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buyitforlife·Buy it for LifebyKit

AKG Q701 - These headphones just won't die

I replaced the pads on my AKG Q701 headphones today for the 4th time. It made me realize that I've used these headphones for at least 40 hours a week for 14 years straight. I've had to repair the left side speaker solder joint a few times, but they're designed to be easily torn down and repaired. Truly BIFL headphones.

I've heard that the newer AKG K702 headphones are identical but I can't vouch for that. They go for around $250.

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pennsylvania·PennsylvaniabyKit

Vacation ideas for an introverted Pittsburgher and their anxious dog?

I need to use-or-lose 30 days of vacation by the end of the year and have no idea what to do. I've never taken a vacation before but want to get out of the city. Can anyone recommend dog-friendly activities or locations within a few hour's drive of Pittsburgh, preferably leaning towards cheap?

We both hate crowds, and I'm scared of hiking trails because irresponsible dog owners tend to leave their dogs off leash. I don't drink alcohol so breweries/wineries are out.

So far the only thing I've come up with is taking a weekend fishing trip to Ohio.

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stopdrinking·Stop DrinkingbyKit

5 weeks sober and my lactose intolerance is GONE

This really surprised me. I had been experiencing major gastrointestinal issues for years while I was drinking, and my doctor said it was lactose intolerance. I cut out dairy entirely and it helped a little, but I had diharrea every day regardless and nothing helped. I'm happy to report that after getting sober I can now drink milk, eat cheese, and enjoy a milkshake without any side effects whatsoever. I suspect it's something to do with my gut microbiome or whatever it's called.

Figured this might be a tiny sliver of hope for some folks, so I wanted to share. IWNDWYT!

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electricvehicles·Electric VehiclesbyKit

Replaced a Chevy Bolt with an Ioniq 5 and it's a huge upgrade

I snagged a 2025 Ioniq 5 to replace my 2021 Chevy Bolt yesterday and already put 150 miles on it. I'm kind of blown away and wanted to share some things that stood out.

  1. The car is wide. Much wider than the Bolt. Gonna take some getting used to.
  2. Not sure how I lived without a power lift gate until now. It was great when loading laundry and groceries into the trunk.
  3. The driver seat can lay completely flat - flatter than the zero gravity mode that you may have seen. Perfect for napping while waiting at the laundromat, and I'm looking forward to trying it while car camping.
  4. You can pull the car forward and backwards with the keyfob while standing outside of it. Already used it twice - once to pull out of a tight parking spot, once to center myself after street parking a bit crooked.
  5. The surround view is incredible. It made parallel parking an absolute breeze.
  6. Autopilot is scary but works. I was only brave enough to use it on the highway with no other cars around.
  7. Auto-parking doesn't seem to work very well, but I'll have to play around with it.

Overall I'm super happy with the car and keep looking for excuses to go somewhere. Happy to answer any questions.

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casualconversation·[Migrated, see pinned post] Casual Conversation byKit

Any ideas for a spring vacation in NE USA?

I've never taken a vacation, and I'm determined to take on this year in Spring. I'm in Pittsburgh area and would like to bring my dog along (he is too anxious for boarding or a dog sitter), and don't want to put him on an airplane. Any ideas?

The best I've been able to come up with is renting a small island with a cottage on the Great Lakes. My pup could run totally free on the island for a week and live his best life chasing squirrels and swimming. I'm not much of a nature fan, though, so it might be a bit boring.

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ftm·TransmascbyKit

Considering detransition after 15+ years due to danger and bigotry

I'm an older transguy and "pass" very well but I'm considering detransition due to the dangers of the world. I'm in the US and it's no secret that trans people are being targeted. I've been considering if it would be worthwhile to stop testosterone, don a wig, and play dress-up as a woman until this trans witch hunt is over.

I'm solid in my identity, not depressed or panicked. I've been in many dangerous situations in my life and know how it feels to make decisions strictly for survival. I know I can withstand detransitioning temporarily or permanently if needed. Not being on T and dressing a certain way won't make my identity any less true or valid.

I'm at the age where I really don't care what my outer appearance is or how people perceive me as long as I'm safe.

I could use some feedback from the kind folks here, especially any older transguys.

Disclaimer: no part of this is meant to imply that there is a right or better path for my other trans bros, sisters, and siblings. There is no right way to be your true self beyond what you deem it.

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trans·TransbyKit

First date restored my faith in humanity

Good feels rant post.

I had pretty much given up on romance as dating is nearly impossible as an older transguy. I managed to meet a nice geeky guy on a dating site and we chatted for a while. On our first date last night, he handed me a wrapped gift. "I saw this book and thought you'd like it." and it was a book in my favorite genre. "And I got a toy for your dog. I put it in my laundry for a day so he can get used to my scent before I meet him." Bros and sisters, my heart melted.

We ended up having a ridiculous fun time then making out in the snow, and it was super cheesy and cute and romantic.

Don't give up on love! Good folks are still out there. ❤️ Figured I'd share some positivity since the Earth is literally burning.

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food·Food and CookingbyKit

Non-perishable food for a well-rounded diet?

My neighborhood has a little free food pantry that I fill weekly. Problem is, I've been finding it difficult to provide a well-rounded variety of foods. Fresh fruit and veg are not allowed.

Any ideas for items I can stock? I try to keep each item under $2 to get the most bang for my buck.

My go-tos are:
*Rice.
*Oats.
*Beans, dried and canned (these usually go slowly)
*Baking mixes, flour, sugar, yeast.
*Canned veggies.
*Condensed soup.
*Oil.
*Evaporated milk.
*Condiments.
*Canned chicken, tuna, and salmon.
*Applesauce.
*Spices.

Thanks ahead of time for any ideas. Can't seem to get the formatting working on mobile but you get the gist.

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trans·TransbyKit

A friend asked me "Should I treat you like a boy or a girl?"

I was perplexed by the question. What's the difference? They explained: "Should I tiptoe and watch my manners around you or be blunt? Flirtatious or chill? Brag about my sexual conquests or talk about our feelings? When you're sad, do I hug you and buy you ice cream or do we go grab some beers? Should I wonder if we'll ever hook up?"

I'm not sure if I'm more appalled or confused by this mindset. I thought everyone treated their friends the same regardless of their gender identity. Is this just a fringe case of toxic masculinity, or is this really how the average cis person sees the world?

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rant·RantbyKit

One year since I discovered my partner's infidelity

I was with a man for four years and thought we were going to get married. He was a widower and I fell in love for the first time. When I found out he was cheating, it killed me. I felt my whole self die.

I miss myself. I wake up every day and go through the motions, even try to date here and there, but at the end of the day I am a soulless husk of a person. I've tried focusing on myself - losing weight, exercising, rejuvenating old hobbies, lots and lots of therapy and meds. Nothing helps. At this point I'm only living because I have three pets who rely on me.

I still don't understand why I deserved that. I guess this is just as good as life gets for someone like me.

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Looking for a sturdy pre-built outdoor cabinet for a free food pantry

My neighborhood has a free food pantry that is used heavily, but vandals smashed it to pieces overnight. I'm funding a replacement but having trouble figuring out the best option for something pre-built. Ideally it will be at least 5ft tall and no more than 2ft deep with several shelves. I want something sturdy that will withstand the elements, deter raccoons, and will be difficult to smash. Any price, no budget. Any recs for specific outdoor cabinets or an Earth-friendly vendor? Or should I just reach out to a local carpenter to build one?

Located in PA, USA

Edit: I spoke with my local Habitat for Humanity and they are donating a pantry for us!

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ftm·TransmascbyKit

Dating struggles - I'm only attracted to straight guys

I transitioned ages ago and I'm recently out of a long term relationship. I've been trying to get back into dating, but even when I specify "masc for masc" all of the gay guys I meet are too feminine for my taste. I've been feeling a bit doomed, even sometimes questioning if I should have transitioned in the first place because it would be so easy to find an ideal partner if I hadn't, but the idea of being anyone but my true self is preposterous. Can any other guys relate to this? Any dating tips or specific dating app recommendations?

USA if it helps.

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