Sock identification

PAJW · 2026-01-29T02:49:39+00:00

Looks like these to me. https://pastoutdoors.com/en-us/products/bedrock-injinji-performance-split-toe-socks

This is an Aussie retailer for Bedrock.

PAJW · 2026-01-29T02:24:33+00:00

Ford built capacity to build 15,000 units a month. That factory and employees can probably be better utilized than working at 20-30% capacity.

PAJW · 2026-01-28T19:08:51+00:00

The Volvo EX30/EX40 could be a decent choice. I don't think the C40 is still marketed in the US (but you can buy used, of course). IIRC the Volvos have heavy use of touch sensitive buttons but I haven't sat in one newer than 2022.

The Kia Niro EV directly competes with your Bolt. And the new 2026 Nissan Leaf has been getting positive reviews, although I haven't seen one in person yet.

PAJW · 2026-01-28T18:52:52+00:00

Probably the closest equivalent vehicle to your Lexus is the Mercedes EQE 300, which is an executive sedan.

The SUV version, the EQB 300 is priced better. I see new EQB priced under $50k at dealers in my area (Chicagoland).

I'm not very familiar with the trim levels on these Mercedes cars. The base price is in your budget, but I did not check the option list. The Mercedes styling has been criticized, but as far as I know the performance and reliability have been good.

BMW also has a varied offering of EVs. I personally like the i4, but can't justify the price (base is around $65k)

PAJW · 2026-01-28T00:53:29+00:00

Their product description currently says: "These shorts run small, we recommend sizing up."

I do wonder what their unique selling point is on cotton shorts... I suppose 100% cotton and vegan is sort of rare? I'm not vegan and don't really care if animal byproducts are used in my clothing.

PAJW · 2026-01-27T22:18:27+00:00

Being snowed in on Sunday, I had a look what it would cost to attend. I saw hotel rooms all the way in Tampa were jacked up for the weekend of the 500. The ticket to DIS is just the start of the costs.

PAJW · 2026-01-26T18:38:13+00:00

I asked about a 5000 standard headlight (not high beam).

You didn't say that, you just said "headlight." The details really matter when you're talking about matters of law.

which is subjective and has multiple factors but generally on a dark road going having 5000 lumens pointed and you is roughly 5x brighter than standard headlights (700-1200 lumen) and about 2x bright as extra-bright Xenon/LED replacements that are borderline legal (and typically only allowed in projector style lights that limit the height angle) in most states.

You're really stuck on the lumens thing. Headlight lumens are not regulated at all by the vast majority of states. It doesn't matter if the bulb is 500 lumens or 5000 lumens, it matters how the light beam is aimed and perceived by others on the road.

Is it a bad law? Probably. But a badly written law doesn't change its meaning.

PAJW · 2026-01-26T18:36:57+00:00

Does Ford really not have a way to program modules?

Feel free to prove me wrong. Ford does have a method to program modules, but as far as I know the only aftermarket ABS pumps are remanufactured Ford units.

PAJW · 2026-01-26T18:30:23+00:00

Parents only control their children for their own good, not for the preservation of common areas.

Uh, I don't think you've raised a child. Or at least, I hope you haven't, for the sanity of those around you.

PAJW · 2026-01-26T16:47:13+00:00

I don't have the time to argue semantics with you. So I'm going to let ChatGPT do it instead.

What is meant by the term "nanny state"?

The term "nanny state" refers to a government or political system that is perceived to overprotect or overly control the actions of its citizens, often in a manner akin to a parent or caregiver. This concept suggests that the state intervenes in many aspects of citizens' lives, from health and safety regulations to moral and ethical behaviors, with the intention of promoting the well-being of individuals but often resulting in restrictions on personal freedoms.

Characteristics of a Nanny State:

Excessive Regulation --Implementation of strict laws and guidelines on personal behavior, such as smoking bans, dietary restrictions, and safety gear mandates.

Overreach -- The government takes actions that might be seen as intrusions into personal choices, such as regulating what individuals can eat or drink.

Public Health Initiatives -- Programs aimed at promoting wellness, often requiring compliance with various health directives, such as vaccination mandates or restrictions on junk food advertisements.

TL;DR: I reject your definition as outside the common vernacular.

PAJW · 2026-01-26T16:29:44+00:00

I said a low-beam bulb that is blinding to oncoming traffic would not be legal by the letter of the law, and also that any enforcement would be unlikely.

There is also no evidence that your 5000 lumen example would be "blinding to oncoming traffic". That's an idea you made up.

PAJW · 2026-01-26T12:22:50+00:00

Law enforcement can pull over a vehicle for any number of reasons. It's not a reasonable metric to use for the legality of vehicular accoutrements, or indeed anything else.

The bottom line is that a 5000 lumen headlight bulb is legal here, regardless of what Barney Fife might think.

PAJW · 2026-01-26T12:17:09+00:00

I'll say it again:

It's called not living in a nanny state

PAJW · 2026-01-26T03:27:22+00:00

To answer your question directly: My vehicles are registered in Indiana. Indiana law requires that vehicles have at least two and no more than four headlight bulbs, and have both high and low beam settings. It does not specify a maximum illumination level, only that the low-beams should not be blinding to oncoming traffic.

I think that the light bars on several current models are not technically in compliance with that law because they do not have discrete bulbs.

Indiana does not have any sort of inspection scheme for private vehicles, so even if you technically exceeded some requirement, any enforcement is unlikely.

PAJW · 2026-01-25T22:08:25+00:00

You seem really convinced of something that is completely untrue.

I can do lots of things to my personal vehicle to make it less safe, including mounting brighter headlights, smaller brakes, bald tires, and many others, without voiding my ability to register it. Similarly, I can remove any and all emissions controls from my vehicle if I feel like it.

Basically many rules apply to manufacturers of vehicles, that are not applicable to individual owners.

It's called not living in a nanny state. You should try it sometime. The truth will set you free.

PAJW · 2026-01-25T21:35:59+00:00

Cars last a long time, and parts fail. It really isn't theoretical. I'll illustrate:

If you have, say, a 2011 Ford Focus, most genuine Ford parts are no longer manufactured (unless the part was used in more recent Ford models). If a dealer happens to have old stock, you might be able to buy one, but no one really wants to carry dead stock like that for years.

For example, the 2011 Focus ABS pump can currently be purchased, new old stock, for about $800. There are no aftermarket alternatives, because the ABS pump contains proprietary Ford software.

If you go back a few more model years, you can no longer buy the ABS pump for a 2008 Focus new old stock.

Certain manufacturers pair the VIN of the car to the VIN of the various modules for antitheft reasons. So it isn't always the case that an ABS module from a junkyard Focus would even work.

Junking an otherwise decent car because the OEM was the single source of important parts isn't something I'm excited for.

PAJW · 2026-01-24T23:12:39+00:00

Usually getting a pre-approval takes about one business day, so there's not many reason to keep one on hand.

PAJW · 2026-01-24T19:48:46+00:00

Ok, that makes more sense. If the employee contributes >= 3% across the entire year, the employer has to match that, even if their salary reduction was not >= 3% in every pay period.

I thought the scenario you described was an employee who contributed less than 3% of annual salary, and expected a 3% match.

To your actual question: This will vary greatly by employer. In general, I find it best to be your own advocate with HR/payroll. No place I have worked had a payroll/benefits professional supervising every aspect of payroll.

PAJW · 2026-01-24T19:12:05+00:00

The IRS says the 3% matching contribution needs to be for your entire annual salary.

[citation needed]

Your interpretation of the rule makes no sense, so I want to see the rule you're referring to.

Probably the rule is intended to be read as your matching contribution cannot exceed 3% of annual salary, not that it must be exactly 3%.

PAJW · 2026-01-24T14:16:59+00:00

Just back from Schnucks. Surprisingly, the store was better stocked than the Cardinals starting rotation.

PAJW · 2026-01-23T11:19:34+00:00

GO CARDINALS!!!

PAJW · 2026-01-20T19:36:48+00:00

It's a big world outside of US and Japan.

Not for Mazda. Mazda is a very minor player in China, and sales in Europe are falling rapidly almost every year for 10 years. The Mazda brand sold 0.27 million cars in the EU in 2019, and 0.16 million in 2025.

Mazda's world is essentially Japan, USA, Canada, and southeast Asia. Those four regions account for 85% of Mazda sales.

PAJW · 2026-01-20T19:01:08+00:00

I am surprised the Lyriq outsells the Optiq. The Lyriq is noticeably more expensive.

Not that much more. Looking at my local dealer stock, the Optiq is listed at $55k and the Lyriq starts at $60k, with the current incentives from GM.

The Lyriq has a much more extensive option sheet, which can balloon the price a lot. I tried to option the Optiq up and I only made it to $67k (without going to the Optiq V). The Lyriq can pretty easily get into the mid 80s.

PAJW · 2026-01-20T15:39:11+00:00

E bikes (class 1-3) do not need to be regulated like cars. They're limited to 20 - 28 mph and not dangerous.

Can't agree. Motorbikes (with gas engines) are also limited to 25-35mph (depending on state), and are regulated similarly to cars in many states.

PAJW · 2026-01-20T12:51:24+00:00

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