Overheard at Work

[MgoSam]

The problem with us DINKs is that the repercussions for us doing things wrong for a decade are much easier to deal with than if there are kids who have to be taken into consideration.  It's easier to downsize if we're in too big/expensive a house/apartment/condo, it's easier to move to a cheaper location without worrying about school zones, it's easier to live without a car.

How is that a problem?

Yeah, when I read this my first thought was, "They hate us cause they ain't us?" I saw this is someone that is also childfree, part of the reason is financial and I said this way before discovering this site or considering FIRE.

[zephyr911]

Yeah, when I read this my first thought was, "They hate us cause they ain't us?" I saw this is someone that is also childfree, part of the reason is financial and I said this way before discovering this site or considering FIRE.

My reason is 100% altruistic. That said, it's a nice added bonus to make a carefully considered decision not to procreate and find that the resulting profundity of resources makes strategic planning and rapid change (and recovering from mistakes) much easier.

I am guessing the "problem" is something like "DINKs can't understand or appreciate the struggles faced by parents trying to optimize their lifestyle"... which is about as universally accurate as saying all DINKs squander their unique financial advantage. I don't have to punch myself in the face to know it hurts*.

I don't give my sisters shit for their five kids and counting. I thank them for covering that front so my mom can be happy and I can focus on greater-good actions for the rest of my life, probably while *also* fostering and adopting kids when the time is right.

*nor do you need to get shot to be an effective surgeon ;)

[MgoSam]

*nor do you need to get shot to be an effective surgeon ;)

Are you familiar with the works of Shan Yu?

[ohyonghao]

I'd leave because of the fans. I cannot handle air blowing on me.

Yes! Me, too! My husband HAS to have a fan on to go to sleep. If I feel any sort of breeze at all, I can't get to sleep and I have to tell him to move the fan. It could be 75 degrees, but if I feel air blowing, I get goosebumps and start shivering.

Uh,

~5~

My wife is similar, though she can have fans blowing on her, she just doesn't like it in the middle of winter :-D  I have a lot of trouble getting to sleep without a fan running.  I've slept with a fan since I was a little kid.  I'd always have trouble sleeping at friends houses, not because of the strange environment, but because there was no fan.  I remember laying awake until the central heating turned on and I fell asleep to the soothing hum.

[hernandz]

I'm with your coworkers.  I'm sitting here in my office in a long sleeve dress shirt, undershirt, and wool dress pants.  If it's 80* in here, I'm leaving.  I came in over the weekend to prepare for a presentation this AM, and even in my t-shirt and basketball shorts it was uncomfortable at 85* with the A/C off over the weekend (news to me they did that).  I grew up in a house without central air, nothing about that is "better".

I prefer to dress in seasonally appropriate business clothing with short-sleeve dress shirts and summer-weight trousers, but most of my male coworkers seem not to understand that option is available to them. 

[mtn]

I'm with your coworkers.  I'm sitting here in my office in a long sleeve dress shirt, undershirt, and wool dress pants.  If it's 80* in here, I'm leaving.  I came in over the weekend to prepare for a presentation this AM, and even in my t-shirt and basketball shorts it was uncomfortable at 85* with the A/C off over the weekend (news to me they did that).  I grew up in a house without central air, nothing about that is "better".

I prefer to dress in seasonally appropriate business clothing with short-sleeve dress shirts and summer-weight trousers, but most of my male coworkers seem not to understand that option is available to them.

Unless you're in tech at our company, you would look extremely dorky with short sleave dress shirts, and you do get stereotyped. Image matters in a career.

But I completely agree with you on the summer-weight. I have lighter dress shirts too, and on Fridays and days when I don't have any meetings I wear golf shirts.

[zephyr911]

Are you familiar with the works of Shan Yu?

No. Do tell.

[nobodyspecial]

In summer I swap my plain black T-shirts for plain white T-shirts.

Among the other techies I'm considered something of a fashion guru

[Chris22]

I'm with your coworkers.  I'm sitting here in my office in a long sleeve dress shirt, undershirt, and wool dress pants.  If it's 80* in here, I'm leaving.  I came in over the weekend to prepare for a presentation this AM, and even in my t-shirt and basketball shorts it was uncomfortable at 85* with the A/C off over the weekend (news to me they did that).  I grew up in a house without central air, nothing about that is "better".

I prefer to dress in seasonally appropriate business clothing with short-sleeve dress shirts and summer-weight trousers, but most of my male coworkers seem not to understand that option is available to them.

If everyone is dressing one way at work except for you, it could be that they are not all wrong.  I work for an old, established, large company.  The culture here is you wear long sleeves and dress pants.  The temperature is set to account for that.  You can fight it, but you won't win.

[Emilyngh]

I'm with your coworkers.  I'm sitting here in my office in a long sleeve dress shirt, undershirt, and wool dress pants.  If it's 80* in here, I'm leaving.  I came in over the weekend to prepare for a presentation this AM, and even in my t-shirt and basketball shorts it was uncomfortable at 85* with the A/C off over the weekend (news to me they did that).  I grew up in a house without central air, nothing about that is "better".

I prefer to dress in seasonally appropriate business clothing with short-sleeve dress shirts and summer-weight trousers, but most of my male coworkers seem not to understand that option is available to them.

If everyone is dressing one way at work except for you, it could be that they are not all wrong.  I work for an old, established, large company.  The culture here is you wear long sleeves and dress pants.  The temperature is set to account for that.  You can fight it, but you won't win.

Or, it could be that they are.   https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2015/07/22/europe-to-america-your-love-of-air-conditioning-is-stupid/

Over air conditioning is super wasteful and using the excuse of the long-time good old boys' culture as to why the company can't progress is a lame one.

[arebelspy]

Are you familiar with the works of Shan Yu?

No. Do tell.

A psychotic dictator who wrote sadistic crap legitimized by florid prose.

Your line was reminiscent from a different episode of the same TV series, Firefly.

Jubal Early: You ever been shot?
Simon: No.
Jubal Early: You oughta be shot. Or stabbed, lose a leg. To be a surgeon, you know? Know what kind of pain you're dealing with. They make psychiatrists get psychoanalyzed before they can get certified, but they don't make a surgeon get cut on. That seem right to you?

[Merrie]

At my work, the male managers wear dress shirts and ties with vests, and the male pharmacists wear dress shirts and ties with lab jackets. I think the AC is set to accommodate those groups of people. The managers have a fairly physically demanding job as well, which doesn't help.

[Emilyngh]

At my work, the male managers wear dress shirts and ties with vests, and the male pharmacists wear dress shirts and ties with lab jackets. I think the AC is set to accommodate those groups of people. The managers have a fairly physically demanding job as well, which doesn't help.

Probably it is set based on what's generally comfortable for men in suits.

" Their study, published Monday in the journal Nature Climate Change, says that most office buildings set temperatures based on a decades-old formula that uses the metabolic rates of men......
Researchers found the women’s average metabolic rate was 20 to 32 percent lower than rates in the standard chart used to set building temperature."

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/04/science/chilly-at-work-a-decades-old-formula-may-be-to-blame.html

[Seppia]

I don't think the fact that, on average, Americans overuse air conditioning can possibly be up for debate.
I travel a lot for work and every time I enter in a hotel room it's like I open the fridge door.
I see many girls in offices with HEATERS.
In the summer.

But, short sleeve shirts should be a constitutional crime against style, possibly punishable by death.
Wear a polo.

Sorry, my Italian genes obliged me to say this.

[GFPchicken]

Cloth isn't allowed in my building

How is cloth not allowed?

, but when I priced it out, I figured it would be about a wash for the first child and you'd start coming out ahead with your second and any subsequent children.

Yes, fitted cloth diapers only win with the second child, because they cost a whole lot more than you would expect.

No need to buy fitteds though. Prefolds with a snappi work just as well and are heaps cheaper, so you come out ahead even on the first child.

[MoonShadow]

I don't think the fact that, on average, Americans overuse air conditioning can possibly be up for debate.
I travel a lot for work and every time I enter in a hotel room it's like I open the fridge door.
I see many girls in offices with HEATERS.
In the summer.

It's even worse than it sounds.  I've installed many an HVAC control system that included a 'tempering system' in the ductwork near an office.  This is basicly an electric resistive heater in the air conditioning ductwork, that runs to keep a particular office from getting too cool while the building/floor AC chiller is running.  It made me sick to even think about how wasteful such a system is, energy wise.  IIRC, the only reason that automatic dampers couldn't be used instead is there is some law that requires a minimum air exchange, and the damper method couldn't be certain to make that regulation.

[Cressida]

I don't think the fact that, on average, Americans overuse air conditioning can possibly be up for debate.
I travel a lot for work and every time I enter in a hotel room it's like I open the fridge door.
I see many girls in offices with HEATERS.
In the summer.

Yeah, this is me. And I'm not underdressed - I also have a wool sweater on. It's totally insane. How much must businesses be wasting on completely unnecessary A/C?

[infogoon]

But, short sleeve shirts should be a constitutional crime against style, possibly punishable by death.

Especially with a necktie.

[zephyr911]

A psychotic dictator who wrote sadistic crap legitimized by florid prose.

Your line was reminiscent from a different episode of the same TV series, Firefly.

Jubal Early: You ever been shot?
Simon: No.
Jubal Early: You oughta be shot. Or stabbed, lose a leg. To be a surgeon, you know? Know what kind of pain you're dealing with. They make psychiatrists get psychoanalyzed before they can get certified, but they don't make a surgeon get cut on. That seem right to you?

Hehe... yeah, that is not a coincidence. <3 Firefly. I just don't remember Shan Yu.

[Seppia]

Sorry English is not my native language, maybe I am not explaining with the right words.

Polo:


Capital-punishment-deserving crime against humanity:


@MoonShadow are you telling me that in the U.S. we actually install heaters inside of A/C vents?
How fucked up is that?

[Seppia]

"Hello guys how are you doing today?"

*BANG BANG BANG*

*applause*

[Pooperman]

Overheard on the way to work:

Professional panhandler. He was talking about his spots with his lady and how well he was doing. Seriously, dude earns more per day than minimum wage (significantly more) and doesn't pay tax on it. This is why I never give money to them.

[Davids]

There is nothing wrong with a short sleeve button down shirt. I have a couple of those as part of my work clothes.

[boy_bye]

Sorry English is not my native language, maybe I am not explaining with the right words.

Polo:


Capital-punishment-deserving crime against humanity:


@MoonShadow are you telling me that in the U.S. we actually install heaters inside of A/C vents?
How fucked up is that?

Polo shirts are an abomination unto the lord. They don't look good on anyone. I especially hate it when companies make women wear them. Just so basic and awful.

A nice short-sleeve dress shirt, possibly in seersucker or a linen, is much much more attractive to my eyes.

I agree with not wearing a tie with it, though. It's too hot for ties in the summer anyway.

[boy_bye]

I guess it's a matter of opinion. Polo shirts scream "basic fratboy" to me, regardless of the fit, color, cut, whatever.

[Fuzzy Buttons]

I guess it's a matter of opinion. Polo shirts scream "basic fratboy" to me, regardless of the fit, color, cut, whatever.

I'm reading this while wearing a polo.  :(

Eh - I'm OK.  :)


And to add an "Overheard at Work" conversation:  I was talking about how uncomfortable I was with spending the money for the car I just bought.  I paid $4500 for a 2005 Mazda, and I really like the car - but that was a lot of cash out of the stash.  One of my coworkers:

CW: You're worried about $4500?  That Chevy Tahoe we just bought costs $62k!
Me: Sweet merciful crap!
CW: Oh, we didn't pay that, though.  We paid just $57k.  But with three kids now, we really needed the space.

Coworker is a manager, but given the company salary ranges that's probably 2/3 of a year's salary.  She commutes 25 miles one way in that vehicle by herself every day.  Her husband commutes 60 miles the other direction.

[cripzychiken]

I guess it's a matter of opinion. Polo shirts scream "basic fratboy" to me, regardless of the fit, color, cut, whatever.

Collar down, normal guy;  collar popped - Fratboy.

Collar popped with khaki shorts and boat shoes - someone who deserves to be set on fire.  Not FIRE, but fire, like with flames and such.

I usually associate polo shirts with 'business casual' or golfing. 

A short sleeve button-down is associated in my mind with someone who will ramble on about something only they find interesting in way too much detail.

[Phenix]

I guess it's a matter of opinion. Polo shirts scream "basic fratboy" to me, regardless of the fit, color, cut, whatever.

To me, Polo shirts scream mustachian because they're inexpensive, can be worn in just about any non-formal setting, and can be worn with just about any bottom.

[RyanAtTanagra]

I guess it's a matter of opinion. Polo shirts scream "basic fratboy" to me, regardless of the fit, color, cut, whatever.

You're not the only one.  Not so much 'basic fratboy' for me but 'generic person'.

[Cheddar Stacker]

I guess it's a matter of opinion. Polo shirts scream "basic fratboy" to me, regardless of the fit, color, cut, whatever.

You're not the only one.  Not so much 'basic fratboy' for me but 'generic person'.

Very interesting to see all the polo shirt hate. I wear them every single day. Cheap, casual, comfortable, breathable.

Also, since when are we defined by our clothing/style/look? Am I on the correct forum?

[bsmith]

Polo shirts are an abomination unto the lord. They don't look good on anyone. I especially hate it when companies make women wear them. Just so basic and awful.

Both women and men at my work wear polos, and they're smart, successful, kind, and interesting people who appreciate having an easy "uniform" to throw on in the morning so they can save their brainpower for generating more awesomeness.

What's with the critique of what people wear and how they look? If it's functional and clean, why give a shit? Consumer suckas care about crap like that.

[RyanAtTanagra]

Also, since when are we defined by our clothing/style/look? Am I on the correct forum?

:-) I could care less what people wear, but what you chose to wear does reflect something about you, whether you want it to or not, even if what it says is 'i don't give a fuck'.  So you're a generic person, own it ;-P

[Zikoris]

Just throwing this out there - I LOVE it when guys wear a short-sleeved dress shirt unbuttoned with a fitted white t shirt or tank underneath. I have a serious weakness for that look. Obviously without a tie though.

[I'm a red panda]

I guess it's a matter of opinion. Polo shirts scream "basic fratboy" to me, regardless of the fit, color, cut, whatever.

You're not the only one.  Not so much 'basic fratboy' for me but 'generic person'.

My husband wears a polo shirt and jeans to work everyday. He works in a lab, so he needs something cheap, because invariably acid will burn tiny holes through his shirts (the lab coats they give them SUCK), but he is a high level professional in the lab, so he needs to look put together (lower level people usually just wear t-shirts, often with logos and slogans).  JC Penny has great sales on polo-style shirts.

I'm fine with it being "generic" dress, because he isn't trying to make a statement with it.

I have to admit, I'm more likely to judge someone who uses the word "basic" than someone wearing a polo (even if they have boat shoes. I've never actually SEEN a popped collar in real life.)   Maybe I'm just getting old, but the whole "basic" thing just makes no sense to me at all.

[mtn]

Also, since when are we defined by our clothing/style/look? Am I on the correct forum?

:-) I could care less what people wear, but what you chose to wear does reflect something about you, whether you want it to or not, even if what it says is 'i don't give a fuck'.  So you're a generic person, own it ;-P

In a single day, I can be seen in either dress slacks and a button up OR suit and tie, AND shorts or jeans with a generic T-shirt (probably with a band name on it).  The next day, I can probably be seen in seersucker or khaki shorts and polo, THEN swim trunks, followed by jeans and a hoody.

What does that say about me?

You dress for the occasion. Golf course, that means golf shirt. Work, that means dress clothes, and sometimes Polo's get into that mix. Home, something comfortable and cheap.

[boy_bye]

I guess it's a matter of opinion. Polo shirts scream "basic fratboy" to me, regardless of the fit, color, cut, whatever.

You're not the only one.  Not so much 'basic fratboy' for me but 'generic person'.

Very interesting to see all the polo shirt hate. I wear them every single day. Cheap, casual, comfortable, breathable.

Also, since when are we defined by our clothing/style/look? Am I on the correct forum?

I'm confused about why looking generic is bad. Not everyone is interested in expressing their unique special snowflakeness via clothing, and a polo shirt is handy because it's appropriate in most situations, fairly comfortable, easy to acquire inexpensively and easy to launder at home.

folks can wear what they want. i can like it or not.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[mtn]

Oh, and boat shoes are wonderful! Comfy (well, I put birkenstock inserts in all my shoes anyways), last a long time, look good with shorts, jeans, khaki's, even some wool slacks... Oh, and they're great on my boat too.

[mtn]

Oh, and boat shoes are wonderful! Comfy (well, I put birkenstock inserts in all my shoes anyways), last a long time, look good with shorts, jeans, khaki's, even some wool slacks... Oh, and they're great on my boat too.

And you don't need socks with them, so that's a frugality bonus!

And when they start to stink, just put htem in a zip lock bag and in the freezer overnight.

[bsmith]

Quote from: serpentstooth on Today at 08:58:16 AM

    Quote from: Cheddar Stacker on Today at 08:54:24 AM

        Quote from: RyanAtTanagra on Today at 08:42:03 AM

            Quote from: miss madge on Today at 08:21:17 AM

                I guess it's a matter of opinion. Polo shirts scream "basic fratboy" to me, regardless of the fit, color, cut, whatever.


            You're not the only one.  Not so much 'basic fratboy' for me but 'generic person'.


        Very interesting to see all the polo shirt hate. I wear them every single day. Cheap, casual, comfortable, breathable.

        Also, since when are we defined by our clothing/style/look? Am I on the correct forum?


    I'm confused about why looking generic is bad. Not everyone is interested in expressing their unique special snowflakeness via clothing, and a polo shirt is handy because it's appropriate in most situations, fairly comfortable, easy to acquire inexpensively and easy to launder at home.


folks can wear what they want. i can like it or not.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Of course you can, but you're perpetuating consumerism. On this forum, that gets you a Facepunch.

[I'm a red panda]

Popped collars are a prep school subculture thing; everyone popped them where I went to high school. Apparently, we are now lighting teenagers on fire for making dubious fashion choices, which seems rather cruel.

Must just be regional, or you went to high school a long time ago. I've hung out with plenty of polo-shirt, white shorts, boat shoes kind of guys (who, yes, were all in frats)- never seen the popped collar. But that was in Texas, not New England.

I've never been a fashion-plate. I'm sure people judge me for my laziness, but whatever. As long as I don't look like I smell bad (and don't smell bad) that's good enough for me.  I have nice outfits for client meetings.

Teenagers have always made bad fashion choices, and adults (and other teens) have always judged them for it. I used to joke that the way you could tell I wasn't a student when I worked at a university (I look very young for my age) was my shoes. I usually wore something like Merrells- comfortable, easy to walk in. The girls going to class- man they all wore some crazy 'fashionable' shoes.

[boy_bye]

Quote from: serpentstooth on Today at 08:58:16 AM

    Quote from: Cheddar Stacker on Today at 08:54:24 AM

        Quote from: RyanAtTanagra on Today at 08:42:03 AM

            Quote from: miss madge on Today at 08:21:17 AM

                I guess it's a matter of opinion. Polo shirts scream "basic fratboy" to me, regardless of the fit, color, cut, whatever.


            You're not the only one.  Not so much 'basic fratboy' for me but 'generic person'.


        Very interesting to see all the polo shirt hate. I wear them every single day. Cheap, casual, comfortable, breathable.

        Also, since when are we defined by our clothing/style/look? Am I on the correct forum?


    I'm confused about why looking generic is bad. Not everyone is interested in expressing their unique special snowflakeness via clothing, and a polo shirt is handy because it's appropriate in most situations, fairly comfortable, easy to acquire inexpensively and easy to launder at home.


folks can wear what they want. i can like it or not.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Of course you can, but you're perpetuating consumerism. On this forum, that gets you a Facepunch.

how is not liking polo shirts perpetuating consumerism? that doesn't make any sense at all.

it's not like polo shirts are $10 and every other kind of shirt in the world is $1000. there are some very expensive polo shirts out there, and to my eyes they are every bit as ugly as the cheap ones.

[Cheddar Stacker]

Also, since when are we defined by our clothing/style/look? Am I on the correct forum?

:-) I could care less what people wear, but what you chose to wear does reflect something about you, whether you want it to or not, even if what it says is 'i don't give a fuck'.  So you're a generic person, own it ;-P

Interesting. I see it in another way. What a person thinks about my appearance tells me a lot about that persons' character/values. I'm not saying I don't judge people sometimes based on how they look, but if you don't dig deeper you never really know.

I'm not defined by my clothing, just like I'm not defined by my job, education, car, or anything else. Those things are all a small part of me, but any of them can be changed. I change my clothes often, as mtn points out, to fit the occasion.

I went to a business meeting recently with a CW and a very important person who we knew would likely be dressed very well. It was a Friday, which for me (and usually my CW) means jeans, polo, tennis shoes.  I wore the usual, CW wore a fancy suit.

I'm not interested in impressing anyone with my clothes. If you choose not to work with me based on the jeans/polo, your loss.

@miss madge, I agree, you can like it or not, your choice. I just hope it doesn't preclude you from actually working with/knowing that person. You don't need to be attracted to someone or like what they're wearing to have a positive interaction with them.

[Cheddar Stacker]

Also, since when are we defined by our clothing/style/look? Am I on the correct forum?

:-) I could care less what people wear, but what you chose to wear does reflect something about you, whether you want it to or not, even if what it says is 'i don't give a fuck'.  So you're a generic person, own it ;-P

Also, I'm Joanna, not Brian.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJtrLKGZZFg

If that makes me generic, fine, I'll own it. I hate this goddamn job and I don't need it!

[dragoncar]

I guess it's a matter of opinion. Polo shirts scream "basic fratboy" to me, regardless of the fit, color, cut, whatever.

You're not the only one.  Not so much 'basic fratboy' for me but 'generic person'.

My husband wears a polo shirt and jeans to work everyday. He works in a lab, so he needs something cheap, because invariably acid will burn tiny holes through his shirts (the lab coats they give them SUCK), but he is a high level professional in the lab, so he needs to look put together (lower level people usually just wear t-shirts, often with logos and slogans).  JC Penny has great sales on polo-style shirts.

I'm fine with it being "generic" dress, because he isn't trying to make a statement with it.

I have to admit, I'm more likely to judge someone who uses the word "basic" than someone wearing a polo (even if they have boat shoes. I've never actually SEEN a popped collar in real life.)   Maybe I'm just getting old, but the whole "basic" thing just makes no sense to me at all.

Popped collars are a prep school subculture thing; everyone popped them where I went to high school. Apparently, we are now lighting teenagers on fire for making dubious fashion choices, which seems rather cruel.

Popping your collar is a great way to keep the sun off your neck, especially if you forget the sunscreen.  Boat shoes are great when you are on a boat or near other slippery areas (beach, pool).  Shorts are good when it's hot!  I sometimes wear any of the above, I think people have a problem with things like popped collars inside, sunglasses at night, etc

[mtn]

I guess it's a matter of opinion. Polo shirts scream "basic fratboy" to me, regardless of the fit, color, cut, whatever.

You're not the only one.  Not so much 'basic fratboy' for me but 'generic person'.

My husband wears a polo shirt and jeans to work everyday. He works in a lab, so he needs something cheap, because invariably acid will burn tiny holes through his shirts (the lab coats they give them SUCK), but he is a high level professional in the lab, so he needs to look put together (lower level people usually just wear t-shirts, often with logos and slogans).  JC Penny has great sales on polo-style shirts.

I'm fine with it being "generic" dress, because he isn't trying to make a statement with it.

I have to admit, I'm more likely to judge someone who uses the word "basic" than someone wearing a polo (even if they have boat shoes. I've never actually SEEN a popped collar in real life.)   Maybe I'm just getting old, but the whole "basic" thing just makes no sense to me at all.

Popped collars are a prep school subculture thing; everyone popped them where I went to high school. Apparently, we are now lighting teenagers on fire for making dubious fashion choices, which seems rather cruel.

Popping your collar is a great way to keep the sun off your neck, especially if you forget the sunscreen.  Boat shoes are great when you are on a boat or near other slippery areas (beach, pool).  Shorts are good when it's hot!  I sometimes wear any of the above, I think people have a problem with things like popped collars inside, sunglasses at night, etc

I forgot about that... I used to pop my collar all the time, back when I was a caddy. Although usually just the back portion of it, I kept the front down.

[boy_bye]

@miss madge, I agree, you can like it or not, your choice. I just hope it doesn't preclude you from actually working with/knowing that person. You don't need to be attracted to someone or like what they're wearing to have a positive interaction with them.

of course i don't discriminate against people who wear polo shirts. i just don't like polo shirts. it might have something to do with the fact that i work in tech and every trade show you go to is full of dudes in company polo shirts and it's ubiquitous and, to my eyes, ugly and, yes, basic.

but if i couldn't behave in a normal way with people who wear them i would pretty much just have to stay at home since like 90% of dudes seem to wear them like 90% of the time.

as a side note i'm also really not a fan of the stretched-earlobe look, especially when the stretched-earlobe person is my server at a place where i'm trying to eat. but i'm not going to be like "ugh, what is wrong with your ears, that is disgusting and you are a terrible person."

i have opinions, as do we all, but i don't normally express every opinion i have in every moment.

and, clearly, not every opinion is a life and death matter. my anti-polo-shirt stance seems kind of funny to me, actually, seeing as how i am surrounded by them. i also sometimes joke around about organizing a protest against the imperial system, because it is really fucking stupid compared to the metric system. it doesn't mean i hate america.

[RyanAtTanagra]

[Pooplips]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

[nobodyspecial]

@MoonShadow are you telling me that in the U.S. we actually install heaters inside of A/C vents?
How fucked up is that?

I froze my *** off in an office in LA. I was walking to work in shorts and a t-shirt and keeping jeans and a hoodie in the office to change into.
I complained but facilities thought I was just a whining european - then after a year they found the heater had burned out.

The heater was so they could "control the humdity" - because the big problem in LA is humidity in the air!
I think the AC plant cooled the air to maximum possible and then they heated it to match the thermostat because electrcity is basically free, or at least it was in California in the 90s

[Chris22]

I have lots of polos (mostly from LL Bean, good quality, $29, last forever) and wear them on days like today when I'm holed up in my office all day on phone calls, but many other days I'm in and out of meetings with senior people and on those days I dress up more as does anyone with half a brain and some aspirations.