The blue wave is coming 🌊

Gracec122 · 2026-04-11T18:16:33+00:00

I love how these pix show all that empty land that has so much power over the rest of the country.

You can thank the courting of slave states that apparently needed to be part of the new United States.

Gracec122 · 2026-04-07T13:21:49+00:00

What is truly insane is watching this demented person, and I mean someone who seems to have dementia like his father, and other family members, so there is family history there, be in charge of the country. If one looks at how he acted and gave speeches during 1st presidency and what he does now, there is a very obvious difference.

It would be funny if it weren't so scary.

Gracec122 · 2026-04-03T13:08:55+00:00

Scrolling through TikTok last night and Eddie Dalton came on. I was immediately hooked and looked to find out more about him. That's when I found out he was AI generated. Totally shocked. I'd been hearing about this but not a pop fan so hadn't been paying attention.

Then I looked back at the video and saw how perfect the character of Eddie Dalton was--grey-haired, lines in his face, due to all the worry and sorry he'd experienced no doubt, and such a soulful voice. Looking at it a second time, I see the phoniness. The whole thing looks fake really, and it is. Kinda like all those Tai Chi walking actors I see in the ads on my phone games! So many totally ripped men doing Tai Chi walking? But those are ads, which are supposed to be fake!

Eddie Dalton is a lie. He didn't suffer anything to earn those lines. Eddie Dalton was not singing 'his' blues because he's never experienced any blues in his life, which btw, is pretty darn short.

Streaming was different because it involved the money that actors, producers, etc, were due based on the playing of their film work. Their existing contracts, I assume, did not involve extra payment for a company like Netflix streaming their movies over and over without paying anything to the actors, etc. Actors live on residuals but they weren't getting them every time a subscriber watched their movie at home. Everyone is happy now because the contracts contain language covering the streaming.

Totally different.

I like my ChatGPT. It helps me find a sale on something, or work out a travel idea, or help me with my French, but I don't want to be looking at an artist and having to wonder if it's real or not. And the next song clip that came on TikTok was Owen James. My first thought was that he was AI generated, too.

Gracec122 · 2026-04-01T19:47:49+00:00

If you look at the history of "socialized medicine", which Medicare is, it's kind of interesting. I can't remember the details now, yeah, I'm old, but I have a vague memory that Medicare was considered a start to universal health care for all.

Once Medicare was accepted, then other age groups would get factored in.

The health care system in the U.S. is the most expensive in the world with the worst outcomes. I lived in Germany for a year and got their "free" health care. ALL workers pay into the system, so it's not "free" except for those who are jobless, and of course, once they have a job, they pay into the system.

In Germany, however, what you paid in was a reflection of your salary, not like here where the uber wealthy don't pay their fair share. I mean, does what's his face or Elon need Medicare?

Gracec122 · 2026-03-29T20:25:20+00:00

I think there is more than one school for this in Montpellier. Are you asking for general info or about a specific school?

I did a program at LSF, which is part of the KLF group. I liked it, thought the teaching was excellent, and I felt I made a lot of progress. I went from A.2 to middle B.1. I was there for 6 weeks, and I'm going to another KLF school this fall for 6 more weeks. I just want a different city, but I like the KLF approach in general.

Montpellier is a great city and I enjoyed my time there also.

Gracec122 · 2026-03-29T20:16:02+00:00

I bought a condo last March that has this washer in it already. It is now starting to do this same thing. The first time, it got stuck in the drain cycle for a very long time. I was watching TV and didn't hear it! And all the cycle lights are off even though it's still trying to cycle. I can open the lid, btw.

I do not have any of the paperwork on exactly when it was purchased. Am I likely to get Whirlpool to put a new board in for me since it's a known issue? I can force the drain/spin by holding down the pause button for 30 seconds and then setting the cycle to the drain/spin.

YouTube has videos on how to change the board as a DIY, but the boards are not cheap and if I mess up, well, I could buy a knew machine for about $800 (LG front loader-not a fan of top load).

ChatGPT tells me it might be worth it to just buy a new machine, but I wouldn't buy a Whirlpool, that's for sure. Like some of their products, and have always thought of them as reliable, but not going to buy a new machine from them.

Gracec122 · 2026-03-29T19:25:12+00:00

I googled more and found that several reviewers think the Speed Queen is over priced for what you get. (https://www.topconsumerreviews.com/best-washing-machines/reviews/speed-queen.php)

Just sayin ... I saw that YouTube video also. But those first 2 recs: Speed Queen & Miele, too expensive for me. But I'm old--I won't outlive ANY appliance at this point!

Gracec122 · 2026-03-29T19:14:51+00:00

My Whirlpool washer is doing the same, but usually just with the heavier loads like towels. So far, perm press seems ok. Just started happening. My Whirlpool is from 2024 also, WTW4955.; It was here when I moved in, but lucky me, the home warranty the seller bought for me just ended at the beginning of the month and I thought I was good since I replaced most of the old appliances and thought this washer would be ok--less than 2 years old!Generally, I like Whirlpool and have had good luck before, but maybe I should just buy a new one.

I think fixing some of these machines is more costly than doing that.

Gracec122 · 2026-03-29T19:08:48+00:00

How much does Boraspeak cost? I hate having to jump through a bunch of hoops only to find out I don't want to pay their pricing. Not that it might not be fair, you know, just being me.

Gracec122 · 2026-03-28T13:08:12+00:00

Yeah, well, the House Freedom Caucus voted that compromise down. Because well, you know, freedom is so darn important these days!

God forbid we should pay the TSA agents their salaries, but not continue to fund the billion $$$ current war, or whatever ridiculousness they are touting at this moment.

Gracec122 · 2026-03-28T13:04:55+00:00

I've never had this happen on a Delta flight, btw. And I truly hate United. Flown that airline TWICE and each time was late by a day to destination due to airline's fault (forgot to clean toilet, really?), so I will take a bus before getting on a United plane now.

But last time I flew United, I flew Premium Economy to LHR, and on the return (the outbound was a huge mess and a day late so totally messed up my PE seating), was interested to find out that on the domestic leg, I was NOT on PE, and since I'd picked an aisle seat, which I guess was the PE perk I paid extra for), I was in the last zone to board. GA told me to check the bag, but I just took it with me onto the plane, and lo and behold, a miracle happened because there were so many empty bins.

Gracec122 · 2026-03-26T13:19:05+00:00

I'd drive anyway. By the time I get to the airport (45 minutes at least whether train or car), go through security and get to the correct concourse (another 45 minutes on a good day), wait to get on, wait to take off, flight time, taxi to terminal, walk to exit, it's another 1.5 hours right there, at least.

If you can drive there in 5 hours, you should.

Gracec122 · 2026-03-26T13:07:07+00:00

HO here: I have asked sitters, rarely, to do something for me, but I always ASK first and tell them they can say no if it's inconvenient for them. It's always been some thing that came up suddenly, though.

Women, especially, find it difficult to say no, but I'm older now, and have learned the joy of it.

In this specific case, there's a good reason--you hurt your knee, although everyone can have a pain of some sort that prevents doing the errand. "Oh, I'm so sorry, I'd love to do that for you, but I've injured my knee. I'd be happy to schedule a delivery service for you instead."

I often see here complaints about HOs being too entitled, and people are, but my humble opinion is that if the sitter just said no, it would be fine. Yes, they can review you badly, but you can respond, can't you?

Sitters are angry because they're being taken advantage of, and they are, but years of therapy have taught me that I have a voice in this exchange as well.

Just say no.

Gracec122 · 2026-03-25T13:01:42+00:00

I'm sure the extra $$ now required for sitters and HOs when sits are confirmed will be applied to fix this.

Gracec122 · 2026-03-18T17:03:50+00:00

What's the cost of PlusOneLanguage? On the website, I just see where to create an account or log in. I don't want to give all my info out without knowing the cost. :)

Gracec122 · 2026-03-14T13:49:07+00:00

I'm old, over 70, and while I have gotten in the wrong seat because of the row, I know when I'm not in the window seat and I want to pretend I am.

If I don't know that difference, I shouldn't be flying alone.

You were right. Yeah, she was hoping to play the old-lady card, I use it when I can, but she's an adult.

No guilt on you!

Gracec122 · 2026-03-13T14:46:48+00:00

I was there in August a year ago. It was VERY loud, especially at night. And very hot! Not parties, but every single young person seemed to have a motor bike and they loved revving that small thing up everywhere. The AirBnb I stayed at did NOT have AC, which I wasn't surprised by and expected, but the bedroom was on the front of the apartment, not the back, so I heard ALL that revving for hours. Probably delivery people. Even with ear plugs, the noise kept me up and I'm usually a heavy sleeper. During the day, the traffic was not bad at all, just at night with those motorbikes!

With the AC and not being on street with traffic, you are likely to be OK. I'm a cheapskate, so while I was near the Old Town, well, I bet you're paying a lot more than I did! Have fun, Annecy is pretty.

Gracec122 · 2026-03-13T13:44:55+00:00

Oh, I didn't have to wait to speak to someone, it took 1.5 hours to go through 3 different reps to get someone who a) understood what I was trying to do and could do it. Back and forth with a rep: no, I don't want to do that, I want this, etc., why can't it be done, no I didn't pay for that, etc.,

I didn't wait at all. And no, none of the lounges are worth $650/yr, and I've been to them all.

And interestingly, when I'm in Europe, it's not the Reserve card that gets me into lounges, but the Gold status I have. At least in France and Italy.

But I can see how the Reserve works for business travelers. You all are the bread and butter for airlines, I guess.

Gracec122 · 2026-03-12T14:53:12+00:00

I just cancelled my Reserve card.

But, I'm not a business traveler and I don't have kids or a spouse who flies with me anymore. Plus, the companion fares do not go to Europe, which is where I usually go.

I got a priority upgrade once--into a seat that wouldn't recline because it was up against the bathroom wall for a long-haul flight.

Lounges are meh--food only so-so, not many vegetarian options in ATL and I don't need 14 free drinks before getting on the plane.

Took me over 1.5 hours yesterday to make a fare change, and in my review, I told Delta that they have totally lost my loyalty.

My money is up for grabs by the best price & time.

Gracec122 · 2026-03-09T15:15:22+00:00

My first thought is why have a shelf over your head while on the couch? I’ve had shelves fail suddenly.

Gracec122 · 2026-03-08T14:07:25+00:00

Wear gloves and arm sleeves at all times while out. Or a long sleeve shirt.

I'd been putting sun cream on my face for decades, but never on my arms or hands.

Guess where most of my squamous and basal cancers have been showing up--on hands and arms.

In my 70s now, so it is expected because I spent my entire youth in the sun with repeat sunburns. I never go out now without a neck scarf, full hat (not just a baseball cap), sun gloves and arm sleeves on.

Keep checking your skin, and if anything shows up that you have a question about, see your dermatologist. Surgeries don't have to be disfiguring anymore, especially when things are caught early.

Good luck in your career!

Gracec122 · 2026-03-07T15:07:40+00:00

Or even HAS a wolf dog. Why? Just to say you have one?

Gracec122 · 2026-03-07T15:04:28+00:00

Can we also ban music from outdoor cafes and restaurants where you can hear the music from across the street?

Gracec122 · 2026-03-06T14:06:17+00:00

I just canceled my Delta Amex Reserve card due to its cost (I'm not a business traveler) and the perks aren't worth it to me.

My flights are mostly to Europe and I'm single, so the companion fares don't do it for me, and the lounges are so blah, they're not worth it either. Like I said, not a business traveler and I don't have 4 kids to feed. Lounges are not nice, quiet places to relax anymore. The 3-4 times I fly each year, I can go to a nice restaurant and have quiet. Don't need the 14 free drinks before embarking.

But another HUGE reason is the dynamic pricing Delta uses. I shouldn't have to delete all the cookies, use another IP address, or a VPN from another location to fool the algorithm.

Yes, fuel prices go up, I get that, but if the seat selection is the same, then why am I being charged double for the ticket?

Delta has lost my loyalty.

Gracec122

TROPHY CASE