24 replies to this topic

[HackSlash]

Hope you are all doing well.  

 

I've posted before on this topic.  It involved  a co-worker and I, and a video game I bought Toy Soldiers; War Chest.

 

Me:  "You can play as GI Joe, Cobra, and He-Man"

Her: "Yeah, I don't know what they are, but my parents used to watch that."

 

Bah.  It wasn't so much that I went to the vape shop recently and bought a new Mod.  Damned thing is nearly indestructible, according to them. 

The clerk told me how robust it is, and that they could tell if someone had messed with it.  How it would violate the warranty if it was abused.

Then she added, that she didn't need to worry about that with me.  When I asked her why, she said "Old people like you tend to be more respectful."

 

TABERNAC, CALLISE!

 

Back to the topic at hand.

Went to the Save On Foods tonight.  When I went through the check out, I presented my points card.  The person behind the counter told me that there was a problem, my card wasn't registered.

I told her, I've tried to register it, but I keep getting locked out and I've got to call the 1-800 number.

"Well", she says, "You can get an app, on you're phone."

Side note, I hate that abbreviation.

"I don't have a phone." 

To be frank, I have a near psychotic hate for mobile phones.

"You don't have a phone?!"

"No"

"You literally don't have a phone?!"

Further side note, I despise it when people use the phrase literally so casually.  

"I have a land line, not a cell phone."

"You don't have a phone?!"

"No"

"God, how do you live?"

"Well enough"

"You seriously, don't have a phone?!"

"No."

"Like how?"

"I don't need one."

"Well, good for you I guess."

 

I think at that point I saw smoke coming out of her ears, as she tried to process living life without one of those damned things.

 

 

[ccabal86]

Thanks for the read HackSlash, I really enjoy your writings

 

To be frank, the having no phone is bizarre in today's world, hell, I would say so is having a landline. It's not really a choice anymore either, most jobs you can't really work without a smartphone.

[Lysistrata]

Damn Hack... you and I are way too scary much alike.

 

I have 4 Smok RMP40's and 2 Smok RPM80's... and that's just what I use now since I quit smoking. I went through a lot of them to get to those. I have an entire lab right next to me where I create all my own vape juice.

 

I absolutely hate mobile phones. My wife carries an iPhone because she handles everything. I have a land line... the people that know the number I can count on my fingers... my wife, my kids, my work, and a few chosen friends. I am a happy man.

 

Now you just have to get to where you don't need no stinkin' points card. Thanks for sharing!

[onbekende]

I am the horrendous middle ground, I got an old Nokia

 

That I only answer from known numbers AND have the thing stashed away most of the time on silent means its basically a land line to begin with

[ccabal86]

That's so weird. I know for a fact that I couldn't exist without internet "on the go", and it's not like I use it for recreation either, it's either direct work (email, group calls, etc.), research or to stay on top of current events - also much a requirement in my line of work.

[Torres951]

You don't have a phone??

[HackSlash]

@ccball86:  Thanks, I'm glad you enjoy some of what I write.  I generally try to keep it light hearted and generally something I've found amusing.  In regards to not owing a mobile phone, I get that reaction a lot.  It's just her's was a bit more extreme than most.  I understand, I'm guessing she was about 20.  She's grown up in a world where the damn things are ubiquitous. 

 

I prefer for a couple of reasons.  Number One, it's cheaper.  As you know I'm Canadian, and we pay some, if not the, highest rates in the world for mobile phones.  Here's an exercise. Go to either Bell, Rodgers, or Telus (our three major national carriers).  Just see what services you have and then see what it would cost you here.  I've heard of cell phones bills in the hundreds of dollars a month.  Hell, there for a while. before the a##holes were forced to make changes, people we coming back  from vacations with cell phone bills in the thousands (yes, you read that right), for data and roaming charges.

Secondly, most of you know what I do for a living.  I have a obligation to have a reliable means of contact.  Land Lines work in power outages, cell phones may not, as well I don't have to charge my land line.

 

 

@Lys, congrats on quitting smoking!  I don't know how long ago you did it by my congratulations in any case.  I have a Geek Vape Aegis mini with a VooPoo tank.  Damned thing is near indestructible.  Lord knows I've broken a few of them, haven't been able to do it with this one!  I feel the same way, the only people I want calling me know my number.  I don't get bombarded with those text messages from the Enforcement Department of Revenue Canada! (which for some reason is in Mumbai).

Hey, nothing wrong with the points card.  I happen to like it.  Even though I'm not getting point because I can't register it, I do get the "Card Deals".  Basically, "Buy two cans of soup, get the third free" or, "Regular price is $2.50, with the card $1.50."

 

@onbekende: Smart man!  A lot of professionals are going back to the old flip phones.  Basically, because they are phones not mobile entertainment centres.

 

@Torres951: <chuckles> No, I don't have a cell phone. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30GD25un0XQ&list=PL1CzYL12Qs-aVmLWwH6WuwmPT8LxYhFX_&index=3

[Lysistrata]

@Lys, congrats on quitting smoking!  I don't know how long ago you did it by my congratulations in any case.

I started smoking when I was a teenager in the 70's and no matter what I did, or how hard I tried, I could never quit. I picked up a vape pen about 18 months ago and I have never smoked a single cigarette since. It's the greatest invention since the internet. My life was great before, but it's miles better now. You never realize how bad it smells, and how awful you feel, until you quit. This will sound crazy but my favorite flavor is a mix of Chocolate, Blood Orange, Root Beer, Raspberry, and Peppermint. It's amazing!

[dsfrr1]

@hackslash you should be careful, you could have killed someone out there

[onbekende]

 

This will sound crazy but my favorite flavor is a mix of Chocolate, Blood Orange, Root Beer, Raspberry, and Peppermint. It's amazing!

 

DEAR GOD

 

and I thought I had it bad when I am behind someone vaping strawberry

 

but hey, it got you off something even worse!

[Lysistrata]

DEAR GOD   and I thought I had it bad when I am behind someone vaping strawberry

Chocolate, Strawberry, and Peppermint... very tasty!

 

And yes... I used to have a wheeze laying on my side... it was gone in a week after I switched to vape. So much better. Thanks

[ccabal86]

@ccball86:  Thanks, I'm glad you enjoy some of what I write.  I generally try to keep it light hearted and generally something I've found amusing.  In regards to not owing a mobile phone, I get that reaction a lot.  It's just her's was a bit more extreme than most.  I understand, I'm guessing she was about 20.  She's grown up in a world where the damn things are ubiquitous. 

 

I prefer for a couple of reasons.  Number One, it's cheaper.  As you know I'm Canadian, and we pay some, if not the, highest rates in the world for mobile phones.  Here's an exercise. Go to either Bell, Rodgers, or Telus (our three major national carriers).  Just see what services you have and then see what it would cost you here.  I've heard of cell phones bills in the hundreds of dollars a month.  Hell, there for a while. before the a##holes were forced to make changes, people we coming back  from vacations with cell phone bills in the thousands (yes, you read that right), for data and roaming charges.

Secondly, most of you know what I do for a living.  I have a obligation to have a reliable means of contact.  Land Lines work in power outages, cell phones may not, as well I don't have to charge my land line.

 

 

I believe you with the ridiculous prices, I've heard some horror stories from North America about that.

 

It's so weird that here in Europe, mobile tariffs are dirt cheap. My wife pays 37 USD / month for 3 gigs of internet and UNLIMITED calls. My phone bill is paid entirely by my employer, and that's not even some huge privilege, it's pretty ubiquitous in the business world. On top of that, I believe some other EU countries have even cheaper tariffs.

 

 

 

@Lys, congrats on quitting smoking!  I don't know how long ago you did it by my congratulations in any case.

I started smoking when I was a teenager in the 70's and no matter what I did, or how hard I tried, I could never quit. I picked up a vape pen about 18 months ago and I have never smoked a single cigarette since. It's the greatest invention since the internet. My life was great before, but it's miles better now. You never realize how bad it smells, and how awful you feel, until you quit. This will sound crazy but my favorite flavor is a mix of Chocolate, Blood Orange, Root Beer, Raspberry, and Peppermint. It's amazing!

 

 

I started smoking cigarettes at 17 and quit when I was 21. Best decision I ever made. I still smoke cigars though on a regular basis - a habit I got from my dad - but you don't inhale cigar smoke into your lungs, you just "savor" it in your mouth. NOTHING beats a good steak dinner followed by a nice cigar and coffee (some would say whisky, but I don't drink alcohol, so coffee it is).
 

[Lysistrata]

I started smoking cigarettes at 17 and quit when I was 21.

Only 4 years... you were smart, and much stronger than me. I smoked for over 4 decades. I guess to my advantage, I was never a really deep inhaler... it was all about the throat hit to me. That's where vape comes in, because it hits your throat exactly the same without inhaling a burned up shredded plant. I had a hard time with cigars because I couldn't keep myself from inhaling... too damn strong!

[ccabal86]

 

I started smoking cigarettes at 17 and quit when I was 21.

Only 4 years... you were smart, and much stronger than me. I smoked for over 4 decades. I guess to my advantage, I was never a really deep inhaler... it was all about the throat hit to me. That's where vape comes in, because it hits your throat exactly the same without inhaling a burned up shredded plant. I had a hard time with cigars because I couldn't keep myself from inhaling... too damn strong!

 

Heh, that's actually something my cigarette smoker friends tell me when I offer them cigars. They instinctively inhale and yeah, that's like getting punched in the lungs, not at all a pleasant experience...

[HackSlash]

@Lys, wish I knew how to make my own e-juice.  I'm using Tropicool.  It's fruit flavoured with a hint on menthol. 

 

@ccabal86 talk to me about cigars.   I went to the land of fine cigars back in, I think, 2003.  Cuba.  Wonderful place, don't remember much.  Damnit, they handed me a Mohito of the bus to the resort, and I kept drinking them and Cristal (beer), until I left.  Cristal was tasty.  It had Palm Trees on the label.

 

I do remember going into Havana.  We went to the bar that Ernest Hemingway went to, ( I had a passable Scotch).   Believe it or not, his stool is behind a rope, like what you would see at a museum. 

We went to a cigar factory, and we saw the largest cigar in the world.  I picked up a box of Cohiba Cigars for less than $10.00 American.

 

You know what strikes me the most from my Cuban trip?

We were standing outside of this fancy hotel.  It's like $200.00 USD per night!

Crap, I don't mean to sound like Royalty.  I'm talking about our tour group.

In any case, we are watching the goings on in the square.   When this old guy with threadbare cloths walks up to us.

He's got his hand out, looking for a few dollars from the tourists.

Now, by's I'm a Newfie.  You wants to hear me h 'ccent, you needs to go on the Youtube fer dat.  H'or I might get on da Discord and shag ya's all h'up.

Well he comes up to me, and I looks at he.  And I say's "You wants a few dollars do ya buddy?"

I reach into me pocket and I gives he a $5.00 USD bill.

Jesus, by's this old derelict unfolds that bill.  When he saw what I give he, his face lit up with utter joy.  

He hugged me, and kissed me hand.

We all stood their stunned, as this feller danced his way through the square.  With that $5.00 bill held over his head.

When this stuck up ass from Toronto looks at me and says "Are you aware you just gave him a half a Doctor's month wage?"  (read that in the most pompous voice you can)

I say "Yes by' I does.  I figured  he needed to go off and have a goddamn good drunk for his self."

[Lysistrata]

@Lys, wish I knew how to make my own e-juice.  I'm using Tropicool.  It's fruit flavoured with a hint on menthol.

 Liquid Barn™ - Everything you need to make premium eJuice and eLiquid

 

Have fun!

[ccabal86]

 

 

 

@ccabal86 talk to me about cigars.   I went to the land of fine cigars back in, I think, 2003.  Cuba.  Wonderful place, don't remember much.  Damnit, they handed me a Mohito of the bus to the resort, and I kept drinking them and Cristal (beer), until I left.  Cristal was tasty.  It had Palm Trees on the label.

 

I do remember going into Havana.  We went to the bar that Ernest Hemingway went to, ( I had a passable Scotch).   Believe it or not, his stool is behind a rope, like what you would see at a museum. 

We went to a cigar factory, and we saw the largest cigar in the world.  I picked up a box of Cohiba Cigars for less than $10.00 American.

 

Yeah, Cohiba is absolutely among the top brands (there are some other obscure luxury brands that can go at ludicrous prices), but even your average Cohiba goes for about $40 apiece at the store. $10 is an amazing price.

 

I mostly buy cigars from the Dominican Republic at about $10 apiece. In that price range I've found that usually the cigars from there are structurally better built than that of their Cuban counterparts. Also, the tobacco is less strong, which is not necessarily a bad thing.

 

[SealTeamPi]

 

@Lys, congrats on quitting smoking!  I don't know how long ago you did it by my congratulations in any case.

I started smoking when I was a teenager in the 70's and no matter what I did, or how hard I tried, I could never quit. I picked up a vape pen about 18 months ago and I have never smoked a single cigarette since. It's the greatest invention since the internet. My life was great before, but it's miles better now. You never realize how bad it smells, and how awful you feel, until you quit. This will sound crazy but my favorite flavor is a mix of Chocolate, Blood Orange, Root Beer, Raspberry, and Peppermint. It's amazing!

 

 

 

Congrats on quitting! Glad you could find a substitute.

 

@ccabal86, unfortunately I have a job that requires me on call 24 hours a day so that is just not possible. But I do get some periods of time with no phone service, though its not as voluntary as yours.   

[HackSlash]

 

@Lys, wish I knew how to make my own e-juice.  I'm using Tropicool.  It's fruit flavoured with a hint on menthol.

 Liquid Barn™ - Everything you need to make premium eJuice and eLiquid

 

Have fun!

Thanks for the link Lys.  I'm not sure I can order from Liquid Barn.  Considering it's in California.  I  buy my e-juice from a place about 10 minutes walk away from my house.  Nice spot, and I get 15% off.

[Lysistrata]

Thanks for the link Lys.  I'm not sure I can order from Liquid Barn.  Considering it's in California.

I checked for you. I believe as long as you don't order the 10% Nicotine solution, you're cool. The "Ready to Flavor" solution, and all the flavors, you should be fine. I have saved hundreds of dollars making my own... and it's fun too. Plus you don't have to be ultra accurate with the formulas... I eyeball most everything with the tapes they supply you with the bottles from the starter kit.