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Author: doug

Electric Gooseneck Kettle – Fellow Stagg EKG vs DmofwHi

I’ve owned and used a Fellow Stagg Gooseneck Kettle for about 5 years now. It’s been a great kettle. Recently I wanted a kettle for my home office, so I could make tea while working. I didn’t want to spent $165. on a Fellow and started looking around. I was drawn to the DmofwHi Gooseneck Electric Kettle in Green. It was simple and beautiful. I spent some time researching it before buying for $39.99. Below are some thoughts on the two kettles.

DmofwHi Gooseneck Electric Kettle (1.0L)
Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Gooseneck Kettle (0.9L)

Comparison

FeatureFellowDmofwHi
Price$165$39.99
Capacity0.9L1.0L
Material304 stainless steel304 stainless steel
Watts1200 W1000 W
Temp. ControlYesNo
Temp. Hold60 min60 min
Auto ShutoffYesYes
Boil-Dry ProtectionYesYes
Spout Size0.7 CM0.8 CM
Prices as of 2023-12-18

Fellow Stagg

This has been a great kettle. It has lasted over 5 years with no problems. It boils quickly and pours precisely.

The spout size on the Fellow is way too narrow. You need super patience when pouring. This is OK when pouring a drip coffee and you want to be precise, but frustrating when pouring tea. I often find myself tilting too far and water comes out the top. I have to tell myself slow down.

It has features I never use through. I don’t ever change the temperature, expect by accident. At which point I need to find the manual to set it back to what is was. But others may want to dial in exactly the temperature.

DmofwHi

I’ve only been using the DmofwHi for about a month, but love it already. It boils quickly. At 1000 Watts, it will be slower than the Fellow. But I’ve never noticed.

I love how quickly it pours. And I’ve never spilt water out the top while pouring.

And I’d assume that being less complicated, there are less things to break over time.

Summary

The Fellow has been a great kettle. But the DmofwHi at a fraction of the price gives me everything I need. I would happily buy the DmofwHi again or give it as a gift.

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Xcode must be fully installed before you can continue. Continue to the App Store?

Are you using Xcodes.app and Expo and seeing this error when trying to run the app in the simulator?

› Opening on iOS...
✔ Xcode must be fully installed before you can continue. Continue to the App Store? … yes
Going to the App Store, re-run Expo CLI when Xcode has finished installing.

The problem is that Xcodes installs apps with a version like: Xcode-15.2.0.app. Where the App Store installs it like: Xcode.app

All you need to do is let it know when you Xcode is with the following command:

sudo xcode-select -s /Applications/Xcode-15.2.0.app/Contents/Developer
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Bike Shop Etiquette

Visiting a bike shop for repairs or maintenance is a routine part of a cyclist’s life. However, it’s not just about dropping off your bike and picking it up later. There’s an unspoken etiquette that ensures a smooth experience for both you and the shop’s staff. In this guide, we’ll go over some key points to remember before your next visit.

1. Clean Your Bike Beforehand

It’s basic courtesy to clean your bike before taking it in for service. A bike caked in mud or road grime can make the mechanic’s job more difficult and time-consuming. While bike shops are equipped to handle dirty bikes, they’re not a cleaning service. If you bring in a particularly dirty bike, be prepared to pay an additional fee for cleaning. A clean bike also helps the mechanic accurately diagnose and fix issues without dirt obscuring any problems.

2. Be Mindful of Shop Hours

Just like any other business, bike shop employees appreciate customers respecting their operating hours. Avoid bringing your bike in for service minutes before the shop closes. This doesn’t give the staff enough time to assess your bike and can lead to rushed or deferred service. Plan your visit with ample time for the staff to help you properly.

3. Know What You Need

Having a clear idea of what service or parts you need can greatly expedite your visit. If you’re unsure, that’s okay too, but try to describe the problem as best as you can. This helps the mechanic understand your needs and provide the right solution.

4. Patience is Key

Sometimes, the repair or service you need might take longer than expected due to various factors like parts availability or workload. Be patient and understand that the mechanics are working to provide the best service possible.

5. Trust the Experts

Your local bike shop staff are likely experienced and knowledgeable. Trust their advice and recommendations, even if it’s not what you initially had in mind. They understand bikes and can offer insights that might save you time and money in the long run.

6. Respect the Space

Remember that the workshop area is for staff only. It’s tempting to hover and watch the repairs, but this can disrupt the mechanics’ workflow and space. Feel free to ask questions, but also respect their workspace.

Following these simple guidelines of bike shop etiquette not only ensures a smoother experience for you but also shows respect and appreciation for the mechanics’ hard work. Happy cycling, and remember to treat your bike shop visits with the same care and respect you give to your bike!

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Speedy Shoe Drying Tips for Cyclists

If you do a lot of winter riding, your shoes often come home wet or muddy. Cleaning those muddy shoes makes them wet. How do you dry them quickly, so you can get back on the trail (or road).

1. Grab a newspaper.
When it comes to quick shoe drying, the trusty newspaper is your best ally. It’s cheap and easily available. I usually get it from my neighbor.

2. Extract a single sheet.
Select a single page from the newspaper.

3. Fully unfold the sheet and crumple it into a ball.
Spread the sheet out, then crumple it into a compact ball.

4. Insert the newspaper ball into your shoe.
You can typically fit around three newspaper balls into each shoe.

5. Let it sit until the newspaper becomes wet.
Allow some time for the newspaper to absorb the moisture from your shoes.

6. Remove the newspaper when it’s saturated.
Once the newspaper feels damp or wet to the touch, take it out of your shoes.

7. Repeat if necessary.
If your shoes are still damp, repeat the process with fresh newspaper balls until they are adequately dry.

How long should you leave the newspaper in your shoes? The drying time depends on the initial moisture level. If your shoes are thoroughly soaked, the first round of newspaper may take anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour. For mildly damp shoes, leaving them overnight should suffice.

Additional Tips:

Consider Removing Insoles and Laces: In cases of extreme wetness, it’s advisable to remove the insoles and laces from your shoes. This allows for better airflow and ensures a more effective drying process.

Eco-Friendly Disposal: Don’t forget to dispose of your wet newspaper responsibly. Consider composting it to minimize waste and contribute to a sustainable environment.

With these practical steps and tips, you’ll be well-equipped to rapidly dry your cycling shoes and get back to your favorite trails or roads, no matter how wet or muddy they may be.

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A list of books I read in 2023

Here is a list of book that I read in 203.

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Bikepacking New Brighton SB

There wasn’t a whole lot of information online about Bike Camping at New Brighton State Beach, so here are some of my notes after a recent stay there.

There’s not much info on bicycle campsites on the State Parks website. When you check in you get a flyer with some good information:

Bicycle Campsite – New Brighton State Beach

Bike campsites for en route campers only

  • Must have a bicycle* to register for campsite
  • Limit is one night only
  • Check in time is 4:00pm – Check out time is 9:00am
  • Fees must be paid before occupying campsite
  • No guests permitted
  • Use limited to 10 days in a calendar year with a minimum of 48 hours between stays

Failure to comply will result in citation and/or ejection from campground
*Bicycle defined as per CVC 231
Title XIV CCR 4300, 4302, 4323(a)

CVC 231 states:


A bicycle is a device upon which a person may ride, propelled exclusively by human power, except as provided in Section 312.5, through a belt, chain, or gears, and having one or more wheels. A person riding a bicycle is subject to the provisions of this code specified in Sections 21200 and 21200.5. An electric bicycle is a bicycle.

Some more details about the campsite:

  • $5 fee for campsite
  • Flush Toilets
  • Showers
  • Fire pit, wood from camp host
  • Cell Service
  • Bear Lockers
  • Water

Around New Brighton

Capitola Village
A STROLL THROUGH CAPITOLA VILLAGE – Visit Santa Cruz County
A short walk from the campsite. You can walk along the beach on a low tide. Lots of restaurants and coffee shops.

Sante Adairius Rustic Ales // Brewery
https://rusticales.com
103 Kennedy Dr, Capitola, CA 95010
Less than a mile from the campsite. Some of the best sour beers in California.

Pizza My Heart
https://www.pizzamyheart.com/location/pizza-my-heart-capitola-41st-ave/
2180 41st Ave, Capitola, CA 95010
(831) 475-6000
Will deliver to your campsite.

Gayle’s Bakery
http://www.gaylesbakery.com/
504 Bay Ave, Capitola, CA 95010
Best breakfast spot in Capitola

Nob Hill Foods
809 Bay Ave, Capitola, CA 95010
Closest grocery store

Looking for other bike campsites in California?

  1. Go to: Find a Park
  2. Select “By Feature”
  3. Select “OVERNIGHT FACILITIES”
  4. Check: “Hike or Bike Campsites”
  5. Click on “Show Results on Map”
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Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Environmental Camping

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is one of the most scenic campsites in California with only 2 campsites. It is 37 miles south of Carmel. The site is a short hike from McWay waterfall. There is no beach access, but the view are spectacular.

Features

  • Level campsite. Enough for 1 or 2 big tents
  • Campfire Ring
  • Picnic Table
  • Bear Box
  • 2 Portable toilet
  • No water at campsite, but you can get it from the park across the street at the McWay Beach Parking Lot.
  • No Pets
  • No Showers
  • Pack out our own trash

Check In

You can check in at the campsite Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park or Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park (12 Miles North of the Campsite). If you want to buy wood for the campfire, you’ll need to buy it from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

Parking

Near mile marker 35.8 on Highway 1, the park is 37 miles south of Carmel. You cannot park at the campsite. You park on Highway 1 and there is a short hike down to the campsite. See map below.

Look for a green gate. You can park next to the gate, but do not block the gate. There is room enough for 3 to 4 cars. If it is full, you can park in the next turn out just down the road. You can also park at the McWay Beach Parking Lot (but be sure to leave your pass in your windows).

Campsites

The are only 2 campsites here. Both of them are great. If I had my choice of either, it would be campsite #2. It has better views of Saddle Rock and McWay Canyon. You also have to walk through campsite #1 to get to campsite #2.

Links

Map showing hike to Campsite from road

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Charles Proxy Xcode 12.5 Simulator

Prior to Xcode 12.5 you could install the Charles Root Certificate by the menu item in Charles:

Help > SSL Proxying > Install Charles Root Certificate in iOS Simulators

This no longer works as of 12.5. But you can still do it manually. Follow these steps.

  1. From the Charles Application Menu, choose: Help > SSL Proxying > Save Charles Root Certificate…
  2. Save the file: “charles-ssl-proxying-certificate.pem” to your Desktop.
  3. Launch the iOS Simulator. Drag “charles-ssl-proxying-certificate.pem” from your Desktop on to the simulator.
  4. Then enable the certificate in the iOS Simulator by going to: Settings > General > About > Certificate Trust Settings and flipping the switch On for Charles Proxy CA

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Bucket Strainer System

Here is the method we have used to harvest honey from our Warre Hive. With the right equipment, it is really easy. You can pay $80 for a pre-made bucket system. Or you can make your own for under $30. Here’s how we made our bucket strainer system:

Shopping list

2 – Food Grade Buckets with Lid. $5 each from Home Depot

1 – Bucket Strainer 400 or 600 Microns – $15 on Amazon. Or ~$5 at Biofuel Oasis

1 – Honey Gate – $12 on Amazon Also available at Biofuel Oasis

Tools

1/8 hole drill – to drill holes in bottom of bucket

1-5/8″ to 1-3/4” hole saw – to cut a hole for the gate (This depends on which size gate you buy. Measure it)

Jig Saw – to cut a hole in the lid

Start by drilling holes in the bottom of your bucket. You’ll place the comb in this bucket and the honey will filter through. The hardest part here is when you drill from the bottom of the bucket the plastic goes into the bucket and you need to scrape it out or sand it down. If you can drill from inside the bucket, that makes it much easier.

The next step is to make a hole in the bucket lid. The honey needs to fall through this hole, but you need the lid to stack another bucket on top. You want the make the hole as big as you can, but ensure you can still stack another bucket on top. Drill a hole in the bucket lid, big enough to insert your jig saw blade. Then use the jig saw to cut a hole in the bucket lid. You want to cut as much out as possible, but leave enough room to set your bucket with holes on top of it. My hole ended up being about 9-1/2″ diameter.

Finally cut a hole for the gate in the other bucket (without holes in the bottom) as close to the bottom as you can. Then insert you gate.

You stack the system up like:

I also recently learned about bucket heaters. I haven’t tried one of these, but they sure would speed up the process.

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Dark Mode Switching

Here is a DarkModeDemo I created to play around with Dark Mode on iOS 13. I wanted to allow a user to override the system setting with dark or light. Maybe the users wants the system to be light but this particular app to be dark.

Screenshots:

 

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