Gilded Bird - Geo's new Thunderbird related project

[mapleglo]

I have found that pretty much all companies these days, shipping companies included, just don't have the level of professionalism of years past. And I do believe companies were better, more customer focused, and offered higher quality goods and services in the past, compared to today. It's part of the downfall and collapse of our "modern" society.

 

[TerribleTim68]

I believe the bigger issue is how COVID taught workers that they had more value than American corporations think they do. The American worker's vision of what a job should be has changed DRASTICALLY in the past 3 years, and it has had a profound impact on our daily lives as the rest of us wade through that impact in the things we do throughout our day. People don't care about their jobs like they used to, in part because they realize how little the people they work for care about them. It's a vicious cycle.

 

[Flying B]

Crikey you've had some rotten luck with deliveries. Maybe worth thinking about a cctv camera for the front porch?

 

[KaraQ]

USPS tracking is the worst....I have a UPS-store address/drop box where all my packages have gone to for several years, because of the same problems you have. Earlier this year, USPS said they delivered a package, but the store staff hadn't seen it.
Tried to do the missing package thing, but was told to wait a bit, because sometimes they marked items as delivered, even though they hadn't been yet (!! ).
Never showed, and I needed the item(s), and they weren't super expensive, so I just re-ordered.


The first package was finally delivered on the same day & time as the second

 

[Max Bogosity]

It’s the same “race to the bottom” that brought you self-checkout at the store and flights without meals or checked baggage. People say they want better service, but cheaper and worse usually wins.

 

[JIO]

Thanks for your replies. I met our mail-person, Leo just now while walking Mona. I asked if he delivered a package yesterday and he said if he did he would have put it in the box and locked it. So now I doubt it was delivered to my address. He said he'd check an address with the same as ours a couple blocks away on his route. So like KaraQ's story, it may turn up. I'll wait to re-order and have it sent to where Beth works as they will hand it to them there as it's a biz.

I agree that the Covid years had a major effect on these service-oriented biz's. A 'signature required' package was left on the porch because of fear of getting Covid. Also, delivery's went way up with people shopping via their computer, so UPS, FedEx and USPS all were working long hrs to deliver all those packages. I'm sure their companies pushed them to meet quota's leading to burn-out. So throw the package on the porch, fake a signature and keep moving, and "Porch Pirate" became a common term. It set a pattern that continues post pandemic.

Camera's are only so useful. My motorcycle was backed into and knocked over resulting in damage. Two people were caught on a surveillance camera 1/2 block away trying to right it, but it was not clear enough to confirm their license plate even if it was clearly my across the street neighbor's car. (a renter I didn't know) The police watched the vid and 'said' they'd look into it. That's the last I heard from them.

And finally, yes - "it's part of the downfall and collapse of our "modern" society", at least here in the Mission SF. I have met many nice people in my neighborhood walking Mona, but there's garbage all over the place - people who live here just don't care. And then they spout "Mission Pride"... There's are a few blocks where it seems like they do keep it clean, but most of my neighborhood looks like a dump. (not in front of our house) Many renters, but home-owners too. I don't get it.

 

[scuzzy]

Thanks for your replies. I met our mail-person, Leo just now while walking Mona. I asked if he delivered a package yesterday and he said if he did he would have put it in the box and locked it. So now I doubt it was delivered to my address. He said he'd check an address with the same as ours a couple blocks away on his route. So like KaraQ's story, it may turn up. I'll wait to re-order and have it sent to where Beth works as they will hand it to them there as it's a biz.

I agree that the Covid years had a major effect on these service-oriented biz's. A 'signature required' package was left on the porch because of fear of getting Covid. Also, delivery's went way up with people shopping via their computer, so UPS, FedEx and USPS all were working long hrs to deliver all those packages. I'm sure their companies pushed them to meet quota's leading to burn-out. So throw the package on the porch, fake a signature and keep moving, and "Porch Pirate" became a common term. It set a pattern that continues post pandemic.

Camera's are only so useful. My motorcycle was backed into and knocked over resulting in damage. Two people were caught on a surveillance camera 1/2 block away trying to right it, but it was not clear enough to confirm their license plate even if it was clearly my across the street neighbor's car. (a renter I didn't know) The police watched the vid and 'said' they'd look into it. That's the last I heard from them.

And finally, yes - "it's part of the downfall and collapse of our "modern" society", at least here in the Mission SF. I have met many nice people in my neighborhood walking Mona, but there's garbage all over the place - people who live here just don't care. And then they spout "Mission Pride"... There's are a few blocks where it seems like they do keep it clean, but most of my neighborhood looks like a dump. (not in front of our house) Many renters, but home-owners too. I don't get it.

I understand the COVID exposure of hypocrisy. I'm a nurse, was working at a level 1 trauma center in STL when COVID hit. I was a "hero" for about 2 weeks (t-shirt to prove it). Then we were back at the bottom, lip service over, and completely expendable.

I have a doctorate and two bachelor's and I had to clean toilets to keep food on the table. Which I did and was glad I was able to. Made the "hero" t-shirt seem a little silly though.

 

[JIO]

I understand the COVID exposure of hypocrisy. I'm a nurse, was working at a level 1 trauma center in STL when COVID hit. I was a "hero" for about 2 weeks (t-shirt to prove it). Then we were back at the bottom, lip service over, and completely expendable.

I have a doctorate and two bachelor's and I had to clean toilets to keep food on the table. Which I did and was glad I was able to. Made the "hero" t-shirt seem a little silly though.

Thanks for sharing that. Yah, just like after 9-11 with all the talk of unity - pretty short lived. Even the main takeaway from the pandemic - if you have a cold, don't come to work and infect everybody. (as in, common sense group-respectful isolation) I have yet to have a cold or flu since Covid! (and luckily didn't get Covid) All my bandmates got it but we weren't rehearsing at that point. Anyway.., best that we don't go too far down a socio-political rabbit hole, as much as I'd entertain that...

Did I say how much I liked this bass? T-birds rock!

 

[God's Favorite Bass]

Thanks for sharing that. Yah, just like after 9-11 with all the talk of unity - pretty short lived. Even the main takeaway from the pandemic - if you have a cold, don't come to work and infect everybody. (as in, common sense group-respectful isolation) I have yet to have a cold or flu since Covid! (and luckily didn't get Covid) All my bandmates got it but we weren't rehearsing at that point. Anyway.., best that we don't go too far down a socio-political rabbit hole, as much as I'd entertain that...

Did I say how much I liked this bass? T-birds rock!

I've thought about grabbing one of these in black for some mad scientist fun. I just wonder how low i can get one set up. Havent played with a bridge/tailpiece set up like that in forever as Im a deeply entrenched Fender guy but I have always been drawn to those. I had an Artist once with the Moog card in it. I remember that the strap pin on the back (and on an SG style Gibson of some sort later) always made the bass want to "look at the floor" as it tipped away face first. Wasn't a fan of that. Still, at what these can be had for I just can't shake the idea. How much luck are you having in respect to action height, pickup stuff aside?

 

[JIO]

I've thought about grabbing one of these in black for some mad scientist fun. I just wonder how low i can get one set up. Havent played with a bridge/tailpiece set up like that in forever as Im a deeply entrenched Fender guy but I have always been drawn to those. I had an Artist once with the Moog card in it. I remember that the strap pin on the back (and on an SG style Gibson of some sort later) always made the bass want to "look at the floor" as it tipped away face first. Wasn't a fan of that. Still, at what these can be had for I just can't shake the idea. How much luck are you having in respect to action height, pickup stuff aside?

Action is nice - very playable. I'm more of a "fairly-low" player as far as action goes, but I don't know why someone couldn't get it even lower to taste. I was surprised how nice it plays - it's a quality product and sounds great. Coming from someone (me) who has owned/played a '63 & '64 II since the '70s - that's saying a lot. The pu's will need some work. As much as they sound good - getting them parallel to the strings needs addressing. No big deal. Really, that's about it - nothing else to "get right" other than some cavity shielding/grounding.

 

[Indiedog]

Well... the Wilkinson tuners were apparently delivered yesterday, and are missing/were stollen. This is getting old. USPS this time. I made a special box with a lock clearly marked for deliveries - and the carrier couldn't be bothered to put it in there, even if they didn't lock the box, which they occasionally do. I was home and so was Mona, so I'm not even sure it was delivered as she would have barked. So I'm out $43.40. Filled out an on-line USPS form requesting to be reimbursed by USPS due to carrier negligence but I'm not holding my breath. Of course you can't call & talk with a human - as all corps are now. Sucks.

View attachment 5101058

Unbelievable!

 

[TerribleTim68]

Yeah, I had my Epi Goth set up pretty low, because I like that. I tend to set mine low enough that if I dig in hard it'll growl a bit from the buzz, but playing normal produces no buzz. That's my sweet spot, for me. I had the Goth set that way and when I traded it, the guy I traded it to said "Oh wow, this thing is really low!"

 

[JIO]

Yeah, I had my Epi Goth set up pretty low, because I like that. I tend to set mine low enough that if I dig in hard it'll growl a bit from the buzz, but playing normal produces no buzz. That's my sweet spot, for me. I had the Goth set that way and when I traded it, the guy I traded it to said "Oh wow, this thing is really low!"

All comes down to feel. I rarely use a measuring device to determine action. I might use one after setting it just to compare with my other basses, but once it 'feels' right, I stop. Also, playing at home compared to playing live usually merits a bit higher action as I tend to play more aggressively on some songs live.

Related to your formula -

 

[TerribleTim68]

All comes down to feel. I rarely use a measuring device to determine action. I might use one after setting it just to compare with my other basses, but once it 'feels' right, I stop. Also, playing at home compared to playing live usually merits a bit higher action as I tend to play more aggressively on some songs live.

Related to your formula -

Funny you mention that video.
I actually started setting my basses up the way I do after watching the complete "Essential Bass Maintenance & Setup" series by Chris May of Overwater Basses on SBL.

 

[JIO]

Funny you mention that video.
I actually started setting my basses up the way I do after watching the complete "Essential Bass Maintenance & Setup" series by Chris May of Overwater Basses on SBL.

Scott has been such a great resource for bass players. He's a great player, and a very personable/engaging person - the perfect combination for a teacher. I also like Adam Neely, even though his jazz theory is way above my comprehension. I enjoy his knowledge and insights and hope to learn something through osmosis! Also love when he highlights JAZZ whenever he says it.

Here's Adam on a very provocative and relevant topic.

 

[postalflunkie]

Thanks for your replies. I met our mail-person, Leo just now while walking Mona. I asked if he delivered a package yesterday and he said if he did he would have put it in the box and locked it. So now I doubt it was delivered to my address. He said he'd check an address with the same as ours a couple blocks away on his route. So like KaraQ's story, it may turn up. I'll wait to re-order and have it sent to where Beth works as they will hand it to them there as it's a biz.

I agree that the Covid years had a major effect on these service-oriented biz's. A 'signature required' package was left on the porch because of fear of getting Covid. Also, delivery's went way up with people shopping via their computer, so UPS, FedEx and USPS all were working long hrs to deliver all those packages. I'm sure their companies pushed them to meet quota's leading to burn-out. So throw the package on the porch, fake a signature and keep moving, and "Porch Pirate" became a common term. It set a pattern that continues post pandemic.

Camera's are only so useful. My motorcycle was backed into and knocked over resulting in damage. Two people were caught on a surveillance camera 1/2 block away trying to right it, but it was not clear enough to confirm their license plate even if it was clearly my across the street neighbor's car. (a renter I didn't know) The police watched the vid and 'said' they'd look into it. That's the last I heard from them.

And finally, yes - "it's part of the downfall and collapse of our "modern" society", at least here in the Mission SF. I have met many nice people in my neighborhood walking Mona, but there's garbage all over the place - people who live here just don't care. And then they spout "Mission Pride"... There's are a few blocks where it seems like they do keep it clean, but most of my neighborhood looks like a dump. (not in front of our house) Many renters, but home-owners too. I don't get it.

I'm gonna sound like an old curmudgeon here, but as a mailman with almost 32 years service the way we have to treat these new kids isn't going to make them any better. We're literally told to "make it easy for them, we don't want them to quit". Nobody in management wants hold them accountable for their performance (or lack there of). I'm eligible to retire in November and am starting to seriously consider it. Us old guys that actually take pride in our work are a dying breed.

 

[JIO]

I'm gonna sound like an old curmudgeon here, but as a mailman with almost 32 years service the way we have to treat these new kids isn't going to make them any better. We're literally told to "make it easy for them, we don't want them to quit". Nobody in management wants hold them accountable for their performance (or lack there of). I'm eligible to retire in November and am starting to seriously consider it. Us old guys that actually take pride in our work are a dying breed.

I hear you - I have a good friend who is a postal carrier. She also is near retirement and can't wait.

 

[mapleglo]

And here's another prime example. We recently purchased a new home, and while it was in move-in condition, there were a few things that we had to do. While the home features desert landscaping, there are a few trees and bushes that are watered through an automatic underground sprinkler system. We hired a landscaper to do some work, like maintenance on the trees and bushes, and the fix the sprinkler system which was leaking into the control box outside. So they came out last week to replace the leaky valves (after one "rescheduled" appointment) but the system was still malfunctioning. They are here now, trying to fix it. Again. Well, my husband was out there supervising, and they are trying to troubleshoot what is going on. They were using a meter, likely purchased from Harbor Freight, which was not readable. So my husband comes in and asks to borrow my Fluke meter. I let him use it. Well, he figures out that the system is wired incorrectly, rewires it, and now it seems to be working. The landscapers, getting paid exorbitant fees couldn't figure out what's wrong, and did not have proper equipment. My husband, the librarian, had the correct tools, and correctly identified the problem and fixed it. Why are we paying these landscapers?

As an aside, one of the tasks we hired these guys to do, is to rip out most of the trees (orange trees, which drop oranges on the ground constantly, providing food for pests like coyotes and rats - yes, rats) and all of the bushes, which provide great cover for rats to build their nests. They rip out the trees and bushes next month. We'll keep the ficus and ash trees in the front. Everything in the back goes. I like rocks.

 

[JIO]

And here's another prime example. We recently purchased a new home, and while it was in move-in condition, there were a few things that we had to do. While the home features desert landscaping, there are a few trees and bushes that are watered through an automatic underground sprinkler system. We hired a landscaper do do some work, like maintenance on the trees and bushes, and the fix the sprinkler system which was leaking into the control box outside. So they came out last week to replace the leaky valves (after one "rescheduled" appointment) but the system was still malfunctioning. They are here now, trying to fix it. Again. Well, my husband was out there supervising, and they are trying to troubleshoot what is going on. They were using a meter, likely purchased from Harbor Freight, which was not readable. So my husband comes in and asks to borrow my Fluke meter. I let him use it. Well, he figures out that the system is wired incorrectly, rewires it, and now it seems to be working. The landscapers, getting paid exorbitant fees couldn't figure out what's wrong, and did not have proper equipment. My husband, the librarian, had the correct tools, and correctly identified the problem and fixed it. Why are we paying these landscapers?

As an aside, one of the tasks we hired these guys to do, is to rip out most of the trees (orange trees, which drop oranges on the ground constantly, providing food for pests like coyotes and rats - yes, rats) and all of the bushes, which provide great cover for rats to build their nests. They rip out the trees and bushes next month. We'll keep the ficus and ash trees in the front. Everything in the back goes. I like rocks.

View attachment 5102298

Does that person work for a landscaping company or was he an independent? Either way it's bad, but in different ways.

 

[mapleglo]

Does that person work for a landscaping company or was he an independent? Either way it's bad, but in different ways.

Two guys, and they drove up in a truck with the company name on the side. I'll assume they work for the landscaping company. Though the sales guy we spoke to did mention that some of their "specialists" are independent contractors. But yeah, either way, it's bad.