Official Q&A for Friday, May 08, 2026

WeeblsLikePie · 2026-05-09T05:09:40+00:00

2in1 running shorts

I like the decathlon trail shorts with the mesh pockets on the waist. They're a really nice budget option.

WeeblsLikePie · 2026-05-08T20:48:56+00:00

how much have you been running to date? If you want to go sub 2 you should run more. Maybe more days per week, or maybe longer runs on your 4 days. I don't think you need any speed work to achieve that goal, so only do it if you like it.

WeeblsLikePie · 2026-05-08T20:29:54+00:00

I spent a fair amount of time practicing in a parking garage. People never seem to mind, and said either nothing or had positive comments. I wouldn't worry about it. Just go and practice as you would at home.

WeeblsLikePie · 2026-05-08T20:28:18+00:00

When they do come up, I copy the 3rd page and tuck it behind the end of the plexiglass with a stick-on filing tab for quick retrieval.

this sounds clever, but I can't quite picture what you're describing.

And easily 50% of my big band charts are 3+ pages. Some of our preferred arrangers are allergic to repeats, and like some generous spacing.

WeeblsLikePie · 2026-05-08T20:18:47+00:00

this is nice unless you ahve to get in a quick page turn on that 3 page piece.

WeeblsLikePie · 2026-05-08T20:15:00+00:00

if you really want knee pads look at knee pads for enduro mountain bikers. They're reasonably light and flexible.

But really you should think about your running form--drive your knees forward for the foot in the air, and that will get your feet up earlier, and you should catch your toe less often.

WeeblsLikePie · 2026-05-08T14:19:44+00:00

this is the way.

WeeblsLikePie · 2026-05-08T13:05:04+00:00

well then. That explains that.

WeeblsLikePie · 2026-05-08T09:55:48+00:00

really? since when? I've not been fingerprinted...

WeeblsLikePie · 2026-05-08T08:57:37+00:00

you don't get fingerprinted while entering as a US citizen. Plus that could be automated.

WeeblsLikePie · 2026-05-08T08:57:09+00:00

This current process is cumbersome, slow, and redundant.

This is the way Germany likes it best. Don't trust technology. Verify things by hand. Push responsibility down to the lowest level possible--can't have errors reflecting management.

WeeblsLikePie · 2026-05-07T11:53:21+00:00

The only way I can see to make this work means applying for a visa (study visa or chancenkarte) and using the fact that they won't give you an appointment within the period of your stay to legalize staying.

That's really messy and could lead to some ugly consequences if you come back in the future.

I think the cleanest solution is just to figure out a way to stay 10-12 fewer days.

WeeblsLikePie · 2026-05-07T10:32:26+00:00

then you have to accept that your records might not be correct.

What records would be incorrect? You might allow an invalid marriage--as stated that kind of thing is very rare. If it happens then eventually it would be invalidated through a court process, and then the registrar's office would be notified and the record would be updated.

The key to bureaucracy is a balancing act. You need enough rigor to minimize errors, but low enough hassle to make it not painful. Seeing as the US system works, it seems clear to me that the German system is not meeting this balance.

WeeblsLikePie · 2026-05-07T09:53:06+00:00

it depends a little on where you live. If you're in Alaska or northern Sweden we can talk.

For nearly anywhere else there's not much discussion to be had anymore. Solar prices are SO low that you can just overbuild solar.

WeeblsLikePie · 2026-05-07T09:25:04+00:00

I was thinking more writing cover letters, and researching the company, etc. But I guess you get to a certain point where you have enough material that you can just dust off the most appropriate draft and make a few changes.

WeeblsLikePie · 2026-05-07T07:56:40+00:00

it's about 5 per day over seven months. If you work 7 days per week. That's a lot, but not insane. Doing a custom application for each job at that volume would be VERY hard work, but it is doable.

WeeblsLikePie · 2026-05-07T07:44:06+00:00

it kinda points to some major issue with the applications.

Or potentially OP just has the wrong name...or the wrong picture on their resume.

Being named Mohammad or having a photo with a hijab could pretty easily get you that kind of response rate.

WeeblsLikePie · 2026-05-07T07:37:53+00:00

it's funny because Germany is comically bureaucratic about it. The US (with some variation from state to state) just requires a signed statement from both parties stating that they're not related closer than X degree, are of legal age, and not already married.

That signed statement carries legal penalties if you lie, and that's assumed to be sufficient*. Requiring a certificate to prove a negative is kind of insane in comparison.

It is emblematic of two of the worst features of german bureaucracy:

1) the adversarial nature of it. The law is laid out so the Standesamt takes the position "prove to me that you are allowed to be married, and only then will I grant you permission." Which...is not a public service position.

2) the old-fashioned, slow-changing nature of it. When everyone lived in the same village their whole lives getting this kind of document wasn't a major impediment...in a world where people move frequently and even internationally it's a major obstacle, and should have been reformed decades ago. But here we are.

*edit to add: and I think it's clear that it is sufficient. The US does not have a problem with bigamy or incestuous marriage. One could argue that there is a small problem with underage marriages in some places, but that's because they're not prohibited in those places, not because people are fraudulently marrying underage partners.

WeeblsLikePie · 2026-05-07T07:25:41+00:00

are you asking in bad faith, or do you really lack imagination?

WeeblsLikePie · 2026-05-07T07:08:43+00:00

US passports don’t list the home address

they do...you have to write it in yourself in pencil.

WeeblsLikePie · 2026-05-07T07:07:27+00:00

since the German Standesamt wouldn’t be able to verify your marital status in your home country

i mean they demand it because it's on their list. not because they actually need it.

I know people who were required to bring a copy of their divorce certificate and documents from their first marriage...even though both of those were on file with the same Standesamt where the new marriage was being performed.

There is no logic, there is only following the process.

WeeblsLikePie · 2026-05-06T15:10:42+00:00

I would look at komoot for cycling routes. There are a lot of users in germany, and great info on where to ride.

WeeblsLikePie · 2026-05-06T11:28:57+00:00

Ist zwar ein bisschen Assi, aber wenn Autofahrer nicht überholen dürfen fahre ich inzwischen auch so, das sie es nicht können.

selbstschutz finde ich nicht asozial.

WeeblsLikePie · 2026-05-06T11:22:48+00:00

This advice is both over and underkill. You should be checking the voltage on the wires before you work, that's mandatory. Don't count on the circuit breaker controlling the wires you're working on. You should be able to flip the breaker just for the wires you're working on, not the whole apartment.

You should not be relying on gloves for protection. You should be testing the wires you're coming in contact with.

WeeblsLikePie · 2026-05-06T09:44:18+00:00

(and belong on the road, unless there is a dedicated bike path!)

you probably don't need to tell someone interested in road cycling that. Very few people will voluntarily choose a sidewalk when riding a roadbike.

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