The 43-Mile Bladder: Why Internal Combustion Cars Still Rule (for the Strong of Sphincter)”

In a world of lithium, wires, and gentle humming noises, one brave band of motorists dares to defy the electric tide… armed with nothing but petrol, pistons, and the ability to hold it in.

Yes, dear readers, we speak today of a miraculous, oft-overlooked advantage that gasoline-powered cars still possess over their quieter, more well-behaved cousins: the ability to drive 43 miles further without stopping, but only if your bladder can survive the journey.

The Noble Few With Bladders of Steel

Meet Sir Reginald Tinkleton III, a proud Yorkshireman with a bladder forged in the fires of 1970s public school rugby matches. Reginald once drove from Sheffield to Glasgow on a single tank, and a single tinkle.

“I call it bladder-drafting,” Reginald said, puffing on a meat pie and urinating in a ceremonial golden chalice. “The trick is to think about cold, arid deserts. Camels. Cactus. And the Queen’s disapproval.”

His car? A humble 2006 Ford Mondeo. His secret? A complete absence of fear, shame, or kidney function.

Tales of the 43-Mile Challenge

1. Marjorie Wimpole’s Revenge

Marjorie Wimpole, former librarian and part-time sword juggler, once made it 760 miles on a road trip from Devon to John o’ Groats. After years of being mocked for her “cup a tea every 20 minutes” bladder, Marjorie took up monk-like hydration discipline.

“I dehydrated for 36 hours, trained with a Tibetan yogi, and sealed my loo with industrial epoxy,” she said, perched proudly on her bidet throne. “By mile 700, I could see through time.”

When she finally arrived, she wept, but only metaphorically. No bodily fluids were wasted.

2. The Weak-Bladder Workarounds

Not everyone is a high functioning urological wonder. Some, like Barry Crumplethigh from East Sussex, had to adapt.

Barry installed a multi chambered road urinal system in his Land Rover Defender, lovingly named the “Whizz o Matic 2000.” It featured:

  • Hands-free hose coupling
  • A musical “pee timer” set to “Ride of the Valkyries”
  • A peppermint scented waste compartment with Bluetooth syncing (for some reason)

“Do I feel shame?” Barry asked. “Yes. But also dry.”

3. The Bladder Olympics

In 2023, the village of Nether-Widdling-on-the-Wold held the first annual “Internal Combustion Endurance Bladder Grand Prix.” Participants filled their tanks and their thermoses, with one goal: outlast, out-hold, and out-drive.

The winner, 68 year old Doris Plonk, achieved 814 miles on a single tank and zero pit stops. She was later knighted by King Charles with a ceremonial toilet brush.

The Electric Rivalry

Meanwhile, in the EV world, Brian Snortles of Brighton was seen weeping next to his Tesla after being overtaken by a Toyota Corolla and a man doing kegels.

“It’s not fair,” Brian sobbed. “They’ve got a bladder-based range advantage! Mine buzzes when I’m low on power, but I buzz when I’m too full.”

He has since taken up meditation, catheters, and bitter Twitter threads.

Final Thoughts: Are You Bladder Enough?

So next time someone scoffs at your gas-powered jalopy, roll down your window, shout “I CAN HOLD IT!” and roar away into the distance 43 bladder-busting miles further than they ever will.

Because in the world of internal combustion, victory goes not to the swift, nor the fuel-efficient, but to those with iron wills, camel kidneys, and sphincters of titanium.

Godspeed, petrol patriots. And remember: never trust a warm seat

The Curious Case of the Missing Air Handlers

When I started at Thermofrost Cryo PLC, I was thrown in at the deep end.

My first task? Rebuild a batch of air handling units that had been cannibalized to get spares out to customers in a hurry. I was told there was £68,000 worth of units ready to be reassembled and returned to sale. Somewhere, supposedly, was a stockpile of units and a box of PCBs to get me started.

But from the moment I started looking, things didn’t add up.

There were no units, and the box of PCBs was nowhere to be found. I asked around. The answer was always the same: “They’re out there… somewhere.”

The stores were scattered across multiple warehouse locations, and Richard — the manager — was an affable, frequently drunk old hand who swore blind he knew where everything was. His team backed him up with the same defiant loyalty. “We know where stuff is,” they’d say, like a secret society guarding hidden treasure.

Over the next few months, I observed the strange choreography of the stock movements. Ten units would come in. Four would go to one warehouse. Six to another. Then the Friday night magic would begin.

Stocktakes always started on a Friday evening. The front warehouse crew would count up and lock up. Then, under the cover of the weekend, those freshly counted units would quietly be split — four moved to the back warehouse. On Saturday, they’d be counted again. Now, ten units had magically become fourteen.

Repeat that process long enough and it was easy to see how things had spiraled. And that £68,000 worth of stock? Still missing.

Eventually, we were given a new dedicated warehouse a few blocks away. Clean, secure, modern. Things started to feel like they were getting on track. Michael, one of the forklift drivers, seemed to be living the dream — Spearmint Rhino on weeknights, Cornwall on the weekends. For a guy on warehouse wages, it raised eyebrows. But hey, who was counting?

Then one day, a contractor stormed into the office. He was fuming. He slapped a list of serial numbers on the desk and demanded to know why we were selling direct to his installers. He’d been undercut on several jobs — by the very installers he was supposed to be supplying.

That set off alarm bells.

You see, our stores team refused to log serial numbers. It was too slow, they said. But LG knew exactly what they had shipped us. And those serials? They matched their records. Problem was, we’d never booked them into our system.

Within a week, I traced over £250,000 of “missing” stock.

Michael and Ron were fired. Richard drank more. But no police were called. No statements. No headlines. Just silence. It became clear that the warehouse deals weren’t just internal. This went deeper. The ARTCool unit above Sloper’s Bed? That too had mysteriously fallen off the back of a truck.

What I learned: You can have the fanciest warehouse and the latest systems, but if the culture’s broken — if you don’t control what’s going in and out — you’re not running a business. You’re running a buffet.

And somewhere, a contractor is still wondering why he’s losing bids to guys who always seem to have the right gear, at the right price, and no paper trail

Comparing Hyundai and Tesla: Charging Speed Showdown

And now for something completely inconvenient…

Upon purchasing the rather spiffing Hyundai Ioniq 6 — a marvel of modern engineering, sleek as a buttered ferret on ice — one might assume, logically, that one could charge it in something less than the length of a medieval siege.

Alas, Hyundai provides a 110V charger, also known as a “Hope and Patience Machine.”Yes, you too can enjoy the thrilling experience of adding 4 miles of range per hour, provided you live on-site at work or time flows differently in your garage.

Meanwhile, over in Tesla-land — where unicorns roam free and chargers are designed by actual users of electricity — their mobile connector supports both 110V and 230V. That’s right: one charger, two voltages, and no need to summon an electrician and a goat to fix your infrastructure.

Hyundai’s approach seems to suggest: “Oh, you wanted to actually use your car? Silly peasant! Now plug this in, make some tea, and come back when the moon is full and Mercury’s in retrograde.”

It’s a curious omission, really — like selling a fine suit and including only one sleeve.

Progress, it seems, comes one volt at a time.

Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives: The Truth About Curry Pizza

April the 5th, Year of Our Lord Who Clearly Abandoned Us That Day.

It began, as most epic quests do, with unfounded optimism and a full tank of petrol. We’d been road-tripping like giddy squirrels—Goblin Valley, Hanksville, Capitol Reef—just good honest dirt, rocks, and the occasional windblown granola bar. And then, as the sun plunged into the abyss and the icy breath of night crawled over us…

A light! A beacon! A Curry Pizza establishment!

And lo, it bore the holy sigil of the Divine Guy Fieri, Patron Saint of Flavortown™ and wielder of the mighty sauce ladle. Diner, Drive-In, or Dive—who could say? But it bore the same greasy imprimatur.

We were famished. We were excited. We were… about to be betrayed.

Act I: The Arrival

We parked our chariot (That that day identified as a Subaru Outback, 2012, noble steed of the American West) and galloped inside, dreams of exotic flavours dancing in our minds.

But then… the cold.

Not metaphorical cold. No, no. This was the kind of cold usually reserved for morgues, polar bear enclosures, and failed marriages. We huddled at our table like penguins in parkas, the air conditioning unit apparently dialled to “Cryogenic”.

Act II: The Waiting Game

Time passed. A lot of it. Somewhere in the distance, an hour expired.

Then, with the dramatic flourish of a limp handshake, came the pizza.

Then, after a brief intermission and spiritual decline, arrived the curry.

Act III: Culinary Catastrophe

Let us begin with the pizza.

It resembled—how shall we say this diplomatically?—a middle school Home Ec project performed under duress. A frozen crust, topped with what can only be described as “tomato juice squirted in a circle” and crowned with chunks of chicken that likely lived their best life inside a tin can in Nebraska.

The curry? Oh, dear reader, the curry.

Imagine tomato soup. Not a nice one. Not your grandmother’s lovingly stirred bisque. No, this was Dollar Tree Gazpacho with that same tragic chicken bobbing about like sad icebergs of regret.

We took one bite. We pondered the futility of life. We left.

Act IV: The Aftermath

We abandoned everything but a single, shivering slice of pizza, left on the tray as a cautionary tale to future pilgrims.

On a scale from 1 to 10, we gave it a 1.

Why 1?

Because it had a door.

A functioning one.

One we could flee through.

Praise be.

Epilogue: Reflections from the Flavourless Frontier

It’s taken two months to compose this literary regurgitation. Not because we’re slow typists, but because trauma has to marinate.

We ask ourselves now, staring blankly into the distance:

Are any of the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives actually good?

Or is it a giant televised conspiracy of dives?

Only time, and gastrointestinal fortitude, will tell.

Until then, dear readers, beware the glowing lights in the desert. Not all who glitter are good. Some serve curry pizza.

And some…

shouldn’t.

Technological Upheaval and the Utter Inconvenience of Not Evolving

A Public Service Announcement from the Ministry of Outdated Professions

Narrator (in an overly serious tone):

In the vast and confusing timeline of human civilization, there have been three immutable truths:

1. Tea is best served with a biscuit.

2. You will lose your income if you don’t learn the new gizmo.

3. And nobody expects the Artificial Intelligence Inquisition.

CHAPTER ONE: THE AGE OF SWEATY LABOR AND OTHER UNPLEASANT THINGS

Once upon a time, people did things the hard way: lifting, digging, forging, and shouting at oxen who simply didn’t care. Enter the Industrial Revolution—also known as “That Time When Machines Started Stealing Everyone’s Jobs and No One Knew How to Turn Them Off.”

The Luddites, who were skilled artisans with a deep hatred for sewing machines and common sense, declared war on technology. Their weapons of choice? Hammers. Their battle cry? “Oi, not on my watch!”

Outcome?

Machines: 1

People with hammers: 0

CHAPTER TWO: ELECTRICITY! (Also Known as “The Devil’s Lightning”)

With the introduction of electricity, humanity discovered that candles were entirely too romantic and insufficiently hazardous.

Henry Ford, a man with a dream and too many spare parts, invented the assembly line, where workers did the same thing repeatedly until either:

• They achieved financial stability, or

• They lost the will to live.

Those who mastered this electrified world became rich industrialists with fine moustaches. Those who didn’t? Became anecdotes in ironic blogs.

CHAPTER THREE: THE COMPUTER ARRIVES, DESTROYS TYPEWRITERS, EATS JOBS

In the 1980s, a mysterious beige box appeared in offices. It made beeping noises, had a mouse, and terrified accountants everywhere.

What is a spreadsheet?” they cried.

Where’s the paper?” they wailed.

Why is my cursor blinking at me like it knows I’m incompetent?

Those who embraced the computer became software engineers, graphic designers, and people who could wear jeans to work.

Those who didn’t became… your uncle who still prints emails.

CHAPTER FOUR: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (And Why It’s After Your Job and Probably Your Cat)

Now we live in the Era of Algorithmic Mayhem, where machines don’t just assemble—they think. Sort of. Enough to write poetry and replace Steve in Marketing.

Today’s AI can write your emails, draw your cartoons, and almost understand sarcasm.

It’s learning fast.

Too fast.

Like “teach a toaster to invest in crypto” fast.

Modern professions under threat include:

• Writers

• Coders

• Uber drivers

• Medieval lute players (again)

But! Those who adapt become Prompt Engineers, AI whisperers, and Supreme Technological Overlords of the Third Spreadsheet.

MORAL OF THE STORY (In Case You Skipped to the Bottom)

If you don’t level up, technology will quietly sneak into your office, sit at your desk, and start doing your job better than you, all while sipping your coffee.

If you do level up, you’ll ride the robotic rhinoceros of progress into a future filled with flying taxis, smart toasters, and slightly unsettling chatbot companions.

FINAL WORDS FROM SIR NIGEL BOT-TAMER III:

“Technology is like a hedgehog in your trousers. Ignore it, and it will make things very uncomfortable. Befriend it, and you shall rule the hedgerows of destiny.”

Thank you, Sir Nigel. That was… disturbingly specific.

Join us next time when we ask:

“Is your smart fridge spying on your jam consumption? And should you be worried?”

Toodlepip. Stay adaptable. And remember: in the age of machines, even your blender might be angling for a promotion.

🔋 How Easy Is It to Go Fully EV in Suburbs (USA)?

How Easy Is It to Go Fully EV in Suburbs (USA)?

Increasingly feasible, but with caveats:

Pros:

Home charging is usually easy due to garages or driveways.

Lower fuel and maintenance costs.

Expanding public charging infrastructure in suburban shopping centers, parks, and workplaces.

Range anxiety is reduced thanks to newer EVs with 250+ mile ranges.

Cons:

Initial costs can still be high (though improving).

Charger installation might be needed (Level 2 home charger: ~$1,000–$2,000).

Long-distance travel still requires planning.

🚗 When Should You Opt for an EV Car?

Best if you:

• Commute more than 15 miles a day.

• Have access to home or workplace charging.

• Need passenger and cargo space.

• Want a lower cost per mile and reduced maintenance.

Examples:

• Tesla Model 3

• Hyundai Ioniq 6

• Chevrolet Bolt EV

🏍️ When Is an EV Motorcycle Best?

Best if you:

• Commute < 50 miles per day.

• Want thrilling, fast acceleration with low fuel costs.

• Prefer minimal maintenance.

• Have limited parking or live in more urban/suburban sprawl.

Examples:

• Zero SR/F

• LiveWire ONE (by Harley-Davidson)

• SONDORS Metacycle (budget option)

🚲 When Is an EV Cycle (E-Bike) Best?

Best if you:

• Commute < 15 miles.

• Want exercise with a transportation boost.

• Live in a bike-friendly suburb.

• Need low cost and easy storage.

Examples:

• Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus

• Aventon Level.2

• Specialized Turbo Vado

Efficiency (Highest Miles per kWh)

As of recent data:

CategoryMost Efficient Model (2024/25)Efficiency (mi/kWh)
EV CarLucid Air Pure RWD~4.6 mi/kWh
EV MotorcycleEnergica Eva Ribelle / Zero FX~6–7 mi/kWh
EV BicycleMost mid-range e-bikes (Rad, Aventon)~20–25 mi/kWh

Note: E-bikes are extremely efficient due to low weight and energy usage, but they often use smaller batteries (measured in watt-hours, not kWh).

🔌 Public Charging Options in the USA

Transport TypeCharging AvailabilityConnector TypeNotes
EV CarWidespread: Level 2 & DC Fast (Tesla Supercharger, Electrify America, ChargePoint)CCS, NACS (Tesla), CHAdeMOTesla’s NACS becoming standard in the U.S.
EV MotorcycleSame as EV cars (if compatible)Mostly J1772 or CCSZero and LiveWire support Level 2; no DC fast yet
EV BicycleRare in public; usually plug into 120V outletsStandard 110V outletMay need to carry your own charger or battery

⚠️ Additional Considerations

Weather & Terrain: Cold climates can reduce battery efficiency.

Parking & Storage: E-bikes and motorcycles are more vulnerable to theft and weather exposure.

Charging Access at Apartments: Can be a barrier unless EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment) is installed.

Incentives: Federal and state tax credits or rebates can significantly reduce cost.

Summary:

As suburban infrastructure evolves, transitioning away from gasoline and embracing electric transportation is more practical than ever. Whether you’re commuting with the efficiency of an EV car, enjoying the agility of an electric motorcycle, or zipping around town on an e-bike, there’s an electric option to suit every lifestyle. With expanding charging networks, impressive energy efficiency, and lower operating costs, it’s clear: the electric future isn’t just coming—it’s already parked in your driveway.

From Gas to Electric: How Switching to an EV Transforms Your Daily Life

The decision to switch from a traditional gasoline car to an electric vehicle (EV) often brings excitement, curiosity, and a sprinkle of apprehension. Much of this hesitation revolves around the idea of “charging time.” Many envision themselves standing next to their car for hours, clutching a charging plug as they wait for the battery to fill—an image far from reality. In truth, the lifestyle shift is profound, offering more convenience, simplicity, and time back in your day.

The Myth of Endless Charging Time

One of the biggest misconceptions about owning an EV is the fear of endless hours spent waiting for it to charge. People picture themselves standing by the plug for three to five hours as if it’s a mandatory ritual. The reality is quite the opposite.

When you get home or arrive at the office, it’s a matter of seconds to plug in your car. No waiting, no standing there with the cable—it’s literally a “plug and walk away” routine. Charging happens while you live your life: while you sleep, work, or spend time with family.

Compare that to a gas station visit. The old routine? Drive a few miles out of your way, get out, swipe your card, stand there holding the pump handle for 5–10 minutes, and then maybe pop inside to pay or grab a snack. It’s an errand that punctuates your schedule, demanding your attention. With an EV, that whole routine is virtually erased.

Road Trips: A Shift in Routine, Not in Time

Long drives and road trips are where most skeptics raise an eyebrow. “Won’t I be stuck charging for hours?” they ask. Surprisingly, the time difference is minimal. When EV drivers stop to charge, it’s often paired with natural breaks—using the restroom, stretching, or grabbing a beverage.

While your EV tops up, you’re not standing there waiting. You’re doing what you’d do on any road trip break. More and more charging stations are located at convenient stops—cafes, shopping centers, and rest areas—making it a seamless part of the journey. By the time you’re back, your EV is ready to go, and you’ve handled everything you needed. It’s not time lost; it’s time well used.

More Time, Less Hassle

The biggest surprise for most new EV owners is how much time they get back. No more surprise trips to the gas station. No more last-minute fill-ups on a cold morning. Every morning, your EV is “topped up” and ready to go, like waking up to a full tank without even thinking about it.

Imagine coming home, plugging in for mere seconds, and then walking inside. That’s it. No lines, no fumes, no fuss. Over weeks and months, those minutes saved add up to hours—time you get back for things that matter.

A Familiar Shift: Like Windows to MacOS

If you’ve ever switched from a Windows PC to a Mac, you know the feeling. At first, the change seems intimidating. Some things look different, the way you do tasks isn’t quite the same. But after a short adjustment, you realize things are smoother, simpler, and more intuitive. That’s the EV experience.

At first, plugging in instead of pumping gas feels new. But very quickly, it becomes second nature—an effortless part of your daily rhythm. And like that shift to a Mac, you soon wonder why you didn’t make the change sooner.

Conclusion: Embrace the Change

Switching to an electric vehicle isn’t just about driving differently; it’s about living differently. It’s about removing small, routine burdens from your life—one gas station visit at a time. With a quick plug-in at night or at work, your car is always ready. Long trips are still smooth and seamless, just with a different rhythm.

In the end, driving electric isn’t about waiting longer; it’s about living better. Are you ready to make the change?

Road Tripping in an EV: Lessons,

Road Tripping in an EV: Lessons, Surprises, and Why It’s Still Worth It

Taking a road trip in an electric vehicle (EV) feels like the future — but the future still comes with a few surprises. Recently, on our own EV adventure, we learned firsthand that while the charging network is growing fast, there are still a few things drivers should know before hitting the open road.

Not All Superchargers Are Created Equal

If you’re driving a non-Tesla EV, you might be excited to see a Tesla Supercharger station pop up on your map — but not all Superchargers are open to all vehicles yet. Some banks of chargers within a parking lot are equipped to handle non-Tesla vehicles, while others are still Tesla-only. It’s worth pulling in and checking — you might find a separate group of chargers tucked away that you can actually use. Patience and a little exploration can save you from a lot of frustration.

The Remote Town Challenge

Another unexpected lesson: Tesla Level 2 “Destination Chargers” are popping up even in tiny, remote towns — a great sign for long-distance travel. However, in these more isolated spots, you might run into another problem: no cell service and no Wi-Fi. That’s a big issue, because many chargers require you to connect via an app to start the charge. No signal, no charge.

Pro tip: Always check ahead using apps like PlugShare, and when in doubt, call the hotel, restaurant, or business where the charger is located. It could save you from getting stuck without a way to power up.

Tesla’s Quiet Retreat from Destination Charging

It’s also important to know that Tesla has scaled back its support for many businesses that installed Destination Chargers. Business owners used to be able to set rates and manage their chargers through Tesla’s app. Now, some can’t adjust pricing, provide support, or even guarantee that the chargers are still functional. Again, calling ahead is crucial. Make sure the chargers are operational and ask about any fees — don’t just assume they’ll be free or working.

Despite the Bumps, EV Road Trips Are Getting Better

Even with these growing pains, there’s still a lot to celebrate. The EV network is expanding fast. It’s easier than ever to find chargers along major routes, and with a little planning, you can enjoy smooth, emissions-free adventures. New stations are popping up every month, and companies are racing to fill in the gaps that currently exist.

A New Charging Routine

We also noticed an interesting shift in how we spend our stops. Before, fueling up meant quickly pumping gas, moving the car, and then going inside for snacks or a restroom break.

Now? With EVs, we park, plug in, and then head inside while the car charges. The car stays right where it is. We use the restroom, grab a coffee, stretch our legs — and by the time we’re back, the car has enough juice to hit the road again.

In the end, the total time spent is about the same — but the experience feels a little more relaxed. No rushing to move the car, no juggling pumps and keys. Just a smooth pause on the journey.

In Conclusion:

Yes, there are still a few kinks to iron out. Yes, it helps to plan ahead and check your apps. But overall, road tripping in an EV is getting easier, more enjoyable, and definitely more practical. As more businesses and charging networks improve their systems, the open road is becoming wide open for electric adventures.

Happy travels — and don’t forget your charging cables!