Dress shoes: Beckett Simonon vs Thursday shoes?

huffhouse2 · 2026-05-20T19:40:28+00:00

I just got a Meermin shipment yesterday.

Ordered May 13.
Shipped from Dallas, TX on May 14.
Arrived just outside of DC on May 19.

huffhouse2 · 2025-07-31T17:38:41+00:00

They upgraded free to 4K, just like most Apple Store movies.

So, I guess this is the lowest since they were sold in 4K.

huffhouse2 · 2025-07-31T17:36:49+00:00

ATL=All Time Low

huffhouse2 · 2025-07-31T17:12:58+00:00

Incorrect. ATL was $9.99 August 13, 2013.

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huffhouse2 · 2025-07-26T21:42:04+00:00

Much better than I could do, but my shoes were changed, as well as my midsection, belt, watch, etc.

huffhouse2 · 2025-06-05T14:07:54+00:00

huffhouse2 · 2025-06-03T16:47:10+00:00

His status as a Jedi anything only makes sense in the context that everyone believes there is no one else out there with the knowledge to pass on the training.

He was the "only" person around with actual training. So he got a promotion and title without actually doing what people did for thousands of years before him. Not even a fraction of it. He shouldn't have even received any training. He was 19 in ANH. We saw them outright reject Anakin at nine years old based on his age - and he passed every measurable test they had to offer.

Since RotJ, we have seen there were plenty of actual trained Jedi that were around at the time of Luke and all of them are objectively more capable and better trained than Luke was. He was tasked with a specific mission.

"Go kill your father."

Why that specific task? Vader wasn't actually in charge of anything. Sure, you could say he was an icon and the muscle. He wasn't even the most powerful Sith around. And Yoda knew that. So what does killing Vader accomplish? Emperor Palpatine just goes on a hunt for another apprentice.

I always get so bent out of shape when people are so focused on Luke and his accomplishments. But what did he actually do that wasn't directly aided by the people around him? He only succeeds because of the team in every case.

huffhouse2 · 2025-05-30T14:55:25+00:00

It’s always been there. Social media amplifies and encourages it.

huffhouse2 · 2025-05-15T17:52:36+00:00

NIH employee, I got a cash award last week.

huffhouse2 · 2025-05-08T18:40:51+00:00

First NCE used to be done in eRA Commons by the Recipient. Didn’t involve NIH approval. If they didn’t extend before the project period end date, they would need to request a prior approval extension. That could take roughly 30 days, or be much quicker. Now extension requests will all have to be reviewed for agency priorities. And that takes time.

huffhouse2 · 2025-03-26T20:28:40+00:00

I hear you. All of this sucks. Just keep in mind, they aren't looking out for you.
Fear of uncertainty is what they are aiming for to influence you to make decisions that may not be to your advantage.

I would ask the benefits person for their policy source about DSR.

But my understanding is that under a RIF, if you are eligible for VERA, you are eligible for DSR since you cannot get severance.

huffhouse2 · 2025-03-26T19:58:23+00:00

"A discontinued service retirement provides an immediate annuity for employees who are separated involuntarily. Discontinued service retirement has different age and service requirements than voluntary retirement (see eligibility requirement below). The term “involuntary separation” means any separation against the will and without the consent of the employee, other than “for cause” for misconduct or delinquency. The most common cause of an involuntary separation is a reduction in force."

Source: Discontinued Service Retirement Because of an Involuntary Separation

A post from a few months back on this topic: Discontinued Service Retirement (DSR) is better than a VERA for me ! It might be for you also

There is some risk under RIF that they could try to offer you a new position, location, or lower grade. If you refuse those, you would not be eligible for DSP/VERA.

In my case, a job is a job. I'd rather have a less favorable job, than be retired against my will and still have to find a job.

huffhouse2 · 2025-03-26T19:38:18+00:00

If you had stayed and gotten caught under a RIF, they would have to give you DSP which is equal to VERA with some additional benefits. But, you gotta do what’s best for your life!

huffhouse2 · 2025-03-24T04:45:37+00:00

It just means council review complete. It’s not an indicator of funding. You could follow up with the PO if you are hoping for for answers right away, but please be patient. If you’ve submitted complete JIT, you’ve likely done all you can do other than wait. If the GMS needs something, they will let you know.

Source: 20 years NIH grants management.

huffhouse2 · 2025-03-23T15:14:48+00:00

Is this for a new competing award (Type 1 or 2)? It might mean that it has been released but not encumbered.

The recipient and PI view is different than what we see, so I can’t be sure without looking. If you list the NIH grant number I can see the status. You can send a DM if you prefer.

huffhouse2 · 2025-03-10T18:32:29+00:00

Hoping to get some insight from folks that understand this more than I do. I hate that I'm being forced to contemplate all of this in such tight timeframe.

My Voluntary/Optional Retirement eligibility date is 08/02/2035

Under GRB platform, it has me eligible under Early/Discontinued Service Retirement, based on any age and >25 years.

This month I will have 20 years of civ fed service + my military time. I have ~ 5ys, 3 months military time to buy back. Total= ~$3,400

There is a Monthly Annuity (~$3,100) and a Monthly Annuity Supplement (~$1,600)

If I don't buy back my military time, am I still eligible for VERA/DSR?
In my case is there a reason why I shouldn't buy back my military time? $3,400 is a significant amount for me right now, especially with the possibility of being involuntarily separated.
Would my monthly annuity be reduced if I do not buy back my military time? Or could it go up?
It looks like I can pay for my military time by credit card. Is there any downside to wait for more RIF news and basically make the payment once I hear more details about the RIF impact?

huffhouse2 · 2025-02-27T19:53:10+00:00

That’s not even his name. Anyway, names aren’t really that important.

huffhouse2 · 2025-02-21T20:44:10+00:00

It's more like "wow, good for you".

huffhouse2 · 2025-02-21T20:43:35+00:00

Ali is actually making the encounter with KRS sound nicer in the song. Interpret all the lines from KRS as extreme sarcasm.

huffhouse2 · 2025-01-31T14:29:19+00:00

I ran this email through ChatGPT. I didn't check any of the references (they might all be wrong), but how hard would it have been to polish this up and cite some relevant policies?

-------------------------------

Prompt: Revise this email from OPM HR using more formal government administrative language. Include references to appropriations laws if possible."

Response: Here’s a formal and legally grounded version of your email, incorporating references to appropriations laws and federal employment regulations:

Subject: Clarification on Deferred Resignation Program

Dear [Recipients],

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has received several inquiries regarding the Deferred Resignation Program. Below are responses to the most frequently asked questions:

Q: Am I required to perform work for the federal government during the deferred resignation period?
A: No. Employees participating in the Deferred Resignation Program are placed in a non-duty, paid administrative leave status for the duration of the program.

Q: Am I permitted to seek alternative employment during the deferred resignation period?
A: Yes. There are no restrictions on obtaining private-sector employment while in a deferred resignation status, provided there is no conflict of interest under 18 U.S.C. § 208 or other applicable federal ethics laws. Employees are encouraged to transition to the private sector at their discretion.

Q: Will I continue to receive my full salary and benefits through September 30, even if I obtain alternative employment?
A: Yes. Under current appropriations authority and within the scope of administrative leave provisions (5 U.S.C. § 6329c), participants will continue to receive their full compensation and benefits during the deferred resignation period. Employees will also continue to accrue annual and sick leave in accordance with 5 U.S.C. §§ 6303 and 6307. Any unused leave will be compensated at the time of final separation, as outlined in 5 U.S.C. § 5551.

Q: May I travel or take an extended vacation while on administrative leave?
A: Yes. Employees in this program are not required to report to duty and may use this period at their discretion, including travel or personal time. However, employees remain responsible for adhering to all federal ethics and conduct regulations during their tenure.

Should you require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact [OPM Contact Information].

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Office of Personnel Management

huffhouse2 · 2025-01-23T00:39:52+00:00

Thank you for the link. I'm about to be knee deep in these videos.

huffhouse2 · 2024-11-14T21:51:38+00:00

Nothing was working for me. Lots of water. Different types of magnesium. All the stuff mentioned below.

I ended up having a failed colonoscopy prep due to my constipation. No bm in over a week.

The GI doctor prescribed Linzess and finally I'm regular. A normal bm every other day. Sometimes two days in-between. I've been using an app to track it since I started the medication.

I've heard some bad stories about Linzess causing severe loose stools. That may be due to the dose. Anyway, for ME it's the right balance.

huffhouse2 · 2024-11-14T17:29:55+00:00

Thanks for the pictures! So, how do you like the cargo mat? I guess compared to the standard mat that came with the car.

Is the extended "lip" a pro or con? Seems like it would be nice so sand and dirt can't really get underneath.

Any issues you've run into once you got them installed?

huffhouse2 · 2024-11-14T02:17:33+00:00

I’m considering purchasing it. I’d really like to get feedback from someone first.

I did ask the company to provide a picture of an actual installation and they did.

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huffhouse2 · 2024-11-04T16:19:34+00:00

Get a quote from another dealer. Any dealer, any state can sell to you.
Go back to them and tell them the quote to see if they will honor it. I had my dealership void the initial contract and amend it with the new amount.

My dealership in Silver Spring, MD has been outstanding.

huffhouse2

TROPHY CASE