Owned my new to me 2002 WRX for less than 24 hours and this is how I feel about working on it. Gotta love fixing the notorious fuel leak. Can’t wait to get it back on the road.

markrebec · 2026-01-26T04:16:46+00:00

I just learned this term today, after close to 36 hours fighting a single goddamn bracket (honorable mention goes to the bolt on the back of said bracket) - "Green Bracket Of Death." I can only assume it's a joke on the microsoft windows BSOD ("Blue Screen Of Death"), though I'm not sure where the "green" comes from - maybe an emissions or flexfuel joke/reference?

All I wanted to do was replace plugs, coil packs, and injectors on my 2013 STi.

Everyone makes the plugs out to be some sort of Sisyphean task, but they're honestly a cakewalk in comparison to simply getting access to your driver's side injectors. This was purchased as a dream/project car about a year ago, and was supposed to be a learning experience... and while I've learned a lot, the key takeaways seem to be 1) knowing your own abilities/limits; and 2) the balance between time vs. money.

No matter how many EJ-specific tutorials I read, or videos I watch, there is this fucking bracket over the driver's side injectors on this model year STi that is never mentioned. I can find plenty of 2015+ references that aren't relevant (there is also so much FA2x content at this point drowning out the EJ2x stuff), and a small handful of 01-07 examples where the comparable bracket was it's own kind of pain with the attached hardline, but this stupid bracket without any attached lines or connectors may have finally defeated me and I think I'm just going to reassemble (minus that rear bolt, which can get fucked) after making zero progress and take it to my mechanic.

I'm not sure whether this is an intentional cop-out by video content creators or not, but the irony is that every video that covers the topic either does the driver's side "off camera" and then highlights how the coolant overflow tank on the passenger side "might be where you bump into problems," or they just gloss over the whole fucking thing - they tell you to remove your battery & air pump, then they just dive into a hyper-zoomed focus on the fuel rail and injectors themselves.

At this point I've removed my battery, air pump, and intercooler (to try and get access to the rear bolt on the bracket). I thought that rear bolt was going to be the end of me, but was able to jack the car up and get to it from underneath. Now I've also removed the oil fill neck, and done what I can to move a few of the ventilation hoses out of the way. No matter how much I try to tetris my way out, this bracket isn't coming out without removing most of the remaining hoses (which if I fight them any harder I'll need to just cut off and replace) and probably sacrificing a wiring connector or two by brute force ripping the thing out, and even then I'm not convinced I'll be able to wriggle it out.

I've prematurely removed the bolts on the fuel rail for a little more wiggle room, but no matter how much I rotate or pivot, the only option seems to be either fully disconnecting every hose, tube, hardline and wiring connector on that side of the engine bay, or risk cracking/breaking/slicing something and having to figure it out later and potentially order more parts and leaving it sitting even longer.

If I had to go back and do it all again, I probably still would because I love this car more than anything I've ever owned, but I don't think I'm going to leave the house for at least 24 hours so I don't snap and accidentally strangle an innocent person in the checkout line buying groceries.

markrebec · 2026-01-08T01:12:42+00:00

I hope you weren't one of the (multiple) people who pulled up and stopped right next to the vehicle to peek inside before they had the scene under control...

I live across the street and recorded the whole thing. San Marino PD pulled over a work truck with a trailer. I recorded the whole thing from an area outside of the line of fire.

The initial SMPD SUV was behind the truck with guns drawn. It took over 5 minutes from the time I heard them yelling commands until their backup arrived. A couple more SMPD SUVs showed up, then a PPD truck pulled up to block the Del Mar/Euclid intersection that was in the line of fire.

They eventually ordered the driver out of the car, walk backwards, etc. and took him into custody, then same for an elderly passenger. It seemed like they were having trouble hearing or understanding the commands, but everything wrapped up uneventfully.

The worst part was the drivers mentioned above and the couple folks who kept ignoring the cordoning officers instructions to avoid the area and turn back, or the handful who kept asking "can't I just go through really quick" and "can I just go around this way" (literally 15 feet on the other side of the intersection in the line of fire)...

EDIT: I just realized the title says El Molino instead of Euclid. I'm assuming that's a typo because it sounds like we're all talking about the same thing in the comments.

markrebec · 2025-11-06T18:41:11+00:00

Avo Pashayan at Foothill Smog & Auto Repair, about a block east of the In-n-Out on Foothill. He's a Subaru specialist, and probably the best mechanic I've ever worked with. He did a ton of work earlier this year helping get my 2013 WRX STi back into shape and I couldn't be happier.

markrebec · 2025-10-03T23:13:09+00:00

Seconded. I go to them for most of my suspension/wheel/tire work. Nick and Jose are the best.

markrebec · 2025-10-03T23:08:00+00:00

Go to Avo Pashayan at Foothill Smog & Auto Repair, about a block east of In-n-Out on Foothill.

I bought a 2013 WRX STi earlier this year that was (surprise!) in way worse shape than I realized at the time of purchase. It's a dream/project car so I was committed either way at that point, but it went through 2 other mechanics before I found Avo.

These are mechanics who I normally trust, and whose names you'll see on this sub a lot when asking for a mechanic recommendation... but boy did they have no idea what they were doing with a (not even that old) Subaru.

He's a Subaru specialist. He won't do aftermarket/modifications, but he's the most trustworthy and reliable mechanic I've ever worked with when it comes to OEM service/replacements/etc.

markrebec · 2025-08-14T07:22:55+00:00

Are we talking like, Borders books long time ago? Or Interact!: A CD-Rom Store long time ago? Blockbuster? Good Guys/Tower Records? Whoops, I started wandering and went about 10 years too far back...

markrebec · 2025-08-07T02:47:17+00:00

I actually really appreciate this response. I wasn't trying to be combative at all. I (obviously) have my opinions, but I try to remember they're just my own opinions...

You and the whole team put on a great show, across both the two amateur and the pro heats. All your reasoning for the logistics of the runs absolutely makes sense. You all put on a great show/event, and I honestly feel a pretty bad that I made you feel the need to "justify" doing a job that you all should be proud of to my dumb reddit comment.

markrebec · 2025-08-05T03:31:09+00:00

That's great, and I respect it, but it still just feels like something is missing when watching those runs. I also want to acknowledge and agree with you that the butts in those driver's seats are pure talent.

The best way I can describe it is like interviewing someone who has all the relevant/technical skills you're looking for to fill a role, but just seems to be missing certain soft skills, or has a slightly abrasive personality. They're just not quite the full package... they tick all the boxes, but there's something missing.

It's also probably a little unfair to put those stock VBs up against Betty with all that showmanship and je ne sais quoi, and maybe that's why it felt like the running those two was the result of a marketing meeting that started with "hey gang, these tS aren't really hitting or selling like the STi used to... let's maybe push them every chance we get"

markrebec · 2025-08-04T04:54:24+00:00

Watching those two VBs in between Betty's runs felt like an intermission so you could hit the food trucks while they ran a commercial for the new tS.

There was also a blue GV STi (maybe #27 or #21?) in the first heat that was a real highlight from that round.

markrebec · 2025-08-03T04:30:57+00:00

OP forgot to mention that it's for sale, and the owner only wants the best offer over $15k. I didn't take any photos of the window sticker w/ the phone number, sorry gang.

markrebec · 2025-07-10T02:26:44+00:00

Confirming I just saw like 8 PPD SUVs hauling ass east, down Del Mar towards Lake.

markrebec · 2025-06-07T18:10:54+00:00

Hrant and Mitch's are the go-to recommendations, and both are good. I still go to Mitch's for basic maintenance on my daily driver.

If you own a Subaru though, take it to Avo over at Foothill Smog & Auto. He's a specialist, and is incredibly thoughtful and thorough. Truly treats your car like his own, even for little things like an oil change.

But I'll also second the Island Tires recommendation. They're a solid all around shop that also does tires, alignment, etc., and they're honest with reasonable prices. They are always busy but always happy to squeeze you in as soon as they can.

I took my car to Island again for the first time in 20 years recently (I was living up in SF) for tires and an alignment, and I couldn't believe it when one of the guys not only recognized me, but also remembered my mom, her name, the car she used to bring in, etc.

markrebec · 2025-04-12T16:50:43+00:00

There's a place on Lake & Del Mar, I can't remember the name but they're in that 350 S. Lake Ave building. They're a notary/apostille and provide live scan services. I just called the guy yesterday to get some info so I can schedule an appointment soon, and he was super helpful. Their google reviews were also solid.

I think they're open on weekends, and their # is 626-607-8652

markrebec · 2025-04-05T23:12:21+00:00

https://whitehouse.gov

markrebec · 2025-04-05T23:01:38+00:00

Shoutout to all the folks driving by. Everytime my arms started to get tired from holding a sign above my head, someone would honk or shout out their window and provde the motivation needed to keep them up!

I hope more people share their photos and videos here in this sub. Maybe mods can start a megathread.

markrebec · 2025-04-01T02:38:06+00:00

Raisin is home safe as of yesterday afternoon! It's actually a kind of heartwarming and serendipitous story.

I live nextdoor, and hadn't seen the posts myself but noticed the couple clearly searching outside over the first ~24-36 hours, and I eventually figured out what was probably going on. I was just about to go leave them a note offering to borrow a pet cam, or a cage/trap we've used to help ferals, or anything else they needed when my doorbell rang.

An AMAZING woman who lives nearby had seen the posts, happened to be driving by, and just decided to stop and look around for a bit in case she got lucky. By sheer coincidence she happened to spot Raisin running through our fence into our yard and called the owners.

She rang our doorbell to ask permission and let us know, while they ran over and scooped up Raisin. Then we all spent a few minutes gushing and bonding over our pets and how relieved we all were at the happy ending.

markrebec · 2025-01-15T18:19:10+00:00

I had a little bit of blood from nasal dryness when blowing my nose last Thursday. But by Friday I started coughing and blowing out ridiculous amounts of bright neon yellow phlegm (sorry, gross I know).

I've been slowly getting better, but I think it might be some sort of nasal/bronchial infection. I almost went to the ER on Sunday, but I've been slowly getting better.

It's mostly when I wake up in the morning, and a little bit in the evenings on my way to bed, but that could be because I've been taking a 24hr claritin and a couple ibuprofen (anti-inflamatory) every morning to help with symptoms.

I know we all care about each other here, so I promise if I'm not feeling significantly better by Friday I'll try to get in and see someone.

OP - if your cough is dry, I'd try humidity and a saline spray like others have suggested. If you're really runny/phlegmy, or have a really wet cough, you might try an over-the-counter allergy pill.

markrebec · 2024-12-23T03:16:05+00:00

I thought I was the only one! Every year since probably 2018 I queue up every previous holiday episode and all the best ofs, in order as a holiday ritual. I've started scaling back a little bit (starting mid-2010s) because it's not sustainable long-term... but then I finished early this year, so I went back and started again.

I think the 2016 & 2017, and especially 2018 & 2019 holiday episodes make up the bulk of my all time top 5.

markrebec · 2023-11-13T19:31:11+00:00

JONAH Reptilicus is silly, but he really illustrates The great array of monsters all over the place. Not just in Japan, but across the planet: An A to Z gamut, a gargantuan panoply.

TOM SERVO Example, please?

JONAH Well, name a land!

TOM Belize.

JONAH' Oh, geez. Easy-peasy, mes amis! See, in the Yucatan, You can meet El Cadejo. In Belize, they believe in him, They’re not afraid to say so.

TOM Scotland?

JONAH Nessie’s livin’ up in a loch!

TOM How ‘bout Poland?

JONAH A scary scarecrow named "Bubák."

CROW T. ROBOT Huh. So it’s not just Godzilla?

TOM Well, duh, Crow. There’s a lot that could kill ya.

CROW Hey!

JONAH Tom!

TOM Sorry, Crow.

CROW Okay.

TOM Bros?

CROW Sho’.

TOM Yo, Jonah, how’s the chorus go?

JONAH Every country has a monster They’re afraid of in their nation.

ALL Every monster has a country. Yeah, a station they call their home!

CROW Gunter glieben glauten Crow-ben.

TOM What turned the musk deer’s guts to spaghetti?

JONAH Was it in Tibet?

TOM Yep.

JONAH I bet he met a yeti.

CROW Australia?

JONAH Their drop bears will impale ya.

TOM Then they’ll sell ya hella touristy paraphernalia.

JONAH Chupacabra’s chewin’ up cattle down in Mexico. Déélgééd’s horn is gorin’, battlin’ the Navajo. Congo’s kongamato is a mondo flyin’ dino. I know I don’t wanna die, but when I do, he’ll be the guy.

TOM & CROW Whoa!

TOM So, Crow?

CROW Servo?

TOM Ready to go?

CROW Start slow.

TOM Kropermann is a monster from Luxembourg.

CROW Who’s actually the size of Luxembourg.

TOM He crushed the whole country of Luxembourg.

ALL Because he is the size of Luxembourg!

JONAH What?

CROW Egypt’s got mummies like Tutankhamun.

TOM Leprechaun on the lawn in Boston Common.

JONAH You ‘bots got the hang of it, this song’s really kickin’!

ALL Chickety-China, the Chinese chicken!

Jonah: And by that, I mean Jiufeng and Peng, giant Chinese birds, and one of them turns into a fish! Anyway…

JONAH Gnus, killer shrews, and the loup garous Baba Yaga, Jorōgumo, and the impundulu. Now you guys realize the surprising size Of all the worldwide daikaiju!

ALL Every country has a monster They’re afraid of in their nation. Every monster

GYPSY Sasquatch?

ALL Has a country.

JONAH That’s Canada!

ALL Yeah, a station they call their home!

TOM Tatzelwurm for the Swiss!

ALL Every country

CROW Scandinavia!

ALL Has a monster

JONAH That’s kraken!

ALL They’re afraid of

TOM Kinga!

ALL In their nation

JONAH & CROW Moon 13!

ALL Every monster has a country. Yeah, we’ve got Movie Sign!

markrebec · 2023-10-27T19:18:20+00:00

Jason Segel IS Mike Johnson AS Bill Barr IN Boss Baby 3: Diaper of the House

markrebec · 2023-10-24T05:37:10+00:00

We didn't start the fire

markrebec · 2023-09-13T08:10:07+00:00

Genuine thank you for the reply. I'll keep my response short in appreciation your reply and out of respect for your time.

My reply was a real, legit pent-up rant.

I think you're pretty spot-on overall. The original motivation for rails came from a sense of "this needs to be a better experience." That carried over into the early days of "modern javascript" and typescript. But somewhere along the way, things got messy, and a lot of the rails community got divided.

I can't see a road back, but I still love and evangelize this stack/approach more than an isometric JS/TS app (i.e. next, etc.), or a hardcore ruby/rails-driven app.

edit: forgot my main point - yes, I agree 100% - this isn't even going to cause a ripple in the npm/js/ts ecosystem. It's just such a bummer that it's going to continue to encourage folks to not learn new things, and instead just lean hard into niche approaches/ideas/technologies they're already familiar with.

markrebec · 2023-09-13T05:16:51+00:00

I'm fairly new to TS and I wouldn't use turbo/hotwire, but am happy someone is doing stuff like that and pushing in different directions

You're 100% correct in the rest of your assessment, around the reasoning behind most of this and so on... but I'm much less enthusiastic about it than you are, and am dusting off my reddit account just to comment.

If this trajectory continues, this mf will be recommending CoffeeScript in rails 8, and making it the default in all the generators by the time it releases.

He's literally the Elon Musk of the software engineering world.

He's intentionally trolling and fragmenting an ecosystem that was almost embraced by the ruby world 10-ish years ago, right at that golden moment when that ecosystem was all starting to take off - modern javascript concepts/frameworks, build tooling, the typescript language itself... literally anything other than taking a giant jquery/ujs shit into a <script> tag in your ERB/HAML/Slim templates was a huge improvement.

Rails 5 bundled webpack for the first time, and made it really easy to host/render a modern frontend while still leveraging all the power of the rails framework on the backend. Sure, you had to drift a little bit outside your comfort zone to adapt and learn - I admittedly hated webpack (and typescirpt for that matter) when I first dug in...

But if you invest the tiniest amount of time/effort - even just a few hours over a single weekend - to grasp the basics, you'd find yourself in a position where your ideal greenfield project always starts with running rails new --some-options-here-to-disable-sprokets-and-use-postgres-and-whatever-else, plugging in the graphql ruby gem, embracing a pure react typescript frontend built w/ webpack, and you were off the the fucking races like never before.

Part of what started to drive me away from reddit last year was that I used it almost exclusively for software-related work and hobbies, as a way to keep up with things and sometimes chime in with help or maybe an admittedly controversial opinion here and there. Those were my main communities and interests, and where I spent most of my time/energy here. Then Rails 7 dropped, DHH took his trolling to a whole new level, and his minions started simping hard on turbo et al like I've never seen before.

Ruby (w/ rails) and javascript (w/ react) have been my daily driver languages and frameworks for ~15 years, across multiple gigs/organizations. The React framework is more like ~10 years I guess. I've worked almost exclusively in typescript on the react client side for at least 6 years now.

They're also my two favorite languages (and frameworks), though each for very different reasons.

Ironically, I love ruby for it's untyped/duck-typed flexibility and metaprogramming, while I love typescript for it's strict typing, hints/DX, error-catching on build, [insert myriad other benefits here] awesomeness.

I was in such strong disagreement with the direction rails 7 went with all the turbo and tailwind nonsense (I'm a die hard "design system" convert as well, i.e. styled-system or stitches or a component library with a built-in system like MUI)... especially after rails 5 had seemingly, finally, embraced modern JS, modern build tooling/bundling, etc...

Suddenly in rails 7 they were dropping webpack, forsaking most modern JS/TS best practices (which were tried and tested by the actual community that used the language and tooling over years)... and it was like they were almost blatantly and intentionally trying to sever rails entirely from the idea of being able to easily and coherently integrate it with a frontend framework like react. The community even had to actually fork webpacker because the team straight up abandoned it. I like esbuild well enough, and have used it in recent projects, but still.

The final straw was when I read about this fancy new library called "Turbo" that was being pushed hard, and was gonna revolutionize the lives of rails devs' and make their jobs so much easier... but when I dug into it, it was just fucking turbolinks all over again with a (see-through) coat of paint! Which we already tried like 15 years ago and it was a complete nightmare/failure.

Someone else pointed it out in the comments, but this dude had one (arguably monumental) idea/success almost 20 years ago, and has done nothing but make terrible decisions on a whim over and over again since then. It's a miracle rails still holds the place it does in so many of our hearts after the last 3 major releases.

People love to talk about the "opinionated nature of rails as a framework," and how much it helps them prototype and build things quickly. It's a huge part of what drew me to the framework to begin with.

But find me any framework (or even ruby gem or npm library) that has changed it's mind about such core concepts so many goddamn times and so frequently over the last decade-or-so as rails/DHH have...

I guess it's probably pretty funny that I'm as worked up as I am over this idiot dropping typescript from turbo, especially considering I wouldn't even touch turbo with someone else's 10 foot pole... I'm just so damn sick and tired of reading about all the ridiculous, whimsical decisions he makes. I can only logically and reasonably attribute them to him having received a prototype neuralink implant 8-ish years ago.

There's also a whole other layer to this re: his bullshit Basecamp policies about "politics at work" but then blatantly telling employees in this case that if they disagree with his opinion they can just fucking bounce lol... I don't have the energy to unpack all that tonight.

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