var json_comments = new Array("
\"user-pic\"
bornonbord
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate | Flag for review

Man, I'm stoked about The Consumerists revamp. When is it going down?

I got hit by the h1n1 flu last week. First official week on the job and I had to take 3 days off. Hrmph. Walgreens cheapo ibuprofen did the trick to stave off the fever though.

Reply
10 replies
\"user-pic\"
larrymac thinks testing should have occurred
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@bornonbord: Never say \"going down\" when talking about a system change. </battle-scarred IT guy>

Reply
\"user-pic\"
pecan 3.14159265
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@bornonbord: Since we now have a H1N1 thread, is there a way of figuring out whether you had H1N1 without getting a blood test? I had all the flu symptoms two weeks ago but I have no idea whether it was a cold/flu or H1N1. And I really don't want to go to the doctor's office just to satisfy my curiosity.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
pb5000
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@pecan 3.14159265: If your flu symptoms included a serious cough, one that you felt heavily in your chest, I'd say it was H1N1. I had it two weeks ago and like @Awjvail: tamiflu didn't help me much either. If anything it only made me sick to my stomach.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
pecan 3.14159265
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@pb5000: Hmm, I don't know. I had a pretty severe, hacking cough, but it was (sorry for the grossness) kind of mucousy as well, so it was never nearly as painful as a dry cough.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
Awjvail
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@pecan 3.14159265: As far as I know, doctors are no longer testing individual cases of H1N1 unless you've got it really bad. It is just so widespread now that it doesn't really matter whether or not you've got the regular flu or the h1n1 flu...

They just look at your symptoms, check off which ones you've got, and tell you \"I think you've got h1n1 here is a prescription for some Tamiflu, get it ASAP\".

And the test is usually a mouth swab, not a blood test, I believe.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@pecan 3.14159265: the CDC says \"Almost all of the influenza viruses identified so far continue to be 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses. These viruses remain similar to the virus chosen for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine, and remain susceptible to the antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir with rare exception\"

[www.cdc.gov]

Reply
\"user-pic\"
pecan 3.14159265
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl: @bornonbord: Eek! I know my in laws had the flu a few weeks ago and they actually did go to the doctor. Doctor told them they didn't have H1N1. I had no idea whether they had blood drawn or if it was just from the doctor evaluating them.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
MostlyHarmless
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@pecan 3.14159265: The doc looked at me and said I dont have the swine.

My regular flu swab came out negative too. However the doc said that it is probably the early stages, and wrote me out a scrip for tamiflu anyways.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
floraposte
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@pecan 3.14159265: I think it gets complicated by the fact that we use the term \"flu\" in ways the CDC wouldn't.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
Awjvail
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@bornonbord: I got hit with h1n1 last week as well... had to call in sick twice. Broke my 8 month long streak of not calling in sick!

Which.. at my job, is a very big feat.

Tamiflu did not help. At all.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
CompyPaq
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Awjvail: Tamiflu really doesn't do anything. If started early enough for the regular flu, it can cut off maybe one day. For Swine, nothing.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
admiral_stabbin
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@bornonbord: I really feel for both of you. I don't know what the culture is like where you work, but if it makes you feel any better...I missed the second day on the job that I've been at for 7.4 years now.

I hope you both are better soon!

Reply
\"user-pic\"
bornonbord
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Awjvail: Dang! I love big streaks of not having to call in.

@admiral_stabbin: Well, I think everyone here was just happy I didn't get them sick.

@larrymac - please put me on your do not call list: Ha! Sorry... I mean... \"When's that seamlessly and permanently going up?\"

@pecan 3.14159265: I think most physicians don't bother testing if it is H1N1 specifically, but there are statistics (somewhere) showing that a high percentage of the flu today is H1N1 (since the normal flu season doesn't start for a little while), so it's safe to assume you had it. (Someone please back this up with a google or two)

My doc said that since I didn't have any history respiratory or heart disease, it wouldn't matter for my demographic (young white male). \"Treat the symptoms and you'll be fine\"

Reply
\"user-pic\"
HogwartsAlum
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@bornonbord: One of my friends posted on Facebook that either her doctor or the health department (I can't recall which) the regular flu wasn't here yet; if you had it, it was H1N1.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
pecan 3.14159265
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@HogwartsAlum: If you had it does it mean you have immunity? Can you get it again during the flu season?

Reply
\"user-pic\"
Kuchen
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@pecan 3.14159265: If you had H1N1, you are mostly likely immune and should not get it again.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
pecan 3.14159265
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Kuchen: Well if doctors aren't testing individual cases and are just making educated diagnoses, doesn't that pose a problem if people think they had H1N1 but had a severe cold or regular flu? And if they think they're right, isn't that a problem if they aren't cause then they won't get the vaccine.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
NatalieErin
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@pecan 3.14159265: Yes, but I think that's a problem during every flu season.

Most people, at least as far as I can tell, have no idea what the actual flu (i.e. influenza) is. People think if they have a bad cold or a norovirus that they've had the flu, so they don't get vaccination.

I hope primary care docs and other health care workers are correcting these misconceptions, but considering the vaccine is in limited supply it might be a moot point for most people.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
MostlyHarmless
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Awjvail: Yeah, I got flu last month, and had to take my first sick leave ever - in over 1.5 years.

I am curious, which industry do you work in that has such rates of calling in sick? I work in IT, so the worst on job sickness is carpal tunnel and a busted sinus.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
Awjvail
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@MostlyHarmless: Retail.

Most everyone hates their job, the company is the shittiest company that I have ever seen in my life, employee morale is down the tubes, and nobody really cares about their job anymore.

Reply
","
\"user-pic\"
Kimaroo - 100% Pure Natural Kitteh
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

WOOOOOOO!!!


So.. I got a bread maker for my birthday and I really want to make bread this weekend.. but I gotta get to the store and buy bread makin stuff.. this is one project I have.


Today my dad is supposed to be picking me up from work (NOW!!) to help me go and buy a shower head and install it.


And now he's here. and I have to go! YAY!

Reply
13 replies
\"user-pic\"
katstermonster
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Kimaroo - Fortified with Kittydus Purrularis: Ooooooh I didn't realize you got a breadmaker (probably another Twitter conversation I zoned out for...heh), that's awesome! I want one! Have funnnnnnnnn!!!

Reply
\"user-pic\"
Kimaroo - 100% Pure Natural Kitteh
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Ratty: I hate to bust your Ratty bubble, but I really, really, hate rasins.

After I make some plain bread, I'd like to make pumpkin bread, and gingerbread. Mmmmm.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
Ratty
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Kimaroo - Fortified with Kittydus Purrularis: Noooo!


How awful. :(


Then I suggest pumpkin spice bread, for pumpkin lust purposes.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
squinko
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Ratty: Chocolate chip bread is the best. :P

Reply
\"user-pic\"
Ratty
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@squinko: I have very fond memories of visiting my grandparents, and every time we went my grandpa would make us a loaf of raisin bread in the breadmaker because he knew i liked it so much. he rarely ever had bread because my grandma was celiac.


So therefore, raisin bread is the best and should be made!

Reply
\"user-pic\"
pecan 3.14159265
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Kimaroo - Fortified with Kittydus Purrularis: Awesome! I'm probably going to have a bread maker for Christmas. There have been hints from family.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
GearheadGeek
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Kimaroo - Fortified with Kittydus Purrularis: Don't fall into the \"bread machine mix\" trap... If you're going to be making bread regularly with your machine, it's MUCH cheaper to buy the components of recipes you find free (or that came with your bread machine) than to buy the $3-$5 boxes of pre-made mix. I love my free hand-me-down bread machine my sister gave me years ago.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
nbs2
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Kimaroo - Fortified with Kittydus Purrularis: Buy bread-making stuff? Other than yeast, you should have everything in your pantry anyway.


Anyway, have fun! I've taken to making 2-3 loaves of homemade bread a week (in addition to a weekly poundcake). One suggestion - Costco for the bread flour. That 50lb bag is a much better deal than what you pay at the grocers.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
Kimaroo - 100% Pure Natural Kitteh
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@nbs2: I need to buy yeast, bread flour, and powdered milk. And thanks for the tip, but I live in a one bedroom apartment with a teensy kitchen, so storing a 50lb bag of flour just would not work for me. I have to keep it in airtight plastic containers to keep flour bugs out anyway.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
nbs2
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Kimaroo - Fortified with Kittydus Purrularis: I would have said that you can get away with regular flour, but since you have to pick up the other stuff anyway...


As for small apartments, I totally understand. When we bought our house, I couldn't believe how much more space I had. Now, instead of using a corner of my room as an extended pantry, I can actually use a storage room.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
pecan 3.14159265
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@nbs2: I run out of flour a lot. I don't have the room to keep it in huge quantities, but I use a lot of it. Maybe Kimaroo needs flour.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
subtlefrog
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Kimaroo - Fortified with Kittydus Purrularis: Good luck with the new shower head! Yay!!! All your shower woes will go down the drain....

Reply
","
\"user-pic\"
MartaMyrrha
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

where does consumerist find all the awesome kitty pics?


I lubs them!!!

Reply
4 replies
\"user-pic\"
MartaMyrrha
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl:


Oh she's beautiful *heart*. She looks like my baby, but with short hair. Even the 'under the table comment' is like mine LOL.


I meet my friends foster kittens tonight (found abandoned at a city warehouse). One never knows.


PS: everyone should have a cat, or more than one if they can swing it.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
DangerMouth
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl: Do Tipper and Lola come as a set? ;)

Gorgeous kitties, good on you for taking care of them.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@DangerMouth: there's a discount for taking 2

* $95 per cat/kitten
* $150 for a pair of cats/kittens
* $50 for a \"special needs\" cat/kitten

[www.alleycatsandangels.org]

Reply
\"user-pic\"
DangerMouth
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl: I can't have a cat right now :(

I'm planning for the time when I can turn into the crazy cat lady...

Reply
\"user-pic\"
JulesNoctambule
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl: I'm still working on the husband! We both think she's absolutely precious, but are worried about the effect on Clare as she's continuing to have stress issues.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@JulesNoctambule: no pressure, REAAALLY
you could always volunteer to foster one to see how clare reacts?

Reply
\"user-pic\"
JulesNoctambule
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl: We have two other cats as well; Tristan is frightened of anything that moves (if it's too big to try to eat), and Sophie wants those damn kids (which is anyone but her or Daddy) off her lawn. If we're going to acclimate Sophs to another animal, it has to be forever!

Reply
","","
\"user-pic\"
subtlefrog
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

Open thread. Where Consumerists stop using Twitter like IM and move here for random musings - because once a week, anything goes.

We heart open thread.

Reply
8 replies
\"user-pic\"
h3llc4t, breaker of office dress codes
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@subtlefrog: I'm not sure if you'll even come back to check this, but I think you're the only person on here who would be as excited as I am. I went to the herp show yesterday before I went to work, and brought my evil, nasty, hateful '08 hypo lavender corn male with me to see if a peer at BGSU could use him for their herp lab. (We already have two specimens with nicer lavender coloration so we didn't really need him.) I was kinda surprised to learn that she didn't have any lavender in their collection, so she took him and gave me her absolutely beautiful pair of mex-mex kings. I wasn't really a huge Lampropeltis fan to start out with, but the more time I spend with them (I have a colleague who's breeding thayeri and has been trying to convert me from corns, I think) the more I'm loving them.

Dark phase female, such a sweetheart.


I am in love with the striping on this boy.

They're both in quarantine right now and I've been trying to leave them alone. I'm gonna run some fecals and let them clean out then see about brumating them for the year. I hope it's not too late, but we've had a few warm days out here and they haven't cooled anyone down at the lab yet so I think we'll be okay. I'll catch up with the doctor in the spring and see if they'll be needing any baby mexes. If so, we'll see how the pair does, and if not, we'll probably retire them and use them for education or display critters. The girl was used for education previously and her temperament is so great.
Okay, that was long. Sorry. Can you tell I'm excited?

Reply
\"user-pic\"
subtlefrog
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@h3llc4t, breaker of office dress codes: It's all about bunedoggle. That way we know when we get replies. And all I can say is...Wow!!!!

That bottom one is a Lampro? I've NEVER seen one with striping like that. Amazing.

I knew you were a hobby herpist - what kind of education are you using them for? Are you on twitter? you should find me there if so.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
h3llc4t, breaker of office dress codes
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@subtlefrog: I'm so excited about those stripes. :)
I am not on Twitter, although the Consumerists and my friend Rob are making me reconsider that. And as for education, I used to work as an animal handling supervisor/trainer for a local wildlife center. They did a ton of outreach, and when I left there I volunteered a few specimens from our collection in case any extra snakes were needed. They generally use native Ohio species when possible but sometimes their best \"ambassadors\" have just eaten or are blue at the time that they're needed. Because of insurance liability I don't do programs on my own, which bums me out a little but it's really for the best.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
Kimaroo - 100% Pure Natural Kitteh
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@subtlefrog: Open thread is my favoritest. It's like a mini-holiday to look forward to every week!

Reply
\"user-pic\"
Awjvail
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@subtlefrog: Yes, this is an accurate description of open thread.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
theblackdog
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@subtlefrog: Yes we do. Now if we could all just get Google Wave we'd probably stop treating twitter like IM so much.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
sammy_b
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@theblackdog_FeelingRandom: not so impressed with google wave..it is very slow.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
MostlyHarmless
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@theblackdog_FeelingRandom: HAHAHA I almost wrote that in my msg below, but left it out.

Reply
","","","","
\"user-pic\"
theblackdog
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

Yay open thread!

So tonight is the opening of the play I am in. It's a satirical comedy about the Bible, and I figure that if we don't offend someone every night, we're not doing our jobs right.

Reply
8 replies
\"user-pic\"
Kimaroo - 100% Pure Natural Kitteh
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@theblackdog_FeelingRandom: Just remember: if God didn't have a sense of humor He wouldn't have created the platypus. : )

Reply
\"user-pic\"
theblackdog
November 18, 2009 4:53 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Kimaroo - Fortified with Kittydus Purrularis: \"we would like to apologize to anyone who loves the platypus...\"

Dogma FTW!!!

Actually, we make a potentially tasteless joke in the play about God's sense of humor.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
ovalseven
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

Is anyone else reminded of Bobby Hill performing as \"The Amazing Jesus\"?


Reply
\"user-pic\"
MostlyHarmless
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@theblackdog_FeelingRandom: Awesome. Best luck! And yes, if you are not offending someone, you are doing it wrong.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
theblackdog
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@MostlyHarmless: OTOH my super cool priest was laughing at the part of the show she got to see at rehearsal the other night.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
MostlyHarmless
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@theblackdog_FeelingRandom: Thats cool. I was wondering if your priest was involved. She sounds like a cool one.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
theblackdog
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@MostlyHarmless: Yeah she is, and it's her wife that's directing the play.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
MostlyHarmless
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@theblackdog_FeelingRandom: That is one awesome church. If I am in the DC area, I might drop by. I'm not particularly religious, but I do like visiting places of worship. As long as I am fairly certain they wont try to burn me for being a heretic.

Needless to say, I dont go to any churches in this place.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
theblackdog
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@MostlyHarmless: Nah, we're Episcopals, we get to drink ;-)

Reply
","","","
\"user-pic\"
Smashville
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

Weekly pimping of the blog...


[www.runnoobrun.com]


Also...anyone used Nike+ before?

Reply
4 replies
\"user-pic\"
nbs2
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Smashville_now with Monster Energy: VFF? Blog is blocked here at work. Why are you returning them? I keep meaning to buy a pair, but shops just aren't conveniently located.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
Smashville
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@theblackdog_FeelingRandom: @nbs2: I'm actually bringing them back this weekend or Monday (depending on my schedule)...they have a big hole in the top of them...and they have less than 25 miles on them...I'm thinking that shouldn't happen.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
theblackdog
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Smashville_now with Monster Energy: I still have been meaning to get my measurements, and then see if the REI nearby me has them, or if I'll be placing an order online.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
nbs2
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Smashville_now with Monster Energy: Yeah. It's a great system. Granted, ever since I started having to wake up at 4:45 to get to work by 7:45 I haven't been so diligent. But, I love it.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
theblackdog
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Smashville_now with Monster Energy: Always like reading the blog, so what's the status on the VFF? I remember reading on Twitter you were sending them back?

Reply
","","","","
\"user-pic\"
MostlyHarmless
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

Okay... lets see... (sorry in advance folks, you are my involuntary support group right now)...

Depressions are no fun. I keep on getting reminded about that the hard way every 2 years on average :P

Last weekend sucked, but this week has been getting better slowly. In fact, today is considerably better than last Friday.

Right now I am oscillating between \"things are going to be just right\" and \"i am royally screwed\" every few hours. Better than feeling \"we are doomed\" all the time.

Hopefully this weekend will be better than the last one.

Ooooh a fun update: I got my Google Wave account finally. I waited and waited and waited... and then, two invites in three days!

One of them, was from Google itself. From a form I filled out requesting a preview. So I think they are now rolling it out to more people. Which is great.

And yes, I promised some of you that I will send you invites. I will, as soon as I get some to give out.

What else... I dunno. Any suggestions on helping me cheer up?

Reply
14 replies
\"user-pic\"
MostlyHarmless
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Eyebrows McGee (now with more baby!): Haha, actually, ironically enough, the first link is more relevant to my case :)

I am very shy when it comes to meeting new people, and I always struggle with that (though I am trying to get over that).

My depression isnt exactly chronic, and generally I am a fairly happy person. Though most of my depressions and anxiety attacks have been facilitated by circumstances caused by my shyness.

That first book looks like it should help with a longer term solution.

Ordered.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
Eyebrows McGee (now with more baby!)
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@MostlyHarmless: What I like about the second one (can't speak to the first one!) is that it comes with exercises that help with the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ... meditations to help you stop your negative thought train and get to a better place. I like that it's adaptable to ANY level/type of negative thought problem.

But glad the first one may help as well!

Reply
\"user-pic\"
HogwartsAlum
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@MostlyHarmless: Aww *hugs cute fat little penguin* I'm sorry.

When I get depressed, which comes and goes, I just try to remind myself that it's only temporary (if it's incidental), and to do things for myself that are special. Even a tiny thing can help. Reading funny websites, talking with friends who are my sounding boards (bless their hearts; they put up with so much from me!) and just getting out and doing something I enjoy, like going to the library or the flea market. I don't have to buy anything at the flea, and if I find something I want there, it's usually pretty cheap. If it's nice out, go for a walk. If not, make some yummy soup and settle in with a book you love.

If you begin to have thoughts of suicide, or you begin to get really run down, please PLEASE see your doctor IMMEDIATELY. Depression, even incidental, can begin to change the brain chemistry and may require a short regimen with medication. That's what I had to do after the ex and I broke up. It helped and I felt lots better pretty quickly. I'm on the lookout now for more serious symptoms when I get the blues so I can take care of it right away.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
MostlyHarmless
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@HogwartsAlum: Thanks for the hug :D *Hugs back* And take care of your gall bladder. The experience you had with the doctor's office is... galling.

I am not yet doing special things for myself. A lot of them involve desserts, and my appetite is blown. I should get a massage though.

I try to go out and do stuff that generally pleases me, and then even those things keep on reminding me of whatever it is I am depressed about. Happens a bit less now. Though it is still a bit of a heavy weight on my chest, as opposed to feeling like a sharp stab. So that is at least an improvement.

And I promise, I will call a friend and a doc as soon as I feel suicidal. Have not felt it this time or in the past. Though I did entertain the thoughts of going down 300 style.

Also this depression looks relatively minor, and nothing like the one I had a few years back, where I felt absolutely despondent and helpless every time I woke up from another restless sleep.

I do have some things to be happy about, and I do count my blessings as well as I can. But you know how it goes, theres no \"off\" switch to this thing. It just takes its time.

Wow that was a rant. Thanks for listening :)

Reply
\"user-pic\"
DangerMouth
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@MostlyHarmless: I can relate. Mostly I discover that things actually turn out just ok, but considering the alternatives, it's, ok. :)

Reply
\"user-pic\"
subtlefrog
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@MostlyHarmless: I vote against tequila. Most people seem to end up worse off with tequila. Chocolate usually works well for me though.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
theblackdog
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@MostlyHarmless: Agreed with subtlefrog, and to say against alcohol in general when you're feeling depressed. I did that once, and the results, not so good.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
MostlyHarmless
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@subtlefrog: Ooooh chocolate, yes. See, I was soo depressed, i didnt even think of chocolate. AND I HAVE SOME IN THE FRIDGE!

Reply
\"user-pic\"
Oranges w/ Cheese hates what Christmas has become
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@MostlyHarmless: Try meditation! I found it really helps. Also extreme physical activity. Nothing like getting out your stress with a good kick-boxing session.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
MostlyHarmless
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Oranges w/ Cheese has 2 cats! ahahaha.: Hahaha yes, that definitely helps. I kickbox every wednesday. Might start doing it more often though.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
squinko
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@MostlyHarmless: Rent a few cheesy 80s action movies. Those always cheer me up. Especially if they have Ahnold in them. ;) If you're looking for a treat, go to the store and get some Abuelita (international aisle). Yummy Mexican chocolate drink that's perfect for cold weather.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
SkokieGuy
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@MostlyHarmless: Pictures of cute cats are not enough?


Seriously, google depression & inflammation, there is a link between the two. Then, look up anti-inflammatory diets. Eliminate all gluten, dairy, sugar, white flour, processed foods and see if your depression doesn't lift in less than two weeks. This means basically fruits and veggies,rice, beans, organic chicken, wild fish.


Not really that tough. A piece of salmon and some broccoli. Brown rice and chicken. Chili, squash, beets, salads, etc. etc.


It's not that hard to do, and it's just food, so zero side effects, the worst thing that could happen is nothing.


Best of luck to you. Depression is not fun (duh!)

Reply
\"user-pic\"
MostlyHarmless
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@SkokieGuy: Well, this one was not caused by diet. It was triggered by some specific incidents. While I am sure the diet will help, getting over some things just takes time. Till then, you need to do something to tide you over :)

Thanks for the food tips though. I am sure they will help. But really, I don't think I am in a state to figure out how to do all that elimination when I am least interested in eating, let alone cooking.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
katia802
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@MostlyHarmless: If you lived close by me I'd loan you my Tiggybum. His purring is so loud you can hear him in the next room, best thing in the world for feeling better. Honestly, best advice I can give you is to not let people tell you \"get over it\" or \"it's not so bad\" Take yourself out for a walk, get yourself a chocolatey treat, and just be good to you for a while. Not a cure, but might help a bit

Reply
\"user-pic\"
MostlyHarmless
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@katia802:

Ha ha, the very thought of a purry kitty makes me feel slightly better.

I should find a place that will let me hug furry kitties. None of my friends have any. And my mom made me give mine away.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
cash_da_pibble
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@MostlyHarmless:
Aww.you wanna be my friend? I have a fat cat that loves skritches, a bony one that is a lap slut, and just to keep you grounded, a mean black one that burns holes through you just for S & G.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
h3llc4t, breaker of office dress codes
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@cash_da_pibble: Watch out for burny cat! Mine just farts on people.
@MostlyHarmless: The SAD I mentioned is Seasonal Affective Disorder, basically the winter blues. Good luck with that book, I do so love me some cognitive behavioral therapy!

Reply
\"user-pic\"
subtlefrog
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@h3llc4t, breaker of office dress codes: Coffee. Out the nose.

My dog does this, but I've never known a cat that did. Awesome.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
samurailynn
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@MostlyHarmless: I've dealt with depression off and on throughout my life, and it really makes life more difficult. I don't know what the specific incidents that triggered your depression are, but it might help to talk to someone. I've had times where when I'm depressed, things that would usually just annoy me ended up making me really upset. Just ranting about what was bothering me to someone ended up making me feel better about it. I hope you're able to forget about it and have a good weekend!

Reply
\"user-pic\"
h3llc4t, breaker of office dress codes
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@MostlyHarmless: Best of luck. I have SAD and right around now is the time I start to go downhill. If it wasn't for my omega-3 supplements and my lightbox I'd have a much harder go of it. You said your depression was specifically triggered, so those things might not help, but I second the suggestion for exercise. It's hard to get started when you're feeling down but once you get going it's a good time. :)

Reply
\"user-pic\"
MostlyHarmless
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@h3llc4t, breaker of office dress codes: Hmmm. Which SAD is it? (Sorry, I wikipedia'd it and it gave me a list of disorders, each one scarier than the last).

I agree on the exercise bit though. I have been exercising every (week) day for almost a year now, and it does feel good. It is annoying when you start feeling depressed while sprinting it out or kicking a bag, but then, the kicks and the punches just get a bit more powerful.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
pecan 3.14159265
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@MostlyHarmless: Hug a fuzzy animal.


@squinko: Ditto on that one. If Ahnold is unavailable, Steven Segal is a good substitute as well.


When I'm feeling blue, I put in a comedy or a crappy romantic comedy. That way I can yell at the heroine who has it all together but oh no, she's so unlucky in love, and where's the man of her dreeeeaaaams, and isn't she such an ugly duckling?! I like yelling at those people on TV.

Reply
","","
\"user-pic\"
larrymac thinks testing should have occurred
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

> The readers who joined that got error codes and were unable to get the annual sub will be recontacted and provided a link to sign up for the one year trial.

Anyone, anyone? Bueller?

Reply
","","","","
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

been giving serious thought to collaborating with you guys for some recipes based on common consumerist themes

i'm looking for real, edible recipes where we can make the ingredients/appearance/name of the food part of the theme

so far we have a recipe for squash filled with creamed spinach = \"squash for gold\"
see, a GOLDen butternut squash, filled with something completely different and unexpected, that's actually a little bit slimy

still working on the recipe for \"golden poo award pudding\" - i think it's going to be a banana pudding/mousse that can be piled high in the familiar shape.

also - i can't eat a lot of foods so we may need people to test the recipes on their own.

i have no idea where this idea is going to go but i think at the very least a flickr photo set of the finished products would be a lot of fun!

Reply
16 replies
\"user-pic\"
DangerMouth
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl:

\"I Make My Own ____ Gingerbread Home\"

Having trouble coming up with a funny (blank), tho :(

Reply
\"user-pic\"
gStein_*|bringing starpipe back|*
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl: i just bring the recipes :P (there's more creative types that can name them)

@DangerMouth: i thought we'd call the cookbook \"I Make My Own At Home\"

What about a butterscotch mousse for Golden Poo? (i;ll go try to make some and see how it turns out)

Reply
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@gStein_has joined the star bandwagon: that name is where the idea came from, i think it was your thread in fact

Reply
\"user-pic\"
DangerMouth
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@gStein_has joined the star bandwagon:
That's the best name for the cookbook!

Seriously, it looks like you'll be able to do an entire chapter on all the 'gold' ones. How about an entire gold meal, from soup to dessert?

Reply
\"user-pic\"
gStein_*|bringing starpipe back|*
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@DangerMouth: the book name wasn't my idea, someone else said it last week

@catastrophegirl: so, for the golden poo...
sometimes at parties, i've seen these little no-bake cookies (if you could call them that) made out of peanut butter, oatmeal, powdered sugar, chocolate chips, some nuts... i'll try to find a real recipe, and a real name for them

Reply
\"user-pic\"
pecan 3.14159265
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@DangerMouth: I love it. Pineapple upside down cake, both for the gold theme and for being upside down on your mortgage?

Reply
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@pecan 3.14159265: ok, i can see 'pineapple upside down financing cake' for both mortgages and cars?

Reply
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@DangerMouth: oh i was thinking that we needed a \"the shack\" gingerbread house

Reply
\"user-pic\"
larrymac thinks testing should have occurred
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl: \"Slow News Day\" cocktail, with sloe gin, and ummm, I can't figure out the rest.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@larrymac - please put me on your do not call list: i like the idea but i don't know what goes with gin since i don't drink it.
bueller?

Reply
\"user-pic\"
gStein_*|bringing starpipe back|*
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl: also, i recall someone on here mentioning celiac sprue... you by any chance?

Reply
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@gStein_has joined the star bandwagon: nah. you already know i have type 1, plus gastroparesis and list of food allergies.
so no veggies, berries, fruit peels, whole grains, fiber, ground [not ground up, where they grow: peanuts, cashews] nuts
also no mango, onion, chamomile, acacia

Reply
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl:
oh! i forgot

also:
\"taking it seriously souffle\" [looks impressive but is actually full of hot air]

\"morning deals\" - either an everything omelette or a breakfast burrito?

\"EECP - executive email carpet pizza\"

Reply
\"user-pic\"
Eyebrows McGee (now with more baby!)
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl: Morning deals should be my frittata, which is a super-easy egg dish that will use up ANY leftover meats or veggies you have lying around!

Reply
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Eyebrows McGee (now with more baby!): sounds like a good one. morning deals fritatta.
this list is getting pretty long.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
subtlefrog
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl: How about a wonton soup - I can contribute, so it would be stuffed with fake meat. Most people would consider this stuff toxic, what with the fake meat, so that could be Chinese Poison Train soup. Or - because they are little purses, it could relate to the theme of baggage.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@subtlefrog: hrm, could go either way.
\"lost luggage soup\" has a ring to it, in my opinion.
are these fried wontons?

Reply
\"user-pic\"
subtlefrog
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl: They are not fried. They are simply folded and placed into the soup.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@subtlefrog: oh, well if they are handled with care it's not likely to be anything like lost luggage. hehe

Reply
\"user-pic\"
subtlefrog
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl: You do have a very good point there. Perhaps the lost luggage could be something that you have to really beat the crap out of - a bread recipe?

Reply
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@subtlefrog: scones get a lot of kneading. [i use the food processor]

Reply
\"user-pic\"
pecan 3.14159265
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl: I loooove the EECP. It could also be Executive Email Carpet Bread, and it could be a flatbread. I make a really awesome flatbread with herbs.


@catastrophegirl: Chicken soup could be the Anonymous Facebook poster of yesteryear. You know, chickens...har har...not working?

Reply
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@pecan 3.14159265: i think mostlyharmless was suggesting sort of an everything pizza... but i'd have to get the penguin to clarify

Reply
\"user-pic\"
MostlyHarmless
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl: @pecan 3.14159265: Yes, I meant an everything kind of a pizza. You know, the whole surface carpeted with toppings...

Reply
\"user-pic\"
pecan 3.14159265
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@MostlyHarmless: Hahaha. I get it now. I like that.


@larrymac - please put me on your do not call list: Maybe to go with the drink a Slow News Day Stew - maybe even one you can make in a slow cooker. I have a great recipe for beef stew.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@pecan 3.14159265: slow news day stew... beef stew sounds about right, especially if it's a non exciting recipe... just kind of a laid back, relaxed stew with not a whole lot going on.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
DangerMouth
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl: I just learned how to make polenta, so I'm going with Mush for Gold.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
pecan 3.14159265
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

Some ideas off the top of my head:


Shrink Ray Cupcakes - mini cupcakes in some flavor


\"I make it at home\" Grilled Chicken - so everyone who didn't get any at KFC can have a superior recipe


Hotline Hotcakes

Reply
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@pecan 3.14159265: do the hotcakes keep you on hold for 54 minutes and then abruptly disconnect you?

Reply
\"user-pic\"
pecan 3.14159265
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl: Yes. And they speak to you in indecipherable words.


They can also refer to the new tip line though. Or maybe that could be Tipline Toffee. Mmmm toffee. I've never made toffee though.


I like the \"I make my own ____ gingerbread home\" that DangerMouth suggested. That made me laugh.


There obviously has to be an oatmeal recipe.


I have recipes for various things that I can share. Like gStein said, we can name it all later but it helps to come up with an actual food item first that has some relevancy.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@pecan 3.14159265: i think we can all agree on \"Captain Duvel Moneycat oatmeal\"

Reply
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@MostlyHarmless: uhoh, now i have two shrimp cocktail recipes in my head.
the other was \"shrink ray shrimp\" that has progressively smaller shrimp situated on the rim of the dish

Reply
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl:
ok, it's lunch time so i was able to open the list i was working on earlier in the week

pigs in a snuggie
christmas creep cookies
monster [cable] pasta ____

the idea of disemvowelling a recipe to make it vegetarian entertains me - anyone else? or is it offensive?

possible themes to work from [please suggest more if they are topics that continue to appear on consumerist]

DMCA
cash 4 gold
snuggie
christmas creep
starbucks tastes burnt
denied insurance
EECB
taking it seriously
target price tags
monster cable
golden poo award
morning deals
airline baggage/fees
executive customer service
chinese poison train
walmart
best buy

Reply
\"user-pic\"
pecan 3.14159265
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl: Ugh, it ate my post. I used some of your themes, this is what I came up with.


snuggie - Snuggie Shrimp (shrimp wrapped in bacon)
starbucks tastes burnt - Espresso and chocolate mousse
morning deals - definitely should be a breakfast burrito of some kind (eggs, chorizo, peppers, mushrooms, cheese)
airline baggage/fees - could be a recipe for fish or chicken cooked in a parchment bag
chinese poison train - this could be tricky, since some people may feel it's offensive.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@pecan 3.14159265: someone listed it in last week's OT.
i think maybe if it's renamed from chinese poison train to something else, but i didn't have any ideas

Reply
\"user-pic\"
drjayphd
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl: In a nod to tags from long ago, some sort of fish dish. Chinese Poisson Train.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
pecan 3.14159265
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl: How about a Blame the OP(en-Faced Turkey Sandwich)?

Reply
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@pecan 3.14159265:
your section of the chart i'm keeping is getting extensive! thanks muchly

Reply
\"user-pic\"
MostlyHarmless
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl: Above and Beyond of course is the dessert.

Strawberry-vanilla ice cream scoops, with chocolate shavings, a slight bit of cream for garnishing, and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice? Topped with a cherry or something similar.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl:
Laura Northrup suggested several a few days ago but had to go back in her twitter feed to fine because i was an idiot and didn't get them when she sent them:

\"dessert: executive customer service
Chocolate mousse. With a side of foie gras.\"
[um, i personally can't get into that one!]

\"Target price tag nachos.\"

\"I envision something with small portions of something designed to look like something else. Like cheeseburger cupcakes.
So you bite into it and think you're going crazy. Because it's Target.\"

Reply
\"user-pic\"
MostlyHarmless
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl: Heh that was going to be my analogy for \"bait and switch\" or \"airline service\".

Reply
\"user-pic\"
DangerMouth
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl:
\"dessert: executive customer service
Chocolate mousse. With a side of foie gras.\"

Because it's expensive but doesn't actually work?

Reply
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@DangerMouth: twitter doesn't have room for a lot of explanation, i'll ask

Reply
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@DangerMouth: she says \"It's executive and elite.\"
that makes sense. i have often suspected people eat foie gras purely for status reasons.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
MostlyHarmless
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl: Hahahahaha I LOVE the idea of disemvowelling a recipe to make it vegetarian.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@MostlyHarmless: yes, but you aren't a vegetarian. i really don't want to offend the froggy because she might send me venomous snakes or something.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
MostlyHarmless
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl: Well, the rest of my family is vegetarian. Does that count?

Also, apparently froggy is a vegan, not a vegetarian. She couldnt care less.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@MostlyHarmless: i know she is. which is why i want to make at least one vegan recipe.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
MostlyHarmless
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl: She couldnt care less as long as you leave some dairy / egg product in.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
HogwartsAlum
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl: Holy crap what a GREAT idea!

I can't think of anything... :P

Reply
\"user-pic\"
gStein_*|bringing starpipe back|*
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl: i have an amazing recipe for chicken soup... i'll post it when i get home

Reply
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@gStein_has joined the star bandwagon: what kind of theme is chicken soup going to be?
\"pandemic panic soup\" ?

Reply
\"user-pic\"
pecan 3.14159265
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl: I'm so IN on this one, if you want me to help. I love cooking, and if I say so myself, I am a damn fine cook.


Golden poo could be mango pudding - [simpleindianrecipes.com]


What about a signature Consumerist cocktail? Popken Popcorn recipe?

Reply
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@pecan 3.14159265: i can't try making mango pudding myself due to allergies, but that does look like it could be about perfect.

yes, i want help. this really needs to be a group collaboration or then the whole \"consumerist commentor community effort\" idea is lost

Reply
","
\"user-pic\"
HogwartsAlum
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

That kitteh is cool.

A bit ranty; I apologize in advance. Mad at my doctor's office. Due to my complaint of nausea after eating, they sent me for a gallbladder ultrasound last Friday morning, and I was told they would call right away if there was anything alarming. I heard nothing, but by Tuesday I kind of wanted to know what the results were, so I called them.

The nurse said and I quote: \"The ultrasound showed something in your gallbladder. It's either a gallstone or a polyp; they can't tell. We're going to give you a referral to a surgeon.\" Since then, I've heard nothing. I called back to check and they said \"We'll call you.\" I called again today and they are \"closed for educational purposes.\" WTF???

I'm more than a little confused; last time I needed a referral, it came lickety-split. Now I'm wondering if they can't get hold of a surgeon, if they called and are waiting for a call back, if they haven't followed up with that, or what. Because they don't check their voice mail (I was late to my appointment because of a flat and the front desk didn't even get my message and ADMITTED IT!), I'm calling again Monday after lunch, if I don't hear anything.

WHYYYY would you tell someone indirectly that they might need surgery (and I'm pretty sure that I will) and then ignore them? Excuse me, but I'm kinda a) upset here, and b) not feeling very well. Also, I have company coming New Year's weekend and do NOT want to be sick then. I would really rather not have to do this as emergency surgery. I feel like I'm lugging around a little gall-y time bomb.

GRRRRRRRRR!!!!!

Okay, rant over.

Reply
9 replies
\"user-pic\"
h3llc4t, breaker of office dress codes
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@HogwartsAlum: Oh honey, that is such a mess. It shouldn't have to be your responsibility to chase around after these people to get education on your own health!

Reply
\"user-pic\"
HogwartsAlum
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@HogwartsAlum: UPDATE the surgeon's office called and I have an appointment on Nov 23rd at 10:00. The lady said she can't promise anything but she feels confident that it will take place before the end of the year. I told her I was having company NY weekend and she said \"Oh you'll be well by then.\" Yay!

@squinko: They already did an ultrasound; I don't think they'll bother judging by my symptoms. Apparently it was pretty obvious on there that there was something in it. Eeyeeew!

@chucklebuck: I don't know, but the office staff at mine is lately leaving a lot to be desired.

@MostlyHarmless: Aww, if you need to talk, we'll listen to you too. *HUG*

@squinko: They can, but with the gallbladder, once it starts doing that, it keeps doing it. They would just have to do it again. Whatever it is is big enough to be making me sick, so I say YANK IT OUT. Besides, I had a stone get stuck or something a few years ago, and I DON'T want that to happen again. :P

@pecan 3.14159265: I put up with them because I LOVE my doctor. At least they did it, so I'm happy now.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
pecan 3.14159265
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@HogwartsAlum: At least they're not the ones performing the surgery. Goodness. It looks like there's some communication problems at that office. Obviously, they don't understand the concept that patients (gasp) need answers. Can you find a different doctor?

Reply
\"user-pic\"
MostlyHarmless
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@HogwartsAlum:
Don't sweat the rant. We are here to listen :)
[Though right now, I am more in the \"I need to talk\" phase myself.]

It is uncool the way they are handling the case, and I especially agree with not telling someone that they might need surgery and then keep them hanging in suspense for this long. That's just a recipe to destroy the weekend.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
chucklebuck
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@HogwartsAlum: What is it with doctor's offices? I'm having pretty much the exact same experience as you aside from the actual medical issue - supposed to get scheduled for surgery for something scary, call to inquire, am told will be called by EOD, then no call. Do they just not realize we're kinda freaking out?

I hope your surgery, once you ever get it scheduled, goes well.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
HogwartsAlum
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@chucklebuck: I wanted to make a separate reply to you to say I hope whatever you're dealing with gets resolved quickly and safely.

And yeah, I don't think they get that we're freaking out!

Reply
\"user-pic\"
subtlefrog
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@HogwartsAlum: I'm glad they finally called, and that they scheduled you. What a mess. I'm sorry sweetie. Let us know if you need any more moral support!

Reply
\"user-pic\"
squinko
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@HogwartsAlum: Wow, that's scary. Although I think it's odd that they're going with the surgeon referral first. Shouldn't they send you in for a CT scan to confirm what it is before trying to cut you open?

Reply
\"user-pic\"
gStein_*|bringing starpipe back|*
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@squinko: i'd think they might biopsy it before hand... IANAS, but if the course of treatment is the same for polyp or stone, there's really no need to run more tests before surgically removing it (if its' a polyp, they'll probably biopsy it during removal, then send it for further tests)

Reply
\"user-pic\"
squinko
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@gStein_has joined the star bandwagon: If it's a stone, they can use sound waves to break it up, so you wouldn't necessarily need surgery for it. Just depends on the size of it/them.

Reply
","","
\"user-pic\"
SkokieGuy
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

Volunteer for and attended awesome nutrition lecture on foods that fight inflammation. Makes me wants to totally scratch cook everything.


[americannutritionassociation.org]

Reply
","
\"user-pic\"
squinko
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

I forgot today was Friday until I saw this thread. Now I'm super happy. :-D

Tonight Mr. Squinko has promised me a date night. The first in a month or so...about damn time. ;) I just picked up three new games for my DS, and two new games for my 360, so I'm excited. Tomorrow we're having dinner with my dad and step-mom, no D&D again. :( Sunday we're taking some friends to this cool winery we went to a few weeks ago. I am by no means a wine person, but this place is great. They even have some excellent mead.

I made beef stew and meatballs this week, both for the first time . The meatballs were pretty good, kind of dry, and I disliked the stew. Mr. Squinko said it was great though, so I guess I didn't do anything wrong? Just not a fan of stew.

Reply
3 replies
\"user-pic\"
pecan 3.14159265
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@squinko: What are you doing for date night? Mr. Pi and I don't do date nights anymore, really...which is weird cause we're pretty young. Even when we dated, our dates were more like \"what do you want to watch on TV tonight?\"

Reply
\"user-pic\"
squinko
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@pecan 3.14159265: I don't know, I'm being surprised. :) Our date nights are usually just movies + dinner, but sometimes we'll go to a restaurant we've never been to before. Bonus points if it's something really different like Indian or Thai.

Something we really love doing is going on day trips to places around the state that are two hours or less away. Michigan has an insane amount of cute little towns, especially on the Great Lakes. Or we'll find a crazy festival to go to for a few hours, and then see what's in the town too. It's a ton of fun.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
katia802
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@squinko: I'm so jealous! Hubby's idea of date night is no warhammer on the computer for one evening. Cept when he jumps on the comp while i'm in the bathroom!

Reply
\"user-pic\"
pecan 3.14159265
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@squinko: Mmm. Indian food...Thai food...I wish Mr. Pi liked Indian food. He thinks it smells funny. I love it. Nom nom nom. We'll probably end up getting Mexican food tonight. I'm so glad he likes Mexican food.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
squinko
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@pecan 3.14159265: What a weirdo. He must be really hot for you to put up with that. ;)

Reply
","
\"user-pic\"
Oranges w/ Cheese hates what Christmas has become
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

So it finally looks like some of my effort at the gym is paying off. I feel like I'm getting smaller but the scale WILL NOT GO DOWN. Add to that the frustration of their body fat meter saying thats going up as well. I'm confused. And my clothes *still* don't fit. So I guess its all in my head.

But I get to see my boyfriend this next weekend!

Any suggestions for fun things to do in Michigan or the surrounding area?

Reply
6 replies
\"user-pic\"
HogwartsAlum
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Oranges w/ Cheese has 2 cats! ahahaha.: You're building muscle. Muscle weighs more. I had the same thing happen when I started skating, which is why I don't look at the scale anymore.

But my flab is smaller! YAY!

Reply
\"user-pic\"
GearheadGeek
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Oranges w/ Cheese has 2 cats! ahahaha.: Unless they're immersing you in water each time or using some high-end equipment, body-fat measurements range from heuristics to outright guesses. So, don't worry TOO much about body-fat guesstimates early in an exercise program. For most people who are way out of shape, weight doesn't immediately drop because the muscle you're building is denser than the fat it's replacing, so you can get smaller without getting lighter. Gradually the higher demands your increased muscle mass places on your metabolism will burn more of the food you eat AND more of the fat in your body. Persevere! (I'm at the same stage after being too sedentary for years.)

Reply
\"user-pic\"
Ratty
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Oranges w/ Cheese has 2 cats! ahahaha.: I know the feelimg. Swam hard 5 days a week for 6 weeks over summer. I felt amazingly better, felt firmer, but the scale was never lower and I still mostly fit the same clothes. Eventually things progress a bit more, you just need to keep at it.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
squinko
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Oranges w/ Cheese has 2 cats! ahahaha.: What part of Michigan? I know a ton of fun things to do, bu they all depend on where you'll be at.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
Oranges w/ Cheese hates what Christmas has become
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@squinko: Kalamazoo area. We're thinking of driving to Toronto, but I am unsure. I'll be there for 9 days.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
squinko
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Oranges w/ Cheese has 2 cats! ahahaha.: Toronto is a LOOOONG way away. Have a couple local day trips to save some money. You are in a great area. We just went to South Haven last weekend, absolutely gorgeous. There's South Haven State Park with sand dunes too. Try Saugatuk, Grand Haven, Holland; head over to Grand Rapids for a big city. They have a great museum and a cool downtown area. If you want something really cool, head over to Frankenmuth (it's a bit of a drive from Kzoo) and stay the night. It's a little town made to look like Bavaria, so there's all kinds of sausage and cheese shops, German food, etc. It's very cute. We love going there.

I'd say come to Lansing/East Lansing, but there's not much here unless you want to see the Spartans play some football or something...

Reply
\"user-pic\"
Kuchen
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@squinko: You forgot to mention the biggest draw in Frankenmuth: Bronner's, the world's largest Christmas store!

[www.bronners.com]

Reply
\"user-pic\"
squinko
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Kuchen: I think you mean CHRISTmas. ;) While it's said to be the biggest draw, I see more people go to the World Beer Fest, or Oktoberfest, than that crappy place. It's fun for a laugh, but man, is it scary.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
RecordStoreToughGuy_starcommandseries.com
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Oranges w/ Cheese has 2 cats! ahahaha.: You're probably building muscle mass, which is counteracting any fat loss. Stick with it, though, and you'll start to see results.

Reply
","","","","","","","","
\"user-pic\"
GitEmSteveDave_HurtHisKnee
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

Yeah, I promise I'm gonna sit down and write the thank you letter to everyone I have been writing in my head this weekend. I hope.

Reply
3 replies
\"user-pic\"
floraposte
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@GitEmSteveDave_HurtHisKnee: Could you hit my Aunt Bertha, from Christmas 1970-something? Thanks.

What'd you do to your knee?

Reply
\"user-pic\"
GitEmSteveDave_HurtHisKnee
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@floraposte: @MostlyHarmless: Actually, I was taking photos for an Instructable I'm writing for the RoofCoffeeCup. My goal is to see a bunch of them cruising around and following their adventures on Twitter. I was showing how a 3oz cup can hold a 10lb dumbbell, but because of my white counters and the flash, I couldn't get it to properly show how it was free hanging. So I was swinging it over the edge of the counter and going to shoot it against my stove door, when it detached and fell straight down onto the top of my knee. It was right after this photo:

Luckily it didn't hit my feet, because Mr. Gouty Toe would have LOVED for that to happen. Also, my toe was over a foot closer to the floor than my knee, so the weight would have been moving faster. I do get to do my House impression though.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
cash_da_pibble
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@GitEmSteveDave_HurtHisKnee:
I love reading the adventures of SteveDave.
Do you have a blog?

Reply
\"user-pic\"
GitEmSteveDave_HurtHisKnee
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@cash_da_pibble: Yes, but I don't update it as often as I should. Right now it's mostly filled with entries auto-culled from my twitter feed. My livejournal is [GitEmSteveDave.livejournal.com] . You can also check out the cams in my house on [www.GitEmSteveDave.com] .

Reply
\"user-pic\"
RoofCoffeeCup
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@cash_da_pibble: You can also follow ME, and not that ego-maniac SteveDave, on Twitter at [Twitter.com] .

Reply
\"user-pic\"
HogwartsAlum
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@GitEmSteveDave_HurtHisKnee: OUCH!!! SteveDave be CAREFUL!!!

Advice a little late...hope it feels better soon.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
MostlyHarmless
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@floraposte: Dropped a weight on it while making a video. Sounds like a fun video to watch.

Reply
","","","","","","","","
\"user-pic\"
Ratty
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

This has been a super dull week. One of accomplishments in the last 7 days was getting my 2nd level 80 - Orc Shaman. Healed H ToC (successfully--no wipes) in less than 48 hours after getting the level. That's worth being a bit pleased over, I guess. lol Warcraft.


Also ran a lot for 4 days, and early work meetings have kept me from doing so again the last couple days. Tomorrow I want to hit at least 3 more miles.


There's a bake sale at work next week. going to make nanaimo bars. not going to eat said nanaimo bars. Except for cooking samples, mind! We're doing a lot of charity fundraising this winter. Our workplace is adopting 3 families for Christmas and getting them all some gifts. Bake sale money goes to the food bank I believe, and we're doing a book sale and raffle to go to some other organizations. I think it's kind of cool.

Reply
3 replies
\"user-pic\"
squinko
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Ratty: Wow. I looked up those bars on Wiki ([en.wikipedia.org] for anyone else who wants to know) and those look delicious! I might have to make some, for...scientific purposes.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
Oranges w/ Cheese hates what Christmas has become
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Ratty: Yay shamans :)
I got my Enh Shammie to 80 and then called it quits. Bliz was being dickfaces about it and my guild was way too gung ho.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
Ratty
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Oranges w/ Cheese has 2 cats! ahahaha.: I have a feral/Resto druid and an enh/resto shaman. My guild leader is an enh shaman and doesn't understand the class and it drives me up the wall. Says Blizz poorly itemized gear for shamans. Always runs out of mana and rarely if ever usues totems or shields. Says something's wrong with shamans. They rock now! Argh.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
RecordStoreToughGuy_starcommandseries.com
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Ratty: Yeah, sounds like he's DOIN' IT RONG. He needs to learn that Totems are your friends, and how to use a shield. Or he could just play a DK. That's like god moding anyway. ^_^

Reply
\"user-pic\"
Oranges w/ Cheese hates what Christmas has become
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Ratty: Eh, there was a period of time when Blizz was like \"wtf are you doing to shamans\" when they couldn't decide if they wanted them to be hunters or warriors or whatnot. I enjoyed the stat shift they did before sunwell but it got kind of annoying having to fight a whole different demographic for your gear.
That and there were blues better than our tier....

Reply
\"user-pic\"
Ratty
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Oranges w/ Cheese has 2 cats! ahahaha.: It was totally true in TBC, but as of now, 3.2 WotLK, Shamans are itemized really well and have great trees and zero need to be low on Mana even on long fights.

Reply
","","","","","","","","","
\"user-pic\"
SkokieGuy
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

Off early on Fridays. About to leave work. Awesome weekend to all Consumerist buds, and fair warning, one of these days I will post a pic of Simon my Siamese, who sadly, has no fashion sense and is still wearing his brown socks today.

Reply
1 replies
","","
\"user-pic\"
nbs2
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

Time for my weekly Let's Have a DC Consumerists Lunch Meetup(tm) post.


Anybody up for a lunchtime meetup of folks here? I figre an hour or so in downtown is easier to squeeze in than a weekend or worknight, especially with Black Friday having started two weeks ago.

Reply
3 replies
\"user-pic\"
theblackdog
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@nbs2: I'd love to do that, the catch being that I could best do it on my day off because to get from work to downtown DC is about a 20 min metro trip.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
MostlyHarmless
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@nbs2: Man.. I SOO wish I could join. But I dont live anywhere near DC. I just WANT to be there.

I'll probably be in DC from 25th-1st. Now if someone wants to meet at that time...

Reply
\"user-pic\"
theblackdog
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@MostlyHarmless: Let me know when and I can swing someting.

Reply
","","","
\"user-pic\"
Ratty
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

Also!


I got a new trainee at work who is sitting with me. yesterday he asked me \"do you mind if i eat?\" Figuring he meant a snack on break or something, I said no.


He proceeded to decimate 1/2 pound of cookies, 1/2 big bag of Doritos, several PB&J sandwiches, 2 foil pouches of pop-tarts (so 4 of the suckers) and several bottles of Propel fitness water (!!!). This over the course of a mere 6 1/2 hours of an office job.


He's not an exceptionally big guy, but good lord. I'm going to get Diabeetus from watching him.

Reply
5 replies
\"user-pic\"
HogwartsAlum
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Ratty: God, that made me sick just THINKING about it.

Easy, gallbladder. Calm down. Eaaaaasssyy....

Reply
\"user-pic\"
katia802
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@HogwartsAlum: One suggestion that may help till you get things straightened out medically, my son has had a lot of success with not eating spicy foods when his gb is acting up.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
Oranges w/ Cheese hates what Christmas has become
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Ratty: WTF, does he think the propel is going to help him lose the weight he just ate? My god - 4 poptarts is like 1500 calories O_o

Reply
\"user-pic\"
Ratty
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Oranges w/ Cheese has 2 cats! ahahaha.: 4 pop tarts is 800 kCal. They're 200 each. I have one occasionally as a pre-workout energy boost.


it's still crazy.

Reply
","","","","","","","","","","","","","
\"user-pic\"
katstermonster
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

Wheeeeee open thread!!! I just had a lovely nap through an hour-long seminar.

Now I'm going to go to Starbucks and correct some papers, then I'm headed to my friend's to see the baby she had recently, thennnn who knows! Yippee for Fridayyyyy!

Reply
4 replies
\"user-pic\"
HogwartsAlum
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@katstermonster: \"I just had a lovely nap through an hour-long seminar.\"

Bwaa ha ha ha ha! Not very interesting, I take it!

Reply
\"user-pic\"
katstermonster
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@HogwartsAlum: Soooo boring. Also, I was very sleepy, and they moved it to a room with reeeeeally comfy chairs this week. Amazing.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
MostlyHarmless
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@HogwartsAlum: Most of those seminars are pretty boring 90% of the time. You take those because its related to the advisors research, but they rarely ever have anything that you want to deal/work with.

I try really hard not to sleep in classes and meetings and such, but those things really push me to the limit.

Reply
","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","
\"user-pic\"
h3llc4t, breaker of office dress codes
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

It's been an eventful week at la casa de H3llc4t.
-Paid off all of the bills that my mom ran up to the tune of $5k. The only debt that I have left at all is a small amount of student loans. The last year sucked so hard but I'm free now from a lot of stress. Still gonna keep the second job to save up for a house/wedding.
-Got myself my Dune tattoo as a reward for surviving this year without totally losing my mind.
-Threw my back out on Monday some time, woke up at 3AM with horrible pain. Saw Urgent Care, diagnosed with muscle spasms, came home with muscle relaxers which are pretty much useless.
-Hung in until yesterday, where I went to a different Urgent Care closer to my office. Waited 2 hours, took a urine test (probably to prove I wasn't taking drugs), saw a doctor who jabbed me in the kidney because he couldn't understand why I was experiencing such severe back pain without \"any real provocation,\" cried in the examining room from the pain/anger at being treated like a shady addict.
-However, I finally got my sweet, sweet codeine and the first good night's sleep all week.
-Just had great Indian with one of my best girlfriends from college. She reminds me to have faith in the world. Also, now my hair smells like curry. Mmmmm tikkalicious. It's like bootylicious but more savory.

Reply
6 replies
\"user-pic\"
HogwartsAlum
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@h3llc4t, breaker of office dress codes: Tattoo sounds AWESOME. Someone I know legally changed their name to that of a Dune character. I don't know if I would go quite that far!

Although my avatar above is tattooed on my arm. :)

Reply
\"user-pic\"
h3llc4t, breaker of office dress codes
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@squinko: Heh, I'll get decent pictures soon; Kris photographed the whole process with the intention of submitting them for BME's gallery. I can say though that it's \"Fear is the mind-killer\" in script inspired by Ralph Steadman's work.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
subtlefrog
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@h3llc4t, breaker of office dress codes: DUNE tattoo. You are even more awesome than previously thought.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
h3llc4t, breaker of office dress codes
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@subtlefrog: I am just a nerd with no shame, that's what I am. :D The litany against fear has been used a lot in the past year to get me through some pretty rough periods and it only made sense to carry it with me from now on.

Reply
","","","","
\"user-pic\"
Elvisisdead
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

Just a note to the world - you get screwed if you go contract to perm.

Reply
","","","","","","","","","","","","
\"user-pic\"
RecordStoreToughGuy_starcommandseries.com
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

Hooray! The promise of the open thread somewhat dulls the sting of not getting to see Pirate Radio with this friend I would kind of like to be more than friends with. S'okay, though, she still wants to meet for sushi, she just has a family thing to go to that means no time for sushi and a movie.

Reply
3 replies
\"user-pic\"
RecordStoreToughGuy_starcommandseries.com
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl: Most likely. But if it's as bad as the reviews are saying, maybe it isn't as bad as it seems. ^_^

Reply
\"user-pic\"
RecordStoreToughGuy_starcommandseries.com
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl: Well, at this point we're still only friends, and I'm trying to determine if there's a chance it could go further, so no making out at this stage. It would just be cool to go see it with her. ^_^

Reply
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@RecordStoreToughGuy_IsBeing(pur)SuedByAMonster: ok, so sitting in a bad movie might give you the opportunity you would have otherwise not had, hrm?

Reply
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@RecordStoreToughGuy_IsBeing(pur)SuedByAMonster: you're already friends. you don't have a sense of how receptive she'd be to the idea?

Reply
\"user-pic\"
squinko
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@RecordStoreToughGuy_IsBeing(pur)SuedByAMonster: I wanted to see that tonight too, but the reviews say it's horrible. I'm not usually big on reviews, but it was so bad that they re-cut the entire movie AND renamed it for the American release.

Reply
","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","
\"user-pic\"
CompyPaq
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

Anyone know when Consumerist changing servers? I'm excited. I like change every once in a while.

Reply
","","","","
\"user-pic\"
Berz
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

Anyone make a kegerator before? I'm going to build an insulated cabinet and use the guts from an old college fridge to do it. Tips?

Reply
5 replies
\"user-pic\"
drjayphd
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Berz: I've actually thought of building one in a newspaper honor box. Probably wouldn't hold much, but it still seems like it'd come out cool.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
CaffiendCA
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Berz: Chest freezers are a great option. Cheaper than regular fridges. Easy to convert to a fridge - they have teperature regulators that control the power to set temp. Building a cabinet would be quite a bit more money, and insulation would be an issue. Check craigslist for a chest freezer, you could get one for free - $50 or so. Conversion kts are available, but you should probably just get components.


They hold two full size kegs, or 3-4 ponies.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@CaffiendCA: good point! and when getting thermostats for broken freezers that you get for free on craigslist, i like this site for great customer service, not screwing up shipping when i have parts sent to a different address than shipping and really fast shipping

[www.partselect.com]

[also good for dishwasher and dryer parts]

Reply
\"user-pic\"
admiral_stabbin
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Berz: I haven't done it myself, but I knew a guy that made one out of an old horizontal chest freezer. It saved the headache of building a cabinet, and was free to him.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@Berz: i haven't done it, but instructables seems like a good place to start looking for instructions

Reply
","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

um, weird, i just tried to refresh another article on consumerist to catch up with comments and got
\"You were redirected to our front page because the URL you requested is unavailable. Please try again later.\"

is it the greatly anticipated changeover? or did the article come down?

[it was \"repair or replace\"]

Reply
","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","
\"user-pic\"
katia802
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

Got my sweet doggie a sweater this week. He was all broken out, found out he has an allergy to wheat, got the sweater cause poor baby has no hair left on his belly and chest. He looks soooooo cute! Should be getting a camera this weekend, so i'll post a pic next open thread.


Happy weekend to everyone and hope all of you feel better/stay well :+)

Reply
2 replies
\"user-pic\"
katia802
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@katia802: forgot to mention, changed his diet, rash is all gone now :+)

Reply
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@katia802: your dog is allergic to wheat? that's different. glad he's better

Reply
","","
\"user-pic\"
JulesNoctambule
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

Unfortunate things for today: Both the new sweaters I just ordered and my jeans that are only a month old are too big! I wasn't trying to lose any weight, but it seems it's happened anyway, and now I have to return clothes I was really anticipating.

Fortunate things for today: I got into a really great art/craft show! It's in December, so come on holiday spending!

Reply
2 replies
\"user-pic\"
catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@JulesNoctambule: what show? hopefully on a weekend so i can go and do some holiday shopping.

Reply
\"user-pic\"
JulesNoctambule
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

@catastrophegirl: It's the Rock and Shop Market: [www.rockandshopmarket.com]
There will be all kinds of great stuff there, and live music as well! I did their vintage show last month and it was fab.

Reply
","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","
\"user-pic\"
csparks
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

Nice meetup Mostly Harmless!!! Classic the conversation you were having with your parents and not knowing your mic was on!

Cannot wait for the next. I actually wish there was one right now so I could bitch about my employer!!!

Reply
","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","","
\"user-pic\"
gStein_*|bringing starpipe back|*
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

So, my mom took her lexus to get serviced on Tuesday. when she went to pick it up, the service adviser came up to her and told her that while they were loving cars in and out of the service bays, they had hit her car (front bumper is scratched and no longer aligned)
they offered to replace it at no charge to her - she classifies this as \"outstanding customer service\"
I classify this as \"doing what you're supposed to do\" - what do you guys think? (and yes yes, i know, it's her own damn fault for not rotating the tires at home and changing her own oil)

Reply
","","","
\"user-pic\"
PsiCop
November 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Moderate |Flag for review

I can't resist. Here is the sweetheart, Sable:

Reply
","","","","");