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Today I Learned (Page 4)
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BLAZE_MkIV
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Feb 13, 2016, 03:11 PM
 
Remember to take you keys out of the pockets before you get them cleaned?
     
subego  (op)
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Feb 13, 2016, 03:33 PM
 
There should be a post from BLAZE in between this and my dry cleaner post, at least according to the Lounge page, but it's not showing up in the actual thread.

I'm making this test post to see if it drops the cloaking device.

Edit: it worked!
     
Paco500
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Feb 13, 2016, 03:49 PM
 
Originally Posted by subego View Post
All-in-one dry cleaner/shoe repair/place to get keys made is a thing.
Dry-cleaning thing aside- why are there so many shoe-repair/key-cutting combo shops? They are all over London, NYC, and DC- and I imagine lots of other cities as well.

What is the connection between these two services?
     
turtle777
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Feb 13, 2016, 04:46 PM
 
Originally Posted by Paco500 View Post
Dry-cleaning thing aside- why are there so many shoe-repair/key-cutting combo shops? They are all over London, NYC, and DC- and I imagine lots of other cities as well.

What is the connection between these two services?
I suspect neither of them by itself can sustain a business, so you need to offer multiple services to be a viable business. Both businesses are probably not very capital equipment intensive, and don't require too much floor space. So they can fit into a small shop.

-t
     
ghporter
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Feb 13, 2016, 05:07 PM
 
That sounds like a VERY handy thing.

Glenn -----OTR/L, MOT, Tx
     
Paco500
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Feb 13, 2016, 06:38 PM
 
Originally Posted by turtle777 View Post
I suspect neither of them by itself can sustain a business, so you need to offer multiple services to be a viable business. Both businesses are probably not very capital equipment intensive, and don't require too much floor space. So they can fit into a small shop.

-t
While everything you say sounds perfectly accurate, why this specific combination over and over? I would think there are loads of services would fit the bill, but these two have consistently matched up. It's weird.
     
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Feb 13, 2016, 07:36 PM
 
In addition to what turtle said, both rely on walk-ins, so they require decent location. I suspect that one could learn to cut a key decently in not too long. Probably shoemakers saw their business decline as more people got shows that could not be mended (e.g. sneakers), and got something more to fill up their time.
The new Mac Pro has up to 30 MB of cache inside the processor itself. That's more than the HD in my first Mac. Somehow I'm still running out of space.
     
Paco500
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Feb 13, 2016, 07:52 PM
 
Originally Posted by P View Post
In addition to what turtle said, both rely on walk-ins, so they require decent location. I suspect that one could learn to cut a key decently in not too long. Probably shoemakers saw their business decline as more people got shows that could not be mended (e.g. sneakers), and got something more to fill up their time.
Yes, I get all that, but why has this particular combination become the norm. Why not shoe repair and knife sharpening? Or Shoe repair and ear piercing? Or Shoe repair and one of a thousand other things that would fit the bill? I get why the first guy did it, but how did it become the norm?
     
subego  (op)
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Mar 12, 2016, 10:09 AM
 
Today I Learned humans can still beat chess computers by getting them into positions where being capable of abstract thought is an advantage, but chess computers have not only become really good at avoiding those positions, they've become really good at forcing humans into positions where raw computational power will have the advantage.
     
Cap'n Tightpants
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Mar 14, 2016, 01:17 AM
 


3.5% body fat, 37 weeks. Is this healthy?
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nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin,
but by the content of their character." - M.L.King Jr
     
reader50
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Mar 14, 2016, 03:32 AM
 
This wasn't today, it was a few weeks ago. But I didn't remember this thread until today.

Yesterday (philosophically speaking) I learned to check pants pockets for wallet before placing pants in washer and dryer. There is no need for concern, the money survived. The plastic and laminate cards were fine too. Both mag stripe and chip still works. One paper card will need replacing.

While I've occasionally laundered money, this was the first time the wallet got laundered too.
     
turtle777
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Mar 14, 2016, 10:41 AM
 
Originally Posted by reader50 View Post
This wasn't today, it was a few weeks ago. But I didn't remember this thread until today.

Yesterday (philosophically speaking) I learned to check pants pockets for wallet before placing pants in washer and dryer. There is no need for concern, the money survived. The plastic and laminate cards were fine too. Both mag stripe and chip still works. One paper card will need replacing.

While I've occasionally laundered money, this was the first time the wallet got laundered too.
Well, before you try, put down a mental note to NOT launder your iPhone.

-t
     
subego  (op)
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Mar 14, 2016, 01:07 PM
 
Originally Posted by Cap'n Tightpants View Post


3.5% body fat, 37 weeks. Is this healthy?
     
Cap'n Tightpants
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Mar 14, 2016, 04:30 PM
 
Even better, she has a marathon scheduled 3 days after the estimated delivery.
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Doc HM
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Mar 18, 2016, 08:05 AM
 
In the UK and US we traditionally end fairy tales with "and they both lived happily ever after"
In some Eastern European countries they say "they lived together to the end of their days"
While Romanians prefer "they ate well for 5 days and five nights".
In Germany they go for "and they are still together. Unless they are dead"

I rather like the German version.
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Spheric Harlot
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Mar 18, 2016, 10:59 AM
 
German fairytales do often end on "...und sie lebten glücklich und zufrieden bis ans Ende ihrer Tage." Which translates verbatim to "...and they lived happily and contently until the end of their days."

But the other variation is indeed "...und wenn sie nicht gestorben sind, [something] sie noch heute" which translates more closely to "...and if they haven't died, they're [doing whatever they were doing at the end of the fairytale] to this day."
     
Cap'n Tightpants
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Mar 23, 2016, 04:32 AM
 
Yesterday I learned 2 things. One, even cats can encroach into the uncanny valley (tell me this one doesn't look eerie):




Two, you should never wipe your bum with Clorox disinfectant sheets. I never imagined such a thing could happen, but the girl in my garage office used one of those instead of the regular moist wipes. They weren't even in the same type of container, also one was on the floor (Clorox) and the other was up next to the TP. Seriously, WTF? Apparently she didn't realize this until she'd completed her business and was going back to her desk. Then some nasty irritation and burning kicked in, as I can only imagine it would. They ended up taking her to the ER where it was determined she had mild chemical burns on her... umm... more sensitive areas.
( Last edited by Cap'n Tightpants; Mar 23, 2016 at 09:08 AM. )
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Mar 23, 2016, 09:01 AM
 
That last would make an excellent TIFU.
The new Mac Pro has up to 30 MB of cache inside the processor itself. That's more than the HD in my first Mac. Somehow I'm still running out of space.
     
Laminar
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Mar 23, 2016, 09:50 AM
 
That cat is God's TIFU.
     
mindwaves
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Mar 25, 2016, 10:22 AM
 
I didn't learn this today but recently.

Crane flies are not mosquitos.

     
Chongo
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Mar 25, 2016, 11:53 AM
 
Originally Posted by mindwaves View Post
I didn't learn this today but recently.

Crane flies are not mosquitos.

My wife thinks they are.
45/47
     
Cap'n Tightpants
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Mar 27, 2016, 01:05 AM
 
It takes several hours to color 8 dozen Easter eggs. My daughter had a great time, though (and all but 4 survived). Some favorites:



I'm partial to the ones that look like planets.
"I have a dream, that my four little children will one day live in a
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Doc HM
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Mar 27, 2016, 08:16 AM
 
... that there's no need to accidentally put £30.02 worth of petrol in my car ever again.

After doing just this (again) I said to the cashier how useful it would be to be able to set the pump to deliver a set amount. Apparently you can go to the cashier first and pay up front, they then set the pump to deliver this amount.

Petrol stations don't like to let customers know they can do this as many people often put an extra £5 or £10 in on the spur of the moment.

Small thing but it made me smile.
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Spheric Harlot
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Mar 27, 2016, 08:29 AM
 
Many petrol stations here allow you to "preset" a fixed amount right at the pump.
     
Laminar
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Mar 27, 2016, 09:48 AM
 
I've been to some places in the US that don't yet have pay at the pump, but also require cash pre-payment. Telling the cashier how much I want to put in is a terrible idea, because why would anyone not just fill up?
     
subego  (op)
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Mar 27, 2016, 10:19 AM
 
I don't understand "extra" gas petrol.

Extra would be that you don't intend to use at some point.

It's like "extra" soda, or "extra" toilet paper loo rolls. These things don't exist.
     
Spheric Harlot
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Mar 27, 2016, 11:12 AM
 
It's pretty widespread to buy gas for exactly 20€ - never more, never less. It's one cash bill, put aside as gas money, and used for that.

I don't get it - I don't budget like that - but I'm not one to argue with those for whom it works.
     
subego  (op)
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Mar 27, 2016, 11:28 AM
 
Okay... that makes a little sense.

I wouldn't be surprised if you have a higher density of gas stations, and less mileage per driver.

What's the word if you're using bullshit "science" units? Kilometerage?

Do they still have those unmanned, pit-stop type gas stations? Those don't exist here AFAIK.
     
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Mar 27, 2016, 11:56 AM
 
Originally Posted by Laminar View Post
I've been to some places in the US that don't yet have pay at the pump, but also require cash pre-payment. Telling the cashier how much I want to put in is a terrible idea, because why would anyone not just fill up?
I would like to learn why in Canada those little lever things that allow you to pump gas without holding down the valve don't exist in Canada.
     
subego  (op)
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Mar 27, 2016, 11:58 AM
 
It's because freedom confuses Canadians.
     
besson3c
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Mar 27, 2016, 12:01 PM
 
Originally Posted by subego View Post
It's because freedom confuses Canadians.
When I'm in the US I get a full tank of freedom: Marathon --- Get A Full Tank of Freedom
     
Waragainstsleep
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Mar 27, 2016, 12:03 PM
 
Originally Posted by besson3c View Post
I would like to learn why in Canada those little lever things that allow you to pump gas without holding down the valve don't exist in Canada.
I think you'll find that in Canada, everything that doesn't exist in Canada doesn't exist. In Canada.
I have plenty of more important things to do, if only I could bring myself to do them....
     
subego  (op)
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Mar 27, 2016, 12:08 PM
 
Originally Posted by besson3c View Post
When I'm in the US I get a full tank of freedom: Marathon --- Get A Full Tank of Freedom
Nothing says "freedom" better than petroleum products.
     
subego  (op)
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Mar 27, 2016, 12:50 PM
 
I think the general idea behind removing those is to force you to be there should the auto-shutoff fail.
     
Cap'n Tightpants
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Mar 27, 2016, 01:11 PM
 
Originally Posted by subego View Post
I think the general idea behind removing those is to force you to be there should the auto-shutoff fail.
When do you clean your windows?
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subego  (op)
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Mar 27, 2016, 01:22 PM
 
Or go in to get a frosty beverage. It's pretty obnoxious.

The shutoffs do fail, at least, I've been told that, but I have no first hand experience.
     
reader50
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Mar 27, 2016, 01:26 PM
 
Your time is of little value to them, only your money. So you are conscripted as a backup, in case their safety mechanism fails. You are not paid for this duty.

If their safety mechanism is prone to failure, they should provide a 2nd safety system. Not tie up decades per week of unpaid customer time to cover a negligible risk.
     
Spheric Harlot
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Mar 27, 2016, 04:02 PM
 
Originally Posted by subego View Post
Okay... that makes a little sense.

I wouldn't be surprised if you have a higher density of gas stations, and less mileage per driver.

What's the word if you're using bullshit "science" units? Kilometerage?

Do they still have those unmanned, pit-stop type gas stations? Those don't exist here AFAIK.
We do have unmanned gas-stations, but they're rare (thankfully).

We don't figure mileage. We figure litres per 100 km. My car lies to me.

And yes, we probably have a higher density of petrol stations, given that we have a much higher population density - distances aren't as long here, for the most part.
     
Spheric Harlot
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Mar 27, 2016, 04:05 PM
 
Originally Posted by subego View Post
Or go in to get a frosty beverage. It's pretty obnoxious.
It makes no sense to get that at any other time than when you're paying for the petrol.
     
Cap'n Tightpants
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Mar 27, 2016, 05:26 PM
 
Originally Posted by Spheric Harlot View Post
It makes no sense to get that at any other time than when you're paying for the petrol.
The station I frequent most often is pay-at-the-pump with NFC. I just wave my watch over the sensor, start pumping, then go in and get a coffee. By the time I've done that it's finished filling.
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subego  (op)
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Mar 27, 2016, 06:00 PM
 
This.

In fact, the pump usually won't pump unless you've paid.
     
turtle777
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Mar 27, 2016, 06:01 PM
 
Most Germany pumps don't facilitate pay-at-the-pump. Thy are backwards like that, you have to go in to the attendant, even if you are using a credit card.

Damn savages.

-t
     
Doc HM
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Mar 27, 2016, 06:46 PM
 
When I lived in South Africa every time I pulled into a petrol station a man would clean my windscreen while another filled my car up with the required amount of petrol.

It took literally years for the tiny sense of outrage that I had to do this myself once back in the UK to wear off.
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Waragainstsleep
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Mar 27, 2016, 08:22 PM
 
I'm just old enough to remember when people filled up for you. I wasn't old enough to drive at the time.

As far as I know, only Tesco has pay at pump pumps in the UK. They don't tend to have any contactless payment support though.
I have plenty of more important things to do, if only I could bring myself to do them....
     
Cap'n Tightpants
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Mar 27, 2016, 11:07 PM
 
Originally Posted by Doc HM View Post
When I lived in South Africa every time I pulled into a petrol station a man would clean my windscreen while another filled my car up with the required amount of petrol.

It took literally years for the tiny sense of outrage that I had to do this myself once back in the UK to wear off.
I don't want an attendant touching my cars, but that's just me. I had one in Virginia put in the wrong grade (87 when it required 91) and that wasn't good. I should have been paying attention, but I figured he knew what he was doing.
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Cap'n Tightpants
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Mar 28, 2016, 01:28 AM
 
"I have a dream, that my four little children will one day live in a
nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin,
but by the content of their character." - M.L.King Jr
     
subego  (op)
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Mar 28, 2016, 02:09 AM
 
Originally Posted by Waragainstsleep View Post
I'm just old enough to remember when people filled up for you. I wasn't old enough to drive at the time.

As far as I know, only Tesco has pay at pump pumps in the UK. They don't tend to have any contactless payment support though.
Same. It had changed over by the time I started driving (1989). This was long enough ago you could pump then pay.

Driveaways became too big of a problem, so that disappeared.

Sometime not too long after that, pay at the pump became pretty universal.

Don't have any NFC, so I don't pay attention.
     
Doc HM
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Mar 28, 2016, 03:09 PM
 
Originally Posted by subego View Post
Same. It had changed over by the time I started driving (1989). This was long enough ago you could pump then pay.

Driveaways became too big of a problem, so that disappeared.

Sometime not too long after that, pay at the pump became pretty universal.

Don't have any NFC, so I don't pay attention.
Pump then pay is pretty much the UK standard. I guess driveaways aren't so big of a deal here? Pay at Pump came in with Tesco Stores. It's gaining traction but i find about 80% of the non tesco stations have pay at pump machines which are either always broken or set to pay at the cashier after fuelling.
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andi*pandi
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Mar 28, 2016, 03:24 PM
 
Originally Posted by subego View Post
The shutoffs do fail, at least, I've been told that, but I have no first hand experience.
In my older cars, where the gas cap was not attached to the car, I used to use the cap to hold the lever down while I washed windows etc. It was also a good way to not lose the cap (instead of putting it on the roof).

presumably modern cars have a cap leash to prevent cap loss, but... </conspiracytheory>
     
subego  (op)
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Mar 28, 2016, 03:40 PM
 
Well, speaking of conspiracies, if you live someplace where driveaways aren't a problem, you want people going inside to pay so you can upsell them on Corn Nuts.

Doc reports broken pay at the pump machines.

Hmm...
     
 
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