vxbush 7/1/2022 6:13:49 AM

1

Kosh's Shadow 7/1/2022 6:15:35 AM

2

As for my insurance restart problem yesterday, they had manually restarted coverage but the automated system was going through its normal new hire process, so it has all been fixed.

I would not have even thought I had to do anything except for the automated email I got.

vxbush 7/1/2022 6:17:14 AM

3

In #2 Kosh's Shadow said: As for my insurance restart problem yesterday, they had manually restarted coverage but the automated system was going through its normal new hire process, so it has all been fixed. I would not have even thought I had to do anything except for the automated email I got.

That's good news. I know managing health care coverage when changing jobs is a pain when you have a set of days when you aren't covered. 

Occasional Reader 7/1/2022 6:20:36 AM

4

Good news, everyone!

https://www.louderwithcrowder.com/david-hogg-children

doppelganglander 7/1/2022 6:43:56 AM

5

Reply to Occasional Reader in 4:

As if anyone that self-centered would even consider becoming a parent. I wouldn't trust him to water my plants.

vxbush 7/1/2022 6:48:47 AM

6

In #5 doppelganglander said: I wouldn't trust him to water my plants.

I wouldn't trust him around the weeds in my yard. 

Kosh's Shadow 7/1/2022 6:57:44 AM

7

Reply to vxbush in 3:

Since I work for a contracting company, they have a policy of allowing contractors to restart insurance if they get a new contract in a short enough time period. I even could pay and make it retroactive, but since we only had one expensive prescription in that time, it would cost me more to fill in the gap, and I was without insurance less than 3 months so there is no state tax penalty.

The problem was with the automated system. Note that the only real health insurance they have has a 6 month waiting period before an employee can obtain it, and the automated system is for new hires, so it did not let me select it.

So this works and I get to keep this very interesting job.  Today is an extra holiday, and they onboard on Tuesdays, so I've been there 3 days and already getting up to speed well. 

Now I just have to wait until they get a laptop for me so I can work hybrid. It has been ordered, but there are supply issues. 

Kosh's Shadow 7/1/2022 6:58:04 AM

8

In #6 vxbush said: I wouldn't trust him around the weeds in my yard. 

He'd smoke them.

Kosh's Shadow 7/1/2022 6:59:31 AM

9

Here's how Iran celebrates Pride Month

Iran executes a gay man under label of sodomy, says expert

lucius septimius 7/1/2022 7:19:55 AM

10

Occasional Reader 7/1/2022 7:45:51 AM

11

In #5 doppelganglander said: As if anyone that self-centered would even consider becoming a parent. I wouldn't trust him to water my plants.

Not to mention, I got the impression he wasn't exactly on Team Baby-Making, IYKWIMAITYD. 

JCM 7/1/2022 7:50:36 AM

12

Reply to lucius septimius in 10:

The local tree law is fundamentally a taking.

The local authorities know that most people don't have the resources to take on that fight.

lucius septimius 7/1/2022 8:00:29 AM

13

Reply to JCM in 12:

Yep. I learned today that another local builder had no problem with the law. But he was building 3.5 million dollar homes on property owned by Arthur Blank. So, yes, the law was designed to keep the property of people like me cheap for the benefit of the super rich.

Occasional Reader 7/1/2022 8:18:23 AM

14

Reply to lucius septimius in 13:

Well, there's your solution.  Step one: Become super-rich....

lucius septimius 7/1/2022 8:19:43 AM

15

In #14 Occasional Reader said: Well, there's your solution.  Step one: Become super-rich....

It is the go-to solution for liberals. Don't like things? Then get rich.  If you can't get rich, then suck it, peasant.

Occasional Reader 7/1/2022 8:25:18 AM

16

Reply to lucius septimius in 15:

See, e.g.

JCM 7/1/2022 8:31:09 AM

17

Reply to Occasional Reader in 16:

Not just him, the entire Administration, and leftist cabal.

Not only is it tone deaf as you can be, it is classic one stage thinking.

Electric cars will save use.

No consideration of the resources require, the infrastructure upgrades.

Feel good electric bugaboo!

JCM 7/1/2022 8:43:17 AM

18

Headline today that made me just shake my head....

Governor Inslee addresses crime and cleanup of homeless encampments

He's only been Gov. for 10 years.

It was a campaign issue when he ran way back then.

Occasional Reader 7/1/2022 8:45:14 AM

19

buzzsawmonkey 7/1/2022 8:58:44 AM

20

Reply to JCM in 17:

As I've observed---I believe here as well as elsewhere---a time or two:

All the people who want to "regulate the planetary climate" and demand the power and unlimited resources to do so are people who have proven themselves incapable of competently managing and running recently-built, closed, man-made systems. They cannot competently run power grids, or municipal water systems or trash pickup; they cannot competently maintain, let alone repair, the "roads and bridges" they are always prating about; they cannot competently run or maintain the public housing they increasingly want people to live in, or the public transportation systems that they want people to rely on.

More than that; they cannot competently direct disaster recovery/relief from floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, droughts, wildfires, volcanic eruptions or earthquakes---let alone control or prevent such disasters.

Yet they want people to believe that they can, and should, be permitted to try and regulate the planetary climate, which is infinitely more subtle and varied and complex than any of the recently-built, closed, man-made systems they have already repeatedly proven incapable of managing.

buzzsawmonkey 7/1/2022 9:06:55 AM

21

In #19 Occasional Reader said: Pete Butt-edge-edge is pretty sure that the problem with ghettoes is that they don't have enough bike paths and stuff like that; so, he's going to spend another billion bucks we don't really have, fixing that problem. 

The Dan Ryan expressway on the South Side of Chicago was indeed built where it was in part to wall off the burgeoning ghettos of the more-easterly South Side from the then-still-largely-Irish-and-Polish working-class neighborhoods of the more-westerly South Side, including the then-solidly-Irish neighborhood of Bridgeport, home to then-and-always Mayor Richard J. Daley.

That was 60+ years ago, and the demographics have (unsurprisingly) substantially changed since then, on both sides of the expressway.  Indeed, the Robert Taylor Homes, a massive high-rise housing project built on the "black side" of the expressway (and, originally, the home of "Mr. T"), was not only built and lived in, but leveled to the ground, during that period.

Buttigieg is pointlessly, uselessly re-fighting battles and issues that date back before he was born.

JCM 7/1/2022 9:20:55 AM

22

Reply to buzzsawmonkey in 20:

The original idea of the Founders was that people who proven themselves competent as demonstrated by success would be the ones who ran for office. They would pay back the country for their success by SERVING in office for a short period. Bringing their competence and experience to bear to serve The Nation.

Now we have the Biden, Schumer, Pelosi class who have no experience, no accomplishments, no competency outside politics. You have Energy Sec. out no background in the field, not even basic science, a Trans Sec who hasn't a clue about transportation. The worst of the type are AOC, young with a head full of ideas, but totally lack any knowledge that comes with experience and building competencies, let alone the wisdom that failures teach.

The result is objects like the modern gas can. Designed by a committee folks who've never touch one let along used one with requirements driven by environmental concerns resulting in unusable gas cans.

Kosh's Shadow 7/1/2022 9:30:41 AM

23

As I said another day, the idea that Trump could try to grab the steering wheel does not pass the smell test.

The passenger compartment is completely sealed in case of a chemical attack - it appears there is a partition between that and the driver.

How can any media outlet that claims to cover the news not be able to look this up?

Wait, they are all propaganda. But at least Fox could have pointed this out.

buzzsawmonkey 7/1/2022 9:39:57 AM

24

In #22 JCM said: The result is objects like the modern gas can. Designed by a committee folks who've never touch one let along used one with requirements driven by environmental concerns resulting in unusable gas cans.

I was actually thinking that acquiring a gas can might not be a bad idea, given the burgeoning prices and looming possibility of shortage.  Not that I use the car very much at all (not only are there few places I need to go that aren't on public transport, but there's the issue of getting a parking space when you get there and, even worse, when you get back), but I do want to keep it running in case of need.  

So, anyway---what's the problem with today's gas can---and can the old-fashioned kind still be obtained?

Occasional Reader 7/1/2022 9:48:02 AM

25

In #22 JCM said: a Trans Sec

No, I think he's just gay.

Oh, you mean... got it. 

buzzsawmonkey 7/1/2022 9:51:28 AM

26

Reply to JCM in 22:

Reply to Occasional Reader in 25:

If the "Trans Sec" is gay and is concentrating on re-doing the highways, does this mean that we'll be having Drag Racing Story Hours?

Occasional Reader 7/1/2022 9:51:53 AM

27

In #24 buzzsawmonkey said: So, anyway---what's the problem with today's gas can---and can the old-fashioned kind still be obtained?

1) They leak all over when you try to pour them into anything else (because of their environmentally-friendly! spouts, that are allegedly designed to reduce vapor release, but, yeah, wind up spilling lots of gas); 2) I have read that you can get more "normal" gas cans at shops that specialize in things like go-kart racing and the like; but have no personal experience with this.

Also, I don't know what sort of living accommodation you are in right now, but read up on how to store gasoline correctly, if you are planning on doing so.  (E.g., you don't want the stuff in your actual living space, because of the aforementioned vapors, among other things.)

Occasional Reader 7/1/2022 9:53:13 AM

28

In #26 buzzsawmonkey said: If the "Trans Sec" is gay and is concentrating on re-doing the highways, does this mean that we'll be having Drag Racing Story Hours?

Heh.

And when he talks about redesigning the underpass, it really has nothing to do with highways... 

Kosh's Shadow 7/1/2022 9:53:31 AM

29

In #24 buzzsawmonkey said: what's the problem with today's gas can---and can the old-fashioned kind still be obtained?

Some idiot noticed the old gas cans have vents so that air can go out as you fill them and get back in as you pour out the gas, but gas could come out the vent hole too. So no vents. I have heard the more recent cans have a mechanism that does work but is more complicated than the old ones. You probably cannot get an old one from a store nowadays.

Occasional Reader 7/1/2022 9:55:32 AM

30

In #29 Kosh's Shadow said: You probably cannot get an old one from a store nowadays.

Again, I have read, but not verified, they are sometimes available from more motor-hobby-type stores; go-karts or maybe JetSkis and the like, or maybe both, I'm not sure. 

Kosh's Shadow 7/1/2022 9:56:25 AM

31

A few more examples of government breaking things that weren't broke.

Energy saving appliances: clothes washers that don't actually get clothes clean, and dryers that take forever. Dishwashers that take twice as long to run (and they wanted to force an even lower water use, but the appliance manufacturers said that with that little water, people would have to run them twice to get dishes clean.

Air conditioners that don't reduce humidity like the old ones; my office is 70 degrees and 73% humidity. I have to turn it down to 68 to get comfortable

vxbush 7/1/2022 10:01:09 AM

32

Reply to Occasional Reader in 30:

These aren't cheap, but are rated very well and the reviews (at least some of them) note that they do not leak any gas vapors. 

Occasional Reader 7/1/2022 10:04:00 AM

33

Reply to vxbush in 32:

Good to know.

Fun fact:  The nickname "Jerry can" derives from the British military in North Africa during WWII.  They quickly learned that captured German gas cans were much better-designed than their own (particularly in terms of durability(, and used them whenever possible.  

Occasional Reader 7/1/2022 10:05:03 AM

34

In #31 Kosh's Shadow said: clothes washers that don't actually get clothes clean, and dryers that take forever. Dishwashers that take twice as long to run

My place is fitting with all these gleaming, allegedly fancy European appliances, in that regard.

I hate them.

They're awful.

For the reasons you cite.  

buzzsawmonkey 7/1/2022 10:13:57 AM

35

Thanks to all for the info.

And, to add to Kosh's list of lousy remodels, let's not forget the low-flow toilets that don't know how to dispose of their deposits, and the reduced-flow showerheads.

JCM 7/1/2022 10:13:58 AM

36

Reply to buzzsawmonkey in 24:

They have a vapor return system. When you fill an mower or something else the spout has a mechanism to take the vapors from the tank you are filling back to the gas can. This requires a seal on the spout to tank. The plumbing has both gas flow and vapor return paths.

Damn things don't work. You end up spilling gas at the least, or they overfill because you can't see the level in the tank, or the vapor return fills with liquid. Everyone I know just tears all the crap out of the nozzle.

How Government Wrecked the Gas Can

JCM 7/1/2022 10:14:00 AM

37

Reply to buzzsawmonkey in 24:

They have a vapor return system. When you fill an mower or something else the spout has a mechanism to take the vapors from the tank you are filling back to the gas can. This requires a seal on the spout to tank. The plumbing has both gas flow and vapor return paths.

Damn things don't work. You end up spilling gas at the least, or they overfill because you can't see the level in the tank, or the vapor return fills with liquid. Everyone I know just tears all the crap out of the nozzle.

How Government Wrecked the Gas Can

JCM 7/1/2022 10:18:50 AM

38

The government mandate for CFL bulbs and ban of incandescent.

At the time LED tech couldn't make a lightbulb, there was a technical barrier to light output. At the time the tech world knew LED was far better than CFL, just a couple years R&D to figure out the output barrieer.

Congress mandates CFL wreaks an industry, CFL come with host of environmental problems, and a few years later LEDs solved the problems and down LEDs are the major form. But the damage from the mandate was widespread.

The market would have replace incandescent bulbs in a couple of years anyway, without the havoc caused by the gov't mandate.

buzzsawmonkey 7/1/2022 10:25:32 AM

39

And to add to the government initiatives, how about the government mandate a few years ago that all children's books printed prior to 1985 had to be destroyed because of alleged "trace elements of lead" in the printing ink?

One of the greatest examples---particularly because it was done so stealthily---of not only cultural vandalism, but censorship, ever promulgated in this country, and all in the name of "public health."

I know someone who's a public school librarian, who was not even aware of this having happened until I told her.

Kosh's Shadow 7/1/2022 11:32:57 AM

40

So we are replacing the kitchen faucet, which drips, and of course is the modern washerless type. Was thinking of repairing it but it is corroding in several places.

Sprayer hose would not come off. Had to cut it. Where it attaches is so corroded it is stuck to the plastic fitting.

Kosh's Shadow 7/1/2022 11:38:36 AM

41

Reply to JCM in 36:

Our snowblower has a fuel gauge so I would know if it is getting full, and I replaced the lawnmower, trimmer, and hedge clippers with battery ones because the current small gas motors need to be drained at the end of the season, and I do not have an easy way to do that.

Our "garage" was built in the 1930's and is not sealed off from the house. In fact, there are vents from a hot air heating system that is no longer used that have openings in the "garage" area. We use it for storage only.

The lawnmower, etc. are EGO which work quite well, and when one battery failed a month after the battery warranty ended, they still replaced it for free. Other than that, they all work fine even after at least 5 years.

Occasional Reader 7/1/2022 2:24:38 PM

42

In #41 Kosh's Shadow said: The lawnmower, etc. are EGO

Well, they are pretty special, so that's not surprising.  I'd have quite the ego, too. 

buzzsawmonkey 7/1/2022 3:34:13 PM

43

In #42 Occasional Reader said: Well, they are pretty special, so that's not surprising.  I'd have quite the ego, too. 

So, are L'EGO blocks all about bolstering the kiddies' self-esteem?

Kosh's Shadow 7/1/2022 4:08:14 PM

44

And if someone tries to borrow the lawnmower, I can say "Leggo my EGO"