Daily Tech News 11 February 2026

Top Story

The global memory market is set to hit $550 billion this year. (Trendforce)

Thanks a bunch, Sam Altman.

Speaking of which, two of the SSDs I ordered during the brief sale late last year seem to have disappeared into the Twilight Zone. Amazon gave me a refund without a fuss, but now I have to pay twice as much to replace them. Though, given the compression of SSD prices, that does give me much better drives - Crucial T710 vs. P310.
And while the Big Three memory makers don't plan to do anything to alleviate the shortage - quite the opposite - TSMC is planning to invest $45 billion on new factories this year. (Tom's Hardware)

The company is also working on a 1nm process due around 2030.

Tech News

Europe is working - well, not working so much, because they don't do that over there, but scheming - towards yet another failed attempt at breaking away from the clutches of the American payment processors. (European Business Magazine)

I don't know. Have you tried... Cash?
Meanwhile in Japan the stock market gained $3 trillion on Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's extremely successful re-election bid. (European Business Magazine)

Takaichi's party won a two-thirds supermajority in Japan's parliament even without the help of their coalition partner. Her election platform includes plans to invest $700 billion in AI, semiconductor manufacturing, and quantum.
Python's dynamic typing problem. (While For Loop)

The Python programming language is designed for rapid development of small, simple applications, but the exact features that make it shine there are a massive pain when your application stops being small and simple.

I maintain an application containing about a million lines of Python at my day job, which is a long way beyond small or simple. When your programming language does not force rigour upon you, you had better be prepared to provide it yourself.
Microsoft has announced plans to make Windows 11 more confusing. (Thurrott)

And that's not my editorialising, that's straight from the article.
And also more annoying. (The Register)

Same deal.
Microsoft also issued a DMCA takedown against indie block game Allumeria. (Notebook Check)

The takedown has since despawned, but the developers thank the three trillion dollar company for the free publicity.

Musical Interlude

Disclaimer: EVERYTHING IS NOT ALRIGHT!

Posted by: Pixy Misa at 04:00 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 G'Day everyone

Posted by: Skip at February 11, 2026 04:05 AM (Ia/+0)

2 Guten morgen, horde.

Posted by: clarence at February 11, 2026 04:06 AM (4nyld)

3 Good morning

Posted by: Pete Bog at February 11, 2026 04:06 AM (qlUA+)

4 Morning all.

Posted by: Pixy Misa at February 11, 2026 04:06 AM (BLOW1)

5 BOING!

Exercise done. To the shower!

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at February 11, 2026 04:09 AM (gK5jz)

6 Good morning.

Posted by: Ben Had at February 11, 2026 04:13 AM (0KSrI)

7 Mornin'

I have to go into work today. Not to my office, another office to pick up some paperwork. Nothing major and what its for, I'll never do. But fED guVeRMinT is demanding it, and I work for them. Whatever. I'll take some comp time for this! An hour anyway.

Posted by: Puddleglum, cheer up for the worst is yet to come at February 11, 2026 04:14 AM (sAmhv)

8 Has M$ decided to stress test their ability to survive? Doing so many stupid moves lately.

Posted by: clarence at February 11, 2026 04:14 AM (4nyld)

9 Her election platform includes plans to invest $700 billion in AI, semiconductor manufacturing, and quantum.
---

Toto Commodes, they've been making them since 1917. Top of the line. You can purchase them fitted with bidets and seat warmers. They also make little ceramic clamps that hold chips while they are being fabricated or something like that.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 11, 2026 04:22 AM (/LXUT)

10 Female singer is cute. Looked her up. Aussie, 59, still in the music biz. Seems to be a fan girl of Ron L Hubbard's weird little cult, at least according to IMDb and Wiki.

Posted by: Puddleglum, cheer up for the worst is yet to come at February 11, 2026 04:24 AM (sAmhv)

11 Chick has a spooky. Would not want to be in a room alone with her.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 11, 2026 04:27 AM (/LXUT)

12 Canadian shooter goes on a killing rampage. Too bad they only have the Mounties to rely upon.

Dudley Do-Right’s horse response time is about 8 minutes out.

Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at February 11, 2026 04:35 AM (xFfhU)

13 Testing

Posted by: Tuna at February 11, 2026 04:37 AM (lJ0H4)

14 Video was nice

Posted by: Skip at February 11, 2026 04:38 AM (Ia/+0)

15 Morning, 'rons and 'ronettes. 29 degrees here at Stately Poppins Manor, which is a heat wave compared to temperatures over the last few days. We had snow last night, but at this time of the morning, I can't tell how much the plows have piled up around me, so I don't know how long it's going to take me to dig out after work.

Work! It is, finally, after 40+ years, my last day! I've got a couple of hours' work ahead of me, but once that is done, I told the office that if things are clear at 10.30, I am signing out. We shall see.

Talk to you all on the Morning Report.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at February 11, 2026 04:41 AM (ufSfZ)

16 Congratulations MP4. Hope your last work day is short.

Posted by: Tuna at February 11, 2026 04:43 AM (lJ0H4)

17 FDA rejects Moderna's new flu vaccine

Posted by: Ben Had at February 11, 2026 04:47 AM (0KSrI)

18 Canadian shooter goes on a killing rampage.

Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at February 11, 2026 04:35 AM (xFfhU)
-

Guess ~~who~~ the gender?

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at February 11, 2026 04:48 AM (7xyr6)

19 Ron L Hubbard's weird little cult..Not so small actually, and I used to listen to his radio broadcast.
Relatives got hooked and spent a lot of money on the cult. He milked them for all he could and traveled by private jet. They held huge conventions in Orlando, Niagara Falls and probably other places. You had to give a certain amount of money each month or year, no matter how poor (or rich) you were. Now they look back on it and wonder what the hell they were thinking. But Ron had a way with words that sort of made sense.

Posted by: Colin at February 11, 2026 04:49 AM (e8qy3)

20 Guess ~~who~~ the gender?

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at February 11, 2026 04:48 AM (7xyr6)
-

https://tinyurl.com/3uxmuezh

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at February 11, 2026 04:50 AM (7xyr6)

21 Took.his own life. Good

Posted by: Ben Had at February 11, 2026 04:53 AM (0KSrI)

22 I would rather go back to bed then go to work

Posted by: Skip at February 11, 2026 04:54 AM (Ia/+0)

23 Evening and morning for this Woden's Day in (almost) mid-February -- and congratulations to MP4 on his last work day!

I'm awake early, no blame to attach to the cats; it just happened. Which happens. It's 66 F. outside, but I have no plans to work out today after yesterday's vigorous session. Later, Miss Linda wants to go to the Macy's at the suburban mall, and I can visit the nearby pipe shop and probably spend money I shouldn't.

Howzabout you?

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 11, 2026 04:55 AM (wzUl9)

24 10 dead, 25 injured after a 'woman wearing a dress' opens fire in a school

Umm, yeah play right into their game why don't you

Posted by: Skip at February 11, 2026 04:57 AM (Ia/+0)

25 Revolver News has a picture of the man

Posted by: Skip at February 11, 2026 04:58 AM (Ia/+0)

26 But Ron had a way with words that sort of made sense.
Posted by: Colin at February 11, 2026

***
Hubbard began as a pulp SF writer; Heinlein knew him in the '40s. The story goes that they had stepped outside at a party, and a dust devil was whirling along a nearly alley, stirring up papers. Ron said, "Oh, that's just Kitten," and went back inside. Heinlein wrote that down and turned it into his story "Our Fair City," which features a living whirlwind, Kitten, who helps her humans take down a corrupt mayor. (I think that's how it plays out; it's been a while since I read it.)

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 11, 2026 04:59 AM (wzUl9)

27 Work! It is, finally, after 40+ years. Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing.
Congratulations on 40 years of work.
I was amazed that how quickly the company shut off my assess to anything in the building. Computer didn't log on, had to be let out by the security person as the turnstile wouldn't open. Files locked, good bye and have a nice day. I did have a nice farewell party though.

Posted by: Colin at February 11, 2026 04:59 AM (e8qy3)

28 My current job starts at 6:30 but it is only 20 minutes away. Out the door at 6 and home by 3. The only time it sux is when I have to work in Millsboro when the commute 90 minutes. I feel your pain, Skip

Posted by: Accomack at February 11, 2026 05:00 AM (T8bqm)

29 My job site is one step out my door.

Posted by: Ben Had at February 11, 2026 05:01 AM (0KSrI)

30 My job site is one step out my door.

Posted by: Ben Had at February 11, 2026 05:01 AM (0KSrI)
-

Hall monitor?

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at February 11, 2026 05:07 AM (7xyr6)

31 I really detest article writers who don't flat out dismiss Trannies for their mental illness beliefs

Posted by: Skip at February 11, 2026 05:07 AM (Ia/+0)

32 Files locked, good bye and have a nice day. I did have a nice farewell party though.
Posted by: Colin

I was working from home when I retired so I didn't have to deal with any of the in office stuff. Packed up my computer and laptop the next day and that was that.

Posted by: Tuna at February 11, 2026 05:08 AM (lJ0H4)

33 Biden's Dog, barndominium. Livestock is 24/7/365

Posted by: Ben Had at February 11, 2026 05:08 AM (0KSrI)

34 Used to read about workers in SF spending hours a week getting to work, because SF was to expensive to even think of buying a house. Now that the new high speed rail is coming along, commute should be quick assuming you work in Bakersfield or Merced. Progress under Newsom is amazing.
/sarc.

Posted by: Colin at February 11, 2026 05:08 AM (e8qy3)

35 My first job, a part-time gig, was as a phone solicitor for a magazine publisher, selling subscriptions. That was in early 1974. Then I worked -- in radio, as a van driver/courier, as a waiter (very briefly), in radio again, as an office assistant, a computer programmer and analyst, and finally as an office manager -- for a hair over fifty-one years.

Egad. I'm amazed I could afford to retire.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 11, 2026 05:08 AM (wzUl9)

36 Biden's Dog, barndominium. Livestock is 24/7/365

Posted by: Ben Had at February 11, 2026 05:08 AM (0KSrI)
-

/hums to self green acres theme

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at February 11, 2026 05:10 AM (7xyr6)

37 The Saks Fifth Avenue store in downtown is closing. The local "news" blames it on a poor economy and online sales. Nobody mentions an important detail: that no one wants to go downtown to shop. Traffic, paying $$$ to park even on Saturday, homeless and panhandlers abounding -- of course you'd rather go online, or drive to stores and park for free in the suburbs, where most of the people with disposable income here live.

And the prices at Saks are enough to give you heart palpitations, too.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 11, 2026 05:14 AM (wzUl9)

38 Big black Stirling cat just hoicked up a hairball. I got to him in time to slide him onto the kitchen tile floor. He does that very rarely compared to his longer-haired predecessors Wolf and Chekov. With them I was always having to spot-clean the carpet.

Little Dagny is bushy-furred too, but she doesn't seem to do that often.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 11, 2026 05:16 AM (wzUl9)

39 Horrible situation. The Left has created an army of Frankensteins to rampage and murder innocents. Mental illness should be treated, not exploited for mayhem.

Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at February 11, 2026 05:18 AM (xFfhU)

40 My cats must be exceptional. They are 10 and have never hooked up anything. They are on a wet food only diet with an occasional dry treat thrown in.

Posted by: Ben Had at February 11, 2026 05:20 AM (0KSrI)

41 When I started one of first jobs after college the downtown of the city I lived near was a bustling place. Dept. stores, and malls and restaurants and lots of people. All is gone now and the only store downtown is a Family Dollar which gets robbed often. Shopping is all in the suburbs now, with easy access by all the new expressways. Having traveled a lot the last 15 years, its that way all over the country, not just in the blue states.

Posted by: Colin at February 11, 2026 05:21 AM (e8qy3)

42 G'morning, all!

Canadian shooter is being referred to as a 'gunperson'.

Hmmmm.....I think I know how this ends.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at February 11, 2026 05:23 AM (iMotb)

43 Ben Had, I think longer-haired cats, even if brushed regularly (and most of mine have hated that), will tend to hairballs a bit more than their shorter-haired cousins. Stirling is a medium-hair, with a silky-plushy but not long coat.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 11, 2026 05:23 AM (wzUl9)

44 59.8 degrees outside.

Getting ready for the morning walk.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at February 11, 2026 05:24 AM (iMotb)

45 Good morning! Retirement; a little story.....Retired (took the early buyout) in 2014. About a year later a friend called and asked me to help him over the summer on a project in Colorado. Spent the next 7.5 years there working full time. After the Sino Sinus Syphilis fiasco we sold the house and moved back to Texas and retired again. About a year and a half later, a friend called and said he was working a big project and needed help, so now I commute up to AFW to work almost daily. It's a work when it's busy, golf when it's not type of arrangement. Honestly, retirement was kinda boring so I can't complain and not having to work really gives you a different perspective on it. Between that and consulting, I stay pretty busy.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at February 11, 2026 05:27 AM (3Ope8)

46 When I started one of first jobs after college the downtown of the city I lived near was a bustling place. Dept. stores, and malls and restaurants and lots of people. All is gone now and the only store downtown is a Family Dollar which gets robbed often. Shopping is all in the suburbs now, with easy access by all the new expressways. Having traveled a lot the last 15 years, its that way all over the country, not just in the blue states.
Posted by: Colin at February 11, 2026

***
When I was a kid and a teen, downtown was a big shopping and business hub too. During jr. high and high school I'd walk around and peer into jewelry store windows to admire and dream of the Rolexes and Bulova Accutrons, visit the library and stock up on books, go to first-run movies, pick up books and magazines at the two newsstands, etc.

In the '90s I used to visit Meyer the Hatter often in downtown on Saturdays. Then this benighted dump decided to activate the parking meters on that day as well as M-F -- and in shopping areas uptown that used to have free parking when you could find it. And the ferry from my side of the river to downtown is now $2.00 per person, each way. Uh, no.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 11, 2026 05:30 AM (wzUl9)

47 So you all remember the Trump Lion King/Obama Apes clip from last week?

Now there's a Power Rangers sequel from the same video creator. Have fun!

https://tinyurl.com/ynrwza2f

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at February 11, 2026 05:33 AM (7xyr6)

48 58 years doing the work I love. My retirement and obituary will arrive at the same time.

Posted by: Ben Had at February 11, 2026 05:35 AM (0KSrI)

49 Adios Valero!

https://tinyurl.com/33kp6zyn

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at February 11, 2026 05:41 AM (7xyr6)

50 Adios Valero!

https://tinyurl.com/33kp6zyn
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at February 11, 2026

***
Utter insanity. California's, I mean.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 11, 2026 05:45 AM (wzUl9)

51 Yes, the shooter in Canada was a fake transgender. I just can't find the picture I saw last night.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at February 11, 2026 05:47 AM (rZCVI)

52 If you wish to access the two statements the Tumbler Ridge RCMP have made on the shooting directly:

https://tinyurl.com/9ajp58hs
(link goes to rcmp.ca)

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at February 11, 2026 05:50 AM (O7YUW)

53 @51/FenelonSpoke: "51 Yes, the shooter in Canada was a fake transgender. I just can't find the picture I saw last night."

Biden's Dog has a post at X with a couple of pictures at comment # 20.

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at February 11, 2026 05:52 AM (O7YUW)

54 The SyFy miniseries from 2007, Tin Man, is coming up on Movies! I may not watch it all, but anything with some Zooey Deschanel in it is worth checking out.

In other news, my order of shaving cream and soap plus blades arrived yesterday. I planned to shave with the Tobacco Leaf cream, but didn't get to it. This morning for sure!

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 11, 2026 05:54 AM (wzUl9)

55 Greetings and good morning, everyone. I am happy to report that my concerns about my car yesterday were unfounded after my mechanic ran a check on things. This means I don't have to go car shopping.

Posted by: NR Pax at February 11, 2026 05:54 AM (99eI0)

56 Birdbath status?

Posted by: Just Wondering at February 11, 2026 05:55 AM (2Ez/1)

57 w00t late

Posted by: m at February 11, 2026 05:55 AM (+YA9H)

58
Isn't "fake transgender" a redundancy?

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at February 11, 2026 05:56 AM (tgvbd)

59 Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at February 11, 2026 05:56 AM (tgvbd)

I use it because if I used "Transgender" someone would tell me there are no transgenders-that it's fake.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at February 11, 2026 05:57 AM (rZCVI)

60 Posted by: NR Pax at February 11, 2026 05:54 AM (99eI0

Glad to hear that.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at February 11, 2026 05:57 AM (rZCVI)

61 >>>The takedown has since despawned

haha

My dictionary has "respawn":

(of a character in a video game) reappear after having been killed: if someone dies—and they probably will—they simply respawn | once an operative is downed, he'll respawn as a Hunter | [with object] : If an enemy defender gets destroyed, he will be respawned after 20 seconds.

Posted by: m at February 11, 2026 05:59 AM (+YA9H)

62 Glad to hear that.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke

Thanks, Fen. The problem was from when we were in NJ over the weekend and the guy who filled my car didn't tighten the gas cap enough. Lesson learned: Anyone else fuels my car, check the gas cap.

Posted by: NR Pax at February 11, 2026 06:02 AM (99eI0)

63 Greetings and good morning, everyone. I am happy to report that my concerns about my car yesterday were unfounded after my mechanic ran a check on things. This means I don't have to go car shopping.
Posted by: NR Pax at February 11, 2026

***
Good news! What kind of symptoms was it presenting with?

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 11, 2026 06:03 AM (wzUl9)

64 My Buick is slated for the car hospital tomorrow: a blood (oil) change and a shoulder repair (the plastic shell inside the front fender has lost a fastener; should be an easy fix there).

I'd also like my mechanic to test-drive it and listen for that rattle inside the B-pillar. If he can hear it -- and he should -- we can schedule something after Mardi Gras is over. I may have to rent a car for a day, which I dread.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 11, 2026 06:03 AM (wzUl9)

65 Man in Florida saves woman from sinking car:

https://tinyurl.com/yc8y8wd6

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at February 11, 2026 06:03 AM (rZCVI)

66
Thanks, Fen. The problem was from when we were in NJ over the weekend and the guy who filled my car didn't tighten the gas cap enough. Lesson learned: Anyone else fuels my car, check the gas cap.
Posted by: NR Pax at February 11, 2026

***
When the check engine light comes on with a modern car, that gas cap is the first thing to check. Second thing is to go to Autozone or one of the car parts places that can read the codes and give you some idea of the problem.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 11, 2026 06:06 AM (wzUl9)

67 Good news! What kind of symptoms was it presenting with?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere

The check engine light came on with a warning about the emissions system and the hill assist. Thankfully it was just because the gas cap hadn't been put on properly when the dude in NJ filled my car.

Posted by: NR Pax at February 11, 2026 06:07 AM (99eI0)

68 Second thing is to go to Autozone or one of the car parts places that can read the codes and give you some idea of the problem.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius

Thankfully, my mechanic is relatively close to me and he didn't charge me for the work.

Posted by: NR Pax at February 11, 2026 06:08 AM (99eI0)

69
Europe is working - well, not working so much, because they don't do that over there, but scheming - towards yet another failed attempt at breaking away from the clutches of the American payment processors.

Wero will be the Minitel of Sinclairs.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at February 11, 2026 06:13 AM (tgvbd)

70 A while back, I was shopping for some small animal traps in a local hardware store. I had questions and got one of the store's employees to come over and help me (nice guy, very helpful.)

As we're talking a customer shows up in our aisle who is obviously a dude-in-a-dress. Clownie in a dress starts getting impatient and mouthy that the guy helping me doesn't immediately come over to him and answer his questions. These idjits are all about creating uncomfortable drama for everyone around them.

The guy helping me looked a little desperate that he was going to have to help out Mr. Freakazoid as soon as I was done needing help, so I kept asking him questions about the traps, and the different options, until "IT'S MA'AM!" stormed off to find some other employee to make a scene with.

As soon as he moved off, I looked at the nice man who'd been helping me and said, "Thanks for all the help. I think you deserve your 15 minute break now." He smiled, nodded, and straight for the back. (And I got the heck out of there with a quickness myself.)

Definitely my good deed of the day.

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at February 11, 2026 06:13 AM (O7YUW)

71 This is the X post that Revolver News linked to:

https://tinyurl.com/3cyt4d75

It's supposedly photos of the Canadian shooter, but I can't confirm it.

If it is the person, it's definitely a man.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at February 11, 2026 06:14 AM (6ydKt)

72 68 Thankfully, my mechanic is relatively close to me and he didn't charge me for the work.
Posted by: NR Pax at February 11, 2026 06:08 AM (99eI0)

nice

Posted by: m at February 11, 2026 06:14 AM (+YA9H)

73
Second thing is to go to Autozone or one of the car parts places that can read the codes and give you some idea of the problem.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 11, 2026 06:06 AM (wzUl9)

If it's not the gas cap, it will be the catalytic converter.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at February 11, 2026 06:15 AM (tgvbd)

74 Man in Florida saves woman from sinking car:

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at February 11, 2026 06:03 AM (rZCVI)
-

Isn't there a law against sinking cars?!

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at February 11, 2026 06:15 AM (7xyr6)

75 70 starts getting impatient and mouthy that the guy helping me doesn't immediately come over to him and answer his questions
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at February 11, 2026 06:13 AM (O7YUW)

I hate this so much in people. I assume that they have never worked retail.

Posted by: m at February 11, 2026 06:17 AM (+YA9H)

76 Second thing is to go to Autozone or one of the car parts places that can read the codes and give you some idea of the problem.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius

Thankfully, my mechanic is relatively close to me and he didn't charge me for the work.
Posted by: NR Pax at February 11, 2026

***
My oldest friend told me last year that the CE light came on with his van. His wife was nervous, so he went to *Midas Muffler* (talk about a buncha grifters) who gave him an estimate for $4200. He didn't get a second opinion, but went ahead and paid for whatever work they said the van needed. Money he could ill afford to spare. And this is the guy who taught *me* simple things about cars when we were young. *Shakes head*

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 11, 2026 06:17 AM (wzUl9)

77 @71/SpeakingOf:

Yup, about what I expected. Ugh.

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at February 11, 2026 06:19 AM (O7YUW)

78 Second thing is to go to Autozone or one of the car parts places that can read the codes and give you some idea of the problem.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 11, 2026
*
If it's not the gas cap, it will be the catalytic converter.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at February 11, 2026

***
Probably. But checking the gas cap and having the codes read are free. A "cat," as people call it, is $$$.

Sometimes I wish I could have a '66 Ford or something simpler. Poor gas mileage, frequent oil changes and tuneups, but no big-ticket parts like that.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 11, 2026 06:20 AM (wzUl9)

79
I hate this so much in people. I assume that they have never worked retail.
Posted by: m at February 11, 2026 06:17 AM (+YA9H)

How people treat staff, clerks, servers, etc. says a tremendous amount about them.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at February 11, 2026 06:20 AM (tgvbd)

80 If it's not the gas cap, it will be the catalytic converter.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh

That was discussed as a possibility. Thankfully that was not the case.

And about Wolfus's remark at 37 regarding Saks closing: It's almost as if the powers that be can't grasp why we embrace better alternatives to going to a physical store.

Posted by: NR Pax at February 11, 2026 06:21 AM (99eI0)

81 . . . Definitely my good deed of the day.
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at February 11, 2026

***
Heh, heh, heh. And good for you.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 11, 2026 06:22 AM (wzUl9)

82 How people treat staff, clerks, servers, etc. says a tremendous amount about them.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh

I worked for Target (Don't judge. It was money for college expenses) for a few years. Folks that work in retail will find me one of the easiest people to work with.

Posted by: NR Pax at February 11, 2026 06:23 AM (99eI0)

83 "he went to *Midas Muffler* (talk about a buncha grifters) who gave him an estimate for $4200. He didn't get a second opinion, but went ahead and paid for whatever work they said the van needed"

There is no way any van needs a $4200 exhaust system. The boss must of had a boat payment coming up

Some guy gave my dad an estimate of $45k to replace his roof. That's about twice what it should be. If my sister and I had not stopped it he would have gone ahead with that first quote.

Posted by: fd at February 11, 2026 06:24 AM (vFG9F)

84 And about Wolfus's remark at 37 regarding Saks closing: It's almost as if the powers that be can't grasp why we embrace better alternatives to going to a physical store.
Posted by: NR Pax at February 11, 2026

***
The physical store is often a good thing. You can look at the actual various items, and in the case of certain things like trousers, shoes, and boots, try them on. That's worth a little extra money to me. But paying to park after battling snarled traffic, and then getting accosted by panhandlers? No.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 11, 2026 06:25 AM (wzUl9)

85 How people treat staff, clerks, servers, etc. says a tremendous amount about them.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh

***
I always treat them well, unless they are rude to me first. Or officious and willfully stupid, as during the Sniffle Scare ("Mask! Mask!").

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 11, 2026 06:26 AM (wzUl9)

86
g'mornin', 'rons

Posted by: AltonJackson at February 11, 2026 06:26 AM (tljrc)

87 These idjits are all about creating uncomfortable drama for everyone around them.

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at February 11, 2026 06:13 AM (O7YUW)

Narcissistic Psychopath describes most of them, especially 'male to females'.
It comes with the territory.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at February 11, 2026 06:27 AM (6ydKt)

88 But paying to park after battling snarled traffic, and then getting accosted by panhandlers? No.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere

And in the case of a few malls I used to go to, gang activity inside the building. Nope. Not interested.

Posted by: NR Pax at February 11, 2026 06:28 AM (99eI0)

89 66
When the check engine light comes on with a modern car, that gas cap is the first thing to check. Second thing is to go to Autozone or one of the car parts places that can read the codes and give you some idea of the problem.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 11, 2026 06:06 AM

I have a OBD-II to USB thingie in the car and an app that can read and reset the codes. It's cheaper than the device I used to have in the car, which I gave away when I gave the car to my stepdaughter. The USB dongle is how I knew that I had a valve timing code when the light came on in Alabama last year. I got it again a while back. Something to do with the oil, if my Internet search I'd to be believed.

Posted by: Cybersmythe at February 11, 2026 06:29 AM (VmDLh)

90 Things that can go off without warning:

Fish
Car batteries
Pit Bulls
Transvestites

Posted by: fd at February 11, 2026 06:30 AM (vFG9F)

91 I told my buddy that the next time an issue comes up with his vehicle, in fact before that, ask his co-workers who they take their cars to and get a recommendation for a good and honest mechanic. They do exist.

He works at a Walmart in FL. From what I know of WM staffers around me, though, I suspect a lot of his co-workers just take their cars to the oil and tire store right there in WM.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 11, 2026 06:30 AM (wzUl9)

92 I have a OBD-II to USB thingie in the car and an app that can read and reset the codes. It's cheaper than the device I used to have in the car, which I gave away when I gave the car to my stepdaughter. The USB dongle is how I knew that I had a valve timing code when the light came on in Alabama last year. I got it again a while back. Something to do with the oil, if my Internet search I'd to be believed.
Posted by: Cybersmythe at February 11, 2026

***
I need to get a code reader myself.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 11, 2026 06:31 AM (wzUl9)

93 71 This is the X post that Revolver News linked to:

https://tinyurl.com/3cyt4d75

It's supposedly photos of the Canadian shooter, but I can't confirm it.

If it is the person, it's definitely a man.
Posted by: SpeakingOf at February 11, 2026 06:14 AM (6ydKt)

Pure evil; which is perhaps what the person wants us to think.
Imagine being the parents.

Posted by: m at February 11, 2026 06:32 AM (+YA9H)

94 One of three. Wednesday, Thursday, FRIDAY!

Posted by: Eromero at February 11, 2026 06:33 AM (Lytz7)

95 G'mornin' everyone!

Posted by: sock_rat_eez at February 11, 2026 06:34 AM (Cjt/F)

96 Honestly, when I walk into a store I will know what I'm looking for and find it myself. My goal in any retail establishment is to get in and get out as quickly as possible. If a clerk approaches me, I'm likely to just say "Thanks, I got it." while I'm moving down the aisle.

I've been like that since I was a kid, though, so nothing new there.

The good thing about the internet is I can browse just about anything online and decide what I want before I ever get to a store, if needed.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at February 11, 2026 06:34 AM (6ydKt)

97
Canadian shooter is being referred to as a 'gunperson'.

Hmmmm.....I think I know how this ends.
Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice

Persyn of Pew!, Pew!, Pew!

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at February 11, 2026 06:35 AM (xG4kz)

98 And in the case of a few malls I used to go to, gang activity inside the building. Nope. Not interested.
Posted by: NR Pax at February 11, 2026

***
Yup. The oldest enclosed mall in our area, my first real mall, is now a twin (i imagine) to downtown Nairobi, Tijuana, or Mogadishu.

The big one in the suburbs is still pretty nice. But there are few stores that interest me. Nearly everything now is for women and children.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 11, 2026 06:35 AM (wzUl9)

99 James 5:13-16 Upper Room
Devotional, " Got a minute?" Man ( yes; it's by a man even though the name is Kim) prays with others:

https://tinyurl.com/3yw3kv2z

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at February 11, 2026 06:35 AM (PFs9e)

100 Intermittent valve timing codes may be a camshaft position sensor failing. A lot of OBD errors are like that, some sensor has gone bad and there is nothing actually physically wrong with the engine/vehicle.

Posted by: fd at February 11, 2026 06:35 AM (vFG9F)

101 100

Posted by: m at February 11, 2026 06:35 AM (+YA9H)

102 The good thing about the internet is I can browse just about anything online and decide what I want before I ever get to a store, if needed.
Posted by: SpeakingOf at February 11, 2026

***
Generally I'm a fast mover in a store myself. I do like visiting a physical pipe shop, though; there are so few of them still left that I consider it a good thing to help keep them in business. And my local shop, while it has a web site, does not have online shopping.

However, the pipe/cigar place I visited in Evansville had very little of anything for pipe smokers, and he wanted *$7.00* for a $2.00 bundle of pipe cleaners. I passed on that and didn't go back.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 11, 2026 06:38 AM (wzUl9)

103
Sabot in the gears at 101?

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at February 11, 2026 06:38 AM (xG4kz)

104 "Shooter in a dress" is an odd way to describe it. They don't ever say "shooter wearing pants".

Posted by: fd at February 11, 2026 06:39 AM (vFG9F)

105 One article said the guy shoot people at a home before going to the school, so I don't know if that was his parents or siblings or some other people.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at February 11, 2026 06:39 AM (PFs9e)

106 100 Intermittent valve timing codes may be a camshaft position sensor failing. A lot of OBD errors are like that, some sensor has gone bad and there is nothing actually physically wrong with the engine/vehicle.

Posted by: fd at February 11, 2026 06:35 AM (vFG9F)

I've had a tire pressure sensor light blinking at me for about six months now.

The Chevy app tells me one needs to be replaced but it just threw up a warning to me a few weeks ago when all four tires needed more air, and actually showed me the PSI on all four tires while warning me to get on the ball.

So riddle me this, how does a broken tire sensor need to be replaced when it's clearly showing me the PSI when it wants to?

Posted by: SpeakingOf at February 11, 2026 06:41 AM (6ydKt)

107
They don't ever say "shooter wearing pants".
Posted by: fd at February 11, 2026 06:39 AM (vFG9F)

What about "shooter wearing no pants"?

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at February 11, 2026 06:41 AM (tgvbd)

108 Adios Valero!

https://tinyurl.com/33kp6zyn
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at February 11, 2026

***
Utter insanity. California's, I mean.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 11, 2026 05:45 AM (wzUl9)
-

Yesterday i pointed out that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife just purchased a Florida waterfront mansion.

Valero is a drop in the bucket.

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at February 11, 2026 06:42 AM (7xyr6)

109 They don't ever say "shooter wearing pants".
Posted by: fd

They will move Heaven and Earth to avoid detailed reporting when the malefactor is an Approved Victim Group.™

Posted by: NR Pax at February 11, 2026 06:43 AM (99eI0)

110 What about "shooter wearing no pants"?
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh

If that happens, we have a lot of suspects on this site.

Posted by: NR Pax at February 11, 2026 06:44 AM (99eI0)

111 I had my 2021 Honda in for an oil change the other day and had an after-call that I've never had before in all my years: the dealership called, thanked me for coming in and asked if I wanted a trade-in quote. I still owe money on the thing, so I ignored the call, but I did find it curious.

Back again in about 40 or so; more work to do.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at February 11, 2026 06:45 AM (ufSfZ)

112
With the deaths by shooting, "Canadian Nice" took some body blows.

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at February 11, 2026 06:45 AM (xG4kz)

113 You know who James O'Keefe caught on hidden camera?

https://tinyurl.com/2xxuxhyr

Oh, the irony!

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at February 11, 2026 06:47 AM (7xyr6)

114 83 Some guy gave my dad an estimate of $45k to replace his roof. That's about twice what it should be. If my sister and I had not stopped it he would have gone ahead with that first quote.
Posted by: fd at February 11, 2026 06:24 AM (vFG9F)

Used to be able to report that sort of thing to the county.

Posted by: m at February 11, 2026 06:48 AM (+YA9H)

115 more like an Approved Murderer Group, innit?

Posted by: sock_rat_eez at February 11, 2026 06:49 AM (Cjt/F)

116 @111/MP4: "... the dealership called, thanked me for coming in and asked if I wanted a trade-in quote."

Just trying to drive sales, or they might have someone specifically asking about your make/model/year for a used-vehicle purchase.

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at February 11, 2026 06:49 AM (O7YUW)

117 It's 60 degrees here this morning. I hope we have seen the last of the cold weather until fall.

Posted by: fd at February 11, 2026 06:49 AM (vFG9F)

118 My vehicle recently flashed a message that the battery in my key fob needs to be replaced soon.
I appreciate that.
Guess I'll buy a name brand 2032 instead of the cheap Chineseum.

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at February 11, 2026 06:50 AM (2Ez/1)

119 "Used to be able to report that sort of thing to the county.
Posted by: m "

We got another quote from a Mennonite roofing company. $27k, and they said they may have overestimated based on the square footage so they are coming back with a new quote today.

Posted by: fd at February 11, 2026 06:52 AM (vFG9F)

120 111 Back again in about 40 or so; more work to do.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at February 11, 2026 06:45 AM (ufSfZ)

Got a lot of fans here, rooting for you on your last workday 'til retirement.

Posted by: m at February 11, 2026 06:53 AM (+YA9H)

121

*hic*

Posted by: Hillary Clinton at February 11, 2026 06:54 AM (DDJSl)

122 111 I had my 2021 Honda in for an oil change the other day and had an after-call that I've never had before in all my years: the dealership called, thanked me for coming in and asked if I wanted a trade-in quote. I still owe money on the thing, so I ignored the call, but I did find it curious.

Back again in about 40 or so; more work to do.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at February 11, 2026 06:45 AM (ufSfZ)

I got an automated email the other day from the dealership asking me if I wanted to sell my car (or any car) back to them.

Their explanation was that used cars were in very high demand (geee, I wonder why?) and they were offering top dollar to renew their stock.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at February 11, 2026 06:54 AM (6ydKt)

123 I would like to be able to retire and walk away but it's not going to work like that unless I can sell the business off. Otherwise I will just lose clients thru attrition. It remains to be seen who will last longer.

Posted by: fd at February 11, 2026 06:55 AM (vFG9F)

124 Something went boom in a good way:

https://tinyurl.com/28nexy94

Congrats, President Trump!

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at February 11, 2026 06:55 AM (7xyr6)

125 Present

Posted by: Don Black at February 11, 2026 06:56 AM (ZxPkt)

126 10-day NOTAMs in NM and TX:

https://tinyurl.com/49wh4amt

hmmm....

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at February 11, 2026 06:57 AM (7xyr6)

127 126 10-day NOTAMs in NM and TX:

https://tinyurl.com/49wh4amt

hmmm....

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at February 11, 2026 06:57 AM (7xyr6)

That seems very weird and ominous.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at February 11, 2026 06:59 AM (6ydKt)

128
10-day NOTAMs in NM and TX

Has "Beto" been heard from lately?

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at February 11, 2026 07:00 AM (xG4kz)

129 Fen,

Thanks for that link about the guy rescuing the woman in FL.

I needed an "upper" this morning.

I've bookmarked that site because sometimes you just need to be grateful or a good laugh.

Here's another story from the same place that I found very funny, especially if you are a dog person:

https://tinyurl.com/mu6kt3xn

Posted by: pawn at February 11, 2026 07:04 AM (uvB+6)

130 Wikipedia

A NOTAM (ICAO & FAA: Notice to Airmen, CAA: Notice to Aviation) is a notice filed with an aviation authority to alert aircraft pilots of potential hazards ...

Posted by: m at February 11, 2026 07:04 AM (+YA9H)

131 Good morning form the foothills of western NC. It's 56 degrees here!!!, going up to the mid-60's. The frozen nightmare appears to be over, for now. Wishing you all a great day.

Posted by: Rufus T. Firefly at February 11, 2026 07:04 AM (I0SR4)

132
10-day NOTAMs in NM and TX

This is it. The invasion of Greenland begins.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at February 11, 2026 07:05 AM (tgvbd)

133 You know who else the secret police planted as a CI in a political movement they were trying to undermine?

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at February 11, 2026 07:05 AM (BI5O2)

134 133 You know who else ...
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at February 11, 2026 07:05 AM (BI5O2)

Never gets old!

Posted by: m at February 11, 2026 07:07 AM (+YA9H)

135 On dog related good news: Over the weekend, I transported an 8 month old greyhound up to NJ. I received a picture taken with her new family which includes a greyhound big brother. She'll be all right.

Posted by: NR Pax at February 11, 2026 07:07 AM (99eI0)

136 This is it. The invasion of Greenland begins.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh

I was wondering why the local Boy Scout troop was mobilizing.

Posted by: NR Pax at February 11, 2026 07:09 AM (99eI0)

137 133 You know who else the secret police planted as a CI in a political movement they were trying to undermine?

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at February 11, 2026 07:05 AM (BI5O2)

That black guy that they had infiltrate the KKK?

Posted by: SpeakingOf at February 11, 2026 07:09 AM (6ydKt)

138 Posted by: pawn at February 11, 2026 07:04 AM (uvB+6)

You're welcome, and thanks for the cute and funny dog video.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at February 11, 2026 07:09 AM (ix8EF)

139 132 This is it. The invasion of Greenland begins.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at February 11, 2026 07:05 AM (tgvbd)

It's not easy being green.

Posted by: m at February 11, 2026 07:10 AM (+YA9H)

140 Morning, 'rons and 'ettes.

Posted by: olddog in mo at February 11, 2026 07:10 AM (bQ4nt)

141 That black guy that they had infiltrate the KKK?
Posted by: SpeakingOf at February 11, 2026 07:09 AM (6ydKt)

I hadn't heard about that one.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at February 11, 2026 07:11 AM (BI5O2)

142 Just trying to drive sales, or they might have someone specifically asking about your make/model/year for a used-vehicle purchase.

I suspect trying to drive sales. When I rode, I would tell people that winter was the best time to buy a motorcycle in NE, because dealers were desperate to get old iron off the floor.

As I said, if I didn't owe 8K on the thing already, I might have considered the offer, but retirement also means watching the pennies. Anyway, I only have 36K miles on the car, so she's good for at least another 90K.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at February 11, 2026 07:11 AM (ufSfZ)

143 I can't understand why this Canadian massacre isn't headline news. Were there any protesters of color involved?

Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at February 11, 2026 07:14 AM (xFfhU)

144 I hadn't heard about that one.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at February 11, 2026 07:11 AM (BI5O2)

They made a movie about it; "BlacKkKlansman".

Posted by: SpeakingOf at February 11, 2026 07:14 AM (6ydKt)

145 Congratulations MPPPP. The lunch of no return.

My dad gave me some good advice. "You can't just retire from something. You have to retire to something."

In his case, it was dancing and chasing little old ladies.

In my case, it was full-time caregiver to my disabled wife. Now that she has "gone home to the Lord," I study theology and play golf and volunteer for some charities.

Posted by: no one of any consequence at February 11, 2026 07:14 AM (qFwJc)

146 They made a movie about it; "BlacKkKlansman".
Posted by: SpeakingOf at February 11, 2026

Well, I'm sure any movie about it sucks ass, but that's a pretty funny thing to do.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at February 11, 2026 07:15 AM (BI5O2)

147 143 I can't understand why this Canadian massacre isn't headline news. Were there any protesters of color involved?

Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at February 11, 2026 07:14 AM (xFfhU)

The shooter's identity is apparently giving them some hesitation.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at February 11, 2026 07:15 AM (6ydKt)

148 Well, I'm sure any movie about it sucks ass, but that's a pretty funny thing to do.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at February 11, 2026 07:15 AM (BI5O2)

Aren't you in CO?

Apparently it was in your state.
A Colorado Springs cop named Ron Stallworth, happened in the 70s.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Stallworth

Posted by: SpeakingOf at February 11, 2026 07:18 AM (6ydKt)

149 127 10-day NOTAMs in NM and TX:

https://tinyurl.com/49wh4amt

hmmm....

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at February 11, 2026 06:57 AM (7xyr6)

That seems very weird and ominous.
Posted by: SpeakingOf at February 11, 2026 06:59 AM

A TFR for security reasons? That's about as weird as sunrise. No way to tell if it's ominous or not without digging into it.

Posted by: Cybersmythe at February 11, 2026 07:18 AM (VmDLh)

150 Aren't you in CO?

Apparently it was in your state.
A Colorado Springs cop named Ron Stallworth, happened in the 70s.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Stallworth
Posted by: SpeakingOf at February 11, 2026 07:18 AM

By the grace of G-d, I am now a former Coloradan, but I'll check this out, thanks!

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at February 11, 2026 07:19 AM (BI5O2)

151 149 127 10-day NOTAMs in NM and TX:

https://tinyurl.com/49wh4amt

hmmm....

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at February 11, 2026 06:57 AM (7xyr6)

That seems very weird and ominous.
Posted by: SpeakingOf at February 11, 2026 06:59 AM

A TFR for security reasons? That's about as weird as sunrise. No way to tell if it's ominous or not without digging into it.
Posted by: Cybersmythe at February 11, 2026 07:18 AM (VmDLh)

For 10 days?

Posted by: m at February 11, 2026 07:21 AM (+YA9H)

152 The MR is up.

Posted by: Rufus T. Firefly at February 11, 2026 07:23 AM (I0SR4)

153 Everything's Alright (1992)

Lovely!

Posted by: m at February 11, 2026 07:28 AM (+YA9H)

154 Disclaimer: EVERYTHING IS NOT ALRIGHT!

I mean, you're not wrong.

Posted by: m at February 11, 2026 07:29 AM (+YA9H)

155 There are TFRs that have been in place for years over every major sports stadium, theme park, outhouse, doghouse, and hen house in the lower 48.

10 days probably means some VIP is visiting and the schedule is still not quite set. Maybe SecDef is going to take a vacation there.

That's a guess, but these things really do happen all the time. I still like to think of myself as a pilot so I subscribe to the email notifications of such things.

Posted by: Cybersmythe at February 11, 2026 07:31 AM (VmDLh)

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