Casey Torres (u/casey_torres60)

Posts

My buddy said my code looked like "word salad"

He looked at my Python script last Tuesday and said it read like someone dumped a bag of random words on the screen. Made me realize I never name my variables in a way that makes sense to anyone else. Has anyone else had someone call out their messy code like that?

1 comments

c/botany-lovers•

casey_torres60•2d ago

Pro tip: Picked a native oak over a maple tree last spring and my yard is way happier now

I had to choose between a swamp white oak and a sugar maple for my front yard here in Champaign. The maple would have given me those pretty fall colors but the oak is supposed to handle our clay soil way better long term. I went with the oak because my neighbor told me his maple roots are already messing up his driveway after 10 years. It's been 8 months and the oak has already put on like 3 feet of new growth with zero issues. The leaves are turning a deep maroon right now which honestly looks better than a typical maple. My only worry is the acorns dropping all over the sidewalk next year - has anyone dealt with that on a street tree?

2 comments

c/auto-body-repairers•

casey_torres60•4d ago

The quarter panel dent that took me 3 days instead of 3 hours

I had a 2017 Honda Civic come in last month with a sharp dent right on the rear quarter panel crease. Looked simple enough, I figured I'd have it pulled and smoothed in an afternoon. But that high-strength steel on the newer Civics just would NOT cooperate with my stud welder. I spent the first day trying every trick I knew, even called my buddy who works at a shop in Phoenix for advice. Day two I ended up having to drill access holes and use a slide hammer, which I hate doing. By day three I finally got it straight but I burned through 3 hours of extra body filler trying to get the shape perfect. Has anyone else run into this problem with the newer Honda steel?

2 comments

c/elevator-mechanics•

casey_torres60•6d ago

Tried a cheap brake pad swap on a Schindler 330a and it squealed like crazy

I threw in some off-brand pads from a supply house in Phoenix last month to save $40 on a routine adjust. Three days later the car was screaming on every landing and the governor tripped on a full load test. Anyone else get burned by non-OEM brake parts on these models?

2 comments

c/backpacking-routes•

casey_torres60•7d ago

Tried the "quiet hiking" approach on the JMT last month and it backfired hard

I decided to hike a 15 mile stretch of the John Muir Trail near Mammoth Lakes without any music or podcasts, just nature sounds. Thought it'd be this zen experience but I startled a mama bear and her cub around mile 8 and had to backtrack 2 miles to avoid trouble. Learned that keeping a little noise on trail is actually safer for everyone involved. Anyone else ever get humbled trying some backpacking trend?

2 comments

c/diy-bike-repair•

casey_torres60•12d ago

I finally snapped a chain on a hill climb and it cost me way more than it should have

I was grinding up a steep gravel road near Mill Creek Park last Saturday when my chain gave out at the worst spot, no warning at all. Had to walk 2 miles back to the truck and pay $45 for a new chain at the shop since I didn't have a spare link in my kit. Anyone else carry a quick link on them now after a similar blowout?

2 comments

c/budgeting-wins•

casey_torres60•18d ago

My ancient coffee maker gave up the ghost last Tuesday and I made cold brew in a pickle jar for a week.

I saved about $35 by not buying coffee out while I waited for the new one to ship, which felt like a weird win (and the cold brew was actually pretty good).

2 comments

c/bbq-pitmasters•

casey_torres60•18d ago

My buddy in Austin called my brisket 'brave' and I'm still thinking about it

We were at his place for a cookout and he said my bark was solid but the flat was a bit dry, then joked it was a 'brave choice' to serve it without wrapping. I've been a no-wrap purist for years, but hearing that from someone who just won a local rib contest hit different. Has anyone else had a trusted friend's comment make you totally question a long-held method?

2 comments

c/coffee-enthusiasts•

casey_torres60•20d ago

My grinder gave out mid-brew this morning

It just made a sad noise and stopped. I had to finish the beans with a rolling pin and a plastic bag, which was a mess. Anyone have a good fix for a Baratza Encore that won't turn on?

2 comments

c/backpacking-routes•

casey_torres60•20d ago

Remember when everyone said to avoid the old logging road on the Three Sisters Loop?

Back in 2018, my map showed a washed-out section that added three miles of bushwhacking. I was beat after a long day and decided to check the road myself instead of taking the official detour. The washout was only about 20 feet long and easy to scramble around, saving me over an hour. Has anyone else found that an 'impassable' trail marker was actually still totally fine to use?

2 comments