| WIKI | FAQ | Tech FAQ | |
 http://csua.com/feed/ | |
| ||||||
| 11/23 |
| 2011/8/3-27 [Recreation/Travel] UID:54154 Activity:nil |
8/3 We Americans are not the only ones failing geography.
http://www.csua.org/u/txk (sports.yahoo.com)
\_ American travel agent.
\_ Really? The article didn't say this.
\_ Yes, it did: "but her travel agent accidentally scheduled"
\_ I don't see "American" anywhere in that line, unless you
meant all the travel agents for the competitors were
supposed to be provided by the host country.
\_ Mind you, how many Americans know there's a Carlsbad in CA? The
caverns in NM are much more famous. That said, I'm surprised the
NM Carlsbad has an airport.... |
| 2010/11/12-2011/1/13 [Recreation/Travel] UID:53995 Activity:nil |
11/12 15-story soundproofed, thermal-insulated, equthquake-proofed hotel
built in just six days, with no injuries:
http://www.csua.org/u/rzx
How long does it take for our American construction workers to do the
same thing?
\_ It's pre-fab, so it's not built in six days, it's assembled in six
days.
\_ one can only assume they took shortcuts on such tings as permits
environmental impact reports, inspections, etc. |
| 2009/8/4-13 [Recreation/Travel] UID:53237 Activity:low |
8/3 A week into my trip to Oregon and having a fairly good time, but
tonight is my first night in Portland. What a shithole. I don't
feel safe here in downtown. It's like Berkeley, but without the
crowds of people to make you feel safe. There are meth addicts
everywhere and the news was full of reports of stabbings and a
homicide just tonight. Can anyone familiar with Portland tell me
what areas are safe to be in or which to avoid? I went to Powell's
tonight and while the immediate few blocks were okay, walking
there from my downtown hotel was scary.
\_ it's a good heroin town, Portland
\_ This is from a friend of mine:
the pearl isn't bad - there's some stuff around 10th and couch
by the brewery blocks that's open late and can be entertaining.
it can get a bit marina on the weekends, but it's fun.
23rd st around glisan's usually hopping, too. it's not far from
downtown. it's sort-of more cow hollow/fillmore-ish.
in core downtown there's a cool bar downtown called 'departure'.
it's right on pioneer square on top of macy's, on top of this
cool hotel called 'the nines'. it looks like a cross between the
concorde and 10-forward. there's also clyde commons, the
restaraunt/bar in the ace hotel on 10th and stark.
if he's in for a trip to the east side of the river the doug
fir is a great music venue with an awesome bar. and hawthorne
st from 23rd and up is also pretty fun.
\_ 15 years ago it was nice, there was a park we'd all eat at for
dinner during nice weather. public one, just people hanging out
and eating supper together as the sun was going down. |
| 2008/12/16-29 [Recreation/Food, Recreation/Travel] UID:52257 Activity:low |
12/15 I am considering a January trip to some quiet/smallish beach community
(not mega resort) on the Pacific Coast of Mexico [Jalisco, Michoacan,
Guerrero or Oaxaca] ... does anybody have a recommendation of where to
go for a week or so?
\_ Why no cities in Baja which are overall cleaner and safer?
Acapulco was a destination city years ago, but I hear it is
kind of scummy now.
\_ Because I have been to Baja, and I am meeting somebody in
Mexico City. I'm not worried about safety issues. BTW,
supposedly Northern Baja is now considered somewhat unsafe,
although it is not clear to me that isnt internet amplification
of a couple of stories rather than a real change in conditions
on the ground.
\_ I am a little unclear on what you want to do there. Just beachcomb?
Fish? Go to some nightclubs? I have only been to this region a
couple of times, so I am not really an expert, but I can ask
my brother, as he goes fishing down there all the time.
\- i want to sit in a nice looking place which is a reasonable
temperature and eat unhealthy cheap tacos, steak and fresh
seafood. i'm not interested in seeing cultural patrimony,
paragliding, getting wasted etc. if snorkling is an option,
might do that, but not that important. but i dont want to
be in a one restaurant, one hotel, one bar town. puerto escondido
was recommended. thanks.
\_ from my brother, sorry for the formatting:
What type of experience are you looking for? Are you looking
for a small mexican beach town or more of a secluded resort?
They have both north of Puerto Vallarta. I loved Mar Y Sol
Hotel at Jacarandas 8 Rincon De Guayabitos, it is a small
mexican beach town, a few Candians but few americans.
Resonable prices and decent hotels right on the beach. A think
we got a one bedroom suite for around $100 a night. Good
fishing, a great restraunt on the bluff top, warm water and
many of the touristy things just small and more oriented to
mexicans. They had a great beach, shrimp kabob salesmen,
simple...about an hour and half north of Puerto Vallarta.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
For a more seculded expereince there is a great small resort
near San Francisco, Nayrit, Mexico. The one I was very
impressed with seemed to cater more to the surfers but there
were several quality, small resorts there. For luxury you
can't beat the Four Season's in Punta Mita, Nayrit, Mexico.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
I love them all including Puerto Vallarta,I found a small,
adults only resort that I liked very well there called Villa
Premiere. Great beach, decent pool and you can walk down to
the Malceon at night. There are all kinds of great
performers, musician and other curio.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
I also Love, Love, Love, Playa de Carmen an hour or so south
of Cancun. That place is full of small resorts right in town.
The town is incredibly charming and has a europen fell. There
are small places to eat right on the beach, awesome, neat
little shops. Touristy but small and personable.
\- detailed feedback appreciated. i'll research those.
BTW, one question: what vintage is your brother's info?
last 2-3 yrs? >5yrs ago? the first time i heard of "nayarit"
was like a month ago. i thought it was a place in say thailand.
\_ Pretty recent, he goes fishing down there like half a dozen
times a year.
\_ Seconded Playa del Carmen, but that's not on the Pacific, which
was the original request.
\_ Was disappointed w/ Playa Del Carmen, but I didn't stay there.
Seemed like it was nice a few years ago and then got over-developed
and is now becoming ane extension of Cancun. This is from May.
Several years ago I went to Oaxaca City (very inland) and then
spent a few days coastal (Puerto Escondido / Huatulco). PE is a
sleepy surfer town and Huatulco is a nice, quiet, resort town. I
went in the low season (June) and all the tourists were local
Mexicans. If you like food, in Mexico City/DF I highly recommend
Fonda el Refugio in Zona Rosa. It's the bomb (San Angel Inn is
nice but way out of town, and too Euro-influenced). |
| 11/23 |
| 2008/11/6-13 [Uncategorized/Profanity, Recreation/Travel] UID:51865 Activity:moderate |
11/6 What's a good vacation for less than $750/person for 5 days
in mid to late November?
\_ New York City is quite nice in November. You can even wear
shorts and t-shirt. Be sure to visit aspolito. He's a really
nice guy who would never jerk you around. Oh and he's gay
and loves sodomizing pollux.
\_ what year are you living in?
\_ What do enjoy doing? Hiking around outside? Lieing around
in luxury? Seeing cool shit? 150/person/day is a lot of
money if you don't need to fly.
\_ San Diego
\_ bahahahahahahahahaha what a joke. No, been there, done
that. Not particularly fun. I hate suburbia and fake cities.
\_ Depends on what the OP wants to do. He should tell us
what he likes (nightlife, nature, single/family-oriented,
etc.). San Diego makes a very nice vacation if you like
sunshine, beaches, and hot women or if you have kids and
want to visit the Zoo, Sea World, etc.
\_ My wife and I enjoyed our relatively cheap vacation in
San Diego, but I used to live there, so I knew where to
go. What kind of stuff are you looking for?
\_ I hate big amusement park type of thing. Sea World? BLAH.
The last time we went there, we went on this big
retired naval/air museum on the carrier (BLAH). Then
we went to this huge ass hotel built long time ago
called Coronado with a bunch of wrinkled people who
dressed nicely (BLAH). Then we went to downtown and
drove around (BLAH). I mean, the place has no
interesting history behind it like San Francisco. Even
unique little places like Mendocino and Morrow Bay and
Carmel-By-Da-Sea are more interesting. San Diego was like
Los Angeles, you never arrived there, you never left.
The history is boring, and there's nothing unique there
that is interesting to San Diego besides naval ships.
I guess if you're into military shit, it'd be more
interesting, but I'm not. Fuck war. San Diego is so BLAH.
It's has absolutely no character behind it. Sadly,
today much of new American town is white washed in
interesting, but I'm not. Fuck war. San Diego has
absolutely no character behind it. Sadly, today much of
new American town is white washed in homogenous
characterless suburbia BLAH like San Diego. It's like
you drove 400-800 miles from home but never left home.
You know, I grew up in cities like San Diego and never
knew what a yokel I was till I went to college. FUCK
SAN DIEGO.
\_ Hotel Coronado has a lot of history behind it. So
does San Diego from the Mission to Lindbergh. I
just spent a week in Carmel and while it is very
beautiful it was also supremely boring. Everything
closed at 8pm and there's nothing for kids to do
(if you have kids). Same for Mendocino, although Fort
Ross was interesting. You never really said what it
is that you like to do, but if you like history
then you should go to Boston or Philadelphia.
\_ Did you go to Old Town? Did you visit the missions?
I'll admit that San Diego's no SF, but it's a fine
town.
\_ How about Los Angeles? What do you recommend doing
in Los Angeles besides the usual stuff like
*yawn* Olvera Street, Korea Town, Japan Town?
\_ The only times I've been to J-Town were to
interview for the JET Program. As a native
San Diegan, downtown LA offends me. Better
to go to Huntington Beach and environs.
\_ You should have walked around Hillcrest and had coffee
at some of the cool coffe shops. Why did you drive
downtown at all? You should have been walking. Did you
see a jazz show at Croces? Why not? Spend some time in
Balboa Park? That park is way better than GG Park. The
Museum of Modern Art in La Jolla is much better than
anything we have and La Jolla cove is great people
watching. You just did the dumb tourist stuff. There
are some great and famous murals in Barrio Logan
as well, but they are off the beaten path. North Park
is also great, where I used to live.
\_ world of warcraft 7 day free trial. Visit Quel Tha'las, have
the kiddies ask where mankrik's wife is, go see the metal bands
play the undercity. Get that Deeprun tram postcard. Come back
with a defias bandit mask. Fun for the whole family.
\_ LOL Best response ever! Thanks! |
| 2008/8/28-9/3 [Recreation/Travel] UID:50988 Activity:nil |
8/28 If you were to check into a reasonably fancy downtown hotel with
only a regular-sized backpack, how much would you tip the guy
who shows you to yoru room? [and you carry the pack on your back].
\_ As much as your generosity and budget allows.
This is a free market. He treated you nicely because he was
hoping to do a good job, and perhaps earn extra money on the
side. He could have done the same thing to someone who dressed
poorly. But it's a free market. He took a risk. He hoped to
get a return. He may not have expected anything. But it's a
free market. Anything goes. So next time someone helps you
out, remember, that person has already seen it all, from
huge ass tips to no tips, and no matter how much you give,
to that person, it's just part of work.
\_ POWs only had one hotel - the Hanoi Hilton!
\_ are they old? you should fire them.
\_ I'm a pretty generous tipper and I wouldn't tip him anything. In
fact, I'd let him know that in advance by telling him that you have
it under control and there's no need to show you to your room.
\_ Yeah, second the above guy. I would say "I am good, thanks" when
offered assistance and then not tip him if he insisted. |
| 2007/6/20-24 [Recreation/Travel, Reference/BayArea] UID:47022 Activity:kinda low |
6/20 I am on travel for work in Santa Clara from LA. I haven't actually
spent time down here (as opposed to Berkeley/SF) in about 12 years.
I have some questions and observations:
1. Why do people drive so slow here? The freeway is wide open and
people still go 65 in general.
\_ It's the cultural thing. In other countries, you can get
onto a freeway and take your sweet time to get to the cruising
speed in 20 seconds and no one is going to complain.
\_ On average people in LA drive a lot longer per commute than
people in N Cal. LA is much bigger with much more suburbs and
the highways are much more congested, so people tend to drive
in a way that minimized their time in traffic (as fast as
possible). Secondly LA has a Hummer/SUV/49er/I-love-foot-ball/my
bling bling is bigger/better/faster than you culture and people
have a tendency to drive a bit above speed limit (80-85 over the
70mph limit) vs. N Cal where they're driving at the speed limit.
In the end, time is money, and people will do what they can to
save time.
\_ Like none of this is true in the bay area? Riiiiiight.
\_ Sometimes a Prius ends up in the fast lane.
\_ Probably because it's not rush hour, and those that need to rush
to work usually drive during rush hour.
\_ I moved recently from SF to LA. I think it's more that people
in LA drive so fast and aggressively and have no patience.
This is the West Coast - we're all supposed to be laid back
I thought.
\_ Maybe, but if the lanes are open then why not go 80-85?
\_ If your average commute is only 15-25min a day (typical
Bay Area commute), the time savings between 65 and 85 is
minimal (with local traffic dominating your commute time).
So people just don't rush the way they do in LA. On the
other hand if you live in shitty suburbs like Riverside,
Azusa, Ontario, and the rest of the Inland Empire where
you need to spend 2-4 hours a day on shitty highways like
605 210 110 5 101 405 while you inhale dirty LA smog, then
yes, there is a lot more incentive to buy a nice comfy
luxurious car and try to go 80-85 when it is possible to
do so.
\_ They *do* go 85 here. Which freeways have you been
driving where they drive slower when there's open
road?
\_ 101 and 280 so far.
\_ People driving slow on 280? Damn last time
I was on 280 I was driving 85 and I was
the slowest car on the road.
\_ Dunno what to tell you. I have yet to be
passed by anyone the entire time I have
been here on any road.
\_ and I'm sure you have a large penis
\_ Not that I drive crazy fast. Everyone
else is just stuck at the speed limit.
Unheard of.
\_ Lots of cops.
\_ People here have a higher interest in perserving their
lives.
\_ Just because somebody *can* do something, it doesn't mean
they will or should do it. I'm finding the mentality of LA
drivers annoying.
\_ I have no idea where you're all getting the idea that LA
drivers are one iota different than SF Bay Area drivers.
\_ oh, I dont know, maybe it has something to do with the SPEED
LIMIT?
\_ What's that? It's annoying. Today everyone was doing 40
on the expressway. I looked at the sign. Yep. 40 was the
speed limit. WTF is wrong with people here? Does going
45 scare you?
2. What is that nasty smell? I thought it was my hotel, but I figured
out it's the air. Is it the Bay? It smells like warm, stale,
salty air. If it's the Bay, then why doesn't say, Marin smell
like this? Is there some sort of plant nearby? I can't stand it.
\_ Millions of unshowered people.
\_ No, seriously. There is a foul stench in the air. Surely
I am not the only one to notice this.
\_ Where? There are garbage dumps, salt ponds, and a couple
sewage facilities along the bay. Some parts of Milpitas
smell really bad.
\_ salt flats, they can smell really nasty if you're downwind of
them.
\_ It is pretty amusing that someone from the Inland Empire is
complaining about Bay Area air quality.
\_ 1. I'm not from the IE.
2. Nowhere in LA smells bad like this unless there's
some sort of industry nearby. It permeates everything.
3. Where is everyone? With about 100 Fortune 1000 companies nearby,
I expected to see a lot of hustle and bustle in the mornings.
It's like a ghost town. This is true for Mountain View, San
Jose, and so on. Not just Santa Clara. Lots of massive office
parks and not a person to be seen. Even the highways are
relatively empty.
\_ Everyone got laid off in 2001. Anyone who didn't now does the
work of 4 people.
\_ Which freeway were you on? There are tons of people on 85.
101 also clogs up beginning in the afternoon. There are tons
of people at certain hotspots... like Valley Fair/Santana Row
or Mtn View Castro St. There are a lot of dumpy areas that
nobody wants to hang around in.
\_ You should be used to this, coming from LA. Everyone gets
in their cars, drives to their destination, which is behind
a wall or smokey glass, then drives to their next destination.
There is no public space. If you want to see people, go to
the mall. This is just like LA, btw, except for the beach.
Welcome to the suburbs, where you don't have to interact
with anyone who is not exactly like you!
4. One more: Why does Live105 play almost exactly the same music
they did 12 years ago? I've listened to a few hours' worth at
various times of day and it's not that the music is bad, but
I'd say that only about 1/8 songs is actually newer than 5
years old. The DJs are hideous, BTW.
\_ Does LA have good radio stations? They have always been
shit and always play the same limited genres ad nauseum.
\_ No, LA has bad radio statons except for KKJZ. However,
they do play music from year 2006 and 2007. I appreciate
LA radio a lot more now.
\_ BTW, today's big ticket giveaways were Bob Saget
and NASCAR. On Live105. That is very scary.
\_ Bob Saget is actually pretty hilarious when he's not on
some family show like AFV or Full House. His bit in
The Aristocrats was the best.
\_ Yeah, yeah. He's foul-mouthed. How about tickets
to, I dunno, a show?
\_ Live 105 is owned by CBS, thus is incapable of innovation. -tom
\_ Zombies. They took over the radio stations years ago but no one
noticed. |
| 2007/3/2-3 [Recreation/Humor, Recreation/Travel] UID:45855 Activity:kinda low |
3/2 Funny, probably work safe:
http://www.galwayfirst.ie/donkey -!dans
\_ Wow, everything in that story is totally crazy.
\_ Fairly boring and unbelievable - !danh
\_ It's also a hoax
\_ How do you know that?
\_ That's completely work-safe. |
| 2006/10/25-27 [Recreation/Travel] UID:44970 Activity:nil |
10/25 We just went to Oahu for 5 days for only $748. Two roundtrip plane
tickets AND a 2 star hotel that was only 3 blocks from the beach.
I got the $1200 package that was on discount for $848 on Expedia,
and also got an instant $100 rebate that was posted online. Total
trip excluding food and entertainment was $748. Nice deal.
\_ 2 star hotel? Is that like a Motel 6?
\_ No. It was a cozy little place and it felt more like a 3
star hotel. Clerks treated you like a family member.
\_ Stars are not the definitive guide to hotel quality--they
also, depending on the ratings group, take into account things
like size, handicapped accessibility, a restaurant (no matter
how crappy), etc. I've been at 2-3 star places that blew
away 5 star business hotels. -John |
| 2006/5/14-17 [Politics/Foreign/MiddleEast/Iraq, Recreation/Travel] UID:43051 Activity:nil |
5/13 Is Dubai a nice city to visit? Is it expensive? Anyone have
recommendations?
\_ http://www.skidxb.com
\_ http://wikitravel.org/en/Dubai
\- if you want to buy gold jewelry or expensive watches.
i think you can entertaiin yourself there for 2 days
there are also various expat communities you could attempt
to hangout with or observe. beyond 2 days, i think you'ld need
to plan something rather than just wander around town. it certainly
wouldnt be the destination i'd pick unless you were going to shop,
and even then, it's not what i'd pick.
\_ All my friends/associates who lived or visited there said it
(and Qatar) were great places (a) to get out of Saudi Arabia to,
(b) if you have wads of cash, (c) if you don't mind 40 degrees
in the shade. -John
\_ (i think he means celsius. weirdo)
\_ I thought that was obvious from the context. -!John
\_ Oh sorry, I thought it was clear that a bunch of primitive
camel jockeys, along with the rest of the world, would not
yet have progressed to Fahrenheit. -John |
| 2006/3/30-31 [Politics/Domestic/President/Bush, Recreation/Travel] UID:42541 Activity:nil |
3/29 http://www.skylofts.com/html/news.html Los Angeles to have its own Times Square |
| 2006/3/24-25 [Politics/Domestic/RepublicanMedia, Recreation/Travel] UID:42403 Activity:low |
3/24 http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/0322061cheney1.html \_ his requests are quite modest, no? the requirement for TV tuned to fox news is very funny :p |
| 2006/3/20-21 [Recreation/Travel] UID:42344 Activity:nil |
3/20 http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060320/od_nm/germany_hotel_dc A Germany hotel charges by the pound. I guess they don't like fat American tourists or something. \_ Caps at 172lbs. I don't think that's targetted at fat American tourists. \_ More to the point, have you seen German tourists? There's only so much lager and sausage the body can process. \_ He should base it on BMI. |
| 2006/3/16-17 [Recreation/Travel, Recreation/Media] UID:42279 Activity:high |
3/16 I have an expensive hobby. I have a few providers I found through
my friend's escort connections. There are a few providers and
AMPs I go to frequently and I really enjoy some of them. Anyways,
after they provide full services, how much should I tip them? For
some providers, even if I don't tip I still get great services
from them.
\_ Err, what is your hobby, visiting prostitutes?
\_ I think that's it. I'm guessing AMP = Asian Massage Parlor. |
| 2005/10/3-5 [Industry/Jobs, Recreation/Travel] UID:39962 Activity:nil |
10/3 Going to be in SF on business. Any recommendations for hotels? So far
I am leaning towards the Omni or the Mandarin Oriental. Four
Seasons and Ritz are out (cost). Anyone have experience with those
two or know one better in the same price range (<=$300/night)? --dim
\_ Mark Hopkins and Nikko are both nice. Park Hyatt is good if you
want to be in the financial district, but otherwise boring.
\_ Any experience with those I mentioned? I was considering
Park Hyatt, since it costs a lot less but it also seems less
nice.
\_ My parents really like it. Their bathroom on the 2nd floor
has the best toilet paper I've ever used. For a five star
hotel, it seems very basic and no frills, without the pure
brand name of the other hotels mentioned above. I've never
been to NYC, but it has that feeling (e.g. guys with weird
hats who open doors for you)
\_ W if you like really dark hallways with dim blue lighting and you
like everyone dressed in black. The rooms are cozy though.
\_ "W" was an option, but I think is out because of the
location and some negative reviews I read on tripadvisor.
\_ Shame you can't spring for Four Seasons or the Ritz, but if you
happen to find the extra budget, go for Four Seasons. Great
hotel. The views from the MO are great, but I thought my room
was small, and it wasn't nearly as posh as the MO's in the Orient.
My cousin swears by the Huntington, and he's something of an
expert on luxury hotels (he spends ~100 nights a year in hotels).
I've never visited, so I can't speak from 1st person experience
I've never visited, so I can speak from 1st person experience
though. -tse
\_ OBTW, I've been told the regular rooms at the Ritz Carlton
feel old. I can attest that the club rooms (IMHO the only
reason to stay at RC properties anyway) are very nice. -tse
\- IMHO, campton place food > huntington food. |
| 2005/9/22-23 [Recreation/Travel] UID:39812 Activity:nil |
9/22 I'm going to Washington DC in a couple weeks more-or-less as a tourist.
I want to find a hotel in a relatively pleasant/safe area near a bunch
of touristy things and the metro. Are their any hotels or
neighborhoods you'd reccomend? It doesn't need to be too fancy, but it
would be nice to find a place with net access in-room.
\_ Are you going to join Cindy Sheehan, the clueless nutso who happens
to have a noble cause and is giving us liberals a bad name?
\_ No, actually I was planning on visiting the Smithsonian, going up
in the Washington Monument, maybe tour The Capitol, and throw
a bucket of blood on imperialist aggressors.
\_ When I visited DC I stayed in Alexandria and took Metro in.
Otherwise, maybe Dupont Circle. A lot of DC is sketchy.
However, you'll be fine at any large hotel (Hyatt, Sheraton,
etc.). |
| 2005/9/17-20 [Politics/Foreign/Europe, Recreation/Travel] UID:39737 Activity:nil |
9/17 What's the best way to find lodging in Europe for a non-student type
who still wants a casual, hostel-oriented tour? Does it vary from
country to country, or am I consigned entirely to the drudgery of
hotels and B&Bs? I'll soon be 26, my Cal ID still looks reasonably
like me, and I make enough to pay for hotels-- it's just that I find
travel a lot more interesting if I don't have to make reservations.
\_ This is always good: http://thorntree.lonelyplanet.com or you could
ask around. It varies tremendously by where/when you want to go,
what your budget is, and how much you want to see. Don't knock
B&Bs, there are some great ones around. If you gave some more
details, that would help. -John
\_ I second the Lonely Planet recommendation, though I've found it
most useful to actually purchase a LP guide for the region, since
that lists all the hostels. Hostelling International (HI) lets you
book online. I know it's a bit of a pain to book ahead, but (from
experience) it's a lot better than arriving at a city and either
a) spending hours trekking around with a bag to find a place or
b) sleeping in a campground with no tent because all the places
are full.
\_ Totally agree. You should get an LP anyway (and always do your
own research regardless.) Their online forums are just very
good to get other peoples' first-hand opinions. -John
\_ LP is great, but go to http://hostels.com or http://hostelworld.com if
you want a list of all the hostel options. |
| 2005/8/23-24 [Politics/Foreign/MiddleEast/Iraq, Recreation/Travel] UID:39224 Activity:nil |
8/22 Just wondering, how much vacation do military servicemen in Iraq get?
\_ free paid vacation in Mosul.
\_ All service personnel are guaranteed 1 month vacation a year. |
| 2005/7/5-6 [Recreation/Travel] UID:38421 Activity:nil |
7/5 I'm trying to find a decent place to living, something that is close
to 3-4 stars but without the price tag of a 4-5 star hotel, esp.
during summer time. It seems that bed & breakfast places fit that
criteria. I've only lived in 1 b&b place and I loved it... it was
small, cozy, clean, and we got every amenity there is thinkable,
including a microwave, frig, stove, and a fireplace. What are some
other reasons NOT to get a B&B place? One disadvantage is that they
lack user feedback systems on the web site, and that I'd have to
talk to them to reserve a room. What else?
\_ You find something wrong with the room and you can't back out of
your contract. How long your gonna live there?
\_ There seems to be an expectation for a B&B guest to socialize
with the proprietor(s) and the other guests. I go on vacation
to escape dealing with people, so B&Bs are a bad option for me.
My last vacation to Bali, my wife and I rented a villa with a
staff of 4. On the plus side, the included chef obviated the need
to negotiate the local food scene, which is usually a source of
stress for me. Unfortunately, the staff was determined to be
friendly and chatty, and their attempts to reach out to me was
more of humanity than I wanted to deal with while on vacation.
Domestics should be seen but not heard. |
| 2005/6/28-29 [Recreation/Travel] UID:38343 Activity:high |
6/29 Apparently, a developer is petitioning a city in New Hamphshire to
build a hotel at the location where the home of Chief Justice Souter
is located. -- ilyas
\_ That is nice, URL to prove this? What do YOU think about it?
\_ See above.
http://www.freenation.tv/hotellostliberty2.html
\_ As someone pointed out to me, this would have been a lot funnier
if they called it "the Hotel of Common Good." -- ilyas
if they called it "the Hotel of Common Good," and instead of
Ayn Rand gave out literature on the successes of social programs
in the United States. -- ilyas
\_ oh boy that would have been hilarious. -tom
\_ You are a sad little man, Tom Holub.
\_ I'm so hurt to be insulted by an anonymous coward. -tom |
| 2005/6/28-29 [Recreation/Humor, Recreation/Travel] UID:38339 Activity:high |
6/29 Freestar Media: "Lost Liberty Hotel" proposed on Justice Souter's
http://www.freestarmedia.com/hotellostliberty2.html
\_ It's too bad the "developer" decided to be so heavy-handed with
his message. I think a more subtle approach would have been
funnier.
\_ Losing your home is never funny. Talk about missing the point.
\_ Giving a precedent for taking your home away in this way
isn't funny. Talk about missing the point.
\_ You must be young. The point is that this guy knows he
is not going to be able to flatten a USSC justice's home
to build his hotel. This is not going to set any
precedent. The USSC already said what he's doing is ok.
He is showing how stupid and unfair the ruling is.
\_ I don't think they're trying give a message. I think they're
really trying to condemn Souter's home.
\_ It says its not a joke. I think it would be awesome though,
a good illustration to the people who change policy without
thought that it could effect them. -mrauser |
| 2005/6/14-17 [Recreation/Travel] UID:38123 Activity:nil |
6/14 Anyone have a good recommendation on hotels nearby Seattle? ok thx
\_ sheraton by the convention center didnt suck.
\_ no, but if you have time the underground tour is a fun touristy
thing to do there. http://www.undergroundtour.com
I was skeptical, but the guides were actually pretty funny.
\_ the W was pretty nice if you (or the company) will pay for it |
| 2005/1/20 [Recreation/Travel] UID:35819 Activity:moderate |
1/20 I've googled and haven't found anything decisive: is mandatory
vacation time legal in CA? If not, is there an exemption for small
companies?
\_ Do you mean "are companies required to give paid vacation time"?
http://lawzilla.com/content/ca-emp-002.shtml
\_ no.
\_ My gf's company pays out the remaining vacation hours at the end
of the year at your current salary.
\_ Lame, but sounds legal to me.
\_ Lamer is capping your possible vacation hours. I'd gladly
take a vacation time payout.
\_ You *have* to be compensated for paid vacation. If they're
capped you must be compensated for any hours above the cap.
\_ You can have a "no additional accrual" policy, but you
can't "expire" standing vacation time ("use it or lose
it"). The company I work for caps sick time, but not
vacation time. Sucks less, but both are legal
\_ No, I mean: "the company will be closed days x y and z, you can use
vacation time there or take unpaid time off." Applying to exempt
employees.
\_ Oh, plenty of companies to that. Even big ones. Applied
Materials does, for example.
\_ Which doesn't mean it's legal. This:
http://www.ztrace.com/sites/26jule01/abcnews/abcnews.htm
says that Sun backed off it a few years ago.
\_ You do realize that the same article quoted an attorney
saying "Most companies are well within their rights in
forcing workers to take vacation time."
\_ You do realize that the paragraph before says that CA
may be an exception to this, right?
\_ That's because CA DLSE issued an opinion that
contradicted federal law. The DLSE subsequently
withdrew that opinion letter and the IWE affirmed
CA's compliance to the federal standard.
contradicted federal law, but the opinion had no
force until it was adopted by either the IWC or
the court system. The DLSE subsequently withdrew
that opinion letter and the IWC affirmed CA's
compliance to the federal standard. The DLSE opinion
was withdrawn in 6/01, so at the publication of
the news story (assuming it was 26jul01), there was
no legal basis to think that CA had different
requirements than the rest of the country.
\_ Sun still does the "the company is shut down - use
vacation days or go unpaid" every year for the 4th of July
week. Has since the bubble burst.
\_ HP's had x-mas shutdown for the five years i've been here. I
would think they would've stopped if it was found to be illegal
by now.
\_ Is my employer required to give me vacation time?
No. (from that URL) |
| 2004/12/8-9 [Recreation/Travel] UID:35213 Activity:moderate |
12/8 What's a good place to go for family around the bay area for Christmas?
I want to drive there and stay in a hotel for a day or two. Besides
tahoe, what are some other destination spots?
\_ Sea Ranch can be nice, but is expensive and a bit stuffy.
\_ Damn, I looked at Tahoe and the hotel is just too expensive for me.
Guess everything's expensive around Christmas. Maybe I'll just stay
in the bay area... :(
\_ Occidental is nice. I have stayed at the Occidental Inn
a number of times. How old are your children?
\_ Parents visiting, so I am trying to think of some place to
take them...
\_ go to Apple HIll
\_ Occidental Inn would be perfect then. Not cheap though.
\_ Monterey? Mendocino?
\_ seconded. Add Carmel as well.
\_ Mendocino sucks. --grew up in Mendocino
\_ Orr Hot Springs is pretty amazing. Not really a place
to take your parents though.
to take your parents though, unless they are nudists
or really hip.
\_ Man, you guys suck. Two days and all you can come up with
is three places. Okay here is a short list: Napa, Russian
River, Calistoga Hot Springs, Marin coast, Pt. Reyes, Sonoma
Inn, Pinnacles, Big Sur, Gold Country, Tahoe, Yosemite.
\_ Santa Cruz, Half Moon Bay, Hearst Castle, Bodega Bay, Bear Valley,
Reno, Truckee. |
| 2004/11/5 [Recreation/Dating, Recreation/Travel] UID:34706 Activity:nil |
11/5 http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=shukan&id=250 Stories from people who work in Japan's Love Hotels. |
| 2004/9/2 [Computer/SW/WWW/Browsers, Recreation/Travel] UID:33294 Activity:very high |
9/2 Hello guys I have a dilemma. I booked Holiday Inn on the internet
and on the day that I checked in they gave me a smoking room. They
didn't have anything else, but I couldn't take the room because of
serious asthma (I ended up going to a nearby B&B place). After talking
to the managers and the corporate HQ they still refused to give me
a refund, I filed the complaint to BBB. BBB returned saying that
they can't help us, and that I should try one of the four choices:
-Small Claims Court Santa Clara County
-State Contractors Board
-Consumer Affairs State of California
-District Attorney of Santa Clara County
Which choice is the best? Thanks,
\_ Go to small claims court. Let us know if you need help.
The rest of you STFU, because you don't know squat about
the statutes involved or basic Tort.
\_ All bow down before the anonymous legal expert!
\_ For the uninitiated: A) You don't know the real facts of
the case. B) You don't know what statutes apply to
the case, C) You don't know if the situation involved
actually violates the rule of law, D) You don't know
in what situations that rule of law should be upheld.
Ergo, you cannot make a summary judgement of whether
or not the OP should or should not receive due
compensation. Therefore, STFU. And yes, I am
qualified to comment on the subject...
\_ if you KNOW you have problems with SMOKE, make sure you
get a NON SMOKING ROOM explicity upon reservation
\_ Why do you hate smokers?? They gave you 1 room, which you chose
not to take. Pay up, chump.
\_ If you just 'requested' a non-smoking room, that's expressing a
preference and it doesn't obligate them to give you one, just like
asking for a window seat on an airplane doesn't entitle you to one.
If you told them you require a NS room when you made the reservation
or they promised one, you have a much better case.
\_ ah, but the internet didn't even give me a choice!!!
\_ sure, blame it on the internet!!!
\_ Tell corporate HQ to "Give me my money back or I'm going to file
an ADA suit with one of the ADA ambulance chasers".
\_ The thing is that while they are required to be accomodating,
you have to give them reasonable notice of your disability by,
say telling them you're asthmatic when you make the reservation.
Cal provides ASL interpreters for lectures, but if a deaf student
doesn't give them warning ahead of time, they're SOL.
\_ hey, if they charged to your credit card. Call your CC company to
dispute it. You can't be charged for services not rendered.
\_ The reason they can charge you for a canceled reservation if
because you could cause them to hold a room for you that could
go to a customer who shows up and pays. If there are lots of
rooms available, a canceled reservation charge is not covering
any actual damages. If there are no other vacancies, as this
sounds like, then be reserving and then canceling, you *did*
cause damages in the form of a reserved but unused room.
\_ credit company said it is my fault for breaking the 24 hour
clause set by Holiday Inn. -op
\_ just think of it as payment for a lesson learned, ok?
\_ for most people, "smoking or not" is just a preference, not
life-threatening choices. It's too bad that it is for you, and you
should be reponsible for getting message acrossed to those who
handles your hotel room.
\_ if you have some reason to need or want a non-smoking room or
other preference, state it to to the hotel. If the hotel can
not or will not cater to your needs or wants, they the hotel
needs to inform you of this in a timely fashion. If you dont
state this to the hotel, tough shit. If the hotel tells you
at the last minute that they can not fulfill your request, that's
bad faith. |
| 2004/7/7-8 [Recreation/Travel] UID:31207 Activity:very high |
7/7 I'm really clueless about travelling. The only real vacations I've had
were set up by my parents. What's the best way to figure out plane
and hotel arrangements for some given place? Or are tour packages a
good idea? Sorry this is pretty vague I just want people to talk about
travel cuz I need vacation badly.
\_ try http://expedia.com
\_ it depends. try to package something yourself, and then compare
the price to online packages as well as those offered by a real
travel agency. I had a really good travel agent that worked
wonders even after online prices shot up.
\_ the flight stuff I could handle but the hotel possibilities are
kind of intimidating. did you just try some random travel agent?
\_ where might you be going? That will help us answer your question.
\_ not really sure yet.
\_ Quiz: What is your travelling personality?
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2004/summer.trips/quiz.html
\_ wow. what an eye opener. it turns out i like to go outside
and look at stuff. who knew? i'd like to take a moment to
silently thank the selfless individuals who labored and
sweated to bring this brilliant "quiz" into the world.
\_ A lot depends on your attitude towards travel. If you're a type A
person with a list of destinations to hit on your trip, book your
own. If you're a walkabout person with a very relaxed idea towards
sites to see, book your own. If you don't want to worry about your
travel arrangements, book a tour. There are many different types
of tours catering to different tastes. A little research will help.
Plus if it's for first trip out, a tour is an okay overview.
\_ Tours are lame. OP is better off doing a bit of research to get
the overview. Since OP doesn't seem to travel an entire trip
spent getting an overview is wasteful.
\_ I'd normally want to do it myself but in some cases it seems
like the intra-destination travel and food stuff would be
a lot simpler with a tour. |
| 2004/7/2-4 [Recreation/Travel] UID:31138 Activity:high |
7/2 I used Travelocity to book a room with Holiday Inn (fine, I'm STUPID)
but when I checked in the only rooms available were smoking rooms. I
returned the keys and asked for a refund because of serious
asthma, but the hotel would not give a refund because I didn't
cancel it 24 hours in advance. In addition because Travelocity
didn't ask me whether I wanted smoking or not, they said that
they were not liable for giving me a room that I didn't like.
How would this look in Small Claims given that the contract
was pretty specific and the wording seems to be on the corporate
side? Would the judge be sympathetic to me or tell me to fuck
off because I violated the 24-hour clause in the contract? In
addition, should I escalate it through the department of justice?
Thanks.
\_ You should do small claims. They won't even fight it.
\- hello assuming a reasonable credit card was involved
you might be able to pursue it through them too.
\_ i booked a hotel with travelocity also. i wasn't aware of
any option for choosing smoking/non-smoking room on their
website. i just called them over the phone and they told
me it's an arragement i will make with the hotel on arrival.
i am crossing my fingers now... :(
\_ Orbitz or expedia tell you ahead of time, smoking or non
\_ tried that, the CC company said its my fault for breaking
the contract
\_ did you file a written claim with CC company or just
call them up? file a written claim which requires them
to reply in writing and then see where you stand. if
they don't help you out cancel that CC. |
| 2004/5/14-15 [Academia/GradSchool, Recreation/Travel] UID:30226 Activity:moderate |
5/13 Some what related question: I'm going to grad school in August.
When should I notify my employer that I'm leaving? Can they
fire you for planning to go to grad school? I don't think I will
get fired. I want pick a time which is equitable to both
parties.
\_ 30 DAYS NOTICE! 30 DAYS IS THE STANDARD!
\_ http://www.nylawyer.com/lawlorn/00/ad042400.html
\_ http://www.i-resign.com/uk/letters/letters.asp
\_ If someone fires you *after* you've given reasonable notice without
a *very* good cause you have an easy lawsuit. They will not fire
you even if they are the most stupid people in the universe.
\_ The Vogons would fire you.
\_ they'd probably put you out of an airlock and *then* fire
you.
\_ but not without a poetry reading |
| 2004/4/8-9 [Recreation/Travel] UID:13092 Activity:nil |
4/8 Any recommendations for a cheap nationwide dial-up PPP provider
where I can purchase two months of service? I'm going on vacation
to the midwest, and staying at places that don't have net.
\_ Here's an idea, make it a real vacation and go offline for a while.
\ \- "real" vacation to the midwest?
\_ I recently started a business and that's not yet an option.
\_ going offline is not an option, or taking your "vacation"
somewhere other than the asshole of the united states is
not an option? personally, I'd rather work a 90 hour week
on the west coast or in the northeast than have a week
"vacation" in the midwest. I have relatives there, and
have plenty of experience to back this up.
\_ how many states are officially "midwest"? -neutral party
|_ joiinternet for $6.95/mo.
\_ Every SBC dsl account comes with free nationwide dial-up for
when you're travelling (via prodigy). Find a friend with DSL
that doesn't use the dial-up portion, and use theirs?
\_ Bring along two AOL CDs.
\_ Thanks. I went with ispwest. --op |
| 2004/4/8-9 [Recreation/Travel] UID:13081 Activity:nil |
4/8 I recently got my first raise, and I'm curious: are my accumulated
vacation hours worth more now, or will I be paid according to the
rate I was receiving when I earned them?
\_ This depends entirely on your employer. Ask HR.
\_ I think they are always worth more now to the company, because if
you take the vacation now, the company is obligated to pay you at
your new rate while you are not working. The new rate is what they
now have to use for accounting purpose. But I don't know what rate
they'll use if you decide to cash-in the vacation time and the
company allows that.
\_ I've always had them valued at my current salary when I cashed
them in.
\_ if it were any other way, what would happen when you started
taking vacation? would the company use prepromotion vacation days
first or are they bastards, in which case they use your post-
promotion vacation days first... then, when you cash out, they
cash you out at pre-promotion wages. it would be a mess and
probably illegal.
\_ I just got paid for all the hours i've accumlated over our max
and I was paid at my latest salary. -sky
\_ New rate. Doing it the other way would screw with accounting. |
| 2004/1/29 [Recreation/Travel] UID:12001 Activity:nil 53%like:10381 50%like:29479 |
1/28 What's the difference between a motel, hotel, and a inn?
\_ Motel: an establishment which provides lodging and parking and in
which the rooms are usually accessible from an outdoor parking area.
Hotel: an establishment that provides lodging and usually meals,
entertainment, and various personal services for the public.
Inn: I think it's the same as hotel.
\_ etymology: motel = "motor hotel" |
| 2004/1/29 [Recreation/Travel] UID:12000 Activity:nil |
1/28 Just used travelocity and expedia. I like expedia's commercial, but
travelocity gave me better choices. So here's a poll:
travelocity: .
expedia:
other:
\_ I have had excellent deals with Priceline using http://biddingfortravel.com
\_ priceline is a total waste of time. You end up spending
time putting different data points and end up not getting
the hotel you really want. It's all based on trust, and
it's anything but trustworthy. TOTAL WASTE OF TIME.
\_ Well I've gotten direct flights to Reagan National
for under 200$, 3-4 star hotels for 30-40$. YMMV,
unless you are stupid. Thats the whole point of
the site I included - because it gives you the
strategy to get the area you want and what you can
expect to pay. Hmm Hilton in downtown SF for 50$
a night; you're right PCLN sucks. |
| 2003/10/27 [Recreation/Activities, Recreation/Travel] UID:10814 Activity:nil |
10/27 Anybody been to New Zealand? From the various web sites it looks
like a beautiful country. I thought that it was mostly desert like
Australia. But it has beautiful mountains and snow. Not something
I expect from an island in the pacific. I'm looking for a vacation
spot with my wife. Thanks.
\_ All of Middle Earth was filmed in New Zealand.
\_ Yeah get with the times. NZ is the latest faddy trendy spot. All
the cool people have been going there lately.
\_ why don't you go to Algeria. totally not trendy
\_ Sure. why not. go.
\_ I'd recommend the South Island, which is much less populated and is
where most of the LoTR was shot. Its getting into summer there
right now, so the snow won't be around and the ticket prices will
be at their peak ($1200 for coach, usually). The North Island has
Auckland, which I wasn't all that fond of...but it does have lots
of rain forest and some of the most beautiful beaches you'll see
outside of Hawaii.
\_ New Zealand was great, I also reccomend south island.
\_ Can I find any hobbitses there? |
| 2003/10/21-22 [Recreation/Dating, Recreation/Travel] UID:10715 Activity:insanely high |
10/21 What's a good weekend vacation for me and my wife for <$350 in driving
distance of the East Bay? I'm looking for specific hotel/resort
recommendations, e.g. Orr Hot Springs.
-- ulysses
\_ Napa
\_ Cross Country skiing at Royal Gorge
\_ why do people get married so young? didn't you just graduate?
\_ Are you thinking of somebody else maybe? I'm probably older than
you. -- ulysses
\_ I'm 50. How old are YOU?
\_ Pull trou, troll.
\_ Again, have you been canyoning up in Quincy? It may be cold
\_ Cross Country skiing at Royal Gorge
you. -- ulysses
right now, but it's beautiful and nearly free.
\_ Not in many years. Thank you for the suggestion. It will have to
wait for summer, I think, though. My wife is not exactly the
outdoorsy sort. <Wife says: What do you mean no room service?!>
\_ BDG, where are you!?
\_ umm... what about the obvious? up in Napa County... Calistoga
Hot Springs... or any of the resort/spas up there. You can also
go shopping a bit south of there. Specific recommendations?
Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa(not in Calistoga) is very close to the
limit of your budget. You could go for Sat night, and buy a nice
spa package or two, spend a day wine tasting, etc. Or the
Calistoga places can be a bit cheaper than SMI.
\_ Lavender Hill in Calistoga is excellent and not too pricey....
\_ Bed and breakfast places up the coast on highway 1 in medicino
are all also really nice and within your range --sky
\_ I know there are good ones but I've had mixed experiences with
B&Bs. Can you name one you'd recommend?
\_ Sorry I can't remember the names of the ones I stayed at.
I usually just drive around and pick one. Another suggestion,
closer to home, is Casa Madrona over in Sausalito.
Its a totally painless weekend getaway.
See http://casamadrona.rockresorts.com
--sky |
| 2003/10/15-16 [Politics/Foreign/Asia/China, Recreation/Travel] UID:10634 Activity:nil |
10/15 I am planning on visiting Guandong, Shanghai, Beijin, etc. this coming
year. Generally speaking, what time of the year would be best to visit
these places? If I want to do more than take a kodak in each city, how
many cities should I visit in about 2 weeks? And, is it better/safer
for a single guy to travel alone, with a guy buddy, his gf, or his
regular female friend travel with him? Lastly, what are some good
words to search for besides "china", "guandong", "shanghai", "beijin",
"travel", "tour", ... Thanks.
\_ best time is actually *NOW*, right after their national holiday
vacation (which span seven days) on October 1st. before
the weather turned cold. One problem with
China is that it has too many people. I personally find it
difficult to enjoy scenary, no matter how beatiful it is,
when there are couple thousands of other guys doing the exact
same thing at the same time. China in general are pretty
safe. For starter, stick with may be 3 cities. Beijing,
Xi'An, and may be Shanghai (especially the nearby city like
Suzhou). If you hever been in China before
3-4 cities is a good start for a 2 week period.
\_ Safe in general, true, but when it comes to your belongings
you should be very watchful. There are known to be some
pickpockets in the bigger cities. Oh, and try to take
a boat ride along the river in Guilin.
\_ What are you saying? It's the worker's paradise! Racist!
\_ The best travel time is just before the Japanese show up to gang
bang the entire staff at the local hotels. You don't want seconds.
\_ Those women weren't hotel staff. They were brought in.
\_ Can I still visit if I don't know how to speak Chinese?
\_ Don't worry, they'll assign a minder to you. They'll always be
one block behind.
\_ Not in Shanghai. The authorities will simply assume that
every pimp and nightclub owner will report on you anyway. |
| 2003/5/14-15 [Recreation/Travel] UID:28433 Activity:nil |
5/13 Anyone have any experience w/ hostels in Hawaii? -reposter
\_ I liked Hostelling International Waikiki. Definately go on their
Circle Island tour. Seaside Hawaiian Hostel is nice and quiet,
but a little run down. There are a few "party" hostels a little
further east in Waikiki, if you want to be in that crowd.
Hostelling International Honolulu is supposed to be quite nice
and quiet, but not as convenient as HI Waikiki. |
| 2003/5/14 [Recreation/Travel] UID:28431 Activity:nil |
5/13 I'm headed to Hawaii for a wedding in July. I'm not into that middle
class "luxury" BS, but I plan on making the most of it... good weather
scuba, lovely ladies, etc. So I've been thinking about hosteling it
with two others. A low end hotel is probably about the same price,
and price isn't really an issue. I just don't want to end up with
a bunch of fat white people. I'd prefer college tourists from sweden.
Anyone ever do a hostel in hawaii?
\_ You can see nice beaches and babes in california. go see the
active volcanoes!
\_ Your only hope for meeting lovely ladies in hawaii is hooking
up with another tourist. They are not into mainlanders and
especially not haole.
\_ Dunno how true this is. My ex is from oahu, and at least a couple
of her friends from the islands are dating haoles. But they do
kinda look down on mainlanders in general. |
| 2003/4/25 [Recreation/Travel] UID:28224 Activity:insanely high |
4/24 Seriously. How practical and close to time travel are we? I used to
read quite a bit about this topic when I was young, but have not been
keeping up with this for the past few years.
\_ Funny you should mention that, there's a good article about that
in this months issue of Omni. Apparently we're pretty close.
\_ Is the article by any chance online?
\_ I'm reading this motd entry from the future.
\_ I knew you were going to say that.
\_ I knew you were going to say that you knew I was going
to say that...
\_ Yep, that too.
\_ Until I get around to killng both of you *and* your
grandparents. Right after I cleanup in the market.
\_ When Zefram Cochrane invents Warp drive (a few short years
now, WWIII has to happen first) we will have everything we
need to time travel.
\_ Time is a one-way arrow. Time travel into the future will happen
in 50-100 years it does not create any paradoxes. On the other hand,
time travel into the past will never happen, because it creates
impossible paradoxes, and that points at it violating all sorts
of things like cause and effect. And it beckwards time-travel
IS ever invented, you'd have heard about it by now.
\_ your logic is flawed. quantum mechanics creates horrible,
crazy-sounding paradoxes, and yet it has been experimentally
verified again and again. The more we explore the crazier
parts of quantum mechanics like superposition and
entanglement, the more it all seems to be correct, and it's
not showing any signs of making "sense". Time travel may
well be truly impossible, but to say that it's impossible just
because of some paradoxes is to ignore the history of physics.
\_ The Temporal Prime Directive is why you haven't.
\_ Because in the future people obey all laws to the letter.
\_ A time-travel date movie: A Happy Accident.
\_ hah! if you're date won't watch Dr. Who with you she's not
worth it.
\_ I read somewhere that time travel is essentially tied to going
faster than the speed of light. If it's possible to go faster
than c then it's equivalent to time travel. Is that still the
case? Isn't c the one true thing that is constant in the universe?
I need something that is true and absolute in life!
\_ There is one true and absolute thing about your life. You
are a loser. |
| 2003/4/14-15 [Recreation/Travel] UID:28113 Activity:nil |
4/14 anybody have a good travel agent that they would be willing
to tell me about? email or post here. thanks! -hahnak
\_ Who still uses travel agents? For tickets use the web. For
help planning a real vacation... use the web. |
| 2002/10/25-26 [Recreation/Travel, Industry/Startup] UID:26321 Activity:very high |
10/25 The boss instituted a 7-day vacation/sick day (combined) policy
for those who have been working for at least a year. He says
most startups don't give any vacation time at all. Is this
accurate? How about where you work?
\_ My company is still a "startup". 14 days vacation + 2 sick
days per year. Pretty standard.
\_ This is not accurate. Most startups give 2 or 3 weeks
paid time off (sick+vacation) and then aim to squeeze
seventy hours weeks out of you the rest of the time.
\_ That's the most absurd thing I've ever heard.
\_ Utter bullshit
\_ I'm not at a startup. I'm at a gov't research lab. But I
get 13 sick days and 13 holidays per year, not counting
national holidays such as Memorial day. --PeterM
\_ could be true. Maybe you are a really small startup?
\_ We have ~ 15 on-site employees. Around for a couple years now.
\_ It is bullshit. Your boss is abusing the fact that jobs are
scarce right now. Do you really want to work for someone who
tries to fuck hisi employees when he thinks he can get away with
it?
\_ Who would? But the sad thing is, he CAN get away with it.
Bloody damned economy. Irrational exuberance can bite me.
\_ The only reason he can get away with it is because
of apathetic, low self-image developers (and H1B's).
The market is bad, but it's not THAT bad.
\_ what safe secure hole have you been in? or do you
rewl? It *is* THAT bad
\_ well that depends. Are you a H1B? If you are, ALL YOUR BASES ARE
BELONG TO HIM. H1B have no legal grounds to sue and have no basis
for complaint. It's the best cheap hitech labor.
\_ Nonsense. Civil complaints can be filed by anyone regardless
of nationality. Some courts will charge extra large filing
fees for nonresidents, however.
\_ That doesn't mean you will win.
\_ we had FIVE weeks vacation at my last job... a start-up.
of course, this was ~2 years ago.
\_ Any URLs for vacation/sick policies (I looked on google) for
startups? If we assume he's not trying to screw people, the
boss is a Type A personality who thinks everyone should work as
hard as he does. He thinks we should all work really hard and
be proud when we succeed as a company -- instead of all acting
like a bunch of 40hr/wk overpaid ingrates.
\_ This sort of expectation is extremely unprofessional for any
except a small cadre of founding members -- and even then it's
borderline. Very few people are in industry strictly because
they like to work really hard.
\_ "Proud" as in "wow, that's swell, have a piece of cake and let's
get back to work" proud or "here's a nice big bonus and take a
few weeks off" proud? Personally as I get older, I find better,
more gratifying things to do in my life than cubicle work. What
good is it to be successful if you can't enjoy life? And Allah
help you, if have a family or get into a relationship. Your boss
is trying to make you feel guilty for making money AND maybe
trying to enjoy life at the same time. 'Sup to you to take
it or leave it. Here's the best way to look at it, if the person
of your dreams asks you to spend a long weekend in Tahoe and
you can't do it because you had the flu in January, your life
officially sucks.
\_ Generally speaking, US sucks in terms of vacation days. Europe
and even countries in Asia are much better. They get like 30
days of vacation. I only get a measly 13 days (not including
sick days though). It's because US has an anal retentive
pilgrim's calling type of twisted work ethic. However, I must
say that your case is especially bad. I think you are being
bullied and exploited. You should kick your boss. Darn! It's
almost 8 p.m. Friday, why am I still at work? Must be because
I am a H1B slave.
\_ Look, you are being exploited. You know you are being exploited.
Otherwise you wouldn't have posted to the motd. Now if you just
let this guy fuck you, you are a pathetic tool. And to sit and
whine about how the economy is os bad he can get away with it is
not a solution. First do you really want to work for someone who
is going to treat you like shit any chance he gets? I mean do you
need the money that bad? Do you have kids? House payments?
There are other jobs out there. But if you don't want to quit
you could actually talk to the guy about it. Ask the other people
at the company if they feel the vacation deal is fair. If they
don't ask them if they will back you if you make an issue out of it.
They don't have to say anything, jsut sign something, or stand
behind you when you make a case to the boss. Then go in, and
actually talk to the guy. Don't be aggressive but don't be
apologetic in any way shape or form. Let him know you and the
others are unhappy and that you want or more reasonable vacation
policy. That simple. Chances are it will work.
\_ The first half of your post is bang on. But the idea of
approaching management this way is unrealisitic at best -- this
is something that is highly dependant on the work environment
and the people involved. Odds are, unless the OP is VERY
charismatic, no one will back him when it gets real -- and
dealing with an A-personality boss like this is only likely to
get you classified as either a slacker, a troublemaker, or empty
noise. I've seen this happen before -- the 'shop-steward'
approach is almost pointless in the vast majority of work
environments. If your company has an HR person or a sympathetic
senior exec, you're better off working thru them than trying to
start a half-assed revolution that's more likely to get you
pushed out (shitty work assignments, blatant disrespect, etc).
Don't get me wrong, communication is good -- but start with
proper channels of communication before you escalate to direct
confrontation. Direct confrontation + junior level of
employment is a really bad mix. -mice
\_ I have worked at four startups: the worst had 15 days PTO
and nine holiday days a year, the best 11 holiday days, five
days sick and three weeks vacation. -ausman |
| 2002/4/26-28 [Recreation/Travel] UID:24609 Activity:very high |
4/26 Getting married in Tilden, ~100 people all from out of town.
I need to recommend hotels in the area (reserve a block of rooms?)
Recommendations? Hotels that will give me discounts? (i think i
will need at least one "good" and one *cheap*)
\_ Campus motel on U. Ave is clean and kind of cheap. My dad usually
stayed there when he visited. Claremont Hotel must be good but
I've never tried.
\- claremont isnt all that. i would be surprised if they were
helpful in your case. since you didnt specify east bay,
i would stay in SF. cheap = tent in tilden. --psb
\_ the wedding is in tilden, why would you stay in the west bay?
\_ The Claremont is expensive and really beat up, worn out, shitty,
old and bad attitude ridden. Do not send anyone there unless
you want them to hate you. Campus Motel? Didn't that used to
be called the Ping Flamingo or something? Always good for a
laugh when passing by.
\_ No, Flamingo is a couple blocks closer to campus than Campus
Motel.
\_ There are a bunch of new hotels that just went up in Emeryville,
all within a few blocks of each other. The older hotels in
the area are the Four Points Sheraton and the Hilton. -chaos
\_ Hotel Durant. Beau Sky.
\_ Beau Sky refused to let me use their bathroom, and I will hate
them forever.
\_ Dorms?
\_ Your best bet is Emeryville or downtown Oakland. Sheraton Four
Points, Woodfin Suite, and the Marriot in Emeryville are all
reasonable, as is the Marriot downtown Oakland. Also okay is
the Radisson in the Berkeley Marina. There are a variety of
motels in Berkeley, but none that I'd put my mother and close
friends at (unless you don't like them very much).
\_ Where's The Bitter Divorced Guy to save you from this fate?
\_ BDG! BDG! BDG!
\_ What can I say that I have not said a thousand times? The
poor fool, I pity him. I hope that he is strong enough to
survive the experience. - BDG
\_ clearly you weren't.
\_ How many years was BDG married?
\_ Do you have marriage advice for us, ladies? |
| 2002/1/31 [Recreation/Travel] UID:23743 Activity:nil |
1/31 Taliban want Cuban vacation.
http://www.nypost.com/news/worldnews/40306.htm |
| 2001/7/1 [Recreation/Travel] UID:21690 Activity:high |
6/30 Is it safe to assume that you'll find cheaper plane tickets
using online companies than by using travel agents?
\_ No, online companies are often travel agents themselves.
I got a really good deal to Europe on short notice through
travel agent. Plus my itinerary was complicated enough that
I couldn't trust the online agencies to give me the right
itinerary.
\_ the best is if there's a travel agent whom you trust that
you've worked with for long enough that they know you
\_ My advice is to shop around. In the past, the travel agencies
helped me to get tickets for less than buying direct from the
airline companies and viceversa. |
| 2001/6/12 [Politics/Domestic/California, Recreation/Travel] UID:21484 Activity:very high |
6/11 So my company had originally notified us that it was shutting down for
July 5th and 6th, but they just were told that forcing exempt workers
to take vacation days was illegal in the state of California. So my
question is how do other companies shutdown for that week, and also in
December? Hasn't anybody challenged this? Man, sometimes I really
love this commie state and all of it's great laws concerning wages.
\_ Yeah, it sucks when companies can't decide not to pay you
whenever they want.
\_ Say what? You love this commie state and all of _it_is_ great laws?
Anyway, are you sure about this being illegal in California? If so,
cool! I can raise hell here..., again.... --ricky
\_ uh, your honor, i read on the motd that this was illegal,
and everything I read on the motd is true!
\_ If it was scheduled company holidays instead of personal vacation
days, it should be fine.
\_ My company, which shall remain nameless for now, is shutting down
for the whole July 4th week. If an employee does not have 4 days
of vacation time to use during that week, that employee will NOT
be paid for that week except for the 4th, which is a company
holiday. How's THAT for a bad policy? New workers only get 10
days of vacation per year and they're forcing you to use 4 of
those on July 4th week. They'll probably force you to use some
more during xmas time.
BTW, I can't find any confirmation of this state law. Does
anyone have a proof? --ricky
\_ McNealy is da' man!
\_ I don't work for Sun. I work for Compaq. (I usually say
Digital, but in this case, I'll say Compaq.) --ricky
\_ That wasn't hard to figure out. All you had to do
was look at your wtmp records.
\_ Oops, well, Sun's doing it too.
\_ Sun gives new workers 11 days per year (not 10).
Also, if you dont have enuf vacation, they they
will make accomodations. You still get paid. But,
don't know if any of this forced vacation is legal...
but I know layoffs are legal.
\_ They are not "forcing you to use vacation". They're just
saying they wont pay you for those days. Technically, there's
a difference.
On the other hand, for "salaried employees", this sounds
rather hokie |
| 2001/2/15 [Recreation/Travel] UID:20601 Activity:high |
2/14 Anyone know where Don Cheapo's is in Tahoe? Cant find the place in the
yellow pages, but I know it exists. Perhaps I have the name/spelling
wrong. Its a ski/board rental place.
\_ It's on Lake Tahoe Blvd, along the way to Stateline. Try
calling them at 530-544-0356
\_ Is this on southshore or northshore? |
| 2000/10/8-9 [Recreation/Travel, Industry/Startup] UID:19439 Activity:high |
10/8 What's the deal with http://Priceline.com? Rumor has it that it is going out of business. \_ they're Elvis. (dead). \_ http://www.fuckedcompany.com had something on them, I believe -John \_ http://www.fuckedcompany.com had something on them, I believe -John \_ PriceLine WebHouse, their subsidiary that sold groceries & gas ran out of cash and closed their doors last week, but the main company is still around (for now). \_ Also, a couple of states attorneys general are investigating Priceline based on consumer complaints. Finally, how does one work with a business model where one ends up with almost NO repeat customers? |
| 2000/9/27-28 [Computer/Companies/Ebay, Recreation/Travel] UID:19347 Activity:moderate |
9/26 Used Priceline to name my price and got it. Then I found out that
the flight did 3-4 different transfers before my destination. I
ended up wasting )(#*)$(#$*(# 10-12 hours waiting at the airport
at a mere discount of $XX. I am NEVER NEVER USING PRICELINE AGAIN.
\_ caveat emptor
\_ cogito ergo eres
\_ Another one born every minute
\_ when you name a price, there should be a setting that asks
the greatest number of transfers you're willing to accept. |
| 2000/9/11-12 [Transportation/Airplane, Recreation/Travel] UID:19225 Activity:nil |
9/10 How does http://Priceline.com gasoline work? I tried their stupid airline shit and it totally pisses me off \_ you pick from a list of participating gas stations in your area; you pick from a list of discounted prices (or name your own); you agree to prepay for 10-50 gallons (good for 90 days); Priceline either matches your price with the station, or if your offer is too low, it will direct you to a more discounted station or sign up with a sponsor to get a better offer. you can only make one gasoline bid every 24 hours. \_ http://www.angelfire.com/nt/priceline |
| 2000/8/28 [Recreation/Travel] UID:19116 Activity:kinda low |
8/28 What's the technical difference between a timeshare and a hotel?
I really don't see any.
\_ No room service
\_ timeshares are like expensive hotel suites that you lease.
Contrariwise, expensive hotel "rooms" are like timeshares
without a repeat business contract. |
| 2000/8/10 [Recreation/Travel] UID:18959 Activity:nil |
8/10 http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/96sep/kunstler/kunstler.htm |
| 2000/7/13-14 [Recreation/Travel, Politics/Foreign/Europe] UID:18659 Activity:moderate |
7/13 I'm looking for a good resource for finding decent and cheap
hostels/dorms in Europe (spec. Italy). Any recommendations?
\_ Hostel International?
\_ You can find a lot of info on the Web: the world Hostelling
International Web site has a link to each country's national
hostelling organization at http://www.iyhf.org/ihyf/world.html.
Searching on Yahoo for <city name>+"Hostels" works, too. Buy a
copy of the _Let's Go Europe_ guidebook and use it to cross-check
particular destinations you're interested in. I've used this
technique for 6 months so far, and it hasn't killed me yet. (The
_Let's Go_ guidebooks are for the "I'm a *really* cheap college
student" crowd; Rick Steves and the Lonely Planet guidebooks are a
step up, but still reasonably budget-oriented.) -- kahogan
\_ I second the recommendation for Let's Go and Lonely Planet, they're
both pretty high quality (I've used both very often.) Also,
maybe you can get some info from AIESEC (http://www.aiesec.org
If you spend the $15 or so for one of their cards (assuming
you're a student) you can get a lot of discounts on lodging and
transportation. -John
\_ Oh yeah, the _Rough Guide_ books are also quite good. -John
\_ At least in the US I've found that the non Hostel International
hostels were much more interesting than the associated ones. But
yah, you should go the hostel route. |
| 2000/7/6-9 [Recreation/Travel] UID:18603 Activity:kinda low |
7/6 Anybody ever used http://priceline.com for rental cars or hotel rooms? What was your experience. I want to do a trial run, but they don't really allow that. \_ go directly to the hotels website and get discounts there, or use http://travel.yahoo.com, they list discounts. \_ My girlfriend rented us a hotel in Manhattan via priceline and we probably got the worst room in the hotel and paid about $145/night instead of the usual $185/night. Her sister did the same thing previously and got a really nice hotel room at about a $60/night discount. You could get lucky, but it seems like there is a good chance that they will stick you with the worst rooms. \_ yes, but i didnt win. their prices arent that great... go directly to the hotels website and get discounts there, or use http://travel.yahoo.com, they list discounts. For car rentals, go through your company, and get nice upgrades. |
| 2000/5/17-18 [Transportation/Airplane, Recreation/Travel] UID:18287 Activity:nil |
5/17 Any http://priceline.com advice? How much should I underbid? When do prices fall (how long before the flight?)? \_ I've had no luck, always got better deals just massaging sabre directly. \_ Priceline is a joke. If you underbid, you get nothing. If you overbid, you pay too much for a flight that may leave at a crappy time without you knowing in advance. Just go to cheaptickets. \_ For a full vaction, try a travel agent. Even with her fees, she saved us 10% over what we found on the net with better flights. |
| 2000/1/7-8 [Recreation/Travel] UID:17184 Activity:moderate |
1/6 Can anyone recommend good (possible cheap) cabin lodging at Lake
Tahoe near the Heavenly slopes? I've skiied at Tahoe before so I
don't know the area too well.
\_ Yes. Someone can.
\_ There are scores of cheap small motels off the California entrance
to Heavenly (though you may still want to drive to Nevada side.
\_ Can you read dumbass?
\_ Having difficulty reading your dumbass over the net.
\_ I've stayed at Motel 6 in South Lake quite a few times. ~40 bucks
for 2 queens. You + 3 friends = Cheap lodging and no long drives in
the morning (but wait til they get some precip)
\_ I much prefer northshore tahoe. Granlibakken weekday rate is
$70/person, double occupancy, including breakfast & lift ticket
to squaw or alpine. And it's a REALLY nice resort. |
| 1999/9/27-28 [Recreation/Travel] UID:16605 Activity:high |
9/27 Hawaii vacation question. I'm planning a one week trip to Hawaii.
I'm wondering if I'd get a better deal booking everything myself or
buying one of those vacation packages. Also anybody know of
hide-away places few tourists go? I'm NOT looking forward to the
crowded beach on Waikiki. Thanks.
\_ If you're looking to avoid the tourist cattle herds, a vacation
package is not for you.
\_ Go into a travel agent wearing your flowered hawaiian tshirt, bad
shorts, and white stuff on your noise and tell them you're tired of
pretending. You want the "Hairiest Chest Contest" cruise to
Hawaii with 6 days and 7 nights of Guided Island Fun!
\_ Went on one a few months ago. MAUI is definitely the place if you
want less tourist. Or KONA (in the big island). Even better, try
KAUAI. Find your own deal through the Web, my experience says it's
better that way. Plus, package tour has a lot of restrictions.
\_ My girlfriend and I went to KAUAI this summer and had a great
time. The island was beautiful and there weren't many tourists.
We stayed at an ocean front condo for about $100/night.
I booked the condo through Gloria's Bed & Breakfast (forgot the
phone number but you can call information). If you go to KAUAI
you defintly need to rent a car. I got one for $30/day at a
local car rental place on the island. Have fun. -emin |
| 11/23 |