[Mountaindewed]

I had a blood blister in 2021. It didn't hurt. I went to immediate care who reffered me to a dermatolgist and she said it was ok. Not skin cancer or anything. Just to switch up my shoes and wear a gel insole. Now 2 years later its back. It hurts. It hurts to walk on it. And its black. Idk. Normally I jump the gun when going to the doctors for something. But if theres something actually there.....

[Crazy Hitch]

How long will my online order take to deliver I wonder .... ordered an eye serum from the UK ... tumeric latte here in Australia and chocolate collagen drink here in Australia

[mote.of.soul]

It's interesting. When the unfortunate yet 'resourceful' poor people around here ask for money on the streets, they actually narrow it down to what they would like to buy with the money: "Excuse me Sir. Could you be so kind as to buy me a bottle of vodka, pls?". "Excuse me Sir. Could you get me a pizza, thank you?".

[mote.of.soul]

Originally Posted by mote.of.soul

It's interesting. When the unfortunate yet 'resourceful' poor people around here ask for money on the streets, they actually narrow it down to what they would like to buy with the money: "Excuse me Sir. Could you be so kind as to buy me a bottle of vodka, pls?". "Excuse me Sir. Could you get me a pizza, thank you?".

*I'm pretty sure poor people in other countries have been doing that for years, though. Especially in the more 'advanced' countries.

Originally Posted by mote.of.soul

*I'm pretty sure poor people in other countries have been doing that for years, though. Especially in the more 'advanced' countries.

Hi m.o.s.,...I'm wondering if maybe it has to do with people not carrying smaller bills or change much anymore. Near everyone uses a card or a phone banking app. these days. Even for small purchases. Heck I rarely have a pocket of change anymore.

Maybe the uptick in this sort of panhandling has to do with that. It's probably tougher out there these days with change not so common as it was. Not sure how successful the more direct technique winds up being but maybe it evens things back up a little.

[mote.of.soul]

Originally Posted by mar dhea

Hi m.o.s.,...I'm wondering if maybe it has to do with people not carrying smaller bills or change much anymore. Near everyone uses a card or a phone banking app. these days. Even for small purchases. Heck I rarely have a pocket of change anymore.

Maybe the uptick in this sort of panhandling has to do with that. It's probably tougher out there these days with change not so common as it was. Not sure how successful the more direct technique winds up being but maybe it evens things back up a little.

Aah, very astute and very socially aware @mar dhea. That has to be the right answer. It is!

Oh I'm positive the direct request for goods approach would pay off now and then. I actually hope it does. Had I been "rolling in dough" (and in a good head space I guess) I would've been happy to get those things for the two examples I gave above, so...

Thank you, mar dhea, I like your writing too. You're a good writer👍

[nonightowl]

Originally Posted by mote.of.soul

*I'm pretty sure poor people in other countries have been doing that for years, though. Especially in the more 'advanced' countries.

Like the US?

It's true people don't carry change like they used to, but my concern is if they are legit. There are con artists out there pretending to be homeless or hungry, yet they might be rich enough to be in the top 10 or 20 or whatever. I've heard of that...someone collecting a lot of money then turning it into someone in a BMW.

And you don't know if they'll really buy food with it, or drugs/cigarettes. One time a man outside McDonald's approached me in my car, as I waited at a stop light. He rubbed his belly, saying he was hungry and can I give him money. I shook my head that I don't have cash, and he yelled "B i t c h!" at me. Thankfully he didn't get that close to the car. There was no one else around, other drivers waiting at the light too.

I could have made a right turn to avoid him but that's going out of my way. I was waiting to turn left, sadly. It's just so bad around here now, it's everywhere actually I know. I've seen panhandlers pound on the windows of drivers stuck at lights, demanding money. I always have a tiny bit of coins/currency, habit from my youth for "emergencies" like using a pay phone or buying gas.

But being that we are so dependent on computers and electronics, I still have a way to pay. I've encountered stores where their machines were down, so cash only! And at gas stations too.

Some random thought, huh?

[Mountaindewed]

I think I dreamt this.

Originally Posted by nonightowl

Like the US?

It's true people don't carry change like they used to, but my concern is if they are legit. There are con artists out there pretending to be homeless or hungry, yet they might be rich enough to be in the top 10 or 20 or whatever. I've heard of that...someone collecting a lot of money then turning it into someone in a BMW.

And you don't know if they'll really buy food with it, or drugs/cigarettes. One time a man outside McDonald's approached me in my car, as I waited at a stop light. He rubbed his belly, saying he was hungry and can I give him money. I shook my head that I don't have cash, and he yelled "B i t c h!" at me. Thankfully he didn't get that close to the car. There was no one else around, other drivers waiting at the light too.

I could have made a right turn to avoid him but that's going out of my way. I was waiting to turn left, sadly. It's just so bad around here now, it's everywhere actually I know. I've seen panhandlers pound on the windows of drivers stuck at lights, demanding money. I always have a tiny bit of coins/currency, habit from my youth for "emergencies" like using a pay phone or buying gas.

But being that we are so dependent on computers and electronics, I still have a way to pay. I've encountered stores where their machines were down, so cash only! And at gas stations too.

Some random thought, huh?

I know there are rough and abusive people out there on the streets because of the news and reports of incidents. I'm maybe somewhat naive having never seen the lifestyle full on like it can be in bigger centers. You're familiar with this. You're from a metropolitan area?

[mote.of.soul]

Like the US?

It's true people don't carry change like they used to, but my concern is if they are legit. There are con artists out there pretending to be homeless or hungry, yet they might be rich enough to be in the top 10 or 20 or whatever. I've heard of that...someone collecting a lot of money then turning it into someone in a BMW.

@nonightowl

Heh. Yup, like in the US, though that comment of mine was meant to be a usage of the the cheap, corny, well used 'irony' about the 'developed' countries, like my country is too. Not at all pinpointing the US in my mind, my friend. Plenty of footage and documentaries on YouTube about homelessness in the US, though. It's very saddening among other things.

And yes, you're absolutely right to feel reluctant about interacting with...well, anyone you choose, nonightowl, I support you on that. But for me, having lived a central urban life for 22 years prior to now, believe me, I've seen it all too: the bad and the...good - in people. And sometimes you reach a point like I have where, weighing everything up, knowing the pros and cons, you still want to help (yes there are many other ways to help too) so you set your own needs aside for someone else in need. That's my whole reasoning. I know those people. I know what happened to a lot of them to wind up on the streets - we all do (should). Anyway, that's it. It's a huge subject which I touched upon.🙏

[nonightowl]

Originally Posted by mar dhea

I know there are rough and abusive people out there on the streets because of the news and reports of incidents. I'm maybe somewhat naive having never seen the lifestyle full on like it can be in bigger centers. You're familiar with this. You're from a metropolitan area?

Unfortunately, yes. It's common in all major cities in this "advanced" country, the US. No wonder sci-fi novels and movies ALWAYS show the US unraveling. It's NEVER anybody else. And we have mass shootings that no other country has. You can get shot just by going to the grocery store or bank, it doesn't have to be somewhere with huge crowds like a concert. Shopping center, restaurant, dance studio, schools, churches, etc. We are a sick society.

And you can literally cross the intersection or street, going from upscale to seedy in just a few feet.

Originally Posted by mote.of.soul

@nonightowl

snip: Though that comment of mine was meant to be a usage of the the cheap, corny, well used 'irony' about the 'developed' countries, like my country is too. Not at all pinpointing the US in my mind, my friend.

I always thought New Zealand was more advanced/developed than the US! Oh, it's okay if you meant the US originally. It's true, so no offense. It's embarrassing, richest country in the world and we have Third World conditions for many people. I have nothing against helping migrants, but we can't even take care of our OWN people.

It's a loaded topic you're right. And one it seems our government is unable to solve. They are so far behind, I don't see how they can catch up now. This has been around for DECADES, and we used to criminalize homelessness, arresting people because they have nowhere to go. If we only paid people enough to feed, clothe, and house themselves plus give them medical care, we wouldn't see tents everywhere.

Gosh, ranting again for a "random thoughts" thread. Once I get started on this, it's hard to stop.

[Mountaindewed]

I can see why kids would get into boxes of chocolate laxatives and eat them all.

[mote.of.soul]

@nonightowl

I always thought New Zealand was more advanced/developed than the US! Oh, it's okay if you meant the US originally. It's true, so no offense. It's embarrassing, richest country in the world and we have Third World conditions for many people. I have nothing against helping migrants, but we can't even take care of our OWN people.

It's a loaded topic you're right. And one it seems our government is unable to solve. They are so far behind, I don't see how they can catch up now. This has been around for DECADES, and we used to criminalize homelessness, arresting people because they have nowhere to go. If we only paid people enough to feed, clothe, and house themselves plus give them medical care, we wouldn't see tents everywhere.

Gosh, ranting again for a "random thoughts" thread. Once I get started on this, it's hard to stop.

Teehee.

Yes, in terms of what is meant when people say a country is 'advanced' and 'developed', NZ is. But like anywhere, there will be inevitable problems too, obviously. To look at NZs (with its much smaller population) homeless situation, it doesn't bowl you over like US, but nevertheless. I'm not even talking about helping a homeless person I'm talking about people in need in any situation in any walk of life really. I don't make too many distinctions and divisions.

I know, it's very heartbreaking and very frustrating to think about the homeless problem and to try to solve. The government's work on it, charities, private organizations etc, and many private citizens too, everywhere. Can't really wait around for govts to fix everything. I think it's up to us, the private citizen to make efforts. We all have to change. Don't need anyone's permission to do that.

[Mountaindewed]

I told my mom a week or so ago that Bob Barker would go soon.

[nonightowl]

Originally Posted by mote.of.soul

@nonightowl

Teehee.

Yes, in terms of what is meant when people say a country is 'advanced' and 'developed', NZ is. But like anywhere, there will be inevitable problems too, obviously. To look at NZs (with its much smaller population) homeless situation, it doesn't bowl you over like US, but nevertheless. I'm not even talking about helping a homeless person I'm talking about people in need in any situation in any walk of life really. I don't make too many distinctions and divisions.

I know, it's very heartbreaking and very frustrating to think about the homeless problem and to try to solve. The government's work on it, charities, private organizations etc, and many private citizens too, everywhere. Can't really wait around for govts to fix everything. I think it's up to us, the private citizen to make efforts. We all have to change. Don't need anyone's permission to do that.

I admit I don't know much about New Zealand at all but I KNOW it's not part of Australia! It is a separate country and has its own culture and policies.

Yes I think it would have to be up to both private citizens and companies to step in, as clearly the government has no clue on how to fix the problem. And they are not focusing enough on PREVENTION too...Anyway it would take literally EVERYBODY to put their heads together and that's not happening.

[nonightowl]

Originally Posted by Mountaindewed

I told my mom a week or so ago that Bob Barker would go soon.

99 years old! I used to watch The Price is Right; I thought it was entertaining and fun.

[Nammu]

….all we are, is dust in the wind…..dust in the wind……

[Mountaindewed]

Try saying that to the people in Hawaii

[nonightowl]

Originally Posted by Nammu

….all we are, is dust in the wind…..dust in the wind……

You must be a Kansas fan! Love that band, though I really love Carry On, Wayward Son which became the unofficial theme of Supernatural.

[Nammu]

Originally Posted by nonightowl

You must be a Kansas fan! Love that band, though I really love Carry On, Wayward Son which became the unofficial theme of Supernatural.

Yup. Been listening to music today. Carry on, that’s another good one!

[unaluna]

Originally Posted by Mountaindewed

I told my mom a week or so ago that Bob Barker would go soon.

Somebody made a joke about how he didnt go over 100. You know on the big wheel.

[Mountaindewed]

Originally Posted by unaluna

Somebody made a joke about how he didnt go over 100. You know on the big wheel.

Thats kinda like when Alex Trebex was diagnosed with cancer and people were saying his life was in "Jeopardy"

[Mountaindewed]

I've heard metformin mixed with some meds including topamax can cause a dangerous possibly deadly condition called lactoid acodois or something. Idk if I have it but I swear I've never felt so lethargic in my life. And I've had plenty of coffee and soda

[nonightowl]

Well I'm going to be miserable with roofing noise for at least a month, as they replace the roof on my building. And they are going to be here all day, even on effing SATURDAYS! I'll have to get up earlier to get a bit more quiet in before the noise starts.

[Mountaindewed]

My blood pressure is 129 but my pulse is 67. Should I be concerned? I am super super exhausted.