Octopus Overlords

Don't you hate "EXPLAINED" videos where they feel compelled to explain the obvious.

I don't tend to think of myself as a snob but in 2014, when I paid off my house, I decided I was worth good cheese. As I move back in to cost conscious mode, this last week I bought Kraft singles that were on sale, instead of my usual Costco Euro sliced cheese mix. I don't want to finish my sandwiches. I don't ever remember "singles" being so overwhelming(ly bad). I wonder if I can re-adapt.

Pasteurized prepared cheese product

I think they once were good, but I think something changed in their recipe, and now they just taste very processed. I don't even know if they should qualify as being cheese.

Rumpy wrote: ↑Tue Feb 01, 2022 2:11 pm now they just taste very processed. I don't even know if they should qualify as being cheese.

That's where I'm at right now. Not sure what I'm going to do in the future. Cheese is going to have to become more of a treat and less of a staple I guess.

Buy block cheese and slice it yourself?

Invest in cheese futures.

gilraen wrote: ↑Tue Feb 01, 2022 2:59 pm Buy block cheese and slice it yourself?

Madness! This would require investing in some sort of sharpened cutting instrument, and soured milk curd storage receptacle to contain it. Such technical wizardry and savoir-faire is beyond the ken of mere Michiganders.

I went to Aldi’s to pick up some groceries and their refrigeration units were dark. The items were not cool (case thermometers were around mid 60's) and employees were removing chicken and beef to take in the back. Nope... I think I'll stay away for the next couple of weeks.



Usually I never grab a cold item that's in the front of the display. Either what's in front will expire earlier or was put back after someone decided not to purchase and leave it at the register. Or worse, sitting out in a random aisle before someone puts it back. I'm probably a little too paranoid.

I went to the store Monday morning. Surprisingly bare. I don't know if it's because of shortages or the weekend run and they haven't restocked yet.

Jaymann wrote: ↑Sun Jan 30, 2022 3:32 am

Jaymann wrote: ↑Sat Jan 29, 2022 12:20 pm What's up with gmail? Have not been able to log in for a day.

Edit: Looks like it is. A search resulted in a full page of the same question.

I can no longer access gmail.com with Firefox. It works fine with Chrome. Bastages!

I had this same problem (along with Google Docs) yesterday, but it cleared up about 10 minutes after I noticed it.

Holman wrote: ↑Tue Feb 01, 2022 4:03 pm

Jaymann wrote: ↑Sun Jan 30, 2022 3:32 am

Jaymann wrote: ↑Sat Jan 29, 2022 12:20 pm What's up with gmail? Have not been able to log in for a day.

Edit: Looks like it is. A search resulted in a full page of the same question.

I can no longer access gmail.com with Firefox. It works fine with Chrome. Bastages!

I had this same problem (along with Google Docs) yesterday, but it cleared up about 10 minutes after I noticed it.

It cleared up for me now too, and I made no adjustments. Still strange.

LordMortis wrote: ↑Tue Feb 01, 2022 1:52 pm I don't tend to think of myself as a snob but in 2014, when I paid off my house, I decided I was worth good cheese. As I move back in to cost conscious mode, this last week I bought Kraft singles that were on sale, instead of my usual Costco Euro sliced cheese mix. I don't want to finish my sandwiches. I don't ever remember "singles" being so overwhelming(ly bad). I wonder if I can re-adapt.

When you say "good cheese," do you mean expensive gourmet stuff, or just block cheese sliced at the deli counter? I go with the latter, and it's much better (and not really more expensive) than individually wrapped slices.

I eat Kraft slices all the time. I mix it up sometimes and get Cracker Barrel block sharp cheddar. Kraft was much better when i was a kid. it got truly bad a few years back and I figured it was another item Kraft has ruined to the point of being inedible like they did with their mayo and Oscar Mayer beef bologna. But it turned around and I love it again. Makes the best grilled cheese.

Thanks to a link I found at Blues News

‘Wayne’s World’ turns 30

Holy shit balls! 30 years ago!??? No way! Geez.

Processed cheese just isn't cheese. I don't mean that as an insult; it has its uses, and no one should feel bad about enjoying it. But I just don't understand how it came to be seen as a substitute for the real thing, other than affordability and 1950s marketing propaganda. The only thing it's good at is melting. My grandmother would toast it on bread with a slice of tomato and some bacon bits and it was delicious. Similarly, many maintain it's the proper choice for cheeseburgers due to its melting point and flavour that doesn't overwhelm. And they're right, it's good in these scenarios, and in grilled cheeses. But... it's not good enough that I wouldn't rather have a slice of real cheddar, swiss, havarti, etc. It may be different, but it's just... better. More interesting.

dbt1949 wrote: ↑Tue Feb 01, 2022 3:58 pm I went to the store Monday morning. Surprisingly bare. I don't know if it's because of shortages or the weekend run and they haven't restocked yet.

Supermarket shelves have been thin around here since the omicron surge began. Last week, both stores were completely out of pasta, for example, and canned cat food is nowhere to be found. A couple of weeks ago they only had the big family packs of chicken. It's getting to the point that I'm basing my menu plan on what I can buy, rather than the other way around, and stockpiling essentials when I can. Fortunately, toilet paper is still abundant.

Anonymous Bosch wrote: ↑Tue Feb 01, 2022 3:36 pm

gilraen wrote: ↑Tue Feb 01, 2022 2:59 pm Buy block cheese and slice it yourself?

Madness! This would require investing in some sort of sharpened cutting instrument, and soured milk curd storage receptacle to contain it. Such technical wizardry and savoir-faire is beyond the ken of mere Michiganders.

In related news, I recently discovered that fresh-grated Parmesan is vastly superior to the pre-grated stuff. I still use the latter in cooking but can only use the former as a topping now.

The Melt and Stretch of Cheese

The Stretch of Cheese

Holman wrote: ↑Tue Feb 01, 2022 4:05 pm

LordMortis wrote: ↑Tue Feb 01, 2022 1:52 pm I don't tend to think of myself as a snob but in 2014, when I paid off my house, I decided I was worth good cheese. As I move back in to cost conscious mode, this last week I bought Kraft singles that were on sale, instead of my usual Costco Euro sliced cheese mix. I don't want to finish my sandwiches. I don't ever remember "singles" being so overwhelming(ly bad). I wonder if I can re-adapt.

When you say "good cheese," do you mean expensive gourmet stuff, or just block cheese sliced at the deli counter? I go with the latter, and it's much better (and not really more expensive) than individually wrapped slices.

I don't buy gourmet. I just mean real cheese from a smaller brand bought at Costco (which is block cheese, sliced and then packaged, with comparatively short shelf life). "Finlandia" It's quite a bit more expensive than singles. 16 thin slices for $1.99 vs 32 about $6 or $8 (I think) for two pounds of a cheese variety in the form of 32 slices.

Kraken wrote: ↑Tue Feb 01, 2022 4:19 pm

dbt1949 wrote: ↑Tue Feb 01, 2022 3:58 pm I went to the store Monday morning. Surprisingly bare. I don't know if it's because of shortages or the weekend run and they haven't restocked yet.

Supermarket shelves have been thin around here since the omicron surge began. Last week, both stores were completely out of pasta, for example, and canned cat food is nowhere to be found. A couple of weeks ago they only had the big family packs of chicken. It's getting to the point that I'm basing my menu plan on what I can buy, rather than the other way around, and stockpiling essentials when I can. Fortunately, toilet paper is still abundant.

Our shelves have been hit or miss for well over a year. Since sometime after the initial no TP or paper towels anywhere shortage. My Aldi went over six months without re-fried beans. This to say nothing of how inflation has changed my grocery shopping. The sales I used to watch for and define my eating habits around are all gone. The cheap staples I used to get are up 30% and they still aren't reliably on shelves. I've been adjusting and expanding my regular shopping stores up to 4 grocers now. Costco, Aldi, Meijer, and Kroger. Kroger had 18 large eggs for $.97 this week. I'll be increasing my egg diet for a bit. Aldi has 10 lbs of potatoes for $3.99. Other places don't have them at all. I'd go heavy on potatoes but I fear potato heavy diet contributed to my last kidney stone.

ive given up on all Dollar Generals. They never have anything in stock these days. I dont know why they open their doors. Other stores like Wlmart are always out of the things I need be it paper bowls or canned ham or whatever.

In related news, I recently discovered that fresh-grated Parmesan is vastly superior to the pre-grated stuff. I still use the latter in cooking but can only use the former as a topping now.

Pre grated is full of cellulose as a non caking agent...wood pulp and stuff.

I guess , depending on your health and age, getting into one of those things too much will get you into the other.

Russian undertakers branded 'tasteless and offensive' for using lingerie models in advert

Daehawk wrote: ↑Tue Feb 01, 2022 4:49 pm ive given up on all Dollar Generals. They never have anything in stock these days. I dont know why they open their doors. Other stores like Wlmart are always out of the things I need be it paper bowls or canned ham or whatever.

In related news, I recently discovered that fresh-grated Parmesan is vastly superior to the pre-grated stuff. I still use the latter in cooking but can only use the former as a topping now.

Pre grated is full of cellulose as a non caking agent...wood pulp and stuff.

Consider it fiber. I don't buy bagged shredded cheese for that reason, but parm isn't a sticky cheese and shouldn't need much filler to stay powdery. It's fine for cooking.

Daehawk wrote: ↑Tue Feb 01, 2022 7:30 pm I guess , depending on your health and age, getting into one of those things too much will get you into the other.

Russian undertakers branded 'tasteless and offensive' for using lingerie models in advert

I'm not an economist, but I assume that Russian funerals and Russian lingerie models are the country's chief economic engine at this point.

Hilarious tweet in my feed this morning:

Glorious recent correction in WSJ:

"The full names of two Belarusian officials charged with aircraft piracy are not known. An article incorrectly identified them as Andrey Anatolievich Lnu and Fnu Lnu. FNU and LNU are acronyms for 'first name unknown' and 'last name unknown.'"

Fuhnu Lahnoo is going to be my next D&D character.

Shazbot.

Welp, for the 4th or 5th time in the last 3 years, I've left the water in the sink running and got distracted by something else. Only to be sitting at my computer and wondering "what's that running water sound" before realizing I'd done it again and then spending 20 minutes mopping up all the water.

I should ask the building to install some type of overflow drain as I'm way too stupid for simple responsibilities it seems.

hepcat wrote: ↑Wed Feb 02, 2022 1:31 pm Welp, for the 4th or 5th time in the last 3 years, I've left the water in the sink running and got distracted by something else. Only to be sitting at my computer and wondering "what's that running water sound" before realizing I'd done it again and then spending 20 minutes mopping up all the water.

I should ask the building to install some type of overflow drain as I'm way too stupid for simple responsibilities it seems.

This I have not done but senility has passed me by a long time ago and I do lots of stupid things. I try to remember to set timers on anything I walk away from now and I hold out fingers to remember I am leaving an object sitting in a place.

Glasses, I lose friggen everywhere.

LordMortis wrote: ↑Wed Feb 02, 2022 1:36 pm Glasses, I lose friggen everywhere.

I don't lose mine. I just have to take them on and off constantly depending on what I'm looking at. I'm getting close to doing the "granny" thing and getting a cord so I can have them hanging around my neck when I don't need them.

My glasses have 'assigned' locations. There are only a few places in the house where I allow myself to put them if they aren't on my face. It saves accidental crushing, and it saves searching. Same thing with my 'pocket stuff' that I take out when I get home. It goes in one specific place.

My phone, on the other hand... at least once a week I have to have Alexa call my phone. Usually because I put it in one of the normal places and then set something on top of it so that it wasn't immediately visible. They say object permanence is the first thing to go...

TheMix wrote: ↑Wed Feb 02, 2022 2:10 pm

LordMortis wrote: ↑Wed Feb 02, 2022 1:36 pm Glasses, I lose friggen everywhere.

I don't lose mine. I just have to take them on and off constantly depending on what I'm looking at. I'm getting close to doing the "granny" thing and getting a cord so I can have them hanging around my neck when I don't need them.

If I ever get my house cleaned up, I'll be less likely to leave them in stupid places where I don't see them. *Less than 4 weeks until I might be unemployed*

LordMortis wrote: ↑Wed Feb 02, 2022 2:42 pm *Less than 4 weeks until I will be retired*

Fixed that for you. Stay strong, brother!

I'm already cracking. I still need to talk to my boss about what happens when March rolls around and the transition is nowhere complete. I already told her lack of institutional preparation does not mean me putting in 60 hours or whatever weekly to right the ship by March and she accepted/agreed that wasn't going to happen. Of course the alternative is "Fuck this shit I'm out!" and they know it.

At the very least I'd strongly recommend taking 2 weeks. Tell her that you will take some time and then see if you are able to provisionally come back for a short while on a consulting basis to help finish the transition. i.e. a compromise between "continue working me to death" and "f@#$ you, I'm out!"

I guarantee that they will keep demanding. At no point will they say "we are fine, enjoy your retirement!"

Maybe even something like 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off for 1-3 months. Obviously subject to your health.

Remember, you hold all the cards in this negotiation. Not them. You still sound like your decisions are subject to their approval.

A 20-hour/week remote-only consulting contract with a 3-month term and double your salary...

Isgrimnur wrote: ↑Wed Feb 02, 2022 3:45 pm A 20-hour/week remote-only consulting contract with a 3-month term and double your salary...

I like how you think!

LM should have you step in to do his negotiating.

TheMix wrote: ↑Wed Feb 02, 2022 3:35 pm Remember, you hold all the cards in this negotiation. Not them. You still sound like your decisions are subject to their approval.

I know and so do they. I still don't want to hurt the company/people on my exit. I think there is room for some flexibility but at the same time if they aren't preparing they aren't going to get they kind of flexibility they need. I stopped being driven by deadlines months ago and things haven't popped yet, but they're going to and I won't pay the piper for it. I won't work extra hours trying to dig us out. I won't do my job and train others at the same time. My boss knows it. I'm not clear that her boss has internalized it but I keep expressing it. I feel like a dick because essentially I'm constantly second guessing their process with "OK. Ignore me at your peril."

Isgrimnur wrote: ↑Wed Feb 02, 2022 3:45 pm A 20-hour/week remote-only consulting contract with a 3-month term and double your salary...

And no expectation of deliverables and only single tasks performed and we have a deal.

After March 1 any work I do will be without interruption. That's one of my non flexible points. I work on one thing at any given time. No distractions. If you see less of me hear, you'll know I'm working... and working only one thing at a time.

You have been "the guy" for decades. That is their mistake. Do they tolerate single points of failure in other aspects of their business? They've saved a shit ton by letting you do everything, if they pay the price for that now, you can't feel too guilty about it. it wasn't the business that did this. It was the people, the same ones you are worrying about and praising. I've been 'the guy" several times in previous roles and it was never the right answer. Hell for a couple years I was a network admin, system admin and lead (only) programmer, hell call me CIO for a county gov't department making $8.47/hr when I was in college. OK that actually worked out really well for both me and them, until I graduated and moved to a new job doubling my pay! Wow I was cheap.

OK so I rambled there, but this is the randomness thread so deal with it.