Overheard at Work

[nobodyspecial]

I thought the dinosaurs coexisted with humans.

I'm not sure they coexisted - I think there were definite tensions.
Particularly when one of the Tyrannosauruses ate your first born.

[zephyr911]

I've done the bring from home math vs. the eat out.  Seems like a lot of people discount the fact that food brought from home cost $$ too.  I find on a $6 eat out, I pay about $3 to replicate from home.

Now, if you are eating a few carrot sticks and a piece of cheese I understand.  Curious about the comparison...

I can (and usually do) eat for less than a dollar. I try to stay stocked in frozen leftovers to avoid processed food. My most recent example is chicken stir fry and grilled asparagus over rice that cost about $10 in total and produced 7 servings, for a per-meal price of $1.42. My regular standby, tricolor rotini or penne ($1) in marinara ($1) with a small amount of turkey sausage ($2) and various veggies ($2-3) is even cheaper per serving. As backup, I stash store-brand soups and Spaghettio knockoffs that run from $0.69 to $0.99, or occasionally Cup-o-Noodles ($0.50). High in salt but OK for occasional use.

$6 is the low end for our cafe'; the full meal deal is $9. Take that over 2,500 workdays + a decade of investment returns and there you go.

I still buy breakfast occasionally, since I can get a pretty decent protein dose (eggs+bacon/sausage) for under $3, but I'm sticking more to oatmeal and frozen turkey sausage lately to keep the per-meal cost at $0.20-$0.40.

[zephyr911]

At drill on Saturday, in a discussion of government travel credit cards and how late payments are your problem even if the balance itself is all govt-reimbursable expenses that are being paid back, but not in time:

"That late fee is $29! And who has $29 lying around? I know I don't!"

This is a second job for most of these people, one that pays hundreds of dollars for one weekend of work every month. They should all have WAY more than $29 lying around. I invest 100% of what I earn there.

[Papa Mustache]

A coworker just spent $2400 on food and souvenirs for 4 people at Disney World last week.

I don't understand the fascination some people have with Disney. My younger child claims a classmate has been six times. Friends of modest means have gone for whole weeks on a package deals that they might not have been able to afford (complaining about money woes in other budget departments). I used to live near the place for a while and don't feel compelled to ever go there. Not for the Disney characters, not for the rides and mostly b/c of the cost.

[Papa Mustache]

I like how I didn't even think people would actually pay for the low-grade/overpriced makeup and perfume there.  Their bras are worth it (especially if you are larger up top), but the rest of the stuff - really?!?

Actually, anyone who has tried actually quality undergarments will tell you that VS is crap. I mean, I still have some because it's cheap, but it is not well made at all.

Ok, gotta ask. What brands do you consider quality? I've been happy with VS, so if I can find something even better I'll be in heaven. Particularly if it's cheaper.

I also would like to know!  I've been having good luck with Maidenform bras lately, but I purchase them for about $6 each at Ross and get at least 2 years of use out of them.  Usually the underwire wears through the fabric, so once I've been stabbed a few times, I throw it out.  ;)

I like Chantelle.  I stopped shopping at VS went the quality took a nosedive and the prices went up.  I would rather pay a little more for a much higher quality item.

I really like Soma.  Their underwear never shows under clothing and stays in place all day.

I agree, Chantelle bras are great.  They are expensive and never ever go on sale, but they are just great.  I've got enough junk in the frunk that I care about bras, and these are my favorite.
I also like Wacoal, which I can often find at TJ Maxx.  They are usually less pretty than Chantelle but just as effective.

This thread is a hoot! Discussion of women's underwear mixed with a hunting discussion!

Got one from work today:

CW asks me to order a replacement adapter for their laptop. Ordered it, arrived Friday and today they bring it back. Too big and too heavy. The big problem - it might be 1/4" bigger in both directions (not thicker). Its 5 ounces heavier. Send it back they requested and order the smaller one with half the power output.

So pay the postage to return it and order the other adapter. not sure but there might be a restocking fee.

[Papa Mustache]

Finally read through whole thread... Celebrating with some mockery!

Coworkers (all female) takes several trips every year to 1 (yes, one!) single shop 7 hours away round trip to buy cheap shit. Typically spends 1/2 to 1 monthly paycheck on plastic bags, cheap makeup, toys and tasteless home decoration.

The shoppers gets cheered on by the other coworkers irl and on Facebook in terms of "oh, paradise", "worth every penny" and so on.

Facepalm several times a month. Never stops.

(Had actual photo of last fb update from shopping spree, but being a rookie I don't know how to post it)

Sounds like yet another good reason to quit Facebook. ;)

I tried FB and then quickly quit a long time ago b/c of stuff like what you described. That and the volume of political posts posted by people running on rumor...

[MgoSam]

I much prefer the Glasslock to Pyrex for lunch containers, because they seal fully.  Costco usually has both.  I've seen the Glasslock stuff at Marshall's/TJMaxx, too.  Our Pyrex stuff is probably 5-6 years old and some of the lids are starting to fail where they have to flex to go on/off the container.  Time will tell with the Glasslock, but so far it's been getting regular use for probably 3 years and the lids are like new.

Thanks, good to know. I am guessing that it will be a good idea to buy a good pair of lunch containers. If they last and are safe they will pay for themselves in ease and sanitation, especially if they make it easier to haul homemade food instead of eating out.

[forummm]

A coworker just spent $2400 on food and souvenirs for 4 people at Disney World last week.

I don't understand the fascination some people have with Disney. My younger child claims a classmate has been six times. Friends of modest means have gone for whole weeks on a package deals that they might not have been able to afford (complaining about money woes in other budget departments). I used to live near the place for a while and don't feel compelled to ever go there. Not for the Disney characters, not for the rides and mostly b/c of the cost.

And people take their kid that's 2 or 3. That kid is not going to remember a thing! The parents are doing it for themselves.

[RFAAOATB]

"That late fee is $29! And who has $29 lying around? I know I don't!"

O or E?  This gets funnier the higher up I imagine the quote coming from.

[bludreamin]

I much prefer the Glasslock to Pyrex for lunch containers, because they seal fully.  Costco usually has both.  I've seen the Glasslock stuff at Marshall's/TJMaxx, too.  Our Pyrex stuff is probably 5-6 years old and some of the lids are starting to fail where they have to flex to go on/off the container.  Time will tell with the Glasslock, but so far it's been getting regular use for probably 3 years and the lids are like new.

Thanks, good to know. I am guessing that it will be a good idea to buy a good pair of lunch containers. If they last and are safe they will pay for themselves in ease and sanitation, especially if they make it easier to haul homemade food instead of eating out.

I use the rectangular pyrex for entree/side leftovers (place all in one container. Another good option for soups and salads (my usual lunch) is the good ole Mason/Ball jars (wide mouth). Also freezer safe so I usually make a big batch of soup, put into jars, freeze and when lunch is needed, pack it in my lunch box. Bonus that since its frozen I'm not worried about having it sit in my lunch box at my desk until lunch (the office fridge should require HazMAt suit to open).

[Bumbling Bee]

I use the rectangular pyrex for entree/side leftovers (place all in one container. Another good option for soups and salads (my usual lunch) is the good ole Mason/Ball jars (wide mouth). Also freezer safe so I usually make a big batch of soup, put into jars, freeze and when lunch is needed, pack it in my lunch box. Bonus that since its frozen I'm not worried about having it sit in my lunch box at my desk until lunch (the office fridge should require HazMAt suit to open).

Are Mason jars microwaveable as well? (Learn something new every day...)

[Papa Mustache]

i honestly in this moment didnt realize that 84 month car loans are a thing now.

Well, you'll be shocked to hear they have 96 month loans then.

To some, term doesn't really matter since you can refinance an auto loan. I had a buddy who refinanced his truck at about 48 months in to a 72 month loan. This eased his budget while he was laid off. When he went back to work, did he pay it off? Nope, saved the extra cash for a lift and huge tires... he got laid off again literally two days after picking up the truck from getting it lifted. *facepalm*

Maybe that was your buddy I saw here the other day in traffic with an F-150 and tires that were literally four feet tall! Didn't know tires that big were legal. Hope he doesn't ever swerve, it'll roll right over.

[bludreamin]

I use the rectangular pyrex for entree/side leftovers (place all in one container. Another good option for soups and salads (my usual lunch) is the good ole Mason/Ball jars (wide mouth). Also freezer safe so I usually make a big batch of soup, put into jars, freeze and when lunch is needed, pack it in my lunch box. Bonus that since its frozen I'm not worried about having it sit in my lunch box at my desk until lunch (the office fridge should require HazMAt suit to open).

Are Mason jars microwaveable as well? (Learn something new every day...)

I take off the metal top and have never had an issue. The only thing you might need to be careful with is going to/from extreme temperature conditions (may crack).

[Papa Mustache]

What an adrenaline junkie! I would be perfectly happy with a '84 Honda Rabbit

Wasn't the Rabbit from Volkswagen, later to become the Golf?

My dad had a VW Rabbit when we were growing up. I am reminded of it a lot when I see how pretty much all cars are four-doors now and think back to my brother and me were always clambering in after flipping the front seats forward. That doesn't happen much anymore these days, does it?

My kids have it pretty fricking nice, I'd say.

Yep, sold as the Rabbit here and as the Golf everywhere else in the world.

My friend says his grandkids are fascinated by the crank windows in his antique car...

[Papa Mustache]

Obama's proposed reforms are very mild and don't warrant fear-mongering.

They're also pointless, much like the one memorialized in my handle.

Guns have a purpose - they allow you to handle the ~ten minutes between the time that there is a problem inside your home (home invasion) and the time the police arrive.

We've also used them to deal with deadly animals.

I don't mind guns like I said but I am very concerned about our American *fascination* of guns. Its another accessory to this badass attitude that some men (and some women) are very eager to emulate. Like armed combat might occur at any moment. Fear me they seem to tell the whole world around them. Like: I'm prepared for whatever might happen. When in fact they live in a pretty quiet place and will likely never need a weapon - AS LONG AS they aren't confrontational people.

How many people's mouths got them into a situation that led to gunfire? They are the guys that we hear about on the news that got into a shootout over barbecued chicken on the grille. He didn't get his fair share... ;)

I've met a few of this type and give them a wide berth. Peple who will hurt someone because the other guy looked at them with crossed eyes.

[Papa Mustache]

I'm thinking the point he's making is that two places with VERY restrictive gun laws have lots of illegal gun violence.  IOW, laws don't mean shit to criminals.  So why fuck over ordinary citizens with meaningless idiotic legislation meant to placate the people who just want you to "do something, anything!" and "please, think of the children!"

+1. Criminals don't care about laws. Laws like that leave everyone else swaying in the wind.

That said I think violent crime has alot to do with WHO you spend your time with. Around here most crime is perpetrated on people that the offender knew - family and friends. Hang with a rough crowd and likely you'll believe the world is a dangerous place.

Hang with folks growing backyard gardens, watching Mayberry RFD on TV with your family and washing the family sedan in the driveway - and the world doesn't seem all that dangerous. That's another reason to be successful: so you don't have to live in troubled cities and neighborhoods.

[Papa Mustache]

Gun and (all) crime dont have a correlation. Stricter gun control lowers domestic murders and "accidents" a lot,

Feel free to support that statement with actual facts.

Notice that such an event is actually rare enough to be news,

Notice that in other countries with less guns such a thing doesnt happen at all.

Is that so?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_rampage_killers_%28Europe%29

This is just Europe, but notice, if you will, that every one of them occurred in nations with stricter gun control regulations.

Not to mention two very big wars. Three if you want to count what the Soviets did to their citizens aka Stalin killing millions...

[Papa Mustache]

Here, the nut job has a gun.

True, but then so can you.  No one is better positioned, nor more motivated, to protect your own family than you are.  And has already been cited here, the police don't actually have a duty to protect you or your family; they have a duty to protect the interests of the state, which may or may not include protecting you.

I'm not sure anyone is arguing against the safety of families. The objections are more linked to the externalities (guns get outside of homes and self defence scenarios) and the effectiveness of the plan (a gun won't improve every situation and massively increases the potential for error). Part of the problem that gun control arguments need to address though is the American police force. If we're going to suggest that people trust professionals to handle these situations then we need a degree of professionalism from them.

Exactly.  And if I have a gun that doesn't help my child at school.  I honestly can't believe the arguments for teachers being armed and having people with guns patrolling schools.  Really???  That's supposed to be the solution???  OMFG how about just getting rid of the goddamn guns already???

But yeah, the guns are already there.  For the sake of posterity though it really doesn't seem like trying to arm the population to the teeth is the way American society should be headed.  The only future where that sounds like a good idea is the zombie apocalypse.

We need to talk more about why some Americans are so vindictive and confrontational that they want to settle arguments/disputes with guns and not just walk away. Why some Americans are hell-bent on intimidating each other so completely that one or more parties feel a need to use a gun to reinforce how tough they are.

Why is "badass" so damn important? What's wrong with just "cool" or "sexy" when demonstrating how masculine one is? What's wrong with knowing some stuff instead appearing to be capable of hurting someone?

[MgoSam]

I much prefer the Glasslock to Pyrex for lunch containers, because they seal fully.  Costco usually has both.  I've seen the Glasslock stuff at Marshall's/TJMaxx, too.  Our Pyrex stuff is probably 5-6 years old and some of the lids are starting to fail where they have to flex to go on/off the container.  Time will tell with the Glasslock, but so far it's been getting regular use for probably 3 years and the lids are like new.

Thanks, good to know. I am guessing that it will be a good idea to buy a good pair of lunch containers. If they last and are safe they will pay for themselves in ease and sanitation, especially if they make it easier to haul homemade food instead of eating out.

I use the rectangular pyrex for entree/side leftovers (place all in one container. Another good option for soups and salads (my usual lunch) is the good ole Mason/Ball jars (wide mouth). Also freezer safe so I usually make a big batch of soup, put into jars, freeze and when lunch is needed, pack it in my lunch box. Bonus that since its frozen I'm not worried about having it sit in my lunch box at my desk until lunch (the office fridge should require HazMAt suit to open).

Good call. I don't usually make soups as they don't fill me up. The exception are stews or Thai curries, in which I add rice. I'm hoping to make a few dishes each Sunday and put them into portions, some to eat for lunch and dinner and the remainder to freeze for an easy meal down the line. I want to try my hand at making homemade red curry and see if there is a notable difference in quality.

[Papa Mustache]

So far, the pro-gun advocates that I've listened to (I dare not argue with them) have stated the following (or a combination of) reasons for why guns should continue to exist:

1. Second amendment from the 18th century (because we live in the past and never change), right to bear arms, protect ourselves from terrorists and grizzly bears, etc.
2. We may have a billion guns but only 2 gun associated deaths a year, so it's okay - 2 deaths a year are worth sacrificing for the billion people that want to shoot stuff up the other 363 days of the year (although I think we're already well into double digits this year among the cases that we know of)
3. You can outlaw guns, but people will find other ways to hurt you anyway (i.e. bombs that require planning, time and skill to make, etc.).
4. Guns don't kill people, people kill people (sometimes with guns).
5. All them other countries that don't have access to guns are doing it wrong (okay, I made this one up).

I might be missing some other points...this is all I can remember so far though. Maybe I should stroke a pistol to stimulate the brain a bit.

'murica!

Just remember that the view from your part of the USA may not be the same as the view from where the rest of us live. Country vs city for example. The Internet and TV has shrunk the nation and the world but all places are not the same. Might look like a silly thing to have guns (or tools or a car or a garage) from where you live but its not the same if you live where I do.

[Papa Mustache]

Here, the nut job has a gun.

True, but then so can you.

An eye for an eye, and soon we will all be blind. I just don't understand this American obsession with defending yourself. I have never had to defend myself against violence or home intrusion and I do not know anyone (even a friend of a friend) who has. Yet y'all seem to be convinced there is an axe murderer round every corner. Sure, criminals can get guns in the UK but most gun crime here is stuff like gang warfare, not guns being turned on strangers. I do not want to live in a world where everyone has a killing machine in their pocket. It's a really sad view of humanity. People are, by and large, law abiding and reasonable. If there is a problem, we have the police. And seriously, unless you have your gun with you all the time, odds are you're going to be in the wrong room when the gun-wielding nut crashes through your front window so won't be able to get it and 'defend' yourself anyway. The only gun-based self-defence I can take seriously is against wild animals, which I know exist in America more than the UK.

Q: Y'all go on about this "inalienable right" to defend yourself. We have the human right to freedom from violence, putting the onus on others to not be violent/the state to protect you, rather than assuming that everyone is out to get you and you need to be prepared for the "evil other". Do any other countries have the right to defend yourself violently in their constitution?

I lived in southern Italy for three years. It really was a different place. In some ways I felt much safer than I do here. The city where I lived had a very high crime rate compared to the rest of the country but overall their crime rate was much lower than here. Wikipedia says Italy is 47th and among the lowest of the Western countries. Culturally it was very different. People were not as confrontational as they are here. True they have their problems there but it was not violent crime against the average person.

Move to the USA and see if you still feel as safe as where you live in the UK. It'll also depend on where you choose to live. There are cities near me which are virtual no-man's land at certain times of the day. Watch the local news often enough and it's easy to figure out which parts of town to never visit after dark. Again it also has alot to do with who you keep for friends.

[Papa Mustache]

MOD NOTE: An ongoing  debate over guns is veering way off topic. If you feel the need, start an "off topic" thread and copy over the relevant posts.

Honestly, I'm not that dedicated to this. So I'll drop it if others will.

Just caught up with the warning. I'm done.

[Papa Mustache]

I don't think it's a matter of absolutes....

THIS! THIS! It applies to so many things in life and yet, people I know very well seem to debate in absolutes. No shade of grey, or varying degrees of focus between the absolutes.

Thank you all for some really good thoughtful discussion about so many topics. I had some time off today and I'm hellbent on getting to the end of this thread as it stand today. Sorry for the response overload from me. There will probably be three pages at the end just from me running my mouth.

Keep it coming!

[Papa Mustache]

Yeah, your manhood depends on owning (or being in debt for) a couple of tons of metal that were manufactured in a factory and that anyone can buy, including wimps and females. But a couple of tons manufactured in a different shape (Prius) is wussy. And manhood is also something that you have to insure, and you can lose it completely in a car accident. Gosh, that manliness is delicate, just like testicles.

And sometimes that big lump of American pickup truck badass is actually built in another country like Mexico or Canada. ;)

I once worked on a couple of industrial projects for Harley-Davidson at my employer. Several significant parts of that American symbol of 'Murica were made in Italy, Taiwan, etc. Nice bike no doubt but I didn't want to hear any more grief about my older used Honda that I paid nearly nothing for and rode year 'round (our second family vehicle during that period).

Actually today - let them point and make fun at those "non-American" rice burners while I chuckle about their non-American-but-"American" bikes.

People also often ignore the fact that those foreign car companies "stealing our jobs" in fact have factories in the US and employ American workers. I owned a Subaru with a sticker saying it was made in Indiana. I live about 20 miles from a pretty big (from the look of it) Toyota factory. If Toyota went out of business tomorrow, those (American) people working at that factory would all be out of a job.

To the masculinity thing: It's actually really ironic to me personally because I associate big trucks more with women than men anyway. I worked at a place with a drive-thru for about 2 years and a vast majority of the big trucks that came through were being driven by women and that formed the association in my mind.

I'm one of the minority that doesn't cares whats "masculine." I drive what I drive because I like it, I wear what I want because it's comfortable, I have no shame in enjoying both the football and theater, and anyone that has a problem with this can kiss me @$@ :-). Life's too short to do things you don't want to do.

+1 to both of you. Yeah, me too - do what I want to, drive what I want to, etc. I'm glad for any company to be here in the USA employing Americans. Jobs are a good thing for our economy. Back during the depths of the "Great Recession" the desperate and unemployed were starting to steal things and shift their energy into things that lead to arrests...  The newspaper had plenty to report. This person stealing, that person making meth, another passing bad checks, etc. 

[Papa Mustache]

People also often ignore the fact that those foreign car companies "stealing our jobs" in fact have factories in the US and employ American workers. I owned a Subaru with a sticker saying it was made in Indiana. I live about 20 miles from a pretty big (from the look of it) Toyota factory. If Toyota went out of business tomorrow, those (American) people working at that factory would all be out of a job.

My father gave me grief for driving an Indiana-built Subaru rather than an "American" car, like his Ontario-built Ford.

I had a very embarrassed coworker who adamantly argued his Ford or Dodge or whatever was American made while the other coworker's Asian brand vehicle wasn't. Finally when the facts were checked, the American brand driver got really, really quiet. His was built across the border and the car was built in the states. He gota lot of ribbing for that one.

[Papa Mustache]

Beaverlick, Ky is a wonderful little community; and the locals get a bit mad when you laugh at the name.

is that anywhere near Flippin', Kentucky? (a real place)

[Papa Mustache]

We just did this - for the second time, for my wife. The iPhone 4s is nearing the end of life meaning none of the software upgrades will work with it starting later this year.

Not true! iOS 9 will work on the iPhone 4s.

http://www.evad3rs.net/2014/10/ios-9-supported-devices-compatibility.html

Then the salesman at the Apple store lied to us. We didn't buy from him that day. Just asked questions. DW purchased her phone online from Apple.

[Pylon]

Man, if I could get a house here for "nearly 200k", I would have signed yesterday.

No kidding, if I sold my current home and bought one for 200k I would have over 250k cash left over.  What a boost that would be to my nest egg.

$200,000 buys a really nice house here.  I spent less than half that on mine.

[MoonShadow]

Y'all is always plural; "all y'all" is reflexive or emphatic. :-)

Man how did I miss the y'all conversation?

I agree- y'all is NEVER singular. It is always plural.
All y'all is more plural.

Oh boy, now I'll have to try and sneak "all y'all" into daily conversation and see if anyone notices!

I would love to hear such a robust southernism pulled off in a British accent.

I had a coworker previously who was from rural NC but lived in London for 5+ years - fabulous accent!

And while I'm here, we also say y'all in Kansas, where I'm from though not all y'all, I've only heard that in NC. Another NC favorite of mine is "might could" as in:
You might could do that but instead maybe you should do this.

Love it.

Or else "fixin' to" - I'm fixin' to go to the store, can I borrow your credit card?

"Fixin' to" is a popular expression in Kentucky as well, followed shortly with the standard confirmation query, "Ya-un-to?"

[Papa Mustache]

my boss bought a new car this past weekend... because her 2013 vehicle got keyed along one door.  She bought the same vehicle only a few years newer.

Uh oh time for an oil change. Might as well buy a new car instead of paying the $50 to get it changed at the dealer... I guess some people never learn!

...or changing it in the driveway yourself... Takes me about 20 mins including cleaning up.

Some cars, sure. But I can't get the oil filter on my Miata off without a lot of swearing and annoyances. Frankly, I'll go to the shop to do it every time. Besides, after the cost of oil it is about $10 for them to do it for me.

yeah, my CR-V is like that. The filter is way up on the back of the engine. Can't see it while you loosen or tighten it b/c your arm is in the way. Not a big deal. Have done all the oil changes since 1999 when we bought it or about ~300K miles ago.

You just have to adapt.

[shelivesthedream]

MOD NOTE: An ongoing  debate over guns is veering way off topic. If you feel the need, start an "off topic" thread and copy over the relevant posts.

Honestly, I'm not that dedicated to this. So I'll drop it if others will.

Just caught up with the warning. I'm done.

I would be cautiously interested in a thread on gun control, as long as everyone can be polite. It's something I find fascinating about America because it seems to be such an integral part of all y'all's (I did it!) self-image but it's something I really, truly and fundamentally do not understand.

[Papa Mustache]

[That does sound like a good plan. Any ideas on where to buy these inexpensively? I am moving in about a month, and want to get a set of good containers for making lunch and dinners.

Search amazon for "Pyrex Storage 10-Piece Set, Clear with Blue Lids"

That's the very same set.

[MoonShadow]

A coworker just spent $2400 on food and souvenirs for 4 people at Disney World last week.

I don't understand the fascination some people have with Disney. My younger child claims a classmate has been six times. Friends of modest means have gone for whole weeks on a package deals that they might not have been able to afford (complaining about money woes in other budget departments). I used to live near the place for a while and don't feel compelled to ever go there. Not for the Disney characters, not for the rides and mostly b/c of the cost.

Oh, I understand it.  We have been twice.  Both times during the 'low week' of the year; not only is there almost no lines, the trip costs about half as much as at any point in the rest of the year.

http://www.magicalmouseschoolhouse.com/2013/09/final-ultimate-field-trip/

Pity, it looks like they don't do this anymore.

[Papa Mustache]

That's a shame. There are a few people I work with like that, but I think of them as quaint country-folk, not as the norm. I suppose over the years I've taught myself to separate people from their politics, since most people mean well, just haven't looked into the science and facts much.

I live and work in a rural area of a northern state.  I have had actual discussions with coworkers disagreeing that Obama has not, in fact, had the most Executive Orders ever.  This is something that is a fact, and can be found online.  But nope, the Dictator in Chief is definitely just sending out dozens of those babies every week.  Also, carbon dating is a giant worldwide conspiracy theory and they're doing it wrong, because the 6,000 years old earth as stated in the Bible is the way it really is. Oy.

And dinosaurs never existed the same folks insist. Wife gave up 15-20 mins to a coworker once who wanted to make his point that the world was only 6,000 years old and never any dinosaurs. This was a college educated person too...

I thought the dinosaurs coexisted with humans. Didn't Jesus ride one into Damascus?

Maybe... Maybe... (running for the door to avoid a sermon) HEHE

[MoonShadow]

I use the rectangular pyrex for entree/side leftovers (place all in one container. Another good option for soups and salads (my usual lunch) is the good ole Mason/Ball jars (wide mouth). Also freezer safe so I usually make a big batch of soup, put into jars, freeze and when lunch is needed, pack it in my lunch box. Bonus that since its frozen I'm not worried about having it sit in my lunch box at my desk until lunch (the office fridge should require HazMAt suit to open).

Are Mason jars microwaveable as well? (Learn something new every day...)

Proper mason jars, yes.  In fact, most any real glass is microwavable, but not all will actually claim it, in case a defect causes it to burst.

[Papa Mustache]

A coworker just spent $2400 on food and souvenirs for 4 people at Disney World last week.

I don't understand the fascination some people have with Disney. My younger child claims a classmate has been six times. Friends of modest means have gone for whole weeks on a package deals that they might not have been able to afford (complaining about money woes in other budget departments). I used to live near the place for a while and don't feel compelled to ever go there. Not for the Disney characters, not for the rides and mostly b/c of the cost.

And people take their kid that's 2 or 3. That kid is not going to remember a thing! The parents are doing it for themselves.

Yep. Not sure I understand what's fascinating about that place for an adult though... Again live and let live and all that... ;)

[MoonShadow]

A coworker just spent $2400 on food and souvenirs for 4 people at Disney World last week.

I don't understand the fascination some people have with Disney. My younger child claims a classmate has been six times. Friends of modest means have gone for whole weeks on a package deals that they might not have been able to afford (complaining about money woes in other budget departments). I used to live near the place for a while and don't feel compelled to ever go there. Not for the Disney characters, not for the rides and mostly b/c of the cost.

And people take their kid that's 2 or 3. That kid is not going to remember a thing! The parents are doing it for themselves.

Yep. Not sure I understand what's fascinating about that place for an adult though... Again live and let live and all that... ;)

Walt Disney World is the #1 honeymoon destination in the world.  A lot of people go there to get married there.  I've never been there without kids, but I do know they have areas of the resort that are definately not intended for children.

[Papa Mustache]

"That late fee is $29! And who has $29 lying around? I know I don't!"

O or E?  This gets funnier the higher up I imagine the quote coming from.

I'd be embarrassed to say something like that out-loud. I want to show my superiors that I can manage my own affairs, build their confidence in my ability to take care of things so in my professional capacity they will trust me and rely on me.

Imagine a work place where someone says something silly like that during a meeting or complains they are broke and BAM! - they are fired on the spot. Can't manage your life on a generous (competitive) salary? Then why should I trust your expertise as a professional in my company. We pay you to be smarter than that...

Reality returns: never mind, having short sighted employees can be useful too I'm sure. A previous employer liked to have folks up to their noses in debt (I think) - employees were a little desperate to keep their job and would work ridiculous hours and go dangerous places like the border towns of Mexico to manage projects.

[Papa Mustache]

Y'all is always plural; "all y'all" is reflexive or emphatic. :-)

Man how did I miss the y'all conversation?

I agree- y'all is NEVER singular. It is always plural.
All y'all is more plural.

Oh boy, now I'll have to try and sneak "all y'all" into daily conversation and see if anyone notices!

I would love to hear such a robust southernism pulled off in a British accent.

I had a coworker previously who was from rural NC but lived in London for 5+ years - fabulous accent!

And while I'm here, we also say y'all in Kansas, where I'm from though not all y'all, I've only heard that in NC. Another NC favorite of mine is "might could" as in:
You might could do that but instead maybe you should do this.

Love it.

Or else "fixin' to" - I'm fixin' to go to the store, can I borrow your credit card?

"Fixin' to" is a popular expression in Kentucky as well, followed shortly with the standard confirmation query, "Ya-un-to?"

Ever heard "of the night"? Its been a while since I heard anyone use it in a sentence but I recall it being used in place of tonight or last night. Might have been a one man linguistic malfunction but that's what a fellow I knew two decades ago would say.

[Papa Mustache]

A coworker just spent $2400 on food and souvenirs for 4 people at Disney World last week.

I don't understand the fascination some people have with Disney. My younger child claims a classmate has been six times. Friends of modest means have gone for whole weeks on a package deals that they might not have been able to afford (complaining about money woes in other budget departments). I used to live near the place for a while and don't feel compelled to ever go there. Not for the Disney characters, not for the rides and mostly b/c of the cost.

And people take their kid that's 2 or 3. That kid is not going to remember a thing! The parents are doing it for themselves.

Yep. Not sure I understand what's fascinating about that place for an adult though... Again live and let live and all that... ;)

Walt Disney World is the #1 honeymoon destination in the world.  A lot of people go there to get married there.  I've never been there without kids, but I do know they have areas of the resort that are definately not intended for children.

What do you mean? Serious restaurants? Pub style places? Topless dancing revues? Seven dwarves doing bawdy standup comedy?? ;)

[MoonShadow]

Y'all is always plural; "all y'all" is reflexive or emphatic. :-)

Man how did I miss the y'all conversation?

I agree- y'all is NEVER singular. It is always plural.
All y'all is more plural.

Oh boy, now I'll have to try and sneak "all y'all" into daily conversation and see if anyone notices!

I would love to hear such a robust southernism pulled off in a British accent.

I had a coworker previously who was from rural NC but lived in London for 5+ years - fabulous accent!

And while I'm here, we also say y'all in Kansas, where I'm from though not all y'all, I've only heard that in NC. Another NC favorite of mine is "might could" as in:
You might could do that but instead maybe you should do this.

Love it.

Or else "fixin' to" - I'm fixin' to go to the store, can I borrow your credit card?

"Fixin' to" is a popular expression in Kentucky as well, followed shortly with the standard confirmation query, "Ya-un-to?"

Ever heard "of the night"? Its been a while since I heard anyone use it in a sentence but I recall it being used in place of tonight or last night. Might have been a one man linguistic malfunction but that's what a fellow I knew two decades ago would say.

Well, yes; but that phrase is particularly context dependent, and I've never thought of it as a regional thing.

[Papa Mustache]

Y'all is always plural; "all y'all" is reflexive or emphatic. :-)

Man how did I miss the y'all conversation?

I agree- y'all is NEVER singular. It is always plural.
All y'all is more plural.

Oh boy, now I'll have to try and sneak "all y'all" into daily conversation and see if anyone notices!

I would love to hear such a robust southernism pulled off in a British accent.

I had a coworker previously who was from rural NC but lived in London for 5+ years - fabulous accent!

And while I'm here, we also say y'all in Kansas, where I'm from though not all y'all, I've only heard that in NC. Another NC favorite of mine is "might could" as in:
You might could do that but instead maybe you should do this.

Love it.

Or else "fixin' to" - I'm fixin' to go to the store, can I borrow your credit card?

"Fixin' to" is a popular expression in Kentucky as well, followed shortly with the standard confirmation query, "Ya-un-to?"

Ever heard "of the night"? Its been a while since I heard anyone use it in a sentence but I recall it being used in place of tonight or last night. Might have been a one man linguistic malfunction but that's what a fellow I knew two decades ago would say.

Well, yes; but that phrase is particularly context dependent, and I've never thought of it as a regional thing.

Can you give me an example of it being used in a sentence? I can't quite remember how he used it.

Finally read this whole thread!!!! Guess it's time to move on to the Heard on Facebook thread... ;)

[MoonShadow]

A coworker just spent $2400 on food and souvenirs for 4 people at Disney World last week.

I don't understand the fascination some people have with Disney. My younger child claims a classmate has been six times. Friends of modest means have gone for whole weeks on a package deals that they might not have been able to afford (complaining about money woes in other budget departments). I used to live near the place for a while and don't feel compelled to ever go there. Not for the Disney characters, not for the rides and mostly b/c of the cost.

And people take their kid that's 2 or 3. That kid is not going to remember a thing! The parents are doing it for themselves.

Yep. Not sure I understand what's fascinating about that place for an adult though... Again live and let live and all that... ;)

Walt Disney World is the #1 honeymoon destination in the world.  A lot of people go there to get married there.  I've never been there without kids, but I do know they have areas of the resort that are definately not intended for children.

What do you mean? Serious restaurants?

Yes, there is that.

Pub style places?

Yes, those too.  Mostly in 'Downtown Disney', but both those can be found inside the parks as well.  Most require reservations 6+ months in advance, and I've been to several.

Topless dancing revues?

Nothing like this, no.

Seven dwarves doing bawdy standup comedy?? ;)

Well, close.  Not terriblely bawdy, but PG13 or so, yes.

[horsepoor]

I use the rectangular pyrex for entree/side leftovers (place all in one container. Another good option for soups and salads (my usual lunch) is the good ole Mason/Ball jars (wide mouth). Also freezer safe so I usually make a big batch of soup, put into jars, freeze and when lunch is needed, pack it in my lunch box. Bonus that since its frozen I'm not worried about having it sit in my lunch box at my desk until lunch (the office fridge should require HazMAt suit to open).

Are Mason jars microwaveable as well? (Learn something new every day...)

Yes, you can microwave them.  I use them for soup and to portion out yogurt (wide mouth pints and half pints are very convenient).  Wal-Mart sells plastic lids that fit on Mason jars and are much handier than the 2-piece canning lids.

[dragoncar]

A coworker just spent $2400 on food and souvenirs for 4 people at Disney World last week.

I don't understand the fascination some people have with Disney. My younger child claims a classmate has been six times. Friends of modest means have gone for whole weeks on a package deals that they might not have been able to afford (complaining about money woes in other budget departments). I used to live near the place for a while and don't feel compelled to ever go there. Not for the Disney characters, not for the rides and mostly b/c of the cost.

And people take their kid that's 2 or 3. That kid is not going to remember a thing! The parents are doing it for themselves.

Yep. Not sure I understand what's fascinating about that place for an adult though... Again live and let live and all that... ;)

I admit I'm an adult and I love Disney.  Only been 1-2 times in my adult life, though.  It's a combination of a few things:

1) A lot of nostalgia from the few times I went there as a kid
2) Disney is amazing at building little worlds... the architecture and detail throught the park is fascinating (like how they can make an otherwise boring food stand look like dwarves live in it).

I don't really care about the characters, but Disney does a better job of immersing you in another world than other theme parks.  Last time I was there, I fully wasted my money eating at the restaurant inside the Pirates of the Caribbean.   You're in the frickin' bayou.



p.s. it's cheesy as hell, but so am I

[MoonShadow]

Ever heard "of the night"? Its been a while since I heard anyone use it in a sentence but I recall it being used in place of tonight or last night. Might have been a one man linguistic malfunction but that's what a fellow I knew two decades ago would say.

Well, yes; but that phrase is particularly context dependent, and I've never thought of it as a regional thing.

Can you give me an example of it being used in a sentence? I can't quite remember how he used it.

Finally read this whole thread!!!! Guess it's time to move on to the Heard on Facebook thread... ;)

"She was a lady of the night" would be one context that had nothing to do with "Remember that dinner we ate (of) the night of that big lightin; storm?"  The ( ) part being grammaticly unnecessary, but often used..

[Pooperman]

So replacing the grammatically correct "on" with "of".

[marty998]

Topless dancing revues?

Nothing like this, no.

Well, I asked Ariel really nicely to take off her clams....

[MoonShadow]

I admit I'm an adult and I love Disney.  Only been 1-2 times in my adult life, though.  It's a combination of a few things:

1) A lot of nostalgia from the few times I went there as a kid
2) Disney is amazing at building little worlds... the architecture and detail throught the park is fascinating (like how they can make an otherwise boring food stand look like dwarves live in it).

And they never break character, no matter who they are.  I wear a fedora, and we went to the 50's cafe. I had a black waitress that was probably 30 years older than me, who kept calling me "massa".  I seriously looked at her the first time she did that and said, "wow, you people never break character do you?"  She didn't even change her expression.  She was a waitress, not an actress playing any known character.

And a lot of the real resturants in the parks are just plain cool, whether or not you have kids.  Remember Cinderella's castle that is in every advertisment?  There is a 6+ month advance reservation resturant inside there, where all the servers are characters from the movie.  And they don't do this half way, this looks real up close, even when you know it can't be so.  However, that turned out to be $150 per plate, so I never did it again; but damn, was it an entertaining brunch.

[MoonShadow]

Topless dancing revues?

Nothing like this, no.

Well, I asked Ariel really nicely to take off her clams....

I'd bet she very politely declined.