You'll love this one...!! A book club & more discussion
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Watcha Doin' - 2017.1 edition
Last October I visited Uruguay and coming back flew from Montevideo to Lima in Avianca Airlines with a woman pilot. I was so exited I asked her to pose foe a picture with me. I actually told her I was very proud, like if she were my sister.
Thank you, Joan. I really don't know why she is so convinced. :D
So to update my DirecTV yesterday I noted our locals were gone. Customer service told us they were close to an agreement but gave us a $15 discount per month for the year.We asked around no one else lost their locals, just us. Call them again. This guy tells us all our neighbors have found a way to illegally get the locals because this area doesn't have then we're in negotiations
Call back a third time after finding online a spot that says type in zip code to see if you're area is having any issues with its locals. It tells us no. This person can't understand the issue but will give us 3 months free for a sports package , they'll come out and upgrade all our equipment for free, give us one month of free service calls and if we have other TV's in the house will add receiver and install those for free. Still can't give us the locals but we will take all the free stuff. She transfers us to what is now customer service rep #4.
Person #4, let's start with the basics can you push the red reset button on the receiver. We do. Wait for 10 minutes for receiver to boot back up and boom, our locals are back on.
Apparently you don't need much to get hired for customer service job as I'm thinking telling the customer to reset the receiver would be the first thing. Instead their instinct is to start giving free stuff to you. Awesome. We will gladly take the free goods. And what was up with #1 telling us they are 99.8% finished with negotiations they weren't even having or #2 telling us all our neighbors are illegally stealing the locals.
That's funny. But it's frustrating when you have to spend all that time on the phone. Free stuff though!
Funny, Travis! Dealing with costumer services people is a complete pain in the neck. And 99.8% of their work is make you happy and do not leaving the company, even if they have to lie to you or giving you the moon. Around a year ago Directv called me to say there were new packages I would be interested in. She went on describing 4 packages. When she finished she said "Good bye, it was a pleasure to speak to you" and ended the call. I told my husband "this is weird, she never asked if I wanted one of the packages", since I was expecting her to insist in convince me for one of them. We went to our account on line, and it happened they had add one of the packages! I called them and I was so furious I was yelling. I told them all you can imagine and more. I said I wasn't picking the phone never again if they call me, and that actually any attempt of calling me again will end in me disrupting the service. They never called again so far. We want to disrupt the service anyways, but there is always something more important to do first, so we are always procrastinating.
Never have had such trickery by DirecTV myself but have had similar experiences with other companies through the years. But I never answer my phone unless I know who is calling and even then there's maybe 5 people I'll actually pick up for. I keep my phone on vibrate all the time and I never feel it go off anyway. Is it selfish that I set it to vibrate because with the ringer on it kept interupting my audiobooks and I got sick of the distractions? That is why I keep the tone ringer off actually. Lol
Travis of NNY wrote: "We tend to be more worried for missiles aimed at us. Our base is in the running for the antimissile something or other so we can shoot down missiles aimed at us."I had a friend when I was at uni who did a summer (so winter) in Finland at one of the unis there, working on a particle accelerator (he was and is a quantum physicist). He was sending us photos (before Facebook) of these bomb shelters in every building he went in to.
Apparently they were all built in the Cold War. The Finns didn't trust the Russian missiles to make it to the US. And they didn't trust the US to know where Russia started.
It was the best example of the idiocy of war, and those who start it, I have ever had. It unfortunately seems so much more relevant today.
Travis of NNY wrote: "In general there are a lot of homeless starving people already in America and people want to see them put first. The issue seems to be take care of all Americans then take care of these refugees or other country people. That is what I see the most of ."As someone who is good friends of an American army vet who lived on the streets for a time, I can tell you what you need to do.
You need
- socialised healthcare that is free
- mental health support that is free
- a good social security system that helps people needing to get back on their feet. That includes unemployment benefits, single parent benefits, disability benefits.
And you know what the brilliant thing is? You have a functioning state like this, and people want to work to give back to the society who helps them. Not everyone of course, but people want to contribute back the majority of the time.
And immigrants and refugees are shown again and again of being the groups that want to work the hardest and want to contribute the most back to the society who helped them. It's a no brainer.
P.S. Not arguing against you, Travis. You just have had a couple of points I'm jumping in on. :D
Sandra wrote: "Joan, I think you might find this article interesting:‘You don’t belong in this country,’ actor Kal Penn was told. Here’s what he did about it.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/m......"
I follow him on Twitter. It was fun to watch :D
Cherie wrote: "I have a friend who is still going after her electricians license at 54 yo, and constantly tells me how dirty and muddy she gets, and how she hates climbing up on the poles. She has to put the time in, no matter where they send her. The class room time is called BiS (buts in seats) and has to be endured, even if the students can read the books and pass the tests. It is all part of the plan, mapped out in the dark ages by the trade unions. "Interesting. Here we learn theory of our trades in class. It's considered a good thing. And things like Occupational Health and Safety, and safety codes and the like. You know, things that could keep you alive.
Those nasty trade unions wanting workers to be safe and have a 40 hour work week and 7 hour days and the like.
Rusalka wrote: "Apparently they were all built in the Cold War. The Finns didn't trust the Russian missiles to make it to the US. And they didn't trust the US to know where Russia started."Oh my! Never thought about it, but it makes so much sense! Terrible.
Travis of NNY wrote: "Person #4, let's start with the basics can you push the red reset button on the receiver. We do. Wait for 10 minutes for receiver to boot back up and boom, our locals are back on."https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2Ph8...
You are spot on Rusalka with regards to what a country needs to offer to helps vets. Mental health was cut dramatically here. As have benefits.I went in to Bristol last week to meet a friend for lunch. Outside the cafe were 4 homeless people who had set up "camp". I've never seen groups of homeless sheltering together before here. And I'd already passed 2 other people sitting at either end of the bridge going over the harbour plus one person in the square (who I gave some money to pay for a bed in a shelter - he was the first person I came across). That's 7 homeless people in less than 20 metres. I've never seen that many in the city before in that proximity. It's definitely been on the increase here in the last year. This scares me. And makes me angry. So many unoccupied factories and office suites. I just don't get why that empty space which isn't making any money whilst it's empty anyway cannot be opened up for homeless people to have shelter.
On a a totally first world, I have a roof over my head, problem, the j and the ' on my laptop keyboard keeps sticking and it's so annoying.
Sandra wrote: "Oh my! Never thought about it, but it makes so much sense! Terrible. "It's kinda funny until you think about it too hard!
Sarah wrote: "You are spot on Rusalka with regards to what a country needs to offer to helps vets. Mental health was cut dramatically here. As have benefits.I went in to Bristol last week to meet a friend for ..."
We've had an increase here in the city too. Not quite sure what's going on.
It's my s that gives me the problems :P
As for buttons, I used to work for PC Service Call. They are the call centre for PC World and anyone with a warranty on their computer who has an issue rings up the call centre. I only worked there for 3 weeks - it was a nightmare. But the first thing you'd get them to do I'd say 80% of the time is turn it off then on again. lol.
Love IT Crowd! Especially Richard Ayoade. I also like him in The Mighty Boosh. Do you guys get that too?
My old receiver constantly had to be reset. This new one we've had probably 6 years at least I never even thought about reset. Of course when guy #1 tells us they're negotiating the channels we didn't think at all about it being our equipment.
The only issue here with social security is the government thinks it's the people donating their money to them to spend on whatever they feel like. Squandering it on who knows what. Within 29 years you won't be getting social security checks unless something changes.
Sarah wrote: "Love IT Crowd! Especially Richard Ayoade. I also like him in The Mighty Boosh. Do you guys get that too?"Oh the Mighty Boosh. I tried. I TRIED. I love Noel Fielding, but I just can't do it. I enjoyed all the Vince Noir stuff, but only got through 1 series and an episode I think. Just too absurd. Never saw Moss on it.
Travis of NNY wrote: "The only issue here with social security is the government thinks it's the people donating their money to them to spend on whatever they feel like. Squandering it on who knows what. Within 29 years..."Nah, the gov gets your taxes to spend on certain things. We get a break down every year with our tax receipt from the government on what they spend our taxes on. I dislike it as the top thing is defence, but they are accountable as they report.
Culture shift, but it's possible. Taxes are not a donation, they are an investment in your country by responsible citizens. And then you expect that country to support you if you need. Quid pro quo.
Rusalka wrote: "Travis of NNY wrote: "We tend to be more worried for missiles aimed at us. Our base is in the running for the antimissile something or other so we can shoot down missiles aimed at us."I had a fri..."
Not to depress you further but , apparently, personal bunkers are quite fashionable for some of the very rich http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/201...
There is one near me, completely underground, beneath prime shoreline property. Granted, Robert Mercer, the owner, EARNED $150 million last year according to Forbes, so he can afford it.
I know someone who has been inside and it is like an amazing resort hotel.
Hedge Fund salaries are incomprehensible to me.
Cherie wrote: "KimeyDiann wrote: "Dawn wrote: "It would be a really good job and I am often surprised that more women don't take up plumbing or electrical, they seem like the type of jobs that would benefit from ..."You are right, Cherie. That is why I wouldn't want to go into those types of trades. But I'm also a little bit of a girly girl. I don't mind getting dirty, but I don't think I could handle the spiderwebs, bugs, and snakes you might encounter in those places. But there are so many different areas you can work in if you so choose. My husband, for example, is a licensed plumber and qualified electrician (though not licensed), and he only works on new construction. It is much less dirty. He despises going under houses and into attics. Which is why the kitchen island in my house still does not have electric or water going to it.
Joan wrote: "Maybe a career as an electrician or plumber just doesn't occur to them. Last year I was commuting on a ferry with a friend and daughter, Ashley (They ride it regularly) Ashley was astounded when s..."
I don't think it does occur to most people, women or men. Or maybe I should says girls and boys as I'm thinking more along the lines of young adults leaving high school and thinking about what they want to do with their lives. Plumber, electrician, mechanic, etc., it just doesn't have the glamorous ring to it that they want.
We were at a restaurant or somewhere recently and a basketball game was on tv. My husband was amazed because one of the referees was a woman and it was a men's basketball game. Not amazed because he thought a woman couldn't do that, but just simply because he'd never seen a woman ref before.
KimeyDiann wrote: " My husband, for example, is a licensed plumber and qualified electrician (though not licensed), and he only works on new construction...."Smart man, this is what I'd be interested in if I did it, new construction only. It's easier to get around and people haven't been using the plumbing yet!!
That's too funny about directv, Travis! They probably really are in negotiations with your local channels, it just hasn't gotten to the cut off stage yet. When it was getting down to the line with our local channels here, they scrolled a message across the top of the screen letting viewers know.
KimeyDiann wrote: "Not amazed because he thought a woman couldn't do that, but just simply because he'd never seen a woman ref before. "I think role models are very important when choosing a vocation, just because they help you imagine yourself in a certain role.
It's also important to challenge the opinion of some employers. I have a friend who wanted to be an apprentice plumber, she really excels when it comes to practical skills. She phoned round most of the companies in the area but couldn't find an opportunity. She was basically ridiculed for presuming to even ask. That's so frustrating.
Dawn wrote: "KimeyDiann wrote: " My husband, for example, is a licensed plumber and qualified electrician (though not licensed), and he only works on new construction...."Smart man, this is what I'd be intere..."
Yep. He had to help out in fixing some plumbing underneath a hospital a few years ago, he wore a disposable suit over his clothes and then threw his boots away after the end of the project. He said if they asked him to do something like that again he would just quit! He hates it that much!
What a crazy experience with DirectTV, Travis. At least you finally got it sorted and free stuff to boot. Maybe I should say, to reboot.
Annerlee wrote: "KimeyDiann wrote: "Not amazed because he thought a woman couldn't do that, but just simply because he'd never seen a woman ref before. "I think role models are very important when choosing a voca..."
Too bad she isn't in the south Alabama area, I could help her get that apprenticeship! Tell her not to just think about the residential plumbing companies. Look to the larger contractors. Think about the companies building factories, malls, hotels, etc. Plumbing isn't all toilets and sinks either. There is massive amounts of plumbing required to make heating and air conditioning units work in these larger facilities. Plus there's fire alarm systems too.
We're quite remote up here so the companies are generally little and always family run to some extent. She moved away to England, so maybe she'll have more luck there. Thanks for the tip (and the kind offer!)
KimeyDiann wrote: "I don't think it does occur to most people, women or men. Or maybe I should says girls and boys as I'm thinking more along the lines of young adults leaving high school and thinking about what they want to do with their lives. Plumber, electrician, mechanic, etc., it just doesn't have the glamorous ring to it that they want."I find this really surprising. Here, tradies work hard and long hours. But after you do your apprenticeship (4 years on average), you are on a pretty great wage. And when you've had a few years as a junior, most strike out on their own and earn a shitload.
Like $100K a year, same as a high level, cushy desk job in our public service. But you are your own boss, and have a business. It's a no brainer for people who are practical and handy. We have a vocational path through our schools in my State, that means you can graduate yr 12 with a year of your apprenticeship done.
My Mum always lamented we were all too academic and not practical. She tried to get my younger brother to become a plumber, which he of course then resisted. He's now in his late 20s just finished an apprenticeship in data and AV installations, and is running around causing havoc installing secure lines in all our Gov departments. And he is not a slight little lily in your roof space. Imagine a large viking crashing around in the ceiling above you.
Did not know about basketball but they started having women officials in football last year I believe. All you need is eyes and to understand the rules. Gender really shouldn't be an issue. I think probably most were just surprised to find woman had an interest in officiating men's sports.
Seriously is there any interest in this group to set up a charity for Johnny Depp. I feel so bad he cannot keep up his 2 million a month lifestyle. Have you heard his outcries on how unfair life is
Lol. I did, Travis. Poor guy... life is SO unfair.
Rusalka wrote: "Travis of NNY wrote: "The only issue here with social security is the government thinks it's the people donating their money to them to spend on whatever they feel like. Squandering it on who knows..."But our social security really is depleting. Estimates are 20 years or so and its gone. One reason why age to draw on it keeps increasing. I think it's supposed to end up at like 75 years old to draw on it eventually. I don't know I refuse to pay into social security. Except like $1200 a year that I don't really pay but the government gives as a credit saying your paid in because I'm self employed. No wonder its running out all those self employed people drawing imaginary funds back as real money. I don't make the tax laws
@Rusalka, are tradies what you call people learning a trade or already working a trade? There are some schools that offer technical programs and a lot of high schools offer vocational/technical classes as electives. But there isn't near enough recruitment. When my company is looking for employees to staff our jobs, it is incredibly difficult to find people that actually know what they are doing. I actually work for a mechanical & electrical contractor. Mechanical is a little misleading as to what that means, but it equates to plumbers & pipefitters. We mostly do mechanical, so on a recent electrical job we had, we couldn't find electricians. We ended up having to sub out the work to another company because we just could not find anyone qualified. And lost a lot of money in the process.
Travis of NNY wrote: "Rusalka wrote: "Travis of NNY wrote: "The only issue here with social security is the government thinks it's the people donating their money to them to spend on whatever they feel like. Squandering..."Travis you are so funny, poor Johnny and I think those meanie Aussies that fined him over the dog thing set off his crisis.
You've got some common misinformation about Social Security - this site might clear it up for you
Pew Research Center facts about social security
I heard that Johnny Depp may have to sell some French village - I assume ordinary people live there.What happens when somebody sells the village you live in?
Travis of NNY wrote: "https://www.washingtonpost.com/amphtm...Just going off this Washington Post article Joan"
Travis,
from that article: "Once the cash reserves are gone, the administration will ...have enough revenue to pay about 75 percent of benefits through 2090."
the cash reserve created during the Reagan era was designed to be used to cover Baby Boomer retirement - it was supposed to be spent down over the next 40 years
the social security funds don't "get spent on whatever they feel like", they are invested in treasury bonds just as any retirement fund might be.
Travis of NNY wrote: "So to update my DirecTV yesterday I noted our locals were gone. Customer service told us they were close to an agreement but gave us a $15 discount per month for the year.We asked around no one e..."
a while ago our cable company decided to battle The Yankees' Network - what a nightmare - no Yankees baseball. We and many of our friends dropped cable then.
I don't know anything about US tv and cable, and there are so many messages in here, but I can say I don't like Johnny Depp anymore. At all.
Peggy wrote: "I don't know anything about US tv and cable, and there are so many messages in here, but I can say I don't like Johnny Depp anymore. At all."Same here, Peggy. I used to be a fan of his but not anymore.
Me either, his whining about his dogs in Australia was really irritating.
He does a lot of really irritating stuff lately. Or maybe always and I was just blind to it ;-)
KimeyDiann wrote: "@Rusalka, are tradies what you call people learning a trade or already working a trade?"Tradesperson, tradesman, tradesperson, tradeswoman are far too long words for an Australian. Anyone who practices a trade of any description or any level is a tradie.
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You'll love this one...!! A book club & more
Books mentioned in this topic
Proof: The Science of Booze (other topics)The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles (other topics)
The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles (other topics)
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (other topics)
The Little Prince (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Michael J. Sullivan (other topics)Joe Hill (other topics)
Kazuo Ishiguro (other topics)
Kazuo Ishiguro (other topics)
Kazuo Ishiguro (other topics)
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Ashley was astounded when she realized that one of the ships officers was a young woman. She thought all the crew members were men. The officer talked to Ashley about her job and training and showed us around the ship a bit. Ashley's parents had never discouraged being a sailor but Ashley was still amazed that "a girl can do that?!"