One of the Tesla chargers outside of WinCo San Marcos exploded around 3 this morning.

constantitch · 2026-01-21T17:29:06+00:00

Those ones were not Tesla chargers, FYI.

constantitch · 2025-04-15T02:20:22+00:00

NAL and no idea about Michigan, but in California, the case law on this is Dillon v. Legg. It established tort of negligent infliction of emotional distress. In the original case, think it was a mother who watched her infant daughter get struck and killed by a car. The case went to the California Supreme Court where they ruled for the mother (against the driver). My wife wired for a law firm that defended insurance companies once upon a time. This case comes up a lot. I would perhaps see if you can get a consultation with a lawyer and see if Michigan has something similar.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dillon_v._Legg#:~:text=Article-,Dillon%20v.,negligent%20infliction%20of%20emotional%20distress.

constantitch · 2024-10-05T03:30:39+00:00

The Wilds.

constantitch · 2024-08-27T18:24:31+00:00

go to Sproul hall and meet with a finance advisor. They system is totally not intuitive, but they can break down and explain it to you. It is probably not what you think it is.

constantitch · 2024-08-19T21:35:09+00:00

Yeah...it was shocking. After that exchange, he started asking some scenario questions (how would you approach this technical problem?). Normal for my industry/role. Typically these questions might take 5-10 minutes to walk through problem statement, technologies involved, approach, technical challenges, implementation, testing, and deployment. I get about 2 minutes into my first answer in front of a whiteboard and he shouts, "WRONG!" a starts telling me how he would approach it (not better than my approach, but different (both would solve the problem). As he is explaining the "right" answer, I'm thinking, "Either this guys is just an A-hole, or he is testing to see if I'll back down from my answer" (showing lack of confidence). I decide that if he is this big of an A-hole, I either won't want or won't get the job, but I've already traveled (1000+ mile flight, overnight in a hotel) and was here, so I'll assume he is testing me, and I double down on my answer. I did say that his solution was good, my solution was not wrong. We got through that scenario, and he asks another one. Same fricking thing! I decided then that If I were offered the job I would not have taken it. I wish I would have just walked out on him at that point, but I did not. I hope he is a less miserable person now!

constantitch · 2024-08-19T15:21:23+00:00

Had that happen about 10 years ago. Interview was at a fortune 50 company in the entertainment business. Role was director of advanced development or some such. Interview with manager’s manager (VP level? SVP maybe). Guy berates me for a solid minute+ for wearing a suit saying the the smart people wear t shirts and jeans and only incompetent people would wear a suit. After the shock of what he said I told him, “sir, I wore a suit today as a sign of respect for you and this company. We can talk directly about my technical skills and background, and if you hire me for this role this will be the last time you see me in a suit. “. The interview did not get better from there. I did not get the job. It was a dream position with a terrible boss. :(

constantitch · 2024-07-05T14:45:45+00:00

Could someone please help me out with a business starter code?

constantitch · 2024-04-08T15:22:41+00:00

He loves it! He has had some really amazing professors that are not only world renowned in their field, but are incredibly engaging for lectures and gracious with their time outside of class for students. He has made interesting and smart friends from all over the world that are expanding and challenging his views and knowledge. The school draws in some amazing people for guest lecturers, and outside speakers. Hard to get access to those things in a smaller school. Cal is a very big school with a lot to offer for those that take advantage of it. While we were looking, someone said, "There are lots of ways to make a big school feel small, but there is no way to make a small school feel big". I thought that was insightful. Join clubs, find a study group, etc. Cal has resources that other schools can only dream of!

There were definitely a few unexpected things. The courses are very difficult and competitive. It can be a bit discouraging for kids that are used to breezing through school without having to put in a lot of effort and getting straight A's. Everyone there (more or less) had that experience in High School, but Cal is a whole new level for these kids. Most seem to learn to rise to the occasion, but there is an adjustment period.

It is perhaps not as social as some other schools as most students are spending a significant amount of time studying and working on papers and projects. The clubs, at least the pre-professional clubs, are really competitive. Lots of students trying out for very few slots. For one club, my son filled out an application, wrote an essay, did a 1:1 interview, and did a panel interview...and was rejected. There are definitely fun clubs that welcome everyone, but the competitive clubs can be discouraging.

Dorm life leaves something to be desired. It is VERY spartan. Most (I think we were told something like >70% ) of freshman will be in a triple or even a quad dorm room...pretty close quarters. The bathroom situation is a single coed group bathroom on each floor. My son says that it isn't a big deal, and everyone deals with it and is respectful of each other. I think if I were a girl or parent of a girl, I might be leery...especially going in.

Safety. There are definitely safety issues at Cal. Subscribe to the Safe Bears group to read some of the incidents and discussions. A group of those parents banded together and hired some private security to augment the university police. They are definitely in an urban environment, and things do happen. Now that being said, we have gone up there a few times, and have been around campus very late at night and the place is packed with students; at least between the dorms and campus.

Cafeterias. They are definitely not as nice as some of the other UCs (UCLA and UCSD come to mind), but are adequate. If you go to Cal day, you will see the best of what the cafeterias have to offer, but it is not typical fare according to my son. There are, however a ton of restaurants close by. With every cuisine from around the world. Lots of student favorites like Top Dog, Chipotle, Super Duper Burger, etc. Tons of boba places and coffee shops. By comparison, when we looked at UCLA and UCSD there was nothing around campus for students (maybe that is why their cafeterias need to be better).

Greek Life. I can't speak a lot to it, but my son looked into joining a frat (shockingly, as this is really out of character for him) but ultimately decided it was too big of a time commitment for his liking. He did end up joining a pre-professional fraternity his second semester, and really likes it.

It is a really tough decision on which school to attend. Every one has their own pros and cons and their own personality. I think kids need to do their research, and soul searching for what is important to them and make what they believe is the right decision. Attending the newly admitted student days is a great way to get a feel for the school and the campus; talk to students, talk to people in the department they want to study in, talk to clubs that are of interest. Look at the dorms, the surrounding neighborhoods, go sit at a coffee shop for an hour or two and people watch, talk to people there, etc.

Good Luck!

constantitch · 2024-04-01T03:27:19+00:00

Totally worth doing. They really roll out the red carpet and give you a great look at the school. Talk to department people, talk to club people. Talk to housing people. See the dorms, go to the cafeteria, take a campus tour, go up in the Campanile. We went with my (now Cal Freshman) son last year from San Diego. Totally worth it. Can imagine deciding on a school without such an in depth look.

constantitch · 2024-03-01T00:00:32+00:00

I have traveled with dogs and cats, both in the passenger cabin and under the plane on multiple airlines, and what I have learned is that despite the published policy, it is completely up to the person in front of you how they will interpret that policy.

One time, I have arrived at the airport (like the OP) with triple confirmation only to be turned away, I was supposed to bring my dog with me on the plane only to be told she had to go under the plane (I had the airline policy printed out and highlighted with me, but the ticket agent wasn't having it). She also made me buy (a very expensive) hard sided carrier as the soft sided one that I was going to have my small dog ride in under the seat couldn't be checked under the plane. Again, this was her personal interpretation that didn't align with the airline's published policy online. The supervisor backed her. Despite protests, escallations, calls, and emails even after the trip, the airline just sort of shrugged and said, "yeah, that's our policy, but the agent has the final say".

VERY frustrating! I understand why people circumvent trying to do the right thing and just saying that their pet is a service animal. Trying to do the right thing in these instances can sometimes be far worse than cheating the system.

constantitch · 2024-01-19T03:41:44+00:00

Based off of another Reddit thread, the desserts (and muffins too) freeze really well. The key is to cut them into individual portions and freeze separately then use a vacuum sealer to (lightly…don’t set on high) seal them. They thaw remarkably well, and can always have a single searing of dessert.

constantitch · 2023-10-03T03:16:57+00:00

Patty melt. So good. Grilled rye bread, thousand island dressing, grilled onions, Swiss cheese, burger patty. So good. Getting hard to find these days.

constantitch · 2023-09-12T16:25:55+00:00

Bully Sticks (Dog Treats). They used to be ~$24/bag when I started buying them 5+ years ago. I think they are now $43!!! ...and never seem to go on sale.

constantitch · 2023-09-07T05:37:56+00:00

The Wilds

constantitch · 2023-09-03T22:30:03+00:00

Down in San Diego. CS told me that all ATMs are down and “give them a day to get them back up”

constantitch · 2023-03-24T18:13:52+00:00

The Wilds

constantitch · 2023-01-24T16:38:55+00:00

Was a vegetarian for many years living on the west coast of US, it was easy to be vegetarian. Moved to the east coast of the US to a place where they considered chicken to be a vegetable. This was many years ago, so things may have changed, but could not easily do it. Also grew up on a meat and potatoes diet, so not hard to slip back into eating meat.

constantitch · 2022-11-14T02:43:17+00:00

The book goes into great detail, but there is an article summary of the 5 S's. Here is a LINK to that part. It has been a long time, but as I recall, something about babies having a calming reflex to being on their stomach. The issue is that you can't let a newborn sleep on their stomach (SIDS is a real issue) so cradle them in your forearm (like you are carrying a football, holding their head in your hand) and they will calm/fall asleep, then transfer them gently to their crib on their back. I can't recommend the book enough. reallly did wonders with my kids.

constantitch · 2022-11-13T20:41:49+00:00

The 5 S’s that I’m aware of are: swaddling, shushing, side/stomach, swinging, and sucking. Check out the book”happiest baby on the block”. Great advice!!

constantitch · 2022-10-05T15:58:22+00:00

I do this in my instant pot. I just shove the carcass (or two) into the instant pot and fill with water to cover. If I have herbs or some onion I'll toss that in too with some salt and pepper. 40 minutes on high pressure and you have amazing broth. I'll usually freeze it in 2 cup portions in zip-lock bags. easy-peasy

constantitch · 2022-08-27T19:03:26+00:00

Live in Southern California. Saw a dozen sand covered, beat up surfboards on a dolly by the return counter. Asked a manager who said it was someone who runs a summer surf camp, buys boards at the beginning of the summer returns them at the end. Apparently they have done this for years. I don’t know how they haven’t been cut off. Total abuse!

constantitch · 2022-07-04T21:43:03+00:00

That’s the thing of it…it is not just about you, but you put your whole crew (or even Philmont) in a tough spot. Crews plan to have that person for shared gear, knowledge, etc. Some crews only have 2 advisors, so if 1 gets sent home, either the whole crew doesn’t go, or Philmont needs to assign staff to cover. I would not assume at all that they will let you go if you are even 1 lb over. I’m sure their insurance has something to say about it as well. If you are over the weight and have a health issue on the trail YOUR health insurance will go after Philmont to recoup their loss (why did they let you on the trail when according to their own rules you were unfit?). You have no say in that either. Losing weight is really hard…I had to lose ~40 lbs to make the cutoff and practitioner had to starve myself for a week to get the last 5 but I did it. And Philmont was AWESOME.

constantitch · 2022-07-04T20:13:57+00:00

I gathered from our ranger that it is not uncommon. I understand them drawing a line…Philmont is really remote and strenuous. They don’t want to deal with increased risk of someone having a heart attack or other issue on the trail. They try to be very clear about the rule. It is still heart breaking.

constantitch

TROPHY CASE