Minor things that please you

[kphoger]

When a big pop-up appears on a webpage and covers everything up, but simply hitting the [Esc] key gets rid of it without any further action required.

[kphoger]

Sunday evening, I was stopped at a red light, waiting for a green arrow.  It was after dark, and I saw the reflection of the turn signal on the street sign up on the mast arm.  But our car is 24 years old, and it's built low to the ground, and so I realized there's no way that such a bright reflection was from our car.  So I looked in the mirror and determined that it was from the vehicle behind us, which was a newer model SUV.

Our two vehicles' turn signals were completely in synch with each other—and they stayed completely in synch the whole time I was waiting at the light, without drifting apart at all.

Sooooooooooo satisfying!

[vdeane]

The NYSDOT CPU includes a PMS survey.  Also, at least the Region 1 contribution to the effort involved the SAT.

[Scott5114]

The NYSDOT CPU includes a PMS survey.  Also, at least the Region 1 contribution to the effort involved the SAT.

The New York State Department of Transportation central processing unit includes a pre-menstrual syndrome survey, which involved the Scholastic Aptitude Test???

[vdeane]

I managed to get through a site update without the server kicking me off my ssh session for the first time in over a year.  Let's hope this is a permanent change on their part and not a fluke.  In any case, it was very welcome when adding 149 photos to the gallery.

[freebrickproductions]

On my end of things, I recently added a new item to my collection: a rare failed 3M/Peek "high visibility" (IIRC) 12 inch signal adapter!

PXL_20260531_213416695 by freebrickproductions, on Flickr

PXL_20260531_213422428 by freebrickproductions, on Flickr

PXL_20260531_213433150 by freebrickproductions, on Flickr

PXL_20260531_213438677 by freebrickproductions, on Flickr

PXL_20260531_213500685 by freebrickproductions, on Flickr

IIRC, these were an attempt by 3M to make a "high visibility" adapter for 12 inch signals, I believe in an attempt to make incandescent signal indications brighter. Unlike their M-131 signals or their 8 inch signal adapters, these completely lacked the ability to internally-mask the indications for "programmable visibility" purposes, and, unlike their 8 inch/12 inch enlarger (an adapter that could be mounted on an 8 inch signal to give one of the indications a 12 inch lens instead, such as for arrows), these also didn't really have any other major benefits or advantages. They did, however, have a completely flat lens like their PV signals and adapters, which basically caused this adapter to have a much larger issue sun-phantoming compared to a traditional incandescent signal with none of the PV benefits of most of 3M's other signal products. Unsurprisingly, these awkward little signal products were a very short-lived failure, and are pretty rare to find. Amazingly, at least one survives in the wild, and it's also a red one like the one I own, located in an incandescent Kentron signal in downtown Tuscumbia, AL (on the right in the video below). They definitely look pretty neat when lit-up!

Obviously, the one I own is branded as a Peek product rather than a 3M product, and it's believed that Peek were licensed to sell these under their brand name as a third-party product. Someone in North Carolina apparently had several of these brand new still, and was selling them for pretty cheap on eBay, so I went ahead and picked this one up. Now I just need to get a gutted 12 inch signal section (preferably from Peek, but any brand will do) to put it in...

[kphoger]

The NYSDOT CPU includes a PMS survey.  Also, at least the Region 1 contribution to the effort involved the SAT.

The New York State Department of Transportation central processing unit includes a pre-menstrual syndrome survey, which involved the Scholastic Aptitude Test???

That's the only explanation I can think of.  Or else the Mexican federal tax administration service (Servicio de Administración Tributaria)...

[formulanone]

I needed luggage last year; usually I've been good at getting the airlines to buy me stuff each time they break it, but I failed to notice some not-inconsequential damage a month after they'd handled it (or maybe I broke it putting it in my car...it was late at night). So my wife bought me new hard-sided luggage and it also came with a matching carry-on; I already had three of them, so I hadn't used it. Besides, it's slightly smaller than the other two and has no exterior pockets.

Well, the spinner one I'd been using for 10 years finally split a wheel last week...still works despite a lot of wear but noisily clomps on any surface but carpet. Daughter borrowed the other one for a trip which is a little smaller, mostly used for weekend getaways.

So that left me the "baby bear" luggage; it's a stitch narrower and seems to give up 1-3 cubic feet to the others, but I can fit 5 days of clothing if packed just right, so I'm off with it on Monday. The pleasing thing is that it actually fits inside a regional jet's overhead compartment! (CRJ 700 and 900, for those keeping score.) So now I like it.

Thank you for tuning into my shaggy dog story.

[on_wisconsin]

Finding a weed killer combo that nics wood soral from the yard...

[1995hoo]

...

So that left me the "baby bear" luggage; it's a stitch narrower and seems to give up 1-3 cubic feet to the others, but I can fit 5 days of clothing if packed just right, so I'm off with it on Monday. The pleasing thing is that it actually fits inside a regional jet's overhead compartment! (CRJ 700 and 900, for those keeping score.) So now I like it.

Thank you for tuning into my shaggy dog story.

So what brand is it? My wife has been grumbling about the wheels on hers not rolling as smoothly as she'd like. Three times this week when we've been somewhere that had luggage on display she started looking at it (I had to point out that unless she throws away her current bag, she'd have a problem getting a new one home). I think she will want something new after we get home. So what do you have?

[formulanone]

...

So that left me the "baby bear" luggage; it's a stitch narrower and seems to give up 1-3 cubic feet to the others, but I can fit 5 days of clothing if packed just right, so I'm off with it on Monday. The pleasing thing is that it actually fits inside a regional jet's overhead compartment! (CRJ 700 and 900, for those keeping score.) So now I like it.

Thank you for tuning into my shaggy dog story.

So what brand is it? My wife has been grumbling about the wheels on hers not rolling as smoothly as she'd like. Three times this week when we've been somewhere that had luggage on display she started looking at it (I had to point out that unless she throws away her current bag, she'd have a problem getting a new one home). I think she will want something new after we get home. So what do you have?

Delsey, but I can't find the model on their website. Edit: Looks like it's the Shadow or Aero model, from a reverse image search.

She found it at BJ's Wholesale Club last fall. They're all spinner wheels, which is worth it for navigating and weaving through airports and narrow aisles. If you're only wheeling luggage to a vehicle and a hotel then back, you can skip the spinners; you'll gain a little bit of luggage space since the wheels can now take up space in the luggage cavity. Drawbacks to the spinner wheels is that they're susceptible to damage since they move freely during excessive handling.

I'll post the model when I get back to the hotel, but my guess it was a closeout special of old stock. This particular hard-sided luggage design has a smooth, glossy surface, so it does get scratched up...so I presume the smaller one will eventually bear scratches as well. I've been meaning to wax and polish it to see if some of the luggage handling marks buff out...best bet is to look for one with a knurled or textured surface if that matters to you.

One major thing I prefer about soft-sided luggage is it's easier to open up, since the lid is usually only 10-20% of the space; zip it and flip it because most of the weight and bulk is in the lower section. It also compresses easier, since not all overhead compartments are the same, even along the same aircraft model from the same airline. Drawbacks are that it's not waterproof, though it's rare that my luggage has soaked through from the elements.

Hard-sided luggage tends to have the zipper down the middle, so it's tricky to balance it when open if there's contents on either side. But when it breaks and cracks, it's pretty much done for.

If you're looking for a "buy it for life" brand, step up to Briggs & Riley. They seem to the be the last ones with a lifetime guarantee, but expect to pay $700 and up for a carryon; Tumi used have a similar policy but I've read it's 5-10 years, which is what I got out of my last one (which was neither brand, a Victorinox I picked out of the United catalog...Werks model?). Before that, a TravelPro, but it was a lower-end model which the handle broke off after 3 years (Delta reimbursed me though, fortunately with status they didn't ask for a receipt under $200).

[kphoger]

When I read some sarcastic jab from |Max Rockatansky| that's poking fun at something on a different thread—but I haven't yet gotten around to reading the post he's referring to.  With no context, it's nonsensical at first, but it's fun to try and guess the context from his jab, then later land on the original post and see if I was close.

[gonealookin]

Today I received the third e-mail notice this week that I'm a member of a class in a class-action lawsuit.  The first two involved Google and this one is Amazon.

I look at the e-mail and do some independent checking to make sure it's legitimate.  I do take the time on these to fill out a claim form at the appropriate time, and keep a copy.  It's safe as long as I don't give up information they wouldn't have (such as routing and account numbers for a checking account).  Most of them use Paypal as a payment option, so that only involves giving up my e-mail address, which is how they contacted me in the first place.

It's usually a couple years later that I get a notice that some money has been sent to me by Paypal.  Sometimes it's enough for a six-pack of beer, less commonly enough for a pizza, but on rare occasions I get the bonanza, enough for both the pizza and the beer.

[Max Rockatansky]

Finding actual meaningful historical context for all three Nevada State Highways around Mount Charleston.  Lee Canyon was the biggest challenge out of the three.  It required digging through old news stories. 

[vdeane]

Yesterday, the radio was somehow playing the same song when I got to work and then again when I left work, so it's almost as if I just paused it when I exited the car in the morning and resumed it in the afternoon.

[hbelkins]

Yesterday, the radio was somehow playing the same song when I got to work and then again when I left work, so it's almost as if I just paused it when I exited the car in the morning and resumed it in the afternoon.

If it's Sirius/XM Radio, that wouldn't be surprising. Many of their channels have a pretty rigid schedule for what tunes they play when, and in what order. Or at least that was the case 10 years ago when I still had a subscription.

[The_Ginger]

Yesterday, the radio was somehow playing the same song when I got to work and then again when I left work, so it's almost as if I just paused it when I exited the car in the morning and resumed it in the afternoon.

If it's Sirius/XM Radio, that wouldn't be surprising. Many of their channels have a pretty rigid schedule for what tunes they play when, and in what order. Or at least that was the case 10 years ago when I still had a subscription.

That's still the case on some stations, although I don't think it's that rigid.

[PColumbus73]

Today is my grandmother's 94th birthday!

[TheHighwayMan3561]

Driving the whole length of the eastern section of MN 62 (the former 110 portion) without hitting a red light.

[kphoger]

I just stumbled upon a Google Maps "local guide" who leaves awesome reviews.

12 hours ago:

If you enjoy driving through the wilderness at night — pitch black, raining, no witnesses, no hope — then this place is PERFECT. Just make sure you check in before the sun goes down, because the map they give you looks like it was drawn by a 3‑year‑old who was told, "Draw a rectangle... no, worse."

Between the Branson roller‑coaster curves and the "good luck, traveler" directions, you'll be one wrong turn away from needing a search party. And nobody wants to be found wandering around in the dark just trying to locate their room.

BUT — once you survive the quest — the suite is actually pretty nice. King bed, kitchenette, and a shower that looks like it was designed by someone who said, "Let's make this unnecessarily cool." If I didn't have neighbors close enough to hear me breathe, I'd absolutely test the acoustics. But since I'm sharing a wall with a stranger, I'll keep my Grammy‑worthy acapellas to myself.

Let me also clarify something the hotel absolutely did NOT:
There. Is. No. Washer. No dryer. Not in the room. Not behind a secret panel. Not in Narnia. Nowhere.

There *is* an elevator, thank God, because my girlfriend packs like she's relocating an entire civilization. Wheelchair friendly too — well, the elevator is. The stairs? Those are for people who have already accepted their fate.

If you have a gambling problem, avoid the gas station up the street. They have two quarter machines that ate my entire $6 like it was a light snack. I thought I was winning. I was not.

Domino's delivered and healed my spirit. Highly recommend.
The wall‑mounted soap, shampoo, conditioner, AND lotion? Elite. Bring yours if you want, but you won't need it. And if you regret that decision, blame your co‑traveler.

The couch is ridiculously comfy, but in a "my Granny definitely had this exact one" kind of way.

Disclaimer:
Girl in the picture does NOT come with the room. I checked.

Overall, I had a great stay. Until next time.

So I looked for more by the same person.

3 years ago:

First things first. My mother was a terrible cook, we ate a lot of box dinners and tuna. Ugh. So when it came to Everyday Thai, I was not excited. Nothing about a food that had the same sound as an article of clothing soundes good to me. MOTHER OF THE WORLD, OH HOLY UNDER MY BREATH-THIS PLACE IS FIRE!
Like I'm not talking as in fire, it's burnt toast, I'm talking it unleashed an entire culture in my mouth. I promise you, if you do not try this place twice and I say twice because give yourself once to make a mistake in the wrong food selection. (Which I would almost put my children up for sale) to say you won't find a bad selection. But you never know, people complain about less. Anyways, not important. What is important is that you just take my word for it and just go try it out. Live a little. Don't be a lame, get in the car and go try this now! You won't be disappointed.

**The author of this post is, in fact, a customer of Everyday Thai. The statement s made in this post is based of true facts and events and no names have been changed in the making of this post.

I can not remember all the different prices but I paid $16 bucks for the business! Legit the BUSINESS!! I went into this car wash with a truck dirtier than a strippers one dollar bill on a Friday night and came out cleaner than the inside of the baptismal tub 30 seconds later. My paint shined like Gucci Manes' teeth. BUT THE BEST PART!!

THEY HAVE FREAKING AIR HOSES WITH THEIR VACCUMES!!  WHAT THE WHAT? Not only did the vaccumes suck harder than....well you get it without the analogies, but all those hard to reach spot....not anymore. I am telling you, don't take my word for it. Try it out for yourself, don't make the bad choice of going somewhere else. This car wash is so good your soul even feels clean when you leave.

Yessssah, if you happen to see the supernice, shiny like Guccis teeth, black jeep. That's me!!! I love this place!!

This, my friends, is how to leave a review!

[The_Ginger]

I just stumbled upon a Google Maps "local guide" who leaves awesome reviews.

12 hours ago:

If you enjoy driving through the wilderness at night — pitch black, raining, no witnesses, no hope — then this place is PERFECT. Just make sure you check in before the sun goes down, because the map they give you looks like it was drawn by a 3‑year‑old who was told, "Draw a rectangle... no, worse."

Between the Branson roller‑coaster curves and the "good luck, traveler" directions, you'll be one wrong turn away from needing a search party. And nobody wants to be found wandering around in the dark just trying to locate their room.

BUT — once you survive the quest — the suite is actually pretty nice. King bed, kitchenette, and a shower that looks like it was designed by someone who said, "Let's make this unnecessarily cool." If I didn't have neighbors close enough to hear me breathe, I'd absolutely test the acoustics. But since I'm sharing a wall with a stranger, I'll keep my Grammy‑worthy acapellas to myself.

Let me also clarify something the hotel absolutely did NOT:
There. Is. No. Washer. No dryer. Not in the room. Not behind a secret panel. Not in Narnia. Nowhere.

There *is* an elevator, thank God, because my girlfriend packs like she's relocating an entire civilization. Wheelchair friendly too — well, the elevator is. The stairs? Those are for people who have already accepted their fate.

If you have a gambling problem, avoid the gas station up the street. They have two quarter machines that ate my entire $6 like it was a light snack. I thought I was winning. I was not.

Domino's delivered and healed my spirit. Highly recommend.
The wall‑mounted soap, shampoo, conditioner, AND lotion? Elite. Bring yours if you want, but you won't need it. And if you regret that decision, blame your co‑traveler.

The couch is ridiculously comfy, but in a "my Granny definitely had this exact one" kind of way.

Disclaimer:
Girl in the picture does NOT come with the room. I checked.

Overall, I had a great stay. Until next time.

The author of this review either writes extremely similar to AI, or is AI. The reviews posted 3 years ago look more authentic.

[kphoger]

The author of this review either writes extremely similar to AI, or is AI.

The author of that review writes nothing like A.I.

[gonealookin]

Today I received the third e-mail notice this week that I'm a member of a class in a class-action lawsuit....It's usually a couple years later that I get a notice that some money has been sent to me by Paypal.  Sometimes it's enough for a six-pack of beer, less commonly enough for a pizza, but on rare occasions I get the bonanza, enough for both the pizza and the beer.

Today I received a check by snail mail.  It's for the "Yahoo! Inc. Customer Data Security Breach Litigation" settlement.  The amount is $8.12, not enough for a six-pack but it does buy a couple bombers of decent beer.

I couldn't find my record of filing this claim.  Digging up the case information, the deadline for filing claims was in July 2020.  The actual data breaches occurred between 2012 and 2016.

I did use Yahoo's free e-mail service as my primary e-mail in the earlier days of the Internet, when Yahoo was one of the biggest players.  I think there were a couple of these data breach episodes involving them, and I moved over to Gmail a long time ago (but probably still had a Yahoo account around 2012-2013).

[TheCatalyst31]

I just stumbled upon a Google Maps "local guide" who leaves awesome reviews.

12 hours ago:

If you enjoy driving through the wilderness at night — pitch black, raining, no witnesses, no hope — then this place is PERFECT. Just make sure you check in before the sun goes down, because the map they give you looks like it was drawn by a 3‑year‑old who was told, "Draw a rectangle... no, worse."

Between the Branson roller‑coaster curves and the "good luck, traveler" directions, you'll be one wrong turn away from needing a search party. And nobody wants to be found wandering around in the dark just trying to locate their room.

BUT — once you survive the quest — the suite is actually pretty nice. King bed, kitchenette, and a shower that looks like it was designed by someone who said, "Let's make this unnecessarily cool." If I didn't have neighbors close enough to hear me breathe, I'd absolutely test the acoustics. But since I'm sharing a wall with a stranger, I'll keep my Grammy‑worthy acapellas to myself.

Let me also clarify something the hotel absolutely did NOT:
There. Is. No. Washer. No dryer. Not in the room. Not behind a secret panel. Not in Narnia. Nowhere.

There *is* an elevator, thank God, because my girlfriend packs like she's relocating an entire civilization. Wheelchair friendly too — well, the elevator is. The stairs? Those are for people who have already accepted their fate.

If you have a gambling problem, avoid the gas station up the street. They have two quarter machines that ate my entire $6 like it was a light snack. I thought I was winning. I was not.

Domino's delivered and healed my spirit. Highly recommend.
The wall‑mounted soap, shampoo, conditioner, AND lotion? Elite. Bring yours if you want, but you won't need it. And if you regret that decision, blame your co‑traveler.

The couch is ridiculously comfy, but in a "my Granny definitely had this exact one" kind of way.

Disclaimer:
Girl in the picture does NOT come with the room. I checked.

Overall, I had a great stay. Until next time.

The author of this review either writes extremely similar to AI, or is AI. The reviews posted 3 years ago look more authentic.

The author of that review doesn't write like AI so much as like a Reddit commenter who's trying too hard to be funny. Since AI scraped the latter aggressively for its source material, though, I understand the confusion.