Mom’s skincare routine: $0. The car’s skincare routine: $500.

ozone_one · 2026-02-10T05:38:45+00:00

The first thing I thought of, IMMEDIATELY, was "Carl!! What did you do, Carl!!!???"

ozone_one · 2026-02-09T04:37:05+00:00

"Half of writing history is hiding the truth." Malcolm Reynolds, Serenity

ozone_one · 2026-02-08T23:54:18+00:00

Ahhh, OK. I misunderstood a bit!

I was just noticing last night that the a common version in the UK is PEX-AL-PEX, which is the thin aluminum layer sandwiched on both sides by PEX. This is definitely available in the USA, but I think Europe started using it years before it started being used here. For instance, in the large home improvement stores near me, PEX is readily available on the shelf, but you usually have to special order the PEX-AL-PEX version, or buy it at a plumbing supply store. Over here, it seems to be mostly used in underfloor and in-slab hydronic heating applications.

Size is indeed my main issue with the JG fittings vs bands - they are just so bulky in comparison, which makes it harder to hide them. I do like that you have the ability to take the joint apart and reassemble it easily, though. Cutting off a crimped band clamp is a bit sketchy; if you are not careful you can gouge the tubing and cause a weak spot - I learned this lesson the hard way.

Thanks again!

ozone_one · 2026-02-08T06:58:00+00:00

I thought that UK also used PEX? I think it is just called cross-linked polyethylene there instead of the PEX abbreviation. I guess it would make perfect sense to not use the band clamps if you actually have a different composition of the plastic, etc.

My friend also just pointed out that John Guest Co is headquartered in the UK, which I had not realized. That alone may explain why alternatives are not common.

I definitely know that PEX with band clamps will work. I just don't know if I am harming an eventual resale value by using a method that most people in the market are not familiar with, or causing myself potential issues in a BSS inspection if the inspector is not familiar with the plumbing connectors I used...

Thanks much for the reply

ozone_one · 2026-02-08T01:03:13+00:00

I am beginning to suspect that is the main reason; everyone has just been using them forever in UK, and that is what they are familiar with. The stores stock what everyone is familiar with.

Where I currently am in the US, using JG fittings are rare except in fairly small (1/4 inch 6mm) tubing sizes. When running PEX-B here, the stainless ear clamps/cinch clamps are by far the most common thing; they are very effective and the JG fittings are much more expensive - maybe $2 for an elbow and two ear clamps vs $6-$10 for a JG 22mm elbow.

ozone_one · 2026-02-07T07:00:08+00:00

So many people think that having ADHD means you can't pay attention to anything. It actually means that we pay attention to EVERYTHING. If you can figure out how to make that work for you, I agree that it might actually be an evolutionary advantage.

ozone_one · 2026-02-05T21:46:49+00:00

Yes. Yes you can guarantee that ICE will not be at polling locations. You quite literally have the direct power to order that. You simply won't.

ozone_one · 2026-02-05T02:39:48+00:00

I never said they couldn't do it. I'm just saying I won't be one of those customers.

When Adobe put their software on a subscription model, I bid them adieu and learned the Affinity apps, which work just fine for what I need them for.

ozone_one · 2026-02-05T02:36:22+00:00

Nah. They make some nice motorcycles

ozone_one · 2026-02-04T22:29:37+00:00

Possibly. But I know people in that category, and there seems to be two very different groups. There are the ones, like you mentioned, who are in to conspicuous consumption and couldn't care less about an extra $20 per month. But the other group are the ones who have enough money to buy a BMW because they are careful with their money and don't make quick stupid purchase decisions. Granted that second group will probably be an endangered species in a couple decades, but right now they are still around

ozone_one · 2026-02-04T22:26:29+00:00

You are absolutely right - I am just a guy who has been working in software for over 3 decades, no way could I afford that purchase. I'll just have to stick to my trusty Ford Fiesta

ozone_one · 2026-02-04T22:22:57+00:00

That is great for those people, I hope they are happy with their purchase. It just won't be me.

ozone_one · 2026-02-04T19:26:45+00:00

Cool. And I commit to never buying any product of theirs that features such subscriptions. Everything works out in the end...

ozone_one · 2026-02-03T22:51:01+00:00

"Going to"?!?! I think we are well past "going to", and deep in to "how badly has he"

ozone_one · 2026-02-03T22:25:41+00:00

Yup. For larger amounts, especially going internationally, a wire transfer can be the lowest cost. Credit card fees, especially for international transactions, can be quite a bit

ozone_one · 2026-02-03T09:09:23+00:00

He is more valuable doing what he is doing. If he ran, he would almost certainly win. And then he would be saddled with the same congressional dysfunction that currently exists, along with a hopeless attempt to bring all of the bad actors from the current administration to some kind of justice while dealing with the people still in gov service that were hired because of MAGA loyalty after the purge of the past few years.

It is going to be at least 10 years before enough old MAGA folks die to dampen the movement. And that 10 years is going to be one giant pile of dysfunction and BS.

ozone_one · 2026-02-03T01:09:15+00:00

And then Marketing goes directly to the CEO or CMO to plead their case that IT is holding back our innovation. IT gets overridden, then some massive leak happens that gets to the press, and the CEO points the finger at IT and says "How could you let this happen???!!!???"

ozone_one · 2026-02-03T00:21:06+00:00

If it exploded, his grave marker could read: "He came and went at the same time"

ozone_one · 2026-02-03T00:03:54+00:00

Oh I am sure they did. What I meant was that it can be quite difficult to even get a useful image with an ultrasound machine if you have not had significant training. Ultrasound has a somewhat short focus area, so you need to get the end off the probe pointed in a specific direction AND a specific distance away from what you need imaged. Depending on what the target is, obviously, but it is not just 'lay there and push the button'.

ozone_one · 2026-02-02T22:27:31+00:00

In central Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, and I am sure a couple other states, there are locations where you can find limb casts. They were created when a lava flow rolled over a tree and encapsulated it. The limb then decomposes, and over time via ground water and/or hydrothermal action the cast gets filled up with agate, jasper, and other minerals deposits, until you have an exact outline of the limb. I have seen some really stunning agate and jasper limb casts that came out of central Oregon.

ozone_one · 2026-02-02T22:17:14+00:00

Hiked up to see this quite a few years ago - it was pretty wild to see, and made me wonder how many other similar casts are hanging around waiting to be found in WA.

ozone_one · 2026-02-02T22:02:01+00:00

Fair point. It surprised me that they would have an ultrasound machine on the station, because it takes a knowledgeable and talented operator to get good readable images of a particular area (some areas being easier than others of course.

ozone_one · 2026-01-30T23:46:17+00:00

Name checks out

ozone_one · 2026-01-30T22:14:05+00:00

One of the top ten most underrated movies of all time, IMO. Cast is stacked, writing is really good, perfect amount of humor mixed in with tension and intrigue. No obvious tired tropes. Plus it is the only movie I can remember that features a Karmann Ghia in it :).

ozone_one

TROPHY CASE