Why ??!!...The whinging,moaning,complaining,ranting,letting off steam thread !!

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  • Posts: 1,988
    j_w_pepper wrote: »
    CrabKey wrote: »

    I can see your point, and I agree with your conclusion regarding that former president. But I think protecting young children from being confronted with hardcore pornography by some means (to be determined) may still be a worthy goal. And I would like to emphasize that Europe's conservatives parties, generally speaking, are not of the kind that call themselves Conservative in the U.S., not just in regard of this topic, but generally.

    (To be determined.) That's the rub. The home is a great place to start, but that requires adults being adults around one's own kids and the kids of others.

  • Posts: 12,467
    To make it clear, my biggest gripe is with that guy from Utah literally wanting it banned altogether, full stop. Keeping pre-teens from getting into porn is a worthy cause, but the solution to such a thing seems very difficult.
  • DragonpolDragonpol https://thebondologistblog.blogspot.com
    Posts: 18,271
    FoxRox wrote: »
    To make it clear, my biggest gripe is with that guy from Utah literally wanting it banned altogether, full stop. Keeping pre-teens from getting into porn is a worthy cause, but the solution to such a thing seems very difficult.

    I see Mike Lee is a Mormon from Utah. That explains a lot.
  • Posts: 15,117
    I had a train wreck of an interview last Thursday. Condescending employer and last step (which I don't think I'll make) would be a one day long "test" where I'd be working for them for free. People sometimes. Oh and I'm sick.
  • DarthDimiDarthDimi Behind you!Moderator
    Posts: 24,179
    Ludovico wrote: »
    I had a train wreck of an interview last Thursday. Condescending employer and last step (which I don't think I'll make) would be a one day long "test" where I'd be working for them for free. People sometimes. Oh and I'm sick.

    They'd have you work a day for free? That's just wrong.
  • Posts: 15,117
    DarthDimi wrote: »
    Ludovico wrote: »
    I had a train wreck of an interview last Thursday. Condescending employer and last step (which I don't think I'll make) would be a one day long "test" where I'd be working for them for free. People sometimes. Oh and I'm sick.

    They'd have you work a day for free? That's just wrong.

    It's a sneaky method many employers use apparently. Last of four interviews, you must prove you know the company, know the person's of interest you'd be targeting via Sales Navigator, then show the employers the kind of email and messages you'd be preparing. So at the end of the day, whether you're hired or not, they can reach said persons of interest using the messages you set up. But they don't have to hire you.
  • edited March 2023 Posts: 17,756
    Ludovico wrote: »
    I had a train wreck of an interview last Thursday. Condescending employer and last step (which I don't think I'll make) would be a one day long "test" where I'd be working for them for free. People sometimes. Oh and I'm sick.

    The closest I've been to "tests" as part of an interview process, is creative briefs you have to solve or present a solution to. Either as a task after an initial interview which was to be presented at a second interview at a later date, or as a task to be presented at the initial interview. Every one of these creative briefs have been vague enough that I doubt they've been part of ongoing projects, but you never know if ideas left at the table by X amount of hopeful applicants, might be turned into something which is presented to clients.

    I've had my share of interviews with condescending interviewers, and I'm glad I've never ended up working at these places. For one position I applied to years ago, I believe I was the only applicant – and the interviewer was clearly miffed when I withdrew my application just a few days later, explaining that they were prepared to offer me the job. They didn't bother to wish me good luck, either.

    That being said, I've had many good interviews too. The best interviews have been the ones where you've left the place feeling you've not been interviewed at all, instead leaving with a feeling that you've had an informal talk over a cup of coffee. I appreciate the people who make you feel comfortable in what can be a very stressful situation like that. I hope you meet a potential employer that treats you that way @Ludovico!
  • j_w_pepperj_w_pepper Born on the bayou, but I now hear a new dog barkin'
    Posts: 9,032
    Following up on our discussion on pornography, a Florida principal (who, in other sources, is said to be a fundamental christian herself) was fired for discussing Michelangelo's David statue, since a few parents considered it pornographic. You can't make those stories up, really.

    https://slate.com/human-interest/2023/03/florida-principal-fired-michelangelo-david-statue.html
  • Posts: 12,467
    j_w_pepper wrote: »
    Following up on our discussion on pornography, a Florida principal (who, in other sources, is said to be a fundamental christian herself) was fired for discussing Michelangelo's David statue, since a few parents considered it pornographic. You can't make those stories up, really.

    https://slate.com/human-interest/2023/03/florida-principal-fired-michelangelo-david-statue.html

    I saw that. I hate American conservatism. That’s all I’ve got for now, too worn out for a lengthier rant at the moment.
  • j_w_pepperj_w_pepper Born on the bayou, but I now hear a new dog barkin'
    edited March 2023 Posts: 9,032
    My feeling is that one of the worst aspects is those people calling themselves (or being called) conservative. There's nothing wrong with the concept of conservatism, preserving the values that you have and which formed your nation or culture. There is everything wrong with being reactionary, replacing everything society gained in social progress of the last 200+ years by medieval or earlier superstition and pre-bible role models, and even support obvious crooks, racists and would-be dictators just because they pretend to follow that goal as well, even sacrificing democracy for that purpose.

    And once more, true conservatives won't subscribe to that, neither in Europe nor in the US. It's just the right-wing reactionaries and racists who stole that moniker for PR purposes. They don't "conserve" anything, but destroy everything that makes up a modern, livable society. I truly fret the outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Trump coming back is much scarier for world "peace" than having Putin still in power.
  • Posts: 15,117
    j_w_pepper wrote: »
    Following up on our discussion on pornography, a Florida principal (who, in other sources, is said to be a fundamental christian herself) was fired for discussing Michelangelo's David statue, since a few parents considered it pornographic. You can't make those stories up, really.

    https://slate.com/human-interest/2023/03/florida-principal-fired-michelangelo-david-statue.html

    Reminds me of the Simpsons:

  • peterpeter Toronto
    Posts: 9,509
    If Michelangelo’s David is pornography, we are at the end of times.

    As far as I’m concerned, I could care less if a person is a believer (of anything : God, UFOs, Bigfoot), but I just would hope there’s also a basic appreciation of science and art.

    These parents who thought a piece of art like David was somehow obscene makes me very concerned about the kids they’re sending out into the world.
  • DarthDimiDarthDimi Behind you!Moderator
    Posts: 24,179
    Ludovico wrote: »
    j_w_pepper wrote: »
    Following up on our discussion on pornography, a Florida principal (who, in other sources, is said to be a fundamental christian herself) was fired for discussing Michelangelo's David statue, since a few parents considered it pornographic. You can't make those stories up, really.

    https://slate.com/human-interest/2023/03/florida-principal-fired-michelangelo-david-statue.html

    Reminds me of the Simpsons:

    Ah yes, The Simpsons! Always had it right. ;-)

    Don't tell me, it's the penis, right? The statue? It's got to be the penis. Such a filthy thing, the penis. Imagine all that machinery in a man's body working hard to get the penis - uh - well, something. Yes, it's a heavy burden to bear for us, men. The penis, just hanging there, fills me with shame every time I need to "operate" it just to relieve myself after a pot of tea. It's so yucky! I mean, it must be, since all those who worship the big guy in the sky insist it is. Let's just smash statues that show penises, or burn paintings that do.

    Wow. To be scared of one's body that way... some of these morons have a few screws loose. My son will learn not to unzip and whip it out whenever he feels like it, but he will also learn the biological (which is the only) significance of the big lever downstairs. He will not be raised with an aura of shame or embarrassment surrounding genitalia. We all have them, and we're all living proof of the fact that they are being put to good use.

    I just wish those ultraconservative wankers were even more obscenely obsessed with how filthy and sinful their thingies are. Fewer babies born in their crazy culty communities is better for the rest of us.
  • DragonpolDragonpol https://thebondologistblog.blogspot.com
    Posts: 18,271
    If the statute David is obscene and pornographic then by the same token our own male and female bodies must be as well. However (as believers at least) we are meant to be made in the image of God himself. I really don't see how these fundamentalists (for that is what they are) can square that circle. I know since the Fall of Man in the Garden of Eden we are supposed to cover our nakedness in public but this is art and culture. It's definitely not pornographic but fundamentalism in religion, politics and anything else sadly makes those espousing it lose nuance, humanity and common sense.
  • DarthDimiDarthDimi Behind you!Moderator
    Posts: 24,179
    Trust me, it makes zero sense to me how the same people who pride themselves on all the automatic tools of death they keep in the house, also fear nudity like it's a monster from hell. If the "secund amaaandment" is "our gawdgiven raaaaght", then what about the organs and tissues that, according to "the baaable", were given to us by the big fella in his own image, as you correctly pointed out @Dragonpol. Again, it's in moments like these that I'm so proud to be a European. We don't teach our children to be upset by nudity but merely to know when and to whom not to expose their bodies. And we don't let them play with guns. Minor detail.
  • Posts: 380
    Aren't the real villains of the piece here the weak, spineless board of the school who gave the teacher in question no real choice but to resign. They should have stood by this teacher instead of caving into the small number of parents who complained.
  • j_w_pepperj_w_pepper Born on the bayou, but I now hear a new dog barkin'
    Posts: 9,032
    cooperman2 wrote: »
    Aren't the real villains of the piece here the weak, spineless board of the school who gave the teacher in question no real choice but to resign. They should have stood by this teacher instead of caving into the small number of parents who complained.
    Yes, but I'm afraid they are representative of people everywhere who surrender to the perceived "majority"'s views because they are afraid of becoming outcasts in the Brave New World ahead. I'm expecting the worst if Trump, or DeSantis, should (certifiably) win the next presidential election.
  • peterpeter Toronto
    Posts: 9,509
    cooperman2 wrote: »
    Aren't the real villains of the piece here the weak, spineless board of the school who gave the teacher in question no real choice but to resign. They should have stood by this teacher instead of caving into the small number of parents who complained.

    The path of least resistance….
  • DarthDimiDarthDimi Behind you!Moderator
    Posts: 24,179
    cooperman2 wrote: »
    Aren't the real villains of the piece here the weak, spineless board of the school who gave the teacher in question no real choice but to resign. They should have stood by this teacher instead of caving into the small number of parents who complained.

    They are also wrong, yes, absolutely. That teacher should go to court. The Monkey Trials again?
  • LucknFateLucknFate 007 In New York
    edited March 2023 Posts: 1,646
    Ludovico wrote: »
    DarthDimi wrote: »
    Ludovico wrote: »
    I had a train wreck of an interview last Thursday. Condescending employer and last step (which I don't think I'll make) would be a one day long "test" where I'd be working for them for free. People sometimes. Oh and I'm sick.

    They'd have you work a day for free? That's just wrong.

    It's a sneaky method many employers use apparently. Last of four interviews, you must prove you know the company, know the person's of interest you'd be targeting via Sales Navigator, then show the employers the kind of email and messages you'd be preparing. So at the end of the day, whether you're hired or not, they can reach said persons of interest using the messages you set up. But they don't have to hire you.

    Would they really walk away from you if you asked them not to work for free? This is common in my industry (online media) asking for edit tests etc. and story pitches for free. My responses is usually that I do not work for free and ask for a day rate, and I've gotten it twice (and turned down the jobs ultimately). Those were for a more junior role than I ended up getting; when I interviewed for the senior role, no tests strangely, but my new job was already familiar with my work.

    And I know it's tough looking for work, but maybe a place like that just isn't the right fit.
  • Posts: 15,117
    LucknFate wrote: »
    Ludovico wrote: »
    DarthDimi wrote: »
    Ludovico wrote: »
    I had a train wreck of an interview last Thursday. Condescending employer and last step (which I don't think I'll make) would be a one day long "test" where I'd be working for them for free. People sometimes. Oh and I'm sick.

    They'd have you work a day for free? That's just wrong.

    It's a sneaky method many employers use apparently. Last of four interviews, you must prove you know the company, know the person's of interest you'd be targeting via Sales Navigator, then show the employers the kind of email and messages you'd be preparing. So at the end of the day, whether you're hired or not, they can reach said persons of interest using the messages you set up. But they don't have to hire you.

    Would they really walk away from you if you asked them not to work for free? This is common in my industry (online media) asking for edit tests etc. and story pitches for free. My responses is usually that I do not work for free and ask for a day rate, and I've gotten it twice (and turned down the jobs ultimately). Those were for a more junior role than I ended up getting; when I interviewed for the senior role, no tests strangely, but my new job was already familiar with my work.

    And I know it's tough looking for work, but maybe a place like that just isn't the right fit.

    Well they haven't gone back to me so I doubt the interviewer was convinced by my performance. I found him condescending anyway. But I have an interview tomorrow, probably another later this week and I might not be made redundant after all: my current employer found a new client.
  • edited March 2023 Posts: 12,467
    I don’t really know where to post this, but I am scared there’s a real possibility I might not have a lot of time left. I have been having pain around my heart for a few days, and when I got myself checked in yesterday to the urgent care (I guess the applicable “complaining” part comes with the broken healthcare system…), the doctor listened and said my heart sounded good. The suggestion when I explained everything was too much caffeine, which comes from overindulging in soda. And that it should be a temporary problem.

    I want to believe the doctor, but having felt so many scary symptoms, I’m thinking I should get a second opinion. I regret so much now having eaten so much junk all the time (constant fast food on top of the soda), and sad it’s taking this real scare to try to get me to change, hopefully in time. Not trying to be melodramatic, but if anything happens, I want everyone here to know how thankful and happy I’ve been to be a part of the community. With some luck, this is all temporary and will blow over. We’ll see.
  • LucknFateLucknFate 007 In New York
    Posts: 1,646
    FoxRox wrote: »
    I don’t really know where to post this, but I am scared there’s a real possibility I might not have a lot of time left. I have been having pain around my heart for a few days, and when I got myself checked in yesterday to the urgent care (I guess the applicable “complaining” part comes with the broken healthcare system…), the doctor listened and said my heart sounded good. The suggestion when I explained everything was too much caffeine, which comes from overindulging in soda. And that it should be a temporary problem.

    I want to believe the doctor, but having felt so many scary symptoms, I’m thinking I should get a second opinion. I regret so much now having eaten so much junk all the time (constant fast food on top of the soda), and sad it’s taking this real scare to try to get me to change, hopefully in time. Not trying to be melodramatic, but if anything happens, I want everyone here to know how thankful and happy I’ve been to be a part of the community. With some luck, this is all temporary and will blow over. We’ll see.

    I hope you feel better soon! It's always ok to get a second opinion for medical issues, trust yourself and your body. I would suggest it could be stress. Me and my dad also sometimes gets serious bouts of indigestion, try taking antacids and see if it helps. I'm not being jokey, he's had serious pain in his chest and left arm before, convinced it was his heart, and it turned out to be indigestion.
  • edited March 2023 Posts: 12,467
    @LucknFate Thank you very much, I sure hope so. I was suggested stress as well, which could go with my being short of breath and shaky. I have to take antacid every night as I am because of other medications I’m taking that cause the reflux. I’m really glad it wasn’t as serious on your end, hoping hard for the same. I’m not ready to go.
  • BennyBenny Shaken not stirredAdministrator, Moderator
    Posts: 15,136
    I'm hoping that it's something minor, and repairable too @FoxRox
    I called an ambulance once, many years ago, after having hot'n'spicy KFC. Convinced that I was having a heart attack. Turns out it was only indigestion. But the pain was excruciating at the time. A few tests, an antacid and it was back to normal. Minus the spicy chicken.
    With my job, I was often eating junk food for lunch, travelling around and visiting customers, it was convenient and easy. But eating it every weekday was starting to take a toll. My general feeling was poor and my weight was increasing obviously. My doctor got me to do some blood work and my cholesterol and blood pressure were poor.
    A change of diet, and regular exercise have completely changed my overall state of mind, and well being.
    Don't get me wrong, I'm no fitness expert, but I do go in a daily walk of 30-60 minutes, it really relaxes me, and the benefits pay for themselves. I don't eat junk food anymore, except on the occasional weekend. I make a salad or something lighter for lunch and substitute a soft drink for fruit.
    The transition was much easier than I thought, choosing not to do everything at once. A salad twice a week McDonalds three times a week, then a salad three, four...The same with exercise, a ten minute walk around the block, then 15 minutes, twenty minutes, building myself up to a comfortable, but beneficial amount of exercising.
    I really hope, that your pains are nothing @FoxRox and that you either make a few changes, or the problem rights itself.
  • Posts: 12,467
    @Benny Thank you very much, I really appreciate you sharing your story. I’ve already begun efforts to eliminate some fast food and soda intake, but I’m not going cold turkey because the last time I tried it that way didn’t help. I generally get enough exercise at my job as I’m walking all day for it, but when the weather’s nice I like to take extra walks outside, too. Main thing is to just make sure I’m eating a little better.

    I’m also hopeful maybe it can be an easier than expected transition for myself, though I admittedly have an addiction problem with the stuff. It’s a serious thing, it may not be hard drugs or alcohol, but sugar and greasy foods can get you hooked. I am hopeful though I can end up having much less of them and have enough time for my heart to get better. It’s just that any pain around that area is terrifying and makes one think about their mortality constantly.
  • MajorDSmytheMajorDSmythe "I tolerate this century, but I don't enjoy it."Moderator
    Posts: 13,978
    @FoxRox If you're concerned, get a second opinion immediately. You know how you're feeling, no one else does. Just because the doctor you saw has letters after their name, it doesn't mean that you can't get a second opinion.
  • Posts: 12,467
    @MajorDSmythe I appreciate that, part of the problem is the uncertainty within my own self. But much better to be safe than sorry. The one downside is the financial aspect, but obviously health comes first.
  • VenutiusVenutius Yorkshire
    edited April 2023 Posts: 3,152
    Good luck with it, FoxRox, hope you're ok, mate. I was diagnosed with angina in 2020. Puzzled the doctors (and myself!), because there's no family history of it, I don't drink or smoke, don't eat meat or cakes, etc, and I'm not in bad shape. But there it is, I'm stuck with it. The reason I say all this is that one thing I've noticed is that caffeine or those damned energy drinks do trigger a dull ache in the chest now. It's easily solved - I just avoid those as well these days! - but it does show the effect that caffeine, etc, can have on the heart. There's a fair bit of caffeine in some sodas, so as your doctors can't find any indications of heart problems, it may well just be the drinks and you're doing the right thing by cutting them down.
    I was also warned that consistent stress can have a similar effect, even if what you're worried about is at the back of your mind - something to do with adrenalin not being dissipated quickly enough. So if a second opinion would help to reduce the stress of worrying about this, do get it if you can. I know that's easy for me to say, being in the UK and having the NHS, but it'll be worth it if it removes the extra worry. Good luck, mate.
  • Posts: 12,467
    @Venutius I’m so sorry to hear that. I’ve been very blessed thus far in my life to not have many physical conditions, the only namely one I know of is hypothyroidism. I was given pills to ease the stress, but they make me incredibly sleepy, so I can only take those at night. It definitely has made a difference, and I’m way less stressed today, and have not felt as much heart pain. I’m certain they are connected - like, the first pains triggered the stress, then the stress likely prolonged the pains. Really happy to have yours and others’ support in this strange circumstance :)
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