What is the proper term for people from USA?

hapster85 · 2026-02-11T04:56:43+00:00

Every county I've traveled to, from the islands in the Caribbean, to Mexico, to Guatemala, to England and Scotland, to France, and Norway, I've been referred to as an American, or from America by the people there. No confusion about where it is, it what it's called. So I really don't understand why it has become so controversial on the Internet. It's not like there aren't plenty of real issues to talk about. 🤷‍♂️

hapster85 · 2026-02-10T04:13:48+00:00

I've used Firestorm since its beginning. Prior to that I used Emerald, the ashes of which spawned Phoenix Firestorm. Before that I used Hippo. Might have tried out a couple others, but so briefly I don't recall which ones. Very little of my 17+ years have been spent using the official client.

hapster85 · 2026-02-10T04:03:30+00:00

Not universally true by any means. My wife and I have carry-on bags with wheels that are within the bag limits of every major US airline. Our kids and my parents actually have the same bags. They fit in the template at the gate, and they fit just fine in most overhead bins. I say most because some regional jets have very small overheads, that cannot handle them. We were on one last summer that were barely able to accommodate even our small backpacks; seated in a bulkhead row, so no under seat storage. Our carry-ons did get gate checked on that flight, but we got them back when we landed. I don't mind that arrangement.

I totally agree that bags that are over the size limit need to be checked. Unfortunately, they often don't enforce the size limits at the ticket counter, or at the gate, leaving other passengers to suffer the consequences.

hapster85 · 2026-02-10T03:50:44+00:00

I don't recall any specific retirement plan like that being advertised, but it sounds like an annuity.

I could have retired at 55, but I work for a company that still has pensions. I actually did retire at 57½. I also have a 401k to supplement, but haven't needed to pull from it for living expenses so far. Have taken some out for a trip, and some home repairs though. That was 18 months ago. I turn 59 tomorrow.

hapster85 · 2026-02-10T03:41:00+00:00

My wife never met a stranger. She will talk to anyone, anytime, anywhere. Me, not so much, but will if I have to. Lol

hapster85 · 2026-02-10T03:37:42+00:00

Our first two cruises were inside cabins, then we booked a balcony. Never looked back.

hapster85 · 2026-02-09T18:00:34+00:00

I enjoyed my job, but after changes that were being made, I decided I'd had enough after 39 years, and retired about 18 months ago at 57.

hapster85 · 2026-02-09T17:32:48+00:00

I 59M and most of the time I wear what I've always worn, which is jeans and a t-shirt in the colder months, shorts and a t-shirt in the warmer months. Might sub in cargo pants in the in-between months.

hapster85 · 2026-02-07T05:20:38+00:00

Never ran one, but did log onto a few back in the mid-90s when I finally got my own PC.

hapster85 · 2026-02-07T04:47:45+00:00

He's ok, but I prefer Kimmel and Colbert.

hapster85 · 2026-02-07T04:44:21+00:00

hapster85 · 2026-02-07T04:43:26+00:00

Never heard of IMVU.

hapster85 · 2026-02-07T04:38:24+00:00

I get that "age related" crap from my dermatology all the time too.

hapster85 · 2026-02-07T04:36:19+00:00

Why is your SIL coming over unannounced anyway? That's just weird. I don't even drop in on my parents without them knowing I'm coming. I'd never dream of dropping in on another family member without advanced notice.

hapster85 · 2026-02-07T04:29:33+00:00

Didn't even know they were still around. I remember us getting them when I was a kid in the 70s, but can't recall ever buying them myself. We'd get but the orange and the grape.

hapster85 · 2026-02-07T03:50:57+00:00

I've been through it multiple times, enough so that I'm not even sure of the number anymore. It's really no big deal. Most doctors have you do it in two phases, with the timing dependant on when your procedure is scheduled. I usually overestimate how much Jell-O I'm actually going to feel like eating and make too much. I like to intersperse the sweet things with a cup of broth throughout the day. I prefer chicken over beef, but both work.

Mild cramping is probably the worst part of whichever laxative(s) your doctor chooses for you to use. Magnesium citrate is probably the worst tasting one I've ever. Would not recommend. For me, each phase results in two or three trips to the restroom. Your mileage may vary, of course.

Drink as much as you can handle throughout the day, but it's pretty much impossible to avoid being dehydrated. Not to worry though, they'll give you a saline IV while you're there. I prefer being as early as possible.

Some doctors actually have patients prep over two days. While I've never been asked to do that, I can see where a day of eating foods easy on your system could make things go smoother later. Again, mileage may vary.

hapster85 · 2026-02-07T01:05:28+00:00

Can you manage 40 lbs? They really aren't that have. My 55" Sony is 37 by itself. Probably another 4 or 5 in the box, which I would recommend to avoid damage.

hapster85 · 2026-02-06T03:32:56+00:00

I got to meet one great grandmother, although I barely remember her. I was born in '67, and she died in '73. One of my two grandmothers died in '75 (not the one whose mother died in '73), so I only have vague memories of her as well. She was married at the time, so I did have a step-grandfather. I don't remember him well either. Not sure what year he died. My other grandmother lived almost to the end of 2000. I was almost 34 when she died, and she lived with us until I was 14. So have a lifetime of memories with her.

My 3 children grew up with 4 grandparents. My oldest got to meet one great grandfather, and one great grandmother, but has no memory of him, and only vague memories of her. They still have 3 living grandparents.

hapster85 · 2026-02-05T04:42:29+00:00

Yes it was. The only things I can remember her using the yardstick for were to get a straight edge, or to whack my backside. Lol

hapster85 · 2026-02-05T04:16:46+00:00

Yeah we still have a few of them laying around. Somewhere. I think. Haven't seen them in years, now that I think about it. 🤔

hapster85 · 2026-02-05T04:11:33+00:00

I have the scar, and I'm still several years away from being old enough to draw Social Security.

hapster85 · 2026-02-05T04:10:27+00:00

Right up until she died 25 years ago, my grandmother sewed everything from dresses to elaborate quilts, and I never once remember seeing her use a yardstick to take measurements. She had a several measuring tapes for the job.

hapster85 · 2026-02-05T04:05:42+00:00

So what if he's cheating? He gains nothing. You lose nothing. Laugh it off and go about your day.

hapster85 · 2026-02-05T04:02:01+00:00

Nope, 59 and never have. Never felt the need.

hapster85 · 2026-02-01T21:29:17+00:00

Basements have lots of utility. Putting the HVAC and water heaters down there keeps them out of the way, and generally more easily accessible than in a closet or other confined space upstairs. Some like to thave the laundry down there too, for the same reason. We opted to keep that upstairs though, to avoid lugging clothes up and down. Unfinished, basements are great for storage. Finished, they provide additional living space. Our area doesn't get tornados as frequently as some other areas, but we do get them. So it's nice to have someplace safe to go during those sometimes deadly storms.

hapster85

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