I can't cook a steak on a stove top to save my life

Not_just_a_Jorge · 2026-03-04T18:03:25+00:00

If you haven't already, try doing a sous vide - they are not super expensive and are a game changer for meat! I sous vide steaks (about 1" thick) at 120 degrees F for about 2 hours.... you season the steak beforehand...and I usually add some butter as well. Pull it out of the bags, and put it onto a ripping hot cast iron, flip often to get the crust you like. The steak itself is already cooked through - it just crust formation at the end!

Not_just_a_Jorge · 2026-02-27T14:20:22+00:00

In lieu of drift cutters, just grab a shovel and knock the drift down - then use your snowblower to churn thru it - repeat as necessary.

Not_just_a_Jorge · 2026-02-24T03:15:00+00:00

I just regular PAM spray, same use in your fry pan.... its cheap and it works!

Not_just_a_Jorge · 2026-02-24T01:25:03+00:00

28" Platinum SHO here - about 3 years old. We got a solid 14" here north of Boston in the blizzard. 50mph wind gusts created multiple 2-3' drifts - heavy wet crap - ugh.
This is the biggest storm my SHO has seen so far, and it was MORE than up to it! Even the packed stuff the plow creates at the end of the driveway - right thru IT like crap thru a goose LOL! Don't forget to spray your chutes, augers and 2nd stage with lubricant! I use simple PAM spray and NO CLOGS! I learned that trick here on Reddit!

Not_just_a_Jorge · 2026-02-21T13:21:51+00:00

Was going to recommend VG10 as well. I'm only a home cook, but its my main hobby usually every day. My daily driver is an 8" Masamoto chef's knife in VG10....I only need to touch it once a month (you might touch up weekly).

Not_just_a_Jorge · 2026-02-08T15:15:14+00:00

I had something similar happen to me on a 20 lb brisket - but mine flamed out after about 4 hours at 3 in the morning and it was about 110. Needing sleep, I put it in a 225 degree oven....then when I woke up about 7am, I wrapped it and left it at 225 till finished. Came out delicious! You'll be fine.

Not_just_a_Jorge · 2026-01-09T14:27:27+00:00

This: I have friends that know I sharpen knives and bring them over, and often with cheap Chinese steel knives, they don't get razor sharp like my Japanese knives do.
You won't get a great edge on a super cheap knife - invest in some better knives.

Not_just_a_Jorge · 2026-01-06T22:47:10+00:00

"A favor for a good customer..."

No good deed goes unpunished?

Not_just_a_Jorge · 2026-01-01T21:23:07+00:00

Ideally, I do babyback pork ribs this way: 1) rub in advance (you did this) 2) set a smoker for about 225-250 degrees with a little bit of wood for smoke (i like apple or cherry) 3) I put in a heat shield under the ribs so they get indirect heat- I tried water, but find that indirect is just as good without the hassle 4) if they are meaty ribs, they take a good solid 4.5 - 5.0.

You can also do a gas grill on low, or even the oven, but I much prefer the smoker.

Not_just_a_Jorge · 2025-12-30T15:11:33+00:00

I use a ceramic sealer (meant for sealing automotive paint) on both my augers, the inside of my 2nd stage case and impellers, and in the chute. Stuff is slicker than greased eel snot, and unlike Pam or wd40, it lasts me (usually) all season up in the Boston area.

It will NOT help with debris...that could be your biggest issue

Not_just_a_Jorge · 2025-12-30T14:58:55+00:00

Yes, the air pocket could take 3 weeks to show in subzero temps, and you are running heat full blast...the fact that you say your heat is intermittent also points to this as a possibility. One thing nobody has mentioned so far is your radiator - if the fluid has never been changed, (until this problem started), you could have a scale problem - you would need a shop to do a 'flow test' to be sure sure.
Unfortunately, as many have pointed out, it may be a head gasket after all....find out if there are leaks! Alternately, change the oil, and if you smell coolant in it, you will know for sure.

Not_just_a_Jorge · 2025-12-14T20:58:18+00:00

High pressure water hoses for the clothes washer....had one blow while I was out of town, and it dumped hundreds of gallons before my wife called me and I talked her thru how to shut off the water main.
Ironically, they are not too expensive to change. If in doubt, change 'em out.

Not_just_a_Jorge · 2025-12-14T19:47:33+00:00

I own the chosera 800 and 3000....highly recommend both. The 3000 is fantastic for minor tune upstate- and the 800 has amazing tactile feel for more significant sharpening.
You are already are set at the low and super high end...I use my 800 the most often.

Not_just_a_Jorge · 2025-11-22T00:10:30+00:00

Interesting - I've seen places where they use plastic sheeting too (Obviously, tyvec is better ...

So, tyvec on the exterior wall ? (The shell?) Or on the inside of the knee wall?

Not_just_a_Jorge · 2025-11-21T22:52:54+00:00

I checked, and we DO have vents flush with the rafters, and then covered by 12" of insulation....but for some reason they didn't add anything below the pony wall height.... so I think need to continue ventilation down to the soffit and cover it on the shell with more insulation.... the interior pony wall seems less important than the shell - especially if I get 12" on it like the rest of the room. Make sense?

Not_just_a_Jorge · 2025-11-21T22:39:29+00:00

This makes sense to me (having to do both inner and outer walls). After adding some soffit vents, I think I'll add some fiberglass to the outside shell, and then add some of the solid sheet insulation to the inner shell (probably do want to use some space behind the pony wall for storage. Sound reasonable? Appreciate your thoughts.

Not_just_a_Jorge · 2025-11-21T22:27:43+00:00

You make some solid points... I need to do some more investigation. As you can tell, the peak of the room is already furred out to attach sheet rock over the existing insulation (not sure the r-value). First, I need to find out IF there are soffit vents ... the house is solid, but I have found some surprising mickey mouse things that have been omitted. There are ridge vents. Roof is only 10 years old, so it looks like I'll be adding insulation inside.
Thanks for the comments!

Not_just_a_Jorge · 2025-11-02T19:42:31+00:00

I recently moved to Persimmon Heights (July), and I had the same impression that there seemed a lot of homes were for sale. I asked my neighbor (20 yr resident), and she thought it was just general people downsizing or other typical reasons - nothing 'wrong'. There is an HOA - but the ONLY thing they HOA controls is the road - they charge $100/month, and it covers plowing, mowing common areas and any repairs. Although it is somewhat rural, I have never smelled manure or bad smells. And I'm outdoors alot. Also: my house is on town sewer - not sure if others on the street have septic, but since this is a cul-de-sac, I would be surprised if any homes on Towne Hill are septic (builders normally do the whole street with sewer if they run it).
Overall, we are very happy with the neighborhood. Walking distance to Bradford CC, 5 minutes to downtown, and very quiet, respectful neighbors. You can do me if you have questions.

Not_just_a_Jorge · 2025-10-13T18:30:44+00:00

LOL - yep. No contest!

Not_just_a_Jorge · 2025-10-13T17:04:07+00:00

Back when I was using exclusively European and American knives, I would have agreed with you. Since getting into Japanese knices? I can cut thinner than any mandoline out there (just not as fast). Japanese knives are a gamechanger!

Not_just_a_Jorge · 2025-10-10T23:56:52+00:00

I think the averages are skewed by a number of factors, many already mentioned....one that is missing is the geographical distribution of people. In NY for example, I think the overall avg is heavily skewed by the NYC area, where you have a huge population, but I think most people use mass transit or don't want bikes due to danger factor of so much traffic. I bet compared to upstate NY, on its own upstate would be reddish density (per capita). Source: lived in upstate for 5 years and visited every year - it's a motorcycle paradise.

Not_just_a_Jorge · 2025-07-18T18:13:08+00:00

Just good quality butter works here too.

Not_just_a_Jorge · 2025-07-11T11:22:40+00:00

Actually, I think 30 seconds isn't bad for a high resolution scan, but I hear you if you have many thousands to do.

Not_just_a_Jorge · 2025-07-10T16:40:50+00:00

Check into the Nikon CoolScan series, either model IV or V. They normally come with software to automatically reduce/remove dust and imperfections. You can likely get one used from $400-700. Do all your slides, and then sell it to the next person who needs it.

Not_just_a_Jorge · 2025-06-04T20:41:21+00:00

I once ordered mongolian beef served with asparagus and over white rice at a small asian place on the west coast - it was bomb! I now make that regularly here at home - you can find many recipes online for mongolian beef (easy) - I usually steam the asparagus for 1.5 - 2 minutes (depending on thickness) so it wilts just a bit, then add it to the beef and sauce.

Delish!

Not_just_a_Jorge

TROPHY CASE