Random randomness

[Blackhawk]

Touch-typing is how I learned in high-school, where we originally started on typewriters before moving onto Unisys ICONS (seriously, these were an interesting story in their own right) and then IBM PCs. But that skill carried over, and to this day, I can simply be looking at the screen and my fingers fly across the keys. It feels completely natural to me.

I learned (like a lot of people here, probably), in a classroom full of IBM Selectrics. That was when typing was still considered an elective skill that might be useful someday, or might not.

[Brian]

I can hear this picture.

[Daehawk]

We had typing in jr high. I actually got pretty ok with it...not great. Maybe 35 wpm no errors without looking. But man it did not feel comfortable having my hands in that position. Maybe my hands were big. Im not sure. I remember them giving each of us white out lol. I felt like such an adult.

It was VERY unfortunate that my mid to late 80s high school time came at a point in time where typewriters were really gonna go away and computers were taking over but we had ZERO computers or anything about them.

[hitbyambulance]

If QNX sounds familiar, it's maybe because it would eventually become the basis for the OS used in the Blackberry.

https://jasoneckert.github.io/myblog/icon-computer/

yes, it was familiar - i worked with QNX in a late-stage BlackBerry-related context! briefly.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QNX

[Blackhawk]

On a whim, I tried a one-minute, medium text typing test with no corrections (IE - typwriter style.) I did better than I thought I would.

[Holman]

I can hear this picture.

The earliest office word processors were programmed to beep every time the user touched a key. Apparently, market-testing revealed that people accustomed to the clickety-clack of a typewriter were creeped out by silent typing.

[Isgrimnur]

I went to try it... and immediately looked down to start the first word.

[gilraen]

I took it 3 times because I wanted an "average" value. I think I averaged about 93 wpm with 3 typos per test, but I can't really type without immediately correcting any typos. I think I took an extra second longer to leave each typo on the screen and not hit the backspace key (I basically immediately know that I hit the wrong key, and correcting it is second nature).

[Blackhawk]

I took it 3 times because I wanted an "average" value. I think I averaged about 93 wpm with 3 typos per test, but I can't really type without immediately correcting any typos. I think I took an extra second longer to leave each typo on the screen and not hit the backspace key (I basically immediately know that I hit the wrong key, and correcting it is second nature).

I had the same experience. Muscle memory now has me backspacing errors for quick fixes. I'm guessing that just leads me to make more errors since the they're so easily fixed. It's a hell of a lot easier than counting characters, backspacing, using correction film, and retyping the incorrect letters. Or having to retype the entire page. You just don't need to be as accurate or careful anymore.

[Brian]

I've got a coworker who has (and prefers) the "clacky" style keyboard.

He types really fast but makes a lot of errors so he also backspaces a lot. Since his backspace usage is a little slower and more deliberate, his typing sounds a bit like:

takka-takka-takka-takka-takka-takka-PLAP-PLAP-PLAP-PLAP-takka-takka-takka-takka-takka-takka-PLAP-PLAP-PLAP-takka-takka-PLAP-PLAP-takka-takka-takka-takka-takka-takk

It can be a bit distracting but I've learned to tune it out.

[Blackhawk]

What's almost as bad is playing an online game with someone who has clicky switches and have their mic's sensitivity is too high.

[Holman]

What's almost as bad is playing an online game with someone who has clicky switches and have their mic's sensitivity is too high.

I think today's boutique preference for mechanical keyboards has brought back the old typewriter clickety-clack. And there is something kind of satisfying about it.

[Blackhawk]

Not if you're noise-adverse.

I am noise-adverse. I like quiet (and all of my mechanical keyboards are silent.)

[Blackhawk]

After a year-plus of notifications on my Samsung phone, I still haven't accepted Samsung's new account legal terms. It's a matter of principle. Why? The notification reads,

"Samsung account legal terms updated
Tap here to agree to the new privacy notice."

If it said, "Tap here to review..." I'd do so. But "Tap here to agree?"

I'm tempted to send their lawyer an envelope full of blank paper stamped with, "Open this envelope to agree to the contract inside."

[em2nought]

I learned (like a lot of people here, probably), in a classroom full of IBM Selectrics. That was when typing was still considered an elective skill that might be useful someday, or might not.

I was just thinking about the girl I sat beside in that classroom forty years ago.

[Rumpy]

If QNX sounds familiar, it's maybe because it would eventually become the basis for the OS used in the Blackberry.

https://jasoneckert.github.io/myblog/icon-computer/

yes, it was familiar - i worked with QNX in a late-stage BlackBerry-related context! briefly.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QNX

Interesting that we have a board-related connection! Cool! And it always blows my mind to think it would come to power Blackberries. Those computers were very slow and clunky.

[Kasey Chang]

My CPAP company (RedMed) apparently broke the data transfer function back at end of July and ONLY NOW sent out a notice telling every user "oops, we hope to have this fixed soon".

And no, I didn't know my CPAP has a built-in 4G(LTE) modem inside that talks to Resmed's main server, and you can't opt out of it except leave the machine in airplane mode. It also logs to local SD card, of course. But I've checked, it has a T-Mobile sim (or e-sim) inside somewhere.

After troubleshooting EVERY cause and troubleshooting step on my end, even deleting the app and reinstall, to no avail, I reached out to my equipment supplier support via email, and was told this was broken by RedMed 1.5 Weeks ago, and they can only wait for RedMed, the maker to fix it. Gee, as soon as it was broken we should have been told.

[Blackhawk]

Back when I had to use a CPAP machine (prior to 2014), in order to maintain the service, I had to bring it in periodically to have the SD card checked to make sure that I was actually using it. I don't know if that's a Mediare/insurance thing or what, but it was to weed out the people who were getting it paid for but weren't actually using it.

[dbt1949]

Last one I got from the VA didn't have the card. Supposedly able to check it by phone but I don't know.

[ImLawBoy]

My son's bipap (very similar to a CPAP) has a card like that. As BH suggested, it's to confirm usage of the device so that the insurance company (or whoever is funding) isn't paying for something that isn't being used.

[Blackhawk]

It always felt degrading. It was like having your mother walk in to make sure you've cleaned your room and eaten your vegetables.

[Isgrimnur]

Almost as if healthcare shouldn't be a subscription service.

[ImLawBoy]

My understanding of the justification is that a lot of people would get these machines and then not use them because they're uncomfortable. The insurance companies would still be paying out every month for the machines, though.

As a side benefit, I know that my son's doctors can look at the information that comes through from the card and help with problems. They can tell if there's too much leakage and recommend a new mask, for example.

[Blackhawk]

My understanding of the justification is that a lot of people would get these machines and then not use them because they're uncomfortable. The insurance companies would still be paying out every month for the machines, though.

Oh, I get that. The company told me straight out that it is why they had to do it.

But having to make a trip just so you can be inspected by my insurance company to make sure I was meeting my quota just felt degrading, especially as someone who takes pride in not lying.

[ImLawBoy]

Makes sense. Having the SIM in there to transmit the signal without you having to go in would be much better.

[LordMortis]

Makes sense. Having the SIM in there to transmit the signal without you having to go in would be much better.

That's what mine did but I still had to go in. No big deal. Their monitoring and holding my usage as collateral against payment was a good incentive to maintain mandatory "90% compliance" for a year. After that a year's worth of discomfort, saw my usage tank. I keep intending to start using the machine reliably again but then keep not doing so.

[Zarathud]

Use it. It makes a difference in your sleep and energy. You can get used to it or have the doctor program a more comfortable ramp up. With the SIM, they can reprogram you remotely.

[LordMortis]

Use it. It makes a difference in your sleep and energy. You can get used to it or have the doctor program a more comfortable ramp up. With the SIM, they can reprogram you remotely.

Tried for almost three years. I need to try again but it's hard when it's so easy to fall asleep without the thing and so difficult to fall and stay asleep with it.

[ImLawBoy]

Makes sense. Having the SIM in there to transmit the signal without you having to go in would be much better.

That's what mine did but I still had to go in. No big deal. Their monitoring and holding my usage as collateral against payment was a good incentive to maintain mandatory "90% compliance" for a year. After that a year's worth of discomfort, saw my usage tank. I keep intending to start using the machine reliably again but then keep not doing so.

Last time we went to pulmonology we had to take the machine, but they didn't pull any data off of it. It was more to check how things were fitting and make sure everything looked OK.

[GreenGoo]

Use it. It makes a difference in your sleep and energy. You can get used to it or have the doctor program a more comfortable ramp up. With the SIM, they can reprogram you remotely.

Keeps your apnea from shortening your life span too.

[Blackhawk]

Makes sense. Having the SIM in there to transmit the signal without you having to go in would be much better.

I know it's probably just me, but being an adult and having random strangers monitoring me in order make sure I'm being a good boy me still rubs me the wrong way. Especially when the entire motivation is profits.

Use it. It makes a difference in your sleep and energy. You can get used to it or have the doctor program a more comfortable ramp up. With the SIM, they can reprogram you remotely.

Tried for almost three years. I need to try again but it's hard when it's so easy to fall asleep without the thing and so difficult to fall and stay asleep with it.

Like others have said, it makes a pretty big difference. Have you considered talking to your doc about a different type of CPAP? Even back in 2010 there were a couple of different types of machines, and a number of different mask options, from a full-face mask to tiny nasal pillows. I was lucky and was able to use the nasal pillows, but the biggest challenge for me was learning to sleep on my back all night, every night. Waking up was fun, though, as I would invariably have swallowed air during the night. Waking up inflated, then having to um... deflate myself was an interesting way to get out of bed.

I was able to ditch the thing when I developed cancer, as the surgery that cut the back of my tongue off also served to open up my airways.

[LordMortis]

Like others have said, it makes a pretty big difference. Have you considered talking to your doc about a different type of CPAP? Even back in 2010 there were a couple of different types of machines, and a number of different mask options, from a full-face mask to tiny nasal pillows. I was lucky and was able to use the nasal pillows, but the biggest challenge for me was learning to sleep on my back all night, every night. Waking up was fun, though, as I would invariably have swallowed air during the night. Waking up inflated, then having to um... deflate myself was an interesting way to get out of bed.

I was able to ditch the thing when I developed cancer, as the surgery that cut the back of my tongue off also served to open up my airways.

I have been through a dozen masks (and pillows) and my machine was pretty well state of the art ResMed tech at the time. The Pillows had the best seal but they dried out my nose to the point of scabs and pain, for which I then had to wear the nasal equivalent of chapstick and it still didn't resolve the problem. I've been through the ringer and have been evaluated a half dozen times, always met with "The tech is so much better than it was even a couple of years ago..."

I know I my heart needs the damned thing but I also no I sleep sooooo much better without it and it makes zero difference in my being tired or waking rejuvenated.

[Blackhawk]

Like others have said, it makes a pretty big difference. Have you considered talking to your doc about a different type of CPAP? Even back in 2010 there were a couple of different types of machines, and a number of different mask options, from a full-face mask to tiny nasal pillows. I was lucky and was able to use the nasal pillows, but the biggest challenge for me was learning to sleep on my back all night, every night. Waking up was fun, though, as I would invariably have swallowed air during the night. Waking up inflated, then having to um... deflate myself was an interesting way to get out of bed.

I was able to ditch the thing when I developed cancer, as the surgery that cut the back of my tongue off also served to open up my airways.

my machine was pretty well state of the art ResMed tech at the time.

Did you try different types of machine? CPAP, APAP, and BiPAP machines all exist, and different ones work better for different people.

[GreenGoo]

Any decent CPAP machine will have a water reservoir to increase the humidity of the air being shoved down your throat/nose. And a heater for those cold winter nights.

Adjustable ramp up also makes things easier. The mask I have today is light years ahead of the mask(s) I tried around 2020. I can actually wear this one without seal issues (or straps crushing my skull to prevent them), even with my beard.

[Kasey Chang]

I need a bigger frame for my nasal pillow, as it's digging into my fat cheeks.

Ramp setting is what you need to play with to minimize bloating. I had it on autoramp, but initially it's not giving me enough air. Had to play with the settings, but it's doing 14 psi (?) for my regular sleep. The moisture tank is built into the unit, and you can leave it empty.

(BTW, there is actually "CPAP Water" for sale on Amazon. WTF... )

[Fardaza]

I messed around with my CPAP for nearly a year. I hated it and everything associated with it. I used it but hated it. Finally I stopped using it after a monthlong overseas trip. My doctor eventually noted me as non-compliant in my medical history. Then he referred me to the UCLA Dental School - Orofacial Pain Clinic. These were dentists that were learning a more advanced craft. I could tell immediately that they knew what they were doing! (I had a friend who was a regular dentist that even offered to do it for me, but he said it wouldn't work. I'm glad I didn't listen to him.) This was in early 2020, so COVID interfered and my treatment plan took nearly 6 months.

I eventually ended up with a product that looks like retainers that kids wear after getting their braces off. One for the top and one for the bottom. They have little winglike extensions that move my lower jaw forward as I sleep. This keeps my tongue off the back of my throat, and keeps the airway clear. These devices (I call them "my teeth") have turned my life around! I now sleep through the night and am not tired all day. They don't work for everyone, but they do for me!

And ... My insurance paid for the whole thing. All doctors see CPAP as the gold standard in apnea treatment. This is why they are reluctant to refer patients for something like this. Also, it costs the insurance company less to pay for CPAP. Hound your doctor to refer you to an orofacial pain clinic/dentist. You can probably find one in your area if you Google it.

https://www.adea.org/GoDental/Career_Op ... _Pain.aspx

It is one of the newest areas of dental practice. It seems they mostly treat TMJ and other issues. Make sure you find one that has apnea treatment listed too. (I was recently in upstate New York and found a center there for my brother-in-law.) Even if your doctor won't refer you or insurance won't cover, it's worth whatever they charge!

The pictures aren't great, but this is the company that made my apnea devices. The dentist I was working with told me they were the best for my situation. They have my digital imprints on file. If I lose or break one of them, they can replace it for me.

https://prosomnus.com/

Please, I beg you. For your own good health, check out oro-facial pain dentists and try these.

[hitbyambulance]

The pictures aren't great, but this is the company that made my apnea devices. The dentist I was working with told me they were the best for my situation. They have my digital imprints on file. If I lose or break one of them, they can replace it for me.

https://prosomnus.com/

Please, I beg you. For your own good health, check out oro-facial pain dentists and try these.

how long do you have to wear the appliances for? i had looked into doing this (enlarge lower jaw to reduce snoring, learned about this from this book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48890486-breath )

[Jaymon]

I went to see my doctor about headaches, and ended up with a CPAP machine. I was displeased, and let several folks know, and they didn't care. I saw the sleep doctor one time, he decided I had apnea and needed cpap, and the rest of it was just a show to proove it to the insurance.

Even when I pointed at the graphs and showed them were it didn't proove what they said, it didn't matter.
I tried the machine for two weeks, and that was enough, I returned it. The whole experience was bad, none of the folks involved cared at all about my health, it was all about the money.

[GreenGoo]

I need a bigger frame for my nasal pillow, as it's digging into my fat cheeks.

Ramp setting is what you need to play with to minimize bloating. I had it on autoramp, but initially it's not giving me enough air. Had to play with the settings, but it's doing 14 psi (?) for my regular sleep. The moisture tank is built into the unit, and you can leave it empty.

(BTW, there is actually "CPAP Water" for sale on Amazon. WTF... )

My snoring was loud enough that it was disturbing the house, and it would wake me up because I would stop breathing (typical apnea), but possibly worse, it would wake me up from how loud it was. I would literally wake up to a foghorn going off. It was crazy.

I snore something awful. The BiPAP stops it. Good enough.

I don't love my machine, but it's tolerable, and better than the alternative.

I should mention that I tried CPAP once before and hated it and eventually quit. This time, with a better mask, I think it will stick. I'm diligent with my use anyway.

As far as water goes, I go with distilled so as to avoid gumming up the machine.

I will say that the entire CPAP industry including doctors feels slimy. I always felt like they were selling me stuff and rubber stamping for the insurance qualifying. Even with that impression, I think the machine is helping, so maybe it's not complete voodoo and con industry.

[dbt1949]

Every time I stop drinking my iced tea for more than a few days my kidney lets me know with little bitty "stones" that hurt like hell. Odd that tea is the thing that helps me.
Oh, and I've been using my CPAP for about 15 years now. No problems.