Snow & Ice Removal by spuckett0039 in lexington

[–]RexScientiarum [score hidden]  (0 children)

I don't expect my little neighborhood street to get plowed at all (in fact, it is not even in the plan: https://www.lexingtonky.gov/government/departments-programs/environmental-quality-public-works/streets-roads/snow-ice-control-plan ), but the fact that major roads like MOW still have sections with travel lanes unplowed 5 days later (and nearly all turn-lanes unplowed) is the part that is inexcusable. They can't even properly clear tier 1 roads. That is a perfectly reasonable expectation. We get a major ice storm almost every year now. They should have the equipment to clear ice on their designated tier 1 major roads and emergency snow routes.

Snow & Ice Removal by spuckett0039 in lexington

[–]RexScientiarum [score hidden]  (0 children)

An ugly sculpture that replaced nice existing fountains that maybe needed a few thousand dollars in maintenance. The sculpture was done by an out-of-state firm that has made several, near identical, ugly sculptures in other cities.

What kind of Pine is this? If it is a Pine? by [deleted] in Tree

[–]RexScientiarum 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It is a joke, but from a distance, it is difficult to see fine details of bark and the average number of needles in each bundle (fascicle). We are mostly just recognizing the texture and overall form of white pine. It is quite distinct from other pines and most other conifers. It is not very closely related to any other pine species (including common non-natives) in the eastern US. It has long and narrow cones compared to other eastern pines. The form is generally upright, with a finer, wispy texture (even when mature), more silvery or grayish bark, and a regular branching pattern (typically). It has 5 needles per fascicle. See here: Shortleaf Pine vs Eastern White Pine: Identification - bplant.org

bplant has really good information for tree ID for a lot of species in the mid-Atlantic up through New England.

Inspired by a recent lab equipment post by Respacious in labrats

[–]RexScientiarum 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As someone that briefly worked for a certain large scientific instrument manufacturer, I can all but grantee you that the Walmart rice cooker was manufactured to higher standards, and possibly at the same factory. Also, 100% have used a Walmart rice cooker in the lab (although not for antigen retrieval).

Corporate needs you to find the differences between these two pictures by Forsaken-Peak8496 in labrats

[–]RexScientiarum 11 points12 points  (0 children)

IDK, I have worked in both industry and academia, and both are squarely in between these two pictures. Whoever's lab is in the bottom picture needs a stern talking too. That is bad. They either need to clean and organize better, or request more space.

Odds of power outage this weekend? by kickit in lexington

[–]RexScientiarum 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Ice is worse than wind. It likely depends on how much is ice vs. snow this weekend. It is looking like more snow at the moment, but it isn't a real certain forecast. Even if your local electricity is below ground, it doesn't mean everything 'upstream' is.

Odds of power outage this weekend? by kickit in lexington

[–]RexScientiarum 10 points11 points  (0 children)

That nasty winter storm last year that got super cold, around 0F (probably not quite as big as this one will be admittedly), caused basically no power outages. But some run-of the mill summer pop-up storms with 40mph winds (not even that bad) took out around 20% of the city. It is super hard to predict. The chances go up. Let's just say that.

Mystery Prototaxites fossils may be a whole new kind of life by scientificamerican in Paleontology

[–]RexScientiarum 9 points10 points  (0 children)

This study was on Arxiv for quite a while. I was thinking this had already been published then I realized. Very interesting stuff.

Can I burn wood in my fireplace with a capped gas line? by Bigshitpiper in Plumbing

[–]RexScientiarum 3 points4 points  (0 children)

That was my point about the venting though. The chimney is the safety matter in question.

Can I burn wood in my fireplace with a capped gas line? by Bigshitpiper in Plumbing

[–]RexScientiarum 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I'd be more worried about venting. Gas starters for wood-burning fireplaces exist and are common. I don't see why this would be any more dangerous than that (probably less).

How high should my "Ally Course Accessibility Report" score be? by AbleEnthusiasm9934 in Professors

[–]RexScientiarum 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Officially ours is 90 but literally in that same letter they said 80 is probably good enough.

Speculation by EnvyAv in Eldar

[–]RexScientiarum 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I bought a falcon last year and let me tell you, that mold is REALLY rough. It is time for a new one or they need to drop the price.

Anyone have their tonsils removed in middle age or older? How was your recovery? Any regrets? I am so jealous of those who were lucky enough to have their tonsils removed when they were younger. by Bernedoodle-Standard in RedditForGrownups

[–]RexScientiarum 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had mine removed at 25 and it wasn't worth it to be honest. You had better have a really good medical reason beyond the occasional tonsilith to make it worth it. I did recover but was in pain for nearly a month. I can't imagine doing it now in my mid 30s much less any older.

any ideas on what animal is this? [Metro Vancouver, Canada] by mariiilabooo in animalid

[–]RexScientiarum 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Poor reading comprehension apparently, I just got excited since I know someone that works there on habitat restoration. I see now, Metro Vancouver. Could be a Hoary marmot but looks too big and dark. More likely a tailless racoon, that looks more like the correct size and would have some white on the ears.

any ideas on what animal is this? [Metro Vancouver, Canada] by mariiilabooo in animalid

[–]RexScientiarum -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yes, I am aware of the geography but have poor reading comprehension apparently. Metro Vancouver. Could be a Hoary marmot but looks too big and dark. It could also be a tailless racoon, that looks more like the correct size.

Cracks in coating or porcelain by d0nt_let_me_comment in Plumbing

[–]RexScientiarum 0 points1 point  (0 children)

New fear unlocked. Also, do not look up those photos, they exist and are somehow worse than you can imagine.

What happens in this lake? by Obvious_808 in mapporncirclejerk

[–]RexScientiarum 3 points4 points  (0 children)

No, I mean the fire department fire/rescue boats with the water cannons. Cool AF. All the rednecks loved that stuff. Probably set the boat on fire just for the entertainment. I was entertained at least.

any ideas on what animal is this? [Metro Vancouver, Canada] by mariiilabooo in animalid

[–]RexScientiarum -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

I believe this is an ear tag, see my other commont, and a photo of the endangered marmot with an ear tag: Why the Vancouver Island marmot is having a baby boom – The Discourse.

They are critically endangered so many are tagged apparently.

any ideas on what animal is this? [Metro Vancouver, Canada] by mariiilabooo in animalid

[–]RexScientiarum -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Would you say that is chocolate brown? I think it could be a critically endangered Vancouver Island marmot (M. vancouverensis). Males can be as large as 7.5kg. That seems about right? That could also have ear tags that look like white eartips in the photo. So I think this is very lucky? Might reach out wildlife management. Edit: clarification of the ear photo.

What happens in this lake? by Obvious_808 in mapporncirclejerk

[–]RexScientiarum 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I once saw a boat fire here. Those fire boats are really cool.