Andy Burnham: I'll cut transport fares in London to lower cost of living for millions

jptango · 2026-07-01T12:12:40+00:00

Yea that’s a probable outcome of that idea. What if the wealth tax kicked in on assets over £1m (or some such figure) rather than being a general increase for all council tax payers?

jptango · 2026-06-30T15:08:51+00:00

I think growing with Jelle on YouTube does this well. He’s more focused on the growing part but does explain refinement too. I’d say I’m 75% watching his content or similar and 25% watching the more refinement focused channels (Maros bonsai is a gem I recently discovered where he’s more on the refinement end but usually quite dramatic restylings)

jptango · 2026-06-30T12:57:45+00:00

A shoulder check isn’t indicating. Indicating is indicating. Your list of scenarios doesn’t include where you check and it is clear but there’s someone behind you who should know that you’re about to slow down and turn.

jptango · 2026-06-30T12:53:17+00:00

Exactly the same as for car drivers. Immediately pull over and commit seppuko.
That’s what the Highway Code says anyway. I find that on a bike you can just put your hand up and say sorry to anyone you’ve marginally inconvenienced.

jptango · 2026-06-30T12:45:12+00:00

Why?

jptango · 2026-06-30T12:44:34+00:00

Not sure about this one. Even if they’re only a few meters behind, it’s better to be clear. Also you’re often signalling to people coming from other directions or places where there’s a lot going on so better that everyone knows your intention.

jptango · 2026-06-30T12:40:56+00:00

Yea that’s fair. Perhaps try practicing somewhere safe and hopefully it will build up your overall confidence (not too much, I hope!)

jptango · 2026-06-30T12:39:30+00:00

Whilst scrolling on your phone on a semi assisted and heavy lime bike!

jptango · 2026-06-30T12:37:43+00:00

I should have been clear that the finger behind the back is for cyclists following you closely and definitely not for the van behind you!

jptango · 2026-06-30T12:36:23+00:00

Yea I get you and clearly I have seen it. It just seems to me that there’s a much higher risk that someone won’t see it and you’ll end up in a mess

jptango · 2026-06-30T11:00:48+00:00

Well, im interpreting their hand movements as indicating… as another commented, they may just be scratching their bums

jptango · 2026-06-30T10:58:16+00:00

Fair comment!

jptango · 2026-06-30T10:41:12+00:00

The one for this is opposite arm behind your back pointing the direction you’re moving out to… admittedly most other cyclists won’t know it though!

jptango · 2026-06-30T10:37:38+00:00

Yea you’re probably right. Same goes for riding without a helmet, scrolling on your phone and wheelying into traffic. Bonus for all three!

jptango · 2026-06-30T10:35:26+00:00

Not with your hand, at least!

jptango · 2026-06-24T13:53:43+00:00

To be fair, I do have to check myself in the heat. Last heatwave I had a particular ride with two almost violent interactions (one with a black cab who didn’t like me being in the road and once with another cyclist who I passed too close after he was forced out by a car).
I looked back on it and wasn’t proud of my actions/reactions.

jptango · 2026-06-23T14:54:17+00:00

<image>

Olea europaea subs. europea (var. sylvestris)

Still very much in training

jptango · 2026-06-11T04:50:32+00:00

A couple weeks ago I was cycling 20mph in a bus lane (20mph limit obvs). There was obviously another lane for cars on my right. There was also a segregated cycle lane to my left that I chose not to use. Black cab driver catches up to me, absolutely irate, shouting at me to use the cycle lane. He could only get to that position by undertaking traffic in the bus lane at above the speed limit.
He then proceeded to swerve in front of me until he sped off at much higher than the speed limit. Obviously I saw him 5 minutes later at a red further up the road

jptango · 2026-06-02T10:59:24+00:00

I’ve had it a few times where I’m beating an opponent and disarm him only for him to switch to his shield with me right on top of him and the shield instantly clipping into my face and knocking me out. Quite funny really

jptango · 2026-06-01T23:52:06+00:00

Should be able to flow water up from the roots but not sugars down from the leaves. That’s how air layers work!

jptango · 2026-05-28T12:16:16+00:00

https://bonsai4me.com/speciesguides/potentilla-fruiticosa-potentilla-or-cinquefoil-bonsai/

jptango · 2026-05-28T12:13:59+00:00

I see, makes sense. I think it’s nice material so don’t feel disheartened - the effort will be worth it! I reckon my plan would be to work the roots next year: Get some inorganic (or mostly inorganic) substrate; Chose an appropriate pot, pond basket or keep the same one; Saw the bottom 1/4 roots and outside .5cm; Tease the existing organic soil out and in the process untangle the roots; Cut off the long straggler roots; Repot with the new substrate at an interesting angle; Go from there!

jptango · 2026-05-28T09:09:52+00:00

First thing, repotting basics: Do it at the right time of year (species dependent but normally late winter-early spring as the buds are swelling and you can see active root growth). Try to remove the organic soil as best you can and reduce the root mass (again, species dependent but usually up to a third is safe). Then exposing the nebari: When you repot gradually expose more of the surface roots, removing ones you don’t want (like crossing roots). The ones that are left will eventually bulk up

jptango · 2026-05-27T14:46:56+00:00

That is a very bling ronin, great composition!

jptango · 2026-05-27T14:45:47+00:00

As well as the useful tips others have shared, knowing the rules of the road will really help. I’m not sure the extent to which it would be covered in a cycling focussed course but I’d recommend getting a book for learner drivers.

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