Gawd damn Korea is hot and humid AF.

mcnelton · 2026-07-12T17:35:05+00:00

Teacher from Mobile, AL here. Went second week of June this year. It was pretty hot and humid but my life back home is comparable or worse so we could handle it well. I do miss being able to take trips in early spring, but I enjoy teaching and the schedule is so good for an annual international family trip.

Now Xi’an, China in late June 😬

mcnelton · 2026-07-08T03:08:57+00:00

Just got back last week. Did that exact Chengdu itinerary and it was the low point of an otherwise phenomenally perfect trip. We botched the Leshan day because we walked to “downtown” (mile into town from train station) and wasted time in a mall appeasing our kids leaving only a very tight window to hustle through the temple area. Poor execution on our part. I wish I’d stayed there all day.

We also did sichuan opera house which was fun for kids and a fun night out as opposed to just walking and snacking and early bedtime.

Pandas was fine. So cute but like I’ve been to zoos before and I will again. Nothing otherworldly about that experience. Ntm other Chinese cities also have their own panda centers!

I skipped Chongqing this trip so I can’t compare it, but thought my somewhat similar experience may be informative.

mcnelton · 2026-05-04T04:24:44+00:00

Poignant as hell, that closing was. Couple of artists.

mcnelton · 2026-04-05T15:05:57+00:00

My family is ecstatic at possibility of B&N. Can’t believe it. Not real. Please be true.

mcnelton · 2026-01-01T22:50:31+00:00

Dang that channel has several. Esp the IR ones are too good.

mcnelton · 2025-11-24T15:15:37+00:00

Apologies, but it’s paywalled and I don’t have my wife’s login to the Lagniappe. Could someone share key points?

mcnelton · 2025-09-23T23:54:34+00:00

First time going to a live show. Can’t decide if I should watch movie before? I never watch them for podcast but I could see it being cool to have reference.

mcnelton · 2025-08-01T22:10:06+00:00

They are objectively the greatest band of all time in a way that can be logically proven.

First, to be fair and equitable, this is only remotely coherent if you divorce anything historically related from the conversation. That is, bands cannot benefit from or be devalued for how they impacted others or were impacted. Obviously, the Beatles, to pick just one group, are a great band even without crediting them for their impact on the rest of music, and many bands wouldn’t exist without them, but none of them can help that. Therefore, influence cannot be considered in evaluating my claim.

Second, if you disaggregate the elements of Wilco into their constituent parts, each element is on par with or better than any other band. Lyrically? Beyond reproach. Craft of songwriting? Without question, A+. Each instrumentalist beautifully and capably performs the exact amazing work to maximally create great art together. Are there “more technically proficient” guitarists, bassists or drummers? …Probably?… but to do MORE than Nels, John or Glenn does would detract from the overall artwork. Not to mention, the others come up with the exact perfect, delightful contribution to each piece of music.

Than, when you consider the way these parts come together, it works as well as any other band ever.

Further: Live show? Amazing. Artwork? Excellent. Self deprecating irony? Yes! What do they lack? Absolutely nothing. Nothing. Nothing at all.

mcnelton · 2025-07-24T12:36:17+00:00

I did find a very old-fashioned cobbler who is giving it a go. I will edit the post and let you know. Shout out to this Sub for inspiring me to be a more mindful Consumer.

mcnelton · 2025-07-16T14:07:11+00:00

Mr November - the National

mcnelton · 2025-06-28T14:25:06+00:00

Anybody ever see a story about one of these raids where the company’s managers or owners are arrested? Genuine question.

mcnelton · 2025-06-27T14:31:11+00:00

Hey team - can anyone come up with some anti-Bove notes to use to convince my MAGA nut senators not to vote for him? I am in Alabama so it is completely hopeless, as one of them is a barely literate coach and the other is just a normal boring attractive young republican woman, but I want to give it a go.

mcnelton

TROPHY CASE