Re: Commercial value

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This is obviously a thread about Schumpeter's concepts of the spread of technologically innovation. Whoever heard of spiraling bobby pins before? Who can do without them now? Industry will retool, creating a new set of winners and losers.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 5:47 AM
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Repeating myself, but my friend's RS 7 is great. This is clearly the best recommendation that will appear in the thread, but I have a feeling I won't win.

Recent purchases we've been happy with:

The "Learning Tower" for the boys. It's just an enclosed step-stool, basically, but now they can be in the kitchen without getting where they're not supposed to be, or falling off a regular step stool. The younger one has spent a couple of hours per day on it since we got it, just playing with bowls by himself on the counter.

These nose hair clippers work well.

In the seems slightly ridiculous, but is actually pretty great file, this steam mop has been a hit.


Posted by: ogged | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 6:16 AM
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It isn't a product, exactly, but the Charles James exhibit at the Met is pretty impressive.


Posted by: Flippanter | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 6:16 AM
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Oh, and the Chinese calligraphy exhibit is very interesting.

Re: tangibles, I know I've linked to them on the Grimoire o' Faces, but the denim obsessives at Gustin are helpful and produce very nice -- how do you say? ah, yes -- pants, typed the man who has ordered mumble mumble mumble pairs and actually corresponded with them about selvage khaki look shut up it's a hobby all right.


Posted by: Flippanter | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 6:26 AM
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I tried pear cider recently and it was delicious.


Posted by: Flippanter | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 6:27 AM
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I've never had it, but I thought it was properly called perry, not cider. </useless pedantry>


Posted by: LizardBreath | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 6:30 AM
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4: You have to register to find out what they know about jeans?


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 6:31 AM
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6 is correct, but advertising copywriters have a functional vocabulary of about 800 words, so they call it pear cider.


Posted by: chris y | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 6:40 AM
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Thanks for the spin pin rec, heebie. I've been thinking about trying something like that for the big girls and I'll get a set and see if it works.


Posted by: Thorn | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 6:45 AM
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I told myself this morning I would fiinsh the reading. I'm procrastinating with this against the other thread.

I like this amber flashlight for reading stories to my little guy at night. I've noticed it's much easier to get him to sleep if I use orange lights around the house after about 7pm. I have way too many products from that site.

I did want the Learning Tower and now he's too big for it. I'm glad Ogged got it.


Posted by: Penny | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 6:47 AM
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I can't think of anything but a platypus when I hear "Perry."


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 6:47 AM
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If ogged can get heebie to buy a $200 wooden baby cage for ace he definitely deserves the title of winning the thread. Or I guess if he can get anyone to buy a sports car that would be impressive too.


Posted by: SP | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 6:51 AM
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Not really a new recommendation, but the Aeropress continues to be a brilliant buy. I think we are now on our third, and I'd happily buy another at 3 times the price.

The other dumb but practical thing, I've bought:

https://www.crumpler.eu/index.cfm?seite=non-bags&productID=8183&sprache=EN&confirmCountry=1

Great for sticking keys, and wallet, and headphones and charger cables in, so that they don't all float about or get lost or fall out of the bag(s)* I take to work.

* I have a couple. One canvas messenger style, one leather and more Italian man-bag style.


Posted by: nattarGcM ttaM | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 6:52 AM
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10: That's a great link, and I'll probably buy something from there later. Thank you!


Posted by: dalriata | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 6:52 AM
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I suppose the Learning Tower might work for slightly older toddlers who aren't quite stable enough to use a normal footstool. I know that xelA would do something insane with it, but he's too young to really be told not to.


Posted by: nattarGcM ttaM | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 6:54 AM
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I like the idea of that "Learning Tower" thing, but I am experiencing some sticker shock at the price. $200 for a bunch of pieces of cut plywood? In the same world with a $12 electric nose-hair trimmer?


Posted by: Nathan Williams | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 6:56 AM
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13.2: Does it have any sort of internal structure, or is it just a bag?

On that note, has anyone tried a Grid-It organizer? Any good?


Posted by: dalriata | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 6:57 AM
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We had a Learning Tower and gave it away because it was so fucking enormous and we were always stubbing our toes on it. It did seem like it would be great for a kitchen with the right layout, though.


Posted by: redfoxtailshrub | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 6:57 AM
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It's pretty well designed to prevent suicidal children from hurting themselves. It's not so much for kids who aren't stable enough to use a footstool (although it would be good for that), but kids who would push the footstool all over and get up on things you'd rather not have them on--it's big and too heavy for a kid to move. On the other hand, it's big and heavy, so it takes up a lot of room and can't be easily put away.


Posted by: ogged | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 6:58 AM
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Every time I'm tempted to buy an organizer, I remember what happened to all the other organizing things I've bought over the years.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 6:58 AM
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re: 17

It has one large zipped mesh pocket on one internal side, and a couple without zips on the other. I tend to shove any important papers [receipts, etc] in the zipper compartment, roll up headphones and usb cables and stick in the other compartments and then just leave things like keys and pens to rattle about in the main compartment. It's supposedly water-proof, or at least water-resistant, which is handy.


Posted by: nattarGcM ttaM | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 6:59 AM
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If the lottery fairy arrived tomorrow:

http://www.zeiss.co.uk/camera-lenses/en_gb/camera_lenses/otus/otus1455.html


Posted by: nattarGcM ttaM | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 7:04 AM
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Oh, I have a man purse I like a lot; I use it for the boy's epi-pen, inhaler, and benadryl. Good compartments/storage for more typical items. There are probably cheaper options, but I'm not entirely without vanity.


Posted by: ogged | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 7:04 AM
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I offer a preliminary endorsement of 4.last, having just received my first pair in the mail last week. (I can't speak to how long-lasting they are, but the quality seems to be a step up from Levi's or Uniqlo or Unbranded.)


Posted by: snarkout | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 7:06 AM
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I recommend buying capital.


Posted by: fake accent | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 7:06 AM
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I'm not entirely without vanity.

We have one vanity and one pedestal sink. I wish we had two vanities (because it's hard to store extra TP in there), but not enough to do the work to remodel.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 7:07 AM
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I can't think of any useful products discovered by anyone I know recently. Those things you put under the feet of furniture so you can safely slide them across the floor are pretty great.


Posted by: Cryptic ned | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 7:09 AM
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re: 23

My usual work bag is:

http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Satchel-with-Contrast-Straps/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3469192&cid=12887&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Black

But it has brown leather straps [previous version of same bag, from same company].


Posted by: nattarGcM ttaM | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 7:13 AM
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I really like this handy strap (no doubt easy to make yourself if you have leatherworking skills) for making any big square of fabric into a snappy looking and useful shoulder bag. Of course you can always just tie the thing traditional furoshiki style instead but the result is quite different that way (and much smaller).


Posted by: redfoxtailshrub | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 7:16 AM
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Thanks to #4, I'm being followed around the internet by earnest looking young men in responsibly sourced clothing.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 7:18 AM
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25- No way, do you know how expensive that's gotten in the last couple decades?


Posted by: SP | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 7:22 AM
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re: 29

That's interesting, because I often have a shemagh/keffiyeh kicking around in my bag, which could be easily turned into a second bag [via furoshiki tying, which I'd never heard of].


Posted by: nattarGcM ttaM | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 7:23 AM
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I recommend my big bike. The city newspaper is planning a story about family bike carriers, we might be in it.
Also the electric assist (if you actually want to buy one I'll give you a referral code and you'll save $5 and I get a commission.)


Posted by: SP | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 7:28 AM
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21: Hrm, I think I need more organization than that. I've been using what's more or less the last bag on here, although it doesn't have the center strap over the flap. it has the benefit of being precisely the size of my work laptop.


Posted by: dalriata | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 7:37 AM
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re: 34

Yeah, it works well for containing small bits and pieces that would normally rattle about or fall out of a bigger bag, but it's not a universal panacea. But when I'm travelling, it'll take Kindle, plus passport and chargers, etc and then I just tuck my netbook into the bag beside it in a neoprene sleeve.


Posted by: nattarGcM ttaM | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 7:40 AM
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I've stopped carrying a bag to work except when I bring my lunch in. It's so much nicer for riding the bus, except when it rains and I don't have an umbrella.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 7:43 AM
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via furoshiki tying, which I'd never heard of

Yes! Many options!


Posted by: redfoxtailshrub | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 7:50 AM
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More direct link, which anyway you probably already googled for yourself, here.


Posted by: redfoxtailshrub | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 7:51 AM
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http://www.zdnet.com/canonicals-cloud-in-a-box-the-ubuntu-orange-box-7000029575/?s_cid=e539&ttag=e539&ftag=TRE17cfd61


Posted by: Alex | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 7:52 AM
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38: Looks useful. Was expecting something much worse given the .jp URL and "MOE" in the title.


Posted by: dalriata | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 7:55 AM
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re: 39

Interesting. It looks quite price competitive to the sort of things we use to perform those sorts of roles, which are more conventional.


Posted by: nattarGcM ttaM | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 8:04 AM
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And it just oozes awesome, doesn't it? Weirdly music-y, too.


Posted by: Alex | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 8:08 AM
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OT:

This seems like a good place to update you on my situation.

I haven't had sex with another man but I have started having an emotional affair with a man I met on the internet that involves lots of sex talk and fantasy. I don't know if we'll ever meet and have sex but I'm certainly enjoying what we have going on currently.


Posted by: Hillary Clinton | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 8:14 AM
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The best thing I've gotten for the kids recently was this abacus, though I didn't realize I paid a whole ten bucks for it. Selah cuddles it like a stuffed animal and the other two make up word problem to go with the beads they're moving.


Posted by: Thorn | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 8:17 AM
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....on the internet that involves lots of sex talk and fantasy

Wait. That's wrong now?


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 8:22 AM
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Probably not under the circumstances. Although I'd be thinking hard about ending the marriage by now. Talking to Bill about opening your marriage up because your needs weren't being met but you wanted to stay married is one thing (admittedly, the sort of thing that sounds likely to be marriage-ending in itself), but actually starting an unannounced affair, virtual or not, is another.

(That sounded judgy, and given what you've said, I don't mean it that way. I meant more that this sounds as if you're on the way out the door one way or another, and it might make sense to plan doing it in an orderly fashion with as little damage as possible, rather than after a blowup.)


Posted by: LizardBreath | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 8:28 AM
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45: at our age, yes. We should be concentrating on knitting, photography, and the economics of the 21st century.


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 8:35 AM
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It went through a long decision-making process about whether or not I should stay with him and I decided that I should. The children and the husband are all pretty happy so it was just me that was suffering. As part of that process, I let go of a lot of things that I had been holding out hope would improve in our relationship. That had a strangely freeing effect on me and I feel much more at peace with things now and don't have the overwhelming sense of disappointment I once did.

The other thing I did was to let go of a lot of expectations related to my hope that he would and should be able to provide me with happiness. He can't do that for me and I think we both realize that. So now I feel more open to getting those needs met elsewhere.

Is it right? No. Do I feel bad about it? No.


Posted by: Hillary Clinton | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 8:37 AM
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The other thing I did was to let go of a lot of expectations related to my hope that he would and should be able to provide me with happiness.

It helped me so much to be able to verbalize that (though Lee would always have been clear that I was responsible for my own happiness) and agree that there are certain things that are outside the bounds of the relationship and so I should just hang out on unfogged if I want to feel listened-to or whatever. It was a huge relief to have that out in the open, so I recommend making it even more explicit if that's something you think you can do, Hillary.


Posted by: Thorn | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 8:45 AM
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There are probably cheaper options, but I'm not entirely without vanity.

There are. I use some cheap (about $23) Eddie Bauer shoulder bag man purse I bought about ten years ago to carry my subway reading and whatever else I need.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 8:50 AM
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I didn't talk about my decision-making process with him but I have verbalized my new outlook to him (using softer words).

I feel like accepted thinking is that relationships have to be good or great to be worthwhile to continue. But a many if not most people are not in relationships like that (and can't be, even with a lot of work) and yet they still see some value to continuing on. I wish there was more recognition that there may be some things that are worth saving in these relationships even if they are not bringing both people a great deal of maximum personal satisfaction.


Posted by: Hillary Clinton | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 8:52 AM
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It's harder to write Valentine cards for that kind of thing.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 9:05 AM
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I was just invited to play golf with business associates the first time, if I don't want to buy golf shoes, what kind of shoes are ok to wear that won't get me banned from the course if it's at a fancy club? I think I've got appropriate pants and shirt but don't know about shoes.


Posted by: SP | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 9:23 AM
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Crocs.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 9:24 AM
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See if you can lift a pair of bowling shoes from the nearest alley.


Posted by: LizardBreath | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 9:27 AM
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Apparently there is commentary on the internet on this issue, similar to the babby and vampire Q and A sites.


Posted by: SP | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 9:33 AM
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It's so silly but I love having a dog-walking bag. It's just one of those army surplus-style ammo(?) bags with one compartment and 2 small pockets, but it holds the extenda-leash (I walk our dog mostly off-leash), a couple bags, plus I keep a spare roll of bags in one of the little pockets. It makes me so much happier to have my hands free while I walk, yet everything readily available. Plus, obviously, a bag if I need to carry something else (something of the kids? an unplanned purchase?).


Posted by: JRoth | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 9:34 AM
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Do you have boating shoes? Any kind of shoe that will not tear up the greens should do fine. You could even wear Converse high tops.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 9:34 AM
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Since this is now the thread about doing things in a less than ideal way, I'll briefly note that I'm now writing 5,000 line shell scripts. Because sometimes the efficient way is too hard.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 9:34 AM
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Vibram Five Fingers.


Posted by: LizardBreath | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 9:35 AM
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This ceramic mill is really useful as a spice grinder: http://kyoceraadvancedceramics.com/ceramic-kitchen-tools/ceramic-grinders/ceramic-coffee-grinder.html

I grind spices in quantity and at frequency to make a mortar and pestle not always a great option and burn out the motors on the electric coffee grinders really quickly, also those are a pain to clean. This ceramic mill disassembles easily for washing, and works great for grinding coffee on trips (camping, sailing, anywhere you will be making coffee yourself but not backpacking as too heavy). With an aeropress would allow you to go pretty much anywhere and not make your nearest and dearest suffer through your lack of decent coffee. Not that that has ever been an issue in our family...


Posted by: dairy queen | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 9:39 AM
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Snow shoes should be gentle on the grass.


Posted by: Eggplant | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 9:42 AM
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I hope that you are at least generating the 5000 line shell script.


Posted by: Spike | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 9:43 AM
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I have a SAS program that writes the script.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 9:44 AM
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Or perhaps clown shoes. Anything that distribute your weight.


Posted by: Eggplant | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 9:44 AM
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I grind spices in quantity and at frequency to make a mortar and pestle not always a great option and burn out the motors on the electric coffee grinders really quickly

Yeah, I've had problems with electric grinders too.


Posted by: Spike | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 9:49 AM
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51.2 sounds right to me.

Good luck, Hill.


Posted by: Abe Lincoln | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 9:51 AM
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I didn't think I had anything to contribute, but I do! I recently bought this mortar and pestle (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60201251/) and it is AMAZING. Heavy, which means it works with you to help with the grinding, double-sided (both the mortar and pestle) so lots of flexibility, and it's cheap and easy to find. Highly recommended.


Posted by: parodie | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 10:10 AM
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51.2 - I think a lot of the feedback you've gotten here and in previous threads has been very personal: other people who were in marriages that were companionable but ultimately soul-less, and who (in healthy and less-healthy ways, with varying degrees of pain) got out. And having gotten out, looked back and thought: OH. Wow.

Your circumstances may be different, but others can't help but read it through their own experience, and see the fear they had of leaving mirrored in your stoicism.


Posted by: parodie | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 10:16 AM
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66: advantage - elbow grease. The sun may let you down but you can always grind by hand.

Also, if you get the blade for your ancient Cuisinart sharpened too many times it becomes distorted in shape and doesn't work efficiently any more BUT they will sell you a new blade for even The Most Ancient Cuisinart Ever and that new blade will be so sharp that if you just show it to a loaf of bread the loaf will instantly transform itself into a pile of crumbs.


Posted by: dairy queen | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 10:17 AM
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How about advice on selling things? Anyone have any good advice on selling a vintage electric guitar?

(1965 or possibly '68 Gibson SG with the Bigsby bridge and tremolo and engraved tailpiece, open coil humbuckers, some customization was done like the installation of two phase switches for the pickups, hairline crack in the neck, original case.)

Should I try to ebay the thing myself or shop it around at guitar stores?


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 10:21 AM
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I have a Porlex grinder, which is also good as a small portable ceramic grinder.

http://www.hasbean.co.uk/products/porlex-tall


Posted by: nattarGcM ttaM | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 10:28 AM
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I hate doing stuff with a mortar and pestle - it takes a lot of effort, shit gets everywhere, and the results tend not to be that good.

70 Huh. I've got an OG Cuisanart that my mom bought in 1977 I believe. The blades are fairly dull at this point, the safety stuff is a bit off cause of cracks (one must remember to pull out the plug before reaching in), but it basically works, though I mostly use my new one.


Posted by: teraz kurwa my | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 10:29 AM
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The post on my ancient cuisinart, that lets you use the shredder/slicer disk, got stripped so it won't spin. Can you buy those too?


Posted by: SP | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 10:30 AM
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Oh yes, mine will keep spinning when opened too. I bought it from a grad student finishing school when I was starting grad school so I have no idea how old it is. It's the circle of knife.


Posted by: SP | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 10:32 AM
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Re: 71

Maybe use ebay completed listings as a price guide, but , personally I 'd be wary of shipping it. The value plus SG neck join fragility ...


Posted by: nattarGcM ttaM | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 10:35 AM
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I'd look, they sell an impressive array of parts for old models.


Posted by: dairy queen | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 10:37 AM
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Thanks for the update, Hillary. Glad you've found a way to a happier mental space.


Posted by: ydnew | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 10:42 AM
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This ceramic mill is really useful as a spice grinder: http://kyoceraadvancedceramics.com/ceramic-kitchen-tools/ceramic-grinders/ceramic-coffee-grinder.html

That looks a lot like the grinder I use for coffee, but mine cost 2/3 as much.

Maybe I could get another and grind spices but I've mostly been content to do a fairly bad job in a mortar with a pestle.


Posted by: nosflow | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 10:53 AM
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I grind coffee between two rocks that I found in the yard.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 11:08 AM
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Skull Candy earbuds are really great and do not short out in one ear or the other a month like every other kind of earbuds I have had.


Posted by: Mister Smearcase | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 11:09 AM
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80: There was a Lifehacker post -- I think dead serious -- about finding a nice big rock and keeping it in your kitchen for smashing things.


Posted by: oudemia | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 11:18 AM
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I maintain that the entire Lifehacker site is understated trolling.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 11:19 AM
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It's Hints From Heloise in a gaudy hoodie.


Posted by: lw | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 11:23 AM
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Did you know that you can buy coffee and spices that are already ground? It's a great time saver!


Posted by: peep | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 11:36 AM
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You can buy your coffee already brewed if you like.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 11:39 AM
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86: Yes, but that requires leaving the house, and many people require at least one cup of coffee before they can do that. Also it's usually more expensive.


Posted by: peep | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 11:45 AM
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85 is a very silly comment. If you're interested in saving time, what are you doing here?


Posted by: peep | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 11:47 AM
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Can I buy coffee that's already drunk?


Posted by: nosflow | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 11:49 AM
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You can buy beans that have already been eaten.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 11:50 AM
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More seriously, can I use my fancy-dancy ceramic coffee grinder for spices and continue using it for coffee as well??? I know the general "received" ``wisdom'' about this sort of thing is sabsolutely nots but my “impression” is that ceramic is supposed to not «retain the oils» or whatever as much as other grinderz? Or be easier to clean, whatever that means, or something??????


Posted by: nosflow | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 11:53 AM
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90: True!


Posted by: nosflow | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 11:53 AM
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91: I think that's what DQ is saying in 61, and I defer to her expertise, because I love blizzards.


Posted by: peep | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 11:59 AM
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We use the same (metal, blade) grinder for coffee and spices. Of course you can do that. It just depends on whether you want to consider yourself the kind of person who isn't a little bitch about such things, or the kind of person who is. Recall the wisdom of this comment on a camera lens forum:

If you read the Porsche forum long enough you will be led to believe you need a 911 GT2 to get to work on time everyday.


Posted by: ogged | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:01 PM
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Speaking of weird foodie things, there's now a store in Pittsburgh that sells only olive oil and related things. If they can make it, the city really has changed.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:04 PM
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Of course, what that guy should have said is that if you read any consumerist internet forum long enough, you'll realize that Pol Pot gets a bad rap.


Posted by: ogged | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:07 PM
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95: The one near my work just closed, as did the place that only sold crepes and salads, though it lasted several years. The olive oil place was annoying because they only did their own blends, and so I went in and asked for oil from a normal olive-growing country and they couldn't help me out.


Posted by: Thorn | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:07 PM
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Is $17 a good price for half a fifth of extra virgin olive oil?


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:08 PM
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We have a place that sells only crepes and salads and I think it's still going. I also think they sell sandwiches.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:10 PM
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Olive oil varies so widely in price, quality, and qualities that you should sample a bunch and decide what you're willing to pay for one you like.


Posted by: ogged | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:11 PM
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99: Can you write 2 simple sentences without contradicting yourself?


Posted by: peep | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:11 PM
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That seems like more effort than I'm willing to put into it. Unless I am willing.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:12 PM
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103

102 to 101.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:13 PM
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Since they already sell olive oil at every single grocery store, only foodie bitches are going to make a special trip to the olive oil store. That store is doomed. Crepes you can't get anywhere but home and the crepe place--that's got a shot.


Posted by: ogged | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:13 PM
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I know you can do that, but I don't think it's little-bitchery to not want one's coffee to taste of fenugreek or star anise or whatever, at least not regularly (it having occurred to me as I wrote that maybe fenugreek coffee might not be so bad, but maybe it would be because I can't really remember what fenugreek tastes like).


Posted by: nosflow | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:14 PM
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Speaking of weird foodie things, there's now a store in Pittsburgh that sells only olive oil and related things

There was a place in Santa Barbara that did this but it weirdly wasn't really very foodie at all -- it sounds like the place Thorn is talking about in 97. A zillion different flavors of the same highly whatevery underlying oil. A very strange idea, and I think they went out of business.


Posted by: redfoxtailshrub | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:14 PM
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It's near the Whole Foods, so it wouldn't be that much of a special trip for people with mild cases of foodie bitchery.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:15 PM
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I know you can do that, but

Little bitchery! By "can" of course I mean that if you claim to detect the flavor of one in the other, even after washing, you are a little bitch.


Posted by: ogged | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:16 PM
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IIRC that place in SB also had vinegars unless I'm actually thinking of something totally different which is possible because I feel weirdly floaty today despite having slept all night without waking once (which is unusual).


Posted by: nosflow | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:16 PM
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Moby, Cooks Illustrated recommends DaVinci and Colavita as their preferred "regular" olive oils. I haven't had either.


Posted by: ogged | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:17 PM
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Is it in the upstairs bit of that shopping center, by the liquor store and above where the bookstore used to be?


Posted by: redfoxtailshrub | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:17 PM
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108: well my question was honest! I have only had a coffee grinder at all for under six months and have only ground coffee in it, so I have no idea how realistic claims of flavor contamination are!


Posted by: nosflow | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:17 PM
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111 was to Moby.

IIRC that place in SB also had vinegars

Oh yes, I think they did! Also mostly yucky infusions of things in the same base substance, right?


Posted by: redfoxtailshrub | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:18 PM
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106: There is an olive oil store in Chagrin Falls. It is across the street from Hermès. I dunno, either*.

*I mean, there's an olive oil store in Grand Central, which, sure. But CF?


Posted by: oudemia | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:20 PM
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112: Your grinder is now married to coffee. Don't force it to be unfaithful!

That would be as as bad as violating the olive oil.


Posted by: peep | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:20 PM
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There are actually TWO olive oil shops in Santa Barbara.


Posted by: nosflow | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:21 PM
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My most favorite recent purchase -- kind of pricey but well loved and often used and I think warrantied forever -- is my Omega Juicer. As gingery as I wanna be.


Posted by: oudemia | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:22 PM
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111: No. It's on Penn in the Strip District. And I was wrong on the "near Whole Foods" thing. It's called The Olive Tap and is apparently a chain.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:25 PM
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There are actually TWO olive oil shop chains in greater Cincy, but it was the one I dislike that was close to the office. The other we've actually bought from and is fun to taste at the farmer's market.


Posted by: Thorn | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:26 PM
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Wait. There's a different one that is near Whole Foods but still isn't in the building you are thinking of. It's just a couple of blocks away.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:27 PM
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There's a chain of olive oil stores.

http://oilerie.reachlocal.net/


Posted by: peep | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:28 PM
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120 to 111.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:29 PM
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118, 121: There's more than one chain of olive oil stores.


Posted by: peep | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:30 PM
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Thank you for the detailed information! I don't know why exactly I even wanted to know, except that the WF is really near my mother's place, but even so--why? I dunno, but now my curiosity has been satisfied, so thanks.


Posted by: redfoxtailshrub | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:30 PM
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Since they already sell olive oil at every single grocery store, only foodie bitches are going to make a special trip to the olive oil store. That store is doomed.

This made perfect sense to me, so I knew it had to be wrong.


Posted by: peep | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:31 PM
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Doomed! I tell you!


Posted by: ogged | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:32 PM
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Ok, good olive oil is quite nice and all, but is one of those areas where my inconsistent foodie-swpl-dom breaks down. Decent branded stuff at 5 or 6 quid a bottle is just fine.


Posted by: nattarGcM ttaM | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:33 PM
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124: That area is really picking up lately.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:35 PM
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91: that's my experience, washable and dual purposable.

We get boxed olive oil from I think CA olive oil company. Keep it in a cool spot, and the box liner collapsing seems to do a pretty good job of preventing rampant oxidation. We just decant a moderate amount into a spigotted bottle for kitchen use.

I've recently discovered that if your facial oil cleanser runs out you can just use olive oil, actually smells nicer, works great. Fewer things to keep in stock!


Posted by: dairy queen | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:35 PM
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126: Well, you'll probably eventually be right, but before that a few people may make a lot of money.


Posted by: peep | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:36 PM
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Most of the olive oils are a straight scam. Get yourself to Costco.

Most of the olive oil stocked in a grocery store is not as bad as the industrial oils, said Mueller. But the UC Davis test showed that even though the supermarket oils were branded extra virgin, much of the time they were only of virgin quality. The only imported oil that passed the test was Kirkland's Extra Virgin Olive Oil - which is from Costco.

Posted by: gswift | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:39 PM
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I bought a Kindle to read my pirated copy of Piketty. Very useful.


Posted by: Walt Someguy | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:40 PM
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Most of the olive oils are a straight scam

Yes. This is one reason I use the same brand DQ uses; at least I'm pretty sure it is what it says it is.


Posted by: ogged | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:41 PM
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Yes, the ca olive oil brand has been given the thumbs up by friends deeply embedded in the fight against scams. We get it at rainbow but ogged may know about remote purchases.


Posted by: dairy queen | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:44 PM
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I've been using a well-reviewed-for-a-burner-knife cheapie* pocketknife, and having a decent folding knife to hand that only cost $10 and therefore can be abused/loaned/confiscated by the TSA with impunity is surprisingly handy.

* "Cut rate", if you're Moby.


Posted by: snarkout | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:45 PM
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If you were me, you've accidentally carried a nice pocket knife through TSA multiple times.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:48 PM
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132 -- Nice. Operation Flypaper catches its first lawbreaker.

As for purchases, I really want a 2015 WRX STI with a gigantic spoiler. This makes zero financial, personal, or aesthetic sense right now, but I really want to go into middle age like a 19 year old boy racer with a ridiculous car. I've been furtively sneaking glimpses of it over the internet like it's porn.


Posted by: Robert Halford | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:49 PM
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If we are talking California olive oil I will put in a plug for these guys. Not that anyone should take guidance from my palate on anything to do with food -- but as far as I can tell it's great, and when I used them for holiday gifts at the office I got a number of favorable comments (not the initial "oh how thoughtful" comments, those don't mean anything -- but substantially later-in-time "hey I just opened that bottle and it was great" comments).


Posted by: widget | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:50 PM
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I've been furtively sneaking glimpses of it over the internet like it's porn

What would liberal dude car porn look like?


Posted by: idp | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:55 PM
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139: Tesla.


Posted by: widget | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 12:56 PM
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139: Top Gear on mute.


Posted by: dalriata | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 1:00 PM
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The new Surface Pro 3 is calling my name. Except I want 8 gigs of memory and I don't think that justifies the $300 price jump from the 4 gig version. Sure, the SSD is twice as big, but, beyond a certain point, I don't really care about disk storage capacity because its not like I'm going to risk keeping my archives on an SSD anyway.


Posted by: Spike | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 1:01 PM
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TopFifth Gear on mute.


Posted by: Josh | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 1:03 PM
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I have started having an emotional affair with a man I met on the internet

There's a Lubitsch film in this, waiting to happen.


Posted by: Mister Smearcase | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 1:04 PM
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Is that one of the Surface models that will let you run SAS?


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 1:05 PM
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144: Or a way less good Ephron.


Posted by: oudemia | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 1:08 PM
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My cousin got me a recycled rubber bag from Cyclus in Colombia, the bags are very well made and stylish. Quebec looks to be the closest distributor.

http://www.cyclusquebec.com/en/cyclus.html


Posted by: bjk | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 1:09 PM
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Yeah, I'm sure it will run SAS. Its basically a PC stuffed into a tablet. I look forward to writing code with a stylus.


Posted by: Spike | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 1:10 PM
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96: The funniest-worst thing anyone ever said to me, maybe, is "when you talk about religion, you sound like Pol Pot."


Posted by: Mister Smearcase | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 1:11 PM
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148: The semicolons will be the hardest part.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 1:13 PM
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Oh wait there is actually something funnier-worse from longer ago but it's...it maybe reflects oddly on me and is NSFW.


Posted by: President Smearcase | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 1:13 PM
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151: Spill, señor el presidente.


Posted by: Josh | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 1:14 PM
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151: Your anonymity is impenetrable. Tell all.


Posted by: LizardBreath | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 1:14 PM
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I still feel like being vague because nobody's not going to figure out what I'm talking about. Supposing one had heard of waking one's significant other in a certain way and thought "yep, that's a thing one could do." I don't know, it seems unbeknownst even to me I read Cosmo or something. So anyway I have had a sexual act performed by me described as "horrifying." This should be so humiliating I don't admit it at all but instead I still find it hilarious and I admit it under DEEP PSEUDONYMOUS COVER. Anyway, I was young.


Posted by: President Anonymon of Anonymia | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 1:20 PM
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My 5,000 lines of code have run, without any obvious error and moved 44 GB of stuff. I should probably figure out how to look at the log to check for less obvious errors. Which would be easier if I didn't write code that attempts to copy from two different locations instead of figuring out which location the file was in.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 1:21 PM
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I wouldn't want poop on my chest either, Mr. President. Oh well. Bygones!


Posted by: ogged | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 1:22 PM
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Sanitary bitchery.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 1:26 PM
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156: Ogged wants no half-measures.


Posted by: apostropher | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 1:27 PM
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Nice to see my considered decision (re olive oil) to default to whatever crap Costco has on the shelves validated. (We were buying random giant metal cans of olive oil from Fresh Farms but for some reason switched to the Costco stuff).


Posted by: Tom Scudder | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 1:28 PM
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I used to buy random stuff from the store, but the clerks started hiding whenever I came in. Ask somebody to number all the apples once....


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 1:34 PM
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The one near my work just closed, as did the place that only sold crepes and salads, though it lasted several years.

There's nothing unusual about somewhere that only sells crepes. I mean, there's even a word for it - creperie.


Posted by: | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 1:46 PM
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There's nothing unusual about somewhere that only sells crepes.

It's unusual in the strip mall it was in, certainly. I do think specialty crepe places make sense (and, again, I like the other one in town) but this was a weird and sad one, though I'd eat there anyway.


Posted by: Thorn | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 1:49 PM
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If they weren't trying to be unusual, why didn't they call it The International House of Crepes?


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 1:50 PM
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Seen in a Sydney food court: Spuds N Crepes. Now that's a combo.


Posted by: md 20/400 | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 2:01 PM
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||

Just completed a simple, easy, bureaucratic task that took well under an hour. I had been putting it off for two months, and had two days left before I missed a deadline that would have cost me a lot of money. Some days I worry about how bad I am at ordinary adult functioning.

|>


Posted by: LizardBreath | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 3:57 PM
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Just completed a simple, easy, bureaucratic task that took well under an hour. I had been putting it off for two months . . .

Reading that made me start itching, going through my own list of things that I've been putting off longer than is strictly reasonable.

I've gotten much better about dealing with regular, reoccurring tasks in a timely manner, but still dread dealing with things that only need to be dealt with every couple of years.


Posted by: NickS | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 4:05 PM
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Two days left? That's not very impressive procrastination.


Posted by: CharleyCarp | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 7:16 PM
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Checked the box and the olive oil we buy is http://www.californiaoliveranch.com/.

And as summer is nigh, this sunscreen works great http://www.laroche-posay.us/anthelios-60-883140012993.html#start=9&cgid=collection-anthelios. Excellent on your face, works under makeup, stays put, etc. Bit spendy.


Posted by: dairy queen | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 7:32 PM
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100 pre-answers why 104a is wrong. Those places are doing ok not because they have better olive oil (they do), but because you can try a bunch of them and figure out what you want. Also someone who can act knowledgeable will validate your purchasing $150 balsamic, if that's what you need.


Posted by: Dee Lurking | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 8:56 PM
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I just don't believe those stores will survive. Someone resurrect Pundit Predictions!


Posted by: ogged | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 9:09 PM
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71: (Brief return from exile to give advice on this particular thing:) eBay will want 10% [plus PayPal asking for... 3%?], guitar stores will probably want more (20%?), craigslist takes no cut so you might as well list it there and see what happens (but expect very flaky people and no one to actually buy it). Selling guitars is not much fun. Shipping is always a crapshoot, but it can be done without damage (get shipment insured, decide who pays). eBay is actually the only place I've felt like I was even close to not getting ripped off as a seller -- I was still getting ripped off, but not by hundreds of dollars and I did sell pretty much everything I listed -- and you can do a Local Pickup Only listing. You can see if any stores near you have better consignment terms than 13% or are likely to successfully sell it for a lot more than you'd get listing it yourself, and/or watch a couple of auctions if you like. (You can also post pictures in the Flickr pool... a Bigsby + engraved tailpiece? Not a Maestro?) Good luck.


Posted by: lurid keyaki | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 9:15 PM
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lk!


Posted by: teofilo | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 9:19 PM
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Thanks lk, and great to see you back. I'll get some pics up soon.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 9:34 PM
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LK, I've been thinking of you. So sad about Scott Miller still. Have tickets to see Aimee Mann and Ted Leo soon...


Posted by: Count Fosco | Link to this comment | 05-20-14 10:35 PM
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170: I occasionally visit one that's been around for at least 10 years, looks to be pretty healthy.

It does seem to be a thing right now, so I expect most of the ones you see On my way! will fail (like most new business, I guess). But there is a place for this, particularly in large metro areas. If nothing else it is a pretty good way to avoid the import scammers referenced in that article....


Posted by: | Link to this comment | 05-21-14 4:18 AM
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175 was me. I blame the phone for the spurious "On my way!"


Posted by: Dee Lurking | Link to this comment | 05-21-14 4:20 AM
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Whoever heard of spiraling bobby pins before? Who can do without them now?

You mock, but they are AWESOME.


Posted by: Sir Kraab | Link to this comment | 05-21-14 6:59 AM
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I don't have enough hair for it to be an issue.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 05-21-14 7:11 AM
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Much belated contribution to this thread because I was on an iPad the past several days. These paring knives are great. They're extremely thin, which almost trumps sharpness for me in a paring knife. (They're sharp enough, but not Japanese-knife-sharp or anything.)


Posted by: Blume | Link to this comment | 05-21-14 2:03 PM
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Some pics of the SG have been added to the Flickr pool. I have more but these will probably do. Needless to say I'm not a great photographer.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 05-21-14 5:25 PM
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Belatedly agreeing that spiralling bobby pins are the shiznit.

Also, I love the Instant Pot. (I already used a pressure cooker all the time, and hey, slow cooker, very handy.)


Posted by: clew | Link to this comment | 05-21-14 5:31 PM
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Really lovely guitar, Barry, wow. Does look fragile. I had an Epiphone with a junky lyre tailpiece and always wondered what the original was like to play. Feel free to drop me a line if/when you decide on an asking price, tho this seems like a really fine year so far to give maximally to charity instead of buying a new guitar. Fosco, hope the Both show consoles. Sorry to hear it is all still raw.


Posted by: lurid keyaki | Link to this comment | 05-21-14 10:23 PM
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Will do lk.

The neck is the has a a couple of hairline cracks but is the nicest neck of any guitar I've ever played although maybe that's just me being used to it - on the other hand many who've played it have said similar.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 05-22-14 5:24 PM
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Nice post thanks


Posted by: Badspiegel | Link to this comment | 12-26-15 4:58 PM
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Nice post thanks


Posted by: Badspiegel | Link to this comment | 12-26-15 4:58 PM
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Nice post thanks


Posted by: Badspiegel | Link to this comment | 12-26-15 4:59 PM
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Nice post thanks


Posted by: Badspiegel | Link to this comment | 12-26-15 4:59 PM
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Even the spam has trouble with multiple posting.


Posted by: SP | Link to this comment | 12-26-15 5:33 PM
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