hey, let's try something new.
Share some small video or pictures that you might want to share. I suppose this probably should belong in General Bullshit thread, but amuse me.
We're stuck in a nice little winter spell here in the Chicagoland. This isn't that bad, but probably the most prolonged winter for us since 2014. Looking at about ~10 inches of snow at the time of the video
Pinky leads the way:
https://youtu.be/jGrm_raXm5U
Love the idea for this thread!
Here in Austria, where I grew up, it's also been quite a long time since there's this much snow for weeks.
So, I've decided to build myself a new road bike, and my murder floofs clearly love the packaging it came with:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiaKBf3oFrI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vmE7XZD80o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Po_RaSx21Ak
You mean I never told you all about my Guinea Pig?
https://youtu.be/OFkVVibQeHo
Every time I hop on the Xbox after work, regardless of how full his bowl is, he always gets jealous.
lol, wasn't my intention to be a pet thread, but nice to meet the forum furry companions!
Stefan, you happen to have any expertise in bikes? I might need some advice on a future purchase.
Since the start of the Pandemic, I'm one of those people who have vowed to try and improve my health and I've been utilizing my local prairie trail. I've been walking/running it, but would love to eventually have a bike to more conveniently take on the whole trail. The trail is mostly comprised of flat packed crushed rubble and few moderate inclines/declines.
I haven't had a bike since my teenage years which was a hand-me-down bmx.
Any suggestions, by any chance?
California has been a bit cold with a dash of gloom weather. Love it when I sleep in and wake up on my day off! A little bright spots here and there to appreciate. This is a polar opposite of boscos vid!
Fun fact: This isn't even my cat! He belongs to a guy 2 houses down. He just mingles from backyard to backyard for free food and free pets, plus he has brought me at least 3 dead mice, so he protects the hood!
https://youtu.be/BE9hFFdG9-w
Quote from: Bosco on Feb 15, 2021, 17:33
lol, wasn't my intention to be a pet thread,
Just barely noticed this post. My bad
I don't think there can ever be too much pics/videos of our pets ;D
Quote from: Bosco on Feb 15, 2021, 17:33
Stefan, you happen to have any expertise in bikes? I might need some advice on a future purchase.
Since the start of the Pandemic, I'm one of those people who have vowed to try and improve my health and I've been utilizing my local prairie trail. I've been walking/running it, but would love to eventually have a bike to more conveniently take on the whole trail. The trail is mostly comprised of flat packed crushed rubble and few moderate inclines/declines.
I haven't had a bike since my teenage years which was a hand-me-down bmx.
Any suggestions, by any chance?
I do have experience with road bikes and road cycling, which is one of my main hobbies for 17 years and counting. Don't really have much overview of off-road bikes. so I can't really give you specific brand/model recommendations.
From what you're describing you're probably looking for a light mountain bike or touring bike, depending on whether you want a "pure" sports bike or something which is also useful for day-to-day rides, usually being equipped with mudguards, bike racks and lights.
There's also a relatively new category called gravel bike, which is basically a road bike (drop handlebar, rigid frame with "agressive" geometry) with super wide tires.
I think it would be best if you visit a local bike store and take a look at the bikes they have on offer, you'll also be able to take a short test ride to get an idea of how they ride and feel. It's also good for choosing the best frame size for you.
If you're planning on riding for much longer than 1 hour or so, it's a good idea to also get some cycling-specific clothing, especially bibs with integrated padding (there are enough options these days even for loose fitting clothes, if you're not down for that skin-tight lycra look). Of course you can just start with whatever sports attire you already have and see how comfortable you feel.
One thing I'd definitely recommend is clipless pedals, regardless of bike type. It might sound a bit scary being attached to your pedals, but clipping in/out is actually very easy and it makes pedaling way more efficient.
Anyway, this was ony very basic general advide. if you have more questions I'd be happy to help.
To stay on topic of brief moments of our lives, after some very cold weeks it's finally warming up enough to not freeze on bike rides. Even though it was a bit foggy, it was very beautiful:
Stefan, thanks for informative answer!
This past summer I was teasing the idea of buying an adult trike/tricycle and decking it out with a mini traveling sound system. I then started reading about the problems of tipping on un-level surfaces and inclines, so I scrapped that idea for the time being.
Awesome photos and great looking cycle there! Gonna have to do some video/photo dumping of my previous ventures out in the "wild".
meet my late summer/fall girlfriends of last year:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTAZ1ADqZfw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GOG-d6u3PY
Saw them just about every day at same time. They're making the trek for the creek in the middle of the preserve to get some water.
BTW, they used a tractor to mow down a good portion of the prairie. Typically they do a burn. Maybe they took note of a high deer population this year and went the non-threatening method? Either way, that's why it's been so easy to spot the deer around the path.
I meant to post this yesterday.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEuvDJCCOrM
This is from March 8th 2020. I was attending Music Box Theatre's 70mm festival. Part of the unique experience you get at the Music Box Theatre is they have a in-house organist that plays on the weekends before every show.
Spoiler
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eku8CxbCOYs
Any who, reason I'm posting this is entering this weekend last year was kinda the last bit of normal before the Pandemic set in. Just 2 days before this video, it was announced Coachella 2020 was being cancelled. And while I wasn't attending or planning to attend Coachella it was definitely something of significance that projected something truly bad was about to set in. Over the course of the next 2 weeks, it was amazing to watch such an abrupt and confusing devolution that most of us were not ready for.
I don't have any pictures because I didn't do anything special in the weeks a year ago when the pandemic "hit" and lockdown started (unless visiting friends counts, doing something like this seems special now XD)
Back on topic, I've been living in Vienna for 10 years now but most weekends, I stay at my parent's in the town where I grew up (my cats also live there).
Here's a video of the final turn into the valley of my hometown, right before the railway station.
A brief moment in my live I'll never be tired of.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7t5LD7l8SAs
Of course it is encouraged to hum Star Guitar along the video.
Quote from: Bosco on Feb 26, 2021, 06:14
meet my late summer/fall girlfriends of last year:
Saw them just about every day at same time. They're making the trek for the creek in the middle of the preserve to get some water.
Those deer don't seem to be too concerned with your presence? Here we also have deer, but they're really shy, they usually don't let anybody closer than maybe 100 meters (not that I'd try of course, they're wildlife after all. Best left alone unless you're an expert).
Quote from: Stefan on Mar 12, 2021, 19:31
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7t5LD7l8SAs
Dang, you Win! That looks absolutely gorgeous.
I love train rides. I never have taken long distance/cross country trip, but I frequently used the commuter train that takes you from the suburbs of Chicago to downtown Chicago. The trip consists of travel through quaint suburbs, urban decay, and a bustling metropolis.
Quote from: Stefan on Mar 12, 2021, 19:58
Those deer don't seem to be too concerned with your presence? Here we also have deer, but they're really shy, they usually don't let anybody closer than maybe 100 meters (not that I'd try of course, they're wildlife after all. Best left alone unless you're an expert).
The deer around me are forced to be semi-domesticated. The growing suburbs of Chicago (where I'm located) have basically taken over their habitat.
But yeah, these videos are the most personal encounter I've had with these deer and I think it mostly has to do with the certain conditions of the prairie being cut down.
Quote from: Stefan on Mar 12, 2021, 19:31
I don't have any pictures because I didn't do anything special in the weeks a year ago when the pandemic "hit" and lockdown started (unless visiting friends counts, doing something like this seems special now XD)
Back on topic, I've been living in Vienna for 10 years now but most weekends, I stay at my parent's in the town where I grew up (my cats also live there).
Here's a video of the final turn into the valley of my hometown, right before the railway station.
A brief moment in my live I'll never be tired of.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7t5LD7l8SAs
Of course it is encouraged to hum Star Guitar along the video.
just your quote Stefan of 'the final turn into the valley of my hometown, right before the railway station' sounds something I just read from a passage of a novel. Such a comforting vid of going home while looking out from a train.
I seem to forget sometimes that us forumites are from so many parts of the world, and I find it fascinating to look at the world from someone else's perspective.
Covid Regulations in our area have lightened up to allow small gatherings of up to 10 people, after a quick test to come back negative, me and the bois (as in 3/4ths as the 4th had to work) celebrated by taking a trip to the dunes about 5 hours ago.
Meet Spencer and Luke (aka walmart ed)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUuT-vOUYiA
Got stuck in some quicksand about halfway through the trip but the drive back was oh-so relaxing
Those vibes are off the chart, man. What song is that?
Quote from: WhiteNoise on Mar 29, 2021, 14:31
Those vibes are off the chart, man. What song is that?
Its from an old mahjong computer game (Hoyle Mahjong) that came with the windows 98 my mom bought. I used to play it as a kid before recieving rollercoaster tycoon in the cereal box.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzHLzlomb9w&list=PL8ogIoK_WTQxjvH2qvW6JxcQ0URw7w7qE&index=19&ab_channel=jomar500
I had to isolated the static in the background and removed it, so I may upload my version.
Meanwhile in Hollywood!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-ehdmwqfdQ
Connor, you can cruise right on the beach/dunes like that?
Big fan of the capture of sunset and moon (full) rising, I don't live in location were we can take in a skyline like that.
Inchemwetrust, what did you bag on your return visit, and how you like the new store?
I've only been to the Haight St. Amoeba in San Francisco.
Quote from: Bosco on Apr 12, 2021, 19:06
Connor, you can cruise right on the beach/dunes like that?
Big fan of the capture of sunset and moon (full) rising, I don't live in location were we can take in a skyline like that.
we sure can where I live, but not without regulations, There are certain areas we aren't allowed to drive like high population beaches (all of them are mostly on the north side of the river anyways) and wildlife preserve areas which is a spawning ground for endangered birds (which was about a mile south of where I began recording). driving is strictly off limits during the winter season (november-march).
Quote from: Bosco on Apr 12, 2021, 19:06
Inchemwetrust, what did you bag on your return visit, and how you like the new store?
So I got there last week but the line outside was going around the block and wait time was too long. So I went back a week later, found an easy parking spot and got in line and waited about 30 minutes to get in.
The store is smaller, as if the original store shrunk by 40 percent! Its only one floor and there's definitely a lost of the previous luster and experience from the last store. It doesn't even feel like an Amoeba store TBH. Lost is the wide assortment of used records, but expanded more space for new releases. Electronic section took a hit as all their used records are now blended and mixed in with the new releases. Very disappointed with that move, but for some reason, the 'House' genre had its own used space at the bottom bins. I remember looking for used (rock, r&b electronic) records for hours at the old store, but now It only took me one hour to go through it that day. Another words, not a store to 'dig' used records :( I honestly would not go again anytime soon.
I was lucky to bag a couple of items. Some of them not worth mentioning here with the exception of a Marvin Gaye record and a promo 12 inch of Setting Sun and its matching CD promo. Very surprised and lucky they had any used Chems there.
The only Chems release they had was the Surrender box set.
Overall, they still have posters on the wall and the pricey records you need to bring down with the grabbing stick. You can still trade in old records and see live performances on the stage, but still, it feels like a normal record store on average and nothing special.
To be honest, my first thoughts when seeing your video was it looked a little too clean for a record store. And you're saying scaled down by 40 percent? Dang, you would think it would be the opposite.
Well, here's hoping they don't ever change the other locations.
I was meaning to post this for Earth Day.
"let your heart see the colors":
Ah, I love sunsets and sunrises. Lovely shot, Bosco. Did you arrange the lensflares the way they are deliberately, too?
Not too far from where I live is a village called St. Corona.
Someone "up"graded their road sign.
Quote from: Csar on Apr 23, 2021, 09:00
Did you arrange the lensflares the way they are deliberately, too?
I'm no photographer, just a dude that noticed a beautiful sunset as I was making my way back home and captured it with my phone. It reminded me of the sunsets you see from the African Savanna or the album cover art for Come With Us. Happy how it came out!
My dog Pinky loves to be teased and tested, especially when it comes to fetching her favorite ball. I placed the ball on empty toilet paper roll on the corner of a lamp table to see how she would react.
I'm easily amused:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jzq59w7LC0s
Also, was celebrating Cinco de Mayo by putting together some enchiladas and noticed a visitor outside on the feeders...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNJmpIL1pRw
This is Dewey in all his glory.
(https://scontent-lax3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/185785316_10105130756170368_1443337162187673653_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=OM8KBK42YtIAX865WwF&_nc_oc=AQnz8SguUCKv03o_2Qp-t8KANihJ1La5OGqxznyO-sskNdyi4X5NW0j6aTGIm34zyxM&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-2.xx&oh=73a9392e0f1a594a4a272412c7e8dd09&oe=60C8BD40)
Awe! A new addition? With Carl showing him the ropes, he'll be 'catting' in no time.
Quote from: MadPooter on May 17, 2021, 22:39
This is Dewey in all his glory.
(https://scontent-lax3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/185785316_10105130756170368_1443337162187673653_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=OM8KBK42YtIAX865WwF&_nc_oc=AQnz8SguUCKv03o_2Qp-t8KANihJ1La5OGqxznyO-sskNdyi4X5NW0j6aTGIm34zyxM&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-2.xx&oh=73a9392e0f1a594a4a272412c7e8dd09&oe=60C8BD40)
He's gorgeous.
Stupid question, you're sure he is not a she?
Quote from: MadPooter on May 17, 2021, 22:39
This is Dewey in all his glory.
(https://scontent-lax3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/185785316_10105130756170368_1443337162187673653_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=OM8KBK42YtIAX865WwF&_nc_oc=AQnz8SguUCKv03o_2Qp-t8KANihJ1La5OGqxznyO-sskNdyi4X5NW0j6aTGIm34zyxM&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-2.xx&oh=73a9392e0f1a594a4a272412c7e8dd09&oe=60C8BD40)
I wanna pet his belly
Quote from: Bosco on May 10, 2021, 02:34
My dog Pinky loves to be teased and tested, especially when it comes to fetching her favorite ball. I placed the ball on empty toilet paper roll on the corner of a lamp table to see how she would react.
I'm easily amused:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jzq59w7LC0s
Also, was celebrating Cinco de Mayo by putting together some enchiladas and noticed a visitor outside on the feeders...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNJmpIL1pRw
Looks like Pinky knew exactly what to do ;D
Ohhh, a Hummingbird! I was absolutely delighted when I saw one in the backyard of a restaurant in California during my US road trip years ago.
Quote from: sandelic on May 21, 2021, 10:46
He's gorgeous.
Stupid question, you're sure he is not a she?
Why thank you. I tend to think of him as the most handsome kitty ever.
And yes, the shelter I picked Dewey up from most assuredly snipped his balls before I brought him home.
Quote from: inchemwetrust on May 18, 2021, 19:15
Awe! A new addition? With Carl showing him the ropes, he'll be 'catting' in no time.
Carl sadly departed with my ex girlfriend. :,( I will miss that kitty forever.
Reason I asked is that, according to my friend who should know these kind of things, male multicoloured cats are extremely rare. So he's not only gorgeous, but rare as a pink diamond.
This is my cat, she's called Miki (don't ask) and she's well behaved super model ;D
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51211631942_bc86eabb6e_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2m2oZZq) (https://flic.kr/p/2m2oZZq) (https://www.flickr.com/photos/141774867@N05/)
You're correct, Calico cats (with white, black, red fur) are usually female, while completely red cats are usually male. Red female cats are still way more common than calico male cats (which are usually sterile, so it's extremely unlikely the trait is passed on). (Read on for some details: http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2015/03/calico-cats-almost-always-female/)
Fun facts and statistics, but of course all cats and fur patterns are beautiful ;D
Keep all the pet pics (cats, dogs, gerbils, all your furry or not furry friends who brighten up your days) coming!
Anyway, now for something completely different:
Today, when I was looking up some statistics, I found something dated 2021 and wondered for a minute or so whether this refered to this year or last year.
Either the pandemic or age (most likely both) are surely wrecking my brain.
Something to look forward to: Next week an outside barbecue is planned where I will see some friends who I haven't seen in person for more than a year. I just hope that the wheather holds out.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3cgT1BDG03zrq59gcYJXTAoKsz4ccJluNuQw6LrVXUjrRlGUzSSB0SKT-EYd0roFxg4akD6trPxPbYEkVw62vG1gmVdswCsnfgST83WlkinNn58muyLQ1Tn_haWtOmBZJqovDdzYLismUnAi_08Y1R5=w1560-h878-no?authuser=0)
our little boy
This is Stu. Short for Studio Dog. Graduate of Soft Tummy University.
(https://i.postimg.cc/brvfwS0w/Studio-Dog.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/tZ8MrTmK)
Brief moments..
After many years later finally i got the driver's license.
(i'm not the Sponge Bob ;D, it was more of a legal problem due to the move to another "state" of country).
And finally bought this 10 years old friend (searches were long, took 3 months, now the car market in Russia is going through hard times):
Spoiler
(https://forum.thechembase.com/media/explud_focus.jpg)
This US-EU-JP origin mate is very popular and economic in our country in the used car market.
As i know US got different second generation model, correct me if I'm wrong.
Oh.. by the way i got married two days ago. :)
Quote from: Explud on Jul 05, 2021, 21:09
Oh.. by the way i got married two days ago. :)
Woah. Cogratulations.
(And I'm sure the Ford Focus is great too)
(a little late but) Me (far right) and the boys coming together for USA day, for the 1st time after quarantining, mask mandate was lifted in my county.
Spoiler
(https://i.imgur.com/Gsx5MIk.jpg)
Spoiler
(https://i.imgur.com/HleyMhV.jpg)
I'm sorry, I couldn't resist :D :D
videos coming soon
Quote from: Explud on Jul 05, 2021, 21:09
Brief moments..
After many years later finally i got the driver's license.
Oh.. by the way i got married two days ago. :)
Talk about liberating to debilitating!
I kid, I kid. Congrats on both, Explud.
Quote from: Enjoyed on Jun 07, 2021, 19:13
This is Stu. Short for Studio Dog. Graduate of Soft Tummy University.
(https://i.postimg.cc/brvfwS0w/Studio-Dog.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/tZ8MrTmK)
what a cutie
Dusk run. Tried to capture the creeping fog, but this was the best I could do.
@Enjoyed, Stu's a cutiepie!
@Bosco: Beautiful scenery! Good eye, ma friend.
Thanks Csar. Pacific Northwest and New England get a lot of attention this time of the year (Autumn), but Midwest has some awesome scenes when you go look for it. Shout out to Canada, too.
Hoping to make a day trip to Wisconsin to close out the seasonal foliage and some Oktoberfest fare!
Quote from: Bosco on Oct 09, 2021, 18:21
Hoping to make a day trip to Wisconsin to close out the seasonal foliage and some Oktoberfest fare!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZJxWqmP4Yw
Quote from: Bosco on Oct 09, 2021, 07:38
Dusk run. Tried to capture the creeping fog, but this was the best I could do.
Holy shit amigo this is a great shot. Nice work.
Quote from: ThePumisher on Oct 10, 2021, 10:35https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZJxWqmP4Yw
My cousin's band opened for Static-X in Milwaukee Wisconsin, ironically.
R.I.P. Wayne, and your epic haircut
There's a forest fire happening on a hill right next to our town.
Don't worry, no populated area is threatened and I don't think it has spread in the past hours. The terrain there is also completely inaccessible from the ground, so firefighters could only fight it with helicopters. I think they're currently just letting it burn out on it's own.
Update: The fire is definitely spreading and local firefighters say that it will continue to burn for days, the however the good news is that it currently doesn't look like it will pose a threat to any populated areas.
Also I walked up a hill last night where there's a good view of the affected area:
Wow, that looks bad. And it's probably caused by irresponsible people..
Wildfire Update: There was a massive firefighter operation all over last week, with 8 helicopters (3 flown in from abroad), last weekend even two planes from Italy (Austria doesn't have firefighter planes) and around 250 firefighter on the ground, cutting firebreaks and taking care of the fire wherever accessible. Sometimes during last week, there wasn't even smoke visible, and the sudddenly the forest ground would light up in a spot somewhere. I learend that if it's dry, the fire can even spread underground, in tree root channels. The affected area has been inching closer to some farmhouses, but thanks to the massive efforts no house was in danger.
A little bit of rainfall in the past few days also brought relief, though firefighters will continue to scan for hot spots/embers at least for two weeks or so.
Quote from: Stefan on Nov 05, 2021, 21:26
Wildfire Update: There was a massive firefighter operation all over last week, with 8 helicopters (3 flown in from abroad), last weekend even two planes from Italy (Austria doesn't have firefighter planes) and around 250 firefighter on the ground, cutting firebreaks and taking care of the fire wherever accessible. Sometimes during last week, there wasn't even smoke visible, and the sudddenly the forest ground would light up in a spot somewhere. I learend that if it's dry, the fire can even spread underground, in tree root channels. The affected area has been inching closer to some farmhouses, but thanks to the massive efforts no house was in danger.
A little bit of rainfall in the past few days also brought relief, though firefighters will continue to scan for hot spots/embers at least for two weeks or so.
Dang, is that right? That's kinda terrifying if true. I thought fires would have a difficult time burning underground, specifically the tree roots, because the lack of oxygen flow.
I also have a hard time imaging that, but that's what I heard. I assume there are enogh cavities left between the network of roots that fire finds a way. There's also a lot of rocky ground where the fire burnt. So maybe the roos create fissures while growing, and that's where there's oxygen?
Btw. today around noon the firefighters declared the wildfire to be over, however the area will be closely monitored with thermal cameras.
Quote from: Bosco on Nov 06, 2021, 18:57
Dang, is that right? That's kinda terrifying if true. I thought fires would have a difficult time burning underground, specifically the tree roots, because the lack of oxygen flow.
Two weeks ago I've talked to my sister, who is a firefighter and took part in the huge operation, that the process of fire spreading underground is actually much simpler: it isn't fire that spreads but simply heat, i.e. thermal energy. Which can be conducted underground, even without any oxygen, and wherever it meets the right conditions (flammable materials and oxygen) a fire lights up.
https://youtu.be/UwGqXh41ppg
a taste of Illinois September prairie sunset
Edit: click youtube link for boring video, cant seem to embed correctly ::)
^ a great place to:
A) teach a photography class
B) make out with boy/girl friend on picnic blanket
C) set a stage up for a Chems concert
D) all of the above
Is this your backyard? That's a nice shot! It needs some Moby background music to be perfect.
Id trade that scene in exchange for our 98 degree heat with scattered showers ( it's been like that the whole day)
I don't know what happened to my previous pic of Dewey, but here he is the first day I got him as a kitten, and one from a few days ago.
(https://i.imgur.com/WFE25zh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Pdr1c28.jpg)
Quote from: MadPooter on Sep 11, 2022, 00:19
I don't know what happened to my previous pic of Dewey, but here he is the first day I got him as a kitten, and one from a few days ago.
I can only see one of those pictures
Quote from: Ben_j on Sep 15, 2022, 15:00
I can only see one of those pictures
Fixed it, at least on my end for now. :)
I can see both pics of the gorgeous Floof :)
https://youtu.be/455TZPWIiDA
meant to post this before the Colorado trip. It was the last couple of days of summer here in Illinois and we hit 90 degrees and had a final afternoon/evening summer storm. Fields of gold.
For what it's worth it was a pretty impressive lighting storm in the distance, it just wouldn't play for the camera like i wanted.
Quote from: inchemwetrust on Sep 10, 2022, 09:32
Is this your backyard? That's a nice shot! It needs some Moby background music to be perfect.
This is my local forest preserve where I go running.
//youtube.com/shorts/dmNVFSG6iNE?feature=share
@Bosco this is so soothing. Were you guys impacted by the heavy snow storm as well?
Here's a literally very brief moment of our's
20221225_102920.jpg
This happens when the tree someone bought is so unevenly grown that it can essentially, in hindsight, only be set up in a what feels like a 45° angle. Well, it at least waited for us to finish handing out the gifts until it dropped and luckily the dog was not at her spot.
Quote from: Csar on Dec 25, 2022, 09:44@Bosco this is so soothing. Were you guys impacted by the heavy snow storm as well?
Here's a literally very brief moment of our's
[url="https://forum.thechembase.com/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=1396;type=preview;file"]20221225_102920.jpg[/url]
This happens when the tree someone bought is so unevenly grown that it can essentially, in hindsight, only be set up in a what feels like a 45° angle. Well, it at least waited for us to finish handing out the gifts until it dropped and luckily the dog was not at her spot.
Actually wasn't that big of a snowfall, but it was blizzard-like conditions, followed by, out-of-season freezing wind and temperatures.
The 23rd through Christmas Day Morning, our heater struggled to keep the house above 65° F (70-72° is typically normal), but we were one of the lucky people in the area were it didn't quit on us. There was also the risk of water pipes bursting if it got too cold in the house, but thankfully it didn't succumb to that.
We've had freezing weather before, it just was exceptionally gusty which then gave way to some of the most extreme wind chill I've ever experienced. Wind chill really takes "feeling cold" to another level.
Anyway, when we are confronted with freezing weather, it typically comes in late January or February here in Midwest. But yeah, without a doubt, the coldest Christmas in my lifetime.
Lol about the tree. I can say I've had that happen before!
Here in central Europe, it was the exact opposite, it was really warm and sunny during the holidays.
Around 10 °C most of the time, and on NYE a town near where I live had an new all-time record of nearly 20 °C.
Bosco and Csar, those are very festive decorations and Christmas sweaters :)
Fortunately, our cats are largely disinterested in our Christmas tree, apart from sometimes napping underneath it.
GUYS! dunno where's best to put this, In chemspotting or here, but I KNOW you guys are gonna love this!
(https://i.imgur.com/cAoICr3.jpg)
Went upstate to return a few christmas shirts that didn't fit me, at the outlet mall where they came from, I decided to browse and made a pit stop at this toy & boardgames shop (that also had a few soda fridges of all things), and in the corner above a few anime plushies stood this bad boy. the other toys on display were for sale for $30, but this little guy had no tag.
guys at the counter told me all of them were for sale but were glad to do a price check for the box (it turns out the tag was under his foot instead of the box LOL). turns out, it was on sale $5 off ...
(https://i.imgur.com/17zajiQ.jpg)
Knowing you guys, I knew you'd get a kick out of this. Mint condition, Key and everything.
(https://i.imgur.com/BOuNy8k.jpg)
Commencing Reprogramming
(https://i.imgur.com/OMHCNWD.jpg)
to preserve his condition, he is now resting above my shelf back in his box. (tho I can't promise I won't release him upon my household, every once in a while). MONEY WELL SPENT
Nice find! ;D
Quote from: Conn6orsuper117 on Jan 22, 2023, 03:50(https://i.imgur.com/OMHCNWD.jpg)
Love the way to composed your shot! It's as if she looks at her fellas on TV, sparkling her desire to join her species. Be careful when she frees herself!
(https://i.imgur.com/UuxN2Vg.jpg)
I've been having to ration the amount of kibble Dewey eats.
He shows up like this every hour.
He deserves some kibbles!
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You'll never guess what he wants.
He clearly wants to play a round of 7 Wonders.
Quote from: Stefan on Mar 17, 2023, 21:57He clearly wants to play a round of 7 Wonders.
Having been around Dewey in the past, I concur.
Quote from: rynostar on Mar 17, 2023, 22:22Having been around Dewey in the past, I concur.
He's still learning the fundamentals of the game but we can't seem to get past him scampering away in fear after someone accidentally drops a chip too hard on the table.
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It's hilarious how without anything for scale Dewey doesn't look like he's actually a rather large kitty.
Thought this thread could use some canine representation. :) This is my pup Fibber Magee. He's all ears!
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Boss was saving this for my birthday next month, but because of last week's incident, she decided to bump it up to asap.
Will They be among us after the show in Seattle? I remember one of you guys telling me y'all were able to see them after the show back in Frisco 2019.
(https://i.imgur.com/pvrJbaF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Nkd4TmQ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/FWuLNJB.jpg)
original size if you wanna give it a read :D
Spoiler
i.imgur.com/pvrJbaF.jpg
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^ I remember the Chems talking about playing Talking Heads' Once In A Lifetime towards the end of a DJ set, but the crowd was just a bit too young to really know the track so it didn't hit as expected.
Despite the fact that David Bowie was (posssibly/probably) sampled in Star Guitar, I get the impression that Bowie may not mean a whole lot to quite a chunk of people on here. I mean no one seemed interested in this (https://forum.thechembase.com/index.php/topic,60.msg30708.html#msg30708) for instance.
Anyway the sub-header in that article, "I am a DJ, [and] I am what I play" is a lyric from the song below. Just thought I'd mention it. It's always good to keep oneself amused isn't it?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRRmU_pOXnk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HXbsemFc-I
I have to say I missed that post of yours about Bowie.
Seems very interesting and I wonder if it contains any interview or footage that I have not seen before.
I'm rarely interested in biopics but David and Cave are an exemption so thanks for that.
It's a jungle out there.
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Two of my best friends entered a civil partnership last weekend, and instead of renting a fancy car to be driven to the venue where the big celebration was held, they rented a whole tram for all the guests from Vienna's public transport operator, with a special route which they set up, passing many locations in this city which hold some significance in their lives, while entertaining us guests with memories and anectotes about that locations throughout the ride. That certainly was a very unique and really fun event!
(https://i.postimg.cc/tCXhR9cc/IMG-5903.jpg)
catch and release
She is Indiana, she turned 15 yesterday! ;D
(https://i.postimg.cc/NjMFVJyM/Whats-App-Image-2023-06-05-at-17-28-49.jpg)
What a pretty gal Indiana is.
Age ain't no thang when you got doll eyes like that.
Long live the puppers!
Happy 15th birthday, Indiana!
Where's the new album section gone?
I'm pretty sure that the forum wizards are hard at work behind the scenes to adapt the forum for the official news
Monday Morning, waking up. Fairly efficient in getting out of bed and preparing for another remote day of work. Go out the door to soothe addiction to bad coffee at local corporate owned chain with friendly staff I've gotten to know since buying my condo. Walk in to hear start of "Chico's Groove". Haven't heard chems ever on their playlist let alone the first song I've heard out in public after waking up. Chatted with supervisor for a minute while the song played.
That's a wonderful way to start a Monday morning. Hope the rest of the work day is just as wonderful now that I have Exit Planet Dust on the turntable as I start work.
Two months to go, travel plans for my vacation are slowly coming together. Heard that there might be a cool band playing in some city or other that's on my itinerary.
You going to see the Beatles in Liverpool? :o
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Stefan, if you don't mind me requesting, use the forum as your diary during this trip!
Yep, I'll try to write some posts :)
I bought a fancy drinking fountain for my cats, which both of them completely ignore of course, but one of them exactly fits in the stryrofoam packaging so it wasn't all for nothing
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Quote from: Stefan on Aug 26, 2023, 09:16I bought a fancy drinking fountain for my cats, which both of them completely ignore of course, but one of them exactly fits in the stryrofoam packaging so it wasn't all for nothing
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OH MY GOSH I HAVE THAT EXACT SAME DINOSAUR STORAGE THING!!!
And wow. The one behind is also super reminiscent of a new album artwork we've been seeing a lot of, huh?
Haha, that's great! Those containers are from IKEA and they are surely around 25 years old, because I'm sure we already had those when I was a kid.
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Ohhh. I "inherited" a bin from an ex-flatmate a long time ago. It's got a faded barcode sticker with a code underneath 567.568.95, 11819 - which is similar to the codes on those boxes. I guess this is from Ikea too...
Green & yellow stripes on my thing, orange and blue stripes on Stefan's thing. Now look to the right and left of this post. (EDIT: oh wait the background image has changed since I hit "post", so um, look at the home screen instead)
(https://i.imgur.com/5E1TQQm.jpg)
Made it to Glasgow yesterday, super excited about the show tonight!
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Allright, I said I'll try to write a bit about my trip to Scotland, finally found some time.
For reasons, my vacation started in Glasgow, and after arriving I walked through the city center a little bit. It's quite beautiful, though not as regal as Edinburgh. On the first full day I walked up to the Glasgow Nekropolis, the Autumn colours where perfect here! Then I had plans to visit the Kelvingrove Museum, but it was closed due to a strike, so I went on to my next spot on the list, the Hunterian Gallery nearby, which is housed in the impressive University Building, before getting dinner and heading back to my hotel to prepare for the Chems show.
On Friday, I got up early to catch the West Highland Train to Fort William. It's described as one of the most scenic train routes in the World, and I have to say it lived up to this promise! Quite soon after leafing Glasgow, you're treated with spectacular views of Loch Long, the Arrochar Alps, Rannoch Moor and lots of other lovely stunning places wich also probably have names. The landscapes are rolling hills and moutains with Lochs in between, and lots of streams. Also, bog, but that's difficult to capture from a moving train. One very funny thing: There basically aren't any large villages north after Loch Lomond, and before at least one stop was an announcement by the conductor: "This train will be longer than some platforms along the route". The train is two carriages long, btw.
Upon arrival at Fort Williams, which is the largest (?) city in the Highlands, I dropped off my luggage at my hotel and went back to my next mode of transport for the day, because my plan was to take a bus up to Mallaig , take a short walk in the surrounding Hills there, which should offer some nice views of the Isle Of Skye, and then take the last train back to Fort William in the evening. During planning my trip, I also toyed with the idea of even going up to Skye for a day, and while it was feasable, eventually I decided to focus this vacation on the Highlands (and Glasgow, Edinburgh, London) instead of trying to cram too much into too few days (same decicision with going to Loch Ness, Inverness and the Orkenys, which will have to wait for another trip). Unfortunately, there was a traffic jam due to a serious accident in the middle of nowhere on the small road to Mallaig, with the road completely blocked in both directions. The bus driver was on the phone with local authorities and was informed that it might take 2-4 hours until everything is cleared up. After being stuck on the bus for two hours, I decided to walk to the nearest train station (which fortunately wasn't that far) of the West Highland Line and catch the next train to Mallaig, wich would arrive there so that I could at least take a short stroll through this small fishing village before heading back to Fort William.
So this day wasn't exactly as planned, but I still had some great views of the Setting Sun at the sea.
So, on to the next day. Quite early in planning my journey I got the idea of hiking up Ben Nevis, UKs tallest mountain, which is conveniently located right next to Fort William. As somebody who grew up surronded by mountains with summits at around 2000ish meters, Ben Nevis' peak at 1345 meters might not look that spectacutlar at first glance, until you think about that you walk up there basically from sea level. The easiest route is ~8km (16km in total, because of course you have to walk back), so that's an average gradient of 16%, which is absolutely no joke. But doable for me, my main worry was the wheather, since it's already autumn and it can get really cold and wet up there. There also aren't any shelters along the route. Good hiking gear from head to toes is a must!
Fortunately, the weather forecast for today was good enough (and pretty much what I prepared for) to attempt the hike (I had also planned some alternative easier routes in the area should the weather be bad): Cloudy, ~10 °C in the valley and ~0° with fog and rain up the summit, but no snow.
While the route doesn't require any climbing, it certainly is not easy. On the lower part you're basically traversing a very steep flank on stone steps (think about climbing up irregular, steep stairs for kilometers on end), before reaching a plateau that's about in the middle of the route and offers a bit of easier walking for a short time. The final part zig-zags very steeply up again, with coarse pebbles, small rocks where you always should pay attention where you place your step. As expected, the last third or so was covered in dense fog and it rained, but fortunately the path is not difficult to find. The upper parts of the climb where also incredibly windy, sow much that I saw quite some people (including myself) stumble for a little bit when hit by a heavy gust. In the final few hundred meters the gradient eases up a bit, but the terrain remains strenuous to walk.
Reaching the summit was incredibly rewarding, and despite the cold, wet and windy weather I saw a lot of happy faces. Needless to say, the tallest moutain in the UK offers spectacular views, in this case a 360° view of the famous dense scottish fog.
Jokes aside, on the way up and down I was treated with stunnig views of the Glen Nevis and Loch Linhe.
@Stefan this trip looks amazing! The photos and scenes look stupendous. Thank you for the play-by-play!
On Saturday, I took a bus heading south into the valley of Glen Coe. You might know this location from the scenic road in the James Bond Skyfall movie. The starting point for my hike today was a place called Kingshouse (a Hotel/Restaurant and Bunkhouse) and the route would take me along Glen Coe for the first part, then head north out of the valley to a little village called Kinlochleven. This route is a section of the long-distance West Highland Way. Compared to the climb of Ben Nevis the day before, it was a relatively easy, well-trodden mountain path. The first kilometers are more or less flat, until you reach a short, very steep climb called "Devil's Staircase" leading out of Glen Coe. When you reach the summit, that's about the halfway point of this route, from there you continue on a winding path gently sloping down to Kinlochleven and are treated with stunning views of the Mamores mountain range including Binnein Mòr and the Blackwater Reservoir. The final descent towards the village is very steep, but it's a wide gravel road, so easy walking. The hike was in almost perfect solitude, as I've seen only 7 other people and one dog during all of the 14 km.
Quote from: Stefan on Oct 30, 2023, 22:06On Saturday, I took a bus heading south into the valley of Glen Coe. You might know this location from the scenic road in the James Bond Skyfall movie.
I was wondering if you were going to do this part. I drove the motorway alongside back in 2018. It was one of the most unique and memorable drives I've ever taken. Seeing the hikers along the path gave me inspiration to eventually do the same trek you just did.
I didn't actually drive through the famous road itself, as the bus line doesn't go there, though. But I can imagine that it must be an absolute stunning ride, and I hope that I can explore it in some future trip, when I maybe rent a car myself. I did search for hiking routes that go directly into the mountains south of Glen Coe, and while there are many, none were really accessible at start/end by bus for me. I think there is a route which starts and ends at Kingshouse, but I decided that the West Highland Section was a better option for me.
On Sunday, I left Fort William and took the West Highland Train back south, to a place I probably looked forward to the most. Remember when I wrote a few posts ago that there are railway stations with platforms too short for the 2-carriage Highland Train? Well, the station is called Corrour, and it's this routes highest at 411 m altitude (and I think the second highest station in the UK). It's also the most remote, being accessible only by train, bike and foot (all gravel roads leading there are private). It's basically just the station, a restaurant/cafe and a small extra building which features 3 B&B rooms.
When I read about this place in summer and saw that they had one room for one night still available at a suitable date for me, I immediately booked it. The combination of remoteness while at the same time being easily accessible by train is quite unique!
For a change, I was treated with clear skies this day and decided to hike a route going up the nearby hill called Leum Uilleim. The route starts immediately and the station, and right from the get-go I could check another item from my bucket list: the Genuine Scottish Bog Experience ® ™ (shout-out to my hiking boots for keeping my feet dry the whole time). What looks like grasslands is actually bog, where solid ground isn't easy to find. Think of it like walking on a plant-covered sponge. It also makes exactly the slurping sounds you can imagine while walking across. There isn't any track to follow, you have to find your own path, the recommended GPS route just gives you a general idea of the direction to take. Luckily, and also due to the good view, the ridge leading up to the summit provides a good target to follow.
Around halfway into the climb, the bog changes to rocky grasslands with solid ground and the gradient gets very steep for a bit, then opening up on a plateau leading to the summit, with very easy and pleasant walking. On the way up, the views into the valley and the nearby Loch Ossian and Loch Treig were excellent. I even cought the Jacobite Steam Train chugging its way up the tracks, and at one time a fighter jet from the British Air Force flew very low through the valley (it was so quick that I couldn't catch in on my camera).
From the summit, the hike continues on a ridge swooping back towards Corrour, with the terrain changing to boggy again. Arriving back a the Station house I also decided to add a short walk to Loch Ossian. And to add, the stay at Corrour Station and the food there was excellent!
Quick edit: I've read that Corrour is also the location of a famous scene in the movie Trainspotting, but I haven't seen it so can't really say anything about it.
Stefan! just breathtaking pics man. I'm definitely a mountain and fogs guy (The Ben Nevis shots are spectacular) Just those 2 elements would put me at peace if I encountered those things. The Glen Coe pics look doable for me If I ever attempted such a hike.
Have you always hiked in your life? Did your family or friends get you into the outdoors or was it self discovery?
Definitely want to get a camera and shoot in the outdoors for the post New Years resolution. I have some HDL to lower down a bit and get out of the city.
Went to Disney Fist for the October fest. Got on all the big rides on short standby times. Tickets are always going up, but at least parking is a little easier to get in the park faster. (bitterly bites on a churro )
We got on ROTR in 25 minutes! (New Record)
@inchemwetrust : Thanks! Afaik there's no shortage of breathtaking mountains near LA, but it might take some luck to find them in fog ;D
I haven't been that much of a hiking type. Of course, growing up surrounded by mountains I did go on the occasional hike with my parents or on school trips, but it wasn't until when I was a teenager when I learned to really appreciate nature, and that was when I discovered that I really like cycling (my dad took me on some cycling rides and it was the first sport/activity which I really had fun at).
For my Scotland trip, I decided that hiking was simply one of the best ways to experience the stunning landscapes.
And I'd love to see the Star Wars parks in Disneyland/world one day, they haven't been open when I was in Orlando back in 2017.
Travel Log update: On October 31st, I left Corrour and went via train and then bus to the village of Luss on Loch Lomond, my last stop in the Highlands. It's really just a tiny village, but very scenic! Instead of doing another extensive hike (which the area certainly offers), after three intensive days, I only went for a short walk through Luss on the evening I arrived to get some Halloween vibes and then, the next morning, a relaxing walk through the surrounding forests.
Nov. 1st I went from Luss to Edinburgh, here are some pics from my walk through the city that evening. Didn't do anything else exciting that day exept to get some delicious Haggis for dinner ;D
Having already been to Edinburgh a few years ago, on the next day I visited some places which I haven't seen so far, namely the Royal Botanic Gardens, a park where plants from all over the world grow. I never knew such a thing as black gras even existed ;D
Next stop was Calton Hill, which offers great views over the city.
After that, it was just enogh time to spend one hour at the National Museum Of Scotland. I was there extensively at my last visit, but one thing that's great of many British Museums is that they're admission free, so you can just pop in, even if you don't have the time for a full visit.
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I used to live just to the right of where you took this picture, up the stairs
OK, wow, that's right next to the Royal Mile. Pretty exclusive address :o
But I guess as a resident you grow tired pretty fast of those pesky tourists taking pictures
it was student housing but yeah prime location. yeah the tourists got tiresome (especially posing in the phone booth on the corner of the block haha). but during peak tourist hours I was usually locked away in the computer lab so it wasn't too annoying.
it was an amazing spot to be, one of those places where in hindsight I feel like I didn't properly appreciate at the time.
@StefanThank you so much for documenting your travels through Scotland. I only hope one day I can have a similar journey.
And is there a better time to travel than Autumn? I don't think so.
I've been meaning to post this - somewhat Chems related, more so Chems forum related! My son Connor ventured to Ireland over the new year and met up with forum folks chem'dup and Foxboy along the way. How freakin cool is that?? And they were soooo kind and welcoming to him, making memories that will last him a lifetime. I've been tripping on this like you wouldn't believe :D 🤯 It's amazing and cool this network of people we have because of these two guys that make music we really dig! I've yet to meet chem'd and Foxboy - yet here's my son out there in the world meeting Chems fans! LOL!! Then it gets me thinking, my son was practically raised on Chemicals and the people here have been a village in ways that go beyond the screen. Aaaaand now I'm all nostalgic and mushy inside on this dreary January day...
Foxboy is a great and welcoming lad. Finding him with a broken ankle at SW6 in 2016 and the subsequent post-chems adventure to a club in a motorcycle repair shop is a cherished memory.
Glad Connor got to meet him and chem'dup.