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The Minor Irritant Thread (Page 39)
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Brien
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Jun 17, 2024, 12:20 PM
 
Originally Posted by andi*pandi View Post
We've come full circle in web design where now design is separate from coding and UX so decisions about layout and function are made before even getting to design.

design exists to pick the colors that will get used in tailwind.
That's kind of interesting; a big motivator to me leaving web design was the shift to expecting a one-man show; it was no longer enough to have an eye for design and know your way around Adobe/Macromedia software (as I date myself in saying so)... you had to be able to code a site and an app.

Originally Posted by Thorzdad View Post
I’ve noticed a huge increase in the number of brick-and-mortar retailers who are now charging “convenience” fees if you use a debit/credit card for a purchase. It’s mostly small or local businesses. Even the home healthcare company my wife for charges convenience fees. Suddenly, cash is king once again.
Same here; I think the fees the debit/credit card companies charge companies have gotten to a point that a lot of places are either passing those on or going cash only.

It's bound to come to a head soon, I think.



My irritant for the week is mostly a rant on the modern video game experience. Got a Series X recently, wanted to play a co-op game with a friend locally (not over Xbox Live, or whatever they call it now).

Boot up console. MS account required for setup. Great. Let's sign in to my old one (had a 360/One).

Oh, wait, the terms of service have changed.

Oh, OK, 2FA is required now. Oh, MS Authenticator app? Joy.

Oh, the Xbox app is required to activate the console? Great! Another app...

Oh, there's 100+ GB of mandatory OS updates. Whee.

Okay, I'm finally ready to play.

Oh, I also need an EA account? Well sure I'll just...

Oh - I need to download the EA Play app to log in? I'm beginning to see a pattern.

Okay! Let's play some local co-op!

Oh - player 2 needs a MS and EA account too! You know what, I'll just... never mind.


So yeah. Modern gaming sucks.
     
subego  (op)
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Jun 17, 2024, 02:41 PM
 
Modern gaming is the Switch.
     
Laminar
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Jun 17, 2024, 04:29 PM
 
Had the same issue setting up my daughter's gaming computer. I gave her a managed Windows account so I can limit screen time and content. This also prevented her from playing Multiplayer Minecraft, which is just connecting to my own local Minecraft server. I spent 3+ hours searching the web and doing every fix they offered. This included fixes that no longer exist because the controls from even a year or two ago don't exist anymore. Every link to the online setup forwards to a Microsoft article telling me to use the app instead. And there are two apps - Microsoft Family Safety and XBox Family Safety. Both require independent logins, both have independent screen time limits and controls. Minecraft settings seem like they only apply to the XBox version of Minecraft, not necessarily Windows Bedrock or Java. The last post I read said after all of the changes they had to wait 24 hours and then stuff started working. That didn't work for me, and neither did claiming she was 18 years old with no restrictions, but when I disabled any XBox restrictions (we don't have an XBox) the Multiplayer button was no longer greyed out and she could log on to our server.
     
Brien
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Jun 19, 2024, 03:19 PM
 
Whoever solves all the friction we've introduced into modern society will be rich.

Even job searching now requires multiple apps and logins because everything is outsourced. Indeed for applying, Paylocity for HR, etc.
     
subego  (op)
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Jun 19, 2024, 08:29 PM
 
The number of places with shitty pasta salad. How they manage to fuck up pasta and salad dressing is a total mystery to me.
     
subego  (op)
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Jun 20, 2024, 06:12 PM
 
Originally Posted by reader50 View Post
If you do go EV, you'd lose the smog checks.
If it wasn’t irritating enough to go halfway across the fucking galaxy for the test, I netted a speed camera ticket this time around.
     
Spheric Harlot
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Jun 20, 2024, 06:37 PM
 
Google has added yet ANOTHER layer of uselessness: it defaults to regional searches (which is good, in theory).

Except lately, it has started ignoring language input. I have it set to return results in German and English. If I enter search text in German, I expect it to return general results as well as results with regional interest, in German.
When I entered text in English, I expect it to return general results — in English —, as well as offer up regionally relevant results containing those words.

Except now, I input English text and get GERMAN WEBSITES. WTF, GOOGLE.

If I search for an English phrase, it’s because I’m searching FOR THAT PARTICULAR PHRASE.

I can’t use a German news article to help out an English speaker. If I wanted a German article, I’d search for German text.
     
reader50
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Jun 20, 2024, 08:24 PM
 
DuckDuckGo

Last I heard, Google is adding AI to their searches by default. A way has been found to disable it, yielding normal search results again. Without the weird AI assumptions and/or hallucinations.
     
Laminar
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Jun 21, 2024, 09:55 AM
 
More New Outlook:



My meeting is from 10am to 11am. But they didn't size their input boxes for the font size, so when I'm not clicked in the box you can't see am/pm and when I am clicked in the box you can't see the full time. Just stupid, stupid stuff.
     
subego  (op)
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Jun 21, 2024, 03:54 PM
 
     
Laminar
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Jun 21, 2024, 05:06 PM
 
I was headed out to race a couple weeks ago at 5am on a Sunday and saw a dude in a Toyota Sienna with an Amazon vest on dropping off packages.
     
subego  (op)
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Jun 21, 2024, 05:25 PM
 
I should add, I have 10a-6p as the window when they can deliver.

This was the second attempt. Yesterday’s was at 8p.

Of course, now I’m going to get a notification “we’ve had trouble at this address, please review your available times”.


Edit: oh… the window Amazon promised for delivery yesterday was 10a-3p.
     
subego  (op)
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Jun 21, 2024, 09:10 PM
 
Have a shoot tomorrow, and had planned to put out a traffic cone so my garage wouldn’t be blocked in the morning.

Got home and it was already blocked.
     
reader50
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Jun 22, 2024, 12:33 AM
 
You could pay a homeless person to camp out in front of your driveway for a day. Easy money to keep anyone from parking there.

Ought to work even if a car is already parked there. Though there could be a lot of yelling and profanity before the owner moves the car.
     
subego  (op)
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Jun 22, 2024, 08:03 AM
 
Delivered at 4:30 this morning.



I hope the homeless guy who stole it needs a UniFi router.
     
subego  (op)
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Jun 22, 2024, 10:16 AM
 
Remarkably, it wasn’t stolen.
     
Laminar
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Jun 22, 2024, 11:20 AM
 
Faith in humanity restored.
     
reader50
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Jun 22, 2024, 02:20 PM
 
Originally Posted by subego View Post
So many thoughts. Great picture.

Thought #1: 4:30AM delivery on a sidewalk. Nice.
T#2: Aren't mailing boxes placed in high-traffic public locations? Extra-bad choice for a delivery.
T#3: Couldn't they have left it with the store at least?
T#4: The store is a UPS Store.
T#5: Why did USPS place a box in front of a rival UPS store? Are they trolling each other?
T#6: Chicago is weird.
     
Thorzdad
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Jun 22, 2024, 05:04 PM
 
UPS isn’t a rival, per se.The two have a working relationship, handing last-mile deliveries off to one or the other. And, a lot of UPS stores have PO boxes for rent. In fact, you can see them through the window on the back wall.
     
subego  (op)
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Jun 23, 2024, 12:03 PM
 
Yes! I rent one of the boxes and have my packages delivered there.

As for traffic, it’s in a strip mall, one store back from the street.


Edit: and they’re only open from 10-6 on weekdays. Down from 7-7 pre-COVID.
( Last edited by subego; Jun 23, 2024 at 01:56 PM. )
     
Waragainstsleep
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Jun 25, 2024, 08:47 AM
 
I have a minor irritation.
There is a supermarket in town 15 miles from me called Frome (pronounced to rhyme with room, in case you were interested), and the car park despite being small has two entrances/exits. Someone always parks in one of them! This enrages me.
I have plenty of more important things to do, if only I could bring myself to do them....
     
ghporter
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Jun 25, 2024, 04:42 PM
 
That ain’t minor, War. That’s both a traffic nuisance and a safety issue. Multiple entrances and exits means alternate routes out for whatever reason. Fire trucks taking up one entrance because the store suddenly caught fire, for example…

In the US, such car parks are “private property” and seldom get police attention for fixing these things. But the management can do something. Like announcing the number plate along with “move your vehicle immediately or it will be removed.”

Not for this issue, but I once saw someone snap - slowly - to having their plate number announced in a store. It was like “Hey, someone’s in trouble. And their license is….OH SCHMIDT!!!!!”. Definitely worth seeing, 4.5 stars at least.

Glenn -----OTR/L, MOT, Tx
     
subego  (op)
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Jun 30, 2024, 12:47 PM
 
Knoll Light Factory is pretty much toast.

F
     
Thorzdad
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Jul 1, 2024, 08:38 AM
 
Went to a winery with some friends over the weekend. All of us olds. We were sitting at an outside table, and noted that you had to scan a QR code to order anything. No biggie, but we weren’t ready to order, so we were just sitting awhile and talking.

A server came around with some water and glasses. They, they pointed out the QR code, letting us know to use it if we wanted to order anything (duh.)

Then, in a breathtaking gush of condescension, he says “I can handle that for you if you need any help.”

FUUUUUUUUUUUUCK YOUUUUUUUUUUU...
     
andi*pandi
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Jul 1, 2024, 09:50 AM
 
You mean, a waiter might have to take an order instead of letting the computer do it? HOW DARE THEY.

This started during covid, and in a way saves on paper and such, but should not replace the waiter. I don't need to make an account for every restaurant I go to. That sounds like work.
     
ghporter
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Jul 1, 2024, 10:58 AM
 
The whole “You’re obviously too old to understand tech” thing gripes me like there’s no tomorrow. I have a freakin’ BS in Comp Sci (not to brag, but “with highest honors”), and having someone give me that excrement might just send me into a “Who the bleep do you think INVENTED this tech, dolphins!?!?!?” rant. I also like to critique their software, and whatever “egghead” (far, far above their pay grade) it was that bought this particular piece of … code.

Note to service industry workers: treating customers like they are stupid tends to get you really relevant, really negative reviews. Not “The worst coffee I ever tasted”, no. More like “I’d have been more impressed with the food if the server had not treated me like a moron just because I’m older than they are”.

Grrrrrr…..

Ok, rant over. Having just reached the milestone age of 65, I have seen how well indoctrinated in ageism much of our society has become. It is arguably worse in healthcare, where you are presumed to suffer from a long list of chronic illnesses simply because of your birthdate, which leads to over treatment and many other negative actions…. But the whole world takes one look at your hair color and immediately stereotypes you - negatively.

Glenn -----OTR/L, MOT, Tx
     
reader50
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Jul 1, 2024, 01:20 PM
 
There are still a proud few who don't own a smartphone. No QR codes for me. I hope the waiter meant "I'll help by taking your order the normal way".
     
Thorzdad
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Jul 1, 2024, 05:50 PM
 
Originally Posted by andi*pandi View Post
You mean, a waiter might have to take an order instead of letting the computer do it? HOW DARE THEY.

This started during covid, and in a way saves on paper and such, but should not replace the waiter. I don't need to make an account for every restaurant I go to. That sounds like work.
I took his comment to mean “I can help step you olds through using a QR code” not, “I can take your order.”
     
subego  (op)
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Jul 1, 2024, 06:00 PM
 
My dad only knows how to use his iPhone to check the weather, and receive texts and calls from Grubhub for orders which I place for him.
     
andi*pandi
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Jul 2, 2024, 01:12 PM
 
Originally Posted by Thorzdad View Post
I took his comment to mean “I can help step you olds through using a QR code” not, “I can take your order.”
Oh, I think that's what he was saying as well. But while I dont mind perusing the menu on my phone (assuming it's been formatted correctly for such) I don't see the point of ordering on my phone if I'm dining in. What is the tip for if I'm doing the work? Should I go to the back, pick it up, and also bus the table?

Much like self-checkout, my hourly rate is such that I don't like giving companies free labor.
     
subego  (op)
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Jul 2, 2024, 01:24 PM
 
Counterpoint: digital menu lets them make immediate changes. ProTip: the specials are almost always going to be the best and freshest dishes.

Second counterpoint: my produce is gently handled and properly packed at a self-checkout.
     
Laminar
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Jul 2, 2024, 04:35 PM
 
I went to a restaurant that had you scan the QR code specific to your table and you could order as you pleased, tappas-style. Because the order system knew your table, someone would just bring out the drink or food or whatever as we went. I just kept ordering and kept eating the whole time we were there, instead of either flagging down a server or doing a traditional appetizer-main course-dessert meal. I spent way more than normal.

The restaurant has since switched to a traditional waitstaff model so something about it must not have worked for them, but I liked it.
     
Brien
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Jul 2, 2024, 05:48 PM
 
Originally Posted by reader50 View Post
There are still a proud few who don't own a smartphone. No QR codes for me. I hope the waiter meant "I'll help by taking your order the normal way".
I’m not old, and still refuse to download an app to view a menu or order. I’ve walked out of places that do so.
     
subego  (op)
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Jul 2, 2024, 06:04 PM
 
I won’t download an app (Grubhub notwithstanding), but QR codes are okay.
     
ghporter
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Jul 10, 2024, 05:02 PM
 
“Go to the kiosk and pull a number”. Grr…

We got my wife’s driver license renewed yesterday, and while there were a few glitches involved (need proof of citizenship, for example), the biggest issue was their turn system. They do driver tests (on the road), CDLs, “new to Texas” first time licenses, and renewals. With ONE set of numbers.

So they call numbers that are all over the place, and they managed to goof up my wife’s number when we asked a question, so it wasn’t obvious until we’d waited a LONG time.

We did get them to fit my wife in (and quickly once I asked about it), but we’d sat there for a couple of hours…. Grr.

Oh, and shortly after we got home, Spectrum had its “Texas-area” outage, which lasted for about five hours. Glee.

Glenn -----OTR/L, MOT, Tx
     
andi*pandi
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Jul 10, 2024, 08:59 PM
 
I'm so glad I could make an appt at AAA to get my new license and avoid the DMV entirely.
     
subego  (op)
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Jul 10, 2024, 10:24 PM
 
I’m minority irritated at AAA they stopped the thing where your AAA card was also a bond card.
     
andi*pandi
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Jul 10, 2024, 10:55 PM
 
they did? damn.
I still miss triptiks.
     
Thorzdad
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Jul 11, 2024, 10:33 AM
 
I’m with you about triptix.

I didn’t know you could go to AAA and renew your license. Here in Indiana, renewals are handled via the DMV’s unexpectedly simple and useable website. Same with plate renewals. The only time I’ve had to go to the DMV in the past few years was to update my license to a RealID version. Even then, it wasn’t an onerous experience. Indiana DMV branches are pretty well-run, IME.
     
subego  (op)
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Jul 11, 2024, 01:12 PM
 
I miss road atlases in general. Maps are cool.
     
Thorzdad
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Jul 19, 2024, 11:53 AM
 
Man. Crowdstrike really shit in the pool, didn't they?
     
reader50
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Jul 19, 2024, 12:00 PM
 
I can't speak to their drivers, but their ads are majorly annoying. ~3minutes each, and I get 5+ of them daily. Pretty much every day.

Really turns one off to their products.
     
subego  (op)
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Jul 19, 2024, 12:20 PM
 
I was wondering what the “let’s put critical infrastructure in the cloud… what could go wrong” posts were about.
     
subego  (op)
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Jul 20, 2024, 04:25 PM
 
A seller I ordered from on Amazon sends the package and a separate envelope. The envelope is what Amazon tracks, the actual package has a mystery tracking number.

So far, hasn’t really been a problem. Both times the package arrived first, which confused me when Amazon then put it in the “delivered today” category a couple days later.
     
reader50
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Jul 20, 2024, 04:47 PM
 
re: CrowdStrike ads. Have not seen a single CS ad since the breakdowns began. I guess not all publicity is good publicity after all. Or they're redirecting the marketing budget to cover lawsuits.

Hallelujah - no more hearing about bots with made-up names. Accompanied by made-up pics.
     
Thorzdad
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Jul 24, 2024, 08:34 AM
 
I’ve been on a kick watching first-listen-reaction videos, and past episodes of Hot Ones on YouTube, via the YT Roku app. Sweet Jeebus, is it an ordeal.

The number of ads, of course, are gargantuan. Just ridiculous. Way beyond the volume you get in broadcast tv. The thing I’m starting to get extremely annoyed by is the way the app keeps trying to get me to log-in to my YT/Google account.

The barrier keeps getting taller every time I use the thing. It used to be a simple “for a better experience” popup that was easy to dismiss. Then, they added a screen to “choose” an account” before you even got in. Luckily, that screen had a “guest” entry point. Now, in addition to that, once you get in there’s nothing but a big “login to your YT account” field that can’t be dismissed. After some fumbling around, I found that the search field was still useable, and doing so gets you around the big cockblock.

Now, if logging in actually gave me something in return (like a diminished number of ads, for instance) I might consider doing so. But, I know it just for tracking and data-mining purposes, so nope.

I guess I could just make a new YT-specific account and be done with it.
     
andi*pandi
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Jul 24, 2024, 09:09 AM
 
I have a main yt acct* (makes it easy to watch same subscribed channels on ipad, desktop, and roku) and have shut off history and tracking, I mean, as much as I can.

*I have about 10 google accts for work, scouts, etc and only really use this one for watching.
     
Laminar
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Jul 24, 2024, 12:27 PM
 
New Outlook does not allow drag-resizing of inline images. You can right click an image and choose Small (25%), Medium (50%), Large (100%), or Best Fit (resize the photo to fit your current window width, but in a horrendous fit of screen-tearing graphics card vomit). If your source images are all different sizes, there is no way to make them all a uniform size inline, as the preset size options are all based on the original image size, not anything useful like a standard pixel width.
     
andi*pandi
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Jul 24, 2024, 12:51 PM
 
as much as I want microsoft to update some things, new outlook ain't it.

"legacy outlook" <toggle on>
     
Laminar
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Jul 24, 2024, 04:07 PM
 
When I accidentally clicked New Outlook on, it deleted old outlook. Toggling Old Outlook back in temporarily launches an instance of Old Outlook that cannot be found or manually relaunched. It wiped Old Outlook from my PC.
     
 
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