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2d ago

in

Watch out for that deceptively stable looking basalt column...

On the basalt flows near Mount St. Helens, I learned the hard way that the columns can be totally loose under a solid looking crust. That thin top layer hides years of water getting into cracks and freezing, which pries everything apart slowly. Always test your weight on the edges of those big hexagonal plates before stepping out into the middle. If you hear a hollow sound or feel any movement, just back off and find another route. It's crazy how something so strong looking can be so ready to collapse.

3d ago

in

DAE see more electric scooters parked at the train station now?

Seeing that full rack is becoming the new normal, especially in the morning. From my experience, it pays to have a backup plan if your usual spot is taken. Try folding scooters that you can carry on the train, so you don't fight for parking. Also, check if your station has more than one rack location, some are less crowded. The key is to not rely on finding a spot, especially with the popularity surge. It's a good trend for cutting down car trips, but it does require some adjustment.

3d ago

in

My sister and I set up a chatbot to end our debates, but it started picking favorites.

What if it's not about arguing style but who the bot thinks sounds most like an authority? Sometimes the training data just has way more examples of one type of person talking, so it leans that way without anyone realizing. It might be picking up on hidden patterns, like favoring comments from a certain age group or background in its data.

4d ago

in

Back in the day, my commute meals were so different

On the 7:15 AM bus last Tuesday, I counted five people tapping their phones for food orders before we even left the station. It's like we've forgotten how to use a brown paper bag and a bit of foresight. I get the save time thing, but honestly, half the takeout ends up cold or wrong anyway. Making my own lunch means I know exactly what's in it, and I save enough cash to buy something nice on Fridays. That morning ritual of spreading peanut butter is my quiet time before the chaos of the day. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a date with my toaster and a jar of jelly.

4d ago

in

Rant: I think scheduled playdates are overrated for young kids

Disagree here, planning isn't always bad. @victorhill's daughter burned out, but that's one case. Kids need some structure to learn and grow. Adults also benefit from having plans to get things done. Leaving empty space is nice, but too much can lead to wasting time. It's about balance, not ditching all schedules.