Brandy and Cigars: Off topic thread

D'Agger · 28-03-2020 7:36pm

Zoom has been very handy but they've cropped up for having fairly wild terms of use. They also had a large vulnerability in the last year regarding remote camera access, check your settings to make sure audio & video are disconnected when you join a meeting - reduces the chances of clicking a dodgy link that activates zoom in the background etc

The Black Oil · 28-03-2020 8:05pm

My boss has said we can't use it for that reason. Dodgy privacy policy, etc.

The Black Oil · 02-04-2020 9:13pm

Any of yiz use wireless/bluetooth earphones? Not keen on AirPods as I don't like white. I have wired ones (non-Apple) for running, one is dead and I only use one ear anyway for safety.

D'Agger · 03-04-2020 12:08pm

The Black Oil wrote: »

Any of yiz use wireless/bluetooth earphones? Not keen on AirPods as I don't like white. I have wired ones (non-Apple) for running, one is dead and I only use one ear anyway for safety.

I've a pair of Sennheiser 4.40 - simple job for about 100 quid in Harvey Norman about two years ago and they're brilliant - not noise cancelling but they're close enough, well insulated sound. You can get the 4.50 which are noise cancelling for cheap on Amazon currently.

For running I use JBL Jump 3 - handy enough, decent battery but a bit finniky in how they fit, I find they come loose - cost about 60 though so wasn't expecting anything amazing tbf

ancapailldorcha · 03-04-2020 12:11pm

D'Agger wrote: »

I've a pair of Sennheiser 4.40 - simple job for about 100 quid in Harvey Norman about two years ago and they're brilliant - not noise cancelling but they're close enough, well insulated sound. You can get the 4.50 which are noise cancelling for cheap on Amazon currently.

For running I use JBL Jump 3 - handy enough, decent battery but a bit finniky in how they fit, I find they come loose - cost about 60 though so wasn't expecting anything amazing tbf

I wear glasses so getting a proper set of headphones is out of the question sadly.

The Black Oil · 08-04-2020 2:51pm

ancapailldorcha wrote: »

I wear glasses so getting a proper set of headphones is out of the question sadly.

Glasses here too, though headphones have never appealed to me, in general. Not spent much € online. You ever bought glasses online? I'm back on listening to podcasts whilst running for now.

Feel like I should be getting back into board games or something analogue for a break.

Hope everyone's doing OK.

ancapailldorcha · 08-04-2020 2:55pm

The Black Oil wrote: »

Glasses here too, though headphones have never appealed to me, in general. Not spent much € online. You ever bought glasses online? I'm back on listening to podcasts whilst running for now.

Feel like I should be getting back into board games or something analogue for a break.

Hope everyone's doing OK.

I'm fortunately not much of a music person.

I'd never buy glasses online. I don't know how that would even work in terms of size, prescription, etc.

D'Agger · 08-04-2020 3:26pm

Gotten back into sudoku this week. Wild times.

keane2097 · 08-04-2020 3:56pm

We may reschedule that pint

BonsaiKitten · 08-04-2020 4:30pm

The Black Oil wrote: »

Any of yiz use wireless/bluetooth earphones? Not keen on AirPods as I don't like white. I have wired ones (non-Apple) for running, one is dead and I only use one ear anyway for safety.

I use Bose Soundsport free. Not sure I'd recommend them, they're ****ing huge things (maybe that's a plus for running, people would see them) but the sound is pretty good. They're very secure, I wear them in the air all the time!

Hope everyone is well too. It's my Easter holidays at the moment so I am alternating between the Witcher, Animal Crossing and a lot of home training.

ToxicPaddy · 08-04-2020 10:21pm

The Black Oil wrote: »

Any of yiz use wireless/bluetooth earphones? Not keen on AirPods as I don't like white. I have wired ones (non-Apple) for running, one is dead and I only use one ear anyway for safety.

What about those bone conduction headphones? Aftershokz are one brand but there are plenty out there. One of my colleagues wears glasses and uses them all the time and swears by them.

Panthro · 08-04-2020 10:23pm

Bought a load a booze and Easter eggs.
Essential shopping, I think it is!

ToxicPaddy · 08-04-2020 10:29pm

D'Agger wrote: »

Gotten back into sudoku this week. Wild times.

Must have a look at that, never really got into it tbh.

Don't have much time lately, working crazy hours as I'm still in the office every second week, week working from home then week in the office the next. Leaving the house at 8.30am most days and not getting home before 8pm most evenings.

ToxicPaddy · 08-04-2020 10:30pm

Panthro wrote: »

Bought a load a booze and Easter eggs.
Essential shopping, I think it is!

Ohh forgot about Easter eggs.. Think I deserve one.

Panthro · 08-04-2020 10:38pm

Bought about 8 of them. 75p each sure it would be wrong to leave them behind!

D'Agger · 09-04-2020 1:02pm

keane2097 wrote: »

We may reschedule that pint

Bon Iver gig rescheduled to January 2021, was looking forward to a gig to kick off the summer

ToxicPaddy wrote: »

Must have a look at that, never really got into it tbh.

Don't have much time lately, working crazy hours as I'm still in the office every second week, week working from home then week in the office the next. Leaving the house at 8.30am most days and not getting home before 8pm most evenings.

Do, the app I have you can start away, minimize the app and it pauses the timer on the game so you could go back to it during lunch or in the evening.

The Black Oil · 10-04-2020 2:38pm

BonsaiKitten wrote: »

I use Bose Soundsport free. Not sure I'd recommend them, they're ****ing huge things (maybe that's a plus for running, people would see them) but the sound is pretty good. They're very secure, I wear them in the air all the time!

These yolks?

Think that's the first time I've seen 'used' on Amazon in relation to earphones and er...not a pleasant though for anything ear related. Could be they were returned unopened. I've bought little online and am trying not to go on a spree.

Looks like we'll have a few more weeks of the current situation.

ToxicPaddy · 10-04-2020 5:54pm

Panthro wrote: »

Bought about 8 of them. 75p each sure it would be wrong to leave them behind!

75p? What you buy? Creme eggs??

BonsaiKitten · 10-04-2020 8:01pm

The Black Oil wrote: »

These yolks?

Think that's the first time I've seen 'used' on Amazon in relation to earphones and er...not a pleasant though for anything ear related. Could be they were returned unopened. I've bought little online and am trying not to go on a spree.

Looks like we'll have a few more weeks of the current situation.

Those are the ones! Mine are black and yellow though. Not loving the idea of second hand earphones...

Agreed, we've a while to go yet. All the secondary teachers I know are in a flap over today's Junior and Leaving Cert announcements.

The Black Oil · 10-04-2020 8:32pm

Haven't played a game in ages. Couldn't remember my password for Steam. 'Self-recovery is not available for this account'.

Technology. :pac:

Panthro · 07-05-2020 8:35pm

So what about that lockdown eh?

Barna77 · 08-05-2020 12:02pm

I'm back to work, full time, with a lovely tan

No date for Spain reopening borders so I can go see my folks... if there are any flights

But I'm not used to work

Panthro · 08-05-2020 3:54pm

I'm working from home full time.
And its hella boring! I've no idea what day of the week it is half the time, but I'm trying my dangdest to have some sort of routine each day.
Mad how quickly the world went arse ways!

Pawwed Rig · 08-05-2020 6:12pm

It is Friday. So weekend!!!
I am liking the wfh tbh. It helps that the weather has been nice so not stuck inside. The hour plus saved everyday by not commuting is great.

I was offered a new job about a month ago for 10k salary increase. I turned it down at the time as I was nervous about moving during a crisis (ie after 6 mths probation being let go as corporate policy is to not take on anyone new) however I saw the job advertised again this morning and am regretting turning it down now (a little bit). Mulling over whether to contact the recruiter and ask him to put in a call for me.

But yeah enjoying being at home and thankful I still have a job. We are doing well in comparison to lots of people so any complaints are small ones.

Panthro · 08-05-2020 9:27pm

Ara apply for it. Do the interview. See how it goes. If it feels right happy days and if not you've lost an hour or so of your life to an interview.
win win!

Pawwed Rig · 08-05-2020 10:29pm

Panthro wrote: »

Ara apply for it. Do the interview. See how it goes. If it feels right happy days and if not you've lost an hour or so of your life to an interview.
win win!

I already did the interview etc and got offered the job. Turned it down as it was bad timing. The interview was the Friday before lockdown and, now that I think of it, was the last time I shook anybodies hand.

ToxicPaddy · 09-05-2020 12:33pm

Pawwed Rig wrote: »

I already did the interview etc and got offered the job. Turned it down as it was bad timing. The interview was the Friday before lockdown and, now that I think of it, was the last time I shook anybodies hand.

Personally I wouldn't move job now, too many unknowns coming down the line. Anyone on probation will be the first to go if anything goes wrong with the company.

You're better off staying where you are for the moment. Much safer.

ancapailldorcha · 09-05-2020 12:55pm

ToxicPaddy wrote: »

Personally I wouldn't move job now, too many unknowns coming down the line. Anyone on probation will be the first to go if anything goes wrong with the company.

You're better off staying where you are for the moment. Much safer.

Early in the lockdown, I had recruitment agencies calling me right, left and centre. Like yourself, I'd be very much on retaining the status quo while we wait this out.

Then again, I've sod all idea what I want to do and I'm in academia so I'm lucky to have a secure job at the moment.

Pawwed Rig · 09-05-2020 2:29pm

That was my thought too tbh but 6 weeks later I see the job still advertised. The job itself is taking an item in house that was previously subcontracted. So it is already a cost cutting/Revenue generating role. It is a compliance job too so the clients HAVE to get someone to do it.

The penny pinching in my current job is getting too much. 9 months now waiting for a bonus to be paid. My last salary review was dragged out for 13 months.

Panthro · 09-05-2020 2:31pm

Screw it. Contact the recruiter.
They might throw in a few perks to sweeten the deal.

Also I've no real ties so maybe don't take my advice!

The Black Oil · 09-05-2020 2:48pm

[Aul wan]Grand drying weather lads.[/Aul wan]

ToxicPaddy · 09-05-2020 3:04pm

Pawwed Rig wrote: »

That was my thought too tbh but 6 weeks later I see the job still advertised. The job itself is taking an item in house that was previously subcontracted. So it is already a cost cutting/Revenue generating role. It is a compliance job too so the clients HAVE to get someone to do it.

The penny pinching in my current job is getting too much. 9 months now waiting for a bonus to be paid. My last salary review was dragged out for 13 months.

If you can afford the risk then go for it, only you know your current situation and how things will shape up if it goes pear-shaped.

My employer is still recruiting atm and for one role they were advertising for since last Oct they had 3 reasonable CVs in between then and Feb, however in March alone they got 6 unbelievable CVs with experience to back them up and made an offer the other day. So a lot of companies are shedding staff and competition is going to be fairly fierce for what's available when this all calms down.

The Black Oil · 09-05-2020 4:30pm

I've had my share of PFOs, including about 2 weeks ago. I'm confident in interviews without being arrogant, but fall short in being articulate, I think. Don't really buy the 'more you do, the better you get at it' thing.

D'Agger · 15-05-2020 9:00am

Would you try toastmasters or anything TBO?

Peen listening to the Philosophize This podcast alot lately - cracking show and a good aul time to be listening to it on walks

The Black Oil · 15-05-2020 9:59am

D'Agger wrote: »

Would you try toastmasters or anything TBO?

I went twice, as a guest. They were very nice and friendly. Then the lockdown kicked in. It was fun, though some of the formalities were cringe.

Not sure I fancy following a manual, but anyway. Have you done it? I've done a lot of radio interviews, public speaking doesn't bother me.

Was in the city centre yesterday. Grafton St was a good bit busier than 4 weeks ago.

D'Agger · 21-05-2020 4:14pm

The Black Oil wrote: »

I went twice, as a guest. They were very nice and friendly. Then the lockdown kicked in. It was fun, though some of the formalities were cringe. Not sure I fancy following a manual, but anyway. Have you done it? I've done a lot of radio interviews, public speaking doesn't bother me.

Was in the city centre yesterday. Grafton St was a good bit busier than 4 weeks ago.

Went as a guest once or twice ahead of a best man speech but never fully partook, would definitely go back given I absolutely hate public speaking so if I had to do more for my career, I could see how it would benefit me

Are we all still sane?

BonsaiKitten · 21-05-2020 4:34pm

Were we ever sane?

I'm doing ok. I tell ya lads, this has taught me that I couldn't do an office job. I'm developing a serious aversion to the laptop ðŸ˜‚

Hope everyone else is doing well!

keane2097 · 21-05-2020 6:00pm

I'm getting through some amount of cans

Lithium93_ · 21-05-2020 6:02pm

Monday to Friday I do enough to keep myself occupied, the odd weekend I'll have some cans... Especially this week cause house painting.

Pawwed Rig · 21-05-2020 6:34pm

I went to the off licence to get beer when this all started just before Paddys Day. They didn't have a box of Spaten (my beer of choice) so I bought a tray of Hop House.

Down to my last 2 cans now but I am sick of it. Never buying it again.

Barna77 · 21-05-2020 7:07pm

I've picked some random crap beers just to try something new.

And some excellent ones too.

El Gato De Negocios · 21-05-2020 10:14pm

Normally a Guinness drinker but from the can it's not great. Lidl carry a nice brand of wheat beer, Franzsiskaner (sp), really nice. They had a mad selection of fancy corked beers a few weeks ago, 750cl bottles and one of them was 7.5%. Drank 3 of them one night and was fairly well oiled afterwards.

ancapailldorcha · 21-05-2020 10:47pm

I went teetotal in December. Feel a little cheated as I do enjoy a few chocolate bars and salty treats from time to time which leads me to putting on weight easily.

D'Agger · 23-05-2020 4:05pm

Started actively tracking days I've been drinking, took a week off, going to have a few this evening but going to see how long I can go after that

Missing the gym and finding it hard to work out from home, mainly doing yoga and stretching due to sitting so much between work and having fúck all else to do but sit on the couch in the evenings. On the plus side I'm reading a good bit - Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall has me hooked at the moment, if anybody needs a recommendation. Philosophize this podcast too has been a great listen.

I'd love a sauna for the gaff!

The Black Oil · 24-05-2020 11:40am

Have been doing yoga for runners (Adriene) since last August or so. Have also done some for core which is a different ball game. :P Do strengthening when I can, no equipment, just Youtube, etc. Mostly to prevent injury.

Signed up for a short diploma with UCD to keep me sane through the summer.

Jimmy Bottlehead · 24-05-2020 3:10pm

The Black Oil wrote: »

Have been doing yoga for runners (Adriene) since last August or so. Have also done some for core which is a different ball game. :P Do strengthening when I can, no equipment, just Youtube, etc. Mostly to prevent injury.

Signed up for a short diploma with UCD to keep me sane through the summer.

I'm a big fan of Yoga With Adriene, finished her 30 Days of Yoga challenge last week so need to hit the next one from tomorrow to keep the ball rolling. Also hitting the kettlebell and resistance band training quite well since lockdown. Definitely reading more than usual at the moment, and also catching up on my fairly extensive Youtube 'To Watch Later' list

I'm not a regular drinker at all, but have enjoyed the odd couple of bottles of cider or beer lately. Not something I'd introduce too often, but its been pleasant for a change.

ancapailldorcha · 24-05-2020 3:19pm

I've tried doing some coding stuff. It's grim as I don't really have the determination to make it work. Don't drink thankfully but I do enjoy the odd snack or several. Trying to get out to the local park whenever I can which is nice.

The Black Oil · 10-07-2020 10:21am

It's July, lads.

ToxicPaddy · 10-07-2020 11:30am

Yes, yes it is..

This year has pretty much been a write off in fairness

Lithium93_ · 10-07-2020 6:57pm

2020, written by Stephen King, directed by Quentin Tarantino.

Brandy and Cigars: Off topic thread

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