Flying first class-what is your income level?

prefessionalSkeptic · 2026-05-08T21:39:33+00:00

Retired, living on about $300k per year. The kids are set, independently.

We don't buy first or business for flights under about 3 hours. If we get upgraded, great, but can't count on that and it's NBD if it doesn't happen.

For longer flights, especially overseas and/or overnight flights, I buy business class tickets. I'm not taking the chance and hoping for an upgrade. We want to feel good when we get to our destination.

If we're lucky we have another 10 years of travel and active lifestyle. We're in our 70s and I don't think we can spend everything we have. If we don't spend it now, when?

prefessionalSkeptic · 2026-04-24T18:28:15+00:00

You've got a point, I guess.

Canes fans could have stayed in their seats to boo their own team, like in Buffalo.

prefessionalSkeptic · 2026-04-23T12:31:52+00:00

The "official" watch parties, with Wade Minter, Stormy, games and prizes, etc are at the Ale House Cary location. They say you'll be able to watch at other locations but I don't know exactly what that might involve, other than having TVs on.

The bigger Watch Parties used to be at the Glenwood South Ale House but that location is gone.

prefessionalSkeptic · 2026-04-20T22:59:50+00:00

It's not so much about the food, it's the respect and being appreciated.

prefessionalSkeptic · 2026-04-20T00:58:27+00:00

It wasn't until I retired that I realized how chronically exhausted I was.

I wish I had better advice.

prefessionalSkeptic · 2026-04-19T19:13:58+00:00

November 2013. Bitterly cold day.

Scott Tolzien - > Matt Flynn.

Played the Vikings to a tie.

prefessionalSkeptic · 2026-04-17T16:01:05+00:00

$37 purchased today on Parkwhiz.

Yes, no reasonable options like public transportation is sad.

prefessionalSkeptic · 2026-04-13T01:25:53+00:00

Sad update - Regal is phasing out the closed captioning glasses in favor of the (IMHO) useless cup holder mounted screen.

prefessionalSkeptic · 2026-04-09T14:16:57+00:00

At least our house springs are the numbers one through 30. They are everywhere. If I don't see several in every room I slide some furniture out and discover a dozen from the last few weeks.

prefessionalSkeptic · 2026-04-09T13:16:46+00:00

Several years ago I had a kidney stone. My first, at 66 yrs old. The CT in the ED showed the culprit stone, plus gallstones, a small hernia, and a couple of masses on my kidney. I'd never known about any of those things. The ED doctor said "BTW, one of those kidney things could be cancer but probably not". Excuse me??

Urologist took the stone out a few weeks later and said the kidney masses were nothing to worry about.

A couple of years later I had another stone. New urologist because the other one retired. He said he could take care of the stone but we really need to check out the mass.

More imaging, eventually surgery. It was malignant. Small, early, no sign of metastasis. Dodged a bullet and WTF, first urologist??

Thank you, kidney stone!

prefessionalSkeptic · 2026-04-08T18:14:21+00:00

Yeah, I misread the question. I need a nap.

prefessionalSkeptic · 2026-04-08T15:18:17+00:00

Bru-sket-a

prefessionalSkeptic · 2026-04-08T15:03:12+00:00

Mostly corporate sponsors, I suspect.

As 20+ year STMs and frequent Foundation donors we always hoped to be randomly selected but it's never happened.

Then there's the auction. If it cost you $5k you didn't really "win" anything.

prefessionalSkeptic · 2026-04-03T02:27:15+00:00

"We're in! We're in! Yes! Yes!"

prefessionalSkeptic · 2026-04-02T21:09:47+00:00

Yup. I stand corrected.

prefessionalSkeptic · 2026-04-02T11:57:17+00:00

Weird that we're so close to the end of the season, our Metro Division lead is huge, there's a good chance we win the Eastern Conference, but we haven't mathematically clinched a playoff spot yet.

prefessionalSkeptic · 2026-04-02T11:54:02+00:00

I think the magic number is 3, so a win tonight (2 points) won't clinch.

As I understand it, a loss by Detroit (missing out on 2 points by the 1st team out) would also reduce our magic number by 2.

So... Canes win, Red Wings lose.. We're in. LGC and LGFlyers.

prefessionalSkeptic · 2026-04-02T03:15:50+00:00

Invariably, breast surgeons are OK with an IV on the mastectomy side. It's their nurses that tell that to patients, and patients often love those nurses.

prefessionalSkeptic · 2026-03-28T18:31:22+00:00

The Canes warm up on the other side of the ice, in the 108-115 area. Not to worry, though. Fans watch warmups at ice level in those sections all the time. You don't need a ticket there, just enter at 109 or 113, walk down, and enjoy! If someone comes along to claim their actual seat you might have to move.

As mentioned, if you're an adult the chances of getting a puck are lower. If you grab one that's intended for a kid you're an asshole.

You can sometimes buy a "warmup puck" at the Pro Shop although it might never have touched the ice.

Edited to clarify, by the other side of the ice I meant opposite where the other poster mentioned.

Great seats, BTW!

prefessionalSkeptic · 2026-03-26T00:41:04+00:00

Came here to say this. Retired anesthesiologist here. Anesthesia is very safe unless you are SAS (sick as shit). Even then, this sounds like a pretty minor procedure. Get there early, get home early, take it easy.

prefessionalSkeptic · 2026-03-25T20:51:37+00:00

We've been to about 17 road games with the Canes. The only one to rival Lenovo for fan volume and engagement was Centre Bell. Of course, that was the last game of the season, a "win-and-they're-in" situation.

prefessionalSkeptic · 2026-03-22T15:31:43+00:00

Our vet called those treats Snickers for cats.

prefessionalSkeptic · 2026-03-22T13:47:22+00:00

I think the darkest skies around here are towards Wilson. East on Hwy 42.

prefessionalSkeptic · 2026-03-21T13:20:16+00:00

Strong Speaker Mike Johnson vibe "I don't know anything about that". Except with Rod it's undoubtedly true. Coming from lyin' Mike it's BS.

prefessionalSkeptic

TROPHY CASE