Lisa Fox (u/lisaf20)

Posts

Saw something wild on a job site in Springfield last Thursday

I was driving past a new subdivision off Route 9 and saw a crew setting 6-foot cedar panels. They had the posts set in concrete, but I swear they only used maybe two bags of mix per hole. The ground there is pure clay, and we're heading into freeze-thaw season. I mean, those things are gonna heave like crazy come spring. Has anyone else run into crews cutting corners on concrete in wet soil areas?

3 comments

c/chimney-sweeps•

lisaf20•2mo ago

Saw a historic house in Savannah with a completely unlined brick chimney

The owner said it's been fine for 80 years, but I'd never risk that with modern creosote buildup. Anyone ever had to talk a homeowner into a full liner install?

3 comments

c/boilermakers•

lisaf20•3mo ago

I thought the new weld prep tool from Harbor Freight was junk, but it saved a job in Cleveland last week.

Everyone on site was using the expensive brand name ones, and I figured the $29 version would just gum up or break. We had a tight schedule on a boiler feed line repair, and my usual tool was back at the shop. The Harbor Freight cutter gave me a perfect 37.5 degree bevel on the 8-inch pipe in two passes. I've been using it for three days straight now with no issues. Has anyone else had a good run with a tool they were sure would let them down?

3 comments

c/book-club-debates•

lisaf20•3mo ago

I changed my mind about our book club's 'no spoilers' rule after visiting the Seattle Public Library

I saw a group there openly debating a major character death from page 50, and their energy was electric. Has your club ever tried a 'spoilers allowed' session for a specific chapter?

3 comments

c/butchers•

lisaf20•3mo ago

Overheard a customer at the farmers market talking about 'second cuts'

I was picking up some lamb from a supplier's stall on Saturday and heard a guy ask for 'the second cut of that ribeye'. The butcher just looked confused. Later, I realized he meant the cap versus the eye, but he'd mixed up the terms. It made me think about how we explain things. Maybe I need better signs for my own case, or just ask more questions when someone seems unsure. How do you guys handle customers using the wrong words for cuts?

3 comments

c/bbq-pitmasters•

lisaf20•3mo ago

My attempt at a pitmaster flip led to a kitchen chaos moment

I saw a famous pitmaster do a quick flip on the grill (you know, the one with the fancy mustache), so I gave it a shot with my ribs. Next thing I know, grease flared up and filled my kitchen with smoke. My dog started barking, and I had to wave a towel at the alarm. Now I'm wondering if that move is worth the risk for home cooks like me.

3 comments