OT: Off-Topic Thread - 2018 - It's summertime summertime sum sum summertime

[LouJersey]

Man.
Why do dogs have to die? Friggen wreck.
Cryton. 15 husky/Shepard mix. It was time but dammit.

Worst. I'm sorry.

 

[Hali33]

Because we don’t deserve them.
Sorry man. Truly.

That’s the truth. Condolences Flannelman, it’s the worst.

 

[LSCII]

Anybody use a Himalayan salt lamp? Like it? Hate it?

My wife uses one. Can't say that I notice anything different about the air quality, but she's convinced it helps, FWIW.

 

[LSCII]

Man.
Why do dogs have to die? Friggen wreck.
Cryton. 15 husky/Shepard mix. It was time but dammit.

That blows.

 

[JRull86]

Man.
Why do dogs have to die? Friggen wreck.
Cryton. 15 husky/Shepard mix. It was time but dammit.

I'm sorry Flannelman. Today marks 5 years since I had to put my childhood dog down (Thanks Facebook!!!!!!!), and I still miss him terribly.

 

[TP]

Sorry Flannel.



@Alicat Were you at assembly row yesterday around 5ish? I could have sworn I saw you.

 

[Flannelman]

Thank you all.

 

[Mainehockey33]

Thank you all.

Sorry man. My dog is family so I know how hard it must be.

 

[Mainehockey33]

I agree kids have it tougher today. Although I didnt exactly have a golden ticket. Im 60 . Ive been working full time since I was 16.
I never had an opportunity to go to college and earn a degree. Some of that was just bad luck and some admittedly self inflected.

But I am by far the luckiest son of a ***** to ever walk this earth.

As a door closed another opened. Ive been a Director of Operations for 12 years now at a major biotech. Over 30 reports in multiple departments. Me with a high school diploma with PHDs working for me.

The Bride and I married in 1981. Combined we made $250 a week. Without my parents we would have starved.

We wanted and tried to have kids. But medically we couldnt. Then as the years went by science caught up to our issues. Although later in life we were blessed with 3 kids. The twins didnt come along until I was 41.

I knew then that I would do everything I could to help them go where I didnt go. I opened college funds their first year of life. Damn near every raise or bonus has gone in there for 24 years now. I paid tuition and fees in advance through the UPlan. Locked in those prices. Some told me I was crazy. But now at this stage of life its the best thing I ever did.

All 3 had their first adult decision to make. The funds were theirs to use. There was enough to attend a state school or a portion towards a private school. But again their decision.

All 3 ultimately chose UMass. None of them will owe a single dime coming out. Zilch. If they want to go for a Masters, thats on them.

But theres a catch. Its their job to earn that degree. Not put me and mom through any insane bull ****. Sure spread your wings but there are limits and consequences. One being me shutting off the tap.

They also must volunteer for something. Food bank, community farm, tutoring, I dont care but something. .

But I do see the stress they and other kids are under. Some coming out with loans or not being able to find work in their fields. My oldest worked his ass off. Just got his Masters last week. Hes heading to Livermore Labs in Ca. on an internship. Starting at 75K with the opportunity to apply for 10 permanent positions they have mutual interest in. Thats what I prayed for , for 24 years.

So my plan. My hope. My legacy I guess was to provide the best leg up I could with some restrictions.

I’ll never save a life. Or invent something important. Or cure cancer. But if and when all is said and done they speak of me sincerely as not only a loved dad but a good one then I will have spent the brief time we have here the best I ever could.

You never know. I don’t know exactly what your company does for research but it seems like most biotech companies today are focusing on genetics and gene editing. I went back to school last year for medical lab technology and to get my BA in biology so I think the biotech industry is fascinating. Some companies are close to using Crispr on humans to cure diseases caused by a single mutation in their genome. The future of designer humans might be in my lifetime lol.

 

[JRull86]

I agree kids have it tougher today. Although I didnt exactly have a golden ticket. Im 60 . Ive been working full time since I was 16.
I never had an opportunity to go to college and earn a degree. Some of that was just bad luck and some admittedly self inflected.

But I am by far the luckiest son of a ***** to ever walk this earth.

As a door closed another opened. Ive been a Director of Operations for 12 years now at a major biotech. Over 30 reports in multiple departments. Me with a high school diploma with PHDs working for me.

The Bride and I married in 1981. Combined we made $250 a week. Without my parents we would have starved.

We wanted and tried to have kids. But medically we couldnt. Then as the years went by science caught up to our issues. Although later in life we were blessed with 3 kids. The twins didnt come along until I was 41.

I knew then that I would do everything I could to help them go where I didnt go. I opened college funds their first year of life. Damn near every raise or bonus has gone in there for 24 years now. I paid tuition and fees in advance through the UPlan. Locked in those prices. Some told me I was crazy. But now at this stage of life its the best thing I ever did.

All 3 had their first adult decision to make. The funds were theirs to use. There was enough to attend a state school or a portion towards a private school. But again their decision.

All 3 ultimately chose UMass. None of them will owe a single dime coming out. Zilch. If they want to go for a Masters, thats on them.

But theres a catch. Its their job to earn that degree. Not put me and mom through any insane bull ****. Sure spread your wings but there are limits and consequences. One being me shutting off the tap.

They also must volunteer for something. Food bank, community farm, tutoring, I dont care but something. .

But I do see the stress they and other kids are under. Some coming out with loans or not being able to find work in their fields. My oldest worked his ass off. Just got his Masters last week. Hes heading to Livermore Labs in Ca. on an internship. Starting at 75K with the opportunity to apply for 10 permanent positions they have mutual interest in. Thats what I prayed for , for 24 years.

So my plan. My hope. My legacy I guess was to provide the best leg up I could with some restrictions.

I’ll never save a life. Or invent something important. Or cure cancer. But if and when all is said and done they speak of me sincerely as not only a loved dad but a good one then I will have spent the brief time we have here the best I ever could.

Wally, I know you're about as humble as they come, and will deflect my priase, but you are an incredible person. You truly are someone who's example is one to follow.

 

[Alicat]

Sorry Flannel.



@Alicat Were you at assembly row yesterday around 5ish? I could have sworn I saw you.

Nope that was not me. I was on the Orange line near Forest Hills

 

[LouJersey]

Nope that was not me. I was on the Orange line near Forest Hills

Careful,. he's just trying to get your route down so he can ask you if you want to see what color his trunks carpet is.

 

[Mainehockey33]

Careful,. he's just trying to get your route down so he can ask you if you want to see what color his trunks carpet is.

Are you going to see Solo tonight? I’m not looking forward to waiting in line for an hour+ but I’m pretty pumped for the movie.

 

[Dr Hook]

Are you going to see Solo tonight? I’m not looking forward to waiting in line for an hour+ but I’m pretty pumped for the movie.

Looking forward to it too- my daughter is working at a local theater as a summer job, so we are going to see it tomorrow at matinee time for free

 

[Glove Malfunction]

Yep that was exactly the place I had in mind when I thought of ice storms and tornados Arlington is okay for a suburb- I went to school there at UTA. It will be fun trip for you I think- you are arriving just in time to scorch, though.

We were getting ready to move to Phoenix until my extended time unemployed changed our plans, so we were ready to scorch anyway. I've lived in San Antonio during the summer, so I've been in hot and humid before...

 

[Dr Hook]

We were getting ready to move to Phoenix until my extended time unemployed changed our plans, so we were ready to scorch anyway. I've lived in San Antonio during the summer, so I've been in hot and humid before...

Welcome to Texas! Make sure you get NHL Center Ice

 

[Glove Malfunction]

Man.
Why do dogs have to die? Friggen wreck.
Cryton. 15 husky/Shepard mix. It was time but dammit.

Sorry Travis (I think it's Travis). Those of us who have been through it can certainly empathize. We're here if you need us.

 

[LouJersey]

Are you going to see Solo tonight? I’m not looking forward to waiting in line for an hour+ but I’m pretty pumped for the movie.

Yes sir. Bought the reserved seating a month ago for tonight so I can get there a little before it starts. I went to the mall for lunch where the theater is and it was great to see all the nerd herds forming around the entrance HAHAHA... Warms my heart.

 

[Glove Malfunction]

Welcome to Texas! Make sure you get NHL Center Ice

I'll just be traveling Sun-Thursday. Home every weekend. So i'll likely end up streaming games, or seeing if there's a Buffalo Wild Wings in town. I met up with @Lockheed a couple of times when I was contracted in OKC.

That commute kinda sucks. Fly into either DFW or OKC then drive to Wichita Falls. between 2 and 2 1/2 hours. The way I drive, prolly closer to 2. Alternatively, fly into the small airport in W Falls (where the schedules aren't that great) and don't make the drive. Either way, not great. But at least it's work.

 

[Dr Hook]

I'll just be traveling Sun-Thursday. Home every weekend. So i'll likely end up streaming games, or seeing if there's a Buffalo Wild Wings in town. I met up with @Lockheed a couple of times when I was contracted in OKC.

That commute kinda sucks. Fly into either DFW or OKC then drive to Wichita Falls. between 2 and 2 1/2 hours. The way I drive, prolly closer to 2. Alternatively, fly into the small airport in W Falls (where the schedules aren't that great) and don't make the drive. Either way, not great. But at least it's work.

Wichita Falls is kind of out in nowhere, isn't it- a friend of mine travels up there every couple weeks as he owns an equipment rental business that has a store there. Another friend sells tools for the ole bidness and travels there a lot. I think its about 4-5 hours from where we are depending on traffic. But like you say, and they say too, it's work So I have to ask- are in you in energy? Or defense contracting? Those are about the only two industries I can think of that are in the area (outside of farming and ranching!).

 

[Mainehockey33]

Looking forward to it too- my daughter is working at a local theater as a summer job, so we are going to see it tomorrow at matinee time for free

That’s nice, enjoy!

Yes sir. Bought the reserved seating a month ago for tonight so I can get there a little before it starts. I went to the mall for lunch where the theater is and it was great to see all the nerd herds forming around the entrance HAHAHA... Warms my heart.

Man I wish IMAX had reserved seating. Now I’m thinking about leaving earlier, damn. A benefit of going Solo is I’ll probably still get a decent seat no matter when I go. Went with a friend to see Rogue One and ended up in the very front, wasn’t great haha.

 

[Gee Wally]

You never know. I don’t know exactly what your company does for research but it seems like most biotech companies today are focusing on genetics and gene editing. I went back to school last year for medical lab technology and to get my BA in biology so I think the biotech industry is fascinating. Some companies are close to using Crispr on humans to cure diseases caused by a single mutation in their genome. The future of designer humans might be in my lifetime lol.

we do this:

Lysosomal Storage Disorders - NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders)

 

[Glove Malfunction]

Wichita Falls is kind of out in nowhere, isn't it- a friend of mine travels up there every couple weeks as he owns an equipment rental business that has a store there. Another friend sells tools for the ole bidness and travels there a lot. I think its about 4-5 hours from where we are depending on traffic. But like you say, and they say too, it's work So I have to ask- are in you in energy? Or defense contracting? Those are about the only two industries I can think of that are in the area (outside of farming and ranching!).

Actually, I'm a consultant who specializes in Electronic Medical Records. A small health system up there is converting from one system to another, and I'll be involved in that whole transition, along with training their newly hired staff, who have been to company training, but still don't know much, and don't know how to do a transition yet.

Interestingly, my degree is in History, and I see you teach History. Interesting tale of how I ended up working where I do now, with a History degree.

 

[LouJersey]

That’s nice, enjoy!



Man I wish IMAX had reserved seating. Now I’m thinking about leaving earlier, damn. A benefit of going Solo is I’ll probably still get a decent seat no matter when I go. Went with a friend to see Rogue One and ended up in the very front, wasn’t great haha.

I see what you did there

It's the IMAX Dolby sound with the clearer resolution with the leather reclining sofas, reserved. I pay more, but for me, having a seat on lockdown, especially in these cases is well worth it.

I don't have super high expectations. I think it will be a fun, enjoyable movie, and I am not going to compare this Solo to the Ford Solo. I'm almost going into it as this is just a flashback during a Harrison Ford Solo moment in Star Wars if that makes any sense. I'm not looking for award nominations or an all time great movie, nor will I let it mess up my childhood memories of the Han Solo I grew up with, who other than Batman is the best character ever LOL. Will be nice to get some "answers" on some things but not looking to be floored by anything.

 

[Mainehockey33]

I see what you did there

It's the IMAX Dolby sound with the clearer resolution with the leather reclining sofas, reserved. I pay more, but for me, having a seat on lockdown, especially in these cases is well worth it.

I don't have super high expectations. I think it will be a fun, enjoyable movie, and I am not going to compare this Solo to the Ford Solo. I'm almost going into it as this is just a flashback during a Harrison Ford Solo moment in Star Wars if that makes any sense. I'm not looking for award nominations or an all time great movie, nor will I let it mess up my childhood memories of the Han Solo I grew up with, who other than Batman is the best character ever LOL. Will be nice to get some "answers" on some things but not looking to be floored by anything.

Same, I’ve gone into every new Star Wars movie like that and haven’t been disappointed yet. Too many people think if it’s not better then Empire or doesn’t make over $2 billion dollars it’s a failure. Just enjoy them for the fun movies they are. Definitely hoping for some interesting new planets besides Corellia. I don’t expect Vader or the Emporer but that would be cool. I’m going to predict Boba or Jabba show up too.

For me IMAX is all about the audio. It’s such a step up from my local theater. The IMAX will be packed but I won’t here anything but the movie so it’s worth seeing Star Wars there for me. The giant screen is a bonus.