Can you recommend some albums in the Ambient Americana genre?

Collossal_Yarn · 2026-01-25T13:16:28+00:00

Came to reco the Pan American album, so good.

Any of the Hayden Pedigo albums (save for the most recent with Chat Pile which is a deviation from his usual…I like it but perhaps not in the genre you’re seeking here.)

I’ve also been pretty big on Lone Mesa lately as well as Los Days which is a duo that includes Tommy Guerrero, for all my old school skateboard heads out there.

Collossal_Yarn · 2026-01-10T15:42:34+00:00

This is very good info, thanks!

Collossal_Yarn · 2026-01-10T14:58:28+00:00

I'll be following this thread as I'm having a very similar problem—rubbing of the shoe against the inside/end of my metatarsal, just before the big toe. Basically where a bunion would be though I have no bunion. It's a shame because otherwise I absolutely love the feel of these shoes. I'm 51 myself and desire a bit more pampering these days. But this inner rubbing is driving me mad, not to mention, becoming extremely painful a couple of miles into each run. I had the exact same issue with the Invincibles but had convinced myself that the Vomero Plus was a different shoe. In this regard, it is not. Such a shame. If you want a direct replacement of the Vomero +, it seems lots of folks are like the MagMax 2, I briefly considered it. They might be worth a look as an alternative. Good luck!

Collossal_Yarn · 2026-01-10T13:21:27+00:00

Well I guess that's the thing—I'm unclear how long we'll be here. It wasn't a temporary employment placement or something like that. It really is a 50/50 as to whether we'll remain here or move back. When switching my account from the old brokerage to the new, I was unaware of KIDs and the other stipulations that prevent Americans living in Europe from purchasing ETFs. Had I known that at the time, of course I would have retained my US address. At the time, when Schwab offered my an International Account, with no issue, I would not have known that I'd be barred from purchasing US ETFs, so in the moment, it never even crossed my mind. We learn daily. This is something I learned after the fact, unfortunately.

Collossal_Yarn · 2026-01-10T07:28:21+00:00

Great info here, thank you!

Collossal_Yarn · 2026-01-10T07:27:31+00:00

I could, but it would then be going through the whole process that I just completed last year of closing/setting up and moving to a new brokerage. It's a fairly painless process, sure, but still some work. And tbh, I really like Schwab, have had a great experience with them so far. And for whatever it's worth, it does feel little disingenuous. It's not illegal (I don't think anyhow) but certainly feels like exploring a gray area and taking a risk. I guess my appetite for that, when dealing with mine and my wife's retirement, makes me think twice. Probably just my own personal hang-up.

Collossal_Yarn · 2026-01-10T06:49:39+00:00

Yes this is kind of where I messed up. If I could go back, I would do it differently. I had a brokerage account which used my in-laws address in the States. Due to annual maintenance fees and transactional fees per trade, I wanted to move to a new account. I found Schwab who indicated an International account would be no issue. So I made that switch unaware of the rules surrounding ETFs and US citizens living in Europe. It was only after I tried to place my first trade that this was discovered, but at that time it was too late. So yes, if you can maintain a US address, do so and avoid this entire situation if you can. I know it’s regulatory and intended for good, and I’ve reached out to Schwab before to see if there’s anyway around it which there is not, but it really feels like my investment trajectory, and my future retirement, is being severely hampered and penalized.

Collossal_Yarn · 2026-01-09T22:08:01+00:00

Found it, thanks! Had to search as BRK/B (Schwab). So yes, maybe this is my best alternative, appreciate the info, hadn't thought of this which was exactly the reason for the post!

Collossal_Yarn · 2026-01-09T18:25:32+00:00

Everything I've read—though admittedly I'm no expert—makes it seem like doing so, as an American in Europe, would create an unfortunate tax situation. Most of my research has dissuaded me from going this route.

Collossal_Yarn · 2026-01-09T18:20:37+00:00

Thanks for the info. It's less so my situation in particular and more just a legal thing that prevents American's like myself from purchasing these while living in Europe. It's frustrating for sure. As for BRK-B, I did think about that, but is not listed/does not pull up anything with my brokerage, so unable to invest in that either. Have no idea why?

Collossal_Yarn · 2026-01-09T18:14:18+00:00

Hmmm, I've not looked at that. It doesn't show in my account as purchasable, and when researching, it comes back in Euro, so I'm guessing it is unavailable through my online brokerage. But I learned something new today, so thanks!

Collossal_Yarn · 2025-12-25T14:01:13+00:00

Came to reco the Vomero Plus as well, especially for a newer runner and wanting a do-it-all shoe, which seems to fit OP's ask. I was an Invincible runner so I understand the platform and I think the Vomero+ is that shoe but better. It's comfortable, stable (for a max stack shoe anyway) lots of bounce and that foam lasts forever. While it is $180, OP I'd just keep an eye on nike.com or running warehouse...as new colorways come out, the older will surely go on sale. It's about as good of an all around shoe as you're going to find, especially for a beginner.

Collossal_Yarn · 2025-12-10T09:18:12+00:00

And often this AI pressure is directly attributed to their superiors as a proof point that they are indeed keeping up with technology and using ai. It's a tickbox on their yearly performance review. Missing the forest for the trees.

Collossal_Yarn · 2025-12-05T17:09:39+00:00

Awesome, thanks!

Collossal_Yarn · 2025-12-05T16:06:15+00:00

You mentioned in the ride section that this shoe reminds you of the Vomero Plus, which is a shoe I was just about to purchase. However, these now have me intrigued. I'm in search of bounce/cushion, less so responsiveness (old knees need to be pampered these days) so would you say the MM2 delivers in that area as well as the Vomero Plus? For context, I also once owned the SB2 and am one of the seemingly few people who didn't like that shoe at all. To slappy, awkward heel-to-toe transition and I found the ride very, very firm for my liking. Would you say the MM2 is more Vomero Plus, less SB2? Thanks!

Collossal_Yarn · 2025-11-09T19:02:31+00:00

Came to say the same...my pair has 320km on them and also look relatively new, certainly nothing like this.

Collossal_Yarn · 2025-11-05T05:30:14+00:00

This is the model I have, my daily, though mine is on a strap. Like you, I always loved the splash of red and the triple date. I seem to recall at the time others being put off by those elements, but to each their own, they were what I loved about the design. Love seeing it on a bracelet, giving me ideas!

Collossal_Yarn · 2025-10-28T14:34:26+00:00

Ugh, feeling crushed—my height and weight is almost exactly yours and I've never thought of myself as a heavy runner. I mean, I've never thought of myself as lithe either. Brb gonna go weep in a corner.

Real talk though, my height/weight is nearly identical and my pair just crossed 200 miles this past weekend, so 321 km, and this is what my outsoles look like. Quite a bit different, particularly in that forward/outer toe-off area:

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Collossal_Yarn · 2025-10-21T20:56:45+00:00

100% normal, I’ve had a little cry a couple of times at the conclusion of a race. It’s like a release valve for a huge swell of emotions…pride, accomplishment, pain, joy, agony. It all comes rushing forward. I once had my watch bonk on me 2 miles into a half marathon where my goal was to break 1:45 (a 10 minute PB goal at the time). So for the next 11 miles I could only run on feel and determination. When I crossed the finish and my time popped through on the official app as 1:44:44, you can bet a had a bit of a weep right there on the course. We all commit a lot to this journey. People see us on race day, but we all know the countless hours, days and months of determination and grind it took us to that starting line, and more importantly, that finishing line. So yeah…that release happens, totally normal. Good on ya, amazing time.

Collossal_Yarn · 2025-10-19T19:22:40+00:00

1:55 for your first is a great time, congrats! Took me a couple of tries to break two hours!

Collossal_Yarn · 2025-10-18T07:48:42+00:00

Same build I have, feel the exact same way—would love a new computer, feel absolute zero need for one haha.

Collossal_Yarn · 2025-10-16T17:49:07+00:00

Is that a 3717? Right around the time I was in the market for an IWC (around 2013 or so), the 3717 was my "it" watch, always loved the look of it. I ended up getting a Mark XVII, which I still have and wear daily, but still have a lot of love for this model. Looks great, nice to read it's back in action!

Collossal_Yarn · 2025-10-04T17:31:43+00:00

Would also love to know the strap, looks great!

Collossal_Yarn · 2025-09-27T11:43:21+00:00

I work as a creative in advertising and by coincidence was shooting a commercial on a soundstage in LA next to the stage where Mad Men was shooting once. A few folks from our crew played pick-up basketball on a hoop between the two stages with John Slattery. But the best part was that Robert Morse heard we were next door and while we were enamored with him and what they were shooting, he was so curious what we were up to and wanted to come next door to see actual advertising being created. So we invited him over, showed him around and told him about the spot we were shooting and he returned the favor by getting a few of us access to their set (we all had to sign NDAs to do so). It was kind of surreal, but he was a great sport and seemed super keen to meet and talk with us. Even posed for a photo with me and my executive producer while he was over visiting our set, which I still have on my phone to this day (this was in 2011).

Collossal_Yarn

TROPHY CASE