Subj : Todays Blooper To : Daryl Stout From : Barry Martin Date : Tue Oct 06 2020 10:19:00 Hi Daryl! BM> So appears the error is in MTel Telnet. Or perhaps not and the problem BM> is in the message tosser not understanding to change to the local time BM> zone when the data comes from MTel but is does udnerstand when the data BM> comes from SyncTerm. DS> I think so. The time on the messages and replies seem to be OK, DS> though. The problem with SyncTerm is the display resolution, DS> thinking it's 80x25 when it's 80x24, and it skews the ANSI DS> animation. Is the resolution on the window set correctly? The Windows' window. DS> They wouldn't be so accommodating (sp?) today. BM> (You did spell properly.) The good news is I haven't had that issue. DS> My spel cheker is broke. :P You need to resolve to get it fixed. (...So-so play on 'resolution'.) BM> Hopefully no more unexpected expenses for at least another six months BM> (so you can get somewhat caught up) and those that do occur are small. DS> The annuity arrived, but there is major car work and medical DS> bills to take care of right off the bat. At least it's a DS> non-taxable transaction. I was just glad to get the checks into DS> the bank, even though I won't have full access for 2 weeks. Bank's not trusting the insurance company either, hmm?! BM> The latter could potentially get you in trouble: thinking 'theft' as BM> the money was intended to go to the Treasurer and you knew it. Sending BM> the check back instead of on takes the same amount of postage, so no BM> savings there. (Could put several checks in one envelope and send on BM> to the Treasurer to save a dollar or two, but that's besides the BM> point.) DS> I have enough trouble with my own bankbook...I don't want to DS> mess with anyone else's. Right. Ideally get the square dancers to send their payments to the Treasurer. As that isn't going to happen 100% have a chat with the Treasurer and probably the President about what can done to minimize your activity/involvement. If they get all bent out of shape and for whatever reason need the misdirected checks _now_ then they need to supply you with envelopes and postage or the money to purchase, plus mileage. BM> As for the accompanying nastygram, probably end up backfiring some how. BM> Is there a late fee? If so "make use of it" by forwarding the errant BM> checks more or less to your convenience, though I'd tend to make it BM> consistent: always on the 1st and 15th, or only on the 20th. "You BM> missed the train, too bad, now wait for the next one." DS> The thing that angers me so is that I've discussed this for DS> years. I've printed out handouts at the delegates meetings, DS> talked about the items, had stuff on the websites, and in the DS> publications...and it all seemed to fall on deaf ears, as folks DS> ignored me entirely, and didn't pay attention. So, if the severe DS> rant angers them to make them realize the right way to do stuff, DS> so be it. Besides, if they don't fill out the check right, the DS> same thing will have to be done by the Treasurer (sending it DS> back), as the bank won't take it. These folks: "Can't fix stupid". IMO you've warned them, now the consequences. "_You_ did it wrong, _I_ don't have time to fix _your_ problem. Too bad." They'll get mad at you, threaten, sputter. T.S. No use in you getting mad back at them, they're the ones in the wrong, not you. DS> 1) Wait forever and a day to notify me that they're not receiving DS> the e-Edition or print edition...I said to notify me as soon as DS> you believe there's a problem, and not several months down the DS> road. If they can wait to notify you they can wait to receive. DS> 2) Don't check their info as a caller, cuer, or club...in the DS> publication, or on the websites...and then let me know if it's DS> right or not. If they don't check then they don't get the associated privileges. Their problem. (If they checked previously but the new form is blank then you don't have anything to update.) DS> 3) Make the check to me instead of the organization. I'd be inclined to say "thanks for the gift" but we both know the intent and that would be wrong. I'd be tempted to shred if the meeting with the Treasurer goes badly. DS> 4) Have wrong amounts on the check. Then they owe or have a credit. DS> 5) Don't sign the check (the most egregious, as the bank won't DS> take it). Then they wasted a stamp. DS> I have buy postage and printing to send it back to them. I've DS> now printed a form with exactly where to send it. If they still DS> can't follow directions, I'm going to give up. Personally I don't think you have to do anything. They're wrong, not you. It's ncie to be nice, but not to the point of being a doormat. DS> I know folks want me fired for my "rant", but as noted, this DS> has been going on for several years. The problem is, no one else DS> wants to do the work. Then they can either deal with your rants, do it themselves, or not have it done at all. Might have to spell some things out as to why the rant. "It costs me money to return those bad checks" is a factual statement but has no spine. Continue on with supporting details: "I get seven to ten a month I have to send back. Average that to eight; eight stamps at 50› [or whatever the price is now] is four dollars (emphasize that dollar amount!)." I'd probably leave out the price of envelopes and paper during the public 'rant-reply' but certainly include them (plus printer ink, wear-and-tear, etc.) in any negotiations with the Treasurer. ...They getting paid for their time? Then you should too. BM> Other thing would be to have a chat with the Treasurer about the BM> problem and ask for his or her opinions. Maybe as long as the money BM> has been paid it doesn't matter that much: deposit the errant checks BM> into your account, keep track, and write a check to the Treasurer every BM> few months. E-mail the Treasurer the name and check amounts as the BM> checks are received. DS> I end up sending the checks to the Treasurer (she's a CPA, and DS> both she and her husband are relatively new dancers), but we've DS> synchronized the databases, so we know who has paid for ads, DS> subscriptions, etc., and who hasn't. I think they're going to DS> partially reimburse me for expenses, but I'm not optimistic. OTOH if you can get rid of most of the unnecessary expenses that would be as good if not better than being reimbursed. BM> Frustrating, yes. Time to take a look as to why they're using your BM> address. How are the people getting it? If on the statement your BM> address is in 18 pt bold at the top and the Treasurer's is 9 pt that BM> might be a clue. If the back cover has an 'article' "Have you paid BM> your dues?" make sure it is in a box outlined with a thicker line with BM> the Treasurer's address inside -- keeping it visually separate. DS> It says on the Reminder Card "Make the check for $20 to ASSDF, DS> and send it to the Treasurer". I guess I need to change the DS> language, as that's not clear enough. :P Yet, all the square DS> dance calls are in English. Immediate thing I thought was "so who's the Treasurer and what's his address?". So maybe reformat to something like: Make your $20.00 check payable to ASSDF <== put 'ASSDF' in bold Send to: ASSDF Treasurer 82 Dosido Way Little Steppe, AR 54321 LISB4, put this inside a well-defined black box. I'd leave whitespace (notice I indented but it sort of disappeared with the note about boldfacing ASSDF). BM> Watch it: they'll elect you!! DS> Well, I'd tell them that if I was President (and I don't want DS> to be!!), and if it got to where several officers had to leave DS> the board due to term limits, and no one else would serve because DS> of burnout, etc. -- then, I could get no response from the DS> delegates...I'd bang the gavel down, to declare the organization DS> disbanded, and the meeting adjourned. That's one way to alleviate the mis-sent checks problem!! DS> The checks arrived Saturday, and I put them into the bank. DS> It'll be 2 weeks before I can access the money, but at least I DS> can get stuff done. However, travel outside of central Arkansas DS> is NOT on the table. BM> Doing free work is fine when you can afford it. You've had enough BM> issues with zero funds I would have been taking them up on at least BM> some of the re-imbursement. DS> I'm not optimistic...I've had my hopes dashed way too much in DS> life. Chineese, Indian, somebody's statement: fall nine times, get up ten. And then sometimes the falling is a way of being told you're not doing it right. BM> I'd read some time back where eating out at a moderate-priced BM> restaurant is less expensive -- somehow they calculated the time, BM> expenses of purchasing a stove, a refrigerator, cookware, dishes, BM> washing them, etc., etc. OTOH I/we prefer to eat at home as no BM> 'wasting' time travelling, waiting for the table then the food; also BM> 'multitask' as usually watch _Jeopardy!_ and another show... DS> Plus, you don't have to tip anyone. At some restaurants, DS> they have been charging the tip (and even COVID-19 fees) BEFORE DS> you get the food. I've known people that turned around, and DS> walked out...when finding out about those charges. Or, they lay DS> down a business card, saying "I strongly disagree with your DS> tipping policy before I get served"...and add "But, since you DS> want a tip, I'll give you 3"... DS> 1) Plant your corn early. DS> 2) Keep your powder dry. DS> 3) Always have clean underwear on. Personally the business card is not me. We didn't go out to eat all that much before and now -- well, I don't think we've eaten out since reopening. One Mexican place we did do carry-out because the Iowa had not allowed dining rooms to be re-opened yet. Their new prices were astronomical, allegedly because of the price of meat: it's ground beef, not a steak! I'll agree meat had gone up, but not to that degree. And yes, they were packaging the food for carry-out -- Styrofoam containers, plasticware, bags, etc., do cost money. They cost money for 'doggie bag' before COVID-19. Plus now they don't have the cost of washing the dining room dishes. ...I could see a small increase, but not what their increase. BM> Just do it! There's always something nagging to not do. DS> As noted before, I've decided with issues with: DS> 1) COVID-19, especially with varying restrictions in many areas. I'll admit to agree with the COVID-19 one: why put yourself unnecessarily at risk? DS> 2) Being away from home, making it at risk for burglary, etc. DS> (you can't just drop what you're doing to come home quickly). You've got an alarm system and we know it works from that garage window incident. People can break in/things can happen while your _in_ the house too. Make sure to unplug the iron. DS> 3) Health (gastroenteritis or kidney stone attack away from home, DS> plus the degenerative disk disease in my spinal column). You might be better off to be flying or on a train: people will be around to notice you're ill, unlike being alone in the house crying out "help me I've fallen and I can't get out" to no one. DS> 4) Finances and transportation when you get to the site. If only you had taken care of your body better when young: could have shown a little leg, either been picked up and 'escorted' or picked up and gotten room and board in a barred room! DS> It's more trouble than it's worth. Once again, I'm gagging and DS> choking on salted crow and humble pie, because "Life Isn't Fair DS> Or Burger King"...as "fair" is a fall carnival, a weather term, DS> and a call in baseball, and one can't always 'Have It Your Way'". Things don't turn out as expected. Go with the flow, turn it in to an adventure. Stuck in a traffic jam? Admire the scenery that is no longer whizzing past. BM> Notify the alarm company and the Police you will be away. "Something" BM> could happen when you're at the house and it hasn't. DS> The problem is, with a false alarm, you're fined $200 for every DS> violation. Well, OK, that could be a financial problem but how many false alarms have you had in the past? BM> Any of those could happen at home. If you feel something coming on BM> notify the flight attendant, porter, whomever. You're not the first BM> passenger to have medical issues. You certainly won't be the last. BM> They have some medications on board. DS> I'd rather be close to home. Then you stay home. BM> You want to take a train trip so I'd figure how to get there that way. BM> ...Shared toilet facilities might be something to check with COVID-19. DS> I do...but I've resigned myself to the fact that I just can't DS> do it anymore. :'( Then be happy where you are. BM> Yes, I can somewhat easily find the price of the generator (still would BM> want assistance on the selection: might be better to spend $200 more, BM> or the two models are the same price, this has a little less power but BM> get this other feature. Installation I'd figure would be about the BM> cost of the generator. DS> Not in central Arkansas...it's WAY MORE. And, many places, due DS> to COVID-19, and lost business, are "nickel and dime-ing (sp?)" DS> you to death. I haven't done the research yet but always figure I can say 'no'. BM> And that was at St. Mary's! (Making up the where: it seemed humourous BM> to me to link the two.) DS> I love the church humor and bloopers...because they are clean. I prefer clean and 'lightly soiled' also. BM> People in general need to go back to etiquette. Don't need to do the BM> raised pinkie finger, but respect for each other. Yes, I'm important BM> to me, you're important to you, and we need to me important to each BM> other. DS> Agreed...but as a tract from Chick Publications (who've DS> published Gospel Tracts for over 40 years) notes in "Snowflakes", DS> everyone is selfish to some degree. I like to consider my friends DS> needs before myself (I did my wife's before she died)...but the Yes, one should be considerate but there are times when a degree of selfishness is OK too. I don't like olives but you can have them on your half of our shared pizza. Should a few be on my side I can either pick them off or eat them. I absolutely will not toss the piece in disgust over a couple of olive slices. (Now if I was allergic that would be different; probably just cut off that section.) BM> "Insomnia" could be just you body's sleep cycle is off from the BM> traditional one: someone had to be the night watchman! OTOH I'll admit BM> to pretty much always sleeping quite well, And yes, various work BM> schedules have had me do non-traditional shifts: used to work 5 p.m. to BM> 3 a.m. DS> My late wife and Co-Sysop had turned me into a night owl. When DS> I was working for the Arkansas Office Of Emergency Services, my DS> favorite shift was the graveyard (midnight to 8am), as I could do DS> my hobbies in the evening before work, then after work, I could DS> do any other appointments; not having to take time off of work. There are advantages to 'oddball' shifts. We use to work weekends at the store, mostly because part of the job was setting the ad early-ish Sunday morning, but also that way had days off during the week ==> go shopping and less crowded because others were working 'normal' shifts. no need to take time off for doctors' appointments, etc. BM> One thing to consider is which direction you're pointed when sleeping. DS> The headboard in my bedroom faces north. :) But, with not DS> sleeping well, I usually need a power nap in the afternoon. Yet, DS> they now say those are bad for you. Well, the babies and pets DS> snooze much of the day. :P And there are others saying the nap is good. If you're tired, sleep, you have the time. (That advice might not be so good to someone working!) BM> That'll work! Obviously look for those hidden charges. Metronet, my BM> provider, has a $9.90-something "technology fee" on top of their BM> monthly plan. No one on the Web really knows what it covers, isn't the BM> cost of the gateway nor router as can use own and still get charged. BM> OTOH I was looking for some information the gateway yesterday and found BM> out the cost on Amazon is almost $500! DS> Now that annuity is in, I'm going to check on putting the BBS DS> into the cloud. But, since I just purchased a contract, I may DS> just abandon that for now...as I'd have to pay a hefty DS> termination fee. Though might be something to reconsider when the contract expiration date nears. DS> I'm reminded of the meme, where this elderly couple is talking DS> with their financial advisor about retirement money. He tells DS> them "it boils down to who's holding the gun and stickup note, DS> and who's driving the getaway car". BM> I like it!! DS> I didn't say you should do it. Oh heck no: besides, my car is yellow and sticks out. Well, most of the time: there are have been a few times the other driver isn't paying attention and I'm thinking "seriously? You didn't see me??". DS> ... Let me know if you didn't receive this message. Mentally or physically?! ¯ BarryMartin3@ ® ¯ @MyMetronet.NET ® .... Never tell a leper "pick up feet up when you walk"! --- MultiMail/Win32 v0.47 þ wcECHO 4.2 ÷ ILink: The Safe BBS þ Bettendorf, IA --- QScan/PCB v1.20a / 01-0462 * Origin: ILink: CFBBS | cfbbs.no-ip.com | 856-933-7096 (454:1/1) .