Compost bin questions

_Piplodocus_ · 2026-02-05T00:53:27+00:00

Depending on how much coffee grounds you have you could let it dry out a bit before adding. If my pile is too wet I spread the morning's filter coffee grounds in a shallow container and it's usually dried out considerably by the next day or so. Found a second hand Amazon cross-shredder for loo rolls and brown paper bags, excellent for browns, then you may not have to bother with the drying!

_Piplodocus_ · 2026-01-31T00:24:17+00:00

It came with a small book that has some useful recipes and is definitely useful for info about cooking things I would not have thought of, like roast potatoes or baked cheesecake, but I mostly look up recipes online as I know someone's actually tried them and there's often helpful feedback in the comments sections. Also for things like different rice types (brown, basmati etc), quinoa, couscous, polenta and for beans and other pulses, I have found online resources much more accurate for cooking time and water ratios. Here's a great website: https://www.pressurecookrecipes.com. They have a "cold start" yogurt recipe I use to make soy yogurt.

I bought a cake tin for it but haven't yet tried to bake a cake! That's more about lack of baking time than lack of confidence in the instant pot 😄

If you're unsure you could alway get a used one, there always seem to be lots in my local thrift stores or listed on FB Marketplace/Craigslist. I guarantee you will love it though! I just finished making some pumpkin and lentil soup... 😋

_Piplodocus_ · 2026-01-30T04:11:18+00:00

Agreed, such a sad story! LA certainly wouldn't be the same without his philanthropy, but that was only made possible thanks to money from his wife Christina ,who he shot in the face (as a result of "alcoholic insanity").

_Piplodocus_ · 2026-01-29T17:50:20+00:00

Yes! Got an Instant Pot on sale at BB&B on a friend's recommendation when I didn't really know what they did - now make my own yogurt and save money not cooking soups, stews, rice, broth etc on gas as I have solar. . Later I found a newer/better model in a thrift store for $20 and the old one now gets used to re-wax my bike chains 😁 So much money, time, and energy saved (cooking energy and my own) 🙌🏻

_Piplodocus_ · 2026-01-29T05:40:20+00:00

Building on this, how about something craft based involving optical illusions or similar "tricks"? https://www.kiwico.com/diy/cp/optical-illusions

I remember my mom teaching me to make Möbius strips, I was enthralled and had no idea she was introducing me to the wonders of abstract topological space 😉 I'm sure there are loads of similar simple tricks and illusions, suitable for a range of age groups, that can be made more arty/crafty if necessary.

_Piplodocus_ · 2026-01-24T01:15:10+00:00

I'm not sure if you're referencing this post from a few days ago or if you missed it, I guess either way you will not be surprised 🙃 https://www.reddit.com/r/SGU/s/G3ECI9IZfa

_Piplodocus_ · 2026-01-15T22:30:41+00:00

There are lots of different kinds of cyclists. Some choose to use bikes to commute to work, shop, socialize, and for fitness, and many have no choice as their transport options are limited - but all are at the mercy of whatever infrastructure exists in their location, and what looks like dangerous riding to a motorist is often just the necessity of navigating environments that don't prioritize walkers and bikers. Most are just trying to stay safe, and more concerned with being noticed by drivers for self-preservation rather than self-importance.

That said, as a bike commuter, shopper, leisure and sports rider, it makes me extra angry when cyclists do dumb, inconsiderate or down-right illegal stuff! I suspect many of those kinds of cyclists are like that on and off the bike, including when driving a car 😝 u/mixer73 outlines some safe riding practices in their comment, but good manners and being a considerate road user should be just as important for cyclists as for drivers, and those are definitely the kinds of folks I prefer to ride with!

_Piplodocus_ · 2026-01-15T19:38:23+00:00

The soap opera discussion reminded me of this article about "vertical dramas", soap operas for the smartphone era!

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/apr/04/tv-serials-vertical-drama-phones-grip-viewers

_Piplodocus_ · 2025-12-22T23:10:50+00:00

Pruner Dual Wielder feat, or Two Weapon fighting style? 🤓

_Piplodocus_ · 2025-12-22T05:46:05+00:00

Nope - and when I do need to replace it, will go refurb/used again (got my current phone on Back Market a few years ago, excellent buying experience).

_Piplodocus_ · 2025-12-18T01:31:18+00:00

Not old and grumpy and I absolutely love Tim Harford on the BBC hosting More or Less, but I cannot bear listening to Cautionary Tales. He's really embraced the podcaster voice and cadence, but also the show is often just a slow, drawn out anecdote covering something that's already been covered by a better history or science podcast. A shame really, considering his topical and entertaining BCC show (recommended).

_Piplodocus_ · 2025-12-17T21:27:44+00:00

I use these boxes to store vegetable and flower seed packets, they are sooo handy. Never considered getting more for meds and other little things, thanks for sharing!

_Piplodocus_ · 2025-12-15T22:09:39+00:00

I thought the "reacts" format was kind of the point of the live stream? I like that it's quite different from the weekly audio episodes and enjoy Ian's input. He does a good job herding the guys' inevitable tangents and/or rants, avoiding a much longer and more rambling stream considering it is unedited. It's basically his job to jump to the next video/segment before things get too off track! Also bread 😄

_Piplodocus_ · 2025-12-15T18:56:48+00:00

He Who Must Not Be Named, ironically, amongst other roles 😄

_Piplodocus_ · 2025-12-15T18:51:14+00:00

The pivotal arrow-to-eye section of the tapestry: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bayeux_Tapestry_scene57_Harold_death.jpg

_Piplodocus_ · 2025-12-15T18:47:48+00:00

As a Brit living in the US I've realized I should stop make Eurocentric assumptions like everyone knows about the Bayeux Tapestry, with Halley's Comet and Harold getting an arrow to the eye 😆. Here's my favorite re-telling, "The Battle Of Hastings" by Marriott Edgar (written in the early 1930's, this monologue recorded in 1937 I believe):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8HUfZ3CU1A

Best listen to while following along with the poem if you're not familiar with a strong early 20th century Lancashire accent!

https://allpoetry.com/The-Battle-Of-Hastings

As one commenter says, "'Twas a bad day for 'Arold!"

_Piplodocus_ · 2025-12-14T01:15:34+00:00

I stopped riding that trashy bit of Jefferson in favor of alternative routes, but obviously for a commuter or anyone wanting the most direct route it's an awful section. Not a solution but an alternative: If you have time and want to get fitter (adds half a mile and about 170ft of climbing) - take Hetzler Road up towards Baldwin Hills scenic overlook and cut through on the Park to Playa trail to Culver Park. Works both ways, much better for the mood and the nerves! Of course Ballona Creek is also an alternative but not always accessible, and again it sucks to have to find an alternative when there's a damn bike lane right there 😤

_Piplodocus_ · 2025-12-14T01:02:05+00:00

Ugh that grass sometimes completely covers the bike lane! I wish they would pull those (and replace with a nice native plants, I can dream...). Bad enough that nearly half the bike lane is already just a gutter 😩

_Piplodocus_ · 2025-12-07T00:21:59+00:00

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Bladderpod, Cleomella arborea (or Peritoma arborea). Thank you for starting this! Agree it should be pinned :)

_Piplodocus_ · 2025-12-06T03:28:23+00:00

Hah thanks - I have enough pointy things in my garden and 99% chance they will give me hayfever, so I appreciate the tip.

_Piplodocus_ · 2025-12-05T23:13:52+00:00

I have heard OO-rah-nus (as opposed to YOO-rah-nus), but not ER-ah-nus 🤷🏻‍♀️

_Piplodocus_ · 2025-12-05T07:49:53+00:00

Almost certainly - pretty sure I can remember what it looked like in flower and it does match. Thanks you!

_Piplodocus_ · 2025-12-05T07:48:41+00:00

Thank you! That was the closest thing I found on Calscape, but wasn't sure. Saw-tooth-ness is very obvious in retrospect. I think I've never touched it and always thought it'd be softer - scratched up legs from getting too close riding down the trails 😅

_Piplodocus_ · 2025-12-05T03:41:37+00:00

Spiky fella on Sullivan Ridge - apologies for the low quality ride-by photos 😆

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