Post a bad thing that happened in your life today

[spacecadet]

6 minutes ago, Michael Ventura said:

 

Betty, I struggle with the constant request from banks and credit card institutions who are always after me to go paperless.  I am an environmentalist at heart and always want to do the right thing for our planet but I need printed documents for my business records and taxes and so if they are not printing them, then I am.  I would rather that they print them but suppose then that they have to be mailed and that is more paper and more energy being used to get them to me.   I know I'm old school that way and I know my kids would much rather do everything electronically.  I am not even sure my daughter has ever used a checkbook.  Anyway, I get your frustration for sure.

Our tax system hasn't required paper for years. I have my last paper tax return from 2004- I have it because although it was posted to me, I filled in the actual return online, as I have every year since.

Inside it is the unused return envelope.

Edited May 4, 2021 by spacecadet

[Michael Ventura]

15 minutes ago, spacecadet said:

Our tax system hasn't required paper for years. I have my last paper tax return from 2004- I have it because although it was posted to me, I filled in the actual return online, as I have every year since.

Inside it is the unused return envelope.

 

Same here.  Been filing electronically for years....it is how I do my own internal accounting.  I'm the problem.  I enter all my paper receipts into an Excel spread sheet and go thru all the paper statements for all the other information.  I just like to have printed physical copies of things that I can easily refer to....but I like I said, I am old school that way.  I'm a visual person who feels comfortable with physical things in my hands to point to and file away.  Dumb, I know, the next generation will be better until their computers crash 😃

[MizBrown]

Friend called this morning to say that one of the neighbors across the street on her block, in a family that hadn't been wearing masks, died of Covid.   My friend had been wondering why the health teams had been checking on her twice recently.   Our helper is cutting dog walks back to one a day (we both have space where dogs can relieve themselves if they don't get out on walks) since the late afternoon buses to his country neighborhood are crowded and people aren't wearing masks. 

 

Otherwise, see Good Thing that happened...

[Steve F]

So I just got my shoes resoled and it's been raining a lot. And I was in the new bit of Reading Station earlier with the really slippery tiled flooring that everyone had walked water onto... So one minute I'm walking along, next second both feet had gone from under me and I landed flat on my back. I've now reached the age where people gather round and ask if I'm alright rather than laughing, which was nice. Good news, my backpack took a lot of the brunt of the fall. Bad news, I can't get my display or viewfinder to work on my A7iii. Going to try and hook it up to my laptop and see if I can do something when I get home. Otherwise got to send it off for repair...😭😖
 

Edited May 8, 2021 by Steve F

[Allan Bell]

1 hour ago, Steve F said:

So I just got my shoes resoled and it's been raining a lot. And I was in the new bit of Reading Station earlier with the really slippery tiled flooring that everyone had walked water onto... So one minute I'm walking along, next second both feet had gone from under me and I landed flat on my back. I've now reached the age where people gather round and ask if I'm alright rather than laughing, which was nice. Good news, my backpack took a lot of the brunt of the fall. Bad news, I can't get my display or viewfinder to work on my A7iii. Going to try and hook it up to my laptop and see if I can do something when I get home. Otherwise got to send it off for repair...😭😖
 

 

In a way it was very lucky for you that the backpack took the brunt of the fall as you could have had a nasty bump on the bonce.

 

Allan

 

[Steve F]

1 minute ago, Allan Bell said:

 

In a way it was very lucky for you that the backpack took the brunt of the fall as you could have had a nasty bump on the bonce.

 

Allan

 

 

That's true Allan! I'm not sure I didn't, it literally happened that fast, I flipped backwards. But I think the backpack did a good job too, was lucky because I normally carry a shoulder bag. Feeling a lot calmer after a couple of drinks...!

[spacecadet]

1 hour ago, Steve F said:

 

That's true Allan! I'm not sure I didn't, it literally happened that fast, I flipped backwards. But I think the backpack did a good job too, was lucky because I normally carry a shoulder bag. Feeling a lot calmer after a couple of drinks...!

So.......are you going to sue Network Rail or your cobbler....?

[sb photos]

2 hours ago, Steve F said:

So I just got my shoes resoled and it's been raining a lot. And I was in the new bit of Reading Station earlier with the really slippery tiled flooring that everyone had walked water onto... So one minute I'm walking along, next second both feet had gone from under me and I landed flat on my back. I've now reached the age where people gather round and ask if I'm alright rather than laughing, which was nice. Good news, my backpack took a lot of the brunt of the fall. Bad news, I can't get my display or viewfinder to work on my A7iii. Going to try and hook it up to my laptop and see if I can do something when I get home. Otherwise got to send it off for repair...😭😖
 

 

Sorry to hear about the damage to the A7iii, hoping the damage isn't too bad.  On the other hand you weren't seriously injured. It's a horrible feeling when you feel yourself falling helplessly backwards. That happened to me long ago, but not forgotten. I was on a Somerset beach, and went over backwards when crossing rocks covered with slime, seaweed and mud. My backpack saved me from more serious injury. It contained a very solid folded up metal Toyo 45a and all my large format kit, including a heavy duty tripod, all that survived, but I ripped a fairly new Berghaus jacket and bruised my ribs which was painful. Even turning the key in my car lock caused agonising twinges.

[gvallee]

4 hours ago, Steve F said:

So I just got my shoes resoled and it's been raining a lot. And I was in the new bit of Reading Station earlier with the really slippery tiled flooring that everyone had walked water onto... So one minute I'm walking along, next second both feet had gone from under me and I landed flat on my back. I've now reached the age where people gather round and ask if I'm alright rather than laughing, which was nice. Good news, my backpack took a lot of the brunt of the fall. Bad news, I can't get my display or viewfinder to work on my A7iii. Going to try and hook it up to my laptop and see if I can do something when I get home. Otherwise got to send it off for repair...😭😖
 

 

Scary, especially afterwards as it happens so quickly. Glad you're OK, it could have been nasty. Here in Oz, we have a State Premier who slipped in his shower. He had broken ribs, damaged spine and was in intensive care. He hasn't been to work for months. A camera repair might be a small price to pay for not beeing injured? Not saying it's good news of course, I would feel very upset. Take care. 

Edited May 8, 2021 by gvallee

[Steve F]

On 08/05/2021 at 18:37, spacecadet said:

So.......are you going to sue Network Rail or your cobbler....?

 

Well, the Timpson's soles are very hard, but those wet floors were lethal. The architect has picked an indoor tile for what is essentially an outside area...

[Steve F]

On 08/05/2021 at 19:09, sb photos said:

 

Sorry to hear about the damage to the A7iii, hoping the damage isn't too bad.  On the other hand you weren't seriously injured. It's a horrible feeling when you feel yourself falling helplessly backwards. That happened to me long ago, but not forgotten. I was on a Somerset beach, and went over backwards when crossing rocks covered with slime, seaweed and mud. My backpack saved me from more serious injury. It contained a very solid folded up metal Toyo 45a and all my large format kit, including a heavy duty tripod, all that survived, but I ripped a fairly new Berghaus jacket and bruised my ribs which was painful. Even turning the key in my car lock caused agonising twinges.

 

I think we've just found another legitimate reason for wearing camera backpacks! But maybe I need another bag to protect my camera.... 🤔 I am feeling lucky actually. I've had worse ice skating and skiing, but you don't expect this when you're walking along on the flat!!

 

Lucky all your kit survived!

[Steve F]

On 08/05/2021 at 21:02, gvallee said:

 

Scary, especially afterwards as it happens so quickly. Glad you're OK, it could have been nasty. Here in Oz, we have a State Premier who slipped in his shower. He had broken ribs, damaged spine and was in intensive care. He hasn't been to work for months. A camera repair might be a small price to pay for not beeing injured? Not saying it's good news of course, I would feel very upset. Take care. 

 

Wow Gen,

Now I'm feeling REALLY lucky!! I do know people that have broken arms falling over backwards. I guess that is the right perspective to have. Even my wife is not annoyed I need to get the camera fixed as long as I'm alright..... I'm resigned to it now, just an extra expense I could do without. Trying not to contemplate that it might not be fixable or that I might have to get a new one.....

[Steve F]

20 hours ago, Sally R said:

 

Glad you are ok Steve, but feel for you re: the A7iii 😢   If you do have to send it off for repair, do you have another Alamy-accepted camera you can use in the meantime? I thought that might at least lift your spirits if you can still get out and do some photography.

 

About three years ago I was photographing pelicans at a beach. I walked over an area of rock I didn't realise was slippery and went for a fall. The telephoto lens I had on the camera is my most expensive lens. So I awkwardly kept it raised up as I fell, leading me to fall more awkwardly. I ended up badly straining, but fortunately not tearing, the medial collateral ligament in my right knee. My knee is better now, but I realised afterwards that my knee and body are really more important than the camera gear. So having a body to still walk around and take photos is better than having a broken camera or lens, but I totally get how sad and frustrating it is for us as photographers if our gear gets damaged 😞

 

Hi Sally, thanks! No, I sold the shirt off my back to buy this camera and the lenses, my only other camera is a Minolta XG-1 that takes film and never sees the light of day anymore.... I might be relegated to keywording the images I've had in AIM for years that I've never got around to putting on sale... 😢

 

I appreciate the replies and perspectives from everyone, definitely better not to have a long term injury at the loss of a camera or lens....

 

I can imagine how it felt when you started falling, it's a bit like holding a baby! Glad your knee is better now.

[MDM]

Sorry to hear about your accident Steve. Not a lot to do now except pick up the pieces as best you can and move on. With that in mind, I would recommend contacting Fixation in London (near Vauxhall Bridge) about repairs as they are very trustworthy and are now an authorised Sony repairer. I have never had a crazy quote or ever felt that I was being taken for a ride when I have used them so they have always been my first stop if I ever need anything repaired. I won't give the details of my mishaps over the years. Best of luck.

Edited May 9, 2021 by MDM

[Steve F]

9 minutes ago, MDM said:

Sorry to hear about your accident Steve. Not a lot to do now except pick up the pieces as best you can and move on. With that in mind, I would recommend contacting Fixation in London (near Vauxhall Bridge) about repairs as they are very trustworthy and are now an authorised Sony repairer. I have never had a crazy quote or ever felt that I was being taken for a ride when I have used them so they have always been my first stop if I ever need anything repaired. I won't give the details of my mishaps over the years. Best of luck.

 

Hi Michael,

Thanks a lot for the tip, will check them out. Do you take your camera / lens in personally for repair or do you post it?

Steve

[MDM]

9 minutes ago, Steve F said:

 

Hi Michael,

Thanks a lot for the tip, will check them out. Do you take your camera / lens in personally for repair or do you post it?

Steve

 

I prefer to hand in and collect it as well. I am only 45 mins from London on the East Coast Line and if I travel off-peak it is too bad for a day return with tube. I should say my last trip to London was before the pandemic. I don't know if you need to make an appointment now. It used to be you just drop in, including sensor cleans.  Check the website before you go. They are very accommodating. 

[Steve F]

Just now, MDM said:

 

I prefer to hand in and collect it as well. I am only 45 mins from London on the East Coast Line and if I travel off-peak it is too bad for a day return with tube. I should say my last trip to London was before the pandemic. I don't know if you need to make an appointment now. It used to be you just drop in, including sensor cleans.  Check the website before you go. They are very accommodating. 

 

Thanks a lot, I see they're listed on the Sony website as well. Sounds like I'm going to take a day trip! 👍

[MDM]

14 minutes ago, Steve F said:

 

Thanks a lot, I see they're listed on the Sony website as well. Sounds like I'm going to take a day trip! 👍

 

Don't mention it. Hopefully there is no serious damage. A day trip into London sounds good - one of these days I must do it myself although there was some mega disruption recently with LNER due to cracks in the new high speed trains. 

[Steve F]

7 hours ago, MDM said:

 

Don't mention it. Hopefully there is no serious damage. A day trip into London sounds good - one of these days I must do it myself although there was some mega disruption recently with LNER due to cracks in the new high speed trains. 

 

Fingers crossed for the damage. Hopefully the cracks were due to a poor batch of materials and not a design flaw, could be an expensive mistake!

 

Except normally I'd 'document' my day trip to London, oh well...!

[Ed Rooney]

Sally R's accident reminds me of one I had on Heron Island on the Great Barrier Reef. I was shooting near the waterline, and I stepped out on a flat stone that had a covering of dry sand. The top of the sand was dry, but under that it was wet. My feet went out from under me and my head hit the stone and knocked me out for a moment. 

 

For a long time now, I wear nothing but New Balance or Skechers trainers (running shoes). They've never slipped on a surface, wet or dry. 

 

I can only recall dressing formally for one photography-related interview. That was to see Consuelo Crespi with the Italian Vogue. I didn't get the job.

 

Edited May 10, 2021 by Ed Rooney

[Allan Bell]

3 hours ago, Ed Rooney said:

Scratches trainers

 

Useful when you have itchy feet.😀

 

Allan

 

[Ed Rooney]

My attempt to move to a different studio flat has fallen apart. I’ve been in this building with the fire alarm going off and this badly designed flat with its tiny kitchen and wheelchair bathroom for 18 months now. I’ve never been late paying my rent and I’ve not gotten into any drunken brawls in the hallway or the lobby. I assumed my perfect record was enough to guarantee an easy okay in changing apartments. I was wrong. My letting agency has added another thick, pointless layer of bureaucratic BS to the mix. 

 

I was supposed to fill out a seven-page questionnaire, giving all my personal information to another company, a third party. I told my agency to forget it, and I withdrew my bid and the notice of leaving the flat I’m in. 

 

Today, I went over to the building I was hoping to move into and copied down the names of four other rental agencies that are on signs at the entrance. Maybe I can make something happen with one of them. 

[Marianne]

On 03/05/2021 at 23:37, Bryan said:

Once upon a time you could buy a gadget that allowed the use of a laptop as a TV. We used one in our touring caravan for years. It doesn't work with our new laptop and I can't find a replacement. People use satellite dishes these days, but we would struggle to find room for one in our tiny van, while campsite WiFi rarely has enough bandwidth to enable a person to watch TV digitally. I guess that we could buy a mini TV but that wouldn't double as a computer. Could we live with a smartphone for internet access, possibly?

 

If you have Amazon and/or Netflix you can stream directly onto your laptop without the need for anything other than a WiFi connection. I wonder if one of those Amazon Fire devices (which bring in way more than just Amazon & Netflix, including some free channels) that plug into your TV via a usb port work with your computer? We just got one (for our TV) to replace a Sony streaming box (about 5 years old) that was no longer supported by Amazon and Netflix. Amazon gave me a coupon so I could get it for free. And of course a couple of months of BritBox subscription & they've made back the coupon. I love British tv dramas. 

[Marianne]

1 hour ago, Ed Rooney said:

My attempt to move to a different studio flat has fallen apart. I’ve been in this building with the fire alarm going off and this badly designed flat with its tiny kitchen and wheelchair bathroom for 18 months now. I’ve never been late paying my rent and I’ve not gotten into any drunken brawls in the hallway or the lobby. I assumed my perfect record was enough to guarantee an easy okay in changing apartments. I was wrong. My letting agency has added another thick, pointless layer of bureaucratic BS to the mix. 

 

I was supposed to fill out a seven-page questionnaire, giving all my personal information to another company, a third party. I told my agency to forget it, and I withdrew my bid and the notice of leaving the flat I’m in. 

 

Today, I went over to the building I was hoping to move into and copied down the names of four other rental agencies that are on signs at the entrance. Maybe I can make something happen with one of them. 

 

Good luck Ed! Hope it works out without so much hassle!

[Marianne]

14 hours ago, Steve F said:

 

Fingers crossed for the damage. Hopefully the cracks were due to a poor batch of materials and not a design flaw, could be an expensive mistake!

 

Except normally I'd 'document' my day trip to London, oh well...!

 

Good luck with the camera. If you'd had a backup with you, it could've meant two repairs.... ask if they do rush repairs for pros. Nikon did that for me once long ago - less than a week vs. a few weeks.