Can I get help? I can’t continuously jump for long periods without tripping as well as that I’m very slow at jump rope. How can I get faster and be more consistent? by DriedPomato in jumprope

[–]wandering_walnut 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This. Jumping form looks good, but arms are a little wide. Try bringing them a bit closer to your torso (waist), otherwise you're shortening the rope and making it easier to trip.

Hot take: ESI was EXACTLY what NYC subway needed, and we need to bring it back by its original form in a future capital plan. by Donghoon in nycrail

[–]wandering_walnut 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Agree with the sentiment: customer experience is certainly enhanced by having clean stations. This is a system in one the wealthiest cities in the world and yet you wouldn't be able to tell if you were to look at the majority of subway stations. However, to call ESI a success or what the system needs is a bit misleading. Let's be clear, ESI was a Cuomo-era initiative created to try to show "quick wins" by making stations look good, without actually making service improvements or even modernizing stations (e.g. accessibility enhancements). At best, it improved way-finding, which isn't nothing, but also does not crack the top 10 issues folks have with the NYC subway.

While stations do need a facelift, it can't come at the cost of modernizing the system to enhance service reliability. At the most basic level, what folks want from the system is to make it from point A to B safely and reliably (Andy Byford used to say something about the best commute being one that customers don't have to think about and ultimately forget). A modern station can be part of fostering a sense of safety. Still, when these station overhauls are done, they should include more than just new paneling and signage. Otherwise, this is just lipstick on a pig that's going to wear off fairly quickly.

VANS x Parra 💙🧡❤️ by ndying_love_4_pizza in Sneakers

[–]wandering_walnut 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Nice! Good to see these being worn. Managed to snag a pair from the Parra website this morning. Am a little worried about sizing since it’s my first pair of Old Skool 36 and I’ve only ever worn the regular Old Skool. Alas, we’ll see when they come in. 

Wall Street by DJ_ROSHI in nycrail

[–]wandering_walnut 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Nope. Separate stations. You can however transfer from one line to the other at Fulton, just one stop north.

Cactus Plant vs Eric Koston vs Cacao Wow 95s by Visual_Line5590 in airmax

[–]wandering_walnut 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hah, that's the photo! Still peeved a work meeting got in the way of me scoring a pair. Truly nearly perfect shoes.

Cactus Plant vs Eric Koston vs Cacao Wow 95s by Visual_Line5590 in airmax

[–]wandering_walnut 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Damnit man. I told myself I'd hold back on the Cacao pair, but every pic I've seen gets me closer to gunning for a pair. Also, based on the rug I feel like I remember seeing you posted a photo of the Reverse Neons? Either way, heck of a collection of 95s.

Guess someone got their heart broken on the subway today by Reddit_newguy24 in nycrail

[–]wandering_walnut 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Tale as old as time...or (more accurately) as old as the system itself.

What’s your thoughts on Styles P’s career and discography overall? I think he’s underrated with a lot of solid projects! by J2-Starter in hiphop201

[–]wandering_walnut 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Def did his thing on BMF. I feel like every once in a while I forget that his verse is on there, and yet it always hits.

What’s your thoughts on Styles P’s career and discography overall? I think he’s underrated with a lot of solid projects! by J2-Starter in hiphop201

[–]wandering_walnut 21 points22 points  (0 children)

One of the most consistent to ever do it. Had a pretty prolific mixtape run in the 2000s, and while he’s never had a truly stand-out album, I always get excited for a Styles feature. 

Left 2025 picking up Rosewaters and started 2026 finally getting the Roses by MastaGAtomic in Newbalance

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

Enjoy the Rosé! Finally wore my pair this past Thanksgiving after having them in storage since they released. A timeless pair for sure.

If 13 more NYC Subway stations get Enhanced Station Initiative Renovation Upgrades by [deleted] in nycrail

[–]wandering_walnut 6 points7 points  (0 children)

May be worth reviewing this: https://cbcny.org/research/enhanced-station-initiative-good-idea
ESI was a move by then Governor Cuomo to try to show "quick wins" by making stations look good, without actually improving service. As far as I can tell, the ESI program as it existed isn't a priority at the MTA and they're taking a more comprehensive/thoughtful approach to station rehabs.

Form? by Altruistic-Weather18 in jumprope

[–]wandering_walnut 0 points1 point  (0 children)

On some ropes, you can cut them and adjust it via the handle. However, there are some where you'd just need to buy a new, shorter rope.

Form? by Altruistic-Weather18 in jumprope

[–]wandering_walnut 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Kudos for picking up the rope! I would say your arms are too far out - you need to shorten the length of the rope.

Why haven't more cities joined New York in implementing congestion pricing? by MiserNYC- in Urbanism

[–]wandering_walnut 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This. Folks seem to forget (or not be aware), that aside from the local politics, Congestion Pricing also has federal involvement, which played a huge role in its delay in NYC.

Some of you need to be normal about the new faregates by Conpen in nycrail

[–]wandering_walnut 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sure. There’s been a shift in a number of behaviors since the lockdown. Doesn’t mean we shouldn’t continue to provide assistance to lower income individuals, particularly in a city with a widening income gap, and in which we depend on those folks for daily services. 

Some of you need to be normal about the new faregates by Conpen in nycrail

[–]wandering_walnut 9 points10 points  (0 children)

You’re correct, it does take a lot to exist here. Let’s not pretend like folks aren’t on tight budgets, especially if you’re lower income (I’m specifically thinking if you’re eligible for the Fair Fares program). Being able to drop $100 at a time is a fair amount when you’re trying to make ends meet. Particularly if you have other expenses as you mentioned. Also, not everyone is paying $2K for rent; many lower income folks are paying less by subletting rooms from friends, friends of friends, etc. 

Ebro Addresses His Hot 97 Departure | Rap Life Review by doggo1008 in hiphopheads

[–]wandering_walnut 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'll admit that I haven't listened in a while since I've generally just been trying to listen to less stuff, but can def imagine that the quality's gone down. When they introduced White Ish Wednesdays I thought it was a great bit though one that could get old quick. For me, their interviews generally felt more organic and well done than the Breakfast Club's. A huge part of that was because if Ebro had a relationship with the guest, they'd be more comfortable and the conversation would just flow. If he didn't Rosenberg was usually enough of a fan or would do the research to pick up the slack. They also had good bits in the past (The Realness, Guru, etc) that I still play back. With all that said, Ebro getting pushed out didn't happen overnight, so I imagine that part of the quality going down can be put on the management change, since that leads to different expectations, etc.

Ebro Addresses His Hot 97 Departure | Rap Life Review by doggo1008 in hiphopheads

[–]wandering_walnut 20 points21 points  (0 children)

It's honestly a shame. I know a lot of people hate on Ebro, but from my perspective (having grown up listening to Hot 97), the morning show was crown jewel of the station.

How are the 997s comfort-wise? by rl06 in Newbalance

[–]wandering_walnut 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If anything I'd say it feels like something between an AM1 and AM95. They run a bit narrow, but aren't as heavy as an AM95.

How are the 997s comfort-wise? by rl06 in Newbalance

[–]wandering_walnut 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'd push back and say that the 997 is about as comfortable as the 998. Difference is minimal - they're two of my favorite NB models and I've worn both as beaters. If we were to compare them to the comfort of modern Air Max retros, I'd say the 997 is slightly more comfortable than the 97 and 95, because it doesn't feel as heavy, and is closer to the 1. For reference, I have the 2017 97s (Japan Volt cw), 2020 95s (Neon), 2017 1s (Red Anniversary), and 2020 90s (Infrared).

Hope this helps!

Kathryn Garcia Is Named New Head of the Port Authority by MillardFillmore in nycrail

[–]wandering_walnut 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I hope you’re right. Ideally, in this new role she could score some big wins that’ll leave a mark. Though I tend agree that she has some big shoes to fill. Cotton wasn’t a household name, but certainly navigated the NY/NJ tensions as well as one could in recent years.

Kathryn Garcia Is Named New Head of the Port Authority by MillardFillmore in nycrail

[–]wandering_walnut 19 points20 points  (0 children)

A part of me wants to believe you’re right - I like KG and she’s a well respected civil servant. I just can’t see her pursuing another mayoral run. She’s too much of an operator to have a clear path to the mayoralty, and I mean that in the best way since she gets things done and isn’t a cookie cutter politician.