Random Topics 3.1

[Supe]

do earbuds help getting a handy?

I agree - I had no idea earbuds improved the quality and experience of a handy.  Is there a preferred soundtrack?  Perhaps motivational books on tape?

And yes - there is a satisfying lawn mowing experience.  It's when you reflect on the fact that you finished a yard in 20 minutes instead of two hours because you opted to mulch 90% of it.  That's the goal.

 

[knight1fox3]

Is there a preferred soundtrack?

Soothing sounds of the recorder? :dunno:

 

[Master slacker]

Just discovered the "Member Map" area of this site.  Pretty cool to see where everyone that's "here"... is.

I'm not shown on there.  How does one enter such an arena?

 

[knight1fox3]

I'm not shown on there.  How does one enter such an arena?

http://engineerboards.com/membermap/

 

[Audi Driver P.E.]

My dad got a robot lawnmower(like a roomba) , I think that's pretty satisfying sit on the back deck and drink a cocktail while the alien technology mows the grass....

#fuckinglazybabyboomers
 

I was just looking at the Stihl model over the weekend last.  Looked pretty enticing, but the dang thing would have to run 40hrs a week just to do one pass through my yard. 

 

[Supe]

Just like the real Roomba, mine would only smear dog shit all over the place.

 

[Road Guy]

The one my dad has runs 24-7, except when it's charging itself - he is in Florida and they have "that Florida" grass - not sure if it would work as well on Bermuda or other thicker grass - but I think it operates so it continually cuts so that the grass doesn't get too high to make it difficult to cut

 

[Road Guy]

I sold a bunch of used ski gear, old bikes and other junk on nextdoor over the weekend - cleaned up pretty nicely , but some ladies came over to look at this bike I had and they brought 4 little kids, as the moms were checking out the bike the kids just started ransacking the garage, I had like 3 projects going on so I had a table saw out, a tile saw, a bunch of nail guns, old molding with nails sticking out, etc and I was like ughh there is some stuff in there that can hurt.. moms didn't seem to care, I was freaked out the kids were going to lose a finger, but folks just seem to have no sense to tell their kids no these days. one even started climbing up on my garage shelves to look at some stuff I had up there... but at least they bought the bike!

 

[MA_PE]

Doesn't surprise me at all.  So many people these days let their kids run amok without a care in the world.  God forbid you say anything to the kid and they just on the defensive with the "you can't talk to my kid like that."  I hope you got a premium price for the bike.

 

[Road Guy]

$100 bucks for a 20 year old trek bike we paid $100 for 4 years ago - just happy to get rid of some stuff.

 

[Audi Driver P.E.]

I totally tell other people's kids what to do in that situation, and I don't care what the parents say.  If they don't like it they can suck it.

 

[Supe]

A couple years ago, two kids were on a front lawn throwing rocks/acorns at passing cars.  They missed me, but I slammed on the brakes and put it in reverse.  I got out of the car and walked onto the lawn, they looked scared shitless.  Some crotchety old guy walked out with a "who the hell are you" look.  I explained to him how these fine young gentlemen had nothing better to do than throw shit at passing cars.  He apologized, gave them a cold stare, and said "get your ass in the house."  He was practically undoing his belt in the doorway.  I knew they were about to get an ass whooping for the ages, but I still don't feel bad about it. 

 

[Dleg]

I had 4 little kids sitting next to me at the Avengers showing this weekend, with their parents all sitting in the row behind them. Total bullshit. The littlest one (maybe 5) sat right next to me, but wasn't too bad. She only kicked me a couple of times. But apparently she was kicking the shit out of the old lady's chair in front of her - she turned around and said "You're going to have to stop kicking my chair, do you understand!!!???" and then gave me a dirty look, like I was the parent. 

Odd thing: the family was Russian or Lithuanian or something Eastern European. I would have thought there would be some ass kicking, but they seemed just as bad as millennial American parents. 

 

[Supe]

Odd thing: the family was Russian or Lithuanian or something Eastern European. I would have thought there would be some ass kicking, but they seemed just as bad as millennial American parents. 

The lady behind me that had the dog that never shut up is, I think, Ukrainian.  She has the absolute worst kids on the planet.  Screaming non-stop, grabbing my shirt/hitting me when I was at their door, hitting the dog with old fence pieces - I don't understand it. 

 

[csb]

In Soviet-occupied Ukraine, fence beats children. 

 

[leggo PE]

Does anyone have any advice for kayak camping? I'm going this weekend with a group of people. I've kayaked a few times before, but never to camp overnight. We're carrying all our stuff with us, so tips about what/how to pack, what to cook, etc., are very welcome!

 

[Szar]

Does anyone have any advice for kayak camping? I'm going this weekend with a group of people. I've kayaked a few times before, but never to camp overnight. We're carrying all our stuff with us, so tips about what/how to pack, what to cook, etc., are very welcome!

Ocean or river? 

Level of camping experience? 

How geared are you? 

Biggest items are dry sacks,  helmet with rapids, paddle cord, and life preserver. 

If you aren' hiking...  Ditch the pack all together.   Just use the kayak compartments. 

 

[leggo PE]

We're going to be in Tomales Bay, so not river, and not exactly ocean, but saltwater for sure. I've kayaked around where we'll be before, and don't think helmets are necessary as there aren't big rapids, and we're aiming to actually be in the kayaks when the wind isn't so strong.

We won't be hiking anywhere, and will be camping out on whatever beach we get. We have been told to pack like we are going backpacking. As in, think light, and pack in, pack out.

 

[Szar]

Fresh water will be important if its available.   I bring 4 liters per day out minimum.   Don't skimp here.  Problem with salt water is it makes shore drinking areas difficult to find because it leaches into everything. 

You'll  want a camping stove with fuel since I'm assuming dry wood will be scarce and or day light hours limited.  Being able to make hot water quickly is also important for survival depending on water temperature. I know nothing about the Pacific but the Atlantic is a cold witch this time of year.  If cold...  Perhaps a wet suit. 

Not sure what type of sleeping bag you have...  If its feather down be very careful of the water.   Down loses the ability to keep heat if wet.  Make sure its waterproof.   Unless you have synthetic...  Then its just un-comfortable but you'l  live. 

Make sure you have a hat,  sun glasses,  long sleeve everything, and gloves.   I'm pasty white and burn quickly and outside.   all day on the water is a long day to be burned. 

Water shoes for frequent landings.

Poo shovel and bags.    250 feet away from water.  Pack in pack out. Oh,  extra bag.   And even more  bags.

All I got for now?

 

[leggo PE]

Thanks, @Szar!

We apparently aren't allowed to dig holes to poo in, so if we don't get one of the two sites that has a vault toilet, we'll have to buy a wag bag.