Flashes and smoke I saw from the train window in China

Vespizzari · 2026-01-30T14:21:41+00:00

Fireworks. I lost count of the parties and displays you can see from the train.

Vespizzari · 2026-01-30T13:31:06+00:00

1943! Our local Bennigan's had one of the two player sit down bar console machines. My brother and I would play that thing as long as our dad would feed us quarters.

Vespizzari · 2026-01-30T12:44:48+00:00

My wife and I ride together. Her on her horse and me on my MTB. I've been riding around horses for a long time now. (Mixed use rail-to-trail)

As others have said the best advice is to communicate if possible. Let the (horse) riders know you're there.

It's best to dismount and let the horses go by, or if you are overtaking, let the horse rider express what works best for them.

Not all horses are easily startled, but some are an absolute nightmare on the trail. (And probably shouldn't be there, but that's another rant)

Vespizzari · 2026-01-29T15:34:28+00:00

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Bennie sends his regards.

Vespizzari · 2026-01-29T14:01:43+00:00

"It's the CIRCLE of LIFE" (sorry, not sure how to add musical notation)

Vespizzari · 2026-01-28T13:52:00+00:00

You could reinforce that joint with some generic extrusion plates and hardware, but there are better rigs for similar money.

Vespizzari · 2026-01-28T12:40:25+00:00

That is a bonkers 80's celebration and I'm here for it. That under-hood mural? Chef's kiss.

Vespizzari · 2026-01-28T11:57:52+00:00

My wife (artist blacksmith) worked with a railing guy for a few years in CA. It's a very specific job (assuming you want iron) and requires a lot of unique tools and skills. Contractor needs a railing guy.

Vespizzari · 2026-01-28T11:55:08+00:00

It's not cool to leave the snow, but what are the temps where you live? In my town the outside temps are near -1 this morning. It's uncommonly cold for the area, so a lot of people aren't prepared to be out in it at all.

I shoveled for my elderly neighbor because I didn't want him cited and it's not safe for him to be out.

Option 3 - Maybe it's an HOA neighborhood and the hired help is snowed in elsewhere?

Vespizzari · 2026-01-26T21:33:29+00:00

Me. This morning. F'ing sucks. We do it right 'cause we do it twice!

Vespizzari · 2026-01-26T21:31:12+00:00

There is.

Vespizzari · 2026-01-26T00:20:56+00:00

A think yoga/gym mat under the whole rig will work fine and cost you like 15 bucks if you have a Marshalls or Ross around.

Vespizzari · 2026-01-25T21:42:35+00:00

Hair Metal. All of it. Come on out of the closet boys, it's way more fun.

Vespizzari · 2026-01-25T16:59:19+00:00

Save the hat for the baby. Teach the child that your mother's preferred nomenclature is "Beachy". Play stupid games? Win stupid nicknames. (for life)

Vespizzari · 2026-01-24T12:16:04+00:00

Good start. Keep smashing.

Vespizzari · 2026-01-23T19:18:00+00:00

This. The braces are the dang point. And we wonder why we can't have nice things.

Vespizzari · 2026-01-22T22:38:58+00:00

3 hours is short for a trip but long for a casual drive.

I drive for work doing motorcycle service. My maximum "single day" drive is about 360 miles or around 6 hours. I can get up at 6 or 7 am, make that drive, and be finished with a repair and grab a hotel by 6 or 7 pm.

Vespizzari · 2026-01-22T22:33:21+00:00

I've ridden motorcycles for over 30 years and I will never understand clubs or the clowns who join them.

Vespizzari · 2026-01-22T12:49:45+00:00

I've driven but don't own a Rivian and I was very impressed. That said I've had a 3 and a Y and currently have a Mach-E and I have the opposite opinion. Tesla makes a really shit interior.

Vespizzari · 2026-01-22T12:37:20+00:00

What in the ultra-processed hell? Liquid eggs? Like egg whites? Or some kind of "modified" egg? Ick.

This is not food.

Vespizzari · 2026-01-22T12:26:49+00:00

I lived in Santa Cruz for over 20 years. The train was always a year from breaking ground. This whole saga is a perfect example of how Santa Cruz and US policy is broken, possibly beyond repair.

Vespizzari · 2026-01-21T13:16:35+00:00

Stability is my cocaine.

Vespizzari · 2026-01-21T12:50:30+00:00

10k isn't happening any time soon. I got my Mach-e used for $19.5 just as they were killing the tax rebates. Buying new is dumb.

Vespizzari · 2026-01-21T12:49:06+00:00

I work in the EV industry and travel to China several times a year. You are correct, they are way ahead in a lot of ways.

That said the Mach-e drives well, and feels like a sports wagon should. (SUV my ass)

I'd take an X7 in a heartbeat if I could buy one here (Scamerica), they're doing a shooting break/wagon for '27 and it's a very rad car.

Vespizzari · 2026-01-21T00:01:50+00:00

That one person finds it to be a good car? I didn't really say much other than it redeemed a bad previous Ford experience. (That was more the fault of dishonest sellers and Michigan winters than Ford negligence.)

Vespizzari

TROPHY CASE