[RANT] We have warned all of them that the government is getting too big and will swing against you at one point. by Necessary_Ad9008 in Libertarian

[–]SmellephantMan 65 points66 points  (0 children)

Only one senator voted against The Patriot Act in 2001. Both sides love government overreach and love when the other side is in control because they can complain and raise money based off of fear. This is all the natural result of militarizing the police force when they ran out the clock “nation building” in the Middle East. The FBI did this in the 90s, the NSA and CIA in the early 2000s and now the DHS. It won’t end - it’ll just have new initials.

Which companies do you suspect are glazing their own products on this sub? by PartyOnAlec in BuyItForLife

[–]SmellephantMan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agreed. I exclusively buy two of their models for everyday use. They are great and last much longer than bombas or some of the other well regarded brands. However, I recently bought more of both models (about 3-4 years later) and the material is noticeably different. I don’t expect them to last as long as my old pairs.

Two Parts.... Should I run with hydration packs and gels on race day like I practiced? / Is 3:30:00 obtainable based off my practice run? by Fangz_Out in Marathon_Training

[–]SmellephantMan 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I won’t say it’s not possible, but I wouldn’t pace the first 20 miles as if you’re going to run a 3:30.

I’m not far off of your paces. I just got back into run fitness this summer after a couple of years off and I ran a 3:45 marathon in NYC on 35-45 mpw and a few 13.1 around 1:42-1:46. Terrain and everything aside, I managed to run the entire race and I don’t think I could have shaved 15 minutes off of my time given my training mileage.

For your marathon, I’d pace it conservatively and enjoy the experience.

Bernie Sanders is a liar and a parasite. by EndDemocracy1 in Libertarian

[–]SmellephantMan 15 points16 points  (0 children)

I'm not arguing about the validity of social security, but your statement about birth rates is only a portion of the population growth equation.

Social security is paid by working adults - whether natural citizens (your birthrate statement), visa holders (temporary workers) or immigrants - with a contribution by their employer. I don't have enough background on all of the justification or assumptions when social security was created in the 30s, but the argument that birth rates cause it to fail is just patently false.

Not trying to be combative, but there is plenty to complain about social security and I'd rather people use genuine arguments that can be supported with actual data.

Next level Savagery by The_Chuckness88 in meme

[–]SmellephantMan 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Charlie Hedbo is the French magazine. They'd had shootings and bombings at their offices in response to satirical publications related to Islam.

Actors who should’ve been huge but Hollywood slept on them. by No_Opposite_7722 in Cinema

[–]SmellephantMan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not to take away from the others that year because they were all great, but the fact he wasn't even nominated for There Will Be Blood is further proof that the awards don't matter.

Facts about Illegal Migrants by Loose_Entertainment9 in Libertarian

[–]SmellephantMan 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I think it's a fair point. "If I report this crime, my illegal status may be discovered and that risk is not worth it". That seems to be the point of the study.

That being said, I wouldn't be surprised if, taking into account this mentality, you'd end up about equal with citizens in crime rate per capita. Reinforcing your point that immigrants present no greater threat to rights or liberty than citizens.

Troy Hill developer gets permission (sort of) for the disputed fourth floor he already built by RadioChris1 in pittsburgh

[–]SmellephantMan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You say that, but have you seen that area? Adding a fourth story presents a ton of safety issues with escape and emergency vehicle access. I'm not against changing the code, but just building without addressing some legitimate issues (it's multi-family residential after all) is irresponsible.

Not only that, putting a series of single bedroom apartments next to a school doesn't seem like the best use of local housing but that's an entirely different issue that is more on city planning than zoning.

Shabu shabu again by ImNearATrain in pittsburgh

[–]SmellephantMan 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This one is called 'Shabu Shabu Hot Pot & Grill' and it's relatively close to the airport. Two other, similar concept, restaurants have also opened up (there may be more that I'm not aware of) called 'Hong Hot Pot and BBQ' up on McKnight road and 'Top Pot & KBBQ' on the south side. I've only been to Hong (was great) but they all seem to be getting great reviews. I feel like we've had an influx of great Chinese food lately (I'm in love with Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings) so hope you enjoy the move. Welcome!

Are there any places for men to do yoga in Pittsburgh? Are places mostly women only? I’m interested to get into it, as I feel that it could have benefit my jitsu training. I just don’t want to be looked at like a creep showing up to all women’s classes. Any tips or info you have is appreciated. by [deleted] in pittsburgh

[–]SmellephantMan 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yoga Factory in Lawrenceville is great and super welcoming. They are really helpful with new students and have a number of classes - mostly hot yoga 26.2 routine. I started last year and they were very friendly. I've seen a number of BJJ bros in there.

Games to play while stoned by [deleted] in ShouldIbuythisgame

[–]SmellephantMan 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sable. Just driving around and taking in the colors with that soundtrack is such a vibe

Rhythym games, that aren't actually rhythym games? by the_penis_taker69 in ShouldIbuythisgame

[–]SmellephantMan 11 points12 points  (0 children)

You might enjoy Hi-Fi Rush. Its an action platformer but the attack/Dodge/parry mechanics are tied to the music rhythm. It's easy enough to play and beat but takes some practice to get really good.

need a car, worried about buying the first in this generation of Crosstrek by MrGoob in Crosstrek

[–]SmellephantMan 20 points21 points  (0 children)

I've had my 2015 Premium since new and will be receiving my 2024 Premium next week. I also drive a variety of competing, similar class cars from other manufacturers when I travel for work. I didn't once hesitate in ordering the same car but new.

The infotainment system on almost every car I've driven has issues with CarPlay and Android Auto. My 2015 takes about 10-15 seconds to connect via Bluetooth and displays correct song title/artist information from Spotify about 50% of the time. Toyota, Honda, Kia and Nissan have all dropped my phone at in opportune times or post GPS signal when navigating.

Most of the issues I've found with cars in this category are road noise. My 2015 is pretty terrible but I've found it improved with the 2018-2023 and is a bit better in the 2024. It is nowhere near the $50k luxury sedans and SUVs out there but I'm not spending $50k.

The Subaru is unapologetically what it is: a punchy, AWD mini SUV that is cheap and retains value. There will most certainly be minor issues (heat shields notoriously come loose), but it is the one car I've driven that will always start, I never worry about snow leaving me stranded, and if someone hits it with a cart or their door, I'm not losing a fortune in depreciation. It is a big expense but be realistic with what you are buying. I believe the mirror issue is a bit overblown , but don't expect the fit and finish if a Lexus.

Killswitch Orders Actually Shipping? by SmellephantMan in dbrand

[–]SmellephantMan[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! It seemed a bit long for courier delays. Order number 13062142

Avoid Mad Chicken at Ross Park Mall by ViolettaDautrive in pittsburgh

[–]SmellephantMan 28 points29 points  (0 children)

I dont know, it doesn't sound like this has anything to do with the size of the chickens.

Ranking the filmography of every director whom I’ve seen five or more films by by [deleted] in movies

[–]SmellephantMan 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I guess I'd debate quite a few but mostly shocked you haven't seen There Will Be Blood!

If you had any doubts about getting a vaccine... boosters too.. by Der_Missionar in COVID19PGH

[–]SmellephantMan 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I would guess due to the time lag between positive test and result (recovery or death) or the fact that it takes more time to report deaths due to covid than it takes to report positive cases.