It's Monday!
October 2, 2023 9:01 PM Subscribe
It is after midnight and jerk cat is throwing things around the kitchen because I hid the bread
posted by Baethan at 9:23 PM on October 2, 2023 [13 favorites]
posted by Baethan at 9:23 PM on October 2, 2023 [13 favorites]
Lot of colds going around! I was sick a couple days last week and WFH for the rest. Not covid, just some kind of conventional cold, which started to morph into a sinus infection. On the advice of an acquaintance, I got one of those newfangled electric sinus power-washers that we have in this Brave New World future we live in.
I'd used the squeeze bottle sinus rinse approach before, but not in years- because all this quarantine and social distancing has given me a four-year reprieve from such! So I splurged and tried the fancy thing. It certainly did work to nip the oncoming sinus infection in the bud. I'm not sure it's all that much better than the squeeze bottle, and I am mildly annoyed at how they pulled a Keurig with the design and forced it to be used with their little expendable concentrate pods. Which, mathed out, are like 40 cents apiece. Which isn't exactly bank-breaking, but annoying, I'm certain they don't remotely cost that to manufacture. Sigh, late-stage capitalism.
posted by notoriety public at 9:28 PM on October 2, 2023 [4 favorites]
I'd used the squeeze bottle sinus rinse approach before, but not in years- because all this quarantine and social distancing has given me a four-year reprieve from such! So I splurged and tried the fancy thing. It certainly did work to nip the oncoming sinus infection in the bud. I'm not sure it's all that much better than the squeeze bottle, and I am mildly annoyed at how they pulled a Keurig with the design and forced it to be used with their little expendable concentrate pods. Which, mathed out, are like 40 cents apiece. Which isn't exactly bank-breaking, but annoying, I'm certain they don't remotely cost that to manufacture. Sigh, late-stage capitalism.
posted by notoriety public at 9:28 PM on October 2, 2023 [4 favorites]
Hello, I am procrastinating on a work project, tra la la
posted by samthemander at 9:33 PM on October 2, 2023 [11 favorites]
posted by samthemander at 9:33 PM on October 2, 2023 [11 favorites]
I lost my cat, Walter, in January, and I’ve been been pet-less since. ButI finally buckled and brought these weirdos home today
posted by thivaia at 9:49 PM on October 2, 2023 [41 favorites]
posted by thivaia at 9:49 PM on October 2, 2023 [41 favorites]
Cute kitties, thivala!!!
Something Rotten has ended, it went very well and got a lot of repeat business and near-sold-out shows, which is something this theater only does if the word "Disney" is in the title (hence why there are a lot of jokes about "Disney's Sweeney Todd"). Girls are hitting up the leads on Instagram and some people returned 2-3 times, even from far off locations. An entire school class came here. Shakespeare had some interesting slips on the last day but recovered nicely, even turning one into a somersault and it looked planned. I actually dressed AS Shakespeare on the last day (I had enough stuff around the house to replicate his costume, no ruff was involved) since I knew I'd have to go on stage at the end, which people got a kick out of, especially Shakespeare. The photos are delightful. I really hope I'm in a show (as in onstage with them) with a lot of those people in the future, I really had fun hanging out with them at the cast parties. I also didn't screw up any light cues! Ever! The entire run!!!!
Oklahoma continues to have a light rehearsal schedule (only 2 days/week for ensemble), so that's nice and lazy. Alas, now they went from Monday/Wednesday to Tuesday/Thursday, so there goes karaoke Tuesdays. Oh well, I can go on Saturdays this month, I suppose. I did find out that they moved the new tap class at my dance studio to 5:45 on Wednesdays, so I can return there and go before rehearsals again, probably. Will try that next week. This weekend is our one remaining yarn event in town, so I'll be doing that, and seeing Evil Dead 2: Stage Show, which I'm...less enthused about after actually watching the movie (see FanFare). And working on my story for a storytelling event the weekend after that.
Hell Week 2 continues at work, alas. I haven't gotten myself into trouble yet, but there's still four more days to go and one of them I'll be forced to answer the phones at the busiest hour, god help me. Otherwise, I have to go to my HMO before they go on strike tomorrow (let's see if I can get the covid booster or not!) and to the dentist this week *cry* I'm so sick of "short staffed," but at least they're hiring another temp who used to work for us next week.
I don't think I want to go full AskMe on this, but does anyone know of ways to say...make your writing style more generic/less specifically obviously YOU talking? Like something I can copy/paste a paragraph into and then it makes it more generic or something? I know that probably involves AI these days and I hate that/don't really want an account and give AI the business of putting writers out of business, but I would like to post some (positive) reviews on an anonymized review website without people immediately figuring out it's me. It sounds like Certain People have already been identified posting there, as I heard some in-person grumblings and actual names dropped, and I would rather not be so obviously myself, if possible. I want to support the organizations I'd review because I have a lot of positive things to say, but I would also rather not get complained about to my face if anyone takes slight offense to anything even though I am trying to be diplomatic. I know, I know, I should probably just not say anything at all and I probably won't, but it'd be nice to be able to post something supportive without someone getting surprise cranky/taking inadvertent offense if I say the wrong thing and don't realize it, either.
posted by jenfullmoon at 10:03 PM on October 2, 2023 [7 favorites]
Something Rotten has ended, it went very well and got a lot of repeat business and near-sold-out shows, which is something this theater only does if the word "Disney" is in the title (hence why there are a lot of jokes about "Disney's Sweeney Todd"). Girls are hitting up the leads on Instagram and some people returned 2-3 times, even from far off locations. An entire school class came here. Shakespeare had some interesting slips on the last day but recovered nicely, even turning one into a somersault and it looked planned. I actually dressed AS Shakespeare on the last day (I had enough stuff around the house to replicate his costume, no ruff was involved) since I knew I'd have to go on stage at the end, which people got a kick out of, especially Shakespeare. The photos are delightful. I really hope I'm in a show (as in onstage with them) with a lot of those people in the future, I really had fun hanging out with them at the cast parties. I also didn't screw up any light cues! Ever! The entire run!!!!
Oklahoma continues to have a light rehearsal schedule (only 2 days/week for ensemble), so that's nice and lazy. Alas, now they went from Monday/Wednesday to Tuesday/Thursday, so there goes karaoke Tuesdays. Oh well, I can go on Saturdays this month, I suppose. I did find out that they moved the new tap class at my dance studio to 5:45 on Wednesdays, so I can return there and go before rehearsals again, probably. Will try that next week. This weekend is our one remaining yarn event in town, so I'll be doing that, and seeing Evil Dead 2: Stage Show, which I'm...less enthused about after actually watching the movie (see FanFare). And working on my story for a storytelling event the weekend after that.
Hell Week 2 continues at work, alas. I haven't gotten myself into trouble yet, but there's still four more days to go and one of them I'll be forced to answer the phones at the busiest hour, god help me. Otherwise, I have to go to my HMO before they go on strike tomorrow (let's see if I can get the covid booster or not!) and to the dentist this week *cry* I'm so sick of "short staffed," but at least they're hiring another temp who used to work for us next week.
I don't think I want to go full AskMe on this, but does anyone know of ways to say...make your writing style more generic/less specifically obviously YOU talking? Like something I can copy/paste a paragraph into and then it makes it more generic or something? I know that probably involves AI these days and I hate that/don't really want an account and give AI the business of putting writers out of business, but I would like to post some (positive) reviews on an anonymized review website without people immediately figuring out it's me. It sounds like Certain People have already been identified posting there, as I heard some in-person grumblings and actual names dropped, and I would rather not be so obviously myself, if possible. I want to support the organizations I'd review because I have a lot of positive things to say, but I would also rather not get complained about to my face if anyone takes slight offense to anything even though I am trying to be diplomatic. I know, I know, I should probably just not say anything at all and I probably won't, but it'd be nice to be able to post something supportive without someone getting surprise cranky/taking inadvertent offense if I say the wrong thing and don't realize it, either.
posted by jenfullmoon at 10:03 PM on October 2, 2023 [7 favorites]
I saw this shower curtain, immediately fell in love, and then had second thoughts because it’s a little pricy for just a shower curtain, maybe I should wait a few days and think on it. Reader, I thought for a few days, continued to be delighted by said curtain, and said fuck it, I make more than enough for just me, this is the kind of simple joy that makes late capitalism slightly less grinding. Curtain arrived today, it is hanging up and brings me just as much joy as I thought it would.
posted by ActionPopulated at 10:17 PM on October 2, 2023 [26 favorites]
posted by ActionPopulated at 10:17 PM on October 2, 2023 [26 favorites]
butts.
posted by bombastic lowercase pronouncements at 10:18 PM on October 2, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by bombastic lowercase pronouncements at 10:18 PM on October 2, 2023 [2 favorites]
thivaia, the tail floofiness!!!
posted by taz at 10:34 PM on October 2, 2023 [6 favorites]
posted by taz at 10:34 PM on October 2, 2023 [6 favorites]
Good morning all! And congrats with the cats and the curtain.
I went to bed early yesterday, after a very eventful day, so I woke up at half past five. Now it's barely eight yet, and I'm sitting with an eiderdown in the living room and wondering if that smell I'm smelling is a dead mouse behind the skirting. And should I light a fire? Big questions. It's raining outside, which is good for picking mushrooms later. Less optimal for lawn mowing.
All of September has been very hectic, with lots of writing tasks and lots of meetings. Each weekend I've been completely exhausted, and I've only seen a glimpse of my grandchildren. Now I am at the farm, in complete silence, and it is very soothing. I still have lots of writing to do, but a week with only two or three soft meetings will be bliss.
My work mail won't open, so that is nice. I have enough work to do without new challenges coming in at all hours. Among other things, before it refused to work, I saw there was an invitation from my old job to be the censor at some exams. That was the place where my old PTSD was triggered and I almost lost my ability to work or even function normally as a human being forever. I've very deliberately not put the relevant skills for that departement on my qualifications on the censor list, but they have overruled that. The thing is that the lower level people like me, and I like them. It was their bosses who bullied me and broke me down so they could have my job. Now it seems the universe has decided to cut off my mail so I don't have to think about wether to accept the invitation.
posted by mumimor at 11:23 PM on October 2, 2023 [6 favorites]
I went to bed early yesterday, after a very eventful day, so I woke up at half past five. Now it's barely eight yet, and I'm sitting with an eiderdown in the living room and wondering if that smell I'm smelling is a dead mouse behind the skirting. And should I light a fire? Big questions. It's raining outside, which is good for picking mushrooms later. Less optimal for lawn mowing.
All of September has been very hectic, with lots of writing tasks and lots of meetings. Each weekend I've been completely exhausted, and I've only seen a glimpse of my grandchildren. Now I am at the farm, in complete silence, and it is very soothing. I still have lots of writing to do, but a week with only two or three soft meetings will be bliss.
My work mail won't open, so that is nice. I have enough work to do without new challenges coming in at all hours. Among other things, before it refused to work, I saw there was an invitation from my old job to be the censor at some exams. That was the place where my old PTSD was triggered and I almost lost my ability to work or even function normally as a human being forever. I've very deliberately not put the relevant skills for that departement on my qualifications on the censor list, but they have overruled that. The thing is that the lower level people like me, and I like them. It was their bosses who bullied me and broke me down so they could have my job. Now it seems the universe has decided to cut off my mail so I don't have to think about wether to accept the invitation.
posted by mumimor at 11:23 PM on October 2, 2023 [6 favorites]
Can we please have the pleasures of autumn with long days of early summer? Mr dog and I will soon be truly bummed by gloom and darkness, especially as we are not early risers. Or I'm not and therefore he isn't.
posted by maxwelton at 11:55 PM on October 2, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by maxwelton at 11:55 PM on October 2, 2023 [2 favorites]
thivaia: They are both awesome, but oh that nose!!
posted by pompomtom at 12:21 AM on October 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by pompomtom at 12:21 AM on October 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
Those are exceptional cats, thivaia. I hope you have found names and titles which recognise at once their dignity and their frivolity.
I am starting to plan for ending my sessions with a life coach, and wondering, do I aim to Complete a Thing by the end of these, or do I just ... stop? I have been more productive (exercising! I haven't done it for about 25 years! It's a wonder it hasn't killed me) with it, but still struggle with keeping the house at a level where I wouldn't be embarrassed if randoms appeared.
Have been researching exhibitors at a local art society in the 1880s - who were they, gender, social class, did they continue exhibiting etc. One of them is the daughter of a baronet and, in the census, lives with her father and ten servants, including a French butler aged 74. Must have been such a weird existence. Though that kind of set-up would have prevented my "the kitchen is a mess, I can't let you in" problem.
I stood down from my position on the local history committee last week after five years. Difficult AGM at which we considered folding, but the original founder from forty years ago argued against this. Much appeal to the membership to stand as officers, but they would not. Same problem as many organisations are having with few people with time to volunteer, given the economic doings. I was pleased though that I had managed to get through the inevitable feelings of guilt for standing down.
I found a new cosy fantasy series which I recommend if anyone is in need, Midlife in Gretna Green, by Linzi Day. Looking forward to the sequel to Legends and Lattes, which comes out in November.
That's my slice of life - looking forward to reading other people's.
posted by paduasoy at 1:25 AM on October 3, 2023 [5 favorites]
I am starting to plan for ending my sessions with a life coach, and wondering, do I aim to Complete a Thing by the end of these, or do I just ... stop? I have been more productive (exercising! I haven't done it for about 25 years! It's a wonder it hasn't killed me) with it, but still struggle with keeping the house at a level where I wouldn't be embarrassed if randoms appeared.
Have been researching exhibitors at a local art society in the 1880s - who were they, gender, social class, did they continue exhibiting etc. One of them is the daughter of a baronet and, in the census, lives with her father and ten servants, including a French butler aged 74. Must have been such a weird existence. Though that kind of set-up would have prevented my "the kitchen is a mess, I can't let you in" problem.
I stood down from my position on the local history committee last week after five years. Difficult AGM at which we considered folding, but the original founder from forty years ago argued against this. Much appeal to the membership to stand as officers, but they would not. Same problem as many organisations are having with few people with time to volunteer, given the economic doings. I was pleased though that I had managed to get through the inevitable feelings of guilt for standing down.
I found a new cosy fantasy series which I recommend if anyone is in need, Midlife in Gretna Green, by Linzi Day. Looking forward to the sequel to Legends and Lattes, which comes out in November.
That's my slice of life - looking forward to reading other people's.
posted by paduasoy at 1:25 AM on October 3, 2023 [5 favorites]
jenfullmoon - I wonder if feeding your text into Google translate, from English to another language and back again, might iron out some of your own style? Though I realise that is also AI. You could also just write it as you normally would and then play with word order, use a thesaurus, sentence length etc.
posted by paduasoy at 1:31 AM on October 3, 2023
posted by paduasoy at 1:31 AM on October 3, 2023
Giant Asteroid the size of 100 Capybaras to Pass Earth Tuesday is my favorite headline du jour. Because Capybaras, however wtf? they may be.
posted by y2karl at 2:01 AM on October 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by y2karl at 2:01 AM on October 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
The Pontiac Deluxe Six 1939 Ghost Sedan had plexiglass body panels so World's Fair attendees could marvel at the state of the art interior.
Why is there a carving of a Stegosaurus in a 12th century Cambodian temple?
posted by TheophileEscargot at 2:17 AM on October 3, 2023 [3 favorites]
Why is there a carving of a Stegosaurus in a 12th century Cambodian temple?
posted by TheophileEscargot at 2:17 AM on October 3, 2023 [3 favorites]
nation celebrates first ever successful use of kraft dinner push in tab - we seem to have the same problem in the states with kraft mac and cheese boxes
posted by pyramid termite at 2:45 AM on October 3, 2023 [5 favorites]
posted by pyramid termite at 2:45 AM on October 3, 2023 [5 favorites]
Wait! Futility Closet is back! ...or am I thinking of another website - but I don't think so... well, whatever, glad to see this again.
posted by From Bklyn at 3:20 AM on October 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by From Bklyn at 3:20 AM on October 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
I need to rip off the bandaid and move away from X/Twitter. What's the best for quality engagement and do I need a invite?
posted by ShakeyJake at 5:18 AM on October 3, 2023
posted by ShakeyJake at 5:18 AM on October 3, 2023
I got the latest & greatest covid shot on Saturday, and kept waiting to feel ill -- all the other covid shots knocked me for a loop -- but I never did. Now I'm suspicious . . . .
posted by JanetLand at 5:23 AM on October 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by JanetLand at 5:23 AM on October 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
After several years of hibernation, our neighbor has resumed his old habits. Hosting visitors "just stopping by for a short visit" all night long. Multiple short runs from his home in daylight hours. Yesterday spouse had to call the police as one of his "visitors" was passed out in the back seat of a vehicle, which was parked on the sidewalk in front of the neighbor's home, to circumvent the "no parking on the street" rule.
So that is fun.
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 5:26 AM on October 3, 2023 [5 favorites]
So that is fun.
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 5:26 AM on October 3, 2023 [5 favorites]
...any advice on things to have on hand in a small pickup truck?
More or less the same things you’d keep in any pickup, really. Tie-downs and bungie cords to keep loads stable, for instance. I always had a good set of jumper cables in my truck.
I would highly recommend getting a rubberized bed mat. And a bed cover of some sort.
posted by Thorzdad at 5:34 AM on October 3, 2023 [3 favorites]
More or less the same things you’d keep in any pickup, really. Tie-downs and bungie cords to keep loads stable, for instance. I always had a good set of jumper cables in my truck.
I would highly recommend getting a rubberized bed mat. And a bed cover of some sort.
posted by Thorzdad at 5:34 AM on October 3, 2023 [3 favorites]
I got the latest & greatest covid shot on Saturday, and kept waiting to feel ill -- all the other covid shots knocked me for a loop -- but I never did. Now I'm suspicious . . . .
I haven't gotten this one yet (I will! just need to figure out when), but that was my exact experience after last year's shot. I was relieved to not feel absolutely miserable, but like... did it do the thing?
posted by obfuscation at 5:43 AM on October 3, 2023 [1 favorite]
I haven't gotten this one yet (I will! just need to figure out when), but that was my exact experience after last year's shot. I was relieved to not feel absolutely miserable, but like... did it do the thing?
posted by obfuscation at 5:43 AM on October 3, 2023 [1 favorite]
Kitties: excellent
Shower curtain: excellent
This is a good thread so far.
posted by obfuscation at 5:43 AM on October 3, 2023 [3 favorites]
Shower curtain: excellent
This is a good thread so far.
posted by obfuscation at 5:43 AM on October 3, 2023 [3 favorites]
I need to rip off the bandaid and move away from X/Twitter. What's the best for quality engagement and do I need a invite?
Hit up pronoiac and come join us on Mastodon at mefi.social. A bunch of us also recently joined Bluesky and there's a MeTa thread with invite codes and such, but after a couple of weeks following Bluesky, I thin the Mastodon community is so much friendlier and engaging.
posted by briank at 5:47 AM on October 3, 2023
Hit up pronoiac and come join us on Mastodon at mefi.social. A bunch of us also recently joined Bluesky and there's a MeTa thread with invite codes and such, but after a couple of weeks following Bluesky, I thin the Mastodon community is so much friendlier and engaging.
posted by briank at 5:47 AM on October 3, 2023
Can we please have the pleasures of autumn with long days of early summer?
I could do with a bit less summer, myself. I’m off to Ottawa tomorrow — seventh-coldest national capital on the planet, with a year-round average of 5.5 degrees — and the forecast for Wednesday is for 29. In October. Gross.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 5:49 AM on October 3, 2023 [3 favorites]
I could do with a bit less summer, myself. I’m off to Ottawa tomorrow — seventh-coldest national capital on the planet, with a year-round average of 5.5 degrees — and the forecast for Wednesday is for 29. In October. Gross.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 5:49 AM on October 3, 2023 [3 favorites]
Yeah, over here in Kingston, it's 65F* ON AN OCTOBER MORNING IN ONTARIO. I feel like I shouldn't be sweating when I wake up at this time of year.
*to my shame, I have retained my use of Fahrenheit despite living in Canada for nearly 15 years; poor Shepherd has to live with all the thermostats in the house being set to F instead of C.
posted by Kitteh at 5:57 AM on October 3, 2023 [3 favorites]
*to my shame, I have retained my use of Fahrenheit despite living in Canada for nearly 15 years; poor Shepherd has to live with all the thermostats in the house being set to F instead of C.
posted by Kitteh at 5:57 AM on October 3, 2023 [3 favorites]
Saturday it rained AGAIN so our town's community farm harvest festival punted to Sunday. Sunday was gorgeous: sunny, warm, just breezy enough to scatter the bugs, and dry.
Hundreds of people came out for hay rides and pony rides and food trucks and the fire department course and the band and the raptor show and the bake sale. A good time was had by all. Well, "all" but two little girls, who returned too late for their pony rides. (Jayzus, the tears... Glad I wasn't the one to turn them away!)
At the end I moved hay bales and porta-potties (careful with that, it sloshes!), and went to bed so sore that yesterday I couldn't move my head, and crawled a few times when I made the mistake of sitting on the floor.
But damn, it was fun!
posted by wenestvedt at 5:58 AM on October 3, 2023 [7 favorites]
Hundreds of people came out for hay rides and pony rides and food trucks and the fire department course and the band and the raptor show and the bake sale. A good time was had by all. Well, "all" but two little girls, who returned too late for their pony rides. (Jayzus, the tears... Glad I wasn't the one to turn them away!)
At the end I moved hay bales and porta-potties (careful with that, it sloshes!), and went to bed so sore that yesterday I couldn't move my head, and crawled a few times when I made the mistake of sitting on the floor.
But damn, it was fun!
posted by wenestvedt at 5:58 AM on October 3, 2023 [7 favorites]
Drewbage: any advice on things to have on hand in a small pickup truck?
Old bath towel, rolls of paper towels, a gallon zip-loc bag with a roll of toilet paper, a sharpened(!) pencil and a little notebook/notepad, a light stick or two, a moving blanket, duct/duck tape, hand tools, tie-downs/ratchet-straps, and a small fire extinguisher. Put it all in a giant "contractor's" garbage bag, put that into a storage tub, and strap it down.
Pickups are for work, not show, so have useful things with you.
Then get a MetaFilter bumper sticker for that bad Larry. Have a ball!
posted by wenestvedt at 6:02 AM on October 3, 2023 [3 favorites]
Old bath towel, rolls of paper towels, a gallon zip-loc bag with a roll of toilet paper, a sharpened(!) pencil and a little notebook/notepad, a light stick or two, a moving blanket, duct/duck tape, hand tools, tie-downs/ratchet-straps, and a small fire extinguisher. Put it all in a giant "contractor's" garbage bag, put that into a storage tub, and strap it down.
Pickups are for work, not show, so have useful things with you.
Then get a MetaFilter bumper sticker for that bad Larry. Have a ball!
posted by wenestvedt at 6:02 AM on October 3, 2023 [3 favorites]
You know what is useful when updating sql tables via Python?
Remembering to add the execute SQL STMT to the script.
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 6:10 AM on October 3, 2023 [3 favorites]
Remembering to add the execute SQL STMT to the script.
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 6:10 AM on October 3, 2023 [3 favorites]
My first question - and I still think it's a valid one - is this: if you're going to make a kids' show about a donkey named Donkey Hodie, and one of her sidekicks is a purple panda, why in God's name would you NOT name the panda Sancho Panda?? I mean it's right there.
My second question had two parts. First, why in the world would you put a Don Quixote pun in a show aimed at pre-schoolers (and one perhaps...overly nostalgic? seven-year-old), to begin with? And second, having done so, why would you then promptly drop it and not lean into it in any particular way?
BUT. I have since discovered that Donkey Hodie, the current PBS Kids show, is a sequel/spinoff/spiritual heir, whatever, to Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, like Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood before it. And the character is named Donkey Hodie because she's the granddaughter of a puppet from the original Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood named Donkey Hodie. So the Don Quixote pun originally came from Mr. Rogers, and thus is above reproach.
I therefore withdraw my second question.
posted by Naberius at 6:22 AM on October 3, 2023 [11 favorites]
My second question had two parts. First, why in the world would you put a Don Quixote pun in a show aimed at pre-schoolers (and one perhaps...overly nostalgic? seven-year-old), to begin with? And second, having done so, why would you then promptly drop it and not lean into it in any particular way?
BUT. I have since discovered that Donkey Hodie, the current PBS Kids show, is a sequel/spinoff/spiritual heir, whatever, to Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, like Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood before it. And the character is named Donkey Hodie because she's the granddaughter of a puppet from the original Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood named Donkey Hodie. So the Don Quixote pun originally came from Mr. Rogers, and thus is above reproach.
I therefore withdraw my second question.
posted by Naberius at 6:22 AM on October 3, 2023 [11 favorites]
There was a 90s cartoon called "Don Coyote" featuring a sidekick character named Sancho Panda. Might be copyright landmines there, I guess?
posted by Alterscape at 6:34 AM on October 3, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by Alterscape at 6:34 AM on October 3, 2023 [3 favorites]
"Don Coyote" is now a druid NPC in my next DnD adventure.
posted by cmfletcher at 6:46 AM on October 3, 2023 [7 favorites]
posted by cmfletcher at 6:46 AM on October 3, 2023 [7 favorites]
In my continuing film student adventure:
My attempts to further convince fellow students to join me on my video shoot were not successful; I do admit that 1pm on a weekday is probably a conflict with other school activities, and I had planned around being the only person there so I expected it to go well.
And it did; I expected as much based on how well I know my subject, and I finished just about on time, and felt really good about it.
Then, I listed to my audio and watched my footage, and panicked. There's a lot of 'room noise', her voice sounds like she's talking into a tin can. My 'b-roll', the non interview parts, are out of focus and I apparently cannot hold a camera still and even though I had notes on what shots I needed and how long they should be I apparently didn't listen to myself.
So I wrestled with it for a while, and the audio isn't perfect but is better; I had an hour of footage for three minutes of finished product so I think I can get enough out of it, so after going through the cycle of creativity -- "This is good" > "this sucks" > "I suck" > "This is a little better" > "hey, I'm pretty good at this" > "This is good" -- I think it will be fine.
As with other projects I've done, the things I'm worried about are almost never the things the teacher mentions in the comments, they always find something I didn't give any thoughts to, which I guess is how learning is supposed to go.
The rough edit is due next Wednesday and will be viewed in class along with the other 20 3-minute rough edits, with comments in between; the final product is due the following week.
I feel bad because I involuntarily scoffed out loud when a fellow student earnestly asked what if their rough edit is really really good, can they just turn it in as their final project? Ah, kids. Nobody's going to tear your really really good video apart, but somebody's going to find something you didn't give any thought to, and that's how learning is supposed to go.
posted by AzraelBrown at 6:48 AM on October 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
My attempts to further convince fellow students to join me on my video shoot were not successful; I do admit that 1pm on a weekday is probably a conflict with other school activities, and I had planned around being the only person there so I expected it to go well.
And it did; I expected as much based on how well I know my subject, and I finished just about on time, and felt really good about it.
Then, I listed to my audio and watched my footage, and panicked. There's a lot of 'room noise', her voice sounds like she's talking into a tin can. My 'b-roll', the non interview parts, are out of focus and I apparently cannot hold a camera still and even though I had notes on what shots I needed and how long they should be I apparently didn't listen to myself.
So I wrestled with it for a while, and the audio isn't perfect but is better; I had an hour of footage for three minutes of finished product so I think I can get enough out of it, so after going through the cycle of creativity -- "This is good" > "this sucks" > "I suck" > "This is a little better" > "hey, I'm pretty good at this" > "This is good" -- I think it will be fine.
As with other projects I've done, the things I'm worried about are almost never the things the teacher mentions in the comments, they always find something I didn't give any thoughts to, which I guess is how learning is supposed to go.
The rough edit is due next Wednesday and will be viewed in class along with the other 20 3-minute rough edits, with comments in between; the final product is due the following week.
I feel bad because I involuntarily scoffed out loud when a fellow student earnestly asked what if their rough edit is really really good, can they just turn it in as their final project? Ah, kids. Nobody's going to tear your really really good video apart, but somebody's going to find something you didn't give any thought to, and that's how learning is supposed to go.
posted by AzraelBrown at 6:48 AM on October 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
Yesterday, on my roadtrip, I realized that it is part of my job to watch TV. I've never been a big fan of TV, it came with negative associations, and also I feel it is a bit frivolous, when I could be writing reports and scientific articles or taking care of my grandchildren, or just cooking up some delicious food for my family. But hey, it's work. So this has been a weird work day, sitting with my feet up and a cup of tea, catching up with the relevant TV I haven't seen ever, but mostly in the last two years.
(There are exceptions to my bad feelings but they don't really apply here. Thinking back, I wonder how I even discovered the good TV, since I have rarely owned one).
posted by mumimor at 7:10 AM on October 3, 2023
(There are exceptions to my bad feelings but they don't really apply here. Thinking back, I wonder how I even discovered the good TV, since I have rarely owned one).
posted by mumimor at 7:10 AM on October 3, 2023
...any advice on things to have on hand in a small pickup truck?
what everyone said so far. my older pickup is RWD and gets stuck easily, so in the winter I keep extra weight in the back (sandbags) and a few 2' lengths of 2X10" and a shovel, in case I get stuck in snow. I'm glad for the extra length on my jumper cables, I have helped people boost their vehicles a few times and the extra length has come in handy. Nice to have a variety of bungee cords, ratchet straps, and cam straps.. I am often finding situations where one type or another is perfect for the job but they each have their limitations.
are you likely to be hauling anything? what do you have for a hitch? plus some good quality tow straps can be handy. My used early 90s Ford F-150 came with a canopy and I find that to be useful.
a light broom for all the times you haul stuff for compost: leaves, branches, etc. so you can sweep out your box afterwards.
posted by elkevelvet at 7:11 AM on October 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
what everyone said so far. my older pickup is RWD and gets stuck easily, so in the winter I keep extra weight in the back (sandbags) and a few 2' lengths of 2X10" and a shovel, in case I get stuck in snow. I'm glad for the extra length on my jumper cables, I have helped people boost their vehicles a few times and the extra length has come in handy. Nice to have a variety of bungee cords, ratchet straps, and cam straps.. I am often finding situations where one type or another is perfect for the job but they each have their limitations.
are you likely to be hauling anything? what do you have for a hitch? plus some good quality tow straps can be handy. My used early 90s Ford F-150 came with a canopy and I find that to be useful.
a light broom for all the times you haul stuff for compost: leaves, branches, etc. so you can sweep out your box afterwards.
posted by elkevelvet at 7:11 AM on October 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
Toronto is 23C going up to 26C with no apparent breeze also the air quality is a fuck
posted by seanmpuckett at 7:24 AM on October 3, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by seanmpuckett at 7:24 AM on October 3, 2023 [1 favorite]
I remember my stupid father had a neon green Datsun pickup in the 70s, probably a 521, that thing was fucking tiny. What a brilliantly useful vehicle though. Like I swear it was so small that today I could probably lift the box up by the rear bumper right now through main strength.
posted by seanmpuckett at 7:27 AM on October 3, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by seanmpuckett at 7:27 AM on October 3, 2023 [3 favorites]
I've been mostly on a holiday-at-home mode for the past week. Has been nice and well-deserved, but has resulted in hanging out with close friends and drinking a little bit too much. But we have so much fun, and it all quite innocent, we're in our fourties now, so it is listening to music and playing guitars, eating and drinking well, smoking some weed. Talking or not talking. But yeah, since having too much fun nowadays means at least a day of serious self care and rest, today is the day. Luckily I live alone and am a freelancer with no need to work right now, I can just chill and watch ER. Wishing everyone a nice week!
posted by fridgebuzz at 7:38 AM on October 3, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by fridgebuzz at 7:38 AM on October 3, 2023 [3 favorites]
thivaia, those kittens are adorable!
ActionPopulated, that is a great shower curtain!
I had my first online therapy session last night. I have signed up for four weekly sessions. Eventually I plan to find someone in-person locally to work with, but the online sessions will be a start. Even just getting my thoughts organised so I would know what to say at the first meeting was helpful. And the therapist had some insight on a legal question that I am facing, so that was a pleasant surprise.
posted by Multicellular Exothermic at 7:38 AM on October 3, 2023 [5 favorites]
ActionPopulated, that is a great shower curtain!
I had my first online therapy session last night. I have signed up for four weekly sessions. Eventually I plan to find someone in-person locally to work with, but the online sessions will be a start. Even just getting my thoughts organised so I would know what to say at the first meeting was helpful. And the therapist had some insight on a legal question that I am facing, so that was a pleasant surprise.
posted by Multicellular Exothermic at 7:38 AM on October 3, 2023 [5 favorites]
There's already a lot of good tips for what to carry in a truck. Also, for a truck or any car - always carry extra water! If you do have a breakdown or other delay, you'll be amazed at how fast you get thirsty, and if you're waiting for roadside help, it could take a couple of hours or longer. Also, I bought one of those battery packs that can jump start a car (this one in particular) and it saved our bacon on a recent road trip. I consider it a good investment, yes, I have roadside assistance, but this is instant and it will also work if I'm exploring backroads where there's no service.
Got home late Sunday night from a road trip. Friday morning I started hiking down into Grand Canyon and took my time with it, getting to the bottom right before sunset. I stayed one night at the campground there and then started hiking up early in the morning. After I got out I drove to central Utah, stayed a night, and then explored Bryce Canyon again. I never get tired of hiking there.
But the actual reason I went out that way was to pick up this ten year old girl who just needs a comfortable place to hang out. She's half blind, half deaf and has a bad leg... we have a lot of experience with special needs bulldogs so this is kind of our wheelhouse. Plus the rescue is overflowing right now.
posted by azpenguin at 7:39 AM on October 3, 2023 [15 favorites]
Got home late Sunday night from a road trip. Friday morning I started hiking down into Grand Canyon and took my time with it, getting to the bottom right before sunset. I stayed one night at the campground there and then started hiking up early in the morning. After I got out I drove to central Utah, stayed a night, and then explored Bryce Canyon again. I never get tired of hiking there.
But the actual reason I went out that way was to pick up this ten year old girl who just needs a comfortable place to hang out. She's half blind, half deaf and has a bad leg... we have a lot of experience with special needs bulldogs so this is kind of our wheelhouse. Plus the rescue is overflowing right now.
posted by azpenguin at 7:39 AM on October 3, 2023 [15 favorites]
I got the latest & greatest covid shot on Saturday, and kept waiting to feel ill -- all the other covid shots knocked me for a loop -- but I never did. Now I'm suspicious . . .
None of the previous shots did much to me beyond a sore arm, but I got my latest booster (plus flu) a week ago and felt terrible the next day.
Turns out I was positive for Covid for the first time. Fortunately we'd masked to get the shots, and both of us had very mild cases. But what a bummer to have gone three and a half years only to get it right as I was getting boosted again.
posted by thecaddy at 7:42 AM on October 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
None of the previous shots did much to me beyond a sore arm, but I got my latest booster (plus flu) a week ago and felt terrible the next day.
Turns out I was positive for Covid for the first time. Fortunately we'd masked to get the shots, and both of us had very mild cases. But what a bummer to have gone three and a half years only to get it right as I was getting boosted again.
posted by thecaddy at 7:42 AM on October 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
Drewbage: any advice on things to have on hand in a small pickup truck?
These aren't truck-specific, but "I use my vehicle to do things" recommendations:
I am a firm believer in having a pair of scissors in every vehicle. They have been an advantage many a time.
Both of our vehicles also have a little tool kit, cobbled together from the cheapest bins at Harbor Freight: a fabric tool bag containing a crescent wrench, a hammer, a tape measure, the aforementioned scissors, a screwdriver with both flat head and philips bits, and a pliers. As you make use of this, it will inherit other tools and things like spare bolts, nuts, screws, etc. They are from the cheapest bins because they are not daily-use tools and you will invariably leave a tool someplace or lend it to someone, thus needing to return to the cheap bins at Harbor Freight to replenish your tool bag.
My vehicle's toolbag usually has my 20v power drill with a magnetic screwdriver bit in it, because I don't need two in the house (yes, we're a husband and wife each have their own tools house) and I'm more likely to be out someplace, wishing I had the screwgun.
posted by AzraelBrown at 7:44 AM on October 3, 2023 [5 favorites]
These aren't truck-specific, but "I use my vehicle to do things" recommendations:
I am a firm believer in having a pair of scissors in every vehicle. They have been an advantage many a time.
Both of our vehicles also have a little tool kit, cobbled together from the cheapest bins at Harbor Freight: a fabric tool bag containing a crescent wrench, a hammer, a tape measure, the aforementioned scissors, a screwdriver with both flat head and philips bits, and a pliers. As you make use of this, it will inherit other tools and things like spare bolts, nuts, screws, etc. They are from the cheapest bins because they are not daily-use tools and you will invariably leave a tool someplace or lend it to someone, thus needing to return to the cheap bins at Harbor Freight to replenish your tool bag.
My vehicle's toolbag usually has my 20v power drill with a magnetic screwdriver bit in it, because I don't need two in the house (yes, we're a husband and wife each have their own tools house) and I'm more likely to be out someplace, wishing I had the screwgun.
posted by AzraelBrown at 7:44 AM on October 3, 2023 [5 favorites]
a screwdriver with both flat head and philips bits,
NO ROBERTSON he gasped in Canadian
posted by elkevelvet at 7:48 AM on October 3, 2023 [3 favorites]
NO ROBERTSON he gasped in Canadian
posted by elkevelvet at 7:48 AM on October 3, 2023 [3 favorites]
NO ROBERTSON he gasped in Canadian
Those are only in my electrical bag for when I need to change a breaker or replace an outlet, what else could they possibly be used for? *waves tiny American flag menacingly*
posted by AzraelBrown at 7:52 AM on October 3, 2023 [4 favorites]
Those are only in my electrical bag for when I need to change a breaker or replace an outlet, what else could they possibly be used for? *waves tiny American flag menacingly*
posted by AzraelBrown at 7:52 AM on October 3, 2023 [4 favorites]
Flat blade screwdrivers are for slipping out of the slot and scarring your hand or the surface of what you're working on, cross head screwdrivers are for tearing out the screw recess so the screw can't be removed in future. Very specific use cases. Robertson for everything else.
posted by seanmpuckett at 7:59 AM on October 3, 2023 [13 favorites]
posted by seanmpuckett at 7:59 AM on October 3, 2023 [13 favorites]
For those in the US - a nationwide test of the emergency and wireless alert systems will be conducted this week Wednesday at 2:20 p.m. ET, when a message will be sent to all cellphones, TVs and radios.
So if you want to liven up your Zoom work call or have it cut short - schedule one for then! Imaging my kid’s classroom when all the cellphones the kids “don't have, and if they do, they are switched off” all suddenly mysteriously go off….
posted by inflatablekiwi at 8:18 AM on October 3, 2023 [7 favorites]
So if you want to liven up your Zoom work call or have it cut short - schedule one for then! Imaging my kid’s classroom when all the cellphones the kids “don't have, and if they do, they are switched off” all suddenly mysteriously go off….
posted by inflatablekiwi at 8:18 AM on October 3, 2023 [7 favorites]
It's balmy here for a few days and everyone is acting like that never happens, but this is Chicago, and it is summer here until whatever day Halloween happens (whereupon it is always, always 29F and sleeting).
The promise of houseguests has me finally tackling some long-delayed house projects, but I keep being derailed by other random obligations and the general need to like, work/maintain/feed/clean myself. I was recently telling my partner that I would be the fucking best homemaker, which has me feeling a lot of complicated feelings. But I would! My home would be so very good and comfortable, and well cared-for, and my partner and relatives would be so well fed and attended, and I myself would be so much healthier and better-managed, if only I didn't have to work a billion hours a week at this stupid job for jerks. I would be so much better at that than at any job.
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 8:18 AM on October 3, 2023 [1 favorite]
The promise of houseguests has me finally tackling some long-delayed house projects, but I keep being derailed by other random obligations and the general need to like, work/maintain/feed/clean myself. I was recently telling my partner that I would be the fucking best homemaker, which has me feeling a lot of complicated feelings. But I would! My home would be so very good and comfortable, and well cared-for, and my partner and relatives would be so well fed and attended, and I myself would be so much healthier and better-managed, if only I didn't have to work a billion hours a week at this stupid job for jerks. I would be so much better at that than at any job.
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 8:18 AM on October 3, 2023 [1 favorite]
For those in the US - a nationwide test of the emergency and wireless alert systems will be conducted this week Wednesday at 2:20 p.m. ET, when a message will be sent to all cellphones, TVs and radios.
My unit is officially mandated to be in the office on Wednesdays so I'm looking forward to all the devices going off.
Imaging my kid’s classroom when all the cellphones the kids “don't have, and if they do, they are switched off” all suddenly mysteriously go off….
I'm already cackling at that thought and the report from kiddo. I'm tempted not to remind him.
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 8:30 AM on October 3, 2023 [4 favorites]
My unit is officially mandated to be in the office on Wednesdays so I'm looking forward to all the devices going off.
Imaging my kid’s classroom when all the cellphones the kids “don't have, and if they do, they are switched off” all suddenly mysteriously go off….
I'm already cackling at that thought and the report from kiddo. I'm tempted not to remind him.
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 8:30 AM on October 3, 2023 [4 favorites]
welcome to the cute weirdos!!!
posted by supermedusa at 8:36 AM on October 3, 2023 [4 favorites]
posted by supermedusa at 8:36 AM on October 3, 2023 [4 favorites]
We got our first snow yesterday here in Utah. I did a snow dance outside in shorts and t-shirt, with gentle snow falling. It didn’t stick around for more than a few minutes, but was still fun. Once the sun comes out tomorrow-ish there will be amazing scenery in the canyons (it’s already pretty) with the fresh snow on the mountains and wonderful fall colors still on the trees.
posted by inflatablekiwi at 8:51 AM on October 3, 2023 [5 favorites]
posted by inflatablekiwi at 8:51 AM on October 3, 2023 [5 favorites]
I got the new COVID booster on September 16, because I was leaving for a cruise the next week. No side effects from the shot. And I ended up getting COVID on the cruise... I seem to be improving already, which I'm guessing is a combination of rest, the booster, and paxlovid. I'm just glad I was lucky enough to get one of the first appointments instead of waiting until I got back.
posted by skunk pig at 8:58 AM on October 3, 2023 [4 favorites]
posted by skunk pig at 8:58 AM on October 3, 2023 [4 favorites]
I'm sitting with an eiderdown in the living room and wondering if that smell I'm smelling is a dead mouse behind the skirting.
Is this what's known as "hygge"?
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:03 AM on October 3, 2023 [7 favorites]
Is this what's known as "hygge"?
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:03 AM on October 3, 2023 [7 favorites]
Yet again I've finished all my work in about an hour out of an eight hour workday. So I spend the rest of my time moving the mouse and clicking buttons to make it look like I'm working. I'm not gonna ask for more work cause fuck work. But it gets so boring pretending you're doing something most of the day.
posted by downtohisturtles at 9:13 AM on October 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by downtohisturtles at 9:13 AM on October 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
Is this what's known as "hygge"?
Exactly, yes
posted by mumimor at 9:17 AM on October 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
Exactly, yes
posted by mumimor at 9:17 AM on October 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
...a nationwide test of the emergency and wireless alert systems will be conducted this week ...
Even better: this week is $WORK's annual "Run, Hide, Fight" drill, and I have been instructed to find "a safe hiding place" when I get the alarm.
Leaving aside the notion of a loud alarm on my phone when there is supposedly a gunman stalking the campus looking for victims (so silent might be better?!), I work from home so, uh, I guess I'll be "hiding safely" the rest of the afternoon -- probably on my deck.
posted by wenestvedt at 9:25 AM on October 3, 2023 [4 favorites]
Even better: this week is $WORK's annual "Run, Hide, Fight" drill, and I have been instructed to find "a safe hiding place" when I get the alarm.
Leaving aside the notion of a loud alarm on my phone when there is supposedly a gunman stalking the campus looking for victims (so silent might be better?!), I work from home so, uh, I guess I'll be "hiding safely" the rest of the afternoon -- probably on my deck.
posted by wenestvedt at 9:25 AM on October 3, 2023 [4 favorites]
Re COVID I was relieved to not feel absolutely miserable, but like... did it do the thing?
By this measure, the newest Moderna vaccine worked great for me, because I felt like shit for 36 hours afterwards. Muscle and joint aches, headaches, etc.
posted by Gorgik at 9:41 AM on October 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
By this measure, the newest Moderna vaccine worked great for me, because I felt like shit for 36 hours afterwards. Muscle and joint aches, headaches, etc.
posted by Gorgik at 9:41 AM on October 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
“Run, Hide, Fight" drill
Do they actually drill on the fight bit? I mean I guess they could offer self-defense style tips on how to defend yourself (boring!), but I like to imagine it’s more hunger games style combat with office supplies. In a room with 20 co-workers and all the staplers you can eat - last person standing gets to leave for the day.
posted by inflatablekiwi at 9:50 AM on October 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
Do they actually drill on the fight bit? I mean I guess they could offer self-defense style tips on how to defend yourself (boring!), but I like to imagine it’s more hunger games style combat with office supplies. In a room with 20 co-workers and all the staplers you can eat - last person standing gets to leave for the day.
posted by inflatablekiwi at 9:50 AM on October 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
Do they actually drill on the fight bit?
Wait until they find out Marlys at the front desk was USMC bare-knuckle champion in '77
posted by AzraelBrown at 9:56 AM on October 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
Wait until they find out Marlys at the front desk was USMC bare-knuckle champion in '77
posted by AzraelBrown at 9:56 AM on October 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
Well, I got all my shots today, yay. Maybe some people's bodies are just getting used to the thing?
jenfullmoon - I wonder if feeding your text into Google translate, from English to another language and back again, might iron out some of your own style?
Literally this is the one thing I thought of after posting that, it might be what I have to go with. Just for fun, this is what happened when I took one of my above paragraphs, translated it into Spanish, then translated it back to English:
Oklahoma still has a light rehearsal schedule (only 2 days a week for the ensemble), so it's nice and quiet. Unfortunately, they now moved from Monday/Wednesday to Tuesday/Thursday, so there is karaoke on Tuesdays. Well, I guess I can go on Saturdays this month. I found out that they moved the new tap class at my dance studio to 5:45 on Wednesdays, so I can probably go back there and go before rehearsals again. I'll try it next week.
posted by jenfullmoon at 10:16 AM on October 3, 2023 [1 favorite]
jenfullmoon - I wonder if feeding your text into Google translate, from English to another language and back again, might iron out some of your own style?
Literally this is the one thing I thought of after posting that, it might be what I have to go with. Just for fun, this is what happened when I took one of my above paragraphs, translated it into Spanish, then translated it back to English:
Oklahoma still has a light rehearsal schedule (only 2 days a week for the ensemble), so it's nice and quiet. Unfortunately, they now moved from Monday/Wednesday to Tuesday/Thursday, so there is karaoke on Tuesdays. Well, I guess I can go on Saturdays this month. I found out that they moved the new tap class at my dance studio to 5:45 on Wednesdays, so I can probably go back there and go before rehearsals again. I'll try it next week.
posted by jenfullmoon at 10:16 AM on October 3, 2023 [1 favorite]
I'm going to get my shots tomorrow morning. I don't want the flu, or covid, or strep throat, or a cold (so yes I still wear a mask in Berkeley Bowl like a big dork. a big healthy dork)
I've not tended to have bad reactions to these shots but I have some body aches from a completely different sort of thing, so now I am a tiny bit worried...but I will go tomorrow...I will go!
(I will not complain about my mattress woes because they really bum me out)
posted by supermedusa at 10:21 AM on October 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
I've not tended to have bad reactions to these shots but I have some body aches from a completely different sort of thing, so now I am a tiny bit worried...but I will go tomorrow...I will go!
(I will not complain about my mattress woes because they really bum me out)
posted by supermedusa at 10:21 AM on October 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
The fun continues. My kitchen sink is now stopped up and I have coffee grounds in it. Why?
The clean out the pantry meal this week is lentils with some frozen shrimp, a couple of bags of frozen veggies, and a cobbled together peanut sauce. It's good.
posted by kathrynm at 10:30 AM on October 3, 2023 [3 favorites]
The clean out the pantry meal this week is lentils with some frozen shrimp, a couple of bags of frozen veggies, and a cobbled together peanut sauce. It's good.
posted by kathrynm at 10:30 AM on October 3, 2023 [3 favorites]
But it gets so boring pretending you're doing something most of the day.
Especially when the sure fire path to enlightenment, apart from paying attention to your breathing, is just sitting around doing nothing.
posted by y2karl at 10:34 AM on October 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
Especially when the sure fire path to enlightenment, apart from paying attention to your breathing, is just sitting around doing nothing.
posted by y2karl at 10:34 AM on October 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
My kitchen sink is now stopped up and I have coffee grounds in it. Why?
Did you previously pour Portland cement down the drain?
posted by Greg_Ace at 10:38 AM on October 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
Did you previously pour Portland cement down the drain?
posted by Greg_Ace at 10:38 AM on October 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
Do they actually drill on the fight bit?
It is to laugh: we really lean heavily on the Run and the Hide parts, while any Fighting is left up to you. (Presumably this has something to do with liability, and the organization not wanting to be seen encouraging employees to go mano a mano with a rifleman.) I believe they once showed us a video out of Texas which recommended throwing furniture and books, but I haven't been offered that video lately.
posted by wenestvedt at 10:49 AM on October 3, 2023 [1 favorite]
It is to laugh: we really lean heavily on the Run and the Hide parts, while any Fighting is left up to you. (Presumably this has something to do with liability, and the organization not wanting to be seen encouraging employees to go mano a mano with a rifleman.) I believe they once showed us a video out of Texas which recommended throwing furniture and books, but I haven't been offered that video lately.
posted by wenestvedt at 10:49 AM on October 3, 2023 [1 favorite]
Well, I've started microdosing psilocybin. As in, I did my second tenth of a gram today. You take it every three days, or so they day. Or every day for five days with two days off. Or whatever. At this point it's just a matter of figuring out if it's doing anything for me and on what schedule. Meanwhile, I've been on a fascinating journey of learning how one acquires such things.
posted by hippybear at 11:12 AM on October 3, 2023 [4 favorites]
posted by hippybear at 11:12 AM on October 3, 2023 [4 favorites]
Do please share the details.
posted by y2karl at 11:19 AM on October 3, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by y2karl at 11:19 AM on October 3, 2023 [1 favorite]
I'm tackling a 31 Days of Horror movie challenge for October and tomorrow's theme is cryptids. Uh, anyone got any good cryptid movie recommendations? Emphasis on good. Or decent.
I mean, do we consider werewolves cryptids? I shouldn't think so because to me, a cryptid is a creature that has always been a creature, not a part-time man.
posted by Kitteh at 11:21 AM on October 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
I mean, do we consider werewolves cryptids? I shouldn't think so because to me, a cryptid is a creature that has always been a creature, not a part-time man.
posted by Kitteh at 11:21 AM on October 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
Uh, anyone got any good cryptid movie recommendations?
Dinosaurs living in modern times are generally considered cryptids: would Lake Placid count? Or The Meg?
posted by AzraelBrown at 11:35 AM on October 3, 2023 [1 favorite]
Dinosaurs living in modern times are generally considered cryptids: would Lake Placid count? Or The Meg?
posted by AzraelBrown at 11:35 AM on October 3, 2023 [1 favorite]
I'm not sure if Lamb could be considered a cryptid film? it's seriously weird.
posted by supermedusa at 11:42 AM on October 3, 2023
posted by supermedusa at 11:42 AM on October 3, 2023
I've seen Lamb and both The Meg movies. But I have never seen Lake Placid, featuring the late great Betty White.
posted by Kitteh at 11:57 AM on October 3, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by Kitteh at 11:57 AM on October 3, 2023 [3 favorites]
Note about the emergency phone alarm test: if you, or someone you know has a hidden emergency use (domestic violence) cell phone, turn that sucker off or it will alarm and let everyone know its location.
posted by mightshould at 1:22 PM on October 3, 2023 [7 favorites]
posted by mightshould at 1:22 PM on October 3, 2023 [7 favorites]
My neighbor continues to run his fucking gasoline generator instead of settling whatever difference he has with the power company. It started in January (!). Generators of the sort sold at hardware stores are not designed to be run incessantly; even "pad mounted" "pro" generators do not have a duty cycle of 24/7, typically. So his has been wearing out...you can hear it being unhappy, especially as the muffler was one of the first things to go. It's been slowly driving me bonkers, not that you could tell with me.
The one saving grace is that he's "only" running it for 12 to 16 (unpredictable) hours a day now. I hope the damn fucking thing dies permanently soon. My own generator (for power outages) uses about a gallon of gas every two hours or so. At $5+ for plain unleaded out here that is roughly $60 every 24 continuous hours of use. Back of the envelope math suggests it has cost him $15,000 to run that stupid thing all this time. You can have a new hookup to the power company with trench and meter and everything for less than that. If I had to guess, he broke a $400 something and is one of those idiots who is all "that's outrageous! I'll run the generator until I'm bankrupt before the power company gets my $400."
Ugh. I thought when the literal meth dealer moved out of there things would be better, but I guess the devil you know...
posted by maxwelton at 1:23 PM on October 3, 2023 [11 favorites]
The one saving grace is that he's "only" running it for 12 to 16 (unpredictable) hours a day now. I hope the damn fucking thing dies permanently soon. My own generator (for power outages) uses about a gallon of gas every two hours or so. At $5+ for plain unleaded out here that is roughly $60 every 24 continuous hours of use. Back of the envelope math suggests it has cost him $15,000 to run that stupid thing all this time. You can have a new hookup to the power company with trench and meter and everything for less than that. If I had to guess, he broke a $400 something and is one of those idiots who is all "that's outrageous! I'll run the generator until I'm bankrupt before the power company gets my $400."
Ugh. I thought when the literal meth dealer moved out of there things would be better, but I guess the devil you know...
posted by maxwelton at 1:23 PM on October 3, 2023 [11 favorites]
And, today. I learned that I'm officially old and I'm not 65 yet. But the doctor said that I have a completely deteriorated hip joint that will need a full replacement. Yikes.
Remember when I said I'm not yet 65, when the affordable health care insurance is an option? Yeah. I have a $7.5k deductible. I will find a way to wait till then, bod willing.... but, dang, I lift 50 lb bags of stuff all the time and didn't think it was more than maybe a bone spur. I was shocked, but it looks like cauliflower on the image. I think he was surprised at my mobility and lack of obvious limp. Yeah, reality check.
posted by mightshould at 1:30 PM on October 3, 2023 [7 favorites]
Remember when I said I'm not yet 65, when the affordable health care insurance is an option? Yeah. I have a $7.5k deductible. I will find a way to wait till then, bod willing.... but, dang, I lift 50 lb bags of stuff all the time and didn't think it was more than maybe a bone spur. I was shocked, but it looks like cauliflower on the image. I think he was surprised at my mobility and lack of obvious limp. Yeah, reality check.
posted by mightshould at 1:30 PM on October 3, 2023 [7 favorites]
I believe they once showed us a video out of Texas which recommended throwing furniture and books, but I haven't been offered that video lately.
Oh, I had to watch that one the last time I took active shooter training a few months ago. Though here they've now had to adjust it to "active shooter or if a serial killer starts stabbing people at random" training. (Not making a joke.)
posted by jenfullmoon at 2:06 PM on October 3, 2023 [4 favorites]
Oh, I had to watch that one the last time I took active shooter training a few months ago. Though here they've now had to adjust it to "active shooter or if a serial killer starts stabbing people at random" training. (Not making a joke.)
posted by jenfullmoon at 2:06 PM on October 3, 2023 [4 favorites]
But I have never seen Lake Placid, featuring the late great Betty White.
Dude, don't wait! See it. "I don't do field and even if I did... Maine? I'm allergic to timber!"
posted by SPrintF at 3:12 PM on October 3, 2023 [3 favorites]
Dude, don't wait! See it. "I don't do field and even if I did... Maine? I'm allergic to timber!"
posted by SPrintF at 3:12 PM on October 3, 2023 [3 favorites]
anyone got any good cryptid movie recommendations?
does The Descent qualify? I found it to be effectively creepy/tense
posted by elkevelvet at 3:51 PM on October 3, 2023 [1 favorite]
does The Descent qualify? I found it to be effectively creepy/tense
posted by elkevelvet at 3:51 PM on October 3, 2023 [1 favorite]
My job hunt is showing very positive signs - to the point that that I don't want to say anything in greater detail for fear of jinxing things.
I therefore felt comfortable enough spending the afternoon unplugged from computer and phone, taking a long walk to the main Brooklyn library branch to pick up a reserved book and read for a bit in a park. I am in my more local library for a spell (the roommate has a video call and I am giving him space). And trying to wrap my head around all the day's news.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 4:47 PM on October 3, 2023 [8 favorites]
I therefore felt comfortable enough spending the afternoon unplugged from computer and phone, taking a long walk to the main Brooklyn library branch to pick up a reserved book and read for a bit in a park. I am in my more local library for a spell (the roommate has a video call and I am giving him space). And trying to wrap my head around all the day's news.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 4:47 PM on October 3, 2023 [8 favorites]
Some of the crazy antivaccine cookers are predicting that tomorrow's EBS broadcast will turn the vaccinated into zombies .... if you are around such people when it goes off don't forget to do your best zombie impersonation
posted by mbo at 8:23 PM on October 3, 2023 [7 favorites]
posted by mbo at 8:23 PM on October 3, 2023 [7 favorites]
I'm sure this will go over great on in-office day!
posted by jenfullmoon at 8:30 PM on October 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by jenfullmoon at 8:30 PM on October 3, 2023 [2 favorites]
Add to the truck --
Items stored in the glove box and center console:
Make and model specific information, which usually comes with your vehicle. You need this when your vehicle acts wierd and flashes a code on the screen. Also, official details on when to add fluids, check breaks, etc.
A mechanical pencil (no sharpening) and a little spiral notebook to keep the date and mileage for each oil change, filter change, etc.
Air gauge for tires. Again, keep track in the notebook on when tires are rotated.
Paper maps.
A small flashlight (change the batteries regularly).
Red duct tape/flagging tape for oversized cargo sticking past the tailgate.
Ziploc bags of facial tissue, wet wipes, paper towels.
Trash bags.
A plastic coupon organizer for the paperwork. Vehicle insurance. Tag renewal. New tires, particularly if you have free lifetime rotation. Road assistance membership.
Along with other items already mentioned and stored in a plastic box or duffel bag:
Work gloves.
A jacket in case you must crawl under the vehicle.
Sturdy footwear if you don't normally wear trainers/boots.
Either learn how to roll your cargo straps or store them in bags.
A tarp. A cargo net is also helpful.
Various tools.
More misc. stuff:
A billed cap for driving toward the sun.
Sunshades.
Charger cords for the cellphones.
A designated place for drinks, whether in Styrofoam cups, bottles, etc.
In hot weather, windshield screens.
In cold weather, windshield scraper/brush.
posted by TrishaU at 1:57 AM on October 4, 2023 [2 favorites]
Items stored in the glove box and center console:
Make and model specific information, which usually comes with your vehicle. You need this when your vehicle acts wierd and flashes a code on the screen. Also, official details on when to add fluids, check breaks, etc.
A mechanical pencil (no sharpening) and a little spiral notebook to keep the date and mileage for each oil change, filter change, etc.
Air gauge for tires. Again, keep track in the notebook on when tires are rotated.
Paper maps.
A small flashlight (change the batteries regularly).
Red duct tape/flagging tape for oversized cargo sticking past the tailgate.
Ziploc bags of facial tissue, wet wipes, paper towels.
Trash bags.
A plastic coupon organizer for the paperwork. Vehicle insurance. Tag renewal. New tires, particularly if you have free lifetime rotation. Road assistance membership.
Along with other items already mentioned and stored in a plastic box or duffel bag:
Work gloves.
A jacket in case you must crawl under the vehicle.
Sturdy footwear if you don't normally wear trainers/boots.
Either learn how to roll your cargo straps or store them in bags.
A tarp. A cargo net is also helpful.
Various tools.
More misc. stuff:
A billed cap for driving toward the sun.
Sunshades.
Charger cords for the cellphones.
A designated place for drinks, whether in Styrofoam cups, bottles, etc.
In hot weather, windshield screens.
In cold weather, windshield scraper/brush.
posted by TrishaU at 1:57 AM on October 4, 2023 [2 favorites]
Dang, the kid will already be out of school when the alarm goes off here. Still not reminding him.
Ugh. I thought when the literal meth dealer moved out of there things would be better, but I guess the devil you know...
Some days I really miss the neighbors from a former home. And they burned their house down. They were also drug dealers, but they did an excellent job of reining in their guests and were always super polite to us.
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 3:17 AM on October 4, 2023 [2 favorites]
Ugh. I thought when the literal meth dealer moved out of there things would be better, but I guess the devil you know...
Some days I really miss the neighbors from a former home. And they burned their house down. They were also drug dealers, but they did an excellent job of reining in their guests and were always super polite to us.
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 3:17 AM on October 4, 2023 [2 favorites]
I have a mystery to tantalize my fellow MeFites! Our local indie movie theater held a fundraiser back in March to raise money for a new laser projector and upgraded soundsystem. Folks who donated over a $100 also received an invite for a Mystery Screening later in the year. Well, I got the email about the mystery movie but they won't tell us what it is, except for the following clues (text from actual email):
I) It is an exclusive advance preview of a new movie that is yet-to-be-released in movie theatres in Canada (we will play it publicly at The Screening Room later this Winter).
II) It is less than 90 minutes long, and it's subtitled.
III) It has picked up some prestigious awards & great reviews on the international film festival circuit!
What do y'all think it is? Friends and I were hoping that it would be the new Godzilla movie, but it's too long and I don't think has made the film festivals rounds yet? I mean, if I don't find out, it's not the end of the world, but I am still deeply curious.
posted by Kitteh at 6:19 AM on October 4, 2023 [1 favorite]
I) It is an exclusive advance preview of a new movie that is yet-to-be-released in movie theatres in Canada (we will play it publicly at The Screening Room later this Winter).
II) It is less than 90 minutes long, and it's subtitled.
III) It has picked up some prestigious awards & great reviews on the international film festival circuit!
What do y'all think it is? Friends and I were hoping that it would be the new Godzilla movie, but it's too long and I don't think has made the film festivals rounds yet? I mean, if I don't find out, it's not the end of the world, but I am still deeply curious.
posted by Kitteh at 6:19 AM on October 4, 2023 [1 favorite]
tBRKP: "They were also drug dealers, but they did an excellent job of reining in their guests and were always super polite to us."
tl;dr I did a favour for a criminal and he reciprocated.
I met our last neighbours in England under auspicious circumstances. Next door was a Council house undergoing refurb because changing tenancy to a young family. It was Summer, hot and muggy so we were asleep with the bedroom window open when I heard a sound in the yard next door and saw a couple of lads tricking about with our new neighbour's kitchen window "AHEM, I say chaps, do you think you should be there at this time of night?" . . . "There's no point trying to duck down behind the wall, I know you're there" . . . undignified scramble over the gate and sound of feet racing off down the service lane behind the terrace.
The following evening, the new neighbour came to check progress with the refurb. I hadn't actually spoken to him before, so I told him about the incident the previous night and he told me !TMI TMI! that he'd done time in Durham gaol, indeed he'd just come out from an 18 month stretch in chokey. Without me expressing more than the most cursory interest in this fact, he told me the whole sorry story.
"The wife went shopping with our kids and took a taxi home. The cab-driver drove like a mad thing, terrifying her and the children. When I got home she was still weeping shaking, so I went to the cab company and made them finger the driver. I complained to him, he dissed me, and we got into a fight during which I bit off the baastid's nose. I got three years for GBH, paroled after I'd done half my time"
Fast forward a year or so, The Boy left his bike in the back yard with the gate open or propped up against the gate in the service alley behind the house - and it got nicked. That was bad news but we wrote it off to experience. I bumped into New Neighbour the next day and mentioned the theft as the most exciting thing that had happened to us since I saw him last. He didn't say much - a man more of actions than words - but the bicycle silently reappeared in our yard that evening. Clearly the noli me tangere zone extended beyond the property of lags, gangstas and hard chaws to include their friends and neighbours.
posted by BobTheScientist at 8:35 AM on October 4, 2023 [8 favorites]
tl;dr I did a favour for a criminal and he reciprocated.
I met our last neighbours in England under auspicious circumstances. Next door was a Council house undergoing refurb because changing tenancy to a young family. It was Summer, hot and muggy so we were asleep with the bedroom window open when I heard a sound in the yard next door and saw a couple of lads tricking about with our new neighbour's kitchen window "AHEM, I say chaps, do you think you should be there at this time of night?" . . . "There's no point trying to duck down behind the wall, I know you're there" . . . undignified scramble over the gate and sound of feet racing off down the service lane behind the terrace.
The following evening, the new neighbour came to check progress with the refurb. I hadn't actually spoken to him before, so I told him about the incident the previous night and he told me !TMI TMI! that he'd done time in Durham gaol, indeed he'd just come out from an 18 month stretch in chokey. Without me expressing more than the most cursory interest in this fact, he told me the whole sorry story.
"The wife went shopping with our kids and took a taxi home. The cab-driver drove like a mad thing, terrifying her and the children. When I got home she was still weeping shaking, so I went to the cab company and made them finger the driver. I complained to him, he dissed me, and we got into a fight during which I bit off the baastid's nose. I got three years for GBH, paroled after I'd done half my time"
Fast forward a year or so, The Boy left his bike in the back yard with the gate open or propped up against the gate in the service alley behind the house - and it got nicked. That was bad news but we wrote it off to experience. I bumped into New Neighbour the next day and mentioned the theft as the most exciting thing that had happened to us since I saw him last. He didn't say much - a man more of actions than words - but the bicycle silently reappeared in our yard that evening. Clearly the noli me tangere zone extended beyond the property of lags, gangstas and hard chaws to include their friends and neighbours.
posted by BobTheScientist at 8:35 AM on October 4, 2023 [8 favorites]
My local neighborhood has had a number of car on Moose incidents in the last few weeks, and separately a beloved local Moose - Roxii - who had lived in local backyards for the past 15 years or so, was put down by the Sheriff’s department after she become sick and could no longer stand. There are videos of Roxii over the years giving birth to her many babies in people’s backyards etc A real community fixture - who was still roaming free with one of the local vets slipping her meds occasionally - but who just found a safe place to hang out.
Anyway a young male Moose was killed by a car about 1/2 a mile from me over the weekend and people came out to place wildflowers over the body. It’s the first time I’ve seen it happen and was lovely. People had just seen enough impact to wildlife and something just apparently clicked that we need to be better.
Anyway, when you see signs about slowing down for wildlife - follow them. Moose and Elk and Deer are awesome and we are lucky to share the land with them.
posted by inflatablekiwi at 9:03 AM on October 4, 2023 [4 favorites]
Anyway a young male Moose was killed by a car about 1/2 a mile from me over the weekend and people came out to place wildflowers over the body. It’s the first time I’ve seen it happen and was lovely. People had just seen enough impact to wildlife and something just apparently clicked that we need to be better.
Anyway, when you see signs about slowing down for wildlife - follow them. Moose and Elk and Deer are awesome and we are lucky to share the land with them.
posted by inflatablekiwi at 9:03 AM on October 4, 2023 [4 favorites]
Weird night last night - many many dreams, some seeming to span multiple days. I woke up a bit disoriented, and had to check the calendar to make sure I didn't oversleep and it was next week already!
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:02 AM on October 4, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:02 AM on October 4, 2023 [2 favorites]
Well, the nationwide alarm went off two minutes early here. At least it let me turn it off right quick.
posted by jenfullmoon at 11:19 AM on October 4, 2023 [4 favorites]
posted by jenfullmoon at 11:19 AM on October 4, 2023 [4 favorites]
Well, the nationwide alarm went off two minutes early here.
I was in the middle of reminding my employees that it was coming, when it went off. THANKS DARK BRANDON
posted by AzraelBrown at 11:20 AM on October 4, 2023 [1 favorite]
I was in the middle of reminding my employees that it was coming, when it went off. THANKS DARK BRANDON
posted by AzraelBrown at 11:20 AM on October 4, 2023 [1 favorite]
Just got the emergency alert 2 minutes early as well. Which would be a hell of an SLA to maintain for real emergencies (I now expect 2 minute early alerting for all emergencies including earthquakes, tornados, Godzilla etc.)
posted by inflatablekiwi at 11:23 AM on October 4, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by inflatablekiwi at 11:23 AM on October 4, 2023 [2 favorites]
Also, I did appreciate that the alert message did include “tribal and territorial levels”. Always like it when it’s not just feds, state, and local getting recognized.
posted by inflatablekiwi at 12:11 PM on October 4, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by inflatablekiwi at 12:11 PM on October 4, 2023 [2 favorites]
People in Guam being awaked in the middle of the night by their phones screaming at them.
posted by hippybear at 12:32 PM on October 4, 2023 [4 favorites]
posted by hippybear at 12:32 PM on October 4, 2023 [4 favorites]
Guam and the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands didn't get the mobile phone alert as they do not have do not have U.S. based cellular carriers that participate in WEA (wireless emergency alerts). If they had their radios or TVs on though they would have got it through the EAS system.
And now I feel like I've fallen into a rabbit hole of information about the emergency alert systems of the US....
posted by inflatablekiwi at 1:48 PM on October 4, 2023 [3 favorites]
And now I feel like I've fallen into a rabbit hole of information about the emergency alert systems of the US....
posted by inflatablekiwi at 1:48 PM on October 4, 2023 [3 favorites]
I didn't hear the alert. I was in a meeting at the time. Did it still make noise if your phone was on silent? If so I may have annoyed my neighbors...
posted by downtohisturtles at 2:09 PM on October 4, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by downtohisturtles at 2:09 PM on October 4, 2023 [1 favorite]
In theory the emergency alert system ignores silent modes or if you are on a call on purpose. Given how many different ways phones can be muted/ different focus modes or apps etc (or if you have headphones in etc) I’m sure there are scenarios were it doesn’t make a noise - but by default yes it should have annoyed your neighbors - though their phones would have gone off too - so your phone was just part of the herd most likely.
posted by inflatablekiwi at 2:33 PM on October 4, 2023
posted by inflatablekiwi at 2:33 PM on October 4, 2023
I set myself a calendar reminder for 10 minutes ahead of the event, and it still startled me.
posted by Greg_Ace at 3:07 PM on October 4, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by Greg_Ace at 3:07 PM on October 4, 2023 [1 favorite]
Did the calendar reminder also startle you? because it would me.
posted by hippybear at 3:14 PM on October 4, 2023
posted by hippybear at 3:14 PM on October 4, 2023
Did the calendar reminder also startle you?
No, I purposely chose a calm notification sound for those, set at a discreet low volume.
The alert sound, on the other hand... I know that's the point, but since the phone was in my shirt pocket - yikes!
posted by Greg_Ace at 4:18 PM on October 4, 2023
No, I purposely chose a calm notification sound for those, set at a discreet low volume.
The alert sound, on the other hand... I know that's the point, but since the phone was in my shirt pocket - yikes!
posted by Greg_Ace at 4:18 PM on October 4, 2023
I do not get cell service at my house, but have my phone use wifi...and i did not get the alert. Guess if the world ends (and no one makes a fpp about it) i will never know. Probably for the best...
posted by maxwelton at 5:18 PM on October 4, 2023
posted by maxwelton at 5:18 PM on October 4, 2023
The.Carrington Event has come to mind for me of late. About every three hours any more -- because solar maximum. But what're you going to do? /Homer Simpson
posted by y2karl at 5:54 PM on October 4, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by y2karl at 5:54 PM on October 4, 2023 [1 favorite]
There are a lot of mentions on Mastodon of people who have Cellular Wifi and didn't get the alert. This is a hole in the system that likely wasn't known until now, and will have to be addressed.
posted by hippybear at 5:57 PM on October 4, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by hippybear at 5:57 PM on October 4, 2023 [1 favorite]
Back in the day, I read this post about the best mashups of 2016. Last year I visited the Bootie Mashup site again and downloaded an entire album of Mariah Carey Christmas mashups (no regrets), and apparently also a handful of their Halloween collections. I discovered the Halloween music when starting on an October playlist, and just downloaded the rest and queued them all up. Ghostbusters + Barenaked Ladies' One Week is pretty good!
posted by mersen at 4:01 AM on October 5, 2023
posted by mersen at 4:01 AM on October 5, 2023
I went to the dentist and got Slightly Less Bad Than Usual reviews on my mouth. They also forgot to check my blood pressure. Win-win!
posted by jenfullmoon at 10:23 AM on October 5, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by jenfullmoon at 10:23 AM on October 5, 2023 [2 favorites]
I went to a dentist that checked my blood pressure and it was high. So I went to a doctor who prescribed some meds. They made my blood pressure drop so low I'd get dizzy every time I stood up. So I stopped taking them and I feel fine. Fuck dentists (I say as the son of a dentist).
posted by downtohisturtles at 10:53 AM on October 5, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by downtohisturtles at 10:53 AM on October 5, 2023 [1 favorite]
Dentists are checking blood pressure now??
Prior to Covid, I mentioned to my doctor that I was concerned about my BP, as each time the dentist took it, it was high.
"Of course it is," he said. "Going to the dentist raises EVERYONE'S blood pressure."
posted by a non mouse, a cow herd at 11:20 AM on October 5, 2023 [1 favorite]
Prior to Covid, I mentioned to my doctor that I was concerned about my BP, as each time the dentist took it, it was high.
"Of course it is," he said. "Going to the dentist raises EVERYONE'S blood pressure."
posted by a non mouse, a cow herd at 11:20 AM on October 5, 2023 [1 favorite]
Yes, it's policy that they check you every time. The last few years they complain every single time that my blood pressure is high. The periodontist assistant I see at the other place specializes in Chinese medicine and acupuncture/acupressure and does acupressure techniques on me to get me to calm down, so at least when she re-takes it it's less bad. But ever since I got hugely BUSTED at the one actual physical exam doctor appointment I've had to do in years--she said she was going to report me to the GP for it, but didn't--I'm terrified. People have suggested I check it at home alone, but of course it's going to go up because I'm terrified of getting bad results. (And y'all know how my job goes, so it's never-ending stress and hell and everyone has high blood pressure. My supervisor's was so high the dentist refused to work on her.)
I note my therapist suggested "white coat hypertension," i.e. "my blood pressure rises every time I go to the doctor" and I at least think that's the case since now I panic every single time I need medical care since 2020. I barely get myself to the bare minimum of dentist and shots.
I'm always stressed at the dentist! Who the heck isn't stressed at the dentist? It's a neverending place of failure for me! My mouth is too small, my gag reflex is too big, I constantly have huuuuuuuge problems with the back of my mouth and it takes a lot just so I don't throw up on everyone or throw up on my toothbrush. They probably wish I'd spend 20 minutes multiple times a day just scrubbing and scouring every millimeter of the back of my mouth...and then I'd barf.
posted by jenfullmoon at 12:18 PM on October 5, 2023 [1 favorite]
I note my therapist suggested "white coat hypertension," i.e. "my blood pressure rises every time I go to the doctor" and I at least think that's the case since now I panic every single time I need medical care since 2020. I barely get myself to the bare minimum of dentist and shots.
I'm always stressed at the dentist! Who the heck isn't stressed at the dentist? It's a neverending place of failure for me! My mouth is too small, my gag reflex is too big, I constantly have huuuuuuuge problems with the back of my mouth and it takes a lot just so I don't throw up on everyone or throw up on my toothbrush. They probably wish I'd spend 20 minutes multiple times a day just scrubbing and scouring every millimeter of the back of my mouth...and then I'd barf.
posted by jenfullmoon at 12:18 PM on October 5, 2023 [1 favorite]
So I stopped taking them and I feel fine.
I encourage seeking treatment, there maybe approaches with lower incidents of side effects. There is a reason high blood pressure is known as the silent killer.
There are blood pressure monitors you can wear like a (Dick Tracy/Leela sized) wrist watch. While not terribly accurate they can give you lots of low stress readings and you can calibrate a bit by comparing device readings with professional readings taken at the same time.
posted by Mitheral at 12:34 PM on October 5, 2023 [1 favorite]
I encourage seeking treatment, there maybe approaches with lower incidents of side effects. There is a reason high blood pressure is known as the silent killer.
There are blood pressure monitors you can wear like a (Dick Tracy/Leela sized) wrist watch. While not terribly accurate they can give you lots of low stress readings and you can calibrate a bit by comparing device readings with professional readings taken at the same time.
posted by Mitheral at 12:34 PM on October 5, 2023 [1 favorite]
Also, those home blood pressure units are not expensive and super nice to just have around. And having one and using it regularly might desensitize you to that ritual at least in your own house.
posted by hippybear at 12:55 PM on October 5, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by hippybear at 12:55 PM on October 5, 2023 [1 favorite]
Yeah a reputable e.g. Omron blood pressure meter is a necessary purchase if you are like mid 40s or later. Seriously. Should not cost you more than a hundred bucks, with cheaper models around fifty.
posted by seanmpuckett at 1:51 PM on October 5, 2023
posted by seanmpuckett at 1:51 PM on October 5, 2023
I was having really REALLY weird blood pressure stuff going on a while back and bought one, I think it was around $50, and it was really great for tracking things when everything was going haywire. Now I have it around and if I'm having a weird time in my body I can just take my blood pressure and see if that might be part of the problem.
Blood pressure is a thing that can make you feel terrible when it's off and you have ZERO IDEA WHAT IS GOING ON until you have a blood pressure cuff. It's helped me greatly in separating my physical from my mental issues, even while my mental issues are causing some of my physical issues.
posted by hippybear at 1:59 PM on October 5, 2023 [2 favorites]
Blood pressure is a thing that can make you feel terrible when it's off and you have ZERO IDEA WHAT IS GOING ON until you have a blood pressure cuff. It's helped me greatly in separating my physical from my mental issues, even while my mental issues are causing some of my physical issues.
posted by hippybear at 1:59 PM on October 5, 2023 [2 favorites]
Spouse is big mad and went to the Council meeting last night with one of the adjacent neighbors, who is also big mad since they are now routinely picking up used needles and dime bags off of their lawn. They were instructed by the council to report it, which made spouse mad again because, uh, he has been reporting this guy for years.
Adjacent neighbor was also big mad because the police are barely responding without prodding to the report of an individual who might have joined the choir eternal in the backseat of an illegally parked car and now they are being instructed to leave actual health hazards on their lawn.
Life in suburban ‘burgh is not for the faint of heart.
I support the sentiment to get an at-home blood pressure cuff and taking regular measurements. It really helps! My BP has been reading HIGH in all the healthcare visits over the summer, having a cuff at home eased my mind a lot.
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 2:36 PM on October 5, 2023 [2 favorites]
Adjacent neighbor was also big mad because the police are barely responding without prodding to the report of an individual who might have joined the choir eternal in the backseat of an illegally parked car and now they are being instructed to leave actual health hazards on their lawn.
Life in suburban ‘burgh is not for the faint of heart.
I support the sentiment to get an at-home blood pressure cuff and taking regular measurements. It really helps! My BP has been reading HIGH in all the healthcare visits over the summer, having a cuff at home eased my mind a lot.
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 2:36 PM on October 5, 2023 [2 favorites]
My doctor prescribed me a blood pressure cuff and asked me to start monitoring things a couple years back, when my blood pressure was a little on the high side. My cholesterol was also JUUUUUUUUUUUUUST over into the "hmm, this could be a problem" side too. I was a little worried about that for a while - but then realized that she was testing me after I'd just been through two and a half years of "I'm locked up inside because of a pandemic" coupled with a side of "and I've been sitting on my ass all that time too because I broke my damn knee two years ago". Bolstered by a side of "and I have been hitting the takeout a little too much.
It was enough of a motivation to get more mobile and tweak the diet a bit - we'd just gotten a smoothie maker at work, so I would have smoothies for my breakfast, with some cranberries always included; I'd read that cranberries had a REALLY good impact on blood pressure, so I made sure to always throw a handful in. And I walked more to and from work, which in turn got my knee back into better shape and then got me more mobile in general. And my diet has also gotten heavily plant-based since then as well, more because I have a TON of beans and produce coming at me right now.
I haven't had it tested but I have a feeling that if we did, my cholestorol would be back down again and so would my blood pressure.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 4:13 PM on October 5, 2023 [3 favorites]
It was enough of a motivation to get more mobile and tweak the diet a bit - we'd just gotten a smoothie maker at work, so I would have smoothies for my breakfast, with some cranberries always included; I'd read that cranberries had a REALLY good impact on blood pressure, so I made sure to always throw a handful in. And I walked more to and from work, which in turn got my knee back into better shape and then got me more mobile in general. And my diet has also gotten heavily plant-based since then as well, more because I have a TON of beans and produce coming at me right now.
I haven't had it tested but I have a feeling that if we did, my cholestorol would be back down again and so would my blood pressure.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 4:13 PM on October 5, 2023 [3 favorites]
Okay: there's something I haven't seen mentioned all that often when it comes to job searching. And that is that when you post a resume online on a site like Monster or Indeed, you are suddenly BESIEGED with calls, texts, and emails from people at fly-by-night staffing services you've never heard of, calling with "job openings" that are all three-month contracts for well below your asking salary.
And sometimes it's even more ridiculous than that - one person called to talk to me about a $12 an hour clerical job for a two-month contract in MINNEAPOLIS. I live in BROOKLYN, NEW YORK. And just today, I got an email from someone saying that she "saw my resume and you are an excellent fit" for her offer - as a PHYSICAL THERAPIST. My resume contains nothing but EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT positions.
(stares)
A high school friend is a recruiter now and he HATES these guys. I've taken to looking up the Yelp pages for the REALLY bad offenders and leaving them super-bad reviews.
Honestly, one of the many reasons I'm hoping to get an offer soon is so I can take down all the bat-signals I've got up all over the place so these skeezoids will LEAVE ME THE HELL ALONE FINALLY.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:08 PM on October 5, 2023 [4 favorites]
And sometimes it's even more ridiculous than that - one person called to talk to me about a $12 an hour clerical job for a two-month contract in MINNEAPOLIS. I live in BROOKLYN, NEW YORK. And just today, I got an email from someone saying that she "saw my resume and you are an excellent fit" for her offer - as a PHYSICAL THERAPIST. My resume contains nothing but EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT positions.
(stares)
A high school friend is a recruiter now and he HATES these guys. I've taken to looking up the Yelp pages for the REALLY bad offenders and leaving them super-bad reviews.
Honestly, one of the many reasons I'm hoping to get an offer soon is so I can take down all the bat-signals I've got up all over the place so these skeezoids will LEAVE ME THE HELL ALONE FINALLY.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:08 PM on October 5, 2023 [4 favorites]
I saw my favorite band play this week. They had broken up for a decade and I didn't know if I'd ever see them but the got back together and have been touring and it was glorious. Played every song I wanted to hear. I loved it. I've been riding high ever since.
posted by downtohisturtles at 9:27 PM on October 5, 2023 [4 favorites]
posted by downtohisturtles at 9:27 PM on October 5, 2023 [4 favorites]
For appreciators of mondegreens, I just saw a new-to-me one: "thick piece," for "think piece," as in "another NYT thick piece about the disaffected Trump voter." (not the actual context)|
posted by taz at 9:58 PM on October 5, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by taz at 9:58 PM on October 5, 2023 [3 favorites]
Another Job Hunt Follies tale -
I suppose that at some point in my life, I was going to end up being late to a job interview. I'd left myself enough time to get there 15 minutes early - but the job was in a somewhat confusingly-laid-out part of Queens, and I started my "short walk to the office" by going about 4 blocks in the wrong direction and got COMPLETELY lost. Fortunately I was able to call them before the scheduled time and explain the situation, and they were VERY understanding; when I showed up about 10 minutes late and profusely apologized, everyone said that they had all had exactly the same thing happen to them one time or another. Even the potential boss said that something like that had just happened to her last week.
So I guess that if I was just fated to have an "I showed up late" moment, at least I handled it okay?
I was still embarrassed enough to hole up indoors for the rest of the day afterward. When I need to snap myself out of something, sometimes I'll do slightly ambitious cooking projects to distract myself - so that is why there is now a quart-size Mason jar of napa cabbage and carrots fermenting on a shelf in my home office, hopefully on its way to becoming kimchi.
(Fun fact: I've never had kimchi. I've never really had any Korean food. I've been meaning to explore it, though, and there was no way I was going to get through the enormous head of napa cabbage from the CSA otherwise, so let's give it a go. If it's not my thing, I'll foist it all off on my Korean-food-loving roommate.)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:16 AM on October 6, 2023 [4 favorites]
I suppose that at some point in my life, I was going to end up being late to a job interview. I'd left myself enough time to get there 15 minutes early - but the job was in a somewhat confusingly-laid-out part of Queens, and I started my "short walk to the office" by going about 4 blocks in the wrong direction and got COMPLETELY lost. Fortunately I was able to call them before the scheduled time and explain the situation, and they were VERY understanding; when I showed up about 10 minutes late and profusely apologized, everyone said that they had all had exactly the same thing happen to them one time or another. Even the potential boss said that something like that had just happened to her last week.
So I guess that if I was just fated to have an "I showed up late" moment, at least I handled it okay?
I was still embarrassed enough to hole up indoors for the rest of the day afterward. When I need to snap myself out of something, sometimes I'll do slightly ambitious cooking projects to distract myself - so that is why there is now a quart-size Mason jar of napa cabbage and carrots fermenting on a shelf in my home office, hopefully on its way to becoming kimchi.
(Fun fact: I've never had kimchi. I've never really had any Korean food. I've been meaning to explore it, though, and there was no way I was going to get through the enormous head of napa cabbage from the CSA otherwise, so let's give it a go. If it's not my thing, I'll foist it all off on my Korean-food-loving roommate.)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:16 AM on October 6, 2023 [4 favorites]
suddenly BESIEGED with calls, texts, and emails from people at fly-by-night staffing services
YES, all the time. I ended up filtering out all those emails, since I have yet to receive a single valid job offer that way.
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:19 AM on October 6, 2023 [1 favorite]
YES, all the time. I ended up filtering out all those emails, since I have yet to receive a single valid job offer that way.
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:19 AM on October 6, 2023 [1 favorite]
I ended up filtering out all those emails, since I have yet to receive a single valid job offer that way.
I've checked a couple other places about what's going on and I think the idea is that they just scan LinkedIn for job openings and then scan other sites for resumes, then they pitch the openings to you and the only way you can find out more info about the position is to agree to use them as your official go-between, for a cut.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 9:54 AM on October 6, 2023 [2 favorites]
I've checked a couple other places about what's going on and I think the idea is that they just scan LinkedIn for job openings and then scan other sites for resumes, then they pitch the openings to you and the only way you can find out more info about the position is to agree to use them as your official go-between, for a cut.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 9:54 AM on October 6, 2023 [2 favorites]
I initially presented with high blood pressure at the dentist. To be more clear, they measured me at 180/120, which is hypertensive crisis. They were like “you need to go see a doctor. Today.” 80% chance of mortality within a year, if left untreated.
So I did, and got put on a very reasonable dose of lisinopril, and bam, back down to 120/80. My metabolism responded extremely favorably to it.
That was about 9 years ago now, I think? I was and still am in reasonable good shape otherwise. But I could have just keeled over dead if I hadn’t finally gotten around to getting my teeth cleaned after a long hiatus.
posted by notoriety public at 12:56 PM on October 6, 2023
So I did, and got put on a very reasonable dose of lisinopril, and bam, back down to 120/80. My metabolism responded extremely favorably to it.
That was about 9 years ago now, I think? I was and still am in reasonable good shape otherwise. But I could have just keeled over dead if I hadn’t finally gotten around to getting my teeth cleaned after a long hiatus.
posted by notoriety public at 12:56 PM on October 6, 2023
HOLY MOTHER OF GOD the skeeze recruiters were out in force today. I got 6 completely different calls in the space of like 90 minutes.
And I was at my temp job. I explained to my coworkers what was going on, and after the last call I learned they'd started betting how many more I would get.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 1:27 PM on October 6, 2023 [1 favorite]
And I was at my temp job. I explained to my coworkers what was going on, and after the last call I learned they'd started betting how many more I would get.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 1:27 PM on October 6, 2023 [1 favorite]
i've got a birthday coming up later this month and since there's been persistent widespread interest in giving me stuff i would like to let everyone know that what i really want is a painting in the style of raphael's scuola di atene but with jeff mangum from neutral milk hotel on the left, pointing upwards, and john darnielle from the mountain goats on the right, gesturing downwards.
just those two; no need to paint the full thing, in fact i encourage you to please not paint the full thing. if you absolutely must paint the full thing, feel free to replace everyone else with various late 90s / early 2000s musicians. that's not important, though — the important thing is mangum pointing to the heavens and darnielle the earth.
𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕜 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕚𝕟 𝕒𝕕𝕧𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖
posted by bombastic lowercase pronouncements at 4:06 PM on October 6, 2023 [1 favorite]
just those two; no need to paint the full thing, in fact i encourage you to please not paint the full thing. if you absolutely must paint the full thing, feel free to replace everyone else with various late 90s / early 2000s musicians. that's not important, though — the important thing is mangum pointing to the heavens and darnielle the earth.
𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕜 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕚𝕟 𝕒𝕕𝕧𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖
posted by bombastic lowercase pronouncements at 4:06 PM on October 6, 2023 [1 favorite]
n.b. this is a devastatingly funny joke and i will not hear so much as a single word otherwise
posted by bombastic lowercase pronouncements at 4:07 PM on October 6, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by bombastic lowercase pronouncements at 4:07 PM on October 6, 2023 [1 favorite]
Oh man, I can't believe I never thought of this before... I have an "authentic"* Texas chili recipe I really like that mainly consists of meat, beans, and dried chilies (plus onion, garlic, and a few other seasonings). As some cold rainy weather is coming up, I got the ingredients to make it this week.
That was yesterday; today I had a brainstorm: smoke the chuck steak before searing it and cutting it up to add to the other ingredients! [insert Mind Blown meme here] I'll let y'all know how it turns out.
*arguable
posted by Greg_Ace at 5:42 PM on October 8, 2023 [3 favorites]
That was yesterday; today I had a brainstorm: smoke the chuck steak before searing it and cutting it up to add to the other ingredients! [insert Mind Blown meme here] I'll let y'all know how it turns out.
*arguable
posted by Greg_Ace at 5:42 PM on October 8, 2023 [3 favorites]
I've checked a couple other places about what's going on and I think the idea is that they just scan LinkedIn for job openings and then scan other sites for resumes, then they pitch the openings to you and the only way you can find out more info about the position is to agree to use them as your official go-between, for a cut.
I meant to reply here and it totally slipped my mind at the time, but:
When you upload your resume to one of those sites, remove your phone and email info (any contact info, honestly, except your name and city). People who find your resume introducing through the site can still contact you directly via the site you uploaded it to, but you won’t have to deal with the bad actors.
Obviously, keep that info on there for any resumes you send directly to employers.
posted by thecaddy at 5:20 AM on October 19, 2023
I meant to reply here and it totally slipped my mind at the time, but:
When you upload your resume to one of those sites, remove your phone and email info (any contact info, honestly, except your name and city). People who find your resume introducing through the site can still contact you directly via the site you uploaded it to, but you won’t have to deal with the bad actors.
Obviously, keep that info on there for any resumes you send directly to employers.
posted by thecaddy at 5:20 AM on October 19, 2023
« Older Waste coffee grounds make concrete 30% stronger | 2010s Pop Feminism: A Painful Look Back Newer »
This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments
And now I need a nap, still, stupid cold.
posted by drewbage1847 at 9:12 PM on October 2, 2023 [2 favorites]