I made it to week two of posting once a week like I promised last week. Good job me!

This week I have been trying to buy a car. I think the one I want is a 2027 Chevy Bolt, I want an EV and it’s relatively affordable. I would prefer to buy a used car but I think it doesn’t make a ton of sense here, unless I want to settle for a hybrid instead of full EV.

Buying a new car is such an un-fun experience. I approach most situations assuming the best of others but it really does feel like everyone involved is trying to screw me out of money at every possible turn. I got really close to signing a deal on one yesterday but then they asked me to take out a loan with 9.8% APR. I would prefer to not light $4,000 on fire in interest so I walked out of the dealership. I’m grateful I don’t commute or otherwise strictly need a car immediately so I’m able to take my time and get the deal I deserve.

This weekend was the Minnesota Street Rod Association’s annual “Back to the 50s” event. It’s a huge classic car show with all kinds of vehicles. I am not super into old cars but my uncle is, and he was thrilled to have a captive audience as we walked around and he told me all about the different cars, which ones were his favorites, and why.

I learned that my favorite type of custom car is a “Rat Rod” - cars built on the cheap and intentionally meant to look “ratty.” It’s part of a counter-culture against overpriced customs built by people for the aesthetic and prestige of owning one instead of one that you actually drive. I think they look so awesome and raw and I would totally drive one of these.

If I ever built a custom car, I would make something like this. Only mine would be an Opossum Rod instead :)

The show being in town means there are way more classic cars on the road, which is really fun and makes errands much more exciting. I wish manufacturers still made cars that looked cool, everything these days is so boring and monochrome. I’m sure there’s some way to make an aerodynamic and efficient car that also looks cool in 2026. Something like the ID. Buzz is a step in the right direction in my opinion. If I wasn’t explicitly looking for a small car, and also could afford one, I would really consider getting one of them. I’ve seen a couple on the road and they look awesome.

I have a flight at 7am tomorrow to New York, for the UN Open Source Week. This is my second time attending, but it’s still really intimidating going to the freaking United Nations! I’ve been having pretty bad imposter syndrome and stress about it all last week, even though I was personally invited to attend. Maybe it will go away by the third time, assuming I get invited back for next year.

See you next week! I’m also going to Toorcamp after the UN, so next week’s post will likely be all about that and the cool things and people I see there.