I always thought dried beans were a waste of time until this week

I grabbed a bag of pinto beans for like a dollar fifty, soaked them overnight, and cooked them in my slow cooker with some onion and a ham hock. The whole pot cost maybe four bucks and made enough for six meals. They came out way creamier and richer than any canned beans I've ever had. I was shocked at the difference in taste and texture for such a small price. Has anyone else switched from canned to dried and found a favorite way to cook them?

Pro tip: double-check your permit's trailhead location before you drive 4 hours

I spent 3 hours driving around the wrong side of the White Mountains last weekend because my permit for the Pemi Loop said 'Lincoln Woods' but the ranger station had moved the actual check-in spot to the Lafayette Place campground without updating the online form.

Vent: I was searing scallops wrong for YEARS until a line cook in Portland pointed out my pan was too crowded.

My old post vise gave out on me last Tuesday while I was twisting some 1/2 inch square stock.

The main screw just sheared right off, and I had a hot piece of steel flopping around (not fun). I ended up having to forge a new screw from some 4140 round bar I had, but it took me most of the afternoon. Has anyone found a good source for replacement vise screws, or should I just keep making my own?

Serious question, old school pressure vs. skin safety today

Years ago, some shops would book anyone for microdermabrasion without a patch test. I had a client with thin skin begging for it last month, knowing it could lead to damage. I said no and lost the booking, but I sleep better at night. It's a gray area when money is on the line.

My crispy chicken triumph after ditching the oil soak

I used to drown my chicken in oil before air frying, thinking it needed it to not dry out. Everything came out greasy and kind of sad. Then I tried just a light spray, almost by accident, because I ran out. The skin got super crispy and the meat stayed juicy. Now I never go back to the old way, and my dinners are way more enjoyable.

A morning gust reminded me why wind checks are NON-NEGOTIABLE

I was lifting a section of roof truss when the wind picked up out of nowhere. The load swung hard and I realized I skipped my usual dawn wind check. My hands were shaking but I managed to ease it down without hitting anything. That could have been a HUGE mess if I panicked. Now I set a phone alarm to check the weather app twice before my first lift. Feeling pretty relieved nothing got damaged today.