The totally off-topic thread

[cove]

That fall back line should have been Tasmania seeing most of us leave that island off if we are asked to sketch a map of Australia.

 

[Buzzard]

Who said you don't get flare ups on a Weber? :shock:

 

[JohnK]

Overpriced housing, urban sprawl & inferior infrastructure.. :mrgreen:

Not if you already have a house!

But to be honest you have just described the Gold Coast not Sydney.

 

[markis10]

Who said you don't get flare ups on a Weber? :shock:

View attachment 20204

Foil under a trivet prevents convection while allowing fats to congregate above the flame versus the more normal place at the bottom.

 

[Mal]

Who said you don't get flare ups on a Weber? :shock:

Indeed! I've seen them happen... and not just because there was foil under the rack!

 

[whatmeworry]

I don't think they'll replace her. They'll weave their magic for a tribute & that will be it.

Have you see TV's Troy McClure who you might remember from such TV ads like "Think Yourself Straight, Stupid!" lately?

Yep no one could ever Phil Hartman!

 

[tuapekastar]

Lou Reed dies aged 71.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/n...d-leader-and-rock-pioneer-dead-at-71-20131027

Quite a shock when I heard that...thought he was more or less indestructible given the excesses of his younger days. Rock 'n' Roll Animal remains a fave!

 

[anat0l]

Planning travel for sister next Jan/Feb. Going on USDM J to America with stopover in Japan.

Just occurred to me that that could be prime snow season. And we all know that snow and airports and planes don't mix.

How does everyone here normally plan travel in prime snow (or stormy) season where delays or cancellations can be rampant? I guess there's not a lot you can do about the weather so one could argue just carry on as normal and deal with it as it comes (if at all). The only thing I might not do is plan any same day connections that require separate tickets.

If it were me then although I haven't been in that kind of IRROPS before I'm sure that, especially with multiple support networks, I'd manage fine. But my sister is not a seasoned international frequent traveller and her first time to the USA and international Business class. I'd have to explain half this stuff to her in preparation. Who has ever had to prophylactically explain travelling procedures (that may not be required) to their friends or family who aren't seasoned travellers? Not that I'd freak out for her - she'd probably do fine - but we all know that in situations like this, seizing the initiative over the airlines can often mean a much more pleasant result.

 

[Katie]

So very true, yet we still try things our way

View attachment 20131

Or your wife, hey?

 

[Katie]

I was in a loo recently where a guy was finalising a contract on his phone. Trust me, I have heard it all. I made sure my tinkle was especially loud just for that tool.

Phonecalls in toilets are sad. Yet I see people walk into toilets when on calls and also answer them while in the toilet.

I called Mr Katie while he was on the loo last week. He rejected the call & texted that he was busy.
When he called me back, he explained where he was. I'd rather wait.

 

[JessicaTam]

Overpriced housing, urban sprawl & inferior infrastructure.. :mrgreen:

Sounds like Melbourne

 

[anat0l]

Sounds like Melbourne

Geez...can't find a decent place in Australia to live. What a mess!

 

[JohnK]

Do people care about their popularity?

i.e Does it bother if you are not well liked? Could be in office, gold club, social circle etc.

 

[erkpod]

Planning travel for sister next Jan/Feb. Going on USDM J to America with stopover in Japan.

Just occurred to me that that could be prime snow season. And we all know that snow and airports and planes don't mix.

How does everyone here normally plan travel in prime snow (or stormy) season where delays or cancellations can be rampant? I guess there's not a lot you can do about the weather so one could argue just carry on as normal and deal with it as it comes (if at all). The only thing I might not do is plan any same day connections that require separate tickets.

I'll be in the US for Jan & the first half of Feb then spending a week in Japan & a week in Singapore on the way home.

The biggest problem areas in the US would be anything north but especially in the north-east.

For a non-regular pax, I'd allow more time for getting to the airport & also more time for connections compared to a FF.

Unless I'm going somewhere where there's a major festival or event (Mardi Gras in New Orleans, host city of Superbowl etc), I usually book my accommodation when in the US. The exception is for when I first arrive. I always book accommodation prior for my first couple of destinations.

 

[erkpod]

Quite a shock when I heard that...thought he was more or less indestructible given the excesses of his younger days. Rock 'n' Roll Animal remains a fave!

I will punch the first person who expresses surprise when Keith Richards dies.

 

[erkpod]

Do people care about their popularity?

i.e Does it bother if you are not well liked? Could be in office, gold club, social circle etc.

I'm not at my place of employment to make friends but a friendly atmosphere certainly helps!

 

[Bundy Bear]

Do people care about their popularity?

i.e Does it bother if you are not well liked? Could be in office, gold club, social circle etc.

Yes it does, I want to be every ones friend, so being popular is important to me.

 

[tuapekastar]

I will punch the first person who expresses surprise when Keith Richards dies.

I thought he died years ago, just that no-one bothered to tell him.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Planning travel for sister next Jan/Feb. Going on USDM J to America with stopover in Japan.

Just occurred to me that that could be prime snow season. And we all know that snow and airports and planes don't mix.

How does everyone here normally plan travel in prime snow (or stormy) season where delays or cancellations can be rampant? I guess there's not a lot you can do about the weather so one could argue just carry on as normal and deal with it as it comes (if at all). The only thing I might not do is plan any same day connections that require separate tickets.

If it were me then although I haven't been in that kind of IRROPS before I'm sure that, especially with multiple support networks, I'd manage fine. But my sister is not a seasoned international frequent traveller and her first time to the USA and international Business class. I'd have to explain half this stuff to her in preparation. Who has ever had to prophylactically explain travelling procedures (that may not be required) to their friends or family who aren't seasoned travellers? Not that I'd freak out for her - she'd probably do fine - but we all know that in situations like this, seizing the initiative over the airlines can often mean a much more pleasant result.

all on a single ticket nothing at all to worry about... except for the time of the delay itself... which can drag on.

travel insurance will cover meals and accommodation... but the latter can be hard to get... first snow storm or blizzard of the season in New York and everything can fill up in about three minutes. (the airports seem to get better prepared after the first couple of the season)

if there are any additional tickets purchased in conjunction with the international itinerary... allow an overnight before the international leg. while it's not essential, the stress is just not worth it. I cannot remember the number of times I've been anxiously waiting in the states to see if ORD, NYC or DFW is going to be closed due to weather and whether or not my connecting flight (if on a separate ticket) will get me there in time.

if your sister is in business then the lounge is the best place to get things sorted if the lounge belongs to the carrier concerned. so if it's a UA delay, don't hang around at the gate... get the lounge agents to handle everything. if it's a UA delay but the lounge is owned and operated by NH for example, then hang around the gate.

 

[anat0l]

travel insurance will cover meals and accommodation... but the latter can be hard to get... first snow storm or blizzard of the season in New York and everything can fill up in about three minutes. (the airports seem to get better prepared after the first couple of the season)

Ah yes, there's an interesting tack, too. Not sure which thread it was discussed, and I think the response was actually mixed (one had a claim refused, the other seemed OK).

If you're paying for a redemption ticket with points and the cash component is paid with the applicable credit card with travel insurance, does it still qualify for that travel insurance? (Travel covered by your card's insurance usually requires that it is paid using that card)