27168 replies to this topic

[g.johnson]

I went to the DMV to get a learners permit this morning. That was the first annoyance: that although my UK license is perfectly OK for driving in the US (as long as I’m not a resident), it is not sufficient to get me an NYS license. I have to take lessons and a test.

So I walk to the office on 34th Street and 9th Avenue and am told that that’s for renewals only. I have to go to Broadway and 34th. I wish they'd made that clear on the website. Still, not too far. I get to the Broadway office and the line for the learners permit is long but moves quickly. I think I’m going to be out in a more than acceptable hour. But after having my photograph taken I’m told to wait for the written test. There are far more people waiting for this, and worse, there is no line, no system, just one big scrum of people jostling to get into the test room. The test takes about 30 minutes all told and only 18 people are processed at a time. Slow going. The test is a piece of piss (though I’m not sure what lane you should turn into when turning left from a two way street to a one way street, nor why anyone would care) but then I have to line up a third time to actually get the permit (and pay my $45). All in all about three hours of waiting, much of it standing.

Did I mention I’ve got gout at the moment?

[Wilfrid1]

All that just to get a learner's permit? I was thinking of getting one in lieu State ID. It's increasingly the case that one is asked for official photo ID when using a credit card, and I am not going to carry my passport around with me.

Is gout worse than arthritis, not as bad, or about the same?

[Rail Paul]

Glyn - you may have participated in a small, gouty step toward legalized, same sex marriage rights, as well.

In the US, states are required to accept other states' driving permits, vehicle registrations, etc. You don't have to reregister your vehicle at the state line, or pass the new state's exhaust gas tests, or be licensed again to drive in th enew place.

That's part of the reciprocity among states, and precisely one of the arguments to require recognition of one state's license of marriage in another state. For many years, Southern state licenses, which allowed 15 year olds to drive, were much prized in the North where 17 was often the required age.

[Lippy]

NY State offers a non-driver's license, as an alternative. It's much quicker to get one, since it doesn't require the written exam. It is as universally accepted as a driver's license for identification, but not, of course, as permission to actually drive a car.

[g.johnson]

Is gout worse than arthritis, not as bad, or about the same?

Depends on how bad the arthritis and the gout are. :ph43r:

Gout can be excruciating. Even the touch of a sheet on the afflicted member can be unbearable. But I think that only happens with chronic disease. It's certainly never happened to me. I have the occasional attack for about a week which gives me some discomfort but doesn't stop be walking albeit with a little difficulty.

I think osteoarthritis (strictly, gout is a form of arthritis) is similar. Short term it's just uncomfortable. Long term, the real joint damage occurs and it can be crippling.

[Lippy]

Does diet have anything to do with it, as we are led to believe?

[Wilfrid1]

Yes, I am looking forward to my hip replacement. Don't know when it will be, but I have no doubt I'll need one one day.

Sorry to hear about your member.

[Lippy]

Don't ask about my shoulder.

[g.johnson]

Does diet have anything to do with it, as we are led to believe?

Are you asking me how much I drink?

Diets rich in purines (red meat, offal, shellfish, legumes) can be implicated. But so can genetics, obesity, binge drinking and kidney disease.

[Wilfrid1]

I see you are a walking multiple risk factor.

[omnivorette]

I am increasingly annoyed by the blurring of lines between disco and store. Walking around downtown these days, I don't know if I've walked into a store, or some nightmare teeeny bopper club. I have asked the store people to turn down the music on several occasions in recent weeks.

I hate people between the ages of 13 - 25. I think they should be sent to another planet when they turn 13, and only be allowed back when they're 25.

Yes, yes, I know there are exceptions. Like the children of anyone reading this. :P

[ngatti]

I am increasingly annoyed by the blurring of lines between disco and store. Walking around downtown these days, I don't know if I've walked into a store, or some nightmare teeeny bopper club. I have asked the store people to turn down the music on several occasions in recent weeks.

I hate people between the ages of 13 - 25. I think they should be sent to another planet when they turn 13, and only be allowed back when they're 25.

Yes, yes, I know there are exceptions. Like the children of anyone reading this. :P

I believe this is called...errr...getting old. :P

[Wilfrid1]

Pissing rain.

[Basildog]

Jesus, pissing rain eh? I would visit your Doctor Wilfrid

[Wilfrid1]

Stop, my sides are aching. :angry: