Random Thoughts About Thoughts Random

Johnnie · Post by **Johnnie** » Wed Oct 14, 2020 7:28 am

Another thing I'll never miss about the military:

Getting a phone call at 5 am telling me to get my uniform on immediately -- don't shower or shave -- and come into work ASAP.

And what's it for? A piss test. It affected a couple hundred people (the whole Group), but still. Luckily I've played this fucking game before and knew not to piss until I got to work.

DaveInSeattle · Post by **DaveInSeattle** » Wed Oct 14, 2020 1:09 pm

This cropped up in the TL today:

A great call by Jack Buck.

mister d · Post by **mister d** » Thu Oct 15, 2020 8:25 am

A US Open linesman died after being hit in the dick by a Stefan Edberg serve.

Post by **Shirley** » Thu Oct 15, 2020 11:56 am

mister d wrote: ↑Thu Oct 15, 2020 8:25 am A US Open linesman died after being hit in the dick by a Stefan Edberg serve.

Hadn't heard that one before. It's true, but you omitted the part that he fell and hit his head and that's what killed him. http://legendsrevealed.com/sports/2012/ ... nt-page-1/

Still, pretty crazy.

mister d · Post by **mister d** » Thu Oct 15, 2020 12:08 pm

It felt like the proper time for sensational but technically accurate phrasing.

Ryan · Post by **Ryan** » Thu Oct 15, 2020 3:03 pm

I bet you could find more victims

Johnnie · Post by **Johnnie** » Sat Oct 17, 2020 4:41 pm

The current base price of the Tesla Model S is $69,420.

https://www.tesla.com/

sancarlos · Post by **sancarlos** » Mon Oct 19, 2020 10:25 pm

I just received a text notice from the county that a mountain lion was sighted at an address that is 1.2 miles from my home. Yow.

The Sybian · Post by **The Sybian** » Mon Oct 19, 2020 10:43 pm

sancarlos wrote: ↑Mon Oct 19, 2020 10:25 pm I just received a text notice from the county that a mountain lion was sighted at an address that is 1.2 miles from my home. Yow.

Next door neighbor at my old house posted a video of a black bear hanging out in my front yard. Pretty big one. There have been an abnormal number of bears around town all summer. Extremely high number of squirrels and chipmunks, too. Now I'm seeing a ton of FB posts about squirrels eating people's pumpkins, which I've never heard. Acorns haven't fallen yet, which usually happens several weeks ago, so the squirrels are eating jack-o-lanterns. Strange times...

BSF21 · Post by **BSF21** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 7:38 am

The Sybian wrote: ↑Mon Oct 19, 2020 10:43 pm
sancarlos wrote: ↑Mon Oct 19, 2020 10:25 pm I just received a text notice from the county that a mountain lion was sighted at an address that is 1.2 miles from my home. Yow.
Next door neighbor at my old house posted a video of a black bear hanging out in my front yard. Pretty big one. There have been an abnormal number of bears around town all summer.

Do I have a song for you!

The Sybian · Post by **The Sybian** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 8:11 am

BSF21 wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 7:38 am
The Sybian wrote: ↑Mon Oct 19, 2020 10:43 pm
sancarlos wrote: ↑Mon Oct 19, 2020 10:25 pm I just received a text notice from the county that a mountain lion was sighted at an address that is 1.2 miles from my home. Yow.
Next door neighbor at my old house posted a video of a black bear hanging out in my front yard. Pretty big one. There have been an abnormal number of bears around town all summer.
Do I have a song for you!

Soundtrack in my head every time I saw a bear posting. Someone on FB encountered the bear while running around the high school property and asked how they should have reacted. Tempted to post the song, which said nothing about taking out your phone, filming the bear and posting to FB while still standing near the bear.

BSF21 · Post by **BSF21** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 8:26 am

The Sybian wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 8:11 am
BSF21 wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 7:38 am
The Sybian wrote: ↑Mon Oct 19, 2020 10:43 pm
sancarlos wrote: ↑Mon Oct 19, 2020 10:25 pm I just received a text notice from the county that a mountain lion was sighted at an address that is 1.2 miles from my home. Yow.
Next door neighbor at my old house posted a video of a black bear hanging out in my front yard. Pretty big one. There have been an abnormal number of bears around town all summer.
Do I have a song for you!
Tempted to post the song, which said nothing about taking out your phone, filming the bear and posting to FB while still standing near the bear.

REEEEEEEEEEEEEMIXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Post by **Shirley** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 11:37 am

Spotify :-(

: image.png (53.61 KiB) Viewed 1397 times

Rush2112 · Post by **Rush2112** » Tue Oct 20, 2020 12:17 pm

Swamp Radio...

EnochRoot · Post by **EnochRoot** » Wed Oct 21, 2020 6:45 pm

So today Spencer Davis died (and I see he was mentioned in the appropriate thread)...I went down a rabbit hole on the Spencer Davis Group. I had no idea their original bassist was Steve Winwood's brother, Merwyn.

Muff Winwood. That's awesome. Somehow, anyway.

DaveInSeattle · Post by **DaveInSeattle** » Thu Oct 22, 2020 12:03 pm

EnochRoot wrote: ↑Wed Oct 21, 2020 6:45 pm So today Spencer Davis died (and I see he was mentioned in the appropriate thread)...I went down a rabbit hole on the Spencer Davis Group. I had no idea their original bassist was Steve Winwood's brother, Merwyn.

Muff Winwood. That's awesome. Somehow, anyway.

In his NyTime obit, it mentioned that Spencer Davis dated Christine Perfect for a while. She then married John McVie and joined Fleetwood Mac.

EnochRoot · Post by **EnochRoot** » Thu Oct 22, 2020 12:59 pm

DaveInSeattle wrote: ↑Thu Oct 22, 2020 12:03 pm
EnochRoot wrote: ↑Wed Oct 21, 2020 6:45 pm So today Spencer Davis died (and I see he was mentioned in the appropriate thread)...I went down a rabbit hole on the Spencer Davis Group. I had no idea their original bassist was Steve Winwood's brother, Merwyn.

Muff Winwood. That's awesome. Somehow, anyway.
In his NyTime obit, it mentioned that Spencer Davis dated Christine Perfect for a while. She then married John McVie and joined Fleetwood Mac.

I want to work a Maryanne Faithfull comment in here but it’s not working.

Post by **brian** » Fri Oct 30, 2020 12:21 pm

Someone is trying to use our address for an unemployment scam. Got a PUA debit card yesterday in someone's name and looks like another one coming today in someone else's name.

And it's a state holiday today so I can't call the state DETR to report it. Maybe I should hang on to these and take the money out after I get to Mexico! (just kidding).

DSafetyGuy · Post by **DSafetyGuy** » Fri Oct 30, 2020 3:06 pm

Should you ever be in position to discard two toilets at the dump and your facility has the items be thrown down some distance onto a pile, I absolutely recommend tossing the first one so you can toss the second right on top of it.

BSF21 · Post by **BSF21** » Fri Oct 30, 2020 3:22 pm

DSafetyGuy wrote: ↑Fri Oct 30, 2020 3:06 pm Should you ever be in position to discard two toilets at the dump and your facility has the items be thrown down some distance onto a pile, I absolutely recommend tossing the first one so you can toss the second right on top of it.

Nice to see this thread getting back to it's roots.

Johnnie · Post by **Johnnie** » Fri Oct 30, 2020 3:36 pm

Does LA have a Rage Room? ABQ does.

https://abqrage.com/

Sounds like you'd have a blast breaking shit.

DSafetyGuy · Post by **DSafetyGuy** » Fri Oct 30, 2020 3:44 pm

BSF21 wrote: ↑Fri Oct 30, 2020 3:22 pm
DSafetyGuy wrote: ↑Fri Oct 30, 2020 3:06 pm Should you ever be in position to discard two toilets at the dump and your facility has the items be thrown down some distance onto a pile, I absolutely recommend tossing the first one so you can toss the second right on top of it.
Nice to see this thread getting back to it's roots.

We went there after voting (my wife knows how to plan a good morning out and about on the town). Had a slight bit of anxiety upon arrival because the sign said SUVs were $30 (was prepared for only $15, the price for a car or minivan, and the small attendant's stand did not suggest the ability of the non-cash payment, but did inform you about the presence of parking in front for Dallas Cowboys fans only), but said we just had to get rid of two toilets. $15 and we were off to stall #2 to drop off two former #2 recipients.

DSafetyGuy · Post by **DSafetyGuy** » Fri Oct 30, 2020 3:47 pm

Johnnie wrote: ↑Fri Oct 30, 2020 3:36 pm Does LA have a Rage Room? ABQ does.

https://abqrage.com/

Sounds like you'd have a blast breaking shit.

I don't know that they had one out there when we lived there, but there are none in the Syracuse area. One difference is I think there is a certain visceral enjoyment added when it is your own item(s) and there are no safety precautions required.

Johnnie · Post by **Johnnie** » Fri Oct 30, 2020 3:49 pm

DSafetyGuy wrote: ↑Fri Oct 30, 2020 3:47 pm
Johnnie wrote: ↑Fri Oct 30, 2020 3:36 pm Does LA have a Rage Room? ABQ does.

https://abqrage.com/

Sounds like you'd have a blast breaking shit.
I don't know that they had one out there when we lived there, but there are none in the Syracuse area. One difference is I think there is a certain visceral enjoyment added when it is your own item(s) and there are no safety precautions required.

You moved? I must have missed that! Congrats for evacuating California. Hopefully you came out ahead monetarily.

sancarlos · Post by **sancarlos** » Fri Oct 30, 2020 6:06 pm

DSafetyGuy wrote: ↑Fri Oct 30, 2020 3:47 pm
Johnnie wrote: ↑Fri Oct 30, 2020 3:36 pm Does LA have a Rage Room? ABQ does.

https://abqrage.com/

Sounds like you'd have a blast breaking shit.
I don't know that they had one out there when we lived there, but there are none in the Syracuse area. One difference is I think there is a certain visceral enjoyment added when it is your own item(s) and there are no safety precautions required.

bfj · Post by **bfj** » Sat Oct 31, 2020 5:14 pm

Post by **Shirley** » Sun Nov 01, 2020 8:56 pm

It's interesting that the Olde Timey Music for Howard and DC thread is still going strong even though it's getting close to three years since either Howard or DC47 have posted in the Swamp. Still not sure I know why either quit.

Johnnie · Post by **Johnnie** » Mon Nov 02, 2020 11:11 am

In case you wanted a peek behind the curtain, this is the official answer as to whether or not a military member can have an OnlyFans account:

TL;DR - an OnlyFans account is considered a "second job." "Second jobs" (all of them) need to be routed through the Base Legal Office. Base Legal, in order to maintain 'good order and discipline,' has to determine whether the job you want to do outside of the military is a 'good image' fit. OnlyFans does NOT meet that threshold.

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Wed Nov 04, 2020 11:21 am

This is fucking stupid and it doesn't change anything except which debt a little money each month is servicing, but I just paid off my student loans. Rates were so low it wasn't a priority but as we got our finances in line this year we decided to aggressively go after some smaller balances for a few months. It isn't perfect financially speaking but its off the books at least!

ETA: I graduated in 2006.

govmentchedda · Post by **govmentchedda** » Wed Nov 04, 2020 11:36 am

Congrats

mister d · Post by **mister d** » Wed Nov 04, 2020 11:39 am

Hell yeah. Elimination of any single debt is the best.

Steve of phpBB · Post by **Steve of phpBB** » Wed Nov 04, 2020 11:49 am

A_B wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 11:21 am This is fucking stupid and it doesn't change anything except which debt a little money each month is servicing, but I just paid off my student loans. Rates were so low it wasn't a priority but as we got our finances in line this year we decided to aggressively go after some smaller balances for a few months. It isn't perfect financially speaking but its off the books at least!

ETA: I graduated in 2006.

That’s awesome, AB. I did the same with my loans; even if it’s economically irrational, there is real hedonic value in not having a debt hanging over you.

BSF21 · Post by **BSF21** » Wed Nov 04, 2020 12:31 pm

A_B wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 11:21 am This is fucking stupid and it doesn't change anything except which debt a little money each month is servicing, but I just paid off my student loans. Rates were so low it wasn't a priority but as we got our finances in line this year we decided to aggressively go after some smaller balances for a few months. It isn't perfect financially speaking but its off the books at least!

ETA: I graduated in 2006.

Congrats AB! That's awesome!

The Sybian · Post by **The Sybian** » Wed Nov 04, 2020 2:48 pm

Steve of phpBB wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 11:49 am
A_B wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 11:21 am This is fucking stupid and it doesn't change anything except which debt a little money each month is servicing, but I just paid off my student loans. Rates were so low it wasn't a priority but as we got our finances in line this year we decided to aggressively go after some smaller balances for a few months. It isn't perfect financially speaking but its off the books at least!

ETA: I graduated in 2006.
That’s awesome, AB. I did the same with my loans; even if it’s economically irrational, there is real hedonic value in not having a debt hanging over you.

I always debate this. My student loan is relatively tiny, but I never bothered to pay it off as the rates are so low and I set up autopay more than 10 years ago. I debate paying it off, but I think the interest is already paid anyways. We decided to pay off the mortgage a few years ago, and I wondered if that fiscally made sense. While the rate was fairly low, I don't know if we could have invested and guaranteed to make more off the money elsewhere, and saving the interest payments was guaranteed savings and my wife is more stressed over a high monthly payment that it was worth it on an emotional level. We are both pretty risk averse with investments, too, so we went for it. Met with a financial advisor, and he was so damned wishy washy he was no help in planning.

BSF21 · Post by **BSF21** » Wed Nov 04, 2020 3:03 pm

The Sybian wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 2:48 pm
Steve of phpBB wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 11:49 am
A_B wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 11:21 am This is fucking stupid and it doesn't change anything except which debt a little money each month is servicing, but I just paid off my student loans. Rates were so low it wasn't a priority but as we got our finances in line this year we decided to aggressively go after some smaller balances for a few months. It isn't perfect financially speaking but its off the books at least!

ETA: I graduated in 2006.
That’s awesome, AB. I did the same with my loans; even if it’s economically irrational, there is real hedonic value in not having a debt hanging over you.
I always debate this. My student loan is relatively tiny, but I never bothered to pay it off as the rates are so low and I set up autopay more than 10 years ago. I debate paying it off, but I think the interest is already paid anyways. We decided to pay off the mortgage a few years ago, and I wondered if that fiscally made sense. While the rate was fairly low, I don't know if we could have invested and guaranteed to make more off the money elsewhere, and saving the interest payments was guaranteed savings and my wife is more stressed over a high monthly payment that it was worth it on an emotional level. We are both pretty risk averse with investments, too, so we went for it. Met with a financial advisor, and he was so damned wishy washy he was no help in planning.

I have so many thoughts but I'll reserve unless they're asked for.

The Sybian · Post by **The Sybian** » Wed Nov 04, 2020 3:33 pm

BSF21 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 3:03 pm
The Sybian wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 2:48 pm
Steve of phpBB wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 11:49 am
A_B wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 11:21 am This is fucking stupid and it doesn't change anything except which debt a little money each month is servicing, but I just paid off my student loans. Rates were so low it wasn't a priority but as we got our finances in line this year we decided to aggressively go after some smaller balances for a few months. It isn't perfect financially speaking but its off the books at least!

ETA: I graduated in 2006.
That’s awesome, AB. I did the same with my loans; even if it’s economically irrational, there is real hedonic value in not having a debt hanging over you.
I always debate this. My student loan is relatively tiny, but I never bothered to pay it off as the rates are so low and I set up autopay more than 10 years ago. I debate paying it off, but I think the interest is already paid anyways. We decided to pay off the mortgage a few years ago, and I wondered if that fiscally made sense. While the rate was fairly low, I don't know if we could have invested and guaranteed to make more off the money elsewhere, and saving the interest payments was guaranteed savings and my wife is more stressed over a high monthly payment that it was worth it on an emotional level. We are both pretty risk averse with investments, too, so we went for it. Met with a financial advisor, and he was so damned wishy washy he was no help in planning.
I have so many thoughts but I'll reserve unless they're asked for.

Hit me, I was looking for advice. I know it probably doesn't make financial sense, but the stress reduction knowing we wouldn't have a mortgage if we lost jobs or something made it worthwhile.

govmentchedda · Post by **govmentchedda** » Wed Nov 04, 2020 3:35 pm

My thoughts are, Bravo Syb and Lady Syb! No mortgage is fantastic.

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Wed Nov 04, 2020 4:12 pm

Yeah. The book says play the interest percentages, but that assumes that cash flow isn't an issue. For most people, cash flow is more important than interest rate arbitrage in the short term. Sure, maybe you can make more in a safe investment vehicle but now the money you were paying towards mortgage can do that while also easing the strain on liquidity, even if the payoff is a bit further out.

L-Jam3 · Post by **L-Jam3** » Wed Nov 04, 2020 4:19 pm

A_B wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 4:12 pm Yeah. The book says play the interest percentages, but that assumes that cash flow isn't an issue. For most people, cash flow is more important than interest rate arbitrage in the short term. Sure, maybe you can make more in a safe investment vehicle but now the money you were paying towards mortgage can do that while also easing the strain on liquidity, even if the payoff is a bit further out.

An ancillary consideration is that by removing that monthly bill, it provides some level of mental relief. That's not nothing.

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Wed Nov 04, 2020 4:23 pm

L-Jam3 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 4:19 pm
A_B wrote: ↑Wed Nov 04, 2020 4:12 pm Yeah. The book says play the interest percentages, but that assumes that cash flow isn't an issue. For most people, cash flow is more important than interest rate arbitrage in the short term. Sure, maybe you can make more in a safe investment vehicle but now the money you were paying towards mortgage can do that while also easing the strain on liquidity, even if the payoff is a bit further out.
An ancillary consideration is that by removing that monthly bill, it provides some level of mental relief. That's not nothing.

Right, that was easing the strain on liquidity. As the likely largest single monthly outlay, having that cash in the bank probably feels great. I know it's how my in-laws are now rolling in dough because they paid their house off like 15 years ago.