Overheard at Work

[Kitsune]

Oh, I just thought of one. A lady at work broke up with her boyfriend who she'd been with for quite a length of time (a couple of years at least). She just basically wasn't that into him, he was undermotivated, a slacker, didn't help around the house, was jealous of her relationship with her grown child, etc. He wasn't happy about the breakup and wanted to get back with her. Eventually she took him back, and part of her reasoning was that the $350 he paid her in rent was really helpful.

... If part of my reasoning for sleeping with someone on a regular basis is 350$/month, I will have failed at life.

(Full disclaimer: I am a feminist who is generally pro-sex-worker's-rights and sex-positive. But seriously: if you're going to spend time/have sex with someone for money, it's probably in your best interest to negotiate a rate up front. 350$/month is a shit rate for putting up with someone like that.)

[Merrie]

I'm not sure if she cooks.

I told her that if she needs the money have him as her roommate, not her boyfriend. Or get a different roommate.

[frugalnacho]

Oh, I just thought of one. A lady at work broke up with her boyfriend who she'd been with for quite a length of time (a couple of years at least). She just basically wasn't that into him, he was undermotivated, a slacker, didn't help around the house, was jealous of her relationship with her grown child, etc. He wasn't happy about the breakup and wanted to get back with her. Eventually she took him back, and part of her reasoning was that the $350 he paid her in rent was really helpful.

... If part of my reasoning for sleeping with someone on a regular basis is 350$/month, I will have failed at life.

(Full disclaimer: I am a feminist who is generally pro-sex-worker's-rights and sex-positive. But seriously: if you're going to spend time/have sex with someone for money, it's probably in your best interest to negotiate a rate up front. 350$/month is a shit rate for putting up with someone like that.)

Well the dude is doing alright, $350 for a personal assistant with sex on the side. Does she cook for him too?

$350 mo = $4,200 /yr = $105,000 stash

[mm1970]

I jumped parties and voted for Obama twice.  Hell, with this crop of people running, I'd vote for him a third time if I could.  While I don't agree with everything he has done obviously, I think he has generally done a good job, and I like having a smart articulate pragmatic person who generally believes in science as our president.   I also believe that at heart he is a good and decent human being.  FWIW, I believed many of the same things about Romney and I think he would have been a good president too. 

Back to the topic at hand: 

I have a co-worker who is a really nice guy but is constantly talking about stuff he buys, going out to eat etc....  I always wondered how he affords it all.  We normally get paid on Mondays at our work, and he asked me if today was our biweekly payday.  When I told him it was next week, he looked nervous and told me that he received a notice from his bank that he had less than $25 in his checking account.  Then five minutes after saying that he bought a $7 lunch on his credit card.....\\

Count me in with Golden1. He/she said it very well. I was considering voting for McCain until they brought in Sarah Palin. I thought Romney and McCain were/are both viable candidates. Sarah sunk McCain's ship for me.

Yep.  I'm a registered Democrat, but I was planning on voting for McCain until then.

Even still, it's hard for me to find anyone who will still admit to voting for Obama twice, and doesn't hold any regrets.

I don't hold any regrets.  He's not perfect, but I support most of what he's done, or tried to do.

[partgypsy]

I  have a good friend who owns (has a mortgage) on a house, bought it and moved in with her boyfriend. She and the boyfriend broke up, so now are just roommates. However the weird thing was after they broke up she didn't tell anyone for a couple years (when I learned she told me not to tell anyone). Also she let him know if he starts going out with someone else he needs to move out. So far it is working out, but it seems controlling and could get messy in the future.

[runningthroughFIRE]

I  have a good friend who owns (has a mortgage) on a house, bought it and moved in with her boyfriend. She and the boyfriend broke up, so now are just roommates. However the weird thing was after they broke up she didn't tell anyone for a couple years (when I learned she told me not to tell anyone). Also she let him know if he starts going out with someone else he needs to move out. So far it is working out, but it seems controlling and could get messy in the future.

I'd get the hell out of there asap if I was the guy.  It is controlling (if somewhat understandable in a certain light), and even if I didn't have plans to see anyone else I'd leave based on principle.

[MrMoogle]

I jumped parties and voted for Obama twice.  Hell, with this crop of people running, I'd vote for him a third time if I could.  While I don't agree with everything he has done obviously, I think he has generally done a good job, and I like having a smart articulate pragmatic person who generally believes in science as our president.   I also believe that at heart he is a good and decent human being.  FWIW, I believed many of the same things about Romney and I think he would have been a good president too. 

Count me in with Golden1. He/she said it very well. I was considering voting for McCain until they brought in Sarah Palin. I thought Romney and McCain were/are both viable candidates. Sarah sunk McCain's ship for me.

Yep.  I'm a registered Democrat, but I was planning on voting for McCain until then.

Conservative, who voted for Romney and McCain, who does not like much of what Obama has done.
If it was Obama vs Clinton vs Trump, I'd go with Obama. 

[JordanOfGilead]

I  have a good friend who owns (has a mortgage) on a house, bought it and moved in with her boyfriend. She and the boyfriend broke up, so now are just roommates. However the weird thing was after they broke up she didn't tell anyone for a couple years (when I learned she told me not to tell anyone). Also she let him know if he starts going out with someone else he needs to move out. So far it is working out, but it seems controlling and could get messy in the future.

I'd get the hell out of there asap if I was the guy.  It is controlling (if somewhat understandable in a certain light), and even if I didn't have plans to see anyone else I'd leave based on principle.

Or a boundary, he IS free to leave (from what we can glean from a few words on the Internet). Likely more complicated, but we don't know enough to draw any real conclusions about either of them or their relationship, such as it is.

It really sounds like "we are both in this housing arrangement already and it's mutually beneficial, but can barely tolerate each other enough to live together and I couldn't handle seeing you around somebody else in my home right now."
I've been in a similar situation. It's reasonable.

[JordanOfGilead]

I've got a fresh one from this morning.

When discussing travel arrangements with a coworker for an upcoming business trip, the topic of which hotel to stay at came up. He suggested the local Hampton because he was able to call and get a deal on a group of rooms with fancy water jet bathtub things. I won't be traveling at the same time as him and a few others, so I suggested that I would stay at the Marriott since it's the same distance from our destination, I am part of their rewards points program, and the price is about the same with all discounts considered.

He scoffed at my lack of desire to have a hot tub in my room and suggested I "stop chasing points." After I mentioned that I've already saved up enough for a free night and intend to use the points to help (significantly) reduce the cost of a road trip with my wife later this year, he looked insulted and told me "just spend your money!" I was flabbergasted. Had no idea how to respond to that. Why would I go out of my way to get a room with something in it that I won't have time to enjoy on a business trip, when I could go to a hotel with accommodations that are just as comfortable and get points towards a free stay in the future in the process? All so that I can spend even more money on crap I don't need when I decide to treat my wife to a vacation? Ridiculous ...

[runningthroughFIRE]

I  have a good friend who owns (has a mortgage) on a house, bought it and moved in with her boyfriend. She and the boyfriend broke up, so now are just roommates. However the weird thing was after they broke up she didn't tell anyone for a couple years (when I learned she told me not to tell anyone). Also she let him know if he starts going out with someone else he needs to move out. So far it is working out, but it seems controlling and could get messy in the future.

I'd get the hell out of there asap if I was the guy.  It is controlling (if somewhat understandable in a certain light), and even if I didn't have plans to see anyone else I'd leave based on principle.

Or a boundary, he IS free to leave (from what we can glean from a few words on the Internet). Likely more complicated, but we don't know enough to draw any real conclusions about either of them or their relationship, such as it is.

It really sounds like "we are both in this housing arrangement already and it's mutually beneficial, but can barely tolerate each other enough to live together and I couldn't handle seeing you around somebody else in my home right now."
I've been in a similar situation. It's reasonable.

That's kind of how I saw it, but from the few words that were posted the restriction sounded very one sided.  Then again the house is her's, so she does have the right to set some ground rules.

[Magilla]

I've got a fresh one from this morning.

When discussing travel arrangements with a coworker for an upcoming business trip, the topic of which hotel to stay at came up. He suggested the local Hampton because he was able to call and get a deal on a group of rooms with fancy water jet bathtub things. I won't be traveling at the same time as him and a few others, so I suggested that I would stay at the Marriott since it's the same distance from our destination, I am part of their rewards points program, and the price is about the same with all discounts considered.

He scoffed at my lack of desire to have a hot tub in my room and suggested I "stop chasing points." After I mentioned that I've already saved up enough for a free night and intend to use the points to help (significantly) reduce the cost of a road trip with my wife later this year, he looked insulted and told me "just spend your money!" I was flabbergasted. Had no idea how to respond to that. Why would I go out of my way to get a room with something in it that I won't have time to enjoy on a business trip, when I could go to a hotel with accommodations that are just as comfortable and get points towards a free stay in the future in the process? All so that I can spend even more money on crap I don't need when I decide to treat my wife to a vacation? Ridiculous ...

Weird, most business travelers I know are all into getting the most points and using them for their own vacations.

[JordanOfGilead]

I've got a fresh one from this morning.

When discussing travel arrangements with a coworker for an upcoming business trip, the topic of which hotel to stay at came up. He suggested the local Hampton because he was able to call and get a deal on a group of rooms with fancy water jet bathtub things. I won't be traveling at the same time as him and a few others, so I suggested that I would stay at the Marriott since it's the same distance from our destination, I am part of their rewards points program, and the price is about the same with all discounts considered.

He scoffed at my lack of desire to have a hot tub in my room and suggested I "stop chasing points." After I mentioned that I've already saved up enough for a free night and intend to use the points to help (significantly) reduce the cost of a road trip with my wife later this year, he looked insulted and told me "just spend your money!" I was flabbergasted. Had no idea how to respond to that. Why would I go out of my way to get a room with something in it that I won't have time to enjoy on a business trip, when I could go to a hotel with accommodations that are just as comfortable and get points towards a free stay in the future in the process? All so that I can spend even more money on crap I don't need when I decide to treat my wife to a vacation? Ridiculous ...

My view: Just ignore this ass, you are suppose to recognize what a mover and shaker he is, getting you all this "great deal". You are suppose to bow down to him and his greatness, and he isn't happy that you aren't thanking him profusely. Just tell him you don't np need a room there. FYI - this story reminds me of a particularly distasteful person I used to have to deal with (same person is brought to mind in Cheddar Block's LC series), so I am assuming the same basic personality, that I find particularly troublesome. Others may appreciate his efforts.... YMMV

you pretty much hit the nail on the head

[mm1970]

I've got a fresh one from this morning.

When discussing travel arrangements with a coworker for an upcoming business trip, the topic of which hotel to stay at came up. He suggested the local Hampton because he was able to call and get a deal on a group of rooms with fancy water jet bathtub things. I won't be traveling at the same time as him and a few others, so I suggested that I would stay at the Marriott since it's the same distance from our destination, I am part of their rewards points program, and the price is about the same with all discounts considered.

He scoffed at my lack of desire to have a hot tub in my room and suggested I "stop chasing points." After I mentioned that I've already saved up enough for a free night and intend to use the points to help (significantly) reduce the cost of a road trip with my wife later this year, he looked insulted and told me "just spend your money!" I was flabbergasted. Had no idea how to respond to that. Why would I go out of my way to get a room with something in it that I won't have time to enjoy on a business trip, when I could go to a hotel with accommodations that are just as comfortable and get points towards a free stay in the future in the process? All so that I can spend even more money on crap I don't need when I decide to treat my wife to a vacation? Ridiculous ...

Weird, most business travelers I know are all into getting the most points and using them for their own vacations.

No kidding.  As much as I dislike my husband's travel (which comes and goes)...our trip home last summer to visit family cost $200 for 4 plane tickets.  CA->PA and NY->CA. (We took a train between the two places).  It took 4 years to get those free tickets, but still.

Also last year, we had a long weekend in San Diego and LA, and our hotel room in LA (2 nights) was free because of his points.

[Chris22]

Who uses a hotel bath tub?  Nasty.

[JordanOfGilead]

I've got a fresh one from this morning.

When discussing travel arrangements with a coworker for an upcoming business trip, the topic of which hotel to stay at came up. He suggested the local Hampton because he was able to call and get a deal on a group of rooms with fancy water jet bathtub things. I won't be traveling at the same time as him and a few others, so I suggested that I would stay at the Marriott since it's the same distance from our destination, I am part of their rewards points program, and the price is about the same with all discounts considered.

He scoffed at my lack of desire to have a hot tub in my room and suggested I "stop chasing points." After I mentioned that I've already saved up enough for a free night and intend to use the points to help (significantly) reduce the cost of a road trip with my wife later this year, he looked insulted and told me "just spend your money!" I was flabbergasted. Had no idea how to respond to that. Why would I go out of my way to get a room with something in it that I won't have time to enjoy on a business trip, when I could go to a hotel with accommodations that are just as comfortable and get points towards a free stay in the future in the process? All so that I can spend even more money on crap I don't need when I decide to treat my wife to a vacation? Ridiculous ...

My view: Just ignore this ass, you are suppose to recognize what a mover and shaker he is, getting you all this "great deal". You are suppose to bow down to him and his greatness, and he isn't happy that you aren't thanking him profusely. Just tell him you don't np need a room there. FYI - this story reminds me of a particularly distasteful person I used to have to deal with (same person is brought to mind in Cheddar Block's LC series), so I am assuming the same basic personality, that I find particularly troublesome. Others may appreciate his efforts.... YMMV

you pretty much hit the nail on the head

Well, I am sorry because this guy is going to be like a dog with a bone and never let up. He'll try to shame you on this trip in front of your colleagues - both to your face and behind your back. He will continue to try to be the leader and make decisions for everyone without discussing it with anyone. If you balk, he will label you as not being a team player. He is not used to people going along with him, even if everyone thinks he is an ass, they just avoid the conflict and blowback. I hope you find a strategy for dealing with him, I was not as successful as I would have liked...

So far he hasn't really stepped on my toes aside from the occasional moronic comment about how I should spend more because I'm young and can afford it (my ~$55k in debt begs to differ). Our positions in the company should make it relatively easy to avoid his ego unless one of us gets promoted over the other, which I don't see happening any time in the next 5 years or so.

[Making Cookies]

I did as well, and think that he's done a fairly great job, considering the hand he was dealt and comparing him to the people that he was running against. If he could run for a third term, I wouldn't hesitate to vote for him seeing the current slate of republicans running.

Me too. Palin's arrival on the scene told me (a registered Republican) that the party was broken. I won't vote for them again until the party is repaired and reasonable again. Constantly functioning as a political roadblock didn't endear them to me either b/c stuff needed repair/adaptation/tweaking but they just wanted to keep Barack Obama from having any successes for the history books.

I consider myself a moderate in many things and my politics is mostly middle of the road. Right now that seems to be in short supply for the GOP. Lots of "outside" influences in the GOP right now with priorities/methods that seem odd to me.

http://www.npr.org/2016/01/19/463565987/hidden-history-of-koch-brothers-traces-their-childhood-and-political-rise

That was a trippy show to listen to last night. 

I figure at some point our country will lack enough "conservative white people" to keep the GOP in power. Maybe the GOP sees that already and they are feeling desperate. I keep hearing my peers discuss their religions and their politics as being "under attack" and I don't see it. They aren't under attack, times are just changing and the conservatives don't have the same "guaranteed" control that they've come to rely on.

Other peoples, other countries and other ideas are developing. Not much can be done by the GOP supporters to change that.

[dsmexpat]

I see it more as the internet generation seeing through the facade of American exceptionalism. The classic, although now outdated, example to me was gays in the military. You had American talking heads discussing what may happen and how it'll all go wrong if gays are allowed in the military decades after other nations allowed gays in their military without any of the consequences that were being threatened. Troops who served in Afghanistan and Iraq alongside coalition forces had already served alongside openly gay soldiers for years without a complete collapse of discipline. It continues with socialized medicine and a dozen other arguments.

It's easy to be afraid of the unknown if you believe that you (and your nation) are a bold explorer on the cutting edge of societal progress, constantly pushing back the boundaries and unlocking new freedom beyond. That narrative still gets a lot of airtime in some circles a younger generation are more aware of the world outside their borders which in turn makes them more aware of the deficiencies of the US political system.

This is reflected in the generational divide over Sanders. I'm going to generalize hugely here but older white people have an instinctive opposition to the label socialist while younger people are more likely to recognize that every one of America's friends and allies in North America and Europe are "socialist" (by the American definition at least) and have been for half a century without the world ending.

[eljefe-speaks]

Had a convo with my co-worker. Her husband has had his modest, 4-door sedan since 2010. It's time to upgrade. So he is going to buy TWO trucks. A jacked-up Chevy AND an old one. Why? Because he thinks the old one is "cool."

[cats]

I've got a fresh one from this morning.

When discussing travel arrangements with a coworker for an upcoming business trip, the topic of which hotel to stay at came up. He suggested the local Hampton because he was able to call and get a deal on a group of rooms with fancy water jet bathtub things. I won't be traveling at the same time as him and a few others, so I suggested that I would stay at the Marriott since it's the same distance from our destination, I am part of their rewards points program, and the price is about the same with all discounts considered.

He scoffed at my lack of desire to have a hot tub in my room and suggested I "stop chasing points." After I mentioned that I've already saved up enough for a free night and intend to use the points to help (significantly) reduce the cost of a road trip with my wife later this year, he looked insulted and told me "just spend your money!" I was flabbergasted. Had no idea how to respond to that. Why would I go out of my way to get a room with something in it that I won't have time to enjoy on a business trip, when I could go to a hotel with accommodations that are just as comfortable and get points towards a free stay in the future in the process? All so that I can spend even more money on crap I don't need when I decide to treat my wife to a vacation? Ridiculous ...

My view: Just ignore this ass, you are suppose to recognize what a mover and shaker he is, getting you all this "great deal". You are suppose to bow down to him and his greatness, and he isn't happy that you aren't thanking him profusely. Just tell him you don't np need a room there. FYI - this story reminds me of a particularly distasteful person I used to have to deal with (same person is brought to mind in Cheddar Block's LC series), so I am assuming the same basic personality, that I find particularly troublesome. Others may appreciate his efforts.... YMMV

I'll admit I am somewhat picky about which hotels I stay at when I travel for work.  When I'm traveling for meetings most meals with co-workers are kind of a dietary disaster, so I really prefer to get a hotel that has a mini-fridge so I can pack some things like carrot sticks, yogurt, hard boiled eggs, etc. and have a hope in hell of staying somewhat healthy (I realize this sounds somewhat prima-donnaish, but sometimes I have a lot of multi-day work trips strung together and not having to eat out 3x/day does make a big difference).  For a multiday trip I also prefer a hotel with a fitness center (because most of these locations don't have good outdoor running/walking options), and I would pick a place with a hot breakfast option over a place that only offered continental breakfast.

A while back I had a couple of work trips scheduled with co-workers to a location with two hotel options.  One hotel hit all my preferred criteria, the other one had NONE of them, but it had hottubs and offered a glass of sangria at check-in.  Guess which one my co-workers REALLY wanted to stay at?  I gave in (we were carpooling so it was a pain to do different hotels), and after 3 days I was going crazy from the lack of exercise and vegetables.  Next trip out I suggested we try the other hotel and they were aghast that I would pass on the hottub option. Lesson learned, from now on I am booking a hotel room ASAP and then will just be all "oh, sorry, I already booked a room at hotel Y!".

[partgypsy]

I  have a good friend who owns (has a mortgage) on a house, bought it and moved in with her boyfriend. She and the boyfriend broke up, so now are just roommates. However the weird thing was after they broke up she didn't tell anyone for a couple years (when I learned she told me not to tell anyone). Also she let him know if he starts going out with someone else he needs to move out. So far it is working out, but it seems controlling and could get messy in the future.

I'd get the hell out of there asap if I was the guy.  It is controlling (if somewhat understandable in a certain light), and even if I didn't have plans to see anyone else I'd leave based on principle.

Or a boundary, he IS free to leave (from what we can glean from a few words on the Internet). Likely more complicated, but we don't know enough to draw any real conclusions about either of them or their relationship, such as it is.

It really sounds like "we are both in this housing arrangement already and it's mutually beneficial, but can barely tolerate each other enough to live together and I couldn't handle seeing you around somebody else in my home right now."
I've been in a similar situation. It's reasonable.

That's kind of how I saw it, but from the few words that were posted the restriction sounded very one sided.  Then again the house is her's, so she does have the right to set some ground rules.

I guess I shouldn't be so judgemental. They both benefit from the situation, she is helped with her mortgage payment, he likely couldn't get anything comparable for the price (she is kind of doing him a favor). But he has a vehicle and she doesn't, so gets rides sometimes. He is free to leave anytime. I guess I was thinking for myself, that I wouldn't be comfortable with that situation, but everyone is different. 

[shelivesthedream]

What is this "gop" of which you speak? I kind of get that it's the Republicans, but is it supposed to be derogatory? (Like "Tory" can be in the UK)

[MoonShadow]

What is this "gop" of which you speak? I kind of get that it's the Republicans, but is it supposed to be derogatory? (Like "Tory" can be in the UK)

GOP stands for "Grand Old Party", it's not derogatory.

[MgoSam]

What is this "gop" of which you speak? I kind of get that it's the Republicans, but is it supposed to be derogatory? (Like "Tory" can be in the UK)

The GOP is a nickname for the republican party. It stands for "Grand Old Party."

I was curious as to its origin and it comes from, "The term originated in 1875 in the Congressional Record, referring to the party associated with the successful military defense of the Union as "this gallant old party"

Also, the image used in cartoons as them being elephants and democrats being donkeys come from a political cartoonist named Thomas Nast back in the 1870s. Thomas Nast is an interesting character, it was he that reportedly popularized Santa as being a jolly fat guy with a white beard, and the term 'nasty' is derived from his name (he also went after Tammany Hall and Boss Tweet, a political machine in NYC).

[nnls]

So my workmates are making plans on where to go out for lunch tomorrow and have decided on a place called Toastface Grillah which just makes toasted sandwiches that you pay between $5 and $9 for a sandwich

I googled them and they dont seem that amazing

http://www.toastfacegrillah.com/

[cerat0n1a]

the term 'nasty' is derived from his name

Nice story, but 'nasty' as an adjective is there in middle English (16th century) texts.

On the business traveller collecting points thing, it's pretty much a standing joke where I work about how obsessed most people are on collecting airmiles, hotel loyalty points, cashback on credit card payments for business travel etc.

[Ryo]

Is it just me getting irritated by the US political talk on the Overheard at Work thread?
Get a room (or a thread) already! 

[plainjane]

I'll admit I am somewhat picky about which hotels I stay at when I travel for work.  When I'm traveling for meetings most meals with co-workers are kind of a dietary disaster, so I really prefer to get a hotel that has a mini-fridge so I can pack some things like carrot sticks, yogurt, hard boiled eggs, etc.

Wait, you're able to get yogurt through airport security?  How have you managed this feat?  Or are you buying once you get there or driving?

[JordanOfGilead]

Is it just me getting irritated by the US political talk on the Overheard at Work thread?
Get a room (or a thread) already!

+1
I'm not even reading anything with a hint of politics to it anymore, I just scroll on by. Please stay on topic.

[SpeedReader]

Had a convo with my co-worker. Her husband has had his modest, 4-door sedan since 2010. It's time to upgrade. So he is going to buy TWO trucks. A jacked-up Chevy AND an old one. Why? Because he thinks the old one is "cool."

/Facepalm.

[LennStar]

Is it just me getting irritated by the US political talk on the Overheard at Work thread?
Get a room (or a thread) already!

+1
I'm not even reading anything with a hint of politics to it anymore, I just scroll on by. Please stay on topic.

You never talk (or hear) about politics at work?
No wonder the US can't even get the basic done.
I talked quite a bit politics today with several people.

[MgoSam]

the term 'nasty' is derived from his name

Nice story, but 'nasty' as an adjective is there in middle English (16th century) texts.

Yeah you're correct, I should have Googled this before posting it. I'm racking my brain to figure out where I heard this and it's likely one of those things I heard and filed away assuming that it was a fact. Thanks!

[cats]

I'll admit I am somewhat picky about which hotels I stay at when I travel for work.  When I'm traveling for meetings most meals with co-workers are kind of a dietary disaster, so I really prefer to get a hotel that has a mini-fridge so I can pack some things like carrot sticks, yogurt, hard boiled eggs, etc.

Wait, you're able to get yogurt through airport security?  How have you managed this feat?  Or are you buying once you get there or driving?

Haven't tried that--most of my work travel is driving so the TSA guidelines are a non-issue!

[cloudsail]

Is it just me getting irritated by the US political talk on the Overheard at Work thread?
Get a room (or a thread) already!

+1
I'm not even reading anything with a hint of politics to it anymore, I just scroll on by. Please stay on topic.

You never talk (or hear) about politics at work?
No wonder the US can't even get the basic done.
I talked quite a bit politics today with several people.

Why do you assume that everyone lives in the US?

[LennStar]

I do not assume that, I merely remarked upon a statistical probability.

But you are right, if the poster writes "US politics" he is very likely not US, because then he would wrote either politics or American politics, ignoring the vast majority of the continent(s) landmass and people. (one reason why I stated the bad US politics thing last post) ;)

[JordanOfGilead]

Is it just me getting irritated by the US political talk on the Overheard at Work thread?
Get a room (or a thread) already!

+1
I'm not even reading anything with a hint of politics to it anymore, I just scroll on by. Please stay on topic.

You never talk (or hear) about politics at work?
No wonder the US can't even get the basic done.
I talked quite a bit politics today with several people.

I talk and hear about politics daily. I have no problem with political discussions but I believe in the "time and place" rule and an overheard at work thread that many people use for comedic purposes isn't the place for political discussions, especially when there are sections of the forum dedicated to politics. If I wanted to read how people on the mmm forum felt about the parties and their candidates, I would head over there. But I don't so I'm here.
It's not about avoiding politics altogether, it's about not tracking mud all over an otherwise (mostly) pleasant thread.

[Mermaid3011]

... because then he would wrote either politics or American politics, ignoring the vast majority of the continent(s) landmass and people. ...

Teehee...

O.k. so to stay on topic today overheard at the office:

11.45 am "I really have to stop spending so much money and start saving more. I want to move out in April (from her parents house) and it will be expensive"

12.05 pm "So who is coming with me to the greek place around the corner?"


:( ... head => desk

[dragoncar]

I do not assume that, I merely remarked upon a statistical probability.

But you are right, if the poster writes "US politics" he is very likely not US, because then he would wrote either politics or American politics, ignoring the vast majority of the continent(s) landmass and people. (one reason why I stated the bad US politics thing last post) ;)

You know here are other United States in the world right?  For example, the United Mexican States?  Careful when you criticize the nomenclature or ignorance of an entire country.

[Dicey]

I'll admit I am somewhat picky about which hotels I stay at when I travel for work.  When I'm traveling for meetings most meals with co-workers are kind of a dietary disaster, so I really prefer to get a hotel that has a mini-fridge so I can pack some things like carrot sticks, yogurt, hard boiled eggs, etc.

Wait, you're able to get yogurt through airport security?  How have you managed this feat?  Or are you buying once you get there or driving?

Haven't tried that--most of my work travel is driving so the TSA guidelines are a non-issue!

Last week Momma brought 4 individual servings of yogurt with us on our flight. We did get some hassle by security at YYZ (Toronto) and yogurt was x-rayed and squished by the inspector. Our cough medicine (liquid) and antibiotics were also closely examined before they were allowed to pass.

I believe there's a tiny bit of grey area that allows for packing a lunch and it not counting as carry-on.

Once, in a major US Airport, heading for a Southwest flight, a TSA Agent took away my lunch, which was in a paper bag. I complained to SWA and when I got off the flight, I was handed a $50 voucher for a future flight along with an apology. Seems it's A-Okay to pack a lunch along with your handbag/briefcase and your carry-on luggage on Southwest. I have also had good luck carrying an insulated bag with freeze packs in it as long as they are frozen solid. I may or may not also carry prescription medicine in said lunch bag, which might make a difference. I cannot promise you that this is 100% okay, just that I used to travel a lot and never was challenged, except that one flight. My advice is to try it but don't use any containers you are unprepared to lose. Final note, I always made sure that the quantities of anything like yogurt that I packed were small and in factory sealed, single serving packages. Very Important. A quart of yogurt just ain't gonna fly ;-)

[zephyr911]

Is it just me getting irritated by the US political talk on the Overheard at Work thread?
Get a room (or a thread) already!

+1
I'm not even reading anything with a hint of politics to it anymore, I just scroll on by. Please stay on topic.

You never talk (or hear) about politics at work?
No wonder the US can't even get the basic done.
I talked quite a bit politics today with several people.

I talk and hear about politics daily. I have no problem with political discussions but I believe in the "time and place" rule and an overheard at work thread that many people use for comedic purposes isn't the place for political discussions, especially when there are sections of the forum dedicated to politics. If I wanted to read how people on the mmm forum felt about the parties and their candidates, I would head over there. But I don't so I'm here.
It's not about avoiding politics altogether, it's about not tracking mud all over an otherwise (mostly) pleasant thread.

I hear a lot about politics at work, but most of it is regurgitated partisan talking points repeated by one party and enthusiastically confirmed by another. It's a real downer. I don't mind that people disagree with me per se, but the entire framing of the conversation often seems to miss the central issues, and I can't even figure out how to engage without insulting someone's intelligence.

[jordanread]

Is it just me getting irritated by the US political talk on the Overheard at Work thread?
Get a room (or a thread) already!

+1
I'm not even reading anything with a hint of politics to it anymore, I just scroll on by. Please stay on topic.

You never talk (or hear) about politics at work?
No wonder the US can't even get the basic done.
I talked quite a bit politics today with several people.

I talk and hear about politics daily. I have no problem with political discussions but I believe in the "time and place" rule and an overheard at work thread that many people use for comedic purposes isn't the place for political discussions, especially when there are sections of the forum dedicated to politics. If I wanted to read how people on the mmm forum felt about the parties and their candidates, I would head over there. But I don't so I'm here.
It's not about avoiding politics altogether, it's about not tracking mud all over an otherwise (mostly) pleasant thread.

I hear a lot about politics at work, but most of it is regurgitated partisan talking points repeated by one party and enthusiastically confirmed by another. It's a real downer. I don't mind that people disagree with me per se, but the entire framing of the conversation often seems to miss the central issues, and I can't even figure out how to engage without insulting someone's intelligence.

How many people here have read The Audacity of Hope (by Barack Obama)? I don't find myself completely politically aligned with him, but his first chapter (which is all of what I have read so far) is an outstanding view on the political system. I liked it.

[zephyr911]

How many people here have read The Audacity of Hope (by Barack Obama)? I don't find myself completely politically aligned with him, but his first chapter (which is all of what I have read so far) is an outstanding view on the political system. I liked it.

I don't read anything by homosexual atheist Muslims who spend 25 hours a day trying to destroy America and putting their grubby socialist hands all over my Medicare. (only a slight exaggeration of typical parlance here)

I actually think I might find that interesting.

[onlykelsey]

I don't read anything by homosexual atheist Muslims who spend 25 hours a day trying to destroy America and putting their grubby socialist hands all over my Medicare. (only a slight exaggeration of typical parlance here)

He probably wrote it in French, anyway. Or Muslim.

[JordanOfGilead]

I don't read anything by homosexual atheist Muslims who spend 25 hours a day trying to destroy America and putting their grubby socialist hands all over my Medicare. (only a slight exaggeration of typical parlance here)

He probably wrote it in French, anyway. Or Muslim.

He definitely wrote it in Mexican.

[Uturn]

You never talk (or hear) about politics at work?
No wonder the US can't even get the basic done.
I talked quite a bit politics today with several people.

The problem isn't necessarily talking politics.  The problem is the assumption that most people in a political party must agree with the worst outliers that party has to offer.  This is not a discussion, and I could happily live my life by never hearing it again from either side. 

[runningthroughFIRE]

I don't read anything by homosexual atheist Muslims who spend 25 hours a day trying to destroy America and putting their grubby socialist hands all over my Medicare. (only a slight exaggeration of typical parlance here)

He probably wrote it in French, anyway. Or Muslim.

He definitely wrote it in Mexican.

The world would be a better place if everyone would just speak American.

[nobodyspecial]

I don't read anything by homosexual atheist Muslims who spend 25 hours a day trying to destroy America and putting their grubby socialist hands all over my Medicare. (only a slight exaggeration of typical parlance here)

So in a reversal of the "playboy excuse" - you just buy it for the pictures ?

[Making Cookies]

The world would be a better place if everyone would just speak American.

...REAL LOUD!

Was surprised the first time I went out of the country years ago that the loud American stereotype is occasionally real. Can't understand my English? Well - let me speak it louder...

Zephyr911 and Uturn - you both said it spot on.

Great thread - all of it.

[Metta]

I don't read anything by homosexual atheist Muslims who spend 25 hours a day trying to destroy America and putting their grubby socialist hands all over my Medicare. (only a slight exaggeration of typical parlance here)

He probably wrote it in French, anyway. Or Muslim.

He definitely wrote it in Mexican.

Or New Mexican. That's almost worse.

[Sibley]

I did as well, and think that he's done a fairly great job, considering the hand he was dealt and comparing him to the people that he was running against. If he could run for a third term, I wouldn't hesitate to vote for him seeing the current slate of republicans running.

Me too. Palin's arrival on the scene told me (a registered Republican) that the party was broken. I won't vote for them again until the party is repaired and reasonable again. Constantly functioning as a political roadblock didn't endear them to me either b/c stuff needed repair/adaptation/tweaking but they just wanted to keep Barack Obama from having any successes for the history books.

I consider myself a moderate in many things and my politics is mostly middle of the road. Right now that seems to be in short supply for the GOP. Lots of "outside" influences in the GOP right now with priorities/methods that seem odd to me.

http://www.npr.org/2016/01/19/463565987/hidden-history-of-koch-brothers-traces-their-childhood-and-political-rise

That was a trippy show to listen to last night. 

I figure at some point our country will lack enough "conservative white people" to keep the GOP in power. Maybe the GOP sees that already and they are feeling desperate. I keep hearing my peers discuss their religions and their politics as being "under attack" and I don't see it. They aren't under attack, times are just changing and the conservatives don't have the same "guaranteed" control that they've come to rely on.

Other peoples, other countries and other ideas are developing. Not much can be done by the GOP supporters to change that.

At the risk of insulting all the Republicans, you're the first Republican I've heard speaking about politics in a way that didn't cause me to want to strangle you, in about 5+ years. Thank you! (I normally avoid politics, and can we please change the topic now?)

[mrcheese]

So my workmates are making plans on where to go out for lunch tomorrow and have decided on a place called Toastface Grillah which just makes toasted sandwiches that you pay between $5 and $9 for a sandwich

I googled them and they dont seem that amazing

http://www.toastfacegrillah.com/

but but but they're in a back alley with all sorts of weird recycled things to sit on! Don't you know you gotta go there to be like the cool kids? It is painfully trendy, or was when it opened a couple of years ago... That said, I do like their iced coffees because its just a shot of coffee poured over ice cubes and topped up with cold milk, nothing more. (And yes, I've paid $4 for one on more than one occasion)