Random randomness

MHS · Post by **MHS** » Wed Aug 29, 2012 10:54 am

Sending out a big thank you to Isgrimnur. He sent us Time's Up!, a very fun party game, and an expansion pack for it as a combination thanks-for-shacking-me-up-while-I-was-in-CO/housewarming gift. We had the chance to break it open and play last night and it was a blast! Thanks to Issy, and party game people who haven't already should check it out!

Unagi · Post by **Unagi** » Wed Aug 29, 2012 11:03 am

Dude. You and Issy shacked up?

MHS · Post by **MHS** » Wed Aug 29, 2012 11:13 am

Unagi wrote:Dude. You and Issy shacked up?

I thought about him in the shower, too.

Unagi · Post by **Unagi** » Wed Aug 29, 2012 11:21 am

Oh yeah? Well I'm going to think about you thinking in the shower, in my next shower.

Think about that!

Anonymous Bosch · Post by **Anonymous Bosch** » Wed Aug 29, 2012 11:22 am

MHS wrote:Sending out a big thank you to Isgrimnur. He sent us Time's Up!, a very fun party game, and an expansion pack for it as a combination thanks-for-shacking-me-up-while-I-was-in-CO/housewarming gift. We had the chance to break it open and play last night and it was a blast! Thanks to Issy, and party game people who haven't already should check it out!

Kudos to Isgrimnur, Time's Up! is always great fun to play with a crowd.

BTW, do you guys own Wits & Wagers? With your and Meal's penchant for poker, I can't help but think that would be right up your alley. It even comes with a nifty green vegas-style felt betting mat and poker chips for placing bets (though it's even better if you can use a quality set of clay poker chips of your own).

MHS · Post by **MHS** » Wed Aug 29, 2012 11:31 am

Anonymous Bosch wrote:
MHS wrote:Sending out a big thank you to Isgrimnur. He sent us Time's Up!, a very fun party game, and an expansion pack for it as a combination thanks-for-shacking-me-up-while-I-was-in-CO/housewarming gift. We had the chance to break it open and play last night and it was a blast! Thanks to Issy, and party game people who haven't already should check it out!
Kudos to Isgrimnur, Time's Up! is always great fun to play with a crowd.

BTW, do you guys own Wits & Wagers? With your and Meal's penchant for poker, I can't help but think that would be right up your alley. It even comes with a nifty green vegas-style felt betting mat and poker chips for placing bets (though it's even better if you can use a quality set of clay poker chips of your own).

We do, and it's one of our favorites. Playing Wits & Wagers and Cards Against Humanity with us was probably what made Wayne think we would enjoy Time's Up!

MHS · Post by **MHS** » Wed Aug 29, 2012 11:33 am

Unagi wrote:Oh yeah? Well I'm going to think about you thinking in the shower, in my next shower.

Think about that!

Well, now...that's just kinky.

Exodor · Post by **Exodor** » Wed Aug 29, 2012 11:45 am

Kraken wrote:We moved the old 1940s-era range out to the curb and my wife posted it on craigslist (for free). Then we walked down to Chilis for dinner. When we got home two hours later it was gone and she had three emails asking about it.

Apparently there's a huge demand for vintage appliances, although you can't actually get money for them unless they're in good working order. It's cool that somebody's going to rehab it and put it back in service...I had thought it was just a heavy piece of scrap metal.

I wonder if that would with the 31" SDTV I've had in the garage for almost a year now. It still works but I don't think anyone wants a 50 lb standard-def TV...

Isgrimnur · Post by **Isgrimnur** » Wed Aug 29, 2012 11:49 am

I can handle myself betting, and I can handle myself in trivia, but combining the two just didn't work in my favor. CAH was a riot, but a bit meta, as those games tend to be.

But yeah, once we played those, I was sure that Time's Up! would be a big hit. A combination of a buzzword-type game and charades struck me as bound to be a hit in the Stangis household.

Kraken · Post by **Kraken** » Wed Aug 29, 2012 12:23 pm

Exodor wrote:
Kraken wrote:We moved the old 1940s-era range out to the curb and my wife posted it on craigslist (for free). Then we walked down to Chilis for dinner. When we got home two hours later it was gone and she had three emails asking about it.

Apparently there's a huge demand for vintage appliances, although you can't actually get money for them unless they're in good working order. It's cool that somebody's going to rehab it and put it back in service...I had thought it was just a heavy piece of scrap metal.
I wonder if that would with the 31" SDTV I've had in the garage for almost a year now. It still works but I don't think anyone wants a 50 lb standard-def TV...

Let it mellow for 50 or 60 years.

Srsly, you can give away almost anything on craigslist or freecycle. In the past few months we unloaded a 25-year-old canister vacuum cleaner (functional, but beat up and of marginal quality) and a microwave oven (functional except that the carousel didn't turn).

Remus West · Post by **Remus West** » Wed Aug 29, 2012 12:25 pm

Unagi wrote:Oh yeah? Well I'm going to think about you thinking in the shower, in my next shower.

Think about that!

Great. Now I feel like I need a mental shower. A very very hot one with pure lye soap to remove that image.

stessier · Post by **stessier** » Wed Aug 29, 2012 1:14 pm

Kraken wrote:Achievement unlocked: This afternoon I successfully removed our 1940s-era gas range and installed its replacement. The 70-year-old connection was as stubborn as I had feared it might be, and the 3/4" pipe wasn't quite compatible with my newfangled connector hose, but a quick trip to the hardware store for a $3 adapter solved that. Saved the $65 delivery fee by picking it up myself, the $55 permit fee by not getting one, and at least one hour's labor by a plumber/installer...who undoubtedly would've insisted on bringing it up to code and driven the cost up well past $200.

It works great and all connections are tight. Should be set for another 70 years or until we can update our kitchen, whichever comes first. I done good.

I'm curious - why would you need a permit for replacing a range?

dbt1949 · Post by **dbt1949** » Wed Aug 29, 2012 1:23 pm

You have to find a home for it.

Home, home, for a range..............

silverjon · Post by **silverjon** » Wed Aug 29, 2012 1:33 pm

I'm thinking the permit isn't for replacing the range, but for working on the gas fittings.

Isgrimnur · Post by **Isgrimnur** » Wed Aug 29, 2012 1:38 pm

I'd think you'd actually want someone with a certification to work on something like that, given the possibility of blowing yourself up. Merely having a permit from the local government doesn't exactly seem like enough due diligence to do anything other than try and generate revenue from contractors.

Isgrimnur · Post by **Isgrimnur** » Wed Aug 29, 2012 1:41 pm

Of course, that's supposed to be required as well. That's our Ironrod, putting union workers out of a job.

The plumbing code requires that a licensed plumber/gas fitter perform all plumbing and gas work and receive a permit from the Building/Inspection Department. This includes replacing faucets, boilers, hot water heaters and gas appliances etc.
...
A homeowner’s insurance policy may not cover claims on any work done without a permit or by an unlicensed contractor.
...
The cost of obtaining a permit is to your benefit.

Default · Post by **Default** » Wed Aug 29, 2012 3:19 pm

Teflon tape on the threads and soapy water on the joint. No bubbles, no gas leaks.

Kraken · Post by **Kraken** » Wed Aug 29, 2012 3:36 pm

Default wrote:Teflon tape on the threads and soapy water on the joint. No bubbles, no gas leaks.

Actually, it's pipe dope. Tape is not for gas fittings. And I prefer a candle to soapy water.

As Isg said, only licensed contractors can get a permit to work on gas hookups. I've previously installed our gas dryer and water heater (with a friend's help), so I'm pretty comfortable working with plumbing. It's pretty straightforward as long as no cutting is necessary.

It passed the leak test on the first try.

LordMortis · Post by **LordMortis** » Wed Aug 29, 2012 4:06 pm

Suddenly I want a smartphone... and wished I liked [whatever you call the current for techno house dub that is en vogue right now] music.

http://pitchfork.com/news/47678-dan-dea ... -his-show/" target="_blank

Musical performers that challenge the passive appreciative state of the audience tend to make for the most fun and most memorable evenings of entertainment. I'm suddenly really curious to see what this guy does.

Jaymon · Post by **Jaymon** » Thu Aug 30, 2012 2:04 am

My arm hurts, and that means we are about to get some crappy weather.

Biyobi · Post by **Biyobi** » Thu Aug 30, 2012 2:14 am

Jaymon wrote:My arm hurts, and that means we are about to get some crappy weather.

It usually means I have to switch it up and go lefty for awhile.

Default · Post by **Default** » Thu Aug 30, 2012 6:40 am

Kraken wrote:
Default wrote:Teflon tape on the threads and soapy water on the joint. No bubbles, no gas leaks.
Actually, it's pipe dope. Tape is not for gas fittings. And I prefer a candle to soapy water.

As Isg said, only licensed contractors can get a permit to work on gas hookups. I've previously installed our gas dryer and water heater (with a friend's help), so I'm pretty comfortable working with plumbing. It's pretty straightforward as long as no cutting is necessary.

It passed the leak test on the first try.

TEFLON TAPE:

When PTFE (Teflon) tape first became available they only made it in the common single density type, which we commonly find in the hardware and home supply stores. Later they began making a double density version, which was twice as thick. Many state and local codes then adopted the double density type as mandatory when making connections for natural gas however since both products were the same color (white) it was difficult for inspectors to be sure which product had been used. PTFE tape is now made in numerous varieties and they have issued a color standard to determine which type should be used.

WHITE-Single density- should only be used on NPT threads up to 3/8 inch.
YELLOW- Double Density- yellow double density is often labeled as "Gas type"
RED-Triple Density: (Note-the container is red but the tape itself appears as a pale pink color). Presently required on all joints ½" diameter or greater.
GREEN- Oil Free PTFE tape- Required for use on all lines conveying oxygen (I.E. –medical oxygen or welding oxygen lines).
COPPER COLOR- contains granules of copper and is to be used as a thread lubricant but is not approved as a thread sealant. (Generally it is used as a thread lubricant on bolts or pipe threads for mechanical applications where no physical seal is required.)

PTFE tape is only approved as a thread seal when applied correctly. To apply you begin at the end of the pipe and wrap the tape under tension in the direction of the thread turns. Each successive layer should overlap the previous layer by ½ to 2/3 and continue wrapping until the entire threaded portion of the pipe is covered. (Minimum of 3 full turns).

PIPE DOPE:

When looking for pipe dope in the hardware or home supply store we commonly find two types, a tube of dark gray paste labeled "Pipe dope" and tubes or small bottles of white "Teflon Pipe Dope". When selecting the pipe dope check the fine print very carefully to insure the product is listed as approved for the application you intend to use it for as some of these products have a very limited range of applications. As a rule the Teflon pipe dope will have the broadest range of applications and will normally meet all requirements that would typically be found in a residential environment. (My personal reservation with Teflon pipe dope is that it is extremely messy to work with.)

Here. Guess it depends on your building codes. I never had problems with inspectors and I normally get compliments when code enforcement signs off on my work.

Kraken · Post by **Kraken** » Thu Aug 30, 2012 11:45 am

I went with the recommendation of the guy at the hardware store and the installation manual that came with the stove. Good to know about that yellow tape for future jobs, though. The tape that I have is white, so I'm glad I didn't use it.

LordMortis · Post by **LordMortis** » Thu Aug 30, 2012 2:51 pm

http://www.disinfo.com/2012/08/storage- ... an-organs/" target="_blank

dbt1949 · Post by **dbt1949** » Thu Aug 30, 2012 3:13 pm

Just got a bunch of ammo thru the mail today.
Now, where's the nearest Batman playing?

Too early?

MHS · Post by **MHS** » Thu Aug 30, 2012 4:07 pm

A moment of silence, please.

Isgrimnur · Post by **Isgrimnur** » Thu Aug 30, 2012 4:13 pm

The load will be discarded, police said.

Smoove_B · Post by **Smoove_B** » Thu Aug 30, 2012 4:47 pm

Someday I will talk about the fire at the liquor store and the multiple 30-yard dumpsters. It's been 10+ years and I still cry thinking about it.

hepcat · Post by **hepcat** » Thu Aug 30, 2012 4:52 pm

My nonsensical rant for August 30th, 2012:

If I never see another film that rips off the ending of An Occurrence at Owl Creek and bills itself as "Psychological Horror" it will still be too soon.

Brian · Post by **Brian** » Thu Aug 30, 2012 4:54 pm

I must not be seeing enough films. What recent movies have culled their endings from the Owl Creek one?

Fretmute · Post by **Fretmute** » Thu Aug 30, 2012 4:56 pm

Brian wrote:I must not be seeing enough films. What recent movies have culled their endings from the Owl Creek one?

Spoiler:

Brian · Post by **Brian** » Thu Aug 30, 2012 4:59 pm

Not totally comparable but I can see the similarities. Not that anybody is labeling SP as "Psychological Horror."

Fretmute · Post by **Fretmute** » Thu Aug 30, 2012 5:01 pm

Brian wrote:Not totally comparable but I can see the similarities. Not that anybody is labeling SP as "Psychological Horror."

Well, I can't speak as to what films he had in mind. That's just the first one (with appropriate ending) that popped into my head.

hepcat · Post by **hepcat** » Thu Aug 30, 2012 5:06 pm

Take your pick.

While not all of them call themselves Psychological Horror, enough do so that it annoys the crap out of me. Jacob's Ladder being a prime example.

Like I said though, it's my nonsensical rant of the day. It was brought up recently in a discussion with a fellow film nut about films with lazy writing and that's why it was stuck in my mind.

Biyobi · Post by **Biyobi** » Thu Aug 30, 2012 7:55 pm

We got hit by a wind/thunderstorm as ugly as I've ever seen in L.A., though it didn't last very long. I hope whatever house ended up with my patio umbrella is as happy with it as I was.

LordMortis · Post by **LordMortis** » Fri Aug 31, 2012 9:15 am

A fee to renew my license plate by Internet? That must have been a recent Snyder decision. The idea of being charged a for making a entities life cheaper and easier (to charge me a tax no less) always pisses me off. I should have spent the 45 cents on a stamp and made them manually process my payment instead but they preyed on my laziness and the fact that I was already sitting on their website.

stessier · Post by **stessier** » Fri Aug 31, 2012 9:29 am

LordMortis wrote:A fee to renew my license plate by Internet? That must have been a recent Snyder decision. The idea of being charged a for making a entities life cheaper and easier (to charge me a tax no less) always pisses me off. I should have spent the 45 cents on a stamp and made them manually process my payment instead but they preyed on my laziness and the fact that I was already sitting on their website.

Same thing here. We always mail the payment instead. The one time we didn't, I realized our plates had expired 6 weeks prior - figured the convenience charge was cheaper than a ticket.

Isgrimnur · Post by **Isgrimnur** » Fri Aug 31, 2012 9:46 am

Texas does the same thing with registration. But they don't let you renew yours online if it's past due. You get to take time off and go down to the office if you miss it.

LordMortis · Post by **LordMortis** » Fri Aug 31, 2012 10:08 am

stessier wrote:Same thing here. We always mail the payment instead. The one time we didn't, I realized our plates had expired 6 weeks prior - figured the convenience charge was cheaper than a ticket.

Apparently this brand new here. I talked to coworkers and none of them have ever had a fee earlier this year (and I've never had a fee for all of the years I've been renewing online before). I can only assume they decided they needed to cover the additional over head of hiring someone to set up an interface and security to allow me to use the Internet. As opposed to the overhead of having more people sit in offices typing in numbers and verifying payment information all day. This is the same reason I mail my mortgage statement every month and every month my mortgage company begs me to move to online payments so they can charge me for the privilege of making their lives cheaper and easier.

This is from the guy who use to run Gateway computers? Seriously? Oh that's right he ran them into the ground before running them overseas.

[/rant off... I hope]

Remus West · Post by **Remus West** » Fri Aug 31, 2012 12:11 pm

I always go down to the SoS office to do mine. They have little machines that do the whole thing for you. No waiting in line. No waiting for the tags to come in the mail. In and out in under 5 minutes easily. Also, as far as I know, there is no new random fee for doing so.