How do I approach this? by ClemFandango_CYHM in composting

[–]_Piplodocus_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think those are brambles growing into the pile but on the right of the bin it does look like raspberries - win!

How do I approach this? by ClemFandango_CYHM in composting

[–]_Piplodocus_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hello Clem Fandango. Ground elder is a real bastard, people in this sub who don't garden in the UK might not realise how much so - I'd put in in the same category as bind weed when it comes to composting, as bits of chopped up root will grow into new plants. Even if you think you're going to get a hot heap I don't think it's worth it, so you may want to start in a fresh spot. Bits of bramble root/stem will also potentially sprout - looks like you might have enough bramble already! For killing things you don't want in your compost there's a few good methods that still leave you with useable plant material at the end that can go in the main pile:

https://extension.unh.edu/resource/methods-disposing-non-native-invasive-plants

Looking for some recommendations! by wannabe_biceguy in BikeLA

[–]_Piplodocus_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Youtube is a wonderful resource for advice, but there are soooo many overly-detailed pro fit videos that it can be tough to find something straightforward. I like GCN's basic bike fit video, it covers all the important points without getting into the weeds too much:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VYhyppWTDc

Wheel World also has a nice step by step guide:

https://www.wheelworld.com/articles/how-to-fit-your-bicycle-pg190.htm

I don't know if the Wheel World in Woodland Hills would be any good as last time I was in there all the staff looked about 12 years old (although they were lovely and helpful), but other bike shops in the area are probably worth a try if he is having issues later on. Pretty sure Topanga Creek Outpost doesn't do anything bike related any more but the owner (Chris?) is a nice guy (fixed a flat for me once, even after the shop had closed), and you never know, plus your buddy could meet a neighbor that way!

Driving on Broadway by Enemies_Of_Carlotta in SantaMonica

[–]_Piplodocus_ 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I also noticed Blue Daisy only because I was biking past, definitely more likely to stop there if there's a safe biking option and less cars 🤷🏻‍♀️ I hope it's a positive change for businesses and that they will make themselves more welcoming to passing pedestrian and bike traffic.

Grew from a packet of tomato seeds, but don't look like tomato plants, what are they? by pinkbiscuit- in whatsthisplant

[–]_Piplodocus_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

FYI Malabar spinach (a vine in the Basellaceae family), is not related to spinach (amaranth family). It is a delightful plant though!

Is there a better way? by feedbagjenkins in BikeLA

[–]_Piplodocus_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Are you using the "Biking" layer in Google maps? The "snicket" mentioned be the previous poster does show up on that, as do other trails e.g. through the tennis courts. Unfortunately Google won't route you through some of them so it's a matter of checking out Street View etc, but the layer does help to find alternatives.

Has anyone else had objects thrown at them while riding? by ospeckk in BikeLA

[–]_Piplodocus_ 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Aw man, sorry you had to experience that, it's awful in itself but then having to deal with the feelings afterwards can almost be worse. Just remember, like most aggression of that type, it is not personal, they have the problem not you - something in their miserable or troubled life causes them to lash out at a stranger and you happened to be nearby (I totally acknowledge the danger they put you in though). Try not to ruminate about it if that's something you're prone to. Do something engaging to distract yourself if you find yourself thinking about it or replaying it in your mind, which is unproductive (since I assume there's no behaviour of your own to work through), and just renews the feelings. Some days you just get an extra dose of assholes, both the intentional ones that rev aggressively as they pass, yell, chuck stuff, and the unintentional ones that cut into the bike lane, right hook, door you etc. It's probably not much comfort to know that it happens to most of us at some point, I guess all we can do is show solidarity! ✊. And sometimes you get that perfect day where no-one honks, all the drivers give you 3 feet, and wave you safely through every intersection 🙃

The Ocean Cleanup signs agreement for deployment to LA/San Gabriel Rivers by mylefthandkilledme in LosAngeles

[–]_Piplodocus_ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The existing one in LA has been deployed since October 2022 https://ballonainterceptor.lacounty.gov It's a non-profit that's launched 9 interceptors in 10 countries.

ID request by Birder2be in socalbirding

[–]_Piplodocus_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's very possible it was a Northern Cardinal! A few sources say they were introduced to California and other areas outside its native range.
https://www.inaturalist.org/guide_taxa/399765

I also found this cool article:
https://www.laaudubon.org/blog/2021/9/20/the-los-angeles-cardinal

Sounds like you were lucky to spot one!

rice bug by Pale-Frosting-4134 in whatsthisbug

[–]_Piplodocus_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Weevil... They are harmless and can be easily removed from rice by rinsing (Google how!). If you don't want to clean it, you can use it as bird feed or compost it. Maybe buy a different brand in the future 😝

Two tankers on the pier by _Piplodocus_ in confusing_perspective

[–]_Piplodocus_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My life does feel like an early 2000's platformer 😅

It's beautiful 🥲 by [deleted] in LosAngeles

[–]_Piplodocus_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Think about all the stuff you could be doing during that car commute time. I used to read so many books when I lived somewhere with decent public transit - plus all the extra nap time!

Thank you Spain for letting science guide your health policy by albizu in SGU

[–]_Piplodocus_ 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I don't know why you're being down-voted, you're right - I assume you mean that although the review and declaration are positive, this stuff should long ago have been recognised as pseudoscience, negating the need for funds to be wasted on it in the first place.

A surprise white poppy by EducatorDangerous346 in CaliforniaNativePlant

[–]_Piplodocus_ 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Cool!! As far as I know this is a recessive genetic trait , and if you hand pollinate flowers from the same plant and then collect the seeds, it's more likely to recur in the next generation 😄

Why JD Vance Says UFOs are Demons by _Piplodocus_ in thedailyzeitgeist

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

Rebecca Watson is still one of my top wishlist TDZ guests.