AuthenticAccount's recent activity
-
Comment on What's a game that you feel like you missed out on? in ~games
-
Comment on What have you been watching / reading this week? (Anime/Manga) in ~anime
AuthenticAccount (edited )LinkMushoku Tensei was so much better than I was expecting. The expectation I set came from the first few episodes. Lots of perv-y awkwardness. But it developed into an adventure in the first season....Mushoku Tensei was so much better than I was expecting. The expectation I set came from the first few episodes. Lots of perv-y awkwardness. But it developed into an adventure in the first season. The second season mostly focused on one location. The main character grew a lot. And the story covered two topics in a surprisingly mature and healthy way that really impressed me. It's a really cute show with some great sword and sorcery fantasy. Looking forward to the next season.
Started Dungeon Menshi (Delicious In Dungeon). It's hilarious and unique in that it's like a cookie adventure. It's a lot of fun.
-
Comment on What's your favorite music album to get high to? in ~music
AuthenticAccount LinkDr. Dog - The Psychedelic Swamp Moon Duo - Stars Are the Light Gerry Rafferty - City to City Roxy Music - Avalon Bob Dylan - Blood on the Tracks Forgot one... Pink Floyd - Animals Curated based...Dr. Dog - The Psychedelic Swamp
Moon Duo - Stars Are the Light
Gerry Rafferty - City to City
Roxy Music - Avalon
Bob Dylan - Blood on the Tracks
Forgot one...
Pink Floyd - AnimalsCurated based upon your request; not too fast or dark.
-
Comment on What's your favorite music album to get high to? in ~music
AuthenticAccount Link ParentI was so impressed by Talk Talk when I dove into their catalog. Spirit of Eden and The Colour of Spring are my favorites.I was so impressed by Talk Talk when I dove into their catalog. Spirit of Eden and The Colour of Spring are my favorites.
-
Comment on Post something from your notes app in ~talk
AuthenticAccount Link ParentI might be seeing Jaar with his band Darkside next Wednesday. It's a little far and being a Wednesday doesn't help.I might be seeing Jaar with his band Darkside next Wednesday. It's a little far and being a Wednesday doesn't help.
-
Comment on Post something from your notes app in ~talk
AuthenticAccount LinkA little more context. This was about albums I heard as a teen that I think led to an expansion or pivot in musical taste. It wasn't meant as an exhaustive list of important or favorite albums of...A little more context. This was about albums I heard as a teen that I think led to an expansion or pivot in musical taste. It wasn't meant as an exhaustive list of important or favorite albums of that era, just ones I think led to more exploration.
Tuesday, Dec 24, 2024 at 12:18 PM
Albums that shaped my music interest
Nine Inch Nails - The Downward Spiral
Parliament - The Best Of Parliament: Give Up The Funk
Ween - The Mollusk
Medeski, Martin, and Wood - Shack-man
Wu-Tang Clan - Wu-Tang Forever
Phish - Billy Breathes -
Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
AuthenticAccount LinkAvowed: OK, I've only been casually interested in gaming the past dozen years. This is the first game I've finished since Borderlands 2. Most games only get a few hours out of me. Between...Avowed:
OK, I've only been casually interested in gaming the past dozen years. This is the first game I've finished since Borderlands 2. Most games only get a few hours out of me. Between Borderlands 2 and Avowed, I think the only game to get more than 10 hours of my time was Outer Worlds. I don't recall exactly, but It was between 40-60 hours before I got bored.I sunk about 76 hours into Avowed with my first character. I have some criticism, that aren't too consequential, that I mentioned a week or two ago, but I ended up loving this game. Loved the design of the different regions. They did a great job of making them feel more expansive than they really are. Once I cleaned out most of a region or leveled up enough to be able to blast through a herd of baddies with ease, I could traverse seemingly vast distances on foot in not much time. Gameplay was great, I stuck to a wand and elemental grimoire. I thought the dialog was fairly good, and story and lore interesting.
I already have about 4 hours into a new character. I have a sword and shield load out, and a long gun to switch between. I'm considering going tank with this and no magic, but I may try to balance out brawn with some defensive spells. Unsure so far, but the combat is a lot of fun, and there are several decisions I could've made differently, so we'll see how much I stick with it. Because, speaking of lore...
Pillars of Eternity:
Avowed prompted me to give PoE a fair shake, since they are in the same universe. Only about 3 hours in, still learning how to do everything, and familiarizing myself with details of their system. The writing, so far, is very good. I've heard it is outstanding, but it's too early for me to tell, and I only have so much to compare it with. I'm way behind on a lot of games highly acclaimed for their writing. It's quite possible this will steal my time away from another run through Avowed. I think I should play more CRPGs. -
Comment on 'Anora' wins five Oscars including Best Picture in ~movies
AuthenticAccount Link ParentStar Trek: Strange New Worlds and Discovery both had representation in this regard. There should be more, but at least they did it.Maybe one day we'll have people with disabilities portray people with disabilities
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Discovery both had representation in this regard. There should be more, but at least they did it.
-
Comment on What have you been listening to this week? in ~music
AuthenticAccount LinkBinging more Squeaky Feet. Really enjoyed 2024-04-25 - The 8x10 - Baltimore MD One long set of four songs. Look at these track times. Thread Count -> (32:00) Lucky Number (31:50) Dar Bon (32:39)...Binging more Squeaky Feet. Really enjoyed 2024-04-25 - The 8x10 - Baltimore MD
One long set of four songs. Look at these track times.
- Thread Count -> (32:00)
- Lucky Number (31:50)
- Dar Bon (32:39)
- Pull The Lever (25:17)
The brief descriptor they use on their bandcamp page is "Prog-rock w/ a pocket."
-
Comment on Hi, how are you? Mental health support and discussion thread (March 2025) in ~health.mental
AuthenticAccount LinkContent Warning: Pet Loss Fuuuuck! Two of them. I lost two feline family members in a week. The one that has been in my daily life for about a year was in the hospital while I got a call from my...Content Warning: Pet Loss
Fuuuuck!
Two of them. I lost two feline family members in a week.
The one that has been in my daily life for about a year was in the hospital while I got a call from my ex that one of our cats had to be euthanized. A couple of days later my girlfriend and I had to euthanize the little lady that had been in the hospital. That little kitty was so funny and quirky. She brought me a ton of love and comfort during some serious bouts with depression last year. She was also my girlfriend's closest family member for 13 years. This cat was her child and is the most significant loss she's experienced. My girlfriend at least got to hold her in her arms as she made her transition. The vet cried with us as she administered the anesthesia and euthanasia drugs.
Last week was really fucking difficult.
And of course I'm a tad freaked out about everything going on with my country.
So far, 2025 is sucking hard.
Sorry for all of the cussing.
-
Comment on US President Donald Trump cuts short talks with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy after Oval Office blow up in ~society
AuthenticAccount Link ParentI've read your other reply below but I'm responding to this top level comment. I watched the entire hour long video I found on YouTube. Zelensky showed a lot of restraint, and on occasion stood...I've read your other reply below but I'm responding to this top level comment.
I watched the entire hour long video I found on YouTube.
Zelensky showed a lot of restraint, and on occasion stood his ground and clarified some things that the Trump regime has cast doubt upon, like whether Putin was the aggressor. He's also sticking up for his people knowing that these negotiations that the Trump regime and Putin are having without him likely involve talks of Ukraine ceding territory to Russia, which Trump has mentioned in the past. He's making his case on the world stage and countering their narrative to their face, as he should.
Wild that you are trying pin the collapse of these negotiations on Zelensky. The White House canceled them because Trump is a soft ass wimp. Blame the bullies. Not the victim.
Zelensy should not have to act scraping and servile to Trump's dirtied diaper ass for support. Europe needs to step up, because they're on Putin's roadmap of expansion. And no deal should be made that cedes territory until there is no chance of winning. Right now, hope is not lost. Either way, fuck Putin and fuck Trump.
-
Comment on Movie recommendations? in ~movies
AuthenticAccount LinkLots of my suggestions were already mentioned. But here are some more. Twelve Monkeys (1995) Annihilation (2018) Starship Troopers (1997) High Life (2018) Aniara (2019) Hardcore Henry (2015) The...Lots of my suggestions were already mentioned. But here are some more.
Twelve Monkeys (1995)
Annihilation (2018)
Starship Troopers (1997)
High Life (2018)
Aniara (2019)
Hardcore Henry (2015)
The Endless (2017)
Coherence (2013) -
Comment on Weekly US politics news and updates thread - week of February 17 in ~society
AuthenticAccount Link ParentI've been dreading the day they eventually got around to the military. A Friday Night Massacre at the Pentagon - gift link I do not have a positive outlook. Went to a protest last Monday that...I've been dreading the day they eventually got around to the military.
A Friday Night Massacre at the Pentagon - gift link
Now that Trump has captured the intelligence services, the Justice Department, and the FBI, the military is the last piece he needs to establish the foundations for authoritarian control of the U.S. government.
I do not have a positive outlook. Went to a protest last Monday that should have had several thousand people. There were only several hundred. This is not a small city. I think people have given up, are too scared, or may still be in denial.
-
Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
AuthenticAccount Link ParentI have some additional negative criticism. Please keep in mind, I'm still having a lot of fun. I've made it past 23 hours, and I am a good ways into the second main region, Emerald Stair. I'm not...I have some additional negative criticism. Please keep in mind, I'm still having a lot of fun. I've made it past 23 hours, and I am a good ways into the second main region, Emerald Stair. I'm not a consistent gamer, so that I've playedthis many hours in four days is rare.
The non-interactive NPCs in the background seem like they are from an older generation game. There is almost nothing to them. They just kinda stand wherever they are and do a loop of the same actions on repeat.
The lack of a reputation system leaves things feeling a little thin. I can steal any item in front of anyone in any location. Although there are the occasional decision to be made in dialogue that affects the world and quest outcomes, the vast majority of dialogue choices have no impact on anyone. I think the lack of a reputation system is outdated.
Can't imagine developing a game like this and not having those things on the roadmap. So I'm wondering if they ran out of time and runway to complete those features.
With those things in mind, the game feels almost incomplete.
I also find myself hitting that wall with stats and gear to the point where I have to drop a quest and go grind on easier quests or seek out random enemies to grind for experience, equipment, upgrade materials, or funds for better gear. It sometimes gets tedious for a couple hours.
-
Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
AuthenticAccount Link ParentI picked it up early as well. Already cracked the 19 hour mark last night. That's 19 out of the previous 72 hours sucked into it. Love the colorful world and combat. I'm pretty strictly sticking...I picked it up early as well. Already cracked the 19 hour mark last night. That's 19 out of the previous 72 hours sucked into it. Love the colorful world and combat. I'm pretty strictly sticking to wizardry for now.
It is not perfect though. There is a certain ethereal voice that is really annoying. Not the voice itself, but the dialogue with it. I don't enjoy the cryptic babbling I have to endure.
-
Comment on a/s/l? Tildes user survey question. in ~tildes
AuthenticAccount Link42/M/ATL I cobble together Python and SQL automated data quality solutions for an ad tech (sorry) company. It's funny, I missed the A/S/L era of internet. I used to BBS for a bit when I was in my...42/M/ATL
I cobble together Python and SQL automated data quality solutions for an ad tech (sorry) company.
It's funny, I missed the A/S/L era of internet. I used to BBS for a bit when I was in my early teens. Then missed the whole AOL chatroom era of the internet. I wasn't permanently plugged in until around 2010. It's been all *downhill ever since. I cracked up at the 18/F/Cali response.
*Kind of joking. Sorta.
-
Comment on Are we witnessing the takeover of a country right now? in ~society
AuthenticAccount LinkSeems that way. Could be unsuccessful, but the damage incurred along the way could be bad enough. We shall see in time. I have extremely pessimistic views about what is happening that I've shared...Seems that way. Could be unsuccessful, but the damage incurred along the way could be bad enough. We shall see in time. I have extremely pessimistic views about what is happening that I've shared elsewhere. Either way, I think we should treat it as a coup. To me, this is not a drill. The intent is there and an attempt underway. Act accordingly. The is the Project 2025 playbook in action.
All of the news is dizzying, which I think is a component they want. Keep people's heads spinning. Keep the energy used in defiance dispersed and diffused. I'm personally exhausted. If that's what they want, it's working on me. But I haven't personally been in top form for a while.
I wish I had started compiling a list of everything as it unfolds and kept it as a living doc that I update daily. I can't otherwise keep up and recall just from memory. I may try to start one, but oh boy am I tired.
-
Comment on Hi, how are you? Mental health support and discussion thread (February 2025) in ~health.mental
AuthenticAccount LinkI feel pretty helpless right now. Seems like my country is on the verge of spinning out of control, veering off a cliff, and taking a nose dive into oblivion. I'm not an activist. I'm barely a...I feel pretty helpless right now. Seems like my country is on the verge of spinning out of control, veering off a cliff, and taking a nose dive into oblivion.
I'm not an activist. I'm barely a protestor, though I've participated in some. I assume some of what is needed would be a general strike, mass demonstrations in the streets, and, idk, maybe some drastic actions from elected democrats. I really don't know what those drastic actions need to be. But, one scenario I concocted in my brain was that Trump wants to get citizens riled up to the point of mass civil unrest, so that he can declare martial law and really solidify the dictatorship of his regime.
-
Comment on Do you think stressful games are kind of bad for your health? in ~games
AuthenticAccount LinkYou're not alone. What I go to games for has changed. The shift occurred sometime after putting almost 200 hours into Borderlands 2. Not that that games is like some of the others mentioned here....You're not alone. What I go to games for has changed. The shift occurred sometime after putting almost 200 hours into Borderlands 2. Not that that games is like some of the others mentioned here. I didn't make it far in Doom 3 or Dead Space because of how elevated my heart rate would be, but also I can't stand having to invest my learning time for a game into complex fighting systems or anything that requires intense reflexes like Elden Ring or whatever. I don't get joy out of it anymore.
Now, I sometimes play RTS (Stellaris) or turn-based RPGs (Baulder's Gate 3), but lately I've just been farming in Stardew Valley.
-
Comment on Hi, how are you? Mental health support and discussion thread (January 2025) in ~health.mental
AuthenticAccount LinkSeriously considering pulling back from more social media. My big one is Reddit. I moved on from Facebook about a decade ago. Twitter in late 2020. Deleted my Instagram account recently. It was...Seriously considering pulling back from more social media. My big one is Reddit. I moved on from Facebook about a decade ago. Twitter in late 2020. Deleted my Instagram account recently. It was handy for local events and businesses, but oh well.
Why do this? Because my mind is fettered, my attention is hijacked, and I am disgusted by much of what I read across the major platforms. It pains me to read some of the commentary online. Mastodon and Lemmy don't get a pass either. I see garbage comments in Lemmy, just like I do on Reddit or when I was on Twitter. WRT to Masto, it's just another thing I compulsively go to, but I don't even follow anybody and barely do anything with it.
I think I'm addicted. Actually, I think many, many people are. I'm also hooked on nicotine vapes after being nicotine free for over a dozen years. I'm over it. All this stuff. I mean, I'm sick of it at least. Not sure yet if I'm really over it. I think I will be once I've separated myself for some time.
Where do Tildes and the little niche interest message board I frequent fit into this? I might have to block them as well as I detox. At least for a bit. I would hope to return to some of my online activity. I do appreciate certain online spaces. I don't say much on Tildes, so my presence isn't too noticeable, but I do like it here. Thankfully at least with Feedly I can get some news and filter out some key words and phrases.
It's been a rough 2.5 years. Actually, it's been rough since 2016, but the more recent past has been turbulent. Things really started to snowball when my dog died suddenly and traumatically in 2021. At that time I was in decent physical condition thanks to picking up physical fitness for the first time in, idk, 15 years, I was eating well, and had recently returned to a practice of meditation. Then he died. He was a part of my morning mindfulness routine. Thank goodness I had been meditating, because I think it helped me get through what, so far, has proven to be the biggest emotional event of my life. Then a eight months later I ended a 10 year relationship, left my city and the first home I'd purchased, our cats (ugh), and tried to start over. I've since had several seriously deep, dark depressions. I had another event happen I don't want to discuss. Then my dad died in 2023, which was something I had years to do some emotional prep work for, but it still hit super hard. I also have a lot of work and financial pressure. But also, current events are not helpful.
Yes, there has been therapy. LOTS of therapy. Things are smoothing out, but I want big changes. And my experience is that often big changes take big actions.
So, I think to ward off another bout with depression and be a healthier happier me, I need to kick some habits I believe are blocking me from success and pick up the healthy ones I've had in the past and know how to develop. I miss being in good shape. I miss having an attention span. I miss having a calmer mind. I miss me.
I recently mentioned in another thread that my girlfriend had ordered a David Lynch book for me a few days before he passed away. It arrived the day after he passed. It was indeed Catching the Big Fish. When I opened it up and started reading it, I was hit with a wave of emotions. Good emotions. But nearly tearful emotions. It reminded me of some other meditation related books I'd read and the sensations I got when reading them. It really smacked me in the face that I'd drifted away from my center. That I haven't been present. That I need to meditate–regularly.
Anyway, if you made it this far, thanks for reading. I'm not a great writer, so this may be a disjointed post. I'll be okay. I hope I can do this. I know what to do. I have identified some of the ways I'm blocking myself. I went from "seriously considering" to convincing myself. Time to take action.
~ peace
I can't think of Ultima Online without remembering the one and only LAN party I went to. It was dozens of people in a warehouse all playing Quake 3 while one dude played UO.