens safety. Shoulders should be wide so there's room between stopped vehicles and moving ones, regardless of speed. Same for lanes. Basic road qualities are common sense for all aspects of driving, those shouldn't be lowered just for the sake if psychologically manipulating drivers into going certain speeds. One flawed reasoning behind very low limits for example is that if they raised them, then drivers would go even faster, which is flawed for 2 reasons:

1. People don't only go 5-10 over when the speed limit is low. In Long Island, people go way over 55 (75-85). Where the speed limit is 65, like upstate, people only go 75-80. The lower the limit, the further people go over it.

2. If the speed limit were raised to say 65, and people still went 75, long island roads are meant to handle 75, so 65 is still reasonable in that respect.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on January 03, 2023, 04:07:25 PM

I'm actually with MMM here. If it's safe to go 80, raise the speed limit to 75 instead of lowering the design standard to match the speed limit.

Quote from: JoePCool14 on January 03, 2023, 03:55:43 PM
If towns want to have a road with a lower speed limit,

then they should not get their way. Doing so interrupts the overall traffic flow of the entire network and creates more congestion.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CoreySamson on January 03, 2023, 04:14:55 PM

I'm with you guys too. If a limit can safely raised, then by all means it should be raised.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on January 03, 2023, 04:38:43 PM

Quote from: 1 on January 03, 2023, 04:07:25 PM
I'm actually with MMM here. If it's safe to go 80, raise the speed limit to 75 instead of lowering the design standard to match the speed limit.

Quote from: JoePCool14 on January 03, 2023, 03:55:43 PM
If towns want to have a road with a lower speed limit,

then they should not get their way. Doing so interrupts the overall traffic flow of the entire network and creates more congestion.

Exactly. If a road in a town happens to designed to handle 50, it doesn't have to be 30 just because the towns default limit is 30. NYC has a similar thing where no limit can be over 50 within city confines. They should be based on the road.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on January 03, 2023, 04:53:29 PM

Speed limits should be based on the 85th percentile speed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on January 03, 2023, 05:04:46 PM

Even the 85th percentile though is inaccurate because that would be based on how traffic is flowing on a road with a speed limit in place. They would have to remove a speed limit for a day, measure traffic flow that way to get the 85. Not sure why 85 is better than 80 or 90.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 03, 2023, 05:06:22 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 03, 2023, 02:33:54 PM
Awkward possessive grammatical constructions.

Here's an example:

Our church has a few small groups (small-ish groups that regularly meet together in homes for a study, discussion, games, dinner, whatever). I'm a teacher in one of those small groups. In our group, there's a guy who has two sons part-time on the weekends, plus another son he recently and unexpectedly got full custody of (I think). Yesterday, he invited me and my boys over to his apartment. The six kids played on the Xbox, while he and I talked about all sorts of stuff and played a couple rounds of Uno. To sum up the events, I could say...

We went over to the apartment of one of the members of one of our church's small groups.

But that's obviously not the most natural-sounding sentence. So instead, maybe...

We went over to one of our church's small group's member's apartment.

That makes it sound like our church only has one small group, which isn't true. There's not a great solution that takes into account all of the nuances–especially not one that is verbally clear (consider that 's sounds just like s' when spoken).

I'm not the best at grammar, but I think the rule of thumb is to avoid more than one possessive in a sentence, and reword it so that the most naturally-sounding part is the only apostrophe-S in use.

I would just leave out the "small group" part because it's over-classifying; saying it's a fellow church member is probably enough? If such precision is needed, and the group is indeed small enough, you could then just mention to whom the apartment belongs to...but that depends on the context.

Warning: I also have a habit of being either too blunt or unnecessarily wordy.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 03, 2023, 05:41:50 PM

Strunk and White often speak of overprecision. In context, is it necessary to specify that the individual visited is a member of a small group? If not, then "visited a fellow church member's apartment" tends to scan better.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 03, 2023, 06:51:09 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 03, 2023, 05:41:50 PM
Strunk and White often speak of overprecision. In context, is it necessary to specify that the individual visited is a member of a small group? If not, then "visited a fellow church member's apartment" tends to scan better.

Of course. But what if I really want to convey that much specificity? For example, if my wife were telling her mother about it–who lives out of town, but already knows quite a bit about our small group from previous conversations, yet doesn't know anything about this particular member. Just saying "fellow church member" wouldn't let her know that it's someone we already know well from small group, and that's a bit of information she might want to include in the conversation.

Simply leaving information out isn't my idea of a good solution.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 03, 2023, 08:25:49 PM

In my experience, if you're having trouble finding a way to make a sentence not sound awkward, you're probably cramming too much information into one sentence. ("Yeah, right, Scott of all people is here saying you should use shorter sentences," everyone familiar with my post history is thinking to themselves. I'm in this photo and I don't like it.) The right solution, then, is to break it into two (or more!) sentences.

We went over to Flossie's apartment. She's a member of one of our church's small groups.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DenverBrian on January 03, 2023, 08:44:27 PM

We went over to the apartment of one the small group members from our church.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 03, 2023, 10:18:52 PM

Quote from: DenverBrian on January 03, 2023, 08:44:27 PM
We went over to the apartment of one the small group members from our church.

The group members who are large, of course, live in a different apartment.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 03, 2023, 10:52:08 PM

There may or may not be an adequate solution.

But the issue of awkward possessives is a minor thing that bothers me.

– What were you trying to take a photo of when that lady threw a rock at you?
– Her and Pedro's kids.
– The two of them have kids together?
– No, I mean I was trying to take a photo of her dot dot dot and Pedro's kids.
– Huh?
– Pedro's kids were there. She was standing near them. I wanted both to be in the photo. She obviously didn't.
– Ohhhh! Now it makes sense.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ibthebigd on January 04, 2023, 05:22:20 AM

When people post screen shots, but don't edit them.

SM-G996U

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 04, 2023, 05:49:41 AM

The fact that the keyboard numpad has no comma for a thousands separator. So for someone like me who's accustomed to typing in long strings of numbers on a ten-key/numpad, I have to awkwardly engage my left hand every so often to enter commas in figures I want to include commas.

Maybe I'll remap my keyboard so "Num Lock" is a duplicate comma key. Although then I would have to make absolutely sure that I can control Num Lock in software, just in case it ever gets turned off. (It's kind of silly to even have Num Lock as an option. Does anyone actually use the numpad-off functions anymore, when they're duplicated in between the numpad and the main keyboard?)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on January 04, 2023, 07:08:45 AM

That's because the 10-key pad is intended for, say, transcribing figures from an accounting ledger to Excel, and not any sort of formatting.

If you're entering them in Excel, you can just format the empty cells to be numbers with commas and Excel will insert them automatically. If not, and you're only entering whole numbers, maybe you could remap the decimal point as a comma? That would have to be how it's used in countries where they use a comma instead of a period, right?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 04, 2023, 08:47:51 AM

I'm rarely ever entering them in a spreadsheet though. I'm usually entering them in a plain text box, like the post box here.

This came up twice today:
- Entering monthly inventory figures in a state tax form PDF for the county assessor
- Discussing annual budgeting with my wife over Discord

In neither case would a spreadsheet have been an option. (I mean, I guess I could have entered the numbers in a spreadsheet and screenshotted it for my wife, but she was trying to read it on a phone so that probably would have made the numbers too small for her to easily read.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 04, 2023, 10:33:41 AM

I use the 10-pad almost exclusively, but I'm quite used to using my left hand at the same time. This is chiefly because I've spent years typing alphanumeric serial codes, but also because I manually type a lot of Excel formulas every day. Therefore, using my left hand every so often to hit the comma key doesn't bother me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on January 04, 2023, 11:56:44 AM

Quote from: 1 on January 03, 2023, 04:07:25 PM
I'm actually with MMM here. If it's safe to go 80, raise the speed limit to 75 instead of lowering the design standard to match the speed limit.

Quote from: JoePCool14 on January 03, 2023, 03:55:43 PM
If towns want to have a road with a lower speed limit,

then they should not get their way. Doing so interrupts the overall traffic flow of the entire network and creates more congestion.

If you have a road that has to provide both access and mobility, you may have to sacrifice mobility to provide safer access for all road users. It all depends on the purpose of the road.

As for freeways, the posted speed limit should be set appropriate to actual vehicle speeds to a point. Just because people can go 75 through a busy interchange with lots of weaving doesn't mean the limit should be 75. But it also shouldn't really be 55 either.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on January 04, 2023, 12:04:51 PM

But if most of the road can handle 75, then it should be. It's common sense to slow down around curves, they shouldn't have to take into account every weaving spot when deciding a limit for the whole road. The same logic goes from traffic volumes. That was their logic for the 55 speed limit on Long Island. All that does is result in punishing drivers when the traffic is low, which is backward. Enforce traffic laws more where's there actual danger like sharp curves/high traffic volumes/narrow roads.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 04, 2023, 12:08:56 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on January 04, 2023, 12:04:51 PM
It's common sense to slow down around curves

If you don't, you're guaranteed to flip your car. Just look at Pennsylvania.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 04, 2023, 12:47:36 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 03, 2023, 10:52:08 PM– Her and Pedro's kids.

Would "Pedro's kids and her" fix the problem?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on January 04, 2023, 12:56:49 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on January 04, 2023, 12:04:51 PM
But if most of the road can handle 75, then it should be. It's common sense to slow down around curves, they shouldn't have to take into account every weaving spot when deciding a limit for the whole road. The same logic goes from traffic volumes. That was their logic for the 55 speed limit on Long Island. All that does is result in punishing drivers when the traffic is low, which is backward. Enforce traffic laws more where's there actual danger like sharp curves/high traffic volumes/narrow roads.

That's basically what I said in my most recent post, isn't it?

Also, you don't need to enforce speed limits on sharp curves. Nature will do that for you.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on January 04, 2023, 01:04:48 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on January 04, 2023, 12:56:49 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on January 04, 2023, 12:04:51 PM
But if most of the road can handle 75, then it should be. It's common sense to slow down around curves, they shouldn't have to take into account every weaving spot when deciding a limit for the whole road. The same logic goes from traffic volumes. That was their logic for the 55 speed limit on Long Island. All that does is result in punishing drivers when the traffic is low, which is backward. Enforce traffic laws more where's there actual danger like sharp curves/high traffic volumes/narrow roads.

That's basically what I said in my most recent post, isn't it?

Also, you don't need to enforce speed limits on sharp curves. Nature will do that for you.

It doesn't make sense to enforce them on long straight sections where absolutely nothing will happen because you are going 75 instead of 55. Cops should park near curves so people will see them and slown down beforehand.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DenverBrian on January 04, 2023, 04:00:33 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 03, 2023, 10:18:52 PM
Quote from: DenverBrian on January 03, 2023, 08:44:27 PM
We went over to the apartment of one the small group members from our church.

The group members who are large, of course, live in a different apartment.

:D :D :D We went over to the apartment of one of our congregation. (No real need to denote small group.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 04, 2023, 04:16:07 PM

I love how everyone's solution is to just leave out information. That's not exactly a solution.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 04, 2023, 04:35:15 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 04, 2023, 04:16:07 PMI love how everyone's solution is to just leave out information. That's not exactly a solution.

That's how you write commercial fiction--you leave out the boring stuff.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 04, 2023, 04:49:43 PM

As I said earlier...

Quote from: kphoger on January 03, 2023, 06:51:09 PM
But what if I really want to convey that much specificity? For example, if my wife were telling her mother about it–who lives out of town, but already knows quite a bit about our small group from previous conversations, yet doesn't know anything about this particular member. Just saying "fellow church member" wouldn't let her know that it's someone we already know well from small group, and that's a bit of information she might want to include in the conversation.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 04, 2023, 07:01:58 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 04, 2023, 04:16:07 PM
I love how everyone's solution is to just leave out information. That's not exactly a solution.

You have basically three options:

1. Very long and overly complex grammatical mazes of sentences.

2. Break the sentences into several reasonably short sentences.

3. Decide you're telling more than you need to, and omit what isn't important to your point.

Either option 2 or 3 could be fine.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 04, 2023, 07:11:24 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 04, 2023, 04:49:43 PMAs I said earlier...

Quote from: kphoger on January 03, 2023, 06:51:09 PMBut what if I really want to convey that much specificity? For example, if my wife were telling her mother about it–who lives out of town, but already knows quite a bit about our small group from previous conversations, yet doesn't know anything about this particular member. Just saying "fellow church member" wouldn't let her know that it's someone we already know well from small group, and that's a bit of information she might want to include in the conversation.

From a fiction writing perspective, there is the "So what" question. Why should we (meaning members of the audience, in this case your mother-in-law) care about this? What is the story value? And there is another guideline: defer the information until the reader (or listener) needs to know it in order to make sense of the narrative. Applying these in combination usually gives an idea of how much to say and how to unspool it in the telling.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on January 04, 2023, 09:23:21 PM

https://www.google.com/maps/@0,NaN,NaNz

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on January 05, 2023, 07:26:01 AM

When the person in front of you at a convenience store has to guide the clerk to their cigar brand through the tobacco rack behind the counter.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 05, 2023, 08:55:13 AM

Quote from: US 89 on January 04, 2023, 09:23:21 PM
https://www.google.com/maps/@0,NaN,NaNz

NaN NaN NaN NaN,
NaN NaN NaN NaN
HaY HeY HeI
Error Message

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 05, 2023, 09:11:19 AM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 04, 2023, 07:11:24 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 04, 2023, 04:49:43 PMAs I said earlier...

Quote from: kphoger on January 03, 2023, 06:51:09 PMBut what if I really want to convey that much specificity? For example, if my wife were telling her mother about it–who lives out of town, but already knows quite a bit about our small group from previous conversations, yet doesn't know anything about this particular member. Just saying "fellow church member" wouldn't let her know that it's someone we already know well from small group, and that's a bit of information she might want to include in the conversation.

From a fiction writing perspective, there is the "So what" question. Why should we (meaning members of the audience, in this case your mother-in-law) care about this? What is the story value? And there is another guideline: defer the information until the reader (or listener) needs to know it in order to make sense of the narrative. Applying these in combination usually gives an idea of how much to say and how to unspool it in the telling.

This reminds me of a discussion I saw once about whether a particular event happened in a novel. The writer never explicitly said that it did, so some parties to the discussion said it didn't occur–"It only happened if the writer said it happened." Some others (myself included) said silence doesn't matter if the event in question is immaterial to the storyline–for example, the same novel likewise did not tell you that any of the characters had a bowel movement on any given day, but nobody would dispute that every one of the human characters would have had such at some point during the months-long story because that is what humans do. It just didn't matter to that particular story. (Whereas in A Song of Ice and Fire, a certain character being seated on the privy proved to be quite important.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on January 05, 2023, 10:20:07 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on January 05, 2023, 07:26:01 AM
When the person in front of you at a convenience store has to guide the clerk to their cigar brand through the tobacco rack behind the counter.

Nah, those older people who take 10,000 years to buy lottery tickets or play a millions different numbers when you are just there to get a quick pick.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 05, 2023, 10:22:35 AM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on January 05, 2023, 10:20:07 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on January 05, 2023, 07:26:01 AM
When the person in front of you at a convenience store has to guide the clerk to their cigar brand through the tobacco rack behind the counter.

Nah, those older people who take 10,000 years to buy lottery tickets or play a millions different numbers when you are just there to get a quick pick.

How much has the Earth changed in the last 10,000 years? I imagine it was quite the shock leaving the store after finally getting your lottery ticket.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on January 05, 2023, 10:24:39 AM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on January 05, 2023, 10:20:07 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on January 05, 2023, 07:26:01 AM
When the person in front of you at a convenience store has to guide the clerk to their cigar brand through the tobacco rack behind the counter.

Nah, those older people who take 10,000 years to buy lottery tickets or play a millions different numbers when you are just there to get a quick pick.

I've noticed that if I'm there for food, they'll sometimes put me ahead of the lottery ticket buyers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on January 05, 2023, 11:07:29 AM

It's dumbfounding to spend more than a few bucks a week on the lottery. I mean, lottery tickets are bad investments period if you're being as smart as possible with your money, but I understand the appeal of paying $2 to potentially win millions. People who buy like $40 worth of tickets or scratch-offs at once, or hold up the line with their hand-picked numbers because they think they can outsmart a random number generator, are more puzzling than annoying to me. The lottery business runs on bad decisions.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: elsmere241 on January 05, 2023, 11:30:47 AM

One time I stopped at a convenience store to get some copies made of my college transcripts. There happened to be a long line for lottery tickets, because this was when Delaware was one of the few states where Powerball was available. I got to the front of the line eventually. The clerk said I could have come right up, and made the copies for free.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on January 05, 2023, 11:35:32 AM

Quote from: thspfc on January 05, 2023, 11:07:29 AM
It's dumbfounding to spend more than a few bucks a week on the lottery. I mean, lottery tickets are bad investments period if you're being as smart as possible with your money, but I understand the appeal of paying $2 to potentially win millions. People who buy like $40 worth of tickets or scratch-offs at once, or hold up the line with their hand-picked numbers because they think they can outsmart a random number generator, are more puzzling than annoying to me. The lottery business runs on bad decisions.

I play one mega millions and powerball a month. When the Jackpot is very high, like over 750 Million or a billion, I'll get a quick pick in addition to my same set of numbers that I play monthly.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 05, 2023, 11:51:16 AM

Quote from: thspfc on January 05, 2023, 11:07:29 AMIt's dumbfounding to spend more than a few bucks a week on the lottery. I mean, lottery tickets are bad investments period if you're being as smart as possible with your money, but I understand the appeal of paying $2 to potentially win millions. People who buy like $40 worth of tickets or scratch-offs at once, or hold up the line with their hand-picked numbers because they think they can outsmart a random number generator, are more puzzling than annoying to me. The lottery business runs on bad decisions.

You can put all gambling in the same category. In the end, the house always wins.

Having said that, I only play the lottery when the jackpot exceeds $250 million. It's a long shot, but it's fun if I look at it as money lost and entertainment money. The long game says that I maximize the contributions (both regular and catchup) to my 401(k) and keep making the monthly payments for my mortgage so that it's paid off by the end of the decade.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 05, 2023, 11:53:29 AM

I've never bought a lottery ticket in my life. And I've been in a casino several times, but never for the gambling. It's something that's just never appealed to me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 05, 2023, 11:56:21 AM

Quote from: kphoger on January 05, 2023, 11:53:29 AM
I've never bought a lottery ticket in my life. And I've been in a casino several times, but never for the gambling. It's something that's just never appealed to me.

My wife is big into lotto tickets and usually buys them weekly. I've never had purchased one before I met her, I view it as throwing money away.

I used to work in Las Vegas and Laughlin. I did enjoy the cheap hotel rates but only rarely ever felt the need to place a wage on at sports book, table games and slots don't do it for me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on January 05, 2023, 03:11:32 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on January 05, 2023, 11:51:16 AM
You can put all gambling in the same category. In the end, the house always wins.

The lottery is an extra tax on those who aren't too good at math

Quote
Having said that, I only play the lottery when the jackpot exceeds $250 million.

Because you couldn't possibly get by on a measly $10 million or $20 million.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 05, 2023, 03:19:12 PM

To me, there is a distinction to be drawn between slot machines, lottery tickets, keno, bingo, roulette, raffles, etc. on the one hand and games like poker on the other. I don't feed slot machines (etc.) because I know the odds are not in my favor and I get no entertainment value from spending my money that way, but in principle it is possible to come out ahead on a consistent basis if one is a skilled poker player. I just haven't tried it since it takes time, effort, and (ideally) a sinking fund to build the required expertise.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on January 05, 2023, 03:36:05 PM

I used to buy lottery tickets fairly regularly until I retired. I stopped buying them because the main reason for my buying them was I wanted to retire early. I did buy some when it hit $1B because that was just insane. I don't care for gambling otherwise. I've been talked into joining a couple Super Bowl pools but don't seek them out. My ex got me to join him at the slots in the Mirage one time when we scored a cheap 4 night vacation in Vegas after 9/11; I popped $10 into the quarter slots and begged to go back to the room because casino lights and sounds overwhelm me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on January 05, 2023, 04:14:38 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 05, 2023, 11:56:21 AM
Quote from: kphoger on January 05, 2023, 11:53:29 AM
I've never bought a lottery ticket in my life. And I've been in a casino several times, but never for the gambling. It's something that's just never appealed to me.

My wife is big into lotto tickets and usually buys them weekly. I've never had purchased one before I met her, I view it as throwing money away.

I used to work in Las Vegas and Laughlin. I did enjoy the cheap hotel rates but only rarely ever felt the need to place a wage on at sports book, table games and slots don't do it for me.

Slots used to be fun when you could get coins back at any time. I used to have a system where I would sit at a slot, play 10 coins -- one at a time. After the 10 coins were played, I would cash out.

If I had more than the 10 coins, those coins would go in my "profit bucket" and cash those in at the end of my visit for larger bills.

If I ended with a net loss, I would start another round with the lesser amount as a new threshold. Lather, rinse, repeat until all of the original amount of coins were played then I go to another machine or start with a new set of 10 coins.

Everything in the profit bucket goes home regardless, so I am usually coming home with something.

Once casinos issued printed vouchers instead of coins at cash out, my system was "killed" off as it was too complicated to redeem vouchers every time. But it was a great system while it lasted.

The vouchers.....and the advent of FREE slot machine apps in my smartphone, have pulled me away from wanting to hit casinos. Not to mention that casinos will lure you in with penny/nickel/dime slots, but there is a minimum line play that usually make one pull of a penny slot actually 50 cents.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 05, 2023, 04:28:00 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 05, 2023, 03:19:12 PM
To me, there is a distinction to be drawn between slot machines, lottery tickets, keno, bingo, roulette, raffles, etc. on the one hand and games like poker on the other. I don't feed slot machines (etc.) because I know the odds are not in my favor and I get no entertainment value from spending my money that way, but in principle it is possible to come out ahead on a consistent basis if one is a skilled poker player. I just haven't tried it since it takes time, effort, and (ideally) a sinking fund to build the required expertise.

Hence why I used to be a semi-professional poker player but think buying lottery tickets is akin to throwing money into the sun.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on January 05, 2023, 04:28:04 PM

Even when the jackpot was 2 billion, I only got $10-12 dollars worth (5-6 sets of numbers), that's it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on January 05, 2023, 04:40:20 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on January 05, 2023, 04:28:04 PM
Even when the jackpot was 2 billion, I only got $10-12 dollars worth (5-6 sets of numbers), that's it.

IMO anyone who buys more than that at any time regardless of the jackpot is nuts. I could afford $20/week on lottery tickets in the hopes of an early retirement. But that's all I ever spent and now that I'm retired I only know the jackpot when it makes the news.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on January 05, 2023, 04:41:42 PM

I just played my usual set of numbers + 5 quick picks. If the jackpot was something like $10 Billion, then maybe I'd get 10 sets of numbers, but never more than that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 05, 2023, 05:43:36 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 05, 2023, 09:11:19 AM
This reminds me of a discussion I saw once about whether a particular event happened in a novel. The writer never explicitly said that it did, so some parties to the discussion said it didn't occur–"It only happened if the writer said it happened." Some others (myself included) said silence doesn't matter if the event in question is immaterial to the storyline–for example, the same novel likewise did not tell you that any of the characters had a bowel movement on any given day, but nobody would dispute that every one of the human characters would have had such at some point during the months-long story because that is what humans do. It just didn't matter to that particular story. (Whereas in A Song of Ice and Fire, a certain character being seated on the privy proved to be quite important.)

Internet fandom spaces tend to draw the distinction of referring to anything that explicitly happened in the text as "canon" and anything that did not is "not canon". Not canon can cover anything between that which is likely to have happened but wasn't covered because it wasn't interesting or relevant to the story (meals, hygiene activities, children having homework), to things that the reader can surmise happened, but which happened outside of the narrator's view, to things that are fan theories. Many fans choose to engage with a work more fully by creating creating derivative works (such as art or writing) to fill in what they think might have happened in these gaps.

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 05, 2023, 03:19:12 PM
To me, there is a distinction to be drawn between slot machines, lottery tickets, keno, bingo, roulette, raffles, etc. on the one hand and games like poker on the other. I don't feed slot machines (etc.) because I know the odds are not in my favor and I get no entertainment value from spending my money that way, but in principle it is possible to come out ahead on a consistent basis if one is a skilled poker player. I just haven't tried it since it takes time, effort, and (ideally) a sinking fund to build the required expertise.

This is because poker is a game of skill with an element of chance, rather than a game of pure chance, as all of the others are. This was a point that was heavily relied on in litigation surrounding the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 as it relates to online poker.

I find that, to distinguish the degree of skill a game requires, it is useful as a thought experiment to consider how difficult it is to intentionally lose rather than intentionally win (since a failure to win can also signify a lack of skill). Looking at popular casino games:

- Slots, keno: you surely cannot guarantee a loss (this was occasionally problematic when I worked at a casino, as sometimes employees would try to dispose of small amounts of money left on slot machines by "spinning it off", only to inadvertently win sums of money large enough to become awkward and embarrassing to have to deal with).
- Baccarat, roulette, craps: you can only guarantee a loss by intentionally wagering on two opposing outcomes and counting on the house edge to cause the return to be less than the amount wagered
- Blackjack: you can usually guarantee a loss by intentionally busting, but no blackjack table I know of will allow hitting on 21
- Poker: you can easily lose nearly every time by folding (excepting the edge case where you are the last player to act and everyone else folds first, which rarely happens)

Quote from: thenetwork on January 05, 2023, 04:14:38 PM
Slots used to be fun when you could get coins back at any time. I used to have a system where I would sit at a slot, play 10 coins -- one at a time. After the 10 coins were played, I would cash out.

[...]

Once casinos issued printed vouchers instead of coins at cash out, my system was "killed" off as it was too complicated to redeem vouchers every time. But it was a great system while it lasted.

On the rare occasion I play, I use the same system, but I have never played in a casino without a ticket-in ticket-out (TITO) system. My procedure is:
- Bring a certain amount of money to the casino in cash. Any cash that is not to be gambled is left at home (other than perhaps a few $1s or $2s for tipping wait staff).
- Visit the cashier cage and obtain a large number of small bills (I prefer $10s for this purpose but Chickasaw casinos often do not have them because they suck at customer service, so I am forced to use $5s if I am unfortunate enough to be one)
- Play one bill at a time. Cash out when I am satisfied with the result.
- Keep the vouchers in my wallet in voucher form.
- When my wallet contains all vouchers and no cash, cash them all out en masse and leave the casino.

Having worked with someone who once worked at a coin-op casino, hearing his horror stories of things like coin jams, hopper fills gone awry, and cashout handpays at unpredictable times due to hopper depletion has made me truly have no desire to experience one. It sounds worse for both the employees and the patrons in every conceivable way.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 05, 2023, 06:41:27 PM

In the same vein as gambling and purchasing lottery tickets, I never could understand the appeal of tobacco and alcohol beyond the additional tax revenue generated for the states. I'm a teetotaler, and my life is full of reasons why I should drink and smoke which all add up to one big reason I should never get started. Plus, there is that part of drinking and driving which can result in one tragic accident.

Is investing a form of gambling? In a sense, yes. But, I'm the slow-and-steady investor and as long as I'm beating the rate of inflation, I'm happy. (2022 is laughing at me.) Sure, I have my "big gain" story, and all that gain went straight into my mortgage for my home.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on January 05, 2023, 06:54:51 PM

Quote

Having worked with someone who once worked at a coin-op casino, hearing his horror stories of things like coin jams, hopper fills gone awry, and cashout handpays at unpredictable times due to hopper depletion has made me truly have no desire to experience one. It sounds worse for both the employees and the patrons in every conceivable way.

Well, there was that business trip to Vegas when on my final night there, I stayed up ½ the night in front of a certain $1 Video Blackjack Machine at Caesars....

For every three $1 coins that came out, an erroneous FOURTH coin would drop into the winnings tray. Let's just say someone had to refill the machine twice, and yet nobody caught the malfunction.

Then I went to another casino for double-deck blackjack for a few more hours, developed a new chip profit system and left town $800 heavier.***

*** The following was an a-typical result. Most results lead in debts...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 05, 2023, 07:00:26 PM

Quote from: thenetwork on January 05, 2023, 06:54:51 PM
For every three $1 coins that came out, an erroneous FOURTH coin would drop into the winnings tray. Let's just say someone had to refill the machine twice, and yet nobody caught the malfunction.

You see why casinos aren't interested in maintaining coin-op systems anymore...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on January 05, 2023, 07:05:26 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 05, 2023, 03:19:12 PM
To me, there is a distinction to be drawn between slot machines, lottery tickets, keno, bingo, roulette, raffles, etc. on the one hand and games like poker on the other. I don't feed slot machines (etc.) because I know the odds are not in my favor and I get no entertainment value from spending my money that way, but in principle it is possible to come out ahead on a consistent basis if one is a skilled poker player. I just haven't tried it since it takes time, effort, and (ideally) a sinking fund to build the required expertise.

Poker is equivalent to lottery and slots if you don't know what you're doing. A good poker player (or a mediocre/bad player playing against really bad players) will make money over the long run as the impact of dumb luck is minimized by large numbers of hands.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 05, 2023, 07:52:48 PM

Quote from: thspfc on January 05, 2023, 07:05:26 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 05, 2023, 03:19:12 PM
To me, there is a distinction to be drawn between slot machines, lottery tickets, keno, bingo, roulette, raffles, etc. on the one hand and games like poker on the other. I don't feed slot machines (etc.) because I know the odds are not in my favor and I get no entertainment value from spending my money that way, but in principle it is possible to come out ahead on a consistent basis if one is a skilled poker player. I just haven't tried it since it takes time, effort, and (ideally) a sinking fund to build the required expertise.
Poker is equivalent to lottery and slots if you don't know what you're doing. A good poker player (or a mediocre/bad player playing against really bad players) will make money over the long run as the impact of dumb luck is minimized by large numbers of hands.

Only to the extent that, say, football or chess is equivalent to lottery and slots if you don't know what you're doing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Takumi on January 05, 2023, 08:41:42 PM

When I worked at 7-Eleven a long, long time ago, we'd have a separate line for lottery people on lottery nights.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on January 05, 2023, 08:45:07 PM

Speaking of convenience stores, the "only one checker" thing at most normal (non-Wawa type) convenience stores always drove me crazy in the US. Sometimes took forever to check out. Here in Japan it's common for other employees to step whenever the line grows beyond one person, often there is always two or three people behind the counter ready to step in when needed. I was at a Lawsons the other day, fairly busy (three people in line), and an employee walked in, apparently just arriving for their shift, and immediately ran over to the counter and started helping check out. That's some excellent customer service.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 05, 2023, 10:34:26 PM

For Epiphany, we always cook rouladen. For that, I buy bottom round steaks, have the butcher put them through the tenderizer twice, and then pound them out even more at home. Today on my way home from work, I stopped at Dillon's, grabbed four steaks, went to the meat counter, and asked him to put them through the tenderizer. He said that the machines were all shut down because the meat department was understaffed. Grrr. So I went to a different Dillon's location, grabbed four steaks, went to the meat counter, and asked him to put them through the tenderizer. He said they no longer do that. Oh man, I was fuming after that.

So now I've got no beef, and I'm really hoping I can get them on my way home tomorrow at midday (I'm taking a half day because it takes a long time to cook this meal).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on January 05, 2023, 10:41:03 PM

The Cash lanes. Whether there are not enough of them, or they are scattered in some random pattern where you have to switch lanes at the last second. Either put them all on one side, or in an alternating pattern so you know there's 2 cash lanes on either side of an ez pass lane...etc, and you don't have to suddenly get 5 lanes over cause your exit happened to be on the wrong side of the toll plaza. Since EZ pass is available in all lanes, the cash lane positioning should be a higher priority.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 06, 2023, 11:40:54 AM

The existence of cash lanes at toll plazas.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jmacswimmer on January 06, 2023, 12:23:56 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on January 05, 2023, 10:41:03 PM
Since EZ pass is available in all lanes

Not necessarily (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.8095053,-75.3520483,3a,75y,344.83h,94.16t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s1KeYDMR3Ueqctrm6nZLaLQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?hl=en).

(I recall the PTC also used to mark cash lanes as "CASH ONLY" when exiting, but ticket lanes as "TICKETS OR E-ZPASS" when entering. Which of course is irrelevant now with their switch to AET.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on January 06, 2023, 03:26:07 PM

Chocolate Häagen-Dazs Ice-cream. Although it tastes great, it's color, texture, and consistency resembles a fresh mushy turd too accurately, which makes it a little gross to eat. White plastic spoons also somewhat look like toilet bowls. LOL did it seriously autocorrect to a dash between ice and cream LMAO

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 06, 2023, 03:29:55 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on January 06, 2023, 03:26:07 PM
Chocolate Häagen-Dazs Ice-cream. Although it tastes great, it's color, texture, and consistency resembles a fresh mushy turd too accurately, which makes it a little gross to eat. White plastic spoons also somewhat look like toilet bowls. LOL did it seriously autocorrect to a dash between ice and cream LMAO

I wonder what two minor things bother me?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on January 06, 2023, 03:42:12 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on January 05, 2023, 08:45:07 PM
Speaking of convenience stores, the "only one checker" thing at most normal (non-Wawa type) convenience stores always drove me crazy in the US. Sometimes took forever to check out. Here in Japan it's common for other employees to step whenever the line grows beyond one person, often there is always two or three people behind the counter ready to step in when needed. I was at a Lawsons the other day, fairly busy (three people in line), and an employee walked in, apparently just arriving for their shift, and immediately ran over to the counter and started helping check out. That's some excellent customer service.

That is one of the joys of Kwik Trip. :)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on January 06, 2023, 06:31:50 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on January 06, 2023, 03:42:12 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on January 05, 2023, 08:45:07 PM
Speaking of convenience stores, the "only one checker" thing at most normal (non-Wawa type) convenience stores always drove me crazy in the US. Sometimes took forever to check out. Here in Japan it's common for other employees to step whenever the line grows beyond one person, often there is always two or three people behind the counter ready to step in when needed. I was at a Lawsons the other day, fairly busy (three people in line), and an employee walked in, apparently just arriving for their shift, and immediately ran over to the counter and started helping check out. That's some excellent customer service.

That is one of the joys of Kwik Trip. :)

I had to Google that place. Much larger than any convenience store in Japan, but I'm glad they also have good customer service! It makes a world of difference.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on January 06, 2023, 06:38:00 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 06, 2023, 03:29:55 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on January 06, 2023, 03:26:07 PM
Chocolate Häagen-Dazs Ice-cream. Although it tastes great, it's color, texture, and consistency resembles a fresh mushy turd too accurately, which makes it a little gross to eat. White plastic spoons also somewhat look like toilet bowls. LOL did it seriously autocorrect to a dash between ice and cream LMAO

I wonder what two minor things bother me?

I think we all know what bothers you, Max :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on January 06, 2023, 06:42:59 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 06, 2023, 11:40:54 AM
The existence of cash lanes at toll plazas.

The reverse bothers me. As a resident of a state without an extensive toll system, I don't like having to remember to take time out of my life weeks later to go pay my bill.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on January 06, 2023, 07:32:53 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on January 06, 2023, 06:38:00 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 06, 2023, 03:29:55 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on January 06, 2023, 03:26:07 PM
Chocolate Häagen-Dazs Ice-cream. Although it tastes great, it's color, texture, and consistency resembles a fresh mushy turd too accurately, which makes it a little gross to eat. White plastic spoons also somewhat look like toilet bowls. LOL did it seriously autocorrect to a dash between ice and cream LMAO

I wonder what two minor things bother me?

I think we all know what bothers you, Max :-D

I wasn't even joking with that one. It's hard to eat that food when, especially for people who eat their ice cream on the sides, leaving what looks like a nice vertical soft turd in the container, meanwhile eating it with utensils that look like toilet bowls (white spoons). Why does good food have to resemble the most disgusting things imaginable?? Tell anyone who is trying to go on a diet from sweets this.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 06, 2023, 07:40:25 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on January 06, 2023, 07:32:53 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on January 06, 2023, 06:38:00 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 06, 2023, 03:29:55 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on January 06, 2023, 03:26:07 PM
Chocolate Häagen-Dazs Ice-cream. Although it tastes great, it's color, texture, and consistency resembles a fresh mushy turd too accurately, which makes it a little gross to eat. White plastic spoons also somewhat look like toilet bowls. LOL did it seriously autocorrect to a dash between ice and cream LMAO

I wonder what two minor things bother me?

I think we all know what bothers you, Max :-D

I wasn't even joking with that one. It's hard to eat that food when, especially for people who eat their ice cream on the sides, leaving what looks like a nice vertical soft turd in the container, meanwhile eating it with utensils that look like toilet bowls (white spoons). Why does good food have to resemble the most disgusting things imaginable?? Tell anyone who is trying to go on a diet from sweets this.

I mean look, you aren't going to get on my nerves talking about eating vertical poop-like food with your toiler bowl spoons. Where I draw the line is when you use "LOL" and "LMAO" as though they were actual words in sentences.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on January 06, 2023, 07:48:27 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 06, 2023, 07:40:25 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on January 06, 2023, 07:32:53 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on January 06, 2023, 06:38:00 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 06, 2023, 03:29:55 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on January 06, 2023, 03:26:07 PM
Chocolate Häagen-Dazs Ice-cream. Although it tastes great, it's color, texture, and consistency resembles a fresh mushy turd too accurately, which makes it a little gross to eat. White plastic spoons also somewhat look like toilet bowls. LOL did it seriously autocorrect to a dash between ice and cream LMAO

I wonder what two minor things bother me?

I think we all know what bothers you, Max :-D

I wasn't even joking with that one. It's hard to eat that food when, especially for people who eat their ice cream on the sides, leaving what looks like a nice vertical soft turd in the container, meanwhile eating it with utensils that look like toilet bowls (white spoons). Why does good food have to resemble the most disgusting things imaginable?? Tell anyone who is trying to go on a diet from sweets this.

I mean look, you aren't going to get on my nerves talking about eating vertical poop-like food with your toiler bowl spoons. Where I draw the line is when you use "LOL" and "LMAO" as though they were actual words in sentences.

ROTFL why?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on January 07, 2023, 05:25:11 PM

The fact that taco sauce is so difficult to deal with. The brush I use to pre-wash the pan I make the meat in gets all orange and doesn't return to its normal color until several washes later, and I need to use a paper towel to pre-clean the thing I use for the leftover meat before it goes in the dishwasher.

Related, the fact that I don't recall ever seeing half-size things of shredded cheese. I have seen half-size sour cream, so if I could get that, I could do this on a two week cycle instead of a four week one, which would make my life easier.

Generalizing, the fact that things at the store don't come in quantities small enough for single people who can't creatively come up with ways to re-use things. I rarely cook anything other than breakfast for that reason, because I don't want to have to throw things out when they inevitably go bad. This is especially the case since I have overnight trips on average at least once a month (on average; in reality, it's clustered). I'll do a four week taco cycle followed by a four week hamburger cycle in the winter months when I'm not traveling much, but it's otherwise microwaving processed foods for me. I used to make pasta too, but ended up with spoilage issues with the Alfredo sauce and gas/bloating issues with the peas.

Unrelated, the fact that I can't find new towels that don't leave so much lint on me when I dry off that I need to use a lint roller, even after repeated washes. I'm tempted to see if thrift stores have any at this point.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 07, 2023, 08:19:33 PM

Quote from: vdeane on January 07, 2023, 05:25:11 PM

Unrelated, the fact that I can't find new towels that don't leave so much lint on me when I dry off that I need to use a lint roller, even after repeated washes. I'm tempted to see if thrift stores have any at this point.

Try buying from a hotel/motel supplier. If you don't have a preference on color, the plain white ones they typically use are absorbent without being too "sheddy."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bm7 on January 07, 2023, 11:35:18 PM

When someone talks on the phone while looking directly at you, resulting in you thinking they are talking to you and not their phone.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on January 08, 2023, 11:10:27 AM

When you are trying to quickly merge onto a highway so you suddenly lean forward more to get a better view in the mirror/over you're shoulder, and your seatbelt locks into place because you did it too fast.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 08, 2023, 11:12:13 AM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on January 08, 2023, 11:10:27 AM
When you are trying to quickly merge onto a highway so you suddenly lean forward more to get a better view in the mirror/over you're shoulder, and your seatbelt locks into place because you did it too fast.

That's called improper mirror placement.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on January 08, 2023, 11:13:04 AM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on January 08, 2023, 11:10:27 AM
When you are trying to quickly merge onto a highway so you suddenly lean forward more to get a better view in the mirror/over you're shoulder, and your seatbelt locks into place because you did it too fast.

On that subject: a seatbelt locking in place for non-accident reasons. It's so uncomfortable.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on January 08, 2023, 01:05:38 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on January 06, 2023, 06:31:50 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on January 06, 2023, 03:42:12 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on January 05, 2023, 08:45:07 PM
Speaking of convenience stores, the "only one checker" thing at most normal (non-Wawa type) convenience stores always drove me crazy in the US. Sometimes took forever to check out. Here in Japan it's common for other employees to step whenever the line grows beyond one person, often there is always two or three people behind the counter ready to step in when needed. I was at a Lawsons the other day, fairly busy (three people in line), and an employee walked in, apparently just arriving for their shift, and immediately ran over to the counter and started helping check out. That's some excellent customer service.

That is one of the joys of Kwik Trip. :)

I had to Google that place. Much larger than any convenience store in Japan, but I'm glad they also have good customer service! It makes a world of difference.

Yes, it's a Wisconsin exclusive, although Iowa has Kwik-Stop which is the same thing just re-branded. I always like going into them, and the new ones they've built are spacious, modern, and basically not-sketchy, which is important when out on the road at night.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on January 08, 2023, 01:18:21 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on January 08, 2023, 01:05:38 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on January 06, 2023, 06:31:50 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on January 06, 2023, 03:42:12 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on January 05, 2023, 08:45:07 PM
Speaking of convenience stores, the "only one checker" thing at most normal (non-Wawa type) convenience stores always drove me crazy in the US. Sometimes took forever to check out. Here in Japan it's common for other employees to step whenever the line grows beyond one person, often there is always two or three people behind the counter ready to step in when needed. I was at a Lawsons the other day, fairly busy (three people in line), and an employee walked in, apparently just arriving for their shift, and immediately ran over to the counter and started helping check out. That's some excellent customer service.

That is one of the joys of Kwik Trip. :)

I had to Google that place. Much larger than any convenience store in Japan, but I'm glad they also have good customer service! It makes a world of difference.

Yes, it's a Wisconsin exclusive, although Iowa has Kwik-Stop which is the same thing just re-branded. I always like going into them, and the new ones they've built are spacious, modern, and basically not-sketchy, which is important when out on the road at night.

Also has an extensive Minnesota presence and a few stores in surrounding states.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on January 09, 2023, 09:13:22 AM

Quote from: Big John on January 08, 2023, 01:18:21 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on January 08, 2023, 01:05:38 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on January 06, 2023, 06:31:50 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on January 06, 2023, 03:42:12 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on January 05, 2023, 08:45:07 PM
Speaking of convenience stores, the "only one checker" thing at most normal (non-Wawa type) convenience stores always drove me crazy in the US. Sometimes took forever to check out. Here in Japan it's common for other employees to step whenever the line grows beyond one person, often there is always two or three people behind the counter ready to step in when needed. I was at a Lawsons the other day, fairly busy (three people in line), and an employee walked in, apparently just arriving for their shift, and immediately ran over to the counter and started helping check out. That's some excellent customer service.

That is one of the joys of Kwik Trip. :)

I had to Google that place. Much larger than any convenience store in Japan, but I'm glad they also have good customer service! It makes a world of difference.

Yes, it's a Wisconsin exclusive, although Iowa has Kwik-Stop which is the same thing just re-branded. I always like going into them, and the new ones they've built are spacious, modern, and basically not-sketchy, which is important when out on the road at night.
Also has an extensive Minnesota presence and a few stores in surrounding states.

But not Illinois. Wisely, they don't touch us!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 09, 2023, 09:48:16 AM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on January 08, 2023, 01:05:38 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on January 06, 2023, 06:31:50 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on January 06, 2023, 03:42:12 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on January 05, 2023, 08:45:07 PM
Speaking of convenience stores, the "only one checker" thing at most normal (non-Wawa type) convenience stores always drove me crazy in the US. Sometimes took forever to check out. Here in Japan it's common for other employees to step whenever the line grows beyond one person, often there is always two or three people behind the counter ready to step in when needed. I was at a Lawsons the other day, fairly busy (three people in line), and an employee walked in, apparently just arriving for their shift, and immediately ran over to the counter and started helping check out. That's some excellent customer service.

That is one of the joys of Kwik Trip. :)

I had to Google that place. Much larger than any convenience store in Japan, but I'm glad they also have good customer service! It makes a world of difference.

Yes, it's a Wisconsin exclusive, although Iowa has Kwik-Stop which is the same thing just re-branded. I always like going into them, and the new ones they've built are spacious, modern, and basically not-sketchy, which is important when out on the road at night.

Ah, I figured it was a knockoff, but it's more like Ohio's Stop-E-Mart. :)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on January 09, 2023, 09:52:29 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on January 05, 2023, 08:45:07 PM
Speaking of convenience stores, the "only one checker" thing at most normal (non-Wawa type) convenience stores always drove me crazy in the US. Sometimes took forever to check out. Here in Japan it's common for other employees to step whenever the line grows beyond one person, often there is always two or three people behind the counter ready to step in when needed. I was at a Lawsons the other day, fairly busy (three people in line), and an employee walked in, apparently just arriving for their shift, and immediately ran over to the counter and started helping check out. That's some excellent customer service.

Not just the line, but I'm always stuck behind the person arguing over a price, or trying to use an EBT card to buy energy drinks, or trying to pay with a check drawn on a Kazakhstan bank. Or, more commonly, as humorist Dave Barry wrote:

Quote
...I had to stop at one of those all-purpose gas stations that also sell beer, cigarettes, magazines, hats, beef jerky, and hot dogs the same age as Strom Thurmond. Naturally I wound up standing in line behind some moron who was investing his family's grocery money in some kind of state lottery transaction so complex as to require the full attention of ALL THREE store clerks for about 15 minutes, during which time I controlled my stress level by staring laser holes into the back of the moron's neck and shrieking silently, inside my head, WHY NOT SAVE YOURSELF SOME TIME? WHY NOT JUST SET YOUR MONEY ON FIRE?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on January 09, 2023, 10:58:01 AM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on January 09, 2023, 09:13:22 AM
Quote from: Big John on January 08, 2023, 01:18:21 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on January 08, 2023, 01:05:38 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on January 06, 2023, 06:31:50 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on January 06, 2023, 03:42:12 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on January 05, 2023, 08:45:07 PM
Speaking of convenience stores, the "only one checker" thing at most normal (non-Wawa type) convenience stores always drove me crazy in the US. Sometimes took forever to check out. Here in Japan it's common for other employees to step whenever the line grows beyond one person, often there is always two or three people behind the counter ready to step in when needed. I was at a Lawsons the other day, fairly busy (three people in line), and an employee walked in, apparently just arriving for their shift, and immediately ran over to the counter and started helping check out. That's some excellent customer service.

That is one of the joys of Kwik Trip. :)

I had to Google that place. Much larger than any convenience store in Japan, but I'm glad they also have good customer service! It makes a world of difference.

Yes, it's a Wisconsin exclusive, although Iowa has Kwik-Stop which is the same thing just re-branded. I always like going into them, and the new ones they've built are spacious, modern, and basically not-sketchy, which is important when out on the road at night.
Also has an extensive Minnesota presence and a few stores in surrounding states.

But not Illinois. Wisely, they don't touch us!

THey operate a Stop N Go in Dixon and a Kwik Star in Rochelle: https://www.kwiktrip.com/Maps-Downloads/Store-List (page 3)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on January 09, 2023, 01:44:37 PM

Kwik Trip is headquartered in La Crosse, WI, so I would expect them to have a fairly heavy presence in southeastern Minnesota (ie, Rochester, MN).

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on January 09, 2023, 01:45:08 PM

Quote from: Big John on January 09, 2023, 10:58:01 AM
THey operate a Stop N Go in Dixon and a Kwik Star in Rochelle: https://www.kwiktrip.com/Maps-Downloads/Store-List (page 3)

Well the more you know... I had no idea.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DenverBrian on January 09, 2023, 06:12:24 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 04, 2023, 04:16:07 PM
I love how everyone's solution is to just leave out information. That's not exactly a solution.

Is it a minor thing that bothers you? :D :D :D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kirbykart on January 10, 2023, 09:24:14 AM

People who walk too slow.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on January 10, 2023, 09:29:21 AM

Quote from: DenverBrian on January 09, 2023, 06:12:24 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 04, 2023, 04:16:07 PM
I love how everyone's solution is to just leave out information. That's not exactly a solution.
Is it a minor thing that bothers you? :D :D :D

It's just like the fast talking mumble at the end of a car ad on radio.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on January 10, 2023, 12:06:50 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on January 10, 2023, 09:29:21 AM
Quote from: DenverBrian on January 09, 2023, 06:12:24 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 04, 2023, 04:16:07 PM
I love how everyone's solution is to just leave out information. That's not exactly a solution.
Is it a minor thing that bothers you? :D :D :D

It's just like the fast talking mumble at the end of a car ad on radio.

Or ads where the disclaimers take up more time and/or space then the pitch itself.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on January 10, 2023, 12:42:46 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on January 10, 2023, 12:06:50 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on January 10, 2023, 09:29:21 AM
Quote from: DenverBrian on January 09, 2023, 06:12:24 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 04, 2023, 04:16:07 PM
I love how everyone's solution is to just leave out information. That's not exactly a solution.
Is it a minor thing that bothers you? :D :D :D

It's just like the fast talking mumble at the end of a car ad on radio.

Or ads where the disclaimers take up more time and/or space then the pitch itself.

Mike

You mean like most pharmacological ads? Especially in insert magazines like Parade. They show a picture of happy healthy people, presumably after using their product. Then the next 2 pages are disclaimers and warnings. "This stuff is great unless it kills you."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on January 10, 2023, 12:58:40 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on January 09, 2023, 01:44:37 PM
Kwik Trip is headquartered in La Crosse, WI, so I would expect them to have a fairly heavy presence in southeastern Minnesota (ie, Rochester, MN).

They did have a longtime legacy presence in southeastern Minnesota in small cities like Rushford, Spring Valley, and Harmony among others prior to their rapid expansion into the rest of the state. Only 10 years ago or so they had all of about two Twin Cities regional stores (I-494/County 6 in Plymouth, and I-35/County 19 in Stacy, which is on the northern fringe of the metro.). They've remained exclusively outer suburban despite their heavy advertising presence and partnerships with most major local sports teams.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on January 10, 2023, 10:34:46 PM

Quote from: GaryV on January 10, 2023, 12:42:46 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 10, 2023, 12:06:50 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on January 10, 2023, 09:29:21 AM
Quote from: DenverBrian on January 09, 2023, 06:12:24 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 04, 2023, 04:16:07 PM
I love how everyone's solution is to just leave out information. That's not exactly a solution.
Is it a minor thing that bothers you? :D :D :D

It’s just like the fast talking mumble at the end of a car ad on radio.

Or ads where the disclaimers take up more time and/or space then the pitch itself.

Mike

You mean like most pharmacological ads? Especially in insert magazines like Parade. They show a picture of happy healthy people, presumably after using their product. Then the next 2 pages are disclaimers and warnings. "This stuff is great unless it kills you."

I love it when they say, "Do NOT take.Dammitol if you are allergic to Dammitol".

If you never took it, how do you know? If you HAVE taken it before....Then, DUH!!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 11, 2023, 09:21:49 AM

Quote from: kirbykart on January 10, 2023, 09:24:14 AM
People who walk too slow.

People who walk too slowly right down the middle of the aisle. And then stop for twenty seconds while they figure out which way they're supposed to go.

Quote from: thenetwork on January 10, 2023, 10:34:46 PM
I love it when they say, "Do NOT take.Dammitol if you are allergic to Dammitol".

If you never took it, how do you know? If you HAVE taken it before....Then, DUH!!

I used to think that, and every so often I hear someone joke about it. But then I got to thinking...

Imagine you had some sort of condition that caused excruciating pain, dizziness to the point of occasionally losing your balance, and an uncontrollable urge to insert an entire can of Vienna sausages up your nose (the contents, not the steel container itself). After two years of this condition, not only are you on the verge of suicide because you can't seem to catch a break from the pain and dizziness, but you're also Jewish–which means inserting Vienna sausages into any bodily orifice is a huge religious no-no. Now imagine there's a drug that relieves all of your symptoms except an occasional, mild dizziness if you don't keep your blood sugar level high enough. The only downside is that you're allergic to this medication: it gives you nausea and diarrhea, a mild case of itchy skin, and a slight feeling of breathlessness. But every so often, you decide that the tradeoff is worth it. You'll take the nausea, itchiness, and breathlessness–because that's better than the pain, the dizziness, and violating the Mosaic Law.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on January 11, 2023, 11:08:35 AM

Quote from: kphoger on January 11, 2023, 09:21:49 AMI used to think that, and every so often I hear someone joke about it. But then I got to thinking...

Imagine you had some sort of condition that caused excruciating pain, dizziness to the point of occasionally losing your balance, and an uncontrollable urge to insert an entire can of Vienna sausages up your nose (the contents, not the steel container itself). After two years of this condition, not only are you on the verge of suicide because you can't seem to catch a break from the pain and dizziness, but you're also Jewish–which means inserting Vienna sausages into any bodily orifice is a huge religious no-no. Now imagine there's a drug that relieves all of your symptoms except an occasional, mild dizziness if you don't keep your blood sugar level high enough. The only downside is that you're allergic to this medication: it gives you nausea and diarrhea, a mild case of itchy skin, and a slight feeling of breathlessness. But every so often, you decide that the tradeoff is worth it. You'll take the nausea, itchiness, and breathlessness–because that's better than the pain, the dizziness, and violating the Mosaic Law.

Well, there's also a non-zero chance that the side effects will fade over time (when I started taking Zoloft three years ago, I had the same ED/lack of desire that MMM is having with his meds, but, uh, not anymore).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on January 11, 2023, 12:35:31 PM

Actually desire rampantly increased but it gave me performance issues, which is much more of a conflict than if it lowered libido as well.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 11, 2023, 12:58:04 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 11, 2023, 09:21:49 AM
Quote from: kirbykart on January 10, 2023, 09:24:14 AM
People who walk too slow.

People who walk too slowly right down the middle of the aisle. And then stop for twenty seconds while they figure out which way they're supposed to go.

There's a special place in hell for the people who walk into the grocery store with a cart and then immediately stop to determine which direction they're headed next. Also, those who stop at the top of an escalator.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 11, 2023, 01:07:07 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 11, 2023, 12:58:04 PM
There's a special place in hell for the people who walk into the grocery store with a cart and then immediately stop to determine which direction they're headed next. Also, those who stop at the top of an escalator.

I always walk well past the entrance, sometimes halfway into the produce section of the store, before stopping–just to make sure I'm not in anyone's way. My wife has gotten used to it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on January 11, 2023, 03:04:09 PM

I could probably write an entire essay on irritating habits I saw customers at my store do. Some were done by several people. In other cases, it was just one person.

- Leaving carts wherever they want. In front of the door, in the front of the checkout, two feet from the cart corral, etc.

- Leaving frozen or refrigerated items on random shelves, which if not caught quickly, meant the food had to be trashed.

- Leaving the checkout to grab another item while they're checking out and the lines are full behind them.

- If a customer was having their groceries loaded into their car–extremely common where I worked–sometimes their car would be a train wreck of a mess and difficult to get the bags in without them toppling over or crushing whatever they already had.

- Talking on the phone while checking out without even so much as acknowledging me or my bagger at all.

I still enjoyed my job and took most of these issues in stride.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 11, 2023, 03:08:12 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on January 11, 2023, 03:04:09 PM
- Leaving frozen or refrigerated items on random shelves, which if not caught quickly, meant the food had to be trashed.

*ugh* Would they want someone coming to their house, grabbing a refrigerated item, and then leaving it on the porch in the sun for a few hours?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on January 11, 2023, 03:30:50 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 11, 2023, 12:58:04 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 11, 2023, 09:21:49 AM
Quote from: kirbykart on January 10, 2023, 09:24:14 AM
People who walk too slow.

People who walk too slowly right down the middle of the aisle. And then stop for twenty seconds while they figure out which way they're supposed to go.

There's a special place in hell for the people who walk into the grocery store with a cart and then immediately stop to determine which direction they're headed next. Also, those who stop at the top of an escalator.

Yep. Also those who stop right at the top of a ski lift.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on January 11, 2023, 03:33:51 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 11, 2023, 03:08:12 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on January 11, 2023, 03:04:09 PM
- Leaving frozen or refrigerated items on random shelves, which if not caught quickly, meant the food had to be trashed.

*ugh* Would they want someone coming to their house, grabbing a refrigerated item, and then leaving it on the porch in the sun for a few hours?

Exactly. And it was really sad too, because they would leave things on the candy racks right next to us. Literally, if they just would have handed it to us, we would've put it back for them, no problem.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on January 11, 2023, 03:35:10 PM

Quote from: US 89 on January 11, 2023, 03:30:50 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 11, 2023, 12:58:04 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 11, 2023, 09:21:49 AM
Quote from: kirbykart on January 10, 2023, 09:24:14 AM
People who walk too slow.

People who walk too slowly right down the middle of the aisle. And then stop for twenty seconds while they figure out which way they're supposed to go.

There's a special place in hell for the people who walk into the grocery store with a cart and then immediately stop to determine which direction they're headed next. Also, those who stop at the top of an escalator.

Yep. Also those who stop right at the top of a ski lift.

This one is probably the worst because people will get hurt if you do this. So dangerous. I always try to make a concerted effort to move away from the lift, including pulling people with me away too.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on January 11, 2023, 03:40:25 PM

Last Thursday, as I was rushing to board our flight home from London, I was on an escalator and the woman standing in front of me just stopped dead in her tracks at the bottom of the escalator. I ran straight into her, as I had no choice, and the people behind me would have run into me if she hadn't moved.

I don't know if she was unfamiliar with escalators or had special needs, or something else entirely, but it's not something I've seen an adult do before.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 11, 2023, 03:47:10 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on January 11, 2023, 03:40:25 PM
Last Thursday, as I was rushing to board our flight home from London, I was on an escalator and the woman standing in front of me just stopped dead in her tracks at the bottom of the escalator. I ran straight into her, as I had no choice, and the people behind me would have run into me if she hadn't moved.

I don't know if she was unfamiliar with escalators or had special needs, or something else entirely, but it's not something I've seen an adult do before.

I actively make sure I have several stairs worth of room from strangers on escalators for this very reason (at least in front of me, which I can control).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 11, 2023, 03:56:51 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on January 11, 2023, 03:33:51 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 11, 2023, 03:08:12 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on January 11, 2023, 03:04:09 PM
- Leaving frozen or refrigerated items on random shelves, which if not caught quickly, meant the food had to be trashed.

*ugh* Would they want someone coming to their house, grabbing a refrigerated item, and then leaving it on the porch in the sun for a few hours?

Exactly. And it was really sad too, because they would leave things on the candy racks right next to us. Literally, if they just would have handed it to us, we would've put it back for them, no problem.

I'm sure they do that because they're too embarrassed or ashamed to hand it to you: it avoids the direct interaction entirely.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 11, 2023, 04:40:03 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on January 11, 2023, 03:04:09 PM
- Leaving the checkout to grab another item while they're checking out and the lines are full behind them.

Someone leaving the counter mid-transaction resulted in their transaction being voided and them having to go through the line again when I was a cashier. I don't know how practicable that would be in a grocery store, but I think it's reasonable to assume the customer leaving kills the transaction–what if they never come back?

When I realize I'm missing an item mid-transaction, I'll finish the transaction, move my cart somewhere unobtrusive, then purchase the item as a separate transaction in self-checkout or the express lane. (Or, more frequently, shrug and add it as item #1 on next week's list, if it's not a must-have.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 11, 2023, 04:45:56 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 11, 2023, 04:40:03 PMSomeone leaving the counter mid-transaction resulted in their transaction being voided and them having to go through the line again when I was a cashier. I don't know how practicable that would be in a grocery store, but I think it's reasonable to assume the customer leaving kills the transaction–what if they never come back?

When I realize I'm missing an item mid-transaction, I'll finish the transaction, move my cart somewhere unobtrusive, then purchase the item as a separate transaction in self-checkout or the express lane. (Or, more frequently, shrug and add it as item #1 on next week's list, if it's not a must-have.)

I suspect customers get more grace at a grocery store (which some then abuse) because unpurchased merchandise has to be returned to the shelves and there is a hassle factor associated with doing so. (I likewise handle forgotten items by buying them in a separate transaction if they absolutely must be included in that week's shop.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on January 11, 2023, 07:56:38 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 11, 2023, 12:58:04 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 11, 2023, 09:21:49 AM
Quote from: kirbykart on January 10, 2023, 09:24:14 AM
People who walk too slow.

People who walk too slowly right down the middle of the aisle. And then stop for twenty seconds while they figure out which way they're supposed to go.

There's a special place in hell for the people who walk into the grocery store with a cart and then immediately stop to determine which direction they're headed next.

You can also thank the grocery store for placing the stand with disinfectant wipes for the carts and COVID masks right next to the IN door. The germaphobes will do everything right at the door blocking others.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 11, 2023, 11:22:34 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 11, 2023, 04:45:56 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 11, 2023, 04:40:03 PMSomeone leaving the counter mid-transaction resulted in their transaction being voided and them having to go through the line again when I was a cashier. I don't know how practicable that would be in a grocery store, but I think it's reasonable to assume the customer leaving kills the transaction–what if they never come back?

When I realize I'm missing an item mid-transaction, I'll finish the transaction, move my cart somewhere unobtrusive, then purchase the item as a separate transaction in self-checkout or the express lane. (Or, more frequently, shrug and add it as item #1 on next week's list, if it's not a must-have.)

I suspect customers get more grace at a grocery store (which some then abuse) because unpurchased merchandise has to be returned to the shelves and there is a hassle factor associated with doing so. (I likewise handle forgotten items by buying them in a separate transaction if they absolutely must be included in that week's shop.)

I can think of at least a couple times when this happened to me when shopping with my parent(s) as a kid. One time was due to accidentally picking the wrong size (or brand?) of an item that was on a really good sale, and another time was due to forgetting one of the free items on one of those "buy meat product x, get v, w, y, and z for free" deals. In both cases, I stayed at the checkout with our other items. I can't remember for sure how the cashier handled the transaction, but it was rather awkward and embarrassing to say the least.

(Anyone from NY can probably guess what grocery store this occurred at: the BOGO capital of the world (aka Tops))

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 11, 2023, 11:39:21 PM

It's definitely more acceptable if there's one person there to continue the transaction while the other goes to retrieve the item. At least that way there's no risk the person will just leave the store without completing the purchase or anything, and there's an obvious reason the line is held up rather than the cashier having to stand there awkwardly not doing anything and not make eye contact with the angry customers in line behind them.

About the closest I've been to this situation was one time the cashier discovered one of my items was already open and asked me if I wanted a different one. I said yes and ran off to grab one. When I got back the cashier said he had been planning to have the sacker go get it for me but I had taken off before he could suggest that. Whoops. (Having the sacker do such runs seems like it would be the best solution–they probably know the layout of the store better than the customer and thus could retrieve the item more quickly, and if the cashier runs out of items to scan they could busy themselves with sacking the groceries while they wait for the sacker to return.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 12, 2023, 12:29:11 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 11, 2023, 11:39:21 PM
It's definitely more acceptable if there's one person there to continue the transaction while the other goes to retrieve the item. At least that way there's no risk the person will just leave the store without completing the purchase or anything, and there's an obvious reason the line is held up rather than the cashier having to stand there awkwardly not doing anything and not make eye contact with the angry customers in line behind them.

Generally true, except that in my case, I was only about 9 or 10 years old, still young enough to be just a tad worried about my dad getting lost, and certainly too nervous to help bag the other groceries or make conversation. So it was still a rather awkward few moments. :-D

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 11, 2023, 11:39:21 PM
About the closest I've been to this situation was one time the cashier discovered one of my items was already open and asked me if I wanted a different one. I said yes and ran off to grab one. When I got back the cashier said he had been planning to have the sacker go get it for me but I had taken off before he could suggest that. Whoops. (Having the sacker do such runs seems like it would be the best solution–they probably know the layout of the store better than the customer and thus could retrieve the item more quickly, and if the cashier runs out of items to scan they could busy themselves with sacking the groceries while they wait for the sacker to return.)

I can't say I've ever heard the term "sacker" before. Most grocery stores I've been to don't have a designated person for sacking or "bagging", as I'd call it. The cashier usually just puts the items from the belt in bags and then puts the bags back in the cart. The customer(s) often assist, all the more so now that NY has switched to mostly reusable bags.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on January 12, 2023, 08:30:53 AM

Quote from: GaryV on January 10, 2023, 12:42:46 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 10, 2023, 12:06:50 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on January 10, 2023, 09:29:21 AM
Quote from: DenverBrian on January 09, 2023, 06:12:24 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 04, 2023, 04:16:07 PM
I love how everyone's solution is to just leave out information. That's not exactly a solution.
Is it a minor thing that bothers you? :D :D :D

It's just like the fast talking mumble at the end of a car ad on radio.

Or ads where the disclaimers take up more time and/or space then the pitch itself.

Mike

You mean like most pharmacological ads? Especially in insert magazines like Parade. They show a picture of happy healthy people, presumably after using their product. Then the next 2 pages are disclaimers and warnings. "This stuff is great unless it kills you."

Trulicity says 'hold my beer'

No doubt it works, (the first page) but the side effects (pages 2-384) are a bitch.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: elsmere241 on January 12, 2023, 09:40:25 AM

Janeane Garofalo, in one of her stand-up routines a long time ago, read the side effects for Paxil out loud, and responded, "I'd rather be a little sad."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 12, 2023, 10:47:18 AM

Quote from: webny99 on January 12, 2023, 12:29:11 AM
I can't say I've ever heard the term "sacker" before. Most grocery stores I've been to don't have a designated person for sacking or "bagging", as I'd call it. The cashier usually just puts the items from the belt in bags and then puts the bags back in the cart. The customer(s) often assist, all the more so now that NY has switched to mostly reusable bags.

I've taken to using the word 'sack' more and more. It started when I met my wife, visited her family in Minnesota, and encountered that god-awful northern pronunciation of the word 'bag'.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on January 12, 2023, 11:07:36 AM

Quote from: kphoger on January 12, 2023, 10:47:18 AM
Quote from: webny99 on January 12, 2023, 12:29:11 AM
I can't say I've ever heard the term "sacker" before. Most grocery stores I've been to don't have a designated person for sacking or "bagging", as I'd call it. The cashier usually just puts the items from the belt in bags and then puts the bags back in the cart. The customer(s) often assist, all the more so now that NY has switched to mostly reusable bags.

I've taken to using the word 'sack' more and more. It started when I met my wife, visited her family in Minnesota, and encountered that god-awful northern pronunciation of the word 'bag'.

I don't care how awful the Midwestern pronunciation of "bag" is (my wife is from Michigan, so I hear it all the time), I'm not saying "sack." Or "buggy," for that matter.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on January 12, 2023, 11:18:58 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 11, 2023, 04:40:03 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on January 11, 2023, 03:04:09 PM
- Leaving the checkout to grab another item while they're checking out and the lines are full behind them.

Someone leaving the counter mid-transaction resulted in their transaction being voided and them having to go through the line again when I was a cashier. I don't know how practicable that would be in a grocery store, but I think it's reasonable to assume the customer leaving kills the transaction–what if they never come back?

When I realize I'm missing an item mid-transaction, I'll finish the transaction, move my cart somewhere unobtrusive, then purchase the item as a separate transaction in self-checkout or the express lane. (Or, more frequently, shrug and add it as item #1 on next week's list, if it's not a must-have.)

Our system also allowed us to suspend orders, a sort of middle ground between a complete void and just waiting. Only managers could do it, but when we did, we'd get a receipt with a bar code that could be scanned on any other register to be resumed, even our service desk registers. Sometimes people didn't understand the concept, but it was a good compromise when the person wasn't back and their stuff was already bagged.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Dirt Roads on January 12, 2023, 04:39:59 PM

Quote from: webny99 on January 12, 2023, 12:29:11 AM
I can't say I've ever heard the term "sacker" before. Most grocery stores I've been to don't have a designated person for sacking or "bagging", as I'd call it. The cashier usually just puts the items from the belt in bags and then puts the bags back in the cart. The customer(s) often assist, all the more so now that NY has switched to mostly reusable bags.

Quote from: kphoger on January 12, 2023, 10:47:18 AM
I've taken to using the word 'sack' more and more. It started when I met my wife, visited her family in Minnesota, and encountered that god-awful northern pronunciation of the word 'bag'.

For those of you that haven't yet experienced all that the Appalachian dialect has to offer, we say "poke" instead of bag. But the word also has a connotation that you bagged it yourself: "After I sitch a spell, I'll go an' fetch me-self a poke of string-beans". Don't know if they still do this, but the bags at the Virginia Tech Bookstore were proudly labeled "Hokie Poke" (which certainly violates this rule, unless you connived the clerk into letting you bag "that there T-shirt" yourself).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 13, 2023, 01:59:33 PM

Two weeks ago, I transferred the Texas registration/title of my mother's car over to me. Today is when the deluge of "customer service offers" start deluging my mail box and go straight to my recycle bin.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 13, 2023, 02:20:35 PM

I'm aware this will be very specific to me, but it's annoying nonetheless and feel like venting.

When I travel to India this summer, I have an overnight layover in Dhaka, Bangladesh. I get in at 01:30 and my flight leaves at 12:55. So, I'd like to get a hotel and be able to sleep. Bangladesh offers a visa on arrival for $51, but apparently it takes a while (cutting down on my sleeping time) and they are prone to denying requests for it. So, I'd like to maybe get the visa ahead of time, but they only offer 1-5 year visas for $160 when you do it in advance. So, I'm stuck either risking not being able to enter the country and being stuck at the airport or I have to shell out an extra $109. I hate beauracracy.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on January 13, 2023, 02:24:56 PM

And that's the downside to traveling to another country: You're playing by their rules.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 13, 2023, 02:25:24 PM

Do you have to surrender the visa when you leave the country? If not, do you get to choose how long the visa is for?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on January 13, 2023, 02:29:18 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 12, 2023, 10:47:18 AM
Quote from: webny99 on January 12, 2023, 12:29:11 AM
I can't say I've ever heard the term "sacker" before. Most grocery stores I've been to don't have a designated person for sacking or "bagging", as I'd call it. The cashier usually just puts the items from the belt in bags and then puts the bags back in the cart. The customer(s) often assist, all the more so now that NY has switched to mostly reusable bags.

I've taken to using the word 'sack' more and more. It started when I met my wife, visited her family in Minnesota, and encountered that god-awful northern pronunciation of the word 'bag'.

Oh, cry me a bayyyyyyg of tears, KP. :)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 13, 2023, 02:31:46 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 13, 2023, 02:25:24 PM
Do you have to surrender the visa when you leave the country? If not, do you get to choose how long the visa is for?

Nope, the visa will be stuck in my passport. I'm not sure if I'd get a choice of the length of validity. That said, it won't matter. Bangladesh is one of those countries I have zero interest in doing anything other than visiting to say I was there. I am 99% certain that this will be my one and only visit to the country. I very well might be traveling to India more coming up as I am getting promoted at work and taking over a team in Bangalore as part of my responsibilities, but will not feel the need for further side trips.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 13, 2023, 03:16:34 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 13, 2023, 02:20:35 PMWhen I travel to India this summer, I have an overnight layover in Dhaka, Bangladesh. I get in at 01:30 and my flight leaves at 12:55. So, I'd like to get a hotel and be able to sleep. Bangladesh offers a visa on arrival for $51, but apparently it takes a while (cutting down on my sleeping time) and they are prone to denying requests for it. So, I'd like to maybe get the visa ahead of time, but they only offer 1-5 year visas for $160 when you do it in advance. So, I'm stuck either risking not being able to enter the country and being stuck at the airport or I have to shell out an extra $109. I hate bureaucracy.

In this situation I think I'd just wing it and try visa-on-arrival since you are in effect, though not technically, a transit passenger.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 13, 2023, 03:18:57 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 13, 2023, 03:16:34 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 13, 2023, 02:20:35 PMWhen I travel to India this summer, I have an overnight layover in Dhaka, Bangladesh. I get in at 01:30 and my flight leaves at 12:55. So, I'd like to get a hotel and be able to sleep. Bangladesh offers a visa on arrival for $51, but apparently it takes a while (cutting down on my sleeping time) and they are prone to denying requests for it. So, I'd like to maybe get the visa ahead of time, but they only offer 1-5 year visas for $160 when you do it in advance. So, I'm stuck either risking not being able to enter the country and being stuck at the airport or I have to shell out an extra $109. I hate bureaucracy.

In this situation I think I'd just wing it and try visa-on-arrival since you are in effect, though not technically, a transit passenger.

That's what I'm going to do. I'm flying business class and the (crappy) lounge is open 24h, so I'll have a place to relax if nothing else. But I'd like to a) get a passport stamp, b) see something of the city, and c) get a good night's sleep, as best I can when dealing with massive time changes. Dhaka is not a traveler's paradise with terrible traffic and only a few sites, but I'd like to at least get a pic for the proverbial 'gram.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 13, 2023, 05:43:31 PM

Excessive germophobia. My brother-in-law makes his daughter change clothes as soon as she gets home from school so that he can wash her germ-covered clothes immediately. (Today she refused to do so and he threatened to confiscate her mobile phone and disable service.) He also refused to ride in our rental Tesla because it's not sanitized by wiping every surface every day with 409. Very nice guy and we all know he thinks he's doing the right thing to keep his family healthy, but he's driving them all nuts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 13, 2023, 05:46:15 PM

Removing germs from a child's environment is not setting that child up for good health. It's setting her up for an adulthood of not being immune to anything.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on January 13, 2023, 05:47:42 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 13, 2023, 05:43:31 PM
Excessive germophobia. My brother-in-law makes his daughter change clothes as soon as she gets home from school so that he can wash her germ-covered clothes immediately. (Today she refused to do so and he threatened to confiscate her mobile phone and disable service.) He also refused to ride in our rental Tesla because it's not sanitized by wiping every surface every day with 409. Very nice guy and we all know he thinks he's doing the right thing to keep his family healthy, but he's driving them all nuts.

Psychological child abuse.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 13, 2023, 05:48:00 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 13, 2023, 05:46:15 PM
Removing germs from a child's environment is not setting that child up for good health. It's setting her up for an adulthood of not being immune to anything.

Plus she's 17.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 13, 2023, 06:08:44 PM

We live less than two miles from a Jimmy John's. They don't deliver to our area. And they don't work with Uber, Grubhub, or DoorDash.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on January 13, 2023, 06:14:24 PM

It bothers you that you can't have Jimmy John's delivered to you?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 13, 2023, 06:16:32 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on January 13, 2023, 06:14:24 PM
It bothers you that you can't have Jimmy John's delivered to you?

Can't freak over delivery that isn't offered.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 13, 2023, 06:17:29 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on January 13, 2023, 06:14:24 PM
It bothers you that you can't have Jimmy John's delivered to you?

It bothers me only because it's so close to our house. If we lived halfway across town, I'd understand, but we don't.

And actually, we just noticed that the delivery services we've been using have all increased their prices. So we've decided to just not use them anymore.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 13, 2023, 06:22:49 PM

For reference: https://goo.gl/maps/HNco5igvnuVAvNyL7

We're within 3 miles' driving distance of two different locations, and neither one delivers here.

My wife has been knocked flat by an awful head cold lately, just had the fever break last night, and she's craving Jimmy John's but doesn't yet feel like going out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on January 13, 2023, 06:33:49 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 13, 2023, 06:22:49 PM
For reference: https://goo.gl/maps/HNco5igvnuVAvNyL7

We're within 3 miles' driving distance of two different locations, and neither one delivers here.

My wife has been knocked flat by an awful head cold lately, just had the fever break last night, and she's craving Jimmy John's but doesn't yet feel like going out.

This is where I would have been sent to pick it up to-go and bring it back.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 13, 2023, 06:48:02 PM

Quote from: US 89 on January 13, 2023, 06:33:49 PM
This is where I would have been sent to pick it up to-go and bring it back.

We're both going. Our youngest is tagging along too.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 13, 2023, 06:51:04 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 13, 2023, 06:22:49 PMMy wife has been knocked flat by an awful head cold lately, just had the fever break last night, and she's craving Jimmy John's but doesn't yet feel like going out.

Have you tested to be sure this cold isn't actually covid?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on January 13, 2023, 07:43:09 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 13, 2023, 06:17:29 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 13, 2023, 06:14:24 PM
It bothers you that you can't have Jimmy John's delivered to you?

It bothers me only because it's so close to our house. If we lived halfway across town, I'd understand, but we don't.

And actually, we just noticed that the delivery services we've been using have all increased their prices. So we've decided to just not use them anymore.

See, the joke I was trying to make was "why would you want it delivered to you, their food is awful."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 14, 2023, 09:20:46 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 13, 2023, 06:16:32 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 13, 2023, 06:14:24 PM
It bothers you that you can't have Jimmy John's delivered to you?

Can't freak over delivery that isn't offered.

Jimmy John's wouldn't really be worth eating it it was delivered free of charge to you. It and Subway are the same, in my book. I had Jimmy John's once and found it to be overpriced for what you get.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 14, 2023, 09:35:02 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 14, 2023, 09:20:46 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 13, 2023, 06:16:32 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 13, 2023, 06:14:24 PM
It bothers you that you can't have Jimmy John's delivered to you?

Can't freak over delivery that isn't offered.

Jimmy John's wouldn't really be worth eating it it was delivered free of charge to you. It and Subway are the same, in my book. I had Jimmy John's once and found it to be overpriced for what you get.

All the same, on a super busy work day at the office the delivery was very welcome and didn't require I stop what I doing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on January 14, 2023, 10:02:04 PM

Last night, I ordered delivery. I ordered the food at 19:05; it was delivered at 19:40. That was the longest I've ever had to wait for delivery. Normally it's delivered within 20 to 30 minutes. I ordered ice cream (Blue Seal) the other day, and it was delivered 15 minutes later. It was still perfectly frozen.

That wasn't a minor thing that bothered me, but it reminds me of a minor thing that bothers me in the US: the incredible amount of time it takes for food to be delivered in North America.

I trace it back to simple road rules. 100% of deliveries here in Japan are via scooters/mopeds, who can slip through traffic and make incredible time. Outside of California, this is not legal in the US, so most deliveries are using passenger cars, which take forever to park at both restaurants and destinations, and have to sit in traffic between the two places. Stupidly inefficient.

Most things are close-together in Japan, which also helps a ton, of course. But even in US cities, where most things are also close together, you still don't see scooter deliveries. Not often, anyways. And in fact, parking is even harder in these areas. At least a scooter/moped can just be parked on the sidewalk.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tchafe1978 on January 15, 2023, 12:08:20 AM

I'm glad I live in a small town out in the sticks and don't have to worry about food delivery being slow or late. If I want something from a local establishment, I have to suck up my pride and go out and get it!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 15, 2023, 01:41:04 AM

Quote from: tchafe1978 on January 15, 2023, 12:08:20 AM
I'm glad I live in a small town out in the sticks and don't have to worry about food delivery being slow or late. If I want something from a local establishment, I have to suck up my pride and go out and get it!

"I'm glad if I order food it never comes."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 16, 2023, 09:19:18 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 15, 2023, 01:41:04 AM
Quote from: tchafe1978 on January 15, 2023, 12:08:20 AM
I'm glad I live in a small town out in the sticks and don't have to worry about food delivery being slow or late. If I want something from a local establishment, I have to suck up my pride and go out and get it!

"I'm glad if I order food it never comes."

I might order in food once a year. I prefer to pick it up myself.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on January 16, 2023, 01:47:12 PM

Quote from: formulanone on January 16, 2023, 09:19:18 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 15, 2023, 01:41:04 AM
Quote from: tchafe1978 on January 15, 2023, 12:08:20 AM
I'm glad I live in a small town out in the sticks and don't have to worry about food delivery being slow or late. If I want something from a local establishment, I have to suck up my pride and go out and get it!

"I'm glad if I order food it never comes."

I might order in food once a year. I prefer to pick it up myself.

I feel it gives me more control over the experience to just go get it myself. I can make sure the order is right before I leave the store, and my food won't get cold or degrade in quality by sitting in the heater for however long it takes the driver to make the deliveries in front of them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on January 16, 2023, 03:54:51 PM

The one time I remember ordering food that wasn't pizza, it never showed up. I prefer to just go and get it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 16, 2023, 09:16:00 PM

When threads get locked before you can post to them.

I had a couple of good entries for the "things you think are scams" thread but I see it got locked sometime between last night and tonight.

My contributions were going to be "organic" and "non-GMO" foods.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on January 16, 2023, 09:18:06 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 16, 2023, 09:16:00 PM
When threads get locked before you can post to them.

I had a couple of good entries for the "things you think are scams" thread but I see it got locked sometime between last night and tonight.

My contributions were going to be "organic" and "non-GMO" foods.

I support unlocking after a short time, although the lock reason didn't seem to indicate that it was temporary. I would have approved a 24-hour lock on that thread but not a permanent one.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 16, 2023, 09:52:13 PM

Setting up Evernote on my new phone--of course it's the latest version of the app, so I have no idea how to find anything in it.

Popup says: "Are you happy using Evernote? Yes/No"

I click "No."

New popup: "What can we do to make it better?"

I type: "Keep it simple, like it was five years ago."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 16, 2023, 10:02:03 PM

Quote from: 1 on January 16, 2023, 09:18:06 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 16, 2023, 09:16:00 PM
When threads get locked before you can post to them.

I had a couple of good entries for the "things you think are scams" thread but I see it got locked sometime between last night and tonight.

My contributions were going to be "organic" and "non-GMO" foods.

I support unlocking after a short time, although the lock reason didn't seem to indicate that it was temporary. I would have approved a 24-hour lock on that thread but not a permanent one.

You guys started discussing the "C" word. That seems to be a sure fire way to lock any thread down nowadays.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 16, 2023, 10:09:39 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 14, 2023, 09:20:46 PMJimmy John's wouldn't really be worth eating it it was delivered free of charge to you. It and Subway are the same, in my book. I had Jimmy John's once and found it to be overpriced for what you get.

Hmmmm.... from my location:

Jersey Mike's Subs - 1.0 miles
Subway - 2.2 miles
McAlister's Deli - 3.1 miles
Potbelly - 4.0 miles
Firehouse Subs - 4.3 miles (Because of frontage road, it's further than Potbelly

I like Firehouse Subs, but that subjective. Tell me how you would rank those sandwich shops. Also, I save food delivery for extreme situations.

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 16, 2023, 09:52:13 PMSetting up Evernote on my new phone--of course it's the latest version of the app, so I have no idea how to find anything in it.

What makes it better than Google Keep (free) or OneNote (included with Office 365 subscription)?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 16, 2023, 10:15:52 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 16, 2023, 09:52:13 PM
Setting up Evernote on my new phone--of course it's the latest version of the app, so I have no idea how to find anything in it.

Popup says: "Are you happy using Evernote? Yes/No"

I click "No."

New popup: "What can we do to make it better?"

I type: "Keep it simple, like it was five years ago."

I've never used Evernote, but I use a competing notes app called Joplin (named after the musician, not the Missouri city) that has a tolerable level of complexity. It has Evernote import capability, although setting up syncing requires either paying the Joplin devs for storage space or using an intermediary file-storage service like Nextcloud, so I haven't bothered just yet (it cannot sync via Google Drive owing to Google's non-free API).

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 16, 2023, 10:02:03 PM
You guys started discussing the "C" word. That seems to be a sure fire way to lock any thread down nowadays.

Yup. I don't want the forum to become a bastion of misinformation, and I don't want to have to spend the mental overhead deciding which posts are okay and which aren't, either. So a lock is the best solution.

The thread in question was nothing more than a more contentious version of this one anyway. Hearing about people's little petty gripes is fun. Hearing about people's culture war grievances is not.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on January 16, 2023, 10:17:51 PM

(1) Potbelly
(2) Subway
(3) Firehouse
(4) McAlister's

I haven't had Jersey Mike's.

The best regional sandwich shops are (well, were) Taylor Gourmet and Capriotti's, but my favorite nationwide chain is Jason's Deli.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 16, 2023, 11:19:17 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on January 16, 2023, 10:09:39 PMWhat makes it better than Google Keep (free) or OneNote (included with Office 365 subscription)?

I haven't tried either of those. They both strike me at first glance as digital sticky-notes, though Google Keep apparently has the capability to share notes and accept edits to them from multiple users, so (as Google notes in its ad copy) a family can maintain a grocery list and then, at the supermarket, the individual members can mark off items as they pull them off the shelves.

The two things I like most about Evernote is that I can group notes into notebooks and use cloud integration to export the entire collection of notes to my hard drive as part of nightly backup.

I have also tried iA Writer on an Android tablet, but have not rolled it over to my phone. It saves each note as an individual file in the device's internal storage (or SD card if present) rather than writing it to a database, but since it grabs the first line of text to use as the filename instead of prompting for it, it is awkward to use when I want to display text to someone else and have that be content only rather than title plus content. For example, if I go to Taco Shop to pick up a chicken taco salad, iA Writer would want me to write it as

Code Select

Taco Shop order

To go, please:

Chicken taco salad with hot salsa

to save under filename Taco Shop order.md, rather than just

Code Select

To go, please:

Chicken taco salad with hot salsa

which would likely overwrite other note(s) that use "To go, please" as the first line.

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 16, 2023, 10:15:52 PMI've never used Evernote, but I use a competing notes app called Joplin (named after the musician, not the Missouri city) that has a tolerable level of complexity. It has Evernote import capability, although setting up syncing requires either paying the Joplin devs for storage space or using an intermediary file-storage service like Nextcloud, so I haven't bothered just yet (it cannot sync via Google Drive owing to Google's non-free API).

I'll do a little more digging and see if Joplin might be a viable solution--I'm not willing to buy a subscription and Evernote has been getting more stingy about what it offers for free. (The two-device limit on syncing for free accounts is one reason I dabbled with iA Writer on the tablet.) Joplin apparently offers syncing with OneDrive, though I would still need to figure out how to get from that to a locally stored backup image via script.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on January 17, 2023, 09:20:36 AM

I also think the thread should be unlocked. Maybe COVID should just be added to the rules as a banned topic. You post about it, your post gets removed.

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 16, 2023, 10:02:03 PM
You guys started discussing the "C" word. That seems to be a sure fire way to lock any thread down nowadays.

So you're saying we can use COVID to get MMM's thread shut down?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 17, 2023, 10:22:11 AM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on January 17, 2023, 09:20:36 AM
I also think the thread should be unlocked. Maybe COVID should just be added to the rules as a banned topic. You post about it, your post gets removed.

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 16, 2023, 10:02:03 PM
You guys started discussing the "C" word. That seems to be a sure fire way to lock any thread down nowadays.

So you're saying we can use COVID to get MMM's thread shut down?

I suggest we give the Giant of Babil Omicron and kick him over with a helicopter grapple hook.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on January 17, 2023, 03:56:06 PM

Quote from: JoePCool14 on January 17, 2023, 09:20:36 AMMaybe COVID should just be added to the rules as a banned topic. You post about it, your post gets removed.

Considering the pants-shitting that occurs every time a topic is banned or frowned upon, I do not think that would be a popular decision.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 17, 2023, 04:01:51 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on January 17, 2023, 03:56:06 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on January 17, 2023, 09:20:36 AMMaybe COVID should just be added to the rules as a banned topic. You post about it, your post gets removed.
Considering the pants-shitting that occurs every time a topic is banned or frowned upon, I do not think that would be a popular decision.

I'd be in favor of such a measure. The topic brought out a lot of ugliness on the forum that really probably ought not be repeated. We talk about it in an off forum road group fairly often, but that's a bunch of us that have known each other for years. Disagreement tends to be far more civil amongst people who actually know each other.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 17, 2023, 04:31:42 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on January 17, 2023, 03:56:06 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on January 17, 2023, 09:20:36 AMMaybe COVID should just be added to the rules as a banned topic. You post about it, your post gets removed.
Considering the pants-shitting that occurs every time a topic is banned or frowned upon, I do not think that would be a popular decision.

Popularity is overrated.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on January 17, 2023, 04:36:23 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 17, 2023, 04:01:51 PMDisagreement tends to be far more civil amongst people who actually know each other.

Hypothetical question unrelated to COVID and not directed at anyone in particular: Is it possible to hold a belief so abhorrent, it doesn't matter how civil you're being by advocating for it?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on January 17, 2023, 06:06:55 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 16, 2023, 09:16:00 PM
My contributions were going to be "organic" and "non-GMO" foods.

Maybe according to science it's a scam (and I acknowledge nutritionally it probably is), but I can definitely taste a difference when I cook with locally raised and/or organic meats and produce compared to "conventional". Maybe it's just an unprovable placebo, but I believe care is an intangible thing you can taste.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 17, 2023, 06:08:25 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on January 17, 2023, 04:36:23 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 17, 2023, 04:01:51 PMDisagreement tends to be far more civil amongst people who actually know each other.
Hypothetical question unrelated to COVID and not directed at anyone in particular: Is it possible to hold a belief so abhorrent, it doesn't matter how civil you're being by advocating for it?

Sure you can. Source: I occasionally have to hear my dad's opinions.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on January 17, 2023, 06:35:37 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 17, 2023, 06:06:55 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 16, 2023, 09:16:00 PM
My contributions were going to be "organic" and "non-GMO" foods.

Maybe according to science it's a scam (and I acknowledge nutritionally it probably is), but I can definitely taste a difference when I cook with locally raised and/or organic meats and produce compared to "conventional". Maybe it's just an unprovable placebo, but I believe care is an intangible thing you can taste.

The perceived quality is probably more related to "locally raised" than "organic".

And remember, arsenic is organic.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 17, 2023, 07:48:47 PM

Quote from: GaryV on January 17, 2023, 06:35:37 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 17, 2023, 06:06:55 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 16, 2023, 09:16:00 PM
My contributions were going to be "organic" and "non-GMO" foods.

Maybe according to science it's a scam (and I acknowledge nutritionally it probably is), but I can definitely taste a difference when I cook with locally raised and/or organic meats and produce compared to "conventional". Maybe it's just an unprovable placebo, but I believe care is an intangible thing you can taste.

The perceived quality is probably more related to "locally raised" than "organic".

And remember, arsenic is organic.

So is manure. My dad used manure mixed with hay/straw as a fertilizer often when he raised a garden.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Dirt Roads on January 17, 2023, 07:55:39 PM

Quote from: GaryV on January 17, 2023, 06:35:37 PM
And remember, arsenic is organic.

Not quite, under either definition. As an element, arsenic cannot contain carbon (a requirement for organic material). For organic certification, the presence of certain natural occurring elements and chemicals such as arsenic and strychnine are also prohibited. And historically, arsenic was used as one of the very first pesticides.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on January 17, 2023, 08:28:36 PM

People who sneer at others' consumption choices.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 17, 2023, 09:02:23 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 17, 2023, 06:08:25 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 17, 2023, 04:36:23 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 17, 2023, 04:01:51 PMDisagreement tends to be far more civil amongst people who actually know each other.
Hypothetical question unrelated to COVID and not directed at anyone in particular: Is it possible to hold a belief so abhorrent, it doesn't matter how civil you're being by advocating for it?

Sure you can. Source: I occasionally have to hear my dad's opinions.

Similarly my Grandpa was like that. Although he had a tendency to become uncivil if his beliefs (mostly the forcefully religious variety) began to be questioned and he got backed into a corner of logic. Fair to note, his views were often inconsistent with the actual doctrine he was citing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on January 18, 2023, 07:23:24 AM

Quote from: Dirt Roads on January 17, 2023, 07:55:39 PM
Quote from: GaryV on January 17, 2023, 06:35:37 PM
And remember, arsenic is organic.

Not quite, under either definition. As an element, arsenic cannot contain carbon (a requirement for organic material). For organic certification, the presence of certain natural occurring elements and chemicals such as arsenic and strychnine are also prohibited. And historically, arsenic was used as one of the very first pesticides.

I should have been more specific. Arsenic can be found in "organic" fruits, such as apples and pears.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on January 18, 2023, 09:20:24 AM

Quote from: abefroman329 on January 17, 2023, 04:36:23 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 17, 2023, 04:01:51 PMDisagreement tends to be far more civil amongst people who actually know each other.
Hypothetical question unrelated to COVID and not directed at anyone in particular: Is it possible to hold a belief so abhorrent, it doesn't matter how civil you're being by advocating for it?

Yes, but I think that the "belief so abhorrent" is going to vary depending on who you ask.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 19, 2023, 05:03:19 PM

The new Wikipedia visual theme is shit. I'm giving it a week to see if it grows on me, but if not I'm going to change it back to the old one.

Its default settings commit the same user interface crime I see more and more often these days–that of blocking out vast swaths of the screen for empty space. It is claimed this is desirable because it makes lines of text shorter, which it is asserted is easier to read. This isn't a problem I need solved for me–I personally don't have a problem reading long lines of text, and if I did, I could just make the browser window smaller. (In fact, I already do: the left 20% or so of the screen is where I display a vertical list of the browser tabs, then the right 80% is the actual content.)

(https://i.imgur.com/53SlrfI.png)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kirbykart on January 19, 2023, 05:30:39 PM

Yes, I hated it too when I was looking at Wikipedia articles earlier today.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on January 19, 2023, 07:00:18 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 19, 2023, 05:03:19 PM
The new Wikipedia visual theme is shit. I'm giving it a week to see if it grows on me, but if not I'm going to change it back to the old one.

Its default settings commit the same user interface crime I see more and more often these days–that of blocking out vast swaths of the screen for empty space. It is claimed this is desirable because it makes lines of text shorter, which it is asserted is easier to read. This isn't a problem I need solved for me–I personally don't have a problem reading long lines of text, and if I did, I could just make the browser window smaller. (In fact, I already do: the left 20% or so of the screen is where I display a vertical list of the browser tabs, then the right 80% is the actual content.)

Yikes! Just now went to Wikipedia to see what you meant ... yeah, I'm not impressed. I purposely make my browser windows large so that I can maximize the amount of content I see without scrolling. Gee, thanks for filling up that extra space with emptiness so that I can see less content than before :/

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on January 19, 2023, 08:45:14 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 13, 2023, 06:51:04 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 13, 2023, 06:22:49 PMMy wife has been knocked flat by an awful head cold lately, just had the fever break last night, and she's craving Jimmy John's but doesn't yet feel like going out.

Have you tested to be sure this cold isn't actually covid?

The latest variants are essentially common cold symtoms. That's exactly what floored me in December and derailed all my plans for Christmas. I exposed it to others on my work team though luckily (well not really) only one other contracted it off of me. My brother gave it to me. I survived without getting it for 1.75 years since its onset and felt lucky to get nothing but cold-like symptoms (minimal body temp rise, limited shortness of breath, no taste loss, but I was SHIVERING and I had to switch out with a co-worker while driving from a site visit because of the risk of crashing if my nausea got to me. I didn't see a positive test until returning home from the trip. I went through at least 8 bottles of water during the trip.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 19, 2023, 11:10:57 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on January 19, 2023, 08:45:14 PMThe latest variants are essentially common cold symtoms. That's exactly what floored me in December and derailed all my plans for Christmas. I exposed it to others on my work team though luckily (well not really) only one other contracted it off of me. My brother gave it to me. I survived without getting it for 1.75 years since its onset and felt lucky to get nothing but cold-like symptoms (minimal body temp rise, limited shortness of breath, no taste loss, but I was SHIVERING and I had to switch out with a co-worker while driving from a site visit because of the risk of crashing if my nausea got to me. I didn't see a positive test until returning home from the trip. I went through at least 8 bottles of water during the trip.

Covid really is no joke, even now that we are no longer immunologically naÃ¯ve to it.

In the run-up to Christmas, a family member (fully up to date on the vaccine and boosters) contracted it from a work colleague. Paxlovid helped, but the cold symptoms continued for about 10 days, and it took a total of 18 to test negative. As the 48 hours before symptom onset included a gathering of friends at which most of the others present were aged 79 except for one man in his mid-80s and one woman in her early 90s, doing the exposure notifications was a ton of fun. Fortunately none of them caught it. As an asymptomatic close contact, I had to go back to masking up in public for the 10-day monitoring period.

One of our Christmas cards told us about my second cousin, who died of covid last August at the age of 60.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on January 20, 2023, 10:59:56 AM

The older I get, the more I realize this thread shouldn't be for me. Basically, everything annoys me now.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zzcarp on January 20, 2023, 11:10:41 AM

Since I'm now commuting again, I get quite annoyed by the traffic light at CO 121 (Wadsworth Bypass) and Ralston Road in Arvada. At all times but mornings, NB CO 121 gets the left turn signal at the beginning of the cycle and SB CO 121 gets the left turn green at the end. However, for reasons I cannot understand, in the morning this flips so NB CO 121 gets the left turn green at the end of the green cycle and SB at the beginning. This change affects the through green light timing southbound and ensures that all traffic on SB Wadsworth stops to accommodate that NB left turn.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on January 20, 2023, 12:03:43 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 17, 2023, 06:06:55 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 16, 2023, 09:16:00 PM
My contributions were going to be "organic" and "non-GMO" foods.

Maybe according to science it's a scam (and I acknowledge nutritionally it probably is), but I can definitely taste a difference when I cook with locally raised and/or organic meats and produce compared to "conventional". Maybe it's just an unprovable placebo, but I believe care is an intangible thing you can taste.

There is evidence that food is less nutritious than it was in the past, which, if I recall correctly, is due to trying to get things grown as fast as possible, so if you're eating something that wasn't produced in such a way, whether organic or not, it might very well be tastier for similar reasons.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on January 20, 2023, 12:07:51 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on January 20, 2023, 12:03:43 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 17, 2023, 06:06:55 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 16, 2023, 09:16:00 PM
My contributions were going to be "organic" and "non-GMO" foods.

Maybe according to science it's a scam (and I acknowledge nutritionally it probably is), but I can definitely taste a difference when I cook with locally raised and/or organic meats and produce compared to "conventional". Maybe it's just an unprovable placebo, but I believe care is an intangible thing you can taste.

There is evidence that food is less nutritious than it was in the past, which, if I recall correctly, is due to trying to get things grown as fast as possible, so if you're eating something that wasn't produced in such a way, whether organic or not, it might very well be tastier for similar reasons.

Organic milk definitely tastes better. We don't really do many other organic foods. I get a conventional turkey from Whole Foods for Thanksgiving, though, because I'm not feeding my family a turkey that's full of hormones and antibiotics.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 20, 2023, 12:09:58 PM

What I've long found puzzling is that the "organic" milk at the grocery store (Horizon is the brand I know best) has a sell-by date that's usually a good month or so further in the future than the "regular" milk, which usually has a sell-by date of a week or so after the date when I see it in the store. I've always found that peculiar because "organic" would seem to imply fewer (or no) preservatives or other things you'd expect would give it a longer shelf life.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on January 20, 2023, 12:19:29 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 20, 2023, 12:09:58 PM
What I've long found puzzling is that the "organic" milk at the grocery store (Horizon is the brand I know best) has a sell-by date that's usually a good month or so further in the future than the "regular" milk, which usually has a sell-by date of a week or so after the date when I see it in the store. I've always found that peculiar because "organic" would seem to imply fewer (or no) preservatives or other things you'd expect would give it a longer shelf life.

Is it ultrapasturized?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on January 20, 2023, 01:02:30 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 20, 2023, 12:09:58 PM
What I've long found puzzling is that the "organic" milk at the grocery store (Horizon is the brand I know best) has a sell-by date that's usually a good month or so further in the future than the "regular" milk, which usually has a sell-by date of a week or so after the date when I see it in the store. I've always found that peculiar because "organic" would seem to imply fewer (or no) preservatives or other things you'd expect would give it a longer shelf life.

I think that's partly the fact that it's organic and partly the packaging. Half-gallons come in paper cartons, and gallons are in some sort of thicker plastic jug than the kind store-brand milk comes in.

Oberweis Dairy sells half-gallons of milk in glass bottles, I should see if those expiration dates are farther out as well.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on January 20, 2023, 01:14:12 PM

Quote from: Big John on January 20, 2023, 12:19:29 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 20, 2023, 12:09:58 PM
What I've long found puzzling is that the "organic" milk at the grocery store (Horizon is the brand I know best) has a sell-by date that's usually a good month or so further in the future than the "regular" milk, which usually has a sell-by date of a week or so after the date when I see it in the store. I've always found that peculiar because "organic" would seem to imply fewer (or no) preservatives or other things you'd expect would give it a longer shelf life.
Is it ultrapasturized?

I always thought organic milk was still pasteurized, just no chemicals in it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on January 20, 2023, 01:15:59 PM

Minor things that bother you:

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on January 20, 2023, 01:14:12 PM
just no chemicals in it.

If there are no chemicals in it, what does it contain?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 22, 2023, 03:05:40 PM

Minor annoyances of this afternoon:

I was just ripping some CDs and, like many other ripping applications, the software (which is not iTunes) accessed the Gracenote CD database. Whoever "organized" that thing left a lot to be desired. A two-disc album, such as Quadrophenia, is a single album. The "Discnumber" field should be populated according to the disc on which a given track appears ("The Real Me" is on disc one; "Love, Reign O'er Me" is on disc two). Instead, for some inexplicable reason, they treat each disc as a completely separate album with [Disc 1] or [Disc 2] appended to the album name. Song titles are also replete with spelling and capitalization errors (e.g., the Springsteen song is named "Born to Run," not "Born To Run") and the sorting is never set properly (e.g., Bruce Springsteen should sort under "S," not under "B"). So invariably one winds up spending half an hour or so using tag-editing software to clean up all the weirdness.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on January 22, 2023, 03:57:04 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 22, 2023, 03:05:40 PM
Minor annoyances of this afternoon:

I was just ripping some CDs and, like many other ripping applications, the software (which is not iTunes) accessed the Gracenote CD database. Whoever "organized" that thing left a lot to be desired. A two-disc album, such as Quadrophenia, is a single album. The "Discnumber" field should be populated according to the disc on which a given track appears ("The Real Me" is on disc one; "Love, Reign O'er Me" is on disc two). Instead, for some inexplicable reason, they treat each disc as a completely separate album with [Disc 1] or [Disc 2] appended to the album name. Song titles are also replete with spelling and capitalization errors (e.g., the Springsteen song is named "Born to Run," not "Born To Run") and the sorting is never set properly (e.g., Bruce Springsteen should sort under "S," not under "B"). So invariably one winds up spending half an hour or so using tag-editing software to clean up all the weirdness.

I can be a stickler for things like this as well. Many times I have found myself hand-editing the track names and disc numbers, especially with double CD albums (like your Quadrophenia example) which should be a single "album" with two "disc"s.

Although as far as sorting, I suppose there has to be a manual adjustment - otherwise how do you know to sort Bruce Springsteen under "S" and not "B", but know to sort Pink Floyd under "P" and not "F".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DenverBrian on January 22, 2023, 05:57:40 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 22, 2023, 03:05:40 PM
I was just ripping some CDs

Is this post from 2023 or 2005? :D :D :D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 22, 2023, 06:16:06 PM

Quote from: DenverBrian on January 22, 2023, 05:57:40 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 22, 2023, 03:05:40 PM
I was just ripping some CDs
Is this post from 2023 or 2005? :D :D :D

I got a new Astell & Kern high-rez player last month, in part to feed a pair of KEF wireless speakers, and rather than reuse the old CD rips from my iPod I decided to re-rip some of them in FLAC (and to rip some I'd never gotten around to ripping before). An iPod inexplicably cannot handle FLAC files. I'm certainly not going to buy new copies of all the music I already have, except in limited instances (like the "Super Deluxe" version of Let It Be I got from HDTracks.com last week).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on January 22, 2023, 07:13:25 PM

That Long Island's speed limits were never raised to 65 mph after the national 55 mph limit was repealed. The fact that people think that a 65 or 75 mph speed limit on roads like this:

Long Island Expy
https://maps.app.goo.gl/zgVRLyXRXF8aEh6K8

would be unsafe and dangerous LOL

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 22, 2023, 07:19:32 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 22, 2023, 03:05:40 PM
Minor annoyances of this afternoon:

I was just ripping some CDs and, like many other ripping applications, the software (which is not iTunes) accessed the Gracenote CD database. Whoever "organized" that thing left a lot to be desired. A two-disc album, such as Quadrophenia, is a single album. The "Discnumber" field should be populated according to the disc on which a given track appears ("The Real Me" is on disc one; "Love, Reign O'er Me" is on disc two). Instead, for some inexplicable reason, they treat each disc as a completely separate album with [Disc 1] or [Disc 2] appended to the album name. Song titles are also replete with spelling and capitalization errors (e.g., the Springsteen song is named "Born to Run," not "Born To Run") and the sorting is never set properly (e.g., Bruce Springsteen should sort under "S," not under "B"). So invariably one winds up spending half an hour or so using tag-editing software to clean up all the weirdness.

Similar things happen with other databases, such as Discogs or MusicBrainz.

Quote from: DenverBrian on January 22, 2023, 05:57:40 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 22, 2023, 03:05:40 PM
I was just ripping some CDs
Is this post from 2023 or 2005? :D :D :D

I still much prefer physical CDs to downloaded music. I can count on one hand the number of albums I've purchased via download instead of a physical copy.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: elsmere241 on January 22, 2023, 09:11:52 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 22, 2023, 07:19:32 PM
I still much prefer physical CDs to downloaded music. I can count on one hand the number of albums I've purchased via download instead of a physical copy.

I've never downloaded an album, and I'm holding on to my CDs. Things like Spotify won't be around forever.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Takumi on January 22, 2023, 10:59:44 PM

A lot of music I listen to is only available on digital, but I still prefer to buy CDs when I can.

I'll never use Spotify. They don't pay artists enough.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 22, 2023, 11:29:54 PM

I much prefer purchasing physical media over downloading digital as I can control the quality of the MP3 rip. Many of my CDs were limited editions and are almost impossible to replace, so I have the physical CD ripped to a MP3 files stored on my media server and then they are available for playback using the PlexAmp (https://markholtz.info/plexamp) application on my mobile phone, so I can happily stream music on the rare occasion that I'm driving.

Of course, it's annoying that I have to use PlexAmp (https://markholtz.info/plexamp) application instead of the main Plex mobile application.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on January 22, 2023, 11:42:21 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on January 22, 2023, 07:13:25 PM
That Long Island's speed limits were never raised to 65 mph after the national 55 mph limit was repealed. The fact that people think that a 65 or 75 mph speed limit on roads like this:

Long Island Expy
https://maps.app.goo.gl/zgVRLyXRXF8aEh6K8

would be unsafe and dangerous LOL

Suffolk should be 65 mph at least.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 23, 2023, 07:35:14 AM

Contrary to popular belief, CDs are digital.

Regarding the streaming services, one problem with relying on them is what happens when they don't carry an artist you like, or when the artist gets into a dispute with your preferred service and suddenly that artist's music is no longer available via that service. Why let someone else control your access to the music you like?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on January 23, 2023, 07:59:33 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on January 22, 2023, 11:42:21 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on January 22, 2023, 07:13:25 PM
That Long Island's speed limits were never raised to 65 mph after the national 55 mph limit was repealed. The fact that people think that a 65 or 75 mph speed limit on roads like this:

Long Island Expy
https://maps.app.goo.gl/zgVRLyXRXF8aEh6K8

would be unsafe and dangerous LOL

Suffolk should be 65 mph at least.

Watch the legislators in NY be like: "BUt iF We rAiSe iT to 65 eVeRyOnE WiLl gO 75-80" in response to such a proposal.

Yeah, and? 75-80 is reasonable for such roadways as well. So if a road is designed for 75-80 and with a 65 mph limit everyone is going......75-80...what's the issue?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 23, 2023, 11:21:32 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 23, 2023, 07:35:14 AM
Contrary to popular belief, CDs are digital.

Regarding the streaming services, one problem with relying on them is what happens when they don't carry an artist you like, or when the artist gets into a dispute with your preferred service and suddenly that artist's music is no longer available via that service. Why let someone else control your access to the music you like?

I did a trial subscription of Spotify a few years ago for the purpose of snagging albums using audio capture software and converting them to MP3s. I took note of the number of artists whose music wasn't available on that service -- at the time, Kiss and Metallica were two notable ones.

Quote from: Takumi on January 22, 2023, 10:59:44 PM
I'll never use Spotify. They don't pay artists enough.

Don't blame Spotify. Blame the artists for not negotiating a better deal. Obviously they're happy with what they're getting, or else they wouldn't allow their music on that service.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Takumi on January 23, 2023, 12:24:45 PM

Quote
Don't blame Spotify. Blame the artists for not negotiating a better deal. Obviously they're happy with what they're getting, or else they wouldn't allow their music on that service.

Suffice to say it's not that simple. Many artists don't even own the rights to their music and are at the mercy of their labels.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 23, 2023, 12:33:27 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 23, 2023, 11:21:32 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 23, 2023, 07:35:14 AM
Contrary to popular belief, CDs are digital.

Regarding the streaming services, one problem with relying on them is what happens when they don't carry an artist you like, or when the artist gets into a dispute with your preferred service and suddenly that artist's music is no longer available via that service. Why let someone else control your access to the music you like?

I did a trial subscription of Spotify a few years ago for the purpose of snagging albums using audio capture software and converting them to MP3s. I took note of the number of artists whose music wasn't available on that service -- at the time, Kiss and Metallica were two notable ones.

While I have never used Spotify, and while I don't listen to her music, I recall there was a kerfuffle a few years ago when Taylor Swift got her management to remove all of her music from said service. That's a reason why I don't rely on streaming services for music–who is to say some artist to whom I listen wouldn't do the same? (Setting aside that some bands to whom I listen, like Mott the Hoople, are likely too obscure for the streaming services.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on January 23, 2023, 01:23:23 PM

When you hit AA on your phone or tablet and AS comes up. Considering your finger didn't move and you hit the same spot twice should have the same results. Either it should be SS or AA and not AS.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bm7 on January 23, 2023, 01:34:33 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 23, 2023, 12:33:27 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 23, 2023, 11:21:32 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 23, 2023, 07:35:14 AM
Contrary to popular belief, CDs are digital.

Regarding the streaming services, one problem with relying on them is what happens when they don't carry an artist you like, or when the artist gets into a dispute with your preferred service and suddenly that artist's music is no longer available via that service. Why let someone else control your access to the music you like?

I did a trial subscription of Spotify a few years ago for the purpose of snagging albums using audio capture software and converting them to MP3s. I took note of the number of artists whose music wasn't available on that service -- at the time, Kiss and Metallica were two notable ones.

While I have never used Spotify, and while I don't listen to her music, I recall there was a kerfuffle a few years ago when Taylor Swift got her management to remove all of her music from said service. That's a reason why I don't rely on streaming services for music–who is to say some artist to whom I listen wouldn't do the same? (Setting aside that some bands to whom I listen, like Mott the Hoople, are likely too obscure for the streaming services.)

I listen to a lot of fairly obscure music, and I rarely encounter anything that I want to listen to that isn't on Spotify, and artists removing their songs from streaming services is also very rare. I also just looked up Mott the Hoople on Spotify and they have songs with tens of millions of listens, so they might not be as obscure as you think. There's over a million artists whose music is on Spotify, so it probably has just about anything you can think of.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on January 23, 2023, 02:10:42 PM

The only reason why I sometimes use Spotify is to check current trends and playlists. I won't subscribe to it nor any other streaming service as if/when I let the subscription lapse, all of the (supposedly) 'saved' files go bye-bye. I LIKE having the .mp3 files and keep a copy of them all in my 160 GB 'old school' iPod for regular play. It works great when fed to a couple of cheap desktop computer speakers that I have put on the back seat floor of my car.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on January 24, 2023, 02:13:25 PM

Automatic software updates that put unwanted crap on the desktop or phone screen. Mostly shortcuts though occasionally previously deleted bloatware. Recent updates recently placed shortcuts for Microsoft Edge and Adobe Acrobat on my desktop which immediately went into the Recycle Bin. (To channel Andy Rooney, why is it called the Recycle Bin when you're essentially throwing it in the trash? Though it could be commentary on the state of the recycling industry in the US where most of what's picked out as recycled still ends up in landfills.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on January 24, 2023, 02:17:51 PM

Responding to a text message that ends up in a different sendees mailbox

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 24, 2023, 02:33:19 PM

Quote from: skluth on January 24, 2023, 02:13:25 PM
Automatic software updates that put unwanted crap on the desktop or phone screen. Mostly shortcuts though occasionally previously deleted bloatware. Recent updates recently placed shortcuts for Microsoft Edge and Adobe Acrobat on my desktop which immediately went into the Recycle Bin. (To channel Andy Rooney, why is it called the Recycle Bin when you're essentially throwing it in the trash? Though it could be commentary on the state of the recycling industry in the US where most of what's picked out as recycled still ends up in landfills.)

The main reason it's called the Recycle Bin is because of copyright infringement litigation Apple brought against Microsoft alleging that Windows ripped off the Mac's graphical user interface. The only part of the case Apple won was the part alleging that its trashcan icon was original and protected by copyright. So Microsoft used a recycle bin instead. You can now rename it, but at least in the early years of Windows 95 the Recycle Bin was the one icon you could not rename in order to avoid any possibility of people calling it the trashcan.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 24, 2023, 04:01:52 PM

Quote from: skluth on January 24, 2023, 02:13:25 PMAutomatic software updates that put unwanted crap on the desktop or phone screen. Mostly shortcuts though occasionally previously deleted bloatware. Recent updates recently placed shortcuts for Microsoft Edge and Adobe Acrobat on my desktop which immediately went into the Recycle Bin.

If a piece of software actually has functionality I care about, I often go out of my way to prohibit updates. I have had ES File Explorer in its last non-evil version as my workhorse file chooser on my Android tablet and old phone, and I installed it on both as a sideload, to prevent Google Play trying to update it. The recent versions have introduced ads and extra charges for essential features like SMB 2. Unfortunately, I cannot get any of the older ones to install on my current phone.

Other minor annoyances:

* Prompts to set permissions on app launch that don't include, as an option, the permissions the app actually needs to function, forcing me to go to phone settings

* Notification request dialogs that don't tell me what I'm letting myself in for if I allow them

* Layered notification management models (e.g., ones with Focus Assist) that require multiple iterations of fiddling with notification controls, meaning I spend ever more time figuring out how to get the phone to shut up

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on January 24, 2023, 04:30:46 PM

Getting spam text where there is no option to delete on my Android.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Billy F 1988 on January 24, 2023, 05:17:28 PM

Quote from: Big John on January 24, 2023, 04:30:46 PM
Getting spam text where there is no option to delete on my Android.

Bugger me! That's as bad as getting robo calls on my cell phone, bruh! I've been robo dialed from, not one, not two, not five, but, FIFTEEN states. Namely Montana, Washington state, Wyoming, Illinois, Georgia, and Texas! I've had a plethora of robo dials from the 833 to 888 family of numbers. And, none of them have been answered and I intend to keep it that way! Thank goodness my Alcatel flip phone has the ability to block these robo dialers. I just wished the carriers would block it before it reaches you. But, beggars can't be choosers, I guess.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 24, 2023, 07:19:31 PM

Use of the phrase "intensive purposes," as seen on the "lowest route number you don't have a picture of" thread.

it's "intents and purposes." "Intents and purposes."

This ranks right down there with "publically" instead of "publicly" in my book.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on January 24, 2023, 07:21:11 PM

My Pixel phone has a neat feature where it will screen calls and show a little transcription. It has prevented a lot of spam from reaching my ears but also allowed in good calls because I can actually read a little snippet before picking up the call.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on January 25, 2023, 06:22:14 AM

Quote from: Billy F 1988 on January 24, 2023, 05:17:28 PM
Quote from: Big John on January 24, 2023, 04:30:46 PM
Getting spam text where there is no option to delete on my Android.
Bugger me! That's as bad as getting robo calls on my cell phone, bruh! I've been robo dialed from, not one, not two, not five, but, FIFTEEN states. Namely Montana, Washington state, Wyoming, Illinois, Georgia, and Texas! I've had a plethora of robo dials from the 833 to 888 family of numbers. And, none of them have been answered and I intend to keep it that way! Thank goodness my Alcatel flip phone has the ability to block these robo dialers. I just wished the carriers would block it before it reaches you. But, beggars can't be choosers, I guess.

Oh, wait till you read about 'ringless voicemail'. They can inject messages straight into your voicemail without the phone even ringing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 25, 2023, 08:16:26 AM

Quote from: Bruce on January 24, 2023, 07:21:11 PMMy Pixel phone has a neat feature where it will screen calls and show a little transcription. It has prevented a lot of spam from reaching my ears but also allowed in good calls because I can actually read a little snippet before picking up the call.

I love this feature along with the ability to send certain key phrases to the caller. I do tell people that I screen my calls.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 25, 2023, 11:45:01 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on January 25, 2023, 08:16:26 AM
Quote from: Bruce on January 24, 2023, 07:21:11 PMMy Pixel phone has a neat feature where it will screen calls and show a little transcription. It has prevented a lot of spam from reaching my ears but also allowed in good calls because I can actually read a little snippet before picking up the call.

I love this feature along with the ability to send certain key phrases to the caller. I do tell people that I screen my calls.

Why would anyone not screen their calls these days?

I was getting so many unsolicited calls on my personal cell phone that I found a "silence" ringtone .m4r file, loaded it to my phone, and set it as my default. Only calls from people in my contacts, with pre-selected custom ringtones, actually make a sound when they come in. For anyone else, they can leave a message if I don't recognize the number.

I haven't done that with my work cell yet, but still, if I don't recognize the number, I don't answer the call. They can leave a voicemail if it's important. If it's not important enough to leave a voicemail over, then they must not have needed to talk to me all that badly.

I've taken to doing that with my desktop office phone as well. Leave a message if I don't answer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: XamotCGC on January 25, 2023, 05:33:10 PM

My phone has a feature that blocks private and unknown phone numbers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 25, 2023, 07:13:29 PM

Here's one spun off from another thread:

I hate when news "articles" are videos. I don't want to watch your dumb video where I have to turn up the volume and possibly annoy people around me. I read fast. Just type the damn thing so I can read it at my leisure.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tdindy88 on January 25, 2023, 07:34:29 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 25, 2023, 07:13:29 PM
Here's one spun off from another thread:

I hate when news "articles" are videos. I don't want to watch your dumb video where I have to turn up the volume and possibly annoy people around me. I read fast. Just type the damn thing so I can read it at my leisure.

This is pretty similar to what you just mentioned but I hate it when I pull up an actual written news story and a video about it starts playing automatically, forcing me to turn the volume DOWN so that I don't annoy people around me. One TV station's news app is so bad with this I have to keep the phone on mute anytime I read an article on their app.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on January 25, 2023, 08:44:48 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 25, 2023, 07:13:29 PM
Here's one spun off from another thread:

I hate when news "articles" are videos. I don't want to watch your dumb video where I have to turn up the volume and possibly annoy people around me. I read fast. Just type the damn thing so I can read it at my leisure.

I hate when my smartphone apps "suggest" news articles (based on algorithms) -- that part I don't mind...But what I DO mind is when I click on these non-sponsored story links only to be blocked out by a paywall.

And speaking of news, I hate when they overuse the term "BREAKING NEWS". When I was growing up, when a radio or TV station had "Breaking News", they interrupted with a bulletin. Nowadays on some media outlets, whenever Kim Kardashian stubs her toe, they call it breaking news..

One of the national radio news outlets -- SBN/Salem-Townhall.com news will randomly start their top of the hour newscasts with "Breaking news this hour...". Most of the time, it's just the top story of the day that's hours old -- *not* something that happened in the last hour.

It's like crying "Wolf".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 25, 2023, 09:23:50 PM

Quote from: thenetwork on January 25, 2023, 08:44:48 PM
Nowadays on some media outlets, whenever Kim Kardashian stubs her toe, they call it breaking news..

I suppose if she stubbed it hard enough, it would be news of something breaking.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on January 25, 2023, 11:44:49 PM

Quote from: thenetwork on January 25, 2023, 08:44:48 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 25, 2023, 07:13:29 PM
Here's one spun off from another thread:

I hate when news "articles" are videos. I don't want to watch your dumb video where I have to turn up the volume and possibly annoy people around me. I read fast. Just type the damn thing so I can read it at my leisure.

I hate when my smartphone apps "suggest" news articles (based on algorithms) -- that part I don't mind...But what I DO mind is when I click on these non-sponsored story links only to be blocked out by a paywall.

Or worse, "This content is not available in your country."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on January 26, 2023, 09:53:16 AM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 25, 2023, 07:13:29 PM
Here's one spun off from another thread:

I hate when news "articles" are videos. I don't want to watch your dumb video where I have to turn up the volume and possibly annoy people around me. I read fast. Just type the damn thing so I can read it at my leisure.

Or as I like to say, I can read faster than you can talk.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 26, 2023, 01:21:31 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on January 26, 2023, 09:53:16 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 25, 2023, 07:13:29 PM
Here's one spun off from another thread:

I hate when news "articles" are videos. I don't want to watch your dumb video where I have to turn up the volume and possibly annoy people around me. I read fast. Just type the damn thing so I can read it at my leisure.

Or as I like to say, I can read faster than you can talk.

Ding ding ding.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on January 26, 2023, 01:46:26 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on January 26, 2023, 09:53:16 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 25, 2023, 07:13:29 PM
Here's one spun off from another thread:

I hate when news "articles" are videos. I don't want to watch your dumb video where I have to turn up the volume and possibly annoy people around me. I read fast. Just type the damn thing so I can read it at my leisure.

Or as I like to say, I can read faster than you can talk.

And when you're doing some online training module, which involves watching a slide show. And they have to read each slide to you. And you can't advance to the next slide until the narrator is done - no matter that you finished reading before the narrator is halfway through.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 26, 2023, 02:01:43 PM

Quote from: GaryV on January 26, 2023, 01:46:26 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on January 26, 2023, 09:53:16 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 25, 2023, 07:13:29 PM
Here's one spun off from another thread:

I hate when news "articles" are videos. I don't want to watch your dumb video where I have to turn up the volume and possibly annoy people around me. I read fast. Just type the damn thing so I can read it at my leisure.

Or as I like to say, I can read faster than you can talk.

And when you're doing some online training module, which involves watching a slide show. And they have to read each slide to you. And you can't advance to the next slide until the narrator is done - no matter that you finished reading before the narrator is halfway through.

Did that yesterday. Thankfully there was a 'mute' button on the slides so I could read them at my speed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 27, 2023, 01:20:42 PM

There is an arterial near me that expands from two lanes to four lanes just prior to an intersection where I frequently turn left. There's no turning lanes, so when oncoming traffic is heavy (which is almost always, sometimes even backing up into the intersection because of the lane merge), this creates a situation where I will be sitting in the left lane waiting to turn for most of the green light cycle.

Traffic coming up behind me normally splits into two lanes, but since I'm there, they can only go past using the right lane. I try to ensure they do so by (1) turning on my left blinker well in advance so they know to move right, and (2) coming to a stop with ample room to pull up, so that I can give them a buffer to move right if they happen to not see my blinker. Some people, though, blindly insist on pulling up right behind me and sitting there while I wait to make my turn, even though the right lane is open and they can see I'm turning. This bothers me to no end. I simply can't believe there are drivers out there with so little awareness that they would actively choose to wait behind someone for no reason, be completely oblivious to the sea of oncoming traffic that indicates I'll be there for a while, and continue to sit there even when I pull up to give them an opportunity to correct and go past. That's grounds for immediate license suspension IMO.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on January 27, 2023, 09:57:15 PM

^ Given how thick oncoming traffic is, would I be correct in assuming that it's a similar story in your direction? If so, then they don't exactly have much opportunity to move over once they're already stuck behind you. As for how they got stuck in the first place, I agree, it's amazing how oblivious most people are to what the other cars on the road are doing. A good chunk of congestion on the roads would go away if only people would pay more attention to what traffic around them is doing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Takumi on January 28, 2023, 12:24:21 AM

When someone leaves their phone’s GPS on when they’re in a store. They’re in the middle of an aisle and their phone just blurts out “Turn right onto Center Street”.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 28, 2023, 08:36:14 AM

Quote from: Takumi on January 28, 2023, 12:24:21 AM
When someone leaves their phone's GPS on when they're in a store. They're in the middle of an aisle and their phone just blurts out "Turn right onto Center Street" .

That sometimes bothers me for a different reason: Last time we were in New York together, my wife went to the 9-11 Museum while I was at work and she used her phone for directions to get there. But she forgot to stop the mapping when she got there and it kept trying to give her directions while she was at the museum, draining her battery down to 1% before she noticed it. Thankfully, she remembered that I had told her that if she walked past the Millennium Hotel she'd come to Broadway and that a right turn would take her back to our hotel. (She was headed to the Met the next day, so for that I typed up directions as a precaution!)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on January 28, 2023, 08:36:50 AM

"Please leave your message for [someone/some number]" [pause] "sorry, mailbox is full. goodbye!"

Seems like perhaps it could have told me that at the beginning. I know what I dialed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 28, 2023, 01:58:07 PM

Quote from: vdeane on January 27, 2023, 09:57:15 PM
^ Given how thick oncoming traffic is, would I be correct in assuming that it's a similar story in your direction? If so, then they don't exactly have much opportunity to move over once they're already stuck behind you. As for how they got stuck in the first place, I agree, it's amazing how oblivious most people are to what the other cars on the road are doing. A good chunk of congestion on the roads would go away if only people would pay more attention to what traffic around them is doing.

Yes, traffic in my direction is heavy too, but it's not the same story because everyone is in a single lane before it widens to two lanes just before the intersection. That's why I try to put my blinker on well in advance, so they can pick the right lane. Now, there are cases where people start stacking up behind me and then can't get over because of continuous traffic in the right lane... and that can get dicey, especially for people turning left across from me, who now have to watch for cars darting into the lane they're about to cross.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on January 29, 2023, 04:31:19 PM

The fact that Adobe Reader doesn't print properly under Wine. New York state's income tax forms require Adobe Reader to fill out (enforced with code that specifically checks for Adobe, even though other readers can theoretically work with XFA forms; that said, other readers don't work properly with XFA forms, as I tested on Firefox before the code that blocks out non-Adobe readers even when the XFA is theoretically supported was added), and Adobe Reader doesn't have a Linux version. Unfortunately, the it only prints the first page no matter what, and comes out blurry to boot. I had to dig out my ancient (and dying) Windows 7 laptop to get my tax returns printed. I don't know what I'll do next year, since I'm planning on getting rid of that laptop this year. I guess I'll have to hand write my return, even though my handwriting is garbage and it takes 10 times a long to get my refund that way, as I refuse to pay for tax software or a tax preparer, which are the only ways to e-file taxes in New York if your income is too high for the Free File Alliance.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on January 29, 2023, 05:35:14 PM

Quote from: vdeane on January 29, 2023, 04:31:19 PM
The fact that Adobe Reader doesn't print properly under Wine. New York state's income tax forms require Adobe Reader to fill out (enforced with code that specifically checks for Adobe, even though other readers can theoretically work with XFA forms; that said, other readers don't work properly with XFA forms, as I tested on Firefox before the code that blocks out non-Adobe readers even when the XFA is theoretically supported was added), and Adobe Reader doesn't have a Linux version. Unfortunately, the it only prints the first page no matter what, and comes out blurry to boot. I had to dig out my ancient (and dying) Windows 7 laptop to get my tax returns printed. I don't know what I'll do next year, since I'm planning on getting rid of that laptop this year. I guess I'll have to hand write my return, even though my handwriting is garbage and it takes 10 times a long to get my refund that way, as I refuse to pay for tax software or a tax preparer, which are the only ways to e-file taxes in New York if your income is too high for the Free File Alliance.

Save the pages separately, and print them one at a time maybe? That will definitely take a while, though.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 29, 2023, 05:57:56 PM

Quote from: vdeane on January 29, 2023, 04:31:19 PM
The fact that Adobe Reader doesn't print properly under Wine. New York state's income tax forms require Adobe Reader to fill out (enforced with code that specifically checks for Adobe, even though other readers can theoretically work with XFA forms; that said, other readers don't work properly with XFA forms, as I tested on Firefox before the code that blocks out non-Adobe readers even when the XFA is theoretically supported was added), and Adobe Reader doesn't have a Linux version. Unfortunately, the it only prints the first page no matter what, and comes out blurry to boot. I had to dig out my ancient (and dying) Windows 7 laptop to get my tax returns printed. I don't know what I'll do next year, since I'm planning on getting rid of that laptop this year. I guess I'll have to hand write my return, even though my handwriting is garbage and it takes 10 times a long to get my refund that way, as I refuse to pay for tax software or a tax preparer, which are the only ways to e-file taxes in New York if your income is too high for the Free File Alliance.

I did a little bit of research and found that apparently Firefox post-version 91 and Evince (the Gnome PDF viewer) are supposed to have some level of support for XFA. I'm not sure if they're sufficient for your purposes, though. Another, though time consuming, option would be to take the PDF into a PDF-editing program, delete all the XFA forms, and add your own standard form elements.

The real problem here is that XFA is proprietary, complicated (the spec is 1600 pages, longer than that of PDF itself) and deprecated (replaced by native PDF 2.0 forms in 2017), so devs see little use in spending the time and effort to implement it on Linux. That means the true permanent solution is to get ahold of your state rep and see if they can put political pressure on the tax department to just upgrade the damn form to modern spec.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 29, 2023, 08:29:16 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 29, 2023, 05:57:56 PMI did a little bit of research and found that apparently Firefox post-version 91 and Evince (the Gnome PDF viewer) are supposed to have some level of support for XFA. I'm not sure if they're sufficient for your purposes, though. Another, though time consuming, option would be to take the PDF into a PDF-editing program, delete all the XFA forms, and add your own standard form elements.

Are the forms available for download as bare PDFs? If so, the variant of this approach I would try is to add the form elements to them. I've done this successfully in Foxit Reader (free version), and I would expect something similar is available for Linux.

I more or less avoid Adobe software these days--the DC version of Reader is an unmitigated disaster.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 29, 2023, 09:01:16 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on January 28, 2023, 08:36:50 AM
"Please leave your message for [someone/some number]" [pause] "sorry, mailbox is full. goodbye!"

Seems like perhaps it could have told me that at the beginning. I know what I dialed.

It's a cheap way to post an audible annoucnement on a voice mail box that never gets checked.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on January 29, 2023, 09:02:03 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 29, 2023, 08:29:16 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 29, 2023, 05:57:56 PMI did a little bit of research and found that apparently Firefox post-version 91 and Evince (the Gnome PDF viewer) are supposed to have some level of support for XFA. I'm not sure if they're sufficient for your purposes, though. Another, though time consuming, option would be to take the PDF into a PDF-editing program, delete all the XFA forms, and add your own standard form elements.

Are the forms available for download as bare PDFs? If so, the variant of this approach I would try is to add the form elements to them. I've done this successfully in Foxit Reader (free version), and I would expect something similar is available for Linux.

I more or less avoid Adobe software these days--the DC version of Reader is an unmitigated disaster.

I just checked the standard form. It looks like they finally got around to adding form fields to it, at least. Those weren't there when they first switched to free file. They're really basic (not even drop-downs for things like counties and school districts), but they're there, at least.

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 29, 2023, 05:57:56 PM
Quote from: vdeane on January 29, 2023, 04:31:19 PM
The fact that Adobe Reader doesn't print properly under Wine. New York state's income tax forms require Adobe Reader to fill out (enforced with code that specifically checks for Adobe, even though other readers can theoretically work with XFA forms; that said, other readers don't work properly with XFA forms, as I tested on Firefox before the code that blocks out non-Adobe readers even when the XFA is theoretically supported was added), and Adobe Reader doesn't have a Linux version. Unfortunately, the it only prints the first page no matter what, and comes out blurry to boot. I had to dig out my ancient (and dying) Windows 7 laptop to get my tax returns printed. I don't know what I'll do next year, since I'm planning on getting rid of that laptop this year. I guess I'll have to hand write my return, even though my handwriting is garbage and it takes 10 times a long to get my refund that way, as I refuse to pay for tax software or a tax preparer, which are the only ways to e-file taxes in New York if your income is too high for the Free File Alliance.

I did a little bit of research and found that apparently Firefox post-version 91 and Evince (the Gnome PDF viewer) are supposed to have some level of support for XFA. I'm not sure if they're sufficient for your purposes, though. Another, though time consuming, option would be to take the PDF into a PDF-editing program, delete all the XFA forms, and add your own standard form elements.

The real problem here is that XFA is proprietary, complicated (the spec is 1600 pages, longer than that of PDF itself) and deprecated (replaced by native PDF 2.0 forms in 2017), so devs see little use in spending the time and effort to implement it on Linux. That means the true permanent solution is to get ahold of your state rep and see if they can put political pressure on the tax department to just upgrade the damn form to modern spec.

I did try Firefox, before NYS made the forms smart enough to detect Adobe by means other than seeing whether the XFA worked or not. It was wonky but somewhat functional for a while before breaking at the box where I had to check for it to factor in the standard deduction. I'm guessing NYS tried to make XFA do something it's not supposed to do. I suppose I could try seeing if it can print at least, given that the forms open up after a print attempt is made and the barcodes are generated.

Not surprised NYS is on some old tech. They were still using Windows XP when I started in 2014. Our timesheet software was on an 80s mainframe, too, and only switched to a webapp a few years ago.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 29, 2023, 10:04:19 PM

In case you haven't noticed, LastPass has a major security breach (https://markholtz.info/2pn) that was reported in late December. And, yes, the extent of the damage is much worse as the breach extended to other parts of the parent company (https://markholtz.info/2po). It was enough to cause me to scream at LastPass to issue me a refund and migrate my password management over to 1Password. Now, comes the fun part of changing aand pruning my password list. Fortunately, my online password list is a subset of what I keep in my KeePass Password Vault (https://markholtz.info/keepass). This also brings up some of my gripes with the sites again like:

Let's not let you know what the password requirements, including which special characters are allow and the maximum password length, until you submit a bad password.
Financial institution which handles your finances? Limit of 20 characters. Web forums for discussion of various topics (such as AARoads)? 32 characters with special characters, dashes, and underscores isn't a problem.
There is no password reset option, which means you have to use "Forgot Password" in order to reset your password.
KeePass not allowing me to limit which special characters are being used. Feature request submitted (https://sourceforge.net/p/keepass/feature-requests/2785/).
The password KeePass generates doesn't always contain the checked-off options. Defect submitted (https://sourceforge.net/p/keepass/feature-requests/2786/).

Fortunately, I also save my KeePass file in several places.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 29, 2023, 10:12:11 PM

Quote from: vdeane on January 29, 2023, 09:02:03 PMNot surprised NYS is on some old tech. They were still using Windows XP when I started in 2014. Our timesheet software was on an 80s mainframe, too, and only switched to a webapp a few years ago.

I manage a tiny-but-mighty team that provides support to government entities for a Software-as-a-Service product. In most cases, the actual IT team that we work with is pretty easy to work with, but are often constrained by decisions made at higher levels. Sometimes, those decisions are made because of the actual end users who are using the computers and/or policies to protect data security. Some days, it makes me double-check how long before I can afford to throw up my hands and retire. Of course, I'm still hoping to win the lottery, but until then, it's work hard, pay off the mortgage, and save like crazy.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 29, 2023, 11:12:13 PM

Heh. I once worked with a system where the only way to change the password was to wait for the automatic 90-day mandatory password refresh interval to pass. If you wanted to change the password in between, there simply was no option in the GUI for it.

I also worked with a system coded in Visual Basic that would allow you to set a password containing *, but its salting mechanism was broken, so if you did that you could never actually log in.

Also, despite the capitalization, every time I see KeePass I read it as KeepAss.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on January 29, 2023, 11:32:30 PM

I submitted a bug to Verizon's web team: the site would silently truncate a new or changed password to 16 characters -- but not when you were logging in. (It might still do this.)

For example, if you change your password to 12345678901234567 (17 chars, though having all digits is not possible), the operation would succeed, but your new password would actually be 1234567890123456.

The next time you tried to log in with 12345678901234567, which is not truncated in that flow: incorrect password.

That was tricky to figure out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on January 30, 2023, 02:34:40 AM

I pulled away from LastPass when they started charging for mobile devices. Dodged a bullet there, but I am pretty tired of having to juggle password managers. Chrome has a decent enough one for throwaway accounts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on January 30, 2023, 03:08:24 PM

Quote from: kurumi on January 29, 2023, 11:32:30 PM
I submitted a bug to Verizon's web team: the site would silently truncate a new or changed password to 16 characters -- but not when you were logging in. (It might still do this.)

For example, if you change your password to 12345678901234567 (17 chars, though having all digits is not possible), the operation would succeed, but your new password would actually be 1234567890123456.

The next time you tried to log in with 12345678901234567, which is not truncated in that flow: incorrect password.

That was tricky to figure out.

Yeah, I made the mistake of setting my password for one of the systems I use at work to a 99-character password, since there was no specified limit on password length, and it caused all kinds of login problems. Now, if the site doesn't specify a limit on the length of the password, then I don't create anything with more than 20 characters.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on January 30, 2023, 07:37:29 PM

Quote from: Bruce on January 30, 2023, 02:34:40 AM
I pulled away from LastPass when they started charging for mobile devices. Dodged a bullet there, but I am pretty tired of having to juggle password managers. Chrome has a decent enough one for throwaway accounts.

Same here. I switched over to BitWarden, and have been satisfied ever since. They also have a mobile app (which you can indeed use for free).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 30, 2023, 08:50:39 PM

My solution is to just hoof it to my office anytime I need to log into anything. If I'm out and about...I wait to log into whatever until I get home.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on January 31, 2023, 01:30:24 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 30, 2023, 08:50:39 PM
My solution is to just hoof it to my office anytime I need to log into anything. If I'm out and about...I wait to log into whatever until I get home.

Do you have a duplicate somewhere, just in case?

I use Keeper for my passwords. It integrates into most apps and keyboards. Seems pretty secure.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Dirt Roads on January 31, 2023, 11:06:19 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 29, 2023, 11:12:13 PM
Heh. I once worked with a system where the only way to change the password was to wait for the automatic 90-day mandatory password refresh interval to pass. If you wanted to change the password in between, there simply was no option in the GUI for it.

I worked on a similar system, and this capability completely disappeared when the Admin got overruled and turned off the 90-day mandatory refresh. Once it was set, you were stuck.

In a similar vein, when CenturyLink was first strung together, their WebMail server didn't have a means to set new passwords and you had to call an get a tech to change it over the phone. That lasted for more than 10 years (except I'm sure that nobody dared letting the techs in the Philippines mess with their password). Anyhow, in November 2022 their new WebMail server (designed to support existing customers as well those like us that got spun off to Brightspeed and others) now supports password changes once again.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 31, 2023, 09:39:27 PM

Earlier today, my colleagues and I passed this well-known landmark (see photo of me). Our boss was baffled as to why we were all adamant about stopping to take pictures and why we were passing our phones around to make sure we all had photos. Turns out somehow he has never seen a single episode of Seinfeld.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230201/94da0471521db95b3b69e1a242bbb2ac.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on January 31, 2023, 10:45:29 PM

My girlfriend and I's favorite show is Curb Your Enthusiasm, but I'm not sure we've combined watched more than three episodes of Seinfeld.

We know the show, and the characters (season 7 of Curb is entirely about Seinfeld, after all), just no interest in multi-camera laugh-track sitcoms in general, Fraser being an exception.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 31, 2023, 11:22:59 PM

I enjoy Seinfeld because it is mean spirited humor, and all the characters are awful people.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 31, 2023, 11:30:41 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 31, 2023, 09:39:27 PMTurns out somehow he has never seen a single episode of Seinfeld.

I am in the same boat, though I recognize the Soup Nazi and a few other references.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 01, 2023, 01:13:43 AM

It would probably be pretty hard to get into Seinfeld in the present day, given how many tropes it invented that have been done to death a thousand times since then.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 01, 2023, 07:09:55 AM

But you guys at least know of it, even if you've barely seen it. He had never even heard of it, which is really borderline inconceivable to me for someone who was in his 30s during the 1990s.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 01, 2023, 07:44:14 AM

I haven't watched Seinfeld, and I've heard of it partially because it aired before Quantum Leap. Considering that the show ran from 1989 until 1998, it was practically a different era of television compared to 2023.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 01, 2023, 08:17:19 AM

Minor hassle that happens every damn morning with Windows 10: I want to click through a folder tree to a subfolder. Invariably, as I'm trying to expand it, Windows yanks the folder display down so the folder I want moves to the bottom of the screen and the subfolders get pushed off the bottom. You'd think the programmers could make the system understand that when the user clicks to expand a particular folder, it's usually because he wants to use that particular folder or subfolders within it (though, to be fair, sometimes the click will be a misclick).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on February 01, 2023, 10:03:50 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 01, 2023, 01:13:43 AM
It would probably be pretty hard to get into Seinfeld in the present day, given how many tropes it invented that have been done to death a thousand times since then.

I agree, but at the same time, there are so many other (and in my opinion better) jokes that I think if you can hold on past all the cultural references it can still engage you. I do agree when something has been copied or parodied so many times for so long and it's something you have never seen, yes, it is hard to watch when you actually do see it because it seems like a parody itself.

I mean you still have George knowing exactly where all the best public toilets are, the time Jerry, Kramer and George went into an open house and acted like they were interested in buying the condo, but they only wanted to use the bathroom and when George got locked out of his office because everyone thought he was faking being handicapped (of course this was after the disaster following the Summer of George) just so he could have the handicapped bathroom.....come to think of it, all my favorite jokes from the show involve the bathroom somehow. Larry David has serious issues with the bathroom.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 01, 2023, 11:17:24 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 01, 2023, 08:17:19 AMMinor hassle that happens every damn morning with Windows 10: I want to click through a folder tree to a subfolder. Invariably, as I'm trying to expand it, Windows yanks the folder display down so the folder I want moves to the bottom of the screen and the subfolders get pushed off the bottom. You'd think the programmers could make the system understand that when the user clicks to expand a particular folder, it's usually because he wants to use that particular folder or subfolders within it (though, to be fair, sometimes the click will be a misclick).

I've tried to replicate this behavior in Windows Explorer (also on Windows 10) and not been able to do it, except in one specific situation. Here is what happens in an Explorer window that has been open for some time:

* Folder close enough to bottom of pane that full list of subfolders won't be visible if folder stays in current position: Folder moves up so that full list of subfolders will display with last subfolder at bottom of pane (if full list is shorter than pane height) or to top of pane (if full list is longer than pane height).

* Folder far enough from bottom of pane that full list of subfolders will be visible if folder stays in current position: Folder does not move; subfolders display beneath.

Are you trying to navigate to a subfolder right after opening a new Explorer window? That is the only time I see behavior like what you are describing, and I think it results from Explorer being programmed to return the data object listing in the folder pane (Quick Access, Downloads, Documents, etc.) to a neutral position once it finds the drives, even if this means whipping the folder listing out from under a user who is trying to click through to a specific subfolder. This is annoying enough that I usually open a window first thing after restarting and keep it open until I need to close it, which typically happens when a session goes stale and stops clearing file handles promptly.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on February 01, 2023, 11:31:34 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 31, 2023, 09:39:27 PM
Earlier today, my colleagues and I passed this well-known landmark (see photo of me). Our boss was baffled as to why we were all adamant about stopping to take pictures and why we were passing our phones around to make sure we all had photos. Turns out somehow he has never seen a single episode of Seinfeld.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230201/94da0471521db95b3b69e1a242bbb2ac.jpg)

Yeah, well, I'm disappointed that no one photographed it because it's also the inspiration for "Tom's Diner" by Suzanne Vega.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on February 01, 2023, 06:26:45 PM

I have watched more minutes of AI-generated Seinfeld than the actual show.

https://www.theverge.com/23581186/ai-seinfeld-twitch-stream-chatgpt

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on February 01, 2023, 06:37:06 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on February 01, 2023, 11:31:34 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 31, 2023, 09:39:27 PM
Earlier today, my colleagues and I passed this well-known landmark (see photo of me). Our boss was baffled as to why we were all adamant about stopping to take pictures and why we were passing our phones around to make sure we all had photos. Turns out somehow he has never seen a single episode of Seinfeld.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230201/94da0471521db95b3b69e1a242bbb2ac.jpg)
Yeah, well, I'm disappointed that no one photographed it because it's also the inspiration for "Tom's Diner" by Suzanne Vega.

Doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo-doo

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on February 02, 2023, 02:33:47 PM

As I've often said, "Seinfeld" was a show that I didn't particularly care for.

Same with "Friends."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: royo6022 on February 02, 2023, 03:19:39 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on February 02, 2023, 02:33:47 PM
As I've often said, "Seinfeld" was a show that I didn't particularly care for.

Same with "Friends."

This is interesting because I always found Seinfeld to be what Friends was trying to go for, but I always liked Seinfeld and never liked Friends. I see so many similarities but I only enjoyed the former.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on February 02, 2023, 09:43:22 PM

So now my dishwasher latch is broken. No idea how it broke, but it won't close, the thing seems to be jammed into the closed position such that I can't even push it shut. I have a full load of dishes that I now can't wash, some of which I don't even know how to wash, and am stuck in a lurch where I won't be able to even make certain meals until it's fixed (probably will have to throw out some perishable food I won't be able to use in time as a result), and knowing my apartment's maintenance, it will probably be several days before it's usable again, if not more than a week.

Guess I've learned my lesson - never make a meal that REQUIRES that the dishwasher be used. Ever. Bye bye tacos and hamburgers (and cooking for any meal except breakfast, period, since those are the only things other than pasta and eggs I can make, the latter not well, and the former retired years ago due to food spoilage concerns with respect to sauce).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 02, 2023, 10:06:31 PM

Washing dishes by hand sucks, but it is at least possible. What are you having trouble not knowing how to wash?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 02, 2023, 10:32:06 PM

I haven't used the dishwasher in years. I hand wash everything in the sink and put it to dry.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 02, 2023, 10:49:00 PM

I hate it when the dishwasher malfunctions and I have to wash everything by hand. But, as a general rule, the dishwasher is the far more restrictive option for washing dishes. Pretty much everything can go in a sinkful of hot water with dish soap, but the dishwasher is really hard on bone, wood, metals other than stainless steel, nonstick surfaces, and so on.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 03, 2023, 12:33:29 AM

I think I've mentioned it before, but I just put everything in the dishwasher, since anything that doesn't fare well in the dishwasher presents enough maintenance overhead that I don't really want to have it around anyway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on February 03, 2023, 02:46:59 AM

Dishwashers are rare in Japan, some people have small counter-top ones though.

I don't have one, so I have to hand-wash. I loathe the entire concept. It's a massive waste of water to hand-wash everything, it takes far longer, the water cannot get hot enough to actually rinse dishes of bacteria, and sponges are gross. I see no advantage to hand-washing other than to protect those items that cannot stand the hot temperatures.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on February 03, 2023, 05:14:51 AM

That I have to give consent for cookies to each Google mirror individually. C'mon, I've said yes not once but twice (I've cleared it for the .com and .es versions), that should be valid for every Google page.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on February 03, 2023, 07:09:13 AM

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on February 03, 2023, 05:14:51 AM
That I have to give consent for cookies to each Google mirror individually. C'mon, I've said yes not once but twice (I've cleared it for the .com and .es versions), that should be valid for every Google page.

At least you have the option, being in the EU. Here, a few websites have a yes/no option, but the vast majority force me to accept.

From my trip to Europe, it appears the New York Times isn't paywalled there, but I'm not entirely sure.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 03, 2023, 10:30:37 AM

Quote from: vdeane on February 02, 2023, 09:43:22 PM
So now my dishwasher latch is broken. No idea how it broke, but it won't close, the thing seems to be jammed into the closed position such that I can't even push it shut. I have a full load of dishes that I now can't wash, some of which I don't even know how to wash, and am stuck in a lurch where I won't be able to even make certain meals until it's fixed (probably will have to throw out some perishable food I won't be able to use in time as a result), and knowing my apartment's maintenance, it will probably be several days before it's usable again, if not more than a week.

Guess I've learned my lesson - never make a meal that REQUIRES that the dishwasher be used. Ever. Bye bye tacos and hamburgers (and cooking for any meal except breakfast, period, since those are the only things other than pasta and eggs I can make, the latter not well, and the former retired years ago due to food spoilage concerns with respect to sauce).

My parents' old dishwasher had the type of latch that was an arm that swung from one side of the door to the other. It wasn't latching closed properly–they could close it, but then it would pop back out and unlock the door, preventing the machine from running. Their solution? They jammed the latch closed with a wine cork when they wanted to run the machine (eventually they replaced it when they redid their kitchen and got new appliances). Sounds like that might not work for you because you say you can't get it to close at all, and of course I don't know what sort of machine you have so it might not work even if you could close the door if you don't have that sort of latch, but I thought I'd mention it just in case it could help.

But as Scott5114 asked, what is it you don't know how to wash? For the most part, washing dishes is easy (if tedious). Use some dish soap, a sponge, and hot water, and perhaps a dish brush if needed, to scrub stuff off. You might also need one of those Scotch Guard brand scrubber sponges that has a normal sponge on one side and a more abrasive surface on the other side (it's not steel wool and won't scratch plates), and you might need steel wool (SOS or Brillo) if you have food caked onto pots and pans (but don't use steel wool on nonstick or cast-iron pans). I don't use normal dish soap on wine glasses, opting instead for a particular wine glass detergent I prefer, but that's me being picky.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on February 03, 2023, 11:08:49 AM

As I've said before, I live in the house my family built when I was in high school. A dishwasher was installed when the house was built. I don't know that my mom ever used it. My dad certainly didn't in the years after my mom died. And we haven't used it at all since we've lived there. I don't even know if it still works.

If you have a kitchen sink with enough counter space for a dish drainer, and two hands, you can wash dishes. A two-bay sink is easier, one for washing and one for rinsing, but it's not necessary.

I cannot comprehend the thought of someone depending on a dishwasher and thinking they can't cook, or will have to throw out food, because the dishwasher's broken. It just doesn't compute. Please try to explain it to us. Sounds like I'm not the only one who's having difficulty figuring this out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on February 03, 2023, 12:55:28 PM

The things I have an issue with hand washing are as follows:
-My large frying pan that I use for making tacos. Anything to do with tacos, really, including the bowl I put the meat in afterwards and the tupperwear container I put the leftover meat in. The meat and sauce leave far too much grease for me to clean; if I tried, I'd ruin my sponge to the point where I'd need to throw it out, and the item still would not be clean. Even the brush I use to prewash these items needs to go into the dishwasher to be cleaned, and it's only several weeks after I'm done with a taco cycle that it starts to look clean again.
-The drip tray for my George Foreman grill that I use for hamburgers. Like the tacos, I can't clean the fat, even after draining most of it into another container.
-My glasses; for some reason, they tend not to get clean very well by handwashing. Fortunately, since it's just me and I only drink water at home, they don't need to be constantly washed.
-The baking pan and large plate I use with breadsticks actually can be handwashed, but their large size makes it very inconvenient to do so.

There's also the issue of volume. I can only hand wash so much at once due to limited drying room. Plus the soap only lasts so long before the sponge has mostly water. I'm probably not doing it right (I put some soap on either my spatula or a plate depending on whether I'm using the dishwasher for most things or not; I always have to handwash some because the frying pan I use for eggs is non-stick and I need both it and the spatula everyday anyways; and then I just re-use the now soapy sponge until I'm done), but that's what happens when you teach yourself with no reference.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 03, 2023, 01:23:29 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 03, 2023, 10:30:37 AMYou might also need one of those Scotch Guard brand scrubber sponges that has a normal sponge on one side and a more abrasive surface on the other side (it's not steel wool and won't scratch plates), and you might need steel wool (SOS or Brillo) if you have food caked onto pots and pans (but don't use steel wool on nonstick or cast-iron pans). I don't use normal dish soap on wine glasses, opting instead for a particular wine glass detergent I prefer, but that's me being picky.

We use Scotch-Brite Dobies (https://www.amazon.com/Scotch-Brite-Dobie-Purpose-3-Count-Total/dp/B00R6CG2Z2), which are sponges wrapped in coarse-textured woven plastic that is useful for scouring. We also have Bar Keepers Friend (https://www.amazon.com/Bar-Keepers-Friend-Powdered-12-Ounces/dp/B000V72992), a powdered abrasive cleaner, under the sink. I personally don't use it often, but it is the only thing that actually restores an even shine to the bottom of the stainless steel skillet I use for pasta sauces, omelette fillings, etc. (Dawn dish soap will lift all the food residue but leave the bottom looking streaky and dull).

I realize not all will have the counter space to spare, but we typically use an area next to the sink for staging dirty dishes, including ones that are soaking with a few drops of dish soap in warm water to release food stains.

Quote from: vdeane on February 03, 2023, 12:55:28 PMMy large frying pan that I use for making tacos. Anything to do with tacos, really, including the bowl I put the meat in afterwards and the Tupperware container I put the leftover meat in. The meat and sauce leave far too much grease for me to clean; if I tried, I'd ruin my sponge to the point where I'd need to throw it out, and the item still would not be clean. Even the brush I use to prewash these items needs to go into the dishwasher to be cleaned, and it's only several weeks after I'm done with a taco cycle that it starts to look clean again.

We often presoak with hot water and dish soap to clean cookware and food storage containers that have held oily or greasy food. The dish soap will lift most of the fatty residue and a scouring pad (Dobie or similar), also dosed with soap, will take care of the rest.

Quote from: vdeane on February 03, 2023, 12:55:28 PMThe drip tray for my George Foreman grill that I use for hamburgers. Like the tacos, I can't clean the fat, even after draining most of it into another container.

Again, dish soap is your friend. We don't have a George Foreman grill, but we have similar issues with our chicken roasting pan, which we use once every two weeks in the summer.

Quote from: vdeane on February 03, 2023, 12:55:28 PMMy glasses; for some reason, they tend not to get clean very well by handwashing. Fortunately, since it's just me and I only drink water at home, they don't need to be constantly washed.

Glasses can be challenging. We occasionally soak ours in neat vinegar to lift mineral stains, and simply drinking beer out of them will do the same.

Quote from: vdeane on February 03, 2023, 12:55:28 PMThere's also the issue of volume. I can only hand wash so much at once due to limited drying room. Plus the soap only lasts so long before the sponge has mostly water. I'm probably not doing it right (I put some soap on either my spatula or a plate depending on whether I'm using the dishwasher for most things or not; I always have to handwash some because the frying pan I use for eggs is non-stick and I need both it and the spatula everyday anyways; and then I just re-use the now soapy sponge until I'm done), but that's what happens when you teach yourself with no reference.

My go-to is a Dobie and I dose it with dish soap at the start, re-dosing as needed when I see it is not lifting oil anymore (e.g., visible fingerprints or oily film after rinsing).

I don't actually wash non-stick pans--I just use a paper towel on the non-stick surface to lift most of the canola oil I use for eggs, and wet-wipe the bottom and handle.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SectorZ on February 03, 2023, 01:34:55 PM

Quote from: vdeane on February 03, 2023, 12:55:28 PM
The things I have an issue with hand washing are as follows:
-My large frying pan that I use for making tacos. Anything to do with tacos, really, including the bowl I put the meat in afterwards and the tupperwear container I put the leftover meat in. The meat and sauce leave far too much grease for me to clean; if I tried, I'd ruin my sponge to the point where I'd need to throw it out, and the item still would not be clean. Even the brush I use to prewash these items needs to go into the dishwasher to be cleaned, and it's only several weeks after I'm done with a taco cycle that it starts to look clean again.
-The drip tray for my George Foreman grill that I use for hamburgers. Like the tacos, I can't clean the fat, even after draining most of it into another container.
-My glasses; for some reason, they tend not to get clean very well by handwashing. Fortunately, since it's just me and I only drink water at home, they don't need to be constantly washed.
-The baking pan and large plate I use with breadsticks actually can be handwashed, but their large size makes it very inconvenient to do so.

There's also the issue of volume. I can only hand wash so much at once due to limited drying room. Plus the soap only lasts so long before the sponge has mostly water. I'm probably not doing it right (I put some soap on either my spatula or a plate depending on whether I'm using the dishwasher for most things or not; I always have to handwash some because the frying pan I use for eggs is non-stick and I need both it and the spatula everyday anyways; and then I just re-use the now soapy sponge until I'm done), but that's what happens when you teach yourself with no reference.

Don't fret it. My first job involved washing dishes, and I still can't manage very well in the temporary situations I've been without a dishwasher.

Given if I had three sinks that were all big enough for a person to curl up in just one of them, I would probably not depend on the dishwasher as much.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on February 03, 2023, 02:05:14 PM

When we first moved into the house, we didn't have a dishwasher. And it was like that for 14 years until we finally remodeled our kitchen and had one installed. There are still certain things we handwash, including cheaper plastic stuff that would probably melt in the dishwasher, sharp knives, and most of our pots and pans.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 03, 2023, 02:25:19 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on February 03, 2023, 01:23:29 PM
.... We also have Bar Keepers Friend (https://www.amazon.com/Bar-Keepers-Friend-Powdered-12-Ounces/dp/B000V72992), a powdered abrasive cleaner, under the sink. ....

That's good stuff. We use that as well and it's very effective for cleaning the sink itself. There is also a liquid cleanser of the same brand that we use to clean our glass-ceramic cooktop (stove). I let the stuff sit for a while and then use the abrasive side of an older sponge to wipe it off and it does a good job of cleaning off more of the caked-on stuff (my wife seems to think that simply wiping the stove with a damp sponge is sufficient to clean it even though she's just pushing grease around).

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 03, 2023, 10:30:37 AM
.... You might also need one of those Scotch Guard brand scrubber sponges that has a normal sponge on one side and a more abrasive surface on the other side ....

I realized the above contains a typo: The brand is Scotch Brite, not Scotch Guard. Scotchgard is a fabric protectant.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on February 03, 2023, 03:17:00 PM

It's hard for me to believe that a dishwashing machine does better than hand-washing. Spraying water vs. hand-scrubbing?

When I sink-wash dishes, I start the water running, then put the Dawn/Palmolive/Ajax/Walmart Great Value liquid in the water with the water still running. It foams up nicely. I typically don't put the dishwashing liquid directly on the sponge/scrubber/dishrag.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on February 03, 2023, 03:19:14 PM

I certainly have trouble believing that a dishwasher uses less water than washing dishes by hand.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on February 03, 2023, 03:24:26 PM

Quote from: LM117 on November 27, 2019, 12:49:18 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 27, 2019, 12:15:36 PMChristmas music before Thanksgiving.

Same, and I'll take it a step further and say that it's ridiculous to start selling Christmas items in early September before the first day of Fall even hits. Same with Halloween items being put out the last week of July, Valentine's items during the last couple weeks of December, and Easter items before Valentine's Day.

[/quote】

If you think about it, most seasonal items usually are put into stores with a minimum 90-day window before the "season" is over. Christmas items then would start appearing after Labor Day, Easter items around late January (despite Valentine's Day candy is still "in season", and why summer clothes start to become harder to find after the 4th of July.

It also gives retailers an extra month after the season is over to gradually discount past-season/end-of season product until they are just giving what's left away.

It's the way of business, unfortunately.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on February 03, 2023, 03:31:45 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on February 03, 2023, 03:19:14 PM
I certainly have trouble believing that a dishwasher uses less water than washing dishes by hand.

To put this into practice, get a bucket and pour hose water into it without a nozzle, then with a spray nozzle.

Or, let water pour into a bathtub, vs using the shower head to spray water into a tub.

The bucket or tub will fill much faster with the free flow of water vs the spray.

Now, you may say that you're only using the spiget a short period of time, and of course each individual will vary especially based on how many dishes need to be washed, but overall handwashing dishes uses a lot more water on average than a dishwasher.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 03, 2023, 03:41:50 PM

Supposedly the average Energy Star certified dishwasher uses an average of around four gallons of water per load (newer ones use less). I'm almost certain handwashing uses more, especially if someone leaves the water running the whole time. You'd be surprised how quickly you go through a gallon of water. I'm aware of that because I usually drink lemonade and I put three litres of water in the pitcher at a time (one gallon equals about 3.78 litres). It doesn't take long to put that much water in the pitcher.

(Which makes me think back to when I was in college and I observed that other guys in my first-year dorm would keep the water running while brushing their teeth. I've never understood why people do that. Wet the toothbrush, turn off the water, brush your teeth, then turn the water back on to rinse your mouth and clean the toothbrush. I also turn off the shower to "soap up.")

Edited to add: Regarding energy usage, another thing to consider is how much water you use while the faucet is running and you're waiting for the water to be hot enough to use to hand-wash the dishes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kirbykart on February 03, 2023, 04:08:00 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on February 03, 2023, 02:46:59 AM
Dishwashers are rare in Japan, some people have small counter-top ones though.

I don't have one, so I have to hand-wash. I loathe the entire concept. It's a massive waste of water to hand-wash everything, it takes far longer, the water cannot get hot enough to actually rinse dishes of bacteria, and sponges are gross. I see no advantage to hand-washing other than to protect those items that cannot stand the hot temperatures.

Re: bolded. Dishwashers take at least an hour (just Googled, never used a dishwasher in my life). Can it really take far longer than that to hand-wash?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on February 03, 2023, 04:15:56 PM

Quote from: kirbykart on February 03, 2023, 04:08:00 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on February 03, 2023, 02:46:59 AM
Dishwashers are rare in Japan, some people have small counter-top ones though.

I don't have one, so I have to hand-wash. I loathe the entire concept. It's a massive waste of water to hand-wash everything, it takes far longer, the water cannot get hot enough to actually rinse dishes of bacteria, and sponges are gross. I see no advantage to hand-washing other than to protect those items that cannot stand the hot temperatures.

Re: bolded. Dishwashers take at least an hour (just Googled, never used a dishwasher in my life). Can it really take far longer than that to hand-wash?

The dishwasher does most of it's work autonomously. It's only the loading and loading that consumes a human's time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kirbykart on February 03, 2023, 04:22:58 PM

^But it still takes longer to wash the dishes than hand washing. Unless I'm misinterpreting.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Amaury on February 03, 2023, 04:35:36 PM

Quote from: kirbykart on February 03, 2023, 04:08:00 PMRe: bolded. Dishwashers take at least an hour (just Googled, never used a dishwasher in my life). Can it really take far longer than that to hand-wash?

It depends on the kind of dishwasher, I guess. We have an industrial one at my job, and it only takes about five minutes and gets our dishes very clean, after just one wash. If it's greasy stuff, like our fry stuff, we'll run it through twice just to ensure the grease comes off, but still, even one wash is good. You can throw in a pan with bacon grease stuck to the bottom, and the pan will be squeaky clean after one wash cycle. Our dishwasher here at home, you need to practically get everything off beforehand.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on February 03, 2023, 04:36:59 PM

Quote from: kirbykart on February 03, 2023, 04:22:58 PM
^But it still takes longer to wash the dishes than hand washing. Unless I'm misinterpreting.

The one in my apartment typically takes a couple hours to run, which yeah is probably longer than it'd take to wash the dishes by hand, but it's so much less effort and time that I spend dealing with the dishes. I can go be productive in other ways while the dishwasher is running, or I can run it while I'm sleeping late at night.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on February 03, 2023, 04:45:21 PM

Quote from: kirbykart on February 03, 2023, 04:22:58 PM
^But it still takes longer to wash the dishes than hand washing. Unless I'm misinterpreting.

Why does that matter? YOU are saving time by using the dishwasher. Do the dishes themselves have feelings or something?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 03, 2023, 04:45:59 PM

Quote from: US 89 on February 03, 2023, 04:36:59 PM
Quote from: kirbykart on February 03, 2023, 04:22:58 PM
^But it still takes longer to wash the dishes than hand washing. Unless I'm misinterpreting.

The one in my apartment typically takes a couple hours to run, which yeah is probably longer than it'd take to wash the dishes by hand, but it's so much less effort and time that I spend dealing with the dishes. I can go be productive in other ways while the dishwasher is running, or I can run it while I'm sleeping late at night.

These two points are the key. We usually put our dishwasher on "delay start" for when we're asleep so that we don't have to hear it running if we're watching TV or reading on the other side of our kitchen/family room space. But even if we ran it immediately, the idea that the dishwasher "takes longer" is somewhat misleading because using it frees up your time. When you wash dishes by hand, you're limited in what else you can do while you're doing that–I suppose you can turn on the TV (though I find it hard to concentrate on watching something and I have to turn up the volume because of when I turn on the water) or listen to music, but there's not a whole lot else you can do. So while from a hypertechnical standpoint the dishwasher itself might take longer depending on how much you have to wash, it's somewhat of an apples-to-oranges comparison because it doesn't account for what you can do with your time. You can go take a dump, for example, which you probably can't do while you wash dishes unless your living space has a very unusual arrangement. (I'm now visualizing the Seinfeld episode when Kramer turned his shower into a kitchen.)

(We normally set the dishwasher to "Air Dry" too. No reason to use the heated dry because we run it at night and the dishes can then air-dry in the dishwasher overnight. At most we have to dry off the bases of upside-down top-rack stuff like coffee mugs or bowls.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SectorZ on February 03, 2023, 04:55:34 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on February 03, 2023, 03:19:14 PM
I certainly have trouble believing that a dishwasher uses less water than washing dishes by hand.

https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/how-much-water-do-dishwashers-use/

"Getting them clean in the sink can use up to 27 gallons of water per load. An Energy Star certified dishwasher can use as little as 3 gallons per load"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 03, 2023, 05:30:55 PM

One of the things I did two years ago was get some 7.5" Round White Plates (https://amzn.to/40rsGFs). This got my mother unhappy because I was "wasting money", but later saw the value. Smaller plates meant more room for plates, especially when microwaving small items. I usually wait with dishwashing until I'm out of plates, cutlery, or pet food bowls, then do it at night. It takes 3Â½ hours to do a load, and I end up emptying the dishwasher when I wake up at 2:30 AM. (damn those six years of being on overnight).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 03, 2023, 07:04:24 PM

Quote from: vdeane on February 03, 2023, 12:55:28 PM
There's also the issue of volume. I can only hand wash so much at once due to limited drying room. Plus the soap only lasts so long before the sponge has mostly water. I'm probably not doing it right (I put some soap on either my spatula or a plate depending on whether I'm using the dishwasher for most things or not; I always have to handwash some because the frying pan I use for eggs is non-stick and I need both it and the spatula everyday anyways; and then I just re-use the now soapy sponge until I'm done), but that's what happens when you teach yourself with no reference.

If the dishwasher is not actively being used for its intended purpose, it is basically just a huge drying rack.

Quote from: SectorZ on February 03, 2023, 04:55:34 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on February 03, 2023, 03:19:14 PM
I certainly have trouble believing that a dishwasher uses less water than washing dishes by hand.

https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/how-much-water-do-dishwashers-use/

"Getting them clean in the sink can use up to 27 gallons of water per load. An Energy Star certified dishwasher can use as little as 3 gallons per load"

For those wondering how this is possible, it's because instead of going through the rinse cycle with water fresh from the tap (as is your only choice when washing by hand), it recirculates water through the machine.

Quote from: kirbykart on February 03, 2023, 04:22:58 PM
^But it still takes longer to wash the dishes than hand washing. Unless I'm misinterpreting.

The only reason this would matter is if I need a specific dish (usually a cooking utensil or pan) right away. That's on me for not running the dishwasher right after using the pan, though. I'll let the sink fill with dirty dishes, then when I have a washer load, I'll just run it and walk away. I normally run it after all of the meals for the day are likely to be done.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 08, 2023, 01:11:09 PM

Today's minor thing: files that have digital signatures attached, so file associations will not launch them for casual viewing.

Example:

001_DPBO0329-D-20-T00-EG00-GEN-EE01-J.pdf.p7m

instead of

001_DPBO0329-D-20-T00-EG00-GEN-EE01-J.pdf

This means I have to unpack compressed archives (if they come to me inside zips) and then fire up OpenSSL to strip off the signatures just so I can look at them.

Code Select

"C:\Program Files\OpenSSL-Win64\bin\openssl.exe" smime -inform DER -verify -in "001_DPBO0329-D-20-T00-EG00-GEN-EE01-J.pdf.p7m" -noverify -binary -out "001_DPBO0329-D-20-T00-EG00-GEN-EE01-J.pdf"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on February 08, 2023, 01:49:53 PM

The fact you can't use certain characters in a file name like this one "/" as the computer will refuse so dated files have to be 1-1-23 for January 1, 2023.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 08, 2023, 02:22:36 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on February 08, 2023, 01:49:53 PM
The fact you can't use certain characters in a file name like this one "/" as the computer will refuse so dated files have to be 1-1-23 for January 1, 2023.

I would use hyphens, never slashes, to write the date anyway. But for purposes of dating a file, I find the ISO standard of year-month-day works better (e.g., 2023-02-08) because it forces Windows to sort properly if you sort by filename. If you use month-day-year, it'll sort all the Januarys (Januaries?) together regardless of year, then all the Februarys (Februaries?), etc.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 08, 2023, 03:09:24 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on February 08, 2023, 01:49:53 PMThe fact you can't use certain characters in a file name like this one "/" as the computer will refuse so dated files have to be 1-1-23 for January 1, 2023.

This goes back to the MS-DOS days when we used Command Line Interfaces (CLIs) instead of GUIs (Graphic User Interface), and Microsoft having to be different. The forward slash "/" is a directory separator on non-Windows systems while on Windows, its a command line argument (e.g. dir /-D /P) instead of dashes. Microsoft uses backslashes "\" as directory separators. Unix systems uses dashes to pass command line arguments.

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 08, 2023, 02:22:36 PMI would use hyphens, never slashes, to write the date anyway. But for purposes of dating a file, I find the ISO standard of year-month-day works better (e.g., 2023-02-08) because it forces Windows to sort properly if you sort by filename. If you use month-day-year, it'll sort all the Januarys (Januaries?) together regardless of year, then all the Februarys (Februaries?), etc.

I actually have the ShareX Screenshot Utility (https://markholtz.info/sharex) set up to dump my screen captures to the %y\%mo subdirectories with a %y-%mo-%d %h-%mi-%s for screen captures and %y-%mo-%d %h-%mi-%s %t for window captures on my personal computer. So, if I took the screen shot today, it would be named 2023-02-08 14-20-35.png and stored on the directory \\truenas\screenshots\ShareX\2023\02\ on my TrueNAS server. I know, very technical, but works great when set up.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 08, 2023, 08:04:56 PM

Yeah, if I had a file named "Bank Statement 2/8/23.pdf" that would be a file named 23.pdf in a folder called "8" in a folder called "Bank Statement 2".

As other posters mentioned, I just don't use slashes for dates and it solves the problem. (I don't use spaces in file names either, just hyphens or underscores, because spaces are used to separate commands and their arguments on the shell, and handling file names with spaces in them is therefore awkward.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on February 08, 2023, 08:21:34 PM

I actually had a problem recently reagrding pumping gas. Is it normal for a pump to constantly click off every half a gallon that goes in? Many times I was almost empty, and almost immediately when starting to pump it would click off as it it was full. I have tried very gently squeezing it so that only .1 gallons/second were going in, or slower (in case it was backwash) and it still does the same thing. No matter how I adjust the angle or position the nosel, it does the same thing, and I have had this problem across many pumps. It takes me up to 15 minutes to finish getting gas with this problem.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 08, 2023, 08:28:48 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on February 08, 2023, 08:21:34 PM
I actually had a problem recently reagrding pumping gas. Is it normal for a pump to constantly click off every half a gallon that goes in? Many times I was almost empty, and almost immediately when starting to pump it would click off as it it was full. I have tried very gently squeezing it so that only .1 gallons/second were going in, or slower (in case it was backwash) and it still does the same thing. No matter how I adjust the angle or position the nosel, it does the same thing, and I have had this problem across many pumps. It takes me up to 15 minutes to finish getting gas with this problem.

Does what you drive have a cap-less fuel filler?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 08, 2023, 08:29:23 PM

There may just be something particular about your gas tank that causes that. I have to struggle to fill my Pontiac more than 7/8 full, no matter where I fill up, whereas the same gas pumps had no problem overfilling the Chrysler I drove before.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on February 08, 2023, 08:32:26 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on February 08, 2023, 08:28:48 PM
Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on February 08, 2023, 08:21:34 PM
I actually had a problem recently reagrding pumping gas. Is it normal for a pump to constantly click off every half a gallon that goes in? Many times I was almost empty, and almost immediately when starting to pump it would click off as it it was full. I have tried very gently squeezing it so that only .1 gallons/second were going in, or slower (in case it was backwash) and it still does the same thing. No matter how I adjust the angle or position the nosel, it does the same thing, and I have had this problem across many pumps. It takes me up to 15 minutes to finish getting gas with this problem.

Does what you drive have a cap-less fuel filler?

No, there's a cap that you twist on.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 08, 2023, 09:05:16 PM

I had a similar issue with my 1986 Nissan Maxima: the shutoff on some pumps would trip prematurely, sometimes after pumping just two gallons into the almost-empty 15-gallon tank. This happened more frequently when pumping gas fast, so I always set the trigger on the detent that corresponds to lowest flow rate. On some pumps this was just not slow enough to avoid problems.

My suggestion would be to try hand-feeding at a slow trickle and see if the behavior goes away.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 08, 2023, 09:08:09 PM

When I had this issue on my 2012 Fiesta the problem was a bad sensor. The sensor thought my car was full at all times until I was able to get a replacement. Filling up took a similar amount of time as described above.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on February 08, 2023, 09:18:27 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on February 08, 2023, 09:05:16 PM
I had a similar issue with my 1986 Nissan Maxima: the shutoff on some pumps would trip prematurely, sometimes after pumping just two gallons into the almost-empty 15-gallon tank. This happened more frequently when pumping gas fast, so I always set the trigger on the detent that corresponds to lowest flow rate. On some pumps this was just not slow enough to avoid problems.

My suggestion would be to try hand-feeding at a slow trickle and see if the behavior goes away.

That is what I do. At the pumps I've gone to, I've never been able to use a switch/lever to lock it in place. So I would squeeze it just barely so it would take several seconds just for a tenth of a gallon to go in at a time, and it still does it. Maybe there's something blocking the intake tube? Like a layer of metal that came loose and is dangling in the way?

You can imagine the frustration in Jersey, where you can't even pump it yourself, leaving woth only 8 gallons when I know for a fact there was room for 12 lol

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 08, 2023, 10:03:33 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on February 08, 2023, 09:18:27 PMThat is what I do. At the pumps I've gone to, I've never been able to use a switch/lever to lock it in place. So I would squeeze it just barely so it would take several seconds just for a tenth of a gallon to go in at a time, and it still does it. Maybe there's something blocking the intake tube? Like a layer of metal that came loose and is dangling in the way?

A plugged tank vent is one possibility.

Jalopnik article on various causes of premature shutoff (https://jalopnik.com/this-is-why-the-gas-pump-keeps-shutting-off-on-you-all-1842036809)

You live in a state and an area of the country that tends to be quite heavily regulated, so it doesn't surprise me gas pumps don't have nozzle trigger detents. I don't think I have ever seen them in Canada or Britain either.

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on February 08, 2023, 09:18:27 PMYou can imagine the frustration in Jersey, where you can't even pump it yourself, leaving with only 8 gallons when I know for a fact there was room for 12 lol

Many years ago I left Bend, Oregon eastbound on US 20. I had to start backtracking at Brothers when I realized the only gas station in town was closed and I didn't have enough fuel to make it to Burns. Back at Bend, the attendant at the gas station handed me a receipt for about two gallons' worth of gas and was all ready to say goodbye, clearly thinking the tank was full when in fact it needed at least another 11 gallons. (Oregon at the time had mandatory full-serve everywhere.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on February 09, 2023, 11:30:56 AM

Y'all may have noticed that a lot of my entries are language-related.

Heard/read one not long ago that grates all over me like the proverbial squeak on a chalkboard.

"For all intensive purposes..."

:pan:

It's "intents and purposes."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on February 09, 2023, 11:36:43 AM

"tow the line"
"touch bases"
to a lesser extent, "chomping at the bit"

And I don't care if it's grammatically correct, but I hate it when people use "ask" as a noun/synonym for "question" or "request"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on February 09, 2023, 11:55:13 AM

Quote from: hbelkins on February 09, 2023, 11:30:56 AM
Y'all may have noticed that a lot of my entries are language-related.

Heard/read one not long ago that grates all over me like the proverbial squeak on a chalkboard.

"For all intensive purposes..."

:pan:

It's "intents and purposes."

"Its a mute point"

butt naked vs. buck naked. That one really infuriates me because I feel like it is the embodiment of my generation. Hear something said, lazily repeat it and not really get it correct but think you nailed it, and never do the research on the saying and where it actually came from and why.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 09, 2023, 12:20:33 PM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on February 09, 2023, 11:55:13 AM
....

butt naked vs. buck naked. That one really infuriates me because I feel like it is the embodiment of my generation. Hear something said, lazily repeat it and not really get it correct but think you nailed it, and never do the research on the saying and where it actually came from and why.

That one is an example of a popular usage that is incorrect but that, in some ways, might not be such a bad change. The term "buck" was historically used as a way of referring to male slaves and acquired negative connotations as a result, such that "buck naked" often referred to slaves toiling naked in the cotton fields.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on February 09, 2023, 12:32:01 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 09, 2023, 12:20:33 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on February 09, 2023, 11:55:13 AM
....

butt naked vs. buck naked. That one really infuriates me because I feel like it is the embodiment of my generation. Hear something said, lazily repeat it and not really get it correct but think you nailed it, and never do the research on the saying and where it actually came from and why.

That one is an example of a popular usage that is incorrect but that, in some ways, might not be such a bad change. The term "buck" was historically used as a way of referring to male slaves and acquired negative connotations as a result, such that "buck naked" often referred to slaves toiling naked in the cotton fields.

Really? Well, shit. Glad I liked "butt naked" better anyway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on February 09, 2023, 01:10:00 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on February 09, 2023, 12:32:01 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on February 09, 2023, 12:20:33 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on February 09, 2023, 11:55:13 AM
....

butt naked vs. buck naked. That one really infuriates me because I feel like it is the embodiment of my generation. Hear something said, lazily repeat it and not really get it correct but think you nailed it, and never do the research on the saying and where it actually came from and why.

That one is an example of a popular usage that is incorrect but that, in some ways, might not be such a bad change. The term "buck" was historically used as a way of referring to male slaves and acquired negative connotations as a result, such that "buck naked" often referred to slaves toiling naked in the cotton fields.
Really? Well, shit. Glad I liked "butt naked" better anyway.

When I was younger, I figured it just had to do with whether it was full-frontal nudity or just one's rear end visible. Gotta admit "butt naked" just sounds a little less serious or less embarrassing.

Quote from: abefroman329 on February 09, 2023, 11:36:43 AM
to a lesser extent, "chomping at the bit"

I was today-years-old when I learned this. Never heard "champing at the bit" before, and I can't think of an instance where I've heard it said that way, probably because I've not heard the word champ used that way (even among horse owners and riders). I guess the conjugated word changed and the phrase did too, although sometimes idioms preserve fossilized bits of language that way.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on February 09, 2023, 01:14:05 PM

Quote from: formulanone on February 09, 2023, 01:10:00 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on February 09, 2023, 12:32:01 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on February 09, 2023, 12:20:33 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on February 09, 2023, 11:55:13 AM
....

butt naked vs. buck naked. That one really infuriates me because I feel like it is the embodiment of my generation. Hear something said, lazily repeat it and not really get it correct but think you nailed it, and never do the research on the saying and where it actually came from and why.

That one is an example of a popular usage that is incorrect but that, in some ways, might not be such a bad change. The term "buck" was historically used as a way of referring to male slaves and acquired negative connotations as a result, such that "buck naked" often referred to slaves toiling naked in the cotton fields.
Really? Well, shit. Glad I liked "butt naked" better anyway.

When I was younger, I figured it just had to do with whether it was full-frontal nudity or just one's rear end visible.

Quote from: abefroman329 on February 09, 2023, 11:36:43 AM
to a lesser extent, "chomping at the bit"

I was today-years-old when I learned this. Never heard "champing at the bit" before, and I can't think of an instance where I've heard it said that way, probably because I've not heard the word champ used that way (even among horse owners and riders). I guess the conjugated word changed and the phrase did too, although sometimes idioms preserve fossilized bits of language that way.

Yeah, I only learned it from Jack Donaghy on 30 Rock ("CHAMP, Lemon! Horses CHAMP at the bit!")

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on February 09, 2023, 02:31:56 PM

Another phrase that irritates me is "all of the sudden."

I'm used to "all of a sudden."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on February 09, 2023, 02:34:57 PM

Just now, I realized I've been using the expression "go to the mat" as a synonym for "argue unnecessarily," thinking it had to do with wrestling. The only similar expression I've heard of is "go to the mattresses," which is a Mafia term for "going to war" used in The Godfather and demonstrated in the last episode or two of The Sopranos, among other places.

Did I just make up that expression?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on February 09, 2023, 02:41:22 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on February 09, 2023, 02:34:57 PM
Just now, I realized I've been using the expression "go to the mat" as a synonym for "argue unnecessarily," thinking it had to do with wrestling. The only similar expression I've heard of is "go to the mattresses," which is a Mafia term for "going to war" used in The Godfather and demonstrated in the last episode or two of The Sopranos, among other places.

Did I just make up that expression?

It exists, but you might be misunderstanding its meaning. It's not the same as the "mattresses" version, though. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/go_to_the_mat

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on February 09, 2023, 02:58:00 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on February 09, 2023, 11:30:56 AM
"For all intensive purposes..."

I had a co-worker and he admitted that he'd been hearing, saying, and writing it all wrong for well over 20 years.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on February 09, 2023, 06:17:56 PM

Quote from: formulanone on February 09, 2023, 02:58:00 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on February 09, 2023, 11:30:56 AM
"For all intensive purposes..."

I had a co-worker and he admitted that he'd been hearing, saying, and writing it all wrong for well over 20 years.

"Decimate" to mean something other than relating to the old Roman military punishment of removing every tenth soldier in a line.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on February 09, 2023, 06:56:49 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on February 09, 2023, 06:17:56 PM
Quote from: formulanone on February 09, 2023, 02:58:00 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on February 09, 2023, 11:30:56 AM
"For all intensive purposes..."

I had a co-worker and he admitted that he'd been hearing, saying, and writing it all wrong for well over 20 years.

"Decimate" to mean something other than relating to the old Roman military punishment of removing every tenth soldier in a line.

Mike

So, Michael...words can only keep the same solitary meaning, spelling, and pronunciation for centuries before and the eons to come?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tchafe1978 on February 10, 2023, 10:37:04 AM

"Dominate" when they mean "dominant"
"Worse" when they mean "worst"
"Looser" when they mean "loser"

There are all sorts of these where the pronounciation can get kind of muddled, so when people write them out they write the wrong form of the word. And mixing up your and you're and there, they're, and their have become so commonplace I almost expect it anymore.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on February 10, 2023, 10:40:22 AM

Quote from: tchafe1978 on February 10, 2023, 10:37:04 AM
"Looser" when they mean "loser"

looseweight.com was once a website. (Well, it still is, but it's a parked domain right now.)

Quote from: mgk920 on February 09, 2023, 06:17:56 PM
"Decimate" to mean something other than relating to the old Roman military punishment of removing every tenth soldier in a line.

I'm fine with "decimate" in any "1/10" context (not just the historical Roman usage), although not for its colloquial meaning. For example, this card uses the word correctly (players begin at 20 life, (usually) start with 60 cards, and 10 poison counters cause a game loss; this card is 1/10 for all of them).
(https://gatherer.wizards.com/Handlers/Image.ashx?multiverseid=214055&type=card)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on February 10, 2023, 10:48:45 AM

One saying that could be either of two totally different sets of words and work fine either way:

"Might as well" <> "Minus while"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on February 10, 2023, 10:50:50 AM

You got another thing coming.

No

It's "You got another think coming", because it's usually a response to someone saying "I think you should (insert job there is no way in crap I am doing)."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on February 10, 2023, 10:55:34 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 09, 2023, 12:20:33 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on February 09, 2023, 11:55:13 AM
....

butt naked vs. buck naked. That one really infuriates me because I feel like it is the embodiment of my generation. Hear something said, lazily repeat it and not really get it correct but think you nailed it, and never do the research on the saying and where it actually came from and why.

That one is an example of a popular usage that is incorrect but that, in some ways, might not be such a bad change. The term "buck" was historically used as a way of referring to male slaves and acquired negative connotations as a result, such that "buck naked" often referred to slaves toiling naked in the cotton fields.

I have come to the conclusion that every thing, song, saying, statue, building or famous baseball player had something to do with slavery or racism.

I just found out a few months ago "grandfather clause" was a reference to a clause about rights (or lack thereof) black people had if they were the grandchildren of a slave. Here I was thinking it was about Tim "The Rock" Raines being the last baseball player to bat with a helmet with no earflaps because he was allowed to continue to wear it since he started playing before they changed the rules to demand at least on earflap on a batting helmet!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on February 10, 2023, 10:59:09 AM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on February 10, 2023, 10:50:50 AM
You got another thing coming.

No

It's "You got another think coming", because it's usually a response to someone saying "I think you should (insert job there is no way in crap I am doing)."

First I've ever heard of this, but shouldn't it really be "another thought coming" if used in this context?

Also:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on February 10, 2023, 10:59:49 AM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on February 10, 2023, 10:55:34 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on February 09, 2023, 12:20:33 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on February 09, 2023, 11:55:13 AM
....

butt naked vs. buck naked. That one really infuriates me because I feel like it is the embodiment of my generation. Hear something said, lazily repeat it and not really get it correct but think you nailed it, and never do the research on the saying and where it actually came from and why.

That one is an example of a popular usage that is incorrect but that, in some ways, might not be such a bad change. The term "buck" was historically used as a way of referring to male slaves and acquired negative connotations as a result, such that "buck naked" often referred to slaves toiling naked in the cotton fields.

I have come to the conclusion that every thing, song, saying, statue, building or famous baseball player had something to do with slavery or racism.

I just found out a few months ago "grandfather clause" was a reference to a clause about rights (or lack thereof) black people had if they were the grandchildren of a slave. Here I was thinking it was about Tim "The Rock" Raines being the last baseball player to bat with a helmet with no earflaps because he was allowed to continue to wear it since he started playing before they changed the rules to demand at least on earflap on a batting helmet!

"Grandfather clause" isn't limited to sports; hell, it's not even limited to baseball. There were NHL players in the 80s or 90s that weren't wearing helmets, because they joined the league before they were required.

The phrase I've been trying very hard to eliminate from my vocabulary is "basket case." Not because it's racist, though; it was coined in World War I and was used to describe a soldier who lost his arms and legs in battle.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on February 10, 2023, 11:08:36 AM

Quote from: formulanone on February 09, 2023, 06:56:49 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on February 09, 2023, 06:17:56 PM
Quote from: formulanone on February 09, 2023, 02:58:00 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on February 09, 2023, 11:30:56 AM
"For all intensive purposes..."

I had a co-worker and he admitted that he'd been hearing, saying, and writing it all wrong for well over 20 years.

"Decimate" to mean something other than relating to the old Roman military punishment of removing every tenth soldier in a line.

Mike

So, Michael...words can only keep the same solitary meaning, spelling, and pronunciation for centuries before and the eons to come?

Words and phrases certainly evolve, but I like it better when the evolution is done on purpose by people who knew what the existing phrase was and deliberately chose to extend or modify it, rather than someone who misheard it or didn't understand it in the first place.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on February 10, 2023, 11:36:48 AM

Not just with batting helmets, but many other sports rules changes were 'grandfathered' in too, like requiring helmets on players in the NHL, the 'spitball' in baseball pitching, etc.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on February 10, 2023, 11:38:27 AM

Quote from: mgk920 on February 10, 2023, 11:36:48 AMNot just with batting helmets, but many other sports rules changes were 'grandfathered' in too, like requiring helmets on players in the NHL

You don't say.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 10, 2023, 12:14:07 PM

The similar example from today's NHL would be the visor (face shield). The league made visors mandatory ahead of the 2013—14 season; all players who had 25 or fewer games of NHL experience were required to wear a visor from then on, as were any new players entering the league, but any player who had 26 or more games of NHL experience as of that time was (and is) permitted to skip the visor if he wishes. I believe there are at most ten players remaining who don't wear them.

As an aside, Capitals owner Ted Leonsis has commented on how it tells you something about the male brain that the protective cup has been in universal use for over 100 years, yet the hockey helmet only became universal when Craig MacTavish retired in 1997.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on February 10, 2023, 12:18:29 PM

People are grandfathered in to some laws and regulations as well. A typical one would be a zoning ordinance that was created or changed after you owned the house.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on February 10, 2023, 12:51:31 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on February 10, 2023, 10:59:49 AM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on February 10, 2023, 10:55:34 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on February 09, 2023, 12:20:33 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on February 09, 2023, 11:55:13 AM
....

butt naked vs. buck naked. That one really infuriates me because I feel like it is the embodiment of my generation. Hear something said, lazily repeat it and not really get it correct but think you nailed it, and never do the research on the saying and where it actually came from and why.

That one is an example of a popular usage that is incorrect but that, in some ways, might not be such a bad change. The term "buck" was historically used as a way of referring to male slaves and acquired negative connotations as a result, such that "buck naked" often referred to slaves toiling naked in the cotton fields.

I have come to the conclusion that every thing, song, saying, statue, building or famous baseball player had something to do with slavery or racism.

I just found out a few months ago "grandfather clause" was a reference to a clause about rights (or lack thereof) black people had if they were the grandchildren of a slave. Here I was thinking it was about Tim "The Rock" Raines being the last baseball player to bat with a helmet with no earflaps because he was allowed to continue to wear it since he started playing before they changed the rules to demand at least on earflap on a batting helmet!
"Grandfather clause" isn't limited to sports; hell, it's not even limited to baseball. There were NHL players in the 80s or 90s that weren't wearing helmets, because they joined the league before they were required.

The phrase I've been trying very hard to eliminate from my vocabulary is "basket case." Not because it's racist, though; it was coined in World War I and was used to describe a soldier who lost his arms and legs in battle.

Okay, this was a poor excuse of a joke of pointing out how I thought the term "grandfather clause" meant someone who was allowed to continue operating anything under an old set of rules because of tenure after a change of rules to newer individuals was established. Whether that be laws, machinery operating rules or fixed mortgagees that don't fluctuate when the market does. I threw the thing in about Tim Raines as a joke on my complete ignorance to it having any sort of slavery connotation.

Once again, the written word does seem to skip the snarky and dry witted jokes. I, not for one second, thought that "grandfather clause" actually was exclusive to baseball. I operated under a grandfather clause in my job twenty years ago by being able to qualify for something under my current (at the time) met education requirements that a rule passed that if I had not started the program before the change, I wouldn't have qualified for. Trust me, I am aware.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 10, 2023, 04:44:54 PM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on February 10, 2023, 10:55:34 AM
I have come to the conclusion that every thing, song, saying, statue, building or famous baseball player had something to do with slavery or racism.

That's because...well, it does. Or did, anyway. It was such a large part of American life in the South during the time that it was legal that it influenced damn near everything in this country.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on February 10, 2023, 05:07:37 PM

Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on February 10, 2023, 12:51:31 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on February 10, 2023, 10:59:49 AM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on February 10, 2023, 10:55:34 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on February 09, 2023, 12:20:33 PM
Quote from: ethanhopkin14 on February 09, 2023, 11:55:13 AM
....

butt naked vs. buck naked. That one really infuriates me because I feel like it is the embodiment of my generation. Hear something said, lazily repeat it and not really get it correct but think you nailed it, and never do the research on the saying and where it actually came from and why.

That one is an example of a popular usage that is incorrect but that, in some ways, might not be such a bad change. The term "buck" was historically used as a way of referring to male slaves and acquired negative connotations as a result, such that "buck naked" often referred to slaves toiling naked in the cotton fields.

I have come to the conclusion that every thing, song, saying, statue, building or famous baseball player had something to do with slavery or racism.

I just found out a few months ago "grandfather clause" was a reference to a clause about rights (or lack thereof) black people had if they were the grandchildren of a slave. Here I was thinking it was about Tim "The Rock" Raines being the last baseball player to bat with a helmet with no earflaps because he was allowed to continue to wear it since he started playing before they changed the rules to demand at least on earflap on a batting helmet!
"Grandfather clause" isn't limited to sports; hell, it's not even limited to baseball. There were NHL players in the 80s or 90s that weren't wearing helmets, because they joined the league before they were required.

The phrase I've been trying very hard to eliminate from my vocabulary is "basket case." Not because it's racist, though; it was coined in World War I and was used to describe a soldier who lost his arms and legs in battle.

Okay, this was a poor excuse of a joke of pointing out how I thought the term "grandfather clause" meant someone who was allowed to continue operating anything under an old set of rules because of tenure after a change of rules to newer individuals was established. Whether that be laws, machinery operating rules or fixed mortgagees that don't fluctuate when the market does. I threw the thing in about Tim Raines as a joke on my complete ignorance to it having any sort of slavery connotation.

Once again, the written word does seem to skip the snarky and dry witted jokes. I, not for one second, thought that "grandfather clause" actually was exclusive to baseball. I operated under a grandfather clause in my job twenty years ago by being able to qualify for something under my current (at the time) met education requirements that a rule passed that if I had not started the program before the change, I wouldn't have qualified for. Trust me, I am aware.

Ah, ok - sorry if I misunderstood.

Part of it was me thinking that you were trying to argue that nothing is racist (again, the cursed written word).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on February 10, 2023, 05:36:27 PM

Quote from: kkt on February 10, 2023, 11:08:36 AM
Quote from: formulanone on February 09, 2023, 06:56:49 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on February 09, 2023, 06:17:56 PM
Quote from: formulanone on February 09, 2023, 02:58:00 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on February 09, 2023, 11:30:56 AM
"For all intensive purposes..."

I had a co-worker and he admitted that he'd been hearing, saying, and writing it all wrong for well over 20 years.

"Decimate" to mean something other than relating to the old Roman military punishment of removing every tenth soldier in a line.

Mike

So, Michael...words can only keep the same solitary meaning, spelling, and pronunciation for centuries before and the eons to come?

Words and phrases certainly evolve, but I like it better when the evolution is done on purpose by people who knew what the existing phrase was and deliberately chose to extend or modify it, rather than someone who misheard it or didn't understand it in the first place.

That's generally how languages evolve. A word's meaning extends (obviously not literally poking out), and if left (not as opposed to right, and not meaning weak/feeble) to specific and limited instances, would remain (as opposed to parts left over after staying in place) moribund (ew, yucky)...so I would have to describe something as clumsily what I just typed out (uh, but not on a typewriter or letter press). :)

It's true that words or phrases can suddenly receive a more extreme meaning or a reduced impact but while one scribe might have used the right words for the moment, another can pick them up and reuse and reassemble them for their interpretation of witnessed events. Or for extreme attention-seeking didactic purposes and memetic distribution.

In the case of "decimate", it wasn't going to get reused again for obvious reasons. Perhaps a better usage is "to quickly reduce by 10 percent and the resulting effect(s) thereof..."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 13, 2023, 05:15:27 PM

Apparently MasterCard can unilaterally decide for you that you can't do business with any company in an entire country to "protect you from fraud". Wish I'd known they were gonna pull that stunt before I migrated an entire server to a hosting company based in Malta.

(Yes, I checked, the United States has no OFAC sanctions on Malta at the moment, so it's squarely the "free hand of the market" deciding this, not the government.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on February 13, 2023, 08:37:11 PM

The morons at Microsoft forced an update on me that PREVENTS ME FROM GETTING ACCESS TO MY FOLDERS!!!

Now, I can't search for music, photos, videos, delete my recycling bin or anything like that!!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 13, 2023, 09:09:54 PM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on February 13, 2023, 08:37:11 PMThe morons at Microsoft forced an update on me that PREVENTS ME FROM GETTING ACCESS TO MY FOLDERS!!!

Now, I can't search for music, photos, videos, delete my recycling bin or anything like that!!

Can't you postpone updates for 35 days?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on February 13, 2023, 09:32:27 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on February 13, 2023, 09:09:54 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on February 13, 2023, 08:37:11 PMThe morons at Microsoft forced an update on me that PREVENTS ME FROM GETTING ACCESS TO MY FOLDERS!!!

Now, I can't search for music, photos, videos, delete my recycling bin or anything like that!!

Can't you postpone updates for 35 days?

I didn't even know it was coming. My stupid PC froze on me a couple of times today, and I had to reboot the shit. Then earlier tonight I found out I couldn't see what was in my recycling bin for some cockamamie reason. I took a break and went back, and I found out I can't see ANY of my folders.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on February 14, 2023, 05:33:45 AM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on February 13, 2023, 09:32:27 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on February 13, 2023, 09:09:54 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on February 13, 2023, 08:37:11 PMThe morons at Microsoft forced an update on me that PREVENTS ME FROM GETTING ACCESS TO MY FOLDERS!!!

Now, I can't search for music, photos, videos, delete my recycling bin or anything like that!!

Can't you postpone updates for 35 days?
I didn't even know it was coming. My stupid PC froze on me a couple of times today, and I had to reboot the shit. Then earlier tonight I found out I couldn't see what was in my recycling bin for some cockamamie reason. I took a break and went back, and I found out I can't see ANY of my folders.

My one Windows machine exists only as a VM. I turned off Onedrive syncing, dunno if that's the problem or not.
I kept noticing heavy network, after I would do file management.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 14, 2023, 01:22:23 PM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on February 13, 2023, 09:32:27 PMI didn't even know it was coming. My stupid PC froze on me a couple of times today, and I had to reboot the shit. Then earlier tonight I found out I couldn't see what was in my recycling bin for some cockamamie reason. I took a break and went back, and I found out I can't see ANY of my folders.

Windows Update (accessed by going to Settings --> Update & Security) has a control under Advanced Options that allows you to postpone Windows updates for up to 35 days.

Microsoft typically releases updates on Patch Tuesday, the second Tuesday of each month, and today is Patch Tuesday for February 2023. I suspect you got caught up in the first wave yesterday, probably as soon as UTC passed midnight on February 14. I never want updates to install as soon as they become available, because many bugs often don't become evident until they are out in the wild.

I generally update manually at the end of the month, by going to the Windows Update client, choosing "Resume Updates," allowing the updates to download and install, restarting, launching the Windows Update client again, checking for new updates, and--if I see a green check mark--going to Advanced Settings and postponing updates again for 35 days.

It might be possible to uninstall the update that is causing problems. (https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/how-to-uninstall-a-windows-update-c77b8f9b-e4dc-4e9f-a803-fdec12e59fb0)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on February 14, 2023, 03:50:45 PM

Always have a USB stick with Windows 10 recovery media on it. Override the boot in BIOS or the boot select, then you can system restore or rollback the latest update.

Ran into this problem several times while upgrading SSDs because my HDD decided then and there to crap out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 14, 2023, 05:16:17 PM

I think it's downright criminal that there isn't an "Install updates only when I manually ask for them" option. That's the #1 reason I don't use Windows.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: interstatefan990 on February 14, 2023, 07:04:57 PM

This is definitely minor, but the times that I did use Windows, I didn't like how preppy it was. Especially when it would be like "We're just cleaning a few things up, hold on! ;-)"

(https://i.ibb.co/cT7nBzz/windows-10-upgrade-1024x944.jpg)

"Sit back and relax"? What is this, a spa?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 14, 2023, 09:36:53 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 14, 2023, 05:16:17 PMI think it's downright criminal that there isn't an "Install updates only when I manually ask for them" option. That's the #1 reason I don't use Windows.

The option to postpone for 35 days is the closest Windows comes now, and for my purposes, it has been sufficient. Up to Windows 7 at least (I'm not sure about 8.x), you could simply refuse to install updates altogether, but Microsoft withdrew that capability to clamp down on unpatched copies of Windows in the wild, which has information security benefits since it reduces vulnerability to zero-day exploits.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on February 15, 2023, 05:51:01 AM

Quote from: interstatefan990 on February 14, 2023, 07:04:57 PM
This is definitely minor, but the times that I did use Windows, I didn't like how preppy it was. Especially when it would be like "We're just cleaning a few things up, hold on! ;-)"

(https://i.ibb.co/cT7nBzz/windows-10-upgrade-1024x944.jpg)

"Sit back and relax"? What is this, a spa?

Don't get excited or you'll make a mess on the message table. :bigass:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 15, 2023, 01:48:14 PM

I've found myself dealing with a couple of minor issues, one a bit more serious than the other.

* Highway agency A makes a list of over 4000 of its let contracts (extending back to 2009) available online. This list is sortable by work type (construction, engineering, and "other"). I downloaded it in full after sorting it to put construction projects at top. Once I eliminated duplicates, I had a list of 90, which I then proceeded to go through manually. When I finished, I thought I had reviewed all of this agency's contracted construction activity back to about 2020 or so. Then, just for fun, I tried re-downloading the list without sorting it. The result? A list of 290, also covering the period from 2020 onward. Conclusion: sorting prompts the server to pad the results with duplicates that displace actual results. (Dismayingly, this is not the first time I have observed this behavior.)

* Highway agency B maintains a server for distribution of contract documentation that it protects to a somewhat excessive degree. When it logs a user out, the last file requested downloads at zero length. My downloader for this server thus checks for zero file length to determine when it has been logged out and needs to log back in. I leave a download running overnight and return in the morning to discover it has stalled, with the script logging in again and again for hours. The cause? Upload of two small PDF files failed, so their actual length on the server was zero.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Takumi on February 15, 2023, 04:00:28 PM

When people say "5-Hour Energy Drinks" . I know you consume such things by drinking them, but their marketing was literally "we're not an energy drink" .

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on February 15, 2023, 05:10:00 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on February 15, 2023, 05:51:01 AM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on February 14, 2023, 07:04:57 PM
This is definitely minor, but the times that I did use Windows, I didn't like how preppy it was. Especially when it would be like "We're just cleaning a few things up, hold on! ;-)"

(https://i.ibb.co/cT7nBzz/windows-10-upgrade-1024x944.jpg)

"Sit back and relax"? What is this, a spa?
Don't get excited or you'll make a mess on the message table. :bigass:

Well, luckily all I had to do was restart it again. That seemed to fix the problem... for now.

In the meantime, I have to sort out the pics I took today on my day trip to Polk County which my glass run was part of, and prepare for the online segment of a Wiki-Meeting before 6:00 PM.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 15, 2023, 06:19:16 PM

Automatic updates were introduced in Windows 98, and considering how many end users who think that Fluffy217! is a secure password, a IP address is some sort of bathroom joke, and WTF does a security code have to be sent to their mobile device when logging into a financial site wasn't computers supposed to make life earlier, it's a necessary evil. I've had too many discussions trying to justify why a security patch needed to be run which took much longer than actually installing the goddamn patch. Now, for a corporate or government environment where you actually got paid to test and validate is one thing, but to a parent who looks at you as unpaid technical support. Being one-two months behind is one thing, but being one year behind? Let me point you to our documentation about our slow release policies.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on February 15, 2023, 06:57:07 PM

(https://www.ssoworld.org/pics/Tab2FileL.png)

the dip of the accumulation is placed there and wierd - coincidently the portion - Grant County is managed by NWS La Cross (while Dubuque County (in a warning) is managed by NWS Quad Cities and the forecasting of the counties east of Grant are overseen by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan. They all do their own predictions and you can see in other maps a difference between each forecast office.

image lifted from a limited term https://www.weather.gov/images/arx/wxstory/Tab2FileL.png?1ada9216c48e34fdd4ebce8c9ac8a198

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dvferyance on February 15, 2023, 09:59:02 PM

Pizza Hut and Burger King going back to the old school logos. Thier contemporary logos were much better.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 15, 2023, 10:03:38 PM

Quote from: dvferyance on February 15, 2023, 09:59:02 PM
Pizza Hut and Burger King going back to the old school logos. Thier contemporary logos were much better.

Personally I liked the older logos. But then again I tend to like simplistic designs in general.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 15, 2023, 11:02:35 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on February 15, 2023, 06:19:16 PM
Automatic updates were introduced in Windows 98, and considering how many end users who think that Fluffy217! is a secure password, a IP address is some sort of bathroom joke, and WTF does a security code have to be sent to their mobile device when logging into a financial site wasn't computers supposed to make life earlier, it's a necessary evil. I've had too many discussions trying to justify why a security patch needed to be run which took much longer than actually installing the goddamn patch. Now, for a corporate or government environment where you actually got paid to test and validate is one thing, but to a parent who looks at you as unpaid technical support. Being one-two months behind is one thing, but being one year behind? Let me point you to our documentation about our slow release policies.

So for a parent you just set up a cron job for them.

I should get to decide whether and when the cron job is run on my own computer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on February 16, 2023, 12:32:43 AM

Maybe slightly more than minor, but cars with running lights so bright their idiot owners don't realize those aren't the headlights, and no one can see them coming up behind them because their tail lights aren't on.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 16, 2023, 02:34:26 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 15, 2023, 11:02:35 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on February 15, 2023, 06:19:16 PM
Automatic updates were introduced in Windows 98, and considering how many end users who think that Fluffy217! is a secure password, a IP address is some sort of bathroom joke, and WTF does a security code have to be sent to their mobile device when logging into a financial site wasn't computers supposed to make life earlier, it's a necessary evil. I've had too many discussions trying to justify why a security patch needed to be run which took much longer than actually installing the goddamn patch. Now, for a corporate or government environment where you actually got paid to test and validate is one thing, but to a parent who looks at you as unpaid technical support. Being one-two months behind is one thing, but being one year behind? Let me point you to our documentation about our slow release policies.

So for a parent you just set up a cron job for them.

I should get to decide whether and when the cron job is run on my own computer.

Are you saying that Windows Update should default to "opt-in" rather than "opt-out for 35 days"? Bad idea considering how most computers are connected to the Internet. There are ways to completely disable automatic updates, but would I do it? No.

I'm lucky in that my mother lives with me, so she has free in-house technical support. Others are not so lucky, being pressed into technical support service when they do a family visit and "surprise, look at this new bargain laptop I got from the Home Shopping Zone", and often cleaning up the mess afterward.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 16, 2023, 02:38:48 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on February 16, 2023, 02:34:26 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 15, 2023, 11:02:35 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on February 15, 2023, 06:19:16 PM
Automatic updates were introduced in Windows 98, and considering how many end users who think that Fluffy217! is a secure password, a IP address is some sort of bathroom joke, and WTF does a security code have to be sent to their mobile device when logging into a financial site wasn't computers supposed to make life earlier, it's a necessary evil. I've had too many discussions trying to justify why a security patch needed to be run which took much longer than actually installing the goddamn patch. Now, for a corporate or government environment where you actually got paid to test and validate is one thing, but to a parent who looks at you as unpaid technical support. Being one-two months behind is one thing, but being one year behind? Let me point you to our documentation about our slow release policies.

So for a parent you just set up a cron job for them.

I should get to decide whether and when the cron job is run on my own computer.

Are you saying that Windows Update should default to "opt-in" rather than "opt-out for 35 days"? Bad idea considering how most computers are connected to the Internet.

That's how it works on Linux (and thus the vast majority of servers and embedded systems in the world). System update doesn't happen until I type sudo dnf update. If I want to have cron automatically schedule this command to be run at a certain time (including on a recurring schedule), I can do that. But if I don't, no update will be run.

I am the one who tells the computer what to do. It doesn't get to tell me what to do. I don't need a nanny. If someone cracks my machine because I was too lazy to install an update, that's my own damn fault.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on February 16, 2023, 03:16:07 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 14, 2023, 05:16:17 PM
I think it's downright criminal that there isn't an "Install updates only when I manually ask for them" option. That's the #1 reason I don't use Windows.

There's a 7-day pause option in the Windows Update menu, and then an advanced option for a pause of up to 35 days. Beyond that, there's other workarounds (https://www.tomsguide.com/how-to/how-to-turn-off-automatic-updates-in-windows-10).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 16, 2023, 04:00:57 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 16, 2023, 02:38:48 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on February 16, 2023, 02:34:26 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 15, 2023, 11:02:35 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on February 15, 2023, 06:19:16 PM
Automatic updates were introduced in Windows 98, and considering how many end users who think that Fluffy217! is a secure password, a IP address is some sort of bathroom joke, and WTF does a security code have to be sent to their mobile device when logging into a financial site wasn't computers supposed to make life earlier, it's a necessary evil. I've had too many discussions trying to justify why a security patch needed to be run which took much longer than actually installing the goddamn patch. Now, for a corporate or government environment where you actually got paid to test and validate is one thing, but to a parent who looks at you as unpaid technical support. Being one-two months behind is one thing, but being one year behind? Let me point you to our documentation about our slow release policies.

So for a parent you just set up a cron job for them.

I should get to decide whether and when the cron job is run on my own computer.

Are you saying that Windows Update should default to "opt-in" rather than "opt-out for 35 days"? Bad idea considering how most computers are connected to the Internet.

That's how it works on Linux (and thus the vast majority of servers and embedded systems in the world). System update doesn't happen until I type sudo dnf update. If I want to have cron automatically schedule this command to be run at a certain time (including on a recurring schedule), I can do that. But if I don't, no update will be run.

I am the one who tells the computer what to do. It doesn't get to tell me what to do. I don't need a nanny. If someone cracks my machine because I was too lazy to install an update, that's my own damn fault.

You said the magic word "Linux". It might as well be "FreeBSD" or "OpenBSD" or any of the other *nix variants out there. (hint hint... my TrueNAS server core operating system is FreeBSD). The Command Line Interface is your friend, and more than likely, you are SSHing into the server rather than interfacing with it directly. You actually know what happens "behind the scenes" and make the magic happen. You also know the difference between a TCP and a UDP packet, and why UDP packets are preferred for audio/video traffic, and why packet shaping can be bad for online meetings. You also know the difference between a CRC checksum and a SHA512 hash, and why it's extremely important to never blindly trust user input, but to sanitize it to prevent a SQL injection attack to DROP all the tables.

Now, here is a reality check. Per StatCounter (https://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/desktop/worldwide), the worldwide market share for Desktop Operating systems is estimated at 74.14% for Windows, 15.33% for Mac OSX, and 2.91% for Linux users. Many of them don't know what goes on "behind the scenes" and, more importantly, don't really care as long as they get their job done. My mother doesn't care how my the Plex instance runs on my TrueNAS computer or how I copied the episodes from DVD to MP4 video files, all she cares about is playing her Golden Girls over, and over, and over again "because they make me laugh" on her Roku bedroom TV.

My perspective comes from the fact that the team that I manage handles a wide spectrum of users from the system-level administrators who are managing deployments, making necessary adjustments to firewalls, and integrating their identity management servers (including diagnosing SAML assertions) with our cloud-based software down to the end-user support. There are many tales I can tell involving Mac Karins. I have seen many changes in the computer industry since I got my first computer in 1980.

Oh yeah, why are we here on AARoads Forums? Gee... because we want to know more about the road systems and the history of the highway system. That there is logic behind how Interstate/US highways are numbered. Why a diverging diamond intersection is safer for freeway interchanges than standard interchanges. And so on.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 16, 2023, 04:17:41 AM

Sounds like you're saying Microsoft isn't interested in having me as a customer because I know too much about the man behind the curtain, I guess.

I would be perfectly happy having an option that was "perform updates at 9 am every Monday" (or whatever) set by default. But I have to be able to configure the time and day. And it must update only at that time. No foisting an update on me because I had the computer off at the appointed time and just now turned it on. And it must be cancellable if I need the computer for something else during the appointed time. And it cannot force a reboot. (If your system requires a reboot to apply an update, then either your system architecture isn't modular enough or your update process is broken or both.)

The most-recently-purchased Windows computer I own is a crappy Toshiba that I set up to dual boot Windows 10 and Fedora Linux. I spent the majority of time using the machine booted into Linux, and would infrequently boot into Windows to use two specific pieces of software: controller software for my vinyl cutter and, most critically, Doppler radar software that I use as the primary means to track tornadic storms near my house. Given how infrequently I used the Windows install, it never got updates, which meant it would ambush me the second I turned it on and install several months of them over the course of an hour or so. This was less than ideal, because, you know, TORNADO MAYBE HITTING MY HOUSE WITHOUT ME KNOWING.

I tried a few times to manually force it to update a day in advance when tornadoes were in the forecast, but somehow it still would find an update right when the storms started. I finally just gave up and figured out a workaround to run the software I needed on Linux under Wine. I still have the computer, but I haven't used it for years at this point, so next time I move I'll probably just destroy it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on February 16, 2023, 06:38:15 AM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on February 16, 2023, 12:32:43 AM
Maybe slightly more than minor, but cars with running lights so bright their idiot owners don't realize those aren't the headlights, and no one can see them coming up behind them because their tail lights aren't on.

Somewhat related: how many headlights do you need? My car has two, and I can see just fine. I just bought a Kia with foglights in the ... bumper? but I've turned them off because, how often does it ever get foggy here?

If you lift the truck (for whatever reason you lift your truck) you have to re-aim the lights. No one (at least here) does this.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kirbykart on February 16, 2023, 09:31:08 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on February 15, 2023, 06:57:07 PM
(https://www.ssoworld.org/pics/Tab2FileL.png)

the dip of the accumulation is placed there and wierd - coincidently the portion - Grant County is managed by NWS La Cross (while Dubuque County (in a warning) is managed by NWS Quad Cities and the forecasting of the counties east of Grant are overseen by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan. They all do their own predictions and you can see in other maps a difference between each forecast office.

image lifted from a limited term https://www.weather.gov/images/arx/wxstory/Tab2FileL.png?1ada9216c48e34fdd4ebce8c9ac8a198

That dropoff is crazy. I thought I was looking at the Long Island Sound and Connecticut's northern shore at first!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on February 16, 2023, 10:11:54 AM

Imgur sucks now. I literally can't crop anymore, it won't load.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 16, 2023, 10:17:18 AM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 16, 2023, 10:11:54 AM
Imgur sucks now. I literally can't crop anymore, it won't load.

Can you figuratively crop?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: interstatefan990 on February 16, 2023, 12:48:30 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on February 16, 2023, 06:38:15 AM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on February 16, 2023, 12:32:43 AM
Maybe slightly more than minor, but cars with running lights so bright their idiot owners don't realize those aren't the headlights, and no one can see them coming up behind them because their tail lights aren't on.
Somewhat related: how many headlights do you need? My car has two, and I can see just fine. I just bought a Kia with foglights in the ... bumper? but I've turned them off because, how often does it ever get foggy here?

If you lift the truck (for whatever reason you lift your truck) you have to re-aim the lights. No one (at least here) does this.

Also annoying is the trend among some automakers of putting the low beams and brights (and maybe turn signals too) all into one assembly, and then the daytime running lights on their own above that. Like this: https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/2022-hyundai-santa-fe-xrt-105-1627923527.jpg

It's ugly as all hell in my opinion.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on February 16, 2023, 12:55:13 PM

Quote from: kirbykart on February 16, 2023, 09:31:08 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on February 15, 2023, 06:57:07 PM
(https://www.ssoworld.org/pics/Tab2FileL.png)

the dip of the accumulation is placed there and wierd - coincidently the portion - Grant County is managed by NWS La Cross (while Dubuque County (in a warning) is managed by NWS Quad Cities and the forecasting of the counties east of Grant are overseen by NWS Milwaukee/Sullivan. They all do their own predictions and you can see in other maps a difference between each forecast office.

image lifted from a limited term https://www.weather.gov/images/arx/wxstory/Tab2FileL.png?1ada9216c48e34fdd4ebce8c9ac8a198

That dropoff is crazy. I thought I was looking at the Long Island Sound and Connecticut's northern shore at first!

Cloudy, some light drizzle, just below freezing here (Appleton, WI).

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 16, 2023, 01:04:14 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 16, 2023, 10:11:54 AMImgur sucks now. I literally can't crop anymore, it won't load.

Are you using Windows 10 or later? If so, would the snip tool work?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Takumi on February 16, 2023, 04:47:13 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 16, 2023, 10:11:54 AM
Imgur sucks

Fixed

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on February 16, 2023, 04:50:06 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on February 16, 2023, 01:04:14 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 16, 2023, 10:11:54 AMImgur sucks now. I literally can't crop anymore, it won't load.

Are you using Windows 10 or later? If so, would the snip tool work?

Yeah I snip on windows proper.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: interstatefan990 on February 16, 2023, 04:54:19 PM

I'm not sure about Windows, but I like how on Mac it lets you snip instantly after taking a screenshot before it's saved to your computer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 16, 2023, 09:27:23 PM

Quote from: interstatefan990 on February 16, 2023, 04:54:19 PM
I'm not sure about Windows, but I like how on Mac it lets you snip instantly after taking a screenshot before it's saved to your computer.

Anyone who is utilizing Windows should seriously look at ShareX (https://markholtz.info/sharex) which is an excellent screen capturing program, including capturing regions. Much better than the Windows Snipping Tool (https://markholtz.info/snippingtool) that is now included in Windows.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on February 17, 2023, 11:35:37 AM

Quote from: interstatefan990 on February 16, 2023, 12:48:30 PM
Also annoying is the trend among some automakers of putting the low beams and brights (and maybe turn signals too) all into one assembly, and then the daytime running lights on their own above that. Like this: https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/2022-hyundai-santa-fe-xrt-105-1627923527.jpg

It's ugly as all hell in my opinion.

Sort of opposite of that is where the running lights and turn signals are the same, or very close to each other, so the one running light goes out when the turn signal is on. I very much dislike that look.

[old geezer voice] It all went downhill when running lights stopped being a functional item and became a design "feature." [/old geezer voice]

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on February 17, 2023, 07:02:55 PM

Quote from: interstatefan990 on February 16, 2023, 12:48:30 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on February 16, 2023, 06:38:15 AM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on February 16, 2023, 12:32:43 AM
Maybe slightly more than minor, but cars with running lights so bright their idiot owners don't realize those aren't the headlights, and no one can see them coming up behind them because their tail lights aren't on.
Somewhat related: how many headlights do you need? My car has two, and I can see just fine. I just bought a Kia with foglights in the ... bumper? but I've turned them off because, how often does it ever get foggy here?

If you lift the truck (for whatever reason you lift your truck) you have to re-aim the lights. No one (at least here) does this.

Also annoying is the trend among some automakers of putting the low beams and brights (and maybe turn signals too) all into one assembly, and then the daytime running lights on their own above that. Like this: https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/2022-hyundai-santa-fe-xrt-105-1627923527.jpg

It's ugly as all hell in my opinion.

Many of these cars just look 'angry', and I'm guessing that's by design.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on February 17, 2023, 07:52:34 PM

Don't you buy no ugly truck: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHsqD46H-Gw

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: interstatefan990 on February 17, 2023, 08:20:20 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on February 17, 2023, 07:02:55 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on February 16, 2023, 12:48:30 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on February 16, 2023, 06:38:15 AM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on February 16, 2023, 12:32:43 AM
Maybe slightly more than minor, but cars with running lights so bright their idiot owners don't realize those aren't the headlights, and no one can see them coming up behind them because their tail lights aren't on.
Somewhat related: how many headlights do you need? My car has two, and I can see just fine. I just bought a Kia with foglights in the ... bumper? but I've turned them off because, how often does it ever get foggy here?

If you lift the truck (for whatever reason you lift your truck) you have to re-aim the lights. No one (at least here) does this.

Also annoying is the trend among some automakers of putting the low beams and brights (and maybe turn signals too) all into one assembly, and then the daytime running lights on their own above that. Like this: https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/2022-hyundai-santa-fe-xrt-105-1627923527.jpg

It's ugly as all hell in my opinion.
Many of these cars just look 'angry', and I'm guessing that's by design.

This is the RIGHT way to do an 'angry' looking car:

(https://i.ibb.co/ZGvfbXG/22-FRD-MST-wdmp-200510-01894-tif.jpg) (https://ibb.co/S5H6Zy5) (https://i.ibb.co/qdXjbnz/2010-dodge-charger-sedan-srt8-fq-oem-2-600-jpg.webp) (https://imgbb.com/)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 18, 2023, 03:47:46 PM

Today's minor thing: PDFs printed N-up. It takes some doing to go from pages that look like this (A3 size):

(https://i.imgur.com/DmD8ZJJ.png)

To pages that look like this (A5 size):

(https://i.imgur.com/DPO3RJ7.png)

This is especially true when the page images are printed with a horizontal or vertical offset (e.g., to leave a binding allowance along one edge of the sheet), so that measurements have to be taken to a fixed point in each image (e.g., a header or footer) in order to allow page registration to be preserved when the N-up printing is undone.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 18, 2023, 04:36:42 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 16, 2023, 04:17:41 AMI would be perfectly happy having an option that was "perform updates at 9 am every Monday" (or whatever) set by default. But I have to be able to configure the time and day. And it must update only at that time. No foisting an update on me because I had the computer off at the appointed time and just now turned it on. And it must be cancellable if I need the computer for something else during the appointed time. And it cannot force a reboot. (If your system requires a reboot to apply an update, then either your system architecture isn't modular enough or your update process is broken or both.)

Tell that to my TrueNAS server which, at it's core, utilizes FreeBSD as it's core operating system (uptime: 50 days as of this writing) and has to be rebooted whenever a new upgrade to TrueNAS comes out. Or to my Android 13 phone which utilizes a modified version of the Linux kernal whenever a monthly update comes up.

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 16, 2023, 04:17:41 AMThe most-recently-purchased Windows computer I own is a crappy Toshiba that I set up to dual boot Windows 10 and Fedora Linux. I spent the majority of time using the machine booted into Linux, and would infrequently boot into Windows to use two specific pieces of software: controller software for my vinyl cutter and, most critically, Doppler radar software that I use as the primary means to track tornadic storms near my house. Given how infrequently I used the Windows install, it never got updates, which meant it would ambush me the second I turned it on and install several months of them over the course of an hour or so. This was less than ideal, because, you know, TORNADO MAYBE HITTING MY HOUSE WITHOUT ME KNOWING.

I suppose that it's little consolidation to you to know that, looking at the tornado averages from 2018-2022 and adjusting them per 10,000 square miles, that Mississippi is the number one state, Florida is number 12, Arkansas is number 16, Kansas is number 18, Oklahoma is number 22, and Texas is number 29.

If you listen to the experts, you should be getting your weather information from multiple sources. If there is a Tornado watch in my neighborhood, I have my SAME radio at the ready, staring at RadarScope and Real Time Lightning Maps (https://markholtz.info/lightningmaps), and have the Texas Storm Chasers (https://www.youtube.com/@texasstormchasers) up on YouTube. Yes, I do have my USB battery packs at the ready. Ah, the joys of living in the mid-West. At least Collin County has, at the most, three tornadoes on record per calendar year, and that last occurred in 2015.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on February 18, 2023, 06:36:39 PM

Tornadoes here are comparatively rare, but when they happen, the storm is nasty enough to attract attention to the weather without electronic devices making loud noises. That's probably why storm chasers hate coming here - no potential for pretty shots of a dusty tornado illuminated by sunlight. All you can see here is rain.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 18, 2023, 07:01:34 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on February 18, 2023, 04:36:42 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 16, 2023, 04:17:41 AMI would be perfectly happy having an option that was "perform updates at 9 am every Monday" (or whatever) set by default. But I have to be able to configure the time and day. And it must update only at that time. No foisting an update on me because I had the computer off at the appointed time and just now turned it on. And it must be cancellable if I need the computer for something else during the appointed time. And it cannot force a reboot. (If your system requires a reboot to apply an update, then either your system architecture isn't modular enough or your update process is broken or both.)

Tell that to my TrueNAS server which, at it's core, utilizes FreeBSD as it's core operating system (uptime: 50 days as of this writing) and has to be rebooted whenever a new upgrade to TrueNAS comes out. Or to my Android 13 phone which utilizes a modified version of the Linux kernal whenever a monthly update comes up.

The only time you ever need to actually reboot a Unix server is whenever there are kernel upgrades, since that is the only part of the system that can't be hotswapped. Either TrueNAS is pushing you way too many kernel module upgrades, their documentation wants you to reboot when you really don't have to because that's simpler to explain, or they've horribly botched their upgrade management process.

I've run an entire Apache/MySQL/PHP stack for multiple months without a full system reboot, so there should be no reason a piddly NAS server requires one.

Android, meanwhile, is horribly botched in a multitude of ways. It may have a Unix kernel underneath it but it's had so much capitalist bloatware layered on top of it, it may as well not be Unix anymore. It certainly doesn't act like Unix anymore. It's somehow better than iOS, but it's so displeasing to use I try to avoid doing anything on a mobile device unless there's no other option.

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 16, 2023, 04:17:41 AM
I suppose that it's little consolidation to you to know that, looking at the tornado averages from 2018-2022 and adjusting them per 10,000 square miles, that Mississippi is the number one state, Florida is number 12, Arkansas is number 16, Kansas is number 18, Oklahoma is number 22, and Texas is number 29.

I'm guessing since you moved from California, you have yet to have the sirens go off and had to run to the tornado shelter (or worse the lowest floor/smallest room/center part) and huddle there while you hear the wind and rain beating against the roof, because the thought running through your head is never "Oh well, if I look at the tornado averages and adjust them per square mile, Mississippi has it worse."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on February 18, 2023, 07:26:34 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 18, 2023, 07:01:34 PM..."Oh well, if I look at the tornado averages and adjust them per square mile, Mississippi has it worse."

Living in Alabama, Mississippi is our canary in the tornado mines.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 18, 2023, 08:44:27 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on February 16, 2023, 04:00:57 AM. . . and integrating their identity management servers (including diagnosing SAML assertions) . . .

This is just a side observation, but my heart sinks whenever I open Firefox's network tool and see SAML assertions as part of a login--I've never been able to script autologin successfully when those are involved.

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 16, 2023, 04:17:41 AMI tried a few times to manually force it to update a day in advance when tornadoes were in the forecast, but somehow it still would find an update right when the storms started.

I can't speak for how things might have been in the early days of Windows 10, but the strategy of forcing it to update a day in advance would work well now. The key is to go back to Windows Update immediately after reboot, check for updates again (there usually aren't any), and then go to Advanced Options to postpone updates for 35 days.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 19, 2023, 03:01:47 AM

Quote from: formulanone on February 18, 2023, 07:26:34 PMLiving in Alabama, Mississippi is our canary in the tornado mines.

The 2018-2022 average says 16.022 tornadoes per 10k square miles for number 3 Louisiana, 17.419 tornadoes per 10k square miles in number 2 Alabama, and 25.962 per 10k square miles in number 1 Mississippi.

In fact, when I look at the raw numbers unadjusted for land area. Mississippi beat out Texas in 2020 and 2022 according to the NOAA's Storm Prediction Center (https://markholtz.info/spctornado). I really need to download those tables, put those in a SQL database, and use that as a learning project. One of these days, I'll create that dedicated virtualization machine and re-setup my ISPConfig.

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 16, 2023, 04:17:41 AMI'm guessing since you moved from California, you have yet to have the sirens go off and had to run to the tornado shelter (or worse the lowest floor/smallest room/center part) and huddle there while you hear the wind and rain beating against the roof, because the thought running through your head is never "Oh well, if I look at the tornado averages and adjust them per square mile, Mississippi has it worse."

Sunday, October 20th, 2019 (https://www.wunderground.com/cat6/Sunday-Night-Tornado-Leaves-Extensive-Damage-Dallas). While the Cowboys were hosting the Eagles on Sunday Night Football, a tornado hit the southern part of Richardson near the I-635 and headed into nearby Garland. Here is the NWS Tornado Warning (https://markholtz.info/20191020tornado).

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EHaV8SGX0AA6ZWL?format=jpg&name=medium)

So, lets see here... my SAME radio and our mobile phones went off during this time, causing us to huddle in the central bathroom during this time. We were watching the local TV coverage through DirecTV Stream on one phone while having Texas Storm Chasers on another tablet, plus RadarScope on my phone. The next day, I found a roof shingle in my pool while my neighbor found a rototiller between her home and her neighbor's home. There was another warning on March 21st, 2022, but no touchdown. (https://markholtz.info/20220321tornado)

Just because California rarely has tornadoes doesn't mean that this ex-Californian doesn't have a healthy respect of them... quite the opposite. I've gone to a NWS Skywarn (https://www.weather.gov/fwd/skywarnmap) class in 2020 and found it fascinating, including a detailed analysis of what happened "behind the scenes" on October 20th, 2019 including internal conversations with the NWS and the DFW news meterologists, although I won't be one of those "storm chasers" (I leave that to television and YouTubers). If there is a forecast of severe thunderstorms in the forecast, I pay attention because those can lead to tornadoes, and is a good excuse to ensure that my bug-out bag ready.

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 18, 2023, 07:01:34 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on February 18, 2023, 04:36:42 PMTell that to my TrueNAS server which, at it's core, utilizes FreeBSD as it's core operating system (uptime: 50 days as of this writing) and has to be rebooted whenever a new upgrade to TrueNAS comes out. Or to my Android 13 phone which utilizes a modified version of the Linux kernal whenever a monthly update comes up.

The only time you ever need to actually reboot a Unix server is whenever there are kernel upgrades, since that is the only part of the system that can't be hotswapped. Either TrueNAS is pushing you way too many kernel module upgrades, their documentation wants you to reboot when you really don't have to because that's simpler to explain, or they've horribly botched their upgrade management process.

I've run an entire Apache/MySQL/PHP stack for multiple months without a full system reboot, so there should be no reason a piddly NAS server requires one.

You can review the release notes for TrueNas (https://www.truenas.com/docs/core/corereleasenotes/) and then tell me. Also, tell me what you don't consider a "piddly NAS server".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 19, 2023, 11:09:00 AM

Just as a followup on this...

Quote from: ZLoth on January 29, 2023, 10:04:19 PM

KeePass not allowing me to limit which special characters are being used. Feature request submitted (https://sourceforge.net/p/keepass/feature-requests/2785/).
The password KeePass generates doesn't always contain the checked-off options. Defect submitted (https://sourceforge.net/p/keepass/feature-requests/2786/).

Both of these requests were soundly rejected by the author of KeePass even through both would be usability improvement. In fact, the fact that a number isn't always generated is "by design" which has me going "what???" as most of the sites require at least a digit. I should know, I've only had to reset at least 275 passwords in my collection.

And, this is where I also discover that KeePass does have a way to generate OTP based upon a secret key.... provided that secret key DOESN'T have spaces. Yay, another feature request (https://sourceforge.net/p/keepass/feature-requests/2800/).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: WillWeaverRVA on February 21, 2023, 02:15:06 PM

Poiponen13. He makes the forum downright infuriating to read.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on February 21, 2023, 03:51:52 PM

Quote from: WillWeaverRVA on February 21, 2023, 02:15:06 PM
Poiponen13. He makes the forum downright infuriating to read.

I'm not sure he's a minor. He only acts like a middle school kid.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on February 21, 2023, 03:55:32 PM

Quote from: WillWeaverRVA on February 21, 2023, 02:15:06 PM
Poiponen13. He makes the forum downright infuriating to read.

Same with MMM. Although at least MMM provides entertainment. Poiponen is just annoying.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on February 21, 2023, 04:16:40 PM

P13 does have quite alot of topics I have to admit.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on February 21, 2023, 04:18:41 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on February 21, 2023, 04:16:40 PM
P13 does have quite alot of topics I have to admit.

You have less topics because they are all forced into your megathread.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on February 21, 2023, 08:28:17 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on February 21, 2023, 06:52:05 PM
Yeah but I didn't even start that one. And I've only started 13 before that.

You've certainly made it your own however.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tchafe1978 on February 22, 2023, 01:53:25 PM

Quote from: WillWeaverRVA on February 21, 2023, 02:15:06 PM
Poiponen13. He makes the forum downright infuriating to read.

Simple solution, ignore any topics started by said user or any others you find annoying or uninteresting.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on February 22, 2023, 02:34:46 PM

Quote from: tchafe1978 on February 22, 2023, 01:53:25 PM
Quote from: WillWeaverRVA on February 21, 2023, 02:15:06 PM
Poiponen13. He makes the forum downright infuriating to read.

Simple solution, ignore any topics started by said user or any others you find annoying or uninteresting.

Many people don't know this, but I believe you can hide a specific user's posts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 22, 2023, 02:40:27 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 22, 2023, 02:34:46 PM
Many people don't know this, but I believe you can hide a specific user's posts.

Profile > Buddies/Ignore List > Edit Ignore List > Add To Ignore List

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 22, 2023, 02:53:07 PM

You still see new threads and quotes though. It doesn't work great.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on February 22, 2023, 03:14:08 PM

I want to know when MMM will institute the sniper law, where each DOT will position snipers at every exit so if a driver crosses from the left-hand lane all the way to the exit in 200 feet, a sniper will take them out. Failing that, at least a running chainsaw there to cut off their heads.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on February 22, 2023, 03:18:40 PM

What about a sniper who shoots at road raged drivers?
That would be another thing our 23 year old troll would be interested in for his weird mind.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on February 22, 2023, 05:06:04 PM

I did have a sniper idea for my runaway truck helicopter assistance plan. If they resorted to only rescuing the cab part of the vehicle because they couldn't get a good grip on the trailer section, a sniper would take position half outside the helicopter and attempt to take out the cables connecting the two.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on February 22, 2023, 05:17:03 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 22, 2023, 02:40:27 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 22, 2023, 02:34:46 PM
Many people don't know this, but I believe you can hide a specific user's posts.

Profile > Buddies/Ignore List > Edit Ignore List > Add To Ignore List

Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 22, 2023, 02:53:07 PM
You still see new threads and quotes though. It doesn't work great.

True. You actually get a notification that there is a post by a user you've hidden, and you get the option to click to see the post. It's not like Usenet, where if you killfile someone, you don't even know they have posted anything. (Except, of course, for quoted replies, the same as here.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 23, 2023, 12:03:43 AM

Quote from: hbelkins on February 22, 2023, 05:17:03 PMTrue. You actually get a notification that there is a post by a user you've hidden, and you get the option to click to see the post. It's not like Usenet, where if you killfile someone, you don't even know they have posted anything. (Except, of course, for quoted replies, the same as here.)

Replies with quotes from the killfiled person go away with filtering on the message body. Unfortunately, Thunderbird (which I used as a newsreader in the dying days of MTR) did not have this capability.

I tried using the ignore function on another Web forum (not part of the broader road community) and felt it was basically a waste of time because it would not keep the other person's activity completely out of view. That is actually a pretty formidable programming problem for forum software if you take into account thread listings (which show the last person to post in each thread), the "Recent Posts" box, threads where the targeted user is the OP, and so on.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 23, 2023, 01:47:54 AM

I don't think it's really all that technically formidable. The real problem is that the amount of content that each person wants blocked is going to vary. You could, e.g., kill entire threads that a blocked user has started, but some people would find that objectionable because the replies may still be of interest to them. Other people may not care, and still others might feel differently about it depending on the specific user they're blocking. To do it right would require a large number of configuration switches.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on February 23, 2023, 02:27:02 AM

I would think it's easy enough to just, well, not read posts by users you don't like.

For as many posts as I've read, I've maybe touched 1% of the entire forum. Just put the user you don't like into that 99%. Done.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: WillWeaverRVA on February 23, 2023, 08:58:02 AM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 22, 2023, 02:53:07 PM
You still see new threads and quotes though. It doesn't work great.

This. You still see the threads and quotes, and even posts (the content is just hidden). It's really annoying to read a thread and see tons of "you are ignoring this user" posts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 23, 2023, 01:11:42 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on February 23, 2023, 02:27:02 AMI would think it's easy enough to just, well, not read posts by users you don't like.

For as many posts as I've read, I've maybe touched 1% of the entire forum. Just put the user you don't like into that 99%. Done.

It's nice when things work out that way. Unfortunately, sometimes the "foe" (as the ignored person is called in some Web forum software) has interests that align with yours and so is a constant presence in threads you are interested in. People are also different, and while some can just pass over posts they don't want to read, others need the irritating stimulus to be completely absent from their sight.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on February 23, 2023, 01:12:57 PM

If you can't handle people being annoying you shouldn't be on the internet

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 23, 2023, 02:31:49 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 23, 2023, 01:12:57 PM
If you can't handle people being annoying you shouldn't be on the internet

Consider that on some forums (not ours hopefully, and if so I'd like to know about it) people may have a reason to block someone that goes beyond them being merely annoying.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on February 23, 2023, 03:35:23 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 23, 2023, 02:31:49 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 23, 2023, 01:12:57 PM
If you can't handle people being annoying you shouldn't be on the internet

Consider that on some forums (not ours hopefully, and if so I'd like to know about it) people may have a reason to block someone that goes beyond them being merely annoying.

If it gets to be that bad where thats an issue, the offending user should honestly just get banned at that point.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 23, 2023, 05:22:06 PM

Today's minor thing is mojibake:

20230216,42119,traffic+safety+facilities,兰州至海口国家高速公路（G75）渭源至武都建设项目交通安全设施施工WWJA9标段及机电工程施工WWJD11－15标段招标招标公告 (https://ggzyjy.gansu.gov.cn/f/newprovince/tenderproject/42119/tenderprojectIndex)
20230216,42120,traffic+safety+facilities,兰州至海口国家高速公路（G75）渭源至武都建设项目交通安全设施WWJAJL3标段施工监理及机电工程WWJDJL2标段施工监理招标招标公告 (https://ggzyjy.gansu.gov.cn/f/newprovince/tenderproject/42120/tenderprojectIndex)
20230113,41341,traffic+safety+facilities,G213线元山子至白庄子段升级改造项目交通安全设施及绿化施工招标招标公告 (https://ggzyjy.gansu.gov.cn/f/newprovince/tenderproject/41341/tenderprojectIndex)
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Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 23, 2023, 05:52:00 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 23, 2023, 03:35:23 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 23, 2023, 02:31:49 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 23, 2023, 01:12:57 PM
If you can't handle people being annoying you shouldn't be on the internet

Consider that on some forums (not ours hopefully, and if so I'd like to know about it) people may have a reason to block someone that goes beyond them being merely annoying.
If it gets to be that bad where thats an issue, the offending user should honestly just get banned at that point.

Yes, and if that were to happen here the user probably would be.

We are not the only forum who uses SMF, however.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on February 23, 2023, 07:25:03 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 23, 2023, 02:31:49 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 23, 2023, 01:12:57 PM
If you can't handle people being annoying you shouldn't be on the internet

Consider that on some forums (not ours hopefully, and if so I'd like to know about it) people may have a reason to block someone that goes beyond them being merely annoying.

Roadgeekteen never had to deal with Randy Hersh.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on February 23, 2023, 07:27:27 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on February 23, 2023, 07:25:03 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 23, 2023, 02:31:49 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 23, 2023, 01:12:57 PM
If you can't handle people being annoying you shouldn't be on the internet

Consider that on some forums (not ours hopefully, and if so I'd like to know about it) people may have a reason to block someone that goes beyond them being merely annoying.

Roadgeekteen never had to deal with Randy Hersh.

Isn't he banned though?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 23, 2023, 07:30:35 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 23, 2023, 07:27:27 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on February 23, 2023, 07:25:03 PM
Roadgeekteen never had to deal with Randy Hersh.

Isn't he banned though?

Nope. He was on this forum and did not come to moderators' notice when he was living.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on February 23, 2023, 07:33:48 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on February 23, 2023, 07:30:35 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 23, 2023, 07:27:27 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on February 23, 2023, 07:25:03 PM
Roadgeekteen never had to deal with Randy Hersh.

Isn't he banned though?

Nope. He was on this forum and did not come to moderators' notice when he was living.

Oh I forgot. Didn't he pass away?

Edit: apparently he's from the pre AAroads MTR days. I was still in preschool during those days.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 23, 2023, 08:27:36 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 23, 2023, 07:33:48 PMOh I forgot. Didn't he pass away?

Yes, on August 15, 2012.

It was occasionally said he would be banned on sight if he was found on this forum, but neither ever happened, though he had an account and posted occasionally.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on February 23, 2023, 08:29:31 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on February 23, 2023, 08:27:36 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 23, 2023, 07:33:48 PMOh I forgot. Didn't he pass away?

Yes, on August 15, 2012.

It was occasionally said he would be banned on sight if he was found on this forum, but neither ever happened, though he had an account and posted occasionally.

Over 10 years ago, wow. It's hard to believe that this forum has been around for 14 years!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on February 24, 2023, 08:50:17 PM

Icebreakers/group activities at conferences, meetings, or trainings.

Had a meeting today that involved one of those, and I found it to be a waste of time. If introductions are necessary, just go around the room and let people announce their names, titles, etc. Don't play some silly game before the gist of the event gets started.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on February 24, 2023, 09:39:05 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on February 24, 2023, 08:50:17 PM
Icebreakers/group activities at conferences, meetings, or trainings.

Had a meeting today that involved one of those, and I found it to be a waste of time. If introductions are necessary, just go around the room and let people announce their names, titles, etc. Don't play some silly game before the gist of the event gets started.

I also hate icebreakers. Unless they are super brief.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MultiMillionMiler on February 24, 2023, 10:58:26 PM

Gmail security verifications. They get so annoying making you sign in a million times and sending you codes from different devices, that even if I wasn't the one who signed in last time, I'd probably click "yes it was me" anyway just so I can login normally next time, totally defeating the purpose of it LOL

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on February 24, 2023, 11:10:54 PM

Quote from: MultiMillionMiler on February 24, 2023, 10:58:26 PM
Gmail security verifications. They get so annoying making you sign in a million times and sending you codes from different devices, that even if I wasn't the one who signed in last time, I'd probably click "yes it was me" anyway just so I can login normally next time, totally defeating the purpose of it LOL

You should want to get hacked. Maybe then you could give an excuse for some of your shit.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Hobart on February 25, 2023, 12:22:27 AM

This is gonna sound really weird and particular, but I hate it when there's one person who dominates a conversation. I'm really softspoken, so I feel like I'd be cutting someone off if I started talking in the middle of them, but like... I have valuable and qualified things I would like to share with the world, please!

Then the subject changes, and everything I wanted to bring up is gone and irrelevant. It's like, some people don't understand that the whole point of a conversation is to talk with each other, rather than talk at someone. It hurts me way more than it should.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on February 25, 2023, 12:29:52 AM

Quote from: Hobart on February 25, 2023, 12:22:27 AM
This is gonna sound really weird and particular, but I hate it when there's one person who dominates a conversation. I'm really softspoken, so I feel like I'd be cutting someone off if I started talking in the middle of them, but like... I have valuable and qualified things I would like to share with the world, please!

Then the subject changes, and everything I wanted to bring up is gone and irrelevant. It's like, some people don't understand that the whole point of a conversation is to talk with each other, rather than talk at someone. It hurts me way more than it should.

You would hate me then. I'm very talkative and tend to dominate conversations. I'm trying to stop doing that however.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 25, 2023, 06:17:23 AM

Quote from: Hobart on February 25, 2023, 12:22:27 AM
This is gonna sound really weird and particular, but I hate it when there's one person who dominates a conversation. I'm really softspoken, so I feel like I'd be cutting someone off if I started talking in the middle of them, but like... I have valuable and qualified things I would like to share with the world, please!

Then the subject changes, and everything I wanted to bring up is gone and irrelevant. It's like, some people don't understand that the whole point of a conversation is to talk with each other, rather than talk at someone. It hurts me way more than it should.

Keep one of these in your pocket.
(https://cdn.media.amplience.net/i/partycity/166526_01?$large$&fmt=auto&qlt=default)

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 25, 2023, 12:29:52 AM
I'm very talkative and tend to dominate conversations. I'm trying to stop doing that however.

This doesn't surprise me considering your post history here. It seems like a lot of times you feel compelled to come up with a response to every post and thread you come across, even when you don't have much interesting to say. It may be wise to practice working on that behavior here, where it is comparatively easy to stifle the impulse to respond to everything. Once you have gotten it in check here, then you can transfer that skill to the real world.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on February 25, 2023, 12:34:52 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 25, 2023, 12:29:52 AM
Quote from: Hobart on February 25, 2023, 12:22:27 AM
This is gonna sound really weird and particular, but I hate it when there's one person who dominates a conversation. I'm really softspoken, so I feel like I'd be cutting someone off if I started talking in the middle of them, but like... I have valuable and qualified things I would like to share with the world, please!

Then the subject changes, and everything I wanted to bring up is gone and irrelevant. It's like, some people don't understand that the whole point of a conversation is to talk with each other, rather than talk at someone. It hurts me way more than it should.
You would hate me then. I'm very talkative and tend to dominate conversations. I'm trying to stop doing that however.

It's not a bad thing to be very talkative! The important thing is the mix. Make sure there's some people who are talkative and some people who'd rather listen or just respond to a prompt.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 25, 2023, 12:45:47 PM

This past Tuesday, I got home from my Tuesday morning Toastmasters meeting when my mother says her television isn't working. I think the backlight is broken because of four continuous years of playing Golden Girls and Ice Road Truckers. So, I gave her my old 50" barely-used television and ordered a new 55" for myself. It was originally scheduled for delivery on Sunday the 26th, but instead arrived on Friday, the 24th. I unpacked it this morning, had a neighbor help me hang it in my home office, peal off the plastic, and uh-oh, I see cracks. When I turn it on...

(https://i.ibb.co/jhrGwkz/PXL-20230225-1711596012.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jhrGwkz)

I don't know what bothers me more... the fact that Amazon can't process a "return-and-replace" until Monday because the original delivery date was tomorrow or the fact that I don't have the time or space to even attempt repairing the original television backlight. When I purchased the television originally, it was $320, and the new one is $290, so I know I'm contributing to the "it's disposable and not worth replacing" problem with these cheap televisions.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on February 25, 2023, 10:07:57 PM

A phrase that really gets under my skin is "beautiful inside and out." I've heard that phrase used to describe so many people and while I understand that it's meant to be highly complimentary, to me it's annoying. Very often, it's also not true. The person being described is frequently of average physical appearance and not really that nice of a person.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 25, 2023, 11:01:56 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on February 19, 2023, 03:01:47 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 16, 2023, 04:17:41 AMI'm guessing since you moved from California, you have yet to have the sirens go off and had to run to the tornado shelter (or worse the lowest floor/smallest room/center part) and huddle there while you hear the wind and rain beating against the roof, because the thought running through your head is never "Oh well, if I look at the tornado averages and adjust them per square mile, Mississippi has it worse."

Sunday, October 20th, 2019 (https://www.wunderground.com/cat6/Sunday-Night-Tornado-Leaves-Extensive-Damage-Dallas). While the Cowboys were hosting the Eagles on Sunday Night Football, a tornado hit the southern part of Richardson near the I-635 and headed into nearby Garland.

I found some better maps:

Website: Highways and Hailstorms (https://highwaysandhailstones.com/tornado/dallas-texas-ef3-tornado-october-20-2019/)
Weather Channel (https://weather.com/safety/tornado/news/2019-10-22-dallas-tornado-path-power-outages-aerial-image)
WFAA (https://www.wfaa.com/article/weather/severe-weather/heres-what-we-know-about-last-nights-storms-in-dfw/287-57151003-047e-4115-be9f-bba1c9e0eff3)

If anything, moving to Texas has fueled my interest in weather as it's more interesting than it was in Sacramento.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on February 26, 2023, 02:01:04 PM

Meta Business Suite. It's basically a second set of notifications for page management, which means it now takes a lot more clicks to clear the notifications. What's wrong with the existing notifications system? And why does Facebook continue to insist that all pages are a "business"?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on February 26, 2023, 02:31:43 PM

Quote from: vdeane on February 26, 2023, 02:01:04 PM
Meta Business Suite. It's basically a second set of notifications for page management, which means it now takes a lot more clicks to clear the notifications. What's wrong with the existing notifications system? And why does Facebook continue to insist that all pages are a "business"?

What's worse than that is Facebook's insistence that pages be their own profile, instead of being managed from a personal profile. This is one place where I like the Business Suite app and site. I don't have to switch from my personal profile to the page's profile to post. I can just do it from the app or the browser.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SectorZ on February 26, 2023, 04:02:53 PM

I think I've brought this one up before, an athlete being called a "hero" for winning a sporting event for their team.

It went to extremes today when NESN's fill-in play-by-play guy did it a Spring training game where the Red Sox won on a game-winning single in the 9th inning.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 27, 2023, 10:54:50 AM

When you log onto a website that has 2FA (two factor authentication) and when you get the code on your phone and you start typing it on the computer, only to realize that the designer of the webpage didn't make it so the cursor was ready to go in the text box. So, then you have to go back and look your phone again to remember the code, then click, and type. Annoying. Also, you shouldn't have to click submit. Plenty of webpages are able to tell when you have the requisite about of characters.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 27, 2023, 02:43:47 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 27, 2023, 10:54:50 AMWhen you log onto a website that has 2FA (two factor authentication) and when you get the code on your phone and you start typing it on the computer, only to realize that the designer of the webpage didn't make it so the cursor was ready to go in the text box. So, then you have to go back and look your phone again to remember the code, then click, and type. Annoying. Also, you shouldn't have to click submit. Plenty of webpages are able to tell when you have the requisite about of characters.

I've been using Authy for 2FA (https://markholtz.info/authy) so that there is both a mobile and desktop app. Makes it easy for cutting/pasting the code. Although I do see the need for a Submit button in case you transposed the last two digits.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 27, 2023, 04:38:18 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 27, 2023, 10:54:50 AM
When you log onto a website that has 2FA (two factor authentication)

Could have just stopped there.

I know all of the supposed security benefits of it, but the whole procedure is horribly inaccessible to someone with ADHD. The usual procedure is:
- try to log in
- check email
- code isn't arrived yet. refresh a few times.
- get bored
- "While I'm waiting for it, I may as well check the forum/social media/news site"
- forget I requested the code
- "Wait, what was I doing earlier?"
- remember I was waiting on a code, go get it
- it's expired

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on February 27, 2023, 04:39:20 PM

I usually receive the code within 15 seconds.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 27, 2023, 04:40:59 PM

Quote from: 1 on February 27, 2023, 04:39:20 PM
I usually receive the code within 15 seconds.

That's long enough for me to get bored and wander off. (See why it's considered a disability/mental illness?)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on February 27, 2023, 04:45:54 PM

Interestingly when I last had a concussion during 2010, I had a lot of those "what was a doing" moments for about three months. My Dad (who had ADHD) used to describe instances of something similar happening to him on the regular. I'm still not sure how I was diagnosed with the same thing as a child, I don't recall that ever really happening to me (or at least not in a notable way).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on February 27, 2023, 05:02:07 PM

Doesn't your phone buzz when you get the code? It always does for me, at least for a text code.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 27, 2023, 07:03:44 PM

If I log into an app or a website using my phone or iPad, and said app or website uses a text-message form of two-factor authentication, I can tap the box where I'm to enter the code, then wait for the code, and then when it comes my device will ask if I want to copy the code from the message. Makes it very easy. That sort of two-factor authentication is far from ideal and is not particularly secure, but for things like baking you don't have much choice because the banks refuse to use any system other than text-messaging you a code.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 27, 2023, 07:48:41 PM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 27, 2023, 05:02:07 PM
Doesn't your phone buzz when you get the code? It always does for me, at least for a text code.

No, because Gmail typically categorizes those in the "updates" folder, which doesn't trigger a phone notification. (It's kind of a crapshoot whether I get email notifications or not, since I have three email accounts signed in on my phone and it seems like it only sends notifications for whichever one I checked on the phone most recently.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on February 27, 2023, 07:50:21 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 27, 2023, 07:48:41 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on February 27, 2023, 05:02:07 PM
Doesn't your phone buzz when you get the code? It always does for me, at least for a text code.

No, because Gmail typically categorizes those in the "updates" folder, which doesn't trigger a phone notification. (It's kind of a crapshoot whether I get email notifications or not, since I have three email accounts signed in on my phone and it seems like it only sends notifications for whichever one I checked on the phone most recently.)

I mostly get Gmail verification code email notifications on my phone. Maybe it has to do with your settings.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on February 27, 2023, 09:01:46 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 27, 2023, 04:38:18 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 27, 2023, 10:54:50 AM
When you log onto a website that has 2FA (two factor authentication)

Could have just stopped there.

I know all of the supposed security benefits of it, but the whole procedure is horribly inaccessible to someone with ADHD. The usual procedure is:
- try to log in
- check email
- code isn't arrived yet. refresh a few times.
- get bored
- "While I'm waiting for it, I may as well check the forum/social media/news site"
- forget I requested the code
- "Wait, what was I doing earlier?"
- remember I was waiting on a code, go get it
- it's expired

I am now doing some corporate banking transactions for my current employer, and the bank uses what I might call a "reverse 2FA" method. They make use of a third-party app that generates a new random six-digit code every 60 seconds, discarding the previous code. I had to do a one-time hoop-jumping exercise to register my smartphone and download the app to it, but now when I am logging into the bank's website I pull up the app on my phone to see the current code, and then enter it on the login screen along with my username and password. I don't know whether this is any more or less secure than other methods, but I don't have to wait for a code or login verification to be pushed to me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 27, 2023, 09:27:31 PM

I've used that for something before. Don't remember what. It is a somewhat easier-to-navigate procedure.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on February 27, 2023, 09:56:15 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 27, 2023, 10:54:50 AM
When you log onto a website that has 2FA (two factor authentication) and when you get the code on your phone and you start typing it on the computer, only to realize that the designer of the webpage didn't make it so the cursor was ready to go in the text box. So, then you have to go back and look your phone again to remember the code, then click, and type. Annoying. Also, you shouldn't have to click submit. Plenty of webpages are able to tell when you have the requisite about of characters.

In a similar vein - sites that put the digits in separate boxes so you can't copy and paste it.
KDE connect for the phone makes it possible, if the site allows it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 27, 2023, 10:02:21 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on February 27, 2023, 09:01:46 PMI am now doing some corporate banking transactions for my current employer, and the bank uses what I might call a "reverse 2FA" method. They make use of a third-party app that generates a new random six-digit code every 60 seconds, discarding the previous code. I had to do a one-time hoop-jumping exercise to register my smartphone and download the app to it, but now when I am logging into the bank's website I pull up the app on my phone to see the current code, and then enter it on the login screen along with my username and password. I don't know whether this is any more or less secure than other methods, but I don't have to wait for a code or login verification to be pushed to me.

Could be worse. Because of a incident, when you log into our corporate systems, a push is sent to your mobile device where you have to enter a code from your computer screen onto the mobile device to be authenticated on your computer. Also, the company insists on a minimum version of the phone OS system, so if your device is more than two versions old (current and two previous versions), you have to replace it.

Then again, because of security incidents involving improperly stored passwords and leaked account information, not to mention how many people (including my mother) continue to believe in that outdated advice that you should be able to "remember your password" and use the same password on every site instead of utilizing a unique password and utilizing a password manager.... it's a challenge.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 27, 2023, 10:30:55 PM

Just when you thought it couldn't get worse with LastPass, it gets worse. :pan:

From ArsTechnica:

LastPass says employee's home computer was hacked and corporate vault taken
Already smarting from a breach that stole customer vaults, LastPass has more bad news.

QuoteAlready smarting from a breach that put partially encrypted login data into a threat actor's hands, LastPass on Monday said that the same attacker hacked an employee's home computer and obtained a decrypted vault available to only a handful of company developers.

Although an initial intrusion into LastPass ended on August 12, officials with the leading password manager said the threat actor "was actively engaged in a new series of reconnaissance, enumeration, and exfiltration activity" from August 12 to August 26. In the process, the unknown threat actor was able to steal valid credentials from a senior DevOps engineer and access the contents of a LastPass data vault. Among other things, the vault gave access to a shared cloud-storage environment that contained the encryption keys for customer vault backups stored in Amazon S3 buckets.

FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2pt)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on February 28, 2023, 05:31:32 PM

Most of my passwords, when possible, are variations on a theme. I try to use similar passwords simply because it's easier. At some point, it becomes impossible to come up with some random password for various sites. Did I use M3t@ll1ca for this site, or M3g@deth, or 1ron M@id3n?

The best password manager is a small notebook in which passwords are written down and then said notebook is kept in a safe location.

My bank's system of 2FA, which isn't really 2FA and comes into play only when a new device is used to log in, is to ask a security question. I prefer that to trying to find a code somewhere and enter it within a specific timeframe.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on February 28, 2023, 05:42:26 PM

Or some use notes on IPhones. However if you lose the phone your screwed or a hacker might know how to bypass your file then he can accesses everything. Plus your note file or app, uses the same passcode as your phone. If the hacker gets passed your log on code, he can access your notes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on February 28, 2023, 05:56:43 PM

Oh and Apple is Anal, I had trouble logging on because I forgot my passcode from Apple. It then asked for a passcode from an email sent to me. Entered that. Then it wanted me to use my phone log on code, which I did.

The SOBs claimed I was not entering my correct log on code which I use constantly each day. Now I got to wait several days as Apple says it can take that long before they'll help me.

All I just want to do is upload Paramount Plus. Apparently I've been logged out for over a year since I reset my iPad.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 28, 2023, 06:22:14 PM

I have been locked out of a site I use fairly infrequently for months now because the owners upgraded to two-factor authentication and I still haven't figured out how to navigate it--they want me to download an app.

2FA has long struck me as a way to (1) make data secure by locking legitimate users out of it and (2) punish those who use secure passwords for the sins of those who don't.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on February 28, 2023, 06:55:50 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on February 28, 2023, 05:31:32 PM
Most of my passwords, when possible, are variations on a theme. I try to use similar passwords simply because it's easier. At some point, it becomes impossible to come up with some random password for various sites. Did I use M3t@ll1ca for this site, or M3g@deth, or 1ron M@id3n?

The best password manager is a small notebook in which passwords are written down and then said notebook is kept in a safe location.

My bank's system of 2FA, which isn't really 2FA and comes into play only when a new device is used to log in, is to ask a security question. I prefer that to trying to find a code somewhere and enter it within a specific timeframe.

It's not a notebook but I keep all my passwords in a password-protected Excel file on my desktop. I guess someone could access all my passwords if they hacked my computer and guessed the password, but I'm not losing sleep over it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on February 28, 2023, 06:58:10 PM

Quote from: skluth on February 28, 2023, 06:55:50 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on February 28, 2023, 05:31:32 PM
Most of my passwords, when possible, are variations on a theme. I try to use similar passwords simply because it's easier. At some point, it becomes impossible to come up with some random password for various sites. Did I use M3t@ll1ca for this site, or M3g@deth, or 1ron M@id3n?

The best password manager is a small notebook in which passwords are written down and then said notebook is kept in a safe location.

My bank's system of 2FA, which isn't really 2FA and comes into play only when a new device is used to log in, is to ask a security question. I prefer that to trying to find a code somewhere and enter it within a specific timeframe.

It's not a notebook but I keep all my passwords in a password-protected Excel file on my desktop. I guess someone could access all my passwords if they hacked my computer and guessed the password, but I'm not losing sleep over it.

Same thing with me and my phone. I have fingerprint protected notes on my phone with some of my passwords.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on February 28, 2023, 08:01:32 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on February 28, 2023, 06:22:14 PM
I have been locked out of a site I use fairly infrequently for months now because the owners upgraded to two-factor authentication and I still haven't figured out how to navigate it--they want me to download an app.

2FA has long struck me as a way to (1) make data secure by locking legitimate users out of it and (2) punish those who use secure passwords for the sins of those who don't.

...and (3) we now have your phone number and/or e-mail for future marketing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on March 01, 2023, 06:28:15 AM

Please change your password.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 01, 2023, 07:45:17 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on February 28, 2023, 05:42:26 PM
Or some use notes on IPhones. However if you lose the phone your screwed or a hacker might know how to bypass your file then he can accesses everything. Plus your note file or app, uses the same passcode as your phone. If the hacker gets passed your log on code, he can access your notes.

One other problem with that is that it underscores why the banks' stubborn insistence on using text-message multi-factor authentication is not especially secure. If someone gets into your phone and you have your passwords in an unsecured file, that person can then get into your bank accounts because the text message with the code will come to that same device.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 01, 2023, 08:13:12 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on March 01, 2023, 07:45:17 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on February 28, 2023, 05:42:26 PM
Or some use notes on IPhones. However if you lose the phone your screwed or a hacker might know how to bypass your file then he can accesses everything. Plus your note file or app, uses the same passcode as your phone. If the hacker gets passed your log on code, he can access your notes.

One other problem with that is that it underscores why the banks' stubborn insistence on using text-message multi-factor authentication is not especially secure. If someone gets into your phone and you have your passwords in an unsecured file, that person can then get into your bank accounts because the text message with the code will come to that same device.

It's not the 2FA that's the issue here...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: oscar on March 01, 2023, 09:23:58 AM

Quote from: hbelkins on February 28, 2023, 05:31:32 PM
Most of my passwords, when possible, are variations on a theme. I try to use similar passwords simply because it's easier. At some point, it becomes impossible to come up with some random password for various sites. Did I use M3t@ll1ca for this site, or M3g@deth, or 1ron M@id3n?

The best password manager is a small notebook in which passwords are written down and then said notebook is kept in a safe location.

I do something similar, using a password-protected WordPerfect file on my desktop with hints of the various passwords I'm using. Even if the file gets hacked (I don't know the strength of WordPerfect password protection), it doesn't supply all the information a hacker would need to log in.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on March 01, 2023, 11:13:23 AM

Why not use a free-yet-secure password manager like KeePass (https://markholtz.info/keepass) and ensure that the password file is saved on a shared drive folder such as OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox? I know that the entire contents of KeePass is encrypted with a master password (https://markholtz.info/keepass-security), which is better than a password-encrypted Excel spreadsheet.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 01, 2023, 03:22:15 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on February 23, 2023, 02:27:02 AM
For as many posts as I've read, I've maybe touched 1% of the entire forum. Just put the user you don't like into that 99%. Done.

Just FYI, about 1.4% of the posts on the forum are yours, so you've probably "touched"/viewed/read quite a bit more than that!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on March 01, 2023, 06:37:59 PM

Quote from: webny99 on March 01, 2023, 03:22:15 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on February 23, 2023, 02:27:02 AM
For as many posts as I've read, I've maybe touched 1% of the entire forum. Just put the user you don't like into that 99%. Done.

Just FYI, about 1.4% of the posts on the forum are yours, so you've probably "touched"/viewed/read quite a bit more than that!

Nearly 1.1 million posts and somehow I'm 1.4% of them ... that's eye opening, to be honest.

It seems you are right then, though there are quite a few boards that I never dive into. Maybe something like 50% of the posts here are not ones I've seen then.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Hobart on March 05, 2023, 06:54:03 PM

Sorry if this is bumping, but I found another one: Going out of your way to draw special attention to yourself! These are situations where it's like, "look at me! look at how special I am!"

I really don't know why it bothers me; it just seems kind of narcissistic. Maybe it's because of anxiety on my end. The issue I have with this is that the threshold is so low for this that I don't even like it when people hop into a furry group chat and post "It's my birthday!"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on March 06, 2023, 12:45:33 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on February 27, 2023, 10:30:55 PM
Just when you thought it couldn't get worse with LastPass, it gets worse. :pan:

From ArsTechnica:

LastPass says employee's home computer was hacked and corporate vault taken
Already smarting from a breach that stole customer vaults, LastPass has more bad news.
QuoteAlready smarting from a breach that put partially encrypted login data into a threat actor's hands, LastPass on Monday said that the same attacker hacked an employee's home computer and obtained a decrypted vault available to only a handful of company developers.

Although an initial intrusion into LastPass ended on August 12, officials with the leading password manager said the threat actor "was actively engaged in a new series of reconnaissance, enumeration, and exfiltration activity" from August 12 to August 26. In the process, the unknown threat actor was able to steal valid credentials from a senior DevOps engineer and access the contents of a LastPass data vault. Among other things, the vault gave access to a shared cloud-storage environment that contained the encryption keys for customer vault backups stored in Amazon S3 buckets.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2pt)

Yeah, about that...

From PC Magazine:

LastPass Employee Could've Prevented Hack With a Software Update
The hacker exploited a vulnerability in the Plex Media Server software that was patched in May 2020. 'The version that addressed this exploit was roughly 75 versions ago,' Plex says.

QuotePCMag has since learned the hacker targeted the Plex Media Server software to load the malware on the LastPass employee's home computer. But interestingly, the exploited flaw was nothing new. According to Plex, the vulnerability is nearly three years old and was patched long ago.

Plex told PCMag the vulnerability is CVE-2020-5741(Opens in a new window), which the company publicly disclosed to users in May 2020. "An attacker who already had admin access to a Plex Media Server could abuse the Camera Upload feature to make the server execute malicious code," the company said back then.

FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2px)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on March 06, 2023, 11:34:03 PM

So, here is something that bugs me... abandoned office buildings and/or demolished buildings with no new land use...

Here is something that bothers me, and I'll use my "living in California" as examples...

I lived across the street from a shopping center. In the early 1980s, a San Diego Federal Savings and Loan Association was built in the corner of the shopping center. At the early 1990s, it was bought out by Wells Fargo Bank, and they continued to operate the branch until a year or so later when they shut down the office as it already duplicated the efforts of another branch that was just a mile or so down the street at a major shopping destination. That building sat unused for almost 25 years, and no plans to redevlop the property until the mid 2010s when it was propsed to tear down the building and replace it was a ARCO AM/PM, but neighborhood opposition stopped those plans. The building was finally torn down in early 2021 and replaced with a Starbucks and three other storefronts.
Crestview Lanes was a decent bowling alley in Fair Oaks, CA. It was constructed in 1964, but was shut down in August,2010, then later torn down sometime between 2012 and 2015. The only thing that remains is a fenced-off parking lot and a field.
The Peach Tree Mall (aka Feather River Mall) in Linda, CA was severely damaged during the 1986 floods, and was abandoned by the owners. For decades, it was considered an eyesore with the only tenant being a FoodMaxx story. There was an arson in 2021, and the the building was finally torn down at the beginning of 2022 (https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/old-peach-tree-mall-building-demolished/).
Fry's Electronics which went belly-up in February 2021. I'm checking, and the store in North Natomas is all boarded up and fenced off. The one in Plano, TX is just boarded up. At least the one in Roseville, CA is now redeveloped into a used car dealership, but the iconic "train breaking through the wall" entrance is long gone.

And those are the major eyesores that I recall passing by. When I drive through some of the smaller towns, I see the buildings "abandoned in place" and left to rot, it's tenants long gone, yet new construction not even a mile down the road. Why?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 06, 2023, 11:43:59 PM

Nobody wants mid-late 20th century business aesthetics anymore. That and it's probably cheaper to build new than to bring an older building up to modern code.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 06, 2023, 11:49:35 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on March 06, 2023, 11:34:03 PM
So, here is something that bugs me... abandoned office buildings and/or demolished buildings with no new land use...

Here is something that bothers me, and I'll use my "living in California" as examples...

I lived across the street from a shopping center. In the early 1980s, a San Diego Federal Savings and Loan Association was built in the corner of the shopping center. At the early 1990s, it was bought out by Wells Fargo Bank, and they continued to operate the branch until a year or so later when they shut down the office as it already duplicated the efforts of another branch that was just a mile or so down the street at a major shopping destination. That building sat unused for almost 25 years, and no plans to redevlop the property until the mid 2010s when it was propsed to tear down the building and replace it was a ARCO AM/PM, but neighborhood opposition stopped those plans. The building was finally torn down in early 2021 and replaced with a Starbucks and three other storefronts.
Crestview Lanes was a decent bowling alley in Fair Oaks, CA. It was constructed in 1964, but was shut down in August,2010, then later torn down sometime between 2012 and 2015. The only thing that remains is a fenced-off parking lot and a field.
The Peach Tree Mall (aka Feather River Mall) in Linda, CA was severely damaged during the 1986 floods, and was abandoned by the owners. For decades, it was considered an eyesore with the only tenant being a FoodMaxx story. There was an arson in 2021, and the the building was finally torn down at the beginning of 2022 (https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/old-peach-tree-mall-building-demolished/).
Fry's Electronics which went belly-up in February 2021. I'm checking, and the store in North Natomas is all boarded up and fenced off. The one in Plano, TX is just boarded up. At least the one in Roseville, CA is now redeveloped into a used car dealership, but the iconic "train breaking through the wall" entrance is long gone.
And those are the major eyesores that I recall passing by. When I drive through some of the smaller towns, I see the buildings "abandoned in place" and left to rot, it's tenants long gone, yet new construction not even a mile down the road. Why?

As long as the property owner pays their taxes, there's little that can be done. Certain hazards may allow the appropriate jurisdictions to push for remediation, but that can take years. A fence to keep out basic trespassers usually satisfies any issues.

A property owner elsewhere has no relationship regarding another property. The government can't say you're not allowed to build until ABC Corp fixes up their property, because that will give ABC Corp even less incentive to fix their property if they can keep others from building by doing nothing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 06, 2023, 11:53:44 PM

To put another way, say you own property and you want to build a house. The government says sorry, you can't build because John Doe owns a house 3 blocks away that he abandoned. You have nothing to do with that house, and John Doe doesn't want to sell the property, so you're left with worthless land out of your control.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on March 07, 2023, 12:01:25 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 06, 2023, 11:43:59 PMNobody wants mid-late 20th century business aesthetics anymore. That and it's probably cheaper to build new than to bring an older building up to modern code.

With the shape of some of these abandoned buildings and the lack of historical significance, why not tear down the old building? Unless it involves asbestos abatement...

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 06, 2023, 11:49:35 PMAs long as the property owner pays their taxes, there's little that can be done. Certain hazards may allow the appropriate jurisdictions to push for remediation, but that can take years. A fence to keep out basic trespassers usually satisfies any issues.

This leads me to the headscratcher... aren't you better off having a tenant instead of a empty shell of a building? I find it hard to believe that it would be more fiscally prudent to take a loss on a building by leaving it empty and to rot than it is to have a paying tenant.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on March 07, 2023, 12:26:32 AM

What gets me is that KFC would rather tear down a building and build a newer one in its place than renovate or add on to the previous building. It could be why no one wanted the old building.

Anyway, how is rebuild cheaper than a renovation.?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 07, 2023, 03:58:25 AM

The thing that bothers me is when you have a building that is custom built to match a certain brand, like a McDonalds. Then the McDonalds goes out of business and Wendy's buys the property. But they can't use the building because it looks too much like a McDonalds, so they tear down the fast food restaurant to build a fast food restaurant.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on March 07, 2023, 06:39:45 AM

Changing the topic: Both "Giants -3" and "Biden +3" mean the listed one is favored over the opponent. Why doesn't the minus sign mean anything?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 07, 2023, 07:03:27 AM

Quote from: 1 on March 07, 2023, 06:39:45 AM
Changing the topic: Both "Giants -3" and "Biden +3" mean the listed one is favored over the opponent. Why doesn't the minus sign mean anything?

In normal sports betting, the favorite is shown with a - and the underdog with a +. So if the Giants were playing the Bidens, the -3 next to the Giants or +3 next to the Bidens tells the betters the Giants are Favored and the Bidens are the Underdogs.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 07, 2023, 07:22:21 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 07, 2023, 07:03:27 AM
Quote from: 1 on March 07, 2023, 06:39:45 AM
Changing the topic: Both "Giants -3" and "Biden +3" mean the listed one is favored over the opponent. Why doesn't the minus sign mean anything?

In normal sports betting, the favorite is shown with a - and the underdog with a +. So if the Giants were playing the Bidens, the -3 next to the Giants or +3 next to the Bidens tells the betters the Giants are Favored and the Bidens are the Underdogs.

What if there were a team made of giant Bidens?

Wait, uh, that's against the forum rules, don't answer that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 07, 2023, 07:38:08 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 07, 2023, 07:03:27 AM
Quote from: 1 on March 07, 2023, 06:39:45 AM
Changing the topic: Both "Giants -3" and "Biden +3" mean the listed one is favored over the opponent. Why doesn't the minus sign mean anything?

In normal sports betting, the favorite is shown with a - and the underdog with a +. So if the Giants were playing the Bidens, the -3 next to the Giants or +3 next to the Bidens tells the betters the Giants are Favored and the Bidens are the Underdogs.

But that doesn't really explain the reason why they write it that way. If the Giants are favored to win by three, someone might say "Giants by 3" and that's clear enough, but why the minus? I assume it's intended to denote the other team's expected margin of defeat, but what prompted them to do it that way? (I am not at all into sports betting, so while this may seem obvious to people who are, it's the reasoning behind the system that interests me.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on March 07, 2023, 07:48:59 AM

When your phone beeps in the middle of the night to remind you that some aps are slotted for deep sleep mode. What about my deep sleep?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 07, 2023, 07:59:57 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on March 07, 2023, 07:38:08 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 07, 2023, 07:03:27 AM
Quote from: 1 on March 07, 2023, 06:39:45 AM
Changing the topic: Both "Giants -3" and "Biden +3" mean the listed one is favored over the opponent. Why doesn't the minus sign mean anything?

In normal sports betting, the favorite is shown with a - and the underdog with a +. So if the Giants were playing the Bidens, the -3 next to the Giants or +3 next to the Bidens tells the betters the Giants are Favored and the Bidens are the Underdogs.

But that doesn't really explain the reason why they write it that way. If the Giants are favored to win by three, someone might say "Giants by 3" and that's clear enough, but why the minus? I assume it's intended to denote the other team's expected margin of defeat, but what prompted them to do it that way? (I am not at all into sports betting, so while this may seem obvious to people who are, it's the reasoning behind the system that interests me.)

I'm not sure of the history, and honestly it seems a bit backwards to me sometimes. A lot of times a better will say the Giants are giving the Bidens 3, so maybe the +3 indicates that the Bidens can lose by 3 and still 'win' on the books.

And then, is the 3 a push, where no one wins or loses? Often better to have the break at 2.5 or 3.5, so it's clear a better won or lost based on the team picked.

The written form is just the standard written term of how to print a betting sheet or slip. Sorts like when some agencies will call the left lane the 1 lane. There probably isn't much history behind it. Just how terminology evolved.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on March 07, 2023, 08:25:49 AM

The way Axel Rose on G & R's cover of Dylan's Knocking on Heaven's Door says door. He pronounces it as Daw Or whether it's in his falsetto or low voice as he uses both his singing voices in that one.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on March 07, 2023, 09:05:53 AM

Quote from: Hobart on March 05, 2023, 06:54:03 PM
Sorry if this is bumping, but I found another one: Going out of your way to draw special attention to yourself! These are situations where it's like, "look at me! look at how special I am!"

I don't know how much of this bled over into my personality, but for a summer, I worked as a sign-spinner. I'm not much for the moves, but can whale on the air guitar like nobodys business.

It started feeding itself a little bit - in that the people I advertised for, told me that I was getting noticed and the phones were ringing, so I started upping my game, doing weird outfits, etc, etc.

Turns out, I was just good at what I did and I already had the personality.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on March 08, 2023, 06:06:17 AM

The "joy" of discovering that somehow, my DHCP range changed from 192.168.1.100-255 to 192.168.185.100-255 ... which effectively shutdown my network overnight as 12 Hour DHCP leases came up for renewal. Since my NAS server and my network printer are both on fixed IP addresses, those devices became inaccessible.... especially when the daily backups kicked in.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kirbykart on March 08, 2023, 01:22:19 PM

On another forum I am a member of, clicking a link does not open it in a new tab, so I usually end up closing the tab and have to go back to the forum again. It is habit because links open in a new tab here.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 08, 2023, 01:25:03 PM

Quote from: kirbykart on March 08, 2023, 01:22:19 PM
On another forum I am a member of, clicking a link does not open it in a new tab, so I usually end up closing the tab and have to go back to the forum again. It is habit because links open in a new tab here.

I almost always Ctrl-click for that very reason.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on March 08, 2023, 01:27:59 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on March 08, 2023, 06:06:17 AMThe "joy" of discovering that somehow, my DHCP range changed from 192.168.1.100-255 to 192.168.185.100-255 ... which effectively shutdown my network overnight as 12 Hour DHCP leases came up for renewal. Since my NAS server and my network printer are both on fixed IP addresses, those devices became inaccessible.... especially when the daily backups kicked in.

Are you using an enterprise-grade router? I just Googled and it seems the Class C private IP range runs from 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255, but my router (consumer-grade) addresses just 192.168.1.0-255.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kirbykart on March 08, 2023, 01:28:58 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 08, 2023, 01:25:03 PM
Quote from: kirbykart on March 08, 2023, 01:22:19 PM
On another forum I am a member of, clicking a link does not open it in a new tab, so I usually end up closing the tab and have to go back to the forum again. It is habit because links open in a new tab here.

I almost always Ctrl-click for that very reason.

Very helpful. I didn't know about that trick.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on March 08, 2023, 03:01:50 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on March 08, 2023, 01:27:59 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on March 08, 2023, 06:06:17 AMThe "joy" of discovering that somehow, my DHCP range changed from 192.168.1.100-255 to 192.168.185.100-255 ... which effectively shutdown my network overnight as 12 Hour DHCP leases came up for renewal. Since my NAS server and my network printer are both on fixed IP addresses, those devices became inaccessible.... especially when the daily backups kicked in.

Are you using an enterprise-grade router? I just Googled and it seems the Class C private IP range runs from 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255, but my router (consumer-grade) addresses just 192.168.1.0-255.

Negative, just a AmpliFi Mesh system which I got in 2017, then added a mesh point in 2019. It is up to date with the firmware upgrades (4.0.0). I just have it set with 192.168.1.x with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 .

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on March 08, 2023, 09:54:27 PM

Here's something that bugs me, and once again it's language-related.

I don't like how the word "troll" has become a noun in the particular sense of someone who posts to online forums to fish for reactions. And that's exactly what it is. It's trolling, and the person who does it is a troller, not a troll.

You wouldn't call someone who holds a fishing pole with a lure trailing behind a slow-moving boat, hoping to catch whatever bites, a troll. You'd call them a troller. So why call a person who metaphorically does that on the Internet a troll?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on March 08, 2023, 11:14:05 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on March 08, 2023, 09:54:27 PM
You wouldn't call someone who holds a fishing pole with a lure trailing behind a slow-moving boat, hoping to catch whatever bites, a troll. You'd call them a troller. So why call a person who metaphorically does that on the Internet a troll?

Shouldn't it be trawler or trawling?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 08, 2023, 11:54:48 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on March 08, 2023, 09:54:27 PM
Here's something that bugs me, and once again it's language-related.

I don't like how the word "troll" has become a noun in the particular sense of someone who posts to online forums to fish for reactions. And that's exactly what it is. It's trolling, and the person who does it is a troller, not a troll.

You wouldn't call someone who holds a fishing pole with a lure trailing behind a slow-moving boat, hoping to catch whatever bites, a troll. You'd call them a troller. So why call a person who metaphorically does that on the Internet a troll?

I think you have the genesis of the term wrong chronologically. It started with calling people who did dumb stuff online trolls. Then the verb to describe what they're doing was created.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on March 09, 2023, 12:14:23 AM

Quote from: formulanone on March 08, 2023, 11:14:05 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on March 08, 2023, 09:54:27 PMYou wouldn't call someone who holds a fishing pole with a lure trailing behind a slow-moving boat, hoping to catch whatever bites, a troll. You'd call them a troller.

Shouldn't it be trawler or trawling?

They sound similar, but trawling is different--it involves nets.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 09, 2023, 12:43:12 AM

I replaced my garage door opener earlier this year. I got a cheap model because I didn't have a lot of money at the time. So it is very slow. It also has those annoying lasers that will force the door to re-open if they detect anything (I should have bribed the installer to just mount them next to the garage door 1 cm away from each other), and I don't trust it to go all the way down, so I wait in the driveway to verify that the door opener is in the mood to do its job today before backing out onto the street. (I've come back from shopping before to find the door open because a blade of grass or a bug or something caused it to abort the closure after I pulled out onto the street.)

The really minor thing that bothers me is that inevitably, whenever I back out of the garage and into the driveway, the street will be clear in both directions. By the time the garage door closes, three or four cars that weren't there before inevitably appear and I have to wait even longer to get out of my driveway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 09, 2023, 07:53:21 AM

^^^^

I always wait in the driveway to make sure the door stays down. It's a habit I picked up from my late father, who always did it, and it's proven worthwhile the time or two when one of the electric eye sensors had been knocked slightly out of position such that the door was not going to stay down unless and until I either adjusted it or pulled the handle to lower the door manually.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on March 09, 2023, 09:15:59 AM

When my garage door opener disintegrated three years ago, I got a new MyQ model that had the following features:

Battery backup in case of power failure.
Connects to WiFi and Internet - So I can open/close the door remotely via my phone. Also allows for Amazon packages to be delivered to my garage.
Timer - So that my garage door closes 1-10 minutes after being open. I have it set to five minutes.

There is a LCD panel which displays the time and temperature as well as the status of the garage door system. What bothers me is that, even though the garage door has Internet connectivity, it apparently cannot reach out to a NTP server to get the current time, so time drift builds up over time. Since this weekend is when saving time starts, time to reset the clocks.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on March 09, 2023, 10:58:40 AM

Quote from: J N Winkler on March 09, 2023, 12:14:23 AM
Quote from: formulanone on March 08, 2023, 11:14:05 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on March 08, 2023, 09:54:27 PMYou wouldn't call someone who holds a fishing pole with a lure trailing behind a slow-moving boat, hoping to catch whatever bites, a troll. You'd call them a troller.

Shouldn't it be trawler or trawling?

They sound similar, but trawling is different--it involves nets.

The little battery-powered motors that mount to the side of a boat are called trolling motors. They're quiet and move the boat slowly and without noise, or without disturbing the water the way the big gas-powered motors do.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 09, 2023, 12:08:04 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on March 09, 2023, 10:58:40 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on March 09, 2023, 12:14:23 AM
Quote from: formulanone on March 08, 2023, 11:14:05 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on March 08, 2023, 09:54:27 PMYou wouldn't call someone who holds a fishing pole with a lure trailing behind a slow-moving boat, hoping to catch whatever bites, a troll. You'd call them a troller.

Shouldn't it be trawler or trawling?

They sound similar, but trawling is different--it involves nets.

The little battery-powered motors that mount to the side of a boat are called trolling motors. They're quiet and move the boat slowly and without noise, or without disturbing the water the way the big gas-powered motors do.

But as jayhawkco noted, online trolling is derived from a different definition of troll.

What you're referring to is a verb, meaning "fish by trailing a baited line along behind a boat".

An online troll is a noun, meaning "a person who makes a deliberately offensive or provocative online post", which I tend to associate with the type of troll in folklore more than the verb 'to troll'.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on March 09, 2023, 01:05:07 PM

It may be because I grew up fishing a lot, but I always associated baiting online discussion groups with trolling. In fact, the other major newsgroup in which I participated besides MTR was rec.autos.sport.nascar. It got the nickname "Lake RASN" or just "the lake" and people would often ask how the fishing was, or if anything was biting.

I always associated the troll who lives under a bridge as a gnome-like creature.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 09, 2023, 03:50:40 PM

The term trolling appeared online first, but it is unclear which meaning was intended–baiting people, behaving as a malevolent imp, or a combination of the two. The etymologies of the verb troll (to fish with a moving line) and the noun troll (a mythological creature) are separate, so there's no easy way out by saying the internet slang term can derive from both at the same time.

However, it's worth noting that trolling for sex has been a slang term within the male gay community for decades. In the same community, a troll refers to a 'dirty old man' looking for younger males to hook up with. This latter term has very negative connotations. So it's possible (just my theory) that the internet slang term actually derives from that, and therefore both trolling and troll are correct.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on March 09, 2023, 04:28:44 PM

Give this guy an Internet connection and a text input device he can use, and you have an Internet troll:

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d3/FremontTroll.jpg?20171028223850)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on March 09, 2023, 11:42:46 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on March 09, 2023, 04:28:44 PM
Give this guy an Internet connection and a text input device he can use, and you have an Internet troll:

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d3/FremontTroll.jpg?20171028223850)

Just for scale, that's a real VW Bug he's got. Well, the real body of one anyway.
I haven't been by to visit him in a couple of years. I should drop by.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on March 10, 2023, 08:13:40 AM

From Ars Techica:

HP outrages printer users with firmware update suddenly bricking third-party ink
HP's approach to DRM continues rubbing people the wrong way.

QuoteAfter paying up, it seems HP is set on continuing to use DRM to discourage its printer customers from spending ink and toner money outside of the HP family.

"HP have updated their printers to outright ban "˜non-HP' ink! They no longer shows the 'can't guarantee quality' message, but instead cancels your print completely until you inset a HP ink cartridge," Reddit user grhhull posted Tuesday. "After contacting HP, they advised 'this is due to the recent "˜update' of all printers.'"

FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2pz)

The only HP printer that I actually owned was a HP Laserjet 4. That was back in the mid-1990s, and those things were built like a tank (minus the accordion fold problem that required regular replacement of a set of rollers). Biggest problem I had was that there was no power-saving mode, so I had to keep it off. Upgraded that printer to a color laser printer that also did duplexing. However, I don't do much printing anymore.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: elsmere241 on March 10, 2023, 09:27:45 AM

I wondered what that was about. Not that I really use my HP printer anymore.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Dirt Roads on March 10, 2023, 10:04:14 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on March 10, 2023, 08:13:40 AM
The only HP printer that I actually owned was a HP Laserjet 4. That was back in the mid-1990s, and those things were built like a tank (minus the accordion fold problem that required regular replacement of a set of rollers). Biggest problem I had was that there was no power-saving mode, so I had to keep it off. Upgraded that printer to a color laser printer that also did duplexing. However, I don't do much printing anymore.

I still have my ledger-sized HP LaserJet 4V, along with the 486 machine needed to run it. Not sure if this was a problem for your HP Laserjet 4, but the printer drivers for HP Laserjet 4V never properly worked on any Pentium machine, such that all of the print area was about 1/2 inch too high on the page. That was easy to attend to on any word processor (I was still mostly using WordPerfect back in those days), but the migration to PDF and other static print formats forced me to move on. But I was able to get a bunch of cheap HP00A toner cartridges each time that the two OfficeDepots closed here, and I still have two remaining.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on March 10, 2023, 11:05:58 AM

I have a Canon all-in-one printer, mostly because it breaks the HP hegemony we had for a while and maybe-kind-of-slightly a Canon fanboy. The kids have an Epson and it's alright. Admittedly, the Canon has a slightly greater thirst for ink than the HPs I've had in the past but it's also never told me the ink cartridge was expired (https://theoatmeal.com/comics/printers).

I still have to print things for work because most projects require a printed checklist because the clients have a tendency to be old school, I prefer a printed airline ticket because apps misbehave when flights change/cancel, and I sometimes require printed border-crossing documentation. But it's okay because work covers the ink costs.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on March 10, 2023, 01:00:53 PM

Quote from: Dirt Roads on March 10, 2023, 10:04:14 AMI still have my ledger-sized HP LaserJet 4V, along with the 486 machine needed to run it. Not sure if this was a problem for your HP Laserjet 4, but the printer drivers for HP Laserjet 4V never properly worked on any Pentium machine, such that all of the print area was about 1/2 inch too high on the page.

Did not have that issue, and I initially had a 386-33 followed by a Pentium 166. The connection was initially through the parallel printer port, but then I added a ethernet interface in the early 2000s. I eventually gave it away in favor of a non-HP color duplexing printer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 10, 2023, 01:53:48 PM

Hopefully our printer is old enough to not even get firmware updates...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on March 10, 2023, 02:03:49 PM

When a coworker of yours is a hypochondriac and is always allowed to leave work early when not feeling well without any write ups.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 10, 2023, 06:45:20 PM

If your printer needs a firmware update, that means the manufacturer did a sloppy job building it in the first place. I can't say I've ever had a printer request a firmware update.

Quote from: roadman65 on March 10, 2023, 02:03:49 PM
When a coworker of yours is a hypochondriac and is always allowed to leave work early when not feeling well without any write ups.

They could have a disability or a chronic condition that they simply don't feel is any of your business, you know.

My wife was on the other side of this one–she has chronic pain and had to leave work a lot because of it. Believe me, she wanted to stay; she didn't want to have to be such an inconvenience to everyone, and she didn't like having money missing from her paycheck. But if she was in too much pain to work, she had to leave.

So it was pretty hurtful to find out that people were doing things like setting up betting pools on whether she'd make it through a whole shift or not. She ended up leaving the job entirely because nobody seemed interested in trying to put a stop to that sort of behavior from her coworkers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on March 12, 2023, 09:14:04 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on March 10, 2023, 08:13:40 AM
From Ars Techica:

HP outrages printer users with firmware update suddenly bricking third-party ink
HP's approach to DRM continues rubbing people the wrong way.

What this is actually going to brick is any chance of selling another HP printer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on March 12, 2023, 10:36:58 PM

When you pay for gas at the pump...

(https://i.imgur.com/XviRi3D.png)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Hobart on March 12, 2023, 10:53:10 PM

Quote from: kurumi on March 12, 2023, 10:36:58 PM
When you pay for gas at the pump...

(https://i.imgur.com/XviRi3D.png)

This pisses me off so much, especially because I'd get gas on the way home from work. I wouldn't even go inside, I'd just drive off.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 12, 2023, 11:22:08 PM

A minor thing that bothers me about receipts is when the cashier asks "Do you want a receipt?" and I say no, then the register prints one anyway and they throw it away. The main reason I don't want a receipt is because I don't want to waste paper. If I don't want one, there should be a button the cashier can push that cancels printing one. If you're going to print one either way, I'd rather take it so I can at least recycle it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on March 12, 2023, 11:30:54 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 12, 2023, 11:22:08 PM
A minor thing that bothers me about receipts is when the cashier asks "Do you want a receipt?" and I say no, then the register prints one anyway and they throw it away. The main reason I don't want a receipt is because I don't want to waste paper. If I don't want one, there should be a button the cashier can push that cancels printing one. If you're going to print one either way, I'd rather take it so I can at least recycle it.

Here in Japan, almost every checkout has a small bin where you can toss your receipts.

POS device that don't print receipts are already quite common. Most of the iPad-based payment services offer electronic receipts. Some stores offer email receipts; Best Buy comes to mind.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on March 12, 2023, 11:48:57 PM

Quote from: Hobart on March 12, 2023, 10:53:10 PM
Quote from: kurumi on March 12, 2023, 10:36:58 PMWhen you pay for gas at the pump...

["Receipt inside" meme snipped for brevity]

This pisses me off so much, especially because I'd get gas on the way home from work. I wouldn't even go inside, I'd just drive off.

When that happens, I just go on my way--I typically have a smartphone photo of the pump readouts anyway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 12, 2023, 11:56:39 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on March 12, 2023, 11:30:54 PM
Here in Japan, almost every checkout has a small bin where you can toss your receipts.

POS device that don't print receipts are already quite common. Most of the iPad-based payment services offer electronic receipts. Some stores offer email receipts; Best Buy comes to mind.

Well, a bin next to the checkout doesn't help me any, because I don't know what they do with the trash.

Order of preference is:
1) No receipt is printed at all
2) Receipt is printed and recycled (this is what happens if I take it)
3) Receipt is printed and sent to landfill

Email receipts are okay, I guess, but then I have to either type out the email address on a touchscreen (takes forever) or read it off to a clerk ("scott5114–scott with two Ts–five-one-one-four, no, FIVE, one one four, at...") That's usually only worth the trouble if I actually need the receipt to put in my business accounting system, and then I get to spell my first, last, and company name to send it to my business email. (Maybe I should just make a bob@ email alias.) USPS gives you the choice of "printed" or "email", no "nothing at all" option, so I have to decide which one is more annoying at that exact moment.

I think this is one of those things that might vary regionally. "Print and trash" is the order of the day in Oklahoma. I'm guessing on the West Coast they've thought this through more. I'll have to pay attention next time I'm in Nevada.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on March 13, 2023, 01:03:55 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 12, 2023, 11:56:39 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on March 12, 2023, 11:30:54 PM
Here in Japan, almost every checkout has a small bin where you can toss your receipts.

POS device that don't print receipts are already quite common. Most of the iPad-based payment services offer electronic receipts. Some stores offer email receipts; Best Buy comes to mind.

Well, a bin next to the checkout doesn't help me any, because I don't know what they do with the trash.

Order of preference is:
1) No receipt is printed at all
2) Receipt is printed and recycled (this is what happens if I take it)
3) Receipt is printed and sent to landfill

I didn't think that receipts could be recycled. Because of the BPA and so on.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on March 13, 2023, 01:52:03 AM

I keep trying to tell my mother that, when she picks up her medication from CVS, to please either use the "Email Receipt" or "Email and Print Receipt". That way, I can "print" the receipt as a PDF and store it as a file for her tax expenses at the end of the year. More often than not, I have to recover the e-receipt from her Trash email, print it, and delete it again. :banghead:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on March 13, 2023, 02:32:05 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on March 13, 2023, 01:52:03 AM
I keep trying to tell my mother that, when she picks up her medication from CVS, to please either use the "Email Receipt" or "Email and Print Receipt". That way, I can "print" the receipt as a PDF and store it as a file for her tax expenses at the end of the year. More often than not, I have to recover the e-receipt from her Trash email, print it, and delete it again. :banghead:

The fact that her emails are at least archived and not fully deleted is a step above what I might expect from many of those who are not as computer literate.

Unless you mean you're recovering them very shortly thereafter and not months after the fact. I think most emails have a short term recovery feature even for deleted emails.

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 12, 2023, 11:56:39 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on March 12, 2023, 11:30:54 PM
Here in Japan, almost every checkout has a small bin where you can toss your receipts.

Well, a bin next to the checkout doesn't help me any, because I don't know what they do with the trash.

I can assure you, it's recycled, if the konbinis are anything like private residences. I personally have five separate trash receptacles: cardboard, glass, cans, plastic bottles, burnable trash.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 13, 2023, 02:49:08 AM

I suppose in Japan you can trust that someone won't throw a hot dog into the recycle bin or something stupid like that. I've seen that in the United States so many times I just kind of expect any public recycle bin to not actually be one.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on March 13, 2023, 04:12:48 AM

Would you "like a copy of your receipt"?

Think about it - I've heard this many times from cashiers? What are they going to do with the original?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on March 13, 2023, 09:45:34 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on March 13, 2023, 02:32:05 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on March 13, 2023, 01:52:03 AM
I keep trying to tell my mother that, when she picks up her medication from CVS, to please either use the "Email Receipt" or "Email and Print Receipt". That way, I can "print" the receipt as a PDF and store it as a file for her tax expenses at the end of the year. More often than not, I have to recover the e-receipt from her Trash email, print it, and delete it again. :banghead:

The fact that her emails are at least archived and not fully deleted is a step above what I might expect from many of those who are not as computer literate.

Unless you mean you're recovering them very shortly thereafter and not months after the fact. I think most emails have a short term recovery feature even for deleted emails.

It's essentially a Google Mail account, only we have our own domains attached (one for me, one for my mother). So, once a email hits Trash, I have 30 days to recover it, otherwise it's adios.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Hobart on March 13, 2023, 10:01:18 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 13, 2023, 02:49:08 AM
I suppose in Japan you can trust that someone won't throw a hot dog into the recycle bin or something stupid like that. I've seen that in the United States so many times I just kind of expect any public recycle bin to not actually be one.

My university never actually recycled; all of the recycle bins had plastic bags, which is a big no no because they can't be recycled because they clog equipment.

In the past few months, they hid every recycle bin under one stairwell in one building.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on March 13, 2023, 10:04:48 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on March 13, 2023, 04:12:48 AM
Would you "like a copy of your receipt"?

Think about it - I've heard this many times from cashiers? What are they going to do with the original?

Save the journals for their own reporting and backup purposes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on March 13, 2023, 11:30:01 AM

The question I usually hear is, "Do you need your receipt," as it is printing or immediately after it prints. This is as opposed to "do you want your receipt." If you do request it, it's given to you. If you don't, it's discarded, but I don't know if it goes into a recycle bin or a throw-away bin (and honestly, it makes no difference to me if it's recycled or tossed.)

Dollar Tree does ask, "do you want a receipt," and if you say you do, the cashier will push a button and the receipt prints. Otherwise, there's no receipt.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on March 13, 2023, 01:39:27 PM

A few driving-related ones:
1) When there's a piece of ice/snow under my windshield wiper and it creates a streak every time I use it
2) When there's ice/snow on my car's parking sensors and it beeps every time I come to a stop or drive slowly
3) When the car across from me at a permissive left doesn't do the "S-approach", making it harder for me to see around them. This one is especially annoying if their car is tall and if they're close to the through lane
4) When pedestrian count down timers don't change the light to yellow when they reach zero (thankfully there's not too many like that where I live)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 13, 2023, 02:01:03 PM

Quote from: 7/8 on March 13, 2023, 01:39:27 PM
4) When pedestrian count down timers don't change the light to yellow when they reach zero (thankfully there's not too many like that where I live)

I'm not sure if this is what you mean, but I know of quite a few where the walk cycle just repeats - sometimes multiple times - before eventually switching. This happens where one road has a much longer green phase than the other.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on March 13, 2023, 02:16:45 PM

Quote from: webny99 on March 13, 2023, 02:01:03 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on March 13, 2023, 01:39:27 PM
4) When pedestrian count down timers don't change the light to yellow when they reach zero (thankfully there's not too many like that where I live)

I'm not sure if this is what you mean, but I know of quite a few where the walk cycle just repeats - sometimes multiple times - before eventually switching. This happens where one road has a much longer green phase than the other.

Yeah I've seen that where a smaller side street only changes if there's a car detected or a pedestrian activates the button. But that scenario doesn't bother me much. What I mean is that most countdowns once they reach zero will change the vehicle traffic signal to yellow since in my area, protected lefts are leading. But sometimes, the countdown will reach zero, and it'll take several seconds before the light goes yellow. It's annoying since the countdown is helpful as a driver to judge when the yellow will start.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on March 13, 2023, 02:26:50 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on March 13, 2023, 04:12:48 AM
Would you "like a copy of your receipt"?

Think about it - I've heard this many times from cashiers? What are they going to do with the original?

Keep it to audit the cash drawer at the end of the day and the credit card receipts whenever the credit card company pays them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 13, 2023, 03:00:14 PM

Quote from: 7/8 on March 13, 2023, 02:16:45 PM
Quote from: webny99 on March 13, 2023, 02:01:03 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on March 13, 2023, 01:39:27 PM
4) When pedestrian count down timers don't change the light to yellow when they reach zero (thankfully there's not too many like that where I live)

I'm not sure if this is what you mean, but I know of quite a few where the walk cycle just repeats - sometimes multiple times - before eventually switching. This happens where one road has a much longer green phase than the other.

Yeah I've seen that where a smaller side street only changes if there's a car detected or a pedestrian activates the button. But that scenario doesn't bother me much. What I mean is that most countdowns once they reach zero will change the vehicle traffic signal to yellow since in my area, protected lefts are leading. But sometimes, the countdown will reach zero, and it'll take several seconds before the light goes yellow. It's annoying since the countdown is helpful as a driver to judge when the yellow will start.

Oh Canada may be different, but at least in the US by technical rule there can't be a countdown clock for motorists. Obviously the countdown clock for pedestrians became a workaround for that, but as you noted in some cases the light doesn't turn to yellow once the clock hits 0, and that's all by design. Along with the other reasons given...

If the signal operates on a demand basis with no set cycle length (in theory; there is probably some max-out time), the light may operate with a minimum interval for pedestrians, but once that ped phase is over the light will remain green until the sensors determine its time to cycle.

On some lights, the ped phases on each side of the intersection operates independently of each other. While the protected left turn phase time portion differs, the time allotted for walking remains the same per side, resulting in one side completing its countdown before the other.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on March 13, 2023, 03:03:36 PM

Quote from: 7/8 on March 13, 2023, 01:39:27 PM1) When there's a piece of ice/snow under my windshield wiper and it creates a streak every time I use it

Doubly frustrating when it's generally slushy out. It causes sign pictures to be all dirty (picture since swapped out for a better one):

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52745863963_bf5122a8f5_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2omYkHD)A-20 EB, sortie 285 - 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2omYkHD) by Liliana Vess (https://www.flickr.com/photos/lilianauwu/), on Flickr

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 13, 2023, 05:11:16 PM

One wonders whether that sign holds the North American record for most hyphens in a single place name.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 13, 2023, 05:11:47 PM

I think that's the first time I've seen the Å" ligature on a road sign. FHWA Series doesn't even have that one.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 13, 2023, 07:55:34 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on March 13, 2023, 05:11:16 PM
One wonders whether that sign holds the North American record for most hyphens in a single place name.

Although to be fair, the rest of the continent isn't much competition for Quebec. :-P

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on March 14, 2023, 09:47:29 AM

Quote from: 7/8 on March 13, 2023, 02:16:45 PM
Quote from: webny99 on March 13, 2023, 02:01:03 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on March 13, 2023, 01:39:27 PM
4) When pedestrian count down timers don't change the light to yellow when they reach zero (thankfully there's not too many like that where I live)

I'm not sure if this is what you mean, but I know of quite a few where the walk cycle just repeats - sometimes multiple times - before eventually switching. This happens where one road has a much longer green phase than the other.

Yeah I've seen that where a smaller side street only changes if there's a car detected or a pedestrian activates the button. But that scenario doesn't bother me much. What I mean is that most countdowns once they reach zero will change the vehicle traffic signal to yellow since in my area, protected lefts are leading. But sometimes, the countdown will reach zero, and it'll take several seconds before the light goes yellow. It's annoying since the countdown is helpful as a driver to judge when the yellow will start.

I'm more annoyed as a pedestrian. Some signals give the "walk" indicator for only a few seconds, before going to "don't walk" flashing and then solid while the light remains green for a lengthy period. Why such a short timeframe for me to cross? Before you say "so the controller can shorten a particular green phase if sensors show no traffic," I'm talking about fixed-timed signals.

On the flip side, there's a countdown pedestrian signal near me that starts flashing "don't walk" and counting down from only four seconds before the light turns yellow. It's crossing a two-lane side street, but c'mon, only four seconds?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on March 14, 2023, 11:29:16 AM

Another favorite: the light's going to be green in your direction for another 45 seconds, but you pressed the button "too late", so you can wait another cycle.

Even better: a 4-way intersection with "no pedestrian crossing" in the direction you want to go, so you can either jaywalk or cross 3 times (with 3 signals) instead of 1.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on March 14, 2023, 10:18:33 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on March 14, 2023, 09:47:29 AM
On the flip side, there's a countdown pedestrian signal near me that starts flashing "don't walk" and counting down from only four seconds before the light turns yellow. It's crossing a two-lane side street, but c'mon, only four seconds?

Here in Japan, all countdowns last for a maximum of four seconds, no matter the crossing length.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 16, 2023, 07:39:13 AM

Quote from: kurumi on March 14, 2023, 11:29:16 AM
Another favorite: the light's going to be green in your direction for another 45 seconds, but you pressed the button "too late", so you can wait another cycle.

Even better: a 4-way intersection with "no pedestrian crossing" in the direction you want to go, so you can either jaywalk or cross 3 times (with 3 signals) instead of 1.

In that regard, there are a number of roads near me that have no marked crosswalks for half a mile or more at times and VDOT's position is that because the speed limit is 35 mph, there's no need to paint a crosswalk because of the unmarked crosswalk law. Problem is, 99% of people (both drivers and pedestrians) know absolutely nothing about said law and even fewer people respect unmarked crosswalks when they're in use.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on March 16, 2023, 07:45:01 AM

I've noticed that when crossing a specific street, drivers are more likely to stop for me if I'm on the corner of an intersection rather than between intersections. (One of them will eventually stop either way; it just takes longer if I'm between intersections.) However, this is a road with a 6-foot shoulder that I can step into; if these roads in Virginia with a 35 mph speed limit don't have that or (especially) if they're more than one lane in each direction, it will be harder to cross.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 16, 2023, 08:24:15 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on March 16, 2023, 07:39:13 AM
Quote from: kurumi on March 14, 2023, 11:29:16 AM
Another favorite: the light's going to be green in your direction for another 45 seconds, but you pressed the button "too late", so you can wait another cycle.

Even better: a 4-way intersection with "no pedestrian crossing" in the direction you want to go, so you can either jaywalk or cross 3 times (with 3 signals) instead of 1.

In that regard, there are a number of roads near me that have no marked crosswalks for half a mile or more at times and VDOT's position is that because the speed limit is 35 mph, there's no need to paint a crosswalk because of the unmarked crosswalk law. Problem is, 99% of people (both drivers and pedestrians) know absolutely nothing about said law and even fewer people respect unmarked crosswalks when they're in use.

I guess I'm part of the 99%. I don't think I've ever heard of an unmarked crosswalk law.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 16, 2023, 09:14:28 AM

Quote from: webny99 on March 16, 2023, 08:24:15 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 16, 2023, 07:39:13 AM
Quote from: kurumi on March 14, 2023, 11:29:16 AM
Another favorite: the light's going to be green in your direction for another 45 seconds, but you pressed the button "too late", so you can wait another cycle.

Even better: a 4-way intersection with "no pedestrian crossing" in the direction you want to go, so you can either jaywalk or cross 3 times (with 3 signals) instead of 1.

In that regard, there are a number of roads near me that have no marked crosswalks for half a mile or more at times and VDOT's position is that because the speed limit is 35 mph, there's no need to paint a crosswalk because of the unmarked crosswalk law. Problem is, 99% of people (both drivers and pedestrians) know absolutely nothing about said law and even fewer people respect unmarked crosswalks when they're in use.

I guess I'm part of the 99%. I don't think I've ever heard of an unmarked crosswalk law.

99% of people have never heard of 99% of the laws that exist.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 16, 2023, 09:59:58 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 16, 2023, 09:14:28 AM
Quote from: webny99 on March 16, 2023, 08:24:15 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 16, 2023, 07:39:13 AM
Quote from: kurumi on March 14, 2023, 11:29:16 AM
Another favorite: the light's going to be green in your direction for another 45 seconds, but you pressed the button "too late", so you can wait another cycle.

Even better: a 4-way intersection with "no pedestrian crossing" in the direction you want to go, so you can either jaywalk or cross 3 times (with 3 signals) instead of 1.

In that regard, there are a number of roads near me that have no marked crosswalks for half a mile or more at times and VDOT's position is that because the speed limit is 35 mph, there's no need to paint a crosswalk because of the unmarked crosswalk law. Problem is, 99% of people (both drivers and pedestrians) know absolutely nothing about said law and even fewer people respect unmarked crosswalks when they're in use.

I guess I'm part of the 99%. I don't think I've ever heard of an unmarked crosswalk law.

99% of people have never heard of 99% of the laws that exist.

Well, it's not crazy to think that on a roads forum, I might be among the 1% that had heard of a road-related law, but not in this case.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 16, 2023, 10:11:09 AM

Quote from: webny99 on March 16, 2023, 08:24:15 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 16, 2023, 07:39:13 AM
Quote from: kurumi on March 14, 2023, 11:29:16 AM
Another favorite: the light's going to be green in your direction for another 45 seconds, but you pressed the button "too late", so you can wait another cycle.

Even better: a 4-way intersection with "no pedestrian crossing" in the direction you want to go, so you can either jaywalk or cross 3 times (with 3 signals) instead of 1.

In that regard, there are a number of roads near me that have no marked crosswalks for half a mile or more at times and VDOT's position is that because the speed limit is 35 mph, there's no need to paint a crosswalk because of the unmarked crosswalk law. Problem is, 99% of people (both drivers and pedestrians) know absolutely nothing about said law and even fewer people respect unmarked crosswalks when they're in use.

I guess I'm part of the 99%. I don't think I've ever heard of an unmarked crosswalk law.

Just about every state has one in some form. Part of the rationale has to do with residential areas where it's inefficient to paint crosswalks at every intersection despite there being a fair amount of pedestrian traffic. Typically the laws say something along the lines of it being OK to cross the street if you follow an imaginary line from the sidewalk on one side to the sidewalk on the other via the most direct route. Virginia's statute requiring drivers to stop for pedestrians legally crossing the street includes a reference to "any regular pedestrian crossing included in the prolongation of the lateral boundary lines of the adjacent sidewalk at the end of a block." (Va. Code 46.2-924(A)(2).)

Here is a summary from New York State. (https://www.ny.gov/pedestrian-safety/additional-information)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 16, 2023, 10:32:46 AM

Quote from: 1 on March 16, 2023, 07:45:01 AM
I've noticed that when crossing a specific street, drivers are more likely to stop for me if I'm on the corner of an intersection rather than between intersections.

Unless you're talking about a marked mid-block crosswalk, most states' laws require the pedestrian to yield to traffic in that case. It doesn't give drivers permission to just run you down, but jaywalkers are generally required by law to yield to vehicular traffic.

Quote from: 1995hoo on March 16, 2023, 10:11:09 AM

Quote from: webny99 on March 16, 2023, 08:24:15 AM
I guess I'm part of the 99%. I don't think I've ever heard of an unmarked crosswalk law.

Just about every state has one in some form. Part of the rationale has to do with residential areas where it's inefficient to paint crosswalks at every intersection despite there being a fair amount of pedestrian traffic. Typically the laws say something along the lines of it being OK to cross the street if you follow an imaginary line from the sidewalk on one side to the sidewalk on the other via the most direct route.

From the state laws I've looked at, the only things that usually vary from state to state are these:

(1) What if there is no sidewalk? Is there an unmarked crosswalk that continues across to the other side, following the curb line? Or not?

(2) What if you come to a T-intersection? Is there an unmarked crosswalk that continues from the end of your sidewalk to the far curb? Or not?

(3) Even if the answer is YES to each of the above, what if both are true at the same time? What if there is no sidewalk, and you come to a T-intersection? Is there an unmarked crosswalk that continues across to the far curb, following your street's curb line? Or not?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on March 16, 2023, 11:59:41 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 16, 2023, 10:32:46 AM
Quote from: 1 on March 16, 2023, 07:45:01 AM
I've noticed that when crossing a specific street, drivers are more likely to stop for me if I'm on the corner of an intersection rather than between intersections.

Unless you're talking about a marked mid-block crosswalk, most states' laws require the pedestrian to yield to traffic in that case. It doesn't give drivers permission to just run you down, but jaywalkers are generally required by law to yield to vehicular traffic.

It's usually the third to fifth car that stops for me if I'm at an unmarked crosswalk and about the sixth if I'm not at an intersection or marked crosswalk, although they're more likely to stop for me in both cases if I'm carrying groceries.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 16, 2023, 01:39:00 PM

When people take two or three bites out of a chicken wing and throw the rest away. Eating chicken wings is somewhat of an art: if it takes you less than a minute to finish one, you're doing it wrong, not to mention being wasteful

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 16, 2023, 01:45:42 PM

Chicken wings. There isn't nearly enough meat on there to make it worth the price. I'll take a menu item that's less than 45% bones please.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 16, 2023, 01:50:59 PM

When caps lock flip-flops on the computer–or even in only one program–so that it's on when the light is off, off when the light is on.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 16, 2023, 03:11:08 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 16, 2023, 01:45:42 PM
Chicken wings. There isn't nearly enough meat on there to make it worth the price. I'll take a menu item that's less than 45% bones please.

Chicken wings are (a) less than 45% bone and (b) much tastier than boneless wings or other alternatives i.e. tasty enough to be worth paying for -- if you get them at the right place. It helps that the chicken wing market is a highly competitive one in upstate NY, so restaurants have an incentive to ensure their wings aren't a joke. If they're tiny/unmeaty, customers will find out or hear about it from their friends and get their wings elsewhere.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 16, 2023, 03:19:35 PM

Quote from: webny99 on March 16, 2023, 03:11:08 PM
Chicken wings are (a) less than 45% bone ,,,

You sure about that? I looked at a couple of sources before posting.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 16, 2023, 03:34:23 PM

When an Amazon driver pulls up to a business, finds the doors locked because it's after hours, and just leaves the package outside the front door to sit there till morning.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 16, 2023, 03:41:18 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 16, 2023, 03:19:35 PM
Quote from: webny99 on March 16, 2023, 03:11:08 PM
Chicken wings are (a) less than 45% bone ,,,

You sure about that? I looked at a couple of sources before posting.

For flats, I'm absolutely sure. For drums, it's harder to say for sure because there's more variance. They have a bigger bone, but can be really meaty if you get a good one.

If 45% is an average, I would say 40% bone or less is probably what I would consider a "good" chicken wing. Then again, to my original point, I can usually get another 15-20% off of what some would consider a finished wing. :-P

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tchafe1978 on March 16, 2023, 05:25:01 PM

When you're at a red light, with another car stopped next to you, and the other driver does a jackrabbit start to get ahead of you. The lanes either drop from 2 to 1 and they are turning at the next driveway, or they merge over in front of you to take the next turn. This forces me to slow down behind them when instead they could've just stayed behind me and made their turn. Makes no sense. It means more wear and tear on the cars with the jackrabbit starts and hard braking.

Also a similar situation when on a freeway when someone passes you only to immediately take the next exit. If your exit is coming up in the next mile, why not just stay behind the guy in front of you instead of zipping past and then forcing me to slow down for you to exit?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on March 16, 2023, 05:33:31 PM

Quote from: tchafe1978 on March 16, 2023, 05:25:01 PM
When you're at a red light, with another car stopped next to you, and the other driver does a jackrabbit start to get ahead of you. The lanes either drop from 2 to 1 and they are turning at the next driveway, or they merge over in front of you to take the next turn. This forces me to slow down behind them when instead they could've just stayed behind me and made their turn. Makes no sense. It means more wear and tear on the cars with the jackrabbit starts and hard braking.

Also a similar situation when on a freeway when someone passes you only to immediately take the next exit. If your exit is coming up in the next mile, why not just stay behind the guy in front of you instead of zipping past and then forcing me to slow down for you to exit?

I call it "cut and brake". Very irritating.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on March 16, 2023, 06:51:06 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 13, 2023, 05:11:47 PM
I think that's the first time I've seen the Å" ligature on a road sign. FHWA Series doesn't even have that one.

Coeur d'Alene signs would look much weirder if they were allowed to use it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: elsmere241 on March 16, 2023, 07:59:44 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 16, 2023, 01:50:59 PM
When caps lock flip-flops on the computer–or even in only one program–so that it's on when the light is off, off when the light is on.

That happens to me all the time when I'm porting from my laptop at home to my desktop at work, something I do three days a week these days.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 16, 2023, 08:03:58 PM

Quote from: elsmere241 on March 16, 2023, 07:59:44 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 16, 2023, 01:50:59 PM
When caps lock flip-flops on the computer–or even in only one program–so that it's on when the light is off, off when the light is on.

That happens to me all the time when I'm porting from my laptop at home to my desktop at work, something I do three days a week these days.

I hope you guys didn't pay good money for that OS.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: elsmere241 on March 16, 2023, 08:13:23 PM

I didn't pay for anything - it's all from my work. The problem is when it flips because I start typing something the wrong way, and I can't fix it from the laptop at home.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on March 16, 2023, 09:33:38 PM

Computers do odd things when remoting in. Or at least Windows does. The fact that I "only" had to move Outlook and related windows back to my second monitor and fix the size of Excel after working from home for the snow on Tuesday is a massive improvement over the way it was during COVID when it felt like I'd have to restore half my display settings.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 17, 2023, 08:51:57 AM

Quote from: Big John on March 16, 2023, 05:33:31 PM

Quote from: tchafe1978 on March 16, 2023, 05:25:01 PM
When you're at a red light, with another car stopped next to you, and the other driver does a jackrabbit start to get ahead of you. The lanes either drop from 2 to 1 and they are turning at the next driveway, or they merge over in front of you to take the next turn. This forces me to slow down behind them when instead they could've just stayed behind me and made their turn. Makes no sense. It means more wear and tear on the cars with the jackrabbit starts and hard braking.

Also a similar situation when on a freeway when someone passes you only to immediately take the next exit. If your exit is coming up in the next mile, why not just stay behind the guy in front of you instead of zipping past and then forcing me to slow down for you to exit?

I call it "cut and brake". Very irritating.

I don't mind at all, as long as I don't have to brake when they make their turn. But yeah, if I have to brake, then it's irritating. On the other hand, sometimes it's easier to jump on the gas when the light turns green than to merge into the line of cars.

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 16, 2023, 08:03:58 PM

Quote from: elsmere241 on March 16, 2023, 07:59:44 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 16, 2023, 01:50:59 PM
When caps lock flip-flops on the computer–or even in only one program–so that it's on when the light is off, off when the light is on.

That happens to me all the time when I'm porting from my laptop at home to my desktop at work, something I do three days a week these days.

I hope you guys didn't pay good money for that OS.

It's usually my work computer. And actually, it's usually not the whole OS: it's just one application within it, which is accessed via WVD. For example, I can type in Notepad and it works just fine, then switch over to that application and it's flip-flopped, then switch over to Word and it works just fine.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 17, 2023, 08:55:03 AM

Another computer one. On our home computer, sometimes the keyboard stops working, and we have to unplug it and plug it back into the USB port. Except sometimes that happens while the computer is asleep. So we'll move the mouse to wake the computer up, then notice that it's gotten hung up at some point during the wake-up process, and hit a key on the keyboard to encourage it along. Wait, wait, hit a key again, wait, wait, hit a key again, wait, wait, and only then notice that the Num Lock indicator isn't lit up, which means we've been hitting a key on a dead keyboard the whole time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 17, 2023, 09:14:07 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 17, 2023, 08:51:57 AM
Quote from: Big John on March 16, 2023, 05:33:31 PM
Quote from: tchafe1978 on March 16, 2023, 05:25:01 PM
When you're at a red light, with another car stopped next to you, and the other driver does a jackrabbit start to get ahead of you. The lanes either drop from 2 to 1 and they are turning at the next driveway, or they merge over in front of you to take the next turn. This forces me to slow down behind them when instead they could've just stayed behind me and made their turn. Makes no sense. It means more wear and tear on the cars with the jackrabbit starts and hard braking.

Also a similar situation when on a freeway when someone passes you only to immediately take the next exit. If your exit is coming up in the next mile, why not just stay behind the guy in front of you instead of zipping past and then forcing me to slow down for you to exit?

I call it "cut and brake". Very irritating.

I don't mind at all, as long as I don't have to brake when they make their turn. But yeah, if I have to brake, then it's irritating. On the other hand, sometimes it's easier to jump on the gas when the light turns green than to merge into the line of cars.

There's a traffic light where I do this all the time, except that I'm not turning afterwards. I take the right lane (which ends just past the intersection and is usually empty), and can usually get at least a 2-3 second head start on the cars in the left lane just by paying attention to the opposing traffic light. It's often not even that close and I can clear the lane merge before the car on my left has even cleared the intersection. The only time I've failed to be first in line was when a Tesla was first in the left lane and zoomed past despite my headstart, only to then annoyingly slow down to speed before turning at the next signal. They obviously cared only about showing off their fast starting speed and showed no comprehension of courtesy by slowing back down afterwards.

I do try not to cut and brake, but I am guilty of doing it when I'm in a hurry and there's a traffic light at great risk of going red (particularly when staying behind a slow driver leaves a high risk of them going through on yellow/red while I'm stuck waiting). I almost never do it on the freeway, although if I do, I try to do it seamlessly without braking until I'm clear of the main lane, even if it means entering the ramp at higher than usual speed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on March 17, 2023, 10:36:39 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 16, 2023, 01:45:42 PM
Chicken wings. There isn't nearly enough meat on there to make it worth the price. I'll take a menu item that's less than 45% bones please.

The popularity of chicken wings is a testament to the power of marketing in the United States. A throwaway part of a chicken becomes popular.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on March 17, 2023, 11:33:36 AM

Quote from: hbelkins on March 17, 2023, 10:36:39 AM
Quote from: kphoger on March 16, 2023, 01:45:42 PM
Chicken wings. There isn't nearly enough meat on there to make it worth the price. I'll take a menu item that's less than 45% bones please.

The popularity of chicken wings is a testament to the power of marketing in the United States. A throwaway part of a chicken becomes popular.

Dissecting a chicken wing is a great distraction while sitting a a bar and watching a sports something on the screens. However, I've cut way back on them over that past couple of years due to the cost (the bird flu epidemic that has swept through the poultry industry the upper Great Lakes area). I do remember a remark that I heard several years ago where someone in the poultry industry said that we'd be rich if we could breed a chicken to grow six wings . . .

Also the popularity of baby cut carrots.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on March 17, 2023, 12:59:12 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 17, 2023, 08:55:03 AM
Another computer one. On our home computer, sometimes the keyboard stops working, and we have to unplug it and plug it back into the USB port. Except sometimes that happens while the computer is asleep. So we'll move the mouse to wake the computer up, then notice that it's gotten hung up at some point during the wake-up process, and hit a key on the keyboard to encourage it along. Wait, wait, hit a key again, wait, wait, hit a key again, wait, wait, and only then notice that the Num Lock indicator isn't lit up, which means we've been hitting a key on a dead keyboard the whole time.

USB is kind of a flakey protocol. Keyboards connected to serial ports never had that problem!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 17, 2023, 01:02:58 PM

Quote from: kkt on March 17, 2023, 12:59:12 PM
USB is kind of a flakey protocol. Keyboards connected to serial ports never had that problem!

Believe me, I wish I could plug the PS/2 keyboard into that computer!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 17, 2023, 01:23:58 PM

When companies don't train their people. I just spent almost 90 minutes at Lowe's trying to purchase a dishwasher and get an installation scheduled. I would have just purchased it on the website, but they are offering 0% financing for 12 months if you finance it through Lowe's. I have an account I've had paid off for several years but I didn't have the physical card. When trying to purchase on the website, it needed the CVV which I didn't have, so they told me I had to go to the store.

I get there, get an associate right away, give him the item number I want to purchase, and because Lowe's apparently got a new software system this week and no one had been trained on it at all, I was left to just hang out with my 15-month-old getting restless for 86 minutes, when this should have been, at most, a 10 minute transaction. I hadn't brought food or diapers since from leaving the house to getting back would have been 20 minutes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on March 17, 2023, 01:32:32 PM

My pet peeve with all businesses is when they zap in a recorded message before the call saying " This call May recorded or monitored for quality assurance purposes."

I know if they record a call by law they must disclose that particular message, but some businesses are straight forward and what could recording your call serve a purpose for?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 17, 2023, 01:43:43 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 17, 2023, 01:23:58 PM
I get there, get an associate right away, give him the item number I want to purchase, and because Lowe's apparently got a new software system this week and no one had been trained on it at all, I was left to just hang out with my 15-month-old getting restless for 86 minutes, when this should have been, at most, a 10 minute transaction. I hadn't brought food or diapers since from leaving the house to getting back would have been 20 minutes.

The last time we picked up an appliance, it was at Menards. They had us drive around to the loading area in back of the store and just wait in our car for the guy to bring it out. No waiting around in the store required.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 17, 2023, 01:47:10 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on March 17, 2023, 01:32:32 PM
My pet peeve with all businesses is when they zap in a recorded message before the call saying " This call May recorded or monitored for quality assurance purposes."

I know if they record a call by law they must disclose that particular message, but some businesses are straight forward and what could recording your call serve a purpose for?

As they said: quality assurance. It's so, if an agent treats you badly and you complain about it, they can actually pull up the recording and use disciplinary action against that agent. It also stops a lot of customers from issuing bogus complaints about the agents, because pulling up the recording would prove the customer wrong in that case. Having been on both sides of such inquiries (a field tech at my company once complained I treated him badly on the phone, and I once investigated a complaint between someone at our company and an outsourced vendor), I can say that such recordings are very useful for quality assurance purposes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on March 17, 2023, 02:00:49 PM

The only thing that exceeds the marketing success of chicken wings is the marketing success of bottled water.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 17, 2023, 02:02:13 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on March 17, 2023, 02:00:49 PM
The only thing that exceeds the marketing success of chicken wings is the marketing success of bottled water.

At least I understand it in areas that have bad-tasting or improperly treated tap water. But, in a place where the tap water is perfectly safe and flavorless, I'm with you there.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 17, 2023, 02:04:05 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 17, 2023, 01:43:43 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 17, 2023, 01:23:58 PM
I get there, get an associate right away, give him the item number I want to purchase, and because Lowe's apparently got a new software system this week and no one had been trained on it at all, I was left to just hang out with my 15-month-old getting restless for 86 minutes, when this should have been, at most, a 10 minute transaction. I hadn't brought food or diapers since from leaving the house to getting back would have been 20 minutes.

The last time we picked up an appliance, it was at Menards. They had us drive around to the loading area in back of the store and just wait in our car for the guy to bring it out. No waiting around in the store required.

In this case, there is delivery/installation/hauling away of broken one all included. There weren't any of the model I purchased in stock located in the store itself.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on March 17, 2023, 02:05:25 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on March 17, 2023, 10:36:39 AM
Quote from: kphoger on March 16, 2023, 01:45:42 PM
Chicken wings. There isn't nearly enough meat on there to make it worth the price. I'll take a menu item that's less than 45% bones please.

The popularity of chicken wings is a testament to the power of marketing in the United States. A throwaway part of a chicken becomes popular.

Or maybe people like the taste of it and it's not all brainwashed dummies walking around. Still, one could just put hot sauce on chicken 5-10 other ways and get the same fix...

Maybe it just taps into a prehistoric carnal desire to quickly eat with their hands and make a mess in the process?

Quote from: kkt on March 17, 2023, 12:59:12 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 17, 2023, 08:55:03 AM
Another computer one. On our home computer, sometimes the keyboard stops working, and we have to unplug it and plug it back into the USB port. Except sometimes that happens while the computer is asleep. So we'll move the mouse to wake the computer up, then notice that it's gotten hung up at some point during the wake-up process, and hit a key on the keyboard to encourage it along. Wait, wait, hit a key again, wait, wait, hit a key again, wait, wait, and only then notice that the Num Lock indicator isn't lit up, which means we've been hitting a key on a dead keyboard the whole time.

USB is kind of a flakey protocol. Keyboards connected to serial ports never had that problem!

Yeah, but until USB came around, a PC almost always needed a reboot after the unplugged peripheral device could work again after reattaching it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on March 17, 2023, 07:52:34 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on March 17, 2023, 01:32:32 PM
My pet peeve with all businesses is when they zap in a recorded message before the call saying " This call May recorded or monitored for quality assurance purposes."

I know if they record a call by law they must disclose that particular message, but some businesses are straight forward and what could recording your call serve a purpose for?

I can actually answer this question, since I'm the guy (for my company) that does this.

I'm looking for a few things.
1. Was business conducted on the call, or was it something else?
2. Customer service - polite, etc.
3 . [other factors]

The business might be straight up, but individual employess, and individual customers, aren't necessarily. So for me, I'm just keeping everyone honest, and satisfied.

I swore off delivery driving forever when this opportunity dropped into my lap.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 17, 2023, 07:58:43 PM

Yeah, there's also the possibility of the customer saying something like "Last time I called the guy on the phone said they were giving me 20% off on this order because I had to wait so long." Did anyone ever actually say that? The only way to know for sure is to check the recording.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on March 18, 2023, 07:19:04 PM

Quote from: formulanone on March 17, 2023, 02:05:25 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on March 17, 2023, 10:36:39 AM
Quote from: kphoger on March 16, 2023, 01:45:42 PM
Chicken wings. There isn't nearly enough meat on there to make it worth the price. I'll take a menu item that's less than 45% bones please.

The popularity of chicken wings is a testament to the power of marketing in the United States. A throwaway part of a chicken becomes popular.

Or maybe people like the taste of it and it's not all brainwashed dummies walking around. Still, one could just put hot sauce on chicken 5-10 other ways and get the same fix...

Maybe it just taps into a prehistoric carnal desire to quickly eat with their hands and make a mess in the process?

You might be onto something. As a serial consumer of buffalo wings, "boneless wings" (nuggets tossed in sauce) don't do it for me. Sometimes I put buffalo on thighs or breasts and that doesn't hit the same either. It's still good, but there's something about the wings and legs. Maybe it's just placebo.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 18, 2023, 08:17:23 PM

My wife swears up and down there's a difference in taste between chicken on the bone and chicken nuggets/strips/boneless wings/whatever, to the point that she won't eat it if it's on the bone.

To me, it's all chicken. Although the only chicken on the bone I'll bother with is drumsticks. Anything else and I feel like I'm spending more time trying to get at the meat and making a huge mess than I am actually eating chicken.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: elsmere241 on March 18, 2023, 10:01:29 PM

My wife is the same way.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Hobart on March 19, 2023, 01:13:54 AM

I honestly prefer the chicken on the bone; I know sometimes with like, the real feeling sort of chicken from say, boneless chicken breasts in packaging, you run into rubbery texture issues if it's too cheap (and pumped full of water to pump up the price by volume).

If it's a quality chicken tender, I can't tell the difference, besides that it's a chicken tender instead of a whole piece of chicken, and it's small enough for any sort of extra rubbery texture to be negligible. If it's cheap... I can really tell by how tough it is for a larger piece, like what you'd find on a new chicken sandwich from McDonalds, or a boneless chicken breast from the bottom of the barrel.

It is very difficult to find good chicken nowadays.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on March 19, 2023, 09:54:46 AM

Sun-faded road signs, especially in Texas and California. Especially the ones that carry important information like "no right turn" because the one-way frontage road is known for it's high-speed drivers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on March 19, 2023, 12:24:47 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 18, 2023, 08:17:23 PM
My wife swears up and down there's a difference in taste between chicken on the bone and chicken nuggets/strips/boneless wings/whatever, to the point that she won't eat it if it's on the bone.

The difference is added flavors and preservatives.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 19, 2023, 06:19:17 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on March 19, 2023, 09:54:46 AM
Sun-faded road signs, especially in Texas and California. Especially the ones that carry important information like "no right turn" because the one-way frontage road is known for it's high-speed drivers.

I think it's sort of funny that in Las Vegas occasionally you'll get a sign where the legend is melting right off of the sign face.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 19, 2023, 07:18:00 PM

Quote from: thspfc on March 19, 2023, 12:24:47 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 18, 2023, 08:17:23 PM
My wife swears up and down there's a difference in taste between chicken on the bone and chicken nuggets/strips/boneless wings/whatever, to the point that she won't eat it if it's on the bone.
The difference is added flavors and preservatives.

That is a factor, but I think in this case, it's just white meat vs dark meat. Some people just don't like dark meat, but I actually like it better.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Amaury on March 20, 2023, 06:45:51 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on March 19, 2023, 09:54:46 AMSun-faded road signs, especially in Texas and California. Especially the ones that carry important information like "no right turn" because the one-way frontage road is known for it's high-speed drivers.

A few examples in Washington:

https://goo.gl/maps/TT97TsZcJNv5od43A

https://goo.gl/maps/Dw8V6drKyCRM6wXJ7 (Not exactly faded, but sun-damaged. Still legible, but could be replaced, as the posts need to be straightened out, anyway.)

https://goo.gl/maps/e3hGhCHYw9gEcGLcA (You can actually make out the text in person, but yeah. Bonus: Both Freeway Entrance signs fell over sometime between September 2012 and October 2018 and have yet to be replaced.)

On the 6th, I noticed this one finally got a new I-90 sticker. I don't know exactly when it got replaced, but it was sometime this year: https://goo.gl/maps/Cc6iyD7sbtPakreu5

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 20, 2023, 11:00:30 AM

Quote from: elsmere241 on March 18, 2023, 10:01:29 PM
My wife is the same way.

Is that a minor thing that bothers you?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: elsmere241 on March 20, 2023, 11:41:08 AM

It's just another food that I like that she doesn't. In the grand scheme of things, it's minor.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on March 23, 2023, 11:08:34 PM

Once again, my PC is taking forever to upload pictures and videos on an SD card from one folder to another. And when I try to pause the upload, it takes forever to do that. And when I try to cancel the upload, it takes forever to do that too.

I know there was a thread on this, but I can't find it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 24, 2023, 04:40:30 AM

Do you have a second card to test it with? That kind of sounds like it could be hardware failure to me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on March 24, 2023, 06:51:28 AM

I have lots of cards around. I still can't get this one out though.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 24, 2023, 06:59:40 AM

Is it jammed in the reader or something?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on March 24, 2023, 07:12:18 AM

I don't know what the problem is. It just says it's cancelling the move of 6 items, which still says it's 16% finished, and is stuck moving one item a 0%. In the meantime, I was still able to create and rename new folders.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on March 24, 2023, 10:01:51 AM

That I can't find a good way to rip the audio from a concert DVD so I can listen to it like a live album on my MP3 player.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 24, 2023, 10:29:41 AM

Quote from: hbelkins on March 24, 2023, 10:01:51 AM
That I can't find a good way to rip the audio from a concert DVD so I can listen to it like a live album on my MP3 player.

https://fixthephoto.com/best-free-cd-ripper.html

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on March 24, 2023, 10:42:21 AM

Quote from: hbelkins on March 24, 2023, 10:01:51 AMThat I can't find a good way to rip the audio from a concert DVD so I can listen to it like a live album on my MP3 player.

Have you tried using VLC → Media → Convert/Save to covert the video file to an audio file, then using MP3 to do the MP3 Tagging?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on March 24, 2023, 01:52:18 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on March 24, 2023, 10:42:21 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on March 24, 2023, 10:01:51 AMThat I can't find a good way to rip the audio from a concert DVD so I can listen to it like a live album on my MP3 player.

Have you tried using VLC → Media → Convert/Save to covert the video file to an audio file, then using MP3 to do the MP3 Tagging?

Yeah, and VLC hiccuped for some reason.

I finally got Handbrake to work. It kept generating errors ripping the video to an MP4 file (.m4v) but I tweaked something and it finally succeeded. I then used Extract Movie Soundtrack to convert the chapters into .aiff files, then a batch converter (xACT) to rudimentarily tag the AIFFs and export them to MP3s. And finally, I stuck the MP3s on a thumb drive and put it in a PC running MP3Tag to find the accurate tags and some cover art.

And presto, I have a live album from the only Kiss tour I ever saw. It's the Largo, Md. show from July 1979; eight days after I saw them in Rupp Arena in Lexington.

Previously I'd used some obscure programs (A52DECx and 0SEx) to rip and convert concert DVDs, but those apps are long-gone and not compatible with newer versions of the MacOS. This was the first concert DVD I'd tried to rip audio from in a long time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on March 24, 2023, 02:07:01 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on March 24, 2023, 01:52:18 PM
<snip>
I finally got Handbrake to work. It kept generating errors ripping the video to an MP4 file (.m4v) but I tweaked something and it finally succeeded. I then used Extract Movie Soundtrack to convert the chapters into .aiff files, then a batch converter (xACT) to rudimentarily tag the AIFFs and export them to MP3s. And finally, I stuck the MP3s on a thumb drive and put it in a PC running MP3Tag to find the accurate tags and some cover art.
<snip>

I had to laugh at this. It reminds me of the "Wordplay" episode of the 1985 Twilight Zone revival, where everyone's language shifted but one guy was left behind and could no longer understand anything that anyone said. I'm that guy here.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 24, 2023, 06:21:07 PM

In October 2021, I took my family on a camping trip to Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Before leaving home, I checked the weather forecast for various towns along the way. Now, 17 months later, www.wunderground.com still thinks I want the weather forecast for Carlsbad, New Mexico. No matter how many times I search for Wichita, it can't get it through its head that I'd really prefer the forecast for Wichita. Of course, it only took one time searching for Carlsbad for it to learn that location...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 24, 2023, 06:32:28 PM

You probably have a cookie saved that has Carlsbad in it. Try deleting the cookies for Weather Underground and see if that helps. In Firefox, this is done by going to Settings, Privacy & Security, Manage Data, and searching for the site you want and clicking "Remove Selected". (This is also interesting because it will show you just how much crap sites will store on your computer–Twitter apparently has saved 49.2 MB and NYT has saved 34 MB and I don't even have an account for either site.) Other browsers may require you to clear all cookies rather than allowing you to selectively delete data, but this usually means you have to log into everything again.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 27, 2023, 01:26:35 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 24, 2023, 06:32:28 PM
You probably have a cookie saved that has Carlsbad in it. Try deleting the cookies for Weather Underground and see if that helps.

Oh, I know I could do that. It's only a minor annoyance, though.

The thing that irks me is that this only ever happens for out-of-town locations. When I later search for Wichita, it would be nice if that cookie would do the same thing...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 27, 2023, 08:23:55 PM

People I don't know parking in front of my house.

There's a house across the street where apparently the owners don't let any of their guests park in the driveway for whatever reason. So I'm always having random cars park in the street in front of my house. Which makes it harder on people who come to my house (parking in my driveway is awkward for guests because there's no entrance to the house other than the garage door on the side that the driveway is in, which isn't the case for every other house in the neighborhood).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on March 27, 2023, 11:44:02 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 27, 2023, 08:23:55 PM
People I don't know parking in front of my house.

There's a house across the street where apparently the owners don't let any of their guests park in the driveway for whatever reason.

I have to admit that I don't think I've ever parked in someone else's driveway unless I was spending the night. And vice versa for my driveway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 28, 2023, 10:02:25 AM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 27, 2023, 11:44:02 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 27, 2023, 08:23:55 PM
People I don't know parking in front of my house.

There's a house across the street where apparently the owners don't let any of their guests park in the driveway for whatever reason.

I have to admit that I don't think I've ever parked in someone else's driveway unless I was spending the night. And vice versa for my driveway.

Good guests don't leak motor oil onto other people's driveways.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 28, 2023, 10:39:19 AM

I don't like people parking in front of my house because it's a yellow curb, meaning it's illegal for anyone to park there, recognizing there's no real enforcement as to workmen or the like. What I really hate is when someone has a moving truck come, it blocks several houses' driveways, and neither the person moving nor the moving men have the decency to go ring the doorbells at the houses whose driveways they're going to block to ask if you need to move a car. Back when I had one car (parked in the garage) some movers blocked my driveway and were not particularly happy when I told them to move the truck so I could get my car out–had they refused, I would have called the police.

But otherwise, I guess maybe it comes from growing up having relatives in Brooklyn, but I've never understood the objection to someone else parking in front of one's house. It's a public street with limited spaces, so first-come, first-served. (Of course in Brooklyn the duration of any one car staying there is inherently limited by alternate-side days, so it's somewhat different from the average suburb.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 28, 2023, 10:43:38 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on March 28, 2023, 10:39:19 AM
What I really hate is when someone ... blocks ... houses' driveways ...

But otherwise ... I've never understood the objection to someone else parking in front of one's house. It's a public street with limited spaces, so first-come, first-served.

Agreed on both counts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 28, 2023, 10:50:13 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 28, 2023, 10:43:38 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 28, 2023, 10:39:19 AM
What I really hate is when someone ... blocks ... houses' driveways ...

But otherwise ... I've never understood the objection to someone else parking in front of one's house. It's a public street with limited spaces, so first-come, first-served.

Agreed on both counts.

As to the editing on the first sentence, I worded my comment the way I did for a particular reason. Moving trucks are big trucks and in my neighborhood, there is no way to park a moving truck without blocking more than one driveway unless the truck is parked in the middle of the street that leads in and out (but that would be worse due to obstructing traffic and requiring the movers to carry stuff a considerably longer distance). I have no problem, in principle, with blocking driveways in that limited situation–people have to move and the movers have to do their job–and that's why I specifically referred to it being a serious annoyance when nobody alerts the neighbors to move their cars before the movers set up shop and block driveways. My home office is on the back side of the house, so I don't necessarily hear a moving truck out front and that's why it would be nice to be told a truck is going to be out there.

But if it's not physically necessary for a truck to block someone else's driveway (say, a workman uses a van or a pickup), then there is no excuse for blocking someone else's driveway regardless of whether it's more "convenient" for the workman. Your job does not take priority over my access to or from my driveway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 28, 2023, 11:51:20 AM

It's actually much more annoying to have a car parked directly across the street from your driveway, than on your own side but not blocking the driveway. Of course, this is only relevant for larger property sizes; narrower properties may not have space for same-side cars that aren't blocking the driveway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on March 28, 2023, 11:58:43 AM

I used to live in a house with a frontage road which had a bus stop east of us on the main road, as well as a city park across the street. About 2-3 times a year, some even would cause overflow, and people would park almost anywhere they could; it was rare they stopped for more than a few hours, although sometimes we would have to remind people to not block our mailbox. Nobody entirely blocked our driveway, and one perk to living in Florida was that you usually had a good angle up from your driveway to see over parked cars.

We did have a few drivers use the frontage road as a "park and ride" for the bus stop, which got a little annoying if they left the vehicle overnight, but I almost can't blame their ingenuity...thank goodness it didn't catch on with others. In only one case, a vehicle stayed for a week (though out of our way), and we had the city police arrange to tow it away after we showed them proof that it hadn't moved.

We're on a corner house now, so nobody can legally block our driveway due to the fifty-foot rule, unless we're getting some kind of delivery.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 28, 2023, 12:12:26 PM

Quote from: formulanone on March 28, 2023, 11:58:43 AM
We did have a few drivers use the frontage road as a "park and ride" for the bus stop, which got a little annoying if they left the vehicle overnight, but I almost can't blame their ingenuity...thank goodness it didn't catch on with others.

Is there any law against that?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 28, 2023, 12:30:06 PM

In Excel, you can copy non-adjacent cells if they're in the same row or in the same column, but you can't if they aren't.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on March 28, 2023, 01:04:56 PM

I occasionally park in front of strangers' properties, even though I recognize I react with suspicion when other people do it to me. Here are some of the reasons:

* Though I don't think it is actually banned in Kansas, I do not like to park within the throat of an intersection (https://www.google.com/maps/@37.7160182,-97.3910638,3a,75y,358.62h,85.81t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1stA6ZaLahcCpHJcvo-fDluw!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DtA6ZaLahcCpHJcvo-fDluw%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D48.43214%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192) or near a sharp bend in the street (https://www.google.com/maps/@37.7182555,-97.3691058,3a,75y,320.01h,83.99t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sVDSZJcoBd_iZVgw9Jy_yLQ!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DVDSZJcoBd_iZVgw9Jy_yLQ%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D230.09927%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192).

* I do not like to park directly opposite a driveway--far too many other drivers back out at shallow angles that take them close to the curb on the opposite side. (Personally, I reverse through a 90Â° angle, straightening the steering wheel as I do so, to minimize tire scrub.)

* While I'm happy to have invited guests park in my own driveway, I tend not to park in others' unless I'm reasonably sure I won't be blocking any movements in or out of the garage. This is less likely to happen with a dinner party than it is with a casual afternoon visit, for example.

This said, all of this is heavily influenced by local custom. In my subdivision (wide driveways built post-1955, slow-growth Midwestern city), street parkers attract notice; however, I have parked in another (https://www.google.com/maps/@33.9401228,-118.260194,3a,75y,264.16h,78.94t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s4HKCXxC87jWieEEyAN4u7g!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) where they don't (narrow driveways serving houses built circa 1920, coastal metropolis with long history of rapid and poorly managed growth).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 28, 2023, 01:55:31 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on March 28, 2023, 01:04:56 PM
* I do not like to park directly opposite a driveway--far too many other drivers back out at shallow angles that take them close to the curb on the opposite side.

I feel like my car is at just as much risk if I park slightly ahead or behind that point, too. When someone backs out of the driveway, that shallow angle you speak of has a 50% of sending them my way.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on March 28, 2023, 03:38:28 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 28, 2023, 12:12:26 PM
Quote from: formulanone on March 28, 2023, 11:58:43 AM
We did have a few drivers use the frontage road as a "park and ride" for the bus stop, which got a little annoying if they left the vehicle overnight, but I almost can't blame their ingenuity...thank goodness it didn't catch on with others.

Is there any law against that?

I didn't really think the park-and-ride situations were illegal, but leaving a vehicle for a week (and anywhere nearby) apparently was. We'd marked the tires with a crayon and took photos to prove it hadn't moved. After that, I guess a court of law decides, but that was all the evidence the police officer needed to call up a wrecker; hey, there were some perks to having a police officer live on our block.

For all we knew, the vehicle just broke down. That's why I gave it a week, because arranging a pick up of your vehicle and getting a chance to repair it might take a few days. Normally, you've got to claim it in about 24-48 hours on a public road, but I also didn't want a bunch of folks thinking they can use our street to just dump cars.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 28, 2023, 03:46:32 PM

Quote from: formulanone on March 28, 2023, 03:38:28 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 28, 2023, 12:12:26 PM

Quote from: formulanone on March 28, 2023, 11:58:43 AM
We did have a few drivers use the frontage road as a "park and ride" for the bus stop, which got a little annoying if they left the vehicle overnight, but I almost can't blame their ingenuity...thank goodness it didn't catch on with others.

Is there any law against that?

I didn't really think the park-and-ride situations were illegal, but leaving a vehicle for a week (and anywhere nearby) apparently was. We'd marked the tires with a crayon and took photos to prove it hadn't moved. After that, I guess a court of law decides, but that was all the evidence the police officer needed to call up a wrecker; hey, there were some perks to having a police officer live on our block.

For all we knew, the vehicle just broke down. That's why I gave it a week, because arranging a pick up of your vehicle and getting a chance to repair it might take a few days. Normally, you've got to claim it in about 24-48 hours on a public road, but I also didn't want a bunch of folks thinking they can use our street to just dump cars.

I just looked up the law here in Wichita, and 48 hours is the limit for on-street parking.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 28, 2023, 03:53:23 PM

I think some sort of limitation on duration is fairly common, although there's also frequently an exception for vehicles parked within a certain distance of the registered owner's home address. Here in Fairfax County, for example, a vehicle is considered unattended if it is left for 15 days without being moved at least 300 feet, unless it is parked within 500 feet of the property where the vehicle is registered.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 28, 2023, 04:30:53 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on March 28, 2023, 03:53:23 PM
I think some sort of limitation on duration is fairly common, although there's also frequently an exception for vehicles parked within a certain distance of the registered owner's home address. Here in Fairfax County, for example, a vehicle is considered unattended if it is left for 15 days without being moved at least 300 feet, unless it is parked within 500 feet of the property where the vehicle is registered.

The law in Wichita specifically says that merely moving a vehicle within the same block on the same side of the street doesn't count, and it can still be towed. I believe this is intended to close the loophole that some homeless people were using to live in their car: moving it ten feet every day in order to keep the chalk from lining up.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on March 28, 2023, 04:46:37 PM

I think at one point the law in Wichita allowed curbside parking for up to 72 hours and a car only needed to be moved a few feet to reset the clock. Even then, one of our neighbors successfully used it against someone down the street who was storing his RV at the curb in front of his house. It was a huge relief to have it gone since it was grossly impairing forward visibility.

The most stringent general restriction on curbside parking I've personally encountered as a driver is in Milwaukee, where overnight parking anywhere within the city limits requires a permit (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.9307455,-87.9198807,3a,15y,36.29h,88.28t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sb7E_HTPJA7510Mo3IqOnIQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192). Any car without one that is found at a curb between 2 AM and 6 AM becomes liable to enforcement action.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 28, 2023, 04:54:22 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on March 28, 2023, 04:46:37 PM
The most stringent general restriction on curbside parking I've personally encountered as a driver is in Milwaukee, where overnight parking anywhere within the city limits requires a permit (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.9307455,-87.9198807,3a,15y,36.29h,88.28t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sb7E_HTPJA7510Mo3IqOnIQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192). Any car without one that is found at a curb between 2 AM and 6 AM becomes liable to enforcement action.

That's the case in River Forest, IL (among others in the area), which is where I first went to college. Back then, the college hadn't yet built a parking garage, so it only issued parking lot permits to a limited number of students. I submitted for one, stating that my hometown had neither airport, bus terminal, nor train station, so I'd need a car in order to visit home for the holidays and such. My request was granted, so I took a car with me to college. But one time, I arrived back at campus after going somewhere in the evening, and all parking spaces were taken. I didn't know about the municipal code, so I drove a few blocks away, found a block without any 'no parking' signs, and parked there overnight. Next day, I had a parking ticket on the windshield. A while later, I left my headlights on to search for my girlfriend's ring among the fallen leaves in the street, and my battery went dead. I left it there overnight. Next day, I had a parking ticket on the windshield. Uff! Welcome to the big city...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on March 28, 2023, 05:01:02 PM

When entering Green Bay, they have signs saying no parking 3 am - 5 am.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on March 28, 2023, 06:35:44 PM

Quote from: Big John on March 28, 2023, 05:01:02 PM
When entering Green Bay, they have signs saying no parking 3 am - 5 am.

The MSP suburb I live in has a blanket overnight parking ban in winter regardless of if any plowable snow has fallen that day, however from April-October it is permitted barring a snowball of 1 1/2 inches or more (some cities have year-round overnight parking bans to aid street sweeping).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 28, 2023, 11:19:07 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 28, 2023, 06:35:44 PM
Quote from: Big John on March 28, 2023, 05:01:02 PM
When entering Green Bay, they have signs saying no parking 3 am - 5 am.

The MSP suburb I live in has a blanket overnight parking ban in winter regardless of if any plowable snow has fallen that day ...

Yup, same here. Pretty much every city, town, and village in upstate NY has some sort of overnight parking ban from Nov 1st to April 1st that's typically posted at the city/town/village line. The hours can vary quite a bit from one municipality to the next, but it's usually at least 4-6 of the overnight hours.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 29, 2023, 10:43:00 AM

When I accidentally hit the Num Lock key without realizing it, then keep punching away at the 10-key, doing who knows what till I look over at the monitor.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on March 29, 2023, 02:16:17 PM

Quote from: Big John on March 28, 2023, 05:01:02 PM
When entering Green Bay, they have signs saying no parking 3 am - 5 am.

The '2 to 5' thing is popular in munis in NE Wisconsin, its the law here in Appleton, too. It's to keep vagrants away.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on March 29, 2023, 02:36:12 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 29, 2023, 10:43:00 AM
When I accidentally hit the Num Lock key without realizing it, then keep punching away at the 10-key, doing who knows what till I look over at the monitor.

Me too. Also: Typing away without realizing that my cursor wasn't in the text entry box.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 29, 2023, 02:51:16 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on March 29, 2023, 02:36:12 PM
Also: Typing away without realizing that my cursor wasn't in the text entry box.

Or that the window you intend to type in isn't "on top".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on March 29, 2023, 03:07:52 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 29, 2023, 10:43:00 AM
When I accidentally hit the Num Lock key without realizing it, then keep punching away at the 10-key, doing who knows what till I look over at the monitor.

Training someone who's just accidentally hit the Num Lock key while typing a VIN creates some pretty disastrous results and some finger-pointing at yours truly. The screen is a rage because there's now an S where Y/N is needed, the transmission is Type B, and the color of the vehicle is XG🔜\Â£9 [obscured by dialogue boxes]

"Let's just click Clear All and try again, just to make sure that's all it was, ok?"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 29, 2023, 04:07:34 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 29, 2023, 02:51:16 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on March 29, 2023, 02:36:12 PM
Also: Typing away without realizing that my cursor wasn't in the text entry box.

Or that the window you intend to type in isn't "on top".

That's my problem since I have a four monitor setup. I'll think what I'm looking at is active since the mouse pointer is over there, but if I haven't clicked yet, I end up typing into a completely different program.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 29, 2023, 04:40:11 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 17, 2023, 08:51:57 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 16, 2023, 08:03:58 PM

Quote from: elsmere241 on March 16, 2023, 07:59:44 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 16, 2023, 01:50:59 PM
When caps lock flip-flops on the computer–or even in only one program–so that it's on when the light is off, off when the light is on.

That happens to me all the time when I'm porting from my laptop at home to my desktop at work, something I do three days a week these days.

I hope you guys didn't pay good money for that OS.

It's usually my work computer. And actually, it's usually not the whole OS: it's just one application within it, which is accessed via WVD. For example, I can type in Notepad and it works just fine, then switch over to that application and it's flip-flopped, then switch over to Word and it works just fine.

I just had this happen–except my login had timed out, my username was auto-filled, and my password was hidden. Therefore, I had no idea I was typing my password with lowercase and uppercase switched around.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tchafe1978 on March 29, 2023, 05:13:36 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on March 29, 2023, 02:16:17 PM
Quote from: Big John on March 28, 2023, 05:01:02 PM
When entering Green Bay, they have signs saying no parking 3 am - 5 am.

The '2 to 5' thing is popular in munis in NE Wisconsin, its the law here in Appleton, too. It's to keep vagrants away.

Mike

I was always under the impression it is for snow removal purposes, just like alternate side parking rules. By vagrants you mean those who don't "belong" in the neighborhood?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on March 29, 2023, 05:18:00 PM

Quote from: tchafe1978 on March 29, 2023, 05:13:36 PMI was always under the impression it is for snow removal purposes, just like alternate side parking rules. By vagrants you mean those who don't "belong" in the neighborhood?

In many cities in the upper Midwest, snow removal is the motivation, but this is by no means true for all. The restriction in Milwaukee applies year-round.

The giveaway is usually calendar dates on the sign--if none are stated, that is usually a big clue the prohibition is not motivated entirely by snow.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 29, 2023, 05:18:28 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 29, 2023, 04:40:11 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 17, 2023, 08:51:57 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 16, 2023, 08:03:58 PM

Quote from: elsmere241 on March 16, 2023, 07:59:44 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 16, 2023, 01:50:59 PM
When caps lock flip-flops on the computer–or even in only one program–so that it's on when the light is off, off when the light is on.

That happens to me all the time when I'm porting from my laptop at home to my desktop at work, something I do three days a week these days.

I hope you guys didn't pay good money for that OS.

It's usually my work computer. And actually, it's usually not the whole OS: it's just one application within it, which is accessed via WVD. For example, I can type in Notepad and it works just fine, then switch over to that application and it's flip-flopped, then switch over to Word and it works just fine.

I just had this happen–except my login had timed out, my username was auto-filled, and my password was hidden. Therefore, I had no idea I was typing my password with lowercase and uppercase switched around.

Your login screen doesn't say "Caps Lock is on" right under the password entry box when that's the case?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 29, 2023, 05:19:37 PM

Quote from: tchafe1978 on March 29, 2023, 05:13:36 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on March 29, 2023, 02:16:17 PM
Quote from: Big John on March 28, 2023, 05:01:02 PM
When entering Green Bay, they have signs saying no parking 3 am - 5 am.

The '2 to 5' thing is popular in munis in NE Wisconsin, its the law here in Appleton, too. It's to keep vagrants away.

Mike

I was always under the impression it is for snow removal purposes, just like alternate side parking rules. By vagrants you mean those who don't "belong" in the neighborhood?

Alternate-side parking in New York is for street sweeping, not snow removal.

(https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/03/coronavirus-alternate-side-parking-11.jpg?quality=75&strip=all)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 29, 2023, 05:41:20 PM

Quote from: tchafe1978 on March 29, 2023, 05:13:36 PM
I was always under the impression it is for snow removal purposes, just like alternate side parking rules. By vagrants you mean those who don't "belong" in the neighborhood?

Vagrants: as in, homeless people who are living out of their car.

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 29, 2023, 05:18:28 PM
Your login screen doesn't say "Caps Lock is on" right under the password entry box when that's the case?

No, the program this happens in doesn't have such a warning. The program I use that does have such a warning, on the other hand, displays it if Caps Lock was on when I logged in before getting subsequently timed out–meaning I can never trust it except the first login of the day.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 29, 2023, 05:53:31 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 29, 2023, 05:41:20 PM
No, the program this happens in doesn't have such a warning. The program I use that does have such a warning, on the other hand, displays it if Caps Lock was on when I logged in before getting subsequently timed out–meaning I can never trust it except the first login of the day.

Ah, okay, I didn't catch that you were referring to a program-specific login screen rather than the OS one, which I seem to remember also has that feature on Windows. (Though that is something that should be implemented on that kind of login screen as well. I wonder if there's a way to query caps lock status through the browser so that Internet-based logins can implement that. Potential thing to add when I work on my company's software next...)

On Unix, program-specific logins are rather rare, since the canonical way of handling such a thing is to piggyback off of the OS user account and permissions system where possible. So the program would simply track what permissions are associated with OS user kphoger has, then as long as you are logged into the OS as you, the program would know what you're allowed to do or not do. The lack of this practice on Windows has to do with Windows historically having no user account system at all prior to Windows 2000, and a relatively weak one up until about Windows 7 (and I think even now it's more porous than it really is supposed to be).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on March 30, 2023, 01:38:52 AM

Quote from: tchafe1978 on March 29, 2023, 05:13:36 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on March 29, 2023, 02:16:17 PM
Quote from: Big John on March 28, 2023, 05:01:02 PM
When entering Green Bay, they have signs saying no parking 3 am - 5 am.

The '2 to 5' thing is popular in munis in NE Wisconsin, its the law here in Appleton, too. It's to keep vagrants away.

Mike

I was always under the impression it is for snow removal purposes, just like alternate side parking rules. By vagrants you mean those who don't "belong" in the neighborhood?

Snow removal, people using the street instead of the driveways and garages on their own properties as their private parking areas, etc; But growing up herein Appleton, I always assumed that it was for street sweeping/cleaning, which in our neighborhood was always done every couple of weeks or so at night.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on March 30, 2023, 01:45:25 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on March 29, 2023, 05:19:37 PM
Quote from: tchafe1978 on March 29, 2023, 05:13:36 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on March 29, 2023, 02:16:17 PM
Quote from: Big John on March 28, 2023, 05:01:02 PM
When entering Green Bay, they have signs saying no parking 3 am - 5 am.

The '2 to 5' thing is popular in munis in NE Wisconsin, its the law here in Appleton, too. It's to keep vagrants away.

Mike

I was always under the impression it is for snow removal purposes, just like alternate side parking rules. By vagrants you mean those who don't "belong" in the neighborhood?

Alternate-side parking in New York is for street sweeping, not snow removal.

(https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/03/coronavirus-alternate-side-parking-11.jpg?quality=75&strip=all)

A couple of decades ago I saw a piece on a network TV news show about the kindof wacko (to outsiders at least) on-street parking restrictions for street cleaning in NYC. Yes, for a couple of hours alternating sides every couple of weeks to sweep the street. At least the city DOES keep its streets somewhat cleaner than otherwise.

:-P

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 30, 2023, 07:39:39 AM

^^^^

Recall the episode of Seinfeld in which George took a job standing in for a guy who moved everyone's cars on alternate-side day (and made a complete mess of it).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 30, 2023, 10:47:46 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 29, 2023, 05:53:31 PM
On Unix, program-specific logins are rather rare, since the canonical way of handling such a thing is to piggyback off of the OS user account and permissions system where possible. So the program would simply track what permissions are associated with OS user kphoger has, then as long as you are logged into the OS as you, the program would know what you're allowed to do or not do. The lack of this practice on Windows has to do with Windows historically having no user account system at all prior to Windows 2000, and a relatively weak one up until about Windows 7 (and I think even now it's more porous than it really is supposed to be).

I log on to two different MSO networks from my work computer. One (the one I have this problem with) has its programs accessed via virtual desktop (Azure). The other has its programs accessed via VPN client (GlobalProtect). Theoretically, at least, I should be able to log in from any computer anywhere in the world, so long as I have access to the MFA token for each. Therefore, piggybacking permissions from my OS login wouldn't really be ideal.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on March 30, 2023, 05:19:00 PM

Today's minor thing that bothers me, also computer-related, concerns a downloader I use to retrieve material from various state DOTs' BidX pages. (Several, such as Alaska DOT&PF and Nebraska DOT, now use the public-facing portions of their BidX pages to distribute plans and proposals.) Each agency has its own page on BidX with links to lettings; each letting has links to contracts; and each contract has file download links.

When I wrote the downloader many years ago, I decided that I would design it to visit each letting page only once after the letting date passed. At the time, the states I was working with used letting IDs derived from the letting date, so I made the mistake of coding the downloader to parse the former to get the latter. When I noticed last night that lettings still in the future (such as the one Maryland DOT plans for April 5) were appearing in blockout lists, I finally decided this problem needed to be fixed. I also added code to address an unrelated issue where file download fails when Amazon Web Services, which BidX has used for file hosting for probably at least the last four or five years, fails to supply the file with a well-formed content-disposition header.

Today I was shocked when the revamped downloader pulled in about 10 GB worth of Nebraska DOT plans from 2019-2021 that I had never seen before, despite maintaining regular collection during that period. These included:

* A RCUT at the US 81/SR 91 intersection between Columbus and Norfolk

* Lighting and signing upgrades to the I-80/US 34-281 interchange south of Grand Island

* I-80 Brule-Ogallala reconstruction

* Replacement of an overhead signbridge on I-480

* US 75 Murray-Plattsmouth expansion

Don't get me wrong--I'm glad to have these. But I wasn't expecting to get them, which makes me paranoid about what else I may be missing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on March 31, 2023, 10:52:00 AM

I don't know if this qualifies, but it's an observation I've had for quite some time.

Every morning when I drive in to work, the drive-through line at the local McDonald's -- visible at https://goo.gl/maps/J4jBUyFyUSRRcrED6 -- the line extends out to the edge of the restaurant property near the adjacent Marathon gas station. Often, it extends farther out, closer to the entrance off KY 30.

Why in the world would anyone wait in a drive-through line that long at a McDonald's? I don't have the patience for it. If I go for lunch and there are more than a couple of cars in line at the drive-through, I'll pass that place up and go somewhere else. I'll starve before I wait that long in a drive-through line.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 31, 2023, 10:54:17 AM

Similarly, if I see a line that long, I just park and go in. It's quicker.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on March 31, 2023, 11:22:27 AM

Several AutoCAD/Civil3D ones:
- When I get a random "fatal error" and have to restart the program
- When I go to edit a pipe network and the menu option for "pipes only/structures only/pipes and structures" is greyed out (unselectable). Only solution I've found is to close the drawing and re-open
- When I try to change the annotative scale in model space or a viewport and the program freezes. Lesson learned: unload all xrefs before doing that. Still a pain though since I have to reload the xrefs after
- When I start opening a drawing and realize it's the wrong one, or change my mind. I haven't found a way to abort the process, so I just have to wait it out
- When the same pipe (data referenced) is showing as different diameters in separate drawing files. I've figured out that this relates to the pipe catalogue. What worries is me is what if I miss the error elsewhere?
- When I update sheet set information, but the table with revision number, date, etc. doesn't want to update with regen. It's specifically one table that has this issue. I have to click in the table and do "update field" for each piece of text. Then I have to copy that table into each sheet to make sure each sheet is properly updated.
- When I start working on a project partway done and have to figure out what's going on. Why are there multiple existing surfaces and multiple proposed storm pipe networks, which one should I use? :pan:
- When the client changes the scope of the project which requires changing the sheet layouts/viewports. Similarly, when they decide to break up a single project into multiple contracts, which means dividing the drawings into separate project subfolders which adds more complications.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zzcarp on March 31, 2023, 12:00:49 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 31, 2023, 10:54:17 AM
Similarly, if I see a line that long, I just park and go in. It's quicker.

I see that at Starbucks all the time-cars backed up from the Drive-Through through the parking lot and sometimes onto the street. I always drive around them, park, and get in and out in a jif while those in their cars are still waiting for their drinks.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on March 31, 2023, 12:05:42 PM

Quote from: zzcarp on March 31, 2023, 12:00:49 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 31, 2023, 10:54:17 AM

Similarly, if I see a line that long, I just park and go in. It's quicker.

I see that at Starbucks all the time-cars backed up from the Drive-Through through the parking lot and sometimes onto the street. I always drive around them, park, and get in and out in a jif while those in their cars are still waiting for their drinks.

I've had mixed results with this. Sometimes, there's really no one inside to take my order, and then it can take longer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on March 31, 2023, 12:07:28 PM

In the case of McDonald's, their lobby is frequently closed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on March 31, 2023, 12:52:57 PM

Whenever possible, I end up using Curbside Pickup. That option isn't available for Burger King.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on March 31, 2023, 12:59:55 PM

Quote from: 7/8 on March 31, 2023, 11:22:27 AM- When I start opening a drawing and realize it's the wrong one, or change my mind. I haven't found a way to abort the process, so I just have to wait it out

This one especially resonates.

A related one is opening a drawing from a compressed archive I don't want to unpack fully (packages of what I increasingly see called "editables" can run into the tens of gigabytes even without orthophotos), and then having TrueView cry about all the missing references.

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 31, 2023, 12:05:42 PMI've had mixed results with this. Sometimes, there's really no one inside to take my order, and then it can take longer.

Quote from: Big John on March 31, 2023, 12:07:28 PMIn the case of McDonald's, their lobby is frequently closed.

It does vary a great deal by restaurant chain and sometimes even location. At the Taco Shop (local-to-Wichita chain) near me, going in and ordering takeaway at the counter always works. The Popeyes across the street has online ordering, but I have never known them to make up the order until I arrive and announce myself, and the wait time can be less than five minutes on one visit and as long as half an hour on the next.

Since I nearly always have a book with me to read, my concern is less about the time sink and more about having to pay attention (which takes mental and emotional energy) so I don't miss my order when it is ready. While I understand the social policy concerns about replacing fast-food workers with robots, I see process automation as potentially making life easier for customers by allowing them to monitor order progress, giving them greater certainty as to when the order will be ready while reducing the likelihood that it will be taken by someone else (which has happened to me a couple of times).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 31, 2023, 01:10:31 PM

All these YouTube ads that use a robo-voice to tell you how eating or drinking this one product daily will make you lose 100 pounds, cure your cancer, increase your IQ, give you eternal life, and make your spouse love you more. Seriously, how are these ads even legal in this day and age?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on March 31, 2023, 01:13:47 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 31, 2023, 12:05:42 PM
Quote from: zzcarp on March 31, 2023, 12:00:49 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 31, 2023, 10:54:17 AM

Similarly, if I see a line that long, I just park and go in. It's quicker.

I see that at Starbucks all the time-cars backed up from the Drive-Through through the parking lot and sometimes onto the street. I always drive around them, park, and get in and out in a jif while those in their cars are still waiting for their drinks.

I've had mixed results with this. Sometimes, there's really no one inside to take my order, and then it can take longer.

Most places offer ordering ahead. I don't know why more people don't do this, especially at busy times. I can't comprehend waiting in a long drive-thru line when you can virtually eliminate the wait and have your order ready and waiting in about five clicks. Especially at Dunkin', where the lines often back onto the street in the morning and I can be in and out before a single car moves in the drive-thru line.

Quote from: J N Winkler on March 31, 2023, 12:59:55 PM
The Popeyes across the street has online ordering, but I have never known them to make up the order until I arrive and announce myself, and the wait time can be less than five minutes on one visit and as long as half an hour on the next.

Wow! That's a sign of poor systems. If I placed an order online and still had to (a) tell them I was there before they started it and (b) wait more than ten minutes (never mind a half an hour), I would likely never return to that location.

Having to tell a restaurant you're there before they start your order in general is another "minor thing that bothers me". Any fast-food restaurant that does this doesn't understand that customers who are bothered to pre-order are almost always more concerned about their order being ready than they are about having it potentially be less fresh by being ready before they arrive.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zzcarp on March 31, 2023, 01:32:27 PM

Quote from: 7/8 on March 31, 2023, 11:22:27 AM
Several AutoCAD/Civil3D ones:
- When I get a random "fatal error" and have to restart the program
- When I go to edit a pipe network and the menu option for "pipes only/structures only/pipes and structures" is greyed out (unselectable). Only solution I've found is to close the drawing and re-open
- When I try to change the annotative scale in model space or a viewport and the program freezes. Lesson learned: unload all xrefs before doing that. Still a pain though since I have to reload the xrefs after
- When I start opening a drawing and realize it's the wrong one, or change my mind. I haven't found a way to abort the process, so I just have to wait it out
- When the same pipe (data referenced) is showing as different diameters in separate drawing files. I've figured out that this relates to the pipe catalogue. What worries is me is what if I miss the error elsewhere?
- When I update sheet set information, but the table with revision number, date, etc. doesn't want to update with regen. It's specifically one table that has this issue. I have to click in the table and do "update field" for each piece of text. Then I have to copy that table into each sheet to make sure each sheet is properly updated.
- When I start working on a project partway done and have to figure out what's going on. Why are there multiple existing surfaces and multiple proposed storm pipe networks, which one should I use? :pan:
- When the client changes the scope of the project which requires changing the sheet layouts/viewports. Similarly, when they decide to break up a single project into multiple contracts, which means dividing the drawings into separate project subfolders which adds more complications.

I agree with many of those. My current day job uses the Vault, which in theory is great for organizing references and backing up drawings but in practice seems to just cause permission problems and seemingly random choosing of previous surface versions which change all our manhole rim elevations, etc.

When I have two drawings open, my laptop install will sometimes type the commands I want to use in the current window into the inactive window instead, causing me to have to switch back to the "wrong" window then to the "right" one. Super annoying.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 31, 2023, 04:22:58 PM

For me this is a minor one, but I could understand why some people might consider it more than a minor issue, or at least potentially more:

People who don't know how to e-mail a group of recipients by putting all the recipients' addresses in the "bcc:" field. A fellow I used to work with, who is a nice well-intentioned guy but is also a technical buffoon, occasionally e-mails groups of people and dumps everyone in the "To:" field. I'm now getting spam messages–obvious spam–purporting to be from a friend of his whose name was in the "To:" field on one of those messages a few years ago. They come from different e-mail addresses every time, so I don't know whether someone's e-mail got hacked, someone's contact list got stolen, or what happened, but I tend to suspect that had all our e-mail addresses been put in the "bcc" field the way standard online courtesy directs, the problem may not have happened.

So far it's been more of a nuisance than anything else because whenever I see that guy's name I just delete the message without reading. On the plus side, he's not someone with whom I'd ever had direct communication, so that at least simplifies the process compared to the nuisance that would occur if I had to separate his real stuff from spoof messages.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 31, 2023, 04:41:12 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 22, 2022, 07:41:31 AM
This is one that some people would consider more than a minor thing:

When someone e-mails a large group of people and puts all their addresses in the "To:" field instead of bcc'ing everyone. A fellow I know (who is, to be sure, a bit of a Luddite and probably doesn't even know about using bcc for this purpose) did that this weekend–I was one of 48 people on the message he sent. I think what annoys me more than the failure to use bcc is that some of the other recipients have hit reply-all, one of them three times.

But I'm not going to say anything to him any time soon. Reason: It would be in poor taste and tacky to do so right now because the reason he sent the message was to tell us his father died on Saturday morning and to let us know when Mass will be.

Quote from: 1995hoo on March 31, 2023, 04:22:58 PM
For me this is a minor one, but I could understand why some people might consider it more than a minor issue, or at least potentially more:

People who don't know how to e-mail a group of recipients by putting all the recipients' addresses in the "bcc:" field. A fellow I used to work with, who is a nice well-intentioned guy but is also a technical buffoon, occasionally e-mails groups of people and dumps everyone in the "To:" field. I'm now getting spam messages–obvious spam–purporting to be from a friend of his whose name was in the "To:" field on one of those messages a few years ago. They come from different e-mail addresses every time, so I don't know whether someone's e-mail got hacked, someone's contact list got stolen, or what happened, but I tend to suspect that had all our e-mail addresses been put in the "bcc" field the way standard online courtesy directs, the problem may not have happened.

So far it's been more of a nuisance than anything else because whenever I see that guy's name I just delete the message without reading. On the plus side, he's not someone with whom I'd ever had direct communication, so that at least simplifies the process compared to the nuisance that would occur if I had to separate his real stuff from spoof messages.

I see things have taken a turn for the worse since last time. That is to say, your minor annoyance has become less minor.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 31, 2023, 10:45:30 PM

Yeah, it's still not a big deal on the whole because it's someone with whom I've never had direct contact. If it were someone I actually knew, the problem would be more serious. The real nuisance in this case is that the spoof messages come from all different addresses, so it's not as simple as just blocking the sender. The name-based rule I set up didn't work, but I plan to try again this weekend.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on April 01, 2023, 06:30:26 AM

Regarding the Proximity app:

People who leave the app enabled while driving (or as a passenger). I have my radius set to 50 feet, which is enough to detect someone on the other side of the street for most streets in Massachusetts. However, when someone who has the app enabled is driving, it pings me, but I obviously can't talk to her because she's in a car and won't be there for more than a few seconds. Does it ever occur to them that they're receiving pings, too, and probably more than I am because of the gender ratio of the app?

Occasionally, I have to turn wifi off because LTE runs better than what it tries to put me on. Sometimes, I forget to turn it back on later. When wifi is explicitly turned off, it consistently puts my location about 1000 feet north of my actual location. And I mean consistent – if I move east 100 feet, my phantom location will move east 100 feet. And whoever is there will get pinged and not see anyone around...
The phantom location issue also affects when I try to get an Uber ride.

Finally, I Do. Not. Care. about your zodiac sign.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 01, 2023, 06:53:58 AM

Quote from: 1 on April 01, 2023, 06:30:26 AM
Finally, I Do. Not. Care. about your zodiac sign.

When talking to these people, it's fun to claim you're an Ophiuchus (or even better, some constellation that doesn't even cross the ecliptic, like Orion), or something along the lines of "I used to be a Virgo, but I had the DMV change it to Pisces" or something like that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on April 01, 2023, 07:10:29 AM

Quote from: 1 on April 01, 2023, 06:30:26 AMFinally, I Do. Not. Care. about your zodiac sign.

I Do. Not. Care. about your blood type either. I'm a technician, not a medical professional, and don't see how Blood Type Personality has to do with anything.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 01, 2023, 10:12:14 AM

Some women I dated were big into Zodiac sign nonsense. One in particular used to draw all sorts of conclusions about me based off the Zodiacs supposedly speaking to my personality somehow.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on April 01, 2023, 11:09:57 AM

Quote from: 1 on April 01, 2023, 06:30:26 AM
Regarding the Proximity app:

People who leave the app enabled while driving (or as a passenger). I have my radius set to 50 feet, which is enough to detect someone on the other side of the street for most streets in Massachusetts. However, when someone who has the app enabled is driving, it pings me, but I obviously can't talk to her because she's in a car and won't be there for more than a few seconds. Does it ever occur to them that they're receiving pings, too, and probably more than I am because of the gender ratio of the app?

Occasionally, I have to turn wifi off because LTE runs better than what it tries to put me on. Sometimes, I forget to turn it back on later. When wifi is explicitly turned off, it consistently puts my location about 1000 feet north of my actual location. And I mean consistent – if I move east 100 feet, my phantom location will move east 100 feet. And whoever is there will get pinged and not see anyone around...
The phantom location issue also affects when I try to get an Uber ride.

Finally, I Do. Not. Care. about your zodiac sign.

Have those signs been added to the MUTCD?

:hmmm:

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on April 01, 2023, 11:25:50 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on April 01, 2023, 07:10:29 AM
Quote from: 1 on April 01, 2023, 06:30:26 AMFinally, I Do. Not. Care. about your zodiac sign.

I Do. Not. Care. about your blood type either. I'm a technician, not a medical professional, and don't see how Blood Type Personality has to do with anything.

Blood type indicates personality? I guess zodiac signs weren't stupid enough.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bm7 on April 01, 2023, 05:10:10 PM

Quote from: skluth on April 01, 2023, 11:25:50 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on April 01, 2023, 07:10:29 AM
Quote from: 1 on April 01, 2023, 06:30:26 AMFinally, I Do. Not. Care. about your zodiac sign.

I Do. Not. Care. about your blood type either. I'm a technician, not a medical professional, and don't see how Blood Type Personality has to do with anything.

Blood type indicates personality? I guess zodiac signs weren't stupid enough.

It's mostly a thing in Japan and South Korea, I haven't heard of it being believed anywhere else before.

At least with blood types it's something physical that theoretically could (but almost certainly does not) affect someone's personality.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on April 01, 2023, 05:14:27 PM

Quote from: webny99 on March 31, 2023, 01:13:47 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on March 31, 2023, 12:59:55 PMThe Popeyes across the street has online ordering, but I have never known them to make up the order until I arrive and announce myself, and the wait time can be less than five minutes on one visit and as long as half an hour on the next.

Wow! That's a sign of poor systems. If I placed an order online and still had to (a) tell them I was there before they started it and (b) wait more than ten minutes (never mind a half an hour), I would likely never return to that location.

Having to tell a restaurant you're there before they start your order in general is another "minor thing that bothers me". Any fast-food restaurant that does this doesn't understand that customers who are bothered to pre-order are almost always more concerned about their order being ready than they are about having it potentially be less fresh by being ready before they arrive.

This location is ineptly managed and has super-high staff turnover--I suspect it stays in business because it has no real local competition. The nearest other Popeyes is about thrice as far away and there are currently no nearby chain establishments that offer mild/spicy breaded fried chicken with typical Southern/Cajun side dishes. There is a Church's Chicken being built in the strip shopping center across the street, so we will see if they force that Popeyes to up its game. (Church's is a bit too spicy for me, but I am sure there are others for whom it is at least an acceptable substitute.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on April 01, 2023, 08:00:08 PM

April fools on the mention of the Proximity app above. There is no dating app in existence that looks for people physically next to you.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on April 01, 2023, 09:09:03 PM

The OTUS acronym. I hate it.

POTUS, SCOTUS, FLOTUS, etc. I even read it last week in relation to waters of the United States. WOTUS.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on April 01, 2023, 10:18:07 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on November 07, 2022, 10:57:42 AMThe fact that "modern" computer cases do not come with either 5Â¼" or 3Â½" external drive days. I'm in process of building a new system to replace my old i7-4790K, but I still use the CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drives. If I want a case that has modern USB 3/USB-C connectors, then there are no external drive days. That's good for air circulation, but bad because some of us still need legacy technology.

Just as an update... after assembling a new computer to replace my eight year old i7-4790k last December, I was using my old computer mainly as a ripping/home theater computer hooked up to my 4K television. (It comes in handy during storm season when I want to display radar maps and thunderstorm maps). The computer died last week by both refusing to boot (I have backups) and not going into the computer setup (formerly BIOS)... yeah, that's a problem, and I didn't feel like making the effort.

So, about the replacement.... while I was initially expecting to do the replacement at the end of the year, the local Microcenter has a sweet combo deal on a AMD Ryzen 7 7700X, MSI B650-P Pro WiFi, G.Skill Flare X5 Series 32GB DDR5-6000 Kit combo (https://www.microcenter.com/product/5006269/amd-ryzen-7-7700x,-msi-b650-p-pro-wifi,-gskill-flare-x5-series-32gb-ddr5-6000-kit,-computer-build-combo) for $500+tax. the case I got was a Fractal Design Focus G (https://amzn.to/3TZuDq3) which is mid-tower ATX case which appears to have been released in May, 2017. The key part for me is that it has two 5Â¼" external drive days which is getting harder and harder to find nowadays. I was able to recycle the two BluRay drives and the SSD from my old computer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on April 01, 2023, 11:17:49 PM

Quote from: webny99 on March 31, 2023, 01:13:47 PM

Having to tell a restaurant you're there before they start your order in general is another "minor thing that bothers me". Any fast-food restaurant that does this doesn't understand that customers who are bothered to pre-order are almost always more concerned about their order being ready than they are about having it potentially be less fresh by being ready before they arrive.

Similar to that is my pharmacy that will NOT start packing up my prescriptions until I am there in person. I can call them, my doctor's assistant can call them, I can renew a prescription online, but regardless of the method when I show up even days after it was supposed to be ready they always tell me it's not ready yet and I need to wait about 30 minutes. Maybe they think I'll make some more impulse purchases while I stand around waiting for my Rx to be done.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bm7 on April 01, 2023, 11:57:16 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on April 01, 2023, 09:09:03 PM
The OTUS acronym. I hate it.

POTUS, SCOTUS, FLOTUS, etc. I even read it last week in relation to waters of the United States. WOTUS.

I don't like them either, they just sound weird. It's unnecessary in most contexts anyway to specify that you're talking about the United States president, or United States Supreme Court, etc.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on April 02, 2023, 12:16:05 AM

https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/scotus-potus-flotus

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JoePCool14 on April 02, 2023, 10:06:59 AM

Quote from: hbelkins on April 01, 2023, 09:09:03 PM
The OTUS acronym. I hate it.

POTUS, SCOTUS, FLOTUS, etc. I even read it last week in relation to waters of the United States. WOTUS.

While we're at it, the recent flailing about with the Waters of the US stuff. Concerning that every ditch could be classified this way, making development incredibly challenging. I know we're paying attention to this at my office.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on April 03, 2023, 05:13:14 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on April 01, 2023, 09:09:03 PM
The OTUS acronym. I hate it.

POTUS, SCOTUS, FLOTUS, etc. I even read it last week in relation to waters of the United States. WOTUS.

how about the SEC acronym. SECDEF, SECSTATE, and just plain SEC?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on April 03, 2023, 05:19:15 PM

Securties and Exchange Commission? :bigass:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on April 03, 2023, 06:57:31 PM

Quote from: bm7 on April 01, 2023, 11:57:16 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on April 01, 2023, 09:09:03 PM
The OTUS acronym. I hate it.

POTUS, SCOTUS, FLOTUS, etc. I even read it last week in relation to waters of the United States. WOTUS.
I don't like them either, they just sound weird. It's unnecessary in most contexts anyway to specify that you're talking about the United States president, or United States Supreme Court, etc.

Totally agreed, it's unnecessary and sounds weirdly condescending at the same time.

They all sound like intestinal plumbing conditions.

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 01, 2023, 06:53:58 AM
Quote from: 1 on April 01, 2023, 06:30:26 AM
Finally, I Do. Not. Care. about your zodiac sign.

When talking to these people, it's fun to claim you're an Ophiuchus (or even better, some constellation that doesn't even cross the ecliptic, like Orion), or something along the lines of "I used to be a Virgo, but I had the DMV change it to Pisces" or something like that.

Hey baby, I'm an Octant. I hear Grus are totally compatible and should avoid Air Pumps when Canis Venatici is visible with the Mazda Capella.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 03, 2023, 08:38:20 PM

Quote from: formulanone on April 03, 2023, 06:57:31 PM
the Mazda Capella

Is that the constellation Ford Prefect is from?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on April 04, 2023, 08:57:17 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 03, 2023, 08:38:20 PM
Quote from: formulanone on April 03, 2023, 06:57:31 PM
the Mazda Capella

Is that the constellation Ford Prefect is from?

I thought it was the Taurus, but based on the planned site of the expressway, maybe it's the Taunus (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Taunus).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on April 04, 2023, 09:27:54 AM

Quote from: formulanone on April 03, 2023, 06:57:31 PM
Quote from: bm7 on April 01, 2023, 11:57:16 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on April 01, 2023, 09:09:03 PM
The OTUS acronym. I hate it.

POTUS, SCOTUS, FLOTUS, etc. I even read it last week in relation to waters of the United States. WOTUS.
I don't like them either, they just sound weird. It's unnecessary in most contexts anyway to specify that you're talking about the United States president, or United States Supreme Court, etc.

Totally agreed, it's unnecessary and sounds weirdly condescending at the same time.

....

For some reason, a lot of people in government and the legal profession have some hangup where they insist on using the "of the" form for possessives wherever possible. For example, they'll say "the order of the court dated April 4, 2023," instead of "the court's order dated April 4, 2023." (It's not totally trivial–if you're subject to a word-count limit, the "of the" form wastes words.) "The argument of the plaintiff that this court should reverse" is just plain awkward compared to "The plaintiff's argument that this court should reverse."

With all that said, "Supreme Court of the United States" is that entity's formal name. I'm not sure why, in today's Internet age, people feel the need to include every word in abbreviations–traditionally, you eliminated prepositions and articles–but I will concede that when read as an acronym, "SCOTUS" sounds better than "SCUS," and if instead you said "USSC" to refer to "United States Supreme Court," it wouldn't work as a word.

(Arguably "SCOTUS" sounds a bit like a part of the male anatomy.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 04, 2023, 03:14:41 PM

Quote from: bm7 on April 01, 2023, 05:10:10 PM
At least with blood types it's something physical that theoretically could (but almost certainly does not) affect someone's personality.

Just here to point out that constellations are something physical too...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on April 04, 2023, 03:49:42 PM

Sort of. It's really just a "physical thing" because of our angle. The same stars viewed from elsewhere would be nothing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on April 04, 2023, 04:43:41 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on April 04, 2023, 09:27:54 AM

With all that said, "Supreme Court of the United States" is that entity's formal name.

As opposed to New York, where Supreme Court is a trial court. (Kentucky actually has two trial court systems, district court for traffic offenses, misdemeanors, and small claims cases and smaller civil suits, along with probate matters. Circuit court handles felonies, civil suits over a certain amount, divorces, child custody issues, and other matters.)

Quote from: SSOWorld on April 03, 2023, 05:13:14 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on April 01, 2023, 09:09:03 PM
The OTUS acronym. I hate it.

POTUS, SCOTUS, FLOTUS, etc. I even read it last week in relation to waters of the United States. WOTUS.
how about the SEC acronym. SECDEF, SECSTATE, and just plain SEC?

Quote from: Big John on April 03, 2023, 05:19:15 PM
Securties and Exchange Commission? :bigass:

Southeastern Conference.

A totally unrelated thing that bothers me -- LMGTFY or other dismissive comments when someone asks a question somewhere and someone refers them to Google in an offhand or arrogant manner.

Google does NOT have the answer to everything. I know this for a fact. I have been unsuccessfully searching for two years on how to disconnect the 36v hybrid system and run my Saturn Vue Greenline only on the gas engine and 12v system, since there's some sort of issue with the 36v system that keeps the 12v system from charging. I know that it can be done, because someone on one of the Saturn Vue groups on Facebook of which I'm a member has a Vue that this has been done to, but it was done before he bought it and he doesn't know how it was done. But I cannot figure out HOW to do it. Google doesn't have that information.

Google is ubiquitous enough that if someone asks for answers online in a forum, social media post, etc., it's obvious they haven't found the info they're looking for there.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on April 04, 2023, 04:50:03 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on April 04, 2023, 04:43:41 PM
A totally unrelated thing that bothers me -- LMGTFY or other dismissive comments when someone asks a question somewhere and someone refers them to Google in an offhand or arrogant manner.

Google does NOT have the answer to everything. I know this for a fact. I have been unsuccessfully searching for two years on how to disconnect the 36v hybrid system and run my Saturn Vue Greenline only on the gas engine and 12v system, since there's some sort of issue with the 36v system that keeps the 12v system from charging. I know that it can be done, because someone on one of the Saturn Vue groups on Facebook of which I'm a member has a Vue that this has been done to, but it was done before he bought it and he doesn't know how it was done. But I cannot figure out HOW to do it. Google doesn't have that information.

Google is ubiquitous enough that if someone asks for answers online in a forum, social media post, etc., it's obvious they haven't found the info they're looking for there.

But there are lots of times when you could say something like, "I ate some A5 Wagyu the other day," and someone might respond with "what's that?" when they simply could have Googled it. It's not that Google has every answer, but there are plenty of things that it does answer that a few people don't bother taking the time to look at. That's when people will say LMGTFY. Not when it's something complicated.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 04, 2023, 07:26:45 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 04, 2023, 03:14:41 PM
Quote from: bm7 on April 01, 2023, 05:10:10 PM
At least with blood types it's something physical that theoretically could (but almost certainly does not) affect someone's personality.

Just here to point out that constellations are something physical too...

From an astronomy point of view they're about as physical as counties are–they're just regions the sky is divided up into, in this case to make finding things easier. If you look on a star map, "Orion" doesn't refer to just the stars that make the outline of the hunter dude, it refers to a box that contains all of him.

So that basically leads to the question of whether "Rawlins County" is "something physical". Sure, the stuff inside Rawlins County, like Atwood, are physical things. But given that "Rawlins County" is basically just "everything between these surveyed lines" and can be abolished by a few dozen people in Topeka if they agree to do so, maybe it's not so physical as it appears.

Actually, constellations are even less physical than counties are, because at least you can go to Rawlins County and say "I am in Rawlins County." You can't really go to Orion, because none of the stars that make it up are physically close to one another; they differ on the z axis as seen from Earth by thousands of lightyears.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 06, 2023, 02:27:42 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 04, 2023, 07:26:45 PM
So that basically leads to the question of whether "Rawlins County" is "something physical". Sure, the stuff inside Rawlins County, like Atwood, are physical things. But given that "Rawlins County" is basically just "everything between these surveyed lines" and can be abolished by a few dozen people in Topeka if they agree to do so, maybe it's not so physical as it appears.

Sure, the stuff inside Atwood are physical things. But given that "Atwood" is basically just "everything between these city limits" and can be abolished by a few dozen people, maybe it's not so physical as it appears.

But my point is that constellations are made up of physical objects with gravity and everything. Of course, I'm not at all suggesting astrology is legit. It isn't.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on April 06, 2023, 02:45:31 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 06, 2023, 02:27:42 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 04, 2023, 07:26:45 PM
So that basically leads to the question of whether "Rawlins County" is "something physical". Sure, the stuff inside Rawlins County, like Atwood, are physical things. But given that "Rawlins County" is basically just "everything between these surveyed lines" and can be abolished by a few dozen people in Topeka if they agree to do so, maybe it's not so physical as it appears.

Sure, the stuff inside Atwood are physical things. But given that "Atwood" is basically just "everything between these city limits" and can be abolished by a few dozen people, maybe it's not so physical as it appears.

But my point is that constellations are made up of physical objects with gravity and everything. Of course, I'm not at all suggesting astrology is legit. It isn't.

So, a county is made up of physical things but isn't itself a physical thing. A constellation is made up of physical things but isn't itself a physical thing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on April 06, 2023, 02:50:56 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on April 04, 2023, 04:43:41 PMA totally unrelated thing that bothers me -- LMGTFY or other dismissive comments when someone asks a question somewhere and someone refers them to Google in an offhand or arrogant manner.

It only goes downhill from there. In addition to a wanna-be road geek, I'm also a wanna-be weather geek. I have several weather sites all configured for weather on both my and my mother's computer. You can even get the local weather from Alexa. You can click on a icon in the taskbar to see the forecast for the next few days. You can even ask Alexa for the weather forecast. My mother has elected to ask me for the weather forecast, which means I have to stop what I'm doing and LMGTFY (https://letmegooglethat.com/?q=Dallas+Weather+forecast&l=1).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on April 06, 2023, 03:07:41 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 06, 2023, 02:45:31 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 06, 2023, 02:27:42 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 04, 2023, 07:26:45 PM
So that basically leads to the question of whether "Rawlins County" is "something physical". Sure, the stuff inside Rawlins County, like Atwood, are physical things. But given that "Rawlins County" is basically just "everything between these surveyed lines" and can be abolished by a few dozen people in Topeka if they agree to do so, maybe it's not so physical as it appears.

Sure, the stuff inside Atwood are physical things. But given that "Atwood" is basically just "everything between these city limits" and can be abolished by a few dozen people, maybe it's not so physical as it appears.

But my point is that constellations are made up of physical objects with gravity and everything. Of course, I'm not at all suggesting astrology is legit. It isn't.

So, a county is made up of physical things but isn't itself a physical thing. A constellation is made up of physical things but isn't itself a physical thing.

I think the point that a County is really just a 2-dimensional outline which doesn't really change what it encompasses when viewed from another perspective. Whereas a Constellation would look very different in 3-dimensional space if it was viewed from a different (and distant) perspective, since its "borders" are sort of hanging by a flat outline superimposed on what can be seen from just our planet (although, I suppose little of it changes within our own solar system).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 06, 2023, 03:29:22 PM

Quote from: formulanone on April 06, 2023, 03:07:41 PM
I think the point that a County is really just a 2-dimensional outline which doesn't really change what it encompasses when viewed from another perspective. Whereas a Constellation would look very different in 3-dimensional space if it was viewed from a different (and distant) perspective, since its "borders" are sort of hanging by a flat outline superimposed on what can be seen from just our planet (although, I suppose little of it changes within our own solar system).

I just looked out the office door. Sedgwick County looks a lot different from my perspective than it did a year ago, when I was in an airplane looking down. :D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on April 06, 2023, 03:36:58 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 06, 2023, 03:29:22 PM
Quote from: formulanone on April 06, 2023, 03:07:41 PM
I think the point that a County is really just a 2-dimensional outline which doesn't really change what it encompasses when viewed from another perspective. Whereas a Constellation would look very different in 3-dimensional space if it was viewed from a different (and distant) perspective, since its "borders" are sort of hanging by a flat outline superimposed on what can be seen from just our planet (although, I suppose little of it changes within our own solar system).

I just looked out the office door. Sedgwick County looks a lot different from my perspective than it did a year ago, when I was in an airplane looking down. :D

Ah, but Sedgwick County is still contained with the same borders, whether looking at from your front door, at thirty-two thousand feet, or from a planet on Chi Virginis.

The constellation "Virgo" will look like Virgo from Sedgwick County, but very different from Vega, and likely completely different from Alathfar, which is even in the same constellation as Vega. Of course, the constellation as we know it will be misshapen from Earth in many thousands of years because everything is expanding (https://www.energy.gov/science/doe-explainscosmic-acceleration-and-dark-energy).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on April 06, 2023, 04:08:54 PM

One thing about constellations is that they aren't necessarily made up of adjacent stars.

Let's pretend that instead of being one five-sided building, the Pentagon was actually five separate buildings that are in close proximity to one another. That would be vastly different than, say, the Big Dipper where the stars merely appear to be closely situated (relatively speaking) to one another.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on April 06, 2023, 04:29:17 PM

Here's an interesting image I found about Orion, showing all this:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fom-blog.orbitalmaneuvers.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F09%2FOrion-3D-update-final.png&hash=84dd01d5482a2d685f190f4a14f4622707af6783)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on April 06, 2023, 04:45:12 PM

Exactly, so I would argue that the constellation, a.k.a. the pattern of stars that represented something to the Ancients is only applicable basically in our direction. There is no "constellation" when viewed from the side like the illustration.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on April 06, 2023, 04:58:29 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 06, 2023, 04:45:12 PM
Exactly, so I would argue that the constellation, a.k.a. the pattern of stars that represented something to the Ancients is only applicable basically in our direction. There is no "constellation" when viewed from the side like the illustration.

The stars in a constellation have no necessary connection to one another, as seen in the picture. On the other hand, though, a constellation is defined astronomically as a wedge of the sky, so in that regard they are just like counties.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on April 06, 2023, 04:59:33 PM

3D "counties", once they exist, would probably be closer to a cubic lattice, not wedges radiating from a single point.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on April 06, 2023, 08:26:56 PM

While I agree that constellations aren't really a real phyical object because they're basically an arrangement of stars as seen from Earth, but playing Devil's Advocate, it's worth noting that when the states and colonies were young, their borders were basically defined as bands of land going all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

Quote from: formulanone on April 06, 2023, 03:36:58 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 06, 2023, 03:29:22 PM
Quote from: formulanone on April 06, 2023, 03:07:41 PM
I think the point that a County is really just a 2-dimensional outline which doesn't really change what it encompasses when viewed from another perspective. Whereas a Constellation would look very different in 3-dimensional space if it was viewed from a different (and distant) perspective, since its "borders" are sort of hanging by a flat outline superimposed on what can be seen from just our planet (although, I suppose little of it changes within our own solar system).

I just looked out the office door. Sedgwick County looks a lot different from my perspective than it did a year ago, when I was in an airplane looking down. :D

Ah, but Sedgwick County is still contained with the same borders, whether looking at from your front door, at thirty-two thousand feet, or from a planet on Chi Virginis.

The constellation "Virgo" will look like Virgo from Sedgwick County, but very different from Vega, and likely completely different from Alathfar, which is even in the same constellation as Vega. Of course, the constellation as we know it will be misshapen from Earth in many thousands of years because everything is expanding (https://www.energy.gov/science/doe-explainscosmic-acceleration-and-dark-energy).

I would think the fact that the solar system orbits the black hole at the center of the Milky Way and moves to different parts of the galaxy over time (as do other stars) would be the bigger factor. There's also the fact that the Earth's axis wobbles, so which constellations are where when changes over thousands of years.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on April 06, 2023, 10:48:58 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 06, 2023, 03:29:22 PM
Quote from: formulanone on April 06, 2023, 03:07:41 PM
I think the point that a County is really just a 2-dimensional outline which doesn't really change what it encompasses when viewed from another perspective. Whereas a Constellation would look very different in 3-dimensional space if it was viewed from a different (and distant) perspective, since its "borders" are sort of hanging by a flat outline superimposed on what can be seen from just our planet (although, I suppose little of it changes within our own solar system).

I just looked out the office door. Sedgwick County looks a lot different from my perspective than it did a year ago, when I was in an airplane looking down. :D

But counties are surveyed so the county can exercise a taxation and regulatory oversight over all the land within the county. The stars in a constellation are just as they are visible from earth - their 3D existence is quite different. Not only may the stars we see in a constellation actually be quite distant from each other along the axis away from Earth, but the starlight we see may have been travelling for millennia while the star that produced it may be changed beyond recognition or even gone completely.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on April 07, 2023, 01:07:05 PM

Earlier this week my boss gave us all today off. Until he cancelled that around 4:45 last night because of work he failed to complete. He promised we'd be done by noon, in part because he wanted to attend Good Friday church services. I told my wife I fully expected today to turn into a full work day. It's now 1:05 and I'd be very surprised if we're done before 5:30. Not that I had anything in particular planned today, but it's mildly annoying to be given multiple promises of time off that are then cancelled because someone else isn't able to get his work done.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on April 07, 2023, 01:08:13 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on April 07, 2023, 01:07:05 PM
Earlier this week my boss gave us all today off. Until he cancelled that around 4:45 last night because of work he failed to complete. He promised we'd be done by noon, in part because he wanted to attend Good Friday church services. I told my wife I fully expected today to turn into a full work day. It's now 1:05 and I'd be very surprised if we're done before 5:30. Not that I had anything in particular planned today, but it's mildly annoying to be given multiple promises of time off that are then cancelled because someone else isn't able to get his work done.

I would have said I already made plans, but I'll see if I can get away for a couple of hours to help.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on April 07, 2023, 01:12:47 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 07, 2023, 01:08:13 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on April 07, 2023, 01:07:05 PM
Earlier this week my boss gave us all today off. Until he cancelled that around 4:45 last night because of work he failed to complete. He promised we'd be done by noon, in part because he wanted to attend Good Friday church services. I told my wife I fully expected today to turn into a full work day. It's now 1:05 and I'd be very surprised if we're done before 5:30. Not that I had anything in particular planned today, but it's mildly annoying to be given multiple promises of time off that are then cancelled because someone else isn't able to get his work done.

I would have said I already made plans, but I'll see if I can get away for a couple of hours to help.

Not quite that simple, unfortunately.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on April 07, 2023, 01:16:52 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on April 07, 2023, 01:12:47 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 07, 2023, 01:08:13 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on April 07, 2023, 01:07:05 PM
Earlier this week my boss gave us all today off. Until he cancelled that around 4:45 last night because of work he failed to complete. He promised we'd be done by noon, in part because he wanted to attend Good Friday church services. I told my wife I fully expected today to turn into a full work day. It's now 1:05 and I'd be very surprised if we're done before 5:30. Not that I had anything in particular planned today, but it's mildly annoying to be given multiple promises of time off that are then cancelled because someone else isn't able to get his work done.

I would have said I already made plans, but I'll see if I can get away for a couple of hours to help.

Not quite that simple, unfortunately.

It never is. Maybe see if he'll let you take another day some other time instead.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on April 07, 2023, 03:22:54 PM

What an annoying boss. Don't make promises you can't keep.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on April 07, 2023, 04:54:18 PM

Your incompetence is not my emergency.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on April 07, 2023, 05:18:27 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on April 07, 2023, 01:07:05 PM
Earlier this week my boss gave us all today off. Until he cancelled that around 4:45 last night because of work he failed to complete. He promised we'd be done by noon, in part because he wanted to attend Good Friday church services. I told my wife I fully expected today to turn into a full work day. It's now 1:05 and I'd be very surprised if we're done before 5:30. Not that I had anything in particular planned today, but it's mildly annoying to be given multiple promises of time off that are then cancelled because someone else isn't able to get his work done.

That's one asshole of a boss.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on April 07, 2023, 05:26:22 PM

So we got the one thing out at 4:00 (the one with a due date of today). At 5:10 he decided he would not be able to finish the other one today and said we'll deal with it Monday.

So I was pretty much right last night when I told Ms1995hoo that today would turn into a full work day. At least, unlike a Friday deadline last spring, we didn't wind up working until 10:00 tonight. (No doubt today being Good Friday made the difference there.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on April 07, 2023, 05:52:41 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on April 07, 2023, 05:26:22 PM
So we got the one thing out at 4:00 (the one with a due date of today). At 5:10 he decided he would not be able to finish the other one today and said we'll deal with it Monday.

So I was pretty much right last night when I told Ms1995hoo that today would turn into a full work day. At least, unlike a Friday deadline last spring, we didn't wind up working until 10:00 tonight. (No doubt today being Good Friday made the difference there.)

Thank God. Pun intended.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on April 07, 2023, 07:22:04 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 07, 2023, 05:52:41 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on April 07, 2023, 05:26:22 PM
So we got the one thing out at 4:00 (the one with a due date of today). At 5:10 he decided he would not be able to finish the other one today and said we'll deal with it Monday.

So I was pretty much right last night when I told Ms1995hoo that today would turn into a full work day. At least, unlike a Friday deadline last spring, we didn't wind up working until 10:00 tonight. (No doubt today being Good Friday made the difference there.)

Thank God. Pun intended.

Years ago, I worked for a company that said my job was to be an outside sales job. They flew me to San Antonio for two weeks of training -- which just happened to coincide with NIOSA, which is the equivalent of a post-Lenten Mardi Gras -- only to return home to find out that the job was pretty much a sweat-shop inside-sales, telemarketing cold calling job.

If that wasn't bad enough, the odds were 50/50 that at the last minute (within 2 hours of Lunch time) any given lunch hour would become a mandatory Lunch & Learn in a corner of the building's cafeteria.

Needless to say, after my 90 day probation, I was let go as I missed one sales quota out of 5.

Not too long after I left, rumor has it this company forced the workers to continue working and making calls the day of 9/11.

But man, did I have a blast on the Riverwalk on the company's dime!!!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on April 10, 2023, 07:58:11 AM

https://www.flickr.com/photos/54480415@N08/52789528820
The fact that TexDOT is so careless with mounting signal heads.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on April 10, 2023, 04:36:20 PM

Today brings two minor things, both language-related.

* The word learning as a countable noun that is pluralized. The first time I read it, it came from a person who leans too heavily toward jargon, but now I have seen it in a Guardian article (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/apr/07/cancer-and-heart-disease-vaccines-ready-by-end-of-the-decade), albeit in a quote: "The learnings from the Covid-19 vaccine development process have informed our overall approach to mRNA research and development."

* Over the past few weeks, I have been working with construction contracts for Czech and Polish motorways. Much of the documentation comes in zip archives localized to one or more Eastern European encodings rather than Unicode. As a result, I get mojibake in file and folder names: for example, the Polish phrase "stałej organizacja ruchu" (literally "permanent traffic organization," i.e., the permanent signs and markings to be installed as part of the project) often appears as "staÃªej organizacja ruchu" in file and folder names. And, of course, they all extract with these defective names. There appears to be no fix other than for the provider to use a zip utility that defaults to Unicode (7zip apparently does so) or for the recipient to temporarily change his or her system to the locale of origin and reboot, which is IMO far too disruptive.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on April 10, 2023, 04:59:13 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on April 10, 2023, 04:36:20 PM
* The word learning as a countable noun that is pluralized. The first time I read it, it came from a person who leans too heavily toward jargon, but now I have seen it in a Guardian article (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/apr/07/cancer-and-heart-disease-vaccines-ready-by-end-of-the-decade), albeit in a quote: "The learnings from the Covid-19 vaccine development process have informed our overall approach to mRNA research and development."

Eh, I can come up with several gerunds that make sense to pluralize. They're not common, but they're not that bad either.

"The findings of a committee."
"The linings of these coats."

Etc.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on April 10, 2023, 05:22:07 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 10, 2023, 04:59:13 PMEh, I can come up with several gerunds that make sense to pluralize. They're not common, but they're not that bad either.

"The findings of a committee."
"The linings of these coats."

Etc.

Those have been around for decades if not centuries. Learnings is much more recent and seems an unreasonably clumsy synonym for lessons.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on April 10, 2023, 06:58:15 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on April 10, 2023, 05:22:07 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 10, 2023, 04:59:13 PMEh, I can come up with several gerunds that make sense to pluralize. They're not common, but they're not that bad either.

"The findings of a committee."
"The linings of these coats."

Etc.

Those have been around for decades if not centuries. Learnings is much more recent and seems an unreasonably clumsy synonym for lessons.

Gotcha. I thought you were talking about plural gerunds in general. Disregard.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on April 10, 2023, 10:03:24 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 10, 2023, 06:58:15 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on April 10, 2023, 05:22:07 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 10, 2023, 04:59:13 PMEh, I can come up with several gerunds that make sense to pluralize. They're not common, but they're not that bad either.

"The findings of a committee."
"The linings of these coats."

Etc.

Those have been around for decades if not centuries. Learnings is much more recent and seems an unreasonably clumsy synonym for lessons.

Gotcha. I thought you were talking about plural gerunds in general. Disregard.

The language person in me feels compelled to point out that in the examples given neither "findings" nor "linings" are gerunds. A gerund structure is more like, "Finding money on the ground is good luck," or, "Lining your pockets with moss is a terrible idea," where it's the actual action that is being described. Regular nouns that originate in the -ing forms of verbs are fairly common, such as "building," "ending," "warning," "meaning," and so on.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on April 10, 2023, 10:06:53 PM

I should also add that I have no objection to learning as a mass noun--e.g., in the phrase "lifelong learning." It's the use of it as a pluralized countable noun that irks me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on April 11, 2023, 02:31:44 PM

It bothers me that the number pad on my keyboard doesn't have a comma (,) or a caret (^), both of which I use when typing numbery stuff.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 11, 2023, 04:25:12 PM

Quote from: formulanone on March 10, 2023, 11:05:58 AM
I have a Canon all-in-one printer, mostly because it breaks the HP hegemony we had for a while and maybe-kind-of-slightly a Canon fanboy. The kids have an Epson and it's alright. Admittedly, the Canon has a slightly greater thirst for ink than the HPs I've had in the past but it's also never told me the ink cartridge was expired (https://theoatmeal.com/comics/printers).

I still have to print things for work because most projects require a printed checklist because the clients have a tendency to be old school, I prefer a printed airline ticket because apps misbehave when flights change/cancel, and I sometimes require printed border-crossing documentation. But it's okay because work covers the ink costs.

Quote from: kphoger on March 10, 2023, 01:53:48 PM
Hopefully our printer is old enough to not even get firmware updates...

Well, our printer finally bit the dust yesterday anyway. In its place, we bought an Epson EcoTank, with refillable ink. I think it's a model ET-2850.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 11, 2023, 04:28:33 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on April 11, 2023, 02:31:44 PM
It bothers me that the number pad on my keyboard doesn't have a comma (,) or a caret (^), both of which I use when typing numbery stuff.

That would be nice. But, then again, it's supposed to be like an adding machine, right? Those don't have commas or carets.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on April 11, 2023, 07:23:23 PM

I prefer Android phones over iPhone as on an android, the main keypad has both the letters AND the numbers, so you don't have to SHIFT ARROW between the two.

And androids also allow you to long-hold the letters as a short cut to commonly used symbols and long hold the numbers for common fractions ‐‐ again, saving you the hassle of toggling back and forth via the Shift Arrow key.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on April 11, 2023, 07:25:48 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 11, 2023, 04:28:33 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on April 11, 2023, 02:31:44 PM
It bothers me that the number pad on my keyboard doesn't have a comma (,) or a caret (^), both of which I use when typing numbery stuff.

That would be nice. But, then again, it's supposed to be like an adding machine, right? Those don't have commas or carets.

That depends on how far back (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/69/Mechanical_calculating_machine.jpg/800px-Mechanical_calculating_machine.jpg) you're willing to go.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on April 11, 2023, 10:51:09 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 11, 2023, 04:25:12 PM
Well, our printer finally bit the dust yesterday anyway. In its place, we bought an Epson EcoTank, with refillable ink. I think it's a model ET-2850.

Does it phone home if you're using a suspected 3rd party ink cartridge?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on April 11, 2023, 11:04:31 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 11, 2023, 04:25:12 PM
Well, our printer finally bit the dust yesterday anyway. In its place, we bought an Epson EcoTank, with refillable ink. I think it's a model ET-2850.

I have this printer and have been very happy with it. The only thing I miss is a feeder to scan pages.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on April 12, 2023, 01:32:27 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on April 11, 2023, 11:04:31 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 11, 2023, 04:25:12 PM
Well, our printer finally bit the dust yesterday anyway. In its place, we bought an Epson EcoTank, with refillable ink. I think it's a model ET-2850.

I have this printer and have been very happy with it. The only thing I miss is a feeder to scan pages.

I was happily using a canon four color ink jet printer until Canon decided to deep-six it by discontinuing its print heads several years ago. I guess that they weren't making enough in revenue by selling replacement ink tanks (they were piece-o-cake easy to refill) . . . 'm still mad at them for doing that.)

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 12, 2023, 01:44:41 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on April 11, 2023, 11:04:31 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 11, 2023, 04:25:12 PM
Well, our printer finally bit the dust yesterday anyway. In its place, we bought an Epson EcoTank, with refillable ink. I think it's a model ET-2850.

I have this printer and have been very happy with it. The only thing I miss is a feeder to scan pages.

We discussed spending the extra money for a model with a feeder. But we agreed that working around that is pretty easy. We hardly ever have to scan multiple pages at a time, so we'd really only ever need it for two-sided scanning/copying. That's rare enough for us, that it ended up not being worth the extra money.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 12, 2023, 01:49:51 PM

Quote from: kkt on April 11, 2023, 10:51:09 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 11, 2023, 04:25:12 PM
Well, our printer finally bit the dust yesterday anyway. In its place, we bought an Epson EcoTank, with refillable ink. I think it's a model ET-2850.

Does it phone home if you're using a suspected 3rd party ink cartridge?

It doesn't take cartridges at all. As I said, it has refillable tanks.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on April 12, 2023, 02:02:18 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 12, 2023, 01:49:51 PM
Quote from: kkt on April 11, 2023, 10:51:09 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 11, 2023, 04:25:12 PM
Well, our printer finally bit the dust yesterday anyway. In its place, we bought an Epson EcoTank, with refillable ink. I think it's a model ET-2850.

Does it phone home if you're using a suspected 3rd party ink cartridge?

It doesn't take cartridges at all. As I said, it has refillable tanks.

The Canon printer that I had (mentioned above) also had no electronic parts in its ink tanks, only a visual sensor to know when to replace (refill) it.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on April 12, 2023, 02:10:48 PM

It bothers me that I can't use the number row on my keyboard to type special characters, i.e. "Ã". My laptop doesn't have a number pad and I don't like having a Bluetooth external one.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on April 12, 2023, 04:14:12 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 12, 2023, 02:10:48 PMIt bothers me that I can't use the number row on my keyboard to type special characters, i.e. "Ã". My laptop doesn't have a number pad and I don't like having a Bluetooth external one.

This is easy to fix by setting one of the international keyboard layouts (Windows has separate ones for US and UK English) as the default on your system. This allows you to use the AltGr (right-hand Alt) key to add accents (both acute and grave), umlauts, circumflexes, etc. to vowels, tildes to n, and so on, which makes it possible to enter most Western Latin characters with diacritics without having to enter codepoint references using Alt+NumLock.

I use the UK International keyboard layout and it's actually been quite a while since I typed a codepoint reference for a letter, though I do so fairly often for Â° and §.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 12, 2023, 04:41:49 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on April 12, 2023, 04:14:12 PM
... I do so fairly often for ... §.

I use it so rarely that it's hard to remember the alt code. So, instead, I use an easier-to-remember one: alt+987654321123456789.

And the one for Â¶ is just one before it, so... alt+987654321123456788.

Now you know! :awesomeface:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 12, 2023, 08:24:47 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 12, 2023, 04:41:49 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on April 12, 2023, 04:14:12 PM
... I do so fairly often for ... §.

I use it so rarely that it's hard to remember the alt code. So, instead, I use an easier-to-remember one: alt+987654321123456789.

And the one for Â¶ is just one before it, so... alt+987654321123456788.

Now you know! :awesomeface:

I can't believe y'all paid for that OS.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on April 12, 2023, 11:57:59 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 12, 2023, 04:41:49 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on April 12, 2023, 04:14:12 PM
... I do so fairly often for ... §.

I use it so rarely that it's hard to remember the alt code. So, instead, I use an easier-to-remember one: alt+987654321123456789.

And the one for Â¶ is just one before it, so... alt+987654321123456788.

Now you know! :awesomeface:

In that time, I can click on the charmap.exe shortcut and find it pretty quickly. Unless I was just looking at Arial Unicode, then I'm doomed to be distracted.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on April 13, 2023, 07:44:08 AM

Quote from: kphoger on April 12, 2023, 04:41:49 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on April 12, 2023, 04:14:12 PM
... I do so fairly often for ... §.

I use it so rarely that it's hard to remember the alt code. So, instead, I use an easier-to-remember one: alt+987654321123456789.

And the one for Â¶ is just one before it, so... alt+987654321123456788.

Now you know! :awesomeface:

I use those two characters frequently for work purposes, so for MS Word I set up autocorrect entries (which seem to carry over to Outlook as well). ]s gets me § and ]p gets me Â¶. I seldom need them in any other software, so doing it that way does the job. Why did I pick those particular character combinations? Because the autocorrect list at a previous employer had those predefined and I got used to them, so I saw no reason to use something different. The only time it's a nuisance is when I alter a word that ends in "s" in a quotation, such as changing "as" to uppercase ("[A]s"), because the software then changes it to a section symbol–but it's easy enough to change it back in that situation.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on April 13, 2023, 09:31:00 AM

Another tech one. I can use all kinds of keyboard shortcuts in Excel, but one that I use a lot is filters, and Alt->D->F hasn't worked in probably 4 or 5 versions. Everything else still works the same. Annoying.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on April 13, 2023, 12:13:18 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 12, 2023, 08:24:47 PMI can't believe y'all paid for that OS.

The Compose key is nice, but I understand not all Unix-derived OSes have it--there are apparently several where users are stuck entering Unicode codepoints in hex (the equivalent of Alt+NumLock). And there is at least one freeware Compose key implementation (https://github.com/samhocevar/wincompose) for Windows.

A related problem is different codepoints for the same letter in a given language, due to mistakes made drawing up earlier versions of the Unicode standard. This has not been a problem for any languages that use Western Latin characters, as far as I know, but it has been in Romanian, where the comma diacritic used with s and c has long been rendered using a cedilla. I think Hungarian may have a similar issue with the umlaut being used instead of the double acute accent, as in the name Paul Erdős (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Erd%C5%91s).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on April 14, 2023, 10:32:57 AM

For the second time in as many weeks (April 7th at 6:25 AM, April 14th at 6:05 AM), I placed a breakfast order online through the mobile app. This was after the advertised open time of 6 AM, yet, while the signs were on, both the dining room and the kitchen were dark. Burger King promptly issued a refund.

Somewhat related.... my mother and I went to a local Applebees on Sunday, March 19th. Despite most of the restaurant being almost empty, it took us 20 minutes to get seated. Turns out that only one waitress showed up to work that shift, thus only her section was open. :-( Who do you blame at that point?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on April 14, 2023, 10:45:56 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on April 14, 2023, 10:32:57 AM
Somewhat related.... my mother and I went to a local Applebees on Sunday, March 19th. Despite most of the restaurant being almost empty, it took us 20 minutes to get seated. Turns out that only one waitress showed up to work that shift, thus only her section was open. :-( Who do you blame at that point?

Management who are unable to create a work culture that makes people want to work there.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 14, 2023, 02:34:34 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 14, 2023, 10:45:56 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on April 14, 2023, 10:32:57 AM
Somewhat related.... my mother and I went to a local Applebees on Sunday, March 19th. Despite most of the restaurant being almost empty, it took us 20 minutes to get seated. Turns out that only one waitress showed up to work that shift, thus only her section was open. :-( Who do you blame at that point?

Management who are unable to create a work culture that makes people want to work there.

Makes you wonder if the manager was on site to help out. If so, then what role was the manager filling?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on April 14, 2023, 03:58:55 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 14, 2023, 02:34:34 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 14, 2023, 10:45:56 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on April 14, 2023, 10:32:57 AM
Somewhat related.... my mother and I went to a local Applebees on Sunday, March 19th. Despite most of the restaurant being almost empty, it took us 20 minutes to get seated. Turns out that only one waitress showed up to work that shift, thus only her section was open. :-( Who do you blame at that point?

Management who are unable to create a work culture that makes people want to work there.

Makes you wonder if the manager was on site to help out. If so, then what role was the manager filling?

I'm sure a manager was there, but you'd have to go higher than them to get to whoever was making decisions on quality of life for employees.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 14, 2023, 04:19:55 PM

What I mean is... why wasn't the manager picking up the slack for the missing waitress? Was the manager at another location? off work that day? helping in the kitchen?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on April 14, 2023, 04:52:48 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 14, 2023, 04:19:55 PM
What I mean is... why wasn't the manager picking up the slack for the missing waitress? Was the manager at another location? off work that day? helping in the kitchen?

Likely cooking. If they have problems in the front of house, it's assuredly worse in the back of the house where they make less money.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on April 14, 2023, 05:20:04 PM

The word ill now is defaulted to I'll by autocorrect.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on April 14, 2023, 05:21:49 PM

^^ I'llinois

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 14, 2023, 05:32:33 PM

Quote from: Big John on April 14, 2023, 05:21:49 PM
^^ I'llinois is flat

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on April 14, 2023, 05:38:43 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 14, 2023, 02:34:34 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 14, 2023, 10:45:56 AMManagement who are unable to create a work culture that makes people want to work there.

Makes you wonder if the manager was on site to help out. If so, then what role was the manager filling?

The manager was definitely helping out and apologized for the situation. The other servers were "no-shows".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 14, 2023, 06:06:08 PM

So... helping the one server cover the one area? That seems less than ideal. Then again, I've never worked in a restaurant.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on April 14, 2023, 06:48:51 PM

Graveyard shift is much needed as most Dennys, IHOPs, and other 24/7 eateries usually hire one server, and it's tough especially after 2 am when the bars close and everyone comes in because they don't want to turn in yet.

Plus no one wants to work that shift so restaurants hire those with mental illnesses or spectrums out of desperation cause normal health people refuse as they can get other positions or shifts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on April 14, 2023, 07:49:23 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 11, 2023, 04:25:12 PM
Well, our printer finally bit the dust yesterday anyway. In its place, we bought an Epson EcoTank, with refillable ink. I think it's a model ET-2850.

The printer at my house is an HP Office Jet Pro 8710. The top cover boasts that it Print, Copy, Scan, Fax, Web. It no longer scans, at least not for converting into computer files.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on April 14, 2023, 09:16:55 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on April 14, 2023, 05:20:04 PM
The word ill now is defaulted to I'll by autocorrect.

autocorrect is sickening.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on April 14, 2023, 09:20:22 PM

It just corrected Ignaz to Ignacio less than five minutes ago.

Intended: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ignaz_Friedman

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on April 14, 2023, 11:35:52 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on April 14, 2023, 06:48:51 PMGraveyard shift is much needed as most Dennys, IHOPs, and other 24/7 eateries usually hire one server, and it's tough especially after 2 am when the bars close and everyone comes in because they don't want to turn in yet.

Plus no one wants to work that shift so restaurants hire those with mental illnesses or spectrums out of desperation cause normal health people refuse as they can get other positions or shifts.

Graveyard/overnight is tough to fill for most industries, not just food service. Having done three rounds of it (June-August 2010, August-December 2011, then November 2013-June 2019 under less than ideal circumstances) for technical support, I can attest to the fact on how it challenges both your social life and the effects it has on your physical health. I also well aware of the common practice of hospitals putting the new nurses with no seniority on the overnight shift as well. At least I had a shift differential (15% additional on top of one's regular pay) which I used to pay off my debts and stash away in savings. The other person I worked with on graveyard would never work a holiday, so I ended up getting holiday pay as well. And, yes, once or twice, I stopped by McDonalds on the way home to order a quarter pounder meal (no pickles and onions), only to be told that they are serving breakfast

There are gamers who like to modify games to make them more difficult. My move from California to Texas had extra challenges as I received the approval for job relocation the day before Thanksgiving and I had to be out in Texas in mid-January and I remained on graveyard shift during that move as well.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 15, 2023, 08:29:21 AM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on April 14, 2023, 07:49:23 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 11, 2023, 04:25:12 PM
Well, our printer finally bit the dust yesterday anyway. In its place, we bought an Epson EcoTank, with refillable ink. I think it's a model ET-2850.

The printer at my house is an HP Office Jet Pro 8710. The top cover boasts that it Print, Copy, Scan, Fax, Web. It no longer scans, at least not for converting into computer files.

It wouldn't feed paper anymore. Something there broke, and we couldn't figure out what it was. Considering that we already had a love-hate relationship with the thing, it didn't take long for us to consider the dust-biting a blessing rather than a curse.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on April 16, 2023, 03:36:11 PM

That all men's shower gel smells the same. It doesn't matter if it says Ocean Waves, Irish Spring, or Steaming Dog Pile on it. It all smells the same. It's why I normally buy women's gels.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tchafe1978 on April 16, 2023, 04:59:52 PM

The phrases "so true" and "just saying".

If a statement is true, what could make it to be more or "so true"? Just say you agree.

If you just said something, why do I need to know you just said it? Although I do realize someone usually says "just saying" when they're trying to be sarcastic or condescending.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on April 16, 2023, 05:06:39 PM

Quote from: tchafe1978 on April 16, 2023, 04:59:52 PM
The phrases "so true" and "just saying".

If a statement is true, what could make it to be more or "so true"? Just say you agree.

If you just said something, why do I need to know you just said it? Although I do realize someone usually says "just saying" when they're trying to be sarcastic or condescending.

So true. Just saying.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on April 16, 2023, 06:53:53 PM

People immediately repeating a word/phrase that someone has expressed their dislike for, for no reason other than being intentionally annoying.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on April 16, 2023, 09:00:07 PM

Quote from: thspfc on April 16, 2023, 06:53:53 PM
People immediately repeating a word/phrase that someone has expressed their dislike for, for no reason other than being intentionally annoying.

You know?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on April 16, 2023, 09:48:47 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 14, 2023, 04:52:48 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 14, 2023, 04:19:55 PM
What I mean is... why wasn't the manager picking up the slack for the missing waitress? Was the manager at another location? off work that day? helping in the kitchen?

Likely cooking. If they have problems in the front of house, it's assuredly worse in the back of the house where they make less money.

Yeah, my son wanted Cheddar's for dinner and the location we usually go to was quite understaffed that weekend, as it turned out. We peeked at the kitchen for about five minutes (because he was curious what it looked like back there and we realized we're going to wait 45-50 minutes for food). Credit where it was due; everyone from the greeter to the server and the rest of the kitchen were working their butts off and assisting, nobody was wasting a moment.

Despite a really messy store and the long waits, they got it all right and nothing was cold out of place. They even comped my son's meal (that might have been an error, we didn't ask for a discount). Usually, it's a comedy of errors when the store gets in that shape.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Alps on April 16, 2023, 10:24:03 PM

Quote from: thspfc on April 16, 2023, 06:53:53 PM
People immediately repeating a word/phrase that someone has expressed their dislike for, for no reason other than being intentionally annoying.

Woke

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 16, 2023, 11:17:17 PM

Quote from: Alps on April 16, 2023, 10:24:03 PM
Quote from: thspfc on April 16, 2023, 06:53:53 PM
People immediately repeating a word/phrase that someone has expressed their dislike for, for no reason other than being intentionally annoying.
Woke

"Woke" is just WP:IDONTLIKEIT (https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wikipedia:IDONTLIKEIT) for people that have never been on Wikipedia.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on April 17, 2023, 05:54:10 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on April 16, 2023, 11:17:17 PM
Quote from: Alps on April 16, 2023, 10:24:03 PM
Quote from: thspfc on April 16, 2023, 06:53:53 PM
People immediately repeating a word/phrase that someone has expressed their dislike for, for no reason other than being intentionally annoying.
Woke

"Woke" is just WP:IDONTLIKEIT (https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wikipedia:IDONTLIKEIT) for people that have never been on Wikipedia.

"Woke" also challenges their concepts of status quo, but without actually losing their place in line (though everyone else tells them they'll lose and give up everything because of it).

whoops.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 17, 2023, 09:58:28 AM

Day 1: "Updates are ready to be installed". Close programs, install updates.
Day 3: "Updates are ready to be installed". Why didn't you do that the other day??????

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 17, 2023, 10:00:13 AM

Quote from: formulanone on April 16, 2023, 09:48:47 PM
Despite a really messy store and the long waits, they got it all right and nothing was cold out of place. They even comped my son's meal (that might have been an error, we didn't ask for a discount).

In my book, that deserves an even better tip than usual. Even with a long wait, they did everything they could to make it right for you. That's better service than just "normal".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on April 17, 2023, 10:17:49 AM

Quote from: kphoger on April 17, 2023, 09:58:28 AM
Day 1: "Updates are ready to be installed". Close programs, install updates.
Day 3: "Updates are ready to be installed". Why didn't you do that the other day??????

I get more irritated at which programs are being updated. I'm sure I have plenty of ignorance on this but how can my PDF viewer and my timer/stopwatch and calculator phone apps need to be updated so frequently? Does the file format or the length of a second or the conversion between ounces and grams keep changing?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on April 17, 2023, 10:20:50 AM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on April 17, 2023, 10:17:49 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 17, 2023, 09:58:28 AM
Day 1: "Updates are ready to be installed". Close programs, install updates.
Day 3: "Updates are ready to be installed". Why didn't you do that the other day??????

I get more irritated at which programs are being updated. I'm sure I have plenty of ignorance on this but how can my PDF viewer and my timer/stopwatch and calculator phone apps need to be updated so frequently? Does the file format or the length of a second or the conversion between ounces and grams keep changing?

Programming languages change. For example, the recent PHP 8.2 upgrade broke a lot of things including this forum's chat.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on April 17, 2023, 11:23:33 AM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on April 17, 2023, 10:17:49 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 17, 2023, 09:58:28 AM
Day 1: "Updates are ready to be installed". Close programs, install updates.
Day 3: "Updates are ready to be installed". Why didn't you do that the other day??????

I get more irritated at which programs are being updated. I'm sure I have plenty of ignorance on this but how can my PDF viewer and my timer/stopwatch and calculator phone apps need to be updated so frequently? Does the file format or the length of a second or the conversion between ounces and grams keep changing?

Is this on your computer or your mobile phone? I know that, on mobile devices, updates are staggered so that if an issue is discovered, it only affects a small percentage of users until a fix is rolled out. (I'm looking at pending updates, and Cync was last updated on February 17th while Tubi was last updated on March 29th. Yet, now, the updates are arriving even though I ran the update yesterday. :pan: )

As for an update on the PDF reader.... more than likely, you are downloading PDFs from external sources. It's likely that some hacker figured out how to get elevated privileges through an exploit in the PDF document, and the update closes that exploit. Or, some secure certificates were expiring in the near future, and needed to be updated.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on April 17, 2023, 12:44:05 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 17, 2023, 09:58:28 AMDay 1: "Updates are ready to be installed". Close programs, install updates.

Day 3: "Updates are ready to be installed". Why didn't you do that the other day??????

This is precisely why, on Windows, I do a check for further updates after installing an initial round of them, and when the system reports that there are none (as it usually does), I postpone updates for 35 days.

I also minimize the likelihood of the OS coming back for a "second helping" of updates by scheduling them (and related maintenance) for the end of the month. If I do end up doing them mid-month, I try very hard to avoid the week after Patch Tuesday, which is the second Tuesday of the month.

Quote from: ZLoth on April 17, 2023, 11:23:33 AMAs for an update on the PDF reader.... more than likely, you are downloading PDFs from external sources. It's likely that some hacker figured out how to get elevated privileges through an exploit in the PDF document, and the update closes that exploit. Or, some secure certificates were expiring in the near future, and needed to be updated.

I have Foxit Reader (my workhorse) set not to update automatically. Maybe once a month or so, it prompts me to allow it to update certificates. The "new version available" dialog box pops up at much longer intervals.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on April 17, 2023, 12:56:05 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on April 16, 2023, 03:36:11 PM
That all men's shower gel smells the same. It doesn't matter if it says Ocean Waves, Irish Spring, or Steaming Dog Pile on it. It all smells the same. It's why I normally buy women's gels.

Isn't the proper term for the stuff 'shampoo'?

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 17, 2023, 01:25:22 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on April 17, 2023, 12:44:05 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 17, 2023, 09:58:28 AM
Day 1: "Updates are ready to be installed". Close programs, install updates.

Day 3: "Updates are ready to be installed". Why didn't you do that the other day??????

This is precisely why, on Windows, I do a check for further updates after installing an initial round of them, and when the system reports that there are none (as it usually does), I postpone updates for 35 days.

I also minimize the likelihood of the OS coming back for a "second helping" of updates by scheduling them (and related maintenance) for the end of the month. If I do end up doing them mid-month, I try very hard to avoid the week after Patch Tuesday, which is the second Tuesday of the month.

This latest one is actually MS Office, not Windows itself.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on April 17, 2023, 01:38:29 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 17, 2023, 01:25:22 PMThis latest one is actually MS Office, not Windows itself.

As far as I can tell, the Patch Tuesday scheduling applies to all Microsoft products--including Office, Azure, etc. as well as Windows itself.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on April 17, 2023, 02:08:41 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on April 17, 2023, 12:56:05 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on April 16, 2023, 03:36:11 PM
That all men's shower gel smells the same. It doesn't matter if it says Ocean Waves, Irish Spring, or Steaming Dog Pile on it. It all smells the same. It's why I normally buy women's gels.

Isn't the proper term for the stuff 'shampoo'?

Mike

I'm guessing in this case, body wash.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 17, 2023, 02:19:10 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 17, 2023, 02:08:41 PM
body wash

Isn't the proper term for the stuff 'shampoo'? :biggrin:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on April 17, 2023, 09:52:08 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 17, 2023, 02:19:10 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 17, 2023, 02:08:41 PM
body wash

Isn't the proper term for the stuff 'shampoo'? :biggrin:

Well, it IS a sham...There is no poo in body wash scents!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on April 18, 2023, 06:47:29 AM

Health and beauty products for women - 200+ varieties. Men - 10.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on April 18, 2023, 09:10:39 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on April 18, 2023, 06:47:29 AM
Health and beauty products for women - 200+ varieties. Men - 10.

Men don't want all the varieties (sweeping generalization, of course). I remember a Zits cartoon sequence where Sara was talking about the umpteen bottles of shampoos and conditioners she had, each for a specific scenario. She asked Jeremy what kind of shampoo he used and he replied "Yellow."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on April 18, 2023, 09:18:05 AM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on April 16, 2023, 03:36:11 PM
That all men's shower gel smells the same. It doesn't matter if it says Ocean Waves, Irish Spring, or Steaming Dog Pile on it. It all smells the same. It's why I normally buy women's gels.

Most correctional facilities, sell the standard 'mens' deodorants, but many men by 'secret for women' because it smells better. Weird place to find that out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 18, 2023, 11:31:16 AM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on April 16, 2023, 03:36:11 PM
That all men's shower gel smells the same. It doesn't matter if it says Ocean Waves, Irish Spring, or Steaming Dog Pile on it. It all smells the same. It's why I normally buy women's gels.

Quote from: thenetwork on April 17, 2023, 09:52:08 PM
Well, it IS a sham...There is no poo in body wash scents!

Correct. It is artificially fragranced.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on April 19, 2023, 09:17:58 AM

I received my property assessment this week and saw that the market value of my home has gone up 19% in the past year and 46.5% from two years ago. This means that the assessed value of my home, due to the filed Texas homestead exemption, is going up a full 10% for the second year in a row. This has the domino effect of my homeowner's insurance going up at the end of this year. As a result, the escrow portion of my mortgage is increasing so that the escrow payment is now slightly higher (almost $2) than what I pay in combined principal and interest.

Thank goodness I'm a homeowner, not a renter. Homestead exemptions only apply to principal residences, not rental properties, so the full brunt of that increased property tax will be passed along in increased rent. :pan:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on April 19, 2023, 03:48:24 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on April 19, 2023, 09:17:58 AM
I received my property assessment this week and saw that the market value of my home has gone up 19% in the past year and 46.5% from two years ago. This means that the assessed value of my home, due to the filed Texas homestead exemption, is going up a full 10% for the second year in a row. This has the domino effect of my homeowner's insurance going up at the end of this year. As a result, the escrow portion of my mortgage is increasing so that the escrow payment is now slightly higher (almost $2) than what I pay in combined principal and interest.

Thank goodness I'm a homeowner, not a renter. Homestead exemptions only apply to principal residences, not rental properties, so the full brunt of that increased property tax will be passed along in increased rent. :pan:

Hey, the good news is, your home has appreciated by almost 50% from two years ago. Mine has appreciated about the same over five years and, sure, property taxes will probably go up as a result, but it'll be nice to make at least $100K when it's time to sell.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on April 19, 2023, 04:48:20 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on April 19, 2023, 09:17:58 AM
I received my property assessment this week and saw that the market value of my home has gone up 19% in the past year and 46.5% from two years ago. This means that the assessed value of my home, due to the filed Texas homestead exemption, is going up a full 10% for the second year in a row. This has the domino effect of my homeowner's insurance going up at the end of this year. As a result, the escrow portion of my mortgage is increasing so that the escrow payment is now slightly higher (almost $2) than what I pay in combined principal and interest.

Thank goodness I'm a homeowner, not a renter. Homestead exemptions only apply to principal residences, not rental properties, so the full brunt of that increased property tax will be passed along in increased rent. :pan:

We don't have homestead exemptions, and that lack bothers me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on April 20, 2023, 06:43:00 AM

Quote from: kkt on April 19, 2023, 04:48:20 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on April 19, 2023, 09:17:58 AM
I received my property assessment this week and saw that the market value of my home has gone up 19% in the past year and 46.5% from two years ago. This means that the assessed value of my home, due to the filed Texas homestead exemption, is going up a full 10% for the second year in a row. This has the domino effect of my homeowner's insurance going up at the end of this year. As a result, the escrow portion of my mortgage is increasing so that the escrow payment is now slightly higher (almost $2) than what I pay in combined principal and interest.

Thank goodness I'm a homeowner, not a renter. Homestead exemptions only apply to principal residences, not rental properties, so the full brunt of that increased property tax will be passed along in increased rent. :pan:

We don't have homestead exemptions, and that lack bothers me.

It also means you're paying a shit-ton more taxes on it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 20, 2023, 10:21:47 AM

When I play an album on YouTube, and it starts with track #2. I mean, why??

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on April 20, 2023, 01:18:07 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on April 20, 2023, 06:43:00 AM
Quote from: kkt on April 19, 2023, 04:48:20 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on April 19, 2023, 09:17:58 AM
I received my property assessment this week and saw that the market value of my home has gone up 19% in the past year and 46.5% from two years ago. This means that the assessed value of my home, due to the filed Texas homestead exemption, is going up a full 10% for the second year in a row. This has the domino effect of my homeowner's insurance going up at the end of this year. As a result, the escrow portion of my mortgage is increasing so that the escrow payment is now slightly higher (almost $2) than what I pay in combined principal and interest.

Thank goodness I'm a homeowner, not a renter. Homestead exemptions only apply to principal residences, not rental properties, so the full brunt of that increased property tax will be passed along in increased rent. :pan:

We don't have homestead exemptions, and that lack bothers me.

It also means you're paying a shit-ton more taxes on it.

As a renter, I have found the Wisconsin homestead tax credit to be more paperwork trouble than it is worth.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on April 20, 2023, 03:46:00 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on April 20, 2023, 06:43:00 AM
Quote from: kkt on April 19, 2023, 04:48:20 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on April 19, 2023, 09:17:58 AM
I received my property assessment this week and saw that the market value of my home has gone up 19% in the past year and 46.5% from two years ago. This means that the assessed value of my home, due to the filed Texas homestead exemption, is going up a full 10% for the second year in a row. This has the domino effect of my homeowner's insurance going up at the end of this year. As a result, the escrow portion of my mortgage is increasing so that the escrow payment is now slightly higher (almost $2) than what I pay in combined principal and interest.

Thank goodness I'm a homeowner, not a renter. Homestead exemptions only apply to principal residences, not rental properties, so the full brunt of that increased property tax will be passed along in increased rent. :pan:

We don't have homestead exemptions, and that lack bothers me.

It also means you're paying a shit-ton more taxes on it.

Why, yes. Yes it does.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on April 20, 2023, 07:13:14 PM

Today's minor thing is a fairly obscure tech issue.

I use LaTeX so I can keep source files in plain text format for large writing projects. Up to now I have been using ANSI encoding since that led to the fewest hassles under Windows 7, but I have been pondering a switch to UTF-8 to accommodate character sets outside Western Latin. Converting the source files is just a matter of running iconv on each. It also turns out that TeX distributions have defaulted to assuming UTF-8 as the input encoding (when this is not explicitly specified in the TeX file) since about 2018.

However, as I have experimented with random snatches of Polish, Russian, Vietnamese, and Chinese in a test file, I have run into snags. The Polish typesets just fine, but pdflatex complains about the Cyrillic and Chinese characters as well as the Vietnamese characters with doubled-up diacritics. When I typeset the Cyrillic by loading a Russian language package, Computer Modern (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_Modern) (which I find fussy and far less readable than Roman type) becomes my only font choice for multilingual English/Russian text unless I explicitly specify a Russian font package and specify which parts of the input text are in Russian.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on April 20, 2023, 08:52:11 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on April 20, 2023, 07:13:14 PM
Today's minor thing is a fairly obscure tech issue.

I use LaTeX so I can keep source files in plain text format for large writing projects. Up to now I have been using ANSI encoding since that led to the fewest hassles under Windows 7, but I have been pondering a switch to UTF-8 to accommodate character sets outside Western Latin. Converting the source files is just a matter of running iconv on each. It also turns out that TeX distributions have defaulted to assuming UTF-8 as the input encoding (when this is not explicitly specified in the TeX file) since about 2018.

However, as I have experimented with random snatches of Polish, Russian, Vietnamese, and Chinese in a test file, I have run into snags. The Polish typesets just fine, but pdflatex complains about the Cyrillic and Chinese characters as well as the Vietnamese characters with doubled-up diacritics. When I typeset the Cyrillic by loading a Russian language package, Computer Modern (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_Modern) (which I find fussy and far less readable than Roman type) becomes my only font choice for multilingual English/Russian text unless I explicitly specify a Russian font package and specify which parts of the input text are in Russian.

I used Latex for a while. Kinda fun, quite a learning curve. I'm glad it's still around.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DTComposer on April 21, 2023, 01:10:20 PM

Where I get my haircut, the background music speakers must have the polarity reversed, since anything panned center is phased out, so you don't hear most lead vocals or other solo work. I'm only there for 20 minutes every six weeks, so definitely minor, but definitely bothersome.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 21, 2023, 01:26:16 PM

Quote from: DTComposer on April 21, 2023, 01:10:20 PM
Where I get my haircut, the background music speakers must have the polarity reversed, since anything panned center is phased out, so you don't hear most lead vocals or other solo work. I'm only there for 20 minutes every six weeks, so definitely minor, but definitely bothersome.

Reminds me of when I was stuck working from home during COVID lockdowns. I plugged my guitar amp into my computer, so I could play CDs through it while I worked. Except I hadn't learned how to change the sound settings on my computer, to combine both sides of a stereo mix into one channel. This didn't matter until I popped in a Beatles album, and I only heard half the instruments and no vocals.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kirbykart on April 22, 2023, 12:31:22 PM

When people say somebody's opinion is wrong. The only time an opinion can be wrong is when it contradicts a proven fact.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on April 22, 2023, 12:47:53 PM

Quote from: kkt on April 20, 2023, 08:52:11 PMI used Latex for a while. Kinda fun, quite a learning curve. I'm glad it's still around.

I came from the WordPerfect universe, so I've always really liked the fact TeX has explicit markup. And with recent distributions it has become much more user-friendly than it was back in the mid- to late 1990's, when producing PDFs from source meant a two-step process involving DVIs and Ghostscript. However, my experience with the Cyrillic, Chinese, and Vietnamese tells me that TeX does not necessarily have the out-of-box support for the entire Basic Multilingual Plane that one might expect from an ordinary Web browser, let alone Word.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on April 22, 2023, 04:41:21 PM

Quote from: kirbykart on April 22, 2023, 12:31:22 PM
When people say somebody's opinion is wrong. The only time an opinion can be wrong is when it contradicts a proven fact.

I don't know about that. If there's one way an opinion can be wrong, it seems like there can be others.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on April 22, 2023, 05:06:39 PM

Quote from: kirbykart on April 22, 2023, 12:31:22 PMWhen people say somebody's opinion is wrong. The only time an opinion can be wrong is when it contradicts a proven fact.

I tend to feel it's usually antipersuasive and thus counterproductive to say "You're wrong" bluntly, even when the assertion is contrary to proven fact. Whenever I feel tempted to do so, I try to ask myself these questions:

* What harm, realistically, will it do if I say nothing and simply allow the individual to be yet another Person Who Is Wrong On The Internet?

* If I decide I must intervene, how can I best do so without encouraging the other person to dig in his or her heels?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on April 22, 2023, 05:32:58 PM

The quiet but high-pitched whine that my speakers have had ever since I moved into my new apartment a few days ago. It's especially noticeable if I have my headphones plugged in to the speaker (instead of directly to the computer; I get better audio quality and louder audio this way). It goes away if I play something at sufficient volume, but if I have something quiet on or no audio currently playing, it's absolutely maddening. Not sure what it is with moves breaking computer equipment, but at least my desktop didn't die this time like when I moved into my last apartment (although that desktop was fairly old by that point). I tried calling tech support, but the manufacturer no longer supports these speakers (or any wired speakers, apparently), so it looks like I'm SOL unless the internet somehow has the answer, and Google hasn't been very helpful so far.

Also, the fact that laundry now takes about twice as long on the units in my apartment than the ones I used to use in the laundry room. This might complicate my plans to make my bedding into a separate load so I can wash it all at once rather than splitting it in half to do the sheets on alternating weeks.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on April 22, 2023, 06:37:49 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on December 23, 2022, 06:25:45 AM
I'm one of those people who has set up all of their computers to backup every day... usually when everyone is sleeping. Those computers backup to a SMB share on my TrueNAS server, then the TrueNAS server does the off-site backup to BackBlaze which is a offsite storage solution. At $0.005 per GB per month, my bill runs under $5 per month. There is a cost to download a file beyond a certain file size, but if that occurs, something catastrophic has happened. So far, so good?

I just built a new computer (after eight years, no less). My old computer was running the Acronis backup software (now called "Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office") under an older incremental backup configuration. That meant that a full backup file was created, followed by several smaller incremental backups. Each of these backups were a separate file. However, when I checked my new computer, there is only one single file created. Per Acronis, this is intentional with the new file format (https://forum.acronis.com/forum/acronis-true-image-2020-forum/daily-incremental-backups-do-not-show-separate-individual-files-0). I can understand the reasoning, however, that means that 84GB file is now being uploaded every night to my offsite storage provider. With the backup copies, that's about 235GB at $1.18 per month. Because Cloud Sync tasks are a low-priority/low bandwidth event, it takes 2Â½ hours for the file to upload each night. I might as well make a full backup each night.

Minor, but irritating.

This is fixed now, but in a roundabout way. I tried editing the file that was created, but no luck due to the Acronis file protection. Turns out, I have a perpetual license for Acronis True Image 2019, which is the last version to use the old TIB files. I finally had time this afternoon, so I ended up uninstalling Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office, installed Acronis True Image 2019, configured the Incremental backup, validated the backup configuration, updated to Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office, and validated the backup configuration again. No more full backups each night!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on April 23, 2023, 04:38:34 AM

Quote from: kirbykart on April 22, 2023, 12:31:22 PM
When people say somebody's opinion is wrong. The only time an opinion can be wrong is when it contradicts a proven fact.

From my perspective, the only opinion that's not wrong is mine ;)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 24, 2023, 09:53:11 AM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on April 22, 2023, 04:41:21 PM

Quote from: kirbykart on April 22, 2023, 12:31:22 PM
When people say somebody's opinion is wrong. The only time an opinion can be wrong is when it contradicts a proven fact.

I don't know about that. If there's one way an opinion can be wrong, it seems like there can be others.

That's just, like, you're opinion, man.

Quote from: J N Winkler on April 22, 2023, 05:06:39 PM
* What harm, realistically, will it do if I say nothing and simply allow the individual to be yet another Person Who Is Wrong On The Internet?

My two older sons seem completely incapable of letting some spoken error go uncorrected (surprise, I know, and I have no clue where they get it). They'll argue about the stupidest thing and just keep going for minutes.

– Why are you guys still arguing?
– He said ___________, so I told him ___________.
– Yeah, I get that. But why are you STILL arguing?
– Because he thinks ___________.
– And ...?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 24, 2023, 02:17:33 PM

That Netflix has a 'Smoking' warning on its platform. (Yet showing people drinking scotch at the office is apparently hunky dory.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 24, 2023, 02:24:59 PM

Speaking from experience it is way easier to fire someone for tobacco use in the office than it is for alcohol consumption.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on April 24, 2023, 02:29:54 PM

This reminds me of the mighty David Siegel who uses blood tests and visuals to fire someone for tobacco use as nicotine is hard to remove unlike alcohol that disappears at once.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 24, 2023, 02:49:41 PM

My point is that, if I wanted to avoid exposing my children to tobacco use, I'd basically have to keep them locked up in the house, because everyone from our next-door neighbor to restaurant employees on break smoke tobacco. But the streaming platform doesn't have any problem showing my children that it's OK to drink on the job–which is something they aren't already exposed to every day simply by going out the front door. And, for that matter, they don't have a warning for bacon cheeseburger consumption on screen, even though heart disease kills roughly as many people as cancer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on April 24, 2023, 02:57:40 PM

The reverse is potentially worse, when you over warn the general population your message becomes background noise. Here we have P65 labels on almost every literal thing sold in California. Potential risk of cancer warnings become silly/ignored when they target things like cars and Red Dye #2

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on April 24, 2023, 03:55:55 PM

Am I imagining something, or did this thread get truncated? I was going to agree with vdeane's bemused comment about certain posts above.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on April 24, 2023, 05:17:54 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 24, 2023, 02:49:41 PM
My point is that, if I wanted to avoid exposing my children to tobacco use, I'd basically have to keep them locked up in the house, because everyone from our next-door neighbor to restaurant employees on break smoke tobacco. But the streaming platform doesn't have any problem showing my children that it's OK to drink on the job–which is something they aren't already exposed to every day simply by going out the front door. And, for that matter, they don't have a warning for bacon cheeseburger consumption on screen, even though heart disease kills roughly as many people as cancer.

At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, I'm absolutely sure some of the streaming platforms warn of alcohol and/or drug use. I can't speak for all of the different streaming platforms out there; we only use three of them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kirbykart on April 24, 2023, 06:47:27 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on April 24, 2023, 03:55:55 PM
Am I imagining something, or did this thread get truncated? I was going to agree with vdeane's bemused comment about certain posts above.

If it's the one I'm thinking it is, she made that comment in 'Your Favorite Forum Quotes'.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on April 25, 2023, 12:34:38 AM

Quote from: kphoger on April 24, 2023, 02:17:33 PM
That Netflix has a 'Smoking' warning on its platform. (Yet showing people drinking scotch at the office is apparently hunky dory.)

Drinking Scotch doesn't have much effect on the non-drinking people around it, as long as they don't get in a car driven by the drinker.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on April 25, 2023, 07:47:07 AM

Quote from: kirbykart on April 24, 2023, 06:47:27 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on April 24, 2023, 03:55:55 PM
Am I imagining something, or did this thread get truncated? I was going to agree with vdeane's bemused comment about certain posts above.

If it's the one I'm thinking it is, she made that comment in 'Your Favorite Forum Quotes'.

Thanks. You are correct. I got mixed up between threads because the same overall matter was addressed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on April 25, 2023, 10:14:27 AM

Why do some people use backticks instead of apostrophes? Example from the guess the state thread:

Quote from: CometTheMountainLion on April 25, 2023, 09:59:40 AM
"˜Bama

It's not limited to this forum.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on April 25, 2023, 10:20:56 AM

Quote from: 1 on April 25, 2023, 10:14:27 AM
Why do some people use backticks instead of apostrophes? Example from the guess the state thread:

Quote from: CometTheMountainLion on April 25, 2023, 09:59:40 AM
"˜Bama

It's not limited to this forum.

The official practice at my current institution, when former students make donations or get buildings named after them and so on, is to indicate the year they graduated with an opening single quote and the last two digits, so:

Robert H. Smith "˜67

instead of an apostrophe, which would be correct:

Robert H. Smith '67.

It's a very small thing but it drives me nuts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 25, 2023, 10:26:16 AM

Is it an autocorrect thing?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on April 25, 2023, 10:47:18 AM

Quote from: kphoger on April 25, 2023, 10:26:16 AM
Is it an autocorrect thing?

For an opening quote, probably. I've seen it with a true backtick before (`), though.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 25, 2023, 10:52:56 AM

My wife has a direct sales job. That's not the thing that bothers me, so settle down. No, it's that people can sign up under my wife without ever having talked to her, and the system doesn't even require my wife to approve it. So, every so often, she'll get a notification out of the blue that she's got a new member of her team. This drives my wife nuts.

But it gets better: to sign up, a person has to have purchased the starter kit. Can you imagine buying a starter kit for a direct sales job and signing up under someone without having so much as even communicated one word with that someone? About, you know, whether the job is even right for you?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on April 25, 2023, 10:57:43 AM

Quote from: kphoger on April 25, 2023, 10:26:16 AM
Is it an autocorrect thing?

After looking it up again, I've found that they've either changed the style or I was mistaken all along and that the thing to do is to use an apostrophe, which gives me a certain sense of relief.

Regardless, the use of the single opening quote in practice is almost certainly due to autocorrect. Actually, one of the reasons that I thought that they went with using opening quotes was that it would at least be consistent precisely due to autocorrect and most people not noticing a difference.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on April 25, 2023, 12:04:47 PM

How about those ancient Unix programs that try to be fancy (incorrectly) using backticks and foot marks for quotes, making it look worse:

Code Select

Failed to unfrobulate version ``bleah''.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on April 25, 2023, 12:59:56 PM

Trying to sleep when the person in the apartment above you has the TV on and you can hear the muffled sound through the ceiling is the worst.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 25, 2023, 01:03:00 PM

Quote from: vdeane on April 25, 2023, 12:59:56 PM
Trying to sleep when the person in the apartment above you has ~~the TV on and you can hear the muffled~~ sound through the ceiling is the worst.

Removed superfluous verbiage.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on April 25, 2023, 05:52:52 PM

Quote from: vdeane on April 25, 2023, 12:59:56 PM
Trying to sleep when the person in the apartment above you has the TV on and you can hear the muffled sound through the ceiling is the worst.

After moving into my new place, I discovered that my bedroom shares at least one wall with at least one elevator shaft, and there isn't a whole lot of soundproofing.

I need to look into whether there's anything about noise levels in the landlord-tenant ordinances.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on April 25, 2023, 07:52:48 PM

When fast food restaurants don't put their drink options on the menu board.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on April 25, 2023, 09:27:16 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 25, 2023, 07:52:48 PM
When fast food restaurants don't put their drink options on the menu board.

When the menu goes away and is temporarily replaced with what is essentially advertisements.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on April 25, 2023, 09:44:07 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 25, 2023, 07:52:48 PM
When fast food restaurants don't put their drink options on the menu board.

When fast food restaurants omit ANY of their items from the menu board. I can't find the simple cheeseburger on the board at Burger King, or the simple bean burrito on the board at Taco Bell? Bye-bye.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on April 25, 2023, 11:15:53 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 25, 2023, 07:52:48 PM
When fast food restaurants don't put their drink options on the menu board.

Fast food restaurants with dynamic, changing "menu boards" on video screens. "I thought I saw something that looked good, but it's not on the screen any more!". Then wait until it rotates back in so I can see if it really is what I want.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on April 26, 2023, 09:13:07 AM

Quote from: dlsterner on April 25, 2023, 11:15:53 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 25, 2023, 07:52:48 PM
When fast food restaurants don't put their drink options on the menu board.

Fast food restaurants with dynamic, changing "menu boards" on video screens. "I thought I saw something that looked good, but it's not on the screen any more!". Then wait until it rotates back in so I can see if it really is what I want.

And then you have maybe five seconds to take in the price and other details. It's like trying to watch your kid on a carousel.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on April 26, 2023, 12:29:11 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on April 26, 2023, 09:13:07 AM

Quote from: dlsterner on April 25, 2023, 11:15:53 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 25, 2023, 07:52:48 PM
When fast food restaurants don't put their drink options on the menu board.

Fast food restaurants with dynamic, changing "menu boards" on video screens. "I thought I saw something that looked good, but it's not on the screen any more!". Then wait until it rotates back in so I can see if it really is what I want.

And then you have maybe five seconds to take in the price and other details. It's like trying to watch your kid on a carousel.

This. And may the Lord help you if you want to compare prices and options for two items that are on different boards.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on April 26, 2023, 09:06:27 PM

And then you do get used to the menu board layout and offerings and the next time you go in, it's all been changed, with one or more of your favorite items mysteriously no longer being there.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on April 26, 2023, 10:30:05 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on April 25, 2023, 10:20:56 AM
Quote from: 1 on April 25, 2023, 10:14:27 AM
Why do some people use backticks instead of apostrophes? Example from the guess the state thread:

Quote from: CometTheMountainLion on April 25, 2023, 09:59:40 AM
"˜Bama

It's not limited to this forum.

The official practice at my current institution, when former students make donations or get buildings named after them and so on, is to indicate the year they graduated with an opening single quote and the last two digits, so:

Robert H. Smith "˜67

instead of an apostrophe, which would be correct:

Robert H. Smith '67.

It's a very small thing but it drives me nuts.

You're not alone. That would bug me so much I'd probably withhold contributions until they reconsidered.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on April 27, 2023, 11:14:58 AM

Quote from: kkt on April 26, 2023, 10:30:05 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on April 25, 2023, 10:20:56 AM
Quote from: 1 on April 25, 2023, 10:14:27 AM
Why do some people use backticks instead of apostrophes? Example from the guess the state thread:

Quote from: CometTheMountainLion on April 25, 2023, 09:59:40 AM
"˜Bama

It's not limited to this forum.

The official practice at my current institution, when former students make donations or get buildings named after them and so on, is to indicate the year they graduated with an opening single quote and the last two digits, so:

Robert H. Smith "˜67

instead of an apostrophe, which would be correct:

Robert H. Smith '67.

It's a very small thing but it drives me nuts.

You're not alone. That would bug me so much I'd probably withhold contributions until they reconsidered.

Speaking of colleges and universities, I graduated from a state university 30-some years ago. I pretty much did my studies to earn a degree, be a part of one or two student organizations, went to a few sports games and that was it.

I have moved 15-20 times since graduation, and yet at least a few times each year, I still get snail mail and telemarketing calls from someone from the University asking for money.

Yet 25-30 years later, I still get "followed" and tracked by an institution that I have told them several times over the years that I do not wish to be contacted anymore and yet they continue to do so. It kind of creeps me out that with all the modern day scammers and telemarketers who try to peel money off of you that a college you decide not do not keep in touch with anymore continues to track you down for decades begging like a panhandler.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on April 27, 2023, 11:35:12 AM

Quote from: kkt on April 26, 2023, 10:30:05 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on April 25, 2023, 10:20:56 AM
Quote from: 1 on April 25, 2023, 10:14:27 AM
Why do some people use backticks instead of apostrophes? Example from the guess the state thread:

Quote from: CometTheMountainLion on April 25, 2023, 09:59:40 AM
"˜Bama

It's not limited to this forum.

The official practice at my current institution, when former students make donations or get buildings named after them and so on, is to indicate the year they graduated with an opening single quote and the last two digits, so:

Robert H. Smith "˜67

instead of an apostrophe, which would be correct:

Robert H. Smith '67.

It's a very small thing but it drives me nuts.

You're not alone. That would bug me so much I'd probably withhold contributions until they reconsidered.

I think the use of the opening single quotation mark is an autocorrect thing. People assume whatever autocorrect does is right, and most people probably don't appreciate the difference between an opening single quotation mark and an apostrophe. I used to see it all the time in legal briefing in patent cases. US patents have numbers, typically with seven digits, but in litigation they're usually referred to by the last three digits with an apostrophe noting the truncation. All too many attorneys would file briefing using an opening single quotation mark in that situation. It's easy to avoid, too–just hit the apostrophe twice, then go back and delete the first one.

Then there was this abomination at a UVA football game some years ago.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi31.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc378%2F1995hoo%2FApostrophe.jpg&hash=2001728d56a9d74eb4b751eef1227e0f48f7618e)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on April 27, 2023, 07:34:08 PM

^ I know you're referring to the cheerleaders' sign. But what would really bother me is that even if I pay for their hosting service, Photobucket will still slap a huge watermark across my photos.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on April 29, 2023, 12:04:19 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on April 27, 2023, 11:35:12 AM
It's easy to avoid, too–just hit the apostrophe twice, then go back and delete the first one.

It's also easy to avoid by turning autocorrect OFF.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on April 29, 2023, 08:21:10 AM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on April 27, 2023, 07:34:08 PM
^ I know you're referring to the cheerleaders' sign. But what would really bother me is that even if I pay for their hosting service, Photobucket will still slap a huge watermark across my photos.

I don't pay for their service. That's a photo I had uploaded years ago.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on May 05, 2023, 03:41:30 PM

Ten years ago, our complaints about restaurant websites was "cute flash animation; where's the menu?", or "oh FFS not another PDF"

Now, the menu's hidden behind "Order Now!" / "What's your location?" / "What time to pick up?" / sign up for yet another new account

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on May 05, 2023, 03:58:32 PM

I'm with the Boomers on the hatred of restaurants handing out QR codes instead of paper menus. Especially when the broadband signal in the restaurant is bad and the wifi network is useless.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on May 05, 2023, 10:34:05 PM

When you're on your way to a doctor's appointment in Lexington (90 minutes away) and you're 10 minutes from the office and you get a call canceling the appointment because they've already done to you in the hospital what they had planned to do to you at the appointment.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on May 06, 2023, 08:46:14 AM

Quote from: abefroman329 on May 05, 2023, 03:58:32 PM
I'm with the Boomers on the hatred of restaurants handing out QR codes instead of paper menus. Especially when the broadband signal in the restaurant is bad and the wifi network is useless.

I also agree. From the restaurant's perspective, it's easier because they don't have print out all new sheets every time an item is added or subtracted. But for the customer, physical menus are easier. Thankfully it's not a super widespread practice yet (not around here anyways) - seems like only a few restaurants have switched to QR codes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on May 06, 2023, 10:04:02 AM

This isn't truly something that bothers me, as I can often take advantage of it, but I have the most recent post in the "random thoughts" thread and don't want to take away from it.

Restaurant menus that aren't self-consistent with their prices.

I know of two places, one a takeout place and one a tavern, where a large pizza can be cheaper than a small pizza depending on what toppings are on each. For the one that's a tavern, it's because their pre-made ones (of both sizes) are more expensive than choosing two toppings added to the base price of a no-topping pizza.

I found a Greek place that's quite expensive, where prices are in the 20s and 30s... except their side orders of 6 oz kabobs are $10 for chicken, $11 for pork, $12 for beef, and $14 for veal. They also have meze (i.e. appetizers) for between $10 and $24. This means that with two people, if they each get 6 ounces of meat via side order and share a meze, it's significantly cheaper than what they want you to spend and barely more than 6 oz steak plus two sides at Longhorn/Chili's/Outback/etc.

With a few exceptions, sit-down places will not sell sandwiches for under $10 in the United States, even though they should be cheaper. This means two things: 1. Expensive places (meals in the 20s) will have sandwiches for only slightly more than cheap places (meals in the 13-16 range). 2. Sandwiches in Europe, even in prime tourist places (e.g. inside the British Museum, at the base of the Eiffel Tower), are cheaper than they are in the United States.

These prices are ten years outdated, but I know of a place where a side order of mac and cheese is $8.25, and the full meal, which is the exact same thing plus two sides, is $15. The side order alone is large enough for a full meal.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on May 06, 2023, 03:51:20 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on May 05, 2023, 03:58:32 PM
I'm with the Boomers on the hatred of restaurants handing out QR codes instead of paper menus. Especially when the broadband signal in the restaurant is bad and the wifi network is useless.

I am as well. I don't have my cell phone with me 100% of the time, and it can be irritating to be seated, have the QR code pointed out, and have the host/hostess walk away before I can say that the QR code isn't going to help me any.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on May 06, 2023, 03:58:13 PM

I do not know of any restaurants around here (admittedly, a metropolitan area with population around 600,000) that point customers to QR codes in lieu of handing out menus. It surprises me a little that this is a thing even in large cities. Just a few years ago restaurants were blaming smartphones for ever-longer table turnaround times.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on May 06, 2023, 04:02:32 PM

If one tells me to use a UR code, I will be totally lost on what to do and I will go somewhere else

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on May 06, 2023, 04:19:58 PM

Quote from: Big John on May 06, 2023, 04:02:32 PM
If one tells me to use a UR code, I will be totally lost on what to do and I will go somewhere else

And of course, we again failed to find the medium between annoyance with unnecessary implementation of a simple technology, and outright rejection of that technology in any situation whatsoever because reasons . . .

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on May 06, 2023, 04:47:11 PM

Quote from: thspfc on May 06, 2023, 04:19:58 PM
Quote from: Big John on May 06, 2023, 04:02:32 PM
If one tells me to use a UR code, I will be totally lost on what to do and I will go somewhere else
And of course, we again failed to find the medium between annoyance with unnecessary implementation of a simple technology, and outright rejection of that technology in any situation whatsoever because reasons . . .

Not so simple if your phone refuses to scan QR codes. My browser (Vivaldi) has the capability, but the camera isn't capable. The image is too fuzzy. And someone without a smartphone would be completely SOL.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 06, 2023, 07:53:11 PM

Meanwhile, mine has the capability, but I would greatly prefer a paper menu because it is much simpler to see how it is organized and skim over the parts you aren't interested in when you can see the whole thing instead of having to scroll.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on May 06, 2023, 08:49:55 PM

On the other hand there are retailers who flat out refuse to accept contactless payments (Menards, Lowes - looking at you) or retailers who refuse to accept contactless payments that are not their own (WallyWorld - thats you). No I do not expect them to refuse cash, checks or credit card swipe/insert.

EDIT: Smaller businesses who do not take contactless I can understand because of the need to pay the extra fee - they have the opportunity to pass it to the customer, but they do not have to. The big ones, I have an issue with.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 06, 2023, 09:00:38 PM

Wait, do retailers pay a higher fee when you do the RFID credit card tap instead of inserting the card? Or do you mean things like Appoogle Pay?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on May 06, 2023, 09:57:44 PM

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/credit-card-processing-fees/

They also have to purchase a compatible machine. Local restaurants here passed the costs to the customers.

Retailers had the option of intentionally turning off both contactless and chip reading.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on May 06, 2023, 11:04:56 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on May 06, 2023, 09:57:44 PM
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/credit-card-processing-fees/

They also have to purchase a compatible machine. Local restaurants here passed the costs to the customers.

Retailers had the option of intentionally turning off both contactless and chip reading.

Uh... turn OFF chip reading? WTF??? Mastercard had stated that magnetic stripes will be optional beginning in 2024, and will be gone by 2033 (https://www.mastercard.com/news/perspectives/2021/magnetic-stripe/). We should have been requiring chip-and-PIN quite a long time ago, along with bringing the credit card processing machine TO THE TABLE rather than have the server take the card away. And, for the record, I consider checks to be insecure transfer instruments because the ACH account codes are RIGHT... ON... THE... CHECK!!!!!

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 06, 2023, 07:53:11 PMMeanwhile, mine has the capability, but I would greatly prefer a paper menu because it is much simpler to see how it is organized and skim over the parts you aren't interested in when you can see the whole thing instead of having to scroll.

Disagree.... somewhat. I would like to see a menu both online and on paper. It is much easier to read a menu on a tablet instead of a mobile smart phone, but who carries a tablet around with them. I also take exception to the restaurants who only make their menus available online as a PDF document instead of just putting the listings directly on the web page.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on May 07, 2023, 12:25:57 AM

The British monarchy.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on May 07, 2023, 10:53:12 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on May 06, 2023, 11:04:56 PMUh... turn OFF chip reading? WTF??? Mastercard had stated that magnetic stripes will be optional beginning in 2024, and will be gone by 2033 (https://www.mastercard.com/news/perspectives/2021/magnetic-stripe/). We should have been requiring chip-and-PIN quite a long time ago, along with bringing the credit card processing machine TO THE TABLE rather than have the server take the card away. And, for the record, I consider checks to be insecure transfer instruments because the ACH account codes are RIGHT... ON... THE... CHECK!!!!!

I used to work for Discover, and it's even more maddening if you've seen it from that perspective.

The info on a mag stripe is static. The info on a chip is dynamic. It is virtually impossible, if not impossible, to clone the information on a chip. The merchants bear the cost of fraudulent transactions. Yet they've been incredibly unwilling to update their systems to accept chip cards.

And it ain't just MasterCard. Every credit/debit card issuer would love to be able to quit making physical cards completely. It's a huge expense for them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on May 07, 2023, 10:54:17 AM

Quote from: J N Winkler on May 06, 2023, 03:58:13 PMI do not know of any restaurants around here (admittedly, a metropolitan area with population around 600,000) that point customers to QR codes in lieu of handing out menus. It surprises me a little that this is a thing even in large cities. Just a few years ago restaurants were blaming smartphones for ever-longer table turnaround times.

Here it was very much a pandemic thing. There were a handful of restaurants/bars that were doing that here before spring 2020, but it really took off after that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on May 07, 2023, 12:24:27 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on May 07, 2023, 10:54:17 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on May 06, 2023, 03:58:13 PMI do not know of any restaurants around here (admittedly, a metropolitan area with population around 600,000) that point customers to QR codes in lieu of handing out menus. It surprises me a little that this is a thing even in large cities. Just a few years ago restaurants were blaming smartphones for ever-longer table turnaround times.
Here it was very much a pandemic thing. There were a handful of restaurants/bars that were doing that here before spring 2020, but it really took off after that.

As did contactless payments. I use apple pay. Goog pay and samsung pay also exist as do several "less reliable(?)" in-store payment methods along with PayPal and Venmo. All 4 major US card brands (MC, Visa, AmEx and Discover) provide contactless tap, but for Visa and MC, it's up to the bank whether to utilize them.

Banks that focus on health are the most reluctant to enable chip tech. However, I just recently was able to set up my HSA card in Apple Pay despite it not being chipped.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on May 07, 2023, 12:51:57 PM

We had stopped at a restaurant recently in Philly that wanted us to use their QR codes to view the menu. The QR codes on the tables weren't working, so we had to look up the menu on the website, which didn't feature up to date pricing. It would've been much faster just to get a damn menu.

Contsctless payment options aren't related to a card being chipped. As long as the credit card company permits the card to be loaded onto a contactless payment method (Applepay, Samsung pay, Fitbit, etc) thats what matters. One of my AmEx cards wasn't chipped, but I had it loaded onto my Fitbit to make payments.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on May 07, 2023, 01:21:50 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on May 07, 2023, 10:53:12 AMThe merchants bear the cost of fraudulent transactions. Yet they've been incredibly unwilling to update their systems to accept chip cards.

Yeah, because "it ain't broke", and "you don't replace something that is working fine and ain't broken". :banghead:

In other words, another expensive that needs to be minimized. :rolleyes:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 07, 2023, 05:41:32 PM

I mean, as a business owner that accepts credit cards online but not physically, I resent the credit card companies enough for taking about a dollar out of every $25 transaction I do. Being forced to budget more money for hardware that, from my perspective, does the exact same thing as the hardware I had before, without providing me any additional benefits, would make me downright rancorous. Since the benefit for the upgraded tech is mostly on the bank and credit card company's end, if they want to upgrade their protocols, they should be the ones paying for the hardware.

When I decide I really like a business, I go out of my way to pay in cash so they can make a little bit more money.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on May 08, 2023, 11:37:00 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 07, 2023, 05:41:32 PMBeing forced to budget more money for hardware that, from my perspective, does the exact same thing as the hardware I had before, without providing me any additional benefits, would make me downright rancorous.

You are getting additional benefits: You'll have far fewer fraudulent transactions to deal with.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 08, 2023, 06:43:17 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on May 08, 2023, 11:37:00 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 07, 2023, 05:41:32 PMBeing forced to budget more money for hardware that, from my perspective, does the exact same thing as the hardware I had before, without providing me any additional benefits, would make me downright rancorous.
You are getting additional benefits: You'll have far fewer fraudulent transactions to deal with.

Businesses don't deal with fraudulent transactions, though. Those are handled between the bank and the cardholder.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on May 10, 2023, 07:56:35 PM

I'm in Sacramento this week, thus I'm partially working from a hotel. Which brings us some of my gripes...

Parking at $14 per night... not included in the hotel fee. Why?
The $4.95 daily fee if you want to use the Internet for streaming.

At least I know about the overpriced sodas and snacks.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on May 10, 2023, 08:09:48 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on May 10, 2023, 07:56:35 PM
I'm in Sacramento this week, thus I'm partially working from a hotel. Which brings us some of my gripes...
Parking at $14 per night... not included in the hotel fee. Why?

Because you're in a city, and land is limited, and quite often the hotel (or property owner if not the hotel) doesn't even own the garage or parking lot used for parking. Honestly, $14 isn't bad. In big cities, you're fortunate to pay under $40 in downtown locations. Even in Alexandria, VA at a hotel I'm looking at staying at soon, parking is $30, and other hotels were higher than that. (I found a parking garage a block away where 24 hour parking is $8; I'll probably use that.)

I'll gripe about parking fees at suburban hotels where they charge for parking, yet parking is free at basically every other parking lot, on the street, etc. But I expect there to be a parking fee in a city.

Quote from: ZLoth on May 10, 2023, 07:56:35 PM
The $4.95 daily fee if you want to use the Internet for streaming.

Higher-end business hotel like Marriott, Hilton or Hyatt? They tend to charge, figuring most of their customers are either business customers that are going to write it off, or higher-tiered program customers that will get it for free.

Quote from: ZLoth on May 10, 2023, 07:56:35 PM
At least I know about the overpriced sodas and snacks.

My local convenience store charges $2.39 for a 20 ounce soda. I've actually paid *less* in hotels over the past year.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on May 11, 2023, 04:54:34 AM

Quote from: abefroman329 on May 05, 2023, 03:58:32 PM
I'm with the Boomers on the hatred of restaurants handing out QR codes instead of paper menus. Especially when the broadband signal in the restaurant is bad and the wifi network is useless.

I can say the same thing about the MTA's apps, and I'm not even a boomer. QR codes are all bullshit anyway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on May 11, 2023, 10:58:04 AM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on May 11, 2023, 04:54:34 AM
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 05, 2023, 03:58:32 PM
I'm with the Boomers on the hatred of restaurants handing out QR codes instead of paper menus. Especially when the broadband signal in the restaurant is bad and the wifi network is useless.
I can say the same thing about the MTA's apps, and I'm not even a boomer. QR codes are all bullshit anyway.

QR codes are very useful in many situations. Restaurant menus just aren't one of them (though if for whatever reason online is the only option, a QR code still beats having to navigate through the restaurant's website or type in a long and tedious link).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on May 12, 2023, 01:01:41 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 10, 2023, 08:09:48 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on May 10, 2023, 07:56:35 PM
I'm in Sacramento this week, thus I'm partially working from a hotel. Which brings us some of my gripes...
Parking at $14 per night... not included in the hotel fee. Why?

Because you're in a city, and land is limited, and quite often the hotel (or property owner if not the hotel) doesn't even own the garage or parking lot used for parking. Honestly, $14 isn't bad. In big cities, you're fortunate to pay under $40 in downtown locations. Even in Alexandria, VA at a hotel I'm looking at staying at soon, parking is $30, and other hotels were higher than that. (I found a parking garage a block away where 24 hour parking is $8; I'll probably use that.)

I'll gripe about parking fees at suburban hotels where they charge for parking, yet parking is free at basically every other parking lot, on the street, etc. But I expect there to be a parking fee in a city.

Technically speaking, I am staying at a suburban hotel, not in downtown Sacramento. There is no transit routes nearby. The cost of parking should be included in the hotel free, not as a surprise added fee.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 10, 2023, 08:09:48 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on May 10, 2023, 07:56:35 PM
The $4.95 daily fee if you want to use the Internet for streaming.

Higher-end business hotel like Marriott, Hilton or Hyatt? They tend to charge, figuring most of their customers are either business customers that are going to write it off, or higher-tiered program customers that will get it for free.

I'm on a Hilton property called Hampton Inn. Yeah, I understand some of the hotel pricing where a good chunk of their clientele can probably expense it out.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 10, 2023, 08:09:48 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on May 10, 2023, 07:56:35 PM
At least I know about the overpriced sodas and snacks.

My local convenience store charges $2.39 for a 20 ounce soda. I've actually paid *less* in hotels over the past year.

The cost of a 20oz soda is $4 per bottle. I can pick up two for $4 at a nearby convenience store, or even cheaper at a supermarket. Now, if only I drank coffee.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DenverBrian on May 12, 2023, 01:25:31 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on May 12, 2023, 01:01:41 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 10, 2023, 08:09:48 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on May 10, 2023, 07:56:35 PM
I'm in Sacramento this week, thus I'm partially working from a hotel. Which brings us some of my gripes...
Parking at $14 per night... not included in the hotel fee. Why?

Because you're in a city, and land is limited, and quite often the hotel (or property owner if not the hotel) doesn't even own the garage or parking lot used for parking. Honestly, $14 isn't bad. In big cities, you're fortunate to pay under $40 in downtown locations. Even in Alexandria, VA at a hotel I'm looking at staying at soon, parking is $30, and other hotels were higher than that. (I found a parking garage a block away where 24 hour parking is $8; I'll probably use that.)

I'll gripe about parking fees at suburban hotels where they charge for parking, yet parking is free at basically every other parking lot, on the street, etc. But I expect there to be a parking fee in a city.

Technically speaking, I am staying at a suburban hotel, not in downtown Sacramento. There is no transit routes nearby. The cost of parking should be included in the hotel free, not as a surprise added fee.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 10, 2023, 08:09:48 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on May 10, 2023, 07:56:35 PM
The $4.95 daily fee if you want to use the Internet for streaming.

Higher-end business hotel like Marriott, Hilton or Hyatt? They tend to charge, figuring most of their customers are either business customers that are going to write it off, or higher-tiered program customers that will get it for free.

I'm on a Hyatt property called Hampton Inn. Yeah, I understand some of the hotel pricing where a good chunk of their clientele can probably expense it out.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 10, 2023, 08:09:48 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on May 10, 2023, 07:56:35 PM
At least I know about the overpriced sodas and snacks.

My local convenience store charges $2.39 for a 20 ounce soda. I've actually paid *less* in hotels over the past year.

The cost of a 20oz soda is $4 per bottle. I can pick up two for $4 at a nearby convenience store, or even cheaper at a supermarket. Now, if only I drank coffee.

You can indeed pick up two for $4...PLUS the value of your time spent leaving the hotel and going to the nearby convenience store or supermarket. OTOH, the soda in the hotel is RIGHT THERE. :D :D :D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on May 12, 2023, 01:58:22 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on May 12, 2023, 01:01:41 PMThe cost of a 20oz soda is $4 per bottle. I can pick up two for $4 at a nearby convenience store, or even cheaper at a supermarket. Now, if only I drank coffee.

If you want free pop that's made in-house from generic ingredients, I'm sure they'd be happy to indulge you. No promises that it will taste good, though.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 12, 2023, 07:18:04 PM

Quote from: DenverBrian on May 12, 2023, 01:25:31 PM
The cost of a 20oz soda is $4 per bottle. I can pick up two for $4 at a nearby convenience store, or even cheaper at a supermarket. Now, if only I drank coffee.

You can indeed pick up two for $4...PLUS the value of your time spent leaving the hotel and going to the nearby convenience store or supermarket. OTOH, the soda in the hotel is RIGHT THERE. :D :D :D
[/quote]

Or you can do what I do, which is to get an extra 12 pack the last time you hit the grocery store at home, toss it in the trunk, and then bring it up to the room with the rest of your stuff and put it in the mini fridge.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on May 12, 2023, 07:41:12 PM

Regarding hotels, I was in New York for the week and I found myself wondering why housekeeping replaced both bars of soap in the bathroom each day. Seems like a waste.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on May 12, 2023, 08:32:13 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 12, 2023, 07:18:04 PM
Quote from: DenverBrian on May 12, 2023, 01:25:31 PM
The cost of a 20oz soda is $4 per bottle. I can pick up two for $4 at a nearby convenience store, or even cheaper at a supermarket. Now, if only I drank coffee.
Quote from: ZlothYou can indeed pick up two for $4...PLUS the value of your time spent leaving the hotel and going to the nearby convenience store or supermarket. OTOH, the soda in the hotel is RIGHT THERE. :D :D :D

Or you can do what I do, which is to get an extra 12 pack the last time you hit the grocery store at home, toss it in the trunk, and then bring it up to the room with the rest of your stuff and put it in the mini fridge.

This is what I do every week on the road. At a minimum, I get a 12 or 24-pack of water. And the prices are like that other bastion of a totally captive audience, the airport stores which charge $4-5 for water, and even higher rates for everything else that might be edible.

I do get 1-or-2 sucky-late Monday nights in which dinner is whatever I can scape up from the overpriced hotel shop, because I didn't burn through my daily per diem by 11:00pm and have to be up early in the morning for work. I get it, this ruins it for everyone else, but my life's not all first-class travel glamour and clicky-clicky of route shields.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on May 12, 2023, 10:29:54 PM

Quote from: thspfc on May 11, 2023, 10:58:04 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on May 11, 2023, 04:54:34 AM
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 05, 2023, 03:58:32 PM
I'm with the Boomers on the hatred of restaurants handing out QR codes instead of paper menus. Especially when the broadband signal in the restaurant is bad and the wifi network is useless.
I can say the same thing about the MTA's apps, and I'm not even a boomer. QR codes are all bullshit anyway.
QR codes are very useful in many situations. Restaurant menus just aren't one of them (though if for whatever reason online is the only option, a QR code still beats having to navigate through the restaurant's website or type in a long and tedious link).

QR codes are a rip off. Every time I try to use them, they don't work. Except for one time when I was walking on the Thomson Avenue Bridge in Long Island City. It gave me some kind of reading, and then it wouldn't stop giving me any no matter what I did.

Anyway, right now this damn storm is making my PC move too slow.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on May 12, 2023, 10:43:12 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on May 12, 2023, 01:01:41 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 10, 2023, 08:09:48 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on May 10, 2023, 07:56:35 PM
I'm in Sacramento this week, thus I'm partially working from a hotel. Which brings us some of my gripes...
Parking at $14 per night... not included in the hotel fee. Why?

Because you're in a city, and land is limited, and quite often the hotel (or property owner if not the hotel) doesn't even own the garage or parking lot used for parking. Honestly, $14 isn't bad. In big cities, you're fortunate to pay under $40 in downtown locations. Even in Alexandria, VA at a hotel I'm looking at staying at soon, parking is $30, and other hotels were higher than that. (I found a parking garage a block away where 24 hour parking is $8; I'll probably use that.)

I'll gripe about parking fees at suburban hotels where they charge for parking, yet parking is free at basically every other parking lot, on the street, etc. But I expect there to be a parking fee in a city.

Technically speaking, I am staying at a suburban hotel, not in downtown Sacramento. There is no transit routes nearby. The cost of parking should be included in the hotel free, not as a surprise added fee.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 10, 2023, 08:09:48 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on May 10, 2023, 07:56:35 PM
The $4.95 daily fee if you want to use the Internet for streaming.

Higher-end business hotel like Marriott, Hilton or Hyatt? They tend to charge, figuring most of their customers are either business customers that are going to write it off, or higher-tiered program customers that will get it for free.

I'm on a Hyatt property called Hampton Inn. Yeah, I understand some of the hotel pricing where a good chunk of their clientele can probably expense it out.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 10, 2023, 08:09:48 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on May 10, 2023, 07:56:35 PM
At least I know about the overpriced sodas and snacks.

My local convenience store charges $2.39 for a 20 ounce soda. I've actually paid *less* in hotels over the past year.

The cost of a 20oz soda is $4 per bottle. I can pick up two for $4 at a nearby convenience store, or even cheaper at a supermarket. Now, if only I drank coffee.

We stayed at a Choice Hotels property south of downtown Denver a few years back that had a 24/7 COMPLIMENTARY fountain drink station in their lobby. Came in handy since the Temps were near 100 that week!!!

As far as the hotels that charge for the wifi, I stayed at one where the FREE wifi was "intentionally" throttled down so much that there was no other real choice as my Verizon coverage was also near nothing since this was in a very small town in a remote region.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on May 13, 2023, 12:37:41 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on May 12, 2023, 01:01:41 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 10, 2023, 08:09:48 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on May 10, 2023, 07:56:35 PM
I'm in Sacramento this week, thus I'm partially working from a hotel. Which brings us some of my gripes...
Parking at $14 per night... not included in the hotel fee. Why?

Because you're in a city, and land is limited, and quite often the hotel (or property owner if not the hotel) doesn't even own the garage or parking lot used for parking. Honestly, $14 isn't bad. In big cities, you're fortunate to pay under $40 in downtown locations. Even in Alexandria, VA at a hotel I'm looking at staying at soon, parking is $30, and other hotels were higher than that. (I found a parking garage a block away where 24 hour parking is $8; I'll probably use that.)

I'll gripe about parking fees at suburban hotels where they charge for parking, yet parking is free at basically every other parking lot, on the street, etc. But I expect there to be a parking fee in a city.

Technically speaking, I am staying at a suburban hotel, not in downtown Sacramento. There is no transit routes nearby. The cost of parking should be included in the hotel free, not as a surprise added fee.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 10, 2023, 08:09:48 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on May 10, 2023, 07:56:35 PM
The $4.95 daily fee if you want to use the Internet for streaming.

Higher-end business hotel like Marriott, Hilton or Hyatt? They tend to charge, figuring most of their customers are either business customers that are going to write it off, or higher-tiered program customers that will get it for free.

I'm on a Hyatt property called Hampton Inn. Yeah, I understand some of the hotel pricing where a good chunk of their clientele can probably expense it out.

Hampton Inn are actually Hilton properties. All Hampton Inns have free Wi-Fi, so you must have chosen the upgraded Wi-Fi.

Hampton Inn's websites (and all of Hilton's hotel websites, for that matter) do tell you if they charge for parking. If it's free, it's prominently displayed. If it's not, then you simply click on the Parking option on the hotel's website, and it tells you if they have self or valet parking, and the charge. It's not a surprise fee.

If you booked the hotel thru a 3rd party (such as Expedia), then that's on the 3rd party website to disclose that. If they didn't, then you should be upset at the 3rd party, not at the hotel itself, and you have a valid claim against that 3rd party that they should refund you for not disclosing the fee.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on May 14, 2023, 12:46:08 PM

Quote from: DenverBrian on May 12, 2023, 01:25:31 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on May 12, 2023, 01:01:41 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 10, 2023, 08:09:48 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on May 10, 2023, 07:56:35 PM
I'm in Sacramento this week, thus I'm partially working from a hotel. Which brings us some of my gripes...
Parking at $14 per night... not included in the hotel fee. Why?

Because you're in a city, and land is limited, and quite often the hotel (or property owner if not the hotel) doesn't even own the garage or parking lot used for parking. Honestly, $14 isn't bad. In big cities, you're fortunate to pay under $40 in downtown locations. Even in Alexandria, VA at a hotel I'm looking at staying at soon, parking is $30, and other hotels were higher than that. (I found a parking garage a block away where 24 hour parking is $8; I'll probably use that.)

I'll gripe about parking fees at suburban hotels where they charge for parking, yet parking is free at basically every other parking lot, on the street, etc. But I expect there to be a parking fee in a city.

Technically speaking, I am staying at a suburban hotel, not in downtown Sacramento. There is no transit routes nearby. The cost of parking should be included in the hotel free, not as a surprise added fee.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 10, 2023, 08:09:48 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on May 10, 2023, 07:56:35 PM
The $4.95 daily fee if you want to use the Internet for streaming.

Higher-end business hotel like Marriott, Hilton or Hyatt? They tend to charge, figuring most of their customers are either business customers that are going to write it off, or higher-tiered program customers that will get it for free.

I'm on a Hyatt property called Hampton Inn. Yeah, I understand some of the hotel pricing where a good chunk of their clientele can probably expense it out.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 10, 2023, 08:09:48 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on May 10, 2023, 07:56:35 PM
At least I know about the overpriced sodas and snacks.

My local convenience store charges $2.39 for a 20 ounce soda. I've actually paid *less* in hotels over the past year.

The cost of a 20oz soda is $4 per bottle. I can pick up two for $4 at a nearby convenience store, or even cheaper at a supermarket. Now, if only I drank coffee.
You can indeed pick up two for $4...PLUS the value of your time spent leaving the hotel and going to the nearby convenience store or supermarket. OTOH, the soda in the hotel is RIGHT THERE. :D :D :D

And the hotel KNOWS this and prices their sugar water accordingly.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on May 14, 2023, 04:37:36 PM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on May 12, 2023, 10:29:54 PM
Quote from: thspfc on May 11, 2023, 10:58:04 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on May 11, 2023, 04:54:34 AM
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 05, 2023, 03:58:32 PM
I'm with the Boomers on the hatred of restaurants handing out QR codes instead of paper menus. Especially when the broadband signal in the restaurant is bad and the wifi network is useless.
I can say the same thing about the MTA's apps, and I'm not even a boomer. QR codes are all bullshit anyway.
QR codes are very useful in many situations. Restaurant menus just aren't one of them (though if for whatever reason online is the only option, a QR code still beats having to navigate through the restaurant's website or type in a long and tedious link).
QR codes are a rip off. Every time I try to use them, they don't work. Except for one time when I was walking on the Thomson Avenue Bridge in Long Island City. It gave me some kind of reading, and then it wouldn't stop giving me any no matter what I did.

As long as we're bringing our personal anecdotes, I've never had a QR code not work and I can't remember a time that happened to anyone else I know.

Also, I'm not sure where "rip-off" came from, because they don't cost you anything.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on May 14, 2023, 06:05:47 PM

Quote from: thspfc on May 14, 2023, 04:37:36 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on May 12, 2023, 10:29:54 PM
Quote from: thspfc on May 11, 2023, 10:58:04 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on May 11, 2023, 04:54:34 AM
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 05, 2023, 03:58:32 PM
I'm with the Boomers on the hatred of restaurants handing out QR codes instead of paper menus. Especially when the broadband signal in the restaurant is bad and the wifi network is useless.
I can say the same thing about the MTA's apps, and I'm not even a boomer. QR codes are all bullshit anyway.
QR codes are very useful in many situations. Restaurant menus just aren't one of them (though if for whatever reason online is the only option, a QR code still beats having to navigate through the restaurant's website or type in a long and tedious link).
QR codes are a rip off. Every time I try to use them, they don't work. Except for one time when I was walking on the Thomson Avenue Bridge in Long Island City. It gave me some kind of reading, and then it wouldn't stop giving me any no matter what I did.
As long as we're bringing our personal anecdotes, I've never had a QR code not work and I can't remember a time that happened to anyone else I know.

I've experienced a few QR codes that went to a 404, due to link rot or using some garbage URL-shortener. I figured the whole point of a QR code was to mask some really long web address which was prone to a misspelling or a missing tilde.

That said, haven't run into QR codes in restaurants very often (twice).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on May 14, 2023, 06:17:57 PM

Quote from: formulanone on May 14, 2023, 06:05:47 PM
Quote from: thspfc on May 14, 2023, 04:37:36 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on May 12, 2023, 10:29:54 PM
Quote from: thspfc on May 11, 2023, 10:58:04 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on May 11, 2023, 04:54:34 AM
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 05, 2023, 03:58:32 PM
I'm with the Boomers on the hatred of restaurants handing out QR codes instead of paper menus. Especially when the broadband signal in the restaurant is bad and the wifi network is useless.
I can say the same thing about the MTA's apps, and I'm not even a boomer. QR codes are all bullshit anyway.
QR codes are very useful in many situations. Restaurant menus just aren't one of them (though if for whatever reason online is the only option, a QR code still beats having to navigate through the restaurant's website or type in a long and tedious link).
QR codes are a rip off. Every time I try to use them, they don't work. Except for one time when I was walking on the Thomson Avenue Bridge in Long Island City. It gave me some kind of reading, and then it wouldn't stop giving me any no matter what I did.
As long as we're bringing our personal anecdotes, I've never had a QR code not work and I can't remember a time that happened to anyone else I know.

I've experienced a few QR codes that went to a 404, due to link rot or using some garbage URL-shortener. I figured the whole point of a QR code was to mask some really long web address which was prone to a misspelling or a missing tilde.

That said, haven't run into QR codes in restaurants very often (twice).

404s are seemingly much more common upon clicking a link than scanning a QR code. Sure, we all use links more than we use QR codes, so that's kind of bound to happen. But (as someone who has zero computer knowledge outside of how to use one), I don't think the QR code would make any difference; if the code is broken, then the link itself is broken, and would give you a 404 regardless of how you access it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on May 16, 2023, 10:27:34 PM

Quote from: thspfc on May 14, 2023, 04:37:36 PM
As long as we're bringing our personal anecdotes, I've never had a QR code not work and I can't remember a time that happened to anyone else I know.

Also, I'm not sure where "rip-off" came from, because they don't cost you anything.

Some are connected to certain apps that you have to buy. They're not a fortune, but even if they didn't cost a thing, it doesn't make sense to get those things hoping that you'll get the info you're looking for and then nothing happens. It doesn't matter if you're looking for the menu at a restaurant, or when the next bus or train is coming, or anything else.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on May 17, 2023, 02:40:00 PM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on May 16, 2023, 10:27:34 PM
Quote from: thspfc on May 14, 2023, 04:37:36 PM
As long as we're bringing our personal anecdotes, I've never had a QR code not work and I can't remember a time that happened to anyone else I know.

Also, I'm not sure where "rip-off" came from, because they don't cost you anything.
Some are connected to certain apps that you have to buy. They're not a fortune, but even if they didn't cost a thing, it doesn't make sense to get those things hoping that you'll get the info you're looking for and then nothing happens. It doesn't matter if you're looking for the menu at a restaurant, or when the next bus or train is coming, or anything else.

Then the rip-off is what the code links to, not the code itself. This is the same as saying "hyperlinks are a rip-off" .

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on May 18, 2023, 08:01:59 AM

Quote from: thspfc on May 17, 2023, 02:40:00 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on May 16, 2023, 10:27:34 PM
Quote from: thspfc on May 14, 2023, 04:37:36 PM
As long as we're bringing our personal anecdotes, I've never had a QR code not work and I can't remember a time that happened to anyone else I know.

Also, I'm not sure where "rip-off" came from, because they don't cost you anything.
Some are connected to certain apps that you have to buy. They're not a fortune, but even if they didn't cost a thing, it doesn't make sense to get those things hoping that you'll get the info you're looking for and then nothing happens. It doesn't matter if you're looking for the menu at a restaurant, or when the next bus or train is coming, or anything else.
Then the rip-off is what the code links to, not the code itself. This is the same as saying "hyperlinks are a rip-off" .

Well, there's the rip-off to taxpayers. Spending all this money on technology that does nothing just so you can do away with paper schedules.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on May 18, 2023, 09:12:17 AM

Regarding QR codes, one place where I think they could be very useful would be on public transit systems–both on the maps and on any in-station signage with things like fare information or similar (including how to operate the fare machine, if it doesn't use a touchscreen). In the most recent round of edits to the WMATA map to add the Silver Line, a lot of people suggested there be a QR code linking to a website with travel information in various other languages, given how many foreign tourists DC gets (not to mention the large number of residents who either speak English as a second language or don't speak it at all), but WMATA didn't do it.

The first time I encountered a QR code at a restaurant, I was with my mother. It was in the fall of 2020. She was baffled by it and had no idea what to do until I showed her. I think she was somewhat bemused when I showed her that nowadays airline and Amtrak tickets typically use QR codes too.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on May 18, 2023, 12:57:24 PM

When websites have maps showing locations with a marker that has a point as if to point at the location, but instead positions the marker such that the point doesn't actually point to anything. The Thruway service area map (https://www.thruway.ny.gov/travelers/travelplazas/service-area-project/locations.html) is an offender - the point is only accurate for the ones on the WB direction of I-90. Crumbl Cookies does it too.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on May 18, 2023, 01:04:28 PM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on May 18, 2023, 08:01:59 AM
Quote from: thspfc on May 17, 2023, 02:40:00 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on May 16, 2023, 10:27:34 PM
Quote from: thspfc on May 14, 2023, 04:37:36 PM
As long as we're bringing our personal anecdotes, I've never had a QR code not work and I can't remember a time that happened to anyone else I know.

Also, I'm not sure where "rip-off" came from, because they don't cost you anything.
Some are connected to certain apps that you have to buy. They're not a fortune, but even if they didn't cost a thing, it doesn't make sense to get those things hoping that you'll get the info you're looking for and then nothing happens. It doesn't matter if you're looking for the menu at a restaurant, or when the next bus or train is coming, or anything else.
Then the rip-off is what the code links to, not the code itself. This is the same as saying "hyperlinks are a rip-off" .
Well, there's the rip-off to taxpayers. Spending all this money on technology that does nothing just so you can do away with paper schedules.

Because printing and distributing paper schedules is free?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on May 18, 2023, 01:05:10 PM

Quote from: vdeane on May 18, 2023, 12:57:24 PMWhen websites have maps showing locations with a marker that has a point as if to point at the location, but instead positions the marker such that the point doesn't actually point to anything. The Thruway service area map (https://www.thruway.ny.gov/travelers/travelplazas/service-area-project/locations.html) is an offender - the point is only accurate for the ones on the WB direction of I-90. Crumbl Cookies does it too.

If you zoom in, it does point at the building, but you really have to zoom it. It would have been better if the arrow was pointed UP instead of DOWN for EB, it would assist in clarification.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on May 18, 2023, 01:17:42 PM

Quote from: GaryV on May 18, 2023, 01:04:28 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on May 18, 2023, 08:01:59 AM
Quote from: thspfc on May 17, 2023, 02:40:00 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on May 16, 2023, 10:27:34 PM
Quote from: thspfc on May 14, 2023, 04:37:36 PM
As long as we're bringing our personal anecdotes, I've never had a QR code not work and I can't remember a time that happened to anyone else I know.

Also, I'm not sure where "rip-off" came from, because they don't cost you anything.
Some are connected to certain apps that you have to buy. They're not a fortune, but even if they didn't cost a thing, it doesn't make sense to get those things hoping that you'll get the info you're looking for and then nothing happens. It doesn't matter if you're looking for the menu at a restaurant, or when the next bus or train is coming, or anything else.
Then the rip-off is what the code links to, not the code itself. This is the same as saying "hyperlinks are a rip-off" .
Well, there's the rip-off to taxpayers. Spending all this money on technology that does nothing just so you can do away with paper schedules.
Because printing and distributing paper schedules is free?

And ends up being litter?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on May 18, 2023, 09:19:27 PM

The way streaming services will often place stuff on their services without announcing it with the rest of their content. At the end of every month, I Google search "[service] [name of next month]" to find out what's coming and leaving each one during the month so I can plan out what I'm watching when. But multiple times I've found that something I was looking forward to watching debuts only due to a TV commercial or coming across a news article in Google News or on social media (or the list of things leaving a service, having never seen it on an arrival list), because the company didn't bother to include it in the list of things they were releasing that month.

Quote from: ZLoth on May 18, 2023, 01:05:10 PM
Quote from: vdeane on May 18, 2023, 12:57:24 PMWhen websites have maps showing locations with a marker that has a point as if to point at the location, but instead positions the marker such that the point doesn't actually point to anything. The Thruway service area map (https://www.thruway.ny.gov/travelers/travelplazas/service-area-project/locations.html) is an offender - the point is only accurate for the ones on the WB direction of I-90. Crumbl Cookies does it too.

If you zoom in, it does point at the building, but you really have to zoom it. It would have been better if the arrow was pointed UP instead of DOWN for EB, it would assist in clarification.

And if they were properly positioned so that the point pointed at the service area, it wouldn't matter what zoom level you're at. At the default zoom level, Sloatsburg and Ramapo look like they're in New Jersey. :pan:

Here's the Crumbl Cookies map (https://crumblcookies.com/stores). It manages to make the Syracuse location look like it's in Cortland until you zoom in a lot.

The point of the point is to show where something is when zoomed out. If you're zoomed in so much that the incorrectly positioned marker looks fine, then you don't need it (which is why it looks fine).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on May 19, 2023, 08:34:58 AM

Quote from: GaryV on May 18, 2023, 01:04:28 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on May 18, 2023, 08:01:59 AM
Quote from: thspfc on May 17, 2023, 02:40:00 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on May 16, 2023, 10:27:34 PM
Quote from: thspfc on May 14, 2023, 04:37:36 PM
As long as we're bringing our personal anecdotes, I've never had a QR code not work and I can't remember a time that happened to anyone else I know.

Also, I'm not sure where "rip-off" came from, because they don't cost you anything.
Some are connected to certain apps that you have to buy. They're not a fortune, but even if they didn't cost a thing, it doesn't make sense to get those things hoping that you'll get the info you're looking for and then nothing happens. It doesn't matter if you're looking for the menu at a restaurant, or when the next bus or train is coming, or anything else.
Then the rip-off is what the code links to, not the code itself. This is the same as saying "hyperlinks are a rip-off" .
Well, there's the rip-off to taxpayers. Spending all this money on technology that does nothing just so you can do away with paper schedules.
Because printing and distributing paper schedules is free?

At least it shows something. I wouldn't mind the technological replacements if they worked. If I'm reading MTA's BusTime app, I don't want to find out that the bus I'm waiting for is a route that supposedly doesn't exist, unless I'm indoors in a place with decent wi-fi. And I don't want to scan those stupid QR codes and get no response at all. Unfortunately, that's all I ever get.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on May 21, 2023, 11:38:50 PM

New annoyance; I was in the middle of expanding a sub-section in the Wikipedia article on Florida State Road 200, and all my browsers crashed. I couldn't even take a picture of the text I was working on before it crashed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on May 21, 2023, 11:43:08 PM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on May 21, 2023, 11:38:50 PM
New annoyance; I was in the middle of expanding a sub-section in the Wikipedia article on Florida State Road 200, and all my browsers crashed. I couldn't even take a picture of the text I was working on before it crashed.

There are a few form recovery extensions for browsers that can actually restore lost text between browser instances.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on May 21, 2023, 11:59:34 PM

I just found out about another problem. When I tried to recover it from going through my history, I found out my history was eliminated!

All it says is "Go see the sites! The pages you visit will show up here."

I want the sites I visited before this commotion! :angry:

BTW, I've had this problem before. I don't remember how it was fixed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Hobart on May 22, 2023, 08:59:15 PM

I was riding my bicycle on a bicycle path in Milwaukee, right next to the beach, when there's three joggers in line blocking the entire bike path... like, no offense, but you think after they've been jogging enough they'd know to stay on the right side of the multi-use path.

People keep leaving the Lime scooters or whatever brand we have all over the place too... sidewalks, multi-use paths, streets... it's exactly like the episode of South Park!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on May 22, 2023, 09:44:33 PM

Quote from: Hobart on May 22, 2023, 08:59:15 PM
I was riding my bicycle on a bicycle path in Milwaukee, right next to the beach, when there's three joggers in line blocking the entire bike path... like, no offense, but you think after they've been jogging enough they'd know to stay on the right side of the multi-use path.

People keep leaving the Lime scooters or whatever brand we have all over the place too... sidewalks, multi-use paths, streets... it's exactly like the episode of South Park!

:banghead:

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on May 22, 2023, 09:48:50 PM

Quote from: Hobart on May 22, 2023, 08:59:15 PM
People keep leaving the Lime scooters or whatever brand we have all over the place too... sidewalks, multi-use paths, streets... it's exactly like the episode of South Park!

Philly prohibited the scooters for that very reason.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on May 22, 2023, 10:47:00 PM

Our town just got them for the first time last week (for an 18-month trial). The city said they have "designated scooter parking area" to leave them at when done.

I don't know how they distributed them around town on day one, but I have already seen some that look to be blocking the sidewalks they're parked on.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: elsmere241 on May 23, 2023, 10:08:52 AM

Apparently there's some backlash over QR codes on menus: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/22/dining/restaurant-qr-code-menu.html (it's behind a paywall.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: on_wisconsin on May 24, 2023, 09:40:46 AM

Social media trying to convince me to care about Ted Lasso, Parenting strategies, Marvel/ Star Wars, MMA, and the LA Angels.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: paulthemapguy on May 24, 2023, 10:09:45 AM

Quote from: on_wisconsin on May 24, 2023, 09:40:46 AM
Social media trying to convince me to care about Ted Lasso, Parenting strategies, Marvel/ Star Wars, MMA, and the LA Angels.

I find myself pressing the "ignore" or "not interested" button on the majority of things social media suggests to me these days.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on May 24, 2023, 11:26:33 AM

Quote from: paulthemapguy on May 24, 2023, 10:09:45 AM
Quote from: on_wisconsin on May 24, 2023, 09:40:46 AM
Social media trying to convince me to care about Ted Lasso, Parenting strategies, Marvel/ Star Wars, MMA, and the LA Angels.

I find myself pressing the "ignore" or "not interested" button on the majority of things social media suggests to me these days.

I always feel there's not enough options, so here's my wish list:

- I can't afford this
- This is for stupid people
- Never do this again (I already told you that two weeks ago)
- I need eye bleach now, you owe me $5
- I need brain bleach now, you owe me $5000
- Shitposter, please randomly convert their webpages to random characters
- Send 60 seconds of electroshock therapy to anyone who actually likes this
- Send two weeks of electroshock therapy to the content creator for forcing this shit into my feed
- Fuck you for jamming some influencer who already has a million followers into my feed, I just want to check in on my extended family

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on May 24, 2023, 11:52:37 AM

Facebook constantly sending me feeds "suggested for you" of political sites or near porn sites. I immediately tell Facebook to hide those sites from my feed

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on May 24, 2023, 12:31:27 PM

Quote from: Big John on May 24, 2023, 11:52:37 AM
Facebook constantly sending me feeds "suggested for you" of political sites or near porn sites. I immediately tell Facebook to hide those sites from my feed

Ironic coming from a medium that censors politics when people post their opinions that differ from facts presented by USA Today.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on May 24, 2023, 12:39:45 PM

Facebook "suggestions" are one of the main reasons I installed the FB Purity plugin and quit looking at Facebook on mobile devices (since FB Purity isn't available for any of them).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on May 24, 2023, 01:06:53 PM

Yesterday I was sitting enjoying my coffee at Wawa when I heard someone screaming. I thought a married couple were having a domestic disagreement at the gas pumps, but saw it was a young teen just ranting by himself riding a bicycle through the station. Either he was not all there, or on the spectrum as he was swearing at everyone around for being radical.

I just dismissed it as the normal crazies out there as did everyone else at Wawa. However, I live in Florida and that is where some controversy is been taking place as the NAACP is at odds with something going on in our state that they issued a travel warning to Black Tourists. It makes me wonder if it's related or not.

Point is, random acts by over zealous politics is a minor thing that bothers me as it upsets the mentally ill people in to doing crazier things.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on May 24, 2023, 01:47:09 PM

Another one is when starting a new job and the new boss is very nice and down to Earth. Then another employee introduces himself to you later on while asking how you like your work experience so far.

They even ask you what you think of the boss. Of course I'm going to be truthful and say that the boss is real nice and cool to me to only hear the other employee state criticism of my new leader.

To me I hate when a fellow employee prejudices me about the new boss before I really get to know him or her.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 24, 2023, 01:58:42 PM

On the other hand, I'd rather know about it if the boss is perfectly nice to me but abusive to others, because it means they can be just as abusive to me if for some reason I fall out of their favor. Or if the boss is decent and respectful to me because I'm male but pervs on the female employees. Or whatever.

In general, I find having more information about something is better than having less, since then I have more to go off of to form an opinion.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on May 24, 2023, 02:08:45 PM

However I place myself in the already established employee greeting a new employee.

I would not say negative things to him or her and let that person find out himself unless it’s life treating with proof.

If that were the case, I would tell my fellow Knights of Columbus members to not pursue the Fourth Degree, in which I had a bad experience with.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on May 24, 2023, 02:20:13 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 24, 2023, 01:58:42 PMIn general, I find having more information about something is better than having less, since then I have more to go off of to form an opinion.

I always find it a little weird when lots of people can't stand a certain co-worker but I seem to have no serious issue with them, or even none at all. Maybe it's because I'm generally aware of my own weaknesses and assume everyone has their own, with varying degrees of awareness. But it seems to put me in an awkward spot, as if they're fishing for negative comments, or it suddenly highlights my own flaws. I've probably had my bad day(s) in some peoples' minds and I've realized that anyone can have a few of them.

The good news is that I've worked here so long that I can shrug more things off as the years go by, and not trying to make an monumental impression on everyone, every time, and everywhere. I guess I'm wise enough to zip my lip and be diplomatic, and make vague non-verbal agreement, just in case...it's like my 378th rodeo.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ran4sh on May 27, 2023, 01:24:17 AM

Quote from: GaryV on May 18, 2023, 01:04:28 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on May 18, 2023, 08:01:59 AM
Quote from: thspfc on May 17, 2023, 02:40:00 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on May 16, 2023, 10:27:34 PM
Quote from: thspfc on May 14, 2023, 04:37:36 PM
As long as we're bringing our personal anecdotes, I've never had a QR code not work and I can't remember a time that happened to anyone else I know.

Also, I'm not sure where "rip-off" came from, because they don't cost you anything.
Some are connected to certain apps that you have to buy. They're not a fortune, but even if they didn't cost a thing, it doesn't make sense to get those things hoping that you'll get the info you're looking for and then nothing happens. It doesn't matter if you're looking for the menu at a restaurant, or when the next bus or train is coming, or anything else.
Then the rip-off is what the code links to, not the code itself. This is the same as saying "hyperlinks are a rip-off" .
Well, there's the rip-off to taxpayers. Spending all this money on technology that does nothing just so you can do away with paper schedules.
Because printing and distributing paper schedules is free?

I'm not sure that's a legitimate argument? Riders need to know the schedule (except for frequent routes) so if paper schedules are going to be replaced, the replacement needs to at least function correctly

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on May 28, 2023, 08:31:07 AM

Quote from: ran4sh on May 27, 2023, 01:24:17 AM
Quote from: GaryV on May 18, 2023, 01:04:28 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on May 18, 2023, 08:01:59 AM
Quote from: thspfc on May 17, 2023, 02:40:00 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on May 16, 2023, 10:27:34 PM
Quote from: thspfc on May 14, 2023, 04:37:36 PM
As long as we're bringing our personal anecdotes, I've never had a QR code not work and I can't remember a time that happened to anyone else I know.

Also, I'm not sure where "rip-off" came from, because they don't cost you anything.
Some are connected to certain apps that you have to buy. They're not a fortune, but even if they didn't cost a thing, it doesn't make sense to get those things hoping that you'll get the info you're looking for and then nothing happens. It doesn't matter if you're looking for the menu at a restaurant, or when the next bus or train is coming, or anything else.
Then the rip-off is what the code links to, not the code itself. This is the same as saying "hyperlinks are a rip-off" .
Well, there's the rip-off to taxpayers. Spending all this money on technology that does nothing just so you can do away with paper schedules.
Because printing and distributing paper schedules is free?

I'm not sure that's a legitimate argument? Riders need to know the schedule (except for frequent routes) so if paper schedules are going to be replaced, the replacement needs to at least function correctly

Finally, somebody else gets it!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on May 28, 2023, 11:04:20 AM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on May 28, 2023, 08:31:07 AM
Quote from: ran4sh on May 27, 2023, 01:24:17 AM
Quote from: GaryV on May 18, 2023, 01:04:28 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on May 18, 2023, 08:01:59 AM
Quote from: thspfc on May 17, 2023, 02:40:00 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on May 16, 2023, 10:27:34 PM
Quote from: thspfc on May 14, 2023, 04:37:36 PM
As long as we're bringing our personal anecdotes, I've never had a QR code not work and I can't remember a time that happened to anyone else I know.

Also, I'm not sure where "rip-off" came from, because they don't cost you anything.
Some are connected to certain apps that you have to buy. They're not a fortune, but even if they didn't cost a thing, it doesn't make sense to get those things hoping that you'll get the info you're looking for and then nothing happens. It doesn't matter if you're looking for the menu at a restaurant, or when the next bus or train is coming, or anything else.
Then the rip-off is what the code links to, not the code itself. This is the same as saying "hyperlinks are a rip-off" .
Well, there's the rip-off to taxpayers. Spending all this money on technology that does nothing just so you can do away with paper schedules.
Because printing and distributing paper schedules is free?

I'm not sure that's a legitimate argument? Riders need to know the schedule (except for frequent routes) so if paper schedules are going to be replaced, the replacement needs to at least function correctly
Finally, somebody else gets it!

A well-designed app has both a good User eXperience (UX) as well as a good Customer eXperience (CX). The GoPass app on my phone allows me to plan my travel across Dallas's DART, Fort Worths Trinity Metro, STAR Transit, and Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA), see the busses and trains on a map, tells me if the bus/train is running behind, and even allows me to purchase a morning/afternoon/all day ticket.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on May 28, 2023, 03:06:48 PM

Of course, good UX/CX means paying $$$ to a developer good enough to understand good UX/CX and actually implement it.

A sheet of paper, meanwhile, costs $0.01.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on May 28, 2023, 03:55:10 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on May 24, 2023, 01:47:09 PM
Another one is when starting a new job and the new boss is very nice and down to Earth. Then another employee introduces himself to you later on while asking how you like your work experience so far.

They even ask you what you think of the boss. Of course I'm going to be truthful and say that the boss is real nice and cool to me to only hear the other employee state criticism of my new leader.

To me I hate when a fellow employee prejudices me about the new boss before I really get to know him or her.

Goes both ways also. Gives you a chance to form an opinion against the employee, who may be the only one with an issue with the boss and just trying to get others on their side.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on May 28, 2023, 07:29:35 PM

Quote from: thenetwork on May 22, 2023, 10:47:00 PM
Our town just got them for the first time last week (for an 18-month trial). The city said they have "designated scooter parking area" to leave them at when done.

I don't know how they distributed them around town on day one, but I have already seen some that look to be blocking the sidewalks they're parked on.

This is a huge problem in Fort Colllins, both the scooters, and the often drunk riders thereof.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on May 30, 2023, 02:42:41 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on May 28, 2023, 07:29:35 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on May 22, 2023, 10:47:00 PM
Our town just got them for the first time last week (for an 18-month trial). The city said they have "designated scooter parking area" to leave them at when done.

I don't know how they distributed them around town on day one, but I have already seen some that look to be blocking the sidewalks they're parked on.

This is a huge problem in Fort Colllins, both the scooters, and the often drunk riders thereof.

Chicago controls for drunk riders by not letting you use one after midnight.

I think they're great for traveling distances that are too far to walk, but not far enough to justify driving a car. I don't leave them in the middle of the sidewalk, but I've seen that happen plenty of times.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on May 30, 2023, 08:21:16 PM

It's bad enough you can't get through a half hour of a show on cable or rabbit ears without running into an ad from a law firm....

....but I can't stand the ambulance chasing breed of lawyers who use the same "doomsday music bed" across all of their commercials. You'd know the eerie music if you heard it.

It's been used for well over a decade now, and likely these ambulance chasers are all a part of the same national network of lawyers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on May 31, 2023, 07:26:53 AM

Quote from: thenetwork on May 30, 2023, 08:21:16 PM
It's bad enough you can't get through a half hour of a show on cable or rabbit ears without running into an ad from a law firm....

....but I can't stand the ambulance chasing breed of lawyers who use the same "doomsday music bed" across all of their commercials. You'd know the eerie music if you heard it.

It's been used for well over a decade now, and likely these ambulance chasers are all a part of the same national network of lawyers.

Frank Azar. And what's funny about his ads, is often it's some ... trailer-parky demographic that got rear-ended in her 92 Topaz, and is now a millionaire.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on May 31, 2023, 07:36:45 AM

Thankfully, I only have to ensure those type of lawyer advertising when watching a live Dallas Cowboys game because I'm watching the game at a neighbor's house. That neighbor passed away on January 1st.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on June 02, 2023, 08:08:35 AM

There was one I heard recently while I was on my PC in one room while the TV was running in another. I was imagining all kinds of obnoxious scenarios with this commercial, that thankfully didn't happen.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on June 02, 2023, 09:15:47 AM

Quote from: thenetwork on May 30, 2023, 08:21:16 PM
It's bad enough you can't get through a half hour of a show on cable or rabbit ears without running into an ad from a law firm....

....but I can't stand the ambulance chasing breed of lawyers who use the same "doomsday music bed" across all of their commercials. You'd know the eerie music if you heard it.

It's been used for well over a decade now, and likely these ambulance chasers are all a part of the same national network of lawyers.

I don't understand law firms advertising on national TV (actual firms, not referral networks such as Guardian Legal). I live in Michigan. If I want to sue the bejeebers out of someone, I'm not calling that attorney in Puerto Rico.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on June 02, 2023, 09:48:55 AM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on June 02, 2023, 09:15:47 AM
Quote from: thenetwork on May 30, 2023, 08:21:16 PM
It's bad enough you can't get through a half hour of a show on cable or rabbit ears without running into an ad from a law firm....

....but I can't stand the ambulance chasing breed of lawyers who use the same "doomsday music bed" across all of their commercials. You'd know the eerie music if you heard it.

It's been used for well over a decade now, and likely these ambulance chasers are all a part of the same national network of lawyers.

I don't understand law firms advertising on national TV (actual firms, not referral networks such as Guardian Legal). I live in Michigan. If I want to sue the bejeebers out of someone, I'm not calling that attorney in Puerto Rico.

Do some of our more famous (infamous?) SE Michigan attorneys advertise in other states? Like Sam, Mike and the ubiquitous GF (despite him supposedly being disabled and not able to go to court anymore).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bugo on June 06, 2023, 03:16:06 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 13, 2021, 07:36:23 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 13, 2021, 05:52:15 PM
The after-effect my dad had was that, for about two weeks, he could take half a dozen naps during the day and then still sleep all night long after that.

That's a feature, not a bug.

I have hypersomnia and other sleep issues, and trust me, there isn't anything good about sleeping that much.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on June 06, 2023, 11:38:34 PM

I just lost the ability to scan, cut, copy, paste or do anything with my mouse... again!

UPDATE: June 7, 2023: I gained it back. I have no idea why that crap happened.

UPDATE: June 8, 2023; Now, it's preventing me from right-clicking again.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on June 07, 2023, 07:30:42 AM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on June 02, 2023, 09:15:47 AM
Quote from: thenetwork on May 30, 2023, 08:21:16 PM
It's bad enough you can't get through a half hour of a show on cable or rabbit ears without running into an ad from a law firm....

....but I can't stand the ambulance chasing breed of lawyers who use the same "doomsday music bed" across all of their commercials. You'd know the eerie music if you heard it.

It's been used for well over a decade now, and likely these ambulance chasers are all a part of the same national network of lawyers.

I don't understand law firms advertising on national TV (actual firms, not referral networks such as Guardian Legal). I live in Michigan. If I want to sue the bejeebers out of someone, I'm not calling that attorney in Puerto Rico.

See https://www.mtsu.edu/first-amendment/article/979/attorney-advertising . Starting in 1908, the American Bar Association (ABA) barred advertising beyond business cards, and states passed laws prohibiting the advertising shortly thereafter. However, the Supreme Court in 1977 stuck down said laws as stating that "the disciplinary rule serves to inhibit the free flow of commercial information and to keep the public in ignorance." However, false, deceptive, or misleading attorney advertising would not be protected.

It should be noted that eighty percent of the United States population lives in the eastern half of the continental United States. If you are a new cable station, for example, you would establish an East Coast feed first, and then a West Coast feed later. In terms of advertising, I remember seeing national advertising years ago for Sonic even though there was no franchises in Northern California on the USA Network. Likewise, it is possible for the large law firms to have offices in multiple states and agreements for referrals in other states.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on June 07, 2023, 07:43:40 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on June 07, 2023, 07:30:42 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on June 02, 2023, 09:15:47 AM
Quote from: thenetwork on May 30, 2023, 08:21:16 PM
It's bad enough you can't get through a half hour of a show on cable or rabbit ears without running into an ad from a law firm....

....but I can't stand the ambulance chasing breed of lawyers who use the same "doomsday music bed" across all of their commercials. You'd know the eerie music if you heard it.

It's been used for well over a decade now, and likely these ambulance chasers are all a part of the same national network of lawyers.

I don't understand law firms advertising on national TV (actual firms, not referral networks such as Guardian Legal). I live in Michigan. If I want to sue the bejeebers out of someone, I'm not calling that attorney in Puerto Rico.
It should be noted that eighty percent of the United States population lives in the eastern half of the continental United States. If you are a new cable station, for example, you would establish an East Coast feed first, and then a West Coast feed later. In terms of advertising, I remember seeing national advertising years ago for Sonic even though there was no franchises in Northern California on the USA Network. Likewise, it is possible for the large law firms to have offices in multiple states and agreements for referrals in other states.

Which brings up another minor thing that bothers me.

In the mountain time zone, some of our channels are the 'east' feed, and some are the 'west'. Some channels, we get both.

Nowadays, DirectTV has it mostly right in terms of the onscreen guide being right.
Back in the day, it was either '2 hours earlier than the east time' or .. like '3 hours AFTER the west time' or some other such tomfoolery.

Even now on some broadcast channels, times are listed as '[something]:00 eastern & central, [something-else]:00, pacific. and screw all of us in the Mountain time zone.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on June 07, 2023, 08:20:05 AM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on June 07, 2023, 07:43:40 AM
In the mountain time zone, some of our channels are the 'east' feed, and some are the 'west'. Some channels, we get both.

Nowadays, DirectTV has it mostly right in terms of the onscreen guide being right.
Back in the day, it was either '2 hours earlier than the east time' or .. like '3 hours AFTER the west time' or some other such tomfoolery.

Even now on some broadcast channels, times are listed as '[something]:00 eastern & central, [something-else]:00, pacific. and screw all of us in the Mountain time zone.

Per 2020 population statistics and from this post in Quora (https://www.quora.com/Which-American-timezone-has-the-biggest-population):

Eastern Time Zone - 154,892,174 (46.75% of the U.S. population)
Central Time Zone - 95,774,455 (28.91% of the U.S. population)
Pacific Time Zone - 55,503,963 (16.75% of the U.S. population)
Mountain Time Zone - 23,001,711 (6.94% of the U.S. population)
Hawaii-Aleutian Time Zone - 1,413,013 (0.43% of the U.S. population)
Alaska Time Zone - 733,676 (0.22% of the U.S. population)

Combined, that is ~75.66% of the United States population in the Eastern and Central Time Zone.

People kept wondering why ABC (when it had the rights from 1970 to 2005 instead of E$PN) started Monday Night Football at 9 PM Eastern instead of 8 PM Eastern, while other prime-time live coast-to-coast sports broadcasts were at 8:00 or 8:30 PM Eastern. Several key television markets, including (2002-2003 Television Rankings which is the oldest I have available):

2. Los Angeles (Pacific) - 4.987% of television households
5. San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose (Pacific) - 2.284% of television households
12. Seattle-Tacoma (Pacific)
16. Phoenix (Mountain)
18. Denver (Mountain)
19. Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto (Pacific)
23. Portland, Oregon (Pacific)
26. San Diego (Pacific)

...were located in Pacific or Mountain Time Zones, and they needed an opportunity to get to a television set and watch the advertising. Seattle-Tacoma was notorious for airing MNF on a one-hour tape delay unless the Seahawks were playing.

Also, wasn't the television announcements like "8 Eastern/Pacific, 7 Central" and we forgot about Mountain.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on June 07, 2023, 08:35:17 AM

Add 4.5 million to Mountain because of Alberta.

In addition, subtract 6 million from Mountain during daylight savings time; Arizona leaves it (-7M), but Saskatchewan joins it (+1M).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on June 07, 2023, 10:02:11 AM

Quote from: 1 on June 07, 2023, 08:35:17 AMAdd 4.5 million to Mountain because of Alberta.

Alberta is in Canada, not the United States. Mind you, it's a very scenic part of Canada.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on June 07, 2023, 01:57:27 PM

Nowadays, when the major OTA networks promote non-live programs, they usually say 9pm/,8Pm CENTRAL. That Centtal time notation pretty much covers both the Central AND Mountain time zones as both are in the middle of the country and most markets in those zones start primetime at 7PM Instead of 8Pm.

.Eastern and western zones begin primetimes at 8PM

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on June 07, 2023, 02:00:17 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on June 07, 2023, 10:02:11 AM
Quote from: 1 on June 07, 2023, 08:35:17 AMAdd 4.5 million to Mountain because of Alberta.

Alberta is in Canada, not the United States. Mind you, it's a very scenic part of Canada.

I was under the impression that Canadians watch the same TV shows Americans do. I can think of two exceptions, neither of which applies here: US sports (which don't apply because they're live events and therefore occur simultaneously everywhere) and French speakers (which are in a different part of Canada).

Quote from: thenetwork on June 07, 2023, 01:57:27 PM
Nowadays, when the major OTA networks promote non-live programs, they usually say 9pm/,8Pm CENTRAL. That Centtal time notation pretty much covers both the Central AND Mountain time zones as both are in the middle of the country and most markets in those zones start primetime at 7PM Instead of 8Pm.

.Eastern and western zones begin primetimes at 8PM

"Central" is the name of a specific time zone. It doesn't just mean "the center of the US". Mountain Time is not Central Time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CoreySamson on June 07, 2023, 02:08:14 PM

Quote from: 1 on June 07, 2023, 02:00:17 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on June 07, 2023, 10:02:11 AM
Quote from: 1 on June 07, 2023, 08:35:17 AMAdd 4.5 million to Mountain because of Alberta.

Alberta is in Canada, not the United States. Mind you, it's a very scenic part of Canada.

I was under the impression that Canadians watch the same TV shows Americans do. I can think of two exceptions, neither of which applies here: US sports (which don't apply because they're live events and therefore occur simultaneously everywhere) and French speakers (which are in a different part of Canada).

Quote from: thenetwork on June 07, 2023, 01:57:27 PM
Nowadays, when the major OTA networks promote non-live programs, they usually say 9pm/,8Pm CENTRAL. That Centtal time notation pretty much covers both the Central AND Mountain time zones as both are in the middle of the country and most markets in those zones start primetime at 7PM Instead of 8Pm.

.Eastern and western zones begin primetimes at 8PM

"Central" is the name of a specific time zone. It doesn't just mean "the center of the US". Mountain Time is not Central Time.

Well, if you're going to add Alberta to Mountain time, you might as well add the other Canadian provinces to their respective time zones according to that logic.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on June 07, 2023, 02:48:18 PM

Quote from: 1 on June 07, 2023, 02:00:17 PM
I was under the impression that Canadians watch the same TV shows Americans do. I can think of two exceptions, neither of which applies here: US sports (which don't apply because they're live events and therefore occur simultaneously everywhere) and French speakers (which are in a different part of Canada).

True, but they are carried (and usually simulcast) on Canadian broadcast networks, not United States broadcast networks.

I also believe I was very specific when I stated U.S. Population, with U.S. being United States.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on June 07, 2023, 09:00:08 PM

Quote from: 1 on June 07, 2023, 02:00:17 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on June 07, 2023, 10:02:11 AM
Quote from: 1 on June 07, 2023, 08:35:17 AMAdd 4.5 million to Mountain because of Alberta.

Alberta is in Canada, not the United States. Mind you, it's a very scenic part of Canada.

I was under the impression that Canadians watch the same TV shows Americans do. I can think of two exceptions, neither of which applies here: US sports (which don't apply because they're live events and therefore occur simultaneously everywhere) and French speakers (which are in a different part of Canada).

Quote from: thenetwork on June 07, 2023, 01:57:27 PM
Nowadays, when the major OTA networks promote non-live programs, they usually say 9pm/,8Pm CENTRAL. That Centtal time notation pretty much covers both the Central AND Mountain time zones as both are in the middle of the country and most markets in those zones start primetime at 7PM Instead of 8Pm.

.Eastern and western zones begin primetimes at 8PM

"Central" is the name of a specific time zone. It doesn't just mean "the center of the US". Mountain Time is not Central Time.

For the purposes of prime time TV, Mountain and Central may as well be one, at least for viewers. Eastern and Central get one feed (hence things like "8/7 central"), while Mountain watches that feed on a one-hour tape delay. Only Pacific gets its own feed. So if you're in the Mountain Time Zone, whatever time is quoted for Central will also be your time thanks to the tape delay.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on June 07, 2023, 09:18:46 PM

^^There are exceptions such as when The Drew Carey Show did a live show, it was done 3 times.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on June 08, 2023, 07:38:32 AM

Quote from: Big John on June 07, 2023, 09:18:46 PM
^^There are exceptions such as when The Drew Carey Show did a live show, it was done 3 times.

I seem to recall something similar when the West Wing did a presidential debate between Santos and Vinick–it was a live episode and they did it twice. Wikipedia confirms that (and I kind of doubt someone would have reason to vandalize or fabricate that material). (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Debate_(The_West_Wing))

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on June 08, 2023, 12:52:39 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on June 08, 2023, 07:38:32 AM
Quote from: Big John on June 07, 2023, 09:18:46 PM
^^There are exceptions such as when The Drew Carey Show did a live show, it was done 3 times.

I seem to recall something similar when the West Wing did a presidential debate between Santos and Vinick–it was a live episode and they did it twice. Wikipedia confirms that (and I kind of doubt someone would have reason to vandalize or fabricate that material). (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Debate_(The_West_Wing))

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0745691/
https://westwing.fandom.com/wiki/The_Debate
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Debate_(The_West_Wing)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on June 08, 2023, 01:07:48 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on June 08, 2023, 12:52:39 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on June 08, 2023, 07:38:32 AM
Quote from: Big John on June 07, 2023, 09:18:46 PM
^^There are exceptions such as when The Drew Carey Show did a live show, it was done 3 times.

I seem to recall something similar when the West Wing did a presidential debate between Santos and Vinick–it was a live episode and they did it twice. Wikipedia confirms that (and I kind of doubt someone would have reason to vandalize or fabricate that material). (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Debate_(The_West_Wing))

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0745691/
https://westwing.fandom.com/wiki/The_Debate
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Debate_(The_West_Wing)

30 Rock also did two live shows over the course of its run, each performed twice, once for the east and once for the west, with small changes between them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on June 08, 2023, 03:26:36 PM

I'm old enough to remember when ER did a live ep.

The cool thing about the live 30 Rock eps is that they deliberately added small differences between the broadcasts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on June 10, 2023, 08:51:58 PM

The fact that I can no longer use my apartment as a sanctuary where I can pretend the rest of the world doesn't exist. There's a family across the courtyard that is on their balcony CONSTANTLY at all hours of the day, and their view from their balcony goes directly into my living room window. It's fairly random too, so I can't count on specific hours as being safe to have my blinds open without them looking at me. It all started a month ago; I don't know where they were the first month I was in my current apartment, whether they just moved in or were on a long vacation, but it's really annoying. I'm not sure what it is; the people in buildings 4, 5, and 6 don't use their balconies, but the people in buildings 2 and 3 do. Unfortunately the people who use them the very most (to the point where I think they could save some money by renting only the balcony and letting someone else rent their apartment!) are also in a prime position to stare at me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on June 10, 2023, 10:10:12 PM

Quote from: vdeane on June 10, 2023, 08:51:58 PM
The fact that I can no longer use my apartment as a sanctuary where I can pretend the rest of the world doesn't exist. There's a family across the courtyard that is on their balcony CONSTANTLY at all hours of the day, and their view from their balcony goes directly into my living room window. It's fairly random too, so I can't count on specific hours as being safe to have my blinds open without them looking at me. It all started a month ago; I don't know where they were the first month I was in my current apartment, whether they just moved in or were on a long vacation, but it's really annoying. I'm not sure what it is; the people in buildings 4, 5, and 6 don't use their balconies, but the people in buildings 2 and 3 do. Unfortunately the people who use them the very most (to the point where I think they could save some money by renting only the balcony and letting someone else rent their apartment!) are also in a prime position to stare at me.

When we moved into our rancher, we figured it would be a starter house. 22 years later, we're still here. One of the reasons why is there's only ranchers to the left and right of us, and no houses behind us. Because of the privacy fence, we can be in our backyard out of the view of all of our neighbors, especially at ground level.

So yeah, I get this. Even though they're probably not really caring what you're doing or even taking notice, just the thought that they could can be nerving, and reduces that privacy you enjoyed for so long.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on June 11, 2023, 06:45:09 AM

Why would people rent an apartment with a balcony if they never intended to use the balcony?

This seems like people who get a house near the airport and then complain about all the noise. Or buy a rural lot and build a dream home, only to complain that the century-old farm next door smells.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on June 11, 2023, 07:52:57 AM

Personally I've always thought courtyards are ugly, and being in view of a bunch of other apartments is another minus. I'll stick to outward-facing apartments.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: algorerhythms on June 11, 2023, 08:55:16 AM

Quote from: GaryV on June 11, 2023, 06:45:09 AM
Why would people rent an apartment with a balcony if they never intended to use the balcony?

This seems like people who get a house near the airport and then complain about all the noise. Or buy a rural lot and build a dream home, only to complain that the century-old farm next door smells.

I live in an apartment with a balcony. I put my plants out on the balcony but I don't use it for anything else, because the road my apartment is on is too loud to use the balcony. It's a 50 km/h speed limit road, but in Ontario that means the typical driver is doing at least 70 on it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on June 11, 2023, 12:10:24 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on June 10, 2023, 10:10:12 PMWhen we moved into our rancher, we figured it would be a starter house. 22 years later, we're still here. One of the reasons why is there's only ranchers to the left and right of us, and no houses behind us. Because of the privacy fence, we can be in our backyard out of the view of all of our neighbors, especially at ground level.

When my parents purchased their home in 1977, they had only intended to stay in it for a few years before moving to a better home. That... didn't quite work out, and in the 1980s, the fixed mortgage rates were around 12-18%. After my father passed, my mother kept the house until the move to Texas in early 2019. It was in a corner of Sacramento county where the only viable internet for several years was a DSL connection, plus many items such as entertainment, job, and such were at least 30 minutes away (thank you Sunrise Bridge in Fair Oaks).

This played a major factor when I relocated to North Dallas, Texas. I know I paid a price premium compared to other nearby areas. The closeness to work, shopping, and light rail stations to both downtown and the upcoming Silver Line make it all worth it, especially since I don't have to deal with the President George Bush Parking Lot during commute times as people transition to the almost-as-congested US-75. And, its also nice to be on the same circuit as the nearby medical center which means I have power no matter what. The bad part? My across-the-alley neighbor died on January 1st, and I think her Karin-type daughter is either moving on, or is preparing that home for sale.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on June 11, 2023, 03:26:30 PM

Quote from: GaryV on June 11, 2023, 06:45:09 AM
Why would people rent an apartment with a balcony if they never intended to use the balcony?

This seems like people who get a house near the airport and then complain about all the noise. Or buy a rural lot and build a dream home, only to complain that the century-old farm next door smells.

Look, I understand if people use them, it's the frequency and the randomness of when that's the big annoyance. This went from nothing to being a daily affair sometime in May, often most hours of the day. Even the smoke last week (which was bad enough that it was recommended to say inside if possible, with being outside a long time compared to smoking a pack of cigarettes) didn't dissuade them.

As for why buildings 2-3 use their balconies and buildings 4-6 don't? The balconies on building 4 face the parking lot rather than the courtyard (as well as other parts of building 4, due to how they're arranged), and are half the size of the ones on the other buildings (except building 10, which uses the same design and building 4). The ones I can see on buildings 5-6 also face the parking lot and have a prime view of that, as well as building 4 (quite possibly the ugliest building in the complex... one of my favorite things about living in building 4 is not having to look at it).

Also, balconies are fairly standard in higher-end apartments in this area. If you don't want one, you're probably looking at an older unit with coin-operated laundry, electric heat ranges with individual controls in each room (or controlled by the landlord), and a window-style AC unit shoved in the living room wall (which inevitably can't cool the apartment even close to evenly). I, on the other hand, live in a place where every unit has a central HVAC system and the renovated units on the 2nd and 3rd floors get in-unit laundry (building codes prevent the same for ground-floor units for some reason). Not to mention that going elsewhere would involve trade-offs that I don't want to make on location, cost, the availability of Verizon FiOS, and even things like smart locks (there's a complex off exit 5 that advertises them as a "feature" even though I want nothing to do with them).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on June 11, 2023, 04:26:32 PM

This whole aspect of reasonably feeling inconvenienced by other people's reasonable use of their amenities is one reason I feel there are severe limits to densification as a solution to housing shortages.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on June 11, 2023, 04:33:27 PM

Quote from: vdeane on June 10, 2023, 08:51:58 PM
The fact that I can no longer use my apartment as a sanctuary where I can pretend the rest of the world doesn't exist. There's a family across the courtyard that is on their balcony CONSTANTLY at all hours of the day, and their view from their balcony goes directly into my living room window. It's fairly random too, so I can't count on specific hours as being safe to have my blinds open without them looking at me. It all started a month ago; I don't know where they were the first month I was in my current apartment, whether they just moved in or were on a long vacation, but it's really annoying. I'm not sure what it is; the people in buildings 4, 5, and 6 don't use their balconies, but the people in buildings 2 and 3 do. Unfortunately the people who use them the very most (to the point where I think they could save some money by renting only the balcony and letting someone else rent their apartment!) are also in a prime position to stare at me.

I get it. I lived in a house owned by my mom while she lived in her late parents' house. She gave her then-boy toy permission to use my house as a playground for his junk trading activities and he totally abused it beyond all limits of reasonable human behavior. I felt like I lost that feeling of sanctuary too.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on June 11, 2023, 06:34:13 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on June 11, 2023, 04:26:32 PM
This whole aspect of reasonably feeling inconvenienced by other people's reasonable use of their amenities is one reason I feel there are severe limits to densification as a solution to housing shortages.

Higher density is a great solution to housing shortages. It puts a roof over more peoples' heads. "Feeling inconvenienced by other people's reasonable use of their amenities" is a massive upgrade in living situation for a sizeable portion of Americans.

If you don't want to be inconvenienced, you can buy a detached home with a larger lot. Can't afford it? (or, can't afford it in the area you want to live?) Tough. Feeling inconvienced is a trade-off that has to be made then.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on June 13, 2023, 03:59:07 AM

When a friend on Facebook asks you to be FB friend again. You automatically think he or she accidentally defriended you, so you accept only to find them more friendly to you than ever.

Then comes the kill. They ask you if you got your federal stimulus money or even one better, your Steve Harvey Foundation Money. Usually your so called friend had gotten their money and just happened to see your name on the list as their package arrived.

Then, of course you figured it out already, so you contact your friend in person to see if they're aware of their picture and all being used. Of course they have been informed and you tell them how their imposter is trying to con you in some way.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on June 13, 2023, 07:55:57 AM

^ Every week or two my wife comments, "Oh, xxx must have gotten hacked. I'm sure we already were FB friends."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on June 13, 2023, 11:08:49 AM

This happens to one of my mom's cousins ALL. THE. TIME. and she still feels the need to answer every question that's actually a social engineering exercise.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 13, 2023, 11:20:17 AM

Quote from: J N Winkler on May 06, 2023, 03:58:13 PM
I do not know of any restaurants around here (admittedly, a metropolitan area with population around 600,000) that point customers to QR codes in lieu of handing out menus. It surprises me a little that this is a thing even in large cities. Just a few years ago restaurants were blaming smartphones for ever-longer table turnaround times.

The first place I encountered this was Wichita Brewing Co. & Pizzeria.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 13, 2023, 11:32:22 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on May 12, 2023, 01:01:41 PM
Technically speaking, I am staying at a suburban hotel, not in downtown Sacramento. ... The cost of parking should be included in the hotel free, not as a surprise added fee. ... I'm on a Hilton property called Hampton Inn.

It shouldn't have been a surprise. It's right there on the front page of their website. I'm not sure exactly which one you're staying at, but here's the one on 65th Street.

(https://i.imgur.com/8DH3uVm.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on June 13, 2023, 11:32:58 AM

Sigh... why does this seem so wasteful?

AcuRite Wireless Rain Gauge with Indoor Digital Display (https://amzn.to/3PcOaCS) - $35.37
AcuRite Wireless Rain Gauge Collector (https://amzn.to/43XmBBS) by itself - $39.99

And only because I was replacing the batteries on the rain gauge collector and broke a tab.... sigh...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 13, 2023, 11:47:03 AM

Quote from: GaryV on June 11, 2023, 06:45:09 AM
Why would people rent an apartment with a balcony if they never intended to use the balcony?

Because the balcony . . . came with the apartment?

It's like asking why someone would buy a used car with Bluetooth connectivity if they never intend to use Bluetooth. Why? Because the car they liked already had it installed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on June 13, 2023, 12:01:18 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on June 13, 2023, 11:32:58 AM
Sigh... why does this seem so wasteful?

AcuRite Wireless Rain Gauge with Indoor Digital Display (https://amzn.to/3PcOaCS) - $35.37
AcuRite Wireless Rain Gauge Collector (https://amzn.to/43XmBBS) by itself - $39.99
And only because I was replacing the batteries on the rain gauge collector and broke a tab.... sigh...

It's the modern American way -- throw the whole thing out and buy a whole new one.

O/T: Manufacturers of these tchotchkes making a market of people needing useless information. "Customizable alarm notifies you with an audible beep once your set rainfall total has been reached." And then what? Do you go outside and shout to the heavens to stop raining? I thought rock bottom was the litter box that will notify you via smartphone app when your cat takes a dump, but I may have been premature.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on June 13, 2023, 12:01:46 PM

OK, maybe I should have worded it differently.

QuoteWhy would people rent an apartment with a balcony if they never were expected to use the balcony?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on June 13, 2023, 12:20:35 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on June 13, 2023, 03:59:07 AM
When a friend on Facebook asks you to be FB friend again. You automatically think he or she accidentally defriended you, so you accept only to find them more friendly to you than ever.

Then comes the kill. They ask you if you got your federal stimulus money or even one better, your Steve Harvey Foundation Money. Usually your so called friend had gotten their money and just happened to see your name on the list as their package arrived.

Then, of course you figured it out already, so you contact your friend in person to see if they're aware of their picture and all being used. Of course they have been informed and you tell them how their imposter is trying to con you in some way.

Wait...how many clues did it take before you finally figured out you were being conned?

Shouldn't you review your friends list to see if they're still a friend first? Seems like you are making yourself a prime target for getting hacked, and by doing so getting others on your friends list hacked also.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on June 13, 2023, 12:25:10 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on June 13, 2023, 12:01:18 PMO/T: Manufacturers of these tchotchkes making a market of people needing useless information. "Customizable alarm notifies you with an audible beep once your set rainfall total has been reached." And then what? Do you go outside and shout to the heavens to stop raining? I thought rock bottom was the litter box that will notify you via smartphone app when your cat takes a dump, but I may have been premature.

The only reason why I have a rain gage is because the rainfall count is going to vary widely across the DFW Metroplex, and the official rain totals are taken at the NWS Fort Worth site at the DFW International Airport. It doesn't matter to me how much rain falls, but since this is sold to both commercial and industrial customers, maybe if more than .50 inches of rain falls from a industrial sprinkler system is an alarm condition?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on June 13, 2023, 12:39:06 PM

This is by far my favorite scam email that I have received. No link was present.

QuoteHello Dear,

I am sorry to bother you and intrude your privacy. I am single, lonely and in need of a caring, loving and romantic companion.

I am a secret admirer and would like to explore the opportunity to learn more about each other. I know it is strange to contact you this way and I hope you can forgive me. I am a shy person and this is the only way I know I could get your attention. I just want to know what you think and my intention is not to offend you. I hope we can be friends if that is what you want, although I wish to be more than just a friend. I know you have a few questions to ask and I hope I can satisfy some of your curiosity with a few answers.

I believe in the saying that "To the world you are just one person, but to someone special you are the world".
All I want is love, romantic care and attention from a special companion which I am hoping would be you.

I hope this message will be the beginning of a long term communication between us. I will appreciate your reply to this message as it will make me very happy.

Hugs,

Your Secret Admirer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on June 13, 2023, 01:48:27 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on June 13, 2023, 12:20:35 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on June 13, 2023, 03:59:07 AM
When a friend on Facebook asks you to be FB friend again. You automatically think he or she accidentally defriended you, so you accept only to find them more friendly to you than ever.

Then comes the kill. They ask you if you got your federal stimulus money or even one better, your Steve Harvey Foundation Money. Usually your so called friend had gotten their money and just happened to see your name on the list as their package arrived.

Then, of course you figured it out already, so you contact your friend in person to see if they're aware of their picture and all being used. Of course they have been informed and you tell them how their imposter is trying to con you in some way.

Wait...how many clues did it take before you finally figured out you were being conned?

Shouldn't you review your friends list to see if they're still a friend first? Seems like you are making yourself a prime target for getting hacked, and by doing so getting others on your friends list hacked also.

I have a number of friends with more than one account, and each is legitimate.

Someone changed phones/numbers, someone's account got hacked and they had to create a new one, someone actually has two separate accounts for various reasons (personal vs. professional).

One thing that bothers me is the use of the term "hacked" when they actually mean "spoofed" or "cloned."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 13, 2023, 02:11:47 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on June 13, 2023, 01:48:27 PM
I have a number of friends with more than one account, and each is legitimate ... someone actually has two separate accounts for various reasons (personal vs. professional).

My own wife has two accounts, personal and business.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on June 13, 2023, 06:33:11 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on June 13, 2023, 01:48:27 PMOne thing that bothers me is the use of the term "hacked" when they actually mean "spoofed" or "cloned."

...or used a terrible password (or better yet, made the password known).

That's kind of like saying "my car got stolen, all I did was leave it running unattended in a public place with the keys inside"...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 13, 2023, 07:34:54 PM

Yeah, I wonder what the heck all of these people are doing to get their social media accounts "hacked". I've never had an account hacked, so far as I know. (I did have a webserver hacked once, but that's because I was dumb about file permissions. Once I fixed that issue I haven't had that problem again. But that's not a situation a "normal" person would ever find themselves in.)

I'm pretty sure some people are in the habit of saying their account got hacked as a way to deny responsibility for things they themselves did. "Oh, no, Julie, I didn't cuss you out and call your mother a steaming pile of Clearview, my account got hacked."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 13, 2023, 08:13:11 PM

Weird timing. My wife just had to post on Facebook that her sister's account had been hacked...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on June 13, 2023, 08:13:29 PM

Someone else got into my Minecraft account a few years ago... and changed the username (this can be done once per month, so I changed it back when I could) and player skin. It looked like whoever it was was using it as if it was their own account rather than trying to trash it. (That said, you can't really trash a Minecraft account, or at least you couldn't before the chat reporting "feature" introduced permanent bans.)

Nobody else has gotten into my other accounts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 13, 2023, 08:39:44 PM

The Mexican 100-peso bill.

I'm picky about facing paper money. I always un-dogear my bills and make sure they're all facing the same way in my wallet. I also sort them from highest to lowest denomination.

But the Mexican 100-peso bill was bothering me the whole time I was in Mexico last week. I'm sure they designed it this way on purpose, but I've been unable to settle on which orientation is "right". See below.

(https://i.imgur.com/QxiTFLu.jpg)

Of course, the obvious answer is that neither one is "right", and that it's supposed to be oriented 90Â° to the left from Option #1. But that doesn't help, because my wallet isn't oriented that way.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tchafe1978 on June 13, 2023, 11:34:22 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 13, 2023, 07:34:54 PM
Yeah, I wonder what the heck all of these people are doing to get their social media accounts "hacked". I've never had an account hacked, so far as I know. (I did have a webserver hacked once, but that's because I was dumb about file permissions. Once I fixed that issue I haven't had that problem again. But that's not a situation a "normal" person would ever find themselves in.)

I'm pretty sure some people are in the habit of saying their account got hacked as a way to deny responsibility for things they themselves did. "Oh, no, Julie, I didn't cuss you out and call your mother a steaming pile of Clearview, my account got hacked."

I think a lot of it has to do with privacy settings. Far too many people have their profile and all their posts set to public, so any old Tom, Dick, or Harry can come along and see all your posts, your profile, and all your info and easily steal it. I have many friends who have everything set to public and many times when they share something, the first "person" to comment is some scammer or spammer commenting "You win! Check my profile!" Of course if you're gullible enough you'll go to that profile thinking you've won something and comment or like something on that profile and you've given that profile access to your info. I don't know why nearly everyone, unless you're running a business page or something, keeps their profile set to private and their posts set to friends only, and have my settings so only friends of friends can send me friend requests. That's what I have and I almost never have a problem. The only annoying problem I've ever had was when I tried to do one of those Facebook Fundraisers for my birthday one year, and of course no one donated, but 5 years later, it's my only public post outside of my profile or cover photos. Every other day I have to bonk some random scammer profile that likes that particular post. But I never have a problem otherwise. I'd delete that post but for some reason, probably because it was a fundraiser post, there isn't an option to delete it or even make it friends only.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 13, 2023, 11:45:01 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 13, 2023, 08:39:44 PM
The Mexican 100-peso bill.

Wow, that is annoying. I shared your post with someone I used to work with as a cashier and she felt the same way. I would probably just go with option 2 with the "reverse" facing me, since large, easy to read numbers in the upper left corner is the most functional option for bills stored in a wallet.

A lot of currencies have been doing the "portrait orientation" thing because that's the orientation that bills are usually in when they're handed from one person to another, and often the way they're stored in money tills. But I feel like the solution to that isn't to make the bill all confusing to orient, it's to just accommodate for that with extra markings, like this:

(https://i.imgur.com/F6xSOI2.png)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on June 14, 2023, 01:47:55 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on June 13, 2023, 12:20:35 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on June 13, 2023, 03:59:07 AM
When a friend on Facebook asks you to be FB friend again. You automatically think he or she accidentally defriended you, so you accept only to find them more friendly to you than ever.

Then comes the kill. They ask you if you got your federal stimulus money or even one better, your Steve Harvey Foundation Money. Usually your so called friend had gotten their money and just happened to see your name on the list as their package arrived.

Then, of course you figured it out already, so you contact your friend in person to see if they’re aware of their picture and all being used. Of course they have been informed and you tell them how their imposter is trying to con you in some way.

Wait...how many clues did it take before you finally figured out you were being conned?

Shouldn't you review your friends list to see if they're still a friend first? Seems like you are making yourself a prime target for getting hacked, and by doing so getting others on your friends list hacked also.

At first it was the over friendliness. Then of course, asking for my password which I would never give out to anyone.

The second time it is the phrase “ I saw your name on the list, when I received my money” etc. Considering my best friend was number two, it wasn’t hard to piece that one together.

Another con is when you get a text saying “ Hello is Bill there? Or is Brian available?” You respond kindly to inform them they got the wrong number to only say that they’re sorry followed by “ Oh BTW I’m Megan or Shiela or some name” and try to start a conversation.

Any wrong texts I get now, I block instantly.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 14, 2023, 09:46:16 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on June 14, 2023, 01:47:55 AM
Another con is when you get a text saying " Hello is Bill there? Or is Brian available?" You respond kindly to inform them they got the wrong number to only say that they're sorry followed by " Oh BTW I'm Megan or Shiela or some name" and try to start a conversation.

My wife once answered a "wrong number" text message, and the other person started sending her naked pictures of (supposedly) herself. When my wife told her she was happily married to her husband, the pictures didn't immediately stop coming.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on June 14, 2023, 02:18:46 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 14, 2023, 09:46:16 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on June 14, 2023, 01:47:55 AM
Another con is when you get a text saying " Hello is Bill there? Or is Brian available?" You respond kindly to inform them they got the wrong number to only say that they're sorry followed by " Oh BTW I'm Megan or Shiela or some name" and try to start a conversation.

My wife once answered a "wrong number" text message, and the other person started sending her naked pictures of (supposedly) herself. When my wife told her she was happily married to her husband, the pictures didn't immediately stop coming.

What's worse is when a minor answers the text.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on June 14, 2023, 03:16:15 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 13, 2023, 08:39:44 PMI'm picky about facing paper money. I always un-dogear my bills and make sure they're all facing the same way in my wallet. I also sort them from highest to lowest denomination.

Same.

And option 1 is the correct answer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 15, 2023, 10:35:28 AM

When you poop, but then afterward you're only about 60% sure there isn't more to come out.

Wipe, or wait? Waste TP and run the risk of a clog, or just waste time sitting there for no reason?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on June 15, 2023, 11:43:43 AM

Probably depends where I'm headed post-BM. If I'm about to get in the car and drive to California, then I'll sit for a few more minutes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on June 15, 2023, 11:49:25 AM

FedEx and UPS drivers' refusal to knock on the door. I know they're trained not to spend time looking for the doorbell. But it's quite annoying when the FedEx driver leaves a perishable package on your stoop in direct sunlight and does nothing at all to let you know it arrived. Thankfully, I had the tracking page open and I refreshed it periodically, so the package only sat outside for about ten minutes and no harm was done (this time, at least).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 15, 2023, 11:56:02 AM

Some of the most common deliveries to our house are groceries (EveryPlate), whose cold pack can sweat through the cardboard, and bars of wax (my wife sells Scentsy), which can have the oils separate out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on June 15, 2023, 12:49:23 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on June 15, 2023, 11:49:25 AMFedEx and UPS drivers' refusal to knock on the door. I know they're trained not to spend time looking for the doorbell. But it's quite annoying when the FedEx driver leaves a perishable package on your stoop in direct sunlight and does nothing at all to let you know it arrived. Thankfully, I had the tracking page open and I refreshed it periodically, so the package only sat outside for about ten minutes and no harm was done (this time, at least).

It makes me wish there was a Alexa skill for both UPS and Fedex packages to announce when they arrive.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on June 15, 2023, 01:14:56 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on June 15, 2023, 12:49:23 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on June 15, 2023, 11:49:25 AMFedEx and UPS drivers' refusal to knock on the door. I know they're trained not to spend time looking for the doorbell. But it's quite annoying when the FedEx driver leaves a perishable package on your stoop in direct sunlight and does nothing at all to let you know it arrived. Thankfully, I had the tracking page open and I refreshed it periodically, so the package only sat outside for about ten minutes and no harm was done (this time, at least).

It makes me wish there was a Alexa skill for both UPS and Fedex packages to announce when they arrive.

You can sign up for text alerts with both companies and you'll get an alert shortly after the package arrives (usually).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on June 15, 2023, 01:15:55 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 15, 2023, 10:35:28 AM
When you poop, but then afterward you're only about 60% sure there isn't more to come out.

Wipe, or wait? Waste TP and run the risk of a clog, or just waste time sitting there for no reason?

Wipe, flush, and then continue to sit for a bit longer just to make sure.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Amaury on June 15, 2023, 01:37:23 PM

As soon as it's done charging since it was at 15%, I get to go through and manually readd my 44 contacts on my Android phone, because sometime overnight–and I went to bed around 4:30 AM–all of my contacts decided to just disappear from my phone, and I have literally no idea how or why it happened. They're still there if I go to my Google Contacts online, but I have tried everything to sync things and such, and nothing has worked. I've tried exporting the CSV file, but it won't let me choose it when choosing import from file on my phone, I have tried turning off both the overall sync option and the Contacts sync option and reenabling them, and I have tried restarting my phone. I've also manually performed a sync and checked for updates–there are currently no updates available as everything is up-to-date. Nothing has worked. The sync is working and not throwing any errors, it's just not syncing contacts to my device. They're not missing, as mentioned, they're still there. I just cannot get them on my phone. Messages and everything are all still there, just showing as numbers instead of the name of the person.

When I do finally get these manually readded, I'm going to have copies so this doesn't happen again. I'm going to have contacts on Google Contacts, as I do know, and also have them directly on my device. So frustrating.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 15, 2023, 02:54:44 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 13, 2023, 11:45:01 PM
A lot of currencies have been doing the "portrait orientation" thing because that's the orientation that bills are usually in when they're handed from one person to another, and often the way they're stored in money tills.

I'm not opposed to it in general. But, when they issued a portrait-orientation 200 MXN bill back in 2009, everything that was still landscape was at least the same landscape, so there was still a "right" way to face them in my wallet.

(https://www.joelscoins.com/images/mexicop129.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: gonealookin on June 15, 2023, 07:14:42 PM

My real name is My Name, and I have a Gmail account that is: myname@gmail.com.

There are other people in the United States named My Name. "My" is pretty common but fortunately "Name" has an odd spelling and is not common. I get e-mails pretty regularly addressed to "my.name@gmail.com", because Gmail ignores the period. I can't imagine the other My Names are giving out "my.name@gmail.com" as their own e-mail address. Do people just guess "I'm trying to reach My Name in Wisconsin so I'll take a shot at my.name@gmail.com?

Usually I just delete the e-mails manually. If I notice the same sender is sending them repeatedly (I'm looking at you, Ohio Republican Party) I set up a filter to automatically send those to the trash. One of these people did have an investment account though, and that company kept sending me his e-mails. It might have been tempting to click the "I forgot my password" link, but eventually and before I stupidly did that, I finally sent my own e-mail to customer service of that investment company telling them they probably ought to solve that issue.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on June 15, 2023, 08:37:58 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 13, 2023, 11:45:01 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 13, 2023, 08:39:44 PM
The Mexican 100-peso bill.

Wow, that is annoying. I shared your post with someone I used to work with as a cashier and she felt the same way. I would probably just go with option 2 with the "reverse" facing me, since large, easy to read numbers in the upper left corner is the most functional option for bills stored in a wallet.

A lot of currencies have been doing the "portrait orientation" thing because that's the orientation that bills are usually in when they're handed from one person to another, and often the way they're stored in money tills. But I feel like the solution to that isn't to make the bill all confusing to orient, it's to just accommodate for that with extra markings, like this:

(https://i.imgur.com/F6xSOI2.png)

Please tell me you put you initials somewhere hidden in that design, like Victor David Brennen.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on June 15, 2023, 09:02:36 PM

Quote from: formulanone on June 15, 2023, 08:37:58 PMPlease tell me you put you initials somewhere hidden in that design, like Victor David Brennen.

I like how he worked in the I-69 trident.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on June 15, 2023, 10:52:07 PM

Quote from: gonealookin on June 15, 2023, 07:14:42 PMMy real name is My Name, and I have a Gmail account that is: myname@gmail.com.

There are other people in the United States named My Name. "My" is pretty common but fortunately "Name" has an odd spelling and is not common. I get e-mails pretty regularly addressed to "my.name@gmail.com", because Gmail ignores the period. I can't imagine the other My Names are giving out "my.name@gmail.com" as their own e-mail address. Do people just guess "I'm trying to reach My Name in Wisconsin so I'll take a shot at my.name@gmail.com?

Usually I just delete the e-mails manually. If I notice the same sender is sending them repeatedly (I'm looking at you, Ohio Republican Party) I set up a filter to automatically send those to the trash. One of these people did have an investment account though, and that company kept sending me his e-mails. It might have been tempting to click the "I forgot my password" link, but eventually and before I stupidly did that, I finally sent my own e-mail to customer service of that investment company telling them they probably ought to solve that issue.

I have the same problem, with the added complication that the combination of first and last name is more common than it looks. I do use the form with period, however.

Since I nearly always give my email address in writing, I have a filter that sends emails without the period straight to trash. Periodically I go through them to hunt for unsubscribe links--I don't hesitate to use them even for email subscriptions others have set up (the less dross I have taking up my quota, even temporarily, the better). The ones that pass the filter usually come from recruiters, and when I've tried to ignore them, they follow up, so now I tell them straight out that they have the wrong person.

As for how these misdirected emails happen:

* Yes, I do suspect there is a certain amount of speculatively assuming a person is FirstName LastName at Gmail (with or without dot).

* Some people use others' email addresses as spamtraps. I find this has become far less common now that email verification has become the norm.

* One of my doubles has the middle initial D, which he uses in his email address where I have the period in mine. I hypothesize that when he says his email out loud, the "D" is sometimes heard as "dot."

* I think there may be a certain amount of resentment since I got my Gmail address back when they were available by invitation only and thus gazumphed all of the others with my first and last names who might have wanted to have my address. If I had to do it over again, I would think hard about using a username with a number in it, so that all of the "firstname lastname" guesses and spamtrap use bypass my inbox.

I don't often use password recovery to take over an account that is generating unwanted email. I last did so for Mebis, which is an online learning platform run by the state government in Bavaria, Germany. Someone from the Balkans named Deja Winkler had used my email with it, probably as a spamtrap. Every so often I would receive big bursts of email connected to what appeared to be a course in conversational English (ironically enough, given the subject matter, they were all in German). There was no unsubscribe link (no CAN-SPAM in Europe) and the sender was always identified as "(Person) Ã¼ber Mebis" with a no-reply address.

I recovered the password, changed it, and also changed the email associated with the account to a fictional address, which I was able to do because the server had no email verification. I checked Mebis just now and got a SSO login prompt, so it looks like they have cleaned up their security, which was frankly long overdue.

A year or two ago, someone tried to use my email address to set up an account that could commit money--I think it was for a crypto exchange of some kind. I got in touch with the site owners immediately and asked them not just to close that account, but also to take steps to prevent any others being opened with the same address.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 15, 2023, 10:59:18 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on June 15, 2023, 09:02:36 PM
Quote from: formulanone on June 15, 2023, 08:37:58 PMPlease tell me you put you initials somewhere hidden in that design, like Victor David Brennen.

I like how he worked in the I-69 trident.

I don't deserve any credit for the map portion; it's from Wikimedia Commons, and the only thing I added to it was I-49. The base map was made by SPUI and the I-69 trident was added by a user named Clorox.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on June 15, 2023, 11:11:25 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 15, 2023, 11:56:02 AM
(my wife sells Scentsy)

MLMs bother me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on June 16, 2023, 03:45:03 AM

I'm kind of bothered by the fact that common USA coins now are worth so little that they're essentially useless. Today, the most that I can buy with one quarter is 15 minutes of time from a downtown Appleton, WI parking meter or 7 minutes of time from a dryer and a nearby laundry that I often use. That laundry also now charges $3 and more to run an average load of laundry in their medium sized washers. C'mon guys, give us some coins (ie, 50Â¢, $1, $2, $5, etc) that we can actually USE in our everyday lives (and get rid of the even more useless pennies, nickels and dimes)!

:banghead:

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on June 16, 2023, 06:46:05 AM

Quote from: mgk920 on June 16, 2023, 03:45:03 AM
I'm kind of bothered by the fact that common USA coins now are worth so little that they're essentially useless. Today, the most that I can buy with one quarter is 15 minutes of time from a downtown Appleton, WI parking meter or 7 minutes of time from a dryer and a nearby laundry that I often use. That laundry also now charges $3 and more to run an average load of laundry in their medium sized washers. C'mon guys, give us some coins (ie, 50Â¢, $1, $2, $5, etc) that we can actually USE in our everyday lives (and get rid of the even more useless pennies, nickels and dimes)!

:banghead:

Mike

I fully agree. Other currencies that are roughly equivalent to our dollar (or cents for the case of yen):
Canada: rounds to nearest 5Â¢, largest coin $2
Australia: rounds to nearest 5Â¢, largest coin $2
New Zealand: rounds to nearest 10Â¢, largest coin $2 (although their dollar is only about 2/3 of ours)
Euro: rounding depends on country (was 0,10€ in Paris, but some places don't round at all), largest coin 2€
UK: no rounding, largest coin Â£2
Switzerland: rounds to nearest 0.05 Fr., largest coin 5 Fr.
Japan: no rounding that I know of, largest coin Â¥500

That said, there are some countries (India and Russia among them) where their highest coin is less than our quarter.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on June 16, 2023, 07:53:16 AM

Here in Spain we don't round, although I decided not to carry any coin smaller than 0.05€.

Fun fact: Back when the Spanish Peseta existed, the highest coin was 500 Pesetas, which was actually higher than the current highest Euro coin (just over 3€).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on June 16, 2023, 08:32:15 AM

In Virginia, we don't register to vote by political party. I'm not registered with any party, and in general elections I've voted for members of both major parties over the years as well as the occasional third-party candidate or independent. We can vote in any party's primary should we wish to do so (but not in more than one primary per election), and I've voted in both major parties' primaries at various times over the years, usually because there is a particular candidate I want to see defeated.

So for some reason, the Democrats have decided I welcome their text messages (I don't, and I never signed up for political crap from any party). My phone has been blowing up non-stop with unsolicited and unwanted Democrap over the past couple of weeks. There seems to be no way to stop it, either, short of getting a new mobile number (which I don't want to do since I've had this number since 1999 and any new number would likely have the wrong area code). I delete it all, report the senders as junk, and block the senders, but of course they just send more using different numbers. I'm reluctant to activate the feature that allows text messages only from known senders in your contact list because that would block important stuff like two-factor authentication messages from the bank or the credit card issuers. I suppose, to some extent, this is a form of the issue in the thread about going back to a simpler time, but it's not quite the same–I think it kind of underscores that every new technology winds up being used as a method of harassment. We've all received junk mail for years. E-mail then fell victim to spam, spoofs, phishing scams, etc. The telephone fell victim to constant robocalls. Now text messages are turning into constant spam.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on June 16, 2023, 08:36:43 AM

If it's automated, typing STOP requires them to stop by law.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on June 16, 2023, 08:48:41 AM

I live right at the southern border of Collin County, Texas near the George Bush Tollway. Since 3 PM yesterday afternoon until 7 AM this morning, I have received:

1 Severe Thunderstorm Watch (issued at the county level)
1 Tornado Watch (issued at the county level)
11 Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
2 Tornado Warnings

I live right at the southern edge of the Collin County, Texas. The S.A.M.E. location code for my county is 048085, which means that anything that covers a slight portion of Collin county triggers an alert on my weather radio. Of the 13 warnings issued last night, the two tornado warnings were on the north side of the county, and only 2 of the 11 Thunderstorm warnings covered my specific area. It also has meant that I got very little sleep last night.

Of course, I look at the warnings as follows:

Severe Thunderstorm Watch - Play closer attention to the weather forecasts, start charging the devices.
Tornado Watch - Prepare the tornado kit and the shelter room (aka the center bathroom). Thank goodness I have a 12 pack of bottled water and hard hats under the sinks.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning - Mark sure blankets and pillows are in place. Make sure all doors are LOCKED, especially the patio doors.
Tornado Warning - Close the doors, the grab the cat before he runs away, head to the shelter room.

I suspect this is much more preparation that some of my neighbors do.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on June 16, 2023, 08:53:30 AM

Quote from: 1 on June 16, 2023, 08:36:43 AM
If it's automated, typing STOP requires them to stop by law.

Doesn't mean that works, though. More often that not it seems like doing that just leads to even more spam.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on June 16, 2023, 09:07:48 AM

I feel like you might be getting someone pretending to be the Democratic party hoping that getting a whole bunch of spam texts would move the recipient away from it. Actual campaigns of both parties, while they often constantly email/text you (after subscribing, not on their own!), follow laws regarding opting out and don't text from multiple numbers after being blocked multiple times.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 16, 2023, 09:55:13 AM

Quote from: kphoger on June 13, 2023, 08:13:11 PM
Weird timing. My wife just had to post on Facebook that her sister's account had been hacked...

The hacker has since deleted my wife's post about the account being hacked, changed the name associated with the account, changed the location to somewhere in England–and then, two days later, PMed my wife with "what's up?" or something like that.

My wife replied, "nothing, what's up with you?". ;-)

Then the hacker asked her to confirm her phone number. :pan:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on June 16, 2023, 09:56:38 AM

Quote from: 1 on June 16, 2023, 09:07:48 AM
I feel like you might be getting someone pretending to be the Democratic party hoping that getting a whole bunch of spam texts would move the recipient away from it. Actual campaigns of both parties, while they often constantly email/text you (after subscribing, not on their own!), follow laws regarding opting out and don't text from multiple numbers after being blocked multiple times.

Might be. For obvious reasons, I don't click on any of their links. Actually, I don't bother to view most of the messages except insofar as I might need to open one to block the sender.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on June 16, 2023, 10:09:09 AM

Getting a loud late-night Amber alert from an incident in Milwaukee, over 100 miles away.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 16, 2023, 10:16:45 AM

Quote from: Big John on June 16, 2023, 10:09:09 AM
Getting a loud late-night Amber alert from an incident in Milwaukee, over 100 miles away.

Every time I hear this kind of thing, it makes be glad I've never subscribed to any alerts on any device I've ever owned.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on June 16, 2023, 10:18:47 AM

Quote from: kphoger on June 16, 2023, 10:16:45 AM
Quote from: Big John on June 16, 2023, 10:09:09 AM
Getting a loud late-night Amber alert from an incident in Milwaukee, over 100 miles away.

Every time I hear this kind of thing, it makes be glad I've never subscribed to any alerts on any device I've ever owned.

You don't actually subscribe to them. If I'm not mistaken, you can unsubscribe though.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on June 16, 2023, 10:20:43 AM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on June 16, 2023, 10:18:47 AM
Quote from: kphoger on June 16, 2023, 10:16:45 AM
Quote from: Big John on June 16, 2023, 10:09:09 AM
Getting a loud late-night Amber alert from an incident in Milwaukee, over 100 miles away.

Every time I hear this kind of thing, it makes be glad I've never subscribed to any alerts on any device I've ever owned.

You don't actually subscribe to them. If I'm not mistaken, you can unsubscribe though.

We turned them off after an amber alert caused our phones to go off at around 3:00 AM when we were stopped for the night at a hotel in Port Wentworth, Georgia, such that we had no idea where they were talking about anyway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on June 16, 2023, 10:21:26 AM

Quote from: kphoger on June 16, 2023, 10:16:45 AM
Quote from: Big John on June 16, 2023, 10:09:09 AM
Getting a loud late-night Amber alert from an incident in Milwaukee, over 100 miles away.

Every time I hear this kind of thing, it makes be glad I've never subscribed to any alerts on any device I've ever owned.

They're on by default on my iPhone, but I turned them off.

However, the COVID exposure notification (for if I had come in contact with someone who got COVID and then pressed the button on the phone to say they got it) was opt-in, not opt-out, I opted in, and I never received anything. They've since discontinued it. Interestingly, in early-mid 2020, I got four emergency notifications regarding various towns having high COVID rates, and none of those four times was I in the town listed. One of them was where I live, but I was on a walk and in an adjacent town at the time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on June 16, 2023, 10:41:58 AM

Wisconsin does not register voters by party, either. :nod:

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on June 16, 2023, 12:03:59 PM

Quote from: LilianaUwU on June 15, 2023, 11:11:25 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 15, 2023, 11:56:02 AM
(my wife sells Scentsy)

MLMs bother me.

Me too, but you know what they say about fools and their money (Mrs. kphoger excluded, natch).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 16, 2023, 12:25:18 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on June 16, 2023, 12:03:59 PM

Quote from: LilianaUwU on June 15, 2023, 11:11:25 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 15, 2023, 11:56:02 AM
(my wife sells Scentsy)

MLMs bother me.

Me too, but you know what they say about fools and their money (Mrs. kphoger excluded, natch).

She isn't losing money, if that's what people are implying. It's income.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on June 16, 2023, 12:30:11 PM

Regarding smartphone alerts: AIUI, there are some classes that can be unsubscribed from, such as Amber Alerts, and others that cannot, such as Presidential Alerts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on June 16, 2023, 12:32:03 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 16, 2023, 12:25:18 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on June 16, 2023, 12:03:59 PM

Quote from: LilianaUwU on June 15, 2023, 11:11:25 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 15, 2023, 11:56:02 AM
(my wife sells Scentsy)

MLMs bother me.

Me too, but you know what they say about fools and their money (Mrs. kphoger excluded, natch).

She isn't losing money, if that's what people are implying. It's income.

I wasn't implying anything about your wife.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on June 16, 2023, 01:37:34 PM

Quote from: Big John on June 16, 2023, 10:09:09 AMGetting a loud late-night Amber alert from an incident in Milwaukee, over 100 miles away.

You can go into "Wireless emergency alerts" and disable "Amber Alerts". I still keep "Extreme Alerts" (last used March 21, 2022 (https://markholtz.info/20220321tornado)) and "Severe Alerts" (last used March 2, 2023 (https://markholtz.info/20230302thunderstorm)) active because of the weather here in Texas and the time critical nature of getting into a "safe room". But, yeah, getting a statewide Amber alert from Buda, Texas in the middle of the night... :-(

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: skluth on June 16, 2023, 04:22:54 PM

Quote from: 1 on June 16, 2023, 06:46:05 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on June 16, 2023, 03:45:03 AM
I'm kind of bothered by the fact that common USA coins now are worth so little that they're essentially useless. Today, the most that I can buy with one quarter is 15 minutes of time from a downtown Appleton, WI parking meter or 7 minutes of time from a dryer and a nearby laundry that I often use. That laundry also now charges $3 and more to run an average load of laundry in their medium sized washers. C'mon guys, give us some coins (ie, 50Â¢, $1, $2, $5, etc) that we can actually USE in our everyday lives (and get rid of the even more useless pennies, nickels and dimes)!

:banghead:

Mike

I fully agree. Other currencies that are roughly equivalent to our dollar (or cents for the case of yen):
Canada: rounds to nearest 5Â¢, largest coin $2
Australia: rounds to nearest 5Â¢, largest coin $2
New Zealand: rounds to nearest 10Â¢, largest coin $2 (although their dollar is only about 2/3 of ours)
Euro: rounding depends on country (was 0,10€ in Paris, but some places don't round at all), largest coin 2€
UK: no rounding, largest coin Â£2
Switzerland: rounds to nearest 0.05 Fr., largest coin 5 Fr.
Japan: no rounding that I know of, largest coin Â¥500

That said, there are some countries (India and Russia among them) where their highest coin is less than our quarter.

There's a bunch of idiots who are forcing Americans to keep small coins. The penny should been phased out a couple decades ago (the copper within costs more than 1Â¢ (https://www.thoughtco.com/the-copper-penny-is-worth-more-than-one-cent-809218)). The nickel should probably go too though I'd prefer if they got rid of dimes instead because they're so tiny which I find annoying. That way we could have $1 and $2 coins in regular circulation because cash registers wouldn't need those bins for pennies and nickels (or dimes).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 16, 2023, 04:35:31 PM

Mexico currently issues coins down to 10Â¢ (equivalent to one-half US cent), but I'm not sure I've ever seen more than one or two coins in real life that were of a lower denomination than 50Â¢ (equivalent to 2 or 3 US cents). Gas station pump jockeys round to the nearest peso (equivalent to a US nickel), and a lot of grocery stores also ask if you'd like to round up and donate the rest to charity.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 16, 2023, 06:03:45 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on June 16, 2023, 08:48:41 AM
Of course, I look at the warnings as follows:

Severe Thunderstorm Watch - Play closer attention to the weather forecasts, start charging the devices.
Tornado Watch - Prepare the tornado kit and the shelter room (aka the center bathroom). Thank goodness I have a 12 pack of bottled water and hard hats under the sinks.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning - Mark sure blankets and pillows are in place. Make sure all doors are LOCKED, especially the patio doors.
Tornado Warning - Close the doors, the grab the cat before he runs away, head to the shelter room.
I suspect this is much more preparation that some of my neighbors do.

As someone with 32 years of living in Oklahoma under my belt:

Severe Thunderstorm Watch - no-op
Tornado Watch - Pay closer attention to the weather forecasts, start charging the devices. How much attention depends on the convective outlook: "marginal" is taken with far less seriousness than "slight" or "enhanced". "Moderate" or "high" is a "cancel all my plans" situation. I will also make an extra data backup to the cloud on "moderate" or "high" days, just in case the sky decides it would be better if my computer were forcibly relocated to Shawnee.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning - Don't go outside until the storm passes, and save work to disk more regularly than usual to guard against a power blip (unfortunately my UPS died years ago and I haven't been able to afford a replacement). If it's Friday, bring in the trash/recycling bins so they don't blow away or fill up with rainwater. (When I worked at the casino, I would go about getting permission to go out and move my car into the customer parking garage to avoid hail damage. Now that I work from home, my car is always garaged when not in use.)
Tornado Warning - When the first Oklahoma tornado warnings are issued, I begin pulling Doppler data direct from TLX (the local NWS Doppler) and parsing warning texts for exact wording: the words "radar indicated rotation" mostly tells me that someone over on Highway 9 wanted to share something fun they saw on velocity data, but "spotter confirmed tornado" and "particularly dangerous situation" get the adrenaline pumping. However, Cleveland County, where I live, is roughly shaped like a right triangle, with Norman along its hypotenuse, so many storms that trigger a tornado warning for Cleveland County don't actually threaten my part of Norman. Most Oklahoma tornadoes follow a SW-to-NE path, so if the tornado is headed for Moore or Lexington it is very unlikely to affect me.
Tornado siren sounding - This is what triggers the actual emergency response out of me, because Norman is quite good at only sounding sirens when a real threat to the city is present. This is when the cats will be corralled into their carriers in preparation for going to our underground tornado shelter. However, because Norman covers such a large area (and because the shelter gets uncomfortably hot with 2 humans, 2 cats, and a dog in it), whether we actually take shelter will depend a lot on where, exactly, the hook echo is. I will generally only take shelter if the storm tracks given by broadcast media show a reasonable chance of the storm approaching my area.

Even this is seen as overdoing it by some fellow Plains residents. My dad, for instance, takes a tornado warning as a cue to go out back and look at the clouds, and only takes shelter when he sees a funnel. (This approach is definitely not recommended.) In another thread on the forum a while back, a member was asking about a possible trip to the plains in the springtime, and my suggestion of carrying a NOAA weather radio and parking on the east side of buildings to avoid hail damage from storms coming out of the southwest was seen as a bit over the top. (In my defense, since I knew the traveler was from a different region of the country, I figured it would be better to advise him to overprepare rather than underprepare, since knowing which corners to cut on preparedness is informed by knowledge of the typical local geography and weather patterns, which a traveler would not have. For example, someone in Central Oklahoma knows to pay particular attention to the conditions in Comanche County, as supercells that form in this area typically follow the I-44 corridor into the OKC metro, by which point they have often grown into extremely violent storms.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 16, 2023, 06:13:49 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 16, 2023, 06:03:45 PM
My dad, for instance, takes a tornado warning as a cue to go out back and look at the clouds, and only takes shelter when he sees a funnel.

This is pretty much how it was for me growing up. When a tornado warning was issued, we could pretty much count on all our neighbors being outside looking at the sky and chatting. I had the advantage of living in a town that's located in a valley, but still.

For us, a tornado warning is our cue to adjust the rabbit ears and try and find the input for the digital converter, so we can watch live weather news. We usually head to the basement when the sirens go off, especially now that a tornado anywhere in the county doesn't automatically trigger all the sirens in the county. Before that, it was irritating for there to be a tornado 25 miles away whose path didn't threaten our neighborhood, yet the sirens were all sounding here. (Wichita is at the east end of the county.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 16, 2023, 06:19:00 PM

Of course, the "look for the funnel" approach is usually not the best idea because a tornado can be rain-wrapped, occur at night, touch down closer to you than you have time to react to, etc. It also is not all that useful in places with a horizon obstructed by trees, buildings, etc.

Sometimes I worry that my "look for the hook echo on the weather map" approach is just a high-tech version of the same, but even with the more granular approach to tornado sirens that Norman has implemented recently, if I went in the shelter every time the siren went off, I would have spent far more time than is necessary down there.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on June 16, 2023, 06:28:45 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 16, 2023, 06:03:45 PM
My dad, for instance, takes a tornado warning as a cue to go out back and look at the clouds, and only takes shelter when he sees a funnel.

That was the company policy when I worked for Chrysler. They'd send a security guard to the roof, and he'd announce when a funnel cloud was headed our way. Assuming he didn't get blown off the 15th floor first.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 16, 2023, 06:41:50 PM

Quote from: GaryV on June 16, 2023, 06:28:45 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 16, 2023, 06:03:45 PM
My dad, for instance, takes a tornado warning as a cue to go out back and look at the clouds, and only takes shelter when he sees a funnel.
That was the company policy when I worked for Chrysler. They'd send a security guard to the roof, and he'd announce when a funnel cloud was headed our way. Assuming he didn't get blown off the 15th floor first.

This explains a lot about the Chrysler I drove . . .

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on June 16, 2023, 08:47:43 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 15, 2023, 10:35:28 AM
When you poop, but then afterward you're only about 60% sure there isn't more to come out.

Wipe, or wait? Waste TP and run the risk of a clog, or just waste time sitting there for no reason?

This has been escalated to a major thing that bothers me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on June 16, 2023, 09:10:32 PM

The fact that location services are wonky on hotel internet. Google gets it right, but for some reason the weather applet on my taskbar always has some faraway place. The most recent has Philadelphia instead of Pittsburgh, which isn't too bad, but it's more often something like Kentucky instead of Syracuse. I end up having to manually set the location every time, negating (most - it works correctly at home and when visiting my parents) the advantage of having it automatically get the location.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on June 16, 2023, 09:18:41 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 16, 2023, 06:03:45 PMEven this is seen as overdoing it by some fellow Plains residents. My dad, for instance, takes a tornado warning as a cue to go out back and look at the clouds, and only takes shelter when he sees a funnel. (This approach is definitely not recommended.)

Shrug. This coward has obstructed views from his backyard, and really doesn't know what to look for and where. That's what the YouTube storm spotters are for. I also really can't hear the severe weather sirens inside my home unless I know what I'm paying attention for. I'd rather cower in my bathroom and respect the tornado rather than be impacted by wind-driven debris.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 16, 2023, 09:32:29 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on June 16, 2023, 09:18:41 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 16, 2023, 06:03:45 PMEven this is seen as overdoing it by some fellow Plains residents. My dad, for instance, takes a tornado warning as a cue to go out back and look at the clouds, and only takes shelter when he sees a funnel. (This approach is definitely not recommended.)

Shrug. This coward has obstructed views from his backyard, and really doesn't know what to look for and where. That's what the YouTube storm spotters are for. I also really can't hear the severe weather sirens inside my home unless I know what I'm paying attention for. I'd rather cower in my bathroom and respect the tornado rather than be impacted by wind-driven debris.

Which is probably smarter than what my dad does, especially if you don't mind the opportunity cost of sheltering when it's not truly necessary.

Given that you're going to be in Texas for the long term and your background in technology, I think you might find taking the time to learn how to spot a likely tornado on Doppler radar (at least on reflectivity and velocity) to be well spent. YouTube has many videos of Oklahoma City meteorologists covering tornado outbreaks that can be very instructive. I know Gary England's coverage of the May 20, 2013 Moore tornado is available, for instance.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on June 16, 2023, 10:38:46 PM

Hook echo for the win.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on June 17, 2023, 12:15:38 AM

Re: Open primaries. I hate them. I'm glad Kentucky does not have them. I don't want members of the other party attempting to choose my party's nominee. If you want to participate in a primary, you should be a member of that party.

Re: Warning on cell phones. Mine are turned off. All of them. A couple of weeks ago, an Amber Alert was issued for south-central Kentucky. It went out statewide. People in my area were complaining and not happy that they'd been woken up at 2:30 a.m. for something that happened three hours away.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on June 17, 2023, 09:01:03 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 16, 2023, 09:32:29 PMGiven that you're going to be in Texas for the long term and your background in technology, I think you might find taking the time to learn how to spot a likely tornado on Doppler radar (at least on reflectivity and velocity) to be well spent. YouTube has many videos of Oklahoma City meteorologists covering tornado outbreaks that can be very instructive. I know Gary England's coverage of the May 20, 2013 Moore tornado is available, for instance.

That, and attending the annual Skywarn classes offered by the NWS at the beginning of the year. The pre-Covid January 18, 2020 class that I attended had a very detailed "what happened" on October 20th, 2019 tornado (https://markholtz.info/20191020tornado) that hit the DFW area. Of special concern was the fact that the Dallas Cowboys were hosting the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football. The local NBC affiliate received a ton of heat for not broadcasting a warning until a Commercial break.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on June 17, 2023, 09:04:43 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on June 17, 2023, 09:01:03 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 16, 2023, 09:32:29 PMGiven that you're going to be in Texas for the long term and your background in technology, I think you might find taking the time to learn how to spot a likely tornado on Doppler radar (at least on reflectivity and velocity) to be well spent. YouTube has many videos of Oklahoma City meteorologists covering tornado outbreaks that can be very instructive. I know Gary England's coverage of the May 20, 2013 Moore tornado is available, for instance.

That, and attending the annual Skywarn classes offered by the NWS at the beginning of the year. The pre-Covid January 18, 2020 class that I attended had a very detailed "what happened" on October 20th, 2019 tornado (https://markholtz.info/20191020tornado) that hit the DFW area. Of special concern was the fact that the Dallas Cowboys were hosting the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football. The local NBC affiliate received a ton of heat for not broadcasting a warning until a Commercial break.

Fond memories of that game. Unfortunately the rest of the season was a trainwreck.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on June 17, 2023, 09:08:21 AM

I know of at least five businesses within 5 miles of my apartment that include the word D'[name], where [name] begins with a consonant (and not an H). That's not how those languages work.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on June 17, 2023, 11:08:31 AM

Quote from: skluth on June 16, 2023, 04:22:54 PM
Quote from: 1 on June 16, 2023, 06:46:05 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on June 16, 2023, 03:45:03 AM
I'm kind of bothered by the fact that common USA coins now are worth so little that they're essentially useless. Today, the most that I can buy with one quarter is 15 minutes of time from a downtown Appleton, WI parking meter or 7 minutes of time from a dryer and a nearby laundry that I often use. That laundry also now charges $3 and more to run an average load of laundry in their medium sized washers. C'mon guys, give us some coins (ie, 50Â¢, $1, $2, $5, etc) that we can actually USE in our everyday lives (and get rid of the even more useless pennies, nickels and dimes)!

:banghead:

Mike

I fully agree. Other currencies that are roughly equivalent to our dollar (or cents for the case of yen):
Canada: rounds to nearest 5Â¢, largest coin $2
Australia: rounds to nearest 5Â¢, largest coin $2
New Zealand: rounds to nearest 10Â¢, largest coin $2 (although their dollar is only about 2/3 of ours)
Euro: rounding depends on country (was 0,10€ in Paris, but some places don't round at all), largest coin 2€
UK: no rounding, largest coin Â£2
Switzerland: rounds to nearest 0.05 Fr., largest coin 5 Fr.
Japan: no rounding that I know of, largest coin Â¥500

That said, there are some countries (India and Russia among them) where their highest coin is less than our quarter.

There's a bunch of idiots who are forcing Americans to keep small coins. The penny should been phased out a couple decades ago (the copper within costs more than 1Â¢ (https://www.thoughtco.com/the-copper-penny-is-worth-more-than-one-cent-809218)). The nickel should probably go too though I'd prefer if they got rid of dimes instead because they're so tiny which I find annoying. That way we could have $1 and $2 coins in regular circulation because cash registers wouldn't need those bins for pennies and nickels (or dimes).

According to the latest figures in https://www.usacoinbook.com/ (sub-link is near the top of the menu list on the left), USA Nickels (5Â¢ coins) have a 'melt (metal)' value of of over 5Â¢ each (5.85Â¢ each). Pennies (1Â¢ coins) have a 'melt' value of 0.62Â¢ each (post late 1982 'Zincolns') and 2.58Â¢ each (pre late 1982 bronze composition). They are clearly uneconomical to make and handle. Production costs are not included and include such things as labor, energy, transportation, depreciation on the equipment, etc, for the USA's Treasury department. IMHO, changes (no pun intended) here are badly needed.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 17, 2023, 11:22:43 AM

The Mexican 10Â¢, 20Â¢, and 50Â¢ coins are now made from the punched-out holes of the $1, $2, and $5 coins respectively–which helps offset the cost of production.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/0b/Banco_de_M%C3%A9xico_C_%241_reverse.png/53px-Banco_de_M%C3%A9xico_C_%241_reverse.png) (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c8/Banco_de_M%C3%A9xico_D_10_centavos_reverse.png/35px-Banco_de_M%C3%A9xico_D_10_centavos_reverse.png)

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/f4/Banco_de_M%C3%A9xico_C_%242_reverse.png/58px-Banco_de_M%C3%A9xico_C_%242_reverse.png) (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/cb/Banco_de_M%C3%A9xico_D_20_centavos_reverse.png/38px-Banco_de_M%C3%A9xico_D_20_centavos_reverse.png)

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/81/Banco_de_M%C3%A9xico_C_%245_reverse.png/64px-Banco_de_M%C3%A9xico_C_%245_reverse.png) (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/8f/Banco_de_M%C3%A9xico_D_50_centavos_reverse.png/43px-Banco_de_M%C3%A9xico_D_50_centavos_reverse.png)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on June 17, 2023, 03:22:00 PM

Quote from: 1 on June 17, 2023, 09:08:21 AM
I know of at least five businesses within 5 miles of my apartment that include the word D'[name], where [name] begins with a consonant (and not an H). That's not how those languages work.

There was a place near me, since closed down, called Le Petite Café. Drove me nuts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on June 17, 2023, 04:08:05 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on June 17, 2023, 11:08:31 AM
According to the latest figures in https://www.usacoinbook.com/ (sub-link is near the top of the menu list on the left), USA Nickels (5Â¢ coins) have a 'melt (metal)' value of of over 5Â¢ each (5.85Â¢ each). Pennies (1Â¢ coins) have a 'melt' value of 0.62Â¢ each (post late 1982 'Zincolns') and 2.58Â¢ each (pre late 1982 bronze composition). They are clearly uneconomical to make and handle. Production costs are not included and include such things as labor, energy, transportation, depreciation on the equipment, etc, for the USA's Treasury department. IMHO, changes (no pun intended) here are badly needed.

When the half-cent coin was withdrawn in 1857, it had a value in 2023 money of somewhere in the range of 18 cents. That seems to me a good baseline. So, from that perspective, we should get rid of the penny, the nickel, and the dime, and perhaps maybe the quarter. Although if hat happened, it'd probably be wise for the half dollar to become more common.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: algorerhythms on June 17, 2023, 05:01:25 PM

If I were dictator of "˜Merica:

1) Get rid of the penny and the nickel
2) Prices would be listed to the tenth of a dollar, not hundredth
3) Replace the quarter with a revived half dollar
4) Replace the dollar bill with the dollar coin, introduce a $2 coin
5) Screw it, let's go metric.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on June 17, 2023, 06:16:50 PM

Quote from: algorerhythms on June 17, 2023, 05:01:25 PM
If I were dictator of "˜Merica:

2) Prices would be listed to the tenth of a dollar, not hundredth

Except for gas, which would go to the nearest penny instead of tenth of a penny. :-D

Quote from: algorerhythms on June 17, 2023, 05:01:25 PM
5) Screw it, let's go metric.

Dem's fightin' words, but in this case, I'd be fightin' on your side.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 17, 2023, 07:09:50 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on June 17, 2023, 09:01:03 AM
Of special concern was the fact that the Dallas Cowboys were hosting the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football. The local NBC affiliate received a ton of heat for not broadcasting a warning until a Commercial break.

That strikes me as very unusual. Here, it seems to be the case that the chief meteorologist has the authority to commandeer the entire station if they deem the weather to be bad enough (which is normally only tornadic storms, although I have seen particularly bad hailstorms used as justification). You can often see them making orders that a television director would normally be making (things like telling the control room to put so-and-so's video feed up on the screen, or switch to showing Doppler graphics, or bossing the anchors around). They are not shy about preempting an entire evening of prime time television in favor of wall-to-wall weather coverage, if warranted. The preempted programming is then usually run at 1am instead, so that if anyone wants to watch it they can program something to record it for later viewing.

If the weather is bad enough that a notification is needed, but not bad enough to justify programming interruptions (this is usually the case for severe T-storms), then a map of the state is superimposed over a corner of the screen with counties shaded according to warning levels, and a ticker periodically runs giving updates. My parents have a decent number of VHS tapes where they recorded some movie or other program, and weather warnings are present during most of the recording. If needed, the meteorologist will do a brief update during the commercial break.

Oklahoma may not be good at very many things, but our media's weather coverage is gold standard. I've read horror stories from Oklahomans caught in severe weather when traveling who were aghast at how shoddy tornado coverage is elsewhere by comparison. The expectation here is that a meteorologist should be to be able to pinpoint the location of a tornado down to the exact street intersection and provide a timetable to the minute for when it is likely to arrive at specific towns or neighborhoods. That capability seems to be lacking anywhere else. (One meteorologist in particular here, David Payne, will even go out on a limb and do things like declare his own tornado warnings before NWS does and estimate EF ratings on still-active storms. I think that's probably a bit much and he's gonna get himself in trouble some day doing that, but that's how confident he is in the tools at his disposal.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on June 17, 2023, 07:27:00 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on June 17, 2023, 04:08:05 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on June 17, 2023, 11:08:31 AM
According to the latest figures in https://www.usacoinbook.com/ (sub-link is near the top of the menu list on the left), USA Nickels (5Â¢ coins) have a 'melt (metal)' value of of over 5Â¢ each (5.85Â¢ each). Pennies (1Â¢ coins) have a 'melt' value of 0.62Â¢ each (post late 1982 'Zincolns') and 2.58Â¢ each (pre late 1982 bronze composition). They are clearly uneconomical to make and handle. Production costs are not included and include such things as labor, energy, transportation, depreciation on the equipment, etc, for the USA's Treasury department. IMHO, changes (no pun intended) here are badly needed.

When the half-cent coin was withdrawn in 1857, it had a value in 2023 money of somewhere in the range of 18 cents. That seems to me a good baseline. So, from that perspective, we should get rid of the penny, the nickel, and the dime, and perhaps maybe the quarter. Although if hat happened, it'd probably be wise for the half dollar to become more common.

Waaaay ore than that, IMHO, the government's 'official' figures on inflation are absurdly low. The best that I can tell, from deeply looking things over, since the end of the gold standard in March of 1933 (the 'bank holiday' that was declared nearly the first thing right after FDR took office), the USA has had an overall inflation of about 100:1. Yes, the $1 of today has the equivalent buying power of the 1Â¢ of 1933 (90 years ago) and before.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on June 17, 2023, 10:17:03 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 17, 2023, 07:09:50 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on June 17, 2023, 09:01:03 AM
Of special concern was the fact that the Dallas Cowboys were hosting the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football. The local NBC affiliate received a ton of heat for not broadcasting a warning until a Commercial break.

That strikes me as very unusual. Here, it seems to be the case that the chief meteorologist has the authority to commandeer the entire station if they deem the weather to be bad enough (which is normally only tornadic storms, although I have seen particularly bad hailstorms used as justification). You can often see them making orders that a television director would normally be making (things like telling the control room to put so-and-so's video feed up on the screen, or switch to showing Doppler graphics, or bossing the anchors around). They are not shy about preempting an entire evening of prime time television in favor of wall-to-wall weather coverage, if warranted. The preempted programming is then usually run at 1am instead, so that if anyone wants to watch it they can program something to record it for later viewing.

Here is the NBC 5 Statement:

NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth/KXAS Statement Regarding Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019 Weather Coverage

QuoteDuring Sunday night's Dallas Cowboys game, we made a mistake by not immediately interrupting the football game with a Tornado Warning.

Although our meteorologists were tracking thunderstorms across the area when the National Weather Service issued a Tornado Warning for Dallas County, we delayed breaking into programming for six minutes.

Our meteorologists were also streaming live weather coverage throughout the evening on our site, NBCDFW.com. We also alerted the football audience to our weather livestream throughout the game.

When it comes to dealing with severe weather, we know that seconds matter. We should have broken into football programming sooner. We apologize and want you to know that we're doing everything in our power to make sure this does not happen again.

We look forward to regaining the trust of anyone we may have disappointed.

FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://www.nbcdfw.com/weather/weather-connection/nbc-5-dallas-fort-worthkxas-statement-regarding-sunday-oct-20-2019-weather-coverage/1965897/)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on June 25, 2023, 11:05:12 AM

I'm sure it's been discussed in this forum and others, but on the topic of customer surveys...

I recently brought our 2021 Tucson into the dealership for a recall. The letter I got in the mail said that it would only take 20 minutes, yet I ended up having to wait at the dealership for 2.5 hours (who knows how much time was eaten up by their "courtesy inspection," where they tried to sell me on expensive maintenance packages, but I digress). I didn't mention this at all, or express any dissatisfaction, but then the service tech calls me a day or two later to tell me how I'm going to get a survey, but anything less than a 10 out of 10 is a failure for him, so if we can work anything out before I take the survey...

So now I really have no way of expressing my dissatisfaction that won't get this poor bastard fired, when he's not even the one who decided to send me a letter saying the recall repair would only take 20 minutes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on June 25, 2023, 11:27:54 AM

Quote from: abefroman329 on June 25, 2023, 11:05:12 AM
I'm sure it's been discussed in this forum and others, but on the topic of customer surveys...

I recently brought our 2021 Tucson into the dealership for a recall. The letter I got in the mail said that it would only take 20 minutes, yet I ended up having to wait at the dealership for 2.5 hours (who knows how much time was eaten up by their "courtesy inspection," where they tried to sell me on expensive maintenance packages, but I digress). I didn't mention this at all, or express any dissatisfaction, but then the service tech calls me a day or two later to tell me how I'm going to get a survey, but anything less than a 10 out of 10 is a failure for him, so if we can work anything out before I take the survey...

So now I really have no way of expressing my dissatisfaction that won't get this poor bastard fired, when he's not even the one who decided to send me a letter saying the recall repair would only take 20 minutes.

This is absolutely ridiculous on the part of the dealership. Anything less than 10/10 is a fireable offense? Who in their right mind thinks that getting their car recalled and having to go get it fixed could ever be a 10/10 experience?

And if 10/10 is the norm - on any rating scale - you're just being dishonest with yourself. Even companies such as restaurants or landscapers would be delusional to expect a 10/10 from every customer. So in turn, the dealership's survey is completely useless because if customers have to give a 10 then they're not receiving any real feedback.

If it was me I wouldn't even fill it out. I wouldn't go back to that dealership either.

Relating to that, there's a certain popular convenience store chain in the Midwest whose goal is to "exceed the expectations of every customer, every time." Huh? If I go there to get a gallon of milk, I expect the place to be clean, milk to be stocked, and the employees to be nice. That's exactly what happens. My expectations were met, not exceeded. Was my visit a failure on their part? Apparently yes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on June 25, 2023, 11:31:47 AM

Quote from: abefroman329 on June 25, 2023, 11:05:12 AM
I'm sure it's been discussed in this forum and others, but on the topic of customer surveys...

I recently brought our 2021 Tucson into the dealership for a recall. The letter I got in the mail said that it would only take 20 minutes, yet I ended up having to wait at the dealership for 2.5 hours (who knows how much time was eaten up by their "courtesy inspection," where they tried to sell me on expensive maintenance packages, but I digress). I didn't mention this at all, or express any dissatisfaction, but then the service tech calls me a day or two later to tell me how I'm going to get a survey, but anything less than a 10 out of 10 is a failure for him, so if we can work anything out before I take the survey...

So now I really have no way of expressing my dissatisfaction that won't get this poor bastard fired, when he's not even the one who decided to send me a letter saying the recall repair would only take 20 minutes.

Putting more effort into figuring out how to game the surveys than in making better cars seriously hurt the Big Three. Dave Power (founder of J.D. Power and Associates) pleaded with them to not use the surveys that way, but they didn't listen.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on June 25, 2023, 11:37:48 AM

Quote from: thspfc on June 25, 2023, 11:27:54 AMThis is absolutely ridiculous on the part of the dealership. Anything less than 10/10 is a fireable offense?

"If I get less than 10/10, I've failed" were the words of the service tech. I don't know if one less-than-10 would get him fired, but having served time in similar positions in the past, I wouldn't trust the management of the service department or the dealership not to punish front-line employees, since they're usually unwilling to put their own rear ends on the line.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on June 25, 2023, 12:21:54 PM

Quote from: thspfc on June 25, 2023, 11:27:54 AM
Quote from: abefroman329 on June 25, 2023, 11:05:12 AM
I'm sure it's been discussed in this forum and others, but on the topic of customer surveys...

I recently brought our 2021 Tucson into the dealership for a recall. The letter I got in the mail said that it would only take 20 minutes, yet I ended up having to wait at the dealership for 2.5 hours (who knows how much time was eaten up by their "courtesy inspection," where they tried to sell me on expensive maintenance packages, but I digress). I didn't mention this at all, or express any dissatisfaction, but then the service tech calls me a day or two later to tell me how I'm going to get a survey, but anything less than a 10 out of 10 is a failure for him, so if we can work anything out before I take the survey...

So now I really have no way of expressing my dissatisfaction that won't get this poor bastard fired, when he's not even the one who decided to send me a letter saying the recall repair would only take 20 minutes.
This is absolutely ridiculous on the part of the dealership. Anything less than 10/10 is a fireable offense? Who in their right mind thinks that getting their car recalled and having to go get it fixed could ever be a 10/10 experience?

And if 10/10 is the norm - on any rating scale - you're just being dishonest with yourself. Even companies such as restaurants or landscapers would be delusional to expect a 10/10 from every customer. So in turn, the dealership's survey is completely useless because if customers have to give a 10 then they're not receiving any real feedback.

If it was me I wouldn't even fill it out. I wouldn't go back to that dealership either.

Relating to that, there's a certain popular convenience store chain in the Midwest whose goal is to "exceed the expectations of every customer, every time." Huh? If I go there to get a gallon of milk, I expect the place to be clean, milk to be stocked, and the employees to be nice. That's exactly what happens. My expectations were met, not exceeded. Was my visit a failure on their part? Apparently yes.

You forget that part that customer satisfaction surveys are extremely subjective, and what one person's perspective of "9" service may be another person's "7" service. Considering that every company wants to send you a survey for every visit, and you end of ignoring them unless it hits the extremes.... extremely well or extremely bad. Sometimes, these "bad experiences" are completely outside the control of the technician. Since I manage a team that does "mission critical" cloud-based support that works specifically with a specialized market, I see "bad surveys" all the time where the root cause was either a technical issue or software defect at the backend servers and/or the client software, or a feature/functionality that was disabled by the company admistrator. All I can do is see if my team member did their due diligence in the handling of the support case and let my manager know what happened. Heaven help you if a "Karen" fills out a survey. I'm more concerned about trends. Every member of my team gets a bad survey once in a while.

I have heard stories where the sales person at the dealership intentionally omits the mention of the email survey... because it's being send to a disposable one-use email account of that salesperson who puts in all tens. It's called "gaming the system".

As for a convenience store survey, what are you expecting as a "10" or "exceed the expectations of every customer"? I'm there to get fuel, a 2fer deal for soda, or a snack. Although it would be nice if the employee smiles or greets you, the fact is that you get all sorts of customers who will chew you out because their debit card has that infamous "insufficient funds" message or they would not allow the sale of a age-restricted product because you forgot your identification.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on June 25, 2023, 12:40:23 PM

When I was growing up, the school district would occasionally send my parents their version of a customer satisfaction survey. They always sent back praise, regardless of their actual feelings. Their reasoning was that to do otherwise would invite retaliation, since any promises of anonymity were not credible. (Even if the survey is administered by a third party that anonymizes responses before passing them on, the client can usually figure out who sent in a particular set just by the timing.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on June 25, 2023, 12:45:32 PM

Or work satisfaction surveys, as certain items could identify a specific employee quickly.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on June 25, 2023, 12:52:25 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on June 25, 2023, 11:05:12 AM
I'm sure it's been discussed in this forum and others, but on the topic of customer surveys...

I recently brought our 2021 Tucson into the dealership for a recall. The letter I got in the mail said that it would only take 20 minutes, yet I ended up having to wait at the dealership for 2.5 hours (who knows how much time was eaten up by their "courtesy inspection," where they tried to sell me on expensive maintenance packages, but I digress). I didn't mention this at all, or express any dissatisfaction, but then the service tech calls me a day or two later to tell me how I'm going to get a survey, but anything less than a 10 out of 10 is a failure for him, so if we can work anything out before I take the survey...

So now I really have no way of expressing my dissatisfaction that won't get this poor bastard fired, when he's not even the one who decided to send me a letter saying the recall repair would only take 20 minutes.

Don't do the survey.

Instead, locate the service manager's name and email on their website and email or call directly stating your issue, and feel free to state that you aren't doing the survey because you wouldn't rate them a 10. They often are responsive to emails and calls, because you're doing them a favor by not completing a bad survey. They may even provide a discount, free oil change or tire rotation next time you come in.

If they're not responsive, reply to the email and add a dealership corp email address to it. If that doesnt work, fill out the survey and hope there's a comment section to enter why you're dissatisfied. The surveys often get the service department and its management bonuses, so it's not just on the person who worked on your car.

[

Quote from: thspfc on June 25, 2023, 11:27:54 AM
I wouldn't go back to that dealership either.

Not really a realistic option, since car dealerships aren't in every town. If I said that everything I was dissatisfied with something, i would have eliminated every business within 20 miles of me. If there's a recall, unless you're willing to travel, there's probably only one or two options.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on June 25, 2023, 02:03:43 PM

Quote from: Big John on June 25, 2023, 12:45:32 PM
Or work satisfaction surveys, as certain items could identify a specific employee quickly.

Yep, I've worked for two different companies where the "anonymous" employee satisfaction surveys were only "anonymous" if the results were good - if they weren't, we got hauled into a conference room so senior management could grill us on why the results were bad (the obvious answer being "because this is how you react when employees dare to say they're unhappy" ).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on June 25, 2023, 04:05:48 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on June 25, 2023, 12:21:54 PM
Quote from: thspfc on June 25, 2023, 11:27:54 AM
Quote from: abefroman329 on June 25, 2023, 11:05:12 AM
I'm sure it's been discussed in this forum and others, but on the topic of customer surveys...

I recently brought our 2021 Tucson into the dealership for a recall. The letter I got in the mail said that it would only take 20 minutes, yet I ended up having to wait at the dealership for 2.5 hours (who knows how much time was eaten up by their "courtesy inspection," where they tried to sell me on expensive maintenance packages, but I digress). I didn't mention this at all, or express any dissatisfaction, but then the service tech calls me a day or two later to tell me how I'm going to get a survey, but anything less than a 10 out of 10 is a failure for him, so if we can work anything out before I take the survey...

So now I really have no way of expressing my dissatisfaction that won't get this poor bastard fired, when he's not even the one who decided to send me a letter saying the recall repair would only take 20 minutes.
This is absolutely ridiculous on the part of the dealership. Anything less than 10/10 is a fireable offense? Who in their right mind thinks that getting their car recalled and having to go get it fixed could ever be a 10/10 experience?

And if 10/10 is the norm - on any rating scale - you're just being dishonest with yourself. Even companies such as restaurants or landscapers would be delusional to expect a 10/10 from every customer. So in turn, the dealership's survey is completely useless because if customers have to give a 10 then they're not receiving any real feedback.

If it was me I wouldn't even fill it out. I wouldn't go back to that dealership either.

Relating to that, there's a certain popular convenience store chain in the Midwest whose goal is to "exceed the expectations of every customer, every time." Huh? If I go there to get a gallon of milk, I expect the place to be clean, milk to be stocked, and the employees to be nice. That's exactly what happens. My expectations were met, not exceeded. Was my visit a failure on their part? Apparently yes.

You forget that part that customer satisfaction surveys are extremely subjective, and what one person's perspective of "9" service may be another person's "7" service. Considering that every company wants to send you a survey for every visit, and you end of ignoring them unless it hits the extremes.... extremely well or extremely bad. Sometimes, these "bad experiences" are completely outside the control of the technician. Since I manage a team that does "mission critical" cloud-based support that works specifically with a specialized market, I see "bad surveys" all the time where the root cause was either a technical issue or software defect at the backend servers and/or the client software, or a feature/functionality that was disabled by the company admistrator. All I can do is see if my team member did their due diligence in the handling of the support case and let my manager know what happened. Heaven help you if a "Karen" fills out a survey. I'm more concerned about trends. Every member of my team gets a bad survey once in a while.

I'm not ignroing that - that's actually kind of my point. Expecting a 10 from every customer is silly because they're subjective and dependent on circumstances.

QuoteAs for a convenience store survey, what are you expecting as a "10" or "exceed the expectations of every customer"? I'm there to get fuel, a 2fer deal for soda, or a snack. Although it would be nice if the employee smiles or greets you, the fact is that you get all sorts of customers who will chew you out because their debit card has that infamous "insufficient funds" message or they would not allow the sale of a age-restricted product because you forgot your identification.

That comes back to what you said about subjectivity. If I go to a convenience store to get a gallon of milk and everything goes according to plan . . . how do I rate that on a customer satisfaction survey? 10/10 because everything went fine? But I didn't have a 10/10 experience. It wasn't the best 2 minutes of my life or anything. It was just a thing I did because I had to. It was not exciting. So maybe it gets a 5/10? But that undeservedly reflects poorly on the store. Buying a gallon of milk isn't really supposed to be exciting.

Point is, these surveys are nonsense. All of them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on June 25, 2023, 05:26:00 PM

^ For me, 10/10 is perfect at whatever the function was. For your convenience store example, it doesn't need to be the best 2 minutes of my life, but it would probably have to be great milk, easy to find, smooth checkout with no significant wait, etc. For a more typical experience, where everything was good but nothing to write home about, probably in the 7-9 range. A 4-6 would be more along the lines of "I got the job done fine, but I had to look around for the mile and then wait in line for a while to pay for it". 2-3 would be bad, but not the worst. Maybe there were difficulties with payment that took a while to resolve, or the staff was rude, etc. A 1 would be just awful, don't ever go there again - maybe the milk was bad and they didn't offer a refund/exchange, severe cleanliness issues, etc.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on June 25, 2023, 07:48:44 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on June 25, 2023, 11:05:12 AM
I'm sure it's been discussed in this forum and others, but on the topic of customer surveys...

I recently brought our 2021 Tucson into the dealership for a recall. The letter I got in the mail said that it would only take 20 minutes, yet I ended up having to wait at the dealership for 2.5 hours (who knows how much time was eaten up by their "courtesy inspection," where they tried to sell me on expensive maintenance packages, but I digress). I didn't mention this at all, or express any dissatisfaction, but then the service tech calls me a day or two later to tell me how I'm going to get a survey, but anything less than a 10 out of 10 is a failure for him, so if we can work anything out before I take the survey...

So now I really have no way of expressing my dissatisfaction that won't get this poor bastard fired, when he's not even the one who decided to send me a letter saying the recall repair would only take 20 minutes.

Decent auto mechanics are not that easy to find. I bet it would take more than a few less-than-perfect surveys to get them fired.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on June 25, 2023, 08:12:06 PM

Surveys, I don't like. What I really hate the most is that from the amount of people surveyed from demographics they can accurately guess what those not surveyed are thinking. Hence arbitron and Neilson ratings for on air media.

I do not understand it at all, but some PHD from Harvard figured it out years ago that you can take a few people's opinions and be able to get the whole country's opinions on anything.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on June 25, 2023, 08:33:36 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on June 25, 2023, 08:12:06 PM
Surveys, I don't like. What I really hate the most is that from the amount of people surveyed from demographics they can accurately guess what those not surveyed are thinking. Hence arbitron and Neilson ratings for on air media.

I do not understand it at all, but some PHD from Harvard figured it out years ago that you can take a few people's opinions and be able to get the whole country's opinions on anything.

And people are turned away from the legitimate polls since there are a lot more "push polls" which are campaign ads disguised as polls but have extremely leading questions trying to get you to agree with their position.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on June 25, 2023, 08:55:29 PM

Quote from: Big John on June 25, 2023, 08:33:36 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on June 25, 2023, 08:12:06 PM
Surveys, I don't like. What I really hate the most is that from the amount of people surveyed from demographics they can accurately guess what those not surveyed are thinking. Hence arbitron and Neilson ratings for on air media.

I do not understand it at all, but some PHD from Harvard figured it out years ago that you can take a few people's opinions and be able to get the whole country's opinions on anything.
And people are turned away from the legitimate polls since there are a lot more "push polls" which are campaign ads disguised as polls but have extremely leading questions trying to get you to agree with their position.

Yup. It's how it is now. Plus marketing. As many push polls try to see what stereotype you fall and try to sell you stuff via spam ads according to research from your MO created from those polls.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on June 25, 2023, 09:00:51 PM

Back in the early aughts I worked for a marketing agency. I was told there the nature of the Coke verses Pepsi ads on how the former was not directed at the younger generation but the latter was so.

Because, again, Harvard did research, via demographics, that concluded that Coca Cola was purchased by older folks, and that Pepsi products were consumed by the younger generation.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on June 26, 2023, 08:44:05 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on June 25, 2023, 09:00:51 PM
Back in the early aughts I worked for a marketing agency. I was told there the nature of the Coke verses Pepsi ads on how the former was not directed at the younger generation but the latter was so.

Because, again, Harvard did research, via demographics, that concluded that Coca Cola was purchased by older folks, and that Pepsi products were consumed by the younger generation.

It's fascinating, isn't it? Apparently the MasterCard brand is very popular in the Midwest. Why? Who knows.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on June 26, 2023, 08:46:36 AM

kphoger once mentioned the inconsistency in content warnings on streaming platforms - tobacco use, but no mention of alcohol, for example.

Well, I just started watching Jury Duty on Amazon, and one of the preshow warnings was "product placement."

And that is a warning that I don't mind at all.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on June 26, 2023, 08:59:00 AM

Quote from: abefroman329 on June 26, 2023, 08:44:05 AM
Apparently the MasterCard brand is very popular in the Midwest. Why? Who knows.

The Meijer store credit card is from MasterCard. That could bump it a couple points.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 26, 2023, 11:04:26 AM

Re: surveys

At my work, anything below a 9 counts against us. But here's the thing: we are a contractor company, and our technicians are contractors for us. The survey score counts against the individual technician and against us as a company. If someone is frustrated by something about the company we do business for–then, even though they may have thought our technician was top-notch and did everything perfectly, that poor survey counts against him and us.

However, the comments section of the survey does indeed find its way up to the company we work for, and people really do read the comments.

I shouldn't be surprised if a car mechanic survey is similar. Some car mechanics work as contractors, and others as hourly employees, but it could very well be that the survey score targets the mechanic specifically. And really, you probably have little to no idea how well your tech did his or her job. Which sucks, come survey time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on June 26, 2023, 01:36:35 PM

Regarding surveys, I would say that--in addition to their other shortcomings--they just don't work well in low-trust environments. When I think about situations where they can produce genuine process improvements, I picture the following:

* Employees trusting that they will be given a chance to improve (i.e., management is not just looking for excuses to fire them)

* Customers trusting that they are not setting the stage for retaliation--targeting either themselves or other parties within the firm--if they give a honest opinion

As for the distinction between the sufficient and the superlative, which is what the example of 10/10 or not for a gallon of milk is about, I long ago made the decision that I will try to rate at the top for service that is completely adequate, even if I am aware of opportunities to go above and beyond. There are at least three reasons for this.

* As a customer, I don't necessarily know what the top of the scale looks like.

* I have a personal ethical commitment to employee autonomy, and part of that is not interfering with the discretion to provide a particular level of service as long as it meets my requirements.

* Failure to rate at the top for service that is adequate in all respects is typically seen negatively as reflective of a determination to find fault. In fact, it is a good way to make enemies.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CoreySamson on June 26, 2023, 03:40:04 PM

Quote from: vdeane on June 25, 2023, 05:26:00 PM
^ For me, 10/10 is perfect at whatever the function was. For your convenience store example, it doesn't need to be the best 2 minutes of my life, but it would probably have to be great milk, easy to find, smooth checkout with no significant wait, etc. For a more typical experience, where everything was good but nothing to write home about, probably in the 7-9 range. A 4-6 would be more along the lines of "I got the job done fine, but I had to look around for the mile and then wait in line for a while to pay for it". 2-3 would be bad, but not the worst. Maybe there were difficulties with payment that took a while to resolve, or the staff was rude, etc. A 1 would be just awful, don't ever go there again - maybe the milk was bad and they didn't offer a refund/exchange, severe cleanliness issues, etc.

^ This! I was about to write a similar soliloquy, but rechecked the conversation and found that you summed up my points entirely. One thing I would like to add is that I don't expect the function to get a 10/10 every single time. I'm only expecting around a 7-8/10 most often. And not only do I not expect a 10/10 every time, but I also think that it is unreasonable to assume that employees have to work at a 10/10 level in order to keep their job (sadly, that's how the world seems to work now). If I was someone's boss, I would just want them to keep their service in the 6-9 range.

Something else that bothers me about the x/10 system: terms such as 11/10, 150/10, or literally any number bigger than 10/10 in internet comments, blogs, Youtube thumbnails, etc. 10/10 is the pinnacle of the rating scale. It's a scale that shouldn't need to be broken. If you need a bigger number to communicate that you love it a lot, then adjust the scale with it! Also along these lines are the "500 IQ" or "big brain" memes and comments. They just drive me batty, especially when it refers to just a creative kill in Among Us.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 26, 2023, 03:57:18 PM

Quote from: vdeane on June 25, 2023, 05:26:00 PM
^ For me, 10/10 is perfect at whatever the function was. For your convenience store example, it doesn't need to be the best 2 minutes of my life, but it would probably have to be great milk, easy to find, smooth checkout with no significant wait, etc. For a more typical experience, where everything was good but nothing to write home about, probably in the 7-9 range. A 4-6 would be more along the lines of "I got the job done fine, but I had to look around for the mile and then wait in line for a while to pay for it". 2-3 would be bad, but not the worst. Maybe there were difficulties with payment that took a while to resolve, or the staff was rude, etc. A 1 would be just awful, don't ever go there again - maybe the milk was bad and they didn't offer a refund/exchange, severe cleanliness issues, etc.

Quote from: CoreySamson on June 26, 2023, 03:40:04 PM
One thing I would like to add is that I don't expect the function to get a 10/10 every single time. I'm only expecting around a 7-8/10 most often. And not only do I not expect a 10/10 every time, but I also think that it is unreasonable to assume that employees have to work at a 10/10 level in order to keep their job (sadly, that's how the world seems to work now). If I was someone's boss, I would just want them to keep their service in the 6-9 range.

In an ideal world, maybe. But if you score someone appropriately based on that thinking, then you may very well be damaging that person's job.

In my work environment, a score of 9—10 is considered "promoter" and once such survey counts as a +1 toward the technician's overall score. A score of 7—8 counts is considered "passive" and counts as a 0 toward his overall score. And a score of 0—6 counts as "detractor" and counts as a -1 toward his overall score. Therefore, if a tech received an 8 on every single survey he received during a month, then his overall score would be -100%. If he received an even split of 7s, 8s, and 9s, then his overall score would be +33.3%. If he only receives five surveys during a given month, then a single 8 would knock his score down from 100% to 80%, or a single 7 would knock it down to 60%.

Personally, I prefer surveys with only 4 options:
1 – poor
2 – worse than average
3 – better than average
4 – excellent

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 26, 2023, 04:54:57 PM

Lawn trimmer cord.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 26, 2023, 06:18:23 PM

I generally don't respond to rating surveys at all. Ensuring good employee performance is management's job, not mine. The company pays them to do that, not me.

Customers are usually pretty bad at articulating what would actually fix problems, so relying on customer surveys does nothing but prime management to spend all their time putting out fires and treating symptoms rather than root causes. After all, a customer doesn't know that the real reason they're pissed off is because of glitchy software or some badly-written company policy, they just know they didn't get what they want and they're mad about it. That means if managers want to learn what their customers are thinking, the best way to do that is to spend a day behind a register instead of their desk every now and then.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on June 26, 2023, 07:44:26 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on June 26, 2023, 08:46:36 AM
kphoger once mentioned the inconsistency in content warnings on streaming platforms - tobacco use, but no mention of alcohol, for example.

Well, I just started watching Jury Duty on Amazon, and one of the preshow warnings was "product placement."

And that is a warning that I don't mind at all.

Warnings are to guide someone as to concerns regarding the movie. If there's violence, or profanity, in theory someone may say "oh, I don't want to watch this".

Would someone see a warning regarding product placement, and decide that they shouldn't watch the movie? If that's far fetched, then there's no reason for the warning.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on June 26, 2023, 08:03:15 PM

I probably wouldn't watch a movie with product placement in it if I knew that ahead of time. (Given that can mean anything from a barely-noticeable "all of the cars in the show happen to be Fords" all the way up to "this entire story is an infomercial for Google".)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on June 26, 2023, 08:19:11 PM

When I fill out surveys, I interpret 10/10 to mean, "This was the best ever, or equivalent to the best ever, that I have ever experienced.

When 10/10 means adequate or acceptable, there are no ratings left for exceptional service beyond what is normally experienced.

And thus the downfall in interpreting surveys - how do they know what my 10 is vs someone else's 10?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Dirt Roads on June 26, 2023, 08:33:14 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 26, 2023, 04:54:57 PM
Lawn trimmer cord.

Ouch. You don't how many times I've simply replaced a trimmer head with the "line tie" versions just to be free of the "theory of quantum entanglement". Nowadays they sell the "line ties" as "precut". I would much rather spend 1 minute replacing a "line tie" for every 10 minutes of trimming, than rather spend 15 minutes refeeding the entire spool just to get 40 minutes of "carefree" trimming. The math just doesn't work out.

For the record, I had used the same bump-free trimmer spool for the past 5 years. The battery-powered motorhead died in the Fall over a year ago, so I replaced it like-and-kind and kept using the old trimmer spool. Until it died about 6 weeks ago. Sure enough, the new trimmer spool (which looks very much like the old one) is a real pain to reload. Fortunately, my study of "quantum entanglement" was only about 10 minutes. When it gets to 15 minutes, I'll go dig out and old "line tie" version. Indeed, I have the same issue with fishing line (except in that case, I just can't bring myself to spend money on decent fishing gear).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on June 26, 2023, 09:20:47 PM

I wonder if this "average is 10" trend might explain why it seems like I have to go into higher ratings to get decent hotels these days. It used to be that anything over 6/10 was acceptable for me, now that's 8/10. I even read a 10/10 review on one where the person mentioned experiencing issue and I was like "then why did you give them a 10?".

Or I suppose my standards could be going up as I get older.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on June 26, 2023, 09:26:08 PM

I don't think it's ratings inflation at play, since the incentives for lodging operators, rating sites like TripAdvisor, and consumers haven't really changed. I think it's more a question of it being harder to find wage slaves to clean rooms.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Takumi on June 26, 2023, 09:45:03 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 26, 2023, 08:03:15 PM
I probably wouldn't watch a movie with product placement in it if I knew that ahead of time. (Given that can mean anything from a barely-noticeable "all of the cars in the show happen to be Fords" all the way up to "this entire story is an infomercial for Google".)

What if it's blatant satire of the concept?
https://youtu.be/KjB6r-HDDI0

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on June 26, 2023, 09:50:38 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 26, 2023, 08:03:15 PM
I probably wouldn't watch a movie with product placement in it if I knew that ahead of time. (Given that can mean anything from a barely-noticeable "all of the cars in the show happen to be Fords" all the way up to "this entire story is an infomercial for Google".)

I remember an episode of King of Queens where the placement of Doritos was so blatant it became an ad for them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on June 26, 2023, 09:56:38 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 26, 2023, 08:03:15 PM
I probably wouldn't watch a movie with product placement in it if I knew that ahead of time. (Given that can mean anything from a barely-noticeable "all of the cars in the show happen to be Fords" all the way up to "this entire story is an infomercial for Google".)

In this case, it was a skosh to the right of "all your base are belong to Fords"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on June 26, 2023, 10:46:25 PM

I had an experience this past weekend at a Hilton where, as a Diamond Tier Member, they didn't "thank me" for being a Diamond Member, didn't give me the complimentary bottle of water, and didn't state any of the perks I should have received. A survey was received, so I filled it out this morning mentioning these issues. (The rest of the stay was pretty good overall, and the survey reflected that). A front office manager responded this afternoon with...a form letter, stating in part: "...Please know that your experience with your Diamond benefits is not typical for us and I'm sorry that we let you down...".

Now granted, this was a free room via a credit card annual award, so I didn't pay anything, either with money or points. Didn't buy anything charged to the room. Unless they gifted me additional points, there's not much they could've done to right the issue to me.

Now I've seen various responses to other surveys, and often times they say they'll provide training to their staff. It usually appeases the customer, believing that future guests will be treated better, and if they return, they'll have a more positive experience. Which is total hogwash. No company is going to take one random survey, which clearly is from the viewpoint of the customer and may not be completely accurate, and retrain dozens of people in the store, or thousands of people in a company. But customers fall for that line all too often, and it keeps them coming back.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on June 26, 2023, 11:49:25 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 26, 2023, 08:03:15 PM
I probably wouldn't watch a movie with product placement in it if I knew that ahead of time. (Given that can mean anything from a barely-noticeable "all of the cars in the show happen to be Fords" all the way up to "this entire story is an infomercial for Google".)

The best instance of product placement I can think of is "Christmas Vacation." Clark goes sliding right toward a big storefront with big white "WALMART" letters illuminated, and in the "get yourself something reeeeal nice" Christmas shopping scene, Cousin Eddie loads up the cart with Ol' Roy dog food.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on June 26, 2023, 11:52:42 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on June 26, 2023, 10:46:25 PMNow I've seen various responses to other surveys, and often times they say they'll provide training to their staff. It usually appeases the customer, believing that future guests will be treated better, and if they return, they'll have a more positive experience. Which is total hogwash. No company is going to take one random survey, which clearly is from the viewpoint of the customer and may not be completely accurate, and retrain dozens of people in the store, or thousands of people in a company. But customers fall for that line all too often, and it keeps them coming back.

The bedbug letter (https://quoteinvestigator.com/2017/03/09/bedbug/) lives on.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 27, 2023, 10:49:39 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 26, 2023, 06:18:23 PM
I generally don't respond to rating surveys at all. Ensuring good employee performance is management's job, not mine. The company pays them to do that, not me.

In my business, the technicians are out in the field, interacting with customers with no direct supervision. Sure, the supervisors can follow up with customers, but doing that with every single customer would be a huge resource drain. For example, yesterday our 18 technicians did 114 jobs just in the Kansas market. Customer satisfaction surveys let our supervisors know which technicians need their attention to "ensure good employee performance" with customers. When it comes to the technical side, the supervisors can go out and field-QC jobs, but other metrics show them which technicians' work actually needs to be field-QCed in the first place.

All that is to say, management can't actively monitor every employee's interaction with every customer, so your survey response gives them the tools they need to actually do what you expect them to do.

Quote from: J N Winkler on June 26, 2023, 09:26:08 PM
I don't think it's ratings inflation at play, since the incentives for lodging operators, rating sites like TripAdvisor, and consumers haven't really changed. I think it's more a question of it being harder to find wage slaves to clean rooms.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on June 26, 2023, 10:46:25 PM
Now I've seen various responses to other surveys, and often times they say they'll provide training to their staff. It usually appeases the customer, believing that future guests will be treated better, and if they return, they'll have a more positive experience. Which is total hogwash. No company is going to take one random survey, which clearly is from the viewpoint of the customer and may not be completely accurate, and retrain dozens of people in the store, or thousands of people in a company.

My mother-in-law has worked in the hospitality business, specifically cleaning rooms, in Branson most of her life; only a few years ago did she move out of that industry into a factory job. My sister-in-law has also worked in the same capacity in the same area. As such, my wife and I have a bit of an insider's take on the hotel business there: several of the hotel owners are friends and acquaintances of the family. And from what I've heard, plenty of hotel owners take online surveys very seriously these days. They know people choose a hotel by its online rating and reviews, and so, if there's a bad review or two, the manager is very keen indeed to find out if he or she has a problem employee on staff.

Obviously not every hotel manager is the same. Some don't seem to care. I may have a different perspective than you too, simply because a lot of the hotels in Branson are mom-and-pop operations rather than national chains. Anyway, when I look at online hotel reviews, I'm more willing to forgive a few bad reviews if the manager writes a personalized response that shows genuine concern to improve the situation. I'm much less willing to forgive a few bad reviews, however, if the responses are basically all the same (your experience with your us is not typical, and I'm sorry that we blah blah blah): this is barely any better than no response at all and smells strongly of just trying to safe face on the internet.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on June 27, 2023, 12:14:55 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on June 26, 2023, 10:46:25 PM
I had an experience this past weekend at a Hilton where, as a Diamond Tier Member, they didn't "thank me" for being a Diamond Member, didn't give me the complimentary bottle of water, and didn't state any of the perks I should have received. A survey was received, so I filled it out this morning mentioning these issues. (The rest of the stay was pretty good overall, and the survey reflected that). A front office manager responded this afternoon with...a form letter, stating in part: "...Please know that your experience with your Diamond benefits is not typical for us and I'm sorry that we let you down...".

Now granted, this was a free room via a credit card annual award, so I didn't pay anything, either with money or points. Didn't buy anything charged to the room. Unless they gifted me additional points, there's not much they could've done to right the issue to me.

Now I've seen various responses to other surveys, and often times they say they'll provide training to their staff. It usually appeases the customer, believing that future guests will be treated better, and if they return, they'll have a more positive experience. Which is total hogwash. No company is going to take one random survey, which clearly is from the viewpoint of the customer and may not be completely accurate, and retrain dozens of people in the store, or thousands of people in a company. But customers fall for that line all too often, and it keeps them coming back.

As someone who used to work at Marriott, I will say that if the survey scores for one property are consistently bad, heads roll pretty quickly, so at least you'll get a manager in charge of the front desk that gets better buy in from their staff. In your case, despite you just being one voice, those surveys do (in theory) get brought up in meetings so they become training moments.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on June 27, 2023, 01:44:03 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on June 26, 2023, 11:49:25 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 26, 2023, 08:03:15 PM
I probably wouldn't watch a movie with product placement in it if I knew that ahead of time. (Given that can mean anything from a barely-noticeable "all of the cars in the show happen to be Fords" all the way up to "this entire story is an infomercial for Google".)

The best instance of product placement I can think of is "Christmas Vacation." Clark goes sliding right toward a big storefront with big white "WALMART" letters illuminated, and in the "get yourself something reeeeal nice" Christmas shopping scene, Cousin Eddie loads up the cart with Ol' Roy dog food.

At the opposite end of the spectrum is Planes Trains and Automobiles, where they had to invent fake transportation providers and make infrastructure for the fake companies because no real transportation provider wanted to be portrayed as incompetent. There's almost no product placement (an AmericaWest billboard at an L station, some print ads visible in the airport terminal, and the dairy company whose truck drives them home may be real?).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on June 27, 2023, 03:19:53 PM

Quote from: abefroman329 on June 27, 2023, 01:44:03 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on June 26, 2023, 11:49:25 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 26, 2023, 08:03:15 PM
I probably wouldn't watch a movie with product placement in it if I knew that ahead of time. (Given that can mean anything from a barely-noticeable "all of the cars in the show happen to be Fords" all the way up to "this entire story is an infomercial for Google".)

The best instance of product placement I can think of is "Christmas Vacation." Clark goes sliding right toward a big storefront with big white "WALMART" letters illuminated, and in the "get yourself something reeeeal nice" Christmas shopping scene, Cousin Eddie loads up the cart with Ol' Roy dog food.
At the opposite end of the spectrum is Planes Trains and Automobiles, where they had to invent fake transportation providers and make infrastructure for the fake companies because no real transportation provider wanted to be portrayed as incompetent. There’s almost no product placement (an AmericaWest billboard at an L station, some print ads visible in the airport terminal, and the dairy company whose truck drives them home may be real?).

Sadly, Oshkonoggin does not appear to be a real brand (though you can get stuff with the logo on it, and that gives me an idea).

I suppose if Brand X provided the truck and driver for a nominal cost or gratis, then I understand the "free" advertising...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on June 27, 2023, 04:06:47 PM

Quote from: formulanone on June 27, 2023, 03:19:53 PMI suppose if Brand X provided the truck and driver for a nominal cost or gratis, then I understand the "free" advertising...

I thought it might be a real brand since John Hughes seemed to like to put real regional brands in his movies (Matt's Chocolate Chip cookies in The Breakfast Club, Entemann's and Old Style in Sixteen Candles).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on June 28, 2023, 01:52:57 AM

I've said it before and I'll say it again.

"Saving Money" - Is the money in danger? In danger or what? being used? being burnt? being lost?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on June 28, 2023, 09:08:38 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on June 28, 2023, 01:52:57 AM
I've said it before and I'll say it again.

"Saving Money" - Is the money in danger? In danger or what? being used? being burnt? being lost?

" Saving time" ? "Saving resources" ? "Saving energy" ? "Saving space" ? Do those all bother you?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 28, 2023, 11:23:39 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on June 28, 2023, 01:52:57 AM
I've said it before and I'll say it again.

"Saving Money" - Is the money in danger? In danger or what? being used? being burnt? being lost?

The word has had this meaning since the 1300s. It's time to accept it.

Quote from: The vision of William concerning Piers the Plowman, together with Vita de Dowel, Dobet, et Dobest, secundum Wit et Resoun, by William Langland (ca. AD 1362-1393)
When Ã¾y lord lokeÃ¾ to haue Â· a-louaunce for hus bestes,
And of Ã¾e monye Ã¾ow haddist Ã¾er-myd Â· hus meoble to saue

Translation:

When your lord looks to having credit for his animals,
And of the money you possessed with which his wealth to save

* Note: This is my best attempt at a translation. I'm no scholar in Middle English.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on June 28, 2023, 05:09:02 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on June 28, 2023, 01:52:57 AM
"Saving Money" - Is the money in danger? In danger or what? being used? being burnt? being lost?

https://www.dictionary.com/browse/saving?s=t
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saving
https://www.macmillandictionary.com/us/dictionary/american/saving
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/saving
https://www.webster-dictionary.org/definition/saving
https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/saving

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on June 28, 2023, 10:46:37 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on June 28, 2023, 05:09:02 PM
Quote from: SSOWorld on June 28, 2023, 01:52:57 AM
"Saving Money" - Is the money in danger? In danger or what? being used? being burnt? being lost?

https://www.dictionary.com/browse/saving?s=t
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saving
https://www.macmillandictionary.com/us/dictionary/american/saving
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/saving
https://www.webster-dictionary.org/definition/saving
https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/saving

According to the OED, save in this sense dates to about 1390.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 29, 2023, 09:25:04 AM

Quote from: kphoger on June 28, 2023, 11:23:39 AM
The word has had this meaning since the 1300s. It's time to accept it.

Quote from: The vision of William concerning Piers the Plowman, together with Vita de Dowel, Dobet, et Dobest, secundum Wit et Resoun, by William Langland (ca. AD 1362-1393)
When Ã¾y lord lokeÃ¾ to haue Â· a-louaunce for hus bestes,
And of Ã¾e monye Ã¾ow haddist Ã¾er-myd Â· hus meoble to saue

Translation:

When your lord looks to having credit for his animals,
And of the money you possessed with which his wealth to save

* Note: This is my best attempt at a translation. I'm no scholar in Middle English.

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on June 28, 2023, 10:46:37 PM
According to the OED, save in this sense dates to about 1390.

you don't say

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on June 30, 2023, 01:16:38 AM

Quote from: kphoger on June 29, 2023, 09:25:04 AM
Quote from: kphoger on June 28, 2023, 11:23:39 AM
The word has had this meaning since the 1300s. It's time to accept it.

Quote from: The vision of William concerning Piers the Plowman, together with Vita de Dowel, Dobet, et Dobest, secundum Wit et Resoun, by William Langland (ca. AD 1362-1393)
When Ã¾y lord lokeÃ¾ to haue Â· a-louaunce for hus bestes,
And of Ã¾e monye Ã¾ow haddist Ã¾er-myd Â· hus meoble to saue

Translation:

When your lord looks to having credit for his animals,
And of the money you possessed with which his wealth to save

* Note: This is my best attempt at a translation. I'm no scholar in Middle English.

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on June 28, 2023, 10:46:37 PM
According to the OED, save in this sense dates to about 1390.

you don't say

I do say! :-D

Anyway, the citation from the OED is:

He may saue moneye and gete Ãžat wol be curteys of his mete.

But I can't make heads or tails of anything past the "save money and" bit.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on June 30, 2023, 07:59:26 AM

Driving with mom.

(fictional places and examples)
"Oh, turn at the old Smith place." Or, "The old Smith road" .

Or even worse "Turn (opposite from what lane I'm in) here! Turn here!"

Old Smith place was replaced by condos ... 20 years ago. The "Old Smith road" is now a suburban street with some stupid name "Windy Pines Knoll Drive" or something.

I'm a recovering pizza guy. Trust me, I know where I'm going. I'm also more-or-less deaf in my right ear, which means, if you're my passenger, I can't hear what you're telling me. If you've asked me to drive you somewhere, trust that a: I know where I'm going already or b: I've already looked it up, and worked out the best path to get there.

Shouting directions (which sounds to me like mumbling through a blown speaker) doesn't help at all. I'll dope it out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on June 30, 2023, 08:24:02 AM

For the past few days, I've been getting various e-mail messages from the universities I attended claiming that there is an imminent "deadline" for me to donate money. I mildly resent that sort of thing because I personally do not face any deadline at all. They may have their own fiscal year or "giving year" or similar, and maybe they're concerned they won't meet their goal, but that's not my problem. From my point of view, the only deadline that ever applied was the calendar year and that was because if you want to deduct the charitable contribution it must be within the calendar year in which you want to deduct it.

I think part of why it's irking me right now is that you see so many warnings about being wary of scammers who try to make it seem like it's urgent for you to do what they're trying to convince you to do, and then these (admittedly legitimate) charitable organizations turn around and act like it's urgent.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on June 30, 2023, 10:37:20 AM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on June 30, 2023, 01:16:38 AM
Anyway, the citation from the OED is:

He may saue moneye and gete Ãžat wol be curteys of his mete.

But I can't make heads or tails of anything past the "save money and" bit.

I'm seeing it translated as "He who takes care of his food can save money and get more".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on June 30, 2023, 10:40:55 AM

One of the features that I like is that when you either power-down or switch between HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, it makes the monitor "disconnected" under Windows. This is especially handy when I'm working from home and switching my monitors from "Work mode" to "Personal mode". Up until a month ago, my configuration was that my primary monitor was a ViewSonic XG2703-GS (https://markholtz.info/xg2703gs) acquired in late 2016 as the primary gaming monitor and a Acer K272HUL (https://markholtz.info/k272hul) as my secondary monitor. All is good. If I turned off my secondary monitor, Windows will just accept that I have a single monitor now and not extend the displays.

Then Woot has a deal on a 240Hz ViewSonic XG271QG (https://markholtz.info/xg271qg) monitor at a very nice price. Instant sale. It became my primary monitor, while I moved my ViewSonic XG2703-GS (https://markholtz.info/xg2703gs) to the secondary monitor mode. And that's when I discover a minor irritation: the ViewSonic XG2703-GS (https://markholtz.info/xg2703gs) monitor keeps both the HDMI and DisplayPort inputs "live" even if I switch off the monitor with the power switch or switch inputs. The only way to disconnect the monitor is to disconnect the power. It's so annoying.

In case you are wondering, the Acer K272HUL (https://markholtz.info/k272hul) is now sitting in my closet awaiting re-use.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on June 30, 2023, 01:06:00 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on June 30, 2023, 08:24:02 AMFor the past few days, I've been getting various e-mail messages from the universities I attended claiming that there is an imminent "deadline" for me to donate money. I mildly resent that sort of thing because I personally do not face any deadline at all. They may have their own fiscal year or "giving year" or similar, and maybe they're concerned they won't meet their goal, but that's not my problem. From my point of view, the only deadline that ever applied was the calendar year and that was because if you want to deduct the charitable contribution it must be within the calendar year in which you want to deduct it.

I think part of why it's irking me right now is that you see so many warnings about being wary of scammers who try to make it seem like it's urgent for you to do what they're trying to convince you to do, and then these (admittedly legitimate) charitable organizations turn around and act like it's urgent.

I've been getting similar emails, which I just file and forget. The latest round mentions a two-for-one match that is available only for donations that come in before June 30, when the organization's financial year ends. I appreciate that there is research into behavioral psychology which suggests that deadlines are more likely to spur people into action, but I have to set my priorities for charitable giving to reflect the resources that are available, and those organizations just don't make the cut right now. Perhaps they will in the future.

Regarding alumni communications in general, the ones that annoyed me the most came about five years ago when the foundation for my undergraduate university was compiling an alumni directory. They outsourced the work to a private firm, which sent me postcards asking me to call them by telephone to confirm my address and contact details. That was the only option--I could not use a Web form or send an email. Since I am a deaf person, it is a lot less convenient for me to use a telephone, and I suspected part of the reason they wanted to call was to try to sell me a copy of the directory. So I just said to myself: No. They must have sent at least 20 postcards and called at least five times, but I did not waver.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on June 30, 2023, 02:01:51 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on June 30, 2023, 01:06:00 PM
....

Regarding alumni communications in general, the ones that annoyed me the most came about five years ago when the foundation for my undergraduate university was compiling an alumni directory. They outsourced the work to a private firm, which sent me postcards asking me to call them by telephone to confirm my address and contact details. That was the only option--I could not use a Web form or send an email. Since I am a deaf person, it is a lot less convenient for me to use a telephone, and I suspected part of the reason they wanted to call was to try to sell me a copy of the directory. So I just said to myself: No. They must have sent at least 20 postcards and called at least five times, but I did not waver.

I got those types of communications as well, although I think mine were from the National Eagle Scout Association. I had the same reaction you did about them wanting to try to sell me some sort of hard-copy directory (which I would not want even if they weren't trying to market it to me–among other reasons, the information in such a book becomes outdated far too quickly). I remember they sent an e-mail once asking why I hadn't called and I responded that if they want my information, they could provide an online way to verify one's information. They never replied.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on June 30, 2023, 03:00:31 PM

^^ i also got those from my high school. Yes they try to sell you the directory at an hyper inflated price.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Dirt Roads on June 30, 2023, 04:32:34 PM

^^^ I ignored those postcards so many times that one of those groups actually offered me a significant reduction in the price of the Alumni Directory in an attempt to get my current information. (IIRC, it was about $10 some 20 years ago) I wanted one, but I'm so cheap that I wasn't swayed. And the college still doesn't have my "correct information", which happens to be no longer correct due to retirement.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on June 30, 2023, 04:38:58 PM

What really frosted me about this firm was that each postcard came with a deadline. The later postcards told me I had received an extension, but I needed to hurry.

In retrospect, I should have left instructions with the person fielding the phone calls to ask them not to call us again. However, I lived in the (futile) hope that each call would be the last.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on July 06, 2023, 06:11:16 AM

Why is every phone mount and hands-free device ever made a total piece of crap?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on July 06, 2023, 06:52:11 AM

when you allllllllllllmost sneeze, but are denied.

One can go look up at the sun, and that will usually bust it loose, but not so much at 5 am.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on July 06, 2023, 07:18:40 AM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on July 06, 2023, 06:11:16 AMWhy is every phone mount and hands-free device ever made a total piece of crap?

This mount (https://amzn.to/3rkLOrA) has been working great for me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on July 06, 2023, 11:30:06 AM

Truly minor thing: when lamp shades aren't twisted down and wobble. Fifty percent of hotel lampshades are loose and I stubbornly tighten them because it bugs me for some reason.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on July 06, 2023, 07:57:29 PM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on July 06, 2023, 06:11:16 AM
Why is every phone mount and hands-free device ever made a total piece of crap?

Possibly so that it doesn't actually hurt when it flies off the dashboard after losing suction. This has happened a few times to me because of hot weather. Would consider getting a mount that is stuck to the dashboard, but those are harder to see around.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on July 07, 2023, 07:29:55 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on July 06, 2023, 07:18:40 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on July 06, 2023, 06:11:16 AMWhy is every phone mount and hands-free device ever made a total piece of crap?

This mount (https://amzn.to/3rkLOrA) has been working great for me.

I had one mounted on a dashboard. When I turned the heat on in order to use the defoggers, I got a warning on my phone saying it was getting too hot.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on July 08, 2023, 01:10:22 PM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on July 07, 2023, 07:29:55 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on July 06, 2023, 07:18:40 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on July 06, 2023, 06:11:16 AMWhy is every phone mount and hands-free device ever made a total piece of crap?

This mount (https://amzn.to/3rkLOrA) has been working great for me.
I had one mounted on a dashboard. When I turned the heat on in order to use the defoggers, I got a warning on my phone saying it was getting too hot.

I've never used a 'hands free' device on cell phones largely because I'm afraid that I'll end up driving into a bridge abutment while I'm setting it up. :-P

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on July 08, 2023, 09:02:19 PM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on July 07, 2023, 07:29:55 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on July 06, 2023, 07:18:40 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on July 06, 2023, 06:11:16 AMWhy is every phone mount and hands-free device ever made a total piece of crap?

This mount (https://amzn.to/3rkLOrA) has been working great for me.
I had one mounted on a dashboard. When I turned the heat on in order to use the defoggers, I got a warning on my phone saying it was getting too hot.

The challenge for my Pixel 6 Pro phone is that when I'm using Google Maps for navigation and steaming music and have the charger hooked up, that's when my phone gets too warm.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on July 08, 2023, 09:43:15 PM

I mount it to the vent, then it will keep cool.

EDIT: Oh, did I forget to say A/C was on?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on July 08, 2023, 09:50:22 PM

The "too warm" issue is serious, especially if you like to use wireless charging like me. Virtually the only place to mount it is on the AC vent. But then if you live somewhere that is hot enough for the phone to overheat just sitting in the sun, there's a good chance you'll really be missing that AC vent!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on July 12, 2023, 12:44:58 PM

Hip abduction vs. hip adduction. The terms are too similar. Yes, there are diagrams on the machine, so it's minor, but it still bothers me

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on July 15, 2023, 06:28:14 PM

Today's minor thing: tendering platforms with nonfunctional search by CPV code. If I put 45233000 in the relevant box, I want to get highway projects. I don't want to know the platform in question has a road bridge project, and then get nothing for 45233000, and then stick in 45000000 and get just three hits, one for a housing development and two for work at nuclear power plants.

TED (https://ted.europa.eu/TED/search/search.do), BOAMP (https://www.marches-publics.gouv.fr/?page=Entreprise.EntrepriseAdvancedSearch&searchAnnCons), and PCSP (https://contrataciondelestado.es/wps/portal/licitaciones) get it right.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on July 19, 2023, 05:42:48 AM

Do you know what else pisses me off? Bluetooth. It's a scam. No matter what kind of cell phone I've ever had, I've rarely ever been able to sync it up to ANYTHING! :angry:

Hands-free devices? Hardly ever. The family printer? Not anymore. I keep getting pop-ups from Microsoft trying to get me to sync up my cell phone to my PC. Even if I wanted to, it would never work.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on July 19, 2023, 08:25:50 AM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on July 19, 2023, 05:42:48 AM
Do you know what else pisses me off? Bluetooth. It's a scam. No matter what kind of cell phone I've ever had, I've rarely ever been able to sync it up to ANYTHING! :angry:

Hands-free devices? Hardly ever. The family printer? Not anymore. I keep getting pop-ups from Microsoft trying to get me to sync up my cell phone to my PC. Even if I wanted to, it would never work.

Hmmm. I've never had a problem on any cell phone I've ever had. You sure you're putting things in pairing mode?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on July 19, 2023, 09:07:15 AM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on July 19, 2023, 08:25:50 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on July 19, 2023, 05:42:48 AM
Do you know what else pisses me off? Bluetooth. It's a scam. No matter what kind of cell phone I've ever had, I've rarely ever been able to sync it up to ANYTHING! :angry:

Hands-free devices? Hardly ever. The family printer? Not anymore. I keep getting pop-ups from Microsoft trying to get me to sync up my cell phone to my PC. Even if I wanted to, it would never work.

Hmmm. I've never had a problem on any cell phone I've ever had. You sure you're putting things in pairing mode?

KDEConnect works well for me, for everything except sending texts. For whatever reason, if I bring up the "Send SMS" screen, it just gives me the spinnycircle trying to get the messages out of my phone. If it does come up, there's like 50 copies of the same conversations.

Frustrating, because it used to work, and work well.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on July 19, 2023, 09:25:44 AM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on July 19, 2023, 05:42:48 AM
Do you know what else pisses me off? Bluetooth. It's a scam. No matter what kind of cell phone I've ever had, I've rarely ever been able to sync it up to ANYTHING! :angry:

Hands-free devices? Hardly ever. The family printer? Not anymore. I keep getting pop-ups from Microsoft trying to get me to sync up my cell phone to my PC. Even if I wanted to, it would never work.

Oh? Are you on a Android phone or a iPhone? Usually, the biggest challenge is just pairing up the device to the phone because of the extended press after power-up to place the device in pairing mode. I've checked, and I'm paired up with:

Both of my vehicles
Bookshelf speakers on my desk
A portable speaker
Several headphones and some earbuds
My stereo receiver that powers my backyard speakers
One of my Echo Shows and Echo Dots
A portable adapter if a hotel's clock radio supports audio input

As for the Microsoft app to pair up to your phone, that's done through regular networking either by WiFi or carrier data, not by Bluetooth.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on July 19, 2023, 11:11:37 AM

Something that has bothered me for several months, but now I have more information to file a complaint...

I'm a avid listener of the classical music station WRR-101.1 in the Dallas area. Since most of my drives are short, I don't bother setting up the Bluetooth. However, the past few months, I've noticed interference in the mornings, but wasn't able to get more specific information. Then, a few days ago, I hit the right "sweet spot", and actually got the interfering station. It was in Spanish... oh joy if you don't speak Spanish. But, after a few minutes, I picked up enough clues like "Houston" and "Mega 101". Hmmmm.... a quick Google search pulls up KLOL-FM in Houston, TX operating on 101.1 . Dang, their signal is traveling a long way. Why do I suspect a mis-configuration of their daytime/nighttime transmission patterns? I'll let the FCC deal with that as I'm sending a letter out today.

Still, it brings up a weird question. Is it just me, or does it seem like one is challenged when they want to listen to their local station from certain locations, but have no issues with the stations they are not interested in at all? Especially distant stations.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on July 19, 2023, 11:58:32 AM

While it doesn't quite qualify for this thread, I've encountered a situation where if my radio is set to 104.9 (analog dial), it will play 104.9 unless I'm personally standing in a specific location, in which case it will get 104.5 instead. (Since then, I've switched radios and 104.9 is under new ownership.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: elsmere241 on July 19, 2023, 12:17:29 PM

Along those lines, one of Newark, Delaware's old nicknames is "Radio Free Newark" because of different radio signals (from different directions) interfering with each other (including the University of Delaware's radio station overriding the audio of Channel 6 from Philadelphia). Digital tuners seem to have solved that problem.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on July 19, 2023, 12:41:26 PM

I used to have a problem with WTOP's FM feed on 107.7 going all to static whenever I passed the Pentagon. The solution was to turn it to their AM feed on 1500, which came through fine. Their FM feed later relocated to 103.5 and that solved the problem. I've never had a problem with any other frequencies when I pass the Pentagon.

There are a few weird places I can think of where the XM satellite radio feed randomly drops out every time even though I'm not passing under an overpass or near a tall building or similar. One such is the location seen in this Street View (https://goo.gl/maps/kieVmju3SQMyTqH19)–the signal will disappear when I pass that GEICO sign visible to the left and it'll come back after I'm beyond the Braddock Road overpass visible up ahead (and it doesn't matter whether I'm in the HO/T or local lanes, nor which direction I'm going–it happens every time). Another spot is this location going northbound (https://goo.gl/maps/c8xYLmDEcSeY9XVG8), where the signal will cut out and won't come back consistently until I pass the traffic light up ahead–but the weird thing is, it only happens northbound at that location.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: abefroman329 on July 19, 2023, 01:44:05 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on July 19, 2023, 12:41:26 PM
I used to have a problem with WTOP's FM feed on 107.7 going all to static whenever I passed the Pentagon. The solution was to turn it to their AM feed on 1500, which came through fine. Their FM feed later relocated to 103.5 and that solved the problem. I've never had a problem with any other frequencies when I pass the Pentagon.

There are a few weird places I can think of where the XM satellite radio feed randomly drops out every time even though I'm not passing under an overpass or near a tall building or similar. One such is the location seen in this Street View (https://goo.gl/maps/kieVmju3SQMyTqH19)–the signal will disappear when I pass that GEICO sign visible to the left and it'll come back after I'm beyond the Braddock Road overpass visible up ahead (and it doesn't matter whether I'm in the HO/T or local lanes, nor which direction I'm going–it happens every time). Another spot is this location going northbound (https://goo.gl/maps/c8xYLmDEcSeY9XVG8), where the signal will cut out and won't come back consistently until I pass the traffic light up ahead–but the weird thing is, it only happens northbound at that location.

This reminded me that one of my former boss's poker buddies lived very close to Intelsat's offices in Northwest, and when we went to games there, you just plain couldn't get a mobile phone signal. This was about 10 years ago, so I hope they came up with a solution in that timeframe.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on July 20, 2023, 09:07:02 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on July 19, 2023, 08:25:50 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on July 19, 2023, 05:42:48 AM
Do you know what else pisses me off? Bluetooth. It's a scam. No matter what kind of cell phone I've ever had, I've rarely ever been able to sync it up to ANYTHING! :angry:

Hands-free devices? Hardly ever. The family printer? Not anymore. I keep getting pop-ups from Microsoft trying to get me to sync up my cell phone to my PC. Even if I wanted to, it would never work.

Hmmm. I've never had a problem on any cell phone I've ever had. You sure you're putting things in pairing mode?

Yes. it takes forever to even try to pair up anything. They either conk out before the job is finished, or they say they can't hook up to the device.

Quote from: ZLoth on July 19, 2023, 09:25:44 AM
Oh? Are you on a Android phone or a iPhone?

Android.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Roadgeekteen on July 21, 2023, 12:50:32 AM

airdrop not working with android phones

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on July 21, 2023, 08:46:44 AM

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 21, 2023, 12:50:32 AM
airdrop not working with android phones

Saves me from getting dick pics on planes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on July 21, 2023, 08:47:36 AM

Last week, I purchased a Fire HD 8 Tablet, 8" HD Display (2020 release, 10th Gen) from Woot! for $30, and it arrived last night. However, I'm having problems registering the device to my Amazon account. I reset my Amazon password, attempted to and failed to update the firmware, checked the connectivity, switched the WiFi connection from DHCP to static IP address and DNS, and even disabled the One-Time Password. I reached out to Amazon Device Support, and find out that the device was "blacklisted". Amazon Device Support won't remove the blacklisting and has advised me to reach out to Woot! (which is a Amazon company) for further assistance. I have emailed Woot!, and am pending a response. But, yay on non-accurate and non-helpful error messages. :banghead:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on July 21, 2023, 08:48:24 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on July 19, 2023, 09:25:44 AM
Oh? Are you on a Android phone or a iPhone?

Android.
[/quote]
Make, model of the phone, and version of the Android OS you are running?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on July 21, 2023, 12:56:49 PM

The fact that people always wait until I'm in a meeting to bother me with something. I could have nothing going on all day, nothing happening, but as soon as I put on my headset for a Zoom/WebEx, BAM, suddenly everyone wants to come over to my desk and talk. And the headset doesn't dissuade them, either, so I'm stuck having to concentrate on two things at once.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on July 21, 2023, 02:52:08 PM

Quote from: vdeane on July 21, 2023, 12:56:49 PM
The fact that people always wait until I'm in a meeting to bother me with something. I could have nothing going on all day, nothing happening, but as soon as I put on my headset for a Zoom/WebEx, BAM, suddenly everyone wants to come over to my desk and talk. And the headset doesn't dissuade them, either, so I'm stuck having to concentrate on two things at once.

All the time, especially when I'm trying to attend some online training, and several urgents come up.

Along the same lines, I'm working from home, and everything is quiet. I'm preparing something in the kitchen and hear my work phone go off. I make a mad dash back to my home office.... and it's phone spam.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on July 21, 2023, 08:09:36 PM

When I'm first in line at self checkout and the person who just paid for their stuff still hasn't put their grocery in their bag. As soon as you scan whatever you're buying, you should put it in the bag!!!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 21, 2023, 08:57:10 PM

Quote from: LilianaUwU on July 21, 2023, 08:09:36 PM
When I'm first in line at self checkout and the person who just paid for their stuff still hasn't put their grocery in their bag. As soon as you scan whatever you're buying, you should put it in the bag!!!

Part of the problem locally in California is ten cent grocery store bags suck and are hard to pull apart. About 20% of the time I get lucky and I don't have to fight to separate them. I get it they are trying to "encourage me" to use reusable bags but that's not likely to happen if my wife isn't with me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on July 21, 2023, 10:08:24 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 21, 2023, 08:57:10 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on July 21, 2023, 08:09:36 PM
When I'm first in line at self checkout and the person who just paid for their stuff still hasn't put their grocery in their bag. As soon as you scan whatever you're buying, you should put it in the bag!!!

Part of the problem locally in California is ten cent grocery store bags suck and are hard to pull apart. About 20% of the time I get lucky and I don't have to fight to separate them. I get it they are trying to "encourage me" to use reusable bags but that's not likely to happen if my wife isn't with me.

But do you at least bag as you check out? That seems to be the issue here, people just tossing their goods onto the "scale" and then bagging after check out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on July 21, 2023, 10:29:40 PM

There is no state law in Wisconsin, but the grocery bags suck too. While trying to open them, the checkout yells at me to bag the item I just scanned.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 21, 2023, 10:45:12 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on July 21, 2023, 10:08:24 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 21, 2023, 08:57:10 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on July 21, 2023, 08:09:36 PM
When I'm first in line at self checkout and the person who just paid for their stuff still hasn't put their grocery in their bag. As soon as you scan whatever you're buying, you should put it in the bag!!!

Part of the problem locally in California is ten cent grocery store bags suck and are hard to pull apart. About 20% of the time I get lucky and I don't have to fight to separate them. I get it they are trying to "encourage me" to use reusable bags but that's not likely to happen if my wife isn't with me.

But do you at least bag as you check out? That seems to be the issue here, people just tossing their goods onto the "scale" and then bagging after check out.

I try to, but it really depends if the bags are easy to open not. I do find myself getting annoyed more often than I like which leads to be scanning first and trying to throw everything in the bag at the end. Big John illustrated one of the issues the kiosk gives you if you don't put the items in the bagging area fast enough.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on July 21, 2023, 11:00:32 PM

Quote from: LilianaUwU on July 21, 2023, 08:09:36 PM
When I'm first in line at self checkout and the person who just paid for their stuff still hasn't put their grocery in their bag. As soon as you scan whatever you're buying, you should put it in the bag!!!

Self-checkout.

I am not a checker. I check out maybe once a week, maybe not even that. I will never be anywhere near as fast or accurate or good at bagging as someone who does it full time.

Besides, that's somebody's job. That person is now on the street. Do I get the money they would have made when I'm going their job? No, I do not.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on July 21, 2023, 11:05:03 PM

Quote from: kkt on July 21, 2023, 11:00:32 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on July 21, 2023, 08:09:36 PM
When I'm first in line at self checkout and the person who just paid for their stuff still hasn't put their grocery in their bag. As soon as you scan whatever you're buying, you should put it in the bag!!!

Self-checkout.

I am not a checker. I check out maybe once a week, maybe not even that. I will never be anywhere near as fast or accurate or good at bagging as someone who does it full time.

Besides, that's somebody's job. That person is now on the street. Do I get the money they would have made when I'm going their job? No, I do not.

Jobs were also created that help design, build, install and maintain those self checkouts. While a cashier may not be needed now, but other jobs were created.

Also, while people get upset about scanning their own groceries, most people have no problem pumping their own gas, which also could be done by employees of a store.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 21, 2023, 11:20:45 PM

Quote from: kkt on July 21, 2023, 11:00:32 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on July 21, 2023, 08:09:36 PM
When I'm first in line at self checkout and the person who just paid for their stuff still hasn't put their grocery in their bag. As soon as you scan whatever you're buying, you should put it in the bag!!!

Self-checkout.

I am not a checker. I check out maybe once a week, maybe not even that. I will never be anywhere near as fast or accurate or good at bagging as someone who does it full time.

Besides, that's somebody's job. That person is now on the street. Do I get the money they would have made when I'm going their job? No, I do not.

I used to agree, but then I discovered self check out is a good way to bypass annoyingly slow customers. In particular those who write checks, engage in unnecessary banter with the cashier or get in express lines with large numbers of items. Besides, the less I have to interact with random strangers tends to be something I view as a win.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Hobart on July 22, 2023, 01:19:35 AM

Quote from: kkt on July 21, 2023, 11:00:32 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on July 21, 2023, 08:09:36 PM
When I'm first in line at self checkout and the person who just paid for their stuff still hasn't put their grocery in their bag. As soon as you scan whatever you're buying, you should put it in the bag!!!

Self-checkout.

I am not a checker. I check out maybe once a week, maybe not even that. I will never be anywhere near as fast or accurate or good at bagging as someone who does it full time.

Besides, that's somebody's job. That person is now on the street. Do I get the money they would have made when I'm going their job? No, I do not.

I feel this a little bit, but sometimes the checker barely knows what they're doing as well. I like having more direct control over what goes in what bag, like in lower-end stores (like Kroger, actually)! Otherwise, you get the situation where there's one item per bag.

Plus I always have a fear of the cashier judging what I'm buying, or asking questions. I have enough difficulty getting through the store, I don't want to have to explain to people what my items are for.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on July 22, 2023, 05:31:00 AM

Self checkouts at HyVee really annoy me - I think that GlaDOS has taken over

"Have you USED your HyVee Fuel Saver Plus PERS reWARDS CARD today?"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on July 22, 2023, 05:40:43 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on July 21, 2023, 08:47:36 AMLast week, I purchased a Fire HD 8 Tablet, 8" HD Display (2020 release, 10th Gen) from Woot! for $30, and it arrived last night. However, I'm having problems registering the device to my Amazon account. I reset my Amazon password, attempted to and failed to update the firmware, checked the connectivity, switched the WiFi connection from DHCP to static IP address and DNS, and even disabled the One-Time Password. I reached out to Amazon Device Support, and find out that the device was "blacklisted". Amazon Device Support won't remove the blacklisting and has advised me to reach out to Woot! (which is a Amazon company) for further assistance. I have emailed Woot!, and am pending a response. But, yay on non-accurate and non-helpful error messages. :banghead:

As an update, I just received a email from Woot! telling me that they are sending out a replacement device ASAP, and that I won't be required to return the old one. Just dispose of it. :-/

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on July 22, 2023, 05:53:12 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 21, 2023, 08:57:10 PMI am not a checker. I check out maybe once a week, maybe not even that. I will never be anywhere near as fast or accurate or good at bagging as someone who does it full time.

Besides, that's somebody's job. That person is now on the street. Do I get the money they would have made when I'm going their job? No, I do not.

Did you try asking for an employee discount? :poke:

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 21, 2023, 08:57:10 PMPart of the problem locally in California is ten cent grocery store bags suck and are hard to pull apart. About 20% of the time I get lucky and I don't have to fight to separate them. I get it they are trying to "encourage me" to use reusable bags but that's not likely to happen if my wife isn't with me.

This whole 10Â¢ per bag is a crock and a money grab. Ever hear of "Reduce-Reuse-Recycle". I recycle my plastic bags as small trash bags which are quite handy for pet waste. Did any of the legislators own a pet? Plus, you have to remember to put the bags in the trunk and take them to the store with you.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on July 22, 2023, 06:30:09 AM

Quote from: kkt on July 21, 2023, 11:00:32 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on July 21, 2023, 08:09:36 PM
When I'm first in line at self checkout and the person who just paid for their stuff still hasn't put their grocery in their bag. As soon as you scan whatever you're buying, you should put it in the bag!!!

Self-checkout.

I am not a checker. I check out maybe once a week, maybe not even that. I will never be anywhere near as fast or accurate or good at bagging as someone who does it full time.

Besides, that's somebody's job. That person is now on the street. Do I get the money they would have made when I'm going their job? No, I do not.

You refusing to use self-checkout is not going to get that person's job back. The store won't hire more checkers; the lines at the registers will just get longer. Don't like it? The store's solution is to use self-checkout.

That said, Meijer in our area switched from "normal" lanes for self-checkout (you scan it, then put it on the ramp to go down to the bagging area). Now they have a large corral of self-checkout stations. Sure, there's just one line and you're guaranteed to not get stuck behind someone who is extra slow. But each station only has spots to load 2 bags. Doesn't anyone buy a whole shopping cart load of groceries anymore?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on July 22, 2023, 10:39:38 AM

I just got yet another phishing scam purporting to be from the IRS, perhaps 15 minutes after receiving one purporting to be from one of my credit card issuers. Both were obvious scams, but what puzzles me is how spam filters can be so darn aggressive at picking up messages that are sometimes perfectly legitimate yet allow utterly obvious crap like these to go through. The broken English subject line should be a dead giveaway: "Importants Your Tax Not Claimeds - IRS Send Your Tax Funds Please Verify." That reads like something Gollum might have written.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on July 22, 2023, 10:51:45 AM

^^ I think many spam filters are programmed to pick up key words or phrases. Meaning misspelled words, intentional or unintentional, get past the filters.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on July 22, 2023, 11:45:05 AM

"IRS" and "tax refund" alone ought to be enough!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on July 22, 2023, 04:35:40 PM

Quote from: Hobart on July 22, 2023, 01:19:35 AM
Quote from: kkt on July 21, 2023, 11:00:32 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on July 21, 2023, 08:09:36 PM
When I'm first in line at self checkout and the person who just paid for their stuff still hasn't put their grocery in their bag. As soon as you scan whatever you're buying, you should put it in the bag!!!

Self-checkout.

I am not a checker. I check out maybe once a week, maybe not even that. I will never be anywhere near as fast or accurate or good at bagging as someone who does it full time.

Besides, that's somebody's job. That person is now on the street. Do I get the money they would have made when I'm going their job? No, I do not.

I feel this a little bit, but sometimes the checker barely knows what they're doing as well. I like having more direct control over what goes in what bag, like in lower-end stores (like Kroger, actually)! Otherwise, you get the situation where there's one item per bag.

Plus I always have a fear of the cashier judging what I'm buying, or asking questions. I have enough difficulty getting through the store, I don't want to have to explain to people what my items are for.

That, and my bags have a little plastic thing to put at the bottom to help them keep their shape. Do any baggers actually put that thing down? No, not even at Wegmans, which is where I got the bags in the first place, so they should really know better (although I can understand why baggers at other stores don't, since other stores don't include the plastic thing). Between those things, I find myself inevitable repacking my groceries whenever I use a manned checkout, so I may as well just do it myself.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on July 22, 2023, 04:42:21 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 21, 2023, 11:20:45 PM
Quote from: kkt on July 21, 2023, 11:00:32 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on July 21, 2023, 08:09:36 PM
When I'm first in line at self checkout and the person who just paid for their stuff still hasn't put their grocery in their bag. As soon as you scan whatever you're buying, you should put it in the bag!!!

Self-checkout.

I am not a checker. I check out maybe once a week, maybe not even that. I will never be anywhere near as fast or accurate or good at bagging as someone who does it full time.

Besides, that's somebody's job. That person is now on the street. Do I get the money they would have made when I'm going their job? No, I do not.

I used to agree, but then I discovered self check out is a good way to bypass annoyingly slow customers. In particular those who write checks, engage in unnecessary banter with the cashier or get in express lines with large numbers of items. Besides, the less I have to interact with random strangers tends to be something I view as a win.

I don't even remember the last time I saw someone writing a check in a grocery store. When checks in grocery stores were a thing, thoughtful people filled out everything in the check except the amount while they were waiting in line, before the cashier even started ringing them up. It was almost never a source of delay.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on July 22, 2023, 04:45:26 PM

Quote from: GaryV on July 22, 2023, 06:30:09 AM
Quote from: kkt on July 21, 2023, 11:00:32 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on July 21, 2023, 08:09:36 PM
When I'm first in line at self checkout and the person who just paid for their stuff still hasn't put their grocery in their bag. As soon as you scan whatever you're buying, you should put it in the bag!!!

Self-checkout.

I am not a checker. I check out maybe once a week, maybe not even that. I will never be anywhere near as fast or accurate or good at bagging as someone who does it full time.

Besides, that's somebody's job. That person is now on the street. Do I get the money they would have made when I'm going their job? No, I do not.

You refusing to use self-checkout is not going to get that person's job back. The store won't hire more checkers; the lines at the registers will just get longer. Don't like it? The store's solution is to use self-checkout.

And my solution is to use a store that has checkers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 22, 2023, 04:48:47 PM

Quote from: kkt on July 22, 2023, 04:42:21 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 21, 2023, 11:20:45 PM
Quote from: kkt on July 21, 2023, 11:00:32 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on July 21, 2023, 08:09:36 PM
When I'm first in line at self checkout and the person who just paid for their stuff still hasn't put their grocery in their bag. As soon as you scan whatever you're buying, you should put it in the bag!!!

Self-checkout.

I am not a checker. I check out maybe once a week, maybe not even that. I will never be anywhere near as fast or accurate or good at bagging as someone who does it full time.

Besides, that's somebody's job. That person is now on the street. Do I get the money they would have made when I'm going their job? No, I do not.

I used to agree, but then I discovered self check out is a good way to bypass annoyingly slow customers. In particular those who write checks, engage in unnecessary banter with the cashier or get in express lines with large numbers of items. Besides, the less I have to interact with random strangers tends to be something I view as a win.

I don't even remember the last time I saw someone writing a check in a grocery store. When checks in grocery stores were a thing, thoughtful people filled out everything in the check except the amount while they were waiting in line, before the cashier even started ringing them up. It was almost never a source of delay.

Whereas I seemingly run into the elderly person paying for $8 purchase by check seemingly 33% of the time when I go a conventional register at Vons.

Either way, referring to my comment above the big win is not having to talk to someone I don't know. The less pleasantries I have exchange with a person I'll likely never see again the better. I much rather skip the interaction and just move on with my day.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 22, 2023, 07:13:23 PM

Quote from: Big John on July 22, 2023, 10:51:45 AM
^^ I think many spam filters are programmed to pick up key words or phrases. Meaning misspelled words, intentional or unintentional, get past the filters.

A lot of scam emails intentionally include spelling errors to weed out people smart enough to recognize the errors. Smart people tend to try to do things like call up the IRS directly and ask them what's going on before sending the scammer money. The last thing the scammer wants is the actual IRS sending law enforcement after them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on July 22, 2023, 07:26:37 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on July 22, 2023, 05:53:12 AM
Quote from: kkt on July 21, 2023, 11:00:32 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 21, 2023, 08:57:10 PMI am not a checker. I check out maybe once a week, maybe not even that. I will never be anywhere near as fast or accurate or good at bagging as someone who does it full time.

Besides, that's somebody's job. That person is now on the street. Do I get the money they would have made when I'm going their job? No, I do not.

Did you try asking for an employee discount? :poke:

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 21, 2023, 08:57:10 PMPart of the problem locally in California is ten cent grocery store bags suck and are hard to pull apart. About 20% of the time I get lucky and I don't have to fight to separate them. I get it they are trying to "encourage me" to use reusable bags but that's not likely to happen if my wife isn't with me.

This whole 10Â¢ per bag is a crock and a money grab. Ever hear of "Reduce-Reuse-Recycle". I recycle my plastic bags as small trash bags which are quite handy for pet waste. Did any of the legislators own a pet? Plus, you have to remember to put the bags in the trunk and take them to the store with you.

In states like mine where bags are banned, you're forced to use reusable bags. Generally you either get used to it quickly, or you just put the groceries back into the cart, bring it to the car, then put them in the car or bags then.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 22, 2023, 08:54:18 PM

Considering that I have general idea how much retail store bags cost I'm confident in saying that 10Â¢ bags are definitely not a money grab. My thought is that if I can't afford 10Â¢ it would be indicative of either extreme cheapness or extreme financial distress.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on July 23, 2023, 03:13:38 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on July 22, 2023, 05:40:43 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on July 21, 2023, 08:47:36 AMLast week, I purchased a Fire HD 8 Tablet, 8" HD Display (2020 release, 10th Gen) from Woot! for $30, and it arrived last night. However, I'm having problems registering the device to my Amazon account. I reset my Amazon password, attempted to and failed to update the firmware, checked the connectivity, switched the WiFi connection from DHCP to static IP address and DNS, and even disabled the One-Time Password. I reached out to Amazon Device Support, and find out that the device was "blacklisted". Amazon Device Support won't remove the blacklisting and has advised me to reach out to Woot! (which is a Amazon company) for further assistance. I have emailed Woot!, and am pending a response. But, yay on non-accurate and non-helpful error messages. :banghead:

As an update, I just received a email from Woot! telling me that they are sending out a replacement device ASAP, and that I won't be required to return the old one. Just dispose of it. :-/

The new device arrived and I'm setting it up now.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on July 23, 2023, 07:44:20 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on July 21, 2023, 08:48:24 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on July 19, 2023, 09:25:44 AM
Oh? Are you on a Android phone or a iPhone?
Android.

Make, model of the phone, and version of the Android OS you are running?
[/quote]
It doesn't really matter. Every phone I've had has had the same problems, even before I was getting "smart phones."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on July 24, 2023, 02:53:31 AM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on July 23, 2023, 07:44:20 PM
It doesn't really matter. Every phone I've had has had the same problems, even before I was getting "smart phones."

What are you trying to connect to? Have you asked people for help?

You seem to be experiencing an unprecedented issue. Intermittent issues with Bluetooth are not unusual, but for it to straight-up not work across numerous devices for years despite your best efforts indicates to me that either (a) someone is messing with you, or (b) your home is built on an Indian burial ground and there are outside forces blocking connections.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 24, 2023, 03:07:17 AM

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on July 24, 2023, 10:59:30 AM

(d) Residence is using chicken wire that is acting as a faraday cage.

Connect through Bluetooth on your Android device (https://support.google.com/android/answer/9075925?hl=en)
How to Pair a Device Using Bluetooth on Android (https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-connect-android-bluetooth/)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on July 24, 2023, 12:11:22 PM

Quote from: GaryV on July 22, 2023, 06:30:09 AM
That said, Meijer in our area switched from "normal" lanes for self-checkout (you scan it, then put it on the ramp to go down to the bagging area). Now they have a large corral of self-checkout stations. Sure, there's just one line and you're guaranteed to not get stuck behind someone who is extra slow. But each station only has spots to load 2 bags. Doesn't anyone buy a whole shopping cart load of groceries anymore?

I haven't really patronized Meijer in 13 years, but I always liked that feature of scanning your item and then putting it on a ramp to collect at the end for bagging. The one I frequented in Lexington had that style of self-checkout.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on July 26, 2023, 12:37:32 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on July 24, 2023, 10:59:30 AM
(d) Residence is using chicken wire that is acting as a faraday cage.

Connect through Bluetooth on your Android device (https://support.google.com/android/answer/9075925?hl=en)
How to Pair a Device Using Bluetooth on Android (https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-connect-android-bluetooth/)

Or (e), bluetooth simply doesn't work as well as it promised;
https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/10/tech/bluetooth-technology-headache/index.html

I've tried to connect my cell phones to hands free devices. The first time I tried it, I used some cheap-ass G2 phone and it worked for one day. Once I got it on the road, it never worked again.

I've had smart phones with the same problem.

I've tried to link my Amazon KindleFire to cell phones. They say they detect them, but nothing ever goes from one device or the other.

I recently tried to print an online recipt from my cell phone, and found out I can't do that either.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on July 26, 2023, 12:18:29 PM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on July 26, 2023, 12:37:32 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on July 24, 2023, 10:59:30 AM
(d) Residence is using chicken wire that is acting as a faraday cage.

Connect through Bluetooth on your Android device (https://support.google.com/android/answer/9075925?hl=en)
How to Pair a Device Using Bluetooth on Android (https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-connect-android-bluetooth/)
Or (e), bluetooth simply doesn't work as well as it promised;
https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/10/tech/bluetooth-technology-headache/index.html

I've tried to connect my cell phones to hands free devices. The first time I tried it, I used some cheap-ass G2 phone and it worked for one day. Once I got it on the road, it never worked again.

I've had smart phones with the same problem.

I've tried to link my Amazon KindleFire to cell phones. They say they detect them, but nothing ever goes from one device or the other.

I recently tried to print an online recipt from my cell phone, and found out I can't do that either.

But realistically, Occam's Razor says there's something specific to your phones (or you) that none of your devices work. Obviously there are one off issues that can happen with any device, but you'd have to be the unluckiest person alive to have every single one of your devices to have problems.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on July 26, 2023, 12:42:18 PM

Quote from: GaryV on July 22, 2023, 06:30:09 AM
That said, Meijer in our area switched from "normal" lanes for self-checkout (you scan it, then put it on the ramp to go down to the bagging area). Now they have a large corral of self-checkout stations. Sure, there's just one line and you're guaranteed to not get stuck behind someone who is extra slow. But each station only has spots to load 2 bags. Doesn't anyone buy a whole shopping cart load of groceries anymore?

Interesting, because the Kroger locations near me did that in reverse order. With their first self-checkout stations, each one has a little carousel to accommodate 4 of their plastic bags and also a shelf where I can place my cloth bags for loading. Newer stations have no shelf so I have to fight a bit to get my cloth bags to stay on the carousel. Yes, I sometimes buy a full cart of groceries. (Sometimes I give up and pile my items on the carousel after scanning, then load everything into my bags in the shopping cart when checkout is complete. I hold up the line a couple minutes that way, but too bad.) Only recently have they installed one or two self-checkout lanes with the conveyor belts and ramps.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on July 26, 2023, 06:19:34 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on July 26, 2023, 12:18:29 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on July 26, 2023, 12:37:32 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on July 24, 2023, 10:59:30 AM
(d) Residence is using chicken wire that is acting as a faraday cage.

Connect through Bluetooth on your Android device (https://support.google.com/android/answer/9075925?hl=en)
How to Pair a Device Using Bluetooth on Android (https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-connect-android-bluetooth/)
Or (e), bluetooth simply doesn't work as well as it promised;
https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/10/tech/bluetooth-technology-headache/index.html

I've tried to connect my cell phones to hands free devices. The first time I tried it, I used some cheap-ass G2 phone and it worked for one day. Once I got it on the road, it never worked again.

I've had smart phones with the same problem.

I've tried to link my Amazon KindleFire to cell phones. They say they detect them, but nothing ever goes from one device or the other.

I recently tried to print an online recipt from my cell phone, and found out I can't do that either.

But realistically, Occam's Razor says there's something specific to your phones (or you) that none of your devices work. Obviously there are one off issues that can happen with any device, but you'd have to be the unluckiest person alive to have every single one of your devices to have problems.

Meh, most of my Bluetooth devices go on the fritz at some point or another and have to be re-paired. But that's not half the time, but maybe 2-3 times a year per device. Either that, or the devices recognize each other, but don't do anything meaningful other than acknowledging each others' presence (but seriously, a PC and iPhone are never going to do anything useful together).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on July 27, 2023, 12:59:27 PM

There's one person who insists on starting every meeting by greeting each and every person on the call with an individual "good morning" and roll call, instead of simply reading through the names and asking people with just phone numbers displayed who they are like is done at every other meeting from every other group. It's annoying as I'm not an extrovert and would rather just start the meeting than deal with a good morning love fest, yet this person insists on the latter for each and every meeting they're involved with.

Unrelated, but Microsoft changing spell check to be left click when everyone else still uses right click. I presume they want to make it more like phones. For that matter, the tech companies need to remember the desktops and laptops are not phones. They're even insisting on calling desktop programs "apps".

Also, the fact that Outlook online and Outlook desktop don't even use the same category system, despite appearing to at first glace. Categories set online apply per conversation while ones set on the desktop apply per message, so if you set one online and then go to the desktop, new emails in response will have the category assigned automatically, which can be an issue if you group the inbox by category and expect new mail to have the category of "(none)".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on July 28, 2023, 08:53:31 AM

Quote from: vdeane on July 27, 2023, 12:59:27 PM
For that matter, the tech companies need to remember the desktops and laptops are not phones. They're even insisting on calling desktop programs "apps".

I mean, that's short for "applications" , which is what Macs have called the folder where those are stored since before Steve Jobs even dreamed of the iPhone. They even have the file name extension .app.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on July 28, 2023, 10:31:10 AM

Quote from: US 89 on July 28, 2023, 08:53:31 AM
Quote from: vdeane on July 27, 2023, 12:59:27 PM
For that matter, the tech companies need to remember the desktops and laptops are not phones. They're even insisting on calling desktop programs "apps".

I mean, that's short for "applications" , which is what Macs have called the folder where those are stored since before Steve Jobs even dreamed of the iPhone. They even have the file name extension .app.

I don't recall people using "app" before the iPhone became big. Before then, desktop applications were called using the full word. Thus, I associate "apps" with the toys people install on their phones.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on July 28, 2023, 10:46:49 AM

Quote from: vdeane on July 27, 2023, 12:59:27 PMThere's one person who insists on starting every meeting by greeting each and every person on the call with an individual "good morning" and roll call, instead of simply reading through the names and asking people with just phone numbers displayed who they are like is done at every other meeting from every other group. It's annoying as I'm not an extrovert and would rather just start the meeting than deal with a good morning love fest, yet this person insists on the latter for each and every meeting they're involved with.

To me, it's more important if that meeting host starts the meeting a minute or so after the stated start time and ends the meeting before the scheduled end time, thus placing high value on the attendees time. I would say "bonus points" for the meeting host in personally recognizing everyone in the meeting within reason.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on July 28, 2023, 11:00:25 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on July 28, 2023, 10:46:49 AM
Quote from: vdeane on July 27, 2023, 12:59:27 PMThere's one person who insists on starting every meeting by greeting each and every person on the call with an individual "good morning" and roll call, instead of simply reading through the names and asking people with just phone numbers displayed who they are like is done at every other meeting from every other group. It's annoying as I'm not an extrovert and would rather just start the meeting than deal with a good morning love fest, yet this person insists on the latter for each and every meeting they're involved with.

To me, it's more important if that meeting host starts the meeting a minute or so after the stated start time and ends the meeting before the scheduled end time, thus placing high value on the attendees time. I would say "bonus points" for the meeting host in personally recognizing everyone in the meeting within reason.

I'd say the most important quality is to actually have an agenda worthy of a meeting and not easily handled by an email.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: XamotCGC on July 28, 2023, 11:11:59 AM

Lately I been using Walmart and Kroger crubside pickup for the stuff I need just to avoid the hassle of stores. For groceries I have those delivered though instacart or the service Walmart uses.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on July 28, 2023, 05:58:29 PM

Quote from: vdeane on July 28, 2023, 10:31:10 AM
Quote from: US 89 on July 28, 2023, 08:53:31 AM
Quote from: vdeane on July 27, 2023, 12:59:27 PM
For that matter, the tech companies need to remember the desktops and laptops are not phones. They're even insisting on calling desktop programs "apps".

I mean, that's short for "applications" , which is what Macs have called the folder where those are stored since before Steve Jobs even dreamed of the iPhone. They even have the file name extension .app.

I don't recall people using "app" before the iPhone became big. Before then, desktop applications were called using the full word. Thus, I associate "apps" with the toys people install on their phones.

The "toys"? I don't think you are appreciating enough the impact that mobile application development has had on the world if you really see mobile phone apps as "toys".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Hobart on July 28, 2023, 06:24:36 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on July 28, 2023, 05:58:29 PM
Quote from: vdeane on July 28, 2023, 10:31:10 AM
Quote from: US 89 on July 28, 2023, 08:53:31 AM
Quote from: vdeane on July 27, 2023, 12:59:27 PM
For that matter, the tech companies need to remember the desktops and laptops are not phones. They're even insisting on calling desktop programs "apps".

I mean, that's short for "applications" , which is what Macs have called the folder where those are stored since before Steve Jobs even dreamed of the iPhone. They even have the file name extension .app.

I don't recall people using "app" before the iPhone became big. Before then, desktop applications were called using the full word. Thus, I associate "apps" with the toys people install on their phones.

The "toys"? I don't think you are appreciating enough the impact that mobile application development has had on the world if you really see mobile phone apps as "toys".

I second this; I received my schedule through a mobile app for White Castle each week, use an app to check my bank account, use two to three different apps to listen to music, and the clock function wakes me up every morning; I have no "toys" on my phone, everything I have on it is used for either listening to music, buying stuff off the internet, or communications.

Granted, I still take issue with calling desktop things "apps", which I acknowledge is a completely semantic issue. I always referred to them and heard of them as either "programs" or by their proper name instead.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on July 28, 2023, 08:03:41 PM

Quote from: vdeane on July 28, 2023, 10:31:10 AMI don't recall people using "app" before the iPhone became big. Before then, desktop applications were called using the full word. Thus, I associate "apps" with the toys people install on their phones.

Right. I'll be sure to refer to my Authenticator used to log into work systems, the 2FA app for logging into personal sites, and the password manager on my phone as "toys". Let us not forget the alarm system or security camera "toys". Oh yeah, that calendar "toy", organizer "toy", and that banking "toy" which I keep track of my finances. Of course, there is that Gas Buddy "toy" as well as that AAA "toy", and when I travel, that airline ticket "toy" which gets scanned at the airline gate.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on July 28, 2023, 09:34:05 PM

For me, apps on desktop refer to applications that are built primarily for touchscreens or with full-screen use in mind, rather than traditional programs. It's a useful distinction.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on July 28, 2023, 09:36:28 PM

Everyone wake up on the wrong side of the bed this morning? Not just this thread, but man, people are over reacting more than normal today.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on July 28, 2023, 09:41:42 PM

OK, so maybe toys was a bit much. But still, my phone is far, far from my main computing device. It's mainly a way for me to quickly get info from email/the internet when I have a down moment of boredom (or if I'm out and need to look at something), maps access on the rare occasion I need to on the road, or the base phone/text functions that have existed since the days of flip phones. The only apps I've downloaded are Vivaldi (to replace Chrome), the authenticator app IT insists on if I want to log in to my work anything remotely, VLC (for access to my music library; I haven't used it recently, but I did used to listen to my Marie-Mai albums when vacuuming), a lock screen notes app, and News10's weather app so I can get the forecast/radar if needed when out (it works across the US, haven't had a chance to try Canada yet). Mostly I use the browser for things, and do pretty much all of my main computing business on my desktop and laptop. I'm not sure I'd ever trust my phone with financial anything; I don't need people to get access to my bank account if they take my phone, and I don't trust wireless anything to be secure unless it's my own personal network. I can't say I've gotten anywhere close to as integrated in mobile as most people seem to; the way I use computers hasn't really changed much in the past decade (and aside from my switch to Linux, it arguably hasn't changed much in 15-20 years).

I remember when apps were things like the flashlight app (remember when that wasn't built right in?). I also remember when even flip phones were cutting edge and not everyone had them. Like so (1:02):

https://youtu.be/eKUlOEHu7Uc?t=62

Quote from: Bruce on July 28, 2023, 09:34:05 PM
For me, apps on desktop refer to applications that are built primarily for touchscreens or with full-screen use in mind, rather than traditional programs. It's a useful distinction.

I feel like Microsoft is referring to everything as an "app" these days. Or at least it seemed like it from whatever inspired me to post about it in the first place.

Quote from: ZLoth on July 28, 2023, 10:46:49 AM
Quote from: vdeane on July 27, 2023, 12:59:27 PMThere's one person who insists on starting every meeting by greeting each and every person on the call with an individual "good morning" and roll call, instead of simply reading through the names and asking people with just phone numbers displayed who they are like is done at every other meeting from every other group. It's annoying as I'm not an extrovert and would rather just start the meeting than deal with a good morning love fest, yet this person insists on the latter for each and every meeting they're involved with.

To me, it's more important if that meeting host starts the meeting a minute or so after the stated start time and ends the meeting before the scheduled end time, thus placing high value on the attendees time. I would say "bonus points" for the meeting host in personally recognizing everyone in the meeting within reason.

I think the key phrase is "within reason". The normal way is one of the following:

Version 1:
Host: Do we have anyone from Region 1?
Region 1: Yes, this is [name] from Region 1 [group].

Version 2:
Host: ... I see [name] from Region 10 and [name] from Region 11. Who is the 716 number?
Person who called in instead of using the WebEx program: This is [name] from Region 5.

Instead we now get this:

Host: I see [first name]. Hello!
[person]: Good morning!
Host: Good morning! I see [next first name in alphabetical order]. Hello!
[next person]: Good morning!
Host: Good morning! ...

It's more tedious and loses the connection to who represents what regions/groups.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on July 28, 2023, 10:01:42 PM

If it doesn't write to standard output, it's a toy.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: The Nature Boy on July 30, 2023, 10:53:02 AM

Quote from: vdeane on July 28, 2023, 09:41:42 PM
OK, so maybe toys was a bit much. But still, my phone is far, far from my main computing device. It's mainly a way for me to quickly get info from email/the internet when I have a down moment of boredom (or if I'm out and need to look at something), maps access on the rare occasion I need to on the road, or the base phone/text functions that have existed since the days of flip phones. The only apps I've downloaded are Vivaldi (to replace Chrome), the authenticator app IT insists on if I want to log in to my work anything remotely, VLC (for access to my music library; I haven't used it recently, but I did used to listen to my Marie-Mai albums when vacuuming), a lock screen notes app, and News10's weather app so I can get the forecast/radar if needed when out (it works across the US, haven't had a chance to try Canada yet). Mostly I use the browser for things, and do pretty much all of my main computing business on my desktop and laptop. I'm not sure I'd ever trust my phone with financial anything; I don't need people to get access to my bank account if they take my phone, and I don't trust wireless anything to be secure unless it's my own personal network. I can't say I've gotten anywhere close to as integrated in mobile as most people seem to; the way I use computers hasn't really changed much in the past decade (and aside from my switch to Linux, it arguably hasn't changed much in 15-20 years).

I remember when apps were things like the flashlight app (remember when that wasn't built right in?). I also remember when even flip phones were cutting edge and not everyone had them. Like so (1:02):

https://youtu.be/eKUlOEHu7Uc?t=62

Quote from: Bruce on July 28, 2023, 09:34:05 PM
For me, apps on desktop refer to applications that are built primarily for touchscreens or with full-screen use in mind, rather than traditional programs. It's a useful distinction.
I feel like Microsoft is referring to everything as an "app" these days. Or at least it seemed like it from whatever inspired me to post about it in the first place.

Quote from: ZLoth on July 28, 2023, 10:46:49 AM
Quote from: vdeane on July 27, 2023, 12:59:27 PMThere's one person who insists on starting every meeting by greeting each and every person on the call with an individual "good morning" and roll call, instead of simply reading through the names and asking people with just phone numbers displayed who they are like is done at every other meeting from every other group. It's annoying as I'm not an extrovert and would rather just start the meeting than deal with a good morning love fest, yet this person insists on the latter for each and every meeting they're involved with.

To me, it's more important if that meeting host starts the meeting a minute or so after the stated start time and ends the meeting before the scheduled end time, thus placing high value on the attendees time. I would say "bonus points" for the meeting host in personally recognizing everyone in the meeting within reason.
I think the key phrase is "within reason". The normal way is one of the following:

Version 1:
Host: Do we have anyone from Region 1?
Region 1: Yes, this is [name] from Region 1 [group].

Version 2:
Host: ... I see [name] from Region 10 and [name] from Region 11. Who is the 716 number?
Person who called in instead of using the WebEx program: This is [name] from Region 5.

Instead we now get this:

Host: I see [first name]. Hello!
[person]: Good morning!
Host: Good morning! I see [next first name in alphabetical order]. Hello!
[next person]: Good morning!
Host: Good morning! ...

It's more tedious and loses the connection to who represents what regions/groups.

This.

I had to do an informational presentation on a new initiative to my team recently. My boss joined the call and was unhappy that I jumped right into the presentation without an "interactive icebreaker" to start.

First of all, these people all work with each other everyday. And even with just the presentation and the Q&A part of it, we almost ran out of time. Not everything is a social hour.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on July 30, 2023, 04:32:43 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on July 19, 2023, 11:11:37 AMSomething that has bothered me for several months, but now I have more information to file a complaint...

I'm a avid listener of the classical music station WRR-101.1 in the Dallas area. Since most of my drives are short, I don't bother setting up the Bluetooth. However, the past few months, I've noticed interference in the mornings, but wasn't able to get more specific information. Then, a few days ago, I hit the right "sweet spot", and actually got the interfering station.

And this morning, I got country music blaring when I ran an errand this morning. This time, it was KRMD 101.1 whose transmitter is in Oil City, Louisiana which is three hours away from North Dallas and serving the city of Shreveport.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on July 30, 2023, 04:46:58 PM

And now... it's people with their smartphones verses using headphones. Whenever I'm out and about and expect to be waiting someplace, I carry along a cheap set of earbuds (https://amzn.to/3q9Wj0W) that are $15, but the audio quality is very good... enough to listen to an audiobook, music, or watch a video without disturbing others. However, in the corner was two older customers who phones were heard someone clearly because a. they were watching videos, and b. I could hear the Spanish audio. The younger folks are wearing the headphones, but arrrggghh.... the volume is so loud. If I can hear the music you are playing and you are wearing headphones, they are too loud.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on July 30, 2023, 05:35:20 PM

A leap of a segue, but speaking of classical music: People who think classical music is anything performed by an orchestra, even if it's a Muzak-type arrangement of a Beatles song. (I specifically direct my ire toward a program director at WRCJ-FM in Detroit, previously program director at the old WQRS-FM.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on July 31, 2023, 11:57:21 AM

Quote from: The Nature Boy on July 30, 2023, 10:53:02 AM

I had to do an informational presentation on a new initiative to my team recently. My boss joined the call and was unhappy that I jumped right into the presentation without an "interactive icebreaker" to start.

First of all, these people all work with each other everyday. And even with just the presentation and the Q&A part of it, we almost ran out of time. Not everything is a social hour.

I hate icebreakers -- virtual or in-person -- in general. I'm not interested in the socializing and the "getting to know one another" and all that other happy horse crap. Just get to it. Do a short round of "introduce yourself" if need be, but leave the cutesy stuff out of it. Just get to it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on July 31, 2023, 12:23:12 PM

Quote from: The Nature Boy on July 30, 2023, 10:53:02 AM
Quote from: vdeane on July 28, 2023, 09:41:42 PM
OK, so maybe toys was a bit much. But still, my phone is far, far from my main computing device. It's mainly a way for me to quickly get info from email/the internet when I have a down moment of boredom (or if I'm out and need to look at something), maps access on the rare occasion I need to on the road, or the base phone/text functions that have existed since the days of flip phones...

Quote from: Bruce on July 28, 2023, 09:34:05 PM
For me, apps on desktop refer to applications that are built primarily for touchscreens or with full-screen use in mind, rather than traditional programs. It's a useful distinction.
I feel like Microsoft is referring to everything as an "app" these days. Or at least it seemed like it from whatever inspired me to post about it in the first place.

Quote from: ZLoth on July 28, 2023, 10:46:49 AM
Quote from: vdeane on July 27, 2023, 12:59:27 PMThere's one person who insists on starting every meeting by greeting each and every person on the call with an individual "good morning" and roll call, instead of simply reading through the names and asking people with just phone numbers displayed who they are like is done at every other meeting from every other group. It's annoying as I'm not an extrovert and would rather just start the meeting than deal with a good morning love fest, yet this person insists on the latter for each and every meeting they're involved with.

To me, it's more important if that meeting host starts the meeting a minute or so after the stated start time and ends the meeting before the scheduled end time, thus placing high value on the attendees time. I would say "bonus points" for the meeting host in personally recognizing everyone in the meeting within reason.
I think the key phrase is "within reason". The normal way is one of the following:

Version 1:
Host: Do we have anyone from Region 1?
Region 1: Yes, this is [name] from Region 1 [group].

Version 2:
Host: ... I see [name] from Region 10 and [name] from Region 11. Who is the 716 number?
Person who called in instead of using the WebEx program: This is [name] from Region 5.

Instead we now get this:

Host: I see [first name]. Hello!
[person]: Good morning!
Host: Good morning! I see [next first name in alphabetical order]. Hello!
[next person]: Good morning!
Host: Good morning! ...

It's more tedious and loses the connection to who represents what regions/groups.

This.

I had to do an informational presentation on a new initiative to my team recently. My boss joined the call and was unhappy that I jumped right into the presentation without an "interactive icebreaker" to start.

First of all, these people all work with each other everyday. And even with just the presentation and the Q&A part of it, we almost ran out of time. Not everything is a social hour.

I'm not on many calls, but when I am, thankfully we don't do any of this. Basically the host looks at the screen at the start-up time or 1 minute after, sees their key people are on and dives into the meeting. If there's a person dialing in and their name isn't displayed, they often have the courtesy to say they're on. If someone is missing, usually they made it known why, or someone tries to reach them separately. If there's a greeting, usually it's a quick Hi to the host, or to the highest ranking person on the meeting.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on July 31, 2023, 06:36:18 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on July 30, 2023, 05:35:20 PMA leap of a segue, but speaking of classical music: People who think classical music is anything performed by an orchestra, even if it's a Muzak-type arrangement of a Beatles song.

Nope, although it amuses me whenever music from a soundtrack composer such as Maurice Jarre, John Barry, Ennio Morricone, Bernard Herrmann, Jerry Goldsmith, Hans Zimmer, Alfred Newman, Randy Newman, Max Steiner, Howard Share, or John Williams gets played on the classic music feed considering the long-term impact of their work. Bonus points if they include the exceptional work of Joe Hisaishi or Yoko Kanno.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on August 01, 2023, 08:55:06 PM

Your last search was less than 5 seconds ago. Please try again later.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on August 01, 2023, 09:02:08 PM

Auto correct misspelling a correct word, while it offers no help in suggesting the right word with spelling when you can't figure out how to spell a word and hopes it spells it for you and don't.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on August 01, 2023, 09:07:03 PM

Auto correct.

I can make my own mistakes, thank you, and don't need any help.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on August 01, 2023, 09:18:57 PM

The current trend of autocorrect insisting of putting apostrophes where they don't belong.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on August 01, 2023, 09:22:27 PM

Like in the word " well" changing it to We'll etc.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on August 01, 2023, 09:28:51 PM

iPhone auto correct is much worse than Android. I've switched back and forth several times. Android doesn't correct "well" to "we'll" like iPhone, for example.

Don't even get me started on iPhone's voice to text. It is abysmal. So bad it makes me want to go back to Android.

I've heard iOS 17 will resolve some of these issues, but I thought iOS 16 would too...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on August 01, 2023, 09:45:00 PM

Someone needs to make it so its doesn't autocorrect to it's. In the past few years, I've started to see this error everywhere, even in official or nearly-official documents. I hate it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on August 01, 2023, 09:48:18 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on August 01, 2023, 09:28:51 PM
iPhone auto correct is much worse than Android. I've switched back and forth several times. Android doesn't correct "well" to "we'll" like iPhone, for example.

Android does that to me every time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Hobart on August 01, 2023, 11:04:49 PM

Quote from: Big John on August 01, 2023, 09:18:57 PM
The current trend of autocorrect insisting of putting apostrophes where they don't belong.

I'd like to rep the related issue of autocorrect always capitalizing the word "May" as a name or a month, when used as a conditional verb.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on August 02, 2023, 01:07:03 AM

My biggest issue with autocorrect is where you properly spell a word, but as it evaluates the context of your sentence it thinks you really meant a different word that it tries to substitute, and 90% of the time it's wrong.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on August 02, 2023, 01:15:41 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on August 01, 2023, 09:48:18 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on August 01, 2023, 09:28:51 PM
iPhone auto correct is much worse than Android. I've switched back and forth several times. Android doesn't correct "well" to "we'll" like iPhone, for example.

Android does that to me every time.

Interesting, what version of Android? Last one I had was Android 13, Samsung S23. I don't recall the obsession with apostrophes like on iPhone.

I do recall using the Google keyboard, maybe it has better autocorrect than the standard keyboards from the manufacturers (minus if you have a Pixel).

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on August 02, 2023, 01:07:03 AM
My biggest issue with autocorrect is where you properly spell a word, but as it evaluates the context of your sentence it thinks you really meant a different word that it tries to substitute, and 90% of the time it's wrong.

That was the situation I felt that Google was better at assessing, iPhone autocorrect doesn't seem to take context into account; eg "I threw it down a well" would get turned into "I threw it down a we'll" every. single. time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on August 02, 2023, 03:05:17 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on August 02, 2023, 01:15:41 AMI do recall using the Google keyboard, maybe it has better autocorrect than the standard keyboards from the manufacturers (minus if you have a Pixel).

It does. Autocorrect works well on my Pixel (Gboard) but is trash on my Samsung tablet (Android OS, but with Samsung's bespoke on-screen keyboard).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on August 02, 2023, 03:37:02 AM

The well/we'll thing has a similar issue in Spanish, in which sometimes auto-"correct" would add an acute to a verb, thus turning it from present to simple perfect past tense and the whole sentence no longer makes sense.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 02, 2023, 07:38:40 AM

A weird one I encounter from time to time on my iPhone or iPad–and I think this has been mentioned before–is autocorrect randomly inserting the article "a" where it doesn't belong. For example, suppose my wife's brother calls us and she's at the store or something. If I send her a message saying "Call Tom when you get home," sometimes autocorrect will randomly and inexplicably change that to "Call a Tom when you get home." I suppose that particular example is relatively minor because she'd know what it means, of course.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on August 02, 2023, 09:20:47 AM

Self-Service checkouts which have the all of the equipment to accept CASH and credit in place....

...But the stores have some or all of the self serve registers as CREDIT/DEBIT only...

...and have limited to no signage stating as such.

I went to a smaller grocery store yesterday to purchase a few things. They had 4 self-serve checkouts with cash accepting/dispensing attachments. I scanned my items, and selected PAY NOW, only to find out it (and the other 3) was not accepting any cash.

The only indication as such was a tiny sign before the registers saying CREDIT/DEBIT ONLY. Aargh!!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on August 02, 2023, 12:38:28 PM

Quote from: thenetwork on August 02, 2023, 09:20:47 AM
Self-Service checkouts which have the all of the equipment to accept CASH and credit in place....

...But the stores have some or all of the self serve registers as CREDIT/DEBIT only...

...and have limited to no signage stating as such.

I went to a smaller grocery store yesterday to purchase a few things. They had 4 self-serve checkouts with cash accepting/dispensing attachments. I scanned my items, and selected PAY NOW, only to find out it (and the other 3) was not accepting any cash.

The only indication as such was a tiny sign before the registers saying CREDIT/DEBIT ONLY. Aargh!!

Wow. Around here, the stores usually have a prompt notifying you and asking if you want to continue before you even start scanning.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bugo on August 02, 2023, 06:38:13 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on June 26, 2023, 08:03:15 PM
I probably wouldn't watch a movie with product placement in it if I knew that ahead of time. (Given that can mean anything from a barely-noticeable "all of the cars in the show happen to be Fords" all the way up to "this entire story is an infomercial for Google".)

Back in the 1960s and 1970s, many television shows were provided free cars courtesy of the automakers. There would be a line in the credits that say something like "Automobiles provided by Chrysler Corporation". That's why Andy Griffith always drove a new Ford patrol car. You can tell what season the episode you are watching by the year of Andy's car.

Here's a screenshot from the credits of The Andy Griffith Show with the mention of Ford Motor Company.

(https://i.imgur.com/e8uouiu.png)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bugo on August 02, 2023, 06:46:58 PM

I've posted this picture here before, but this is the kind of picture that you can take when the tornado sirens start screaming and you run outside to look at the sky. It is true that Oklahomans do go outside to look at the sky during severe weather events, especially if the sirens are going off. Every time I run outside when the sirens go off, there's always somebody else out there doing the same thing.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/7652/16743907700_ddeb264733_c.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on August 02, 2023, 10:21:16 PM

As a meteorologist, I find there are few things more enjoyable than watching the approach of a severe thunderstorm.

Whenever we get a big storm, I always go up to the roof of my apartment complex's parking deck to watch it roll in. Usually I'm the only one up there, but on a couple occasions I've seen someone park their car up there and look at me like I've gone insane.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tchafe1978 on August 02, 2023, 11:44:42 PM

Quote from: vdeane on August 02, 2023, 12:38:28 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on August 02, 2023, 09:20:47 AM
Self-Service checkouts which have the all of the equipment to accept CASH and credit in place....

...But the stores have some or all of the self serve registers as CREDIT/DEBIT only...

...and have limited to no signage stating as such.

I went to a smaller grocery store yesterday to purchase a few things. They had 4 self-serve checkouts with cash accepting/dispensing attachments. I scanned my items, and selected PAY NOW, only to find out it (and the other 3) was not accepting any cash.

The only indication as such was a tiny sign before the registers saying CREDIT/DEBIT ONLY. Aargh!!

Wow. Around here, the stores usually have a prompt notifying you and asking if you want to continue before you even start scanning.

It's usually not intentional when the self-checks are set to either cash only or card only. It's usually due to a malfuntction with the machine. And there are usually signs posted that state the condition, as well as prompts on the screen. People just either don't see those signs, or ignore them, and then get mad at the cashiers when they weren't paying attention.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on August 03, 2023, 12:30:50 AM

Quote from: tchafe1978 on August 02, 2023, 11:44:42 PM
Quote from: vdeane on August 02, 2023, 12:38:28 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on August 02, 2023, 09:20:47 AM
Self-Service checkouts which have the all of the equipment to accept CASH and credit in place....

...But the stores have some or all of the self serve registers as CREDIT/DEBIT only...

...and have limited to no signage stating as such.

I went to a smaller grocery store yesterday to purchase a few things. They had 4 self-serve checkouts with cash accepting/dispensing attachments. I scanned my items, and selected PAY NOW, only to find out it (and the other 3) was not accepting any cash.

The only indication as such was a tiny sign before the registers saying CREDIT/DEBIT ONLY. Aargh!!

Wow. Around here, the stores usually have a prompt notifying you and asking if you want to continue before you even start scanning.

It's usually not intentional when the self-checks are set to either cash only or card only. It's usually due to a malfuntction with the machine. And there are usually signs posted that state the condition, as well as prompts on the screen. People just either don't see those signs, or ignore them, and then get mad at the cashiers when they weren't paying attention.

Not around here. Over half of the self checkout stations I encounter around Tallahassee are card only permanently with non-temporary signage indicating such.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 03, 2023, 02:55:15 AM

People in a grocery store aisle not actually buying anything, but instead looking at their phone, list, items in their cart, children, etc. while standing right in front of the item I want.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on August 03, 2023, 03:51:33 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 03, 2023, 02:55:15 AM
People in a grocery store aisle not actually buying anything, but instead looking at their phone, list, items in their cart, children, etc. while standing right in front of the item I want.

or standing in the middle of the aisle, making it impossible to pass them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 03, 2023, 07:18:33 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 03, 2023, 02:55:15 AM
People in a grocery store aisle not actually buying anything, but instead looking at their phone, list, items in their cart, children, etc. while standing right in front of the item I want.

I have the grocery list on my phone in the Wegmans app (chief reason: it organizes the list by what aisle each item's in and I tap to check them off as I go). But I don't dawdle at the store. The only time I stop to look at the list is when I think I'm done, at which point I scroll through to make sure I got everything because that app no longer gives you a notification that you checked off all the items.

The people who bug me are the ones who seemingly bring the whole family–both parents, three kids who won't fit in the cart, and they manage to get in the way seemingly everywhere you go in the store. The only time those people are an advantage to have around is when an item is on the bottom shelf and is pushed back (so you can ask one of the little kids to get it for you rather than squatting down on the floor).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 03, 2023, 04:14:20 PM

I mean, I get that there's times you might need to look at your phone, list, items in cart, children, etc. while you're at the store. But that's when you need to move out to some out-of-the-way area (I like to use the area in front of a closed checkout line or one of the "crossovers" in "divided highway" type aisles when I need to do this) so you don't obstruct anyone else.

Seconded the Whole Family Outing people as being rather obnoxious. For one thing it tends to make the obstruction problem worse (because many times there's a discussion going on about whether to get Mrs. Butterworth's or Hungry Jack that makes Presidential debates look like tiddlywinks) AND you can't get around them in the aisle as easily. I'm not really comfortable talking to someone else's kids, either, so I don't even get the benefit of having them fetch me stuff.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on August 03, 2023, 04:21:22 PM

Weekend Costco is a chore to deal with. Giant groups (since everyone without a membership needs to tag along), people not moving from the sample zones at pinch points, long queues to checkout and receipt-check... I just don't bother for 3 days a week.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on August 03, 2023, 04:28:46 PM

Costco to me always had people moving down the aisles slowly just browsing and no room to pass them.

Then the food samples annoy me some as I would be the second person in line when the attendant puts out a new batch only for the person in front of me to grab them all to feed their family.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DTComposer on August 03, 2023, 06:07:14 PM

Road-related!:

Databases that are set to automatically capitalize the first *letter* of each word in an address, so that ordinals on numbered streets end up as "32Nd Street."

Similarly, use of all caps (intentional or not) on street name suffixes - Warren FWY, College AVE, etc. This happens on signage as well as in written documents.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on August 03, 2023, 06:09:27 PM

^^ In Wisconsin, County Hwy Ee

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 03, 2023, 07:20:47 PM

Quote from: DTComposer on August 03, 2023, 06:07:14 PM
Road-related!:

Databases that are set to automatically capitalize the first *letter* of each word in an address, so that ordinals on numbered streets end up as "32Nd Street."

Yeah, everyone knows that proper capitalization would be "#2nd Street."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ethanhopkin14 on August 03, 2023, 09:36:38 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 03, 2023, 07:20:47 PM
Quote from: DTComposer on August 03, 2023, 06:07:14 PM
Road-related!:

Databases that are set to automatically capitalize the first *letter* of each word in an address, so that ordinals on numbered streets end up as "32Nd Street."

Yeah, everyone knows that proper capitalization would be "#2nd Street."

It irritated me when Google Maps used to automatically abbreviate cardinal directions (South Sepulveda Blvd. becomes S. Sepulveda Blvd.). All well and good until a cardinal direction is part of the street name. I remember two examples here in Austin, South Bay Lane and West Gate Boulevard became S. Bay Lane and W. Gate Boulevard respectively. For West Gate, it's a north-south road, and if it crossed the river there would be a N. West Gate Boulevard and a S. West Gate Boulevard. Added fun to Far West Boulevard became Far W. Boulevard.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on August 03, 2023, 10:39:00 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 03, 2023, 07:20:47 PM
Quote from: DTComposer on August 03, 2023, 06:07:14 PM
Road-related!:

Databases that are set to automatically capitalize the first *letter* of each word in an address, so that ordinals on numbered streets end up as "32Nd Street."

Yeah, everyone knows that proper capitalization would be "#2nd Street."

No, it would obviously be "DC32nd Street".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on August 05, 2023, 11:14:23 PM

The fact that I keep getting notification from my color duplex laser printer letting me know that I need to replace the Black toner. Should I mention that it's at 10%, and this is a home office environment with emphasis on home? And, with the volume of printing that I don't do, I have to put up with that warning for a few more months until it is really, actually low (1-2%) before I will replace the toner. Is there any way I can adjust this? No.

And, no, I have never owned nor will ever own a inkjet printer.... color or black and white.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on August 06, 2023, 12:42:02 AM

Reminds me of the printer at my work... a small workplace with a relatively light duty printer, but it was connected to the internet and every time the printer decided it was low on toner it would order more. Except it would order new toner every week and they'd magically appear along with an invoice. We had four boxes of toner, I think, while we were still on the toner that was in the printer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 06, 2023, 09:52:23 AM

I try to stretch the toner cartridge as far as possible at home. I'll pull it out, shake it around, etc. to string it out. Only once pages start to have areas too faint to read will I finally replace it. I probably print more than average home users because I work from home.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on August 06, 2023, 11:17:34 AM

Quote from: US 89 on August 02, 2023, 10:21:16 PM
As a meteorologist, I find there are few things more enjoyable than watching the approach of a severe thunderstorm.

Whenever we get a big storm, I always go up to the roof of my apartment complex's parking deck to watch it roll in. Usually I'm the only one up there, but on a couple occasions I've seen someone park their car up there and look at me like I've gone insane.

Not in your profession, but I enjoy similar things. I have access to several mountaintop cameras in this area (on various communication towers), and LOVE watching this stuff move in.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on August 07, 2023, 12:40:53 AM

When you’re sitting at the bar, the person next to you ( a female) starts talking to you. She talks about herself to great lengths to me and makes it known that other people in her circles dislike her. So she then reassures me that she thinks of herself as a good person and not believe her acquaintances that I haven’t even met nor will I ever meet.

That is a big turn off. Why even bother to talk about what she thinks others think of her and assure me of all people that your a good person?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on August 07, 2023, 12:50:04 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on August 07, 2023, 12:40:53 AM
When you're sitting at the bar, the person next to you ( a female) starts talking to you. She talks about herself to great lengths to me and makes it known that other people in her circles dislike her. So she then reassures me that she thinks of herself as a good person and not believe her acquaintances that I haven't even met nor will I ever meet.

That is a big turn off. Why even bother to talk about what she thinks others think of her and assure me of all people that your a good person?

... does this happen to you a lot?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on August 07, 2023, 06:36:39 AM

No just using an analogy mainly. It happened a couple times a while ago and once at a 9-11:service at church. It occasionally happened at a local place in Lakeland where I live.

After meeting all kinds here, the bars you'll meet much worse when they have some alcohol within them

Just that I find it annoying when a person has to tell you that they're disliked. Why not be quiet and let me see who you are without alerting me of what others think of you.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on August 07, 2023, 08:54:49 AM

Lol, I appreciate the follow-up.

Your anecdote is hilariously quite similar to the "waiting for Mary" scene from Dumb and Dumber:

https://youtu.be/YHDhls0kJYM

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on August 07, 2023, 03:55:03 PM

The girl is Victoria Rowell from Diagnosis Murder. Interesting scene.

Yes, that reminds me of what to expect if you look for a woman on computer dating or social single meets. So I'm told as I've been warned to stay away from those by coworker's at a job I worked at when I was younger.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Hobart on August 08, 2023, 11:13:14 PM

This is a new one, but about the classic subject of self-checkout.

At the supermarket I go to (Metro Market in Milwaukee on Juneau and Van Buren), the self-checkout only has enough room for 3 bags; if you have a family, or if you buy groceries two weeks at a time, you're gonna use more than 3.

Tonight, I had to perform a balancing act between 6 bags and a 12-pack of Pabst Blue Ribbon to keep it all on the platform where the bags are, because if you don't, it thinks you're shoplifting and tells you to bag the item for some reason. It makes the shopping experience difficult and unenjoyable.

This is on top of the fact that there's a camera above every register; if you buy 10 cans of the same item, you have to scan each individual one, rather than the same one ten times, otherwise it flags you as shoplifting as well.

It's like,,, I get that nobody wants to work for dirt poor wages anymore, and there are positions to eliminate, but why even put the self check out in if you aren't gonna trust me with it?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on August 09, 2023, 11:39:06 AM

When did the first day of school move from "just after Labor Day" to "beginning of August"? I know that when I took community college ages ago, they moved the start of the fall semester two week to mid-August so that finals took place in December instead of the beginning of January. It also interfered with attending the California State Fair.

Also, when did "Thanksgiving week" mean entire week off for schools instead of Thursday and Friday?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Dirt Roads on August 09, 2023, 11:53:23 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on August 09, 2023, 11:39:06 AM
When did the first day of school move from "just after Labor Day" to "beginning of August"? I know that when I took community college ages ago, they moved the start of the fall semester two week to mid-August so that finals took place in December instead of the beginning of January.

This is disconcerting to legislators in North Carolina as well. The Old North State currently requires school districts to start on (or after) August 25, but school districts can request a "hardship" exemption from the state's Board of Education. However, this year a total of 18 school districts are opening early without such an exemption (a move that some legislators have called illegal). The main reason for the August 25 school opening requirement is from the tourism industry; however, most tourist locations in North Carolina are now booked up through the end of September (and even into October) with many travellers preferring the off-school shoulder season). Year-round schools are becoming more popular in the bigger counties here, so I wouldn't be surprised if next year ends up with many schools starting in early August.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on August 09, 2023, 11:55:48 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on August 09, 2023, 11:39:06 AM
Also, when did "Thanksgiving week" mean entire week off for schools instead of Thursday and Friday?

Just out of idle curiosity, why does that bother you?

While I can't speak to primary and secondary education, the main reason universities are increasingly likely to give off the whole week of Thanksgiving is to appeal to out-of-state students. It also matches, to an extent, the week-long break given in the spring semester.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on August 09, 2023, 11:59:25 AM

The full week off for Thanksgiving for grade schools is a very recent development within the last 10 years. I always had a half-day on Wednesday up until I graduated HS in 2009.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on August 09, 2023, 12:04:43 PM

In Wisconsin, the start of the school year was creeping into August then a state law was passed saying school could not start before Labor Day, with the reasoning given that the earlier start was hurting the tourism industry.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on August 09, 2023, 12:05:46 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on August 09, 2023, 11:55:48 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on August 09, 2023, 11:39:06 AM
Also, when did "Thanksgiving week" mean entire week off for schools instead of Thursday and Friday?

Just out of idle curiosity, why does that bother you?

Reason #1: TRADITION!

Reason #2: Since I manage my team's schedules, this means some schedule adjusting. But, I'm that weird person who begins planning for the end of the year in August in penciling out what may happen, and then starts asking people of their availability in early September. It's much easier to make adjustments much closer to the holidays.

I can understand some of the reasons why they now have the entire Thanksgiving week off. The number of absences on the Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving was higher when I was in school because of travel reasons.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 09, 2023, 12:07:23 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on August 09, 2023, 11:59:25 AM
The full week off for Thanksgiving for grade schools is a very recent development within the last 10 years. I always had a half-day on Wednesday up until I graduated HS in 2009.

We never had any time off on Wednesday. It was a full day of school. (And my parents insisted we attend.) My mother, who is a retired teacher, says that by the late 1990s, lots of parents were taking their kids out of school for either all or part of the day on Wednesday in order to travel for Thanksgiving, so many school administrators decided to close for part or all of that day.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on August 09, 2023, 03:36:18 PM

Quote from: Big John on August 09, 2023, 12:04:43 PM
In Wisconsin, the start of the school year was creeping into August then a state law was passed saying school could not start before Labor Day, with the reasoning given that the earlier start was hurting the tourism industry.

Michigan had the same thing, saying early starts hurt tourism, but it got watered down. First a district could get an exemption to start in August (I don't know the criteria) as long as there was a 4-day Labor Day weekend. Now almost any district can get an exemption, and most schools start before Labor Day.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on August 09, 2023, 03:48:48 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on August 09, 2023, 11:39:06 AM
When did the first day of school move from "just after Labor Day" to "beginning of August"? I know that when I took community college ages ago, they moved the start of the fall semester two week to mid-August so that finals took place in December instead of the beginning of January. It also interfered with attending the California State Fair.

In Kentucky, since the late 1970s.

The winters of 76-77, 77-78, and 78-79 were brutal around here. For the most part those three winters, when school dismissed for Christmas, classes didn't resume in most Kentucky counties until the first week of March. This pushed the end of school back to the point where it interfered with the start of summer school classes for the universities. (Kentucky requires teachers to obtain a master's degree within a certain number of years of beginning employment, so summer terms at our colleges are full of teachers pursuing that educational requirement.)

So in order to keep the number of instructional days without the state legislature needing to approve emergency days -- at the time, Kentucky's General Assembly met only once every two years -- school districts pushed the start date up to the first or second week of August.

Urban districts generally start later than do the rural districts, because they don't have narrow crooked hilly-to-mountainous roads over which they must run school buses.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 09, 2023, 10:21:44 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on August 09, 2023, 11:39:06 AM
When did the first day of school move from "just after Labor Day" to "beginning of August"?

When you moved to Texas. First day of school being in early- to mid-August is just how the Plains does things.

I was similarly weirded out by the concept of the first day of school being around Labor Day when I was first exposed to the idea, since it was always in mid-August for me. Likewise, it's weird that other states' schools get out for the year sometime in June; in Oklahoma school normally lets out the week before Memorial Day.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 09, 2023, 10:26:11 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 09, 2023, 12:07:23 PM
My mother, who is a retired teacher, says that by the late 1990s, lots of parents were taking their kids out of school for either all or part of the day on Wednesday in order to travel for Thanksgiving, so many school administrators decided to close for part or all of that day.

Our school was closed the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, but my parents always took me out of school that Tuesday so we could travel for the holiday. Dad wanted to beat the Wednesday travel rush (and we would always come back Friday or Saturday to avoid the rush going home on Sunday).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on August 10, 2023, 07:36:09 AM

Quote from: hbelkins on August 09, 2023, 03:48:48 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on August 09, 2023, 11:39:06 AM
When did the first day of school move from "just after Labor Day" to "beginning of August"? I know that when I took community college ages ago, they moved the start of the fall semester two week to mid-August so that finals took place in December instead of the beginning of January. It also interfered with attending the California State Fair.

In Kentucky, since the late 1970s.

The winters of 76-77, 77-78, and 78-79 were brutal around here. For the most part those three winters, when school dismissed for Christmas, classes didn't resume in most Kentucky counties until the first week of March. This pushed the end of school back to the point where it interfered with the start of summer school classes for the universities. (Kentucky requires teachers to obtain a master's degree within a certain number of years of beginning employment, so summer terms at our colleges are full of teachers pursuing that educational requirement.)

So in order to keep the number of instructional days without the state legislature needing to approve emergency days -- at the time, Kentucky's General Assembly met only once every two years -- school districts pushed the start date up to the first or second week of August.

Urban districts generally start later than do the rural districts, because they don't have narrow crooked hilly-to-mountainous roads over which they must run school buses.

Growing up, more or less within 500 feet of where I sit, I remember most winters, we may or may not get a snow day. The bus driver was an absolute psycho, who was who taught me how to drive the canyon. I have gone down this canyon in blizzards, on the school bus.

Seems like now, they're cancelling school if it even is 'threatening' to snow. I think it has to do with more 'remote learning', except it doesn't work well up here. Either that, or lawyers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on August 10, 2023, 12:30:17 PM

The Trudeau government has essentially allowed for Internet censorship with the Online News Act. I guess it's a major thing that bothers me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on August 10, 2023, 12:39:08 PM

I have several TVs in my house, and all with the Roku streaming device:

When these devices came out, I was under the impression that the device -- as well as the channels you choose to stream -- were soooo technologically advanced that they will use your algorithms to tailor-make program/movie selections as well as commercial ads based on what you watch.

I have never purposely stopped on a Spanish-themed or Spanish language channel, nor do I watch any Spanish language movies as I only remember a few Spanish words from Sesame Street and High School...

...Yet it seems that 1 out of every 3 ads that are placed in the ad breaks are in SPANISH!

So Roku, etc...: How are those algorithms going for you and your Spanish advertisers??? No hablo Espanol!!!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on August 10, 2023, 12:50:52 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on August 09, 2023, 11:39:06 AM
When did the first day of school move from "just after Labor Day" to "beginning of August"? I know that when I took community college ages ago, they moved the start of the fall semester two week to mid-August so that finals took place in December instead of the beginning of January. It also interfered with attending the California State Fair.

Also, when did "Thanksgiving week" mean entire week off for schools instead of Thursday and Friday?

At least here in my neck of the woods, the earlier August starts benefits the school kids more, giving them slightly longer mid-year breaks, and it officially puts the end of the first half of the school year (including mid-term exams) before the Christmas break.

When I went to school in Ohio back in the day (where even as a senior, we did not get out of school until the 2nd week of June), my official start of the 2nd half of the school year did not occur until mid-late January, which meant that after close to 2 weeks being off around Christmas and New Years, I had to get right back into study mode for mid-term exams.

By having a new Semester begin with the new calendar year in January, students don't have that extra pressure of having to quickly remember everything they learned before the holidays again for tests and exams, nor were any reports or homework assignments due upon return from break.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on August 10, 2023, 02:08:48 PM

Quote from: LilianaUwU on August 10, 2023, 12:30:17 PM
The Trudeau government has essentially allowed for Internet censorship with the Online News Act. I guess it's a major thing that bothers me.

With how Canada usually operates (multiple laws designed to blunt the influence of US media), you would think a law charging international outlets for providing their content on social media in Canada would make more sense than charging social media for Canadian content.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on August 10, 2023, 08:07:00 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on August 10, 2023, 02:08:48 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on August 10, 2023, 12:30:17 PM
The Trudeau government has essentially allowed for Internet censorship with the Online News Act. I guess it's a major thing that bothers me.

With how Canada usually operates (multiple laws designed to blunt the influence of US media), you would think a law charging international outlets for providing their content on social media in Canada would make more sense than charging social media for Canadian content.

Making sense doesn't make sense for Justin Trudeau.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on August 10, 2023, 09:18:50 PM

I mean, link taxes just don't make sense period. The fact that politicians seem to think they're a good idea shows two things:
1. Politicians don't know anything about technology.
2. News organizations are upset that people now get their news by clicking links from social media and search engines, and would like to go back to the older model where people went directly to one or two places directly for all their news, usually with a subscription for at least one of those, and they are willing to use the force of law to make this change for them if necessary.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on August 10, 2023, 09:43:44 PM

News sites, especially newspapers, and especially local newspapers, were very slow to adapt to the internet. They seemed to have a belief that the less they provided online, the more likely people would continue to buy newspapers.

They didn't think that online news sites would develop. And they were grossly behind on how social media would transform news distribution.

They also seemed to drop one of the main reasons of their existence - to gather news of the government, and tell us what was really happening. Newspaper writers instead jumped in bed with the government, and allowed them to tell the story.

The public started seeing thru that, and figured, why buy the paper? Then when people stopped buying the paper, the paper didn't have the money to write their stories, and the papers shrunk. And merged. And folded.

Newspapers thought they could fight against the internet. They were KO'ed, and the ref stands back as the internet continues to punch the newspapers while they lay flattened on the mat.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on August 11, 2023, 08:14:55 AM

You only forgot the big reduction in advertising revenue that the newspapers received, especially from the classified advertising which Craigslist "stole" from them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on August 11, 2023, 08:59:58 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on August 11, 2023, 08:14:55 AM
You only forgot the big reduction in advertising revenue that the newspapers received, especially from the classified advertising which Craigslist "stole" from them.

And then businesses found other ways to look for employees besides the newspaper also.

To get some revenue, they increased the prices that the government needs to pay to publish their legal notices, which due to archaic laws most still need to print in the paper (they were barely read before; and now almost no one sees them). And Obituaries drastically went up in price. They used to be published for free in many papers, and now they charge by the line.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: triplemultiplex on August 11, 2023, 10:49:06 AM

Eating an apple and getting a piece of the skin wedged in between two of your molars.
Must... find... toothpick....

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on August 11, 2023, 01:42:37 PM

And yet, real news organizations have no replacement. Social media has no professional standards; they don't care if a story is true or false, the only important thing is that it generate clicks.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on August 11, 2023, 02:59:55 PM

Why does Outlook automatically change approx. to approx.. (with two periods)? Drives me nuts! :pan:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CoreySamson on August 11, 2023, 03:09:29 PM

Quote from: kkt on August 11, 2023, 01:42:37 PM
And yet, real news organizations have no replacement. Social media has no professional standards; they don't care if a story is true or false, the only important thing is that it generate clicks.

I would argue that news organizations in general (on both sides of the political spectrum) have taken a page out of social media's playbook by playing with the emotions of their target audiences to generate bigger ratings. They look like they have objective standards because of their legacy, but in reality, I would say it's all biased now. That's part of why I don't even care about the news anymore.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on August 11, 2023, 04:04:53 PM

Auto correct changed map to pamphlet in FB Messenger. Just now I messaged someone and had to renter the word map.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on August 11, 2023, 06:03:29 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on August 10, 2023, 09:43:44 PM
News sites, especially newspapers, and especially local newspapers, were very slow to adapt to the internet. They seemed to have a belief that the less they provided online, the more likely people would continue to buy newspapers.

They didn't think that online news sites would develop. And they were grossly behind on how social media would transform news distribution.

They also seemed to drop one of the main reasons of their existence - to gather news of the government, and tell us what was really happening. Newspaper writers instead jumped in bed with the government, and allowed them to tell the story.

The public started seeing thru that, and figured, why buy the paper? Then when people stopped buying the paper, the paper didn't have the money to write their stories, and the papers shrunk. And merged. And folded.

Newspapers thought they could fight against the internet. They were KO'ed, and the ref stands back as the internet continues to punch the newspapers while they lay flattened on the mat.

There was a period, and still sort of is, where newspapers, and TV stations would give part of a story, and "for the rest of the story, visit blablabla.com"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 11, 2023, 06:10:14 PM

Did you guys' local news do the thing where, before every commercial break they'd tease some story (usually of the type we'd call "clickbait" today) coming up after the break, then when they came back, make no acknowledgement of the story until the next commercial break, when they'd repeat the same song and dance all over again? Then the story would finally be discussed right before sports anchor came on, and it'd be a thirty-second story that ended up being a total letdown after all the hype of the preceding thirty minutes.

KFOR was the worst about this. When I was a kid I would get legitimately angry at Linda Cavanaugh over it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on August 11, 2023, 10:48:08 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on August 11, 2023, 06:03:29 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on August 10, 2023, 09:43:44 PM
News sites, especially newspapers, and especially local newspapers, were very slow to adapt to the internet. They seemed to have a belief that the less they provided online, the more likely people would continue to buy newspapers.

They didn't think that online news sites would develop. And they were grossly behind on how social media would transform news distribution.

They also seemed to drop one of the main reasons of their existence - to gather news of the government, and tell us what was really happening. Newspaper writers instead jumped in bed with the government, and allowed them to tell the story.

The public started seeing thru that, and figured, why buy the paper? Then when people stopped buying the paper, the paper didn't have the money to write their stories, and the papers shrunk. And merged. And folded.

Newspapers thought they could fight against the internet. They were KO'ed, and the ref stands back as the internet continues to punch the newspapers while they lay flattened on the mat.
There was a period, and still sort of is, where newspapers, and TV stations would give part of a story, and "for the rest of the story, visit blablabla.com"

News10 does this sometimes, particularly with their "Off the Beaten Path" features. It veers into "minor things that bother you" territory (independent of being in this reply) because they tend not to post whatever they're referencing on the site until after the story airs, so for me, sitting at my computer, I can't just go to the site and get whatever they're referencing, because it's not there yet.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on August 12, 2023, 07:00:21 AM

You speak of clickbait and sequel hooks, the Madison CBS affiliate would do it like they're still at the top (or bottom of the hour)

at [5|6|10]:15 (or thereabouts) they would say "Next at [5|6|10], ...." (you passed the hour point already, asshats!)

Breaking news!!!!!, the show name is "News 3 now at [5|6|10]" by the way, so they're plugging themselves.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on August 12, 2023, 01:29:39 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 11, 2023, 06:10:14 PM
Did you guys' local news do the thing where, before every commercial break they'd tease some story (usually of the type we'd call "clickbait" today) coming up after the break, then when they came back, make no acknowledgement of the story until the next commercial break, when they'd repeat the same song and dance all over again? Then the story would finally be discussed right before sports anchor came on, and it'd be a thirty-second story that ended up being a total letdown after all the hype of the preceding thirty minutes.

KFOR was the worst about this. When I was a kid I would get legitimately angry at Linda Cavanaugh over it.

I learned in broadcasting school the reasoning behind teasing the audience. We all seem to forget the Neilson ratings. TV and Radio to stay alive need capital. That comes from the commercials. Then in order to obtain sponsors for commercials to air, those investing in advertising on the air, have to rely on strong Neilson ratings to be able to shell out money to advertise. After all no audience, then spending tens of thousands on ads would not happen as companies need an audience to pitch to.

Teasers are an indirect way to raise Neilson ratings to create the advertising audience.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on August 12, 2023, 03:58:06 PM

Live! Local!! Lamebreaking!!! :rolleyes:

From my perspective and in my opinion, television news went downhill when it went from a "public service" to "another revenue source". That's when the decisions are made in the placement of the story, the amount of time dedicated to the story, and how much is promoted. Then, pump up an exponential in the months of November, February, and May with all of the "clickbait"-type promotions. The point of view used is to target the key demographics, and a story of a gang bust may be placed higher than a story that isn't visually exciting to present but could be important in your upcoming quality of life.

Same with newspapers. How many column inches are dedicated to the story, how big is the headline, and it is at the top of page 1, or buried on page 20?

Full disclosure: I stopped listening to broadcast news (both radio and television) over twenty years ago, and rely on web news. I stopped getting the newspaper years ago, and even then, it was only the Friday edition for the Fry's Electronics ads. And, my opinion extends to not only to the local news, but also the network national news and the cable broadcast networks. Yes, I rely on the online news and often get it from multiple sources.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 12, 2023, 06:44:04 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on August 12, 2023, 01:29:39 PM
I learned in broadcasting school the reasoning behind teasing the audience. We all seem to forget the Neilson ratings.

It's not that I forgot the Nielsen ratings. It's that I don't care about them. I gain no benefit at all from the TV station having higher ratings. It's not like the advertisers are paying me for my time.

Quote from: ZLoth on August 12, 2023, 03:58:06 PM
Live! Local!! Lamebreaking!!! :rolleyes:

My mom used to make fun of KOCO 5 (which used that slogan at the time) by going "Live! Local! Backbreaking!" and then pretending to be in severe back pain.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on August 14, 2023, 06:15:01 PM

It's sad that we don't have a properly powerful public broadcaster for this country. Just taking a bit of inspiration from CBC up north and having a regional network of PBSes that can also air their own local news would be great at making local news a public service. NPR is also a model to copy, but many stations have been cutting back on local content to use syndicated programs.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on August 14, 2023, 07:25:03 PM

Calling a business during their business hours, and getting no answer but a recording that announces what their business hours are.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 14, 2023, 07:34:23 PM

Quote from: kkt on August 14, 2023, 07:25:03 PM
Calling a business during their business hours, and getting no answer but a recording that announces what their business hours are.

Most of the time the staff is busy dealing with actual customers that are actually there spending money, as opposed to lookey-loos on the phone who may or may not actually do so at some point.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on August 14, 2023, 07:51:10 PM

Back to what I said, news is a business. They look for sponsors or an audience to fuel the sponsors. That's most likely why Fox News decided to use conservative perspectives and personalities, due to the phallecy ( thank you auto correct for not giving me the correct spelling as I'm sure your programmer would know what letter arrangement I was looking for in my spelling attempt) and beliefs of many who think that CNN is biased toward the Left. Now with it said I'm not saying that what many believe is true or not true, but the owner of Fox decided to use the many believers or disbelievers as a new audience and make his business prosper.

Now I'm not a Fox watcher or a CNN watcher at all, but just stating how people look for customers based on the p word that spell check won't check. That I learned in college of when people join the bandwagon whether right or wrong is what the p word means.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 14, 2023, 08:03:45 PM

The word you want is "fallacy." Your spelling is more related to the male "member." That's why autocorrect and spellcheck aren't helping you.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on August 14, 2023, 08:05:52 PM

I read it first as "thank you auto correct for not giving me the correct spelling because I'm intentionally making a portmanteau". Then I realized it wasn't intentional.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on August 14, 2023, 08:11:49 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 14, 2023, 08:03:45 PM
The word you want is "fallacy." Your spelling is more related to the male "member." That's why autocorrect and spellcheck aren't helping you.

Thank you. I guess I'll give to the algorithm the benefit of the doubt. :biggrin:

Quote from: 1 on August 14, 2023, 08:05:52 PM
I read it first as "thank you auto correct for not giving me the correct spelling because I'm intentionally making a portmanteau". Then I realized it wasn't intentional.

I was being sarcastic. :sombrero:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 14, 2023, 08:16:09 PM

I mean, a common result of people falling for fallacies is that they end up turning into huge dicks, so maybe 'phallacy' is a more accurate spelling...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on August 14, 2023, 08:24:48 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 14, 2023, 08:16:09 PM
I mean, a common result of people falling for fallacies is that they end up turning into huge dicks, so maybe 'phallacy' is a more accurate spelling...

I know. However, these people falling for things makes an audience for people trying new things though. Not saying I’m liberal and the many believing in the Left control the media are far out, but in general if you want an audience for a business, you find a demo and you cater to them, in what Fox probably did here.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 14, 2023, 08:40:21 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 14, 2023, 08:16:09 PM
I mean, a common result of people falling for fallacies is that they end up turning into huge dicks, so maybe 'phallacy' is a more accurate spelling...

Then there was Verden Allen, the guy who played the organ for Mott the Hoople. His nickname was Phally.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on August 14, 2023, 08:52:28 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 14, 2023, 07:34:23 PM
Quote from: kkt on August 14, 2023, 07:25:03 PM
Calling a business during their business hours, and getting no answer but a recording that announces what their business hours are.

Most of the time the staff is busy dealing with actual customers that are actually there spending money, as opposed to lookey-loos on the phone who may or may not actually do so at some point.

Their loss. I was ready to buy what they sell, and I didn't come in because they're in a distant state.

They do have a webform for contacting them but contacting them Friday has produced no response.

They might have take a message and called me back.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on August 14, 2023, 09:57:51 PM

The word "ill" is still being changed to the contraction for I will. I guess autocorrect think that we are all healthy. :bigass:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on August 15, 2023, 05:49:46 PM

Quote from: Bruce on August 14, 2023, 06:15:01 PM
It's sad that we don't have a properly powerful public broadcaster for this country. Just taking a bit of inspiration from CBC up north and having a regional network of PBSes that can also air their own local news would be great at making local news a public service. NPR is also a model to copy, but many stations have been cutting back on local content to use syndicated programs.

Around here, public radio stations are generally hosted by the regional state universities. They have a loose network of affiliates. If I give an interview to Morehead State's NPR affiliate, it's also liable to be heard on Eastern Kentucky University's station.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bm7 on August 16, 2023, 12:47:07 AM

In the Central States board, "Iowa Notes" is the only pinned topic with "notes" after the state name.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on August 16, 2023, 01:09:20 AM

Mirror images of photos. Mainly when I see a photo of someone wearing a shirt with some writing or other graphic on it and it is backwards.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on August 16, 2023, 03:22:32 AM

Webcams do that. A person with a left arm sleeve tattoo will appear to have that very tattoo on their right arm. ^^^^

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on August 16, 2023, 04:51:00 AM

Quote from: bm7 on August 16, 2023, 12:47:07 AM
In the Central States board, "Iowa Notes" is the only pinned topic with "notes" after the state name.

I find it odd it says "Central States" and not just "Central", none of the other regions have "States" in the name.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tchafe1978 on August 16, 2023, 10:04:14 AM

Quote from: Big John on August 16, 2023, 01:09:20 AM
Mirror images of photos. Mainly when I see a photo of someone wearing a shirt with some writing or other graphic on it and it is backwards.

It's usually a selfie. Selfies will often times be mirror images unless the person taking the picture changes the settings.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on August 16, 2023, 12:33:24 PM

Quote from: Big John on August 16, 2023, 01:09:20 AM
Mirror images of photos. Mainly when I see a photo of someone wearing a shirt with some writing or other graphic on it and it is backwards.

I all them 'Lazy Selfies' (cues: The Chainsmokers).

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on August 16, 2023, 05:33:12 PM

Selfies.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 16, 2023, 06:40:08 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on August 16, 2023, 04:51:00 AM
Quote from: bm7 on August 16, 2023, 12:47:07 AM
In the Central States board, "Iowa Notes" is the only pinned topic with "notes" after the state name.

I find it odd it says "Central States" and not just "Central", none of the other regions have "States" in the name.

None of the other region names are also the name of a time zone.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on August 17, 2023, 12:54:02 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 16, 2023, 06:40:08 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on August 16, 2023, 04:51:00 AM
Quote from: bm7 on August 16, 2023, 12:47:07 AM
In the Central States board, "Iowa Notes" is the only pinned topic with "notes" after the state name.

I find it odd it says "Central States" and not just "Central", none of the other regions have "States" in the name.

None of the other region names are also the name of a time zone.

Well, okay. But then why would someone assume "Central" would mean everything in central time zone, when none of the other regions are time zones?

Also...

(https://i.imgflip.com/7w13x1.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 17, 2023, 03:50:26 AM

Because Central Time is central to human existence. Duh.

This is also why we don't call it UTF-8 or whatever. Cause that would be silly.

(For real, I don't ever use the plus or minus numbers because despite living in the same time zone for thirty-three years I still can never remember which one corresponds to Central Time...and it doesn't help that it changes twice a year, either. And it looks like whoever made the meme has problems with it too, since now that I'm looking it up, Central Time is UTC-6 during standard time and UTC-5 during summer; it's never UTC-7!)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on August 17, 2023, 06:33:02 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 17, 2023, 03:50:26 AM
(For real, I don't ever use the plus or minus numbers because despite living in the same time zone for thirty-three years I still can never remember which one corresponds to Central Time...and it doesn't help that it changes twice a year, either. And it looks like whoever made the meme has problems with it too, since now that I'm looking it up, Central Time is UTC-6 during standard time and UTC-5 during summer; it's never UTC-7!)

You were very active on Wikipedia for several years. You didn't know the offset between your time and Wikipedia time?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on August 17, 2023, 06:40:36 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 17, 2023, 03:50:26 AM
(For real, I don't ever use the plus or minus numbers because despite living in the same time zone for thirty-three years I still can never remember which one corresponds to Central Time...and it doesn't help that it changes twice a year, either. And it looks like whoever made the meme has problems with it too, since now that I'm looking it up, Central Time is UTC-6 during standard time and UTC-5 during summer; it's never UTC-7!)

I made the meme. I'm the idiot :-D

I guess...point taken.

As a side-note, living in UTC+9, it's very important for me to know the time offsets when contacting the US. Though it helps I already knew the offsets (or...so I thought lol).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on August 17, 2023, 06:49:26 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 17, 2023, 03:50:26 AM
Because Central Time is central to human existence. Duh.

This is also why we don't call it UTF-8 or whatever. Cause that would be silly.

(For real, I don't ever use the plus or minus numbers because despite living in the same time zone for thirty-three years I still can never remember which one corresponds to Central Time...and it doesn't help that it changes twice a year, either. And it looks like whoever made the meme has problems with it too, since now that I'm looking it up, Central Time is UTC-6 during standard time and UTC-5 during summer; it's never UTC-7!)

define "standard". What it really means may surprise you.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on August 17, 2023, 08:35:26 AM

The amount of whining people do when a "BLUE ALERT" (law enforcement) goes off at 11:16 PM and 6:38 AM Central Time and their mobile phones are waking then up.

Initial: https://twitter.com/TX_Alerts/status/1692019249349325210
1st Update: https://twitter.com/TX_Alerts/status/1692047190036808184
2nd Update: https://twitter.com/TX_Alerts/status/1692120260281786522

This went off for the entire state of Texas, including El Paso.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on August 17, 2023, 08:49:24 AM

Big states should really have a way of localizing these kinds of things more. I live in Tallahassee and routinely get amber alerts and such for events that occurred all the way down in Miami, which is a 7 hour drive away. For stuff that happens that far away, anything that warrants warning me should really hold off until authorities decide it's necessary to expand the alerts into Georgia.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on August 17, 2023, 10:20:15 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on August 17, 2023, 08:35:26 AM
The amount of whining people do when a "BLUE ALERT" (law enforcement) goes off at 11:16 PM and 6:38 AM Central Time and their mobile phones are waking then up.

I can't really agree with this one. If you were more than about fifty miles away from the 13600 block of Homestead Road in Houston last night, the blue alert was a pointless interruption.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on August 17, 2023, 10:55:35 AM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on August 17, 2023, 10:20:15 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on August 17, 2023, 08:35:26 AM
The amount of whining people do when a "BLUE ALERT" (law enforcement) goes off at 11:16 PM and 6:38 AM Central Time and their mobile phones are waking then up.

I can't really agree with this one. If you were more than about fifty miles away from the 13600 block of Homestead Road in Houston last night, the blue alert was a pointless interruption.

The actual incident occurred at 7:30 PM, and the Blue Alert occurred at 11:15 PM... almost four hours (yes, I'm rounding). That's enough time to drive to DFW, San Antonio, Austin, or Corpus Christi. So, not pointless, although I'm not likely to be driving around at 11:15 PM on a weekday night unless I had a extreme case of the munchies that only WhatABurger or Taco Hell can fix.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on August 17, 2023, 11:36:46 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on August 17, 2023, 10:55:35 AM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on August 17, 2023, 10:20:15 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on August 17, 2023, 08:35:26 AM
The amount of whining people do when a "BLUE ALERT" (law enforcement) goes off at 11:16 PM and 6:38 AM Central Time and their mobile phones are waking then up.

I can't really agree with this one. If you were more than about fifty miles away from the 13600 block of Homestead Road in Houston last night, the blue alert was a pointless interruption.

The actual incident occurred at 7:30 PM, and the Blue Alert occurred at 11:!5 PM... almost four hours (yes, I'm rounding). That's enough time to drive to DFW, San Antonio, Austin, or Corpus Christi. So, not pointless, although I'm not likely to be driving around at 11:15 PM on a weekday night unless I had a extreme case of the munchies that only WhatABurger or Taco Hell can fix.

True, but by that point, really, at least in my view, the threat is too diffuse to justify the alert, especially for the late hour.

Quote
11:!5 PM.

Exciting times we live in. :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 17, 2023, 11:47:19 AM

I disabled the amber alerts, silver alerts, etc., on both our phones after they went off at 3:00 AM when we were staying at a hotel in Port Wentworth, Georgia, en route to Florida. The alerts were useless from our point of view because we had no idea where they were talking about anyway.

I did leave the emergency alerts for things like weather active, and earlier this week our phones both sounded exceptionally loud alerts when we were under a tornado warning (freaked my wife out as she was hitting the head at the time and she heard our phones blow up through the bathroom door). Not that I did anything in response to the tornado warning, but it was good info to have, and I noted how loud the alert was even though I have the silent switch activated and my ringer volume turned all the way to the lowest possible setting.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on August 17, 2023, 12:50:28 PM

I (here in Appleton WI) also get somewhat annoyed about the very occasional amber and silver alerts from Milwaukee, WI. Not often, though (they only come about one every 5-6 months or so max).

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on August 17, 2023, 01:17:51 PM

This thread is actually the first time I've heard of blue alerts, though it appears the Kansas Bureau of Investigation has had the legal capability to issue them since 2014.

My Android phone has a "crisis alerts" setting that I keep turned off; this allows me to continue receiving NWS weather-related notifications. I normally don't sleep in the same room as my phone, so it is not like emergency alerts (of whatever color or metal) are bothering me. However, I am less likely than the bulk of the population to be in a position to act on them, and on the occasions when I am, the alerts also appear on VMS.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on August 17, 2023, 03:04:40 PM

Another thing that really bothers me is when they pave a highway in concrete and the seem between two longitudinal sections doesn't follow the lane lines but appears in the middle of a lane, as can happen in the center lane of a three-lane section.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on August 17, 2023, 03:29:51 PM

I have "Extreme Threats" and "Severe Threats" enabled on my phone. Unfortunately, because "Amber Alerts" happen too often, they are disabled.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on August 17, 2023, 06:16:59 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 09, 2023, 10:21:44 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on August 09, 2023, 11:39:06 AM
When did the first day of school move from "just after Labor Day" to "beginning of August"?

When you moved to Texas. First day of school being in early- to mid-August is just how the Plains does things.

I was similarly weirded out by the concept of the first day of school being around Labor Day when I was first exposed to the idea, since it was always in mid-August for me. Likewise, it's weird that other states' schools get out for the year sometime in June; in Oklahoma school normally lets out the week before Memorial Day.

The "minor thing that bothers me" about this is that it means Labor Day isn't a true "summer holiday" in the west/plains states, and Memorial Day isn't a true "summer holiday" in the eastern states. That means July 4th is the only summer holiday that's truly nationwide, which is pretty bizarre.

(By contrast, Canada has three true summer holidays [Canada Day, Civic Day, and Labor Day] plus an unofficial start of summer holiday [Victoria Day] and an unofficial end of summer holiday [Thanksgiving] which both occur during the school year.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 17, 2023, 06:36:38 PM

Quote from: 1 on August 17, 2023, 06:33:02 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 17, 2023, 03:50:26 AM
(For real, I don't ever use the plus or minus numbers because despite living in the same time zone for thirty-three years I still can never remember which one corresponds to Central Time...and it doesn't help that it changes twice a year, either. And it looks like whoever made the meme has problems with it too, since now that I'm looking it up, Central Time is UTC-6 during standard time and UTC-5 during summer; it's never UTC-7!)

You were very active on Wikipedia for several years. You didn't know the offset between your time and Wikipedia time?

During the time I was most active, I had the gadget that displayed the current time in UTC in the corner of the screen, next to the login links and such.

In general, my method for dealing with UTC is about the same as dealing with metric–for those things that are in metric, measure in metric, and for those things that are in American, measure in American, and don't ever try to convert between the two.

Fortunately, the wiki I'm most active on now has its clock set to Eastern time...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on August 17, 2023, 06:44:48 PM

Quote from: webny99 on August 17, 2023, 06:16:59 PM
The "minor thing that bothers me" about this is that it means Labor Day isn't a true "summer holiday" in the west/plains states, and Memorial Day isn't a true "summer holiday" in the eastern states. That means July 4th is the only summer holiday that's truly nationwide, which is pretty bizarre.

(By contrast, Canada has three true summer holidays [Canada Day, Civic Day, and Labor Day] plus an unofficial start of summer holiday [Victoria Day] and an unofficial end of summer holiday [Thanksgiving] which both occur during the school year.)

From my own experiences I never really thought of Labor Day as a "summer holiday" because it's the end of summer from a social perspective as mindsets turned to school and the coming of fall and winter. Labor Day is the final day of the Minnesota State Fair, which probably adds to that mindset for me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on August 17, 2023, 07:18:14 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on August 17, 2023, 06:44:48 PM
Quote from: webny99 on August 17, 2023, 06:16:59 PM
The "minor thing that bothers me" about this is that it means Labor Day isn't a true "summer holiday" in the west/plains states, and Memorial Day isn't a true "summer holiday" in the eastern states. That means July 4th is the only summer holiday that's truly nationwide, which is pretty bizarre.

(By contrast, Canada has three true summer holidays [Canada Day, Civic Day, and Labor Day] plus an unofficial start of summer holiday [Victoria Day] and an unofficial end of summer holiday [Thanksgiving] which both occur during the school year.)

From my own experiences I never really thought of Labor Day as a "summer holiday" because it's the end of summer from a social perspective as mindsets turned to school and the coming of fall and winter. Labor Day is the final day of the Minnesota State Fair, which probably adds to that mindset for me.

When do public schools restart in Minnesota? I thought it was August but maybe I'm getting confused with ND.

Here, public schools don't restart until the day after Labor Day, which usually has warm weather, so it's the traditional final chance for families to travel somewhere for the weekend, go to the beach, or do any other strictly "summer" activities. Interestingly, Labor Day is also the last day of the NY State Fair in Syracuse, but I see that as a late summer event too.

Memorial Day, by contrast, is during the school year, so weekend travel is limited or condensed for anyone with kids, plus it's usually before beach season in the Great Lakes (meaning before the lakes have flipped to warmer temperatures).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on August 18, 2023, 10:01:51 AM

Quote from: webny99 on August 17, 2023, 07:18:14 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on August 17, 2023, 06:44:48 PM
Quote from: webny99 on August 17, 2023, 06:16:59 PM
The "minor thing that bothers me" about this is that it means Labor Day isn't a true "summer holiday" in the west/plains states, and Memorial Day isn't a true "summer holiday" in the eastern states. That means July 4th is the only summer holiday that's truly nationwide, which is pretty bizarre.

(By contrast, Canada has three true summer holidays [Canada Day, Civic Day, and Labor Day] plus an unofficial start of summer holiday [Victoria Day] and an unofficial end of summer holiday [Thanksgiving] which both occur during the school year.)

From my own experiences I never really thought of Labor Day as a "summer holiday" because it's the end of summer from a social perspective as mindsets turned to school and the coming of fall and winter. Labor Day is the final day of the Minnesota State Fair, which probably adds to that mindset for me.

When do public schools restart in Minnesota? I thought it was August but maybe I'm getting confused with ND.

Here, public schools don't restart until the day after Labor Day, which usually has warm weather, so it's the traditional final chance for families to travel somewhere for the weekend, go to the beach, or do any other strictly "summer" activities. Interestingly, Labor Day is also the last day of the NY State Fair in Syracuse, but I see that as a late summer event too.

Memorial Day, by contrast, is during the school year, so weekend travel is limited or condensed for anyone with kids, plus it's usually before beach season in the Great Lakes (meaning before the lakes have flipped to warmer temperatures).

I'm not sure if it's changed in the ~30 years since, but when I was a kid in Minnesota, school started similarly to yours, right after Labor Day.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 18, 2023, 10:15:36 AM

When I was growing up, school in Fairfax County, Virginia, originally started the day after Labor Day (one year it started on Wednesday instead–I assume, in retrospect, maybe that Tuesday was Rosh Hashanah that year so they pushed it back, but I don't know). The schools were mostly not air-conditioned, so starting earlier was far from ideal, but sometime in the early 1980s they switched to starting the Monday before Labor Day. That only lasted a couple of years. In 1986, the General Assembly passed, and the governor signed, what became known as the "Kings Dominion Law"; it required schools to begin after Labor Day unless the school district applied for, and received, a waiver from the Department of Education in Richmond. (The name of the law reflected that the tourism industry was a major force pushing for its adoption because they didn't want to lose high-school-age labor, especially for lifeguard jobs.) That law was then repealed in 2019 and replaced with a new one that allows all school districts to open up to two weeks before Labor Day provided they allow a four-day Labor Day weekend.

When I was a kid, in the years when school started after Labor Day it usually ended around June 16 or so (assuming no makeup days for snow); when we started before Labor Day, school usually ended around June 6 or so (again same assumption). You would think they'd end even earlier than that with a start date two weeks before Labor Day, but that doesn't seem to be the case because apparently they get a lot more days off than we did. Some are understandable–at least here in Fairfax County (maybe not in rural parts of the state) they close for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur instead of just allowing Jewish kids an excused absence, for example. Beyond that, I have no idea what they've added, though I assume they may observe some other religions' holy days (like the end of Ramadan) out of a sense of fairness and not wanting to be perceived as favoring some groups over others.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on August 18, 2023, 10:41:54 AM

Quote from: webny99 on August 17, 2023, 06:16:59 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 09, 2023, 10:21:44 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on August 09, 2023, 11:39:06 AM
When did the first day of school move from "just after Labor Day" to "beginning of August"?

When you moved to Texas. First day of school being in early- to mid-August is just how the Plains does things.

I was similarly weirded out by the concept of the first day of school being around Labor Day when I was first exposed to the idea, since it was always in mid-August for me. Likewise, it's weird that other states' schools get out for the year sometime in June; in Oklahoma school normally lets out the week before Memorial Day.

The "minor thing that bothers me" about this is that it means Labor Day isn't a true "summer holiday" in the west/plains states, and Memorial Day isn't a true "summer holiday" in the eastern states. That means July 4th is the only summer holiday that's truly nationwide, which is pretty bizarre.

(By contrast, Canada has three true summer holidays [Canada Day, Civic Day, and Labor Day] plus an unofficial start of summer holiday [Victoria Day] and an unofficial end of summer holiday [Thanksgiving] which both occur during the school year.)

I agree that Victoria Day "May Two-Four" is the start of summer in Canada, even though schools don't finish until end of June. But I disagree that Thanksgiving is seen as the end of summer, that would be Labour Day. Thanksgiving is too far into fall weather.

Wouldn't Memorial Day function as the American start of summer (only one week after Victoria Day)?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on August 18, 2023, 11:08:50 AM

Quote from: 7/8 on August 18, 2023, 10:41:54 AM
Quote from: webny99 on August 17, 2023, 06:16:59 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 09, 2023, 10:21:44 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on August 09, 2023, 11:39:06 AM
When did the first day of school move from "just after Labor Day" to "beginning of August"?

When you moved to Texas. First day of school being in early- to mid-August is just how the Plains does things.

I was similarly weirded out by the concept of the first day of school being around Labor Day when I was first exposed to the idea, since it was always in mid-August for me. Likewise, it's weird that other states' schools get out for the year sometime in June; in Oklahoma school normally lets out the week before Memorial Day.

The "minor thing that bothers me" about this is that it means Labor Day isn't a true "summer holiday" in the west/plains states, and Memorial Day isn't a true "summer holiday" in the eastern states. That means July 4th is the only summer holiday that's truly nationwide, which is pretty bizarre.

(By contrast, Canada has three true summer holidays [Canada Day, Civic Day, and Labor Day] plus an unofficial start of summer holiday [Victoria Day] and an unofficial end of summer holiday [Thanksgiving] which both occur during the school year.)

I agree that Victoria Day "May Two-Four" is the start of summer in Canada, even though schools don't finish until end of June. But I disagree that Thanksgiving is seen as the end of summer, that would be Labour Day. Thanksgiving is too far into fall weather.

Wouldn't Memorial Day function as the American start of summer (only one week after Victoria Day)?

At least here in Wisconsin, Memorial Day has always been the first holiday of the summer season with Labor day being the bookend last fling of summer, also Independence Day being the 'mid-summer break'. Further, Thanksgiving is the 'Start' of the winter holiday season (Christmas, New Years, etc). Yes, I am thankful that the major retailers are starting to dial back on the post-Thanksgiving Friday maneuvers hoopla. :nod:

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on August 18, 2023, 01:15:50 PM

I have all of those alerts disabled on my phone.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 18, 2023, 01:35:47 PM

Quote from: 7/8 on August 18, 2023, 10:41:54 AM
Quote from: webny99 on August 17, 2023, 06:16:59 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 09, 2023, 10:21:44 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on August 09, 2023, 11:39:06 AM
When did the first day of school move from "just after Labor Day" to "beginning of August"?

When you moved to Texas. First day of school being in early- to mid-August is just how the Plains does things.

I was similarly weirded out by the concept of the first day of school being around Labor Day when I was first exposed to the idea, since it was always in mid-August for me. Likewise, it's weird that other states' schools get out for the year sometime in June; in Oklahoma school normally lets out the week before Memorial Day.

The "minor thing that bothers me" about this is that it means Labor Day isn't a true "summer holiday" in the west/plains states, and Memorial Day isn't a true "summer holiday" in the eastern states. That means July 4th is the only summer holiday that's truly nationwide, which is pretty bizarre.

(By contrast, Canada has three true summer holidays [Canada Day, Civic Day, and Labor Day] plus an unofficial start of summer holiday [Victoria Day] and an unofficial end of summer holiday [Thanksgiving] which both occur during the school year.)

I agree that Victoria Day "May Two-Four" is the start of summer in Canada, even though schools don't finish until end of June. But I disagree that Thanksgiving is seen as the end of summer, that would be Labour Day. Thanksgiving is too far into fall weather.

Wouldn't Memorial Day function as the American start of summer (only one week after Victoria Day)?

Notwithstanding the comment above about the East Coast, it has always been regarded as such around here (the media like to use the phrase "the unofficial start of summer"), primarily because most outdoor pools open for the season on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. I'm not sure how the pools in the public parks work in terms of hours, but most neighborhood pools have shorter weekday hours (late afternoon/evening only) between Memorial Day weekend and the last day of school, primarily because they often have high school kids working as lifeguards.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on August 18, 2023, 03:14:08 PM

Quote from: 7/8 on August 18, 2023, 10:41:54 AM
Quote from: webny99 on August 17, 2023, 06:16:59 PM
(By contrast, Canada has three true summer holidays [Canada Day, Civic Day, and Labor Day] plus an unofficial start of summer holiday [Victoria Day] and an unofficial end of summer holiday [Thanksgiving] which both occur during the school year.)

I agree that Victoria Day "May Two-Four" is the start of summer in Canada, even though schools don't finish until end of June. But I disagree that Thanksgiving is seen as the end of summer, that would be Labour Day. Thanksgiving is too far into fall weather.

OK, correct me if I'm misguided here, but my understanding is that September is much like late May/June in terms of travel trends, where school is in session, but there is still some seasonal weekend travel with people going to cottages, lakes, parks, etc., and that continues through to Thanksgiving in early October, at a reduced level from the peak months of July/August.

The US holiday equivalent to Canadian Thanksgiving is Columbus Day, but it isn't widely recognized as a "long weekend"/ travel holiday for us like it is in Canada, although it is becoming slightly more so in recent years.

Quote from: 7/8 on August 18, 2023, 10:41:54 AM
Wouldn't Memorial Day function as the American start of summer (only one week after Victoria Day)?

Unofficially, yes, but my point is that it's not consistent nationwide because of the varying end times to the school year.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Dough4872 on August 18, 2023, 09:57:59 PM

I don't get why schools like to go back in the middle of summer in early August as opposed to after Labor Day. Even here in Pennsylvania, schools which traditionally started after Labor Day are starting to go back in late August now. I feel with the earlier start times, schools are cutting summer short. I was wondering if there is a good reason schools are pushing to start earlier every year, the only one I was thinking of is to get out earlier in June.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on August 18, 2023, 10:07:12 PM

In Seattle, K-12 schools start the Wednesday after Labor Day and go to about the 2nd week of June.

Socially and as far as weather on the East Coast (that became the definer of taste nationwide), summer is Memorial Day to Labor Day - that's when it's socially correct for women to wear white or pastels and white shoes, men to put away their wool suits and get out the linen or searsucker. June is traditional for weddings, that ties in with being the first and most pleasant full month of summer.

Some educators believe the long summer break gives students too long to forget what they've learned and get out of the habit of studying. I'm not saying they are right, just that it's a common belief. On the plus side, the long break gives more time to work at a summer job or to take a long vacation that gets the most value out of your air fare.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on August 18, 2023, 10:33:32 PM

The fact that practically every company that has a "contact us" form requires you to enter all your information in even if you're signed in and they could just pull it from your account. What is the point of signing in in the form acts as if you aren't?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 20, 2023, 11:45:13 PM

Websites that insist on two-factor authentication but then also provide no means of setting up multiple sets of credentials to access the account.

My wife has a separate bank account that we deposit money in for her to use on discretionary spending. But because I was a customer of the bank before we got married, my contact information is on all of the accounts. So any time she wants to sign into her account she has to ask me for the 2FA code. There is no way to have her account send the codes to her and the main account to send the codes to me (I do the main finances like bills and such).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 21, 2023, 07:17:18 AM

One thing that irks me with multi-factor authentication is when banks insist that the only way to do this is via text-messaging you a code. If you're logging into their app via your mobile phone, text-messaging isn't all that secure of a means of authentication because someone who has your phone will receive the message regardless of whether it's you. When I log into my office VPN, for example, there is no way for me to receive a code on my PC. I either enter a six-digit code from an authenticator app on my phone, ask it for a push notification to my phone, or receive a text message.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on August 21, 2023, 07:25:00 AM

Paywalls on sites that you see have info you're looking for on Google. NJ.com is one that don't like readers who don't fill their bank accounts.

The NYTimes is another. Considering that AM Talk radio accuses them of being controlled by the Left, you think that they would not force the GP into paying for their articles to be read to prove them wrong.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on August 21, 2023, 08:01:02 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 20, 2023, 11:45:13 PM
My wife has a separate bank account that we deposit money in for her to use on discretionary spending. But because I was a customer of the bank before we got married, my contact information is on all of the accounts.

Related, they then want to send all notifications (statements, etc.) by email instead of by mail. Which is fine, except they only give you the opportunity to send to one email address. Even if it's a joint account. That's not a problem as long as I'm alive and out of intensive care. But if I get hit by a bus ...

The same thing applies to credit cards, utility bills, all kinds of stuff.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on August 21, 2023, 08:44:29 AM

Quote from: GaryV on August 21, 2023, 08:01:02 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 20, 2023, 11:45:13 PM
My wife has a separate bank account that we deposit money in for her to use on discretionary spending. But because I was a customer of the bank before we got married, my contact information is on all of the accounts.

Related, they then want to send all notifications (statements, etc.) by email instead of by mail. Which is fine, except they only give you the opportunity to send to one email address. Even if it's a joint account. That's not a problem as long as I'm alive and out of intensive care. But if I get hit by a bus ...

The same thing applies to credit cards, utility bills, all kinds of stuff.

You can set up a email forwarding rule where if it's from a certain email address, forward to another email address.

Also, what are you using as the 2FA authenticator? I use both 1Password and Authy.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 21, 2023, 10:24:55 AM

Not sure whether this falls more into things that bother me or things that mildly confuse me: People who don't understand the concept of assigned seats. I'm on a northbound Acela as I type this. All seats are assigned and your ticket has both a car number and a seat number (e.g., Car 2, Seat 4F). Invariably there are people who get on and just pick a seat that is assigned to someone else and then they act flabbergasted when they're told to move (Amtrak staff will also tell you to move if you're in the wrong train car). This should not be a surprise or confusing–why do these people think their tickets have car and seat numbers?

With that said, I also agree with my mom, who has complained that on occasion she's been in a largely empty movie theater with assigned seating and someone else insists on sitting right next to her because that's the assigned seat. If the show is about to begin and the theater is 85% empty (my mom likes weekday matinees), there's no reason to worry about seat assignments.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on August 21, 2023, 01:12:37 PM

New minor thing: spam of this form:

QuoteJonathan,

Hope all is well.

We previously spoke regarding questions about how our services would align with your company's goals.

We didn't move forward at the time, but I have a note that you would be open to another conversation if considerable changes were made on our end. Economic and compliance changes from the last few years demanded that we make changes to our pricing structure, partnerships, participation requirements, providers, etc. and I wanted to at least make you aware of them and see if we may align better in the future.

Do you have a few minutes to reconnect and share updates on Thursday afternoon?

Best,

Of course I've never spoken with the individual in question. This ticked me off enough that I almost fired back to excoriate the sender for attempting to mislead.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on August 21, 2023, 01:50:38 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 21, 2023, 10:24:55 AM
With that said, I also agree with my mom, who has complained that on occasion she's been in a largely empty movie theater with assigned seating and someone else insists on sitting right next to her because that's the assigned seat. If the show is about to begin and the theater is 85% empty (my mom likes weekday matinees), there's no reason to worry about seat assignments.

If all seats are the same price, I agree with your Mom. But it bothers me when I pay a premium price for a better seat (at a symphony concert, for instance) and somebody with a lower-priced ticket for a less-desirable seat takes one in my section.

My wife and I once bought round-trip business-class tickets on the Amtrak Wolverine train. On the late return trip back home, it was only us and maybe one other person in the business-class section. At one point someone wandered in and took a seat. It wasn't long before the conductor tossed him back out, and that did my heart good.

Quote from: J N Winkler on August 21, 2023, 01:12:37 PM
New minor thing: spam of this form:

QuoteJonathan,

Hope all is well.

We previously spoke regarding questions about how our services would align with your company's goals.

We didn't move forward at the time, but I have a note that you would be open to another conversation if considerable changes were made on our end. Economic and compliance changes from the last few years demanded that we make changes to our pricing structure, partnerships, participation requirements, providers, etc. and I wanted to at least make you aware of them and see if we may align better in the future.

Do you have a few minutes to reconnect and share updates on Thursday afternoon?

Best,

Of course I've never spoken with the individual in question. This ticked me off enough that I almost fired back to excoriate the sender for attempting to mislead.

Bothersome and technically misleading, but not any worse than "we've been trying to contact you about your vehicle's extended warranty." No, you haven't, this is your first call unless I was on your robolist earlier.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on August 21, 2023, 03:45:53 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on August 21, 2023, 01:12:37 PM
New minor thing: spam of this form:

QuoteJonathan,

Hope all is well.

We previously spoke regarding questions about how our services would align with your company's goals.

We didn't move forward at the time, but I have a note that you would be open to another conversation if considerable changes were made on our end. Economic and compliance changes from the last few years demanded that we make changes to our pricing structure, partnerships, participation requirements, providers, etc. and I wanted to at least make you aware of them and see if we may align better in the future.

Do you have a few minutes to reconnect and share updates on Thursday afternoon?

Best,

Of course I've never spoken with the individual in question. This ticked me off enough that I almost fired back to excoriate the sender for attempting to mislead.

I've seen this type of email before, but don't recall having received anything like this from a true first time sender. It's usually companies I've turned away in the past attempting to re-engage my interest, and I just delete (or junk/block) their emails.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on August 21, 2023, 04:48:18 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on August 21, 2023, 01:50:38 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 21, 2023, 10:24:55 AM
With that said, I also agree with my mom, who has complained that on occasion she's been in a largely empty movie theater with assigned seating and someone else insists on sitting right next to her because that's the assigned seat. If the show is about to begin and the theater is 85% empty (my mom likes weekday matinees), there's no reason to worry about seat assignments.

If all seats are the same price, I agree with your Mom. But it bothers me when I pay a premium price for a better seat (at a symphony concert, for instance) and somebody with a lower-priced ticket for a less-desirable seat takes one in my section.

My wife and I once bought round-trip business-class tickets on the Amtrak Wolverine train. On the late return trip back home, it was only us and maybe one other person in the business-class section. At one point someone wandered in and took a seat. It wasn't long before the conductor tossed him back out, and that did my heart good.

In some cases, the problem exists between the chair and the hand holding the ticket. I attended a show a few years ago and sat down in what I thought was my seat. It turns out that each section had the lettering restarted, and I actually had better seats in a better section than what I thought I got.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on August 21, 2023, 05:04:49 PM

Quote from: webny99 on August 21, 2023, 03:45:53 PMI've seen this type of email before, but don't recall having received anything like this from a true first time sender. It's usually companies I've turned away in the past attempting to re-engage my interest, and I just delete (or junk/block) their emails.

I know for dead sure that this is a first-time sender. Because I am deaf, I don't get many phone calls to begin with, and I've certainly never had a conversation--either by telephone or in person--with anyone who introduced himself using the name the sender is using.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on August 21, 2023, 06:32:14 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on August 21, 2023, 05:04:49 PM
Quote from: webny99 on August 21, 2023, 03:45:53 PMI've seen this type of email before, but don't recall having received anything like this from a true first time sender. It's usually companies I've turned away in the past attempting to re-engage my interest, and I just delete (or junk/block) their emails.

I know for dead sure that this is a first-time sender. Because I am deaf, I don't get many phone calls to begin with, and I've certainly never had a conversation--either by telephone or in person--with anyone who introduced himself using the name the sender is using.

That's certainly an odd approach. Even aside from being false/misleading, it seems unlikely to fool anyone and likely to generate critical responses if any at all.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 21, 2023, 06:38:57 PM

Such an approach seems to be predicated on the receiver getting such a high volume of messages that they don't remember the interaction and simply assume that the sender is speaking the truth. A similar tactic is known to be in use to gain access to company executives–go to HQ and say you have a meeting with so-and-so at such-and-such time and hope nobody checks the schedule (and if they do, merely insist that you talked on the phone to someone and they must have forgotten to put it on their schedule, hoping the low-level secretary who would be responsible for doing so will meekly agree in order to not appear incompetent).

I am always tempted to send them a message saying that they have been added to a company blacklist of firms whom we won't ever do business with, but restrain myself out of fear they will send the message to their fellows that a live human checks the email address and they are not being filtered.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on August 21, 2023, 06:57:41 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 21, 2023, 06:38:57 PMSuch an approach seems to be predicated on the receiver getting such a high volume of messages that they don't remember the interaction and simply assume that the sender is speaking the truth. A similar tactic is known to be in use to gain access to company executives–go to HQ and say you have a meeting with so-and-so at such-and-such time and hope nobody checks the schedule (and if they do, merely insist that you talked on the phone to someone and they must have forgotten to put it on their schedule, hoping the low-level secretary who would be responsible for doing so will meekly agree in order to not appear incompetent).

That is what I suspect is going on here. Thinking about it some more, however, I think there's an outside chance the sender (who claims to represent a HR firm) is actually trying to reach one of my doppelgangers, who works as a project manager in the Houston area. His email username is of the format FirstnameMILastname (where MI = d), while mine is Firstname.Lastname. Even if this is true, however, there is no guarantee the claimed prior contact occurred.

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 21, 2023, 06:38:57 PMI am always tempted to send them a message saying that they have been added to a company blacklist of firms whom we won't ever do business with, but restrain myself out of fear they will send the message to their fellows that a live human checks the email address and they are not being filtered.

That was also my motivation for not answering, though I did use the CAN-SPAM unsubscribe link. (In the past I never clicked on them, but started doing so after experimentation showed it does cut recurring spam from legitimate sources.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 21, 2023, 07:17:56 PM

Having run a legitimate mailing list that included a CAN-SPAM link, I can confirm that the mailer does have incentive enough to take unsubscribe requests seriously–having people that don't want to be on the mailing list on it skews open and link-click statistics downward, and mailer services often base price tiers on the number of contacts on the list. They also don't want to be flagged as spam with the recipient's mail service provider–doing so makes it more likely their emails will be filtered or trashed before the recipient even sees them.

Illegitimate mailing lists generally don't even include the link.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 21, 2023, 07:41:38 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on August 21, 2023, 01:50:38 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 21, 2023, 10:24:55 AM
With that said, I also agree with my mom, who has complained that on occasion she's been in a largely empty movie theater with assigned seating and someone else insists on sitting right next to her because that's the assigned seat. If the show is about to begin and the theater is 85% empty (my mom likes weekday matinees), there's no reason to worry about seat assignments.

If all seats are the same price, I agree with your Mom. But it bothers me when I pay a premium price for a better seat (at a symphony concert, for instance) and somebody with a lower-priced ticket for a less-desirable seat takes one in my section.

My wife and I once bought round-trip business-class tickets on the Amtrak Wolverine train. On the late return trip back home, it was only us and maybe one other person in the business-class section. At one point someone wandered in and took a seat. It wasn't long before the conductor tossed him back out, and that did my heart good.

Yes, absolutely, I agree with you completely on that. I was thinking of it in the movie context because that's what she mentioned and, other than the premium auditorium (Regal calls it "RPX" ), I can't say I've seen price-differentiated seating at movies. Sports, Broadway type shows, trains/planes, sure (I'll probably use an upgrade coupon to get into first class on the southbound Acela tomorrow).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on August 21, 2023, 09:33:25 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on August 21, 2023, 01:50:38 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 21, 2023, 10:24:55 AM
With that said, I also agree with my mom, who has complained that on occasion she's been in a largely empty movie theater with assigned seating and someone else insists on sitting right next to her because that's the assigned seat. If the show is about to begin and the theater is 85% empty (my mom likes weekday matinees), there's no reason to worry about seat assignments.

If all seats are the same price, I agree with your Mom. But it bothers me when I pay a premium price for a better seat (at a symphony concert, for instance) and somebody with a lower-priced ticket for a less-desirable seat takes one in my section.

My wife and I once bought round-trip business-class tickets on the Amtrak Wolverine train. On the late return trip back home, it was only us and maybe one other person in the business-class section. At one point someone wandered in and took a seat. It wasn't long before the conductor tossed him back out, and that did my heart good.

Quote from: J N Winkler on August 21, 2023, 01:12:37 PM
New minor thing: spam of this form:

QuoteJonathan,

Hope all is well.

We previously spoke regarding questions about how our services would align with your company's goals.

We didn't move forward at the time, but I have a note that you would be open to another conversation if considerable changes were made on our end. Economic and compliance changes from the last few years demanded that we make changes to our pricing structure, partnerships, participation requirements, providers, etc. and I wanted to at least make you aware of them and see if we may align better in the future.

Do you have a few minutes to reconnect and share updates on Thursday afternoon?

Best,

Of course I've never spoken with the individual in question. This ticked me off enough that I almost fired back to excoriate the sender for attempting to mislead.

Bothersome and technically misleading, but not any worse than "we've been trying to contact you about your vehicle's extended warranty." No, you haven't, this is your first call unless I was on your robolist earlier.

I got one of those scam letters in the mail for a car I bought one week prior :pan:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 22, 2023, 04:08:31 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 21, 2023, 07:41:38 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on August 21, 2023, 01:50:38 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 21, 2023, 10:24:55 AM
With that said, I also agree with my mom, who has complained that on occasion she's been in a largely empty movie theater with assigned seating and someone else insists on sitting right next to her because that's the assigned seat. If the show is about to begin and the theater is 85% empty (my mom likes weekday matinees), there's no reason to worry about seat assignments.

If all seats are the same price, I agree with your Mom. But it bothers me when I pay a premium price for a better seat (at a symphony concert, for instance) and somebody with a lower-priced ticket for a less-desirable seat takes one in my section.

My wife and I once bought round-trip business-class tickets on the Amtrak Wolverine train. On the late return trip back home, it was only us and maybe one other person in the business-class section. At one point someone wandered in and took a seat. It wasn't long before the conductor tossed him back out, and that did my heart good.

Yes, absolutely, I agree with you completely on that. I was thinking of it in the movie context because that's what she mentioned and, other than the premium auditorium (Regal calls it "RPX" ), I can't say I've seen price-differentiated seating at movies. Sports, Broadway type shows, trains/planes, sure (I'll probably use an upgrade coupon to get into first class on the southbound Acela tomorrow).

I would submit any annoyance should be directed toward the theater management, not the other patrons–after all there is no scarcity in an undersold theater that would justify a higher price tier for nicer seats.

Suppose there's a theater with 50 nice seats and 50 cheap seats. If close to 100 people want to see the movie, it's justified to upcharge for the nice seats–all 100 patrons cannot sit in the nice seats, so those willing to pay more should get them. And obviously, if you paid for a nice seat and you can't sit in it because someone snuck up from the cheap seats, that's a problem because you're not getting what you paid for. But if it's a matinee where only 14 people are there, all 14 people can sit in the nice seats, so there's really no reason to require patrons pay a higher price to sit in them. It's sleazy to upcharge people in that situation.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on August 22, 2023, 09:32:23 AM

A couple of months ago, my car was written off by the insurance companies after it was in a multi-vehicle chain reaction crash while waiting for a local sop-and-go light to change (someone drove into the back of the line at a fairly high rate of speed, I was the 3rd of 4th in that line), but to date I have only received one mailing from an ambulence-chasing lawyer. :cool: Yes, I did get a very good settlement on my claim. :nod:

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on August 22, 2023, 09:48:39 AM

When the sign above the register in Walmart says "10 items or less " and a customer with a full shopping cart uses that lane with the cashier not sending them to the other open registers, but waiting on their more than 10 items to check out. Then you complain to that employee for not enforcing rules with them saying " Nothin I can do. Customer is always right."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: frankenroad on August 22, 2023, 04:34:08 PM

Quote from: Dough4872 on August 18, 2023, 09:57:59 PM
I don't get why schools like to go back in the middle of summer in early August as opposed to after Labor Day. Even here in Pennsylvania, schools which traditionally started after Labor Day are starting to go back in late August now. I feel with the earlier start times, schools are cutting summer short. I was wondering if there is a good reason schools are pushing to start earlier every year, the only one I was thinking of is to get out earlier in June.

When I was growing up in Ohio, school always started after Labor Day, and ended around the 8th of June. But now, it starts mid-August and ends before Memorial Day. Most schools around here started last week, but now many of the older buildings have had to close or revert to remote learning because they are not air-conditioned, and we are experiencing very hot weather this week.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on August 22, 2023, 05:53:41 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on August 22, 2023, 09:48:39 AM
When the sign above the register in Walmart says "10 items or less " and a customer with a full shopping cart uses that lane with the cashier not sending them to the other open registers, but waiting on their more than 10 items to check out. Then you complain to that employee for not enforcing rules with them saying " Nothin I can do. Customer is always right."

"Then I am ALSO always right, and I say send them to another line."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on August 22, 2023, 07:47:39 PM

Quote from: kkt on August 22, 2023, 05:53:41 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on August 22, 2023, 09:48:39 AM
When the sign above the register in Walmart says "10 items or less " and a customer with a full shopping cart uses that lane with the cashier not sending them to the other open registers, but waiting on their more than 10 items to check out. Then you complain to that employee for not enforcing rules with them saying " Nothin I can do. Customer is always right."

"Then I am ALSO always right, and I say send them to another line."

When I cashiered years ago at the grocery store, I don't think I ever had any pushback from customers if I gently reminded them they were in the 10 Items or Less line, and they had far too many items. But I also didn't bother nagging customers for doing so if they had 14 times, unless they also worked there. :D

I'd usually let people go through with 15-20 items if there wasn't much of a line. Our policy was also to take care of a customer if the other lines were packed and nobody else was in the express line. As long as they didn't have a full cart, since there wasn't as much room for many scanned items...only about a third of the downstream space from the scanner. Or if they bought like 60 of the same item, which rings up very quickly.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 22, 2023, 09:48:31 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on August 22, 2023, 09:48:39 AM
When the sign above the register in Walmart says "10 items or less " and a customer with a full shopping cart uses that lane with the cashier not sending them to the other open registers, but waiting on their more than 10 items to check out. Then you complain to that employee for not enforcing rules with them saying " Nothin I can do. Customer is always right."

Signs that say "10 items or less" bother me. It should be "10 items or fewer."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on August 23, 2023, 09:35:20 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 22, 2023, 09:48:31 PM
Signs that say "10 items or less" bother me. It should be "10 items or fewer."

People that are bothered by this bother me. :bigass:

But honestly, I would have no complaints if the word "fewer" disappeared from the English language.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on August 23, 2023, 10:23:44 AM

Since self checkouts entered the scenes, Walmart seemed to have phased out the 10 item or less lane altogether.

Another thing that bothers me not related to check outs is when you start to type a word and it suddenly appears in the box above. However as you notice it your finger is moving to type the next letter which changes the word you need instantly. Meanwhile you're ready to tap on the suggested word and just as you do it, the next word is there already and before you know it that word is in your typed sentence.

I realize it's not the program, but whatever issues my mind has as I do have focus issues and believe I'm on the spectrum or ADHD or something. So I believe the normal mind don't experience this kind of scenario.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on August 23, 2023, 10:29:06 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 22, 2023, 09:48:31 PM
Signs that say "10 items or less" bother me. It should be "10 items or fewer."

Thank you.

I also want to throw a brick at my TV every time a commercial touts a product having "less calories." And don't get me started on "amount" vs. "number." Sorry, 7/8.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 23, 2023, 10:53:48 AM

Quote from: 7/8 on August 23, 2023, 09:35:20 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 22, 2023, 09:48:31 PM
Signs that say "10 items or less" bother me. It should be "10 items or fewer."

People that are bothered by this bother me. :bigass:

....

Hey, my mother is a retired English teacher, so I've had grammar drummed into me since I was a little kid. (My father was also an English major, though he went into the legal profession instead.) That's not to say I won't disregard some "traditional" grammar rules when I deem it necessary or appropriate, of course, even in formal writing. Sometimes avoiding a split infinitive just makes the sentence too darn awkward. Yes, I know there is a split of authority on whether a split infinitive is "incorrect," but it's one of those things that is prevalent enough that I generally try to avoid doing it in formal writing because I know it will rub some readers the wrong way.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on August 23, 2023, 02:59:38 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on August 23, 2023, 10:23:44 AM
Since self checkouts entered the scenes, Walmart seemed to have phased out the 10 item or less lane altogether.

They ought to bring back 10 items or less lanes for self checkouts. Seeing people with full carts of groceries slowly using self checkouts is infuriating when I only have 3 items and want to get out of the hellscape that is Walmart.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 23, 2023, 03:19:11 PM

^^^^

Wegmans restricts the self-checkout to 20 items or fewer. I find it depends on which style of self-checkout a store uses. The "scale" style, where there is a somewhat small bagging area with limited space and it detects when you put the item in the bag, more or less necessitates a limit on the number of items. The "conveyor" style, where it passes between sensors on the belt after you scan it, doesn't suffer from the same problem but necessitates some sort of divider system to segregate consecutive customers' purchases. The latter style used to be in use at Giant Food stores in the DC area, but they've replaced them with the "scale" style, probably because the latter allows fitting more checkouts into a smaller area.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on August 23, 2023, 04:45:28 PM

Then there's the camera system, where the computer looks to see if your cart is empty.

The checkout attendant who had to clear our purchases this week (because we put the giant toilet paper package back on the bottom of the cart, rather than filling most of the bagging area) said that sometimes the cameras see a child in the cart seat and won't let checkout proceed until the attendant clears it. Sheesh.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bm7 on August 24, 2023, 03:09:42 AM

Title capitalization rules. They're confusing and nobody can even decide on exactly what words should or shouldn't be capitalized. It'd be a lot simpler if we just capitalized every word.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 24, 2023, 07:37:10 AM

Quote from: bm7 on August 24, 2023, 03:09:42 AM
Title capitalization rules. They're confusing and nobody can even decide on exactly what words should or shouldn't be capitalized. It'd be a lot simpler if we just capitalized every word.

I prefer the current style used by most newspapers of capitalizing just the first word and any proper nouns (so-called "sentence case"). Unnecessary use of capitalization is distracting. There are other ways (quotation marks, italicizing) to denote when you're citing a title.

I really hate the way most online music databases wrongly capitalize every words of song titles. The song's name is "Darkness on the Edge of Town," not "Darkness On The Edge Of Town." (Alphabetizing by first name so that Bruce Springsteen appears under "B" is far more annoying, of course.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on August 24, 2023, 08:37:59 AM

Quote from: bm7 on August 24, 2023, 03:09:42 AM
Title capitalization rules. They're confusing and nobody can even decide on exactly what words should or shouldn't be capitalized. It'd be a lot simpler if we just capitalized every word.

or capitalize nothing. equal weight, for equal words.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on August 24, 2023, 08:40:30 AM

English puts foreign titles in sentence case, which I have no problem with. Should we change the standard for domestic titles to that?

"15 seconds" bug again. Of note is that someone else posted in a different part of the forum within 15 seconds of my attempt. Maybe that's the issue?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on August 24, 2023, 12:33:41 PM

And IIRC, the capitalization rule in Written German is that every noun is capitalized. Interesting

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: flan on August 24, 2023, 12:54:57 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 24, 2023, 07:37:10 AM
I really hate the way most online music databases wrongly capitalize every words of song titles. The song's name is "Darkness on the Edge of Town," not "Darkness On The Edge Of Town." (Alphabetizing by first name so that Bruce Springsteen appears under "B" is far more annoying, of course.)

This is one of the few grammar-related rules that I disagree with. In the past few years I've come to feel that capitalizing every word just looks better. Especially three-word titles where the middle word is 'a'. "What a Feeling" vs. "What A Feeling".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on August 24, 2023, 01:06:54 PM

Titles always have been capitalized I guess to distinguish them as such from common phrases.

I do notice that people capitalize the pronoun him when the "him" is referring to God, but I think that's to emphasize that God is a superior being and is used to be an attention grabber.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DTComposer on August 24, 2023, 02:04:09 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on August 24, 2023, 12:33:41 PM
And IIRC, the capitalization rule in Written German is that every noun is capitalized. Interesting

I like the style of A.A. Milne in the Winnie-the-Pooh books, where certain nouns and/or concepts that the author or speaker deems important are capitalized:

Quote
"I'm very glad," said Piglet happily, "that I thought of giving you Something to put in a Useful Pot."

Quote
"It's a little Anxious," he said to himself, "to be a Very Small Animal Entirely Surrounded by Water. Christopher Robin and Post could escape by Climbing Tress, and Kanga could escape by Jumping, and Owl could escape by Flying, and Eeyore could escape by - by Making a Loud Noise Until Rescued, and here am I, surrounded by water and I can't do anything."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 24, 2023, 02:12:30 PM

Quote from: flan on August 24, 2023, 12:54:57 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 24, 2023, 07:37:10 AM
I really hate the way most online music databases wrongly capitalize every words of song titles. The song's name is "Darkness on the Edge of Town," not "Darkness On The Edge Of Town." (Alphabetizing by first name so that Bruce Springsteen appears under "B" is far more annoying, of course.)

This is one of the few grammar-related rules that I disagree with. In the past few years I've come to feel that capitalizing every word just looks better. Especially three-word titles where the middle word is 'a'. "What a Feeling" vs. "What A Feeling".

Whereas I think the latter looks absolutely horrible. I would not be at all surprised if it comes from my mom having been an English teacher.

Quote from: DTComposer on August 24, 2023, 02:04:09 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on August 24, 2023, 12:33:41 PM
And IIRC, the capitalization rule in Written German is that every noun is capitalized. Interesting

I like the style of A.A. Milne in the Winnie-the-Pooh books, where certain nouns and/or concepts that the author or speaker deems important are capitalized:

Quote
"I'm very glad," said Piglet happily, "that I thought of giving you Something to put in a Useful Pot."

Every once in a great while I do that to a very limited extent, but not in formal business writing. I might say, for example, that something is a Very Big Deal to someone or to a group of people.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on August 24, 2023, 03:03:27 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 24, 2023, 07:37:10 AM
(Alphabetizing by first name so that Bruce Springsteen appears under "B" is far more annoying, of course.)

And again we disagree, many years ago, some artists were sorted by last name on my iPod and I switched it to first name. :-D

(I don't think of him as "Springsteen, Bruce", he's "Bruce Springsteen") :colorful:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 24, 2023, 03:22:06 PM

Quote from: 7/8 on August 24, 2023, 03:03:27 PM
(I don't think of him as "Springsteen, Bruce", he's "Bruce Springsteen") :colorful:

Well, I generally think of him as just plain "Springsteen," but it doesn't much matter in the scheme of things because alphabetizing has been by last name forever (see bibliographies, indices, libraries, etc.), so there's nothing confusing about properly sorting by last name. (To say nothing of people who think bands like the Beatles should be sorted under "T"!)

I gather young people apparently find that confusing simply because Apple's programmers were not sophisticated enough to put in a sorting field when they first rolled out iTunes or because online metadata services like Gracenote were not quick enough to mandate using the sort field.

Edited to add: What REALLY irks me is that iTunes has the sorting field, so you can set it to sort by last name and your iPod will respect that, but then the Music app on an iPhone ignores it for some reason. Why have the sorting field if your own hardware refuses to honor it? (On my Astell & Kern player I wound up just setting all the non-band entries to be last name comma first name because it ignores sort-by fields.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on August 24, 2023, 03:38:10 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 24, 2023, 03:22:06 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on August 24, 2023, 03:03:27 PM
(I don't think of him as "Springsteen, Bruce", he's "Bruce Springsteen") :colorful:

Well, I generally think of him as just plain "Springsteen"

I'll give you that one, not a great example! How about Katy Perry? No one says just "Perry", not that I've heard anyway. :)

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 24, 2023, 03:22:06 PM
I gather young people apparently find that confusing simply because Apple's programmers were not sophisticated enough to put in a sorting field when they first rolled out iTunes or because online metadata services like Gracenote were not quick enough to mandate using the sort field.

It may very well be a generational thing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 24, 2023, 03:50:02 PM

Quote from: 7/8 on August 24, 2023, 03:38:10 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 24, 2023, 03:22:06 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on August 24, 2023, 03:03:27 PM
(I don't think of him as "Springsteen, Bruce", he's "Bruce Springsteen") :colorful:

Well, I generally think of him as just plain "Springsteen"

I'll give you that one, not a great example! How about Katy Perry? No one says just "Perry", not that I've heard anyway. :)

....

I'll take your word for that one, as, perhaps unsurprisingly, I don't generally refer to her at all (nor do I know anyone who does....maybe our niece in Florida who is 13 or 14?). :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 24, 2023, 08:21:53 PM

I imagine part of the problem here is databases that just have a field for "artist" rather than "first" and "last". That makes proper sorting ambiguous, because there's no way to distinguish a proper "Springsteen, Bruce" from a "Zeppelin, Led" or "Airplane, Jefferson".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on August 24, 2023, 10:59:30 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 24, 2023, 08:21:53 PM
I imagine part of the problem here is databases that just have a field for "artist" rather than "first" and "last". That makes proper sorting ambiguous, because there's no way to distinguish a proper "Springsteen, Bruce" from a "Zeppelin, Led" or "Airplane, Jefferson".

Even "first" and "last" would be a poor choice of field names. In some countries, China for example, the family name is written first and the given name is second, and in a list the family name would be the most significant field.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on August 24, 2023, 11:14:06 PM

Quote from: kkt on August 24, 2023, 10:59:30 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 24, 2023, 08:21:53 PM
I imagine part of the problem here is databases that just have a field for "artist" rather than "first" and "last". That makes proper sorting ambiguous, because there's no way to distinguish a proper "Springsteen, Bruce" from a "Zeppelin, Led" or "Airplane, Jefferson".

Even "first" and "last" would be a poor choice of field names. In some countries, China for example, the family name is written first and the given name is second, and in a list the family name would be the most significant field.

Of course there's no way of knowing without more context whether a Chinese-looking name is [family] [given], or if the person lives in a Western county and has reversed their name to a Western-style [given] [family]. (And without more context it may even be hard to tell whether a name is Chinese and not from some other country.) Certainly nothing that can be discovered procedurally.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on August 24, 2023, 11:19:46 PM

Even for Western names, there can be some issues. When I cite articles with bylines that include a name in the middle that could either be a surname or given name, I just have to guess sometimes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on August 24, 2023, 11:20:39 PM

Regarding names: https://shinesolutions.com/2018/01/08/falsehoods-programmers-believe-about-names-with-examples/

Almost any assumption you build in to a system will have an example that breaks it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on August 25, 2023, 05:01:53 AM

Quote from: 7/8 on August 24, 2023, 03:38:10 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 24, 2023, 03:22:06 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on August 24, 2023, 03:03:27 PM
(I don't think of him as "Springsteen, Bruce", he's "Bruce Springsteen") :colorful:

Well, I generally think of him as just plain "Springsteen"

I'll give you that one, not a great example! How about Katy Perry? No one says just "Perry", not that I've heard anyway. :)

That's Mr. Springsteen and Ms. Perry to you.

Honestly, I'm not a fan of honorifics and titles - seeing them in newspapers (NYTimes, I'm looking at you) - makes me want to puke.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 25, 2023, 08:28:12 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 24, 2023, 08:21:53 PM
I imagine part of the problem here is databases that just have a field for "artist" rather than "first" and "last". That makes proper sorting ambiguous, because there's no way to distinguish a proper "Springsteen, Bruce" from a "Zeppelin, Led" or "Airplane, Jefferson".

That's why I referred to the "sorting" tab, which is intended to account for exactly the issue you note.

Quote from: SSOWorld on August 25, 2023, 05:01:53 AM
Quote from: 7/8 on August 24, 2023, 03:38:10 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 24, 2023, 03:22:06 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on August 24, 2023, 03:03:27 PM
(I don't think of him as "Springsteen, Bruce", he's "Bruce Springsteen") :colorful:

Well, I generally think of him as just plain "Springsteen"

I'll give you that one, not a great example! How about Katy Perry? No one says just "Perry", not that I've heard anyway. :)

That's Mr. Springsteen and Ms. Perry to you.

Honestly, I'm not a fan of honorifics and titles - seeing them in newspapers (NYTimes, I'm looking at you) - makes me want to puke.

What I find weird is when the Washington Post uses an honorific in a "news obituary" (an article about a recently-deceased person, as opposed to the paid "death notices" commonly referred to as "obituaries" that appear in the same section) to refer to the decedent but then doesn't use those honorifics in the same piece to refer to other people. For example, something like "Cosell was the first major media personality to refer to Mr. Ali by his new name," or "Mr. Reagan defeated both Carter and Mondale in consecutive elections."

With that said about honorifics, a few weeks ago a potential job applicant sent a question via e-mail. I responded and began the e-mail with "Dear Ms. [her last name]." She responded by using just my first name. I therefore flagged her as someone I'd be inclined not to hire unless she proves exceptionally strong. When someone at the office where you're seeking a job uses the more formal salutation to address you, responding by using that person's first name displays poor judgment.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on August 25, 2023, 08:43:27 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 25, 2023, 08:28:12 AM
With that said about honorifics, a few weeks ago a potential job applicant sent a question via e-mail. I responded and began the e-mail with "Dear Ms. [her last name]." She responded by using just my first name. I therefore flagged her as someone I'd be inclined not to hire unless she proves exceptionally strong. When someone at the office where you're seeking a job uses the more formal salutation to address you, responding by using that person's first name displays poor judgment.

Often that sort of thing is done to avoid misgendering people. So, it's possible there's some degree of thought in that choice, even if it's not the thought you would have had.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 25, 2023, 08:46:46 AM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on August 25, 2023, 08:43:27 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 25, 2023, 08:28:12 AM
With that said about honorifics, a few weeks ago a potential job applicant sent a question via e-mail. I responded and began the e-mail with "Dear Ms. [her last name]." She responded by using just my first name. I therefore flagged her as someone I'd be inclined not to hire unless she proves exceptionally strong. When someone at the office where you're seeking a job uses the more formal salutation to address you, responding by using that person's first name displays poor judgment.

Often that sort of thing is done to avoid misgendering people. So, it's possible there's some degree of thought in that choice, even if it's not the thought you would have had.

My name is utterly obviously a male name.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on August 25, 2023, 10:28:34 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 25, 2023, 08:46:46 AM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on August 25, 2023, 08:43:27 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 25, 2023, 08:28:12 AM
With that said about honorifics, a few weeks ago a potential job applicant sent a question via e-mail. I responded and began the e-mail with "Dear Ms. [her last name]." She responded by using just my first name. I therefore flagged her as someone I'd be inclined not to hire unless she proves exceptionally strong. When someone at the office where you're seeking a job uses the more formal salutation to address you, responding by using that person's first name displays poor judgment.

Often that sort of thing is done to avoid misgendering people. So, it's possible there's some degree of thought in that choice, even if it's not the thought you would have had.

My name is utterly obviously a male name.

These days, nothing about identity can be assumed to be utterly obvious. Had Ms. [Last Name] laid eyes on you or otherwise had firsthand knowledge and then addressed you by first name, I would agree with you in that scenario.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 25, 2023, 11:02:03 AM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on August 25, 2023, 10:28:34 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 25, 2023, 08:46:46 AM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on August 25, 2023, 08:43:27 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 25, 2023, 08:28:12 AM
With that said about honorifics, a few weeks ago a potential job applicant sent a question via e-mail. I responded and began the e-mail with "Dear Ms. [her last name]." She responded by using just my first name. I therefore flagged her as someone I'd be inclined not to hire unless she proves exceptionally strong. When someone at the office where you're seeking a job uses the more formal salutation to address you, responding by using that person's first name displays poor judgment.

Often that sort of thing is done to avoid misgendering people. So, it's possible there's some degree of thought in that choice, even if it's not the thought you would have had.

My name is utterly obviously a male name.

These days, nothing about identity can be assumed to be utterly obvious. Had Ms. [Last Name] laid eyes on you or otherwise had firsthand knowledge and then addressed you by first name, I would agree with you in that scenario.

Well, put it this way: Regardless of this "parenthetical pronoun" fad to which some people subscribe, a job applicant acts at his or her own risk by assuming it is acceptable to use just the first name of a person he or she has never met. It's hardly unusual for the presumption to be that an applicant needs to stand out in some positive way to get an interview, and if the applicant does something that offends the people to whom he or she is applying or that causes the applicant to stand out in a negative way, the "no interview" presumption kicks in all the more. Some younger people apparently have a problem with that, to which there are two responses: (1) Too bad, it's how the real world works; (2) If you don't like it, then the odds are the workplace in question is probably one where you would not have been happy, so maybe it's just as well you didn't get the interview.

If the applicant is so afraid of using "Mr." or the like, then just use the person's full name without a courtesy title. Traditionally, most style and etiquette guides recommended doing exactly that when encountering a name that could be male or female (e.g., "Robin," which is typically masculine in the UK and feminine in North America, or "Taylor," which has obviously surged in popularity for females in recent years) or a foreign name where you're not sure of what is the first name and what is the last name (Chinese names are perhaps the classic example–it was weird recently when the Washington Post referred to F1 driver Zhou Guanyu as "Guanyu Zhou"). Most style and etiquette guides have said that you would just address your letter as "Dear Zhou Guanyu:" or "Dear Taylor Jones:" if you don't know whether the name is masculine or feminine or you don't know which is the first and last name.

I would still look askance at someone who used my full name in a salutation, but it's a lot less objectionable than assuming a level of familiarity that does not exist and that is inappropriate.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: The Nature Boy on August 25, 2023, 11:28:17 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 25, 2023, 11:02:03 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on August 25, 2023, 10:28:34 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 25, 2023, 08:46:46 AM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on August 25, 2023, 08:43:27 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 25, 2023, 08:28:12 AM
With that said about honorifics, a few weeks ago a potential job applicant sent a question via e-mail. I responded and began the e-mail with "Dear Ms. [her last name]." She responded by using just my first name. I therefore flagged her as someone I'd be inclined not to hire unless she proves exceptionally strong. When someone at the office where you're seeking a job uses the more formal salutation to address you, responding by using that person's first name displays poor judgment.

Often that sort of thing is done to avoid misgendering people. So, it's possible there's some degree of thought in that choice, even if it's not the thought you would have had.

My name is utterly obviously a male name.

These days, nothing about identity can be assumed to be utterly obvious. Had Ms. [Last Name] laid eyes on you or otherwise had firsthand knowledge and then addressed you by first name, I would agree with you in that scenario.

Well, put it this way: Regardless of this "parenthetical pronoun" fad to which some people subscribe, a job applicant acts at his or her own risk by assuming it is acceptable to use just the first name of a person he or she has never met. It's hardly unusual for the presumption to be that an applicant needs to stand out in some positive way to get an interview, and if the applicant does something that offends the people to whom he or she is applying or that causes the applicant to stand out in a negative way, the "no interview" presumption kicks in all the more. Some younger people apparently have a problem with that, to which there are two responses: (1) Too bad, it's how the real world works; (2) If you don't like it, then the odds are the workplace in question is probably one where you would not have been happy, so maybe it's just as well you didn't get the interview.

If the applicant is so afraid of using "Mr." or the like, then just use the person's full name without a courtesy title. Traditionally, most style and etiquette guides recommended doing exactly that when encountering a name that could be male or female (e.g., "Robin," which is typically masculine in the UK and feminine in North America, or "Taylor," which has obviously surged in popularity for females in recent years) or a foreign name where you're not sure of what is the first name and what is the last name (Chinese names are perhaps the classic example–it was weird recently when the Washington Post referred to F1 driver Zhou Guanyu as "Guanyu Zhou"). Most style and etiquette guides have said that you would just address your letter as "Dear Zhou Guanyu:" or "Dear Taylor Jones:" if you don't know whether the name is masculine or feminine or you don't know which is the first and last name.

I would still look askance at someone who used my full name in a salutation, but it's a lot less objectionable than assuming a level of familiarity that does not exist and that is inappropriate.

I manage and hire people in the same geographic area as you and in an adjacent field (public policy). I've honestly never given a crap whether someone calls me Mr. [Last Name] or my first name. Maybe that's a generational thing, I don't know, but I've had older bosses who never cared either. Is it safe to say "Mr./Ms. [Last Name]?" Sure, and I deferred to that convention as a young professional but as I've gotten older, I've learned that fewer and fewer people care about that. I disagree with your flat assertion that "it's how the real world works." Cultural norms differ between offices and industries.

I don't mean to be rude here but this seems like splitting hairs for no reason. If the applicant is otherwise good, I don't care if they call me Mr. Jones or Mike, I want them on my team.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on August 25, 2023, 11:28:32 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 25, 2023, 11:02:03 AM
Well, put it this way: Regardless of this "parenthetical pronoun" fad to which some people subscribe, a job applicant acts at his or her own risk by assuming it is acceptable to use just the first name of a person he or she has never met.

True, but there is also a risk of negative reaction that can come from misgendering, and so you pays your money and you takes your chances. It clearly was the wrong choice for you, but that won't be the case for everyone else in your shoes.

Quote
If the applicant is so afraid of using "Mr." or the like, then just use the person's full name without a courtesy title.

This is what I usually do. I also have a tendency to leave off the "dear," since I think it's weird.

Quote
I would still look askance at someone who used my full name in a salutation, but it's a lot less objectionable than assuming a level of familiarity that does not exist and that is inappropriate.

And it's better than 50/50 that I wouldn't notice. So, again, I think it's a question of guessing one's audience.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on August 25, 2023, 12:09:02 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 25, 2023, 11:02:03 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on August 25, 2023, 10:28:34 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 25, 2023, 08:46:46 AM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on August 25, 2023, 08:43:27 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 25, 2023, 08:28:12 AM
With that said about honorifics, a few weeks ago a potential job applicant sent a question via e-mail. I responded and began the e-mail with "Dear Ms. [her last name]." She responded by using just my first name. I therefore flagged her as someone I'd be inclined not to hire unless she proves exceptionally strong. When someone at the office where you're seeking a job uses the more formal salutation to address you, responding by using that person's first name displays poor judgment.

Often that sort of thing is done to avoid misgendering people. So, it's possible there's some degree of thought in that choice, even if it's not the thought you would have had.

My name is utterly obviously a male name.

These days, nothing about identity can be assumed to be utterly obvious. Had Ms. [Last Name] laid eyes on you or otherwise had firsthand knowledge and then addressed you by first name, I would agree with you in that scenario.

Well, put it this way: Regardless of this "parenthetical pronoun" fad to which some people subscribe, a job applicant acts at his or her own risk by assuming it is acceptable to use just the first name of a person he or she has never met. It's hardly unusual for the presumption to be that an applicant needs to stand out in some positive way to get an interview, and if the applicant does something that offends the people to whom he or she is applying or that causes the applicant to stand out in a negative way, the "no interview" presumption kicks in all the more. Some younger people apparently have a problem with that, to which there are two responses: (1) Too bad, it's how the real world works; (2) If you don't like it, then the odds are the workplace in question is probably one where you would not have been happy, so maybe it's just as well you didn't get the interview.

If the applicant is so afraid of using "Mr." or the like, then just use the person's full name without a courtesy title. Traditionally, most style and etiquette guides recommended doing exactly that when encountering a name that could be male or female (e.g., "Robin," which is typically masculine in the UK and feminine in North America, or "Taylor," which has obviously surged in popularity for females in recent years) or a foreign name where you're not sure of what is the first name and what is the last name (Chinese names are perhaps the classic example–it was weird recently when the Washington Post referred to F1 driver Zhou Guanyu as "Guanyu Zhou"). Most style and etiquette guides have said that you would just address your letter as "Dear Zhou Guanyu:" or "Dear Taylor Jones:" if you don't know whether the name is masculine or feminine or you don't know which is the first and last name.

I would still look askance at someone who used my full name in a salutation, but it's a lot less objectionable than assuming a level of familiarity that does not exist and that is inappropriate.

There's a lot of opinion and personal preference here...and generation views. Regarding young people...the "real world" you grew up in is different than the "real world" they're growing up in. And the "real world" you grew up in was different than what your parents grew up in.

Preferences and standards change. In interviews, the dress can be oddly relaxed. On a recent interview someone was practically in gym clothes. I made mention of it to the other interviewees afterwards, and most of them said they paid no mind to it; they were much more interested in hearing the answers given.

So, your view of what they should've said is going to be different than their view of how to address people. They may be just as happy they didn't get an interview or job if their potential boss or company is set in their ways from 30 years ago. And frankly, the Mr/Mrs can become an HR issue if you insist on calling someone by what they don't want to be called.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on August 25, 2023, 12:42:53 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 24, 2023, 08:21:53 PM
I imagine part of the problem here is databases that just have a field for "artist" rather than "first" and "last". That makes proper sorting ambiguous, because there's no way to distinguish a proper "Springsteen, Bruce" from a "Zeppelin, Led" or "Airplane, Jefferson".

Or "Halen, Van" or "Morrison, Van?" :bigass:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on August 25, 2023, 12:47:18 PM

How is Tommy Tutone filed? Being it's a band name and not a specific person, but many think the one hit wonder was the name of a person and not a band, that one would be confusing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 25, 2023, 01:38:21 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on August 25, 2023, 12:47:18 PM
How is Tommy Tutone filed? Being it's a band name and not a specific person, but many think the one hit wonder was the name of a person and not a band, that one would be confusing.

Heh, I don't have a copy of that song, although I may come looking to seek vengeance if it gets stuck in my head this afternoon! :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on August 25, 2023, 01:43:25 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on August 25, 2023, 12:47:18 PM
How is Tommy Tutone filed? Being it's a band name and not a specific person, but many think the one hit wonder was the name of a person and not a band, that one would be confusing.

Not a 'one hit wonder'. They had two titles in the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart ('Angel Say No' and '867-5309 (Jenny)'.

As for me, I generally try to get those artists who used their personal names as their headlines as 'last name first' and the names of groups as they are presented, but getting down to the basics of it, every case is unique.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on August 25, 2023, 01:58:20 PM

I once remembered seeing Pink Floyd categorized as Floyd, Pink. Can't remember where, but seems ironic as a man named Pink Floyd was the title character in Roger Waters' Rock Opera The Wall.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on August 25, 2023, 02:45:05 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on August 25, 2023, 01:58:20 PM
I once remembered seeing Pink Floyd categorized as Floyd, Pink. Can't remember where, but seems ironic as a man named Pink Floyd was the title character in Roger Waters' Rock Opera The Wall.

There's also the famous line in Have a Cigar: "The band is just fantastic, that is really what I think. Oh, by the way, which one's Pink?"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on August 25, 2023, 02:49:18 PM

? and the mysterians

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on August 25, 2023, 03:08:49 PM

Quote from: 7/8 on August 25, 2023, 02:45:05 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on August 25, 2023, 01:58:20 PM
I once remembered seeing Pink Floyd categorized as Floyd, Pink. Can't remember where, but seems ironic as a man named Pink Floyd was the title character in Roger Waters' Rock Opera The Wall.

There's also the famous line in Have a Cigar: "The band is just fantastic, that is really what I think. Oh, by the way, which one's Pink?"

Vocalized by Roy Harper as neither Gilmor or Waters sang the vocals on that track.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on August 25, 2023, 04:57:49 PM

I suppose one way around the honorifics could be addressing the person as "Candidate (Last Name)" or "(Job Title) (Last Name)".

I remember when I got to college and the vast majority of professors (except for a few sticklers with PhD titles, but not even everyone who could legally be called Dr.) wanted to go by first names regardless of their department.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 25, 2023, 05:11:34 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on August 25, 2023, 04:57:49 PM
I suppose one way around the honorifics could be addressing the person as "Candidate (Last Name)" or "(Job Title) (Last Name)".

I remember when I got to college and the vast majority of professors (except for a few sticklers with PhD titles, but not even everyone who could legally be called Dr.) wanted to go by first names regardless of their department.

Wow. I never felt I knew any professor well enough to use a first name. At UVA, it's not traditional to use "Dr." or "Professor" except as to MDs (the reasons go back to Thomas Jefferson's time), and at least in my day every professor was "Mr." or "Ms." with the exception of Gerald Fogarty, who is a Jesuit and so was addressed as Fr. Fogarty. In law school all the professors were addressed as "Professor [last name]."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on August 25, 2023, 05:12:53 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 25, 2023, 05:11:34 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on August 25, 2023, 04:57:49 PM
I suppose one way around the honorifics could be addressing the person as "Candidate (Last Name)" or "(Job Title) (Last Name)".

I remember when I got to college and the vast majority of professors (except for a few sticklers with PhD titles, but not even everyone who could legally be called Dr.) wanted to go by first names regardless of their department.

Wow. I never felt I knew any professor well enough to use a first name. At UVA, it's not traditional to use "Dr." or "Professor" except as to MDs (the reasons go back to Thomas Jefferson's time), and at least in my day every professor was "Mr." or "Ms." with the exception of Gerald Fogarty, who is a Jesuit and so was addressed as Fr. Fogarty. In law school all the professors were addressed as "Professor [last name]."

Tell that one to Jill Biden :bigass:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on August 25, 2023, 05:16:21 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on August 25, 2023, 05:12:53 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 25, 2023, 05:11:34 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on August 25, 2023, 04:57:49 PM
I suppose one way around the honorifics could be addressing the person as "Candidate (Last Name)" or "(Job Title) (Last Name)".

I remember when I got to college and the vast majority of professors (except for a few sticklers with PhD titles, but not even everyone who could legally be called Dr.) wanted to go by first names regardless of their department.

Wow. I never felt I knew any professor well enough to use a first name. At UVA, it's not traditional to use "Dr." or "Professor" except as to MDs (the reasons go back to Thomas Jefferson's time), and at least in my day every professor was "Mr." or "Ms." with the exception of Gerald Fogarty, who is a Jesuit and so was addressed as Fr. Fogarty. In law school all the professors were addressed as "Professor [last name]."

Tell that one to Jill Biden :bigass:

As far as I know, she's never taught at the University of Virginia, so it's not really an issue.

Although I have a J.D., so maybe I should insist on being called "Doctor." J.D. stands for Joke Doctor, right? Like Ph.D. stands for Phony Doctor?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on August 25, 2023, 05:46:59 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 25, 2023, 05:11:34 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on August 25, 2023, 04:57:49 PM
I suppose one way around the honorifics could be addressing the person as "Candidate (Last Name)" or "(Job Title) (Last Name)".

I remember when I got to college and the vast majority of professors (except for a few sticklers with PhD titles, but not even everyone who could legally be called Dr.) wanted to go by first names regardless of their department.

Wow. I never felt I knew any professor well enough to use a first name. At UVA, it's not traditional to use "Dr." or "Professor" except as to MDs (the reasons go back to Thomas Jefferson's time), and at least in my day every professor was "Mr." or "Ms." with the exception of Gerald Fogarty, who is a Jesuit and so was addressed as Fr. Fogarty. In law school all the professors were addressed as "Professor [last name]."

My guess is that when I got to college in 2009, there was probably beginning to be a view that college students are legal adults in the real world, and that college professors do not carry the authority of grade school teachers nor do they have the same responsibility for their students. Even still there were more than a few teachers I knew in HS who didn't necessarily care about being addressed as "Mr./Mrs. _______" other than that school policy required it.

When I got to college I addressed people as "Professor ________" because that was what I knew. That got smacked down quickly.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on August 25, 2023, 06:14:31 PM

Recently Apple apparently introduced a feature designed to recognize written text in photos, which is annoying because if someone sends me a photo of handwritten notes or something, instead of zooming in on the photo when I double tap the screen so I can read what's written it highlights the text instead.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on August 25, 2023, 09:43:00 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on August 25, 2023, 06:14:31 PM
Recently Apple apparently introduced a feature designed to recognize written text in photos, which is annoying because if someone sends me a photo of handwritten notes or something, instead of zooming in on the photo when I double tap the screen so I can read what's written it highlights the text instead.

On the flip-side, the feature has been a god-send for me living in a country dominated by non-Latin characters. I can take a picture of almost anything, and grab the text from the photo. Google Translate is very useful for most things, but sometimes I need to write down what I'm looking at (in Japanese), rather than just translate it, a feature not supported by Google.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on August 26, 2023, 01:00:51 AM

Getting back to sorting band names, one that could be interesting to handle would be Jethro Tull. There was a real person with that name, but he lived like 300 years ago and obviously had nothing to do with the band. But could you ever see the band being sorted as "Tull, Jethro"?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on August 26, 2023, 12:59:32 PM

Quote from: dlsterner on August 26, 2023, 01:00:51 AM
Getting back to sorting band names, one that could be interesting to handle would be Jethro Tull. There was a real person with that name, but he lived like 300 years ago and obviously had nothing to do with the band. But could you ever see the band being sorted as "Tull, Jethro"?

Or the newer Greta Van Fleet.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: flan on August 26, 2023, 02:13:39 PM

Or Max Webster. The band wasn't named after a person unlike Tull or GVF, but undoubtedly there are people with that name.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on August 27, 2023, 06:05:24 PM

Quote from: flan on August 26, 2023, 02:13:39 PM
Or Max Webster. The band wasn't named after a person unlike Tull or GVF, but undoubtedly there are people with that name.

"Skynyrd, Lynyrd."

Quote from: 1995hoo on August 25, 2023, 05:11:34 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on August 25, 2023, 04:57:49 PM
I suppose one way around the honorifics could be addressing the person as "Candidate (Last Name)" or "(Job Title) (Last Name)".

I remember when I got to college and the vast majority of professors (except for a few sticklers with PhD titles, but not even everyone who could legally be called Dr.) wanted to go by first names regardless of their department.

Wow. I never felt I knew any professor well enough to use a first name. At UVA, it's not traditional to use "Dr." or "Professor" except as to MDs (the reasons go back to Thomas Jefferson's time), and at least in my day every professor was "Mr." or "Ms." with the exception of Gerald Fogarty, who is a Jesuit and so was addressed as Fr. Fogarty. In law school all the professors were addressed as "Professor [last name]."

I never could get used to calling college professors or instructors by anything other than title and last name. I still call my high school and elementary school teachers "Mr." or "Mrs." instead of by their first name. It's a measure of respect generally, and even more so today as I still hold them in very high regard. (With one exception; my third-grade teacher. I called her "Grandmother.")

My junior year of college, we had a new journalism faculty member come aboard who had a doctorate. My first instinct was to refer to him as "Dr. Dandeneau" but he pushed back on that, preferring instead to be referred to as "Dick." (His first name was Richard.) I was still uncomfortable with referring to someone in a position of respect and seniority by their first name, so I started referring to him as "Dr. D." That name stuck and from that point on, everyone referred to him in that manner.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DTComposer on August 27, 2023, 11:26:50 PM

Or a band who has one of their member's names in their official name: Lewis, Huey and the News.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on August 28, 2023, 12:42:05 PM

Or bands that creatively call themselves '(Blank) and the (Blank)s'. (Maybe that is a good name for a new band. :nod: )

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on August 28, 2023, 01:39:56 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on August 28, 2023, 12:42:05 PM
Or bands that creatively call themselves '(Blank) and the (Blank)s'. (Maybe that is a good name for a new band. :nod: )

Mike

It's a never-ending well of band names, though.

The Toenails and the Fungus
Folded Map and the Papercuts
The Budget Cuts and the Labelscar (The Labelscars were never the same after half the band had creative differences.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on August 28, 2023, 04:45:37 PM

The fact that I cannot filter television listings or streaming channels by their primary language. Mind you, my programming preferences is as follows:

English language programming
Foreign language programming with English subtitles
Foreign programming with good English dubs
Foreign programming with bad English dubs
Home Shopping Zone and Religious channels

As you can imagine, in the DFW media market, there is multiple English and Spanish language channels as well as a Viet and Korean broadcast channels. Now, I have no interest in the Spanish channels since it would be a unreasonable expectation for the broadcaster to put in English subtitles and annoy their primary-Spanish speaking audience (plus, it may be a rights limitation) much like I would be annoyed if Spanish subtitles were on a English-language broadcast. Can I easily filter those channels out? Nope, just create a favorites list.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on September 03, 2023, 10:28:47 PM

Who here has tried to click out of webpages only for their PC's to restrict your ability to do so? My mother got a page supposedly from Google Chrome that she can neither right click nor left click out of. I've been in far too many instances like this myself.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on September 04, 2023, 12:27:32 AM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on September 03, 2023, 10:28:47 PM
Who here has tried to click out of webpages only for their PC's to restrict your ability to do so? My mother got a page supposedly from Google Chrome that she can neither right click nor left click out of. I've been in far too many instances like this myself.

This is not the PC doing it, it is the website instructing the browser to disable the right-click event. This is intended to be used when the site wants to override the browser's right-click behavior, for example by displaying a custom right-click menu. Unfortunately, some sites disable right-click just to be an asshole (often because they want to restrict the ability to download files). Accordingly, I have a browser extension installed that tells the browser to ignore the "override right click" instruction.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on September 04, 2023, 11:18:56 AM

In this case, they wanted to force her to download something. Luckily, she claimed she managed to get off of that page.

In the meantime, I just found out that a certain roadside restaurant on US 301 in Stony Creek, Virginia was closed.
https://www.google.com/maps/@36.948438,-77.3927821,3a,75y,242.15h,82.25t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s6JYJwW64IC7NOekzuqLyzQ!2e0!5s20130801T000000!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&entry=ttu

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 14, 2023, 06:04:04 PM

Mosquitoes that get you through your clothes!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on September 14, 2023, 07:46:13 PM

When people tie closed the thin bags for produce in the grocery store. They don't untie easily once the bag is gathered up and tied and I have to use scissors.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 15, 2023, 11:28:01 AM

Quote from: kphoger on September 14, 2023, 06:04:04 PM
Mosquitoes that get you through your clothes!

Speaking of, if there's a record for longest-lasting mosquito bite, I'm in contention. I got one on Memorial Day (110 days ago!!) that's still visible on my forearm.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on September 15, 2023, 09:57:46 PM

Are mosquitoes legitimately the worst physical thing that exists on the planet? It's an abstract question but a real one.

Most things, you can understand the benefit of it and the reason why it exists (beyond "it survived and evolved because it learned to be an annoying and deadly prick" ). The only benefit of mosquitoes is that they feed other species, most of whom have diverse diets anyway. If mosquitoes went extinct tomorrow the world would be a better place.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on September 15, 2023, 10:42:41 PM

Quote from: thspfc on September 15, 2023, 09:57:46 PM
Are mosquitoes legitimately the worst physical thing that exists on the planet? It's an abstract question but a real one.

Most things, you can understand the benefit of it and the reason why it exists (beyond "it survived and evolved because it learned to be an annoying and deadly prick" ). The only benefit of mosquitoes is that they feed other species, most of whom have diverse diets anyway. If mosquitoes went extinct tomorrow the world would be a better place.

The only things we find to be a worse nuisance are greenhead flies. They live in the marshes near the ocean, and when there's a landbreeze, those things come out biting, and there isn't a damn thing that'll keep them off you. And they'll even draw blood with their bites.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on September 16, 2023, 11:47:02 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 15, 2023, 10:42:41 PM
Quote from: thspfc on September 15, 2023, 09:57:46 PM
Are mosquitoes legitimately the worst physical thing that exists on the planet? It's an abstract question but a real one.

Most things, you can understand the benefit of it and the reason why it exists (beyond "it survived and evolved because it learned to be an annoying and deadly prick" ). The only benefit of mosquitoes is that they feed other species, most of whom have diverse diets anyway. If mosquitoes went extinct tomorrow the world would be a better place.

The only things we find to be a worse nuisance are greenhead flies. They live in the marshes near the ocean, and when there's a landbreeze, those things come out biting, and there isn't a damn thing that'll keep them off you. And they'll even draw blood with their bites.

Drawing blood is the least of it. I've had them remove chunks of my skin.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on September 16, 2023, 12:59:48 PM

Quote from: Rothman on September 16, 2023, 11:47:02 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 15, 2023, 10:42:41 PM
Quote from: thspfc on September 15, 2023, 09:57:46 PM
Are mosquitoes legitimately the worst physical thing that exists on the planet? It's an abstract question but a real one.

Most things, you can understand the benefit of it and the reason why it exists (beyond "it survived and evolved because it learned to be an annoying and deadly prick" ). The only benefit of mosquitoes is that they feed other species, most of whom have diverse diets anyway. If mosquitoes went extinct tomorrow the world would be a better place.

The only things we find to be a worse nuisance are greenhead flies. They live in the marshes near the ocean, and when there's a landbreeze, those things come out biting, and there isn't a damn thing that'll keep them off you. And they'll even draw blood with their bites.

Drawing blood is the least of it. I've had them remove chunks of my skin.

This makes my even more happy that I live here in the upper Great Lakes area - Yes, mosquitoes can be a real annoyance, and ticks and biting horseflies can be a problem in the northwoods, but overall it's not bad.

:nod:

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on September 16, 2023, 04:01:28 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on September 16, 2023, 12:59:48 PM
Quote from: Rothman on September 16, 2023, 11:47:02 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 15, 2023, 10:42:41 PM
Quote from: thspfc on September 15, 2023, 09:57:46 PM
Are mosquitoes legitimately the worst physical thing that exists on the planet? It's an abstract question but a real one.

Most things, you can understand the benefit of it and the reason why it exists (beyond "it survived and evolved because it learned to be an annoying and deadly prick" ). The only benefit of mosquitoes is that they feed other species, most of whom have diverse diets anyway. If mosquitoes went extinct tomorrow the world would be a better place.

The only things we find to be a worse nuisance are greenhead flies. They live in the marshes near the ocean, and when there's a landbreeze, those things come out biting, and there isn't a damn thing that'll keep them off you. And they'll even draw blood with their bites.

Drawing blood is the least of it. I've had them remove chunks of my skin.

This makes my even more happy that I live here in the upper Great Lakes area - Yes, mosquitoes can be a real annoyance, and ticks and biting horseflies can be a problem in the northwoods, but overall it's not bad.

:nod:

Mike

Here, too. Dry summers + freezing at night in winter = minimal mosquito problems.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on September 16, 2023, 04:10:37 PM

Then the mosquito is the unofficial stated bird in such states as Minnesota or Alaska.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 18, 2023, 09:25:32 AM

Quote from: thspfc on September 15, 2023, 09:57:46 PM
Are mosquitoes legitimately the worst physical thing that exists on the planet? It's an abstract question but a real one.

Most things, you can understand the benefit of it and the reason why it exists (beyond "it survived and evolved because it learned to be an annoying and deadly prick" ). The only benefit of mosquitoes is that they feed other species, most of whom have diverse diets anyway. If mosquitoes went extinct tomorrow the world would be a better place.

Upwards of 750,000 human deaths worldwide each year can be traced to mosquitoes, maybe even close to a million. To put that in perspective: even with more than a billion guns in the world, homicides only account for about 500,000 human deaths each year by all methods combined. So maybe we should change the popular saying to "Guns don't kill people. Mosquitoes kill people."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on September 18, 2023, 10:47:29 AM

Thankful that they're pretty minimal here outside of being in the mountains near a water source. The Denver area has very few.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on September 18, 2023, 01:52:53 PM

The vast majority of deaths traceable to mosquito bites are in low-income tropical countries, which plays a role in the degree to which they are regarded as a threat here and in western Europe.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bm7 on September 23, 2023, 02:02:10 PM

Foods that call themselves "birthday cake" flavored. "Birthday" is not a flavor of cake, it's an occasion.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 29, 2023, 03:39:38 PM

I thought we had a thread specific to road-related things that bother us, but I've been unable to find it. Anyways...

It occurred to me the other day that pretty much all of the driver behavior related things that bother me fall under the broad header of "things that deliberately waste other drivers time and make the road network less efficient". Some examples include:

Not using the shoulder to pass left turning vehicles when it's wide enough to do so
Not using the shoulder to turn right when it's wide enough to do so, including passing others and allowing them to pass you, depending on the context
Blocking the right lane at a red light when the left lane is open
Slowing down when approaching a stale green light
Missing half the length of a protected left turn phase due to inattentiveness
Excessive hesitancy to pass in legal passing zones on two-lane roads, including lack of speed differential awareness (i.e. if someone is going 35 mph, overtaking them is not a high-stress, intense affair and is in fact, a calm, casual, everyday maneuver that does not require exceeding 50 mph)
Hesitancy or outright unwillingness to pass cops, even when they're traveling at or below the speed limit
Left lane camping
Brake checking

It probably seems bizarre to people in other countries that this is the type of thing is common in the US, but our driving culture has contributed to a lot of completely unnecessary rigidity. I wish people would just relax and loosen up sometimes and worry less about being technically correct and more about the overall efficiency of the road network.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on September 29, 2023, 03:45:02 PM

Using the shoulder in the way you describe is not necessarily legal everywhere. I once used the left shoulder to pass two cars stopped at the end of a line at a red light in order to get into the left-turn lane to trip the green arrow. What I didn't know, because I couldn't see over an SUV ahead of me, was that there was a cop ahead. He followed me around the corner and pulled me over for illegally driving on the shoulder, though he let me off with a warning. So that experience is one reason why I'm sometimes wary of using the shoulder in the way you describe.

I do agree with you about slowing down approaching a green light and hesitancy to pass on two-lane roads. I started a thread once asking whether passing on two-lane roads is a lost art because so many people seem unwilling to do it nowadays (recognizing that often when I'm on a two-lane road there's too much traffic to pass anyway).

Something I would add to your list: Leaving big gaps when stopped at a red light, thereby preventing people from getting into the turn lane, and going ballistic when someone honks to ask you to move up so he can get into the turn lane in time to trip the green arrow.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 29, 2023, 03:52:44 PM

Quote from: webny99 on September 29, 2023, 03:39:38 PM
I thought we had a thread specific to road-related things that bother us, but I've been unable to find it.

Road-related pet peeves (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=16355.0)

Quote from: webny99 on September 29, 2023, 03:39:38 PM
Not using the shoulder to pass left turning vehicles when it's wide enough to do so

Illegal in some states.

Quote from: webny99 on September 29, 2023, 03:39:38 PM
Not using the shoulder to turn right when it's wide enough to do so, including passing others and allowing them to pass you, depending on the context

Illegal in some states.

Quote from: webny99 on September 29, 2023, 03:39:38 PM
Blocking the right lane at a red light when the left lane is open

"Blocking"? How do you know that driver isn't planning to make a right turn a half-block after the stoplight? Besides which, I keep right except to pass as a general rule; what do you expect me to do? change lanes every time I see a red light? and then be in the way of a faster driver behind me when the light turns green?

Quote from: webny99 on September 29, 2023, 03:39:38 PM
Excessive hesitancy to pass in legal passing zones on two-lane roads, including lack of speed differential awareness (i.e. if someone is going 35 mph, overtaking them is not a high-stress, intense affair and is in fact, a calm, casual, everyday maneuver that does not require exceeding 50 mph)

Fortunately, my willingness to pass both of them often makes up for that driver's hesitancy...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on September 29, 2023, 04:24:32 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 29, 2023, 03:52:44 PM

Quote from: webny99 on September 29, 2023, 03:39:38 PM
Excessive hesitancy to pass in legal passing zones on two-lane roads, including lack of speed differential awareness (i.e. if someone is going 35 mph, overtaking them is not a high-stress, intense affair and is in fact, a calm, casual, everyday maneuver that does not require exceeding 50 mph)

Fortunately, my willingness to pass both of them often makes up for that driver's hesitancy...

Illegal in some states :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on September 29, 2023, 04:26:08 PM

Quote from: GaryV on September 29, 2023, 04:24:32 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 29, 2023, 03:52:44 PM

Quote from: webny99 on September 29, 2023, 03:39:38 PM
Excessive hesitancy to pass in legal passing zones on two-lane roads, including lack of speed differential awareness (i.e. if someone is going 35 mph, overtaking them is not a high-stress, intense affair and is in fact, a calm, casual, everyday maneuver that does not require exceeding 50 mph)

Fortunately, my willingness to pass both of them often makes up for that driver's hesitancy...

Illegal in some states :-D

Interesting. A faint bell is ringing in my memory about that, but it's really faint. Can you point me to a state vehicle code that limits overtaking to one vehicle only? I'd be interested to read it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on September 29, 2023, 04:28:54 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 29, 2023, 04:26:08 PM
Quote from: GaryV on September 29, 2023, 04:24:32 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 29, 2023, 03:52:44 PM

Quote from: webny99 on September 29, 2023, 03:39:38 PM
Excessive hesitancy to pass in legal passing zones on two-lane roads, including lack of speed differential awareness (i.e. if someone is going 35 mph, overtaking them is not a high-stress, intense affair and is in fact, a calm, casual, everyday maneuver that does not require exceeding 50 mph)

A quick Google search popped up that it was illegal in Minnesota, but when I looked at it again there was another reference that it was not illegal. So perhaps it's OK. It is allowed in Michigan.

Fortunately, my willingness to pass both of them often makes up for that driver's hesitancy...

Illegal in some states :-D

Interesting. A faint bell is ringing in my memory about that, but it's really faint. Can you point me to a state vehicle code that limits overtaking to one vehicle only? I'd be interested to read it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Hunty2022 on September 29, 2023, 04:52:16 PM

A temporary forum related one:

How I (and I think everyone else) can't mark messages as read.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on September 29, 2023, 08:49:26 PM

Assholes who get away with being assholes. I can think of one particularly forum-relevant case right now, but I can think of others too from all over my life and beyond.

Further, the ephemeral nature of modern social media (and elsewhere on the internet, but especially social media). Instead of Europe's "right to be forgotten", how about a "right to not forget"?

Quote from: 1995hoo on September 29, 2023, 03:45:02 PM
Using the shoulder in the way you describe is not necessarily legal everywhere.

It's not even legal in New York state. People just ignore that law around here.

Quote from: GaryV on September 29, 2023, 04:24:32 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 29, 2023, 03:52:44 PM

Quote from: webny99 on September 29, 2023, 03:39:38 PM
Excessive hesitancy to pass in legal passing zones on two-lane roads, including lack of speed differential awareness (i.e. if someone is going 35 mph, overtaking them is not a high-stress, intense affair and is in fact, a calm, casual, everyday maneuver that does not require exceeding 50 mph)

Fortunately, my willingness to pass both of them often makes up for that driver's hesitancy...

Illegal in some states :-D

And not necessarily easy even if it is legal, as two vehicles take more time to pass than one, and the roads with that problem tend to also be the roads with lots of oncoming traffic making passing difficult.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 29, 2023, 10:57:15 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on September 29, 2023, 03:45:02 PM
Using the shoulder in the way you describe is not necessarily legal everywhere. I once used the left shoulder to pass two cars stopped at the end of a line at a red light in order to get into the left-turn lane to trip the green arrow. What I didn't know, because I couldn't see over an SUV ahead of me, was that there was a cop ahead. He followed me around the corner and pulled me over for illegally driving on the shoulder, though he let me off with a warning. So that experience is one reason why I'm sometimes wary of using the shoulder in the way you describe.

I actually hadn't even considered the left shoulder in my previous post, as the vast majority of my experience has been using the right shoulder - either to pass left turning vehicles, pass a queue and turn right on red, or to decelerate when turning right myself.

That said, the use of the left shoulder would primarily only be applicable on a divided highway. I can think of one such instance where I've done the exact thing you described - more often to make the green arrow than trip it, but understood either way. But I am definitely more wary of the left shoulder in general, as it's often narrower and with more potential conflict points, depending on the context.

Quote from: 1995hoo on September 29, 2023, 03:45:02 PM
I do agree with you about slowing down approaching a green light and hesitancy to pass on two-lane roads. I started a thread once asking whether passing on two-lane roads is a lost art because so many people seem unwilling to do it nowadays (recognizing that often when I'm on a two-lane road there's too much traffic to pass anyway).

Sometimes I think it just doesn't even occur to people to pass, especially in suburban areas where passing zones aren't the norm. And admittedly, it is almost like a bad joke for passing zones to exist on busy two-lane roads with frequent signals, like this section of NY 250 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/A4W7LkRNtMjbsEGV9). It's just too busy and too prone to long strings of traffic in both directions to have any hope of passing between 7AM and 7PM. But making use of passing zones is definitely worth it on suburban roads like this one (https://maps.app.goo.gl/wphetq45uXLXLia57) with light traffic and good sightlines.

Quote from: 1995hoo on September 29, 2023, 03:45:02 PM
Something I would add to your list: Leaving big gaps when stopped at a red light, thereby preventing people from getting into the turn lane, and going ballistic when someone honks to ask you to move up so he can get into the turn lane in time to trip the green arrow.

Indeed. I find people that leave big gaps in front of them a particular annoyance at drive-thrus, where leaving a gap often prevents another vehicle from pulling up and placing their order.

And another one in the vein of signalized intersections: not turning right on red when the cross street has their protected green arrow phase... especially when said phase is leading, so if you dawdle during the arrow phase, you're stuck waiting for the cross traffic going straight.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 29, 2023, 11:38:25 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 29, 2023, 03:52:44 PM
Quote from: webny99 on September 29, 2023, 03:39:38 PM
I thought we had a thread specific to road-related things that bother us, but I've been unable to find it.

Road-related pet peeves (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=16355.0)

That's a good one. I'd be OK with merging this discussion there, although with my list having grown to nearly a dozen items, I'm not sure we can really count all of them as pet peeves. :sombrero:

Quote from: kphoger on September 29, 2023, 03:52:44 PM
Quote from: webny99 on September 29, 2023, 03:39:38 PM
Not using the shoulder to pass left turning vehicles when it's wide enough to do so

Illegal in some states.
...

I hate to go so obvious here, but... speeding is also illegal but simultaneously widely accepted. In certain circumstances, there's no good reason why the shoulder line should not be crossed, just like in certain circumstances there's no good reason the speed limit should not be exceeded. I am in favor of double lines being legally enforceable, but single lines not being legally enforceable. They're there as a guide, not a fence.

Quote from: vdeane on September 29, 2023, 08:49:26 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on September 29, 2023, 03:45:02 PM
Using the shoulder in the way you describe is not necessarily legal everywhere.
It's not even legal in New York state. People just ignore that law around here.

Indeed, like the speed limit, it's so widely ignored that the drivers that don't ignore it are the ones that stand out.

Quote from: kphoger on September 29, 2023, 03:52:44 PM
Quote from: webny99 on September 29, 2023, 03:39:38 PM
Blocking the right lane at a red light when the left lane is open

"Blocking"? How do you know that driver isn't planning to make a right turn a half-block after the stoplight? Besides which, I keep right except to pass as a general rule; what do you expect me to do? change lanes every time I see a red light? and then be in the way of a faster driver behind me when the light turns green?

This is one where I recognize that my personal bar for efficiency is a lot higher than most other drivers, and I'm OK with that. In this case, I would say that, as long as I can see (and therefore monitor) the light on the cross street and am aware of any protected phases, I'm confident in my ability to easily get in front of anyone in the right lane and move right in time to make the turn, and I would rather do that than inconvenience someone behind me waiting to turn right.

There are certainly some exceptions, such as areas/intersections I'm unfamiliar with, right turns immediately beyond an intersection, and locations with wide shoulders that can be used for right turns, but in general, when approaching a red light with no one in front of me, where my presence in the right lane would block a right turning vehicle, I try to move left if practical.*

Likewise, I don't regard someone coming up faster behind me as an issue because, with anticipation, I can get enough of a jump start to be clear of any vehicles on my right and move right within a few hundred feet anyways.

*See next post

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 29, 2023, 11:55:29 PM

* This got me thinking, another one adjacent to "hesitancy to pass" is "hesitancy to change lanes". The ability to quickly and confidently change lanes is, to me, an extremely integral part of the driving experience. It was one of the first driving "techniques" I worked to master, and now it's just as much second nature as switching between accelerator and brake pedal. Yet so many drivers appear hesitant to do it or incapable of doing it fluidly so they remain "stuck" in a slow lane, or driving slower than necessary with their blinker on waiting for someone to "let them in", to the point where it's arguably a significant contributor to congestion on major freeways.

I like to think that the most efficient driving experience strikes the right balance between safety and assertiveness. Obviously, using your mirror(s) and blinker(s) when changing lanes is of utmost importance, but beyond that, just trusting your judgment and avoid personalizing your interactions with other drivers goes a long ways towards becoming comfortable with regular lane changes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on September 30, 2023, 12:03:29 AM

Quote from: webny99 on September 29, 2023, 03:39:38 PM
Not using the shoulder to pass left turning vehicles when it's wide enough to do so

Especially when there's not even a shoulder line. Too often, a car will merge over a little and then decide they don't want to pass even though they have enough room. So now they're blocking everyone from getting by.

In the same vein, cars that approach a red light where there's enough room for two lanes, and they stop directly in the middle. It's bad enough when they're blocking vehicles from turning right, it's worse when the light turns green and they put on their left turn signal. Now they failed to put their signal on before approaching the light, they failed to keep to the left of the lane, and they're blocking traffic.

Quote from: webny99 on September 29, 2023, 03:39:38 PMNot using the shoulder to turn right when it's wide enough to do so, including passing others and allowing them to pass you, depending on the context

Yep. And also, when they get over somewhat but not all the way, so they're still blocking the right lane, and illegally travelling the shoulder at the same time.

Quote from: webny99 on September 29, 2023, 03:39:38 PMHesitancy or outright unwillingness to pass cops, even when they're traveling at or below the speed limit

This one I tend to notice is a rush hour vs. not-rush hour thing, at least on my commutes. Especially during the morning rush hour, most people on the road are regulars. They see a local cop or state trooper in the right lane - they're just going to pass them. I can tell a lot of departments must have certain policies in place keeping them at or close to the limit, while the regulars are going 10-15 and more over the limit. At other times of the day, there's a bit more hesitancy to pass a cop - locals are usually fair game, but they probably won't pass a state trooper. On the weekends, when there's a lot more infrequent or out-of-state travelers, they're not going to pass a cop no matter what.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on September 30, 2023, 06:39:24 AM

Quote from: webny99 on September 29, 2023, 11:55:29 PM
* This got me thinking, another one adjacent to "hesitancy to pass" is "hesitancy to change lanes". The ability to quickly and confidently change lanes is, to me, an extremely integral part of the driving experience. It was one of the first driving "techniques" I worked to master, and now it's just as much second nature as switching between accelerator and brake pedal. Yet so many drivers appear hesitant to do it or incapable of doing it fluidly so they remain "stuck" in a slow lane, or driving slower than necessary with their blinker on waiting for someone to "let them in", to the point where it's arguably a significant contributor to congestion on major freeways.

I like to think that the most efficient driving experience strikes the right balance between safety and assertiveness. Obviously, using your mirror(s) and blinker(s) when changing lanes is of utmost importance, but beyond that, just trusting your judgment and avoid personalizing your interactions with other drivers goes a long ways towards becoming comfortable with regular lane changes.

In the area I live in, passing on a two-lane is fairly routine. We have a few sketchy ones in the canyon itself, but knowing the road better than the person I'm about to pass, helps. For example, I know I can blow by him in a few dots of the the dotted lines, and sail off into the next curve at 65 just fine. He doesn't.

But long straight stretches, where there's just miles of dotted line? Most of the time, if I'm being held up, I'll pass when able/safe. But it also seems like there's times on these roads, where yeah, there's nothing but miles of daylight ahead, but there's some mirage or something, that I can't quite tell if it's oncoming, or just mirage. US 85 in northern CO is one example, and yesterday I was on WY-230, going to Laramie. Same kinda thing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on September 30, 2023, 08:51:47 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 30, 2023, 12:03:29 AM
Quote from: webny99 on September 29, 2023, 03:39:38 PM
Not using the shoulder to pass left turning vehicles when it's wide enough to do so
Especially when there's not even a shoulder line. Too often, a car will merge over a little and then decide they don't want to pass even though they have enough room. So now they're blocking everyone from getting by.

In the same vein, cars that approach a red light where there's enough room for two lanes, and they stop directly in the middle. It's bad enough when they're blocking vehicles from turning right, it's worse when the light turns green and they put on their left turn signal. Now they failed to put their signal on before approaching the light, they failed to keep to the left of the lane, and they're blocking traffic.

A related one that irks me fairly regularly that is also related to the issue I raised earlier about people who leave too much space when stopping at red lights is people who don't pull all the way to the left or the right within their own lane when they're going straight near the end of the turn lane or near where traffic can turn to one side of a pork chop island. Something like the location seen in this Street View link (https://maps.app.goo.gl/k4Xcj7Ddik1iVcMb9?g_st=ic). I think the fact that there's no dedicated right-turn lane makes some people even more oblivious than they usually are. If people stay closer to the center line, you can access the channelized right turn from reasonably far back at that location, but some people going straight will stop their cars all the way to the right side of the right lane, thereby blocking the right turn. I'd like to believe it's just a lack of situational awareness or a case of general stupidity, as opposed to an attitude of "I have to stop for a red light, so you have to as well" (which wouldn't surprise me among some people, at least, though I'm sure it's not the prevailing outlook).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on September 30, 2023, 11:03:53 AM

Quote from: webny99 on September 29, 2023, 03:39:38 PM
It occurred to me the other day that pretty much all of the driver behavior related things that bother me fall under the broad header of "things that deliberately waste other drivers time and make the road network less efficient". Some examples include:

My behaviors would probably give you and some others here a stroke :-D :

Not using the shoulder to pass left turning vehicles when it's wide enough to do so

I would never even think of doing this.

Not using the shoulder to turn right when it's wide enough to do so, including passing others and allowing them to pass you, depending on the context

I would never even think of doing this.

Blocking the right lane at a red light when the left lane is open

I would never even think of this as thing to do.

Slowing down when approaching a stale green light

I do this as appropriate since it's better than slamming on the brakes if it turns.

Missing half the length of a protected left turn phase due to inattentiveness

I agree with this one.

Excessive hesitancy to pass in legal passing zones on two-lane roads, including lack of speed differential awareness (i.e. if someone is going 35 mph, overtaking them is not a high-stress, intense affair and is in fact, a calm, casual, everyday maneuver that does not require exceeding 50 mph)

For this one, it depends on what you mean by excessive tendency. Head-on collisions are the worst kind of collisions, and so a higher degree of prudence than for other maneuvers is warranted.

Hesitancy or outright unwillingness to pass cops, even when they're traveling at or below the speed limit

The cost-benefit analysis in this situation, for me at least, is that a bit of slowdown for a while is preferable to a ticket.

Left lane camping

I agree with this one.

Brake checking

I agree with this one.

And furthermore,

Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 30, 2023, 12:03:29 AM
In the same vein, cars that approach a red light where there's enough room for two lanes, and they stop directly in the middle.

If there aren't two lanes, then there aren't two lanes.

Quote from: 1995hoo on September 30, 2023, 08:51:47 AM
people who leave too much space when stopping at red lights is people who don't pull all the way to the left or the right within their own lane when they're going straight near the end of the turn lane or near where traffic can turn to one side of a pork chop island.

I might pull up a bit to allow someone to scooch by, but I wouldn't move from the center of the lane.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 30, 2023, 11:22:53 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 30, 2023, 12:03:29 AM
In the same vein, cars that approach a red light where there's enough room for two lanes, and they stop directly in the middle. It's bad enough when they're blocking vehicles from turning right, it's worse when the light turns green and they put on their left turn signal. Now they failed to put their signal on before approaching the light, they failed to keep to the left of the lane, and they're blocking traffic.

This is a situation I'm not as familiar with. Would this be where a road has been widened on approach to an intersection to allow two lanes, but not striped for two lanes? This is not normally done in NY - there's usually striping one way or another whether it's for two lanes or one lane and a wide shoulder.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 30, 2023, 12:03:29 AM
Quote from: webny99 on September 29, 2023, 03:39:38 PMHesitancy or outright unwillingness to pass cops, even when they're traveling at or below the speed limit

This one I tend to notice is a rush hour vs. not-rush hour thing, at least on my commutes. Especially during the morning rush hour, most people on the road are regulars. They see a local cop or state trooper in the right lane - they're just going to pass them. I can tell a lot of departments must have certain policies in place keeping them at or close to the limit, while the regulars are going 10-15 and more over the limit. At other times of the day, there's a bit more hesitancy to pass a cop - locals are usually fair game, but they probably won't pass a state trooper. On the weekends, when there's a lot more infrequent or out-of-state travelers, they're not going to pass a cop no matter what.

Interesting observation. I never thought about it much, but I guess I would be more hesitant to pass a cop in another state than I would on my commute. This wouldn't really apply to in-state trips, though, since I have a pretty good idea what to expect on the Thruway and other rural interstates/backroads no matter where I am in the state.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 30, 2023, 11:39:26 AM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on September 30, 2023, 11:03:53 AM

Not using the shoulder to pass left turning vehicles when it's wide enough to do so
I would never even think of doing this.

Not using the shoulder to turn right when it's wide enough to do so, including passing others and allowing them to pass you, depending on the context
I would never even think of doing this.

What are shoulders normally like in your area? I'm talking about shoulders that are easily wide enough to pass, like this (https://maps.app.goo.gl/mUtk328FCTcwSnGP9), or this (https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ad5LxkFRF7ffaREeA), where the shoulder has been specifically widened to allow passing. It does depend on the context, but if the shoulder is the width of a vehicle or greater, I see no reason not to use it and wouldn't even consider coming to a complete stop behind a left turning vehicle.

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on September 30, 2023, 11:03:53 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on September 30, 2023, 08:51:47 AM
people who leave too much space when stopping at red lights is people who don't pull all the way to the left or the right within their own lane when they're going straight near the end of the turn lane or near where traffic can turn to one side of a pork chop island.
I might pull up a bit to allow someone to scooch by, but I wouldn't move from the center of the lane.

Another one that depends on the situation. I'm familiar with one intersection where, if there's a single car going straight or left, there is enough room to scooch by and turn right, but only if they are pulled up to the stop line and positioned to the left side of the lane. If someone has left enough room for me to get past, I will usually take advantage of it and wave to thank them. (It's also a very long light, so a minute or more can be saved by doing so.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on September 30, 2023, 12:07:26 PM

Quote from: webny99 on September 30, 2023, 11:39:26 AM
What are shoulders normally like in your area? I'm talking about shoulders that are easily wide enough to pass, like this (https://maps.app.goo.gl/mUtk328FCTcwSnGP9), or this (https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ad5LxkFRF7ffaREeA), where the shoulder has been specifically widened to allow passing. It does depend on the context, but if the shoulder is the width of a vehicle or greater, I see no reason not to use it and wouldn't even consider coming to a complete stop behind a left turning vehicle.

I live in a pretty urban area, so shoulders are pretty much nonexistent. That said, at least in my view, the width doesn't matter, in that the shoulder is not for driving, and so I don't drive on it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on September 30, 2023, 02:42:18 PM

If it is illegal to use the shoulder to pass in a given state, then it doesn't matter whether "most people" do it—you have no reason to expect that someone should do it or to get upset when that person doesn't do it.

I did get mildly annoyed this afternoon because when I was third on line at the stop sign seen in this Street View image, wanting to turn right (https://maps.app.goo.gl/rXQMpuPWT4WxX9pk7?g_st=ic), both of the people in front of me pulled all the way to the far right, with no signal, and then turned left. Why would you pull all the way to the right, blocking the right turn, if you want to turn left? (It's wider than the Street View makes it look. There's easily enough room for two vehicles. If you stop in the middle, that's one thing, but pulling all the way to the far right to turn left makes no sense to me.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on September 30, 2023, 05:26:57 PM

Quote from: webny99 on September 29, 2023, 11:55:29 PM
* This got me thinking, another one adjacent to "hesitancy to pass" is "hesitancy to change lanes". The ability to quickly and confidently change lanes is, to me, an extremely integral part of the driving experience. It was one of the first driving "techniques" I worked to master, and now it's just as much second nature as switching between accelerator and brake pedal. Yet so many drivers appear hesitant to do it or incapable of doing it fluidly so they remain "stuck" in a slow lane, or driving slower than necessary with their blinker on waiting for someone to "let them in", to the point where it's arguably a significant contributor to congestion on major freeways.

I like to think that the most efficient driving experience strikes the right balance between safety and assertiveness. Obviously, using your mirror(s) and blinker(s) when changing lanes is of utmost importance, but beyond that, just trusting your judgment and avoid personalizing your interactions with other drivers goes a long ways towards becoming comfortable with regular lane changes.

Yes, this. I've lost track of the number of times I've been in the middle lane passing someone with someone on my tail wanting to pass me, yet they don't until I move back over despite there being a wide open left lane that they could have used at any time. Further, this contributes to people not keeping right except to pass, because they don't want to potentially have to move over at interchanges, so they just move to the middle when they get on and don't leave it until they get off. It's also an annoyance when riding with someone else driving, knowing that I would have gotten past some slow traffic already.

Overall, I think it's driven from a desire to minimize the amount of traffic one has to pay attention to. It's much simply to just follow the car in front of you than it is to evaluate all the cars in all lanes of the road half a mile in each direction, even though the latter is what everyone really should be doing. A lot of people seem to be intimidated by freeway driving, too. I don't really get it, but then I've developed an intuitive feel for traffic over the years. Most people don't seem to have done so.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on September 30, 2023, 07:01:20 PM

Quote from: webny99 on September 30, 2023, 11:22:53 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 30, 2023, 12:03:29 AM
In the same vein, cars that approach a red light where there's enough room for two lanes, and they stop directly in the middle. It's bad enough when they're blocking vehicles from turning right, it's worse when the light turns green and they put on their left turn signal. Now they failed to put their signal on before approaching the light, they failed to keep to the left of the lane, and they're blocking traffic.
This is a situation I'm not as familiar with. Would this be where a road has been widened on approach to an intersection to allow two lanes, but not striped for two lanes? This is not normally done in NY - there's usually striping one way or another whether it's for two lanes or one lane and a wide shoulder.

Take this street for example: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VmFfB79UUQSWkzRZ8 . While GSV will distort the width a little, it's wide enough for two lanes. The left/thru cars usually are to the left, close to the double yellow, like the car shown. Right turning cars would be close to the curb, and will turn right when safe to do so. But you can see the car that's going thru the intersection - they appear to have been directly in the middle of the lane, which would have prevented right turning vehicles from turning right.

An even better example is here, on this one-way street at a traffic light:

2011: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8SoU8HkviH49Jh62A There are 3 distinct lanes, left, thru and right.

2022: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2KCRivo9c9KSZSaZ8 After a repaving project, they never repainted the lines. Now vehicles stop wherever they want, regardless of the movement they'll make next. It's not uncommon to see left turning vehicles towards the right on this one way road, preventing right turners from turning right and left turners that want to keep left have to be careful the right-sided left turner won't turn into them.

This is also a jersey-style split-phase light here; there's no indication this side has the right of way when the opposing direction has the red light.

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on September 30, 2023, 11:03:53 AM
Quote from: webny99 on September 30, 2023, 11:22:53 AM
Hesitancy or outright unwillingness to pass cops, even when they're traveling at or below the speed limit.

The cost-benefit analysis in this situation, for me at least, is that a bit of slowdown for a while is preferable to a ticket.

As long as you're behind the cop and not blocking the other lane, then all is good here. All too often there'll be someone in the left/center lanes not passing when a cop is below the speed limit, even when they're from another jurisdiction...or heck, another state!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 30, 2023, 07:15:19 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on September 30, 2023, 02:42:18 PM
If it is illegal to use the shoulder to pass in a given state, then it doesn't matter whether "most people" do it—you have no reason to expect that someone should do it or to get upset when that person doesn't do it.

To my earlier point about the rigidity of US driving culture... I don't find it any more upsetting than someone driving the speed limit when said limit is set egregiously low, but I might consider something unconventional, such as using a turn lane or accel/decel lane to pass, or in the case of not using the shoulder, passing them as well as the turning vehicle.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 30, 2023, 07:24:21 PM

Quote from: vdeane on September 30, 2023, 05:26:57 PM
Quote from: webny99 on September 29, 2023, 11:55:29 PM
* This got me thinking, another one adjacent to "hesitancy to pass" is "hesitancy to change lanes". ...
...
It's also an annoyance when riding with someone else driving, knowing that I would have gotten past some slow traffic already.

Yes, I was thinking about that as well. I just have to remind myself at times not to set my expectations so high. One particular instance stands out in my mind where there was major freeway congestion that ended up being due to a stalled vehicle in the middle lane. I would have bailed to the parallel service road as soon as possible, but the driver sat it out in the left lane. When we finally reached the incident, sure enough, traffic from the service road entrance was flowing past the incident, slowly, but moving along. I estimate we wasted 10 minutes or more.

Quote from: vdeane on September 30, 2023, 05:26:57 PM
A lot of people seem to be intimidated by freeway driving, too.

That's another one I don't understand. I actually prefer freeway driving myself. I find it both more intuitive and more relaxing than surface street driving.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on September 30, 2023, 07:46:54 PM

My wife seems to HATE it when I pass on a two-lane road, no matter how safe it is to do so.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on September 30, 2023, 08:25:51 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 30, 2023, 07:01:20 PM
2022: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2KCRivo9c9KSZSaZ8 After a repaving project, they never repainted the lines. Now vehicles stop wherever they want, regardless of the movement they'll make next. It's not uncommon to see left turning vehicles towards the right on this one way road, preventing right turners from turning right and left turners that want to keep left have to be careful the right-sided left turner won't turn into them.

This is also a jersey-style split-phase light here; there's no indication this side has the right of way when the opposing direction has the red light.

Wow, that is egregious and I can certainly see how it becomes a free for all with no lines. It might even be worth contacting the city or whatever jurisdiction is responsible to paint the lines.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on October 01, 2023, 10:56:34 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on September 30, 2023, 12:07:26 PM
Quote from: webny99 on September 30, 2023, 11:39:26 AM
What are shoulders normally like in your area? I'm talking about shoulders that are easily wide enough to pass, like this (https://maps.app.goo.gl/mUtk328FCTcwSnGP9), or this (https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ad5LxkFRF7ffaREeA), where the shoulder has been specifically widened to allow passing. It does depend on the context, but if the shoulder is the width of a vehicle or greater, I see no reason not to use it and wouldn't even consider coming to a complete stop behind a left turning vehicle.

I live in a pretty urban area, so shoulders are pretty much nonexistent. That said, at least in my view, the width doesn't matter, in that the shoulder is not for driving, and so I don't drive on it.

My instinctive response was going to be "... that's what I mean about rigidity."

But, on further thought, this might be kind of an urban vs. suburban/rural thing in general. Shoulders in urban areas are more commonly used for parking, bus stops, and other forms of transportation such as bikes, while that's not so in many suburban/rural areas.

That being said, I am not comfortable with a blanket statement of "shoulders should always be used if they're wide enough", but also strongly disagree that "shoulders should never be driven on"... after all, how would anyone on a road with a shoulder turn into their driveway? The fact that shoulders can vary in width from inches to the width of a travel lane, in addition to varying styles, such as flat, gutter style, curb style, etc.. is proof that it depends on the context.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on October 02, 2023, 12:01:25 AM

As long as we're talking about a driving, I have a couple from my time in Japan.

Where I live in Japan, there is a lot of Americans too. Generally speaking, both American and Japanese drivers here are quite good, but there are two things that Americans sometimes do that irritate the hell out of me:

* stopping way too early on yellow
* waiting behind the line when turning across traffic (right turns here)

For the first, obviously entering on red isn't "legal", but it's expected to some degree, because stopping on yellow isn't generally done. Americans though, I guess from training in the US, sometimes stop way too early on yellow. I've seen a few close-calls from drivers who nearly rear-end someone because they expect them to keep moving, but then they stop. Invariably, it's almost always an American (we have unique license plates, by the way).

For the second, you always wait to turn right from the middle of the intersection in Japan. At the beginning of the cycle, the light turns green, and you pull out to the middle and wait for a gap. If there is no gap, you can go at the end when the right-turn green arrow comes up. In some cases (not commonly, thankfully), Americans will wait behind the stop line rather than pulling up to the waiting line (a second line in the middle of the intersection that tells you where to position while waiting). I think they do this because (a) they may be from one of those states where drivers are taught to wait behind the stop line, or (b) they know they will get a green arrow at the end. The issue with (b) is that by pulling into the intersection, even if there is no gap, it still allows two, three, maybe even four or five cars (double that if there are two right turn lanes) to "load up" while they wait. When the green arrow comes on at the end, those drivers are halfway done with their turn, allowing them and everyone else still waiting behind the line to go. If you wait behind the line, that's a lot of cars that will now miss the light because of all that unused space in the intersection. Since green arrows seem to last an average of around 6 seconds, it's really imperative to pull forward while waiting.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on October 02, 2023, 06:28:39 AM

You have to love putting some items on your CamelCamelCamel (https://markholtz.info/camelcamelcamel) price tracker on Amazon in preparation for the Fall Amazon Prime days/Thanksgiving sales... in this case, a Solidigm™ P44 Pro Series 2TB PCIe GEN 4 NVMe drive (https://amzn.to/46a5QF5). Two days later, the price jumps from $110 (a best price) to $155. Yes, I do realize that the delivery date went from near the end of October to unknown, so maybe that's part of the reason. It should be noted that the highest Amazon price was $337.00 back in January which was higher than when the product was sold during the holidays (dare I suggest $220-$230). At least it's under the category of "nice to have", not "must have", as I was targeting a price under $100, but it is still a bit irritating.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 02, 2023, 11:25:02 AM

Quote from: webny99 on September 29, 2023, 03:39:38 PM
Blocking the right lane at a red light when the left lane is open

Quote from: kphoger on September 29, 2023, 03:52:44 PM
"Blocking"? How do you know that driver isn't planning to make a right turn a half-block after the stoplight? Besides which, I keep right except to pass as a general rule; what do you expect me to do? change lanes every time I see a red light? and then be in the way of a faster driver behind me when the light turns green?

Quote from: webny99 on September 29, 2023, 11:38:25 PM
This is one where I recognize that my personal bar for efficiency is a lot higher than most other drivers, and I'm OK with that. In this case, I would say that, as long as I can see (and therefore monitor) the light on the cross street and am aware of any protected phases, I'm confident in my ability to easily get in front of anyone in the right lane and move right in time to make the turn, and I would rather do that than inconvenience someone behind me waiting to turn right.

Well then, your driving is something that bothers me:

When someone who is planning to make a right turn shortly after the stoplight uses the left lane, then zooms ahead of me when it turns green, and changes into the right lane for their turn, forcing me to step on my brakes. I see this as an example of "cutting me off".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on October 02, 2023, 12:31:38 PM

I don't know how 'minor' this thought is, but the ongoing product 'shrinkflation' is really starting to get to me. Beside some bars in the area now serving beer in smaller glasses, a recent rip to the grocery store revealed that tubes af (a well known major brand of) toothpaste are now about 2/3rds the size that they were the last time that I bought some, but the at same prices as before. Grrrr... :banghead:

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on October 02, 2023, 03:11:16 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 02, 2023, 11:25:02 AM

Quote from: webny99 on September 29, 2023, 11:38:25 PM
This is one where I recognize that my personal bar for efficiency is a lot higher than most other drivers, and I'm OK with that. In this case, I would say that, as long as I can see (and therefore monitor) the light on the cross street and am aware of any protected phases, I'm confident in my ability to easily get in front of anyone in the right lane and move right in time to make the turn, and I would rather do that than inconvenience someone behind me waiting to turn right.

Well then, your driving is something that bothers me:

When someone who is planning to make a right turn shortly after the stoplight uses the left lane, then zooms ahead of me when it turns green, and changes into the right lane for their turn, forcing me to step on my brakes. I see this as an example of "cutting me off".

Actually, I can't think of very many situations where I would move left to accommodate right turning traffic, and then proceed to turn right myself in the next ~half a mile or less. These aren't very common occurrences to begin with, and most of the time I'd either be going straight for a while or eventually turning left anyways and just choose to leave the right lane open.

To illustrate how context-dependent this is, there's even one location where, knowing that a very high percentage of traffic turns right, and knowing that most traffic going straight uses the left lane for an upcoming left turn, I've been known to pull up behind a string of cars in the left lane, wait for all visible traffic in the right lane to pass and turn right on red, and then move over to the right lane.. hopefully just in time for the light to change. :colorful:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on October 02, 2023, 03:30:33 PM

One place where I will stop at the light in the right lane is at the location seen below. Very few people make right turns there, yet the overwhelming number of people going straight tend to get in the left lane of the two straight-thru lanes, presumably because the right lane ends up ahead where that USPS truck is visible under the traffic lights. That's one light where I almost always use the right lane because I'll almost always be first on line, I watch the other light to see when it's about to change, and I know I can get off the line quickly enough to be ahead of everyone when it turns. So I see no reason to wait on line behind six or seven other cars (invariably involving at least one person reading a phone instead of watching the light) just to leave the right lane open for a hypothetical right-turner who probably won't materialize.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/FNTrkg2V6J3xmiFB6

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 02, 2023, 03:30:43 PM

Quote from: webny99 on September 29, 2023, 03:39:38 PM
Blocking the right lane at a red light when the left lane is open

Quote from: webny99 on October 02, 2023, 03:11:16 PM
I can't think of very many situations where I would move left to accommodate right turning traffic, and then proceed to turn right myself in the next ~half a mile or less.

So, again, I ask you:

Quote from: kphoger on September 29, 2023, 03:52:44 PM
How do you know that driver [whose "blocking the right lane" bothers you] isn't planning to make a right turn a half-block after the stoplight?

And I still want to know:

Quote from: kphoger on September 29, 2023, 03:52:44 PM
I keep right except to pass as a general rule; what do you expect me to do? change lanes every time I see a red light?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 02, 2023, 03:35:13 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on October 02, 2023, 03:30:33 PM
One place where I will stop at the light in the right lane is at the location seen below. Very few people make right turns there, yet the overwhelming number of people going straight tend to get in the left lane of the two straight-thru lanes, presumably because the right lane ends up ahead where that USPS truck is visible under the traffic lights. That's one light where I almost always use the right lane because I'll almost always be first on line, I watch the other light to see when it's about to change, and I know I can get off the line quickly enough to be ahead of everyone when it turns. So I see no reason to wait on line behind six or seven other cars (invariably involving at least one person reading a phone instead of watching the light) just to leave the right lane open for a hypothetical right-turner who probably won't materialize.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/FNTrkg2V6J3xmiFB6

That seems to be quite common in situations where the right lane ends not too far past the stoplight. Most people don't use that lane, presumably because they either (a) don't want to have to merge their way into the lane where everyone else is, or (b) think it's rude to do so anyway. And sometimes "not too far past" means a half-mile.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on October 02, 2023, 03:48:19 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on October 02, 2023, 03:30:33 PM
One place where I will stop at the light in the right lane is at the location seen below. Very few people make right turns there, yet the overwhelming number of people going straight tend to get in the left lane of the two straight-thru lanes, presumably because the right lane ends up ahead where that USPS truck is visible under the traffic lights. That's one light where I almost always use the right lane because I'll almost always be first on line, I watch the other light to see when it's about to change, and I know I can get off the line quickly enough to be ahead of everyone when it turns. So I see no reason to wait on line behind six or seven other cars (invariably involving at least one person reading a phone instead of watching the light) just to leave the right lane open for a hypothetical right-turner who probably won't materialize.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/FNTrkg2V6J3xmiFB6

There is an extremely similar situation on my commute, and I always take the right lane, even if there's just one or two cars and occasionally even if there's no cars in the left lane, just for fun. I can reliably get a good headstart on the vehicle on the left, which is important as it can make the difference of whether I make the next light or not. The only time I've ever been beat was by a Tesla who then proceeded to drive very slowly... and that did incense me greatly.

In this case though, right turning vehicles are a complete non-factor since the crossroad is a one-way ramp.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on October 02, 2023, 03:58:32 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 02, 2023, 03:30:43 PM
So, again, I ask you:

Quote from: kphoger on September 29, 2023, 03:52:44 PM
How do you know that driver [whose "blocking the right lane" bothers you] isn't planning to make a right turn a half-block after the stoplight?

The short answer is: I don't. I guess I'm not bothered by that drivers' presence so much as the lack of a shoulder that would allow right turn on red (occasionally dictated by ROW constraints, but often not).

Quote from: kphoger on October 02, 2023, 03:30:43 PM
And I still want to know:

Quote from: kphoger on September 29, 2023, 03:52:44 PM
I keep right except to pass as a general rule; what do you expect me to do? change lanes every time I see a red light?

KRETP can only be loosely applied to urban/suburban arterials IMO. It's more practical on long-distance/rural highways that are either divided or have a TWLTL. I also find that, if traffic is heavy, the left lane is often preferable anyways because right turning traffic can slow the right lane down. So no, I don't expect you to move left for every red light but if both lanes are open and the person behind you has their blinker on, then sure. But again, it depends on the context, and that's also true for whether or not and to what degree I'm bothered by it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 02, 2023, 04:02:44 PM

Quote from: webny99 on October 02, 2023, 03:58:32 PM
... if both lanes are open and the person behind you has their blinker on, then sure.

Very rarely does the person behind me already have his blinker on early enough that it's still reasonable for me to react accordingly and change lanes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on October 02, 2023, 04:40:18 PM

Quote from: webny99 on October 02, 2023, 03:48:19 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 02, 2023, 03:30:33 PM
One place where I will stop at the light in the right lane is at the location seen below. Very few people make right turns there, yet the overwhelming number of people going straight tend to get in the left lane of the two straight-thru lanes, presumably because the right lane ends up ahead where that USPS truck is visible under the traffic lights. That's one light where I almost always use the right lane because I'll almost always be first on line, I watch the other light to see when it's about to change, and I know I can get off the line quickly enough to be ahead of everyone when it turns. So I see no reason to wait on line behind six or seven other cars (invariably involving at least one person reading a phone instead of watching the light) just to leave the right lane open for a hypothetical right-turner who probably won't materialize.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/FNTrkg2V6J3xmiFB6

There is an extremely similar situation on my commute, and I always take the right lane, even if there's just one or two cars and occasionally even if there's no cars in the left lane, just for fun. I can reliably get a good headstart on the vehicle on the left, which is important as it can make the difference of whether I make the next light or not. The only time I've ever been beat was by a Tesla who then proceeded to drive very slowly... and that did incense me greatly.

In this case though, right turning vehicles are a complete non-factor since the crossroad is a one-way ramp.

Heh. The speed limit on the road seen in the Street View image I linked is 35 mph. On the portion up ahead in that image after the median ends (in that image, the median ends roughly where the USPS truck is and the road narrows to a single lane in each direction plus a bike lane in each direction), I pretty much always set my cruise control at 35 mph.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on October 02, 2023, 04:57:34 PM

;-)

Quote from: vdeane on September 30, 2023, 05:26:57 PM
A lot of people seem to be intimidated by freeway driving, too. I don't really get it, but then I've developed an intuitive feel for traffic over the years. Most people don't seem to have done so.

Freeway driving in rural areas is a lot different than freeway driving in urban areas. I've been driving for over 40 years. I thought I had "developed an intuitive feel for traffic over the years", but the last couple years have proven otherwise.

It's very difficult to drive on the west side of the DC beltway when traffic is going at about 65 (more or less), with every lane having a car just about everywhere, and then there are people who decide to drive 85 and change lanes without signaling and also doing so coming "awfully" close to your car. I think this happens because traffic is opening up and some people are in a hurry, and they just decide their needs are more important than others (collectively), and yours personally. I call it "selfish" driving. The problem is -- when people are changing lanes like that, it scares the living daylights out of me since you don't know what they are going to do next. To reference an earlier post, even when you change lanes confidently, you always seem to be getting right in the way of someone who is going way too fast for the conditions, and driving as I mention earlier in this paragraph.

On top of that, the pandemic just seemed to exacerbate these behaviors. It feels worse now than it did pre-pandemic. I guess everyone got used to having a normally-45 minute trip get done in 30 minutes or less.

I am so looking forward to the day in a few years when I no longer have to commute to my job (for which I do not have work-at-home options).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on October 02, 2023, 05:56:03 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on October 02, 2023, 04:40:18 PM
Quote from: webny99 on October 02, 2023, 03:48:19 PM

There is an extremely similar situation on my commute, and I always take the right lane, even if there's just one or two cars and occasionally even if there's no cars in the left lane, just for fun. I can reliably get a good headstart on the vehicle on the left, which is important as it can make the difference of whether I make the next light or not. The only time I've ever been beat was by a Tesla who then proceeded to drive very slowly... and that did incense me greatly.

In this case though, right turning vehicles are a complete non-factor since the crossroad is a one-way ramp.

Heh. The speed limit on the road seen in the Street View image I linked is 35 mph. On the portion up ahead in that image after the median ends (in that image, the median ends roughly where the USPS truck is and the road narrows to a single lane in each direction plus a bike lane in each direction), I pretty much always set my cruise control at 35 mph.

The road I refer to is 35 mph as well, but not all 35 mph zones are created equal. It's more of a main thoroughfare and much straighter than your example; I would consider 35 mph a borderline obstruction to traffic and usually settle around 50 mph.

Even so, I rarely set the cruise on that road, or really any other non-freeway/expressway. I don't think I've ever even tried to set the cruise below 40 mph. Given how 35 mph zones are abused around here, it would have to be in a 30 mph zone, and I can't think of any in which it would last long enough without being interrupted by a vehicle, red light, stop sign, or otherwise to be "worth it", for which my bar would be at least a mile or two.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SectorZ on October 02, 2023, 06:11:28 PM

I have one to add, since I've heard it a few times in the past few days on XM because the 80's station's AT40 replay is this week from 1983... "Lawyers in Love" by Jackson Browne. Hearing that song, since I've been 5 years old, has not made a day better for me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on October 02, 2023, 06:14:31 PM

Quote from: tmoore952 on October 02, 2023, 04:57:34 PM
Freeway driving in rural areas is a lot different than freeway driving in urban areas. I've been driving for over 40 years. I thought I had "developed an intuitive feel for traffic over the years", but the last couple years have proven otherwise.

It's very difficult to drive on the west side of the DC beltway when traffic is going at about 65 (more or less), with every lane having a car just about everywhere, and then there are people who decide to drive 85 and change lanes without signaling and also doing so coming "awfully" close to your car. I think this happens because traffic is opening up and some people are in a hurry, and they just decide their needs are more important than others (collectively), and yours personally. I call it "selfish" driving. The problem is -- when people are changing lanes like that, it scares the living daylights out of me since you don't know what they are going to do next. To reference an earlier post, even when you change lanes confidently, you always seem to be getting right in the way of someone who is going way too fast for the conditions, and driving as I mention earlier in this paragraph.

This is definitely an urban-vs-rural thing, but it might also just be a "number of lanes" thing in general. It seems like once you get to eight lanes or more, weaving is much more common than it is on four- or six- lane highways because there's so much traffic that KRETP doesn't apply as much, more traffic hangs out in the middle lanes and it's likely there will be an open lane somewhere if you weave around fast enough and for long enough to find it.

That's why, for as much as I wish select segments were wider, I am very glad that the Rochester area and upstate NY in general doesn't have many 8+ lane freeways, in fact basically none if you're talking significant distance. Six lanes I can handle; it's condensed enough that weaving is unlikely to get ahead much, there's a general expectation that KRETP should apply, and slower traffic will most often be on the right. But eight or more lanes? No thank you.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on October 02, 2023, 06:36:51 PM

Quote from: webny99 on October 02, 2023, 05:56:03 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 02, 2023, 04:40:18 PM
Quote from: webny99 on October 02, 2023, 03:48:19 PM

There is an extremely similar situation on my commute, and I always take the right lane, even if there's just one or two cars and occasionally even if there's no cars in the left lane, just for fun. I can reliably get a good headstart on the vehicle on the left, which is important as it can make the difference of whether I make the next light or not. The only time I've ever been beat was by a Tesla who then proceeded to drive very slowly... and that did incense me greatly.

In this case though, right turning vehicles are a complete non-factor since the crossroad is a one-way ramp.

Heh. The speed limit on the road seen in the Street View image I linked is 35 mph. On the portion up ahead in that image after the median ends (in that image, the median ends roughly where the USPS truck is and the road narrows to a single lane in each direction plus a bike lane in each direction), I pretty much always set my cruise control at 35 mph.

The road I refer to is 35 mph as well, but not all 35 mph zones are created equal. It's more of a main thoroughfare and much straighter than your example; I would consider 35 mph a borderline obstruction to traffic and usually settle around 50 mph.

Even so, I rarely set the cruise on that road, or really any other non-freeway/expressway. I don't think I've ever even tried to set the cruise below 40 mph. Given how 35 mph zones are abused around here, it would have to be in a 30 mph zone, and I can't think of any in which it would last long enough without being interrupted by a vehicle, red light, stop sign, or otherwise to be "worth it", for which my bar would be at least a mile or two.

Heh. I almost always set the cruise control at 25 mph for the half-mile drive entering or leaving my neighborhood, mostly to keep my speed down and to avoid inadvertently speeding up when someone tailgates. There are enough little kids around that I'm not going to be the jerk flying along when a kid comes running out chasing a ball or some such. I also almost always use cruise control in school zones when the school zone speed limit is active, especially the ones with speed cameras.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on October 02, 2023, 08:39:01 PM

I'm sure it's been mentioned before, but when the driver of the lead car at a red light is too busy on their phone or zoning out to notice that the light has turned green.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on October 03, 2023, 10:07:22 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on October 02, 2023, 12:01:25 AM
As long as we're talking about a driving, I have a couple from my time in Japan.

Where I live in Japan, there is a lot of Americans too. Generally speaking, both American and Japanese drivers here are quite good, but there are two things that Americans sometimes do that irritate the hell out of me:

* stopping way too early on yellow
* waiting behind the line when turning across traffic (right turns here)

For the first, obviously entering on red isn't "legal", but it's expected to some degree, because stopping on yellow isn't generally done. Americans though, I guess from training in the US, sometimes stop way too early on yellow. I've seen a few close-calls from drivers who nearly rear-end someone because they expect them to keep moving, but then they stop. Invariably, it's almost always an American (we have unique license plates, by the way).

...

Interesting. Slowing down/stopping on yellow is definitely one of those things I feel like drivers in other countries would be baffled by. Out of curiosity are yellow phases in Japan similar length to those in the US/Canada?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: elsmere241 on October 03, 2023, 10:15:12 AM

Quote from: kkt on October 02, 2023, 08:39:01 PM
I'm sure it's been mentioned before, but when the driver of the lead car at a red light is too busy on their phone or zoning out to notice that the light has turned green.

Or when the driver of the car in front of you is too busy on their phone to see that the lane is ending.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 03, 2023, 10:18:26 AM

Quote from: kkt on October 02, 2023, 08:39:01 PM
I'm sure it's been mentioned before, but when the driver of the lead car at a red light is too busy on their phone or zoning out to notice that the light has turned green.

This one bothers me less and less as time goes on. It's almost to the point that I could post it in the Minor things that DON'T bother you (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=29487.0) thread.

Speed is another thing that bothers me less and less. If you want to drive slow or fast, I don't care. But if you're slow, just keep right. And if you're fast, just don't tailgate. Other than that, drive whatever speed you want.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on October 03, 2023, 10:33:01 AM

Quote from: kphoger on October 03, 2023, 10:18:26 AM
Quote from: kkt on October 02, 2023, 08:39:01 PM
I'm sure it's been mentioned before, but when the driver of the lead car at a red light is too busy on their phone or zoning out to notice that the light has turned green.

This one bothers me less and less as time goes on. It's almost to the point that I could post it in the Minor things that DON'T bother you (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=29487.0) thread.

I agree that if you're going straight, it's not that big a deal. But for protected turns, inattentiveness can waste half the length of the cycle or more so I do tend to be more bothered by those... especially at protected turns that are backup-prone to begin with.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on October 05, 2023, 09:42:53 AM

This was triggered by this tow video:

The first part of the video is the tow from a handicapped spot at a service station... that is located across the street from an Atlanta area hospital.... that charges to park. But, my gripe extends also to colleges and universities that charge for parking as well. It's bad enough that those institutions charge an arm and a leg for the services they render, but then the parking charge or the semester parking permit gets under the skin as it feels like nickle-and-diming. So, the people try to find alternatives like parking in the nearby residential area. I know that my university included a free transit pass, and before I switched jobs, I would park at my workplace which was located about two driving miles from the university and take the bus to school and back. (I had the work schedule of Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and school on Tuesdays and Thursdays). When I switched jobs, transit wasn't exactly an option especially for night classes, so I had to drive and pay for parking.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on October 05, 2023, 09:46:35 AM

Too many places ban parking even if it's a typical hour (e.g. 8-5) business or if the parking lot never fills up. Two entrances to the Methuen Rail Trail, both in the "never fills up" category are that way. (The MSPCA and IHOP parking lots allow it, though, as does the "official" entrance.) Reading (MA) Town Hall gets it right where it lists the hours the town hall is in business, and it says you are allowed to park there for non-town hall purposes as long as it is outside those hours.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on October 05, 2023, 10:41:21 AM

The reason the lot never fills up is that parking is very limited by time and they tow.

And I have no sympathy at all for non-handicapped people parking in handicapped spaces. That lot had loads of parking spaces, why take that one?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on October 05, 2023, 12:10:09 PM

Quote from: kkt on October 05, 2023, 10:41:21 AMAnd I have no sympathy at all for non-handicapped people parking in handicapped spaces. That lot had loads of parking spaces, why take that one?

Just as long as people understand that not everyone who has a disabled placard may appear to be "ok", but have some legitimate mobility issues. My 82yo mother actually looks younger than her actual age, but has some mobility issues. Also, as I don't allow my mother to drive, I am her chauffer, and dropping off my mother at the entrance of a store, then parking and waitng at a nearby handicapped slot (because the ones near the store were quite full) with a placard displayed is very legal. On the other hand, I never touch that placard when my mother is nowhere around.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on October 05, 2023, 01:00:28 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on October 05, 2023, 09:42:53 AM
This was triggered by this tow video:

The first part of the video is the tow from a handicapped spot at a service station... that is located across the street from an Atlanta area hospital.... that charges to park. But, my gripe extends also to colleges and universities that charge for parking as well. It's bad enough that those institutions charge an arm and a leg for the services they render, but then the parking charge or the semester parking permit gets under the skin as it feels like nickle-and-diming. So, the people try to find alternatives like parking in the nearby residential area. I know that my university included a free transit pass, and before I switched jobs, I would park at my workplace which was located about two driving miles from the university and take the bus to school and back. (I had the work schedule of Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and school on Tuesdays and Thursdays). When I switched jobs, transit wasn't exactly an option especially for night classes, so I had to drive and pay for parking.

Clarkson had free parking when I was there, which was an annoyance due to how tight parking was. As I understand it, the situation got even worse after I graduated, due to the increasing size of the student population. At the time they were even planning to get rid of one of the parking lots, but I don't believe that happened.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on October 06, 2023, 10:48:09 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on October 05, 2023, 12:10:09 PM
Quote from: kkt on October 05, 2023, 10:41:21 AMAnd I have no sympathy at all for non-handicapped people parking in handicapped spaces. That lot had loads of parking spaces, why take that one?

Just as long as people understand that not everyone who has a disabled placard may appear to be "ok", but have some legitimate mobility issues. My 82yo mother actually looks younger than her actual age, but has some mobility issues. Also, as I don't allow my mother to drive, I am her chauffer, and dropping off my mother at the entrance of a store, then parking and waitng at a nearby handicapped slot (because the ones near the store were quite full) with a placard displayed is very legal[/i]. On the other hand, I never touch that placard when my mother is nowhere around.

Yes, absolutely. A good friend of mine had lung issues which didn't show on the outside at all, but walking 50 yards across a parking lot for her was comparable to taking the stairs up a 10-story building for most people. Sometimes she got the side eye from people who didn't realize there were such things as invisible disabilities.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 06, 2023, 11:13:46 AM

Then there's my perfectly able-bodied sister-in-law, who likes to drive her relative's vehicle, leave the tag hanging from the mirror, and get front-row parking at every store she visits... :verymad:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bm7 on October 06, 2023, 11:17:46 AM

Maybe she thinks "being a selfish person" is a disability. :pan:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on October 06, 2023, 07:35:56 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on September 30, 2023, 07:46:54 PM
My wife seems to HATE it when I pass on a two-lane road, no matter how safe it is to do so.

I *can* do it, and frequently do, but I don't care for it. Flat roads, it's hard to see just how far I can really see ... if that makes sense.

So you just hang it out there and flog it. Unless someone's coming.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Takumi on October 06, 2023, 09:07:21 PM

I don't have any apprehension about passing on two-lane roads as long as I can tell there's sufficient room. The only time I have is when I was driving my right-hand-drive Japanese-market Toyota, because the line of sight is obviously much worse for passing. I did do one two-lane road pass in it, but the car I was passing was something small and slow with an open top like a Miata or something.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on October 06, 2023, 11:11:17 PM

I was passing on two-lane roads like a madman on a recent trip. Passed a slow semi and he honked at me for some unknown reason. He didn't turn left and no one was coming the other way at all.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on October 07, 2023, 12:32:37 AM

Quote from: webny99 on October 03, 2023, 10:07:22 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on October 02, 2023, 12:01:25 AM
As long as we're talking about a driving, I have a couple from my time in Japan.

Where I live in Japan, there is a lot of Americans too. Generally speaking, both American and Japanese drivers here are quite good, but there are two things that Americans sometimes do that irritate the hell out of me:

* stopping way too early on yellow
* waiting behind the line when turning across traffic (right turns here)

For the first, obviously entering on red isn't "legal", but it's expected to some degree, because stopping on yellow isn't generally done. Americans though, I guess from training in the US, sometimes stop way too early on yellow. I've seen a few close-calls from drivers who nearly rear-end someone because they expect them to keep moving, but then they stop. Invariably, it's almost always an American (we have unique license plates, by the way).

...

Interesting. Slowing down/stopping on yellow is definitely one of those things I feel like drivers in other countries would be baffled by. Out of curiosity are yellow phases in Japan similar length to those in the US/Canada?

From my experience in the US, I recall some drivers slamming on the brakes when the yellow came up, even if there was plenty of time to enter before red. You never see that here...except some Americans.

Some yellows in Japan are longer, but most are 3 seconds I believe. There is also an all-red phase. Here is the typical phasing when protected-permissive signals are used:

1: green
2: yellow (3 seconds)
3: right turn green arrow
4: yellow (2 seconds)
5: all-red (2 seconds)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on October 07, 2023, 09:59:26 PM

How lazy people are with disposing of their trash. I am constantly going over to the garbage dumpsters (I park near them, so I see them whenever I arrive/leave home) at my apartment and fixing issues like the side doors being left open (thereby leaving garbage exposed to the elements) or the gate to the dumpster area not being closed. Many people are too lazy to even put their garbage in the dumpster in the first place. Today I was taking my trash out when I saw a bag left by the side of a dumpster by one such f***tard. To make matters worse, it turned out to be overfull (and the pouring rain all day couldn't have helped), so when I went to put it in the dumpster like someone who isn't a lazy asshat, the bag gave out and left a pile of garbage on the ground. A pile that will probably be there for two weeks now, because our regular garbage pickup is Friday (if it doesn't vary for some random reason, which it often does), and often gets skipped entirely on weeks with a holiday. :banghead:

On the recycling side, this also manifests as stuff like not distributing things evenly (so the dumpster overflows on one side but is empty in the back), not collapsing cardboard, etc. :pan:

Why can't people just put their garbage in the dumpsters and then close up like they're supposed to?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: gonealookin on October 07, 2023, 10:43:58 PM

Choosing a motel because you know you'll have some extra time and this place advertises a pool and hot tub...and then finding out, after checking in, that said pool and hot tub are closed and padlocked by order of the county health department.

(https://i.imgur.com/WfHE2DR.jpg)

Granted, it's a Motel 6 (Kingsburg, CA) and I shouldn't have expected any different from them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 09, 2023, 11:46:31 AM

Quote from: vdeane on October 07, 2023, 09:59:26 PM
not collapsing cardboard

This is a big one for me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on October 09, 2023, 05:48:17 PM

Drivers who insist on tailgating when I'm already going the speed limit on a narrow and busy urban street...even in a fucking school zone with kids around. Some people really do not care whether they might hit and kill pedestrians of all ages and sizes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on October 09, 2023, 06:15:47 PM

Quote from: Bruce on October 09, 2023, 05:48:17 PM
Drivers who insist on tailgating when I'm already going the speed limit on a narrow and busy urban street...even in a fucking school zone with kids around. Some people really do not care whether they might hit and kill pedestrians of all ages and sizes.

I like to set my cruise control right on the speed limit in such places simply to ensure that I don't inadvertently speed up when someone tailgates.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on October 09, 2023, 08:23:26 PM

Quote from: gonealookin on October 07, 2023, 10:43:58 PM
Choosing a motel because you know you'll have some extra time and this place advertises a pool and hot tub...and then finding out, after checking in, that said pool and hot tub are closed and padlocked by order of the county health department.

(https://i.imgur.com/WfHE2DR.jpg)

Granted, it's a Motel 6 (Kingsburg, CA) and I shouldn't have expected any different from them.

That's a new one...though the pool/hot tub closure seems to be common to about 20% of my hotel experiences. And the comments always have this concern at some point or another.

Quote from: kphoger on October 09, 2023, 11:46:31 AM
Quote from: vdeane on October 07, 2023, 09:59:26 PM
not collapsing cardboard

This is a big one for me.

This is my weekly ritual after being away for a week (possibly at a hotel without a functioning pool). Nobody in my family breaks down nor cuts a box apart for recycling.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 10, 2023, 09:28:21 AM

Quote from: formulanone on October 09, 2023, 08:23:26 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 09, 2023, 11:46:31 AM

Quote from: vdeane on October 07, 2023, 09:59:26 PM
not collapsing cardboard

This is a big one for me.

This is my weekly ritual after being away for a week (possibly at a hotel without a functioning pool). Nobody in my family breaks down nor cuts a box apart for recycling.

For me, it probably stems from my having worked in a warehouse for several years, and having broken down and baled zillions of cardboard boxes during that time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: gonealookin on October 10, 2023, 11:41:09 AM

Quote from: formulanone on October 09, 2023, 08:23:26 PM
Quote from: gonealookin on October 07, 2023, 10:43:58 PM
Choosing a motel because you know you'll have some extra time and this place advertises a pool and hot tub...and then finding out, after checking in, that said pool and hot tub are closed and padlocked by order of the county health department.

(see photo above)

Granted, it's a Motel 6 (Kingsburg, CA) and I shouldn't have expected any different from them.

That's a new one...though the pool/hot tub closure seems to be common to about 20% of my hotel experiences. And the comments always have this concern at some point or another.

They are now on the receiving end of my wrath, with that photo and my comments posted on TripAdvisor. The place wasn't actually bad compared to some of the other cheap motel hellholes I've stumbled in to, but the health department issue with the pool deserves to cause them some damage.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on October 11, 2023, 08:37:38 AM

Quote from: kphoger on October 10, 2023, 09:28:21 AM
Quote from: formulanone on October 09, 2023, 08:23:26 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 09, 2023, 11:46:31 AM

Quote from: vdeane on October 07, 2023, 09:59:26 PM
not collapsing cardboard

This is a big one for me.

This is my weekly ritual after being away for a week (possibly at a hotel without a functioning pool). Nobody in my family breaks down nor cuts a box apart for recycling.

For me, it probably stems from my having worked in a warehouse for several years, and having broken down and baled zillions of cardboard boxes during that time.

That's what box crushers are for.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on October 11, 2023, 12:36:22 PM

Quote from: webny99 on October 11, 2023, 08:37:38 AM
Quote from: kphoger on October 10, 2023, 09:28:21 AM
Quote from: formulanone on October 09, 2023, 08:23:26 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 09, 2023, 11:46:31 AM

Quote from: vdeane on October 07, 2023, 09:59:26 PM
not collapsing cardboard

This is a big one for me.

This is my weekly ritual after being away for a week (possibly at a hotel without a functioning pool). Nobody in my family breaks down nor cuts a box apart for recycling.

For me, it probably stems from my having worked in a warehouse for several years, and having broken down and baled zillions of cardboard boxes during that time.

That's what box crushers are for.

Perhaps someone can explain, when you collapse cardboard, are you also supposed to remove any packing tape that is on it? I generally do but for some boxes it is not trivial, and I often wonder if I am wasting my time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on October 11, 2023, 12:43:51 PM

I am a cyclist also, so I have been on both ends of this one.

Coming up behind a single cyclist on a two lane road, when there is a hill or curve in front of both you and the cyclist, such that you cannot see far enough to safely pass. Cyclist tends to get disturbed that you aren't passing. You're doing right by the cyclist, but (understandably) cyclist doesn't have any way of knowing your intentions, especially since the cyclist will lose if any collision happens.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on October 11, 2023, 04:07:48 PM

Quote from: tmoore952 on October 11, 2023, 12:36:22 PM
Quote from: webny99 on October 11, 2023, 08:37:38 AM
Quote from: kphoger on October 10, 2023, 09:28:21 AM
For me, it probably stems from my having worked in a warehouse for several years, and having broken down and baled zillions of cardboard boxes during that time.

That's what box crushers are for.

Perhaps someone can explain, when you collapse cardboard, are you also supposed to remove any packing tape that is on it? I generally do but for some boxes it is not trivial, and I often wonder if I am wasting my time.

It probably depends on the crusher. With the one I used to use, it wasn't necessary to remove standard packing tape and we rarely did so.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on October 11, 2023, 09:42:44 PM

Calling out a business on social media and/or FB page with facts to back you up, only to get ridiculed.

Customer service and support has gone the way of the Fax Machine and nobody gives a damn anymore.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on October 12, 2023, 07:20:59 AM

"Xennials." They're just Millennials with daddy issues. "Look at me, Boomer parent, I am not like those lazy Millennials! Please, accept me and don't lump me in with them! I'm a cool kid like those Gen Xers, not those Millennials!" The only generation type split off by people not wanting to be associated with another generation due to being criticized/made fun of by an older generation... :D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 12, 2023, 09:39:23 AM

Quote from: webny99 on October 11, 2023, 04:07:48 PM

Quote from: tmoore952 on October 11, 2023, 12:36:22 PM

Quote from: webny99 on October 11, 2023, 08:37:38 AM

Quote from: kphoger on October 10, 2023, 09:28:21 AM
For me, it probably stems from my having worked in a warehouse for several years, and having broken down and baled zillions of cardboard boxes during that time.

That's what box crushers are for.

Perhaps someone can explain, when you collapse cardboard, are you also supposed to remove any packing tape that is on it? I generally do but for some boxes it is not trivial, and I often wonder if I am wasting my time.

It probably depends on the crusher. With the one I used to use, it wasn't necessary to remove standard packing tape and we rarely did so.

I baled boxes with a box crusher. But I could fit a lot more boxes into a bale, and it was a lot less likely to spill cardboard everywhere, if I broke the boxes down and laid them flat in the crusher first. My cardboard bales were the envy of the recycling plant staff... :)

And no, we never removed the tape. Didn't even know anybody did that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on October 12, 2023, 11:36:55 AM

Quote from: kphoger on October 12, 2023, 09:39:23 AM
My cardboard bales were the envy of the recycling plant staff... :)

I guess so. Considering how few boxes I used relative to the amount being baled, breaking them down is one of those things the perfectionist in me would have liked to do, but the pragmatist overruled.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 12, 2023, 12:24:44 PM

Quote from: webny99 on October 12, 2023, 11:36:55 AM

Quote from: kphoger on October 12, 2023, 09:39:23 AM
My cardboard bales were the envy of the recycling plant staff... :)

I guess so. Considering how few boxes I used relative to the amount being baled, breaking them down is one of those things the perfectionist in me would have liked to do, but the pragmatist overruled.

I worked in the returns department at a publishing company. Each individual work station was unpacking individual boxes to scan the product back into the database. So it's not like I was walking over to the baler with a box in my hand: rather, the people at the work stations would break down the boxes, stack those up on a pallet, and then wheel the pallet down toward the baler once the stack started getting tippy. Without breaking the boxes down, they would have been sending me pallets with only a couple of dozen boxes on them each, which would hardly have been efficient and would have taken up way too much floor space. So yeah, not breaking them down probably never even crossed anyone's mind.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on October 12, 2023, 12:56:01 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 12, 2023, 12:24:44 PM
Quote from: webny99 on October 12, 2023, 11:36:55 AM

Quote from: kphoger on October 12, 2023, 09:39:23 AM
My cardboard bales were the envy of the recycling plant staff... :)

I guess so. Considering how few boxes I used relative to the amount being baled, breaking them down is one of those things the perfectionist in me would have liked to do, but the pragmatist overruled.

I worked in the returns department at a publishing company. Each individual work station was unpacking individual boxes to scan the product back into the database. So it's not like I was walking over to the baler with a box in my hand: rather, the people at the work stations would break down the boxes, stack those up on a pallet, and then wheel the pallet down toward the baler once the stack started getting tippy. Without breaking the boxes down, they would have been sending me pallets with only a couple of dozen boxes on them each, which would hardly have been efficient and would have taken up way too much floor space. So yeah, not breaking them down probably never even crossed anyone's mind.

So if I'm understanding, it was actually the people at the workstations doing the work of breaking the boxes down.

Sounds a lot more intense than what I was used to. We loaded the crusher by hand if working nearby, or tossed them into one of several large bins on wheels that could fit maybe 50-60 unbroken boxes each, which were wheeled to the crusher once full.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on October 12, 2023, 01:00:23 PM

There are a couple of phrases in common use these days that absolutely get under my skin. "Touch grass" and "go touch grass." I guess it means "go outside" but the first several times I saw it, I thought it meant "drop dead."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on October 12, 2023, 01:38:08 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on October 12, 2023, 01:00:23 PM
There are a couple of phrases in common use these days that absolutely get under my skin. "Touch grass" and "go touch grass." I guess it means "go outside" but the first several times I saw it, I thought it meant "drop dead."

Never heard "touch grass" before. One of my buddies used to use "take a dirt nap" for "drop dead".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on October 12, 2023, 04:13:40 PM

"Touch grass" is a common way of telling someone to calm down and leave a heated online discussion. It's straight to the point.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on October 12, 2023, 04:33:34 PM

The trouble with "calm down" (and related expressions) is that, in the heat of the moment, they tend to have precisely the opposite effect unless delivered with authority. I tend to employ different strategies for passivation.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on October 12, 2023, 06:15:55 PM

Quote from: Rothman on October 12, 2023, 07:20:59 AM
"Xennials." They're just Millennials with daddy issues. "Look at me, Boomer parent, I am not like those lazy Millennials! Please, accept me and don't lump me in with them! I'm a cool kid like those Gen Xers, not those Millennials!" The only generation type split off by people not wanting to be associated with another generation due to being criticized/made fun of by an older generation... :D

My brother-in-law was born in 1981, the youngest of three children, so naturally followed in the footsteps of those straddling the two generations but experienced more attributes of the former yet a few ideals and cultural norms of the latter.

I guess there isn't really a cusp for one born in 1965-66 which might be in a similar situation. (Bumexicans?)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on October 12, 2023, 06:43:29 PM

Quote from: formulanone on October 12, 2023, 06:15:55 PM
Quote from: Rothman on October 12, 2023, 07:20:59 AM
"Xennials." They're just Millennials with daddy issues. "Look at me, Boomer parent, I am not like those lazy Millennials! Please, accept me and don't lump me in with them! I'm a cool kid like those Gen Xers, not those Millennials!" The only generation type split off by people not wanting to be associated with another generation due to being criticized/made fun of by an older generation... :D

My brother-in-law was born in 1981, the youngest of three children, so naturally followed in the footsteps of those straddling the two generations but experienced more attributes of the former yet a few ideals and cultural norms of the latter.

I guess there isn't really a cusp for one born in 1965-66 which might be in a similar situation. (Bumexicans?)

Yep, the lack of other cusp generations is quite telling behind the formation of Xennials.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on October 12, 2023, 06:46:02 PM

Quote from: formulanone on October 12, 2023, 06:15:55 PM
Quote from: Rothman on October 12, 2023, 07:20:59 AM
"Xennials." They're just Millennials with daddy issues. "Look at me, Boomer parent, I am not like those lazy Millennials! Please, accept me and don't lump me in with them! I'm a cool kid like those Gen Xers, not those Millennials!" The only generation type split off by people not wanting to be associated with another generation due to being criticized/made fun of by an older generation... :D

My brother-in-law was born in 1981, the youngest of three children, so naturally followed in the footsteps of those straddling the two generations but experienced more attributes of the former yet a few ideals and cultural norms of the latter.

I guess there isn't really a cusp for one born in 1965-66 which might be in a similar situation. (Bumexicans?)

I am the youngest of 8 and born in 1967. All my siblings were born between 1952 and 1962. That leaves me as the odd one out (not a boomer). Some of my older siblings delight in telling stories about things I did in (say) 1969. It doesn't pay me to get annoyed anymore, although I did (silently) for a long time.

Tend to like boomer music because that's what I heard as a youngster. But I am pretty sure I go later than any of the my other siblings that way, especially now with a teenage son of my own.

As I write this, I'm the only one of the 8 still working, and it will be that way probably for about 5 years. I had the same experience in the early '80s when everyone had left the house to college and beyond, while I was still in high school. At least I had the house to myself (with parents) and didn't have to fight siblings over access to things.

It'd be nice to see someone other than a boomer win a national office.

My attitude for the last few years, now that I am middle aged, is that I'm glad I'm as (relatively) young as I am. The calendar will eventually do its job and I'll get to have as much fun as the others.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 12, 2023, 06:50:32 PM

Quote from: Bruce on October 12, 2023, 04:13:40 PM
"Touch grass" is a common way of telling someone to calm down and leave a heated online discussion. It's straight to the point.

"Touch grass" also has the connotation that the thing that someone is heated about is only actually a problem in their own head and/or in online discussions, and is not actually relevant in the real world. Telling someone to touch grass means you think they need to go experience something that isn't online discussion, like taking a break to enjoy nature, to recalibrate their priorities and get in touch with the real world. It therefore is not a one-to-one drop-in replacement for "calm down" (and I cannot think of any other more established phrase that has the same connotation as "touch grass", thus making it qualify as a legitimate idiom).

For an example that may be familiar to this forum, if someone were extremely amped up about Limon, someone might suggest they touch grass, because while control cities are a thing that seem like they matter a lot on this forum, in reality they simply don't matter as much to highway signage engineers, much less the general public.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on October 12, 2023, 06:57:10 PM

Quote from: tmoore952 on October 12, 2023, 06:46:02 PM
Quote from: formulanone on October 12, 2023, 06:15:55 PM
Quote from: Rothman on October 12, 2023, 07:20:59 AM
"Xennials." They're just Millennials with daddy issues. "Look at me, Boomer parent, I am not like those lazy Millennials! Please, accept me and don't lump me in with them! I'm a cool kid like those Gen Xers, not those Millennials!" The only generation type split off by people not wanting to be associated with another generation due to being criticized/made fun of by an older generation... :D

My brother-in-law was born in 1981, the youngest of three children, so naturally followed in the footsteps of those straddling the two generations but experienced more attributes of the former yet a few ideals and cultural norms of the latter.

I guess there isn't really a cusp for one born in 1965-66 which might be in a similar situation. (Bumexicans?)

I am the youngest of 8 and born in 1967. All my siblings were born between 1952 and 1962. That leaves me as the odd one out (not a boomer). Some of my older siblings delight in telling stories about things I did in (say) 1969. It doesn't pay me to get annoyed anymore, although I did (silently) for a long time.

Tend to like boomer music because that's what I heard as a youngster. But I am pretty sure I go later than any of the my other siblings that way, especially now with a teenage son of my own.

As I write this, I'm the only one of the 8 still working, and it will be that way probably for about 5 years. I had the same experience in the early '80s when everyone had left the house to college and beyond, while I was still in high school. At least I had the house to myself (with parents) and didn't have to fight siblings over access to things.

It'd be nice to see someone other than a boomer win a national office.

My attitude for the last few years, now that I am middle aged, is that I'm glad I'm as (relatively) young as I am. The calendar will eventually do its job and I'll get to have as much fun as the others.

But you were so cute when you were two!

Annoyed when people point out your terrible twos? :D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 13, 2023, 10:49:03 AM

Quote from: formulanone on October 12, 2023, 06:15:55 PM
My brother-in-law was born in 1981, the youngest of three children, so naturally followed in the footsteps of those straddling the two generations but experienced more attributes of the former yet a few ideals and cultural norms of the latter.

I was also born in 1981, and therefore could identify as Gen-X or Millennial. I've never considered myself to be a Millennial, always Gen-X.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on October 13, 2023, 10:55:15 AM

Minor thing that bothers me: named generations are only 18 years, while actual generations are closer to 25. This is what makes me three named generations younger than both of my parents (me: Gen Z, both parents: tail end of baby boomers).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on October 13, 2023, 11:04:11 AM

Quote from: tmoore952 on October 12, 2023, 06:46:02 PM
I am the youngest of 8 and born in 1967. All my siblings were born between 1952 and 1962. That leaves me as the odd one out (not a boomer). Some of my older siblings delight in telling stories about things I did in (say) 1969. It doesn't pay me to get annoyed anymore, although I did (silently) for a long time.

Hmmmm, youngest of 4, also born in 1967, next youngest also born in 1962.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on October 13, 2023, 11:05:19 AM

Quote from: 1 on October 13, 2023, 10:55:15 AM
Minor thing that bothers me: named generations are only 18 years, while actual generations are closer to 25. This is what makes me three named generations younger than both of my parents (me: Gen Z, both parents: tail end of baby boomers).

I think there's a significant difference between genealogical "generations" and cultural "generations." I think I have a lot more in common with my parents' generation (people born in the mid-1940s) than I do with two of my first cousins (my uncle's son and daughter) who were born in 1986 and 1989 and with other people their age. I think a large part of that has to do with the experience of growing up, which changed very significantly after I was already in my teens.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on October 13, 2023, 11:33:38 AM

Quote from: kphoger on October 13, 2023, 10:49:03 AM
Quote from: formulanone on October 12, 2023, 06:15:55 PM
My brother-in-law was born in 1981, the youngest of three children, so naturally followed in the footsteps of those straddling the two generations but experienced more attributes of the former yet a few ideals and cultural norms of the latter.

I was also born in 1981, and therefore could identify as Gen-X or Millennial. I've never considered myself to be a Millennial, always Gen-X.

Somebody is scared of being a Millennial. :D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 13, 2023, 11:39:59 AM

Quote from: kphoger on October 13, 2023, 10:49:03 AM
I was also born in 1981, and therefore could identify as Gen-X or Millennial. I've never considered myself to be a Millennial, always Gen-X.

Quote from: 1995hoo on October 13, 2023, 11:05:19 AM
I have a lot more in common with my parents' generation than I do with two of my first cousins ... and with other people their age. I think a large part of that has to do with the experience of growing up, which changed very significantly after I was already in my teens.

I wonder if my much stronger association with Gen-X than with Millennials has to do with the fact that my only sibling was born in 1974, and therefore some of how I experienced the world (music, movies, parents' age, etc) was filtered through that lens. If I had been born to younger parents, with only a younger sibling, perhaps I would associate more with Millennials.

Quote from: Rothman on October 13, 2023, 11:33:38 AM
Somebody is scared of being a Millennial. :D

Actually, before this forum, I didn't even realize that the 'Millennial' range included my birth year. Before reading it on here a few years ago, it had never even occurred to me that I could be considered a Millennial.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on October 13, 2023, 11:43:53 AM

Quote from: Rothman on October 12, 2023, 06:57:10 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on October 12, 2023, 06:46:02 PM
Quote from: formulanone on October 12, 2023, 06:15:55 PM
Quote from: Rothman on October 12, 2023, 07:20:59 AM
"Xennials." They're just Millennials with daddy issues. "Look at me, Boomer parent, I am not like those lazy Millennials! Please, accept me and don't lump me in with them! I'm a cool kid like those Gen Xers, not those Millennials!" The only generation type split off by people not wanting to be associated with another generation due to being criticized/made fun of by an older generation... :D

My brother-in-law was born in 1981, the youngest of three children, so naturally followed in the footsteps of those straddling the two generations but experienced more attributes of the former yet a few ideals and cultural norms of the latter.

I guess there isn't really a cusp for one born in 1965-66 which might be in a similar situation. (Bumexicans?)

I am the youngest of 8 and born in 1967. All my siblings were born between 1952 and 1962. That leaves me as the odd one out (not a boomer). Some of my older siblings delight in telling stories about things I did in (say) 1969. It doesn't pay me to get annoyed anymore, although I did (silently) for a long time.

Tend to like boomer music because that's what I heard as a youngster. But I am pretty sure I go later than any of the my other siblings that way, especially now with a teenage son of my own.

As I write this, I'm the only one of the 8 still working, and it will be that way probably for about 5 years. I had the same experience in the early '80s when everyone had left the house to college and beyond, while I was still in high school. At least I had the house to myself (with parents) and didn't have to fight siblings over access to things.

It'd be nice to see someone other than a boomer win a national office.

My attitude for the last few years, now that I am middle aged, is that I'm glad I'm as (relatively) young as I am. The calendar will eventually do its job and I'll get to have as much fun as the others.
But you were so cute when you were two!

Annoyed when people point out your terrible twos? :D

Yes, when they do it for 40+ years straight.
It's my sister, I love her, I just wish she wouldn't always go there.
She is about 10 years older than me, so the things she remembers occurred when she was a tween and early teenager.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on October 13, 2023, 12:04:32 PM

Quote from: tmoore952 on October 13, 2023, 11:43:53 AM
Quote from: Rothman on October 12, 2023, 06:57:10 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on October 12, 2023, 06:46:02 PM
Quote from: formulanone on October 12, 2023, 06:15:55 PM
Quote from: Rothman on October 12, 2023, 07:20:59 AM
"Xennials." They're just Millennials with daddy issues. "Look at me, Boomer parent, I am not like those lazy Millennials! Please, accept me and don't lump me in with them! I'm a cool kid like those Gen Xers, not those Millennials!" The only generation type split off by people not wanting to be associated with another generation due to being criticized/made fun of by an older generation... :D

My brother-in-law was born in 1981, the youngest of three children, so naturally followed in the footsteps of those straddling the two generations but experienced more attributes of the former yet a few ideals and cultural norms of the latter.

I guess there isn't really a cusp for one born in 1965-66 which might be in a similar situation. (Bumexicans?)

I am the youngest of 8 and born in 1967. All my siblings were born between 1952 and 1962. That leaves me as the odd one out (not a boomer). Some of my older siblings delight in telling stories about things I did in (say) 1969. It doesn't pay me to get annoyed anymore, although I did (silently) for a long time.

Tend to like boomer music because that's what I heard as a youngster. But I am pretty sure I go later than any of the my other siblings that way, especially now with a teenage son of my own.

As I write this, I'm the only one of the 8 still working, and it will be that way probably for about 5 years. I had the same experience in the early '80s when everyone had left the house to college and beyond, while I was still in high school. At least I had the house to myself (with parents) and didn't have to fight siblings over access to things.

It'd be nice to see someone other than a boomer win a national office.

My attitude for the last few years, now that I am middle aged, is that I'm glad I'm as (relatively) young as I am. The calendar will eventually do its job and I'll get to have as much fun as the others.
But you were so cute when you were two!

Annoyed when people point out your terrible twos? :D

Yes, when they do it for 40+ years straight.
It's my sister, I love her, I just wish she wouldn't always go there.
She is about 10 years older than me, so the things she remembers occurred when she was a tween and early teenager.

Family is forever.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on October 13, 2023, 09:10:31 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on August 05, 2023, 11:14:23 PMThe fact that I keep getting notification from my color duplex laser printer letting me know that I need to replace the Black toner. Should I mention that it's at 10%, and this is a home office environment with emphasis on home? And, with the volume of printing that I don't do, I have to put up with that warning for a few more months until it is really, actually low (1-2%) before I will replace the toner. Is there any way I can adjust this? No.

FINALLY! No more "low toner message". And after I ordered replacement toner on July 11th, 2023 as part of the prime sale, the "replace toner" actually appeared on my printer.

(https://i.ibb.co/nBrT9tD/Br-St-Mon-W-2023-10-13-20-04-13.png) (https://ibb.co/nBrT9tD)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on October 14, 2023, 07:10:48 AM

Why do news reports constantly have stories like, "[Someone] posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying ..."

We got it already. Is there anyone left on the planet that doesn't know that Twitter is now X?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on October 14, 2023, 07:19:53 AM

I refuse to acknowledge "X", I still call it "Twitter".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on October 14, 2023, 07:27:22 AM

Quote from: GaryV on October 14, 2023, 07:10:48 AM
Why do news reports constantly have stories like, "[Someone] posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying ..."

We got it already. Is there anyone left on the planet that doesn't know that Twitter is now X?

Yes, not everyone pays attention to Twitter. And X is a stupid name.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 14, 2023, 10:06:14 AM

Quote from: GaryV on October 14, 2023, 07:10:48 AM
Why do news reports constantly have stories like, "[Someone] posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying ..."

We got it already. Is there anyone left on the planet that doesn't know that Twitter is now X?

The Website Formerly Known As Twitter

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on October 14, 2023, 10:44:59 AM

Quote from: GaryV on October 14, 2023, 07:10:48 AM
Why do news reports constantly have stories like, "[Someone] posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying ..."

We got it already. Is there anyone left on the planet that doesn't know that Twitter is now X?

This is pretty funny: There's a letter in this morning's Washington Post asking almost exactly the same thing.

Quote
Must we reference X's former name?

When will the Post stop mentioning X as "formerly known as Twitter" in its articles? X owner Elon Musk rebranded Twitter more than two months ago. If and when Musk re-brands his social media platform to, say, Birdy, will the Post then have to write "Birdy, formerly known as X, formerly known as Twitter"?

—Karen Handford, Rockville

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on October 14, 2023, 10:47:04 AM

Everyone should continue to call it Twitter and not even mention X.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DTComposer on October 14, 2023, 10:52:42 AM

I'd go with X-Twitter.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on October 14, 2023, 11:12:47 AM

Can we blame this on the artist known as Prince?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on October 14, 2023, 11:47:48 AM

I just consider that site X-rated.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on October 14, 2023, 11:51:16 AM

Quote from: Big John on October 14, 2023, 11:47:48 AM
I just consider that site X-rated.

Makes me wonder if Chatroulette is still around. Scared to check.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on October 14, 2023, 12:03:52 PM

I quit Twitter (deleting both of my accounts) - oh, I quit X too.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on October 14, 2023, 12:06:20 PM

(intential double post - different rant for ya)

I seriously hate the tacking of "for ya" or "there for ya" to sentences - sorry MN, but that is an awful habit and it has spread into neighboring states

A cashier at Petco asked me "phone number for ya?" (requesting it for the loyalty program)
When stating the total price of an order I've heard often "<insert price here> for ya" - I responded "Well, hand it over"

Goddam verbal tics.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DenverBrian on October 14, 2023, 02:36:12 PM

Quote from: GaryV on October 14, 2023, 07:10:48 AM
Why do news reports constantly have stories like, "[Someone] posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying ..."

We got it already. Is there anyone left on the planet that doesn't know that Twitter is now X?

Until the URL is retired, Twitter is still going to be used as the name of that gawdawful site.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on October 14, 2023, 04:18:59 PM

Quote from: GaryV on October 14, 2023, 07:10:48 AM
Why do news reports constantly have stories like, "[Someone] posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying ..."

We got it already. Is there anyone left on the planet that doesn't know that Twitter is now X?

What's weird is that a name change was never announced. I remember the reports of the logo changing. But not the name. Everybody (at least in the media) just started saying "X, formerly known as Twitter" one day. Indeed, to this day the URL is twitter.com, and a Google search for Twitter still identifies the site as such (even if the page title of the homepage says X).

Quote from: 1 on October 14, 2023, 10:47:04 AM
Everyone should continue to call it Twitter and not even mention X.

Agreed. Not only because it's a bad name/logo, but it's especially fitting given Musk's other issues (specifically, the opinions we know that he shares with Lord Carhorn).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on October 14, 2023, 04:22:26 PM

Quote from: vdeane on October 14, 2023, 04:18:59 PM
Quote from: 1 on October 14, 2023, 10:47:04 AM
Everyone should continue to call it Twitter and not even mention X.
Agreed. Not only because it's a bad name/logo, but it's especially fitting given Musk's other issues (specifically, the opinions we know that he shares with Lord Carhorn).

What, he doesn't think Illinois is flat?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on October 15, 2023, 02:24:53 PM

Quote from: GaryV on October 14, 2023, 04:22:26 PMWhat, he doesn't think Illinois is flat?

Depending on which criteria you use (https://wisevoter.com/state-rankings/flattest-states/), Illinois is the second flattest state only to be topped by Florida. And, despite my mother's protests of "Texas being as flat as a pancake", it's the 9th flattest state.

Or, per World Population Review (https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/flattest-states) which measures the flatness between the highest and lowest points, Florida is the flattest state, Illinois is seventh flattest, and Texas is number 37 thanks to the El Paso area.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on October 15, 2023, 03:16:08 PM

Quote from: GaryV on October 14, 2023, 04:22:26 PM
Quote from: vdeane on October 14, 2023, 04:18:59 PM
Quote from: 1 on October 14, 2023, 10:47:04 AM
Everyone should continue to call it Twitter and not even mention X.
Agreed. Not only because it's a bad name/logo, but it's especially fitting given Musk's other issues (specifically, the opinions we know that he shares with Lord Carhorn).
What, he doesn't think Illinois is flat?

Let's just say that Crash_It didn't get banned for claiming Illinois isn't flat.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Dirt Roads on October 15, 2023, 03:49:34 PM

Quote from: GaryV on October 14, 2023, 04:22:26 PMWhat, he doesn't think Illinois is flat?

Quote from: ZLoth on October 15, 2023, 02:24:53 PM
Depending on which criteria you use (https://wisevoter.com/state-rankings/flattest-states/), Illinois is the second flattest state only to be topped by Florida. And, despite my mother's protests of "Texas being as flat as a pancake", it's the 9th flattest state.

Or, per World Population Review (https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/flattest-states) which measures the flatness between the highest and lowest points, Florida is the flattest state, Illinois is seventh flattest, and Texas is number 37 thanks to the El Paso area.

Not surprisingly, West Virginia was the least flat of the 48 contiguous states. Flat land is so rare in some parts of the Mountain State that where my father grew up, there were unofficially 3 acres of "flat land" on two adjacent family farms totalling 143 acres. Two acres of which were on a 45-degree slope about 450 feet up the side of "the hill". But indeed flat, smooth and also aimed towards the Southern skies where crops could be planted.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on October 15, 2023, 07:52:14 PM

Quote from: GaryV on October 14, 2023, 07:10:48 AM
Why do news reports constantly have stories like, "[Someone] posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying ..."

We got it already. Is there anyone left on the planet that doesn't know that Twitter is now X?

Maybe to avoid implying someone has posted on Ecstasy (formerly known as 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on October 15, 2023, 08:24:53 PM

Because X is not sufficiently distinctive to be a proper name. Congratulations to Mr. Musk for changing the name from Twitter to TheSocialMediaFormerKnownAsTwitter.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on October 15, 2023, 08:33:54 PM

This doesn't explain why they can't keep calling it Twitter.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on October 15, 2023, 10:27:10 PM

Quote from: 1 on October 15, 2023, 08:33:54 PM
This doesn't explain why they can't keep calling it Twitter.

They should take a page from the DOTs over the decades that converted from consecutive exit numbers to mileage-based exit numbers -- have a multi-year transition with both the old and the new names.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tchafe1978 on October 15, 2023, 11:37:46 PM

So are tweets now called X-crements? Or X-cretions? Is the act of tweeting now called X-creting? Inquiring minds want to know.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on October 16, 2023, 01:56:58 PM

I also saw the Washington Post Letter to the Editor that 1995hoo mentions above.

And then on Sunday, I bought the NY Times and right on p.2 or 3 of the front section there was an item about "X, formerly known as Twitter".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 16, 2023, 03:18:07 PM

Quote from: GaryV on October 14, 2023, 07:10:48 AM
Why do news reports constantly have stories like, "[Someone] posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying ..."

We got it already. Is there anyone left on the planet that doesn't know that Twitter is now X?

It simply acknowledges what everyone already knows: X is a dumb name. If referencing the former name makes it easier for people to understand the story, then yes, it's worth referencing the former name. People like me, who have never had a Twitter account and don't care about Twitter, are more prone to forget that it changed its name a while ago.

Quote from: 1 on October 14, 2023, 10:47:04 AM
Everyone should continue to call it Twitter and not even mention X.

Agreed. And we should continue to call them "tweets" rather than "X posts", which makes it sound like the post was deleted.

Quote from: ZLoth on October 14, 2023, 11:12:47 AM
Can we blame this on the artist known as Prince?

I prefer to call him "the artist formerly and now once again known as Prince".

Quote from: SSOWorld on October 14, 2023, 12:03:52 PM
I quit X too.

It's more proper to say "I left my ex".

Quote from: 1 on October 15, 2023, 08:33:54 PM
This doesn't explain why they can't keep calling it Twitter.

Exactly. They can, and they probably should (although they may be legally required to also call it X). Whatever is clearer to their audience is what they should use.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on October 16, 2023, 03:35:38 PM

I never stopped calling it Twitter.

Type x.com into your browser, and it redirects to twitter.com. One would think that twitter.com would redirect to X.com.

As for the generations, I have said this before, but I don't consider myself to be in any named generation. I'm too young to be a Boomer, and too old to be Gen X.

Quote from: Dirt Roads on October 15, 2023, 03:49:34 PM
Quote from: GaryV on October 14, 2023, 04:22:26 PMWhat, he doesn't think Illinois is flat?
Not surprisingly, West Virginia was the least flat of the 48 contiguous states. Flat land is so rare in some parts of the Mountain State that where my father grew up, there were unofficially 3 acres of "flat land" on two adjacent family farms totalling 143 acres. Two acres of which were on a 45-degree slope about 450 feet up the side of "the hill". But indeed flat, smooth and also aimed towards the Southern skies where crops could be planted.

I would think that Colorado, by any metric, would rank higher in non-flatness than West Virginia. The highest peaks are 6,000 feet above Denver, while the highest point in West Virginia is around 4,000 feet higher than the lowest point.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on October 16, 2023, 03:37:21 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on October 16, 2023, 03:35:38 PM
As for the generations, I have said this before, but I don't consider myself to be in any named generation. I'm too young to be a Boomer, and too old to be Gen Twitter.

FTFY

Quote from: hbelkins on October 16, 2023, 03:35:38 PM
I would think that Colorado, by any metric, would rank higher in non-flatness than West Virginia. The highest peaks are 6,000 feet above Denver, while the highest point in West Virginia is around 4,000 feet higher than the lowest point.

Colorado has flat parts. West Virginia does not.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on October 16, 2023, 04:44:00 PM

Quote from: 1 on October 16, 2023, 03:37:21 PM
Colorado has flat parts. West Virginia does not.

Colorado has sheer cliffs that are 1,000+ feet tall. West Virginia does not. I think we're obviously all saying there are different ways to measure this question.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 16, 2023, 04:59:43 PM

Colorado is both hillier and flatter than West Virginia.

Is that the only way to resolve this?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on October 16, 2023, 05:19:02 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 16, 2023, 04:59:43 PM
Colorado is both hillier and flatter than West Virginia.

Is that the only way to resolve this?

Schrodinger's state.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on October 16, 2023, 05:21:31 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on October 16, 2023, 04:44:00 PM
Quote from: 1 on October 16, 2023, 03:37:21 PM
Colorado has flat parts. West Virginia does not.

Colorado has sheer cliffs that are 1,000+ feet tall. West Virginia does not. I think we're obviously all saying there are different ways to measure this question.

Pfft. CO is definitely flatter than WV. WV's rocks are bigger.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on October 16, 2023, 05:51:54 PM

One is Rocky Mountain High and the other is Almost Heaven.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on October 17, 2023, 08:52:09 AM

Can anyone tell me what's wrong with this picture?

(https://i.ibb.co/CQP7XRk/Kitchen-Sink.png) (https://ibb.co/CQP7XRk)

This is the result of a 82yo mother watering the plants without me knowing about it because I've protested so many times that it isn't safe. Instead of bringing in a stepladder from the garage, she grabs a 1 foot riser to climb up to the counter, and her foot slipped. The cost of the repair will be $1,200 minimum, and will involve a plumber coming out to disconnect the sink and inspect for pipe damage, followed by a epoxy person to glue the sink back up, followed by the plumber to rehook up the plumbing. It would not surprise me if the original installation used the absolutely cheapest BLEEP around. The work will probably start Wednesday, which means that for a week, the dish washer is out of commission.

Funny thing... if I had caused this in my parents house, ho boy... can you say "grounded" and "under severe restriction"? But, because it's my mother in my house, all I can do is grin and bear it.

I'll let everyone know when the Don'tFundMe page is up....

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on October 17, 2023, 09:15:53 AM

I think you need a few more sponges. I always have at least 40 on-hand.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on October 17, 2023, 09:58:34 AM

Quote from: thenetwork on October 15, 2023, 10:27:10 PM
Quote from: 1 on October 15, 2023, 08:33:54 PM
This doesn't explain why they can't keep calling it Twitter.

They should take a page from the DOTs over the decades that converted from consecutive exit numbers to mileage-based exit numbers -- have a multi-year transition with both the old and the new names.

Or just go the whole hog. When UDOT had to renumber everything on I-15 through the Wasatch Front, they did the entire thing south to north over a span of a few months. No need for any "old exit xx" business.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on October 17, 2023, 10:22:53 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on October 17, 2023, 09:15:53 AMI think you need a few more sponges. I always have at least 40 on-hand.

I had made a Costco run that afternoon and picked up a 24 pack of Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scrub Sponges partially because they were $4 off. They should last me a year or three.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on October 17, 2023, 10:28:29 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on October 17, 2023, 08:52:09 AMThis is the result of a 82yo mother watering the plants without me knowing about it because I've protested so many times that it isn't safe. Instead of bringing in a stepladder from the garage, she grabs a 1 foot riser to climb up to the counter, and her foot slipped. The cost of the repair will be $1,200 minimum, and will involve a plumber coming out to disconnect the sink and inspect for pipe damage, followed by a epoxy person to glue the sink back up, followed by the plumber to rehook up the plumbing. It would not surprise me if the original installation used the absolutely cheapest BLEEP around. The work will probably start Wednesday, which means that for a week, the dish washer is out of commission.

I'd say you had a narrow escape, as that kind of a fall can easily lead to lasting debility. My great-grandmother and her mother spent their last five and eight years respectively (including five years bedridden in both cases) with fractured hips as a result of falls.

Quote from: US 89 on October 17, 2023, 09:58:34 AMOr just go the whole hog. When UDOT had to renumber everything on I-15 through the Wasatch Front, they did the entire thing south to north over a span of a few months. No need for any "old exit xx" business.

Wasn't that to adjust milepointing that was up to four miles off in certain locations?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on October 17, 2023, 11:18:08 AM

Quote from: J N Winkler on October 17, 2023, 10:28:29 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on October 17, 2023, 08:52:09 AMThis is the result of a 82yo mother watering the plants without me knowing about it because I've protested so many times that it isn't safe. Instead of bringing in a stepladder from the garage, she grabs a 1 foot riser to climb up to the counter, and her foot slipped. The cost of the repair will be $1,200 minimum, and will involve a plumber coming out to disconnect the sink and inspect for pipe damage, followed by a epoxy person to glue the sink back up, followed by the plumber to rehook up the plumbing. It would not surprise me if the original installation used the absolutely cheapest BLEEP around. The work will probably start Wednesday, which means that for a week, the dish washer is out of commission.

I'd say you had a narrow escape, as that kind of a fall can easily lead to lasting debility. My great-grandmother and her mother spent their last five and eight years respectively (including five years bedridden in both cases) with fractured hips as a result of falls.

This is why I am working-from-home full-time despite work being just 15-20 minutes away by foot, and despite the protests of my mother stating "you don't have to worry about me". Sorry mom, your son and your doctor strongly disagree.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on October 17, 2023, 12:51:10 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on October 17, 2023, 08:52:09 AM
Can anyone tell me what's wrong with this picture?

(https://i.ibb.co/CQP7XRk/Kitchen-Sink.png) (https://ibb.co/CQP7XRk)

This is the result of a 82yo mother watering the plants without me knowing about it because I've protested so many times that it isn't safe. Instead of bringing in a stepladder from the garage, she grabs a 1 foot riser to climb up to the counter, and her foot slipped. The cost of the repair will be $1,200 minimum, and will involve a plumber coming out to disconnect the sink and inspect for pipe damage, followed by a epoxy person to glue the sink back up, followed by the plumber to rehook up the plumbing. It would not surprise me if the original installation used the absolutely cheapest BLEEP around. The work will probably start Wednesday, which means that for a week, the dish washer is out of commission.

Funny thing... if I had caused this in my parents house, ho boy... can you say "grounded" and "under severe restriction"? But, because it's my mother in my house, all I can do is grin and bear it.

I'll let everyone know when the Don'tFundMe page is up....

That sounds overly involved and far too expensive.

My wife and I recently replaced a faucet and a sink drain ourselves. I don't see any damage to the faucet in that photo, and if there is damage to the drain pipe, simply removing and reinstalling a replacement for the damaged section looks like a fairly simple task,

And is there any reason you can't drop the sink back in the hole and seat and seal it yourself? I'm no handyman, and I wouldn't shy away from attempting that job myself.

How does that happen, anyway? I presume the step stool gave way and your mother grabbed onto the sink in an attempt to steady herself, but I don't see how a dislodged sink happens as a result.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on October 17, 2023, 02:31:20 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on October 17, 2023, 12:51:10 PMAnd is there any reason you can't drop the sink back in the hole and seat and seal it yourself? I'm no handyman, and I wouldn't shy away from attempting that job myself.

The sink was not dropped in from the top, but rather glued-in from the bottom of the counter. And, I don't have the time, the equipment, or the patience to jack that sink back up again and glue it back in space. As I stated previously, it would not surprise me if they used the cheapest adhesive to affax the sink to the granite. I do know that, from past experience, going "cheap" tends to be expensive in the long run, while paying a little more for quality ends up bring cheaper in the long run.

Quote from: hbelkins on October 17, 2023, 12:51:10 PMHow does that happen, anyway? I presume the step stool gave way and your mother grabbed onto the sink in an attempt to steady herself, but I don't see how a dislodged sink happens as a result.

She literally climbed onto the counter. When her leg slipped, her right root ended up in the left side of the sink and down it went. She is paying 100% for the repairs.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on October 17, 2023, 02:36:52 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on October 17, 2023, 10:28:29 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on October 17, 2023, 08:52:09 AMThis is the result of a 82yo mother watering the plants without me knowing about it because I've protested so many times that it isn't safe. Instead of bringing in a stepladder from the garage, she grabs a 1 foot riser to climb up to the counter, and her foot slipped. The cost of the repair will be $1,200 minimum, and will involve a plumber coming out to disconnect the sink and inspect for pipe damage, followed by a epoxy person to glue the sink back up, followed by the plumber to rehook up the plumbing. It would not surprise me if the original installation used the absolutely cheapest BLEEP around. The work will probably start Wednesday, which means that for a week, the dish washer is out of commission.

I'd say you had a narrow escape, as that kind of a fall can easily lead to lasting debility. My great-grandmother and her mother spent their last five and eight years respectively (including five years bedridden in both cases) with fractured hips as a result of falls.

Ditto with my mother (still living) who is now 95, she has fractured both hips due to falls. My brother lives with her full-time and takes care of her (he is a saint). Thankfully he is also retired. I think my mom indicated she wanted to spend her remaining days at home (did not want to go to assisted living) and my brother is honoring that request.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on October 17, 2023, 02:39:58 PM

Wow, she is lucky. It could have easily been much worse.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on October 17, 2023, 09:53:10 PM

Quote from: tchafe1978 on October 15, 2023, 11:37:46 PM
So are tweets now called X-crements? Or X-cretions? Is the act of tweeting now called X-creting? Inquiring minds want to know.

(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRRnNHxO5BFYGr0ECcOKcLqS0vM1vhiwtwCQw&usqp=CAU)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on October 17, 2023, 11:57:41 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on October 17, 2023, 10:28:29 AM
Quote from: US 89 on October 17, 2023, 09:58:34 AMOr just go the whole hog. When UDOT had to renumber everything on I-15 through the Wasatch Front, they did the entire thing south to north over a span of a few months. No need for any "old exit xx" business.

Wasn't that to adjust milepointing that was up to four miles off in certain locations?

It was. The reason it was off is because when exit numbers were introduced across Utah in the early 1980s, there was still a big gap in I-15 from Scipio to south of Mona (apparently known as the "Nephi Death Strip" or "Levan Death Strip") and the ultimate alignment of 15 through Nephi and southern Juab County remained unclear. That meant UDOT had to guess how long the unconstructed stretch was going to be in order to number everything from Mona north. They guessed too high.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on October 20, 2023, 09:14:33 PM

John Gray said "X, which we always call Twitter" on this week's Empire State Weekly. The graphic even used the old logo. I'm not linking to it directly since the show is about New York state politics, but it's on news10.com (News -> Empire State Weekly -> the most recent episode from today (on the left as of right now) -> about 9:50 in).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 20, 2023, 09:40:52 PM

I recently heard a lady on NPR completely fall over herself when she realized she'd said Twitter.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on October 21, 2023, 05:04:48 PM

I'm too perplexed by what Elon has done to care about what anyone calls the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on October 21, 2023, 05:33:36 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 20, 2023, 09:40:52 PM
I recently heard a lady on NPR completely fall over herself when she realized she'd said Twitter.

You'd think NPR would be those who willingly refuse to say X to refer to Twitter.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on October 21, 2023, 05:54:51 PM

Most NPR reporters seem to be sticking with "X, formerly known as Twitter".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on October 21, 2023, 07:01:50 PM

Quote from: LilianaUwU on October 21, 2023, 05:33:36 PM
Quote from: kphoger on October 20, 2023, 09:40:52 PM
I recently heard a lady on NPR completely fall over herself when she realized she'd said Twitter.
You'd think NPR would be those who willingly refuse to say X to refer to Twitter.

I think a major tenet of journalism is to get easily verifiable information correct, explaining it on an eighth-grade level, and realizing everyone cannot possibly be "on the same page" at all times; even if you don't agree nor care.

I still don't get why one would take a major well-known brand – especially one that was nearly in the realm of genericized trademark – and rename it for any logical reason other than vanity or litigation purposes. I bet the average Joe knew exactly what a "tweet" was even if they had no account on that social media site. Whereas most social media uses "posts", which is an interchangeable word for many types in of user-supplied publicly-visible information on the Internet.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on October 21, 2023, 09:22:02 PM

Quote from: formulanone on October 21, 2023, 07:01:50 PM
I still don't get why one would take a major well-known brand – especially one that was nearly in the realm of genericized trademark – and rename it for any logical reason other than vanity or litigation purposes.

It certainly seems like something that someone that isn't very good at running a business would do.

The name X itself is problematic, despite it having the cool factor of only being a single character, because it can be ambiguous or confusing in a sentence since it sounds a lot like the common prefix ex-. Even if you restrict yourself from using the former name, for clarity a lot of times you'd have to say something like "the website X" or "X, the social media site". I think we're in for the long haul with the phrase "formerly known as Twitter"—perhaps Elon should open a branch office in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on October 21, 2023, 10:02:49 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on October 17, 2023, 08:52:09 AM
Can anyone tell me what's wrong with this picture?

(https://i.ibb.co/CQP7XRk/Kitchen-Sink.png) (https://ibb.co/CQP7XRk)

This is the result of a 82yo mother watering the plants without me knowing about it because I've protested so many times that it isn't safe. Instead of bringing in a stepladder from the garage, she grabs a 1 foot riser to climb up to the counter, and her foot slipped. The cost of the repair will be $1,200 minimum, and will involve a plumber coming out to disconnect the sink and inspect for pipe damage, followed by a epoxy person to glue the sink back up, followed by the plumber to rehook up the plumbing. It would not surprise me if the original installation used the absolutely cheapest BLEEP around. The work will probably start Wednesday, which means that for a week, the dish washer is out of commission.

The sink repair was completed last Tuesday, and thankfully, no damage to the plumbing (I was worried about cracks in the drain pipe). In addition to re-gluing the sink, bracing was put into place to prevent the sink from dropping again. $850 total which I was surprised with, and the contractor was paid within 12 hours of the receipt of the bill.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on October 22, 2023, 05:30:46 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on August 09, 2023, 11:39:06 AM
When did the first day of school move from "just after Labor Day" to "beginning of August"? I know that when I took community college ages ago, they moved the start of the fall semester two week to mid-August so that finals took place in December instead of the beginning of January. It also interfered with attending the California State Fair.

I always saw that as a regional thing more than anything else. I remember as a kid in the 1970's seeing news stories about schools starting in August and ending in May, mostly in the south and midwest, but some have been as far north as parts of New Jersey.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 24, 2023, 12:55:07 PM

Microsoft silently un-supporting certain hotkeys.

For example, in Word, I used to be able to insert a column break by hitting Alt+I (insert), then B (break), then C (column), then Enter. Easty to remember, no need to even use the mouse. Now Alt+I doesn't do anything at all. So I have to hunt through the menus to try and figure out how to add a column break.

What would have been the problem with continuing to support the hotkeys?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 25, 2023, 12:55:25 PM

Why is it that, when I plug a kitchen appliance (electric skillet, blender, coffee maker, bottle warmer) into the countertop power outlet, the chance of my having to flip the plug around is well above fifty percent?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on October 25, 2023, 01:33:27 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 24, 2023, 12:55:07 PM
Microsoft silently un-supporting certain hotkeys.

For example, in Word, I used to be able to insert a column break by hitting Alt+I (insert), then B (break), then C (column), then Enter. Easty to remember, no need to even use the mouse. Now Alt+I doesn't do anything at all. So I have to hunt through the menus to try and figure out how to add a column break.

What would have been the problem with continuing to support the hotkeys?

The one that drives me nuts is Alt+D+F to turn on a filter in Excel. No longer works.

Quote from: kphoger on October 25, 2023, 12:55:25 PM
Why is it that, when I plug a kitchen appliance (electric skillet, blender, coffee maker, bottle warmer) into the countertop power outlet, the chance of my having to flip the plug around is well above fifty percent?

I have a California king bed, so the length and width dimensions aren't too far different. Yet, if I try to put a random corner of a fitted sheet on it, I'm wrong 75% of the time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on October 25, 2023, 02:26:56 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 25, 2023, 12:55:25 PMWhy is it that, when I plug a kitchen appliance (electric skillet, blender, coffee maker, bottle warmer) into the countertop power outlet, the chance of my having to flip the plug around is well above fifty percent?

I'm going to assume that this is about a range of NEMA 1-15 (two-pin polarized) plugs and a NEMA 5-15 (three-pin polarized, with one of the three being for grounding) outlet.

In most North American homes I have lived in or visited, NEMA 5-15 outlets have been installed with the grounding slot on the bottom, but the NEMA standard governing this configuration actually calls for it to be on the top (as is also the norm for the three-slot BS 1363 outlet design used in Britain). In other words, most NEMA 5-15 outlets--including, presumably, the one in your kitchen--are upside down.

In spite of this, however, I suspect that most appliances intended for the North American market are designed so that if the cord is fully unspooled and laid out in the minimum-torque position, the NEMA 1-15 plug at the end is oriented so that the wider blade is on the right when it needs to be on the left to slide into an upside-down NEMA 5-15 outlet. Thus, you find yourself zigging when you need to zag most of the time, unless you adopt a protocol of finding the wider pin and holding it to the left as you straighten out the cord.

This type of confusion is far less likely to occur in Britain because it is the norm for the cord to connect to the plug from the side and at the bottom (away from the grounding pin), not from the back as in North America. Wall-mounted BS 1363 outlets are also invariably installed right side up.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on October 25, 2023, 03:00:42 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 25, 2023, 12:55:25 PM
Why is it that, when I plug a kitchen appliance (electric skillet, blender, coffee maker, bottle warmer) into the countertop power outlet, the chance of my having to flip the plug around is well above fifty percent?

It's like trying to insert a USB stick into a computer. Seems like 75% of the time it's upside down.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on October 25, 2023, 03:03:52 PM

Quote from: dlsterner on October 25, 2023, 03:00:42 PM
Quote from: kphoger on October 25, 2023, 12:55:25 PM
Why is it that, when I plug a kitchen appliance (electric skillet, blender, coffee maker, bottle warmer) into the countertop power outlet, the chance of my having to flip the plug around is well above fifty percent?

It's like trying to insert a USB stick into a computer. Seems like 75% of the time it's upside down.

It has to do with why a dropped piece of toast always lands buttered side down.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 25, 2023, 03:18:48 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on October 25, 2023, 02:26:56 PM
the NEMA standard governing this configuration actually calls for it to be on the top

Source, please? I was under the impression that, notwithstanding a chart illustrating common receptacle types that indeed shows the ground pin on top, no such NEMA standard actually exists.

ETA: In fact, I'll double-down on this. If you can find me any rule in the NEC or NEMA standards that specifies which orientation to install a 5-15 outlet, I'll buy you a cup of 100% Colombian arabica coffee with real dairy cream.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on October 25, 2023, 03:43:21 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 25, 2023, 03:18:48 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on October 25, 2023, 02:26:56 PMthe NEMA standard governing this configuration actually calls for it to be on the top

Source, please? I was under the impression that, notwithstanding a chart illustrating common receptacle types that indeed shows the ground pin on top, no such NEMA standard actually exists.

ETA: In fact, I'll double-down on this. If you can find me any rule in the NEC or NEMA standards that specifies which orientation to install a 5-15 outlet, I'll buy you a cup of 100% Colombian arabica coffee with real dairy cream.

This image from Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets#/media/File:Domestic_AC_Type_B_USA.jpg) cites NECA 130-2010.

This said, I don't know if this means that an upside-down outlet would be considered noncompliant with the standard, and from the vantage point of plug design, I don't think that matters. If the standard specifies grounding-pin-up as the default, even if outlets in the wild with pin down, left, or right are all considered compliant, then an appliance designer is going to design the plug so that the grounding pin is up or the wider blade is on the right (as applicable).

In Britain, I suspect a BS 1363 outlet installed upside down would be considered noncompliant. But I haven't actually checked this against any edition of that standard.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Dirt Roads on October 25, 2023, 04:15:31 PM

^^^^
There's nothing in the National Electric Code (NFPA-70) that specifies the orientation of the ground pin. The traditional theory is for household uses, the ground pin is located on the bottom because most people wrap their finger around the bottom of a three-prong plug and if their fingers slip, they would contact the ground pin. For industrial uses, the ground pin should be located on the top because if a loose conductor comes down on a loose plug (or pulls it out) it would contact the ground pin first (hopefully causing a short-circuit and tripping the power in the loose wire). For receptacles mounted on a cross-brace (most people think of this as sideways), the ground pin would then be on the left side for household use (finger wrap around the ground pin for right-handed individuals); but then the ground pin would on also be the left side for industrial use (in this case, the grounded neutral wire would be in the upmost position).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 25, 2023, 04:58:24 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on October 25, 2023, 03:43:21 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 25, 2023, 03:18:48 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on October 25, 2023, 02:26:56 PMthe NEMA standard governing this configuration actually calls for it to be on the top

Source, please? I was under the impression that, notwithstanding a chart illustrating common receptacle types that indeed shows the ground pin on top, no such NEMA standard actually exists.

ETA: In fact, I'll double-down on this. If you can find me any rule in the NEC or NEMA standards that specifies which orientation to install a 5-15 outlet, I'll buy you a cup of 100% Colombian arabica coffee with real dairy cream.

This image from Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets#/media/File:Domestic_AC_Type_B_USA.jpg) cites NECA 130-2010.

This said, I don't know if this means that an upside-down outlet would be considered noncompliant with the standard, and from the vantage point of plug design, I don't think that matters. If the standard specifies grounding-pin-up as the default, even if outlets in the wild with pin down, left, or right are all considered compliant, then an appliance designer is going to design the plug so that the grounding pin is up or the wider blade is on the right (as applicable).

I hunted it down.

Quote from: National Electrical Contractors Association
NECA 130-2010
Standard for Installing and Maintaining Wiring Devices
An American National Standard

5 — Installation

5.5.2 — Receptacles

e) — Grounding-type receptacles mounted vertically should have the grounding conductor opening at the top. Receptacles mounted in the horizontal position should be mounted with the neutral conductor (long slot) up.

Casey's? What date and time?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on October 26, 2023, 07:43:08 AM

Our friend Technology Connections has a video on this very topic. I watched the whole thing when the video came out a month ago, so to suddenly see the topic spring up here seems like funny timing:

https://youtu.be/vNj75gJVxcE?si=91GAuAOQ24uTT5NA

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on October 26, 2023, 07:56:00 AM

oh :-o

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 26, 2023, 11:01:07 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on October 26, 2023, 07:43:08 AM
Our friend Technology Connections has a video on this very topic. I watched the whole thing when the video came out a month ago, so to suddenly see the topic spring up here seems like funny timing:

Yes, I had watched it too, so it was still fairly fresh in my mind.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on October 26, 2023, 12:51:44 PM

Quote from: dlsterner on October 25, 2023, 03:00:42 PM
Quote from: kphoger on October 25, 2023, 12:55:25 PM
Why is it that, when I plug a kitchen appliance (electric skillet, blender, coffee maker, bottle warmer) into the countertop power outlet, the chance of my having to flip the plug around is well above fifty percent?

It's like trying to insert a USB stick into a computer. Seems like 75% of the time it's upside down.

Or a Micro USB cable.

Quote from: jakeroot on October 26, 2023, 07:43:08 AM
Our friend Technology Connections has a video on this very topic. I watched the whole thing when the video came out a month ago, so to suddenly see the topic spring up here seems like funny timing:

https://youtu.be/vNj75gJVxcE?si=91GAuAOQ24uTT5NA

My house, built in 1977, has its plugs like this. My office, built five years ago, has them flipped with the ground on top. So something has changed in the intervening 40 years.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: gonealookin on October 26, 2023, 09:55:07 PM

"Crazy Train" is kind of everywhere, but I'm bothered that Ozzy has sold the rights to it to dreck like Applebee's.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on October 26, 2023, 10:13:56 PM

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53287532667_996357791d_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2pbQwXe)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on October 27, 2023, 02:55:44 PM

This is both somewhat annoying and weird: Whenever I use Google Maps to get walking directions, the software zooms the map way the heck out before I can put in the location for the other end of the directions. I was just looking at it to figure out the walking distance from the hotel for a business trip I'm taking to Seattle. I put in the work location and then clicked the icon for walking. Before I could click on the origin point or type in the address, it zoomed so far out that the area on the far side of the SR-520 bridge was visible on the map (it showed that as being an 8.4-mile walk, for whatever it's worth). What idiot programmer thought that made sense? Shouldn't the map zoom in closer if you click the icon for walking directions under the theory that most people will only want walking directions for shorter distances?

I suppose in this case it wasn't a major annoyance because I had the hotel's address written down and could type it in. It's more of a nuisance when you don't know the specific address and you just want to click in the general vicinity or on a location's map icon because then you have to zoom right back in to where it was before.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on October 27, 2023, 03:11:26 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on October 27, 2023, 02:55:44 PM
This is both somewhat annoying and weird: Whenever I use Google Maps to get walking directions, the software zooms the map way the heck out before I can put in the location for the other end of the directions. I was just looking at it to figure out the walking distance from the hotel for a business trip I'm taking to Seattle. I put in the work location and then clicked the icon for walking. Before I could click on the origin point or type in the address, it zoomed so far out that the area on the far side of the SR-520 bridge was visible on the map (it showed that as being an 8.4-mile walk, for whatever it's worth). What idiot programmer thought that made sense? Shouldn't the map zoom in closer if you click the icon for walking directions under the theory that most people will only want walking directions for shorter distances?

I just don't like that it re-zooms when I do almost anything. By golly, if I zoomed in, I want it to stay zoomed in.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on October 27, 2023, 03:51:22 PM

Scheduling flu shots, etc. online with a pharmacy.

* pick a location
* pick a day
* "there are appointments available at this location, click to view"
* click
* "no appointments available on this date, try another"

The "show availability on a calendar" feature is something airlines and hotels figured out a thousand years ago. I should be able to find things like "earliest available slot, any day, within 10 miles" or "first morning appoinment, any day, within 10 miles", or at least "first available slot, any day, at this location".

But instead I have to play this insane guessing game

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on October 27, 2023, 03:55:58 PM

Quote from: kurumi on October 27, 2023, 03:51:22 PM
Scheduling flu shots, etc. online with a pharmacy.

* pick a location
* pick a day
* "there are appointments available at this location, click to view"
* click
* "no appointments available on this date, try another"

The "show availability on a calendar" feature is something airlines and hotels figured out a thousand years ago. I should be able to find things like "earliest available slot, any day, within 10 miles" or "first morning appoinment, any day, within 10 miles", or at least "first available slot, any day, at this location".

But instead I have to play this insane guessing game

Agree completely. We're three years into the pandemic, and it's still insane to try to get an appointment online.

One of my neighbors told me that there was usually no wait early in the mornings at a specific pharmacy and I should just show up. I did and it worked fine.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on October 27, 2023, 03:58:55 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on October 27, 2023, 02:55:44 PM
This is both somewhat annoying and weird: Whenever I use Google Maps to get walking directions, the software zooms the map way the heck out before I can put in the location for the other end of the directions. I was just looking at it to figure out the walking distance from the hotel for a business trip I'm taking to Seattle. I put in the work location and then clicked the icon for walking. Before I could click on the origin point or type in the address, it zoomed so far out that the area on the far side of the SR-520 bridge was visible on the map (it showed that as being an 8.4-mile walk, for whatever it's worth). What idiot programmer thought that made sense? Shouldn't the map zoom in closer if you click the icon for walking directions under the theory that most people will only want walking directions for shorter distances?

I suppose in this case it wasn't a major annoyance because I had the hotel's address written down and could type it in. It's more of a nuisance when you don't know the specific address and you just want to click in the general vicinity or on a location's map icon because then you have to zoom right back in to where it was before.

Just tested it out and after putting in an origin and switching to walking, my desktop version of Google Maps didn't zoom in or out.

Anyways, Google's walking directions are a bit funky. They don't seem to account for hilly terrain, congested sidewalks, or long waits at signals, so I usually pad out the time a bit in my head.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on October 27, 2023, 04:03:29 PM

Quote from: Bruce on October 27, 2023, 03:58:55 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 27, 2023, 02:55:44 PM
This is both somewhat annoying and weird: Whenever I use Google Maps to get walking directions, the software zooms the map way the heck out before I can put in the location for the other end of the directions. I was just looking at it to figure out the walking distance from the hotel for a business trip I'm taking to Seattle. I put in the work location and then clicked the icon for walking. Before I could click on the origin point or type in the address, it zoomed so far out that the area on the far side of the SR-520 bridge was visible on the map (it showed that as being an 8.4-mile walk, for whatever it's worth). What idiot programmer thought that made sense? Shouldn't the map zoom in closer if you click the icon for walking directions under the theory that most people will only want walking directions for shorter distances?

I suppose in this case it wasn't a major annoyance because I had the hotel's address written down and could type it in. It's more of a nuisance when you don't know the specific address and you just want to click in the general vicinity or on a location's map icon because then you have to zoom right back in to where it was before.

Just tested it out and after putting in an origin and switching to walking, my desktop version of Google Maps didn't zoom in or out.

Anyways, Google's walking directions are a bit funky. They don't seem to account for hilly terrain, congested sidewalks, or long waits at signals, so I usually pad out the time a bit in my head.

Funnily enough, I do the opposite. I'm 6'4" and walk quickly. I never take as long to walk somewhere as GMaps says.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bm7 on October 27, 2023, 11:48:09 PM

Quote from: Bruce on October 27, 2023, 03:58:55 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 27, 2023, 02:55:44 PM
This is both somewhat annoying and weird: Whenever I use Google Maps to get walking directions, the software zooms the map way the heck out before I can put in the location for the other end of the directions. I was just looking at it to figure out the walking distance from the hotel for a business trip I'm taking to Seattle. I put in the work location and then clicked the icon for walking. Before I could click on the origin point or type in the address, it zoomed so far out that the area on the far side of the SR-520 bridge was visible on the map (it showed that as being an 8.4-mile walk, for whatever it's worth). What idiot programmer thought that made sense? Shouldn't the map zoom in closer if you click the icon for walking directions under the theory that most people will only want walking directions for shorter distances?

I suppose in this case it wasn't a major annoyance because I had the hotel's address written down and could type it in. It's more of a nuisance when you don't know the specific address and you just want to click in the general vicinity or on a location's map icon because then you have to zoom right back in to where it was before.

Just tested it out and after putting in an origin and switching to walking, my desktop version of Google Maps didn't zoom in or out.

Anyways, Google's walking directions are a bit funky. They don't seem to account for hilly terrain, congested sidewalks, or long waits at signals, so I usually pad out the time a bit in my head.

It's been happening to me for a while in the browser, but I tried it just now and it didn't zoom out. Maybe they've fixed it, at least for some users?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on October 28, 2023, 02:57:09 AM

Quote from: Bruce on October 27, 2023, 03:58:55 PM
Just tested it out and after putting in an origin and switching to walking, my desktop version of Google Maps didn't zoom in or out.

Anyways, Google's walking directions are a bit funky. They don't seem to account for hilly terrain, congested sidewalks, or long waits at signals, so I usually pad out the time a bit in my head.

I checked Google's walking directions from my home to my workplace. Despite it being a 1 mile journey, Google's suggested route has me crossing a very busy boulevard at a non-signalized "intersection". Sorry, but I'm not playing dodge-em's with the traffic.

I also hate the fact that I'm WFH-ing because I'm an adult caregiver.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on October 28, 2023, 07:57:53 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on October 28, 2023, 02:57:09 AM
I also hate the fact that I'm WFH-ing because I'm an adult caregiver.

So, you care for someone in your own home.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on October 28, 2023, 09:43:48 AM

Quote from: Rothman on October 28, 2023, 07:57:53 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on October 28, 2023, 02:57:09 AM
I also hate the fact that I'm WFH-ing because I'm an adult caregiver.

So, you care for someone in your own home.

I first read it as he was an adult caregiver, somehow doing it remotely while staying at home.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on October 28, 2023, 11:03:22 AM

Quote from: GaryV on October 28, 2023, 09:43:48 AM
Quote from: Rothman on October 28, 2023, 07:57:53 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on October 28, 2023, 02:57:09 AM
I also hate the fact that I'm WFH-ing because I'm an adult caregiver.

So, you care for someone in your own home.

I first read it as he was an adult caregiver, somehow doing it remotely while staying at home.

Looks like I have to clarify here. When I was job relocated at the beginning of 2019, one of my top goals was to purchase a decent home within walking distance of my workplace so that I did not have to deal with the DFW traffic, and it just happened that I am also close by a fire station, a major medical center, and a short drive (5 minutes) to a DART Light Rail station. My now-82yo mother decided to move in with me so that "I wouldn't have to worry about her". Last year, she had health issues, and they are at a point where I do not feel comfortable leaving her alone at home for extended periods of time. Thankfully, I have excellent Internet connectivity, and through a VPN, I can 100% do my job at home. It just bothers me every time I have to drive to work (2-3 minutes) when it could have been a nice healthy walk, but I want to keep my mother happy even though she hates Texas. Unfortunately, moving anywhere is not an option, and moving back to California is completely off the table.

Not fun as it has meant multiple sacrifices in my own life. Road trips? Maybe, someday....

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on October 28, 2023, 01:36:44 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on October 28, 2023, 11:03:22 AM
Quote from: GaryV on October 28, 2023, 09:43:48 AM
Quote from: Rothman on October 28, 2023, 07:57:53 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on October 28, 2023, 02:57:09 AM
I also hate the fact that I'm WFH-ing because I'm an adult caregiver.

So, you care for someone in your own home.

I first read it as he was an adult caregiver, somehow doing it remotely while staying at home.

Looks like I have to clarify here. When I was job relocated at the beginning of 2019, one of my top goals was to purchase a decent home within walking distance of my workplace so that I did not have to deal with the DFW traffic, and it just happened that I am also close by a fire station, a major medical center, and a short drive (5 minutes) to a DART Light Rail station. My now-82yo mother decided to move in with me so that "I wouldn't have to worry about her". Last year, she had health issues, and they are at a point where I do not feel comfortable leaving her alone at home for extended periods of time. Thankfully, I have excellent Internet connectivity, and through a VPN, I can 100% do my job at home. It just bothers me every time I have to drive to work (2-3 minutes) when it could have been a nice healthy walk, but I want to keep my mother happy even though she hates Texas. Unfortunately, moving anywhere is not an option, and moving back to California is completely off the table.

Not fun as it has meant multiple sacrifices in my own life. Road trips? Maybe, someday....

But you said you hated WFH, which is what is enabling you to take care of your mother?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on October 28, 2023, 01:45:36 PM

Quote from: Rothman on October 28, 2023, 01:36:44 PMBut you said you hated WFH, which is what is enabling you to take care of your mother?

Yes, I do. Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but I like to have that hard barrier between "work life" and "home life". I converted one of the bedrooms to a home office/computer room (complete with EIGHT network ports) with the intention of only occasionally working from home. But, I want to be the dutiful and well-caring son especially since I have no other family in the area either in Dallas or in Sacramento.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on October 28, 2023, 10:24:40 PM

The fact that is is not possible, for some reason, to switch to the Disney Duo Premium bundle with a Hulu-originated account. Instead I have to cancel my Hulu account so that I can sign up for the bundle via Disney+ next week when the cancellation takes effect.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on November 13, 2023, 10:44:15 AM

Sigh... The fight between myself and my frugal mother.

We have one of those Keurig coffee makers which I had originally purchased in 2014-2015. It's one of those infamous "Keurig 2.0" coffee makers that had that coffee DRM that only accepted the coffee pods that was "blessed" by Keurig. It was put back into service at the beginning of the year after being in storage to make things easier for my mother. However, because of the coffee DRM, I could not utilize the refillable K-cups (https://amzn.to/3sydTwF). I elected to wait until the Black Friday deals, and it turned out that WalMart had a Keurig K-Express Essentials maker for $35 (normally $60, and it's more expensive at Amazon (https://amzn.to/466qOUk)). This was a easy purchase to make, plus the coffee maker takes up less counter space and I can reuse the water filter system.

My frugal mother, however, looks at me at replacing a "perfectly good" coffee maker, and then wants to put the old coffee maker into storage. I can tell from a mile away how this turns out... it'll end up spending a decade collecting dust as it is forgotten. Nope, it went out with Friday's trash. I really have to be frugal with the stuff I place into storage. I understand storing the Holiday decorations, but not old televisions, monitors, or coffee makers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on November 17, 2023, 11:30:43 PM

Quote from: kphoger on October 24, 2023, 12:55:07 PM
Microsoft silently un-supporting certain hotkeys.

For example, in Word, I used to be able to insert a column break by hitting Alt+I (insert), then B (break), then C (column), then Enter. Easty to remember, no need to even use the mouse. Now Alt+I doesn't do anything at all. So I have to hunt through the menus to try and figure out how to add a column break.

What would have been the problem with continuing to support the hotkeys?

What I hate is that once again, they're making it more difficult than it has to be to cut, copy and paste stuff.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on November 18, 2023, 09:46:31 AM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on November 17, 2023, 11:30:43 PM
Quote from: kphoger on October 24, 2023, 12:55:07 PM
Microsoft silently un-supporting certain hotkeys.

For example, in Word, I used to be able to insert a column break by hitting Alt+I (insert), then B (break), then C (column), then Enter. Easty to remember, no need to even use the mouse. Now Alt+I doesn't do anything at all. So I have to hunt through the menus to try and figure out how to add a column break.

What would have been the problem with continuing to support the hotkeys?
What I hate is that once again, they're making it more difficult than it has to be to cut, copy and paste stuff.

THANK you.
When I go to select some text, Microsoft always 'helpfully' assumes I want the whole word. Maybe I don't. If I'd wanted the whole word, I'd have double-clicked it. Maybe it's a single character that's a flying pain in the katuckas to type, and is a lot easier to paste where needed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on November 18, 2023, 05:07:00 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on November 18, 2023, 09:46:31 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on November 17, 2023, 11:30:43 PM
Quote from: kphoger on October 24, 2023, 12:55:07 PM
Microsoft silently un-supporting certain hotkeys.

For example, in Word, I used to be able to insert a column break by hitting Alt+I (insert), then B (break), then C (column), then Enter. Easty to remember, no need to even use the mouse. Now Alt+I doesn't do anything at all. So I have to hunt through the menus to try and figure out how to add a column break.

What would have been the problem with continuing to support the hotkeys?
What I hate is that once again, they're making it more difficult than it has to be to cut, copy and paste stuff.

THANK you.
When I go to select some text, Microsoft always 'helpfully' assumes I want the whole word. Maybe I don't. If I'd wanted the whole word, I'd have double-clicked it. Maybe it's a single character that's a flying pain in the katuckas to type, and is a lot easier to paste where needed.

Or when it tries to select spaces or new lines when I don't want them. I end up having to fix it afterwards because of that. Computers need to stop trying to be "helpful" and just do what they're told.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on November 18, 2023, 10:42:31 PM

Quote from: vdeane on November 18, 2023, 05:07:00 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on November 18, 2023, 09:46:31 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on November 17, 2023, 11:30:43 PM
Quote from: kphoger on October 24, 2023, 12:55:07 PM
Microsoft silently un-supporting certain hotkeys.

For example, in Word, I used to be able to insert a column break by hitting Alt+I (insert), then B (break), then C (column), then Enter. Easty to remember, no need to even use the mouse. Now Alt+I doesn't do anything at all. So I have to hunt through the menus to try and figure out how to add a column break.

What would have been the problem with continuing to support the hotkeys?
What I hate is that once again, they're making it more difficult than it has to be to cut, copy and paste stuff.

THANK you.
When I go to select some text, Microsoft always 'helpfully' assumes I want the whole word. Maybe I don't. If I'd wanted the whole word, I'd have double-clicked it. Maybe it's a single character that's a flying pain in the katuckas to type, and is a lot easier to paste where needed.
Or when it tries to select spaces or new lines when I don't want them. I end up having to fix it afterwards because of that. Computers need to stop trying to be "helpful" and just do what they're told.

I hate when autocomplete fills in the same search I tried a few minutes ago and didn't get useful results and I'm trying to do a more general search with fewer words. No, I really don't need to repeat exactly the same search!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on November 19, 2023, 03:47:48 PM

I honestly hate how it's impossible to find things like TVs and cars that aren't listening to every word you say and giving all your data to corporations these days. People say "well you phone does, so why do you care?" as if they don't know that the extent that phones do this can be strictly limited. I don't use social media apps (which are the main culprits in the first place). I turn off "OK Google". I don't navigate by Google Maps turn by turn directions. During COVID I even had location services turned off except for the rare occasion when I explicitly need them (and now that I know they impact battery life, might go back to that). My use of a smartphone is like someone from 10-15 years ago, where it's a convenience for when I'm out and need to quickly look something up or read something while bored, but the vast majority of my interaction with the internet is still with a "real computer". I honestly don't understand why more people aren't like this.

Really, I hate the way technology is going in general. There are reasons why I abandoned Windows for Linux and Chrome for Vivaldi. I'm considering abandoning Android for the rare real Linux phone too, for the same reason. Too bad one can't do so with cars (not sure about TVs). I feel like my ability to embrace new ways of interacting with technology fossilized around 2010.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 19, 2023, 07:16:03 PM

I'm the same way—sometimes I worry that it may be a sign I'm getting old and set in my ways. But in many ways 2010 was the start of many of the trends now recognized as enshittification (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enshittification). (Is it really being an old person if it really was objectively better in our day?)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on November 19, 2023, 07:23:09 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 19, 2023, 07:16:03 PM
I'm the same way—sometimes I worry that it may be a sign I'm getting old and set in my ways. But in many ways 2010 was the start of many of the trends now recognized as enshittification (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enshittification). (Is it really being an old person if it really was objectively better in our day?)

I have a new favorite term now.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on November 20, 2023, 08:30:57 AM

Pay walls on news websites.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on November 20, 2023, 09:00:32 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 19, 2023, 07:16:03 PM
I'm the same way—sometimes I worry that it may be a sign I'm getting old and set in my ways. But in many ways 2010 was the start of many of the trends now recognized as enshittification (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enshittification). (Is it really being an old person if it really was objectively better in our day?)

I agree to a point. I paid for the phone, the TV, and the car, and when those transactions are completed then so also should be all contact. The websites and social media platforms, maybe not so much. As has been said for a long time -- if you're not paying for the product then YOU are the product. These outfits have employees and tons of physical tech equipment, and they don't owe it to anyone so that the massed millions can send memes and cat videos. Someone's paying for it, and the someones are doing so by purchasing your personal info.

Quote from: roadman65 on November 20, 2023, 08:30:57 AM
Pay walls on news websites.

Because they owe you the content, right? See above.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on November 20, 2023, 09:05:02 AM

SiriusXM sent me a "This Is Your Last Call" email about paying for the service now that my free intro is over. We'll see. I still expect regular emails from them. At least I could block their phone spam.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on November 20, 2023, 10:32:41 AM

Quote from: GaryV on November 20, 2023, 09:05:02 AMSiriusXM sent me a "This Is Your Last Call" email about paying for the service now that my free intro is over. We'll see. I still expect regular emails from them. At least I could block their phone spam.

I cancelled SiriusXM once I got unlimited data on my mobile. I have plenty of music available through my media server via PlexAmp, Apple Music (though my mobile plan), Amazon Music, and Radio Garden (https://markholtz.info/radiogarden). Plus Audible downloads. The inability to do road trips due to adult caregiver role does not help.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on November 20, 2023, 10:39:20 AM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on November 18, 2023, 09:46:31 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on November 17, 2023, 11:30:43 PM
Quote from: kphoger on October 24, 2023, 12:55:07 PM
Microsoft silently un-supporting certain hotkeys.

For example, in Word, I used to be able to insert a column break by hitting Alt+I (insert), then B (break), then C (column), then Enter. Easty to remember, no need to even use the mouse. Now Alt+I doesn't do anything at all. So I have to hunt through the menus to try and figure out how to add a column break.

What would have been the problem with continuing to support the hotkeys?
What I hate is that once again, they're making it more difficult than it has to be to cut, copy and paste stuff.

THANK you.
When I go to select some text, Microsoft always 'helpfully' assumes I want the whole word. Maybe I don't. If I'd wanted the whole word, I'd have double-clicked it. Maybe it's a single character that's a flying pain in the katuckas to type, and is a lot easier to paste where needed.

You can turn off "whole word selection" in MS Word. Click Options > Advanced > uncheck the second box from the top, "When selecting, automatically select entire word."

The feature I find annoying is the one that anonymizes all redlines and comment bubbles when a document is saved. We make extensive use of both tracked changes and comment bubbles and it is really important to know who made a particular edit or left a particular comment. I disabled the "anonymize on save" feature by default, but there are still some documents where Word attempts to do it and I have to remember to check the setting every time I go to save something. (Speaking of comment bubbles, Microsoft changed the way they work in the newest version of Word, but you can change that back by unchecking the box for "Enable modern comments" in Options > General. I unchecked that box because I found the new style very distracting and because I'm used to hitting Alt-I, then M to leave a comment. Turning off "modern comments" re-enabled that keyboard shortcut.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on November 20, 2023, 11:25:50 AM

^^^
Thank you for reminding me to investigate how to turn off superscripting of ordinals. I hate when I want to type 2nd or 3rd and Outlook turns it into 2^nd and 3^rd.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on November 20, 2023, 11:48:32 AM

Quote from: hbelkins on November 20, 2023, 11:25:50 AM
^^^
Thank you for reminding me to investigate how to turn off superscripting of ordinals. I hate when I want to type 2nd or 3rd and Outlook turns it into 2^nd and 3^rd.

What bothers me of ordinals is if I see a space between the number and the ordinal and/or there is a period after the ordinal. I have seen those too often, more so the space being used on highway signs.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on November 20, 2023, 12:29:49 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on November 20, 2023, 11:25:50 AM
^^^
Thank you for reminding me to investigate how to turn off superscripting of ordinals. I hate when I want to type 2nd or 3rd and Outlook turns it into 2^nd and 3^rd.

In Word, File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options > AutoFormat as you type > uncheck the box to replace ordinals with a superscript.

That's one of the first things I change when I have a new copy of Word because the standard in legal citation is not to use the superscript (e.g., 4th Cir., 9th Cir. etc.—although "second" and "third" aren't an issue because legal citation uses "2d" and "3d" and Word doesn't recognize those as ordinals and so doesn't change them).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on November 20, 2023, 12:44:31 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on November 20, 2023, 09:00:32 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 19, 2023, 07:16:03 PM
I'm the same way—sometimes I worry that it may be a sign I'm getting old and set in my ways. But in many ways 2010 was the start of many of the trends now recognized as enshittification (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enshittification). (Is it really being an old person if it really was objectively better in our day?)

I agree to a point. I paid for the phone, the TV, and the car, and when those transactions are completed then so also should be all contact. The websites and social media platforms, maybe not so much. As has been said for a long time -- if you're not paying for the product then YOU are the product. These outfits have employees and tons of physical tech equipment, and they don't owe it to anyone so that the massed millions can send memes and cat videos. Someone's paying for it, and the someones are doing so by purchasing your personal info.

Quote from: roadman65 on November 20, 2023, 08:30:57 AM
Pay walls on news websites.

Because they owe you the content, right? See above.

I think I'm too used to news articles being aggregated by things like social media and Google News and choosing them a la carte to go back to the old way of subscribing to one or two newspapers and getting all my news exclusively from them. Maybe if there was some browser extension or something that would allow me to pay a monthly bill for just what I specifically read? Otherwise, preserving the current way of browsing would require dozens of subscriptions, which is hardly practical. It's bad enough I have to do something similar with streaming services (I swear, it now costs more than cable to watch what used to be $7.99/month on Netflix combined with Hulu being free).

Regarding making money by selling personal info - it's disputed whether individually targeted advertising actually makes advertisers money at all. Of course, once an idea goes viral, it's impossible to dislodge, even if it's wrong. See also how the streaming wars still rage, despite the fact that every single company that has tried to create their own Netflix has lost money as a result. The model is a big fat failure, but the companies and investors have convinced themselves that This Is The Way (TM), and no amount of evidence will show them otherwise. Ads targeted based on the broad demographics that view a site would be much less invasive and I would suspect more profitable. After all, who buys something based on an ad for something they already bought?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on November 20, 2023, 02:53:11 PM

I disagree with the premise that free access to a platform (whether social media or a search engine) necessarily justifies the platform providers' monetizing user data. Yes, there may be a contract in the narrow technical sense that consideration has been received (free access in exchange for data), but it is grotesquely one-sided because each provider is so much larger than any individual user, and none of us was given a chance to negotiate either how much we give up or what we get in return. Maybe a fair deal is Facebook paying me a royalty every month on top of free access. (Does this sound entitled? Of course it does! In business you rarely get ahead by negotiating against yourself.)

The concept of enshittification is essentially Cory Doctorow seeking to marketize these and related arguments for consumer-focused regulation. The underlying concepts are not new. Roger McNamee (early Facebook investor turned critic of the platform) illustrated just how one-sided the relationship is between Facebook and its users in his book Zucked, and none other than Tim Berners-Lee (inventor of the World Wide Web) has made the case for users' ownership of their own data, including full portability.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on November 20, 2023, 03:35:18 PM

As long as they tell you what they're going to do before they do it (and I know, they keep coming up with new stuff as the technology gets more complex), you have the option to either use or not use their services.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 20, 2023, 10:00:20 PM

And by and large, I don't use social media. Partly for this reason, partly because there's not really anything on it that I really care about getting involved in.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on November 20, 2023, 10:08:18 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 20, 2023, 10:00:20 PM
And by and large, I don't use social media. Partly for this reason, partly because there's not really anything on it that I really care about getting involved in.

This forum is social media.

I am on social media because I keep contact with my friends through it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on November 21, 2023, 12:05:15 AM

Quote from: Rothman on November 20, 2023, 10:08:18 PMThis forum is social media.

While I know the definition of social media that includes Web forums has gained wide acceptance, I have misgivings about it. We don't function as an ad pipeline for registered users, we don't have an algorithmically curated endless feed, we are operated by volunteers on a nonprofit basis, we do not monetize user data, our interface is not engineered to exploit the dopamine feedback loop, etc.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 21, 2023, 12:09:24 AM

If you know the name of the person who moderated you, it's not social media.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on November 21, 2023, 12:45:49 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 20, 2023, 10:00:20 PM
And by and large, I don't use social media. Partly for this reason, partly because there's not really anything on it that I really care about getting involved in.

I agree with you. It's the new de facto news as most people on it believe it's is so. I stay away as the last election is still causing friction on it. People are still accusing others of drinking the Kool aid over the last big presidential fiasco no matter what candidate they supported. It's like people are using it to become childish and have fun at their political nemesis supporters by calling people stupid and such or hellbound as people seem to think the Antichrist is here or the like for the latter remark.

Then recently people in my church on social media are trying to stir up gossip as well because Pope Francis fired Joe Strickland in Texas for whatever reason and some are ranting about that and a previous firing the pope did on another Bishop who got too political in his beliefs ( if it's true or not as I'm not sure of) almost once or twice a week.

So I shed away from it and just post roads or good thoughts and use messenger to communicate.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on November 21, 2023, 09:23:09 AM

Minor annoyance of the day: FedEx/UPS/other delivery services that leave packages out in the rain without wrapping them in plastic and without either knocking on the door or ringing the doorbell (that is plainly visible directly above where the driver left the box). In this case it's minor because the video doorbell told me someone was outside and I looked and saw who it was, so I went and retrieved the box. No damage done. The box contains some reasonably pricey electronics and we have over two inches of rain in the forecast, yet the idiot driver just left it on the stoop fully exposed to the weather with no plastic wrap or anything. They always used to wrap packages in plastic on rainy days. I guess it's yet another sign of the demise of customer service.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: elsmere241 on November 21, 2023, 09:40:18 AM

Along those lines, my mail carrier has started putting mail on the chair on the porch. Never mind that we have a mail slot on the front door, and a screen door in front of that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on November 21, 2023, 02:52:22 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on November 21, 2023, 09:23:09 AM
Minor annoyance of the day: FedEx/UPS/other delivery services that leave packages out in the rain without wrapping them in plastic and without either knocking on the door or ringing the doorbell (that is plainly visible directly above where the driver left the box). In this case it's minor because the video doorbell told me someone was outside and I looked and saw who it was, so I went and retrieved the box. No damage done. The box contains some reasonably pricey electronics and we have over two inches of rain in the forecast, yet the idiot driver just left it on the stoop fully exposed to the weather with no plastic wrap or anything. They always used to wrap packages in plastic on rainy days. I guess it's yet another sign of the demise of customer service.

They're being pressured to make more deliveries in less time amid worsening traffic conditions. Blame the company, not the driver.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on November 21, 2023, 10:18:07 PM

Quote from: Bruce on November 21, 2023, 02:52:22 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on November 21, 2023, 09:23:09 AM
Minor annoyance of the day: FedEx/UPS/other delivery services that leave packages out in the rain without wrapping them in plastic and without either knocking on the door or ringing the doorbell (that is plainly visible directly above where the driver left the box). In this case it's minor because the video doorbell told me someone was outside and I looked and saw who it was, so I went and retrieved the box. No damage done. The box contains some reasonably pricey electronics and we have over two inches of rain in the forecast, yet the idiot driver just left it on the stoop fully exposed to the weather with no plastic wrap or anything. They always used to wrap packages in plastic on rainy days. I guess it's yet another sign of the demise of customer service.

They're being pressured to make more deliveries in less time amid worsening traffic conditions. Blame the company, not the driver.

It takes all of one second, if that, to hit the doorbell once you leave the box on the door. And with the rise in package thefts, I would think that would be an incentive to ensure that someone who's at home would know the package is there. Plastic might take slightly longer, but not THAT much. Perhaps we need a law saying that delivery companies are 100% liable for stolen or damaged packages.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on November 22, 2023, 12:17:33 AM

Quote from: vdeane on November 21, 2023, 10:18:07 PM
Quote from: Bruce on November 21, 2023, 02:52:22 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on November 21, 2023, 09:23:09 AM
Minor annoyance of the day: FedEx/UPS/other delivery services that leave packages out in the rain without wrapping them in plastic and without either knocking on the door or ringing the doorbell (that is plainly visible directly above where the driver left the box). In this case it's minor because the video doorbell told me someone was outside and I looked and saw who it was, so I went and retrieved the box. No damage done. The box contains some reasonably pricey electronics and we have over two inches of rain in the forecast, yet the idiot driver just left it on the stoop fully exposed to the weather with no plastic wrap or anything. They always used to wrap packages in plastic on rainy days. I guess it's yet another sign of the demise of customer service.

They're being pressured to make more deliveries in less time amid worsening traffic conditions. Blame the company, not the driver.
It takes all of one second, if that, to hit the doorbell once you leave the box on the door. And with the rise in package thefts, I would think that would be an incentive to ensure that someone who's at home would know the package is there. Plastic might take slightly longer, but not THAT much. Perhaps we need a law saying that delivery companies are 100% liable for stolen or damaged packages.

How can they be liable for stolen packages if they're not there when it's stolen?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on November 22, 2023, 12:48:25 AM

Quote from: vdeane on November 21, 2023, 10:18:07 PM
Quote from: Bruce on November 21, 2023, 02:52:22 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on November 21, 2023, 09:23:09 AM
Minor annoyance of the day: FedEx/UPS/other delivery services that leave packages out in the rain without wrapping them in plastic and without either knocking on the door or ringing the doorbell (that is plainly visible directly above where the driver left the box). In this case it's minor because the video doorbell told me someone was outside and I looked and saw who it was, so I went and retrieved the box. No damage done. The box contains some reasonably pricey electronics and we have over two inches of rain in the forecast, yet the idiot driver just left it on the stoop fully exposed to the weather with no plastic wrap or anything. They always used to wrap packages in plastic on rainy days. I guess it's yet another sign of the demise of customer service.

They're being pressured to make more deliveries in less time amid worsening traffic conditions. Blame the company, not the driver.
It takes all of one second, if that, to hit the doorbell once you leave the box on the door. And with the rise in package thefts, I would think that would be an incentive to ensure that someone who's at home would know the package is there. Plastic might take slightly longer, but not THAT much. Perhaps we need a law saying that delivery companies are 100% liable for stolen or damaged packages.

Then it would be on the recipient to travel to the shipping warehouse, which is often nowhere convenient, with inconvenient hours, to retrieve their package. Many people are getting things delivered to avoid going out in the first place, so they'll be a bit unhappy to have to go out anyway to get it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on November 22, 2023, 06:21:12 AM

At least with my Amazon shipments, I get a notification on my Echo device that a package has arrived, plus there is a Amazon locker about five minutes away from my home. I wish there was a similar skill for my UPS and FedEx shipments.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jakeroot on November 22, 2023, 06:39:00 AM

Minor annoyance related to package deliveries:

In Japan, all deliveries must be signed for. No exceptions. You can have a third party sign for it, but leaving it alone is simply not done.

You probably ask, "Jake, how does it work if you at work during the day?" You get home at night, tell them (usually via LINE app) when you're home (after 16:00 or whatever), and they deliver it either that night or the next night, usually providing a two-hour slot for delivery. You see postal workers here working very late into the night as a result, though not after 23:00 that I've seen.

To avoid this hassle, you can have deliveries sent to secured locations, such as convenience stores (7-Eleven, Family Mart, Lawson, etc).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on November 22, 2023, 07:35:22 AM

Quote from: vdeane on November 21, 2023, 10:18:07 PM
Quote from: Bruce on November 21, 2023, 02:52:22 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on November 21, 2023, 09:23:09 AM
Minor annoyance of the day: FedEx/UPS/other delivery services that leave packages out in the rain without wrapping them in plastic and without either knocking on the door or ringing the doorbell (that is plainly visible directly above where the driver left the box). In this case it's minor because the video doorbell told me someone was outside and I looked and saw who it was, so I went and retrieved the box. No damage done. The box contains some reasonably pricey electronics and we have over two inches of rain in the forecast, yet the idiot driver just left it on the stoop fully exposed to the weather with no plastic wrap or anything. They always used to wrap packages in plastic on rainy days. I guess it's yet another sign of the demise of customer service.

They're being pressured to make more deliveries in less time amid worsening traffic conditions. Blame the company, not the driver.
It takes all of one second, if that, to hit the doorbell once you leave the box on the door. And with the rise in package thefts, I would think that would be an incentive to ensure that someone who's at home would know the package is there. Plastic might take slightly longer, but not THAT much. Perhaps we need a law saying that delivery companies are 100% liable for stolen or damaged packages.

I know UPS drivers are trained not to take the time to look for the doorbell because it's not necessarily always obvious where it is, although traditionally they were trained to knock. In the case of the item I received yesterday, the doorbell was directly above where he put the box and it's big and obvious.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on November 22, 2023, 07:38:04 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 22, 2023, 12:48:25 AM
Quote from: vdeane on November 21, 2023, 10:18:07 PM
Quote from: Bruce on November 21, 2023, 02:52:22 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on November 21, 2023, 09:23:09 AM
Minor annoyance of the day: FedEx/UPS/other delivery services that leave packages out in the rain without wrapping them in plastic and without either knocking on the door or ringing the doorbell (that is plainly visible directly above where the driver left the box). In this case it's minor because the video doorbell told me someone was outside and I looked and saw who it was, so I went and retrieved the box. No damage done. The box contains some reasonably pricey electronics and we have over two inches of rain in the forecast, yet the idiot driver just left it on the stoop fully exposed to the weather with no plastic wrap or anything. They always used to wrap packages in plastic on rainy days. I guess it's yet another sign of the demise of customer service.

They're being pressured to make more deliveries in less time amid worsening traffic conditions. Blame the company, not the driver.
It takes all of one second, if that, to hit the doorbell once you leave the box on the door. And with the rise in package thefts, I would think that would be an incentive to ensure that someone who's at home would know the package is there. Plastic might take slightly longer, but not THAT much. Perhaps we need a law saying that delivery companies are 100% liable for stolen or damaged packages.

Then it would be on the recipient to travel to the shipping warehouse, which is often nowhere convenient, with inconvenient hours, to retrieve their package. Many people are getting things delivered to avoid going out in the first place, so they'll be a bit unhappy to have to go out anyway to get it.

Doesn't Walmart on line let you pull into a local Walmart and you don't even have to get out of your car? Your merchandise is brought out to you, I am to believe. Or is that another service.?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on November 22, 2023, 08:28:13 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on November 22, 2023, 07:38:04 AMDoesn't Walmart on line let you pull into a local Walmart and you don't even have to get out of your car? Your merchandise is brought out to you, I am to believe. Or is that another service?

WalMart (https://www.walmart.com/help/article/pickup-and-delivery/d0d02a5f54e54592930f110aaf6a2f50), Total Wine (https://www.totalwine.com/customer-service/store-pickup), Specs (https://specsonline.com/how-to-shop/), Kroger (https://www.kroger.com/i/ways-to-shop/pickup), Target (https://www.target.com/c/drive-up/-/N-9d42z)....

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on November 22, 2023, 08:41:17 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on November 22, 2023, 07:38:04 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 22, 2023, 12:48:25 AM
Quote from: vdeane on November 21, 2023, 10:18:07 PM
Quote from: Bruce on November 21, 2023, 02:52:22 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on November 21, 2023, 09:23:09 AM
Minor annoyance of the day: FedEx/UPS/other delivery services that leave packages out in the rain without wrapping them in plastic and without either knocking on the door or ringing the doorbell (that is plainly visible directly above where the driver left the box). In this case it's minor because the video doorbell told me someone was outside and I looked and saw who it was, so I went and retrieved the box. No damage done. The box contains some reasonably pricey electronics and we have over two inches of rain in the forecast, yet the idiot driver just left it on the stoop fully exposed to the weather with no plastic wrap or anything. They always used to wrap packages in plastic on rainy days. I guess it's yet another sign of the demise of customer service.

They're being pressured to make more deliveries in less time amid worsening traffic conditions. Blame the company, not the driver.
It takes all of one second, if that, to hit the doorbell once you leave the box on the door. And with the rise in package thefts, I would think that would be an incentive to ensure that someone who's at home would know the package is there. Plastic might take slightly longer, but not THAT much. Perhaps we need a law saying that delivery companies are 100% liable for stolen or damaged packages.

Then it would be on the recipient to travel to the shipping warehouse, which is often nowhere convenient, with inconvenient hours, to retrieve their package. Many people are getting things delivered to avoid going out in the first place, so they'll be a bit unhappy to have to go out anyway to get it.

Doesn't Walmart on line let you pull into a local Walmart and you don't even have to get out of your car? Your merchandise is brought out to you, I am to believe. Or is that another service.?

Yep, but that's not the point here. People order online to have it delivered so they don't have to go out to begin with.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 22, 2023, 11:19:17 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 22, 2023, 08:41:17 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on November 22, 2023, 07:38:04 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 22, 2023, 12:48:25 AM
Quote from: vdeane on November 21, 2023, 10:18:07 PM
Quote from: Bruce on November 21, 2023, 02:52:22 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on November 21, 2023, 09:23:09 AM
Minor annoyance of the day: FedEx/UPS/other delivery services that leave packages out in the rain without wrapping them in plastic and without either knocking on the door or ringing the doorbell (that is plainly visible directly above where the driver left the box). In this case it's minor because the video doorbell told me someone was outside and I looked and saw who it was, so I went and retrieved the box. No damage done. The box contains some reasonably pricey electronics and we have over two inches of rain in the forecast, yet the idiot driver just left it on the stoop fully exposed to the weather with no plastic wrap or anything. They always used to wrap packages in plastic on rainy days. I guess it's yet another sign of the demise of customer service.

They're being pressured to make more deliveries in less time amid worsening traffic conditions. Blame the company, not the driver.
It takes all of one second, if that, to hit the doorbell once you leave the box on the door. And with the rise in package thefts, I would think that would be an incentive to ensure that someone who's at home would know the package is there. Plastic might take slightly longer, but not THAT much. Perhaps we need a law saying that delivery companies are 100% liable for stolen or damaged packages.

Then it would be on the recipient to travel to the shipping warehouse, which is often nowhere convenient, with inconvenient hours, to retrieve their package. Many people are getting things delivered to avoid going out in the first place, so they'll be a bit unhappy to have to go out anyway to get it.

Doesn't Walmart on line let you pull into a local Walmart and you don't even have to get out of your car? Your merchandise is brought out to you, I am to believe. Or is that another service.?

Yep, but that's not the point here. People order online to have it delivered so they don't have to go out to begin with.

For me the main advantage of ordering online is being able to find the thing I need with a search bar instead of having to look all over the office supply section, not find it, track down an employee, get told it's in arts & crafts, go there, look all over that section, find out that they actually don't even carry what I'm looking for (or do they and I just missed seeing it), go to a different store, etc. That and not having to dodge idiots not looking where they're pushing their carts. Not having to actually leave the house is just a nice bonus.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on November 22, 2023, 12:11:25 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on November 22, 2023, 06:21:12 AM
At least with my Amazon shipments, I get a notification on my Echo device that a package has arrived, plus there is a Amazon locker about five minutes away from my home. I wish there was a similar skill for my UPS and FedEx shipments.

Does the USPS' 'Informed Delivery' service work with parcels?

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on November 22, 2023, 01:02:35 PM

I basically quit having packages sent to the house when I had a stack of recordable Blu-rays go missing about five years ago. Since then, I've had packages held at Amazon lockers (free), sent to me general delivery at the downtown post office (free), or sent to a mailbox shop (first package was free; I think the next one cost three dollars to collect). I don't mind leaving the house to pick up a package because I can often integrate that into an errand chain and the hassle associated with pickup itself is far less than dealing with the aftermath of the package going missing.

However, it does mean I prioritize sellers who have a "fulfilled by Amazon" delivery channel that allows locker pickup. I don't like to pay to have packages held because that is essentially a delivery cost and I deliberately bundle orders for free shipping without Amazon Prime. Package carriers also handle USPS general delivery in different ways: just earlier this month I almost had a shipment go back to the seller after it stalled in "out for delivery" status for close to a month when in fact it was awaiting pickup at the post office.

We had to set up a new checking account about five years ago when bill payments were stolen out of our curbside mailbox less than an hour after we put up the red flag. Since then, we've had other bill payments fail to show up on the relevant accounts after being dropped into USPS blue boxes at either the Dillons supermarket near us or the downtown post office (where I suspect there is video surveillance). We are all but certain mailbox fishing is going on.

We've never actually lost money as a result of stolen checks being cashed, or even seen confirmation of attempts to do so. Nevertheless, we've basically given up on the blue boxes for mailpieces containing checks. Nowadays I just park and go into the lobby to drop them off, even though this means a trip out to the Wichita GMF near the airport if I miss lobby hours at the downtown PO.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on November 22, 2023, 01:28:13 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on November 22, 2023, 12:11:25 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on November 22, 2023, 06:21:12 AM
At least with my Amazon shipments, I get a notification on my Echo device that a package has arrived, plus there is a Amazon locker about five minutes away from my home. I wish there was a similar skill for my UPS and FedEx shipments.

Does the USPS' 'Informed Delivery' service work with parcels?

Mike

It does for some but not all parcels (even from USPS). I have a bunch of email filters just for package deliveries.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on November 22, 2023, 01:50:54 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 22, 2023, 08:41:17 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on November 22, 2023, 07:38:04 AMDoesn't Walmart on line let you pull into a local Walmart and you don't even have to get out of your car? Your merchandise is brought out to you, I am to believe. Or is that another service?

Yep, but that's not the point here. People order online to have it delivered so they don't have to go out to begin with.

With brick-and-mortal stores being in the process of phasing out physical media, often Amazon has the more niche titles on CD and DVD/BluRay. In addition, while the local Microcenter has some pretty good specials on computer parts, their everyday prices tend to be higher than either Amazon or NewEgg. Plus, lacking a truck, some large items have to be delivered to my home.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on November 22, 2023, 03:28:08 PM

I get my mail at a post office box, so anytime I order something that won't ship to a post office box and I want to be sure I get it, I have it delivered to work.

But there are problems with that. Increasingly, I find eBay sellers that explicitly don't ship to PO boxes. Yet the items get delivered by USPS to my post office box. There's apparently some sort of collaborative effort between USPS and third-party shippers that the third-party (UPS, FedEx, etc.) handles all but the final delivery, which is done by USPS.

Another thing is not knowing which shipper a company uses. Walmart used to use ground delivery (UPS or FedEx). Earlier in the year, I ordered some liquid weed killer from WalMart after the local store ran out of its inventory. I expected it to be shipped by ground so I put my home address as the delivery address. That package showed up at the local post office. There's no rhyme or reason to it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: gonealookin on November 22, 2023, 04:21:12 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on November 22, 2023, 03:28:08 PM
I get my mail at a post office box, so anytime I order something that won't ship to a post office box and I want to be sure I get it, I have it delivered to work.

But there are problems with that. Increasingly, I find eBay sellers that explicitly don't ship to PO boxes. Yet the items get delivered by USPS to my post office box. There's apparently some sort of collaborative effort between USPS and third-party shippers that the third-party (UPS, FedEx, etc.) handles all but the final delivery, which is done by USPS.

Another thing is not knowing which shipper a company uses. Walmart used to use ground delivery (UPS or FedEx). Earlier in the year, I ordered some liquid weed killer from WalMart after the local store ran out of its inventory. I expected it to be shipped by ground so I put my home address as the delivery address. That package showed up at the local post office. There's no rhyme or reason to it.

Oh can I relate to this. USPS does not deliver to residences at all here (there are lots of second homes that are unoccupied much of the time). We have to pick up our mail at the post office, where USPS gives us a free box with annual proof of residency, such as a utility bill. If USPS receives something with only a street address they return it to the sender as undeliverable. Meanwhile, something shipped by FedEx Ground or UPS Ground that only has the PO Box address on it will be rejected as well. You're right, there are quite a few packages, usually little ones, handled by FedEx and UPS that are handed off to USPS for last-mile delivery, and those do go to the PO box if they have the PO box address on them.

Amazon is good about telling me when I'm placing the order that an item can't be shipped to the PO box. In that case I either use the street address or send it to the Amazon Locker at Whole Foods. One way around the problem is to add the extra four digits to the zip code of the street address; that tells USPS which PO box the item is supposed to go to, but not all shippers accept anything beyond the 5-digit zip code. I can also put *both* the street address and PO box in the shipping address, but again not all shippers will accept that.

If it's possible to call a live person and find out which shipper they are using I can give them the right address to use. Good luck with talking to a live person in many cases, though, and even then you get "sometimes we use USPS and sometimes UPS so I can't tell you" :rolleyes: . The end result is that I buy from Amazon in many cases because I know there won't be a shipping snafu that way.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on November 22, 2023, 08:55:07 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 22, 2023, 12:17:33 AM
Quote from: vdeane on November 21, 2023, 10:18:07 PM
Quote from: Bruce on November 21, 2023, 02:52:22 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on November 21, 2023, 09:23:09 AM
Minor annoyance of the day: FedEx/UPS/other delivery services that leave packages out in the rain without wrapping them in plastic and without either knocking on the door or ringing the doorbell (that is plainly visible directly above where the driver left the box). In this case it's minor because the video doorbell told me someone was outside and I looked and saw who it was, so I went and retrieved the box. No damage done. The box contains some reasonably pricey electronics and we have over two inches of rain in the forecast, yet the idiot driver just left it on the stoop fully exposed to the weather with no plastic wrap or anything. They always used to wrap packages in plastic on rainy days. I guess it's yet another sign of the demise of customer service.

They're being pressured to make more deliveries in less time amid worsening traffic conditions. Blame the company, not the driver.
It takes all of one second, if that, to hit the doorbell once you leave the box on the door. And with the rise in package thefts, I would think that would be an incentive to ensure that someone who's at home would know the package is there. Plastic might take slightly longer, but not THAT much. Perhaps we need a law saying that delivery companies are 100% liable for stolen or damaged packages.

How can they be liable for stolen packages if they're not there when it's stolen?

Presumably the same way construction companies in NY are 100% liable for all gravity-related injury cases no matter what.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scaffold_Law_(New_York) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scaffold_Law_(New_York))

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 22, 2023, 09:39:18 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on November 22, 2023, 01:02:35 PM
We had to set up a new checking account about five years ago when bill payments were stolen out of our curbside mailbox less than an hour after we put up the red flag. Since then, we've had other bill payments fail to show up on the relevant accounts after being dropped into USPS blue boxes at either the Dillons supermarket near us or the downtown post office (where I suspect there is video surveillance). We are all but certain mailbox fishing is going on.

I changed all of my accounts to online payment and billing after I had an electric payment go missing when mailed from our curbside box. However, I suspected USPS malfeasance rather than theft; this occurred right as news of Louis DeJoy's cost-cutting measures were first circulating, and I had a low-value package in that shipment (a cloth COVID mask) that likewise failed to make it to its destination.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on November 22, 2023, 10:15:19 PM

I get somewhat the opposite. I live in an apartment with an intercom system at the entrance. It has a button for every tenant showing the last name for each button. There are several delivery personnel that feel the need to press every button instead of reading the name on the package.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on November 23, 2023, 12:01:17 PM

Quote from: Big John on November 22, 2023, 10:15:19 PM
I get somewhat the opposite. I live in an apartment with an intercom system at the entrance. It has a button for every tenant showing the last name for each button. There are several delivery personnel that feel the need to press every button instead of reading the name on the package.

Reminds me of how back in my old apartment, I would often get deliveries (and mail) from everyone who live in the building. The first floor apartments all have direct outside doors rather than centralized ones, and mine was right on the stairs from the main parking lot, so a lot of dumb delivery drivers would assume that my apartment was actually an entrance to the whole building (it didn't help that my apartment number was the same as the building number). So annoying. Even the post office would mess up on occasion. To make matters worse, many tenants didn't clue in to the fast that the house number in the address is the building number, and would attempt to list both the building and apartment numbers at the end. The problem with that is that automated address parsers couldn't handle it, so the address label would be printed as "Apt [building number]", leading to a delivery at my apartment.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on November 24, 2023, 12:26:13 PM

Unbelievable numbers of TV graphics that are misspelled on the news shows on my local stations.

Two of many: "morning a loss" (should be "mourning")
"extenguishing a fire" (should be "extinguishing).

I'm not sure how this happens. Some computer program translating voice commands, or someone typing?

As mentioned, these are two of many. If I'd been keeping a list, I'd probably have filled an entire page.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on November 24, 2023, 01:09:10 PM

^^^^

Heh, the other night on Channel 4 Amelia Draper had a graphic about "gutsy winds" in the coming days. I suppose it more or less means the same as what she meant.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on November 24, 2023, 01:17:50 PM

Newspapers aren't any better. There's always typos, incorrect or weird word choices, headlines that don't make sense because they have to make them fit, etc.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on November 24, 2023, 05:28:30 PM

Quote from: GaryV on November 24, 2023, 01:17:50 PM
Newspapers aren't any better. There's always typos, incorrect or weird word choices, headlines that don't make sense because they have to make them fit, etc.

And yet, spelling and grammar check features are just a click away on the very same computers they use to type out these words...

<SMH>

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on November 24, 2023, 05:41:11 PM

Quote from: thenetwork on November 24, 2023, 05:28:30 PM
Quote from: GaryV on November 24, 2023, 01:17:50 PM
Newspapers aren't any better. There's always typos, incorrect or weird word choices, headlines that don't make sense because they have to make them fit, etc.

And yet, spelling and grammar check features are just a click away on the very same computers they use to type out these words...

<SMH>

They don't always work, especially when the word you accidentally typed is also a real word. Some of them even make sense as a stand-alone sentence but are wrong only in context, such as "formally" for "formerly".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on November 24, 2023, 06:34:45 PM

When you hear of something off the forum that's newsworthy to a discussion on here. So you open the thread to see if anyone here yet, is talked about it. You then check the latest posts to see if it hit here yet and find nothing so you post it. Then you get a snarky response back that it was posted over a month ago and I'm supposed to know that the source who gave me the topic was given old information or something.

Of course shit happens and I'm fine with that, but when I inform the user to just simmer down some and not get upset (as he was far from polite about it), another user who is known throughout the road community as being egotistical , gets involved does bother me some. Especially when the third party was sympathetic to the blunt poster, but if the roles were reversed and I lashed out on someone here for posting old news, that same third party user would definitely come down on me for being rude and out of place for pointing out a simple mistake and sympathize with the first person for not knowing it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on November 24, 2023, 09:03:32 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on November 24, 2023, 06:34:45 PM
When you hear of something off the forum that's newsworthy to a discussion on here. So you open the thread to see if anyone here yet, is talked about it. You then check the latest posts to see if it hit here yet and find nothing so you post it. Then you get a snarky response back that it was posted over a month ago and I'm supposed to know that the source who gave me the topic was given old information or something.

Of course shit happens and I'm fine with that, but when I inform the user to just simmer down some and not get upset (as he was far from polite about it), another user who is known throughout the road community as being egotistical , gets involved does bother me some. Especially when the third party was sympathetic to the blunt poster, but if the roles were reversed and I lashed out on someone here for posting old news, that same third party user would definitely come down on me for being rude and out of place for pointing out a simple mistake and sympathize with the first person for not knowing it.

Apparently we have different definitions of "recent". I would consider anything within the last page or two to be "recent". You apparently don't even consider the post you're quoting to be recent, as a recent post of yours concerning the I-295 missing moves project attests to (as does the one time where you didn't even respond to the correct thread).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 24, 2023, 09:13:57 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on November 24, 2023, 06:34:45 PM
When you hear of something off the forum that's newsworthy to a discussion on here. So you open the thread to see if anyone here yet, is talked about it. You then check the latest posts to see if it hit here yet and find nothing so you post it. Then you get a snarky response back that it was posted over a month ago and I'm supposed to know that the source who gave me the topic was given old information or something.

Of course shit happens and I'm fine with that, but when I inform the user to just simmer down some and not get upset (as he was far from polite about it), another user who is known throughout the road community as being egotistical , gets involved does bother me some. Especially when the third party was sympathetic to the blunt poster, but if the roles were reversed and I lashed out on someone here for posting old news, that same third party user would definitely come down on me for being rude and out of place for pointing out a simple mistake and sympathize with the first person for not knowing it.

Every user is responsible for posting content they believe others will find enjoyable. Part of that is ensuring that they aren't posting content that has already been posted by someone else. If one refuses to do the due diligence required to avoid that beforehand, they should hardly be surprised when their posts get a negative response.

(Vaguing about it in this thread an hour and a half after another moderator went through the thread to delete all of the arguing is probably not the best way of stopping the argument, by the way. )

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on November 24, 2023, 10:43:36 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on November 20, 2023, 08:30:57 AM
Pay walls on news websites.

Does Wikipedia realize how many reference links have been rendered useless because of this? And they still urge editors use them to cite sources.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 25, 2023, 09:04:37 AM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on November 24, 2023, 10:43:36 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on November 20, 2023, 08:30:57 AM
Pay walls on news websites.
Does Wikipedia realize how many reference links have been rendered useless because of this? And they still urge editors use them to cite sources.

Yes, and current practice involves citing news websites by way of archive.org or some other means of keeping the text publicly accessible.

That being said, Wikipedia policy merely states that references must be verifiable, and not that said verification must be possible to be done easily and instantaneously. One can cite print-only sources, after all. With newspapers, it's entirely possible that an article may only be accessible on microfiche in the paper's city of origin, and that is considered sufficient to allow the source to be verified.

From time to time someone will actually do the legwork to track down one of these obscure sources and find that it doesn't actually say what it was used to cite.

All the more reason to use the AARoads wiki (https://wiki.aaroads.com/) when possible.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on November 29, 2023, 05:21:28 AM

Trying to pull apart to open plastic dog poop bags in colder weather. Whenever the temps drop below 60, the dispensers that have poop bags are hard to separate from the spool or pull apart as static electricity forms between the layers of plastic. So when you need a bag in a pinch, you have trouble in opening.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on November 29, 2023, 02:01:43 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on November 29, 2023, 05:21:28 AM
Trying to pull apart to open plastic dog poop bags in colder weather. Whenever the temps drop below 60, the dispensers that have poop bags are hard to separate from the spool or pull apart as static electricity forms between the layers of plastic. So when you need a bag in a pinch, you have trouble in opening.

A pocket knife helps a little with this task, though not easy to balance while they're in the act.

Sometimes we get a roll of bags which require a cut near the mechanical perforation which has shut the bag rather than assisted in making it easy to open. So I tend to "pre-open" them with a small knife cut, so you're not fiddling with opening them while balancing the leash(es) of an Australian Shepherd and/or Border Collie.

I've shopped at a few grocery stores where trying to fiddle with their bags is equally frustrating, but I feel that pulling out a knife in a store is...not recommended.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on November 29, 2023, 02:57:13 PM

Quote from: formulanone on November 29, 2023, 02:01:43 PM
I've shopped at a few grocery stores where trying to fiddle with their bags is equally frustrating,

One downside of mask requirements during Covid while shopping was the inability to lick your fingers to open the produce bags ...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on November 29, 2023, 05:39:15 PM

Quote from: GaryV on November 29, 2023, 02:57:13 PM
Quote from: formulanone on November 29, 2023, 02:01:43 PM
I've shopped at a few grocery stores where trying to fiddle with their bags is equally frustrating,
One downside of mask requirements during Covid while shopping was the inability to lick your fingers to open the produce bags ...

Baglicker.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on November 29, 2023, 05:40:16 PM

Quote from: GaryV on November 29, 2023, 02:57:13 PM
Quote from: formulanone on November 29, 2023, 02:01:43 PM
I've shopped at a few grocery stores where trying to fiddle with their bags is equally frustrating,
One downside of mask requirements during Covid while shopping was the inability to lick your fingers to open the produce bags ...

gross

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: plain on November 29, 2023, 05:56:04 PM

Quote from: GaryV on November 29, 2023, 02:57:13 PM
Quote from: formulanone on November 29, 2023, 02:01:43 PM
I've shopped at a few grocery stores where trying to fiddle with their bags is equally frustrating,
One downside of mask requirements during Covid while shopping was the inability to lick your fingers to open the produce bags ...

One could just temporarily move the mask down and do that...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 29, 2023, 06:11:19 PM

I've never understood what the purpose of produce bags is other than giving you something else to throw away.

On occasion we do Walmart pickup for our groceries and they'll put the bananas in a produce bag. Gee, it sure is nice of them to make sure the bananas stay together, since they don't come off the tree attached to each other or anything... :rolleyes:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on November 29, 2023, 06:13:03 PM

We have some reusable produce bags.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on November 29, 2023, 06:29:19 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 29, 2023, 06:11:19 PMI've never understood what the purpose of produce bags is other than giving you something else to throw away.

They keep produce items of the same type together, which expedites scanning, weighing, and bagging at checkout. They also keep friable or dirty produce (like celery or broccoli) from shedding on other items. If lettuce is rinsed and then re-packed in its bag in the refrigerator, it stays fresh and crunchy for longer. Storing fruit or vegetable items like apples or tomatoes in their bags in the fridge also helps limit the spread of ethylene gas, which accelerates spoilage.

Generally I don't bother with bags for single items, but I do for two or more.

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 29, 2023, 06:11:19 PMOn occasion we do Walmart pickup for our groceries and they'll put the bananas in a produce bag. Gee, it sure is nice of them to make sure the bananas stay together, since they don't come off the tree attached to each other or anything... :rolleyes:

Yeah, a banana cluster in a produce bag is a little silly. But I always use the bags for things like loose onions, apples, and potatoes.

Regarding unpeeling plastic bags so they will open: when it is really cold out, so that the air inside supermarkets becomes really dry, I often rub my fingers together to build up enough warmth and moisture on the tips to open bags. It takes a little longer, but I don't want to be working with saliva inside a supermarket, especially considering how dirty they can be in their back areas.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on November 29, 2023, 08:00:50 PM

Or Whole Foods where they separate out each banana as they claim they stay fresher that way?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on November 29, 2023, 08:16:22 PM

I remember long ago actually putting a single small piece of ginger root (about the size of my thumb) in a produce bag. I guess the bag would have kept it from falling through the cart onto the floor.

Got to the register and after weighing it cost me a grand total of 9¢

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on November 29, 2023, 10:49:08 PM

Those little plastic bags at the stores, especially grocery stores, are INCREDIBLY handy as mini trash bags, among other many other uses.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 30, 2023, 12:08:44 AM

Quote from: J N Winkler on November 29, 2023, 06:29:19 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 29, 2023, 06:11:19 PMI've never understood what the purpose of produce bags is other than giving you something else to throw away.

They keep produce items of the same type together, which expedites scanning, weighing, and bagging at checkout. They also keep friable or dirty produce (like celery or broccoli) from shedding on other items. If lettuce is rinsed and then re-packed in its bag in the refrigerator, it stays fresh and crunchy for longer. Storing fruit or vegetable items like apples or tomatoes in their bags in the fridge also helps limit the spread of ethylene gas, which accelerates spoilage.

I tend to just use the cart's child seat as a shelf to put fruit and veg on, which means that it isn't intermixed with other items and thus remains together. (I rinse fruit off in the sink before eating it, so I'm not really worried about butt cooties.) The type of celery I buy tends to be already bagged before it's put on the shelf. I don't buy broccoli.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on November 30, 2023, 01:06:33 AM

Quote from: GaryV on November 29, 2023, 02:57:13 PM
Quote from: formulanone on November 29, 2023, 02:01:43 PM
I've shopped at a few grocery stores where trying to fiddle with their bags is equally frustrating,
One downside of mask requirements during Covid while shopping was the inability to lick your fingers to open the produce bags ...

Nasty.

My strategy was to simply use the water on the vegetable I'm about to pick up to help.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on November 30, 2023, 12:56:09 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 30, 2023, 12:08:44 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on November 29, 2023, 06:29:19 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 29, 2023, 06:11:19 PMI've never understood what the purpose of produce bags is other than giving you something else to throw away.

They keep produce items of the same type together, which expedites scanning, weighing, and bagging at checkout. They also keep friable or dirty produce (like celery or broccoli) from shedding on other items. If lettuce is rinsed and then re-packed in its bag in the refrigerator, it stays fresh and crunchy for longer. Storing fruit or vegetable items like apples or tomatoes in their bags in the fridge also helps limit the spread of ethylene gas, which accelerates spoilage.

I tend to just use the cart's child seat as a shelf to put fruit and veg on, which means that it isn't intermixed with other items and thus remains together. (I rinse fruit off in the sink before eating it, so I'm not really worried about butt cooties.) The type of celery I buy tends to be already bagged before it's put on the shelf. I don't buy broccoli.

How does that work at the register? Around here, they weigh the bag and punch in the code for the item to get the price. At Wegmans, they even have the scales with label printers so that you can do that yourself and then the barcode on the bag can be scanned when checking out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on November 30, 2023, 01:04:20 PM

Quote from: vdeane on November 30, 2023, 12:56:09 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 30, 2023, 12:08:44 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on November 29, 2023, 06:29:19 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 29, 2023, 06:11:19 PMI've never understood what the purpose of produce bags is other than giving you something else to throw away.

They keep produce items of the same type together, which expedites scanning, weighing, and bagging at checkout. They also keep friable or dirty produce (like celery or broccoli) from shedding on other items. If lettuce is rinsed and then re-packed in its bag in the refrigerator, it stays fresh and crunchy for longer. Storing fruit or vegetable items like apples or tomatoes in their bags in the fridge also helps limit the spread of ethylene gas, which accelerates spoilage.

I tend to just use the cart's child seat as a shelf to put fruit and veg on, which means that it isn't intermixed with other items and thus remains together. (I rinse fruit off in the sink before eating it, so I'm not really worried about butt cooties.) The type of celery I buy tends to be already bagged before it's put on the shelf. I don't buy broccoli.
How does that work at the register? Around here, they weigh the bag and punch in the code for the item to get the price. At Wegmans, they even have the scales with label printers so that you can do that yourself and then the barcode on the bag can be scanned when checking out.

They just weigh the item instead of a bag of said item? I guess I'm confused by your question.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on November 30, 2023, 01:22:57 PM

Quote from: vdeane on November 30, 2023, 12:56:09 PMHow does that work at the register? Around here, they weigh the bag and punch in the code for the item to get the price. At Wegmans, they even have the scales with label printers so that you can do that yourself and then the barcode on the bag can be scanned when checking out.

Around here, various categories of produce like apples and onions have PLU (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Price_look-up_code) stickers on each unit that can be scanned through the thin plastic. At the checkout, it is then a simple matter of scan and weigh. Others, like potatoes and turnips, don't have stickers, so the clerk needs to be able to identify them so an on-screen picker can be used to select the appropriate PLU code. I've had to explain what garlic and turnips are, for example (kids these days . . .).

If the produce is unbagged, then each item can be scanned (if it has a PLU sticker) and, if necessary, weighed; alternatively, like items can be grouped on the scale for processing as an unit.

I've memorized a few PLU codes, not because I routinely scan my own produce, but rather because I need to be able to tell when similar-looking items with different PLUs and thus different price points get mixed up in the bins. For example, PLU 4131 (Fuji apples) often tends to get mixed up with PLU 4135 (gala apples). Broccoli and broccoli crowns have separate PLUs and are sold at different unit prices some weeks.

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 30, 2023, 12:08:44 AMI tend to just use the cart's child seat as a shelf to put fruit and veg on, which means that it isn't intermixed with other items and thus remains together. (I rinse fruit off in the sink before eating it, so I'm not really worried about butt cooties.) The type of celery I buy tends to be already bagged before it's put on the shelf. I don't buy broccoli.

The child's seat is where I put jugs of milk and distilled water, whole chicken in thick plastic (if I have room), and frozen items that come in steamer bags. The produce items likely to bruise go on a "bed" I make in the front part of the cart by unfolding the reusable canvas bags and laying them down flat. Other produce items that are a bit more hardy, like broccoli and carrots, go toward the back of the cart.

The butt cooties thing is why I don't use saliva to unpeel plastic bags. At our house, all fresh produce gets washed in the sink before eating, and for some items (such as green onions/spring onions) that can mean some light unpeeling to dislodge topsoil that gets trapped between layers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on November 30, 2023, 01:32:32 PM

Quote from: vdeane on November 30, 2023, 12:56:09 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 30, 2023, 12:08:44 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on November 29, 2023, 06:29:19 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 29, 2023, 06:11:19 PMI've never understood what the purpose of produce bags is other than giving you something else to throw away.

They keep produce items of the same type together, which expedites scanning, weighing, and bagging at checkout. They also keep friable or dirty produce (like celery or broccoli) from shedding on other items. If lettuce is rinsed and then re-packed in its bag in the refrigerator, it stays fresh and crunchy for longer. Storing fruit or vegetable items like apples or tomatoes in their bags in the fridge also helps limit the spread of ethylene gas, which accelerates spoilage.

I tend to just use the cart's child seat as a shelf to put fruit and veg on, which means that it isn't intermixed with other items and thus remains together. (I rinse fruit off in the sink before eating it, so I'm not really worried about butt cooties.) The type of celery I buy tends to be already bagged before it's put on the shelf. I don't buy broccoli.
How does that work at the register? Around here, they weigh the bag and punch in the code for the item to get the price. At Wegmans, they even have the scales with label printers so that you can do that yourself and then the barcode on the bag can be scanned when checking out.

I guess he can put all of the same product on the register's scale, weigh them, take then off then put them in a bag anyway. Or maybe he only gets 1 of each item, where a bag may not be as important.

This is more of a "I don't want to use the bags" type of issue. If he really doesn't get the purpose of produce bags, I don't really know what to say. I think if someone were to ask about the purpose of the bags, nearly everyone would be able to answer that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on November 30, 2023, 08:26:40 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 30, 2023, 01:04:20 PM
Quote from: vdeane on November 30, 2023, 12:56:09 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 30, 2023, 12:08:44 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on November 29, 2023, 06:29:19 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 29, 2023, 06:11:19 PMI've never understood what the purpose of produce bags is other than giving you something else to throw away.

They keep produce items of the same type together, which expedites scanning, weighing, and bagging at checkout. They also keep friable or dirty produce (like celery or broccoli) from shedding on other items. If lettuce is rinsed and then re-packed in its bag in the refrigerator, it stays fresh and crunchy for longer. Storing fruit or vegetable items like apples or tomatoes in their bags in the fridge also helps limit the spread of ethylene gas, which accelerates spoilage.

I tend to just use the cart's child seat as a shelf to put fruit and veg on, which means that it isn't intermixed with other items and thus remains together. (I rinse fruit off in the sink before eating it, so I'm not really worried about butt cooties.) The type of celery I buy tends to be already bagged before it's put on the shelf. I don't buy broccoli.
How does that work at the register? Around here, they weigh the bag and punch in the code for the item to get the price. At Wegmans, they even have the scales with label printers so that you can do that yourself and then the barcode on the bag can be scanned when checking out.

They just weigh the item instead of a bag of said item? I guess I'm confused by your question.

I've never heard of produce being handled at the register one at a time, unless someone got one of each item. And if it is one of each item, what's "remaining together"?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on November 30, 2023, 08:41:26 PM

I usually buy something like, three apples. I take them out of the cart and put them on the belt together. The cashier puts all three apples on the scale at the same time and rings them up. (The cashier has never acted like this is aberrant behavior on my part.) Then they get handed off to the sacker. (Theoretically they could get separated at this point, but I don't really care since they'll end up back together as I'm putting the groceries up anyway.)

I suppose it's not that I don't get the purpose, as it is I don't really perceive any benefit to it, at least not enough to justify the plastic usage and the time spent bagging and unbagging the produce.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on November 30, 2023, 08:53:45 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 30, 2023, 08:41:26 PM
I usually buy something like, three apples. I take them out of the cart and put them on the belt together. The cashier puts all three apples on the scale at the same time and rings them up. (The cashier has never acted like this is aberrant behavior on my part.) Then they get handed off to the sacker. (Theoretically they could get separated at this point, but I don't really care since they'll end up back together as I'm putting the groceries up anyway.)

I suppose it's not that I don't get the purpose, as it is I don't really perceive any benefit to it, at least not enough to justify the plastic usage and the time spent bagging and unbagging the produce.

I guess it depends on how many I can handle. If I get four pieces of fruit or vegetables, then I can usually hold them all long enough to get them on the scanner scale. That's what I'd need for a work week, for example.

If I'm buying 8 plums or 6 pears, I'll need the little bag. The latter isn't all that common, as I rarely do the shopping at home anymore.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on November 30, 2023, 08:56:51 PM

A few supermarkets around here offer little paper lunch sacks for loose vegetables and fruit. Generally works well for the non-moistened ones.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on November 30, 2023, 09:15:46 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 30, 2023, 08:41:26 PMI usually buy something like, three apples. I take them out of the cart and put them on the belt together. The cashier puts all three apples on the scale at the same time and rings them up. (The cashier has never acted like this is aberrant behavior on my part.) Then they get handed off to the sacker. (Theoretically they could get separated at this point, but I don't really care since they'll end up back together as I'm putting the groceries up anyway.)

I think "three apples" is the difference. I usually buy seven gala apples at each weekly shop (one for each night). And that is only a relatively small fraction of my shopping in the produce area alone.

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 30, 2023, 08:41:26 PMI suppose it's not that I don't get the purpose, as it is I don't really perceive any benefit to it, at least not enough to justify the plastic usage and the time spent bagging and unbagging the produce.

For small quantities, the main benefits of the bags are controlled ripening (especially important for peaches), maintenance of freshness (lettuce), containment of shedding (not just broccoli--bundled cilantro often sheds leaves too), and limiting spread of ethylene gas.

For larger quantities, there are added benefits in terms of making it easier for the bagger to stack more fragile produce like Roma tomatoes on top of sturdier items like potatoes, carrots, and apples.

Especially in the summer, I would estimate I spend about two-thirds of my grocery shopping time in the produce area. This list is not atypical for a summer Saturday shop:

* Three heads green leaf lettuce

* Two bunches spring onions

* Eight Roma tomatoes

* One red onion

* One or two two-pound bags of carrots

* Two honeycrisp apples

* Seven gala apples

* Four peaches

* Two broccoli crowns

* One garlic bulb

Except for the red onion and the garlic bulb (both of which shed, but not unmanageably so), everything either is pre-bagged or goes into produce bags. Later in the evening, I spend about fifteen minutes unwrapping each head of lettuce, rinsing it, and then returning it to its bag for storage in the vegetable drawer. This keeps the third head nice and crisp on the fourth or fifth day, when I finally get to it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on November 30, 2023, 09:39:58 PM

Some of you will argue that what I am about to write belongs in an NCAA basketball thread in the "sports" area, but it won't get generally read there, and whoever does read it there will call me a party-pooper.

I very much dislike college basketball time of year on the ESPN networks. Nothing but college basketball in the evenings. I generally try to watch Around the Horn and Pardon the Interruption if they are on in the evenings (since I can't watch them much before 8 Eastern on any weekday), but if a game runs late on one network (say ESPN) and another game is starting they will put the other (the starting) game temporarily on ESPNNews and preempt/delay/or shorten whatever they were showing on ESPNNews, when it comes back. Very frustrating to be watching ATH or PTI (as I was right now) at 9:10 PM Eastern) and get interrupted for the start of LSU-Virgina Tech basketball because they were supposed to be on ESPN, but the early game there ran late.

In a similar vein, ATH and PTI are on less often in general because in the last few months they picked up The Pat McAfee show (2 hours long), which I refuse to watch. Tonight ATH and PTI won't be on again until 2 AM, so I won't be able to watch them.

In the grand scheme of things these are relatively minor, forces me to use my time more productively which is not always a bad thing. But it is still frustrating to be watching something and then all of a sudden it disappears and you hear "welcome to LSU" or the like. It doesn't help that I don't give much of a hoot about college sports.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on November 30, 2023, 09:42:34 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 29, 2023, 06:11:19 PM
I've never understood what the purpose of produce bags is other than giving you something else to throw away.

I always considered them to be protecting the fruit from whatever nasty that might be in the cart. Although, I do see the "waste of resources" argument too.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on December 01, 2023, 05:31:50 PM

I just booked a Tesla rental car and the rental agency asked if I want to prepay for gas. :hmmm:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on December 01, 2023, 08:09:29 PM

Quote from: tmoore952 on November 30, 2023, 09:42:34 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 29, 2023, 06:11:19 PM
I've never understood what the purpose of produce bags is other than giving you something else to throw away.

I always considered them to be protecting the fruit from whatever nasty that might be in the cart. Although, I do see the "waste of resources" argument too.

This is why I see produce bags as having greatest value for things like dill, parsley, or rosemary that are sold in bunches and used for flavor. You really don't want them touching your cart, or sprigs of them falling through the cart.

Quote from: vdeane on November 30, 2023, 08:26:40 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 30, 2023, 01:04:20 PM
Quote from: vdeane on November 30, 2023, 12:56:09 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 30, 2023, 12:08:44 AM
I tend to just use the cart's child seat as a shelf to put fruit and veg on, which means that it isn't intermixed with other items and thus remains together. (I rinse fruit off in the sink before eating it, so I'm not really worried about butt cooties.) The type of celery I buy tends to be already bagged before it's put on the shelf. I don't buy broccoli.
How does that work at the register? Around here, they weigh the bag and punch in the code for the item to get the price. At Wegmans, they even have the scales with label printers so that you can do that yourself and then the barcode on the bag can be scanned when checking out.

They just weigh the item instead of a bag of said item? I guess I'm confused by your question.
I've never heard of produce being handled at the register one at a time, unless someone got one of each item. And if it is one of each item, what's "remaining together"?

I wonder if more produce is sold as individual units around here (especially at Wegmans) rather than in bags, such that not every item sold individually is barcoded. This might be partly inherent to the "open air market" nature of Wegmans' produce section, and emulated by other stores.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on December 01, 2023, 08:20:46 PM

Quote from: tmoore952 on November 30, 2023, 09:39:58 PM
Some of you will argue that what I am about to write belongs in an NCAA basketball thread in the "sports" area, but it won't get generally read there, and whoever does read it there will call me a party-pooper.

I very much dislike college basketball time of year on the ESPN networks. Nothing but college basketball in the evenings. I generally try to watch Around the Horn and Pardon the Interruption if they are on in the evenings (since I can't watch them much before 8 Eastern on any weekday), but if a game runs late on one network (say ESPN) and another game is starting they will put the other (the starting) game temporarily on ESPNNews and preempt/delay/or shorten whatever they were showing on ESPNNews, when it comes back. Very frustrating to be watching ATH or PTI (as I was right now) at 9:10 PM Eastern) and get interrupted for the start of LSU-Virgina Tech basketball because they were supposed to be on ESPN, but the early game there ran late.

In a similar vein, ATH and PTI are on less often in general because in the last few months they picked up The Pat McAfee show (2 hours long), which I refuse to watch. Tonight ATH and PTI won't be on again until 2 AM, so I won't be able to watch them.

In the grand scheme of things these are relatively minor, forces me to use my time more productively which is not always a bad thing. But it is still frustrating to be watching something and then all of a sudden it disappears and you hear "welcome to LSU" or the like. It doesn't help that I don't give much of a hoot about college sports.

Quoting my own post since similar thing happening right now.

On-screen Comcast TV listings saying that Pardon the Interruption is on from 8 to 8:30 (my current time), but The Pat McAfee Show is on instead.
EDIT - OTOH, there have been several times in the past week when ATH and PTI were on, but the listings actually said something else. Lesson learned -- don't trust the listings, at least as far as ESPNNews is concerned. This has been happening a lot lately, not sure if it has to do with indoor college athletics occurring in the evenings, but it has noticeably increased since college basketball (and to a lesser extent college volleyball) started.

To be clear, my complaint is about the WRONG thing being listed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on December 05, 2023, 03:59:32 PM

Uber Eats ads. :poke: Just incredibly infantile and incomprehensibly repetitive.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on December 06, 2023, 02:18:43 PM

When Medicare Enrollment has two back to back ads on TV. The first will be a voice over announcer going over the benefits followed by a real life citizen testifying that they've called. Then the second will be actor William Devane doing the same exact commercial as the previous one with the consumer testimonials also being redundant.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on December 08, 2023, 01:07:55 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on December 06, 2023, 02:18:43 PM
When Medicare Enrollment has two back to back ads on TV. The first will be a voice over announcer going over the benefits followed by a real life citizen testifying that they've called. Then the second will be actor William Devane doing the same exact commercial as the previous one with the consumer testimonials also being redundant.

Joe Namath looks like his health and voice have really gone downhill compared to his commercials last year. And Jimmie JJ Walker is showing significent signs of slowing down as well just in the last year.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on December 08, 2023, 01:49:49 PM

Quote from: thenetwork on December 08, 2023, 01:07:55 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on December 06, 2023, 02:18:43 PM
When Medicare Enrollment has two back to back ads on TV. The first will be a voice over announcer going over the benefits followed by a real life citizen testifying that they've called. Then the second will be actor William Devane doing the same exact commercial as the previous one with the consumer testimonials also being redundant.

Joe Namath looks like his health and voice have really gone downhill compared to his commercials last year. And Jimmie JJ Walker is showing significent signs of slowing down as well just in the last year.

I'm amused that the advertisers assume everyone knows Joe Namath but they surround Jimmie Walker with Good Times memorabilia.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on December 09, 2023, 12:12:31 PM

The caps on bottles of vanilla extract. Too small and smooth to get a good grip. I thought I had it fixed when it started using a small pliers - but the cap has gradually gotten bent out of shape and hard to thread back onto the bottle.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on December 09, 2023, 12:41:48 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on December 08, 2023, 01:49:49 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on December 08, 2023, 01:07:55 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on December 06, 2023, 02:18:43 PM
When Medicare Enrollment has two back to back ads on TV. The first will be a voice over announcer going over the benefits followed by a real life citizen testifying that they've called. Then the second will be actor William Devane doing the same exact commercial as the previous one with the consumer testimonials also being redundant.

Joe Namath looks like his health and voice have really gone downhill compared to his commercials last year. And Jimmie JJ Walker is showing significent signs of slowing down as well just in the last year.

I'm amused that the advertisers assume everyone knows Joe Namath but they surround Jimmie Walker with Good Times memorabilia.

And I've noticed that "DYN-O-MIIITE" doesn't work anymore, so he has to go with the new catch-phrase, "MUN-KNEEEE".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on December 09, 2023, 06:24:29 PM

Minor now, but gradually increasing.

Photoshopped images online.

Two very recent examples:
FB posts announcing Shohei Ohtani signing with the Dodgers -- showing Shohei Ohtani in action in a Dodgers uniform (he just signed there an hour ago -- to my knowledge no such picture exists for real yet, unless he was modeling uniforms but I find that very dubious).

Yesterday (anniversary of John Lennon's death), a 1950s-1960s era Peanuts cartoon (with Patty (not the same as Peppermint Patty) and Charlie Brown) with Charlie Brown's head down. Caption said something like "Missing Lennon". I had some arguments on FB with people about this -- didn't understand why I had a problem with it. To be clear, I agree with the sentiment, but the caption was clearly photoshopped in, since the cartoon is from way earlier than Lennon's death. If Schultz didn't draw it this way, I have a problem with it.

I know these two particular examples are unimportant. But it could happen with much more serious matters (it probably already has). So now, one has to look at every picture with a critical eye.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on December 09, 2023, 06:42:28 PM

^ It could have also been AI imaging. "Please give me a Peanuts cartoon with Charlie Brown mourning the death of Lennon."

My wife has been playing around with a free service (I know, you get what you pay for) to get some pictures for church presentations. She asked for a realistic picture of Jesus in a manger. The baby had a beard. :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on December 09, 2023, 08:25:01 PM

Spelling whiskey without the "e".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on December 09, 2023, 10:02:40 PM

Quote from: tmoore952 on December 09, 2023, 06:24:29 PM
Minor now, but gradually increasing.

Photoshopped images online.

Two very recent examples:
FB posts announcing Shohei Ohtani signing with the Dodgers -- showing Shohei Ohtani in action in a Dodgers uniform (he just signed there an hour ago -- to my knowledge no such picture exists for real yet, unless he was modeling uniforms but I find that very dubious).

Yesterday (anniversary of John Lennon's death), a 1950s-1960s era Peanuts cartoon (with Patty (not the same as Peppermint Patty) and Charlie Brown) with Charlie Brown's head down. Caption said something like "Missing Lennon". I had some arguments on FB with people about this -- didn't understand why I had a problem with it. To be clear, I agree with the sentiment, but the caption was clearly photoshopped in, since the cartoon is from way earlier than Lennon's death. If Schultz didn't draw it this way, I have a problem with it.

I know these two particular examples are unimportant. But it could happen with much more serious matters (it probably already has). So now, one has to look at every picture with a critical eye.

In the Ohtani case, this practice has been going on for years, even before Photoshop. I remember in my youth seeing baseball cards of players (typically head shots) traded over the winter with their new team's logo on their hat, but you can tell that their jersey is of their old team.

For the latter case:
I too am bothered with people using old Peanuts cartoons and adding in their own message to suit their own point of view. I see this way too often. And it's not how Schultz draw them.

Along those lines, another mis-appropriation is where a young boy looking suspiciously identical to Calvin (from "Calvin and Hobbes") is pissing on a Ford (or Chevy) truck. I'm sure that wasn't a Watterson creation.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on December 09, 2023, 10:12:38 PM

Quote from: dlsterner on December 09, 2023, 10:02:40 PM

Along those lines, another mis-appropriation is where a young boy looking suspiciously identical to Calvin (from "Calvin and Hobbes") is pissing on a Ford (or Chevy) truck. I'm sure that wasn't a Watterson creation.

and the contrary one of a fake Calvin praying on a cross.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on December 10, 2023, 12:00:03 AM

Quote from: Big John on December 09, 2023, 08:25:01 PM
Spelling whiskey without the "e".

It's complicated: https://www.foodandwine.com/whiskey-vs-whisky-7093133

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on December 10, 2023, 11:48:35 AM

Quote from: dlsterner on December 09, 2023, 10:02:40 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on December 09, 2023, 06:24:29 PM
Minor now, but gradually increasing.

Photoshopped images online.

Two very recent examples:
FB posts announcing Shohei Ohtani signing with the Dodgers -- showing Shohei Ohtani in action in a Dodgers uniform (he just signed there an hour ago -- to my knowledge no such picture exists for real yet, unless he was modeling uniforms but I find that very dubious).

Yesterday (anniversary of John Lennon's death), a 1950s-1960s era Peanuts cartoon (with Patty (not the same as Peppermint Patty) and Charlie Brown) with Charlie Brown's head down. Caption said something like "Missing Lennon". I had some arguments on FB with people about this -- didn't understand why I had a problem with it. To be clear, I agree with the sentiment, but the caption was clearly photoshopped in, since the cartoon is from way earlier than Lennon's death. If Schultz didn't draw it this way, I have a problem with it.

I know these two particular examples are unimportant. But it could happen with much more serious matters (it probably already has). So now, one has to look at every picture with a critical eye.

In the Ohtani case, this practice has been going on for years, even before Photoshop. I remember in my youth seeing baseball cards of players (typically head shots) traded over the winter with their new team's logo on their hat, but you can tell that their jersey is of their old team.

For the latter case:
I too am bothered with people using old Peanuts cartoons and adding in their own message to suit their own point of view. I see this way too often. And it's not how Schultz draw them.

Along those lines, another mis-appropriation is where a young boy looking suspiciously identical to Calvin (from "Calvin and Hobbes") is pissing on a Ford (or Chevy) truck. I'm sure that wasn't a Watterson creation.

You are old enough to remember '60s baseball cards that had hats with blacked out logos (in [articular, 1966 Braves cards as they had just moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta). Also, back then they often they took a hatless picture (in addition to one with a hat) to use in the case of a trade.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on December 10, 2023, 01:20:17 PM

Quote from: tmoore952 on December 10, 2023, 11:48:35 AM
Quote from: dlsterner on December 09, 2023, 10:02:40 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on December 09, 2023, 06:24:29 PM
Minor now, but gradually increasing.

Photoshopped images online.

Two very recent examples:
FB posts announcing Shohei Ohtani signing with the Dodgers -- showing Shohei Ohtani in action in a Dodgers uniform (he just signed there an hour ago -- to my knowledge no such picture exists for real yet, unless he was modeling uniforms but I find that very dubious).

Yesterday (anniversary of John Lennon's death), a 1950s-1960s era Peanuts cartoon (with Patty (not the same as Peppermint Patty) and Charlie Brown) with Charlie Brown's head down. Caption said something like "Missing Lennon". I had some arguments on FB with people about this -- didn't understand why I had a problem with it. To be clear, I agree with the sentiment, but the caption was clearly photoshopped in, since the cartoon is from way earlier than Lennon's death. If Schultz didn't draw it this way, I have a problem with it.

I know these two particular examples are unimportant. But it could happen with much more serious matters (it probably already has). So now, one has to look at every picture with a critical eye.

In the Ohtani case, this practice has been going on for years, even before Photoshop. I remember in my youth seeing baseball cards of players (typically head shots) traded over the winter with their new team's logo on their hat, but you can tell that their jersey is of their old team.

For the latter case:
I too am bothered with people using old Peanuts cartoons and adding in their own message to suit their own point of view. I see this way too often. And it's not how Schultz draw them.

Along those lines, another mis-appropriation is where a young boy looking suspiciously identical to Calvin (from "Calvin and Hobbes") is pissing on a Ford (or Chevy) truck. I'm sure that wasn't a Watterson creation.

You are old enough to remember '60s baseball cards that had hats with blacked out logos (in [articular, 1966 Braves cards as they had just moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta). Also, back then they often they took a hatless picture (in addition to one with a hat) to use in the case of a trade.

I remember in the 1980s, cards for Packers players had the G logo brushed out for licensing issues.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on December 10, 2023, 04:09:03 PM

Once again, my PC is not only obstructing my ability to cut, copy, and paste stuff, but my browser keeps crashing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on December 10, 2023, 09:04:51 PM

It's 2023, and Plex still does not handle Audiobooks. While my go-to application for audiobooks is Audible (followed by GraphicAudio), in the past, I have picked up some audiobooks from Humble Bundle which consists of a series of MP3 files. From a playback perspective, they are just audio files. However, because of the length of the tracks (some can be over an hour long), you really want to pause in the middle of a track and pick up at the same point. There is a whole series of feature requests (https://forums.plex.tv/search?q=audiobooks). I've ended up installing a Emby instance on my server for the Audiobook support, but alas, because I did not purchase a license (yet), all I can do is stream my books.

I'm also challenged because a 18TB External Hard drive which I had ordered on special on November 18, 2023 for backup purposes with the original delivery date of December 2nd is now expected December 22nd - 28th.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on December 11, 2023, 06:48:46 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on December 10, 2023, 09:04:51 PM
I'm also challenged because a 18TB External Hard drive which I had ordered on special on November 18, 2023 for backup purposes with the original delivery date of December 2nd is now expected December 22nd - 28th.

So, they have 18TB external hard drives now? Let me guess; You can't just go and pick them up at your local Best Buy store.

The biggest ones I've seen so far are 12TB (FreewayJim boasted about having a 16TB one at one time), and it's not the size of a WD My Passport.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on December 11, 2023, 07:35:43 AM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on December 11, 2023, 06:48:46 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on December 10, 2023, 09:04:51 PM
I'm also challenged because a 18TB External Hard drive which I had ordered on special on November 18, 2023 for backup purposes with the original delivery date of December 2nd is now expected December 22nd - 28th.
So, they have 18TB external hard drives now? Let me guess; You can't just go and pick them up at your local Best Buy store.

Actually, yes, you can (https://www.bestbuy.com/site/wd-easystore-18tb-external-usb-3-0-hard-drive-black/6427995.p?skuId=6427995). And at sizes up to 22TB.

Quote from: D-Dey65 on December 11, 2023, 06:48:46 AMThe biggest ones I've seen so far are 12TB (FreewayJim boasted about having a 16TB one at one time), and it's not the size of a WD My Passport.

Sorry, no, that would requires the drive size being 3½". These are 5¼" drives.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on December 11, 2023, 09:20:14 AM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on December 11, 2023, 06:48:46 AM
The biggest ones I've seen so far are 12TB (FreewayJim boasted about having a 16TB one at one time), and it's not the size of a WD My Passport.

Tom Brady has retired. ;)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on December 11, 2023, 01:33:29 PM

It doesn't surprise me that consumer-grade drives with ~20 TB capacity are now available, given that people in my local area complain about our cable ISP's 1.25 TB monthly bandwidth cap making it difficult for them to download games from Steam without incurring additional charges for excessive usage.

My current archive disk has a nominal capacity of 12 TB. I tend to buy at the size that translates into the lowest "street price" per TB, which I think is about $10 now.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DTComposer on December 11, 2023, 02:05:41 PM

Quote from: dlsterner on December 09, 2023, 10:02:40 PM
Along those lines, another mis-appropriation is where a young boy looking suspiciously identical to Calvin (from "Calvin and Hobbes") is pissing on a Ford (or Chevy) truck. I'm sure that wasn't a Watterson creation.

Quote from: Big John on December 09, 2023, 10:12:38 PM
and the contrary one of a fake Calvin praying on a cross.

Watterson was unique among cartoonists in that he refused to license his creations for merchandising (other than the books), stating that he wanted the legacy of "Calvin and Hobbes" to just be the strips themselves. I just saw an interview that talked about the licensing person at Watterson's syndicate - saying Watterson could have made millions more if he even just allowed a plush Hobbes. This is compared to Peanuts, who were selling everything from snack cakes to insurance and had TV specials, movies, theme park characters, and stage shows extending their presence well beyond the strip's end in 2000 (and arguably decades beyond the strip's peak of creativity and influence in the medium).

On the flip side, the interview also said Watterson did not care to go after people who used those characters illegally, so you saw t-shirts, posters, and yes, the car decals all happening without consequence.

I think the (unintended) consequence will be that Peanuts has, and will remain part of the cultural zeitgeist for some time to come (even if just as marketing shills), while Calvin & Hobbes, once Gen X starts to pass, will almost solely be remembered for the kid pissing on the back windows of people's cars.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 11, 2023, 03:11:33 PM

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DTComposer on December 11, 2023, 05:43:43 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 11, 2023, 03:11:33 PM
I don't know about that. Calvin & Hobbes has a reputation for being a good comic strip beyond just the nostalgia trip. (Though I've never sat down and read the entire run, I enjoy it despite having little nostalgia for it; it ceased production a year or two after I learned to read.) I see Gen Z folks posting strips they enjoyed on social media from time to time.

Don't get me wrong, I think Calvin & Hobbes is one of the greatest newspaper comic strips ever produced - I grew up in a mini-Golden Age, reading that, The Far Side, and Bloom County in their original runs - but its relatively short (10 year) run, plus its lack of merchandise to keep it in the public eye - makes me fear that it will, within a couple of generations, become something like Pogo - hailed for its creativity and innovations, but largely unread by the general populace of future generations. I would love to be wrong about that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on December 11, 2023, 09:33:04 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on May 06, 2017, 07:34:00 PM
I'm prompted to remember my junior year of high school. Everybody read Calvin and Hobbes. You might recall there was a storyline where Calvin had to write a report for school and he wrote his about bats and decided to put it in a "professional clear plastic binder" because it would ensure him a good grade when Miss Wormwood saw how good it looked.

Well, I had a paper due in English class when that storyline was running, so I naturally couldn't resist using one of those covers. When we handed in our papers, I waited until the room was quiet and called out, "Mrs. Turley, I want to make sure you note I used a professional clear plastic binder." Everyone started laughing and she must have enjoyed the joke as well because she replied, "I hope your paper is better than Calvin's!" :clap:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on December 11, 2023, 10:31:20 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on December 11, 2023, 07:35:43 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on December 11, 2023, 06:48:46 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on December 10, 2023, 09:04:51 PM
I'm also challenged because a 18TB External Hard drive which I had ordered on special on November 18, 2023 for backup purposes with the original delivery date of December 2nd is now expected December 22nd - 28th.
So, they have 18TB external hard drives now? Let me guess; You can't just go and pick them up at your local Best Buy store.

Actually, yes, you can (https://www.bestbuy.com/site/wd-easystore-18tb-external-usb-3-0-hard-drive-black/6427995.p?skuId=6427995). And at sizes up to 22TB.

Okay, I see that. But, damn those things are expensive!

Quote from: ZLoth on December 11, 2023, 07:35:43 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on December 11, 2023, 06:48:46 AMThe biggest ones I've seen so far are 12TB (FreewayJim boasted about having a 16TB one at one time), and it's not the size of a WD My Passport.

Sorry, no, that would requires the drive size being 3½". These are 5¼" drives.

My first external hard drive was a 1.5TB, and it's bigger than the two 4TB My Passports I use.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on December 11, 2023, 11:47:55 PM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on December 11, 2023, 10:31:20 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on December 11, 2023, 07:35:43 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on December 11, 2023, 06:48:46 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on December 10, 2023, 09:04:51 PM
I'm also challenged because a 18TB External Hard drive which I had ordered on special on November 18, 2023 for backup purposes with the original delivery date of December 2nd is now expected December 22nd - 28th.
So, they have 18TB external hard drives now? Let me guess; You can't just go and pick them up at your local Best Buy store.

Actually, yes, you can (https://www.bestbuy.com/site/wd-easystore-18tb-external-usb-3-0-hard-drive-black/6427995.p?skuId=6427995). And at sizes up to 22TB.
Okay, I see that. But, damn those things are expensive!

Quote from: ZLoth on December 11, 2023, 07:35:43 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on December 11, 2023, 06:48:46 AMThe biggest ones I've seen so far are 12TB (FreewayJim boasted about having a 16TB one at one time), and it's not the size of a WD My Passport.

Sorry, no, that would requires the drive size being 3½". These are 5¼" drives.
My first external hard drive was a 1.5TB, and it's bigger than the two 4TB My Passports I use.

Remember that thread we had about "things that make you feel old"?
Yeah.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on December 12, 2023, 07:59:37 AM

Quote from: kkt on December 11, 2023, 11:47:55 PM
Remember that thread we had about "things that make you feel old"?
Yeah.

I just saw that recently.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on December 12, 2023, 09:28:25 AM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on December 11, 2023, 10:31:20 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on December 11, 2023, 07:35:43 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on December 11, 2023, 06:48:46 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on December 10, 2023, 09:04:51 PM
I'm also challenged because a 18TB External Hard drive which I had ordered on special on November 18, 2023 for backup purposes with the original delivery date of December 2nd is now expected December 22nd - 28th.
So, they have 18TB external hard drives now? Let me guess; You can't just go and pick them up at your local Best Buy store.

Actually, yes, you can (https://www.bestbuy.com/site/wd-easystore-18tb-external-usb-3-0-hard-drive-black/6427995.p?skuId=6427995). And at sizes up to 22TB.
Okay, I see that. But, damn those things are expensive!

Right. The 18TB drive was $230 when I ordered it through Amazon (https://amzn.to/3GAEJI5), and that was a special price. The current price is $280... which is five dollars cheaper than it's 16GB cousin (https://amzn.to/4aaR82Z). This is to replace a 12TB external drive which is almost full, and even that 12TB drive will repurposed as a backup drive for a 8TB drive in use.

Now, is this the point where I mention the TRS-80 Model III drives which technically were external hard drives, but only stored 5 MB of data? This was the early 1980s, and at $2,000, cost more than the computer itself.

(https://www.trs-80.com/images/desc/desc-cat-rs-26-1130.jpg)

No, I didn't have one of these. My first HDD was a 105MB IDE drive in 1989. And, three years later, I purchased a 305 MB drive as a replacement for $300.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on December 12, 2023, 10:48:07 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on December 12, 2023, 09:28:25 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on December 11, 2023, 10:31:20 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on December 11, 2023, 07:35:43 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on December 11, 2023, 06:48:46 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on December 10, 2023, 09:04:51 PM
I'm also challenged because a 18TB External Hard drive which I had ordered on special on November 18, 2023 for backup purposes with the original delivery date of December 2nd is now expected December 22nd - 28th.
So, they have 18TB external hard drives now? Let me guess; You can't just go and pick them up at your local Best Buy store.

Actually, yes, you can (https://www.bestbuy.com/site/wd-easystore-18tb-external-usb-3-0-hard-drive-black/6427995.p?skuId=6427995). And at sizes up to 22TB.
Okay, I see that. But, damn those things are expensive!

Right. The 18TB drive was $230 when I ordered it through Amazon (https://amzn.to/3GAEJI5), and that was a special price. The current price is $280... which is five dollars cheaper than it's 16GB cousin (https://amzn.to/4aaR82Z). This is to replace a 12TB external drive which is almost full, and even that 12TB drive will repurposed as a backup drive for a 8TB drive in use.

Now, is this the point where I mention the TRS-80 Model III drives which technically were external hard drives, but only stored 5 MB of data? This was the early 1980s, and at $2,000, cost more than the computer itself.

(https://www.trs-80.com/images/desc/desc-cat-rs-26-1130.jpg)

No, I didn't have one of these. My first HDD was a 105MB IDE drive in 1989. And, three years later, I purchased a 305 MB drive as a replacement for $300.

My father had that for his Model 4. I'm fairly sure I remember the lights 'bonking' for a sec when he would power it on.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on December 12, 2023, 12:06:38 PM

I don't know about that. Calvin & Hobbes has a reputation for being a good comic strip beyond just the nostalgia trip. (Though I've never sat down and read the entire run, I enjoy it despite having little nostalgia for it; it ceased production a year or two after I learned to read.) I see Gen Z folks posting strips they enjoyed on social media from time to time.
[/quote]

I loved C&H in its first run! One of the standouts, and copies of it are still standard on the walls of planning offices everywhere, starts with Calvin and Hobbs angrily arguing old western TV show style "This town just ain't big enough fer the both of us!", "Yea, I reckon we'll have to annex part o' the county!".

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 13, 2023, 02:01:57 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 29, 2023, 06:11:19 PM
I've never understood what the purpose of produce bags is other than giving you something else to throw away.

Quote from: mgk920 on November 29, 2023, 10:49:08 PM
Those little plastic bags at the stores, especially grocery stores, are INCREDIBLY handy as mini trash bags, among other many other uses.

Yes, I find that the produce bags are more re-useful than typical plastic grocery bags. The main advantage is that I've never seen one with a hole in the bottom, whereas probably 50% of the typical plastic grocery bags I end up with have at least one hole in the bottom. This makes them much more useful as a second-use item—especially when throwing out spoiled food that either has a lot of liquid or is oozy. Also, I wrap leafy herbs (cilantro, parsley, green onions) in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag, and I've had better success keeping the items fresh when that plastic bag is a produce bag.

Quote from: Bruce on November 30, 2023, 01:06:33 AM

Quote from: GaryV on November 29, 2023, 02:57:13 PM

Quote from: formulanone on November 29, 2023, 02:01:43 PM
I've shopped at a few grocery stores where trying to fiddle with their bags is equally frustrating,

One downside of mask requirements during Covid while shopping was the inability to lick your fingers to open the produce bags ...

Nasty.

My strategy was to simply use the water on the vegetable I'm about to pick up to help.

He isn't licking the produce, just the outside of the bag. That's really no less hygienic than biting a fingernail on your way into the store. At the beginning of COVID-19, I heard multiple people complain about the inability to open produce bags at the grocery store—both from fellow shoppers and in casual conversation elsewhere.

But yes, I quickly adapted to simply touching wet produce instead. The problem, of course, is that the item I'm buying isn't necessarily wet. And it does seem kind of rude to touch produce I'm not buying in order to open the produce bag—as in: go to buy half a dozen cucumbers, touch the parsley on the shelf to get my fingers wet, open the bag, and put my cucumbers in it.

Quote from: J N Winkler on November 30, 2023, 09:15:46 PM
I think "three apples" is the difference. I usually buy seven gala apples at each weekly shop (one for each night). And that is only a relatively small fraction of my shopping in the produce area alone.

Yeah, I'm trying to imagine buying a whole family dinner's worth of Brussels sprouts without using a bag to contain them...

Quote from: tmoore952 on November 30, 2023, 09:42:34 PM
I always considered them to be protecting the fruit from whatever nasty that might be in the cart.

This is the primary reason I put produce in bags—especially when it's something I eat in its entirety. I don't really worry about bananas or lemons, for example, because I'm not eating the outer part. But I don't fancy the idea of putting apples where, an hour ago, there was a leaky package of pork.

For what it's worth, I only use produce bags on maybe half the items we buy in the produce section—just enough of them to reuse, actually. We use the self-checkout aisle with a conveyor belt, and I box our groceries up myself. Most of the produce goes in a small box just for that, and the rest generally fits into a single typical grocery bag.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on December 14, 2023, 10:01:08 AM

Here is one thing that bothers me from the movie Die Hard:

(https://i.ibb.co/tXzR6nb/Christmas-Eve-Party.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on December 14, 2023, 10:43:00 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on December 14, 2023, 10:01:08 AM
Here is one thing that bothers me from the movie Die Hard:

(https://i.ibb.co/tXzR6nb/Christmas-Eve-Party.jpg)

Along those lines, there's numerous movies where company executives are holding in-depth urgent meetings on Christmas Eve evening, oftento meet deadlines for other companies who presumably are also hard at work on Christmas eve evenings.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on December 14, 2023, 10:47:54 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 14, 2023, 10:43:00 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on December 14, 2023, 10:01:08 AM
Here is one thing that bothers me from the movie Die Hard:

(https://i.ibb.co/tXzR6nb/Christmas-Eve-Party.jpg)

Along those lines, there's numerous movies where company executives are holding in-depth urgent meetings on Christmas Eve evening, oftento meet deadlines for other companies who presumably are also hard at work on Christmas eve evenings.

Well, it is in Nakitomi Plaza, owned by a Japanese company, so a) they wouldn't likely care about Christmas, and b) it would be business hours in Japan.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 14, 2023, 07:21:29 PM

I did business with a company that was kind of a middleman between me and a Chinese manufacturer once. It was balls-to-the-wall through Christmas, because China was still open, and the company I was dealing with was trying to get everything in to the manufacturer before Chinese New Year, because that's when China shuts down.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 18, 2023, 04:13:58 PM

Auto-generated text messages from businesses, especially ones that pretend to be more personal than they really are.

The other evening, I picked up some stuff from the dry cleaner. While I was still sitting in the parking lot, getting ready to back out of the spot, I got a text message that said, "Hey Kyle, It's Dave with ______ cleaners. I want to personally thank you for supporting us, and I was wondering ..."

OK, bub. Nothing about that message was "personal". For one thing, there was only one person in the store at the time, and her name sure as heck wasn't Dave—so I'm pretty sure you've never even seen me once in your life. Secondly, there's no way you typed out a whole screen's worth of text message in the time it took me to walk outside and buckle my seat belt. Rrrgggh.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on December 18, 2023, 04:21:00 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 18, 2023, 04:13:58 PM
Auto-generated text messages from businesses, especially ones that pretend to be more personal than they really are.

The other evening, I picked up some stuff from the dry cleaner. While I was still sitting in the parking lot, getting ready to back out of the spot, I got a text message that said, "Hey Kyle, It's Dave with ______ cleaners. I want to personally thank you for supporting us, and I was wondering ..."

OK, bub. Nothing about that message was "personal". For one thing, there was only one person in the store at the time, and her name sure as heck wasn't Dave—so I'm pretty sure you've never even seen me once in your life. Secondly, there's no way you typed out a whole screen's worth of text message in the time it took me to walk outside and buckle my seat belt. Rrrgggh.

At least they got their script correct. One outfit used to send me messages starting with "Dear {NULL}:"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DTComposer on December 18, 2023, 04:28:27 PM

Quote from: DTComposer on December 11, 2023, 02:05:41 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on December 09, 2023, 10:02:40 PM
Along those lines, another mis-appropriation is where a young boy looking suspiciously identical to Calvin (from "Calvin and Hobbes") is pissing on a Ford (or Chevy) truck. I'm sure that wasn't a Watterson creation.

Quote from: Big John on December 09, 2023, 10:12:38 PM
and the contrary one of a fake Calvin praying on a cross.

Watterson was unique among cartoonists in that he refused to license his creations for merchandising (other than the books), stating that he wanted the legacy of "Calvin and Hobbes" to just be the strips themselves. I just saw an interview that talked about the licensing person at Watterson's syndicate - saying Watterson could have made millions more if he even just allowed a plush Hobbes. This is compared to Peanuts, who were selling everything from snack cakes to insurance and had TV specials, movies, theme park characters, and stage shows extending their presence well beyond the strip's end in 2000 (and arguably decades beyond the strip's peak of creativity and influence in the medium).

On the flip side, the interview also said Watterson did not care to go after people who used those characters illegally, so you saw t-shirts, posters, and yes, the car decals all happening without consequence.

I think the (unintended) consequence will be that Peanuts has, and will remain part of the cultural zeitgeist for some time to come (even if just as marketing shills), while Calvin & Hobbes, once Gen X starts to pass, will almost solely be remembered for the kid pissing on the back windows of people's cars.

Quote from: DTComposer on December 11, 2023, 05:43:43 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 11, 2023, 03:11:33 PM
I don't know about that. Calvin & Hobbes has a reputation for being a good comic strip beyond just the nostalgia trip. (Though I've never sat down and read the entire run, I enjoy it despite having little nostalgia for it; it ceased production a year or two after I learned to read.) I see Gen Z folks posting strips they enjoyed on social media from time to time.

Don't get me wrong, I think Calvin & Hobbes is one of the greatest newspaper comic strips ever produced - I grew up in a mini-Golden Age, reading that, The Far Side, and Bloom County in their original runs - but its relatively short (10 year) run, plus its lack of merchandise to keep it in the public eye - makes me fear that it will, within a couple of generations, become something like Pogo - hailed for its creativity and innovations, but largely unread by the general populace of future generations. I would love to be wrong about that.

Reaching back a week, but an interesting article about Snoopy gaining new traction with Gen Z:
https://www.npr.org/2023/12/15/1219512092/puffer-snoopy-gen-z-obsessed

I have seen Calvin & Hobbes strips getting some love on TikTok as well, which is fantastic.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on December 19, 2023, 12:16:48 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on December 10, 2023, 09:04:51 PMI'm also challenged because a 18TB External Hard drive which I had ordered on special on November 18, 2023 for backup purposes with the original delivery date of December 2nd is now expected December 22nd - 28th.

Just as an update... the 18TB arrived today, and within a few minutes of receipt, it was placed into use for backup and replacement of the 12TB drive. As of this writing, the backup has been running eight hours, and will run for another 22 hours.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on December 25, 2023, 11:09:43 PM

Apparently $19 per month is now the magic number for all charitable organizations. (I know, it's an old marketing gimmick that it appears less costly than $20.) And all their TV commercials look exactly the same.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: algorerhythms on December 27, 2023, 04:25:52 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on December 25, 2023, 11:09:43 PM
Apparently $19 per month is now the magic number for all charitable organizations. (I know, it's an old marketing gimmick that it appears less costly than $20.) And all their TV commercials look exactly the same.

I was talking about this with my sister while watching TV, and then there was a commercial for saving elephants (don't remember the name of the organization). I said, "let me guess, $19/month?". Turns out elephants are cheap, at only $12/month.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on December 27, 2023, 05:41:38 PM

I can't stand the commercials that look/act like a news report (complete with green-screen making it look like they are in DC), a PBS fund drive (there is a generic lawyer 800 number commercial that does this) or commercials that start with, "Welcome back, my next guest is..." (usually a segment from a full blown infomercial).

I would never invest a penny in their shady products/services, either.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on December 27, 2023, 05:46:07 PM

Quote from: thenetwork on December 27, 2023, 05:41:38 PM
I can't stand the commercials that look/act like a news report (complete with green-screen making it look like they are in DC), a PBS fund drive (there is a generic lawyer 800 number commercial that does this) or commercials that start with, "Welcome back, my next guest is..." (usually a segment from a full blown infomercial).

I would never invest a penny in their shady products/services, either.

There is a local TV station that for the last few minutes of the noon news show put in an ad disguised to be a news segment. "Ask an expert", where their area of expertise is in salesmanship.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 28, 2023, 02:32:31 PM

Why do so many TV/movie characters drink from a coffee mug while holding the side of the mug with no handle?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 28, 2023, 04:01:26 PM

So... I was at church on Christmas Eve, and I looked out the window from the hallway. Across the river, I saw, there was a huge Hanukkah menorah all lit up, which had apparently been installed by the city of Wichita. This bothered me. Why? you ask...

It's not because I think Murrica is a Christian nation and therefore no other religion's decorations should be erected by the government.

It's not because I think the government shouldn't be in the business of religious decorations at all.

It's not because I'm anti-Semitic or whatever.

It's not even because it was a particularly ugly decoration.

No, it's because Hanukkah had been over for nine days at that point. It doesn't bother me when people or businesses or government bodies strive for cultural and religious sensitivity and inclusion. But it does bother me when they only pretend to actually care—to the point that they can pat themselves on the back for having a Hanukkah menorah along with a Christmas tree, even though they haven't done even the most basic task of finding out when Hanukkah is to begin with. (I wonder if Jewish people are bothered by this kind of thing too.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on December 28, 2023, 04:40:20 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 28, 2023, 04:01:26 PM
So... I was at church on Christmas Eve, and I looked out the window from the hallway. Across the river, I saw, there was a huge Hanukkah menorah all lit up, which had apparently been installed by the city of Wichita. This bothered me. Why? you ask...

It's not because I think Murrica is a Christian nation and therefore no other religion's decorations should be erected by the government.

It's not because I think the government shouldn't be in the business of religious decorations at all.

It's not because I'm anti-Semitic or whatever.

It's not even because it was a particularly ugly decoration.

No, it's because Hanukkah had been over for nine days at that point. It doesn't bother me when people or businesses or government bodies strive for cultural and religious sensitivity and inclusion. But it does bother me when they only pretend to actually care—to the point that they can pat themselves on the back for having a Hanukkah menorah along with a Christmas tree, even though they haven't done even the most basic task of finding out when Hanukkah is to begin with. (I wonder if Jewish people are bothered by this kind of thing too.)

You've brought this up before and I think you're missing the little picture inside the big picture, if you will.

I don't expect an extra effort to put away the extra holiday tchotchkes because someone might get annoyed they weren't recognized. And for some folks, they probably don't quite remember exactly when it begins and ends on Gregorian Calendar; it may fall on the 25th of Kislev every year, but even I have to look that up a couple times a few weeks in advance.

With Christmas, you get a (roughly) 30 days' head start, as decoration tends to begin around 15 minutes after Thanksgiving has ended, if not beforehand. It all sticks around until somewhere between New Year's Day to Three Kings Day, depending on who finds time to straighten up and how much the latter tradition is followed. So that's 35-42 days of Christmas decorations. I haven't heard of too much of a push to rid the displays of token menorahs and dreidels after Chanukah's eighth night had ended, but there's also a few times it has not even begun until that certain true love gets her three French Hens.

If someone asked for the Christmas decorations to only go up for 12 days, there would be an uproar. So it's no big deal leaving up all the decorations a little while earlier or longer; it all balances out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on December 28, 2023, 06:03:23 PM

If they took down the menorah (or even turned off the lights on it) at the end of Hanukkah, there would be a single religion represented until they took down the creche.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on December 29, 2023, 09:01:29 AM

Balboa Island currently has two docked ships flying the Israeli flag. (One of the two also has two pro-Trump flags.) The problem: you're supposed to fly the flag of the country that your ship is. These are not Israeli ships.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 29, 2023, 09:07:59 AM

Quote from: formulanone on December 28, 2023, 04:40:20 PM
If someone asked for the Christmas decorations to only go up for 12 days, there would be an uproar.

Quote from: GaryV on December 28, 2023, 06:03:23 PM
If they took down the menorah (or even turned off the lights on it) at the end of Hanukkah

I'd be in favor of both those things: only light up the Christmas tree/stuff during the 12 days of Christmas (Christmas Eve through Twelfth Night), and only light up the Menorah during the eight days/nights of Hanukkah. Of course, I totally agree that the first part of that would prompt a big uproar, but it's what I'd personally prefer.

Quote from: GaryV on December 28, 2023, 06:03:23 PM
there would be a single religion represented until they took down the creche.

With my preferred method, there would have been a single religion (Judaism) represented during Hanukkah and a single religion (Christmas) (but probably also Kwanzaa, if Wichita does that, which is a question I don't know the answer to) during Christmastide.

Quote from: formulanone on December 28, 2023, 04:40:20 PM
With Christmas ... It all sticks around until somewhere between New Year's Day to Three Kings Day, depending on who finds time to straighten up and how much the latter tradition is followed.

Next year, any taking-down before Friday evening, January 3, will remove the menorah during Hanukkah. That would bother me even more.

Quote from: formulanone on December 28, 2023, 04:40:20 PM
I think you're missing the little picture inside the big picture, if you will.

This is very likely. Sounds like something I'd do.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on December 29, 2023, 10:39:48 AM

Quote from: 1 on December 29, 2023, 09:01:29 AM
Balboa Island currently has two docked ships flying the Israeli flag. (One of the two also has two pro-Trump flags.) The problem: you're supposed to fly the flag of the country that your ship is. These are not Israeli ships.

I don't know if that's totally true. The flagging of ships can be very complicated...per what I've seen from certain major mariners on TikTok, at least.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on December 29, 2023, 10:58:24 AM

Quote from: 1 on December 29, 2023, 09:01:29 AM
Balboa Island currently has two docked ships flying the Israeli flag. (One of the two also has two pro-Trump flags.) The problem: you're supposed to fly the flag of the country that your ship is. These are not Israeli ships.

A ship is supposed to show the flag of the country of registry on the stern. Other flags on the vessels are discretionary.

And country of registry doesn't necessarily mean the ship is owned by anyone or any company in that country. It's just a legal thing, sometimes to take advantage of specific laws of the country.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on December 29, 2023, 12:59:06 PM

Quote from: GaryV on December 29, 2023, 10:58:24 AM
Quote from: 1 on December 29, 2023, 09:01:29 AM
Balboa Island currently has two docked ships flying the Israeli flag. (One of the two also has two pro-Trump flags.) The problem: you're supposed to fly the flag of the country that your ship is. These are not Israeli ships.

A ship is supposed to show the flag of the country of registry on the stern. Other flags on the vessels are discretionary.

And country of registry doesn't necessarily mean the ship is owned by anyone or any company in that country. It's just a legal thing, sometimes to take advantage of specific laws of the country.

For many years most oceangoing cruise ships were registered in and flew flags of countries other than the USA due to the USA's laws prohibiting such ships from having on-board gambling casinos.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on December 29, 2023, 01:36:55 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on December 29, 2023, 12:59:06 PM
Quote from: GaryV on December 29, 2023, 10:58:24 AM
Quote from: 1 on December 29, 2023, 09:01:29 AM
Balboa Island currently has two docked ships flying the Israeli flag. (One of the two also has two pro-Trump flags.) The problem: you're supposed to fly the flag of the country that your ship is. These are not Israeli ships.

A ship is supposed to show the flag of the country of registry on the stern. Other flags on the vessels are discretionary.

And country of registry doesn't necessarily mean the ship is owned by anyone or any company in that country. It's just a legal thing, sometimes to take advantage of specific laws of the country.

For many years most oceangoing cruise ships were registered in and flew flags of countries other than the USA due to the USA's laws prohibiting such ships from having on-board gambling casinos.

Mike

This wasn't the reason. The primary reason is employment laws. Most ships have employees from less-developed nations. Their workweeks greatly exceed anything that would be permitted in the US, and their benefits are generally non-existent, unlike what most states in the US would allow.

Any ship registered in the United States would be permitted to allow gambling once in international waters. Regardless of the ship's country of registration, most countries don't permit gambling on cruise ships while the ship is in or near their ports. Bermuda is an exception, but the country still requires the ships to have casino licenses issued by the country to operate in port, and they have limited hours.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on December 29, 2023, 02:23:18 PM

Quote from: 1 on December 29, 2023, 09:01:29 AM
Balboa Island currently has two docked ships flying the Israeli flag. (One of the two also has two pro-Trump flags.) The problem: you're supposed to fly the flag of the country that your ship is. These are not Israeli ships.

Yes. There's a house in my neighborhood flying the Ukrainian flag above the Stars and Stripes. I hope Ukraine prevails in its war too, but that's not how the flags work, unless your house is an American fort that was just captured by Ukrainian forces.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on December 29, 2023, 02:32:41 PM

One of the more interesting things I learned about the Union Jack (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Jack) the other week is that, with a few narrow exceptions, it is not supposed to be flown by civilian vessels--rather, an ensign appropriate to the ship's status is to be flown instead.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on December 29, 2023, 02:42:07 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on December 29, 2023, 02:32:41 PM
One of the more interesting things I learned about the Union Jack (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Jack) the other week is that, with a few narrow exceptions, it is not supposed to be flown by civilian vessels--rather, an ensign appropriate to the ship's status is to be flown instead.

Oh, cool, I see that the reason for the law is that there was a complaint made in 1634 that members of the mercantile marine were slipping past port customs officers without paying duty, by virtue of their flying the same flag as the Navy Royal. The author of the linked-to book has a rather nuanced take on the validity of that justification.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Hobart on December 30, 2023, 05:10:29 PM

I am in several Discord servers. There is one user who, to start a conversation, posts the following, with no context or additional thought:

flops (as in, the action of flopping? i don't know)

I really don't understand how or why I'm expected to turn this into a legitimate conversation.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on December 30, 2023, 05:45:42 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 29, 2023, 09:07:59 AM
Quote from: GaryV on December 28, 2023, 06:03:23 PM
there would be a single religion represented until they took down the creche.

With my preferred method, there would have been a single religion (Judaism) represented during Hanukkah and a single religion (Christmas) (but probably also Kwanzaa, if Wichita does that, which is a question I don't know the answer to) during Christmastide.

Except Kwanzaa isn't a religious holiday. It's presented as an African cultural holiday observance.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on December 30, 2023, 05:52:40 PM

Quote from: algorerhythms on December 27, 2023, 04:25:52 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on December 25, 2023, 11:09:43 PM
Apparently $19 per month is now the magic number for all charitable organizations. (I know, it's an old marketing gimmick that it appears less costly than $20.) And all their TV commercials look exactly the same.
I was talking about this with my sister while watching TV, and then there was a commercial for saving elephants (don't remember the name of the organization). I said, "let me guess, $19/month?". Turns out elephants are cheap, at only $12/month.

Or 63 cents a day is what I often hear, which is $18.90 for a 30 day month and $19.53 for a 31 day month.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on December 30, 2023, 05:58:07 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 29, 2023, 09:07:59 AM

I'd be in favor of both those things: only light up the Christmas tree/stuff during the 12 days of Christmas (Christmas Eve through Twelfth Night), and only light up the Menorah during the eight days/nights of Hanukkah. Of course, I totally agree that the first part of that would prompt a big uproar, but it's what I'd personally prefer.

My religion does not observe Christmas until Christmas Eve. And they take down right after the Sunday that falls between Jan. 9 and Jan. 15.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on December 30, 2023, 08:45:38 PM

One of the restaurants I saw on Balboa Island or the adjacent peninsula had what they called a "students menu". It was just a renamed kids menu. I've seen enough "students 10% off" or "students free drink" in college towns that it confused me at first, since I knew this location wasn't a college town.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 30, 2023, 08:48:26 PM

Quote from: Hobart on December 30, 2023, 05:10:29 PM
I am in several Discord servers. There is one user who, to start a conversation, posts the following, with no context or additional thought:

flops (as in, the action of flopping? i don't know)

I really don't understand how or why I'm expected to turn this into a legitimate conversation.

Maybe they really want to talk about floating point operations (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FLOPS).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on December 31, 2023, 10:28:13 AM

Every year around this time of year there is invariably a barrage of e-mails from places like universities and other charities soliciting donations and claiming that "time is running out." Time isn't running out for anyone except their own desire to meet their own calendar-year goal. That's not my problem.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DTComposer on December 31, 2023, 11:00:39 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on December 31, 2023, 10:28:13 AM
Every year around this time of year there is invariably a barrage of e-mails from places like universities and other charities soliciting donations and claiming that "time is running out." Time isn't running out for anyone except their own desire to meet their own calendar-year goal. That's not my problem.

True to an extent, but it's also aimed at individuals wanting to make last-minute donations as a tax write-off for the year.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on December 31, 2023, 11:08:57 AM

Quote from: DTComposer on December 31, 2023, 11:00:39 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on December 31, 2023, 10:28:13 AM
Every year around this time of year there is invariably a barrage of e-mails from places like universities and other charities soliciting donations and claiming that "time is running out." Time isn't running out for anyone except their own desire to meet their own calendar-year goal. That's not my problem.

True to an extent, but it's also aimed at individuals wanting to make last-minute donations as a tax write-off for the year.

I understand that (I used to itemize before the last big tax law rewrite), although I also tend to think that the majority of people who take advantage of that sort of thing are well aware of the timing without nagging spam messages.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on December 31, 2023, 12:47:36 PM

Salvation Army spammed my wife with a text - during church this morning. Really?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on December 31, 2023, 02:27:30 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 30, 2023, 05:45:42 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 29, 2023, 09:07:59 AM
Quote from: GaryV on December 28, 2023, 06:03:23 PM
there would be a single religion represented until they took down the creche.

With my preferred method, there would have been a single religion (Judaism) represented during Hanukkah and a single religion (Christmas) (but probably also Kwanzaa, if Wichita does that, which is a question I don't know the answer to) during Christmastide.

Except Kwanzaa isn't a religious holiday. It's presented as an African cultural holiday observance.

IIRC, it was dreamed up by a professor at Wayne State University in Detroit during the late 1960s.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on December 31, 2023, 04:58:44 PM

Quote from: GaryV on December 31, 2023, 12:47:36 PM
Salvation Army spammed my wife with a text - during church this morning. Really?

Does the Salvation Army have some way of knowning which church service you attend? Does your phone not have an "off" button?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on December 31, 2023, 05:48:43 PM

Quote from: GaryV on December 31, 2023, 12:47:36 PM
Salvation Army spammed my wife with a text - during church this morning. Really?

If it was a sunrise service, I'd be piased also. But 10 or 11am? I mean, how are they supposed to know?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on December 31, 2023, 05:50:58 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 31, 2023, 05:48:43 PM
Quote from: GaryV on December 31, 2023, 12:47:36 PM
Salvation Army spammed my wife with a text - during church this morning. Really?

If it was a sunrise service, I'd be piased also. But 10 or 11am? I mean, how are they supposed to know?

Minor things that bother me: People who don't turn off their audible notifications during church. And yes, I have yet to be in a congregation where a phone beeps or goes off and a doctor or police officer has to run out of the room.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on December 31, 2023, 05:56:23 PM

Quote from: Rothman on December 31, 2023, 05:50:58 PMAnd yes, I have yet to be in a congregation where a phone beeps or goes off and a doctor or police officer has to run out of the room.

Hey, there are people in mission-critical IT support who are on-call as well!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on December 31, 2023, 06:02:39 PM

Quote from: Rothman on December 31, 2023, 05:50:58 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 31, 2023, 05:48:43 PM
Quote from: GaryV on December 31, 2023, 12:47:36 PM
Salvation Army spammed my wife with a text - during church this morning. Really?
If it was a sunrise service, I'd be piased also. But 10 or 11am? I mean, how are they supposed to know?
Minor things that bother me: People who don't turn off their audible notifications during church. And yes, I have yet to be in a congregation where a phone beeps or goes off and a doctor or police officer has to run out of the room.

That's what "vibrate mode" is for.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on December 31, 2023, 07:21:15 PM

Quote from: DTComposer on December 31, 2023, 11:00:39 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on December 31, 2023, 10:28:13 AM
Every year around this time of year there is invariably a barrage of e-mails from places like universities and other charities soliciting donations and claiming that "time is running out." Time isn't running out for anyone except their own desire to meet their own calendar-year goal. That's not my problem.

True to an extent, but it's also aimed at individuals wanting to make last-minute donations as a tax write-off for the year.

Most of the solicitation emails I get are from politicians asking for my help in meeting their critically important year-end fundraising goals.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on December 31, 2023, 09:10:10 PM

Quote from: Rothman on December 31, 2023, 05:50:58 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 31, 2023, 05:48:43 PM
Quote from: GaryV on December 31, 2023, 12:47:36 PM
Salvation Army spammed my wife with a text - during church this morning. Really?

If it was a sunrise service, I'd be piased also. But 10 or 11am? I mean, how are they supposed to know?

Minor things that bother me: People who don't turn off their audible notifications during church. And yes, I have yet to be in a congregation where a phone beeps or goes off and a doctor or police officer has to run out of the room.

I was at Mass one Sunday when the priest said, during his homily, that he was going to read a message from St. Francis of Assisi. Right then, some lady's phone rang. The priest, without missing a beat, said, "Oh, never mind. He's calling to give us the message himself." The lady looked ready to crawl under the pew and die.

I put my phone in airplane mode in churches, at the dentist, at the barber, and at the movies. Silent mode isn't enough to ensure it won't make noise, and at the dentist and the barber I don't want to be startled at the wrong moment.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on December 31, 2023, 09:34:19 PM

The first thing I do when I get a new phone is put it on vibrate, and then I never take it off of that. Most of the time I don't want to know if someone is calling me, much less anyone else.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on December 31, 2023, 10:28:41 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 31, 2023, 05:48:43 PM
Quote from: GaryV on December 31, 2023, 12:47:36 PM
Salvation Army spammed my wife with a text - during church this morning. Really?

If it was a sunrise service, I'd be piased also. But 10 or 11am? I mean, how are they supposed to know?

Christian churches typically have their services on Sundays with many having services throughout the morning, so I would think an organization as Christian as the Salvation Army would try to avoid that time period.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 01, 2024, 12:11:24 AM

Quote from: vdeane on December 31, 2023, 10:28:41 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 31, 2023, 05:48:43 PM
Quote from: GaryV on December 31, 2023, 12:47:36 PM
Salvation Army spammed my wife with a text - during church this morning. Really?

If it was a sunrise service, I'd be piased also. But 10 or 11am? I mean, how are they supposed to know?
Christian churches typically have their services on Sundays with many having services throughout the morning, so I would think an organization as Christian as the Salvation Army would try to avoid that time period.

We also had a Saturday late afternoon mass, and a Wednesday mass. On the whole, worshipers should learn to turn their phones off.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 01, 2024, 06:37:56 PM

Invariably, at a public gathering, there will be an announcement that phones should be set to silent or vibrate. And invariably, someone's phone will go off.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on January 01, 2024, 07:10:59 PM

Quote from: tmoore952 on November 24, 2023, 12:26:13 PM
Unbelievable numbers of TV graphics that are misspelled on the news shows on my local stations.

Two of many: "morning a loss" (should be "mourning")
"extenguishing a fire" (should be "extinguishing).

I'm not sure how this happens. Some computer program translating voice commands, or someone typing?

As mentioned, these are two of many. If I'd been keeping a list, I'd probably have filled an entire page.

Along the same lines, from a couple days ago (Channel 4, Washington DC).
This is an approximation of the entire headline -- but I did get the error right.

"Loose blot causes Boeing to urge inspections of 737 Max planes" (should be "loose bolt")

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on January 01, 2024, 07:18:58 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on December 31, 2023, 11:08:57 AM
Quote from: DTComposer on December 31, 2023, 11:00:39 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on December 31, 2023, 10:28:13 AM
Every year around this time of year there is invariably a barrage of e-mails from places like universities and other charities soliciting donations and claiming that "time is running out." Time isn't running out for anyone except their own desire to meet their own calendar-year goal. That's not my problem.

True to an extent, but it's also aimed at individuals wanting to make last-minute donations as a tax write-off for the year.

I understand that (I used to itemize before the last big tax law rewrite), although I also tend to think that the majority of people who take advantage of that sort of thing are well aware of the timing without nagging spam messages.

I also used to itemize until a year ago (the last tax law rewrite was not kind to itemizers (as many of you know)), and it caused me to accelerate getting my house paid off to get out of the itemization game quicker. Last year was the last year I will itemize for mortgage interest reasons, at least for my current residence, and likely for all time, given high real estate prices where I live.

Because of my (now) non-itemization, I was less inclined to do year-end donations, as I had less incentive to do so at least from a financial standpoint. Getting a $3000 car repair bill on Dec 23 pretty much killed that idea for this year.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 01, 2024, 07:21:17 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 01, 2024, 06:37:56 PM
Invariably, at a public gathering, there will be an announcement that phones should be set to silent or vibrate. And invariably, someone's phone will go off.

Most likely by someone that should have retired five years ago.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 01, 2024, 08:29:35 PM

I, too, itemized up to a couple of years ago and no longer do. I still contribute to charity, but I miss the deduction. I bet a lot of charities are hurting now.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on January 01, 2024, 08:39:18 PM

Quote from: kkt on January 01, 2024, 08:29:35 PM
I, too, itemized up to a couple of years ago and no longer do. I still contribute to charity, but I miss the deduction. I bet a lot of charities are hurting now.

Why they want the $19 per month?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 01, 2024, 08:52:26 PM

Quote from: Big John on January 01, 2024, 08:39:18 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 01, 2024, 08:29:35 PM
I, too, itemized up to a couple of years ago and no longer do. I still contribute to charity, but I miss the deduction. I bet a lot of charities are hurting now.

Why they want the $19 per month?

It adds up over millions of people who used to itemize and no longer do.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on January 02, 2024, 07:58:46 AM

Quote from: kkt on January 01, 2024, 08:29:35 PM
I, too, itemized up to a couple of years ago and no longer do. I still contribute to charity, but I miss the deduction. I bet a lot of charities are hurting now.

Most people who no longer itemize are getting a better deal because the standard deduction is higher than their previous itemized list.

Exceptions: If you no longer itemize because you've lost a major item (mortgage interest, property tax, etc.) in recent years, then you aren't better off.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 02, 2024, 08:55:14 AM

No one is better off if they lose a big ability to deduct.

Very interesting how the new standard deduction/last administration tax act has played out. My effective tax rate dropped by a whopping .2% -- note that decimal point.

You either had to be "upper lower class," where you were paying some high amount of taxes after whatever deduction you were able to take (thinking paycheck-to-paycheck renters) or be ridiculously rich to have truly noticed a benefit from it.

Then again, so many people have no idea how deductions work -- even the standard deduction -- despite filing taxes every year. They just follow the steps and don't think about what's really behind the math...and the government bets on that kind of mentality.

"I got a bigger refund, so my taxes must have gone down..." -- ignores the insanity behind our withholding process...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 02, 2024, 08:58:28 AM

Quote from: GaryV on January 02, 2024, 07:58:46 AM
Quote from: kkt on January 01, 2024, 08:29:35 PM
I, too, itemized up to a couple of years ago and no longer do. I still contribute to charity, but I miss the deduction. I bet a lot of charities are hurting now.

Most people who no longer itemize are getting a better deal because the standard deduction is higher than their previous itemized list.

Exceptions: If you no longer itemize because you've lost a major item (mortgage interest, property tax, etc.) in recent years, then you aren't better off.

To some extent, those things go hand-in-hand. The limitation on deducting state and local taxes paid (in our case, that includes state income tax, real estate tax, and the "personal property tax" more popularly known as the "car tax") means that our itemized deductions would not exceed the amount of the standard deduction, so we no longer deduct mortgage interest either. Of course we still have to pay it, and we're also far enough along in the payment process that the mortgage interest is considerably less of a deduction than it was even just five years ago. Interestingly, you also have to consider marital status and various other factors. Someone who isn't married has a lower standard deduction than a married couple and thus might fairly easily come out ahead by itemizing.

I don't want to get political, but I sometimes wonder to what extent the various limitations that make itemizing less useful to the average taxpayer might have an unintended side effect of discouraging home ownership by reducing the availability of the tax benefits that were generally associated with buying instead of renting. Of course there are plenty of reasons other than taxes why someone might choose one route or the other.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 02, 2024, 09:01:22 AM

Heh. People care about those big interest payments earlier in the mortgage than the smaller ones years down the road.

Makes me wonder if home owners become more politically conservative the later they get in their mortgage payments. :D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 02, 2024, 09:42:35 AM

Quote from: GaryV on January 02, 2024, 07:58:46 AM
Quote from: kkt on January 01, 2024, 08:29:35 PM
I, too, itemized up to a couple of years ago and no longer do. I still contribute to charity, but I miss the deduction. I bet a lot of charities are hurting now.

Most people who no longer itemize are getting a better deal because the standard deduction is higher than their previous itemized list.

Exceptions: If you no longer itemize because you've lost a major item (mortgage interest, property tax, etc.) in recent years, then you aren't better off.

You're still better off, especially if this was someone's sole reason to itemize. More of your payment is going to principal, giving you more equity on the house.

If you have a lot of other deductions in which mortgage interest aided the ability to itemize, it hurts somewhat. If someone had a lot of medical expenses, then there may be some benefit to having other deductions available, including mortgage interest.

But the people keeping their interest high just so they can itemize are really losing thousands per year. If they could deduct $12k via the standard deduction and their interest is $13k, they're only getting a $1,000 benefit out of that interest. Sure, they likely have other taxes and such they can deduct, but they likely aren't reaping the full value of that deduction they think they're getting.

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 02, 2024, 08:58:28 AM
I don't want to get political, but I sometimes wonder to what extent the various limitations that make itemizing less useful to the average taxpayer might have an unintended side effect of discouraging home ownership by reducing the availability of the tax benefits that were generally associated with buying instead of renting. Of course there are plenty of reasons other than taxes why someone might choose one route or the other.

Being that renting generally means 0% is deductible and 0% of the payments goes towards equity, people should strive to purchase rather than rent whenever feasible. There's going to be reasons why renting is better than buying, but the ability to no longer itemize interest payments shouldn't be as big of a factor as it's often made out to be.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 02, 2024, 10:02:37 AM

Quote from: Rothman on January 02, 2024, 08:55:14 AM
"I got a bigger refund, so my taxes must have gone down..." -- ignores the insanity behind our withholding process...

What's a refund? I don't think I've gotten one in about 20 years.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 02, 2024, 10:23:41 AM

I made my biggest payments on my mortgage at the beginning when I refinanced. However, because of the low fixed interest rate, I've been told NOT to pay off the house early, and to instead invest the money for a better return. But, because I have a small starting principal when I refinanced, my escrow payment for the homeowners insurance and property tax exceeds what I'm required to pay for principal and interest combined. I'm targeting payoff at the end of 2019.

I'm damn lucky and have good timing. While the value of my home has gone up around 45-48%, what I'm currently paying in my mortgage is slightly higher than several nearby two-bedroom apartments with less than half of the square footage of my home. I have gigabit Internet, and am on the same circuit as a nearby medical center and fire/police station, thus having a long (over one minute) power failure is extremely rare. And, because my fifteen year fixed interest rate is at 3.25%, I'm effectively "rate-locked" and have "golden handcuffs", so moving is out of the question. When I look at the Zillow map of my neighborhood, there are just four homes for sale and five home available to rent, and the closest equivalent to my home is almost double what I pay on my mortgage.

Of course, there are the neighbors. For four years, we had a nice if somewhat scatterbrained neighbor who was super nice to my mother and myself. She passed away a year ago yesterday (yes, on New Years Day), and her daughter has since moved into the home. She does not like us one bit, and even replaced the fence with at-code limit fence to block us out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on January 02, 2024, 11:18:03 AM

Quote from: Rothman on January 02, 2024, 08:55:14 AM
No one is better off if they lose a big ability to deduct.

Not true for me, at least for a couple years.

The $10000 cap on state and local tax deductions did affect me significantly, and caused me to pay more in taxes than it would if that hadn't changed, by making it harder for me to deduct more than the standard deduction. And that happened despite the fact that the standard deduction went up AND the tax rates went down (I determined this by computing my taxes in different ways, using the different rules). It was the primary reason I speeded up getting rid of the mortgage and its deduction. I had been trying to dance around all of this for (hopefully) obvious reasons (politics).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on January 02, 2024, 11:23:13 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on January 02, 2024, 10:23:41 AM
I'm targeting payoff at the end of 2019.

Typo, I assume?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 02, 2024, 11:41:02 AM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 02, 2024, 10:02:37 AM
Quote from: Rothman on January 02, 2024, 08:55:14 AM
"I got a bigger refund, so my taxes must have gone down..." -- ignores the insanity behind our withholding process...

What's a refund? I don't think I've gotten one in about 20 years.

As I understand it, if you owe you can be penalized even if you pay it by April 15. How do you hit it so exactly that you have no refund and also no penalty for underwithholding?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 02, 2024, 11:41:57 AM

Quote from: kkt on January 02, 2024, 11:41:02 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 02, 2024, 10:02:37 AM
Quote from: Rothman on January 02, 2024, 08:55:14 AM
"I got a bigger refund, so my taxes must have gone down..." -- ignores the insanity behind our withholding process...

What's a refund? I don't think I've gotten one in about 20 years.

As I understand it, if you owe you can be penalized even if you pay it by April 15. How do you hit it so exactly that you have no refund and also no penalty for underwithholding?

Merely owing something is not enough to get you hit with a penalty.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on January 02, 2024, 11:46:30 AM

Quote from: kkt on January 02, 2024, 11:41:02 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 02, 2024, 10:02:37 AM
Quote from: Rothman on January 02, 2024, 08:55:14 AM
"I got a bigger refund, so my taxes must have gone down..." -- ignores the insanity behind our withholding process...

What's a refund? I don't think I've gotten one in about 20 years.

As I understand it, if you owe you can be penalized even if you pay it by April 15. How do you hit it so exactly that you have no refund and also no penalty for underwithholding?

You only get hit with a penalty for underwithholding if you owe more than a certain percentage of the total amount, or in some cases if you owe more than a certain dollar amount. And in many of those cases there are other rules that kick in that may void the fee, such as how much you paid the year before and how that compares to what you paid this year.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 02, 2024, 11:52:36 AM

Quote from: tmoore952 on January 02, 2024, 11:46:30 AM
Quote from: kkt on January 02, 2024, 11:41:02 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 02, 2024, 10:02:37 AM
Quote from: Rothman on January 02, 2024, 08:55:14 AM
"I got a bigger refund, so my taxes must have gone down..." -- ignores the insanity behind our withholding process...

What's a refund? I don't think I've gotten one in about 20 years.

As I understand it, if you owe you can be penalized even if you pay it by April 15. How do you hit it so exactly that you have no refund and also no penalty for underwithholding?

You only get hit with a penalty for underwithholding if you owe more than a certain percentage of the total amount, or in some cases if you owe more than a certain dollar amount. And in many of those cases there are other rules that kick in that may void the fee, such as how much you paid the year before and how that compares to what you paid this year.

Thank you. Maybe I'll look into it more closely and reduce my withholding.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on January 02, 2024, 12:17:01 PM

Quote from: kkt on January 02, 2024, 11:52:36 AM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 02, 2024, 11:46:30 AM
Quote from: kkt on January 02, 2024, 11:41:02 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 02, 2024, 10:02:37 AM
Quote from: Rothman on January 02, 2024, 08:55:14 AM
"I got a bigger refund, so my taxes must have gone down..." -- ignores the insanity behind our withholding process...

What's a refund? I don't think I've gotten one in about 20 years.

As I understand it, if you owe you can be penalized even if you pay it by April 15. How do you hit it so exactly that you have no refund and also no penalty for underwithholding?

You only get hit with a penalty for underwithholding if you owe more than a certain percentage of the total amount, or in some cases if you owe more than a certain dollar amount. And in many of those cases there are other rules that kick in that may void the fee, such as how much you paid the year before and how that compares to what you paid this year.

Thank you. Maybe I'll look into it more closely and reduce my withholding.

For Federal taxes, look at the part of the 1040 instructions in the area where payments/refunds are discussed. All of this is dicussed there.

I am not familiar with Washington State taxes, so apply this as appropriate. In the MD tax booklet, this info is also in the area on payments/refunds.

I was just looking at this last week because I may have to make an estimated tax payment to MD to avoid having to pay a underwithholding penalty. I have until Jan 15 to do this in MD.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on January 02, 2024, 12:29:00 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 02, 2024, 10:02:37 AM
Quote from: Rothman on January 02, 2024, 08:55:14 AM
"I got a bigger refund, so my taxes must have gone down..." -- ignores the insanity behind our withholding process...

What's a refund? I don't think I've gotten one in about 20 years.

If you don't know what a refund is, how do you know you haven't gotten one? :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 02, 2024, 12:44:46 PM

Quote from: tmoore952 on January 02, 2024, 12:17:01 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 02, 2024, 11:52:36 AM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 02, 2024, 11:46:30 AM
Quote from: kkt on January 02, 2024, 11:41:02 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 02, 2024, 10:02:37 AM
Quote from: Rothman on January 02, 2024, 08:55:14 AM
"I got a bigger refund, so my taxes must have gone down..." -- ignores the insanity behind our withholding process...

What's a refund? I don't think I've gotten one in about 20 years.

As I understand it, if you owe you can be penalized even if you pay it by April 15. How do you hit it so exactly that you have no refund and also no penalty for underwithholding?

You only get hit with a penalty for underwithholding if you owe more than a certain percentage of the total amount, or in some cases if you owe more than a certain dollar amount. And in many of those cases there are other rules that kick in that may void the fee, such as how much you paid the year before and how that compares to what you paid this year.

Thank you. Maybe I'll look into it more closely and reduce my withholding.

For Federal taxes, look at the part of the 1040 instructions in the area where payments/refunds are discussed. All of this is dicussed there.

I am not familiar with Washington State taxes, so apply this as appropriate. In the MD tax booklet, this info is also in the area on payments/refunds.

I was just looking at this last week because I may have to make an estimated tax payment to MD to avoid having to pay a underwithholding penalty. I have until Jan 15 to do this in MD.

No personal income tax for Washington State. (But don't get too jealous, we get high property taxes, high sales taxes, and so-so public schools...)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 02, 2024, 01:00:43 PM

Quote from: kkt on January 02, 2024, 11:41:02 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 02, 2024, 10:02:37 AM
Quote from: Rothman on January 02, 2024, 08:55:14 AM
"I got a bigger refund, so my taxes must have gone down..." -- ignores the insanity behind our withholding process...

What's a refund? I don't think I've gotten one in about 20 years.

As I understand it, if you owe you can be penalized even if you pay it by April 15. How do you hit it so exactly that you have no refund and also no penalty for underwithholding?

I pay the penalty. I think last year it was $7.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 02, 2024, 01:05:45 PM

Quote from: kkt on January 02, 2024, 12:44:46 PMNo personal income tax for Washington State. (But don't get too jealous, we get high property taxes, high sales taxes, and so-so public schools...)

No personal income tax in Texas, but that is also offset by higher property taxes, and the local sales tax is 8.25% (6.25% state, 1% city, 1% DART).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 02, 2024, 01:58:10 PM

Quote from: tmoore952 on January 02, 2024, 11:18:03 AM
Quote from: Rothman on January 02, 2024, 08:55:14 AM
No one is better off if they lose a big ability to deduct.

Not true for me, at least for a couple years.

The $10000 cap on state and local tax deductions did affect me significantly, and caused me to pay more in taxes than it would if that hadn't changed, by making it harder for me to deduct more than the standard deduction. And that happened despite the fact that the standard deduction went up AND the tax rates went down (I determined this by computing my taxes in different ways, using the different rules). It was the primary reason I speeded up getting rid of the mortgage and its deduction. I had been trying to dance around all of this for (hopefully) obvious reasons (politics).

Like I said, no one's better off.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 02, 2024, 02:10:37 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on January 02, 2024, 01:05:45 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 02, 2024, 12:44:46 PMNo personal income tax for Washington State. (But don't get too jealous, we get high property taxes, high sales taxes, and so-so public schools...)

No personal income tax in Texas, but that is also offset by higher property taxes, and the local sales tax is 8.25% (6.25% state, 1% city, 1% DART).

10.25% here.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 02, 2024, 02:25:44 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on January 02, 2024, 01:54:04 PM
An income tax refund is just the government repaying an interest-free loan that you made to them, it is best for you to owe them a small amount at income tax time. You are servicing gobs and gobs of endless debt "but just look at my income tax deduction!".

On one level that's certainly true, but there's not a whole lot of secure investments where you could put a few thousand, take it out early the next year, and earn enough interest for it to be worth while.

For me, if I file my tax return promptly, I get the refund just in time to pay the first installment of my property tax, so it all works out nicely.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on January 02, 2024, 03:08:02 PM

Quote from: Rothman on January 02, 2024, 01:58:10 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 02, 2024, 11:18:03 AM
Quote from: Rothman on January 02, 2024, 08:55:14 AM
No one is better off if they lose a big ability to deduct.

Not true for me, at least for a couple years.

The $10000 cap on state and local tax deductions did affect me significantly, and caused me to pay more in taxes than it would if that hadn't changed, by making it harder for me to deduct more than the standard deduction. And that happened despite the fact that the standard deduction went up AND the tax rates went down (I determined this by computing my taxes in different ways, using the different rules). It was the primary reason I speeded up getting rid of the mortgage and its deduction. I had been trying to dance around all of this for (hopefully) obvious reasons (politics).
Like I said, no one's better off.

I agree with your statement when viewed in isolation from other statements.

With the case I cited though, it was designed (the selling point was) that most people would benefit, by virtue of additional things occurring, such as standard deduction going up and tax rates going down. That didn't happen for me. I felt like i was being given the middle finger.

It's a bit of semantics. The people who benefited DID lose that deduction & the ability to use it, even if they weren't actually using it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on January 02, 2024, 03:16:19 PM

The standard deduction for a joint return went from 13000 to 24000. If you had itemized deductions between those limits, you came out better by taking the standard. If you had deductions over 24000, you still itemize.

Granted, there's more to it than just the standard deduction change. There were changes in what could be deducted, or limits on the deductions. So maybe you previously had itemized deductions of say 26000. The next year if the changes and limits make your itemized deductions go down to 23000 - you'd be better off that year taking the standard, but yes, worse off than in the previous year when you were over the standard deduction. But the majority of taxpayers came out ahead because of the standard deduction change.

Also remember that a tax deduction only gets you part of the money back. If you're in the 22% bracket and donate $1000, you only come out $220 ahead after you deduct it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 02, 2024, 03:20:20 PM

Quote from: tmoore952 on January 02, 2024, 11:46:30 AM
Quote from: kkt on January 02, 2024, 11:41:02 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 02, 2024, 10:02:37 AM
Quote from: Rothman on January 02, 2024, 08:55:14 AM
"I got a bigger refund, so my taxes must have gone down..." -- ignores the insanity behind our withholding process...

What's a refund? I don't think I've gotten one in about 20 years.

As I understand it, if you owe you can be penalized even if you pay it by April 15. How do you hit it so exactly that you have no refund and also no penalty for underwithholding?

You only get hit with a penalty for underwithholding if you owe more than a certain percentage of the total amount, or in some cases if you owe more than a certain dollar amount. And in many of those cases there are other rules that kick in that may void the fee, such as how much you paid the year before and how that compares to what you paid this year.

If your income didn't come in relatively evenly over the course of the year—say, if you got a big bonus in December, or if you had some large amount of income that was not subject to withholding—you can also go through the process of completing a form that shows when each bit of income and each deduction was accrued. Doing so can sometimes reduce or eliminate the penalty. But it's a hassle unless you track your income and deductions throughout the year. Whether it's worth it really depends on how much the penalty is and how much time you have.

Quote from: GaryV on January 02, 2024, 03:16:19 PM
The standard deduction for a joint return went from 13000 to 24000. If you had itemized deductions between those limits, you came out better by taking the standard. If you had deductions over 24000, you still itemize.

Granted, there's more to it than just the standard deduction change. There were changes in what could be deducted, or limits on the deductions. So maybe you previously had itemized deductions of say 26000. The next year if the changes and limits make your itemized deductions go down to 23000 - you'd be better off that year taking the standard, but yes, worse off than in the previous year when you were over the standard deduction. But the majority of taxpayers came out ahead because of the standard deduction change.

Also remember that a tax deduction only gets you part of the money back. If you're in the 22% bracket and donate $1000, you only come out $220 ahead after you deduct it.

There are also age-related adjustments to the standard deduction for taxpayers who are age 65 or older (they get a larger standard deduction).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 02, 2024, 03:24:20 PM

I have never found it advantageous to itemize deductions. I file online (I used to use TurboTax; now I use H&R Block) and used to go through the motions of calculating my itemized deductions and seeing that I'm better off just using the standard deduction. Now I don't even bother. I just click "use standard deduction" and hit "file."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 02, 2024, 04:06:51 PM

Dear Netflix: I hear The Queen's Gambit was pretty good, but no, I am not going to the subscription model. I want to own the media and not depend on your not raising your prices too much, or your continued existence, if I want to watch it again and again.

Not doing a U.S. blu-ray release just means I'm going to order it from China, and you'll get even less money than if you'd done a U.S. media release.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 02, 2024, 08:01:33 PM

Quote from: kkt on January 02, 2024, 11:52:36 AM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 02, 2024, 11:46:30 AM
Quote from: kkt on January 02, 2024, 11:41:02 AM
As I understand it, if you owe you can be penalized even if you pay it by April 15. How do you hit it so exactly that you have no refund and also no penalty for underwithholding?

You only get hit with a penalty for underwithholding if you owe more than a certain percentage of the total amount, or in some cases if you owe more than a certain dollar amount. And in many of those cases there are other rules that kick in that may void the fee, such as how much you paid the year before and how that compares to what you paid this year.

Thank you. Maybe I'll look into it more closely and reduce my withholding.

Definitely do. The Government is holding your money interest free. If you have a steady job with same paycheck each pay period, once you get your refund, divide your refund by # of paychecks each year. Then submit a new W-4 with your HR that increases your paycheck by that amount. If you're single, most likely, you're changing Single 1 to Single 2. Just because it may just be you, doesn't have any effect on what withholding # you choose.

The goal is to get a small refund, or pay a small amount. Most people would need to owe at least a thousand or two to be even close to paying a penalty. And as was pointed out, the penalty is so small it's not worth worrying about. And if someone does owe a penalty, don't worry, the IRS isn't coming after you for anything more.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 02, 2024, 08:35:19 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 02, 2024, 08:01:33 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 02, 2024, 11:52:36 AM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 02, 2024, 11:46:30 AM
Quote from: kkt on January 02, 2024, 11:41:02 AM
As I understand it, if you owe you can be penalized even if you pay it by April 15. How do you hit it so exactly that you have no refund and also no penalty for underwithholding?

You only get hit with a penalty for underwithholding if you owe more than a certain percentage of the total amount, or in some cases if you owe more than a certain dollar amount. And in many of those cases there are other rules that kick in that may void the fee, such as how much you paid the year before and how that compares to what you paid this year.

Thank you. Maybe I'll look into it more closely and reduce my withholding.

Definitely do. The Government is holding your money interest free. If you have a steady job with same paycheck each pay period, once you get your refund, divide your refund by # of paychecks each year. Then submit a new W-4 with your HR that increases your paycheck by that amount. If you're single, most likely, you're changing Single 1 to Single 2. Just because it may just be you, doesn't have any effect on what withholding # you choose.

The goal is to get a small refund, or pay a small amount. Most people would need to owe at least a thousand or two to be even close to paying a penalty. And as was pointed out, the penalty is so small it's not worth worrying about. And if someone does owe a penalty, don't worry, the IRS isn't coming after you for anything more.

Okay, so my refund for 2022 was a little over $2000. If I started a savings account for that, the average balance over the year would be $1000. My bank pays a stunning 0.01% on savings accounts. Investing $1000 would get me about 10 cents. I might as well leave it with the IRS as a bank so I don't have to worry about transfering it back to my checking account and paying the IRS by check.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 02, 2024, 08:38:37 PM

Someone hasn't seen the updated w-4...

Say you haven't updated your w-4 in two years without saying it...

The days of claiming a number of withholdings are of quite yesteryear.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 02, 2024, 09:39:06 PM

Quote from: kkt on January 02, 2024, 08:35:19 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 02, 2024, 08:01:33 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 02, 2024, 11:52:36 AM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 02, 2024, 11:46:30 AM
Quote from: kkt on January 02, 2024, 11:41:02 AM
As I understand it, if you owe you can be penalized even if you pay it by April 15. How do you hit it so exactly that you have no refund and also no penalty for underwithholding?

You only get hit with a penalty for underwithholding if you owe more than a certain percentage of the total amount, or in some cases if you owe more than a certain dollar amount. And in many of those cases there are other rules that kick in that may void the fee, such as how much you paid the year before and how that compares to what you paid this year.

Thank you. Maybe I'll look into it more closely and reduce my withholding.

Definitely do. The Government is holding your money interest free. If you have a steady job with same paycheck each pay period, once you get your refund, divide your refund by # of paychecks each year. Then submit a new W-4 with your HR that increases your paycheck by that amount. If you're single, most likely, you're changing Single 1 to Single 2. Just because it may just be you, doesn't have any effect on what withholding # you choose.

The goal is to get a small refund, or pay a small amount. Most people would need to owe at least a thousand or two to be even close to paying a penalty. And as was pointed out, the penalty is so small it's not worth worrying about. And if someone does owe a penalty, don't worry, the IRS isn't coming after you for anything more.

Okay, so my refund for 2022 was a little over $2000. If I started a savings account for that, the average balance over the year would be $1000. My bank pays a stunning 0.01% on savings accounts. Investing $1000 would get me about 10 cents. I might as well leave it with the IRS as a bank so I don't have to worry about transfering it back to my checking account and paying the IRS by check.

I get better interest on my money by serendipitously looking around on the ground for loose change.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 02, 2024, 09:56:52 PM

Quote from: formulanone on January 02, 2024, 09:39:06 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 02, 2024, 08:35:19 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 02, 2024, 08:01:33 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 02, 2024, 11:52:36 AM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 02, 2024, 11:46:30 AM
Quote from: kkt on January 02, 2024, 11:41:02 AM
As I understand it, if you owe you can be penalized even if you pay it by April 15. How do you hit it so exactly that you have no refund and also no penalty for underwithholding?

You only get hit with a penalty for underwithholding if you owe more than a certain percentage of the total amount, or in some cases if you owe more than a certain dollar amount. And in many of those cases there are other rules that kick in that may void the fee, such as how much you paid the year before and how that compares to what you paid this year.

Thank you. Maybe I'll look into it more closely and reduce my withholding.

Definitely do. The Government is holding your money interest free. If you have a steady job with same paycheck each pay period, once you get your refund, divide your refund by # of paychecks each year. Then submit a new W-4 with your HR that increases your paycheck by that amount. If you're single, most likely, you're changing Single 1 to Single 2. Just because it may just be you, doesn't have any effect on what withholding # you choose.

The goal is to get a small refund, or pay a small amount. Most people would need to owe at least a thousand or two to be even close to paying a penalty. And as was pointed out, the penalty is so small it's not worth worrying about. And if someone does owe a penalty, don't worry, the IRS isn't coming after you for anything more.

Okay, so my refund for 2022 was a little over $2000. If I started a savings account for that, the average balance over the year would be $1000. My bank pays a stunning 0.01% on savings accounts. Investing $1000 would get me about 10 cents. I might as well leave it with the IRS as a bank so I don't have to worry about transfering it back to my checking account and paying the IRS by check.
I get better interest on my money by serendipitously looking around on the ground for loose change.

I'd get better interest investing $1,000 a real savings account (my current one gets over 4% APY) or a CD or in my deferred comp plan...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 02, 2024, 10:16:08 PM

Quote from: kkt on January 02, 2024, 08:35:19 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 02, 2024, 08:01:33 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 02, 2024, 11:52:36 AM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 02, 2024, 11:46:30 AM
Quote from: kkt on January 02, 2024, 11:41:02 AM
As I understand it, if you owe you can be penalized even if you pay it by April 15. How do you hit it so exactly that you have no refund and also no penalty for underwithholding?

You only get hit with a penalty for underwithholding if you owe more than a certain percentage of the total amount, or in some cases if you owe more than a certain dollar amount. And in many of those cases there are other rules that kick in that may void the fee, such as how much you paid the year before and how that compares to what you paid this year.

Thank you. Maybe I'll look into it more closely and reduce my withholding.

Definitely do. The Government is holding your money interest free. If you have a steady job with same paycheck each pay period, once you get your refund, divide your refund by # of paychecks each year. Then submit a new W-4 with your HR that increases your paycheck by that amount. If you're single, most likely, you're changing Single 1 to Single 2. Just because it may just be you, doesn't have any effect on what withholding # you choose.

The goal is to get a small refund, or pay a small amount. Most people would need to owe at least a thousand or two to be even close to paying a penalty. And as was pointed out, the penalty is so small it's not worth worrying about. And if someone does owe a penalty, don't worry, the IRS isn't coming after you for anything more.

Okay, so my refund for 2022 was a little over $2000. If I started a savings account for that, the average balance over the year would be $1000. My bank pays a stunning 0.01% on savings accounts. Investing $1000 would get me about 10 cents. I might as well leave it with the IRS as a bank so I don't have to worry about transfering it back to my checking account and paying the IRS by check.

Most bank savings accounts pay horrendously currently. Yet, there's easy ways to transfer fairly minimal money to other banks that are providing 5% and greater on 3+ month CDs. Put $500 in a CD at 5% for 3 months, and you'll get about $6.25 for those 3 months. Big money? No. But you're also saving money; let it roll, make sure it still earns 5%, and at the end of the year you're a bit over $25 in interest. Big money? Still no, but considering that's $25 more than you started with, it gets the ball rolling to slowly invest more over time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 02, 2024, 10:17:05 PM

Quote from: Rothman on January 02, 2024, 08:38:37 PM
Someone hasn't seen the updated w-4...

Say you haven't updated your w-4 in two years without saying it...

The days of claiming a number of withholdings are of quite yesteryear.

Heh...yeah, haven't seen a W-4 in years.

That said, I'm still doing fine with what I'm withholding, so no need to.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on January 03, 2024, 11:52:18 AM

Quote from: GaryV on January 02, 2024, 03:16:19 PM
The standard deduction for a joint return went from 13000 to 24000. If you had itemized deductions between those limits, you came out better by taking the standard. If you had deductions over 24000, you still itemize.

Granted, there's more to it than just the standard deduction change. There were changes in what could be deducted, or limits on the deductions. So maybe you previously had itemized deductions of say 26000. The next year if the changes and limits make your itemized deductions go down to 23000 - you'd be better off that year taking the standard, but yes, worse off than in the previous year when you were over the standard deduction. But the majority of taxpayers came out ahead because of the standard deduction change.

Also remember that a tax deduction only gets you part of the money back. If you're in the 22% bracket and donate $1000, you only come out $220 ahead after you deduct it.

I couldn't care less that the majority of taxpayers came out ahead. I did not. The fact I was one of the "exceptions rather than the rule" did add to my annoyance.

As far as only getting some of your deduction back, I have always been aware of that. It's better than getting nothing back, and it personally gave me some joy to help out some charities I thought were worthy.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on January 03, 2024, 11:57:52 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 02, 2024, 03:20:20 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 02, 2024, 11:46:30 AM
Quote from: kkt on January 02, 2024, 11:41:02 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 02, 2024, 10:02:37 AM
Quote from: Rothman on January 02, 2024, 08:55:14 AM
"I got a bigger refund, so my taxes must have gone down..." -- ignores the insanity behind our withholding process...

What's a refund? I don't think I've gotten one in about 20 years.

As I understand it, if you owe you can be penalized even if you pay it by April 15. How do you hit it so exactly that you have no refund and also no penalty for underwithholding?

You only get hit with a penalty for underwithholding if you owe more than a certain percentage of the total amount, or in some cases if you owe more than a certain dollar amount. And in many of those cases there are other rules that kick in that may void the fee, such as how much you paid the year before and how that compares to what you paid this year.

If your income didn't come in relatively evenly over the course of the year—say, if you got a big bonus in December, or if you had some large amount of income that was not subject to withholding—you can also go through the process of completing a form that shows when each bit of income and each deduction was accrued. Doing so can sometimes reduce or eliminate the penalty. But it's a hassle unless you track your income and deductions throughout the year. Whether it's worth it really depends on how much the penalty is and how much time you have.

You can also, as I did in both 2022 and 2023 (meaning last week), pay an estimated tax bill very late in the year to avoid a penalty if you think you will have one. I had gotten some savings bond income (several thousand dollars) very late in 2022, which is why I did it then. For 2023 (year just ended) I believe I was OK if I only took work earnings into effect, but since it was a good year investment wise in 2023, I thought I would have a penalty if I added in the investments, so I made an extra payment.

Doing things like this involves a little more attentiveness, but I also am not a fan of getting big refunds, or paying large penalties (I can live with small ones, although I'd prefer avoiding them altogether). i don't mind small refunds or owing a little.

Despite my extra 2022 payment, I still had a Federal underwithholding penalty. Like 1995hoo has mentioned, I decided it wasn't worth my time to go through the form to possibly eliminate the penalty (time value thing, like I've mentioned in the context of driving around to save on gasoline). The IRS will calculate your penalty if you don't feel like calculating it yourself. I did, however, have some idea of about the penalty would be (thanks to software), before I did that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on January 03, 2024, 12:01:42 PM

Quote from: formulanone on January 02, 2024, 09:39:06 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 02, 2024, 08:35:19 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 02, 2024, 08:01:33 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 02, 2024, 11:52:36 AM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 02, 2024, 11:46:30 AM
Quote from: kkt on January 02, 2024, 11:41:02 AM
As I understand it, if you owe you can be penalized even if you pay it by April 15. How do you hit it so exactly that you have no refund and also no penalty for underwithholding?

You only get hit with a penalty for underwithholding if you owe more than a certain percentage of the total amount, or in some cases if you owe more than a certain dollar amount. And in many of those cases there are other rules that kick in that may void the fee, such as how much you paid the year before and how that compares to what you paid this year.

Thank you. Maybe I'll look into it more closely and reduce my withholding.

Definitely do. The Government is holding your money interest free. If you have a steady job with same paycheck each pay period, once you get your refund, divide your refund by # of paychecks each year. Then submit a new W-4 with your HR that increases your paycheck by that amount. If you're single, most likely, you're changing Single 1 to Single 2. Just because it may just be you, doesn't have any effect on what withholding # you choose.

The goal is to get a small refund, or pay a small amount. Most people would need to owe at least a thousand or two to be even close to paying a penalty. And as was pointed out, the penalty is so small it's not worth worrying about. And if someone does owe a penalty, don't worry, the IRS isn't coming after you for anything more.

Okay, so my refund for 2022 was a little over $2000. If I started a savings account for that, the average balance over the year would be $1000. My bank pays a stunning 0.01% on savings accounts. Investing $1000 would get me about 10 cents. I might as well leave it with the IRS as a bank so I don't have to worry about transfering it back to my checking account and paying the IRS by check.
I get better interest on my money by serendipitously looking around on the ground for loose change.

It's a little better now than it used to be.

A few years ago I got 0.04 (4 cents) of interest for an entire year on my cash account. However, cash account needed for easy accessibility. I have much much more than that in investments.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on January 03, 2024, 12:56:54 PM

Why does the last 1/2 inch of milk in the carton go sour overnight in the fridge? Even when it's still days from "best by".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on January 03, 2024, 01:29:19 PM

Quote from: GaryV on January 03, 2024, 12:56:54 PM
Why does the last 1/2 inch of milk in the carton go sour overnight in the fridge? Even when it's still days from "best by".

In some (stress on "some") cases for me, it's actually the dried milk near the cap that starts to smell, while what's in the container is still OK.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on January 03, 2024, 01:50:25 PM

Quote from: GaryV on January 03, 2024, 12:56:54 PM
Why does the last 1/2 inch of milk in the carton go sour overnight in the fridge? Even when it's still days from "best by".

As a Canadian I can't relate. :biggrin: How about some bagged milk examples?
- When you grab the pitcher of milk and there's only a small bit of milk left in the bag. (I'm also guilty of doing that sometimes if I don't feel like switching to the next bag, but it's not nice for the next person)
- When you're pouring milk and the bag slips a bit forward, causing the milk to pour further out and miss the glass
- When someone cuts the hole either too small (so it takes a while to pour) or too big (milk pours too quickly, easier to spill). The latter is worse since you can't make the hole smaller once it's cut
- When you buy milk and one of the bags has a leak (thankfully that's rare)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 03, 2024, 02:45:43 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on December 30, 2023, 05:45:42 PM
Except Kwanzaa isn't a religious holiday. It's presented as an African cultural holiday observance.

True but, if I remember my history correctly, it was intended to be an alternative to Christmas. That, to me, makes it sort of equivalent to a religious holiday, even if it's technically secular.

Quote from: kkt on December 31, 2023, 06:02:39 PM

Quote from: Rothman on December 31, 2023, 05:50:58 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 31, 2023, 05:48:43 PM

Quote from: GaryV on December 31, 2023, 12:47:36 PM
Salvation Army spammed my wife with a text - during church this morning. Really?

If it was a sunrise service, I'd be piased also. But 10 or 11am? I mean, how are they supposed to know?

Minor things that bother me: People who don't turn off their audible notifications during church. And yes, I have yet to be in a congregation where a phone beeps or goes off and a doctor or police officer has to run out of the room.

That's what "vibrate mode" is for.

Quote from: ZLoth on December 31, 2023, 05:56:23 PM

Quote from: Rothman on December 31, 2023, 05:50:58 PM
And yes, I have yet to be in a congregation where a phone beeps or goes off and a doctor or police officer has to run out of the room.

Hey, there are people in mission-critical IT support who are on-call as well!

1. One might think that, considering I've never once received an Indian scam call on a Sunday morning, the Salvation Army might consider avoiding Sunday mornings as well. You'd think.

2. Maybe they were hoping to catch her just as she was preparing to put money in the offering plate... Ha.

3. No one is complaining, I'm sure, about people who are required to have their phones on at all times. It's everyone else.

4. I have music rehearsal before church every Sunday. I don't turn my phone to vibrate until shortly before the worship service, just in case my wife needs to reach me from the other end of the building or whatever. Sometimes I forget. No big deal, but I just mention it to say that even someone who is conscientious about the issue might neglect to silence his phone for whatever reason.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 03, 2024, 03:05:34 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 28, 2023, 02:32:31 PM
Why do so many TV/movie characters drink from a coffee mug while holding the side of the mug with no handle?

Out of curiosity, has anyone else noticed this? My wife had no idea what I was talking about when I mentioned it the other day.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on January 03, 2024, 03:09:39 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 03, 2024, 03:05:34 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 28, 2023, 02:32:31 PM
Why do so many TV/movie characters drink from a coffee mug while holding the side of the mug with no handle?

Out of curiosity, has anyone else noticed this? My wife had no idea what I was talking about when I mentioned it the other day.

I was just watching something yesterday (not sure what show/movie, sorry) and the lady did this. Now that you've mentioned it, it's going to bother me too! :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 03, 2024, 03:12:33 PM

I haven't noticed it myself (don't watch enough live action scripted TV), but I wonder if it has to do with the fact that actors don't ever actually eat or drink anything in scenes where their characters are doing so; to avoid continuity errors when shots from different takes are combined, the amount of food/drink present on camera has to stay consistent from take to take. Besides, the food is generally stale enough by the last take that it would be wholly unappetizing to actually consume.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on January 03, 2024, 03:14:38 PM

I often wonder, when I see people "drink" something on TV (think the late night hosts, like Colbert or Fallon) -- if they are really drinking anything. Oftentimes they start talking without swallowing, which would seem to me to be a dead giveaway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 03, 2024, 03:18:50 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 03, 2024, 03:12:33 PM
I wonder if it has to do with the fact that ...

I used to think it's so that the logo/word/whatever on the mug would be facing the camera instead of the actor. But I also see them do this with mugs that don't even have a logo/word/whatever on it at all. And I also have to imagine that the budget for a Hollywood movie allows them to custom-order the coffee mugs, so they could put the logo/word/whatever on whichever side of the mug they wanted.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 03, 2024, 04:53:49 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 03, 2024, 03:12:33 PM
I haven't noticed it myself (don't watch enough live action scripted TV), but I wonder if it has to do with the fact that actors don't ever actually eat or drink anything in scenes where their characters are doing so; to avoid continuity errors when shots from different takes are combined, the amount of food/drink present on camera has to stay consistent from take to take. Besides, the food is generally stale enough by the last take that it would be wholly unappetizing to actually consume.

So, rich people actually eat their food in fancy restaurants, rather than just ordering it and letting it sit there like they do in the movies?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on January 03, 2024, 05:57:41 PM

Quote from: Rothman on January 03, 2024, 04:53:49 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 03, 2024, 03:12:33 PM
I haven't noticed it myself (don't watch enough live action scripted TV), but I wonder if it has to do with the fact that actors don't ever actually eat or drink anything in scenes where their characters are doing so; to avoid continuity errors when shots from different takes are combined, the amount of food/drink present on camera has to stay consistent from take to take. Besides, the food is generally stale enough by the last take that it would be wholly unappetizing to actually consume.
So, rich people actually eat their food in fancy restaurants, rather than just ordering it and letting it sit there like they do in the movies?

Movies don't show people eating all their food at home either. They take 2 bites, a sip of coffee, say their 3 lines, and breakfast is done.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 03, 2024, 06:14:32 PM

Quote from: GaryV on January 03, 2024, 05:57:41 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 03, 2024, 04:53:49 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 03, 2024, 03:12:33 PM
I haven't noticed it myself (don't watch enough live action scripted TV), but I wonder if it has to do with the fact that actors don't ever actually eat or drink anything in scenes where their characters are doing so; to avoid continuity errors when shots from different takes are combined, the amount of food/drink present on camera has to stay consistent from take to take. Besides, the food is generally stale enough by the last take that it would be wholly unappetizing to actually consume.
So, rich people actually eat their food in fancy restaurants, rather than just ordering it and letting it sit there like they do in the movies?

Movies don't show people eating all their food at home either. They take 2 bites, a sip of coffee, say their 3 lines, and breakfast is done.

That, and if the scene took 25 takes, the actor doesn't want to really eat 25 times.

Cool, we can blame Hollywood for food waste!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 03, 2024, 08:36:42 PM

Quote from: GaryV on January 03, 2024, 05:57:41 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 03, 2024, 04:53:49 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 03, 2024, 03:12:33 PM
I haven't noticed it myself (don't watch enough live action scripted TV), but I wonder if it has to do with the fact that actors don't ever actually eat or drink anything in scenes where their characters are doing so; to avoid continuity errors when shots from different takes are combined, the amount of food/drink present on camera has to stay consistent from take to take. Besides, the food is generally stale enough by the last take that it would be wholly unappetizing to actually consume.
So, rich people actually eat their food in fancy restaurants, rather than just ordering it and letting it sit there like they do in the movies?

Movies don't show people eating all their food at home either. They take 2 bites, a sip of coffee, say their 3 lines, and breakfast is done.

"Kids/Mom/Dad you're gonna be late for school/work/meeting"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on January 03, 2024, 09:47:55 PM

Quote from: 7/8 on January 03, 2024, 01:50:25 PM
Quote from: GaryV on January 03, 2024, 12:56:54 PM
Why does the last 1/2 inch of milk in the carton go sour overnight in the fridge? Even when it's still days from "best by".

As a Canadian I can't relate. :biggrin: How about some bagged milk examples?
- When you grab the pitcher of milk and there's only a small bit of milk left in the bag. (I'm also guilty of doing that sometimes if I don't feel like switching to the next bag, but it's not nice for the next person)
- When you're pouring milk and the bag slips a bit forward, causing the milk to pour further out and miss the glass
- When someone cuts the hole either too small (so it takes a while to pour) or too big (milk pours too quickly, easier to spill). The latter is worse since you can't make the hole smaller once it's cut
- When you buy milk and one of the bags has a leak (thankfully that's rare)

Makes me glad we buy milk in jugs on our side of the border.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 04, 2024, 10:34:34 AM

Quote from: GaryV on January 03, 2024, 12:56:54 PM
Why does the last 1/2 inch of milk in the carton go sour overnight in the fridge? Even when it's still days from "best by".

The more air in the container along with the milk, the faster the milk will spoil. A full jug should therefore last longer than a nearly-empty jug, all else being equal.

Also, higher-fat milk will keep longer. So, if you drink low-fat or skim milk, then that might be contributing to the problem, because the margin of error is slimmer.

At our house, we buy whole milk for the kids (our own plus daycare), and we go through at least 1½ gallons per week, so it never even approaches the expiration date. For myself, I buy a pint of 1% milk; it's ultra-pasteurized, which makes it last much longer than your typical jug of milk.

If milk spoilage is a common occurrence for you, then I recommend buying ultra-pasteurized milk instead. Some people reportedly complain that it has a slightly "cooked" flavor, but I can barely notice the difference, and I actually kind of like it better. (I don't care for plain milk, though. I only use it on cereal.) It does cost more, and it's hard to find in larger sizes. I don't know exactly where you live, but your profile says southeastern Michigan: I see that Meijer sells half-gallons of ultra-pasteurized whole milk under their True Goodness label for about $4 a carton. They also sell gallons of Organic Valley ultra-pasteurized 2% milk, but it's a little more expensive at over $8.50 a jug. There are probably a couple of other options too. Maybe the biggest advantage is that it lasts a LONG time unopened—to the point that I don't think the brand I buy at Dillon's (local Kroger variant) even has an expiration date printed on it at all, or if it does, then it's ridiculously far out. So I can pick one up, not open it for a week and a half, and not worry at all about it going bad.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on January 04, 2024, 11:26:05 AM

Quote from: kphoger on January 04, 2024, 10:34:34 AM
Quote from: GaryV on January 03, 2024, 12:56:54 PM
Why does the last 1/2 inch of milk in the carton go sour overnight in the fridge? Even when it's still days from "best by".

The more air in the container along with the milk, the faster the milk will spoil. A full jug should therefore last longer than a nearly-empty jug, all else being equal.

Also, higher-fat milk will keep longer. So, if you drink low-fat or skim milk, then that might be contributing to the problem, because the margin of error is slimmer.

At our house, we buy whole milk for the kids (our own plus daycare), and we go through at least 1½ gallons per week, so it never even approaches the expiration date. For myself, I buy a pint of 1% milk; it's ultra-pasteurized, which makes it last much longer than your typical jug of milk.

If milk spoilage is a common occurrence for you, then I recommend buying ultra-pasteurized milk instead. Some people reportedly complain that it has a slightly "cooked" flavor, but I can barely notice the difference, and I actually kind of like it better. (I don't care for plain milk, though. I only use it on cereal.) It does cost more, and it's hard to find in larger sizes. I don't know exactly where you live, but your profile says southeastern Michigan: I see that Meijer sells half-gallons of ultra-pasteurized whole milk under their True Goodness label for about $4 a carton. They also sell gallons of Organic Valley ultra-pasteurized 2% milk, but it's a little more expensive at over $8.50 a jug. There are probably a couple of other options too. Maybe the biggest advantage is that it lasts a LONG time unopened—to the point that I don't think the brand I buy at Dillon's (local Kroger variant) even has an expiration date printed on it at all, or if it does, then it's ridiculously far out. So I can pick one up, not open it for a week and a half, and not worry at all about it going bad.

I've also noticed that sometimes it's only the film on the sides of the carton that's gone sour, making the container fail the sniff test, but the milk itself is fine.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on January 04, 2024, 01:51:26 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 04, 2024, 10:34:34 AM
Quote from: GaryV on January 03, 2024, 12:56:54 PM
Why does the last 1/2 inch of milk in the carton go sour overnight in the fridge? Even when it's still days from "best by".

The more air in the container along with the milk, the faster the milk will spoil. A full jug should therefore last longer than a nearly-empty jug, all else being equal.

Also, higher-fat milk will keep longer. So, if you drink low-fat or skim milk, then that might be contributing to the problem, because the margin of error is slimmer.

At our house, we buy whole milk for the kids (our own plus daycare), and we go through at least 1½ gallons per week, so it never even approaches the expiration date. For myself, I buy a pint of 1% milk; it's ultra-pasteurized, which makes it last much longer than your typical jug of milk.

If milk spoilage is a common occurrence for you, then I recommend buying ultra-pasteurized milk instead. Some people reportedly complain that it has a slightly "cooked" flavor, but I can barely notice the difference, and I actually kind of like it better. (I don't care for plain milk, though. I only use it on cereal.) It does cost more, and it's hard to find in larger sizes. I don't know exactly where you live, but your profile says southeastern Michigan: I see that Meijer sells half-gallons of ultra-pasteurized whole milk under their True Goodness label for about $4 a carton. They also sell gallons of Organic Valley ultra-pasteurized 2% milk, but it's a little more expensive at over $8.50 a jug. There are probably a couple of other options too. Maybe the biggest advantage is that it lasts a LONG time unopened—to the point that I don't think the brand I buy at Dillon's (local Kroger variant) even has an expiration date printed on it at all, or if it does, then it's ridiculously far out. So I can pick one up, not open it for a week and a half, and not worry at all about it going bad.

Thanks, I'll stick with the store brand at somewhere around $3/gal, and maybe lose 20-40 cents by having to throw away the last bit. Still beats spending $8.

Yes, we do shop at Meijer for most of our stuff. But I've found that in general Kroger milk stays fresh longer - it often has later sell-by dates and it seldom goes bad before that date. We've had a lot of Meijer milk that went bad as much as 3 days before it's date, sometimes having to throw out 1/2 gallon.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 04, 2024, 02:13:03 PM

Quote from: GaryV on January 04, 2024, 01:51:26 PM
Thanks, I'll stick with the store brand at somewhere around $3/gal, and maybe lose 20-40 cents by having to throw away the last bit. Still beats spending $8.

Hey, no sweat to me. I don't care what milk you buy. Heck, I don't know what you even do with your milk, so, for all I know, you might be better off not buying milk at all and just getting tap water from the sink instead. What counts as "worth it" to you is totally subjective. Personally, I buy the ultra-pasteurized milk only because that's the only kind that comes in pints at our grocery store, and its keeping longer in the fridge is just a nice side benefit. I don't buy 1% in anything larger than pints because at least half the jug would go sour otherwise: as I said, I only use it on breakfast cereal, and I don't even eat cereal every day. I was merely suggesting it as a solution to your milk going bad. If you don't find the longer shelf life of ultra-pasteurized milk to outweigh the additional cost, then more power to you.

I will note, however, that you might take less of a financial hit if you buy half-gallons instead of full-gallons. I've found that milk in half-gallons tends to last a little longer, probably because there's less air in the jug by the time the level gets really low.

Quote from: GaryV on January 04, 2024, 01:51:26 PM
Yes, we do shop at Meijer for most of our stuff. But I've found that in general Kroger milk stays fresh longer - it often has later sell-by dates and it seldom goes bad before that date. We've had a lot of Meijer milk that went bad as much as 3 days before it's date, sometimes having to throw out 1/2 gallon.

I've never shopped at Meijer, but that sucks. I'll count myself fortunate in never even having to do the sniff test anymore!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on January 04, 2024, 02:39:49 PM

Quote from: formulanone on January 03, 2024, 06:14:32 PM
Quote from: GaryV on January 03, 2024, 05:57:41 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 03, 2024, 04:53:49 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 03, 2024, 03:12:33 PM
I haven't noticed it myself (don't watch enough live action scripted TV), but I wonder if it has to do with the fact that actors don't ever actually eat or drink anything in scenes where their characters are doing so; to avoid continuity errors when shots from different takes are combined, the amount of food/drink present on camera has to stay consistent from take to take. Besides, the food is generally stale enough by the last take that it would be wholly unappetizing to actually consume.
So, rich people actually eat their food in fancy restaurants, rather than just ordering it and letting it sit there like they do in the movies?

Movies don't show people eating all their food at home either. They take 2 bites, a sip of coffee, say their 3 lines, and breakfast is done.

That, and if the scene took 25 takes, the actor doesn't want to really eat 25 times.

Cool, we can blame Hollywood for food waste!

This post reminds me of one of the "extras" in the DVD for the movie The Hunt For Red October.

There is a scene in that movie where the submarine captain (Sean Connery) is eating, and the other boat officers are sitting at a small table, I believe they were discussing how to proceed. Anyway, this "extra" pointed out that Sean Connery had to "eat" in all of the takes of this scene, and said something about the particular food Connery wanted in the scene (if memory serves, not the cheapest food). After however many takes they took (sounded like it was a few), he must have been stuffed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 04, 2024, 02:59:01 PM

Not a thing that bothers me, but apropos to the milk expiry discussion... I remember thinking a week or so ago that it's kind of strange that Braum's milk seems to last for so much longer than other brands do. Then I thought about it a bit more and realized it's probably just that, because it's a small company, the milk sends less time passing through distribution centers and sitting on trucks and things like that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on January 05, 2024, 02:10:44 AM

Quote from: tmoore952 on January 04, 2024, 02:39:49 PM
Quote from: formulanone on January 03, 2024, 06:14:32 PM
Quote from: GaryV on January 03, 2024, 05:57:41 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 03, 2024, 04:53:49 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 03, 2024, 03:12:33 PM
I haven't noticed it myself (don't watch enough live action scripted TV), but I wonder if it has to do with the fact that actors don't ever actually eat or drink anything in scenes where their characters are doing so; to avoid continuity errors when shots from different takes are combined, the amount of food/drink present on camera has to stay consistent from take to take. Besides, the food is generally stale enough by the last take that it would be wholly unappetizing to actually consume.
So, rich people actually eat their food in fancy restaurants, rather than just ordering it and letting it sit there like they do in the movies?

Movies don't show people eating all their food at home either. They take 2 bites, a sip of coffee, say their 3 lines, and breakfast is done.

That, and if the scene took 25 takes, the actor doesn't want to really eat 25 times.

Cool, we can blame Hollywood for food waste!

This post reminds me of one of the "extras" in the DVD for the movie The Hunt For Red October.

There is a scene in that movie where the submarine captain (Sean Connery) is eating, and the other boat officers are sitting at a small table, I believe they were discussing how to proceed. Anyway, this "extra" pointed out that Sean Connery had to "eat" in all of the takes of this scene, and said something about the particular food Connery wanted in the scene (if memory serves, not the cheapest food). After however many takes they took (sounded like it was a few), he must have been stuffed.

If I recall correctly, it was also a concern for the eating-a-Snickers-with-a-fork-and-knife episode of Seinfeld, and whoever it was ended up eating like 10 bars over the course of filming.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 05, 2024, 08:15:32 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 04, 2024, 02:59:01 PM
Not a thing that bothers me, but apropos to the milk expiry discussion... I remember thinking a week or so ago that it's kind of strange that Braum's milk seems to last for so much longer than other brands do. Then I thought about it a bit more and realized it's probably just that, because it's a small company, the milk sends less time passing through distribution centers and sitting on trucks and things like that.

And they probably don't need as much stock, so the milk they receive ends up at the front of the shelf/in your cart a lot sooner.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Takumi on January 05, 2024, 12:00:01 PM

When someone is writing/typing an imitation of a drawn out pronunciation of the word, but the written imitation doesn't match how it would actually be pronounced. Particularly if they just add a bunch more silent E's to the end of a word.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 05, 2024, 12:07:04 PM

Quote from: Takumi on January 05, 2024, 12:00:01 PM
When someone is writing/typing an imitation of a drawn out pronunciation of the word, but the written imitation doesn't match how it would actually be pronounced. Particularly if they just add a bunch more silent E's to the end of a word.

Aw, shut uppppppppppppppp, mmmmmmmmmmmmman!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 05, 2024, 01:33:30 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 05, 2024, 12:07:04 PM
Quote from: Takumi on January 05, 2024, 12:00:01 PM
When someone is writing/typing an imitation of a drawn out pronunciation of the word, but the written imitation doesn't match how it would actually be pronounced. Particularly if they just add a bunch more silent E's to the end of a word.

Aw, shut uppppppppppppppp, mmmmmmmmmmmmman!

The 'm' is reasonable in your statement, since it's a voiced labial and you can sustain it. The 'p', however, being a plosive cannot be sustained. "Aw shut uppppppppppppppppp bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbro!" would be a little more to your point.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 05, 2024, 01:36:06 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 05, 2024, 01:33:30 PM

Pedddddddddant!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on January 05, 2024, 02:51:55 PM

Just don't do all s's.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 05, 2024, 03:09:06 PM

Quote from: Big John on January 05, 2024, 02:51:55 PM
Just don't do all s's.

Aw, sssssssssssssssssssssshut up!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 05, 2024, 04:14:56 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 05, 2024, 01:33:30 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 05, 2024, 12:07:04 PM
Quote from: Takumi on January 05, 2024, 12:00:01 PM
When someone is writing/typing an imitation of a drawn out pronunciation of the word, but the written imitation doesn't match how it would actually be pronounced. Particularly if they just add a bunch more silent E's to the end of a word.

Aw, shut uppppppppppppppp, mmmmmmmmmmmmman!

The 'm' is reasonable in your statement, since it's a voiced labial and you can sustain it. The 'p', however, being a plosive cannot be sustained. "Aw shut uppppppppppppppppp bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbro!" would be a little more to your point.

It can sound that way, under certain oxygen-intelligence-depriving situations.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 05, 2024, 04:28:42 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 05, 2024, 01:33:30 PM
bro!

That's a minor thing that bothers me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 05, 2024, 04:40:45 PM

Quote from: Takumi on January 05, 2024, 12:00:01 PM
When someone is writing/typing an imitation of a drawn out pronunciation of the word, but the written imitation doesn't match how it would actually be pronounced. Particularly if they just add a bunch more silent E's to the end of a word.

Japanese onomatopoeia (giongo and gitaigo) is a whole other weird realm of this phenomenon. Who knew there were literally sounds* representing different types of silence?

* okay, rarely spoken aloud

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: MATraveler128 on January 05, 2024, 05:41:42 PM

Bluetooth earbuds that automatically connect to your iPhone when you don't want them to even when they're sitting in the case charging even in a separate room. This is particularly annoying when I get phone calls since it automatically pairs them during a call. Even with regular earbuds they will disconnect the audio and pair to Bluetooth instead when I try to listen to my music.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 05, 2024, 08:07:01 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 05, 2024, 03:09:06 PM
Quote from: Big John on January 05, 2024, 02:51:55 PM
Just don't do all s's.

Aw, sssssssssssssssssssssshut up!

We hatesssssss it preciousssssssss!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 06, 2024, 04:19:02 AM

I'm traveling at the moment. Two things that bothered me...

First, going through the TSA at DFW. After checking in and dropping off my luggage, I go to the nearest TSA Checkpoint which apparent does NOT TSA Pre-Check (boo), however, they gave me a blue card stating that i don't have to take off my shoes, etc. However, after the checkpoint, I went to pick up my stuff... and the empty bins were stacked up as other travelers refused to do the common courtesy of sliding the empty trays to the collection area so that they can be sent to waiting people.

However, right after the TSA Checkpoint, I get a panic tech support call from my mother. She apparently browsed to a site which had a malicious "Call Support" site with a 888 number to call. I told her NOT to call the number, and did my best to set up a video call to guide her to fixing her computer. Considering that she dislikes technology and doesn't like to follow directions, this is a challenge. Now, her laptop can't power up, and I can't fix it until I get back... in two weeks. Of course, there is the obligatory "you go on vacation, and everything technical misbehaves". :banghead:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 06, 2024, 09:56:15 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on January 06, 2024, 04:19:02 AM
I'm traveling at the moment. Two things that bothered me...

First, going through the TSA at DFW. After checking in and dropping off my luggage, I go to the nearest TSA Checkpoint which apparent does NOT TSA Pre-Check (boo), however, they gave me a blue card stating that i don't have to take off my shoes, etc. However, after the checkpoint, I went to pick up my stuff... and the empty bins were stacked up as other travelers refused to do the common courtesy of sliding the empty trays to the collection area so that they can be sent to waiting people.

However, right after the TSA Checkpoint, I get a panic tech support call from my mother. She apparently browsed to a site which had a malicious "Call Support" site with a 888 number to call. I told her NOT to call the number, and did my best to set up a video call to guide her to fixing her computer. Considering that she dislikes technology and doesn't like to follow directions, this is a challenge. Now, her laptop can't power up, and I can't fix it until I get back... in two weeks. Of course, there is the obligatory "you go on vacation, and everything technical misbehaves". :banghead:

So:

1) Lack of TSA PreCheck at DFW.
2) Luddite Mom

That's a strange spectrum.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on January 06, 2024, 03:11:33 PM

People who "panic buy" in advance of snow. I needed to do my normal grocery shopping (due Tuesday, but I don't like shopping in pouring rain, so I did it today) and I had to bounce over to Hannaford because people had picked the shelf clean of one of my staple frozen foods. Ironically, this happening on the regular at Hannaford is the reason I switched to Market Bistro in the first place! First time I had to bounce in a year or two. Both stores were complete zoos and it was worse than going to a department store on Black Friday, but at least Market Bistro had all hands on deck, so the extra people were mainly noticeable with the extra-full parking lot and more crowded aisles. Not so at Hannaord, which had a long line at the self checkouts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 06, 2024, 05:10:36 PM

Quote from: vdeane on January 06, 2024, 03:11:33 PM
People who "panic buy" in advance of snow.
... Both stores were complete zoos and it was worse than going to a department store on Black Friday,

This was also true of Wegmans this morning, although it didn't occur to me until reading this that it may have been weather-related.
Snow has started falling, but the worst of the storm is tracking further east.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 06, 2024, 06:49:43 PM

Quote from: Rothman on January 06, 2024, 09:56:15 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on January 06, 2024, 04:19:02 AM
I'm traveling at the moment. Two things that bothered me...

First, going through the TSA at DFW. After checking in and dropping off my luggage, I go to the nearest TSA Checkpoint which apparent does NOT TSA Pre-Check (boo), however, they gave me a blue card stating that i don't have to take off my shoes, etc. However, after the checkpoint, I went to pick up my stuff... and the empty bins were stacked up as other travelers refused to do the common courtesy of sliding the empty trays to the collection area so that they can be sent to waiting people.
So:

1) Lack of TSA PreCheck at DFW.

As far as I can determine from the DFW Airport Map (https://www.dfwairport.com/security/), only the security checkpoint at D22 lacks TSA Pre-Check at DFW, which happened to be the closest one to where I dropped off my luggage. But, the big point was my fellow travelers not moving the empty trays down.

Quote from: Rothman on January 06, 2024, 09:56:15 AM2) Luddite Mom

That's putting it politely....

Quote from: vdeane on January 06, 2024, 03:11:33 PMPeople who "panic buy" in advance of snow. I needed to do my normal grocery shopping (due Tuesday, but I don't like shopping in pouring rain, so I did it today) and I had to bounce over to Hannaford because people had picked the shelf clean of one of my staple frozen foods.

Depends on the context and area. Judging from the icons and reference to "The 518", you are in New York State. Having lived in upstate New York when I was very young in the Rose, New York (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Rose,+NY+14433/) area and the resulting lake-effect snow that caused slipping and sliding. In 1977, we moved away from that.

In Texas, it's a different story, especially in the North Dallas area. It is expected that you may get a dusting of snow once a year, and only significant snow once a decade. Thus, snow removal equipment can only be found at the two airports. With snow being such a rarity, noone has chains and driving under such circumstances in February 2021 (The Texas Extreme Weather Event), February 2022 (Son of Extreme Weather Event), or February 2023 (Thundersleet!) are extremely bad ideas. But, in all three cases, the weather forecasters gave us several days of warning, but yet again, people wait until the last minute.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on January 06, 2024, 07:24:02 PM

I went to food store today during the storm (all rain for me in central MD) and it was a good thing because 1) no one was there and 2) they must have restocked last night since there was plenty of everything.

I now don't have to go tomorrow which will probably be a madhouse since it supposed to be a nice day, and (relatively) no one went today.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on January 06, 2024, 11:53:01 PM

I kind of laughed at the 'panic buying' of things like TP due to that 'bug' craze a few years ago. Most of that kind of stuff I buy in case lots and have an ample supply on hand to not have to worry about those kinds of things.

:spin:

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 07, 2024, 12:23:05 AM

Quote from: mgk920 on January 06, 2024, 11:53:01 PM
I kind of laughed at the 'panic buying' of things like TP due to that 'bug' craze a few years ago. Most of that kind of stuff I buy in case lots and have an ample supply on hand to not have to worry about those kinds of things.

:spin:

Mike

That works fine for TP, not so well for perishables.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on January 07, 2024, 07:55:12 AM

Quote from: mgk920 on January 06, 2024, 11:53:01 PM
I kind of laughed at the 'panic buying' of things like TP due to that 'bug' craze a few years ago. Most of that kind of stuff I buy in case lots and have an ample supply on hand

What if you are right near the end of the case when the next zombie apocalypse happens?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 07, 2024, 08:05:29 AM

Quote from: GaryV on January 07, 2024, 07:55:12 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 06, 2024, 11:53:01 PM
I kind of laughed at the 'panic buying' of things like TP due to that 'bug' craze a few years ago. Most of that kind of stuff I buy in case lots and have an ample supply on hand

What if you are right near the end of the case when the next zombie apocalypse happens?

Meh. We had an ample supply of TP when the lockdown happened. When we did eventually run out, we were able to find more.

Hopefully, distribution will be better next time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: epzik8 on January 07, 2024, 08:29:36 AM

Quote from: vdeane on January 06, 2024, 03:11:33 PM
People who "panic buy" in advance of snow.

Never fails in Maryland.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on January 07, 2024, 10:45:15 AM

Quote from: GaryV on January 07, 2024, 07:55:12 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 06, 2024, 11:53:01 PM
I kind of laughed at the 'panic buying' of things like TP due to that 'bug' craze a few years ago. Most of that kind of stuff I buy in case lots and have an ample supply on hand

What if you are right near the end of the case when the next zombie apocalypse happens?

I normally restock non-perishables when my supply gets below half.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 07, 2024, 11:39:18 AM

Quote from: mgk920 on January 07, 2024, 10:45:15 AM
Quote from: GaryV on January 07, 2024, 07:55:12 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 06, 2024, 11:53:01 PM
I kind of laughed at the 'panic buying' of things like TP due to that 'bug' craze a few years ago. Most of that kind of stuff I buy in case lots and have an ample supply on hand

What if you are right near the end of the case when the next zombie apocalypse happens?

I normally restock non-perishables when my supply gets below half.

Mike

Yes. I don't really understand the panic buying of non-perishables.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on January 07, 2024, 11:47:44 AM

Quote from: kkt on January 07, 2024, 11:39:18 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 07, 2024, 10:45:15 AM
Quote from: GaryV on January 07, 2024, 07:55:12 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 06, 2024, 11:53:01 PM
I kind of laughed at the 'panic buying' of things like TP due to that 'bug' craze a few years ago. Most of that kind of stuff I buy in case lots and have an ample supply on hand

What if you are right near the end of the case when the next zombie apocalypse happens?

I normally restock non-perishables when my supply gets below half.

Mike

Yes. I don't really understand the panic buying of non-perishables.

I think the toilet paper one has a simple explanation: Most people are terrified at the thought of taking a shit in the woods if there's no TP to be had.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 07, 2024, 11:55:58 AM

Quote from: Rothman on January 07, 2024, 08:05:29 AM
Quote from: GaryV on January 07, 2024, 07:55:12 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 06, 2024, 11:53:01 PM
I kind of laughed at the 'panic buying' of things like TP due to that 'bug' craze a few years ago. Most of that kind of stuff I buy in case lots and have an ample supply on hand

What if you are right near the end of the case when the next zombie apocalypse happens?
Meh. We had an ample supply of TP when the lockdown happened. When we did eventually run out, we were able to find more.

Hopefully, distribution will be better next time.

One problem with paper goods that nearly everyone failed to realize is that they're comparatively large items; keeping additional quantities in stock is difficult for a grocery store to keep in their backroom due to their volume. People became so wrapped up in terms like "greed" and "logistics" but didn't see the middle school math problem inside of it which is almost always going to be an issue.

A boxed container of toilet paper might have a 12 between 24 packages in a case, with each package each containing between 4 and 12 rolls. While larger quantities exist (especially in warehouse stores), that means the volume of the packaging is ever-larger as the package quantity increases. A 24-pack of toilet paper in case takes up much more room than a 24-pack of canned corn, and the profit-by-volume is much greater on a the canned good, even though it doesn't cost as much. As a rough estimate, a grocery store could probably bring in 10-12 additional boxes of the average grocery product (canned, boxed, bagged) which would take up the same amount of space as one additional box of toilet paper, and even more so against the size of a paper towel crate. If your aim is to get more profits and balance which items are most critical, then paper goods may take a backseat to edible items and high-profit items.

If one additional person wants an extra 12-pack of paper goods, the store can usually comply. But when the public fervor of any one item suddenly is exposed to a daily 25-50% increase in demand, the store will still run out very quickly before its next shipment. And I'd guess that the demand suddenly spiked to a 100% increase which is truly difficult to make space. When the grocery truck has to decide what is loaded and not loaded, they aren't going to allow 10-20 more stock-outs so people can buy just a little more toilet paper, which already doesn't have a terrific profit margin by volume.

Why don't grocery stores just have larger backrooms? Because a larger backroom of stock takes away from the available floor space to sell those goods. The increased volume of the overall store costs more to zone, build, lease, maintain, and tax. Stores have chipped away at that with just-in-time ordering, trucking, and more careful observation of sales patterns. Warehouse stores just load more of it above the easily-available stock but stores with narrower and more aisles cannot easily do so, but also at the expense of a limited variety.

Lastly, most places didn't put it on the radar. So all it takes to stock-out of toilet paper was 10-20 people per day going on a run and buying up twice as much they'd normally do. And we see that with milk, eggs, and bread as common examples; all it takes is 50-100 people buying a second package or jug "just in case" and they're out of stock. That's going to leave hundreds of others without any to purchase. A second item isn't exactly "hoarding". Stores will typically do fine when just a handful of people just pick up extra amounts and typically encourage this (win-win), or so as long as it focuses on a variety of different items (typical patterns).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on January 07, 2024, 12:20:53 PM

I buy the Centrum Silver 50+ men's vitamins (gummies).

I bought a bottle last week for about $12 since I was running out.
This morning there was a coupon in newspaper for $4 off.

All is not lost, coupon is good for another month, and I guess I could use it then, shelf life should support that too.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 07, 2024, 12:28:18 PM

All vitamins do is give you expensive urine. :D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 07, 2024, 12:42:55 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on January 06, 2024, 06:49:43 PM

Quote from: vdeane on January 06, 2024, 03:11:33 PMPeople who "panic buy" in advance of snow. I needed to do my normal grocery shopping (due Tuesday, but I don't like shopping in pouring rain, so I did it today) and I had to bounce over to Hannaford because people had picked the shelf clean of one of my staple frozen foods.

Depends on the context and area. Judging from the icons and reference to "The 518", you are in New York State. Having lived in upstate New York when I was very young in the Rose, New York (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Rose,+NY+14433/) area and the resulting lake-effect snow that caused slipping and sliding. In 1977, we moved away from that.

Yeah, but Upstate NY gets snow all the time. Shouldn't that make us less prone to panic buying? We're coming off a mild winter last year and a mild start to this one, but still, snow in January is not exactly a shocker.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on January 07, 2024, 01:03:54 PM

Quote from: Rothman on January 07, 2024, 12:28:18 PM
All vitamins do is give you expensive urine. :D

Nearly 7 years past 50, and just trying them as of this past November. I'll make that determination.

It's no more expensive than beer (which I do drink, but rarely).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 07, 2024, 01:15:19 PM

Quote from: formulanone on January 07, 2024, 11:55:58 AM
Quote from: Rothman on January 07, 2024, 08:05:29 AM
Quote from: GaryV on January 07, 2024, 07:55:12 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 06, 2024, 11:53:01 PM
I kind of laughed at the 'panic buying' of things like TP due to that 'bug' craze a few years ago. Most of that kind of stuff I buy in case lots and have an ample supply on hand

What if you are right near the end of the case when the next zombie apocalypse happens?
Meh. We had an ample supply of TP when the lockdown happened. When we did eventually run out, we were able to find more.

Hopefully, distribution will be better next time.

One problem with paper goods that nearly everyone failed to realize is that they're comparatively large items; keeping additional quantities in stock is difficult for a grocery store to keep in their backroom due to their volume. People became so wrapped up in terms like "greed" and "logistics" but didn't see the middle school math problem inside of it which is almost always going to be an issue.

A boxed container of toilet paper might have a 12 between 24 packages in a case, with each package each containing between 4 and 12 rolls. While larger quantities exist (especially in warehouse stores), that means the volume of the packaging is ever-larger as the package quantity increases. A 24-pack of toilet paper in case takes up much more room than a 24-pack of canned corn, and the profit-by-volume is much greater on a the canned good, even though it doesn't cost as much. As a rough estimate, a grocery store could probably bring in 10-12 additional boxes of the average grocery product (canned, boxed, bagged) which would take up the same amount of space as one additional box of toilet paper, and even more so against the size of a paper towel crate. If your aim is to get more profits and balance which items are most critical, then paper goods may take a backseat to edible items and high-profit items.

If one additional person wants an extra 12-pack of paper goods, the store can usually comply. But when the public fervor of any one item suddenly is exposed to a daily 25-50% increase in demand, the store will still run out very quickly before its next shipment. And I'd guess that the demand suddenly spiked to a 100% increase which is truly difficult to make space. When the grocery truck has to decide what is loaded and not loaded, they aren't going to allow 10-20 more stock-outs so people can buy just a little more toilet paper, which already doesn't have a terrific profit margin by volume.

Why don't grocery stores just have larger backrooms? Because a larger backroom of stock takes away from the available floor space to sell those goods. The increased volume of the overall store costs more to zone, build, lease, maintain, and tax. Stores have chipped away at that with just-in-time ordering, trucking, and more careful observation of sales patterns. Warehouse stores just load more of it above the easily-available stock but stores with narrower and more aisles cannot easily do so, but also at the expense of a limited variety.

Lastly, most places didn't put it on the radar. So all it takes to stock-out of toilet paper was 10-20 people per day going on a run and buying up twice as much they'd normally do. And we see that with milk, eggs, and bread as common examples; all it takes is 50-100 people buying a second package or jug "just in case" and they're out of stock. That's going to leave hundreds of others without any to purchase. A second item isn't exactly "hoarding". Stores will typically do fine when just a handful of people just pick up extra amounts and typically encourage this (win-win), or so as long as it focuses on a variety of different items (typical patterns).

And add to this that it's usually not just one store with the issue, it's an entire region. So people not only want to get a second one, but if they start running around they may be tempted to get even more, just in case.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on January 07, 2024, 03:35:59 PM

Those annoying little growing orchard brand label stickers that are now on apples at the supermarket.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 07, 2024, 04:15:25 PM

Gas pumps that play commercials while you pump.
Will avoid that gas station next time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on January 07, 2024, 07:17:51 PM

Quote from: kkt on January 07, 2024, 04:15:25 PM
Gas pumps that play commercials while you pump.
Will avoid that gas station next time.

Pro Tip - I've found that on many of those gas pumps, one of the buttons (typically the upper middle or lower middle) in the column to the right of the display is a mute button. I typically mute the thing if it comes on.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 07, 2024, 07:19:51 PM

Quote from: dlsterner on January 07, 2024, 07:17:51 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 07, 2024, 04:15:25 PM
Gas pumps that play commercials while you pump.
Will avoid that gas station next time.

Pro Tip - I've found that on many of those gas pumps, one of the buttons (typically the upper middle or lower middle) in the column to the right of the display is a mute button. I typically mute the thing if it comes on.

Thank you. I'll look for that if I end up there again.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 07, 2024, 08:17:54 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 07, 2024, 01:15:19 PM
Quote from: formulanone on January 07, 2024, 11:55:58 AM
Quote from: Rothman on January 07, 2024, 08:05:29 AM
Quote from: GaryV on January 07, 2024, 07:55:12 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 06, 2024, 11:53:01 PM
I kind of laughed at the 'panic buying' of things like TP due to that 'bug' craze a few years ago. Most of that kind of stuff I buy in case lots and have an ample supply on hand

What if you are right near the end of the case when the next zombie apocalypse happens?
Meh. We had an ample supply of TP when the lockdown happened. When we did eventually run out, we were able to find more.

Hopefully, distribution will be better next time.

One problem with paper goods that nearly everyone failed to realize is that they're comparatively large items; keeping additional quantities in stock is difficult for a grocery store to keep in their backroom due to their volume. People became so wrapped up in terms like "greed" and "logistics" but didn't see the middle school math problem inside of it which is almost always going to be an issue.

A boxed container of toilet paper might have a 12 between 24 packages in a case, with each package each containing between 4 and 12 rolls. While larger quantities exist (especially in warehouse stores), that means the volume of the packaging is ever-larger as the package quantity increases. A 24-pack of toilet paper in case takes up much more room than a 24-pack of canned corn, and the profit-by-volume is much greater on a the canned good, even though it doesn't cost as much. As a rough estimate, a grocery store could probably bring in 10-12 additional boxes of the average grocery product (canned, boxed, bagged) which would take up the same amount of space as one additional box of toilet paper, and even more so against the size of a paper towel crate. If your aim is to get more profits and balance which items are most critical, then paper goods may take a backseat to edible items and high-profit items.

If one additional person wants an extra 12-pack of paper goods, the store can usually comply. But when the public fervor of any one item suddenly is exposed to a daily 25-50% increase in demand, the store will still run out very quickly before its next shipment. And I'd guess that the demand suddenly spiked to a 100% increase which is truly difficult to make space. When the grocery truck has to decide what is loaded and not loaded, they aren't going to allow 10-20 more stock-outs so people can buy just a little more toilet paper, which already doesn't have a terrific profit margin by volume.

Why don't grocery stores just have larger backrooms? Because a larger backroom of stock takes away from the available floor space to sell those goods. The increased volume of the overall store costs more to zone, build, lease, maintain, and tax. Stores have chipped away at that with just-in-time ordering, trucking, and more careful observation of sales patterns. Warehouse stores just load more of it above the easily-available stock but stores with narrower and more aisles cannot easily do so, but also at the expense of a limited variety.

Lastly, most places didn't put it on the radar. So all it takes to stock-out of toilet paper was 10-20 people per day going on a run and buying up twice as much they'd normally do. And we see that with milk, eggs, and bread as common examples; all it takes is 50-100 people buying a second package or jug "just in case" and they're out of stock. That's going to leave hundreds of others without any to purchase. A second item isn't exactly "hoarding". Stores will typically do fine when just a handful of people just pick up extra amounts and typically encourage this (win-win), or so as long as it focuses on a variety of different items (typical patterns).

And add to this that it's usually not just one store with the issue, it's an entire region. So people not only want to get a second one, but if they start running around they may be tempted to get even more, just in case.

An additional problem with the toilet paper was that institutional and consumer products have completely different form factors. (That is, nobody wants to use the garbage toilet paper your boss buys to be cheap at home.) Production was set up to be more or less 50/50; when the pandemic started that sharply changed to 100/0 and the manufacturers failed to maintain the flexibility to change their production to meet the sudden new demand.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 07, 2024, 09:21:50 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on January 06, 2024, 11:53:01 PMI kind of laughed at the 'panic buying' of things like TP due to that 'bug' craze a few years ago. Most of that kind of stuff I buy in case lots and have an ample supply on hand to not have to worry about those kinds of things.

The way people were purchasing TP in 2020, you would think that it would become the trading currency for goods. A box of mac-and-cheese for a roll of TP? Maybe make a nice fleabay profit.

From my perspective, it has to do with "just-in-time" manufacturing. The plants are set up for X number of rolls per day so that the supermarkets and warehouse clubs can maintain a healthy supply with a minimal amount "in the back". When people panic-purchased, that drove demand way beyond the margin for additional capacity. I personally had a extra week of canned food with a 1-2 year shelf life "just in case".

What still bothers me years after the pandemic was declared over was the fact that doctors, nurses, first responders, store clerks, and truckers got recognized, but those of us in the technology fields got ignored, especially those of us who kept the Internet running and the online meetings going so that you could work from home and watch streaming movies without skipping a beat. Many businesses and governmental entities had to "crash learn" these new technologies, and this has permanently changed our world.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: algorerhythms on January 07, 2024, 09:32:35 PM

Quote from: kkt on January 07, 2024, 04:15:25 PM
Gas pumps that play commercials while you pump.
Will avoid that gas station next time.

There was a gas station like that near where I used to live in Illinois. That was strike one. Strikes two and three and the ejection by the umpire was the time I went there and there was a card skimmer on every pump. Luckily it was obvious enough that I noticed before putting my card in. Never went back after that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 07, 2024, 10:01:18 PM

Quote from: algorerhythms on January 07, 2024, 09:32:35 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 07, 2024, 04:15:25 PM
Gas pumps that play commercials while you pump.
Will avoid that gas station next time.
There was a gas station like that near where I used to live in Illinois. That was strike one. Strikes two and three and the ejection by the umpire was the time I went there and there was a card skimmer on every pump. Luckily it was obvious enough that I noticed before putting my card in. Never went back after that.

I've seen legit credit card readers that stick out quite a ways from the pump. Makes me wonder if legit readers are being mistaken for skimmers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 07, 2024, 10:15:07 PM

Quote from: algorerhythms on January 07, 2024, 09:32:35 PMStrikes two and three and the ejection by the umpire was the time I went there and there was a card skimmer on every pump. Luckily it was obvious enough that I noticed before putting my card in.

This is why we need to eliminate the magnetic stripe on cards in favor of the on-card chip, and also utilize a PIN like we do on debit cards. What some of the thieves are doing is drilling holes into the RFID antennas to force the consumer to insert their card and use their skimmer (https://www.9news.com/article/news/crime/gas-pumps-scammers-theft/73-567167d6-1289-4eca-96c1-dd93113316f9). Magnetic stripes were first introduced in 1970.

Can RFID skimmers be used? Yes, but it is much harder and requires breaking into the gas pump.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: algorerhythms on January 07, 2024, 10:24:31 PM

Quote from: Rothman on January 07, 2024, 10:01:18 PM
Quote from: algorerhythms on January 07, 2024, 09:32:35 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 07, 2024, 04:15:25 PM
Gas pumps that play commercials while you pump.
Will avoid that gas station next time.
There was a gas station like that near where I used to live in Illinois. That was strike one. Strikes two and three and the ejection by the umpire was the time I went there and there was a card skimmer on every pump. Luckily it was obvious enough that I noticed before putting my card in. Never went back after that.
I've seen legit credit card readers that stick out quite a ways from the pump. Makes me wonder if legit readers are being mistaken for skimmers.

This one was very blatantly obvious and amateurishly done. Like, they put glue in the card slot so you couldn't use it, then taped the skimmer (which wasn't connected to the pump itself) to the side of the pump, with a handwritten note that said to use that instead. You'd have to be extremely oblivious to fall for it.

Quote from: ZLoth on January 07, 2024, 10:15:07 PM
Quote from: algorerhythms on January 07, 2024, 09:32:35 PMStrikes two and three and the ejection by the umpire was the time I went there and there was a card skimmer on every pump. Luckily it was obvious enough that I noticed before putting my card in.

This is why we need to eliminate the magnetic stripe on cards in favor of the on-card chip, and also utilize a PIN like we do on debit cards. What some of the thieves are doing is drilling holes into the RFID antennas to force the consumer to insert their card and use their skimmer (https://www.9news.com/article/news/crime/gas-pumps-scammers-theft/73-567167d6-1289-4eca-96c1-dd93113316f9). Magnetic stripes were first introduced in 1970.

Can RFID skimmers be used? Yes, but it is much harder and requires breaking into the gas pump.

I agree. It amazes me that you can still find mag stripe readers on gas pumps these days. Now I live in Canada, and if, when driving in the U.S., I encounter a gas station that still uses mag stripe readers, I'll skip it and find another gas station later. Not worth the inconvenience and potential security issues, when mag stripe reader pumps, and even some chip readers for some reason, require typing in a ZIP code, and I don't currently have a ZIP code. Well, I do have a postal code, but their keypad doesn't have any letters on it...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on January 07, 2024, 10:36:58 PM

Quote from: algorerhythms on January 07, 2024, 10:24:31 PM
I agree. It amazes me that you can still find mag stripe readers on gas pumps these days. Now I live in Canada, and if, when driving in the U.S., I encounter a gas station that still uses mag stripe readers, I'll skip it and find another gas station later. Not worth the inconvenience and potential security issues, when mag stripe reader pumps, and even some chip readers for some reason, require typing in a ZIP code, and I don't currently have a ZIP code. Well, I do have a postal code, but their keypad doesn't have any letters on it...

Helpful tip for Canadians in the US: use the three numbers in your postal code followed by two zeroes. Some gas pumps near the border have a sticker telling you that. Though hopefully the zip code thing dies off with increased adoptions of PIN numbers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ran4sh on January 07, 2024, 10:39:13 PM

I don't see how PIN is more secure than the ZIP code...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: algorerhythms on January 07, 2024, 10:48:18 PM

Quote from: ran4sh on January 07, 2024, 10:39:13 PM
I don't see how PIN is more secure than the ZIP code...

If someone steals a random card, then chances are they can guess the ZIP code just by guessing local ZIP codes, because most people will be from the area. A PIN is at least somewhat more likely to be random.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ran4sh on January 07, 2024, 11:02:35 PM

Quote from: algorerhythms on January 07, 2024, 10:48:18 PM
Quote from: ran4sh on January 07, 2024, 10:39:13 PM
I don't see how PIN is more secure than the ZIP code...
If someone steals a random card, then chances are they can guess the ZIP code just by guessing local ZIP codes, because most people will be from the area. A PIN is at least somewhat more likely to be random.

This is definitely not my experience when using credit cards. I don't get asked for a ZIP code at my local gas stations, I only see it at other locations when I travel away from home. Which, when I first noticed that, it seemed to me that it was doing so based on the fact that my ZIP code is *not* local. Maybe it's different elsewhere though.

And more to the point, I'm not aware of credit card purchases that use PINs. I'm not sure I even have a PIN on my card.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 07, 2024, 11:10:01 PM

Quote from: ran4sh on January 07, 2024, 11:02:35 PMAnd more to the point, I'm not aware of credit card purchases that use PINs. I'm not sure I even have a PIN on my card.

Chip-and-PIN for credit cards is more common in Europe than in the United States.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: US 89 on January 08, 2024, 01:55:29 AM

Quote from: ran4sh on January 07, 2024, 11:02:35 PM
Quote from: algorerhythms on January 07, 2024, 10:48:18 PM
Quote from: ran4sh on January 07, 2024, 10:39:13 PM
I don't see how PIN is more secure than the ZIP code...
If someone steals a random card, then chances are they can guess the ZIP code just by guessing local ZIP codes, because most people will be from the area. A PIN is at least somewhat more likely to be random.

This is definitely not my experience when using credit cards. I don't get asked for a ZIP code at my local gas stations, I only see it at other locations when I travel away from home. Which, when I first noticed that, it seemed to me that it was doing so based on the fact that my ZIP code is *not* local. Maybe it's different elsewhere though.

I have always been asked for my zip code just as often at local stations as stations when I'm traveling. I'd say I get asked probably one time out of three - with the exception that I've never been asked for it if I tapped my card onto a RFID reader.

The issue with zip codes is if your card gets stolen, it has your name on it. Especially if your name is not super common, it's not that hard to get on the internet and figure out where you live.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 08, 2024, 11:08:10 AM

Quote from: vdeane on January 06, 2024, 03:11:33 PM
People who "panic buy" in advance of snow. I needed to do my normal grocery shopping (due Tuesday, but I don't like shopping in pouring rain, so I did it today) ...

I don't understand not wanting to go out in the snow, when it's someone who has experience driving in snow. The other day, my wife asked if we should go shopping on a different day than planned, because winter weather was forecast for that day. The thought hadn't even occurred to me? Why shouldn't we go shopping during the snow?

I'm like you: I'd much rather do my errands during the snow than during the rain. Yeah, it's really hard to push a shopping cart in the snow, but at least half my groceries don't get drenched on the way to the car.

Quote from: ZLoth on January 06, 2024, 06:49:43 PM
Depends on the context and area ... In Texas ... snow removal equipment can only be found at the two airports. With snow being such a rarity, noone has chains ...

But none of that would be much of a problem, if only people in Texas knew how to drive in the snow. I grew up in a small town in northwestern Kansas, where snow accumulation of more than six inches was pretty much guaranteed to happen at least once a year, and occasionally up to ten inches. The town was cheap when it came to snow removal, and their general practice was to simply not plow the streets at all when it snowed. I've never owned chains, and I only bought my first 4WD vehicle when I was about 30 years old.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 08, 2024, 12:10:21 PM

Meh, depends on how much snow.

It's never yourself you have to worry about, but the bonehead out there driving the other vehicle.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 08, 2024, 12:55:18 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 08, 2024, 11:08:10 AMI don't understand not wanting to go out in the snow, when it's someone who has experience driving in snow. The other day, my wife asked if we should go shopping on a different day than planned, because winter weather was forecast for that day. The thought hadn't even occurred to me? Why shouldn't we go shopping during the snow?

I know how to drive in snow, but still prefer not to go out in it if I can avoid it, and if I must, I prefer to do so in a vehicle that has already been out in it at least once. We have a rule that any vehicle driven in snow must be scheduled for washing soon after warmer weather returns and the streets are clear of deicing salts, so that the underbody can be rinsed to prevent corrosion.

Quote from: kphoger on January 08, 2024, 11:08:10 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on January 06, 2024, 06:49:43 PMDepends on the context and area ... In Texas ... snow removal equipment can only be found at the two airports. With snow being such a rarity, noone has chains ...

But none of that would be much of a problem, if only people in Texas knew how to drive in the snow. I grew up in a small town in northwestern Kansas, where snow accumulation of more than six inches was pretty much guaranteed to happen at least once a year, and occasionally up to ten inches. The town was cheap when it came to snow removal, and their general practice was to simply not plow the streets at all when it snowed. I've never owned chains, and I only bought my first 4WD vehicle when I was about 30 years old.

I've driven for over 30 years and never owned a vehicle with AWD, 4WD, a set of tire chains, or indeed a traction device of any type (some cars cannot use chains at all; for example, the only manufacturer-authorized traction device for my Saturn is a set of snow belts). The areas where it makes sense to have really restrictive chain laws, such as the Sierras in California or the I-70 corridor in Colorado, tend to be mountainous and comprise only a microscopic fraction of the land area that routinely sees snow.

I would venture to say that except in a few narrow cases (such as emergency response or delivery of life-critical supplies), it makes more sense to postpone travel than to use chains. Vehicles typically cannot travel faster than 30 MPH with them, and restrictive chain control typically corresponds to a high likelihood of full closure of the highway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on January 08, 2024, 02:31:07 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 08, 2024, 11:08:10 AMI don't understand not wanting to go out in the snow, when it's someone who has experience driving in snow. The other day, my wife asked if we should go shopping on a different day than planned, because winter weather was forecast for that day. The thought hadn't even occurred to me? Why shouldn't we go shopping during the snow?

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 08, 2024, 12:55:18 PM
I know how to drive in snow, but still prefer not to go out in it if I can avoid it, and if I must, I prefer to do so in a vehicle that has already been out in it at least once. We have a rule that any vehicle driven in snow must be scheduled for washing soon after warmer weather returns and the streets are clear of deicing salts, so that the underbody can be rinsed to prevent corrosion.

It's relevant, I think, to note that Kyle takes a certain indifference to matters of safety:

Quote from: kphoger on May 01, 2020, 10:51:33 AM
Staying safe is not the goal of my life. Heck, staying alive isn't even the goal of my life. I fully expect to die at some point in my life. That doesn't mean I live recklessly, but it does mean that "is it safe?" isn't the guiding question that controls my decisions.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 08, 2024, 02:54:28 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on January 08, 2024, 02:31:07 PM
It's relevant, I think, to note that Kyle takes a certain indifference to matters of safety:

Quote from: kphoger on May 01, 2020, 10:51:33 AM
Staying safe is not the goal of my life. Heck, staying alive isn't even the goal of my life. I fully expect to die at some point in my life. That doesn't mean I live recklessly, but it does mean that "is it safe?" isn't the guiding question that controls my decisions.

1. Good job with the quote-hack! Nice to see someone else make the effort. :)

2. Yes, my impression is that Jonathan's outlook on safety is quite different from mine. After all (since we're now having fun searching for years-old posts, he's the one who said . . .

Quote from: J N Winkler on May 14, 2013, 12:49:04 PM
If that means I have to drive like a blue-rinse old lady, so be it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 08, 2024, 03:10:20 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on January 08, 2024, 02:31:07 PMIt's relevant, I think, to note that Kyle takes a certain indifference to matters of safety:

Quote from: kphoger on May 01, 2020, 10:51:33 AMStaying safe is not the goal of my life. Heck, staying alive isn't even the goal of my life. I fully expect to die at some point in my life. That doesn't mean I live recklessly, but it does mean that "is it safe?" isn't the guiding question that controls my decisions.

I remember that post. OTOH, I don't think safety is the real driver of my reluctance to go out in snow. I tend to focus more on the hassle factor, especially when driving around town. Snow introduces an element of unpredictability in journey times, and since Wichita does not plow side streets, heavy snowfall (say, six inches or more) greatly increases the likelihood of my getting stuck when I turn in or out of my street.

So if it is a routine errand and I can do it just as easily on a no-snow day as on a day it is snowing, I will choose the former nine times out of ten. Though I do not organize my life to avoid all hassle, I try to weed out the part of it that is not productive.

Quote from: kphoger on January 08, 2024, 02:54:28 PMYes, my impression is that Jonathan's outlook on safety is quite different from mine. After all (since we're now having fun searching for years-old posts, he's the one who said . . .

Quote from: J N Winkler on May 14, 2013, 12:49:04 PMIf that means I have to drive like a blue-rinse old lady, so be it.

Those are still words to live by.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 08, 2024, 03:24:53 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 08, 2024, 03:10:20 PM
... since Wichita does not plow side streets, heavy snowfall (say, six inches or more) greatly increases the likelihood of my getting stuck when I turn in or out of my street.

So if it is a routine errand and I can do it just as easily on a no-snow day as on a day it is snowing, I will choose the former nine times out of ten.

Since Wichita does not plow side streets, heavy snowfall greatly increases the likelihood of my having fun when I turn in or out of my street.

So if it is a routine errand and I can do it just as easily on a no-snow day as on a day it is snowing, I will choose the latter nine times out of ten.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 08, 2024, 03:32:34 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 08, 2024, 03:24:53 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 08, 2024, 03:10:20 PM
... since Wichita does not plow side streets, heavy snowfall (say, six inches or more) greatly increases the likelihood of my getting stuck when I turn in or out of my street.

So if it is a routine errand and I can do it just as easily on a no-snow day as on a day it is snowing, I will choose the former nine times out of ten.

Since Wichita does not plow side streets, heavy snowfall greatly increases the likelihood of my having fun when I turn in or out of my street.

So if it is a routine errand and I can do it just as easily on a no-snow day as on a day it is snowing, I will choose the latter nine times out of ten.

Since the Tennessee Valley does exactly nothing for snow and/or ice removal, I just avoid going out of the house because there's a 90% chance nobody showed up to their respective jobs, either. The few times I've ventured out in it, there were remarkably few vehicles to be concerned with. Snow doesn't bug me even nearly much as ice does.

I get to drive in enough of it away from home, so there's no novelty factor.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 08, 2024, 03:40:44 PM

Quote from: formulanone on January 08, 2024, 03:32:34 PM
Snow doesn't bug me even nearly much as ice does.

I wholeheartedly agree with that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dvferyance on January 08, 2024, 05:30:30 PM

That we are likely going to have a 3rd straight Presidential election with 2 really old candidates.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 08, 2024, 06:07:02 PM

Quote from: dvferyance on January 08, 2024, 05:30:30 PM
That we are likely going to have a 3rd straight Presidential election with 2 really old candidates.

Hillary Clinton was 69 in 2016. That's not really old, by presidential standards.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 08, 2024, 06:46:24 PM

Strange but true: Presidents Clinton, George W. Bush, and Trump were all born in the summer of 1946 (Trump in June, Bush in July, and Clinton in August).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 08, 2024, 06:50:54 PM

Quote from: kkt on January 08, 2024, 06:07:02 PM
Quote from: dvferyance on January 08, 2024, 05:30:30 PM
That we are likely going to have a 3rd straight Presidential election with 2 really old candidates.

Hillary Clinton was 69 in 2016. That's not really old, by presidential standards.

Sure it is. We didn't have anyone elected that old until Ronald Reagan.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on January 08, 2024, 06:53:00 PM

I'm still pissed off that I can't find this location on Long Island;
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Long_Island_Run._(5606543006).jpg
I almost thought it might've been Suffolk CR 105 @ NY 24 in Flanders, but if that had been the case, the traffic signals would've been green. Then I looked up the rest of the gallery on Flickr, and I had a glimmer of hope, assuming it might've been Suffolk CR 83 at Mooney Pond Road. The trouble with that is that there are too many overhead signs mixed with the signals there, so I'm back to square one.

BTW, the signals at CR 83 and Mooney Pond should be replaced with a bridge, and an interchange at NY 25 via New Lane.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 08, 2024, 08:41:33 PM

Quote from: Rothman on January 08, 2024, 06:50:54 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 08, 2024, 06:07:02 PM
Quote from: dvferyance on January 08, 2024, 05:30:30 PM
That we are likely going to have a 3rd straight Presidential election with 2 really old candidates.

Hillary Clinton was 69 in 2016. That's not really old, by presidential standards.
Sure it is. We didn't have anyone elected that old until Ronald Reagan.

You're right... but working into the mid 70s seems pretty normal now, especially for people in high level jobs where they feel they are making a difference.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on January 08, 2024, 09:52:26 PM

Quote from: Rothman on January 08, 2024, 12:10:21 PM
Meh, depends on how much snow.

It's never yourself you have to worry about, but the bonehead out there driving the other vehicle.

I had an accident in January 2000 in a snowstorm, on the US 1 expressway right at the Sesame Place exit (Oxford Valley Road?), when I got cut off at the onramp from someone merging too fast. Ever since then, I only drive in a non-dusting snowfall if it's absolutely necessary.

I share the feeling about.feeling that you are surrounded by people who know how to drive in snow. I always felt more comfortable driving in upstate New York in winter, than I do in Philly/Delaware/Maryland.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on January 09, 2024, 07:19:02 AM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on January 07, 2024, 11:47:44 AM
Quote from: kkt on January 07, 2024, 11:39:18 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 07, 2024, 10:45:15 AM
Quote from: GaryV on January 07, 2024, 07:55:12 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 06, 2024, 11:53:01 PM
I kind of laughed at the 'panic buying' of things like TP due to that 'bug' craze a few years ago. Most of that kind of stuff I buy in case lots and have an ample supply on hand

What if you are right near the end of the case when the next zombie apocalypse happens?

I normally restock non-perishables when my supply gets below half.

Mike

Yes. I don't really understand the panic buying of non-perishables.

I think the toilet paper one has a simple explanation: Most people are terrified at the thought of taking a shit in the woods if there's no TP to be had.

If nothing else, a good use for all those odd socks.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on January 09, 2024, 07:26:34 AM

Both Kroger and Meijer had Pączki this week. We just got to Epiphany. It's still 5 weeks until Fat Tuesday.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 09, 2024, 09:36:00 AM

Am I the only person that had never heard of Epiphany before reading it on AARoads?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 09, 2024, 11:40:27 AM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 09, 2024, 09:36:00 AM
Am I the only person that had never heard of Epiphany before reading it on AARoads?

Yes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 09, 2024, 01:18:07 PM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on January 08, 2024, 06:53:00 PM
I'm still pissed off that I can't find this location on Long Island;
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Long_Island_Run._(5606543006).jpg

And I see you've been wondering for five years now.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on January 09, 2024, 01:20:54 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 09, 2024, 09:36:00 AM
Am I the only person that had never heard of Epiphany before reading it on AARoads?

I didn't know it was a thing until my wife explained what it was in 2020. I'm not the slightest bit religious so a lot of like topics probably went over my head when I was growing up.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 09, 2024, 01:21:18 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 09, 2024, 09:36:00 AM
Am I the only person that had never heard of Epiphany before reading it on AARoads?

That's not surprising at all. Generally, only those who have been decently well involved in "high church" Christianity would have any reason to have heard of it in this country.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 09, 2024, 02:47:22 PM

Quote from: Rothman on January 09, 2024, 11:40:27 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 09, 2024, 09:36:00 AM
Am I the only person that had never heard of Epiphany before reading it on AARoads?
Yes.

Quote from: kphoger on January 09, 2024, 01:21:18 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 09, 2024, 09:36:00 AM
Am I the only person that had never heard of Epiphany before reading it on AARoads?

That's not surprising at all. Generally, only those who have been decently well involved in "high church" Christianity would have any reason to have heard of it in this country.

So, no. I'm not. :)

What exactly does "high church" mean?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 09, 2024, 03:01:30 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 09, 2024, 02:47:22 PM
What exactly does "high church" mean?

Those denominations that are characterized by ritual, sacraments, fancy pastoral/priestly clothing, and old traditions in general. Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican/Episcopalian, Presbyterian, etc. If it's a catholic-y church, then it's probably caught under the "high church" umbrella.

This is in contrast to "low church" Christianity, which is those denominations that have historically worked to rid themselves of those trappings to either lesser or greater degree. Baptist, Pentecostal, most American non-denominational congregations, etc. If it's an un-catholic-y church, then it's probably caught under the "low church" umbrella.

In general, "low church" denominations have more or less abandoned the traditional liturgical calendar, and so those feast days that are culturally less important also have become less important within the church. Because Epiphany is not culturally "a thing" here in the USA, it's not "a thing" in those church traditions here either.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 09, 2024, 03:05:43 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 09, 2024, 03:01:30 PM
Those denominations that are characterized by ritual, sacraments, fancy pastoral/priestly clothing, and old traditions in general. Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican/Episcopalian, Presbyterian, etc. If it's a catholic-y church, then it's probably caught under the "high church" umbrella.

This is in contrast to "low church" Christianity, which is those denominations that have historically worked to rid themselves of those trappings to either lesser or greater degree. Baptist, Pentecostal, most American non-denominational congregations, etc. If it's an un-catholic-y church, then it's probably caught under the "low church" umbrella.

In general, "low church" denominations have more or less abandoned the traditional liturgical calendar, and so those feast days that are culturally less important also have become less important within the church. Because Epiphany is not culturally "a thing" here in the USA, it's not "a thing" in those church traditions here either.

Well, I was baptized Episcopalian, and my maternal grandparents attended Episcopalian churches. My paternal grandparents went to Lutheran church twice a week as long as I had known them. Still haven't heard of Epiphany.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 09, 2024, 03:54:53 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 09, 2024, 01:21:18 PM
Generally, only those who have been decently well involved in "high church" Christianity would have any reason to have heard of it in this country.

Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 09, 2024, 03:05:43 PM
I was baptized Episcopalian,
my maternal grandparents attended Episcopalian churches
My paternal grandparents went to Lutheran church twice a week as long as I had known them.

I'm not getting "I was decently well involved" vibes from that post. No offense if I'm reading you wrong.

But perfectly fair anyway. My own father is a Lutheran pastor, and I was only vaguely familiar with Epiphany growing up. Until the last decade or so, I'm not sure I could even have told you what it was or even what time of year it was.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 09, 2024, 04:22:39 PM

I did grow up knowing about Epiphany, but technically I count as a cradle Catholic, though I have been nonobservant since the age of 13. The unmooring of Epiphany from January 6, reported earlier in this thread (IIRC), came as news to me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 09, 2024, 06:43:23 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 09, 2024, 03:54:53 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 09, 2024, 01:21:18 PM
Generally, only those who have been decently well involved in "high church" Christianity would have any reason to have heard of it in this country.

Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 09, 2024, 03:05:43 PM
I was baptized Episcopalian,
my maternal grandparents attended Episcopalian churches
My paternal grandparents went to Lutheran church twice a week as long as I had known them.

I'm not getting "I was decently well involved" vibes from that post. No offense if I'm reading you wrong.

But perfectly fair anyway. My own father is a Lutheran pastor, and I was only vaguely familiar with Epiphany growing up. Until the last decade or so, I'm not sure I could even have told you what it was or even what time of year it was.

You'd still think maybe I would have heard the term from my churchgoing grandparents. Both were pretty involved in their churches. Just because I never attended with regularity (Christmas Eve and occasional trips when we stayed with my dad's parents), I tend to remember details easily. Either way, just thought it odd.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 09, 2024, 07:34:13 PM

I'm not exactly sure what Epiphany is, but I'm very familiar with the phrase "had an epiphany," which is synonymous with "had a revelation" in these parts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 09, 2024, 09:30:56 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 09, 2024, 07:34:13 PM
I'm not exactly sure what Epiphany is, but I'm very familiar with the phrase "had an epiphany," which is synonymous with "had a revelation" in these parts.

In short, it is the Christian holiday that commemorates the revelation of Jesus' divinity to the world. Depending on which tradition, this either means the three wise men (foreign diplomats acknowledging his divinity by worshiping him with gifts), his baptism by John (upon which his divinity was audibly declared by God's own voice from heaven), and/or his first miracle (which demonstrated his divinity tangibly). Originally, it encompassed everything from his conception to the beginning of his earthly ministry, but eventually, in the 4th Century -ish, Christmas split off to become its own holiday.

It's what comes after the twelve days of Christmas: thus, January 6. But, let's be honest, most of us wouldn't even know there were twelve days of Christmas if it weren't for the Muppets singing that song.

The phrase 'had an epiphany' is related: it's when someone hitherto unknown to you suddenly became apparent. Whether that's the divinity of Jesus or how the flux capacitor makes time travel possible—it's an epiphany either way.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 09, 2024, 10:00:38 PM

Us Mormons don't celebrate Epiphany, but I certainly heard and know about it, beyond my time living amongst the Orthodox in Russia.

Then again, studies have shown that Mormons tend to know more about other religions than other religious people know about other religions. Probably due to our missionary focus.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on January 09, 2024, 10:12:32 PM

So, evidently MUTCD is replacing "Share the Road" banners with something else.
https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/11th_Edition/Chapter2c.pdf#page=51

W16-1P - Share the Road

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MUTCD_W16-1P_(2009).svg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MUTCD_W16-1P_(2023).svg

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 09, 2024, 10:51:02 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 09, 2024, 09:36:00 AM
Am I the only person that had never heard of Epiphany before reading it on AARoads?

I've always heard it called "the Epiphany" with the definite article.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 10, 2024, 09:41:05 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 09, 2024, 10:51:02 PM
I've always heard it called "the Epiphany" with the definite article.

I've heard "The Feast of the Epiphany" (definite article) and "Epiphany" (no definite article).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 10, 2024, 09:50:31 AM

Turning aside from religious observances, our hotel room this week has a stall shower with a hinged door (as opposed to sliding bypass doors). The hinged door looks nice, but I've concluded over time that it's an impractical design. It seems like no matter what you do, there's always a small puddle of water outside the door on the side that swings open (the side opposite the hinges). I suppose that annoys me less in a hotel room than it would at home, of course, although it doesn't do the bath mat (which, as usual for most hotels, is just a towel) any favors because one corner is always wet when you get out of the shower.

Once upon a time my wife had liked the idea of that kind of door if we were to redo our master bathroom at home, but having a puddle on the floor every day is a pain. Anyone know of a practical way to avoid that problem?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 10, 2024, 10:33:04 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 10, 2024, 09:50:31 AM
Turning aside from religious observances, our hotel room this week has a stall shower with a hinged door (as opposed to sliding bypass doors). The hinged door looks nice, but I've concluded over time that it's an impractical design. It seems like no matter what you do, there's always a small puddle of water outside the door on the side that swings open (the side opposite the hinges). I suppose that annoys me less in a hotel room than it would at home, of course, although it doesn't do the bath mat (which, as usual for most hotels, is just a towel) any favors because one corner is always wet when you get out of the shower.

Once upon a time my wife had liked the idea of that kind of door if we were to redo our master bathroom at home, but having a puddle on the floor every day is a pain. Anyone know of a practical way to avoid that problem?

I agree. I always hate these. Outside of a squeegee and a very absorbent bathmat, I don't know that there's anything that can be done if it can't open to the inside of the shower.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 10, 2024, 11:49:58 AM

^^^^

This particular door can open inward, but it's pointless to do so because there's no room to stand in there if you open the door that way.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 10, 2024, 12:39:34 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 10, 2024, 09:50:31 AMOnce upon a time my wife had liked the idea of that kind of door if we were to redo our master bathroom at home, but having a puddle on the floor every day is a pain. Anyone know of a practical way to avoid that problem?

I do, since I regularly take showers in a booth that has a hinged door. The key is to position the door far off enough to the side of the nozzle that water never actually sprays onto it. Although I have to squeegee condensation off the entire inside of the booth, water never crosses the lip of the door sill. The door is also unframed, though it has clear flexible flashing along the bottom.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 10, 2024, 12:40:48 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 10, 2024, 10:33:04 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 10, 2024, 09:50:31 AM
Turning aside from religious observances, our hotel room this week has a stall shower with a hinged door (as opposed to sliding bypass doors). The hinged door looks nice, but I've concluded over time that it's an impractical design. It seems like no matter what you do, there's always a small puddle of water outside the door on the side that swings open (the side opposite the hinges). I suppose that annoys me less in a hotel room than it would at home, of course, although it doesn't do the bath mat (which, as usual for most hotels, is just a towel) any favors because one corner is always wet when you get out of the shower.

Once upon a time my wife had liked the idea of that kind of door if we were to redo our master bathroom at home, but having a puddle on the floor every day is a pain. Anyone know of a practical way to avoid that problem?

I agree. I always hate these. Outside of a squeegee and a very absorbent bathmat, I don't know that there's anything that can be done if it can't open to the inside of the shower.

Its related to the rubber flaps that often go around these doors. If they can seal the area between the door and floor, wall or adjoining panel, it should greatly reduce the amount of water that gets out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 10, 2024, 01:06:50 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 10, 2024, 11:49:58 AM
^^^^

This particular door can open inward, but it's pointless to do so because there's no room to stand in there if you open the door that way.

I meant "had enough room to go inward that wouldn't crush the showerer".

Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 10, 2024, 12:40:48 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 10, 2024, 10:33:04 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 10, 2024, 09:50:31 AM
Turning aside from religious observances, our hotel room this week has a stall shower with a hinged door (as opposed to sliding bypass doors). The hinged door looks nice, but I've concluded over time that it's an impractical design. It seems like no matter what you do, there's always a small puddle of water outside the door on the side that swings open (the side opposite the hinges). I suppose that annoys me less in a hotel room than it would at home, of course, although it doesn't do the bath mat (which, as usual for most hotels, is just a towel) any favors because one corner is always wet when you get out of the shower.

Once upon a time my wife had liked the idea of that kind of door if we were to redo our master bathroom at home, but having a puddle on the floor every day is a pain. Anyone know of a practical way to avoid that problem?

I agree. I always hate these. Outside of a squeegee and a very absorbent bathmat, I don't know that there's anything that can be done if it can't open to the inside of the shower.

Its related to the rubber flaps that often go around these doors. If they can seal the area between the door and floor, wall or adjoining panel, it should greatly reduce the amount of water that gets out.

The water still gets out when you open the door to get out though.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 10, 2024, 01:12:57 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 10, 2024, 01:06:50 PM
The water still gets out when you open the door to get out though.

Turn it off ahead of time, then. :bigass:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 10, 2024, 01:15:27 PM

That type of shower door is common in Sleep Inns.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 10, 2024, 01:18:39 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 10, 2024, 01:06:50 PMThe water still gets out when you open the door to get out though.

Not if the door opens inward and is located well to the side of the nozzle.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 10, 2024, 01:19:24 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 10, 2024, 09:50:31 AM
I suppose that annoys me less in a hotel room than it would at home, of course

So . . . grab a nearby towel to soak up the water, then just leave it on the floor for someone else to deal with . . . isn't an acceptable solution in your house?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 10, 2024, 01:21:36 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 10, 2024, 01:18:39 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 10, 2024, 01:06:50 PMThe water still gets out when you open the door to get out though.

Not if the door opens inward and is located well to the side of the nozzle.

But, unless you're built like kphoger, most of the time the inward opening doors prevent you from exiting the shower.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 10, 2024, 01:22:34 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 10, 2024, 01:19:24 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 10, 2024, 09:50:31 AM
I suppose that annoys me less in a hotel room than it would at home, of course

So . . . grab a nearby towel to soak up the water, then just leave it on the floor for someone else to deal with . . . isn't an acceptable solution in your house?

Something tells me the Wife Acceptance Factor for the boldfaced would be around zero.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 10, 2024, 01:23:31 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 10, 2024, 01:21:36 PM
But, unless you're built like kphoger, most of the time the inward opening doors prevent you from exiting the shower.

Fortunately, you are. And Jonathan's not exactly fat either. No idea about Mister 1995hoo, though...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 10, 2024, 01:54:52 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 10, 2024, 01:21:36 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 10, 2024, 01:18:39 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 10, 2024, 01:06:50 PMThe water still gets out when you open the door to get out though.

Not if the door opens inward and is located well to the side of the nozzle.

But, unless you're built like kphoger, most of the time the inward opening doors prevent you from exiting the shower.

This is why "door . . . located well to the side of the nozzle" is an important qualifier. In the shower I use on a daily basis, the door sill is actually built out well beyond the shower alcove so that the door opens to the inside without crowding a person (of whatever size) in the booth. However, this is the result of custom tile work.

There are prefabricated fiberglass shower booths you (or a contractor) can buy that generally have a square footprint that is just large enough to accommodate one person and a door that opens outward. I suspect that is what hotels or motels typically install, because they are cheap. Cleaning up the resulting messes on the floor just outside the shower then becomes a wage slave's problem.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 10, 2024, 02:18:55 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 10, 2024, 01:54:52 PM
There are prefabricated fiberglass shower booths you (or a contractor) can buy that generally have a square footprint that is just large enough to accommodate one person and a door that opens outward. I suspect that is what hotels or motels typically install, because they are cheap. Cleaning up the resulting messes on the floor just outside the shower then becomes a wage slave's problem.

The "resulting messes" are really just water, though. And, at a hotel, that "wage slave" (a term that you have just used to characterize my mother-in-law and sister-in-law, who have both cleaned hotels and other vacation properties for a living for many years) will be cleaning the floor anyway. So, really, what reason is there at all for a hotel to try and mitigate little puddles of shower water on the bathroom floor?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 10, 2024, 02:36:26 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 10, 2024, 02:18:55 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 10, 2024, 01:54:52 PM
There are prefabricated fiberglass shower booths you (or a contractor) can buy that generally have a square footprint that is just large enough to accommodate one person and a door that opens outward. I suspect that is what hotels or motels typically install, because they are cheap. Cleaning up the resulting messes on the floor just outside the shower then becomes a wage slave's problem.

The "resulting messes" are really just water, though. And, at a hotel, that "wage slave" (a term that you have just used to characterize my mother-in-law and sister-in-law, who have both cleaned hotels and other vacation properties for a living for many years) will be cleaning the floor anyway. So, really, what reason is there at all for a hotel to try and mitigate little puddles of shower water on the bathroom floor?

I would think that for small drips of water, it's no big deal at all; that's what the bathmat is for. But for the larger puddles, I figure that there's a greater chance of water seeping into corners which create more mildew and rot, which would accelerate the need to maintain or replace bathroom fixtures. Since "one man's ceiling is another man's floor", this literally would have a cascading effect. I can't stand getting hotel showers like that; at least 1-2 times a year I get something which floods half of a bathroom floor in a mere 10 minutes. Usually, it's rouge shower curtain that insists on staying open, but I've found that tying a washcloth in a simple knot solves that problem.

The design which really drives me up a wall are the curtain-less showers which might have a partial glass wall, and limited to no way to adjust the showerhead angle. These showers never collect all of the water satisfactorily, though some better than others.

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 10, 2024, 01:22:34 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 10, 2024, 01:19:24 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 10, 2024, 09:50:31 AM
I suppose that annoys me less in a hotel room than it would at home, of course

So . . . grab a nearby towel to soak up the water, then just leave it on the floor for someone else to deal with . . . isn't an acceptable solution in your house?

Something tells me the Wife Acceptance Factor for the boldfaced would be around zero.

Depends on who's week it is to do wash the towels.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 10, 2024, 07:43:20 PM

The shower in my bathroom in the house I grew up in had a shower with a door and I don't remember ever having this problem. I'm not sure why not (and don't really feel like asking my parents if I can look at it for the sake of a forum post), but a couple of factors may have been that the shower floor is six inches or so below the bathroom floor's level, and that the opening edge was on the same side as the shower head (e.g. the hinges were on the back wall of the shower), such that to hit that edge of the door the water would have to make an 90° left turn immediately after exiting the nozzle.

I also imagine one could reduce water exiting the shower by applying weatherstripping.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dvferyance on January 10, 2024, 08:25:36 PM

Quote from: kkt on January 08, 2024, 06:07:02 PM
Quote from: dvferyance on January 08, 2024, 05:30:30 PM
That we are likely going to have a 3rd straight Presidential election with 2 really old candidates.

Hillary Clinton was 69 in 2016. That's not really old, by presidential standards.

It may seem that way now with Trump at 78 and Biden at 82 come election day 2024 but at the time it was old. What is really going to be strange is whoever wins the 2024 election will be older than the winner of the 1992 election. Has that ever been the case for an election 32 years apart before?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on January 10, 2024, 11:46:52 PM

Quote from: dvferyance on January 10, 2024, 08:25:36 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 08, 2024, 06:07:02 PM
Quote from: dvferyance on January 08, 2024, 05:30:30 PM
That we are likely going to have a 3rd straight Presidential election with 2 really old candidates.

Hillary Clinton was 69 in 2016. That's not really old, by presidential standards.
It may seem that way now with Trump at 78 and Biden at 82 come election day 2024 but at the time it was old. What is really going to be strange is whoever wins the 2024 election will be older than the winner of the 1992 election. Has that ever been the case for an election 32 years apart before?

..."and I promise to not make an issue out of my opponent's age and inexperience!" (Ronald Reagan at the start of a live televised debate against Walter Mondale before the 1984 election).

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on January 10, 2024, 11:50:59 PM

Quote from: dvferyance on January 10, 2024, 08:25:36 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 08, 2024, 06:07:02 PM
Quote from: dvferyance on January 08, 2024, 05:30:30 PM
That we are likely going to have a 3rd straight Presidential election with 2 really old candidates.

Hillary Clinton was 69 in 2016. That's not really old, by presidential standards.
It may seem that way now with Trump at 78 and Biden at 82 come election day 2024 but at the time it was old. What is really going to be strange is whoever wins the 2024 election will be older than the winner of the 1992 election. Has that ever been the case for an election 32 years apart before?

Doubtful. Prior to Ronald Reagan, the oldest elected president was William Henry Harrison, who was 68 (and who died after only one month). Otherwise the oldest elected presidents were in their early 60s, with the youngest elected president being John Kennedy at 43. It seems to follow that a 32 year range as suggested could not have happened. The most extreme case in that era seems to be Reagan being older than Kennedy despite being elected 20 years later.

Keep in mind that the major party candidates for 2024 are presumptive - any number of things can happen between now and November.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on January 11, 2024, 02:24:13 AM

Teddy Roosevelt was younger than JFK.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 11, 2024, 03:40:20 AM

He was, but he took over the office whenever President McKinley was killed. The voters never had a chance to weigh in on if he should be President or not at that age.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 11, 2024, 06:57:26 AM

On a tangent, Al Capone was controlling all organized crime in Chicago when he was 33...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 11, 2024, 02:04:15 PM

An ad just came up on YouTube that started off with "It's 2023, and if you're not..."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 11, 2024, 03:33:47 PM

Boxer briefs. Why are they so popular? They have taken over from regular briefs on store racks. Boxer briefs are everywhere; regular briefs are increasingly difficult to find. I despise those things. I've tried them, and can't stand wearing them. They bunch up around the leg openings and are generally uncomfortable.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 11, 2024, 04:35:28 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 11, 2024, 03:33:47 PM
Boxer briefs. Why are they so popular? They have taken over from regular briefs on store racks. Boxer briefs are everywhere; regular briefs are increasingly difficult to find. I despise those things. I've tried them, and can't stand wearing them. They bunch up around the leg openings and are generally uncomfortable.

Minor things that bother me - tightie whities.

I just don't want to look like Walter White in the first season of Breaking Bad.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 11, 2024, 04:46:18 PM

We should all just switch to unbifurcated garments exclusively.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 11, 2024, 05:46:42 PM

Quote from: Rothman on January 11, 2024, 06:57:26 AMOn a tangent, Al Capone was controlling all organized crime in Chicago when he was 33...

Total control of what later became the Outfit . . . and he couldn't get Salvarsan?

Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 11, 2024, 04:35:28 PMMinor things that bother me - tightie whities.

I just don't want to look like Walter White in the first season of Breaking Bad.

Walter White isn't a great model for that particular form factor. What about the French beaches that allow Speedos only?

(I actually Googled Marky Mark and had a Mandela effect moment of my own. I was under the impression he modeled traditional briefs for Calvin Klein, but the only ads I've found that show the entire undergarment are for boxer briefs--in fact, I think their current popularity owes much to him.)

Quote from: kphoger on January 11, 2024, 04:46:18 PMWe should all just switch to unbifurcated garments exclusively.

It's a shame philibegs (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kilt#Scotland) don't play nice with the Kansas wind, getting in and out of automobiles, etc.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 11, 2024, 06:20:33 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 11, 2024, 03:33:47 PM
Boxer briefs. Why are they so popular? They have taken over from regular briefs on store racks. Boxer briefs are everywhere; regular briefs are increasingly difficult to find. I despise those things. I've tried them, and can't stand wearing them. They bunch up around the leg openings and are generally uncomfortable.

My take is that boxer briefs are best for casual/everyday wear while regular briefs are better for formal/dress wear.

Boxer briefs are supposed to be relatively close fitting to prevent bunching, but it's also important that the legs are long enough or bunching may still occur. I've found bunching to be a much bigger issue with true boxer shorts, to the point where I will not consider wearing them underneath another layer, i.e. they are for sleepwear/loungewear only.

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 11, 2024, 05:46:42 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 11, 2024, 06:57:26 AMOn a tangent, Al Capone was controlling all organized crime in Chicago when he was 33...

Total control of what later became the Outfit . . . and he couldn't get Salvarsan?

Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 11, 2024, 04:35:28 PMMinor things that bother me - tightie whities.

I just don't want to look like Walter White in the first season of Breaking Bad.

Walter White isn't a great model for that particular form factor. What about the French beaches that allow Speedos only?

Speaking as someone from a younger generation, tightie whities seem very old fashioned to me. I do own some briefs, but not in white.

Regarding French beaches, I had a general awareness of differing attitudes towards swimwear in Europe vs. the US, but I did not know Speedos-only was a thing. It is apparently done for hygienic reasons with the idea being that Speedos will not be worn elsewhere, whereas regular swim trunks might be (and certainly are here in the US - especially the quick drying/activewear shorts that easily double as all day wear).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on January 12, 2024, 08:29:09 AM

Here's another pet peeve of mine: Drinking Water Fountains.

You go up to use one, turn it on, and the water flow is so low you'd have to literally suck on the spigot to get any decent amount.

And the building or business never attempts to have a plumber come out increase the flow/pressure or clear any clogs that may be inside.

Or worse yet...A store or building that has multiple fountains next to each other and ALL have the same flow or pressure problems!!!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on January 12, 2024, 09:15:48 AM

^ It's either that, or they shoot so high the water goes up your nose.

Regarding boxers, they're supposedly good for fertility compared to briefs.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 12, 2024, 01:26:31 PM

Quote from: GaryV on January 12, 2024, 09:15:48 AM
Regarding boxers, they're supposedly good for fertility compared to briefs.

My understanding is that this is only a concern for men who are already on the edge of infertility. For healthy men, the lower fertility is basically meaningless.

Anyway, it's only because briefs keep your family jewels slightly warmer than boxers. If you're truly concerned about fertility, then lowering the temperature of your bathwater would certainly make a far greater difference.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on January 12, 2024, 04:36:01 PM

I know several people who send numerous messages at a time, instead of a single longer message. Just got one now where the first four messages were a single word each. I don't need my phone buzzing a dozen times for something that could've been put into one message! :pan:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on January 12, 2024, 05:45:20 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on January 10, 2024, 11:46:52 PM
Quote from: dvferyance on January 10, 2024, 08:25:36 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 08, 2024, 06:07:02 PM
Quote from: dvferyance on January 08, 2024, 05:30:30 PM
That we are likely going to have a 3rd straight Presidential election with 2 really old candidates.

Hillary Clinton was 69 in 2016. That's not really old, by presidential standards.
It may seem that way now with Trump at 78 and Biden at 82 come election day 2024 but at the time it was old. What is really going to be strange is whoever wins the 2024 election will be older than the winner of the 1992 election. Has that ever been the case for an election 32 years apart before?

..."and I promise to not make an issue out of my opponent's age and inexperience!" (Ronald Reagan at the start of a live televised debate against Walter Mondale before the 1984 election).

Mike

It was actually in the middle of that debate. I was watching that debate and remember that line being said.

It has not gone unnoticed by me (being born in the late '60s) that we have never nominated (much less elected) anyone younger than baby boomer age. I assume that baby boomer voting bloc is the largest (and if it isn't, they are certainly [at least right now] the largest voting bloc that actually votes, especially in primaries, where we decide who the nominees are). I'm not completely convinced that these two statements are not related.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on January 12, 2024, 09:35:23 PM

Quote from: thenetwork on January 12, 2024, 08:29:09 AM
Here's another pet peeve of mine: Drinking Water Fountains.

You go up to use one, turn it on, and the water flow is so low you'd have to literally suck on the spigot to get any decent amount.

And the building or business never attempts to have a plumber come out increase the flow/pressure or clear any clogs that may be inside.

Or worse yet...A store or building that has multiple fountains next to each other and ALL have the same flow or pressure problems!!!

If I were allowed to make one wide-ranging order to the world, it'd be to make fountains with bottle filling stations mandatory in all public spaces. Way more hygienic than the traditional fountain and encourages use of reusable bottles.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: route17fan on January 14, 2024, 03:54:17 PM

Cracking gum :)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 18, 2024, 06:55:00 PM

The discussion about Twitter/X became too political, so I've removed it.

The fact that it became political indicates that Twitter is apparently a major thing that bothers people, so it was kind of off-topic anyway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 18, 2024, 08:34:42 PM

Quote from: Bruce on January 12, 2024, 09:35:23 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on January 12, 2024, 08:29:09 AM
Here's another pet peeve of mine: Drinking Water Fountains.

You go up to use one, turn it on, and the water flow is so low you'd have to literally suck on the spigot to get any decent amount.

And the building or business never attempts to have a plumber come out increase the flow/pressure or clear any clogs that may be inside.

Or worse yet...A store or building that has multiple fountains next to each other and ALL have the same flow or pressure problems!!!

If I were allowed to make one wide-ranging order to the world, it'd be to make fountains with bottle filling stations mandatory in all public spaces. Way more hygienic than the traditional fountain and encourages use of reusable bottles.

On a positive note, I'm glad that over 95% of the airports I encounter use these, even the small regional airports. DFW is a notable exception (I think there's exactly one water bottle station inside their most-recently refurbed terminal).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 19, 2024, 12:23:05 AM

Hopefully this isn't too closely related to the previous removed discussion but I do think it's both topical and worthwhile to point out:

One minor thing that bothers me is the conflation of the terms climate change and global warming. They're two separate ideas/concepts with some very obvious differences (both in terms of the hypothesis presented and its provability), but they tend to get lumped together and that is bothersome because it leads to a lot of important context and nuance getting overlooked/ignored.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: WIroadfan on January 19, 2024, 09:14:38 AM

Quote from: webny99 on January 19, 2024, 12:23:05 AM
Hopefully this isn't too closely related to the previous removed discussion but I do think it's both topical and worthwhile to point out:

One minor thing that bothers me is the conflation of the terms climate change and global warming. They're two separate ideas/concepts with some very obvious differences (both in terms of the hypothesis presented and its provability), but they tend to get lumped together and that is bothersome because it leads to a lot of important context and nuance getting overlooked/ignored.

It always seemed that it was called "global warming" when I was growing up, and now more recently it's become "climate change" or "the climate crisis". The main thing they focus on is still carbon emissions and rising global temperatures though, so I'm not seeing the difference other than the change in buzzwords and the fact that now, we can blame ANY kind of unusual weather on "climate change" - even though weird weather has always happened and our climate has never been static.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 19, 2024, 10:31:25 AM

Quote from: WIroadfan on January 19, 2024, 09:14:38 AM
It always seemed that it was called "global warming" when I was growing up, and now more recently it's become "climate change" or "the climate crisis". The main thing they focus on is still carbon emissions and rising global temperatures though, so I'm not seeing the difference other than the change in buzzwords ...

I agree with this. (Note that I am not attempting to prove or disprove the phenomenon.) There may be a semantic difference between "climate change" and "global warming" but, in actual practice, the only type of the former that is ever discussed is the latter.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 19, 2024, 12:11:27 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 19, 2024, 10:31:25 AM
Quote from: WIroadfan on January 19, 2024, 09:14:38 AM
It always seemed that it was called "global warming" when I was growing up, and now more recently it's become "climate change" or "the climate crisis". The main thing they focus on is still carbon emissions and rising global temperatures though, so I'm not seeing the difference other than the change in buzzwords ...

I agree with this. (Note that I am not attempting to prove or disprove the phenomenon.) There may be a semantic difference between "climate change" and "global warming" but, in actual practice, the only type of the former that is ever discussed is the latter.

Hmm. I think people trying to make them mean the same thing when they actually don't, or using them interchangeably, is a big part of the problem.

Climate change is an umbrella term that is often used to refer to changes caused by human activities in modern usage, but encompasses all long term changes to Earth's climate and is not necessarily specific to human-caused changes. Global warming is more explicitly/inherently linked to human activities. But, the debate is not around whether or not climate change exists, it's only around the extent to which it's caused by human activities. So the way I see it is that any debate over the existence of climate change is a direct result of the term being misused/misunderstood. But maybe I am oversimplifying it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 19, 2024, 12:16:32 PM

Quote from: webny99 on January 19, 2024, 12:11:27 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 19, 2024, 10:31:25 AM
Quote from: WIroadfan on January 19, 2024, 09:14:38 AM
It always seemed that it was called "global warming" when I was growing up, and now more recently it's become "climate change" or "the climate crisis". The main thing they focus on is still carbon emissions and rising global temperatures though, so I'm not seeing the difference other than the change in buzzwords ...

I agree with this. (Note that I am not attempting to prove or disprove the phenomenon.) There may be a semantic difference between "climate change" and "global warming" but, in actual practice, the only type of the former that is ever discussed is the latter.

Hmm. I think people trying to make them mean the same thing when they actually don't, or using them interchangeably, is a big part of the problem.

Climate change is an umbrella term that is often used to refer to changes caused by human activities in modern usage, but encompasses all long term changes to Earth's climate and is not necessarily specific to human-caused changes. Global warming is more explicitly/inherently linked to human activities. But, the debate is not around whether or not climate change exists, it's only around the extent to which it's caused by human activities. So the way I see it is that any debate over the existence of climate change is a direct result of the term being misused/misunderstood. But maybe I am oversimplifying it.

I think—and I am trying to be careful how I phrase this to avoid being political to the extent I can do so—that part of the reason for the more common use of "climate change" in recent years is a reaction to people who say things like, "Oh, look, the weather is really cold, so what's all this 'global warming' BS?" In other words, I think part of it is an attempt to recognize the idea that the planet is warming overall even if some locations may experience colder-than-normal weather and to recognize that weather anomalies may not be limited simply to higher temperatures.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 19, 2024, 12:27:16 PM

Quote from: webny99 on January 19, 2024, 12:11:27 PM
Climate change is an umbrella term that is often used to refer to changes caused by human activities in modern usage, but encompasses all long term changes to Earth's climate and is not necessarily specific to human-caused changes. Global warming is more explicitly/inherently linked to human activities. But, the debate is not around whether or not climate change exists, it's only around the extent to which it's caused by human activities. So the way I see it is that any debate over the existence of climate change is a direct result of the term being misused/misunderstood. But maybe I am oversimplifying it.

Whenever I hear anything on the radio about extreme weather events, they always phrase it as being "due to climate change".

(1) If all they meant were that Earth's climate is constantly changing, then there would be no need to mention it at all. The fact that they say it that way shows that they want to put it in the listener's mind that the disaster (whatever it is) was contributed to by human activity. Otherwise, why mention climate change at all?

(2) A lot of times, the extreme weather event is explicitly linked by the reporter to "rising temperatures". Sometimes it's even in the context of a story that's more broadly about human-caused global warming and efforts to slow or stop it.

Thus, what I said: even if there is theoretically a semantic difference between the two terms, there is no distinction in actual practice.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 19, 2024, 12:49:01 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 19, 2024, 12:27:16 PM
Quote from: webny99 on January 19, 2024, 12:11:27 PM
Climate change is an umbrella term that is often used to refer to changes caused by human activities in modern usage, but encompasses all long term changes to Earth's climate and is not necessarily specific to human-caused changes. Global warming is more explicitly/inherently linked to human activities. But, the debate is not around whether or not climate change exists, it's only around the extent to which it's caused by human activities. So the way I see it is that any debate over the existence of climate change is a direct result of the term being misused/misunderstood. But maybe I am oversimplifying it.

Whenever I hear anything on the radio about extreme weather events, they always phrase it as being "due to climate change".

(1) If all they meant were that Earth's climate is constantly changing, then there would be no need to mention it at all. The fact that they say it that way shows that they want to put it in the listener's mind that the disaster (whatever it is) was contributed to by human activity. Otherwise, why mention climate change at all?

(2) A lot of times, the extreme weather event is explicitly linked by the reporter to "rising temperatures". Sometimes it's even in the context of a story that's more broadly about human-caused global warming and efforts to slow or stop it.

Thus, what I said: even if there is theoretically a semantic difference between the two terms, there is no distinction in actual practice.

And I'm saying: usage that allows/encourages people to treat them as synonyms is problematic, because then it just transfers the argument to being about a new term instead of changing the nature of the argument (which, to 1995hoo's point, was the intent of "climate change" becoming mainstream).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on January 19, 2024, 04:34:31 PM

Those one size fits all shower curtain rods that eliminates the need for screws and hardware by extending the rod in ether direction to grab the wall on both sides to be trapped in between. Mine keeps falling down and when I try to put it back up it don't get trapped. I have to play around and find a spot that does grab. Then sometimes hours later it only falls again.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 19, 2024, 04:41:24 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on January 19, 2024, 04:34:31 PM
Those one size fits all shower curtain rods that eliminates the need for screws and hardware by extending the rod in ether direction to grab the wall on both sides to be trapped in between. Mine keeps falling down and when I try to put it back up it don't get trapped. I have to play around and find a spot that does grab. Then sometimes hours later it only falls again.

That's why I started just hosing off in the driveway instead.

In all seriousness, though, I hear you. The worst is if the tension mechanism inside breaks, because then you can't put it up at all.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bm7 on January 20, 2024, 12:52:04 AM

When someone greets you as if they know you, but you have no idea who they are.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GenExpwy on January 20, 2024, 06:24:44 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on January 19, 2024, 04:34:31 PM
Those one size fits all shower curtain rods that eliminates the need for screws and hardware by extending the rod in ether direction to grab the wall on both sides to be trapped in between. Mine keeps falling down and when I try to put it back up it don't get trapped. I have to play around and find a spot that does grab. Then sometimes hours later it only falls again.

It's pretty much doomed to failure if you don't get it exactly perpendicular to the walls. Therefore, a good plan is to use a measuring tape to find equal distances, on both sides, from the ceiling and back wall, and mark those measurements using an L of blue painter's tape — rather than trying to eyeball it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on January 20, 2024, 07:52:40 AM

Quote from: thenetwork on January 12, 2024, 08:29:09 AM
Here's another pet peeve of mine: Drinking Water Fountains.

You go up to use one, turn it on, and the water flow is so low you'd have to literally suck on the spigot to get any decent amount.

And the building or business never attempts to have a plumber come out increase the flow/pressure or clear any clogs that may be inside.

Or worse yet...A store or building that has multiple fountains next to each other and ALL have the same flow or pressure problems!!!

Pro tip, from a diabetic who chugs water constantly:
Drink from one, till it gets warm and kicks on. Switch to other one, repeat. When that one's done, the first one is usually cold again. Repeat as necessary.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: WIroadfan on January 20, 2024, 09:21:17 AM

Quote from: bm7 on January 20, 2024, 12:52:04 AM
When someone greets you as if they know you, but you have no idea who they are.

What especially bothers me is when you tell them you have no idea who they are, they insist they totally know you from <place you've never been or activity you were never part of>, and don't accept it when you tell them otherwise.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on January 20, 2024, 09:28:51 AM

Quote from: bm7 on January 20, 2024, 12:52:04 AM
When someone greets you as if they know you, but you have no idea who they are.

Then they tell you your life story while you are trying to figure out who they are.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on January 20, 2024, 10:52:38 AM

Quote from: Big John on January 20, 2024, 09:28:51 AM
Quote from: bm7 on January 20, 2024, 12:52:04 AM
When someone greets you as if they know you, but you have no idea who they are.
Then they tell you your life story while you are trying to figure out who they are.

I have been the person who mistook someone for someone else. Sometimes people can look similar.

If I am not sure, I ask the person if they are "<whatever name you think is theirs>", or if I don't remember that I say where I think I know them from. f they say yes, then good. If they say no, I apologize. Saves me the embarrassment (and in this day and age, the privacy concern) of telling my life story.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on January 20, 2024, 12:01:49 PM

Not remembering names bugs me, even though I meet a fair amount of new people.

I was walking down the street chatting with Danielle and Megumi, two women I had met recently (this is a Japanese conversation meetup). In the flow of the conversation, I remarked that Danielle had a good point, then I caught a confused look from Megumi.

I looked at Danielle, putting two and two together. "I'm sorry, I have your name wrong, don't I."

But she was cool about it. "Danielle's a nice name," Tamara said. (My brain had put her in the same slot as the real Danielle, who was similar age and appearance.)

I apologized and things were OK after that, but it was still a little embarrassing.

Also, Megumi in the story was actually Yoshiko, but I was able to silently figure that out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on January 20, 2024, 03:35:51 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 19, 2024, 04:41:24 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on January 19, 2024, 04:34:31 PM
Those one size fits all shower curtain rods that eliminates the need for screws and hardware by extending the rod in ether direction to grab the wall on both sides to be trapped in between. Mine keeps falling down and when I try to put it back up it don't get trapped. I have to play around and find a spot that does grab. Then sometimes hours later it only falls again.

That's why I started just hosing off in the driveway instead.

In all seriousness, though, I hear you. The worst is if the tension mechanism inside breaks, because then you can't put it up at all.

I concur. That's why I got these. (They have adhesive on the back.)
(https://i.imgur.com/ROjLNWZ.png)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on January 21, 2024, 04:22:50 PM

Thirty something people now driving senior citizens tricycles. I'm guessing it's the middle age derelicts who find it easier to balance themselves being their earthly possessions make riding a two wheeler a tad more difficult.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on January 22, 2024, 11:30:01 AM

Animated click bait on FB passing off as Ripley Believe it or Not. One today of a truck carrying a locomotive across a stream with the road washed out you can tell is fake, but how many will believe it's authentic.

Then the one where a video clip shows a plane landing in the Philippines flying at low altitude for several minutes before final approach where the plane bounces off the runway several times. In reality a pilot don't fly low several miles before the runway approach especially in populated areas. They drop down gradually from just below descending from cruise altitude is how they fly.

Yet people like to believe these edited or computer generated reels.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 22, 2024, 02:52:05 PM

Laugh tracks on TV sitcoms.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on January 22, 2024, 05:17:36 PM

Calling this "minor" as I am in good health and can handle it. Might be "major" if I was physically compromised in some way.

Living in a cul-de-sac. getting a several-inch snowfall (as occurred twice last week), and having the snowplow put a lot of snow right in front of my mailbox. The mailpeople won't deliver mail if they can't drive to your mailbox, reach out and stick the mail in -- so it all had to be moved.

I realize that the plow has limited options in a cul-de-sac, but there was 15 feet to the right of where they put the snow, which would have worked fine. Yes, I know I should be happy they plowed, and I am.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on January 22, 2024, 05:32:36 PM

Quote from: tmoore952 on January 22, 2024, 05:17:36 PM
Calling this "minor" as I am in good health and can handle it. Might be "major" if I was physically compromised in some way.

Living in a cul-de-sac. getting a several-inch snowfall (as occurred twice last week), and having the snowplow put a lot of snow right in front of my mailbox. The mailpeople won't deliver mail if they can't drive to your mailbox, reach out and stick the mail in -- so it all had to be moved.

I realize that the plow has limited options in a cul-de-sac, but there was 15 feet to the right of where they put the snow, which would have worked fine. Yes, I know I should be happy they plowed, and eventually I am when I am/was.

Snow removal is a big reason why most cities really do not like developing Culs de sac, even though many suburbs do.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on January 22, 2024, 05:58:42 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on January 22, 2024, 05:32:36 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 22, 2024, 05:17:36 PM
Calling this "minor" as I am in good health and can handle it. Might be "major" if I was physically compromised in some way.

Living in a cul-de-sac. getting a several-inch snowfall (as occurred twice last week), and having the snowplow put a lot of snow right in front of my mailbox. The mailpeople won't deliver mail if they can't drive to your mailbox, reach out and stick the mail in -- so it all had to be moved.

I realize that the plow has limited options in a cul-de-sac, but there was 15 feet to the right of where they put the snow, which would have worked fine. Yes, I know I should be happy they plowed, and I am.

Snow removal is a big reason why most cities really do not like developing Culs de sac, even though many suburbs do.

Mike

In my particular case, there is a road behind me, but I think the houses on it already existed when they built my neighborhood (1994), and so they put in a cul-de-sac rather than waste that land.

My neighborhood is a former farm. They left the farmhouse standing. It is someone's residence, and it obviously is much older -- e.g., there is a tree in front of it which is easily over a century old.

They put in seven cul-de-sacs in my neighborhood, and all of them are similar to mine in that older roads/residences are behind the end of the cul-de-sacs.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 22, 2024, 06:04:40 PM

I've never personally had to deal with this, since my city doesn't plow residential streets, but I've read it is wise to shovel out an area just upstream of the driveway so snow moved by the plow doesn't block the apron. I also typically try to shovel out an area around the mailbox, not just to ensure delivery but also to avoid having to stand in a puddle of icy water to pick up my mail.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on January 22, 2024, 07:07:24 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 22, 2024, 06:04:40 PM
I've never personally had to deal with this, since my city doesn't plow residential streets, but I've read it is wise to shovel out an area just upstream of the driveway so snow moved by the plow doesn't block the apron. I also typically try to shovel out an area around the mailbox, not just to ensure delivery but also to avoid having to stand in a puddle of icy water to pick up my mail.

Some details:

I am at the end of the cul-de-sac. and it is not always clear which way the plow will go around it. Upstream in one direction is my neighbor's driveway which is very close to mine, and I'm not going to do his work. Upstream in the other direction would work since it's in front of my property.

I'm lucky that my house faces southeast and so I get the morning and early afternoon sun at my mailbox area. I try to shovel down to ice here so that the sun can do its work, melt and (if lucky) completely dry out the area (and I remove what I can if it only partially melts). The sun will do this even if the temp does not get over 20 degrees, as was the case Saturday. As long as I can keep the water drainage at the curb flowing to the large storm drain without obstruction, I don't have the water puddle problem at the mailbox.

Another thing is that --- for the first storm last week, I shoveled out by the mailbox ahead of time, and the plow put the snow there. For the second storm I didn't (to save myself some work, and also to see what would happen), but the plow still put the snow there. So there's no good solution.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Hobart on January 23, 2024, 12:31:37 AM

It bothers me more than it should when people switch the words "Defiantly" and "Definitely". More people than I'd expect consistently have this issue, and I don't know how to politely correct it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: AABattery on January 23, 2024, 03:05:55 AM

Mine's pretty specific to around where I am, but my town can not for the life of them build a proper driveway.

I swear at least 90% of driveways here are built so if you have anything lower to the ground than an SUV, you're gonna scrape on the pavement unless you go in at a specific angle or if you go in extremely so or both. Which is a problem because I drive a compact sedan. (For any car people reading, it's an 8th gen civic)

It's so bad that in my neighborhood, the realtor will show people what we did with our driveway, which was to basically fight the town for them to fix it so it wouldn't be as bad of a problem. The worst example I've seen is actually my neighbor's driveway. When they were first moving in, I remember their Toyota Camry getting stuck trying to go up it to the point where one of the wheels went a foot or two in the air :-D

And it's not just residential driveways either, it's basically every entrance in town that's like that, which could also be dangerous considering you have to go in very slow (think under 5mph) off of a 4 lane road where people are coming at you at 35-40 mph, and also we have college kids who drive like they have no clue what they are doing 80% of the time and don't pay attention. I'm surprised there's not more wrecks here because of that

Anyways rant over (for now)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on January 23, 2024, 07:33:45 AM

Quote from: Hobart on January 23, 2024, 12:31:37 AM
It bothers me more than it should when people switch the words "Defiantly" and "Definitely". More people than I'd expect consistently have this issue, and I don't know how to politely correct it.

You can't be polite. You have to be defiant about it. :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on January 23, 2024, 08:08:35 AM

Quote from: GaryV on January 23, 2024, 07:33:45 AM
Quote from: Hobart on January 23, 2024, 12:31:37 AM
It bothers me more than it should when people switch the words "Defiantly" and "Definitely". More people than I'd expect consistently have this issue, and I don't know how to politely correct it.

You can't be polite. You have to be defiant about it. :-D

and don't go part way, you have to be definite about it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 23, 2024, 11:04:35 AM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 22, 2024, 06:04:40 PM
I've never personally had to deal with this, since my city doesn't plow residential streets, but I've read it is wise to shovel out an area just upstream of the driveway so snow moved by the plow doesn't block the apron. I also typically try to shovel out an area around the mailbox, not just to ensure delivery but also to avoid having to stand in a puddle of icy water to pick up my mail.

I've been aware for some time that this is the case in much of the country, but it still hits me every time. Plows doing their work are just such a normal and integral part of winter in the Great Lakes that I just can't wrap my head around not plowing being acceptable in any place that gets snow more than once or twice a season.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 23, 2024, 11:25:38 AM

Quote from: webny99 on January 23, 2024, 11:04:35 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 22, 2024, 06:04:40 PM
I've never personally had to deal with this, since my city doesn't plow residential streets, but I've read it is wise to shovel out an area just upstream of the driveway so snow moved by the plow doesn't block the apron. I also typically try to shovel out an area around the mailbox, not just to ensure delivery but also to avoid having to stand in a puddle of icy water to pick up my mail.

I've been aware for some time that this is the case in much of the country, but it still hits me every time. Plows doing their work are just such a normal and integral part of winter in the Great Lakes that I just can't wrap my head around not plowing being acceptable in any place that gets snow more than once or twice a season.

Around here, VDOT plows all streets for which VDOT is responsible, which includes some residential streets, but VDOT does not plow privately owned streets, and there are a lot of those because any street owned by an HOA is privately owned. It sometimes leads to weird results. I live on an HOA street and the HOA plow often comes through before VDOT's does, so our street will be plowed but the VDOT street to which it connects may not yet be plowed because they quite rightly focus on arterials before moving into the neighborhoods. There doesn't seem to be much rhyme or reason to what neighborhood streets belong to VDOT and what ones don't. My mom's neighborhood is all residential streets, no arterials, but they're all VDOT streets, whereas my neighborhood is primarily HOA streets except for some of the streets connecting the residential streets to the arterials. It may have something to do with when a neighborhood was built.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 23, 2024, 01:18:14 PM

Quote from: Hobart on January 23, 2024, 12:31:37 AM
It bothers me more than it should when people switch the words "Defiantly" and "Definitely". More people than I'd expect consistently have this issue, and I don't know how to politely correct it.

There is no way polite way to correct another adult, unless it's part of your job (editor, teacher, discussion on a bulletin board). Either leave it be, or decide it's important enough to be impolite.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 23, 2024, 01:42:49 PM

Quote from: webny99 on January 23, 2024, 11:04:35 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 22, 2024, 06:04:40 PM
I've never personally had to deal with this, since my city doesn't plow residential streets, but I've read it is wise to shovel out an area just upstream of the driveway so snow moved by the plow doesn't block the apron. I also typically try to shovel out an area around the mailbox, not just to ensure delivery but also to avoid having to stand in a puddle of icy water to pick up my mail.

I've been aware for some time that this is the case in much of the country, but it still hits me every time. Plows doing their work are just such a normal and integral part of winter in the Great Lakes that I just can't wrap my head around not plowing being acceptable in any place that gets snow more than once or twice a season.

Yep. No residential in Denver either.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 23, 2024, 02:30:55 PM

Quote from: Big John on January 20, 2024, 09:28:51 AM

Quote from: bm7 on January 20, 2024, 12:52:04 AM
When someone greets you as if they know you, but you have no idea who they are.

Then they tell you your life story while you are trying to figure out who they are.

How about when someone recognizes you, says hi, but you can't remember who they are because the encounter is totally out of the usual context?

I once heard someone shout out, "Kyle!" at the Freddy's fast food restaurant in El Dorado, Kansas. I knew I knew him, but couldn't for the life of me figure out why. It turns out he was my section leader in orchestral band at the suburban Chicago college I had attended fifteen years earlier.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: AABattery on January 23, 2024, 03:28:07 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 23, 2024, 11:25:38 AM
Quote from: webny99 on January 23, 2024, 11:04:35 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 22, 2024, 06:04:40 PM
I've never personally had to deal with this, since my city doesn't plow residential streets, but I've read it is wise to shovel out an area just upstream of the driveway so snow moved by the plow doesn't block the apron. I also typically try to shovel out an area around the mailbox, not just to ensure delivery but also to avoid having to stand in a puddle of icy water to pick up my mail.

I've been aware for some time that this is the case in much of the country, but it still hits me every time. Plows doing their work are just such a normal and integral part of winter in the Great Lakes that I just can't wrap my head around not plowing being acceptable in any place that gets snow more than once or twice a season.

Around here, VDOT plows all streets for which VDOT is responsible, which includes some residential streets, but VDOT does not plow privately owned streets, and there are a lot of those because any street owned by an HOA is privately owned. It sometimes leads to weird results. I live on an HOA street and the HOA plow often comes through before VDOT's does, so our street will be plowed but the VDOT street to which it connects may not yet be plowed because they quite rightly focus on arterials before moving into the neighborhoods. There doesn't seem to be much rhyme or reason to what neighborhood streets belong to VDOT and what ones don't. My mom's neighborhood is all residential streets, no arterials, but they're all VDOT streets, whereas my neighborhood is primarily HOA streets except for some of the streets connecting the residential streets to the arterials. It may have something to do with when a neighborhood was built.

In Blacksburg, the town does residential streets, and I think VDOT does state roads but I ain't too sure about that in this part of VA. So it may also depend on if your town/city does their streets or not or if the state does it at all.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 23, 2024, 04:13:11 PM

Quote from: AABattery on January 23, 2024, 03:28:07 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 23, 2024, 11:25:38 AM
Quote from: webny99 on January 23, 2024, 11:04:35 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 22, 2024, 06:04:40 PM
I've never personally had to deal with this, since my city doesn't plow residential streets, but I've read it is wise to shovel out an area just upstream of the driveway so snow moved by the plow doesn't block the apron. I also typically try to shovel out an area around the mailbox, not just to ensure delivery but also to avoid having to stand in a puddle of icy water to pick up my mail.

I've been aware for some time that this is the case in much of the country, but it still hits me every time. Plows doing their work are just such a normal and integral part of winter in the Great Lakes that I just can't wrap my head around not plowing being acceptable in any place that gets snow more than once or twice a season.

Around here, VDOT plows all streets for which VDOT is responsible, which includes some residential streets, but VDOT does not plow privately owned streets, and there are a lot of those because any street owned by an HOA is privately owned. It sometimes leads to weird results. I live on an HOA street and the HOA plow often comes through before VDOT's does, so our street will be plowed but the VDOT street to which it connects may not yet be plowed because they quite rightly focus on arterials before moving into the neighborhoods. There doesn't seem to be much rhyme or reason to what neighborhood streets belong to VDOT and what ones don't. My mom's neighborhood is all residential streets, no arterials, but they're all VDOT streets, whereas my neighborhood is primarily HOA streets except for some of the streets connecting the residential streets to the arterials. It may have something to do with when a neighborhood was built.

In Blacksburg, the town does residential streets, and I think VDOT does state roads but I ain't too sure about that in this part of VA. So it may also depend on if your town/city does their streets or not or if the state does it at all.

That's largely a function of Virginia's somewhat unique governmental structure. I live in Fairfax County, so any public roads—primary or secondary—are VDOT's responsibility. Independent cities are responsible for maintaining their own secondary roads; some of them maintain primary roads as well. You mention Blacksburg, which is an incorporated town and is therefore not independent from the surrounding county the way a city is. In most of Virginia's incorporated towns, VDOT maintains both the primary and secondary streets, but Blacksburg is one of several exceptions to that. Towns were given the option of doing it themselves or having VDOT do it and apparently Blacksburg chose the former. (I have no idea what motivated any particular town to choose one way or the other.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Dirt Roads on January 23, 2024, 10:15:13 PM

Quote from: bm7 on January 20, 2024, 12:52:04 AM
When someone greets you as if they know you, but you have no idea who they are.

Quote from: Big John on January 20, 2024, 09:28:51 AM
Then they tell you your life story while you are trying to figure out who they are.

Quote from: kphoger on January 23, 2024, 02:30:55 PM
How about when someone recognizes you, says hi, but you can't remember who they are because the encounter is totally out of the usual context?

I once heard someone shout out, "Kyle!" at the Freddy's fast food restaurant in El Dorado, Kansas. I knew I knew him, but couldn't for the life of me figure out why. It turns out he was my section leader in orchestral band at the suburban Chicago college I had attended fifteen years earlier.

Could be worse. I was attending a national conference when someone with a Caribbean accent shouted my name, came running across the room and gave me a huge man-hug. I was completely out of my environment, as this was a rail transit conference and I was usually attending railroad conferences. I was certain that this fellow wasn't from one of the big transit agencies (like NYCT, SEPTA or WMATA) where someone might recognize me. After a few awkward moments, he admitted that he didn't expect me to recognize him. He also admitted that he had been an engineering intern at a transit agency where he was following me around on a project for several years. And that he was [now, in the past tense] the Chief Engineer at that same agency, and thus was one my firm's major clients. The accent started to ring a bell, and I figured out who he was. In hindsight, I should have anticipated seeing someone from this particular agency, but alas, I was the one who thought I was "out of context".

Later in life when I was working for another firm on a marketing expedition at this transit agency, I'm pretty sure that this same fellow tipped off someone at my old employer and I got a call the next day with a competing job offer. Everybody involved swears that this was all a coincidence. But to this day, I would have no clue who he is and can't even remember his name (but I do remember his predecessor, who was a great mentor for both of us).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: AABattery on January 23, 2024, 10:37:40 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 23, 2024, 02:30:55 PM
Quote from: Big John on January 20, 2024, 09:28:51 AM

Quote from: bm7 on January 20, 2024, 12:52:04 AM
When someone greets you as if they know you, but you have no idea who they are.

Then they tell you your life story while you are trying to figure out who they are.

How about when someone recognizes you, says hi, but you can't remember who they are because the encounter is totally out of the usual context?

I once heard someone shout out, "Kyle!" at the Freddy's fast food restaurant in El Dorado, Kansas. I knew I knew him, but couldn't for the life of me figure out why. It turns out he was my section leader in orchestral band at the suburban Chicago college I had attended fifteen years earlier.

One of the weirdest interactions I remember from when I was younger was one time I was in uptown Charlotte with my dad when some random beggar came up to my dad to ask him for money. However, the weirdest part was he was like "Hey, what's up!" like he somehow personally knew my dad and had for some time even though he was just some random guy in Charlotte, and where we're from is 3 hours away. My dad just gave the guy a dollar coin and as we walked off he looked like he never saw such a thing, looking at it almost as if it couldn't be real.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on January 24, 2024, 08:19:18 AM

When I moved to the Detroit area, a guy at work said, "Hey I know your dad. I worked with him." I don't think so, my dad was still in Grand Rapids and had never worked in Detroit.

One that got me: I would see the same guy in two different places (at the soccer field watching his daughter and at the robotics team with his son) and it took me several months to figure out he was the same guy in two different places.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 24, 2024, 08:24:16 AM

Quote from: GaryV on January 24, 2024, 08:19:18 AM
One that got me: I would see the same guy in two different places (at the soccer field watching his daughter and at the robotics team with his son) and it took me several months to figure out he was the same guy in two different places.

Maybe the director ran out of extras in the movie of your life.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on January 24, 2024, 09:53:20 AM

Quote from: webny99 on January 23, 2024, 11:04:35 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 22, 2024, 06:04:40 PM
I've never personally had to deal with this, since my city doesn't plow residential streets, but I've read it is wise to shovel out an area just upstream of the driveway so snow moved by the plow doesn't block the apron. I also typically try to shovel out an area around the mailbox, not just to ensure delivery but also to avoid having to stand in a puddle of icy water to pick up my mail.

I've been aware for some time that this is the case in much of the country, but it still hits me every time. Plows doing their work are just such a normal and integral part of winter in the Great Lakes that I just can't wrap my head around not plowing being acceptable in any place that gets snow more than once or twice a season.

Madison does not plow most of its streets. After a big snowfall it's an absolute zoo in the busier areas until it gets warm enough to melt the snow off the roads.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on January 24, 2024, 02:35:15 PM

https://www.gocomics.com/moderately-confused/2024/01/24

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Billy F 1988 on January 24, 2024, 05:57:35 PM

Is it really worth going to jail over some stupid ass beef in a grocery store parking lot all because Idiot A in the blue hatchback didn't see Idiot B in the dark red Subaru pull out of his parking space, nearly clip the guy only for Idiot A to slap Idiot B's door and Idiot B jumping out as if to go psuedo Super Saiyan, all the while the dark red Subaru sits directly in the line of travel towards the the fuel station - like, seriously? It was 9:00 AM this morning and the first thing I told them was "Hey, hey, hey! Separate! It's too early in the morning for that garbage!" Why did I say that? Yeah, I've seen hundreds of road rage clips on YouTube from Dashcam Lessons, Mr. Winningfun, DDSTV2, A&E's "Road Wars" among others to know just how foolish this is. Grow up, bruh! It's 20-frickin'-24! Not some cock ass backwards schoolyard push-n-shove situation. They should be lucky I split them apart because at any point, had I not done that, a lawsuit would have ensued and I'd probably be on the short end of that stick.

Sometimes, you gotta put your foot down when shit like that happens. You can't just wait up till all ragnarok breaks then get popos involved after the fact only to waste their time they need for other important calls by their dispatcher.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 26, 2024, 03:08:42 PM

When the pointer starts skittering down the monitor for no apparent reason.

I suspect that this is because I'm using an optical mouse, and that its own cord occasionally pushes it ever so slightly toward me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on January 26, 2024, 08:07:32 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 26, 2024, 03:08:42 PM
When the pointer starts skittering down the monitor for no apparent reason.

I suspect that this is because I'm using an optical mouse, and that its own cord occasionally pushes it ever so slightly toward me.

or it's because a cat is trying to move the mouse....

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 27, 2024, 12:26:23 AM

Quote from: kphoger on January 26, 2024, 03:08:42 PM
When the pointer starts skittering down the monitor for no apparent reason.

I suspect that this is because I'm using an optical mouse, and that its own cord occasionally pushes it ever so slightly toward me.

I read this interpreting "pointer" with its C meaning, and was quite alarmed. "Skittering" seems like something someone might describe that kind of pointer doing (we have documented "wild pointers", "stale pointers", as well as pointers "scribbling", "smashing", "mangling", and "doing a fandango", so imagining one "skittering" doesn't really seem too out of the ordinary), but it would probably lead to all of your data being ejected into outer space, and definitely not just a minor thing that bothered you.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: WIroadfan on January 27, 2024, 08:50:33 AM

Quote from: thspfc on January 24, 2024, 09:53:20 AM
Quote from: webny99 on January 23, 2024, 11:04:35 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 22, 2024, 06:04:40 PM
I've never personally had to deal with this, since my city doesn't plow residential streets, but I've read it is wise to shovel out an area just upstream of the driveway so snow moved by the plow doesn't block the apron. I also typically try to shovel out an area around the mailbox, not just to ensure delivery but also to avoid having to stand in a puddle of icy water to pick up my mail.

I've been aware for some time that this is the case in much of the country, but it still hits me every time. Plows doing their work are just such a normal and integral part of winter in the Great Lakes that I just can't wrap my head around not plowing being acceptable in any place that gets snow more than once or twice a season.
Madison does not plow most of its streets. After a big snowfall it's an absolute zoo in the busier areas until it gets warm enough to melt the snow off the roads.

As a Madison resident, I notice (and am annoyed by) this as well. X-(

We had two major snowfalls two weeks ago, and then it was cold for a solid week so the roads were a mess the whole time. As someone who walks a lot (including to commute), I'm similarly annoyed by homeowners who don't shovel their stretch of sidewalk.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on January 27, 2024, 01:24:11 PM

Quote from: WIroadfan on January 27, 2024, 08:50:33 AM
Quote from: thspfc on January 24, 2024, 09:53:20 AM
Quote from: webny99 on January 23, 2024, 11:04:35 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 22, 2024, 06:04:40 PM
I've never personally had to deal with this, since my city doesn't plow residential streets, but I've read it is wise to shovel out an area just upstream of the driveway so snow moved by the plow doesn't block the apron. I also typically try to shovel out an area around the mailbox, not just to ensure delivery but also to avoid having to stand in a puddle of icy water to pick up my mail.

I've been aware for some time that this is the case in much of the country, but it still hits me every time. Plows doing their work are just such a normal and integral part of winter in the Great Lakes that I just can't wrap my head around not plowing being acceptable in any place that gets snow more than once or twice a season.
Madison does not plow most of its streets. After a big snowfall it's an absolute zoo in the busier areas until it gets warm enough to melt the snow off the roads.
As a Madison resident, I notice (and am annoyed by) this as well. X-(

We had two major snowfalls two weeks ago, and then it was cold for a solid week so the roads were a mess the whole time. As someone who walks a lot (including to commute), I'm similarly annoyed by homeowners who don't shovel their stretch of sidewalk.

You should see the surrounding suburban townships that have no sidewalks, few streetlights and minimal snowplowing, while PROUDLY boasting of their now uncheap tax rates.

:banghead:

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on January 27, 2024, 02:17:42 PM

Sidewalks to be installed to make things easier when there is none. I found that they create petty crimes as they did on Orange Blossom Trail. Since 1997 when FDOT and Orange County both agreed on adding sidewalks on OBT to clean up the bad image that that particular road had at the time to make it more cleaner. However, since the sidewalks were installed, the road sees hookers strutting their bodies up and down the sidewalks they didn't once have to do it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on January 27, 2024, 03:44:10 PM

People who post incorrect factual things on Facebook, which I try to correct if I am sure it is wrong, and it is a correctable mistake.

Example which prompted my post:

Melanie Safka (the performer Melanie) died this week.
Someone posted "she was the first performer at Woodstock [1969]".

Well, no she wasn't. She was preceded by (in order) Richie Havens, Sweetwater, Bert Sommer, Tim Hardin, and Ravi Shankar. And also a speech by Sri Swami Satchidananda which occurred before Sweetwater's performance.

She played on Friday night but was not on the original bill. It started raining heavily during Ravi Shankar's performance. The Incredible String Band was supposed to be next, but they decided they didn't want to play that night because of the rain and humidity messing with their acoustic instruments (they would play on Saturday afternoon instead). She volunteered/talked her way into playing, and was a big hit with the audience, which more or less made her career. I doubt she would have gotten anywhere near as famous without that performance.

One thing I like about this site is that there seems to be a concerted effort for accuracy, which I appreciate.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 27, 2024, 05:25:09 PM

I like "Brand New Key." It's a fun song.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: algorerhythms on January 27, 2024, 05:38:00 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on January 27, 2024, 01:24:11 PM
Quote from: WIroadfan on January 27, 2024, 08:50:33 AM
Quote from: thspfc on January 24, 2024, 09:53:20 AM
Quote from: webny99 on January 23, 2024, 11:04:35 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 22, 2024, 06:04:40 PM
I've never personally had to deal with this, since my city doesn't plow residential streets, but I've read it is wise to shovel out an area just upstream of the driveway so snow moved by the plow doesn't block the apron. I also typically try to shovel out an area around the mailbox, not just to ensure delivery but also to avoid having to stand in a puddle of icy water to pick up my mail.

I've been aware for some time that this is the case in much of the country, but it still hits me every time. Plows doing their work are just such a normal and integral part of winter in the Great Lakes that I just can't wrap my head around not plowing being acceptable in any place that gets snow more than once or twice a season.
Madison does not plow most of its streets. After a big snowfall it's an absolute zoo in the busier areas until it gets warm enough to melt the snow off the roads.
As a Madison resident, I notice (and am annoyed by) this as well. X-(

We had two major snowfalls two weeks ago, and then it was cold for a solid week so the roads were a mess the whole time. As someone who walks a lot (including to commute), I'm similarly annoyed by homeowners who don't shovel their stretch of sidewalk.

You should see the surrounding suburban townships that have no sidewalks, few streetlights and minimal snowplowing, while PROUDLY boasting of their now uncheap tax rates.

:banghead:

Mike

While I was living in Madison, I often walked to work. Cheaper than driving, because parking at the university was expensive, plus it got me some exercise I sorely needed. That walk would take me through Shorewood Hills. I found it disturbing how the instant I strayed from the multi-use trail (which happened several times as there were several major floods while I lived in Madison, and the trail got flooded every time), a Shorewood Hills cop would suddenly show up and follow me until I crossed the boundary out of Shorewood Hills. It didn't help that that shithole didn't have any sidewalks, so I had to walk in the road with the cop car slowly rolling behind me.

I'm not sure where I was going with this story, but fuck Shorewood Hills.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on January 27, 2024, 06:00:24 PM

That Haitian Rapper who co sings with Shakira on Her Hips Don't Move every time he starts the song " No Fighting, No Fighting."

It just seems to me that he's using the same lingo as a street person would use to start a fight that's he trying to stop one here.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: WIroadfan on January 28, 2024, 08:38:50 AM

Quote from: algorerhythms on January 27, 2024, 05:38:00 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 27, 2024, 01:24:11 PM
Quote from: WIroadfan on January 27, 2024, 08:50:33 AM
Quote from: thspfc on January 24, 2024, 09:53:20 AM
Quote from: webny99 on January 23, 2024, 11:04:35 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 22, 2024, 06:04:40 PM
I've never personally had to deal with this, since my city doesn't plow residential streets, but I've read it is wise to shovel out an area just upstream of the driveway so snow moved by the plow doesn't block the apron. I also typically try to shovel out an area around the mailbox, not just to ensure delivery but also to avoid having to stand in a puddle of icy water to pick up my mail.

I've been aware for some time that this is the case in much of the country, but it still hits me every time. Plows doing their work are just such a normal and integral part of winter in the Great Lakes that I just can't wrap my head around not plowing being acceptable in any place that gets snow more than once or twice a season.
Madison does not plow most of its streets. After a big snowfall it's an absolute zoo in the busier areas until it gets warm enough to melt the snow off the roads.
As a Madison resident, I notice (and am annoyed by) this as well. X-(

We had two major snowfalls two weeks ago, and then it was cold for a solid week so the roads were a mess the whole time. As someone who walks a lot (including to commute), I'm similarly annoyed by homeowners who don't shovel their stretch of sidewalk.

You should see the surrounding suburban townships that have no sidewalks, few streetlights and minimal snowplowing, while PROUDLY boasting of their now uncheap tax rates.

:banghead:

Mike
While I was living in Madison, I often walked to work. Cheaper than driving, because parking at the university was expensive, plus it got me some exercise I sorely needed. That walk would take me through Shorewood Hills. I found it disturbing how the instant I strayed from the multi-use trail (which happened several times as there were several major floods while I lived in Madison, and the trail got flooded every time), a Shorewood Hills cop would suddenly show up and follow me until I crossed the boundary out of Shorewood Hills. It didn't help that that shithole didn't have any sidewalks, so I had to walk in the road with the cop car slowly rolling behind me.

I'm not sure where I was going with this story, but fuck Shorewood Hills.

Why were the cops so seemingly obsessed with you - is Shorewood Hills seriously that insular of richpeopleville that anybody they don't recognize walking down the street is automatically suspicious?

I don't see why they don't just merge with the city of Madison anyway, other than "la ti da, we want to stay separate from those common Madison city folk". So I agree, fuck Shorewood Hills!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 28, 2024, 11:58:41 AM

Lets see here... going on a two-week vacation and having the following occur:

After passing through TSA, getting a panic call from my mother because she visited a scareware support site, and now her 10yo laptop "isn't working", and how the technology in my home misbehaves because it knows I'm not there. Attempts to fix the computer via video call results in the laptop not powering up at all. A new computer (https://amzn.to/3SevTVJ) was ordered, but my mother was unable to use her old computer until my brother-in-law arrived and resurrected it. I'm now porting everything over.
Another panic call because one of the window sensors in my home "died"... at 3:55 AM. I fixed the problem window when I got back, and replaced all of the batteries in the window sensors. I also flagged a date in my calendar four and a half years into the future to replace again.
A road hazard flat with damage to the sidewall making a tire non-repairable. It was discovered flat in my garage. Both front tires were eventually replaced.
A leak was discovered during the Texas freeze two weeks ago on the pool equipment. It didn't help that the freeze guard kicked in on my pool equipment to keep the water circulating. Some seals just aged out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on January 28, 2024, 12:01:12 PM

Quote from: WIroadfan on January 28, 2024, 08:38:50 AM
Quote from: algorerhythms on January 27, 2024, 05:38:00 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 27, 2024, 01:24:11 PM
Quote from: WIroadfan on January 27, 2024, 08:50:33 AM
Quote from: thspfc on January 24, 2024, 09:53:20 AM
Quote from: webny99 on January 23, 2024, 11:04:35 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on January 22, 2024, 06:04:40 PM
I've never personally had to deal with this, since my city doesn't plow residential streets, but I've read it is wise to shovel out an area just upstream of the driveway so snow moved by the plow doesn't block the apron. I also typically try to shovel out an area around the mailbox, not just to ensure delivery but also to avoid having to stand in a puddle of icy water to pick up my mail.

I've been aware for some time that this is the case in much of the country, but it still hits me every time. Plows doing their work are just such a normal and integral part of winter in the Great Lakes that I just can't wrap my head around not plowing being acceptable in any place that gets snow more than once or twice a season.
Madison does not plow most of its streets. After a big snowfall it's an absolute zoo in the busier areas until it gets warm enough to melt the snow off the roads.
As a Madison resident, I notice (and am annoyed by) this as well. X-(

We had two major snowfalls two weeks ago, and then it was cold for a solid week so the roads were a mess the whole time. As someone who walks a lot (including to commute), I'm similarly annoyed by homeowners who don't shovel their stretch of sidewalk.

You should see the surrounding suburban townships that have no sidewalks, few streetlights and minimal snowplowing, while PROUDLY boasting of their now uncheap tax rates.

:banghead:

Mike
While I was living in Madison, I often walked to work. Cheaper than driving, because parking at the university was expensive, plus it got me some exercise I sorely needed. That walk would take me through Shorewood Hills. I found it disturbing how the instant I strayed from the multi-use trail (which happened several times as there were several major floods while I lived in Madison, and the trail got flooded every time), a Shorewood Hills cop would suddenly show up and follow me until I crossed the boundary out of Shorewood Hills. It didn't help that that shithole didn't have any sidewalks, so I had to walk in the road with the cop car slowly rolling behind me.

I'm not sure where I was going with this story, but fuck Shorewood Hills.
Why were the cops so seemingly obsessed with you - is Shorewood Hills seriously that insular of richpeopleville that anybody they don't recognize walking down the street is automatically suspicious?

I don't see why they don't just merge with the city of Madison anyway, other than "la ti da, we want to stay separate from those common Madison city folk". So I agree, fuck Shorewood Hills!

I seriously doubt that my hometown City of Appleton would WANT that entire surrounding township (Grand Chute Township, Outagamie County) anymore. waaaay to much public works work due and so little tax base to show for it.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 28, 2024, 12:03:39 PM

Also, and I'm looking at several people on this forum.... nested quotes. Can you exercise some editing discretion and cut out all but the most relevant pieces of the comment you are quoting?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 28, 2024, 12:09:02 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on January 28, 2024, 12:03:39 PM
Also, and I'm looking at several people on this forum.... nested quotes. Can you exercise some editing discretion and cut out all but the most relevant pieces of the comment you are quoting?

No.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on January 28, 2024, 02:41:35 PM

Commercials for Optimum Tax Relief on my local news station.

"I didn't pay my income taxes for 8 years......they were coming after my house and car....... were going to seize my paycheck".

I don't have any sympathy ---- pay your ***** taxes , like the rest of us, and maybe you wouldn't be having these problems.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 28, 2024, 02:52:20 PM

Quote from: tmoore952 on January 28, 2024, 02:41:35 PM
Commercials for Optimum Tax Relief on my local news station.

"I didn't pay my income taxes for 8 years......they were coming after my house and car....... were going to seize my paycheck".

I don't have any sympathy ---- pay your ***** taxes , like the rest of us, and maybe you wouldn't be having these problems.

If they had taxes withheld and didn't file, that's all sorts of levels of stupidity, too.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on January 28, 2024, 03:38:53 PM

People who use self checkout but don't actually have a clue. I was grocery shopping yesterday, and boy was it an experience at the checkout. The store was mobbed with people (presumably panic buying for the winter non-event we're having today) and the line was long. One person thought there were two lines, not knowing that people at the front of the line just use whichever becomes available first. One person at the checkouts needed the attendant to scan every item for him, swipe his credit card, etc., leaving the attendant unavailable for real problems. One lady attempted to buy an entire cart-full of groceries on the self-checkout (enough to feed a whole family for a week or two), even though it's really meant for people with smaller amounts of purchases, and she really should have been in a manned lane. After she paid, she then spent an entire five minutes marking bags with a marker, photographing here receipts before crumpling them up and putting them in her coat pocket, and doing who knows what else before finally loading the bags back in her cart. She was actually there so long that the computer got confused and wouldn't let me use the lane once she finally left. Meanwhile the line was longer than I've ever seen it, and people shopping were trying to move their carts through the line instead of just going around through the gap between the line and the frozen food containers. Just do your post-purchase processing out of the way, especially where there's a line!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 28, 2024, 03:58:22 PM

You still HAVE staffed lanes? Many stores here have gotten rid of them completely or only staff them on extraordinarily busy days (Thanksgiving week). Everybody has to become their own checker, whether they are clue-full or wanted to or not.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on January 28, 2024, 04:09:52 PM

I had a man in Walmart walked passed the one line for the self checkout and get behind another woman checking herself out. We all thought that they're together, but as soon as she carted off, he began using the checkout for himself. I complained to the attendant, but it, of course, did no good.

Neither is people using the Express 10 item or less line for a full shopping cart. You say something and they shrug their shoulders at you.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: AABattery on January 28, 2024, 04:29:43 PM

Quote from: kkt on January 28, 2024, 03:58:22 PM
You still HAVE staffed lanes? Many stores here have gotten rid of them completely or only staff them on extraordinarily busy days (Thanksgiving week). Everybody has to become their own checker, whether they are clue-full or wanted to or not.

Food Lion here usually only has like 1 or 2 of them staffed, and then there's a person by the self checkouts. I remember as a kid though when basically all the lanes were staffed

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on January 28, 2024, 05:15:19 PM

Giant (of Landover) supermarkets in Maryland have instituted a 20 item maximum for self-checkout. More items you have to use the regular checkout lines. Problems with theft led to this.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on January 28, 2024, 06:06:13 PM

Quote from: tmoore952 on January 28, 2024, 05:15:19 PM
Giant (of Landover) supermarkets in Maryland have instituted a 20 item maximum for self-checkout. More items you have to use the regular checkout lines. Problems with theft led to this.

Walmart gives associates the ability to lock a register if they suspect a customer trying to not scan an item. The device they carry can lock, unlock, delete, ID check for alcoholic beverage, or to print a receipt.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 28, 2024, 06:19:41 PM

Quote from: kkt on January 28, 2024, 03:58:22 PM
You still HAVE staffed lanes? Many stores here have gotten rid of them completely or only staff them on extraordinarily busy days (Thanksgiving week). Everybody has to become their own checker, whether they are clue-full or wanted to or not.

That's not the case here in Upstate NY... at least not yet. Most grocery stores have 6-12 self-checkouts but plenty of old school lanes too. Wegmans often has long lines at the self checkouts AND 10+ regular lanes open with lines too. I can't imagine how many self-checkouts they would need to eliminate the regular lanes completely.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 28, 2024, 06:33:17 PM

Target near me has checkouts on two floors, 8 self-check stations at each, and about 4 stations for staffed checkout. However there's rarely more than one staffed checkout open in the whole store, and often not even that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 28, 2024, 06:44:06 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on January 28, 2024, 12:03:39 PM
Also, and I'm looking at several people on this forum.... nested quotes. Can you exercise some editing discretion and cut out all but the most relevant pieces of the comment you are quoting?

I've been asking that for 10+ years now, but it's just shouting into the void.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 28, 2024, 07:08:55 PM

Quote from: webny99 on January 28, 2024, 06:19:41 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 28, 2024, 03:58:22 PM
You still HAVE staffed lanes? Many stores here have gotten rid of them completely or only staff them on extraordinarily busy days (Thanksgiving week). Everybody has to become their own checker, whether they are clue-full or wanted to or not.

That's not the case here in Upstate NY... at least not yet. Most grocery stores have 6-12 self-checkouts but plenty of old school lanes too. Wegmans often has long lines at the self checkouts AND 10+ regular lanes open with lines too. I can't imagine how many self-checkouts they would need to eliminate the regular lanes completely.

Wegmans annoyingly keeps its self checkout to a limited number of items.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: AABattery on January 28, 2024, 07:17:34 PM

Another thing that annoys me where I am, and this is more directed at the college kids but,

PLEASE at least try to learn how roundabouts work!!!!!!
Additionally, for you from Jersey, not all roundabouts function like they do up there! "Not all" being none that I've seen outside of Jersey!

I'm so sick of seeing people just stop in the middle of roundabouts because they think it all runs like it does in NJ where a lot of them are like that! Or people who can't tell the difference between a "Yield" Sign and a Stop Sign!

Also, friendly reminder to PLEASE turn on your headlights at night, even in town! And no, DRLs don't suffice! It's gotten to a point where I swear at least every 5th or so car doesn't have any lights on at night, and it's dangerous as hell. I've even seen someone ride a motorcycle here with no lights on!

Anyways rant over

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on January 28, 2024, 07:58:06 PM

The NFL broadcasts self-promoting their halftime and post-game analysis segments. They name drop every one of the analysts and overdo the promotion every single ****ing time and I really hate it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on January 28, 2024, 08:00:44 PM

Quote from: Rothman on January 28, 2024, 07:08:55 PM
Quote from: webny99 on January 28, 2024, 06:19:41 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 28, 2024, 03:58:22 PM
You still HAVE staffed lanes? Many stores here have gotten rid of them completely or only staff them on extraordinarily busy days (Thanksgiving week). Everybody has to become their own checker, whether they are clue-full or wanted to or not.

That's not the case here in Upstate NY... at least not yet. Most grocery stores have 6-12 self-checkouts but plenty of old school lanes too. Wegmans often has long lines at the self checkouts AND 10+ regular lanes open with lines too. I can't imagine how many self-checkouts they would need to eliminate the regular lanes completely.
Wegmans annoyingly keeps its self checkout to a limited number of items.

Not sure if you saw what I wrote in my earlier post (re: self-checkout items limited to 20 in my area due to thefts that have occurred) since I sort of buried it at the end of the post.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on January 28, 2024, 08:04:20 PM

Quote from: AABattery on January 28, 2024, 07:17:34 PM
Another thing that annoys me where I am, and this is more directed at the college kids but,

PLEASE at least try to learn how roundabouts work!!!!!!
Additionally, for you from Jersey, not all roundabouts function like they do up there! "Not all" being none that I've seen outside of Jersey!

I'm so sick of seeing people just stop in the middle of roundabouts because they think it all runs like it does in NJ where a lot of them are like that! Or people who can't tell the difference between a "Yield" Sign and a Stop Sign!

Also, friendly reminder to PLEASE turn on your headlights at night, even in town! And no, DRLs don't suffice! It's gotten to a point where I swear at least every 5th or so car doesn't have any lights on at night, and it's dangerous as hell. I've even seen someone ride a motorcycle here with no lights on!

Anyways rant
over

Blame the auto makers for having 24/7 dashboard lights instead of them like they used to be to only go on with the headlights.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on January 28, 2024, 08:18:07 PM

John Morgan of Morgan and Morgan has to keep reminding everybody in his commercials that He is America's Largest Personal Injury Firm. So you're the largest. Why keep boasting?

Why not just state your business and leave it at that. To me ( and I'm sure many other folks) we appreciate people being humble as self builders seem to appear phony even if that person is the best.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on January 28, 2024, 09:14:31 PM

Pounding the self-checkout horse again:

When the attendant is free when I get to the checkout station, but when I need assistance (something goes awry, age check for alcohol, etc.) inevitably he/she is busy assisting someone else, often needing to take several minutes, and often other shoppers are waiting before me.
After I self-scan coupons, it all stops until the attendant collects my coupons to match them to what scanned and then he/she keeps them. I get this is how they prevent coupons from being reused, but there's gotta be a better way if I have to check myself out. They've got bill acceptors that can scan bills, reject invalid ones, and keep the good ones; why can't they do that for coupons?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 28, 2024, 09:22:00 PM

I do a grocery run roughly every week. I will never be even close to as fast as a checker who runs the register 30-40 hours a week. I don't know offhand where the barcodes are on every product or the tricks to make them scan if they don't want to. Let the checkers check. I'm happy to bag and I can usually keep up with a checker.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: AABattery on January 28, 2024, 09:23:12 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on January 28, 2024, 08:04:20 PM
Quote from: AABattery on January 28, 2024, 07:17:34 PM
Another thing that annoys me where I am, and this is more directed at the college kids but,

PLEASE at least try to learn how roundabouts work!!!!!!
Additionally, for you from Jersey, not all roundabouts function like they do up there! "Not all" being none that I've seen outside of Jersey!

I'm so sick of seeing people just stop in the middle of roundabouts because they think it all runs like it does in NJ where a lot of them are like that! Or people who can't tell the difference between a "Yield" Sign and a Stop Sign!

Also, friendly reminder to PLEASE turn on your headlights at night, even in town! And no, DRLs don't suffice! It's gotten to a point where I swear at least every 5th or so car doesn't have any lights on at night, and it's dangerous as hell. I've even seen someone ride a motorcycle here with no lights on!

Anyways rant
over

Blame the auto makers for having 24/7 dashboard lights instead of them like they used to be to only go on with the headlights.

That's true, like they shouldn't have those imo. Honestly a lot of the new tech like rear view cameras and having a tablet in your car and basically making the car more a computer than a car is just dumb imo.

I like cars from the 1990s-Early 2010s though like mine because they have just the amount of stuff I like while still being somewhat simple.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: AABattery on January 28, 2024, 09:25:25 PM

Quote from: kkt on January 28, 2024, 09:22:00 PM
I do a grocery run roughly every week. I will never be even close to as fast as a checker who runs the register 30-40 hours a week. I don't know offhand where the barcodes are on every product or the tricks to make them scan if they don't want to. Let the checkers check. I'm happy to bag and I can usually keep up with a checker.

That and also too the self-checkout machines at some stores *cough cough, Kroger* are slower than I am, and I've occasionally been flagged for going too fast to where they think I'm stealing stuff :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: elsmere241 on January 28, 2024, 09:31:02 PM

When I have to move the antenna and reset the TV so I can catch the end of the game.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 28, 2024, 09:39:30 PM

Businesses that card everyone, no exceptions. Grow up. One look at me and it'll be blatantly obvious to you that I'm well above age 21 (I have enough grey hair that you should be able to tell I'm around age 50). I remember once a restaurant refused to serve my grandmother, who was around 80 years old at the time and looked it, because she didn't carry an ID. The first time Wegmans carded me (or "proofed" me, as their sign calls it), I found it amusing. Now I just find it utterly stupid.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on January 28, 2024, 10:07:08 PM

Quote from: AABattery on January 28, 2024, 09:23:12 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on January 28, 2024, 08:04:20 PM
Quote from: AABattery on January 28, 2024, 07:17:34 PM
Another thing that annoys me where I am, and this is more directed at the college kids but,

PLEASE at least try to learn how roundabouts work!!!!!!
Additionally, for you from Jersey, not all roundabouts function like they do up there! "Not all" being none that I've seen outside of Jersey!

I'm so sick of seeing people just stop in the middle of roundabouts because they think it all runs like it does in NJ where a lot of them are like that! Or people who can't tell the difference between a "Yield" Sign and a Stop Sign!

Also, friendly reminder to PLEASE turn on your headlights at night, even in town! And no, DRLs don't suffice! It's gotten to a point where I swear at least every 5th or so car doesn't have any lights on at night, and it's dangerous as hell. I've even seen someone ride a motorcycle here with no lights on!

Anyways rant
over

Blame the auto makers for having 24/7 dashboard lights instead of them like they used to be to only go on with the headlights.

That's true, like they shouldn't have those imo. Honestly a lot of the new tech like rear view cameras and having a tablet in your car and basically making the car more a computer than a car is just dumb imo.

I like cars from the 1990s-Early 2010s though like mine because they have just the amount of stuff I like while still being somewhat simple.

At one time added features were an option especially power windows. Cranks were the norm and power windows were extra. If you wanted additional features it was a luxury and you had to pay extra unless you had a Lincoln or Cadillac in which those makes were luxury as to own them you had to have a handsome salary to first afford one. Now all the luxuries are standard, but the maintenance is still extra once they break down. Our wonderful corporate and government hierarchy made sure that every citizen is entitled to luxury items and all people should be able to live prosperous and not obtain extra items for extra money, so we are stuck with junk luxury items that we could be without.

Do we really need power windows? Do we really need a computer? Considering marketing agencies and other shady characters are using the computer to track your every moves and shopping habits to suit their purposes, it's really turning us into targets and doing away with the privacy our founding fathers ensured us in the Constitution.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on January 28, 2024, 10:08:00 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on January 28, 2024, 09:14:31 PM
Pounding the self-checkout horse again:

When the attendant is free when I get to the checkout station, but when I need assistance (something goes awry, age check for alcohol, etc.) inevitably he/she is busy assisting someone else, often needing to take several minutes, and often other shoppers are waiting before me.
After I self-scan coupons, it all stops until the attendant collects my coupons to match them to what scanned and then he/she keeps them. I get this is how they prevent coupons from being reused, but there's gotta be a better way if I have to check myself out. They've got bill acceptors that can scan bills, reject invalid ones, and keep the good ones; why can't they do that for coupons?

At my store you have to deposit the coupons into the scanner (immediately after scanning) via a opening that has some kind of sensor in it. Otherwise you don't get credit. (and no I do not know if the sensor can be defeated, not that I'd try anyway)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on January 28, 2024, 10:11:39 PM

I remember my uncle from Ohio visiting us in 1972 (I was 5) and they had power windows (not cranks). Very cool for a five year old.
All of their kids were 10+ years older than me, so power windows were not a safety issue for them, as it would have been for me at the time (which I realize now).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on January 28, 2024, 10:14:56 PM

Self checkouts are being like the phone trees, they're also taking away from human interaction like the phone trees did with customer service over the phone, now is doing the same at the store.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on January 28, 2024, 10:26:08 PM

Quote from: tmoore952 on January 28, 2024, 10:08:00 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on January 28, 2024, 09:14:31 PM
Pounding the self-checkout horse again:

When the attendant is free when I get to the checkout station, but when I need assistance (something goes awry, age check for alcohol, etc.) inevitably he/she is busy assisting someone else, often needing to take several minutes, and often other shoppers are waiting before me.
After I self-scan coupons, it all stops until the attendant collects my coupons to match them to what scanned and then he/she keeps them. I get this is how they prevent coupons from being reused, but there's gotta be a better way if I have to check myself out. They've got bill acceptors that can scan bills, reject invalid ones, and keep the good ones; why can't they do that for coupons?
At my store you have to deposit the coupons into the scanner (immediately after scanning) via a opening that has some kind of sensor in it. Otherwise you don't get credit. (and no I do not know if the sensor can be defeated, not that I'd try anyway)

They are very easily defeated, which is why the clerks need to review and take the coupons. You can stick any piece of paper in there, or even stick the coupon in and pull it back out, and the machine accepts them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on January 28, 2024, 10:28:20 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 28, 2024, 10:26:08 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 28, 2024, 10:08:00 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on January 28, 2024, 09:14:31 PM
Pounding the self-checkout horse again:

When the attendant is free when I get to the checkout station, but when I need assistance (something goes awry, age check for alcohol, etc.) inevitably he/she is busy assisting someone else, often needing to take several minutes, and often other shoppers are waiting before me.
After I self-scan coupons, it all stops until the attendant collects my coupons to match them to what scanned and then he/she keeps them. I get this is how they prevent coupons from being reused, but there's gotta be a better way if I have to check myself out. They've got bill acceptors that can scan bills, reject invalid ones, and keep the good ones; why can't they do that for coupons?
At my store you have to deposit the coupons into the scanner (immediately after scanning) via a opening that has some kind of sensor in it. Otherwise you don't get credit. (and no I do not know if the sensor can be defeated, not that I'd try anyway)

They are very easily defeated, which is why the clerks need to review and take the coupons. You can stick any piece of paper in there, or even stick the coupon in and pull it back out, and the machine accepts them.

Well they don't review and take them here.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 28, 2024, 10:30:11 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on January 28, 2024, 10:07:08 PM
... doing away with the privacy our founding fathers ensured us in the Constitution.

Have you ever actually read the Constitution?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on January 28, 2024, 10:38:52 PM

Yes I know what's in it. A lot of privacy though was implied over what was said as in History class it was taught our nation was founded on the expectation of privacy and was both directly or indirectly stated in the Constitution.

An example would be the original Roe v. Wade as Justice Blackmund said that the denial of the Abortion is unconstitutional even though no article in the constitution mentions or talks about abortion rights. He made his decision based that the constitution provides privacy to all including women and that preventing the mother to choose the baby's fate is denying that very privacy given to all Americans in that document.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 28, 2024, 11:13:14 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on January 28, 2024, 10:38:52 PM
Yes I know what's in it. A lot of privacy though was implied over what was said as in History class it was taught our nation was founded on the expectation of privacy and was both directly or indirectly stated in the Constitution.

An example would be the original Roe v. Wade as Justice Blackmund said that the denial of the Abortion is unconstitutional even though no article in the constitution mentions or talks about abortion rights. He made his decision based that the constitution provides privacy to all including women and that preventing the mother to choose the baby's fate is denying that very privacy given to all Americans in that document.

The interpretation of a "right to privacy" came centuries after the Founding Fathers...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on January 28, 2024, 11:30:06 PM

I have already been seeing reports of retailers (such as Walmart) eliminating self-checkouts in some locations due to excessive 'shrink' losses.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 29, 2024, 07:45:09 AM

Quote from: Rothman on January 28, 2024, 11:13:14 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on January 28, 2024, 10:38:52 PM
Yes I know what's in it. A lot of privacy though was implied over what was said as in History class it was taught our nation was founded on the expectation of privacy and was both directly or indirectly stated in the Constitution.

An example would be the original Roe v. Wade as Justice Blackmund said that the denial of the Abortion is unconstitutional even though no article in the constitution mentions or talks about abortion rights. He made his decision based that the constitution provides privacy to all including women and that preventing the mother to choose the baby's fate is denying that very privacy given to all Americans in that document.
The interpretation of a "right to privacy" came centuries after the Founding Fathers...

If there's any topic that is likely to get a thread locked, the one roadman65 raised in that comment has to be either at or near the top of the list. I'm not touching that one with a ten-foot pole.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 29, 2024, 07:50:49 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 29, 2024, 07:45:09 AM
Quote from: Rothman on January 28, 2024, 11:13:14 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on January 28, 2024, 10:38:52 PM
Yes I know what's in it. A lot of privacy though was implied over what was said as in History class it was taught our nation was founded on the expectation of privacy and was both directly or indirectly stated in the Constitution.

An example would be the original Roe v. Wade as Justice Blackmund said that the denial of the Abortion is unconstitutional even though no article in the constitution mentions or talks about abortion rights. He made his decision based that the constitution provides privacy to all including women and that preventing the mother to choose the baby's fate is denying that very privacy given to all Americans in that document.
The interpretation of a "right to privacy" came centuries after the Founding Fathers...

If there's any topic that is likely to get a thread locked, the one roadman65 raised in that comment has to be either at or near the top of the list. I'm not touching that one with a ten-foot pole.

Good thing we're talking about the right to privacy, then (although I see what you're saying).

Come to think of it, the right to privacy is a minor thing that bothers me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 29, 2024, 09:34:51 AM

Minor things that are a major nuisance in the short term: When a software company changes the keyboard shortcuts without notice. I logged onto my office PC this morning to find that apparently there must have been a Microsoft Word update. We make extensive use of "Track Changes" (redlines) and comment bubbles and for years I've hit Alt-I followed by "M" to insert a comment. This morning that no longer works and now apparently you're expected to hit Alt-N (for some reason, that's the new command to get to the "Insert" options) and then "L" (which isn't even part of the word "Comment"). Talk about unintuitive. I went looking through the Options screen to try to find a way to redefine the keyboard shortcut, but "Insert Comment" isn't an option. Turns out that's because Microsoft thinks a comment is called an "Annotation"—a colleague found that "InsertAnnotation" is Microsoft's term for "Insert Comment." They have Ctrl-Alt-M defined as a shortcut for that, which is close enough to Alt-I, M, that I suppose I will get used to it in a week or two.

Minor in the scheme of things? Definitely. Major nuisance when you need to retrain yourself to overcome years of muscle memory? Absolutely.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on January 29, 2024, 10:21:49 AM

Quote from: elsmere241 on January 28, 2024, 09:31:02 PM
When I have to move the antenna and reset the TV so I can catch the end of the game.

^^ THIS!!!

Back in the days of analog TV, if the picture went fuzzy for a few seconds or was not fully tuned in reception-wise, you could at least hear and still watch a moving picture despite the annoying audio/visual problems.

Nowadays in the digital TV tuning age, if you don't have the right digital antenna (usually an outdoor antenna that can rotate), the slightest distortion will freeze/pixelate the screen and stutter the audio.

I now have TWO antenna sources (a house-mounted antenna and portable rabbit ears) I have to switch between on my Living Room TV if I go from a clear channel to a channel that acts up.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 29, 2024, 10:42:22 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 29, 2024, 09:34:51 AM
Minor things that are a major nuisance in the short term: When a software company changes the keyboard shortcuts without notice. I logged onto my office PC this morning to find that apparently there must have been a Microsoft Word update. We make extensive use of "Track Changes" (redlines) and comment bubbles and for years I've hit Alt-I followed by "M" to insert a comment. This morning that no longer works and now apparently you're expected to hit Alt-N (for some reason, that's the new command to get to the "Insert" options) and then "L" (which isn't even part of the word "Comment"). Talk about unintuitive. I went looking through the Options screen to try to find a way to redefine the keyboard shortcut, but "Insert Comment" isn't an option. Turns out that's because Microsoft thinks a comment is called an "Annotation"—a colleague found that "InsertAnnotation" is Microsoft's term for "Insert Comment." They have Ctrl-Alt-M defined as a shortcut for that, which is close enough to Alt-I, M, that I suppose I will get used to it in a week or two.

Minor in the scheme of things? Definitely. Major nuisance when you need to retrain yourself to overcome years of muscle memory? Absolutely.

I've said before that the person in charge of upgrades to Microsoft Office products also must feel the need to totally reorganize their home when they temporarily lose a single item.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Hobart on January 29, 2024, 11:52:29 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 29, 2024, 09:34:51 AM
Minor things that are a major nuisance in the short term: When a software company changes the keyboard shortcuts without notice.

Minor in the scheme of things? Definitely. Major nuisance when you need to retrain yourself to overcome years of muscle memory? Absolutely.

I fully understand your pain. Musescore, the music notation software I use, changed the default keybinds for ties from plus to "T", and over the years also got rid of the "Alt+T" shortcut to add a tempo marking, with no replacement keybind.

I detest the fact that the first thought developers seemingly always have when looking at a piece of software is to change the parts that work well, and the parts that are buried deep into the muscle memory of current users. I might as well switch to Dvorak while I'm at it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 29, 2024, 11:58:48 AM

Quote from: Hobart on January 29, 2024, 11:52:29 AM
....

I detest the fact that the first thought developers seemingly always have when looking at a piece of software is to change the parts that work well, and the parts that are buried deep into the muscle memory of current users. I might as well switch to Dvorak while I'm at it.

I tried that once and failed miserably. The muscle memory is just too ingrained and it was too counter-productive for me to spend the amount of time it would have required to make the change. Also, something that didn't occur to me then was that switching to Dvorak would have caused me even more difficulties whenever I use a different keyboard for whatever reason (working in a different location, helping Ms1995hoo with her laptop, whatever).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 29, 2024, 11:59:19 AM

The omnipresence of Taylor Swift.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on January 29, 2024, 12:04:17 PM

New car radios. Now that the old dials are gone, some are touch screen, and some have a knob on the console to change stations and a button the middle to click on whatever the menu item you want is. Give me the days when you had two knobs ( one for tuning and the one on the left for volume) and a digital display in the center.

Oh, right, they want you to control the radio from the steering wheel. To me only the presets should be on the wheel, as turning the volume down on the knob is not that distracting as when you look for the right preset button.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 29, 2024, 01:17:32 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 29, 2024, 11:59:19 AM
The omnipresence of Taylor Swift.

I find her easy enough to ignore, despite liking her song, "Shake it Off." Definitely don't find her omnipresent. Then again, the most popular and biggest moneymaking performer of all time is going to have a significant presence somewhere.

Therefore, you are consuming media which is telling you to be bothered by her omnipresence.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 29, 2024, 02:00:30 PM

Quote from: Rothman on January 29, 2024, 01:17:32 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 29, 2024, 11:59:19 AM
The omnipresence of Taylor Swift.
I find her easy enough to ignore, despite liking her song, "Shake it Off." Definitely don't find her omnipresent. Then again, the most popular and biggest moneymaking performer of all time is going to have a significant presence somewhere.

Therefore, you are consuming media which is telling you to be bothered by her omnipresence.

I wouldn't know one of her songs if I heard it.

But she's everywhere. I know several people who are rooting for the 49ers in the Super Bowl because of her.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 29, 2024, 02:02:12 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 29, 2024, 02:00:30 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 29, 2024, 01:17:32 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 29, 2024, 11:59:19 AM
The omnipresence of Taylor Swift.
I find her easy enough to ignore, despite liking her song, "Shake it Off." Definitely don't find her omnipresent. Then again, the most popular and biggest moneymaking performer of all time is going to have a significant presence somewhere.

Therefore, you are consuming media which is telling you to be bothered by her omnipresence.

I wouldn't know one of her songs if I heard it.

But she's everywhere. I know several people who are rooting for the 49ers in the Super Bowl because of her.

So? Lots of celebrities are everywhere.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 29, 2024, 02:26:05 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 27, 2024, 12:26:23 AM
I read this interpreting "pointer" with its C meaning, and was quite alarmed. "Skittering" seems like something someone might describe that kind of pointer doing (we have documented "wild pointers", "stale pointers", as well as pointers "scribbling", "smashing", "mangling", and "doing a fandango", so imagining one "skittering" doesn't really seem too out of the ordinary), but it would probably lead to all of your data being ejected into outer space, and definitely not just a minor thing that bothered you.

It always makes me smile when you type in another language. :)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on January 29, 2024, 04:52:37 PM

This doesn't really bother me, but I recently learned that if you took the names of the numbers from 0 to 99 and put them in alphabetical order, 0 would have course be last, but second to last, I was surprised to learn, would be 2.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: fhmiii on January 29, 2024, 04:59:20 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 29, 2024, 02:00:30 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 29, 2024, 01:17:32 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 29, 2024, 11:59:19 AM
The omnipresence of Taylor Swift.
I find her easy enough to ignore, despite liking her song, "Shake it Off." Definitely don't find her omnipresent. Then again, the most popular and biggest moneymaking performer of all time is going to have a significant presence somewhere.

Therefore, you are consuming media which is telling you to be bothered by her omnipresence.

I wouldn't know one of her songs if I heard it.

But she's everywhere. I know several people who are rooting for the 49ers in the Super Bowl because of her.

Don't hate on the Chiefs just because the broadcasters want to push Travis Kelce's girlfriend. They're just excited that a bunch of women who've never been interested in football are suddenly watching games and reading post-game analysis and listening to sports podcasts. As soon as the novelty wears off, they'll stop promoting her. For now, even as a Chiefs fan, all I have to say is I hope they're very happy together, but I tuned in to watch football not TMZ.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 29, 2024, 05:41:24 PM

Quote from: fhmiii on January 29, 2024, 04:59:20 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 29, 2024, 02:00:30 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 29, 2024, 01:17:32 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 29, 2024, 11:59:19 AM
The omnipresence of Taylor Swift.
I find her easy enough to ignore, despite liking her song, "Shake it Off." Definitely don't find her omnipresent. Then again, the most popular and biggest moneymaking performer of all time is going to have a significant presence somewhere.

Therefore, you are consuming media which is telling you to be bothered by her omnipresence.

I wouldn't know one of her songs if I heard it.

But she's everywhere. I know several people who are rooting for the 49ers in the Super Bowl because of her.

Don't hate on the Chiefs just because the broadcasters want to push Travis Kelce's girlfriend. They're just excited that a bunch of women who've never been interested in football are suddenly watching games and reading post-game analysis and listening to sports podcasts. As soon as the novelty wears off, they'll stop promoting her. For now, even as a Chiefs fan, all I have to say is I hope they're very happy together, but I tuned in to watch football not TMZ.

Wait a minute. Are we just talking the NFL? That's hardly "everywhere." :D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on January 29, 2024, 05:49:22 PM

Quote from: fhmiii on January 29, 2024, 04:59:20 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 29, 2024, 02:00:30 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 29, 2024, 01:17:32 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 29, 2024, 11:59:19 AM
The omnipresence of Taylor Swift.
I find her easy enough to ignore, despite liking her song, "Shake it Off." Definitely don't find her omnipresent. Then again, the most popular and biggest moneymaking performer of all time is going to have a significant presence somewhere.

Therefore, you are consuming media which is telling you to be bothered by her omnipresence.

I wouldn't know one of her songs if I heard it.

But she's everywhere. I know several people who are rooting for the 49ers in the Super Bowl because of her.

Don't hate on the Chiefs just because the broadcasters want to push Travis Kelce's girlfriend. They're just excited that a bunch of women who've never been interested in football are suddenly watching games and reading post-game analysis and listening to sports podcasts. As soon as the novelty wears off, they'll stop promoting her. For now, even as a Chiefs fan, all I have to say is I hope they're very happy together, but I tuned in to watch football not TMZ.

I'm not hating on the Chiefs. They deserved that win yesterday and Kelce was a big part of it.

The issue I have with Taylor Swift is that ---- at least as far as I can tell --- she wouldn't be anywhere near an NFL stadium if it wasn't for Kelce. I'm also not that big on Kelce outside the football field. I think he runs his mouth a lot.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 29, 2024, 06:19:56 PM

Quote from: tmoore952 on January 29, 2024, 05:49:22 PM
Quote from: fhmiii on January 29, 2024, 04:59:20 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 29, 2024, 02:00:30 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 29, 2024, 01:17:32 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 29, 2024, 11:59:19 AM
The omnipresence of Taylor Swift.
I find her easy enough to ignore, despite liking her song, "Shake it Off." Definitely don't find her omnipresent. Then again, the most popular and biggest moneymaking performer of all time is going to have a significant presence somewhere.

Therefore, you are consuming media which is telling you to be bothered by her omnipresence.

I wouldn't know one of her songs if I heard it.

But she's everywhere. I know several people who are rooting for the 49ers in the Super Bowl because of her.

Don't hate on the Chiefs just because the broadcasters want to push Travis Kelce's girlfriend. They're just excited that a bunch of women who've never been interested in football are suddenly watching games and reading post-game analysis and listening to sports podcasts. As soon as the novelty wears off, they'll stop promoting her. For now, even as a Chiefs fan, all I have to say is I hope they're very happy together, but I tuned in to watch football not TMZ.
I'm not hating on the Chiefs. They deserved that win yesterday and Kelce was a big part of it.

The issue I have with Taylor Swift is that ---- at least as far as I can tell --- she wouldn't be anywhere near an NFL stadium if it wasn't for Kelce. I'm also not that big on Kelce outside the football field. I think he runs his mouth a lot.

How dare people attend NFL games just because their significant others get them hooked on it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on January 29, 2024, 09:23:47 PM

Quote from: Rothman on January 29, 2024, 06:19:56 PM

Quote from: tmoore952 on January 29, 2024, 05:49:22 PM
Quote from: fhmiii on January 29, 2024, 04:59:20 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 29, 2024, 02:00:30 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 29, 2024, 01:17:32 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 29, 2024, 11:59:19 AM
The omnipresence of Taylor Swift.
I find her easy enough to ignore, despite liking her song, "Shake it Off." Definitely don't find her omnipresent. Then again, the most popular and biggest moneymaking performer of all time is going to have a significant presence somewhere.

Therefore, you are consuming media which is telling you to be bothered by her omnipresence.

I wouldn't know one of her songs if I heard it.

But she's everywhere. I know several people who are rooting for the 49ers in the Super Bowl because of her.

Don't hate on the Chiefs just because the broadcasters want to push Travis Kelce's girlfriend. They're just excited that a bunch of women who've never been interested in football are suddenly watching games and reading post-game analysis and listening to sports podcasts. As soon as the novelty wears off, they'll stop promoting her. For now, even as a Chiefs fan, all I have to say is I hope they're very happy together, but I tuned in to watch football not TMZ.
I'm not hating on the Chiefs. They deserved that win yesterday and Kelce was a big part of it.

The issue I have with Taylor Swift is that ---- at least as far as I can tell --- she wouldn't be anywhere near an NFL stadium if it wasn't for Kelce. I'm also not that big on Kelce outside the football field. I think he runs his mouth a lot.

How dare people attend NFL games just because their significant others get them hooked on it.

It's not just that. All the other "people who have significant others in the game" that you mention are not shown on the broadcast multiple times a game. All the victorious players have significant others who come onto the field at the end of championship games. Those regular folk people aren't shown on screen over and over.

Flip the script. Suppose a WNBA star starts dating Justin Timberlake or Ed Sheeran, for example (think a big male pop star who is available -- substitute someone else if the male names I mentioned are unavailable). If the broadcast networks kept showing the male significant other on the screen all the time, it wouldn't go over well with many of the women WNBA fans, who want the women players to get the attention. They'd say things like "Men get all the attention everywhere else. This is our game ---- men, go away".

We all know one big reason this is not happening here ---- is that the NFL is trying to get to an untapped demographic. When Kelce retires and Swift goes with him, let's see how many of that demographic hangs around (or if Swift does). I'll be much more accepting if she (or the demographic) hangs around when Kelce is gone.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 29, 2024, 10:11:27 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 28, 2024, 09:39:30 PM
Businesses that card everyone, no exceptions. Grow up. One look at me and it'll be blatantly obvious to you that I'm well above age 21 (I have enough grey hair that you should be able to tell I'm around age 50). I remember once a restaurant refused to serve my grandmother, who was around 80 years old at the time and looked it, because she didn't carry an ID. The first time Wegmans carded me (or "proofed" me, as their sign calls it), I found it amusing. Now I just find it utterly stupid.

This is because in marginal situations they'll have to deal with people arguing "but why do you have to card me, I'm clearly over X age" when they are not, in fact, clearly over X age. Or you have someone like me who is abjectly terrible at estimating ages who might card a 45-year-old and let a sick 20-year-old who hasn't gotten enough sleep go.

It's far easier and more likely to obtain compliance with the law to just have a blanket "card everyone" policy.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 29, 2024, 10:12:07 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 29, 2024, 02:00:30 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 29, 2024, 01:17:32 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 29, 2024, 11:59:19 AM
The omnipresence of Taylor Swift.
I find her easy enough to ignore, despite liking her song, "Shake it Off." Definitely don't find her omnipresent. Then again, the most popular and biggest moneymaking performer of all time is going to have a significant presence somewhere.

Therefore, you are consuming media which is telling you to be bothered by her omnipresence.

I wouldn't know one of her songs if I heard it.

But she's everywhere. I know several people who are rooting for the 49ers in the Super Bowl because of her.

When people post about sports outside of the sports quarantine board.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on January 29, 2024, 10:40:54 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 29, 2024, 02:00:30 PM
I wouldn't know one of her songs if I heard it.

How do you expect people to react when you say this?

Like, is this a major achievement? Are you proud?

It's like when people brag about how little sleep they got last night, as if anyone ever wanted to know that.

Quote from: tmoore952 on January 29, 2024, 09:23:47 PM
It's not just that. All the other "people who have significant others in the game" that you mention are not shown on the broadcast multiple times a game.

Please. She's the biggest celebrity on the planet. Get over it.

Quote from: tmoore952 on January 29, 2024, 09:23:47 PM
Flip the script. Suppose a WNBA star starts dating Justin Timberlake or Ed Sheeran, for example (think a big male pop star who is available -- substitute someone else if the male names I mentioned are unavailable). If the broadcast networks kept showing the male significant other on the screen all the time, it wouldn't go over well with many of the women WNBA fans, who want the women players to get the attention. They'd say things like "Men get all the attention everywhere else. This is our game ---- men, go away".

The WNBA doesn't have fans. And the point is irrelevant anyway, it's not a gender issue at all.

Quote from: tmoore952 on January 29, 2024, 09:23:47 PM
We all know one big reason this is not happening here ---- is that the NFL is trying to get to an untapped demographic. When Kelce retires and Swift goes with him, let's see how many of that demographic hangs around (or if Swift does). I'll be much more accepting if she (or the demographic) hangs around when Kelce is gone.

Yes, that's exactly what's happening, and I don't know why anyone is surprised or angry about it. The league has risen to its current popularity by attracting new fans, through whatever methods it may be.

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 29, 2024, 10:11:27 PM
It's far easier and more likely to obtain compliance with the law to just have a blanket "card everyone" policy.

On the aggregate, it absolutely is not. For every piece of shit that argues, there's 100 normal people that just pull out their ID. But when you card everyone, you're wasting all that extra time per person for no reason. I'm willing to deal with the rare piece of shit if it means carding 50-70% fewer people.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 29, 2024, 10:49:25 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 29, 2024, 10:11:27 PMThis is because in marginal situations they'll have to deal with people arguing "but why do you have to card me, I'm clearly over X age" when they are not, in fact, clearly over X age. Or you have someone like me who is abjectly terrible at estimating ages who might card a 45-year-old and let a sick 20-year-old who hasn't gotten enough sleep go.

It's far easier and more likely to obtain compliance with the law to just have a blanket "card everyone" policy.

In cases where the proffered ID is scanned (such as the checkouts at the supermarket near me), I wonder if part of the motivation is to serve as a check on the cashiers. Everything stops when an age-restricted item is scanned and does not resume until ID is scanned or the system is overriden, and it would not surprise me if a cashier is called to account by a manager when overrides exceed a certain percentage of register transactions.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 29, 2024, 11:01:14 PM

Quote from: tmoore952 on January 29, 2024, 09:23:47 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 29, 2024, 06:19:56 PM

Quote from: tmoore952 on January 29, 2024, 05:49:22 PM
Quote from: fhmiii on January 29, 2024, 04:59:20 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 29, 2024, 02:00:30 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 29, 2024, 01:17:32 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 29, 2024, 11:59:19 AM
The omnipresence of Taylor Swift.
I find her easy enough to ignore, despite liking her song, "Shake it Off." Definitely don't find her omnipresent. Then again, the most popular and biggest moneymaking performer of all time is going to have a significant presence somewhere.

Therefore, you are consuming media which is telling you to be bothered by her omnipresence.

I wouldn't know one of her songs if I heard it.

But she's everywhere. I know several people who are rooting for the 49ers in the Super Bowl because of her.

Don't hate on the Chiefs just because the broadcasters want to push Travis Kelce's girlfriend. They're just excited that a bunch of women who've never been interested in football are suddenly watching games and reading post-game analysis and listening to sports podcasts. As soon as the novelty wears off, they'll stop promoting her. For now, even as a Chiefs fan, all I have to say is I hope they're very happy together, but I tuned in to watch football not TMZ.
I'm not hating on the Chiefs. They deserved that win yesterday and Kelce was a big part of it.

The issue I have with Taylor Swift is that ---- at least as far as I can tell --- she wouldn't be anywhere near an NFL stadium if it wasn't for Kelce. I'm also not that big on Kelce outside the football field. I think he runs his mouth a lot.

How dare people attend NFL games just because their significant others get them hooked on it.
It's not just that. All the other "people who have significant others in the game" that you mention are not shown on the broadcast multiple times a game. All the victorious players have significant others who come onto the field at the end of championship games. Those regular folk people aren't shown on screen over and over.

Flip the script. Suppose a WNBA star starts dating Justin Timberlake or Ed Sheeran, for example (think a big male pop star who is available -- substitute someone else if the male names I mentioned are unavailable). If the broadcast networks kept showing the male significant other on the screen all the time, it wouldn't go over well with many of the women WNBA fans, who want the women players to get the attention. They'd say things like "Men get all the attention everywhere else. This is our game ---- men, go away".

We all know one big reason this is not happening here ---- is that the NFL is trying to get to an untapped demographic. When Kelce retires and Swift goes with him, let's see how many of that demographic hangs around (or if Swift does). I'll be much more accepting if she (or the demographic) hangs around when Kelce is gone.

Of course regular folk aren't shown on screen multiple times. Swift isn't regular folk, not by a long shot. She's established herself as one of the most unregular folk by becoming a billionaire entertainer.

Football play pauses plenty of times to show her or whatever other celebrity the networks and NFL desire. No different than showing Vince Gill at Belmont games or Eminem at Lions games or Spike Lee at Knicks games or Jack Nicholson at Lakers games...

What's fun are the obvious reasons Swift is held to a different bar for "acceptance" by football fans.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: DTComposer on January 29, 2024, 11:10:49 PM

It's a tempest in a teapot, in any case:

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/25/style/taylor-swift-nfl-broadcasts.html

Over the last five games she's been on screen for a total of 158 seconds, or an average of 31.6 seconds per game - one commercial-length each game. Many actual commercials are shown at least four times per game.

In my opinion, anyone who feels like she's been on camera too much is ignoring facts in favor of other narratives - getting their righteous indignation up for no reason.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 29, 2024, 11:14:03 PM

One of the comedy NFL accounts I follow:

"Kind of happy the super bowl will be ruined for millions of the most annoying guy you know who turns into a gremlin when they show Taylor for 2 seconds in the booth."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: algorerhythms on January 29, 2024, 11:39:03 PM

Quote from: DTComposer on January 29, 2024, 11:10:49 PM
It's a tempest in a teapot, in any case:

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/25/style/taylor-swift-nfl-broadcasts.html

Over the last five games she's been on screen for a total of 158 seconds, or an average of 31.6 seconds per game - one commercial-length each game. Many actual commercials are shown at least four times per game.

In my opinion, anyone who feels like she's been on camera too much is ignoring facts in favor of other narratives - getting their righteous indignation up for no reason.

You know what is severely overrepresented in sports these days? DraftDuel/FanKings/whatever the gambling thing du jour is.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 29, 2024, 11:39:51 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 29, 2024, 10:49:25 PMIn cases where the proffered ID is scanned (such as the checkouts at the supermarket near me), I wonder if part of the motivation is to serve as a check on the cashiers. Everything stops when an age-restricted item is scanned and does not resume until ID is scanned or the system is overriden, and it would not surprise me if a cashier is called to account by a manager when overrides exceed a certain percentage of register transactions.

I've been carded for cigarettes, alcohol, lottery tickets, and at casinos until I was into my early 30s. I just have a young-looking face, probably because I don't smoke or drink, but my mother does.

Thing is, the retail establishments (both stores and restaurants) have to hold a alcohol license to sell alcohol. That comes with restrictions such as no sales between 2-6 AM and no sales to minors. I've heard that the profit margins for alcohol sales is much higher for restaurants than actual food sales, and I imagine the same is for retail. The rules are also strict in that a cashier who is under 21 cannot approve the sale, and has to call over their over-21 manager, and their security card is coded as such. Failure to follow said procedure for age-controlled products can result in immediate termination. Age-controlled sales have to also be conducted at a regular cashier, not at a self-checkout. The retail establishment can also be held liable if a underage sale of alcohol results in a severe accident.

How severe? I remember being at a 7-11 near the community college I was attending in the early 2000s. Because of some underage sales occurring at that store, their alcohol license was suspended for sixty days, and the refrigerators could not be used temporarily for sale/storage of non-alcoholic products.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 29, 2024, 11:46:27 PM

Quote from: algorerhythms on January 29, 2024, 11:39:03 PM
Quote from: DTComposer on January 29, 2024, 11:10:49 PM
It's a tempest in a teapot, in any case:

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/25/style/taylor-swift-nfl-broadcasts.html

Over the last five games she's been on screen for a total of 158 seconds, or an average of 31.6 seconds per game - one commercial-length each game. Many actual commercials are shown at least four times per game.

In my opinion, anyone who feels like she's been on camera too much is ignoring facts in favor of other narratives - getting their righteous indignation up for no reason.
You know what is severely overrepresented in sports these days? DraftDuel/FanKings/whatever the gambling thing du jour is.

Agreed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on January 30, 2024, 01:26:48 AM

It's really annoying when a team is clearly favored by the league.

Right now, it's MLS and Inter Miami (mostly because of Messi). Lots of rules that suddenly get wider interpretations when Miami needs it, on top of their over-coverage in media.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 30, 2024, 06:22:38 AM

When sports people post about sports outside of the sports board in the sports thread called "minor things that bother you sports edition".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on January 30, 2024, 07:05:20 AM

This shouldn't bother me but it does. I am a fan of the Sudoku puzzle in the newspaper. I noticed a while back that sometimes the top line of the grid wasn't being printed. Then I noticed it happens on Tuesdays. Yup, today is Tuesday and there's no top line on the grid. I can understand that sometimes things go wrong with production. But why only (and almost always) on Tuesday? Perplexing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 30, 2024, 07:07:31 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 30, 2024, 06:22:38 AM
When sports people post about sports outside of the sports board in the sports thread called "minor things that bother you sports edition".

That thread isn't on the sports board?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 30, 2024, 07:52:19 AM

Quote from: tmoore952 on January 29, 2024, 05:49:22 PM
Quote from: fhmiii on January 29, 2024, 04:59:20 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 29, 2024, 02:00:30 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 29, 2024, 01:17:32 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 29, 2024, 11:59:19 AM
The omnipresence of Taylor Swift.
I find her easy enough to ignore, despite liking her song, "Shake it Off." Definitely don't find her omnipresent. Then again, the most popular and biggest moneymaking performer of all time is going to have a significant presence somewhere.

Therefore, you are consuming media which is telling you to be bothered by her omnipresence.

I wouldn't know one of her songs if I heard it.

But she's everywhere. I know several people who are rooting for the 49ers in the Super Bowl because of her.

Don't hate on the Chiefs just because the broadcasters want to push Travis Kelce's girlfriend. They're just excited that a bunch of women who've never been interested in football are suddenly watching games and reading post-game analysis and listening to sports podcasts. As soon as the novelty wears off, they'll stop promoting her. For now, even as a Chiefs fan, all I have to say is I hope they're very happy together, but I tuned in to watch football not TMZ.
I'm not hating on the Chiefs. They deserved that win yesterday and Kelce was a big part of it.

The issue I have with Taylor Swift is that ---- at least as far as I can tell --- she wouldn't be anywhere near an NFL stadium if it wasn't for Kelce. I'm also not that big on Kelce outside the football field. I think he runs his mouth a lot.

Seen on another forum this morning:

Quote from: 1994Wahoo
Dude, wake up. He got a $70k bonus for making the Super Bowl. She's after his money!

:bigass:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 30, 2024, 08:27:13 AM

Quote from: Rothman on January 30, 2024, 07:07:31 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 30, 2024, 06:22:38 AM
When sports people post about sports outside of the sports board in the sports thread called "minor things that bother you sports edition".
That thread isn't on the sports board?

IIRC it may not have been initially, but it is now: https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=26190.0

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on January 30, 2024, 08:40:15 AM

Re: Taylor Swift

In the short and long run, I have far, far more important things to worry about than that.
I shouldn't have commented about it at all.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on January 30, 2024, 08:47:49 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 30, 2024, 07:52:19 AM
Seen on another forum this morning:

Quote from: 1994Wahoo
Dude, wake up. He got a $70k bonus for making the Super Bowl. She's after his money!

:bigass:

Is it a coincidence that 1994Wahoo and 1995hoo are so similar?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 30, 2024, 08:53:08 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 30, 2024, 07:52:19 AM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 29, 2024, 05:49:22 PM
Quote from: fhmiii on January 29, 2024, 04:59:20 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 29, 2024, 02:00:30 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 29, 2024, 01:17:32 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on January 29, 2024, 11:59:19 AM
The omnipresence of Taylor Swift.
I find her easy enough to ignore, despite liking her song, "Shake it Off." Definitely don't find her omnipresent. Then again, the most popular and biggest moneymaking performer of all time is going to have a significant presence somewhere.

Therefore, you are consuming media which is telling you to be bothered by her omnipresence.

I wouldn't know one of her songs if I heard it.

But she's everywhere. I know several people who are rooting for the 49ers in the Super Bowl because of her.

Don't hate on the Chiefs just because the broadcasters want to push Travis Kelce's girlfriend. They're just excited that a bunch of women who've never been interested in football are suddenly watching games and reading post-game analysis and listening to sports podcasts. As soon as the novelty wears off, they'll stop promoting her. For now, even as a Chiefs fan, all I have to say is I hope they're very happy together, but I tuned in to watch football not TMZ.
I'm not hating on the Chiefs. They deserved that win yesterday and Kelce was a big part of it.

The issue I have with Taylor Swift is that ---- at least as far as I can tell --- she wouldn't be anywhere near an NFL stadium if it wasn't for Kelce. I'm also not that big on Kelce outside the football field. I think he runs his mouth a lot.

Seen on another forum this morning:

Quote from: 1994Wahoo
Dude, wake up. He got a $70k bonus for making the Super Bowl. She's after his money!

:bigass:

Heh. The weird thing is that there are nutty people out there who are taking that seriously.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on January 30, 2024, 09:02:20 AM

Quote from: 7/8 on January 30, 2024, 08:47:49 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 30, 2024, 07:52:19 AM
Seen on another forum this morning:

Quote from: 1994Wahoo
Dude, wake up. He got a $70k bonus for making the Super Bowl. She's after his money!

:bigass:

Is it a coincidence that 1994Wahoo and 1995hoo are so similar?

Given that other other forum is a UVA sports forum.....

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on January 30, 2024, 09:17:34 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on January 30, 2024, 09:02:20 AM
Quote from: 7/8 on January 30, 2024, 08:47:49 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 30, 2024, 07:52:19 AM
Seen on another forum this morning:

Quote from: 1994Wahoo
Dude, wake up. He got a $70k bonus for making the Super Bowl. She's after his money!

:bigass:

Is it a coincidence that 1994Wahoo and 1995hoo are so similar?

Given that other other forum is a UVA sports forum.....

TIL what hoo means in your username :D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 30, 2024, 09:29:49 AM

Quote from: 7/8 on January 30, 2024, 09:17:34 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 30, 2024, 09:02:20 AM
Quote from: 7/8 on January 30, 2024, 08:47:49 AM

Is it a coincidence that 1994Wahoo and 1995hoo are so similar?

Given that other other forum is a UVA sports forum.....

TIL what hoo means in your username :D

Wow, same here.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on January 30, 2024, 09:51:27 AM

When sports people post in this thread about sports, outside of the sports board sports thread called "minor things that bother you sports edition".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 30, 2024, 09:55:35 AM

Purple text. :D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on January 30, 2024, 10:31:57 AM

The structure of "All that glitters is not gold". It's poetic, but can be ambiguous.

What it means in Shakespeare: gold is a subset of things that glitter - true (i.e. "Not all that glitters is gold")

What it means literally: gold and things that glitter are disjoint sets - false

Example: "All our products are not flammable" (or inflammable (what a country! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1n5VDUghaY)))

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 30, 2024, 10:48:55 AM

Quote from: tmoore952 on January 29, 2024, 09:23:47 PM
We all know one big reason this is not happening here ---- is that the NFL is trying to get to an untapped demographic. When Kelce retires and Swift goes with him, let's see how many of that demographic hangs around (or if Swift does). I'll be much more accepting if she (or the demographic) hangs around when Kelce is gone.

The NFL has had mediocre success in bringing in female viewers. And then this fell in their lap. What do you expect them to do? not take the opportunity?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on January 30, 2024, 01:38:29 PM

Quote from: algorerhythms on January 29, 2024, 11:39:03 PM
Quote from: DTComposer on January 29, 2024, 11:10:49 PM
It's a tempest in a teapot, in any case:

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/25/style/taylor-swift-nfl-broadcasts.html

Over the last five games she's been on screen for a total of 158 seconds, or an average of 31.6 seconds per game - one commercial-length each game. Many actual commercials are shown at least four times per game.

In my opinion, anyone who feels like she's been on camera too much is ignoring facts in favor of other narratives - getting their righteous indignation up for no reason.
You know what is severely overrepresented in sports these days? DraftDuel/FanKings/whatever the gambling thing du jour is.

GRRRrrr . . .

:banghead:

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: AABattery on January 30, 2024, 04:06:21 PM

You know what is severely overrepresented in sports these days? DraftDuel/FanKings/whatever the gambling thing du jour is.
[/quote]

GRRRrrr . . .

:banghead:

Mike
[/quote]

I don't watch sports often but I swear every other ad I see whenever I watch football or baseball with my family is just Draft Kings or whatever sports betting service. And all the ads are just that, some credit card company, or some medication for old people.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on January 30, 2024, 04:21:09 PM

Quote from: kurumi on January 30, 2024, 10:31:57 AM
The structure of "All that glitters is not gold". It's poetic, but can be ambiguous.

What it means in Shakespeare: gold is a subset of things that glitter - true (i.e. "Not all that glitters is gold")

What it means literally: gold and things that glitter are disjoint sets - false

I feel like we've discussed this before, and there was some pushback against your claim of "what it means literally."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on January 30, 2024, 05:18:13 PM

Quote from: kphoger on January 30, 2024, 10:48:55 AM
Quote from: tmoore952 on January 29, 2024, 09:23:47 PM
We all know one big reason this is not happening here ---- is that the NFL is trying to get to an untapped demographic. When Kelce retires and Swift goes with him, let's see how many of that demographic hangs around (or if Swift does). I'll be much more accepting if she (or the demographic) hangs around when Kelce is gone.

The NFL has had mediocre success in bringing in female viewers. And then this fell in their lap. What do you expect them to do? not take the opportunity?

See my post from this morning. I'm finished talking about this, in either thread.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: algorerhythms on January 30, 2024, 05:44:22 PM

Quote from: AABattery on January 30, 2024, 04:06:21 PM

I don't watch sports often but I swear every other ad I see whenever I watch football or baseball with my family is just Draft Kings or whatever sports betting service. And all the ads are just that, some credit card company, or some medication for old people.

On New Year's Eve this year I jokingly made the resolution of not buying any product advertised on ABC in the ten minutes before the Times Square ball drop. I can honestly say that since then I have not bought any medications for diseases I don't have, nor watched some awful shows I wasn't going to watch anyway, nor have I bought Fritos (the only thing in the ads I would actually consider buying).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 30, 2024, 05:57:46 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on January 30, 2024, 04:21:09 PM
Quote from: kurumi on January 30, 2024, 10:31:57 AM
The structure of "All that glitters is not gold". It's poetic, but can be ambiguous.

What it means in Shakespeare: gold is a subset of things that glitter - true (i.e. "Not all that glitters is gold")

What it means literally: gold and things that glitter are disjoint sets - false

I feel like we've discussed this before, and there was some pushback against your claim of "what it means literally."

But only shooting stars break the mold.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 30, 2024, 06:55:21 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on January 30, 2024, 06:22:38 AM
When sports people post about sports outside of the sports board in the sports thread called "minor things that bother you sports edition".

Did I mention anything about sports in my original Taylor Swift post? Nope.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on January 30, 2024, 08:31:12 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 30, 2024, 06:55:21 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 30, 2024, 06:22:38 AM
When sports people post about sports outside of the sports board in the sports thread called "minor things that bother you sports edition".

Did I mention anything about sports in my original Taylor Swift post? Nope.

It might not have been you. There were a gazillion sports posts that were moved out of here at some point in the past three hours.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 31, 2024, 01:04:50 PM

Companies that issue bills/invoices on half-sheets of paper. I cannot take you seriously.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 31, 2024, 01:23:16 PM

Online articles which have you scrolling through half of the article to get the actual info you want. Take this example from "The Street":

Popular fast-food chain closing without a bankruptcy filing

QuoteMost of the chain's locations have already been shut down and there are plans to close the remaining locations.

FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://www.thestreet.com/restaurants/popular-fast-food-chain-closing-without-a-bankruptcy-filing)

OK, it's a click-bait headline, but to find out the actual fast-food chain, I must scroll past six headlines and go to the subsection titled "Another fast-food brand going away" to find out it's a Michigan fast-food chain called "Bagger Dave's" which "operates locations in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio" and "once operated 28 stores".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on January 31, 2024, 03:15:07 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on January 31, 2024, 01:23:16 PM
Online articles which have you scrolling through half of the article to get the actual info you want. Take this example from "The Street":

Popular fast-food chain closing without a bankruptcy filing
QuoteMost of the chain's locations have already been shut down and there are plans to close the remaining locations.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://www.thestreet.com/restaurants/popular-fast-food-chain-closing-without-a-bankruptcy-filing)

OK, it's a click-bait headline, but to find out the actual fast-food chain, I must scroll past six headlines and go to the subsection titled "Another fast-food brand going away" to find out it's a Michigan fast-food chain called "Bagger Dave's" which "operates locations in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio" and "once operated 28 stores".

That's one of the worst sites. And the Lexington Herald-Leader website uses a ton of stories from that site. With click-baity headlines.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 31, 2024, 03:27:35 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on January 31, 2024, 03:15:07 PMThat's one of the worst sites. And the Lexington Herald-Leader website uses a ton of stories from that site. With click-baity headlines.

The Wichita Eagle likewise relies heavily on TheStreet.com for filler content. It's nearly all Captain Obvious garbage, and about 90% of it sounds like it has been AI-generated. This, I feel, is one of many symptoms of the decline of local journalism.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SectorZ on January 31, 2024, 03:33:32 PM

Quote from: webny99 on January 31, 2024, 01:04:50 PM

Companies that issue bills/invoices on half-sheets of paper. I cannot take you seriously.

I don't get it, would you rather them charge more to waste paper?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on January 31, 2024, 03:37:19 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on January 31, 2024, 01:23:16 PM
Online articles which have you scrolling through half of the article to get the actual info you want. Take this example from "The Street":

Popular fast-food chain closing without a bankruptcy filing
QuoteMost of the chain's locations have already been shut down and there are plans to close the remaining locations.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://www.thestreet.com/restaurants/popular-fast-food-chain-closing-without-a-bankruptcy-filing)

OK, it's a click-bait headline, but to find out the actual fast-food chain, I must scroll past six headlines and go to the subsection titled "Another fast-food brand going away" to find out it's a Michigan fast-food chain called "Bagger Dave's" which "operates locations in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio" and "once operated 28 stores".

Similar to this, every online recipe that has the history of food for 2,000 words before they actually get to the recipe itself.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 31, 2024, 03:47:49 PM

Quote from: SectorZ on January 31, 2024, 03:33:32 PM
Quote from: webny99 on January 31, 2024, 01:04:50 PM

Companies that issue bills/invoices on half-sheets of paper. I cannot take you seriously.

I don't get it, would you rather them charge more to waste paper?

I would rather them email and not use paper at all, but if that is not possible, it's cheap and unprofessional not to use a full sheet of paper. If they are concerned about the "waste" of a sheet of paper that costs a penny or two at most being less than 100% full, that convinces me even more that they aren't to be taken seriously.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 31, 2024, 04:04:35 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on January 31, 2024, 03:37:19 PM
every online recipe that has the history of food for 2,000 words before they actually get to the recipe itself.

And aren't you shocked to find out that the author's husband just loves this dish!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on January 31, 2024, 04:10:52 PM

"YouTube Music is a music app . . . made by YouTube."

no shit?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 31, 2024, 04:21:14 PM

Quote from: webny99 on January 31, 2024, 03:47:49 PM
Quote from: SectorZ on January 31, 2024, 03:33:32 PM
Quote from: webny99 on January 31, 2024, 01:04:50 PM

Companies that issue bills/invoices on half-sheets of paper. I cannot take you seriously.

I don't get it, would you rather them charge more to waste paper?

I would rather them email and not use paper at all, but if that is not possible, it's cheap and unprofessional not to use a full sheet of paper. If they are concerned about the "waste" of a sheet of paper that costs a penny or two at most being less than 100% full, that convinces me even more that they aren't to be taken seriously.

The quality and price of their product or service should probably come into consideration in judging a business.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 31, 2024, 04:29:11 PM

Quote from: Rothman on January 31, 2024, 04:21:14 PM
Quote from: webny99 on January 31, 2024, 03:47:49 PM
Quote from: SectorZ on January 31, 2024, 03:33:32 PM
Quote from: webny99 on January 31, 2024, 01:04:50 PM

Companies that issue bills/invoices on half-sheets of paper. I cannot take you seriously.

I don't get it, would you rather them charge more to waste paper?

I would rather them email and not use paper at all, but if that is not possible, it's cheap and unprofessional not to use a full sheet of paper. If they are concerned about the "waste" of a sheet of paper that costs a penny or two at most being less than 100% full, that convinces me even more that they aren't to be taken seriously.
The quality and price of their product or service should probably come into consideration in judging a business.

No kidding, and invoicing is an essential component of that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on January 31, 2024, 04:42:06 PM

Regarding the format of bills and invoices: my preference is for something I can file with minimum trouble.

I'm really uncomfortable accepting stuff electronically because there are just too many ways to manipulate presentation so that the substantive material (the payload) is unreasonably difficult to retain locally. It's actually easier for me to file a paper bill from my credit card provider (however sized) than it is for me to log in to their website (requires two-factor authentication, so it's not easily scriptable) and download the PDF.

If an email comes in that just gives links to the information on a website instead of including it as an attachment, I do not consider myself to have been "sent" the substantive content, since it never actually lands in my inbox. Similarly, I really dislike the use of the word "email" for communication modalities that require the recipient to log in to a portal to read what is essentially a private message. Again, the payload never lands in my inbox.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on January 31, 2024, 04:52:50 PM

I just download my statements and store them on my file server locally which then backs up encrypted to a cloud service. Especially my mortgage statements.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on January 31, 2024, 04:56:25 PM

Quote from: webny99 on January 31, 2024, 04:29:11 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 31, 2024, 04:21:14 PM
Quote from: webny99 on January 31, 2024, 03:47:49 PM
Quote from: SectorZ on January 31, 2024, 03:33:32 PM
Quote from: webny99 on January 31, 2024, 01:04:50 PM

Companies that issue bills/invoices on half-sheets of paper. I cannot take you seriously.

I don't get it, would you rather them charge more to waste paper?

I would rather them email and not use paper at all, but if that is not possible, it's cheap and unprofessional not to use a full sheet of paper. If they are concerned about the "waste" of a sheet of paper that costs a penny or two at most being less than 100% full, that convinces me even more that they aren't to be taken seriously.
The quality and price of their product or service should probably come into consideration in judging a business.

No kidding, and invoicing is an essential component of that.

Nah.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: gonealookin on January 31, 2024, 06:49:00 PM

Quote from: formulanone on January 28, 2024, 06:44:06 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on January 28, 2024, 12:03:39 PM
Also, and I'm looking at several people on this forum.... nested quotes. Can you exercise some editing discretion and cut out all but the most relevant pieces of the comment you are quoting?

I've been asking that for 10+ years now, but it's just shouting into the void.

If I could also shout into the void for a moment...at least delete any embedded photos so they don't get reposted over and over, and particularly when said photos are originally posted at resolution 6000 x 3390 (having just come over here from the "airport terminal expansion" thread).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on January 31, 2024, 07:27:08 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on January 31, 2024, 04:52:50 PM
I just download my statements and store them on my file server locally which then backs up encrypted to a cloud service. Especially my mortgage statements.

How very organized of you. I would glance at my paper statements, see my last payment was credited, and then let it sit on my desk for six months, and then throw it away with the other ones.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on January 31, 2024, 07:42:23 PM

Quote from: webny99 on January 31, 2024, 01:04:50 PM

Companies that issue bills/invoices on half-sheets of paper. I cannot take you seriously.

Perhaps they use perforated paper so that it duplicates in half the processing time (although splitting the paper takes more time than waiting for the second ply...and the cost of perforated 2-up paper is a little bit more). But, it's slightly less wasteful and a little easier to handle.

I work with parts departments which do that all the time, because the average counter ticket has maybe 2-5 lines of parts on it, so it can definitely fit on 4-5 inches of paper, sone the header and totals are figured in.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on January 31, 2024, 08:23:44 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on January 31, 2024, 04:42:06 PM
Regarding the format of bills and invoices: my preference is for something I can file with minimum trouble.

For personal filing, a half-sheet may be fileable with minimum trouble, but for anyone dealing with a large volume of paperwork, a half-sheet is the equivalent of a toddler on the loose in Walmart on Black Friday.

Quote from: formulanone on January 31, 2024, 07:42:23 PM

Perhaps they use perforated paper so that it duplicates in half the processing time (although splitting the paper takes more time than waiting for the second ply...and the cost of perforated 2-up paper is a little bit more). But, it's slightly less wasteful and a little easier to handle.

I work with parts departments which do that all the time, because the average counter ticket has maybe 2-5 lines of parts on it, so it can definitely fit on 4-5 inches of paper, sone the header and totals are figured in.

I would think perforated/self-duplicating paper could also be used in full sheets, though I really don't have an issue with the use of half-sheets in certain circumstances if a full sheet isn't needed. I just don't think invoicing a customer is ever one of those circumstances where it's appropriate. I've quite frequently seen half-sheets used as reciepts or packing tickets because those may be filled in by hand, but issuing an invoice on a half-sheet - especially for a business-to-business transaction - is grounds for a side-eye in 2024.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 01, 2024, 09:55:33 AM

Quote from: gonealookin on January 31, 2024, 06:49:00 PM

Quote from: formulanone on January 28, 2024, 06:44:06 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on January 28, 2024, 12:03:39 PM
Also, and I'm looking at several people on this forum.... nested quotes. Can you exercise some editing discretion and cut out all but the most relevant pieces of the comment you are quoting?

I've been asking that for 10+ years now, but it's just shouting into the void.

If I could also shout into the void for a moment...at least delete any embedded photos so they don't get reposted over and over, and particularly when said photos are originally posted at resolution 6000 x 3390 (having just come over here from the "airport terminal expansion" thread).

That's why, when I quote a post with a picture in it, I generally change the height and width tags, to make the picture smaller.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 01, 2024, 09:59:02 AM

Microsoft Teams. I mean, I don't like it in general, but that's not what I'm talking about. It's that the program decides on its own every so often that I must want it open on my computer. Every few weeks, I'll open up the computer in the morning, and there it is: no other programs open, because I shut them all down at the end of the day. Just this morning, I needed to go into the Task Manager and restart Windows Explorer to fix a glitch. When it restarted, yep! there was Microsoft Teams opened up.

No. If I want a program open, then I'll open it. That's the way it works.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 01, 2024, 10:21:37 AM

Quote from: kphoger on February 01, 2024, 09:59:02 AM
Microsoft Teams. I mean, I don't like it in general, but that's not what I'm talking about. It's that the program decides on its own every so often that I must want it open on my computer. Every few weeks, I'll open up the computer in the morning, and there it is: no other programs open, because I shut them all down at the end of the day. Just this morning, I needed to go into the Task Manager and restart Windows Explorer to fix a glitch. When it restarted, yep! there was Microsoft Teams opened up.

No. If I want a program open, then I'll open it. That's the way it works.

Heh. My work PC opens Teams automatically, but I don't mind it doing so there because it's one of our most-used pieces of software for in-office communication and file management such that it would be the first thing I open in the morning anyway. On my home PC, I agree with you, other than as to things I've designated to run automatically like security software.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 01, 2024, 10:44:24 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 01, 2024, 10:21:37 AM

Quote from: kphoger on February 01, 2024, 09:59:02 AM
Microsoft Teams. I mean, I don't like it in general, but that's not what I'm talking about. It's that the program decides on its own every so often that I must want it open on my computer. Every few weeks, I'll open up the computer in the morning, and there it is: no other programs open, because I shut them all down at the end of the day. Just this morning, I needed to go into the Task Manager and restart Windows Explorer to fix a glitch. When it restarted, yep! there was Microsoft Teams opened up.

No. If I want a program open, then I'll open it. That's the way it works.

Heh. My work PC opens Teams automatically, but I don't mind it doing so there because it's one of our most-used pieces of software for in-office communication and file management such that it would be the first thing I open in the morning anyway. On my home PC, I agree with you, other than as to things I've designated to run automatically like security software.

This is my work computer. And I never use Teams.

The other day, one of my contacts over at the MSO requested that we communicate via Teams instead of by phone. So I figured out how to open it up on purpose and connect with him. He typed that he couldn't hear me. I replied that my computer doesn't have a mic. He replied that my boss needs to buy me a new computer, and then we talked by phone anyway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 01, 2024, 11:27:47 AM

My "can't kill it" software thing is that I hate when I have a forced reboot of my work laptop and then Edge and the Microsoft Store get pinned to my taskbar again, despite me not using either of them ever.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on February 01, 2024, 11:36:48 AM

My beef with Teams is that it started asking me to switch to the new Teams. So I did, and then it started constantly asking if I want to switch back. I finally decided that yes, I do want to switch back, just so that I don't have to keep being asked. But what was the point of new Teams if you want everyone to switch back anyways? Nothing like flunking the rollout of a new product by admitting that the original is better anyways.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 01, 2024, 11:37:42 AM

Quote from: webny99 on February 01, 2024, 11:36:48 AM
My beef with Teams is that it started asking me to switch to the new Teams. So I did, and then it started constantly asking if I want to switch back. I finally decided that yes, I do want to switch back, just so that I don't have to keep being asked. But what was the point of new Teams if you want everyone to switch back anyways? Nothing like flunking the rollout of a new product by admitting that the original is better anyways.

I don't find them much different to be honest.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 01, 2024, 01:52:39 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 01, 2024, 09:59:02 AMMicrosoft Teams. I mean, I don't like it in general, but that's not what I'm talking about. It's that the program decides on its own every so often that I must want it open on my computer. Every few weeks, I'll open up the computer in the morning, and there it is: no other programs open, because I shut them all down at the end of the day. Just this morning, I needed to go into the Task Manager and restart Windows Explorer to fix a glitch. When it restarted, yep! there was Microsoft Teams opened up.

No. If I want a program open, then I'll open it. That's the way it works.

It is an option to uninstall Teams? If not, I would try the following:

* Check Task Manager for a setting that causes it to launch at boot, and disable it.

* Check Task Scheduler for a task that launches it, and disable it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 01, 2024, 02:44:45 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 01, 2024, 09:59:02 AM
Microsoft Teams. I mean, I don't like it in general, but that's not what I'm talking about. It's that the program decides on its own every so often that I must want it open on my computer. Every few weeks, I'll open up the computer in the morning, and there it is: no other programs open, because I shut them all down at the end of the day. Just this morning, I needed to go into the Task Manager and restart Windows Explorer to fix a glitch. When it restarted, yep! there was Microsoft Teams opened up.

No. If I want a program open, then I'll open it. That's the way it works.

I agree with you on this.

I find Teams cluttered compared to other conferencing software (e.g., WebEx). But, yep, stupid Teams pops up every time I login.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 01, 2024, 02:50:27 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on February 01, 2024, 01:52:39 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 01, 2024, 09:59:02 AM
Microsoft Teams. I mean, I don't like it in general, but that's not what I'm talking about. It's that the program decides on its own every so often that I must want it open on my computer. Every few weeks, I'll open up the computer in the morning, and there it is: no other programs open, because I shut them all down at the end of the day. Just this morning, I needed to go into the Task Manager and restart Windows Explorer to fix a glitch. When it restarted, yep! there was Microsoft Teams opened up.

No. If I want a program open, then I'll open it. That's the way it works.

It is an option to uninstall Teams? If not, I would try the following:

* Check Task Manager for a setting that causes it to launch at boot, and disable it.

* Check Task Scheduler for a task that launches it, and disable it.

Thanks. I just went to Task Manager > Startup, and changed Microsoft Teams from 'Enabled' to 'Disabled'. We'll see if that helps.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on February 01, 2024, 02:51:34 PM

Teams is very mediocre. It lacks some basic features that Discord has had for ages:

1) The ability to mute a user only on your end. If I'm on a conference call with someone in the office directly beside me, I would like to mute them so I don't hear them twice. I tried muting them, but it muted them for everyone in the meeting (talk about embarrassing :-D)
2) The ability to change volumes of individual users. Some people have louder mics than others

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 01, 2024, 04:25:41 PM

Quote from: 7/8 on February 01, 2024, 02:51:34 PM
Teams is very mediocre. It lacks some basic features that Discord has had for ages:

1) The ability to mute a user only on your end. If I'm on a conference call with someone in the office directly beside me, I would like to mute them so I don't hear them twice. I tried muting them, but it muted them for everyone in the meeting (talk about embarrassing :-D)
2) The ability to change volumes of individual users. Some people have louder mics than others

Teams is very mediocre, but still better than using Slack and Zoom, two solutions that don't speak to each other and don't save chat details easily.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on February 01, 2024, 04:36:05 PM

I don't get how y'all are having issues with Windows (maybe being on 11 is different?).

I have Windows 10 and never have forced updates (instead it's run on a schedule or manually when I am prepared), programs on startup are controlled by the Task Manager, and I don't have Edge or Teams or other crap running in the background constantly.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 01, 2024, 04:42:09 PM

Quote from: Bruce on February 01, 2024, 04:36:05 PM
I don't get how y'all are having issues with Windows (maybe being on 11 is different?).

I have Windows 10 and never have forced updates (instead it's run on a schedule or manually when I am prepared), programs on startup are controlled by the Task Manager, and I don't have Edge or Teams or other crap running in the background constantly.

Working for a big company, you have to do constant upgrades/reboots. A lot of what goes on on my machine is not decided by me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 01, 2024, 05:40:25 PM

Quote from: Bruce on February 01, 2024, 04:36:05 PMI don't get how y'all are having issues with Windows (maybe being on 11 is different?).

I have Windows 10 and never have forced updates (instead it's run on a schedule or manually when I am prepared), programs on startup are controlled by the Task Manager, and I don't have Edge or Teams or other crap running in the background constantly.

Aside from the problem of not having full control over the PC in an enterprise setting, it's not always intuitive how to access the mechanisms that keep Windows from getting in your way, and sometimes it takes experimentation to determine what works and what doesn't.

When I moved to Windows 10 in 2021, it took several forced updates before I figured out how to postpone updates for 35 days. (I install updates at the end of the month, so I am guaranteed the entirety of the next month before I need to think about updates again.) I still haven't sorted out how to prevent Windows apps from updating themselves. (A recent update to the Photos app made it much harder to use for viewing TIFF plansheets.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 01, 2024, 06:14:16 PM

Quote from: Bruce on February 01, 2024, 04:36:05 PM
programs on startup are controlled by the Task Manager

Which I didn't know until Jonathan mentioned it. I still remember when these things were handled by C:\>edit startup.bat, so part of it might be that what seems like common sense to you just isn't to me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on February 01, 2024, 07:32:01 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 01, 2024, 11:37:42 AM
Quote from: webny99 on February 01, 2024, 11:36:48 AM
My beef with Teams is that it started asking me to switch to the new Teams. So I did, and then it started constantly asking if I want to switch back. I finally decided that yes, I do want to switch back, just so that I don't have to keep being asked. But what was the point of new Teams if you want everyone to switch back anyways? Nothing like flunking the rollout of a new product by admitting that the original is better anyways.

I don't find them much different to be honest.

I was getting the same stupid quest as well. I didn't mind the "new" Teams (though I liked Slack better), but it didn't seemed like that big of a change. Problem was that it all happened on rather short notice, so we lost 5 years of know-how that couldn't easily be scraped/exported from Slack which many never bothered to put in a secondary repository...but that's a reliance problem, not an MS issue.

Where's the old Microsoft that just forced changes on us? :D

Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 01, 2024, 04:25:41 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on February 01, 2024, 02:51:34 PM
Teams is very mediocre. It lacks some basic features that Discord has had for ages:

1) The ability to mute a user only on your end. If I'm on a conference call with someone in the office directly beside me, I would like to mute them so I don't hear them twice. I tried muting them, but it muted them for everyone in the meeting (talk about embarrassing :-D)
2) The ability to change volumes of individual users. Some people have louder mics than others

Teams is very mediocre, but still better than using Slack and Zoom, two solutions that don't speak to each other and don't save chat details easily.

It works...well enough; sound is less dodgy than Zoom but less controls overall. My company ditched both for Teams in one singular app so it makes sense.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on February 01, 2024, 07:36:29 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 01, 2024, 11:27:47 AM
My "can't kill it" software thing is that I hate when I have a forced reboot of my work laptop and then Edge and the Microsoft Store get pinned to my taskbar again, despite me not using either of them ever.

We are Microsoft. We know what you need on your computer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on February 01, 2024, 08:48:49 PM

Posts that are titled differently from their thread, making it difficult to tell which posts are tied with which thread in the recent posts view.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on February 01, 2024, 09:13:13 PM

Phone number for you?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 01, 2024, 09:25:00 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on February 01, 2024, 09:13:13 PM
Phone number for you?

For me? Oh, thank you, that's so kind of you!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 02, 2024, 08:09:26 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on February 01, 2024, 09:13:13 PM
Phone number for you?

(776) 867-5309

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on February 02, 2024, 08:15:15 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on February 02, 2024, 08:09:26 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on February 01, 2024, 09:13:13 PM
Phone number for you?

(776) 867-5309

It's showing up as Suspected Spam. Jenny won't answer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on February 02, 2024, 08:17:06 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on February 02, 2024, 08:09:26 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on February 01, 2024, 09:13:13 PM
Phone number for you?

(776) 867-5309

Jenny doesn't live in a non-existent area code.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on February 02, 2024, 01:16:30 PM

I wonder how many prank calls went to someone in Weyauwega, WI back in the 1980s because of that song . . .

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on February 02, 2024, 04:45:45 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on February 01, 2024, 09:13:13 PM
Phone number for you?

I was using the Minnesota Accent
(attaching "for you" toe every line.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 03, 2024, 02:55:18 AM

From PC Gamer:

'Our long-term objective is to make printing a subscription' says HP CEO gunning for 2024's Worst Person of the Year award
Not satisfied with merely bricking printers, HP now wants to own them all forever!

QuoteIt was only the other day we reported how HP has been slapped with a lawsuit in response to measures that disable its printers when fitted with a third-party ink cartridge. Now the company's CEO, Enrique Lores, says HP wants to "make printing a subscription." Nice. Not.

It's well known that printers are routinely sold at a loss, with the real revenues made from selling replacement ink cartridges. The move to a subscription model, as reported by Ars Technica, is just another attempt at maximising that profit stream.

"This is something we announced a few years ago that our goal was to reduce the number of what we call unprofitable customers. Because every time a customer buys a printer, it's an investment for us. We're investing in that customer, and if this customer doesn't print enough or doesn't use our supplies, it's a bad investment," Lores says, turning "selling at a loss" into a neat "investment" euphemism.

FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2tx)

If the CEO of HP wants to act like a James Bond villain, then it's Brother products for me. I already dislike inkjet printers and prefer duplexing color laser printers with a Ethernet connection... for whatever little I print nowadays. My Brother HL-L8350CDW has a manufacture date of May, 2015, and I really should investigate replacing the rollers on the manual feed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on February 03, 2024, 05:27:54 PM

People who can't be bothered to use the correct line and then cut in line and make you wait even more. I attempted to get my car washed today, and ended up getting pissed off. The place I go to has two lines (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.738957,-73.7621028,3a,22.2y,113.23h,87.13t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sXl26-GLRwHxGG7jJ7T7bgw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu), the one on the left for lanes 1-2, and the one on the right for lanes 3-4. This is clearly delimited (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.7389731,-73.7613487,61m/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu) with a solid white line. When I got there, there was a long line in the right lane (not too surprising, this is the first Saturday we've had in a while where there wasn't winter weather in the forecast immediately after, so everyone's desperate to get the salt off their cars), so I went into the much shorter line in the left lane (and lanes 1-2 tend to have the more functional equipment, so I favor them anyways). Unfortunately, when I got to the point where the lane splits, people from the lane for lanes 3-4 would keep cutting in in front of me (the tight curve means that I couldn't move to "close the gap" and they took advantage). When I confronted someone about it, someone else even defended her claiming "she was there first". Never mind that she was in the other line, whipped around me, and then cut in front. That got my blood boiling. And then, even though I had already been waiting 15 minutes without moving, another person went and did the same thing. At that point, I just left in disgust, finding a gap to cut over to lane 4, and then out once the person in that line moved forward enough to open the passage around the building. I didn't sign up to wait 30+ minutes with the wait constantly extended by f****** rule-breaking c****. That place needs pavement markings to make it even more explicitly clear what's going on (not that it wasn't obvious before, but somehow people were oblivious), and bollards or some other barrier to prevent people from cutting in line like the f***tards they are. At this point I'm not even sure if I'm just going to go later when I pick up dinner or give Hoffman's a try (even though it's more expensive and isn't touchless).

And just because it's that kind of day, I had to wait a long time to get a question answered from my pharmacy (short answer: my doctor's office is useless and can't get the same page with the pharmacy on sending a prescription that is something they actually carry), although that thankfully wasn't anyone's fault, just how the line worked. But then I had issues with the self-checkout throwing an error that happens a lot (the sensors are wonky and the first item put in a bag tends to throw them off) but which wasn't cleared quickly this time because the attendant was who knows where instead of doing his job.

Quote from: ZLoth on February 03, 2024, 02:55:18 AM
From PC Gamer:

'Our long-term objective is to make printing a subscription' says HP CEO gunning for 2024's Worst Person of the Year award
Not satisfied with merely bricking printers, HP now wants to own them all forever!
QuoteIt was only the other day we reported how HP has been slapped with a lawsuit in response to measures that disable its printers when fitted with a third-party ink cartridge. Now the company's CEO, Enrique Lores, says HP wants to "make printing a subscription." Nice. Not.

It's well known that printers are routinely sold at a loss, with the real revenues made from selling replacement ink cartridges. The move to a subscription model, as reported by Ars Technica, is just another attempt at maximising that profit stream.

"This is something we announced a few years ago that our goal was to reduce the number of what we call unprofitable customers. Because every time a customer buys a printer, it's an investment for us. We're investing in that customer, and if this customer doesn't print enough or doesn't use our supplies, it's a bad investment," Lores says, turning "selling at a loss" into a neat "investment" euphemism.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2tx)

If the CEO of HP wants to act like a James Bond villain, then it's Brother products for me. I already dislike inkjet printers and prefer duplexing color laser printers with a Ethernet connection... for whatever little I print nowadays. My Brother HL-L8350CDW has a manufacture date of May, 2015, and I really should investigate replacing the rollers on the manual feed.

Pure evil.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on February 03, 2024, 05:53:45 PM

By the time you're using F... and C... they are no longer minor things.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on February 03, 2024, 06:01:10 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on February 03, 2024, 02:55:18 AM
From PC Gamer:

'Our long-term objective is to make printing a subscription' says HP CEO gunning for 2024's Worst Person of the Year award
Not satisfied with merely bricking printers, HP now wants to own them all forever!
QuoteIt was only the other day we reported how HP has been slapped with a lawsuit in response to measures that disable its printers when fitted with a third-party ink cartridge. Now the company's CEO, Enrique Lores, says HP wants to "make printing a subscription." Nice. Not.

It's well known that printers are routinely sold at a loss, with the real revenues made from selling replacement ink cartridges. The move to a subscription model, as reported by Ars Technica, is just another attempt at maximising that profit stream.

"This is something we announced a few years ago that our goal was to reduce the number of what we call unprofitable customers. Because every time a customer buys a printer, it's an investment for us. We're investing in that customer, and if this customer doesn't print enough or doesn't use our supplies, it's a bad investment," Lores says, turning "selling at a loss" into a neat "investment" euphemism.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2tx)

If the CEO of HP wants to act like a James Bond villain, then it's Brother products for me. I already dislike inkjet printers and prefer duplexing color laser printers with a Ethernet connection... for whatever little I print nowadays. My Brother HL-L8350CDW has a manufacture date of May, 2015, and I really should investigate replacing the rollers on the manual feed.

I've been using HP printers for a while, and my latest one does have an optional feature where the printer can automatically connect online and order replacement cartridges. No thanks! Not enabled, not about to let my printer buy things on my behalf. If a mandatory subscription model comes to be ... well, let's just say that there are other printer vendors out there.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on February 03, 2024, 06:09:58 PM

I remember Scott posting some time back about how technology sucks now because people are trying to create ways to sell you solutions to problems that they invented themselves.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on February 03, 2024, 07:23:12 PM

This is just another front in the whole 'Right to Repair' war.

<sign . . .>

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on February 03, 2024, 07:25:23 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on February 03, 2024, 02:55:18 AM
From PC Gamer:

'Our long-term objective is to make printing a subscription' says HP CEO gunning for 2024's Worst Person of the Year award
Not satisfied with merely bricking printers, HP now wants to own them all forever!
QuoteIt was only the other day we reported how HP has been slapped with a lawsuit in response to measures that disable its printers when fitted with a third-party ink cartridge. Now the company's CEO, Enrique Lores, says HP wants to "make printing a subscription." Nice. Not.

It's well known that printers are routinely sold at a loss, with the real revenues made from selling replacement ink cartridges. The move to a subscription model, as reported by Ars Technica, is just another attempt at maximising that profit stream.

"This is something we announced a few years ago that our goal was to reduce the number of what we call unprofitable customers. Because every time a customer buys a printer, it's an investment for us. We're investing in that customer, and if this customer doesn't print enough or doesn't use our supplies, it's a bad investment," Lores says, turning "selling at a loss" into a neat "investment" euphemism.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2tx)

If the CEO of HP wants to act like a James Bond villain, then it's Brother products for me. I already dislike inkjet printers and prefer duplexing color laser printers with a Ethernet connection... for whatever little I print nowadays. My Brother HL-L8350CDW has a manufacture date of May, 2015, and I really should investigate replacing the rollers on the manual feed.

I decided to make the switch to a Canon printer about five years ago, because I was tired of HP's crap. The ink isn't much less expensive, it's slow to boot up, and at least twice a year, I have to manually unplug it for 20 minutes to start working again; but I can use it like a giant Polaroid Land Camera during parties, and it never tells me my ink is expired.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on February 03, 2024, 07:39:34 PM

Quote from: formulanone on February 03, 2024, 07:25:23 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on February 03, 2024, 02:55:18 AM
From PC Gamer:

'Our long-term objective is to make printing a subscription' says HP CEO gunning for 2024's Worst Person of the Year award
Not satisfied with merely bricking printers, HP now wants to own them all forever!
QuoteIt was only the other day we reported how HP has been slapped with a lawsuit in response to measures that disable its printers when fitted with a third-party ink cartridge. Now the company's CEO, Enrique Lores, says HP wants to "make printing a subscription." Nice. Not.

It's well known that printers are routinely sold at a loss, with the real revenues made from selling replacement ink cartridges. The move to a subscription model, as reported by Ars Technica, is just another attempt at maximising that profit stream.

"This is something we announced a few years ago that our goal was to reduce the number of what we call unprofitable customers. Because every time a customer buys a printer, it's an investment for us. We're investing in that customer, and if this customer doesn't print enough or doesn't use our supplies, it's a bad investment," Lores says, turning "selling at a loss" into a neat "investment" euphemism.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2tx)

If the CEO of HP wants to act like a James Bond villain, then it's Brother products for me. I already dislike inkjet printers and prefer duplexing color laser printers with a Ethernet connection... for whatever little I print nowadays. My Brother HL-L8350CDW has a manufacture date of May, 2015, and I really should investigate replacing the rollers on the manual feed.

I decided to make the switch to a Canon printer about five years ago, because I was tired of HP's crap. The ink isn't much less expensive, it's slow to boot up, and at least twice a year, I have to manually unplug it for 20 minutes to start working again; but I can use it like a giant Polaroid Land Camera during parties, and it never tells me my ink is expired.

A few years ago I said "Buh Bye" to Canon when they 'bricked' my former four color inkjet printer (that I really liked), but the printer head expired and the model was discontinued. This sounds no different than a car builder putting 'kill chips' in the headlight sockets. 'Right to Repair!'

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on February 03, 2024, 10:21:02 PM

Quote from: vdeane on February 03, 2024, 05:27:54 PM
People who can't be bothered to use the correct line and then cut in line and make you wait even more. I attempted to get my car washed today, and ended up getting pissed off. The place I go to has two lines (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.738957,-73.7621028,3a,22.2y,113.23h,87.13t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sXl26-GLRwHxGG7jJ7T7bgw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu), the one on the left for lanes 1-2, and the one on the right for lanes 3-4. This is clearly delimited (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.7389731,-73.7613487,61m/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu) with a solid white line. ...

Oh no. I could feel my blood pressure rising as I read this, because I have had my fair share of annoyances with car wash lines. They're kind of like rush hour traffic in a big city (first world problems, I know), but even worse because the front of the line only moves at a crawl. But ironically, my first point is that the Albany area needs Delta Sonic, because even despite my gripes with them, their setup is a whole lot better than what's going on here.

First off, this setup is counterintuitive to me because I'm used to Delta where you start off in 3 or more lines and zipper merge into a single file line to enter the wash. This one looks like four vehicles can all go through the wash at once, which would theoretically speed things up, but is still limited by the speed of the wash and how fast the transactions can be processed. I definitely understand your frustration with people cutting from one line to the other, but the problem is that the lanes are so spread out that it's not realistic to get equal length lines in each lane. In order to make wait times equal, the line for lanes 1-2 would be back to the road while the line for lanes 3-4 would only be to the bottom right corner of the building. But of course, people aren't going to pass up what looks like an open lane in 3-4 to wait in the line at 1-2, so (I assume) the lines end up ending at a roughly equal place but the line for 3-4 is close to 10 cars longer. So from a wait time perspective, it actually does make sense for some of the cars in the 3-4 line to cut over so that the 1-2 line is shorter, but slightly slower moving; however, it's almost impossible to track down to a science which cars should be shifting when, and it will never be the "right" cars doing it, only the pushy ones, so that certainly creates its own set of problems as you experienced. To put it bluntly I think the only solution is a redesign that somehow straightens out the lanes.

(Just to "quickly" summarize my problems with Delta: the BayTowne location (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.187685,-77.5067902,139m/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu) has three approach lanes, the leftmost with an attendant in the booth, and the right two are gate operated for Super Lane customers. Those three lanes file down to two to go through the pre-wash, but all Super Lane customers must merge together first, so they're lined up with the rightmost pre-wash, and the regular customers are lined up with the leftmost pre-wash. But of course, when it's busy, this means that the regular lane moves twice as fast because they don't have to merge with anyone prior to the pre-wash. Therefore, Super Lane customers start using the regular lane, so you end up with a long line of cars at all three booths but the regular line moves twice as fast (unless there's a really slow customer in the regular lane, but that's the risk you take by cheating to use that lane). So, my move to resolve this inherently unfair situation is to use the center Super Lane, but then cut over into the regular lane's pre-wash as soon as I get past the bollards, thus "alternating" into the regular lane traffic to go through their pre-wash. I'm just doing my part to make things fair for everyone, and fortunately never had anyone get mad at me for doing it. Once you get past the pre-wash, the final merge from two lanes down to one is timed so that it's obvious who goes first, and that part typically operates smoothly.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 03, 2024, 10:42:17 PM

Quote from: vdeane on February 03, 2024, 05:27:54 PM
At the car wash whoa whoa whoa whoa talkin' about the car wash, girl come on, ya'all and sing it for me (Car wash) Ooh ooh ooh (Car wash, girl)
Well, those cars never seem to stop coming (Work and work) Keep those rags and machines humming (Work and work) My fingers to the bone
(Work) Can't wait 'til it's time to go home

That sounds like management isn't adequately monitoring the customers. Any time customers are left to negotiate who is next it's bound to be a mess because if you ask anyone in line who's next they'll say they are. So employees have to occasionally be the ones to lay down the law and kick people to the end of the line.

If there's nobody there to do handle that, and the customer volume to make it necessary, I would probably find another car wash and let the owners of the first one know why.

(Or wash the car in the driveway, if you have one. You're allowed to do that where you live—in Las Vegas you aren't.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 03, 2024, 10:49:29 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on February 03, 2024, 07:39:34 PM
A few years ago I said "Buh Bye" to Canon when they 'bricked' my former four color inkjet printer (that I really liked), but the printer head expired and the model was discontinued. This sounds no different than a car builder putting 'kill chips' in the headlight sockets. 'Right to Repair!'

Mike

Assuming your printer was like the venerable Canon BJC-3000 I had for something like 15 years, the print head needed to be replaced from time to time since ink would dry up in it and clog the head. Discontinuing the production of replacement parts isn't bricking the machine; while it's unfortunate, surely it would be unreasonable to expect them to continue making the parts indefinitely.

I replaced that Canon inkjet with an HP printer-fax-scanner and hated it because I don't print very frequently and it seemed like the cartridges would be dried up every time I needed to print something urgently. So I got rid of it and got a Canon laser printer/scanner. I'm quite happy with it and would like to keep it in service for 15 years as well if I can.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 03, 2024, 10:53:57 PM

My solution to the problem of lines at car washes is not to go to a car wash when it has a line. (Yes, really.)

Unfortunately, this leads to another annoyance--car wash bays out of order. At the car wash I normally use, one out of the five self-wash bays has been roped off for at least a month, and at this point I think just one or two of the five still have working credit-card scanners. I had to wash one of the family cars earlier this week to get road salt off the underbody before I changed the oil, and I ended up having to feed a bill slurper to get quarters for the coin slot.

I don't like to do driveway washes because I have no easy access to deionized water, but I am at the point of entertaining the idea of doing underbody rinses with the garden hose.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on February 04, 2024, 12:11:24 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 03, 2024, 10:42:17 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 03, 2024, 05:27:54 PM
At the car wash whoa whoa whoa whoa talkin' about the car wash, girl come on, ya'all and sing it for me (Car wash) Ooh ooh ooh (Car wash, girl)
Well, those cars never seem to stop coming (Work and work) Keep those rags and machines humming (Work and work) My fingers to the bone
(Work) Can't wait 'til it's time to go home

:rofl:

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 03, 2024, 10:42:17 PM
If there's nobody there to do handle that, and the customer volume to make it necessary, I would probably find another car wash and let the owners of the first one know why.

(Or wash the car in the driveway, if you have one. You're allowed to do that where you live—in Las Vegas you aren't.)

One of the reasons the customer volume is what it is is that washing your own car outside is not practical in upstate NY during the freezing temps of winter. With the amount of salt we get, car washes are needed very frequently, and the automated washes do as good or better a job and can be had for a reasonable price with a season or monthly plan.

Also I am not sure additional staff directing traffic would solve the issue here (but see my prior post for more on that).

Quote from: J N Winkler on February 03, 2024, 10:53:57 PM
My solution to the problem of lines at car washes is not to go to a car wash when it has a line. (Yes, really.)

Although most of our car washes are automated and move cars through relatively quickly, getting through when there's no line still presents a challenge. From November (or first snow) through April, whenever its not actively snowing or recently rained to wash the salt away, lines start early and persist through closing times. And forget about it on a Saturday after a snowfall.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 04, 2024, 02:31:00 PM

For the local car wash I use, I usually picked up their "unlimited" monthly plan (one wash per day) which is just over the price of two single washes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 04, 2024, 02:46:57 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on February 04, 2024, 02:31:00 PM
For the local cash wash I use, I usually picked up their "unlimited" monthly plan (one wash per day) which is just over the price of two single washes.

Everyone needs a good money launderer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 04, 2024, 02:51:03 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 03, 2024, 10:49:29 PMAssuming your printer was like the venerable Canon BJC-3000 I had for something like 15 years, the print head needed to be replaced from time to time since ink would dry up in it and clog the head. Discontinuing the production of replacement parts isn't bricking the machine; while it's unfortunate, surely it would be unreasonable to expect them to continue making the parts indefinitely.

This goes into the category of gripes when people insist in keeping a item operational when it's no longer really cost-effective. In this case, the manufacturer no longer makes the print head, and a refurbished one keeps getting more expensive and harder to find.

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 03, 2024, 10:49:29 PMI replaced that Canon inkjet with an HP printer-fax-scanner and hated it because I don't print very frequently and it seemed like the cartridges would be dried up every time I needed to print something urgently. So I got rid of it and got a Canon laser printer/scanner. I'm quite happy with it and would like to keep it in service for 15 years as well if I can.

The whole "ink drying up" is why I prefer a laser printer over a inkjet printer, not to mention the cost of the ink cartridges. And, as long as Windows supports my printer model, there is no need to replace it for whatever little printing I actually do.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 04, 2024, 02:51:42 PM

Quote from: Rothman on February 04, 2024, 02:46:57 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on February 04, 2024, 02:31:00 PM
For the local cash wash I use, I usually picked up their "unlimited" monthly plan (one wash per day) which is just over the price of two single washes.
Everyone needs a good money launderer.

SHHH! Don't let the secret out!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 04, 2024, 04:04:26 PM

Quote from: webny99 on February 04, 2024, 12:11:24 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 03, 2024, 10:42:17 PMOr wash the car in the driveway, if you have one. You're allowed to do that where you live—in Las Vegas you aren't.

One of the reasons the customer volume is what it is is that washing your own car outside is not practical in upstate NY during the freezing temps of winter. With the amount of salt we get, car washes are needed very frequently, and the automated washes do as good or better a job and can be had for a reasonable price with a season or monthly plan.

[. . .]

Although most of our car washes are automated and move cars through relatively quickly, getting through when there's no line still presents a challenge. From November (or first snow) through April, whenever its not actively snowing or recently rained to wash the salt away, lines start early and persist through closing times. And forget about it on a Saturday after a snowfall.

I checked temperatures in Rochester for the past month and it appears there were 20 days out of 31 with the high above freezing. With an outside source of water (I realize most apartment dwellers won't have this), it should be fairly straightforward to find a time to perform an underbody rinse with a garden hose, which is the really critical part for staving off corrosion--certainly much easier than finding a car wash without a queue in the immediate aftermath of a snowstorm. (This is also a problem here, though we spend less time overall each winter with deicing salts on the roads.)

As an aside, I've never understood the economics of subscription car washes. They cost around $10-$20 per month here, whereas I typically spend just five dollars on each car wash and generally do no more than three or four a year per vehicle. I have heard that some car-wash chains around here stay in business by making it very difficult to cancel subscriptions, but I have no direct experience with this.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on February 04, 2024, 04:29:05 PM

Quote from: webny99 on February 03, 2024, 10:21:02 PM
First off, this setup is counterintuitive to me because I'm used to Delta where you start off in 3 or more lines and zipper merge into a single file line to enter the wash. This one looks like four vehicles can all go through the wash at once, which would theoretically speed things up, but is still limited by the speed of the wash and how fast the transactions can be processed.

This is the difference between a touchless car wash and something like Delta Sonic. It's probably about the same if not slower, given that Delta Sonic is basically an assembly line where the conveyor belt moves the cars through each stage of the wash. Thus, multiple cars can be washed at the same time from the same line. Wet Willy's (the name of the car wash in question), by contrast, has the cars stop in the bay while the machine rotates around the car, performing every stage of the wash.

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 03, 2024, 10:42:17 PM
That sounds like management isn't adequately monitoring the customers. Any time customers are left to negotiate who is next it's bound to be a mess because if you ask anyone in line who's next they'll say they are. So employees have to occasionally be the ones to lay down the law and kick people to the end of the line.

If there's nobody there to do handle that, and the customer volume to make it necessary, I would probably find another car wash and let the owners of the first one know why.

(Or wash the car in the driveway, if you have one. You're allowed to do that where you live—in Las Vegas you aren't.)

I'm not sure if they're monitoring anything. The car wash is fully automated and I think I might have seen someone around maybe once in the entire decade I've lived in the area.

Quote from: ZLoth on February 04, 2024, 02:51:03 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 03, 2024, 10:49:29 PMAssuming your printer was like the venerable Canon BJC-3000 I had for something like 15 years, the print head needed to be replaced from time to time since ink would dry up in it and clog the head. Discontinuing the production of replacement parts isn't bricking the machine; while it's unfortunate, surely it would be unreasonable to expect them to continue making the parts indefinitely.

This goes into the category of gripes when people insist in keeping a item operational when it's no longer really cost-effective. In this case, the manufacturer no longer makes the print head, and a refurbished one keeps getting more expensive and harder to find.

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 03, 2024, 10:49:29 PMI replaced that Canon inkjet with an HP printer-fax-scanner and hated it because I don't print very frequently and it seemed like the cartridges would be dried up every time I needed to print something urgently. So I got rid of it and got a Canon laser printer/scanner. I'm quite happy with it and would like to keep it in service for 15 years as well if I can.

The whole "ink drying up" is why I prefer a laser printer over a inkjet printer, not to mention the cost of the ink cartridges. And, as long as Windows supports my printer model, there is no need to replace it for whatever little printing I actually do.

I wonder if that's why HP printers chew up a ton on ink on "calibration/cleaning" (to the point where almost all of the ink I would buy went to that and not actual printing, given that I don't need to print often). Now I have a Canon that uses ink tubs instead of cartridges and I've never needed to deal with that (in fact, I'm not even sure if the ink levels have even moved since I got the thing 13 months ago). Hopefully this isn't leading the print head or anything else to have problems, but my Mom has the same model printer and she hasn't had such issues, so hopefully not.

Unfortunately, I do need to scan occasionally, and the only laser "all in one" printers I've seen are sized/priced for corporate offices, not home users.

Quote from: J N Winkler on February 04, 2024, 04:04:26 PM
As an aside, I've never understood the economics of subscription car washes. They cost around $10-$20 per month here, whereas I typically spend just five dollars on each car wash and generally do no more than three or four a year per vehicle. I have heard that some car-wash chains around here stay in business by making it very difficult to cancel subscriptions, but I have no direct experience with this.

There are people who wash their cars weekly. I presume that they are the intended customer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on February 04, 2024, 05:24:58 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on February 02, 2024, 08:09:26 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on February 01, 2024, 09:13:13 PM
Phone number for you?

(776) 867-5309

If Jenny lived in Fort Morgan, she could be 970-867-5309.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 04, 2024, 06:21:52 PM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on February 04, 2024, 05:24:58 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on February 02, 2024, 08:09:26 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on February 01, 2024, 09:13:13 PM
Phone number for you?

(776) 867-5309

If Jenny lived in Fort Morgan, she could be 970-867-5309.

Wikipedia claims there is a pizza joint in Fort Collins with that number.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on February 04, 2024, 06:27:34 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 03, 2024, 10:49:29 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on February 03, 2024, 07:39:34 PM
A few years ago I said "Buh Bye" to Canon when they 'bricked' my former four color inkjet printer (that I really liked), but the printer head expired and the model was discontinued. This sounds no different than a car builder putting 'kill chips' in the headlight sockets. 'Right to Repair!'

Mike

Assuming your printer was like the venerable Canon BJC-3000 I had for something like 15 years, the print head needed to be replaced from time to time since ink would dry up in it and clog the head. Discontinuing the production of replacement parts isn't bricking the machine; while it's unfortunate, surely it would be unreasonable to expect them to continue making the parts indefinitely.

To be fair, many car parts are no longer produced by their original manufacturer at somewhere between 10-15 years, unless they're still frequently used (think relatively inexpensive parts like nuts, bolts, filters, washers, gaskets), if the part is still used on some in-production vehicle, or there's a serious demand to continue its production. Most electrical/electronic equipment is going to phase itself out, and 15 years is not an unreasonable amount of time.

I wish I could get a do-it-yourself kit for repairing my old Canon AE-1, but that's another matter.

Quote
I replaced that Canon inkjet with an HP printer-fax-scanner and hated it because I don't print very frequently and it seemed like the cartridges would be dried up every time I needed to print something urgently. So I got rid of it and got a Canon laser printer/scanner. I'm quite happy with it and would like to keep it in service for 15 years as well if I can.

One of my old HPs had a clogged inkjet head (some 30 second research into the error code), so I just washed it out in the sink, and let it dry out. Kind of messy to disassemble, but it worked for another two years (some sort of "unknown" error message, which turned it into a scanner with more blinking lights). But the fix was pretty easy, though I insisted on letting the printer head dry out for several days, since it would come in contact with the printer's wiring and its connectors.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on February 04, 2024, 10:56:34 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 04, 2024, 06:21:52 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on February 04, 2024, 05:24:58 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on February 02, 2024, 08:09:26 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on February 01, 2024, 09:13:13 PM
Phone number for you?

(776) 867-5309

If Jenny lived in Fort Morgan, she could be 970-867-5309.

Wikipedia claims there is a pizza joint in Fort Collins with that number.

I recall someone advocating for my posts to be deleted after I attempted to create a fake phone number as part of a joke that inadvertently turned out to be a working line.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on February 04, 2024, 11:15:54 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on February 04, 2024, 04:04:26 PM
Quote from: webny99 on February 04, 2024, 12:11:24 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 03, 2024, 10:42:17 PMOr wash the car in the driveway, if you have one. You're allowed to do that where you live—in Las Vegas you aren't.

One of the reasons the customer volume is what it is is that washing your own car outside is not practical in upstate NY during the freezing temps of winter. With the amount of salt we get, car washes are needed very frequently, and the automated washes do as good or better a job and can be had for a reasonable price with a season or monthly plan.

[. . .]

Although most of our car washes are automated and move cars through relatively quickly, getting through when there's no line still presents a challenge. From November (or first snow) through April, whenever its not actively snowing or recently rained to wash the salt away, lines start early and persist through closing times. And forget about it on a Saturday after a snowfall.

I checked temperatures in Rochester for the past month and it appears there were 20 days out of 31 with the high above freezing. With an outside source of water (I realize most apartment dwellers won't have this), it should be fairly straightforward to find a time to perform an underbody rinse with a garden hose, which is the really critical part for staving off corrosion-certainly much easier than finding a car wash without a queue in the immediate aftermath of a snowstorm. (This is also a problem here, though we spend less time overall each winter with deicing salts on the roads.)

The key phrase there is the bolded one. Although the majority of days had a high above freezing this past January, from some quick research a variety of sources are in agreement that 40°F is a good minimum temperature for a DIY car wash. A big reason for that is the frequent, almost incessant freeze-thaw cycles we get here such that even if temps rise above freezing during the day, water left on the driveway or the vehicle can freeze back over on short notice - especially considering that near perpetual cloud cover means we can go weeks without a day where the sun will warm the pavement enough to dry everything out. Increasing the threshold to 40°F reduces the number of suitable days from 21 last month to just eight - and several of those eight featured rain, mixed precipitation, or both. That leaves just a handful of days or less, and for those working full days, you'd have to hope one was a weekend day or risk doing it outside the warmer midday hours.

And while an underbody rinse would help with the corrosion issue, you'd need to be more thorough to get your car entirely clean which requires more time out in the cold so you may end up going to the car wash anyways. And if one lucked out and got a nice day for rinsing off the salt, it would only be in time for more salt to appear in the next few days. So between that and the availability of automatic car washes in this region, perhaps it's not all that surprising that I don't think I've ever seen anyone doing a DIY car wash between the months of December and February.

Quote from: vdeane on February 04, 2024, 04:29:05 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on February 04, 2024, 04:04:26 PM
As an aside, I've never understood the economics of subscription car washes. They cost around $10-$20 per month here, whereas I typically spend just five dollars on each car wash and generally do no more than three or four a year per vehicle. I have heard that some car-wash chains around here stay in business by making it very difficult to cancel subscriptions, but I have no direct experience with this.
There are people who wash their cars weekly. I presume that they are the intended customer.

Or those like me who don't have a set schedule for washing the car and just do it whenever it's dirty. That could range from every few months (or after a big road trip) in the summer, to multiple times per week during the peak of winter. The past few winters have been relatively mild, but I recall several winters in the 2010's where a few dozen car washes per season was not uncommon at all. That was also the era of the $12.99/month craze for Delta Sonic's unlimited program, which has since been steadily ticking up in price. I think it's now close to $30/month and nearly $12.99 for a single wash, but I am fortunately locked in at a lower rate. But even if one didn't want to keep the program year-round, it would be easy enough to start it in November and cancel in April if one was prepared to pay the going rate each season.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 04, 2024, 11:54:52 PM

I have never hosed the underside of my car. I have yet to have corrosion related problems with any car I've owned, except for the first: An 11-year old 1981 Honda Civic that was already a rustbucket.

There is such a thing as being too careful.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on February 05, 2024, 06:57:44 AM

When typing good. I sometimes get goid which makes no sense. Being my finger hits the same spot twice in a row the second letter should not be different.

If giid was spelled, I could see that mistake, but one right and the other not shouldn't be.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 05, 2024, 07:25:36 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on February 04, 2024, 02:51:03 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 03, 2024, 10:49:29 PMI replaced that Canon inkjet with an HP printer-fax-scanner and hated it because I don't print very frequently and it seemed like the cartridges would be dried up every time I needed to print something urgently. So I got rid of it and got a Canon laser printer/scanner. I'm quite happy with it and would like to keep it in service for 15 years as well if I can.

The whole "ink drying up" is why I prefer a laser printer over a inkjet printer, not to mention the cost of the ink cartridges. And, as long as Windows supports my printer model, there is no need to replace it for whatever little printing I actually do.

Heh. Fortunately, I'm on Linux, so the driver is open source. I could, in theory, keep the driver working forever, even if I'm the last person on Earth with a Canon printer.

Quote from: roadman65 on February 05, 2024, 06:57:44 AM
When typing good. I sometimes get goid which makes no sense. Being my finger hits the same spot twice in a row the second letter should not be different.

If giid was spelled, I could see that mistake, but one right and the other not shouldn't be.

You're hitting the space between the I and the O. Your second finger touch is probably a few pixels off from the first one, which is enough to cross the border between the I and O.

The imprecision of touch screens is one of the reasons I hate them and couldn't imagine doing real work on a phone. If I can't select the exact pixel I want, what good is it as in input device?

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 04, 2024, 06:21:52 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on February 04, 2024, 05:24:58 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on February 02, 2024, 08:09:26 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on February 01, 2024, 09:13:13 PM
Phone number for you?

(776) 867-5309

If Jenny lived in Fort Morgan, she could be 970-867-5309.

Wikipedia claims there is a pizza joint in Fort Collins with that number.

I've been told that (405) 867-5309 goes to the high school library in Maysville, OK.

The top hit on Google for (702) 867-5309 is a realtor in Henderson whose name appears to actually be Jenny.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 05, 2024, 09:57:52 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 05, 2024, 07:25:36 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on February 04, 2024, 02:51:03 PMThe whole "ink drying up" is why I prefer a laser printer over a inkjet printer, not to mention the cost of the ink cartridges. And, as long as Windows supports my printer model, there is no need to replace it for whatever little printing I actually do.

Heh. Fortunately, I'm on Linux, so the driver is open source. I could, in theory, keep the driver working forever, even if I'm the last person on Earth with a Canon printer.

At which point does the costs of maintaining a driver or parts on an old printer outweigh the benefits of keeping an old printer running? The HP Laserjet 4 printer (which I owned at one point) was introduced in 1992, and the drivers stopped being available in Windows sometime in 2018. That's 25 years of driver availability. Part of that longevity is that it was a popular printer driver that was emulated by other printer manufacturers, part of it was that the printer was a tank in term of longevity (minus the "accordian fold" that required regular roller replacement). Per Amazon, a Brother HL-L2350DW Duplexing monochrome printer that prints at 32 pages per minute with USB/WiFI Connectivity (https://amzn.to/3Sq0S13) is $150. Since I prefer ethernet connectivity, that would be the Brother HL-L2370DWXL with a slightly higher 36 ppm (https://amzn.to/492k4ce) for $260. Both of these printers are faster and more energy efficient than the HP Laserjet 4 I purchased in 1995 and lasted me for multiple years. Problem is, I can find a inkjet printer for less than half of those costs. :banghead: Some people look at the short-term costs rather than long-term value and efficiencies.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 05, 2024, 11:18:49 AM

The time spent to spite a large corporation is an asset, not a liability. :D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 07, 2024, 02:00:47 PM

Why do toll entities advertise and advocate the usage of toll tags?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: algorerhythms on February 07, 2024, 07:01:25 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on February 07, 2024, 02:00:47 PM
Why do toll entities advertise and advocate the usage of toll tags?

Because toll tag systems are cheaper to maintain than toll booths are to put people in and license plate scanner systems are to enforce.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on February 07, 2024, 09:19:15 PM

and you don't need people to run toll systems.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 08, 2024, 04:30:08 PM

This probably isn't a minor thing...

I got my roof replaced in late 2022. I wanted to get solar, so had the inspection and they found hail damage. I filed a claim with my homeowners, and they fought tooth and nail to not have to pay, but eventually an arbitrator ruled in my favor.

Fast forward to a couple of days ago when I had a call with my insurance agent (who has relationships with multiple companies) where we were shopping around policies before my policy renews in March. She said that a couple of companies wouldn't give me a quote because my roof was over 10 years old. I told her that no, it was replaced recently.

So basically, the insurance company that paid to replace the roof kept it in their system that the roof was old so that I had to pay higher premiums. I'm currently raising hell and working to get money back.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on February 08, 2024, 09:02:25 PM

When you're at a light waiting for RTOR, and the guy to the left of you, in a big truck, pulls up so far in the left turn lane that you can't see around him, so you don't know if it's clear to make your right turn.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on February 08, 2024, 09:10:24 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on February 07, 2024, 02:00:47 PM
Why do toll entities advertise and advocate the usage of toll tags?

If you have $5 on hand, and the toll is $10, you will need to find another way around. If you have a toll tag, you'll more likely to use the toll road.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on February 08, 2024, 10:08:01 PM

The idiots at Amazon are making it impossible to print return labels, and impossible to cancel returns you don't want to make. They also made it so you can't contact them and ask for help with these or any other issues.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on February 08, 2024, 10:34:26 PM

My browser just crashed again. It crashed in the middle of me writing a reply to one of the messages here, but also with all the evidence of Amazon's lies about their return processes. And the pop-up that's supposed to help you restore what you did before didn't work this time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Bruce on February 09, 2024, 12:53:15 AM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on February 08, 2024, 10:34:26 PM
My browser just crashed again. It crashed in the middle of me writing a reply to one of the messages here, but also with all the evidence of Amazon's lies about their return processes. And the pop-up that's supposed to help you restore what you did before didn't work this time.

Had the same happen to me in Chrome. Turns out Typio has been busted for months and no one bothered to tell me...lost a pretty big Wikipedia edit because of a server error and the crash. It's going to be a massive pain to rewrite everything.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 09, 2024, 08:04:50 AM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on February 08, 2024, 10:08:01 PMThe idiots at Amazon are making it impossible to print return labels, and impossible to cancel returns you don't want to make.

Phone number is 888-280-4331, although online chat is recommended. I usually don't have problems with returns as I get provided with a QR code which I then scan in at the nearby Whole Foods to return the product.

However, I suspect that your situation is a bit more complicated.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on February 09, 2024, 10:15:08 AM

Quote from: GaryV on February 08, 2024, 09:02:25 PM
When you're at a light waiting for RTOR, and the guy to the left of you, in a big truck, pulls up so far in the left turn lane that you can't see around him, so you don't know if it's clear to make your right turn.

I believe you're legally* allowed to throw a brick at their side window** in retaliation*** in some jurisdictions****.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on February 09, 2024, 11:56:24 AM

Bell's palsy

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 09, 2024, 11:57:47 AM

Quote from: hbelkins on February 09, 2024, 11:56:24 AM
Bell's palsy

That's minor?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 09, 2024, 01:03:22 PM

Quote from: GaryV on February 08, 2024, 09:02:25 PM
When you're at a light waiting for RTOR, and the guy to the left of you, in a big truck, pulls up so far in the left turn lane that you can't see around him, so you don't know if it's clear to make your right turn.

All drivers who pull past the stop line for no good reason.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 09, 2024, 01:04:05 PM

Quote from: Rothman on February 09, 2024, 11:57:47 AM

Quote from: hbelkins on February 09, 2024, 11:56:24 AM
Bell's palsy

That's minor?

Depends. It can be minor, or it can be worse. And, even if it goes away, it can come back later.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on February 09, 2024, 01:10:47 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 09, 2024, 01:03:22 PM
Quote from: GaryV on February 08, 2024, 09:02:25 PM
When you're at a light waiting for RTOR, and the guy to the left of you, in a big truck, pulls up so far in the left turn lane that you can't see around him, so you don't know if it's clear to make your right turn.

All drivers who pull past the stop line for no good reason.

Ironically however, if there's only a single lane, letting a right turner past is a good reason to pull up.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 09, 2024, 01:21:38 PM

Quote from: webny99 on February 09, 2024, 01:10:47 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 09, 2024, 01:03:22 PM

Quote from: GaryV on February 08, 2024, 09:02:25 PM
When you're at a light waiting for RTOR, and the guy to the left of you, in a big truck, pulls up so far in the left turn lane that you can't see around him, so you don't know if it's clear to make your right turn.

All drivers who pull past the stop line for no good reason.

Ironically however, if there's only a single lane, letting a right turner past is a good reason to pull up.

Unless you're the pedestrian whose path in the crosswalk is now blocked. Bonus points if you're in a wheelchair.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on February 09, 2024, 02:30:43 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 09, 2024, 01:21:38 PM
Quote from: webny99 on February 09, 2024, 01:10:47 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 09, 2024, 01:03:22 PM

Quote from: GaryV on February 08, 2024, 09:02:25 PM
When you're at a light waiting for RTOR, and the guy to the left of you, in a big truck, pulls up so far in the left turn lane that you can't see around him, so you don't know if it's clear to make your right turn.

All drivers who pull past the stop line for no good reason.

Ironically however, if there's only a single lane, letting a right turner past is a good reason to pull up.

Unless you're the pedestrian whose path in the crosswalk is now blocked. Bonus points if you're in a wheelchair.

This doesn't necessarily apply here, but my favorite intersections are the ones that have just enough room for a car to pull past the crosswalk while waiting to make their turn, such that pedestrians can use the crosswalk even as a car simultaneously completes a right turn on red. This recently revamped intersection (https://maps.app.goo.gl/c2S1QkNRTfVAxcqR7) is a good example.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on February 09, 2024, 06:21:51 PM

Again a certain female singer's love life. I was in work an ESPN was on and of course they had to throw in a certain romance of an NFL player even when the subject was far from it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 09, 2024, 07:29:12 PM

Sports talk shows on ESPN.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on February 09, 2024, 07:41:06 PM

Quote from: Rothman on February 09, 2024, 07:29:12 PM
Sports talk shows on ESPN.

Same, although it can sometimes be hard to find games. 4 PM Eastern Monday-Wednesday, for example. I would expect either MLB or college sports (depending on time of year) to have at least one game on, but this is often not the case. NHL and NBA don't start until 7 local time. NFL doesn't play in this time slot. It's 9-11 PM in most of Europe. So what games are actually available?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on February 09, 2024, 08:23:47 PM

Quote from: Rothman on February 09, 2024, 07:29:12 PM
Sports talk shows on ESPN.

I agree with you re anything on there in the AM/early PM.

I do watch PTI when I can, though. Only 1/2 hour. is often on in the evenings which is the only time I can watch, and I often learn sports things -- both new and old.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 09, 2024, 08:58:11 PM

Quote from: tmoore952 on February 09, 2024, 08:23:47 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 09, 2024, 07:29:12 PM
Sports talk shows on ESPN.

I agree with you re anything on there in the AM/early PM.

I do watch PTI when I can, though. Only 1/2 hour. is often on in the evenings which is the only time I can watch, and I often learn sports things -- both new and old.

I don't know. Every time I end up in a restaurant with that sludge blaring, it just comes across as a bunch of schmucks talking out of their butts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on February 09, 2024, 10:01:06 PM

Quote from: Rothman on February 09, 2024, 08:58:11 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on February 09, 2024, 08:23:47 PM

Quote from: Rothman on February 09, 2024, 07:29:12 PM
Sports talk shows on ESPN.

I agree with you re anything on there in the AM/early PM.

I do watch PTI when I can, though. Only 1/2 hour. is often on in the evenings which is the only time I can watch, and I often learn sports things -- both new and old.
I don't know. Every time I end up in a restaurant with that sludge blaring, it just comes across as a bunch of schmucks talking out of their butts.

Wilbon does get on my nerves.

I'm not sure what else restaurants can show at that hour.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 09, 2024, 11:13:29 PM

Quote from: tmoore952 on February 09, 2024, 10:01:06 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 09, 2024, 08:58:11 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on February 09, 2024, 08:23:47 PM

Quote from: Rothman on February 09, 2024, 07:29:12 PM
Sports talk shows on ESPN.

I agree with you re anything on there in the AM/early PM.

I do watch PTI when I can, though. Only 1/2 hour. is often on in the evenings which is the only time I can watch, and I often learn sports things -- both new and old.
I don't know. Every time I end up in a restaurant with that sludge blaring, it just comes across as a bunch of schmucks talking out of their butts.
Wilbon does get on my nerves.

I'm not sure what else restaurants can show at that hour.

How about nothing?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 10, 2024, 08:50:45 AM

Software that constantly badgers you to set up parental controls. Microsoft is doing that now with their new "Family Sharing" controls. I suppose the software companies don't include an option for "I don't have kids" because kids might take advantage of inattentive parents to disable this sort of feature, but it's annoying to be nagged about it when you don't have kids and don't have a need for that sort of feature.

Unrelated to that, yesterday I was more than a bit annoyed at my wife. She had cardiac surgery yesterday, a planned procedure, but she didn't carefully read the information they sent to her in advance. Had she read it, she would have found that the procedure was scheduled at a hospital in Washington, DC, and not the hospital in Arlington, Virginia, where she thought it was. I took her to the latter and they had no record of it; I then called the surgeon's office and learned where it was supposed to be. We still made it in time (it took 40 minutes to drive the eight miles or so because of all the red lights) and the surgery was successful. I guess the lesson for me is to read the documentation myself to verify what she tells me. This isn't the first time: Years ago, she was flying to the West Coast on United, so asked her which airport and she said DCA. I asked if she was sure because back then, United didn't have many flights out of DCA and I figured she probably needed Dulles. She was adamant it was DCA, so I took her there. Of course it turned out to be Dulles, but they rebooked her.

(Edited to fix a typo.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SectorZ on February 10, 2024, 08:59:41 AM

Quote from: 1 on February 09, 2024, 07:41:06 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 09, 2024, 07:29:12 PM
Sports talk shows on ESPN.

Same, although it can sometimes be hard to find games. 4 PM Eastern Monday-Wednesday, for example. I would expect either MLB or college sports (depending on time of year) to have at least one game on, but this is often not the case. NHL and NBA don't start until 7 local time. NFL doesn't play in this time slot. It's 9-11 PM in most of Europe. So what games are actually available?

It's not the shows themselves, it's the content.

You weren't alive yet for the golden age of ESPN.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on February 10, 2024, 09:34:00 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 10, 2024, 08:50:45 AM
Software that constantly badgers you to set up parental controls. Microsoft is doing that now with their new "Family Sharing" controls. I suppose the software companies don't include an option for "I don't have kids" because kids might take advantage of inattentive parents to disable this sort of feature, but it's annoying to be nagged about it when you don't have kids and don't have a need for that sort of feature.

Software companies have been popping up all this "tips" and "we want your feedback" nags more and more lately and there is NO way to turn these off (they show you ways, but then they do an end run around and show more as if they have a different hidden setting). I have two answers for you Microsoft. Shut up and go away.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 10, 2024, 09:35:55 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on February 10, 2024, 09:34:00 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on February 10, 2024, 08:50:45 AM
Software that constantly badgers you to set up parental controls. Microsoft is doing that now with their new "Family Sharing" controls. I suppose the software companies don't include an option for "I don't have kids" because kids might take advantage of inattentive parents to disable this sort of feature, but it's annoying to be nagged about it when you don't have kids and don't have a need for that sort of feature.
Software companies have been popping up all this "tips" and "we want your feedback" nags more and more lately and there is NO way to turn these off (they show you ways, but then they do an end run around and show more as if they have a different hidden setting). I have two answers for you Microsoft. Shut up and go away.

^This. Didn't realize how annoying it was up until this past week where they seemed to have been popping up every time I logged in.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on February 10, 2024, 09:41:21 AM

I see you turned off your notifications. You realize you are missing out on new content I publish?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on February 10, 2024, 10:33:53 AM

• When it's not necessarily the slowpoke ahead of you that is going 10+ miles BELOW the speed limit, but rather the 4 to 6 people between you and the slowpoke who are content in following them instead of passing them when there is plenty of opportunity to do so -- making it damn near impossible for me to pass all of them in one fell swoop.

• Radio-based talk and/or sport shows that can be watched/streamed on TV at the same time as well. Is it really that cool to watch someone for 2-3 hours talking into a microphone in a slightly larger air studio decorated with college-dorm props?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on February 10, 2024, 10:39:52 AM

Quote from: thenetwork on February 10, 2024, 10:33:53 AM
• When it's not necessarily the slowpoke ahead of you that is going 10+ miles BELOW the speed limit, but rather the 4 to 6 people between you and the slowpoke who are content in following them instead of passing them when there is plenty of opportunity to do so -- making it damn near impossible for me to pass all of them in one fell swoop.

Having been one of the 4 to 6 people (but not the last one), there is the small problem of not knowing when someone behind you is going to speed up and start passing. I've had a couple near accidents when I tried to change lanes when the person behind me was also doing so and speeding up.

There might be reasons things are happening. Everyone isn't out to specifically annoy you.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on February 10, 2024, 10:49:05 AM

In my FB feed, someone who I am friends with (rather distantly, a former co-worker from 30 years ago) and whom I have fundamental disagreements with --- all of a sudden is showing up constantly in my feed.

I can see this if I had recently responded to one of his posts. But I haven't.

After writing all of this (and reading it), seems like a "friend "I should drop.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 10, 2024, 01:21:10 PM

Quote from: tmoore952 on February 10, 2024, 10:49:05 AMIn my FB feed, someone who I am friends with (rather distantly, a former co-worker from 30 years ago) and whom I have fundamental disagreements with --- all of a sudden is showing up constantly in my feed.

I can see this if I had recently responded to one of his posts. But I haven't.

After writing all of this (and reading it), seems like a "friend "I should drop.

In situations like this, I usually just unfollow. Unfriending is difficult to do discreetly since it leads to a change in friend count, is tracked by third-party plugins like FB Purity, and (so I understand) is reported to the other party as part of the file distribution he will receive if he ever downloads his Facebook profile.

There are plenty of people I have unfollowed simply because crises they have had going on in their real lives (such as collapsing marriages) have leaked out as nastiness in what they post on Facebook. Sometimes I re-follow, sometimes I don't.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on February 10, 2024, 05:30:35 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 10, 2024, 08:50:45 AM
Software that constantly badgers you to set up parental controls. Microsoft is doing that now with their new "Family Sharing" controls. I suppose the software companies don't include an option for "I don't have kids" because kids might take advantage of inattentive parents to disable this sort of feature, but it's annoying to be nagged about it when you don't have kids and don't have a need for that sort of feature.

This is an annoyance I have with Disney+. Paramount+ also did it, but not on the home page, so I only saw it when I went to watch Star Trek: Prodigy.

Quote from: tmoore952 on February 10, 2024, 10:39:52 AM
Quote from: thenetwork on February 10, 2024, 10:33:53 AM
• When it's not necessarily the slowpoke ahead of you that is going 10+ miles BELOW the speed limit, but rather the 4 to 6 people between you and the slowpoke who are content in following them instead of passing them when there is plenty of opportunity to do so -- making it damn near impossible for me to pass all of them in one fell swoop.

Having been one of the 4 to 6 people (but not the last one), there is the small problem of not knowing when someone behind you is going to speed up and start passing. I've had a couple near accidents when I tried to change lanes when the person behind me was also doing so and speeding up.

There might be reasons things are happening. Everyone isn't out to specifically annoy you.

Is it even legal to pass multiple cars everywhere? One of my professors in college once got a ticket for passing multiple cars at once.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Molandfreak on February 10, 2024, 05:36:21 PM

It seems like there's a number of people (that is not insignificant) that think that just because driving a truck is difficult, trucks should not be required to follow any reasonable driving laws and everyone should just give way to them like it's the wild west. And I'm not just talking about reasonable requests like not cutting them off or staying in their blind spot too long, it's stuff like not being charitable to the non-truckers involved in accidents that might have been caused by a truck driver not signaling a turn or lane change.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 10, 2024, 06:20:12 PM

Quote from: vdeane on February 10, 2024, 05:30:35 PM

Is it even legal to pass multiple cars everywhere? One of my professors in college once got a ticket for passing multiple cars at once.

Yes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on February 10, 2024, 06:39:06 PM

Quote from: vdeane on February 10, 2024, 05:30:35 PM
Is it even legal to pass multiple cars everywhere? One of my professors in college once got a ticket for passing multiple cars at once.

That's one of those that I would want to know what the citation was actually for, including statute number. Because I'm going to guess there isn't a law that prohibits passing multiple vehicles at one time. If a cop witnessed it, my guess would be either he saw the professor driving over the limit (Speeding), or completing the passing too close to opposing traffic (Unsafe Passing).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 10, 2024, 06:40:26 PM

Quote from: tmoore952 on February 10, 2024, 10:39:52 AM
Quote from: thenetwork on February 10, 2024, 10:33:53 AM
• When it's not necessarily the slowpoke ahead of you that is going 10+ miles BELOW the speed limit, but rather the 4 to 6 people between you and the slowpoke who are content in following them instead of passing them when there is plenty of opportunity to do so -- making it damn near impossible for me to pass all of them in one fell swoop.

Having been one of the 4 to 6 people (but not the last one), there is the small problem of not knowing when someone behind you is going to speed up and start passing. I've had a couple near accidents when I tried to change lanes when the person behind me was also doing so and speeding up.

There might be reasons things are happening. Everyone isn't out to specifically annoy you.

Your timidity is part of the problem and is not a sufficient excuse.

"Now is the time! Seize the day!" -- The Tick

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on February 10, 2024, 06:58:58 PM

Sigh. My kid, college age, was referred for a minor surgery. Kid did much the same, ask to be taken to the PCP's building, not the building in a different part of town where the surgeon was. It would have been over an hour so we would have been pretty late getting there and we had to reschedule for a different day.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on February 10, 2024, 07:04:45 PM

My experience has been that a string of cars forming on a two lane road snowballs into "impossible to pass" very quickly. Because every car that joins the end of the string needs more space to pass, it only takes about 5 or so cars for passing to become a non-starter.

I'm usually towards the more aggressive end of the spectrum when it comes to passing one or two vehicles, but I hesitate to overtake three or more at once. The craziest passing maneuver I can recall occurred on ON 6 near Tobermory. I was in the middle of a very long string of cars in what I believe was an 80 km/h zone when suddenly an old-style Ford Explorer appeared out of nowhere and went roaring past. There were such a long string of cars in front of us that I couldn't even see where he tucked back in, but he had to have passed 10+ cars at once.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on February 10, 2024, 07:06:21 PM

Quote from: vdeane on February 10, 2024, 05:30:35 PM

Is it even legal to pass multiple cars everywhere? One of my professors in college once got a ticket for passing multiple cars at once.

Did s/he fail any of them? ;)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on February 11, 2024, 01:38:27 PM

Quote from: Rothman on February 10, 2024, 06:40:26 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on February 10, 2024, 10:39:52 AM
Quote from: thenetwork on February 10, 2024, 10:33:53 AM
• When it's not necessarily the slowpoke ahead of you that is going 10+ miles BELOW the speed limit, but rather the 4 to 6 people between you and the slowpoke who are content in following them instead of passing them when there is plenty of opportunity to do so -- making it damn near impossible for me to pass all of them in one fell swoop.

Having been one of the 4 to 6 people (but not the last one), there is the small problem of not knowing when someone behind you is going to speed up and start passing. I've had a couple near accidents when I tried to change lanes when the person behind me was also doing so and speeding up.

There might be reasons things are happening. Everyone isn't out to specifically annoy you.
Your timidity is part of the problem and is not a sufficient excuse.

"Now is the time! Seize the day!" -- The Tick

Respectfully, I disagree. See what I said about multiple people deciding to do the same thing at the same time. I don't have time to deal with the possible consequences. Maybe you do.

There is also the not-so-small detail as to whether the original post was about a single lane road or a multiple lane road, in the direction of travel.

I had assumed a multiple lane road in the direction of travel, but rereading the original post, it is not completely clear what was meant - could be either way. The consensus here seems to be that it was one lane. Obviously, it's a lot harder to pass multiple cars on a single lane road, than on a multi-lane road.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on February 11, 2024, 03:14:57 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on February 10, 2024, 01:21:10 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on February 10, 2024, 10:49:05 AMIn my FB feed, someone who I am friends with (rather distantly, a former co-worker from 30 years ago) and whom I have fundamental disagreements with --- all of a sudden is showing up constantly in my feed.

I can see this if I had recently responded to one of his posts. But I haven't.

After writing all of this (and reading it), seems like a "friend "I should drop.

In situations like this, I usually just unfollow. Unfriending is difficult to do discreetly since it leads to a change in friend count, is tracked by third-party plugins like FB Purity, and (so I understand) is reported to the other party as part of the file distribution he will receive if he ever downloads his Facebook profile.

There are plenty of people I have unfollowed simply because crises they have had going on in their real lives (such as collapsing marriages) have leaked out as nastiness in what they post on Facebook. Sometimes I re-follow, sometimes I don't.

Done (meaning "unfollowed"). And thanks for the suggestion. It's nice to assert some power over this particular situation.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on February 12, 2024, 06:47:59 AM

Now that the Super Bowl is over, hopefully no more Taylor Swift and her love life. I think her romance got more media attention than Covid has.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on February 12, 2024, 06:50:22 AM

"In Process" vs "In Progress" (https://promova.com/confusing-words/in-process-in-progress)

Though they are made out to be different meaning by how they end, they really mean the same thing. Twisted meanings! Plus "In Process" sounds shitty.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on February 12, 2024, 06:51:18 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on February 12, 2024, 06:47:59 AM
Now that the Super Bowl is over, hopefully no more Taylor Swift and her love life. I think her romance got more media attention than Covid has.

You'd think a conspiracy was put out there (sarcastically) to take attention away from SWIFT trucking company.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 12, 2024, 06:58:28 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on February 12, 2024, 06:47:59 AM
Now that the Super Bowl is over, hopefully no more Taylor Swift and her love life. I think her romance got more media attention than Covid has.

I really wasn't exposed to much of it, since I don't watch the NFL that often. Saw some references to it through Facebook friends and generally knew it was a thing. So, because her and Kelce were so tied to sports coverage, it would seem that one's exposure to it would die off...unless they went looking for it.

Frankly, I didn't find the half-a-dozen or so times they showed her briefly to have been a distraction to the game.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on February 12, 2024, 07:29:38 AM

Quote from: Rothman on February 12, 2024, 06:58:28 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on February 12, 2024, 06:47:59 AM
Now that the Super Bowl is over, hopefully no more Taylor Swift and her love life. I think her romance got more media attention than Covid has.
I really wasn't exposed to much of it, since I don't watch the NFL that often. Saw some references to it through Facebook friends and generally knew it was a thing. So, because her and Kelce were so tied to sports coverage, it would seem that one's exposure to it would die off...unless they went looking for it.

Frankly, I didn't find the half-a-dozen or so times they showed her briefly to have been a distraction to the game.

There was no coverage of the 4th quarter streakers, so we're probably all better off.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on February 12, 2024, 07:37:47 AM

Quote from: Rothman on February 12, 2024, 06:58:28 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on February 12, 2024, 06:47:59 AM
Now that the Super Bowl is over, hopefully no more Taylor Swift and her love life. I think her romance got more media attention than Covid has.
I really wasn't exposed to much of it, since I don't watch the NFL that often. Saw some references to it through Facebook friends and generally knew it was a thing. So, because her and Kelce were so tied to sports coverage, it would seem that one's exposure to it would die off...unless they went looking for it.

Frankly, I didn't find the half-a-dozen or so times they showed her briefly to have been a distraction to the game.

Normally I don't listen to reports, but the TV is on at work, and what do you think it's tuned in to? ( Rhetorical question of course) ESPN and several times during 30 minute break time it flashes to a scene of Taylor in her private box or hugging her beau in public.

Of course I have nothing against her personal life, but against the media for pegging them as the Couple of all time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on February 12, 2024, 11:45:15 AM

Quote from: Rothman on February 09, 2024, 11:57:47 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on February 09, 2024, 11:56:24 AM
Bell's palsy
That's minor?

So far it is. I've been dealing with it for a couple of weeks. The only pain is when I accidentally bite the inside of my jaw or lip when I'm trying to eat. Otherwise, it's an annoyance more than anything else. I have to cut my food into small bites or eat finger foods (chicken strips, etc.). No sandwiches, no bites off an apple, or anything like that.

I also cannot fully close my right eye.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on February 12, 2024, 12:10:35 PM

Quote from: formulanone on February 12, 2024, 07:29:38 AM
Quote from: Rothman on February 12, 2024, 06:58:28 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on February 12, 2024, 06:47:59 AM
Now that the Super Bowl is over, hopefully no more Taylor Swift and her love life. I think her romance got more media attention than Covid has.
I really wasn't exposed to much of it, since I don't watch the NFL that often. Saw some references to it through Facebook friends and generally knew it was a thing. So, because her and Kelce were so tied to sports coverage, it would seem that one's exposure to it would die off...unless they went looking for it.

Frankly, I didn't find the half-a-dozen or so times they showed her briefly to have been a distraction to the game.

There was no coverage of the 4th quarter streakers, so we're probably all better off.

That is sooooo 1970s nostalgic . . .

Instead of the Taylor Swift affair, how about some coverage of Tom Brady's ex wife getting bored and walking out because she thought that she could do better (she didn't) and how he is now with someone who is younger and hotter?

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on February 12, 2024, 12:15:02 PM

^^ Steaking in the 70s usually just involved the naked body. Modern shots not shown by network TV also have some sort of message or advertisement on the body.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 12, 2024, 12:37:46 PM

CNN has video posted. Turns out they were not actually streakers, as they were shirtless (both were male) but were wearing pants.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 12, 2024, 12:40:48 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on February 12, 2024, 07:37:47 AM
Quote from: Rothman on February 12, 2024, 06:58:28 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on February 12, 2024, 06:47:59 AM
Now that the Super Bowl is over, hopefully no more Taylor Swift and her love life. I think her romance got more media attention than Covid has.
I really wasn't exposed to much of it, since I don't watch the NFL that often. Saw some references to it through Facebook friends and generally knew it was a thing. So, because her and Kelce were so tied to sports coverage, it would seem that one's exposure to it would die off...unless they went looking for it.

Frankly, I didn't find the half-a-dozen or so times they showed her briefly to have been a distraction to the game.

Normally I don't listen to reports, but the TV is on at work, and what do you think it's tuned in to? ( Rhetorical question of course) ESPN and several times during 30 minute break time it flashes to a scene of Taylor in her private box or hugging her beau in public.

Of course I have nothing against her personal life, but against the media for pegging them as the Couple of all time.

Who was the couple of all time, then? DiMaggio and Monroe? Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez? Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn? Barnum and Bailey?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 12, 2024, 12:41:22 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on February 12, 2024, 12:10:35 PM
Quote from: formulanone on February 12, 2024, 07:29:38 AM
Quote from: Rothman on February 12, 2024, 06:58:28 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on February 12, 2024, 06:47:59 AM
Now that the Super Bowl is over, hopefully no more Taylor Swift and her love life. I think her romance got more media attention than Covid has.
I really wasn't exposed to much of it, since I don't watch the NFL that often. Saw some references to it through Facebook friends and generally knew it was a thing. So, because her and Kelce were so tied to sports coverage, it would seem that one's exposure to it would die off...unless they went looking for it.

Frankly, I didn't find the half-a-dozen or so times they showed her briefly to have been a distraction to the game.

There was no coverage of the 4th quarter streakers, so we're probably all better off.

That is sooooo 1970s nostalgic . . .

Instead of the Taylor Swift affair, how about some coverage of Tom Brady's ex wife getting bored and walking out because she thought that she could do better (she didn't) and how he is now with someone who is younger and hotter?

Mike

Ew.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 12, 2024, 01:12:17 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 10, 2024, 06:39:06 PM

Quote from: vdeane on February 10, 2024, 05:30:35 PM
Is it even legal to pass multiple cars everywhere? One of my professors in college once got a ticket for passing multiple cars at once.

That's one of those that I would want to know what the citation was actually for, including statute number. Because I'm going to guess there isn't a law that prohibits passing multiple vehicles at one time. If a cop witnessed it, my guess would be either he saw the professor driving over the limit (Speeding), or completing the passing too close to opposing traffic (Unsafe Passing).

It's quite easy for me to imagine the "shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle" part of the UVC being reworded as something like "shall drive to the right side of the roadway when safely clear of the overtaken vehicle" in some state's vehicle code.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 12, 2024, 04:34:33 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on February 05, 2024, 09:57:52 AMAt which point does the costs of maintaining a driver or parts on an old printer outweigh the benefits of keeping an old printer running? The HP Laserjet 4 printer (which I owned at one point) was introduced in 1992, and the drivers stopped being available in Windows sometime in 2018. That's 25 years of driver availability. Part of that longevity is that it was a popular printer driver that was emulated by other printer manufacturers, part of it was that the printer was a tank in term of longevity (minus the "accordian fold" that required regular roller replacement). Per Amazon, a Brother HL-L2350DW Duplexing monochrome printer that prints at 32 pages per minute with USB/WiFI Connectivity (https://amzn.to/3Sq0S13) is $150. Since I prefer ethernet connectivity, that would be the Brother HL-L2370DWXL with a slightly higher 36 ppm (https://amzn.to/492k4ce) for $260. Both of these printers are faster and more energy efficient than the HP Laserjet 4 I purchased in 1995 and lasted me for multiple years. Problem is, I can find a inkjet printer for less than half of those costs. :banghead: Some people look at the short-term costs rather than long-term value and efficiencies.

For whatever it's worth.... I checked the manual, and found that my Brother HL-L8350CDW can be expanded from the factory 128MB with a 256MB DDR2 SO-DIMM. This would be smaller than the memory of some old laptops I junked a few years ago. The cost is $20. However, I did a misreading, and ordered DDR instead of DDR2. I'm not sure if I'll see some actual improvement in my print jobs.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on February 12, 2024, 05:19:33 PM

Quote from: Rothman on February 12, 2024, 12:40:48 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on February 12, 2024, 07:37:47 AM
Quote from: Rothman on February 12, 2024, 06:58:28 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on February 12, 2024, 06:47:59 AM
Now that the Super Bowl is over, hopefully no more Taylor Swift and her love life. I think her romance got more media attention than Covid has.
I really wasn't exposed to much of it, since I don't watch the NFL that often. Saw some references to it through Facebook friends and generally knew it was a thing. So, because her and Kelce were so tied to sports coverage, it would seem that one's exposure to it would die off...unless they went looking for it.

Frankly, I didn't find the half-a-dozen or so times they showed her briefly to have been a distraction to the game.

Normally I don't listen to reports, but the TV is on at work, and what do you think it's tuned in to? ( Rhetorical question of course) ESPN and several times during 30 minute break time it flashes to a scene of Taylor in her private box or hugging her beau in public.

Of course I have nothing against her personal life, but against the media for pegging them as the Couple of all time.
Who was the couple of all time, then? DiMaggio and Monroe? Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez? Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn? Barnum and Bailey?

Bogart and Bacall were mentioned in the 1982 song "Key Largo". (not that I care, it was just another couple I thought of)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on February 12, 2024, 06:37:19 PM

Antony and Cleopatra? They've certainly been remembered a long time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on February 12, 2024, 08:16:54 PM

Quote from: Rothman on February 12, 2024, 12:40:48 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on February 12, 2024, 07:37:47 AM
Quote from: Rothman on February 12, 2024, 06:58:28 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on February 12, 2024, 06:47:59 AM
Now that the Super Bowl is over, hopefully no more Taylor Swift and her love life. I think her romance got more media attention than Covid has.
I really wasn't exposed to much of it, since I don't watch the NFL that often. Saw some references to it through Facebook friends and generally knew it was a thing. So, because her and Kelce were so tied to sports coverage, it would seem that one's exposure to it would die off...unless they went looking for it.

Frankly, I didn't find the half-a-dozen or so times they showed her briefly to have been a distraction to the game.

Normally I don't listen to reports, but the TV is on at work, and what do you think it's tuned in to? ( Rhetorical question of course) ESPN and several times during 30 minute break time it flashes to a scene of Taylor in her private box or hugging her beau in public.

Of course I have nothing against her personal life, but against the media for pegging them as the Couple of all time.
Who was the couple of all time, then? DiMaggio and Monroe? Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez? Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn? Barnum and Bailey?

Huntley & Brinkley.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on February 12, 2024, 09:40:19 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on February 09, 2024, 08:04:50 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on February 08, 2024, 10:08:01 PMThe idiots at Amazon are making it impossible to print return labels, and impossible to cancel returns you don't want to make.

Phone number is 888-280-4331, although online chat is recommended. I usually don't have problems with returns as I get provided with a QR code which I then scan in at the nearby Whole Foods to return the product.

However, I suspect that your situation is a bit more complicated.

Well, I called, and both problems were resolved.

I still have trouble with QR codes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 13, 2024, 06:28:20 AM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on February 12, 2024, 09:40:19 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on February 09, 2024, 08:04:50 AM
Phone number is 888-280-4331, although online chat is recommended. I usually don't have problems with returns as I get provided with a QR code which I then scan in at the nearby Whole Foods to return the product.

However, I suspect that your situation is a bit more complicated.
Well, I called, and both problems were resolved.

I still have trouble with QR codes.

Whats the issue with QR codes?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 13, 2024, 09:39:04 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on February 09, 2024, 08:04:50 AM
QR code

Quote from: D-Dey65 on February 12, 2024, 09:40:19 PM
QR codes

Quote from: ZLoth on February 13, 2024, 06:28:20 AM
QR codes

Our kids used to call them "Munzees", because that's the only kind of QR code they had ever interacted with.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on February 13, 2024, 09:45:09 AM

The fact that I can never spell "received" correctly on the first try, even though it's a word I write/type all the time

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on February 13, 2024, 09:53:42 AM

Quote from: kphoger on February 13, 2024, 09:39:04 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on February 09, 2024, 08:04:50 AM
QR code

Quote from: D-Dey65 on February 12, 2024, 09:40:19 PM
QR codes

Quote from: ZLoth on February 13, 2024, 06:28:20 AM
QR codes

Our kids used to call them "Munzees", because that's the only kind of QR code they had ever interacted with.

I still don't know how to decode those (don't say "scan" as that is no help to me), but aren't those like shortcut URLs such as tinyurl where you have no idea where it will lead to and could lead to a malicious site?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 13, 2024, 10:27:28 AM

Quote from: Big John on February 13, 2024, 09:53:42 AM
I still don't know how to decode those (don't say "scan" as that is no help to me), but aren't those like shortcut URLs such as tinyurl where you have no idea where it will lead to and could lead to a malicious site?

Everything you just said is true of half the QR codes out there, as far as I'm concerned.

"Scan code to tell us about your experience" might lead to a malicious site.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 13, 2024, 10:31:57 AM

Quote from: Big John on February 13, 2024, 09:53:42 AM
Quote from: kphoger on February 13, 2024, 09:39:04 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on February 09, 2024, 08:04:50 AM
QR code

Quote from: D-Dey65 on February 12, 2024, 09:40:19 PM
QR codes

Quote from: ZLoth on February 13, 2024, 06:28:20 AM
QR codes

Our kids used to call them "Munzees", because that's the only kind of QR code they had ever interacted with.
I still don't know how to decode those (don't say "scan" as that is no help to me), but aren't those like shortcut URLs such as tinyurl where you have no idea where it will lead to and could lead to a malicious site?

You open your mobile device's camera app and point it at the code, then tap on the box that pops up and it takes you to the website. You don't have to take a photo of the code—the camera detects what it is and offers you a box accordingly. The box won't display the full URL, though.

You're correct that you need to use caution in deciding whether a given QR code is safe to use. At a reputable sit-down restaurant that offers a QR code on your receipt so you can pay the tab at your table, odds are you're probably safe. But if, say, a mass transit agency posted a QR code on the in-station map allowing people to get info in other languages (which I think would be an ideal use for a QR code), you'd want to look closely to make sure some miscreant hadn't put a sticker over the real QR code so as to misdirect you to a malicious site.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on February 13, 2024, 10:48:32 AM

Quote from: Big John on February 13, 2024, 09:53:42 AM
Quote from: kphoger on February 13, 2024, 09:39:04 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on February 09, 2024, 08:04:50 AM
QR code

Quote from: D-Dey65 on February 12, 2024, 09:40:19 PM
QR codes

Quote from: ZLoth on February 13, 2024, 06:28:20 AM
QR codes

Our kids used to call them "Munzees", because that's the only kind of QR code they had ever interacted with.
I still don't know how to decode those (don't say "scan" as that is no help to me), but aren't those like shortcut URLs such as tinyurl where you have no idea where it will lead to and could lead to a malicious site?

It took you twice the effort to type this post than it would have taken to Google "how to scan QR code". (But I know it's less about learning how to use a phone camera and more about complaining for the sake of complaining.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on February 13, 2024, 11:01:02 AM

Quote from: thspfc on February 13, 2024, 10:48:32 AM
Quote from: Big John on February 13, 2024, 09:53:42 AM
Quote from: kphoger on February 13, 2024, 09:39:04 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on February 09, 2024, 08:04:50 AM
QR code

Quote from: D-Dey65 on February 12, 2024, 09:40:19 PM
QR codes

Quote from: ZLoth on February 13, 2024, 06:28:20 AM
QR codes

Our kids used to call them "Munzees", because that's the only kind of QR code they had ever interacted with.
I still don't know how to decode those (don't say "scan" as that is no help to me), but aren't those like shortcut URLs such as tinyurl where you have no idea where it will lead to and could lead to a malicious site?
It took you twice the effort to type this post than it would have taken to Google "how to scan QR code". (But I know it's less about learning how to use a phone camera and more about complaining for the sake of complaining.)

Yep, even more arrogant commentary towards me specifically from you as you assume it is intuitive technology for everyone. :rolleyes:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 13, 2024, 11:06:20 AM

Take a look at https://www.qrcode-monkey.com/ which can create the QR codes, and the camera app should have a feature you can enable to also scan QR codes. The most common use is for encoding URLs, but it can also encode email addresses, phone numbers, virtual contact cards, and even WiFi Access codes (https://markholtz.info/wificard).

In terms of security, URLs encoded as a QR code are worse than just typing out the URL since you have to view and review the URL prior to clicking on it.

In terms of Amazon returns, you either print out the QR code or open up the QR code and have it scanned at the return box or by a associate. WalMart+ and Sam's Club have a "Scan and Go" system which allows you to scan the items into the app, pay from the app, then checkout with the associate scanning a QR code from your phone.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 13, 2024, 11:37:57 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on February 10, 2024, 09:34:00 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on February 10, 2024, 08:50:45 AM
Software that constantly badgers you to set up parental controls. Microsoft is doing that now with their new "Family Sharing" controls. I suppose the software companies don't include an option for "I don't have kids" because kids might take advantage of inattentive parents to disable this sort of feature, but it's annoying to be nagged about it when you don't have kids and don't have a need for that sort of feature.
Software companies have been popping up all this "tips" and "we want your feedback" nags more and more lately and there is NO way to turn these off (they show you ways, but then they do an end run around and show more as if they have a different hidden setting).

Sure there is. Format your hard drive and install Linux. That shuts them up real quick. :P

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 13, 2024, 11:41:51 AM

About six months ago my dad gave me a desk. It's a big, solid, sturdy, 1970s-era US government desk. It has a very dense, heavy desktop much like a countertop, with steel drawers. It was a bitch and a half to drag across two time zones.

...And it doesn't fit in my apartment so I'm going to have to get rid of it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 13, 2024, 11:52:29 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 13, 2024, 11:41:51 AM
About six months ago my dad gave me a desk. It's a big, solid, sturdy, 1970s-era US government desk. It has a very dense, heavy desktop much like a countertop, with steel drawers. It was a bitch and a half to drag across two time zones.

...And it doesn't fit in my apartment so I'm going to have to get rid of it.

Just lift it up over the patio wall and in through the sliding glass door. Get eight of your neighbors to help you out, should be no problem. Unless there's a hedge in front of the patio wall, in which case you might need twice as many helpers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on February 13, 2024, 12:16:48 PM

Quote from: Big John on February 13, 2024, 11:01:02 AM
Quote from: thspfc on February 13, 2024, 10:48:32 AM
Quote from: Big John on February 13, 2024, 09:53:42 AM
Quote from: kphoger on February 13, 2024, 09:39:04 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on February 09, 2024, 08:04:50 AM
QR code

Quote from: D-Dey65 on February 12, 2024, 09:40:19 PM
QR codes

Quote from: ZLoth on February 13, 2024, 06:28:20 AM
QR codes

Our kids used to call them "Munzees", because that's the only kind of QR code they had ever interacted with.
I still don't know how to decode those (don't say "scan" as that is no help to me), but aren't those like shortcut URLs such as tinyurl where you have no idea where it will lead to and could lead to a malicious site?
It took you twice the effort to type this post than it would have taken to Google "how to scan QR code". (But I know it's less about learning how to use a phone camera and more about complaining for the sake of complaining.)
Yep, even more arrogant commentary towards me specifically from you as you assume it is intuitive technology for everyone. :rolleyes:

2+2=4 isn't intuitive, yet we still expect people to know it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 13, 2024, 12:24:42 PM

Quote from: thspfc on February 13, 2024, 10:48:32 AM
It took you twice the effort to type this post than it would have taken to Google "how to scan QR code". (But I know it's less about learning how to use a phone camera and more about complaining for the sake of complaining.)

Quote from: Big John on February 13, 2024, 11:01:02 AM
Yep, even more arrogant commentary towards me specifically from you as you assume it is intuitive technology for everyone. :rolleyes:

Sarcasm aside, he didn't assume it should be intuitive for you. Actually, he suggested that, if you really wanted to know how to scan a QR code, then you might have googled it—and the fact that you haven't done so leads him to believe you don't really want to know.

While that position does have an air of superiority, you must also admit that he has a point.

Quote from: thspfc on February 13, 2024, 12:16:48 PM
2+2=4 isn't intuitive, yet we still expect people to know it.

Oh. Never mind. Apparently you really do think everyone over the age of five should already know how to scan QR codes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thspfc on February 13, 2024, 12:28:27 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 13, 2024, 12:24:42 PM
Quote from: thspfc on February 13, 2024, 10:48:32 AM
It took you twice the effort to type this post than it would have taken to Google "how to scan QR code". (But I know it's less about learning how to use a phone camera and more about complaining for the sake of complaining.)

Quote from: Big John on February 13, 2024, 11:01:02 AM
Yep, even more arrogant commentary towards me specifically from you as you assume it is intuitive technology for everyone. :rolleyes:

Sarcasm aside, he didn't assume it should be intuitive for you. Actually, he suggested that, if you really wanted to know how to scan a QR code, then you might have googled it—and the fact that you haven't done so leads him to believe you don't really want to know.

While that position does have an air of superiority, you must also admit that he has a point.

Quote from: thspfc on February 13, 2024, 12:16:48 PM
2+2=4 isn't intuitive, yet we still expect people to know it.

Oh. Never mind. Apparently you really do think everyone over the age of five should already know how to scan QR codes.

Both can be true:

1) scanning a QR code is a learned skill, like elementary school addition is.
2) whether it's "intuitive" or not, it is incredibly easy and I think repeatedly complaining about not being able to do it is ridiculous, especially when it takes less effort to learn it than it does to complain about it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on February 13, 2024, 12:29:08 PM

I have tried googling it. It explained what it stood for, but not how to use it. Will try to use 1995hoo's explanation when the time comes.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 13, 2024, 12:34:31 PM

Quote from: Big John on February 13, 2024, 12:29:08 PM
I have tried googling it. It explained what it stood for, but not how to use it.

This doesn't work?

(https://i.imgur.com/9pI780z.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 13, 2024, 12:45:23 PM

This is when I miss when lmgtfy.com was still active. (Don't try to go there now; I think it might be rogue.) It stood for "Let Me Google That For You" and basically consisted of a search bar where you typed something, and it generated a little "movie" of someone googling the exact some search then forwarded you to the search results page for Google. Then you could post a link to that movie to someone that chose not to investigate for themselves. Snarky, but it got the point across.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on February 13, 2024, 12:48:49 PM

Quote from: webny99 on February 13, 2024, 09:45:09 AM

The fact that I can never spell "received" correctly on the first try, even though it's a word I write/type all the time

Brace yourself...

The very weird mnemonic I use for words like receipt and receive was that I learned a slang word called "recce" (pronounced like "wreck-key") which is short for reconnaissance. It only makes sense to me because I'd heard of that word (recce) when I was about 5-6, but didn't know what it was shortened from and learned how to spell the other two examples. And I don't think I've since heard too many people say it; rarely in-person nor on TV/movies, and was only reminded of it when I read a book a little later where someone used it in dialogue.

We pick up bits of our languages in odd ways sometimes. But that's what we said before playing Army and "attacking" the other kids with our finger guns in our backyards. "We'll recce to John's house! Yeah!"

This may not help you at all. But I can never remember the "I before E, except after C, like bowling and brontosaurus...oh wait, neither one has an E."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on February 13, 2024, 12:51:09 PM

I Googled qr codes for dummies and didn't get that. :-/

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 13, 2024, 12:57:24 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 13, 2024, 12:45:23 PM
This is when I miss when lmgtfy.com was still active. (Don't try to go there now; I think it might be rogue.) It stood for "Let Me Google That For You" and basically consisted of a search bar where you typed something, and it generated a little "movie" of someone googling the exact some search then forwarded you to the search results page for Google. Then you could post a link to that movie to someone that chose not to investigate for themselves. Snarky, but it got the point across.

I tried that first. When it returned something less than useful, I did a screenshot instead.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 13, 2024, 01:08:19 PM

Quote from: Big John on February 13, 2024, 12:51:09 PM
I Googled qr codes for dummies and didn't get that. :-/

I dunno. Not trying to make you feel bad, but...

(https://i.postimg.cc/mZM0fNtc/QR-Codes.png)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 13, 2024, 01:34:47 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 13, 2024, 11:52:29 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 13, 2024, 11:41:51 AM
About six months ago my dad gave me a desk. It's a big, solid, sturdy, 1970s-era US government desk. It has a very dense, heavy desktop much like a countertop, with steel drawers. It was a bitch and a half to drag across two time zones.

...And it doesn't fit in my apartment so I'm going to have to get rid of it.

Just lift it up over the patio wall and in through the sliding glass door. Get eight of your neighbors to help you out, should be no problem. Unless there's a hedge in front of the patio wall, in which case you might need twice as many helpers.

Oh, no, we have it in the apartment already; it comes apart. It's just that if I set it up in the space I have allotted for a desk, I can't also have a nightstand. Or if I do, I can't use the drawers on the left side of the desk because the nightstand would be in the way.

Losing 500 square feet sucks.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on February 13, 2024, 01:48:45 PM

Until recently, you couldn't just use the camera app on an iPhone to scan a QR code. You had to download a QR code scanner. I had a free one, as there were more than one to choose from in the App Store. I don't know when the native scanning ability was built in to the iOS.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 13, 2024, 02:06:43 PM

My desk is 3 feet deep by 6 feet wide by 29½ inches wide, and is very "bare bones", but had space for what I need to do. Alas, it's no longer sold at Amazon. And, I wish it was wider...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 13, 2024, 02:10:53 PM

Personally, I'm glad LMGTFY went away. It was a great way to start fights in online discussion spaces, and never accounted for the fact that finding relevant results quickly through Google search may require background knowledge the searcher just doesn't have.

Quote from: hbelkins on February 13, 2024, 01:48:45 PMUntil recently, you couldn't just use the camera app on an iPhone to scan a QR code. You had to download a QR code scanner. I had a free one, as there were more than one to choose from in the App Store. I don't know when the native scanning ability was built in to the iOS.

This is a perfect example. You sort of have to know or suspect there are smartphone OSes (or versions thereof) still in circulation that don't have the built-in capability in order to get to a Google search that may actually produce useful results, like {how to scan QR codes using Android phone released in 2014} (no braces).

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 13, 2024, 01:34:47 PMOh, no, we have it in the apartment already; it comes apart. It's just that if I set it up in the space I have allotted for a desk, I can't also have a nightstand. Or if I do, I can't use the drawers on the left side of the desk because the nightstand would be in the way.

Is it an option to use part of the desk surface area temporarily as a nightstand? That kind of 1970's government surplus is well-built and well-nigh impossible to replace. (We have one of those desks downstairs.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on February 13, 2024, 02:13:17 PM

It was banned via case law anyway, although the ruling is over a decade old.

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 26, 2012, 10:42:11 PM
Quote from: NE2 on February 25, 2012, 11:39:36 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 25, 2012, 11:06:09 AM
Using "Let Me Google That For You" is demeaning and rude.
So is asking questions that can be answered with a simple search.

No, it's not. Don't link to LMGTFY again. This isn't negotiable.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 13, 2024, 02:52:54 PM

I miss lmgtfy. Those were the days...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on February 13, 2024, 03:59:30 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 13, 2024, 11:41:51 AM
About six months ago my dad gave me a desk. It's a big, solid, sturdy, 1970s-era US government desk. It has a very dense, heavy desktop much like a countertop, with steel drawers. It was a bitch and a half to drag across two time zones.

...And it doesn't fit in my apartment so I'm going to have to get rid of it.

Oh, that's too bad. Measure twice, haul once.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on February 13, 2024, 04:02:05 PM

Quote from: formulanone on February 13, 2024, 12:48:49 PM
This may not help you at all. But I can never remember the "I before E, except after C, like bowling and brontosaurus...oh wait, neither one has an E."

That rule has so many exceptions that you might as well not try to remember it, and just concentrate on learning each word.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 13, 2024, 04:11:22 PM

Quote from: kkt on February 13, 2024, 04:02:05 PM
Quote from: formulanone on February 13, 2024, 12:48:49 PM
This may not help you at all. But I can never remember the "I before E, except after C, like bowling and brontosaurus...oh wait, neither one has an E."

That rule has so many exceptions that you might as well not try to remember it, and just concentrate on learning each word.

I before E except after C and in words like neighbor and weigh...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 13, 2024, 04:16:16 PM

Quote from: Rothman on February 13, 2024, 04:11:22 PM

Quote from: kkt on February 13, 2024, 04:02:05 PM

Quote from: formulanone on February 13, 2024, 12:48:49 PM
This may not help you at all. But I can never remember the "I before E, except after C, like bowling and brontosaurus...oh wait, neither one has an E."

That rule has so many exceptions that you might as well not try to remember it, and just concentrate on learning each word.

I before E except after C and in words like neighbor and weigh...

And weird is spelled weird.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on February 13, 2024, 04:28:04 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 13, 2024, 04:16:16 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 13, 2024, 04:11:22 PM

Quote from: kkt on February 13, 2024, 04:02:05 PM

Quote from: formulanone on February 13, 2024, 12:48:49 PM
This may not help you at all. But I can never remember the "I before E, except after C, like bowling and brontosaurus...oh wait, neither one has an E."

That rule has so many exceptions that you might as well not try to remember it, and just concentrate on learning each word.

I before E except after C and in words like neighbor and weigh...

And weird is spelled weird.

Ironicially, the I before E rule actually works for recieve(d). Works fine on paper, just not in my brain.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 13, 2024, 04:33:01 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ycRY0QD1Ks

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 13, 2024, 05:08:26 PM

Quote from: webny99 on February 13, 2024, 04:28:04 PM
Ironicially, the I before E rule actually works for recieve(d). Works fine on paper, just not in my brain.

Huh?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on February 13, 2024, 05:10:06 PM

Einstein proved it false twice for the science.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 13, 2024, 06:30:28 PM

Quote from: webny99 on February 13, 2024, 04:28:04 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 13, 2024, 04:16:16 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 13, 2024, 04:11:22 PM

Quote from: kkt on February 13, 2024, 04:02:05 PM

Quote from: formulanone on February 13, 2024, 12:48:49 PM
This may not help you at all. But I can never remember the "I before E, except after C, like bowling and brontosaurus...oh wait, neither one has an E."

That rule has so many exceptions that you might as well not try to remember it, and just concentrate on learning each word.

I before E except after C and in words like neighbor and weigh...

And weird is spelled weird.

Ironicially, the I before E rule actually works for recieve(d). Works fine on paper, just not in my brain.

SMH.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on February 13, 2024, 07:08:23 PM

Quote from: kkt on February 13, 2024, 04:02:05 PM
Quote from: formulanone on February 13, 2024, 12:48:49 PM
This may not help you at all. But I can never remember the "I before E, except after C, like bowling and brontosaurus...oh wait, neither one has an E."

That rule has so many exceptions that you might as well not try to remember it, and just concentrate on learning each word.

^ Pretty much this.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on February 13, 2024, 07:29:30 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 13, 2024, 05:08:26 PM
Quote from: webny99 on February 13, 2024, 04:28:04 PM
Ironicially, the I before E rule actually works for recieve(d). Works fine on paper, just not in my brain.

Huh?

LOL... I told you I couldn't spell it right. :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on February 13, 2024, 08:00:41 PM

Quote from: kkt on February 13, 2024, 04:02:05 PM
Quote from: formulanone on February 13, 2024, 12:48:49 PM
This may not help you at all. But I can never remember the "I before E, except after C, like bowling and brontosaurus...oh wait, neither one has an E."

That rule has so many exceptions that you might as well not try to remember it, and just concentrate on learning each word.

For many of the more familiar words, I have gotten to a point where I know if it's right or wrong by the way it looks. "Receive" is one of those words.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on February 13, 2024, 08:04:19 PM

I'm surprised that NE2 isn't joining this discussion being he is an advocate for spelling. He's put the Fear of God into all of us who misspelled in the past with his preaching of proper grammar in writing, so I would figure he would love to put his input to this.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 13, 2024, 08:26:48 PM

I find it mildly amusing that the Charlie Brown video is about spelling, yet it contains two spelling errors.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on February 13, 2024, 09:29:46 PM

Quote from: tmoore952 on February 13, 2024, 08:00:41 PM
Quote from: kkt on February 13, 2024, 04:02:05 PM
Quote from: formulanone on February 13, 2024, 12:48:49 PM
This may not help you at all. But I can never remember the "I before E, except after C, like bowling and brontosaurus...oh wait, neither one has an E."

That rule has so many exceptions that you might as well not try to remember it, and just concentrate on learning each word.

For many of the more familiar words, I have gotten to a point where I know if it's right or wrong by the way it looks. "Receive" is one of those words.

At least English does not use gender in its grammar (all nouns are 'neuter'), unlike many other European languages. in many Romance languages (ie,French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish) the gender of a noun is usually strongly hinted at by the spelling and/or pronunciation of the word. In German (three genders, masculine, feminine and neuter), there is no such hinting and each one must be learned individually.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on February 13, 2024, 09:37:33 PM

^^ With the German, the only thing consistent is that nouns concerning time are male. Even people's genders do not fit it as Fraulein (Miss) or Mädchen (girl) have the neutral gender assigned to them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 13, 2024, 09:38:15 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on February 13, 2024, 08:04:19 PM
I'm surprised that NE2 isn't joining this discussion

I'm not. He's posted a total of three times since November, and one of them was this (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=34180.msg2890078#msg2890078).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on February 13, 2024, 10:53:57 PM

Would you like a copy of your receipt?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 13, 2024, 11:10:06 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on February 13, 2024, 10:53:57 PM
Would you like a copy of your receipt?

Fine. No copy for you.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on February 14, 2024, 07:00:57 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on February 13, 2024, 10:53:57 PM
Would you like a copy of your receipt?

Why do they always ask if you want a "copy" of a receipt? You should be giving me the original receipt when I pay. That's what it is - acknowledgement that I paid. Whatever the seller keeps for their records is not a receipt.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 14, 2024, 07:05:41 AM

Quote from: GaryV on February 14, 2024, 07:00:57 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on February 13, 2024, 10:53:57 PM
Would you like a copy of your receipt?

Why do they always ask if you want a "copy" of a receipt? You should be giving me the original receipt when I pay. That's what it is - acknowledgement that I paid. Whatever the seller keeps for their records is not a receipt.

Ok. No copy for you, either.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on February 14, 2024, 07:50:56 AM

Quote from: GaryV on February 14, 2024, 07:00:57 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on February 13, 2024, 10:53:57 PM
Would you like a copy of your receipt?

Why do they always ask if you want a "copy" of a receipt? You should be giving me the original receipt when I pay. That's what it is - acknowledgement that I paid. Whatever the seller keeps for their records is not a receipt.

Businesses keep a record of their transactions...if they did not offer a copy of the transaction, they wouldn't be a legitimate business for long.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on February 14, 2024, 08:04:52 AM

Quote from: Rothman on February 14, 2024, 07:05:41 AM
Quote from: GaryV on February 14, 2024, 07:00:57 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on February 13, 2024, 10:53:57 PM
Would you like a copy of your receipt?

Why do they always ask if you want a "copy" of a receipt? You should be giving me the original receipt when I pay. That's what it is - acknowledgement that I paid. Whatever the seller keeps for their records is not a receipt.
Ok. No copy for you, either.

Copy that. Over and out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on February 14, 2024, 11:46:25 AM

Quote from: formulanone on February 14, 2024, 07:50:56 AM
Quote from: GaryV on February 14, 2024, 07:00:57 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on February 13, 2024, 10:53:57 PM
Would you like a copy of your receipt?

Why do they always ask if you want a "copy" of a receipt? You should be giving me the original receipt when I pay. That's what it is - acknowledgement that I paid. Whatever the seller keeps for their records is not a receipt.

Businesses keep a record of their transactions...if they did not offer a copy of the transaction, they wouldn't be a legitimate business for long.

Exactly, nor would the customer be, if they're a business customer and did not obtain a receipt of the transaction.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bm7 on February 14, 2024, 12:17:10 PM

Businesses that make you sign the receipt.

For instance, at one Domino's location they would always insist I sign whenever I picked up an order, even though it had already been paid for online. One time I decided to just sign with an X and the employee got upset with me for not writing an actual signature. Meanwhile, the location I go to now has never once asked me to sign.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 14, 2024, 12:40:56 PM

"a whole nother"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 14, 2024, 12:45:49 PM

Your mom's a nother.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on February 14, 2024, 02:17:10 PM

If they ask a simple either/or question (ie, "Paper or plastic?"), I'll just reply "Yes". I know, that's mean.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 14, 2024, 02:30:36 PM

Quote from: formulanone on February 14, 2024, 07:50:56 AM

Quote from: GaryV on February 14, 2024, 07:00:57 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on February 13, 2024, 10:53:57 PM
Would you like a copy of your receipt?

Why do they always ask if you want a "copy" of a receipt? You should be giving me the original receipt when I pay. That's what it is - acknowledgement that I paid. Whatever the seller keeps for their records is not a receipt.

Businesses keep a record of their transactions...if they did not offer a copy of the transaction, they wouldn't be a legitimate business for long.

Then either the slip of paper that comes out of the gas pump isn't actually a receipt (but merely a copy of the receipt), or else the correct response to the question is this:

— Would you like a copy of your receipt?
— No, thank you, just the original will suffice.

... also ... is there a difference between "the receipt" and "your receipt"?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on February 14, 2024, 02:50:34 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 14, 2024, 02:30:36 PM
... also ... is there a difference between "the receipt" and "your receipt"?

Not any more than the difference between "How are you feeling today?" and "How are we feeling today?"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 14, 2024, 02:54:01 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on February 14, 2024, 02:50:34 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 14, 2024, 02:30:36 PM
... also ... is there a difference between "the receipt" and "your receipt"?

Not any more than the difference between "How are you feeling today?" and "How are we feeling today?"

Eh, I'd argue there is. A/the/your receipt is interchangeable. "How are we feeling today?" seems inappropriate if the semantically correct response would be "Great. How are we?".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 14, 2024, 03:02:09 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 14, 2024, 02:54:01 PM
Eh, I'd argue there is. A/the/your receipt is interchangeable. "How are we feeling today?" seems inappropriate if the semantically correct response would be "Great. How are we?".

My wife operates a home daycare. Sometimes, when a parent comes to pick a kid up, I'll catch my wife saying something like "We had a MASSIVE poop this morning."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on February 14, 2024, 03:09:37 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 14, 2024, 03:02:09 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 14, 2024, 02:54:01 PM
Eh, I'd argue there is. A/the/your receipt is interchangeable. "How are we feeling today?" seems inappropriate if the semantically correct response would be "Great. How are we?".

My wife operates a home daycare. Sometimes, when a parent comes to pick a kid up, I'll catch my wife saying something like "We had a MASSIVE poop this morning."

I guess when it's impossible to avoid a negative connotation, including oneself does help make the tone a little less accusatory. :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 14, 2024, 03:13:37 PM

Quote from: kkt on February 13, 2024, 03:59:30 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 13, 2024, 11:41:51 AM
About six months ago my dad gave me a desk. It's a big, solid, sturdy, 1970s-era US government desk. It has a very dense, heavy desktop much like a countertop, with steel drawers. It was a bitch and a half to drag across two time zones.

...And it doesn't fit in my apartment so I'm going to have to get rid of it.

Oh, that's too bad. Measure twice, haul once.

Unfortunately, that wasn't much of an option, since due to the particulars of the move we were basically picking a place out through pictures on the Internet and we didn't actually set foot in the apartment until the truck was there ready to be unloaded. (Obviously not the smartest plan, but we didn't really have the luxury of being able to come out and inspect and measure things before packing the truck.)

Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 14, 2024, 02:54:01 PM
A/the/your receipt is interchangeable.

Depends on the receipt. At the first casino I worked at we had triplicate paperwork on carbon paper where accounting was very particular about the white copy going to the cashier, the yellow going to accounting, and the pink going to the customer, and God help you if you mixed up which color went to who.

Obviously, for computer-generated receipts where you can print thousands of copies if you want, they're interchangeable, though.

Quote from: bm7 on February 14, 2024, 12:17:10 PM
Businesses that make you sign the receipt.

For instance, at one Domino's location they would always insist I sign whenever I picked up an order, even though it had already been paid for online. One time I decided to just sign with an X and the employee got upset with me for not writing an actual signature. Meanwhile, the location I go to now has never once asked me to sign.

A customer who signs with an X when that is not their usual signature on file can theoretically dispute the charge with the credit card company and get it reversed by saying "that's not my signature". Obviously, this isn't likely to happen with a small potatoes purchase like a pizza, but I rolled my eyes at people who were too lazy to provide a proper signature on a $2,000 casino transaction and would put more effort into not signing than signing would be.

This is one of the reasons I'm glad chip/tap and pin is catching on in the US, since people get unbelievably stupid about the zero effort that signing their name takes. Nobody's asking you to be Francis Spinner; just make it match what's on your driver license.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 14, 2024, 03:22:06 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 14, 2024, 03:13:37 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 14, 2024, 02:54:01 PM
A/the/your receipt is interchangeable.

Depends on the receipt. At the first casino I worked at we had triplicate paperwork on carbon paper where accounting was very particular about the white copy going to the cashier, the yellow going to accounting, and the pink going to the customer, and God help you if you mixed up which color went to who.

Obviously, for computer-generated receipts where you can print thousands of copies if you want, they're interchangeable, though.

Yeah, there's always a time where there's an exception.

But this is the dumbest two person interaction I could have ever heard:

Person A: "How are we today?"
Person B: "We're great thanks. How are we?"
Person A: "We're great too."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 14, 2024, 03:26:52 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 14, 2024, 03:22:06 PM
But this is the dumbest two person interaction I could have ever heard:

Person A: "How are we today?"
Person B: "We're great thanks. How are we?"
Person A: "We're great too."

— How are we today?
— You go first.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on February 14, 2024, 09:17:51 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 14, 2024, 03:22:06 PM

Person A: "How are we today?"
Person B: "We're great thanks. How are we?"
Person A: "We're great too."

(smiles) "Alive!"

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on February 14, 2024, 09:41:52 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 14, 2024, 03:22:06 PM
But this is the dumbest two person interaction I could have ever heard:

Person A: "How are we today?"
Person B: "We're great thanks. How are we?"
Person A: "We're great too."

That's what McCoy said to Kirk in "Star Trek III: The Search for Spock" (We is he and Spock's consciousness.)

here's my take:
- How are we today?
- I'm fine, I don't wish to speak for you.

Also:
- Are you finding everything ok?
- No, there's cleanup required on aisle 7

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on February 14, 2024, 09:51:57 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 14, 2024, 03:13:37 PM
This is one of the reasons I'm glad chip/tap and pin is catching on in the US, since people get unbelievably stupid about the zero effort that signing their name takes. Nobody's asking you to be Francis Spinner; just make it match what's on your driver license.

There's a minor thing that bothers me: being asked to sign even with tap to pay, which happens occasionally. Or the fact that we went chip and sign rather than chip and PIN. I'd rather input a PIN than have to sign. In fact, when the US chip card rollout happened, my bank was one of the only ones to do chip and PIN, but it subsequently merged with another bank that is pure chip and sign; while my card retains chip and PIN capability (due to being an inherited account), it's not the default, and I enter the PIN so rarely that it's easy to forget the card can even handle such a thing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on February 14, 2024, 11:38:37 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 14, 2024, 03:22:06 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 14, 2024, 03:13:37 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 14, 2024, 02:54:01 PM
A/the/your receipt is interchangeable.

Depends on the receipt. At the first casino I worked at we had triplicate paperwork on carbon paper where accounting was very particular about the white copy going to the cashier, the yellow going to accounting, and the pink going to the customer, and God help you if you mixed up which color went to who.

Obviously, for computer-generated receipts where you can print thousands of copies if you want, they're interchangeable, though.

Yeah, there's always a time where there's an exception.

But this is the dumbest two person interaction I could have ever heard:

Person A: "How are we today?"
Person B: "We're great thanks. How are we?"
Person A: "We're great too."

A king talking to the prince's kindergarten teacher?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on February 15, 2024, 07:34:32 AM

What's all this we shit?

You got a mouse in our pocket, or are you happy to see us?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on February 15, 2024, 08:30:23 AM

Quote from: kphoger on February 14, 2024, 02:30:36 PM
Quote from: formulanone on February 14, 2024, 07:50:56 AM

Quote from: GaryV on February 14, 2024, 07:00:57 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on February 13, 2024, 10:53:57 PM
Would you like a copy of your receipt?

Why do they always ask if you want a "copy" of a receipt? You should be giving me the original receipt when I pay. That's what it is - acknowledgement that I paid. Whatever the seller keeps for their records is not a receipt.

Businesses keep a record of their transactions...if they did not offer a copy of the transaction, they wouldn't be a legitimate business for long.

Then either the slip of paper that comes out of the gas pump isn't actually a receipt (but merely a copy of the receipt), or else the correct response to the question is this:

— Would you like a copy of your receipt?
— No, thank you, just the original will suffice.

... also ... is there a difference between "the receipt" and "your receipt"?

Make up a whole nother word for it, then.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 15, 2024, 08:32:13 AM

Quote from: kphoger on February 14, 2024, 02:30:36 PM
Quote from: formulanone on February 14, 2024, 07:50:56 AM

Quote from: GaryV on February 14, 2024, 07:00:57 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on February 13, 2024, 10:53:57 PM
Would you like a copy of your receipt?

Why do they always ask if you want a "copy" of a receipt? You should be giving me the original receipt when I pay. That's what it is - acknowledgement that I paid. Whatever the seller keeps for their records is not a receipt.

Businesses keep a record of their transactions...if they did not offer a copy of the transaction, they wouldn't be a legitimate business for long.

Then either the slip of paper that comes out of the gas pump isn't actually a receipt (but merely a copy of the receipt), or else the correct response to the question is this:

— Would you like a copy of your receipt?
— No, thank you, just the original will suffice.

... also ... is there a difference between "the receipt" and "your receipt"?

This discussion is reminding me of one of my teachers in junior high school. When someone asked if they could borrow a tissue, she would say, "Absolutely not! [Kid looks shocked] But you may have a tissue. I don't want you to return it when you're done."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on February 15, 2024, 09:07:35 AM

Waitstaff: "Have we decided what we are having?"
Me thinking: "I know what I'm having, I don't know about you."

Are certain professions just taught not to refer to a person as "you"?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on February 15, 2024, 09:13:37 AM

Quote from: GaryV on February 15, 2024, 09:07:35 AM
Waitstaff: "Have we decided what we are having?"
Me thinking: "I know what I'm having, I don't know about you."

Are certain professions just taught not to refer to a person as "you"?

They're making it, I'm consuming it, so there's a "we" in it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 15, 2024, 10:10:49 AM

Quote from: formulanone on February 15, 2024, 09:13:37 AM

Quote from: GaryV on February 15, 2024, 09:07:35 AM
Waitstaff: "Have we decided what we are having?"
Me thinking: "I know what I'm having, I don't know about you."

Are certain professions just taught not to refer to a person as "you"?

They're making it, I'm consuming it, so there's a "we" in it.

The cooks make it, not the waitstaff. But I must assume they're taking a few bites before delivering it to my table, so there's a "we" in it.

(But hopefully there's not a "wee" in it".)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 15, 2024, 10:36:09 AM

Quote from: GaryV on February 15, 2024, 09:07:35 AM
Waitstaff: "Have we decided what we are having?"
Me thinking: "I know what I'm having, I don't know about you."

Are certain professions just taught not to refer to a person as "you"?

I think the gist of it is that waitstaff aren't often trained in what "polite" verbiage actually entails. When I was running restaurants, servers weren't allowed to use certain phrases:

"Hi, my name is XXXXX, and I'll be taking care of you today."
"Are you still working on that?"
The word "guys" in any context
The "we" that we're discussing

I'm sure I'm missing a few more.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 15, 2024, 10:45:58 AM

"How's that burger treatin' ya?"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 15, 2024, 10:50:28 AM

Quote from: kphoger on February 15, 2024, 10:45:58 AM
"How's that burger treatin' ya?"

Thankfully the servers I was able to hire were already past that level.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 15, 2024, 11:03:29 AM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 15, 2024, 10:36:09 AM
The word "guys" in any context

"Excuse me, sir, how do you get to the student union from here?"
"Oh, you're not too far from there. Just hang a left out of the parking lot, then turn right on Maryland."
"Oh, okay! Are there any landmarks at that intersection I should look for?"
"Yes, there's a Five...uh..."
"Five?"
"Five, um. Five Gentlemen."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 15, 2024, 11:03:53 AM

Here's a grocery store interaction that bothers me. It happens at the checkout lane, with the cashier initiating.

— Did you find everything today?
— No, actually. I didn't see any cans of Acme brand smackfruit.
— Oh. Huh.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on February 15, 2024, 11:06:44 AM

Quote from: kphoger on February 15, 2024, 11:03:53 AM
Here's a grocery store interaction that bothers me. It happens at the checkout lane, with the cashier initiating.

— Did you find everything today?
— No, actually. I didn't see any cans of Acme brand smackfruit.
— Oh. Huh.

Do you still have any cashiers available as it now seems to be a moot point?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 15, 2024, 11:14:15 AM

Quote from: Big John on February 15, 2024, 11:06:44 AM

Quote from: kphoger on February 15, 2024, 11:03:53 AM
Here's a grocery store interaction that bothers me. It happens at the checkout lane, with the cashier initiating.

— Did you find everything today?
— No, actually. I didn't see any cans of Acme brand smackfruit.
— Oh. Huh.

Do you still have any cashiers available as it now seems to be a moot point?

Yes.

However, we almost always used the self-checkout now that they have the ones with full-length conveyor belt, because I want to pack the groceries myself.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on February 15, 2024, 11:15:16 AM

Quote from: Big John on February 15, 2024, 11:06:44 AM
— Did you find everything today?

A dangerous question for the various continuing shortages of this and that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 15, 2024, 11:29:42 AM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on February 15, 2024, 11:15:16 AM
Quote from: Big John on February 15, 2024, 11:06:44 AM
— Did you find everything today?

A dangerous question for the various continuing shortages of this and that.

Yeah, during 2020, when half the shelves were barren, I still got asked this. I just said yes as it wasn't there fault and didn't want to introduce negativity to their day during an already tough time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 15, 2024, 01:04:42 PM

Quote from: GaryV on February 15, 2024, 09:07:35 AMAre certain professions just taught not to refer to a person as "you"?

I don't know about professional training, but so many people are now steeped in the pop-psychology dictum to avoid using the second person in difficult conversations that I think it leaks over into customer-service contexts.

Quote from: kphoger on February 15, 2024, 11:14:15 AM
Quote from: Big John on February 15, 2024, 11:06:44 AM
Quote from: kphoger on February 15, 2024, 11:03:53 AMHere's a grocery store interaction that bothers me. It happens at the checkout lane, with the cashier initiating.

— Did you find everything today?
— No, actually. I didn't see any cans of Acme brand smackfruit.
— Oh. Huh.

Do you still have any cashiers available as it now seems to be a moot point?

Yes.

However, we almost always used the self-checkout now that they have the ones with full-length conveyor belt, because I want to pack the groceries myself.

We don't have conveyor belts at any self-checks at the AARP Dillons. I use staffed checkouts since I realize I am not that much better at loading canvas sacks under time pressure. My grocery-store annoyances have more to do with pricing and application of discounts:

* If it's on sale, it's often unavailable. (E.g., Dillons currently has a long-running BOGOF sale on Nature Made vitamins which actually requires buying two units to get the discount, and I've never been able to find more than one bottle of magnesium oxide tablets on the shelf.)

* If it's expensive but heavily discounted, the discount doesn't ring up. (This happened to me a while ago with flatiron steak. I had to go back in with the receipt to get a refund.)

* Electronic coupons disappear from one's digital wallet before they expire. (This happened with another purchase of flatiron steak. I now think that part of the reason store chains like digital coupons is that they can void them instantly if they see in real time that they are hemorrhaging too much money.)

* An item gets rung up under the PLU for a similar but more expensive item. The classic example is broccoli crowns (charged by weight) rung up as broccoli (charged by bundled unit, each unit having approximately the same weight)--this is how you wind up paying almost eight dollars for three tiny crowns.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 15, 2024, 01:38:05 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on February 15, 2024, 01:04:42 PM
....

* An item gets rung up under the PLU for a similar but more expensive item. The classic example is broccoli crowns (charged by weight) rung up as broccoli (charged by bundled unit, each unit having approximately the same weight)--this is how you wind up paying almost eight dollars for three tiny crowns.

One thing I like at Wegmans is that the scales in the produce department will print out a barcoded label if you punch in the PLU, so the cashier simply scans that barcode when you get to the checkout. No doubt some people cheat the system by punching in the wrong PLUs, such as punching in a cheaper type of apple because the cashier won't notice, but on the whole the system speeds up the checkout if people actually use it (and some people just flat-out won't print the labels).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on February 15, 2024, 07:44:13 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 15, 2024, 01:38:05 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on February 15, 2024, 01:04:42 PM
....

* An item gets rung up under the PLU for a similar but more expensive item. The classic example is broccoli crowns (charged by weight) rung up as broccoli (charged by bundled unit, each unit having approximately the same weight)--this is how you wind up paying almost eight dollars for three tiny crowns.

One thing I like at Wegmans is that the scales in the produce department will print out a barcoded label if you punch in the PLU, so the cashier simply scans that barcode when you get to the checkout. No doubt some people cheat the system by punching in the wrong PLUs, such as punching in a cheaper type of apple because the cashier won't notice, but on the whole the system speeds up the checkout if people actually use it (and some people just flat-out won't print the labels).

Giant in Maryland (at least the one near me) also has the preprinted label for produce. I like doing this because I don't want the cashier to put in a wrong code. I don't have to punch in the PLU, though --- I push a picture on the screen above the scale to tell the scale what I am weighing (the PLU code is next to the picture and gets put onto the label when it is printed).

As I've said before and will repeat here, Giant in Maryland has also implemented a 20 item limit for self-checkout, so it's not something I can normally do unless I'm just dropping in outside of normal trip (see below).

Since I do the weekly shopping trip and always have more than 20 items, I try to go when there are usually fewer people there and I don't have to wait for a cashier, example being 5-6 PM on Saturday when most shoppers are at home thinking about or getting ready for dinner. But going at really off-hours like 9 PM can backfire, because there are fewer cashiers (sometimes one or two) and if multiple people are making large purchases, someone gets stuck waiting.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on February 16, 2024, 08:35:11 AM

Quote from: GaryV on February 15, 2024, 09:07:35 AM
Waitstaff: "Have we decided what we are having?"
Me thinking: "I know what I'm having, I don't know about you."

Are certain professions just taught not to refer to a person as "you"?

When the wait staff takes your order:

"So, what are you thinking?"

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on February 16, 2024, 08:41:02 AM

Quote from: thenetwork on February 16, 2024, 08:35:11 AM

When the wait staff takes your order:

"So, what are you thinking?"

I am thinking about performing a coup d'etat.

Or do you mean about the menu?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 16, 2024, 08:56:15 AM

Returning from a four week vacation that I enjoyed and desperately needed, only to come back to four consecutive weeks of work feeling like I've been fed to the woodchipper. It feels like I was being punished for having fun and actually having a life.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on February 16, 2024, 09:16:24 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on February 16, 2024, 08:56:15 AM
Returning from a four week vacation that I enjoyed and desperately needed, only to come back to four consecutive weeks of work feeling like I've been fed to the woodchipper. It feels like I was being punished for having fun and actually having a life.

I'm pretty fortunate - When I'm gone, my staff takes care of the work so I usually have little to come back to. I get, on average, about 150 emails a day. 148 of them will have no use to me when I return. The problem sometimes is locating the 2 that do.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on February 16, 2024, 09:20:07 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 15, 2024, 01:38:05 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on February 15, 2024, 01:04:42 PM
....

* An item gets rung up under the PLU for a similar but more expensive item. The classic example is broccoli crowns (charged by weight) rung up as broccoli (charged by bundled unit, each unit having approximately the same weight)--this is how you wind up paying almost eight dollars for three tiny crowns.

One thing I like at Wegmans is that the scales in the produce department will print out a barcoded label if you punch in the PLU, so the cashier simply scans that barcode when you get to the checkout. No doubt some people cheat the system by punching in the wrong PLUs, such as punching in a cheaper type of apple because the cashier won't notice, but on the whole the system speeds up the checkout if people actually use it (and some people just flat-out won't print the labels).

Those things are ripe for abuse. :-P

The few supermarkets in my area that did use them removed them. The opportunity to put in a cheaper code, or weigh something, print the sticker, then add more product to the bag, occurs way too often. Of course, it's possible for someone to put in the incorrect code at the register, but at least there they may feel their being watched a little more closely.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 16, 2024, 09:36:31 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 16, 2024, 09:20:07 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on February 15, 2024, 01:38:05 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on February 15, 2024, 01:04:42 PM
....

* An item gets rung up under the PLU for a similar but more expensive item. The classic example is broccoli crowns (charged by weight) rung up as broccoli (charged by bundled unit, each unit having approximately the same weight)--this is how you wind up paying almost eight dollars for three tiny crowns.

One thing I like at Wegmans is that the scales in the produce department will print out a barcoded label if you punch in the PLU, so the cashier simply scans that barcode when you get to the checkout. No doubt some people cheat the system by punching in the wrong PLUs, such as punching in a cheaper type of apple because the cashier won't notice, but on the whole the system speeds up the checkout if people actually use it (and some people just flat-out won't print the labels).

Those things are ripe for abuse. :-P

The few supermarkets in my area that did use them removed them. The opportunity to put in a cheaper code, or weigh something, print the sticker, then add more product to the bag, occurs way too often. Of course, it's possible for someone to put in the incorrect code at the register, but at least there they may feel their being watched a little more closely.

No doubt. Oddly, though, they don't seem to be a huge problem at the Wegmans I visit, probably because a lot of people just don't use them at all—which, in turn, is just one more thing slowing down the biggest waste of time at the grocery store (standing on line to take everything out of the shopping cart so that a store employee can rearrange it all and put it back in the cart).

The Giant near our house has similar scales, but I find them annoying because Giant doesn't post the PLU numbers on the pricing signs the way Wegmans does. tmoore952 mentions tapping a picture on the screen, but I find it's faster just to punch in a four-digit code than it is to have to page through a bunch of photos or to search for the product (and searching causes problems when Giant uses a different name for a product than everyone else does—for example, I recall searching for "fennel" didn't turn up any results because Giant insists that it's called "anise" and at the time I didn't know that). Plus at Wegmans I find not everything shows up when you try to use the product images. Obviously it helps that the PLU codes are standardized from store to store, so if you know that bananas are 4011, it's easy to punch that in on the scale.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on February 16, 2024, 09:44:27 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 16, 2024, 09:36:31 AM
Obviously it helps that the PLU codes are standardized from store to store, so if you know that bananas are 4011, it's easy to punch that in on the scale.

And they never change. My wife worked at a supermarket briefly in the 1990's, and still recalls the more popular codes when we started using self checkouts.

That was the highlight from working there. She started to recognize some regular customers, and knew their personalities. What she hated was food stamp days, trying to figure out what was and wasn't eligible. In NJ, many supermarket food items aren't taxed, so that was another issue. Even though they had scanners, there's still some things that had to be manually entered and she had to know to hit the tax or non-tax buttons And smoking was still allowed indoors, so the break room was a fog of smoke. She would eat her lunch in her car.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 16, 2024, 12:40:02 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 16, 2024, 09:36:31 AM
I find it's faster just to punch in a four-digit code than it is to have to page through a bunch of photos or to search for the product (and searching causes problems when Giant uses a different name for a product than everyone else does—for example, I recall searching for "fennel" didn't turn up any results because Giant insists that it's called "anise" and at the time I didn't know that).

Fennel and anise aren't even the same plant. They have similar flavors, but they're two different things.

At my store, the produce shelves label yuca root as yucca root, which are not equivalent. Yuca and yucca are not at all the same thing, and most species of yucca don't even have edible roots.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on February 16, 2024, 01:11:01 PM

I hate when a server in a restaurant does not remove your completed meal plate until everyone else is finished. From what I was told at Sonesta Hotel, when employed by them in the early nineties, that that practice is something of a protocol that the upscale has always done. It's considered rude, in the upscale world, to remove a plate before the entire party is not done eating.

Meanwhile to others ignorant of upper class protocol, they think it's poor serving to let you observe your own empty plate for several minutes after you completed yours, especially when your server has seen that plate in front of you several times. Some even hold it against their server at tip time and not tip them as good feeling the upscale act is just as rude as high society considers early removal as such.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 16, 2024, 01:26:36 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on February 16, 2024, 01:11:01 PMSome even hold it against their server at tip time and not tip them as good feeling the upscale act is just as rude as high society considers early removal as such.

This brings up a minor irritation with me and food servers. I want to emphasize that last part.... "food servers", not "servants". If anything, they need a smile, and those necessary phases, "Please" and "Thank you". From what I have observed, it is not a easy job especially when they bear the brunt of the customer complaints for issues that is out of their control. If anything, I'm a little more generous with the tipping when they are working during a holiday.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on February 16, 2024, 01:40:22 PM

Oh yeah, and servers are forced to work on holidays so their bosses, who have the day off, can make even more money.

When I was a kid, most restaurants were expected to be closed or with a skeleton staff on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. So if you vacationed during the Holidays, you had to make sure you were aware of hours and such before making your dinner plans, or be prepared to dine in a hotel facility who had to keep open so that their customers can eat. In fact the Red Lobster restaurant in Pine Hills, Florida closed Christmas Eve to give their staff a Christmas party in December of 1976. We had to eat at a hotel restaurant for dinner that particular Christmas Eve.

Now in high tourist areas, hotels and free standing restaurants have big promotions on those days to offer the general public and the days of limited hours are totally unheard of.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 16, 2024, 01:54:39 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on February 16, 2024, 01:40:22 PM
Oh yeah, and servers are forced to work on holidays so their bosses, who have the day off, can make even more money.

When I was a kid, most restaurants were expected to be closed or with a skeleton staff on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. So if you vacationed during the Holidays, you had to make sure you were aware of hours and such before making your dinner plans, or be prepared to dine in a hotel facility who had to keep open so that their customers can eat. In fact the Red Lobster restaurant in Pine Hills, Florida closed Christmas Eve to give their staff a Christmas party in December of 1976. We had to eat at a hotel restaurant for dinner that particular Christmas Eve.

Now in high tourist areas, hotels and free standing restaurants have big promotions on those days to offer the general public and the days of limited hours are totally unheard of.

I'm on the fence about it, but I lean toward agreeing with you. However, I should point out that, depending on how big the holiday crowd is, the servers (and waiters) who are "forced to work on holidays" might also "make even more money" that way.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on February 16, 2024, 01:59:24 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 16, 2024, 01:54:39 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on February 16, 2024, 01:40:22 PM
Oh yeah, and servers are forced to work on holidays so their bosses, who have the day off, can make even more money.

When I was a kid, most restaurants were expected to be closed or with a skeleton staff on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. So if you vacationed during the Holidays, you had to make sure you were aware of hours and such before making your dinner plans, or be prepared to dine in a hotel facility who had to keep open so that their customers can eat. In fact the Red Lobster restaurant in Pine Hills, Florida closed Christmas Eve to give their staff a Christmas party in December of 1976. We had to eat at a hotel restaurant for dinner that particular Christmas Eve.

Now in high tourist areas, hotels and free standing restaurants have big promotions on those days to offer the general public and the days of limited hours are totally unheard of.

I'm on the fence about it, but I lean toward agreeing with you. However, I should point out that, depending on how big the holiday crowd is, the servers (and waiters) who are "forced to work on holidays" might also "make even more money" that way.

It is now, as holidays were once about the nature of it, but this world has made it out presently to be for commercialism.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on February 16, 2024, 03:00:55 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on February 16, 2024, 01:11:01 PM
I hate when a server in a restaurant does not remove your completed meal plate until everyone else is finished. From what I was told at Sonesta Hotel, when employed by them in the early nineties, that that practice is something of a protocol that the upscale has always done. It's considered rude, in the upscale world, to remove a plate before the entire party is not done eating.

Meanwhile to others ignorant of upper class protocol, they think it's poor serving to let you observe your own empty plate for several minutes after you completed yours, especially when your server has seen that plate in front of you several times. Some even hold it against their server at tip time and not tip them as good feeling the upscale act is just as rude as high society considers early removal as such.

I have a mild preference for the server collecting the plates together when we've all finished a course, so we don't interrupt our conversation more often than necessary.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 16, 2024, 03:07:29 PM

I think I value efficiency most when it comes to restaurant service. Have little patience with condescending snootiness.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on February 16, 2024, 04:35:48 PM

Quote from: kkt on February 16, 2024, 03:00:55 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on February 16, 2024, 01:11:01 PM
I hate when a server in a restaurant does not remove your completed meal plate until everyone else is finished. From what I was told at Sonesta Hotel, when employed by them in the early nineties, that that practice is something of a protocol that the upscale has always done. It's considered rude, in the upscale world, to remove a plate before the entire party is not done eating.

Meanwhile to others ignorant of upper class protocol, they think it's poor serving to let you observe your own empty plate for several minutes after you completed yours, especially when your server has seen that plate in front of you several times. Some even hold it against their server at tip time and not tip them as good feeling the upscale act is just as rude as high society considers early removal as such.

I have a mild preference for the server collecting the plates together when we've all finished a course, so we don't interrupt our conversation more often than necessary.

This is probably one of the hardest things about any profession: Customers have differing opinions, including those at the same table. The server is simply doing what's protocol at the restaurant. It's not up to them. If someone really wants their plate removed, they can inform the server to remove it. But I also know some have the opinion that they are paying for the service of being waited on, and they are not to touch their finished plate as that's the server's job to remove it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 16, 2024, 05:24:33 PM

I'd rather the plate hang around for too long than the opposite, when the server keeps nagging you about taking the plate away when you're still picking at the last of something. It's not like the plate is in the way of anything if I'm not doing another course afterward; it's not like I need the room to do a 1500-piece jigsaw puzzle right there on the table now that I'm done eating.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on February 16, 2024, 05:42:58 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 16, 2024, 04:35:48 PM
Quote from: kkt on February 16, 2024, 03:00:55 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on February 16, 2024, 01:11:01 PM
I hate when a server in a restaurant does not remove your completed meal plate until everyone else is finished. From what I was told at Sonesta Hotel, when employed by them in the early nineties, that that practice is something of a protocol that the upscale has always done. It's considered rude, in the upscale world, to remove a plate before the entire party is not done eating.

Meanwhile to others ignorant of upper class protocol, they think it's poor serving to let you observe your own empty plate for several minutes after you completed yours, especially when your server has seen that plate in front of you several times. Some even hold it against their server at tip time and not tip them as good feeling the upscale act is just as rude as high society considers early removal as such.

I have a mild preference for the server collecting the plates together when we've all finished a course, so we don't interrupt our conversation more often than necessary.

This is probably one of the hardest things about any profession: Customers have differing opinions, including those at the same table. The server is simply doing what's protocol at the restaurant. It's not up to them. If someone really wants their plate removed, they can inform the server to remove it. But I also know some have the opinion that they are paying for the service of being waited on, and they are not to touch their finished plate as that's the server's job to remove it.

But people are different. Most aren't familiar with protocol especially plate removal. I can see Scott's point when they nag. A server shouldn't ask when there are still crumbs, but also some customers expect without asking for you to remove the plate. People are brought up differently and many are unaware of other protocols than they're used to. It happens even in small civic groups as well.

One such group removed tuxedos as their official dress because others thought it was too overkill and snobbish. Most who wore the Tuxedo and liked it felt honored to wear as the organization was a patriotic institution. Yet the ones who dislike didn't see it was honorable, but saw that it didn't belong in a civic capacity when the average male don't have a tux in their usual wardrobe and the fact the high society uses that particular suit to expensive gala events.

You are not going to please everyone and no matter how much we try, we are not going to agree on culture.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on February 17, 2024, 01:48:16 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 13, 2024, 10:31:57 AM
You open your mobile device's camera app and point it at the code, then tap on the box that pops up and it takes you to the website.

Well, as I've mentioned in an earlier post on the subject, the majority of times nothing happens. And the one time it did, it wouldn't stop sending me websites, even when I didn't want them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on February 17, 2024, 04:17:25 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 04, 2024, 06:21:52 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on February 04, 2024, 05:24:58 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on February 02, 2024, 08:09:26 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on February 01, 2024, 09:13:13 PM
Phone number for you?

(776) 867-5309

If Jenny lived in Fort Morgan, she could be 970-867-5309.

Wikipedia claims there is a pizza joint in Fort Collins with that number.

Could be Totally 80's Pizza. I didn't even know we had that prefix, unless they [did stuff] to make it appear here.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on February 17, 2024, 07:03:30 AM

The US 12 "corner cut" in southern Wisconsin.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 18, 2024, 05:29:42 AM

Clark County, NV has a population of 2.2 million people. Clark County, WA has a population of 500,000. I currently have an IP address that geolocates to well within the boundaries of Clark County, NV.

Why, then, when I search for some aspect of how the county government works, does Google consistently return search results for Clark County, WA ahead of Clark County, NV, even when I explicitly include 'nv' in the search?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tmoore952 on February 18, 2024, 12:16:03 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 18, 2024, 05:29:42 AM
Clark County, NV has a population of 2.2 million people. Clark County, WA has a population of 500,000. I currently have an IP address that geolocates to well within the boundaries of Clark County, NV.

Why, then, when I search for some aspect of how the county government works, does Google consistently return search results for Clark County, WA ahead of Clark County, NV, even when I explicitly include 'nv' in the search?

When I googled "Clark County" (no state), my top return is Clark County NV.
But it sounds like your search is more extensive.

I would guess that whatever you are additionally putting in for ""aspect of government" (whatever it is, examples being "parks" or "taxes") that it is hitting on the WA site.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 18, 2024, 03:04:58 PM

My exact search was clark county nv ballot drop off sites (I've never lived in a jurisdiction that really does vote by mail and I was curious whether drop-off sites were plentiful enough that they were convenient to access). It looks like Google might be prioritizing Clark County WA because it actually provides a list of drop-off locations, while Clark County NV just says you can drop the ballot off at any polling place and that a list of additional locations will be provided in the mail with the ballot.

Still, though, it's a flaw in the ranking algorithm if the amount of content available is given a higher priority than whether it actually matches the search terms.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on February 18, 2024, 03:16:32 PM

I was looking for the height of the St Louis Gateway Arch so I said "Height of St Louis Arch" and I got the answer in meters, I then typed in "Height of St Louis Arch in feet" and still got the answer in meters.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on February 18, 2024, 04:31:40 PM

Quote from: Big John on February 18, 2024, 03:16:32 PM
I was looking for the height of the St Louis Gateway Arch so I said "Height of St Louis Arch" and I got the answer in meters, I then typed in "Height of St Louis Arch in feet" and still got the answer in meters.

Per Final Jeopardy this week, the distance between the base of the towers is the same as the height.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on February 18, 2024, 04:44:47 PM

NPS confirms it https://www.nps.gov/jeff/faqs.htm

QuoteHow tall is it?
The Arch is 630 feet (192 meters) tall; 630 feet is also the distance from leg to leg at ground level.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on February 18, 2024, 05:41:52 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 18, 2024, 03:04:58 PM
My exact search was clark county nv ballot drop off sites (I've never lived in a jurisdiction that really does vote by mail and I was curious whether drop-off sites were plentiful enough that they were convenient to access). It looks like Google might be prioritizing Clark County WA because it actually provides a list of drop-off locations, while Clark County NV just says you can drop the ballot off at any polling place and that a list of additional locations will be provided in the mail with the ballot.

Still, though, it's a flaw in the ranking algorithm if the amount of content available is given a higher priority than whether it actually matches the search terms.

This is probably far-fetched, but I wonder if it's either interpreting nv incorrectly (on the off chance it means something else in a voting context) or ignoring it entirely because it's not capitalized.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bm7 on February 18, 2024, 06:04:22 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 18, 2024, 03:04:58 PM
My exact search was clark county nv ballot drop off sites (I've never lived in a jurisdiction that really does vote by mail and I was curious whether drop-off sites were plentiful enough that they were convenient to access). It looks like Google might be prioritizing Clark County WA because it actually provides a list of drop-off locations, while Clark County NV just says you can drop the ballot off at any polling place and that a list of additional locations will be provided in the mail with the ballot.

Still, though, it's a flaw in the ranking algorithm if the amount of content available is given a higher priority than whether it actually matches the search terms.

In general I've found Google's results to be really bad the last year or so. It constantly places results that it says doesn't include some of my search terms above ones that do. Sometimes I'll put something in quotes and it'll completely ignore them. DuckDuckGo and Bing are better IMO than Google is nowadays.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on February 18, 2024, 06:10:53 PM

Maybe we need a new general "Google just fucking SUCKS now" thread. :)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 18, 2024, 10:51:50 PM

Heh. Actually heard someone say they were from "Nack-i-dish" Louisiana today for the first time. The pronunciation and spelling mismatch is a minor bother to me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: LilianaUwU on February 18, 2024, 10:55:18 PM

Quote from: Rothman on February 18, 2024, 10:51:50 PM
Heh. Actually heard someone say they were from "Nack-i-dish" Louisiana today for the first time. The pronunciation and spelling mismatch is a minor bother to me.

Wooster, MA, am I right?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on February 18, 2024, 10:58:48 PM

Quote from: LilianaUwU on February 18, 2024, 10:55:18 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 18, 2024, 10:51:50 PM
Heh. Actually heard someone say they were from "Nack-i-dish" Louisiana today for the first time. The pronunciation and spelling mismatch is a minor bother to me.
Wooster, MA, am I right?

There is a Wooster Ohio spelled that way instead of the Massachusetts version.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 18, 2024, 11:43:40 PM

Quote from: LilianaUwU on February 18, 2024, 10:55:18 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 18, 2024, 10:51:50 PM
Heh. Actually heard someone say they were from "Nack-i-dish" Louisiana today for the first time. The pronunciation and spelling mismatch is a minor bother to me.
Wooster, MA, am I right?

Wuhstah.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on February 19, 2024, 06:35:07 AM

Ibuip shows up sometimes when I type in but.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 19, 2024, 07:15:40 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on February 19, 2024, 06:35:07 AM
Ibuip shows up sometimes when I type in but.

Wut.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on February 19, 2024, 10:16:01 AM

Quote from: Rothman on February 19, 2024, 07:15:40 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on February 19, 2024, 06:35:07 AM
Ibuip shows up sometimes when I type in but.
Wut.

Autocorrect must be doing its thing.

Another thing that's annoying.

How about pay walls when you find an article with the answers you need. It shows up on Google first but when you open the link the first thing the site owner wants is his money from you and an indefinite subscription.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 19, 2024, 02:50:46 PM

Quote from: tmoore952 on February 18, 2024, 12:16:03 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 18, 2024, 05:29:42 AM
Clark County, NV has a population of 2.2 million people. Clark County, WA has a population of 500,000. I currently have an IP address that geolocates to well within the boundaries of Clark County, NV.

Why, then, when I search for some aspect of how the county government works, does Google consistently return search results for Clark County, WA ahead of Clark County, NV, even when I explicitly include 'nv' in the search?

When I googled "Clark County" (no state), my top return is Clark County NV.
But it sounds like your search is more extensive.

I would guess that whatever you are additionally putting in for ""aspect of government" (whatever it is, examples being "parks" or "taxes") that it is hitting on the WA site.

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 18, 2024, 03:04:58 PM
My exact search was clark county nv ballot drop off sites (I've never lived in a jurisdiction that really does vote by mail and I was curious whether drop-off sites were plentiful enough that they were convenient to access). It looks like Google might be prioritizing Clark County WA because it actually provides a list of drop-off locations, while Clark County NV just says you can drop the ballot off at any polling place and that a list of additional locations will be provided in the mail with the ballot.

Still, though, it's a flaw in the ranking algorithm if the amount of content available is given a higher priority than whether it actually matches the search terms.

When I replace the "nv" in your search "nevada", the top hit is for Washington, the second hit is for Nevada, and the third hit is for Nevada. However, here's what I've noticed:

1. The Washington hit (#1) says "Missing: nevada".
2. The first Nevada hit (#2) says "Missing: off".
3. The second Nevada hit (#3) has all search terms included.

So I think the real question is why Google would put results that are missing some of your search terms ahead of results that aren't missing any—especially in the top three.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on February 19, 2024, 03:52:14 PM

^ Just another example of how Google's quality has declined over the years. A lot of people like to blame social media for taking over the internet, but really, it's all specific changes Google has made to their functionality (specifically, removing a lot of it) and algorithm (massively favoring some types of results while getting rid of many others).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on February 19, 2024, 05:07:25 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 19, 2024, 02:50:46 PM
So I think the real question is why Google would put results that are missing some of your search terms ahead of results that aren't missing any.

This is a pretty easy question.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 19, 2024, 05:09:02 PM

Quote from: kkt on February 19, 2024, 05:07:25 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 19, 2024, 02:50:46 PM
So I think the real question is why Google would put results that are missing some of your search terms ahead of results that aren't missing any.

This is a pretty easy question.

I actually just modified my original post to include "especially in the top three". I could see farther down the results list, but seriously. If I type a word in the search string, then I don't expect hit #1 to exclude that word.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on February 19, 2024, 06:57:42 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 19, 2024, 05:09:02 PM
Quote from: kkt on February 19, 2024, 05:07:25 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 19, 2024, 02:50:46 PM
So I think the real question is why Google would put results that are missing some of your search terms ahead of results that aren't missing any.

This is a pretty easy question.

I actually just modified my original post to include "especially in the top three". I could see farther down the results list, but seriously. If I type a word in the search string, then I don't expect hit #1 to exclude that word.

The algorithm could be - probably is, actually - weighing the prevalence of all of your search terms in the results. If a certain result is extremely relevant to terms 1-3 (say it contains dozens of references to them) but missing term 4 entirely, it might see that as more relevant than something that contains all of 1-4, but only one or two times each.

In this case, there are seven words in the string. The Washington result seems to be very detailed, so it's probably a perfect match on the other six terms, while the Nevada result(s) may be loosely correlated to all seven terms, but provides less detailed/relevant information overall. The algorithm doesn't have any way to know that the entire search is hinging on "Nevada" and anything without it is irrelevant. Place names, especially duplicate place names like Clark County, are somewhat unique in that regard; most searches would tend to strike a more even balance between the importance of each word.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 19, 2024, 07:04:59 PM

This is why fuzzy search algorithms are bullshit—they are dancing all around trying to guess what the user wanted when the user told them exactly what they wanted! If they went with a braindead straight text match they'd get better results than all the million-dollar code that produces the wrong result!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on February 19, 2024, 07:12:52 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 19, 2024, 07:04:59 PM
This is why fuzzy search algorithms are bullshit—they are dancing all around trying to guess what the user wanted when the user told them exactly what they wanted! If they went with a braindead straight text match they'd get better results than all the million-dollar code that produces the wrong result!

Point taken for this example (and really for any search with dependent terms, e.g. Clark County is dependent on Nevada to be relevant), but that's probably a relatively small percentage of searches. I would argue that which is better depends on the nature of the search.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 19, 2024, 07:24:12 PM

I would argue that which is better depends on the nature of the user. Those of us that have been using Google since the 2000s got to where we could accurately predict what it would do with our input (thus why I put nv instead of nevada, I was confident enough that Google would expand it out for me that there was no need to write it out) and thus, combined with operators like - and +, could write very specific search strings that would return very specific results. Now all of that functionality is watered down because the algorithm is trying to guess what we really mean and guessing incorrectly (and worse, unpredictably).

I don't want to play guessing games. I want precision, and I'm fine with taking some time to learn how to use that precision so I can have a powerful tool in my arsenal. Now, I get that 99% of people don't want to take a couple of hours to figure out how to find the pinpoint spot that blows up the Death Star (in my defense it's a good time investment to me because I have a lot of Death Stars I need to blow up), and so the fuzzy algorithm works ok enough for those people. But please give me a box I can check to identify as a local and not a tourist so I can bypass the rigamarole and get to where I want to go.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: WillWeaverRVA on February 20, 2024, 09:01:12 AM

Well, Poiponen13 has at last been dealt with, so he is no longer a minor thing that bothers me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 20, 2024, 10:37:32 AM

Quote from: webny99 on February 19, 2024, 06:57:42 PM
The algorithm doesn't have any way to know that the entire search is hinging on "Nevada" and anything without it is irrelevant.

It should know that by virtue of the fact that I typed it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 20, 2024, 02:05:40 PM

The 'permanent press' setting on my washing machine does not press my clothes, nor are the results permanent.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on February 20, 2024, 02:52:22 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 20, 2024, 02:05:40 PM
The 'permanent press' setting on my washing machine does not press my clothes, nor are the results permanent.

Or women getting a permanent hairstyle have to repeat the process later on.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on February 20, 2024, 03:13:41 PM

Quote from: webny99 on February 19, 2024, 06:57:42 PM
...The algorithm doesn't have any way to know that the entire search is hinging on "Nevada" and anything without it is irrelevant.

It does have one way, and you just did what is required.

Next time, when you put your search term in, put the word(s) that mean the most in quotes. That should bring the optimal finds to the top of the list

Yes, I know, I'm sure somw people will say "but all the words are important". Work with what you got.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on February 20, 2024, 03:26:09 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 20, 2024, 10:37:32 AM
Quote from: webny99 on February 19, 2024, 06:57:42 PM
The algorithm doesn't have any way to know that the entire search is hinging on "Nevada" and anything without it is irrelevant.

It should know that by virtue of the fact that I typed it.

I phrased it a bit better in my following post. In this case, "Nevada" takes on outsized importance because there are multiple different, completely unrelated, Clark Counties, but none of them except for the Nevada one are relevant to your search. That's not usually the case with your average search.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 20, 2024, 03:42:13 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 20, 2024, 02:05:40 PMThe 'permanent press' setting on my washing machine does not press my clothes, nor are the results permanent.

Until I looked into how to wash button-up shirts in a way that maximizes durability, I didn't actually realize permanent-press settings on washing machines were designed to accommodate a specific patented process for producing wrinkle-resistant clothing that began to be marketed only in the 1990's. In other words, the permanent-press cycle makes sense for a dress shirt that is designed for it, but is not a "gentle" alternative for, say, plaid flannel shirts.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 20, 2024, 03:54:37 PM

This is probably a controversial one, and I know I'm probably in the minority.

It bothers me when people pile their dirty dishes in the sink instead of putting them on the counter. If you're not going to wash your own dish, then don't make me have to navigate around it to wash mine. And, if I'm about to wash all the dishes, then I don't want to have to take them all out before filling the sink.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 20, 2024, 04:16:36 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 20, 2024, 03:54:37 PMThis is probably a controversial one, and I know I'm probably in the minority.

I'm with you. Yes, this is super-controversial, and yes, we are in the minority.

Quote from: kphoger on February 20, 2024, 03:54:37 PMIt bothers me when people pile their dirty dishes in the sink instead of putting them on the counter. If you're not going to wash your own dish, then don't make me have to navigate around it to wash mine. And, if I'm about to wash all the dishes, then I don't want to have to take them all out before filling the sink.

I like to keep the taps unblocked and free for others to use, not least because the need for running water and a drain can be urgent--e.g., to wash off soil, blood, or feces. So when I need something to soak, I typically just put in a few drops of dish soap, fill it with hot water, and set it aside on the counter.

There is a school of opinion (often evident in memes) to the effect that you are slovenly if you don't put a dirty dish in the dishwasher just as soon as you're finished with it. I never do: instead, I put it on the counter next to the sink, which I use as a staging area so I can load the dishwasher in a single operation.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 20, 2024, 04:22:14 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 20, 2024, 03:54:37 PM
This is probably a controversial one, and I know I'm probably in the minority.

It bothers me when people pile their dirty dishes in the sink instead of putting them on the counter. If you're not going to wash your own dish, then don't make me have to navigate around it to wash mine. And, if I'm about to wash all the dishes, then I don't want to have to take them all out before filling the sink.

Somewhat related, my wife likes to bake, and she has a Kitchen-Aid stand mixer with a fairly large bowl (not the largest size one with the two arms to support the bowl, the size below that). She will often put the various spatulas and stuff in the bowl, fill it with water, and leave it to soak. All of which would be fine if she would push it the heck out of the way to the other side of the sink so that the faucet remains accessible for other purposes, but often there will be something else over there that I then have to move in order to move the large mixing bowl out of the way.

When I was in college, my roommates used to leave stuff in the sink (we didn't have a dishwasher). I never did, primarily under the theory that if I always cleaned my dishes immediately, nobody could claim it was my turn to clean the pile of stuff in the sink.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 20, 2024, 04:36:01 PM

This is why, when we remodeled our kitchen, I wanted a single basin sink. It's much easier to have two little piles of things in the sink and still have accessibility to the faucet without a barrier 50% of the way across the sink space.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 20, 2024, 04:45:56 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 20, 2024, 04:22:14 PM
Somewhat related, my wife likes to bake, and she has a Kitchen-Aid stand mixer with a fairly large bowl (not the largest size one with the two arms to support the bowl, the size below that). She will often put the various spatulas and stuff in the bowl, fill it with water, and leave it to soak.

And then, the hours later, asks you to wash the dishes. So you have to reach into the cold, slimy, murk and root around with your fingers for who-knows-what utensils are down there.

Quote from: kphoger on February 20, 2024, 03:54:37 PM
And, if I'm about to wash all the dishes, then I don't want to have to take them all out before filling the sink.

Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 20, 2024, 04:36:01 PM
This is why, when we remodeled our kitchen, I wanted a single basin sink. It's much easier to have two little piles of things in the sink and still have accessibility to the faucet without a barrier 50% of the way across the sink space.

Doesn't solve the problem I mentioned. When I wash the dishes, I do certain things first, and then certain things after that, and so on—for the sake of where they go after that to dry. So, no matter how nice your piles are in the sink, I'd be taking them out before filling the sink with wash water. And, if people have rinsed things off since you put those items over there, then I'm now having to handle a bunch of wet and slimy dishes to do so.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 20, 2024, 04:54:43 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 20, 2024, 04:45:56 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 20, 2024, 03:54:37 PM
And, if I'm about to wash all the dishes, then I don't want to have to take them all out before filling the sink.

Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 20, 2024, 04:36:01 PM
This is why, when we remodeled our kitchen, I wanted a single basin sink. It's much easier to have two little piles of things in the sink and still have accessibility to the faucet without a barrier 50% of the way across the sink space.

Doesn't solve the problem I mentioned. When I wash the dishes, I do certain things first, and then certain things after that, and so on—for the sake of where they go after that to dry. So, no matter how nice your piles are in the sink, I'd be taking them out before filling the sink with wash water. And, if people have rinsed things off since you put those items over there, then I'm now having to handle a bunch of wet and slimy dishes to do so.

Well, I wash 90% of what we have in our dishwasher, so, as I'm parsing through that stuff and putting it in the washer, it doesn't necessary matter what is where. My main issue is when a sink is so full you can't get under the faucet to simply rinse something out/off because there are too many dishes piled up.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on February 20, 2024, 05:01:13 PM

Quote from: WillWeaverRVA on February 20, 2024, 09:01:12 AM
Well, Poiponen13 has at last been dealt with, so he is no longer a minor thing that bothers me.

Was he banned, or did he get a stern talking-to?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on February 20, 2024, 05:06:22 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 20, 2024, 03:54:37 PM
This is probably a controversial one, and I know I'm probably in the minority.

It bothers me when people pile their dirty dishes in the sink instead of putting them on the counter. If you're not going to wash your own dish, then don't make me have to navigate around it to wash mine. And, if I'm about to wash all the dishes, then I don't want to have to take them all out before filling the sink.

I agree with this. If the dishes are stacked in the sink, I have to begin washing by moving all of them so I have some space to work.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on February 20, 2024, 05:07:48 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on February 20, 2024, 05:01:13 PM
Quote from: WillWeaverRVA on February 20, 2024, 09:01:12 AM
Well, Poiponen13 has at last been dealt with, so he is no longer a minor thing that bothers me.

Was he banned, or did he get a stern talking-to?

Banned.

The way to tell is to click "Members" and navigate to where that person's name would be. If the name isn't there, there are only two options: a rename or a ban, and in this situation, it obviously wasn't the former.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 20, 2024, 05:12:12 PM

Every place I've lived has a double-basin sink. So protocol is that the basin with the garbage disposal (which, in Oklahoma, is conventionally on the right, but my sink in Nevada has it on the left) remains clear at all times and dirty dishes are staged in the other basin. Then they go from there into the dishwasher when dishes are done about once a week or so (I only pre-rinse dishes and load the dishwasher immediately before running it to ensure the pre-rinsing warms up the pipes so the dishwasher has access to hot water).

Putting dirty dishes on the counter has the drawbacks of using quite a lot of counter space for an extended period of time, as well as creating the hazard of the dishes being knocked off the counter by someone trying to get at the clean dishes or prepare food. I also don't like the idea of something dirty being stored on a counter that is also sometimes used for food prep. Meanwhile, keeping the 2nd basin clear doesn't really get me anything, since the only dishes I wash by hand are overflow that won't fit in the dishwasher or items with food stuck on so badly the dishwasher can't handle it, so I'm not regularly filling it up with water anyway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 20, 2024, 05:32:00 PM

I prefer two-basin sinks and do not like dished piled in either of the basins.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 20, 2024, 05:59:38 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 20, 2024, 04:36:01 PM
This is why, when we remodeled our kitchen, I wanted a single basin sink. It's much easier to have two little piles of things in the sink and still have accessibility to the faucet without a barrier 50% of the way across the sink space.

We have a two-basin, but it's definitely not a 50–50 split. More like 75–25 or even 80–20. The left side is pretty small and is where the disposal is.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 20, 2024, 06:34:15 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 20, 2024, 05:12:12 PMEvery place I've lived has a double-basin sink. So protocol is that the basin with the garbage disposal (which, in Oklahoma, is conventionally on the right, but my sink in Nevada has it on the left) remains clear at all times and dirty dishes are staged in the other basin. Then they go from there into the dishwasher when dishes are done about once a week or so (I only pre-rinse dishes and load the dishwasher immediately before running it to ensure the pre-rinsing warms up the pipes so the dishwasher has access to hot water).

I've lived in places with single- and double-basin sinks and prefer the latter because they allow a dish drainer to be positioned immediately above the plughole. I'm not a fan of countertop drying racks.

We use our dish drainer heavily for cutting boards that have been rinsed off but will soon be reused. Since I typically try to eat at least five servings of vegetables daily from at least three different non-potato vegetables, I have a cutting board out and dripping dry at least three days a week in the winter and seven days a week in the summer.

The garbage disposal is usually on the right in Kansas too.

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 20, 2024, 05:12:12 PMPutting dirty dishes on the counter has the drawbacks of using quite a lot of counter space for an extended period of time, as well as creating the hazard of the dishes being knocked off the counter by someone trying to get at the clean dishes or prepare food. I also don't like the idea of something dirty being stored on a counter that is also sometimes used for food prep. Meanwhile, keeping the 2nd basin clear doesn't really get me anything, since the only dishes I wash by hand are overflow that won't fit in the dishwasher or items with food stuck on so badly the dishwasher can't handle it, so I'm not regularly filling it up with water anyway.

In our kitchen, we have two separate areas of countertop, and the one that has the sink and the staging area for dirty dishes is hardly ever used for food preparation. If we're not putting a dish in that area to soak, we usually rinse it first. I typically load and run the dishwasher every night, rarely using more than a tablespoon or so of detergent--a full container of it lasts about a year around here.

Often I reuse dishes the same day after I rinse them. For example, I usually eat both oatmeal and bean soup out of the same bowl.

I can't remember the last time a breakable item got knocked to the floor from the staging area, though there was one episode a while ago where a food storage container fell over and spilled soapy water on some papers in a pile at the end of the counter.

Since I eat raw carrots every day and fill the sink with an inch or so of water while I scrub them with a woven-plastic scouring pad, soaking dishes in either basin is not a good option for us anyway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 20, 2024, 06:58:19 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 20, 2024, 05:12:12 PM
... dirty dishes are staged in the other basin. Then they go from there into the dishwasher when dishes are done about once a week or so (I only pre-rinse dishes and load the dishwasher immediately before running it to ensure the pre-rinsing warms up the pipes so the dishwasher has access to hot water).

We have plenty of items that we don't put in the dishwasher: anything likely to rust, such as kitchen knives and most of our pots and pans; cutting boards; fragile glassware, such as cocktail glasses or crystal wine glasses; anything with rubbers seals, such as travel mugs and our most-used storage containers; etc.

When it's time to hand-wash after dinner, we generally have more than one basin-full of dishes to wash at a time. Therefore, we can't simply put all the dirty dishes into the soapy water.

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 20, 2024, 05:12:12 PM
Putting dirty dishes on the counter has the drawbacks of using quite a lot of counter space for an extended period of time ...

Putting dirty dishes in the other basin has the drawback of not leaving that side of the sink available for rinsing what we've just scrubbed.

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 20, 2024, 05:12:12 PM
... as well as creating the hazard of the dishes being knocked off the counter by someone trying to get at the clean dishes or prepare food.

In our experience, we're much more likely to break something inside the basin than on the counter or by dropping on the floor—especially with a bunch of dishes all willy-nilly in the basin. Breaks are almost always against the side of the basin, or even against another dish.

Quote from: J N Winkler on February 20, 2024, 06:34:15 PM
I've lived in places with single- and double-basin sinks and prefer the latter because they allow a dish drainer to be positioned immediately above the plughole. I'm not a fan of countertop drying racks.

We have both an over-the-sink and a countertop dish drainer, and we use both regularly.

Quote from: J N Winkler on February 20, 2024, 06:34:15 PM
In our kitchen, we have two separate areas of countertop, and the one that has the sink and the staging area for dirty dishes is hardly ever used for food preparation. If we're not putting a dish in that area to soak, we usually rinse it first.

Our process moves from right to left as follows:
right side of the sink: dirty dishes
right sink basin: for scrubbing dishes
left sink basin: for rinsing dishes
left side of the sink: staging area for clean dishes to drip-dry or for the towel-drying backlog

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 20, 2024, 07:07:56 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 20, 2024, 06:58:19 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 20, 2024, 05:12:12 PM
... dirty dishes are staged in the other basin. Then they go from there into the dishwasher when dishes are done about once a week or so (I only pre-rinse dishes and load the dishwasher immediately before running it to ensure the pre-rinsing warms up the pipes so the dishwasher has access to hot water).

We have plenty of items that we don't put in the dishwasher: anything likely to rust, such as kitchen knives and most of our pots and pans; cutting boards; fragile glassware, such as cocktail glasses or crystal wine glasses; anything with rubbers seals, such as travel mugs and our most-used storage containers; etc.

When it's time to hand-wash after dinner, we generally have more than one basin-full of dishes to wash at a time. Therefore, we can't simply put all the dirty dishes into the soapy water.

My philosophy is that if something is too fragile to make it through the dishwasher, or has special cleaning needs precluding it from going in the dishwasher, it is too high maintenance to have a place in my home.

I've never had issue with kitchen knives or pots and pans rusting, for what it's worth. My cutting board is thick glass so running it through the washer isn't a concern.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 20, 2024, 08:28:00 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 20, 2024, 07:07:56 PM
I've never had issue with kitchen knives or pots and pans rusting, for what it's worth. My cutting board is thick glass so running it through the washer isn't a concern.

We've had knives rust. And we paid good money for our stainless steel pots and pans back when we first got married nearly 18 years ago, so we're not taking our chances. Besides that, though, we have other pans that certainly don't go in: a cast iron skillet, an enamel Dutch oven-type pot, a large countertop electric skillet, air-bake baking sheets. We only actually have two pans that we trust to not rust in the dishwasher—ones I've owned forever, back from before we were married.

And you only have one cutting board? We have probably a dozen: a bunch of cheap flimsy plastic ones that came as a couple of sets, a thick sturdy plastic one, a couple of butcher block wooden ones, a couple of ancient wooden ones that have split in half and we just use whatever half is left, a gigantic tempered glass one that wouldn't even fit in the dishwasher if we tried.

But you and Renee seem to have quite a different lifestyle than we do. We only eat out at a restaurant about once every two weeks. Otherwise, we're eating home-cooked dinners. And we have a family of five, so we're surely making much larger quantities than you. Today, for example, we had tomato soup with vegetables and tortellini, cooked in the crock pot: much fewer dishes that usual to wash afterward, but the crock pot sure as heck wasn't going in the dishwasher. Other days, we might end up using two or three cutting boards, two pans, maybe even the food processor.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 20, 2024, 09:47:55 PM

I've had mixed luck changing out utensils that can't go in the dishwasher for ones that can, at least in theory. When I retired an old aluminum colander in favor of a stainless-steel one, we discovered that while the strainer part won't rust, the handles will.

I also hand-wash my workhorse stainless-steel skillet and kitchen knives. They are awkward to fit in the dishwasher--especially the eight-inch chef's knife--and I worry about the detergent tearing up the plastic handles. A cheap "self-sharpening" knife with a thin blade and an ABS plastic handle is easy to get rid of if it turns out not to tolerate detergent well, but won't prep vegetables nearly as efficiently as the professional-grade equivalent with a much heavier blade.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 20, 2024, 10:12:27 PM

We had knives rust. Pretty frustrating.

But, a dozen cutting boards seems like overkill to me. We have one large teak one and three or four smaller plastic ones.

We wash and clean up the kitchen pretty well after we cook, though. Leaving dirty dishes piled up leads to bugs and other varmits.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on February 20, 2024, 10:39:42 PM

We only have room for a single basin sink. They do make a few double basin sinks that are 22" wide or so, but they seemed so impractical we just got the single basin when we remodeled the kitchen, albeit with a small curve in the back (basically, this one: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Karran-Undermount-Quartz-Composite-24-in-Single-Bowl-Kitchen-Sink-in-Black-QU-671-BL/305313107 ).

We also got a dishwasher when we remodeled. We'll still handwash the good kitchen knives, most pots and pans, and certain glassware with designs.

We have way too many cutting boards. Told the wife we need to cut down on them. She did, although I don't think the ones she took away were tossed so they're hiding somewhere.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 21, 2024, 12:57:04 AM

My cooking doesn't involve much manual cutting; I don't have much patience for chopping things up (probably because my knives need to be sharpened but I very much don't have the patience to do it myself and I've never bothered to find a place that will do it for me). Instead I usually try to buy pre-sliced things, run it through the food processor, or just avoid recipes that would require chopping entirely (I make a lot of pastas and things like tacos with meat minced in the pan and with no vegetables). Therefore, I've never needed more than the one cutting board.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on February 21, 2024, 07:07:11 AM

I don't leave any dishes in the sink - the cat would only be too happy to "clean" them. The Dawn spray soap works wonders in this matter.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on February 21, 2024, 07:42:18 AM

I let the sales person connect my phone to the car and then realized what happened the last time I did that on my previous car. The phone and the car's minds merged and became permanently attached.

It wasn't until I got my replacement phone i decided not to join it, so I was free of the connection. Now, I am attached again, and stuck.

I disconnected the two first on my phone, but it reconnected by itself. I then retried. Did it again. I went on the car's computer and found out how to disconnect it from that end. Needless to say it worked but days later I saw a battery icon on my dashboard screen which made me curious to why the car's battery is displayed with half a charge on a new car. Then I realized both my phone and car found each other by themselves once again.

Now I turn my phone off while driving to avoid robo calls and unwanted solicitations during my favorite Clapton or Pink Floyd song.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 21, 2024, 07:45:34 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 21, 2024, 12:57:04 AM
My cooking doesn't involve much manual cutting; I don't have much patience for chopping things up (probably because my knives need to be sharpened but I very much don't have the patience to do it myself and I've never bothered to find a place that will do it for me). Instead I usually try to buy pre-sliced things, run it through the food processor, or just avoid recipes that would require chopping entirely (I make a lot of pastas and things like tacos with meat minced in the pan and with no vegetables). Therefore, I've never needed more than the one cutting board.

Here's a chicken recipe for you. Unless you buy bone-in chicken and remove the bone yourself, you don't need a knife to make this. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/recipes/chicken-thighs-creole-mustard-orange-sauce/)

(edited to add: I forgot that may be paywalled for you—we subscribe to the Post for weekend delivery, so the paywall doesn't affect me. If you can't view it, let me know. The recipe is for "chicken thighs with a creole mustard orange sauce.")

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 21, 2024, 09:54:41 AM

Quote from: Rothman on February 20, 2024, 10:12:27 PM
a dozen cutting boards seems like overkill to me

I've had a couple of them since before we were even married. I don't see the point in throwing them away if they still work. The wood has warped enough that they don't lie flat on the counter anymore, but otherwise they're fine. One or two of them have split, and all we have left is half, but that half makes a nice small-ish cutting board, so why throw it out?

Years ago, we bought a pack of flimsy plastic cutting boards—four or five in a pack. We used them for years but, after years of knife cuts, they started to frequently get moldy. Tired of bleaching them every so often, we bought a new pack of similar-type ones. But we still have the old ones too, because why throw them away?

One or two of them—the biggest ones—have been Christmas presents over the years.

The huge tempered glass one... I don't remember where that came from. We only use it very rarely. But I see no reason to throw it out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 21, 2024, 09:58:25 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 21, 2024, 12:57:04 AM
My cooking doesn't involve much manual cutting; I don't have much patience for chopping things up (probably because my knives need to be sharpened but I very much don't have the patience to do it myself and I've never bothered to find a place that will do it for me). Instead I usually try to buy pre-sliced things, run it through the food processor, or just avoid recipes that would require chopping entirely (I make a lot of pastas and things like tacos with meat minced in the pan and with no vegetables). Therefore, I've never needed more than the one cutting board.

Yeah, you and I have very different cooking styles, then. Even if I'm just doing a quick-and-simple pasta for Sunday lunch, then I'm still likely to cut up some onion and carrot to sauté before adding the jar of sauce to the pan. A typical weekday dinner in our family involves chopping onion and garlic and peppers and maybe zucchini or mushrooms, and there's a decent chance we're trimming and/or pounding meat.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on February 21, 2024, 01:28:04 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on February 21, 2024, 07:42:18 AM
I let the sales person connect my phone to the car and then realized what happened the last time I did that on my previous car. The phone and the car's minds merged and became permanently attached.

It wasn't until I got my replacement phone i decided not to join it, so I was free of the connection. Now, I am attached again, and stuck.

I disconnected the two first on my phone, but it reconnected by itself. I then retried. Did it again. I went on the car's computer and found out how to disconnect it from that end. Needless to say it worked but days later I saw a battery icon on my dashboard screen which made me curious to why the car's battery is displayed with half a charge on a new car. Then I realized both my phone and car found each other by themselves once again.

Now I turn my phone off while driving to avoid robo calls and unwanted solicitations during my favorite Clapton or Pink Floyd song.

If it has CarPlay, and your phone was attached using that method (as well as Bluetooth), you have to "forget" the vehicle from your phone, as well as the original Bluetooth request.

On an Apple, it's Settings > General > CarPlay > find it under My Car > Forget This Car

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 21, 2024, 01:40:06 PM

My current lifestyle would basically be impossible without good knives. For dinner tonight I'm fixing broccoli pasta, which means I'll have to get out the paring knife to mince garlic and cut florets off the broccoli stalk, and then the chef's knife to cut the stalk into thin slices.

I did have a food processor that I occasionally used for salsa and for certain dishes, such as mousse anglaise, that require ingredients reduced to a fine pulp or powder. But we don't have the counter space for one now. When I fix salsa nowadays, I pull out a small motorized chopper to reduce the tomatoes, pepper, and cilantro to a pulpy mixture. It's more of a hassle to clean than a knife since the bowl, lid, and blade unit all need to be washed and have cavities that are harder to reach into.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 21, 2024, 02:11:31 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on February 21, 2024, 01:40:06 PM
My current lifestyle would basically be impossible without good knives. For dinner tonight I'm fixing broccoli pasta, which means I'll have to get out the paring knife to mince garlic and cut florets off the broccoli stalk, and then the chef's knife to cut the stalk into thin slices.

Technically, you could buy minced garlic. But yes. We've cut up heads of broccoli twice in the last ten days or so. (For what it's worth, we don't eat the stalks, but I save them to make vegetable stock with—as well as the tops of peppers, root ends from carrots, dried-out tops of green onions, bare stalks of picked parsley, old dried-out onion slices, hard murshroom stem ends, garlic cloves that have been in the house awhile, etc, etc, etc.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on February 21, 2024, 02:25:03 PM

A minor thing that bothers me is how the freak wasn't that crazy Finn banned earlier. But now it's finally done.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 21, 2024, 02:28:09 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 21, 2024, 02:11:31 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on February 21, 2024, 01:40:06 PM
My current lifestyle would basically be impossible without good knives. For dinner tonight I'm fixing broccoli pasta, which means I'll have to get out the paring knife to mince garlic and cut florets off the broccoli stalk, and then the chef's knife to cut the stalk into thin slices.

Technically, you could buy minced garlic. But yes. We've cut up heads of broccoli twice in the last ten days or so. (For what it's worth, we don't eat the stalks, but I save them to make vegetable stock with—as well as the tops of peppers, root ends from carrots, dried-out tops of green onions, bare stalks of picked parsley, old dried-out onion slices, hard murshroom stem ends, garlic cloves that have been in the house awhile, etc, etc, etc.)

I got a garlic press this year for Christmas and will never cut garlic again.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 21, 2024, 02:38:45 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 21, 2024, 02:28:09 PM
I got a garlic press this year for Christmas and will never cut garlic again.

I've had a garlic press my whole life, but we hardly ever use one. It's more work to clean all the bits out of the little holes when washing up than to just cut it with a knife to begin with. And those little bits seems like a waste.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on February 21, 2024, 03:00:55 PM

Quote from: 1 on February 20, 2024, 05:07:48 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on February 20, 2024, 05:01:13 PM
Quote from: WillWeaverRVA on February 20, 2024, 09:01:12 AM
Well, Poiponen13 has at last been dealt with, so he is no longer a minor thing that bothers me.

Was he banned, or did he get a stern talking-to?

Banned.

The way to tell is to click "Members" and navigate to where that person's name would be. If the name isn't there, there are only two options: a rename or a ban, and in this situation, it obviously wasn't the former.

He was still showing up as of 24 hours ago, which is why I asked.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on February 21, 2024, 03:17:29 PM

Here's something that perplexes me.

My music player is completely detached from my Facebook account. I do not have Facebook on my music player (an Android phone repurposed to be a SIMless music player a la an iPod Touch.

The last few weeks, I've been listening to a lot of old Judas Priest tunes.

Keep in mind that I'm using Rocket Player to play MP3 files and not using Spotify or Apple Music or any streaming services.

Why, then has Facebook started recommending a lot of Judas Priest pages and groups? Makes me wonder if it really can hear what's going on.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 21, 2024, 04:06:49 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 21, 2024, 02:38:45 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 21, 2024, 02:28:09 PMI got a garlic press this year for Christmas and will never cut garlic again.

I've had a garlic press my whole life, but we hardly ever use one. It's more work to clean all the bits out of the little holes when washing up than to just cut it with a knife to begin with. And those little bits seems like a waste.

I have a similar garlic press (inherited from my grandmother) and gave up on it after one or two uses for precisely those reasons. I've read of other designs that are supposedly easier to clean and will even remove the paper skin, but have never had enough confidence in those claims to try to find pictures of them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 21, 2024, 04:47:43 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on February 21, 2024, 04:06:49 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 21, 2024, 02:38:45 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 21, 2024, 02:28:09 PMI got a garlic press this year for Christmas and will never cut garlic again.

I've had a garlic press my whole life, but we hardly ever use one. It's more work to clean all the bits out of the little holes when washing up than to just cut it with a knife to begin with. And those little bits seems like a waste.

I have a similar garlic press (inherited from my grandmother) and gave up on it after one or two uses for precisely those reasons. I've read of other designs that are supposedly easier to clean and will even remove the paper skin, but have never had enough confidence in those claims to try to find pictures of them.

Mine came with a silicone sleeve that gets the paper off. The press pretty much just rinses off with very mild brushing required.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: algorerhythms on February 21, 2024, 05:51:00 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on February 21, 2024, 03:17:29 PM

Why, then has Facebook started recommending a lot of Judas Priest pages and groups? Makes me wonder if it really can hear what's going on.

Do you use the app or the web interface for Facebook? The app, at least, does use the microphone to listen in (though I think on iOS it has to ask for permission first, unless it's found a way around that). I once experimented on this with a coworker during a boring evening at work. We were talking about work, and an ad for Edmund Optics came up on his app. Not that surprising, since we work with optics. At some point I mentioned some company's name (I forget what we were talking about then), and the next ad was for that company. So I started naming companies, and without fail, the next ad was for the company I named. At least until I said "Nike" and he got nothing but shoe ads after that.

Myself, I use the mbasic.facebook.com interface, with scripts blocked. Even then it never showed me anything from an account I actually follow on the "news feed", only random garbage. So I adblocked the news feed. Much better now.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on February 21, 2024, 06:14:14 PM

Quote from: algorerhythms on February 21, 2024, 05:51:00 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on February 21, 2024, 03:17:29 PM

Why, then has Facebook started recommending a lot of Judas Priest pages and groups? Makes me wonder if it really can hear what's going on.
Do you use the app or the web interface for Facebook? The app, at least, does use the microphone to listen in (though I think on iOS it has to ask for permission first, unless it's found a way around that). I once experimented on this with a coworker during a boring evening at work. We were talking about work, and an ad for Edmund Optics came up on his app. Not that surprising, since we work with optics. At some point I mentioned some company's name (I forget what we were talking about then), and the next ad was for that company. So I started naming companies, and without fail, the next ad was for the company I named. At least until I said "Nike" and he got nothing but shoe ads after that.

Myself, I use the mbasic.facebook.com interface, with scripts blocked. Even then it never showed me anything from an account I actually follow on the "news feed", only random garbage. So I adblocked the news feed. Much better now.

Big brother is listening. :sombrero:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 21, 2024, 11:31:48 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 21, 2024, 09:54:41 AM
Quote from: Rothman on February 20, 2024, 10:12:27 PM
a dozen cutting boards seems like overkill to me

I've had a couple of them since before we were even married. I don't see the point in throwing them away if they still work. The wood has warped enough that they don't lie flat on the counter anymore, but otherwise they're fine. One or two of them have split, and all we have left is half, but that half makes a nice small-ish cutting board, so why throw it out?

Years ago, we bought a pack of flimsy plastic cutting boards—four or five in a pack. We used them for years but, after years of knife cuts, they started to frequently get moldy. Tired of bleaching them every so often, we bought a new pack of similar-type ones. But we still have the old ones too, because why throw them away?

One or two of them—the biggest ones—have been Christmas presents over the years.

The huge tempered glass one... I don't remember where that came from. We only use it very rarely. But I see no reason to throw it out.

Well, as long as you just want to use your available space just to keep stuff around, so be it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 22, 2024, 10:32:42 AM

Quote from: Rothman on February 21, 2024, 11:31:48 PM
Well, as long as you just want to use your available space just to keep stuff around, so be it.

They're flat things. They take up about a foot of storage space under the sink, total. I think we'll be OK.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on February 22, 2024, 12:22:43 PM

For the 3 or 4 months leading up to the actual event: The dozens, if not hundreds of articles of NFL "Mock Drafts".

Why every single football-minded person has to come up with an obligatory mock draft list is beyond me. And why just NFL football?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on February 22, 2024, 12:44:49 PM

Quote from: thenetwork on February 22, 2024, 12:22:43 PM
For the 3 or 4 months leading up to the actual event: The dozens, if not hundreds of articles of NFL "Mock Drafts".

Why every single football-minded person has to come up with an obligatory mock draft list is beyond me. And why just NFL football?

For similar reasons that people make up a tables of hypothetical interstate renumbering, derive new route termini, write their own fan fiction, create their own artwork for established characters...The difference is that football is arguably the most popular pastime and for some folks, fills the void between inactivity and the actual excitement of the game.

Some of us only care about the 60 regulation minutes and any overtime and that's it; just as there's a majority of people who don't care if Highway ___ goes to ____ and ____, was created in ____ when ____ renumbered it due to ____.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 22, 2024, 02:29:26 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 01, 2024, 02:50:27 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on February 01, 2024, 01:52:39 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 01, 2024, 09:59:02 AM
Microsoft Teams. I mean, I don't like it in general, but that's not what I'm talking about. It's that the program decides on its own every so often that I must want it open on my computer. Every few weeks, I'll open up the computer in the morning, and there it is: no other programs open, because I shut them all down at the end of the day. Just this morning, I needed to go into the Task Manager and restart Windows Explorer to fix a glitch. When it restarted, yep! there was Microsoft Teams opened up.

No. If I want a program open, then I'll open it. That's the way it works.

It is an option to uninstall Teams? If not, I would try the following:

* Check Task Manager for a setting that causes it to launch at boot, and disable it.

* Check Task Scheduler for a task that launches it, and disable it.

Thanks. I just went to Task Manager > Startup, and changed Microsoft Teams from 'Enabled' to 'Disabled'. We'll see if that helps.

No help. I've disabled Microsoft Teams in the Task Manager Startup tab more than once, and it keeps re-enabling itself. Yesterday, I needed to restart Windows Explorer again and, when it restarted, Teams immediately popped open.

AARRGGHHHH

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 22, 2024, 04:32:12 PM

This afternoon I was reminded of how annoying it is when you get a shipping confirmation e-mail but then, when you hit the tracking info to see when you can expect delivery, all you get is "label created" and the package hasn't yet been tendered to the carrier, so it hasn't really shipped at all and there's no indication of when it actually will. On a semi-related note, companies that charge your card when you order instead of when your package actually ships are annoying because they then have no incentive to ship promptly.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on February 22, 2024, 06:33:11 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 22, 2024, 04:32:12 PM
This afternoon I was reminded of how annoying it is when you get a shipping confirmation e-mail but then, when you hit the tracking info to see when you can expect delivery, all you get is "label created" and the package hasn't yet been tendered to the carrier, so it hasn't really shipped at all and there's no indication of when it actually will.

Isn't this usually a short-term thing? Most companies that are shipping any significant volume have daily pickups with one or more freight carriers, so worst case scenario should be that it shows "shipped" according to the company in the morning (which is presumably what generates the email) and then not picked up by the carrier until that afternoon or evening.

If this state persists for over 24 hours, I certainly see your point, but I wouldn't expect that to be the case, and would view the email more or less as a second confirmation that it's shipping that day.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 22, 2024, 07:29:45 PM

While I can see how that would be annoying, from the perspective of someone who does ecommerce for a living, there's really no good way to resolve any of those problems without causing more.

For example, whenever I pay USPS for the shipment, it generates both a tracking number and a label to stick on the box. My ecommerce system also sends the email to the customer at this time. Until USPS actually picks up the box and scans it, it will show "label created". I guess I could have an additional "USPS has picked up the item" button I can mash whenever that happens, but there's a pretty decent shot I'm going to forget to do that (especially if you order on, say, a Saturday evening, since USPS isn't going to get your package until Monday), which would result in you not getting any tracking number at all. Better to have it automatically happen at time of label generation then not at all.

Charging the card basically has to happen at the time of purchase, and not shipping. Otherwise, you'd end up with the scenario of the seller paying an employee to pick and pack the order, using a box that costs money, and buy a shipping label to apply to the box, then they charge the card...and the card declines. Now they've sunk a bunch of time, labor, and materials into an order they are never going to get paid for. (It's even worse for sellers who create custom products, since they'd basically be working on spec and get stuck with a finished product that cannot be sold to someone else.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 22, 2024, 07:33:52 PM

Quote from: webny99 on February 22, 2024, 06:33:11 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on February 22, 2024, 04:32:12 PM
This afternoon I was reminded of how annoying it is when you get a shipping confirmation e-mail but then, when you hit the tracking info to see when you can expect delivery, all you get is "label created" and the package hasn't yet been tendered to the carrier, so it hasn't really shipped at all and there's no indication of when it actually will.

Isn't this usually a short-term thing? Most companies that are shipping any significant volume have daily pickups with one or more freight carriers, so worst case scenario should be that it shows "shipped" according to the company in the morning (which is presumably what generates the email) and then not picked up by the carrier until that afternoon or evening.

If this state persists for over 24 hours, I certainly see your point, but I wouldn't expect that to be the case, and would view the email more or less as a second confirmation that it's shipping that day.

It says the label was generated at 1:31 PM this past Tuesday. Seems to me they should have shipped by now if that's the case. If it hasn't shipped by Monday, they're going to get a rather pointed "tell me where it is or I dispute the charge" message.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on February 22, 2024, 07:52:51 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 22, 2024, 07:33:52 PM
Quote from: webny99 on February 22, 2024, 06:33:11 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on February 22, 2024, 04:32:12 PM
This afternoon I was reminded of how annoying it is when you get a shipping confirmation e-mail but then, when you hit the tracking info to see when you can expect delivery, all you get is "label created" and the package hasn't yet been tendered to the carrier, so it hasn't really shipped at all and there's no indication of when it actually will.

Isn't this usually a short-term thing? Most companies that are shipping any significant volume have daily pickups with one or more freight carriers, so worst case scenario should be that it shows "shipped" according to the company in the morning (which is presumably what generates the email) and then not picked up by the carrier until that afternoon or evening.

If this state persists for over 24 hours, I certainly see your point, but I wouldn't expect that to be the case, and would view the email more or less as a second confirmation that it's shipping that day.

It says the label was generated at 1:31 PM this past Tuesday. Seems to me they should have shipped by now if that's the case. If it hasn't shipped by Monday, they're going to get a rather pointed "tell me where it is or I dispute the charge" message.

No disagreement from me there. Anything other than label creation and pickup by carrier on the same business day doesn't seem like good business practice.

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 22, 2024, 07:29:45 PM
Charging the card basically has to happen at the time of purchase, and not shipping. Otherwise, you'd end up with the scenario of the seller paying an employee to pick and pack the order, using a box that costs money, and buy a shipping label to apply to the box, then they charge the card...and the card declines. Now they've sunk a bunch of time, labor, and materials into an order they are never going to get paid for. (It's even worse for sellers who create custom products, since they'd basically be working on spec and get stuck with a finished product that cannot be sold to someone else.)

Depending on your lead times and what system you're using for credit card processing, pre-authorization is another possibility. That places a hold on the funds and gives you few days (typically 5) to ship the material and post the charge. If it's a custom, long-lead time product, the customer should have an understanding that they may need to pay for it (or at least a percentage of it) upfront.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tchafe1978 on February 22, 2024, 08:39:44 PM

Hair dye. I hate hair dye. No, I don't care that peoplem dye their hair whatever color. It could be purple, pink, fuschia, or blue and green polka dots, I don't care. Anything goes these days in that regard. What I hate is when my wife and daughter dye their hair at home, and the mess that results. Hair dye stains everything, and when they dye their hair, they get splatters and drops everywhere in the bathroom. There isn't a surface that is safe. The sink, bathtub and shower, floor, walls, toilet. If it doesn't get cleaned up promptly the stains are permanent. Not to mention the towels get stained permanently as well. Almost makes me wish they'd pay the extra money to have it done at the salon. Almost...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 22, 2024, 08:44:18 PM

Speaking of hair color...

My wife has been going more and more grey around her temples lately. She's not too happy about it, especially because it runs in the family to go basically total white. Anyway, last time she was at the salon, she mentioned to her stylist. Her stylist replied: "You know what, a lot of people pay me a lot of money to make their hair exactly that color in exactly that spot."

So I guess that's a minor thing that bothers my wife, not me. I think the grey looks hot.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 22, 2024, 08:52:31 PM

Quote from: webny99 on February 22, 2024, 07:52:51 PM
Depending on your lead times and what system you're using for credit card processing, pre-authorization is another possibility. That places a hold on the funds and gives you few days (typically 5) to ship the material and post the charge.

Personally, as a customer, that would be more annoying to me than if they just charged up front. There's nothing I hate more than having to keep track of than a hold that may eventually come out of my account, maybe, at some indeterminate point. Please just take the money, and if something goes wrong, refund it, so I don't have to account for the money in every transfer I do until you charge me.

Quote from: webny99 on February 22, 2024, 07:52:51 PM
If it's a custom, long-lead time product, the customer should have an understanding that they may need to pay for it (or at least a percentage of it) upfront.

Haha, that's a good one!

In my experience, customers ordering custom, long lead time products usually start demanding tracking numbers twelve minutes after they order it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on February 22, 2024, 10:03:53 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 22, 2024, 08:52:31 PM
Quote from: webny99 on February 22, 2024, 07:52:51 PM
Depending on your lead times and what system you're using for credit card processing, pre-authorization is another possibility. That places a hold on the funds and gives you few days (typically 5) to ship the material and post the charge.

Personally, as a customer, that would be more annoying to me than if they just charged up front. There's nothing I hate more than having to keep track of than a hold that may eventually come out of my account, maybe, at some indeterminate point. Please just take the money, and if something goes wrong, refund it, so I don't have to account for the money in every transfer I do until you charge me.

It's really just another way of saying "you have to give us your card information now so we have it, but we won't charge the card until the order ships". For credit cards, the transaction won't even show up until it posts, so the hold doesn't really affect anything unless it's for such a large amount that it nears your credit limit, and it seems unlikely that would be the case for a single transaction. I can see it being more annoying for a debit card, so that's one case where I would prefer to use a credit card.

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 22, 2024, 08:52:31 PM
In my experience, customers ordering custom, long lead time products usually start demanding tracking numbers twelve minutes after they order it.

To the extent this was serious, if that's really happening, either there was a misunderstanding about the nature of the product/service being provided, or you're targeting the wrong type of customer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 22, 2024, 10:18:19 PM

Hey, my item is finally on the move—and it's shown as being in Rochester. Maybe I should send webny99 to go find it for me. :-D

(The item is not a custom, long lead time product, FWIW. But I did place the order on February 11, which is part of why I was irritated to get a tracking message eight days later that simply said "label created.")

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on February 22, 2024, 10:34:00 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 22, 2024, 10:18:19 PM
Hey, my item is finally on the move—and it's shown as being in Rochester. Maybe I should send webny99 to go find it for me. :-D

(The item is not a custom, long lead time product, FWIW. But I did place the order on February 11, which is part of why I was irritated to get a tracking message eight days later that simply said "label created.")

I'd be glad to if not for the distribution centers being on the other side of town, and the fact that your package will probably be on the move again well before I'm up tomorrow morning. :D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on February 22, 2024, 10:41:54 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 22, 2024, 08:44:18 PM
Speaking of hair color...

My wife has been going more and more grey around her temples lately. She's not too happy about it, especially because it runs in the family to go basically total white. Anyway, last time she was at the salon, she mentioned to her stylist. Her stylist replied: "You know what, a lot of people pay me a lot of money to make their hair exactly that color in exactly that spot."...

There's a co-worker of mine that had her hair dyed like this during the pandemic. When we came back to work, I didn't even recognize her for a few days until I clued in who she was.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 22, 2024, 10:44:00 PM

Quote from: webny99 on February 22, 2024, 10:03:53 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 22, 2024, 08:52:31 PM
In my experience, customers ordering custom, long lead time products usually start demanding tracking numbers twelve minutes after they order it.

To the extent this was serious, if that's really happening, either there was a misunderstanding about the nature of the product/service being provided, or you're targeting the wrong type of customer.

I see you've never worked customer service.

Suffice it to say, if you can come up with a way to force a customer to read and understand anything important, you'll become a millionaire.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on February 22, 2024, 11:18:34 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 22, 2024, 10:44:00 PM
Quote from: webny99 on February 22, 2024, 10:03:53 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 22, 2024, 08:52:31 PM
In my experience, customers ordering custom, long lead time products usually start demanding tracking numbers twelve minutes after they order it.

To the extent this was serious, if that's really happening, either there was a misunderstanding about the nature of the product/service being provided, or you're targeting the wrong type of customer.

I see you've never worked customer service.

Suffice it to say, if you can come up with a way to force a customer to read and understand anything important, you'll become a millionaire.

I have, actually, though mostly with recurring B2B customers, so that probably comes with a different set of viewpoints/expectations.
And of course - that's the whole goal of sales.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 22, 2024, 11:38:06 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 22, 2024, 10:18:19 PM
Hey, my item is finally on the move—and it's shown as being in Rochester. Maybe I should send webny99 to go find it for me. :-D

(The item is not a custom, long lead time product, FWIW. But I did place the order on February 11, which is part of why I was irritated to get a tracking message eight days later that simply said "label created.")

I had an item that I ordered last Saturday get a label on Monday, but not ship until today. I feel your pain.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 23, 2024, 01:49:08 AM

Quote from: webny99 on February 22, 2024, 11:18:34 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 22, 2024, 10:44:00 PM
Quote from: webny99 on February 22, 2024, 10:03:53 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 22, 2024, 08:52:31 PM
In my experience, customers ordering custom, long lead time products usually start demanding tracking numbers twelve minutes after they order it.

To the extent this was serious, if that's really happening, either there was a misunderstanding about the nature of the product/service being provided, or you're targeting the wrong type of customer.

I see you've never worked customer service.

Suffice it to say, if you can come up with a way to force a customer to read and understand anything important, you'll become a millionaire.

I have, actually, though mostly with recurring B2B customers, so that probably comes with a different set of viewpoints/expectations.
And of course - that's the whole goal of sales.

B2C is a whole different animal. B2B, especially a recurring B2B situation, is cognizant of there being a "business relationship" between two companies—if a customer shows their ass and a vendor chooses not to do business with them any longer, that might actually impact business operations to the point that the customer loses money. And one could theoretically lose their job for not scrutinizing the terms a vendor is offering.

Meanwhile, B2C customers are accountable to nobody but themselves, and so don't feel any need to read the terms of the deal they're entering, and assume that anything that generally doesn't go according to the version of it that happens in their head (without informing the vendor of what that version of events is!) is automatically the vendor's fault. And they generally don't see any reason to alter their approach because they don't generally realize that a vendor is free to cut them loose if they're too much trouble (due to most large companies they do business with having a policy of rarely doing so).

Hell, I've run across people who can't even be bothered to read the text on the credit card terminal and just blindly tap the screen in the vague area where they believe a button that does what they want should be, whether there's one there or not!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 23, 2024, 07:03:20 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 23, 2024, 01:49:08 AM

Hell, I've run across people who can't even be bothered to read the text on the credit card terminal and just blindly tap the screen in the vague area where they believe a button that does what they want should be, whether there's one there or not!

To be fair, the number of terminals I've come across that just tell you to tap your card without indicating exactly where is surprisingly high. Or, blares "please swipe.or tap" on a big screen, only.to have a small tappable spot in a corner (marked with the logo).

But, yeah, if someone just starts punching random buttons...yeesh.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 23, 2024, 09:41:53 AM

Quote from: webny99 on February 22, 2024, 10:03:53 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 22, 2024, 08:52:31 PM
In my experience, customers ordering custom, long lead time products usually start demanding tracking numbers twelve minutes after they order it.

To the extent this was serious, if that's really happening, either ... or you're targeting the wrong type of customer.

The type who wants what he's selling and is ready to buy it from him?

Quote from: Rothman on February 23, 2024, 07:03:20 AM
To be fair, the number of terminals I've come across that just tell you to tap your card without indicating exactly where is surprisingly high.

This drives me bonkers. I tap whenever possible, but I hardly see any terminals nowadays that actually show me where to tap. So I just rub it all over the screen and hope for the best.

(I mean I rub the card all over the screen, you sicko.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on February 23, 2024, 10:23:31 AM

Quote from: kphoger on February 23, 2024, 09:41:53 AM
Quote from: webny99 on February 22, 2024, 10:03:53 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 22, 2024, 08:52:31 PM
In my experience, customers ordering custom, long lead time products usually start demanding tracking numbers twelve minutes after they order it.

To the extent this was serious, if that's really happening, either ... or you're targeting the wrong type of customer.

The type who wants what he's selling and is ready to buy it from him?

If it's a long lead time, custom product and they're expecting tracking information immediately, that falls under the part that you conveniently snipped out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on February 23, 2024, 11:23:27 AM

Quote from: Rothman on February 23, 2024, 07:03:20 AM
To be fair, the number of terminals I've come across that just tell you to tap your card without indicating exactly where is surprisingly high.

I've seen one, don't remember what store, where the video screen came up with a "swipe, insert or tap" message with the tap logo in it. It was bigger and more prominent than the logo on the actual spot to tap.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 23, 2024, 01:34:07 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 22, 2024, 02:29:26 PMNo help. I've disabled Microsoft Teams in the Task Manager Startup tab more than once, and it keeps re-enabling itself. Yesterday, I needed to restart Windows Explorer again and, when it restarted, Teams immediately popped open.

AARRGGHHHH

Looks like this is a recognized problem of fairly recent standing:

Stop having Microsoft Teams add itself to startup (https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msteams/forum/all/stop-having-microsoft-teams-add-itself-to-startup/cdc9f2c0-c0ea-41b7-9c96-bbb5ab8b5b92?page=2)

Unfortunately, no-one seems to have a good solution short of uninstalling Teams. If you can't do that but do not use Teams often (if at all) and have editing rights to the registry, I'd go with the registry change that prevents Teams from launching.

If you do use Teams and have access to the registry, an option to investigate is writing a batch file to remove it from the list of programs that run at startup and then creating a scheduled task to run that batch file every time you log out.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 23, 2024, 01:38:46 PM

Quote from: webny99 on February 23, 2024, 10:23:31 AM

Quote from: kphoger on February 23, 2024, 09:41:53 AM

Quote from: webny99 on February 22, 2024, 10:03:53 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 22, 2024, 08:52:31 PM
In my experience, customers ordering custom, long lead time products usually start demanding tracking numbers twelve minutes after they order it.

To the extent this was serious, if that's really happening, either ... or you're targeting the wrong type of customer.

The type who wants what he's selling and is ready to buy it from him?

If it's a long lead time, custom product and they're expecting tracking information immediately, that falls under the part that you conveniently snipped out.

I guess my real point was that annoying and demanding customers are still paying customers, and it might not be good business practice to avoid them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on February 23, 2024, 03:26:00 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 23, 2024, 01:38:46 PM
Quote from: webny99 on February 23, 2024, 10:23:31 AM

Quote from: kphoger on February 23, 2024, 09:41:53 AM

Quote from: webny99 on February 22, 2024, 10:03:53 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 22, 2024, 08:52:31 PM
In my experience, customers ordering custom, long lead time products usually start demanding tracking numbers twelve minutes after they order it.

To the extent this was serious, if that's really happening, either ... or you're targeting the wrong type of customer.

The type who wants what he's selling and is ready to buy it from him?

If it's a long lead time, custom product and they're expecting tracking information immediately, that falls under the part that you conveniently snipped out.

I guess my real point was that annoying and demanding customers are still paying customers, and it might not be good business practice to avoid them.

I guess I was thinking about it, as previously stated, from a B2B perspective, but this is fair for B2C sales.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 23, 2024, 06:19:31 PM

With ecommerce in particular, you may not know whether a customer is annoying or demanding until after you have their money, anyway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on February 23, 2024, 11:05:33 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 21, 2024, 02:28:09 PM
I got a garlic press this year for Christmas and will never cut garlic again.

The late Anthony Bourdain's opinion of that, in his book Kitchen Confidential: "Misuse of garlic is a crime. Old garlic, burnt garlic, garlic cut too long ago, garlic that has been tragically smashed through one of those abominations, the garlic press, are all disgusting. Please, treat your garlic with respect. Sliver it for pasta, like you saw in Goodfellas, don't burn it. Smash it, with the flat of your knife blade if you like, but don't put it through a press. I don't know what that junk is that squeezes out the end of those things, but it ain't garlic... Avoid at all costs that vile spew you see rotting in oil in screw-top jars. Too lazy to peel fresh? You don't deserve to eat garlic."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 24, 2024, 12:08:35 AM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on February 23, 2024, 11:05:33 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 21, 2024, 02:28:09 PM
I got a garlic press this year for Christmas and will never cut garlic again.

The late Anthony Bourdain's opinion of that, in his book Kitchen Confidential: "Misuse of garlic is a crime. Old garlic, burnt garlic, garlic cut too long ago, garlic that has been tragically smashed through one of those abominations, the garlic press, are all disgusting. Please, treat your garlic with respect. Sliver it for pasta, like you saw in Goodfellas, don't burn it. Smash it, with the flat of your knife blade if you like, but don't put it through a press. I don't know what that junk is that squeezes out the end of those things, but it ain't garlic... Avoid at all costs that vile spew you see rotting in oil in screw-top jars. Too lazy to peel fresh? You don't deserve to eat garlic."

Anthony Bourdain is the person in this world that I've never met who has had the most impact on my life. On the topic of garlic presses, he and I agree to disagree.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 24, 2024, 08:22:18 AM

I have a garlic press I use frequently (and it came with one of those roller things that is surprisingly effective at peeling the garlic, something with which I had always had trouble), but I don't always use the press. It depends on how I want to use the garlic. Last night I was cooking shrimp and I wanted to use the garlic to flavor the oil, so I sliced it instead of using the press because the pressed garlic would have cooked too quickly without adequately flavoring the oil before the shrimp went in.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 26, 2024, 01:58:02 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 22, 2024, 10:32:42 AM

Quote from: Rothman on February 21, 2024, 11:31:48 PM
Well, as long as you just want to use your available space just to keep stuff around, so be it.

They're flat things. They take up about a foot of storage space under the sink, total. I think we'll be OK.

I counted and measured. I've got somewhere around 20 cutting boards, and they only take up 8 inches of under-sink storage.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 26, 2024, 02:07:47 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 14, 2024, 03:22:06 PM
But this is the dumbest two person interaction I could have ever heard:

Person A: "How are we today?"
Person B: "We're great thanks. How are we?"
Person A: "We're great too."

I was out for dinner with my family Friday night. This was an order-at-the-counter, food-delivered-to-your-table kind of place. As we were sitting at the table, I told them about this whole "we" conversation.

Later, when most of us had finished our food, the young lady came over and asked, "Is it about time to start stealing some plates from us?"

We all had to bite our lips pretty hard.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 26, 2024, 02:08:58 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 26, 2024, 01:58:02 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 22, 2024, 10:32:42 AM

Quote from: Rothman on February 21, 2024, 11:31:48 PM
Well, as long as you just want to use your available space just to keep stuff around, so be it.

They're flat things. They take up about a foot of storage space under the sink, total. I think we'll be OK.

I counted and measured. I've got somewhere around 20 cutting boards, and they only take up 8 inches of under-sink storage.

What other stuff are you holding onto? Inches add up... :D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 26, 2024, 02:09:49 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 26, 2024, 02:07:47 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 14, 2024, 03:22:06 PM
But this is the dumbest two person interaction I could have ever heard:

Person A: "How are we today?"
Person B: "We're great thanks. How are we?"
Person A: "We're great too."

I was out for dinner with my family Friday night. This was an order-at-the-counter, food-delivered-to-your-table kind of place. As we were sitting at the table, I told them about this whole "we" conversation.

Later, when most of us had finished our food, the young lady came over and asked, "Is it about time to start stealing some plates from us?"

We all had to bite our lips pretty hard.

"If you insist..."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 26, 2024, 02:10:00 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 24, 2024, 12:08:35 AM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on February 23, 2024, 11:05:33 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 21, 2024, 02:28:09 PM
I got a garlic press this year for Christmas and will never cut garlic again.

The late Anthony Bourdain's opinion of that, in his book Kitchen Confidential: "Misuse of garlic is a crime. Old garlic, burnt garlic, garlic cut too long ago, garlic that has been tragically smashed through one of those abominations, the garlic press, are all disgusting. Please, treat your garlic with respect. Sliver it for pasta, like you saw in Goodfellas, don't burn it. Smash it, with the flat of your knife blade if you like, but don't put it through a press. I don't know what that junk is that squeezes out the end of those things, but it ain't garlic... Avoid at all costs that vile spew you see rotting in oil in screw-top jars. Too lazy to peel fresh? You don't deserve to eat garlic."

Anthony Bourdain is the person in this world that I've never met who has had the most impact on my life. On the topic of garlic presses, he and I agree to disagree.

The only time I need garlic that's smaller than what I can cut by hand is if I'm making garlic butter. The only time I need to make garlic butter is to make garlic toast. Whenever we decide to have garlic toast, we just buy a loaf at the grocery store with the garlic butter already on it. Ergo, I never use the garlic press.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 26, 2024, 02:38:13 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 26, 2024, 02:10:00 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 24, 2024, 12:08:35 AM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on February 23, 2024, 11:05:33 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 21, 2024, 02:28:09 PM
I got a garlic press this year for Christmas and will never cut garlic again.

The late Anthony Bourdain's opinion of that, in his book Kitchen Confidential: "Misuse of garlic is a crime. Old garlic, burnt garlic, garlic cut too long ago, garlic that has been tragically smashed through one of those abominations, the garlic press, are all disgusting. Please, treat your garlic with respect. Sliver it for pasta, like you saw in Goodfellas, don't burn it. Smash it, with the flat of your knife blade if you like, but don't put it through a press. I don't know what that junk is that squeezes out the end of those things, but it ain't garlic... Avoid at all costs that vile spew you see rotting in oil in screw-top jars. Too lazy to peel fresh? You don't deserve to eat garlic."

Anthony Bourdain is the person in this world that I've never met who has had the most impact on my life. On the topic of garlic presses, he and I agree to disagree.

The only time I need garlic that's smaller than what I can cut by hand is if I'm making garlic butter. The only time I need to make garlic butter is to make garlic toast. Whenever we decide to have garlic toast, we just buy a loaf at the grocery store with the garlic butter already on it. Ergo, I never use the garlic press.

Last night I was making this cod recipe (https://www.themediterraneandish.com/baked-cod-recipe-lemon-garlic/)* that calls for five minced cloves of garlic. It gets mixed in with lemon juice, olive oil, and melted butter and then poured over the fish, so I didn't see any reason to spend the time mincing the cloves when I could just use the press and get smaller pieces of garlic in a lot less time.

*Note, the linked page is one of those that has way too much introductory text prior to the actual recipe itself.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on February 26, 2024, 02:44:19 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 26, 2024, 01:58:02 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 22, 2024, 10:32:42 AM

Quote from: Rothman on February 21, 2024, 11:31:48 PM
Well, as long as you just want to use your available space just to keep stuff around, so be it.

They're flat things. They take up about a foot of storage space under the sink, total. I think we'll be OK.

I counted and measured. I've got somewhere around 20 cutting boards, and they only take up 8 inches of under-sink storage.

14, but that includes a couple that are wood and more for serving than cutting. 6" width in an upper cabinet.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 26, 2024, 03:11:09 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on February 26, 2024, 02:38:13 PM
Last night I was making this cod recipe (https://www.themediterraneandish.com/baked-cod-recipe-lemon-garlic/)* that calls for five minced cloves of garlic. It gets mixed in with lemon juice, olive oil, and melted butter and then poured over the fish, so I didn't see any reason to spend the time mincing the cloves when I could just use the press and get smaller pieces of garlic in a lot less time.

Five cloves of garlic? That's just a normal recipe for me. Almost nothing I make gets less than three. I'm no superstar with a knife, but I don't find cutting garlic to take very long to begin with. ymmv

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on February 26, 2024, 03:23:31 PM

I slivered five cloves of garlic (Goodfellas-style) yesterday for bean soup. I can see that taking a bit longer than using a press, but the knife was dead easy to clean--I just rubbed the blade once on each side under running water.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 26, 2024, 03:29:34 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on February 26, 2024, 03:23:31 PM
I slivered five cloves of garlic (Goodfellas-style) yesterday for bean soup. I can see that taking a bit longer than using a press, but the knife was dead easy to clean--I just rubbed the blade once on each side under running water.

That's the thing. Any time I gain over chopping is more than made up for in time spent cleaning the press.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 26, 2024, 05:37:20 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 26, 2024, 03:29:34 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on February 26, 2024, 03:23:31 PM
I slivered five cloves of garlic (Goodfellas-style) yesterday for bean soup. I can see that taking a bit longer than using a press, but the knife was dead easy to clean--I just rubbed the blade once on each side under running water.

That's the thing. Any time I gain over chopping is more than made up for in time spent cleaning the press.

The press takes me about 15 seconds to clean or so. Maybe you guys just have crappy garlic presses.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on February 27, 2024, 11:32:15 PM

Once again, my PC is hindering my ability to scan, cut, copy, and paste.

It may be time for a new mouse.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on February 27, 2024, 11:54:07 PM

Mouses are pretty cheap.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 28, 2024, 06:07:51 AM

From RogerEbert.com:

Streaming Ads Are So Much Worse Than Traditional Ad Breaks

QuoteI have Spectrum Wi-Fi and cable service at home, and it offers "free" on-demand movies, so I called one of them up recently: "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." Spoiler alert for anyone who hasn't seen this 15-year-old film: Towards the end, the beloved wizard Dumbledore is killed by his colleague Severus Snape while the hero looks on in horror. There's more to that bit of story than initially meets the eye, but what's important to know here is that it's one of the all-time mass culture downers, up there with the deaths of Bambi's mother, Simba's dad, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and half the population of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I was looking forward to wallowing in the doom-and-gloominess of Dumbledore tumbling into the abyss.

But it wasn't possible because as soon as he started falling, the movie cut to an ad for PetSmart.

I've seen this happen with increasing regularity while watching films and TV shows on streaming platforms, whether it's cable TV or Amazon's FreeVee (formerly IMDb TV). I first noticed how bad it had gotten while watching "Columbo" reruns on the latter service during the pandemic semi-lockdown of 2020. Ads would just appear, seemingly at random, often cutting off Columbo or his quarry in the middle of a monologue. Then I noticed it happening during on-demand content across platforms, including YouTube, and not just with visual content: Sometimes you'll be listening to a full album and ads will appear in the middle of songs. It even happens on the official YouTube channels of record labels.

FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2u6)

And often, it's the same ad... over.... and over....

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 28, 2024, 07:22:32 AM

Because, of course, having a human put an ad in a place where it wouldn't disrupt the flow of the story would cost, like, twenty bucks. Won't someone think of the poor, poor, defenseless, innocent dollars?!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on February 28, 2024, 08:05:05 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 28, 2024, 07:22:32 AM
Because, of course, having a human put an ad in a place where it wouldn't disrupt the flow of the story would cost, like, twenty bucks. Won't someone think of the poor, poor, defenseless, innocent dollars?!

The uploader has the option to put ad breaks at specific points. For many videos, when listening to a classical piece with several movements, the ad breaks will be between movements. It's just that sometimes the uploader just doesn't care.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 28, 2024, 08:18:05 AM

Quote from: 1 on February 28, 2024, 08:05:05 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 28, 2024, 07:22:32 AM
Because, of course, having a human put an ad in a place where it wouldn't disrupt the flow of the story would cost, like, twenty bucks. Won't someone think of the poor, poor, defenseless, innocent dollars?!

The uploader has the option to put ad breaks at specific points. For many videos, when listening to a classical piece with several movements, the ad breaks will be between movements. It's just that sometimes the uploader just doesn't care.

On YouTube, yeah. (One YouTuber I watch regularly does his viewers the kindness of manually placing his ad breaks at 0:00 and at the very end of the video, and I've noticed Road Guy Rob places his in sensible locations where they don't interrupt the flow of the video more than necessary.) But the article author was streaming full-length movies on an on-demand service operated by his cable provider. Presumably anyone uploading a film to such a service would be a paid employee of whichever company uploads it, and we should expect better out of them than someone uploading free to watch Let's Plays to YouTube.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on February 28, 2024, 09:23:17 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on February 28, 2024, 06:07:51 AM
From RogerEbert.com:

Streaming Ads Are So Much Worse Than Traditional Ad Breaks
QuoteI have Spectrum Wi-Fi and cable service at home, and it offers "free" on-demand movies, so I called one of them up recently: "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." Spoiler alert for anyone who hasn't seen this 15-year-old film: Towards the end, the beloved wizard Dumbledore is killed by his colleague Severus Snape while the hero looks on in horror. There's more to that bit of story than initially meets the eye, but what's important to know here is that it's one of the all-time mass culture downers, up there with the deaths of Bambi's mother, Simba's dad, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and half the population of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I was looking forward to wallowing in the doom-and-gloominess of Dumbledore tumbling into the abyss.

But it wasn't possible because as soon as he started falling, the movie cut to an ad for PetSmart.

I've seen this happen with increasing regularity while watching films and TV shows on streaming platforms, whether it's cable TV or Amazon's FreeVee (formerly IMDb TV). I first noticed how bad it had gotten while watching "Columbo" reruns on the latter service during the pandemic semi-lockdown of 2020. Ads would just appear, seemingly at random, often cutting off Columbo or his quarry in the middle of a monologue. Then I noticed it happening during on-demand content across platforms, including YouTube, and not just with visual content: Sometimes you'll be listening to a full album and ads will appear in the middle of songs. It even happens on the official YouTube channels of record labels.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2u6)

It's not only streaming services (into which I have not yet taken the plunge). H&I cable notoriously shoves in an additional commercial break near the end of the last act of a show, often ruining any viewer reaction to a climactic event. They do it with every Star Trek episode they air (that's all I watch on H&I; I can only assume they do the same with other shows). Even MeTV, generally the least offensive with regard to chopping up older TV shows to add more commercial time, adds additional breaks in the middle of acts.

Quote from: 1 on February 28, 2024, 08:05:05 AM
The uploader has the option to put ad breaks at specific points. For many videos, when listening to a classical piece with several movements, the ad breaks will be between movements. It's just that sometimes the uploader just doesn't care.

Or: They know the middle of a climactic moment is when the viewer is most likely to stay glued to the screen and not leave to go pee or rummage through the refrigerator during the break. I wouldn't be surprised if cable and streaming charge a premium for those ad slots.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 28, 2024, 10:53:08 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 28, 2024, 07:22:32 AMBecause, of course, having a human put an ad in a place where it wouldn't disrupt the flow of the story would cost, like, twenty bucks. Won't someone think of the poor, poor, defenseless, innocent dollars?!

I am reminded of the fact that if you aren't paying for a service, then you are the product for advertisers. Given the human mentality for wanting "somethin' for nothin'..."

Quote from: wanderer2575 on February 28, 2024, 09:23:17 AMIt's not only streaming services (into which I have not yet taken the plunge). H&I cable notoriously shoves in an additional commercial break near the end of the last act of a show, often ruining any viewer reaction to a climactic event. They do it with every Star Trek episode they air (that's all I watch on H&I; I can only assume they do the same with other shows). Even MeTV, generally the least offensive with regard to chopping up older TV shows to add more commercial time, adds additional breaks in the middle of acts.

Once again, a case for owning the physical media rather than relying on streaming services or syndication. Especially syndication where they remove content from shows and movies in favor of more commercials.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 28, 2024, 11:03:40 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on February 28, 2024, 10:53:08 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 28, 2024, 07:22:32 AMBecause, of course, having a human put an ad in a place where it wouldn't disrupt the flow of the story would cost, like, twenty bucks. Won't someone think of the poor, poor, defenseless, innocent dollars?!

I am reminded of the fact that if you aren't paying for a service, then you are the product for advertisers. Given the human mentality for wanting "somethin' for nothin'..."

But the guy in the article is paying for the service. They're just double dipping on him with ads on top of that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 28, 2024, 11:08:01 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 28, 2024, 11:03:40 AM
But the guy in the article is paying for the service. They're just double dipping on him with ads on top of that.

Sounds like what cable TV has been like my entire life. You pay for the service, and you also get ads.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 28, 2024, 11:30:10 AM

Quote from: kphoger on February 28, 2024, 11:08:01 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 28, 2024, 11:03:40 AM
But the guy in the article is paying for the service. They're just double dipping on him with ads on top of that.

Sounds like what cable TV has been like my entire life. You pay for the service, and you also get ads.

Which is part of the reason why cable TV has never been appealing to me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 28, 2024, 01:19:20 PM

Quote from: kphoger on February 28, 2024, 11:08:01 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 28, 2024, 11:03:40 AM
But the guy in the article is paying for the service. They're just double dipping on him with ads on top of that.

Sounds like what cable TV has been like my entire life. You pay for the service, and you also get ads.

Early, early on, cable was billed as ad-free TV. By the time I remember watching it -- 1985-86, there were commercials for sure.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: elsmere241 on February 28, 2024, 01:27:08 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 28, 2024, 01:19:20 PM
Early, early on, cable was billed as ad-free TV. By the time I remember watching it -- 1985-86, there were commercials for sure.

And my local cable company was not only inserting its own commercials, but occasionally muting commercials that came in.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on February 28, 2024, 02:25:03 PM

Quote from: kkt on February 27, 2024, 11:54:07 PM
Mouses are pretty cheap.

A few years ago, I wasn't able to find any good usable hard-wired mice locally and had to special order one.

GRRrrr r r . . .

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on February 28, 2024, 02:55:32 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on February 28, 2024, 10:53:08 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on February 28, 2024, 09:23:17 AMIt's not only streaming services (into which I have not yet taken the plunge). H&I cable notoriously shoves in an additional commercial break near the end of the last act of a show, often ruining any viewer reaction to a climactic event. They do it with every Star Trek episode they air (that's all I watch on H&I; I can only assume they do the same with other shows). Even MeTV, generally the least offensive with regard to chopping up older TV shows to add more commercial time, adds additional breaks in the middle of acts.

Once again, a case for owning the physical media rather than relying on streaming services or syndication. Especially syndication where they remove content from shows and movies in favor of more commercials.

Ya know... After I posted that, I was thinking I should post my own "minor thing that bothers me" and it's something I do to myself: I own so many of these old shows and movies on DVD and yet I often watch them on TV with the cuts and the commercials. It's just my own laziness that, if I'm flipping through the channels and see something I like, I can't be bothered to stand up and get the DVD and put it into the machine. It's not so bad when I haven't seen the uncut original so I don't know what I'm missing. But, for example, I know my Twilight Zones and I shout at the TV when stuff gets cut, and yet there I still sit. (I do have my limits; I won't watch the New Year's marathons on SyFy because that's where they get butchered the most and I would pop a neck vein.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on February 28, 2024, 04:42:11 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on February 28, 2024, 10:53:08 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 28, 2024, 07:22:32 AMBecause, of course, having a human put an ad in a place where it wouldn't disrupt the flow of the story would cost, like, twenty bucks. Won't someone think of the poor, poor, defenseless, innocent dollars?!

I am reminded of the fact that if you aren't paying for a service, then you are the product for advertisers. Given the human mentality for wanting "somethin' for nothin'..."

Quote from: wanderer2575 on February 28, 2024, 09:23:17 AMIt's not only streaming services (into which I have not yet taken the plunge). H&I cable notoriously shoves in an additional commercial break near the end of the last act of a show, often ruining any viewer reaction to a climactic event. They do it with every Star Trek episode they air (that's all I watch on H&I; I can only assume they do the same with other shows). Even MeTV, generally the least offensive with regard to chopping up older TV shows to add more commercial time, adds additional breaks in the middle of acts.

Once again, a case for owning the physical media rather than relying on streaming services or syndication. Especially syndication where they remove content from shows and movies in favor of more commercials.

Most of the disc producers are still putting their ads at the very beginning and not preventing fast forwarding them. So far, fingers crossed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on February 28, 2024, 07:58:04 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on February 28, 2024, 02:55:32 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on February 28, 2024, 10:53:08 AMOnce again, a case for owning the physical media rather than relying on streaming services or syndication. Especially syndication where they remove content from shows and movies in favor of more commercials.

Ya know... After I posted that, I was thinking I should post my own "minor thing that bothers me" and it's something I do to myself: I own so many of these old shows and movies on DVD and yet I often watch them on TV with the cuts and the commercials.

Which is why I ended up ripping my physical media collection and putting them on a media server... to make it easier to watch those shows and movies, albeit in a two-channel sound.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on February 28, 2024, 08:37:47 PM

Quote from: kkt on February 27, 2024, 11:54:07 PM
Mouses

That doesn't sound right.

Quote from: mgk920 on February 28, 2024, 02:25:03 PM
mice

That doesn't sound right, either.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on February 29, 2024, 05:19:56 AM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on February 28, 2024, 08:37:47 PM
Quote from: kkt on February 27, 2024, 11:54:07 PM
Mouses

That doesn't sound right.

Quote from: mgk920 on February 28, 2024, 02:25:03 PM
mice

That doesn't sound right, either.

meese

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on February 29, 2024, 06:59:51 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on February 29, 2024, 05:19:56 AM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on February 28, 2024, 08:37:47 PM
Quote from: kkt on February 27, 2024, 11:54:07 PM
Mouses

That doesn't sound right.

Quote from: mgk920 on February 28, 2024, 02:25:03 PM
mice

That doesn't sound right, either.

meese

Vermin

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on February 29, 2024, 08:46:33 AM

Quote from: Rothman on February 29, 2024, 06:59:51 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 29, 2024, 05:19:56 AM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on February 28, 2024, 08:37:47 PM
Quote from: kkt on February 27, 2024, 11:54:07 PM
Mouses

That doesn't sound right.

Quote from: mgk920 on February 28, 2024, 02:25:03 PM
mice

That doesn't sound right, either.

meese
Vermin

Mousi

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on February 29, 2024, 09:19:38 AM

Quote
Early, early on, cable was billed as ad-free TV. By the time I remember watching it -- 1985-86, there were commercials for sure.

When Cartoon Network expanded with the Boomerang Channel, it was originally commercial free, albeit with short Boomerang IDs or skits in lieu of where commercial breaks would air. Those were the days!

Quote from: wanderer2575 on February 29, 2024, 08:46:33 AM
Quote from: Rothman on February 29, 2024, 06:59:51 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 29, 2024, 05:19:56 AM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on February 28, 2024, 08:37:47 PM
Quote from: kkt on February 27, 2024, 11:54:07 PM
Mouses

That doesn't sound right.

Quote from: mgk920 on February 28, 2024, 02:25:03 PM
mice

That doesn't sound right, either.

meese
Vermin

Mousi

Le Mousse.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on February 29, 2024, 10:03:45 AM

Quote from: kkt on February 27, 2024, 11:54:07 PM
Mouses are pretty cheap.

True. It's often harder to find one that isn't a remote mouse though.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: elsmere241 on February 29, 2024, 10:22:44 AM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on February 29, 2024, 10:03:45 AM
Quote from: kkt on February 27, 2024, 11:54:07 PM
Mouses are pretty cheap.

True. It's often harder to find one that isn't a remote mouse though.

I got a new laptop recently that didn't come with a mouse. Because I have two other laptops (one is for work) I asked my wife (who works at Staples) to get me a wired mouse. No one at Staples could understand why.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 29, 2024, 10:26:06 AM

Quote from: Rothman on February 29, 2024, 06:59:51 AM
Vermin

I need to remember that one. :-D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 29, 2024, 10:59:43 AM

Quote from: elsmere241 on February 29, 2024, 10:22:44 AM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on February 29, 2024, 10:03:45 AM
Quote from: kkt on February 27, 2024, 11:54:07 PM
Mouses are pretty cheap.

True. It's often harder to find one that isn't a remote mouse though.

I got a new laptop recently that didn't come with a mouse. Because I have two other laptops (one is for work) I asked my wife (who works at Staples) to get me a wired mouse. No one at Staples could understand why.

Did I miss in this thread why you prefer a wired one?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on February 29, 2024, 11:09:54 AM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 29, 2024, 10:59:43 AM
Did I miss in this thread why you prefer a wired one?

I do too. The battery never goes dead, and there's never a lost connection.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 29, 2024, 11:14:28 AM

Quote from: kphoger on February 29, 2024, 11:09:54 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 29, 2024, 10:59:43 AM
Did I miss in this thread why you prefer a wired one?

I do too. The battery never goes dead, and there's never a lost connection.

I, sadly, have enough wires around my mouse area, so I'm glad I have a wireless (vertical) mouse, which I've never lost connection to other than a battery issue. I have a USB hub with various chargers (headphones, watch, a wireless pad for my phone, etc.), so one less wire is welcome.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on February 29, 2024, 11:20:19 AM

Quote from: kphoger on February 29, 2024, 11:09:54 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 29, 2024, 10:59:43 AM
Did I miss in this thread why you prefer a wired one?

I do too. The battery never goes dead, and there's never a lost connection.

The battery always seems to go dead at the least convenient time - want to print out my tickets to a show and need to get out the door to get to our dinner reservations?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on February 29, 2024, 11:22:25 AM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on February 29, 2024, 10:03:45 AM
Quote from: kkt on February 27, 2024, 11:54:07 PM
Mouses are pretty cheap.

True. It's often harder to find one that isn't a remote mouse though.

Finding a wired one that's suitable for left-handed use is even more difficult. (I'm not left-handed, but I use my left hand to control the mouse.) I have a wireless mouse for my personal PC but am required to use a wired mouse for work and I didn't like the one they provided me (too small for my hand and the buttons sometimes seemed unresponsive). Only downside of getting my own is that while it works without installing a driver, if I want to be able to program the buttons, I have to install the software that came with it and that means having IT remote in to do it, which isn't worth the trouble.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: elsmere241 on February 29, 2024, 11:28:18 AM

Quote from: kphoger on February 29, 2024, 11:09:54 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 29, 2024, 10:59:43 AM
Did I miss in this thread why you prefer a wired one?

I do too. The battery never goes dead, and there's never a lost connection.

And with as many as three laptops on my desk, I don't want to deal with crossed connections.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on February 29, 2024, 01:24:21 PM

Quote from: elsmere241 on February 29, 2024, 11:28:18 AM
And with as many as three laptops on my desk, I don't want to deal with crossed connections.

My wife seldom uses her mouse, so often it gets left in the office. I took my computer in there and started moving her mouse around on the desk and wondered why it didn't work.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on February 29, 2024, 03:14:23 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on February 29, 2024, 08:46:33 AM
Quote from: Rothman on February 29, 2024, 06:59:51 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 29, 2024, 05:19:56 AM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on February 28, 2024, 08:37:47 PM
Quote from: kkt on February 27, 2024, 11:54:07 PM
Mouses

That doesn't sound right.

Quote from: mgk920 on February 28, 2024, 02:25:03 PM
mice

That doesn't sound right, either.

meese
Vermin

Mousi

This made me remember that Plurals thread we had a few years ago, including using Latin/Greek declensions ad absurdum (e.g. an explosion, a full battle of "explosia", and an entire war worth of "explosiae").

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on February 29, 2024, 08:55:31 PM

I just realized that it's probably not the mouse. It's the stupid Microsoft update. They screwed me up the same way a few months ago. I'm going to see if I can set this PC back to an earlier date.

UPDATE; MARCH 1, 2024; Okay, now things are even worse. I can't make blended photos anymore. If I try to add one to the right side of the other, it posts the second photo on top of the first one and doesn't let me move it off to the side. On top of that, when I clicked the bold type button on this post, it gave me two sets of markups, not one.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 01, 2024, 10:52:41 AM

1. When you click on a taskbar icon to open the program, then it doesn't do anything for a while, so you click to open it again, and then a minute later two windows of the same program pop open.

2. When you double-click a desktop icon to open the program, but for some reason it doesn't open. I've started triple-clicking just to avoid this.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kurumi on March 01, 2024, 12:07:26 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 01, 2024, 10:52:41 AM
1. When you click on a taskbar icon to open the program, then it doesn't do anything for a while, so you click to open it again, and then a minute later two windows of the same program pop open.

Related: you launch a program that's slow to open, but you know this, so you go work on something else. As soon as the slowpoke app is ready, it interrupts you, opens a top-level window, and grabs your keyboard focus.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 01, 2024, 12:54:11 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 01, 2024, 10:52:41 AM
...

2. When you double-click a desktop icon to open the program, but for some reason it doesn't open. I've started triple-clicking just to avoid this.

I find double-clicking annoying and inconsistent enough that I often right-click and then use the pop-up menu, or I click once and hit "Enter" on the keyboard. For the most part I tend not to open programs like Word or Excel directly anyway—I open a document that then causes the appropriate program to open. Related to that, it means that sometimes it's important to use the right-click menu if I want to revise a document template (.dotx file) or other file for which the default option is to create a new document based on it, rather than editing the file itself.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on March 01, 2024, 02:08:02 PM

There are a few websites I use regularly that suppress all signals a page is loading when you click on a link. One of them even requires a double, rather than a single, click to follow a link. These often reduce me to using net logging (F12 in both Firefox and Chrome) just to verify that the click event has been sent to the server.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 01, 2024, 04:18:00 PM

There's this ticket system I use at work. First I have to choose the company name from a dropdown, then I have to choose the region from another dropdown, then the ticket type from another dropdown, and so on. Those first two have to be done in order. But the company name dropdown is in a field halfway down the rightmost column, and the region dropdown is at the bottom of the center column. This bothers me. They should up at the top-left.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on March 01, 2024, 08:29:25 PM

I just tried to revert the problems with the system restore function. My browsers are still crashing, and now my iTunes app doesn't work.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on March 01, 2024, 09:12:39 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 01, 2024, 10:52:41 AM
1. When you click on a taskbar icon to open the program, then it doesn't do anything for a while, so you click to open it again, and then a minute later two windows of the same program pop open.

2. When you double-click a desktop icon to open the program, but for some reason it doesn't open. I've started triple-clicking just to avoid this.

I once worked for a company where when I tried to click on a certain application, the computer would crash or freeze at least once or twice a week, where I would have to contact one of the owners to fix the issue.

Then these owners (who I later found out used shady tactics for a lot of their operations) later had the GALL to scold me and telling me that" double-clicking" the app when starting it, and any icons within the app would cause the computer to crash, and then I MUST ONLY SINGLE-CLICK ICONS IN THE COMPUTER.

Then when I would start single-clicking everything, the computer would still freeze/crash on a regular basis. Not long after that I was fired (still collected unemployment as the state agreed that they had no basis on firing me -- more like they tried to get me to quit, but I trudged on despite the toxic environment).

I'd be willing to bet that they were using pirated copies of El Cheapo software, as they were such shiesters!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on March 04, 2024, 08:42:16 AM

The alienation of the customer continues at HP. From SOURCE:

HP is in the rent-a-printer business now
You already barely own your printer, anyway, but is renting it better?

QuoteHP has a new proposition in a time when (companies like it have made sure) you don't really control much about your computer anyway: why don't you just let HP rent you one? The company debuted a subscription service today — just like CEO Enrique Lores said it would last month — called the HP All-In Plan. It's essentially an extension of HP's Instant Ink, and like that plan, you'll have ink sent to you as you approach empty, but unlike it, your monthly fee also covers the printer itself.

Which printer you get depends on the plan you choose. They start at $6.99 per month for 20 pages' worth of prints and whatever the current HP Envy model is, and go all the way up to a $35.99-a-month affair that gets you an OfficeJet Pro and 700 pages. If you go over your page allotment, HP will add more for a dollar per block of 10–15 pages.

FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/2/24088867/hp-all-in-plan-printer-rental-instant-ink)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 04, 2024, 10:05:44 AM

When you're texting or DMing someone and ask them a question that you need the answer to in order to do something else, and then that point happens to be when they stop responding because they're doing something else.

And then when they get back it's long enough that the conversation starts with the pleasantries ("good morning", etc) and they don't acknowledge the question the previous conversation left off on, so you have to awkwardly ask it again.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 04, 2024, 10:53:51 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 04, 2024, 10:05:44 AM
When you're texting or DMing someone and ask them a question that you need the answer to in order to do something else, and then that point happens to be when they stop responding because they're doing something else.

And then when they get back it's long enough that the conversation starts with the pleasantries ("good morning", etc) and they don't acknowledge the question the previous conversation left off on, so you have to awkwardly ask it again.

Are you shadowing my screen at work? This sounds like my life.

Until entering this industry, I had no idea how bad tech people were at getting back to you. In the restaurant world, you at least got a "Heard". I get radio silence for months sometimes despite bi-weekly follow ups.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on March 04, 2024, 03:12:40 PM

Autofill unloading after one extra keystroke as you go to hit ENTER, so you end up searching for "butt" instead of "butterscotch sundaes" when there was no reason for it to remove the autofill.

Fast food restaurants wanting a name for your order. I don't think it improves quality of service from a customer perspective and it's one more question that cashiers have to ask you to repeat because they didn't hear it correctly.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on March 04, 2024, 03:40:11 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 04, 2024, 03:12:40 PM
Autofill unloading after one extra keystroke as you go to hit ENTER, so you end up searching for "butt" instead of "butterscotch sundaes" when there was no reason for it to remove the autofill.

Fast food restaurants wanting a name for your order. I don't think it improves quality of service from a customer perspective and it's one more question that cashiers have to ask you to repeat because they didn't hear it correctly.

But if they give out numbers, some customers will forget their number by the time their food is ready.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 04, 2024, 04:03:20 PM

Quote from: kkt on March 04, 2024, 03:40:11 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 04, 2024, 03:12:40 PM
Autofill unloading after one extra keystroke as you go to hit ENTER, so you end up searching for "butt" instead of "butterscotch sundaes" when there was no reason for it to remove the autofill.

Fast food restaurants wanting a name for your order. I don't think it improves quality of service from a customer perspective and it's one more question that cashiers have to ask you to repeat because they didn't hear it correctly.

But if they give out numbers, some customers will forget their number by the time their food is ready.

Also, our ears can pick our own name out of the din more easily than anything else.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on March 04, 2024, 05:02:10 PM

The fast-food restaurants I use regularly for takeout (always from the inside, never the drive-thru) all use numbers. That is what I prefer, especially since, like most deaf people, I struggle with consistent phoneme production, meaning that what I intend to say bears little resemblance to what an hearing person hears: once I had a coffee waiting for "Steve." Unless I am already familiar with the restaurant and its point-of-sale procedures, I may not even recognize when I am being asked to supply a name: thus I have been "Yellow Shirt."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on March 04, 2024, 05:05:00 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 04, 2024, 03:12:40 PM
Fast food restaurants wanting a name for your order. I don't think it improves quality of service from a customer perspective and it's one more question that cashiers have to ask you to repeat because they didn't hear it correctly.

Next time, just tell them your name is "Poiponen".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 04, 2024, 05:08:47 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on March 04, 2024, 05:02:10 PM
The fast-food restaurants I use regularly for takeout (always from the inside, never the drive-thru) all use numbers. That is what I prefer, especially since, like most deaf people, I struggle with consistent phoneme production, meaning that what I intend to say bears little resemblance to what an hearing person hears: once I had a coffee waiting for "Steve." Unless I am already familiar with the restaurant and its point-of-sale procedures, I may not even recognize when I am being asked to supply a name: thus I have been "Yellow Shirt."

Cool nickname, bro. :D

Heck, I'd probably just always wear a yellow shirt -- easier than interaction with fast food workers even for hearing persons.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 04, 2024, 05:24:57 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on March 04, 2024, 05:02:10 PM
The fast-food restaurants I use regularly for takeout (always from the inside, never the drive-thru) all use numbers. That is what I prefer, especially since, like most deaf people, I struggle with consistent phoneme production, meaning that what I intend to say bears little resemblance to what an hearing person hears: once I had a coffee waiting for "Steve." Unless I am already familiar with the restaurant and its point-of-sale procedures, I may not even recognize when I am being asked to supply a name: thus I have been "Yellow Shirt."

Yes, I like numbers.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on March 04, 2024, 05:37:46 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on March 04, 2024, 05:02:10 PM
The fast-food restaurants I use regularly for takeout (always from the inside, never the drive-thru) all use numbers. That is what I prefer, especially since, like most deaf people, I struggle with consistent phoneme production, meaning that what I intend to say bears little resemblance to what an hearing person hears: once I had a coffee waiting for "Steve." Unless I am already familiar with the restaurant and its point-of-sale procedures, I may not even recognize when I am being asked to supply a name: thus I have been "Yellow Shirt."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWfaiTLPUKQ

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on March 04, 2024, 05:39:02 PM

I have a speech impediment, so saying John sometimes comes across as saying Don. Then they get on my case if the names don't match.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 04, 2024, 07:20:14 PM

Quote from: Big John on March 04, 2024, 05:39:02 PM
I have a speech impediment, so saying John sometimes comes across as saying Don. Then they get on my case if the names don't match.

Can't you just come up with a fake name that you use just for that type of situation?

King of like how, if I'm at a party where everyone gets a red Solo cup (I lift you up) and a Sharpie, I always write "Orlando" on mine.

Also, I feel like this is a good time to re-post this receipt, which I got in March 2020:

(https://i.imgur.com/ml6a9Es.jpg)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on March 04, 2024, 07:29:50 PM

Quote from: J N Winkler on March 04, 2024, 05:02:10 PMThe fast-food restaurants I use regularly for takeout (always from the inside, never the drive-thru) all use numbers.

Why not order from the smart phone app?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 04, 2024, 07:52:39 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 04, 2024, 07:20:14 PM
Quote from: Big John on March 04, 2024, 05:39:02 PM
I have a speech impediment, so saying John sometimes comes across as saying Don. Then they get on my case if the names don't match.

Can't you just come up with a fake name that you use just for that type of situation?

King of like how, if I'm at a party where everyone gets a red Solo cup (I lift you up) and a Sharpie, I always write "Orlando" on mine.

Also, I feel like this is a good time to re-post this receipt, which I got in March 2020:

(https://i.imgur.com/ml6a9Es.jpg)

Better than "Gavachos".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on March 04, 2024, 08:36:06 PM

I remember learning a decade or so back that that is not considered to be a slur used by Mexicans in Mexico to refer to those from north of the border, rather just a normal term. Am I correct, or is there more to that.

Interesting.

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on March 04, 2024, 08:41:37 PM

Another nice thing about numbers: you can see how the queue is moving. Not foolproof, but at least it's something. If you're 99 and 97 just got their order finished, you know that your order has good odds of being done soon. If, on the other hand, they just called 87, probably a good idea to find some light reading on your phone.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 04, 2024, 09:16:07 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on March 04, 2024, 08:36:06 PM
I remember learning a decade or so back that that is not considered to be a slur used by Mexicans in Mexico to refer to those from north of the border, rather just a normal term. Am I correct, or is there more to that.

In my experience, it's somewhere between offensive and inoffensive.

When I refer to myself as a gringo in mixed company in Mexico, there are an awkward five seconds during which the Mexicans look uneasily at each other while they try and figure out how to react, and then after those five seconds they shrug it off and smile.

The most uneasy situation, however, was when I was stopped at a military checkpoint on Carr. Fed. 40 approaching Saltillo from the west. A soldier wearing full camo, bullet-proof vest, face mask, and rifle had taken my passport back to her fellow soldiers for review while we waited on the shoulder. Through the open window, I heard her remark somewhat condescendingly to the others, "Gringos." I hoped that wouldn't bode ill. When she returned to our vehicle and handed back my passport, she pleasantly wished me a good trip—in English, no less. Still, for those couple of minutes...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 04, 2024, 09:30:34 PM

Quote from: vdeane on March 04, 2024, 08:41:37 PM
Another nice thing about numbers: you can see how the queue is moving. Not foolproof, but at least it's something. If you're 99 and 97 just got their order finished, you know that your order has good odds of being done soon. If, on the other hand, they just called 87, probably a good idea to find some light reading on your phone.

Usually, but not always. There was a place in downtown DC for many years, Ollie's Trolley, where they had a basket of numbers and they just gave you whatever the next one was—it bore no connection to numerical order because I might get 25 and then the next person to order might get 10. But the process worked fine in terms of getting you your order.

Regarding restaurant employees messing up names, there was a place around the corner from where I worked 20 years ago where the Spanish-speaking employees had trouble pronouncing my name, so I wound up just saying "Ricardo." That worked quite well, although I got funny looks from other customers when my name was called. Still much better than the time a guy at Fuddrucker's somehow managed to butcher it with typos by typing "4" instead of "R" and "8" instead of "I" so the ticket said "48CHA4D." The guy who had to call the names on the microphone was quite flummoxed by that but started laughing when I came up without him calling my name (because I saw the look on his face and knew whose order it had to be based on what was on my receipt).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on March 05, 2024, 12:25:58 AM

Quote from: 1995hoo on March 04, 2024, 09:30:34 PM
Quote from: vdeane on March 04, 2024, 08:41:37 PM
Another nice thing about numbers: you can see how the queue is moving. Not foolproof, but at least it's something. If you're 99 and 97 just got their order finished, you know that your order has good odds of being done soon. If, on the other hand, they just called 87, probably a good idea to find some light reading on your phone.

Usually, but not always. There was a place in downtown DC for many years, Ollie's Trolley, where they had a basket of numbers and they just gave you whatever the next one was—it bore no connection to numerical order because I might get 25 and then the next person to order might get 10. But the process worked fine in terms of getting you your order.

Regarding restaurant employees messing up names, there was a place around the corner from where I worked 20 years ago where the Spanish-speaking employees had trouble pronouncing my name, so I wound up just saying "Ricardo." That worked quite well, although I got funny looks from other customers when my name was called. Still much better than the time a guy at Fuddrucker's somehow managed to butcher it with typos by typing "4" instead of "R" and "8" instead of "I" so the ticket said "48CHA4D." The guy who had to call the names on the microphone was quite flummoxed by that but started laughing when I came up without him calling my name (because I saw the look on his face and knew whose order it had to be based on what was on my receipt).

A number of restaurants near me use a pile of numbers as well - "Noodles & Co." and "Slim Chickens" come to mind, where the cashier just grabs the closest plastic placard regardless of the number.

A few years back, at a different "Noodles" where they used names, somehow after I said "David", they heard "Vegan". Took a while for me to figure out it was my order they were calling. Ironic in that my order was definitely meat-based.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on March 05, 2024, 12:38:31 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 04, 2024, 09:16:07 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on March 04, 2024, 08:36:06 PM
I remember learning a decade or so back that that is not considered to be a slur used by Mexicans in Mexico to refer to those from north of the border, rather just a normal term. Am I correct, or is there more to that.

In my experience, it's somewhere between offensive and inoffensive.

When I refer to myself as a gringo in mixed company in Mexico, there are an awkward five seconds during which the Mexicans look uneasily at each other while they try and figure out how to react, and then after those five seconds they shrug it off and smile.

The most uneasy situation, however, was when I was stopped at a military checkpoint on Carr. Fed. 40 approaching Saltillo from the west. A soldier wearing full camo, bullet-proof vest, face mask, and rifle had taken my passport back to her fellow soldiers for review while we waited on the shoulder. Through the open window, I heard her remark somewhat condescendingly to the others, "Gringos." I hoped that wouldn't bode ill. When she returned to our vehicle and handed back my passport, she pleasantly wished me a good trip—in English, no less. Still, for those couple of minutes...

But does this term refer to anyone north of the border, or just White Americans?

Consider Dexter Holland, the lead singer of the Offspring. One of his side projects is a group of hot sauces called "Gringo Bandito." With a name like that, it seems like he's saying, "I'm probably the last person you'd expect to be an expert on hot sauces, but give it a try anyway." Someday I want to do that.

On a more personal level, I've never taken offense at Mexicans or others in Latin America referring to me as a "gringo." I've never been offended by Afro-Americans calling me a "honkey." And I've never been offended or felt threatened by residents of the Southern United States calling me a "Yankee."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on March 05, 2024, 06:12:26 AM

Quote from: D-Dey65 on March 05, 2024, 12:38:31 AM
Quote from: kphoger on March 04, 2024, 09:16:07 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on March 04, 2024, 08:36:06 PM
I remember learning a decade or so back that that is not considered to be a slur used by Mexicans in Mexico to refer to those from north of the border, rather just a normal term. Am I correct, or is there more to that.

In my experience, it's somewhere between offensive and inoffensive.

When I refer to myself as a gringo in mixed company in Mexico, there are an awkward five seconds during which the Mexicans look uneasily at each other while they try and figure out how to react, and then after those five seconds they shrug it off and smile.

The most uneasy situation, however, was when I was stopped at a military checkpoint on Carr. Fed. 40 approaching Saltillo from the west. A soldier wearing full camo, bullet-proof vest, face mask, and rifle had taken my passport back to her fellow soldiers for review while we waited on the shoulder. Through the open window, I heard her remark somewhat condescendingly to the others, "Gringos." I hoped that wouldn't bode ill. When she returned to our vehicle and handed back my passport, she pleasantly wished me a good trip—in English, no less. Still, for those couple of minutes...
But does this term refer to anyone north of the border, or just White Americans?

Consider Dexter Holland, the lead singer of the Offspring. One of his side projects is a group of hot sauces called "Gringo Bandito." With a name like that, it seems like he's saying, "I'm probably the last person you'd expect to be an expert on hot sauces, but give it a try anyway." Someday I want to do that.

On a more personal level, I've never taken offense at Mexicans or others in Latin America referring to me as a "gringo." I've never been offended by Afro-Americans calling me a "honkey." And I've never been offended or felt threatened by residents of the Southern United States calling me a "Yankee."

Amazing what a position of racial privilege allows.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 05, 2024, 01:09:15 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on March 04, 2024, 09:30:34 PM
There was a place in downtown DC for many years, Ollie's Trolley, where they had a basket of numbers and they just gave you whatever the next one was—it bore no connection to numerical order because I might get 25 and then the next person to order might get 10. But the process worked fine in terms of getting you your order.

At Planet Sub (at least here in Wichita), they use playing cards as numbers. So you might be "the five of diamonds" and the order before yours "the nine of clubs".

Quote from: D-Dey65 on March 05, 2024, 12:38:31 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 04, 2024, 09:16:07 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on March 04, 2024, 08:36:06 PM
I remember learning a decade or so back that that is not considered to be a slur used by Mexicans in Mexico to refer to those from north of the border, rather just a normal term. Am I correct, or is there more to that.

In my experience, it's somewhere between offensive and inoffensive.

When I refer to myself as a gringo in mixed company in Mexico, there are an awkward five seconds during which the Mexicans look uneasily at each other while they try and figure out how to react, and then after those five seconds they shrug it off and smile.

But does this term refer to anyone north of the border, or just White Americans?

I don't know. I haven't traveled in Mexico with someone who is neither white nor Mexican. Good question.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 05, 2024, 01:20:57 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 05, 2024, 01:09:15 PM
I don't know. I haven't traveled in Mexico with someone who is neither white nor Mexican. Good question.

I have. Just white people in general. My Asian friend was called "chino", even though he's Korean. (Obviously in Mexico, it's pretty nickname people by features -- "chino", "gordo", etc.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on March 05, 2024, 03:48:01 PM

I used to like White Castle in the eighties when they would give you a number on a cardboard card and wait for your number. They weren't in order though so you never knew who came first.

Then they went to receipt numbering on your own receipt to generate more orderly numbering.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on March 05, 2024, 09:16:02 PM

I have a Samsung Smart TV. Whenever the SmartHub updates, it pops a message saying it has been updated and asking if I want to run it. Why would I want to see or do that if I haven't made an attempt to open it to that point? Just let me watch TV and don't bother me.

Another thing that bothers me is when websites force you to download a PDF instead of allowing you to just view it with the browser's built-in PDF reader. What is the point of that? Why do browsers allow this? All it does is force me to open my Downloads folder and delete the downloaded file afterwards (and clear my downloads list in the browser) for no reason. Do web and browser developers have no comprehension that some of us actually like to keep our file systems from getting cluttered?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on March 06, 2024, 08:24:47 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on March 05, 2024, 03:48:01 PMI used to like White Castle in the eighties when they would give you a number on a cardboard card and wait for your number. They weren't in order though so you never knew who came first.

WhatABurger has customizable version of their iconic table tents on sale through their store (https://shop.whataburger.com/search?q=table+tent&_pos=1&_psq=Table+tent&_ss=e&_v=1.0).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Hobart on March 06, 2024, 03:27:05 PM

This is extremely minor.

I tend to open door levers by pulling up on them. There are doors at my university that don't let me pull the handle up like I prefer, so I first fail to open the door, then have to open it in a way I don't prefer.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 06, 2024, 03:31:32 PM

Quote from: Hobart on March 06, 2024, 03:27:05 PM
I tend to open door levers by pulling up on them.

I do that too, although I'm not sure when I started doing so. It seems like a more natural motion.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 06, 2024, 05:58:57 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on March 06, 2024, 08:24:47 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on March 05, 2024, 03:48:01 PMI used to like White Castle in the eighties when they would give you a number on a cardboard card and wait for your number. They weren't in order though so you never knew who came first.

WhatABurger has customizable version of their iconic table tents on sale through their store (https://shop.whataburger.com/search?q=table+tent&_pos=1&_psq=Table+tent&_ss=e&_v=1.0).

Whataburger has had trouble with law enforcement officers in Texas stealing the table tents to use as evidence markers. I seem to recall some higher-up leadership post had to go to the extent of writing a memo directing officers to stop doing so, as it was both illegal and unprofessional.

The last time I ate at the Whataburger in Norman, they had done away with the table tents. I made a remark to my wife that I wondered if Norman PD had started stealing them and that's why they weren't around anymore.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on March 06, 2024, 10:58:30 PM

Quote from: Rothman on March 05, 2024, 06:12:26 AM
Amazing what a position of racial privilege allows.

Yeah, I still can't see how that applies to southern white men calling me a "Yankee."

I still don't mind though. On a slightly related topic, when I went to Folkston, GA last week, every other railfan had what can only be described as typical thick southern accents. They knew I was from Long Island by my accent.

And for years I've had people insist that I had a New Jersey accent, and I wasn't even raised in New Jersey. Somewhat recently though, one employee at a local Wawa franchise swore I had a Bensonhurst accent. Not a Brooklyn accent, but specifically a Bensonhurst accent. She said she recognized it as such, because her grandfather also has one.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 07, 2024, 12:33:20 PM

This isn't really a minor thing, but this thread is as much for venting as anything else.

For some reason, below a certain level in my company, they make ICs (individual contributors, i.e., not managers) hourly instead of salary. Most of the time it doesn't much matter since people either work their 40 and get paid what the "salary" they were offered or they work more and make OT. I have a team under me that's on a shift schedule, so they work on a 5-5-4 schedule (on 5 days, off 4 days, on 5, off 4, on 4, off 5, repeat), so they don't always work the same amount of hours in any given pay period. But, my company "pre-pays", so essentially the cut off to submit your hours is on the 10th for the 15th's paycheck.

So, I have my guys just submit the whole month ahead of time based on their schedule, just so they don't miss the submission date and not get paid. Then, if they actually work more hours than scheduled or take PTO, I have them edit it at a later date. It's a giant PITA, but whatever, we're working with the system that they gave us.

So one of my employees submitted, and I approved, his hours for the most recent paycheck nine days in advance of the submission deadline. When he got his check, they didn't pay him for two days of the five that he happened to work in that pay period. So obviously I reached out to payroll with screenshots of his time card submission date and approval date from my inbox. Didn't hear back for a couple of days. Then he resubmitted the hours with the OT he worked on the 3rd (so three days after he had already received the incorrect check). When they finally got back to me, they basically didn't even look at the pics that I sent and told me that he didn't submit the hours in time -- that he had submitted on the 3rd, or 10 days late. So now I have to send the exact same documentation over to payroll showing that we were, in fact, on time and that they need to get their heads out of their asses and actually read the whole email, but somehow do that corporately politely.

</rant>

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 07, 2024, 01:05:00 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 07, 2024, 12:33:20 PM
When they finally got back to me, they basically didn't even look at the pics that I sent ... So now I have to send the exact same documentation over to payroll showing that ... they need to get their heads out of their asses and actually read the whole email, but somehow do that corporately politely.

Yeah, it's really frustrating when you go to all the work of including all the pertinent information/documentation, but the recipient doesn't even do you the courtesy of reading the whole e-mail.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on March 07, 2024, 01:09:45 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 07, 2024, 12:33:20 PM
When they finally got back to me, they basically didn't even look at the pics that I sent ... So now I have to send the exact same documentation over to payroll showing that ... they need to get their heads out of their asses and actually read the whole email, but somehow do that corporately politely.

"As mentioned in my previous email" :D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 07, 2024, 01:14:30 PM

It's more that they don't seem to give a shit if their employees get paid. Seems like if you work in payroll, you might be partial to actually paying your people.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 07, 2024, 01:15:10 PM

The real snarky way to do it is use the Snipping Tool to grab the pertinent portion, then simply paste that image as your reply.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 07, 2024, 01:16:13 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 07, 2024, 01:14:30 PM
It's more that they don't seem to give a shit if their employees get paid. Seems like if you work in payroll, you might be partial to actually paying your people.

My impression is that people in payroll tend to think that quibbles over smaller amounts aren't worth the fuss. This in turn may be due to their never having lived paycheck to paycheck, or at least not since long ago.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 07, 2024, 01:39:50 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 07, 2024, 01:15:10 PM
The real snarky way to do it is use the Snipping Tool to grab the pertinent portion, then simply paste that image as your reply.

1000% that's how I provided the info showing the emails I got that the hours were submitted and then the approval that I sent in return.

Quote from: kphoger on March 07, 2024, 01:16:13 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 07, 2024, 01:14:30 PM
It's more that they don't seem to give a shit if their employees get paid. Seems like if you work in payroll, you might be partial to actually paying your people.

My impression is that people in payroll tend to think that quibbles over smaller amounts aren't worth the fuss. This in turn may be due to their never having lived paycheck to paycheck, or at least not since long ago.

These aren't small sums of money though. They screwed up another paycheck a month ago (that, this time WAS partially our fault), and didn't seem to think that it was a big deal for a person not to receive a $4,000 paycheck. Mind blowing.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 08, 2024, 07:58:57 AM

Minor bother, yet very frustrating when it happens: When you're waiting for a workman to arrive (say, he's scheduled at 8:00) and a few minutes before the scheduled time (say, 7:55) you start to feel the need to take a crap, but you don't want to be sitting on the toilet when he arrives, yet you also know that if you don't go, he'll arrive late and you probably would have had time to go.

(Our HVAC service always calls to tell you when the man is en route, which I very much appreciate.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on March 08, 2024, 09:28:34 AM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 07, 2024, 01:39:50 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 07, 2024, 01:15:10 PM
The real snarky way to do it is use the Snipping Tool to grab the pertinent portion, then simply paste that image as your reply.

1000% that's how I provided the info showing the emails I got that the hours were submitted and then the approval that I sent in return.

Quote from: kphoger on March 07, 2024, 01:16:13 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 07, 2024, 01:14:30 PM
It's more that they don't seem to give a shit if their employees get paid. Seems like if you work in payroll, you might be partial to actually paying your people.

My impression is that people in payroll tend to think that quibbles over smaller amounts aren't worth the fuss. This in turn may be due to their never having lived paycheck to paycheck, or at least not since long ago.

These aren't small sums of money though. They screwed up another paycheck a month ago (that, this time WAS partially our fault), and didn't seem to think that it was a big deal for a person not to receive a $4,000 paycheck. Mind blowing.

I once worked for a company that didn't put my approved PTO vacation on my one pay period, thus being short on the following pay. Told my boss, who was a real tool (to put it nicely), and I asked if our corporate could cut a check for the difference that day and overnight it (since it was their error) because I had a sizable outgoing check that was going to bounce if I didn't I didn't have the monies within a day.

My boss refused to suggest the overnight check. Instead he said that, I will make sure it gets on your next check in 2 weeks. And as far as my issue with needing the money by the next day or so, the "turd leader" told me that I should manage my personal budgets better.

Yeah, buddy, I did -- I was budgeting with getting the regular FULL paycheck in mind!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on March 08, 2024, 09:43:54 AM

Well, the good news is that I bought the mouse last night, and that was all I needed. And it was a wired mouse too.

I tried to get it from a nearby Target store, and they didn't have one. They were convinced it was going to be more expensive than the remote mice.

Then I went to a Wal-Mart that's a little further away from the one near me, and I snagged it right away. And it was cheaper, just as I expected.

And I was ready to disconnect it and haul it down to the nearest Best Buy for either a tune-up or repairs. If I have any trouble blending images, I may end up doing that anyway.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 08, 2024, 10:57:30 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 07, 2024, 01:05:00 PM
Yeah, it's really frustrating when you go to all the work of including all the pertinent information/documentation, but the recipient doesn't even do you the courtesy of reading the whole e-mail.

Quote from: 7/8 on March 07, 2024, 01:09:45 PM
"As mentioned in my previous email" :D

I got another boilerplate "he didn't submit his hours until the 3rd" response this morning, so my follow up today began with:

QuoteUnfortunately, I feel like you're not reading what I'm writing nor looking at my screenshots.

<Employee Name>, 100%, unequivocally, submitted his time sheet for the week of 2/24-3/1 on February 13th, and I approved it on February 14th. The submission deadline for this week was February 22nd. So, we got this done eight days in advance.

See, again, per my previous emails, these screenshots: <snipper tool grabs of everything>

And completed my email with:

QuoteSo, if I'm reading your response correctly, you're saying he didn't submit the hours AT ALL until the 3rd, which I have proven incorrect. The check itself was cut for payday on the 29th, so you would have had no knowledge of the impending re-submission 4 days later.

Please immediately pay <employee name> for the 22 hours which we owe him, and then it was fully expected that his additional hours submitted would be on the next paycheck.

If anything at all that I'm trying to convey is not able to be understood, please reach out to me via phone at <personal phone number>. We need to get this addressed as soon as is humanly possible.

I feel like I'm in the Twilight Zone.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on March 08, 2024, 11:31:31 AM

Quote from: thenetwork on March 08, 2024, 09:28:34 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 07, 2024, 01:39:50 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 07, 2024, 01:15:10 PM
The real snarky way to do it is use the Snipping Tool to grab the pertinent portion, then simply paste that image as your reply.

1000% that's how I provided the info showing the emails I got that the hours were submitted and then the approval that I sent in return.

Quote from: kphoger on March 07, 2024, 01:16:13 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 07, 2024, 01:14:30 PM
It's more that they don't seem to give a shit if their employees get paid. Seems like if you work in payroll, you might be partial to actually paying your people.

My impression is that people in payroll tend to think that quibbles over smaller amounts aren't worth the fuss. This in turn may be due to their never having lived paycheck to paycheck, or at least not since long ago.

These aren't small sums of money though. They screwed up another paycheck a month ago (that, this time WAS partially our fault), and didn't seem to think that it was a big deal for a person not to receive a $4,000 paycheck. Mind blowing.

I once worked for a company that didn't put my approved PTO vacation on my one pay period, thus being short on the following pay. Told my boss, who was a real tool (to put it nicely), and I asked if our corporate could cut a check for the difference that day and overnight it (since it was their error) because I had a sizable outgoing check that was going to bounce if I didn't I didn't have the monies within a day.

My boss refused to suggest the overnight check. Instead he said that, I will make sure it gets on your next check in 2 weeks. And as far as my issue with needing the money by the next day or so, the "turd leader" told me that I should manage my personal budgets better.

Yeah, buddy, I did -- I was budgeting with getting the regular FULL paycheck in mind!

If your state's department of labor was any good, I'd have a word with them too.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on March 08, 2024, 01:04:13 PM

Quote from: thenetwork on March 08, 2024, 09:28:34 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 07, 2024, 01:39:50 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 07, 2024, 01:15:10 PM
The real snarky way to do it is use the Snipping Tool to grab the pertinent portion, then simply paste that image as your reply.

1000% that's how I provided the info showing the emails I got that the hours were submitted and then the approval that I sent in return.

Quote from: kphoger on March 07, 2024, 01:16:13 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 07, 2024, 01:14:30 PM
It's more that they don't seem to give a shit if their employees get paid. Seems like if you work in payroll, you might be partial to actually paying your people.

My impression is that people in payroll tend to think that quibbles over smaller amounts aren't worth the fuss. This in turn may be due to their never having lived paycheck to paycheck, or at least not since long ago.

These aren't small sums of money though. They screwed up another paycheck a month ago (that, this time WAS partially our fault), and didn't seem to think that it was a big deal for a person not to receive a $4,000 paycheck. Mind blowing.

I once worked for a company that didn't put my approved PTO vacation on my one pay period, thus being short on the following pay. Told my boss, who was a real tool (to put it nicely), and I asked if our corporate could cut a check for the difference that day and overnight it (since it was their error) because I had a sizable outgoing check that was going to bounce if I didn't I didn't have the monies within a day.

My boss refused to suggest the overnight check. Instead he said that, I will make sure it gets on your next check in 2 weeks. And as far as my issue with needing the money by the next day or so, the "turd leader" told me that I should manage my personal budgets better.

Yeah, buddy, I did -- I was budgeting with getting the regular FULL paycheck in mind!

How would things have worked out with the bank if they had overnighted the check? I know some banks play games with when things are deposited/withdrawn to maximize the amount of overdraft/bounced check fees they collect.

As for "why don't you just not live paycheck to paycheck"... ugh.

I wonder what would have happened if you had shown up in small claims asking for compensation for any financial fallout from this...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 08, 2024, 01:27:44 PM

It's not the DOL or small claims court would have gotten your money faster.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on March 08, 2024, 06:59:10 PM

Auto Correct again.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on March 08, 2024, 11:19:02 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 08, 2024, 01:27:44 PM
It's not the DOL or small claims court would have gotten your money faster.

Small claims can at least get you back any penalties paid for the bounced check (both to the bank and whoever the check was for). And if the DOL is able to sanction the company after the fact, that's still better than letting them just get away with it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CNGL-Leudimin on March 09, 2024, 12:09:42 PM

This staircase (https://maps.app.goo.gl/fv9qQDp2bDxfjUv6A). I'm now out there and I've counted the stairs it has, and dang, it could have had one more so it had 41.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on March 09, 2024, 03:11:58 PM

Quote from: CNGL-Leudimin on March 09, 2024, 12:09:42 PM
This staircase (https://maps.app.goo.gl/fv9qQDp2bDxfjUv6A). I'm now out there and I've counted the stairs it has, and dang, it could have had one more so it had 41.

Shouldn't it have 39?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: D-Dey65 on March 10, 2024, 01:21:50 AM

How many stairs are here (https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?40085)?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 11, 2024, 10:26:26 AM

Quote from: vdeane on March 08, 2024, 11:19:02 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 08, 2024, 01:27:44 PM
It's not the DOL or small claims court would have gotten your money faster.

Small claims can at least get you back any penalties paid for the bounced check (both to the bank and whoever the check was for). And if the DOL is able to sanction the company after the fact, that's still better than letting them just get away with it.

I seriously doubt the DOL would have sanctioned the company, considering the company had already agreed to make it right on the next check run. What had been requested was to make it right between check runs.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 11, 2024, 11:51:54 AM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 15, 2024, 10:36:09 AM
I think the gist of it is that waitstaff aren't often trained in what "polite" verbiage actually entails. When I was running restaurants, servers weren't allowed to use certain phrases:

"Hi, my name is XXXXX, and I'll be taking care of you today."
"Are you still working on that?"
The word "guys" in any context
The "we" that we're discussing

I'm sure I'm missing a few more.

I talked about you to my wife yesterday, during our lunch date. We were at the kind of place we typically only go to if we have a gift card, because it's more expensive than we like to spend. Not super fancy, but fancy enough that it's pretty much all yuppies eating there. White tablecloths, separate wine and cocktail menus, waitstaff in black slacks and white shirts, prices pretentiously shown in whole numbers, but entrées still in the $20–40 range. (We weren't actually all that impressed by the food, but that's beside the point.)

Anyway, our waiter was over the top with the language he used to hype up the food: divine, fantastic, phenomenal, etc. And of course, all the expected buzz phrases.

But he was young and enthusiastic, so whatever. At least he was trying. I told my wife, though, that I supposed he had never actually been trained on what to say and not to say. Which, of course, led to my bringing up this post.

We decided to tip him well because, as I put it, he definitely got an E for Effort. But I do wish you could train him.

On a related note, this thread has made me hyper-critical of what the waitstaff says to us, and it has now rubbed off onto my wife. It makes for fun conversation between us after they leave the table, but still.

It even encroached on my non-restaurant life. I'm a teacher in one of our church's home small groups. One large-ish small group recently split in two, but we each teach the same basic material each time. In advance, the other teacher and I get together and compare notes and ideas. Last session, we had a combined (both small groups together) game night in lieu of a lesson, but the other teacher skipped because he and his wife were out at a concert that night. So yesterday, while their family was over at our house for our planning session, he asked how game night went. "So what games did we play?" he asked. I couldn't help it. "Do you mean our group? ... Then why did you say we?" Uggh, now I can't stop it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 11, 2024, 12:12:42 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 11, 2024, 11:51:54 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 15, 2024, 10:36:09 AM
I think the gist of it is that waitstaff aren't often trained in what "polite" verbiage actually entails. When I was running restaurants, servers weren't allowed to use certain phrases:

"Hi, my name is XXXXX, and I'll be taking care of you today."
"Are you still working on that?"
The word "guys" in any context
The "we" that we're discussing

I'm sure I'm missing a few more.

I talked about you to my wife yesterday, during our lunch date. We were at the kind of place we typically only go to if we have a gift card, because it's more expensive than we like to spend. Not super fancy, but fancy enough that it's pretty much all yuppies eating there. White tablecloths, separate wine and cocktail menus, waitstaff in black slacks and white shirts, prices pretentiously shown in whole numbers, but entrées still in the $20–40 range. (We weren't actually all that impressed by the food, but that's beside the point.)

Anyway, our waiter was over the top with the language he used to hype up the food: divine, fantastic, phenomenal, etc. And of course, all the expected buzz phrases.

But he was young and enthusiastic, so whatever. At least he was trying. I told my wife, though, that I supposed he had never actually been trained on what to say and not to say. Which, of course, led to my bringing up this post.

We decided to tip him well because, as I put it, he definitely got an E for Effort. But I do wish you could train him.

On a related note, this thread has made me hyper-critical of what the waitstaff says to us, and it has now rubbed off onto my wife. It makes for fun conversation between us after they leave the table, but still.

It even encroached on my non-restaurant life. I'm a teacher in one of our church's home small groups. One large-ish small group recently split in two, but we each teach the same basic material each time. In advance, the other teacher and I get together and compare notes and ideas. Last session, we had a combined (both small groups together) game night in lieu of a lesson, but the other teacher skipped because he and his wife were out at a concert that night. So yesterday, while their family was over at our house for our planning session, he asked how game night went. "So what games did we play?" he asked. I couldn't help it. "Do you mean our group? ... Then why did you say we?" Uggh, now I can't stop it.

Ha! Glad I could infect you.

Re: training servers on how to speak. I honestly didn't do THAT much of it. I think a lot of it comes down to my interview technique. I am the world's least "technical" interviewer. Especially in the hospitality industry, I would just start conversations and go back and forth with the candidate for 15 minutes or so. I didn't really talk much about skills, and scenarios, using the STAR method, blah blah blah. Their resume already seemed good enough to make them a candidate for the position, so if they could engage in a conversation with me that seemed relatively effortless, I would immediately know that they're a "people person". So that's the basis for anything you do in hospitality -- you have to care about people having a good time and you have to be able to read them both verbally and non-verbally. Then I could worry about if they knew anything about wine, food, spirits, etc. But if they have an ease about the way that they speak, they're highly unlikely to need to resort to those weird, generic restaurantisms like "Hi there. My name is Chris and I'll be taking care of you today." I used to tell people that that's how you greet people at Applebee's and if you want to make Applebee's money, it's right down the street. (Plus, I always wanted people to drop their names at the end of the greet, because it's way more memorable as a lasting impression instead of being the intro followed by drink orders, appetizer orders, features, etc.)

On the conversational front, during training, I would often bring up an example from my "chain restaurant" days. I used to work for McCormick and Schmick's, an upscale-ish seafood chain for those unfamiliar. We got bought by Landry's, the country's largest restaurant group, and their style of service was a lot more formulaic than independent M&S was. The greet that you were supposed to use at every single table was "Good afternoon/evening. May I interest you in a cocktail or glass of wine?" I, personally, much prefer to personalize service, but if they company wanted it that way, then it is what it is. So I had to get it in my servers' heads that <robot voice>"Good afternoon/evening. May I interest you in a cocktail or glass of wine?"</robot voice> was a hell of a lot different than <friendly voice with lots of intonation>"Good afternoon/evening. May I interest you in a cocktail or glass of wine?"</friendly voice with lots of intonation>.

tl;dr, it's not hard to work in a restaurant. The things you do -- taking orders, refilling drinks, table maintenance, etc. are not individually difficult tasks. But when you find someone that can do all of those things efficiently and also speak to tables like they've been friends for years despite having known them for two minutes, that's when you know you've found a good server.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 11, 2024, 12:16:48 PM

New password does not meet length requirement ... but doesn't tell me what the length requirement is

New password does not meet complexity requirements ... but doesn't tell me what those are

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 11, 2024, 12:55:00 PM

1) get up from your desk to go pee
2) walk in, take your position at the urinal
3) start doing your business
4) realize halfway through that you also need to poop
5) internal debate: is it worth it to re-fasten your pants?
6) flush
7) shuffle over to a stall with your pants undone and your junk hanging out
8) hope nobody else walks in at that exact moment you're in transit
9) do your other business
10) flush again

And God help you if you're Rothman and you happen to walk past a mirror along the way!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on March 11, 2024, 01:01:31 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 11, 2024, 12:12:42 PM
speak to tables like they've been friends for years despite having known them for two minutes, that's when you know you've found a good server

Maybe I lived in France for too long, but that is not at all what I want from a waiter, especially at a higher end place. What I would prefer is someone courteous, efficient, and above all unobtrusive. Opposite you, I tend to associate any friendliness with places like Applebee's. I mean, why would my friends be waiting on me?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 11, 2024, 01:03:24 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 11, 2024, 12:55:00 PM
1) get up from your desk to go pee
2) walk in, take your position at the urinal
3) start doing your business
4) realize halfway through that you also need to poop
5) internal debate: is it worth it to re-fasten your pants?
6) flush
7) shuffle over to a stall with your pants undone and your junk hanging out
8) hope nobody else walks in at that exact moment you're in transit
9) do your other business
10) flush again

And God help you if you're Rothman and you happen to walk past a mirror along the way!

I feel like a tuck, but no zip is required.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on March 11, 2024, 01:25:26 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 11, 2024, 12:55:00 PM
1) get up from your desk to go pee
2) walk in, take your position at the urinal
3) start doing your business
4) realize halfway through that you also need to poop
5) internal debate: is it worth it to re-fasten your pants?
6) flush
7) shuffle over to a stall with your pants undone and your junk hanging out
8) hope nobody else walks in at that exact moment you're in transit
9) do your other business
10) flush again

And God help you if you're Rothman and you happen to walk past a mirror along the way!

You're the weirdo walking around with your pants down, not me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 11, 2024, 01:57:54 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 11, 2024, 12:12:42 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 11, 2024, 11:51:54 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on February 15, 2024, 10:36:09 AM
I think the gist of it is that waitstaff aren't often trained in what "polite" verbiage actually entails. When I was running restaurants, servers weren't allowed to use certain phrases:

"Hi, my name is XXXXX, and I'll be taking care of you today."
"Are you still working on that?"
The word "guys" in any context
The "we" that we're discussing

I'm sure I'm missing a few more.

I talked about you to my wife yesterday, during our lunch date. We were at the kind of place we typically only go to if we have a gift card, because it's more expensive than we like to spend. Not super fancy, but fancy enough that it's pretty much all yuppies eating there. White tablecloths, separate wine and cocktail menus, waitstaff in black slacks and white shirts, prices pretentiously shown in whole numbers, but entrées still in the $20–40 range. (We weren't actually all that impressed by the food, but that's beside the point.)

Anyway, our waiter was over the top with the language he used to hype up the food: divine, fantastic, phenomenal, etc. And of course, all the expected buzz phrases.

But he was young and enthusiastic, so whatever. At least he was trying. I told my wife, though, that I supposed he had never actually been trained on what to say and not to say. Which, of course, led to my bringing up this post.

We decided to tip him well because, as I put it, he definitely got an E for Effort. But I do wish you could train him.

On a related note, this thread has made me hyper-critical of what the waitstaff says to us, and it has now rubbed off onto my wife. It makes for fun conversation between us after they leave the table, but still.

It even encroached on my non-restaurant life. I'm a teacher in one of our church's home small groups. One large-ish small group recently split in two, but we each teach the same basic material each time. In advance, the other teacher and I get together and compare notes and ideas. Last session, we had a combined (both small groups together) game night in lieu of a lesson, but the other teacher skipped because he and his wife were out at a concert that night. So yesterday, while their family was over at our house for our planning session, he asked how game night went. "So what games did we play?" he asked. I couldn't help it. "Do you mean our group? ... Then why did you say we?" Uggh, now I can't stop it.

Ha! Glad I could infect you.

Re: training servers on how to speak. I honestly didn't do THAT much of it. I think a lot of it comes down to my interview technique. I am the world's least "technical" interviewer. Especially in the hospitality industry, I would just start conversations and go back and forth with the candidate for 15 minutes or so. I didn't really talk much about skills, and scenarios, using the STAR method, blah blah blah. Their resume already seemed good enough to make them a candidate for the position, so if they could engage in a conversation with me that seemed relatively effortless, I would immediately know that they're a "people person". So that's the basis for anything you do in hospitality -- you have to care about people having a good time and you have to be able to read them both verbally and non-verbally. Then I could worry about if they knew anything about wine, food, spirits, etc. But if they have an ease about the way that they speak, they're highly unlikely to need to resort to those weird, generic restaurantisms like "Hi there. My name is Chris and I'll be taking care of you today." I used to tell people that that's how you greet people at Applebee's and if you want to make Applebee's money, it's right down the street. (Plus, I always wanted people to drop their names at the end of the greet, because it's way more memorable as a lasting impression instead of being the intro followed by drink orders, appetizer orders, features, etc.)

On the conversational front, during training, I would often bring up an example from my "chain restaurant" days. I used to work for McCormick and Schmick's, an upscale-ish seafood chain for those unfamiliar. We got bought by Landry's, the country's largest restaurant group, and their style of service was a lot more formulaic than independent M&S was. The greet that you were supposed to use at every single table was "Good afternoon/evening. May I interest you in a cocktail or glass of wine?" I, personally, much prefer to personalize service, but if they company wanted it that way, then it is what it is. So I had to get it in my servers' heads that <robot voice>"Good afternoon/evening. May I interest you in a cocktail or glass of wine?"</robot voice> was a hell of a lot different than <friendly voice with lots of intonation>"Good afternoon/evening. May I interest you in a cocktail or glass of wine?"</friendly voice with lots of intonation>.

tl;dr, it's not hard to work in a restaurant. The things you do -- taking orders, refilling drinks, table maintenance, etc. are not individually difficult tasks. But when you find someone that can do all of those things efficiently and also speak to tables like they've been friends for years despite having known them for two minutes, that's when you know you've found a good server.

The bolded section is what I think a lot of people forget. Regardless of how someone wants to act, they are still an employee of a company and the script they use is set by the restaurant. If an individual person decides they don't like the greetings and timings of a server, complain to the restaurant's business department. The server and the manager are doing what corporate wants them to do. If the server is working a table that includes a secret shopper, they're going to be timed and possibly recorded on everything they do. That server, and that restaurant, will be graded on that, and will receive whatever awards or penalties come as a result of those visits.

If I were to dare delve into CFA, a great example there is their employees say "My Pleasure". Not because they found thousands of people across the country that personally use that line in their everyday speech, but because that's what CFA wants them to say.

(BTW, I've done that mystery shopping thing. Wanna find out how a business operates, what they should say, and how long things should take? Sign up for those shopper programs (the legit ones; there's a lot of bogus ones out there). You'll get plenty of info on a restaurant's training thru them.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 11, 2024, 02:25:23 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 11, 2024, 01:57:54 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 11, 2024, 12:12:42 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 11, 2024, 11:51:54 AM
I talked about you to my wife yesterday, during our lunch date ...

... We got bought by Landry's, the country's largest restaurant group, and their style of service was a lot more formulaic than independent M&S was. The greet that you were supposed to use at every single table was "Good afternoon/evening. May I interest you in a cocktail or glass of wine?" I, personally, much prefer to personalize service, but if they company wanted it that way, then it is what it is. ...

The bolded section is what I think a lot of people forget. Regardless of how someone wants to act, they are still an employee of a company and the script they use is set by the restaurant. If an individual person decides they don't like the greetings and timings of a server, complain to the restaurant's business department. The server and the manager are doing what corporate wants them to do. If the server is working a table that includes a secret shopper, they're going to be timed and possibly recorded on everything they do. That server, and that restaurant, will be graded on that, and will receive whatever awards or penalties come as a result of those visits ...

Nope, not in my particular case. It was a single stand-alone restaurant, not part of a chain.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on March 11, 2024, 02:50:05 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 11, 2024, 02:25:23 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 11, 2024, 01:57:54 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 11, 2024, 12:12:42 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 11, 2024, 11:51:54 AM
I talked about you to my wife yesterday, during our lunch date ...

... We got bought by Landry's, the country's largest restaurant group, and their style of service was a lot more formulaic than independent M&S was. The greet that you were supposed to use at every single table was "Good afternoon/evening. May I interest you in a cocktail or glass of wine?" I, personally, much prefer to personalize service, but if they company wanted it that way, then it is what it is. ...

The bolded section is what I think a lot of people forget. Regardless of how someone wants to act, they are still an employee of a company and the script they use is set by the restaurant. If an individual person decides they don't like the greetings and timings of a server, complain to the restaurant's business department. The server and the manager are doing what corporate wants them to do. If the server is working a table that includes a secret shopper, they're going to be timed and possibly recorded on everything they do. That server, and that restaurant, will be graded on that, and will receive whatever awards or penalties come as a result of those visits ...

Nope, not in my particular case. It was a single stand-alone restaurant, not part of a chain.

You'd be surprised by how many "single stand-alone restaurants" are just one of a bunch owned by the same owner.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 11, 2024, 02:51:15 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 11, 2024, 01:57:54 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 11, 2024, 12:12:42 PM
On the conversational front, during training, I would often bring up an example from my "chain restaurant" days. I used to work for McCormick and Schmick's, an upscale-ish seafood chain for those unfamiliar. We got bought by Landry's, the country's largest restaurant group, and their style of service was a lot more formulaic than independent M&S was. The greet that you were supposed to use at every single table was "Good afternoon/evening. May I interest you in a cocktail or glass of wine?" I, personally, much prefer to personalize service, but if they company wanted it that way, then it is what it is. So I had to get it in my servers' heads that <robot voice>"Good afternoon/evening. May I interest you in a cocktail or glass of wine?"</robot voice> was a hell of a lot different than <friendly voice with lots of intonation>"Good afternoon/evening. May I interest you in a cocktail or glass of wine?"</friendly voice with lots of intonation>.

tl;dr, it's not hard to work in a restaurant. The things you do -- taking orders, refilling drinks, table maintenance, etc. are not individually difficult tasks. But when you find someone that can do all of those things efficiently and also speak to tables like they've been friends for years despite having known them for two minutes, that's when you know you've found a good server.

The bolded section is what I think a lot of people forget. Regardless of how someone wants to act, they are still an employee of a company and the script they use is set by the restaurant. If an individual person decides they don't like the greetings and timings of a server, complain to the restaurant's business department. The server and the manager are doing what corporate wants them to do. If the server is working a table that includes a secret shopper, they're going to be timed and possibly recorded on everything they do. That server, and that restaurant, will be graded on that, and will receive whatever awards or penalties come as a result of those visits.

If I were to dare delve into CFA, a great example there is their employees say "My Pleasure". Not because they found thousands of people across the country that personally use that line in their everyday speech, but because that's what CFA wants them to say.

(BTW, I've done that mystery shopping thing. Wanna find out how a business operates, what they should say, and how long things should take? Sign up for those shopper programs (the legit ones; there's a lot of bogus ones out there). You'll get plenty of info on a restaurant's training thru them.)

I would agree with you in the case of well-run restaurants. There are not many of these in this country, especially after 2020 where a bunch of lifers, like yours truly, decided to get out of the rat race. There are plenty of places where a script exists, but the servers/bartenders choose not to perform it and the managers choose not to enforce it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 11, 2024, 02:52:51 PM

Quote from: Rothman on March 11, 2024, 02:50:05 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 11, 2024, 02:25:23 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 11, 2024, 01:57:54 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 11, 2024, 12:12:42 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 11, 2024, 11:51:54 AM
I talked about you to my wife yesterday, during our lunch date ...

... We got bought by Landry's, the country's largest restaurant group, and their style of service was a lot more formulaic than independent M&S was. The greet that you were supposed to use at every single table was "Good afternoon/evening. May I interest you in a cocktail or glass of wine?" I, personally, much prefer to personalize service, but if they company wanted it that way, then it is what it is. ...

The bolded section is what I think a lot of people forget. Regardless of how someone wants to act, they are still an employee of a company and the script they use is set by the restaurant. If an individual person decides they don't like the greetings and timings of a server, complain to the restaurant's business department. The server and the manager are doing what corporate wants them to do. If the server is working a table that includes a secret shopper, they're going to be timed and possibly recorded on everything they do. That server, and that restaurant, will be graded on that, and will receive whatever awards or penalties come as a result of those visits ...

Nope, not in my particular case. It was a single stand-alone restaurant, not part of a chain.

You'd be surprised by how many "single stand-alone restaurants" are just one of a bunch owned by the same owner.

Sure, but different owners obviously have different concepts and, in turn, different approaches to service. The first chef-owned restaurant group I worked for had a $15,000,000 a year steak house and a $1,200,000 a year burger bar. So obviously the same standards wouldn't apply.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 11, 2024, 03:13:20 PM

Quote from: Rothman on March 11, 2024, 02:50:05 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 11, 2024, 02:25:23 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 11, 2024, 01:57:54 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 11, 2024, 12:12:42 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 11, 2024, 11:51:54 AM
I talked about you to my wife yesterday, during our lunch date ...

... We got bought by Landry's, the country's largest restaurant group, and their style of service was a lot more formulaic than independent M&S was. The greet that you were supposed to use at every single table was "Good afternoon/evening. May I interest you in a cocktail or glass of wine?" I, personally, much prefer to personalize service, but if they company wanted it that way, then it is what it is. ...

The bolded section is what I think a lot of people forget. Regardless of how someone wants to act, they are still an employee of a company and the script they use is set by the restaurant. If an individual person decides they don't like the greetings and timings of a server, complain to the restaurant's business department. The server and the manager are doing what corporate wants them to do. If the server is working a table that includes a secret shopper, they're going to be timed and possibly recorded on everything they do. That server, and that restaurant, will be graded on that, and will receive whatever awards or penalties come as a result of those visits ...

Nope, not in my particular case. It was a single stand-alone restaurant, not part of a chain.

You'd be surprised by how many "single stand-alone restaurants" are just one of a bunch owned by the same owner.

Nope, not in my particular case. It's the only restaurant he owns.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on March 11, 2024, 03:26:13 PM

Today's not-so-minor thing that bothers me: piece-of-crap cloud-based file hosting sites that give me just a tiny zip file with a name like "OneDrive [date]" containing "All Errors.txt" instead of the actual files.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 11, 2024, 05:14:58 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 11, 2024, 11:51:54 AM
On a related note, this thread has made me hyper-critical of what the waitstaff says to us [...] It even encroached on my non-restaurant life.

Can't wait until you run across a football fan talking about how "we won this weekend!" :nod:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 11, 2024, 05:21:48 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 11, 2024, 05:14:58 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 11, 2024, 11:51:54 AM
On a related note, this thread has made me hyper-critical of what the waitstaff says to us [...] It even encroached on my non-restaurant life.

Can't wait until you run across a football fan talking about how "we won this weekend!" :nod:

That's a little different. You're supposed to feel part of the collective when you're a sports fan. A server who greets my table and has never met me before is not part of my "team".

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 11, 2024, 07:18:11 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 11, 2024, 05:21:48 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 11, 2024, 05:14:58 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 11, 2024, 11:51:54 AM
On a related note, this thread has made me hyper-critical of what the waitstaff says to us [...] It even encroached on my non-restaurant life.

Can't wait until you run across a football fan talking about how "we won this weekend!" :nod:

That's a little different. You're supposed to feel part of the collective when you're a sports fan. A server who greets my table and has never met me before is not part of my "team".

It's still fun to ask them how many yards they rushed for.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on March 13, 2024, 08:05:13 AM

I don't think nor care this much about my server-speak, I'm used to enough corporate brainwashing that I'm not going pick it apart unless it's "uncannily awkward, so it's funny". I probably don't want the special and almost never drink alcohol, and will choose water 90% of the time. I'm not looking to date you or be best buddies. I will probably forget your name fifteen seconds after you told it to me because I'm hungry.

1) don't be an ass because you don't like your job (once this happened)
2) tell me ASAP if you're out of something (don't wait until everyone is served)
3) check back 2-5 minutes after serving
4) offer to refill drink at least once
5) I'm not that picky; I've probably returned food about twice ever (once was just the wrong food)

= 20% tip

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 13, 2024, 09:24:51 AM

Minor thing in the overall scheme of life that is a major annoyance when it happens: That feeling when the bottom of your foot is itchy and nothing you do seems to help, including taking off your shoe and scratching it or rubbing the bottom of your foot against something abrasive like your other shoes or one of the casters on your desk chair. Even more annoying when it's at the back end of the arch such that rubbing it against something is difficult.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 13, 2024, 10:14:34 AM

Quote from: formulanone on March 13, 2024, 08:05:13 AM
2) tell me ASAP if you're out of something (don't wait until everyone is served)

Hard to do if you didn't find out till then yourself.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 13, 2024, 10:30:14 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 13, 2024, 10:14:34 AM
Quote from: formulanone on March 13, 2024, 08:05:13 AM
2) tell me ASAP if you're out of something (don't wait until everyone is served)

Hard to do if you didn't find out till then yourself.

And generally, that's more the back of house's fault than the server's often. Or managers that don't take the time to put 86 items into the computer as such, so things can be rung in that people know that are out of stock.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on March 13, 2024, 10:56:30 AM

Fraudsters who fake the originating number of my financial institution and tell me of some declined charges occurring in Atlanta, GA, then ask me for my account number. If you are originating the call and ask me for my account number, that's a instant hang-up and callback to the financial institution using the number from their app. Then, finding out that the fraud department is only open business hours, and they only do fraud callbacks during business hours. Of course, the fraud call came in last night at 40 minutes past their closure time.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 13, 2024, 11:04:45 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on March 13, 2024, 10:56:30 AM
If you are originating the call and ask me for my account number, that's a instant hang-up ...

Oh, I'm sure they only asked you to "verify" your account number... :rolleyes:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 13, 2024, 11:07:20 AM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 11, 2024, 01:01:31 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 11, 2024, 12:12:42 PM
speak to tables like they've been friends for years despite having known them for two minutes, that's when you know you've found a good server

Maybe I lived in France for too long, but that is not at all what I want from a waiter, especially at a higher end place. What I would prefer is someone courteous, efficient, and above all unobtrusive. Opposite you, I tend to associate any friendliness with places like Applebee's. I mean, why would my friends be waiting on me?

I had missed your comment.

I don't want someone to tell me their life's story, but during the interactions required for business, does the server seem competent, at ease, knowledgeable, etc. And, most importantly, in their communication, do they seem like they actually want you to really enjoy your meal or are you just a tip waiting to happen.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on March 13, 2024, 11:11:13 AM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 13, 2024, 10:30:14 AM
Quote from: kphoger on March 13, 2024, 10:14:34 AM
Quote from: formulanone on March 13, 2024, 08:05:13 AM
2) tell me ASAP if you're out of something (don't wait until everyone is served)

Hard to do if you didn't find out till then yourself.

And generally, that's more the back of house's fault than the server's often. Or managers that don't take the time to put 86 items into the computer as such, so things can be rung in that people know that are out of stock.

The "P" in ASAP means: possible.

As in: the time frame between "I'd like A" and sending the order and finding out soon enough that you're out of A, so I can order B or C instead. (I'm almost always ready with 3 items.)

Honestly, I really don't expect the server to remember all of the possible daily stock-outs unless it was well-known that the items is on intergalactic backorder, I'm pretty lenient. There's always one adult at my table who seems to sulk or look like a deer in the headlights, when they're out of the one item they wanted, and can't figure out a Plan B in advance. (Unless it's the type of restaurant that serves exactly one thing.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 13, 2024, 11:12:12 AM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 13, 2024, 11:07:20 AM
I don't want someone to tell me their life's story, but ... do they seem like they actually want you to really enjoy your meal ...

This.

It's why I appreciate waiters and servers dressing nicely, smiling, speaking respectfully and cheerfully, etc. It makes me feel like they actually want me to enjoy eating there.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 13, 2024, 11:13:21 AM

Quote from: formulanone on March 13, 2024, 11:11:13 AM
The "P" in ASAP means: possible.

As in: the time frame between "I'd like A" and sending the order and finding out soon enough that you're out of A, so I can order B or C instead. (I'm almost always ready with 3 items.)

And if the waitress doesn't find out till she wonders why your order is one plate short, sitting there ready to be delivered to your table?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on March 13, 2024, 11:15:50 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 13, 2024, 11:13:21 AM
Quote from: formulanone on March 13, 2024, 11:11:13 AM
The "P" in ASAP means: possible.

As in: the time frame between "I'd like A" and sending the order and finding out soon enough that you're out of A, so I can order B or C instead. (I'm almost always ready with 3 items.)

And if the waitress doesn't find out till she wonders why your order is one plate short, sitting there ready to be delivered to your table?

That's when I find out if you're good at customer service or not.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on March 13, 2024, 11:19:50 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 13, 2024, 11:04:45 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on March 13, 2024, 10:56:30 AM
If you are originating the call and ask me for my account number, that's a instant hang-up ...

Oh, I'm sure they only asked you to "verify" your account number... :rolleyes:

Confirm or verify? Either way, unless I'm originating the call, I'm not going to confirm, verify, or deny any account numbers, birthdays, social security numbers, or what have you. Making a mistake here will result in a wallet-draining experience.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 13, 2024, 11:22:59 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on March 13, 2024, 11:19:50 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 13, 2024, 11:04:45 AM
Oh, I'm sure they only asked you to "verify" your account number... :rolleyes:

Confirm or verify? Either way, unless I'm originating the call, I'm not going to confirm, verify, or deny any account numbers, birthdays, social security numbers, or what have you. Making a mistake here will result in a wallet-draining experience.

Oh, I was being sarcastic. They don't need you to tell them your account number. They already have that information. They just need you to confirm your account number. You know, to verify you are who you say you are. For your own protection.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on March 13, 2024, 12:10:21 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 13, 2024, 11:22:59 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on March 13, 2024, 11:19:50 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 13, 2024, 11:04:45 AM
Oh, I'm sure they only asked you to "verify" your account number... :rolleyes:

Confirm or verify? Either way, unless I'm originating the call, I'm not going to confirm, verify, or deny any account numbers, birthdays, social security numbers, or what have you. Making a mistake here will result in a wallet-draining experience.

Oh, I was being sarcastic. They don't need you to tell them your account number. They already have that information. They just need you to confirm your account number. You know, to verify you are who you say you are. For your own protection.

The problem is that originating phone numbers as presented to my phone can be easily faked. If my paranoid alart is at klaxon (https://www.dictionary.com/browse/klaxon) level, that means my trust level must be really low, and you are going to jump through the verification hoops.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on March 13, 2024, 12:19:57 PM

It goes back to if a person wants to verify a wrong number you would be told to ask the party what number your looking for and not answer their question of what your number really is on wrong number phone calls.

Back when I was forced to telemarket to make a living in between jobs, when a person would ask me to remove them from their list I never asked for their phone number to verify but read off the number on the screen that the computer that dialed the number displayed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on March 13, 2024, 05:43:16 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 13, 2024, 10:14:34 AM
Quote from: formulanone on March 13, 2024, 08:05:13 AM
2) tell me ASAP if you're out of something (don't wait until everyone is served)

Hard to do if you didn't find out till then yourself.

The one issue I had with that recently was being served my meal with a different side vegetable (one that I dislike) than what I had requested. Figuring there was a minor mix-up, I pointed it out, and was told that my request was out, and the kitchen apparently chose the substitute on their own. It's OK to be out of something. But please ... ask me instead what I would like in its place rather than try to guess yourself. (I sent the un-ordered vegetable back for a more palatable substitute. I rarely do this btw).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 13, 2024, 05:54:39 PM

Quote from: dlsterner on March 13, 2024, 05:43:16 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 13, 2024, 10:14:34 AM
Quote from: formulanone on March 13, 2024, 08:05:13 AM
2) tell me ASAP if you're out of something (don't wait until everyone is served)

Hard to do if you didn't find out till then yourself.

The one issue I had with that recently was being served my meal with a different side vegetable (one that I dislike) than what I had requested. Figuring there was a minor mix-up, I pointed it out, and was told that my request was out, and the kitchen apparently chose the substitute on their own. It's OK to be out of something. But please ... ask me instead what I would like in its place rather than try to guess yourself. (I sent the un-ordered vegetable back for a more palatable substitute. I rarely do this btw).

Kind of reminds me of my first serving job back in the day. We had this kid who was new and when he asked people if they had a vodka/gin/whiskey/etc. preference when they ordered their drink, if they say that they didn't, he'd just order them the most expensive one. He seemed incredulous when we told him that that was unethical.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 13, 2024, 06:17:29 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 13, 2024, 05:54:39 PM
Kind of reminds me of my first serving job back in the day. We had this kid who was new and when he asked people if they had a vodka/gin/whiskey/etc. preference when they ordered their drink, if they say that they didn't, he'd just order them the most expensive one. He seemed incredulous when we told him that that was unethical.

How common is it to have different prices for that?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 14, 2024, 08:15:31 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 13, 2024, 06:17:29 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 13, 2024, 05:54:39 PM
Kind of reminds me of my first serving job back in the day. We had this kid who was new and when he asked people if they had a vodka/gin/whiskey/etc. preference when they ordered their drink, if they say that they didn't, he'd just order them the most expensive one. He seemed incredulous when we told him that that was unethical.

How common is it to have different prices for that?

I mean, the difference at the last restaurant I ran, our cheapest whiskey was $8 (Four Roses) vs. $100 for Pappy Van Winkle 15.

For my first serving job, probably $6 for the well vodka vs. $10 for Belvedere?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 14, 2024, 08:26:24 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 13, 2024, 06:17:29 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 13, 2024, 05:54:39 PM
Kind of reminds me of my first serving job back in the day. We had this kid who was new and when he asked people if they had a vodka/gin/whiskey/etc. preference when they ordered their drink, if they say that they didn't, he'd just order them the most expensive one. He seemed incredulous when we told him that that was unethical.

How common is it to have different prices for that?

It absolutely makes a price difference if you use "rail liquor" (the stuff stored on a metal rail down below the bar for easy access) versus the better stuff like Grey Goose or the like. The guy JayhawkCO mentioned was doing exactly the opposite of what is normal—normally, if the customer doesn't express a preference, you use the "rail liquor," which also makes the bartender's job easier because the bottle is easier to access and it already has the rubber device variously known as a "pour spout" or a "nipple" in place. Most bartenders can measure the appropriate amount through one of those without needing to use a shot glass or jigger, but the more expensive bottles don't normally have those in place and thus it takes them a little more time to pour if they have to measure.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 14, 2024, 08:47:46 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 13, 2024, 06:17:29 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 13, 2024, 05:54:39 PM
Kind of reminds me of my first serving job back in the day. We had this kid who was new and when he asked people if they had a vodka/gin/whiskey/etc. preference when they ordered their drink, if they say that they didn't, he'd just order them the most expensive one. He seemed incredulous when we told him that that was unethical.

How common is it to have different prices for that?

Same thing as the difference between ordering chopped steak vs. Filet Mignon. And the price difference can be substantial.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on March 14, 2024, 09:01:51 AM

I'm reminded of stories I've heard about obnoxious people demanding top shelf liquor and then yelling about the price when they get the bill. Of course, these same people would get offended if the server tried to better warn them of the price up front...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on March 14, 2024, 09:07:57 AM

I think complaining is justified. At many restaurants I go to, the top single item is between 20 and 30 dollars. Having to pay hundreds without being notified of the price beforehand feels like a breach of contract.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 14, 2024, 09:46:02 AM

Quote from: Rothman on March 14, 2024, 09:01:51 AM
I'm reminded of stories I've heard about obnoxious people demanding top shelf liquor and then yelling about the price when they get the bill. Of course, these same people would get offended if the server tried to better warn them of the price up front...

Quote from: 1 on March 14, 2024, 09:07:57 AM
I think complaining is justified. At many restaurants I go to, the top single item is between 20 and 30 dollars. Having to pay hundreds without being notified of the price beforehand feels like a breach of contract.

It's a fine line. So the restaurants that I've run most recently in my career generally have some pretty wealthy people as our clientele. If someone comes in and says "I want the Macallan 25, neat", I don't say a word. They can see that I also have the 12 and the 15 year, but they chose that they wanted the oldest one and I assume people know that the older the scotch, the more they pay. Rich people don't want to seem like they're "uncultured" or "uneducated on the finer things in life" and also get offended pretty easily.

However, if someone comes in and says "I'll have a Johnnie Walker neat", I'd respond with "I have the Red, the Black, or, if you feel like splurging, the Blue." That lets people know that the Blue might be an outlier on price. If I remember correctly, the Red was $9, the Black was $11, and the Blue was $55.

Either way, to my original point, as 1995hoo said, if someone says they don't have a vodka preference, the assumption is that they "can't taste the difference" (or don't care enough to pay more) so you just give them well vodka. Which, to be fair, we had really decent well vodka, and I personally never order anything other than well vodka unless ordering a martini since, by definition, vodka is an odorless, tasteless spirit.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on March 14, 2024, 10:53:50 AM

Alcohol and tobacco have no appeal to me. In fact, when I take a look at alcohol prices, they tend to be more expensive than non-alcohol prices. Plus, I have enough problems in my life that I don't need the added burdens of alcohol and tobacco addiction in my life. So, no, not even a "that time I was stupid drunk" story. No, I won't be that prude that says that they have never drunk alcohol. I've had my two or three tastes in my life, and alcohol does not agree with me. Just because drinking alcohol is a "adult" thing to do doesn't mean I have to participate, much like having a rich person purchase a more expensive item just to keep up appearances. My goal in life isn't to impress the neighbors, keep up with the Jones, or keep up appearances.

Unless things have changed in the sit-down restaurant business, the profit margins for food is terribly small, with the money being made in the drinks, and for alcohol, even more so. Thus, the markups.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 14, 2024, 10:57:23 AM

I was merely thinking that, when the menu price says $18 or whatever for a Kentucky Mule, and then I request a specific bourbon, it isn't obvious that the price would change. Then again, I suppose, drinks actually listed on the menu do tend to specify exactly which liquor they're using in no uncertain terms, so maybe that's a moot point.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on March 14, 2024, 10:58:00 AM

Quote from: 1 on March 14, 2024, 09:07:57 AM
I think complaining is justified. At many restaurants I go to, the top single item is between 20 and 30 dollars. Having to pay hundreds without being notified of the price beforehand feels like a breach of contract.

Note that I said "demanding."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on March 14, 2024, 11:00:42 AM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 14, 2024, 09:46:02 AM
Quote from: Rothman on March 14, 2024, 09:01:51 AM
I'm reminded of stories I've heard about obnoxious people demanding top shelf liquor and then yelling about the price when they get the bill. Of course, these same people would get offended if the server tried to better warn them of the price up front...
Quote from: 1 on March 14, 2024, 09:07:57 AM
I think complaining is justified. At many restaurants I go to, the top single item is between 20 and 30 dollars. Having to pay hundreds without being notified of the price beforehand feels like a breach of contract.

It's a fine line. So the restaurants that I've run most recently in my career generally have some pretty wealthy people as our clientele. If someone comes in and says "I want the Macallan 25, neat", I don't say a word. They can see that I also have the 12 and the 15 year, but they chose that they wanted the oldest one and I assume people know that the older the scotch, the more they pay. Rich people don't want to seem like they're "uncultured" or "uneducated on the finer things in life" and also get offended pretty easily.

However, if someone comes in and says "I'll have a Johnnie Walker neat", I'd respond with "I have the Red, the Black, or, if you feel like splurging, the Blue." That lets people know that the Blue might be an outlier on price. If I remember correctly, the Red was $9, the Black was $11, and the Blue was $55.

It's the tightroping customers make servers do in this regard that I find stinky.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 14, 2024, 11:03:50 AM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 14, 2024, 09:46:02 AM
I personally never order anything other than well vodka unless ordering a martini since, by definition, vodka is an odorless, tasteless spirit.

By definition, vodka need not be odorless or tasteless.

Quote from: kphoger on September 09, 2022, 11:59:46 AM

Quote from: Rothman on September 08, 2022, 11:25:17 PM
Psst. By definition, vodka is tasteless.

By definition before 2020, vodka was without a distinctive taste. Not quite the same thing as "tasteless".

Since 2020, that's not part of the legal definition. Flavors that have been added or blended in trigger the necessity to label the product as "flavored vodka" rather than simply "vodka", but that's not the same thing. The base spirit is still defined as a "neutral" spirit, but neutral isn't quite synonymous with flavorless.

Quote from: Code of Federal Regulations
Title 27 – Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms

Chapter 1 – Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Department of the Treasury

Subchapter A – Alcohol

Part 5 – Labeling and Advertising of Distilled Spirits

Subpart I – Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits

§ 5.142 – Neutral spirits or alcohol

(b) Types. The following chart lists the types of neutral spirits and the rules that apply to the type designation.

(1) Vodka. Neutral spirits which may be treated with up to two grams per liter of sugar and up to one gram per liter of citric acid. Products to be labeled as vodka may not be aged or stored in wood barrels at any time except when stored in paraffin-lined wood barrels and labeled as bottled in bond pursuant to § 5.88. Vodka treated and filtered with not less than one ounce of activated carbon or activated charcoal per 100 wine gallons of spirits may be labeled as "charcoal filtered." Addition of any other flavoring or blending materials changes the classification to flavored vodka or to a distilled spirits specialty product, as appropriate. Vodka must be designated on the label as "neutral spirits," "alcohol," or "vodka" .

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 14, 2024, 11:15:39 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 14, 2024, 11:03:50 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 14, 2024, 09:46:02 AM
I personally never order anything other than well vodka unless ordering a martini since, by definition, vodka is an odorless, tasteless spirit.

By definition, vodka need not be odorless or tasteless.

Close enough to tasteless. It's essentially a way for distilleries to make something quick and cheap.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on March 14, 2024, 11:32:26 AM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 14, 2024, 09:46:02 AM
Either way, to my original point, as 1995hoo said, if someone says they don't have a vodka preference, the assumption is that they "can't taste the difference" (or don't care enough to pay more) so you just give them well vodka.

I'm reminded of the story (October 2020?) where a group of New York businessmen ordered a $2,000 bottle of wine and a couple at another table ordered an $18 bottle, and the bottles were accidentally switched. The businessmen not only didn't notice, they sang praises of the cheap stuff.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 14, 2024, 11:37:37 AM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on March 14, 2024, 11:32:26 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 14, 2024, 09:46:02 AM
Either way, to my original point, as 1995hoo said, if someone says they don't have a vodka preference, the assumption is that they "can't taste the difference" (or don't care enough to pay more) so you just give them well vodka.

I'm reminded of the story (October 2020?) where a group of New York businessmen ordered a $2,000 bottle of wine and a couple at another table ordered an $18 bottle, and the bottles were accidentally switched. The businessmen not only didn't notice, they sang praises of the cheap stuff.

Oh yeah, the majority of people have no idea what they're tasting. Even me, a certified sommelier and someone who could easily pass beer and spirits certifications, there are some things that I really can't taste a lot of quality differences in. Champagne is one specifically for me. A $30 bottle very often tastes the same/better than a $200 bottle to me.

My exceptions:
Tequila
Mezcal
Gin
Napa Reds
California Chardonnay
Chianti

For those, only pricier versions taste good to me at all.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on March 14, 2024, 02:06:53 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 11, 2024, 12:55:00 PM
1) get up from your desk to go pee
2) walk in, take your position at the urinal
3) start doing your business
4) realize halfway through that you also need to poop
5) internal debate: is it worth it to re-fasten your pants?
6) flush
7) shuffle over to a stall with your pants undone and your junk hanging out
8) hope nobody else walks in at that exact moment you're in transit
9) do your other business
10) flush again

This.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on March 14, 2024, 04:16:28 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on March 14, 2024, 02:06:53 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 11, 2024, 12:55:00 PM
1) get up from your desk to go pee
2) walk in, take your position at the urinal
3) start doing your business
4) realize halfway through that you also need to poop
5) internal debate: is it worth it to re-fasten your pants?
6) flush
7) shuffle over to a stall with your pants undone and your junk hanging out
8) hope nobody else walks in at that exact moment you're in transit
9) do your other business
10) flush again

This.

There's two of you wandering around with your pants down?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 14, 2024, 04:19:36 PM

Agreed. You're at a urinal. How much re-dressing is required? Literally none. Just put away the firehose and walk to the stall.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on March 14, 2024, 04:23:19 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 14, 2024, 04:19:36 PM
Agreed. You're at a urinal. How much re-dressing is required? Literally none. Just put away the firehose and walk to the stall.

Yes, in fact, I would argue it's easier doing this. It seems more work to have one hand holding my underwear down for potential public exposure vs. simply putting my underwear back up for a few seconds while switching from the urinal to stall.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on March 14, 2024, 04:29:31 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on March 14, 2024, 11:32:26 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 14, 2024, 09:46:02 AM
Either way, to my original point, as 1995hoo said, if someone says they don't have a vodka preference, the assumption is that they "can't taste the difference" (or don't care enough to pay more) so you just give them well vodka.

I'm reminded of the story (October 2020?) where a group of New York businessmen ordered a $2,000 bottle of wine and a couple at another table ordered an $18 bottle, and the bottles were accidentally switched. The businessmen not only didn't notice, they sang praises of the cheap stuff.

Ages ago the CEO and another of the executives at my dad's work made a bet. One bet the other that he couldn't tell a red wine from a white, if they were served at the same temperature and he couldn't see them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 14, 2024, 04:31:43 PM

Quote from: 7/8 on March 14, 2024, 04:23:19 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 14, 2024, 04:19:36 PM
Agreed. You're at a urinal. How much re-dressing is required? Literally none. Just put away the firehose and walk to the stall.

Yes, in fact, I would argue it's easier doing this. It seems more work to have one hand holding my underwear down for potential public exposure vs. simply putting my underwear back up for a few seconds while switching from the urinal to stall.

Why is your underwear down at the urinal? Do people not wear underwear with a fly?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 7/8 on March 14, 2024, 04:47:19 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 14, 2024, 04:31:43 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on March 14, 2024, 04:23:19 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 14, 2024, 04:19:36 PM
Agreed. You're at a urinal. How much re-dressing is required? Literally none. Just put away the firehose and walk to the stall.

Yes, in fact, I would argue it's easier doing this. It seems more work to have one hand holding my underwear down for potential public exposure vs. simply putting my underwear back up for a few seconds while switching from the urinal to stall.

Why is your underwear down at the urinal? Do people not wear underwear with a fly?

For some reason I've never used the fly. I just pull the front down and hold it down until I'm done. Maybe that's less common than I thought...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 14, 2024, 04:59:15 PM

Quote from: 7/8 on March 14, 2024, 04:47:19 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 14, 2024, 04:31:43 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on March 14, 2024, 04:23:19 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 14, 2024, 04:19:36 PM
Agreed. You're at a urinal. How much re-dressing is required? Literally none. Just put away the firehose and walk to the stall.

Yes, in fact, I would argue it's easier doing this. It seems more work to have one hand holding my underwear down for potential public exposure vs. simply putting my underwear back up for a few seconds while switching from the urinal to stall.

Why is your underwear down at the urinal? Do people not wear underwear with a fly?

For some reason I've never used the fly. I just pull the front down and hold it down until I'm done. Maybe that's less common than I thought...

The fly is way hard to squeeze through as opposed to whipping the underwear down for a second.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 14, 2024, 05:04:50 PM

I guess I've never had a problem. Either way. It still takes almost no time to put your unit back in your pants. I don't understand why you'd remain indecently exposed before moving over to the stall.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 14, 2024, 05:13:39 PM

When I've been confronted with this problem I just finish peeing, zip up and then move to the stall. I don't feel that I owe anyone an explanation for untimely bowel movements.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on March 14, 2024, 05:19:16 PM

Quote from: Rothman on March 14, 2024, 04:16:28 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on March 14, 2024, 02:06:53 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 11, 2024, 12:55:00 PM
1) get up from your desk to go pee
2) walk in, take your position at the urinal
3) start doing your business
4) realize halfway through that you also need to poop
5) internal debate: is it worth it to re-fasten your pants?
6) flush
7) shuffle over to a stall with your pants undone and your junk hanging out
8) hope nobody else walks in at that exact moment you're in transit
9) do your other business
10) flush again

This.
There's two of you wandering around with your pants down?

and kphoger goes commando.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on March 14, 2024, 05:29:51 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 14, 2024, 05:13:39 PM
When I've been confronted with this problem I just finish peeing, zip up and then move to the stall. I don't feel that I owe anyone an explanation for untimely bowel movements.

I demand an explanation.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 14, 2024, 05:34:54 PM

Quote from: Rothman on March 14, 2024, 04:16:28 PM
There's two of you wandering around with your pants down?

In Nevada, this would be considered modest, because it implies that they actually have pants with them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on March 14, 2024, 06:20:29 PM

Quote from: kkt on March 14, 2024, 04:29:31 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on March 14, 2024, 11:32:26 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 14, 2024, 09:46:02 AM
Either way, to my original point, as 1995hoo said, if someone says they don't have a vodka preference, the assumption is that they "can't taste the difference" (or don't care enough to pay more) so you just give them well vodka.

I'm reminded of the story (October 2020?) where a group of New York businessmen ordered a $2,000 bottle of wine and a couple at another table ordered an $18 bottle, and the bottles were accidentally switched. The businessmen not only didn't notice, they sang praises of the cheap stuff.

Ages ago the CEO and another of the executives at my dad's work made a bet. One bet the other that he couldn't tell a red wine from a white, if they were served at the same temperature and he couldn't see them.

Who won?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 14, 2024, 06:28:52 PM

Quote from: Big John on March 14, 2024, 05:19:16 PM
and kphoger goes commando.

Most of the time, yles, but I have bought some pairs of briefs since this subject was last brought up. I've started wearing chinos, and those more obviously show drippy-drops than jeans do. I also tend to wear holes in the seat of my jeans, and having underwear on underneath makes those holes less socially unacceptable.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: tchafe1978 on March 14, 2024, 10:44:28 PM

Hearing about other people's bathroom habits. TMI! I mean, I get diarrhea every once in a while. I'm sure nobody else wants to hear about me having exploding shits all over the toilet.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 14, 2024, 11:06:17 PM

Quote from: Rothman on March 14, 2024, 05:29:51 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 14, 2024, 05:13:39 PM
When I've been confronted with this problem I just finish peeing, zip up and then move to the stall. I don't feel that I owe anyone an explanation for untimely bowel movements.
I demand an explanation.

The other day I was using the stall and the IT guy tried to strike up a work conversation (he was moving from the urinal to the sink). I ended up telling him "I'm not going to have a conversation while I'm on the toilet taking a deuce." He was taken aback by me shutting him down and probably kind of embarrassed from what I gathered. I would imagine if someone asked for an explanation in the scenario described above, they likely would get more than they bargained for from me in terms of detail.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on March 14, 2024, 11:38:42 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on March 14, 2024, 06:20:29 PM
Quote from: kkt on March 14, 2024, 04:29:31 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on March 14, 2024, 11:32:26 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 14, 2024, 09:46:02 AM
Either way, to my original point, as 1995hoo said, if someone says they don't have a vodka preference, the assumption is that they "can't taste the difference" (or don't care enough to pay more) so you just give them well vodka.

I'm reminded of the story (October 2020?) where a group of New York businessmen ordered a $2,000 bottle of wine and a couple at another table ordered an $18 bottle, and the bottles were accidentally switched. The businessmen not only didn't notice, they sang praises of the cheap stuff.

Ages ago the CEO and another of the executives at my dad's work made a bet. One bet the other that he couldn't tell a red wine from a white, if they were served at the same temperature and he couldn't see them.

Who won?

He could tell the difference better than chance, but nowhere near totally reliably.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on March 14, 2024, 11:56:09 PM

Quote from: tchafe1978 on March 14, 2024, 10:44:28 PM
Hearing about other people's bathroom habits. TMI! I mean, I get diarrhea every once in a while. I'm sure nobody else wants to hear about me having exploding shits all over the toilet.

bandits bunker blasts?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 14, 2024, 11:57:09 PM

^^^

Pooing is cool...or sometimes really burning hot.

Quote from: tchafe1978 on March 14, 2024, 10:44:28 PM
Hearing about other people's bathroom habits. TMI! I mean, I get diarrhea every once in a while. I'm sure nobody else wants to hear about me having exploding shits all over the toilet.

And yet this thread exists:

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=4969.150

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on March 15, 2024, 04:01:09 AM

Quote from: tchafe1978 on March 14, 2024, 10:44:28 PM
Hearing about other people's bathroom habits. TMI! I mean, I get diarrhea every once in a while. I'm sure nobody else wants to hear about me having exploding shits all over the toilet.

"That's TMI"

*proceeds to bring up a different kind of TMI*

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on March 15, 2024, 04:02:06 AM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 14, 2024, 11:06:17 PM
Quote from: Rothman on March 14, 2024, 05:29:51 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 14, 2024, 05:13:39 PM
When I've been confronted with this problem I just finish peeing, zip up and then move to the stall. I don't feel that I owe anyone an explanation for untimely bowel movements.
I demand an explanation.

The other day I was using the stall and the IT guy tried to strike up a work conversation (he was moving from the urinal to the sink). I ended up telling him "I'm not going to have a conversation while I'm on the toilet taking a deuce." He was taken aback by me shutting him down and probably kind of embarrassed from what I gathered. I would imagine if someone asked for an explanation in the scenario described above, they likely would get more than they bargained for from me in terms of detail.

Heh. Well-played. I had a boss that would strike up conversation while you were both using a urinal and that was awkward enough.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on March 15, 2024, 08:37:54 AM

Quote from: Rothman on March 15, 2024, 04:01:09 AM
Quote from: tchafe1978 on March 14, 2024, 10:44:28 PM
Hearing about other people's bathroom habits. TMI! I mean, I get diarrhea every once in a while. I'm sure nobody else wants to hear about me having exploding shits all over the toilet.
"That's TMI"

*proceeds to bring up a different kind of TMI*

Sure.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/982/42180848551_3a0dcbd1b1_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/27gnSHv)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on March 15, 2024, 08:41:54 AM

There used to be a Minecraft mod called TooManyItems, abbreviated TMI. It became obsolete when Creative Mode was added, although somehow it's still being updated.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on March 15, 2024, 09:01:23 AM

Three Mile Island nuclear plant?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on March 15, 2024, 10:11:03 AM

Quote from: 7/8 on March 14, 2024, 04:47:19 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 14, 2024, 04:31:43 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on March 14, 2024, 04:23:19 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 14, 2024, 04:19:36 PM
Agreed. You're at a urinal. How much re-dressing is required? Literally none. Just put away the firehose and walk to the stall.

Yes, in fact, I would argue it's easier doing this. It seems more work to have one hand holding my underwear down for potential public exposure vs. simply putting my underwear back up for a few seconds while switching from the urinal to stall.

Why is your underwear down at the urinal? Do people not wear underwear with a fly?

For some reason I've never used the fly. I just pull the front down and hold it down until I'm done. Maybe that's less common than I thought...

Kilts and fig leaves for the win!!!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: elsmere241 on March 15, 2024, 10:23:03 AM

How about, when your wife finishes the last roll of toilet paper in the bathroom and doesn't bring more in.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 15, 2024, 10:31:46 AM

Quote from: elsmere241 on March 15, 2024, 10:23:03 AM
How about, when your wife finishes the last roll of toilet paper in the bathroom and doesn't bring more in.

This is the one fault that I have found with my wife.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on March 15, 2024, 10:34:06 AM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 15, 2024, 10:31:46 AM
Quote from: elsmere241 on March 15, 2024, 10:23:03 AM
How about, when your wife finishes the last roll of toilet paper in the bathroom and doesn't bring more in.

This is the one fault that I have found with my wife.

Did you leave the seat up for her?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 15, 2024, 11:50:56 AM

Quote from: Big John on March 15, 2024, 10:34:06 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 15, 2024, 10:31:46 AM
Quote from: elsmere241 on March 15, 2024, 10:23:03 AM
How about, when your wife finishes the last roll of toilet paper in the bathroom and doesn't bring more in.

This is the one fault that I have found with my wife.
Did you leave the seat up for her?

Nope. We have a 2-year-old and cats, so I always lower the seat and cover.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on March 15, 2024, 12:49:56 PM

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 14, 2024, 11:57:09 PM
^^^

Pooing is cool...or sometimes really burning hot.

Quote from: tchafe1978 on March 14, 2024, 10:44:28 PM
Hearing about other people's bathroom habits. TMI! I mean, I get diarrhea every once in a while. I'm sure nobody else wants to hear about me having exploding shits all over the toilet.

And yet this thread exists:

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=4969.150

Wasn't there also a (since deleted) thread where people were posting pictures of their bowel movements? Or was that somewhere else?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on March 15, 2024, 12:53:47 PM

Quote from: vdeane on March 15, 2024, 12:49:56 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 14, 2024, 11:57:09 PM
^^^

Pooing is cool...or sometimes really burning hot.

Quote from: tchafe1978 on March 14, 2024, 10:44:28 PM
Hearing about other people's bathroom habits. TMI! I mean, I get diarrhea every once in a while. I'm sure nobody else wants to hear about me having exploding shits all over the toilet.

And yet this thread exists:

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=4969.150
Wasn't there also a (since deleted) thread where people were posting pictures of their bowel movements? Or was that somewhere else?

Wut.

That couldn't have been here...could it?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 15, 2024, 01:32:26 PM

Quote from: elsmere241 on March 15, 2024, 10:23:03 AM
How about, when your wife finishes the last roll of toilet paper in the bathroom and doesn't bring more in.

Wow, and here I thought that was a male thing.

Oh no, wait, the male thing is to unwrap the next roll but still refuse to throw away the spent tube and replace it—instead just putting the new roll on the back of the toilet.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on March 15, 2024, 01:34:16 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 15, 2024, 01:32:26 PM
Quote from: elsmere241 on March 15, 2024, 10:23:03 AM
How about, when your wife finishes the last roll of toilet paper in the bathroom and doesn't bring more in.

Wow, and here I thought that was a male thing.

Oh no, wait, the male thing is to unwrap the next roll but still refuse to throw away the spent tube and replace it—instead just putting the new roll on the back of the toilet.

That's not what I call the male thing at all.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 15, 2024, 01:40:42 PM

Quote from: Rothman on March 15, 2024, 01:34:16 PM
That's not what I call the male thing at all.

What do you call the male thing? A wee-wee?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bm7 on March 15, 2024, 01:52:04 PM

Quote from: 1 on March 15, 2024, 08:41:54 AM
There used to be a Minecraft mod called TooManyItems, abbreviated TMI. It became obsolete when Creative Mode was added, although somehow it's still being updated.

It was still updated as it's not redundant, because 1. you can use it in survival for looking up items/recipes, and 2. it supports items from mods. Although TMI hasn't been updated in years, there's a similar mod named Just Enough Items that's regularly updated.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on March 15, 2024, 01:53:22 PM

I gave up on Minecraft after the bees...and after my kids grew out of it.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 15, 2024, 01:59:49 PM

I played Minesweeper and Starcraft. Never Minecraft.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: bm7 on March 15, 2024, 02:07:20 PM

Quote from: Rothman on March 15, 2024, 01:53:22 PM
I gave up on Minecraft after the bees...and after my kids grew out of it.

I haven't played it in a few years, and now I can't because, back on the topic of minor things that bother you: I lost access to my account when they made everyone move to a Microsoft account.

I have an old account from before they even required an email to register. You can't use those accounts to play the game anymore without converting it into a Microsoft account, and to do that it sends an email to your account's email... which it doesn't have one. The only way to fix that is to contact their support, but they need proof that you purchased the game, specifically the invoice/receipt number sent in an email which by now is long gone as I don't even have the email account I used back then. And I really don't want to pay Microsoft $30 to buy it again when it's the fault of their own bad design decision.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on March 15, 2024, 03:05:38 PM

Quote from: Rothman on March 15, 2024, 12:53:47 PM
Quote from: vdeane on March 15, 2024, 12:49:56 PM
Wasn't there also a (since deleted) thread where people were posting pictures of their bowel movements? Or was that somewhere else?
Wut.

That couldn't have been here...could it?

I seem to recall, years back, being told of a site called "ratemypoo.com" - maybe that's what came to mind? (Not gonna make a hyperlink. Just because. Ick.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on March 15, 2024, 03:45:27 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 15, 2024, 10:31:46 AM
Quote from: elsmere241 on March 15, 2024, 10:23:03 AM
How about, when your wife finishes the last roll of toilet paper in the bathroom and doesn't bring more in.

This is the one fault that I have found with my wife.

That's pretty bad. What kind of example is she setting for the kids?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on March 15, 2024, 03:54:15 PM

I remember once when it was National Pancake Day at ZiHOP when I worked there. One lady was pissed at the poor service she got. She was with her hubby and kids and protested when she left by emptying all the syrups on the table. I'm sure if you been to IHOP, you know the syrups are left on the tables.

So this lady not only showed her own kids that tantrums are okay for people to have when they have a setback, but she still complained afterwards to the managers about her experience and reported the said server.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on March 15, 2024, 04:29:43 PM

Wow.

If you expect 5 star service, going to Ihop is a mistake.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kphoger on March 15, 2024, 04:39:46 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on March 15, 2024, 03:54:15 PM
I remember once when it was National Pancake Day at ZiHOP when I worked there. One lady was pissed at the poor service she got. She was with her hubby and kids and protested when she left by emptying all the syrups on the table. I'm sure if you been to IHOP, you know the syrups are left on the tables.

So this lady not only showed her own kids that tantrums are okay for people to have when they have a setback, but she still complained afterwards to the managers about her experience and reported the said server.

Wait, I'm confused. Was this at ZiHOP or IHOP?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Max Rockatansky on March 15, 2024, 04:40:27 PM

Penny for your thoughts on service at Denny's?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: geek11111 on March 15, 2024, 04:44:51 PM

Being asked "Can I take this chair?" in most situations.

"Your call will be monitored for training purposes."
(Sometimes, followed by "Visit double you double you double you dot example dot com slash privacy to see how we protect your privacy.")

"We updated our EULA."

"Rate your stay at xxxxxx", or, "How's your experience with us?"

Requirement to change password periodically.

The month names in Roman languages — my (grand)parents always need to ask me what month a, say, "Apr" is.
12 hour clock on a screen full of time values, especially in airports, or ticket booking apps, where any time in a day are almost equally possible. (But fine with those in regular 9-5 operating places, though)
Imperial units, and those non-American people who talk to me using imperial units.

DST in southern area — it takes until early May to recover the 1 hour delay of sunrise, and the latest sunrise in a year occurs in early March rather than late December.

So se sonsisues

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: epzik8 on March 15, 2024, 04:53:07 PM

Anyone in this thread mentioned the it's/its and who's/whose issues yet?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on March 15, 2024, 04:56:38 PM

Quote from: geek11111 on March 15, 2024, 04:44:51 PM"Your call will be monitored for training purposes."
(Sometimes, followed by "Visit double you double you double you dot example dot com slash privacy to see how we protect your privacy.")

Along with "Please listen closely as our options have recently changed.". Uh, no, they have remained the same for the past ten years.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 15, 2024, 04:57:45 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on March 15, 2024, 04:56:38 PM
Quote from: geek11111 on March 15, 2024, 04:44:51 PM"Your call will be monitored for training purposes."
(Sometimes, followed by "Visit double you double you double you dot example dot com slash privacy to see how we protect your privacy.")

Along with "Please listen closely as our options have recently changed.". Uh, no, they have remained the same for the past ten years.

PennDOT: Just 10 years? Our Old Exit Number signage is twice that.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: geek11111 on March 15, 2024, 05:00:27 PM

Quote from: ZLoth on March 15, 2024, 04:56:38 PM
Quote from: geek11111 on March 15, 2024, 04:44:51 PM"Your call will be monitored for training purposes."
(Sometimes, followed by "Visit double you double you double you dot example dot com slash privacy to see how we protect your privacy.")

Along with "Please listen closely as our options have recently changed.". Uh, no, they have remained the same for the past ten years.

I would say, the designer of the IVR system definitely know these are annoying, but just using this annoyance to filter out those who are patient enough and truly needs to call them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 15, 2024, 05:57:33 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 15, 2024, 01:32:26 PM
Oh no, wait, the male thing is to unwrap the next roll but still refuse to throw away the spent tube and replace it—instead just putting the new roll on the back of the toilet.

See, that's what my wife does, so it'd be news to her that that's the male thing to do. In fact, she would usually get a collection of six or seven spent tubes in the bathroom before I'd sigh and cart them all off to the recycling bin for her.

The way our apartment in Nevada is set up now, we naturally each have our own bathroom and neither of us has any reason to go into the other one. It's nice not having to care about whatever's going on in there. (At least until we make friends here, because her bathroom is the one that's more naturally accessible from the living room.)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: geek11111 on March 15, 2024, 08:32:56 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 15, 2024, 05:57:33 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 15, 2024, 01:32:26 PM
Oh no, wait, the male thing is to unwrap the next roll but still refuse to throw away the spent tube and replace it—instead just putting the new roll on the back of the toilet.

See, that's what my wife does, so it'd be news to her that that's the male thing to do. In fact, she would usually get a collection of six or seven spent tubes in the bathroom before I'd sigh and cart them all off to the recycling bin for her.

The way our apartment in Nevada is set up now, we naturally each have our own bathroom and neither of us has any reason to go into the other one. It's nice not having to care about whatever's going on in there. (At least until we make friends here, because her bathroom is the one that's more naturally accessible from the living room.)

Why you moved from Oklahoma to Nevada?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on March 15, 2024, 10:44:09 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 15, 2024, 04:39:46 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on March 15, 2024, 03:54:15 PM
I remember once when it was National Pancake Day at ZiHOP when I worked there. One lady was pissed at the poor service she got. She was with her hubby and kids and protested when she left by emptying all the syrups on the table. I'm sure if you been to IHOP, you know the syrups are left on the tables.

So this lady not only showed her own kids that tantrums are okay for people to have when they have a setback, but she still complained afterwards to the managers about her experience and reported the said server.

Wait, I'm confused. Was this at ZiHOP or IHOP?

Maybe I'm confused. I thought ZIHOP was a typo. There's a breakfast restaurant called that?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on March 15, 2024, 10:48:06 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 15, 2024, 01:32:26 PM
Quote from: elsmere241 on March 15, 2024, 10:23:03 AM
How about, when your wife finishes the last roll of toilet paper in the bathroom and doesn't bring more in.

Wow, and here I thought that was a male thing.

Oh no, wait, the male thing is to unwrap the next roll but still refuse to throw away the spent tube and replace it—instead just putting the new roll on the back of the toilet.

Um... no... this male's thing is to replace the used up role with a new one and dispose of the core in the recycling like it should be.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 16, 2024, 06:30:31 PM

Quote from: geek11111 on March 15, 2024, 08:32:56 PM
Why you moved from Oklahoma to Nevada?

There are two main reasons. The first is that my wife works in the casino gaming industry, and had worked for all of the main employers in that industry in the Oklahoma City area and found them to be not a good fit for her. When looking for jobs in casino gaming, Las Vegas is the obvious place to start, so we started looking into the pay scales and found out that she'd get a 60% raise just by moving to Nevada, and the cost of living is really not that much higher. My wife is now employed by one of the large casino operators here, and the working environment is like night and day—her new company is very supportive and everyone there seems focused on helping her grow as an employee and be comfortable there. That's just not in the work culture in Oklahoma, which seems like it's fixated on the idea of "sink or swim".

The second reason is that the politics of Oklahoma have basically become intolerable for us and we needed to leave. (Please note: I am not inviting a debate here, I am just answering the question why I moved, and besides, it would be pointless to debate; all my stuff's in Nevada now, so what's done is done.) The tipping point that first led me to consider moving out was that I spent much of 2021 working on establishing a cannabis farm in rural Oklahoma, which involved both a lot of physical grunt work and a lot of paperwork. I had to address the city council and basically argue for me and my partners' right to start the farm, and we were successful. Then, in 2022, Governor Kevin Stitt signed a bill that placed a moratorium on granting any new cannabis farm licenses. That basically killed any prospect of us getting funding for operations, and thus all of the time and money we'd already spent on the farm was a waste. All because some doofus that looks like a side character in an Archie comic wanted to score a cheap political point at our expense. That experience made it personal—the state of Oklahoma had directly harmed me, and it couldn't care less. If Oklahoma didn't care about me, why should I keep paying to support it with my tax money? And if it could do that to my business, who knows what other sorts of possibilities it was destroying by blindly thrashing around for political reasons?

Furthermore, although my wife and I are a cis married couple, both of us identify as LGBT. While the chances of it directly affecting us are low because we're in a male/female marriage, the viciously anti-LGBT climate at 23rd and Lincoln made both of us feel uncomfortable. And we see no sign of cooler heads prevailing as they often do in other states when one side or the other gets too extreme (in fact, things seem to have gotten worse just in the month since we left). Given that the party in power in Oklahoma is so deeply entrenched, any attempt at trying to fix the problem from the inside seemed like a waste of effort, so the only recourse left was to vote with our feet.

Also the signs fucking suck and I was tired of looking at them.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on March 16, 2024, 08:09:49 PM

Quote from: geek11111 on March 15, 2024, 04:44:51 PM
Requirement to change password periodically.

I had a job that did this, but the system was poorly programmed and I could just reuse my existing password.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 16, 2024, 08:54:31 PM

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 16, 2024, 08:09:49 PM
Quote from: geek11111 on March 15, 2024, 04:44:51 PM
Requirement to change password periodically.

I had a job that did this, but the system was poorly programmed and I could just reuse my existing password.

For quite a while our passwords required 6 characters, with at least one being a number. Except, they didn't require a letter. So I just used numbers, such as 123456.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 16, 2024, 08:59:46 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 16, 2024, 08:54:31 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 16, 2024, 08:09:49 PM
Quote from: geek11111 on March 15, 2024, 04:44:51 PM
Requirement to change password periodically.

I had a job that did this, but the system was poorly programmed and I could just reuse my existing password.

For quite a while our passwords required 6 characters, with at least one being a number. Except, they didn't require a letter. So I just used numbers, such as 123456.

I had a system like that once and used the password 789632145.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on March 19, 2024, 06:58:57 PM

Somebody, tell me.... what's wrong with this picture?

(https://i.ibb.co/1GBdzM0/chrome-2024-03-19-17-51-53.png) (https://imgbb.com/)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on March 22, 2024, 12:20:25 PM

Netflix decided to end support for my Smart TV. This has happened with other streaming services, but normally there's advance notice, and then the app goes away. Neither happened here. No notice, and the app is still there and will load, it just won't let me play any content. WTF Netflix?

Guess I'm now using my computer/HDMI connection to the TV for all streaming now (and not just everything except Netflix; Amazon Prime Video technically still works, but it's janky), but I would have appreciated if it happened the same way as other services.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 22, 2024, 02:39:10 PM

Quote from: vdeane on March 22, 2024, 12:20:25 PM
Netflix decided to end support for my Smart TV. This has happened with other streaming services, but normally there's advance notice, and then the app goes away. Neither happened here. No notice, and the app is still there and will load, it just won't let me play any content. WTF Netflix?

Guess I'm now using my computer/HDMI connection to the TV for all streaming now (and not just everything except Netflix; Amazon Prime Video technically still works, but it's janky), but I would have appreciated if it happened the same way as other services.

I use my phone/chromecast for almost all streaming now. My TV seems to have a difficult time connecting to my WiFi and often buffers. My combo with my phone has no such issues.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on March 22, 2024, 03:34:17 PM

Quote from: vdeane on March 22, 2024, 12:20:25 PMNetflix decided to end support for my Smart TV. This has happened with other streaming services, but normally there's advance notice, and then the app goes away. Neither happened here. No notice, and the app is still there and will load, it just won't let me play any content. WTF Netflix?

What is the make/model/age of your SmartTV? Usually, it's because the SmartTV Operating System is too old or the internal "computer" doesn't have the capability to support the functionality. That's part of the anonymous telemetry that is sent back to Netflix.

Fortunately, you can pick up a Amazon FireTV stick for less than $30 or a Roku strick for around $40.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on March 22, 2024, 05:28:44 PM

Quote from: vdeane on March 22, 2024, 12:20:25 PM
Netflix decided to end support for my Smart TV. This has happened with other streaming services, but normally there's advance notice, and then the app goes away. Neither happened here. No notice, and the app is still there and will load, it just won't let me play any content. WTF Netflix?

Guess I'm now using my computer/HDMI connection to the TV for all streaming now (and not just everything except Netflix; Amazon Prime Video technically still works, but it's janky), but I would have appreciated if it happened the same way as other services.

Why do I suspect Smart TV makers of paying off Netflix to demand higher spec Smart TVs?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on March 22, 2024, 09:57:10 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 22, 2024, 02:39:10 PM
Quote from: vdeane on March 22, 2024, 12:20:25 PM
Netflix decided to end support for my Smart TV. This has happened with other streaming services, but normally there's advance notice, and then the app goes away. Neither happened here. No notice, and the app is still there and will load, it just won't let me play any content. WTF Netflix?

Guess I'm now using my computer/HDMI connection to the TV for all streaming now (and not just everything except Netflix; Amazon Prime Video technically still works, but it's janky), but I would have appreciated if it happened the same way as other services.

I use my phone/chromecast for almost all streaming now. My TV seems to have a difficult time connecting to my WiFi and often buffers. My combo with my phone has no such issues.

Mine never liked wifi either; I've been using ethernet for the last decade.

Quote from: ZLoth on March 22, 2024, 03:34:17 PM
Quote from: vdeane on March 22, 2024, 12:20:25 PMNetflix decided to end support for my Smart TV. This has happened with other streaming services, but normally there's advance notice, and then the app goes away. Neither happened here. No notice, and the app is still there and will load, it just won't let me play any content. WTF Netflix?

What is the make/model/age of your SmartTV? Usually, it's because the SmartTV Operating System is too old or the internal "computer" doesn't have the capability to support the functionality. That's part of the anonymous telemetry that is sent back to Netflix.

Fortunately, you can pick up a Amazon FireTV stick for less than $30 or a Roku strick for around $40.

It's a Samsung, not sure exact model; I bought it in 2013.

Planned obsolescence would be another thing that bothers me. Streaming video is streaming video; it's not like it changes. Doesn't help that I'm not used to it, since my desktop and laptop run Linux and therefore last however long the hardware does.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on March 23, 2024, 09:43:07 AM

Quote from: vdeane on March 22, 2024, 09:57:10 PMStreaming video is streaming video; it's not like it changes. Doesn't help that I'm not used to it, since my desktop and laptop run Linux and therefore last however long the hardware does.

Actually, yes, the underlying codec which compresses the streaming audio/video and decompresses it at the client end (television, computer, mobile device) does change over time. Sometimes, it's for better quality, usually, it's for lower bandwidth consumption with the trade-off being higher CPU consumption. While that SmartTV from 2013 has more computing power than the computer that was used to land on the moon or an Apple II computer, the computer from 2013 is still better than that computing power from that 2013 SmartTV.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on March 26, 2024, 03:20:36 PM

Quote from: dlsterner on March 04, 2024, 05:05:00 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on March 04, 2024, 03:12:40 PMFast food restaurants wanting a name for your order. I don't think it improves quality of service from a customer perspective and it's one more question that cashiers have to ask you to repeat because they didn't hear it correctly.

Next time, just tell them your name is "Poiponen".

I always tell them (or type, if at a kiosk) "Bluebeard Guy". You can see in the kitchen when it pops up, everyone is looking around.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 26, 2024, 06:09:58 PM

This default theme we're stuck with. I'm gonna have to do something about it...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Voyager on March 26, 2024, 06:11:04 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 26, 2024, 06:09:58 PMThis default theme we're stuck with. I'm gonna have to do something about it...

I hope the shield read/unread icons at least make a return, I miss those!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: kkt on March 26, 2024, 09:26:10 PM

Online videos that only have a "mute" or "blast my ears out" settings. Yes, I can change the master setting for my headphone volume, that's why it's minor. But I then have to readjust it for most everything else.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on March 28, 2024, 12:04:14 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 26, 2024, 06:09:58 PMThis default theme we're stuck with. I'm gonna have to do something about it...

It's like replacing a state-named interstate shield with a neutered shield... :bigass:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: ZLoth on March 28, 2024, 12:42:03 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 26, 2024, 06:09:58 PMThis default theme we're stuck with. I'm gonna have to do something about it...

I'm extremely grateful that you have not modified the default theme with either construction zone orange or florescent yellow indicating it's temporary. Those tend to be two colors often in use in construction zones.

Or, did I just give someone a bad idea for next Monday...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on March 28, 2024, 07:17:35 PM

Quote from: thenetwork on March 28, 2024, 12:04:14 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 26, 2024, 06:09:58 PMThis default theme we're stuck with. I'm gonna have to do something about it...

It's like replacing a state-named interstate shield with a neutered shield... :bigass:

or with reflective plating.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on March 29, 2024, 02:11:44 AM

Quote from: ZLoth on March 28, 2024, 12:42:03 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 26, 2024, 06:09:58 PMThis default theme we're stuck with. I'm gonna have to do something about it...

I'm extremely grateful that you have not modified the default theme with either construction zone orange or florescent yellow indicating it's temporary. Those tend to be two colors often in use in construction zones.

Or, did I just give someone a bad idea for next Monday...

Don't worry, my plans for next Monday are way stupider.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: on_wisconsin on March 29, 2024, 04:28:28 AM

Kwik Trip discontinuing bagged orange juice and milk.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on March 29, 2024, 04:48:32 AM

don't worry, for you won't be wasting it anymore.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on March 29, 2024, 05:17:41 AM

Quote from: SSOWorld on March 29, 2024, 04:48:32 AMdon't worry, for you won't be wasting it anymore.

Not KT wasting most of it as it just doesn't sell before it spoils.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hotdogPi on April 02, 2024, 07:43:56 AM

Google Maps can't give "fastest without a vehicle" directions. It has a transit option and a walking option. However, today, the only way to get to my 7:34 AM commuter rail train if I'm leaving between 6:54 (where walking the entire way is possible) and 7:02 (when the bus leaves) is to take a bus partway then walk 15 minutes. Google Maps has no idea such a trip is possible.

Any app where swiping left has a "positive" action, notably Discord, where it replies to whatever you swiped on. Apple's notifications on the lock screen does it correctly (right for yes, left for no): swiping right (or tapping on the notification) opens it, while swiping left clears and ignores it; everyone else should follow.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on April 02, 2024, 08:19:18 AM

There are four quite fast and efficient elevators in my building and I work on the penultimate floor.

I routinely let people crowd onto an elevator and wait for the next one -- a literal matter of a couple of seconds -- to be the sole occupant. My very own express.

But, inevitably, there are times when people insist on holding one of the cars for me and I'm close enough to where it makes it awkward to tell them that I'd just wait for the next one. So, I get on and go through the delay of them getting off on a floor below mine -- a delay longer than if I'd just get the next available elevator.

Just go on ahead of me. We all work here and know we have the best elevators in the country...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on April 09, 2024, 11:29:27 AM

The lack of CD players in automobiles these days. I miss listening to my favorite albums and songs as I drive. True your phone can have the same but I prefer not having a phone hooked up to my radio and leave the phone aside for emergencies.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on April 09, 2024, 11:52:13 AM

People who use bathroom stalls in airports as their personal offices.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Big John on April 09, 2024, 12:00:51 PM

Quote from: Rothman on April 09, 2024, 11:52:13 AMPeople who use bathroom stalls in airports as their personal offices.

I would remove "in airports" to make it accurate for me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on April 09, 2024, 12:20:52 PM

Quote from: Rothman on April 09, 2024, 11:52:13 AMPeople who use bathroom stalls in airports as their personal offices.

They do it in the workplace too.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SEWIGuy on April 09, 2024, 12:43:57 PM

Old people who clog up the aisles in grocery stores on evenings and weekends.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on April 09, 2024, 01:05:26 PM

Quote from: SEWIGuy on April 09, 2024, 12:43:57 PMOld people who clog up the aisles in grocery stores on evenings and weekends.

Not sure if it's the same where you are, but basically none of the grocery stores have baskets anymore. So, if you need more than a few things, you HAVE to take a cart. It probably slows down my grocery shopping by 50% to have a cart if I go to the grocery store any time after 9:00 AM.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SEWIGuy on April 09, 2024, 01:43:54 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 09, 2024, 01:05:26 PM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on April 09, 2024, 12:43:57 PMOld people who clog up the aisles in grocery stores on evenings and weekends.

Not sure if it's the same where you are, but basically none of the grocery stores have baskets anymore. So, if you need more than a few things, you HAVE to take a cart. It probably slows down my grocery shopping by 50% to have a cart if I go to the grocery store any time after 9:00 AM.

We have the mini-carts, which are incredibly easy to deal with.

But man, can't these old people go to the store at like 10:00 AM while the rest of us are actually generating economic activity?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on April 09, 2024, 02:21:01 PM

Quote from: SEWIGuy on April 09, 2024, 01:43:54 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 09, 2024, 01:05:26 PM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on April 09, 2024, 12:43:57 PMOld people who clog up the aisles in grocery stores on evenings and weekends.

Not sure if it's the same where you are, but basically none of the grocery stores have baskets anymore. So, if you need more than a few things, you HAVE to take a cart. It probably slows down my grocery shopping by 50% to have a cart if I go to the grocery store any time after 9:00 AM.

We have the mini-carts, which are incredibly easy to deal with.

But man, can't these old people go to the store at like 10:00 AM while the rest of us are actually generating economic activity?

I feel like my main grocery store has about six of these, and they're always taken.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on April 09, 2024, 11:02:30 PM

I am pretty sure this next nit I'm picking has to do with a recent Android update on both my work and personal phones:

Until recently, when I had hit the microphone for any speech-to-text actions (creating emails, texts, etc...) it recognized when I said "comma", "period", "new paragraph", etc. and insert the appropriate punctuation mark or paragraph break....

...Now it spells out the commands as words and not the punctuation anymore (period).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on April 11, 2024, 05:14:31 PM

My wife's car has a built-in sat-nav and we have our home address saved (with a PIN, of course) for the "Go Home" option. So, of course, she just called me from Fairfax City to say she was lost. Apparently, when I said "go right at the second light, then left at the first light after that," it meant "go right two lights in a row so you're going north when you want to go south."

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on April 11, 2024, 06:51:16 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on April 11, 2024, 05:14:31 PMMy wife's car has a built-in sat-nav and we have our home address saved (with a PIN, of course) for the "Go Home" option. So, of course, she just called me from Fairfax City to say she was lost. Apparently, when I said "go right at the second light, then left at the first light after that," it meant "go right two lights in a row so you're going north when you want to go south."

Wouldn't the GPS automatically reroute if you make a wrong turn?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on April 11, 2024, 06:57:38 PM

Quote from: webny99 on April 11, 2024, 06:51:16 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on April 11, 2024, 05:14:31 PMMy wife's car has a built-in sat-nav and we have our home address saved (with a PIN, of course) for the "Go Home" option. So, of course, she just called me from Fairfax City to say she was lost. Apparently, when I said "go right at the second light, then left at the first light after that," it meant "go right two lights in a row so you're going north when you want to go south."

Wouldn't the GPS automatically reroute if you make a wrong turn?

She hadn't told it where she was going. She shouldn't have needed it when she was going somewhere she's been several times before in the past month!

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on April 12, 2024, 11:43:02 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on April 11, 2024, 06:57:38 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 11, 2024, 06:51:16 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on April 11, 2024, 05:14:31 PMMy wife's car has a built-in sat-nav and we have our home address saved (with a PIN, of course) for the "Go Home" option. So, of course, she just called me from Fairfax City to say she was lost. Apparently, when I said "go right at the second light, then left at the first light after that," it meant "go right two lights in a row so you're going north when you want to go south."

Wouldn't the GPS automatically reroute if you make a wrong turn?

She hadn't told it where she was going. She shouldn't have needed it when she was going somewhere she's been several times before in the past month!

OK, misunderstood your first sentence. I would tend to agree, but I guess she still should have entered it to be sure. :D

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: 1995hoo on April 13, 2024, 08:36:27 AM

Quote from: webny99 on April 12, 2024, 11:43:02 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on April 11, 2024, 06:57:38 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 11, 2024, 06:51:16 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on April 11, 2024, 05:14:31 PMMy wife's car has a built-in sat-nav and we have our home address saved (with a PIN, of course) for the "Go Home" option. So, of course, she just called me from Fairfax City to say she was lost. Apparently, when I said "go right at the second light, then left at the first light after that," it meant "go right two lights in a row so you're going north when you want to go south."

Wouldn't the GPS automatically reroute if you make a wrong turn?

She hadn't told it where she was going. She shouldn't have needed it when she was going somewhere she's been several times before in the past month!

OK, misunderstood your first sentence. I would tend to agree, but I guess she still should have entered it to be sure. :D

Yeah, I don't understand why, when she realizes she's gone in a direction she thinks is wrong, she doesn't just hit the voice command button, say "Go Home," and enter her PIN. Instead she calls me. I haven't asked her that since this most recent incident, of course. Have to wait for the right time that won't start an argument.

I personally would not need routing turned on to get home from where she was, but then I grew up a short distance east of there and could come up with a bunch of different options to get home from that location.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: CtrlAltDel on April 13, 2024, 12:25:32 PM

Kleenex changed the designs of its boxes, and I don't like the style.

(https://i.imgur.com/Mee8uKf.png)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on April 13, 2024, 04:45:16 PM

I can't sign in to online banking anymore. Whenever I go to my bank's website, I keep getting "connection closed" errors or incomplete page loading. The bank says it's an issue with all Verizon customers (I have FiOS). When I talk to Verizon, they just keep running me through the same basic individual troubleshooting steps over and over again and refuse to believe me when I tell them the problem is on their end and that they're somehow blocking access to my bank (and for a while, it ended up taking out all my internet access). Since I don't have mobile tethering, I now have no way to do online banking at all. Unfortunately, Spectrum internet/customer service is even worse, so I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do about all this.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: mgk920 on April 13, 2024, 07:34:13 PM

Quote from: vdeane on April 13, 2024, 04:45:16 PMI can't sign in to online banking anymore. Whenever I go to my bank's website, I keep getting "connection closed" errors or incomplete page loading. The bank says it's an issue with all Verizon customers (I have FiOS). When I talk to Verizon, they just keep running me through the same basic individual troubleshooting steps over and over again and refuse to believe me when I tell them the problem is on their end and that they're somehow blocking access to my bank (and for a while, it ended up taking out all my internet access). Since I don't have mobile tethering, I now have no way to do online banking at all. Unfortunately, Spectrum internet/customer service is even worse, so I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do about all this.

Go back to 'old school' live tellers at the bank?

< DUCKS and RUNS!! >

Mike

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Scott5114 on April 13, 2024, 08:24:11 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on April 13, 2024, 07:34:13 PMGo back to 'old school' live tellers at the bank?

Not always an option one can exercise at the spur of the moment. I haven't moved my money to a bank here in Nevada yet, so if online banking went down for me, I'd have an 1100 mile drive to the nearest branch.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on April 13, 2024, 09:32:45 PM

Quote from: mgk920 on April 13, 2024, 07:34:13 PM
Quote from: vdeane on April 13, 2024, 04:45:16 PMI can't sign in to online banking anymore. Whenever I go to my bank's website, I keep getting "connection closed" errors or incomplete page loading. The bank says it's an issue with all Verizon customers (I have FiOS). When I talk to Verizon, they just keep running me through the same basic individual troubleshooting steps over and over again and refuse to believe me when I tell them the problem is on their end and that they're somehow blocking access to my bank (and for a while, it ended up taking out all my internet access). Since I don't have mobile tethering, I now have no way to do online banking at all. Unfortunately, Spectrum internet/customer service is even worse, so I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do about all this.

Go back to 'old school' live tellers at the bank?

< DUCKS and RUNS!! >

Mike

In my case, it would mean going back to paper statements, billing, and checks. That would be extraordinarily inconvenient and I'm already all out of filing space with all of this stuff electronic. Plus my handwriting is garbage and my hand cramps way too easily. And why should my ISP be able to block me from online banking?

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: jeffandnicole on April 13, 2024, 09:57:09 PM

Quote from: vdeane on April 13, 2024, 09:32:45 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on April 13, 2024, 07:34:13 PM
Quote from: vdeane on April 13, 2024, 04:45:16 PMI can't sign in to online banking anymore. Whenever I go to my bank's website, I keep getting "connection closed" errors or incomplete page loading. The bank says it's an issue with all Verizon customers (I have FiOS). When I talk to Verizon, they just keep running me through the same basic individual troubleshooting steps over and over again and refuse to believe me when I tell them the problem is on their end and that they're somehow blocking access to my bank (and for a while, it ended up taking out all my internet access). Since I don't have mobile tethering, I now have no way to do online banking at all. Unfortunately, Spectrum internet/customer service is even worse, so I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do about all this.

Go back to 'old school' live tellers at the bank?

< DUCKS and RUNS!! >

Mike
In my case, it would mean going back to paper statements, billing, and checks. That would be extraordinarily inconvenient and I'm already all out of filing space with all of this stuff electronic. Plus my handwriting is garbage and my hand cramps way too easily. And why should my ISP be able to block me from online banking?

Have you verified the bank's claim it'sa Verizon issue? Is there a way to log in on a non-Verizon device?

If it is Verizon, with it affecting all Verizon customers, it's really an issue the bank needs to work out with Verizon. That does seem like something where general troubleshooting won't resolve the issue.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on April 14, 2024, 07:51:00 AM

you know well @jeffandnicole that they don't get to that point until someone files a lawsuit. :awesomeface:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: formulanone on April 14, 2024, 04:21:31 PM

I know complaining about multi-factor authentication is pretty common by now, but my expense-reporting phone app wanted me to take photo of a QR code...which was also conveniently located on my phone in order to complete the authentication. Tried the Accessibility Options and that prompted me to make a phone call, but that's only available Monday – Friday.

It was faster to just uninstall the app and start over; since I just have to do that every few years anyhow, email confirmation is just easier.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on April 14, 2024, 04:36:22 PM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on April 13, 2024, 09:57:09 PMHave you verified the bank's claim it'sa Verizon issue? Is there a way to log in on a non-Verizon device?

If it is Verizon, with it affecting all Verizon customers, it's really an issue the bank needs to work out with Verizon. That does seem like something where general troubleshooting won't resolve the issue.

My phone seems to work better, though I don't like the idea of trying to do my banking over the phone. The small screen size is really inconvenient (I don't have tethering), I'm not sure if the site would even work (even trying to book an eye exam triggers the "some content was removed to save memory" message, bricking the site), and the cell networks strike me as being basically the same as a giant public wifi network from a security perspective (can you Firesheep a cell phone? No idea, but I don't see why not, other than SSL updates making the world move on from that particular threat).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on April 15, 2024, 05:28:23 PM

small screen's the trend. ;)

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Hobart on April 16, 2024, 01:03:49 AM

My university switched to having one of the classroom buildings be card-access only. This isn't a bad thing in itself.

However, with most of the new card readers they installed, the card reader is on the left side of the door, and the left door unlocks, requiring people to walk on the left side through doors despite walking on the right side being considered normal.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SEWIGuy on April 16, 2024, 09:25:25 AM

Quote from: vdeane on April 14, 2024, 04:36:22 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on April 13, 2024, 09:57:09 PMHave you verified the bank's claim it'sa Verizon issue? Is there a way to log in on a non-Verizon device?

If it is Verizon, with it affecting all Verizon customers, it's really an issue the bank needs to work out with Verizon. That does seem like something where general troubleshooting won't resolve the issue.
My phone seems to work better, though I don't like the idea of trying to do my banking over the phone. The small screen size is really inconvenient (I don't have tethering), I'm not sure if the site would even work (even trying to book an eye exam triggers the "some content was removed to save memory" message, bricking the site), and the cell networks strike me as being basically the same as a giant public wifi network from a security perspective (can you Firesheep a cell phone? No idea, but I don't see why not, other than SSL updates making the world move on from that particular threat).

I do all my banking over the phone on its app. It's very convenient. I do all my investing, retirement savings, bill paying, etc. in a similar manner.

But I only use my home wifi. I use the cellular network if I am away from home.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SSOWorld on April 16, 2024, 09:33:17 PM

Quote from: SEWIGuy on April 16, 2024, 09:25:25 AM
Quote from: vdeane on April 14, 2024, 04:36:22 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on April 13, 2024, 09:57:09 PMHave you verified the bank's claim it'sa Verizon issue? Is there a way to log in on a non-Verizon device?

If it is Verizon, with it affecting all Verizon customers, it's really an issue the bank needs to work out with Verizon. That does seem like something where general troubleshooting won't resolve the issue.
My phone seems to work better, though I don't like the idea of trying to do my banking over the phone. The small screen size is really inconvenient (I don't have tethering), I'm not sure if the site would even work (even trying to book an eye exam triggers the "some content was removed to save memory" message, bricking the site), and the cell networks strike me as being basically the same as a giant public wifi network from a security perspective (can you Firesheep a cell phone? No idea, but I don't see why not, other than SSL updates making the world move on from that particular threat).

I do all my banking over the phone on its app. It's very convenient. I do all my investing, retirement savings, bill paying, etc. in a similar manner.

But I only use my home wifi. I use the cellular network if I am away from home.

Yea I agree - hands off the finances unless on home or cell wifi.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on April 18, 2024, 12:47:35 PM

Businesses that require one to create an account in order to do things like order food or book an appointment. Sure, offer the option for those who would rather create a username/password and save things like payment/contact information, but there needs to be an option to do these things without creating an account. I have no desire to create an account for, say, a once a year eye exam or if I'm trying out a new place to get my hair cut, and I definitely won't if I'm just ordering food while I'm traveling, so this degrades my experience by forcing me to downgrade to a phone call (which is both more annoying and more likely to lead to errors; plus there likely won't be an email confirmation).

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on April 18, 2024, 12:50:20 PM

Similarly, places where you CAN'T book an appointment online. My doctor recently retired, so I needed to find a new practice to get a physical. Almost no doctor's offices near me let me book appointments online.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on April 18, 2024, 12:58:53 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 18, 2024, 12:50:20 PMSimilarly, places where you CAN'T book an appointment online. My doctor recently retired, so I needed to find a new practice to get a physical. Almost no doctor's offices near me let me book appointments online.

At least those don't leave you with a false hope of doing it online only to get to the end and be asked to create an account, forcing you to start over on the phone. But yes, though I don't know too many doctors office that do online appointments for new patients.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: wanderer2575 on April 18, 2024, 02:23:16 PM

Quote from: vdeane on April 18, 2024, 12:47:35 PMBusinesses that require one to create an account in order to do things like order food or book an appointment. Sure, offer the option for those who would rather create a username/password and save things like payment/contact information, but there needs to be an option to do these things without creating an account. I have no desire to create an account for, say, a once a year eye exam or if I'm trying out a new place to get my hair cut, and I definitely won't if I'm just ordering food while I'm traveling, so this degrades my experience by forcing me to downgrade to a phone call (which is both more annoying and more likely to lead to errors; plus there likely won't be an email confirmation).

It has to have been mentioned somewhere in the 338 pages prior, but businesses that require one to register/login to an account, or at least select delivery/pickup options, before allowing one to just look at the damn menu. Maybe I'm not having it brought home, but instead plan to actually sit down and eat there. If I have to go through a hassle just to see your offerings, I'll go elsewhere. :grumble:

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: webny99 on April 18, 2024, 03:21:35 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 18, 2024, 12:50:20 PMSimilarly, places where you CAN'T book an appointment online. My doctor recently retired, so I needed to find a new practice to get a physical. Almost no doctor's offices near me let me book appointments online.

Agreed in general, but doctor's offices feel like a potential the exception to the rule. They usually have fairly rigorous approval and sign up processes for new patients (if they're even accepting them at all) so it makes sense they would want to speak to you first and verify personal information etc.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: JayhawkCO on April 18, 2024, 03:26:08 PM

Quote from: webny99 on April 18, 2024, 03:21:35 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 18, 2024, 12:50:20 PMSimilarly, places where you CAN'T book an appointment online. My doctor recently retired, so I needed to find a new practice to get a physical. Almost no doctor's offices near me let me book appointments online.

Agreed in general, but doctor's offices feel like a potential the exception to the rule. They usually have fairly rigorous approval and sign up processes for new patients (if they're even accepting them at all) so it makes sense they would want to speak to you first and verify personal information etc.

When I called, all they asked me was my name and what kind of insurance I had. Not too rigorous if you ask me.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: SEWIGuy on April 18, 2024, 04:17:08 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 18, 2024, 12:50:20 PMSimilarly, places where you CAN'T book an appointment online. My doctor recently retired, so I needed to find a new practice to get a physical. Almost no doctor's offices near me let me book appointments online.

The place where we board our dogs asks us to make reservations online, only to call me five minutes later to verify the details. Exceedingly annoying.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: thenetwork on April 18, 2024, 09:17:35 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on April 18, 2024, 02:23:16 PM
Quote from: vdeane on April 18, 2024, 12:47:35 PMBusinesses that require one to create an account in order to do things like order food or book an appointment. Sure, offer the option for those who would rather create a username/password and save things like payment/contact information, but there needs to be an option to do these things without creating an account. I have no desire to create an account for, say, a once a year eye exam or if I'm trying out a new place to get my hair cut, and I definitely won't if I'm just ordering food while I'm traveling, so this degrades my experience by forcing me to downgrade to a phone call (which is both more annoying and more likely to lead to errors; plus there likely won't be an email confirmation).

It has to have been mentioned somewhere in the 338 pages prior, but businesses that require one to register/login to an account, or at least select delivery/pickup options, before allowing one to just look at the damn menu. Maybe I'm not having it brought home, but instead plan to actually sit down and eat there. If I have to go through a hassle just to see your offerings, I'll go elsewhere. :grumble:

Or the ones that will post the menu, but either omit the prices altogether, or never update the prices. I decided to hit a restaurant whose menu I liked online, only to find out that the prices for many of the appetizers and entrees went up by $3-$5.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: vdeane on April 18, 2024, 09:41:51 PM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on April 18, 2024, 02:23:16 PMIt has to have been mentioned somewhere in the 338 pages prior, but businesses that require one to register/login to an account, or at least select delivery/pickup options, before allowing one to just look at the damn menu. Maybe I'm not having it brought home, but instead plan to actually sit down and eat there. If I have to go through a hassle just to see your offerings, I'll go elsewhere. :grumble:

I wonder if they ever ask themselves why they have so many orders start but never get completed.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: dlsterner on April 19, 2024, 01:55:08 AM

Quote from: wanderer2575 on April 18, 2024, 02:23:16 PM
Quote from: vdeane on April 18, 2024, 12:47:35 PMBusinesses that require one to create an account in order to do things like order food or book an appointment. Sure, offer the option for those who would rather create a username/password and save things like payment/contact information, but there needs to be an option to do these things without creating an account. I have no desire to create an account for, say, a once a year eye exam or if I'm trying out a new place to get my hair cut, and I definitely won't if I'm just ordering food while I'm traveling, so this degrades my experience by forcing me to downgrade to a phone call (which is both more annoying and more likely to lead to errors; plus there likely won't be an email confirmation).

It has to have been mentioned somewhere in the 338 pages prior, but businesses that require one to register/login to an account, or at least select delivery/pickup options, before allowing one to just look at the damn menu. Maybe I'm not having it brought home, but instead plan to actually sit down and eat there. If I have to go through a hassle just to see your offerings, I'll go elsewhere. :grumble:

Sometimes when I'm on a road trip, I just want to check out the menu at a restaurant that I'm considering for dinner the next night, to see how appealing it might be. (I prefer to eat at places different than what I can eat at when home).

I don't want to create an account, or be told "we're not open right now; try again when we are".

To be (somewhat) fair, a workaround is to click the place in (say) Google Maps, and check the photos there and check the "Menu" or "Vibe" section for useful photos. But those pics could be quite dated.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: roadman65 on April 22, 2024, 05:00:37 AM

Strange women who you don't know who start following you on Twitter. Such women who don't even use Twitter to post photos and commentary in their pages.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: Rothman on April 22, 2024, 06:56:23 AM

Quote from: roadman65 on April 22, 2024, 05:00:37 AMStrange women who you don't know who start following you on Twitter.

Psst. They aren't real...

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: hbelkins on April 22, 2024, 01:18:49 PM

Quote from: Rothman on April 22, 2024, 06:56:23 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on April 22, 2024, 05:00:37 AMStrange women who you don't know who start following you on Twitter.

Psst. They aren't real...

No joke, I've picked up dozens of them as followers and I'm too lazy to go in and block them all.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: J N Winkler on April 22, 2024, 02:46:07 PM

Quote from: webny99 on April 18, 2024, 03:21:35 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on April 18, 2024, 12:50:20 PMSimilarly, places where you CAN'T book an appointment online. My doctor recently retired, so I needed to find a new practice to get a physical. Almost no doctor's offices near me let me book appointments online.

Agreed in general, but doctor's offices feel like a potential the exception to the rule. They usually have fairly rigorous approval and sign up processes for new patients (if they're even accepting them at all) so it makes sense they would want to speak to you first and verify personal information etc.

I think most primary-care physicians force new patients to jump through more hoops because initial appointments take much longer.

Since I was long overdue for a first screening colonoscopy, I had to make an appointment with a new PCP after a 14-year hiatus of not interacting with any medical professionals at all. I started right after New Year's Day 2023 by booking an appointment online. It was cancelled almost immediately because I was not on the books and so needed to obtain a new-patient appointment. When I called (using IM relay), the first available slot was in September. I took it. After a month or two, I was offered the chance to rebook for May.

I was able to handle the logistics for the colonoscopy itself (eventually scheduled for September) mostly by email, but had to start the process with a telephone call.

The only medical professional I've worked with that has accepted an online booking as the first contact is my optometrist.

Quote from: dlsterner on April 19, 2024, 01:55:08 AMTo be (somewhat) fair, a workaround is to click the place in (say) Google Maps, and check the photos there and check the "Menu" or "Vibe" section for useful photos. But those pics could be quite dated.

I had this experience with a Peruvian restaurant I tried last weekend--Google has at least three different versions of their menu. I had to use photo timestamps (not sure whether these are shown in mobile interfaces) to determine which was most recent.

Quote from: hbelkins on April 22, 2024, 01:18:49 PM
Quote from: Rothman on April 22, 2024, 06:56:23 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on April 22, 2024, 05:00:37 AMStrange women who you don't know who start following you on Twitter.

Psst. They aren't real...

No joke, I've picked up dozens of them as followers and I'm too lazy to go in and block them all.

I have a particular antipathy to lonelyhearts scams, so I don't just block them--I report them as they come in. It's been quite a while since the last one.

Title: Re: Minor things that bother you
Post by: GaryV on April 22, 2024, 03:11:00 PM

Quote from: Rothman on April 22, 2024, 06:56:23 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on April 22, 2024, 05:00:37 AMStrange women who you don't know who start following you on Twitter.

Psst. They aren't real...

They're all somebody's X's :)

AARoads Forum

Non-Road Boards => Off-Topic => Topic started by: planxtymcgillicuddy on November 27, 2019, 12:15:11 AM