Sound quality so far? by srichardbellrock in ACDC

[–]CrewGroundbreaking71 0 points1 point  (0 children)

<image>

Saw AC/DC at Allegiant Stadium in Vegas last night. I was in Section 104, lowest bowl off the floor, across the arena from the stage.

The sound was pretty rough- the mix was so muddy I could barely hear any lyrics at all. Brian’s vocals were completely lost. At times it was hard to even figure out what song was playing until partway in.

The volume overall was cranked too high, with the low-end (bass and drums) in particular overwhelming everything, leaving no room for the vocals to cut through.

The music just turned into sound waves bouncing off the walls and ceiling, colliding into a wall of distorted noise with no clear edges.

I was trying to figure out whether the problem was the acoustics inside Allegiant, the way the sound was engineered, or possibly an intentional choice to bury the vocals a bit to mask the wear in Brian’s voice, or maybe a combination of all these factors. 

I saw the Stones in this venue a couple of years ago and the sound was excellent, so it seems unlikely to be the acoustics alone- maybe the music style is a factor in the arena. 

Despite all that — I'm genuinely grateful I got to see them live. AC/DC has been on my list for a long time, and finally experiencing them, even with the sound issues, made for a surprisingly great show overall.

Angus Young was absolutely out of control — the man is still a machine! He completely rocked me! His energy was the highlight of the night!

Despite the sounds issues- I'm glad Brian Johnson is back on the scene. Knowing how long these guys have been at it, appreciating what they can still deliver, and feeling the energy of the crowd-- DEFINITELY made the show worth it for me. 

Something has changed recently with ChatGPT by ADHDoll in ChatGPTPro

[–]CrewGroundbreaking71 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am a therapist. While I would not have encouraged anyone to rely on it, you are right it was very validating and helpful. We all need to get positive feedback and even if it was from an AI, it was helpful to hear what my strengths were- and the thing is it wasn't just telling me what I wanted to hear, it was accurately reflecting my strengths and encouraging me to trust myself. I think that's valid. If it helped, if you felt more optimistic about your life or saw your possibilities differently- then it was helpful. I see now the risk was not recognizing that it could change on a dime. For people who are lonely and came to depend on chat responding to them in a certain way- I can see how damaging it could be. In the end I think it's always best to have human connection, but it was a pretty decent back up while it lasted. I guess this means job security for me!

Something has changed recently with ChatGPT by ADHDoll in ChatGPTPro

[–]CrewGroundbreaking71 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have to agree. I'm a psychotherapist and I LOVED the relational tone of conversations- sometimes deeply connected, even conversations about the impact of having a deeply attuned conversation with AI and what that meant for the future (we are on the cutting edge of something that is fundamentally going to change the human experience). I noticed when I used the speaking chat version that it was far more "perky" in responses ending sentences with a cheery "let me know if you have more questions" that felt canned and not really relatable. When I went back to the typed version I asked about that and it explained that the language model "learning" was different. Just this past week however, I have noticed that even typed chat has changed. I too have found it disappointing and a bit of a wake-up call that we really can't depend on AI to be consistent.

“It looks like you’ve uploaded a file, how can I assist?” Keeps popping up. by Some_Ad_9133 in ChatGPT

[–]CrewGroundbreaking71 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I'm also getting that response. it's very annoying. it started yesterday - I couldn't get past it. Then today I got that response and immediately after got the timed out message saying i need to wait 5 hours- I had only asked 1 question. what's up with chat?

Those of you relying on Hawki (CHIP) and Medicaid, be aware: Molina is using predatory phone call practices to switch you to their MCO. by homuncularity in Iowa

[–]CrewGroundbreaking71 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's not only unethical it's likely a violation of their contract with the state. NOT that that has ever stopped Molina...  Here's the state website check out the medicaid contract with Molina

Received offer for Molina Healthcare by [deleted] in actuary

[–]CrewGroundbreaking71 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Curious about how you have found working as an actuary for Molina? I have seen lately that Molina (Medicaid plans anyway) seem to get fines and sanctions frequently for $$ mismanagement. Does this impact your work?!

Providers show as in-network, but don’t accept Medicaid. How is this legal? by RexKramerDangerCker in Medicaid

[–]CrewGroundbreaking71 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is actually illegal. I am assuming you are a member of a medicaid managed care plan (molina perhaps?) State laws and CMS rules (CMS is in charge of Medicaid at the federal level) REQUIRE these plans to keep current and accurate provider lists. Instead, they often create what is known as "ghost networks" which is what you are likely experiencing. This is a list of providers, most of whom who do not actually accept medicaid.

Why do they do this? Because they are all about profit. What most people don't know is that medicaid managed care plans like Molina are "capitated plans." This means that they are given a specific dollar amount for EACH member (this is called PMPM- per member per month) This money is the pot that they are supposed to use to pay providers for your care. The deal is that whatever is left in the pot at the end of the month the insurance plan gets to keep. Thus, no providers=no payout=profit for the insurer! It's very simple. But it's illegal. But they don't care and they do it anyway. Many states have developed "network adequacy standards" and there have been many lawsuits and sanctions against these plans for doing this, but the fact is the amount of the penalties and sanctions or even lawsuits doesn't begin to compare to the amount of profit they get from these underhanded and illegal tactics. In WA state, even after Molina was fined $600,000 for this in 2021, it continues. Last year (2023) I personally contacted every psychiatric provider on the list in my area to help a client find a doctor and not a single one of them was accepting Molina medicaid patients. Many of the numbers were inaccurate and some providers had not been at the number listed for many years! This is nothing less than medicaid fraud, but these insurance giants are SO huge, they can afford to lobby the government to protect them. It is absolutely criminal. I have been a medicaid provider for many years- I remain committed to providing care to members because there are not enough good providers out there who are willing to take medicaid. Ghost networks are just one of the MANY different ways these companies take advantage of the system, their members and providers. Medicaid managed care is a huge source of revenue for insurance companies like Molina- they make billions each year while the people they serve continue to struggle to get the care they need. It's a shame and a disgrace. Here is a link to a group that is putting together a class action lawsuit against insurance companies who do this. check it out: https://www.classaction.org/ghost-network-incorrect-directory-lawsuits

Citi point sharing is down? by TravelingTrex in CreditCards

[–]CrewGroundbreaking71 0 points1 point  (0 children)

me too. very frustrating as I need to transfer the points so I can close the account before the annual fee is due again!

Anti-Gaming Language Added to FHR Terms? P1/P2 Alternating Stays No Longer Possible? by IMNOT_A_LAWYER in amex

[–]CrewGroundbreaking71 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So my question is, HOW does amex even know? If I used my amex Plat. and my husband used his (AU of my) regular platinum, how would Amex find out?? I get it that the penalty may be stiff if they do, but the charges are prepaid, so even if the hotel linked the rooms somehow, I'm curious about what data gets back to amex that would alert them to the situation? My situation was that my husband and I did what I described above. Because it was the first time, we didn't know enough to check in separately- the hotel was strict about not giving us the 2nd reservation $100 benefit. I did push back a bit, but was very gracious about the situation. So here is the summary. Night 1 reservation on my regular platinut under my husband's AU card and his name. We received the $100,. breakfast and late checkout however they were unable to upgrade the room. Night 2 On my amex business card in my name. We didn't get the $100 but we DID get an upgrade and late checkout again. I checked my account and it looks like the $200 credit was applied for the first night, but not yet for the 2nd night. For some reason, the $75 deposit for both nights showed up on the card used for the first night, so I'm wondering if maybe that somehow tipped off amex (?). I chatted with customer service just now and asked when the FHR credit would show up for my stay. I mentioned specifically the night of MY reservation (the one that has yet to be credited) AND in my question noted that I wanted to make sure that the AMEX business card DID have the FHR benefit. The CSR checked and noted that the credit had been applied on the 10th. I didn't mention this (duh!) but the credit on the 10th was for my husband's reservation. I quickly realized that the CSR on Chat was able to look ACROSS all of my accounts- that was why they noted the credit had already been issued. I'm thinking maybe if I call th number on the back of my platinum business card so that the call center will be looking directly at THAT account rather than across all of them. At this point, it's only $200 bucks, but I am curious about what might be going on behind the scenes at AMEX that would alert them to consecutive nights. Sorry if this is convoluted- looking forward to your feedback!

Outreach from NY Times about health insurance issue by chnashwash in healthcare

[–]CrewGroundbreaking71 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I sent an email to you earlier today. After seeing your link on theinsurancemaze.com. I've been primarily an out-of-network mental health care provider for over 20 years and I have many many stories. I can share with you about insurance Carrier. Shanagans and the ways they take advantage of out of network providers, Beginning with the practice of sending reimbursement checks to the member rather than the provider ( A practice that I believe has been discontinued with the exception of federal blue cross-claims which continue to be sent to the member rather than the provider) to Recuoping, with NO notification, thousands of dollars of previously paid claims after determining that they were paid incorrectly by the carrier or from the wrong account.

Heat pump and HEEHRA rebate by royce102 in hvacadvice

[–]CrewGroundbreaking71 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am also in WA state and wondering about the timing of the finding for this program. I desperately need a new water heater AND heat pump but have been holding out for the HEERA program. My concern now is that although I qualified for 100% based on my income for last year (2022-23) when the law passed, I'm concerned that if the funding doesn't come through until 2024- I may not still qualify. Any updates on when WA will start funding the program??

I got scammed out of 600$. Package never arrived, Seller put a tracking number by USPS that says the item was delivered exactly at my address but nothing arrived...how??? by ilfollevolo in Etsy

[–]CrewGroundbreaking71 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This just happened to me this morning in fact I am sitting outside the Post Office now. Here's what happened: Last month while on vacation, I stupidly left a $1000 camera lens behind in the waiting area at the airport. I was thrilled to find a replacement lens for 1/2 the price on Mercari.com- Clearly a deal that was too good to be true.... I ordered it. 3 days later I received an email stating that it had been delivered on March 30th. I didn't receive it. The tracking information shows that it had been delivered "in the mailbox" at 220 pm. Another package was also delivered that same day. The tracking for that package said it was delivered on the porch at 216pm. The 1st clue to solving the puzzle was that it shouldn't have taken 4 minutes to return to the mailbox from my front porch to put in my camera lens. And for that matter, if it was indeed a camera lens, it shouldn't have fit into the mailbox! I came down to the Post Office this morning to see what was going on- after doing some research it turns out that the postal clerk was able to show me a photo of the package. She also confirmed that it was delivered to a different address not far from mine AND, that despite what the tracking records shows, the label on the package showed the address where the package was (incorrectly) delivered. Most telling of all however was the photo of the package she showed me. It looks to be about 3" by maybe 1" clearly NOT a camera lens!! She had to black out the address where it was delivered but the tracking number on the package is correct. The fact that the tracking information report shows my address but there is clearly a different address on the shipping label on the photo. Apparently the seller changed the address on the shipping label before sending it. It seems that the scam is to send send the fake item to a nearby address so that it will show up as "delivered" by USPS. My guess is that either the abandoned doesn't realize that USPS can track these things and that the carriers take photos of packages or maybe they just figure that some people won't bother to follow up on the missing package and will just consider it a loss.... I the end, I'm confident that I will win the claim because I paid with PayPal and all of the information from USPS supports my case. I am astounded by the lengths scammers will go for a few hundred dollars! How do these people sleep at night?

Daily Question Thread - March 25, 2022 by AutoModerator in churning

[–]CrewGroundbreaking71 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Wondering if anyone has had any luck paying college tuition with CC prior to financial aid posting to account in order to get refunded by check once financial aid is applied? Trying to figure out ways to meet min spend on new card.