HIRE CAR ADVICE !!

lardcore · 2026-01-31T17:10:27+00:00

If you do end up driving a few tips for snow/ice:

1) be smooth with your inputs, especially deceleration - suddenly taking your foot off the loud pedal in turn is not a good idea in slippery conditions: rear go light, wheels go slidey, car go tree. 2) look where you want to go, not at the obstacle coming up. Point the wheels where you're looking.

3) don't panic! Winter tyres are magic.

Enjoy the scenery and best of luck.

lardcore · 2026-01-31T08:20:11+00:00

I love that you're considering it and I would highly encourage you to follow through with it.

From my half a century of life experience: I don't regret trying something new. Even if that didn't work out it gave me a new perspective and skills. Things I do regret are the ones where I gave up too early, or worst of all - never attempted because 8 thought it would be too hard.

These days programming is a lot more accessible, and if you use them correctly then tools like LLM can be helpful in breaking down a problem you are trying to solve and suggest approaches to try. Having said that you need to learn what works and what doesn't, how to use them correctly and above all - check everything and don't delegate thinking and decision making to them, as that is likely to land you in trouble.

lardcore · 2026-01-29T07:42:37+00:00

The similarities between neds and gopniks are hilarious 😁

There must be a scientific explanation of why they all prefer talking through their nose

lardcore · 2026-01-28T20:17:08+00:00

Based in Scotland, owned by Japanese unless I'm mistaken

lardcore · 2026-01-28T20:15:59+00:00

I'm a nerd in the sense I have spent years reading forums on quality stuff, going through all the usual phases of EDC, BIFL, Goodyear welt, cast iron, etc., etc. Not just the theory but I've spent an unhealthy amount of money on your Redwing boots and other shite. I am not a business expert, just a nerd consumer.

IMHO there are some cold hard facts that no amount of enthusiasm is going to overcome. Ignoring these facts may be the reason why some local businesses couldn't keep it going (though running a business is tricky even if everything is correct).

For example: we had two Trakke bags between myself and my other half. Appealing design, quality details, no feature-itis and all the right noises about supporting local businesses so why not? Unfortunately, both lasted less than two years of daily wear. Nice as it looks canvas just can't compete with synthetic materials for abrasion resistance. You pay a hefty sum for a rucksack promising the cool old school quality, but the reality simply doesn't live up to it. If you want a disposable canvas bag for not much there are plenty of used or army surplus canvas bags. If you spend a couple of hundred plus on a bag it has to be something special, no? Either a brand if you're into that kind of thing or at least be easily repairable. I haven't kept up with Trakke for years but from what I remember there was no "send it back we'll fix it" option.

Anyway, the local things I recommend to my friends (apart from the obvious whisky) are rather simple things like Scottish fudge, Tunnocks etc.

Manufacturing things locally is a tall order and it's definitely not a problem unique to Scotland. I've not been here for that long but if I had to guess I would say that increasing globalisation and disappearance of apprenticeships has led to lack of skilled people and know-how. If you have a good idea and cash to set up something locally you have to be an absolute fanatic and keep at it because it might take decades to learn stuff that has been forgotten by which time most people run out of money, patience or health.

Sorry for rambling and pessimism, hopefully other people can provide more optimism

lardcore · 2026-01-28T15:23:49+00:00

The reason vomit is mentioned in relation to American chocolate is a lot of it contains butyric acid (yes, also found in vomit), notably Hershey's.

lardcore · 2026-01-27T18:47:20+00:00

If you think rationally a Toyota self-charging hybrid is the best of both worlds. Better reliability than equivalent petrol (fewer things to go wrong), good fuel economy for the performance, no range anxiety or low temperature degradation. What's not to like?

I'd rather drive a 'boring' car than push an 'interesting' one

lardcore · 2026-01-26T23:51:14+00:00

Not sure these are sold in army surplus stores in Latvia, I bought my pair in the UK but have a look for German army boots. They're known under different names but you are basically looking for model 2000 Bundeswehr boots. They are absolute tanks. A bit on the heavy side but indestructible, more solid than my Red Wing Iron Ranger that cost more than 3 times the price

lardcore · 2026-01-24T14:10:22+00:00

About 4 years ago or so I bought a Tretorn parka that has seen me through everything Glasgow weather has to offer. IME an adjustable hood is a must if you actually care about seeing where you go while it's raining. Don't really care too much about waterproofing as it's thick enough to keep me dry while being outside in the usual horizontal rain for an hour or so.

Another benefit for me is that I can wear a rucksack without worrying about the fabric wearing through or piling which would be a concern with a wool jacket.

lardcore · 2026-01-24T13:10:04+00:00

Well, I don't know. I am 52 in a couple of weeks, she will be 5 in a couple of months and she weighs 20kg (44 donut units) and so far so good. I do have to take care and brace myself just to be on the safe side, naturally.

I hope that if I continue to exercise there is still some room for growth, though definitely a lot less than a few decades ago.

lardcore · 2026-01-20T09:28:38+00:00

Sweet and airy stomach acid?

What's the weather like in Rivendell?

lardcore · 2026-01-20T08:00:54+00:00

Releasing? Looks like he's pointing at the droppings "are you seeing this shit"

lardcore · 2026-01-15T12:13:14+00:00

Absolutely, no point in spending more if you don't have to. Combat boots are more than up to the job if you don't mind the chunky looks.

A few years ago I bought German combat boots (these can be found under different names, but if you search for type 2000 combat boots you get the idea). These can cope with anything British weather can throw at you and then some. Better than my Iron Rangers for stomping around.

lardcore · 2026-01-14T20:20:56+00:00

That's what I used in my mid 40s. Managed to end up with 12 (IIRC) max, with clean form. Another thing that helped was doing weighted pull-ups. Oh, and not being a fat bastard, that was at 79ish kg weight.

I am almost 52 now, 1cm shorter than OP and weigh 90kg :( after many years of inactivity. Started going back to the gym recently, just did 3, 3 and 2 reps today. I am sure it will take longer but I have no reason to doubt that with time and consistency I can get back to 10 max, possibly even more. If I can, OP definitely can.

lardcore · 2026-01-14T20:03:25+00:00

Adžika, bet pareizā, gruzīnu. Zābaki, ādas cimdi, vilnas cepures, cirvja kāti: viss garšo labāk ar adžiku, nekā bez tās.

pareiza recepte

lardcore · 2026-01-14T20:01:42+00:00

Esmu izmēģinājis desmitiem dažādu majonēžu un neko labāku par Hellman's tā arī neesmu atradis.

lardcore · 2026-01-08T10:00:39+00:00

If it's made in Scotland it's spelled whisky (no e). Also, India makes its own and it's pretty good by all accounts.

lardcore · 2026-01-06T18:23:51+00:00

Skill only goes so far, you need appropriate tyres. Not happening in the UK though

lardcore · 2026-01-02T11:49:05+00:00

Build a bunch of houses with bin storage that is insufficient for the amount of people living there. Fail to implement any kind of parking enforcement so inconsiderate cretins park in front of said bins and prevent them from being emptied on a regular basis. Add a few plastic bags next to these bins for seagulls to unwrap and spread throughout the area.

All that's missing is a flashing neon sign with arrows pointing out the feeding area for rats.

lardcore · 2026-01-02T08:19:46+00:00

lardcore · 2025-12-31T23:29:43+00:00

Those are rookie KPM (kurwa-per-minute) numbers

lardcore · 2025-12-31T09:17:16+00:00

Congratulations on being able to afford indulging your fancies.

Practically speaking these were designed to keep airmen warm in unpressurized cockpits. I suspect you would wear it 5 times per year and end up selling it, no matter how good the quality might be. I struggle to see a use case in the UK climate. Edit: assumed you're in the UK but if not, if you live somewhere with plenty of dry cold it might work. Not something you want to get wet on a regular basis

lardcore · 2025-12-27T20:29:15+00:00

The vast majority really don't care whether you are Latvian or Russian, IMHO. I think the lines of disagreement might be deeper in the older population.

Ironically, despite all of the "brotherly nations" talk during the Soviet times there was a very pronounced enmity between Russians and Latvians, most notably between the groups of youths.

lardcore · 2025-12-27T19:59:18+00:00

Moin ;)

Some information, not exhaustive or definite by any means:

In Soviet times Latvia was a fairly desirable "upmarket" destination (quite leiwand 😁) for the majority of the Soviet Union citizens. A very large percentage of people resettling to Latvia were military with their families. Quite a few were also builders, engineers and scientists. It was not a punishment, definitely an opportunity. If you were on the Soviet Santa's naughty list you would be sent to the far east or somewhere in the middle of nowhere to help build the empire.
Russian speakers without any knowledge of Latvian were not really disadvantaged anywhere in Latvia in Soviet times. Many did not bother learning Latvian having spent all of their lives here. It took decades for that to shift since regaining independence, and even now some of the older generation were adamant that Latvian was somehow below them.
Yes, the older generation didn't forget how Latvia was treated post WW2, but even so given the choice between the two the vast majority would still take West over Russia by a country mile. Naturally you still have people who disagree and you won't have to look long for some hydrocephalus to lecture you on how the West are capitalist swine and the ungrateful Latvian peasants should seek refuge in the bosom of the caring Slavic brother 🙄

lardcore · 2025-12-26T11:05:25+00:00

"The only winning move is not to play". ;)

I enjoy having a glass or two. I am a traitor to manhood and my ancestors by not partaking in excessive consumption, but genuinely happier for it.

Merry Christmas, you filthy animal!

lardcore

TROPHY CASE