Miscellaneous Discussion Thread
Quote:Many shelters built during the 1960s were not designed well. They might block radiation, but were not built to hold people long enough for the threat to dissipate, because they lacked air-handling and waste-disposal systems. Earth is an excellent thermal insulator, and over several weeks of habitation, a shelter temperature would rise merely by the occupants' body heat. Without good ventilation, the occupants could suffer heat exhaustion or suffocation.
It was recommended that inhabitants plan to remain sheltered full time for at least two weeks following a nuclear blast, then work outside for gradually increasing amounts of time, to four hours a day at three weeks. Typical work supposedly was to sweep or wash fallout into shallow trenches to decontaminate the area. It was recommended that occupants sleep in a shelter for several months.
http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h3706.html
Quote: RSYou're definitely the person who would know what to do in a nuclear war. Can I take action on the underground bunker you've been building and kept stocked the past 20+ years?
Who goes there?
Could use an interior designer though.
So, could seagulls "know" or sense that the end of a ballgame is THE VERY BESTEST time & place EVER to be for an epic feast? That baseball stadium (AT&T park) has been there for something like 17 years now, so maybe could that possibly have been enough generations of seagulls that they evolved a subspecies dedicated to living on nachos, hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, ice cream, cotton candy, beer, beer, and beer, after the last out at Giants games? If so, they must be fat seagull royalty living in what amounts to a seagull heaven.
YupQuote: DrawingDeadSpeaking of survival in style in the midst of apocalypse, I just finished watching the Washington feed of a baseball game at San Francisco, and in the later innings of a game that was not close after the 5th inning, the main topic of the DC play-by-play announcers was the really impressive gathering storm of seagulls. Their Washington Nationals sports network camera crew followed the announcers' interest, and by about the 7th inning it was kind of remarkable, at least for someone who doesn't live by the sea. Then by the 8th it was well beyond that, and they were thick enough and some were boldly coming in low enough that they were regularly swooping in front of the cameras as they were just following the game without trying to look at them. And then, by the time they got to two out in the bottom of the 9th the seagull army at or just barely above the ballpark was so awesomely thick I think it would've made Alfred Hitchcock's hair stand on end.
So, could seagulls "know" or sense that the end of a ballgame is THE VERY BESTEST time & place EVER to be for an epic feast? That baseball stadium (AT&T park) has been there for something like 17 years now, so maybe could that possibly have been enough generations of seagulls that they evolved a subspecies dedicated to living on nachos, hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, ice cream, cotton candy, beer, beer, and beer, after the last out at Giants games? If so, they must be fat seagull royalty living in what amounts to a seagull heaven.
Later 'insider' books tried to blame LBJ's actions on fraudulent statistics from field commanders relating to fictitious battles and blamed the war on the greed of officers who were hungry for glory and promotions. Heck, McNamara and LBJ knew where they were going and what was going on, there were no mistakes, only lies.Quote: lilredrooster1996 when a new book by Robert McNamara ... one of the main architects ... stated that the Vietnam war was a mistake.
Yeah, but what does it get me. I still specialize in only Point-Seven Out and can't remember what to do with pairs in blackjack.Quote: beachbumbabsI realize you read an enormous amount of stuff on a large range of topics ...
Quote: TigerWuSo what's the crime like on the strip nowadays? Someone just told me a bunch of horror stories about how crime in Vegas is out of control now, but it didn't feel that way when I was there recently. I was never out late at night, though, but I thought Vegas is all super-touristy and kid-friendly nowadays.
I walked alone from Lucky Dragon to SLS at 1am ish and took the monorail to Harrahs and wasn't mugged or shot so I guess that is something.
Ah, if only I could fit in an old Porsche 911 or a Lotus Elan or Europa, or the car pictured below.
He says he makes a lot of stupid arrests-drunks,pan handling, prostitution, drunken fights, etc, but very few violent crimes.
Go a few blocks east or west of the Strip and crime is rampant but mostly doesn't involve tourists.
Quote: MrVAs a big, tall man I cannot shoehorn myself into many desirable cars.
Ah, if only I could fit in an old Porsche 911 or a Lotus Elan or Europa, or the car pictured below.
THANK YOU!
"Guess the car under the tarp" is my everyday game while on the job in the ritzy suburbs. Someone got something that I, astoundingly, couldn't identify and it's been driving me nuts. I forgot about classic Lotus, and now I have something to look forward to.
As an aside, you must be real serious about that tinkering if you fancy a Lotus. They certainly have that je ne sais quoi, but... dude. It's a Lotus.
L.ots
O.f
T.rouble
U.sually
S.erious
Quote: billryanAren't the Tesla Roadsters built on a Lotus body?
I don't know what you mean by "on a body", but yeah, they take design features or otherwise sharing DNA with Lotus.
This is not at all a knock on Tesla, or even Lotus for that matter. It's just that Lotus circa 80's-90's left a lot to be desired re: quality and reliability. Much like the rotting Fiats of the same era, that's a hard stain to wash off.
If V wants a modern Europa, then there's little left to laugh about except most of his head sticking out of the roof. Those cars scoot.
Had you taken a wrong turn towards the back you may have had a different story to tell. It's very sketchy directly behind the place.Quote: GWAEI walked alone from Lucky Dragon to SLS at 1am ish and took the monorail to Harrahs and wasn't mugged or shot so I guess that is something.
I don't normally sweat that kinda stuff, hell, I'll take rides with strangers in vans if they have enough candy.
Quote: Face
This is not at all a knock on Tesla, or even Lotus for that matter. It's just that Lotus circa 80's-90's left a lot to be desired re: quality and reliability. Much like the rotting Fiats of the same era, that's a hard stain to wash off.
Doesn't that also apply to all American cars made in that era?
Quote: FaceIf V wants a modern Europa, then there's little left to laugh about except most of his head sticking out of the roof. Those cars scoot.
The current Evora is nice, albeit its build quality leaves something to be desired.
But I like the old British classics, like the mid to late sixties Lotus', and of course that rare bird, TVR.
That's a fifty year old TVR Vixen in the pic above.
I fell in love with TVR's years ago, when I saw a couple at an All-England Meet in Portland; alas I am WAY TOO BIG to fit in these cottage built sports cars.
My dream car. First American car made from fiberglass, first unibody, first Landau roof, and the most innovative doors ever.
Quote: GWAEI walked alone from Lucky Dragon to SLS at 1am ish and took the monorail to Harrahs and wasn't mugged or shot so I guess that is something.
Probably not ever going to be much of a problem there. However, directly behind where you started it is not even advisable to walk during the day let alone at the hour you are talking about. Also going North on Vegas Blvd from the Stratosphere is definitely not recommended at that hour. Especially even a block west of the Blvd.
Über is +EV. I am amazed where I see some tourists walking at times. They have better odds of getting Royally Rolled than hitting a Royal. Many parts of Vegas are just plain dangerous and you can't always tell by appearance. There's places off Bonanza that I am convinced are responsible for at least a 1/3 of the missing persons reports.
Quote: rosypopBuy real (spam deleted by admin),
I actually want to get my passport renewed, but I don't want a fake one. How do I go about doing that? Someone said I gotta go to social security office or something with the word "state" in it. Sounds like quite a hassle and long lines, which I don't feel like doing.
I figure you're the best person to talk to about this since you seem to know quite a bit about passports and whatnot.
Thanks for your time.
I don't think Rosy's going to answer you, RS. So, I'll take a crack at it. My passport expires next month, and I've been looking into renewing.Quote: RSI actually want to get my passport renewed, but I don't want a fake one. How do I go about doing that? Someone said I gotta go to social security office or something with the word "state" in it. Sounds like quite a hassle and long lines, which I don't feel like doing.
I figure you're the best person to talk to about this since you seem to know quite a bit about passports and whatnot.
Thanks for your time.
You can do it all by mail, if you want. The State Department's webpage tells you how. Basically, you can fill out the forms on the webpage, and print them out. Then, gather the forms you just printed, a passport photo, your old passport, and a check, and mail them off.
You should get your new passport in about 8 weeks. I think you can send them extra money to get the process expedited for a 2-3 week turnaround.
I wonder how many such [so obviously dubious] offers Rosy has to paste in before getting one hit? Surely at least 10,000? Sadly, whatever number it is, I have to assume it does not get to the astronomical level.
I got an offer from Total Rewards for two free nights. I call up the Flamingo and say I want to stay three nights. The lady says, "okay, the first two nights will be comped, the third night will be $64. Then there's a $30 resort fee per night, plus taxes, so your total is $194."
Does that sound right for a three night stay where two nights are supposedly comped??
Also, I'm gold tier right now, but should hit platinum in about a month. Do I need to call back after that and see if I can get a cheaper rate?
Nothing has been set in stone and I can change or cancel without any penalty.
Well, yes, you are getting screwed. It is CET, after all! ;)Quote: TigerWuHey, real quick, somebody tell me if I'm getting screwed here, since I've never done anything like this before:
I got an offer from Total Rewards for two free nights. I call up the Flamingo and say I want to stay three nights. The lady says, "okay, the first two nights will be comped, the third night will be $64. Then there's a $30 resort fee per night, plus taxes, so your total is $194."
Does that sound right for a three night stay where two nights are supposedly comped??
Also, I'm gold tier right now, but should hit platinum in about a month. Do I need to call back after that and see if I can get a cheaper rate?
Nothing has been set in stone and I can change or cancel without any penalty.
Unfortunately, CET only waives resort fees for Diamond and above. So, Golds & Platinums have to pay them, even if the room itself is comped. Still, it's not that bad a deal considering it is $65 per night "out the door."
I don't believe room prices/offers are affected by your Tier status, but they are tied to your ADT. For my 4-night Vegas trip last year, I was originally offered 2 nights comped, and a discount for the other two. This was about 6 months out. Then, after two 1000 TC days at another CET property, I checked back and all 4 nights were comped.
So, if you are intending to give CET some more action, then yes, you may get better offers. I would definitely check back after your next visit.
Quote: gamerfreakI gotta get a passport soon. TSA is going to stop accepting PEnnsylvania ID's next year.
I believe PAs new one though will be compliant but won't be ready until possibly 2018
I'll tell you this: if I had good gambling alternatives closer to me, I'd frequent them instead of Las Vegas.
Oh wait a minute, I now have many tribal asinos within comfortable driving distance that offer as good or better gambling.
It is possible I'll no longer visit Las Vegas.
I've seen all the casinos, done the touristy things, eaten some fine meals and seen a few shows: as they say "been there, done it."
Now all I care much about is gambling, and I need not incur the expense of air fare, rental car, parking fee, resort fee and cost to rent a nice room in order to scratch that itch.
Plus I prefer hit and run as opposed to being in a gambling environment for three to six days at a time.
Never mind, problem solved.
While I may have put Las Vegas in my rear view mirror, I am still intrigued by it, and its indelible impact upon the American psyche.
Quote: billryanMost places let you use both the same day. Some you can only use one or each per year, others don't seem to care.
So you would say it is worth buying both books?
Quote: MrVWhat plausible explanation (other than naked greed) is there for the strip casinos charging resort fees and parking fees?
I'll tell you this: if I had good gambling alternatives closer to me, I'd frequent them instead of Las Vegas.
Oh wait a minute, I have many casinos within comfortable driving distance that offer as good or better gambling.
Never mind.
Casinos, like every other business exist to make money. Resort fees exist because they allow the casino to advertise a lower room rate. Parking fees exist in Vegas because MGM built that fancy new arena and needed a new revenue stream to pay for it.
Casinos no longer care to cater to low rollers. They have more than enough people willing to pay $50 for a lounge chair and $16 a drink poolside in the afternoon and $300 a bottle for a table at night.
I highly advise against that, especially if it means signing up for a new card just to make a few bucks. Your absolute min value should be at least $100. It's rare I wouldn't even sign up for that unless it was some bar or something.Quote: GWAEI am putting together a low roller comp run like mission did. Should I buy the American casino guide and the las vegas advisor? There are a few duplicates of $10 free play in there and I assume you can not use both of the coupons, or can you?
Quote: odiousgambitThanks for preserving that, RS, in case I need it!!
I wonder how many such [so obviously dubious] offers Rosy has to paste in before getting one hit? Surely at least 10,000? Sadly, whatever number it is, I have to assume it does not get to the astronomical level.
I bet GWAE is all over it. :)
Quote: GWAESo you would say it is worth buying both books?
When I was a visitor, I'd buy two of each. This year, I have one of each but will pick up another before the summers out.
Quote: JoemanI don't believe room prices/offers are affected by your Tier status, but they are tied to your ADT. For my 4-night Vegas trip last year, I was originally offered 2 nights comped, and a discount for the other two. This was about 6 months out. Then, after two 1000 TC days at another CET property, I checked back and all 4 nights were comped.
Im not sure if this is the case or not. I have Diamond but I don't believe my ADT is very high, and like I mentioned in my going to Vegas thread, I was able to get 5 nights comp'd at Flamingo and pay $80 for two more nights for a total of 7 in a premium room for around $160. When I put in 4 nights they offered comp'd suite but I wanted to stay longer. I feel as though that's a decent deal for the amount I play, but maybe I'm just a sucker.
My ADT can't be that high because I only get like $200/month free play in scattered $5/$10 amounts.
Don't forget the LA Review Journal has ads in it and don't forget those web sites that simply offer to print out coupons for you. You may think the coupon is worthless to you or geographically undesirable, but if it free to print it out, big deal.
Quote: AxelWolfI highly advise against that, especially if it means signing up for a new card just to make a few bucks. Your absolute min value should be at least $100. It's rare I wouldn't even sign up for that unless it was some bar or something.
I definitely will not be signing up for new cards to get 10 bucks, but I already have cards at all the downtown casinos and that is a bunch of them.
I have never stayed downtown so we are staying at golden nugget which means a lot of those coupons will be worth the book price.
Our plans right now are to try to make this 4 day trip on under $400. We are taking almost zero for gambling so it will be a different type of trip.
That's the stuff ZK should be doing if he wants to save money and eat well.
That makes sense, I haven't looked at them coupon books for a long time.Quote: GWAEI definitely will not be signing up for new cards to get 10 bucks, but I already have cards at all the downtown casinos and that is a bunch of them.
I have never stayed downtown so we are staying at golden nugget which means a lot of those coupons will be worth the book price.
Our plans right now are to try to make this 4 day trip on under $400. We are taking almost zero for gambling so it will be a different type of trip.
Anthony put in a 100 coin 4 of a kind bonus one year. OOPS!!! I think he got mad.
I can't remember what one, but someone (ACG I think) put in a bunch of $50 match plays. OOPS!!
There were ways you could get lots of books so that was some easy money.
Meanwhile, Charles Lund, who was doing the same Fing thing was ratting us out. He did the same thing at Sahara. They had match plays on the back of the show tickets, people would just toss them out when they left the show. He and his wife went right to security and pointed us out because we got most all the match play coupons by simply haveing someone dress up and stand by the exit and hold out their hand as if they were collecting the old tickets.
