I'm having a bad day, Oppo.

"Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To" (murdersofa) 09/19/2014 at 12:42 • Filed to: rants, personal

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We'll start with the car stuff:

As you know I recently fixed my car with JB Weld (door panel), welded the exhaust (finally), replaced my rear shocks because the car was leaning to the side, and replaced my rear hubs because my car was throwing "erratic reading" errors from the rear-left which was causing my ABS and traction control to be disabled.

Guess how many of those fixes worked?

The exhaust. That's it.

I didn't use enough JB Weld on the door panel, which is wiggling just as much as it used to now.

My car still leans to the drivers side. It wasn't totally useless replacing the rear shocks, because one of them had a very obvious hole in it, but it didn't fix the problem.

My ABS and Traction Control lights came on today and everything disabled itself again. Fuck me. So if the problem isn't the hubs, then it's the wiring harness or whatever piece of electronics actually controls the ABS/Traction control. Diagnosing that would probably mean a week of my car up on a lift while I poke and prod at the wiring harness from the wheel speed sensors while wiggling it around to see if there is an intermittent connectivity issue or not. If so, it means taking that part of the harness completely out and replacing it. If not, it means replacing the module.

The alternative is to send it to a mechanic and spend more than the car is worth (again) to fix it.

Or just deal without ABS and Traction Control on a 3,567lb FWD car in a state where heavy rain and snow is not a rare occurrence.

So basically I'm fucked there.

I'm going to have to deal with the car leaning; I straight-up can not ask my dad to buy me new front struts for something so relatively minor.

I'll re-JBWeld the door later.

So that's my car woes. What follows is more personal and full of bad language. So if you wince every time you see "fuck", I suggest skipping it.

Fuck my fucking pre calculus teacher, he is the world's biggest cunt of a person.

Background: I've never been officially diagnosed, nor has it even been considered that I might have severe ADHD because my dad in all his wisdom thinks it's a "made up disease" or whatever. The problem is I have an incredibly difficult time paying attention to things, and straight-up can not learn in a classroom. You put me in a classroom with some dude telling me about asymptotes, rational functions, and sine graphs and I'll come out of it knowing maybe 10% of what was said, if I'm lucky.

I'll be following along, sure. I'll be furiously taking notes and following his examples, then as soon as he answers a question some asshole living in my head erases everything I knew. And then I look down at my notes and suddenly they're in some foreign language.

And that's on a good day if I can even concentrate. I spend most of my time with my attention captivated by "wow, the welds on that chair are pretty nice. I wonder if these desks are hand-made or machine-made? Could be in china. Probably are. I wonder if they came from a sweatshop? " etc. and I lose track of time completely.

I do, however, learn by doing. So lately I've been sitting in class (10% of our grade is attendance and occasionally the teacher says something useful that's not in the book) doing homework, reading the textbook, mostly ignoring the lecture, and Binging around for help/answers/etc.

I'm actually learning, but oh, no. We can't have that. This is an institute of higher learning.

So this happened:

"Jake"

*I look around at the other Jake in the class*

"No, the Jake that's not paying attention"

*Slowly turn and look at the teacher*

"What is askdfhalrgaskdfhawea?" (Thick indian accent, I can't understand half of what this joker is saying anyways, though to be fair I have massive listening comprehension difficulties)

*Continues staring down teacher*

"You do no know the answer? Of course. You weren't paying attention."

*Teacher turns to class*

"I feel it disrespectful when people come to my class and do not pay attention. It shows that you do not care and do not want to learn. The only thing I have to convince this class to learn is your grades. That's it. So I will make the tests very difficult if I feel you guys are not trying hard enough. Ok? Ok."

what. the. actual. fucking. fuck.

This fucktard calls me out in the middle of class in front of everyone and fucking berates me because he doesn't think I'm "trying" because I don't pay attention while his ass prattles on.

On another occasion when he asked the class a question whiletalkingreallyfastandnobodywassurewhathesaid there was a dead silence as he waited for a response. He took this time to monologue about how many surgeries he had during the summer and how much of a struggle his life was, and yet he comes to class and teaches, meanwhile we sit there looking like the weight of the world is on us and it's an immense struggle.

...

cool fucking story bro

but we aren't you

your life isn't our life

I give exactly zero shits about your personal life

fucking hell

And this was after a time when I actually attempted to answer a question: "What is a function that has all types of symmetry?"

I said "A graph of a circle on 0"

Now, I stammered my way through that and didn't say it quite as I meant, but it's pretty obvious I meant a circle centered on the origin, right? Of course, the word "origin" had left my vocabulary because my brain hates me like that.

He looks at me.

"Wrong. It is a circle with a center on the origin. You got it wrong but I'll still give you the credit."

And for the next two weeks he referred to me as "Jake, the guy who got that one question mostly wrong" and basically rehashed the entire ordeal.

I have no fucking words. I'm shaking right now.

There are no other precalc classes that I can transfer to. I'm stuck with this cunt-eared asswipe for the rest of the semester.

He also enjoys pulling the dick move of asking trick questions to a class still unsure of themselves because they were just exposed to the concept being asked about 30 minutes ago, then berate us for "not understanding the concepts"

Fucking shithead.

Fuck everything right now. I'm gonna have some soup.

If you made it down this far, you're a hero. Have some Race Buick

(1991 Regal)

(Another Regal)

kinja

kinja

kinja

kinja

SEX ON WHEELS

more kinja

even more kinja

holy hell

someone fix this plz

[regal intensifies]

[regal widebodies]

Pretty sure that is a LeSabre T-Type

<- I know for a fact that is a LeSabre T-Type

CalzoneGolem > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 09/19/2014 at 12:44

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Dafuq you need traction control and ABS for? My current car is my first with ABS. Scared the shit out of me when it kicked on the first time.

CB > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 09/19/2014 at 12:47

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Any way you can file a complaint to the school about your teacher? That's my suggestion.

As for the Murdersofa, I got nothing.

mr_gofast > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 09/19/2014 at 12:48

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angry buick for you sir

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 09/19/2014 at 12:51

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Is there a reason you haven't had a word with the department chair? You are going to have to couch it as "I know I need help understanding some of the concepts, but my professor just isn't approachable, as I feel berated if I actually try to ask a question about some concept on the syllabus. It makes me feel as though the professor doesn't really want to teach the concept. What should I do?"

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 09/19/2014 at 12:53

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I have a younger brother in the same spot math-wise that I've been helping. Wiping/losing what he takes notes on in class, the whole shebang. Fortunately, his teacher is not an asshole.

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 09/19/2014 at 12:55

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Sorry you're having such a shitty day. The only car advice that I have is trying to diagnose your issue on a forum that specific to your car. Maybe they know other things that could be wrong, or were to point you fit parts?

Now, for the assbag teacher, I have a few suggestions. Not certain they would work, because this guy sounds like a self righteous prick. Probably the best thing to do is try to talk to him outside of class. If that doesn't work, perhaps you could talk to your academic advisor and tell them you need help?? And, since your dad doesn't believe in ADHD, perhaps there's a way to get you tested on your own?

Jayhawk Jake > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 09/19/2014 at 12:56

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A couple pieces of advice for the professor, a recommendation for the ADHD, and a funny related story

Professor:

1. Try talking to him in private about your stance. How you personally are better off learning by doing and apologize for the perceived disrespect.

2. If that doesn't get you anywhere or if you don't want to do that, talk to the department chair/head about the incident and how he's treating you. It isn't right and shouldn't be allowed to continue

ADHD:

Does WSU have a health center? Could you maybe make an appointment to see a doctor/psychiatrist and have yourself diagnosed? I have ADHD, I've been diagnosed 3 times. Once was by a psychiatrist before leaving for school so I could get my medication at school. Once was as an adult a few months ago. It's not difficult to be diagnosed if you have it (and no offense, but I'm certain you have it). The hardest thing is they make you fill out a fucking questionaire, it's bullshit (DONT YOU UNDERSTAND THIS IS WHY I'M HERE?!)

TL;DR on that is take the initiative to go get yourself diagnosed and see about getting some medicine if you think it will help. You're an adult, you don't need your parents permission to go to a doctor, and if it's at school it will likely be cheap or free.

Finally, fun story that I think I may have told you in person:

When I was a senior I took microeconomics. We had a mandatory discussion section. For a guy about to get a degree in aerospace engineering I could literally do rocket science to microecon was a piece of cake. One day we were going over some basic supply and demand bullshit and I was just reading a paper. Discussion teacher yells at me to pay attention, says that when she learned this they had a whole year but we only have a month so I should pay attention.

I dropped the paper like this

And said 'maam, I am designing an airplane by myself in 3 months. I think I can handle supply and demand graphs'

She never bothered me again

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > CalzoneGolem 09/19/2014 at 13:03

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Because, like I said. FWD car in a land of slippery wet roads and snow/ice storms with an open differential.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > CB 09/19/2014 at 13:04

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Ugh, I hate getting people in trouble. It just bugs me for some reason :S

CB > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 09/19/2014 at 13:05

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There's nothing wrong with getting someone in trouble if they're going out of their way to make your life difficult.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 09/19/2014 at 13:05

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Probably because I'll walk in and immediately forget everything I was going to say, as usual.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! 09/19/2014 at 13:06

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As JayhawkJake suggested, I'll probably get myself diagnosed at the school health department.

I've not been able to find time to talk to the teacher since I have to immediately leave for other classes afterwards. Pretty annoying.

I've looked around on the Buick-related forums but they're all full of death. People ask questions, nobody ever answers them. It's frustrating because there are people that ask similar questions to me then nobody ever responds. Ugh, internet.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Jayhawk Jake 09/19/2014 at 13:06

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I don't have much time before or after class (6 minutes to walk all the way across campus to/from class? Yay!) to talk to him, but I'm not the only person in this class that thinks he's a douche. I'm trying to find the opportunity to bring it up.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure there are health services. I just have to tread lightly because my dad thinks ADHD is a made-up thing and that the meds for it are placebo or poison or some bullshit... not sure. He loves his conspiracy theories sometimes.

Nope, haven't heard that story before, but that gave me a good laugh. Sounds like it was awesome.

Jayhawk Jake > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 09/19/2014 at 13:08

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He surely has office hours that you can go to, or email him and set up an appointment.

It was a glorious day in senior year. It shut up all the whiny freshmen too

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 09/19/2014 at 13:12

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Well that certainly puts a damper on things? Does your Buick have a similar GM stablemate? Preferably Chevy? Maybe you'd have better success on those forums? You'd think they'd be more active, as the people who drive them might be more inclined to do their own wrenching, unlike the Grey hair crowd over at Buick?

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! 09/19/2014 at 13:17

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The Pontiac Bonneville is the closest non-Buick I can think of. The LeSabre is based off the Cadillac Seville STS, so that might be a possibility as well.

CalzoneGolem > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 09/19/2014 at 13:22

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Just needs less low for snow.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > CalzoneGolem 09/19/2014 at 13:24

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Yeah, 'cos clearance really matters when one of your wheels is stuck on a patch of ice and spinning uselessly because of the open dif and the car's going nowhere.

The traction control could apply the brake to the spinning wheel, sending power to the wheel that actually has traction.

Shift24 > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 09/19/2014 at 13:27

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Things of beauty

But on the Buick i am assuming, fuck it. I drove my Camaro in Ohio for 4 years as my DD and no TSC. ABS in the winter and rain is VERY very hit or miss for me but to be honest i would would get rid of it if i can on FWD. Also electric gremlins are not worth it (unless its a big issue) if you first dont have the time and second dont have the experience (dont know if you do or not but just saying). and whats with the panel?

But anyway, thats similar to me when i was in college. But I would and still go off on tangents losing track of what the Prof was teaching. I could tell you what car i was thinking about fixing or what would be cool to own, but the lesson... wait we learned stuff today? and got called out numerous times too, but that was mainly for sleeping...

in the long run all i can say is thing will work themselves out

CalzoneGolem > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 09/19/2014 at 13:32

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You're pretty fucking punchy today. Cut it out.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Shift24 09/19/2014 at 13:50

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I didn't mention the part where I'm under immense pressure to succeed because my dad is a successful engineer, paying for my college, and expects me to get straight-As through everything and be a sports maverick like he was?

Oh.

Yeah, that's a thing. I've god Jesus or some bullshit for a father and he expects me to be just as successful at everything as he was.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > CalzoneGolem 09/19/2014 at 13:53

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"pretty fucking punchy"

Yeah.

No kidding.

Did you read the post?

I'm kinda pissed at everyone right now. I hoped for advice, not someone telling me one of my problems doesn't even exist.

CalzoneGolem > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 09/19/2014 at 14:05

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I firmly believe that your car would be completely driveable all winter long without abs or traction control and an open diff. You also have time before snow falls yet.

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 09/19/2014 at 14:09

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Send an email then, or have it written down.

Not being able to learn because the professor is only teaching one way, when there are many many ways that people learn, is short changing you, and you are paying money for this education! Any chair worth his or her chairmanship knows this.

VincentMalamute-Kim > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 09/19/2014 at 14:13

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Hey, no disrespect meant to you in my comment. I realize the teacher is singling you out. But also consider your reaction to being singled out and made an example of. You can get angry "the teacher is an asswipe", defensive, vengeful "I'm going to make it hell on him". All of which will make you feel better.

You could swallow your anger, your pride and respond to him by "I'm going to address his criticism and try harder". What is the other Jake doing that you're not? Is he just doing a better job of looking interested? Copy him.

The point is that no matter what happens you are the one who's going to benefit or suffer. You're response may make things worse or better. You have control. Don't let your anger and emotions rule.

(I know - it's really easy to tell other people how to fix their problems :) This is why I like working on cars and not dealing with people.

colorfulyawn > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 09/19/2014 at 14:16

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Teachers demanding everyone's full attention as a demonstration of "respect" was a huge pet peeve of mine when I was in public schools. What those assholes need to realize is that the students aren't there because they want to be; they're there because they're forced to be. Forcing someone to do anything isn't a great recipe for earning their respect. And earning the respect of their students is exactly what teachers must do, because respect isn't something to be demanded or taken for granted.

Now if you had been acting out in class, or somehow creating a distraction to other students in the class, then yeah, sure, totally fair to be called out on that. But you merely not giving the teacher your undivided attention affects no one but yourself. It's your grade, not his, not any of the other students'.

Teachers who do this are petty, insecure people who have found the only way to indulge their desire to feel powerful is to lord over a classroom full of minors, just like a bully is a wimp who only picks on those he's sure can't fight back. What they really want is not respect, because respect is a currency that is earned, partly through demonstrating respect to others. What they really want is deference. And frankly, nobody deserves that.

Sethersm > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 09/19/2014 at 14:18

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Write it down. Either in an e-mail, or as notes to refer to when you speak in person.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > colorfulyawn 09/19/2014 at 14:20

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You put some very eloquent wording to my thoughts on the matter. I agree completely.

Sethersm > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 09/19/2014 at 14:23

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Re leaning left: May be a broken or weak spring on the left side. My money would be on the front left being weak because that's where all the weight is (engine) and the majority of the time there is only the driver in the car (on the left). You should be able to crawl under there with a flashlight and look for a broken spring yourself. If it is broken, that's dangerous and you should have it fixed ASAP. If it isn't broken and is just weakened compared to the right side you can A) have them both replaced when you eventually get new front struts or B) possibly have the left front and right front springs swapped side to side when you eventually get new front struts. That may leave the car leaning right instead, but eventually it will even itself out.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > CalzoneGolem 09/19/2014 at 14:24

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Last year was pretty rough, and my tires had more tread on them and I had traction control. If we get more sleety-icey nonsense like last year it'll dicey for sure.

CalzoneGolem > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 09/19/2014 at 14:45

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You need studded snow tires brother. That'll turn your sofa into a tank in the snow and ice.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Sethersm 09/19/2014 at 14:51

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Spring isn't broken. I might try swapping springs if I feel like going to all the effort of taking the struts out, grabbing a spring compressor, etc. etc.

Or I could just swap the struts around.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > CalzoneGolem 09/19/2014 at 14:51

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nah bro treads bro gotta have tank treads bro

CalzoneGolem > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 09/19/2014 at 14:55

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Like this.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > CalzoneGolem 09/19/2014 at 14:55

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oh my god yes

CalzoneGolem > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 09/19/2014 at 14:58

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mattracks.com

bob and john > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 09/19/2014 at 15:41

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jesus your teacher is an ass.

That being said, I say go and speak to him about your concentration probelm. he might have a solution, even if your dad think its not a real problem.
even if he doesnt have a solution, he'll realize: shit, i've been a dick to this kid and hopfully go easier on you.

Shift24 > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 09/19/2014 at 17:48

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Ahh ok well i get some of it, my dad pretty much forced me to play football in HS so he could basically show off that his son played football. But paying for college is pretty big and straight As is a bit big too. I have always gone by doing the best you can do is all you can do, nothing more nothing less. I almost never learned in the classroom, it was studying that did. But you are lucky he is paying for it though. Wish mine were paid off lol.

But just keep that Buick running. Those sensors arnt a big deal but you still have fall before you can get them fixed. I love those Buick 3800 series (assuming its that lesaber) Great motors, last forever and can take the abuse. (considering turboing mine) And hey i bet your Buick looks better than this

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Shift24 09/19/2014 at 18:01

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Yep, 3800 Series II. About to seafoam it tonight. I'm finally getting it back up to making the same power it made from the factory. Of course, it's getting 7mpg worse, but I'm ignoring that for now.

Damn thing is a money pit though.