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Post by Merge on Oct 14, 2024 8:39:48 GMT
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Post by Merge on Oct 14, 2024 1:15:15 GMT
(Disclaimer: I have an SE that has cell service, so not all of this applies to every watch.)
Mostly activity tracking. I like closing those rings! I have my Reminders app as a complication on the home screen so I can quickly see what still needs to be done. I use the Strong app to track workouts at the gym. I also have an app on there that shows me a new Spanish word to learn on the home screen every day. I do sometimes use it to stream Spotify or Audible without having to carry my phone around, but that feature is less reliable than I'd hoped. I like being able to look at notifications without finding my phone first. Oh I can also take calls through it when I don't have my phone nearby.
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Post by Merge on Oct 13, 2024 21:22:36 GMT
The flavor is similar - flat (Italian) parsley or curly. But I haven't seen bunches of curly parsley in the store in ages. Just flat parsley and cilantro.
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Post by Merge on Oct 13, 2024 21:21:22 GMT
So the idiot had a rally in Chowchilla, CA yesterday. It’s in the Central Valley kind of in the middle of nowhere. One had to be bussed from the parking lot to where the rally was. At the end of the rally there were no buses to bus the folks back to their cars which was a 2 hour walk from the rally site. Apparently one bus did show up but a lot of folks had to walk back to their cars. It occurred to me while listening to this that one of the reasons the idiot held the rally so far away from parking to the point folks had to take buses to and from the parking lot was to stop people from leaving in the middle of his rallies. And yes I have no doubt he would do that because that’s the kind of person he is. No, they're blaming it on Democrats in California who somehow had control over all that.  I heard that the busses were sheriff's busses for prisoners so our tax dollars went for this 😡 to leave them there stranded was really mean and I hope they remember that when it’s time to vote but I’m sure they won’t. |
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Post by Merge on Oct 13, 2024 17:54:12 GMT
I take it in addition to Zoloft (sertraline). It works very well for me. We had to play a bit to find the right dose.
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Post by Merge on Oct 13, 2024 16:10:48 GMT
A tax deduction is of little use to most Americans. But Trump wouldn't know that, or care. His stupid supporters will hear that and think he's offering them free generators. You want to know an interesting fact about generators that Trump probably doesn’t know? Someone has to *be there* to keep refilling them with fuel every so often. We recently had a multiple day power outage in our area. We have a gas generator that we fire up in such situations so we can keep our well pump running and our freezers and refrigerator going. We briefly considered going to stay at our lake place as an option until the power came back on until we realized if we did that, the generator keeping our stuff going would eventually run out of fuel and we’d lose everything in our fridge and freezers. The problem with giving someone a generator (even if it’s free) is that they can’t use it if no one is THERE to keep it fueled. How many people will resist evacuating when they really should, if they think they can get by with staying home and running their generator?   And where are they going to get the fuel for it if everyone else evacuates? If gas stations run out of gas because everyone else is evacuating? It’s all so dumb. I’d venture a guess that most people / families just take the standard deduction and don’t itemize anymore, so saying you’ll give someone a tax deduction for a generator purchase wouldn’t do them any good at all. Yes, we're very familiar with the trouble of keeping a generator running. Whether it's difficulty finding gas or staying somewhere else (with AC!) and having to come back twice a day to make sure everything is gassed up and running ... it's a last resort option. After Harvey, several people in my neighborhood got whole-home generators that run off of natural gas, and then this year after Beryl, a third of them didn't work when needed. We need to be investing in hardening our power grid and burying lines where possible, not giving people tax deductions for an option of last resort. |
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Post by Merge on Oct 12, 2024 22:14:23 GMT
I'm ready! No vote by mail here unless you have a Reason, but early voting starts in 9 days and I will be there with bells on.
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Post by Merge on Oct 12, 2024 21:56:59 GMT
Texas - not on my sample ballot. Just Trump, Harris, and the Libertarian and Green party candidates.
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Post by Merge on Oct 12, 2024 13:36:04 GMT
Stores usually do, but sometimes they'll just ask me my birthday so they can put it into their system.
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Post by Merge on Oct 12, 2024 2:21:46 GMT
The Welsh are right... But then we have this... I this but a voter again Or Should they trust him...?? Former President Donald Trump revealed Friday a new plan to help Americans affected by two recent and catastrophic hurricanes — and prepare for future ones. Trump explained the nuances of his plan to help the nation in a 140-word Truth Social post. *** North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee and, always, Louisiana, Texas, and other States," Trump wrote. "Due to the unusual activity of Storms, Hurricanes, and Tornadoes, and other Natural Disasters, especially in well-reported parts of our Country, when I win the Presidential Election of 2024, on November 5th, the Most Important Day in the History of our Country, we are going to allow you, retroactive to September 1st, 2024, to purchase a Generator for your Home."Trump told Americans they would be able to deduct "the TOTAL cost of said Generator for Income Tax Purposes" to help them deal with "what our Country is going through."However, the offer would only be good if he wins the presidency as he has no power to put it in place otherwise. The former president took a shot at the White House, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Vice President Kamala Harris for a "poor response" he argued could not compare to his proposed tax deduction. *** Trump's generator plan comes as he faces criticism from Democrats and Republicans for spreading conspiracies and lies about the federal response to the natural disasters that experts say put lives at risk. www.rawstory.com/trump-tax-cut-2669381662/A tax deduction is of little use to most Americans. But Trump wouldn't know that, or care. His stupid supporters will hear that and think he's offering them free generators. |
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Post by Merge on Oct 11, 2024 18:11:38 GMT
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Post by Merge on Oct 11, 2024 12:08:12 GMT
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Post by Merge on Oct 11, 2024 0:05:44 GMT
Yes, in a perfect world, the EC should go away, and we should move to one person/one vote. But that isn't realistic. I read the other day that while getting rid of the EC is near impossible, another possible solution is to expand the house past its current membership, putting fewer people in each congressional district (better representation) and doing away with smaller states have disproportionately stronger voices in the EC. Ending the EC takes a constitutional amendment, which would never be passed and ratified, but expanding the house (and thus the EC) would only take passage of a law. For best effect, the law would also have to outlaw partisan gerrymandering and require congressional districts within each state to be set by an independent commission. From what I've read so far, I feel like the next Democratic trifecta (House/Senate/Executive), if we should ever have that again, should make this a priority. A positive benefit for all people, including those who currently find themselves party-less, is that both parties would have to come up with ideas that appeal to a majority of people, not just their fringe elements. To further increase fairness (and end taxation without real representation), DC and PR should also become states. This website explains it pretty well: www.amacad.org/ourcommonpurpose/initiative/enlarging-house-representativesIt’s a great idea. Of course, it would be even better if each state awarded its electoral votes by district instead of as a winner take all, but my understanding is that that's up to the individual states and the federal government can't require it. |
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Post by Merge on Oct 10, 2024 22:06:49 GMT
Networking. It’s the only good way to get jobs these days. No application before the interview and thus no age listed until you’re hired.
He needs to be telling everyone he knows that he’s looking, keep a card with a QR code to his CV on him at all times, and attend industry events and mixers where he can meet new people. Also, make sure that his LinkedIn is up to date and shows him at his best. Increase connections there as much as possible and post relevant info/work examples to keep himself in people's feeds.
Good luck!
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Post by Merge on Oct 10, 2024 19:44:45 GMT
Yes, in a perfect world, the EC should go away, and we should move to one person/one vote. But that isn't realistic. I read the other day that while getting rid of the EC is near impossible, another possible solution is to expand the house past its current membership, putting fewer people in each congressional district (better representation) and doing away with smaller states have disproportionately stronger voices in the EC. Ending the EC takes a constitutional amendment, which would never be passed and ratified, but expanding the house (and thus the EC) would only take passage of a law. For best effect, the law would also have to outlaw partisan gerrymandering and require congressional districts within each state to be set by an independent commission. From what I've read so far, I feel like the next Democratic trifecta (House/Senate/Executive), if we should ever have that again, should make this a priority. A positive benefit for all people, including those who currently find themselves party-less, is that both parties would have to come up with ideas that appeal to a majority of people, not just their fringe elements. To further increase fairness (and end taxation without real representation), DC and PR should also become states. This website explains it pretty well: www.amacad.org/ourcommonpurpose/initiative/enlarging-house-representatives |
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Post by Merge on Oct 10, 2024 14:17:13 GMT
That's insane. I wonder if it's the kind of thing your US Rep or Senator's office could help with. Might be worth a call to them. I'm going to do this. I just need to go through my pile of mail and pull out all their statements and bills. But this is insanity. It is and unfortunately, it always has been. I have a long story about why I never got the student loan forgiveness that I was supposed to get, despite spending a decade and a half teaching in Title 1 schools. I won't derail your thread with it here. Just know that I feel your pain and hope you're able to get clarity soon. |
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Post by Merge on Oct 10, 2024 13:53:11 GMT
That's insane. I wonder if it's the kind of thing your US Rep or Senator's office could help with. Might be worth a call to them.
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Post by Merge on Oct 10, 2024 13:08:05 GMT
Not a fan of one-purpose gadgets. Two forks or even a fork and a good knife work just as well. If I'm shredding a lot of chicken, then I use the KA.
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Post by Merge on Oct 10, 2024 11:04:16 GMT
I guess I would wonder why she feels her kids are more entitled to friendship and inclusion than any of the other kids who are excluded from social groups for being different. I guarantee you there are plenty sitting at home on prom night because they don't have anyone to go with. They also miss football games and other high school social events. They're never invited to parties or to hang out.
Most teens' self worth is so fragile that feel they won't survive being seen to be friends with someone who doesn't fit the mold. I don't think that has changed since I was in high school in the late 80s. We see those heartwarming stories of kids with special needs being elected homecoming king or whatever, but short of that kind of group effort, the fact is that kids who are different - neurodivergent, trauma survivors, deep in poverty, too fat, too skinny, wrong clothes, or any of a number of things - often lead lonely and isolated lives.
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Post by Merge on Oct 9, 2024 17:05:52 GMT
That's very sad. There are always a few who "ride out" these storms and often no trace of them is found afterward.
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Post by Merge on Oct 9, 2024 16:49:24 GMT
Yeah, they alphas alright, the alpha test version with bugs and problems. These are the same guys who go on Reddit and talk about buying a wife from overseas because they think she'll be submissive and grateful and willing to put up with his bullshit. |
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Post by Merge on Oct 8, 2024 19:29:50 GMT
Veggies and hummus, apple slices and sharp cheddar cheese, roasted brussels sprouts, small portions of butternut squash bisque ...
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Post by Merge on Oct 8, 2024 16:39:15 GMT
She is indeed very brave. I hope all her rapists are brought to justice.
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Post by Merge on Oct 7, 2024 19:35:45 GMT
That does sound delicious! I took my homemade chicken stock out of the freezer just now and the glass container it was in has shattered. Not sure if we'll be able to use it, but I have all the stuff for soffritto so maybe I could make a batch of that tomorrow when I need it.  |
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Post by Merge on Oct 7, 2024 17:08:24 GMT
I assume you're wanting to see if all the Facebook rumors that FEMA is confiscating supplies and the government is hampering Helene disaster relief efforts are true, or looking for first hand info to refute those claims. I have seen those things "a friend whose cousin lives there is reporting that" etc . I don't have any first hand knowledge, unfortunately. The conspiracy theorists are out in full force. When *Republican* pols in the affected areas are repeatedly saying that help is on the ground, that the effort is well-organized, and that Biden has been forthcoming about giving them whatever they need - and when they're begging people to stop spreading conspiracy theories to the contrary - I have to shake my head at people who think they need further confirmation. |
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Post by Merge on Oct 7, 2024 16:32:38 GMT
A light option I like is caprese skewers - wooden skewers with cherry tomatoes, small fresh mozzarella balls, fresh basil, and a splash of balsamic vinegar on top. I also like doing small glasses with hummus or dip in the bottom and then longish carrot, celery, cucumber, and jicama sticks standing up in the glass to dip in it. Both make a nice presentation and can be made ahead.
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Post by Merge on Oct 7, 2024 15:48:35 GMT
Thank you all for the replies. It’s always good to know we aren’t alone. Sometimes I let myself fall into the “I must be a bad parent…..” thanks to my exH. I feel I can’t talk to him either because of that. Really, thank you. My insurance allows for online counseling and I have actually used it quite successfully. When I mentioned counseling to my son he said he didn’t want to bc he doesn’t like talking. I have to figure out how to get him to see value in it. TBH talk therapy is not for everyone - I pretty much hate it! A visit to a psychiatrist (can also be online) might be a good first step. They can talk through the various types of therapy with your son. Many are more outcome-oriented and situation-specific instead of the big trauma dump we tend to associate with going to therapy. A psychiatrist can also determine whether meds might help your son better cope with some of what he is going through. |
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Post by Merge on Oct 7, 2024 14:37:29 GMT
My 2 cents, since sushi is a food that some adults would question eating, I would let the guests know what I am making so we can plan accordingly. If you are guests in my house, we are close enough we can have honest conversations about food and such without offending each other. They can say, "Hey, my kid is not going to eat that" and I can plan something additional for the child or say, "Please bring something they would enjoy" With this said, DH and DS love sushi, me, not so much. I do not like avocado or nori. The last time DH made it I asked if he could put everything in a bowl except the avocado and nori. It was so good. No extra prep for him and I got to eat with them. A chirashi bowl! I do something similar here for me and DH but mine has raw salmon or tuna and his gets cooked. He also doesn't like the nori but the rest of the flavors are fine for him as long as the seafood is cooked. |
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Post by Merge on Oct 7, 2024 13:20:21 GMT
My kids would both have eaten the sushi but DH would have starved. Haha.
IDK, I think sushi is one of those foods that's risky to serve to a group. It can be pretty polarizing.
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Post by Merge on Oct 7, 2024 13:09:53 GMT
I love the changing seasons - something we do not really see here in Houston. Living here is a tradeoff for sure.
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And where are they going to get the fuel for it if everyone else evacuates? If gas stations run out of gas because everyone else is evacuating? It’s all so dumb.
