Random Musings pt. I: First Blood

[Harmony Note]

um.... should I complain?

I didn't see an allergy warning on the popcorn at the theater last night. Apperently it was cooked in coconut oil though because today I'm all rashy and covered in hives once again. yay allergies.

But I'm thinking because they didn't have a sign that says "COCONUT OIL USED" that I should complain and ask them to put one up. There's a lot of people with allergies more severe than mine. They might not realize it and go into shock and need an epi pen. For me, I just get itchy.

Would you complain?  

[chiwarriorcelesti]

Harmony Note

um.... should I complain?

I didn't see an allergy warning on the popcorn at the theater last night. Apperently it was cooked in coconut oil though because today I'm all rashy and covered in hives once again. yay allergies.

But I'm thinking because they didn't have a sign that says "COCONUT OIL USED" that I should complain and ask them to put one up. There's a lot of people with allergies more severe than mine. They might not realize it and go into shock and need an epi pen. For me, I just get itchy.

Would you complain?

It is a health risk...You just got hives and a rash this time. But the more sever allergy deal can work both ways. Someone else might have the same allergy as you do, but could be deathy allergic. So it's something to consider.

But I can understand the desire not to want to make a fuss over something we believe to be minor. I don't like causing a ruckus over much of anything if the trouble can be avoided. So I can't say I would complain either...

We have a simulare situation at Mcdonald's with our 'Q-ing ovens'. Everyone that works there knows there are microwaves, but company policy is that we don't have microwaves they're 'Q-ing ovens'. But they are the same thing...and I thought legally a store was supposed to have a notice marking microwaves in use due to their effects on Pace-makers...  

[Evil Eirlys]

Harmony Note

um.... should I complain?

I didn't see an allergy warning on the popcorn at the theater last night. Apperently it was cooked in coconut oil though because today I'm all rashy and covered in hives once again. yay allergies.

But I'm thinking because they didn't have a sign that says "COCONUT OIL USED" that I should complain and ask them to put one up. There's a lot of people with allergies more severe than mine. They might not realize it and go into shock and need an epi pen. For me, I just get itchy.

Would you complain?

I think you could just nicely say that you think they should put up a sign before anyone else gets hurt. You don't have to complain or become combative or anything, though it's possible they'll get their hackles up just since you could sue them anyways. Just be nice about it though, and it really shouldn't be an issue.  

[RD_the]

Ya, but McDonald's doesn't exactly have the best track record when it comes to food honesty. Remember when it was discovered that they were using beef to create their french fries and not warning vegetarians or Hindu people? They had been outright lying about it, and then refused to change the process.

When it comes to allergies, though, it's a bit of a two-way-street. Yes, the fact that something is cooked in coconut oil is a problem for those allergic to coconut. I have a feeling that places have switched to coconut oil because of the problems with peanut oil and allergies. As much as it is the responsibility of the place to make sure there are as few allergens as possible, it is also the responsibility of the allergic person to make inquiries. Did you ask if the popcorn was cooked in coconut oil?

When I order at a restaurant, I generally send the wait staff to the kitchen with questions three or four times. Is this fried in the same oil as anything breaded? Is wheat used as a thickener in this? etc.

Of course, the other question is whether or not the coconut allergy can be tripped by trace particles in the air (ie smell) rather than just ingestion.

In any case, the theatre should probably be made aware of the issue as it is entirely possible that they are unaware that this may be a problem. The counter staff need to, at the very least, be made aware of the answer in case someone does ask. So perhaps not a "complaint" per say, but go "have a talk."  

[Harmony Note]

My biggest problem is that I'm not used to thinking like someone who has had allergies all their life. I haven't. They recently developed. It's hard to think to ask "Does the popcorn get cooked in coconut oil" when all you're thinking about is the cute boy taking you to the movies and buying you the pop corn.

It would have helped if there was a sign. It would have been a bit of a reminder "Oh yeah! I have an allergy!"  

[chiwarriorcelesti]

Harmony Note

My biggest problem is that I'm not used to thinking like someone who has had allergies all their life. I haven't. They recently developed. It's hard to think to ask "Does the popcorn get cooked in coconut oil" when all you're thinking about is the cute boy taking you to the movies and buying you the pop corn.

It would have helped if there was a sign. It would have been a bit of a reminder "Oh yeah! I have an allergy!"

I'm sorry to hear that. sad I don't have allergies myself.

Another side note: Is it just me, or does it feel like gaia has finally sold it's soul with the free gaia cash in exchange for giving out your personal info to outside companys on their survey's? It was cool when they starting getting sponsorships, and the cash shop is pretty fun. Both pay for the free community we enjoy spending our free time in...But I think this might be a little far.  

[AntoniaMerEnfant]

On Allergies-

As others have suggested I think the best route is a friendly talk. It seems almost impossible to find something that doesn't have an allergic reaction or dietary concern for some group. Sometimes it's also rough just listing all the potential allergens- but if you speak with them I'm sure they'd be happy to make some sort of sign.

When it comes to alerting others on allergens I think it has largely to do with whether it's something expected or not. Examples: if you're serving some dish full of so many ingredients that no one can keep track you need to list allergens! However, I believe that when it comes to products displaying the allergen name in the title of the food it should make logical sense that Peanuts contain peanuts, and most any packed nut you buy is a hazard because even if you're not allergic to that particular nut it's still a reasonable assumption that it was packaged in a factory that processes other nuts. I find it humorous that packaged nuts have a disclaimer that they're packaged in a factory that packages nuts.

Gaia and Cash-

I've always secretly hated Gaia cash from the core of my being. On one hand I think this new option does help for people who don't have the disposable income to use real money for virtual shopping. However, I have yet to participate because I am always hesitant to hand out my info to third parties.  

[Headhunter]

I'm indifferent towards Gaia cash. I used it once or twice when they first started, but only a few of the things that they put up in the cash shop are things I see myself putting on my avatar, so I don't even think about it too much.

Also, the Team Fortress madness continues! I was playing today as the Heavy Weapons guy and was assaulting a control point held by the other team. I had a medic grant me temperorary invulnerability at which point my character yelled, in his thick Russian accent "Get behind me, doctor!!" and I proceeded to turn a good number of enemy players into swiss cheese with my minigun. After about the fourth kill, my guy started laughing maniacally and yelled (again, in a thick Russian accent) "Cry some more!!". The carnage was pretty amazing and I couldn't help but grin.

I love this game  

[chiwarriorcelesti]

AntoniaMerEnfant

On Allergies-

As others have suggested I think the best route is a friendly talk. It seems almost impossible to find something that doesn't have an allergic reaction or dietary concern for some group. Sometimes it's also rough just listing all the potential allergens- but if you speak with them I'm sure they'd be happy to make some sort of sign.

When it comes to alerting others on allergens I think it has largely to do with whether it's something expected or not. Examples: if you're serving some dish full of so many ingredients that no one can keep track you need to list allergens! However, I believe that when it comes to products displaying the allergen name in the title of the food it should make logical sense that Peanuts contain peanuts, and most any packed nut you buy is a hazard because even if you're not allergic to that particular nut it's still a reasonable assumption that it was packaged in a factory that processes other nuts. I find it humorous that packaged nuts have a disclaimer that they're packaged in a factory that packages nuts.

Gaia and Cash-

I've always secretly hated Gaia cash from the core of my being. On one hand I think this new option does help for people who don't have the disposable income to use real money for virtual shopping. However, I have yet to participate because I am always hesitant to hand out my info to third parties.

That's my thought about the survey's...They don't ask for your SSN, but a lot of these sites will plant spy and adware on your computer. Even if they don't steal any info, they'll screw your computer up.

As for the cash...I'm guilty of spending a bit on it. Not really against that myself or sponsors as mentioned earlier. Gaia's gotta have someway to get an income to keep from having to charge us for the things we use on a routine basis.  

[AntoniaMerEnfant]

Headhunter

I'm indifferent towards Gaia cash. I used it once or twice when they first started, but only a few of the things that they put up in the cash shop are things I see myself putting on my avatar, so I don't even think about it too much.

Also, the Team Fortress madness continues! I was playing today as the Heavy Weapons guy and was assaulting a control point held by the other team. I had a medic grant me temperorary invulnerability at which point my character yelled, in his thick Russian accent "Get behind me, doctor!!" and I proceeded to turn a good number of enemy players into swiss cheese with my minigun. After about the fourth kill, my guy started laughing maniacally and yelled (again, in a thick Russian accent) "Cry some more!!". The carnage was pretty amazing and I couldn't help but grin.

I love this game

This will sound stupid of me, but is TF2 more like a first person shooter or more like... I dunno... something such as Dynasty Warriors where you just pummel foot soldiers?  

[chiwarriorcelesti]

AntoniaMerEnfant

Headhunter

I'm indifferent towards Gaia cash. I used it once or twice when they first started, but only a few of the things that they put up in the cash shop are things I see myself putting on my avatar, so I don't even think about it too much.

Also, the Team Fortress madness continues! I was playing today as the Heavy Weapons guy and was assaulting a control point held by the other team. I had a medic grant me temperorary invulnerability at which point my character yelled, in his thick Russian accent "Get behind me, doctor!!" and I proceeded to turn a good number of enemy players into swiss cheese with my minigun. After about the fourth kill, my guy started laughing maniacally and yelled (again, in a thick Russian accent) "Cry some more!!". The carnage was pretty amazing and I couldn't help but grin.

I love this game

This will sound stupid of me, but is TF2 more like a first person shooter or more like... I dunno... something such as Dynasty Warriors where you just pummel foot soldiers?

Not stupid. I haven't heard of the game I don't think. But I'm almost fanatical in my preferance for Rpgs, shifting almost to solely japenese rpgs. It sounds like it could be either of your two guesses.  

[Headhunter]

chiwarriorcelesti

AntoniaMerEnfant

Headhunter

I'm indifferent towards Gaia cash. I used it once or twice when they first started, but only a few of the things that they put up in the cash shop are things I see myself putting on my avatar, so I don't even think about it too much.

Also, the Team Fortress madness continues! I was playing today as the Heavy Weapons guy and was assaulting a control point held by the other team. I had a medic grant me temperorary invulnerability at which point my character yelled, in his thick Russian accent "Get behind me, doctor!!" and I proceeded to turn a good number of enemy players into swiss cheese with my minigun. After about the fourth kill, my guy started laughing maniacally and yelled (again, in a thick Russian accent) "Cry some more!!". The carnage was pretty amazing and I couldn't help but grin.

I love this game

This will sound stupid of me, but is TF2 more like a first person shooter or more like... I dunno... something such as Dynasty Warriors where you just pummel foot soldiers?

Not stupid. I haven't heard of the game I don't think. But I'm almost fanatical in my preferance for Rpgs, shifting almost to solely japenese rpgs. It sounds like it could be either of your two guesses.

It's a team based First Person Shooter. You have a red team vs a blue team and nine different playable character classes  

[RD_the]

Harmony Note

My biggest problem is that I'm not used to thinking like someone who has had allergies all their life. I haven't. They recently developed. It's hard to think to ask "Does the popcorn get cooked in coconut oil" when all you're thinking about is the cute boy taking you to the movies and buying you the pop corn.

It would have helped if there was a sign. It would have been a bit of a reminder "Oh yeah! I have an allergy!"

I do understand the new allergy thing. I've only had problems with wheat since January, and I only figured out what was making me sick at the end of February. It is rough making the transition.

However, companies that market food can only do so much when it comes to minimizing allergens. The change has been made to coconut oil because coconut is a much less common allergy, is less likely to be problematic in an airborne form, and still reaches the proper temperature. North American bodies are breaking down. Just about everyone is allergic to something in some kind of food, and if you have one allergy, statistics are good that you have two or more. It is almost impossible for a company to put warning signs up for everything. We're just lucky that there are ingredients lists on packages now. As late as the 80s there were no such lists.

At the end of the day, it is the person who has the allergy who is responsible for not ingesting their allergen. Unless you go into shock due to the smallest particles in the air, and even then it is up to the allergic person to make sure that others are aware of their condition, and to do everything humanly possible to avoid the situation.

Yes, the whole transitioning thing sucks, but getting sick this time was your reminder. Sign or not, hot guy or not, I'm betting next time you will ask about coconut oil in your popcorn. (I've been through a few of these, too. "Oh, right. People put wheat in ____. ****.")  

[Punk Fox TH]

I know we've got a couple of beta readers here. . . I need someone to once or twice over my newest flash fiction and give me some pointers on it. I'll post it in Write Here.  

[AntoniaMerEnfant]

RD_the

Harmony Note

My biggest problem is that I'm not used to thinking like someone who has had allergies all their life. I haven't. They recently developed. It's hard to think to ask "Does the popcorn get cooked in coconut oil" when all you're thinking about is the cute boy taking you to the movies and buying you the pop corn.

It would have helped if there was a sign. It would have been a bit of a reminder "Oh yeah! I have an allergy!"

I do understand the new allergy thing. I've only had problems with wheat since January, and I only figured out what was making me sick at the end of February. It is rough making the transition.

However, companies that market food can only do so much when it comes to minimizing allergens. The change has been made to coconut oil because coconut is a much less common allergy, is less likely to be problematic in an airborne form, and still reaches the proper temperature. North American bodies are breaking down. Just about everyone is allergic to something in some kind of food, and if you have one allergy, statistics are good that you have two or more. It is almost impossible for a company to put warning signs up for everything. We're just lucky that there are ingredients lists on packages now. As late as the 80s there were no such lists.

At the end of the day, it is the person who has the allergy who is responsible for not ingesting their allergen. Unless you go into shock due to the smallest particles in the air, and even then it is up to the allergic person to make sure that others are aware of their condition, and to do everything humanly possible to avoid the situation.

Yes, the whole transitioning thing sucks, but getting sick this time was your reminder. Sign or not, hot guy or not, I'm betting next time you will ask about coconut oil in your popcorn. (I've been through a few of these, too. "Oh, right. People put wheat in ____. ****.")

That has to be hard. I take for granted not having to analyze all the contents of my food. Wheat would be really tricky...