lackofaname's recent activity
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Comment on What creative projects have you been working on? in ~creative
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Comment on Tildes Book Club - How is it going with The Dispossessed? in ~books
lackofaname LinkI read it about a year ago, so it's not totally gone from my memory. I got lucky with my library hold and am doing a re-read now (re-listen? Still not sure the right verb for audiobooks) because I...I read it about a year ago, so it's not totally gone from my memory.
I got lucky with my library hold and am doing a re-read now (re-listen? Still not sure the right verb for audiobooks) because I really enjoyed it and wanted a refresh. I'm about 1/3 of the through.
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Comment on What creative projects have you been working on? in ~creative
lackofaname Link ParentHeh, this unlocked a memory of me seeing someone do exactly that. One guy driving (slowly, not that that made it perfectly safe...), another hanging out the back. Iirc, they actually managed to...I can't exactly put someone in the back of the van while I drive around to try to locate it either.
Heh, this unlocked a memory of me seeing someone do exactly that. One guy driving (slowly, not that that made it perfectly safe...), another hanging out the back. Iirc, they actually managed to isolate the problem; it may have been a matter of bashing a dinged piece of metal back into place.
Canvas tents are great for winter camping where I am, since you can drag them over snow, making weight a bit less of a factor. I have a friend who's sewed their own. I dont think it took a special sewing machine, just a LOT of time and effort. Their latest is a strategic combo of nylon panels to cut down on weight and cotton canvas for all its benefits.
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Comment on What creative projects have you been working on? in ~creative
lackofaname Link ParentI assume part of the problem is actually finding the squeak, but I had a similar issue once and managed to tighten up the problem with a simple zip tie (it was something in the cab rubbing, so a...Every day this week I've done something to try to stop the squeak every time we go over a bump but so far no success. I will defeat it.
I assume part of the problem is actually finding the squeak, but I had a similar issue once and managed to tighten up the problem with a simple zip tie (it was something in the cab rubbing, so a more durable solution wasn't needed). Hope you find as simple a solution.
As much as your post is about the van, I popped by to GUSH about your tent. I genuinely wasn't prepared for that level of delight. Did you also make it? What's the material?
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Comment on What creative projects have you been working on? in ~creative
lackofaname Link ParentThese are really pleasant! Though, weird thing, certain sounds, even played really softly, cause my ears to make fluttery drummy sounds... a lot of the tones in these songs are triggering that....These are really pleasant!
Though, weird thing, certain sounds, even played really softly, cause my ears to make fluttery drummy sounds... a lot of the tones in these songs are triggering that.
Anyone else ever get this? My hearing's pretty good otherwise.
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Comment on What creative projects have you been working on? in ~creative
lackofaname Link ParentIt's hardly bragging when you're simply stating the truth. That work looks stunning!It's hardly bragging when you're simply stating the truth. That work looks stunning!
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Comment on Expanding upon other peoples' thoughts in discussions in ~talk
lackofaname Link ParentAhh, gotcha. It really depends on the group of people, but for quieter groups, I've found it can certainly help for someone to step up and become the defacto leader if others are more reluctant to...Ahh, gotcha. It really depends on the group of people, but for quieter groups, I've found it can certainly help for someone to step up and become the defacto leader if others are more reluctant to get started. I'm happy to do it (as needed) to keep things flowing, but I'm also perfectly happy to sit back and let someone else take on that role.
This might mean piping up to kick off the group-discussion with introductions (if needed) or re-iterating the purpose. If the breakout session can be approached from multiple angles/approaches, you could ask how people want to start (or be ready to offer a suggestion). If a discussion has petered out, taking it back to the purpose and asking if there's a new angle. If people have nothing left to add and you've achieved (enough of) the goal and are waiting to re-join the main meeting, maybe simply give a sense of finality: "ok, it seems like we've got our ideas, shall we take back x minutes while we wait to rejoin the main meeting?" Essentially, helping to facilitate focus and flow throughout the session.
I don't want to pretend I'm great at any of this. I'm just good-enough and comfortable putting myself out there when no one else is to get the job done. I work with some people who are genuinely fantastic at driving discussions; in the meetings they host, I observe their approaches to try and take notes for myself to improve.
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Comment on Expanding upon other peoples' thoughts in discussions in ~talk
lackofaname LinkShort answer: Love when people build/expand on ideas, have no issue if people re-phrase to make sure they have the same understanding, and I agree that affirming others' contributions can be...Short answer:
Love when people build/expand on ideas, have no issue if people re-phrase to make sure they have the same understanding, and I agree that affirming others' contributions can be helpful. Where it can get annoying is when it feels like the speaker is trying to re-package the exact same point as their own with no real contribution.Longer answer:
I'll admit, I'm probably being narrow-minded to my own experience, but I'm having a hard time picturing a meeting, especially virtual, with overly long silences.Meetings should serve a purpose: Are there long silences because people are thinking through an idea/problem (perfectly valid), or have broken off to do solo work before reconvening the conversation (depending on the type of meeting)? Or, because people are sitting around without an organizer to keep on-focus and achieve the purpose of the meeting? Or, too shy to speak up? Or, because someone asked a question and literally no-one has an opinion (happens to me all the time, and I just motor along..)?
Especially in virtual meetings (especially-especially in an office that doesn't demand cameras-on), I find it helpful to re-create some of the non-verbal cues that help keep in-person discussions moving: saying "I agree" or "good point", verbalizing I'm thinking through the options, giving a thumbs-up emoji, etc.
Generally, I'd expect the meeting leader/organizer to keep things moving (or, lacking one, someone to step up into a leader role during the meeting): re-iterate the meeting's purpose, ask if there are other ideas, confirm resolutions/takeaways/next steps, end the meeting/reconvene later, whatever makes sense in-context.
Is there something in the work culture preventing people from speaking? I've found giving newer colleagues positive feedback, and explicitly asking about their opinion in their area of expertise, has helped them out of their shell (this worked on me when I was new!). Keeping things friendly and being supportive can help, too.
Not sure if the longer answer was really helpful to what you're asking about, but figured I'd add it to give a few broader ideas :)
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Comment on Spring gardening thread in ~hobbies
lackofaname Link ParentSoil testing is another reason why Im not planting veggies inground this year. I'm in a neighbourhood with historical activity not too far away that might have left some unsavoury legacy pollution...Soil testing is another reason why Im not planting veggies inground this year. I'm in a neighbourhood with historical activity not too far away that might have left some unsavoury legacy pollution in the soil. I'd like to find out if I should be building raised planters instead.
Edit, I was going to add, depending on where you are in the world and how close it is to buildings, you might want to check what type of maple it is before deciding to keep.
Box elder (aka manitoba maple) are trash trees if close to buildings. they grow fast but fall apart when older.
Norway maple in a north american context is super common in cities but spreads easily and outcompetes native trees including sugar maple. I have a real vendetta against them.
If you arent in North America.. sorry for northamerisplaining!
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Comment on Spring gardening thread in ~hobbies
lackofaname LinkMy 'gardening' this year is mostly getting a handle on my new home. A lot of observation over the upcoming year, planning future landscaping, managing so.many.invasives, a box elder that needs to...My 'gardening' this year is mostly getting a handle on my new home. A lot of observation over the upcoming year, planning future landscaping, managing so.many.invasives, a box elder that needs to come down before it becomes a problem...
In terms of actual gardening, I have a lot of tomatos I sprouted and not sure what to do with, give away or plant in nearby family's garden maybe. Otherwise, sticking to easy herbs and a few veg in pots.
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Comment on Cold brew coffee in three minutes using acoustic cavitation in ~food
lackofaname Link ParentThey used a 100-W ultrasonic transducer for the ultrasonication. Original paper is open access Ultrasonicator used Someone electronics-inclined could probably do something similar..They used a 100-W ultrasonic transducer for the ultrasonication.
Someone electronics-inclined could probably do something similar..
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Comment on Decreased CO2 saturation during circular breathwork supports emergence of altered states of consciousness in ~health.mental
lackofaname Link ParentTotal noise-comment, but as someone with a healthy fear of heights, I got a good chuckle out of the implication that the body associates rock climbing experience with dying.how your body produces a DMT like product to ease you into death
Total noise-comment, but as someone with a healthy fear of heights, I got a good chuckle out of the implication that the body associates rock climbing experience with dying.
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Comment on Revealed: Tyson Foods dumps millions of pounds of toxic pollutants into US rivers and lakes in ~enviro
lackofaname Link ParentBig caveat. My lay-person's understanding is that companies have often hidden behind bankruptcy to avoid the costs of cleanups, and the loopholes are exactly the problem. For my own curiosity, I...as long as they aren't allowed to wiggle out of it
Big caveat. My lay-person's understanding is that companies have often hidden behind bankruptcy to avoid the costs of cleanups, and the loopholes are exactly the problem.
For my own curiosity, I did a little poking around. Law/economics is wayyyy out of my wheelhouse, so I can't weigh in on the info in the articles below, but I did find them interesting and maybe someone else will too.
An explainer of some of the ways US companies have ducked environmental liability, with a couple examples: Environmental Spinoffs: The Attempt to Dump Liability Through Spin and Bankruptcy
A paper (open-source) that describes environmental bonds as a way to force companies to limit pollution (and front more cleanup funds): https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0928765521000312
(if these topics are in someone's wheelhouse, I'd welcome more info!)
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Comment on GlobalUsefulNativeTrees, a database documenting 14,014 tree species, supports synergies between biodiversity recovery and local livelihoods in landscape restoration in ~enviro
lackofaname LinkTopical to what's been on my plate all day: hacking away at invasive plants in my backyard. Moved in not long ago, and the yard is basically a study in stubborn invasives: scilla, mustard garlic,...Topical to what's been on my plate all day: hacking away at invasive plants in my backyard. Moved in not long ago, and the yard is basically a study in stubborn invasives: scilla, mustard garlic, buckthorn, creeping charlie, wild parsnip, barberry.. more Im sure.
From what I understand, previous owners attempted a wild/lowmo backyard, but without meaningful stewardship to remove these species and foster natives, it's a losing battle.
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Comment on Tildes Book Club - Voting thread 2 results - requesting feedback from library users in ~books
lackofaname Link ParentI also voted for kindred and elder race. Been looking to read more of Butler in particular after enjoying Parable of the Sower, and I have Bloodchild on my holds list.I also voted for kindred and elder race. Been looking to read more of Butler in particular after enjoying Parable of the Sower, and I have Bloodchild on my holds list.
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Comment on Tildes Book Club - Voting thread 2 results - requesting feedback from library users in ~books
lackofaname LinkI'm a library reader, but I read 2/3 picks recently enough they're still fresh in my mind (ocean at end of lane; ...time war). Small gods has a long wait, but Im 50/50 on whether I'll participate...I'm a library reader, but I read 2/3 picks recently enough they're still fresh in my mind (ocean at end of lane; ...time war). Small gods has a long wait, but Im 50/50 on whether I'll participate in that one. As beloved as he is, I haven't been able to get into Prachett in the past.
I guess what Im saying is, I'm not bothered about read order too much :)
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Comment on What would you recommend for a single, minimal, "overview-of-the-world" news source? in ~talk
lackofaname LinkMore a strategy than a specific suggestion, but I've found stepping away from national-level news sources in my country has helped my well-being quite a bit. I found the news from these outlets...More a strategy than a specific suggestion, but I've found stepping away from national-level news sources in my country has helped my well-being quite a bit. I found the news from these outlets was broadly negative, local enough to feel relevant to me, but too big for me to feel any empowerment over; it was causing me a lot of stress. The stories also generally weren't local enough (as in, my specific city) to be very relevant to my everyday activity.
These days, I'm more likely to go to an international source (relative to my location) like the BBC and scan the main international stories. Flip side, if I'm curious about my city, I seek local-focused news sources that tend not to cover national-level stories so much.
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Comment on Tildes Book Club - Second nominations thread in ~books
lackofaname LinkThis census taker - china mieville I'm going to recommend something on the shorter side for variety. The story is simple enough on the surface, but feels like a lot goes unsaid. I ended the...This census taker - china mieville
I'm going to recommend something on the shorter side for variety. The story is simple enough on the surface, but feels like a lot goes unsaid. I ended the novella witha lot of questions and feeling like it could benefit from a reread and discussion.
There's alao a lot of play with language and at least one...
hidden message, which i only found out about after looking up discussions online after finishing.
Full disclosure, the main story revolves around some heavy topics, but if I recall, no events are directly described.
heavy topics
Spousal/Family abuse, murder -
Comment on Tildes Book Club - Second nominations thread in ~books
lackofaname Link ParentI was going to purposefully suggest only short books/novellas for length variety, so at least personally dont see an issue with a shorter suggestion being inappropriate for a book clubI was going to purposefully suggest only short books/novellas for length variety, so at least personally dont see an issue with a shorter suggestion being inappropriate for a book club
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Comment on Tildes Book Club - Meta discussion - Should we read nonfiction as well as fiction and with what frequency? in ~books
lackofaname Link ParentOhhh, wow, congrats! That's a lot, but very exciting. though, I have to say, everyone also congratulated me when I bought a house (recently), and remarked how exciting it was. But mostly I felt...Ohhh, wow, congrats! That's a lot, but very exciting. though, I have to say, everyone also congratulated me when I bought a house (recently), and remarked how exciting it was. But mostly I felt panic and overwhelm. So, if you do feel excited, amazing. And if you don't (yet), you certainly aren't alone!
Even now that my nerves are (slightly) calming, I'm nowhere near feeling settled, which I hear is quite normal!
Just thought I'd share in case you've also been experiencing the roller coaster of emotions.
Thanks for sharing! What an interesting phenomenon. I hadn't heard of it before in relation to the skull, so it's great to have a new perspective to explore my experience from. Whenever I've tried searching my experience, I get results for tinnitus, but the descriptions don't quite seem to fit and I've been at a loss.
Interestingly, the first article you linked approaches the topic from the idea of influences on musical preference. I've encountered a lot of songs over the years I'd really enjoy (much like OPs songs) if it weren't for the pesky drumming sound in my ear.