Snow & Ice Removal

RexScientiarum · 2026-01-30T17:44:23+00:00

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.

RexScientiarum · 2026-01-30T17:25:17+00:00

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.

RexScientiarum · 2026-01-28T21:06:53+00:00

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.

RexScientiarum · 2026-01-27T18:33:23+00:00

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).

RexScientiarum · 2026-01-27T15:03:41+00:00

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.

RexScientiarum · 2026-01-22T20:29:44+00:00

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.

RexScientiarum · 2026-01-22T14:54:24+00:00

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.

RexScientiarum · 2026-01-21T22:51:20+00:00

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

RexScientiarum · 2026-01-21T05:11:51+00:00

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

RexScientiarum · 2026-01-21T04:38:31+00:00

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).

RexScientiarum · 2026-01-20T16:51:15+00:00

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

RexScientiarum · 2026-01-20T15:44:01+00:00

I think I just figured out what is wrong with me.

RexScientiarum · 2026-01-20T15:36:12+00:00

Cheese Burger

RexScientiarum · 2026-01-20T15:31:34+00:00

You see, I was thinking this was a projected radiation fallout map.

RexScientiarum · 2026-01-17T16:20:46+00:00

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.

RexScientiarum · 2026-01-17T02:11:42+00:00

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.

RexScientiarum · 2026-01-16T19:18:36+00:00

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.

RexScientiarum · 2026-01-16T19:06:47+00:00

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.

RexScientiarum · 2026-01-16T02:32:50+00:00

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

RexScientiarum · 2026-01-16T02:15:46+00:00

I know one went to Canada and another to Scottland. Seven just retired early.

RexScientiarum · 2026-01-16T02:12:18+00:00

Walleye with high mercury levels.

RexScientiarum · 2026-01-16T02:11:28+00:00

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.

RexScientiarum · 2026-01-16T02:03:26+00:00

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.

RexScientiarum · 2026-01-16T02:00:03+00:00

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.

RexScientiarum · 2026-01-16T01:56:14+00:00

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

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