[besson3c]

Originally Posted by Cap'n Tightpants 

Good, we got that out of the way. As an egalitarian I fully support equal rights for everyone, but like modern feminists, the lion's share of people within the LGBTQ community don't want equality, they want superiority, and will push an issue far past its breaking point, mashing their opponents' noses in it.

It probably is about being on the bottom of the heap for so long that they're overcompensating, now that they're one of the "causes du jour" and media darlings, but the winds of acceptance change because humans are fickle creatures, and if the situation with straight white men is any example (it is), it can happen before there's time to react. So the moral is, when you're on top, don't be d-bags, show that you're better than that while you have the chance, otherwise the cycle will continue, and the next time you're on the bottom it'll be much worse for you.

Why does somebody as seemingly intelligent as you have such problems comprehending sample size issues?

Your world is not the entire world. There is no homogenous LGBTQ community just as there isn't a homogenous African American community, or a homogenous-any-large-population community. You seem to want us to think that you are rich, powerful and well-connected. Great. You still cannot generalize the entire LGBTQ population even if you know enough of them in your state to come to a generalization, because unless you make proper qualifications, you certainly can't account for the LGBTQ population in another country or even a distant part of the US.

You've made this mistake before in thinking that your world is a representative sample of the entire planet. It makes you look dumb and/or egotistical.

[subego]

Meh.

I'm pretty ****ing pro gay, but I notice the bullshit he's talking about, and if it isn't homogeneous, it sure is ****ing loud.

And as far as Americanocentrism is concerned, wake me up when Chick-Fil-A arrives someplace else.

[Cap'n Tightpants]

Originally Posted by besson3c 

Why does somebody as seemingly intelligent as you have such problems comprehending sample size issues?

Your world is not the entire world. There is no homogenous LGBTQ community just as there isn't a homogenous African American community, or a homogenous-any-large-population community. You seem to want us to think that you are rich, powerful and well-connected. Great. You still cannot generalize the entire LGBTQ population even if you know enough of them in your state to come to a generalization, because unless you make proper qualifications, you certainly can't account for the LGBTQ population in another country or even a distant part of the US.

You've made this mistake before in thinking that your world is a representative sample of the entire planet. It makes you look dumb and/or egotistical.

You've made the mistake of claiming I'm only talking about "my world" when I most certainly am not.

[BadKosh]

To some extent, most tightly associated groups do have similar traits, so generalizations do fit.

[besson3c]

Originally Posted by Cap'n Tightpants 

You've made the mistake of claiming I'm only talking about "my world" when I most certainly am not.

Then who exactly are you talking about? Who or what do you think is a representative sample?

[The Final Dakar]

[subego]

Originally Posted by mattyb 

30-40 items a month? What sort of stuff?

Here's what was in my latest bundle, as Dakar surmised, it's mostly work stuff...



This took six packages, though I got multiples of the 30-pin adapters, the plug to power supply adapters, the music lights, and the glucosamine for cats. Poor thing has the arthritis.

[Jawbone54]

Originally Posted by Laminar 

Going through the drive through once, the window attendant told me that the lady sitting next to me was very lucky and that I look like Prince William. Even though he's the balding, less-attractive prince, I'll take what I can get.

If she said your passenger was lucky, then she was likely thinking of this William.

You should get on eBay and search for a jacket like this, then wear it next time you go to CFA:

[Cap'n Tightpants]

Originally Posted by BadKosh 

To some extent, most tightly associated groups do have similar traits, so generalizations do fit.

Stereotypes come from shared traits within a group, acting upon stereotypes and using them as leverage to infringe upon the freedoms of others is wrong, but the stereotypes in and of themselves aren't. They're simply observations.

Originally Posted by besson3c 

Then who exactly are you talking about? Who or what do you think is a representative sample?

See above.

Originally Posted by The Final Dakar 

Go right ahead.

[Laminar]

Originally Posted by mattyb 

30-40 items a month? What sort of stuff?

I feel like I order a lot from Amazon, but my history shows 64 orders in the last 6 months. Nowhere near 30-40/month. That's...impressive.

[Laminar]

Originally Posted by Jawbone54 

If she said your passenger was lucky, then she was likely thinking of this William.

You should get on eBay and search for a jacket like this, then wear it next time you go to CFA:

It's weird, because people have told my wife she looks like Kate, though the only real similarity I see is that she's a blue-eyed brunette.

edit:

[subego]

Originally Posted by Laminar 

I feel like I order a lot from Amazon, but my history shows 64 orders in the last 6 months. Nowhere near 30-40/month. That's...impressive.

I'm an Amazon whore.

[The Final Dakar]

Originally Posted by Cap'n Tightpants 

Go right ahead.

That wasn't aimed at you, sport.

[Jawbone54]

Originally Posted by Laminar 

It's weird, because people have told my wife she looks like Kate, though the only real similarity I see is that she's a blue-eyed brunette

Noooooo kidding? Then you're the lucky one. Kate is...well...you know...

[Cap'n Tightpants]

Originally Posted by The Final Dakar 

That wasn't aimed at you, sport.

Does it matter?

[The Final Dakar]

Originally Posted by Cap'n Tightpants 

Does it matter?

Apparently it did.

[BadKosh]

Originally Posted by subego 

Here's what was in my latest bundle, as Dakar surmised, it's mostly work stuff...



This took six packages, though I got multiples of the 30-pin adapters, the plug to power supply adapters, the music lights, and the glucosamine for cats. Poor thing has the arthritis.

COOL! especially the old school mic. Not as classic sounding as the "bullet" but still OK.

[Cap'n Tightpants]

Originally Posted by The Final Dakar 

Apparently it did.

Fair point.

[el chupacabra]

Walmart.
One time I went into Walmart and the check-out girl pulled out a bunch of coupons and news papers adds from other stores which she had brought to work. She quickly started price comparing everything (mostly groceries made in America) since Walmart matches competitor prices. She was doing this for everyone in her line.

[subego]

Originally Posted by BadKosh 

COOL! especially the old school mic. Not as classic sounding as the "bullet" but still OK.

Unfortunately, we got it more for the look, which while spectacular, ends up blocking too much face. It'll get use as a prop though, so we're keeping it.

[osiris]

Originally Posted by el chupacabra 

Walmart.
One time I went into Walmart and the check-out girl pulled out a bunch of coupons and news papers adds from other stores which she had brought to work. She quickly started price comparing everything (mostly groceries made in America) since Walmart matches competitor prices. She was doing this for everyone in her line.

There's no Walmart in my hood, but I visit one upstate. the store is amazing, the people are nice there too.
I buy meds, shampoo and those cartoon sized cans of food. Though I really don't know how I'll eat a 10 lb can of beans, but when I do, stand clear.

[osiris]

one more: Time Warner Cable.

I know, they have a bad rep. But I recently got rid of my landline (it's been out for a month, thanks Verizon), so I got a package with TWC.
Upped my internet to 100Mbps, got the phone, DVR, hookers, and I'm saving over $80 a month now.

I kept a landline because back in the day it would work when everything else went down. Now it's the first thing to go down and last to come back. Screw Verizon, you suck.

[osiris]

Originally Posted by The Final Dakar 

that's sick. where's it from?

[The Final Dakar]

No idea.

[mattyb]

Originally Posted by osiris 

Upped my internet to 100Mbps, got the phone, DVR, hookers, and I'm saving over $80 a month now.

? ? ?

[subego]

Originally Posted by The Final Dakar 

Semi-related:

https://vimeo.com/109169719

This would be better as a GIF, but it's worth a 10 second look.

[osiris]

Originally Posted by mattyb 

? ? ?

It was a promotional package.

[mindwaves]

China Airlines
==========
I frequently fly to other countries for work/travel and I usually fly CA. I have qualified for their Gold card membership, which brings additional benefits (lounge use, extra luggage weight, no need to wait in line). CA is nice to me by frequently upgrading me to either their premium economy seats (when I fly economy) or their business class seats (same). And even when they do not upgrade my seat, I am positioned in a good seat location in the plane, such as being in the very, very back of their 777 planes where only two seats are placed together instead of their usual 3 seat positions. Also, I have not technically qualified for their Gold card membership the last 2 years (lack of miles), but they still have given me the Gold card.

[Cap'n Tightpants]

I love Emirates, they're my fav airline by far (though Quantis is great too). It seems that everything they do is a notch above the competition, in fact their flights are about the only ones I can sleep on, and their lounges...

[osiris]

Originally Posted by mindwaves 

China Airlines
==========
I frequently fly to other countries for work/travel and I usually fly CA. I have qualified for their Gold card membership, which brings additional benefits (lounge use, extra luggage weight, no need to wait in line). CA is nice to me by frequently upgrading me to either their premium economy seats (when I fly economy) or their business class seats (same). And even when they do not upgrade my seat, I am positioned in a good seat location in the plane, such as being in the very, very back of their 777 planes where only two seats are placed together instead of their usual 3 seat positions. Also, I have not technically qualified for their Gold card membership the last 2 years (lack of miles), but they still have given me the Gold card.

I flew CA to Beijing from JFK - the food was great, seats still the old school large padded seats. The passengers (mostly Chinese) had their own food and shared with me what they had, and even offered to help with customs if needed. Interesting experience, but they fly over the poles which is supposedly not so healthy because of polar radiation. Which is why most civilized countries avoid the poles.

Speaking of radiation, ANA is nice if you're doing JFK-NRT, but they made the seats smaller, they're hard and don't recline, and the food is usually the same on every flight. Flight attendants are cute though. You need trillions of miles to get anything for free with them but stand a good chance of picking up a delightfully feminine woman. Or man, if that's your preference.

Delta (US) and AMEX have a good partnership, but Delta always screws you with upgraded/free flights - they arbitrarily move flights to a very inconvenient time at the last minute, which is bad if you have a tight schedule. I curse the bastards for this but like the actually flights.

[subego]

The pole thing would bug me more if I was a pilot or FA.

[Laminar]

Originally Posted by Cap'n Tightpants 

I love Emirates, they're my fav airline by far

Bleh, I'll take first class on a United 747/777 or business on a United 787 over business on Emirates any time.

[Cap'n Tightpants]

Emirates Airbus A380 first class is da bomb, there isn't anything in the sky quite like it.

[osiris]

Originally Posted by Cap'n Tightpants 

Emirates Airbus A380 first class is da bomb, there isn't anything in the sky quite like it.

I've seen pictures.

[Cap'n Tightpants]

The first time I saw it, on a trip to London, I almost started jumping up and down with glee. Each "suite" was like a little luxury apartment, including; foot massagers, a mini fridge, heated/cooled massaging lay-flat seats, 300 channels of HDTV, great broadband, and noise-blocking privacy screens. Oh yeah, and the 5 star food. Kobe filet and prawns... at 40k feet.

[mindwaves]

I would love to try the new 787 and A380 cabins. No chance so far. I do like CA's new 777s. I was on one on its maiden flight. Great experience.

[Gearhead40]

Chipotle - always giving me way more meat/beans/rice when I ask for a little more.

[el chupacabra]

… .

[badidea]

Originally Posted by Cap'n Tightpants 

Emirates Airbus A380 first class is da bomb, there isn't anything in the sky quite like it.

Thanks for the compliment! That's what we work for!

[Laminar]

Originally Posted by el chupacabra 

You've actually flown ek first class? Damn. I checked the price once to fly to Maldives and it was $16,000. I thought of the things I could do with that money. .... buy a car.... Hell thats an annual salary for some people. It is nice though, your own assortment of truffles, jellies and honeys and well pretty much everything. I think they have showers too.

Business class to Australia has run me $16,000-$18,000 a few times, but that's for work so it's not out of my pocket

[Cap'n Tightpants]

I only use Emirates FC when AmEx can get me bumped up from business, which has been quite often. Realistically though, the cost difference is only ~50%, and given the difference between the two, that's actually not a terrible value (if you're into the whole pampering, Middle Eastern-style, luxury thing (some people aren't)).

[mindwaves]

Originally Posted by Cap'n Tightpants 

I only use Emirates FC when AmEx can get me bumped up from business, which has been quite often. Realistically though, the cost difference is only ~50%, and given the difference between the two, that's actually not a terrible value (if you're into the whole pampering, Middle Eastern-style, luxury thing (some people aren't)).

I've never done FC before, only paid for business class once. Can you explain how does Amex bumps you to FC? Do you bill to credit card and then call Amex for the upgrade?

[Cap'n Tightpants]

Originally Posted by mindwaves 

I've never done FC before, only paid for business class once. Can you explain how does Amex bumps you to FC? Do you bill to credit card and then call Amex for the upgrade?

If there are free seats in FC right before departure, AmEx automatically contacts them and asks for me to be bumped up, which they then often do. Then I get a text notification and confirmation.

Edit: I looked it up, because I'm a Centurion (black) card holder I'm automatically a member of Emirates' "Platinum Travel" service.

Savour the Privileges: As a Platinum Cardmember, you enjoy the comfort of Emirates First Class with a complimentary upgrade from Business Class when flying alone under the Business to First Class upgrade programme.

https://www.americanexpress.com/indi.../emirates.html

I think anyone with an AmEx platinum can get that too, but I'm not sure about additional and yearly fees to join.

[subego]

I already sung the praises of the places where I get all my packages delivered, and it's run into the other company I like, Amazon.

Amazon is rolling out (or experimenting with) Sunday delivery, and the delivery place is closed on Sunday. The delivery guy called me and acted like a total jackass. Didn't really make it clear if he was going to take it back or leave it right outside the door a major street.

But this is the praise thread, right? Amazon guaranteed I'd get it regardless and gave me a couple extra months of Prime.

Works for me.

[mindwaves]

I'm going to see about applying for an Amex card.

[osiris]

Originally Posted by subego 

I already sung the praises of the places where I get all my packages delivered, and it's run into the other company I like, Amazon.

Amazon is rolling out (or experimenting with) Sunday delivery, and the delivery place is closed on Sunday. The delivery guy called me and acted like a total jackass. Didn't really make it clear if he was going to take it back or leave it right outside the door a major street.

But this is the praise thread, right? Amazon guaranteed I'd get it regardless and gave me a couple extra months of Prime.

Works for me.

The sunday delivery thing caught me by surprise when some items arrived on Sunday. I've since chosen to avoid weekend deliveries unless it is urgent, I will not be part of this and will not contribute to the further demise of civilization.

[subego]

I offered to keep deliveries off Sunday, but the guy running the startup (correctly) realizes he needs to follow Amazon's lead and be open on Sunday.