Minor things that bother you

[Max Rockatansky]

You mean to say that you don't find this mother from Los Angeles sympathetic?

[jakeroot]

I sometimes prefer to use the overarching term "GNSS" when describing satellite-based navigation tools. Eg, my aircraft uses a GNSS system of geostationary and moving satellites to provide RNAV services and, in the US connected to at least six GPS satellites, WAAS/RAIM capabilities (specific to aircraft with that service installed).

[wxfree]

Calling a navigation system a "GPS".

It is NOT a Global Positioning Satellite.
It uses the GPS constellation of 24 satellites, but that doesn't make it one.

I got my first GPS device was a long time ago.  It was a basic unit for hiking.  (Units with road maps were available.  They didn't give directions, but would show your location on a map.  Since I was using it for hiking, where the maps are not useful, I didn't spend extra for such a unit.)  I'd set a waypoint at some place like a trailhead or scenic spot I wanted to return to and then wherever I went, it would show me which direction that point was and how far.  It had no map or speed indicator or time estimate, just an arrow and a distance.  A fancier one I got had a barometric altimeter, not just the very unreliable GPS altimeter.  It was not what I'd call a navigation system, just a pointer.  It was worthless on the road, but helpful when hiking cross country.  I called it a GPS, not saying that it's the Global Positioning System, but short for GPS receiver, which is what the manufacturer called it.  I did look up the GPS and learn a bit about how it works.  The technology is fascinating.  My first model, less fancy (without the barometric altimeter) had a display that showed which satellites it was getting signals from.  I don't know why, since that didn't tell me anything.  I have a program on my phone that also shows satellites.  I didn't get it for that reason, but to see things like sunrise and sunset times at my location.

I don't call the modern navigation systems GPS, because it's a lot more than that.  What I call a GPS (short for GPS receiver) is a part of it, but it also includes maps and routes and speeds and times and traffic reports.  Calling it a GPS is like calling a computer with a cellular telephone a "phone."  That's like calling a car a "cupholder."  Texas law calls it a "wireless communication device," which is closer, more like calling a car an "automotive drive train."

It bothers me when people say "GPS told me to go that way."  It doesn't bother me because the term applies to the system of satellites and not to their phones.  To me GPS is short for GPS receiver, which is a part of what they're referring to.  To me, on a modern system, "GPS" (the receiver) shows you where you are, the dot on the map.  It doesn't tell you where to go, it's the navigation system that does that.

If you say you used GPS to find your way, that doesn't bother me, because it's correct in any sense.  You used a GPS device, and the GPS system.  If you say GPS guided you, that's incorrect.  It bothers me a little.  Not because you called your phone a GPS (it is, in part, a GPS receiver), but because GPS (the system or the receiver) doesn't give directions.

[elsmere241]

Speaking of EST, the entire movement to go to year round DST is a minor thing that bothers me.

Even though I personally prefer Standard Time over DST, the movement would irritate me a lot less if the suggestion were to just move everyone ahead one hour and still call it Standard Time.  The concept of year-round DST is silly to me because of the name.

I don't care what it's called.  I'll just be happy to not have to change clocks twice a year.  From my first memory through 1986, it sort of made sense with six months on, six months off.  Then Congress started tampering with it.

One effect from that was seventeen years of my church's semi-annual conference (always including the first Sunday in April) having to adjust for the change between Saturday and Sunday.  The church leader (the same one for all seventeen years, long story) who conducted the Saturday night men's session would wrap up by telling the same joke about changing the clock.

[Beltway]

Calling a navigation system a "GPS".
It is NOT a Global Positioning Satellite.
It uses the GPS constellation of 24 satellites, but that doesn't make it one.

I got my first GPS device was a long time ago.  It was a basic unit for hiking.  (Units with road maps were available.  They didn't give directions, but would show your location on a map.  Since I was using it for hiking, where the maps are not useful, I didn't spend extra for such a unit.)  I'd set a waypoint at some place like a trailhead or scenic spot I wanted to return to and then wherever I went, it would show me which direction that point was and how far.  It had no map or speed indicator or time estimate, just an arrow and a distance.  A fancier one I got had a barometric altimeter, not just the very unreliable GPS altimeter.  It was not what I'd call a navigation system, just a pointer.  It was worthless on the road, but helpful when hiking cross country.  I called it a GPS, not saying that it's the Global Positioning System, but short for GPS receiver, which is what the manufacturer called it.  I did look up the GPS and learn a bit about how it works.  The technology is fascinating.  My first model, less fancy (without the barometric altimeter) had a display that showed which satellites it was getting signals from.  I don't know why, since that didn't tell me anything.  I have a program on my phone that also shows satellites.  I didn't get it for that reason, but to see things like sunrise and sunset times at my location.
I don't call the modern navigation systems GPS, because it's a lot more than that.  What I call a GPS (short for GPS receiver) is a part of it, but it also includes maps and routes and speeds and times and traffic reports.  Calling it a GPS is like calling a computer with a cellular telephone a "phone."  That's like calling a car a "cupholder."  Texas law calls it a "wireless communication device," which is closer, more like calling a car an "automotive drive train."
It bothers me when people say "GPS told me to go that way."  It doesn't bother me because the term applies to the system of satellites and not to their phones.  To me GPS is short for GPS receiver, which is a part of what they're referring to.  To me, on a modern system, "GPS" (the receiver) shows you where you are, the dot on the map.  It doesn't tell you where to go, it's the navigation system that does that.
If you say you used GPS to find your way, that doesn't bother me, because it's correct in any sense.  You used a GPS device, and the GPS system.  If you say GPS guided you, that's incorrect.  It bothers me a little.  Not because you called your phone a GPS (it is, in part, a GPS receiver), but because GPS (the system or the receiver) doesn't give directions.

This is a nitpicker thread, and I will admit that I am that way about the English language. That could be good or not-good depending on the person.

I don't have a hand-held, just OnStar, the my best simple term is "navigation system" or "nav system."

Could substitute "device" for stand-alone.

[elsmere241]

I sometimes prefer to use the overarching term "GNSS" when describing satellite-based navigation tools. Eg, my aircraft uses a GNSS system of geostationary and moving satellites to provide RNAV services and, in the US connected to at least six GPS satellites, WAAS/RAIM capabilities (specific to aircraft with that service installed).

The second time I studied for the GISP qualifying exam, I built up a huge GIS glossary.  In doing that, I learned what a GNSS was, and what the other ones were called, etc.  (I sent the glossary to my father to try once again to get him to understand my line of work.)  I didn't pass the test that time either.  My relatively new supervisor (he'd already been with us a little while) had passed it the same time I'd failed it before.  He told me not to worry about it.

The previous supervisor had made it clear that I'd need the certification to get a promotion.  That supervisor and the department GM would make the argument to HR that I was clearly qualified for a promotion after 21 1/2 years.  (The supervisor even helped me with the paperwork and coached me for the HR interview.)

[wxfree]

Speaking of EST, the entire movement to go to year round DST is a minor thing that bothers me.

Even though I personally prefer Standard Time over DST, the movement would irritate me a lot less if the suggestion were to just move everyone ahead one hour and still call it Standard Time.  The concept of year-round DST is silly to me because of the name.

If there's no non-standard, then there's no need for a standard.  It's just the time.  My local time wouldn't be Central Something Time, just Central Time.  Addressing a broad audience, saying "7 pm Central" would be enough information.  I haven't seen the details of the proposal, but to me it seems like they should drop the modifier.

[wxfree]

I sometimes prefer to use the overarching term "GNSS" when describing satellite-based navigation tools. Eg, my aircraft uses a GNSS system of geostationary and moving satellites to provide RNAV services and, in the US connected to at least six GPS satellites, WAAS/RAIM capabilities (specific to aircraft with that service installed).

The second time I studied for the GISP qualifying exam, I built up a huge GIS glossary.  In doing that, I learned what a GNSS was, and what the other ones were called, etc.  (I sent the glossary to my father to try once again to get him to understand my line of work.)  I didn't pass the test that time either.  My relatively new supervisor (he'd already been with us a little while) had passed it the same time I'd failed it before.  He told me not to worry about it.

The previous supervisor had made it clear that I'd need the certification to get a promotion.  That supervisor and the department GM would make the argument to HR that I was clearly qualified for a promotion after 21 1/2 years.  (The supervisor even helped me with the paperwork and coached me for the HR interview.)

You've reminded me of the Texas coordinate system.  Some of the USGS topographic maps show its 10,000 foot grid ticks around the edges, similar to the 1,000 meter Universal Transverse Mercator grid ticks.  I think those maps are the only reason I've ever heard of either of those systems.  I've been looking at topographic maps for decades, and I have a stack of paper copies from back before it was all online.  (The Mapsco store [anybody remember those?] kept every 7.5 minute map in Texas in stock.)  It bothers me that I know nothing about the Texas coordinate system, especially because it's so easy to find information these days.  I'm a lifelong Texan, and I know nothing about how we measure our state.  I need to change that.

Does every state have a coordinate system?  If it's only Texas, I wouldn't be surprised.  We are obsessed with the shape and size of our state.  My test for a real Texan is to show someone a solid color representation of Oklahoma, like a cutout.  Most people will see Oklahoma, but a Texan will see something else.

[hotdogPi]

Does every state have a coordinate system?  If it's only Texas, I wouldn't be surprised.  We are obsessed with the shape and size of our state.  My test for a real Texan is to show someone a solid color representation of Oklahoma, like a cutout.  Most people will see Oklahoma, but a Texan will see something else.

Yes, every state has one (or more than one for a few).

[NE2]

In case you missed the joke: GPS actually stands for global positioning system. Everyone point and laugh at Beltwanker.

[interstatefan990]

Speaking of EST, the entire movement to go to year round DST is a minor thing that bothers me.

It bothers me a little when people complain about the late sunrises if permanent DST were to go into effect. They have no problem with 4:30 PM sunsets in the winter, but all of a sudden, they won't be able to handle it being a bit darker in the mornings? More sunlight at the end of the day, when people need to run after-work or after-school errands/activities, is far more helpful than more sunlight at the beginning of the day.

[LilianaUwU]

Speaking of EST, the entire movement to go to year round DST is a minor thing that bothers me.

For once the Trump government does something good...

[TheHighwayMan3561]

When you have a minor healing flesh wound that it becomes a magnet to get bumped, poked, prodded, caught on, etc. every object you interact with.

[vdeane]

Speaking of EST, the entire movement to go to year round DST is a minor thing that bothers me.

It bothers me a little when people complain about the late sunrises if permanent DST were to go into effect. They have no problem with 4:30 PM sunsets in the winter, but all of a sudden, they won't be able to handle it being a bit darker in the mornings? More sunlight at the end of the day, when people need to run after-work or after-school errands/activities, is far more helpful than more sunlight at the beginning of the day.

I don't understand why everyone has problems running errands in the dark, but I guess they do, because my commute suddenly gets a lot easier when DST ends (and a lot harder again when DST begins), with the exception of the Christmas shopping season.  There's actually something nice about seeing all the suburban businesses illuminated in the night.  But I don't want it to be excruciatingly difficult to scrape the frost off the windshield because the sun didn't have a chance to soften it up (I don't have a garage), nor am I very good at getting up when the sun isn't even anywhere close to rising (I'm a night owl, but I still have to get up at 6:00 anyways for work).  I also like looking at the Christmas lights on my commute home, and would miss that (along with resenting needing to wear pants in the evening for that hour of light before it gets dark; right now, I just don't open the blinds except on weekends).  Of course, I'm also obsessed with watching the news from 5-7, so it's not like I'd be doing stuff outdoors with the "extra" sunlight.

Now, my office has nice big windows along the wall, so I can see the sunlight just fine at any time just by turning my head.

[LilianaUwU]

are the mods gonna have to lock the minor things that bother you thread

[Max Rockatansky]

are the mods gonna have to lock the minor things that bother you thread

A Creative Snipping usually gets utilized first these days.  That's what happened in the Wildfire thread. 

[elsmere241]

Speaking of EST, the entire movement to go to year round DST is a minor thing that bothers me.

For once the Trump government does something good...

Funny thing (actually not that funny) about the last time around.  The Florida legislature unanimously passed a bill to stop changing clocks twice a year once the Feds OKed it.  Marco Rubio, then a Senator from Florida, introduced a bill there not much later to at least stop the changing of the clocks.

So I sent an email to my US House Representative supporting that bill.  I got a response describing how DST worked, and which states and tribes didn't observe it. I was instructed to then contact my state legislators if I wanted anything changed.

That Representative is now a Senator, and not the only clown Delaware is sending to Congress these days.

[elsmere241]

When you have a minor healing flesh wound that it becomes a magnet to get bumped, poked, prodded, caught on, etc. every object you interact with.

Same deal for me right now.  I had carpal tunnel surgery on my left hand a couple of weeks ago.  A couple of days later I took the Ace Bandage off and eventually put Band-Aid type bandages over the wounds.  This last Monday I got the stitches out, and the technician put some alcohol and peroxide in the wounds and bandaged them again.  I was told not to touch the new bandages for four days, but they didn't stay on that long.

In fact, I haven't really been able to keep any bandages on for very long since I took the Ace Bandage off.  I guess I sweat too much.  So now I have two open wounds on my left hand, that are indeed also magnets.

[LilianaUwU]

are the mods gonna have to lock the minor things that bother you thread

A Creative Snipping usually gets utilized first these days.  That's what happened in the Wildfire thread. 

inb4

Trump government good...

[elsmere241]

It bothers me a little when people complain about the late sunrises if permanent DST were to go into effect. They have no problem with 4:30 PM sunsets in the winter, but all of a sudden, they won't be able to handle it being a bit darker in the mornings? More sunlight at the end of the day, when people need to run after-work or after-school errands/activities, is far more helpful than more sunlight at the beginning of the day.

That was one reason six months on, six months off actually made a little sense.

Both Missoula, MT (where my father grew up) and Salt Lake City (where my mother was born and raised) are near the western edge of the Mountain Time Zone.  So in June and July, 9:30 PM sunsets are the norm there.

[Beltway]

True that GPS means Global Positioning System. False that this contradicts anything I said. My point was that people use "GPS" to refer to the whole navigation device, not the satellite system.

[I-57/Route 66 Fan]

When people treat places like Puerto Rico or Aruba like a country i.e. the Olympics, FIFA, or Wikipedia denonyms.

[TheHighwayMan3561]

When you have a minor healing flesh wound that it becomes a magnet to get bumped, poked, prodded, caught on, etc. every object you interact with.

Same deal for me right now.

A number of years ago I had a nasty ingrown. I remember at my summer job I was only at for 6 weeks that I had a semi-heavy object fall and land on that toe directly, and also had a coworker step on that toe directly. I wondered what the odds were.

[TheCatalyst31]

are the mods gonna have to lock the minor things that bother you thread

A Creative Snipping usually gets utilized first these days.  That's what happened in the Wildfire thread. 

This thread has the Forbidden Topic, US politics talk, and an unrelated Beltway slapfight all happening at once. There may be a lot of sniping.

[Scott5114]

(with apologies to Kate Beaton)