GMG Classical Music Forum

The Back Room => The Diner => Topic started by: Mark on July 16, 2007, 03:14:32 PM

Title: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on July 16, 2007, 03:14:32 PM
Decided we need a generic thread to post our tales of general pottering about while we're logged in here (hell, we've threads for every other kind of 'What are you ... ?', so why not this?).

Actually, it's a bit of a self-motivated thread, as I wanted to let you all know that I'm preparing my first contribution to the Broadcast Thread. Having gone through several, long-winded processes to get the First Night of this year's BBC Proms off of my PVR and onto my PC, I've since converted it to Mpeg2, created a DVD (with chapters and everything ... I'm so proud  0:)), stripped off the audio tracks, cut them up and I'm now about to make them into MP3 files. Next stop will be the tagging, then the uploading, then the linking to here ... it never ends. Don't expect me to make too many of these contributions from the 2007 Proms. ;D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Solitary Wanderer on July 16, 2007, 03:21:35 PM
This morning; I've uploaded the RAW image files onto my hard drive from Saturdays wedding, I've backed them up on to DVD, now I'm 'culling' the images from 800 down to approx. 300 in Adobe Bridge/Photoshop. [This is the worst part of the job ::)]

This afternoon [hopefully] I'll start colour correcting the selected images.

And surfing the 'net' in-between or maybe its the other way 'round... ;)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Tancata on July 16, 2007, 03:44:20 PM
Waiting for the late-night movie, "Cherry Falls", to begin  :).
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Don on July 16, 2007, 03:46:09 PM
I'm eating a black & white cookie - the snack for people who believe in racial integration.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kullervo on July 16, 2007, 03:49:25 PM
I'm stewing in my own juices.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Don on July 16, 2007, 03:51:34 PM
Quote from: Kullervo on July 16, 2007, 03:49:25 PM
I'm stewing in my own juices.

Kullervo Stew - a dish only served in the best restaurants.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: EmpNapoleon on July 16, 2007, 04:02:47 PM
What am I doing?  I'm expressing the early stages of Depersonality Disorder.

And now I just want attention, I think.

And now I'm getting a weird feeling of not belonging to a body (DD) when I think about that psychology thread.

I'm going to do pushups now.

(I thought some parts of this before I started writing).

Now I read this over, because I will post it.  And I wispered the last sentance to myself.  I don't know if I should write that I'm too self-conscious, but I did. 

I don't think I should post anything now.  Who am I?

This took too long
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on July 16, 2007, 04:15:32 PM
Quote from: Don on July 16, 2007, 03:46:09 PM
I'm eating a black & white cookie - the snack for people who believe in racial integration.

Nice. :) As is the avatar.

I'm now uploading (to MediaFire, many will be pleased to hear) the eight files mentioned in my OP. Give it an hour, and those who didn't experience the opening of this year's BBC Proms will be able to do so. Well, you'll be able to hear the music without the presenters' chit-chat and the HORRENDOUS coughing between movements/performances (all edited out, as many others will be pleased to hear ;)).
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: BachQ on July 16, 2007, 04:20:33 PM
I'm currently contemplating the two possible outcomes of this thread:

1. It could really take off and persist for months into the future; or

2. It could die a fairly quick and painless death.

And I'm further contemplating that one of the above scenarios is far more likely than the other .........

Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Solitary Wanderer on July 16, 2007, 04:21:58 PM
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{#2}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on July 16, 2007, 04:35:42 PM
But, I shall keep it alive. By resuscitation if necessary.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kullervo on July 16, 2007, 04:39:33 PM
Quote from: Don on July 16, 2007, 03:51:34 PM
Kullervo Stew - a dish only served in the best restaurants.

Served over basmati rice.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Tancata on July 16, 2007, 05:28:27 PM
Pondering the lessons learnt in the aftermath of the late-night movie, "Cherry Falls".  :)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on July 16, 2007, 05:30:25 PM
Quote from: Mark on July 16, 2007, 03:14:32 PM
Actually, it's a bit of a self-motivated thread, as I wanted to let you all know that I'm preparing my first contribution to the Broadcast Thread. Having gone through several, long-winded processes to get the First Night of this year's BBC Proms off of my PVR and onto my PC, I've since converted it to Mpeg2, created a DVD (with chapters and everything ... I'm so proud  0:)), stripped off the audio tracks, cut them up and I'm now about to make them into MP3 files. Next stop will be the tagging, then the uploading, then the linking to here ... it never ends. Don't expect me to make too many of these contributions from the 2007 Proms. ;D

Right, if you want the audio-only version of the First Night of the BBC Proms 2007, see here (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,42.msg57106.html#msg57106). :)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mozart on July 16, 2007, 05:57:37 PM
QuoteWhat are you doing?


Crying! I just watched La Traviata, and wondered why anyone would want to feel like such crap for an entire day after seeing it. So sad..
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: yashin on July 17, 2007, 01:40:18 AM
Have got 7 weeks holiday............yipeeeeeeee no more work for 7 weeks
Actually........i never feel good at this point-finished work for 7 weeks and now i feel kinda empty :'( Why does work run our lives?
Am sure it will pass tomorrow when i realise i don't have to go to work

what to do....what to do.....?

Any ideas?
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on July 17, 2007, 02:29:26 AM
Laying out a graduate brochure for Microsoft. Which is odd, because I'm a writer, not a designer. Ho hum ...
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Tancata on July 17, 2007, 03:26:23 AM
Quote from: yashin on July 17, 2007, 01:40:18 AM
Have got 7 weeks holiday............yipeeeeeeee no more work for 7 weeks
Actually........i never feel good at this point-finished work for 7 weeks and now i feel kinda empty :'( Why does work run our lives?
Am sure it will pass tomorrow when i realise i don't have to go to work

what to do....what to do.....?

Any ideas?

yashin, never fear...that empty feeling is always terrible isn't it! But it passes, even if it seems impossible  0:). Soon, you'll become incredibly lazy, even going to the shops to buy coffee will stress you out and cause you to restructure your whole day...

What to do?....nothing  :).

Or you could gather up all your neglected and unheard CDs ...  $:)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Soundproof on July 17, 2007, 03:48:38 AM
Putting together a playlist for an afternoon of listening where I'll be buying my next sound system. Picking music that I know will be revealing, while also enjoyable! It's getting to be quite a journey, from The The to Veronique Gens/Rameau, via way too many musical styles.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: johnQpublic on July 17, 2007, 03:51:15 AM
Like yashin, vacation starts (tomorrow for me) so right now, I'm packing, clean up the SUV, heading to the bank for $$$, etc.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: BachQ on July 17, 2007, 03:56:41 AM
As a good American consumer ......... I'm drinking coffee ......... heavy on cream & SplendaTM
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Hector on July 17, 2007, 04:27:16 AM
I am reading about the extraordinary trouble you are taking in making a permanency of Watkins' somewhat low-key performance of the Elgar 'Cello Concerto (some would be unkind and say "lacklustre").
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on July 17, 2007, 05:20:48 AM
Quote from: Hector on July 17, 2007, 04:27:16 AM
I am reading about the extraordinary trouble you are taking in making a permanency of Watkins' somewhat low-key performance of the Elgar 'Cello Concerto (some would be unkind and say "lacklustre").

To be honest, I wish I hadn't bothered. I just wanted to experiment with transferring content from my PVR and find out what it takes to convert said content. It's all far too long-winded, so I doubt I'll be doing it often.

Right now, I'm having lunch. Cheese roll. Dull.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kullervo on July 17, 2007, 05:23:01 AM
Quote from: Mark on July 17, 2007, 05:20:48 AM
Right now, I'm having lunch. Cheese roll. Dull.

What the heck is a cheese roll?
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Tancata on July 17, 2007, 05:28:23 AM
Quote from: Kullervo on July 17, 2007, 05:23:01 AM
What the heck is a cheese roll?

It's a bread roll, sliced in half lengthways, optionally buttered, containing one or more slices of cheese.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on July 17, 2007, 05:29:22 AM
Ha! Sorry, I should've explained that. ;D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: greg on July 17, 2007, 06:06:32 AM
dreaming about a some place actually calling me back so i can get a job.....
dreaming about IMSLP putting new scores that I could actually use online....
chillin'
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: orbital on July 17, 2007, 06:06:58 AM
Quote from: johnQpublic on July 17, 2007, 03:51:15 AM
Like yashin, vacation starts (tomorrow for me) so right now, I'm packing, clean up the SUV, heading to the bank for $$$, etc.
Vacation time all around. Mine starts on friday.
For the topic question: I am printing my e-tickets  8)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: BachQ on July 17, 2007, 06:10:32 AM
Currently: ........ I'm debating whether I should inform Greg that his "Dream Thread" suffers from some imperfections .........
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Tancata on July 17, 2007, 06:11:51 AM
I'm drinking coffee.

I had to make two cups. The first I made had a winged ant floating at the top. When I pulled back the curtains in the living-room this morning, there were about fifty (not exaggerating) of the things on the inside of the window trying to get out. More were parading across the carpet from the fireplace.

I thought about my vegetarian principles for about eight seconds, then lit the fire  8).


Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: greg on July 17, 2007, 06:16:45 AM
Quote from: D Minor on July 17, 2007, 06:10:32 AM
Currently: ........ I'm debating whether I should inform Greg that his "Dream Thread" suffers from some imperfections .........
Currently: ........ I'm wondering if D Minor is a Bulls' fan.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Sergeant Rock on July 17, 2007, 06:27:24 AM
Photoshopping a silly picture  ;D

Sarge
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Tancata on July 17, 2007, 06:48:06 AM
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on July 17, 2007, 06:27:24 AM
Photoshopping a silly picture  ;D

Sarge

uffeviking isn't going to ban you for this, is she?  :P

Edit: OK - I've seen the picture. I know you feel strongly about people changing their avatars, but don't you think it would be a much better one for you?  :D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: маразм1 on July 17, 2007, 06:54:45 AM
Listening to a very long lecture with very lame jokes. 
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Solitary Wanderer on July 17, 2007, 01:40:40 PM
Just returned from my morning training run. Actually a nice morning here after two very wild weeks with storms and flooding.

Catching up on emails, GMG etc then I'll start colour correcting the images I sorted yesterday :)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on July 17, 2007, 01:47:44 PM
Avoiding washing the dishes by sitting at the PC. :D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on July 17, 2007, 02:58:18 PM
Listening online to extended (high-quality) samples from Chandos' Opera in English series. I've so far sampled Smetana's The Bartered Bride, Janacek's The Cunning Little Vixen and Bartok's Duke Bluebeard's Castle.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Solitary Wanderer on July 17, 2007, 03:03:46 PM
Quote from: Mark on July 17, 2007, 02:58:18 PM
Listening online to extended (high-quality) samples from Chandos' Opera in English series. I've so far sampled Smetana's The Bartered Bride, Janacek's The Cunning Little Vixen and Bartok's Duke Bluebeard's Castle.

Did you buy any more of those Mark? I recall you have Mozarts Magic Flute. I have that and Faust which is excellent, but learning them in English was fine untill I saw/heard them performed in German/French :o It kinda threw me a bit :(

Having said that I'm considering getting The Flying Dutchman as its still nice to just hear it in a language you understand; somehow its easier ;) :)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Sergeant Rock on July 17, 2007, 03:14:13 PM
Quote from: Tancata on July 17, 2007, 06:48:06 AM
uffeviking isn't going to ban you for this, is she?  :P

I won't give her the pleasure. I watch my P's & Q's now because I know she's watching me, waiting to pounce on any sexual misstep.

Quote from: Tancata on July 17, 2007, 06:48:06 AM

Edit: OK - I've seen the picture. I know you feel strongly about people changing their avatars, but don't you think it would be a much better one for you?  :D

It would. I am a dancing man...and I get all the chicks  ;D

Sarge
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kiddiarni on July 17, 2007, 03:26:40 PM
Pondering about how to import a French electronic duo and watching Jay Leno.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Scriptavolant on July 17, 2007, 03:46:38 PM
I've been splitting mp3 files for a couple of hours, including a 1h30m file of Schnabel's recording of the late Beethoven Sonatas.
Gratifying activity.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Bonehelm on July 17, 2007, 09:28:49 PM
Sitting on my bed, staring at my Wand Bruckner 4th set in awe...the organ-like brass chorales are still ringing in my ears...
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mozart on July 18, 2007, 02:27:52 AM
There is a baby outside, crying and laughing at the same time.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on July 18, 2007, 02:34:02 AM
Writing deathly dull ads for London borough councils ...
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mozart on July 18, 2007, 02:37:47 AM
Quote from: Mark on July 18, 2007, 02:34:02 AM
Writing deathly dull ads for London borough councils ...

ads? I don't understand?
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Bonehelm on July 18, 2007, 02:38:37 AM
Watching Jet Li's Fearless on my Sony 42'' LCD HDTV...
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: lukeottevanger on July 18, 2007, 02:53:54 AM
Quote from: Mark on July 16, 2007, 04:15:32 PM
Nice. :) As is the avatar.

I'm now uploading (to MediaFire, many will be pleased to hear) the eight files mentioned in my OP. Give it an hour, and those who didn't experience the opening of this year's BBC Proms will be able to do so. Well, you'll be able to hear the music without the presenters' chit-chat and the HORRENDOUS coughing between movements/performances (all edited out, as many others will be pleased to hear ;)).

Sorry, I haven't been following properly, Mark. This is the BBC TV coverage you have, yes? And you've edited out all except the music, yes?

If this is so, do you by any chance have the non-music parts still hanging around? I only ask because I didn't see it, and apparently my friend and ex-housemate Huw Watkins (composer/pianist - he had something commissioned and played at the 2005 Proms, actually - and, more to the point, brother of the maligned Paul!) was on at some point.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on July 18, 2007, 03:08:24 AM
Quote from: lukeottevanger on July 18, 2007, 02:53:54 AM
Sorry, I haven't been following properly, Mark. This is the BBC TV coverage you have, yes? And you've edited out all except the music, yes?

If this is so, do you by any chance have the non-music parts still hanging around? I only ask because I didn't see it, and apparently my friend and ex-housemate Huw Watkins (composer/pianist - he had something commissioned and played at the 2005 Proms, actually - and, more to the point, brother of the maligned Paul!) was on at some point.

I have the entire broadcast - picture and sound - as a large mpeg2 file. I'll upload it at some point for you. :)


EDIT: Er ... on second thoughts, it's nearly 4Gb! And when I tried burning this to a standard DVD-R, it wouldn't fit without transcoding, which suggests to me that the filesize is misreporting and is actually much bigger. :(
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on July 19, 2007, 07:48:27 AM
Just finished clearing five email inboxes of months of spam. >:(
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on July 19, 2007, 07:54:29 AM
Oh, and while doing the above, I was pondering why most compositions by Delius that I've heard seem to meander so much. I often find myself thinking, when listening to works by him, 'Get to the bloody point!'. ;D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Bogey on July 19, 2007, 07:56:17 AM
About to do some weeding in our rock garden and refill all our bird feeders (I believe we have around 10) while the Mozart-Morning continues.  Life is definitely good.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: PerfectWagnerite on July 19, 2007, 07:58:32 AM
Boxing up some of my prized CDs at work. They say there's going to be a big layoff coming next month. In case I get the pink slip I can get out of here quickly.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on July 19, 2007, 08:00:46 AM
Quote from: PerfectWagnerite on July 19, 2007, 07:58:32 AM
Boxing up some of my prized CDs at work. They say there's going to be a big layoff coming next month. In case I get the pink slip I can get out of here quickly.

That sucks. :( Do you have any options lined up in case it's you?
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Bogey on July 19, 2007, 08:02:14 AM
Quote from: PerfectWagnerite on July 19, 2007, 07:58:32 AM
Boxing up some of my prized CDs at work. They say there's going to be a big layoff coming next month. In case I get the pink slip I can get out of here quickly.

Sorry to hear that PW....hope things work out for you.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: PerfectWagnerite on July 19, 2007, 08:09:56 AM
Quote from: Bogey on July 19, 2007, 08:02:14 AM
Sorry to hear that PW....hope things work out for you.
Thanks. It's not the end of the world. But I am not one of those that like change. Considering this is the only job I have ever had it'd be a change working somwhere else.

Quote from: Mark on July 19, 2007, 08:00:46 AM
That sucks. :( Do you have any options lined up in case it's you?
Not really, other than look for another job. My wife says we have enough money for a year or so. Together with unemployement and severance package I think we are good for about 18 months. I think I need to retrain somehow. I am an electrical engineer but really only know analog. Everywhere you look nowadays they want digital engineers.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: PerfectWagnerite on July 19, 2007, 08:12:43 AM
Quote from: Bonehelm on July 17, 2007, 09:28:49 PM
Sitting on my bed, staring at my Wand Bruckner 4th set in awe...the organ-like brass chorales are still ringing in my ears...

WHich one? The BPO version here?

(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ZHDMJ4JCL._AA240_.jpg)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: orbital on July 19, 2007, 08:44:12 AM
Quote from: Kiddiarni on July 17, 2007, 03:26:40 PM
Pondering about how to import a French electronic duo
Air?
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kullervo on July 19, 2007, 09:13:42 AM
Quote from: orbital on July 19, 2007, 08:44:12 AM
Air?

Imported air... I think you're onto something here. We could advertise that it comes from only the purest areas of the French Alps, and that it's further purified through reverse osmosis (nobody really knows what it means, anyway) — the yuppies will go gonzo!

I am playing FreCol, a free, open-source clone of the old Colonization (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonization_%28game%29) game. It has a few bugs, but it is improving all the time.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: orbital on July 19, 2007, 09:23:45 AM
Be careful what you wish for, it may just come true. In Bermuda you can buy a bottle of their pink sand for $10. (Alternatively you can buy a bottle of water for a dollar, hydrate yourself, take the bus to the beach for $2 and fill the empty bottle)

And don't forget Pet Rock  ;D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: greg on July 19, 2007, 10:17:31 AM
searching for Japanese pen pals on My Language Exchange!

ohhhhhhhhhh heck yeah  8)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: greg on July 19, 2007, 10:29:18 AM
Quote from: greg on July 19, 2007, 10:17:31 AM
searching for Japanese pen pals on My Language Exchange!

ohhhhhhhhhh heck yeah  8)
and now i'm finding out that to initiate a conversation you have to have a membership, 6 bucks a month, or 24 bucks a year, or whatever

so all i can do is wait and hope someone contacts me, how lame  :P
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Scriptavolant on July 20, 2007, 06:54:58 PM
I'm watching this you tube video for the, maybe, tenth time.  ;D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrShK-NVMIU
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on July 20, 2007, 11:35:22 PM
Preparing to set off with my wife for the first of two Saturdays spent in ante-natal classes. :)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kullervo on July 21, 2007, 04:40:40 AM
Quote from: Scriptavolant on July 20, 2007, 06:54:58 PM
I'm watching this you tube video for the, maybe, tenth time.  ;D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrShK-NVMIU

Which led me to this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8rhIw_9ucA
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Scriptavolant on July 21, 2007, 06:21:01 AM
Quote from: Kullervo on July 21, 2007, 04:40:40 AM
Which led me to this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8rhIw_9ucA

Another pearl of Monty Python's genius  ;D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: BachQ on July 21, 2007, 07:04:56 AM
I'm aggressively searching eBay for good deals on canvas handbags ..........
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on July 21, 2007, 08:33:02 AM
Quote from: D Minor on July 21, 2007, 07:04:56 AM
I'm aggressively searching eBay for good deals on canvas handbags ..........

Genius. ;D


Wife and I are back from ante-natal classes ... and seriously contemplating a home birth! :o
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Tancata on July 21, 2007, 10:08:00 AM
I'm wondering if Harry dies...
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Bogey on July 21, 2007, 10:42:22 AM
Quote from: Tancata on July 21, 2007, 10:08:00 AM
I'm wondering if Harry dies...

Went to a midnight event....lots of fun.  They were serving versions of butterbeer, polyjuice, etc.  We were all sorted....I wound up in Hufflepuff.  My wife started the book at 1AM and will roar through it I am sure, then I will probably give it a crack in a few days.  However, with the Potter books I tend to stay up till 3 am reading and I am finished way sooner than I want to be.  Trying to savor this one a bit more.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Tancata on July 21, 2007, 10:44:53 AM
I actually haven't read any of them since "The Goblet of Fire" - I started the one after that but got kind of bored. But all this media coverage makes my weak mind want to pick it up again, then read the rest.  ::)

Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Bogey on July 21, 2007, 10:48:53 AM
Quote from: Tancata on July 21, 2007, 10:44:53 AM
I actually haven't read any of them since "The Goblet of Fire" - I started the one after that but got kind of bored. But all this media coverage makes my weak mind want to pick it up again, then read the rest.  ::)



Loved them all.  Thought the Chamber the cleverest, the Goblet the most entertaining, and Prisoner the most interesting.  How is that for not choosing a favorite!   :D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Tancata on July 21, 2007, 10:56:31 AM
Quote from: Bogey on July 21, 2007, 10:48:53 AM
Loved them all.  Thought the Chamber the cleverest, the Goblet the most entertaining, and Prisoner the most interesting.  How is that for not choosing a favorite!   :D

Hmm...so none of the ones I haven't read come into your favourites? I see...

BTW, I wonder if you also liked Lord of the Rings? Have you seen the little-known 1940 film version starring Bogey? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xruJ10C19U)

:)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Bogey on July 21, 2007, 12:42:30 PM
Quote from: Tancata on July 21, 2007, 10:56:31 AM
Hmm...so none of the ones I haven't read come into your favourites? I see...

BTW, I wonder if you also liked Lord of the Rings? Have you seen the little-known 1940 film version starring Bogey? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xruJ10C19U)

:)

Lord of the Rings is one of my favorites.  Have read it a number of times and hope to read it a number of more.  The Bogart piece, however, should never have been made!. ;D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on July 21, 2007, 01:10:08 PM
Now tagging 21 MP3 files from this CD:

(http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/4435/folderov3.jpg)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Solitary Wanderer on July 21, 2007, 01:36:24 PM
Quote from: Mark on July 21, 2007, 08:33:02 AM
Genius. ;D


Wife and I are back from ante-natal classes ... and seriously contemplating a home birth! :o

Mark, some good friends of mine just had a home birth. It was their second child and the first child started out as a home birth but developed complications so they ended up in hospital.

They still wanted a home birth for the second child and all went well :) They used a birthing pool and the father stripped off and jumped in as well :o They had two mid-wifes present during the entire proceedure.

We visited the following morning and the mother was up and about perfectly well.

I held the 23 hour old baby for a while; it was very cute and amazing how they have long fingernails :D

The home birth idea seemed like a very good one to me; far more natural in your own enviroment.

They even took a video of the birth!

Keep us posted with your process :)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Solitary Wanderer on July 21, 2007, 06:48:55 PM
Lots of jobs around the house this Sunday.

My wife bought new curtains for the bedroom which we've put up. The curtain rail had to be lowered and the curtain tie thing needed to be replaced. They look good :)

Also finally put in our new letterbox ;D. It been sitting the the floor in the second office for...nearly 6 months. To my wifes credit she hasn't nagged me once about it ;) I got the old one out yesterday, no mean feat, and poured the concrete and installed the post. Today I've replaced the earth on top and attached the box itself to the post. It looks great! And it feels good to finally get that task completed :)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kullervo on July 21, 2007, 06:53:04 PM
Quote from: Tancata on July 21, 2007, 10:56:31 AM
BTW, I wonder if you also liked Lord of the Rings? Have you seen the little-known 1940 film version starring Bogey? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xruJ10C19U)

Haha! I had to watch that twice. Gotta love Orson Welles as some anonymous guy asking for the One Ring — and delicious bon mots like "I'll give you the ring... if you want it."

"....get out."

;D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Tancata on July 22, 2007, 02:38:47 AM
Quote from: Kullervo on July 21, 2007, 06:53:04 PM
Haha! I had to watch that twice. Gotta love Orson Welles as some anonymous guy asking for the One Ring — and delicious bon mots like "I'll give you the ring... if you want it."

"....get out."

;D

Yes, I rather like it too. I think Sam is my favourite  :).
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Haffner on July 22, 2007, 05:15:59 AM
Taking breaks from improvising on guitar over Mozart's k266 (a personal favorite). I often practice scales on my viola, cello, and guitar and go back and forth from there to GMG in order to give my hands a rest.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Tancata on July 22, 2007, 06:05:57 AM
Quote from: Haffner on July 22, 2007, 05:15:59 AM
Taking breaks from improvising on guitar over Mozart's k266 (a personal favorite). I often practice scales on my viola, cello, and guitar and go back and forth from there to GMG in order to give my hands a rest.

Heh, I was just practicing Donovan's "Catch the Wind" on guitar. Doesn't quite compare...  ;D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Haffner on July 22, 2007, 06:13:42 AM
Quote from: Tancata on July 22, 2007, 06:05:57 AM
Heh, I was just practicing Donovan's "Catch the Wind" on guitar. Doesn't quite compare...  ;D





Yeah, but that song sounds like it would be alot of fun!
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: BachQ on July 24, 2007, 07:39:46 AM
I'm pondering canvas handbags ......... Their nature and destiny ...........
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on July 24, 2007, 08:14:18 AM
Re-doing some copy for the MoD.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Steve on July 24, 2007, 09:32:38 AM
Waiting for a Professor.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Solitary Wanderer on July 29, 2007, 02:45:52 PM
Sorting 1000+ images from Saturdays wedding in Photoshop>Adobe Bridge>Camera RAW.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: BachQ on July 29, 2007, 02:48:03 PM
Quote from: Steve on July 24, 2007, 09:32:38 AM
Waiting for a Professor.

Still?
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on July 29, 2007, 02:51:14 PM
Fretting about my brother's new-born baby. She was delivered earlier today by emergency c-section, but she'd stopped breathing because the cord was wound tightly round her throat. Also, she has a cleft palate, and an extra finger on each hand (please, no inappropriate remarks >:(), and may also have brain damage. She's on a respirator, and doctors have said she may not live longer than a month. It's very sad - and it's my brother's birthday tomorrow.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Solitary Wanderer on July 29, 2007, 02:53:23 PM
Quote from: Mark on July 29, 2007, 02:51:14 PM
Fretting about my brother's new-born baby. She was delivered earlier today by emergency c-section, but she'd stopped breathing because the cord was wound tightly round her throat. Also, she has a cleft palate, and an extra finger on each hand (please, no inappropriate remarks >:(), and may also have brain damage. She's on a respirator, and doctors have said she may not live longer than a month. It's very sad - and it's my brother's birthday tomorrow.

Man, this sounds awful :( I wish your brother and his family strength...
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on July 29, 2007, 02:57:15 PM
Quote from: Solitary Wanderer on July 29, 2007, 02:53:23 PM
Man, this sounds awful :( I wish your brother and his family strength...

Thanks, Chris. It all sounds terrible, but let's hope it's not as bad as feared. :)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mozart on July 29, 2007, 10:41:16 PM
Quote from: Mark on July 29, 2007, 02:51:14 PM
Fretting about my brother's new-born baby. She was delivered earlier today by emergency c-section, but she'd stopped breathing because the cord was wound tightly round her throat. Also, she has a cleft palate, and an extra finger on each hand (please, no inappropriate remarks >:(), and may also have brain damage. She's on a respirator, and doctors have said she may not live longer than a month. It's very sad - and it's my brother's birthday tomorrow.

Dude this type of thing just creeps me out. I wish I didn't read it. Can you imagine waiting months and months for a baby only for that to happen...gosh Im never having children.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Haffner on July 30, 2007, 07:36:06 AM
Quote from: Mark on July 29, 2007, 02:51:14 PM
Fretting about my brother's new-born baby. She was delivered earlier today by emergency c-section, but she'd stopped breathing because the cord was wound tightly round her throat. Also, she has a cleft palate, and an extra finger on each hand (please, no inappropriate remarks >:(), and may also have brain damage. She's on a respirator, and doctors have said she may not live longer than a month. It's very sad - and it's my brother's birthday tomorrow.





I'm praying for your family at Mass later today. Just wrote myself a note.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on July 30, 2007, 10:23:18 AM
Quote from: Haffner on July 30, 2007, 07:36:06 AM
I'm praying for your family at Mass later today. Just wrote myself a note.

Thanks, Andy.

There's been an update. Some tests were done today, and my niece appears to be responding to touch, her bowels are okay, her major organs (other than her heart) are in the right place, and she's currently undergoing brain tests. They begin the genetic disorder testing tomorrow. As far as the heart goes, this should be okay once they've 'replumbed' it. She's in neo-natal care, and although she had a slight fit last night, she appears at present to be a little fighter. We can only watch and wait ...
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: bhodges on July 30, 2007, 10:26:07 AM
Oh how terrible, Mark.  I will hope for good news...and let your family know that people here are thinking about them. 

--Bruce
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on July 30, 2007, 10:43:38 AM
Quote from: bhodges on July 30, 2007, 10:26:07 AM
Oh how terrible, Mark.  I will hope for good news...and let your family know that people here are thinking about them. 

--Bruce

Cheers, Bruce. There are a lot of folks hoping this poorly little girl will pull through. :)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Solitary Wanderer on July 31, 2007, 01:43:53 PM
I had a minor disaster late yesterday afternoon, when I carelessly lost all my colour corrected setting on 400+ images >:( :-[ :'( Trying to hurry to get the last bit finished and one mistake and 'poof' they're gone.

So, what I'm doing now is a repeat of yesterdays work >:(
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on July 31, 2007, 02:35:28 PM
Wishing my brother and his partner all the best luck in the world, as today they learned that the prognosis for their very sick baby girl isn't looking good. She may have a very rare genetic disorder. The test results will be in on Thursday. :(
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mahlered on July 31, 2007, 03:07:41 PM
I was going to say I'm bored at work and doing basically nothing, but now I'm hoping that Mark's niece will pull through.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: sunnyside_up on August 01, 2007, 12:07:18 AM
Me too....(((Mark & family))) hang in there .... sending positive vibes your way.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on August 01, 2007, 12:56:45 AM
Quote from: Mahlered on July 31, 2007, 03:07:41 PM
I was going to say I'm bored at work and doing basically nothing, but now I'm hoping that Mark's niece will pull through.

Quote from: sunnyside_up on August 01, 2007, 12:07:18 AM
Me too....(((Mark & family))) hang in there .... sending positive vibes your way.

Thank you. We need all the positive vibes we can get. :)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mozart on August 01, 2007, 01:30:12 AM
Im just about done converting like 1100 files from flac to mp3 ;D Plenty of new hard drive space available.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Bonehelm on August 01, 2007, 02:48:55 AM
Quote from: MozartMobster on August 01, 2007, 01:30:12 AM
Im just about done converting like 1100 files from flac to mp3 ;D Plenty of new hard drive space available.

Have fun downgrading art, my friend... ;D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Solitary Wanderer on August 01, 2007, 04:25:04 PM
Quote from: Solitary Wanderer on July 31, 2007, 01:43:53 PM
I had a minor disaster late yesterday afternoon, when I carelessly lost all my colour corrected setting on 400+ images >:( :-[ :'( Trying to hurry to get the last bit finished and one mistake and 'poof' they're gone.

So, what I'm doing now is a repeat of yesterdays work >:(

I actually resolved this issue yesterday which was a relief; now I know what to do if theres a 'next time' :)

Best wishes to Marks brother and family :)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kullervo on August 01, 2007, 05:29:53 PM
Scraping the black off my teapot. The burner suddenly caught fire.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on August 02, 2007, 08:44:13 AM
Quote from: Solitary Wanderer on August 01, 2007, 04:25:04 PM
Best wishes to Marks brother and family :)

Thanks, Chris.

Sadly, the news is the worst possible. My niece was born with a very rare genetic disorder called Patau's Syndrome. Under most circumstances, children who have this don't make it to birth. Those that do (around 1 in every 4000-8000) will live often no longer than a month. My brother's baby won't even make it that far, as doctors have no option in this case but to allow little Lola to die within the next couple of days.

It's horribly sad for the whole family, and I'm particularly wishing my brother and his partner all the strength to see them through such a terrible time. :(
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Novi on August 02, 2007, 09:04:19 AM
Quote from: Mark on August 02, 2007, 08:44:13 AM
Thanks, Chris.

Sadly, the news is the worst possible. My niece was born with a very rare genetic disorder called Patau's Syndrome. Under most circumstances, children who have this don't make it to birth. Those that do (around 1 in every 4000-8000) will live often no longer than a month. My brother's baby won't even make it that far, as doctors have no option in this case but to allow little Lola to die within the next couple of days.

It's horribly sad for the whole family, and I'm particularly wishing my brother and his partner all the strength to see them through such a terrible time. :(

Oh Mark, I'm so sorry to hear this. I'll be thinking of you and your family.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on August 02, 2007, 09:05:46 AM
Quote from: Novitiate on August 02, 2007, 09:04:19 AM
Oh Mark, I'm so sorry to hear this. I'll be thinking of you and your family.

Thanks, man. :)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: orbital on August 02, 2007, 09:09:48 AM
Quote from: Mark on August 02, 2007, 08:44:13 AM
Thanks, Chris.

Sadly, the news is the worst possible. My niece was born with a very rare genetic disorder called Patau's Syndrome. Under most circumstances, children who have this don't make it to birth. Those that do (around 1 in every 4000-8000) will live often no longer than a month. My brother's baby won't even make it that far, as doctors have no option in this case but to allow little Lola to die within the next couple of days.

It's horribly sad for the whole family, and I'm particularly wishing my brother and his partner all the strength to see them through such a terrible time. :(
Sorry to hear this Mark :( And Lola, such a beautiful name. In fact I recommended the very same name for my soon to be born niece :(
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on August 02, 2007, 09:11:04 AM
Quote from: orbital on August 02, 2007, 09:09:48 AM
Sorry to hear this Mark :( And Lola, such a beautiful name. In fact I recommended the very same name for my soon to be born niece :(

Thanks. And I hope my news hasn't tainted your name recommendation. :(
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: bhodges on August 02, 2007, 09:13:37 AM
Quote from: Mark on August 02, 2007, 08:44:13 AM
Thanks, Chris.

Sadly, the news is the worst possible. My niece was born with a very rare genetic disorder called Patau's Syndrome. Under most circumstances, children who have this don't make it to birth. Those that do (around 1 in every 4000-8000) will live often no longer than a month. My brother's baby won't even make it that far, as doctors have no option in this case but to allow little Lola to die within the next couple of days.

It's horribly sad for the whole family, and I'm particularly wishing my brother and his partner all the strength to see them through such a terrible time. :(

Oh Mark, so very sad...  So very sorry, and hope you and they find whatever is needed to make it through this.

And I agree, it's a beautiful name...

--Bruce
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on August 02, 2007, 09:16:00 AM
Quote from: bhodges on August 02, 2007, 09:13:37 AM
Oh Mark, so very sad...  So very sorry, and hope you and they find whatever is needed to make it through this.

And I agree, it's a beautiful name...

--Bruce

Cheers, Bruce. Yes, a good choice of name (Lola Florence). They're having her Christened before the terrible, inevitable moment arrives.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: orbital on August 02, 2007, 06:04:08 PM
Quote from: Mark on August 02, 2007, 09:11:04 AM
Thanks. And I hope my news hasn't tainted your name recommendation. :(
No, I mean it wouldn't, in the least. The recommendation did not go very well  :-\ The family tradition is apparently that the first born daughter/son gets name from the grandmother/father from the father's side. So the name is to start with an "N" for sure.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: sunnyside_up on August 02, 2007, 06:07:24 PM
Oh Mark, I'm so very sorry to hear this. Poor little soul. I wish you and your family strength and courage to get through this.(((Mark)))
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on August 03, 2007, 01:01:14 AM
Quote from: sunnyside_up on August 02, 2007, 06:07:24 PM
Oh Mark, I'm so very sorry to hear this. Poor little soul. I wish you and your family strength and courage to get through this.(((Mark)))

Thanks, Sunnyside.

Lola was Christened yesterday and now has around 36 hours left to live.  :'(
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: greg on August 04, 2007, 11:59:27 AM
listening to the sweeeeeet Boulez recording of the first movement of Mahler 5 that I have now thanks to Greta  ;D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kullervo on August 10, 2007, 06:55:09 AM
Feeding the skinny cat I found panting in the morning heat outside of my apartment building. I've seen her around before but this time she ran to me, meowing pathetically. When I picked her up I found she was full of milk, so I'm not sure if I should bring her to the animal shelter, as she could have babies somewhere that need to be fed.  :(
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Bogey on August 10, 2007, 07:11:11 AM
Quote from: Kullervo on August 10, 2007, 06:55:09 AM
Feeding the skinny cat I found panting in the morning heat outside of my apartment building. I've seen her around before but this time she ran to me, meowing pathetically. When I picked her up I found she was full of milk, so I'm not sure if I should bring her to the animal shelter, as she could have babies somewhere that need to be fed.  :(

Your kindness to an animal in need here has shot you up to the top of my cool-meter Kull.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Haffner on August 10, 2007, 07:31:37 AM
Quote from: Bogey on August 10, 2007, 07:11:11 AM
Your kindness to an animal in need here has shot you up to the top of my cool-meter Kull.





Mich auch!
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kullervo on August 10, 2007, 07:46:08 AM
Thank you. :) If I lived alone, it wouldn't be a problem keeping her (unless she has kittens somewhere, then the only problem would be finding them), but I have a roommate and her two cats are not happy with the newcomer. :( I'm moving to a new apartment soon, but I'm not sure if I can afford the "pet fees" that these bastard landlords have around here.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kullervo on August 10, 2007, 08:04:29 AM
As you can see, she's already made herself quite comfortable. ;D

(http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z245/tapiola/PICT0232.jpg)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on August 10, 2007, 08:05:33 AM
Quote from: Kullervo on August 10, 2007, 08:04:29 AM
As you can see, she's already made herself quite comfortable. ;D

(http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z245/tapiola/PICT0232.jpg)

I love cats. And she's a beauty. :)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: karlhenning on August 10, 2007, 08:07:16 AM
The cat would find the decadent artwork, you know.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Haffner on August 10, 2007, 08:10:13 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on August 10, 2007, 08:07:16 AM
The cat would find the decadent artwork, you know.




Ah yes, the phenomena of homeless,pregnant, art-critic cats :D!
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kullervo on August 10, 2007, 03:03:38 PM
Well, she just got into a vicious fight with one of the other cats, so she has to go outside. I'll keep putting food and water out for her and hope that she stays around. Maybe I'll bring her with me when I move at the end of the month.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Bogey on August 13, 2007, 09:49:48 PM
Just completed the 4th bath (nearly midnight here) of our basset hound, Max. 

Why?  Mephitis mephitis.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mozart on August 13, 2007, 10:34:33 PM
Ive reached a whole new boring point. Im actually posting on myspace forums, which half of the topics are who is the hottest person out of the 5  above you? Haha maybe gmg needs such a thread? I'd clearly win.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mozart on August 13, 2007, 11:09:38 PM
Now I'm having a nice argument about 50 cent vs Mozart.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kullervo on August 14, 2007, 05:56:06 AM
Quote from: Bogey on August 13, 2007, 09:49:48 PM
Just completed the 4th bath (nearly midnight here) of our basset hound, Max. 

Why?  Mephitis mephitis.

(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/14/17603413_b72d94a466.jpg?v=0)

Ach, sorry about that. I've never encountered a skunk, but I did see plenty of them in the streets around my house outside Boston.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Haffner on August 17, 2007, 06:02:30 AM
Quote from: MozartMobster on August 13, 2007, 11:09:38 PM
Now I'm having a nice argument about 50 cent vs Mozart.




That sounds beyond boring. 50 Cent, the Paragon of 21st Century Culture.



I'm currently giving my left hand a break, as I've been juggling hours-long finger exercises on electric guitar, cello, and viola.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: dtwilbanks on August 17, 2007, 06:07:06 AM
I'm at home with a tube in my side draining an abscess.  ;D

And listening to Bix Beiderbecke.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kullervo on August 17, 2007, 06:18:36 AM
Quote from: dtwilbanks on August 17, 2007, 06:07:06 AM
I'm at home with a tube in my side draining an abscess.  ;D

...

Eeeeewwwww!
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: dtwilbanks on August 17, 2007, 06:33:00 AM
Quote from: Corey on August 17, 2007, 06:18:36 AM
...

Eeeeewwwww!

Do you want to empty the bag for me? ;)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kullervo on August 17, 2007, 07:02:55 AM
Quote from: dtwilbanks on August 17, 2007, 06:33:00 AM
Do you want to empty the bag for me? ;)

I had to deal with the same thing when my appendix burst, so I feel your pain.  :-\
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: dtwilbanks on August 17, 2007, 07:06:36 AM
Quote from: Corey on August 17, 2007, 07:02:55 AM
I had to deal with the same thing when my appendix burst, so I feel your pain.  :-\

Yeah, my appendix was perforated, and in a weird place, I guess. Thanks for sharing my pain, man.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Solitary Wanderer on August 17, 2007, 02:15:24 PM
Feeling annoyed at my 10.00am clients who have postponed their appoinment at the last minute. I'd cleared the morning for them and booked other things in the afternoon which I can't now move at the last minute >:(

Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: greg on August 19, 2007, 12:49:56 PM
yesterday i was at a church picnic, bored to death. The interim pastor at my church was playing this old-time country music as singer, and he's a really old guy, too. Everybody kept on talking to my mom saying that they're going to miss us since we're mainly going to go to some other church now, etc.
I had Schoenberg's Transfigured Night stuck in my head, daydreaming that they were playing that on stage the whole time.
I saw these people, this very strange-looking old guy and this teenage, and some other guy who kept on going up and down the elevator, and they never said anything to each other. They looked like monks in a way, or at least they acted like them....

today we went to try out a new church. I've had enough of meeting people and pretending to be happy when doing so. Every now and then, someone will say, "are you ok?" i can't force myself to smile at them when I don't give a f*** about them. And I had a new thought about church music while I was listening to even more of it- i'd rather listen to a construction site than that awful noise. Maybe even fingernails down a chalkboard.

Quote from: MozartMobster on August 13, 2007, 10:34:33 PM
Ive reached a whole new boring point. Im actually posting on myspace forums, which half of the topics are who is the hottest person out of the 5  above you? Haha maybe gmg needs such a thread? I'd clearly win.
sounds fun, except since there's pretty much only guys here that'd be awkward....
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mozart on August 19, 2007, 12:58:46 PM
QuoteThat sounds beyond boring. 50 Cent, the Paragon of 21st Century Culture.

Well, I think I won because they stopped replying.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Bogey on August 19, 2007, 01:14:30 PM
Quote from: greg on August 19, 2007, 12:49:56 PM

I saw these people, this very strange-looking old guy and this teenage, and some other guy who kept on going up and down the elevator, and they never said anything to each other. They looked like monks in a way, or at least they acted like them....


Sounds like what happened to Mr. Weasely in the first Potter book.  :D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: greg on August 19, 2007, 01:18:44 PM
Quote from: Bogey on August 19, 2007, 01:14:30 PM
Sounds like what happened to Mr. Weasely in the first Potter book.  :D
oh i remember that...... mm, actually, not really.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Larry Rinkel on August 19, 2007, 01:30:24 PM
Quote from: Corey on August 17, 2007, 06:18:36 AM
...

Eeeeewwwww!

At least he's doing something interesting.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kullervo on August 19, 2007, 08:43:57 PM
Quote from: Larry Rinkel on August 19, 2007, 01:30:24 PM
At least he's doing something interesting.

Are you insinuating that the things I do are not interesting? If so, you're absolutely right.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: btpaul674 on August 19, 2007, 09:07:51 PM
Quote from: MozartMobster on August 13, 2007, 11:09:38 PM
Now I'm having a nice argument about 50 cent vs Mozart.

I dont know about the rest of you but i think 50 cent is a master of counterpoint.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: greg on August 20, 2007, 06:49:37 AM
Quote from: btpaul674 on August 19, 2007, 09:07:51 PM
I dont know about the rest of you but i think 50 cent is a master of counterpoint.
no argument there...
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Haffner on August 21, 2007, 04:46:41 AM
Quote from: MozartMobster on August 19, 2007, 12:58:46 PM
Well, I think I won because they stopped replying.






I think many people have a hard time extending/developing a debate when all they listen to all day is people talking over a "beat".
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: greg on August 21, 2007, 06:45:06 AM
Quote from: Haffner on August 21, 2007, 04:46:41 AM





I think many people have a hard time extending/developing a debate when all they listen to all day is people talking over a "beat".
either that, or they'd have to have a rap contest to succesfully debate an issue
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Haffner on August 21, 2007, 06:49:47 AM
Quote from: greg on August 21, 2007, 06:45:06 AM
either that, or they'd have to have a rap contest to succesfully debate an issue







Which (as you probably already guessed) is a pretty cool idea!
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kullervo on August 21, 2007, 07:04:01 AM
Or they have a dance-off... like in Breakin'.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on August 21, 2007, 07:59:55 AM
Trying to decide if I want a chocolate chip brioche ...
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Peregrine on August 21, 2007, 08:10:12 AM
Quote from: Mark on August 21, 2007, 07:59:55 AM
Trying to decide if I want a chocolate chip brioche ...

Go for it, live dangerously...

Just had a pain au chocolat and a pot of tea

:)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on August 21, 2007, 08:16:28 AM
Quote from: Peregrine on August 21, 2007, 08:10:12 AM
Just had a pain au chocolat and a pot of tea

:)

Good choice.

But I mustn't ... I have stir fry in a moment, and I'll ruin my appetite if I eat something sweet. Perhaps for afters ... ;D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Saul on August 21, 2007, 10:05:47 AM
looking at this thread   :D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Bonehelm on August 22, 2007, 01:30:35 AM
Looking at M's pic in the other thread. God, doesn't he look like a con who just escaped from Fox River...

(No offense)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on November 08, 2007, 02:06:38 PM
Not so much what am I doing, but what did I do earlier today.

In a fit of temporary insanity, I reorganised my entire CD collection. It now runs alphabetically by composer, then work, with a special area set aside to keep BBC Music magazines in issue order, and another area for compilations, etc. Why do this, when I much prefer how everything looks when it's on my shelves organised by label, then composer then work? I just wanted to see if I could be a 'normal' collector for a change; plus, I want to see what all my multiple copies of works looked like stood side by side.

Honestly, you'd think I'd have enough to do with a one-month-old baby at home ... ::) ;D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Solitary Wanderer on November 08, 2007, 02:09:55 PM
Quote from: Mark on November 08, 2007, 02:06:38 PM
Not so much what am I doing, but what did I do earlier today.

In a fit of temporary insanity, I reorganised my entire CD collection. It now runs alphabetically by composer, then work, with a special area set aside to keep BBC Music magazines in issue order, and another area for compilations, etc. Why do this, when I much prefer how everything looks when it's on my shelves organised by label, then composer then work? I just wanted to see if I could be a 'normal' collector for a change; plus, I want to see what all my multiple copies of works looked like stood side by side.

Honestly, you'd think I'd have enough to do with a one-month-old baby at home ... ::) ;D

Ahhh, thats better. Now I can understand your cd collection.  ;)

Photo?  :)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on November 08, 2007, 02:16:18 PM
Quote from: Solitary Wanderer on November 08, 2007, 02:09:55 PM
Photo?  :)

If you like ...
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: matti on November 08, 2007, 02:20:45 PM
Quote from: Mark on November 08, 2007, 02:06:38 PM
I want to see what all my multiple copies of works looked like stood side by side.

Of course you do, who wouldn't? Now that I've seen the photo, I think I'm getting vibrational fields all over my body.   ;D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on November 08, 2007, 02:25:52 PM
Quote from: matti on November 08, 2007, 02:20:45 PM
Of course you do, who wouldn't? Now that I've seen the photo, I think I'm getting vibrational fields all over my body.   ;D

Typical. I would have to post a picture that reveals I have some Elgar in my collection. Sixteen CDs worth, actually - and I wouldn't have been able to tell you that had I not reorganised things. :D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: sidoze on November 08, 2007, 02:32:46 PM
Quote from: Mark on November 08, 2007, 02:25:52 PM
Typical. I would have to post a picture that reveals I have some Elgar in my collection. Sixteen CDs worth, actually

I would call this patriotism above and beyond the call of duty.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on November 08, 2007, 02:50:03 PM
Quote from: sidoze on November 08, 2007, 02:32:46 PM
I would call this patriotism above and beyond the call of duty.

Don't get too excited: it's just multiples of the Cello Concerto and Enigma Variations, plus the symphonies. ;)


And now I think about it (and have done a recount), it's not sixteen CDs. It's twenty. :o
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: greg on November 08, 2007, 02:53:41 PM
I'm studying Japanese. Just wanted to report it. And having fun doing it, since with my skillz i've been able to find sites with WebComics in Japanese, therefore making the experience of studying something fun.  :)
I just wish they had original Japanese comics at the bookstore (i've heard there's actually rare instances of that in the US!)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: longears on November 08, 2007, 02:56:37 PM
Recuperating from the flu.  One of those bouts during which every part of my body ached with excruciating pain--sort of like listening to Wagner Schumann during a root canal.  ;)  Three days off work is the most time I've had in nearly a year--rough way to get it, however, and it'll be hell catching up when I go back to the shop.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Solitary Wanderer on November 08, 2007, 03:48:36 PM
Thanks for the image Mark. Nice to see all the Dvorak's side by side.

This afternoon I'm going through two piles of stuff. You know, stuff that I receive in the mail and put into a pile to do 'something with'. Months and months later I go through and throw most of it away  ;D

The rest gets filed in my filing draw...to be thrown away at a later date  ;)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kullervo on November 09, 2007, 05:37:32 AM
Quote from: longears on November 08, 2007, 02:56:37 PM
Recuperating from the flu.  One of those bouts during which every part of my body ached with excruciating pain--sort of like listening to Wagner Schumann during a root canal.  ;)  Three days off work is the most time I've had in nearly a year--rough way to get it, however, and it'll be hell catching up when I go back to the shop.


In what kind of business do you work, if you don't mind my asking?
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Hector on November 09, 2007, 05:49:19 AM
Reading this thread.

Very amusing ;D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: locrian on November 09, 2007, 05:50:11 AM
I'm doin' your momma.  8)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Haffner on November 09, 2007, 06:08:46 AM
Quote from: sound sponge on November 09, 2007, 05:50:11 AM
I'm doin' your momma.  8)



;D Fo'-GET cho' face!


I'm hoping to hook up with a professional drummer so that I can finish work on my compositions. Some of my music is impossible to complete without a human drummer. I have at least three cds worth of material, with no resources toward recording any of it properly. Oh well, they're mostly junk anyhoo.

Sigh...hobbies, right?
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: locrian on November 09, 2007, 06:13:50 AM
Quote from: Haffner on November 09, 2007, 06:08:46 AM
Sigh...hobbies, right?

Right! There's nothing I'd love better than to have time to make my little recordings.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Haffner on November 09, 2007, 06:26:20 AM
Quote from: sound sponge on November 09, 2007, 06:13:50 AM
Right! There's nothing I'd love better than to have time to make my little recordings.





For me, it's the editing/mixing that takes a humongous amount of patience.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: locrian on November 09, 2007, 06:27:39 AM
Quote from: Haffner on November 09, 2007, 06:26:20 AM
For me, it's the editing/mixing that takes a humongous amount of patience.

I think it's all fun. I'm totally into home-recording.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Haffner on November 09, 2007, 06:29:16 AM
Quote from: sound sponge on November 09, 2007, 06:27:39 AM
I think it's all fun. I'm totally into home-recording.






Wish I could say the same! My hats off to you!
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: longears on November 09, 2007, 06:57:54 AM
Quote from: Corey on November 09, 2007, 05:37:32 AM
In what kind of business do you work, if you don't mind my asking?
Pharmaceuticals.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: karlhenning on November 09, 2007, 07:05:18 AM
I file sharp edges off bottle-caps.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Haffner on November 09, 2007, 07:44:07 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on November 09, 2007, 07:05:18 AM
I file sharp edges off bottle-caps.





Somebody's got-ta do it!
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: karlhenning on November 09, 2007, 07:48:20 AM
It is a humble task, but I am glad to be making a positive difference.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: маразм1 on November 09, 2007, 08:16:25 AM
waiting for the project manager to review my work.  and she is surely taking her time on that.  and i'm here!
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Larry Rinkel on November 09, 2007, 08:23:41 AM
Quote from: longears on November 09, 2007, 06:57:54 AM
Pharmaceuticals.

No wonder you're holding your head in despair.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: PaulR on November 09, 2007, 09:38:05 AM
Registering for classes/avoiding work/"relaxing"
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kullervo on November 09, 2007, 09:42:08 AM
Quote from: longears on November 09, 2007, 06:57:54 AM
Pharmaceuticals.

This seems in tune with Sibelius clutching his head and wearing an expression that says, "Damn this headache!" :)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Lethevich on November 09, 2007, 05:27:52 PM
Playing Hellgate: London (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellgate:_London). At least, I was until 30 minutes ago. It is a bit weak at the moment, but has potential for expansion. A very important scientific observation: after much testing, the composers who best fit it during play are Sibelius (tone poems, syms.4, 6 & 7) and Feldman (Rothko Chapel, cello concerto).* Interestingly, RVW's "London" symphony does not evoke the desired effect - perhaps as it was not written with Big Ben on fire in mind. An important finding, I know... :P

*I always automatically disable game music - it's invariably awful.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: PaulR on November 09, 2007, 06:51:02 PM
Trying to summon the energy to go to sleep............yeah, I'm that tired right now.....
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Renfield on November 09, 2007, 07:08:41 PM
Quote from: Lethe on November 09, 2007, 05:27:52 PM
Playing Hellgate: London (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellgate:_London). At least, I was until 30 minutes ago. It is a bit weak at the moment, but has potential for expansion. A very important scientific observation: after much testing, the composers who best fit it during play are Sibelius (tone poems, syms.4, 6 & 7) and Feldman (Rothko Chapel, cello concerto).* Interestingly, RVW's "London" symphony does not evoke the desired effect - perhaps as it was not written with Big Ben on fire in mind. An important finding, I know... :P

*I always automatically disable game music - it's invariably awful.

At the moment? Gloating:

Did I not predict it? Hellgate had that look of "this-will-be-good-but-not-great" from quite a distance, if you ask me. :P

Incidentally, and even though I play with game music on and off depending on my mood (on more often than off), I've found that Tchaikovsky and Mahler appear to go well with WoW, while Bruckner and Sibelius do not. Though perhaps I need to conduct more observation, to assert that claim.  :o
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Lethevich on November 09, 2007, 07:40:43 PM
Quote from: Renfield on November 09, 2007, 07:08:41 PM
At the moment? Gloating:

Did I not predict it? Hellgate had that look of "this-will-be-good-but-not-great" from quite a distance, if you ask me. :P

Well, considering how low WoW started I have big hope for the future of HG:L (atm the worst content in WoW is the only content it had on release). I enjoyed the beta (which I possibly committed minor fraud by using an exploit to get into), and they improved it a lot throughout that, and will presumably continue to.

Quote from: Renfield on November 09, 2007, 07:08:41 PM
Incidentally, and even though I play with game music on and off depending on my mood (on more often than off), I've found that Tchaikovsky and Mahler appear to go well with WoW, while Bruckner and Sibelius do not. Though perhaps I need to conduct more observation, to assert that claim.  :o

I tended to have a lot of RVW and Dvorak playing during WoW. With RVW's symphonies in various moods, I could use, say, 4, 6 and 7 for Burning Steppe type areas, 1, 3, 8 and 9 for ambiguous ones, and 2 and 5 for green ones :P Haydn - I have yet to find anything that he sounds out of place during, he is the most amazingly all-purpose playlist guy ever. Occasionally it brings up surprising similarities through what is going on in-game through coincidence - eg the beginning of sym 82 during the final minute of a BG, or the finale of 44 when rather desperately defending a WSG base, and in general the constant up-tempo is engaging.

My guild wasn't very happy that I didn't turn their voice chat channel on as it would drown out the music I had on. Fortunately rogue is an "even if I knew what was going on with buffs and heals, I couldn't do anything about it" class, so as long as I was top dps, it was irrelevent :D I did miss some occasional fun as well though, as apparently one of our raid leaders (though he was not nasty) was the most amazingly bad tempered person sometimes, and this was very noticable on voice chat. I saved some fun chat logs though, including one of a raid that failed due to half the party being under the influence of drink, and in one case, weed. That caused a very fun "debate" : D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Renfield on November 09, 2007, 08:05:30 PM
Quote from: Lethe on November 09, 2007, 07:40:43 PM
Well, considering how low WoW started I have big hope for the future of HG:L (atm the worst content in WoW is the only content it had on release). I enjoyed the beta (which I possibly committed minor fraud by using an exploit to get into), and they improved it a lot throughout that, and will presumably continue to.

I tended to have a lot of RVW and Dvorak playing during WoW. With RVW's symphonies in various moods, I could use, say, 4, 6 and 7 for Burning Steppe type areas, 1, 3, 8 and 9 for ambiguous ones, and 2 and 5 for green ones :P Haydn - I have yet to find anything that he sounds out of place during, he is the most amazingly all-purpose playlist guy ever. Occasionally it brings up surprising similarities through what is going on in-game through coincidence - eg the beginning of sym 82 during the final minute of a BG, or the finale of 44 when rather desperately defending a WSG base, and in general the constant up-tempo is engaging.

My guild wasn't very happy that I didn't turn their voice chat channel on as it would drown out the music I had on. Fortunately rogue is an "even if I knew what was going on with buffs and heals, I couldn't do anything about it" class, so as long as I was top dps, it was irrelevent :D I did miss some occasional fun as well though, as apparently one of our raid leaders (though he was not nasty) was the most amazingly bad tempered person sometimes, and this was very noticable on voice chat. I saved some fun chat logs though, including one of a raid that failed due to half the party being under the influence of drink, and in one case, weed. That caused a very fun "debate" : D

Haydn is a brilliant idea! For some reason, his music never crossed my mind to use as a soundtrack for gaming, before: I'll try it ASAP. 8)

Concerning people being drunk and/or high in WoW, I've seen enough in guild-chat to be able to imagine what happened in those raids. :P

And as for voice-chat, well, you've probably seen this! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sxh1xlp3J_Q) :D


To be on topic, I am ranting right now. ;)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Lethevich on November 09, 2007, 08:20:49 PM
Quote from: Renfield on November 09, 2007, 08:05:30 PM
Haydn is a brilliant idea! For some reason, his music never crossed my mind to use as a soundtrack for gaming, before: I'll try it ASAP. 8)

The Paris and certain Sturm und Drang ones tend to be the ones I gravitate towards - the London ones, being more developed in form and with extensive adagio intros, tend to be less lively and therefore not as helpful with encouraging accurate button clicks :P I forgot, but a substantial amount of background music I used as early music as well - although that may be simply because I like it, rather than it actually fitting.

Quote from: Renfield on November 09, 2007, 08:05:30 PM
Concerning people being drunk and/or high in WoW, I've seen enough in guild-chat to be able to imagine what happened in those raids. :P

And as for voice-chat, well, you've probably seen this! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sxh1xlp3J_Q) :D

Indeedie. I was even more surprised to find out later, that that Ony raid wasn't a wipe, it just didn't go perfectly. The animated video was successful as it sounded like stuff really screwed up. There's a video of the full one somewhere (presumably also on Youtube). This has made me nostalogic for WoW, grr... I went through my screenshot folder and located one fun drama: 1 (http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/5826/prince1zr2.jpg), 2 (http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/7920/prince2cc7.jpg), 3 (http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/7618/prince3vi4.jpg), 4 (http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/1029/prince4ja5.jpg). The cool thing is because everybody knew each other well, the insults were forgotten the next day, hehe...

Edit: Shiiva was constantly over-aggroing as shamans are spectacularly bad at dumping aggro, and we were fighting for top DPS. It was good to be a rogue - so many ways out of trouble...
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Renfield on November 09, 2007, 08:35:28 PM
Quote from: Lethe on November 09, 2007, 08:20:49 PM
Indeedie. I was even more surprised to find out later, that that Ony raid wasn't a wipe, it just didn't go perfectly. The animated video was successful as it sounded like stuff really screwed up. There's a video of the full one somewhere (presumably also on Youtube). This has made me nostalogic for WoW, grr...

One of my guild-mates' brother was in that guild, and presumably in that very Onyxia raid: and he confirms that the raid leader was very much between "unstable" and "totally off-the-rocker", on a daily basis.

And those raid screenshots were entirely epic, too. Perfect for "Morning Lolz", to paraphrase Grieg. :D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: PaulR on November 11, 2007, 05:31:48 AM
watching South Park
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Haffner on November 11, 2007, 08:32:24 AM
About to become herbally challenged.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Keemun on November 12, 2007, 07:35:49 AM
Feeling pretty miserable and can't wait to go to the doctor this afternoon to find out what is causing my sore throat and mild fever (and hopefully to fix it).  :-\  What a way to return to work after a few days' vacation!   :P 

(http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/9499/garfieldhappymondayjx6.gif)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Bogey on November 12, 2007, 08:01:54 AM
Quote from: Keemun on November 12, 2007, 07:35:49 AM
Feeling pretty miserable and can't wait to go to the doctor this afternoon to find out what is causing my sore throat and mild fever (and hopefully to fix it).  :-\  What a way to return to work after a few days' vacation!   :P 

(http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/9499/garfieldhappymondayjx6.gif)

Still fighting the flu here...was hoping for a 24 hour bout.  No such luck.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Keemun on November 12, 2007, 08:24:06 AM
Quote from: Bogey on November 12, 2007, 08:01:54 AM
Still fighting the flu here...was hoping for a 24 hour bout.  No such luck.

Sorry to hear that, I hope you feel better soon.  Hopefully my luck is better.   ;D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Lethevich on November 12, 2007, 09:09:23 AM
Reading a comic...

(http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/5454/waleskl4.jpg)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kullervo on November 12, 2007, 12:53:25 PM
I am thinking: if I were to suddenly find a rich benefactor, and never have to work again, would I still go university? I think so.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Keemun on November 13, 2007, 06:40:08 AM
I'm wondering if having a type of tea for a username makes me sound like a goober, and if I should change it.    ???
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on November 13, 2007, 08:01:26 AM
Quote from: Keemun on November 13, 2007, 06:40:08 AM
I'm wondering if having a type of tea for a username makes me sound like a goober, and if I should change it.    ???

I like your screen name. It's cool and different. Don't change it ... unless you really want to. :-\
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Keemun on November 13, 2007, 08:26:25 AM
Quote from: Mark on November 13, 2007, 08:01:26 AM
I like your screen name. It's cool and different. Don't change it ... unless you really want to. :-\

Thanks. :)  I probably won't change it because if I did it would likely be something of similar quality, even if not tea related.  (Gerolsteiner, anyone?)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Haffner on November 13, 2007, 08:27:15 AM
Quote from: Mark on November 13, 2007, 08:01:26 AM
I like your screen name. It's cool and different. Don't change it ... unless you really want to. :-\





It's also memorable (in the "good" way).
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kullervo on November 13, 2007, 12:43:39 PM
Quote from: Haffner on November 13, 2007, 08:27:15 AM




It's also memorable (in the "good" way).

As opposed to say a certain airborne fecal primate?  0:)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Keemun on November 13, 2007, 02:46:33 PM
Quote from: Haffner on November 13, 2007, 08:27:15 AM
It's also memorable (in the "good" way).

Thanks. :)

Quote from: Corey on November 13, 2007, 12:43:39 PM
As opposed to say a certain airborne fecal primate?  0:)

That's what we would get if Southpark did a "Wizard of Oz" episode.   >:D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: greg on November 13, 2007, 04:16:12 PM
Quote from: Lethe on November 09, 2007, 07:40:43 PM
Well, considering how low WoW started I have big hope for the future of HG:L (atm the worst content in WoW is the only content it had on release). I enjoyed the beta (which I possibly committed minor fraud by using an exploit to get into), and they improved it a lot throughout that, and will presumably continue to.

I tended to have a lot of RVW and Dvorak playing during WoW. With RVW's symphonies in various moods, I could use, say, 4, 6 and 7 for Burning Steppe type areas, 1, 3, 8 and 9 for ambiguous ones, and 2 and 5 for green ones :P Haydn - I have yet to find anything that he sounds out of place during, he is the most amazingly all-purpose playlist guy ever. Occasionally it brings up surprising similarities through what is going on in-game through coincidence - eg the beginning of sym 82 during the final minute of a BG, or the finale of 44 when rather desperately defending a WSG base, and in general the constant up-tempo is engaging.

My guild wasn't very happy that I didn't turn their voice chat channel on as it would drown out the music I had on. Fortunately rogue is an "even if I knew what was going on with buffs and heals, I couldn't do anything about it" class, so as long as I was top dps, it was irrelevent :D I did miss some occasional fun as well though, as apparently one of our raid leaders (though he was not nasty) was the most amazingly bad tempered person sometimes, and this was very noticable on voice chat. I saved some fun chat logs though, including one of a raid that failed due to half the party being under the influence of drink, and in one case, weed. That caused a very fun "debate" : D
huh..... i've gotta turn off the sound and listen to music when i get FFXII. At least during the times when (as in most RPGs) you have to train a little more to get experience.

Quote from: Lethe on November 12, 2007, 09:09:23 AM
Reading a comic...

(http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/5454/waleskl4.jpg)
i don't recognize that line. What comic could that be?
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Lethevich on November 14, 2007, 01:11:35 AM
Quote from: G...R...E...G... on November 13, 2007, 04:16:12 PM
i don't recognize that line. What comic could that be?

Negima.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: PaulR on November 14, 2007, 03:37:36 AM
getting ready for classes.  Somedays you just don't want to go.....this is one of those days
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kullervo on November 14, 2007, 04:04:58 AM
Looking at this:

(http://www.nbmpublishing.com/comicslit/proust/prev2.jpg)

A comic-book version of Proust seems like a novel thing to have sitting on the coffee table.  8)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: longears on November 14, 2007, 04:07:54 AM
Quote from: Corey on November 14, 2007, 04:04:58 AM
A comic-book version of Proust seems like a novel thing to have sitting on the coffee table.  8)
Ahh--but shouldn't it be on the bedside table?
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kullervo on November 14, 2007, 04:12:09 AM
Quote from: longears on November 14, 2007, 04:07:54 AM
Ahh--but shouldn't it be on the bedside table?

:D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Keemun on November 14, 2007, 06:10:35 AM
Feeling like sh*t and wondering why I came to work today. :-[ 
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Lethevich on November 14, 2007, 07:57:37 AM
I'm truly marveling at the amount of cleanup tags on this article:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_ambient
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on November 14, 2007, 08:24:36 AM
Avoiding work by wasting time here.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: greg on November 18, 2007, 05:03:28 PM
Quote from: Mark on November 14, 2007, 08:24:36 AM
Avoiding work by wasting time here.
dude, you are SUPER cool!  8)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: BachQ on November 18, 2007, 05:09:53 PM
Greg is planning his funeral .......
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Brian on November 18, 2007, 05:20:09 PM
Avoiding writing a short (1 page) paper for linguistics.
Though technically it's half done...so I'm doing a bad job avoiding it  ;D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: greg on November 18, 2007, 05:22:39 PM
Quote from: D Minor on November 18, 2007, 05:09:53 PM
Greg is planning his funeral .......
hey, i didn't plan to lock it up!  ;D



Quote from: brianrein on November 18, 2007, 05:20:09 PM
Avoiding writing a short (1 page) paper for linguistics.
Though technically it's half done...so I'm doing a bad job avoiding it  ;D
dude, you're cool too...... linguistics.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Lethevich on November 18, 2007, 05:53:13 PM
Trying various workarounds to avoid a problem the forum software has with posting many images in one post (I could just do several posts, but this is a challenge).
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kullervo on November 18, 2007, 05:56:50 PM
Trying to make my bottom lip stop shaking. It's an embarrassing tic that happens when I listen to powerful music or feel an intense emotion.  :(
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Brian on November 18, 2007, 06:11:43 PM
Quote from: Corey on November 18, 2007, 05:56:50 PM
Trying to make my bottom lip stop shaking. It's an embarrassing tic that happens when I listen to powerful music or feel an intense emotion.  :(
Wow, what are you listening to? If you're feeling an intense emotion you don't have to explain why if you don't want to though  :)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Lethevich on November 18, 2007, 06:22:47 PM
Quote from: Corey on November 18, 2007, 05:56:50 PM
Trying to make my bottom lip stop shaking. It's an embarrassing tic that happens when I listen to powerful music or feel an intense emotion.  :(

Eek, must suck when other people are around :s I hate the occasional tears/goosebumps I get from music if another person is with me :P But generally I only get them when listening on my own, anyway...
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kullervo on November 18, 2007, 06:33:19 PM
Quote from: brianrein on November 18, 2007, 06:11:43 PM
Wow, what are you listening to? If you're feeling an intense emotion you don't have to explain why if you don't want to though  :)

Listening to Mahler's 8th for the first time.

Quote from: Lethe on November 18, 2007, 06:22:47 PM
Eek, must suck when other people are around :s I hate the occasional tears/goosebumps I get from music if another person is with me :P But generally I only get them when listening on my own, anyway...

Luckily I don't listen to music when other people are around. I don't think I could — it's too personal.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: George on November 18, 2007, 06:47:07 PM

Trying to endure this motherfucking flu.  :-[

Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Lethevich on November 18, 2007, 06:57:32 PM
Quote from: Corey on November 18, 2007, 06:33:19 PM
Luckily I don't listen to music when other people are around. I don't think I could — it's too personal.

That used to be an issue for me (although now I can listen with my significant other, as I've known them long enough for it to be okay to not hide any embarassing emotional reactions) - but the biggest problem currently is the nature of orchestral music (large, indulgent). It's actually embarassing when someone walks in on me listening to it in a way that chamber music wouldn't be. And ironically, this could be avoided by listening on headphones, but orchestral music is the most damaging to the ears to listen to in that way - chamber music wouldn't be a problem, and yet, I have no need to listen to that on headphones... grr...

But of course, I always find ways to make mountains out of molehills.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kullervo on November 18, 2007, 08:05:48 PM
Quote from: Lethe on November 18, 2007, 06:57:32 PM
That used to be an issue for me (although now I can listen with my significant other, as I've known them long enough for it to be okay to not hide any embarassing emotional reactions) - but the biggest problem currently is the nature of orchestral music (large, indulgent). It's actually embarassing when someone walks in on me listening to it in a way that chamber music wouldn't be. And ironically, this could be avoided by listening on headphones, but orchestral music is the most damaging to the ears to listen to in that way - chamber music wouldn't be a problem, and yet, I have no need to listen to that on headphones... grr...

But of course, I always find ways to make mountains out of molehills.

I realize this sounds strange and animal-like, but are you male or female? I've been trying to put a mental picture of you together from your posts, but somehow you have remained androgynous in a way.   :D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on November 19, 2007, 12:05:07 AM
Quote from: Corey on November 18, 2007, 08:05:48 PM
I realize this sounds strange and animal-like, but are you male or female? I've been trying to put a mental picture of you together from your posts, but somehow you have remained androgynous in a way.   :D

On behalf of Lethe, I can tell you that she is female. :)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Great Gable on November 19, 2007, 12:06:30 AM
Quote from: George on November 18, 2007, 06:47:07 PM
Trying to endure this motherfucking flu.  :-[



Boy, that's a variant I don't want to catch!
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on November 19, 2007, 12:28:26 AM
Quote from: Great Gable on November 19, 2007, 12:06:30 AM
Boy, that's a variant I don't want to catch!

;D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: BachQ on November 19, 2007, 03:07:41 AM
Quote from: Corey on November 18, 2007, 08:05:48 PM
I realize this sounds strange and animal-like, but are you male or female?

You animal ! ........
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: longears on November 19, 2007, 04:22:01 AM
Quote from: Corey on November 18, 2007, 06:33:19 PM
Luckily I don't listen to music when other people are around. I don't think I could — it's too personal.
Try getting out to some live performances. 
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kullervo on November 19, 2007, 05:43:08 AM
Quote from: longears on November 19, 2007, 04:22:01 AM
Try getting out to some live performances. 

That's not a bad idea. :)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Harry on November 19, 2007, 05:46:42 AM
Writing a new testament.........
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: karlhenning on November 19, 2007, 05:48:49 AM
The Tao of Harry?  0:)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Lethevich on November 19, 2007, 05:50:57 AM
I am: watching Diagnosis Murder. It is raining outside and there isn't very much to do :(

Quote from: Corey on November 18, 2007, 08:05:48 PM
I've been trying to put a mental picture of you together from your posts, but somehow you have remained androgynous in a way.   :D

Success! ;D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: greg on November 19, 2007, 05:52:03 AM
Quote from: Corey on November 18, 2007, 05:56:50 PM
Trying to make my bottom lip stop shaking. It's an embarrassing tic that happens when I listen to powerful music or feel an intense emotion.  :(
Quote from: Corey on November 18, 2007, 06:33:19 PM
Listening to Mahler's 8th for the first time.
Quote from: Lethe on November 18, 2007, 06:57:32 PM
That used to be an issue for me (although now I can listen with my significant other, as I've known them long enough for it to be okay to not hide any embarassing emotional reactions) - but the biggest problem currently is the nature of orchestral music (large, indulgent). It's actually embarassing when someone walks in on me listening to it in a way that chamber music wouldn't be. And ironically, this could be avoided by listening on headphones, but orchestral music is the most damaging to the ears to listen to in that way - chamber music wouldn't be a problem, and yet, I have no need to listen to that on headphones... grr...

But of course, I always find ways to make mountains out of molehills.
LOL! i know exactly what you're talking about...... especially with Mahler or Penderecki; for me, it'll be in my head, i don't have to listen to the music while others are around. It just hits you and it's crazy, it's like the music contrasts with the boringness you see around you and you start making funny faces, lol



Quote from: Lethe on November 19, 2007, 05:50:57 AM
I am: watching Diagnosis Murder. It is raining outside and there isn't very much to do :(

Success! ;D
:o  ;D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: prémont on November 19, 2007, 05:56:04 AM
Quote from: Harry on November 19, 2007, 05:46:42 AM
Writing a new testament.........

Harry - for Gods sake ...
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Harry on November 19, 2007, 06:04:31 AM
Quote from: premont on November 19, 2007, 05:56:04 AM
Harry - for Gods sake ...

Sorry I did not want to frighten you... :)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: karlhenning on November 19, 2007, 06:12:06 AM
"New Testament" in English has specifically biblical connotations, Harry.  Did you mean that you are re-drawing your will?

And if that's the case, log off and see to it with undivided attention  ;)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: greg on November 19, 2007, 06:12:54 AM
which CDs will you put in my copy of the Harry New Testament, Harry?
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on November 19, 2007, 06:15:52 AM
Editing the most dull document I've ever been paid to look over. :(
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: greg on November 19, 2007, 06:17:53 AM
Quote from: Mark on November 19, 2007, 06:15:52 AM
Editing the most dull document I've ever been paid to look over. :(
an Elgar score?
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Great Gable on November 19, 2007, 06:20:59 AM
Quote from: Mark on November 19, 2007, 06:15:52 AM
Editing the most dull document I've ever been paid to look over. :(

Pass it over - I'll do it for less - I've spent a lifetime doing dull tasks
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on November 19, 2007, 06:22:52 AM
Quote from: Great Gable on November 19, 2007, 06:20:59 AM
Pass it over - I'll do it for less - I've spent a lifetime doing dull tasks

What do you do, out of interest?
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Lethevich on November 19, 2007, 06:25:48 AM
Quote from: Mark on November 19, 2007, 06:15:52 AM
Editing the most dull document I've ever been paid to look over. :(

...I can't stop thinking what it could be...

A "Worker ethics charter for Essex Polyethylene & Polyvinyl Buisnesses Association, PLC"...
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Harry on November 19, 2007, 06:28:53 AM
Quote from: Harry on November 19, 2007, 05:46:42 AM
Writing a new will.........
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Harry on November 19, 2007, 06:30:09 AM
Quote from: G...R...E...G... on November 19, 2007, 06:12:54 AM
which CDs will you put in my copy of the Harry New Testament, Harry?

All you could every dream of my friend..... :)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Great Gable on November 19, 2007, 06:48:20 AM
Quote from: Mark on November 19, 2007, 06:22:52 AM
What do you do, out of interest?

See PM Mark
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Haffner on November 19, 2007, 07:26:57 AM
Okay, I don't have much time...MUST...type this out...MUST...stay to-GEther...

I know you won't believe me, but I was just sitting on my computer when five oriental women with blonde hair and cowboy hats busted into my living room, sang "Hava Nagila" like the Tina Turner Chorus, and each gang-whipped me with their stilletto heels...got...to GO...now...MUST...
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Keemun on November 19, 2007, 07:28:19 AM
Quote from: Haffner on November 19, 2007, 07:26:57 AM
Okay, I don't have much time...MUST...type this out...MUST...stay to-GEther...

I know you won't believe me, but I was just sitting on my computer when five oriental women with blonde hair and cowboy hats busted into my living room, sang "Hava Nagila" like the Tina Turner Chorus, and each gang-whipped me with their stilletto heels...got...to GO...now...MUST...

:o :o :o :o :o :o
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Harry on November 19, 2007, 07:37:34 AM
Quote from: Haffner on November 19, 2007, 07:26:57 AM
Okay, I don't have much time...MUST...type this out...MUST...stay to-GEther...

I know you won't believe me, but I was just sitting on my computer when five oriental women with blonde hair and cowboy hats busted into my living room, sang "Hava Nagila" like the Tina Turner Chorus, and each gang-whipped me with their stilletto heels...got...to GO...now...MUST...

He man, stay of the prozac........ ;D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Keemun on November 19, 2007, 07:43:26 AM
Quote from: Haffner on November 19, 2007, 07:26:57 AM
Okay, I don't have much time...MUST...type this out...MUST...stay to-GEther...

I know you won't believe me, but I was just sitting on my computer when five oriental women with blonde hair and cowboy hats busted into my living room, sang "Hava Nagila" like the Tina Turner Chorus, and each gang-whipped me with their stilletto heels...got...to GO...now...MUST...

After re-reading this, I'm wondering: Why were you sitting on your computer? 
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mark on November 19, 2007, 08:07:48 AM
Quote from: Lethe on November 19, 2007, 06:25:48 AM
...I can't stop thinking what it could be...

A "Worker ethics charter for Essex Polyethylene & Polyvinyl Buisnesses Association, PLC"...

A new business tender for a five-year contract to supply services to a London Borough Council. A total of 45 pages of utter tedium. :(
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: greg on November 19, 2007, 08:23:22 AM
Quote from: Haffner on November 19, 2007, 07:26:57 AM
Okay, I don't have much time...MUST...type this out...MUST...stay to-GEther...

I know you won't believe me, but I was just sitting on my computer when five oriental women with blonde hair and cowboy hats busted into my living room, sang "Hava Nagila" like the Tina Turner Chorus, and each gang-whipped me with their stilletto heels...got...to GO...now...MUST...
...
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DanielFullard on November 19, 2007, 08:34:41 AM
Quote from: Harry on November 19, 2007, 05:46:42 AM
Writing a new testament.........

Can I be in it?
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Harry on November 19, 2007, 09:14:41 AM
Quote from: DanielFullard on November 19, 2007, 08:34:41 AM
Can I be in it?

O, why not, I know you love music.... ;D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: greg on July 17, 2010, 06:26:10 PM
Trying to eat a sub even though I can barely open my mouth. Also, picking snot out of my nose and letting the dog lick it.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: CD on July 17, 2010, 07:10:45 PM
...
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: greg on July 17, 2010, 07:41:53 PM
Quote from: Greg on November 19, 2007, 08:23:22 AM
...

Quote from: Corey on July 17, 2010, 07:10:45 PM
...
......
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: CD on July 17, 2010, 09:09:30 PM
Quote from: Silent RPG Hero...............
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: greg on July 18, 2010, 09:37:01 AM
........................!

(http://www.marctv.de/media/cc_char_serge.jpg)


(I think he meant, "I take personal offense at that!"
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: CD on July 18, 2010, 11:10:31 AM
(http://www.runnerstribe.com/userfiles/ellipsis.png)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: mc ukrneal on July 18, 2010, 11:34:31 AM
Quote from: Corey on July 18, 2010, 11:10:31 AM
(http://www.runnerstribe.com/userfiles/ellipsis.png)

Having a ball?!?
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: greg on July 18, 2010, 11:38:04 AM
Can't see the picture...
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: CD on July 18, 2010, 11:40:42 AM
It looks like this:

...
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Opus106 on July 18, 2010, 11:42:26 AM
Quote from: ukrneal on July 18, 2010, 11:34:31 AM
Having a ball?!?

Having balls, in fact.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: greg on July 18, 2010, 11:44:53 AM
Hm, now I can see all of the pictures.  :-X
I see, a fancy ellipsis. Maybe they don't shine enough, but they'll do.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: VonStupp on January 09, 2024, 02:18:10 PM
Since we are snowbound currently, it allowed us to finish some crafting projects.

Tied up the final pieces to this model of the Queen Anne's Revenge today. A decent and not too long activity, with no less than 40 cannons.
VS

Ship.jpg
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on January 09, 2024, 06:03:41 PM
I fold Origami.  Here is a Wooly Mammoth I folded today.  One sheet, no cuts.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: VonStupp on January 10, 2024, 06:40:34 AM
Quote from: DavidW on January 09, 2024, 06:03:41 PMI fold Origami.  Here is a Wooly Mammoth I folded today.  One sheet, no cuts.

Fun! Is this something you are able to do freehand, or is there a pattern to follow? I have never attempted paper-folding crafts before.
VS
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on January 10, 2024, 08:51:50 AM
Quote from: VonStupp on January 10, 2024, 06:40:34 AMFun! Is this something you are able to do freehand, or is there a pattern to follow? I have never attempted paper-folding crafts before.
VS


I folded from diagrams.  I have created a few of my own models, but it is pretty rare.  It is much more challenging and time consuming to create your own than to fold someone else's creation.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on January 10, 2024, 07:30:58 PM

     I'm researching stocks. My Codefendant might buy something for herself so I have to find something she wouldn't mind owning. Ideally it would resemble a small furry animal, something cute and cuddly. Unfortunately those are rare and "overbought".
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 11, 2024, 06:36:02 AM
Quote from: VonStupp on January 09, 2024, 02:18:10 PMSince we are snowbound currently, it allowed us to finish some crafting projects.

Tied up the final pieces to this model of the Queen Anne's Revenge today. A decent and not too long activity, with no less than 40 cannons.
VS

Ship.jpg
Oh, neat!  Have you put together many models?  And what interested you in this particular ship?  :)

Making myself go through and get rid of some old bills and paperwork; cooking (made some yummy potato and leek soup and hope to make some spaghetti and meatballs today); and possibly go for a good walk today (now that we have a short break from snow/rain and it's not bitterly cold outside).

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: VonStupp on January 12, 2024, 07:06:13 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 11, 2024, 06:36:02 AMOh, neat!  Have you put together many models?  And what interested you in this particular ship?  :)

PD

My wife usually picks out crafts for the family or herself. She generally likes fantasy-themed projects, although high adventure ranks favorably too.

Otherwise, family model-making is relegated to Legos, although we have some tiny structures scattered about the house as well.
VS
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on January 14, 2024, 06:11:47 PM
I spent all evening cleaning out my walk-in closet.  That finishes my project of cleaning up my closets and junk drawers.  Spread out over a year.  Good to accomplish the goal! (except the storage shed, but we won't talk about that...)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Irons on January 24, 2024, 07:15:47 AM
I have spent this morning filling my car with manure! Free and even served with a cup of coffee. Ache all over, especially muscles laid dormant for decades! 
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 24, 2024, 07:32:11 AM
Quote from: Irons on January 24, 2024, 07:15:47 AMI have spent this morning filling my car with manure! Free and even served with a cup of coffee. Ache all over, especially muscles laid dormant for decades!
Cool [not the part about muscles aching]!

I trust that you were very careful filling your vehicle?   ;)

Shoveled snow here (more of an icy slush) and put some sand/salt mixture down.

Earlier watched some of the tennis from the Australian Open (live).  Sadly "my guy", Carlos Alcaraz, was defeated by Sasha Zverev in the quarter finals.

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on January 24, 2024, 08:10:33 AM

    So anyway I bought a stock, GAIN, a typical income investment (6.6% yield). It's a BDC which loans to businesses and is OK. I've owned it in my own account for 7 years and unusually it has grown by 49%. Now Somebody Else will get the benefit.

   
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 24, 2024, 10:17:32 AM
Quote from: drogulus on January 24, 2024, 08:10:33 AMSo anyway I bought a stock, GAIN, a typical income investment (6.6% yield). It's a BDC which loans to businesses and is OK. I've owned it in my own account for 7 years and unusually it has grown by 49%. Now Somebody Else will get the benefit.

   
What is a BDC?

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on January 25, 2024, 06:50:53 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 24, 2024, 10:17:32 AMWhat is a BDC?

PD

    From Investopedia:

    A business development company (BDC) is a type of closed-end fund that makes investments in developing and financially distressed firms.

    Many BDCs are publicly traded and are open to retail investors.

    BDCs offer investors high dividend yields and some capital appreciation potential.

    BDCs' heavy use of leverage and small or distressed company targeting makes them relatively high-risk investments.


    The most famous and holy BDC is Main Street Capital (MAIN), which I've owned since 2013.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 25, 2024, 08:26:34 AM
Quote from: drogulus on January 25, 2024, 06:50:53 AMFrom Investopedia:

    A business development company (BDC) is a type of closed-end fund that makes investments in developing and financially distressed firms.

    Many BDCs are publicly traded and are open to retail investors.

    BDCs offer investors high dividend yields and some capital appreciation potential.

    BDCs' heavy use of leverage and small or distressed company targeting makes them relatively high-risk investments.


    The most famous and holy BDC is Main Street Capital (MAIN), which I've owned since 2013.
Thanks for the info!

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Iota on January 25, 2024, 10:20:24 AM
Quote from: Irons on January 24, 2024, 07:15:47 AMI have spent this morning filling my car with manure! Free and even served with a cup of coffee. Ache all over, especially muscles laid dormant for decades!

That brings back fond memories!  :)
My father grew all the family's vegetables and from time to time he'd hitch up the trailer to the car and we'd drive a few hundred yards down the lane to one of our neighbours who farmed cattle, and load up the trailer with enough manure to last many months. I found something strangely satisfying about the whole process, and took great pleasure both in his pleasure, and a sense of having replenished the larder.  
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Irons on January 25, 2024, 11:35:12 PM
Quote from: Iota on January 25, 2024, 10:20:24 AMThat brings back fond memories!  :)
My father grew all the family's vegetables and from time to time he'd hitch up the trailer to the car and we'd drive a few hundred yards down the lane to one of our neighbours who farmed cattle, and load up the trailer with enough manure to last many months. I found something strangely satisfying about the whole process, and took great pleasure both in his pleasure, and a sense of having replenished the larder.   

A double win. Bracing exercise and vegetables grown naturally without chemicals and far more tasty then those purchased from a supermarket.

 
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Iota on January 26, 2024, 03:38:42 AM
Quote from: Irons on January 25, 2024, 11:35:12 PMA double win. Bracing exercise and vegetables grown naturally without chemicals and far more tasty then those purchased from a supermarket.

 

Indeed. When the word 'organic' started being bandied round as a selling point by supermarkets et al in the late 70's/early 80's (?), I realised we'd grown up with organic vegetables without ever really realising there was a distinction. We just called them vegetables ..
 
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on January 26, 2024, 05:08:54 AM
Quote from: DavidW on January 09, 2024, 06:03:41 PMI fold Origami.  Here is a Wooly Mammoth I folded today.  One sheet, no cuts.

Incredible. Very sophisticated works!
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 26, 2024, 05:17:28 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on January 26, 2024, 05:08:54 AMIncredible. Very sophisticated works!
I think that I'd be lucky to be able to make a crane!  Would probably *look more like a cat, but then, that's me!

*If I was doing well.

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on January 26, 2024, 05:49:16 AM
Origami made by Pres. Obama when he visited Hiroshima.

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20160608/p2a/00m/0na/005000c


(https://cdn-ak.f.st-hatena.com/images/fotolife/t/toship-asobi/20010101/20010101015100.jpg)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 26, 2024, 06:31:00 AM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on January 26, 2024, 05:49:16 AMOrigami made by Pres. Obama when he visited Hiroshima.

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20160608/p2a/00m/0na/005000c


(https://cdn-ak.f.st-hatena.com/images/fotolife/t/toship-asobi/20010101/20010101015100.jpg)

Lovely!  And I love his message!

I'd love to make one of these "guys".

(https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.redd.it%2Fwgrhihnpvx051.jpg&rdt=47847)

(https://i.etsystatic.com/26508830/r/il/ea3da6/2843748187/il_fullxfull.2843748187_e2yt.jpg)

There's a craft store in a neighboring town.  I wonder whether or not they sell the paper?  And I'd need to find instructions--either online or a book.

Hmmm...the one from Reddit didn't come up.   :(

PD

EDIT:  Here's a link to the image  https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.redd.it%2Fwgrhihnpvx051.jpg&rdt=47847
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on January 26, 2024, 06:36:33 AM
Yes I've folded that cat before several times.  One was an Origami prize to one of my students for greatly improving, and then again for my Mother who likes cats, and a third time for me.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 26, 2024, 08:16:07 PM
Quote from: DavidW on January 26, 2024, 06:36:33 AMYes I've folded that cat before several times.  One was an Origami prize to one of my students for greatly improving, and then again for my Mother who likes cats, and a third time for me.
The grey one?

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on January 27, 2024, 07:25:50 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 26, 2024, 08:16:07 PMThe grey one?

PD

Yup.  The other one looks cool, but I haven't folded it yet.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 28, 2024, 02:34:40 AM
Quote from: DavidW on January 27, 2024, 07:25:50 AMYup.  The other one looks cool, but I haven't folded it yet.
Neat!  Do you have any favorite books with origami patterns/info in them?

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on January 28, 2024, 05:58:51 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 28, 2024, 02:34:40 AMNeat!  Do you have any favorite books with origami patterns/info in them?

PD

I own hundreds of books, they all have their strengths and weaknesses.  If you're looking for a recommendation to get in, what I use to teach my students is Teach Yourself Origami by John Montroll.  As a math teacher, he knows what he is doing.  He introduces each fold or technique one at a time with multiple practice models.  As you proceed through the book you not only master the basics but you also learn to read diagrams.

My favorite book is Origami Essence by Roman Diaz.  He really captured elegant shapes in his models with his own aesthetic, and they are suitably complex without being ever difficult or frustrating.  I've folded every single model in that book.

And the most difficult book I own is Origami Nature Study by Shuki Kato which is very, very, very difficult.  Really only for the best, most experienced, advanced folders.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on January 28, 2024, 10:02:46 AM
Thank you so much for your thoughts and recommendations David!  :) I'll check into them (perhaps I can borrow the Montroll one from a library?).  I've noticed also that different sizes of paper are called for for different creations.  Does JM call for just one size (so that I'm not buying a lot of different sizes all at once)?

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on January 28, 2024, 11:27:38 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 28, 2024, 10:02:46 AMThank you so much for your thoughts and recommendations David!  :) I'll check into them (perhaps I can borrow the Montroll one from a library?).  I've noticed also that different sizes of paper are called for for different creations.  Does JM call for just one size (so that I'm not buying a lot of different sizes all at once)?

PD

Most models in that book can be folded with the standard 15 cm (6 in) kami.  The advanced section in the book will require 25 cm (10 in).
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on January 31, 2024, 08:23:33 AM
    I've been watching financial scarifiers on YT just for kicks and occasionally I respond with a comment. Usually the gist of the vid is something about the world coming to an end. Also, there will be no more dollars because there are too many and they are too strong or weak or both. I respond thusly.

Q: Did you know a crash is coming? A: Yes.

Q: And a boom after that? A: Yes.

Q: And a crash and boom after that? A: Yes.

Q; So what are you going to do about it?

A: Nothing.

👿
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on February 04, 2024, 01:13:51 PM
I did my taxes!  I've been watching the various forms pile up on my desk across the month and finally received the last ones.  It seems like the older I get the more tedious and complex filing taxes becomes. :P
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on February 04, 2024, 01:47:43 PM
Quote from: drogulus on January 10, 2024, 07:30:58 PMI'm researching stocks. My Codefendant might buy something for herself so I have to find something she wouldn't mind owning. Ideally it would resemble a small furry animal, something cute and cuddly. Unfortunately those are rare and "overbought".

Last year, I read a book called 'Investing: The Last Liberal Art'. It was a fun read though I'm not an investor.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on February 04, 2024, 04:25:32 PM

     My taxes are done by a resident wizard at HRBlock because I'm afraid of K-1s. I get 4 of them each year and it makes me nauseous to look at them.
     
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on February 05, 2024, 10:33:18 AM
Hunting dust bunnies (currently in my living room).  Those rascally rabbits!

Taking a short break then need to finish moving couch and then back to vacuuming, etc.  Useless to put on any music at the moment.

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on February 05, 2024, 10:43:24 AM
Researching the evolutionary phases of whales.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on February 05, 2024, 03:00:00 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on February 05, 2024, 10:43:24 AMResearching the evolutionary phases of whales.
So, what have you learned?

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on February 05, 2024, 03:11:06 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 05, 2024, 03:00:00 PMSo, what have you learned?

PD

     They're related to hippos.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on February 05, 2024, 04:30:04 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 05, 2024, 03:00:00 PMSo, what have you learned?

PD

Whales are handsome now, but they were not when they were on the land.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on February 05, 2024, 11:15:44 PM
Quote from: Dry Brett Kavanaugh on February 05, 2024, 04:30:04 PMWhales are handsome now, but they were not when they were on the land.
:laugh:

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Irons on February 09, 2024, 06:30:59 AM
Watching Nils and Bianca.

Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on March 03, 2024, 07:11:42 AM
Quote from: ultralinear on March 03, 2024, 03:27:21 AMCame away empty-handed (again). :(

I think it is more fun to look but not buy.  Because then you get to walk away seeing cool things, but also knowing you still have cash in your wallet and no buyer's remorse!
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on March 03, 2024, 07:55:21 AM
I worked the last shift of my work week, which finished about two hours ago. Now I'm drinking post-breakfast coffee while perusing GMG in one of my preferred restaurants, trying to decide if I'm sufficiently fueled to struggle on home.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on March 03, 2024, 01:40:21 PM
Quote from: ultralinear on March 03, 2024, 03:27:21 AMStarted the morning at the latest biannual Tonbridge Audiojumble:
(https://www.exactlabels.com/dx71764852/42392403/taj.jpg)
Came away empty-handed (again). :(
Is there a specific piece of equipment that you're trying to find UL?

It looks like it would be a fun show to attend.  :)

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on March 04, 2024, 08:21:23 AM
0832 as l start this. Been up and down overnight. Sleep an hour, do some quiet stuff, sleep three more, do some more... a normal night off, in other words.

So now I'm posting... and drinking. Cointreau, to be precise, because graveyard shift turns " Happy Hour " into Any Hour. I'm up when I'm up and l sleep when l sleep - there is no predictable pattern on my days off. So the drinking happens whenever, unless there are plans which require a change... not the case this weekend. 

( I'll note here that l've no particular responsibilities regarding immediate family or relatives. I've no children that l know of, and my surviving nephews, nieces and siblings are distant and are successful, self-sufficient adults. I'm proud as Hell of them all, [ even though none of them are musical ] though the feeling isn't universally reciprocated. )

So I'll just keep on trucking, reading the news and sipping this wonderful nectar of the gods ( Cointreau is the one creation of France which l truly admire, made from fermented orange rinds. ), and maybe later update the Reaction Videos thread or, perhaps, the oboe thread.



Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Spotted Horses on March 04, 2024, 08:34:36 AM
Quote from: LKB on March 04, 2024, 08:21:23 AM0832 as l start this. Been up and down overnight. Sleep an hour, do some quiet stuff, sleep three more, do some more... a normal night off, in other words.

So now I'm posting... and drinking. Cointreau, to be precise, because graveyard shift turns " Happy Hour " into Any Hour. I'm up when I'm up and l sleep when l sleep - there is no predictable pattern on my days off. So the drinking happens whenever, unless there are plans which require a change... not the case this weekend. 

( I'll note here that l've no particular responsibilities regarding immediate family or relatives. I've no children that l know of, and my surviving nephews, nieces and siblings are distant and are successful, self-sufficient adults. I'm proud as Hell of them all, [ even though none of them are musical ] though the feeling isn't universally reciprocated. )

So I'll just keep on trucking, reading the news and sipping this wonderful nectar of the gods ( Cointreau is the one creation of France which l truly admire, made from fermented orange rinds. ), and maybe later update the Reaction Videos thread or, perhaps, the oboe thread.





Sounds heavenly.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Spotted Horses on March 04, 2024, 08:38:25 AM
Wandering around here.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on March 04, 2024, 09:02:53 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on March 04, 2024, 08:34:36 AMSounds heavenly.

Just read that the US Supreme Court has ruled that Colorado cannot exclude Donald Trump from the ballot. Not so heavenly...

Well, perhaps that doesn't really matter. If the Court should rule for Trump on the immunity issue, it would seem to free up some radical courses of action for Joe Biden, who might then take direct action to prevent Trump from ever taking office should he win the general election.

And if the Court doesn't rule for Trump, he may yet wind up in prison.

Stay tuned, American politics have never been in such bizarre straits.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on March 04, 2024, 09:53:51 AM
Quote from: LKB on March 04, 2024, 08:21:23 AM0832 as l start this. Been up and down overnight. Sleep an hour, do some quiet stuff, sleep three more, do some more... a normal night off, in other words.

Sounds like a rather rough sleeping "schedule".  :( Working a graveyard shift must be quite hard on ones body--I would think so anyway.

Quote from: Spotted Horses on March 04, 2024, 08:38:25 AMWandering around here.
Looks beautiful!  Did you grab an ice cream cone before wandering around?  It's wonderful to wander looking at boats, the harbor, etc.  BS, do you yourself ever go sailing?

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on March 04, 2024, 10:16:09 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on March 04, 2024, 09:53:51 AMSounds like a rather rough sleeping "schedule".  :( Working a graveyard shift must be quite hard on ones body--I would think so anyway...
PD
Graveyard shift was a breeze for me back when l was young, during the '90's. I'd do my job and during downtime listen to Vaughn Williams, Bach Cello Suites, tangos, whatever, to stay awake.

Some years ago one of the there was a study done concerning the effects of working overnight upon people in various age groups. The results indicated that graveyard shifts were inadvisable for people over 55, and l passed that threshold long ago.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: ingridguerci94 on March 05, 2024, 01:20:34 AM
I am sitting in a cafe right now. I have my earphones on and I am listening to the songs I used to listen to five years ago and haven't heard in a long time, (https://phima1a.com/phim-sex-viet-nam/)
If this were some other time, I might have cringed but right now, as I look out of the glass window, I just want to travel through time and go back to the past.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on March 05, 2024, 06:52:38 AM
Since this has become the depression thread... I'm about ready to head out the door to the vet.  My pet dog is very sick.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Spotted Horses on March 05, 2024, 08:23:45 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on March 04, 2024, 09:53:51 AMLooks beautiful!  Did you grab an ice cream cone before wandering around?  It's wonderful to wander looking at boats, the harbor, etc.  BS, do you yourself ever go sailing?

Was there as an outing for a disabled family member, so it was a 'working' visit.

I guess those are fishing boats, the "Harbor Village" is a place to get inexpensive seafood. The thing to notice is how nicely green the coastal hills in the background are. In California that mean's it's winter and drought is not in effect.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on March 05, 2024, 09:21:50 AM
Quote from: ultralinear on March 05, 2024, 07:36:53 AMVery sorry to hear that. :(  Hope s/he's OK.

Turns out he just needs anti-nausea medicine and a grilled chicken and rice diet.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on March 05, 2024, 10:27:09 AM

     I'm thinking about doing a thing.

     I might buy AMD. I'm having trouble overcoming my aversion to owning NVDA because I slightly hate them for what they've done to the GPU market.

     
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on March 05, 2024, 10:38:58 AM
Quote from: DavidW on March 05, 2024, 09:21:50 AMTurns out he just needs anti-nausea medicine and a grilled chicken and rice diet.

Hell, that's what I need... the former for the state of American politics, the latter for some tasty vittles.

( Hope it turn's things around for your dog.  8) )
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on March 07, 2024, 08:49:34 AM
Quote from: DavidW on March 05, 2024, 06:52:38 AMSince this has become the depression thread... I'm about ready to head out the door to the vet.  My pet dog is very sick.
How is your dog doing?  Better I hope.

Here:  purchased a bunch of "wild" mushrooms [cultivated really].  Have a soup recipe that I hope to make tonight ("Wild Mushroom Soup with Sherry & Thyme"--an older Fine Cooking recipe which looks tasty).  Bought a fresh bâtard from a local bakery and will make a nice salad to go with it.

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Karl Henning on March 07, 2024, 08:54:51 AM
Quote from: DavidW on March 05, 2024, 06:52:38 AMSince this has become the depression thread... I'm about ready to head out the door to the vet.  My pet dog is very sick.
Hope all has turned out well!
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Karl Henning on March 07, 2024, 09:16:02 AM
Kind of a hectic week, to start: I had Colonoscopy II on Tuesday, so there was prep for that Monday (the beverage/solution was much more potable this time around; in hindsight, I ought to have drunk more water, too, as somehow the difficulty my veins traditionally pose to the searching phlebotomist played vascular opossum.) My buddy Peter fetched me from hospital, with a peanut butter sandwich thoughtfully prepared by his wife Becky. He kindly both stood me a Whopper Jr w/ cheese and fries (I'm not normally a "fry guy" but dang, they tasted good) and brought me to my polling place en route home. There was also prep for my cleaning lady, who wound up coming at 7 yestermorn. What with all the excitement/activity I wound up taking a serious nap yesterday afternoon. My voice is still recovering from laryngitis, so I cannot sing with my church choir yet, and will just conduct at tonight's rehearsal and Sunday's service. In fact, still pretty much resting my voice even from plain speech. Not really terrible, and on the upswing.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on March 07, 2024, 09:24:23 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on March 07, 2024, 08:49:34 AMHow is your dog doing?  Better I hope.

Here:  purchased a bunch of "wild" mushrooms [cultivated really].  Have a soup recipe that I hope to make tonight ("Wild Mushroom Soup with Sherry & Thyme"--an older Fine Cooking recipe which looks tasty).  Bought a fresh bâtard from a local bakery and will make a nice salad to go with it.

PD

He is eating meals again, still pretty sick.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on March 07, 2024, 09:26:47 AM
Quote from: DavidW on March 07, 2024, 09:24:23 AMHe is eating meals again, still pretty sick.
Do you know why he became ill?

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on March 07, 2024, 09:31:00 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on March 07, 2024, 09:26:47 AMDo you know why he became ill?

PD

Idk but the vet did all the tests and there is nothing major.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Spotted Horses on March 08, 2024, 11:35:56 AM
Quote from: DavidW on March 07, 2024, 09:31:00 AMIdk but the vet did all the tests and there is nothing major.

Have you been playing too much Pettersson?
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Florestan on March 08, 2024, 11:51:25 AM
Quote from: DavidW on March 07, 2024, 09:31:00 AMIdk but the vet did all the tests and there is nothing major.

How old is he?
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on March 08, 2024, 01:09:35 PM
Quote from: Florestan on March 08, 2024, 11:51:25 AMHow old is he?

Fourteen.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Florestan on March 08, 2024, 01:17:05 PM
Quote from: DavidW on March 08, 2024, 01:09:35 PMFourteen.

Wow! That's the equivalent of about 100 years for a human being. He's not ill, he's just very old. Trust me, I know very well what I'm talking about.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on March 11, 2024, 09:34:44 AM
    I'm trolling financial advisors on YT. The game they play is a kind of dummy trap. We can call it "won't end well". If you disagree you are a credulous fool, because implicitly you think no recession will come. The real counter to the "well/not well" fake dichotomy is not how an economy ends. It's how it doesn't.

    Example of my jokerage:

It's true that bull and bear markets follow each other, though I wouldn't call that a profound insight. What's a little more insightful is recognizing the through line tilts up. All long term investors know this. For some reason the message doesn't get through the miasma of doom promulgated by people seeking to profit from churning the portfolios of their willing acolytes.

    The through line could be from high to high, or low to low, or midpoint to midpoint over several decades. The deep low of 2009 took the S&P back to 1995 levels. The next low of any significance was during Covid lockdown and reversed quicker than any other in history. History tells me that a recession will take us down more the next time, if not deeper then longer. Fiscal support over the next few years will be fairly strong, a tough hurdle for recessionistas pining for misery.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on March 11, 2024, 01:55:32 PM
Hershey is well now. :)

Edit: I mean outside of being nearly deaf, blind and arthritic.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on March 11, 2024, 06:57:17 PM
Quote from: DavidW on March 11, 2024, 01:55:32 PMHershey is well now. :)

Edit: I mean outside of being nearly deaf, blind and arthritic.
Love to both of you (and your spouse too whom I'm sure cares and is hurting).

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on April 09, 2024, 09:54:08 AM
    I haven't bought AMD......yet. I have to pay my taxes first.

    Now I'm (re) learning how to unpack SACD ISOs to individual tracks my Chinoppo can play. I can't play them on my PC because I don't have the right program for it.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on May 15, 2024, 09:21:15 AM

     I bought QCOM and TSM instead of AMD. Still, AMD isn't entirely off my screen. I'd need to sell something, and since I don't like doing that I might have to use an "evil" filter. The way that works is you have a stock that strikes you as more than averagely evil, with the criteria being fairly unimportant. It's just a decider switch and nothing more.

     Example: I have shares in KKR. There was a TV movie (Barbarians At The Gate) that depicted KKR in a negative light. The details don't matter. Henry Kravis might be a capitalist saint. What matters is it decides something, which is selling a stock. That's all there is to it.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on May 22, 2024, 10:32:13 AM

     My Firefox was getting very slow and I couldn't fix it, so I created a new profile, imported my stuff from the old one, and now it's speedy.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on May 22, 2024, 12:03:26 PM
Quote from: drogulus on May 22, 2024, 10:32:13 AMMy Firefox was getting very slow and I couldn't fix it, so I created a new profile, imported my stuff from the old one, and now it's speedy.
How did that help?  Did you delete a bunch of stuff and/or create a VPN or something else...change providers?  Just wondering how and what you did could effect things....also if it might be temporary---not much of a computer "geek" here.

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on May 22, 2024, 01:21:52 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on May 22, 2024, 12:03:26 PMHow did that help?  Did you delete a bunch of stuff and/or create a VPN or something else...change providers?  Just wondering how and what you did could effect things....also if it might be temporary---not much of a computer "geek" here.

PD

    The only change is the new profile. I didn't change the profile on the other browser so I should test that. one.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on May 24, 2024, 10:59:44 AM

     Just for kicks I took a .dsf file from DSOTM (SACD) and converted it to.flac and it produced a 24/96 file. There's no bitrate/sample rate option in the dBpoweramp flac encoder, so I did .wav instead and chose 24/88.2 and then I flacced that one and got a 24/88.2 flac file. What I could do is get rid of most of the quantization noise with, say, a 24/48 encode.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on June 02, 2024, 07:28:09 AM
Yesterday I decided that I would fix missing artwork in my music library (as it appears in the BluOS app).  I did some research and found that the problem happens if the images are too large.  So I used mp3tag and dutifully made a ton of changes, re-copied the files, re-indexed... and ... and...

I discovered that I could have just hit the option "optimize artwork" and then reindexed. :blank:

Ugh technology... makes me want to just stick with cds. :D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on June 02, 2024, 08:59:10 AM
Quote from: DavidW on June 02, 2024, 07:28:09 AMUgh technology... makes me want to just stick with cds. :D

    (https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-fP-0-dEHhA/maxresdefault.jpg)

    You have got to be.......

    Having file/foldered my entire collection complete with tags 'n art I can't imagine ever going back to playing discs, even if I went out and bought a player for some purpose.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 02, 2024, 09:31:05 AM
Quote from: DavidW on June 02, 2024, 07:28:09 AMYesterday I decided that I would fix missing artwork in my music library (as it appears in the BluOS app).  I did some research and found that the problem happens if the images are too large.  So I used mp3tag and dutifully made a ton of changes, re-copied the files, re-indexed... and ... and...

I discovered that I could have just hit the option "optimize artwork" and then reindexed. :blank:

Ugh technology... makes me want to just stick with cds. :D
I find that with some of the artwork that I have imported into iTunes that certain images won't appear--at least for a while...other ones pop up right away.  Maybe were/are too big?

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Henk on June 02, 2024, 10:15:47 AM
Quote from: drogulus on June 02, 2024, 08:59:10 AM(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-fP-0-dEHhA/maxresdefault.jpg)

    You have got to be.......

    Having file/foldered my entire collection complete with tags 'n art I can't imagine ever going back to playing discs, even if I went out and bought a player for some purpose.

Neat
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Henk on June 02, 2024, 10:21:27 AM
I'm trying to find my mood by which to live and that is formed by and that accompanies:

- Varied music listening. Keep the mood and energy level up. Some contemporary classical music surely is needed.
- Some social media, like GMG, but never going back to 'X'
- Some philosophical books I need to read
- Keeping my house orderly
- Spending time to garden
- Caring for my (mental) health: mental health is quite an extensive thing for me.
- Read some literature daily before going to sleep
- Painting

I don't need much life-style, it's too complicated, just finding a mood or taste of living that endures. A bit of lifestyle is needed and contributes. What this mood exactly is, is difficult to explain, it's something existential and personal. I want it stable and positive.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on June 02, 2024, 10:48:38 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 02, 2024, 09:31:05 AMI find that with some of the artwork that I have imported into iTunes that certain images won't appear--at least for a while...other ones pop up right away.  Maybe were/are too big?

PD

My issue was specific to bluos.  I don't know what you are playing your music on.  Sometimes the image has to be file in the folder, sometimes written in the tags themselves.  It depends on what you are playing your music on.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on June 02, 2024, 10:56:15 AM
Quote from: drogulus on June 02, 2024, 08:59:10 AM(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-fP-0-dEHhA/maxresdefault.jpg)

    You have got to be.......

    Having file/foldered my entire collection complete with tags 'n art I can't imagine ever going back to playing discs, even if I went out and bought a player for some purpose.

The frustrating thing was that all the art was there on both files and in the tags.  It was just file size restrictions, and the frustrating part was that if I reindexed it, the device thought the files weren't new (since the name was the same) and so I had to completely factory reset my node each time! >:(
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Henk on June 02, 2024, 11:13:31 AM
Quote from: DavidW on June 02, 2024, 10:56:15 AMThe frustrating thing was that all the art was there on both files and in the tags.  It was just file size restrictions, and the frustrating part was that if I reindexed it, the device thought the files weren't new (since the name was the same) and so I had to completely factory reset my node each time! >:(

One must be really lucky (or experienced and know the technology and software) to get the expected results. I've tried to retag files, but my mp3-player does certain things with my files, I gave up comprehending, so it ends up being a mess again. Also the display is too small and the letters move too slowly, so you need to be really patient if you want to read for example the track title and it breaks off after a certain characters.
I'm already lucky that the display shows the album cover from music I download from bandcamp. Some security suffices for me, it doesn't need to be perfect for me.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: NumberSix on June 02, 2024, 11:26:25 AM
I'm currently drinking coffee and procrastinating some work I need to get done by watching a terrific YouTube channel that does deep dives into Columbo episodes.



"It's just that music thing that bothered me. Carnegie Hall and Nashville. They don't mix."

Columbo first gets suspicious of the classical music obsessed killer when the guy accidentally leaves the victim's car radio on the classical station - the victim absolutely refused to listen to anything but "country and western" according to his wife and ex-wife.

I listen to both kinds, classical and country.

Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Henk on June 02, 2024, 12:54:40 PM
I just subscribed to Instagram in order to get no ads. They succeeded to make the ads so annoying to have me subscribing.
To be fair to GMG, I subscribed here too.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Henk on June 02, 2024, 01:37:58 PM
Quote from: Henk on June 02, 2024, 12:54:40 PMI just subscribed to Instagram in order to get no ads. They succeeded to make the ads so annoying to have me subscribing.
To be fair to GMG, I subscribed here too.

There are other reasons to subscribe. I just want this forum to stay. You will never find a thing like this in the commercial world. It's unique.

Listening to music is to me a way to fill in time. My vitality is not so good (bruised but not broken), so I just try to have a good time. My musical taste is very varied. I like it here since classical music is also a favourite genre of mine and I appreciate the forum as a whole with interesting boards and topics. Attending and occasionaly posting here is good, is satisfactory. I try to give my input and bring things to attention. Keeping music civilisation's richness alive and being grateful!
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: NumberSix on June 02, 2024, 01:38:23 PM
Quote from: Henk on June 02, 2024, 12:54:40 PMI just subscribed to Instagram in order to get no ads. They succeeded to make the ads so annoying to have me subscribing.
To be fair to GMG, I subscribed here too.

I have paid for YouTube for years. Sometimes it's worth it no matter how annoying it is to have to give a service money.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Henk on June 02, 2024, 02:08:50 PM
Quote from: NumberSix on June 02, 2024, 01:38:23 PMI have paid for YouTube for years. Sometimes it's worth it no matter how annoying it is to have to give a service money.

Instagram collects the world. Something like Instagram or Youtube wouldn't exist as a commons project. So it's good in that it exists although it's very commercial and there is a danger in the way the algorithms interfere with your brain, so they need to be aware of and control these dangers, it needs to be responsible.

'X' however I find a mad medium. It's a drug that destroys. It's not vital.

My hope is that the UN unites and connects humanity digitally in numerous ways. https://www.itu.int/en/Pages/default.aspx (https://www.itu.int/en/Pages/default.aspx)

I can also recommend the UN app if you're interested in international politics and like fo be knowledgable about the UN. It's very nice and without ads.

Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Henk on June 02, 2024, 02:24:57 PM
... I'm quite thinking lately about the role of media in our world. The subject interests me and I'm curious about how it develops also in the context of European integration.
Media is central to our lives, much more than let's say hundred years ago. It's a definite feature compared to civilisations of the past imo, although there is also a continous development in that it has expanded, until in our days it has become central to our culture and it only grows to organize how we live and cooperate with slow and fast, small and big, hidden and visible revolutions happening.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on June 02, 2024, 02:29:22 PM
   
Quote from: DavidW on June 02, 2024, 10:48:38 AMMy issue was specific to bluos.  I don't know what you are playing your music on.  Sometimes the image has to be file in the folder, sometimes written in the tags themselves.  It depends on what you are playing your music on.

    What I do is use dBpoweramp to attach the art to the files and put the art in the folder as well. It works on my Chinoppo media player and the PC.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: steve ridgway on June 03, 2024, 06:05:26 AM
Quote from: Henk on June 02, 2024, 10:21:27 AMI'm trying to find my mood by which to live and that is formed by and that accompanies:

- Varied music listening. Keep the mood and energy level up. Some contemporary classical music surely is needed.
- Some social media, like GMG, but never going back to 'X'
- Some philosophical books I need to read
- Keeping my house orderly
- Spending time to garden
- Caring for my (mental) health: mental health is quite an extensive thing for me.
- Read some literature daily before going to sleep
- Painting

I don't need much life-style, it's too complicated, just finding a mood or taste of living that endures. A bit of lifestyle is needed and contributes. What this mood exactly is, is difficult to explain, it's something existential and personal. I want it stable and positive.

This is good; I have a similar concern to understand the boundaries of my life, accept and live happily within them. I agree regarding music, GMG, house and garden.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 03, 2024, 09:24:27 AM
Quote from: DavidW on June 02, 2024, 10:48:38 AMMy issue was specific to bluos.  I don't know what you are playing your music on.  Sometimes the image has to be file in the folder, sometimes written in the tags themselves.  It depends on what you are playing your music on.
I play the iTunes library on my iMac.

I might try reloading them into the artwork area for the "difficult" albums--or find different artwork for the albums and see if that helps.

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 03, 2024, 10:23:27 AM
After doing some laundry and housework, I'm currently watching an increasingly exciting and yo-yo match between Djokovic and Cerundulo.  Now in fifth set (Roland Garros).   Ouch!  Novak just took a nasty tumble.

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Henk on June 03, 2024, 02:48:15 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 03, 2024, 10:23:27 AMAfter doing some laundry and housework, I'm currently watching an increasingly exciting and yo-yo match between Djokovic and Cerundulo.  Now in fifth set (Roland Garros).   Ouch!  Novak just took a nasty tumble.

PD

Watched the summary. For those who want to know: Djokovic won, but it was a tough match for him (quater final).
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 03, 2024, 03:41:40 PM
Quote from: Henk on June 03, 2024, 02:48:15 PMWatched the summary. For those who want to know: Djokovic won, but it was a tough match for him (quarter final).
I'm wondering how his right knee will be in a couple of days?  And note:  it was a fourth round match; he's now into the quarter finals.  He'll be playing Casper Ruud (from Norway) in his quarter final.

https://www.rolandgarros.com/en-us/results/SM?round=4

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Henk on June 03, 2024, 03:50:40 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 03, 2024, 03:41:40 PMI'm wondering how his right knee will be in a couple of days?  And note:  it was a fourth round match; he's now into the quarter finals.  He'll be playing Casper Ruud (from Norway) in his quarter final.

https://www.rolandgarros.com/en-us/results/SM?round=4

PD

Thanks for the right info! Will follow the tournament further now.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 04, 2024, 09:12:25 AM
Quote from: Henk on June 03, 2024, 03:50:40 PMThanks for the right info! Will follow the tournament further now.
Well, apparently he tore his right medial meniscus (which had been bothering him in the past) and so has withdrawn from RG; this means that there will be a first-time RG winner this year.

Had hoped to weed whack (using loppers) today; however, yesterday I did something to my right shoulder which is making it hard to move my arm in certain ways.  I'm hoping that it will be back to normal tomorrow.  Will watch a bit more tennis from RG later today.

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on June 07, 2024, 08:51:22 AM
    I just paid $195 for groceries at the Star Market (peace and blessings be a little bit less upon it)  :D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on June 07, 2024, 09:01:51 AM
Quote from: drogulus on June 07, 2024, 08:51:22 AMI just paid $195 for groceries at the Star Market (peace and blessings be a little bit less upon it)  :D

That sounds like Star Market alright!  You probably just bought a loaf of bread and some milk. >:D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 07, 2024, 11:48:56 AM
Quote from: drogulus on June 07, 2024, 08:51:22 AMI just paid $195 for groceries at the Star Market (peace and blessings be a little bit less upon it)  :D
So, to be fair, this is for how many people and how long do you think that the food will last for?  Two people, I think?  And looking at this ad (quickly), it doesn't seem that crazy price-wise. 

https://coupons.starmarket.com/emju-weeklyad

Do you ever buy any organic and/or locally produced food?

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on June 07, 2024, 01:16:30 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 07, 2024, 11:48:56 AMSo, to be fair, this is for how many people and how long do you think that the food will last for?  Two people, I think?  And looking at this ad (quickly), it doesn't seem that crazy price-wise. 

https://coupons.starmarket.com/emju-weeklyad

Do you ever buy any organic and/or locally produced food?

PD

     I shop weekly at the Star market. I also make little trips to Trader Joe's from time to time for Himalayan pink salt and dark chocolate peanut butter cups.

     I'm more on the inorganic side than otherwise, though I think the blueberries from TJs are organic.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on June 07, 2024, 04:16:34 PM
Quote from: drogulus on June 07, 2024, 01:16:30 PMI shop weekly at the Star market. I also make little trips to Trader Joe's from time to time for Himalayan pink salt and dark chocolate peanut butter cups.

     I'm more on the inorganic side than otherwise, though I think the blueberries from TJs are organic.

I love Trader Joe's but for me it is just too far away!  I know plenty of people that make the trip anyway, but I'm just not a fan of long drives.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on June 07, 2024, 08:13:22 PM
Quote from: DavidW on June 07, 2024, 04:16:34 PMI love Trader Joe's but for me it is just too far away!  I know plenty of people that make the trip anyway, but I'm just not a fan of long drives.

     There are 3 of them near me, and one is on sacred ground next to the Cambridge MicroCenter.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 08, 2024, 08:30:30 AM
I should visit Trader Joe's more often.  I have to watch it there though as I've been tempted in the past by their frozen packaged meals (which I normally avoid).

Love shopping at my local co-op:  sometimes they have good deals, but their regular prices can be quite high.  :(

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on June 08, 2024, 08:41:50 AM
    TJs has apple flavored chicken wursts.

    I used to get tamales from them but then I discovered a place in Texas that does a variety of super tamales. And that reminds me I need to order a batch. I put the enchilada sauce from TJs on them.

    (https://i5.walmartimages.com/seo/1-Pack-of-Trader-Joe-s-Enchilada-Sauce-Authentic-Flavor-for-Mexican-Inspired-Delights-12-Fl-Oz_183b9b9d-7ac1-4583-8537-3aa372f12176.e417de76e2caf9a397419974234c5363.jpeg?odnHeight=2000&odnWidth=2000&odnBg=FFFFFF)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 08, 2024, 08:43:24 AM
Quote from: drogulus on June 08, 2024, 08:41:50 AMTJs has apple flavored chicken wursts.

    I used to get tamales from them but then I discovered a place in Texas that does a variety of super tamales. And that reminds me I need to order a batch. I put the enchilada sauce from TJs on them.

    (https://i5.walmartimages.com/seo/1-Pack-of-Trader-Joe-s-Enchilada-Sauce-Authentic-Flavor-for-Mexican-Inspired-Delights-12-Fl-Oz_183b9b9d-7ac1-4583-8537-3aa372f12176.e417de76e2caf9a397419974234c5363.jpeg?odnHeight=2000&odnWidth=2000&odnBg=FFFFFF)
What is a super tamale?

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on June 08, 2024, 09:05:28 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 08, 2024, 08:43:24 AMWhat is a super tamale?

PD

    It means both excellent and authentic in this context. These tamales are what you would get in a Mexican restaurant in Ft. Worth, Texas that has brightly colored paintings on the walls and serves tortillas with butter.  :)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 08, 2024, 09:09:08 AM
Quote from: drogulus on June 08, 2024, 09:05:28 AMIt means both excellent and authentic in this context. These tamales are what you would get in a Mexican restaurant in Ft. Worth, Texas that has brightly colored paintings on the walls and serves tortillas with butter.  :)
Sounds nice!  Who is it that you like to order them from?

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on June 08, 2024, 09:31:45 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 08, 2024, 09:09:08 AMSounds nice!  Who is it that you like to order them from?

PD

    I must warn you they are expensive and shipping is, too.

    Texas Lone Star Tamales (https://texaslonestartamales.com/collections/)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 08, 2024, 09:38:00 AM
Quote from: drogulus on June 08, 2024, 09:31:45 AMI must warn you they are expensive and shipping is, too.

    Texas Lone Star Tamales (https://texaslonestartamales.com/collections/)
I was just over at a website that I ran across called Delia's.  Looks like they have about seven restaurants now (all in Texas).  You have to order a minimum of 4 dozen.  The shipping was more than the order total...ouch!

I'll check out your vendor too...thanks!

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 08, 2024, 03:11:43 PM
Quote from: drogulus on June 08, 2024, 09:31:45 AMI must warn you they are expensive and shipping is, too.

    Texas Lone Star Tamales (https://texaslonestartamales.com/collections/)
Why are they using soybean flour (and oil) in a bunch of their recipes?

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on June 08, 2024, 07:35:24 PM



    (https://y.yarn.co/0f6d644f-4ff1-4e60-aa36-cd2b4112a5e8_text.gif)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on June 12, 2024, 10:09:25 AM

    I'm ripping the DVD Henry VIII and His Six Wives from 1972. Keith Mitchell once again plays Henry, and Bernard Hepton returns as Cranmer. Suffolk is played by Brian Blessed, so there will be bellowing.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: NumberSix on June 15, 2024, 12:21:08 PM
I'd like to celebrate that I just figured out how to click "new" on a thread's link so I could jump to the most recent post.

I've been going to the last page and just scrolling to find the new stuff.  :P
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 15, 2024, 02:27:54 PM
Quote from: NumberSix on June 15, 2024, 12:21:08 PMI'd like to celebrate that I just figured out how to click "new" on a thread's link so I could jump to the most recent post.

I've been going to the last page and just scrolling to find the new stuff.  :P
The small victories in life!  :)

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on June 15, 2024, 02:39:48 PM
A friend and I had a nice chuckle when we were heading back to my house after doing some errands.  We saw a dog that went back out into a crosswalk (traffic was stopped).  It either picked up something that it had dropped or grabbed something out of the middle of the intersection.  It was on a walk with its owner.  When we turned the corner, we saw that the dog, a Lab, was holding a fairly big and very leafy tree branch.  It was happily wagging its tail while trotting along--evidently very pleased with what it had found and/or how well it had performed its job.  ;D

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on June 16, 2024, 06:45:48 AM
Trying to stay awake long enough for breakfast, l got off work 45 minutes ago.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: steve ridgway on June 16, 2024, 07:54:26 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 15, 2024, 02:39:48 PMA friend and I had a nice chuckle when we were heading back to my house after doing some errands.  We saw a dog that went back out into a crosswalk (traffic was stopped).  It either picked up something that it had dropped or grabbed something out of the middle of the intersection.  It was on a walk with its owner.  When we turned the corner, we saw that the dog, a Lab, was holding a fairly big and very leafy tree branch.  It was happily wagging its tail while trotting along--evidently very pleased with what it had found and/or how well it had performed its job.  ;D

PD

Take good care of that branch - they don't grow on trees ;) .
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: ultralinear on July 07, 2024, 05:34:00 AM
Had a tyre blow out on me this morning, first time in a long while.  Speeding merrily along the A20 in Kent when BANG - pulled over onto a forecourt, got out, had a look around, rear nearside tyre shredded.  Fortunately I keep a 2nd set of rims with winter tyres on them, which means (a) there's always a fullsize spare on board, and (b) I've become very practised at swapping wheels around - not quite F1 speed maybe, but generally about 10 minutes tops unless something goes horribly wrong. :)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 07, 2024, 07:25:27 AM
Quote from: ultralinear on July 07, 2024, 05:34:00 AMHad a tyre blow out on me this morning, first time in a long while.  Speeding merrily along the A20 in Kent when BANG - pulled over onto a forecourt, got out, had a look around, rear nearside tyre shredded.  Fortunately I keep a 2nd set of rims with winter tyres on them, which means (a) there's always a fullsize spare on board, and (b) I've become very practised at swapping wheels around - not quite F1 speed maybe, but generally about 10 minutes tops unless something goes horribly wrong. :)
That doesn't sound like a fun way to start your day!  And tires aren't exactly inexpensive either.  :(

PD

p.s.  Watching some of the tennis from Wimbledon off and on.  Alas, it's another rainy day there so most of the play is suspended.    Thankfully, there are roofs on both Centre Court and Court No. 1.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on July 07, 2024, 08:08:18 AM
Quote from: ultralinear on July 07, 2024, 05:34:00 AMHad a tyre blow out on me this morning, first time in a long while.  Speeding merrily along the A20 in Kent when BANG - pulled over onto a forecourt, got out, had a look around, rear nearside tyre shredded.  Fortunately I keep a 2nd set of rims with winter tyres on them, which means (a) there's always a fullsize spare on board, and (b) I've become very practised at swapping wheels around - not quite F1 speed maybe, but generally about 10 minutes tops unless something goes horribly wrong. :)

I can't help but recall A Christmas Story.  The dad was so obsessed with quick tire changes that he would be timed! :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on July 07, 2024, 08:10:29 AM
Yesterday I had my rear car window retinted because it got all bubbly and I couldn't see out of it.  I didn't do it myself though, I just sat around reading Cato's book while the work was done. :D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Spotted Horses on July 07, 2024, 08:49:33 AM
Quote from: DavidW on July 07, 2024, 08:10:29 AMYesterday I had my rear car window retinted because it got all bubbly and I couldn't see out of it.  I didn't do it myself though, I just sat around reading Cato's book while the work was done. :D

Why would anyone have their car windows tinted?
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on July 07, 2024, 09:18:52 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on July 07, 2024, 08:49:33 AMWhy would anyone have their car windows tinted?

I don't know, I bought my car used after the previous one was totaled.  But I can say when I have my car parked outside all day when I work, my car doesn't heat up as much as my previous one did.  And it does cut down on glare on those bright summer days.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 07, 2024, 09:33:17 AM
Quote from: ultralinear on July 07, 2024, 09:25:26 AMThat is definitely a thing.  Like a golf handicap. ;D
Have you thought about trying out for NASCAR?

(https://www.nascar.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/06/23/GettyImages-1304606927-1-scaled.jpg)

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 07, 2024, 09:56:02 AM
Pulling for Emma Raducanu.  Her opponent (who I hadn't heard of 'til Wimbledon started) is fierce!  A leftie who made it through qualies and the first three rounds of the main draw, packs a serious "punch" and is good about coming into the court.  Now, one set all.

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on July 07, 2024, 11:05:33 AM
Quote from: DavidW on July 07, 2024, 09:18:52 AMI don't know, I bought my car used after the previous one was totaled.  But I can say when I have my car parked outside all day when I work, my car doesn't heat up as much as my previous one did.  And it does cut down on glare on those bright summer days.

     You know you could be arrested for suspicion of being suspicious, right? It's almost a law, man.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on July 10, 2024, 07:21:43 AM

    I changed my desktop image.

(https://i.imgur.com/2zesyMe.png)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on July 10, 2024, 09:47:34 AM
Quote from: drogulus on July 10, 2024, 07:21:43 AMI changed my desktop image.

(https://i.imgur.com/2zesyMe.png)

Is that Forbidden Planet?
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on July 10, 2024, 10:28:25 AM
Quote from: DavidW on July 10, 2024, 09:47:34 AMIs that Forbidden Planet?

     Yup
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on July 11, 2024, 12:10:21 AM
Quote from: drogulus on July 10, 2024, 10:28:25 AMYup

Ah, ok. Thought it was Oakland for a second there...
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on July 11, 2024, 12:20:58 AM
Just perusing the forum whilst on my break at work. The one great advantage to working the graveyard shift is the extensive downtime. Being a senior I appreciate the time to rest a bit, peruse the web for interesting news, reaction videos and concerts, along with the natural necessities.

Last week I came across a reaction video for Amazon Women on the Moon, which I had never seen. So I'll be linking it in that thread soon, probably along with whatever dreadful pun comes to mind.

I also listened to Nielsen's Symphony no. 4 last week for the first (!) time. I must say I didn't care much for it, but that could change in the future.

And now, back to the job...
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: NumberSix on July 11, 2024, 07:39:43 AM
Having coffee and Raisin Bran (with a few sliced fresh strawberries on top). I basically have the day off today, so I can mess around if I want.

Just reinstalled the Presto Music app (I've been using Apple Classical on my phone). Adding and downloading about 30 albums for offline listening. Mostly warhorse "classics" like Kleiber Beethoven 5 & 7. Some I've heard; some not - but would like to spend some time with them.

Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 12, 2024, 10:29:36 AM
Quote from: NumberSix on July 11, 2024, 07:39:43 AMHaving coffee and Raisin Bran (with a few sliced fresh strawberries on top). I basically have the day off today, so I can mess around if I want.

Just reinstalled the Presto Music app (I've been using Apple Classical on my phone). Adding and downloading about 30 albums for offline listening. Mostly warhorse "classics" like Kleiber Beethoven 5 & 7. Some I've heard; some not - but would like to spend some time with them.


Fresh and local strawberries = heaven!  They'll be coming to a close soon in my area, so I'm enjoying them while I can.

Just finished poaching some chicken for a curried chicken salad.  Hope also to make some four bean salad along with potato salad today--if I can stand going to the grocery store to pick up a few items and deal with the heat in the kitchen.

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on July 12, 2024, 10:45:35 AM

    My copy of To Live and Die in LA is 720p and looks good. However when I saw the Kino Lorber version is out in 4K I couldn't resist ordering it. It's here and I'm MKVing it now. It's 86GB and I'm not squishing it one bit.  :)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Spotted Horses on July 12, 2024, 11:13:16 AM
Quote from: drogulus on July 12, 2024, 10:45:35 AMMy copy of To Live and Die in LA is 720p and looks good. However when I saw the Kino Lorber version is out in 4K I couldn't resist ordering it. It's here and I'm MKVing it now. It's 86GB and I'm not squishing it one bit.  :)

Last I checked Blu-ray 4K encryption hadn't been cracked. This is a new development?
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on July 12, 2024, 01:13:43 PM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on July 12, 2024, 11:13:16 AMLast I checked Blu-ray 4K encryption hadn't been cracked. This is a new development?

     I've been decrypting 4K for a few years. You need a proper BD drive with flashed firmware, or you can buy a flashed drive like I did.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on July 12, 2024, 09:39:22 PM
Going to work. Poor sleep today so tonight will be challenging. Hopefully, YouTube will provide enough interesting content to keep me out of trouble.  ::)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on July 13, 2024, 04:34:29 PM
Quote from: LKB on July 12, 2024, 09:39:22 PMGoing to work. Poor sleep today so tonight will be challenging. Hopefully, YouTube will provide enough interesting content to keep me out of trouble.  ::)

     You better watch out! There are cats about!! - almost Roger Waters
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Karl Henning on July 13, 2024, 04:58:17 PM
Quote from: DavidW on July 07, 2024, 08:10:29 AMYesterday I had my rear car window retinted because it got all bubbly and I couldn't see out of it.  I didn't do it myself though, I just sat around reading Cato's book while the work was done. :D
Good way to pass the time!
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on July 13, 2024, 06:35:31 PM
Quote from: drogulus on July 13, 2024, 04:34:29 PMYou better watch out! There are cats about!! - almost Roger Waters

And I'm one of the coolest out there, baby.  ;D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: NumberSix on July 13, 2024, 07:23:53 PM
I'm trying to stay cool while re-watching Brandon F's YouTube series savaging "The Patriot."  ;D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on July 14, 2024, 12:30:16 AM
Perusing local restaurants, just in case my ( first in twenty years ) date hasn't picked one out for dinner tonight.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on July 14, 2024, 10:10:30 AM
I've been folding a Stegosaurus.  I took my time with it, only completing 50 steps a day.  Here it is done (in yellow).  I don't like the head mostly because the neck is too small and the plates near it are too big and too much in the front.  I tried my best. 

For reference, here is another model (blue) that I folded two years ago.  I think the yellow does most things better, but the blue one handles the head region better.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Karl Henning on July 14, 2024, 10:28:22 AM
Nice work!
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 14, 2024, 12:02:36 PM
Quote from: Karl Henning on July 14, 2024, 10:28:22 AMNice work!
+1

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 14, 2024, 12:07:24 PM
Watched Wimbledon this morning (whilst intermittently doing some minor chores and dashing back in to see the tennis).  Grocery shopping next and now catching a bit of Spain vs. England (football final).

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 16, 2024, 08:27:32 AM
Watched some of Nadal's single's match in Båstad; alas, the Tennis Channel was having problems partway through with its signal feed, so I missed part of the second set.  I searched around and found out that Le Tour de France is mostly being shown on the online Peacock channel and caught the end of Stage 16 of it.

Another toasty day today here, so I'm not getting much done.   :(

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on July 17, 2024, 07:39:57 AM
Thinking about von Suppe's Poet and Peasant Overture, while eating a scaled-down breakfast at my favorite morning spot.

There used to be an excerpt from one of the VPO's vintage New Year's Day concerts on YouTube, which included the piece, l think from 1984. Robert Scheiwein was the cello soloist. I would watch this occasionally, and wish l could sing half as well as Scheiwein's playing in the piece.  ::)

Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Spotted Horses on July 17, 2024, 11:35:10 PM
I experienced justice today!

I was in the drive through lane of In-N-Out Burger. If you are an In-N-Out patron, you know that the drive through typically has two lanes which merge into one just before the ordering kiosk, which in this case was a teenage employee standing under an umbrella holding a tablet for recording orders. I was in the left lane, as I approached I dutifully allowed the car from the right lane to merge, then prepared to take my turn. Before I could do that a second car from the right lane, a fancy white Mercedes, pulled up and blocked me from taking my turn. I gave my horn a brief toot and made the universal gesture for "what do you think you are doing?" The driver of the other car gave the universal gesture for "f*ck you, I'll do what I want." "What can I do about it?" I thought.

Then the In-N-Out employee finished taking the order of the car ahead and motioned for me to pull up. When she saw I was blocked, she motioned to the other driver, "back up." She had to repeat the gesture several times, quite insistently, before he complied. When I looked in my rear view mirror after placing my order I saw an animated exchange between the Mercedes driver and the In-N-Out employee, where she was gesturing and instructing him, left, then right, then left, then right.

How did the diminutive, teenage In-N-Out employee dominate the asshole in the white Mercedes who thought he could cut me off? Well, she had the ordering tablet, and no one was getting their double-double if without her approval. Power can have mysterious sources.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: AnotherSpin on July 18, 2024, 02:36:03 AM
Today I am experiencing the incredible pleasure of a good flow of water in my house. After the attacks on the country's infrastructure and the constant problem with electricity - we usually have power for 3 hours, then 5-6 hours without, and so on in turns for many weeks now - the pumps have not had time to pump water into the water tower and the water pressure is very weak, if at all. For the last couple of weeks my family has been living almost without water. We used to collect water at night, when pressure is better, in different containers so that we could use it during the day for cooking and flushing the toilets. It turned out that there was a water tank and pump in the basement of the house where we live. Now, in the three hours when there is electricity, we have sufficient water pressure, we can even use the washing machine. I haven't felt such joy for a long time, I don't even know what to compare it to. I can take a shower, which is very pleasant, the temperature outside is 34 degrees Celsius today.

Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on July 18, 2024, 04:49:43 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on July 17, 2024, 11:35:10 PMI experienced justice today!

I was in the drive through lane of In-N-Out Burger. If you are an In-N-Out patron, you know that the drive through typically has two lanes which merge into one just before the ordering kiosk, which in this case was a teenage employee standing under an umbrella holding a tablet for recording orders. I was in the left lane, as I approached I dutifully allowed the car from the right lane to merge, then prepared to take my turn. Before I could do that a second car from the right lane, a fancy white Mercedes, pulled up and blocked me from taking my turn. I gave my horn a brief toot and made the universal gesture for "what do you think you are doing?" The driver of the other car gave the universal gesture for "f*ck you, I'll do what I want." "What can I do about it?" I thought.

Then the In-N-Out employee finished taking the order of the car ahead and motioned for me to pull up. When she saw I was blocked, she motioned to the other driver, "back up." She had to repeat the gesture several times, quite insistently, before he complied. When I looked in my rear view mirror after placing my order I saw an animated exchange between the Mercedes driver and the In-N-Out employee, where she was gesturing and instructing him, left, then right, then left, then right.

How did the diminutive, teenage In-N-Out employee dominate the asshole in the white Mercedes who thought he could cut me off? Well, she had the ordering tablet, and no one was getting their double-double if without her approval. Power can have mysterious sources.

The Mercedes driver is not just self-absorbed, he is also stupid!  The employees prepare the meals in order of an assumed zipper merge between the two lanes.  If he cuts in front of you, his meal won't even be ready!
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on July 18, 2024, 04:51:38 AM
I mowed the yard yesterday and paid the price... I'm still suffering from a strong allergic reaction.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on July 18, 2024, 05:39:13 AM
Quote from: DavidW on July 18, 2024, 04:51:38 AMI mowed the yard yesterday and paid the price... I'm still suffering from a strong allergic reaction.

Yuck! Feel better soon, amigo.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on July 18, 2024, 05:40:23 AM
I'm watching the clock, my shift ends in twenty minutes and I'm ready for breakfast...
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 18, 2024, 06:03:57 AM
Quote from: DavidW on July 18, 2024, 04:51:38 AMI mowed the yard yesterday and paid the price... I'm still suffering from a strong allergic reaction.
Have you taken any allergy medication?  :(

Was really looking forward to watching Cam Norrie vs. Rafa Nadal's match on t.v. today (on now).  Alas, my cable reception is down.

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 18, 2024, 06:21:25 AM
Quote from: LKB on July 18, 2024, 05:40:23 AMI'm watching the clock, my shift ends in twenty minutes and I'm ready for breakfast...
Bon appetit!  By the way, do you eat out every day or is that just a Sunday treat?

And, my cable service is back...yeah!  Missed most of the first set, but (as the saying goes) I'll live. :)

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on July 18, 2024, 06:26:11 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on July 18, 2024, 06:21:25 AMBon appetit!  By the way, do you eat out every day or is that just a Sunday treat?

And, my cable service is back...yeah!  Missed most of the first set, but (as the saying goes) I'll live. :)

PD

I don't eat out every day, and actually won't today as l hit up Starbucks for a couple of breakfast sandwiches. ;)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 18, 2024, 06:37:14 AM
Quote from: LKB on July 18, 2024, 06:26:11 AMI don't eat out every day, and actually won't today as l hit up Starbucks for a couple of breakfast sandwiches. ;)
Do you ever make your own breakfast?

And I spoke too soon re cable, though (knock on wood) it's back now, so I'm watching the two lefties duke it out.

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Spotted Horses on July 18, 2024, 06:54:17 AM
Quote from: DavidW on July 18, 2024, 04:49:43 AMThe Mercedes driver is not just self-absorbed, he is also stupid!  The employees prepare the meals in order of an assumed zipper merge between the two lanes.  If he cuts in front of you, his meal won't even be ready!

Actually, he tried to cut before reaching the order kiosk, so if he had gotten away with it his order would have been placed ahead of mine.

I am impressed with the quality of the training the In-N-Out seems to have given to it's employees. I will never get a fast-food burger anywhere else. (Not there is any reason to.)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on July 18, 2024, 07:05:02 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on July 18, 2024, 06:03:57 AMHave you taken any allergy medication?  :(

Was really looking forward to watching Cam Norrie vs. Rafa Nadal's match on t.v. today (on now).  Alas, my cable reception is down.

PD

Antihistamines hit me harder than most people.  I avoid them unless it is truly bad.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on July 18, 2024, 07:13:13 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on July 18, 2024, 06:37:14 AMDo you ever make your own breakfast?

And I spoke too soon re cable, though (knock on wood) it's back now, so I'm watching the two lefties duke it out.

PD

I can boil water, and an egg. That's about the extent of my cooking experience.  :-* 

On the other hand, I've become uncommonly good at eating.  ;D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 18, 2024, 07:17:44 AM
Quote from: DavidW on July 18, 2024, 07:05:02 AMAntihistamines hit me harder than most people.  I avoid them unless it is truly bad.
Sometimes antihistamines can leave me feeling "jittery".  :(

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 18, 2024, 07:20:32 AM
Quote from: LKB on July 18, 2024, 07:13:13 AMI can boil water, and an egg. That's about the extent of my cooking experience.  :-*

On the other hand, I've become uncommonly good at eating.  ;D
Well, that's a start!  Think positively.  I'll bet that you could make a salad or say something like a tuna fish sandwich.  :)

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on July 18, 2024, 07:29:18 AM
Quote from: LKB on July 18, 2024, 07:13:13 AMI can boil water, and an egg. That's about the extent of my cooking experience.  :-*

On the other hand, I've become uncommonly good at eating.  ;D

There is a little trick, commonly food items at the store will have simple recipes on the back.  3-5 ingredients, minimum prep work.  It is a nice big step up from frozen meals and doesn't require much experience.

Also, 30-minute meal cookbooks have that same energy.  But if you want to learn the basics to be able to muck around in the kitchen, this is the book:

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/718Qpw4miiL._AC_UF1000,1000_QL80_.jpg)

But really simple idea: season and grill some meat, have a starch, some vegetables.  Done!
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on July 18, 2024, 07:30:20 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on July 18, 2024, 07:20:32 AMWell, that's a start!  Think positively.  I'll bet that you could make a salad or say something like a tuna fish sandwich.  :)

PD

Salads are a fun easy way to get into it.  Mix in what you like, it is hard to go wrong.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 18, 2024, 07:45:44 AM
Quote from: DavidW on July 18, 2024, 07:29:18 AMThere is a little trick, commonly food items at the store will have simple recipes on the back.  3-5 ingredients, minimum prep work.  It is a nice big step up from frozen meals and doesn't require much experience.

Also, 30-minute meal cookbooks have that same energy.  But if you want to learn the basics to be able to muck around in the kitchen, this is the book:

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/718Qpw4miiL._AC_UF1000,1000_QL80_.jpg)

But really simple idea: season and grill some meat, have a starch, some vegetables.  Done!
That's a great book!  And good idea re recipes and ingredients.

And it's often cheaper and healthier to make (at least some) meals for yourself too. @LKB Make the most of fresh produce this time of year.  Are there any farm stands near you?  Fresh and local tomatoes:  sliced and layered with *some mozzarella, maybe on a bed of soft lettuce greens (vs. iceberg), topped with a drizzle of olive oil and some balsamic vinegar and if possible, some fresh basil leaves...a sprinkling of salt and fresh pepper = heaven!  Or tomatoes in a salad?  Either cherry/grape or wedges of bigger tomatoes, etc.

*Not the processed stuff that you buy sliced from the deli section of a supermarket.  The "fresh" white oval balls that you can find in the specialized cheese section.  Slice relatively thinly and put under each slice of tomato.

Just some ideas for you.  :)

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Florestan on July 18, 2024, 12:14:27 PM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on July 18, 2024, 06:54:17 AMActually, he tried to cut before reaching the order kiosk, so if he had gotten away with it his order would have been placed ahead of mine.

All the more kudos to the diminutive, teenage girl in charge of keeping the discipline in burger ordering! If only more such people were in charge of keeping the discipline in whatever!


Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on July 19, 2024, 08:52:59 AM

    According to master accorders the widespread outages around the web emanated from a defective software update from CrowdStrike as well as a problem with Azure. I went to Schwab and they had a couple of urgent messages which said trading might be delayed but nothing really bad is going on. YT has been hit hard, though I often can get around blockage by switching location. Other sites are mostly OK.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on July 20, 2024, 06:53:35 AM
Waiting for breakfast, while I contemplate the End of the World as we know it.

https://youtu.be/uKptVBuD2nM?si=q8h4Qp7aSZa27lY9
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on July 23, 2024, 10:07:23 AM
Quote from: drogulus on July 19, 2024, 08:52:59 AMAccording to master accorders the widespread outages around the web emanated from a defective software update from CrowdStrike as well as a problem with Azure. I went to Schwab and they had a couple of urgent messages which said trading might be delayed but nothing really bad is going on. YT has been hit hard, though I often can get around blockage by switching location. Other sites are mostly OK.

    I got an email from Schwab saying a payment was returned unpaid, so I called them and they said it was a glitch related to the outage and nothing had actually happened. I then navigated to my local bank to confirm that my monthly payment from the brokerage was there, and it was.

    The grapevine says travelers at airports are having problems, and a taxi guy I know says he's getting business taking people home due to all kinds of scheduling problems with flights.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on July 23, 2024, 11:59:41 AM
Quote from: drogulus on July 23, 2024, 10:07:23 AMI got an email from Schwab saying a payment was returned unpaid, so I called them and they said it was a glitch related to the outage and nothing had actually happened. I then navigated to my local bank to confirm that my monthly payment from the brokerage was there, and it was.

    The grapevine says travelers at airports are having problems, and a taxi guy I know says he's getting business taking people home due to all kinds of scheduling problems with flights.
They just had a clip on CNN about Delta still having lots of problems.  About 400 flights cancelled and lots of lost luggage.   :(

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on July 24, 2024, 09:33:40 PM
I'm thinking about doing a little astronomy while I'm in Kansas next week for a family event...

https://askc.org/index.php/observatories/powell-observatory
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: steve ridgway on July 30, 2024, 03:39:15 AM
Mowed the lawn, just tagging a few music files.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on August 01, 2024, 06:38:58 AM
I went out to Columbia to get out of the house yesterday. I visited this vast bookstore that has multiple rooms. And ate out at an excellent Indian restaurant. But knowing that my pet dog wasn't waiting for me at home was hard.

I'm going to mow today, and for the first time, Hershey won't keep me company while I pick up the pine cones and tree limbs pre-mowing. And he won't be there to roll in the grass post-mow.

Anyway, my bookshelves are beyond full. I will do some culling and go to the library with donations. Also, I'll move some of my Origami books that aren't being frequently used to my classroom. That way, they are available for my Origami interim class but are relatively secure. That differs from the books I donated to the school's art room. That is not secure, but they provide opportunities for students to learn Origami whenever possible. And my most precious books will remain in my private library at home.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 01, 2024, 07:20:50 AM
Quote from: DavidW on August 01, 2024, 06:38:58 AMI went out to Columbia to get out of the house yesterday. I visited this vast bookstore that has multiple rooms. And ate out at an excellent Indian restaurant. But knowing that my pet dog wasn't waiting for me at home was hard.

I'm going to mow today, and for the first time, Hershey won't keep me company while I pick up the pine cones and tree limbs pre-mowing. And he won't be there to roll in the grass post-mow.

Anyway, my bookshelves are beyond full. I will do some culling and go to the library with donations. Also, I'll move some of my Origami books that aren't being frequently used to my classroom. That way, they are available for my Origami interim class but are relatively secure. That differs from the books I donated to the school's art room. That is not secure, but they provide opportunities for students to learn Origami whenever possible. And my most precious books will remain in my private library at home.
Sounds like you had a nice day out!  What books did you end up buying?  And Indian food....yum!

I'm sure that it must be quite the adjustment not having your Hershey around to greet you when you come home and to keep you company.   :(  Perhaps (at some point in time) you might consider fostering a dog; it could be good for both of you.  Just a thought.

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on August 01, 2024, 07:55:07 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 01, 2024, 07:20:50 AMSounds like you had a nice day out!  What books did you end up buying?  And Indian food....yum!

As the bookseller told me every genre but romance!
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 01, 2024, 08:18:49 AM
Quote from: DavidW on August 01, 2024, 07:55:07 AMAs the bookseller told me every genre but romance!
;D Sounds like you had a field day in there!  May I ask which bookstore you like in Columbia?  Always looking for good ones to visit.

If you ever visit NYC, do check out the *Strand Bookstore.  Been a bit since I've visited it, but it's lots of fun to poke around in there; it's slogan is "Eight miles of books".  :)  They also have a rare book annex.  And they also have an on-line site from which you can order.

*It's a combo of used plus some discounted new books and proof copies

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on August 01, 2024, 08:26:06 AM
Chilling at my brother's house in Kansas. At the moment, we're discussing and speculating on the nature and timing of Iran's inevitable retaliation for Ismail Haniyeh's assassination.

Aside from that the weather sucks, the food has been great and I look forward to the celebration on Sunday. 8)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 01, 2024, 09:33:46 AM
Quote from: LKB on August 01, 2024, 08:26:06 AMChilling at my brother's house in Kansas. At the moment, we're discussing and speculating on the nature and timing of Iran's inevitable retaliation for Ismail Haniyeh's assassination.

Aside from that the weather sucks, the food has been great and I look forward to the celebration on Sunday. 8)
Enjoy the a/c--perhaps go to a movie?  Or check out a local pool/lake?  Most of all, enjoy the company!

Currently battling "olympicitis".   :)

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on August 01, 2024, 12:03:51 PM
We've a movie on tap for tomorrow night, the new Deadpool offering ( not my choice... ).

Tonight, home-cooked fried chicken, salad and mac&cheese for dinner. Probably stream a movie, I'll lobby for A Quiet Place, which they haven't seen.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on August 01, 2024, 02:19:27 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 01, 2024, 08:18:49 AM;D Sounds like you had a field day in there!  May I ask which bookstore you like in Columbia?  Always looking for good ones to visit.

If you ever visit NYC, do check out the *Strand Bookstore.  Been a bit since I've visited it, but it's lots of fun to poke around in there; it's slogan is "Eight miles of books".  :)  They also have a rare book annex.  And they also have an on-line site from which you can order.

*It's a combo of used plus some discounted new books and proof copies

PD

Temper your expectations. :laugh:  The bookstore I visited, The Book Dispensary, is not as large as The Strand, The Brattle, or Powells.  It is not even the largest I've been to in South Carolina.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: steve ridgway on August 08, 2024, 06:57:45 AM
Just drinking wine and posting trivial stuff on here to wind down after having to call an ambulance for someone that collapsed in the street as we were walking by :( .
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on August 08, 2024, 07:04:56 AM
Eating leftover Starbucks. :P
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: NumberSix on August 09, 2024, 09:44:15 AM
Random: There's a scene in the wonderful Reese Witherspoon movie WILD in which she comes down out of the mountains where she's been hiking for the last couple of months and enters a town in Oregon on August 9, 1995.

The town is full of heartbroken hippies. "Ripple" is playing. It's a beautiful, sad scene.

RIP, Jerry Garcia.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on August 09, 2024, 09:50:06 AM
Trying to get some sleep, and failing spectacularly.  ::)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on August 09, 2024, 10:07:24 AM

    Trader Joe's has discontinued its lovely enchilada sauce.

(https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcQCLEXkb-hswhB4k4KBidBZezOpo7ogzuI-Wd_hfhokbPCibw8K9iVv7mTukC77hbBCXwOZJg_euVb3En_n6d8OnUd8r5-g)

     I ordered an alternative from Amazon.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 09, 2024, 10:13:57 AM
Quote from: drogulus on August 09, 2024, 10:07:24 AMTrader Joe's has discontinued its lovely enchilada sauce.

(https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcQCLEXkb-hswhB4k4KBidBZezOpo7ogzuI-Wd_hfhokbPCibw8K9iVv7mTukC77hbBCXwOZJg_euVb3En_n6d8OnUd8r5-g)

     I ordered an alternative from Amazon.
That's sad.  I know that you were a big fan of it.  What did you particularly like about it?  Just curious (foodie here).

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on August 09, 2024, 01:26:05 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 09, 2024, 10:13:57 AMThat's sad.  I know that you were a big fan of it.  What did you particularly like about it?  Just curious (foodie here).

PD

     I'm not a foodie, though I like food. The sauce is mild, so it goes well with the tamales I use it with which have a strong flavor. That way they don't clash.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on August 09, 2024, 09:24:18 PM
Waiting for my Lyft to work. At least there's a good reaction video waiting for me...
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on August 17, 2024, 01:43:05 PM
After learning about the Windows 11 feature that takes a screenshot every five seconds, I switched to Linux.

I don't care if they added in an opt-out, and then later you need to opt-in... IT IS JUST TOO MUCH. FAR TOO MUCH. And you know they are just waiting to turn it back on again.

I've had it. I'm done. I'm on Linux now.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 17, 2024, 01:57:46 PM
Quote from: DavidW on August 17, 2024, 01:43:05 PMAfter learning about the Windows 11 feature that takes a screenshot every five seconds, I switched to Linux.

I don't care if they added in an opt-out, and then later you need to opt-in... IT IS JUST TOO MUCH. FAR TOO MUCH. And you know they are just waiting to turn it back on again.

I've had it. I'm done. I'm on Linux now.
Er, why are they taking a screenshot every five seconds?  *I've never heard of that before.  How is that supposed to help the consumer?  I can understand turning on an automatic backup, but...er...huh?  I know that there are also options in terms of sending reports to say Apple or Firefox (which are, they say, to help improve their programs--and I believe are also supposed to be anonymous).  And one can opt out in the settings.

*And sounds alarming!  Privacy?  And security?

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on August 17, 2024, 02:44:48 PM
    I sold Intel and bought Clorox.

    I sold my heinous KKR shares and bought IBM.

    Intel is clearly a special case due to the catastrophic failure of the 13th/14th generation i7 and i9 CPUs. I think the i5s are good, as I haven't heard a word against them, and I'm inclined to get a 5 series Arrow Lake CPU if everything is good with them.

Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on August 17, 2024, 03:57:33 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 17, 2024, 01:57:46 PMEr, why are they taking a screenshot every five seconds?  *I've never heard of that before.  How is that supposed to help the consumer?  I can understand turning on an automatic backup, but...er...huh?  I know that there are also options in terms of sending reports to say Apple or Firefox (which are, they say, to help improve their programs--and I believe are also supposed to be anonymous).  And one can opt out in the settings.

*And sounds alarming!  Privacy?  And security?

PD

Yet another reason to stay with Win10 ( not that it's anything close to perfect, but I know my way around it well enough ).

And as far as privacy goes, Apple is worse...
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on August 17, 2024, 04:24:44 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 17, 2024, 01:57:46 PMEr, why are they taking a screenshot every five seconds?  *I've never heard of that before.  How is that supposed to help the consumer?  I can understand turning on an automatic backup, but...er...huh?  I know that there are also options in terms of sending reports to say Apple or Firefox (which are, they say, to help improve their programs--and I believe are also supposed to be anonymous).  And one can opt out in the settings.

*And sounds alarming!  Privacy?  And security?

PD

It is called Recall and is supposed to help you search for anything you ever saw on your PC. But I don't think anyone asked for it, and it doesn't take paranoia to wonder the actual reason behind it. Since it is tied in with their copilot AI, I'm guessing it is training. AI is always starving for data to train on.

Whatever the proper intentions, it is just waiting for the unscrupulous to use it to steal private data.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 17, 2024, 08:24:31 PM
Quote from: LKB on August 17, 2024, 03:57:33 PMYet another reason to stay with Win10 ( not that it's anything close to perfect, but I know my way around it well enough ).

And as far as privacy goes, Apple is worse...
I don't have screen shots on my computers done by Apple.

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 17, 2024, 08:32:53 PM
Quote from: DavidW on August 17, 2024, 04:24:44 PMIt is called Recall and is supposed to help you search for anything you ever saw on your PC. But I don't think anyone asked for it, and it doesn't take paranoia to wonder the actual reason behind it. Since it is tied in with their copilot AI, I'm guessing it is training. AI is always starving for data to train on.

Whatever the proper intentions, it is just waiting for the unscrupulous to use it to steal private data.
I read a bit about it and it sounds like that it's something that you need to opt into now; however, how long was it operating without possibly people knowing about the issue and/or being giving the option to opt out?  I believe (due to a bit of quick googling) that maybe June was when it was first introduced?  Sorry, getting tired now....

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on August 18, 2024, 12:23:06 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 17, 2024, 08:24:31 PMI don't have screen shots on my computers done by Apple.

PD

Having worked at Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, CA. for four years, I would not be so confident.

While some of what I saw there ( such as their supercomputers ) was beyond cool, I was told or overheard enough to put me off of Apple forever, as far as their products are concerned.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on August 18, 2024, 06:39:13 AM
Quote from: LKB on August 18, 2024, 12:23:06 AMHaving worked at Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, CA. for four years, I would not be so confident.

While some of what I saw there ( such as their supercomputers ) was beyond cool, I was told or overheard enough to put me off of Apple forever, as far as their products are concerned.


Do you expect Google to be better? (I'm thinking of Android.) At least on the iPhone, there is an automatic opt-out of third-party data collection.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on August 18, 2024, 07:20:16 AM
Quote from: DavidW on August 18, 2024, 06:39:13 AMDo you expect Google to be better? (I'm thinking of Android.) At least on the iPhone, there is an automatic opt-out of third-party data collection.

The fact is, any smartphone can potentially be vulnerable to third-party data collection using the phone's hardware, independent of the OS. To combat this, Apple started designing dynamic MAC addresses into iPhone some years ago, and Android  followed suit a couple of years afterward.

( Btw, Apple can track your iPhone whenever they feel a need to, regardless of any user settings or preferences. )

For maximum privacy, put your phone in an electrostatic bag before any brick-and-mortar shopping, and power it off when not actually in use.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Spotted Horses on August 18, 2024, 09:01:04 AM
Quote from: hopefullytrusting on August 18, 2024, 08:54:32 AMFor maximum privacy, you need to remove the battery. Off doesn't always mean off, just as delete and incognito don't mean what they purport to do.

Although, I don't care, but if privacy is your aim.

You have to remove the battery and smash the phone. I learned that from watching Breaking Bad. Too bad you can't get the battery out of an iPhone without specialized tools.

Android was create by a company whose explicit business model is scraping data off you and selling it. I wouldn't claim that Apple products offer anonymity, but at least there is some attention to throttling the reaping of information from you.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Spotted Horses on August 18, 2024, 10:02:15 AM
Quote from: hopefullytrusting on August 18, 2024, 09:06:21 AMI trust Apple the same as Android or Microsoft. In the end, they all have a similar aim.

I don't trust any of them, but I trust Android less. I remember stories a few years back that Facebook suffered revenue loss when iOS implemented a privacy feature.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on August 18, 2024, 10:09:59 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on August 18, 2024, 10:02:15 AMI don't trust any of them, but I trust Android less. I remember stories a few years back that Facebook suffered revenue loss when iOS implemented a privacy feature.

Yes, Google's AdSense accounts for about 70% of all ad revenue online. They make money primarily from data collection and ads. They have been at war with people using YouTube adblockers for years. I don't believe that all big tech companies treat privacy equally.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Henk79 on August 19, 2024, 08:50:14 AM
I put this here since I can't write a pm for some reason.

Hopeful news for @Sergeant Rock:

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-08-parkinson-disease-adjusting-brain-pacemakers.html (https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-08-parkinson-disease-adjusting-brain-pacemakers.html)

I just read about it in a Dutch newspaper. It writes that in Amsterdam maybe next year already patients can be treated.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: steve ridgway on August 23, 2024, 06:08:59 AM
Tidying the garden. Just trying to maintain my own small bubble of order in the chaos of spacetime.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Spotted Horses on August 23, 2024, 09:12:39 AM
A headlamp went out on my car a year ago, and I replaced both. Now one headlamp is out again. I have to figure out if it is a bad bulb, a bad fuse, an open circuit... Do I waste my time fiddling or waste my money bringing it to a repair shop?
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 23, 2024, 10:23:10 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on August 23, 2024, 09:12:39 AMA headlamp went out on my car a year ago, and I replaced both. Now one headlamp is out again. I have to figure out if it is a bad bulb, a bad fuse, an open circuit... Do I waste my time fiddling or waste my money bringing it to a repair shop?

You might try looking in your car's manual to see whether or not they list which *fuse is for which?  Or try googling online.  Other option:  From what I can recall, they (an auto repair shop) can quickly plug in their special machine to check the fuses.

*I suspect then you might be able to get a new fuse at an auto parts store.  It/They probably wouldn't be very expensive.

Good luck!

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Spotted Horses on August 23, 2024, 11:09:36 AM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 23, 2024, 10:23:10 AMYou might try looking in your car's manual to see whether or not they list which *fuse is for which?  Or try googling online.  Other option:  From what I can recall, they (an auto repair shop) can quickly plug in their special machine to check the fuses.

*I suspect then you might be able to get a new fuse at an auto parts store.  It/They probably wouldn't be very expensive.

Good luck!

PD

I did look into fuses, but one person posted that the car comes in so many variations that it is very difficult to get accurate information about which fuse is for what. He looked up the headlights fuse and there was no fuse there at all. I probably will try swapping the bulbs first.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 23, 2024, 11:37:07 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on August 23, 2024, 11:09:36 AMI did look into fuses, but one person posted that the car comes in so many variations that it is very difficult to get accurate information about which fuse is for what. He looked up the headlights fuse and there was no fuse there at all. I probably will try swapping the bulbs first.
It just seems strange that they would burn out so quickly!  Do you have a good mechanic?  I wonder if there might be a loose or corroded wire or switch with which you turn on your headlights?

Do tell us how you solved your mystery and what the cause of death was.  🕵

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on August 23, 2024, 09:41:23 PM
Sitting at work, waiting for my shift to begin. But at least l can look forward to eggs and coffee for breakfast afterwards.  ;)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 26, 2024, 08:48:26 AM
The US Open (main draw) started today [Tennis--1 of 4, and last of the year, slams for those who aren't tennis followers = major tennis event].

Tons of matches going on in the early rounds.  Watching...  :)

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on August 26, 2024, 10:03:43 AM
My landscape light sensor has become overly insensitive. I bought a replacement from Loe's and will try to install it myself.

The sensor controls when my landscape lights turn on. Now, even on a bright day, the lights pop on when it goes into shadow. But it didn't use to be that way. I've already tried cleaning it.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 26, 2024, 12:35:07 PM
Quote from: DavidW on August 26, 2024, 10:03:43 AMMy landscape light sensor has become overly insensitive. I bought a replacement from Loe's and will try to install it myself.

The sensor controls when my landscape lights turn on. Now, even on a bright day, the lights pop on when it goes into shadow. But it didn't use to be that way. I've already tried cleaning it.
Is the light meant for highlighting a plant/plants or for creating a pathway to the house?  Also, is it solar powered?

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on August 26, 2024, 12:46:00 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 26, 2024, 12:35:07 PMIs the light meant for highlighting a plant/plants or for creating a pathway to the house?  Also, is it solar powered?

PD

Lights plural. It is a network of lights that highlight different trees, bushes, and the house. They serve both landscaping and security. It's not solar-powered, but I have a special line item for a cheap rate from my power company.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 26, 2024, 12:47:48 PM
Quote from: DavidW on August 26, 2024, 12:46:00 PMLights plural. It is a network of lights that highlight different trees, bushes, and the house. They serve both landscaping and security. It's not solar-powered, but I have a special line item for a cheap rate from my power company.
How are you feeling currently?

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on August 26, 2024, 12:53:55 PM
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on August 26, 2024, 12:47:48 PMHow are you feeling currently?

PD

Sick. But a nap did me well.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on August 26, 2024, 01:08:12 PM
Quote from: DavidW on August 26, 2024, 12:53:55 PMSick. But a nap did me well.
Wishing you the best....all good wishes your way....

Hope also that Leah is starting to calm down a bit and feeling better.

Off to fix dinner....

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mapman on September 07, 2024, 09:19:47 AM
Quote from: DavidW on August 17, 2024, 01:43:05 PMI've had it. I'm done. I'm on Linux now.

How's Linux working for you? What distro are you using?

(I've primarily used Linux for about 7 or 8 years. One tip that I recommend is looking up how to set up a compose key [I use right-alt]: it's very helpful for writing accent marks and special characters!)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on September 07, 2024, 09:46:22 AM
Quote from: Mapman on September 07, 2024, 09:19:47 AMHow's Linux working for you? What distro are you using?

(I've primarily used Linux for about 7 or 8 years. One tip that I recommend is looking up how to set up a compose key [I use right-alt]: it's very helpful for writing accent marks and special characters!)

Sadly, it didn't work out. I had severe issues with the scroll wheel on my mouse. I tried many solutions, but none worked for me. It is sadly a common problem.

When I used Linux in the saintly days of yore, it didn't suffer from such basic issues (though I remember needing to write a config script for a winmodem).
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mapman on September 07, 2024, 09:56:25 AM
Quote from: DavidW on September 07, 2024, 09:46:22 AMSadly, it didn't work out. I had severe issues with the scroll wheel on my mouse. I tried many solutions, but none worked for me. It is sadly a common problem.

When I used Linux in the saintly days of yore, it didn't suffer from such basic issues (though I remember needing to write a config script for a winmodem).

That's a problem that I hadn't heard about, since I only use laptops currently. I've fortunately not run into serious problems yet, and there are features such as the compose key and middle-click to paste that would make it hard to switch away!
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 07, 2024, 12:08:00 PM
The US Open women's final has just started:  Sabalenka vs. Pegula.   8)

They'll be warming up shortly.

PD
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on September 10, 2024, 09:49:47 AM

    The transmission on our 2007 VW Rabbit has been replaced and the car drives smoothly now.

    The VW Golf was renamed Rabbit for a couple of years. It's the same car.

    (https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/qyUAAOSw-TpjNNOK/s-l400.jpg)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on September 14, 2024, 02:53:43 AM
I'm remembering driving a friend's VW Sirocco from the Bay Area to his mom's house in Lake Tahoe, back in 1986. It was the most fun l ever had driving, as the car was so much better than my own POS. ::)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DaveF on September 14, 2024, 10:46:36 AM
Quote from: LKB on September 14, 2024, 02:53:43 AMI'm remembering driving a friend's VW Sirocco...
Which prompted me to put my proud father hat on and boast about my daughter's Sirocco, which she has rebuilt almost from the tyres up, customised to within an inch of its life, and which now wins awards at car shows:
https://www.facebook.com/PerformanceStyling.co.uk/posts/wren_bea-asked-is-her-cool-a-looker-with-our-r-bumper-how-couldnt-it-be-scirocco/775742467906042/ (https://www.facebook.com/PerformanceStyling.co.uk/posts/wren_bea-asked-is-her-cool-a-looker-with-our-r-bumper-how-couldnt-it-be-scirocco/775742467906042/)

Although what I'm actually doing is enjoying a rather good pint while packing up camping kit for a week away in mid-Wales.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: NumberSix on September 14, 2024, 11:02:40 AM
Just got home from getting a haircut (ugh, it had been at least 6 weeks -- I feel so much better).

Also got a few errands run, including checking my mailbox and finding the car license plate renewal sticker I have been waiting for in the mail. (my plates expired Aug 31, so I have been driving around only when strictly necessary)

 8)



ETA: Just checked my records. 10 weeks since a haircut!
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Pohjolas Daughter on September 14, 2024, 01:15:56 PM
Quote from: DaveF on September 14, 2024, 10:46:36 AMWhich prompted me to put my proud father hat on and boast about my daughter's Sirocco, which she has rebuilt almost from the tyres up, customised to within an inch of its life, and which now wins awards at car shows:
https://www.facebook.com/PerformanceStyling.co.uk/posts/wren_bea-asked-is-her-cool-a-looker-with-our-r-bumper-how-couldnt-it-be-scirocco/775742467906042/ (https://www.facebook.com/PerformanceStyling.co.uk/posts/wren_bea-asked-is-her-cool-a-looker-with-our-r-bumper-how-couldnt-it-be-scirocco/775742467906042/)

Although what I'm actually doing is enjoying a rather good pint while packing up camping kit for a week away in mid-Wales.
Cool looking car!  Did she do all the work herself (and with a few friends when needed)?

Quote from: NumberSix on September 14, 2024, 11:02:40 AMJust got home from getting a haircut (ugh, it had been at least 6 weeks -- I feel so much better).

Also got a few errands run, including checking my mailbox and finding the car license plate renewal sticker I have been waiting for in the mail. (my plates expired Aug 31, so I have been driving around only when strictly necessary)

 8)

ETA: Just checked my records. 10 weeks since a haircut!
I really need to get mine cut (has been way longer than 10 weeks).  It's long but now getting unwieldy!

EDIT:  Helped out a friend of mine for a bit today whose basement rec room flooded about a month ago.   He's subscribed to a number of hiking/climbing magazines plus audio ones over the years.  Also had stored a ton of his kids' stuff down there.  Well, as you might have guessed, a lot of that stuff is getting tossed.  God, does it ever reek of mold! :-(
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on September 14, 2024, 01:22:09 PM
Glad not to be alone. I only get it cut every 2-3 months, usually when I start brushing it off my ears.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: NumberSix on September 18, 2024, 09:29:31 PM
Earlier today I went to the UPS Store to pick up three used books I had ordered. When I got home and started tearing open the packages, I realized they had given me the wrong one. My mailbox number has a 25 in it, and they gave me one from box 26.

Ugh, so I had to drive back over there and swap them out. Plus, the actual owner of whatever I received now has a package that was torn open. The shop started taping it up as I left, but I was kinda curious what they will say to that person about why it was torn.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on September 18, 2024, 09:40:44 PM
Riding to work.

The final scene of Wagner's Tannhäuser started up while l was waiting for the taxi, so he's keeping me company for the trip. ;D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Florestan on September 19, 2024, 01:11:39 AM
Quote from: NumberSix on September 18, 2024, 09:29:31 PMEarlier today I went to the UPS Store to pick up three used books I had ordered. When I got home and started tearing open the packages, I realized they had given me the wrong one. My mailbox number has a 25 in it, and they gave me one from box 26.

Ugh, so I had to drive back over there and swap them out. Plus, the actual owner of whatever I received now has a package that was torn open. The shop started taping it up as I left, but I was kinda curious what they will say to that person about why it was torn.

Telling the truth would be their best option, methinks.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on October 14, 2024, 10:13:22 AM
    Yesterday I suffered the torture of the darned and had to go to the ER for pain in my back.

    This wasn't as much fun as it sounds because they couldn't find the cause. The pain seemed to emanate from my right kidney and though I have a colossal stone located therein, the doctor didn't think it was the problem. He thinks it's a muscle thing. See, the stone isn't going anywhere and shouldn't cause pain. It's a coincidence, I guess.

    I did manage to score some nice drugs by not asking for them.  :P

    So far today I'm much better. I may not have to waste any of the good stuff on pain. >:D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on October 14, 2024, 11:17:32 AM
Quote from: drogulus on October 14, 2024, 10:13:22 AMYesterday I suffered the torture of the darned and had to go to the ER for pain in my back.

    This wasn't as much fun as it sounds because they couldn't find the cause. The pain seemed to emanate from my right kidney and though I have a colossal stone located therein, the doctor didn't think it was the problem. He thinks it's a muscle thing. See, the stone isn't going anywhere and shouldn't cause pain. It's a coincidence, I guess.

   
Do you do any regular stretching?  And I believe that you can get rid of the stone (not a doctor).

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on October 14, 2024, 11:40:59 AM
Quote from: drogulus on October 14, 2024, 10:13:22 AMSo far today I'm much better. I may not have to waste any of the good stuff on pain. >:D

Good, I hope it is transient.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: NumberSix on October 14, 2024, 01:06:56 PM
I went to the grocery store this morning. (Yay, me)

I was sitting here just now listening to the Grateful Dead, and I was craving a bologna sandwich -- don't judge.

So I went into the kitchen. Turns out I bought bread, mayo, and even tomatoes for slicing.

And no bologna or turkey.  :o

I made peanut butter and jelly, which is fine -- but it's not the same.  ::)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on October 14, 2024, 01:26:05 PM
Quote from: Kalevala on October 14, 2024, 11:17:32 AMDo you do any regular stretching?  And I believe that you can get rid of the stone (not a doctor).

K

     The stone is 1.8cm. I didn't know they came that big. If it starts to move I'll probably have to have lithotripsy.

     You can be in horrible pain from a 5mm stone. That happened to a friend that screamed on the way to the hospital. I had a 5mm one that hurt like hell before they sonic boomed it.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on October 14, 2024, 01:30:11 PM
Quote from: drogulus on October 14, 2024, 01:26:05 PMThe stone is 1.8cm. I didn't know they came that big. If it starts to move I'll probably have to have lithotripsy.

    You can be in horrible pain from a 5mm stone. That happened to a friend that screamed on the way to the hospital. I had a 5mm one that hurt like hell before they sonic boomed it.
Well, maybe see your doctor more often re ultrasounds and surgery. 🤔❤️ Wishing you the best.

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on October 14, 2024, 01:52:16 PM
Quote from: Kalevala on October 14, 2024, 01:30:11 PM🤔❤️ Wishing you the best.

K

    Thanks....can I borrow some money? (http://forums.mozillazine.org/images/smilies/new_vampv.gif)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on October 14, 2024, 02:01:48 PM
Quote from: drogulus on October 14, 2024, 01:52:16 PMThanks....can I borrow some money? (http://forums.mozillazine.org/images/smilies/new_vampv.gif)
Have you checked out your healthcare options (and maybe reconsider things re music and take-out/ordering things online?)?  You can do it.  :)

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: NumberSix on October 14, 2024, 02:04:02 PM
Quote from: Kalevala on October 14, 2024, 02:01:48 PMHave you checked out your healthcare options (and maybe reconsider things re music and take-out/ordering things online?)?  You can do it.  :)

K

This is one reason we were sad you left - such optimism. You're good for us cynical types.  ;)   
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on October 14, 2024, 03:15:44 PM
   
Quote from: Kalevala on October 14, 2024, 02:01:48 PMHave you checked out your healthcare options (and maybe reconsider things re music and take-out/ordering things online?)?  You can do it.  :)

K

    I was going to give it back I promise!!  ;D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on October 14, 2024, 03:34:59 PM
Quote from: NumberSix on October 14, 2024, 02:04:02 PMThis is one reason we were sad you left - such optimism. You're good for us cynical types.  ;)   
😂  😘 Thank you.

Meant with love,

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on October 14, 2024, 03:37:20 PM
Quote from: drogulus on October 14, 2024, 03:15:44 PMI was going to give it back I promise!!  ;D
Give what back?   ???

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on October 14, 2024, 04:00:28 PM
Quote from: Kalevala on October 14, 2024, 03:37:20 PMGive what back?   ???

K

     I don't know. I forgot what we were talking about.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on October 14, 2024, 04:04:58 PM
Quote from: drogulus on October 14, 2024, 04:00:28 PMI don't know. I forgot what we were talking about.
🤣 It's o.k.  Have a good evening! 😗

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on October 14, 2024, 04:17:11 PM
Quote from: NumberSix on October 14, 2024, 01:06:56 PMI went to the grocery store this morning. (Yay, me)

I was sitting here just now listening to the Grateful Dead, and I was craving a bologna sandwich -- don't judge.

So I went into the kitchen. Turns out I bought bread, mayo, and even tomatoes for slicing.

And no bologna or turkey.  :o

I made peanut butter and jelly, which is fine -- but it's not the same.  ::)

I had a turkey and beef bologna sandwich for lunch! I'm just trying to save money because of the speakers... but it was pretty good. I like to use this sub dressing. It really elevates the sandwich. Even a bologna sandwich!
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on October 14, 2024, 04:25:14 PM
Quote from: DavidW on October 14, 2024, 04:17:11 PMI had a turkey and beef bologna sandwich for lunch! I'm just trying to save money because of the speakers... but it was pretty good. I like to use this sub dressing. It really elevates the sandwich. Even a bologna sandwich!
What's the sub dressing?

Waiting on my yam to get closer to being done before cooking the rest of my dinner.

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on October 14, 2024, 04:31:38 PM
Quote from: Kalevala on October 14, 2024, 04:25:14 PMWhat's the sub dressing?

Waiting on my yam to get closer to being done before cooking the rest of my dinner.

K

Beano's... is an olive oil-based dressing that really makes you feel that you're at a sub shop.

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61SiMV6eiDL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg)

I swear, not sponsored! ;D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: NumberSix on October 14, 2024, 05:19:12 PM
Random thought:

There's a radio comedy sketch show from the late 80s called Saturday Night Fry, starring Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Jim Broadbent, Emma Thompson, and friends. A six episode set can be had on audible for cheap. (I think 5 of the 6 eps are on youtube, too, last time I checked)

I bought it on audible over a decade ago, and I still listen to it regularly. It's great for setting a 20-30 min timer when going to bed.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on October 14, 2024, 06:30:06 PM
Quote from: NumberSix on October 14, 2024, 05:19:12 PMRandom thought:

There's a radio comedy sketch show from the late 80s called Saturday Night Fry, starring Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Jim Broadbent, Emma Thompson, and friends. A six episode set can be had on audible for cheap. (I think 5 of the 6 eps are on youtube, too, last time I checked)

I bought it on audible over a decade ago, and I still listen to it regularly. It's great for setting a 20-30 min timer when going to bed.
I found one of them for free (No. 1), so will give it a shot.

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on October 15, 2024, 02:29:20 AM
Quote from: drogulus on October 14, 2024, 01:26:05 PMThe stone is 1.8cm. I didn't know they came that big. If it starts to move I'll probably have to have lithotripsy.

    You can be in horrible pain from a 5mm stone. That happened to a friend that screamed on the way to the hospital. I had a 5mm one that hurt like hell before they sonic boomed it.

According to a family member who's also lived with kidney stones for decades, extra-virgin olive oil and lemon juice can help with some stones, depending on size and location.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: steve ridgway on October 25, 2024, 10:58:16 PM
Currently checking all the files I bought from Chandos made it to my music player before the download server gets turned off in a month.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on October 26, 2024, 01:39:22 AM
Having lunch at work. Nothing special, just some microwavable spaghetti from the supermarket.

I'll make up for it at Sunday breakfast tomorrow.  8)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on October 26, 2024, 04:34:51 AM
Quote from: LKB on October 26, 2024, 01:39:22 AMHaving lunch at work. Nothing special, just some microwavable spaghetti from the supermarket.

I'll make up for it at Sunday breakfast tomorrow.  8)

I feel like this is your first eggs-free post in awhile! :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on October 26, 2024, 05:13:37 AM
Quote from: DavidW on October 26, 2024, 04:34:51 AMI feel like this is your first eggs-free post in awhile! :laugh:

The eggs are likely to come roaring back tomorrow morning ( searches for a " Roaring Eggs " emoticon and falls to find one...).
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Florestan on October 26, 2024, 10:35:43 AM
Sipping a glass of wine in Brasov, a picturesque, beautiful city in Transylvania. We're here for a short holiday.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on October 26, 2024, 10:38:48 AM
Quote from: Florestan on October 26, 2024, 10:35:43 AMSipping a glass of wine in Brasov, a picturesque, beautiful city in Transylvania. We're here for a short holiday.
From the quick looksie that I had when I googled photos, it looks lovely!  Will you be doing any hiking around there, or???

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Florestan on October 26, 2024, 10:42:52 AM
Quote from: Kalevala on October 26, 2024, 10:38:48 AMFrom the quick looksie that I had when I googled photos, it looks lovely!  Will you be doing any hiking around there, or???

K

Not much hiking this time, just strolling through both the old and new parts of the city. Both are absolutely lovely.

We've visited it lots of times, it's one of the most beautiful Romanian cities and also close to both Bucharest and our countryside residence.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on November 02, 2024, 09:21:06 AM

    I'm taking the advice of the financial doomers by preparing for the end of everything. They say to prepare for it. Often the preparation consists of going in or out of cash now!


(https://media1.tenor.com/m/cp4ZtgzjzbgAAAAd/do-it-now.gif)

     I'm sure they're right. You must prepare. I have my own way of doing that, though, which isn't entirely in line with stocking up on ammo and canned goods. What I do instead is nothing. That's the plan, Stan, to do nothing as hard as I can for as long as it takes.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on November 02, 2024, 04:10:49 PM
I spent all day cleaning the house and doing laundry, and then I went to a memorial service.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on November 02, 2024, 04:14:52 PM
Quote from: DavidW on November 02, 2024, 04:10:49 PMI spent all day cleaning the house and doing laundry, and then I went to a memorial service.
Sounds like a rough day.  I'm so sorry about the person that you knew.  It must be hard and draining.

All the best,

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on November 03, 2024, 03:53:50 AM
Quote from: Kalevala on November 02, 2024, 04:14:52 PMSounds like a rough day.  I'm so sorry about the person that you knew.  It must be hard and draining.

All the best,

K

I didn't know him that well (I only talked with him a handful of times), but I'm friends with his son and that is why I went.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on November 03, 2024, 04:17:52 AM
Quote from: drogulus on November 02, 2024, 09:21:06 AMI'm taking the advice of the financial doomers by preparing for the end of everything. They say to prepare for it. Often the preparation consists of going in or out of cash now!


(https://media1.tenor.com/m/cp4ZtgzjzbgAAAAd/do-it-now.gif)

    I'm sure they're right. You must prepare. I have my own way of doing that, though, which isn't entirely in line with stocking up on ammo and canned goods. What I do instead is nothing. That's the plan, Stan, to do nothing as hard as I can for as long as it takes.

Always nice to find another kindred spirit.  ;D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on November 03, 2024, 04:27:14 AM
Daylight Saving Time in the US ended a few hours ago, making my last shift of the workweek one hour longer. So, I'm grousing about that a bit.  ::)

But in approximately two hours my usual eggs will be waiting, hidden today inside a 🦀 omelet. After that a hot bath with a little 80-proof company, so l expect to be feeling much better.  8)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on November 03, 2024, 06:10:35 AM
Quote from: LKB on November 03, 2024, 04:27:14 AMDaylight Saving Time in the US ended a few hours ago, making my last shift of the workweek one hour longer. So, I'm grousing about that a bit.  ::)

But in approximately two hours my usual eggs will be waiting, hidden today inside a 🦀 omelet. After that a hot bath with a little 80-proof company, so l expect to be feeling much better.  8)
Hopefully overtime at least?

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on November 03, 2024, 06:12:27 AM
Quote from: DavidW on November 03, 2024, 03:53:50 AMI didn't know him that well (I only talked with him a handful of times), but I'm friends with his son and that is why I went.
I'm sure that he appreciated your support; that was good of you to go.

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on November 03, 2024, 06:22:36 AM
Quote from: Kalevala on November 03, 2024, 06:10:35 AMHopefully overtime at least?

K

Yup, and it will pay for today's breakfast.  8)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on November 15, 2024, 10:08:20 AM

    OK get this you'll love this.  ???

    I bought 18 shares of NVDA.

    I mean how.....what??....

    I can explain, I think. I'm not a contrarian. I don't think what the majority thinks should cause me to think otherwise. Something else might, but not that. So I bought a popular stock not even in spite of that, but because I judge NVDA will continue to grow past the tech bust when that comes.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on November 18, 2024, 07:05:03 AM
    I hopped over to Edinburgh on my PC to watch the first episode of Wolf Hall II: The Adventure Continues. The Bullen has been chopped and Jane is queen. I stopped after a few minutes because Someone Else wants to watch, too.

    Other means must be used. My TV doesn't teleport, and even if it could the BBCiPlayer won't install on my elderly model.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: pjme on November 20, 2024, 04:03:40 AM
Watched the snow fall ... and turn into slush.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on November 20, 2024, 06:22:06 AM
Quote from: drogulus on November 18, 2024, 07:05:03 AMI hopped over to Edinburgh on my PC to watch the first episode of Wolf Hall II: The Adventure Continues. The Bullen has been chopped and Jane is queen. I stopped after a few minutes because Someone Else wants to watch, too.

    Other means must be used. My TV doesn't teleport, and even if it could the BBCiPlayer won't install on my elderly model.
Augh!  Sorry to hear that!  Do you have Windows or a Mac...or another system?

Quote from: pjme on November 20, 2024, 04:03:40 AMWatched the snow fall...
It's so wonderful to watch a gentle snowfall come down and coat the ground and the trees--magical and pristine.

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on November 20, 2024, 06:56:07 AM
Quote from: Kalevala on November 20, 2024, 06:22:06 AMAugh!  Sorry to hear that!  Do you have Windows or a Mac...or another system?

K

     The BBCiPlayer works fine on my Windows machine. I can't install the app on my old TV.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on November 20, 2024, 07:11:08 AM
Quote from: drogulus on November 20, 2024, 06:56:07 AMThe BBCiPlayer works fine on my Windows machine. I can't install the app on my old TV.
Ah!  I have an old t.v. too.

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Number Six on December 03, 2024, 09:04:27 AM
(https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/78/d6/GVA0Aj8p_t.jpeg) (https://imgbox.com/GVA0Aj8p)

Laundry going. While I wait for washer, I'm having coffee and reading a bit of baseball history on my Kindle. 

I don't have a fireplace. We do what we can, thanks to YouTube. It's gently playing Christmas carols on piano. I just wish it also included the crackling fire sound. 
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on December 03, 2024, 09:12:46 AM
Doing some laundry here too plus general cleaning/tidying up and starting to haul down some of the Christmas decorations.  Busy, busy!

Need to get some food into me then back at it.

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Number Six on December 05, 2024, 01:24:30 PM
So I got a haircut this morning at Floyd's. It's a barbershop chain, and it's a little more expensive than the place I usually go. But I like it and go there sometimes -- and I was running errands right by it today. I have not been there in awhile.

Buzz cut and goatee trim. No wash or shoulder massage or anything special. 

$50.  

Sigh. I told the poor stylist woman while I was paying that it would be the last time I would be coming in. 
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on December 05, 2024, 02:57:55 PM
Quote from: Number Six on December 05, 2024, 01:24:30 PMSo I got a haircut this morning at Floyd's. It's a barbershop chain, and it's a little more expensive than the place I usually go. But I like it and go there sometimes -- and I was running errands right by it today. I have not been there in awhile.

Buzz cut and goatee trim. No wash or shoulder massage or anything special.

$50. 

Sigh. I told the poor stylist woman while I was paying that it would be the last time I would be coming in.
Everything's going up.  :(  Last I knew (in my area), a male friend paid $25 just for a haircut (no wash).  He doesn't have a beard.  I don't know whether or not that included the tip?  I'll have to double check with him.

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Number Six on December 05, 2024, 03:00:35 PM
Quote from: Kalevala on December 05, 2024, 02:57:55 PMEverything's going up.  :(  Last I knew (in my area), a male friend paid $25 just for a haircut (no wash).  He doesn't have a beard.  I don't know whether or not that included the tip?  I'll have to double check with him.

K
My $50 did not include the tip, which I did add on because it's not this woman's fault.

The place I normally go is an honest-to-goodness small independent barbershop, and they charge almost half that much for the same service. It's a good reminder that I should continue to support that place, and not this one. :-\
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on December 05, 2024, 06:14:20 PM
Quote from: Number Six on December 05, 2024, 01:24:30 PMSo I got a haircut this morning at Floyd's. It's a barbershop chain, and it's a little more expensive than the place I usually go. But I like it and go there sometimes -- and I was running errands right by it today. I have not been there in awhile.

Buzz cut and goatee trim. No wash or shoulder massage or anything special.

$50. 

Sigh. I told the poor stylist woman while I was paying that it would be the last time I would be coming in.

One of the " advantages " in being old and ugly is the option to space out haircuts and such at very wide intervals. $25 at Supercuts every four months or so, whether I need it or not.  ;D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on December 12, 2024, 10:35:55 AM
    I'm monitoring reviews of the Intel B580 GPU. Reviewers confirm it's the budget king. At $250 it trades blows with cards costing more. The 4060 is $300 and the 4060 TI is ~$400. B580 performance is closer to the TI. As for AMD, forget about it.

    My next PC will have an Intel GPU, which frees me up to use an AMD CPU and still get superior Handbrake performance. For gaming the B580 is overkill, but that's OK, as one day I might want to play a demanding game.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Number Six on December 12, 2024, 10:55:08 AM
Currently waiting for the feeling to come back to half my face, so I can stop drooling and maybe even drink some water.

Dental work this morning. Been home almost 2 hours, and it's improved. But still not there yet, and I am hungry dammit! 
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on December 12, 2024, 11:39:24 AM
Quote from: Number Six on December 12, 2024, 10:55:08 AMCurrently waiting for the feeling to come back to half my face, so I can stop drooling and maybe even drink some water.

Dental work this morning. Been home almost 2 hours, and it's improved. But still not there yet, and I am hungry dammit!
Oh, no fun!  :(  Feel better soon!

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on December 12, 2024, 04:42:58 PM
Texting with my brother, who thinks the recent news accounts of drones over US military installations are a diversion from the recent headlines regarding UAPs.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Number Six on December 15, 2024, 06:27:27 PM
Watching the Dua Lipa concert from Royal Albert Hall on tv tonight. 

8)

I waited an hour so that I could fast forward the commercials. 
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on December 16, 2024, 05:35:11 PM
About to head for a local church and sing Messiah, an annual tradition.  8)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Mapman on December 19, 2024, 12:32:27 PM
Quote from: LKB on December 16, 2024, 05:35:11 PMAbout to head for a local church and sing Messiah, an annual tradition.  8)

When I was in Philadelphia, we would get together with a group to sing and play through Messiah every December. We used the Proust edition, which includes clarinet parts. A couple times there was no trumpet player, so I filled in on clarinet. Sadly I am no longer in the Philadelphia area, and the organizer decided that he'd done Messiah for long enough so that event no longer happens.

Enjoy Messiah!
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on December 19, 2024, 06:56:48 PM

     More on the B580 GPU and related things. The Battlemage chips announced early on were the BMG10, BMG21 and BMG31 from least to most. The BMG10 has been canceled, while the BMG21 has produced the B580 and the soon to be released B570, a cut down version. That leaves the BMG31, which I'll speculate may produce a card with 30-40% more performance than the 580, probably in the $350-400 price range. For me the B570 will suffice, I think. That will sell for $200 or a little less.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Szykneij on December 23, 2024, 10:10:27 AM
Fixing my Ford Explorer windshield washer failure. Almost six years ago, while vacationing in a somewhat isolated area of New Hampshire, my windshield washer stopped working. Without access to a whole lot of tools and parts, I was able to replace the faulty section of hose with a Dunkin' Donuts straw and electrical tape. Fast forward to the next decade, I forgot about that long ago hack until I popped open the hood today to see what was wrong. The tape had failed, but not the straw! I re-taped it and I'm looking forward to another 6 years or more of smooth squirting.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on December 23, 2024, 10:23:19 AM
Quote from: Szykneij on December 23, 2024, 10:10:27 AMFixing my Ford Explorer windshield washer failure. Almost six years ago, while vacationing in a somewhat isolated area of New Hampshire, my windshield washer stopped working. Without access to a whole lot of tools and parts, I was able to replace the faulty section of hose with a Dunkin' Donuts straw and electrical tape. Fast forward to the next decade, I forgot about that long ago hack until I popped open the hood today to see what was wrong. The tape had failed, but not the straw! I re-taped it and I'm looking forward to another 6 years or more of smooth squirting.
:laugh:  ;D How clever of you!

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Vox Maris on December 25, 2024, 06:51:13 AM
Quote from: Number Six on December 15, 2024, 06:27:27 PMWatching the Dua Lipa concert from Royal Albert Hall on tv tonight.

8)

I waited an hour so that I could fast forward the commercials.

I wish there was a dislike button.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on December 28, 2024, 06:50:29 AM
Quote from: Szykneij on December 23, 2024, 10:10:27 AMFixing my Ford Explorer windshield washer failure. Almost six years ago, while vacationing in a somewhat isolated area of New Hampshire, my windshield washer stopped working. Without access to a whole lot of tools and parts, I was able to replace the faulty section of hose with a Dunkin' Donuts straw and electrical tape. Fast forward to the next decade, I forgot about that long ago hack until I popped open the hood today to see what was wrong. The tape had failed, but not the straw! I re-taped it and I'm looking forward to another 6 years or more of smooth squirting.

You McGuyver'd a solution!

(https://preview.redd.it/l12biedt35t31.png?auto=webp&s=6063589dc43293954d9eecb567377a00cc3716c1)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on December 28, 2024, 09:17:23 AM
Just cooked a salmon and cream cheese omelette for breakfast.  Did a bit of cooking over the holiday, had a friend over for dinner and shared some stuffed manicotti with his family...and still have leftovers!  Happy camper here!

Yesterday, I did the dreaded cleaning off and moving my speakers so that I could vacuum underneath them; it was the first time in ages that the spikes on the speakers didn't come off of their "discs" [the wood floor is old and uneven--hence the dread when pushing them around].

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Number Six on December 29, 2024, 09:19:43 AM
Late morning on Sunday. I'm drinking coffee, running a load of laundry, and listening to some 1972 Grateful Dead. 

Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on December 29, 2024, 04:20:42 PM
    My new PC will be built by MicroCenter high priests according to parts I choose. Since the GPU will be Intel I'm free to choose a CPU from either AMD or Intel. See, Intel cards have all the video encoding options of the Intel iGPU and more. So for Handbrake transcoding using QSV the GPU will do all the work. I can then choose a CPU on pure price/performance without considering CPU encoding at all.

    Among CPUs I could choose the 7700x or the i5-13600K. In case I want to use software encoding for superior quality either of these CPUs should be fine, and certainly better than my incumbent i7-8700.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Number Six on December 31, 2024, 07:03:57 PM
9pm

Starting Grateful Dead "Closing of Winterland" on YouTube on TV.

Can I make it 4 hours? I guess we'll see. 
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: vandermolen on January 01, 2025, 01:28:24 AM
I an NOT listening to/watching the 'New Year's Day Concert from Vienna' but am enjoying the BBC Radio programmes celebrating 100 years of the BBC Shipping Forecast for coastal waters - including an appreciation of Ronald Binge's accompanying piece of light music 'Sailing By'.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sailing_By
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Florestan on January 01, 2025, 05:10:03 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on January 01, 2025, 01:28:24 AMRonald Binge's accompanying piece of light music 'Sailing By'.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sailing_By (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sailing_By)

Thanks for the tip, Jeffrey, I'll listen to it asap.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: hopefullytrusting on January 02, 2025, 10:37:48 PM
Just got done with my first pass over my pdfs (taking an eye break now), as I still have at least another day or so to get them in working order.

Currently at a little under 4000, and I'd like to cut that in half (although, I'd prefer cutting it by three-quarters even more).

:-[
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on January 03, 2025, 03:15:38 PM
Quote from: hopefullytrusting on January 02, 2025, 10:37:48 PMJust got done with my first pass over my pdfs (taking an eye break now), as I still have at least another day or so to get them in working order.

Currently at a little under 4000, and I'd like to cut that in half (although, I'd prefer cutting it by three-quarters even more).

:-[
Are they all movies (you had mentioned some)?  Or a combo of things?

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: hopefullytrusting on January 03, 2025, 03:31:44 PM
Quote from: Kalevala on January 03, 2025, 03:15:38 PMAre they all movies (you had mentioned some)?  Or a combo of things?

K

No, related to my work. I watch the movies in while skimming through the pdfs to organize them. I have probably another day or two to go. Essentially, I have so many pdfs that it impeding my ability to work productively (think of the overwhelm that many have when they see an American grocery store, so they default to what they know, rather than what is best - I'm trying to avoid that kind of "discernment".)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on January 03, 2025, 05:03:55 PM
Thinking about some music I composed for an opera years ago.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: hopefullytrusting on January 05, 2025, 07:19:57 PM
I have cut my pdfs in half! :o

Only have 417 more to go! 8)

Might actually get to sleep tonight! :blank:
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on January 06, 2025, 06:52:21 AM
Quote from: hopefullytrusting on January 05, 2025, 07:19:57 PMI have cut my pdfs in half! :o

Only have 417 more to go! 8)

Might actually get to sleep tonight! :blank:
Congrats!

And get some sleep; you don't need to get this done all at once.   ;)

Here:  am contemplating taking the ornaments off of the tree.   :(  Always a sad thing to do--particularly this year as I'm really happy with the tree that I chose and how the decorating of it came out.

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Spotted Horses on January 06, 2025, 03:44:39 PM
Quote from: hopefullytrusting on January 05, 2025, 07:19:57 PMI have cut my pdfs in half! :o

Only have 417 more to go! 8)

Might actually get to sleep tonight! :blank:

By pdfs you mean adobe document files? Existential poems? :)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: ChamberNut on January 06, 2025, 04:24:17 PM
Setting up a late Christmas gift that just arrived.  :)  My wife got me a beautiful Tivoli Audio disc player for my office, which is where I spend most of my time listening to music.

(https://www.2001audiovideo.com/files/image/attachment/6782/MSYBTCLA0.png)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Number Six on January 06, 2025, 05:14:37 PM
Quote from: Franco_Manitobain on January 06, 2025, 04:24:17 PMSetting up a late Christmas gift that just arrived.  :)  My wife got me a beautiful Tivoli Audio disc player for my office, which is where I spend most of my time listening to music.

(https://www.2001audiovideo.com/files/image/attachment/6782/MSYBTCLA0.png)

Ooh, I like the looks of that machine! Especially now that I think the Bose Wave Radio CD players may be no more. (I could be wrong about that.)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: hopefullytrusting on January 06, 2025, 05:55:01 PM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on January 06, 2025, 03:44:39 PMBy pdfs you mean adobe document files? Existential poems? :)

Yes, there are two basic formats to save journal articles: epub and pdf. Epubs require an additional app to read them, so I always download the pdf, but we live in the age of infinite storage, and humanitarian academics, in particular, are known for their digital hoarding - like a dragon, but that can easily spiral out of control and can lead to blocking, burnout, and procrastination, and I'm trying not to fall into that trap, hence, my reorganization. :)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on January 06, 2025, 06:35:50 PM
Quote from: Franco_Manitobain on January 06, 2025, 04:24:17 PMSetting up a late Christmas gift that just arrived.  :)  My wife got me a beautiful Tivoli Audio disc player for my office, which is where I spend most of my time listening to music.

(https://www.2001audiovideo.com/files/image/attachment/6782/MSYBTCLA0.png)
Cool!  So are they now making again CD wifi players or is this something different?  I see now that it shows "BT"?

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: ChamberNut on January 06, 2025, 06:39:57 PM
Quote from: Kalevala on January 06, 2025, 06:35:50 PMCool!  So are they now making again CD wifi players or is this something different?  I see now that it shows "BT"?

K


It has CD, AM/FM radio, and bluetooth capability. I'm listening now via bluetooth some recordings I purchased on Presto that haven't arrived yet (physical copy).  :)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on January 06, 2025, 07:21:08 PM
Quote from: Franco_Manitobain on January 06, 2025, 06:39:57 PMIt has CD, AM/FM radio, and bluetooth capability. I'm listening now via bluetooth some recordings I purchased on Presto that haven't arrived yet (physical copy).  :)
Nice!  What are they going for these days?

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: ChamberNut on January 07, 2025, 02:55:26 AM
Quote from: Kalevala on January 06, 2025, 07:21:08 PMNice!  What are they going for these days?

K

Around $799 CDN, although I believe she got it at for sale $599 CDN.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Spotted Horses on January 07, 2025, 06:22:45 AM
Quote from: hopefullytrusting on January 06, 2025, 05:55:01 PMYes, there are two basic formats to save journal articles: epub and pdf. Epubs require an additional app to read them, so I always download the pdf, but we live in the age of infinite storage, and humanitarian academics, in particular, are known for their digital hoarding - like a dragon, but that can easily spiral out of control and can lead to blocking, burnout, and procrastination, and I'm trying not to fall into that trap, hence, my reorganization. :)

As a recovering academic in physical sciences, folders on the computer stuffed with pdf reprints are familiar to me, but more insidious are drawers full of hardcopy printouts with notes scribbled in the margins...
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: hopefullytrusting on January 07, 2025, 06:42:38 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on January 07, 2025, 06:22:45 AMAs a recovering academic in physical sciences, folders on the computer stuffed with pdf reprints are familiar to me, but more insidious are drawers full of hardcopy printouts with notes scribbled in the margins...

Lol, yeah, I get to see that whenever someone retires in our department. You can definitely see a generational split when y8ou look at our offices.

I'm one of the youngest professors in the department, and the only books (really any paper product whatsoever) there was left by the person who held my office before.

The only "Kevin" addition, essentially, to the office is my laptop. (I used to be a big book person, but now I pretty  much read all of my work books online - I still read my fun books in physical form, but I keep my work and life as rigidly separate as I can.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on January 07, 2025, 07:22:50 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on January 07, 2025, 06:22:45 AMAs a recovering academic in physical sciences, folders on the computer stuffed with pdf reprints are familiar to me, but more insidious are drawers full of hardcopy printouts with notes scribbled in the margins...
Quote from: hopefullytrusting on January 07, 2025, 06:42:38 AMLol, yeah, I get to see that whenever someone retires in our department. You can definitely see a generational split when y8ou look at our offices.

I'm one of the youngest professors in the department, and the only books (really any paper product whatsoever) there was left by the person who held my office before.

The only "Kevin" addition, essentially, to the office is my laptop. (I used to be a big book person, but now I pretty  much read all of my work books online - I still read my fun books in physical form, but I keep my work and life as rigidly separate as I can.
Ask me about my collection of recipes (printouts, magazines, and books)!  I spent quite some time organizing my mostly PDFs (some screen shots and some photos) of recipes into folders and categories--tagging them as best as I could.  Now, what to do with all of the printouts?  It's hard to bring a computer into the kitchen to use and I don't have anything like Siri or Alexa, so a printout (or magazine/book) is the easiest route for me (plus computers also require passwords after a while).

Sigh....

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on January 07, 2025, 07:29:38 AM
Quote from: Franco_Manitobain on January 07, 2025, 02:55:26 AMAround $799 CDN, although I believe she got it at for sale $599 CDN.
I was trying to convince a friend to buy one; she and her husband wanted something to play their small collection of CDs on [This was back when they were $600 and played CDs and had internet radio.].  She thought that it was way too expensive (yet she would spend $200 on a pair of shoes).   :(  We all have our logic.

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on January 07, 2025, 01:45:06 PM
@Franco_Manitobain So, how do you like your Tivoli (I realize that it's still early days yet)?  I remember being interested in the one that I saw.  Was particularly interested in it as I loved the idea of being able to listen to different radio stations from around the world.  :)

K

p.s.  Removed the ornaments from the Christmas tree and boxed them up.  Lights are still up and are on.  Will probably remove them tomorrow.  Saturday, the tree goes off to be shredded.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: ChamberNut on January 07, 2025, 02:26:25 PM
Quote from: Kalevala on January 07, 2025, 01:45:06 PM@Franco_Manitobain So, how do you like your Tivoli (I realize that it's still early days yet)?  I remember being interested in the one that I saw.  Was particularly interested in it as I loved the idea of being able to listen to different radio stations from around the world.  :)

K


I'm really, really enjoying it. It sounds fantastic!
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Number Six on January 07, 2025, 07:22:39 PM
https://neal.fun/deep-sea/

I just discovered this website. It's a diagram showing to what depths sea creatures can go. Absolutely fascinating - and a little mind-blowing. Watch out for how deep Elephant Seals can go!
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on January 07, 2025, 07:38:07 PM
Quote from: Number Six on January 07, 2025, 07:22:39 PMhttps://neal.fun/deep-sea/

I just discovered this website. It's a diagram showing to what depths sea creatures can go. Absolutely fascinating - and a little mind-blowing. Watch out for how deep Elephant Seals can go!
I'll check it out...thanks!

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on January 08, 2025, 02:50:17 PM

    I'm pondering the incompatibility of relativity and quantum mechanics in a singularity.



    Nahhhh.....I'm just messing with ya.  :P
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Number Six on January 09, 2025, 06:33:15 PM
This evening I've been sitting reading Philip Roth's novel The Plot Against America, while Samantha Fish concerts play on YouTube on my TV.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Spotted Horses on January 09, 2025, 08:28:39 PM
Quote from: Number Six on January 09, 2025, 06:33:15 PMThis evening I've been sitting reading Philip Roth's novel The Plot Against America, while Samantha Fish concerts play on YouTube on my TV.

I've read a lot of Roth, but not for a long while. I recall American Pastorale as his most remarkable book. The Human Stain is also outstanding.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on January 09, 2025, 08:55:46 PM
Listening to some Billy Joel.  Enjoyed reintroducing a friend to some of his music (who said that they hated it previously).  He did enjoy this video (trying to figure out where to go from here).  Do watch the video; it's brilliant.  It's from a concert.


Any ideas?

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on January 10, 2025, 04:09:27 AM
Feeling hungry, but I'm still on the job for a while yet. Eggs will have to wait...  :-\
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on January 10, 2025, 08:45:31 AM
Quote from: LKB on January 10, 2025, 04:09:27 AMFeeling hungry, but I'm still on the job for a while yet. Eggs will have to wait...  :-\
Have you seen prices in your local restaurant go up?  Avian bird flu is causing big egg shortages in grocery stores.

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Number Six on January 10, 2025, 08:47:55 AM
Just ordered Instacart groceries.

So much more expensive than going myself, but I can't go out today. And I am out of food. Haha.

Starting in early 2020, I began ordering grocery delivery. (gee, I wonder why?) Even after that obvious concern had faded, I was in the habit of ordering my groceries. But a little over a year ago, I decided NO MORE. Since then, I have only used it a couple of times, when I was having vehicle issues. Or today, when I have to stay home for other stuff.

I am so thankful I don't have to/choose to use it every time anymore.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on January 10, 2025, 08:58:21 AM
Quote from: Number Six on January 10, 2025, 08:47:55 AMJust ordered Instacart groceries.

So much more expensive than going myself, but I can't go out today. And I am out of food. Haha.

Starting in early 2020, I began ordering grocery delivery. (gee, I wonder why?) Even after that obvious concern had faded, I was in the habit of ordering my groceries. But a little over a year ago, I decided NO MORE. Since then, I have only used it a couple of times, when I was having vehicle issues. Or today, when I have to stay home for other stuff.

I am so thankful I don't have to/choose to use it every time anymore.
I haven't tried using them before.  In the past (during the peak of Covid), I'd just put on a mask, use hand sanitizer at times, did my best to avoid touching my mouth/eyes/nose and wash my hands well when I came home [Not a bad idea me thinks still to do in the wintertime re flu and colds--at least the latter parts].  Did/do you find that the quality of the items was/is agreeable to your standards?

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Number Six on January 10, 2025, 09:14:44 AM
Quote from: Kalevala on January 10, 2025, 08:58:21 AMI haven't tried using them before.  In the past (during the peak of Covid), I'd just put on a mask, use hand sanitizer at times, did my best to avoid touching my mouth/eyes/nose and wash my hands well when I came home [Not a bad idea me thinks still to do in the wintertime re flu and colds--at least the latter parts].  Did/do you find that the quality of the items was/is agreeable to your standards?

K

Occasionally you will get some crappier produce or a steak you might have avoided choosing. But for the most part, I have been happy. It's very convenient, obviously. But the prices are higher, even before the tips and fees.

During COVID, when my groceries arrived, I would clear off my kitchen counters - even moving things like the coffee maker and blender into the bathroom - and lay out towels. Then while putting away, I would wash my hands about every 60 seconds. And non-perishables went into a pile in the corner of the living room because at the time I understood that the germs might stay active for 48 hours on paper/cardboard/etc. The towels went straight into the washing machine after. :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Spotted Horses on January 10, 2025, 09:19:07 AM
Quote from: Number Six on January 10, 2025, 09:14:44 AMOccasionally you will get some crappier produce or a steak you might have avoided choosing. But for the most part, I have been happy. It's very convenient, obviously. But the prices are higher, even before the tips and fees.

I have seen people in the supermarket reach out and pick up the box of strawberries nearest to them without even looking at it. In my family I am required to inspect every package of strawberries in the store and attempt to pick the best. If I buy a box of cereal, I am required to look at every box of cereal on the shelf and pick the one with the most favorable expiration date. Wouldn't work for me...
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Number Six on January 10, 2025, 09:21:28 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on January 10, 2025, 09:19:07 AMI have seen people in the supermarket reach out and pick up the box of strawberries nearest to them without even looking at it. In my family I am required to inspect every package of strawberries in the store and attempt to pick the best. If I buy a box of cereal, I am required to look at every box of cereal on the shelf and pick the one with the most favorable expiration date. Wouldn't work for me...

Haha! Fair, especially with strawberries. Nothing like getting home and finding that the ones in the bottom of the box are fuzzy molded.  :o

Cereal expiration is not an issue for me. I only buy one container at a time - or two, at most, if I want variety. So I go through them quickly enough.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on January 10, 2025, 09:24:19 AM
Quote from: Number Six on January 10, 2025, 09:14:44 AMOccasionally you will get some crappier produce or a steak you might have avoided choosing. But for the most part, I have been happy. It's very convenient, obviously. But the prices are higher, even before the tips and fees.

During COVID, when my groceries arrived, I would clear off my kitchen counters - even moving things like the coffee maker and blender into the bathroom - and lay out towels. Then while putting away, I would wash my hands about every 60 seconds. And non-perishables went into a pile in the corner of the living room because at the time I understood that the germs might stay active for 48 hours on paper/cardboard/etc. The towels went straight into the washing machine after. :laugh:
Boy, I didn't go to those extremes (though I do know some around me who did so), but I do get it; we weren't certain what we were dealing with particularly in the early days.

Do they raise the prices of items or is it a case of where they are purchasing your groceries at?  I imagine that the delivery costs would have to do with the mileage/time in terms of where they have to deliver to?

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Number Six on January 10, 2025, 09:27:17 AM
Quote from: Kalevala on January 10, 2025, 09:24:19 AMBoy, I didn't go to those extremes (though I do know some around me who did so), but I do get it; we weren't certain what we were dealing with particularly in the early days.

Do they raise the prices of items or is it a case of where they are purchasing your groceries at?  I imagine that the delivery costs would have to do with the mileage/time in terms of where they have to deliver to?

K

You can choose the store, so all my usual local grocery shops are an option. But yes, they raise the prices on things. (same as Doordash does) The fees are flat rate, I think. But then there is a tip on top of it, which you of course would not pay if you shopped yourself.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on January 10, 2025, 09:30:43 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on January 10, 2025, 09:19:07 AMI have seen people in the supermarket reach out and pick up the box of strawberries nearest to them without even looking at it. In my family I am required to inspect every package of strawberries in the store and attempt to pick the best. If I buy a box of cereal, I am required to look at every box of cereal on the shelf and pick the one with the most favorable expiration date. Wouldn't work for me...
I must admit to being a bit of a food nerd.  I rarely buy things like strawberries or asparagus out of season (locally).  It normally tastes like crap--to me anyway.  I did, however try some strawberries which, from what I recall, were probably grown in a greenhouse and were pretty good (and somewhat local).

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on January 10, 2025, 09:35:55 AM
Quote from: Number Six on January 10, 2025, 09:27:17 AMYou can choose the store, so all my usual local grocery shops are an option. But yes, they raise the prices on things. (same as Doordash does) The fees are flat rate, I think. But then there is a tip on top of it, which you of course would not pay if you shopped yourself.
Hmmm...sounds like it could get rather expensive.  I have seen a (from what I can tell) a fairly brisk business probably using apps in which one can order ahead and I suspect prepay for the items and then go and pick them up in special holding areas.  That, or arrange to have the items brought out to your car.

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Number Six on January 10, 2025, 09:42:39 AM
Quote from: Kalevala on January 10, 2025, 09:35:55 AMHmmm...sounds like it could get rather expensive.  I have seen a (from what I can tell) a fairly brisk business probably using apps in which one can order ahead and I suspect prepay for the items and then go and pick them up in special holding areas.  That, or arrange to have the items brought out to your car.

K

Yep! That's a great service. You usually get it on the store's website/app, and they don't have extra fees. Also a good way to make sure you stay within a budgeted price, since you're not wandering the store around being tempted by snacks and such.

But I don't do it that way often. I figure, if I am going to drive to the store, I might as well get the exercise from walking around shopping myself. Heaven knows I could use any excuse to walk more.  ;)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on January 10, 2025, 09:48:34 AM
Quote from: Number Six on January 10, 2025, 09:42:39 AMYep! That's a great service. You usually get it on the store's website/app, and they don't have extra fees. Also a good way to make sure you stay within a budgeted price, since you're not wandering the store around being tempted by snacks and such.

But I don't do it that way often. I figure, if I am going to drive to the store, I might as well get the exercise from walking around shopping myself. Heaven knows I could use any excuse to walk more.  ;)
The dangers of shopping--particularly when you're hungry ["A little bit of pre-made sushi from my co-op would make a lovely snack when I get home".]

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: brewski on January 10, 2025, 09:55:58 AM
Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius (Boult / LPO / Janet Baker / Peter Pears / John Shirley-Quirk, recorded in 1968 in Canterbury Cathedral). My first encounter with this piece, and so far (as an Elgar fan), liking it. The audio and video are excellent for the time period.

Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Spotted Horses on January 10, 2025, 09:59:36 AM
Quote from: Kalevala on January 10, 2025, 09:30:43 AMI must admit to being a bit of a food nerd.  I rarely buy things like strawberries or asparagus out of season (locally).  It normally tastes like crap--to me anyway.  I did, however try some strawberries which, from what I recall, were probably grown in a greenhouse and were pretty good (and somewhat local).

K

We are lucky in that regard, we pass farmers fields as we drive around town and can get organic strawberries from the farmer's markets that were picked that morning. Nothing beats that. But we will get off season fruits and vegetables when we have to.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on January 10, 2025, 10:24:07 AM
Quote from: Spotted Horses on January 10, 2025, 09:59:36 AMWe are lucky in that regard, we pass farmers fields as we drive around town and can get organic strawberries from the farmer's markets that were picked that morning. Nothing beats that. But we will get off season fruits and vegetables when we have to.
Nice!  Yes, I will buy some non-local fruits and veggies too [It's cold here.].  I do try and think--particularly re fruits as to what's in season and where [like grapefruits = wintertime/Florida and Texas for instance].  And, like you, I'm fortunate that there are a number of farmers' markets, etc. around me.  :)

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: hopefullytrusting on January 11, 2025, 06:31:11 AM
Doing the bureaucratic aspects of my job, so much paperwork, although, thankfully, all that paperwork is now digital, but, ironically, its digitalness has somehow increased the redundancy! :o
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: hopefullytrusting on January 12, 2025, 07:57:35 PM
Getting excited at Aaron Vehling's recent Instagram story where he showed a page from his Electric Youth book. If you don't know who Aaron is, he is the interviewer/news source for the retrowave/synthwave music subculture, and he has had almost exclusive access to the reclusive Electric Youth, so for fans of theirs (this guy) this is pretty exciting. :)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on January 14, 2025, 10:13:05 AM

     I'm monitoring the market upsie downsies to see if I can detect signs of the Big Market Event that is predicted to happen Some Day. Why I do this?

     (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/82/James_G._Rickards.jpg)

     Goin' down, down,down, down......
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on January 14, 2025, 02:25:07 PM
Quote from: drogulus on January 14, 2025, 10:13:05 AMI'm monitoring the market upsie downsies to see if I can detect signs of the Big Market Event that is predicted to happen Some Day. Why I do this?

    (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/82/James_G._Rickards.jpg)

    Goin' down, down,down, down......
Yes, the market has its ups and downs...those are the risks (including what to invest in and when and when to keep vs. sell).  Who is James G. Rickards (which came up when you posted this)?  Busy making dinner and don't feel like googling...sorry.

Back to dinner

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Karl Henning on January 14, 2025, 02:36:38 PM
Quote from: Kalevala on January 14, 2025, 02:25:07 PMYes, the market has its ups and downs...those are the risks (including what to invest in and when and when to keep vs. sell).  Who is James G. Rickards (which came up when you posted this)?  Busy making dinner and don't feel like googling...sorry.

Back to dinner

K
Buon appetito! Just finished my own dinner. 
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: drogulus on January 14, 2025, 02:46:25 PM
Quote from: Kalevala on January 14, 2025, 02:25:07 PMWho is James G. Rickards (which came up when you posted this)?  Busy making dinner and don't feel like googling...sorry.

Back to dinner

K

     Rickards is one of a large number of financial doomsters who predict recessions all the time, apparently on the notion that if one happens they are right about something.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: mahler10th on January 16, 2025, 02:44:10 PM
I have taken up Open Univesity in the UK and have opted to study History.  Part of a recent assignment under the arts and humanities was to break down the first 6 minutes of Mozarts Rondo K382, and to discuss the progession of the music, it's format, timbre, changes, etc, in the piece.  It's amazing what Mozart could pack into 6 minuites.  Even the whole of Beethoven 5 would be much simpler in deconstruction.  :o
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on January 16, 2025, 06:59:01 PM
I'm re-watching some of my favorite reaction videos, with an eye towards posting a " Best of 2024 " list sometime soon.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on January 16, 2025, 07:35:09 PM
Quote from: mahler10th on January 16, 2025, 02:44:10 PMI have taken up Open Univesity in the UK and have opted to study History.  Part of a recent assignment under the arts and humanities was to break down the first 6 minutes of Mozarts Rondo K382, and to discuss the progession of the music, it's format, timbre, changes, etc, in the piece.  It's amazing what Mozart could pack into 6 minuites.  Even the whole of Beethoven 5 would be much simpler in deconstruction.  :o
Well, that's neat!  I hadn't heard of it before now.  Kudos to you!

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: ChamberNut on January 17, 2025, 03:31:20 PM
Quote from: Franco_Manitobain on January 06, 2025, 04:24:17 PMSetting up a late Christmas gift that just arrived.  :)  My wife got me a beautiful Tivoli Audio disc player for my office, which is where I spend most of my time listening to music.

(https://www.2001audiovideo.com/files/image/attachment/6782/MSYBTCLA0.png)

Well, unfortunately. Returning for a refund. There was an odd sound coming out when the lower registers (bass) would occur. Not always, but here and there. Not so much "distortion", but almost like a vibration (think of a window sort of rattling from a loud blast of thunder outside). I thought perhaps at first if I put a blanket underneath the player (as a cushion), it might "absorb" this effect, but no.

So, returning it and going to be looking for something else. It's too bad because I really did like the look and feel, and it sounded great (except for that issue), but it definitely isn't an issue I can live with.

Thus, I am back to "The Thing That Cannot be Killed!", my wife's old cheap 1999 Philips/Magnavox boom box, for which I have played countless and countless hours of music on (and never failed).  :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on January 17, 2025, 04:09:43 PM
At the school where I teach, we have a special short interim period where the students get to take fun classes. I've been teaching Origami.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on January 17, 2025, 04:50:38 PM
Quote from: Franco_Manitobain on January 17, 2025, 03:31:20 PMWell, unfortunately. Returning for a refund. There was an odd sound coming out when the lower registers (bass) would occur. Not always, but here and there. Not so much "distortion", but almost like a vibration (think of a window sort of rattling from a loud blast of thunder outside). I thought perhaps at first if I put a blanket underneath the player (as a cushion), it might "absorb" this effect, but no.

So, returning it and going to be looking for something else. It's too bad because I really did like the look and feel, and it sounded great (except for that issue), but it definitely isn't an issue I can live with.

Thus, I am back to "The Thing That Cannot be Killed!", my wife's old cheap 1999 Philips/Magnavox boom box, for which I have played countless and countless hours of music on (and never failed).  :laugh:
Sorry to hear that it didn't work out.  Do you think that it could have been that particular item (vs. the model)?

K
Quote from: DavidW on January 17, 2025, 04:09:43 PMAt the school where I teach, we have a special short interim period where the students get to take fun classes. I've been teaching Origami.
Sweet that you're continuing to teach that.  :)

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: ChamberNut on January 17, 2025, 05:39:27 PM
Quote from: Kalevala on January 17, 2025, 04:50:38 PMSorry to hear that it didn't work out.  Do you think that it could have been that particular item (vs. the model)?

K

It could very well be, but we'll try and look for something else.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on January 18, 2025, 05:41:16 AM
Quote from: Franco_Manitobain on January 17, 2025, 03:31:20 PMWell, unfortunately. Returning for a refund. There was an odd sound coming out when the lower registers (bass) would occur. Not always, but here and there.

Sounds like a damaged woofer.

I hear a vague honking noise when I watch TV in my living room. It is distracting in frequency but subtle. I don't know if it is a squeaky spring in my recliner or a problem with the soundbar. I've decided to switch to the TV output and see if I still hear it. This has nothing to do with your post, I was just reminded of it.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: ChamberNut on January 18, 2025, 06:27:05 AM
Quote from: DavidW on January 18, 2025, 05:41:16 AMSounds like a damaged woofer.


Most likely is. And strange (at least to me) that this woofer is situated underneath the unit. Perhaps it is designed more for greater bass impact for things like rock, pop, rap, hip-hop.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on January 18, 2025, 07:18:40 AM
Just finished eight scrambled eggs. Now it's off to the grocery, I'm out of whiskey and wish to share a hot bath with some 80-proof.  ;D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: hopefullytrusting on January 19, 2025, 09:58:10 AM
Finally done with putting up with copaganda - just watched my very last copaganda episode today - the ending was so trash, an innocent black boy was killed, and it ends with the white Karen free, and the black parents calling for peace - that is completely and utter bullshit. Fuck the writers of that trash.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Karl Henning on January 19, 2025, 10:28:33 AM
Quote from: hopefullytrusting on January 19, 2025, 09:58:10 AMFinally done with putting up with copaganda - just watched my very last copaganda episode today - the ending was so trash, an innocent black boy was killed, and it ends with the white Karen free, and the black parents calling for peace - that is completely and utter bullshit. Fuck the writers of that trash.
I shrink from contemplating the target audience for that bilge.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Karl Henning on January 19, 2025, 10:29:47 AM
TD: Picking up some supplies in anticipated of possibly serious snowfall this evening and overnight. 
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: hopefullytrusting on January 19, 2025, 11:12:39 AM
Quote from: Karl Henning on January 19, 2025, 10:28:33 AMI shrink from contemplating the target audience for that bilge.

And I'll refrain from pointing them out.

I've cooled down now, so now - I'm just chilling, eating peanut butter m&m's. 8)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Karl Henning on January 19, 2025, 11:24:02 AM
Quote from: hopefullytrusting on January 19, 2025, 11:12:39 AMAnd I'll refrain from pointing them out.

I've cooled down now, so now - I'm just chilling, eating peanut butter m&m's. 8)
That's the ticket!
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: ChamberNut on January 22, 2025, 10:05:21 AM
Waiting patiently for the door bell to ring.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on January 22, 2025, 10:15:01 AM
Quote from: DavidW on January 18, 2025, 05:41:16 AMSounds like a damaged woofer.

I hear a vague honking noise when I watch TV in my living room. It is distracting in frequency but subtle. I don't know if it is a squeaky spring in my recliner or a problem with the soundbar. I've decided to switch to the TV output and see if I still hear it. This has nothing to do with your post, I was just reminded of it.
Are you sure that you don't have a visiting goose?  🤔

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on January 22, 2025, 11:03:42 AM
Quote from: Franco_Manitobain on January 22, 2025, 10:05:21 AMWaiting patiently for the door bell to ring.
Waiting for a repair person?

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: ChamberNut on January 22, 2025, 11:16:37 AM
Quote from: Kalevala on January 22, 2025, 11:03:42 AMWaiting for a repair person?

K

For a package.📦
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on January 22, 2025, 11:20:39 AM
Quote from: Franco_Manitobain on January 22, 2025, 11:16:37 AMFor a package.📦
CDs?  LPs?  Or something more mundane?  ;)  Just teasing.

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: ChamberNut on January 22, 2025, 11:23:12 AM
Quote from: Kalevala on January 22, 2025, 11:20:39 AMCDs?  LPs?  Or something more mundane?  ;)  Just teasing.

K

CDs!
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on January 22, 2025, 11:31:03 AM
Quote from: Franco_Manitobain on January 22, 2025, 11:23:12 AMCDs!
O.k., I'll wait here with you then.

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: ChamberNut on January 22, 2025, 11:57:12 AM
Quote from: Kalevala on January 22, 2025, 11:31:03 AMO.k., I'll wait here with you then.

K

Thank you for waiting with me. It has arrived!
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on January 22, 2025, 12:01:10 PM
Quote from: Franco_Manitobain on January 22, 2025, 11:57:12 AMThank you for waiting with me. It has arrived!
Yay!  :)

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on January 22, 2025, 12:14:29 PM
Quote from: Kalevala on January 22, 2025, 10:15:01 AMAre you sure that you don't have a visiting goose?  🤔

K

Turn out it was the soundbar. If I use the TV speakers no visiting geese!
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on January 22, 2025, 01:24:18 PM
Quote from: DavidW on January 22, 2025, 12:14:29 PMTurn out it was the soundbar. If I use the TV speakers no visiting geese!
Uh, oh!  Do you need to get the soundbar fixed or replaced?  Or made some adjustments as to what it was sitting on?

And, well, at least no angry geese pecking at you....

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on January 22, 2025, 02:14:40 PM
Quote from: Kalevala on January 22, 2025, 01:24:18 PMUh, oh!  Do you need to get the soundbar fixed or replaced?  Or made some adjustments as to what it was sitting on?

And, well, at least no angry geese pecking at you....

K

It is not what it is sitting on because it didn't used to do that! I can't afford to replace it right now. I'll just put up with it.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on January 22, 2025, 02:47:24 PM
Quote from: DavidW on January 22, 2025, 02:14:40 PMIt is not what it is sitting on because it didn't used to do that! I can't afford to replace it right now. I'll just put up with it.
Crumbs!  :(  Is it still under warranty...perhaps?  I was thinking (maybe not remembering accurately) that it was relatively newly purchased?

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on January 22, 2025, 04:58:50 PM
Quote from: Kalevala on January 22, 2025, 02:47:24 PMCrumbs!  :(  Is it still under warranty...perhaps?  I was thinking (maybe not remembering accurately) that it was relatively newly purchased?

K

Haha no! I bought it years ago, it doesn't even receive updates anymore.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on January 22, 2025, 05:16:55 PM
Quote from: DavidW on January 22, 2025, 04:58:50 PMHaha no! I bought it years ago, it doesn't even receive updates anymore.
Oh, fiddles!  So sorry to hear that.

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on January 22, 2025, 09:38:02 PM
Heading for the job, which is not much fun atm. Retirement ( partial or otherwise ) may arrive sooner than l expected...   :-\
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on January 23, 2025, 06:23:09 AM
Quote from: LKB on January 22, 2025, 09:38:02 PMHeading for the job, which is not much fun atm. Retirement ( partial or otherwise ) may arrive sooner than l expected...   :-\
Ugh!  :(  Changes to job procedures?  Or changes to staff?

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on January 23, 2025, 11:56:18 AM
Quote from: Kalevala on January 23, 2025, 06:23:09 AMUgh!  :(  Changes to job procedures?  Or changes to staff?

K

It's more in the areas of personality conflicts, leadership failure and incorrect/insufficient training.

A very unfortunate situation for everyone on ether side of the issue at hand. If I " win ", I'll still take damage which may well prove to be unsurvivable. If I lose, I'll almost certainly be retiring before my preparations for that status are complete.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on January 23, 2025, 12:46:37 PM
Quote from: LKB on January 23, 2025, 11:56:18 AMIt's more in the areas of personality conflicts, leadership failure and incorrect/insufficient training.

A very unfortunate situation for everyone on ether side of the issue at hand. If I " win ", I'll still take damage which may well prove to be unsurvivable. If I lose, I'll almost certainly be retiring before my preparations for that status are complete.
😬

Hope that you find/think of/arrive at a different option.

All the best,

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on January 23, 2025, 02:32:46 PM
Quote from: Kalevala on January 23, 2025, 12:46:37 PM😬

Hope that you find/think of/arrive at a different option.

All the best,

K

Thanks.  8)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Number Six on January 25, 2025, 07:47:55 AM
Had Shingles vaccine 2 Thursday (you have to wait 60 days between the two shots).

Kicked my butt yesterday. Didn't sleep well Thursday night, was sore and achy all day Friday, and chills/fever Friday evening.

A little out of it today, but mostly better. All to be expected based on documentation, but it doesn't mean I have to enjoy it. :D
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: hopefullytrusting on January 25, 2025, 11:36:19 AM
I believe that I am now completely free of Google, but I will keep my gmail open for a few more months just to make sure I haven't missed anything.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Number Six on January 25, 2025, 11:40:02 AM
Quote from: hopefullytrusting on January 25, 2025, 11:36:19 AMI believe that I am now completely free of Google, but I will keep my gmail open for a few more months just to make sure I haven't missed anything.

Impressive! I've had my original Gmail address since the invite days, and it's still my primary address, even though I have a number of others.

I've tried to do something similar on a smaller scale with Amazon, specifically with my e-books and audiobooks. There are other services and devices out there, many of them with a lot of good stuff to offer. But it never lasts long because Kindle and Audible just seem to work the best for me.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: hopefullytrusting on January 25, 2025, 11:45:50 AM
Quote from: Number Six on January 25, 2025, 11:40:02 AMImpressive! I've had my original Gmail address since the invite days, and it's still my primary address, even though I have a number of others.

I've tried to do something similar on a smaller scale with Amazon, specifically with my e-books and audiobooks. There are other services and devices out there, many of them with a lot of good stuff to offer. But it never lasts long because Kindle and Audible just seem to work the best for me.

Yeah, Amazon was easy for me to get rid of because I never really used it at all, but Google was central for a lot of my stuff, but now I am free of it, so I'm pretty happy with that. :)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on January 26, 2025, 03:13:22 AM
Quote from: Number Six on January 25, 2025, 07:47:55 AMHad Shingles vaccine 2 Thursday (you have to wait 60 days between the two shots).

Kicked my butt yesterday. Didn't sleep well Thursday night, was sore and achy all day Friday, and chills/fever Friday evening.

A little out of it today, but mostly better. All to be expected based on documentation, but it doesn't mean I have to enjoy it. :D
Ouch!!  Heard that it can be a bit rough, but hadn't heard that it could be that bad.   :(

Up early here to catch roughly the tail end of the men's singles final at the Australian Open.  I was not up for getting up at 3:30 a.m. to watch it; however, I had thought that it would be closer and was rather surprised to see it end quite so soon.  Might try and catch some of the repeat later.

K

Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: hopefullytrusting on January 26, 2025, 03:24:04 AM
Going to be going headphone free (going analog according to Master Shake) for the foreseeable future. :)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: AnotherSpin on January 28, 2025, 11:19:30 AM
Watching football, Barcelona vs. Valencia, in a hotel room in Bucharest. Thinking that I'll probably sleep soundly tonight, without listening for the sound of air raid siren or waking up to grab my phone and check for updates on missile or drone launches.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: hopefullytrusting on January 28, 2025, 01:18:19 PM
Today was my one day in hell (aka the day in which I have all the meetings).

By the end of today, I will have essentially been in one long meeting which started at 10 AM and ended at 8:00 PM.

O_O
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: ChamberNut on January 28, 2025, 01:19:52 PM
Quote from: hopefullytrusting on January 28, 2025, 01:18:19 PMToday was my one day in hell (aka the day in which I have all the meetings).

By the end of today, I will have essentially been in one long meeting which started at 10 AM and ended at 8:00 PM.

O_O

That's rough. One hour meeting is draining, let alone ten!
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: hopefullytrusting on January 28, 2025, 01:21:49 PM
Quote from: ChamberNut on January 28, 2025, 01:19:52 PMThat's rough. One hour meeting is draining, let alone ten!

The meeting I am in right now started at 3 PM, it is not 4:20 PM, and I suspect it will go until at least 5 PM! :o
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on January 28, 2025, 02:06:14 PM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on January 28, 2025, 11:19:30 AMWatching football, Barcelona vs. Valencia, in a hotel room in Bucharest. Thinking that I'll probably sleep soundly tonight, without listening for the sound of air raid siren or waking up to grab my phone and check for updates on missile or drone launches.
AS,

Have you left the Ukraine due to war concerns?

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: AnotherSpin on January 28, 2025, 09:00:46 PM
Quote from: Kalevala on January 28, 2025, 02:06:14 PMAS,

Have you left the Ukraine due to war concerns?

K

A few weeks of vacation by the warm sea.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on January 30, 2025, 05:37:03 PM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on January 28, 2025, 09:00:46 PMA few weeks of vacation by the warm sea.
A few weeks respite should be a blessing, good for you!  8)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on February 01, 2025, 02:56:52 PM
I did my taxes!
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on February 02, 2025, 07:18:00 PM
This is normally the first night off of my weekend, but I called in sick last night.

Soon afterward my manager texted me and I decided it was time to reveal my diagnosis of long-term kidney failure.

Now we'll see what happens...
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on February 03, 2025, 10:38:01 AM
Quote from: LKB on February 02, 2025, 07:18:00 PMThis is normally the first night off of my weekend, but I called in sick last night.

Soon afterward my manager texted me and I decided it was time to reveal my diagnosis of long-term kidney failure.

Now we'll see what happens...
I'm sorry to hear of your diagnosis.  Life isn't easy and everyone has their struggles in life.  I hope that things go well for you at work and the best wishes in terms of healthcare going forward.

With love,

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on February 03, 2025, 12:30:34 PM
I'm sorry to hear that LKB.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Number Six on February 03, 2025, 04:20:47 PM
Quote from: LKB on February 02, 2025, 07:18:00 PMThis is normally the first night off of my weekend, but I called in sick last night.

Soon afterward my manager texted me and I decided it was time to reveal my diagnosis of long-term kidney failure.

Now we'll see what happens...

Oh, no!  :o
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Number Six on February 03, 2025, 04:22:30 PM
I saw a discussion recently on reddit - don't judge me. The commenters were arguing about the advisability of spending $10 a month renting music on Spotify vs buying albums and owning them. The initial answer always seems to be: If you care about music, then it's better to own it than rent it. Plus, the whole world is trying to make us rent forever instead of owning.

But then someone provided an interesting example. He said that his Last.fm software (who knew that was still a thing?) informed him he listened to 2,000 different albums in 2024. To make it a little more realistic for most active music listeners, we'll narrow down to 200.


So, you could rent the music for about 17 years at the same cost as buying it.

The question is, would that many years be sufficient, considering you don't own the music? Collectors would say no, it's still not enough. But others would say, "Not only do I get to listen to those 200 albums as often as I want for 17 years, but I also get hundreds of thousands more available to me!"

It would take 17 years to break even, as it were.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: DavidW on February 03, 2025, 04:56:55 PM
I'm pro-streaming, but I don't like the argument.

1. Sticking with non-classical music, most wouldn't buy the entire album. But even looking at classical music I can regularly find downloads for sub-$10.
2. Most people have a small list of favorites and use streaming (and before that the radio) to explore. Pre-streaming, and before download everything off Limewire, people would buy and own like 20 CDs not several hundred or thousands.
3. Will Spotify exist in 17 years? Will the price be the same? Would all those albums still be available?

That last question is important because I have seen albums pulled off of streaming services.

I think that paying for access to a library of favorites is a mistake. If you love it, buy it. I only use favorites the way that I maintain watchlists on video streaming services.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: hopefullytrusting on February 03, 2025, 05:06:46 PM
I am pro-streaming, but only in a very limited capacity. On an album of 12 tracks, I say you should be able to stream 2 (enough for a taste to see if you want to purchase, but not enough to give away the house), so I support services that take stances similar to that: Bandcamp, easily the best one for artists, if I recall, and Presto (I use eBay for things that are rare).
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: AnotherSpin on February 03, 2025, 05:31:55 PM
If you like something - own it, or risk losing the chance to have it. Ok.

1. But who's to say what you like today won't bore you tomorrow, a year, or ten down the line?
   
2. Then you're left with what no longer sparks joy. Will have to either discard it or fool yourself into still caring.

And really, isn't it clear? You don't own it. It owns you.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: hopefullytrusting on February 03, 2025, 05:33:56 PM
The archive is infinite, and the costs to store are essentially zero.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on February 04, 2025, 12:27:17 AM
I appreciate the supportive remarks regarding what I've posted above - thank you.

I rather wish I hadn't have had a few whiskeys on Saturday evening, but the conversation with my manager was stressful. Having experienced both anxiety attacks and inebriation, I much prefer the latter, if it will stave off the former.

Anyway, I'm still singing Mahler's Resurrection on the 16th. On that account, I truly consider myself a lucky man.  ;)
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: AnotherSpin on February 04, 2025, 03:28:23 AM
Quote from: hopefullytrusting on February 03, 2025, 05:33:56 PMThe archive is infinite, and the costs to store are essentially zero.

Not to mention the complete absence of disposal costs. And just how long does it take for a plastic disc and its neat little case to decompose under the elements? Yet another brilliant example of environmental neglect — right when all the conscientious souls are striving to cut down on plastic.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: vandermolen on February 04, 2025, 04:19:50 AM
Quote from: LKB on February 02, 2025, 07:18:00 PMThis is normally the first night off of my weekend, but I called in sick last night.

Soon afterward my manager texted me and I decided it was time to reveal my diagnosis of long-term kidney failure.

Now we'll see what happens...
Hope all goes well for you.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: hopefullytrusting on February 04, 2025, 05:06:39 AM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on February 04, 2025, 03:28:23 AMNot to mention the complete absence of disposal costs. And just how long does it take for a plastic disc and its neat little case to decompose under the elements? Yet another brilliant example of environmental neglect — right when all the conscientious souls are striving to cut down on plastic.

Plastic?

I've not seen a plastic cover in a long, long time from any new physical media I've purchased. Plastic is capitalistic and corporate, so I only see that when I buy a rare disc from eBay, which becomes rarer and rarer by the day.

All my music is digital, and I strive to purchase it directly from the artists themselves (hence, Bandcamp).

I do think that eventually I'll get to cut Presto out as artists continue to take fuller control of their music.

Now, of course, this does mean that I am unplugged from the mainstream, but that is a cost that I am willing to bear.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Iota on February 04, 2025, 05:36:55 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on February 04, 2025, 04:19:50 AMHope all goes well for you.

Ditto. Good luck with it all, LKB.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: AnotherSpin on February 04, 2025, 06:23:48 AM
Quote from: hopefullytrusting on February 04, 2025, 05:06:39 AMPlastic?

I've not seen a plastic cover in a long, long time from any new physical media I've purchased. Plastic is capitalistic and corporate, so I only see that when I buy a rare disc from eBay, which becomes rarer and rarer by the day.

All my music is digital, and I strive to purchase it directly from the artists themselves (hence, Bandcamp).

I do think that eventually I'll get to cut Presto out as artists continue to take fuller control of their music.

Now, of course, this does mean that I am unplugged from the mainstream, but that is a cost that I am willing to bear.

Good for you. However, I was referring primarily to those who just can't seem to overcome their urge to own compact discs.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: hopefullytrusting on February 04, 2025, 06:24:03 AM
Quote from: AnotherSpin on February 04, 2025, 06:20:38 AMIsn't it perfectly clear that my comment is addressed to those with an irresistible passion for owning compact discs?

Yeah, I've not seen a plastic cover in a long time for any cd that I've purchased in the last decade.

Of course, you'll see plastic if you're lazy and go to a corporate shop like Amazon or Best Buy or Barnes or whatever, but, if you do as I do, you'll discover that there are a lot of ways to package compact discs, many of which use recycled materials which can then be recycled again.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on February 04, 2025, 09:44:13 AM
@LKB So, how did things go re your discussion/news with your boss?

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on February 04, 2025, 10:37:00 AM
Quote from: Kalevala on February 04, 2025, 09:44:13 AM@LKB So, how did things go re your discussion/news with your boss?

K

I honestly don't know as yet. Tonight is the first worknight of the week, and he's yet to notify me of any changes. I may get there and encounter any number of scenarios, good or bad. ( He seemed amenable to alleviating at least some of my challenges, but he has bosses as well... )
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Kalevala on February 04, 2025, 10:56:11 AM
Quote from: LKB on February 04, 2025, 10:37:00 AMI honestly don't know as yet. Tonight is the first worknight of the week, and he's yet to notify me of any changes. I may get there and encounter any number of scenarios, good or bad. ( He seemed amenable to alleviating at least some of my challenges, but he has bosses as well... )
Well, there are also work laws; you should check into them.

K
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: AnotherSpin on February 04, 2025, 11:19:22 PM
Quote from: hopefullytrusting on February 04, 2025, 06:24:03 AMYeah, I've not seen a plastic cover in a long time for any cd that I've purchased in the last decade.

Of course, you'll see plastic if you're lazy and go to a corporate shop like Amazon or Best Buy or Barnes or whatever, but, if you do as I do, you'll discover that there are a lot of ways to package compact discs, many of which use recycled materials which can then be recycled again.

But of course, I was referring to plastic discs and cases. Even if your discs are without cases, they miraculously remain plastic. Or have compact discs suddenly started being produced from biodegradable materials as well?
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: Christo on February 05, 2025, 02:22:43 AM
Nothing in particular at all.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on February 05, 2025, 10:31:17 PM
Just posted in the " Mahler Mania " thread. Now I think I'll look for interesting reaction videos, since I'm neither working nor sleeping.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: AnotherSpin on February 06, 2025, 05:53:11 PM
My body, mind, senses, and nescience have landed on an island in the southwestern South China Sea, somewhere in the Gulf of Thailand. As for myself—I'm everywhere and nowhere.
Title: Re: What are you doing?
Post by: LKB on February 07, 2025, 01:24:35 AM
On my lunch break at work, enjoying one of my routines:

https://www.thefarside.com/