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somethingseminormal

Reddit URLhttps://www.reddit.com/user/somethingseminormal
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  • I'm about to give what might be considered very bad advice. Take with a massive grain of salt (and I do mean massive). Look for flats in Cumbernauld or east Kilbride. I've found a few places willing to rent with pets there-- but ultimately I did not move there, because even at lower prices... they're shitholes. There are places in Cumbernauld that make Chernobyl look like a holiday resort. It's been really difficult for me and my partner to find a flat, but I wish you the best of luck! We're in southside, and I have some friends in Govan (they do not recommend, by the way). by somethingseminormal (Fri 26th Feb 2021 9:28pm)
  • Sorry, I meant the red and whites on millcroft road, which are dirt cheap and do allow pets. I forget some people have money, and can afford 300k houses in Lanarkshire. I assumed with two students they'd be looking for something cheap. by somethingseminormal (Fri 26th Feb 2021 10:41pm)
  • You know, you're right. My original comment sounds a bit arsey. I can't afford to buy, and I just kind of assumed that two students would be looking for something dirt cheap, which is what I'M looking for. As someone with pets, the really dodgy places have been the only place I (and I stress I) have found so far that allow this, and they are where I am planning on staying, shithole or no. Up until moving to Glasgow in 2019, 'shiitholes' were my preferred place to stay, whether that was Aberdeen or London. My advice, which was admittedly very poorly worded, was this: Find the rough bits outside of city centre because the landlords aren't as uptight about pets and you'll be able to afford it on a student budget. Personally, I call these places shitholes, and apparently I'm allowed to because I was born in a place where you can't drink the tap water. We can always chat about that later. Anyways, these places could be anywhere, because everywhere has rough areas, although I will take back what I said about East Kilbride and I suppose "the village" bit of Cumbernauld. Don't look there. Look places like Lenzimill, which is what I meant originally. The last place I tried to put a deposit down (millcroft road) the owner backed out because apparently the flats are being demolished. My partner was incredibly relieved, they didn't feel safe there, what with the acid attack and murder and dog shooting and whatnot (OP, please know the majority of Scotland is not like this, I'm just desperate). I'm flat sharing at the moment, and it's pretty difficult, so southside is not the "life" as it were. It is admittedly a very nice area though, with a bunch of lovely parks. by somethingseminormal (Sat 27th Feb 2021 12:41am)
  • Mate, I never said anything about Westend. My advice was to SEEK OUT places people call a shithole, but if I could afford to live somewhere else, I would. As it is it's really difficult to find a place I can afford-- this is less an obsession with savings and more the reality that I'm pretty poor. I love Glasgow, so I'm sorry you felt I was saying something different. I definitely seem to be going about this all wrong though. How did you find such a cheap property? by somethingseminormal (Sat 27th Feb 2021 8:19am)
  • Thank you! Sorry, I am still finding out how Reddit works (covers face with hands) by somethingseminormal (Sat 27th Feb 2021 11:34am)
  • Thanks for the links, that's really good of you. If OP can afford it, they should definitely check some of those places out. Agreed that renting is wasteful, but it buying isn't an option for everyone. by somethingseminormal (Sat 27th Feb 2021 11:43am)
  • I think it's ace. Admittedly, it's not quite as crystal as rural water, particularly up north, but it's mild and almost sweet. It doesn't taste chemically or anything. In complete sincerity, I thank Loch Katrine each time I have a glass. Growing up outside of Scotland, there really is nothing like Scottish tap water. I thought it might be all of the UK, but having spent a year in Buckinghamshire I can assuredly say SCOTTISH WATER IS BEST. by somethingseminormal (Thu 4th Mar 2021 6:38pm)
  • Seconded. It's EVERYWHERE along that little river bit. by somethingseminormal (Wed 17th Mar 2021 4:52pm)
  • Flying duck is fantastic. I can't wait for them to reopen. by somethingseminormal (Tue 18th May 2021 9:14am)
  • I had savage slice delivered to me back in February-- a friend ordered a copious amount of junk food to my flat to deal with my grandfather's death. Chips were a little soggy (it was delivered after all!) but everything was excellent and me and my (nonvegan) partner really loved it! I would say it was very much 'junk food'-- salty, greasy, artery clogging goodness. If you are looking for that kind of thing, it's perfect comfort food. Personally I prefer something slightly healthier for my everyday, so I would only consider savageslice for a rare treat. But I have really fond memories of their vegan hotdog!! by somethingseminormal (Tue 18th May 2021 9:14am)
  • Thank you so much! Partner and I (28-30) are desperate to get vaccinated ASAP and I was told no appointments when I enquired last week. Will be calling first thing tomorrow!! by somethingseminormal (Sun 23rd May 2021 9:15pm)
  • It's not a lie though? I phoned this morning and got my appointment today. Admittedly, I'm in G52. by somethingseminormal (Mon 24th May 2021 1:54pm)
  • I used that number. My partner and I got appointments today. Don't think you should be insulted or downvoted for it. Seeing the comments below, there are other ways to go about it (registering online) which might be easier for the NHS and quicker for the person wanting the vaccine-- my call wait time was 1 h 50 minutes. by somethingseminormal (Mon 24th May 2021 1:57pm)
  • Right, got it. Thanks for the clarification! by somethingseminormal (Mon 24th May 2021 2:04pm)
  • Thanks for sharing! I realize this has become a bit of shit show, but I phoned this morning and was able to get an appointment and so was my partner (we're in a priority postcode). Really grateful, wouldn't have known to phone otherwise, so thank you!! by somethingseminormal (Mon 24th May 2021 2:26pm)
  • I was 95th in queue yesterday morning and it took 1 hour 44 minutes. Partner phoned that afternoon, was 104 in queue, took 50 minutes to get to 66th, but took me to my appointment and was just put in the list and told to hang up. It was absolutely dead-- maybe four people on the waiting area. No queue. by somethingseminormal (Tue 25th May 2021 12:18pm)
  • It isn't five minutes for everyone though-- yesterday it took me an hour and 44 minutes to get 95 spaces. I agree it's worth waiting even 2-3 hours, but the fact is some people might not be able to. Some job sites have you put your phone away (locker, off site, etc) until break. by somethingseminormal (Tue 25th May 2021 12:26pm)
  • Really don't understand why you're being downvoted. It IS an inefficient system, and it's too confusing. by somethingseminormal (Tue 25th May 2021 12:22pm)
  • I phoned 8.02 yesterday morning and it took 1 hour and 44 minutes to get from number 95 in queue to booking. It's nice it was quick for you, but it isn't for everyone. I was lucky I didn't have anywhere to be. by somethingseminormal (Tue 25th May 2021 12:20pm)
  • Partner and I were jabbed at the mosque yesterday and got Pfizer, but I know they have AZ as well. They asked me beforehand if Pfizer was okay and I was like: yep, cool. I remember someone coming by the table asking my vaccine person (jabber? Stabber? Vaccinator?) If he had any AZ left and he said no. So they do it, but my impression was they had Pfizer more on hand. by somethingseminormal (Tue 25th May 2021 12:30pm)
  • I can't comment on whether it's always been like this, but I've been flat hunting for the past year and it really is taking the piss at this point. I don't think it's just Glasgow, although all my issues have been here. But it's definitely more expensive than it used to be and it seems there's heaps of competition. Good luck! by somethingseminormal (Fri 18th Jun 2021 10:12pm)
  • I'm sure it won't take that long for you. My partner has been somewhat fussy, and covid has wrecked our budget. We also both switched jobs so have had to look at different locations-- it's been a bit of a nightmare! My point with looking for one year is I really do feel like I know what "goes" so to speak, and it does seem pretty tough just now. The few flats we liked enough to rent we were continuously either too late or they liked someone else more... But admittedly, there have only been a few where it got to that discussion! The pickings are slim and asking prices seem ridiculous... whole world is topsy turvy just now. by somethingseminormal (Fri 18th Jun 2021 10:41pm)
  • The necropolis by somethingseminormal (Mon 21st Jun 2021 10:41am)
  • Because there doesn't seem to be much you can do about it, I would suggest looking into thick, soundproof curtains and possibly insulation foam (the kind for soundproofing booths) stuck to the windows. There is a small play area outside of my flat and the screaming of children is mental until about 11 pm. Partner and I both do shift work so up at 4am sometimes, so 11 pm really is too late for us. We've had moderate success with insulation foam from Amazon stuck to the windows (like £ 20 maybe) which also blocks out the summer light. I'd like to get some noise cancelling curtains eventually, but we rent and can't have curtain rods. by somethingseminormal (Sun 27th Jun 2021 2:16pm)
  • Actually fascinated. Do you have sources for this? I'd like to know more-- or at least what to Google. by somethingseminormal (Fri 22nd Oct 2021 10:45pm)
  • I've actually read this article before. I'm 100% for holding companies accountable and think that's going be the only thing that really saves us-- this doesn't mean that I agree with the comment I questioned. I think every little we can do is still important! But I do want major policy change as well. The reason I asked was the comment about the UK not making a difference whatsover, and India and China as countries having the influence OP claimed. The article you linked to is about corporations. Like I said above, I want systemic change and holding these institutions responsible. I can see Petrochina and Iranian oil on the list you linked, and understand that they can be linked to certain countries' emissions, but I still want to know why whatever the UK does allegedly has no impact. by somethingseminormal (Sun 24th Oct 2021 9:30am)
  • Use a glass or metal straw, or just don't use one at all. Talk about priorities, Jesus fucking christ. by somethingseminormal (Sat 6th Nov 2021 6:52pm)
  • I'm working at a city centre Hotel and would say its more like 30 percent arsehats, just that those 30% are absolutely exhausting. I would say our guests are a lot of press, a good amount of group delegates for things like water and soil government people, or environmental charities. At least a couple of CEOS and UN members of various whatevers. The first few days REALLY had me losing faith that we would solve the climate issue. Not only for the colosaal shit show of everyone's self importance and general walkers, but more than anything because everyone was SO FUCKING DISORGANISED. Not a single guest had made arrangements for their laundry just assumed it would get done. No one knew how they were getting to SEC. So many people wondering why they couldn't just 'hail a taxi' at 8.30 in the morning, and worried they'd be late because they didn't think to book ahead. I cannot count the amount of times I told them we'd have 300+ people for breakfast and we were encouraging booking a time slot or a breakfast to go and someone telling me they'd wing it. To top it all off, people would try to book meeting rooms half a day before they needed them. We don't have meeting rooms. Things have definitely gotten smoother and more organised so there's that. Would say OP is still correct in assuming most of these people can't function on their own. I'm no ones mother, but it seems like that's half my job this week. by somethingseminormal (Tue 9th Nov 2021 1:36pm)
  • Oh god, the PCR tests. Wrote that comment on my lunch break and ran out of time to mention them. There's a priority postbox literally 60 seconds from our hotel and people still keep asking if we can't do it for them. I will admit I get an almost perverted sense of pleasure telling people 'no' right now. Almost makes it worth it. Almost. At least those are the people who do them. We have a ridiculous amount of unclaimed PCR tests in the back. Whole place looks like a post office. Sorry to hear about your positive cases-- we had two guests that tested positive with lateral flow, but then negative with PCR so that was a relief. Edit for clarity: added the word postbox. by somethingseminormal (Tue 9th Nov 2021 4:57pm)
  • Thank you! That is actually massively helpful-- and I really enjoy looking at a lot of different information given here, like percentage of work emissions, change in emissions for last year, etc. Two things though: do you really believe changes the UK makes are truly pointless? And what would you have the UK do to influence the "big 3"? I'm disappointed with COP and that's an understatement. I'm also struggling to criticise it in part because I don't know what I'd replace it with, or what can be done to make it better. by somethingseminormal (Sun 21st Nov 2021 11:04pm)
  • Yeah, I think nuclear is underutilised, and has gotten a pretty unfair reputation. Alas I am not banking on scientific breakthroughs-- so much of this is money driven and people with power and money are much more interested in maintaining the status quo than serious investment in green technology. Sure they'll buy a few windmills or something-- greenwashing, like you said. I'm torn whether to think nuclear has a chance in India. Its pretty clear it doesn't in the states, with all the anti nuclear propaganda. All of this said I have a complicated relationship with the nature of change. I don't believe someone going vegan, switching their energy provider, recycling, cycling to work, shopping local wherever they can, avoiding single use plastics, etc. truly does anything. But these are all things I've been doing for years. I remember my grandmother laughing (like, proper laughing) when I told her about the impact of animal agriculture on the environment and my veganism. She laughed SO HARD six years ago. She's now been vegan since January. At the March earlier this month, an activist asked me if I knew what eating meat was doing to the planet. Of course I do-- but I was so happy to see it beiing discussed! I think the change is really palpable in this regard. My point here is that we look at all these little actions and think they do fuck all, but they cast waves around them that CAN have a great impact. My point being that if smaller, 'wealthier' countries make environmental changes, will we see other, larger polluters do the same? In the meantime I think you're right. We have to stop buying from China. by somethingseminormal (Mon 22nd Nov 2021 8:52am)
  • This seems to happen to me a LOT with the 9. I borrowed a bike from a friend for a few months and am really considering getting my own when I have the place for, just to avoid this absolute nonsense. by somethingseminormal (Wed 15th Dec 2021 6:23pm)
  • My point is, I'm considering 40 minutes of cycling in this dreich weather because I'm sick of relying on first bus, telling me its due any minute now only for it to drop off the display and show up 20-30 minutes later. The 9 is supposed to be every ten minutes! by somethingseminormal (Wed 15th Dec 2021 6:28pm)
  • Here I was thinking I was cursed. Sorry to hear about your troubles, the train is definitely preferable. by somethingseminormal (Wed 15th Dec 2021 8:09pm)
  • I'm definitely going to, I just don't have a place to put it. Moving into my first house next week and a bike and a shed to put it in are at the top of my list once I've got some loose change. by somethingseminormal (Wed 15th Dec 2021 8:07pm)
  • I was at my inlaws (was only supposed to be a few weeks, is now a few years due to covid) and my mother-in-law hated the bike in the flat so much I gave it back. Otherwise I'd still be cycling. Thankfully I am moving before Christmas and will no longer be relying on First Bus for my daily commute in the new year. by somethingseminormal (Wed 15th Dec 2021 9:14pm)
  • It was absolutely fantastic when I did it. Would have kept going but my mother in law hated having the bike in the flat. Moving next week and a bike is in the very near future. by somethingseminormal (Wed 15th Dec 2021 11:13pm)
  • See the ground floor bit of ikea that has reused furniture and discounted bits? Ask them. They have spares of everything. Otherwise their cheap slats are like...£15 maybe? by somethingseminormal (Fri 4th Feb 2022 6:45pm)
  • Like another comment said, a LOT is going to closing date recently. My partner and I started looking last summer, and half the struggle for us was just getting viewings- things are getting snapped up WAY past asking price. Anything we did view went to closing date. We offered 10k over on a house we loved and found out after it went for much, much higher. We later offered 16% over asking price on the house we ended up getting, which was 9% over the home report value. I love my house and actually, looking at the monthly payments don't think I'm overpaying, although my friends were shocked I immediately went for a high number instead of trying to haggle. In the current market, I think lowballing/haggling has a very low chance of success. Anyways as far as script goes you've done everything right. Your interest has been noted. Only thing you can do now is wait! by somethingseminormal (Tue 15th Feb 2022 8:01pm)
  • This happened to me too! We're now happily moved in. Good luck on your search! by somethingseminormal (Tue 15th Feb 2022 10:14pm)
  • Temakis sushi Burrito is like 7? Depends on what you get by somethingseminormal (Wed 2nd Mar 2022 4:23pm)
  • Does he need to make 20 return trips, or does he need to be there 20 times? I once had a 3 month work project that meant I needed to be in Edin Monday to Friday for 3 months. I was ridiculously skint and wages weren't paid until completion, so I'd get the train on Monday (£15, as Megabus wouldn't have gotten me in on time) then stay in a hostel for £8 a night, before leaving back on Friday. Saved a lot of time and money. by somethingseminormal (Mon 14th Mar 2022 5:17pm)
  • Oof, I feel for him. I was studying (distance learning, postgraduate) while I did it and I was hella exhausted most days, so I get the extra commitment thing, but two jobs sounds rough as fuck. I was so skint I was on £2 or so a day for food with no kitchen, so it was a lot of cold falafel, cereal from the hostel kitchens, (I was hopping hostels all the time to get the sweetest deal. I never spent more than £40 a week), stuff from the 'free shelf' at the hostel, and the lucky yellow label find. Really, really do not recommend. Looking back now I don't know that I would have done things much differently, but what I would have done in addition is a get a credit card. I was so afraid of debt (bad parental debt growing up) that it never crossed my mind. I only recently got a credit card, and the first 15 months are interest free. Even just to have real food every day it would have been worth it, and the payday at the end would have meant I could pay it off then. So I guess, in addition to megabus, have him look into a credit card? Just for a cushion. by somethingseminormal (Tue 15th Mar 2022 10:14am)
  • Gloriously existential title by somethingseminormal (Fri 15th Apr 2022 10:14am)
  • I have been in your shoes! It's a big, important purchase, in a very scary market. It would be weird NOT to be nervous. Here's how I got over the financial worry: I calculated how much rent my partner and I had already spent over the years, which in my case was 40k over 7 years. Bear in mind that 40k was for the CHEAPEST flats I could afford (outside of Glasgow) where I lived in cramped, damp, and at times dangerous places. Even if I sell at a loss, I'll still likely be better off financially than if I had rented-- and I'll have the mental well-being of living in a nice place. by somethingseminormal (Fri 15th Apr 2022 9:33pm)
  • I read it many, many years ago, and every once and a while I'll remember some weird thing and go: damn, I gotta read this again. I think my favourite of all the weird things is when he's at a conference and someone links an increase in war to wearing shoes, and society would be more peaceful if we were all barefoot.... I hope I'm remembering this correctly. Still need to get around to reading it in English. Anyways best of luck to you! by somethingseminormal (Thu 5th May 2022 2:53pm)
  • Trees and bits of greenery, especially in city centre. I'm going to sound like a conspiracy theorist here, but I believe people are happier and also less aggressive near plants. A row of trees on buchanan Street would be gorgeous. by somethingseminormal (Thu 9th Jun 2022 8:56am)
  • Thanks! by somethingseminormal (Tue 5th Jul 2022 9:09am)
  • I'm aware-- I have plenty of scraps and coffee grounds, woodchips is to make my own as I'm low on the browns to green ratio. by somethingseminormal (Tue 5th Jul 2022 9:09am)
  • Thank you! by somethingseminormal (Tue 5th Jul 2022 11:22pm)
  • Thanks! by somethingseminormal (Tue 5th Jul 2022 11:22pm)
  • Are you...us? I found out this morning and my husband refused to believe me until he saw it within own eyes today. by somethingseminormal (Sat 3rd Sep 2022 3:58pm)
  • Personally I prefer Chams to Matthews but they're so close to another I also just make a wee adventure out of it and go to both. Losing Seewoo feels tragic though. by somethingseminormal (Sat 3rd Sep 2022 3:57pm)
  • How do we fix this? It's such a struggle. I was an hour and 10 minutes late yesterday-- I live right by silverburn and there should be TONS of buses but there were none for ages. Because the x8 and the 10 never showed (and this is not the first time, either) I eventually took the 57 which takes FOREVER. My total commute time was 1 hour and 40 minutes if we count waiting for buses. by somethingseminormal (Tue 8th Nov 2022 9:46am)
  • I realise you're trolling, but I'll bite.Nothing everyone can drive, or afford to drive, and it's also incredibly bad for the environment, not to mention stupidly expensive. I work in city centre. My work has a discounted rate on the local carpark for £9 a day. That's £9 ON TOP OF fuel, not to mention the cost of buying and maintaining a car. A return bus is 3.50. Its 3.80 for a return on the train (though I have a season pass), and when the trains are running, it's actually quicker to get the train than to drive. Funnily enough my household has a car, but sadly, we have very different shifts. Partner took the car to work for his 7am start and I was relying on a train that didn't come for my 2.30 pm start. Even if money were unlimited and the environmental impact was negligible, what makes you think it's feasible for everyone in Glasgow to drive? Where are all these cars going to go? Where are we supposed to park them, both in city centre and at home? Besides, it is RIDICULOUSLY hard to get a driver's license since Covid. My practical was rescheduled 7 times during the pandemic and my theory test lapsed so I had to redo it. My colleagues learning to drive have been telling me that it's almost impossible to find a driving instructor and one of them is on a 3 month waiting list. Suggesting an unaffordable and frankly IMPRACTICAL solution for most people isn't funny, it's just really, really out of touch. by somethingseminormal (Tue 8th Nov 2022 12:12pm)
  • I lived in the states for 10 years and the road infrastructure is TERRIBLE. It actually sucks to have to drive everywhere. It makes people miserable, and they don't even see it. >Every spare bit of space has a car in it. Every road is clogged to a crawl with them. And to top it all off, we can breathe less and less. It is quite genuinely fucking insane as far as I'm concerned. Amen. by somethingseminormal (Tue 8th Nov 2022 2:43pm)
  • >Because as long as we're arguing about gender then we aren't organising as one to save the NHS or tax the rich 🙏 by somethingseminormal (Sun 5th Feb 2023 9:43pm)
  • Came here to second Modou. Unreal! by somethingseminormal (Tue 21st Feb 2023 11:12pm)
  • I don't know I'm quite partial to the sausage by somethingseminormal (Sat 25th Feb 2023 9:34am)
  • YES by somethingseminormal (Sat 25th Mar 2023 11:44pm)
  • Darnley? You've got dams to Darnley Park, Priesthill train station, and a sainsburys,and a Lidl further down the road towards Nitshill. On the other side of the train station you've got silverburn shopping centre. It has a bit of a reputation but I've found it very nice and quiet. It's 20 minute train ride to city centre. I paid 185 for my house. Three bedroom. by somethingseminormal (Fri 2nd Jun 2023 9:11am)