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Checking in... anyone still here?

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  Checking in... anyone still here? Alan Ralph <usenet@alanralph.co.uk> - 2025-02-22 10:02 +0000
    Re: Checking in... anyone still here? songbird <songbird@anthive.com> - 2025-02-22 18:00 -0500
      Re: Checking in... anyone still here? Alan Ralph <usenet@alanralph.co.uk> - 2025-02-23 16:15 +0000
        Re: Checking in... anyone still here? songbird <songbird@anthive.com> - 2025-02-24 06:13 -0500
      Re: Checking in... anyone still here? lkh <lkh@dwalin.uucp> - 2025-02-26 20:31 +0100
        Re: Checking in... anyone still here? songbird <songbird@anthive.com> - 2025-03-04 02:05 -0500
    Re: Checking in... anyone still here? Barry Gold <barrydgold@ca.rr.com> - 2025-02-22 23:56 -0800
      Re: Checking in... anyone still here? Alan Ralph <usenet@alanralph.co.uk> - 2025-02-23 16:19 +0000
        Re: Checking in... anyone still here? Barry Gold <barrydgold@ca.rr.com> - 2025-02-23 21:22 -0800
    Re: Checking in... anyone still here? wgarmil@shell02.TheWorld.com (Wayne S Garmil) - 2025-03-06 23:09 +0000
      Re: Checking in... anyone still here? Alan Ralph <usenet@alanralph.co.uk> - 2025-03-08 14:41 +0000
        Re: Checking in... anyone still here? Barry Gold <barrydgold@ca.rr.com> - 2025-03-09 09:58 -0700
          Re: Checking in... anyone still here? songbird <songbird@anthive.com> - 2025-03-22 07:54 -0400
          Re: Checking in... anyone still here? Roy <montanawolf@outlook.com> - 2025-03-23 22:51 -0700
    Re: Checking in... anyone still here? Still lurking, mostly. Gary Woods <garygarlic@earthlink.net> - 2025-03-24 12:18 -0400
      Re: Checking in... anyone still here? Still lurking, mostly. Alan Ralph <usenet@alanralph.co.uk> - 2025-03-25 11:01 +0000

#114516 — Checking in... anyone still here?

The Big Blue Alien steps into the Place.

"Pan-Galactic Gargle-Blaster please, Mike. I definitely need it."

Spiffy drops some Zorkmids down to top up their bar-tab.

"Been keeping the news at arm's length, and then some, because ho boy. But on
the plus side, I've gotten my Will done, and one of the two Power of Attorney
documents should I be incapacitated in any way. Need to get the other one
sorted, then a Living Will to spell out my wishes on medical treatment."

They pause. "Obviously, I'm not intending to shuffle off the Mortal Coil any
time soon, but want to ensure I don't leave a muddle behind me."

"Cutting down on my caffeine is helping with my sleep, and hopefully my
anxiety and stress issues. Physically, I'm the fittest I've been in years, so
now it's time to tackle my mental health."

Spiffy finishes their drink and tosses the glass into the fireplace. "To
keeping calm and carrying on."

*CRASH*

—Spiffy

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#114517

Alan Ralph wrote:

> The Big Blue Alien steps into the Place.
>
> "Pan-Galactic Gargle-Blaster please, Mike. I definitely need it."
...
> Spiffy finishes their drink and tosses the glass into the fireplace. "To
> keeping calm and carrying on."
>
> *CRASH*
>
> —Spiffy

  *eats peanuts*

  *waves hello*

  pretty quiet here, but if someone else has things to
say i'll probably see it.

  my own recent adventures in science fiction have been
going back to check out books by the writing team behind
James S.A. Corey since i enjoyed reading a more recent
book so now i'm up to book three of the Expanse series.

  as life goes on i'm reading less books due to not being
very close to a good bookstore and the local library not
carrying much science fiction or fantasy, but as i find
new authors i'm gradually checking them out.  also not as
much time because of taking care of elderly parent and a
ton of gardens which is all good for me and i have no
regrets at all about any of it.

  :)


  songbird

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#114519

On 22 Feb 2025 at 23:00:08 GMT, "songbird" <songbird@anthive.com> wrote:

> Alan Ralph wrote:
> 
>> The Big Blue Alien steps into the Place.
>> 
>> "Pan-Galactic Gargle-Blaster please, Mike. I definitely need it."
> ...
>> Spiffy finishes their drink and tosses the glass into the fireplace. "To
>> keeping calm and carrying on."
>> 
>> *CRASH*
>> 
>> —Spiffy
> 
>   *eats peanuts*
> 
>   *waves hello*
> 
>   pretty quiet here, but if someone else has things to
> say i'll probably see it.

Spiffy slided a Zorkmid over to Mike to pay for Songbird's next drink

>   my own recent adventures in science fiction have been
> going back to check out books by the writing team behind
> James S.A. Corey since i enjoyed reading a more recent
> book so now i'm up to book three of the Expanse series.
> 
>   as life goes on i'm reading less books due to not being
> very close to a good bookstore and the local library not
> carrying much science fiction or fantasy, but as i find
> new authors i'm gradually checking them out.  also not as
> much time because of taking care of elderly parent and a
> ton of gardens which is all good for me and i have no
> regrets at all about any of it.

I'm gradually renewing my reading habit using my late father's old Kindle
e-reader, mostly non-fiction for now. I sold off and gave away loads of
physical books that I either wouldn't read again or never even got around to
reading. Not entirely happy that the e-reader is tied to Amazon for most of
its functions, but as it's an old model they're unlikely to be able to
enshittify it further... I hope.

—Spiffy

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#114522

Alan Ralph wrote:
> On 22 Feb 2025 at 23:00:08 GMT, "songbird" <songbird@anthive.com> wrote:
>
>> Alan Ralph wrote:
>> 
>>> The Big Blue Alien steps into the Place.
>>> 
>>> "Pan-Galactic Gargle-Blaster please, Mike. I definitely need it."
>> ...
>>> Spiffy finishes their drink and tosses the glass into the fireplace. "To
>>> keeping calm and carrying on."
>>> 
>>> *CRASH*
>>> 
>>> —Spiffy
>> 
>>   *eats peanuts*
>> 
>>   *waves hello*
>> 
>>   pretty quiet here, but if someone else has things to
>> say i'll probably see it.
>
> Spiffy slided a Zorkmid over to Mike to pay for Songbird's next drink

  thank you!  *slides Zorkmid to charity for the displaced*
i have few needs here so others can use it more than i.


...reading...
> I'm gradually renewing my reading habit using my late father's old Kindle
> e-reader, mostly non-fiction for now. I sold off and gave away loads of
> physical books that I either wouldn't read again or never even got around to
> reading. Not entirely happy that the e-reader is tied to Amazon for most of
> its functions, but as it's an old model they're unlikely to be able to
> enshittify it further... I hope.
>
> —Spiffy

  i try to keep books around for the future in case of
disaster or i just need something to read and don't want
to deal with yet another gadget.

  basic references i've been able to get at library book-
sales.  sadly our local library has been gutted (i won't
get into how or why because i would then rant for pages) -
enshittification is an apt word.

  i do regret having sold off a lot of my sf&f collection
many years ago when i thought i was going to move and then
ended up not moving until a handfull of years later.
some of those books i'd have enjoyed reading again.


  songbird

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#114523

songbird <songbird@anthive.com> wrote:
>   my own recent adventures in science fiction have been
> going back to check out books by the writing team behind
> James S.A. Corey since i enjoyed reading a more recent
> book so now i'm up to book three of the Expanse series.

yep, I found out that my local library carries those books
and I just started book two. really enjoying the read.

*tips hat, nods and takes sip* ...

-- 
Laurens Kils-Hütten
PGP: 487E D5A5 41A1 E9A7 07AD  4990 E34F 096D 35DE 0A86

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#114524

lkh wrote:
> songbird <songbird@anthive.com> wrote:
>>   my own recent adventures in science fiction have been
>> going back to check out books by the writing team behind
>> James S.A. Corey since i enjoyed reading a more recent
>> book so now i'm up to book three of the Expanse series.
>
> yep, I found out that my local library carries those books
> and I just started book two. really enjoying the read.
>
> *tips hat, nods and takes sip* ...

  :)

  book three came in and so now i can see where this
adventure/story continues.  i'm at a good spot where i
can at least read this book and take a break from my
other routine reading.


  songbird

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#114518

I've been taking 2 hour naps in the afternoon for about a decade. But a 
month or so ago I started needing a nap in the morning. I'd recently 
bought a box of _really_ tasty tea(*), so now I have a cuppa with 
breakfast to get me through the morning.

Doing exercises twice a day to deal with a minor backache - it 
discourages me from taking long walks, but otherwise can be ignored.

Lee just finished collating issue 592 of her RPG APA, Alarums and 
Excursions. She's shutting down her other fanzine, Xenofilkia because of 
a shortage of contributors. The March issue will be the last.

We're avoiding travel because of COVID, and I have a mild case of cabin 
fever because the only times I leave the house are for grocery shopping 
and doctor's visits. Her Macular telangiectasia (type 2) has reduced her 
vision to about 20/80.(look it up in Wikipedia)

(*) Yorkshire Gold.

On 2/22/2025 2:02 AM, Alan Ralph wrote:
> The Big Blue Alien steps into the Place.
> 
> "Pan-Galactic Gargle-Blaster please, Mike. I definitely need it."
> 
> Spiffy drops some Zorkmids down to top up their bar-tab.
> 
> "Been keeping the news at arm's length, and then some, because ho boy. But on
> the plus side, I've gotten my Will done, and one of the two Power of Attorney
> documents should I be incapacitated in any way. Need to get the other one
> sorted, then a Living Will to spell out my wishes on medical treatment."
> 
> They pause. "Obviously, I'm not intending to shuffle off the Mortal Coil any
> time soon, but want to ensure I don't leave a muddle behind me."
> 
> "Cutting down on my caffeine is helping with my sleep, and hopefully my
> anxiety and stress issues. Physically, I'm the fittest I've been in years, so
> now it's time to tackle my mental health."
> 
> Spiffy finishes their drink and tosses the glass into the fireplace. "To
> keeping calm and carrying on."
> 
> *CRASH*
> 
> —Spiffy

-- 
I do so have a memory. It's backed up on DVD... somewhere...

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#114520

On 23 Feb 2025 at 07:56:41 GMT, "Barry Gold" <barrydgold@ca.rr.com> wrote:

> I've been taking 2 hour naps in the afternoon for about a decade. But a
> month or so ago I started needing a nap in the morning. I'd recently
> bought a box of _really_ tasty tea(*), so now I have a cuppa with
> breakfast to get me through the morning.
> 
> Doing exercises twice a day to deal with a minor backache - it
> discourages me from taking long walks, but otherwise can be ignored.
> 
> Lee just finished collating issue 592 of her RPG APA, Alarums and
> Excursions. She's shutting down her other fanzine, Xenofilkia because of
> a shortage of contributors. The March issue will be the last.
> 
> We're avoiding travel because of COVID, and I have a mild case of cabin
> fever because the only times I leave the house are for grocery shopping
> and doctor's visits. Her Macular telangiectasia (type 2) has reduced her
> vision to about 20/80.(look it up in Wikipedia)
> 
> (*) Yorkshire Gold.
> 
> On 2/22/2025 2:02 AM, Alan Ralph wrote:
>> The Big Blue Alien steps into the Place.
>> 
>> "Pan-Galactic Gargle-Blaster please, Mike. I definitely need it."
>> 
>> Spiffy drops some Zorkmids down to top up their bar-tab.
>> 
>> "Been keeping the news at arm's length, and then some, because ho boy. But on
>> the plus side, I've gotten my Will done, and one of the two Power of Attorney
>> documents should I be incapacitated in any way. Need to get the other one
>> sorted, then a Living Will to spell out my wishes on medical treatment."
>> 
>> They pause. "Obviously, I'm not intending to shuffle off the Mortal Coil any
>> time soon, but want to ensure I don't leave a muddle behind me."
>> 
>> "Cutting down on my caffeine is helping with my sleep, and hopefully my
>> anxiety and stress issues. Physically, I'm the fittest I've been in years, so
>> now it's time to tackle my mental health."
>> 
>> Spiffy finishes their drink and tosses the glass into the fireplace. "To
>> keeping calm and carrying on."
>> 
>> *CRASH*
>> 
>> —Spiffy

I've been exercising at home on a semi-regular basis, and going for walks
whenever I can. Luckily there's a park across the road from my house.

I need to get a new mask for travelling, as my old one is getting worn out.
I'd love to travel into London on day-trips again, but don't fancy my chances
on the trains and Underground.

—Spiffy

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#114521

On 2/23/2025 8:19 AM, Alan Ralph wrote:
> On 23 Feb 2025 at 07:56:41 GMT, "Barry Gold" <barrydgold@ca.rr.com> wrote:
> 
>> I've been taking 2 hour naps in the afternoon for about a decade. But a
>> month or so ago I started needing a nap in the morning. I'd recently
>> bought a box of _really_ tasty tea(*), so now I have a cuppa with
>> breakfast to get me through the morning.
>>
>> Doing exercises twice a day to deal with a minor backache - it
>> discourages me from taking long walks, but otherwise can be ignored.
>>
>> Lee just finished collating issue 592 of her RPG APA, Alarums and
>> Excursions. She's shutting down her other fanzine, Xenofilkia because of
>> a shortage of contributors. The March issue will be the last.
>>
>> We're avoiding travel because of COVID, and I have a mild case of cabin
>> fever because the only times I leave the house are for grocery shopping
>> and doctor's visits. Her Macular telangiectasia (type 2) has reduced her
>> vision to about 20/80.(look it up in Wikipedia)
>>
>> (*) Yorkshire Gold.
>>
>> On 2/22/2025 2:02 AM, Alan Ralph wrote:
>>> The Big Blue Alien steps into the Place.
>>>
>>> "Pan-Galactic Gargle-Blaster please, Mike. I definitely need it."
>>>
>>> Spiffy drops some Zorkmids down to top up their bar-tab.
>>>
>>> "Been keeping the news at arm's length, and then some, because ho boy. But on
>>> the plus side, I've gotten my Will done, and one of the two Power of Attorney
>>> documents should I be incapacitated in any way. Need to get the other one
>>> sorted, then a Living Will to spell out my wishes on medical treatment."
>>>
>>> They pause. "Obviously, I'm not intending to shuffle off the Mortal Coil any
>>> time soon, but want to ensure I don't leave a muddle behind me."
>>>
>>> "Cutting down on my caffeine is helping with my sleep, and hopefully my
>>> anxiety and stress issues. Physically, I'm the fittest I've been in years, so
>>> now it's time to tackle my mental health."
>>>
>>> Spiffy finishes their drink and tosses the glass into the fireplace. "To
>>> keeping calm and carrying on."
>>>
>>> *CRASH*
>>>
>>> —Spiffy
> 
> I've been exercising at home on a semi-regular basis, and going for walks
> whenever I can. Luckily there's a park across the road from my house.
> 
> I need to get a new mask for travelling, as my old one is getting worn out.
> I'd love to travel into London on day-trips again, but don't fancy my chances
> on the trains and Underground.
> 
> —Spiffy

Allow me to recommend one of the following:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NVDFB3R?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1 

$27.50 for a package of 50

OR
https://www.amazon.com/your-orders/pop?orderId=114-8304394-0501849&shipmentId=Gs2XncMT8&lineItemId=jgsplwjomnlowups&packageId=1&asin=B08GL3YLPQ&ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_pop_1
$17.50 for 50

-- 
I do so have a memory. It's backed up on DVD... somewhere...

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#114525

In article <vpc7au$3t4ti$1@dont-email.me>,
Alan Ralph  <usenet@alanralph.co.uk> wrote:
>The Big Blue Alien steps into the Place.

Welcome back!  It has been quiet here.

>"Pan-Galactic Gargle-Blaster please, Mike. I definitely need it."

Oh, the *good* stuff.

I still check in here once a month or so.  Life has been interesting
again, got laid off a year ago, got a short term contract in the
second half of last year where they did not need someone like me
(someone who does SQA automation programming) so I was not a good fit
and glad when the contract ended.

Currently dealing with multiple medical issues, trying to get my
overdue butt scope done but it keeps getting rescheduled.  Family is
not doing well health-wise, brother let his diabetes get out of
control and ended up very sick for the last few months (and now won't
reply to my texts).  Uncle (mother's brother) is 90 and going into
hospice, it will become a death watch soon.  We lost my father's brother
last fall, so this will be the last of that generation for me.

One good thing that did happen is that I finally qualified for VA
Health, so now my health care is not tied to my job anymore.  That is
a HUGE relief and a big weight off of my shoulders.

Right now, I am trying to survive, looks like my retirement will be
delayed an additional year or two due to being out of work again.
Early retirement is not looking like a possibility anymore either.  So
trying to avoid depression starting again.

Wild Card


-- 
   _     __  _      __                 |  I see the girls walk by dressed in
  ' )   /   //   / /  )            /   |  their summer clothes; I have to turn
   / / / o // __/ /    __.  __  __/    |  my head until my darkness goes...
  (_(_/ <_</_(_/ (__/ (_/|_/ (_(_/_    |  -Rolling Stones, "Paint It Black"

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#114526

On 6 Mar 2025 at 23:09:29 GMT, "Wayne S Garmil" <Wayne S Garmil> wrote:

> I still check in here once a month or so.  Life has been interesting
> again, got laid off a year ago, got a short term contract in the
> second half of last year where they did not need someone like me
> (someone who does SQA automation programming) so I was not a good fit
> and glad when the contract ended.

Oof! I dodged a bullet in 2012 when I took voluntary redundancy. My old
employer went into insolvency a few months later; thankfully, I got at least
some redundancy pay beforehand.

> Currently dealing with multiple medical issues, trying to get my
> overdue butt scope done but it keeps getting rescheduled.  Family is
> not doing well health-wise, brother let his diabetes get out of
> control and ended up very sick for the last few months (and now won't
> reply to my texts).  Uncle (mother's brother) is 90 and going into
> hospice, it will become a death watch soon.  We lost my father's brother
> last fall, so this will be the last of that generation for me.

My mum had hip joint replacement surgery last year and is hopefully going to
get a hearing aid soon, but otherwise, she is in great health for her age. She
had a scare when she was diagnosed as pre-diabetic a few years back, but with
diet and exercise, she's out of the danger zone.

> One good thing that did happen is that I finally qualified for VA
> Health, so now my health care is not tied to my job anymore.  That is
> a HUGE relief and a big weight off of my shoulders.

Healthcare is the MAIN reason why I'd never emigrate to the USA, alas. I've
heard from friends just how expensive it can get, particularly for an
emergency, but even with routine treatment.

> Right now, I am trying to survive, looks like my retirement will be
> delayed an additional year or two due to being out of work again.
> Early retirement is not looking like a possibility anymore either.  So
> trying to avoid depression starting again.

Good luck to ya!

*puts some Zorkmids on the bar to pay for BOYC*

—Spiffy

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#114527

On 3/8/2025 6:41 AM, Alan Ralph wrote:
> Healthcare is the MAIN reason why I'd never emigrate to the USA, alas. I've
> heard from friends just how expensive it can get, particularly for an
> emergency, but even with routine treatment.

Not so bad if you're over 65 and worked at least 10 years in the US. 
Then you're covered by Medicare. I spend a few $thou a year on Medicare 
part B (covers treatment that doesn't require hospitalization) and 
Supplemental (private insurance that covers the "co-pay" which isn't all 
that big anyway).

The biggest expense is drugs - costs about $3,000 a year. With Part D 
(drug coverage) I'm pretty much guaranteed that whatever meds I need 
won't cost more than that. (And things have gotten better since Congress 
allowed Medicare to negotiate prices with the drug manufacturers.)

-- 
I do so have a memory. It's backed up on DVD... somewhere...

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#114528

Barry Gold wrote:
> On 3/8/2025 6:41 AM, Alan Ralph wrote:
>> Healthcare is the MAIN reason why I'd never emigrate to the USA, alas. I've
>> heard from friends just how expensive it can get, particularly for an
>> emergency, but even with routine treatment.
>
> Not so bad if you're over 65 and worked at least 10 years in the US. 
> Then you're covered by Medicare. I spend a few $thou a year on Medicare 
> part B (covers treatment that doesn't require hospitalization) and 
> Supplemental (private insurance that covers the "co-pay" which isn't all 
> that big anyway).

  if you are lucky you can get by.  i feel sorry for those
who innocently get in a tough spot and don't have adequate
insurance.  there's no excuse for a first world country to
have 3rd world health care for some of it's people, but
that's where we are.


> The biggest expense is drugs - costs about $3,000 a year. With Part D 
> (drug coverage) I'm pretty much guaranteed that whatever meds I need 
> won't cost more than that. (And things have gotten better since Congress 
> allowed Medicare to negotiate prices with the drug manufacturers.)

  if it doesn't get ripped out.

  no idea what's going to happen next (f'n clown show).

  i did however just apply for retirement and no idea if they'll
approve it any time soon or if it will be whenever they figure out
how to rehire the people they want to fire, etc.


  songbird

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#114529

On 3/9/2025 9:58 AM, Barry Gold wrote:
> On 3/8/2025 6:41 AM, Alan Ralph wrote:
>> Healthcare is the MAIN reason why I'd never emigrate to the USA, alas. 
>> I've
>> heard from friends just how expensive it can get, particularly for an
>> emergency, but even with routine treatment.
> 
> Not so bad if you're over 65 and worked at least 10 years in the US. 
> Then you're covered by Medicare. I spend a few $thou a year on Medicare 
> part B (covers treatment that doesn't require hospitalization) and 
> Supplemental (private insurance that covers the "co-pay" which isn't all 
> that big anyway).
> 
> The biggest expense is drugs - costs about $3,000 a year. With Part D 
> (drug coverage) I'm pretty much guaranteed that whatever meds I need 
> won't cost more than that. (And things have gotten better since Congress 
> allowed Medicare to negotiate prices with the drug manufacturers.)
> 

The important thing in controlling drug prices is to shop for a new Part 
D plan every year.  You may find its the same one.  Also check out 
places like GoodRx.

I am on a blood thinner.  My plan says Tier 4 and $400 for one month 
supplu.  Good RX says $250 for three month supply.  The winner is in 
Canada.  I send them the prescription, they send it to Mauritius and the 
pharmacy mails me three months for $150. The drug comes from a 
Boehringer Ingelheim plant in Turkey.  They hold the patent for it.

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#114530 — Re: Checking in... anyone still here? Still lurking, mostly.

Found The Place via the various books; Swing by pretty often to see if
anythinh's new. Keeping Guinness on hand just in case!
-- 
Gary Woods O- K2AHC 

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#114531 — Re: Checking in... anyone still here? Still lurking, mostly.

On 24 Mar 2025 at 16:18:29 GMT, "Gary Woods" <garygarlic@earthlink.net> wrote:

> Found The Place via the various books; Swing by pretty often to see if
> anythinh's new. Keeping Guinness on hand just in case!

*waves*

—Spiffy the Big Blue Alien

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