0x29A's recent activity
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Comment on What have you been listening to this week? in ~music
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Comment on What are your favorite special kitchen ingredients? in ~food
0x29A LinkAleppo pepper Black peppercorns in a grinder VS pre-ground black pepper (HUGE flavor difference) MSG Tons of hot sauces, particularly Chabe Sambal for pizza and Scotch Bonnet curry for fish Lao...Aleppo pepper
Black peppercorns in a grinder VS pre-ground black pepper (HUGE flavor difference)
MSG
Tons of hot sauces, particularly Chabe Sambal for pizza and Scotch Bonnet curry for fish
Lao Gan Ma (various)
Fly by Jing (various)
+1 to Ponzu, amazing with Gyoza/Jiaozi
Dijon Mustard -
Comment on Inline image support in ~tildes
0x29A (edited )LinkEven in an extremely limited form (specific communities, hidden by default) I personally would rather this adjustment not be made. This specifically down to my personal preference (so I get not...Even in an extremely limited form (specific communities, hidden by default) I personally would rather this adjustment not be made. This specifically down to my personal preference (so I get not everyone will agree) in terms of aesthetics and whether it fits with the vibe here, and I just have a personal bias that leans towards more text-forward, efficient content and I like that Tildes bucks typical web trends, since very few sites do anymore.
I would prefer that we be overzealous in protecting against the infiltration of imagery. I think once it is allowed in limited form, it will eventually be requested to open it up more for this or that justification and eventually misused and/or starting to echo the vibe of other sites that Tildes (thankfully) isn't.
I don't find it that bad to expect someone to click a link to an external image instead of inlining it. Browsers and phones tend to handle that well-enough, and that keeps the site clean and only loads external data to someone's computing device if they specifically authorize it (by clicking a link)
I get that there are technical solutions to some issues I have raised but I'd prefer the site not even have the infrastructure to support it at all vs. that
In other words, I don't think the infiltration of imagery is a worthwhile tradeoff to making some comments with image links less annoying for people that don't like clicking them on their phones
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Comment on Doctor fired after running emergency department warns about effect of for-profit firms on US health care (2022) in ~health
0x29A (edited )Link ParentYeah this is kind of a forgotten angle on it. While it can work (IMHO), it relies on a government willing and able to fully support it and treat it right. The governments in a number of places,...Yeah this is kind of a forgotten angle on it. While it can work (IMHO), it relies on a government willing and able to fully support it and treat it right. The governments in a number of places, like the US, would make it awful. The US would treat it like the USPS and try to run it like a business, seeking profit and cutting benefits, and so on.
tl;dr - Nationalization vs privatization only helps when the government makes those distinguishable in practice. When the government treats something national as if it were privately run anyway, then you're screwed. So the problem is more of who is in charge, cultural differences, entrenched propaganda, etc.
There are things that work well elsewhere that would only work well in the US if everyone changes their mind about a lot of things very quickly.
I mean, hell, the healthcare in the UK, IIRC, can work well but is being attacked from inside by purposeful underfunding. Basically people in the govt that don't like it, underfund it so it fails or has problems, and then point the finger at it saying "look it doesn't work", all a political game to them to destroy it.
I also feel like very centralized, very vertical hierarchical power structures often tend to lead to the same kind of ruin and corruption eventually. While I'm less a fan of typical government structures in general these days, I also am malleable/flexible enough to say "okay, if we're inevitably going to have a bunch of government stuff, then at a minimum, it needs to function radically different from what we're used to" (at least in the US). I am coming from a left angle on this (not to make it a left-right thing, but to be clear my approach is not a hyper-individualist/isolationist/reactionary one)
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Comment on Framework announces dual M.2 module for Framework Laptop 16 in ~comp
0x29A LinkLove to see when the modular design idea spawns other ideas for modules like this. Especially love it whenever a modular/repairable/etc design is successful. There have been many half-assed...Love to see when the modular design idea spawns other ideas for modules like this.
Especially love it whenever a modular/repairable/etc design is successful. There have been many half-assed attempts by larger corps at this kind of thing and they always end up as some CES prototype and go nowhere.
For once, a company, Framework, is actually making it work.
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Comment on Kagi Small Web in ~tech
0x29A Link ParentAgreed, and all the alternatives either really suck, or indirectly (or directly) support other companies I hate too, so this is a compromise I'm going to make, as the product is so significantly...Agreed, and all the alternatives either really suck, or indirectly (or directly) support other companies I hate too, so this is a compromise I'm going to make, as the product is so significantly good, and the amount that goes to Yandex insignificant enough that I'm not going to consider it a dealbreaker.
Like it or not, the 3rd biggest major index is Yandex, and it makes sense someone of that background and familiar with the service would consider using the index. Not saying it's a good thing either, but I honestly don't consider many of the alternative major index companies to be any better from an ethical point of view.
We can choose our battles in the ethical consumption nightmare that is our reality. Others may feel differently about this specific service and that is fine too.
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Comment on What possession(s) do you have that continue to delight you every time? in ~talk
0x29A Link ParentAnother thing: A GRIP6 belt. There are a number of companies doing similar things now. My usual belt situation has been- always too loose or too tight, or I customize it with my own self-made hole...Another thing: A GRIP6 belt. There are a number of companies doing similar things now.
My usual belt situation has been- always too loose or too tight, or I customize it with my own self-made hole (or not), and eventually cheap belts always want to break at weak points, or weaken in general, and are uncomfortable.
A belt like the GRIP6 solved that for me permanently. I've now had this belt longer than any other belt, it's infinitely adjustable down to the most granular need, the buckle stays out of the way and doesn't pinch me, etc. Life changer, for something so simple, because it has significantly increased my comfort on a permanent basis.
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Comment on What have you been listening to this week? in ~music
0x29A LinkBeen listening to an album I discovered earlier this year (and this artist's last album too) and thoroughly enjoying them: Flower Face - Girl Prometheus Flower Face - The Shark in Your Water Been...Been listening to an album I discovered earlier this year (and this artist's last album too) and thoroughly enjoying them:
Flower Face - Girl Prometheus
Flower Face - The Shark in Your WaterBeen listening and compiling lists of favorites from 12/6 to make my weekly music discovery blog post, which I haven't yet, but the list is:
Horrible Occurrences | Advance Base
DISTROYER | NAGASAKI SUNRISE
A Constellation Of Dead Stars | TEMPESTARII
Fresh Out Of Flesh | GHOULHOUSE
Mosaic | Fennesz -
Comment on What possession(s) do you have that continue to delight you every time? in ~talk
0x29A Link ParentHaha! I just added the Hario Switch to one of my wishlists a few days ago, also the Clever brewer. Wanted to mess with immersion+pourover combinations. As far as the Flair, it does take some...Haha! I just added the Hario Switch to one of my wishlists a few days ago, also the Clever brewer. Wanted to mess with immersion+pourover combinations. As far as the Flair, it does take some getting used to, but I realized I was using closer to a 1:3 or 1:4 ratio and 1:2 worked much better for me. I pulled an awesome shot with the Neo Flex this morning using 15g in, 30ml out, with a fine (but not extremely fine) grind. Also pre-heated everything because otherwise it drops the temp too much without it. Used a trick Lance Hedrick has mentioned where he pre-infuses for a couple of seconds by just pushing the lever a bit, then pushes to 9 BAR / main espresso pressure, and then lets the pressure slowly fall off through the duration of the shot- and for whatever reason that combo of things got me probably the nicest shot yet. But I totally understand not wanting to bother often because it does waste a lot of coffee if you're constantly having to dial it in and just not satisfied.
The diner mug I have I got from a record label of all places, for like $15 and now I look around for more because I love the thick design. It looks good, feels good in the hand, stays warmer a bit longer than regular mugs. I do have a few regular mugs I enjoy too. Double-walled glass or insulated tumblers if I want some insulation too.
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Comment on What possession(s) do you have that continue to delight you every time? in ~talk
0x29A LinkI just thought of another thing: a water filter that hooks up to the faucet, but instead of one of those cheap plastic "Pur/Brita" ones that hang off the end of the faucet, and are always a bit...I just thought of another thing: a water filter that hooks up to the faucet, but instead of one of those cheap plastic "Pur/Brita" ones that hang off the end of the faucet, and are always a bit janky and leaky, I upgraded to a larger countertop one that has to be replaced MUCH less often. Thousands of gallons per filter. It runs a small hose to a fitting that goes on the end of the faucet and to me is much nicer than the big contraptions that hang on the faucet itself.
I get great water out of it, and I absolutely need my water filtered around here, and I use filtered water every day for various things. Less waste, less changing, less janky, more well-built. I love just constantly having access to filtered, tasty water. Thousands of gallons of use and filters are only like $30! Compared to Pur/Brita it's an incredible value
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Comment on What possession(s) do you have that continue to delight you every time? in ~talk
0x29A Link ParentZojirushi stuff is top-notch. I have a simple vacuum-insulated carafe for hot water (inside is glass, which is nice) from them and it's built like a tank and keeps liquids hot/cold for a long...Zojirushi stuff is top-notch. I have a simple vacuum-insulated carafe for hot water (inside is glass, which is nice) from them and it's built like a tank and keeps liquids hot/cold for a long period of time. Perfect for a slow, periodic tea session
I've always wanted the rice cooker but haven't justified it to myself yet. I do love rice, and am often buying pre-made microwave rice dishes and whatnot. I really should jump on it at some point and start doing my own since it would probably be a lot cheaper in the long run.
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Comment on What possession(s) do you have that continue to delight you every time? in ~talk
0x29A (edited )Link ParentI have... a lot of mech keyboards. Too many, in fact. All of them $150 or less though. Some a lot less. So even though I have a problem, I haven't let it get to the "super custom" hundreds of...I have... a lot of mech keyboards. Too many, in fact. All of them $150 or less though. Some a lot less. So even though I have a problem, I haven't let it get to the "super custom" hundreds of dollars level yet.
I've also used more typical office/gamer brands like Logitech and I do not recommend them for mech keyboards.
Here's a breakdown of my current ones and switches (if I can remember):
Wired:
- Ducky One 2 Horizon / Cherry MX White
- Varmilo VA108M Moonlight / Cherry MX Clear
- Input Club WhiteFox (broken, I need to resolder/fix)
Wired+Wireless:
- Keychron K2
- Keychron K8
- Epomaker TH66 / Yellow
For entry-level/first mech keyboards, I highly recommend Keychron. They have some very inexpensive options that are still high quality. I'm very surprised at what you can get for the price. My TH66 from Epomaker was also extremely inexpensive, but I will caveat that Epomaker both makes some of their own and also distributes many other KBs, so the quality/etc can possibly vary, but my TH66 is awesome and feels premium for how inexpensive it was (in fact, they sell a few models on Amazon and I got it on a sale there a while back). Not sure about their service or anything, though. Keychron's probably a safer overall choice, though with Amazon instead of direct maybe that's less of an issue idk
The Ducky and Varmilo are great too. I use the Varmilo as my daily driver and sometimes swap it with the Ducky. Both are fullsize (incl. keypad) and feel great. Got both of those from mechanical-keyboards.com over 4 years ago. Their service was great.
Sorry for the overwhelming amount of info- mech keyboards can be a bit daunting when you see all the options in terms of switches, keys, layouts, etc. (Here's a WIRED guide: https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-shop-for-a-mechanical-keyboard/)
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Comment on What possession(s) do you have that continue to delight you every time? in ~talk
0x29A Link ParentI second the Aeropress. Just recently got the metal filter too. Thick-walled diner mugs for me too, I'll rarely ever go back to regular mugs. I just love the super thick walls on the diner ones...I second the Aeropress. Just recently got the metal filter too. Thick-walled diner mugs for me too, I'll rarely ever go back to regular mugs. I just love the super thick walls on the diner ones (example).
Really for me a lot of my tea/coffee hardware are things that give me joy every time I use them. Electric gooseneck kettle (Bonavita). I have a hand grinder (Kingrinder K6), other brewers (clear plastic Hario V60, french press, Flair Neo Flex for manual hand-lever espresso, etc), and various teaware (multiple teapots, teacups, gaiwans, brewers, etc).
My mechanical keyboards too are a great source of constant enjoyment.
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Comment on Anyone interested in trying out Kagi? in ~tech
0x29A Link ParentI didn't even know about the rewrite feature, that is awesome. Thanks for mentioning it.. I'm off to set some up! :)I didn't even know about the rewrite feature, that is awesome. Thanks for mentioning it.. I'm off to set some up! :)
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Comment on Podcast app recs in ~tech
0x29A (edited )LinkI moved from PocketCasts to Overcast and back to PocketCasts. Incoming rant, sorry. As much as I'd rather be supporting a individual dev like Marco (of Overcast) instead of a company like...I moved from PocketCasts to Overcast and back to PocketCasts. Incoming rant, sorry.
As much as I'd rather be supporting a individual dev like Marco (of Overcast) instead of a company like Automattic (and thus Mullenweg...), which owns PocketCasts, updates in recent months have completely broken Overcast for me, and no amount of reinstalling or deleting all podcasts and readding them has resolved it.
When it's working, I enjoy Overcast and had no real issues with it. But it's been super broken for me, and I mean truly broken. I guess it's working for many others, but I've seen quite a few app reviews in the app store mention the exact issues I'm having:
It's to the point that it's auto-marking new episodes as played/completed/grayed out as if they're old so I never see new episodes for half of my podcasts appear, ever. The one thing I expect my podcast apps to do, show me new podcasts when they release, seems impossible for the app now.
I thought some of my podcasts had just taken a break for holidays or something, then dug into it and realized they had been releasing new episodes, but the app could not let me know they exist so I had simply been missing them. Yet one or two other podcasts still showed new releases fine. I've dug into settings and I've changed nothing that should cause this to start happening, it just happened on its own after an update and has been broken since.
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Comment on Anyone interested in trying out Kagi? in ~tech
0x29A Link ParentBeing able to weight domains in search results. I block domains, I increase and decrease the "priority" given to others. Super helpful because I look up music and tech stuff a lot and certain...-
Being able to weight domains in search results. I block domains, I increase and decrease the "priority" given to others. Super helpful because I look up music and tech stuff a lot and certain domains are ones I always want to hit first (bandcamp, encyclopedia metallum, etc) so it's nice to be able to tailor results myself rather than leave it all to the algorithm. I then block other ones that are just garbage or things I don't want to support (fandom wikis, etc). Other customization, like CSS theming.
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So much less SEO blogspam / low quality results. I often get to what I want much easier and faster.
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I never thought I'd pay for a search engine, but even now, when I am really conserving budget, it's one of the things I did not cut. Honestly for my specific use cases, the results are so much better that I can't see going back to anything else.
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Yes they have AI but it's optional and most (if not all) of it is opt-in. Was able to ensure no "overviews/summaries" were in my results, it's a simple option toggle in settings. They've also been pretty open about how they feel about AI and that they're implementing it a bit more carefully. While I'd prefer the company avoid AI altogether, at least they seem to be more reasonable about it and not shoving it down everyone's throat like Google, etc. They've started using it for their new Translation service (an alternative to Google Translate) and so on.
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Comment on Necrophobic – Mirrors of a Thousand Lakes (2024) in ~music
0x29A LinkWas just wearing my Necrophobic shirt the other day! Super solid stuff, as always. Necrophobic is one of the reliably good "big/popular" black metal bands that just consistently releases quality...Was just wearing my Necrophobic shirt the other day! Super solid stuff, as always. Necrophobic is one of the reliably good "big/popular" black metal bands that just consistently releases quality music no matter their size or big label money, or whatever. The new record IMO doesn't hold a candle to nearly perfect prior releases like Mark of the Necrogram, but that's a tough record to follow-up, period, so I don't blame 'em.
Honestly, I can't say they've ever released anything bad. That's how consistent they are. Even their most forgettable releases are pretty good.
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Comment on Tom Merritt's opinion on if Mozilla should join Chromium in ~tech
0x29A LinkA far less reasonable take than I would usually expect from Tom. Google's dominance has not really been chipped away at much like he suggests. Almost every other browser is Chromium-based. And...A far less reasonable take than I would usually expect from Tom. Google's dominance has not really been chipped away at much like he suggests. Almost every other browser is Chromium-based. And Chromium is strongly influenced by Google's decisions. Google's ubiquity on the web, not just in browser, but also search, has overall made the web a worse place. They need to be fought against, not joined.
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Comment on Is anyone planning to play Path of Exile 2? in ~games
0x29A Link ParentThanks! I'm playing PoE 2 now and so far I would say it is streamlined a bit and there's a small bit of explanations to guide users but I will say it's not a lot and still makes some assumptions...Thanks! I'm playing PoE 2 now and so far I would say it is streamlined a bit and there's a small bit of explanations to guide users but I will say it's not a lot and still makes some assumptions about what you know about their systems. Not super intimidating or anything but even as a seasoned player of PoE1 I made a mistake with one of my skills and didn't notice for a while. The thing is that you can experiment plenty and easily and that will help you figure things out.
In general things feel easier to grasp, IMO, because there are a lot less systems to immediately wrap your mind around. The campaign process is slow enough now that you aren't bombarded with constant new systems or currencies. Only a couple at a time. And they guide you more with skill choices now which will help new players. They've done a good job of adding some guidance while retaining the flexibility for savvy players. I think they're trying to strike a balance without too much handholding
I still think it's making a ton of assumptions about what the players know, so it's still certainly not the easiest ARPG to jump into, but after playing a bit, it's how I expected it would be- I maintain my recommendation that non-PoE players give it a try (not necessarily EA unless you're really wanting to, since it will eventually be free on release).
I will note the pacing and difficulty feels different, and even more difficult in 2, and it can feel rough including even early rare enemies and boss fights, but the dodge mechanics work well. So def prepare for it to feel a but tough (some bosses have taken me a few tries so far and some rare enemies have rough modifiers)
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Comment on The CEO of UnitedHealthcare (insurance company) has been assassinated in NYC in ~news
0x29A LinkI won't say specifically that I endorse or condemn this, because I understand the argument that things get ugly when people take things into their own hands, especially when it comes to single...- Exemplary
I won't say specifically that I endorse or condemn this, because I understand the argument that things get ugly when people take things into their own hands, especially when it comes to single actors like this vs. organized efforts, but I will say that I'm not exactly shedding any tears when the powerful (whether the rich or the state) no longer have a monopoly on violence.
So many cry out when something like this happens while simultaneously turning a blind eye to the violence these industries, and the state, commit on a daily basis. We are urged to see the humanity in a monster, while ignoring the humanity of all those who suffered because of them.
The real victims here are the customers of UHC which had one of, if not, the highest rates of denied claims (32%) . I'm not specifically saying this is the way things should happen, but I'm not exactly upset when they do happen.
Been listening to:
Recent releases:
Advance Base - Horrible Occurrences
Fennesz - Mosaic
Tempestarii - A Constellation of Dead Stars
Nagasaki Sunrise - Distroyer
Goat Worship - Lindisfarne (Note: Youtube link)
Caressing Misery - Lost and Serene
Zverzost - Мракоуст
Wolfzahn - In War There is No Substitute For Victory Note: not fash, despite aesthetics
Kidnapped - Disgust
Not recently released:
Votive - Towards the Pillory
Missouri Executive Order 44 - Salt Sermon