Etdlahq Memorial Bar - your shelter from forum crashes

Aarrgh. :rant: I just received a call about changing over my auto insurance to TX. Apparently, I have to surrender my NY plates before I can cancel the NY insurance policy. In order to surrender my NY plates, I need to get TX plates. In order to get TX plates, I need to 1) get a TX vehicle inspection (~$40); 2) present proof of ownership and identity (out of state drivers license doesn't work); 3) pay $86 title transfer fee, $33 printing/administrative fee, $90 moving-to-TX tax. Jeez. And to avoid having my NY driver's license suspended, I have to do all this and have my plates in the mail and postmarked by 10 September. :steam:

In NY, the inspection fee was $34 and the total title transfer/plate printing/etc fees were ~$80 and a driver's license was $40. In IL, an inspection was not required and the title/plates etc was $100, but that included drivers license. For TX, including drivers license: over $200.

Plus, the nearest title office is around 40 minutes away.


May I just say, EFF TX. I knew there was something I hated about this place (in addition to the weather, people, and general atmosphere). Any bets on how much the list will expand? HA.


Ok. It's 4:30 in TX, and that means it's time for actual Long Hammers. Many many actual LongHammers. In fact, if you'll wait a second, Ima pound this one and fetch a freshie. . .


YUM.

*Dews PMan*

I feel better already. It's amazing how pounding a high calorie/high alcohol beer can improve my mood in mere minutes. . . as opposed to me improving my mood all by my lonesome, which I'm rather accomplished at.

Thanks for letting me get the car stuffs off my chest. Now to plan out my weekend and the coming week, and then further vent frustrations via Keyne and the Socket Tourney!

Cheers! :guiness:
 
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Hey, pancake! Where the hell have ya been? I was hoping you hadn't ridden your bike off a cliff somewhere...

Happy belated birthday! We had a party with a cake shaped like a Mountain Dew can, but you never showed up. *sniffle* You can look back at your birthdaily, too. We didn't forget you!

@JayGun: Hmm, I guess I was lucky to avoid most of those fees. I basically ran my old car into the ground and kept up my non-Texas insurance payments through the mail until it died. When I got my new car, it was already registered/inspected, so I was able to skip all those fees... or maybe the dealership just tacked it all onto my overall total. Stinks now that you're forced to switch things over. You'll feel good when it's all over!

But 40 minutes away? That's crazy.

I have a bunch more to write, but I'm in a total rush. I'll be back in the morning, bar flies!
 
Well, the computer was supposed to be gone for the weekend, at the elder's house in Kentucky. But then the people came back without it. They explained that the elder's computer had coughed blood and died, and he needed it to complete a very important work-related document. I was fine with this, and so went without it for a week. But then they didn't fetch it. They instead bought him a new one, but the loaned one was not returned. It remained in Lexington for the next 2 weeks, and finally returned today. I have been freaking out.

Thank you for the birthday wishes, and Thy and banananaanannananzzzzzazzzz as well. I wish I had been here for my party, it sounds awesome. I'll have to look for that birthdaily.

And yeah, I am pissed at Top Gear. That is not a new season. It isn't even new on American TV, because I know I have seen this week's episode before. It is where I first saw the Zonda, and what made me fall in love with it. If they want to screw us over with old episodes so be it, but stop saying crap like "All-New!". It's not all bad, at least I get to see some old episodes I wouldn't have otherwise seen, but still...

Um, so, things that happened while I was without tubez:
- The riding continued, and I've now increased my Monday route to about 25 miles. I've only done it twice so far, but it is a very nice ride, albeit a bit bumpy with full tires. I might let a bit out of them before I ride it, but I must remember to fill them afterwards. It takes me back through a little town, if you can call it that, that I didn't even know existed. I'd call it a dot on the map, but it isn't even on the map! I fell in love with it on the first ride, enough that I didn't care that I was lost. Second time was still fun, but marred by the bumpiness, which I've mentioned, and the dog, which I have not. Suffice to say, someone either left the dog outside or let the dog outside, and it took off after me as I rode past. I threw it into a huge gear and took off, accelerating from my cruising speed of around 18 mph to ~31 or 32 in a couple seconds. I usually couldn't do anything like that, but I was quite motivated.
Speaking of riding, I'm going to try my best to conquer Pilot Mountain this weekend. I'll send someone up in the truck, then ride around at the base for a while, get warmed up, and make my assault. Should I reach the top, I'll strap the bike on and then do whatever. If not, then I'll get them to come down and get me or something. Either way, I'm not riding down those switchbacks. I haven't descended much, and I'm not confident in:
A) my abilities
or
B) the other drivers not hitting me.

- I am not in school this semester, thanks to a clerical error. So instead I will seek a job, ride more, and do whatever.

- I picked up Gears of War, mostly because it has co-op, and was sorely disappointed. The way people talked this game up I was expecting something really special, and it was not. The co-op was more like work than fun, especially the "let's split up" sections. I sometimes found myself doing a methodical, almost scientific approach to those, since my brother kept dying and we had to restart the whole section. Games should not be that formulaic. Other than that, the checkpoints were at stupid times, usually before long cutscenes, the sound was totally ****ed, and the non-Live multiplayer is, as usual, useless.

- Guitar Hero 5, my other recent acquisition, is awesome. I beat the the career last night, but still have plenty of songs I skipped left to play. I've only done guitar and a little bass, but I am actively searching for a drum set so that I can do Scatterbrain and Spirit of the Radio on that instrument as well. I love the game, it is just so much better than World Tour. I'm not the biggest fan of the Career structure, but that is a minor complaint.


Ok, so I think that covers most of it. What did I miss while I was gone?
 
@Mlm: thanks for the beer! It went down rather well, as did the two with dinner, and as is the current one. Yum

@TRM: Good job on avoiding all the EffTX fees! Had I known, I would've done pretty much the same thing. . . alas.

@lion: What difference does it make? Hummm. . . I don't know how to answer.
What difference does it make to you personally? None whatsoever, but thanks for reading anyway.
What difference does it make for people in England? None (see above), though I expect registration and licensing fees are higher in London than in some other parts of the country, purely due to reasons of capital (more cars=more people with cars=more people who have to pay whatever fees they're charged in order to be able to drive the cars=more potential for monies to service roads/public transport/education/whateverthestatespendsitsmoneyon), though I know absolutely nothing about registering cars in England, since I've never registered a car there.
What difference does it make to people in continental Europe; to people who count themselves a part of the European Union (an economic system, not a governmental state)? Well, I expect that Germany has different fees/taxes than France or Luxembourg. But such people still live in independent countries, so the reality is likely quite similar to that of England (ie the JayGun's complaints about TX do not in any way apply). Though they could make some 'germany sux; france rox' or 'die lux ist die roxxorz' sort of comments. (And, by the way, Luxembourg is the roxxorz. Effing great place, imo, though I only spent a couple of days there.)
What difference does it make to other US citizens? Well, they could count themselves lucky for living in states that have an income tax; they could commiserate about moving states and being disgusted by the differences; they could read my complaints and decide to never move to, visit, or have anything to do with TX (good idea); or they could skip my WoT and/or go on about their lives.
What difference does it make in general? None. Absolutely none. But thanks for reading anyway!
(of course, there are other responses to your question, but this is enough of a WoT. . . for now anyway.)


@PKM: Great riding stories there! A buddy of mine rode from Chicago to San Francisco and I loved reading his adventure-blog, and though I don't ride much myself, I feel sort of inspired to get on the bicycle when I read your bicycle stories. Thanks! And enjoy those new video games!


And guess what?

It's time for another Long Hammer! Whee! It's also time for some hot D2 action, assuming nothing gets in my way.

Cheers! :guiness:
 
It´s the first Saturday in Ages I want to sleep after 7 am, And just because of that I have to get up nad get going :(

Anyhow I´m taking the morning shift in the bar by hitting my cheap as energy drinks in the fridge!

ANyone care for a campari-jucie or bloody mary for a breakfast kicker?
 
Very tired from work, so didn't hit the Bar last night. Must have reset my alarm four times before I got up this morning. Well done on getting up early MLM!

Girlfriend is starting teacher training on Monday. We spent most of the day yesterday getting her stationery, lunchbox snacks and smart clothes. Her sister gave me a £20 HMV voucher because she didn't want anything from the store as I'd just bought her a DVD she'd wanted as a thank you for some lifts. I tried to explain to her it was like real money and sooner or later she'd want something from the store, but she wouldn't listen, and £20 is £20.

Sold two more games and an accessory I have leftover for the X360 I sold. Nice bit of income, especially as a friend called in the £100 debt I owe him, which I apparently borrowed to pay for beer and lapdances when I'd split up with the gf earlier in the year and was feeling sorry for myself. Way to spring that back on me, buddy!

Going for some chores before work, then going over the girlfriend's to watch I Love You Man, been waiting ages to see that with her.

I had my first driving lesson in three years. SECOND GEAR ROCKS! :P Also, my tiny rural English village is a DEATH TRAP! Why would three small girls be holding hands and rollerblading in the middle of the street? WHY? It went really well, and the guy said we'd go to the next town over (Newquay - thank Heavens 90% of the tourists are gone now) to do some stuff that may require *gasp* third gear.

Have a good day bar, I'll stick to a green tea for these chores.
 
I've not been following the WoT's, so I'll just have some juice.

Does anyone else not mind being RickRolled? I actually quite like the song, and am listening to it now, after wondering what an "abridged" episode from a random user was about.
 
I just realized that my WoT was quite extensive, and maybe I should have put it under a spoiler tab or something. Whatever.

By the way, FE's tar hasn't been 'shopped, it's from the episode where Hank and Dale go on a vocation vacation as basket weavers, Dale's dream job. At one point Dale overhears Hank laughing about how Dale is bad at weaving, and Dale sees Hank's mouth get all huge and maniacal as he laughs. So that is from that part.

I need a life.


Dew please.
 
I did it again. Managed to be in a pub with friends without drinking any alcohol. This is way too easy and fun. Maybe I should extend my "sober time" a bit longer :scratchchin:
 
I'm going to sound a bit strange by saying this, but: [I don't know if it's phrased correctly, but I'm sure we'll live]

I quite enjoy observing and analysing the social interactions of people at various stages of intoxication. It's quite fascinating how personalities become emancipated throughout the night.
That said, it's also quite enjoyable ignoring the social restraints and letting the world go, and enjoying the night with friends.
I've also noticed that sometimes, even without drinking, I'm less restrained among friends who've been drinking.

*gets pancakeman a life*

Oh, you want a dew also? Where should this life go?
 
Watch that life, Pancake! I mean, jeez. . . if you're just going to sit on it, why not pass it on to someone who'll use it! There must be somebody like that around here. . . *looks around* Oh well.

I'll have a LongHammer, I guess. I should be working on some Socket tourney action, but I'm trying to flesh out the sept plan instead. Oh well. Good times anyway!
 
I know of no bar patron that really has use for a life.


I've been hunting for good cycling gear at cheapo prices, and it's not easy. I need to replace my helmet, but they are very expensive and few fit my head. Plus, I can barely find any that come in orange and blue. Glasses are unbelievably pricey, and if you want decent quality and a color other than black you are sort of hosed. You can get the ALL NEW MAGIC LENSES THAT SEE THE FUTURE but not orange shades.

So far I've managed to find one helmet that I really like, but the website is mostly in Spanish and I can't find a price or where I can buy one other than Spain. Still, it's a start.
 
My favorite pair of sunglasses I've ever owned were orange tinted. Heavy metallic black frames. So awesome. My current pair are probably my second or third favorite overall, some green tinted gold-rimmed aviators. They're pimp. I wear them all the time.

...oops. I now have to text my GF. I left them at her place. :rolleyes:

The best bet I'd think to find orange shades would be to hit up sporting goods stores. Specifically the hunting section. I can't picture a hunting segment on TV without seeing someone in orange shades.
 
I had some that were sort of bluish, and they took more abuse than any pair of shades should ever have to. Sadly, they were lost at the Great 4th of July of 2009, so I had to find a replacement. It's a pair of black sporty things, but I don't like them as much as the others. I did pick up a new pair just the other day, but they fell off my hat once and the lens popped out, so I've been fiddling with them trying to fix it. If I can fix them, I'll try riding with them on. Orange and green lenses and a silver metal frame.

Oh, and I found out that the helmet I really, really want is only available in Europe, and that there is not a single US dealer. So there's that.

I'm off to bed, night Bar.
 
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