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peter kim @peterskim.org · 18h

Oh and I had no idea until now that Ultimo on 20th St is now Musette!

Vibrant has been my go-to in that area so I just don’t even think about going anywhere else.

peter kim @peterskim.org · 18h

I could understand if you live in the suburbs and there’s literally no alternative to chain store crap but there’s no excuse in the city.

Like how does one walk around Walnut St and choose to go to Starbucks instead of Elixir or Vibrant?

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peter kim @peterskim.org · 18h

I don’t know how so many people can drink Starbucks coffee (or worse) every day.

It’s gotta be one of those things where that burnt coffee taste gets so engrained in people’s taste buds that it’s a good thing that they can’t consider anything else being preferable.

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peter kim @peterskim.org · 18h

If you get *good* coffee, black coffee actually tastes good.

First time I had single origin light roasted Ethiopian coffee, it blew my mind that coffee by itself could taste so good.

drew @adrew.dadguy.help · 18h

people who like black coffee are just morning ipa drinkers

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peter kim @peterskim.org · 1d

It helps to start adjusting your schedule and exposure to light 2-3 days before the flight. I also do melatonin. There are apps that tell you when to do what. I’ve used Timeshifter.

It actually worked when I went to Singapore for work! All my US coworkers were wrecked by the jet lag but I was fine.

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peter kim @peterskim.org · 1d

I hate how the term "creator" has been largely co-opted by digital/social media. We need to create because it connects us to our humanity. But not to create endless volumes of digital content to be mind-numbingly consumed by the masses!

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peter kim @peterskim.org · 1d

It's never too late to pick up some sort of creative outlet like playing a musical instrument, drawing, painting, etc. As we become surrounded by AI shit and compelled to be consumers of endless feeds of influencer garbage, it's so important to learn to be creators, ideally with non-digital media.

peter kim @peterskim.org · 1d

Instead of wasting money on useless shit from Amazon's Prime Day deals, consider getting a musical instrument from a local music store! There are also good deals on Facebook Marketplace, but if you're new to playing an instrument, I recommend buying new from a reputable local dealer.

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peter kim @peterskim.org · 1d

I recently bought a Gretsch short scale bass from Russo Music and love it. $320 brand new. I got a cheap Fender bass amp to go along with it. gretschguitars.com/gear/build/b...

Streamliner™ Jet™ Club Bass Single-Cut, Laurel Fingerboard, Walnut Stain

Bass instruments are the tonal and rhythmic backbone of any musical group. Prized for their rich, clear, powerful sound, Gretsch basses are the ultimate foundation for any musical style.

gretschguitars.com

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peter kim @peterskim.org · 1d

If you don't mind spending a bit more, the Taylor GS Mini at $499 is an incredible small scale guitar that's perfect for beginners. Even if you decide to get a full size guitar later, it's really useful to have a smaller size guitar for travel. www.russomusic.com/products/tay...

Taylor GS Mini Spruce Top Sapele Back and Sides Acoustic Guitar, Natural

The Taylor GS Mini Sapele Acoustic Guitar stands as a vibrant addition to Taylor's 100 Series, a collection of guitars lauded for their exceptional value, craftsmanship, and tonality. Representing the...

www.russomusic.com

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peter kim @peterskim.org · 1d

You don't have to spend a lot to get a decent instrument. Even for $300-400, you can get a good starter guitar/bass and amp. The Yamaha FS800 is a great starter acoustic for only $259. www.russomusic.com/products/yam...

Yamaha FS800 Small Body - Folk Guitar; Solid Sitka Spruce Top - Natural

Yamaha's tried-and-true acoustic model features traditional looks and optimal quality at an affordable price. Crafted with a solid top, this guitar produces a balanced sound without sacrificing its ro...

www.russomusic.com

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peter kim @peterskim.org · 1d

E.g. for guitar, if you're a beginner, you may not know what a properly set up guitar should feel/sound like. Getting a used guitar with high action or poor intonation can be really frustrating and get in the way of learning to love to play.

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peter kim @peterskim.org · 1d

Instead of wasting money on useless shit from Amazon's Prime Day deals, consider getting a musical instrument from a local music store! There are also good deals on Facebook Marketplace, but if you're new to playing an instrument, I recommend buying new from a reputable local dealer.

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peter kim @peterskim.org · 1d

The most popular city destinations in Central/Eastern Europe seem to be Prague, Budapest, and Krakow. Also looking at Ljubljana.

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peter kim @peterskim.org · 1d

I might be going to Central/Eastern Europe next year for work. I'm already dreaming about what cities to visit.

Would love any urbanist-oriented recommendations! Only places I've been to in the region are Berlin and Prague.

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peter kim @peterskim.org · 1d

While the Cubs are not as good as the Phils on paper, they’re going to Wrigley for two home games whereas the Phils squandered their chances to win at home.

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peter kim @peterskim.org · 1d

My teams were 0 for 2 last night. 😭

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peter kim @peterskim.org · 2d

Phillies failed. Let’s see if the Cubs can get a win.

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peter kim @peterskim.org · 2d

I wonder if I'd be able to find other 40-somethings who want to start a band. Not super seriously. Just for fun.

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peter kim @peterskim.org · 3d

I get almost 10k steps per day (double the US average) even though I work from home and I don’t walk for exercise.

This is just from living in a dense, walkable neighborhood and not owning a car.

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Reposted by peter kim

Brother Manns From The 5th Floor @kmanns.blacksky.app · 4d

A lot of anti car stuff focuses on the societal effects; we need to show people that cars are payday loans with wheels attached to them.

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peter kim @peterskim.org · 4d

And yes, there are many people who can never drive due to disabilities, age, etc. The more that the majority demands to be able to live car-free, the easier we make it for those who can't choose to live car-free to have a better quality of life.

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peter kim @peterskim.org · 4d

We need to figure out how to eliminate the aspirational narrative of the automobile. Even if you are fortunate to increase your wealth/status you can do so without becoming dependent on cars. In fact, being car-free in places where you can have a better quality of life without a car is true freedom!

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peter kim @peterskim.org · 4d

Most of us have the agency to choose what principles and values we want to live by. Choosing to live car-free is a great one that helps shape our lives in so many ways--encourages using local goods/services we can walk/bike to, build relationships with neighbors, reduces our environmental impact.

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peter kim @peterskim.org · 4d

All of this is possible w/o a car because 1) we live in a dense walkable neighborhood with lots of amenities (Passyunk Sq), 2) Philly has a functional public transit system, 3) my kids do sports at their local park and school, not the ridiculous travel teams, and 4) Philly is just a great city.

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peter kim @peterskim.org · 4d

It’s the end of #WeekWithoutDriving which is just a normal week for me. 😁 Our family had a busy week but I never wished I had a car for any of this:

Kids went to school
Multiple shopping trips to grocery and Target
Attended church service
Went to concert
Doctor and dentist visits
Kids’ sports

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