Things That Nobody Needs

[scotchandcigar]

Because of my recent move, I've had to call into a lot of automated phone systems, due to changes in my medical and utility providers, notifying change of address, and so on. And each time, it starts with "Please listen carefully, as our menu has changed". I won't go into all the reasons that this statement is nonsensical, but clearly, it's a message that nobody needs.

This got me thinking about all the things we come across in our daily lives, that nobody needs. Here's my initial list; feel free to add your own.

1) Pennies;
2) The 9/10 of a cent at gas pumps;
3) The statement "Please listen carefully, as our menu has changed";
4) The phrase "It is what it is";
5) The phrase "At the end of the day...";
6) The touchscreen displays in cars that say "Drive safely and obey traffic rules";
7) The phrase "Fake news";
8) The TV commercial disclaimer "Professional driver, do not attempt";
9) The banner "Breaking news";
10) Nickelback.

Let me know if any explanations are needed.

 

[Evil_Ernie]

Pretty good list.

Here's a quote that makes me want to kick someone in the crotch: "Teamwork makes the dream work."

 

[Wolf]

Since you won't accept Nickelback. At least at the end of the day, when you drive safely and obey traffic rules. You can crank up the music and rock out to Rick Astley, Shinedown, Kid Rock and Theory of A Deadman. But it is what it is.

 

[Wolf]

Here a few things we don't need.

1) Tom Brady
2) New England Patriots
3) Donald Trump
4) The Kardashians
5) Stephan Curry
6) Annoying People
7) Bad Drivers
8) Indian Customer Service Reps
9) Koops Human Barbie Doll
10) Rush

 

[IdRatherBeSkiing]

Because of my recent move, I've had to call into a lot of automated phone systems, due to changes in my medical and utility providers, notifying change of address, and so on. And each time, it starts with "Please listen carefully, as our menu has changed". I won't go into all the reasons that this statement is nonsensical, but clearly, it's a message that nobody needs.

This got me thinking about all the things we come across in our daily lives, that nobody needs. Here's my initial list; feel free to add your own.

1) Pennies;
2) The 9/10 of a cent at gas pumps;
3) The statement "Please listen carefully, as our menu has changed";
4) The phrase "It is what it is";
5) The phrase "At the end of the day...";
6) The touchscreen displays in cars that say "Drive safely and obey traffic rules";
7) The phrase "Fake news";
8) The TV commercial disclaimer "Professional driver, do not attempt";
9) The banner "Breaking news";
10) Nickelback.

Let me know if any explanations are needed.

In Canada we already took care of #1.

11) Rick Astley
12) Shinedown
13) Kid Rock
14) Theory of A Deadman.
15) Fax Machines

 

[Wolf]

In Canada we already took care of #1.

11) Rick Astley
12) Shinedown
13) Kid Rock
14) Theory of A Deadman.
15) Fax Machines

11) DRC users from Canada

 

[scotchandcigar]

In Canada we already took care of #1.

Years ago, I heard that it costs about 3 cents to make a penny. But it's like that 9/10ths of a cent. Totally useless, but we just can't let it go in the US.

 

[IdRatherBeSkiing]

Years ago, I heard that it costs about 3 cents to make a penny. But it's like that 9/10ths of a cent. Totally useless, but we just can't let it go in the US.

We have all types of fractions for gas. Doesn't always be .9 now. It's kind of the same as something on sale for $9.99. You know it's $10 but they advertise it as $9.99.

 

[scotchandcigar]

It's kind of the same as something on sale for $9.99. You know it's $10 but they advertise it as $9.99.

But at least $9.99 is a real price that can be paid for with real currency (in the US). You can't pay for a gallon of gas at $2.859.

 

[JHDK]

Look at Scotch starting non-ATW threads!

I think about this a lot but take it in a bit of a different direction. Almost everything I buy is not needed. My crazy watch obsession that started this year is totally unnecessary. I've spent 1000's on video games that are worthless; I enjoy most of them but I only truly love maybe like $300 worth. Even food, which is clearly something needed, I manage to waste a bunch of money buying. I could skip all my fast food and Wawa trips and make all my food at home.

That said, I really like all 5 watches I bought this year and get a kick out of having such a large Switch game collection. I just need to stop getting attracted to this or that and then going on insane tears buying way too much.

 

[Aaron]

One thing I DO need is for gas stations to keep the machines stocked with receipt paper. I paid outside at the pump with a credit card. I don't want to get a message on the screen saying "Please see attendant for receipt." Simple request.

I'm sure I'll think of some things that are on topic.

 

[memebag]

3) The statement "Please listen carefully, as our menu has changed";
4) The phrase "It is what it is";
5) The phrase "At the end of the day...";

3 - That's useful for people who call regularly and memorize the prompts.
4 - That's just a way to acknowledge acceptance of a fact.
5 - That's just another way to acknowledge acceptance of a fact.

6) The touchscreen displays in cars that say "Drive safely and obey traffic rules";

What do you want the touchscreen to say instead? "Drive like a maniac and F the world?"

8) The TV commercial disclaimer "Professional driver, do not attempt";

You'd have to get rid of lawyers first.

One thing I DO need is for gas stations to keep the machines stocked with receipt paper. I paid outside at the pump with a credit card. I don't want to get a message on the screen saying "Please see attendant for receipt." Simple request.

I'm sure I'll think of some things that are on topic.

Why do you get a receipt?

 

[HecticArt]

Lets get rid of people that are grumpy in the morning.

 

[Wolf]

Here a phrase through out the years has become useless and dumb, but that my opinion. “Don’t try this at home.”

So what am I supposed to do. Try it out in a abounded building, the streets, woods, parking lot, office building, etc. the list can go on for miles.

How about updating the phrase like “Don’t try this at all!” or better yet “Don’t try this leave it to the professionals.”

 

[scotchandcigar]

3) The statement "Please listen carefully, as our menu has changed"

3 - That's useful for people who call regularly and memorize the prompts.

Yes, that was the intent behind it, but that's not what happens. They just put it in, regardless of whether it applies or not. There are systems I've called into, which have not changed their menu options for years, but it still plays. And even if they did change their menu options, and played that message, how long should they play it for? A week? A month? Six months?

They just permanently put it in as a disclaimer, in case they ever change the menu. But what if they didn't use that message? What's the worst that could happen? What percent of callers benefit from it, versus the time it wastes for everyone?

6) The touchscreen displays in cars that say "Drive safely and obey traffic rules"

What do you want the touchscreen to say instead?

Nothing. It shouldn't say anything. In the history of personal transportation, most cars have not provided this admonishment, yet we've somehow gotten by.

 

[Wolf]

One thing I DO need is for gas stations to keep the machines stocked with receipt paper. I paid outside at the pump with a credit card. I don't want to get a message on the screen saying "Please see attendant for receipt." Simple request.

I agree, I hate seeing those messages. I guess the person inside must be lazy going out to refill the paper at the pumps. What he thinks the store will get robbed if he goes outside.

Why do you get a receipt?

Never know if the gas pump has a skimmer or not. The price tag could be different when you look at your bank statement.

 

[MadisonRadio1]

Dust, Weeds and Mosquitos.

and too many shoes

 

[memebag]

Never know if the gas pump has a skimmer or not. The price tag could be different when you look at your bank statement.

A receipt won't tell you if a credit card skimmer was present. Skimmers don't change the amount, they just capture the card data.

 

[scotchandcigar]

Look at Scotch starting non-ATW threads!

I think about this a lot but take it in a bit of a different direction. Almost everything I buy is not needed. My crazy watch obsession that started this year is totally unnecessary. I've spent 1000's on video games that are worthless; I enjoy most of them but I only truly love maybe like $300 worth. Even food, which is clearly something needed, I manage to waste a bunch of money buying. I could skip all my fast food and Wawa trips and make all my food at home.

That said, I really like all 5 watches I bought this year and get a kick out of having such a large Switch game collection. I just need to stop getting attracted to this or that and then going on insane tears buying way too much.

Dust, Weeds and Mosquitos.

I think I'm going for things that can and should be eliminated. The concept of what a person literally needs is more philosophical than anything else.

and too many shoes

That's likely a personal issue.

 

[memebag]

Chairman Mao decided birds should be eliminated because they were eating the crops. He instructed his citizens to kill all the birds. They were taught to kill them with rocks. Also by banging pots and pans to keep the birds from landing, which killed birds by exhaustion.

This crazy plan worked. A bunch of birds died. The insects that those birds fed on overpopulated and destroyed far more crops than the birds ever did.