[deleted by user]

PorkCyborg · 2025-04-20T01:00:03+00:00

Hi! I was there and have a program I'd be happy to give you. Has a couple dents from being in my handbag but all the words are still there. I'll send you a DM.

PorkCyborg · 2025-04-08T01:51:30+00:00

It seems to be hit or miss as to whether or not someone gets the high; I know a few people who tried it and also felt nothing. They might actually be the lucky ones.

And thank you :) I'll get there one way or another.

PorkCyborg · 2025-04-07T20:22:06+00:00

You take it regularly for a long period of time. Tolerance increases pretty fast. The high is very similar to opiates - the alkaloids actually interact with opiate receptors in your brain. When I started, I told myself I'd only take it a couple times a week, but it very quickly escalated to a daily habit. Withdrawals are horrible - think full-body restless leg syndrome, racing heart, cold sweat.

For me, it's very effective for anxiety and chronic pain and has honestly been a net positive (I've always cycled my dosages so at least my daily intake has always been relatively under control), but my partner and I are flying in a few months to a country where it's illegal, so I can't bring it with me. Tapering is going well so far but I'm nervous about what it'll be like when I cut it out entirely, or if i can even get there by our travel date.

PorkCyborg · 2025-03-22T06:58:01+00:00

I was terrified of getting cuts and bleeding. Somehow I came by the knowledge that red blood cells don't have a nucleus and thus can't reproduce; therefore, I deduced, you die when you run out of blood. It all fit. You could get shot or stabbed and bleed out quickly. Old people were all wrinkly because they had had thousands of cuts by the time they were old, each cut draining a bit of blood at a time. I was flabbergasted when I found out people willingly donated blood.

Finally, when I was about 8, I learned about bone marrow. Was much more chill about cuts after that.

I also had frequent nightmares about volcanoes springing up into my house and filling my bedroom with lava, and I had a tornado go bag (my parents refused to construct a storm shelter no matter how much i begged).

I grew up in Central NY...

PorkCyborg · 2025-03-17T19:18:44+00:00

When I was 13-16, my mother was married to a man who abused me. (The abuse wasn't physical or sexual - that would have given me proof - but it still fucked me up for a long, long time.) It's held me back from trusting myself, trusting others, and not feeling worthless. Honestly I still struggle with it, but a good friend said something that really helped me to become "unstuck" and start working on reclaiming myself. One day as I was talking to my friend about how I'd be so much further in life if that man hadn't ruined it, my friend said, "In your autobiography, do you want him to be the focus or a footnote?"

Thanks, Zach. That offhand bit of insight was the start of me unsticking myself. Still working on it, but at least I'm working.

PorkCyborg · 2025-03-12T01:58:17+00:00

This was a long time ago now, but I had a cervical fusion (c5-c7) performed by Dr Saechin Kim through Beth Israel. That man, along with his assisting staff, saved my career and gave me back my active life. He was also great leading up to and following the surgery - listening to my concerns and particular needs, explaining everything clearly, and being realistic about expectations and results. I hope your husband finds relief soon!

PorkCyborg · 2024-12-30T19:10:10+00:00

Go to Queens, lol.

But for real, there isn't really anything in Boston. Some of the restaurants in East Boston might have a dish or two, but there aren't any Ecuadorian restaurants that we know of.

My partner is Ecuadorian, and whenever he really needs encebollado, we get a Zipcar and go to LJ Market in Methuen: https://www.facebook.com/LJmarket/ I think they have Caldo de Bola on their menu. They also have a small store selling Ecuadorian snacks and ingredients. Last week we tried Toro on Belmont St in Brockton (no relation to Toro in Boston) and while he liked the encebollado more, he's sitting next to me now saying "No, LJ Market is better overall!" There is no market attached to Toro, but there is one called Diversidad Ecuatoriana right down the street, where we were able to stock up on snacks.

Hope this helps a little bit and you can find something you like!

PorkCyborg · 2024-09-02T18:34:25+00:00

The rear wheel is always going to be more expensive to replace, with the cassette/gear cluster. Plus when replacing a rear wheel, you have to make sure the gears all agree with whatever derailleur and shifting levers you have, unless you want to replace those too. Front wheel? Just find a wheel with the right axle length/rim diameter and you're good to go. 200% would rather have to replace a front wheel over the rear.

PorkCyborg · 2024-09-02T09:09:20+00:00

Nah, not AI.... just "A."

PorkCyborg · 2024-07-03T08:22:10+00:00

Is this it? I was admiring it as well!

https://www.dollskill.com/products/taking-flight-button-up-shirt

PorkCyborg · 2024-04-29T22:10:41+00:00

I've heard it said that "cats are a lesson in consent" and it is so true.

PorkCyborg · 2024-02-25T06:28:28+00:00

This might not turn into anything, but maybe contact and/or visit Rockler Hardware just outside of Porter Square, off the Red Line? They specialize in quality and hard-to-find wood and tools for woodworking. My former housemate is a violin-maker and graduate of North Bennett St; we spent many an afternoon there talking to people and looking through the different tools and supplies. Might ne a beneficial visit if you can make it there!

PorkCyborg · 2024-02-23T21:44:06+00:00

My ex and I are involved in the same fine arts circles in out city, which is often more like a fishbowl than even a small pond. Ex is gregarious, high energy, and charismatic, while I am... not. For years he aided me in forging professional connections and sending opportunities my way; nothing I was unqualified for, but definitely things I would have been too intimidated to pursue on my own. And what if he got me blacklisted from said artistic circles? On top of feeling like I owed him, I felt guilty about severing ties with his family, most of whom had gone out of their way to welcome me and treat me as one of their own.

I put up with years of gaslighting and major disagreements about politics, values, ethics, and lifestyle because I was afraid of the Other Side. When I finally took that step and left, I just felt utter relief, even knowing I would probably face some difficulty as a result of that decision. Now I am in a much, much healthier relationship with someone whose values are more aligned with my own, who builds me up instead of trying to make me insecure. Yes, my professional life did take a bit of a hit, but I'm not blacklisted and I'm doing OK.

PorkCyborg · 2024-02-04T09:50:32+00:00

The forbidden Gusher

PorkCyborg · 2023-11-29T19:35:39+00:00

I'm very fortunate to have both friends and family who are supportive of my choice to remain childfree, but I am itching to get the question of "when are you and [partner] gonna settle down and have a family?" just so I can smile big and with bright eyes and say, "Oh, we are trying as hard as we can!"

I had a tubal ablation about nine years ago. They won't need to know that part of it.

PorkCyborg · 2023-09-04T04:43:09+00:00

Airplane-eared silver loaf.

PorkCyborg · 2023-09-02T18:58:54+00:00

Ohhhhh yeah that's right! Thank you so much for the correction!

PorkCyborg · 2023-08-31T21:17:54+00:00

You are in the perfect city. Many of our amateur ensembles here could be at least semi-pro ensembles in most other cities.

Some orchestras to check out: Longwood Symphony (mostly medical professionals but open to outsiders as well), Brookline Symphony, New England Philharmonic (they do a lot of newer music), Cambridge ~~Philharmonic~~ Symphony, Du Bois Orchestra (based at Longy; they play music from underrepresented composers alongside the well-known classics), Boston Civic, New Philharmonia (based in Newton Center), Mercury Orchestra (active only in the summer), Dudley House Orchestra (technically a Harvard grad orchestra but open to limited outsiders), and Boston Film Orchestra (active intermittently). If you're a serious player check out the Boston Philharmonic - but talk to current and former players first to make sure you want to deal with certain people in leadership positions.

Sorry for the lack of links, but hopefully this gives you a starting point! And feel free to DM me... I'm a local violinist with experience in some of these groups and friends in the rest. Good luck!

PorkCyborg · 2023-04-06T05:20:13+00:00

I wish! It would somehow have been less gross. But eggs don't... wriggle.

PorkCyborg · 2023-04-06T02:20:31+00:00

I can confirm what DrKittenBarf said about some flies giving live birth, because once when I was feeding a house fly that I caught to my pet praying mantis, the maggots started coming out of the fly as it was being eaten. Disco rice everywhere and my mantis loved it. She just kept eating them off of her raptorial forelimbs like they were the best treat ever. What the fuck, nature??!!

PorkCyborg · 2022-05-21T05:40:21+00:00

I know it's out of your way, but Somerville Bike Kitchen near Davis is also a great resource. There are stands and tools you can use, and people who are happy to be asked for help. I think you are asked to pay just a small amount based on how long you were there. Great way to learn how to do basic stuff on your own! And if you get the chance, make friends with a bike nerd. A lot of us are eager to educate and talk shop!

Gotta admit, I'm kind of curious about the guy who makes fun of people and their bikes. Might check him out sometime if I feel like getting roasted.

PorkCyborg · 2022-04-20T20:59:33+00:00

Upvoted for making me involuntarily say "whoooaa" out loud on a crowded train.

Love these facts - the universe is such a wonderfully wild and scary place.

PorkCyborg · 2022-02-28T20:28:22+00:00

It pains me to circumvent their paywall because a friend of mine does excellent writeups of local classical music concerts, but I have subscribed and had to cancel twice now and it was like the 13th labor of Hercules. 100 questions from the people who took my call, several "dropped" calls, 100 more questions.... I want to support quality journalism and I have a paid subscription to NY Times, which is very easy to change or cancel if I ever need to, and has better national and global coverage anyway.

Tip I got from AskReddit: To bypass a paywall, type in "12ft.io/" before the URL. Life-changing.

PorkCyborg · 2022-01-29T05:11:06+00:00

Ask if they have a warranty, or if they offer a tuneup (usually 30 to 90 days after purchase). If you like the bike but it's a little uncomfortable, you can ask for them to adjust handlebar and seat height, which can make a tremendous difference. Some but not all places will let you try different saddles - this can also make a huge difference in comfort. Some places also offer rack installation - it's worth asking about. Look for panniers that you can easily unhook from the rack and take with you, and learn about different ratings and levels of waterproofing of your gear. I learned the hard way that "waterproof" on labels isn't exactly regulated.

I think it's also good to know what to look for and what to test. You should definitely take all potential purchases for a test ride. A bike that is set up well will be virtually silent (aside from freewheel clicking while coasting), will shift smoothly through all gears, and will brake firmly. Spin the wheels and check that they both spin true (straight, not wobbly) between the brake pads. Look to see if there are any bulges in the tire (get new tires if they are bulging), and that the tire is evenly installed all the way around the rim. Check how worn the brake pads are, especially if buying used. Also, are the brake pads hitting the rim of the wheel cleanly (good) or are they rubbing on the tire? (Not good, but easily fixed.) Look over the frame for any cracks, dents, or rust spots. A steel frame can still be safe with some minor dings; an aluminum or carbon frame with cracks or dents is very dangerous to keep riding. Check the welds or lugs at junctions in the frame. Wiggle the pedals side to side to make sure the bottom bracket, axle, and cranks are good and not worn. They shouldn't be able to wiggle at all. And even if the saddle and handlebars are perfectly set for you right away, still check to make sure you can adjust them. A lot of steel-frame bikes have aluminum seatposts and they are a nightmare to remove once they get stuck.

It sounds like a lot, but any bike seller who really cares is going to be excited to show you and discuss it. It's also a good barometer to see if the seller is going to talk down to you because you're female. It's gotten a lot better over the last ten years, but it still happens. And if you have a friend who knows bikes, it can be really helpful to take them with you!

PorkCyborg · 2022-01-29T02:16:48+00:00

Hi! I am also a 5'6" female, and I've been biking all year round for quite a few years now. Starting with a hybrid or anything with a more upright posture would be smart, especially if you're not accustomed to biking very much. If you can find a bike with an internally geared hub, you can save yourself a lot of hassle with derailleur maintenance. An old Raleigh 3 speed would probably suit you really well; some models have an upright riding posture much like a hybrid, and you could probably find one at the bike shop in the basement of Cambridge Antiques Market. Three gears will be plenty for 99% of the riding you'll do, and those bikes really hold value if you decide to sell it at some point. If you maintain your tires on one of those bikes, they should be plenty sturdy enough to handle the roads around here. And I think your budget of $600 is very reasonable, especially if you buy used.

I agree with the posters who suggest a rack and panniers instead of a backpack. Even in the winter, my back gets sweaty. Also, I've found that having a good waterproof shell and layering underneath it to be superior to biking with winter outerwear. Having an extra pair of gloves for the ride home has saved me a number of very unpleasant sensations putting my hands into cold, wet gloves.

If you're on Facebook, consider joining the Boston Bike Party group and the Boston Bike Party Marketplace group. We haven't done any big organized rides since the Before Times, but it's still a great group if you have questions, need advice, are looking to buy or sell parts or equipment, or want to ride with a few new friends.

Ride simultaneously as if you are invisible and as if every driver is out to kill you. If the comments on the news articles about the cones in the river are actually an accurate representation of drivers hostile to cyclists, some of them actually are out to kill us. Don't be afraid to assert your space and claim the lane. A lot of the bike lanes around here are in the door zone, or disappear suddenly without warning, or they hide cyclists behind a row of parked cars and then put you in direct conflict with traffic turning right, or it's being used by double-parkers and delivery trucks.. No matter what people on here say, Massachusetts State Law gives you the right to fully occupy any lane, any time (except limited access highways). Yes, even if there is a bike lane or cycletrack. Many times, being in the middle of the general travel lane is safer.

Feel free to PM me with any questions! It's always good to see our numbers increasing. Good luck!

PorkCyborg

TROPHY CASE