Running Bear's August 2025 Coffee Shop

[kbkchooch]

Well done sir! How do you feel?

With my fingers! LOL!

Actually I feel fine. A little hungry, the thirst is gone, an icy cold Coke Zero fixed that. Maybe some Peanut Butter on crackers in a bit. I literally feel a teenie bit better and stronger every day since the surgery. I am starting to surprise myself doing things that I used to hate doing because they taxed me so much. Now I can do some of them myself with no assistance and not feel whipped afterward.

 

[Bruette]

With my fingers! LOL!

Actually I feel fine. A little hungry, the thirst is gone, an icy cold Coke Zero fixed that. Maybe some Peanut Butter on crackers in a bit. I literally feel a teenie bit better and stronger every day since the surgery. I am starting to surprise myself doing things that I used to hate doing because they taxed me so much. Now I can do some of them myself with no assistance and not feel whipped afterward.

"A man barely alive. We can rebuild him. We have the technology. We can make him better than he was. Better, stronger, faster."

The Bionic master-modeler!

 

[insomniville]

Afternoon, y'all!

Well, it's 88F/58% on the patio, and I"m not out there. I was out there, and it was nice, but then two lighting strikes occurred within about sixty seconds of each other, and each of them had to be less than a couple of miles away, on opposite sides of my house. I decided that I'd rather not take the chance of getting fried today.

So I'm on the couch for this one. It's supposed to be raining according to the weather app, but I've yet to see it.

If you can install it yourself you could buy one online, they never close.

I probably could install it myself, but I'd rather not. Plumbing is not my thing.

The preparation isn't so bad, just don't drink that solution too fast. It can make you nauseous if you do.

I've done it once before almost ten years ago, and... I really dislike it. I am not looking forward to it. Not enough to get me to be all avoidy about it, but I'm definitely gonna complain.

Sorry had to edit this. drunk typing at its finest I guess.

And that, right there is why--

but it looks like insomniville is off on his hours

--I stopped responding last night. After a certain amount of alcohol, it's best if I stay off the keyboard.

man, you guys wake up too early! haha.

No worries, I'm balancing the scales!

While I got mine over the Internet from the manufacturer, I would bet that Amazon carries them now.

It's not so much the having to get it, as the deciding what to get. A pool pump is an easy acquisition; a variable-speed pump for an in-ground pool, that will hook up to my home automation system (Home Assistant based), is another story entirely.

If I was willing to go single-speed it would be much easier, but it's typically the difference between 1.5kWh running all day and 10kWh running for less than half the day...

I just need go get off my butt and do the research to find out what to buy. And then make sure I can afford it... Variable speed pumps are not cheap.

One of my neighbors has a tankful of the old A/C refrigerant that he uses to service (off the record) older systems.

I was actually able to easily find a very cheap source for the refrigerant when the issue occurred, but nobody could (or perhaps would) source the needed parts to fix the older system (compressor coil leak if I'm remembering correctly, but I could be wrong; it's been a year, and I know little of HVAC). I'm sure it's a scam; why would they try to actually do that when they can sell you a system that adds a zero or two to their profit?

Very annoying.

The most dangerous fun was going down the Big Hill, at St. John's University, on a wooden toboggan with 6 people and limited steering. I was about 10.

For us it was in our mid teens, surfing down paved roads on McDonalds trays while hanging on to the tailgate of a pickup. Looking back, I'm sometimes amazed we lived to tell the tale given some of our antics...

We sure as hell weren't wearing helmets...

The thunder has quieted here, so perhaps I'll get to return to the patio later. Still no rain, unfortunately. I did top up the pool yesterday, so one would think that would trigger it, but alas.

I have no idea what I'm doing today.

I tinkered with trains a bit yesterday (just running them), but... that was about it. I might do some more sketch work for the layout. Or maybe it will end up being general housework, since the place actually could use some decluttering. Maybe both, even, if I get really industrious...

Time to get off my butt and go do useful things. Have a good day folks!

 

[troyphoto]

Well, I'm back from the nap zone.

Cat came and helped me not nap alone.

Got the palace cleaned after lunch. There is a litter tray, used for when I clean the litter robot one, that I normally store upside down under the stairs, near the litter robot. I stuck it back there right side up. Pulled it out and there was day old pee in it starting to dry. Hmmmm....

Wife suggested I get some puppy training pads to spread in it and see if he goes in it instead of the litter robot. So I ran out and got a pack once I had the litter robot back together. So far the pad is unsoiled. But I'm going to put one on the stair landing where he's been going.

For dinner, we have coupons to that new to us chicken place that opened nearby. The Religious One.

Pope-Yes.

Ever since a friend called it that, I haven't been unable to not see it that way.

May go there for dinner.

 

[AirbrushNo5]

Relaxing…

 

[DeaconKC]

Wow, beautiful day today even with working. 85, sunshine, light breeze, just wow. Business slow for gun stores this time of year, will start picking up around mid-September.
\Nephew and his family got in late last evening, so we got them fed, then everyone headed for bed. The only one who wanted to stay up was the 4 year old [of course]. They are getting so much done, their heads are swimming with the move up here. Got my Sunday School lesson ready for tomorrow and am catching up as I am able during a quiet minute.

 

[migalyto]

Good evening all!

Survived the trip to Chicago Outlet mall. School clothes are all bought. Man that stuff is expensive. I kept thinking I left 2
DCC/Sound locos and a couple pieces of rolling stock at that place. I usually dont take part in those shopping trips but it
was fantastic weather and I wanted a good steak, and all I had to do was drive there and back. We ended up going to Outback
instead of Texas Roadhouse. My daughter changed her mind and wanted a Blooming Onion for an appetizer which was more than OK
with me.

Not sure if I will make it downstairs to do anything on the layout. The recliner seems like a great place to stay the rest of the night!
We will see.

Have a great night everyone!

 

[migalyto]

Variable speed pumps are not cheap.

Would you actually need a variable speed pump? Seems to me like it would be more parts to eventually go wrong. Plus your right, they are really expensive.

Here's where I got mine.

Pool Supply - Doheny's Pool Supplies | Shop Doheny's

Discount pool supplies, shipping nationwide, and all major brands in stock guaranteed low prices. FAST & FREE shipping on orders $50+. Shop now!

www.doheny.com

I replaced my pump 2 years ago with a 1.5HP/70GPM pump which was a little bigger than the pump that originally came with the pool. I really don't notice much of any difference in the electricity costs between the two. I have mine on an automatic timer. I run mine nightly from around 11PM till 7am which is off-peak hours. I can over-ride it if I need to shock due to heavy rain, or vacuuming.

 

[boogietrain94]

AS IS MY DUTY I SAW HALLOWEEN STUFF HITING SHELVES WE OFFICALLY HAVE A CODE ORANGE!!!!

maybe I'm a bit biased but I love Halloween being born on October 27th may have something to do with that. lol get your spook on stay safe and enjoy.


I say all this but I've never seen nightmare before Christmas soooooooooo

 

[bnsf971]

I say all this but I've never seen nightmare before Christmas soooooooooo

You poor, deprived child!

Click and enjoy:

 

[troyphoto]

AS IS MY DUTY I SAW HALLOWEEN STUFF HITING SHELVES WE OFFICALLY HAVE A CODE ORANGE!!!!

maybe I'm a bit biased but I love Halloween being born on October 27th may have something to do with that. lol get your spook on stay safe and enjoy.


I say all this but I've never seen nightmare before Christmas soooooooooo

You must watch the magic... Oogie Boogie will send Lock, Stock, and Barrel to make sure you do...

I had a wonderful opportunity out in LA to see the Orchestral accompanied version of it, with the original singing cast redoing their vocals live, while the move played on the big screen... at the Hollywood Bowl. This was before Paul Reubens passed away. Amazing experience. Loved it even more seeing it that way.

 

[migalyto]

AS IS MY DUTY I SAW HALLOWEEN STUFF HITING SHELVES WE OFFICALLY HAVE A CODE ORANGE!!!!

maybe I'm a bit biased but I love Halloween being born on October 27th may have something to do with that. lol get your spook on stay safe and enjoy.


I say all this but I've never seen nightmare before Christmas soooooooooo

The Spirit of Halloween store that rents a vacant store in our mall every year has been up and running for several weeks already

Another 6 weeks and Menards will have the Christmas trains selection out in the center of the store..

 

[boogietrain94]

The Spirit of Halloween store that rents a vacant store in our mall every year has been up and running for several weeks already

Another 6 weeks and Menards will have the Christmas trains selection out in the center of the store..

I KNOW RIGHT Christmas just comes earlier and earlier every year. its not that I don't like Christmas its just had some sad S@#* happen on Christmas or Close to so I am weary of it. Now don't get me wrong I will have my yearly watching of the polar express and since I'm close to elkhart see if I can catch the cp holiday train.

 

[boogietrain94]

You must watch the magic... Oogie Boogie will send Lock, Stock, and Barrel to make sure you do...

I had a wonderful opportunity out in LA to see the Orchestral accompanied version of it, with the original singing cast redoing their vocals live, while the move played on the big screen... at the Hollywood Bowl. This was before Paul Reubens passed away. Amazing experience. Loved it even more seeing it that way.

Trust me I have had people multiple states away threaten to kidnap me just to watch it lol. I had a girlfriend once that was into it but I still never watched it

 

[insomniville]

Would you actually need a variable speed pump? Seems to me like it would be more parts to eventually go wrong. Plus your right, they are really expensive.

Here's where I got mine.

Pool Supply - Doheny's Pool Supplies | Shop Doheny's

Discount pool supplies, shipping nationwide, and all major brands in stock guaranteed low prices. FAST & FREE shipping on orders $50+. Shop now!

www.doheny.com

I replaced my pump 2 years ago with a 1.5HP/70GPM pump which was a little bigger than the pump that originally came with the pool. I really don't notice much of any difference in the electricity costs between the two. I have mine on an automatic timer. I run mine nightly from around 11PM till 7am which is off-peak hours. I can over-ride it if I need to shock due to heavy rain, or vacuuming.

Mostly it's two things: noise, and general principle. The low-speed modes are vastly quieter than full speed. I also am an above average energy user (I have a rack of servers sitting in what is now my train room, running 24/7). I'm not a rabid green, per se, but I do try to be more efficient where I can just out of respect for the fact that, on average, I use more than my fair share.

The servers are also about to get downsized significantly now that I'm retired, but that's beside the point. With the pump that just ate itself, it ran at 60W at low speed, or right around a kilowatt at normal speed. We won't talk about the highest speeds. That's a lot of energy use.

At the 60W setting, I could leave the thing running around the clock and not care -- it did an amazing job, and you couldn't hear it running at all.

Unfortunately it's dead now.

Doheny has some interesting options, so thanks for the link. I actually didn't realize just how cheap single-speed pumps can be, nor did I realize they had an in-between category of "multi-speed" rather than "variable speed".

And this is why I need to do my research.

Soon. When I get unlazy enough to do it...

 

[kbkchooch]

Good night all! Ooops, it's Sunday already!

 

[Bruette]

I probably could install it myself, but I'd rather not. Plumbing is not my thing.

"A man's got to know his limitations." Harry Callahan aka Dirty Harry.

I'm definitely gonna complain.

Feel free to do so, we are always here to listen.

Cat came and helped me not nap alone.

How cool is that?

I love Halloween

I do too!

its not that I don't like Christmas its just had some sad S@#* happen on Christmas or Close to so I am weary of it.

Which can make it difficult to separate the sadness from the holiday. Over the years I've lost some close family members during the Christmas season. When I feel that sadness, I remember the happy memories we shared at Christmas time and remind myself they would not want me to be sad. It's not easy, but there is little about getting old and many of life's experiences that are easy to live with. I try not to let those things take away anything more from me.

I will have my yearly watching of the polar express

My wife and I watch the Polar Express movie more than once every Christmas. And we have yet to see the Nightmare Before Christmas. Maybe this year, I don't like the title of that movie.

Another 6 weeks and Menards will have the Christmas trains selection out in the center of the store

At about the same time, I will begin working on my Christmas trains in our family room. I'm not rushing the holiday, I'm just slow to get things ready! As I said earlier in this post "A man's got to know his limitations."

For me Christmas begins with the first Sunday of Advent. But I don't mind seeing the stuff in the stores anytime. Not that I go to the stores anymore. I should say I don't mind seeing online advertising anytime. I'm a "boomer" I was raised on advertising and I'm a "sucker" for it!

 

[Bruette]

The Orioles and the Cubs are playing some great baseball out there in Chicago's historic Wrigley Field. A magnificent place to play ball. Trevor Rogers pitched an impressive 8-inning complete game for the Birds in their 1-0 loss on Friday. Since Roders retuned from the Injured List, he has the best ERA of any starter in the American league! Second in MLB behind the Pirates' sensational Paul Skenes.

On Saturday it was Tomoyuki (Tommy to me, I can't pronounce his first name) Sugano starting for my Birds. I love watching the 35-year-old master pitch. He has been struggling with his command recently, but the old master keeps my Birds in every game he pitches. What more could you ask for? My Birds rewarded his effort by scoring 4 runs in the 8th inning. It not only got Tommy off the hook for the loss, but it was also enough to top the Cubs 4-3. There aint no quit in my Birds!

Keegan Akin came in to close the door and pick up the save in Saturday's win. He made it interesting by allowing two baserunners. And needing to throw 27 pitches, but he got it done. He filled in as closer for the former Reliver of the Year, the Bird's superstar closer, "The Moutain" Felix Bautista. I have never seen a team so riddled with injuries and so many star pitchers on the Injured List.

Tommy Sugano's recent struggles with his command may have diminished his trade value. But I see that as a bonus. I'm elated that the Birds didn't trade him! Watching the master pitch will help the young guys on our pitching staff. Tommy is both a player and unofficial coach, a true mentor. He may not speak English, but watch him work, it speaks for itself. It only proves what I already knew; they play serious, high-level baseball in Japan.

Today is the rubber match between my Birds and the Cubs in this 3-game series. Brandon Young will take the hill for my Birds. His numbers don't show it, but this rookie pitcher is learning his craft and has pitched well recently. He has been watching Tommy.

https://www.mlb.com/gameday/orioles-vs-cubs/2025/08/03/776888/preview

The media is saying my Birds had a "fire sale" at the trade deadline. They parted ways with several established (old*) MLB players. But in return they picked more than a dozen top prospects. Also a few more prospects under the radar. Those guys are big horses who look like legitimate MLB players, you can't teach size.

* 30+ is old in today's MLB. It's a young man's game.

I like the fact that my Birds cleared some room on the MLB roster. It gives them a chance to show off what Earl Weaver liked to call "Deep Depth" My Birds have plenty in AAA to fill the void. One of those young guys, Jeremiah Jackson, had two hits in yesterday's win. Including one in the 8th inning comeback. If not for a fielder's choice he would have been on base when Gunnar Henderson hit a "Weaver", a 3-run homerun to take the lead! Earl Weaver loved the 3-run homerun. Earl's philosophy: pitching defense and the 3-run homerun. Earl would have loved this team.

My Birds may no longer be contenders. But I assure you no team will overlook my Birds on their schedule. Soon the Bird's former Ace and Cy Young candidate, Kyle Bradish will return from the Injured List. My Birds have yet to show just how good they really are. I haven't completely given up on this season. A 10-game winning streak and my Birds are right back in the hunt! You never know, why not?

Injuries derailed this season for my Birds. But with those trades at the deadline my Birds have set themselves up to be contenders next year and for many years to come. To borrow from you gun guys; my Birds are "locked and loaded"

Did I mention I love baseball?

 

[Kusojiji]

I saw this just now. Interesting timing since sketchup is now charging to use their free web based program. They said they fixed a bug. However, that bug was there for at least 8 years from what I've seen in their forum. Anyway, it affects the ability to import, which is what I do most of the time for complex stuff. You gotta pay for that function.

Anyway, my dopamine hits for creating prints is now going to be in the dirt.

I'm trying to find another 3d software. It's going to be another steep learning curve and zero production for a while. I can still make simple stuff like my motor mounts though.

 

[insomniville]

I'm trying to find another 3d software. It's going to be another steep learning curve and zero production for a while. I can still make simple stuff like my motor mounts though.

The obvious answers that I know of (assuming you want free software) are FreeCAD or OpenSCAD.

FreeCAD as of 1.0 is... usable. It's been... over a year, I think, since I've updated (or even used it), so they've probably knocked a lot of bugs out by now. It takes a bit of mindset adjustment, but it does work pretty well, all things considered, and there are lots of YouTube videos to teach you how to use it. Supports output to STL, of course. It's been too long for me to remember what else it supports.

OpenSCAD is what I like to think of as "CAD for programmers"; this is what I mostly use. You write code to create your objects, by adding and subtracting geometry bits. For example:

$fn = 100; // Make sure circles are high resolution
function inches(x) = (x * 25.4);
difference() {
cylinder(d = inches(2), h = inches(1));
cylinder(d = inches(1), h = inches(1));
}

This will create a 1" tall pipe with a 2" outer diameter and a 1" inner diameter, assuming that you're working in millimeters (which I do, since most slicers use millimeters by default).

The simplicity is deceptive, though; it is *NOT* that simple in practice. That little purple bridge from the other day? 112 lines of OpenSCAD code, of which only around twenty are for variables (such as the number of bores, tunnel height, ...); if you want to see it, I can easily throw it out for you to look at.

You can export as STL, 3MF, or any number of other formats. If you know what you're doing, you can even create multi-material 3MF's if you have an AMS-style system for your printer. That's a bit advanced, though, and far from perfect.

Needless to say, there is a steep learning curve, especially if your brain isn't compatible with programming, or so I figure. It works for me because I've been programming for a long time and I can visualize that kind of geometry in my head, so long as I have the patience at the time.

WARNING: You will likely need to know your trigonometry if you go there to any great degree. That's one thing I struggle with because it's been so long since I had it in school (and I was good at it back then!). Google is my friend, and calculating angles and the lengths of triangle sides is certainly not, at least not anymore.

But I digress...

If you want to go with commercial "free tier" stuff, OnShape or the Autodesk one whose name is currently escaping me for some reason (Fusion, maybe?), both offer free hobbyist solutions I think. They're both tied to the web, though -- and OnShape I think is entirely web based -- so you can potentially end up in the same boat all over again somewhere down the line.

I've also heard of TinkerCAD, but I know nothing about it.

And thus ends my CAD-related brain dump.

Hope it helps.

[edit: yeah, it's late. I missed the bit about importing being a primary use case the first time through. OpenSCAD won't help you with that at all, and I doubt that FreeCAD will do much for you there either. Not sure about the commercial options. I'll leave this here anyway, just in case it's still helpful.]