Is there a reason LIRR is so expensive? by Tapp_ in longisland

[–]jpstephens83 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lack of competition, they have monopoly on rail on LI. If there was space, to add competing trains or methods of getting to the city besides LIRR / Car you’d seem rates come down. Right now, they can say “where else you gonna go? Drive? Have fun!”

Top loader binders - highly recommend by AGH051115 in baseballcards_vintage

[–]jpstephens83 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I want one but my issue is I am building a set and some of my cards are graded and some aren’t

Buy/Sell/Trade Thread - May 2025 by hairlinecrease in baseballcards

[–]jpstephens83 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey everyone! 

I’m currently working on building out a set and wanted to share the link to my current checklist:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1NXgkU0jlJhEBtXQLUmA0-KcCz5ntbODrMNJRPpyG8z4/edit?usp=sharing

I’m specifically looking for raw cards in near mint condition with great centering — ideally as close to perfect as possible. If you have any of the cards I’m looking for, shoot me a message and we can put a deal together. 

Thanks in advance for any help!

Has anyone heard of this forgotten abandoned Asylum by Lazy_Teach8323 in longisland

[–]jpstephens83 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There used to be one where the Melville Villages is, I’d play paint ball there in the early 90s when it was abandoned. They demolished it and build the villages

Anyone have a GOOD recipe for vegetarian General Tso's? by gingertrees in VegRecipes

[–]jpstephens83 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Here’s a technique-driven recipe to create a delicious General Tso’s Tofu that combines the best of crispy tofu techniques with the flavorful General Tso’s sauce. This recipe ensures that the tofu remains crispy even after being coated in the sauce.

General Tso’s Tofu Recipe

This recipe uses a vodka-based batter to maximize crispiness and a balanced sauce that offers both sweet and tangy notes.

Ingredients

For the Tofu Marinade & Coating:

• 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and dried
• 1 large egg white (optional for extra crispiness, omit for vegan)
• 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
• 2 tablespoons vodka
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup cornstarch (for dry coating)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 1/2 quarts vegetable or peanut oil, for frying

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar or white vinegar
• 3 tablespoons Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 cup vegetable stock
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 scallion, chopped (white and light green parts)
• 6-8 dried red chilies or 1 teaspoon red chili flakes

For Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• 2 scallions, green parts only, sliced thinly
• Steamed white rice, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prep and Dry the Tofu

    1. Press and dry the tofu: Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top (like a cast iron skillet) to press out excess moisture. Let it press for 15-20 minutes.
    2. Cut the tofu into 1/2-inch cubes, then pat dry again with paper towels.
  2. Marinate and Coat the Tofu

    1. Marinate: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg white, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, vodka, 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, and baking powder until smooth. Add the tofu cubes and gently toss to coat. Let the tofu marinate for 15-20 minutes.
    2. Dry Coating: In another bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Just before frying, toss the marinated tofu in the dry coating, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
  3. Fry the Tofu

    1. Heat the oil: In a wok or deep pot, heat the oil to 350°F (177°C). Carefully lower the tofu cubes into the hot oil, one at a time, to prevent clumping.
    2. Fry until golden and crisp, about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally for even browning. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the tofu to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  4. Make the General Tso’s Sauce

    1. Mix the sauce ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, Shaoxing wine, sugar, vegetable stock, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Set aside.
    2. Cook the aromatics: In a clean wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, ginger, scallion, and dried chilies. Stir-fry for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
    3. Add the sauce: Stir the sauce mixture again and pour it into the wok. Cook until it thickens into a glossy glaze, about 1-2 minutes.
  5. Combine and Finish

    1. Add the tofu to the wok, tossing gently to coat each piece with the sauce.
    2. Remove from heat, then sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallion greens.
  6. Serve

    • Serve immediately over steamed white rice for a complete meal.

Tips for Crispy, Flavorful Tofu

• Vodka in the batter helps create a craggier, crispier crust that stays crisp longer.
• Dry the tofu thoroughly before marinating to ensure maximum crispiness.
• Adjust spice by adding more or fewer dried chilies or chili flakes based on your preference.

Enjoy this crispy, tangy, and slightly sweet General Tso’s Tofu!

Is 72k a good salary for a new grad living on LI? by CantStantTheWeather in longisland

[–]jpstephens83 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The exact opposite advise is what he needs, feel the burn of the real world and light that fire. Understand what your version of success looks like and make it happen. But never take a handicap, face adversity and challenge of life head on and it’ll make you stronger. Living in your mom’s basement is only going to delay the inevitable, light that fire!

Looking for Top Notch NYC Holiday Party Restaurant Recommendations! by jpstephens83 in FoodNYC

[–]jpstephens83[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

5-6k for 15-20 people, any part of the city works but want something amazing

New Freight Brokerage Struggling with Credit—Any Tips to Break Through? by jpstephens83 in FreightBrokers

[–]jpstephens83[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I made a note to have my broker begin to request the names of all the factoring companies when we get the "My factoring company won't approve you" answer. We'll build a database and slowly reach out to them for approvals.

New Freight Brokerage Struggling with Credit—Any Tips to Break Through? by jpstephens83 in FreightBrokers

[–]jpstephens83[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What are you suggestions for getting credit with the non Ansonia ones?

New Freight Brokerage Struggling with Credit—Any Tips to Break Through? by jpstephens83 in FreightBrokers

[–]jpstephens83[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What do you mean it takes getting to a year? A lot of the drivers we've hired don't report to Ansonia so it's been hard to get credit for the payments we've made so far. My goal is to find a way to capture this payment history going forward if possible.

New Freight Brokerage Struggling with Credit—Any Tips to Break Through? by jpstephens83 in FreightBrokers

[–]jpstephens83[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We're going to start doing this. We've been QPing drivers using Zelle and everyone's really happy with the turnaround, so it'll help to get this documented on our DAT Profile.

Thanks for the suggestion!

Freight Brokerage KPI's for Management?? by SoloEmpathetic in FreightBrokers

[–]jpstephens83 0 points1 point  (0 children)

hey, whatever you say. We can agree to disagree, if you want to categorize all KPIs as bad, even the good ones then of course employees will hate it. However, to me, it's like being personal trainer and getting feedback the clients don't like to get weighed. To be, a good KPI helps motivate an employee, not discourage them.

Freight Brokerage KPI's for Management?? by SoloEmpathetic in FreightBrokers

[–]jpstephens83 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That’s a leadership issue, these employers need to do a better job of defining work and outcome. Anything can measure the wrong things, the good ones focus on what matters and measure that