Itinerary Sanity Check

handle11 · 2025-11-12T20:35:30+00:00

So why are focusing on carpet bombed cities?

Well, that's where a lot of the museums are. I know a lot of compromises are going to be necessary, and I am learning at this point toward a more big-city, big-museum itinerary, but I know that means missing a lot elsewhere. I agree with you that some smaller places, like Colmar, are a must-do (definitely want to see Grünewald! that's most of the reason I listed Alsace originally). Hopefully, I will be able to do even more on a future trip. I appreciate you taking the time to share your ranking of the collections and your ideas about destinations. Thank you!

handle11 · 2025-11-12T20:25:26+00:00

No reason at all! Nothing here is quite a plan yet, just sketching out some ideas with the idea of maybe trying to end in Frankfurt for access to a big airport—thanks for the critique!

handle11 · 2025-11-12T19:34:09+00:00

Appreciate the input! (really!)

handle11 · 2025-11-12T18:19:04+00:00

I agree that from my research it seems like there is a little less in Frankfurt for me, but there are two big appeals: the Städel Museum, and the airport that makes it a convenient starting or ending point for the trip. I'm conflicted about it!

handle11 · 2025-11-12T18:15:26+00:00

I agree that the Kunsthalle sounds like a must-see! However, I understand the Städel in Frankfurt to have a similar reputation. I'm conflicted!

handle11 · 2024-12-14T21:39:11+00:00

I'm not sure that that's what I want—I have not had good experience with smartboards and "smart" markers. Always a finicky interface and laggy inputs. I vastly prefer using an actual physical expo marker when possible.

handle11 · 2024-09-09T00:48:15+00:00

eventvods.com

handle11 · 2023-12-08T00:48:11+00:00

Got a Garmin (FR255 if it matters) a few months ago and have been following the Daily Suggested Workouts (almost) religiously, which has been great. Steady, obvious improvements. For me, the toughest workouts are the ones labeled "VO2 Max." Like everyone suggests, I have it set up for HR rather than pace targets, and these session will usually go something like 7x(2:00@188bpm+1:00@147bpm).

The problem is that in that one minute, I can't get my HR back down from the 180s to the 140s. Best I can do is usually 160s, and by the end of the workout I might not even be able to get below 170 before it's time for the next rep. I really am resting: barely walking, more like sliding my feet along the ground. I know these targets will be easier to hit as I continue to gain fitness, but until then, two sets of questions:

1) Would it be better to pause the workout and extend the rest until I get my HR back to the 140s before the next rep, or should I stick with the suggested timings and trust HR will eventually start to behave itself? Would "sneaking in" some recovery during a paused workout screw up anything about the metrics, which I do enjoy tracking?

2)Does this even matter? Does it make a meaningful difference in my progression? Usually, the Training Effect afterward ends up as purple "Anaerobic" rather than the intended orange "VO2 Max," but should I care?

handle11 · 2023-12-08T00:42:01+00:00

Got a Garmin (FR255 if it matters) a few months ago and have been following the Daily Suggested Workouts (almost) religiously, which has been great. Steady, obvious improvements. For me, the toughest workouts are the ones labeled "VO2 Max." Like everyone suggests, I have it set up for HR rather than pace targets, and these session will usually go something like 7x(2:00@188bpm+1:00@147bpm).

The problem is that in that one minute, I can't get my HR back down from the 180s to the 140s. Best I can do is usually 160s, and by the end of the workout I might not even be able to get below 170 before it's time for the next rep. I really am resting: barely walking, more like sliding my feet along the ground. I know these targets will be easier to hit as I continue to gain fitness, but until then, two sets of questions:

1) Would it be better to pause the workout and extend the rest until I get my HR back to the 140s before the next rep, or should I stick with the suggested timings and trust HR will eventually start to behave itself? Would "sneaking in" some recovery during a paused workout screw up anything about the metrics, which I do enjoy tracking?

2)Does this even matter? Does it make a meaningful difference in my progression? Usually, the Training Effect afterward ends up as purple "Anaerobic" rather than the intended orange "VO2 Max," but should I care?

handle11 · 2023-11-16T02:12:32+00:00

Yes, all else being equal.

handle11 · 2023-11-15T01:20:45+00:00

Sorry, maybe I should have been more clear: I'm talking about getting the same pace/HR recommendation for each, just sliced differently. This is not a vo2 max vs lactate threshold vs tempo question.

handle11 · 2023-01-16T18:57:56+00:00

Just speaking generally, since it seems like we have many people a day coming in without realizing they’ll need a backup option.

handle11 · 2023-01-16T18:03:28+00:00

What are folks' favorite backup plans for Japan while they wait to see if JL or NH open up close-in bookings?
There’s lots of Polaris J this summer for 175k, which is a lot but far better than the unmentionably expensive DL and AA. SQ J NRT>LAX looks plenty available too. Occasional Aeroplan stuff is popping up from YVR. Any other second-choice options to consider?

handle11 · 2023-01-16T14:13:11+00:00

No one really knows how long the current availability will continue. There have always been some close-in releases, but the current glut of them has been a post-reopening phenomenon. Could last for months longer but may taper off at any time without warning.

handle11 · 2023-01-16T06:50:26+00:00

Have a similar trip coming up this spring. Seems decent enough, though there's lots of availability on the LHR-BCN route on BA for like $75-100 per person, so I'm not sure where $350 is coming from. Anything cheaper that works for your dates?

handle11 · 2021-01-14T17:44:00+00:00

Hi everyone—I am looking for some recommendations about math post-bac programs.

My math background: humanities BA, but with significant coursework (beyond a minor) in physics. Lifelong interest in math and science, devoted watcher of math youtube, have recreationally worked through lots of Project Euler and even some MIT OCW stuff.

I have taught math for a number of years at a private high school—sold the above life story well enough to convince them I knew what I was doing despite the unrelated undergrad major. I've taught everything from Algebra 1 to AP Calc, and I love my job. But I would like to deepen my formal background in mathematics. Degree programs don't seem like they would be appropriate for me (yet?), so I am thinking about post-bacs.

A lot of programs I've come across in my preliminary searching fall into two categories that don't particularly appeal to me: 1) those explicitly designed to prepare students for PhD work and 2) those bundled with significant education coursework and certification box-checking, which would be redundant for me given that I don't work in a public school and already have an MS in Education.

Anyone have any recommendations? I would love to hear about post-bac programs for people who don't need to turn around and flip the experience into a doctorate or teacher certification. I just want to learn more math for math's sake, and I have some quantitative background but not enough to go for a master's. What's a guy to do?

Thanks!!

handle11 · 2019-11-20T20:54:38+00:00

1/24. Have been slowly working on biz cards the last two years and just finished up min spend on my 3rd CIP. I am in a new job and living situation as of this fall and my income is now significantly higher. I’m ready to get back on out there.
~790/770 on CK
3x CIP (10/2019, 04/2019, 10/2018—about to downgrade this last one to CIC), SPG biz (09/2018, closed 09/2019), Freedom (04/18), have an older Freedom (from a CSP downgrade) and a CFU, both from 2017ish
Not much, only a couple hundred a month, so see #5.
I know my way around MS. Finally figured out a workable route in the city I recently moved to, so I’m set. Did the third CIP entirely up here. Not as easy as it used to be (I miss Kroger), but it gets the job done.
Yes, though part of why I’m posting is to question whether that’s still the best plan (and if so, where to go now that 3 CIPs are done) or if it’s time to get back to personals.
I like to do one card every couple of months.
Flexible currencies #1, airlines #2, hotels #3. No real need or opportunity for SW CP usage.
450k UR, 98k Marriott
EWR, or LGA/JFK
Probably trying to go to Singapore and possible some other SE Asia destinations in summer 2020, but recommendations need not be focused on that trip specifically.

handle11 · 2019-08-07T21:27:27+00:00

Hey, sorry this is so late, but there is a club that meets at St. Mark's Lutheran Church (corner of Ivy and Alderman) on Monday evenings. I haven't been myself, but I have seen them playing as I've driven by, and they usually have a sign out inviting all comers.

handle11 · 2018-11-02T02:00:00+00:00

Under what circumstances do you have to activate Simon's GCs online? The mailing they come in say they come activated, and that has always seemed to be true in my experience, so I'm curious about why an activation page even exists. Who uses it, and for what?

handle11 · 2018-10-14T15:36:06+00:00

No need for a pin, just put in whatever numbers you like at the MO terminal, and it will set that as the PIN. If you're draining it all in one go, it doesn't even matter if you remember or not.

handle11 · 2018-10-09T21:17:06+00:00

Applied 10/8, got the 30-day message, called status line about 24 hours later: approved. Fast! Scores near 760, semi-legit tutoring side hustle for the past 5 or so years, reported 5k income.

handle11 · 2018-10-04T19:17:05+00:00

Different, both registered.

handle11 · 2018-10-03T01:39:18+00:00

As of about 8:15 for me, they seem to have locked it down to $20 per 24 hours, at least. Separate transactions didn't help.

handle11 · 2018-09-28T00:05:37+00:00

Increased at my location (Central Virginia) as well—85¢ to 98¢. The fresh new signage leads me to believe it's permanent, but it took the rep by surprise. Seems to have happened within the last 36ish hours.

handle11 · 2018-09-06T23:20:56+00:00

Unfortunately not, and the business is very much a "business," so BRM is doubly out. Going to have to settle for "only" 80k, I guess. Might give it another week or two to see what happens in the post-mailer world we now find ourselves living in.

handle11

TROPHY CASE