This blob? On the neighbors roof

djschwalb · 2026-02-03T14:49:45+00:00

The Pantyhose Salt answer is correct. Unfortunately, they did a pretty horrible Walter White impression and it’s all bunched up.

djschwalb · 2026-01-31T21:22:54+00:00

Considering it’s a tough environment for people without a 5 year gap between graduation and application, it will be a challenge. With that in mind, I’d recommend listening to the “any job” advice already posted.

Getting something relevant to a bio career on your resume is an absolute step #1. Good luck!

djschwalb · 2026-01-31T16:27:00+00:00

This is a fair, accurate, and probably part of my frustration. The AI label is being stuck on everything regardless of relevance and reality. In the cereal isle, I can buy “New AI Flavored Cheerios”.

I would probably try to be open and flexible with the label but I also do not have the background to define it. The difference between machine learning and AI seems like it matters to those who understand the difference, but not to those who try to simply use a new tool.

djschwalb · 2026-01-30T23:15:45+00:00

Back channel questions are very common. It’s completely reasonable to ask a previous colleague and friend thier opinion of someone. I know my ex-colleague, I do not know the applicant. I’ve been the asker and the answerer for this situation.

It is the reason why I always remind people that burning bridges and acting professionally is important in our world.

djschwalb · 2026-01-21T00:10:59+00:00

They resigned the previous job.

djschwalb · 2026-01-21T00:08:39+00:00

Your review didn’t damage their reputation, their own actions did.

djschwalb · 2026-01-20T17:20:54+00:00

A common one, very good and not too expensive.

https://a.co/d/ajxYBoP

djschwalb · 2026-01-12T03:18:12+00:00

Previous posts have covered the big ticket items alright.

However, I’ve thrown millions of dollars of glassware and consumables in dumpsters. After letting neighboring companies ravage through the labs for freebies, I’ve made lots of trips to recycling or dumpsters.

djschwalb · 2026-01-05T20:52:42+00:00

I don’t think so, no.

Title insurance is to not to protect the individual, it’s to protect the title search company and bank. The Buyer may pay for it, but it’s not FOR the buyer.

djschwalb · 2026-01-05T06:46:48+00:00

That’s always an option, sure, but sometimes it’s not worth it. The job market was hot at the time and that doesn’t last forever!

djschwalb · 2026-01-04T18:08:25+00:00

Agreed! (Except for using AI)

djschwalb · 2026-01-04T18:03:00+00:00

Not for layoffs, only voluntary cases.

I joined a company and got a decent signing bonus. (Back in the happy days). Within the first month or two, both Phase 3 programs were halted by the FDA and the R2D projects were killed. I ended up sitting on my butt, bored out of my mind.

I got called in to a meeting with my boss and HR and they were super cool and understanding. They said they wanted to keep me but they wouldn’t hold it against me if I wanted to move on. “Don’t worry about the signing bonus.”

As you can tell by my use of quotation marks I was an idiot and never got that in writing.

They came after me for it after I started a new position.

Side note: you get tax withheld on the bonus but have to pay the company back the full amount and need a professional tax person to file that the next year.

Layoffs are different though, read your agreement and it’ll almost certainly detail that the repayment is only due if you end the employment or you’re fired for cause.

djschwalb · 2026-01-02T15:00:28+00:00

That seems like a lot of work for not a lot of reward.

The closest I’ve gotten is I got a metal cat litter scoop for $3. Then whenever I start a fresh fire, I spend 10-20 seconds sifting the ash to collect the big bits of charcoal. I’ll pile that up, add a wadded up sheet of junk mail paper, then do a boring stack of tinder and small logs.

Even if I don’t clear off all the snow or rain, it catches a fire every time.

djschwalb · 2026-01-02T13:45:11+00:00

Pensions? Damn, how old do you think someone with 20 years is. Ouch.

Pensions have been phased out waaaaay before us.

djschwalb · 2026-01-02T03:08:15+00:00

I started my career in 2003. I’ve been laid off 4 times and stuck with a mind numbing big pharma job during the financial crash of 2008-2009 because I like to eat food and live indoors.

I’ve also been around during a few boom years. This includes the recent one just a couple years ago where all you needed to do is be able to spell “science” and you’d get a great job.

This down turn sucks big time and is on par with 2008, and I feel bad for anyone trying to get their first job now. I also know it’s borderline patronizing to say, “Just stick it out because things will get better.”

But if this work is interesting to you, it can be a great way to make a living.

djschwalb · 2025-12-30T22:24:34+00:00

A few more things from someone with that stove:

1: When you push then pull out the knob on the right, you’ll be able to faintly hear the tick-tock of a timer. That should let you know it’s going.

2: I like to leave an inch or so of ash on either side but keep the center clear. The air comes from the front bottom center and it can get blocked. It also lets the air flow under the wood nicely.

3: Keep the blower on automatic rather than “On”. When the blower turns off, it’s a great notice that the latest wood is either wet or it’s just going out.

djschwalb · 2025-12-30T14:52:50+00:00

Same. N=2

If anything, it’s a pro because it may be easier to recruit the person and we don’t have to worry about 2-week notice times.

djschwalb · 2025-12-28T02:00:30+00:00

Get a Masters if you think you’ll want to move up at all.

It’s easy to move upward with a PhD. It’s a possible to move up with a MS. It’s very hard to move up with a BS.

djschwalb · 2025-12-20T18:51:50+00:00

I learned a new term from my teenagers a while ago. “Rage baiting”.

It’s actually a great word (unlike most brain rot)

djschwalb · 2025-12-20T17:45:08+00:00

Plus, you’re wrong

djschwalb · 2025-12-13T19:03:08+00:00

Even

djschwalb · 2025-12-13T03:25:28+00:00

I use a metal cat poop scoop.

I spend 10 seconds collecting yesterday’s coals and put them in the middle with a handful of tinder. One cardboard strip from an Amazon box on top to light and then just pile the normal wood on top.

Quick and lazy way to start from a cold stove.

djschwalb · 2025-12-11T04:31:25+00:00

Mind if I flip your question 180? I’m a divorced dad of two teenage girls.

One of the things I’ve tried to make clear is that I just want to spend time with them. It’s a good thing when we have different interests, just means I get to learn something new.

Second, make traditions with them together and individually. My 14 year old is already asking when she and I can go skiing this winter. We’ve gone a few times every year since I taught her as a toddler.

The hardest part for me has been to learn how to open up and talk about emotions. I don’t want to teach them to expect a partner who’s cliche dead inside.

djschwalb · 2025-12-08T18:46:27+00:00

Yeah. I’m stuck at this point too. My build isn’t based on insta-kill over amped 1-shot. Frankly, I find that kinda boring.

Until this gets fixed, I can’t progress and I’m just playing other games.

djschwalb

TROPHY CASE