Re: In other news

BeH <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]: 

> On 29.11.2023 15.47, Merlyne wrote:
>> BeH <[email protected]> wrote in
>> news:[email protected]: 
>> 
>>> On 22.11.2023 14.33, Merlyne wrote:
>>>> BeH <[email protected]> wrote in
>>>> news:[email protected]: 
>>>>
>>>>> On 08.11.2023 14.11, Merlyne wrote:
>>>>>> BeH <[email protected]> wrote in
>>>>>> news:[email protected]: 
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> On 25.10.2023 16.26, Merlyne wrote:
>>>>>>>> BeH <[email protected]> wrote in
>>>>>>>> news:[email protected]: 
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> On 18.10.2023 13.55, Merlyne wrote:
>>>>>>>>>> BeH <[email protected]> wrote in
>>>>>>>>>> news:[email protected]: 
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> On 04.10.2023 16.13, Merlyne wrote:
>>>>>>>>>>>> BeH <[email protected]> wrote in
>>>>>>>>>>>> news:[email protected]: 
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>> On 26.09.2023 14.11, Merlyne wrote:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> BeH <[email protected]> wrote in
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> news:[email protected]: 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> On 23.09.2023 23.14, Merlyne wrote:
>>>>>>>>>>>>> [---]
>>>>>>>>>>>> [****]
>>>>>>>>>>> [^^^]
>>>>>>>>>> [%%]
>>>>>>>>> [€€€€]
>>>>>>>> [$]
>>>>>>> [What kind $ - it's so generic. Also £££££]
>>>>>> [!!!!!]
>>>>> [þþþþ]
>>>> [a string of non-utf8 characters]
>>> [This newsreader is more advanced that I though. Look what it put
>>> instead of your no utf8 characters]
>> [I have another newsreader but I don't think it does x-noarchive]
>> 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Here have some Gatorade.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mmmmm... electrolytes. (I've never actually
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> tried Gatorade.) 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I think my Dad bought some in the 70's when
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> it was green sea water. It's pretty gross.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I'm sure the stuff they have now is full of
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> sugar. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Well, sports people need their energy.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> This is just a guess - it's mostly non-sports
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> people who drink it. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Also the sports people/teams who are sponsored
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> by the company, I bet. At least when they are on
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> teevee. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Or the Gatorade container is filled with water.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> At least that's what it looks like when they dump
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> it on the winning coach. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> One would hope so, given the stickyness of sugary
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> drinks... 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> But you never know...
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> That may be what happened to that Spanish womens
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> football coach... 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> He got drunk on fermented Gatorade and kissed one of
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> the players? 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Or maybe he was covered in sticky Gatorade and
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> unwittingly was sticking to the players mouth...
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> We should send these excuses to him. For a fee.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> To late now. He has already been 'released'...
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Still. There might be a hearing. Or a charge in 20 years
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> when the player is suddenly traumatized by a repressed
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> memory. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>> There have been very little opportunity to repress any
>>>>>>>>>>>>> memory in this particular case.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> You don't know.
>>>>>>>>>>> I read the news. I'm confident in my statement.
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I see that Big Brother is back for it's
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 25th season. Ugh!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> But of course it is... It's what the
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> people want. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> People are stupid!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Gatorade contains a lot of electrolytes...
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> (guess the reference for the chance to win
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> a modest prize) 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Idiocracy?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Yup! I'll mail you a gold star...
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> YAY! I hardly get any snail mail anymore.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> This is so exciting.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Hang on. I need to find a stamp... I'm sure
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> there are some around here somewhere.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I'm so excited. I never win anything. I have to
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> pee! 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> You know what they say: You can't win unless you
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> play. Maybe you should start doing some
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> sportsball or something... After you are done
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> peeing, obviously. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I can't picture me playing team sports.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> There are types of sportsball where you play alone
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> (against an opponent, obviously). Also without
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> team sport you don't get to imbibe the team
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> spirit... 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> No. I get that at work.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Oohh! do you get to go on retreats and play stupid
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> games too? (Made up by a genuine behaviourist
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> sociologist.) 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Before COVID, we had stupid team building exercises.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> One time a manager brought in a bag of carrots and
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> tried to get us all to go outside and make a snowman.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> This was in winter, one assumes.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> You're so SMRT.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> It was a natural inference.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I didn't want to point out the difficulty in making a
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> snowman in non- winter months. WORSE.TEAM-BUILDING
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> EXERCISE.EVER. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>> I dunno. It challenges the participants' ingenuity... Also
>>>>>>>>>>>>> if it's hot a good deal of co-operation is required.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> Good luck finding snow in July.
>>>>>>>>>>> *opens freezer* *forms ball from sediments*
>>>>>>>>>>>> I'll be at the pub if anyone needs me.
>>>>>>>>>>> Oh, there you are... *throws*
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> Ow!
>>>>>>>>>> Why'd you pelt me with a giant ice ball?
>>>>>>>>> It wasn't that giant - and to show what can be accomplished if
>>>>>>>>> one put their mind to it.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> I guess you don't have a frost-free freezer then.
>>>>>>>>> It would do much good if it was... freezing wise.
>>>>>>>> All of my freezers are frost-free.
>>>>>>>> They keep things frozen while preventing frost build-up.
>>>>>>> But ice crystals are an inescapable consequence of freezing
>>>>>>> moisture in the air. Do you never open your freezer or is it
>>>>>>> dehumidifying somehow - hopefully without unfreezing the water
>>>>>>> and everything else? Maybe you have a vary large silica bag in
>>>>>>> your freezer. 
>>>>>> I have no idea how it works. It just does.
>>>>>> Magic!
>>>>> A theory for sure. Only magic isn't real. Condensation is. It's a
>>>>> conundrum. 
>>>>>
>>>> Why must you rain on my parade?
>>> Magic is like religion - the Devils work!!
>>>
>> Yes. I can see how a non-believer would think that.
> It's simple really. Since religion is hogwash the devil doesn't exist
> either; therefore his work is also non-existent. Like magic.
> 
YAY! MAgic!!
>>>> It is magic like when you open the fridge and stick your head in,
>>>> the light goes on.
>>> You have a strange fridge. Mine turns on the light when the door
>>> opens. No head insertion needed. Also the light has a rational
>>> explanation. Look it up if you don't believe me.
>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Another manager had a stuffed animal that each person
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> was supposed to take home for the weekend and then
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> share the toys adventures with the rest of the team.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Invasion of privacy if I ever saw it. Mind, if it had
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> been me the stuffy thing would most likely have
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> experienced doing laundry and watching telly. Very
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> adventurous. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> My adventure would be: Merlyne spends entire weekend
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> trying to find an identical animal after BF's dog
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> shreds the toy. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Why, though. It would be a dramatic adventure at least.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> And you would spare your remaining colleagues the
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> effort. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Or the trauma when they find out that the beloved mascot
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> is no more. Anyays, I never brought the toy home so I got
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> to spend my weekends doing fun things like laundry and
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> watching tv. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>> You aren't really very good at that whole team spirit
>>>>>>>>>>>>> thing, are you? 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> Besides the fact that my parents raise me to be an
>>>>>>>>>>>> individual, I really can't get into lame party games and
>>>>>>>>>>>> things of that nature. 
>>>>>>>>>>> But.. It's designed to demonstrate that things work better
>>>>>>>>>>> if you cooperate. 
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> Some things work well, some things don't.
>>>>>>>>>> I think I can decide when I need help.
>>>>>>>>> Consider that the other team-workers may not be so
>>>>>>>>> self-sufficient and may need the exercise to be confident that
>>>>>>>>> they can ask you for help when needed.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> They already knew that because I'm super nice!
>>>>>>> It could be a new co-worker who don't know you very well. Or
>>>>>>> only know you from your meeting rants.
>>>>>> So I should end rants by saying that my door is always open?
>>>>> If you think people are still paying attention to what you say by
>>>>> then. Maybe you should start with that.
>>>>>
>>>> Ok. Noted.
>>> Please report any progress in this matter.
>> Progress?
> The relative change in number of incidents where people utilise your
> open door since starting rants by mentioning it.
> 
This will be hard to assess in a hybrid work model.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> During COVID, they tried a bunch of virtual events
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> because they think we are retarded 6 year olds. Show
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 'n' tell, anyone? 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I don't remember most of the stupid tasks we were
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> given at those sessions. Most of they were to do with
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> working as a team, and everyone was faffing about
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> getting nowhere until someone took charge and started
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> giving orders. More often than I care to remember
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> someone being me - just to get the thing over with.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Great way to consolidate respect for section managers
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> and such who was doing their fair share of faffing. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> The formal team building thingees that I've been to
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> have a facilitator who gets the ball rolling. Sometimes
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> literally. I was at one where participants were not
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> allowed to speak unless they were holding the ball.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Yeah, that's pretty typical. I think they use something
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> similar in pre-school...
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Makes sense. They treat us like we are retarded 6 yr
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> olds. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>> To be fair the 'talking stick' (or ball, whatever) is an
>>>>>>>>>>>>> ancient method of keeping order in assemblies - predating
>>>>>>>>>>>>> the mute-button by many centuries.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> I'm in favour of it.
>>>>>>>>>>>> Of course the way things are these days, using the 'mute'
>>>>>>>>>>>> button on someone would be viewed as a microaggression and
>>>>>>>>>>>> would require everyone to attend a meeting about how
>>>>>>>>>>>> microagressions are wrong. 
>>>>>>>>>>> Talking over each other is also a microagression. You are
>>>>>>>>>>> going to need more meetings.
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
>>>>>>>>>> I remember when microaggressions were about racist or sexist
>>>>>>>>>> things... 
>>>>>>>>> But that sort of things don't happen any more...?
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Not to me, it doesn't.
>>>>>>> Well, who would be racist towards the fecking irish?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The English?
>>>>> Yeah, but to be fair, the Irish spent 300 years stubbornly
>>>>> refusing to be subjugated. That is no way to instil kindly
>>>>> neighbourly feelings. 
>>>>>
>>>>>> Americans treated the Irish like crap.
>>>>> Aren't the americans all irish anyway? Irish or italian?
>>>>>
>>>> I don't think so.
>>>> https://www.infoplease.com/us/race/ancestry-us-population-rank
>>>>
>>>> I find it interesting that in 2000 and 2015 people reported their 
>>>> ancestry i.e. German, Irish etc but in the 2020 Census, they
>>>> reported themselves as 'White'.
>>> But they didn't. The questionnaire for the 2010 census did not have
>>> room for specification beyond "White" if that was the answer. The
>>> 2020 questionnaire did. The 2015 specification of nation of origin
>>> in your link must come from somewhere else.
>>> Interestingly in 2000 there was a question about national origin but
>>> not connected to the primary question on race.
>>> Anyway they are all 'Merkans anyway.
>>> Also no questions anywhere about how many guns are in the household.
>>> How are the government conspiracy to take away all the guns ever
>>> going to work if they don't know where they are?
>> 
>> Maybe the government assumes that every person has a least 1.
> That does not sound like something a statistician would assume. Also
> there are more guns than people so some have more than one.
> 
Soem have hundreds. Not sure why you would ever need that many.

>> They do have the right to bear arms.
> For now.
> 
You think this will change?

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> They do show Colombo (again) but
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>late >> at > night and I still remember
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>all the 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> plots > from last time. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I don't remember all the Columbo
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>plots. >> Doesn't matter since they show
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>you who 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> did at the beginning of the show. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Yes but Colombo is more about howdonit
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> than whodunit... and Colombo
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>pretending 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> to be dumb but really being very smart
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> of course. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> And one more thing...
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Oh yeah, it must have slipped my mind
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> for a moment... 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I have Acorn and BritBox now so I
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>can >>>> catch up on all my British
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>murder >>>> mystery 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> shows. I feel with the writer and
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> actor >> strike that there may be a
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>long >> tv show 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> drought. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I get BritBox as well (on that
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> streaming 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> service). They have Yes
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Minister/Prime 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Minister. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I never watched that one.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> It's a good introduction into how
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> gubbernment *really* works... sort of.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I'm going to finish Good Omens and
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>then >> watch the latest season of The
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Witcher. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> The next season of The Wheel of time
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> starts September 1. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I did see a Canadian police series
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>in >>> french. It had all the right
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> characters: 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> - a neuro-divergent sketch artist
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>with >>> 'amazing' abilities, - a
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>wheel-chair 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> bound, female chief always wearing a
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> baseball cap, 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> - a young arab gay forensic
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> investigator, 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> - a semi-alcoholic older detective
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>who >>> broke all the rules (violently)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>- a >>> middle aged female researcher,
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>who was 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> a > former elite hacker. And that was
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> just > the Good 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Guys(tm). 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I don't know that one. I used to
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>watch >> 'District 31' when I was on
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>language 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> training. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 'Portrait Robot' in Canadian. ('The
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Sketch Artist' in 'danish'). I don't
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> know 'District 31' but I do have a
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Belgian 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> series of all 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> things, all about sex-crimes.. in
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Flemish 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> language. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> And speaking of programming, I
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>wrote >> a >> Python program today
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>without taking 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> a >> course. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I had no idea you were a
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>parseltongue. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Well, I had to do something after I
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> failed out of wizard school. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Is that even possible. I thought you
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> would just have to take the year
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>again. > Or become Key Warden or
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>something. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> But eventually they found out that I'm
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> too stupid to be a wizard. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Is that even possible? I thought it's an
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> innate ability for those whom it is
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> gifted. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I'm more of a Rincewind type of wizard or
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> not gifted at all. Smoke and mirrors!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I'm not familiar. Or _a_ familiar for that
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> matter... 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> That's what the cats are for.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I have no cat. Also no wizardry.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I have a cat. It does what it wants.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I'm somewhat familiar with the behaviour of
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> cats. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Not familiar with the rules of being a
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> familiar. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Me either. But that's okay since I'm not a
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> cat. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> One of these day I'm gonna install
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>the >>> ADA pre-compiler for gcc again
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>and >> think > of something to code in
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>it... >> Something 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> with a lot of things happening at
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>the >>> same time. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> No, you won't.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I will. Some day...
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Right after you build that water
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>feature 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> in your yard, I'm sure. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Well I won't be able to work on the
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> water feature in winter, so I could do
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> the installing then. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Isn't that when you are painting the
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> living room? *snickers*
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> No that was this spring, theoretically...
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Or next spring. Some time when I can keep
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> the doors and windows open. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Anyhoo....
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> You should learn Python so that you can
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> nitpit my code. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> What made you think that I don't know
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Python? (I don't, but still) 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> It was a calculated risk. It was created
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> after you left school and were a fully
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> functioning adult with a regular day job. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Yebbut I was reasonably capable of learning
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> several programming languages for many years
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> after that. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> As did I.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I think once MS took over the workplace, most
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> people learned VB. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> And some probably even learned a programming
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> language as well. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Probably.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I usually end up teaching myself.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Whereas I on several occasions ended up teaching
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> others... 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I haven't taught anyone to program, but I do end
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> up reviewing other people's code. I get questions
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> about 'How do I do thing X?' I have one
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> programmer who can't program from scratch. I
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> usually have to meet with him and outline step 1,
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> step 2 etc. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> But you are supposed to learn that in programmer
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> school...? 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I think his degree is in Philosophy or History or
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> something non- programming. How he got into this
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> line of work, I'll never know. He told me his dream
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> job would be to work on video games. He would die
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> in that job. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Probably. How he got the job: probably the same way
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> as everyone else - lied on his resume...
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I would be impressed if that were the case. This one
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> has about 0 initiative. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Maybe you could assign him to go to all the
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> meetings...? Just tell him to say "No".
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> He doesn't speak at meetings. Then he would come back
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> and wouldn't remember what went on at the meeting.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Make him a sign that says 'NO' to bring. Or better yet a
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> t-shirt. Then he won't forget to display it. The
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> important thing is to have the 'NO' represented.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I'll try that. He will think I'm joking and laugh.
>>>>>>>>>>>>> As long as he doesn't laugh during the meeting. You don't
>>>>>>>>>>>>> want the other participants to think it's a joke.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> He laughs at meetings when I go off on a rant.
>>>>>>>>>>>> But then a lot of people do. 
>>>>>>>>>>> Mute them.
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> Why? I like the attention.
>>>>>>>>> Doesn't it interrupt your train of thought having people laugh
>>>>>>>>> in the middle of your rant?
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Nah.
>>>>>>>> I can always start over.
>>>>>>> That's not going to make the total time wast^W spent in meeting
>>>>>>> any shorter now, is it?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> You should have thought about that before you interupted me.
>>>>> I would never laugh at someone mid-rant. I know from painful
>>>>> experience it will only prolong the outburst.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Painful? It's entertaining and makes the meeting go faster.
>>> It does not. A rant often result in someone suggesting a break (to
>>> let the tempers settle and also so I can have a smoke), after which
>>> the meeting continues - mostly completely ignoring the rant and any
>>> potential substance therein.
>>> As for painful: A ranter interrupted is almost always a ranter
>>> reiterating their point from the top or some variation thereof.
>>> Rants are rarely helpful.
>>>
>> Our meetings are booked for a specific length, say an hour.
>> If I talk for 50 minutes then the meeting will be over before you
>> know it.
> But then nothing will get resolved - that's not an efficient way to
> have meetings (unless the purpose is to have more meetings).
> 
Most of the time, the purpose is just to touch base with others.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Also you can read about the proceedings in the minutes
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> on the intranet. Probably.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Not usually.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Sometimes people write 10 pages of code to do
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> something when all they need is the coalesce
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> function. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Isn't that more an unwillingness to RT(F)M?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> No one does that.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I always did. And it served me well on many
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> occasions. More people should RTM.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> You lost the F!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> If one RTM before it becomes am urgent necessity there
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> is no F involved. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Which never happens.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> You think I'm the only one to ever read a manual?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Yes. Or least when it's not urgent.
>>>>>>>>>>>>> Tsk-tsk. What is the world coming to...
>>>>>>>>>>>> How about you read the manuals and then give me an
>>>>>>>>>>>> executive summary about them?
>>>>>>>>>>> You mean as in teamwork? Co-operating for better efficiency
>>>>>>>>>>> like you learned at the seminar?
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> I learnt nothing at the seminar.
>>>>>>>>>> I snuck out at the bathroom break.
>>>>>>>>> Tsk-tsk. I guess you'll have to read the manual yourself then.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Ugh!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> What made you think I can't nitpick any
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> code from a position of relative
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> ignorance? 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> But really. Code is code. The symbols may
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> be different but logic is forever...
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> That's what I keep telling coworkers who
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> are panicking about having to learn Python
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> or R. If you can program, you can do it in
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> any language. You just have to learn to
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> syntax. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> And memorise all the function libraries, of
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> course... Piece of cake. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Nah. I mean the stuff I use often will get
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> engraved in my mind. Anything else, will be
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> googled. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> But... your productivity!!1!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> All pensionable time!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> If they want me to be more productive, they
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> need to get me more staff and stop assigning me
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> extra work. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Your productivity isn't going to increase if you
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> run out of work to do. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> That will never happen. When we are understaffed,
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I don't have time to focus on my own work. All
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> the work has to be distributed amongst the
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> existing staff. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Delegation is work, though. Particularly if you
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> have staff. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> It's a delicate balanacing act.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Another reason why wearing heels to work is a bad
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> idea? 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I definitely wobble less in flat shoes.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> One of several reasons why I never wore high heels to
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> work. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Heels are my way of elevating myself aove the frey.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Plus I'm 5'5".
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Okay, shorty...
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Isn't that USian slang for GF?
>>>>>>>>>>>>> Not that I've heard/read. I believe it's slang for a short
>>>>>>>>>>>>> person. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> shorty or short�ie [ shawr-tee ]
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> noun,plural short�ies.
>>>>>>>>>>>> a person of less than average stature (sometimes used as a
>>>>>>>>>>>> disparaging and offensive term of address).
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> a garment designed to be of short length, as a hospital bed
>>>>>>>>>>>> jacket. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> Also shaw�ty  [shaw-tee] .Slang.
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> a girl or woman:
>>>>>>>>>>>> We watched the shorties on the dance floor, all lookin' so
>>>>>>>>>>>> fine. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> a girlfriend or sweetheart:
>>>>>>>>>>>> Me and my shorty went to that new club over on Ninth last
>>>>>>>>>>>> night; what a scene!
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> adjective
>>>>>>>>>>>> noting a garment designed to be of short length:
>>>>>>>>>>>> a shorty nightgown; shorty pajamas.
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> I can't keep up with all the slang the young people use
>>>>>>>>>>> these days. 
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> You should.
>>>>>>>>> It changes too fast for me in all the languages - in any case
>>>>>>>>> I was never on fleek even when I was younger. I was rather
>>>>>>>>> fetch, though, if I say so myself.
>>>>>>>> *eye roll*
>>>>>>>> Fetch is never going to happen, Gretchen!
>>>>>>> Some dogs like it, I think.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>> Maybe they want us to think that.
>>>>> No, I'm sure they genuinely enjoy the fetching part. It's the
>>>>> letting go after having fetched they are somewhat ambivalent
>>>>> about. 
>>>>>
>>>> My dog fetches the ball/stick/whatever and then runs away.
>>> IOW it can't keep cleaning up your mess. It has important stuff to
>>> do. 
>>>
>> OR the dog does not understand the rules of engagement.
> Well you have to explain it properly first. You can't just assume the
> dog knows your intentions... They are a bit like co-workers that way.
> 
I don't speak dog.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Also, I'm average height for caucasian women.
>>>>>>>>>>>>> The average height for women in DK is 167cm (5'5.75").
>>>>>>>>>>>>> I know this because the news told me - the height
>>>>>>>>>>>>> requirement for joining the royal guard has recently been
>>>>>>>>>>>>> removed because it discriminated against women. The
>>>>>>>>>>>>> requirement for women was higher than average height while
>>>>>>>>>>>>> the requirement for men was lower that average men's
>>>>>>>>>>>>> height. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>> These are the important decisions that occupy the high
>>>>>>>>>>>>> command. 
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> So I'm average height for a woman in DK. I'll blend in
>>>>>>>>>>>> nicely when visiting your water feature, stele and pile of
>>>>>>>>>>>> guano. 
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> Sure. I was hoping for a lot of japanese tourists, though.
>>>>>>>>>>> They are more likely to buy my tacky plastic souvenirs.
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> I'm getting a vibe that you don't want me to visit :(
>>>>>>>>> I don't expect you to buy any of my tacky plastic souvenirs.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Are you saying that so I'll want them?
>>>>>>> Not at all. I mean they are strictly limited issue. And
>>>>>>> eminently collectible as well a "decorative". But it's entirely
>>>>>>> up to you if you feel you need to buy some before they are all
>>>>>>> gone - and probably being sold on e-bay for 50-100 times the
>>>>>>> original price. Think beany babies but more exclusive.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>> Ah. FOMO.
>>>>>> Huge marketing tool.
>>>>> Yes, but in my defence: at least it isn't NFT's.
>>>>>
>>>> I think the bottom fell out of that market.
>>> Yap. And now we watch all the block-chain currencies from a safe
>>> distance. 
>>>
>> I think I've been doing that for years....
> Against the advise of Musky Elon??? He's one of the smartest people in
> the whole world, I've heard.
> 
Apparently.

>>>>>>>>>> So you need to launch an advertising blitz in Japan.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> They changed the requirements for fire-fighters here so
>>>>>>>>>>>> that more women could join. I can hardly wait to be rescued
>>>>>>>>>>>> from a burning building by a 96 lb woman.
>>>>>>>>>>> Well, maybe if you stopped playing with fire you wouldn't
>>>>>>>>>>> need rescuing all the time.
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> The leprechaun tells me to burn things.
>>>>>>>>> Contrary to popular opinion leprechauns don't as a rule have
>>>>>>>>> your best interest at heart. Don't listen to the leprechaun.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> But, but...they have that pot of gold.
>>>>>>>> (And me lucky charms)
>>>>>>> And they aren't inclined to part with either, so I've heard.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>> Stupid leprechauns!
>>>>>
>>>>> That sort of outburst aren't going to help your negotiations with
>>>>> the leprechauns. Just saying.
>>>>>
>>>> I didn't know I was negotiating.
>>>
>>> Do you want your breakfast cereal back or not?
>>>
>> I never eat breakfast cereal. You can keep it.
> 
> You mean the leprechaun can keep it. I don't eat cereal with added
> sugar bits.
> 
They're magically delicious!