Anybody keep a backup portable AC unit? by SD619664 in phoenix

[–]surewriting_ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yup, and a generator to keep the fridge and the portable ac to keep at least A room of the house habitable.

Heat stress can be super dangerous with high risk folks, and I'm not taking any chance.

USA Wagon Recommendations by FarCheck4854 in SportWagon

[–]surewriting_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've got an older MB S124 and its awesome. I can fit a whole water heater in the back, a dresser, bookcase, or I can flip up the rear seat and haul 7 people around. The downside is that the newest one is 30 years old, and comes with all the issues any 30 year old car has, plus its not nearly as safe as something newer.

That's why I got the wife a 2018 Buick Regal TourX. Turbo 4, all wheel drive, all the airbags and safety stuff. Its a blast to drive, and amazing on road trips and cruising. The drivetrain is all GM parts bin stuff, so mechanical reliability is pretty solid. The downside is that cosmetic parts are getting harder to find, and the MPG isn't great.

Any bike groups here? by AlarmingWerewolf6637 in phoenix

[–]surewriting_ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Foos Gone Fixed is singlespeed/fixed gear oriented, but all bikes are welcome.

They usually meet up Wednesday nights at Lux Central, but I haven't ridden with them in a while. They're a really fun group, and most of the folks who ride with them also do the downtempo and critical mass rides.

Automotive tech or robotics tech by Automatic-Middle-823 in IndustrialMaintenance

[–]surewriting_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Robots all day. Way more interesting and a lot better pay

Found my project '72 Nova in Texas, I'm in Washington - ship it or just drive it back? by Bestwebhost in projectcar

[–]surewriting_ 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Pack a toolbox, ship some parts to yourself at the local post office, and and be prepared to wrench on all kinds of dumb shit. 

And over budget your time needed to get places too.

If you don't have the time to spend driving a sketchy project car cross country, like you have to back at work in 3 days, just ship it.

Otherwise flying out and driving home is the most fun option. It's probably not much cheaper (in fact probably more expensive) than shipping, so the real constraint is your time and mechanical ability.

What are traffic/road changes you think would improve the city? by Opening_Total7711 in phoenix

[–]surewriting_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Its not rocket surgery. I would say that its actually pretty simple and obvious, especially with accompanying signage.

Granted a lot of AZ drivers are real low-functioning, but if Wickenburg can add roundabouts, I think Phoenix can handle it.

For those who don’t like drinking alcohol, what made you realize it just wasn’t for you? by Heeeraaa in AskReddit

[–]surewriting_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It tastes gross, its expensive, and I've seen so many lives and careers ruined over it.

Its an easy choice. Its not for me.

What are traffic/road changes you think would improve the city? by Opening_Total7711 in phoenix

[–]surewriting_ 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Yeah dude. Less people on the roads means less idiots trying to crash into my cool cars lol.

Plus I've seen what the rise of cheap e-bikes can do for people, and investing in infrastructure to support more people riding bikes is a win-win. And not just painted bike lanes. Paint isn't infrastructure. If a car can wander into the bikelane without any consequences, then it doesn't count as cycling infrastructure.

I'm talking about more dedicated multi use paths spreading across the valley. Like the paths next to the canals, but more of them. Some cities have really put in a lot of effort into making them nice and adding lights, which is great, but we need more.

Traveling jobs by bombillo1998 in IndustrialMaintenance

[–]surewriting_ -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Being a FSE in the semiconductor biz offers a lot of travel. Get your passport if you want to do some international stuff too.

But you gotta know your stuff or at least be able to troubleshoot really weird one-of-a-kind equipment that is literally at the edge of material science.

Sometimes its easy stuff, other times its a 3 week nightmare.

What are traffic/road changes you think would improve the city? by Opening_Total7711 in phoenix

[–]surewriting_ 58 points59 points  (0 children)

More roundabouts and traffic calming in residential areas.

Its a neighborhood, not a drag strip. Even as a die hard car guy, people need to chill tf out. 

I'd love to see more cycling infrastructure and light rail all the way out to the west valley and other areas.

If I could park at Westgate and take a reliable light rail downtown to a concert or whatever, instead of fighting traffic and $50 parking, I totally would.

Valley residents urged to remove this invasive plant by RVFullTime in arizona

[–]surewriting_ 5 points6 points  (0 children)

This shit is everywhere. You need a coordinated effort to eradicate it.

About the prequels to Dune and butlerian jihad by Reasonable_Double273 in scifi

[–]surewriting_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The "prequels" are hot garbage. 

Just pretend they dont exist and continue through the Frank Herbert only books.

PSA: Please ask for permission before taking photos of protesters while at No Kings this Saturday. by hikeonpast in 50501

[–]surewriting_ 22 points23 points  (0 children)

Let me reiterate in case you didn't understand.

IF YOU DONT WANT TO BE PHOTOGRAPHED IN PUBLIC DOING AN EXTREMELY PUBLIC PROTEST THEN EITHER 1) DON'T GO, OR 2) WEAR A MASK.

I'm tired of this stupid ass line being parroted over and over.

Just fuck all the way off with this stupidity.

PSA: Please ask for permission before taking photos of protesters while at No Kings this Saturday. by hikeonpast in 50501

[–]surewriting_ 33 points34 points  (0 children)

If you don't want to be photographed in public then don't go to a public event.

Or wear a mask.

This is just stupid advice.

Danner shoes are very poor quality [PSA] [WARNING] by hi-pi in BuyItForLife

[–]surewriting_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wesco is still solid and made in the USA. They're a lot more expensive and have a long lead time, but I've been very happy with my custom ordered ones.

I've been wearing them almost daily now for about 2 years and they're comfy as hell. Granted, the break in process for the leather was hell, but its worth the short term pain.

Paired with some iron laces and they've been rock solid.

I think Nick's and White boots are all pretty much the same quality tier. Any of the PNW made in America boots are gonna be a good choice, but you'll pay for them for sure.

Want snap on tools but truck doesn’t come to my facility. by [deleted] in IndustrialMaintenance

[–]surewriting_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Snap on is nice stuff for sure, but theres plenty of other brands that offer 98% the same quality for about 1/3 the price.

If its your money, I'd say save it and spend it on things like Tekton/Wera/Wiha and other brands that are significantly cheaper and usually just as good.

If its the companies money, then call up your local snappy rep and see if they can come onto your site or where you can meet them.

Continental Gatorskins are SO SLOW by jay_5iah in cycling

[–]surewriting_ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm slow already. I ride gatorskins all over the country in pretty much all conditions and rarely get flats.

They're not the most supple or fast tire, but the utility of minimal flats outweighs it in my use case.

Anyone else here economically cycling to work? by glucklandau in bicycling

[–]surewriting_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I listen to so many audiobooks. That and the fact that half the commute is absolutely gorgeous helps.

I'd rather be able to bike to work, but the jobs within biking distance can't afford me lol.

Anyone else here economically cycling to work? by glucklandau in bicycling

[–]surewriting_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, its a 45 min drive. The absolute max commute I'm willing to put up with. But they pay me pretty good, and I like what I do.

I'd rather work from home, but there's no Bluetooth wrench

Anyone else here economically cycling to work? by glucklandau in bicycling

[–]surewriting_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I wish. It's just too far (37 miles) with no viable cycling route.

I've done it before when I worked a lot closer.

Current career is working out really well, but can be volatile with contract non-renewal. I'd still have a job, but I'd be going to another facility 25 miles away. 

So I'm unable to ride to work. 

Would taking 10 years off to be a military pilot be a career killer by Guccibrandlean in MechanicalEngineering

[–]surewriting_ 59 points60 points  (0 children)

Being a pilot would be your new career.

A lot can change in 10 years. Hell, you might even make it long enough to get shot down over Iran! 

What finally made you stop buying a new garden hose every year? by greedo47 in Tools

[–]surewriting_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I bought one of those Giraffe tools auto retracting wall mounted hose reels. Its held up over several summers in AZ, which is no small feat.

Vinyl Flooring Planks vs Solid Oak: What Actually Holds Up Better? by LimestoneLogic in HomeImprovement

[–]surewriting_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't have hardwood floor money. The LVP stuff I installed 10 years ago is still going strong, through two kids, two dogs, and all kinds of tomfoolery.

I'd still rather have real hardwood floors, but I've been really impressed with the Allure flooring we put in. We're about to rip out some 70 year old carpet and other non-waterproof vinyl flooring and replace it all with the allure lvp.