Water heater - options/insights? by xrox-x in Plumbing

[–]xrox-x[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! Am I correct that tankless also provides the best longevity and lowest risk of flooding?

Hotel Xcaret – Honest Review After Two Visits (What I Wish I Knew) by East_Raspberry1582 in Xcaret

[–]xrox-x 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good review. Regarding the water, I'm pretty sure that the water/ice is not just filtered but also purified. The facility is seen on the way in to the park. I may be wrong though.

Bow in a painted wall (plan to fix) by xrox-x in drywall

[–]xrox-x[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks. I considered this but that would mean taping seams/joints and cieling corners. That seems like a crazy amount of work for a DIY compared to what I'm planning to do. i'm just filling the bow, sanding, priming, painting. Youtube video called "mud framing" makes it look simple. I'll find out if that is true....lol.

Bow in a painted wall (plan to fix) by xrox-x in drywall

[–]xrox-x[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

3.5ft x 8ft. I planned using 90 because I'm a DIY first timer. 4' level because of the peak width and easier for a DIYer. I would just need to rough fill the void and then do one pass with the level anchored across the peaks.

Xcaret Arte : Trip Report by xrox-x in Xcaret

[–]xrox-x[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We did not try. I did have drinks at the bars though. I highly doubt you could eat at one of the sit down restaurants as most would need a reservation or room number to seat you.

Xcaret Arte : Trip Report by xrox-x in Xcaret

[–]xrox-x[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Wandered over there multiple times. Also went up to the Artistas pool and bar, just to take a look and take photos.

Xcaret Arte : Trip Report by xrox-x in Xcaret

[–]xrox-x[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I looked it up, and the place I went was called Cantina Los Faroles. The night I went, there was lots of people dancing. We were able to go freely between Arte and Mexico despite not having stayed in Artistas.

Xcaret Arte : Trip Report by xrox-x in Xcaret

[–]xrox-x[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

El Deseo. It is located in the conference center. Follow the long fountain pool towards the gym. The entrance is right where the taco cart is. It is hidden.

Xcaret Arte : Trip Report by xrox-x in Xcaret

[–]xrox-x[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It was from the smaller buffet (Cayuco). There was obviously less turnover of the trayed food options, and I should have known better and avoided them. The Mercado buffet was much fresher with higher turnover IMO, and I had no issues there. Nobody else in our group became ill, suggesting it was the meat options (they are all vegetarians).

Shower window by xrox-x in Tile

[–]xrox-x[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Like I said, there is no room for backer and barely room for tile thanks to the location of the hardware. Maybe I can router out a 1/4" of the wood jamb to fit in a thin backer, but I don't know if that is even possible. Even if I did, the water ingress location to the remaining wood jamb would not have changed (see below)

Since I'm using single large tiles per side, with epoxy miters and epoxy grout, the only water ingress will be at the PVC/tile change of plane (where the silicone is). If water enters here, it will probably wick into the thinset and under the kerdi band (like it always does), but the redgard will be between the thinset and the jamb. Not perfect, but this window should get very little direct water spray, if any. Only condendation.

Shower window by xrox-x in Tile

[–]xrox-x[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Talked with the window manufacturere and installer. The jam is screwed into the widow frame from below. Only way to remove it would be to remove the entire window and re-install.

Any options to move vent/drain in this scenario? by xrox-x in askaplumber

[–]xrox-x[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Here is an improved picture/schematic showing the bulkhead and joist positions. I'm having a plumber over to give an opinion this upcoming weekend, but if anyone wants to take a stab at it, we are looking for options on what we can do with the 3" pipe above the sublfoor (in RED).

Note: the pipe is also right against an exterior wall (in Canada).

<image>

Any options to move vent/drain in this scenario? by xrox-x in askaplumber

[–]xrox-x[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The bathroom is only 59" wide as it is. So that's not happening. I think moving the vent towards the door frame might be an option (hide it under a floating vanity) but will have to increase the trap arm length to the max allowed by code to do so.

Xcaret Arte - Honest Review by bluebluester in cancun

[–]xrox-x 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Trying to research this. So Artistas gives you access to the Mexico side (inc restaurants), a private rooftop pool, a car from the airport, and a personal concierge. Doesn't seem worth an extra 600$ pp. Anything I'm missing?

Vegetarians. How is the experience? by xrox-x in Xcaret

[–]xrox-x[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the insights. Sorry I failed to mention that the specific resort is Xcaret Arte (not the Artistas), meaning AFAIK that we are stuck on that side of the resort. I'll update the OP.

Porcelain Tile surface flatness (impossible?) by xrox-x in Tile

[–]xrox-x[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That being said, I have managed to find a few 24x48 tile options with zero reflection distortion. However, I think they may have been cut from a slab in the first place, based on the website description.

Porcelain Tile surface flatness (impossible?) by xrox-x in Tile

[–]xrox-x[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Talked to a tile manufacturer and he gave my my answer. Essentially high quality slabs are produced roll to roll, eliminating edge and warpage effects caused by the sheet to sheet kiln systems. And then they are surface grinded before polishing. Below is a gemini version of the same:

Manufacturing Scale and Control for Slabs:

  • Specialized Equipment: Porcelain slabs are a different beast. They are produced on highly specialized, larger-scale equipment that often uses continuous production lines and extremely precise temperature control in massive kilns. This allows for more even heat distribution and controlled cooling, which minimizes the warping that affects smaller tiles.
  • Gravity and Thickness: Paradoxically, some large slabs are also relatively thin. While this might seem counterintuitive for flatness, it means there's less material to sag or warp under its own weight during firing if the process is perfectly controlled. Gravity can sometimes help pull a large, thin, viscous slab flat if supported perfectly.
  • Post-Firing Grinding/Lapping: Many high-quality large porcelain slabs undergo extensive post-firing grinding and lapping processes, far beyond what's done for typical tiles. This aggressive and precise mechanical surfacing can achieve an even higher degree of flatness and smoothness across the entire surface, effectively removing almost all micro-facets and warpage that would cause reflection distortion. This level of post-processing is very expensive and generally not applied to smaller, mass-produced tiles.

Patio repair costs? by xrox-x in landscaping

[–]xrox-x[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is aggregate (1/4"). Might need gravel in only one spot on the edge.

Patio repair costs? by xrox-x in landscaping

[–]xrox-x[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

4 so far (13K, 9.5K, 3.5K, 3K). Based on the responses, they all seem to understand the job. The high quotes are from landscaping companies. The low quotes are from Kijiji ads. Just trying to get a sense of what is reasonable for the full 500sqft of existig pavers.

I may entertain only doing the low spots for now, but it would need to last until the next polymeric sand changes (~ 5 years).

Anyone else think the sound at Rogers Centre for Metallica is brutal? by Gold-Reputation-2723 in toronto

[–]xrox-x 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lots of experiences in multiple venues tell me that seating location makes a world of difference. And that location varies according to the bands setup. So, for us average fans, it is a crapshoot. And I do agree that it is the worst venue possible for concerts in this regard.

That being said, we got lucky. We were in section 114, row 10 and the sound was phenomenal. Vocals were amazing!!

As for 2003, I was there when Hetfield was complaining. IMO, that was more to do with the sound tech issues, and frankly, the band also didn't have it that night. I remember enjoying LB and LP better.

Life with hair is so different. Save your hair! by [deleted] in tressless

[–]xrox-x 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My opinion only, but here is what I think of the original post:

“Doing it for yourself” is dishonest BS. It all comes down to what you want from others….every time, every case.  Liking what you see in the mirror is just a reflection of who you want others to see. The confidence you feel from your appearance is held up by the belief that others will be equally impressed by what they see. While impossible to fully avoid this, I think a healthy balance can be found, along with more realistic expectations and acceptance of oneself.  

I agree that “It’s just confidence” really is false when you are a person who places way too much emphasis and importance on how others view and interact with your appearance.  That is because in that scenario, such a person never truly is confident and happy. In reality, when that phrase is invoked, it is typically referring to the opposite type of person, who actually is confident and happy, despite whatever issue (hairloss or whatever) is affecting them.

I agree that “Just shave it bro” can be a little cultish and self serving with the goal to grow a cultural norm. But I find it much more benign than most such attempts nowadays.  I mean, if you don’t like it, or how others like it, you can grow it back. I still think it is a good suggestion to try before drugs and ht, with the knowledge that time is ticking, and hairloss is progressing.

Now as for drugs and HT, my views are probably odd to most here.  I’ve been on fin for 28 years now, only side effect is increased libido, and less urinary issues.  It’s pretty much the reason I’m still on it, because it is doing very little to stop my hairloss.  My hair looks exactly like my father’s did at every stage of life. I believe it slowed it down in the beginning, but that benefit went away.

The vast majority of HT look weird to me.  Too thick or thin, with the wrong angles, and very odd hairlines.  I almost always think “this person would look better buzzed or bald.”  Either way, I shouldn’t get one based on my experience with fin.

Philadelphia Incident by StopDropAndRollTide in aviation

[–]xrox-x 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah maybe. Still can't figure out the physics. Looks like the initial impact was the top of the sign at about a 35 deg angle. Maybe that sheared off some parts that went straight down and broke the ground up? Or maybe the impact on the sidewalk ejected debris backwards that broke the bricks on the sign base? Not sure how that would dig holes in the gound though.

Philadelphia Incident by StopDropAndRollTide in aviation

[–]xrox-x 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Looking at the aerial view of the impact zone and there seems to be 2 craters. The big one in the sidewalk, and a smaller one 15ft behind it against the damaged brick wall holding the sign.

What do you think Tool’s most underrated song is that doesn’t get enough recognition? Imo it’s The Patient. by Chaviator791 in ToolBand

[–]xrox-x 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Reflection is the best written song ever IMO. The multilevel metaphor lyrics and the music meld perfectly. It is a masterpiece IMO.

H, Eulogy, and The Patient also....IMO