u/DogShlepGaze

I'm so unimpressed with Android. I have intelligent charging mode on - yet the battery always "fast" charges to 100%. At one point it randomly did other things. This is every bit as bad as a goofy Microsoft Windows system.

EDIT: Oh my gosh. I thought my Android tablet wasn't turning on because the battery needed to be charged up to some percent. I just needed to turn it on. Geez. That was epically stupid.

Both devices are connected to WiFi. Both devices have Bluetooth enabled. WiFi is functional for both devices. Bluetooth is functional on old device. Presumably Bluetooth is functional on my brand new iPhone 17 Pro Max. Both phones are next to each other. I used the QR code to initiate the transfer. I was never asked for my PIN - but I have that if needed (of course).

What now?

EDIT: Both phones are iPhones. The old phone is an iPhone 7 Plus, the new phone an iPhone 17 Pro Max.

I bought a new iPhone because my 9 year old iPhone 7 Plus has a bad fingerprint reader.

I have both phones powered up and I used the QR code to begin transferring my Signal account over to my new iPhone. However, since the fingerprint reader on my iPhone 7 stopped working I am unable to transfer the account.

What now?

I've made no changes. I purchased the NXTPAPER and turned it. I use it for sheet music only.

At first the battery would change to 100%

Randomly it stopped charging to 100% - only reaching 80%

Now it's back to 100%

I have a lot of issues with all of this. The main issue is lack of control. Also I use this for gigs so I don't want to head out with an 80% charge. However, in between gigs I'm okay with letting the charge drop to 80%

But, the controls do nothing. I should have gotten an iPad.

I've recently ordered an iPhone 17 Pro Max through the Verizon website.

I haven't received my phone as of yet - but based on my recent and arduous experience with Verizon customer support I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Verizon has an ill fated plan for self-activation of new iPhones - resulting in a bricked iPhone.

All I desire to accomplish is smoothly activating my new phone.

Based on real customer exierences would be the best approach? Maybe just take the phone to a (real) Verizon store? Or is it safe enough for a customer to activate their own phone?

Is there some sort of SIM card I need to mess around with? What about tools?

Currently I have an iPhone 7 Plus (which I bought from the Verizon store in 2017). Unlike today, back then customer service was miles better.

Anyway, tell me your experiences so that I can be better prepared upon receiving my new iPhone.

Thanks!

Hello again!

July is nearly over - but our Zoom conversations continue unabated!  I’ll be on Zoom tonight around 7 PM PST and continuing until 10 PM or 11 PM.  These Zooms have gone later depending on the number of people and enthusiasm.  But I do my very best to call it quits at midnight (California time).   

I’ll provide a Zoom like below. I hope you join!

We just chat on this Zoom but I happen to play the guitar.  Technically Zoom can work with musicians - given the right equipment. 

You can join Zoom anonymously using just a browser.

It isn’t necessary to download an app and you don’t need to create an account to join a Zoom meeting. Just paste the Zoom link into your browser and click cancel when asked to allow Zoom to open. After that select “join from browser” and enter your name (fictitious names work). I don’t think you’ll  need to use the passcode but it’s there if you needed it (see link toward bottom of this message). That should be it. 

If you have trouble I have included a quick YouTube tutorial.

About me:

I’m located in California. I’m an engineer and musician in my 50s. I’m Zooming with my online friends - chatting mostly. Tonight I’ll be starting the Zoom around 7:00 PM PST (San Francisco Bay Area).  

Here’s the Zoom link (Passcode: 001819):

<Meeting Over - thanks to those that joined!>

Here’s a YouTube video showing how to join with a browser only.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3txewjBjK7s

https://preview.redd.it/v972krzn1ogh1.png?width=1649&format=png&auto=webp&s=f9a1cd6d616b53819b7919e860d0b4afade8ce48

I've been spending many hours online and over voice phone attempting to get my contract renewed as well as purchase a new iPhone. It isn't going well.

Back in 2017 I simply walked into a Verizon store and got everything done in one swoop. Zero problems and was quite happy.

I nearly walked into a "Verizon" store yesterday, but then noticed a different company name in smaller letters beneath the large Verizon logo. I didn't entertain the idea of going through an affiliate.

I'm curious to know if any of the brick and mortar stores are actually run by Verizon.

I just don't want to end up in some weird funky situation where some 3rd party is somehow in my business. Ya know?

If it matters I'm located in Silicon Valley - about an hour south of San Francisco, CA.

I've been using my TCL NXTPAPER 14 Android Tablet for reading sheet music. I usually set the tablet on an ordinary music stand - which is fine.

I'd like to try a clamp that holds the tablet to a mic stand (or other object). Since the TCL NXTPAPER 14 Android Tablet is a bit large I need something pretty sturdy.

Any advice on what to buy or who to buy from?

Thanks!

The title says it all. At the moment I need a new iPhone. I've been with Verizon Wireless for decades and I'm tempted to purchase an iPhone through them because they give an easy payment plan. I don't think I'll leave Verizon Wireless but I am curious to know if by buying an iPhone through the Verizon store if that somehow locks me into only using Verizon for my carrier. I'd just like to know one way or the other.

How do you put a gen 2 Prius into neutral when it doesn't start?

The 12 volt battery is fine - and has been replaced. It appears that the inverter pump has seized which blew the AM2 fuse - and this prevents the car from operating. If the car cannot be turned on then the vehicle cannot be put into neutral.

Surely Toyota must have provided a means for allowing a dead car to be put into neutral.

Yet the tow truck guy was scratching his head over this and had no idea how to put my vehicle into neutral. He left without towing the car!

I'm astonished that I can't even tow the car for lack of electrical power.

I'm considering disconnecting power to the inverter pump and replacing the blown AM2 fuse. This will precariously allow the engine to run without the inverter coolant circulating. Surely this isn't the only way to move this car. The Mad Max approach seems bizarre for a professionally designed modern vehicle.

I have a brand new TCL NXTPAPER 14 Android Tablet. During the first couple of weeks it would change to 100% without an issue.

Then it would only charge to 80% - with some weird message that didn't really make sense to me saying, "Intelligent charging mode. Charging time is too long. Set the maximum charge to 80% to keep the battery healthy. To continue charging to 100%, click Resume charging."

I understand why you'd want to keep a battery at 80% - and this isn't the issue.

Today - it's been plugged in all day and hasn't gone past 76%

I use this for playing music gigs. But, I think I should have gone with an iPad - despite the 4x cost.

Lately, Reddit has been aggressively pushing its suggestion algorithm. All day long my feed is clogged with the following unwanted suggestions:

1. Because you've shown interest in a similar topic
2. Because you've shown interest in a similar post
3. Because you've visited this community before
4. Popular on Reddit right now
5. Because you've shown interest in this community
6. Suggested for you
7. Similar to r/<subreddit>
8. New community related to your interests

This has caused me to navigate to my settings and turn off all recommendations - located here:

Profile >> Settings >> Notifications >> Recommendations

A day later (I waited to just be sure) I still get all of these unwanted suggestions that have absolutely no interest for me. It's just needless algorithmic junk.

So, is there another setting that I missed - or should I plan to visit Reddit less and less?

FYI - I use my laptop to view Reddit using a browser (I don't have a Reddit app on my phone).

TL;DR: I met someone through NextDoor. We texted occasionally for about a year, finally had lunch last Saturday, and six days later she asked me for money. What would you do?

Long version

Back in 2022, someone from NextDoor started commenting on my posts. I usually post humorous things, and she'd occasionally leave a comment. That was the extent of our interaction for a couple of years.

In early 2025 we exchanged email addresses and phone numbers. After that we'd text every month or so—nothing serious, just the occasional friendly message.

About a year ago I suggested getting brunch, but she was busy. She said she'd get back to me with some dates, but never did. We continued exchanging the occasional text.

Last Saturday I randomly asked if she'd like to grab lunch. She happened to be getting her oil changed, so I picked her up and we had lunch together.

I wouldn't necessarily call it a date, but we had a great time. After lunch I drove her back to the dealership and we both went our separate ways.

Today - six days later - she texted asking if I could help her with money. She said the oil change had set her back financially and she needed help paying for public transportation. I assume it's for getting to work, but she didn't actually say.

I was honestly taken aback.

My first instinct is to say no.

We're neighbors, but we're still basically strangers. We've only spent a couple of hours together in person. Asking someone you barely know for money feels inappropriate to me.

She texted me this morning, and as I write this I still haven't responded.

What would you do?

1. Give her the money.
2. Say no and explain why.
3. Simply say no without an explanation.
4. Stop responding altogether.
5. Ask her for money. (That's my attempt at humor.)

I've got a couple of questions.

I've got Dorico Pro 6. I'd like to place just one or two chord diagrams right next to the chord symbols. This is for an up coming gig - and it would just be nice if I had that little hint in the moment - as I read the music (not way at the top of the page where my eyes won't be looking).

Seems simple . . .

Unless I'm wrong - it seems that Dorico can only place chord diagrams at the beginning of the "flow" - which is the top of the page for me. Not only that but Dorico places EVERY chord diagram in the piece at the top of the page. I haven't found a way to change this - such that the diagrams (well one diagram for me) would be exactly where needed - so that I see it as I play.

That brings me to the next question. I believe you can hide individual chord diagrams. I haven't been able to do that through the properties panel and I don't know why. However, all my chords are listed at the top of the page anyway. So maybe that's why I can't hide individual chord diagrams. I don't know.

Last, I have a unique fingering for this one chord - which is probably not a standard fingering for a full chord (needed when you play at 220 BPM). I know you can edit the diagram - somehow. I haven't gotten that far because I can't even get the chord symbols to sit just above the staff with the music.

So..... for now, I'll just use a cheap online chord diagram builder, screen capture that, and then attached manually to a PDF - problem solved and probably far quicker than pulling my hair out for days screwing around with Dorico.

My main question is if this is possible at all? Is it possible to place just one custom chord diagram inline with music next to the chord symbol (not at the very top of the page).

I really love Dorico quite a lot - but every now and again I get stuck.

I plan to attend a band rehearsal in Hayward, CA. I live in San Jose, CA. I want to board the BART train with my cargo bike loaded up with gear. The question is - will this work?

Below are a couple of photographs of my cargo bike loaded with music gear.

I plan to get my bike + gear onto BART via the escalator or elevator. I think the elevator is iffy because my cargo bike on its own is 7 feet long. With a guitar loaded it’s bit longer.

I’d be doing the the same at the Hayward station (not the South Hayward station). I’ve never gotten off at the Hayward BART station so I don’t know what to expect exactly. But, let’s just say I live on the edge. . .

So, my question is: Will it work?

EDIT: Adding link from bart.gov - Elevator Dimensions.

https://www.bart.gov/sites/default/files/docs/AccessibilityBARTElevatorDimensions_0.pdf

EDIT 2: On a Monday at 5 PM (i.e. rush hour) there were hardly any riders on the BART train From Berryessa to Hayward.

EDIT 3: The Hayward Station has an up escalator on the northbound platform and a down escalator on the south bound platform. You must use stairs to get to the other platform. If you absolutely must use an escalator (an unavailable up/down escalator) in Hayward and cannot use the elevator (or stairs) then here is a hack that worked for me. You can use the escalator that you need at the Hayward station by changing trains at they Way Fair station (the Way Fair platform is in the middle and therefore super easy to change trains). Example: Hayward north bound (NB) platform has no down escalator - so take the NB train to Way Fair then take a SB to Hayward where there is a down escalator on that platform.

My Yuba Mundo Cargo Bike Loaded with Music Gear

Downtown San Jose: My Yuba Mundo Cargo Bike Loaded with Music Gear

Hello,

I'm in my 50s. I'm an electrical engineer and musician. I live in California.

I'm a tad bored - and thought I'd invite random people to my Zoom.

here's the link

<meeting over>

EDIT: Zoom link removed because we finished our meeting.

I'm coming up on a decade of isolation. I'm fucked.

EDIT - Thanks for the good vibes. I'm just kind of down right now.

The backstory is roughly this:

I’m in my late 50s now. I have no family, no parents, no siblings, no relatives, no kids, no close friends, and no love.  I've earned my engineering degrees with no family support.  I bought a home in Silicon Valley and I'm an active musician.  I’m around people all of the time - both from work and music performance. They are all acquaintances though. There’s never anyone around for my birthday or any other milestone in my life. I live among 7.7 million people - yet, I spend every Christmas alone.  If I were to disappear tomorrow only the bill collectors would notice.

I stopped watching TV in 1990. Because of this I cannot watch TV. In my last relationship my partner didn't watch TV either - a happy accident. Sometimes I totally forget other people watch TV. This seems absolutely dreadful to me.

EDIT: So, in the context of dating - not watching TV seems to be a deal breaker. That and not wanting to sleep with animals in my bed.

EDIT 2: Okay, here's the truth. Someone invited me to watch TV. I don't know how to say no.