h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Both meanings

Finally got all the documentation I needed to fill out some paperwork to get on a different health plan, now that my premium's no longer getting paid for by the Treasurer's Office (no way can we afford the entire premium!) I decided to be smart and, instead of paying for copies, just scan & print. I was informed that the scanner could not be found. I crawled under the desk with the flashlight, because the USB plug could've gotten knocked loose the last time I unplugged the Palm cradle so the Palm could be charged away from home. I pushed it in tighter, and restarted. Still the scanner could not be found. So I uninstalled all the scanner software, and the scanner itself. Had a bit of an argument with the computer about reinstalling--one that almost had me convinced that the CD-ROM drive had died But I eventually got everything working.

Scanned in all the papers I needed copies of--and then the computer restarted itself But I did eventually get my copies.

While I was scanning, I was filling in the paperwork, and had a couple of questions. The first form was just for Faith--it's one that would allow us to get her covered for a ridiculously inexpensive amount, and have better coverage and less copay than that which Tom and I would be joining on. Good thing I called--turns out *that* plan is closed for the year, and won't reopen until January, and the requirements might be different... So I put that aside and started on the one that originally was going to be just for Tom and I, but since I now knew that the other wasn't open, I put Faith on as well. Had a couple questions on that one, so I called... Now, I'd previously been told that it would take 6 weeks to process. The lady today told me they'd been taking 3 months... Before you ask why I didn't do it sooner, it's because the premium level is set according to the previous month's income, and we weren't even eligible while I was working. And I'd gotten a good amount in August, since I had my vacation time to use up, and so forth. So Amy wasn't a happy camper by the time all that got done...

On a good note, I finally got around to taking the written test for my learner's permit, and not only did I pass, but I got 100%! Of course, that means I've got to practice driving, me with hardly any depth perception and, therefore, a near inability to judge distances And the rainy season's coming up in a couple of months here... But I gotta suck it up and learn to drive, because it'd be a lot easier if I could, even if Tom's schedule is such that the car won't be available very often, since one of his jobs has him driving people around...

There's a trick to get round with judging distance to a degree. The one that immediately springs to mind is paying attention to keeping a reasonable gap between yourself and the car in front. As the car in front passes some sort of marker (a lamp post, a mile marker, a tree, etc) say or think to yourself "Only a fool breaks the two second rule". If you pass the same marker before you've finished saying it (it takes about two seconds) then you are too close.

They're telling us to allow 4 seconds here...

Which is a lot of distance, but of course far too many people allow almost no room at all between themselves and the car in front. Sometimes I feel like just turning the engine off and *letting* them push me along the road - at least I'd be saving some gas!

Hi Amy
I must try and get back on the motorbike again, when I have conquered the car-park I can do my test and go out on the road. I don't have a problem with depth perception though, just scared of everything!!

Been seeing all those fires on the tv, I hope you are not anywhere near them?

The only problem with leaving enough space between you and the car in front is that someone else usually fills that space, given half a chance...

If a scanner doesn't work, is it a scammer?

The computer we have the scanner hooked up to regularly can't locate it, even though it's sitting right next to it on the desk. Same thing happens with the printer.

Yeah Dr J, I know someone will just slip right in if you follow at a truly safe distance... but I'd rather have to drop back a bit than to go smashing into the car in front of me if they stopped unexpectedly.

Speaking of scammers, "Scammers" was the name
of Ron Weasley's pet rat in the first two "Harry
Potter" books.

Sometimes I feel bluddy blessed to live in the UK with a reasonable heath care system.

I bet it's a nightmare over there.

-- DoctorMO --

You *are* blessed, Doc.
First off, you're a doctor yourself.
Second, you live in a country with a system that
was actually planned, as opposed to one (like ours)
that was cobbled together from regional plans and
employers who were willing to provide health care.
Too many American employers don't provide health
care these days.

It's the 3 second rule here. That I've no problem with--I've known how to do that since helping my (now ex-) stepsister study for *her* permit over half my life ago. I'm thinking more the 'Can I get across the intersection before that car gets there' bit... Then again, I've been crossing streets for ages and ages, and since cars go faster, if I just leave the amount of space I'd leave for walking across, that should be fine. I'm just is all... Plus this year's manual makes a big deal about distance judging *shrug*

How come pointing at the thing you want the computer to run and saying 'It's right *there*' doesn't help any

Because real life isn't star trek

After the last few Star Trek movies
and TV series, I'm inclined to wonder
how it's possible that there is *no*
intelligent life in the universe, not even
on our home planet.

It's because of the problems with quantium

(yes spelt that way!)

-- DoctorMO --

Quantium contains spelt?
Is it a kind of pasta or bread?

no it's a vegial.

-- DoctorMO --

Good for you learning to drive Amy
It will make life simpler, that is a good thing!

I have very little depth perception.
They almost did not pass me in Drivers ED.
I did fine on the road which surprised them,so they did.
You can do it!

Do not even get into a moment of road rage, ignore those that do and start out as a defensive driver. That's half the battle!

The only reason I'm even bothering is that juggling Faith on the bus is a pain. Plus the best deal on diapers is at Sam's Club, and the box is too large and awkward to carry

I blame socity, idealy people wouldn't have to learn how to drive.

-- DoctorMO --

I suspect that some drivers didn't bother
to learn how to drive.