Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

A week of heart-to-heart between Claire and her mother about flying the nest

Bubbles gets it in her head that she needs to find somewhere else to live

Pintsize finally reveals his long-term game-plan about achieving his unholy goals

Hannelore has a suggestion that might solve all their problems

Faye counsels just carrying on as if nothing is wrong because, as far as they know, it isn't

Marten chairs a House Meeting on the subject

We finally meet the landlord

Jeph doesn't follow this up at all and just goes off on some other subject

Other

[BenRG]

I thought I'd try a topical subject. To me, Friday's strip did have a feeling of a hook into a future arc. You can vote for what you think are the two most possible outcomes (or even just the ones you'd like to see).

I expect Bubbles to decide that she needs to 'sacrifice' her place at the apartment and Faye will probably get very exasperated trying to convince her that there may not even be a problem to solve. I think that it would fit in with what we know of Bubbles' personality and it might be a nice change to have Bubbles' personality flaws exasperating Faye, instead of the other way around.

That aside, I'd like to have a week of heart-to-heart between Claire and her mother. It might give Jeph opportunity to expand on both characters' personalities and allude a little to what they've been through together and how difficult change can be when a family is close like theirs.

[Kugai]

I thik there will be a discussion about Claire moving in - both with the Flatmates and with her Mother, but I can see her moving in with Marten, which would negate any need for Bubbles to have to leave the Apartment.

[Zebediah]

This week: Bubbles and Claire discover that they have exceeded the occupancy limit of the apartment by one. In order to determine who gets to stay, Clinton steps in and challenges Bubbles to hand-to-hand combat. Meaning, his detached hand in autonomous mode against Bubbles' detached hand, which does not have an autonomous mode and can't do anything on its own.

SPOILER: Bubbles' hand wins anyway.

[Endellion]

"Steve eats cereal" should be an option in the poll.

[cesium133]

"Cereal eats Steve" is also a possibility.

[Zebediah]

Comic's up.

(click to show/hide)

It's official.

[Wackd]

Is it just me or does Marten look radically younger than usual?

[WoaLG]

Claire has principles. Pintsize has porn. They're basically the same thing.

And yes, Marten looks much younger than usual. Probably something about the power of love.

[cesium133]

Claire has principles. Pintsize has porn. They're basically the same thing.

And yes, Marten looks much younger than usual. Probably something about the power of love.

It's a curious thing. Makes one man weep, makes another one sing.

[SubaruStephen]

It's been a while, but:

Daaaaawwwww 

[jheartney]

They were probably already past the occupancy limit with just Pintsize and Claire. Depending on local ordinances, more than three unrelated adults in a household may well be prohibited.

I could imagine an exception in-universe for companion AIs. Such AIs wouldn't generally use much water or sewer services, so letting them stay in an apartment wouldn't put a drain on city infrastructure, especially if they didn't have their own cars. (Code might require updates to electrical capacity, depending on charging requirements.) Further, I could imagine that Big AnthroPC would have enough lobbying clout to push through this kind of superseding legislation (similar to the way broadcasters put in place legislation overruling local ordinances against outdoor TV antennas).

If so, then Pintsize is covered as a companion AI, and in a pinch Faye could register Bubbles as a companion (to the delight of shippers). Possible fly in the ointment is the fact that both Pintsize and Bubbles have military chassis, which might need their own waivers.

[TheEvilDog]

I think the big question here everyone is missing out on is, who the hell writes cheques anymore? Especially someone in her early-mid twenties?!

(click to show/hide)

I have always hated cheques and maybe have jumped for joy when my bank announced it was no longer issuing them. Therefore the problem is my own, before anyone gets their underwear in a bunch as is wont to happen in this section of the forum

[cesium133]

I do, because it's the only form of payment my apartment building's management accepts.

[bhtooefr]

I think the big question here everyone is missing out on is, who the hell writes cheques anymore? Especially someone in her early-mid twenties?!

(click to show/hide)

I have always hated cheques and maybe have jumped for joy when my bank announced it was no longer issuing them. Therefore the problem is my own, before anyone gets their underwear in a bunch as is wont to happen in this section of the forum

In the US, wire transfers are expensive and something you do when you're transferring huge sums of money (5+ figures), due to the fees involved. We have nothing like SEPA that enforces cheap or free wire transfers.

Instead, what we have is a patchwork network of private companies for smaller electronic transfers - PayPal being the biggest, and existing somewhat outside of the regulatory models designed for banks (meaning they can pull a lot of shit that would be a federal crime for a bank to pull). There's Venmo, a PayPal service designed for more informal payments. There's clearXchange, which some of the major national banks participate in, but if you belong to a smaller bank or credit union, you can only receive, not send, funds using it, IIRC.

Or, checks, which are basically free, and work with every bank, both to send and receive money, and are within the regulatory structures intended for banks. Note that major banks also have the ability to take a picture of a check with your smartphone, and deposit it without going into the bank. (My credit union doesn't, though...)

[Method of Madness]

I just started using Venmo recently, it's pretty useful. I can see Claire writing checks, but having checks on her without knowing this was going to happen? Interesting.

[cesium133]

Or, checks, which are basically free, and work with every bank, both to send and receive money, and are within the regulatory structures intended for banks. Note that major banks also have the ability to take a picture of a check with your smartphone, and deposit it without going into the bank. (My credit union doesn't, though...)

While I was in grad school I set up an account with one of the major banks, because I figured no matter where I moved (as long as it was in the U.S.) there would be a bank branch there. Then I moved to Wisconsin, where they don't have any branches (not even any ATMs).  The nearest ATM is in Illinois. So the take a picture of the check with my phone thing has come in handy.

I just started using Venmo recently, it's pretty useful. I can see Claire writing checks, but having checks on her without knowing this was going to happen? Interesting.

Or perhaps it's a sign of just how much she has already moved in, if her checkbook were already in Marten's bedroom.

[Sullivan]

"Steve eats cereal" should be an option in the poll.

It should be an option in every poll.

[Kugai]

I guess this was coming a few months/comics back since she has been sending more time at Marten and Fayes Apartment than she has at her Mothers house.

BTW,isn't Hanners Mom the owner of the building/

[brasca]

I think the big question here everyone is missing out on is, who the hell writes cheques anymore? Especially someone in her early-mid twenties?!

(click to show/hide)

I have always hated cheques and maybe have jumped for joy when my bank announced it was no longer issuing them. Therefore the problem is my own, before anyone gets their underwear in a bunch as is wont to happen in this section of the forum

I noticed that too, but Claire seems to have an affinity for old books so it's not that unusual for her to do things the old fashioned way. 

[BenRG]

There are several things that I have noticed in reading today's strip, none of which have any relevance to the actual story. In story terms, yes Marten and Claire are sweet together and I suspect that they've been telling each other that they love each other for a while to the point where I think Faye has developed immunity-by-exposure.

There is one worrying realisation though: Martin is still a bit too passive when it comes to relationships. I mean, I know that, if things are going well, the temptation is to leave well enough alone but panel 3 really suggests that he hadn't really been aware of just how far things have gone. From the comments on Friday's strip, I get the impression that this is quite common. That said, I guess I'd feel better if was sure Marten had more of a handle on events and had noticed Claire effectively moving in.

My angsty worries aside, I think that there is now a good chance that we're moving into a 'Claire Officially Moves In' arc with lots of movement of belongings, a nostalgic Mrs Augustus and maybe even a party. I wonder if Veronica has demanded that Claire call her 'Mom' yet?

"Steve eats cereal" should be an option in the poll.

It should be an option in every poll.

Which would be weird and ought to garner almost no votes because it has happened precisely three times in nearly 3,500 strips.

And yes, Marten looks much younger than usual. Probably something about the power of love.

Actually, in panels 3 and 4 he looks like Dora! I think that it's because his hair is messy and because Jeph made his face rounder.

[Pilchard123]

"Steve eats cereal" should be an option in the poll.

It should be an option in every poll.

Which would be weird and ought to garner almost no votes because it has happened precisely three times in nearly 3,500 strips.

And 'spathe ham' was an option for how long?

[Emperor Norton]

They were probably already past the occupancy limit with just Pintsize and Claire. Depending on local ordinances, more than three unrelated adults in a household may well be prohibited.

In my area it depends on zoning, and most apartment buildings, especially because of the nearby major college, are zoned multifamily because it is expected students are living there.

Also, blurgh on checks. Look, I hate checks as much as the next guy, but until the water business office upgrades to the current century (I'd personally settle for them to make it into at least the 90s), I still have a checkbook.

[oeoek]

And 'spathe ham' was an option for how long?

Spathe ham is always an option.

[bhtooefr]

Also, blurgh on checks. Look, I hate checks as much as the next guy, but until the water business office upgrades to the current century (I'd personally settle for them to make it into at least the 90s), I still have a checkbook.

Also, I use checks for two reasons, really.

The first reason is that Ohio's BMV takes cash or checks. My local BMV has an ATM, but it has ridiculous fees, and often isn't working.

The second reason is that my city's tax office takes checks or an expensive (like $4/transaction) online bill-pay.

Now, there's a lot of checks being generated in my name - my credit union's bill pay will mail a check to someone for free if they can't do the transfer electronically (which is actually one way around wire transfer fees, if they CAN do it electronically).

[JoeCovenant]

Although I'm not keen on Claire, that penultimate panel is very nicely done.

Now lose the nose ring... (She just doesn't suit it!!11!!1!)  (/rant)

[pwhodges]

I wrote a cheque six weeks ago - prior to that, the previous one was sometime in 2015.

[Tova]

On the topic of space ham, Steve eating cereal, and other WCDT poll memes, I remain firmly with Faye.

[WareWolf]

A question for the group: When significant others move in to multi-bedroom apartments, how is the rent divided up between the couple and non-couple members? Example: A & B are a couple, living in a three bedroom with C & D, who each have their own bedrooms. Rent is $1200 quatloos/month. Do A, B, C & D each pay Q300? Or do A & B split the cost of their bedroom, paying Q200 each, while C & D each  pay Q400? I've seen it done both ways. Personally, a four way split seems the only fair way to do it, but I've seen people argue that it should be divided by bedroom, with people who get their own bedroom paying more. Your thoughts?

[Mad Cat]

I wonder what it would look like if Bubbles took off her armour and Claire put it on.

[BenRG]

Something like this, I think:



 

[Case]

In the US, wire transfers are expensive and something you do when you're transferring huge sums of money (5+ figures), due to the fees involved. We have nothing like SEPA that enforces cheap or free wire transfers.

You mean to say that it's vital for US national security interests that the NSA can legally & conveniently intercept every of my transfers, but not yours?   


When IBAN/BIC-compliant account data first became mandatory for all transfers of state/country employees (AFAIK, they're now mandatory for all transfers that anybody in Germany makes), we'd speculate whether we'd get away with writing "please consult Ft.Meade" on our tax declarations.

(Before that, IBAN/BIC was only necessary for international transfers. Since those are run by SWIFT, which famously grants the NSA access to transfers and with the NSA's famous unconcern for their treaty obligations regarding EU citizen's privacy rights ...)

[Skewbrow]

I do, because it's the only form of payment my apartment building's management accepts.

I feel sorry for you. I haven't had a checking account since ... since I left the US in '90. You have really advanced as a nation since.

[Method of Madness]

I have a checking account, but despite the name, it's really more of a debit card/ATM account.

[Case]

I have a checking account, but despite the name, it's really more of a debit card/ATM account.

Google translates "checking account" into "Girokonto", which is what I have - i.e. an account designed for easy access, high liquidity, with low fees, but typically also one that offers low interest rate, or none  - but I haven't written a check my entire life.

I remember my Dad doing that in the 80s/90s ...

(click to show/hide)

Transactions in checks (# of checks/volume): 
393,3 Mil./ 986,5 Billion € in 2000
108,9 Mil/ 602,3 Billion € in 2006
21.2 Mil. / 0.153 Billion € in 2015

Nonetheless, in terms of transfers, my "Girokonto" doesn't differ from other types of accounts - it's the same system (i.e. IBAN/BIC protocol in the SEPA) 

[pwhodges]

That's simply what in the UK we call a "current account" - an account used for "current" transactions, rather than one used specifically for saving or credit.

The government is trying to end the use of cheques, but has had to delay the end date because of resistance.  We can no longer use a cheque guarantee card, though.
http://www.bankaccountadvice.co.uk/cheques-being-phased-out.html

[Case]

That's simply what in the UK we call a "current account" - an account used for "current" transactions, rather than one used specifically for saving or credit.

The government is trying to end the use of cheques, but has had to delay the end date because of resistance.  We can no longer use a cheque guarantee card, though.
http://www.bankaccountadvice.co.uk/cheques-being-phased-out.html

Wiki sez. the enormous reduction in cheques written in Germany (by volume: 986 Billion € in 2000 / 0.15 Billion € in 2015) was mostly due to the cancellation of the Eurocheque-guarantee in 2001, so maybe that'll go similarly in the UK?

IDK how representative this is for the EU/Eurozone - the French are said to still love using cheques.

[jheartney]

They were probably already past the occupancy limit with just Pintsize and Claire. Depending on local ordinances, more than three unrelated adults in a household may well be prohibited.

In my area it depends on zoning, and most apartment buildings, especially because of the nearby major college, are zoned multifamily because it is expected students are living there.

There's a difference between zoning a building as multifamily, and allowable numbers of unrelated people in a unit. Ordinances will often limit the latter in an effort to prevent overfilling the housing, even in the context of a multifamily building of indefinite size.

[TheEvilDog]

That's simply what in the UK we call a "current account" - an account used for "current" transactions, rather than one used specifically for saving or credit.

The government is trying to end the use of cheques, but has had to delay the end date because of resistance.  We can no longer use a cheque guarantee card, though.
http://www.bankaccountadvice.co.uk/cheques-being-phased-out.html

Pretty much how its going on here, phasing out cheques though the deadline has been moved a couple of times.

[Skewbrow]

I do, because it's the only form of payment my apartment building's management accepts.

I feel sorry for you. I haven't had a checking account since ... since I left the US in '90. You have really advanced as a nation since.

That was a cheap shot. I apologize, and I take it back. A) It is likely that if we tried, you would find something in the way we do things strange or even intolerably complicated (but for lack of experience I just shrug at them), B) I only lived in the US as a grad student, and I was still in the process of  becoming a financially independent adult. Consequently I only needed a limited subset of all available financial services. C) The scale of things. In a small nation with 4 nationwide chains of banks, it was undoubtedly a lot easier for them to agree on a system enabling us to pay utility bills, rents, grocery bills whatnot without the need for mailing bills and checks back and forth (EU-wide SEPA didn't give us anything new).

[Endellion]

Ohmigod Claire in panel 2 hgghllhghgllllgghhl 

Ahem, sorry.

Her hair is being to grow on me a little, still prefer it long but I don't hate it now.

[Case]

...
That was a cheap shot. I apologize, and I take it back. A) It is likely that if we tried, you would find something in the way we do things strange or even intolerably complicated (but for lack of experience I just shrug at them), B) I only lived in the US as a grad student, and I was still in the process of  becoming a financially independent adult. Consequently I only needed a limited subset of all available financial services. C) The scale of things. In a small nation with 4 nationwide chains of banks, it was undoubtedly a lot easier for them to agree on a system enabling us to pay utility bills, rents, grocery bills whatnot without the need for mailing bills and checks back and forth (EU-wide SEPA didn't give us anything new).

I guess it may also be due to the type of federalism preferred by the US' citizenry (I've heard it described as "competitive federalism").

(click to show/hide)

Wrt. stuff like SEPA there's even more incentives:

D) Strong Integration-forces at the EU-level:
Especially amongst the founding members (Belgiun, France, Italy, Luxemburg, the Netherlands and the FR of Germany (formerly "Western Germany")), the EU is still more-or-less seen as one of the two pillars guaranteeing European peace (the other being the US (& USSR as a common external threat), which sort of acted as "the impossibly powerful aliens" that made intra-European squabbles look increasingly provincial and petty).

"Not going back to the bad old days" still carries a lot of currency in many EU countries.

E) The normative forces that accompanied the standardization implicit in the European integration process - "You want peace & prosperity - then you'll put up with us standardizing the curvature of Bananas (and the banking system)"

Compared to standardizing Bananas, the standardization of the banking systems looks positively ... "not bananas at all" 

F) Intra-European travel & labour: The contemporary EU (including UK) has a population of some 510 millon people (157% of the contemporary US) living in half the land area - 116 vs 35 people/km^2 - divided between some 28 countries. So travel & working abroad is easy & attractive ... when national bureaucratic hurdles are removed. In the mid-20th Century, it was mostly mediterraneans who worked in the north-western EU as "guest workers", today it's pretty much everybody.

When I visited my parents while I was living & working in Antwerp, I'd travel 260km and cross two national borders (Belgium/Netherlands/Germany). It's not just "polish plumbers" (*) who find the four freedoms attractive - German physicists completely agree!

European standardization may represent a fatal lack of national autonomy to folk like Le Pen - for many, many Europeans, starting with Gen-Xers (Macron's "Generation Erasmus"), it simply means "less bureaucratic insanity".


(*) I also fail to see what's so terrible about polish plumbers - my cousin-in-law is a naturalized German, born in Poland. She's also the hairdresser I trust ... 

[Thrudd]

And 'spathe ham' was an option for how long?

Spathe ham is always an option.

(click to show/hide)

.... Since those are run by SWIFT, which famously grants the NSA access to transfers and with the NSA's famous unconcern for their treaty obligations regarding EU citizen's privacy rights ...)

The NSA and other alphabet agencies ignore everybody's supposed rights.
You are not them and therefore an other.
As such you are not to be trusted.
The untrustworthy have no rights except to comply.
Failing to comply makes you a criminal.
Criminals shall be punished.
 

[sitnspin]

The NSA and other alphabet agencies ignore everybody's supposed rights.
You are not them and therefore an other.
As such you are not to be trusted.

To be fair, they don't trust each other, either. Mistrust is endemic, even within the same agency/department.

[Mehre]

I like how there can be semi-serious debates on economly, law, politics, physics, AI and whatever else.

By the way wasnt it when dora moved in that her relationship with Marten started going downhill?

[TheEvilDog]

By the way wasnt it when dora moved in that her relationship with Marten started going downhill?

Eh, it was going downhill long before Dora moved in with Marten, it was just one of the last nails in the coffin.

[Buggman]

Pintsize: "It's cool, I've been freeloading for years."

Claire: "You've also been offloading (chores), downloading (porn), uploading (more porn) . . . So basically, you're just The Load?"

[Kugai]

And he ain't heavy

[Stoutfellow]

Comic's up.

Bubbles, honey, you're functional as well as decorative.

[Kugai]

And an excellent deterrent ti burgles

[brasca]

Halberd?  I thought Bubbles was more of a mace or war hammer.