"Ping" my fellow U.S. citizens

Palomar · 2004-06-01 10:14:07

*I'm just wondering how things are going in YOUR neck of U.S. woods, regarding especially people being organized, efficient, knowledgeable, etc.?

Long story short: When I moved here from the Midwest, I could not get over how disorganized and inept most businesses were...even hospitals.

Example: Late Friday evening, after I was finished working and we'd gone out for dinner, we returned home to find 2 messages on our answering machine. One concerned a doctor's appointment for my husband, the other a doctor's appointment for his father. My husband's appointment was *made for him* -- they never telephoned in advance to ask what was a good time for us to be there. Same with his father's appointment. Turns out my husband was supposed to somehow be two places at the same time -- both appointments just dropped into our laps at the last minute, late Friday afternoon, abutting a 3-day weekend with yesterday of course being a national holiday (Memorial Day), thus presenting no opportunity to cancel or rearrange one of the appointments. Husband called his father's nursing home bright and early Saturday a.m., informed them of the situation, etc. They were supposed to cancel his father's appointment -- nope, an hour ago received a call from that office, stating father-in-law had been transported to the office anyway.

This kind of stuff goes on all the time down here. Rigamarole, "I don't know," confusion -- in City Hall, the local plumber, etc.

I remember at hospital I worked at, whose telesphone extension numbers were so completely goofed up that after 5 tries of connecting with them I finally gave up and just walked over to that office. In the Midwest, telephone extension #'s are SET IN STONE -- they rarely change. At this El Paso, TX hospital, though, #'s were always changing and even the switchboard operator couldn't get me connected to the proper office!

Insurance companies down here often "forget" to mail your policy cards to you (car insurance).

I remember the Midwest, at least until the early 1990s (when I moved), being very "together," on-the-ball, organized, etc. I remember essentially breezing in and out of department of transportation offices, ease with insurance companies, etc.

Others in this area have made similar complaints to mine -- even people born and raised in this area, who move away for a while and come back, complain about how stupid and disorganized things are around here.

Of course I'm not implying the Midwest was populated by perfect people who could never make a mistake; but there is "the exception and the rule."

So, I'm wondering how it goes in your area? Hopefully much more organized and etc.

--Cindy

dicktice · 2004-06-01 10:48:01

Well (ahem) here in Nova Scotia, Canada, you already know my reaction to your diatribe: Thank God for Medicare!

John Creighton · 2004-06-01 10:49:44

cool, I'm from Nova Scotial too.

Cobra Commander · 2004-06-01 11:36:01

Hmm, had a lengthy reply all typed out but on reviewing it... no. I'll get back to this when I've found a way of answering without getting too mired in the issues that surround such matters in the Detroit area. Let's just say there are certain politically sensitive factors that draw attention to themselves in such a discussion.

The short version is that organization and overall competence in business, medicine, law enforcement and most everything else is dependent largely on what side of certain municipal borders one resides on.

Alt2War · 2004-06-01 20:40:16

Hmm, had a lengthy reply all typed out but on reviewing it... no. I'll get back to this when I've found a way of answering without getting too mired in the issues that surround such matters in the Detroit area. Let's just say there are certain politically sensitive factors that draw attention to themselves in such a discussion.
The short version is that organization and overall competence in business, medicine, law enforcement and most everything else is dependent largely on what side of certain municipal borders one resides on.

Just curious... Are you mormon? re: Nephi quote.

Trebuchet · 2004-06-01 21:35:27

In Florida, it depends: things either work perfectly or don't work at all, as if the entire state was running on Windows. The election fiasco in 2000 is the perfect example of this that everyone is familiar with. As far as actual daily interactions with the forces of disorder, though, that generally would be dealing with the roads that are being worked on perpetually. Whoever is in charge of the DOT is never satisfied with the roads, they either need to be resurfaced, widened, moved, or otherwise meddled with. Contrary to popular belief, orange is not the state color because of the fruit we grow. It's because of the friggin' traffic barricades everywhere.

Other than that, I have no problems with life here, well, apart from the annual invasion of Canadians, but that's almost just an extension of my traffic gripes, since their main impact is to make bad traffic hideous.

Palomar · 2004-06-02 05:18:16

In Florida, it depends: things either work perfectly or don't work at all, as if the entire state was running on Windows. The election fiasco in 2000 is the perfect example of this that everyone is familiar with. As far as actual daily interactions with the forces of disorder, though, that generally would be dealing with the roads that are being worked on perpetually. Whoever is in charge of the DOT is never satisfied with the roads, they either need to be resurfaced, widened, moved, or otherwise meddled with. Contrary to popular belief, orange is not the state color because of the fruit we grow. It's because of the friggin' traffic barricades everywhere.
Other than that, I have no problems with life here, well, apart from the annual invasion of Canadians, but that's almost just an extension of my traffic gripes, since their main impact is to make bad traffic hideous.

*Lol...that last especially was funny. I have a few relatives and friends in Florida; especially in the southern portion of the state, which they describe in generally negative terms (congestion, disorganization)...

In my area, people doing the stupidest things in traffic 9 times out of 10 have Texas license plates (and this is *small* city -- 100,000 population or thereabouts). Sorry, Mundaka and REB.

Anyway, I wonder if some of the problem regarding the disorganization, confusion, etc., isn't due to the high levels of a non-native population. So many people moving in (including me, I admit -- 11 years ago), from different regions of the nation with different expectations, work ethic or not, etc. It seems states with little massive influx are more stable and consistent (which would be logical, I guess, but I only live in one area continually so I have no idea how stable and organized other states -- particularly the Midwest and Northern states -- currently are, which of course is why I asked in the first place).

Of course, I could be entirely wrong -- but I wonder. Change is good, to a point; too rapid change is probably chaos. If you know your city rep, his/her family and reputation, etc., you have familiarity and etc.; can place expectations and accountability more easily it seems. If everyone's a veritable stranger and more strangers are coming in, that seems a "green light" to mischief, disorganization, etc.

But it's early in the a.m...just some thoughts.

--Cindy

Cobra Commander · 2004-06-02 06:06:45

Just curious... Are you mormon? re: Nephi quote.

No, I recently started reading the "Book of Mormon" out of curiosity. Interesting read to say the least.

:hm: Were you going somewhere with that or am I just being paranoid again... ???

In Florida, it depends: things either work perfectly or don't work at all, as if the entire state was running on Windows.

:laugh: Maybe you need to re-install your government every six months.

Vote Linux!

Whoever is in charge of the DOT is never satisfied with the roads, they either need to be resurfaced, widened, moved, or otherwise meddled with. Contrary to popular belief, orange is not the state color because of the fruit we grow. It's because of the friggin' traffic barricades everywhere.

I know exactly what you mean, Michigan roads are the same way, only they're still pothole riddled cracked moonscapes after the work stops for the season. Constant construction but nothing really gets done. Damned irritating. And then you drive across the Ohio border and the roads are perfectly smooth. Of course that seems to be primarily to make Michigan visitors drive faster so Highway Patrol can nab some easy money.

Other than that, I have no problems with life here, well, apart from the annual invasion of Canadians,

Ah yes, Canadians. We get lots of them. Drive a little slow but overall not too troublesome. Also we have a lot of people that go to Canada to get prescription drugs through semi-shady arrangements, though now Canadian outlets are appearing stateside. On the other hand, Canadians regularly come over to the US to specialist doctors that their much vaunted national healthcare system won't cover until such-and-such a time. And cigarette smuggling is fairly common as well due to wide but narrowing gaps in taxation. That exchange rate works out well though, Windsor in particular is a big draw for Detroit locals. Sure, Detroit has casinos and bars, but they're in Detroit. Magical play-money 'Canada-Land' is so much more appealing.

I'm wondering if this is just a local thing; out here people drive everywhere. I've seen people drive to their mailbox. Yes, it's sixty feet or so away, I know it's cold out but do you really need to take the friggin' Escalade to pick up your New Yorker and AOL disc from the mailbox?

These are of course the same people who put a bike rack on their car, drive a mile to the park, unload the bikes and ride for an hour or so, they drive back. :hm:

clark · 2004-06-02 09:36:53

I went kayaking yesterday. The guy wrote my first name down, said, "have fun." (usually have to leave name, number, social security, first-born...) Came back a few hours later, and tried to pay using a card. No dice. Money or personal checks. Well, cash was in the car, about a block away (bad parking). Asked if it was alright if I got the car and came back. He had no problem with it, and I came back a few minutes later.

Man, I'm going to miss California.

Not such a bad place, even if we're run by a foreigner. :laugh:

Alt2War · 2004-06-02 10:54:25

Just curious... Are you mormon? re: Nephi quote.
No, I recently started reading the "Book of Mormon" out of curiosity. Interesting read to say the least.
:hm: Were you going somewhere with that or am I just being paranoid again... ???

Much more interesting is the history behind the writing of that book.

FYI, remember the "Mason Martyr," the man who threatened to publish secrets of the masons that was captured, sent to canada and killed? Who's death sparked the very successful Anti-Mason Party?

His widow became Joseph Smith's first second wife.

Cobra Commander · 2004-06-02 11:44:35

Much more interesting is the history behind the writing of that book.

You mean... It isn't really a translation of brass plates revealed to Joseph Smith by God, who forbade him to show them to anyone? Astounding...

Seriously though, I'm in the middle of examining the history of the Church and it's ripe with "hmm's" . :hm:

Alt2War · 2004-06-02 12:50:16

Much more interesting is the history behind the writing of that book.
You mean... It isn't really a translation of brass plates revealed to Joseph Smith by God, who forbade him to show them to anyone? Astounding...
Seriously though, I'm in the middle of examining the history of the Church and it's ripe with "hmm's" . :hm:

If the history your reading does not include the 'Seer Stones' the 'Salamander Letter' or the Masonic origins of the Temple Rites, your not getting the good stuff.

Also, there is an interesting story about Brigham Young. After Joseph Smith was shot, he made a speech to the Mormon population. It was said that he glowed radiant and took on the "Countenence and Likeness of Joseph Smith." This was the evidence for the followers that he was the rightful Heir of the title of 'Prophet' of the mormon people.

Mormons were fastidious journel keepers, and historians have poured over the many journals kept by the followes of Brigham Young.

In the later accounts in Utah, many people who attended the speech recalled their experience in Missouri and the speech of Brigham Young. the radiance and the apperant morph into Joseph Smith.

But these same people never mention this experience on the actual day of the speech.

It's interesting in that it is a recorded example of how myths and stories of mericles are formed.

Bill White · 2004-06-02 13:24:35

Okay, http://www.timesandseasons.org/archives … .html]this story gets us through today. What comes next, for the Mormons?

Cobra Commander · 2004-06-02 13:29:39

And we have officially hijacked the thread. It's always Cindy's topics too, she's gotta be getting a little peeved with us.

Palomar · 2004-06-02 13:59:30

And we have officially hijacked the thread. It's always Cindy's topics too, she's gotta be getting a little peeved with us.

*Not for -this- thread, anyway. (A few other threads I can think of...yeah, I'd be peeved).

I must say, though, the discussion about Mormons in this thread now has got to be the wildest swerve I've ever seen a thread take. :-\

Speaking of Mormons, a couple of young men tried to talk with my husband and I in a park a few evenings ago, as we were taking our evening walk. They're always good-looking, clean-cut young men. If all the guys in my childhood church back home had looked like them, I might never have become a heretic.

--Cindy :laugh:

P.S.:

http://cagle.slate.msn.com/news/Graduat … .asp]Check out the top 'toon

Alt2War · 2004-06-02 14:14:15

I happen to be an Ex-Mormon, raised as one and went apostate

I am a font of anti-mormon rhetoric, I have a large cache of arcane mormon history, and take delight in occasionally spreading mormon fun-facts.

For instance, did you know that all mormons over 21 are required to wear special Holy Underpants?

Palomar · 2004-06-02 14:26:20

For instance, did you know that all mormons over 21 are required to wear special Holy Underpants?

*I'm afraid to ask. :-\

--Cindy

Cobra Commander · 2004-06-02 14:45:04

Speaking of Mormons, a couple of young men tried to talk with my husband and I in a park a few evenings ago, as we were taking our evening walk.

Two guys, white shirts, black ties and backpacks? Last time they crossed my path I invited 'em to a goat roast. Put an end to that conversation real quick.

I happen to be an Ex-Mormon, raised as one and went apostate

What I'm finding most interesting is how evangelicals attack the credibility of the Book of Mormon while getting extremely defensive if you turn the same arguments against the Bible, which isn't even as good a read IMOSHO, excepting "Revelation" of course.

Now just wait, we're all going to spend eternity in the outer darkness. :angry:

Bill White · 2004-06-02 14:52:28

I happen to be an Ex-Mormon, raised as one and went apostate
I am a font of anti-mormon rhetoric, I have a large cache of arcane mormon history, and take delight in occasionally spreading mormon fun-facts.
For instance, did you know that all mormons over 21 are required to wear special Holy Underpants?

Uh oh. ???

Wanna read a draft novel?

clark · 2004-06-02 15:10:09

Two guys, white shirts, black ties and backpacks?

Blues Brothers?

Don't worry Cobra, one day, one of your decendants will become a Mormon, research their family tree, and baptize the heathen lot of all your ancestors. Pisses the Jewish people off to no end.

Geneology, big big deal with those folks. Something to perhaps incorporate Bill...

Bill White · 2004-06-02 15:34:10

Two guys, white shirts, black ties and backpacks?
Blues Brothers?
Don't worry Cobra, one day, one of your decendants will become a Mormon, research their family tree, and baptize the heathen lot of all your ancestors. Pisses the Jewish people off to no end.

First get Pink Floyd fresh in your mind. . .

Then recite:

Hey! Mormon! Leave those Jews alone. . .

clark · 2004-06-02 15:35:07

Hellooo, is there anybody out there... :laugh:

Bill White · 2004-06-02 15:37:46

Hellooo, is there anybody out there... :laugh:

Seems to me we need some more re-written song lyrics.

Rip a Pink Floyd track with no lyrics and then do karoake.

= = =

Edit: Now I have that tune running through my head and it won't leave. . . :;):

Josh Cryer · 2004-06-02 15:41:41

I always thought the Morman "holy underwear" thing was a joke, what does this particular thing entail? Dosing underwear with holy water? heh

clark · 2004-06-02 15:47:08

You wear it at all times. There are special openings for various matriomnioal neccessities...

I'll work on a Pink Floyd... maybe Dark side of the Moon... maybe not.

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