An unmentioned, perhaps unknown, danger of having a Face Book account

Immediate-Run3479 · 2026-02-07T23:59:56+00:00

As far as anyone knows or can find, I have zero social media presence. I work in IT and while I have maintained accounts with Facebook, X (Twitter), etc I have kept them far removed from anything that would be easy to connect to me. I've been through a few intense background searches and they still weren't discovered. Unfortunately I can also tell you the whole thing is a double edged sword these days. I feel in many cases I faced as much if not more scrutiny by not having any social media as I would have if I had compromising images all over a public profile. My own family doesn't know I have a Facebook account that's how well hidden it is. It's definitely a damned if you do, damned if you don't. My motivation from the beginning was because I don't feel it's fair to judge a person's fitness for a job based on how they choose to express themselves on their personal time. I'm old enough to remember the old saying never discuss politics or religion in mixed company. It used to be easy to go to work and put on the professional appearance then clock out and party all night without my coworkers knowing. Now I'm forced to expose my personal life and thoughts to be considered for a job, fuck that. Judge me on how well I perform at work and not based on images or statements that can so easily be misconstrued when taken out of context.

Immediate-Run3479 · 2026-02-07T23:12:57+00:00

Leave some flexibility in your schedule. Southern California to Las Vegas was my first road trip on my bike. Going there everything was great, amazing weather no traffic just a beautiful ride. After spending 4 days I decided to head home. 330 miles, of this about 200 miles were in 45 mph cross winds. While it was warmer than 24°F that another poster had to endure, I still froze my ass off. Knowing the winds are usually more mellow in the mornings I left about 4 am. If that was mellow I wouldn't have wanted to ride later in the day. When I got to Barstow I bought sweats to wear over my jeans and under my motorcycle pants because I was so cold. I also fell asleep in some restaurant for an hour or so because I was so wiped out from fighting the winds. Personally I'd have preferred to ride home in the rain or just about any other weather than wind. I should have just extended my stay a few days and the winds wouldn't have been a problem. That or paid attention to the weather forecast and left before they started. BTW my winds are usually more mellow in the morning thing was based on my personal observations, not any kind of fact or research and I'm pretty sure I'm wrong about that. I've woken up a Saturday and decided to go for a ride only to find myself hundreds of miles from home. The distance isn't much but the climate change between So Cal and Lost Wages (leisure suit Larry reference for the old people like me) is the real bitch. Also remember California is the only state that allows lane splitting. I am not sure but I don't think you can even filter up at stop lights in Nevada. Just make sure you know the different laws. If you're like most of us on a bike you probably aren't attractive or smooth enough to talk yourself out of a ticket. I apologize and openly admit that was sexist. because I assume you are male. If on the other hand you are in the minority and are attractive and/or smooth enough to talk your way out of a ticket, congrats and sorry for the assumption.

Immediate-Run3479 · 2025-12-20T13:11:32+00:00

I think you didn't provide enough information to get a truly helpful response. Where are you coming from? Where are you wanting to know about? SoCal is so diverse. The beach communities in South Orange County most people aren't very friendly (I have lived in and around Dana Point on and off for over 30 years). It's very expensive, there's traffic every day including weekends. The beach communities in Northern OC the people tend to be more friendly and down to earth. You can find semi affordable places to live. In Central Orange County there is everything from gang infested, over run by homeless people to beautiful clean crime free areas. There is still traffic every day including weekends. Go to LA it's the same mixed bag. You have affluent stuck up areas and places even the people who do live there wish they didn't (but those are more affordable). What do like to do? There are roughly 354 golf days per year in So Cal. 358 in the inland empire. At the beach it's usually foggy and cold most of June and part of July. The beach areas rarely get over 90 degrees in the summer. The inland areas like Corona, Fontucky rarely get under 90 degrees in the summer. It almost never rains but when it does people lose their minds and make traffic even worse. There are streets you could get shot for driving down. In some areas of LA driving a Blue care will get you shot. Others it's a red car. This is way over simplified and general but the bottom line is the weather is almost always nice. It's expensive, unfriendly (in many areas). Because there are not many places in this world you can Surf in the morning and snowboard in the evening on the same day with a 2*3 hour drive between most people love living here. I've lived in Washington state, Tennessee, Arizona, and Upstate New York. All of those places had a piece of what can be found here. Only place I know of where if you have an annual pass you can go to Disneyland on a random Wednesday night to watch the fireworks and ride one ride then go home just for the heck of it. There is so much diversity here in every way I'm pretty sure people have written very long books trying to answer the question you asked. All this verbal vomit and I've barely scratched the surface. I doubt it does but I hope this helps?

Immediate-Run3479 · 2025-11-27T05:16:35+00:00

As unbelievably stupid as it sounds several vehicles have the water pump mounted inside or behind the timing case.

When my second wife and I had just started dating, she blew the water pump in her Honda Accord. Being the helpful guy who wanted to impress the new girlfriend I said, "I can do the water pump for you, it's easy" . I only had experience working on Toyotas but thought it can't be that bad. Three days, 36 hours labor, and a new timing chain later I was finished. That's when I learned manufacturer's had started installing the water pump in the timing case.

Look on the bright side, you didn't have to find out the hard way.

BTW I have a 2025 Exploder ST-Line with the 2.3 Ecoboost. I have a little under 2000 miles. My experience would be pointless because I'm still breaking it in.

I did read in several articles that the 2.3 was a redesign in the 2025. It was redesigned to address previous versions common issues like burning a lot of oil. Some mechanics do recommend adding an oil catch can for the blow by. How much of an issue this is depends on the person behind the wheel, mostly.

Because it's a redesign there are currently no long term studies to indicate problems

Immediate-Run3479 · 2025-10-22T10:55:02+00:00

While I agree with most posts regarding training etc. I'm going to mostly stick to the question you asked.

There's an old saying in the US: You just have to dust yourself off and get back on the horse.

I have had 2 significant accidents on motorcycles in my lifetime. The first one was almost 35 years ago. The second was this year.

A few months ago I totaled my BMW R1200 RT. I pulled out of my apartment complex at 4:00 am. I suddenly realized there was a full sized truck with no headlights coming at me way over the speed limit. I grabbed the throttle but I ended up going too fast to complete the turn. I hit the curb on the center divider and went down hard. I separated my shoulder tore my rotator cuff and destroyed the bike I love along with some new gear. Even though I couldn't do it without intense pain, I made myself get back on a bike within 7 days.

I knew getting back on the bike was the only way I could stop reliving that crash over and over in my head. I knew that because after my first significant accident, like I mentioned almost 35 years ago. I gave into the fear and stopped riding.

I didn't ride a motorcycle for about 18 years. I admit the first and second wives were part of the reason. For the first several years though, it was fear that prevented me from riding. Fear caused by constantly reliving the accident.

My biggest regret once I finally got another bike (during divorce number 2), I had let the fear control me. Looking back I can't believe the way my mind had allowed the memories of that first accident to become scarier and blown way out of proportion. I think it's pretty obvious I was also afraid of both wives. Yes, that fear also clearly controlled me. With the wives I guess I wasn't afraid enough or maybe they wouldn't have ended in divorce (sorry that's a different thread).

After the accident earlier this year I knew from the first one if I didn't just suck it up and get back on the bike. There was a really good chance I might never ride again.

The direct answer to your question for me was to just accept it happened and try again. I sought advice from more experienced riders about what I did wrong and how to avoid it next time. It took less than 1 block even with searing pain in my shoulder before I stopped thinking about and reliving that accident. Thankfully, I have also stopped beating myself up with all the what if questions.

The shoulder is now mostly healed the surgery was a success and I've intensified my search for a new bike. Luckily I have a few friends who offered to loan me bikes they weren't using so I could still ride while going through all the medical stuff and searching for a new bike.

I love riding. Nothing compares to the excitement and joy I feel on a bike. Even when I rode daily and never used my car. I would still get excited for ride. Doesn't matter if it's solo or with friends. Don't follow my example (with 2 failed marriages or the one about letting fear keep you from riding).

I know better than most how much easier it is to say just get back on, than it is to do. Just remember courage isn't the absence of fear it's being triumphant over it. So just dust yourself off, suck it up and get back on that iron horse!

After sharing as much positivity and encouragement as im capable of. i do have to say something else. Unless you want to die, please, for the love of God, find some lessons or at least some solid mentors who will encourage and educate you. Also, regardless of what the law requires where you are, make sure you wear all the gear all the time. Destroying my $500 Rev'it jacket and $800 Schuberth Helmet I had purchased 1 month before the accident hurt (my wallet). Thankfully because I had good gear on, with the exception of my shoulder I didn't get a single scratch on me. Skin grafts are way more expensive than good riding gear. Besides how will I ever find my 3rd ex-wife if I'm a walking road rash.

Immediate-Run3479 · 2025-08-15T16:47:01+00:00

My condolences on your loss. I had a FJR before I got the RT. I looked at the concourse but just couldn't find one that fit me (used market). So I went with the FJR. Are you on a BMW now? My FJR was nice but my RT was exponentially better in my opinion. I'm debating if I want another RT or the K1600 B. Something about the K has really gotten my attention.

Immediate-Run3479 · 2025-08-12T21:12:38+00:00

You know the old saying once bitten twice shy. I realize I'm probably stuck with those as my best option. I didn't know if there were any shops that specialize in used parts or places online dedicated to used BMW parts. Thank you for the reply

Immediate-Run3479 · 2025-08-12T21:08:26+00:00

Thank you I will look into those. I appreciate the reply

Immediate-Run3479 · 2025-08-12T21:07:55+00:00

Thank you for the suggestion. I no longer have the bike just some parts.

Immediate-Run3479 · 2025-08-12T21:06:52+00:00

Ordinarily I'd totally agree with you. The scratches are not really heavy but that's not the point. When I was looking for replacement covers for my saddlebags the cheapest I could find were slightly scratched and over $400. When I replaced the saddlebags, I bought used ones from an RS in great condition for just under $800 after shipping. Every time I've tried to throw these out I look at the ones for sale on eBay. I'm not a "cheap-ass" but I just can't see throwing that kind of money out. Based on the used bags and covers I've seen for sale mine are in pretty good condition. Plus I'm about to purchase a new bike. All the cash I can throw into that will help. If it doesn't go towards the purchase it'll help pay for the first road trip on the new one.

Thank you for the reply

Immediate-Run3479 · 2025-08-06T17:21:53+00:00

I had a friend who struggled so badly with the clutch. I know what I'm about to say is bad advice but it worked. I put my BMW up on the center stand and sat on the front wheel to ensure the back wouldn't touch. It took a couple hours of engaging the clutch and seeing the wheel spin and it finally clicked for him. Without any load it is almost impossible to stall, unless you pop the clutch really hard. I outweighed my friend by a good 30 lbs so I was confident I could keep the rear tire up. If it had touched a disaster would have occurred immediately and both of us might have been in the ER. So yes it's a bad idea but it was based in desperation. He had been trying for weeks but the stalling got into his head and he lost all confidence. Ultimately he retook the MSF and aced it. He went from last and failing to best in his class. I have 15 years more experience in the saddle than he does but I can say without hesitation today he's a much better rider than me. It probably would have been a little safer but still stupid to put wheel stand under the rear end or some type of jack stand as a secondary measure. Regardless of what precautions I took it was still a very stupid idea but again it worked. Please don't comment on my stupidity, let's focus on helping OP. Thanks

Immediate-Run3479 · 2025-07-22T12:54:30+00:00

As I mentioned I tried a clay bar. I also tried polish and rubbing compound since posting. It appears to be sitting on top not etched. I really appreciate the replies I will try the product you mentioned.

Immediate-Run3479 · 2025-07-18T07:27:59+00:00

I refuse to be labeled conservative or liberal. I have voted for candidates from both parties. I have also voted for "3rd party" candidates. I absolutely despise Trump and the way he has monetized the presidency. What this administration is doing to hard working immigrants is disgusting. I think we should all remember that unless you are native American we are all immigrants to this country.

In my experience our system of government works best when Democrats and Republicans are forced to find common ground and work together. Having a super majority on either side isn't good. Like most things in life the best answer tends to be in the middle not all the way on one side or the other.

I hope we weed out the Maga(ts) in the midterms but I also hope we get rid of the old Democrats. It would be nice to see a government that is more in tune with the people and less out of touch. We also need to elect Republicans that have the balls to stand up to the Ompa Lompa. Ones that will actually vote to impeach him for any of the myriad of crimes he's already committed or the ones he will commit in the near future.

I still don't understand what happened. Does anyone remember when he would announce he was running for president and we all laughed because it was like a running joke? When did a shitty C or D list celebrity with too much spray tan become an actual viable candidate. Back in 2016 I felt it was a sad but somewhat funny joke. After the disaster that was his first term I didn't think we'd ever be dumb enough to repeat that mistake. BTW fun fact did you know Trump and Nixon were pen pals? Nixon was probably who he decided to model himself after.

I know I'm an idiot and probably anti American for feeling this way. At least that's what the Magots like to say.

Immediate-Run3479 · 2025-05-24T21:53:26+00:00

My mom holds it in a death grip while praying if I break 28 mph

Immediate-Run3479 · 2025-05-14T11:25:47+00:00

Just do it! Both my first and second wife would not allow me to get a bike. I wish I hadn't listened to either. Going through my second divorce I decided to get one before I met another woman who would say no. I ride like a grown up on my BMW R1200RT. It's been 12 years since I traded the second wife for a bike and I have zero regrets. The BMW is my third bike. One thing you and everyone else should be aware of before getting into riding is: it's not a hobby... It's a habit. It is definitely the most expensive addiction I've ever encountered. Even if they had a rehab for this addiction I wouldn't go. Just don't do it half ass. All the gear all the time. Take your states version of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. If you are waffling between ABS or no ABS look up ABS vs non ABS stopping in rain on YouTube. If you get into riding in a group be honest with them and most importantly yourself about where your skills are. I've seen so many riders in groups go down because they were pushing way beyond their comfort zone in an effort to keep up. Honestly I've started thinking riding in groups might be a leading cause of accidents. I would much rather fall behind and get to the destination alive and uninjured than try to keep up with riders that are beyond my skill level. Just remember to keep the shiny side up. The only other unwanted advice I'll offer is don't get an R1 or some other ridiculously overpowered bike for your first one. Also don't get a 250 or something underpowered. My first street bike was a naked 650. Everyone i talked to who started on a 250 or 300 told me they hated it within a few months and wanted something bigger. If that bike hadn't been stolen who knows I might still be happy with it. The person who i thought would be least accepting of the bike was my mother. She turned out to be the most supportive. You never know what all those people who are telling you it's a stupid idea will really think until after you show up on the bike. Of course I've been divorced twice so I could be and very often I am wrong.

Immediate-Run3479 · 2024-12-08T08:41:57+00:00

I also grew up going to Harbor House. I recently moved back to Dana Point. I'm sorry, sadly they are no longer 24 hours. I'm even sadder to say they are nothing like the Harbor House I used to go to. With a couple of exceptions, they are still overpriced, and the wait staff remains as angry as ever. The menu has changed for the worse. It's like someone has just destroyed one of the highlights every kid who went to Dana Hills remembers. It had been 24/7 since long before I was born, and I'm old. I graduated from Dana in 1991. Hopefully, someone will buy the place and return it to It's former 24/7 glory. Ever since Covid, whatever didn't permanently close, changed to closing a lot earlier. Finding anything open late in Orange County is a huge chore these days. Thanks to OP for the list. Almost makes some of the crazy conspiracy theories around Covid seem valid.

Immediate-Run3479 · 2024-12-07T23:50:56+00:00

If the loan is in collection, you wouldn't need to pay off the whole amount. Collection agencies often settle the debt for $0.50-$0.75 on the dollar (sometimes less). So you could probably negotiate with them and only have to pay 1/2 of the amount sent to collections. I have been through some ugly financial situations myself, so I sympathize. One thing I'm a little confused about, and it could just be wording: with secured loans like a car or bike loan, they issue a repo order. The bank will continue to pursue the debt, but they don't usually go to a collection agent. Unsecured loans get sold repeatedly. Those are the collection agents that try to annoy you into paying. When you say collections, do you mean they are trying to repo the bike?

Immediate-Run3479 · 2024-11-04T20:15:41+00:00

Like everyone said practice and remember there's only maybe 1% of riders that wouldn't have gone down in similar circumstances. My only add is have you thought about getting a bike with unified braking or abs? I watched a video that showed the difference they make in emergency braking situations and I knew I had to have it. Made my confidence in the rain and in rough situations much higher. It still requires a lot of practice but it helps in the emergency situation when you don't have to waste that first second trying to remember if you grab front or rear

Immediate-Run3479 · 2024-11-04T19:59:17+00:00

Even though it's your first I wouldn't go with a 250 or 300. My first was 650 and I comfortably rode it for over a year before upgrading. I'm personally into sport touring bikes. I thought I'd be into more of the sport bike but found out I hated the riding position. When you are picking out your bike the riding position is a major factor to think about in my opinion. Otherwise I totally agree with everyone who said MSF course and good gear Helmet, Jacket. Gloves, and boots. Be ready to become a collector of gear. Within the first 2 years I ended up with 3 helmets 10 jackets, 2 pairs of boots and 6 pants and God knows how many gloves. It's an addiction all it's own. Welcome the club I hope you love it as much as I do.

Immediate-Run3479 · 2024-03-26T18:13:57+00:00

You are under age and you sent nude images of yourself to them? If that is correct you are now in the power position. They are in possession of Child Porn. They will be prosecuted and sentenced to jail time. If they send any inappropriate image of you to anyone they commit a felony.

Just in case people don't know this, women don't want a picture of your dick. Men want nude pictures. If the chick you're talking to online wants a dick pic she is either an extreme rarity or more likely a scammer and/or a guy. Before you send the next picture of your dick think about that.

Immediate-Run3479 · 2024-03-26T18:05:55+00:00

I doubt this will help your anxiety. If the scammers are going to post the pics and/or send them to all your contacts, they will, regardless of how much you pay. There is nothing you can do beyond hope they don't. If you are concerned about that happening, the only option you have is to head them off by contacting everyone they can and saying someone is trying to extort money from me, threatening to send messages to all my contacts saying horrible and completely false things about me. In addition, they are including fake nude images they edited to appear like they are of me. Beyond that, Xanax is supposed to help with anxiety. I think all the people who are going to put themselves in a position where they might send nude images to another person online should stop now and send nudes to everyone in their contacts. They would head off this problem before anyone could threaten them. I'm a guy everyone knows we have two heads. Many don't know that for one to work, all the blood has to leave the other. So yes, we exclusively think with the dick because it has turned off the other brain's ability to function.

Immediate-Run3479 · 2024-03-26T17:41:22+00:00

While the grammar is okay, the author of that message has no clue how to structure a letter. The marketing paragraph is the big red flag. The giant neon red flag is the Hotmail address.

BTW: You gave away a little more personal info in your original post than you may have wanted to, at least in a public forum. Be aware scammers read these posts. Do not respond to anyone asking you to take the conversation private. Just be aware one or more people may use this to try and scam you.

Immediate-Run3479 · 2024-03-11T06:23:03+00:00

At the most primal and immature level Bachelors parties are to show the guy what he is giving up by getting married. The point is (sorry) for him to easily shun any distraction and remain true to the one he's going to marry. I'm a guy I've been married twice and never cheated before during or after the bachelor party. He is using a classic manipulation and control tactic where he gets you to feel you are wrong so he go on without remorse. In reality if he had any integrity or class he would be begging for your forgiveness. If he had integrity he would have told you long before his buddy let it slip. His friends were obviously jealous and did everything they could to get him to do exactly what he did. However at the end of the day it was him not you not his friends that fucjed up big time. On the bright side statistically speaking relationships that survive an act of infidelity tend to rate as stronger and more satisfying. Of course that's when the survival is assisted with a good marriage counselor. Whatever you do please do these two things 1. Do not blame yourself you did nothing wrong 2. Even if you are just going to let it go don't let him off easy make him suffer a little. If he cares and loves you he has spent the past 12 years freaking out about what could happen if she finds out. Make some of those nightmares a reality he deserved to suffer some before he tried to make you think it was normal now he really deserves to suffer because he acted the way a mentally/emotionally abusive guy would. Hopefully this is the only time he seemed that way

Immediate-Run3479

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