What’s on your mind?

[goldmac2006]

Anyways y’all I got accepted to another NASA programme.

A different one but fully remote job for summer.

NASA L’Space.

 

[KaliYoni]

I got accepted to another NASA internship.

A different one but fully remote job for summer.

NASA L’Space.

Best wishes on your acceptance to NASA L’Space. Sounds like an interesting program.

One fine point: according to NASA, the L’Space Academies aren’t internships:

The L'SPACE Academy is a workforce development program, not an internship. Students should not list their participation in the L'SPACE Academy as work experience or as an internship on their resume, but rather as professional development training.

Frequently Asked Questions | NASA L'SPACE Academy

www.lspace.asu.edu

 

[BotchQue]

If you hate whining, skip over this post. What's on my mind? Bureaucracy!

A couple months ago I turned 65, and needed to sign up for Social Security. Went to my current medical insurance firm, Blue Cross/Blue Shield Federal, and found the plan that worked for me (Parts A, B, plus a BCBS Supplemental) but learned I had to apply separately for Medicare A/B at medicare.gov. Went there, tried to log in, and they refused my credentials. Tried over a week, finally found a "Chat" feature, and she said I had to go to the Social Security website to actually apply for Medicare. Tried there, and it wouldn't allow me set up an account, had to go to "login.gov" to set that up. That took several days (about an hour each day) but finally got registered. Was supposed to be able to now log into Social Security using my "login.gov" credentials, but they never would accept it, said a "detail" prevented my login but wouldn't tell me what it was. Finally, about ten days ago I started calling my local Social Security office to make an appointment, was always told, the "next available agent will be with you shortly", and then... immediately disconnected! This happened once or twice a day for over a week. This last weekend I really doubled down to figure this out, took notes and made a lot of printouts, 3 hours on Saturday and 2 on Sunday. The SS website would simply not accept that I am who I am. Went back to the "Chat" feature on the Medicare website and she said, "Sounds like you need to visit your local SS office". Still got cut off on the phone, so after lunch today...

I drove to the local SS office after lunch. Noticed cement-filled pillars surrounding the building every 4 feet, and when I entered had to sign in (name, time, office to visit, which I'm used to from my career, but here??) Then I had to do the TSA Shuffle, put my keys/coins/phone/belt into a tray to be x-rayed, then walk thru a scanner. Got up to the SS office, had to sign in, took a seat. The room had a full-time armed security guard behind a desk, who periodically announced that, if you signed in without an appointment, all you could do is schedule a future appointment. I accepted that, and sat down for a long wait. Some of the folks got waited on, and they all had scheduled appts (were called up by name), so they didn't get disconnected like I constantly did (??). Not quite 3 hours later, clock strikes 4:00 pm, and they shoo'd the rest of us out, telling us we should schedule an appointment on their Helpline (the one that constantly disconnected me for over a week).

Walking out, I saw the security gate and the cement-filled pillars again, and the little voice said, "Oh, now I get it!" Went home, tried again for two hours to schedule an appointment, including another link that asked me to photograph my UT driver's license, front and back, plus photograph my face for "Identity Confirmation" Tried that four times, and every time the site came back saying "Identity cannot be confirmed", then gave me an option to "Confirm my identity" that used the local Post Office, but after trying to sign up for THAT three or four times (to get a bar-code to take with me to the PO) I kept getting "PO cannot confirm mailing address", from whom I get mail every day.

I may try again tomorrow, or I may re-purchase that sig-sauer I bought 15 years ago. Right now, just need some Steely Dan, a couple beers, and a good night's sleep. [\whine:]

 

[goldmac2006]

Best wishes on your acceptance to NASA L’Space. Sounds like an interesting program.

One fine point: according to NASA, the L’Space Academies aren’t internships:

The L'SPACE Academy is a workforce development program, not an internship. Students should not list their participation in the L'SPACE Academy as work experience or as an internship on their resume, but rather as professional development training.

Frequently Asked Questions | NASA L'SPACE Academy

www.lspace.asu.edu

They do have the Lucy internship program under them where you can go to Lockheed Martin, NASA stations if you finish the virtual academies.

Thanks for the well wishes friend, a lot of people who finished other opportunities from NASA joined the l space program as it is also another research opportunity.

The one I applied for I get to learn more about engineering skills including getting badges + Siemens NX CAD certification

 

[rm5]

I still bring leather-bound journals to take notes in physics class and enjoy using my gel pens and highlighters on them. Additionally, I prefer small journals for my modern class notes, as they don’t take up too much space in my backpack. These journals can last for a semester or a year, depending on the number of pages.

I use durable Five Star five-subject notebooks. I suppose my notes are somewhat disorganized, because I don't take advantage of the separate sections of the notebook, and instead just use the pages sequentially, but it works well enough. I just don't want to skip a bunch of pages and then find out I actually need more than the space provided by one "subject section" in the notebook. Generally, I run out completely after an entire school year, so it works well.

Btw, my school primarily encourages BYOD, as all classes, both in-person and online, utilize a Canvas shell, and we submit all homework digitally. The only exception was my first-year calculus class, which was device-free and traditional, using textbooks and paper. Interestingly, I still observed people using iPads to take notes.

Most of my classes encourage - or require - putting away laptops and electronics and using physical materials. Though in some classes, I really can't avoid a laptop. For example, last term, I took that Federalism class - which I could have ordered physical books for - but I joined the class late and would be far too behind if I waited for them to arrive. So I chose to use an eBook, which I am NEVER doing again.

Musicology classes have all the readings and assignments on Canvas, and those classes are actually my first here that have been full-digital. But students often print them out for consultation during class. Again, with that 2000 page printing limit (after which you have to pay out-of-pocket), I'm hesitant to print 60+ pages every other day (for my two reading-heavy classes - Musicology and Soviet History).

 

[The Clark]

I am so happy it’s FINALLY spring in Wisconsin.

I was just watching the Waukesha parade attack trial from a few years ago which is located in Wisconsin I think. Were you living there for that?

 

[rm5]

Congrats, @goldmac2006 on the further NASA opportunity! Very cool. Definitely not in my wheelhouse, so I don't understand it in the same depth you do, but great job!

I got interviews, etc. for two that I'd applied for, but I decided not to pursue those any further, because they weren't quite what I wanted, and I just really want to be home. It'll be teaching, performing, and conducting season for me, most likely. Which one will I do the most? No idea.

 

[rm5]

I was just watching the Waukesha parade attack trial from a few years ago which is located in Wisconsin I think. Were you living there for that?

Yes, that's right. I am in Appleton, not Waukesha - and that was a couple years before I came.

 

[Macky-Mac]

If you hate whining, skip over this post. What's on my mind? Bureaucracy!

...I drove to the local SS office after lunch.... [\whine:]

LOL, I love a good whine...but surely you've read about the significant staff reductions at SS local offices since the start of the new year...you'll probably need to get in line BEFORE they open for the day.

edit; but seriously, the current situation reminds me of the early days of COVID when vast numbers of people were trying to apply for financial assistance after being laid off from work. In my state, the unemployment office didn't start answering their telephones until 7am and their phone system would be so overwhelmed that it started disconnecting callers a few minutes after 7.

Also their computer systems would overload at some point too. Neighbors of mine found that sometimes they couldn't log-in to file reports and required information. It meant trying again much later, and I heard that sometimes it meant waiting until bed time before the system would accept applications or reports.

So if you have't already, try calling for an appoint very early and try uploading information either very early or very late in the day.

 

[goldmac2006]

Congrats, @goldmac2006 on the further NASA opportunity! Very cool. Definitely not in my wheelhouse, so I don't understand it in the same depth you do, but great job!

I got interviews, etc. for two that I'd applied for, but I decided not to pursue those any further, because they weren't quite what I wanted, and I just really want to be home. It'll be teaching, performing, and conducting season for me, most likely. Which one will I do the most? No idea.

Thanks friend glad I am doing it. Luckily since I am graduating I do not have to take summer school so I can do all 12 of the Tuesday evening meetings. It will start next week, phew! Before signing that offer, I have to coordinate how I can balance my schedule on the first 3-4 meetings as I still have a Tuesday afternoon class that overlaps a bit with the afternoon CNC class. But once I toss the cap and graduate, I will be on summer break so I will have the time to work every Tues. night.

I use durable Five Star five-subject notebooks. I suppose my notes are somewhat disorganized, because I don't take advantage of the separate sections of the notebook, and instead just use the pages sequentially, but it works well enough. I just don't want to skip a bunch of pages and then find out I actually need more than the space provided by one "subject section" in the notebook. Generally, I run out completely after an entire school year, so it works well.

Most of my classes encourage - or require - putting away laptops and electronics and using physical materials. Though in some classes, I really can't avoid a laptop. For example, last term, I took that Federalism class - which I could have ordered physical books for - but I joined the class late and would be far too behind if I waited for them to arrive. So I chose to use an eBook, which I am NEVER doing again.

Musicology classes have all the readings and assignments on Canvas, and those classes are actually my first here that have been full-digital. But students often print them out for consultation during class. Again, with that 2000 page printing limit (after which you have to pay out-of-pocket), I'm hesitant to print 60+ pages every other day (for my two reading-heavy classes - Musicology and Soviet History).

I did also use 3-5 subject notebooks but only if the teacher requires it. The last time my Gov/Econ teacher in my 12th grade required a 3-5 subject as he has us organize and set up notebook pages in a certain way. We also got notebook checks every end of unit/midterm. He has us take notes on designated pages instead of on iPads/laptops unless if it is on a Google Doc/Slides which is interactable assignments.

All my classes here at my college rn are on Canvas for HW assignments except for my 1st year Calc 1 class. Due to my need for screen readers my books have to be in e-book or webpage format to use with the software or the Chrome Extension they gave me. Also, most OER stuff is on electronic copies only to be free copies.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Anyways y’all I got accepted to another NASA programme.

A different one but fully remote job for summer.

NASA L’Space.
View attachment 2510280

Enjoy your training. You’ll sure to have a blast (pun intended!).

I wonder if they have similar programs at Space X and whatever the other one is called?

 

[Apple fanboy]

If you hate whining, skip over this post. What's on my mind? Bureaucracy!

A couple months ago I turned 65, and needed to sign up for Social Security. Went to my current medical insurance firm, Blue Cross/Blue Shield Federal, and found the plan that worked for me (Parts A, B, plus a BCBS Supplemental) but learned I had to apply separately for Medicare A/B at medicare.gov. Went there, tried to log in, and they refused my credentials. Tried over a week, finally found a "Chat" feature, and she said I had to go to the Social Security website to actually apply for Medicare. Tried there, and it wouldn't allow me set up an account, had to go to "login.gov" to set that up. That took several days (about an hour each day) but finally got registered. Was supposed to be able to now log into Social Security using my "login.gov" credentials, but they never would accept it, said a "detail" prevented my login but wouldn't tell me what it was. Finally, about ten days ago I started calling my local Social Security office to make an appointment, was always told, the "next available agent will be with you shortly", and then... immediately disconnected! This happened once or twice a day for over a week. This last weekend I really doubled down to figure this out, took notes and made a lot of printouts, 3 hours on Saturday and 2 on Sunday. The SS website would simply not accept that I am who I am. Went back to the "Chat" feature on the Medicare website and she said, "Sounds like you need to visit your local SS office". Still got cut off on the phone, so after lunch today...

I drove to the local SS office after lunch. Noticed cement-filled pillars surrounding the building every 4 feet, and when I entered had to sign in (name, time, office to visit, which I'm used to from my career, but here??) Then I had to do the TSA Shuffle, put my keys/coins/phone/belt into a tray to be x-rayed, then walk thru a scanner. Got up to the SS office, had to sign in, took a seat. The room had a full-time armed security guard behind a desk, who periodically announced that, if you signed in without an appointment, all you could do is schedule a future appointment. I accepted that, and sat down for a long wait. Some of the folks got waited on, and they all had scheduled appts (were called up by name), so they didn't get disconnected like I constantly did (??). Not quite 3 hours later, clock strikes 4:00 pm, and they shoo'd the rest of us out, telling us we should schedule an appointment on their Helpline (the one that constantly disconnected me for over a week).

Walking out, I saw the security gate and the cement-filled pillars again, and the little voice said, "Oh, now I get it!" Went home, tried again for two hours to schedule an appointment, including another link that asked me to photograph my UT driver's license, front and back, plus photograph my face for "Identity Confirmation" Tried that four times, and every time the site came back saying "Identity cannot be confirmed", then gave me an option to "Confirm my identity" that used the local Post Office, but after trying to sign up for THAT three or four times (to get a bar-code to take with me to the PO) I kept getting "PO cannot confirm mailing address", from whom I get mail every day.

I may try again tomorrow, or I may re-purchase that sig-sauer I bought 15 years ago. Right now, just need some Steely Dan, a couple beers, and a good night's sleep. [\whine:]

As technology improves most things get better. Customer service is not one of them. Live chat, AI autonomous lines and the rest are not an improvement on actually employing (and training) actual human beings.

Good luck with the appointment.

 

[someoldguy]

If you hate whining, skip over this post. What's on my mind? Bureaucracy!

A couple months ago I turned 65, and needed to sign up for Social Security. Went to my current medical insurance firm, Blue Cross/Blue Shield Federal, and found the plan that worked for me (Parts A, B, plus a BCBS Supplemental) but learned I had to apply separately for Medicare A/B at medicare.gov. Went there, tried to log in, and they refused my credentials. Tried over a week, finally found a "Chat" feature, and she said I had to go to the Social Security website to actually apply for Medicare. Tried there, and it wouldn't allow me set up an account, had to go to "login.gov" to set that up. That took several days (about an hour each day) but finally got registered. Was supposed to be able to now log into Social Security using my "login.gov" credentials, but they never would accept it, said a "detail" prevented my login but wouldn't tell me what it was. Finally, about ten days ago I started calling my local Social Security office to make an appointment, was always told, the "next available agent will be with you shortly", and then... immediately disconnected! This happened once or twice a day for over a week. This last weekend I really doubled down to figure this out, took notes and made a lot of printouts, 3 hours on Saturday and 2 on Sunday. The SS website would simply not accept that I am who I am. Went back to the "Chat" feature on the Medicare website and she said, "Sounds like you need to visit your local SS office". Still got cut off on the phone, so after lunch today...

I drove to the local SS office after lunch. Noticed cement-filled pillars surrounding the building every 4 feet, and when I entered had to sign in (name, time, office to visit, which I'm used to from my career, but here??) Then I had to do the TSA Shuffle, put my keys/coins/phone/belt into a tray to be x-rayed, then walk thru a scanner. Got up to the SS office, had to sign in, took a seat. The room had a full-time armed security guard behind a desk, who periodically announced that, if you signed in without an appointment, all you could do is schedule a future appointment. I accepted that, and sat down for a long wait. Some of the folks got waited on, and they all had scheduled appts (were called up by name), so they didn't get disconnected like I constantly did (??). Not quite 3 hours later, clock strikes 4:00 pm, and they shoo'd the rest of us out, telling us we should schedule an appointment on their Helpline (the one that constantly disconnected me for over a week).

Walking out, I saw the security gate and the cement-filled pillars again, and the little voice said, "Oh, now I get it!" Went home, tried again for two hours to schedule an appointment, including another link that asked me to photograph my UT driver's license, front and back, plus photograph my face for "Identity Confirmation" Tried that four times, and every time the site came back saying "Identity cannot be confirmed", then gave me an option to "Confirm my identity" that used the local Post Office, but after trying to sign up for THAT three or four times (to get a bar-code to take with me to the PO) I kept getting "PO cannot confirm mailing address", from whom I get mail every day.

I may try again tomorrow, or I may re-purchase that sig-sauer I bought 15 years ago. Right now, just need some Steely Dan, a couple beers, and a good night's sleep. [\whine:]

You sure have my sympathy . They (the faceless they) sure have 'improved' things since I went out . I retired back in 2011 . Never went once to the SS office . Gave them a call , got sent a form , filled it out and mailed it back with the requested documentation , and got a call back a few weeks later letting me know when my checks would start coming , and how much they would be for .
This morning , I had my monthly breakfast meetup with a few of my former co-workers (big greasy breakfast in a classic NJ stainless steel diner) 2 of whom retired last year . We talked pensions a bit , but neither mentioned a gov't runaround like you went through . Maybe it's new over the last few months .
Anyway , best of luck getting through this mess .... this , too shall pass ; and then enjoy retirement!!!

 

[goldmac2006]

Enjoy your training. You’ll sure to have a blast (pun intended!).

I wonder if they have similar programs at Space X and whatever the other one is called?

It'll be enjoyable!!! I am starting next week.

SpaceX should have similar programs too, but I had yet to check it. and lockheed martin.

 

[rm5]

I REALLY, BADLY need to take classical lessons. I’ve been doing so much of it that it would be detrimental to keep trying to figure this out on my own. More specifically, I just need someone to listen to me perform a piece and give their feedback and a direction to go.

Issue is, I am already overloading by 3 credits and if I overload any more, I’ll get charged. So need to wait until there’s a magical opening in my schedule, or when I’m at a point where I can substitute a College class for another lesson. But I haven’t taken enough College classes to be at that point yet (I need at least another 36 credits, or 6 non-music classes). Usually students don’t get to that point until the last trimester of their senior year. I’m sure I’ll figure something out. Maybe take two lessons one term, and no lessons another term? Technically not required to take lessons every term, so long as I ultimately end up with 36 units of MUIN courses (lessons) by the time I graduate.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Most of my classes encourage - or require - putting away laptops and electronics and using physical materials.

Excellent.

Though in some classes, I really can't avoid a laptop. For example, last term, I took that Federalism class - which I could have ordered physical books for - but I joined the class late and would be far too behind if I waited for them to arrive. So I chose to use an eBook, which I am NEVER doing again.

Musicology classes have all the readings and assignments on Canvas, and those classes are actually my first here that have been full-digital. But students often print them out for consultation during class. Again, with that 2000 page printing limit (after which you have to pay out-of-pocket), I'm hesitant to print 60+ pages every other day (for my two reading-heavy classes - Musicology and Soviet History).

Soviet History?

Fascinating.

Actually, among other subjects, I used to teach - specialise in - Eastern European, Russian, and Soviet History.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Bites on my elbow are on my mind. Keep knocking it and setting off the insane itching. T tree oil helps a bit. Not keen on the smell though.

 

[it wasnt me]

As a German, it's not unusual to get upset about DHL: Shipping often takes a long time, everything is getting more and more expensive and so on. However, I have now tried to have a parcel sent from California to Delaware via UPS (in order to have it transported from there to Germany). Suddenly DHL doesn't seem so expensive and slow anymore: The parcel within the USA takes six days and the shipping is more expensive than the contents. Where is the revolution when you need it?

 

[mollyc]

Bites on my elbow are on my mind. Keep knocking it and setting off the insane itching. T tree oil helps a bit. Not keen on the smell though.

My daughter and I get horribly itchy from mosquito bites; the boys in the house don't seem to nearly as bothered by them. We have finally decided that basic hydrocortisone cream is the best remedy. It works at anytime, but if you can put it on as soon as possible after being bitten, and refrain from scratching for the first 20-30 minutes (which is admittedly torturous), you can almost prevent that bite from being itchy again.

The problem of course, is in Virginia in the summer, you can easily end up with 20 or more bites at a time!

 

[Apple fanboy]

My daughter and I get horribly itchy from mosquito bites; the boys in the house don't seem to nearly as bothered by them. We have finally decided that basic hydrocortisone cream is the best remedy. It works at anytime, but if you can put it on as soon as possible after being bitten, and refrain from scratching for the first 20-30 minutes (which is admittedly torturous), you can almost prevent that bite from being itchy again.

The problem of course, is in Virginia in the summer, you can easily end up with 20 or more bites at a time!

I don’t usually suffer that much. Mrs AFB gets a lot more. Clearly boys don’t taste as nice!

 

[it wasnt me]

Clearly boys don’t taste as nice!

It costs me a lot of willpower to not reply.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Bites on my elbow are on my mind. Keep knocking it and setting off the insane itching. T tree oil helps a bit. Not keen on the smell though.

My daughter and I get horribly itchy from mosquito bites; the boys in the house don't seem to nearly as bothered by them. We have finally decided that basic hydrocortisone cream is the best remedy. It works at anytime, but if you can put it on as soon as possible after being bitten, and refrain from scratching for the first 20-30 minutes (which is admittedly torturous), you can almost prevent that bite from being itchy again.

The problem of course, is in Virginia in the summer, you can easily end up with 20 or more bites at a time!

I don’t usually suffer that much. Mrs AFB gets a lot more. Clearly boys don’t taste as nice!

To repel, or discourage, the wing-borne menaces, I recommend (heartily) the use of citronella oil, - I would recommend using, even, when all else has failed, the undiluted essential oil, a few drops dabbed on pulse points, but it is usually considered better to dilute it - and I write as someone who is horribly attractive to mosquitoes.

Alas, this is one of those asymmetrical relationships; they love me and I loathe them.

@Apple fanboy: There is an excellent English company called Alfresco (Beauty without Bites) who produce entirely natural, citronella based mosquito repellant creams, and sprays, and I cannot recommend them highly enough.

Tea tree oil can help, too, but, once they have actually bitten you, I think that the time for natural remedies may have passed.

Re gender, even though I have been unable to find anything (online) which confirms (or refutes) my suspicion that women are more attractive to the winged horrors, I strongly suspect that @mollyc and @Apple fanboy are right, as this has been my own personal experience, as well.

 

[mollyc]

To repel, or discourage, the wing-borne menaces, I recommend (heartily) the use of citronella oil, - I would recommend using, even, when all else has failed, the undiluted essential oil, a few drops dabbed on pulse points, but it is usually considered better to dilute it - and I write as someone who is horribly attractive to mosquitoes.

Alas, this is one of those asymmetrical relationships; they love me and I loathe them.

@Apple fanboy: There is an excellent English company called Alfresco (Beauty without Bites) who produce entirely natural, citronella based mosquito repellant creams, and sprays, and I cannot recommend them highly enough.

Tea tree oil can help, too, but, once they have actually bitten you, I think that the time for natural remedies may have passed.

Re gender, even though I have been unable to find anything (online) which confirms (or refutes) my suspicion that women are more attractive to the winged horrors, I strongly suspect that @mollyc and @Apple fanboy are right, as this has been my own personal experience, as well.

I've tried all sorts of herbal sprays. Most don't work. I have two different ones that I wear when I do yardwork that help a little, but not much. Citronella does nothing for me, but one that has lemon oil and eucalyptus does help a little.

Mosquitos are attracted to carbon dioxide, and different people emit different amounts, which is why some people are more susceptible than others.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I've tried all sorts of herbal sprays. Most don't work. I have two different ones that I wear when I do yardwork that help a little, but not much. Citronella does nothing for me, but one that has lemon oil and eucalyptus does help a little.

Mosquitos are attracted to carbon dioxide, and different people emit different amounts, which is why some people are more susceptible than others.

Eucalyptus does work, as well, - and I always have some to hand - and that is an excellent recommendation.

In general, I have found citronella (and the natural citronella based lotion produced by Alfresco) to be excellent, but, unfortunately, I don't always remember to apply it when I should, (I vividly recall how one afternoon with UN colleagues over a beer - or three - somehow all too soon found its way to twilight - when the winged horrors tend to put in an unwelcome appearance, and this fool had forgotten to take the necessary precautions because they hadn't been necessary earlier, during the afternoon) or, rather, mosquitoes may sometimes find an area of skin (my earlobe, once, in Bosnia) where I had omitted to apply the cream.

Anyway, for me, citronella works well. When I remember to apply it.

 

[Clix Pix]

Worst itching and accompanying pain I ever experienced was when many years ago I inadvertently and unknowingly wandered into some Poison Ivy and my legs and feet really suffered for that encounter! A miserable, unforgettable situation......