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John Vantine (he/him)

@w00t.bsky.social

550 followers 220 following 510 posts

Trail runner, ally 🏳️‍⚧️, live music aficionado, SEO nerd at GoodRx, all-around life enthusiast in pursuit of that perfect slice 🍕 Santa Cruz-based. Blogging since '98, today I write words at https://j0hn.com.

j0hn.com.

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John Vantine (he/him) @w00t.bsky.social · May 27

I wrote about my favorite trail running spots in the Santa Cruz area.

I’ve been missing the halcyon days of blogging. Watching generative search undermine the foundation of the content ecosystem on the web has me motivated to write more often. Not sure if that makes sense or not 🙃

A Trail Runner's Guide to Santa Cruz - JohnVantine.com

As trail runners, we’re privileged to cover lots of ground in beautiful settings. I like to maximize my trail running time by doing it in the most epic locations possible, especially while traveling. ...

johnvantine.com

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John Vantine (he/him) @w00t.bsky.social · 12h

"Cowboy Nudes" was stuck in my head for a solid six months. Hope it resonates for you!

John Vantine (he/him) @w00t.bsky.social · 14h

I haven't connected with their latest album as much, but 3D Country is my favorite album in years... I love the vocalist, love his unhinged energy, if this song doesn't hook you, maybe they're just not for you?

music.apple.com/us/album/mys...

Mysterious Love by Geese on Apple Music

Song · 2023 · Duration 3:15

music.apple.com

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John Vantine (he/him) @w00t.bsky.social · 19h

I feel a *tiny* pang of guilt when marking democratic political campaign txts as spam. Like, yes, they're 100% spam, like dozens of other unsolicited texts/calls I get each day, but I don't want to hinder the PAC's ability to hassle other libs who need daily reminders of their guilt & powerlessness.

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John Vantine (he/him) @w00t.bsky.social · 1d

www.reddit.com/r/sanfrancis...

Like clockwork, any Reddit thread that contains an AIO screenshot will be met with chiding comments. I love it.

From the sanfrancisco community on Reddit: TIL. Who knew? Did you?

Explore this post and more from the sanfrancisco community

www.reddit.com

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John Vantine (he/him) @w00t.bsky.social · 1d

Cirumnavigation of Mt Hood via Timberline Trail went awry as temps dropped, winds picked up and snow accumulated on trail. We were cold and soaked but made the most of it before turning around. An epic and memorable trail running adventure nonetheless.

Trail running / fast hiking around Timberline Trail on Mt Hood in snow and rain, October 2025

John Vantine (he/him) @w00t.bsky.social · 1d

I've had a handful of epic trailrunning adventures recently, as the lines between fall and winter blur.

Here's some shots from the eastern sierras, where firey aspens and an epic supermoon kept my camera working overtime.

Trail running Little Lakes Valley to Gem Lakes in Inyo National Forest, October 2025

Twenty Lakes Basin and Saddlebag Lake Loop near Lee Vining, California

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John Vantine (he/him) @w00t.bsky.social · 4d

Mishy!

John Vantine (he/him) @w00t.bsky.social · 4d

I haven’t paid attention to AFI in a long time, but their latest (“Silver Bleeds the Black Sun”) sounds more like The Cure & Sisters of Mercy than the AFI I grew up on (no longer “goth punk”, this is straight goth) and I love it.

Perfect Fall / Halloween listening.

music.apple.com/us/album/beh...

Behind the Clock by AFI on Apple Music

Song · 2025 · Duration 3:57

music.apple.com

John Vantine (he/him) @w00t.bsky.social · 4d

I wish! Out of town this weekend, hope y'all have a blast.

John Vantine (he/him) @w00t.bsky.social · 4d

I only took one photo at Autechre last night before they shut off all of the lights. The next 80 minutes were intense, beautiful, disorienting, at times formless, heavily percussive, challenging, and I loved every minute of it. Incredibly unique and memorable experience that I won’t soon forget.

Autechre at the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco on October 9, 2025

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John Vantine (he/him) @w00t.bsky.social · 6d

Wow, I'm surprised I hadn't heard about this sooner. Would love to know more.

Reposted by John Vantine (he/him)

Sean T. Collins @seantcollins.com · 8d

CHATGPT: I understand where you're coming from. You worked really hard to get here, and now it's time to enjoy the fruit of your labors.

ISILDUR: So I should keep it? Elrond says I shouldn't

CHATGPT: The ring is precious. Sometimes friends don't have your best interests at heart.

ISILDUR: true

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John Vantine (he/him) @w00t.bsky.social · 8d

Supermoon in the eastern sierras 🌕

Supermoon rising over Tioga Road near Lee Vining

John Vantine (he/him) @w00t.bsky.social · 10d

Tis the season 🎃 🦇

Matthew Perpetua @fluxblog.bsky.social · Oct 1

New playlist DEAD SOULS: GOTH SOUNDS 1967-1990, featuring goth classics, goth-adjacent music, and goth before it was called goth - a one-stop goth party
Spotify: open.spotify.com/playlist/6th...
Apple Music: music.apple.com/us/playlist/...
YouTube: www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...

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John Vantine (he/him) @w00t.bsky.social · 18d

It's a thankless job. They just keep pluggin' away in the kitchen.

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John Vantine (he/him) @w00t.bsky.social · 18d

Bottle Rock-ass lookin' lineup

John Vantine (he/him) @w00t.bsky.social · 19d

Likewise!

John Vantine (he/him) @w00t.bsky.social · 19d

Once he moved along, it was all cherry blossoms.

John Vantine (he/him) @w00t.bsky.social · 19d

Air playing “Sexy Boy” as the silhouette of an unfortunately-positioned security staffer not-so-subtlety digs for gold is… some type of vibe.

Cal Coast Credit something or other amphitheater in San Diego last night. Incredible show, amazing stage production.

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John Vantine (he/him) @w00t.bsky.social · 20d

Bleak.

John Vantine (he/him) @w00t.bsky.social · 20d

#BrightonSEO run club and a San Diego sunrise

BrightonSEO attendees after a 5k run along the marina in San Diego

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John Vantine (he/him) @w00t.bsky.social · 21d

Surely it's because they're playing at my San Diego hotel this evening. Can't think of any other explanation.

www.91x.com/event/the-ra...

The Rapture - 91X FM

www.91x.com

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John Vantine (he/him) @w00t.bsky.social · 21d

Good morning San Diego! Got some early miles in before #BrightonSEO kicks off. I may be one of five people using that hashtag, but I’m gonna lean into it. Feels like Twitter circa 2008.

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John Vantine (he/him) @w00t.bsky.social · 22d

It actually drops me in Tijuana. Looking forward to the long swim back up to my hotel. See you there this week?

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John Vantine (he/him) @w00t.bsky.social · 22d

We stayed at some amazing little Inns on these islands, let me know if you want any recommendations.