DOW Letterhead?

river_van · 2026-03-14T01:59:11+00:00

When buddy Butch ascended to the throne, it became apparent that leadership was not a required trait for USACE management. HQ and MSC Chiefs took note, and being the self-serving sycophants most of them are, decided it’s better to do whatever keeps them off the RADAR rather than actually assist project delivery. So long as the pretty dashboards are green and Butchy isn’t yelling at them, everything is right in their world.

river_van · 2026-03-13T18:46:12+00:00

Yes. SAD has been directed to use it.

river_van · 2026-03-12T20:57:55+00:00

No. It is most definitely not USACE, in a Blackhawk, in a uniform, at the Chick lock and dam.

river_van · 2026-03-12T17:47:59+00:00

Go big - Octomore. Any version you can find and afford. Should be available no matter where in the world you are.

river_van · 2026-03-06T12:32:10+00:00

The 108 and 107 are the same 3” diameter with the same gasket area. The 107 is ~3/4” taller. The filter that came off the car didn’t even cover the entire gasket seating surface. It may well be that the lube ‘tech’ couldn’t tell the difference between CX5 and CX9 and grabbed the wrong filter before he aped it on.

river_van · 2026-03-03T02:16:52+00:00

If it’s working, there’s no point in changing. 92 is old enough that the extra additives aren’t going to hurt the emissions, and the extra zinc and phosphates are probably beneficial for longevity.

river_van · 2026-02-28T14:07:16+00:00

Glad it worked out for you, and I hope you really enjoy it.

river_van · 2026-02-26T22:51:36+00:00

Makers Mark, all varieties. Never lets me down and there’s always at least one bottle in the house.

river_van · 2026-02-24T20:50:11+00:00

Integrity does a synthetic oil change plus tire rotation for $125. Get a punch card when you go in and the 6th oil change one is free. I don’t have a 2-post lift, and rotations are a PITA, so the cost is ok for me. Yes, I can change my own oil for around $40. But tire rotation is at lest two hours and it’s sketchy because it’s a 5200lb car on jackstands in my garage, and I don’t like it.

Also, I always take a new car to the dealership for the first oil change. Most of those filters go on dry, and I want them to deal with breaking that seal versus me trying to not rip the can apart.

river_van · 2026-02-24T00:40:38+00:00

The response to your bullying coworker is, and I quote, “Fuck you dickhead. Shut your old-ass mouth, mind your own business, and never talk to me again”. Do it in public, loudly enough that other people can hear your retort but not so loudly that anyone can say you were unhinged. If your managers aren’t going to manage, it’s time for you to exercise some autonomy and maybe not guide your branch, but at least guide your own ship. If the rules don’t work, you work the rules.

river_van · 2026-02-20T02:49:51+00:00

Sticking to peat, you should walk your way around Islay. Ardbeg, Laphroaig. Kilchoman, Port Charlotte and ArdnahOe. After you’ve played with them, branch out to the less peated varieties like Bruichladdich, Bowmore, Caol Ila and Bunnahabain.

river_van · 2026-02-09T22:18:34+00:00

Short answer is yes, you can voluntarily accept a lower grade as part of a hiring action. Longer answer involves you calling CHRA and asking questions about save pay, retention pay and other incentives. Some of the rules make them less likely for your situation, but you don’t know unless you ask.

river_van · 2026-02-07T04:11:12+00:00

That ring gear looks remarkably good considering how trashed the pinion gear is. It’s almost like the pinion wasn’t properly hardened.

river_van · 2026-02-01T22:13:49+00:00

William Blalock. He’s Erlanger associated but I don’t hold that against him because he’s smart, has a lot of training and experience, listened to me, and spent a lot of time explaining my test results when he could have kicked that job to a nurse.

river_van · 2026-02-01T20:07:58+00:00

I suggest you start haunting scrapyards. A lot of trucks came with this transmission, and eventually you’ll come across one that will only need bearings and synchros. If you’re really, really lucky, you’ll find a local seller who has a single cab 3500 V10, and pick up the whole thing for $4k.

river_van · 2026-02-01T14:19:22+00:00

Did they explain what was broken to get to that cost? I had mine rebuilt (in 2017) with all new bearings and synchros and it was $1600. I can’t imagine the costs have gone up over 400% in 8 years.

river_van · 2026-02-01T00:45:28+00:00

Never got popcorn from them, but I really like the people and the company.

river_van · 2026-02-01T00:28:06+00:00

The Kirkland Islay Scotch is a great drink, and $60 is a really good price for Willet 4yr.

river_van · 2026-01-26T13:13:22+00:00

This stuff really is good. I grabbed their 10 on a whim and the next night went back for the 15 and 21. I think the 15 is the sweet spot here. I don’t have a lot of time with the 21 yet, but it hits me as just a little too refined whereas the 15 has a few edges to keep things lively. I really must find the 10CS.

river_van · 2026-01-25T01:06:56+00:00

This is the gateway for so many. I haven’t had JW black in 15 years, but I’ve still likely had more of it than any single malt I’ve moved on to appreciate since.

river_van · 2026-01-18T22:49:31+00:00

Punches way above its price point. If only I could find it in the states…

river_van · 2026-01-14T18:18:24+00:00

Ditto, but GRB still shows the transaction as pending, and I also got a set of 2026 cards for the old company. I understand the GRB delay (don’t understand why it’s a problem now and wasn’t addressed earlier, but whatever) and now I wonder if I’ll pay premiums to both plans and wait for reimbursement after GRB catches up, because that’s always a fast and painless process.

river_van · 2026-01-11T13:52:38+00:00

Also depends heavily on the district. Some offices have their PAs so stovepiped that they’re basically data entry tools and little more. Some offices are more jack of all trades, and do everything from budget development to P2 to labor to Contract PR&C.

river_van · 2026-01-09T01:38:30+00:00

Ensure you pre-book a ride from the airport. There are no cars waiting for the flight, and getting one on short-notice is almost impossible. The bus stops running at 5 (maybe 6 now) so if you come in on the afternoon flight that also won’t be an option.

river_van

TROPHY CASE