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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: ciao_yall on April 05, 2021, 09:46:00 AM

Title: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ciao_yall on April 05, 2021, 09:46:00 AM
I did not get a space in this morning's yoga class. So I have 7 WW Activity Points to make up somewhere.

You?
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 05, 2021, 01:28:14 PM
We picked up one car from the mechanic, spent half a grand and dropped another one off. I suppose we're supporting the local economy. Still.... I'm trying to count pennies over here.

Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ergative on April 06, 2021, 05:30:31 AM
I made a cake this weekend. It was fine, but it's enormous (9x13" sheet pan for two people, good grief, I should have halved the recipe the way I originally planned), and I don't think we can eat it all before (a) we get sick of it, or (b) it goes stale. I don't know if the icing will freeze well, or I'd have frozen half of it already. What to do?
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ohnoes on April 06, 2021, 06:43:58 AM
My local grocery store doesn't always have fat free half and half.  I won't even ask about it because a) it's such a first world problem and 2) pandemic.

In the privacy of my home (and now the Internet), there are Coffee Lamentations.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Ruralguy on April 06, 2021, 06:52:04 AM
I guess if you feel bad that you didn't get your cat a birthday present would be the granddaddy of first world problems.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: apl68 on April 06, 2021, 07:33:37 AM
I hired somebody to mow my yard (Which I've only done once before).  They only mowed the front half of it.  I really thought the deal was to take care of the whole thing?
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on April 06, 2021, 07:41:28 AM
Quote from: ergative on April 06, 2021, 05:30:31 AM
I made a cake this weekend. It was fine, but it's enormous (9x13" sheet pan for two people, good grief, I should have halved the recipe the way I originally planned), and I don't think we can eat it all before (a) we get sick of it, or (b) it goes stale. I don't know if the icing will freeze well, or I'd have frozen half of it already. What to do?

It should be ok, just freeze it in separate pieces (easier to pack into the icebox if yours is as packed as mine is--another 1st world problem...). I'd wrap well with clingy plastic wrap--just remember to remove that, and put it in a closed paper bag before you microwave it briefly to defrost...so the cake will not go dry. (yet another 1st world complaint).

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Anselm on April 06, 2021, 11:32:09 AM
I have noticed that many familiar websites have reduced their functionality. 

Examples:

Youtube no longer gives a graph of how view count has changed over time.

Amazon used to allow me to search through my shopping lists to see if an item was already in my lists but this is no longer the case.

FamilyTreeDNA used to allow me to enter the name of an ancestor and then give back all of the members who claim that same ancestor.  This feature was taken away a few years ago.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 06, 2021, 12:09:59 PM
I got a call from the mechanic that we will be out another half grand on my car. Both of our cars are 20+ years old. I know... Well, this is where part of my stimulus check is going. Unfortunately, they didn't notice the overheating issue in my car, which could be a sensor about to go out. We checked the relays, fuses, flow, etc. Fans work now. Maybe a wire is loose?
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on April 06, 2021, 12:48:09 PM
I gave up on owning a car after I realized that every time I brought it in for one thing, I'd get a call that there was also something else wrong that would bring the total up to about twice what they'd quoted.

I figured they looked for stuff, and if there wasn't anything wrong, they messed it up or made it up.

Haven't owned a car since...hmm....1984, I think?

Doin' just fine, thanks...

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 06, 2021, 01:11:35 PM
Quote from: mamselle on April 06, 2021, 12:48:09 PM
I gave up on owning a car after I realized that every time I brought it in for one thing, I'd get a call that there was also something else wrong that would bring the total up to about twice what they'd quoted.

I figured they looked for stuff, and if there wasn't anything wrong, they messed it up or made it up.

Haven't owned a car since...hmm....1984, I think?

Doin' just fine, thanks...

M.

I wish I could get by without having one, but I am over 20 miles from campus. SO and I tend to do a lot of repairs ourselves. This is the first time I've brought my car in about 3 years. We actually changed the radiator out in my car a few years ago!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: eigen on April 06, 2021, 01:12:37 PM
Buying a house sucks, especially in this market.

Also, ditto old-car-maintenance woes. But also, no way to do without them. I used to do a lot of my own repairs, but... I just don't have the time relative to the savings anymore to either keep up with things or actually do the repairs.

More and more in my life I'm moving from trying to do everything myself to relying on experts so I can spend my time working in the areas I truly enjoy or am truly an expert in.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: kaysixteen on April 06, 2021, 01:17:54 PM
Diabetic retinopathy, which, like it or not, for a type II diabetic (not for a type I) is a first world problem.   I need to eat less, and, well... ahem.... you know.   I got a wake up call last night, a flare up a mere six weeks after a comprehesive exam where I was told I would be good to go for a year.   Got the steroid injection today, doc actually thinks it is not as bad as I first feared, but will need another shot in two months.  So much for a year.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: lightning on April 06, 2021, 01:20:28 PM
Quote from: mamselle on April 06, 2021, 12:48:09 PM
I gave up on owning a car after I realized that every time I brought it in for one thing, I'd get a call that there was also something else wrong that would bring the total up to about twice what they'd quoted.

I figured they looked for stuff, and if there wasn't anything wrong, they messed it up or made it up.

Haven't owned a car since...hmm....1984, I think?

Doin' just fine, thanks...

M.

You have to find an honest and competent mechanic. They are rare. As soon as you find one, be super super nice to them. An honest and competent auto mechanic can save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your car--tens of thousands if you take all your cars to them.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: lightning on April 06, 2021, 01:23:15 PM
I ran out of bottled water, so now I have to drink tap water. Isn't that the same water that is used in the toilet?
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 06, 2021, 01:32:40 PM
Quote from: lightning on April 06, 2021, 01:20:28 PM
Quote from: mamselle on April 06, 2021, 12:48:09 PM
I gave up on owning a car after I realized that every time I brought it in for one thing, I'd get a call that there was also something else wrong that would bring the total up to about twice what they'd quoted.

I figured they looked for stuff, and if there wasn't anything wrong, they messed it up or made it up.

Haven't owned a car since...hmm....1984, I think?

Doin' just fine, thanks...

M.

You have to find an honest and competent mechanic. They are rare. As soon as you find one, be super super nice to them. An honest and competent auto mechanic can save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your car--tens of thousands if you take all your cars to them.

True. My brother is a mechanic, but he's been kind of a butthead lately, so I'm going to the place we know down the road.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: the_geneticist on April 06, 2021, 01:39:20 PM
The closest grocery store is out of my favorite brand of tea.  Yes, I know of two other stores that have it, but they are farther away and I'd prefer the one I can walk to. 

Also, the same store is out of Lady Jane the cat's favorite brand, style, and flavor of canned cat food.  Yes, there are other flavors and the dry kibble, but she really only likes pate style Friskies that includes some sort of fish.  Our other two cats will eat anything we put in front of them.  So, having one rather picky cat seems to be quite a first world problem!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: eigen on April 06, 2021, 01:39:56 PM
Quote from: lightning on April 06, 2021, 01:20:28 PM
Quote from: mamselle on April 06, 2021, 12:48:09 PM
I gave up on owning a car after I realized that every time I brought it in for one thing, I'd get a call that there was also something else wrong that would bring the total up to about twice what they'd quoted.

I figured they looked for stuff, and if there wasn't anything wrong, they messed it up or made it up.

Haven't owned a car since...hmm....1984, I think?

Doin' just fine, thanks...

M.

You have to find an honest and competent mechanic. They are rare. As soon as you find one, be super super nice to them. An honest and competent auto mechanic can save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your car--tens of thousands if you take all your cars to them.

I've had this once in my life.

That said, I've had pretty good luck with dealership mechanics for our Ford.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: eigen on April 06, 2021, 01:41:51 PM
Also, I'm assuming that everyone's seen this, but in case you haven't...

https://www.youtube.com/embed/bwvlbJ0h35A
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Wahoo Redux on April 06, 2021, 02:08:32 PM
March Madness!  Great!  Wonderful!  Pituitary glans gone amok on the court!  What could be better!

But why did it have to obliterate two episodes of Wheel of Fortune!?!?
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mahagonny on April 06, 2021, 02:19:41 PM
I once saw a primary care doctor who thought I drank too much, so I quit. I never saw that guy again. (cymbal crash)

Actually true, but I found another doctor because I moved, and I did cut down on drinking, taking the advice to heart. But the first gentleman, who was an addiction specialist, was a very dark skinned guy, born and raised in some part of Africa (I forget where), and studied in the US. I once asked him about alcoholism rates in his native land. He said 'practically zero. Nobody has any money.'
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ergative on April 07, 2021, 12:50:39 AM
Quote from: mamselle on April 06, 2021, 07:41:28 AM
Quote from: ergative on April 06, 2021, 05:30:31 AM
I made a cake this weekend. It was fine, but it's enormous (9x13" sheet pan for two people, good grief, I should have halved the recipe the way I originally planned), and I don't think we can eat it all before (a) we get sick of it, or (b) it goes stale. I don't know if the icing will freeze well, or I'd have frozen half of it already. What to do?
It should be ok, just freeze it in separate pieces (easier to pack into the icebox if yours is as packed as mine is--another 1st world problem...). I'd wrap well with clingy plastic wrap--just remember to remove that, and put it in a closed paper bag before you microwave it briefly to defrost...so the cake will not go dry. (yet another 1st world complaint).

M.

I am inspired. Cake is now in the freezer. I'll report back in a month.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on April 07, 2021, 08:02:34 AM
I used up all of the store-bought honey, so one morning I had to open a jar of locally produced honey to make my parfait. The problem is that my wife wanted to give the local honey to my mom as a gift, so now we have to go back to the local honeymaker to buy more. To add to this, the locally produced honey is very thick and so not ideal for mixing with yogurt. So I had to eat a sub-par parfait and now have an extra errand to run.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: apl68 on April 07, 2021, 10:29:26 AM
Quote from: Sun_Worshiper on April 07, 2021, 08:02:34 AM
I used up all of the store-bought honey, so one morning I had to open a jar of locally produced honey to make my parfait. The problem is that my wife wanted to give the local honey to my mom as a gift, so now we have to go back to the local honeymaker to buy more. To add to this, the locally produced honey is very thick and so not ideal for mixing with yogurt. So I had to eat a sub-par parfait and now have an extra errand to run.

A parfait that's not up to par does sound pretty bad.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: pgher on April 07, 2021, 08:23:14 PM
Thunderstorms this afternoon. Lightning struck close enough that it zapped our cable, internet, phone, some light bulbs (LED), and my UPS. Thankfully my PC survived.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: smallcleanrat on April 07, 2021, 08:52:21 PM
Quote from: apl68 on April 07, 2021, 10:29:26 AM
Quote from: Sun_Worshiper on April 07, 2021, 08:02:34 AM
I used up all of the store-bought honey, so one morning I had to open a jar of locally produced honey to make my parfait. The problem is that my wife wanted to give the local honey to my mom as a gift, so now we have to go back to the local honeymaker to buy more. To add to this, the locally produced honey is very thick and so not ideal for mixing with yogurt. So I had to eat a sub-par parfait and now have an extra errand to run.

A parfait that's not up to par does sound pretty bad.

Is "sub-par parfait" an oxymoron?

Can you even call an imperfect parfait a parfait?
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: namazu on April 07, 2021, 11:47:31 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on April 07, 2021, 08:52:21 PM
Quote from: apl68 on April 07, 2021, 10:29:26 AM
Quote from: Sun_Worshiper on April 07, 2021, 08:02:34 AM
I used up all of the store-bought honey, so one morning I had to open a jar of locally produced honey to make my parfait. The problem is that my wife wanted to give the local honey to my mom as a gift, so now we have to go back to the local honeymaker to buy more. To add to this, the locally produced honey is very thick and so not ideal for mixing with yogurt. So I had to eat a sub-par parfait and now have an extra errand to run.

A parfait that's not up to par does sound pretty bad.

Is "sub-par parfait" an oxymoron?

Can you even call an imperfect parfait a parfait?
I believe the correct terms are "imparfait" or "moins que parfait", depending on whether you were eating it or you had already finished it before determining that it was sub-par.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Puget on April 08, 2021, 06:17:14 AM
I was out of feta for my avocado toast and had to substitute a sliced hard boiled egg (I know, I know-- it is called the first world problems thread).
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: simpleSimon on April 08, 2021, 06:58:04 AM
Quote from: apl68 on April 06, 2021, 07:33:37 AM
I hired somebody to mow my yard (Which I've only done once before).  They only mowed the front half of it.  I really thought the deal was to take care of the whole thing?

My landscaper crashed into the flagpole in my front yard using a riding mower.  Now the flagpole is leaning 45 degrees.  It has been that way for almost a month now.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: paultuttle on April 13, 2021, 02:14:24 PM
Air conditioning is too cold in my west-facing office until midafternoon.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: polly_mer on April 13, 2021, 03:34:03 PM
We were without power for ten whole minutes today as the city upgraded our electric meter to the new fancy one that the whole city is getting.

We didn't know it was coming today and I had to leave the telecon early.

I expect have been assigned tasks for next week because I wasn't there to say nope.  I may or may not do those tasks depending on how tomorrow's second dose goes.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ergative on May 12, 2021, 03:41:02 AM
I have a nice fountain pen that smells like old socks. This is a recurring problem, and last time I think a soapy soap plus air-drying fixed the problem, but that hasn't fixed it this time. Now I'm soaking it in vinegar solution in the hopes that this will fix it, but I'm annoyed. I like this fountain pen. (It's a TSBI 580).

Oh, well. Back to my Pilot Metros.

Also: Tomoe River Paper has been redesigned and is now worse, apparently. I don't learn this until after it's too late to stock up on my Nanami Seven Seas notebooks. Argh.

My stationery life is rough.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Wahoo Redux on May 12, 2021, 10:18:41 AM
The hydraulic adjuster thingee on my Ikea office chair will sometimes deflate without warning.  Sometimes I have to turn the chair over on the floor and adjust it that way.  I hate to be surprised by that sinking feeling.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ciao_yall on May 12, 2021, 11:25:14 AM
The yoga studio closest to my place only has hot yoga at times that are convenient for me.

I'm trying but it's just a misery - who wants to have an hour-long hot flash?

My skin does look rather detoxed this morning. So there's that.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: the_geneticist on May 12, 2021, 11:52:19 AM
A bird ate the one cherry on my cherry tree.

There go my plans for a tiny cake topped with one tiny cherry.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: wareagle on May 12, 2021, 12:26:04 PM
Last year some creature ate the one lone wild strawberry I had in the yard.  It was the size of a large pea, and perfectly formed.  I had visions of floating it in a flute of champagne during brunch.  Alas.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: apl68 on May 12, 2021, 01:25:50 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on May 12, 2021, 11:52:19 AM
A bird ate the one cherry on my cherry tree.

There go my plans for a tiny cake topped with one tiny cherry.

That WAS a disappointment, wasn't it?
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 12, 2021, 02:00:31 PM
I had to wrestle with password updates and other bullshit while filing my taxes, but I did it!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: smallcleanrat on May 12, 2021, 02:39:15 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on May 12, 2021, 11:52:19 AM
A bird ate the one cherry on my cherry tree.

There go my plans for a tiny cake topped with one tiny cherry.

Can you still have the tiny cake? Or is it just not worth it without the tiny cherry?
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Anselm on May 12, 2021, 06:24:24 PM
Amazon is no longer showing me other books bought by the people who purchased the current book I am looking at now.   Instead they show me suggested books based on my previous searches and purchases.  Then they have a row of "sponsored items" related to the book I am looking at.  It was nice to see what is being read by people with similar interests to my own.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Cheerful on May 12, 2021, 07:44:25 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on May 12, 2021, 02:39:15 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on May 12, 2021, 11:52:19 AM
A bird ate the one cherry on my cherry tree.

There go my plans for a tiny cake topped with one tiny cherry.

Can you still have the tiny cake? Or is it just not worth it without the tiny cherry?

Alternatively, the best course of action may be to make plans for a large cake with plentiful other toppings -- and to follow through with said plans.  (Being that the excuse for tiny has now gone away.)
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Vkw10 on May 12, 2021, 07:59:35 PM
Quote from: Anselm on May 12, 2021, 06:24:24 PM
Amazon is no longer showing me other books bought by the people who purchased the current book I am looking at now.   Instead they show me suggested books based on my previous searches and purchases.  Then they have a row of "sponsored items" related to the book I am looking at.  It was nice to see what is being read by people with similar interests to my own.

It's getting difficult to find a specific item on Amazon. Drives me nuts to enter a title and author/singer/actor, only to see several items with three of the seven words I entered appear before the item I wanted, which matches all of my search terms.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: dismalist on May 12, 2021, 08:09:31 PM
Two weeks ago our electricity went off twice, for nearly three hours each time.

This is clearly a problem unique to the world's most advanced developing country.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: the_geneticist on May 13, 2021, 07:30:35 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on May 12, 2021, 02:39:15 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on May 12, 2021, 11:52:19 AM
A bird ate the one cherry on my cherry tree.

There go my plans for a tiny cake topped with one tiny cherry.

Can you still have the tiny cake? Or is it just not worth it without the tiny cherry?

I can still have a tiny cake. I'll just have to contemplate other tiny toppings. I have lots of strawberries
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: apl68 on May 13, 2021, 11:05:32 AM
I've been hit with a little blitz of online surveys and forms from various sources.  Work-related, so I can't just ignore them.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 23, 2021, 06:45:15 AM
I had a horrifying moment this morning after I received a text saying that I ran out of data! I was a little confused since I have an unlimited plan. I think there's a boo-boo somewhere because I tried to contact them and got a message that call volume was high and to try later. Luckily, I rebooted my phone and I have data now.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: OneMoreYear on May 23, 2021, 06:54:34 AM
I needed seiten for a recipe. I thought for sure that Trader Joe's would have seiten (nope, apparently just tofu and tempeh), so I next stopped at the fancy Fresh Market nearby, but they did not have the kind of seiten I needed, so I had to drive 20 minutes to Kroger to find it. And then it turns out, we already had seiten in the house. Also, Trader Joe's has not brought back my favorite blueberry coffee.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 26, 2021, 11:59:34 AM
So, my doctor changed offices. I went to what I thought was the new office only to see a sign on the door that they moved. Ok. So, I went to the new office and was told that no, only one of the doctors moved and that my doctor was in the SAME building she was in originally- just a different office. By the time I got back, I was 30 minutes late and they wouldn't let me see the doc. Note, I had been fasting for blood tests and I could have waited another 2.5 hours to see the doc, but I decided to reschedule.  I had to reschedule my appt. for the end of JUNE.

For some odd reason there were FOUR receptionists behind the counter. Nobody was answering the phone. There was a sign up about them not answering due to high call volume, but the phone wasn't ringing (maybe they turned it off?). I have no idea why, but this morning sure as hell was frustrating and I feel like I wasted my time.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Parasaurolophus on May 26, 2021, 12:37:29 PM
I'm out in the world, and the crotch of my pants tore.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 26, 2021, 01:37:06 PM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on May 26, 2021, 12:37:29 PM
I'm out in the world, and the crotch of my pants tore.

Yikes!

I just called my other doctor's office about an order and they closed early! Now, I have to wait until tomorrow. Lovely.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mythbuster on May 26, 2021, 01:40:21 PM
We are booking for a Fall vacation. We want to use our credit card reward points to pay for the hotel. But we need to wait a week for the flight charge to post in order to have enough points for the 4 star hotel that we want. It better not book up in that period of time!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: San Joaquin on May 26, 2021, 09:29:12 PM
I just read that Canada is running our of buildable land for pastoral suburban mini-mansions close enough to its big cities.  It was one of those pocket blurbs online.  There was probably more to it in some real article somewhere, but I did not click.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 28, 2021, 10:51:01 AM
So, it's Friday and I think my order for a re-imaging has been lost in the void. Nobody can find it. The doc said they sent it on Tuesday, but the imaging center doesn't have it. So, they sent it again today- twice. I'm also getting conflicting information from both parties. The imaging center said the doc can just call it in and the doc said they cannot do that. So frustrating.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on May 28, 2021, 03:49:44 PM
I've been caught in that bind before. (A long time ago, now.)

With a (probably) broken rib (from sneezing while bending over), ice and snow on the ground, three bookbags, and the radiology outpatient office six blocks away from the student health services office. The clinic's MD had written for a chest x-ray, which visualized a different part of the lungs to rule out a pneumothorax. The painful rib was just out of frame for that view and they wouldn't move the cone to where I was pointing to show them where it hurt).

The MD said they could call it in. The radiologist wouldn't take the order over the phone, said they didn't have an RNNP on staff then who was allowed to do it (RNs can indeed take X-Ray verbals, I'd sat at the desk and taken off the order when the same office called it in to a floor nurse in the hospital I worked at before. I also knew how difficult that radiology service was, so it was unsurprising...they were legendary).

I had to walk back to the student services office, get the written script, walk back, and wait again for the new x-ray (which was blurred and inconclusive, and they wouldn't do another. They wouldn't let me leave my bags to return to, either.

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 28, 2021, 04:16:48 PM
Quote from: mamselle on May 28, 2021, 03:49:44 PM
I've been caught in that bind before. (A long time ago, now.)

With a (probably) broken rib (from sneezing while bending over), ice and snow on the ground, three bookbags, and the radiology outpatient office six blocks away from the student health services office. The clinic's MD had written for a chest x-ray, which visualized a different part of the lungs to rule out a pneumothorax. The painful rib was just out of frame for that view and they wouldn't move the cone to where I was pointing to show them where it hurt).

The MD said they could call it in. The radiologist wouldn't take the order over the phone, said they didn't have an RNNP on staff then who was allowed to do it (RNs can indeed take X-Ray verbals, I'd sat at the desk and taken off the order when the same office called it in to a floor nurse in the hospital I worked at before. I also knew how difficult that radiology service was, so it was unsurprising...they were legendary).

I had to walk back to the student services office, get the written script, walk back, and wait again for the new x-ray (which was blurred and inconclusive, and they wouldn't do another. They wouldn't let me leave my bags to return to, either.

M.

Mamselle, that sounds horrible! Did you just live with it at the time?
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on May 28, 2021, 06:17:07 PM
I half-taped it (full circular thoracic taping isn't recommended anymore, it can cause a lung puncture or create a "dead space" below the circumference where the lower lungs don't clear fully and get bio-buildups) to stabilize it, and carried fewer books until it healed.

Took about 6 weeks, like most fractures.

It's fine now, and the treatment would have been roughly what I ended up doing for myself, as it turned out. It's also hard to visualize rib fx, they're so small a shadow on the image that even without the "rescript waltz" they might not have seen it....

Still. I avoided that clinic anyway, for other reasons, but we were forced to pay for student insurance, or we couldn't register, so I was stuck with them.

Thanks for asking, though.

M.

Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: namazu on May 28, 2021, 06:50:48 PM
I went to clip some dill from the Aerogarden (hydroponic shelf-top grow-light thingy) in the dining room and discovered an ant nursery between the base and the reservoir.  I think insects are fascinating, but ewww.  Clear-cutting of salvageable herbs, relocation of the reservoir outside, mad vacuuming, and vinegar-spritzing ensued.  Now I have to figure out how to get them out of the wall, as they seem to be marching one by one (anti-hurrah!) from under the baseboard.  And probably be more diligent about cleaning Cheerios off the floor immediately.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 28, 2021, 06:56:40 PM
Quote from: namazu on May 28, 2021, 06:50:48 PM
I went to clip some dill from the Aerogarden (hydroponic shelf-top grow-light thingy) in the dining room and discovered an ant nursery between the base and the reservoir.  I think insects are fascinating, but ewww.  Clear-cutting of salvageable herbs, relocation of the reservoir outside, mad vacuuming, and vinegar-spritzing ensued.  Now I have to figure out how to get them out of the wall, as they seem to be marching one by one (anti-hurrah!) from under the baseboard.  And probably be more diligent about cleaning Cheerios off the floor immediately.

Ants are a royal pain in the behind. We have to meticulously clean the area around the cat food bowls, or the ants will jump on any crumbs. Actually, I've just started vacuuming the kitchen floor daily.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: San Joaquin on May 29, 2021, 12:30:13 PM
I hear that ammonia confuses their directional signals, and that they dislike mint.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 29, 2021, 04:59:15 PM
Quote from: San Joaquin on May 29, 2021, 12:30:13 PM
I hear that ammonia confuses their directional signals, and that they dislike mint.

I'll have to look into it. We have a lot of mint growing outside.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on May 29, 2021, 07:12:30 PM
Maybe the mint outside is what's forcing them inside?

;--}

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 29, 2021, 08:15:24 PM
Quote from: mamselle on May 29, 2021, 07:12:30 PM
Maybe the mint outside is what's forcing them inside?

;--}

M.

Ha! Doubt it. I think it's the 'tasty' cat food crumbs on the floor.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ergative on May 30, 2021, 03:52:38 AM
Wall-to-wall carpets are more trouble than they're worth. Rugs are where it's at.

Signed,
Someone with carpet moths
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: the_geneticist on June 01, 2021, 08:03:28 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on May 29, 2021, 04:59:15 PM
Quote from: San Joaquin on May 29, 2021, 12:30:13 PM
I hear that ammonia confuses their directional signals, and that they dislike mint.

I'll have to look into it. We have a lot of mint growing outside.

Chlorox wipes (or any cleaner with bleach) will kill ants and disrupt the scent trail.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: paultuttle on June 01, 2021, 10:45:52 AM
The air conditioning in most places in the summer is too cold.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on June 01, 2021, 11:42:05 AM
A friend did the "free New Yorker add-on subscription" as a gift.

It comes weekly. I waste spend down time doing the crossword for a couple days.

It didn't appear this week (substitute mail carrier often mis-delivers stuff)

No puzzle, and none of the goofy cartoon captions to guess at.

Boo.

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: sinenomine on June 11, 2021, 06:08:11 AM
My cable is out. I don't need to be watching TV right now (conference papers to write!), bu it's the principle of the thing...
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Cheerful on June 11, 2021, 04:06:22 PM
Quote from: sinenomine on June 11, 2021, 06:08:11 AM
My cable is out. I don't need to be watching TV right now (conference papers to write!), bu it's the principle of the thing...

Hope it's back, sinenomine.  Too bad the companies almost never give a billing credit for such outages.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: sinenomine on June 12, 2021, 05:47:16 AM
Quote from: Cheerful on June 11, 2021, 04:06:22 PM
Quote from: sinenomine on June 11, 2021, 06:08:11 AM
My cable is out. I don't need to be watching TV right now (conference papers to write!), bu it's the principle of the thing...

Hope it's back, sinenomine.  Too bad the companies almost never give a billing credit for such outages.

It is, thanks. And you're right about the lack of billing credits!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mahagonny on June 12, 2021, 06:33:28 AM
I'm paying taxes that fund news that is biased in favor of the party who've gone crazy.

https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/npr/

Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: AmLitHist on June 12, 2021, 01:16:32 PM
We had to replace Kid #2's window AC today (interthreaduality).

I grumbled a bit until I realized that at least we have the money to replace it; she has an AC to begin with; we have power to run it; and we have a place to live and try to keep cool--all unlike so many others in this area, country, and around the world.

Oh--and the local IGA doesn't have the frozen yogurt on sale in my flavor (blackberry).  :D
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: PScientist on June 12, 2021, 01:45:49 PM
Quote from: mahagonny on June 12, 2021, 06:33:28 AM
I'm paying taxes that fund news that is biased in favor of the party who've gone crazy.

https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/npr/

The bottom line from that page is: "Overall, we rate NPR (National Public Radio) Left-Center Biased based on story selection that leans slightly left and Very High for factual reporting due to thorough sourcing and very accurate news reporting."  That does not support your conclusion.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Anselm on June 12, 2021, 04:11:56 PM
Quote from: PScientist on June 12, 2021, 01:45:49 PM
Quote from: mahagonny on June 12, 2021, 06:33:28 AM
I'm paying taxes that fund news that is biased in favor of the party who've gone crazy.

https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/npr/

The bottom line from that page is: "Overall, we rate NPR (National Public Radio) Left-Center Biased based on story selection that leans slightly left and Very High for factual reporting due to thorough sourcing and very accurate news reporting."  That does not support your conclusion.

Speaking of NPR, my local station stops operating in any kind of storm.  I rely on them to provide me commercial free background sound at home.  Then I must endure the torture of their week long pledge drives which are more common than before.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mahagonny on June 13, 2021, 06:46:16 AM
Quote from: PScientist on June 12, 2021, 01:45:49 PM
Quote from: mahagonny on June 12, 2021, 06:33:28 AM
I'm paying taxes that fund news that is biased in favor of the party who've gone crazy.

https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/npr/

The bottom line from that page is: "Overall, we rate NPR (National Public Radio) Left-Center Biased based on story selection that leans slightly left and Very High for factual reporting due to thorough sourcing and very accurate news reporting."  That does not support your conclusion.

I could post more about this, but it would considered a thread derail, and it would be blamed on me, not you. Have a nice day.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: apl68 on June 14, 2021, 07:26:47 AM
Quote from: Anselm on June 12, 2021, 04:11:56 PM
Quote from: PScientist on June 12, 2021, 01:45:49 PM
Quote from: mahagonny on June 12, 2021, 06:33:28 AM
I'm paying taxes that fund news that is biased in favor of the party who've gone crazy.

https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/npr/

The bottom line from that page is: "Overall, we rate NPR (National Public Radio) Left-Center Biased based on story selection that leans slightly left and Very High for factual reporting due to thorough sourcing and very accurate news reporting."  That does not support your conclusion.

Speaking of NPR, my local station stops operating in any kind of storm. 

Kind of like our internet.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 27, 2021, 01:51:01 PM
I ordered something off Amazon and, for some odd reason, they sent it to my parents. I checked the invoice and my address is listed as the address to deliver the items to- not my parents. Their address isn't even in my account as an option!

Anyone have a thought on what the hell happened?
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ab_grp on June 27, 2021, 02:10:37 PM
Wow, EPW! That is weird, especially if their address isn't even one of the ship to addresses in your account.  I have seen some folks in my area posting on FB that their packages were delivered to their previous addresses.  It could have been their error, but now I wonder if something is going on with Amazon.  Definitely curious to hear what could have happened!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 27, 2021, 07:49:00 PM
Quote from: ab_grp on June 27, 2021, 02:10:37 PM
Wow, EPW! That is weird, especially if their address isn't even one of the ship to addresses in your account.  I have seen some folks in my area posting on FB that their packages were delivered to their previous addresses.  It could have been their error, but now I wonder if something is going on with Amazon.  Definitely curious to hear what could have happened!

It's very odd and I'm not happy because they're holding it for ransom until I go over there.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: pgher on June 27, 2021, 07:58:58 PM
My kid got a new phone recently. They were just complaining that the emojis are different now and it's really throwing them off.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Langue_doc on June 28, 2021, 07:30:12 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 27, 2021, 07:49:00 PM
Quote from: ab_grp on June 27, 2021, 02:10:37 PM
Wow, EPW! That is weird, especially if their address isn't even one of the ship to addresses in your account.  I have seen some folks in my area posting on FB that their packages were delivered to their previous addresses.  It could have been their error, but now I wonder if something is going on with Amazon.  Definitely curious to hear what could have happened!

It's very odd and I'm not happy because they're holding it for ransom until I go over there.

I would contact Amazon and ask for a refund. All you have to do is show them the address on the order information. Use chat, so that you have a paper trail.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: the_geneticist on June 29, 2021, 01:50:28 PM
My garden hose has developed a few kinks where it will pinch shut if I pull on it too hard.  I have to walk to the pinched spot, straighten it out, and then keep watering.  I'm sure this adds at least 5 minutes to the 1 hour+ I'm spending watering the gardens in this heat.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on June 29, 2021, 02:41:17 PM
Poke holes at the pinched area and let some of the water go out there and water whatever's under it.

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Economizer on July 01, 2021, 11:42:12 AM
Timely TV? Today, I was accidentally watching The Honorable Judge Hatchett as she adjudicated a dispute
between a divorced couple over His interference in a scholarship award matter. The matter involved the Dad, without his ex's permission, trying to improve on an already "offer" and creating a withdrawal of it. Hmmm.. if you missed it, well, it'll probably be on at some AM hour somewhere soon. Check your TV Guide, or whatever.

A new "Body of Law" may soon arise as such concerns arise. I won't reveal the verdict to yall, but I will say that the Judge raked that poor man over coals of Hades. But, one never can tell who wins the case simply by that (not that I watch much of that kind of programming).

Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Wahoo Redux on July 02, 2021, 12:32:03 PM
Wheel on the lawnmower fell off.

Tried for 20 minutes to get help at Home Depot.  What a joke.

Ordered a new lawnmower from Amazon.

Now I have a huge cardboard box.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Wahoo Redux on July 02, 2021, 12:36:06 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 27, 2021, 01:51:01 PM
I ordered something off Amazon and, for some odd reason, they sent it to my parents. I checked the invoice and my address is listed as the address to deliver the items to- not my parents. Their address isn't even in my account as an option!

Anyone have a thought on what the hell happened?

We subscribed to a soup company on Amazon when there were rumors of food shortages.

We've had plenty of food.

I have tried three times to cancel the subscription.  The soup is very bland.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: the_geneticist on July 02, 2021, 02:47:16 PM
Quote from: Wahoo Redux on July 02, 2021, 12:32:03 PM
Wheel on the lawnmower fell off.

Tried for 20 minutes to get help at Home Depot.  What a joke.

Ordered a new lawnmower from Amazon.

Now I have a huge cardboard box.

Huge boxes are officially awesome!  Any kids in the neighborhood?  I have very fond memories of playing in a huge box when my parents bought a new refrigerator.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ab_grp on July 02, 2021, 03:25:57 PM
My husband took one of the huge cardboard boxes that some piece of furniture came in with him to pick up our huge order of barbecue this morning, thinking he could get some additional use out of it.  Instead, they had already packed the order into another huge box, so now we are further steeped in huge boxes.  But you can always use huge boxes to hold other (less huge) boxes.  ;-)
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Wahoo Redux on July 02, 2021, 05:09:09 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on July 02, 2021, 02:47:16 PM
Quote from: Wahoo Redux on July 02, 2021, 12:32:03 PM
Wheel on the lawnmower fell off.

Tried for 20 minutes to get help at Home Depot.  What a joke.

Ordered a new lawnmower from Amazon.

Now I have a huge cardboard box.

Huge boxes are officially awesome!  Any kids in the neighborhood?  I have very fond memories of playing in a huge box when my parents bought a new refrigerator.

You can have ours.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ergative on July 05, 2021, 02:45:28 AM
My public library's Overdrive server, which usually allows me free, instant, digital access to audiobooks, so I can have fiction delivered to my ears without needing to step out of the house or even move my eyeballs, is down.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Morris Zapp on July 13, 2021, 03:51:44 PM
The grocery store near our summer house does not carry my preferred brand of sparkling water so I have to bring it from home. (My kids have labelled this the most first world problem ever).
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Parasaurolophus on July 13, 2021, 04:24:48 PM
Three flies are zipping around the (very, very large) volume of our living room and refusing to land on any surfaces. Argh!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 14, 2021, 01:34:56 PM
I 'need' to go to the bank, but I don't want to put on pants. I guess I really don't need to since I'll be in the drive thru. Hmm...
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: paultuttle on July 14, 2021, 09:17:15 PM
We just received recall notices for both of the cars in our household. Yes, on the same day.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on July 15, 2021, 08:18:41 PM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on July 13, 2021, 04:24:48 PM
Three flies are zipping around the (very, very large) volume of our living room and refusing to land on any surfaces. Argh!

Almost any kind of spray (Windex, Febreeze, perfume, or Off!) will slow them down for swatting.

The droplets on their wings make flying harder, and they'll land to let it dry off.

Then....you get 'em.

SMACK!

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Anselm on July 16, 2021, 01:45:32 AM
The local NPR is having their pledge drive this week. I would rather spend time in the dentist chair than listen to this all week. 
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Charlotte on July 16, 2021, 05:38:50 AM
Quote from: mamselle on July 15, 2021, 08:18:41 PM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on July 13, 2021, 04:24:48 PM
Three flies are zipping around the (very, very large) volume of our living room and refusing to land on any surfaces. Argh!

Almost any kind of spray (Windex, Febreeze, perfume, or Off!) will slow them down for swatting.

The droplets on their wings make flying harder, and they'll land to let it dry off.

Then....you get 'em.

SMACK!

M.

I recently had some gnats in my houseplants and purchased some sticky, yellow fly traps that you stick up in the soil. I found that they are great at attracting house flies too and I am loving having a fly free home. They come in different shapes so they aren't terrible looking either. Butterflies, cat faces, birds, etc. Just a tip for anyone else who might need something! I bought lots more to get me through the summer.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on July 16, 2021, 05:44:54 AM
Right, I forgot about those.

I have several of the old, unwindy kind hidden around the back of a bookcase here, the side of a stove hood there (don't want them visible, and you want to expose just a bit of the paper, then trim and re-hang for sightliness' sake, as well.)

But they do, indeed, work.

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ciao_yall on July 19, 2021, 08:51:35 AM
I accidentally rearranged some of the apps on my home screen and now I can't find anything on my phone.

Well, I have to look for it. So that's mildly inconvenient.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ab_grp on July 28, 2021, 04:31:18 PM
I bought my husband a refill for his planner but accidentally ordered two.  However, they fit my planner as well, and it has not been updated since 2006.  Yay! So, I put the month-at-a-glance pages in but figured the page-per-day part might be a bit much detail for me, and I didn't really have room for a year and half worth of single pages.  I set them aside on top of the filing cabinet, where they promptly all fell on the floor in no particular order.  So, I guess I will pencil some time into my refreshed planner for tomorrow to attend to the task of sorting those hundreds of pages out.  If anyone heard an anguished cry a few minutes ago, that was me.  Clearly I am not a planner person, so maybe I'll just say to heck with that part or see if my husband wants an extra page per day and a fun sorting task.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: apl68 on July 29, 2021, 08:37:21 AM
I'm wearing a Polo shirt with a logo that looks kind of smudgy.  Now I'm worried that people will see it and think I've got a big food stain on my shirt.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on July 29, 2021, 09:13:59 AM
Draw a paper alligator and pin it on as a joke? *

You could even have a "knit-shirt logo day" and have everyone join in, making up goofy logos to pin on their shirts or sweaters or whatever.

They'd never guess why...

;--}

M.

* I actually have a small ceramic Izod alligator that I got at a craft fair once, hence the idea...
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: apl68 on July 29, 2021, 11:44:57 AM
I remember that many years ago during the vogue for coining "sniglets," somebody came up with "Izodium."  The word refers to an alligator convention.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on July 29, 2021, 05:43:51 PM
Ha!

I once worked at a camp where there were more alligators on the shirts than there were in the water...

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Dismal on August 02, 2021, 08:00:32 PM
The bedroom TV, on which I only watch the TLC network (90 day fiance, my 600 pound life) is not working. What's going to happen to that little boy who just had the head surgery on Doubling Down with the Derricos?
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Wahoo Redux on August 02, 2021, 08:41:22 PM
The in-laws forgot to water the poinsettia when we went to the west coast for two weeks.  The plant survived by some of the leaves have definitely shriveled. 

I feel victimized.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on August 03, 2021, 07:17:50 AM
I keep taking pictures of the swans on my AM walks and now my phone's full again.

And every time I start downloading, I have to do more files and organize more other pictures, and...and....and........

Could be worse.

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 03, 2021, 11:08:05 AM
I ordered furnace filters online to avoid going into the store and got an email that they are damaged and not deliverable. So, now I need to deal with customer service to get my damn filters. I should have just went into the store.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on August 03, 2021, 12:55:37 PM
Online photos feed
My manuscript addiction
Like a thin gruel.

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: paultuttle on August 04, 2021, 09:44:45 AM
The BMW and Pontiac G8 GXP--both rear-wheel-drive V8 sedans with a manual transmission--that I saved on a car sales website have both been sold.

The car market is moving too fast for someone who has to take quite a lot of time to convince his husband that his midlife-crisis car is a true financial need.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: apl68 on August 04, 2021, 10:31:59 AM
Quote from: paultuttle on August 04, 2021, 09:44:45 AM
The BMW and Pontiac G8 GXP--both rear-wheel-drive V8 sedans with a manual transmission--that I saved on a car sales website have both been sold.

The car market is moving too fast for someone who has to take quite a lot of time to convince his husband that his midlife-crisis car is a true financial need.

We've had some of the same issues trying to buy new computer equipment at the library.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Langue_doc on August 04, 2021, 10:59:04 AM
Quote from: paultuttle on August 04, 2021, 09:44:45 AM
The BMW and Pontiac G8 GXP--both rear-wheel-drive V8 sedans with a manual transmission--that I saved on a car sales website have both been sold.

The car market is moving too fast for someone who has to take quite a lot of time to convince his husband that his midlife-crisis car is a true financial need.

Used cars are selling like the proverbial hotcakes. I keep getting emails and letters from the dealer for my 5-year old car.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: apl68 on August 04, 2021, 12:45:03 PM
Quote from: Langue_doc on August 04, 2021, 10:59:04 AM
Quote from: paultuttle on August 04, 2021, 09:44:45 AM
The BMW and Pontiac G8 GXP--both rear-wheel-drive V8 sedans with a manual transmission--that I saved on a car sales website have both been sold.

The car market is moving too fast for someone who has to take quite a lot of time to convince his husband that his midlife-crisis car is a true financial need.

Used cars are selling like the proverbial hotcakes. I keep getting emails and letters from the dealer for my 5-year old car.

I remember wanting to purchase a used small car some years back, at a time when they just weren't to be had.  Gas guzzlers had been selling so well during the previous years that there weren't a lot of smaller vehicles to be had.  Then an oil shock spiked fuel prices, and the little cars became a hot commodity.  I had to make do for several years with borderline junkers that were bigger than I wanted before finally getting a chance to buy a new small car at a good price. 

It's likely to take several years before the supply of used cars loosens up any.  Me?  I've given up on used cars.  I know that if you can get just the right one at just the right price you can save a lot of money without much loss of quality over a new one.  But so many people are chasing such deals that it has gotten very hard to find them now.  Most available used cars are already about used up.  I've spent enough of my life driving cars that I was afraid would leave me on the side of the road.  I'd rather buy a small new vehicle with its whole life ahead of it, get (hopefully) a decade's good use out of it, and then have money saved up to buy another new car.  If what I have now keeps doing well, and my next one does well, I hope to have to buy only two more vehicles in my life.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: secundem_artem on August 04, 2021, 12:46:07 PM
Quote from: paultuttle on August 04, 2021, 09:44:45 AM
The BMW and Pontiac G8 GXP--both rear-wheel-drive V8 sedans with a manual transmission--that I saved on a car sales website have both been sold.

The car market is moving too fast for someone who has to take quite a lot of time to convince his husband that his midlife-crisis car is a true financial need.

M3's and M5's are a dime a dozen.  G8's were never all that common seeing as they were made in Australia (re-badged Holdens).  That said, given the maintenance costs of any BMW out of warranty suggests a tolerance for outrageous repair bills or recent success in the Powerball or similar lottery.  Not sure how reliable the G8's are. 
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on August 04, 2021, 12:53:59 PM
My last car (a VW bug) died in 1984.

None since.

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: paultuttle on August 05, 2021, 06:23:51 AM
Quote from: secundem_artem on August 04, 2021, 12:46:07 PM
Quote from: paultuttle on August 04, 2021, 09:44:45 AM
The BMW and Pontiac G8 GXP--both rear-wheel-drive V8 sedans with a manual transmission--that I saved on a car sales website have both been sold.

The car market is moving too fast for someone who has to take quite a lot of time to convince his husband that his midlife-crisis car is a true financial need.

M3's and M5's are a dime a dozen.  G8's were never all that common seeing as they were made in Australia (re-badged Holdens).  That said, given the maintenance costs of any BMW out of warranty suggests a tolerance for outrageous repair bills or recent success in the Powerball or similar lottery.  Not sure how reliable the G8's are.

I hear you. Yes, the BMWs I save on car sales sites are pretty much what I'd get if I won the lottery and didn't have to worry about repair costs. The G8 is a more attainable dream, considering it's a GM product with a Corvette engine and transmission.

But who knows? Maybe a Corvette convertible is in my future--again, if I can convince my husband that it's worth buying. I'd hate to be 95 and trying to buy one. I wouldn't be able to get in or out of it!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Wahoo Redux on August 06, 2021, 10:13:51 PM
I ate too much.

A true first world problem.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ab_grp on August 07, 2021, 09:27:16 AM
My good dental floss got knocked off the counter and rolled under it.  It now has a nice cover of lint clinging to its minty surface.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 07, 2021, 07:37:12 PM
I ordered items from a different company to be delivered to my home and again they are delayed. I'm trying to stay out of stores, but this is getting really annoying, so I may just go to the store.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: lightning on August 07, 2021, 09:08:04 PM
My SO paid of their fancy luxury car, and has been the one to pay almost all of the monthly payments. The title arrived, but even though we are co-owners, it lists my name on top and is addressed to me on the outside envelope.

The SO is going to be pissed.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: apl68 on August 11, 2021, 10:20:12 AM
Still caught in a game of phone tag that started yesterday afternoon.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on August 11, 2021, 12:51:01 PM
I spent an hour and a half setting up 3 slides and removing several more from the slide-deck-to-end-all-slide decks.

Then Ppt refused to save, saying "there wasn't enough space on the disk" even though I'm saving to a hard drive that has millions (literally) of bites (sorry, bytes) left.

Then it went to a white screen, then returned to the original (pre-1.5. hr-work) version and offered to save that.

Much tooth-gnashing has occurred since.

Thankfully I remembered what I had done, created a new file set and just did those slides anew.

But....grrr......Office-----stop nannying!!!

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: AmLitHist on August 15, 2021, 09:52:16 AM
Using one of my post-cataract surgery eyedrops/gel looks and feels like putting Elmer's School Glue in my eye.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on August 15, 2021, 10:15:47 AM
Ooooooo...yuck!

Hope it at least does what it's spozed to do to make it worthwhile...

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Parasaurolophus on August 15, 2021, 12:43:05 PM
I let my computer update this morning. It became unworkable slow. It still was hours later, but now it froze up and I can't get it to boot properly. Ugh.

I'm gonna have to splurge on a new one already this year. I can't keep dealing with this.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on August 15, 2021, 01:04:24 PM
I've had that happen, and I've had to use my phone to look up what to do to fix it, by update manufacturer and recent date.

The updates sometimes lodge junkware that takes up memory and slows everything down; I can't recall now what it was, but I just had to uninstall some things they'd added (probably playstation-type stuff, which I never use) to get it to behave.

Sorry you're having to deal with that!

M.

Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Langue_doc on August 15, 2021, 01:31:56 PM
Quote from: AmLitHist on August 15, 2021, 09:52:16 AM
Using one of my post-cataract surgery eyedrops/gel looks and feels like putting Elmer's School Glue in my eye.

Wish I could send you mine (unopened, still sealed extra container). My practice combined three medications in one, so all I needed was one drop, relatively ungluey.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 15, 2021, 02:10:42 PM
Quote from: AmLitHist on August 15, 2021, 09:52:16 AM
Using one of my post-cataract surgery eyedrops/gel looks and feels like putting Elmer's School Glue in my eye.

Sorry you're dealing with this.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 15, 2021, 08:38:58 PM
I just noticed that my pharmacy shorted me half a prescription (and I run out in 4 days!). Or maybe I have a house gnome that likes to move things around? Either way, this should be interesting.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: dismalist on August 15, 2021, 08:39:59 PM
I'm hungry but don't want to cook.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: AmLitHist on August 16, 2021, 09:17:51 AM
Thanks, all--I'm doing fine.  It's just weird to put something like that in an eye! 

I go back Thursday to have the other eye done, so lots more "goo" to go.  But I can see past the end of my nose without glasses for the first time since second grade (well, with one eye, at least for now).
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ergative on August 20, 2021, 03:11:22 AM
Happy sight, Amlithist! When my grandmother had cataracts she lost some color acuity as well as sharpness. My mother couldn't figure out why she was wearing these bizarre combinations of lavender and green (or whatever); it turned out that my grandmother thought they were all elegant shades of muted grey. Boy, did her wardrobe get a refit when she got those cataracts fixed! Maybe you should reevaluate your clothes too once you're all-seeing again.

My first-world problem is that my wonderful LL Bean slippers have developed a hole between the sole and outer on the right foot. I've had them for five years or so, and practically live in them, so it's no surprise they're beginning to fall apart. But The left slipper is still fine, I think, and it's not like they need to be waterproof, so I'm probably not going to do anything about them for the next months or years until they're genuinely rags.

I've reflected before that this attitude of 'eh, I can still use it' results in living a life surrounded by items in the ratty decrepitude stage of existence, because that stage lasts much, much longer in an object's lifespan than its 'new enough to work as intended' stage.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 20, 2021, 06:23:21 AM
Quote from: AmLitHist on August 16, 2021, 09:17:51 AM
Thanks, all--I'm doing fine.  It's just weird to put something like that in an eye! 

I go back Thursday to have the other eye done, so lots more "goo" to go.  But I can see past the end of my nose without glasses for the first time since second grade (well, with one eye, at least for now).

That's great!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: fishbrains on August 21, 2021, 07:43:25 AM
Our bread machine seems to be failing, so I had to get the back-up one out of the attic. It just ain't easy being me.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Morris Zapp on August 23, 2021, 06:37:47 AM
Wanted to have coffee on our dock this morning. Tripped on a root and ended up wearing it!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: arcturus on August 24, 2021, 03:55:12 PM
I went to the grocery store today. Lots of empty shelves. Do we have a hurricane or other bad weather in our future? Nope. Instead, we had a plague of locusts (otherwise known as students) arrive in our town over the weekend. It is not like the University keeps the arrival date a secret. Every August, our college-town grows by at least 1/3rd of its year-round population. You would think that the local stores would mark that on their calendars and change their orders accordingly.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: the_geneticist on August 24, 2021, 05:17:48 PM
Quote from: arcturus on August 24, 2021, 03:55:12 PM
I went to the grocery store today. Lots of empty shelves. Do we have a hurricane or other bad weather in our future? Nope. Instead, we had a plague of locusts (otherwise known as students) arrive in our town over the weekend. It is not like the University keeps the arrival date a secret. Every August, our college-town grows by at least 1/3rd of its year-round population. You would think that the local stores would mark that on their calendars and change their orders accordingly.

Ha ha!  I've lived places like that!  You couldn't get ramen noodles or cheap hangers for love or money during move in week.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: lightning on August 24, 2021, 05:21:21 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on August 24, 2021, 05:17:48 PM
Quote from: arcturus on August 24, 2021, 03:55:12 PM
I went to the grocery store today. Lots of empty shelves. Do we have a hurricane or other bad weather in our future? Nope. Instead, we had a plague of locusts (otherwise known as students) arrive in our town over the weekend. It is not like the University keeps the arrival date a secret. Every August, our college-town grows by at least 1/3rd of its year-round population. You would think that the local stores would mark that on their calendars and change their orders accordingly.

Ha ha!  I've lived places like that!  You couldn't get ramen noodles or cheap hangers for love or money during move in week.

Everyone should take care during move-in week. There will be lots of new students who do not look before crossing the street. If one of them gets hit by a car, and they end up in the ER, they'll have to wait with all the COVID-19 patients in the ER, and possibly bring the 'rona to campus.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: dismalist on August 24, 2021, 05:40:46 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on August 24, 2021, 05:17:48 PM
Quote from: arcturus on August 24, 2021, 03:55:12 PM
I went to the grocery store today. Lots of empty shelves. Do we have a hurricane or other bad weather in our future? Nope. Instead, we had a plague of locusts (otherwise known as students) arrive in our town over the weekend. It is not like the University keeps the arrival date a secret. Every August, our college-town grows by at least 1/3rd of its year-round population. You would think that the local stores would mark that on their calendars and change their orders accordingly.

Ha ha!  I've lived places like that!  You couldn't get ramen noodles or cheap hangers for love or money during move in week.

That's a fascinating puzzle. I have a hypothesis: Ramen noodles and cheap hangers are low margin or [markup] items. Don't want to overstock. Have more of the high margin items on hand.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on August 24, 2021, 06:49:44 PM
Some smaller stores (and even some larger ones in my area) are still understocking on some things to cushion themselves from being overstretched by incurring too much overhead/overstock outlay on their margins.

The past year's uncertainty has affected ordering patterns in several ways. Some things are anticipated, like TP; others not so much.

M. 
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: the_geneticist on August 25, 2021, 03:06:45 PM
Quote from: dismalist on August 24, 2021, 05:40:46 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on August 24, 2021, 05:17:48 PM
Quote from: arcturus on August 24, 2021, 03:55:12 PM
I went to the grocery store today. Lots of empty shelves. Do we have a hurricane or other bad weather in our future? Nope. Instead, we had a plague of locusts (otherwise known as students) arrive in our town over the weekend. It is not like the University keeps the arrival date a secret. Every August, our college-town grows by at least 1/3rd of its year-round population. You would think that the local stores would mark that on their calendars and change their orders accordingly.

Ha ha!  I've lived places like that!  You couldn't get ramen noodles or cheap hangers for love or money during move in week.

That's a fascinating puzzle. I have a hypothesis: Ramen noodles and cheap hangers are low margin or [markup] items. Don't want to overstock. Have more of the high margin items on hand.

I pose an alternative hypothesis: students LOVE ramen.  If there is no ramen, they don't buy other types of higher margin soup (canned, heat-and-serve, etc.)
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: dismalist on August 25, 2021, 04:06:15 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on August 25, 2021, 03:06:45 PM
Quote from: dismalist on August 24, 2021, 05:40:46 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on August 24, 2021, 05:17:48 PM
Quote from: arcturus on August 24, 2021, 03:55:12 PM
I went to the grocery store today. Lots of empty shelves. Do we have a hurricane or other bad weather in our future? Nope. Instead, we had a plague of locusts (otherwise known as students) arrive in our town over the weekend. It is not like the University keeps the arrival date a secret. Every August, our college-town grows by at least 1/3rd of its year-round population. You would think that the local stores would mark that on their calendars and change their orders accordingly.

Ha ha!  I've lived places like that!  You couldn't get ramen noodles or cheap hangers for love or money during move in week.

That's a fascinating puzzle. I have a hypothesis: Ramen noodles and cheap hangers are low margin or [markup] items. Don't want to overstock. Have more of the high margin items on hand.

I pose an alternative hypothesis: students LOVE ramen.  If there is no ramen, they don't buy other types of higher margin soup (canned, heat-and-serve, etc.)

If that were true, there would be Ramen!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 27, 2021, 07:44:11 AM
In network? Out of network? Specialists? I LOATHE insurance companies and the entire claim process. Also, my primary care doctor's staff LIED to me and told me my doc was in network. I found out today that is NOT The case. So, they want me to pay EXTRA money. Arrrrghhhhhh.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Liquidambar on August 27, 2021, 08:07:55 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 27, 2021, 07:44:11 AM
Also, my primary care doctor's staff LIED to me and told me my doc was in network. I found out today that is NOT The case. So, they want me to pay EXTRA money. Arrrrghhhhhh.

That's not fair!  I hope you don't have to pay.

My first world problem:  I can't order a keyboard cover for my new laptop since I left it at the office and I can't remember the keyboard layout in enough detail.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on August 27, 2021, 10:03:16 AM
Do you have the receipt for the laptop purchase? Does it show the model number?

Most places, like MicroCenter, BestBuy, etc., list size and other specs on their online ordering pages.

You could go to one of those sites and get the info that way, possibly.

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Liquidambar on August 27, 2021, 11:24:24 AM
I have a record of the laptop order, but the model is too new for aftermarket keyboard covers to list it as a model they're compatible with.  I need to figure out which of last year's laptop models has the same style keyboard.  Probably I could order a manufacturer-approved keyboard cover with the info I already have available, but I want a more exciting color.  Totally a first-world problem--I will have to wait TWO WHOLE DAYS after I'm next at the office to check it instead of two days from today!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on September 01, 2021, 09:11:56 AM
I just wasted three hours of my life waiting for a plumber who didn't show up. Had to reschedule. I may just try to take this faucet apart myself and fix it.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: AmLitHist on September 01, 2021, 10:31:14 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on September 01, 2021, 09:11:56 AM
I just wasted three hours of my life waiting for a plumber who didn't show up. Had to reschedule. I may just try to take this faucet apart myself and fix it.
I hope you rescheduled with a different plumber!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mythbuster on September 01, 2021, 10:33:15 AM
I'm bored by my lunch options for today.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: dismalist on September 01, 2021, 10:37:22 AM
Quote from: AmLitHist on September 01, 2021, 10:31:14 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on September 01, 2021, 09:11:56 AM
I just wasted three hours of my life waiting for a plumber who didn't show up. Had to reschedule. I may just try to take this faucet apart myself and fix it.
I hope you rescheduled with a different plumber!

Happened to me Thursday and Friday. At the end of a four hour window I received a "courtesy" call that "no can come". Rescheduled for next day. At the end of four hour window received another "courtesy" call "no can come". I cancelled. Called a different plumber next day. Showed up within the hour!

Is this sophisticated strategy -- over-scheduling to lock one in? Or is it incompetence? Never ascribe to malice what can be explained by incompetence.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on September 01, 2021, 10:40:04 AM
Verizon account calls are horribly inept for a communications service company.

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: AmLitHist on September 01, 2021, 10:59:20 AM
Wow, Dismalist!  I'd have been livid.

Then again, I've been known to walk out of a store when it was clearly too much trouble to wait on me/take my money, because it would have disturbed the cashiers' conversation.

I don't beg anybody to take my money.  I don't demand perfection, but not so much as calling to say a repair person is running late or not going to show up?  Nope. I can find somebody else who will be glad to show up and earn the money.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: dismalist on September 01, 2021, 11:03:02 AM
Quote from: AmLitHist on September 01, 2021, 10:59:20 AM
Wow, Dismalist!  I'd have been livid.

Then again, I've been known to walk out of a store when it was clearly too much trouble to wait on me/take my money, because it would have disturbed the cashiers' conversation.

I don't beg anybody to take my money.  I don't demand perfection, but not so much as calling to say a repair person is running late or not going to show up?  Nope. I can find somebody else who will be glad to show up and earn the money.

My favorite t-shirt lettering is: I don't get angry. I get even. :-)
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on September 01, 2021, 11:33:40 AM
I worked retail for 6 years. I have no compunctions about interrupting, clearing my throat loudly, and saying things like,

   "Are you done yet? My manager would have had my head if I'd taken time to talk to a co-worker rather than wait on a customer."

Much hemming, hawing, apologizing, and (usually) swifter service results.

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: the_geneticist on September 01, 2021, 11:34:11 AM
My robot vacuum needs a replacement whisker brush thing.  I know I have one, but I don't remember where I put it.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Anselm on September 01, 2021, 02:29:15 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on September 01, 2021, 09:11:56 AM
I just wasted three hours of my life waiting for a plumber who didn't show up. Had to reschedule. I may just try to take this faucet apart myself and fix it.

A friend once told me that if you want to make good money in life then go into the skilled trades and then actually show up.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: EdnaMode on September 02, 2021, 05:26:02 AM
Now that I'm back to having to wear a mask 6-8 hours a day, I'm getting breakouts again. At least the mask hides them.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on September 02, 2021, 07:02:45 AM
Yes, I have to wash my masks every other day, they hold sweat so tenaciously, and grow bacteria so swiftly, it's hard to keep up with.

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on September 16, 2021, 06:45:45 AM
The damn garbage company didn't get our yard waste again (I think this is the 4th time). The really annoying thing is that they got our neighbor's yard waste and they're only one house away. And I promise I wasn't hiding it! It was at the end of the driveway in plain sight!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on September 16, 2021, 08:05:19 AM
Ours has gotten better about not throwing the lids and cans all over the sidewalk (or, occasionally, in the street), but it's still not great.

I know they're in a hurry, and often have cars backed up behind them, honking to get through, so I get the problem, but steadying the thing upright only takes a second or so.

I sometimes think it's a show of pique, or perhaps just true frustration with the job.

It can't be any fun to be out at 6 AM dealing with everyone's smelly offal.

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Charlotte on September 16, 2021, 12:12:25 PM
My Apple Watch doesn't seem to be be aware of how much time I spend standing at my new standing desk so I'm not getting credit for all that time spent standing.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on September 16, 2021, 07:57:58 PM
Quote from: mamselle on September 16, 2021, 08:05:19 AM
Ours has gotten better about not throwing the lids and cans all over the sidewalk (or, occasionally, in the street), but it's still not great.

I know they're in a hurry, and often have cars backed up behind them, honking to get through, so I get the problem, but steadying the thing upright only takes a second or so.

I sometimes think it's a show of pique, or perhaps just true frustration with the job.

It can't be any fun to be out at 6 AM dealing with everyone's smelly offal.

M.

I get it. It's a rough job. The thing is that our company has three separate trucks that each pick up either trash, recycling or yard waste. So, the yard waste truck doesn't have to deal with trash, just all the English ivy that I've been tearing out of the yard. Believe me, if I could compost most of this stuff- I would. I just have so much biomass to get rid of that I've resorted to yard waste service.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ciao_yall on September 16, 2021, 09:00:51 PM
Our new HOA Management Company employees send OOO replies every time they leave their desks. So half my inbox is them reminding me that they are away from their desks.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Langue_doc on September 17, 2021, 04:43:38 AM
The company that sends me CPAP supplies has been calling every.single.day, sometimes more than once, and leaving messages reminding me that it's time to order new supplies. No, you idiots, it isn't time, and besides, all requests have to go through the doctor's office. I'll probably have to threaten to bill them for the time it takes every day to unclog my answering machine.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on September 17, 2021, 05:27:59 AM
Quote from: Langue_doc on September 17, 2021, 04:43:38 AM
The company that sends me CPAP supplies has been calling every.single.day, sometimes more than once, and leaving messages reminding me that it's time to order new supplies. No, you idiots, it isn't time, and besides, all requests have to go through the doctor's office. I'll probably have to threaten to bill them for the time it takes every day to unclog my answering machine.

Ooohh, now there's a side-hustle that could take off! (Interthreaduality)

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ab_grp on September 17, 2021, 08:35:52 AM
Langue_doc, that sounds like the company my husband got his from.  I think they called every single night.  Because his most recent machine has been recalled, he ordered another (from a different company), and that company calls often to update that the new units are not in stock yet, and they don't know when they will be, but they just wanted to check in.  Meanwhile, the company the recall was from sent a replacement unit as well.  So we will be swimming in CPAPs, which I guess is better than the alternative.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on September 17, 2021, 09:29:43 AM
Hearing that it's consistent, I wonder if there may be some standard-of-care mandate that they're following to be sure patient health is not adversely affected.

For some, CPAP is primarily seen as a very helpful device (those with sleep apnea, etc.), but for others (mostly those who are just a step away from permanent ventilation) it can be quite seriously needed.

So it could be a kind of CYA protocol, they don't want anyone accusing them of not staying in touch or updating them on a device that for some is required to avoid serious results. It might also be needed if someone is supplementing with another supplier and the insurance coverage requires proof that the original supplier (with whom they may have a capped cost contract) is temporarily out.

Not that that mitigates the irritation of the repeated calls, but that could be why they're happening.

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: pgher on September 17, 2021, 10:14:24 AM
Quote from: mamselle on September 17, 2021, 09:29:43 AM
Hearing that it's consistent, I wonder if there may be some standard-of-care mandate that they're following to be sure patient health is not adversely affected.

For some, CPAP is primarily seen as a very helpful device (those with sleep apnea, etc.), but for others (mostly those who are just a step away from permanent ventilation) it can be quite seriously needed.

So it could be a kind of CYA protocol, they don't want anyone accusing them of not staying in touch or updating them on a device that for some is required to avoid serious results. It might also be needed if someone is supplementing with another supplier and the insurance coverage requires proof that the original supplier (with whom they may have a capped cost contract) is temporarily out.

Not that that mitigates the irritation of the repeated calls, but that could be why they're happening.

M.

I think a big part of it is that insurance often covers the cost of the supplies, so it's just a cash cow for the providers. I have a bunch of replacement filters etc. that I just never get around to replacing.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Langue_doc on September 17, 2021, 12:14:26 PM
Quote from: ab_grp on September 17, 2021, 08:35:52 AM
Langue_doc, that sounds like the company my husband got his from.  I think they called every single night.  Because his most recent machine has been recalled, he ordered another (from a different company), and that company calls often to update that the new units are not in stock yet, and they don't know when they will be, but they just wanted to check in.  Meanwhile, the company the recall was from sent a replacement unit as well.  So we will be swimming in CPAPs, which I guess is better than the alternative.

Does the caller have a coy "come hither" tone of voice? Yesterday I answered the phone when they started leaving the canned recording and promptly hung up after which I got an email "reminding" me to reorder the supplies. They haven't called me today, so I hope they got the message. Your second provider sounds like the Mt. Sinai hospital system -- because of a single visit this year I have been bombarded with emails and texts, the latest one yesterday informing me that I should schedule appointments through their website as their phone system was experiencing delays.

Glad you have those extra supplies though. I usually keep an extra set of masks and tubes, but take all the other unneeded stuff to the doctor so that they can use them in the Sleep lab or donate them.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Morris Zapp on September 17, 2021, 05:28:29 PM
Our new puppy gets car sick
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: the_geneticist on September 18, 2021, 07:45:25 AM
We have found two new restaurants with delicious food, but they are too far to drive to on a weeknight.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on October 13, 2021, 05:44:49 AM
I just burned my toast- like charred it. The kitchen is full of smoke. I had to turn on two fans, open a door and a window.

Now I must make toast again. :(
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Harlow2 on October 13, 2021, 06:09:48 AM
Continuing with extremely minor but vexing problems: the grounds basket on my coffee brewer gets clogged for no reason I can tell and then remains full of brewed coffee. Getting the coffee pored into cup requires dexterity I don't have prior to drinking the coffee.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on October 13, 2021, 07:34:52 AM
My Google Discovery app on my phone isn't opening.

I've done all the on-off stuff suggested, but it won't open.

I might actually have to start working right away, without have a good scroll-through as a procrastinatory activity buffer.

Oh, well.

Sigh.

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: paultuttle on October 13, 2021, 07:49:26 AM
The birds nesting in the bush outside my "office" (formerly our dining room) are making too much noise, and one just (somehow) banged on the window.

Speaking as a person who lives two blocks from a university campus and hears the deep "thump thump THUMP" of overstimulated subwoofers nearly every Friday and Saturday night when school is in session, it's too early in the day for hard-partying animals of any type.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on October 13, 2021, 05:50:18 PM
After a re-start and ignoring it for awhile, the Discover feed returned.

By then, I'd started to think maybe it was just as well not to have it to tempt me into scrolling through the whole news feed all the time...

Back to discipline instead of default non-repair.

In other news, I love my high-school aged music student, but he can be selectively deaf when I try to tell him which measure I want him to start on, and he persists in trying to play the whole sonata without the music during his lesson, which adds to the communication issues. (He memorizes better than he reads, so I get it, sort of, but we've been around this block a thousand times....!)

The measures are numbered. If you LOOK AT THE MUSIC, you'll see where I mean, instead of guessing wrong three times!

Open the music!!!!

(Thanks, that felt better...)

M.

ETA: After a moment's reflection, I realized I should also say that, once all the notes had settled back into their places on the page, and he realized he truly was wrong, he thanked me for the correction, which he does unfailingly.

I never taught him, as far as I recall, to do that. I don't know where it comes from. But we can go at it hammer and tongs, and still come out resolved.

So there's that, too.

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Aster on October 14, 2021, 02:19:51 PM
I got a free hash brown at the drive-thru this week.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ab_grp on October 16, 2021, 04:50:12 PM
I just dunked one end of my cozy blanket/wrap thingy into my glass of water.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: AvidReader on October 16, 2021, 08:18:17 PM
Quote from: Langue_doc on September 17, 2021, 12:14:26 PM
Your second provider sounds like the Mt. Sinai hospital system -- because of a single visit this year I have been bombarded with emails and texts, the latest one yesterday informing me that I should schedule appointments through their website as their phone system was experiencing delays.

Spouse & I bought a new house last year. We also bought a new mattress online, to furnish a bedroom.

New Mattress Company now emails me weekly to see if I want to buy more mattresses. For medical supplies, reminders to reorder things sort of make sense. Repeat orders of mattresses do not make sense. Do they not think their mattresses will last longer than a week?

AR.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: paultuttle on October 19, 2021, 11:37:48 AM
Housing prices (both to buy and to rent) are shooting up into the stratosphere. Food, clothing, and transportation prices are going in that direction as well.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Sun_Worshiper on October 19, 2021, 12:31:31 PM
Three first world problems:
(1) I'm trying to cut down on caffeine so I can get better sleep... but now I'm tired all the time.
(2) Somehow my phone number has been put on a mortgage application and now I'm getting spammed like crazy from every lender in the city (I haven't lived in this city for over a decade, but phone number still has that area code). Fortunately I have a setting on my phone that lets me ignore unknown numbers, but it is still a little irritating.
(3) I just started teaching an intensive seven week class and now I only have time to exercise three mornings per week. I could do evening exercise, I suppose, but prefer not to.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: FishProf on October 19, 2021, 02:23:01 PM
I go to a restaurant in the same plaza as Smolt's Karate studio.  On Tuesdays, she has private lessons followed by class so I have about 2 hours to work in the bar. 

FWP - The really wonderful Pumpkin Ale has been discontinued, and now is replaced by a merely very good one.

Sigh.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: pgher on October 24, 2021, 06:33:35 AM
My youngest child is a sophomore in college. Somehow, somewhere, their name got on a list of high school seniors. Almost every day, I get emails inviting my student to apply to some college. I could unsubscribe from each one, but that wouldn't prevent the other hundreds of colleges from harassing me.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Anselm on October 24, 2021, 06:40:52 PM
I get annoyed while filling out forms and the space for my name and email address are too short to fit in the letters legibly. 
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: EdnaMode on October 25, 2021, 07:22:26 AM
I turned on my furnace this weekend to make sure it was functioning the way it should before it gets properly cold. Well, the attached humidifier is leaking and I can't figure out from where or why it is leaking so I turned it off, unplugged it, and called my HVAC people. They're going to send someone "after 12 noon" on Friday. So now I'll have to decide if I'll break my no work from home (unless we're on lockdown) rule and bring stuff to grade home on Friday afternoon, or just come in on the weekend to get caught up.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ab_grp on October 25, 2021, 09:11:59 AM
Quote from: Anselm on October 24, 2021, 06:40:52 PM
I get annoyed while filling out forms and the space for my name and email address are too short to fit in the letters legibly.

Me too! And I am also frustrated by online forms that ask for my thoughts on such and such and only allow about 20 characters.  I have a lot more thoughts than that, people! Same with boxes asking for an explanation of "other" that only let you get about one word in.  Why bother asking if you don't want the explanation?
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on October 25, 2021, 09:19:22 AM
Very close to the above:

Online news articles with seriously wrong information, and no way to send in a correction or comment.

They just don't want to know...

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: filologos on October 25, 2021, 12:35:53 PM
Quote from: ab_grp on October 25, 2021, 09:11:59 AM
Quote from: Anselm on October 24, 2021, 06:40:52 PM
I get annoyed while filling out forms and the space for my name and email address are too short to fit in the letters legibly.

Me too! And I am also frustrated by online forms that ask for my thoughts on such and such and only allow about 20 characters.  I have a lot more thoughts than that, people! Same with boxes asking for an explanation of "other" that only let you get about one word in.  Why bother asking if you don't want the explanation?

Similarly: forms that tell you your entry is invalid as soon as you start typing. For example: the form asks for a phone number. I type the first digit of my phone number. The form says my entry is invalid. Can't it at least wait until I leave that particular field and start typing somewhere else!? To type any complete phone number, one must type its constituent parts!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: secundem_artem on October 25, 2021, 03:52:13 PM
Quote from: pgher on October 24, 2021, 06:33:35 AM
My youngest child is a sophomore in college. Somehow, somewhere, their name got on a list of high school seniors. Almost every day, I get emails inviting my student to apply to some college. I could unsubscribe from each one, but that wouldn't prevent the other hundreds of colleges from harassing me.

So you take all the self-addressed, stamped postcards they include, tape 'em to a brick & toss 'em the mail
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 04, 2021, 08:13:25 AM
Woke up to a flat tire. Apparently I ran over a roofing nail somewhere. Sigh...
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: hmaria1609 on November 04, 2021, 01:13:27 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 04, 2021, 08:13:25 AM
Woke up to a flat tire. Apparently I ran over a roofing nail somewhere. Sigh...
Ugh! Not a great way to start your morning commute.

Last month, I ran over a screw driving home on the interstate, and the tire pressure light came on. Fortunately Costco was still open so I stopped there on my way home.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: apl68 on November 04, 2021, 04:25:58 PM
Went grocery shopping this afternoon and could only find the 2% low-fat milk.  It's not as good as the whole milk.  At least we HAD milk.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Larimar on November 05, 2021, 05:42:14 AM
Ran the dishwasher yesterday, and my coffee mugs didn't get clean. Everything else was fine, but my coffee mugs were still badly stained. It's the second time this has happened. Weird. I started washing the mugs by hand last night, but it was getting late. Still need to wash the last two today. Make that three, counting the one I'm drinking from now.

Larimar
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 05, 2021, 08:03:02 AM
Quote from: hmaria1609 on November 04, 2021, 01:13:27 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 04, 2021, 08:13:25 AM
Woke up to a flat tire. Apparently I ran over a roofing nail somewhere. Sigh...
Ugh! Not a great way to start your morning commute.

Last month, I ran over a screw driving home on the interstate, and the tire pressure light came on. Fortunately Costco was still open so I stopped there on my way home.

Yep. I have a warranty for the tires, so I plan to bring it in today and see what they will do. I used SO's car yesterday since it was such a time crunch.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 05, 2021, 08:03:55 AM
Quote from: Larimar on November 05, 2021, 05:42:14 AM
Ran the dishwasher yesterday, and my coffee mugs didn't get clean. Everything else was fine, but my coffee mugs were still badly stained. It's the second time this has happened. Weird. I started washing the mugs by hand last night, but it was getting late. Still need to wash the last two today. Make that three, counting the one I'm drinking from now.

Larimar

Maybe there are micro scratches on the mugs? I use a 'magic' eraser, which probably scuffs the surface more, but does remove stains.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on November 05, 2021, 11:05:12 AM
If it's the caffeine stains on the inside, my aunt taught us to use table salt.*

Scrub with it as you would a scouring powder, rinse, let it sit filled with water, and do that all again.

Usually brightens the inside by one or two orders of luminosity.

M. 

*I've heard Cream of Tartar might work, also, but have never tried it. I use the salt thing all the time for my teacups.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Larimar on November 05, 2021, 12:38:22 PM
Thanks, epw and mamselle. I'll start trying these things and see what works.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: FishProf on November 05, 2021, 02:42:08 PM
Bleach will take the stains out.  Let 'em soak
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Langue_doc on November 05, 2021, 03:12:08 PM
Baking soda--sprinkle on a sponge and scrub the inside of the cups before putting them in the dishwasher.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Larimar on November 07, 2021, 05:51:53 AM
Thanks, FishProf and Langue_doc. Sounds like this'll be a first world problem not repeated.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Harlow2 on November 07, 2021, 08:46:52 AM
Thought I was buying work socks at the usual store and when I opened the package at home I saw I had something that looks like spats (no toe).  Weird, and not workable. 
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on November 07, 2021, 11:28:22 AM
Sounds like modern dance socks, or for use with flip-flops.

Interesting...

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Wahoo Redux on November 07, 2021, 04:39:05 PM
Socks!?  SOCKS!?

I taught my morning class on Friday with a sock hanging out of my back pocket.

I could only find one sock upstairs, so I went down to the basement where the washing machine and dryer are to get another one.  On returning to the first floor I could not find the sock I'd found upstairs, so I went back down and got another sock.  I put on those socks, put on my shoes, and went to campus. 

Of course, I'd put the sock I'd found upstairs in my back pocket, left it hanging out so that I would feel it flopping about and not forget it, forgot about it, and taught class that way.

I discovered the sock in my back pocket when I got home.

I do not want to hear about socks right now...
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on November 07, 2021, 05:45:46 PM
Your students probably just thought it was humanely amusing.

Or else that you had an interesting handkerchief dangling from your pocket....

;--}

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: secundem_artem on November 08, 2021, 07:59:04 AM
I had a colleague teach an entire class with his fly open.  He was known as Zippy until that cohort of students had graduated
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mythbuster on November 10, 2021, 01:49:36 PM
I live in a gated neighborhood. Not really by choice, they are just unavoidable in this city once you get to a certain price point. Of late, the staff at the gate have had a lot of turnover, and so the guest lane to enter is getting backed up.
   On today's entry of the neighborhood Facebook feed, someone is whinging about the driver of their UberEats delivery being denied entry because the driver lacked any form of photo ID! His solution is to just let in anyone who claims to be making a delivery without an ID check because he doesn't like cold pizza!

I'm no sure it gets more 1st world than that.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Parasaurolophus on November 13, 2021, 10:27:30 PM
First ferry was quite late, which meamt I missed the last ferry home so now I'm sleeping in the car sans hatchling (for the first time). Ugh.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ergative on November 14, 2021, 01:24:45 AM
I signed up for Scribd to get the audiobooks, and one of the audiobooks starts on Chapter 2, instead of Chapter 1.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on November 14, 2021, 07:01:43 AM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on November 13, 2021, 10:27:30 PM
First ferry was quite late, which meamt I missed the last ferry home so now I'm sleeping in the car sans hatchling (for the first time). Ugh.

So, you usually sleep in the car with the hatchling?

How does that work??

:--》

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Parasaurolophus on November 14, 2021, 07:04:32 AM
Quote from: mamselle on November 14, 2021, 07:01:43 AM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on November 13, 2021, 10:27:30 PM
First ferry was quite late, which meamt I missed the last ferry home so now I'm sleeping in the car sans hatchling (for the first time). Ugh.

So, you usually sleep in the car with the hatchling?

How does that work??

:--》

M.

Hehe. Uncomfortably?
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Wahoo Redux on November 14, 2021, 07:57:52 AM
Quote from: secundem_artem on November 08, 2021, 07:59:04 AM
I had a colleague teach an entire class with his fly open.  He was known as Zippy until that cohort of students had graduated

This is transmutation into a real problem!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: jimbogumbo on November 14, 2021, 10:00:31 AM
Quote from: secundem_artem on November 08, 2021, 07:59:04 AM
I had a colleague teach an entire class with his fly open.  He was known as Zippy until that cohort of students had graduated

I will raise this. I graded for a distinguished professor in grad school. He taught EVERY class with his fly open (also while smoking a cigar). In the middle of EVERY class he would mumble an apology, and go out of the classroom for a brief time. Never once did he zip up.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ab_grp on November 14, 2021, 10:40:59 AM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on November 14, 2021, 07:04:32 AM
Quote from: mamselle on November 14, 2021, 07:01:43 AM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on November 13, 2021, 10:27:30 PM
First ferry was quite late, which meamt I missed the last ferry home so now I'm sleeping in the car sans hatchling (for the first time). Ugh.

So, you usually sleep in the car with the hatchling?

How does that work??

:--》

M.

Hehe. Uncomfortably?

No doubt that would not have been fun! Did you have to sleep overnight in the car? Yuck.  My ex and BIL and I had to sleep in cars overnight at the shore once when we came home from the casino to the rented beach house to find it totally locked up and none of the ~15 other people in the house could be awakened.  Definitely not a fun time.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Parasaurolophus on November 14, 2021, 10:55:36 AM
Quote from: ab_grp on November 14, 2021, 10:40:59 AM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on November 14, 2021, 07:04:32 AM
Quote from: mamselle on November 14, 2021, 07:01:43 AM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on November 13, 2021, 10:27:30 PM
First ferry was quite late, which meamt I missed the last ferry home so now I'm sleeping in the car sans hatchling (for the first time). Ugh.

So, you usually sleep in the car with the hatchling?

How does that work??

:--》

M.

Hehe. Uncomfortably?

No doubt that would not have been fun! Did you have to sleep overnight in the car? Yuck.  My ex and BIL and I had to sleep in cars overnight at the shore once when we came home from the casino to the rented beach house to find it totally locked up and none of the ~15 other people in the house could be awakened.  Definitely not a fun time.

I did, but it wasn't so bad. We keep blankets and sleeping bags in there just in case, and there's just enough room in the back (it's an old CR-V) to almost be comfortable.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ab_grp on November 14, 2021, 11:04:47 AM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on November 14, 2021, 10:55:36 AM
Quote from: ab_grp on November 14, 2021, 10:40:59 AM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on November 14, 2021, 07:04:32 AM
Quote from: mamselle on November 14, 2021, 07:01:43 AM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on November 13, 2021, 10:27:30 PM
First ferry was quite late, which meamt I missed the last ferry home so now I'm sleeping in the car sans hatchling (for the first time). Ugh.

So, you usually sleep in the car with the hatchling?

How does that work??

:--》

M.

Hehe. Uncomfortably?

No doubt that would not have been fun! Did you have to sleep overnight in the car? Yuck.  My ex and BIL and I had to sleep in cars overnight at the shore once when we came home from the casino to the rented beach house to find it totally locked up and none of the ~15 other people in the house could be awakened.  Definitely not a fun time.

I did, but it wasn't so bad. We keep blankets and sleeping bags in there just in case, and there's just enough room in the back (it's an old CR-V) to almost be comfortable.

Well, I'm glad you had preparations in place and that it wasn't too bad, but still.  I'm sure you're not looking forward to a repeat anytime soon! ;-)
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Wahoo Redux on November 14, 2021, 02:09:14 PM
It snowed.

I hate, hate, hate snow.

Please don't tell me "it's pretty."
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Langue_doc on November 14, 2021, 03:18:04 PM
It's pretty if you don't have to drive or shovel.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Wahoo Redux on November 14, 2021, 03:30:12 PM
Quote from: Langue_doc on November 14, 2021, 03:18:04 PM
It's pretty if you don't have to drive or shovel.

Not "pretty."

Not "pretty" under any circumstance!

Dead white water all over everything like an infection, a rash on the planet.

God's dandruff.

Not. 
Pretty.
No.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Langue_doc on November 14, 2021, 05:17:06 PM
Quote from: Wahoo Redux on November 14, 2021, 03:30:12 PM
Quote from: Langue_doc on November 14, 2021, 03:18:04 PM
It's pretty if you don't have to drive or shovel.

Not "pretty."

Not "pretty" under any circumstance!

Dead white water all over everything like an infection, a rash on the planet.

God's dandruff.

Not. 
Pretty.
No.

If you say so
You say potato
I say potahto
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Wahoo Redux on November 14, 2021, 06:41:12 PM
Quote from: Langue_doc on November 14, 2021, 05:17:06 PM
Quote from: Wahoo Redux on November 14, 2021, 03:30:12 PM
Quote from: Langue_doc on November 14, 2021, 03:18:04 PM
It's pretty if you don't have to drive or shovel.

Not "pretty."

Not "pretty" under any circumstance!

Dead white water all over everything like an infection, a rash on the planet.

God's dandruff.

Not. 
Pretty.
No.

If you say so
You say potato
I say potahto

I like potatoes.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on November 14, 2021, 07:59:03 PM
And I like tomahtoes....

(Someone should start an 'oldies but goodies' lyrics thread...)

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Hibush on November 15, 2021, 04:52:17 AM
Quote from: Wahoo Redux on November 14, 2021, 02:09:14 PM
It snowed.

I hate, hate, hate snow.

Please don't tell me "it's pretty."

I love how snow makes tangible the hated humidity disappearing from the air.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ohnoes on November 15, 2021, 07:13:18 AM
Quote from: Hibush on November 15, 2021, 04:52:17 AM
I love how snow makes tangible the hated humidity disappearing from the air.

FWP: disappointed that this wasn't a haiku
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: FishProf on November 15, 2021, 09:56:23 AM
My preferred EV charging station wasn't available.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 15, 2021, 04:39:30 PM
Both of my socks had huge (3 cm) holes in the heels and they both got bigger throughout the day.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on November 15, 2021, 05:46:57 PM
Toe? Heel?

Did you get blisters?

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Puget on November 15, 2021, 06:04:04 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 15, 2021, 04:39:30 PM
Both of my socks had huge (3 cm) holes in the heels and they both got bigger throughout the day.

Among the emergency supplies in my office is an extra pair of socks. Never go anywhere without an extra pair of socks. Or your towel.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 15, 2021, 06:10:57 PM
Quote from: mamselle on November 15, 2021, 05:46:57 PM
Toe? Heel?

Did you get blisters?

M.

Heels. Actually no blisters. I was running late and threw them on and forgot about them until several hours later when I noticed how large the holes were. The socks were really stretched out, so one of the holes kind of migrated up my leg while the other moved to the top of my other foot.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 15, 2021, 06:12:41 PM
Quote from: Puget on November 15, 2021, 06:04:04 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 15, 2021, 04:39:30 PM
Both of my socks had huge (3 cm) holes in the heels and they both got bigger throughout the day.

Among the emergency supplies in my office is an extra pair of socks. Never go anywhere without an extra pair of socks. Or your towel.

That's the funny thing. I HAD an extra pair of socks in my bag, but didn't realize it until the end of the day. Mondays are kind of a whirlwind for me. Yep, need a towel and peanuts.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: dismalist on November 15, 2021, 06:26:54 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 15, 2021, 04:39:30 PM
Both of my socks had huge (3 cm) holes in the heels and they both got bigger throughout the day.

This is the kind of thing that made Charles Dickens, seeing socks with holes in them, washed, on clothes lines in London, take it upon himself to decry capitalism. Had he only bothered to look in the countryside, where people had no socks to put onto clotheslines, he might have written differently. Socks were previously something only the nobility could afford.

Let us be grateful for our socks, with or without holes! :-)
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on November 15, 2021, 06:44:50 PM
Source?

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: dismalist on November 15, 2021, 06:53:16 PM
Quote from: mamselle on November 15, 2021, 06:44:50 PM
Source?

M.

He who seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh the door shall be opened. Therefore ...

Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: FishProf on November 16, 2021, 07:26:06 AM
My dictation software is slower than I can type.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on November 16, 2021, 08:41:48 AM
Quote from: FishProf on November 16, 2021, 07:26:06 AM
My dictation software is slower than I can type.

I hear your pain.

I helped a friend with serious CTS edit her final thesis draft.

She'd dictated the whole thing on Dragon-Sys.

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: the_geneticist on November 16, 2021, 01:15:11 PM
My favorite scent of shampoo is out of stock.  There is another scent that is nice, but not quite as nice and I don't want to have different scented shampoo and conditioner.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Langue_doc on November 16, 2021, 01:27:54 PM
Three of the muni meters on the same street weren't working so I left without going to the store.  When I called 311 about the same inoperative meters about three weeks ago, I was told that they needed the meter numbers and not the exact street address to even check the meters.

I just relegated the problem to our local elected rep's office. I am not standing in front of a meter, quarters in hand, bag in the other, writing down the number or taking pictures of the meter.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: dismalist on November 16, 2021, 03:18:49 PM
Quote from: Langue_doc on November 16, 2021, 01:27:54 PM
Three of the muni meters on the same street weren't working so I left without going to the store.  When I called 311 about the same inoperative meters about three weeks ago, I was told that they needed the meter numbers and not the exact street address to even check the meters.

I just relegated the problem to our local elected rep's office. I am not standing in front of a meter, quarters in hand, bag in the other, writing down the number or taking pictures of the meter.

Alas, it's a whole world problem, named "bureaucracy".

How better than to have it explained by example of the airport named after Franz Kafka.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEyFH-a-XoQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEyFH-a-XoQ)

Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: jimbogumbo on November 16, 2021, 04:01:33 PM
Quote from: dismalist on November 15, 2021, 06:53:16 PM
Quote from: mamselle on November 15, 2021, 06:44:50 PM
Source?

M.

He who seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh the door shall be opened. Therefore ...

I was so glad when the newer versions used seeks and knocks rather than seeketh and knocketh. Reading and hearing the King James always made me think of Daffy Duck.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Langue_doc on November 16, 2021, 06:08:59 PM
Quote from: dismalist on November 16, 2021, 03:18:49 PM
Quote from: Langue_doc on November 16, 2021, 01:27:54 PM
Three of the muni meters on the same street weren't working so I left without going to the store.  When I called 311 about the same inoperative meters about three weeks ago, I was told that they needed the meter numbers and not the exact street address to even check the meters.

I just relegated the problem to our local elected rep's office. I am not standing in front of a meter, quarters in hand, bag in the other, writing down the number or taking pictures of the meter.

Alas, it's a whole world problem, named "bureaucracy".

How better than to have it explained by example of the airport named after Franz Kafka.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEyFH-a-XoQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEyFH-a-XoQ)

Ah, bureaucracy. A few weeks ago I had to call 311 to report a homeless person sprawled across a flight of stairs in one of the subway stations. The person I talked to advised me to call the advocate for the homeless and followed this up with an email giving me the phone number of the advocate. No, no, no. You (employees working in the subway stations) are paid to make the necessary phone calls as are the police in the subway stations, whose eyes are glued to their phones. We, the riders are often dealing with long trips, transfers, and slow service. A week later when I saw an individual camped by the entrance to a subway station, happily mxxxxxxxxing, I decided that alerting anyone would be a waste of my time, so kept walking.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on November 16, 2021, 06:49:56 PM
Quote from: dismalist on November 15, 2021, 06:53:16 PM
Quote from: mamselle on November 15, 2021, 06:44:50 PM
Source?

M.

He who seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh the door shall be opened. Therefore ...

Ummm....that's the KJV, not Dickens....I meant, I don't recall Dickens ever saying that, or writing it, or seeing it said or written of him.

M.

ETA...I guess I'm not the only one.

M.

Oh, and, again ETA:

The real reason I came here was to complain about the blur feature on my Zoom screen.

I have to go back in, un-blur it, and then re-blur it, if I want to hold up a piece of music or my latest teaching aid (a small skeleton, correctly jointed, for showing bone articulations where joint shapes matter for correct playing positions).

I need a blur toggle.

M.   
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ergative on November 17, 2021, 01:33:47 AM
My super-cheapo MP3 player (I do not have a smartphone) has decided that sound files which exist in mono rather than stereo format only should play in my left ear. This means that every time I download a sound file in mono format I must run a macro in Audacity to convert it to stereo, which doubles the file size. But whatever. I created the macro, it's fine.

Except I have a whole bunch of audiobooks I got from the library and they're all in mono and I thought I'd run the macro on them but they're still only playing in my left ear and it takes a while to load them into audacity so it's non-trivial to check whether they're mono or stereo before trying to play them and everything is a massive hassle and I just wish that my mp3 player would do the sensible thing and send mono tracks to both ears. Argh.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on November 17, 2021, 08:51:56 AM
Can you go online and see if you mp3 player has driver options to do the conversion automatically?

If it's older, it may not have been boxed with that option, but a hack or a cheap update might do the trick...

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ergative on November 17, 2021, 01:25:00 PM
I think you are vastly overestimating the capacity of my mp3 player. It cost $20 from Amazon and does not have internet access.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on November 17, 2021, 03:14:26 PM
Hmm....but, do you not plug it into a computer to play things on it?

If you do, it has a driver, somewhere; you just have to enter the brand number and poke around until you find an updated driver (or a work-around on some website, just do a search for "How do I...?") and install that in the computer to tell the tracks to go to both earphone wires.

Or at least, that's how it should work...

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 18, 2021, 06:35:56 AM
I'm trying to schedule a medical procedure. My doctor's office put in the wrong order and now I'm trying to get it corrected.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on November 18, 2021, 08:16:08 AM
Yikes!

Did the error originate with the ordering MD, or the staff assistant who recorded/entered the order in the computer.

Sometimes there's an entering error where the code is off by a digit, in which case they need to trace it back to the originating office.

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: bio-nonymous on November 18, 2021, 09:55:25 AM
For the first time since the start of the global pandemic, yesterday I could not get a parking spot in my normal lot, or the other two sort-of "close-by" lots. I had to go WAY out into the hinterlands and walk quite a bit to get to my lab. I was surprised at how mad this made me--I thought to myself,"Why can't all you people go back home and work like you have been doing since this all started!" Never mind that I had just become spoiled and entitled, expecting to get a decent spot no matter when I rolled in--it was well-known by me prior to Covid19 that if you didn't get to campus by 8:30am, you would be parking FAR away, no matter what "class" of parking sticker you paid for...

Today was back to normal with plenty of parking--so, maybe, just a one-time aberration?
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Hibush on November 18, 2021, 11:41:21 AM
My sushi was warm.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ergative on November 18, 2021, 12:16:11 PM
Quote from: mamselle on November 17, 2021, 03:14:26 PM
Hmm....but, do you not plug it into a computer to play things on it?

If you do, it has a driver, somewhere; you just have to enter the brand number and poke around until you find an updated driver (or a work-around on some website, just do a search for "How do I...?") and install that in the computer to tell the tracks to go to both earphone wires.

Or at least, that's how it should work...

M.

My first thought is 'I can't be bothered to mess around with all that!'

My second thought is 'how many minutes have I already messed around with audacity attempting an alternative fix?'

Next time I can be bothered, I might try a quick google.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: secundem_artem on November 18, 2021, 03:38:49 PM
Quote from: Hibush on November 18, 2021, 11:41:21 AM
My sushi was warm.

Mine was rather blah as well.  And there was no packet of soy sauce with it.  And not enough gari. 
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on November 18, 2021, 07:01:22 PM
Quote from: mamselle on November 18, 2021, 08:16:08 AM
Yikes!

Did the error originate with the ordering MD, or the staff assistant who recorded/entered the order in the computer.

Sometimes there's an entering error where the code is off by a digit, in which case they need to trace it back to the originating office.

M.

Not sure. The office said they fixed it, but I'm still trying to get in touch with the scheduling dept. at the hospital.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: AvidReader on November 19, 2021, 01:24:17 PM
My mother-in-law just yesterday received a box I mailed her.

I mailed it in late May.

I enquired about it in August, inspiring the USPS to delete all the tracking details from their website.

I'm so, so grateful that she has received it--it included some sentimental items that were not replaceable--but six months is a really long time to wait.

AR.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on November 19, 2021, 03:22:27 PM
If it's going from, or into, most places in the South, the mails are still suffering from The Carrot-top's inspired sabotage of the sorting machines by proxy.

It was observed last year, when all that was happening/being reported, that parts were literally thrown away, so the machines couldn't be fixed, and budgets cut so they couldn't keep up, thus preventing those scalawag voters who might vote for cucumbers instead of carrots from having their say.

I believe it's one of the things that one of the line items in the infrastructure/other bills are designed to fix, but of course that's still going to take some time...

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ergative on November 20, 2021, 02:20:36 AM
Quote from: ergative on November 18, 2021, 12:16:11 PM
Quote from: mamselle on November 17, 2021, 03:14:26 PM
Hmm....but, do you not plug it into a computer to play things on it?

If you do, it has a driver, somewhere; you just have to enter the brand number and poke around until you find an updated driver (or a work-around on some website, just do a search for "How do I...?") and install that in the computer to tell the tracks to go to both earphone wires.

Or at least, that's how it should work...

M.

My first thought is 'I can't be bothered to mess around with all that!'

My second thought is 'how many minutes have I already messed around with audacity attempting an alternative fix?'

Next time I can be bothered, I might try a quick google.

In case anyone cares (I do not blame you if you do not) I figured out the problem: Audacity was set to automatically export as mono, so when I ran the macro it inherited that setting. I've now changed the setting and am rerunning the macro, and things are coming out properly.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on November 20, 2021, 10:31:20 AM
Cool beans!

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ergative on December 16, 2021, 06:59:05 AM
On 23 December I will need to pay a very large fee to a government organization for a residency application. Last time I had to do this, I needed to call two banks and try multiple credit cards before I found one a means of payment that would go ahead without getting stopped for possible fraud--even after I'd called the bank and told them that the charge was coming through in about five minutes and not to flag it!

So, planning ahead, I called my bank today.

'Hi,' I said. 'On 23 December I am going to be paying a very large fee to the tune of XXXXX moneys to Government Organization. Could you please make sure that your fraud unit does not reject it?'

'Oh,' said the bank. 'No, we can't do that. Fraud checkers will flag it and hold it automatically. You'll get a text on your phone.'

'If I respond to the text immediately, will that ensure that the fee goes through?' I asked.

'Probably,' said the bank. 'Here, I'll put a note on your account. Maybe if the fraud team sees it when the flag goes off they'll approve the charge.'

'Maybe?' I asked.

'Maybe,' said the bank.

Well we'll see what happens on 23 December.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: secundem_artem on December 16, 2021, 08:49:28 AM
Quote from: ergative on December 16, 2021, 06:59:05 AM
On 23 December I will need to pay a very large fee to a government organization for a residency application. Last time I had to do this, I needed to call two banks and try multiple credit cards before I found one a means of payment that would go ahead without getting stopped for possible fraud--even after I'd called the bank and told them that the charge was coming through in about five minutes and not to flag it!

So, planning ahead, I called my bank today.

'Hi,' I said. 'On 23 December I am going to be paying a very large fee to the tune of XXXXX moneys to Government Organization. Could you please make sure that your fraud unit does not reject it?'

'Oh,' said the bank. 'No, we can't do that. Fraud checkers will flag it and hold it automatically. You'll get a text on your phone.'

'If I respond to the text immediately, will that ensure that the fee goes through?' I asked.

'Probably,' said the bank. 'Here, I'll put a note on your account. Maybe if the fraud team sees it when the flag goes off they'll approve the charge.'

'Maybe?' I asked.

'Maybe,' said the bank.

Well we'll see what happens on 23 December.

I've had the same problem paying journal publication fees with overseas publishers.  The only work around I found was to pay with an American Express card.  Presumably Amex expects their cardholders to travel and charge large amounts. 
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on December 18, 2021, 09:51:06 AM
For some reason, my cell phone data is nonexistent. I'm supposed to have unlimited data. Also, the downstairs toilet is leaking and we may need a new flapper. Oh, and it's also raining. Grumble.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: RatGuy on December 18, 2021, 10:02:33 AM
My Netflix discs have started to take an extra day to get to me, and an extra two days to get checked back in
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Puget on December 18, 2021, 11:02:38 AM
Quote from: RatGuy on December 18, 2021, 10:02:33 AM
My Netflix discs have started to take an extra day to get to me, and an extra two days to get checked back in

Wait, Netflix still has disks?!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: RatGuy on December 18, 2021, 03:20:08 PM
Quote from: Puget on December 18, 2021, 11:02:38 AM
Quote from: RatGuy on December 18, 2021, 10:02:33 AM
My Netflix discs have started to take an extra day to get to me, and an extra two days to get checked back in

Wait, Netflix still has disks?!

Oh yeah! I even pay a premium for blu ray discs! I do have Disney+, but that's my only steaming. 90% of what I watch is on disc (I cancelled cable subscription in 2012)
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: paultuttle on December 21, 2021, 01:20:14 PM
Our house's original-to-1953 windows let in too much cold air, especially the ones on the west side of the house.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: secundem_artem on December 21, 2021, 03:06:06 PM
I've either got to cook a steak tonight or put it in the freezer before it goes off.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ohnoes on December 22, 2021, 04:12:55 PM
The filtered water dispenser on my refrigerator isn't working.

The ice dispenser still works, so if I am patient, I can still have very cold filtered water.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on December 22, 2021, 04:23:12 PM
A friend sent an original crossword puzzle.

It's somewhere between predictable and weird.

(And it's in .pdf and the lines don't match the text height so it's filling in oddly, too.)

I think I'm expected to praise it.

Oh, dear.

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ohnoes on December 22, 2021, 04:25:50 PM
Quote from: mamselle on December 22, 2021, 04:23:12 PM
A friend sent an original crossword puzzle.

...

I think I'm expected to praise it.

This is some puzzle!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on December 22, 2021, 04:27:23 PM
Indeed!

;--}

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ab_grp on December 22, 2021, 04:37:22 PM
Mamselle, did your friend use crossword software to make the puzzle? Two years ago around this time I made a goal for myself of constructing one over holiday break to submit to the NYT since I do those crosswords every day.  I watched videos, read interviews with constructors, etc.  I even came up with a theme and theme solutions for a test puzzle I wanted to make for my husband.  Whew... it is hard work.  Being good at solving crosswords is definitely not the same as being good at constructing them.  I even used software, and the only puzzle that ever resulted was pretty awful.  My husband kindly solved it (with some confusion along the way).  The few clues that were at all clever were only something that the two of us would understand.  Even having a grid created, even having some or all entries provided, writing clues can be very tough and as daunting as starting to write a paper from scratch.  I hope there are some aspects that you can praise, but I fully understand how these efforts can go awry.  Maybe I'll give it another try this break.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mahagonny on December 22, 2021, 04:41:23 PM
Just listened to NPR news. Almost all of it is about race.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on December 22, 2021, 08:25:06 PM
Quote from: ab_grp on December 22, 2021, 04:37:22 PM
Mamselle, did your friend use crossword software to make the puzzle? Two years ago around this time I made a goal for myself of constructing one over holiday break to submit to the NYT since I do those crosswords every day.  I watched videos, read interviews with constructors, etc.  I even came up with a theme and theme solutions for a test puzzle I wanted to make for my husband.  Whew... it is hard work.  Being good at solving crosswords is definitely not the same as being good at constructing them.  I even used software, and the only puzzle that ever resulted was pretty awful.  My husband kindly solved it (with some confusion along the way).  The few clues that were at all clever were only something that the two of us would understand.  Even having a grid created, even having some or all entries provided, writing clues can be very tough and as daunting as starting to write a paper from scratch.  I hope there are some aspects that you can praise, but I fully understand how these efforts can go awry.  Maybe I'll give it another try this break.

It's probably all that you say, and the fact that this friend (whom I respect very highly in a couple of other fields, as a skilled performer in one, and as a teacher in both) has always had a sweet empty spot, sort of like an internal fontanelle (to use a word in the "challenging" New Yorker crossword that took me 3 days and 12 proper-name lookups to complete) somewhere where their broader understanding of some things should be.

In a couple cases, this individual couldn't, for example, follow the logic that several of us were applying in pointing out the folly of a particular path, went ahead, and really suffered for it--which we all felt badly about, but had, indeed, foreseen and forewarned them about it, to no avail.

They have the best will in the world, and even if seemingly benighted at some points, don't deserve to be hurt. So, wording this response is indeed going to be...puzzling.

I did think about the software, might ask about that. It could also be an entree into the wider (or narrower) discussion....might be able to focus on that instead of the combination of (sorry, but...) really tired clues and really inexplicable ones (using an area of knowledge that the individual professes not to agree with or see value in, so that's even more puzzling...

Oh, well. We're all a puzzle.

Someone, somewhere, is trying to figure out 56 down about me, I'm sure...

M. 
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Wahoo Redux on December 22, 2021, 11:16:25 PM
My elderly mother's caregivers put on the Hallmark Holiday movie channel.  All day while I visit.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ciao_yall on December 23, 2021, 09:29:11 AM
Quote from: mamselle on December 22, 2021, 08:25:06 PM
Quote from: ab_grp on December 22, 2021, 04:37:22 PM
Mamselle, did your friend use crossword software to make the puzzle? Two years ago around this time I made a goal for myself of constructing one over holiday break to submit to the NYT since I do those crosswords every day.  I watched videos, read interviews with constructors, etc.  I even came up with a theme and theme solutions for a test puzzle I wanted to make for my husband.  Whew... it is hard work.  Being good at solving crosswords is definitely not the same as being good at constructing them.  I even used software, and the only puzzle that ever resulted was pretty awful.  My husband kindly solved it (with some confusion along the way).  The few clues that were at all clever were only something that the two of us would understand.  Even having a grid created, even having some or all entries provided, writing clues can be very tough and as daunting as starting to write a paper from scratch.  I hope there are some aspects that you can praise, but I fully understand how these efforts can go awry.  Maybe I'll give it another try this break.

It's probably all that you say, and the fact that this friend (whom I respect very highly in a couple of other fields, as a skilled performer in one, and as a teacher in both) has always had a sweet empty spot, sort of like an internal fontanelle (to use a word in the "challenging" New Yorker crossword that took me 3 days and 12 proper-name lookups to complete) somewhere where their broader understanding of some things should be.

In a couple cases, this individual couldn't, for example, follow the logic that several of us were applying in pointing out the folly of a particular path, went ahead, and really suffered for it--which we all felt badly about, but had, indeed, foreseen and forewarned them about it, to no avail.

They have the best will in the world, and even if seemingly benighted at some points, don't deserve to be hurt. So, wording this response is indeed going to be...puzzling.

I did think about the software, might ask about that. It could also be an entree into the wider (or narrower) discussion....might be able to focus on that instead of the combination of (sorry, but...) really tired clues and really inexplicable ones (using an area of knowledge that the individual professes not to agree with or see value in, so that's even more puzzling...

Oh, well. We're all a puzzle.

Someone, somewhere, is trying to figure out 56 down about me, I'm sure...

M.

This week's New Yorker has a story about a woman who interweaves crossword puzzle construction, anorexia and feminisim. Really interesting! Skimmed it last night - apparently she interned for a while for Will Shortz. I'll read it more closely when I'm more awake.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on December 23, 2021, 11:40:20 AM
Ah, OK, I'll probably read that next week.

See, I'm not "allowed"* to read the current issue until I've done the puzzle first...and I always do that on Friday nights (assuming the magazine has arrived, sometimes our postal system has substitutes who don't deliver it until Saturday)...

Why? What?

;--}

M.

*(i.e., by me, no one else is imposing this...)
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ciao_yall on December 23, 2021, 12:28:48 PM
Quote from: mamselle on December 23, 2021, 11:40:20 AM
Ah, OK, I'll probably read that next week.

See, I'm not "allowed"* to read the current issue until I've done the puzzle first...and I always do that on Friday nights (assuming the magazine has arrived, sometimes our postal system has substitutes who don't deliver it until Saturday)...

Why? What?

;--}

M.

*(i.e., by me, no one else is imposing this...)

Me too, except this issue has puzzles interspersed. No back page puzzle or caption contest.

I usually start with the puzzle and caption contest, then read all the cartoons, then start reading the articles.

Sometimes the fiction gets into weird places so I don't finish the story.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on December 28, 2021, 01:32:43 PM
I can't get through to my pharmacy, so I may have to go up there in person.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: OneMoreYear on December 28, 2021, 02:54:46 PM
Hubby's car is in the shop getting new breaks, so he took my car to work, as he does not have this week off, so I'm left carless. It was rainy and cold, so I did not feel like walking anywhere. Thus, I was forced to stay inside and work on my Spring syllabi while petting a cat.

Quote from: Wahoo Redux on December 22, 2021, 11:16:25 PM
My elderly mother's caregivers put on the Hallmark Holiday movie channel.  All day while I visit.

At my parents' house, the Hallmark Holiday movies also run most of the day (which does have the benefit of reducing the amount of Fox News). This year, we did also watch Dune.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on January 03, 2022, 07:47:54 PM
Pet website says they are trying to contact my vet for an RX approval (should have been in the system) so I can order cat food. If I had known this earlier today, then I would have called the vet about it, but now I have to wait until Wednesday since the vet is closed tomorrow.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Harlow2 on January 04, 2022, 11:36:48 AM
Just updated iPad to new OS, especially important in view of evil software. But the new version collected and categorized the apps so I couldn't see them in the order I need, and requiring  2 steps rather than 1 to open stuff.  Things placed on what Apple thought were suitable pages were not.  Why not return them to their original positions?  Spent 15 minutes moving and removing everything while they all wiggled and kept returning to the little boxes Apple put them in. 
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Wahoo Redux on January 04, 2022, 11:41:12 AM
I hate Blackboard.

It is like driving an old station wagon with a bad transmission. 
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mythbuster on January 04, 2022, 12:53:33 PM
My MIL had to get a new clothes dryer after hers died. She spent almost 2 weeks without one before the new one was delivered. She is now bemoaning the fact that her washer and dryer no longer match. Oh the horror!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Thursday's_Child on January 05, 2022, 09:06:29 AM
I had to use a laptop over the holidays.  It was so much more difficult to use than a desktop:  the keyboard was smaller; the mouse-alternative was clunky and felt awkward; and, the screen was tiny!  Even WORSE - it only had one screen!!!!

I don't know how I survived.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on January 05, 2022, 10:02:29 AM
I noticed a leak in the ceiling (well, a damp spot) around a light fixture. Went into the attic to investigate and there may be a small hole in the roof. I think this may be the product of the week's worth of rain and the high winds a few days ago.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Anselm on January 05, 2022, 10:05:58 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on December 28, 2021, 02:54:46 PM
Hubby's car is in the shop getting new breaks, so he took my car to work, as he does not have this week off, so I'm left carless. It was rainy and cold, so I did not feel like walking anywhere. Thus, I was forced to stay inside and work on my Spring syllabi while petting a cat.

Quote from: Wahoo Redux on December 22, 2021, 11:16:25 PM
My elderly mother's caregivers put on the Hallmark Holiday movie channel.  All day while I visit.

At my parents' house, the Hallmark Holiday movies also run most of the day (which does have the benefit of reducing the amount of Fox News). This year, we did also watch Dune.

https://wronghands1.com/2019/11/29/hallmark-christmas-movie-plot-generator/
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on January 05, 2022, 10:44:48 AM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on December 28, 2021, 02:54:46 PM
Hubby's car is in the shop getting new breaks, so he took my car to work, as he does not have this week off, so I'm left carless. It was rainy and cold, so I did not feel like walking anywhere. Thus, I was forced to stay inside and work on my Spring syllabi while petting a cat.

When I had VW bugs,, long ago, I used to hafta go to a repair shop (the only local one that serviced Euro-scaled cars) that I was sure added new breaks to every system they fixed.

A quote for a 20.00 job always meant a phone call two days later, saying they'd noticed two other things that needed fixing, so it was going to run 60.00 instead.

That was in 1984. I haven't owned a car since.

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on January 07, 2022, 01:02:20 PM
My yard waste pickup was skipped... again. I think the company has missed over a month's worth of pickups. Why am I paying for this?
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Parasaurolophus on January 07, 2022, 05:42:32 PM
Looks like I didn't make the first round of interviews for the one job I applied to. I thought I had a very good shot, too.


Oh well. Maybe something better will be advertised next year. Back to the mildly unpleasant grindstone I go.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: arcturus on January 08, 2022, 06:18:59 AM
Google news tells me it is raining...but I see beautiful clear blue skies out the window. How can the great master-of-all-knowledge be so very wrong?
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on January 08, 2022, 07:51:07 AM
I always make a point, on waking, and before going to bed, to open the front door, look at the sky, and sniff the air.

Night before last, I smelled snow.

Yep.

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: the_geneticist on January 09, 2022, 07:43:59 AM
The neighbor's yard has lots of dandelions.  That means my battle against dandelions in my yard will never end.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: arcturus on January 09, 2022, 08:51:14 AM
Quote from: the_geneticist on January 09, 2022, 07:43:59 AM
The neighbor's yard has lots of dandelions.  That means my battle against dandelions in my yard will never end.
Best to give up now. If you can, it helps to think of it as a beautiful coat of yellow on your underlying green lawn.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: paultuttle on January 13, 2022, 12:23:15 PM
Amazon has told my new employer that they delivered a keyboard and mouse combo two days ago (left "on the porch/in the door"). I walked all around the house twice, investigating all five porches--three on our side, two on the "attached mother-in-law suite" side, also rented--and didn't find any package left at any of the porches. Additionally, there was no Amazon-branded delivery vehicle anywhere around my house, nor were there any porch pirates. The upshot: My new employer and I aren't sure what happened to the keyboard/mouse combo.

Today, I'm waiting for a monitor, crossing my fingers that it won't also disappear into the ether/matrix/void.

(Curiously, when we order from Amazon ourselves, we get what we order. Huh.)
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on January 13, 2022, 12:53:37 PM
Lately, I've noticed several articles that show Amazon and other delivery boxes, empty, at the side of a road or in a ditch; the innards were selectively stolen, based on the trucking manifests, from what at least one group surmised.

Before the holidays, a huge gully or two was filled with full boxes, just dumped so the driver could go home.

So it isn't just porch-pirates, sorry to say.

Were the deliveries insured?

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: arcturus on January 14, 2022, 02:49:06 PM
I just returned from the grocery store. They no longer ask "Did you find everything you need?" at checkout. Perhaps because the answer would always be "No". This particular store has always had problems keeping everything in stock, but today was particularly bad.

I also noticed an example of inflation by re-doing the packaging on one of my frequently purchased items. The price is the same, but the contents are 90% less than before.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: arcturus on January 14, 2022, 06:00:53 PM
Quote from: arcturus on January 14, 2022, 02:49:06 PM
I also noticed an example of inflation by re-doing the packaging on one of my frequently purchased items. The price is the same, but the contents are 90% less than before.
Oops! I meant "...90% of before."
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on January 15, 2022, 06:43:10 AM
Quote from: paultuttle on January 13, 2022, 12:23:15 PM
Amazon has told my new employer that they delivered a keyboard and mouse combo two days ago (left "on the porch/in the door"). I walked all around the house twice, investigating all five porches--three on our side, two on the "attached mother-in-law suite" side, also rented--and didn't find any package left at any of the porches. Additionally, there was no Amazon-branded delivery vehicle anywhere around my house, nor were there any porch pirates. The upshot: My new employer and I aren't sure what happened to the keyboard/mouse combo.

Today, I'm waiting for a monitor, crossing my fingers that it won't also disappear into the ether/matrix/void.

(Curiously, when we order from Amazon ourselves, we get what we order. Huh.)

Also, "new employer??"

What's that about, if you care to say?

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ciao_yall on January 17, 2022, 09:22:07 AM
Found the perfect dress to wear to an interview. IT'S SOLD OUT! So maybe I can order it in a smaller size and lose 10 pounds in 10 days to fit into it?
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on January 17, 2022, 10:48:08 AM
In person or on Zoom?

You could just open the back seam and insert a gusset if the latter...fabric orders are arriving very quickly these days, I find...(don't ask...)

;--}

M.

P.S. Actually, you could do the same and wear a jacket over it and just not remove the jacket if you can ease the gusset into a waistline and then into the hipline so the line still flowed correctly...or do side panel insets...

Or not...
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ergative on January 20, 2022, 07:47:08 AM
I had to attend an in-person bureaucratic government thing yesterday. The office was full of security theater--masks required (except the guy at the front never covered his nose (https://twitter.com/osbornejoe/status/1258873803867906053)); use hand sanitizer after touching anything (except the lady who instructed me to use hand sanitizer was entirely unmasked and simply had plexiglass screens in front of her desk); stand in the yellow squares on the floor when not interacting with people at the desk (except the person at the desk invited me to take my mask off and get comfortable once I sat down).

Anyway. Now my hands reek of the baby-powderish scent that was put in the hand sanitizer and no matter how often I wash them the stink won't come off.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: pgher on January 20, 2022, 08:17:20 PM
A piece of lettuce got stuck up inside the active part of my salad spinner. It really looks like the spinner comes apart there so we could clean it, but I can't get it. So now I have to dry lettuce the old way until I get a new spinner.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Diogenes on January 21, 2022, 06:57:19 AM
Was going to duck out of grading and admin stuff to ski this morning, but we only got 2 inches of fresh snow so I don't think it's really worth it anymore.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Wahoo Redux on January 25, 2022, 08:22:06 AM
Three different nurses had to stick me three different times before finding a good vein in my hand for my medical blood-draw this morning.  It really hurt.

Then the lid almost came off the urine sample as I handed it to the other nurse---that was a close call!

Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Anselm on January 25, 2022, 11:55:12 AM
I've noticed another loss of software functionality.  In the past I could share pictures on Facebook by getting a link that could be copied and pasted into an email and then viewed by people with no FB account.  I now see that this feature is missing.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on January 25, 2022, 01:22:26 PM
Quote from: Wahoo Redux on January 25, 2022, 08:22:06 AM
Three different nurses had to stick me three different times before finding a good vein in my hand for my medical blood-draw this morning.  It really hurt.

Then the lid almost came off the urine sample as I handed it to the other nurse---that was a close call!

At one hospital I worked at, the Respiratory Therapist was a neighbor, a friend--and the best person at finding a vein in the universe.

We could always tell when the new class of grad hires (who were then usually assigned 'standard stick'em' duties--don't know if that's still true) had arrived because she was being paged all day.

She'd only have one or two RT patients in need of serious care, but she'd be running from floor to floor doing IV inserts until the newbies figured them out.

I told her she should teach a course and charge extra, but of course that wasn't really possible...

M. 
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: the_geneticist on January 26, 2022, 07:36:25 AM
Not sure if this belongs here or in the "herd your cats"
One of our cats was singing the "sad cat song of sadness" in the kitchen.
Mr. Geneticist "why is Lady Jane upset? There's lots of kibble in the dish"
Me "She only likes the heart-shaped pieces.  Better top it off"

First world cat with a first world problem!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: smallcleanrat on January 26, 2022, 09:18:36 AM
Quote from: the_geneticist on January 26, 2022, 07:36:25 AM
Not sure if this belongs here or in the "herd your cats"
One of our cats was singing the "sad cat song of sadness" in the kitchen.
Mr. Geneticist "why is Lady Jane upset? There's lots of kibble in the dish"
Me "She only likes the heart-shaped pieces.  Better top it off"

First world cat with a first world problem!

Poor kitty.

Imagine having to suffer the sight of a dish filled with non-heart-shaped kibble.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: filologos on January 26, 2022, 11:40:31 AM
Quote from: Anselm on January 25, 2022, 11:55:12 AM
I've noticed another loss of software functionality.  In the past I could share pictures on Facebook by getting a link that could be copied and pasted into an email and then viewed by people with no FB account.  I now see that this feature is missing.

I just right-clicked on someone's photo (after opening it in the photo viewer), selected "open image in new tab," and copied the resulting link from the new tab. I was able to use that link to view the photo in incognito mode, not signed in to any Facebook account. Maybe that could be a workaround.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Anselm on January 26, 2022, 12:09:18 PM
Quote from: filologos on January 26, 2022, 11:40:31 AM
Quote from: Anselm on January 25, 2022, 11:55:12 AM
I've noticed another loss of software functionality.  In the past I could share pictures on Facebook by getting a link that could be copied and pasted into an email and then viewed by people with no FB account.  I now see that this feature is missing.

I just right-clicked on someone's photo (after opening it in the photo viewer), selected "open image in new tab," and copied the resulting link from the new tab. I was able to use that link to view the photo in incognito mode, not signed in to any Facebook account. Maybe that could be a workaround.

Thanks, but that requires more effort and I am an entitled first world complainer.

My biggest concern was the inability to share an entire photo album.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: the_geneticist on January 26, 2022, 02:34:20 PM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on January 26, 2022, 09:18:36 AM
Quote from: the_geneticist on January 26, 2022, 07:36:25 AM
Not sure if this belongs here or in the "herd your cats"
One of our cats was singing the "sad cat song of sadness" in the kitchen.
Mr. Geneticist "why is Lady Jane upset? There's lots of kibble in the dish"
Me "She only likes the heart-shaped pieces.  Better top it off"

First world cat with a first world problem!

Poor kitty.

Imagine having to suffer the sight of a dish filled with non-heart-shaped kibble.

It was Most Distressing to the Lady Jane.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ergative on January 26, 2022, 02:39:48 PM
In the five years we've lived in our current apartment, the massive, Ikea-style wardrobe that came with the place has started to fall apart. The particle board in two of the four drawers in one section has lost its ability to hold onto the plastic pins, so the back of the drawers swings freely and cannot anchor the base. This makes the drawers unusable.

I could probably cobble together a fix if I could take the drawer out (I've already done something similar with some kitchen drawers), but the drawer does not want to come out of its runners. I'm still scratching my head over how that's possible--like, how did they get it into the runners in the first place when they assembled it? But meanwhile we've lost a substantial chunk of our clothing storage, and the wardrobe is much too big for replacing it to be anything other than a huge chore that I'm too oppressed by to even contemplate.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Wahoo Redux on January 26, 2022, 03:18:42 PM
Quote from: Wahoo Redux on January 04, 2022, 11:41:12 AM
I hate Blackboard.

It is like driving an old station wagon with a bad transmission.

I'm hating on Blackboard even more.

All I want is to access the grading rubric I designed.  Do you think there is an easy button on the grading portal that I can just punch and access the rubric!?

Do you think I could find an easy answer on "Help!?"

Do you think I can design a computer worm that will bring Blackboard to its knees worldwide?
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: OneMoreYear on January 26, 2022, 04:38:01 PM
Quote from: Wahoo Redux on January 26, 2022, 03:18:42 PM

Do you think I can design a computer worm that will bring Blackboard to its knees worldwide?

Can you give the fora a heads-up before you unleash your computer worm so we can plan for the Blackboard blackout?
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on January 26, 2022, 04:53:33 PM
Quote from: ergative on January 26, 2022, 02:39:48 PM
In the five years we've lived in our current apartment, the massive, Ikea-style wardrobe that came with the place has started to fall apart. The particle board in two of the four drawers in one section has lost its ability to hold onto the plastic pins, so the back of the drawers swings freely and cannot anchor the base. This makes the drawers unusable.

I could probably cobble together a fix if I could take the drawer out (I've already done something similar with some kitchen drawers), but the drawer does not want to come out of its runners. I'm still scratching my head over how that's possible--like, how did they get it into the runners in the first place when they assembled it? But meanwhile we've lost a substantial chunk of our clothing storage, and the wardrobe is much too big for replacing it to be anything other than a huge chore that I'm too oppressed by to even contemplate.

Have you already tried all the usual 'lower (or raise) the front end slightly to uncouple the runners' ploys, before trying to lift it out?

They often have an extra catch to keep them from disengaging without warning, and sometimes it takes a bit of jiggling to figure out how the catch is attached and what direction makes it let loose....

I know folks for whom IKEA is a four-letter word...

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: FishProf on January 26, 2022, 06:00:41 PM
My school went to SSO for al functions, including Blackboard, which broke the Test Bank uploads I have used for years.  On the 2ns day of the semester.

Great.  Thanks.  I'll just invent a workaround....Grrrr.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Wahoo Redux on January 26, 2022, 06:31:56 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on January 26, 2022, 04:38:01 PM
Quote from: Wahoo Redux on January 26, 2022, 03:18:42 PM

Do you think I can design a computer worm that will bring Blackboard to its knees worldwide?

Can you give the fora a heads-up before you unleash your computer worm so we can plan for the Blackboard blackout?

Of course!  I would never betray The Fora!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ergative on January 27, 2022, 11:53:47 PM
Quote from: mamselle on January 26, 2022, 04:53:33 PM
Quote from: ergative on January 26, 2022, 02:39:48 PM
In the five years we've lived in our current apartment, the massive, Ikea-style wardrobe that came with the place has started to fall apart. The particle board in two of the four drawers in one section has lost its ability to hold onto the plastic pins, so the back of the drawers swings freely and cannot anchor the base. This makes the drawers unusable.

I could probably cobble together a fix if I could take the drawer out (I've already done something similar with some kitchen drawers), but the drawer does not want to come out of its runners. I'm still scratching my head over how that's possible--like, how did they get it into the runners in the first place when they assembled it? But meanwhile we've lost a substantial chunk of our clothing storage, and the wardrobe is much too big for replacing it to be anything other than a huge chore that I'm too oppressed by to even contemplate.

Have you already tried all the usual 'lower (or raise) the front end slightly to uncouple the runners' ploys, before trying to lift it out?

They often have an extra catch to keep them from disengaging without warning, and sometimes it takes a bit of jiggling to figure out how the catch is attached and what direction makes it let loose....

I know folks for whom IKEA is a four-letter word...

M.

The solution, as it turned out, was to unscrew the drawer from the runners. I have now cobbled together a fix for one of the drawers with some brackets leftover from bookshelf hardware that we did not bother to bracket to the wall, no longer living in earthquake territory. However, since this is a fix I've already had to make in two other drawers (our entire apartment is fitted out with particle board drawers that look very nice if you assume that no one will ever want to use them), I am out of brackets. Ah, well. I've ordered more hardware, and at least now I know how to do the fix.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: paultuttle on February 05, 2022, 10:41:36 PM
Hackers used a loyalty account to get my credit card number. I'm in the process of learning a rather valuable lesson (to wit, NEVER to say "yes" when fools whose computer security hasn't yet approached the standards of the 21st century ask me if I want to "put [my] credit card on file").

At least my credit card company has an automatic "lock now" function (I just moved the little indicator and received a confirmation email), and their terms and conditions say that I'm not liable for any fraudulent charges. So there's that.

But the fraud department's gone to bed for the night, apparently, so I'll need to call back in the morning and go through a bunch of BS that might take days or weeks to fix merely because some pustulent boil on the ugly rear of a facsimile of an imitation of a caricature of a fake human being got greedy.

(I know, I know, ask me how I REALLY feel . . . .)
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Thursday's_Child on February 06, 2022, 09:23:12 AM
What a pain, paultuttle!

My current problem is with avocados.  The other day the grocery store had the nice tiny ones in bags of six.  They were still hard, so I bought them in full confidence that they couldn't possibly ripen all at once.  Silly me!  Avocado toast for breakfast.  Salsa for snack later today.  What else?  Maybe now being in the 'fridge will help....  OTOH, they are lovely avocados - silky smooth, excellent flavor, and a tiny pit.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ciao_yall on February 09, 2022, 06:55:28 AM
Watched a YouTube video of a guy who flew Air France First Class. Since he was the only one in the cabin he tried all the food and was really full.

Got a stomach ache just watching him.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mythbuster on February 09, 2022, 07:35:47 AM
You can freeze ripe avocados for later! They work very well for guacamole, or other things with avocado mash. Not so well for pretty slices.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: bacardiandlime on February 09, 2022, 08:14:17 AM
Quote from: mythbuster on February 09, 2022, 07:35:47 AM
You can freeze ripe avocados for later! They work very well for guacamole, or other things with avocado mash. Not so well for pretty slices.

This is true: I regularly buy them frozen! Hint: the good ones are dusted in ascorbic acid powder so they don't go brown as you defrost them.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Hibush on February 09, 2022, 09:07:41 AM
Quote from: ciao_yall on February 09, 2022, 06:55:28 AM
Watched a YouTube video of a guy who flew Air France First Class. Since he was the only one in the cabin he tried all the food and was really full.

Got a stomach ache just watching him.

I got bumped to business on Air France once. The food was delicious, but I also ate too much.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: FishProf on February 09, 2022, 05:37:32 PM
Quote from: mythbuster on February 09, 2022, 07:35:47 AM
You can freeze ripe avocados for later! They work very well for guacamole, or other things with avocado mash. Not so well for pretty slices.

I saw frozen avocado chunks for the first time in the store yesterday and wondered if they are any good.  What a serendipitous report!  Thanks!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: paultuttle on February 10, 2022, 07:17:45 AM
Quote from: Thursday's_Child on February 06, 2022, 09:23:12 AM
What a pain, paultuttle!

My current problem is with avocados.  The other day the grocery store had the nice tiny ones in bags of six.  They were still hard, so I bought them in full confidence that they couldn't possibly ripen all at once.  Silly me!  Avocado toast for breakfast.  Salsa for snack later today.  What else?  Maybe now being in the 'fridge will help....  OTOH, they are lovely avocados - silky smooth, excellent flavor, and a tiny pit.

Idiot loyalty card fraud investigation rep: "So sorry you had problems during your stay."

Me, channeling James Earl Jones in The Hunt for Red October, in what I believe is the deepest growl I've ever produced: "I was never there."
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: sinenomine on February 12, 2022, 08:39:37 AM
Someone's groceries were delivered to my door — no name, no receipt, and no one coming looking for them.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Wahoo Redux on February 12, 2022, 08:44:21 AM
Quote from: sinenomine on February 12, 2022, 08:39:37 AM
Someone's groceries were delivered to my door — no name, no receipt, and no one coming looking for them.

Sounds like a first world windfall to me.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Thursday's_Child on February 12, 2022, 10:03:41 AM
Quote from: bacardiandlime on February 09, 2022, 08:14:17 AM
Quote from: mythbuster on February 09, 2022, 07:35:47 AM
You can freeze ripe avocados for later! They work very well for guacamole, or other things with avocado mash. Not so well for pretty slices.

This is true: I regularly buy them frozen! Hint: the good ones are dusted in ascorbic acid powder so they don't go brown as you defrost them.

Thank you both!  This information will limit the amount of avocado that becomes expensive compost in my house...
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: EdnaMode on February 14, 2022, 09:21:49 AM
My dentist is retiring. A colleague recommended him because I'm a complete wimp when it comes to dental work. I saw that colleague today, we are both in despair over receiving a "Dear Patient" letter from the dentist. His practice is being transferred to another dental practice. I'll give them one try, but if they don't deal well with me, I'll have to begin the search for a dentist all over again.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on February 14, 2022, 10:17:17 AM
Quote from: Thursday's_Child on February 12, 2022, 10:03:41 AM
Quote from: bacardiandlime on February 09, 2022, 08:14:17 AM
Quote from: mythbuster on February 09, 2022, 07:35:47 AM
You can freeze ripe avocados for later! They work very well for guacamole, or other things with avocado mash. Not so well for pretty slices.

This is true: I regularly buy them frozen! Hint: the good ones are dusted in ascorbic acid powder so they don't go brown as you defrost them.

Thank you both!  This information will limit the amount of avocado that becomes expensive compost in my house...

Just FYI, but owing to severe issues with cartel behavior in Mexico, avocados are currently not being shipped to the US:

   https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/594063-us-suspends-avocado-imports-from-mexico-after-threat-to-inspector

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: arcturus on February 18, 2022, 04:43:34 PM
As I settle in on my couch for a few hours of Olympic coverage to feed my brain-dead brain, it looks like these are the same events they broadcast live this morning (which I watched while eating breakfast). Are there so few events that Americans are willing to watch during the winter Olympics that we have to broadcast them multiple times?
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Ruralguy on February 18, 2022, 05:11:57 PM
I'm not interested at all, so I'd probably guess that, yes, there's a very limited number of events that they folks will watch.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: AmLitHist on February 19, 2022, 11:34:08 AM
I'm aggravated that all the other networks have ceded February sweeps to NBC and the Olympics, which have been boring as hell when I've dropped in now and then. Even reruns of the few shows I do watch have been better than NBC, but new episodes of those series could be blowing NBC out of the water right now, I'd think.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: namazu on February 19, 2022, 01:06:46 PM
The place from which I'm trying to order a steak dinner for my parents' anniversary takes online orders, but doesn't allow any special requests (e.g. hold the wasabi, substitute creamy herb dressing for the ranch), so I might have to actually pick up the phone to order.  Hmph!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Juvenal on February 19, 2022, 02:40:34 PM
Quote from: ohnoes on April 06, 2021, 06:43:58 AM
My local grocery store doesn't always have fat free half and half.  I won't even ask about it because a) it's such a first world problem and 2) pandemic.

In the privacy of my home (and now the Internet), there are Coffee Lamentations.

Half and half, of what, I sometimes think, when I go and get "heavy whipping cream" for my coffee."  Mmm.  Half of what and what?  Yes!  Water and casein?  Skim milk and palm oil?  Who speaks for the effort of the cows?  Let me ruminate on that.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: namazu on February 19, 2022, 03:28:02 PM
Quote from: namazu on February 19, 2022, 01:06:46 PM
The place from which I'm trying to order a steak dinner for my parents' anniversary takes online orders, but doesn't allow any special requests (e.g. hold the wasabi, substitute creamy herb dressing for the ranch), so I might have to actually pick up the phone to order.  Hmph!
It got worse!  I called, only to find out that they're not doing curbside pickup today "due to shortages in the kitchen" so I was forced to order from the local sushi place instead!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Wahoo Redux on February 19, 2022, 04:40:47 PM
My IKEA office chair has gotten worse. The gas cylinder simply and immediately deflates. I have put a pillow on the seat, and I have achieved the necessary height.  But it is not as comfortable as it used to be.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Aster on February 22, 2022, 10:04:23 AM
I ordered a margarita pizza at an italian pizza restaurant.

They made me a cheese pizza.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on February 22, 2022, 03:30:39 PM
In some areas, the pizza places are not run by Italians, but by, say, Greeks, Lebanese, Moroccans, or Brazilians.

So they might actually not have known what you meant.

Doesn't mean they shouldn't, of course, but it could be why.

I always enjoyed speaking French to the Moroccans at the place I used to go to on the way home from my last students, but it felt odd, at first, that they weren't yelling in Italian at each other.   

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: the_geneticist on February 22, 2022, 04:00:40 PM
Maybe the kitchen was out of fresh tomatoes and fresh basil?
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ab_grp on February 22, 2022, 04:07:57 PM
Quote from: Aster on February 22, 2022, 10:04:23 AM
I ordered a margarita pizza at an italian pizza restaurant.

They made me a cheese pizza.

This would make me sad.  I'm sorry.  If it's on the menu, they should know how to make it.  If they are out of the distinguishing ingredients, they should tell you.  This is a classic and simple pizza, so I am curious about what is up with that. 
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ciao_yall on February 24, 2022, 06:50:10 AM
The grapes my husband bought at Whole Foods are a little too big so I have to cut them in half to serve over my yogurt.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: apl68 on February 24, 2022, 07:06:42 AM
Our town once again can't get its garbage truck running this morning.  So, once again, they're collecting trash on a flatbed truck with an open stake body.  It does the job more or less--but it also leaves a trail of stray trash that outdoes any half-dozen ordinary drive-by litterbugs.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ohnoes on February 24, 2022, 09:49:06 AM
Quote from: ciao_yall on February 24, 2022, 06:50:10 AM
The grapes my husband bought at Whole Foods are a little too big so I have to cut them in half to serve over my yogurt.

My local grocer was out of my regular frozen blueberries, so I substituted the blueberry/strawberry/mango blend.  The mangoes are too large to put in my oatmeal, so I have to pick them out and eat them separately.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: the_geneticist on February 24, 2022, 11:47:58 AM
The grocery store is out of the cat kibble with the heart-shaped bits.  Our cats will have to eat just the other flavor of kibble and not have 2 types in the bowl.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: smallcleanrat on February 24, 2022, 12:30:33 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on February 24, 2022, 11:47:58 AM
The grocery store is out of the cat kibble with the heart-shaped bits.  Our cats will have to eat just the other flavor of kibble and not have 2 types in the bowl.

Poor Lady Jane!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Anselm on February 24, 2022, 12:48:38 PM
Quote from: Aster on February 22, 2022, 10:04:23 AM
I ordered a margarita pizza at an italian pizza restaurant.

They made me a cheese pizza.

Maybe the regular kitchen staff were away getting training in Italy, just like the Olive Garden cooks.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Aster on February 24, 2022, 12:55:39 PM
Quote from: Anselm on February 24, 2022, 12:48:38 PM
Quote from: Aster on February 22, 2022, 10:04:23 AM
I ordered a margarita pizza at an italian pizza restaurant.

They made me a cheese pizza.

Maybe the regular kitchen staff were away getting training in Italy, just like the Olive Garden cooks.

Ew, Olive Garden. All the ones in my area smell like diapers when I walk in.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: apl68 on March 03, 2022, 07:28:06 AM
The road running past the library is being milled and re-surfaced today.  Which is a good thing--kudos to the Mayor for arranging with the state the year before last to make it happen--but it sure does have things jacked up around here at the moment.  Our mail carrier had to park nearby and walk to get our mail to us.  I wouldn't be surprised if we don't have a single patron for the next several hours.  One staff member took a vacation day today--and I think I know why!

I've got to head downtown to a Rotary Club meeting at lunchtime.  I've already worked out a bicycle route that will keep me from having to cross the road at any point.  Parts of the route simply wouldn't have been possible in a car.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Thursday's_Child on April 04, 2022, 11:17:13 AM
How the heck did I manage to accumulate over 20 gigs of photos???
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Juvenal on April 05, 2022, 08:33:39 AM
Quote from: Thursday's_Child on April 04, 2022, 11:17:13 AM
How the heck did I manage to accumulate over 20 gigs of photos???

Too many snap decisions.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on April 05, 2022, 09:00:15 AM
;--}

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: the_geneticist on April 06, 2022, 10:55:05 AM
So much construction on campus.  It's good we have money to make these improvements, but there are fewer places to park.
And my building is not on the list of ones being fixed in the foreseeable future even with the many issues (leaking roof, asbestos tiles, non-ADA compliant restrooms, inadequate HVAC, etc.)
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Thursday's_Child on April 06, 2022, 11:06:41 AM
Quote from: Juvenal on April 05, 2022, 08:33:39 AM
Quote from: Thursday's_Child on April 04, 2022, 11:17:13 AM
How the heck did I manage to accumulate over 20 gigs of photos???

Too many snap decisions.

LOL - But, of course!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Puget on April 06, 2022, 12:43:23 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on April 06, 2022, 10:55:05 AM
So much construction on campus.  It's good we have money to make these improvements, but there are fewer places to park.
And my building is not on the list of ones being fixed in the foreseeable future even with the many issues (leaking roof, asbestos tiles, non-ADA compliant restrooms, inadequate HVAC, etc.)

Be careful what you wish for. Our building is having basically this list of issues addressed (minus the asbestos, though I would not be at all surprised if that was an unhappy discovery once they start work), and in the process we'll be out of the building for a year (they say 6 months, but we all know this is wildly over optimistic). That mean packing up every single thing in labs and offices and moving to temporarily space in far flung corner of campus which is not convenient to anyplace else we have to go. Also, all the grad students will be in cubicles or open office seating for the duration, which as you can imagine they are just thrilled about. (On the plus side, my temporary office has a spectacular view).
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: the_geneticist on April 06, 2022, 04:25:35 PM
Quote from: Puget on April 06, 2022, 12:43:23 PM
Quote from: the_geneticist on April 06, 2022, 10:55:05 AM
So much construction on campus.  It's good we have money to make these improvements, but there are fewer places to park.
And my building is not on the list of ones being fixed in the foreseeable future even with the many issues (leaking roof, asbestos tiles, non-ADA compliant restrooms, inadequate HVAC, etc.)

Be careful what you wish for. Our building is having basically this list of issues addressed (minus the asbestos, though I would not be at all surprised if that was an unhappy discovery once they start work), and in the process we'll be out of the building for a year (they say 6 months, but we all know this is wildly over optimistic). That mean packing up every single thing in labs and offices and moving to temporarily space in far flung corner of campus which is not convenient to anyplace else we have to go. Also, all the grad students will be in cubicles or open office seating for the duration, which as you can imagine they are just thrilled about. (On the plus side, my temporary office has a spectacular view).

I've lived through two renovations (grad school, first faculty job).  Not fun, especially since my office & research space got smaller (how? why?).  My huge concern is the this is the ONLY building where we teach the undergraduate lab courses.  We need at minimum 8 "wet labs", 2 "dry/computer labs", and would probably need to cancel anatomy since I don't think there is another space with the proper ventilation & downdraft tables.  As much as the lab prep folks NEED a newer, bigger, better, safer space they will whine about the need to move out the years of accumulated cr@p and act like setting up a teaching lab in another building is like asking them to set it up on the far side of the moon.
A better use of money would be to build a new science building with new lab classrooms.  We have the space.  Then they can tear this one down & start over.  It's a dreadful building.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Harlow2 on April 08, 2022, 01:23:21 PM
I keep forgetting to bring the power supply for my laptop home.  My other computer won't work with Outlook mail anymore. Maybe this isn't a problem after all.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: paultuttle on April 12, 2022, 01:08:38 PM
Quote from: Harlow2 on April 08, 2022, 01:23:21 PM
I keep forgetting to bring the power supply for my laptop home.  My other computer won't work with Outlook mail anymore. Maybe this isn't a problem after all.

Yeah, I don't think it's a problem with "forgetting." Maybe your subconscious is trying to tell you something about work-life balance. :)
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on June 28, 2022, 03:45:57 PM
My doctor's office sent in the wrong prescription to my pharmacy. So, I had to use their wonky refill request website because they don't answer the phone. Annoying.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: sinenomine on July 15, 2022, 04:11:31 PM
I'm staying at the home of friends while they're away and the cable TV started malfunctioning. After trying to troubleshoot on my own and through the company's automated system to no avail, I called in a technician, who spent three hours today adjusting wiring and replacing all the cable boxes. Everything worked fine after that ... for a few hours. Now it's back to the same problems. Good thing I like books!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: paddington_bear on July 17, 2022, 08:34:57 AM
Because I've felt so limited this summer (due to illness and domestic construction projects), I've found myself looking at a lot of vacation YT pages. Particularly cruises lately. I wish that I were retired (or independently wealthy) and had more flexibility in traveling somewhere. Obviously, there are still plenty of good places to travel during the breaks, but it'd be nice to be able to go somewhere in September! Or April!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on July 17, 2022, 08:42:31 AM
There are also some cool Japanese train and ferry trips that are very refreshing and pleasant.

Vicarious travel is a definite joy!

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: paddington_bear on July 17, 2022, 09:27:26 AM
Quote from: mamselle on July 17, 2022, 08:42:31 AM

Vicarious travel is a definite joy!

M.

It's a mixed joy! Nice to fantasize but also frustrating and jealousy-inducing!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on July 17, 2022, 09:32:17 AM
True.

But so much cheaper!

;--》

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: paddington_bear on July 17, 2022, 09:52:30 AM
Yes, I've spent tens of thousands of dollars in my head!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ab_grp on July 22, 2022, 03:48:52 PM
A few months ago, I posted elsewhere about a new electric toothbrush purchase.  The toothbrush was apparently semi-autonomous (in that it could supposedly order its own replacement parts), which made me nervous.  I finally got up the guts to open it earlier this week because I had limited use of my dominant hand and figured that could help with brushing, but I didn't connect it to my phone through bluetooth so that it couldn't access my credit card and make purchases of its own.  Last night while preparing for sleep, I noticed the toothbrush receiver start counting up as if I were brushing.  I was not.  However, my husband was using his (years older) electric toothbrush.  So, apparently I have to give mine to my personal phone and a line of credit to have it show any allegiance.  My husband has suggested building a Faraday cage.  What's worse is that I had a perfect brushing score, and now my husband has marred it.  !!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: apl68 on July 23, 2022, 06:41:12 AM
I would not want a toothbrush that thought that it was smarter than I was.  Uppity cars are bad enough.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ciao_yall on July 23, 2022, 08:50:51 AM
Quote from: paddington_bear on July 17, 2022, 08:34:57 AM
Because I've felt so limited this summer (due to illness and domestic construction projects), I've found myself looking at a lot of vacation YT pages. Particularly cruises lately. I wish that I were retired (or independently wealthy) and had more flexibility in traveling somewhere. Obviously, there are still plenty of good places to travel during the breaks, but it'd be nice to be able to go somewhere in September! Or April!

Mr Y'all loves to watch first class airplane and train videos. He's all about the journey, not the destination.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: paddington_bear on July 23, 2022, 05:29:29 PM
Quote from: ciao_yall on July 23, 2022, 08:50:51 AM
Quote from: paddington_bear on July 17, 2022, 08:34:57 AM
Because I've felt so limited this summer (due to illness and domestic construction projects), I've found myself looking at a lot of vacation YT pages. Particularly cruises lately. I wish that I were retired (or independently wealthy) and had more flexibility in traveling somewhere. Obviously, there are still plenty of good places to travel during the breaks, but it'd be nice to be able to go somewhere in September! Or April!

Mr Y'all loves to watch first class airplane and train videos. He's all about the journey, not the destination.

Yes! I watched an Orient Express video that was so nice!!!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: poiuy on July 23, 2022, 10:32:58 PM
Trader Joe's has this pernicious practice of introducing some great products, getting patrons hooked on them, then abruptly discontinuing them.

They discontinued my favourite frozen lunch ever!  Boo!  (wails and gnashes teeth). Their other remaining choices are good, but nowhere near as good.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Liquidambar on July 23, 2022, 10:52:11 PM
Quote from: poiuy on July 23, 2022, 10:32:58 PM
Trader Joe's has this pernicious practice of introducing some great products, getting patrons hooked on them, then abruptly discontinuing them.

They discontinued my favourite frozen lunch ever!  Boo!  (wails and gnashes teeth). Their other remaining choices are good, but nowhere near as good.

Yes, they discontinued my favorite frozen lunch back in 2006!  It was tragic.  I still think about it.  Recently they've discontinued my favorite sliced almonds.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ciao_yall on July 24, 2022, 09:13:56 AM
We have misplaced our favorite crossword-puzzle-doing pencil.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: arcturus on July 25, 2022, 05:07:03 AM
I finally got a response to a doodle poll, but I can't see it because the web browser keeps crashing when I go to the doodle page. If I change to a different browser, the page shows as blank.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ab_grp on July 25, 2022, 08:22:40 AM
Everyone will be relieved to know that I figured out how to sync the receiver to just my toothbrush, and then I got the app, and it kept only my toothbrushing sessions.  I have a perfect record again.  However, the toothbrush now has access to my phone, so if my posts start sounding strange or to heavily promote dental hygiene and a particular brand of relevant products, a Turing test may be in order.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: downer on July 25, 2022, 09:13:21 AM
Quote from: arcturus on July 25, 2022, 05:07:03 AM
I finally got a response to a doodle poll, but I can't see it because the web browser keeps crashing when I go to the doodle page. If I change to a different browser, the page shows as blank.

Could you view the info on the Doodle app?
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: arcturus on July 25, 2022, 12:04:36 PM
Quote from: downer on July 25, 2022, 09:13:21 AM
Quote from: arcturus on July 25, 2022, 05:07:03 AM
I finally got a response to a doodle poll, but I can't see it because the web browser keeps crashing when I go to the doodle page. If I change to a different browser, the page shows as blank.

Could you view the info on the Doodle app?
I did the equivalent - I found a computer with an up-to-date operating system and web browsers that did not crash.

The long version of this is that I need to update the operating system on my preferred computer...but that will break the software I need for my research.  For the moment, I am choosing research software over being able to surf the web (or, apparently, see the results of a doodle poll).
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on July 25, 2022, 12:09:06 PM
Can you get an extra laptop with good memory storage (or an XHDD) to run either the research or the other stuff on, and split the two?

M. 
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 27, 2022, 07:15:03 AM
Some of the crud (from previous food explosions) on the top (inside) of the microwave fell into my tea water as I was heating it. Ewww. I made tea with the water anyway (don't want to waste water). Guess we need to clean out the microwave again...
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: apl68 on July 27, 2022, 10:12:14 AM
Quote from: paddington_bear on July 23, 2022, 05:29:29 PM
Quote from: ciao_yall on July 23, 2022, 08:50:51 AM
Quote from: paddington_bear on July 17, 2022, 08:34:57 AM
Because I've felt so limited this summer (due to illness and domestic construction projects), I've found myself looking at a lot of vacation YT pages. Particularly cruises lately. I wish that I were retired (or independently wealthy) and had more flexibility in traveling somewhere. Obviously, there are still plenty of good places to travel during the breaks, but it'd be nice to be able to go somewhere in September! Or April!

Mr Y'all loves to watch first class airplane and train videos. He's all about the journey, not the destination.

Yes! I watched an Orient Express video that was so nice!!!

I saw one of those.  It featured Albert Finney as Poirot.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: secundem_artem on July 27, 2022, 11:50:19 AM
Quote from: ab_grp on July 25, 2022, 08:22:40 AM
Everyone will be relieved to know that I figured out how to sync the receiver to just my toothbrush, and then I got the app, and it kept only my toothbrushing sessions.  I have a perfect record again.  However, the toothbrush now has access to my phone, so if my posts start sounding strange or to heavily promote dental hygiene and a particular brand of relevant products, a Turing test may be in order.

The internet of things sounds wonderful until Al Qaeda re-programs your toilet to flow in reverse.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ergative on July 28, 2022, 03:25:21 AM
I saw this article about Skittles being toxic (https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/26/well/eat/skittles-lawsuit-titanium-dioxide.html) and realized that I'll need to replenish my stock of office snacks, now that I'm working on campus more regularly. Somehow I don't think that was the intended takeaway.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 28, 2022, 03:09:05 PM
Of course, the Blackboard system we use is down! Today is the last day of my online exam and I wanted to finish my grades.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: dismalist on July 28, 2022, 03:27:25 PM


Quote from: apl68 on July 27, 2022, 10:12:14 AM
Quote from: paddington_bear on July 23, 2022, 05:29:29 PM
Quote from: ciao_yall on July 23, 2022, 08:50:51 AM
Quote from: paddington_bear on July 17, 2022, 08:34:57 AM
Because I've felt so limited this summer (due to illness and domestic construction projects), I've found myself looking at a lot of vacation YT pages. Particularly cruises lately. I wish that I were retired (or independently wealthy) and had more flexibility in traveling somewhere. Obviously, there are still plenty of good places to travel during the breaks, but it'd be nice to be able to go somewhere in September! Or April!

Mr Y'all loves to watch first class airplane and train videos. He's all about the journey, not the destination.

Yes! I watched an Orient Express video that was so nice!!!

I saw one of those.  It featured Albert Finney as Poirot.

Greetings to Mr. Y'all! I too love train videos, probably to the point of mental illness. We're called railfans.

Murder on the  Orient Express [1974] is the best.

The most fabulous real life train ride I ever had was from Bologna in Italy to Vienna in Austria. There had been flooding with tracks washed away. The train was diverted along a circuitous route, taking approximately double the scheduled time. Of course, and this is a personal piffle, after traveling in the sleeper the first night, I rode in the dining car much of the rest of the way, ordering small bottles of wine, and lots of them!:-)

To sum up the feeling, nothing better than to refer to Edna St. Vincent Millay's

Travel [1921]

The railroad track is miles away,
    And the day is loud with voices speaking,
Yet there isn't a train goes by all day
    But I hear its whistle shrieking.

All night there isn't a train goes by,
    Though the night is still for sleep and dreaming,
But I see its cinders red on the sky,
    And hear its engine steaming.

My heart is warm with the friends I make,
    And better friends I'll not be knowing;
Yet there isn't a train I wouldn't take,
    No matter where it's going.

Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on July 28, 2022, 03:39:25 PM
Thank you. Yes.

She wrote those last lines for me!!!!!!

Especially after a visit to Europe, where I've done nearly all my gallivanting by rail.

I'd get home, walk past my local train station, and feel this magnetic p-u-l-l-l-llllllll to go in and get on a train, any train, I didn't care where it was going or for how long, just wantedtobeona train.....

Nothing else like it.

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ergative on July 29, 2022, 03:20:36 AM
Quote from: mamselle on July 28, 2022, 03:39:25 PM
Thank you. Yes.

She wrote those last lines for me!!!!!!

Especially after a visit to Europe, where I've done nearly all my gallivanting by rail.

I'd get home, walk past my local train station, and feel this magnetic p-u-l-l-l-llllllll to go in and get on a train, any train, I didn't care where it was going or for how long, just wantedtobeona train.....

Nothing else like it.

M.

I love Millay so, so much. Her sonnet about Bluebeard is superb. But I don't share the sentiment of that poem, especially if it's updated for the modern era. For me, it's more

   There's no plane in hell I'd ever take
   No matter where it's going.

For trains, I'm a little more

    There's occasionally a train I'd take
    If I really liked where it's going
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 30, 2022, 04:54:29 PM
I need to buy a car and I don't know what the hell I'm doing.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Langue_doc on July 31, 2022, 09:09:15 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on July 30, 2022, 04:54:29 PM
I need to buy a car and I don't know what the hell I'm doing.

It sounds more intimidating than it really is. As long as you know what you want, and how much you want to spend, you can find all the information online, including Carfax reports on used cars. I bought my current car, used, three years ago from a dealer after looking up Edmonds (I think) and also checking the inventory and the carfax reports of the cars listed by the dealers of the make I wanted.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 01, 2022, 01:54:21 PM
All of the new cars I've been looking in to are 'in transit.' It could take a month for them to show up at a dealership and I've already talked to three. So, now I'm looking into used cars. It's a real shitshow.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ergative on August 02, 2022, 04:06:05 AM
I'm moving in two weeks and my new address doesn't get the same fiber internet service as my current address. I'm not a gamer or anything so I don't know if dropping from 30mps to 18 mps will really matter, but my new place is farther from campus so I'd like to work from home more, and I use zoom kind of a lot.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: statsgeek on August 02, 2022, 05:56:19 AM
I've been doing the same online daily crossword for 10+ years and suddenly the site wants to charge me for a subscription to continue?  Really?  I didn't complain when the ads got more and more impossible to avoid...
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Langue_doc on August 02, 2022, 06:11:38 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 01, 2022, 01:54:21 PM
All of the new cars I've been looking in to are 'in transit.' It could take a month for them to show up at a dealership and I've already talked to three. So, now I'm looking into used cars. It's a real shitshow.

That sounds depressing. Good luck with your search.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: apl68 on August 02, 2022, 07:17:53 AM
New motorcycles are impossible to find as well.  You can't even get a decent scooter right now.  I guess I'll just be riding a bicycle from this time on.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: paultuttle on August 02, 2022, 07:34:49 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 01, 2022, 01:54:21 PM
All of the new cars I've been looking in to are 'in transit.' It could take a month for them to show up at a dealership and I've already talked to three. So, now I'm looking into used cars. It's a real shitshow.

My process, for what it's worth:

(1) Determine what body style you need (minivan, wagon, hatchback, sedan with trunk, whatever).

(2) Identify (via edmunds.com or other similar websites) the most reliable/safest/best value for $ in that particular body style. (If you're not sure what other websites offer that information, look up "2012 Chevrolet Impala reviews" or similar using a search engine like Google.)

(3) Make a list of "must-have" attributes. Make another list of "good to have" attributes. Make a third list of "OK if it has it." If necessary, make a list of "Don't want it/don't need it." (You'll need those lists to search for likely prospects and narrow down the field.)

(4) Use autotrader.com, cars.com, cargurus.com, and/or similar sites to search for the make/model/year range/mileage range/price range/nearness to your location you want along with the attributes from the "must-have" list. (Remember that 100K+ miles these days is much better condition, usually, than 100K+ miles were just a decade ago. That said, look for fewer owners, lower or highway miles, no or very minor accidents, pictures of vehicles with few or no obvious flaws, etc.) Try to narrow the field to 10-15 vehicles in a comfortably driveable radius around your location.

(5) After narrowing down the field, start making calls/appointments, visiting dealerships, and making test drives. (Don't be surprised if a vehicle that many other people might find desirable is unavailable the afternoon after you see it on the dealer's website that morning; yes, that happened to me two weeks ago.) N.B.: Some dealerships may allow you to take the vehicle to a reputable mechanic nearby (your choice of mechanic, not theirs) for a preliminary inspection before buying; ask if there's a process for doing this with any vehicle(s) you've decided on after a test drive.

Hoping this is helpful.....
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 02, 2022, 08:24:30 AM
Thanks everyone! Great advice! I would be test driving cars if only they had the models on the lot...
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on August 03, 2022, 05:59:15 PM
So, we upgraded our phones. Let me tell you, our phones are SOOOOOOO old that they don't even use the same adapter as the new phones. Our laptops are so old that we cannot charge our new phones since the new phones use USB-C. So, we need to buy adapters. Today has just been a pain in the ass. My car is acting up again. It just feels like nothing is going right and I want to go hide in a cave.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: sinenomine on September 07, 2022, 07:25:38 AM
My new car is convinced it's way smarter than I am. The low tire pressure warning went off a few weeks ago even though the tires were all fine; turns out, the central computer assesses whether or not the wheels are all turning at the same speed and if they're not -- due to a low one, or driving over bumps, or getting dirt or snow in the wheels -- it freaks out. Given that I live in a rural area with bumpy roads, dirt roads, and snowy winters, this looks like it will be an ongoing issue. The warning lights just came on again, and trying to recalibrate the system is challenging my many years of education and problem-solving. Someday the warning will go off for real and I'll ignore it, a la the boy who cried wolf.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: paultuttle on September 07, 2022, 10:26:36 AM
Quote from: sinenomine on September 07, 2022, 07:25:38 AM
My new car is convinced it's way smarter than I am. The low tire pressure warning went off a few weeks ago even though the tires were all fine; turns out, the central computer assesses whether or not the wheels are all turning at the same speed and if they're not -- due to a low one, or driving over bumps, or getting dirt or snow in the wheels -- it freaks out. Given that I live in a rural area with bumpy roads, dirt roads, and snowy winters, this looks like it will be an ongoing issue. The warning lights just came on again, and trying to recalibrate the system is challenging my many years of education and problem-solving. Someday the warning will go off for real and I'll ignore it, a la the boy who cried wolf.

I know what you mean when you speak of a new car thinking it's way smarter than the driver! We drove to Virginia Beach last Wednesday night for the long weekend. Of course, Google's sexy soprano routed us through about 20 miles of hair-raising construction (the kind with concrete barriers about an inch from your vehicle, lots of curves that the big tractor-trailers couldn't navigate without getting out of their lanes, and NO reflectors except those hanging off the concrete barriers, so it was tremendously difficult to place your vehicle in your lane--real adrenaline-pumping conditions that must've kept my eyeballs the size of dinner plates) and then through about 100 miles of an extraordinarily curvy/bumpy road (1950s-vintage poorly-paved four-lane highway, not limited-entry, that looked as though they'd just poured the asphalt over the farmers' wagon ruts).

During each of those stretches, adding considerably to my stress levels, my 2019 Honda Accord proceeded to tell me every few minutes that I obviously needed coffee because I was a "distracted driver." Yeah. Including--each time--a little "chime" sound and the appearance of the graphic of a coffee cup behind the tachometer. Apparently, my car thought the bumpiness and curviness were due to my piloting the car, instead of the road itself.

(I shouted at one point "It's not me!" thereby waking up my husband. He was amused by the coffee cup graphic, since he likes coffee and I don't. And then, of course, being my husband, he asked me whether I was okay or if I needed him to drive. I held on tight to my natural politeness and advised him very nicely to go back to sleep. Light snores soon rejoined the "chime" sounds as I concentrated on driving as smoothly as possible.)

Fortunately, we found a not-under-construction interstate-based route for the drive back. No image of a coffee cup was seen; the car reverted back to being just a vehicle instead of a weirdly unnerving combination of driving instructor, parental unit, and (yes!) the Audi sports car from I, Robot (I can't forget the chirpy automated voice: "YOU are HAVing an ACcident!").
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on September 07, 2022, 10:43:07 AM
Yes. Nannying machines are the worst.

Glad you got there and back safely.

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ciao_yall on September 07, 2022, 11:21:58 AM
Quote from: mamselle on September 07, 2022, 10:43:07 AM
Yes. Nannying machines are the worst.

Glad you got there and back safely.

M.

Rented a car and suddenly it started beeping dramatically. I panicked wondering what was going on, then realized I wasn't paying attention in front of me and slammed on the brakes to avoid rear-ending the car in front.

The beeping? Letting me know I would need to brake.

Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: jimbogumbo on September 07, 2022, 04:14:02 PM
Quote from: paultuttle on September 07, 2022, 10:26:36 AM
Quote from: sinenomine on September 07, 2022, 07:25:38 AM
My new car is convinced it's way smarter than I am. The low tire pressure warning went off a few weeks ago even though the tires were all fine; turns out, the central computer assesses whether or not the wheels are all turning at the same speed and if they're not -- due to a low one, or driving over bumps, or getting dirt or snow in the wheels -- it freaks out. Given that I live in a rural area with bumpy roads, dirt roads, and snowy winters, this looks like it will be an ongoing issue. The warning lights just came on again, and trying to recalibrate the system is challenging my many years of education and problem-solving. Someday the warning will go off for real and I'll ignore it, a la the boy who cried wolf.

I know what you mean when you speak of a new car thinking it's way smarter than the driver! We drove to Virginia Beach last Wednesday night for the long weekend. Of course, Google's sexy soprano routed us through about 20 miles of hair-raising construction (the kind with concrete barriers about an inch from your vehicle, lots of curves that the big tractor-trailers couldn't navigate without getting out of their lanes, and NO reflectors except those hanging off the concrete barriers, so it was tremendously difficult to place your vehicle in your lane--real adrenaline-pumping conditions that must've kept my eyeballs the size of dinner plates) and then through about 100 miles of an extraordinarily curvy/bumpy road (1950s-vintage poorly-paved four-lane highway, not limited-entry, that looked as though they'd just poured the asphalt over the farmers' wagon ruts).

During each of those stretches, adding considerably to my stress levels, my 2019 Honda Accord proceeded to tell me every few minutes that I obviously needed coffee because I was a "distracted driver." Yeah. Including--each time--a little "chime" sound and the appearance of the graphic of a coffee cup behind the tachometer. Apparently, my car thought the bumpiness and curviness were due to my piloting the car, instead of the road itself.

(I shouted at one point "It's not me!" thereby waking up my husband. He was amused by the coffee cup graphic, since he likes coffee and I don't. And then, of course, being my husband, he asked me whether I was okay or if I needed him to drive. I held on tight to my natural politeness and advised him very nicely to go back to sleep. Light snores soon rejoined the "chime" sounds as I concentrated on driving as smoothly as possible.)

Fortunately, we found a not-under-construction interstate-based route for the drive back. No image of a coffee cup was seen; the car reverted back to being just a vehicle instead of a weirdly unnerving combination of driving instructor, parental unit, and (yes!) the Audi sports car from I, Robot (I can't forget the chirpy automated voice: "YOU are HAVing an ACcident!").

You can turn that stuff off on a Honda:https://www.hondainfocenter.com/2021/CR-V/Feature-Guide/Interior-Features/Driver-Attention-Monitor/
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Anselm on September 07, 2022, 04:41:31 PM
Quote from: ciao_yall on September 07, 2022, 11:21:58 AM
Quote from: mamselle on September 07, 2022, 10:43:07 AM
Yes. Nannying machines are the worst.

Glad you got there and back safely.

M.

Rented a car and suddenly it started beeping dramatically. I panicked wondering what was going on, then realized I wasn't paying attention in front of me and slammed on the brakes to avoid rear-ending the car in front.

The beeping? Letting me know I would need to brake.

When using cruise control, my car will slow down automatically.

Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on September 09, 2022, 07:23:07 PM
I guess this is a 1st world problem... SO has been stuck outside of the neighborhood for 3 hours because our dumbass neighbors decided to dig and not call to have lines marked first. There's a major gas leak and they're not letting anyone in or out. We ordered a pizza over 3 hours ago and he still has it.

Edit: My bad. It was the dumbass county that broke the line.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: paultuttle on September 14, 2022, 05:44:13 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on September 09, 2022, 07:23:07 PM
I guess this is a 1st world problem... SO has been stuck outside of the neighborhood for 3 hours because our dumbass neighbors decided to dig and not call to have lines marked first. There's a major gas leak and they're not letting anyone in or out. We ordered a pizza over 3 hours ago and he still has it.

Edit: My bad. It was the dumbass county that broke the line.

Unfortunately, dumbasses are everywhere, and they tend to proliferate.

My own first-world problem: The days are now chilly at night and in the early morning and hot during the middle of the day, making me have to switch from "heat" to "cool" (and vice versa) all the time. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that sometimes 70 degrees F feels great, but at other times 71 or 72 is more comfortable. So it's like changing TV channels in the 1970s before remotes became a thing--a nuisance, but not more than mildly irritating.   
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: apl68 on September 14, 2022, 06:22:46 AM
Quote from: paultuttle on September 14, 2022, 05:44:13 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on September 09, 2022, 07:23:07 PM
I guess this is a 1st world problem... SO has been stuck outside of the neighborhood for 3 hours because our dumbass neighbors decided to dig and not call to have lines marked first. There's a major gas leak and they're not letting anyone in or out. We ordered a pizza over 3 hours ago and he still has it.

Edit: My bad. It was the dumbass county that broke the line.

Unfortunately, dumbasses are everywhere, and they tend to proliferate.

My own first-world problem: The days are now chilly at night and in the early morning and hot during the middle of the day, making me have to switch from "heat" to "cool" (and vice versa) all the time. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that sometimes 70 degrees F feels great, but at other times 71 or 72 is more comfortable. So it's like changing TV channels in the 1970s before remotes became a thing--a nuisance, but not more than mildly irritating.

The chiller on our library's HVAC system routinely fails whenever we have a cool night followed by a warm day.  We've spent thousands of dollars in service calls so far this year all the way from Little Rock on this problem.  I've just had to make another one this morning.  Our HVAC budget for the whole year had already been blown!  Complicating things is the fact that dirty power from the electric  company keeps causing our HVAC's air handler unit to shut down.  The chiller service company has been blaming that for our problems.  But we haven't had the electricity fluctuations in recent weeks, so it's not to blame this time.

We'd finally gotten some relief from having to reboot the air handler two to five times every afternoon, and me having to monitor the problem all weekend long whenever we had patrons using the library's community room after hours.   And now the chiller is acting up again.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: poiuy on September 14, 2022, 09:21:48 PM
Re people's HVAC woes, I read a couple of articles on heat pumps recently:

One here:  https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/heat-pump-buying-guide/,

and another here: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/16/climate/nyt-climate-newsletter-heat-pumps.html?unlocked_article_code=mVEsn_uYqkv1xKu6xbgiGsNaA9WpuRboWtLk4ZLk9hQzMS4iPFuzDhV4quhV_c1toB18qtXVX4I5cHbPYYhx8mBjt_xGv3MG4DgaxZT2Jy77hhAn5v2reHk1NsdmkFmKQRY5IyjW-IN9trCNC3IWIcsgIGNDHfeQT_qGtWMbVhRCV96spBn1YxBbl2EFrtyVKMjJG_9_oCvGlMdUm97PS3Nvi4tU9AHrL5H8L19sl_5d8008Iv1oaJPH_q_TP0TUlFMjmszgDqrlfQXm9bC09-4pjADmtexUbR2ug9h3kGP5VQuG4E_6dBehv-7hHaACyd9ok0GIgvayw7TQh_iyyvRHuns3oBykUzY&smid=share-url]

They are expensive up front to install, but cheaper and much more energy efficient to run (so the articles say), and many states have incentives or rebates.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: permanent imposter on September 14, 2022, 09:46:30 PM
Not sure if right thread but I think the power button on my smartphone is stuck and yesterday my phone auto-dialed 911 three times, resulting in the phone emitting loud noises and me fumbling to stop the dial in a panic. One of the calls resulted in an operator calling and leaving a voicemail asking me to call them back. I turned off the emergency service for now.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Hibush on September 15, 2022, 04:58:43 AM
Quote from: poiuy on September 14, 2022, 09:21:48 PM
Re people's HVAC woes, I read a couple of articles on heat pumps recently:

They are expensive up front to install, but cheaper and much more energy efficient to run (so the articles say), and many states have incentives or rebates.

My first-world complaint is that I had to pay too much to get a split system heat pump installed in my lab and office. But now I have a comfortably temperature any time of year or day, regardless of what the 1930's control system decides to do.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: apl68 on September 15, 2022, 07:18:31 AM
Quote from: Hibush on September 15, 2022, 04:58:43 AM
Quote from: poiuy on September 14, 2022, 09:21:48 PM
Re people's HVAC woes, I read a couple of articles on heat pumps recently:

They are expensive up front to install, but cheaper and much more energy efficient to run (so the articles say), and many states have incentives or rebates.

My first-world complaint is that I had to pay too much to get a split system heat pump installed in my lab and office. But now I have a comfortably temperature any time of year or day, regardless of what the 1930's control system decides to do.

I remember there being a lot of interest in home heat pumps during the great energy crisis of the 1970s and early 1980s, when I was a kid.  Not everybody who got them then seems to have been satisfied with them.  Maybe they've gotten better over the years.

But for the foreseeable future we're stuck with this legacy HVAC system, which could not be more high-maintenance and inefficient if they'd deliberately engineered it to be that way.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: OneMoreYear on September 15, 2022, 08:24:52 AM
My key is getting stuck in the lock in my office door. Facilities put some lubricant stuff in it, and it works somewhat better, but now I need to turn the key exactly right, the push the key in exactly right to get the door to open. And every time I use the door, my fingers are covered it lubricant.  Getting into my office should not be this hard.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Hibush on September 15, 2022, 09:49:28 AM
Quote from: apl68 on September 15, 2022, 07:18:31 AM
Quote from: Hibush on September 15, 2022, 04:58:43 AM
Quote from: poiuy on September 14, 2022, 09:21:48 PM
Re people's HVAC woes, I read a couple of articles on heat pumps recently:

They are expensive up front to install, but cheaper and much more energy efficient to run (so the articles say), and many states have incentives or rebates.

My first-world complaint is that I had to pay too much to get a split system heat pump installed in my lab and office. But now I have a comfortably temperature any time of year or day, regardless of what the 1930's control system decides to do.

I remember there being a lot of interest in home heat pumps during the great energy crisis of the 1970s and early 1980s, when I was a kid.  Not everybody who got them then seems to have been satisfied with them.  Maybe they've gotten better over the years.

But for the foreseeable future we're stuck with this legacy HVAC system, which could not be more high-maintenance and inefficient if they'd deliberately engineered it to be that way.
They are super efficient, quiet and have smart programming to keep you comfortable. The first-world problem with that is that the units are smarter than the people controlling them, who will set the temperature way lower than they need.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: The Future on September 15, 2022, 12:09:55 PM
The cable box went out in my game room.  The other two in the house are working.  I called XFinity and they are sending a tech out this weekend - hope it gets fixed.  I checked all of the connections, and they already sent new equipment, but it is still not working.
I remember someone on the last Forum was talking about how their sister or sister-in-law watches the television "like her oxygen is tied to it".  To this day I still think about that post and start laughing! ;) 
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Dismal on September 15, 2022, 10:35:04 PM
There is no coffee to be found anywhere near my office. There used to be a couple of nearby on-campus coffee shops - now shuttered with signs saying "coming soon."

Pre-Covid, we used to have a coffee station with hot water for tea on the floor where my office is - now we just have water (not hot).
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Hibush on September 16, 2022, 03:11:02 AM
Quote from: Dismal on September 15, 2022, 10:35:04 PM
Pre-Covid, we used to have a coffee station with hot water for tea on the floor where my office is - now we just have water (not hot).
Post-covid our coffee machine suffered the same fate, now neither the coffee machine nor the water cooler have the requsite people nearby from whom to obtain gossip.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: secundem_artem on September 20, 2022, 12:25:41 PM
My lunchtime banana was over-ripe.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: apl68 on September 20, 2022, 01:37:32 PM
Quote from: secundem_artem on September 20, 2022, 12:25:41 PM
My lunchtime banana was over-ripe.

Makes me shudder just to read that....
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on September 20, 2022, 01:40:07 PM
Yes. Time to make banana bread...if you can stand to.

I never could...

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: pgher on September 20, 2022, 01:58:25 PM
What amazes me is thinking about how green bananas must be when harvested, to still need ripening when they reach us in faraway places.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: jimbogumbo on September 20, 2022, 04:14:44 PM
We have two currently being used for banana chocolate chip muffins.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: the_geneticist on September 20, 2022, 06:18:35 PM
We put squishy bananas in the freezer. Great for banana or smoothies.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ab_grp on September 21, 2022, 08:16:37 AM
I sometimes put older fruit like ripe bananas in a "detox" (not really) smoothie that I found somewhere.  It's just two bananas, a peeled apple, a cup of spinach or greens, juice of a lime/lemon/orange, and as much water as is needed.  I chop or cut the fruit into reasonable pieces before blending.  It lets me use up old fruit, tastes fine, and doesn't require ice or anything fancy.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: secundem_artem on September 21, 2022, 02:53:06 PM
Quote from: pgher on September 20, 2022, 01:58:25 PM
What amazes me is thinking about how green bananas must be when harvested, to still need ripening when they reach us in faraway places.

Some fun factoids:

The bananas that we usually find in the grocery store are all the same cultivar - Cavendish.  This cultivar is extremely consistent in the time it takes to harvest, ship overseas, work it's way to the grocery shelf and ripen to the degree that we like to eat them.  Unfortunately, this has (no surprise) led to a monoculture as to the bananas grown for commercial sale.  And that's a problem because Cavendish bananas are quite susceptible to a fungal disease - Black Sigatoka - originally seen in Fiji (I was in Sigatoka about 10 yrs ago).  The fungus can reduce yields by up to 50%. 

Spraying with antifungals requires multiple applications and is beyond the reach of small farmers.  Developing resistant cultivars is in the works, but they may not (1) taste the same as Cavendish (2) have the same ripening characteristics as Cavendish.

Last fun factoid - Some of you may have tried an old fashioned penny candy "Circus Peanuts"  They are shaped like an unshelled peanut and usually sorta orange in color.  They are flavored with artificial banana flavoring.  I am told that artificial flavor resembles what bananas tasted like before Cavendish became the banana that we know have in the stores.

And thus endeth the lesson.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Parasaurolophus on September 21, 2022, 03:18:40 PM
Cavendish bananas taste like crap compared to most other cultivars, however!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ergative on September 21, 2022, 03:21:13 PM
Quote from: secundem_artem on September 21, 2022, 02:53:06 PM
Quote from: pgher on September 20, 2022, 01:58:25 PM
What amazes me is thinking about how green bananas must be when harvested, to still need ripening when they reach us in faraway places.

Some fun factoids:

The bananas that we usually find in the grocery store are all the same cultivar - Cavendish.  This cultivar is extremely consistent in the time it takes to harvest, ship overseas, work it's way to the grocery shelf and ripen to the degree that we like to eat them.  Unfortunately, this has (no surprise) led to a monoculture as to the bananas grown for commercial sale.  And that's a problem because Cavendish bananas are quite susceptible to a fungal disease - Black Sigatoka - originally seen in Fiji (I was in Sigatoka about 10 yrs ago).  The fungus can reduce yields by up to 50%. 

Spraying with antifungals requires multiple applications and is beyond the reach of small farmers.  Developing resistant cultivars is in the works, but they may not (1) taste the same as Cavendish (2) have the same ripening characteristics as Cavendish.

Last fun factoid - Some of you may have tried an old fashioned penny candy "Circus Peanuts"  They are shaped like an unshelled peanut and usually sorta orange in color.  They are flavored with artificial banana flavoring.  I am told that artificial flavor resembles what bananas tasted like before Cavendish became the banana that we know have in the stores.

And thus endeth the lesson.

I've heard about this before. It's one of those situations where, intellectually, I know I should probably worry about the State of the Banana, but I've never, ever cared for bananas, so I can't bring myself to be concerned. Indeed, I sometimes want the Cavendish to hurry up and die already so I can see if whatever variety replaces it is more to my taste.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ciao_yall on September 22, 2022, 05:42:02 AM
New Yorker Article on Bananas, 2011 (https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2011/01/10/we-have-no-bananas)

Let me know if it's behind a paywall and I'll send you a PDF.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Anselm on September 23, 2022, 12:23:37 PM
I've read the same dire warnings about the cacao plant being threatened by some fungus.

My current problem is the NPR pledge drive, pure psychological torture and I am too lazy to get up and change the station.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: secundem_artem on September 23, 2022, 01:06:36 PM
Quote from: ergative on September 21, 2022, 03:21:13 PM
Quote from: secundem_artem on September 21, 2022, 02:53:06 PM
Quote from: pgher on September 20, 2022, 01:58:25 PM
What amazes me is thinking about how green bananas must be when harvested, to still need ripening when they reach us in faraway places.

Some fun factoids:

The bananas that we usually find in the grocery store are all the same cultivar - Cavendish.  This cultivar is extremely consistent in the time it takes to harvest, ship overseas, work it's way to the grocery shelf and ripen to the degree that we like to eat them.  Unfortunately, this has (no surprise) led to a monoculture as to the bananas grown for commercial sale.  And that's a problem because Cavendish bananas are quite susceptible to a fungal disease - Black Sigatoka - originally seen in Fiji (I was in Sigatoka about 10 yrs ago).  The fungus can reduce yields by up to 50%. 

Spraying with antifungals requires multiple applications and is beyond the reach of small farmers.  Developing resistant cultivars is in the works, but they may not (1) taste the same as Cavendish (2) have the same ripening characteristics as Cavendish.

Last fun factoid - Some of you may have tried an old fashioned penny candy "Circus Peanuts"  They are shaped like an unshelled peanut and usually sorta orange in color.  They are flavored with artificial banana flavoring.  I am told that artificial flavor resembles what bananas tasted like before Cavendish became the banana that we know have in the stores.

And thus endeth the lesson.

I've heard about this before. It's one of those situations where, intellectually, I know I should probably worry about the State of the Banana, nation but I've never, ever cared for bananas, so I can't bring myself to be concerned. Indeed, I sometimes want the Cavendish to hurry up and die already so I can see if whatever variety replaces it is more to my taste.

I was talking with a friend a while back and we had more or less the same opinion about Donald Trump.  I loathe him completely and know that I should worry about whatever damage he can do, but realistically, the chance of any of his policies materially affecting my life is pretty low.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on September 23, 2022, 02:46:29 PM
Quote from: Anselm on September 23, 2022, 12:23:37 PM
I've read the same dire warnings about the cacao plant being threatened by some fungus.

My current problem is the NPR pledge drive, pure psychological torture and I am too lazy to get up and change the station.

Nooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: paultuttle on October 21, 2022, 11:27:43 AM
The murder of crows near my office (our former dining room) are excited about something, so they're so loud the 1953-original windows of our house can't keep out the sound.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: apl68 on October 21, 2022, 01:11:08 PM
Quote from: secundem_artem on September 21, 2022, 02:53:06 PM
Quote from: pgher on September 20, 2022, 01:58:25 PM
What amazes me is thinking about how green bananas must be when harvested, to still need ripening when they reach us in faraway places.

Some fun factoids:

The bananas that we usually find in the grocery store are all the same cultivar - Cavendish.  This cultivar is extremely consistent in the time it takes to harvest, ship overseas, work it's way to the grocery shelf and ripen to the degree that we like to eat them.  Unfortunately, this has (no surprise) led to a monoculture as to the bananas grown for commercial sale.  And that's a problem because Cavendish bananas are quite susceptible to a fungal disease - Black Sigatoka - originally seen in Fiji (I was in Sigatoka about 10 yrs ago).  The fungus can reduce yields by up to 50%. 

Spraying with antifungals requires multiple applications and is beyond the reach of small farmers.  Developing resistant cultivars is in the works, but they may not (1) taste the same as Cavendish (2) have the same ripening characteristics as Cavendish.

Last fun factoid - Some of you may have tried an old fashioned penny candy "Circus Peanuts"  They are shaped like an unshelled peanut and usually sorta orange in color.  They are flavored with artificial banana flavoring.  I am told that artificial flavor resembles what bananas tasted like before Cavendish became the banana that we know have in the stores.

And thus endeth the lesson.

If Circus Peanuts candy are flavored much like old-style bananas, then I'm just as glad that we have Cavendish bananas now.  I do wonder sometimes what some of those hundreds of other bananas out there must be like, though.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ergative on October 26, 2022, 02:17:59 AM
The previous owners of our home made some really spot-on decorating decisions (accent walls + curtains are *chef's kiss*), but then decided that the best type of illumination was 28-WATT INCANDESCENT BULBS in a ceiling fixture. Do you folks remember incandescent bulbs? Do you remember how much light a watt gives? I didn't even know they made 28 watt bulbs. I thought the lowest you could go was 40 watts. I still remember with great fondness the three-way 50-100-150 watt bulbs we put in our floor lamps when I was small. Nothing has ever felt bright enough since 150-watt bulbs went away.

Anyway, I went out early this morning and bought out the LED bulbs from the local grocery store, paying something like a 20% markup over what I could get if I bought them online. But I had to do it this morning, because the guy replacing our windows is finishing up today (HOORAY!) so today is the last day we have access to his ladder, and the ceiling fixtures are very, very high up. I was able to score 40-watt equivalent LEDs and screwed them in. For one room, the ceiling fixture has 6 sockets, so that's nice and bright, but for the other room there are only three sockets, so things are still a bit dim.

Then I went online and bought nine more LED bulbs which promise to be 60-watt equivalents. That seems to be the maximum light output available for the shape I need. Not sure how I'll get them in when they arrive, since the window-guy's ladder will be gone. Maybe I'll also need to buy a ladder.

Anyway, I've bought something like $100 worth of lightbulbs today. At least LEDs last forever, so I may never need to think about these fixtures again once I've got over this hump.

Are other people fussy about lighting, or is it just me? When I was a child I was fighting a perpetual battle with my mother over the use of the overhead light at dinner. She wanted it off, because she thought it was ugly. I wanted it on, because I hate being in dimly lit rooms.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: mamselle on October 26, 2022, 04:42:52 AM
Maybe a few floor lamps or sidetable fixtures?

I won't climb up to 10' ceiling fixtures anymore, but I, too, like a lot of light.

M.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Langue_doc on October 26, 2022, 05:14:52 AM
Quote from: ergative on October 26, 2022, 02:17:59 AM
I still remember with great fondness the three-way 50-100-150 watt bulbs we put in our floor lamps when I was small. Nothing has ever felt bright enough since 150-watt bulbs went away.


Are other people fussy about lighting, or is it just me? When I was a child I was fighting a perpetual battle with my mother over the use of the overhead light at dinner. She wanted it off, because she thought it was ugly. I wanted it on, because I hate being in dimly lit rooms.

I too miss the halogen floor lamps and the three-way bulbs. Nothing like bright lights to cheer you up. I can't stand dimly lit rooms especially when I'm reading.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ergative on October 26, 2022, 05:37:08 AM
Quote from: mamselle on October 26, 2022, 04:42:52 AM
Maybe a few floor lamps or sidetable fixtures?

I won't climb up to 10' ceiling fixtures anymore, but I, too, like a lot of light.

M.

Yes, I've got a few unbreakable tanks from Ikea that are butt-ugly and refuse to die and cost like $8. But nothing can beat proper overhead lighting.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: glendower on October 26, 2022, 05:58:52 AM
You can get a long-handled thingie with a grip on one end designed to handle bulbs in high fixtures. Obviously I'm not sure what to call it, but I know they exist. Cheaper and smaller to store than a ladder.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ergative on October 26, 2022, 11:57:21 AM
Quote from: glendower on October 26, 2022, 05:58:52 AM
You can get a long-handled thingie with a grip on one end designed to handle bulbs in high fixtures. Obviously I'm not sure what to call it, but I know they exist. Cheaper and smaller to store than a ladder.

Alas, these fixtures are dangly, and the lightbulbs face up, rather than down, and the grabby poles assume a stationary socket and a down-facing bulb. It's okay; maybe if I own a ladder I'll do things like dust the cornicing properly.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Cheerful on October 26, 2022, 12:53:13 PM
Quote from: ergative on October 26, 2022, 02:17:59 AM
Anyway, I've bought something like $100 worth of lightbulbs today. At least LEDs last forever, so I may never need to think about these fixtures again once I've got over this hump.

Are other people fussy about lighting, or is it just me?

Hate to be the bearer of bad news but LEDs don't necessarily last forever or for many years, despite what the labels may say.  Here's hoping that yours do.

I miss traditional light bulbs (except for the heat they gave off).
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: sinenomine on December 06, 2022, 04:46:02 AM
This morning I put the required $1.75 into a dryer in my community's coin-op laundry room and just found, after the hour of run time, that my laundry is still damp. So now everything's spread out in my bedroom to dry. Grumble.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ergative on December 07, 2022, 02:58:20 AM
Quote from: sinenomine on December 06, 2022, 04:46:02 AM
This morning I put the required $1.75 into a dryer in my community's coin-op laundry room and just found, after the hour of run time, that my laundry is still damp. So now everything's spread out in my bedroom to dry. Grumble.

I live in a place where laundromats are uncommon, and dwellings are not designed to accommodate dryer vents, so the standard is a condenser dryer, which is so terrible a design that the clothes are still wet after three hours. After six years I've finally figured out a system involving multiple drying racks, one of which is electric and plugs in to heat up the bars, plus a dehumidifier, plus help from the radiators on laundry day. It works, but I profoundly resent the fact that laundry is so much more complicated now that I am a grown-ass adult with her own home and her own career than it was when I was a child and the internet was dial-up.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: statsgeek on December 07, 2022, 05:38:45 AM
I replaced a laptop and a phone in the same week (old laptop broke, deal I couldn't pass up on a new phone) and spent soooooooo much time I didn't really have setting up apps and stuff to get to a point where they're both usable until I can put in more time over break. 
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: the_geneticist on December 07, 2022, 06:58:13 AM
My first world spoiled kitties have a first world problem.
The holiday advent calendar of canned cat food has replaced 4 of the cans with little containers of treats. My cats do not like these.  They were SAD and CONFUSED.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: OneMoreYear on December 26, 2022, 04:36:30 PM
We were luckier than most with our holiday travel. We arrived at my parents' house the week before Christmas and came home today, with only a hour delay in the second leg of our flight (understandable, as the plane needed to be de-iced). So, this is probably a 1st world problem.

We were bringing home some gifts, and I forgot to double-check what we had in one of the carry-ons. We'd accidentally packed a small jar of jam. Thus, our bag was pulled out for scrutiny at security, and we had to throw away the jam. Ok, the jar was more than 3oz, and that was our fault. In that bag, we also had 10 individually wrapped cookies, as my uncle had sent a large box of fancy cookies for us all to enjoy. The TSA worker opened the ziplock bag of cookies and smashed each cookie (still in their individual wrappings) with her thumbs before returning them all to the bag. As far as I know, cookies are a perfectly acceptable carry-on item, so why was this necessary? Are they smashing everyone's baked goods this holiday in security?  All of the cookies are broken, but still tasty.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: the_geneticist on January 10, 2023, 11:53:24 AM
It's pouring rain here!  Yes, I have a good jacket.  Yes, I have an umbrella.  No, I don't want to leave my building because it's blowing sideways and my legs will still get wet.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Wahoo Redux on January 10, 2023, 06:28:41 PM
FU Microsoft Customer Service "help."  Just FU.  F your sucky automated system which cannot send a code which your own system will accept.  FU your "800" number which sends you back to the "Online Help" which one cannot log into. FU Microsoft for getting rid of human beings.

Ironically enough, Mircosoft is a perfect example of AI which absolutely does not work.

Why is it that the bigger and wealthier a company gets the worse the customer service gets?

Oh, and FU Dell for selling a laptop with such flimsy hardwear that it literally falls apart after 6 months of use.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: EdnaMode on January 12, 2023, 10:12:38 AM
Doing annual faculty self-evals are definitely an extra special form of torture. Yes, I'm fortunate to have a full-time job that pays the bills, but dang, can't I just write, "see last year, same stuff, different students, and minor changes to content," and turn it in? Some items can be copied and pasted but the online forms we have to use are extremely tedious.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: apl68 on January 13, 2023, 08:03:27 AM
Thanks to the Friday exercise class we have at the library, I now have "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" stuck in my head.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: smallcleanrat on January 13, 2023, 09:04:19 AM
Quote from: apl68 on January 13, 2023, 08:03:27 AM
Thanks to the Friday exercise class we have at the library, I now have "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" stuck in my head.

I'm so sorry.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: AmLitHist on January 17, 2023, 02:09:16 PM
I'm very grateful that my class got moved to the larger room I requested.  (I tend to get claustrophobic and anxious in smaller classrooms.) However, it is so HOT in this room.  I know:  the entire campus is held at one temp for the winter and another for summer, and we can't control individual rooms.  Still, it was nearly stifling this morning.  I might bring in the oscillating fan from my office, but I think it will just blow around the hot air, rather than making it more comfortable.

Guess I'll be doing a lot of layered outfits for the next couple of months.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Funastrum on January 18, 2023, 09:13:18 AM
My car's front brakes were squealing really loudly.  I got them fixed and the next day the rear brakes started squealing.  I think I will just play the radio really loud for a while.  I can pretend the brake noise might go away. 
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Juvenal on January 19, 2023, 10:09:10 AM
Quote from: Funastrum on January 18, 2023, 09:13:18 AM
My car's front brakes were squealing really loudly.  I got them fixed and the next day the rear brakes started squealing.  I think I will just play the radio really loud for a while.  I can pretend the brake noise might go away.

Earbuds and rock music solve these problems (until the car dies miles from civilization on an evening of wind and blowing snow).
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Wahoo Redux on January 19, 2023, 12:41:53 PM
FU Dell.  I keep hearing about how quality your machines are, but I paid a ton of money for a machine that has already had two major hardware breakdowns in 6 months.  It takes two weeks minimum for Best Buy to fulfill their own warranty, so I took your POS to a local, highly recommended repair shop and, sure, they can do the repair.  Problem is, it will take their "supplier" two weeks to get the part (an effing hinge) to the store and cost $300; they charged me $50 for a 10 minute "diagnostic" (Yelp! review coming!!!).  All because Dell designed some kind of POS or some little factory POS-worker didn't do hu's job right and Best Buy has a "service center" so the geek's in the Geek Squad don't break a nail or something.  I cannot do two weeks without a computer.

Fortunately, my wife has a spare work computer-----ironically a Dell. 
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on January 30, 2023, 04:28:39 PM
We have a water main break near our house that people have been working on since about 3pm. They don't expect to fix it until around midnight. Maybe this should go in the venting thread?
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: dismalist on January 31, 2023, 02:29:12 PM
Apparently, kids playing pickleball have to be regulated on account of noise. I hadn't even heard of the game! Had to google it.

https://wtop.com/fairfax-county/2023/01/vienna-va-limits-pickleball-play-because-of-noise/ (https://wtop.com/fairfax-county/2023/01/vienna-va-limits-pickleball-play-because-of-noise/)

And then there's this. Don't let your kids out of your sight, or the law comes after you!

https://reason.com/2023/01/30/dunkin-donuts-parents-arrested-kids-cops-freedom/ (https://reason.com/2023/01/30/dunkin-donuts-parents-arrested-kids-cops-freedom/)
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: apl68 on February 01, 2023, 06:23:15 AM
You made it this far without hearing about pickleball?  Even I've heard of that one!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: bio-nonymous on February 01, 2023, 08:02:48 AM
We are moving and I need to take my huge TV off the wall mount to get it ready. BUT, because it is too darn big for one person to carry/balance (and my spouse is not strong enough to assist), I will need to ask for help.

I hate asking for personal help/favors from people. I have no close personal friends in the area, only neighbors, "work friends" and colleagues, which makes it harder for me to ask. :(

This is definitely a first world problem rant!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Wahoo Redux on February 01, 2023, 09:32:36 AM
Quote from: bio-nonymous on February 01, 2023, 08:02:48 AM
We are moving and I need to take my huge TV off the wall mount to get it ready. BUT, because it is too darn big for one person to carry/balance (and my spouse is not strong enough to assist), I will need to ask for help.

I hate asking for personal help/favors from people. I have no close personal friends in the area, only neighbors, "work friends" and colleagues, which makes it harder for me to ask. :(

This is definitely a first world problem rant!

Google "handyman" (or is it "handyperson" now?) in your area.  Most places have people with basic contractor skills who freelance little household projects like this.

Best Buy sucks, BTW.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Wahoo Redux on February 01, 2023, 09:34:58 AM
Best Buy sucks.

Best Buy sucks.

Best Buy sucks.

Never had a good experience with them in several difference states.

Dell sucks too.  Their hardware is increasingly poor quality and very fragile.

Read the fine print on any Best Buy contract.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: poiuy on February 01, 2023, 10:24:48 AM
Quote from: bio-nonymous on February 01, 2023, 08:02:48 AM
We are moving and I need to take my huge TV off the wall mount to get it ready. BUT, because it is too darn big for one person to carry/balance (and my spouse is not strong enough to assist), I will need to ask for help.

I hate asking for personal help/favors from people. I have no close personal friends in the area, only neighbors, "work friends" and colleagues, which makes it harder for me to ask. :(

This is definitely a first world problem rant!

We have a neighborhood email/Facebook group where people post requests for assistance with small jobs all the time, and offer some payment.
Many of these one-off gigs are popular with High School students or any others who can do them, but are not interested in doing such full time or doing big projects.
You may be doing someone a favour by advertising your small job and compensating generously.
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: bio-nonymous on February 06, 2023, 06:56:49 AM
Quote from: poiuy on February 01, 2023, 10:24:48 AM
Quote from: bio-nonymous on February 01, 2023, 08:02:48 AM
We are moving and I need to take my huge TV off the wall mount to get it ready. BUT, because it is too darn big for one person to carry/balance (and my spouse is not strong enough to assist), I will need to ask for help.

I hate asking for personal help/favors from people. I have no close personal friends in the area, only neighbors, "work friends" and colleagues, which makes it harder for me to ask. :(

This is definitely a first world problem rant!

We have a neighborhood email/Facebook group where people post requests for assistance with small jobs all the time, and offer some payment.
Many of these one-off gigs are popular with High School students or any others who can do them, but are not interested in doing such full time or doing big projects.
You may be doing someone a favour by advertising your small job and compensating generously.

Good idea!
Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: ciao_yall on March 02, 2023, 08:56:02 AM
I have gotten into K-dramas.

So I have been hearing good things about this one  (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5994364/?ref_=ttep_ep_tt) and Disney+ popped up an ad saying I could watch it!

But I'm not a Disney+ subscriber.

So a friend said I could share her account, and after all sorts of rigamarole we got it to work. BUT THE SHOW IS NOT ON DISNEY+ AFTER ALL! FALSE ADVERTISING! BOO! So now I don't feel bad about password-stealingsharing.

However, I can watch it on my computer, with ads, which isn't as nice as watching it on my nice TV set. But this may have to do.

Title: Re: First world problems! Share them here!
Post by: Anselm on March 02, 2023, 10:01:07 AM
It is really annoying when USPS tracking shows nothing for several days.  95% of the time the package is moving along just fine but I am always on edge that it might be lost or stolen. 

The local family owned hardware store is closing and now I must drive an extra 3 miles to the big giant Menard's store.

With reduced student population and less cafeteria staff we have a much smaller selection of food items.  I can get by but I feel bad for those with special diets.