u/How2DragonyourTrain

HI! A colleague is giving me a Technics SL-B202 for free, and I'm pretty excited about it. From what I understand, it's an early-1980s belt-drive Technics with the original S-shaped tonearm and auto-return functionality. The auto-return works properly, and it currently has a relatively new Audio-Technica AT-VM95C installed. I realize this isn't an SL-1200 or some holy-grail vintage deck. I'm not trying to turn it into something it's not. But since the price is free ninety-nine, I'd love to hear how you would maximize its potential in 2026. A few questions below:

• What are the first maintenance items you'd check on an SL-B202?
• Are there any known weak points on these tables?
• If you had a limited budget, would you put money into the table itself or simply upgrade the VM95 stylus (E, EN, ML, etc.)?
• Have any of you experimented with isolation platforms, mats, feet, or other tweaks that made a noticeable difference?

TLDR; I want to get the best possible performance from a vintage Technics!

As we learned on the incredibly underrated Stores podcast, there is no distributed commercial beer named "Bob's Ba-Na-Na Minion Sour Beer," but there is a Minion-inspired banana, lemon, and vanilla ice cream sour beer!

I’m such a gossip…

Anyone know it, by any chance? So annoyed by a wrong order... it happens, but I need to feel like I've done something about it.

DM me if so! Casual trade request for friends in the area.

Hi! I'm looking for a batch-cookable, freeze-friendly option. I prefer not the usual supermarket roux blocks (S&B, Vermont, House), so I'm interested in better-quality alternatives available online or on Amazon. I'm also willing to visit stores in person if it's worthwhile. I'm willing to travel for quality. If you're in NYC, do you recommend any shops over ordering online?

I wish wish wish could find that super dark, almost oil black, Japanese Curry I saw once in Tokyo.

Hi! I’m looking for a batch-cookable, freeze-friendly option. I prefer not the usual supermarket roux blocks (S&B, Vermont, House), so I'm interested in better-quality alternatives available online or on Amazon. I'm also willing to visit stores in person if it’s worthwhile. I’m willing to travel for quality. If you’re in NYC, do you recommend any shops over ordering online?

I wish wish wish could find that super dark, almost oil black, Japanese Curry I saw once in Tokyo.

It’s so much different than every other song by them!

In 11/22/63 Jake uses really advanced recording to listen in on Oswald and Marina. Did this really exist, and was it the pinnacle of spy technology at the time?

Can it be done? Has anyone ever made pizza before in an outdoor grill, or is this a stupid idea?

That’s exciting! Anyone know the gossip?

Neighbors, I've got a like-new Steam Deck OLED that I'm looking to trade for a PS5 Pro. Not your average trade, but maybe it's perfect for the right person in this crazy economy.

DM me with questions. If you've got a PS5 Pro sitting around, let's work out the details!