The Vent and Rant Thread

[kindlekitten]

Yeah, my Dad would occasionally press gang me into functioning as his Para legal when he had a big case coming up or shortage of staff. Word perfect was our holy grail. Sometimes we'd print stuff out that bore little resemblance to what we were looking at on the screen. I can't remember how I found it, but somehow I figured out there was a "reveal text" or something like that command. I learned to always use that on docs that were going to final print. We never did figure out how all of those hidden commands got in there, but sure learned to use that reveal.
I shudder when I think about the amount of paper we used to go through

[Stitchawl]

Often we are really reminded that we are in Thailand... so often, in fact, that we have an expression for it T.I.T! 'This is Thailand!

This afternoon I received a message on my phone. It read;
'Today, on your birthday, Dec. XX, 2014 only, "True" (my cell phone provider] gives you the gift of 24 hours unlimited free long-distance phone calls within Thailand! Enjoy!'

I think that is really nice of them... except my birthday was last week. T.I.T.
They save a LOT of money this way...


Stitchawl

One of the things I have missed in the years I have lived in a very small town, one at least an hour away from what I think earns the name of city at all, and hours away from a real metropolis, is no eggnog lattes available in coffee shops around Christmas. My town doesn't even have a coffee shop, the choice is regular or decaf in local cafes. So I was thrilled to see eggnog lattes featured at the one coffee shop I know of in the closest city. Bleech! An eggnog latte is made with eggnog, not 2% milk with a squirt of artificial eggnog flavoring in it.

[Hitch]

Originally Posted by Hamlet53

One of the things I have missed in the years I have lived in a very small town, one at least an hour away from what I think earns the name of city at all, and hours away from a real metropolis, is no eggnog lattes available in coffee shops around Christmas. My town doesn't even have a coffee shop, the choice is regular or decaf in local cafes. So I was thrilled to see eggnog lattes featured at the one coffee shop I know of in the closest city. Bleech! An eggnog latte is made with eggnog, not 2% milk with a squirt of artificial eggnog flavoring in it.

How is that possible?

I ask because I--yes, I, She Who Is Not Known For Domestic Goddessness--make real eggnog. (I couldn't tell you where on earth the vacuum cleaner is to save my life, but my sole domestic talent is: I can cook.) Now, to make the type of eggnog that makes your eyes glaze over, go all googly, and all that, you need two things, above all else--eggs and cream. Half-and-half, if you're dead desperate to diet, but...eggs, fo'sho.

So, how on EARTH can you put eggnog into HOT coffee, without inadvertently creating a coffee-flavored variant of eggdrop soup? I'm not being argumentative--I'm genuinely asking. I cannot imagine a procedure for this--other than possibly using...nope, that wouldn't work, either. Even if you tried to make a whipped eggnog topping, using "real" ingredients, and floated that atop coffee, rather than IN it, it should curdle the raw egg. If you try to steam eggnog--same result. So...how does it get IN there?

The entire "trick" to homemade eggnog is that you are making a seasoned/spiced egg custard that is thinner than actual custard. To make it work, you cannot boil it, because--yup, the eggs will curdle. They'll curdle even near a boil. So...how can you make a latte with eggnog, she wondered? Are you sure that what you had before wasn't just heavy cream or half-n-half with "eggnog" flavoring put IN it? When you weren't looking? I'm not doubting what you've said, but I'd love to know how it's done.

In ponderment,

Hitch

[Hitch]

I know, I know--y'all are going to think I'm even rant-ier than usual lately, and perhaps I am. And, yes, this isn't really a "problem;" or, rather, it's a high-class problem to have, but:

WHY IN THE NAME OF HEAVEN, WOULD PEOPLE AND BOOKS POUR INTO AN INNOCENT EBOOK-MAKING COMPANY, GETTING READY TO GO ON ANNUAL HOLIDAY, ON THE DAMN 23RD AND 4TH OF DECEMBER???? REALLY?


It had become almost dead quiet this past week--last week--and then, KABLAMMO, Monday, it was like someone turned on the faucet. We've done more quotes in the last 48 hours than we did all of last week. I was here for 12+ hours today; my CS Manager, nearly 10. I have NO idea what time I'll get out of here tomorrow--oh, sorry, now, TODAY, Christmas eve.

I know I should be grateful for it. And I am. Just wish that their timing was slightly better.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, ALL MY FELLOW MR'ERS AND CRANKY FOLK!

Hitch

[red_phoenix]

Originally Posted by Hitch

I know, I know--y'all are going to think I'm even rant-ier than usual lately, and perhaps I am. And, yes, this isn't really a "problem;" or, rather, it's a high-class problem to have, but:

WHY IN THE NAME OF HEAVEN, WOULD PEOPLE AND BOOKS POUR INTO AN INNOCENT EBOOK-MAKING COMPANY, GETTING READY TO GO ON ANNUAL HOLIDAY, ON THE DAMN 23RD AND 4TH OF DECEMBER???? REALLY?


It had become almost dead quiet this past week--last week--and then, KABLAMMO, Monday, it was like someone turned on the faucet. We've done more quotes in the last 48 hours than we did all of last week. I was here for 12+ hours today; my CS Manager, nearly 10. I have NO idea what time I'll get out of here tomorrow--oh, sorry, now, TODAY, Christmas eve.

I know I should be grateful for it. And I am. Just wish that their timing was slightly better.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, ALL MY FELLOW MR'ERS AND CRANKY FOLK!

Hitch

Procrastination


Merry Christmas Hitch. You have definitely earned your Holiday Break.

Originally Posted by Hitch

How is that possible?

I ask because I--yes, I, She Who Is Not Known For Domestic Goddessness--make real eggnog. (I couldn't tell you where on earth the vacuum cleaner is to save my life, but my sole domestic talent is: I can cook.) Now, to make the type of eggnog that makes your eyes glaze over, go all googly, and all that, you need two things, above all else--eggs and cream. Half-and-half, if you're dead desperate to diet, but...eggs, fo'sho.

So, how on EARTH can you put eggnog into HOT coffee, without inadvertently creating a coffee-flavored variant of eggdrop soup? I'm not being argumentative--I'm genuinely asking. I cannot imagine a procedure for this--other than possibly using...nope, that wouldn't work, either. Even if you tried to make a whipped eggnog topping, using "real" ingredients, and floated that atop coffee, rather than IN it, it should curdle the raw egg. If you try to steam eggnog--same result. So...how does it get IN there?

The entire "trick" to homemade eggnog is that you are making a seasoned/spiced egg custard that is thinner than actual custard. To make it work, you cannot boil it, because--yup, the eggs will curdle. They'll curdle even near a boil. So...how can you make a latte with eggnog, she wondered? Are you sure that what you had before wasn't just heavy cream or half-n-half with "eggnog" flavoring put IN it? When you weren't looking? I'm not doubting what you've said, but I'd love to know how it's done.

In ponderment,

Hitch

All the eggnog lattes I have ever had were purchased at commercial coffee outlets. The eggnog used was bottled the same as can be purchased from stores at this time of the year. Not home made. Other than that the eggnog is steamed to a froth (like plain milk in a regular latte) and mixed with a shot of espresso. I've never noticed any curdling, the drink is smooth and of uniform consistency. It is much thicker than an ordinary latte.

I can't make them at home, no espresso machine. When I lived where these would be available in many coffee shops at this time of year I really had to exert self control. The calorie count must be through the roof.

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/eggnog-latte/

[Hitch]

Originally Posted by Hamlet53

All the eggnog lattes I have ever had were purchased at commercial coffee outlets. The eggnog used was bottled the same as can be purchased from stores at this time of the year. Not home made. Other than that the eggnog is steamed to a froth (like plain milk in a regular latte) and mixed with a shot of espresso. I've never noticed any curdling, the drink is smooth and of uniform consistency. It is much thicker than an ordinary latte.

I can't make them at home, no espresso machine. When I lived where these would be available in many coffee shops at this time of year I really had to exert self control. The calorie count must be through the roof.

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/eggnog-latte/

Well....I see the recipe on allrecipes, but I note the very clear instructions about the temperature of the nog.

I suspect--and I hate to ruin the idea for folks--that most of the really yummy eggnog lattes are made with heavy cream and eggnog syrup. Given the temps that are used in commercial coffee houses, at the steam machines, I can't see how "real" eggnog could possibly work, I really don't. HOWEVER...I'm certainly willing to toddle out one day soon and ask at SBUX, if they have it. It's always possible that I could be wrong (INCONCEIVABLE!*)

*

Spoiler:

Yes, for the person who PM'ed me to ask if I meant that it was inconceivable that I was "actually" wrong, that's a Princess Bride reference.

Hitch

Originally Posted by Hitch

Well....I see the recipe on allrecipes, but I note the very clear instructions about the temperature of the nog.

I suspect--and I hate to ruin the idea for folks--that most of the really yummy eggnog lattes are made with heavy cream and eggnog syrup. Given the temps that are used in commercial coffee houses, at the steam machines, I can't see how "real" eggnog could possibly work, I really don't. HOWEVER...I'm certainly willing to toddle out one day soon and ask at SBUX, if they have it. It's always possible that I could be wrong (INCONCEIVABLE!)

Hitch

If there is a Starbucks near you can try it there and let us know if it is real eggnog.

It's back! Starbucks brings back Eggnog Latte after customer protest


Best hurry though as I don't know how long after Christmas it remains on the menu.

[Hitch]

Originally Posted by Hamlet53

If there is a Starbucks near you can try it there and let us know if it is real eggnog.

It's back! Starbucks brings back Eggnog Latte after customer protest


Best hurry though as I don't know how long after Christmas it remains on the menu.

Hmmmm..wonder if they'd tell me, though? Anyway, I should think that it would be, at least through the New Year, and I have to go right past one on Friday morning. If I'm not running behind, I'll see if I can drop in. I simply cannot see how on earth they can steam anything that is part raw-egg and NOT have it curdle.

The curiosity, she burns!!!!
Hitch

[kindlekitten]

Downstairs powder room toilet is leaking
From the tank. Have a wading pond in the entry way. Pout

[poohbear_nc]

He: Oh carp! The year's almost over and I haven't published my novel as an ebook yet!

She: Don't worry! I've found the perfect ebook publishing site for you: Hitch, Hitch & Hitch: Purveyors of Elegant Ebooks!

He: But I'm not done yet - my novel is in a lot of separate files.

She: No problem! They have software to deal with that. Just zip everything together into one huge file and send it off.

He: But some files are in different formats. I even typed some on my cell phone. And there are a few tweets to include.

She: No problem - this is 2014! Hitch will have state-of-the-art software to untangle all your formats & fonts.

He: Sounds expensive ...

She: Expensive? For what? It's all done by computers. All they have to do is load the file and push a few buttons. How hard is that? It shouldn't cost much at all -- the computers do all the real work.

He: Do you think it could be ready by New Years Day? So I could impress your parents? Remember how much fuss they made when your sister published her pirate/vampire trilogy?

She: It's all done by computers! You know how fast computers operate these days.

He: Wait! I forgot to include the pictures!

She: No problem. Just zip them into another file and attach it to the first file. The computer will sort them out.

He: Is the computer smart enough to figure out a table of contents? Some of the chapters have titles, but others just have numbers. I couldn't decide which to choose.

She: Sure! It's a computer, right? Lots smarter than we are.

He: OK. I've hit the "Send" button. I hope I hear something back today. It's Christmas you know.

She: Hey - they're a business. Someone will be online 24 x 7 so they don't miss the opportunity to publish a masterpiece like yours.

He: Thanks honey! This is the greatest Christmas gift ever!

[PeterT]

Grr.... Tuesday evening I started to feel a cough and sore throat coming on.

Wednesday I managed to get my clients to Dialysis, and deliver Meals on Wheels (I work and volunteer for a Community Health Center), and then managed to complete Xmas shopping with the wife.

Today, am coughing a lot more

Guess I'll forgo heading down to some friends for our annual Xmas meal (and yes.. the wife is now coughing more too).

I think I had better reach the office tomorrow and let them find another driver for my Friday evening and Saturday morning shifts

[Hitch]

Originally Posted by poohbear_nc

He: Oh carp! The year's almost over and I haven't published my novel as an ebook yet!

She: Don't worry! I've found the perfect ebook publishing site for you: Hitch, Hitch & Hitch: Purveyors of Elegant Ebooks!

He: But I'm not done yet - my novel is in a lot of separate files.

She: No problem! They have software to deal with that. Just zip everything together into one huge file and send it off.

He: But some files are in different formats. I even typed some on my cell phone. And there are a few tweets to include.

She: No problem - this is 2014! Hitch will have state-of-the-art software to untangle all your formats & fonts.

He: Sounds expensive ...

She: Expensive? For what? It's all done by computers. All they have to do is load the file and push a few buttons. How hard is that? It shouldn't cost much at all -- the computers do all the real work.

He: Do you think it could be ready by New Years Day? So I could impress your parents? Remember how much fuss they made when your sister published her pirate/vampire trilogy?

She: It's all done by computers! You know how fast computers operate these days.

He: Wait! I forgot to include the pictures!

She: No problem. Just zip them into another file and attach it to the first file. The computer will sort them out.

He: Is the computer smart enough to figure out a table of contents? Some of the chapters have titles, but others just have numbers. I couldn't decide which to choose.

She: Sure! It's a computer, right? Lots smarter than we are.

He: OK. I've hit the "Send" button. I hope I hear something back today. It's Christmas you know.

She: Hey - they're a business. Someone will be online 24 x 7 so they don't miss the opportunity to publish a masterpiece like yours.

He: Thanks honey! This is the greatest Christmas gift ever!

Is it oversharing to mention that I was both laughing AND crying when I read that? (Worse...Pooh, are you intercepting and reading my email again?) I had a client, WHO CALLED ME at 4:00 p.m.+ plus yesterday, because "of course" I'd be in the office, right? I mean, geeze--it was only Christmas EVE, not Christmas Day--who wanted to be sure that the edits he'd initially SWORN would be in by the 23rd---which didn't arrive until after 2:00 on Christmas Eve, and for which, "Oh, wait, I have one more thing," would, indeed, be done and sent back to him by...wait for it..."first thing the morning of the 26th?"

{sigh}. Ya ever notice that "serve" and "slave" have the same number of letters?

Thanks for the chuckle, Pooh, my x-country kindred spirit. MUCH appreciated.

Hitch

[WT Sharpe]

Originally Posted by PeterT

Grr.... Tuesday evening I started to feel a cough and sore throat coming on.

Wednesday I managed to get my clients to Dialysis, and deliver Meals on Wheels (I work and volunteer for a Community Health Center), and then managed to complete Xmas shopping with the wife.

Today, am coughing a lot more

Guess I'll forgo heading down to some friends for our annual Xmas meal (and yes.. the wife is now coughing more too).

I think I had better reach the office tomorrow and let them find another driver for my Friday evening and Saturday morning shifts

Hope you and your wife get better quick. We've been lucky so far, but as our neighboring city of Norfolk was named last week as the 5th sickest city in the nation, I've no idea how long our luck will hold. I've had my flu shot, but the odds-makers were a bit off this year as to which strains would be the most likely to make an appearance.