Miscellaneous Discussion Thread
Quote: TigerWuI see so many people say, "I need GPS on my smart phone!" How the eff did these people get around before smart phones and GPS??? Did they just never leave the house or something?
I’ve never driven during a time where GPS wasn’t available.
I couldn’t get anywhere outside of work and the grocery store without it.
Could maybe find my way around with a paper road atlas but I’ve never tried.
Online maps are great but I'm definitely still a curmudgeon when it comes to GPS. Just look at a map before you leave and/or write down the directions. GPS just seems like an extra step to me.
Quote: gamerfreakI’ve never driven during a time where GPS wasn’t available.
You must not drive much in big cities. I have problems with GPS is New York City and San Francisco. It is usually when surrounded by skyscrapers.
GPS is for wussies.
Quote: odiousgambitIt's nuts not to have GPS today because there is no monthly charge, it is all free once you get some device to do it with
Well, that's another reason I don't use it... I don't have a device with free GPS.
Quote: DRichYou must not drive much in big cities. I have problems with GPS is New York City and San Francisco. It is usually when surrounded by skyscrapers.
Google maps has worked fine for me in NYC and Philadelphia.
I think if when the GPS signal is weak it can still triangulate you with a cell signal.
Please don't misunderstand me as i am not at all opposed to gps. It is just that many drivers seem to hear "turn left" so they immediately change lanes without checking their blind spot. Or they try to immediately make a turn without realizing the GPS device is giving them a bit of a warning.Quote: FleaStiffI think the most dangerous drivers are those listening to GPS instructions instead of keeping their eyes open.
Quote: gamerfreakI’ve never driven during a time where GPS wasn’t available.
I couldn’t get anywhere outside of work and the grocery store without it.
Could maybe find my way around with a paper road atlas but I’ve never tried.
Wow. I suppose that's true of most people under 35 or so by now. Tripping. Dude. Lol...
Her daughters are getting a home cooked meal tonight..... at my ex wife’s! I love my life. Even if no one else can understand....
Odds of purchasing stale donuts:
Krispy Kreme: 000.00001%
Hortons Donuts: 000.00002%
Average Nationwide donut shops: 002.3334444%
Dunkin Donuts: 75.999999%
Quote: gamerfreakGoogle maps has worked fine for me in NYC and Philadelphia.
I think if when the GPS signal is weak it can still triangulate you with a cell signal.
My understanding is that GPS requires line of sight to the sattelites and when surrounded by skyscrapers the unit can't receive the GPS radio signal.
My company just switched from vacation time to PTO. How do they expect me to use 240 hours a year? I have probably taken 5 days of sick time in the eight years that I have been with them. I also usually take a one week vacation for an average of about 48 hours of off time per year.
Is there a required minimum they have to give? I just don't understand why it is so high. On my employment anniversary date they will take away 200 hours of PTO leaving 40 hours to be carried to the next year. I hate the idea of wasting the days and not using them, but I can't just sit home and do nothing as I would rather be at the office.
Obviously if my wife could get that much time off we would travel more, but that isn't an option with her position.
Quote: DRichAt your job do you get vacation time or PTO (paid time off)?
My company just switched from vacation time to PTO. How do they expect me to use 240 hours a year? I have probably taken 5 days of sick time in the eight years that I have been with them. I also usually take a one week vacation for an average of about 48 hours of off time per year.
Is there a required minimum they have to give? I just don't understand why it is so high. On my employment anniversary date they will take away 200 hours of PTO leaving 40 hours to be carried to the next year. I hate the idea of wasting the days and not using them, but I can't just sit home and do nothing as I would rather be at the office.
Obviously if my wife could get that much time off we would travel more, but that isn't an option with her position.
I feel both happy and sad for you. Happy that you enjoy going to work. Sad that you have no interests that appeal to you more than work. It sounds like a person in your position with your seniority commands 6 weeks off. Probably an industry standard. Likely driven by market forces. The fact that you can only carry over a week is probably also an industry standard. I was allowed to carry over much more. I tried to use it all up save a week or two for an emergency.
I frankly do not understand anyone not using allotted vacation unless they were being specifically compensated extra for doing so.
Quote: SOOPOOI feel both happy and sad for you. Happy that you enjoy going to work. Sad that you have no interests that appeal to you more than work. It sounds like a person in your position with your seniority commands 6 weeks off. Probably an industry standard. Likely driven by market forces. The fact that you can only carry over a week is probably also an industry standard. I was allowed to carry over much more. I tried to use it all up save a week or two for an emergency.
I frankly do not understand anyone not using allotted vacation unless they were being specifically compensated extra for doing so.
I actually no longer enjoy going to work. I would just rather go to work than sit at home. I rarely watch any movies or television because I generally don't like them. That would leave me sitting home and surfing the internet and I already do too much of that. Obviously most of my friends would be at work at that time so I really wouldn't have anyone to hang out with. I would probably end up at a bar or casino drinking and gambling.
Quote: DRichI actually no longer enjoy going to work. I would just rather go to work than sit at home. I rarely watch any movies or television because I generally don't like them. That would leave me sitting home and surfing the internet and I already do too much of that. Obviously most of my friends would be at work at that time so I really wouldn't have anyone to hang out with. I would probably end up at a bar or casino drinking and gambling.
Typically, working Joes start at 12 sick days a year, 12 paid holidays and 10 vacation days. That's 34 working days or 272 hours. Is the PTO in addition to the paid holidays?
The 40 hour max carry over is to encourage folks to use their vacation. Studies have consistently shown that time off makes for healthier and happier workers. However, there are some companies that buy back unused time off at the end of the year which defeats the best reason for offering vacation time.
Edit: Consider exploring new hobbies, join a sports league, or do volunteer work like soup kitchen or Habitat for Humanity to burn up some of your off time in healthy activities. If worse comes to worse, inquire about donating your excess time to co-workers who may need it to cover medical disasters.
Quote: AyecarumbaTypically, working Joes start at 12 sick days a year, 12 paid holidays and 10 vacation days. That's 34 working days or 272 hours. Is the PTO in addition to the paid holidays?
The 40 hour max carry over is to encourage folks to use their vacation. Studies have consistently shown that time off makes for healthier and happier workers. However, there are some companies that buy back unused time off at the end of the year which defeats the best reason for offering vacation time.
Sadly, our company will not buy back any days or hours. As far as I know holidays are not included in our PTO. Use them or lose them.
Quote: DRichSadly, our company will not buy back any days or hours. As far as I know holidays are not included in our PTO. Use them or lose them.
Then use them. Is there anyone who, at the end of their life, will look back and say, "I regret not spending more days at work"? Encourage Mrs. Rich to prioritize some time off with you too. It's good for her, and for you, to re-charge your batteries every year.
Quote: DRichAt your job do you get vacation time or PTO (paid time off)?
My company just switched from vacation time to PTO. How do they expect me to use 240 hours a year? I have probably taken 5 days of sick time in the eight years that I have been with them. I also usually take a one week vacation for an average of about 48 hours of off time per year.
Is there a required minimum they have to give? I just don't understand why it is so high. On my employment anniversary date they will take away 200 hours of PTO leaving 40 hours to be carried to the next year. I hate the idea of wasting the days and not using them, but I can't just sit home and do nothing as I would rather be at the office.
Obviously if my wife could get that much time off we would travel more, but that isn't an option with her position.
Quote: AyecarumbaTypically, working Joes start at 12 sick days a year, 12 paid holidays and 10 vacation days. That's 34 working days or 272 hours. Is the PTO in addition to the paid holidays?
The 40 hour max carry over is to encourage folks to use their vacation. Studies have consistently shown that time off makes for healthier and happier workers. However, there are some companies that buy back unused time off at the end of the year which defeats the best reason for offering vacation time.
I bet these numbers are on the higher as far as averages go.
Most companies now combine sick/vacation days into a flat amount of PTO, which is considered part of your overall compensation. They are in addition to paid holidays, which typically vary from 7-14 holidays.
I think an average for someone working a tech/office job making $50k-$120k would be around 15-20 days PTO. I’ve seen as low as 10.
Those who have been with a company for 8+ years and make $150k+ often get 25-30+ days PTO.
This is just my experience working in STEM related fields, and also knowing what many of my friends and family make.
Quote: AyecarumbaThen use them. Is there anyone who, at the end of their life, will look back and say, "I regret not spending more days at work"? Encourage Mrs. Rich to prioritize some time off with you too. It's good for her, and for you, to re-charge your batteries every year.
We do take a 10 day trip overseas every year we just worked it around two weekends so she only uses 5 or 6 days of her vacation. This years is already booked for May.
Quote: GWAEDrich... seriously start using them. As am employer I really want my people to use their time. I give 15 days pto each year and 20 at year 5. Most people look forward to it and it makes people like work just a little more. If you dont want to use it for weeks then take long weekends. I have a girl in my office that scheduled a PTO day for every other Friday from april through September. She feels that her best use of it.
My point is what would I do if I took them off? I only work four days a week to begin with. I get a three day weekend every week. I would rather be at work than sit home bored. If my wife had more time off than we would definitely travel. I have done more than enough travel by myself in my life and that doesn't sound appealing to me any more.
Quote: DRichMy point is what would I do if I took them off? I only work four days a week to begin with. I get a three day weekend every week. I would rather be at work than sit home bored. If my wife had more time off than we would definitely travel. I have done more than enough travel by myself in my life and that doesn't sound appealing to me any more.
I believe you make good money? You shouldn't be sitting around bored. There is so much to do in life. Find a hobby that you enjoy and do it.
Quote: GWAEI believe you make good money? You shouldn't be sitting around bored. There is so much to do in life. Find a hobby that you enjoy and do it.
My hobby is watching sports. I commit at least 3 to 5 hours per day to that. Unfortunately during the day is just repeats of sports that I have already seen. I was actually watching collegiate roller hockey the other day and I enjoyed it. I usually am home from work by 6pm and I watch sports until I go to bed. I have three college wrestling matches recorded to watch tonight.
Quote: DRichMy hobby is watching sports. I commit at least 3 to 5 hours per day to that. Unfortunately during the day is just repeats of sports that I have already seen. I was actually watching collegiate roller hockey the other day and I enjoyed it. I usually am home from work by 6pm and I watch sports until I go to bed. I have three college wrestling matches recorded to watch tonight.
hehe.... would it encourage you to take more time off if I said, "It sounds like EvenBob has more hobbies than you."?
Quote: Ayecarumbahehe.... would it encourage you to take more time off if I said, "It sounds like EvenBob has more hobbies than you."?
You went there.. I almost did but didnt.
Quote: Ayecarumbahehe.... would it encourage you to take more time off if I said, "It sounds like EvenBob has more hobbies than you."?
I think if I took more time off I would become a less active version of EvenBob. I am one of the laziest people on earth. I do absolutely nothing around the house. I have people clean my house, people clean my pool, people pick up the dog poop outside, etc. I am not handy at all. I still need someone to come over and fix the hole in the dry wall the puppy ate. I am even too lazy to call someone to come fix it.
I have a pool table in my house that I had new felt put on about four months ago. I have not hit a single ball on it since the felt was replaced. I hope at some point this year I spend some more time playing pool but I hate playing at home by myself. Hopefully I will join a pool league in 2020 where I can play with others.
Quote: TigerWuI currently get 10 paid days off per year. Technically I also get unlimited unpaid days off per year, but obviously I don't take advantage of that too much since I like getting money. It just comes in handy when taking an extra long vacation, or if I don't want to waste a vacation day on a sick day.
How many paid days can you accrue each year? Is there a max accrual before you "lose" days?
Quote: TigerWuWell, that's another reason I don't use it... I don't have a device with free GPS.
You mean no smart phone, or no free data?
With Google Maps, you can download maps in advance via wifi, then navigate in 'wifi only' mode without burning data.
Same with an app called HereWeGo.
Of course, not using data rules out real time traffic info.
I am trying to record a future (planned) event on Google Calendar. It is an airline flight. I seem to be having difficulty getting Google Calendar to recognize that as of that future date, Daylight Savings Time will be in effect at the departure point of the flight. Google Calendar seems to behave (when creating an event) as if Eastern Time in the USA is GMT-5 every day of the year.
My difficulties are compounded by the fact that the destination of the flight is a location in the southern hemisphere, where Summer time is currently in effect and where it will still be in effect on the future date, after the USA has changed from Standard to Summer/Daylight Savings time. I know how the airline schedule reports the departure and arrival times, but they are just listed as "local" times, without specifying how many hours different from GMT (or UTC). After entering the event, I'm not sure whether the times shown for the start and end of the flight will be correct after my clock changes to Daylight Savings Time.
I have gotten to the point that I don't know whether my brain isn't working or Google Calendar isn't working or something else is screwed up. Suggestions?
Quote: DocI've got a "modern technology" question that I should probably ask a 12 year old. I am asking it in this Miscellaneous thread rather than starting a new one, perhaps because I don't want to have a whole additional thread that documents how I can't figure this out for myself.
I am trying to record a future (planned) event on Google Calendar. It is an airline flight. I seem to be having difficulty getting Google Calendar to recognize that as of that future date, Daylight Savings Time will be in effect at the departure point of the flight. Google Calendar seems to behave (when creating an event) as if Eastern Time in the USA is GMT-5 every day of the year.
My difficulties are compounded by the fact that the destination of the flight is a location in the southern hemisphere, where Summer time is currently in effect and where it will still be in effect on the future date, after the USA has changed from Standard to Summer/Daylight Savings time. I know how the airline schedule reports the departure and arrival times, but they are just listed as "local" times, without specifying how many hours different from GMT (or UTC). After entering the event, I'm not sure whether the times shown for the start and end of the flight will be correct after my clock changes to Daylight Savings Time.
I have gotten to the point that I don't know whether my brain isn't working or Google Calendar isn't working or something else is screwed up. Suggestions?
It appears that DST wasn’t corrected for a year ago, but when I Googled the question, the response was that Google Calendar uses UTC which makes the appropriate adjustment so each viewer will see the correct time for their location. The thing that might throw it off is if an area changes time zones.
How would this be an issue for you? When you buy a ticket, isn’t a 4 pm arrival time still going to be 4 pm dst or 4 pm standard? The key question is whether the ticket issuer’s /carrier’s computer incorporated the change.
Quote: CalderYou mean no smart phone, or no free data?
With Google Maps, you can download maps in advance via wifi, then navigate in 'wifi only' mode without burning data.
Same with an app called HereWeGo.
Of course, not using data rules out real time traffic info.
I'd also like to mention Waze. The fact that users around you can make updates regarding potential time sucks and hazards is nice. You can let people know if there is roadkill, potholes or speed traps!
Quote: AyecarumbaHow many paid days can you accrue each year? Is there a max accrual before you "lose" days?
I get 10 days right off the bat at the beginning of the year. At the end of the year, if I haven't used them, I lose them completely.
Quote: CalderYou mean no smart phone, or no free data?
I have an old smart phone that I can only get online with if there's wifi available.
The issue might just be my own confusion. Perhaps if I described the problem more precisely, any folks who wanted to try it for themselves could understand my confusion or explain why things are correct.Quote: AyecarumbaHow would this be an issue for you?
The event that I wanted to show on Google Calendar is the ten-hour, twenty-minute Air Canada flight 092 departing Toronto (YYZ) at 10:15pm on March 14, 2020 and arriving in Santiago, Chile (SCL) at 9:35am on March 15. Today, Toronto is on Eastern Standard time (UTC-5) and Santiago is on Chilean Summer time (UTC-3). In mid-March, Toronto will be on Eastern Daylight time (UTC-4) and Santiago will still be on Chilean Summer time (UTC-3).
When I tried to enter the flight on Google Calendar, I indicated that I wanted to use different time zones for the start and end of the event. I chose Eastern time (Toronto) for the 10:15pm start of the event, and it showed the time zone as being GMT-5 (using the GMT designation instead of UTC). I chose Chile time (listed as GMT-3) for the 9:35am end of the event in Santiago.
When I then looked at that event on the calendar, it showed it as lasting from 10:15pm to 8:35am. That makes at least partial sense, and it does indicate a 10-hour, 20-minute duration. The calendar displays times using the location/time setting of the device displaying the calendar (I think). Come March, when I have the device set on Eastern Daylight time, I would expect the calendar to display 10:15pm when boarding the plane and also to display 8:35am as the expected arrival time, as displayed on a Toronto clock. If I were to adjust the device to Chilean time while in flight, I think it would show departure at 11:15pm and arrival at 9:35am.
One part of my confusion is that I don't know what to expect when on March 8, 2020 I change the device setting from Standard to Daylight time. (The cellular network may automatically make that change for me -- I don't remember.) With that change in the device setting, will it still display the flight as starting at 10:15pm, or will it change to something different? The second part of my confusion (which I didn't see until after I made my post last night) is that by morning the flight showed up on the calendar as starting at 9:15pm instead of 10:15pm. What was that all about? Did the device or calendar realize some time over night that Daylight Savings time would be coming into effect and it is trying to display that future event in the Standard time that the device is set on now? Where is a 12-year-old when I need one?
In the interim, I have changed the departure time back to 10:15pm, and I'll watch to see whether it changes itself again.
Quote: billryanFirst World Problems.
I hate when my refrigerator is so full I can barely close it...
Quote: DocThe issue might just be my own confusion. Perhaps if I described the problem more precisely, any folks who wanted to try it for themselves could understand my confusion or explain why things are correct.
The event that I wanted to show on Google Calendar is the ten-hour, twenty-minute Air Canada flight 092 departing Toronto (YYZ) at 10:15pm on March 14, 2020 and arriving in Santiago, Chile (SCL) at 9:35am on March 15. Today, Toronto is on Eastern Standard time (UTC-5) and Santiago is on Chilean Summer time (UTC-3). In mid-March, Toronto will be on Eastern Daylight time (UTC-4) and Santiago will still be on Chilean Summer time (UTC-3).
When I tried to enter the flight on Google Calendar, I indicated that I wanted to use different time zones for the start and end of the event. I chose Eastern time (Toronto) for the 10:15pm start of the event, and it showed the time zone as being GMT-5 (using the GMT designation instead of UTC). I chose Chile time (listed as GMT-3) for the 9:35am end of the event in Santiago.
When I then looked at that event on the calendar, it showed it as lasting from 10:15pm to 8:35am. That makes at least partial sense, and it does indicate a 10-hour, 20-minute duration. The calendar displays times using the location/time setting of the device displaying the calendar (I think). Come March, when I have the device set on Eastern Daylight time, I would expect the calendar to display 10:15pm when boarding the plane and also to display 8:35am as the expected arrival time, as displayed on a Toronto clock. If I were to adjust the device to Chilean time while in flight, I think it would show departure at 11:15pm and arrival at 9:35am.
One part of my confusion is that I don't know what to expect when on March 8, 2020 I change the device setting from Standard to Daylight time. (The cellular network may automatically make that change for me -- I don't remember.) With that change in the device setting, will it still display the flight as starting at 10:15pm, or will it change to something different? The second part of my confusion (which I didn't see until after I made my post last night) is that by morning the flight showed up on the calendar as starting at 9:15pm instead of 10:15pm. What was that all about? Did the device or calendar realize some time over night that Daylight Savings time would be coming into effect and it is trying to display that future event in the Standard time that the device is set on now? Where is a 12-year-old when I need one?
In the interim, I have changed the departure time back to 10:15pm, and I'll watch to see whether it changes itself again.
I don't know for certain, but it appears that the Google calendar is asserting its' inner Einstein and adjusting the displayed time for the event in the other time zone according to your local time. As you move through different time zones, time jumps will occur, with the calendar making adjustments relative to your new location(s). This is because the event is recorded as UTC, which considers the the viewer's current location and local time when displaying events.
It may be helpful to open a second time zone on your Google Calendar:
Quote: Google Calendar InstructionsCreate an event with a different time zone
On your computer, open Google Calendar .
At the top left, click Create event Add and then More options.
Next to the time for the event, click Time zone and then select your time zone.
Fill in the details of your event.
Click Save.
Quote: billryanRest in peace, Mr.Peanut. Forever in our hearts.
He lives... thanks to the magic of Kool-Aid guy's liquid secretions:
Quote:Neighbors and county officials are concerned about the existence of an alleged sex doll brothel and sex club operating in a central Las Vegas neighborhood.
Nicely Nicely and Nathan Detroit notwithstanding.
Quote: darkozBased on personal observation over 40 years:
Odds of purchasing stale donuts:
Krispy Kreme: 000.00001%
Hortons Donuts: 000.00002%
Average Nationwide donut shops: 002.3334444%
Dunkin Donuts: 75.999999%
Did Tim Horton's ban you?
"𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘖𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘳 - 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘶𝘵𝘴 - 𝘋𝘶𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘳 𝘒𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘺 𝘒𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦?"
but I've never had the guts to do it
