I've been here for 1.5 years, and I get 3 weeks of vacation. We used to be able to, not sure if we still can, carry forward up to 5 days of vacation from the previous year, with the stipulation it needs to be used in the first quarter of the following year. I think they scrapped that when we started having all the cuts and things.
They used to reimburse us for our monthly bus pass, but that was the first item to be cut last year. Which is fine, I get some of it back through taxes.
Rod "BaKhan" Mitchell 2016-04-15T10:32:00-04:00
@GM, yeah, all the perks pretty much vanished this year for sure. We've had to take 6 days off without pay so far this year, I haven't been sent on any training or customer appreciation trips, basically they're trimming the fat. I have pretty good job security, I've got 16 years senority now, so I won't be the first to go. Even if things get worse and I lose my job, I could have a new one in the same day, guys that do what I do are in demand, theres so few of us in Calgary. At least theres that!
I have fairly good job security too, since I'm the one who processes the payroll, and my manager just makes sure things are done right. That, and I am the only one who really knows our US payroll, and can run it in 2 days if need be, but if it's the smaller of the two I can run it in one day if needed.
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2016-04-15T10:47:49-04:00
@BaKhan: I never understood why many American men have a problem if their wives/girlfriends make more than they do. They claim it makes them feel less than a man. I say, unless she is rubbing your nose in it, be happy if your wife makes a good income. The combined salaries of you both will help out when something happens like a recession or one of you gets hurt and can't work.
@Geist: I've never understood it either. Honestly, if(when I do get married) my wife ends up making more for me, good on her. Just means we will be able to save and go on more vacations than before.
Another thing I've noticed with American men, they seem to think that if a jacket has the sliding zipper part on the left, it's a woman's jacket. When, in reality, they are dumbasses who need a smack upside the head with a chair.
Rod "BaKhan" Mitchell 2016-04-15T10:55:10-04:00
@Geist, I don't think its limited to American men. Its a sterotype thing. Men are supposed to be providers. When they don't feel like the provider then they have to redifine their roll. Change is hard for most people. The reality now a days is that, the provider roll has adapted, now we aren't the sole or main money earners we play more of a support roll. Its just as important, in my opinion. My wife has offered for me to not work, and just stay home, but I think I would go crazy! I need something productive to do, that gives me a sense of accomplishment. That, and I like to help people, well some people... ;) I don't define my manlyness by how much I earn, more by the measure of my character, and the happiness of my wife. Besides, she lets me be chivalrous, so I still get to be her knight, and thats good enough for me! ;)
I'm the same way. If I didn't work, I would go insane. Hell, when I get a long weekend with no plans(or any time off that is more than 3 days), I tend to get bored and start going crazy. Usually because most of the people I know are still working, or doing stuff with their family.
...People really do try and name their kids weird things. Apparently, some lady tried to name her daughter Cyanide.
Rod "BaKhan" Mitchell 2016-04-15T11:03:36-04:00
Friends of mine named their boy Damien, I was like, ummm Omen much? They're just asking for it, in my opinion... ;)
Lord Zombitten 2016-04-15T11:23:12-04:00
It's gotta be that day specifically because a guy I work with wants 200 bottles in time for his October wedding, and the whole process will take at least 4 months.
Rod "BaKhan" Mitchell 2016-04-15T11:26:55-04:00
@LZ, I'm excited for you! Did you see my comment about a special sauce?
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2016-04-15T11:27:13-04:00
some lady tried to name her daughter Cyanide.
As a first name? Heck no. As a middle name, sure.
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2016-04-15T11:33:16-04:00
On top of that, my leg out of magical nowhere cramped at the higher calf for no reason at all REALLY painfully when I woke up! I still have trouble walking on it! I just can't extend my leg at all without extreme pain, and even walking hurts.
Therefore, I declare right now NAP TIME!!! Because holy hell do I need several more hours of sleep. Mentally, this is a great morning. Physically, though, especially between my eyes not staying open and feeling like I've had 2 hours of sleep in 3 days and my leg not allowing me to walk, I'm even skipping a class that'll start up a new subject. Thankfully I'm good on this subject already and we're even doing it in physics right now, but still.
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2016-04-15T11:34:20-04:00
Just means we will be able to save and go on more vacations than before.
Exactly! You'll both be able to weather hardships better. And if you do like BaKhan and treat her like a queen, I'm sure she will be a very happy woman indeed.
There are plenty of men who make more but don't treat their significant others with love and respect.
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2016-04-15T11:36:02-04:00
GM, you do realize jackets used to be made that way? It was a real thing. I very highly doubt it is anymore, but all myths have some seed of truth.
...
(little timmy really did die from pop rocks and coke! the illuminerti is covering the truth up! open your eyes!)
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2016-04-15T11:37:19-04:00
Honestly, I don't have high hopes for my career. I think my best option is to marry rich and retire young. That's better for everyone involved; I don't have to work and other people don't have to work with me. I mean, I'd be a great person to work with, but I most likely won't have any clue what I'm doing. Ever.
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2016-04-15T11:37:48-04:00
(That last comment was in regards to wives making more than their husbands; I'm all for the free money!)
@Geist: It will be me treating her like a queen and defending her with the ferocity of a dragon who's had their gold pilfered.
@Zem: Key word, "used" to be. People need to get with the times, and realize that it doesn't matter what side a zipper is on, as long as it works.
Rod "BaKhan" Mitchell 2016-04-15T11:45:32-04:00
@Zem, alternate hot and cold compressions, it will help loosen it up. Also drink a gatoraide or something with electrolytes in it. Lack of sleep screws up your system, electrolytes will help! Even just put a little bit of salt in some water and drink it.
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2016-04-15T11:48:02-04:00
Haha! You should have seen me when I got up and walked to the bathroom after finishing that last comment! I looked like a very drunk Igor because my leg suddenly decided that, because I was sitting down for awhile, it really didn't feel like getting up. Or supporting its weight. Or, you know what? It's going on strike! You'll be hearing from its union this afternoon!
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2016-04-15T11:51:19-04:00
Trust me, bakhan, I get PLENTY of salt! It might be way the hell too much sugar last night followed by not very much sleep and way less water than I usually drink, though. Those would all definitely contribute. So really, I look like Igor because I'm stupid and had a really fun movie night.
`
So finally, my dad brought my cards into town. Only problem: they're on the other side of town with my grandma who's with my grandpa in the hospital. So I just have to mosey my way all the way across town, but I can defuse two kittens with one laser pointer; see my grandpa and get the cards at once.
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2016-04-15T11:52:25-04:00
And with that, I'm going to catch up on a weeks' worth of sleep. Good night... or 11 am, same thing.
Lord Zombitten 2016-04-15T11:52:40-04:00
Regular salt might help some, but you need potassium more than sodium when muscles are cramping up.
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2016-04-15T11:56:30-04:00
That's certainly true, LZ, and my grandpa (too smart in too many subjects, especially when it comes to health) made sure we know that. I mean, I haven't had a ton of bananas recently, but I do have them.
Did you know a few things, like avacados, spinach, and yogurt, have more potassium than bananas? So if you're cramping, just have some extra guac on the side!
...
K.
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2016-04-15T11:57:49-04:00
Oh,, but the thing is, this wasn't a normal foot cramp, it was some muscle I didn't even know existed, virtually above the calf but below the knee. It's weird as hell, and really necessary for walking. Hopefully its weakness is sleep.
I haven't eaten a banana in probably 5+ years. I don't eat spinach(find it disgusting), same with avocados and yogurt. >.>
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2016-04-15T12:01:40-04:00
Oh, and real quick while it's on my mind and on conversation; GM, that thing about feeling like less of a man if your wife is more of a provider isn't an outdated sentiment; it's instinctual. It's not something that'll go away with the times, it's something hardwired into every man's brain. Feeling like you're not the main provider, even if you tell yourself you're better than that, will make you feel like you're not doing your job. It's not something you can help, though it is kind of silly with today's culture.
Good news is, if you go chop some wood or something, that's actually been shown to drastically and immediately increase your testosterone, so it should curb those feelings pretty hard.
Lord Zombitten 2016-04-15T12:01:48-04:00
I did know that, and it's easier to absorb than it is from bananas. Gatorade is also a good source of potassium. That's kinda Gatorade's whole thing. It replenished electrolytes for athletes who are exerting themselves. It's not meant to be an everyday drink for the average joe, even though a lot of people use it like that. People have actually gotten hyperkalemia from drinking Gatorade too much.
Mike Kabala 2016-04-15T12:26:16-04:00
All this talk about fatigue and leg cramps ... have you all been spying on me lately?
Mike Kabala 2016-04-15T12:28:52-04:00
@LZ. I can't wait for your KS. Last night I had a burrito that was so bland it sent me to the cupboard looking for ANYTHING that would add some flavor. I found a forgotten bottle of "Everything Sauce" that I got from another KS over a year ago. That definitely saved the day, but I'm looking forward to seeing what you have to offer. Do you happen to know the Scoville rating of your sauce?
Mike Kabala 2016-04-15T12:30:21-04:00
My preferred heat is between 100K and 1 Million Scovilles, by the way. I like it hot, but with flavor.
Lord Zombitten 2016-04-15T12:39:22-04:00
I don't know the Scovilles exactly. It sounds like you'd be most interested in Original Magama and possibly Mad Cow. I think Mad Cow is around 75k-100k. I think Original Inferno is 50k-75k. Original Magma is over 100k.
Rod "BaKhan" Mitchell 2016-04-15T12:48:35-04:00
@CB, I agree, its got to have flavour, I can handle the heat, but it must taste good! Fortunately, LZ's sauces taste great! I didn't find them too spicy at all, but the flavor was there for sure. Out of the ones that I tried, the Mad Cow was my favorite!
Mike Kabala 2016-04-15T14:05:27-04:00
Can't wait to try them myself. For those of you who don't know, Scovilles are the amount a sauce would need to be diluted before an average person would not be able to detect any heat. So, if a sauce is rated at 100,000 Scovilles, you would have to have 100,000 parts of water to 1 part sauce.
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2016-04-15T14:06:34-04:00
It will be me treating her like a queen and defending her with the ferocity of a dragon who's had their gold pilfered.
Smaug, is that you?
Mike Kabala 2016-04-15T14:07:11-04:00
@BaKhan or LZ, can you describe the flavors? Are they sweet, savory, garlicky, etc?
I've never been able to tolerate the taste, just like with pineapple. I've never had pineapple that tasted good(even when on vacation in the tropics).
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2016-04-15T14:30:02-04:00
Pineapple is delishious! Pineapple flavored candy, not so much. Just like banana flavored candy is gross. Fresh bananas are great.
Mike Kabala 2016-04-15T15:05:25-04:00
... except on pizza. Nobody should ever put pineapple on pizza.
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2016-04-15T15:07:56-04:00
Nobody should ever put pineapple on pizza.
There should be a law against that travesty.
Lord Zombitten 2016-04-15T15:26:46-04:00
The Originals are savory. Mad Cow is sweet, savory, and smokey. Sweet Citrus Sin (probably 1k Scovilles) is sweet and a little garlicky.
Mike Kabala 2016-04-15T15:41:53-04:00
I'm starting to gravitate to Mad Cow. Now it's going to be even harder to wait for your KS. Are there going to be any Early Bird deals?
Lord Zombitten 2016-04-15T15:46:06-04:00
I might do some. I haven't quite decided, or figured out how that would work.
Where's Trinkets?
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2016-04-15T15:53:46-04:00
Success! Good, long, happy nap and I feel good. Not great, though that might come when the sleep wears off. Also, leg still hurts weird, but not so bad anymore.
`
LZ, the only problem with gatorade is the sugar. Way the hell too much sugar to be a regular, healthy thing. It's great sometimes, but dang. There are other drinks the same with much less sugar, though.
`
Original Magma?! There's a new flavor to try?! Is it just like Inferno, but hotter? Because Inferno was my favorite of them all, even if the fish sauce was originally my idea...#HumbleBrag
*rubs hand on chest and looks definitely not humble* ;)
Well, Geist had a large part in the imagining of it as well.
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2016-04-15T15:58:30-04:00
Geist, banana flavored candies are gros... michel.
The Gros Michel banana was the main type eaten until the 50s, and it was really sweet and tasted just like those banana Runtz. But then, since they're all genetically clones because then they could be mass produced, a virus appeared and instantly burned through nearly all of the Gros Michel bananas in the world (at least the cloned variety) since there was no genetic variance to impede the virus. They had to switch to the banana we have today. So you can't say those candies don't taste like bananas at all.
I would much rather have those bananas; today's banananas are really bland and don't always taste good.
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2016-04-15T16:00:14-04:00
CB, Inferno is an all-purpose sauce. Mad Cow is a barbecue sauce. There's a fish-sauce that I forget the name of, and now apparently Magma.
Magma. Liquid hot mag-ma!
Anyone else always hear that word said by Dr. Evil from Austin Powers?
Lord Zombitten 2016-04-15T16:06:29-04:00
Yes, Original Magma tastes the same as Original Inferno, but it uses three times the amount of habañeros.
Lord Zombitten 2016-04-15T16:07:22-04:00
The fish sauce is called Sweet Citrus Sin.
Lord Zombitten 2016-04-15T16:08:24-04:00
You can thank BaKhan for that name.
Mike Kabala 2016-04-15T16:08:55-04:00
Oh, I definitely intend to get some Magma, too! In fact, I'll probably get them all. I agree, the Mad Cow sounds like a good BBQ flavor to me. At 75 - 100K Scovilles, I'll have to use it sparingly though. Maybe as a finishing sauce to "heat up" standard BBQ. The Magma might be a good "challenge" sauce. When I use that, I'll need to drink plenty of fluids to help mitigate the day-after "ring of fire."
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2016-04-15T16:12:55-04:00
Will be interesting to see what BaKhan cooks up with LZ's sauces.
Mike Kabala 2016-04-15T16:16:28-04:00
@BaKhan, looks like there is a game KS in your neck of the woods. The campaign says it's from Calgary. Do you know anyone associated with it? Looks like a pretty good game for kids and adults alike.
Nevermind, think I found it. I had looked at it(if it is Santorini), but decided against.
Eric 'Trinkets' Baumgarten 2016-04-15T16:18:54-04:00
OMG!!
First, howdy gang. Still here. How's thangs?
Second, LZ!!!!!! How frickin' awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lord Zombitten 2016-04-15T16:20:39-04:00
I knew you'd be in here today!
75k might be an over-estimate. How hot is Sriracha?
Eric 'Trinkets' Baumgarten 2016-04-15T16:22:20-04:00
I wonder how you would know ;-)
Dude. Fantasticalness.
Mike Kabala 2016-04-15T16:22:51-04:00
@GM, I originally passed on it, but it's got a great following in the comments and the illustrations on the cards are all kid-friendly.
@BaKhan, yeah, it's Santorini. I didn't want to be too obvious in my first post about it.
Eric 'Trinkets' Baumgarten 2016-04-15T16:23:53-04:00
Now I have to make chicken and waffles this weekend.
Lord Zombitten 2016-04-15T16:25:07-04:00
Oh, it's great with chicken and waffles!
Mike Kabala 2016-04-15T16:25:32-04:00
I tried playing Steampunk Rally last weekend with my wife and a friend of ours, but after spending over an hour wading through the super-complex rules, we had to give up. I guess that's why I was looking for a game that's easier to pick up, but has good replay value.
I'm having a terrible time trying to find other gamers in Charlotte.
Mike Kabala 2016-04-15T16:27:49-04:00
I wish they hadn't separated the beta testers for EK from the rest. Ever since then, I haven't been able to find a random match-up game.
I actually have both versions of the game, but when I load the TestFlight version, it overwrites the standard version. Does anyone know if it's possible to have both versions on the same phone at the same time?
Lord Zombitten 2016-04-15T16:30:12-04:00
It's not. You have to pick one or the other for each device.
Mike Kabala 2016-04-15T16:31:52-04:00
I never did "get" chicken and waffles. Seems confusing to put maple syrup on chicken. Interestingly enough, I had a McGriddle for breakfast today even though I generally steer clear of it because of the maple-flavored pancakes. I had a winning Monopoly piece though, so I got it and it actually tasted quite good. I actually love pancakes or waffles slathered in maple syrup, but I like to keep the savory items, like sausage, eggs, (and chicken) separate when I eat.
Eric 'Trinkets' Baumgarten 2016-04-15T16:31:52-04:00
Friend of mine has that. We've played a half dozen games. We each read the rules and between us, we got it. You may want to see if there's a how to video on BGG or on youtube.
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2016-04-15T16:33:13-04:00
None of them actually seemed that hot, especially when mixed with food, though. The magma might, but still, they were just normal fairly hot sauces, but with WAY more flavor!
`
LZ, "According to the ACS video, Sriracha comes in at 1,000-2,500 SHU. In comparison, Tabasco sauce is 2,500-5,000 SHU, while a habanero pepper is 350,000 SHU."
Mike Kabala 2016-04-15T16:33:25-04:00
Well, if I get desperate to play the beta version, I'll just have to start a game and post the code here, then.
Eric 'Trinkets' Baumgarten 2016-04-15T16:35:25-04:00
It won't work with KFC and some eggos. Home made fried chicked. Slathered in hot sauce. And homemade waffles too
From scratch. Not a box mix. It's heaven on a plate.
Mike Kabala 2016-04-15T16:35:33-04:00
Yeah, Zem's Scoville numbers are pretty accurate for the known peppers. Does that mean I need to adjust my expectations down for LZ's sauces?
Eric 'Trinkets' Baumgarten 2016-04-15T16:36:55-04:00
You can keep them on seperate plates, just enjoy them at the same time.
Mike Kabala 2016-04-15T16:37:28-04:00
@Trinkets, that sounds a lot better than getting wings at a bar where they chop right through the bone, leaving jagged edges. Gotta use Crisco to cook the chicken though.
Eric 'Trinkets' Baumgarten 2016-04-15T16:38:21-04:00
Has anyone mixes it with sour cream or mayo for a sandwich spread or dipping sauce?
Mike Kabala 2016-04-15T16:38:31-04:00
One thing they DO know how to cook in Charlotte is fried chicken.
Eric 'Trinkets' Baumgarten 2016-04-15T16:38:43-04:00
Mmmmmmmmmmm cisco
Eric 'Trinkets' Baumgarten 2016-04-15T16:38:57-04:00
Lol. *Crisco
Mike Kabala 2016-04-15T16:40:39-04:00
If you're going to make a dipping sauce, you might as well mix in a dash of maple syrup too.
Last minute off cycle to pay someone who is constantly calling...I may not be back here until Monday(that's how much of a pain it is on a Friday, at this time)
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2016-04-15T16:59:00-04:00
Fried chicken? Funny, I just watched a Good Mythical Morning of the chicken nugget taste test, now all this talk about chicken!
`
CB, yeah, I doubt they're that hot of sauces. Maybe instead of 750K scoville, 750? I mean, they do have a good kick to them, but it's nothing like straight sriracha or tobasco.
Eric 'Trinkets' Baumgarten 2016-04-15T17:00:17-04:00
I was checking my cabinets for waffle ingredients.
Okay...it wasn't as bad as it could have been. Got it finished, now waiting for it to finish processing so I can do the reports(or maybe leave and deal with it on Monday....)
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2016-04-15T18:25:37-04:00
Trinkets! How the hell are you? Please say you are coming to the Kitten Con in October
Lord Zombitten 2016-04-15T18:47:34-04:00
I think I was off by an order of magnitude. The Mad Cow is about as hot as Sriracha. Original Inferno is a bit less.
Lord Zombitten 2016-04-15T18:49:10-04:00
I refuse to believe that Tabasco is hotter than Sriracha, though.
Original Inferno is probably on par with Tapatío, maybe a touch hotter.
Lord Zombitten 2016-04-15T18:51:05-04:00
Then again, I was mainly focused on flavor.
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2016-04-15T19:40:04-04:00
Yeah! Finally got my expansion test deck! Can't wait to try it out!
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2016-04-15T19:41:57-04:00
Wow, after how the comments were flying before I left, I was expecting to come back to a deluge!
Now, though, I think I may need yet another nap. I still feel like I've only slept 4 hours in 3 days.
@Creeper: If you look in on here tonight, or sometime before this comment is buried, here's my review of the Blazer that I picked up at the post office today(just copy and pasted this from the Baubax campaign):
So, the pick up slip from Canada Post was for my Blazer. Decent material, would have been nice to know BEFORE the end of the campaign, and BEFORE getting it, that ALL of them are SLIM FIT. I can manage SLIGHTLY more than a SHRUG when I am wearing it...WITH NOTHING IN THE POCKETS. It is WAY too tight across the shoulders. No way in hell am I paying for two way postage for this to be exchanged, especially after having to pay import duties(VERY first KS that I've backed where I had to, and I've ordered items from EU and Japan!!!!)
Eric 'Trinkets' Baumgarten 2016-04-15T20:26:06-04:00
Hey Geist. With me taking 2 months off for my neck/back issue, I doubt I will be able to take anytime to travel. :-(
@LZ, made burgers tonight. Mixed sauce and mayo for a spread. And marinated burger in it. Really, really good. Really good.
Lord Zombitten 2016-04-15T20:42:32-04:00
I'm glad to hear it, Trinkets!
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2016-04-15T22:06:15-04:00
@GM: do you consider the jacket a waste of money?
Geist de la Muerte Gatito 2016-04-15T22:07:38-04:00
@Geist: Pretty much, since I can't wear it and be able to do anything other than stand with my hands hanging down by my sides. =/
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2016-04-15T22:43:33-04:00
No Trinkets at KittenCon?! NOoooooooOO!
`
2 naps. Hopefully now I feel more caught up with sleep. Why do I feel so tired?!
Eric 'Trinkets' Baumgarten 2016-04-16T02:41:49-04:00
I just need to get this whole bulging disc/ pinched nerves thing fixed. 4th week of physical therapy
They said it could be 6 to 12 weeks total. I can't wait. I literally am a pain in the neck.
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2016-04-16T03:18:57-04:00
No, ... well, maybe you are a pain in the neck, but so is the bulging disc. I really don't envy you; you have our sympathy for that. Or in some cases, really painful empathy.
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2016-04-16T11:58:22-04:00
Nobody? Need somebody to TAlk TOOoo... (you remember that queen hit, right?)
Micah "Zem the Mattress" Philson 2016-04-16T15:25:15-04:00
Yeah, I know what you mean.
I've been here for 1.5 years, and I get 3 weeks of vacation. We used to be able to, not sure if we still can, carry forward up to 5 days of vacation from the previous year, with the stipulation it needs to be used in the first quarter of the following year. I think they scrapped that when we started having all the cuts and things.
They used to reimburse us for our monthly bus pass, but that was the first item to be cut last year. Which is fine, I get some of it back through taxes.
@GM, yeah, all the perks pretty much vanished this year for sure. We've had to take 6 days off without pay so far this year, I haven't been sent on any training or customer appreciation trips, basically they're trimming the fat. I have pretty good job security, I've got 16 years senority now, so I won't be the first to go. Even if things get worse and I lose my job, I could have a new one in the same day, guys that do what I do are in demand, theres so few of us in Calgary. At least theres that!
I have fairly good job security too, since I'm the one who processes the payroll, and my manager just makes sure things are done right. That, and I am the only one who really knows our US payroll, and can run it in 2 days if need be, but if it's the smaller of the two I can run it in one day if needed.
@BaKhan: I never understood why many American men have a problem if their wives/girlfriends make more than they do. They claim it makes them feel less than a man. I say, unless she is rubbing your nose in it, be happy if your wife makes a good income. The combined salaries of you both will help out when something happens like a recession or one of you gets hurt and can't work.
@Geist: I've never understood it either. Honestly, if(when I do get married) my wife ends up making more for me, good on her. Just means we will be able to save and go on more vacations than before.
Another thing I've noticed with American men, they seem to think that if a jacket has the sliding zipper part on the left, it's a woman's jacket. When, in reality, they are dumbasses who need a smack upside the head with a chair.
@Geist, I don't think its limited to American men. Its a sterotype thing. Men are supposed to be providers. When they don't feel like the provider then they have to redifine their roll. Change is hard for most people. The reality now a days is that, the provider roll has adapted, now we aren't the sole or main money earners we play more of a support roll. Its just as important, in my opinion. My wife has offered for me to not work, and just stay home, but I think I would go crazy! I need something productive to do, that gives me a sense of accomplishment. That, and I like to help people, well some people... ;) I don't define my manlyness by how much I earn, more by the measure of my character, and the happiness of my wife. Besides, she lets me be chivalrous, so I still get to be her knight, and thats good enough for me! ;)
I'm the same way. If I didn't work, I would go insane. Hell, when I get a long weekend with no plans(or any time off that is more than 3 days), I tend to get bored and start going crazy. Usually because most of the people I know are still working, or doing stuff with their family.
...People really do try and name their kids weird things. Apparently, some lady tried to name her daughter Cyanide.
Friends of mine named their boy Damien, I was like, ummm Omen much? They're just asking for it, in my opinion... ;)
It's gotta be that day specifically because a guy I work with wants 200 bottles in time for his October wedding, and the whole process will take at least 4 months.
@LZ, I'm excited for you! Did you see my comment about a special sauce?
some lady tried to name her daughter Cyanide.
As a first name? Heck no. As a middle name, sure.
On top of that, my leg out of magical nowhere cramped at the higher calf for no reason at all REALLY painfully when I woke up! I still have trouble walking on it! I just can't extend my leg at all without extreme pain, and even walking hurts.
Therefore, I declare right now NAP TIME!!! Because holy hell do I need several more hours of sleep. Mentally, this is a great morning. Physically, though, especially between my eyes not staying open and feeling like I've had 2 hours of sleep in 3 days and my leg not allowing me to walk, I'm even skipping a class that'll start up a new subject. Thankfully I'm good on this subject already and we're even doing it in physics right now, but still.
Just means we will be able to save and go on more vacations than before.
Exactly! You'll both be able to weather hardships better. And if you do like BaKhan and treat her like a queen, I'm sure she will be a very happy woman indeed.
There are plenty of men who make more but don't treat their significant others with love and respect.
GM, you do realize jackets used to be made that way? It was a real thing. I very highly doubt it is anymore, but all myths have some seed of truth.
...
(little timmy really did die from pop rocks and coke! the illuminerti is covering the truth up! open your eyes!)
Honestly, I don't have high hopes for my career. I think my best option is to marry rich and retire young. That's better for everyone involved; I don't have to work and other people don't have to work with me. I mean, I'd be a great person to work with, but I most likely won't have any clue what I'm doing. Ever.
(That last comment was in regards to wives making more than their husbands; I'm all for the free money!)
@Geist: It will be me treating her like a queen and defending her with the ferocity of a dragon who's had their gold pilfered.
@Zem: Key word, "used" to be. People need to get with the times, and realize that it doesn't matter what side a zipper is on, as long as it works.
@Zem, alternate hot and cold compressions, it will help loosen it up. Also drink a gatoraide or something with electrolytes in it. Lack of sleep screws up your system, electrolytes will help! Even just put a little bit of salt in some water and drink it.
Haha! You should have seen me when I got up and walked to the bathroom after finishing that last comment! I looked like a very drunk Igor because my leg suddenly decided that, because I was sitting down for awhile, it really didn't feel like getting up. Or supporting its weight. Or, you know what? It's going on strike! You'll be hearing from its union this afternoon!
Trust me, bakhan, I get PLENTY of salt! It might be way the hell too much sugar last night followed by not very much sleep and way less water than I usually drink, though. Those would all definitely contribute. So really, I look like Igor because I'm stupid and had a really fun movie night.
`
So finally, my dad brought my cards into town. Only problem: they're on the other side of town with my grandma who's with my grandpa in the hospital. So I just have to mosey my way all the way across town, but I can defuse two kittens with one laser pointer; see my grandpa and get the cards at once.
And with that, I'm going to catch up on a weeks' worth of sleep. Good night... or 11 am, same thing.
Regular salt might help some, but you need potassium more than sodium when muscles are cramping up.
That's certainly true, LZ, and my grandpa (too smart in too many subjects, especially when it comes to health) made sure we know that. I mean, I haven't had a ton of bananas recently, but I do have them.
Did you know a few things, like avacados, spinach, and yogurt, have more potassium than bananas? So if you're cramping, just have some extra guac on the side!
...
K.
Oh,, but the thing is, this wasn't a normal foot cramp, it was some muscle I didn't even know existed, virtually above the calf but below the knee. It's weird as hell, and really necessary for walking. Hopefully its weakness is sleep.
I haven't eaten a banana in probably 5+ years. I don't eat spinach(find it disgusting), same with avocados and yogurt. >.>
Oh, and real quick while it's on my mind and on conversation; GM, that thing about feeling like less of a man if your wife is more of a provider isn't an outdated sentiment; it's instinctual. It's not something that'll go away with the times, it's something hardwired into every man's brain. Feeling like you're not the main provider, even if you tell yourself you're better than that, will make you feel like you're not doing your job. It's not something you can help, though it is kind of silly with today's culture.
Good news is, if you go chop some wood or something, that's actually been shown to drastically and immediately increase your testosterone, so it should curb those feelings pretty hard.
I did know that, and it's easier to absorb than it is from bananas. Gatorade is also a good source of potassium. That's kinda Gatorade's whole thing. It replenished electrolytes for athletes who are exerting themselves. It's not meant to be an everyday drink for the average joe, even though a lot of people use it like that. People have actually gotten hyperkalemia from drinking Gatorade too much.
All this talk about fatigue and leg cramps ... have you all been spying on me lately?
@LZ. I can't wait for your KS. Last night I had a burrito that was so bland it sent me to the cupboard looking for ANYTHING that would add some flavor. I found a forgotten bottle of "Everything Sauce" that I got from another KS over a year ago. That definitely saved the day, but I'm looking forward to seeing what you have to offer. Do you happen to know the Scoville rating of your sauce?
My preferred heat is between 100K and 1 Million Scovilles, by the way. I like it hot, but with flavor.
I don't know the Scovilles exactly. It sounds like you'd be most interested in Original Magama and possibly Mad Cow. I think Mad Cow is around 75k-100k. I think Original Inferno is 50k-75k. Original Magma is over 100k.
@CB, I agree, its got to have flavour, I can handle the heat, but it must taste good! Fortunately, LZ's sauces taste great! I didn't find them too spicy at all, but the flavor was there for sure. Out of the ones that I tried, the Mad Cow was my favorite!
Can't wait to try them myself. For those of you who don't know, Scovilles are the amount a sauce would need to be diluted before an average person would not be able to detect any heat. So, if a sauce is rated at 100,000 Scovilles, you would have to have 100,000 parts of water to 1 part sauce.
It will be me treating her like a queen and defending her with the ferocity of a dragon who's had their gold pilfered.
Smaug, is that you?
@BaKhan or LZ, can you describe the flavors? Are they sweet, savory, garlicky, etc?
@Geist: He's my younger, weaker, cousin. And quite foolish to let that midget get away with the precious stone.
I don't eat...avocados
I didn't start to eat those until my mid 30's. Now I can't get enough of them. A half of one goes into my green smoothie every morning.
I've never been able to tolerate the taste, just like with pineapple. I've never had pineapple that tasted good(even when on vacation in the tropics).
Pineapple is delishious! Pineapple flavored candy, not so much. Just like banana flavored candy is gross. Fresh bananas are great.
... except on pizza. Nobody should ever put pineapple on pizza.
Nobody should ever put pineapple on pizza.
There should be a law against that travesty.
The Originals are savory. Mad Cow is sweet, savory, and smokey. Sweet Citrus Sin (probably 1k Scovilles) is sweet and a little garlicky.
I'm starting to gravitate to Mad Cow. Now it's going to be even harder to wait for your KS. Are there going to be any Early Bird deals?
I might do some. I haven't quite decided, or figured out how that would work.
Where's Trinkets?
Success! Good, long, happy nap and I feel good. Not great, though that might come when the sleep wears off. Also, leg still hurts weird, but not so bad anymore.
`
LZ, the only problem with gatorade is the sugar. Way the hell too much sugar to be a regular, healthy thing. It's great sometimes, but dang. There are other drinks the same with much less sugar, though.
`
Original Magma?! There's a new flavor to try?! Is it just like Inferno, but hotter? Because Inferno was my favorite of them all, even if the fish sauce was originally my idea...#HumbleBrag
*rubs hand on chest and looks definitely not humble* ;)
Well, Geist had a large part in the imagining of it as well.
Geist, banana flavored candies are gros... michel.
The Gros Michel banana was the main type eaten until the 50s, and it was really sweet and tasted just like those banana Runtz. But then, since they're all genetically clones because then they could be mass produced, a virus appeared and instantly burned through nearly all of the Gros Michel bananas in the world (at least the cloned variety) since there was no genetic variance to impede the virus. They had to switch to the banana we have today. So you can't say those candies don't taste like bananas at all.
I would much rather have those bananas; today's banananas are really bland and don't always taste good.
CB, Inferno is an all-purpose sauce. Mad Cow is a barbecue sauce. There's a fish-sauce that I forget the name of, and now apparently Magma.
Magma. Liquid hot mag-ma!
Anyone else always hear that word said by Dr. Evil from Austin Powers?
Yes, Original Magma tastes the same as Original Inferno, but it uses three times the amount of habañeros.
The fish sauce is called Sweet Citrus Sin.
You can thank BaKhan for that name.
Oh, I definitely intend to get some Magma, too! In fact, I'll probably get them all. I agree, the Mad Cow sounds like a good BBQ flavor to me. At 75 - 100K Scovilles, I'll have to use it sparingly though. Maybe as a finishing sauce to "heat up" standard BBQ. The Magma might be a good "challenge" sauce. When I use that, I'll need to drink plenty of fluids to help mitigate the day-after "ring of fire."
Will be interesting to see what BaKhan cooks up with LZ's sauces.
@BaKhan, looks like there is a game KS in your neck of the woods. The campaign says it's from Calgary. Do you know anyone associated with it? Looks like a pretty good game for kids and adults alike.
@CB: What game? o.o
Nevermind, think I found it. I had looked at it(if it is Santorini), but decided against.
OMG!!
First, howdy gang. Still here. How's thangs?
Second, LZ!!!!!! How frickin' awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I knew you'd be in here today!
75k might be an over-estimate. How hot is Sriracha?
I wonder how you would know ;-)
Dude. Fantasticalness.
@GM, I originally passed on it, but it's got a great following in the comments and the illustrations on the cards are all kid-friendly.
@BaKhan, yeah, it's Santorini. I didn't want to be too obvious in my first post about it.
Now I have to make chicken and waffles this weekend.
Oh, it's great with chicken and waffles!
I tried playing Steampunk Rally last weekend with my wife and a friend of ours, but after spending over an hour wading through the super-complex rules, we had to give up. I guess that's why I was looking for a game that's easier to pick up, but has good replay value.
I'm having a terrible time trying to find other gamers in Charlotte.
I wish they hadn't separated the beta testers for EK from the rest. Ever since then, I haven't been able to find a random match-up game.
I actually have both versions of the game, but when I load the TestFlight version, it overwrites the standard version. Does anyone know if it's possible to have both versions on the same phone at the same time?
It's not. You have to pick one or the other for each device.
I never did "get" chicken and waffles. Seems confusing to put maple syrup on chicken. Interestingly enough, I had a McGriddle for breakfast today even though I generally steer clear of it because of the maple-flavored pancakes. I had a winning Monopoly piece though, so I got it and it actually tasted quite good. I actually love pancakes or waffles slathered in maple syrup, but I like to keep the savory items, like sausage, eggs, (and chicken) separate when I eat.
Friend of mine has that. We've played a half dozen games. We each read the rules and between us, we got it. You may want to see if there's a how to video on BGG or on youtube.
None of them actually seemed that hot, especially when mixed with food, though. The magma might, but still, they were just normal fairly hot sauces, but with WAY more flavor!
`
LZ, "According to the ACS video, Sriracha comes in at 1,000-2,500 SHU. In comparison, Tabasco sauce is 2,500-5,000 SHU, while a habanero pepper is 350,000 SHU."
Well, if I get desperate to play the beta version, I'll just have to start a game and post the code here, then.
It won't work with KFC and some eggos. Home made fried chicked. Slathered in hot sauce. And homemade waffles too
From scratch. Not a box mix. It's heaven on a plate.
Yeah, Zem's Scoville numbers are pretty accurate for the known peppers. Does that mean I need to adjust my expectations down for LZ's sauces?
You can keep them on seperate plates, just enjoy them at the same time.
@Trinkets, that sounds a lot better than getting wings at a bar where they chop right through the bone, leaving jagged edges. Gotta use Crisco to cook the chicken though.
Has anyone mixes it with sour cream or mayo for a sandwich spread or dipping sauce?
One thing they DO know how to cook in Charlotte is fried chicken.
Mmmmmmmmmmm cisco
Lol. *Crisco
If you're going to make a dipping sauce, you might as well mix in a dash of maple syrup too.
... Where'd everybody go?...
Last minute off cycle to pay someone who is constantly calling...I may not be back here until Monday(that's how much of a pain it is on a Friday, at this time)
Fried chicken? Funny, I just watched a Good Mythical Morning of the chicken nugget taste test, now all this talk about chicken!
`
CB, yeah, I doubt they're that hot of sauces. Maybe instead of 750K scoville, 750? I mean, they do have a good kick to them, but it's nothing like straight sriracha or tobasco.
I was checking my cabinets for waffle ingredients.
Okay...it wasn't as bad as it could have been. Got it finished, now waiting for it to finish processing so I can do the reports(or maybe leave and deal with it on Monday....)
Trinkets! How the hell are you? Please say you are coming to the Kitten Con in October
I think I was off by an order of magnitude. The Mad Cow is about as hot as Sriracha. Original Inferno is a bit less.
I refuse to believe that Tabasco is hotter than Sriracha, though.
Original Inferno is probably on par with Tapatío, maybe a touch hotter.
Then again, I was mainly focused on flavor.
Yeah! Finally got my expansion test deck! Can't wait to try it out!
Wow, after how the comments were flying before I left, I was expecting to come back to a deluge!
Now, though, I think I may need yet another nap. I still feel like I've only slept 4 hours in 3 days.
@Creeper: If you look in on here tonight, or sometime before this comment is buried, here's my review of the Blazer that I picked up at the post office today(just copy and pasted this from the Baubax campaign):
So, the pick up slip from Canada Post was for my Blazer. Decent material, would have been nice to know BEFORE the end of the campaign, and BEFORE getting it, that ALL of them are SLIM FIT. I can manage SLIGHTLY more than a SHRUG when I am wearing it...WITH NOTHING IN THE POCKETS. It is WAY too tight across the shoulders. No way in hell am I paying for two way postage for this to be exchanged, especially after having to pay import duties(VERY first KS that I've backed where I had to, and I've ordered items from EU and Japan!!!!)
Hey Geist. With me taking 2 months off for my neck/back issue, I doubt I will be able to take anytime to travel. :-(
@LZ, made burgers tonight. Mixed sauce and mayo for a spread. And marinated burger in it. Really, really good. Really good.
I'm glad to hear it, Trinkets!
@GM: do you consider the jacket a waste of money?
Mmmm...hamburgers.
Good to know you are still alive and kicking.
@Geist: Pretty much, since I can't wear it and be able to do anything other than stand with my hands hanging down by my sides. =/
No Trinkets at KittenCon?! NOoooooooOO!
`
2 naps. Hopefully now I feel more caught up with sleep. Why do I feel so tired?!
I just need to get this whole bulging disc/ pinched nerves thing fixed. 4th week of physical therapy
They said it could be 6 to 12 weeks total. I can't wait. I literally am a pain in the neck.
No, ... well, maybe you are a pain in the neck, but so is the bulging disc. I really don't envy you; you have our sympathy for that. Or in some cases, really painful empathy.
Nobody? Need somebody to TAlk TOOoo... (you remember that queen hit, right?)
... dare I invoke the evil power of AZADS?