The Drifting Topic Bar and Grill

[MalcolmR]

Am I a sad bastard because the first thing I thought when I read that was "That should be a question mark, not an exclamation mark"?

[mank]

Sept 4, 2023 11:59:33 GMT -5 MalcolmR said:

Am I a sad bastard because the first thing I thought when I read that was "That should be a question mark, not an exclamation mark"?

I thought the same thing Malcolm. I was an engineer for years and then a technical writer of engineering manuals and now a software / cyber test engineer and I write reports constantly. It does amaze me the number of mistakes I find, (and so does my wife) on the news, whether it be local or national. They one thing they ALWAYS screw up is hyphens. The weather here will say 5 day forecast when it should be 5-day forecast. Every station in Pittsburgh makes that mistake.

[Juli]

Sept 6, 2023 5:22:01 GMT -5 mank said:

Sept 4, 2023 11:59:33 GMT -5 MalcolmR said:

Am I a sad bastard because the first thing I thought when I read that was "That should be a question mark, not an exclamation mark"?

I thought the same thing Malcolm. I was an engineer for years and then a technical writer of engineering manuals and now a software / cyber test engineer and I write reports constantly. It does amaze me the number of mistakes I find, (and so does my wife) on the news, whether it be local or national. They one thing they ALWAYS screw up is hyphens. The weather here will say 5 day forecast when it should be 5-day forecast. Every station in Pittsburgh makes that mistake.

Up to 5 years ago, it drove me nuts to see errors, especially really stupid ones. When I was in 8th grade, I would go through the newspaper and correct the errors, and send it back to the paper, with a cover letter asking for a job as a proofreader. Finally they called and said that disregarding child labor laws, the editors used spell checker (something that had been invented about 5 years prior). One instance that stuck with me was an article about an old factory/manufacturing plant that was up for sale. There had been an interested business, a really big company, but the deal fell through because they found out at the last minute that the utility companies all had lines on the property. I was confused, because this wasn't an Amish company, why wouldn't they want access to electicity, gas, and water and sewer? I called the paper and talked to the reporter, who explained that the utility companies had "liens" on the property. Of course, since "lines" was correctly spelled, the spell check didn't see anything wrong.

With the internet, I've learned just how illiterate an alarming number of people are, and to keep my sanity I have to just roll my eyes if I can make sense of the text, share the really bad ones for snark, and only ask for clarification if I can't make sense. This is especially true now that it's my job to make lawyers look like they are literate. If it's not my job, I have to let it go, or enjoy the snark.

[Gimpy]

Apostrophes anyone? They drive me bonkers!

[graham]

Sept 6, 2023 15:52:34 GMT -5 Gimpy said:

Apostrophes anyone? The drive me bonkers!

Muphry's Law strikes again...

[mank]

Juli,

That youtube video is great! Additionally, OMG for the liens lines error. How does one make that mistake?

[MalcolmR]

Sept 7, 2023 5:43:13 GMT -5 mank said:

OMG for the liens lines error. How does one make that mistake?

It's a simple mistype that the spelling checker wouldn't find, and the proofreader should have. A modern word processing package with a grammar checker might not even spot it, it actually makes grammatical sense.

[mollypop]

Apostrophe misuse pisses me off too. My name is O'Grady and I even verbally spell it out to the paper pushers and they STILL do not use it preferring to leave it out saying their computer entry protocol does not 'allow' its use in proper names. HELL, it's PART OF MY NAME. 'Grady' is a completely different clan - but not mine!

How do I cash a check made out to Grady when that's NOT MY NAME? I have no identification with that name.

Most computer websites and much more do not accept the apostrophe. They insist on being ignorant. If they can fix the Y2K problem, surely they can adjust their computer programs.

Also ending a sentence with a preposition and the use of FARther opposed to FURther, to, too, two also seems to be beyond reporters expertise and another real pisser their and there and lose and loose. Gawd, that really burns me. They even misuse the apostrophe with possessive and plural uses.

Sister Ann (6th grade, St. Mary's Academy) would have picked you up by your ears and thrown you into the corner. Yes, really. Ask me how I know.

- L -

[frodi]

Sept 15, 2023 14:22:57 GMT -5 mollypop said:

Apostrophe misuse pisses me off too. My name is O'Grady and I even verbally spell it out to the paper pushers and they STILL do not use it preferring to leave it out saying their computer entry protocol does not 'allow' its use in proper names. HELL, it's PART OF MY NAME. 'Grady' is a completely different clan - but not mine!

How do I cash a check made out to Grady when that's NOT MY NAME? I have no identification with that name.

Most computer websites and much more do not accept the apostrophe. They insist on being ignorant. If they can fix the Y2K problem, surely they can adjust their computer programs.



- L -

Just to confirm some Irish programmers have sorted this out 30 years ago!  In my pharmacy soft ware we can deal with apostrophes, hyphens, spaces, you name in names. 

[mollypop]

Sept 15, 2023 15:42:55 GMT -5 frodi said:

Just to confirm some Irish programmers have sorted this out 30 years ago!  In my pharmacy soft ware we can deal with apostrophes, hyphens, spaces, you name in names. 

  I should have known that the Irish would have had a handle on this from the beginning.  Makes me proud.  I have dual citizenship, y'know?

 - L -

[frodi]

I hope that you're watching the Rugby.

[martycanuck]

Question comment for Drea if you are reading.

Why does your company hate me so? Why do the want to make me fat?

Just back from Vegas where we naturally stopped at the big M & M store. I just now tried my first taste of the fudge brownie filled M & M’s and they have ruined all other M & M’s for me!!! OMG are they good! Now I’m gonna get fat(let’s be honest, fatter) gorging myself on these tasty treats!!

[frodi]

Sept 20, 2023 12:54:54 GMT -5 martycanuck said:

Question comment for Drea if you are reading.

Why does your company hate me so? Why do the want to make me fat?

Just back from Vegas where we naturally stopped at the big M & M store. I just now tried my first taste of the fudge brownie filled M & M’s and they have ruined all other M & M’s for me!!! OMG are they good! Now I’m gonna get fat(let’s be honest, fatter) gorging myself on these tasty treats!!

When we visited the M&M store in |NYC a few years ago frodijr and little  miss frodi between them must have spent Drea's salary for a year at least.

[MalcolmR]

Another example of America's finest in operation.

[Juli]

Sept 22, 2023 6:51:28 GMT -5 MalcolmR said:

Another example of America's finest in operation.

The article doesn't explain that he had been told the band needed to stop so the police could clear the audience from the stadium, but he wouldn't stop the performance. Then when the police went to arrest him, he wouldn't comply, that's when they tased him. The issue I have is that both schools had agreed to the performance, and the song was about a minute from ending, why did the cops think they needed to clear everyone out at that instant, and not wait a minute or two? Was it shift change? Was there a bomb threat? None of the articles I've seen explained that.

[MalcolmR]

There should be no reason to taser somebody just because they aren't doing what you want. You should only be hit if you are a threat to the cops or other people. This was straightforward bullying.

[MalcolmR]

And just in case you think I'm picking on American cops.

[MalcolmR]

www.facebook.com/reel/855021382205397

Nice welding.

[mank]

Sept 24, 2023 10:44:46 GMT -5 MalcolmR said:

www.facebook.com/reel/855021382205397

Nice welding.

Good thing she is wearing eye protection.

[MalcolmR]

Good thing I'm wearing eye protection!

[mank]

There is a Woot-off today. I hope to get another Bag of Crap. I have only been successful twice in 16 years.

How many, if any of you, remember the old Jellyfish site? I think that's what is was called that also offered deals. I remember that they had coolers that you could ride. I bought a Garmin on there years ago. If that wasn't the name then let me know. I think you would bid or something. It has been too many years to remember.

[frodi]

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

I got a message a few min ago from Grainne.

"Did you have Ireland's World Cup hopes on your dealpool for this year?"

www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2023/oct/14/ireland-v-new-zealand-rugby-world-cup-2023-quarter-final-live-score-updates

[mank]

Not quite sure where to put this so I decided it is a drifting topic... LOL

Tomorrow I get a hip replacement on my left hip. On December 5th I get a hip replacement on my right hip. I have never really had any major surgery so this does make me a bit nervous. I am looking forward to not having pain at least in one hip. I am a side sleeper, either side, and I haven't been able to sleep on either side for months and months now. I have bone on bone in both hips and have had cortisone shots in each hip for the last three years, put on meloxicam, and even had a fluoroscope procedure performed to inject dye and medicine in each hip joint. This year none of that worked. I was told that I should take at least three weeks off from work for each procedure. That is not going to happen. I test and configure security computer systems for nuclear power plants. Generally, 25 VM servers and around 80 Window devices connected through numerous switches all the while recording video 24/7 through around 250 cameras and providing all access control. (side note: we use Iris scanners now for access - totally cool) But I digress... I will be off for each surgery two weeks. I know it is the easiest recovery for a joint replacement. My wife had total knee replacement and was back to work in two weeks I think I will be at least able to match that if not be back to work even sooner.

I am in pain 24/7 right now and cutting the grass, raking leaves, or even walking for more than 5 minutes puts me out of commission. There are a ton of things after the surgery that I am not supposed to do for some time, such as bend over, get up out of a chair standing straight up, etc. The one that has to last six months is I have to use a raised toilet seat. I purchased two one for my master bathroom at home, (all of the other toilets in my home are ADA compliant because I needed the for my FIL who is now deceased), and another that I installed at my work location. All I know is I hope for some relief from the constant pain and a decent night of sleep. It is a bitch getting old... (I am 63)

[Gimpy]

Mank,

If your procedure is an anterior one the two weeks might work. If it's posterior plan on 4 weeks at least and no mobility the first couple. Pain should be almost gone the day after surgery. I've had both hips done and the good procedure was a breeze. Surgeon screwed up on the second one and I dislocated it twice during healing times.

Good Luck!

[frodi]

Oct 16, 2023 7:05:44 GMT -5 mank said:

.. I was told that I should take at least three weeks off from work for each procedure. That is not going to happen....

It has to happen some day.  If you think that you are indispensable then go back to the office one week after your funeral.

Not that I wish that upon you.  At some point you need to think of yourself and family first and job second.   Good luck with the operation.

[martycanuck]

Oct 16, 2023 7:05:44 GMT -5 mank said:

Not quite sure where to put this so I decided it is a drifting topic... LOL

Tomorrow I get a hip replacement on my left hip. On December 5th I get a hip replacement on my right hip. I have never really had any major surgery so this does make me a bit nervous. I am looking forward to not having pain at least in one hip. I am a side sleeper, either side, and I haven't been able to sleep on either side for months and months now. I have bone on bone in both hips and have had cortisone shots in each hip for the last three years, put on meloxicam, and even had a fluoroscope procedure performed to inject dye and medicine in each hip joint. This year none of that worked. I was told that I should take at least three weeks off from work for each procedure. That is not going to happen. I test and configure security computer systems for nuclear power plants. Generally, 25 VM servers and around 80 Window devices connected through numerous switches all the while recording video 24/7 through around 250 cameras and providing all access control. (side note: we use Iris scanners now for access - totally cool) But I digress... I will be off for each surgery two weeks. I know it is the easiest recovery for a joint replacement. My wife had total knee replacement and was back to work in two weeks I think I will be at least able to match that if not be back to work even sooner.

I am in pain 24/7 right now and cutting the grass, raking leaves, or even walking for more than 5 minutes puts me out of commission. There are a ton of things after the surgery that I am not supposed to do for some time, such as bend over, get up out of a chair standing straight up, etc. The one that has to last six months is I have to use a raised toilet seat. I purchased two one for my master bathroom at home, (all of the other toilets in my home are ADA compliant because I needed the for my FIL who is now deceased), and another that I installed at my work location. All I know is I hope for some relief from the constant pain and a decent night of sleep. It is a bitch getting old... (I am 63)

Just gonna say that if you haven’t had one done before Mank you might give the docs some credit. The Docs might have performed this procedure a few times and have a pretty good idea what to expect post-op. You should assume they know something about what you are in for.

I was told my shoulder would take 6 months of rehab post-op. While I gained more use than expected sooner I still have a little more work to do for full range of motion yet even 7 months after. You might have an exceptional recovery but I would strongly consider having a plan for the worst case.

The first two weeks following my surgery were either VERY uncomfortable or a bit of a Percocet induced haze. If they give you any form of Oxy I wouldn’t want you working on security for nuclear systems while you are and I’m sure you wouldn’t want to either. 

[Jeannette]

Wishing you good thoughts today Mank.

[frodi]

Tomorrow straight after I close the pharmacy at 6 I'm on the road. Nov 1983 50 fresh faced (and some not so fresh faced) graduates became pharmacists. Thursday night we're having a reunion dinner. It's on in the Renvylle House Hotel in Connemara. It's about a 3.5 to 4 hour drive from Dublin. I'm heading tomorrow and coming back some time on Friday.
I managed to dig out some old photos from the attic this evening so I'll bring them along. There will be 38 present. About 30 of the class and a few spouses. We had two weddings in the class and another married to a sibling of a class mate. There is only about 10 of them that I've met since we graduated as we are spread all over the country and like me most are fairly tied to their pharmacies. 2 deaths and at least 4 living abroad that we have been able to chase down.
Report back on Friday.

[mank]

Thanks Jeannettee.

Marty, Frodi, and Gimpy, Thank you for your concern. I had the posterior procedure. I am home now got home at 2 pm EDT. I cannot express how much relief I have already. I went was up at walking yesterday right after I got feeling back in my legs from a spinal. Today at the hosptital I did all of the PT and they said I don't need the afternoon session at all today. They told me to slow down it isn't a race. I was using a walker. I have scheduled PT for Friday at a place one mile from my house. I kid you not if I had to drive today I could, since it is my keft hip not my right hip. On a scale of 1-10 my pain is a 1. The nurses didn't believe me. All I am taking is extra-strength Tylenol. I literally started to use just a cane today at home. I only have soreness at the incision site, that has 25 staples in it. I think that since I am still young and it relatively good shape my recovery will be fast. I also think the six exercises I had to do twice a day every day on pre-op for that last six weeks really, really, helped. I have my right hip scheduled to be replaced on December 5th which is 7 weeks away. I am looking forward to it to be pain free in each hip at last. I have been dealing with this pain for about two years but in the last few months it has become unbearable. I cannot begin to express the relief I have. It is truly a God send.

[Gimpy]

Mank, Sort of amazing on pain reduction isn't it? I passed up the big pain killers too.


Glad it's going as good as it is. Modern medicine, done right, is wonderful!