Happy Sunday and welcome back OTBers–lurkers and commenters alike! I am excited to share that we are fully migrated and back in business. So in honor of the joy that is bringing me, I wanted to propose a theme for today’s open forum:
What is something (big or small) that is bringing you joy (big or small) today?
Matt Bernius is a design researcher working to create more equitable government systems and experiences. He's currently a Principal User Researcher on Code for America's "GetCalFresh" program, helping people apply for SNAP food benefits in California. Prior to joining CfA, he worked at Measures for Justice and at Effective, a UX agency. Matt has an MA from the University of Chicago.
BTW, if folks run into any problems, please let us know in this thread. We’ve had to ditch the previous “similar/popular” posts plugin. We’ll be adding that back later this week.
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The seismic alert went off Friday at around 12:40 pm.
It turned out to be a false alarm, something about a mistake while prepping for the quake drill next month. I noticed something odd. at first I didn’t hear it or didn’t notice it. As some in the office began to head for the exit, they declared “seismic alert. everyone out.” I should have just grabbed my phone and evacuated. Instead, I said “I don’t hear anything,” and tried to listen for it.
I need to change this. I can listen for it while heading out as well as sitting at my desk.
I also noticed there are way too many people at corporate now for a rapid evacuation. I don’t think I can do anything about that.
So glad OTB is up and running. That brings me joy.
After nearly drowning in a tidal wave of MAGA hatred, Kyle Rittenhouse, having renounced his support for Trump over 2nd Amendment issues, has now decided that Trump is once again his man.
I am thankful for the FB cat videos that got me through the trauma of no OTB.
And as I always say: “It will be a great day when the Cubs beat the Cardinals!
Given that I’m getting Thanksgiving vibes, I’m thankful the crazy uncle hasn’t popped in yet.
As for any problems, I noticed there’s a page for “posts by Kylopod,” but it’s blank.
And of course, this post is a test; as I’m writing this, I don’t know for sure if it’ll go through or not. If you’re seeing it, it has.
In seriousness, I give thanks to all the OTB hosts who work hard to keep this place afloat and make it a pleasant place to be. This has not been the case on every political forum I visit.
Welcome back. A couple of things that bring me joy. First, our unofficially adopted grandkids. They are just so happy kids. We play with them dressing me up like their favorite cartoon characters or hide and go seek or nonsense games. Continue teaching them to cook. Friday night they helped me make flatbread and then we baked chocolate chip bar cookies, really kind of half chocolate chip brownies and half cookies. Let them eat them before completely cooled and their faces were covered with melty chocolate.
Second, love finding good articles that covered complicated issues in depth with an emphasis on history, explaining how we got where we are now. The one at link is on federal student loans. Of note is that the current student loan problems/crisis is just one of several times this has happened going back to the initial GI bill in the 40s. At the risk of being reductive the article emphasizes that a big part of the recurring issue is that for profit entities keep popping up and they lead to lots offload defaults as their students either never graduate or unable to find jobs. People support the for profits with the idea they will provide competition but almost all of their money comes from the government. Lots of statistics.
Bringing me joy: Doug Helvering‘s latest “what album should I react to?” poll lists the following:
Alan Parsons Project – Eye In the Sky
Fairport Convention – Liege and Lief
Pain of Salvation – BE
Strawbs – Grave New World
Robin Trower – Bridge of Sighs
Also, after I posted my message above, even though I selected the option to subscribe to the thread for all new comments, I did not receive an email confirming the subscription, and I have not been emailed later posts to the thread.
Don’t see an EDIT key. Now I will have to proofread my prose 15 times instead of 10 to detect errors.
Hopefully when it returns the EDIT function will be available till the end of the day instead of a measly 15 minutes.
The seismic alert went off Friday at around 12:40 pm.
Kathy,
I remember the 1985 earthquake that hit Mexico City. A co- worker Dawn who had just gotten married and she and her husband were on their honeymoon in MX when it happened. She had some stories I’ve long forgotten.
Dawn went through another earthquake about a year later. She found out her husband was having an affair.
Personally I experienced two minor earthquakes while in the Philippines.
I’ve been trying to practice mindfulness by stoping before I start a new task, no matter how mundane, and noticing what it is I’m about to do. I still suck at remembering to actually do this, but, when I do, it has lead to numerous moments of gratitude for small things, like clean spoons in the silverware drawer just a few minutes ago.
@Kylopod: Got it. Have to admit that I re-read that top-level post I made with trepidation, and am relieved it held up pretty well. I think I did one other when I was still living in China, about the passive aggressive nature of Chinese social control. That one didn’t generate much reaction, but it felt good to at least shout my observations to the wind, if no one else.
I was just sorry that so many people were unable to read my daily extrusions of insight and analysis.
What makes me happy? Kamala makes me hopeful, which is kind of like happy, but with the possibility of later despair. But in general I follow the astronaut mantra, ‘maintain an even strain.’ I avoid emotional Everests and Death Valleys. My emotional range extends from ‘annoyed’ to ‘not annoyed.’
@CSK: Conservatives, or what passes for them contemporarily, imagine themselves to be the majority but never have been. They’ve gotten by out of being a large enough minority diverse enough to prevail in the electoral college. Maybe they’re feeling vulnerable to shifts in swing states. We may be entering a time/ situation where their diverse spread is not strong enough. We’ve always known that when liberals stay home, they lose. It’s always been true for conservatives, too, only they’re not inclined to. If they’re feeling erosion of their support, that’s significant.
I also noticed there are way too many people at corporate now for a rapid evacuation. I don’t think I can do anything about that.
Yes, you can, Kathy. I was stationed aboard the carrier Constellation in ’84. I found four ways to get off the ship in an emergency abandon ship scenario, three to the hangar deck and one to the flight deck. I could do them blindfolded. Just take some time to canvass the building and pick your egress spots. They’re are probably more than you know.
And never – NEVER – hesitate during drills or other situations. Your motto is GTFO and away to safety.
Maybe they’re feeling vulnerable to shifts in swing states. We may be entering a time/ situation where their diverse spread is not strong enough.
Every election, Texas gets a little bit bluer. In 20 years, I expect Republicans to be encouraging electoral college reform.
You’ll probably be dead by then (you’re old, right? otherwise, I guess that’s just a threat), but I hope I can hang on long enough to say “We’Re A rEpUbLiC nOt A dEmOcRaCy”
@just nutha: Obviously, I’m thinking 20 years is optimistic for your EC reform measure. The problem may occur to them in a couple of decades, the solution will take at least 20 more years of Congressional fighting with Democrats not willing to give up an advantage. 🙁
This is a test, it is only a test. I stayed happy bingeing Wolf Hall on PBS Passport. Not really historically accurate but pretty darned good acting all around
I estimate the most risk is while walking down the stairs, given the area of town we’re in and the building has never been damaged in a quake. So, I can always just stay at my desk, which is away from objects that may fall or topple. I can also just go down stairs regardless.
@Kathy: Staying at your desk is probably no more dangerous than going down the stairs–until the floor buckles and gives way. But sure, six of one, half a dozen of the other. “You pays your money and takes your chances.”
@DrDaveT:
I’m presently listening to Let’s Dance, which has some really good music, and of course Stevie Ray Vaughan. Also enjoying mid-career Rush (please don’t tell anyone) and Erasure.
OTB is back! That’s what is bringing me joy this morning.
Well done guys,
Ehrmagerd, I’ve been so BORED!!! There was nothing to read! 😉
@Tony W: Man, no kidding!
BTW, if folks run into any problems, please let us know in this thread. We’ve had to ditch the previous “similar/popular” posts plugin. We’ll be adding that back later this week.
Also, if you are having problems commenting, try clearing your browser cache.
Wow. I was adrift for almost 24 whole hours. It was horrible. OK, Sarcasm off. Glad things went well, Matt and happy to be back.
Happy thing happening today: At 1 o-clock I am picking up my 2 youngest STL granddaughters for an overnighter. Fun will be had.
The seismic alert went off Friday at around 12:40 pm.
It turned out to be a false alarm, something about a mistake while prepping for the quake drill next month. I noticed something odd. at first I didn’t hear it or didn’t notice it. As some in the office began to head for the exit, they declared “seismic alert. everyone out.” I should have just grabbed my phone and evacuated. Instead, I said “I don’t hear anything,” and tried to listen for it.
I need to change this. I can listen for it while heading out as well as sitting at my desk.
I also noticed there are way too many people at corporate now for a rapid evacuation. I don’t think I can do anything about that.
So glad OTB is up and running. That brings me joy.
After nearly drowning in a tidal wave of MAGA hatred, Kyle Rittenhouse, having renounced his support for Trump over 2nd Amendment issues, has now decided that Trump is once again his man.
I am thankful for the FB cat videos that got me through the trauma of no OTB.
And as I always say: “It will be a great day when the Cubs beat the Cardinals!
Thang gawd. I was starting to get the shakes from OTB withdrawal.
@Mister Bluster: Thursday and Friday of last week.
Given that I’m getting Thanksgiving vibes, I’m thankful the crazy uncle hasn’t popped in yet.
As for any problems, I noticed there’s a page for “posts by Kylopod,” but it’s blank.
And of course, this post is a test; as I’m writing this, I don’t know for sure if it’ll go through or not. If you’re seeing it, it has.
In seriousness, I give thanks to all the OTB hosts who work hard to keep this place afloat and make it a pleasant place to be. This has not been the case on every political forum I visit.
Welcome back. A couple of things that bring me joy. First, our unofficially adopted grandkids. They are just so happy kids. We play with them dressing me up like their favorite cartoon characters or hide and go seek or nonsense games. Continue teaching them to cook. Friday night they helped me make flatbread and then we baked chocolate chip bar cookies, really kind of half chocolate chip brownies and half cookies. Let them eat them before completely cooled and their faces were covered with melty chocolate.
Second, love finding good articles that covered complicated issues in depth with an emphasis on history, explaining how we got where we are now. The one at link is on federal student loans. Of note is that the current student loan problems/crisis is just one of several times this has happened going back to the initial GI bill in the 40s. At the risk of being reductive the article emphasizes that a big part of the recurring issue is that for profit entities keep popping up and they lead to lots offload defaults as their students either never graduate or unable to find jobs. People support the for profits with the idea they will provide competition but almost all of their money comes from the government. Lots of statistics.
https://pubs.aeaweb.org/doi/pdfplus/10.1257/jep.38.3.209
Steve
@Joe:..Thursday and Friday of last week.
Wrigley Field
First pitch 6:10 pm today. B there or B square!
I believe it is on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball.
Bringing me joy: Doug Helvering‘s latest “what album should I react to?” poll lists the following:
I can’t lose.
Also, after I posted my message above, even though I selected the option to subscribe to the thread for all new comments, I did not receive an email confirming the subscription, and I have not been emailed later posts to the thread.
Thanks for all the work, Matt,
Don’t see an EDIT key. Now I will have to proofread my prose 15 times instead of 10 to detect errors.
Hopefully when it returns the EDIT function will be available till the end of the day instead of a measly 15 minutes.
@Kylopod: Where do you see that “Posts by…” link? And are you logged in?
@MarkedMan:
Nope. I found it via Google.
https://outsidethebeltway.com/author/kylopod/
And when I tried it with your name, all it shows is a single post from 2023:
https://outsidethebeltway.com/author/MarkedMan/
I think I’ve figured it out now. These pages aren’t showing comments by the user, they’re showing actual OTB posts.
@Kathy:
Kathy,
I remember the 1985 earthquake that hit Mexico City. A co- worker Dawn who had just gotten married and she and her husband were on their honeymoon in MX when it happened. She had some stories I’ve long forgotten.
Dawn went through another earthquake about a year later. She found out her husband was having an affair.
Personally I experienced two minor earthquakes while in the Philippines.
@Kylopod:
Ooh interesting. I will have to look into that.
BTW, thank you also for sharing that post by MarkedMan. I had missed it at the time and I look forward to reading it at some point.
[Edit: I just realized that MM’s back and forth is with Matt [No Bernius] which is why I don’t remember that conversation!]
@Bill Jempty:
I was out of the country when it happened, and didn’t return for a few months.
I’ve been trying to practice mindfulness by stoping before I start a new task, no matter how mundane, and noticing what it is I’m about to do. I still suck at remembering to actually do this, but, when I do, it has lead to numerous moments of gratitude for small things, like clean spoons in the silverware drawer just a few minutes ago.
Also OTB
@Kylopod: Got it. Have to admit that I re-read that top-level post I made with trepidation, and am relieved it held up pretty well. I think I did one other when I was still living in China, about the passive aggressive nature of Chinese social control. That one didn’t generate much reaction, but it felt good to at least shout my observations to the wind, if no one else.
@Bill Jempty:
Did that come out the way you intended? 😉
I was just sorry that so many people were unable to read my daily extrusions of insight and analysis.
What makes me happy? Kamala makes me hopeful, which is kind of like happy, but with the possibility of later despair. But in general I follow the astronaut mantra, ‘maintain an even strain.’ I avoid emotional Everests and Death Valleys. My emotional range extends from ‘annoyed’ to ‘not annoyed.’
@OzarkHillbilly: ENJOY!!!
@CSK: This could turn positive if MAGAts are in “every vote not for Trump is a vote for Harris” mode. That’s not always been the case up to now.
@just nutha:
I’m not sure I know what you mean.
Q: Why did the Minbari cross the road:
A1: To surrender to the other side.
A2: Understanding is not necessary. Only obedience.
@CSK: Conservatives, or what passes for them contemporarily, imagine themselves to be the majority but never have been. They’ve gotten by out of being a large enough minority diverse enough to prevail in the electoral college. Maybe they’re feeling vulnerable to shifts in swing states. We may be entering a time/ situation where their diverse spread is not strong enough. We’ve always known that when liberals stay home, they lose. It’s always been true for conservatives, too, only they’re not inclined to. If they’re feeling erosion of their support, that’s significant.
@Matt Bernius:
You apparently learned nothing from CrowdStrike and deployed on a Friday! ;P
@steve: sounds like you guys had a ball. Thanks for the reading recommendation.
@Kathy:
Yes, you can, Kathy. I was stationed aboard the carrier Constellation in ’84. I found four ways to get off the ship in an emergency abandon ship scenario, three to the hangar deck and one to the flight deck. I could do them blindfolded. Just take some time to canvass the building and pick your egress spots. They’re are probably more than you know.
And never – NEVER – hesitate during drills or other situations. Your motto is GTFO and away to safety.
@MarkedMan: No it didn’t.
When I’m writing, I hate interruptions. It disrupts my train of thought. Dear Wife was talking to me about lunch and I got distracted.
The difference between OTB comments and writing my books, is I can always go back and fix the latter.
@DeD:
*there are@DeD:
@just nutha:
I think it’s probably more likely that they were enraged at Rittenhouse for dissing their god Trump.
@CSK:
Rather than worrying about an erosion of support.
No edit function.
@Kathy:
Try to become your floors safety czar, or whatever they call the person who leads the drills. Teach everyone that the longer exit route is better.
In an actual emergency the shorter path will not be as crowded. You may save a life (yours).
@just nutha:
Every election, Texas gets a little bit bluer. In 20 years, I expect Republicans to be encouraging electoral college reform.
You’ll probably be dead by then (you’re old, right? otherwise, I guess that’s just a threat), but I hope I can hang on long enough to say “We’Re A rEpUbLiC nOt A dEmOcRaCy”
@Gustopher: I suspect we’ll both be dead by then. After all, you’re, what, about 25…30 years younger than me?
@just nutha: Obviously, I’m thinking 20 years is optimistic for your EC reform measure. The problem may occur to them in a couple of decades, the solution will take at least 20 more years of Congressional fighting with Democrats not willing to give up an advantage. 🙁
@Stormy Dragon:
I actually made a joke about that on Friday. That clearly was tempting fate.
This is a test, it is only a test. I stayed happy bingeing Wolf Hall on PBS Passport. Not really historically accurate but pretty darned good acting all around
@DeD:
I estimate the most risk is while walking down the stairs, given the area of town we’re in and the building has never been damaged in a quake. So, I can always just stay at my desk, which is away from objects that may fall or topple. I can also just go down stairs regardless.
What I can’t do is make others evacuate faster.
@Gustopher:
Hell no. There is a “civil protection” brigade of sorts, with two people in every department. I worked hard to avoid being in it.
Besides, there’s just one route: down the stairs and out the door.
@Kathy: Staying at your desk is probably no more dangerous than going down the stairs–until the floor buckles and gives way. But sure, six of one, half a dozen of the other. “You pays your money and takes your chances.”
@DrDaveT:
I’m presently listening to Let’s Dance, which has some really good music, and of course Stevie Ray Vaughan. Also enjoying mid-career Rush (please don’t tell anyone) and Erasure.
All the PE games/issues with examples
Intel has taken management lessons from Boeing and Wall Street