u/AgentDazzling202

Hi, all. My AOL and I are planning on visiting local Scouting troops for next year. While I am highly active in her Cub Scout pack, I am completely lost as to how the next level works.

So far, I see differences like Scouts meet weekly and throughout the entire year, and it's less of a big deal if you miss now and then due to schedules or life in general; that most camp frequently; and that there are ranks and merit badges, but...that's about all I can gather with no real context.

Yes, I went directly to the scouting official website, but it was almost more confusing, because now it looks like there are Sea Scouts, Venturers, Explorers....can you see why a Scouting-level newbie would be overwhelmed? 😆

Can anyone point me to a simplified breakdown of how scouting at that level works? What are the different ranks, how do you progress, etc? And as for the other areas (Sea,Venturers, etc), what are those? Are they an area of scouting that you can participate in as a scout, or a different track? I know nothing, so I will not be offended by a dumbed-down version of literally any aspect of it all. . We're going to visit a troop on Monday and may learn exactly what I'm looking for, but it'd be nice not to go in cold in case they don't dive into it fully.

Thanks a ton in advance!

Hi, all. My AOL and I are planning on visiting local Scouting troops for next year. While I am highly active in her Cub Scout pack, I am completely lost as to how the next level works.

So far, I see differences like Scouts meet weekly and throughout the entire year, and it's less of a big deal if you miss now and then due to schedules or life in general; that most camp frequently; and that there are ranks and merit badges, but...that's about all I can gather with no real context.

Yes, I went directly to the scouting official website, but it was almost more confusing, because now it looks like there are Sea Scouts, Venturers, Explorers....can you see why a Scouting-level newbie would be overwhelmed? 😆

Can anyone point me to a simplified breakdown of how scouting at that level works? What are the different ranks, how do you progress, etc? And as for the other areas (Sea,Venturers, etc), what are those? Are they an area of scouting that you can participate in as a scout, or a different track? I know nothing, so I will not be offended by a dumbed-down version of literally any aspect of it all.

Thanks a ton in advance!

My friends, if someone has anything ranging from a legitimate question, a seemingly random complaint, to a full-on rant, how about just roll on by if you can't answer the question, don't care about the topic, have zero experience with it, or need someplace to show everyone you're just a big ball of negativity? It seems easy.

I assume a lot of us are born and raised midwesterners. Are we all jerks now? I didn't know until it becomes obvious people are just dyyyyying for someone to say one damn thing that gives them the real or perceived opportunity to just bash the crap out of everyone for saying almost literally anything.

Unless it's your literal job to be a crabby patty online, get over yourself. This is the one sub where I'd most expect knowledgeable answers and humor, and where I'd least expect people to be mean over nothing IMMEDIATELY out of the gate with little to no context. Yet, here we are.

Can we change it? Or create a lincoln random rant sub where you're free to spill your guts randomly about basically whatever? Maybe I'll look into it. I am not sure that would save anything, unfortunately. Can we just be kind? Or at least not dog-pile insufferable for no reason?

LOVE YOU GUYEEEEZ DON'T WORRY BE HAPPY ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE ETC ETC ETC

Go hug it out, folks

Looks like there was a mass exodus of teachers and staff away from the school. Was only aware when I saw the lengthy list of new teachers. Only one of four 5th grade teachers stayed!

I haven't had a bad experience there as a parent. Some annoyances, for sure, but that's expected anywhere. Any insight on what happened to drive so many away?

I don't mind a bit of a drive! Will be in NE Ocala, also near Top of the World and the Villages. Wherever is fine, just want a place where they do a good job. Pretty basic, just looking for pedicure and shellac mani.

Bonus points if you also know of a good spa or massage place. Doesn't have to be the same as the nail place. I somehow find getting my nails done at a spa is never quite as good as going to the good ol' local strip mall places 😆

Title basically says it all. Looking to replace carpet and three bedrooms. I prefer an established business or a chain, but above all, just want a reasonably-priced and reliable business to do the job. I know, carpet is not cheap, but I really just don't wanna pay $8 million for something that doesn't generally cost $8 million lol

I assume if your hand is raised at this point that you've either recently won the lottery (be careful--don't be THAT person that wins the big one and blows it all...GETTING GROCERIES AT HYVEE), or that you earn a seven
-figure salary with cash to burn. Or you're a die-hard HyVee shopper #4lyfe? I have no idea.

Honestly, if they had to put up flags at one point surrounding the store that said, "new lower prices!" (apparently undetectable to the naked eye), they're fully aware.

I guess I'm just blown away on how they stay in biz. I first noticed the prices were insane upon moving back to the Midwest in 2010, when there weren't all the options we have now for delivery and/or big box stores starting to dabble in the grocery market. With all that in play especially, again I ask--who the eff shops there??? And why??

*end rant, FIN, thank you for coming to my [opposite-of-inspirational] TED talk*

I have an LTD plan that states there is an annual benefit increase that will be the lower of some national index or whatever percentage listed (can't remember the % offhand). I have been on LTD for more than a year, but haven't seen an increase. Of course, I'm afraid to ask about it bc the insurer can be hell to deal with as it is. Do I just let it go and be happy enough that the annual increase clause will boost a payout, if it comes to that?