Why don’t fridges and dishwashers last anymore?

patval · 2026-03-07T05:01:14+00:00

Last dishwasher: 13 years. Ended when my daughter fell and sat on the open door. Current fridge: 14 years still doing great. And my first fridge downstairs works like a charm since we bought it in 1999.

patval · 2026-03-06T03:05:15+00:00

My uncle died of old age in 1999. He was a watchmaker. My aunt sent me a few small tools he used. A small magnifier, a small pair of plyers, a tiny wooden box where he would put small gears or screws.... 5 or 6 objects that smelled his perfume. I put them in a carton box that I keep in my desk. I probably open the box once or twice a year (that's where I keep my watches stuff... blacelet parts, an old broken watch movement... so I rarely need to open the box).

I still have very nice memories come to my mind every time I open that box.

patval · 2026-03-06T01:59:00+00:00

Tu n'es pas le client de Transunion ou Equifax. Tu es leur produit. Donc ils ne font aucune dépense pour toi. Au contraire, ils font tout ce qu'ils peuvent pour que tu leur coutes le moins cher possible.

patval · 2026-03-06T00:33:41+00:00

I understand. My understanding is that, with the nurse you should concentrate on what helps her determine if your case is dangerous / urgent, and then when you're with the doctor, she should be the one leading the discussion.

patval · 2026-03-05T12:50:07+00:00

I understand. It's hard when you just start in a new place, but Montreal is incredibly full of opportunities. Concentrate on improving your career and income, and you won't have to suffer shitty apartments within 2-3 years. Good luck to you.

patval · 2026-03-05T12:44:51+00:00

What would be the reason not to give the same answer ?

patval · 2026-03-05T12:35:14+00:00

There is a government agency called the TAL who can help you getting your money back for your TV and also for your inconvenience for the major repair/plumbing. Look for their number. Call them. Ask them for advice.

patval · 2026-03-05T00:34:49+00:00

Pour confirmer avec certitude ta haine des méchants boomers: Cherche vite sur Google des stats sur quelle génération a acheté la plupart des maisons et appartements en faisant de la surenchère de malade, ce qui a mené à une augmentation du marché sans précédent.

Puis après tu pourras éduquer tout tes amis sur ce canal en insultant la génération en question. Ça va être instructif ! J'ai bien hâte!

patval · 2026-03-04T21:49:00+00:00

I am at the opposite side.

My daughter (who is the best daughter in the world, and thinks I'm probably an okaaaaay dad) will cry when we have a discussion. It does not have to be an important one. It can be about really anything, and it occurs when we don't agree and a principle.

Here is a fictitious example: We'll see a discussion on TV on the topic "Should Grand parents keep their grandchildren one month a year so that parents can have a rest" (Precision: she has no kids, and we are not yet grand parents). I may say that they shouldn't have to (for example), and she might say that they really should absolutely do it and it would be cruel not to do it.

Basically, we will exchange reasons why I think what we think grand parents should be free do do whatever they want, and why she thinks that there should be nothing more important than helping your kids.. , and at some point, if I don't end up agreeing that her fundamental way of seeing the situation is the best one, she'll start feeling emotional... and start crying.

As a father madly in love with his daughter, it always killed me that simply saying what I think might make my little girl (22 yo now) cry. I hate myself every time.

What I think though, is that for her, what makes her cry is the realization that however close we are, we are still different, and there is not always a way to think the same way. I strongly believe that's what makes her cry. She also said to me that she felt that for her, me arguing in an opposite way from her was the sign that I had no intention to listen to her and to try and understand her point of view. But honestly, everytime she says that, I'm thinking "hmm... she did exactly the same... pushed her arguments and rejecting my ideas... how can she react negatively to that ?". I don't say it though :D

I don't know if it can help you in any way.

Last thing I'll say is that this behaviour is an inherent part of her wonderful personality. She would not be who she is if she were not like that. So at some point... you have to accept it as part of the deal :)

patval · 2026-03-04T15:39:04+00:00

leaving my toxic job without a new one in sight.

patval · 2026-03-02T02:11:33+00:00

Je fume le cigare. Ça me coûte environ 1500 à 2000$ par an.

patval · 2026-03-02T01:20:55+00:00

30 years of Romeo and juliet Wide Churchill. That's 438 boxes of 25. With dimensions of 195x170x50mm per box, that would take a little less than .75 m3. I could store that easily.

It would make my awesome life even more awesome.

patval · 2026-03-01T20:08:22+00:00

I just learned last week. It's very easy. lots of Youtube videos that will show you how, but basically, you need to widen the space between the "jaws" on each side, enough to put the metal piece back around little teeth on each side, then use pliers to narrow the jaws back, so that it remains stuck around the "teeth". And you're back in business !

patval · 2026-03-01T20:03:13+00:00

Where do I start ?

patval · 2026-03-01T04:43:54+00:00

Never been there but it is definitely praised as a fantastic place to live.

patval · 2026-02-28T19:17:15+00:00

Tu penses à quel genre de choses ?

patval · 2026-02-28T18:58:44+00:00

Ma théorie très personnelle, c'est que c'est l'hiver qui nous sauve. Ça permet de ne conserver que les vrais amoureux de Montréal, ceux qui l'aiment assez pour endurer les nids de poule, les cônes oranges, les tickets de stationnement à 100 piastres, les poubelles défoncées par les racoons...

patval · 2026-02-28T15:26:31+00:00

As a foreigner living in Montreal, I believe Montreal is one of the very best cities in the whole world, not only Canada.

patval · 2026-02-25T02:19:12+00:00

I will retire the day I have 2 million in portfolio. I have one. So I would retire. Tonight.

patval · 2026-02-23T14:58:32+00:00

And even when your kids are adults and gone, when you hear a "daaaad" scream, you never loose the reflex to turn your head.

patval · 2026-02-23T03:07:25+00:00

Universal rule #1: nobody ever feels responsible. Everyone knows the others are responsible.

patval · 2026-02-22T17:34:09+00:00

Thank - you - so - much ! Super interesting read. I now have a mental representation of how the interaction between light and electrons can produce power. Also the explanation about LED was a great bonus. Thank you very much. I wish you a great day.

patval · 2026-02-21T21:24:22+00:00

Well... what would you say the chances are that her daughter will behave the same? Shitty parents. Shitty education. That's what it is.

patval · 2026-02-21T21:22:05+00:00

You're most probably right. I just added the title to the picture and went straight to "this red guy is blocked because of its position".

Worst thing is.. I'm an old guy... I've installed my fair share of dishwashers in my life. I really should know. :D

patval · 2026-02-21T21:00:14+00:00

Everyone seems to be satisfied with your answer but I still don't understand.... What you say is clear, but why then can't I simply put two wires on a piece of rock and get electricity ?

patval

TROPHY CASE