0x29A's recent activity
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Comment on Drinking two-three cups of coffee a day tied to lower dementia risk in ~health.mental
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Comment on WORM - Witchmoon: The Infernal Masquerade (Feat. Marty Friedman) (2026) in ~music
0x29A Link ParentYeah this release is so damn good. I was torn at first (being a fan of Worm's previous death/doom efforts) but they've nailed the new stuff so well I'm not mad at all hahaYeah this release is so damn good. I was torn at first (being a fan of Worm's previous death/doom efforts) but they've nailed the new stuff so well I'm not mad at all haha
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Comment on What have you been listening to this week? in ~music
0x29A LinkBeen listening to some incredible releases from yesterday, both of which might be "top X of the year" contenders for me already: Worm - Necropalace - Death/doom band that has turned into vampiric...Been listening to some incredible releases from yesterday, both of which might be "top X of the year" contenders for me already:
Worm - Necropalace - Death/doom band that has turned into vampiric 90s symphonic doom-infused black metal with some incredible solos/guitar work by probably one of the best metal guitarists, Phil Tougas (of other incredible projects like Exxul and Zeicrydeus).
Fossilization - Advent of Wounds - One of my favorite bands. Murky, dark, weighty death/doom that hits you like a brick wall. Straight out of the crypt
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Comment on What have you been listening to this week? in ~music
0x29A Link ParentSick, love noise stuff! Been dabbling with trying to make it myself too, nothing released yet though. Btw, your link seems broken for some reasonSick, love noise stuff! Been dabbling with trying to make it myself too, nothing released yet though.
Btw, your link seems broken for some reason -
Comment on What are you working through? in ~life
0x29A LinkStill going through a massive change in my mid-life that is taking far far longer than I expected. This means I have ultimately been without a job for quite a while now, still in the process of...Still going through a massive change in my mid-life that is taking far far longer than I expected. This means I have ultimately been without a job for quite a while now, still in the process of getting my place ready to sell and move, something I have never undertaken before, and dealing with the fact that even while unemployed I have not managed my time well. Also will now have a big gap on my resume which who knows how that will go if I need to look for employment. That and probably changing fields, along with the dumpster fire job market. I chose the worst time it seems to leave my last job but I couldn't have known and I was miserable and I am not anymore at least!
That said my physical health is better, my mental health has long way to go but still a lot better, I am learning and brainstorming ideas for starting my own business, I have learned deeply how to massively reduce my budget, etc, so I am tackling what I can and persisting despite the horrors and so on
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Comment on Non-Logitech replacement for G502 mouse? in ~tech
0x29A Link ParentG305 is the model I fixed, using these glides and these switches (the Kailh-GM 8.0 "color"/variant) I used this disassembly guide or something like it (this is a good one though) which gave enough...G305 is the model I fixed, using these glides and these switches (the Kailh-GM 8.0 "color"/variant)
I used this disassembly guide or something like it (this is a good one though) which gave enough detailed disassembly steps, that everything made sense in how it comes apart / goes back together and how to swap out the part in question.
The most difficulty I ran into had to do with certain parts that were a bit difficult to get to come apart, or very small or tensioned pieces (like a metal spring to give the click mechanism some bounce) that just, with my dexterity level, felt a bit frustrating. Was able to work through that though and have success. Felt very satisfied and proud afterwards.
I would say despite the small frustration, the process was relatively simple/easy enough that it's worth it (to me) instead of replacement, because although I have not the best history with Logitech mice (I used to like MX Masters, but have had multiple of them now have problems, etc), I really like the G305 and in recent years I've been wanting to be more repair/longevity-minded, especially for products I enjoy using, but just in general, because I want a world full of people (so I am trying to embody that which I want to see) whose first instinct when something fails is to fix it rather than replace it.
Looks like iFixIt has a good MX Ergo guide. For me, seeing a part-by-part disassembly made "how the repair needs to go" automatically intuitive just based on where the part I'm replacing needs to be in that process. It looks like the Ergo's switches are mounted directly to the PCB rather than being on their own and connected via wires, so I'm not sure if soldering is necessary for the Ergo switches or not
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Comment on Non-Logitech replacement for G502 mouse? in ~tech
0x29A LinkI fixed one of my Logitech mice using some replacement switches from Aliexpess and it was definitely a fuss to work on but once I got it swapped out my issue (intermittent double and failed...I fixed one of my Logitech mice using some replacement switches from Aliexpess and it was definitely a fuss to work on but once I got it swapped out my issue (intermittent double and failed clicks) was fully solved. Replaced the feet/glides while I was at it. Felt good to repair it and I'll get years more of life out of it now, and still have a couple of extra spare switches if it needs it again.
One of my favorite wireless mice right now is the Ajazz AJ159 (and similar models) with charging base. That said, it's probably not in your set of needs as it's more basic in terms of buttons. I don't know if there are more complex models or not.
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Comment on Taylor Swift’s obsession with self-mythologising makes for boring art in ~music
0x29A LinkHer music is simply not for me, though I do think Folklore probably got the closest it could get to something I would enjoy. There's some perceived lack of substance (and I think that's that...Her music is simply not for me, though I do think Folklore probably got the closest it could get to something I would enjoy.
There's some perceived lack of substance (and I think that's that boringness coming through) and a certain vibe in her music that just doesn't come across to me as sincere or as connecting as I get from other artists, even in pop, and while I'm not a major pop fan, there are pop artists that do have the substance I'm looking for that I do connect with more- Billie Eilish and Aurora in particular.
When I listen to or watch Billie Eilish or Aurora, the instant they perform their music it just hits something deeper in me... like they become their music and their emotions and poetry are front and center, genuine and expressive and I feel what they feel in some way, like something is reaching through the speakers and piercing my soul. There's something about Taylor's music that glosses over that for me personally and I can never connect with it, I feel nothing.
Listen to what you like, this is just my personal experience with it
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Comment on Discord will require a face scan or ID for full access next month in ~tech
0x29A (edited )Link ParentYeah and often dystopia is bipartisan so I have zero hopes about it. Especially where I'm at (the US). The entire structure is a flawed-from-the-beginning dumpster fire built on a crumbling...Yeah and often dystopia is bipartisan so I have zero hopes about it. Especially where I'm at (the US). The entire structure is a flawed-from-the-beginning dumpster fire built on a crumbling foundation of atrocity. With basically zero politicians that even remotely represent me or my interests. The main parties are both complicit in the horrors, historically and presently, internally and internationally, and the entire tech industry is ready to grovel at their feet at a moment's notice to do their bidding. I'm not saying electoral politics doesn't matter, but I am saying that it's completely f'd. Gonna take a lot more than a ballot box to fix this nation
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Comment on Discord will require a face scan or ID for full access next month in ~tech
0x29A LinkThis was a good reminder to cancel my Nitro subscription. Not exactly sure where the communities I am in will migrate to, but it's definitely top-of-mind for everyone now. There's a fairly strong...This was a good reminder to cancel my Nitro subscription.
Not exactly sure where the communities I am in will migrate to, but it's definitely top-of-mind for everyone now. There's a fairly strong sentiment of not giving in to the requirements, so I don't necessarily see us sticking around on the platform.
I do think the dystopia will follow us eventually wherever we go, for the most part, but who knows
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Comment on Looking for a particular kind of computer speaker in ~tech
0x29A LinkI second the Creative Pebble recommendations. Quite good for the inexpensive price and small size. Depending on how strict the 6" requirement is, Bose's Companion 2 Series III meets basically all...I second the Creative Pebble recommendations. Quite good for the inexpensive price and small size.
Depending on how strict the 6" requirement is, Bose's Companion 2 Series III meets basically all of the requirements except the height (being just under 8" or so) and they sound wonderful for the size and I think are worth the price (esp when on sale / used). They're also very narrow and not too big depth-wise either. They've lasted me for probably a decade at this point without any failures or problems. I know some audiophiles don't love Bose, but I enjoy this model in particular and think they sound like speakers 2x the size
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Comment on What have you been listening to this week? in ~music
0x29A Link ParentYeah In The Nightside Eclipse is great. Although they're one of the big legendary bands of the scene, I can see them being a very specific sound to get into if you're not already. Especially given...Yeah In The Nightside Eclipse is great. Although they're one of the big legendary bands of the scene, I can see them being a very specific sound to get into if you're not already. Especially given the symphonic elements and the way they use them (which I personally think runs circles around most "symphonic" metal, which I do not like, aside from maybe Dimmu Borgir and a couple of other exceptions)
It's just so fast, and messy, and triumphant and sincere without sounding cheesy
If you like that record now, you might be into modern (yet quality) takes on the sound, like https://stormkeep.bandcamp.com/album/tales-of-othertime
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Comment on What have you been listening to this week? in ~music
0x29A LinkThis heavily Staley-era Alice in Chains inspired doom band (who I think does a great job without being a cheap copy or "tribute" kind of band. Just clearly heavily influenced but twisted a bit...This heavily Staley-era Alice in Chains inspired doom band (who I think does a great job without being a cheap copy or "tribute" kind of band. Just clearly heavily influenced but twisted a bit into their own thing): https://famyne.bandcamp.com/album/ii-the-ground-below
This EBM/electro/industrial (slight content warning on imagery given the focus on leather/etc): https://plackblague.bandcamp.com/album/wear-your-body-out-ep
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Comment on A case for increasing computer literacy (but also a rant) in ~tech
0x29A Link ParentYeah and for that one, or the few, still maybe sparking that curiosity, dispelling the "black box" of technology, etc is worth it. Making the space for them to feel welcomed and comfortable...Yeah and for that one, or the few, still maybe sparking that curiosity, dispelling the "black box" of technology, etc is worth it.
Making the space for them to feel welcomed and comfortable exploring
Just one person feeling more empowered can make a difference, whether in their own lives, the world, or both
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Comment on A case for increasing computer literacy (but also a rant) in ~tech
0x29A LinkI have thought about this a lot- to the point of wanting to make a site and related content welcoming people to have less fear of some forms of technology and try to dispel myths and show how to...I have thought about this a lot- to the point of wanting to make a site and related content welcoming people to have less fear of some forms of technology and try to dispel myths and show how to do basic things in ways people can easily understand
But after many many years in desktop support and helpdesk roles, I have realized deeply that this is some ideal world or audience I would be trying to reach that may not exist. Maybe there's still a core of something valuable in the idea, however, I have realized time and time again that the majority of that content even when distilled down to its easiest, most welcoming form, just doesn't have a large audience
The majority of people view computers as a means to an end to get something done, and they just want it to work. They don't care how the hammer is made, nor do they want to forge one themselves, it just needs to hit the nails consistently. It's not even really a lack of curiosity insomuch as it is just not an interest at all.
There are all sorts of societal, financial, and other reasons this is the case, but I have to remind myself, even under ideal conditions where more people have the time and energy to be curious, I think less would be interested than we like to assume. Sometimes it's just not an interest and people are curious in other ways and find other priorities more important and I think that's okay.
I think where everything else has failed them is truly finding a way to make these systems easier and safer and more tailored to the less savvy- instead they're seen as a group to take advantage of, etc. So their tools become shitty in the first place
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Comment on A brief history of men's underwear in ~life.style
0x29A (edited )Link ParentFor a long time I wore regular boxers but once I switched to stretchy boxer briefs, I'll never go back. They're roomier and less restrictive and more comfortable than briefs, but feel better than...For a long time I wore regular boxers but once I switched to stretchy boxer briefs, I'll never go back. They're roomier and less restrictive and more comfortable than briefs, but feel better than the "shorts under pants" feeling of boxers. Really feels like the best of both worlds
I feel so much more flexible / comfortable wearing them and should have been wearing them the whole time. I realize I could have avoided a lot of discomfort for years, especially when I was young.
I'll echo the sentiment that there was a lot of weird social/peer pressure around this type of thing- for me, particularly when I was growing up
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Comment on What healthy habit has made a difference for you? in ~health
0x29A LinkThese have been huge for me Staying hydrated - general wellbeing improvements, less headaches/migraines, etc Getting plenty of fiber in my diet - much better bathroom trips (and anything related...These have been huge for me
- Staying hydrated - general wellbeing improvements, less headaches/migraines, etc
- Getting plenty of fiber in my diet - much better bathroom trips (and anything related to this) and overall GI comfort levels. Helping me manage weight too. Has other benefits I know are likely happening but can't attest to
- Getting enough sleep - massive overall wellbeing improvements, also helps with weight management a lot
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Comment on What creative projects have you been working on? in ~creative
0x29A Link Parentomg this is WILD, can't wait to see more progress / the big post!! LOVE itomg this is WILD, can't wait to see more progress / the big post!! LOVE it
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Comment on What creative projects have you been working on? in ~creative
0x29A Linktook some video of my coffee brew for today to edit later for social media, just because that's a fun way i can still interact with platforms and spread small joys also with a fun clip where i...took some video of my coffee brew for today to edit later for social media, just because that's a fun way i can still interact with platforms and spread small joys
also with a fun clip where i start to grind my coffee with my Kingrinder K6 hand-grinder, but then show off the fact that the shaft that the crank slips onto for grinding by hand also can fit a hand tool, so I show grinding some coffee using a Milwuakee drill to power it instead of my hand. just for fun mostly, i tend to want to do it by hand instead :)
3D printing more things and continuing to learn. printed a couple of adapters/mods (not designed by me) for my OXO Rapid Brewer to add a couple of features / fix annoyances. it's awesome.
Thinking of potentially attempting to set up an Etsy/similar business selling 3D-printed coffee mods and other small useful doodads
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Comment on What have you been listening to this week? in ~music
0x29A Link90s shoegaze / dream pop from China, 2015 release https://boringproductions.bandcamp.com/album/diaries somehow missed there was a new fleshwater album (nu-gaze)...90s shoegaze / dream pop from China, 2015 release
https://boringproductions.bandcamp.com/album/diariessomehow missed there was a new fleshwater album (nu-gaze)
https://fleshwater.bandcamp.com/album/2000-in-search-of-the-endless-sky
I haven't. In fact, I am deeper into coffee now than ever before. I agree that I see no reason to think the study is just trying to get people to buy coffee. There's no sign of heavy industry involvement in this study. The authors don't seem to have a conflict of interest. I don't know who funded it, to be fair, but I don't always think that industry funding leads to forced outcomes.
I was already getting used to higher prices because of buying specialty coffee that treats producers/farms well and as I have been pressed on budget heavily, I have given up many other things first. Coffee is one of a few small joys that I refuse to let go of among the horrors.
The commodity market price of coffee certainly is way higher than it has been historically, but that commodity price has always been too low. That doesn't mean that it going up translates to treating producers better but its historically wildly low price is indicative of a long history of underpricing coffee across the board in a way that makes it competitively priced at home but exploitatively priced at origin. It does fluctuate and has been coming down from peak a bit after some tariff things were settled and so on.
The real truth is most grocery store coffee is still relatively VERY inexpensive, and a majority of the mass-produced stuff is still exploitatively low cost when it comes to paying producers properly regardless of it having to become more expensive because the underlying costs are higher due to commodity price changes, transportation prices, tariffs, the real threat of climate change to coffee, etc.
All about perspective. When I am used to spending $18-$28 on a bag of specialty my perspective has adjusted to actually be a bit suspicious of anything that costs $8-$12 for my personal values but all of that to say there's plenty of inexpensive coffee still on the market for anyone that wants it. Dunkin, 8 O' Clock, etc are still very affordable. Local roasters with grocery distributions are often only slightly above those costs.
Especially when people spend $4 for a coffee drink at Starbucks- one realizes that $4 of coffee beans can go much much further than that. Even at my specialty buying level I am paying $0.80-$1.50 per day of coffee, and a lot of non-specialty options are half that cost. Fair point that I drink less than a lot of people though (I am not making big pots of coffee)
I don't deny though that with peoples' budgets squeezed and especially for those struggling that some have probably given up coffee, because for them even a small uptick in price has a huge impact. I want to remain mindful of my privilege.
I just don't think that given the overall picture it makes much sense to assume a study like this is surreptitiously trying to get people to buy more coffee. This DOESN'T mean I think the study means much overall either. I am not defending its conclusions or methodology just not convinced of malintent
Dang this got long-winded and so on. I got rambling off on some tangent. Sorry :/