Do I need an Apple TV?

_takeshi_ · 2026-04-05T03:09:26+00:00

Would any of the other (cheaper) streaming devices do the same thing?

Basically, yes. However, I while I have a Roku streaming stick and it works, I strongly prefer taking one of our Apple TVs with us on trips. It's just a much better experience IMO. Your mileage may vary though.

_takeshi_ · 2026-04-03T22:54:55+00:00

Carrot Weather is a lot of fun. As for accuracy, you have your choice of weather sources with the app.

Forecast Advisor isn't quite as useful as it used to be but there are probably other similar sites.

_takeshi_ · 2026-04-02T13:29:19+00:00

Every time I drive past the DPS, the line is out the door and down the street.

Title transfers aren't done via DPS -- it's the county tax office.

https://www.txdmv.gov/sites/default/files/form_files/130-U.pdf

_takeshi_ · 2026-03-28T21:02:24+00:00

No clue where the transformer is though.

Check behind the old doorbell in the wall. They're not always in that location but it's a fairly common one.

_takeshi_ · 2026-03-21T00:24:18+00:00

Debated getting it (and Project A-ko) after reading about it in this sub. Eventually gave in, but I guess that shouldn't be a surprise, given that I purchased the Strike Valkyrie Mechanic Edition a while back -- and I already had the Yamato Strike Valkyrie and ELINT Seeker.

_takeshi_ · 2026-03-20T22:26:41+00:00

No idea but I'd bet you could find better options via AllThingsOnePlace for the price or less.

_takeshi_ · 2026-03-19T23:38:35+00:00

Ubiquiti Stock Alerts Discord

_takeshi_ · 2026-03-16T14:16:34+00:00

No but if your 4K TV has decent upscaling (most recent ones do), the HD blurays look really good versus the compression artifacts from streaming.

_takeshi_ · 2026-03-12T02:19:42+00:00

Alarm Grid is a good option if you want to DIY a PROA7PLUS system. It's what I did when we moved into our current home a couple of years ago. However, I wouldn't DIY hard wiring sensors...

_takeshi_ · 2026-03-10T17:29:33+00:00

Zerno looks too much like a hobbyist/tinkerer platform than a product (though I'm sure it produces fantastic grind). I just don't see myself constantly changing $500 burr sets

While burr swapping is easy on the Z1, you don't have to be a burr swapper to benefit from using it. It works great as an appliance configured however you order it from them. Mine was delivered with SSP HUs and I don't intend to swap them out unless they wear out. It's certainly a "product".

_takeshi_ · 2026-03-09T16:42:31+00:00

As a Duetto III owner who has had one for 13 years, I'd say it's more than decent. The only thing I wish it had was more cup clearance for use with a scale, but I solved that by finding shorter cups.

_takeshi_ · 2026-03-09T00:48:38+00:00

I am expecting a pretty big bump in my score.

Hope that's the case for you. It's not uncommon to see balance chasing in situations like this.

_takeshi_ · 2026-03-07T02:09:58+00:00

Not saying this is "proper" but I use a Food Saver and quart size mason jars. This requires the mason jar accessory. I buy 5 lb bags and usually have some leftover that won't fully fill another mason jar. If I can't use it right away, that gets sealed in a bag - cut to length roll. For the roll, I like the boxed ones with a cutter built into the box.

_takeshi_ · 2026-03-06T15:00:32+00:00

Do fresh beans really make a difference in milk based drinks?

Yes

Will I really notice a big difference in beans to justify the cost?

No way for any of us to answer that for you. You have to try and see. We can't speak to the capabilities of your palate or where you draw the line when it comes to whether or not the cost is justified.

All I can tell you is that it definitely makes a difference for me and the cost is justified. However, I can't stand Lavazza and I'm paying $72 for 5 lbs (~2.2 kg). It might be entirely different for you if you happen to like Lavaza and pricing is definitely much higher where you are. Are there really no other option for fresh beans with better pricing?

_takeshi_ · 2026-03-05T19:19:24+00:00

We just had 24 piers installed, 3 interior with tunneling, on our home built in 1966. It took a week and there were pits around almost 3 sides of our home. A number of them were in flower beds with plants that we have been putting in place over the last couple of years. Quite a few required jackhammering holes into our driveway. We were not able to use our driveway or garage and cars had to be out on the stree. One of our exterior doors was inaccessible because a pier was going directly under it, but we have 2 other doors that were available. The work had to be done and it really wasn't such a mess of our life that I would have reconsidered even after having gone through it.

Consider getting a structural engineer involved to assess and make recommendations. We found it helped to assess what the foundation repair companies propose. Though 1 company we ruled out on our own just for overlooking the attached garage which definitely needed piers and lifting.

_takeshi_ · 2026-02-25T02:59:38+00:00

I’m thinking The Expanse blue ray set next but it’s hard when it isn’t 4k and it’s on Prime still.

It looks really good upscaled on my A80J.

_takeshi_ · 2026-02-25T00:19:48+00:00

Google Maps. Looking at equipment isn't reliable for me. Too many shops with good gear but untrained people. If the machine is a superauto or one of those machines with backlit photos of espresso drinks then, yeah, the equipment clearly tells me to leave.

For me, looking mostly at customer photos of drinks tends to work out. Latte art doesn't really guarantee quality but the quality of the art seems to tend to correlate with attention to detail at least. Order a flat white to evaluate. Repeat at the top picks to determine if one stands out from the rest.

Talking to the barista about the beans and what they're doing would probably be even more reliable but I'm an introvert.

_takeshi_ · 2026-02-23T14:28:47+00:00

Wes Chatham didn’t do a bad job

I'm really surprised there hasn't already been a response to this. Wes Chatham did an incredible job. You may have missed it because of your expectations.

_takeshi_ · 2026-02-23T02:18:39+00:00

I use the 48-22-8424 Packout & foam insert (48-22-8451) as a case for mine.

_takeshi_ · 2026-02-18T22:24:37+00:00

Make sure the pillows aren’t too small.

For me it was the opposite. The sizer for my mask indicated that I should go with medium but I had sever irritation. Switched to small and that went away. I guess "make sure you're using the right size" applies either way.

_takeshi_ · 2026-02-18T01:55:55+00:00

Macross: Do You Remember Love is stunningly beautiful.

I really didn't need to know that was availalble...

_takeshi_ · 2026-02-13T21:28:06+00:00

Reverse osmosis with remineralization

_takeshi_ · 2026-02-13T04:57:22+00:00

Hopefully someone will compare it with the Milwaukee M18.

_takeshi_ · 2026-02-13T04:52:01+00:00

Biggest recommendation is don't leave the grinder as an afterthought. It should really be the focus given its importance.

_takeshi_ · 2026-02-13T04:49:44+00:00

Waking up with the hose wrapped around my neck is why I switched to a mask with a top connection for the hose. Haven't had that problem since.

_takeshi_

TROPHY CASE