Cannonball's recent activity
-
Comment on What does your computer setup look like? in ~tech
-
Comment on What possession(s) do you have that continue to delight you every time? in ~talk
Cannonball LinkMy selmer bari saxophone. I got it 2 years ago after using a much older, borrowed one from my community band director. The borrowed horn was fine and I am extremely grateful for having had the...My selmer bari saxophone. I got it 2 years ago after using a much older, borrowed one from my community band director. The borrowed horn was fine and I am extremely grateful for having had the opportunity to use it, but man, mine is just the best thing ever. It's so SMOOTH. I'm not fighting for control of my low notes or squawking in the upper octaves. I can purr or belt with ease. It's a basic intermediate model but I've never had a horn that just works like this one. The case is also a much lighter plastic shell construction compared to the heavy wooden behemoth of the borrowed horn and, most importantly, it has WHEELS. I'm a short lady so anything to help with lugging the beast around is incredibly appreciated
-
Comment on What are your Christmas movies? in ~movies
Cannonball LinkHard to believe Christmas is just around the corner! My folks divorced when I was young so we developed two sets of traditions between them. Dad's must-have movies are the two Peanuts Christmas...Hard to believe Christmas is just around the corner! My folks divorced when I was young so we developed two sets of traditions between them. Dad's must-have movies are the two Peanuts Christmas specials. At Mom's we always watched the original animated How the Grinch Stole Christmas! She had recorded it on VHS off the TV so at one point there was a hard cut and about 2 seconds of a commerical jingle before it jumped back into the movie. I'm so used to her version that the "whole" copy I watch these days always feels a bit off. We all try watch them every year even if we can't watch together. I've also added The Nightmare Before Christmas and The Muppets Christmas Carol to my personal holiday watch list because both films bring me joy
-
Comment on What’s your “I didn’t know I needed that” item? in ~life
Cannonball LinkI've mentioned this elsewhere, but I generally prefer consumable items like nice coffee just because I have limited space at home. I did get a heating pad last Christmas and have enjoyed it...I've mentioned this elsewhere, but I generally prefer consumable items like nice coffee just because I have limited space at home. I did get a heating pad last Christmas and have enjoyed it immensely, and I think an electric blanket would also be awesome. For something closer to a stocking-stuffer, my mom got me a phone harness/tether thing that clips to your belt or backpack while hiking and even though I was a bit dismissive of it at first, it really ended up coming in clutch on the trail. No more dropping my phone in the dirt! This is the one she got for me but it looks like there are cheaper options elsewhere
-
Comment on What chemicals/substances do you keep at home? And what do you do with them? in ~life.home_improvement
Cannonball (edited )LinkThis whole thread has been a super interesting read, thanks for posting the question! Focusing just on hobby stuff, I have a bottle of mineral spirits I use to clean yoyo bearings. I also have a...This whole thread has been a super interesting read, thanks for posting the question! Focusing just on hobby stuff, I have a bottle of mineral spirits I use to clean yoyo bearings. I also have a few tubes of flowable silicone I use to replace yoyo pads. There's currently a big jug of mineral oil under my sink because I like to use it to oil my pocket knives and wooden cutting boards. I've also used vinegar to force a patina on some of my knives, but I mostly use it for cleaning and as a laundry additive. After poking through my junk drawer, it looks like I also have a few tubes of thermal paste for my computer and apparently 5 half-used bottles of the gel style super glue. Might be time to clear those out lol
-
Comment on Favorite quick play tabletop game recommendations in ~games.tabletop
Cannonball (edited )LinkDefinitely more of a card game, but Five Crowns has taken over our family game time. It's like Phase 10 without the bullshit. You're trying to get either a set or a run to go out first. The cards...Definitely more of a card game, but Five Crowns has taken over our family game time. It's like Phase 10 without the bullshit. You're trying to get either a set or a run to go out first. The cards left in your hand at the end of a round are worth their face value in points and the winner is the person with the fewest points at the end. The gimmick is the number of cards per round. First round, everyone gets three cards. Jokers are wild cards and 3s are also wild. Next round, everyone gets four cards and 4s become your wilds instead. This goes on until you get to Kings/13 cards. It sounds like a lot but rounds move fast and your biggest challenge is generally making sure you don't accidentally discard a wild. It's fun and easy to teach. I got my set online but I've seen it in the card game section along with Uno and games like that
-
Comment on Christmas present swap ideas in ~life
Cannonball LinkDepending on the crowd, I like ifixit driver/bit kits for that kind of thing. This one wouldn't work with your flying situation, but the funniest gift idea I've encountered in a white elephant...Depending on the crowd, I like ifixit driver/bit kits for that kind of thing.
This one wouldn't work with your flying situation, but the funniest gift idea I've encountered in a white elephant game was a huge, Costco-sized package of toilet paper. People were really eyeing it and it got stolen a lot (we didn't unwrap until the end). We all laughed our heads off when it was finally revealed
-
Comment on What's on your Christmas wish list? in ~life
Cannonball (edited )LinkFrom others: Consumables like coffee, snacks, and/or giftcards. I have no room left in my tiny apartment and the thought of getting more "stuff" just stresses me out at this point. My mom and...From others: Consumables like coffee, snacks, and/or giftcards. I have no room left in my tiny apartment and the thought of getting more "stuff" just stresses me out at this point. My mom and stepdad are fully in line with that way of thinking but my dad insists it isn't Christmas without big wrapped presents (we grew up poor and I think he enjoys being able to be more generous these days). Asking for nicer items like fancy coffee seems to appease him somewhat.
For myself: I plan on getting a new cell phone. I'm still fairly happy with my S20+ but the battery is definitely losing juice and I'm concerned that tariffs will drive phone prices up along with everything else next year.
Anyone have strong feelings about the Galaxy S24 line? Any other recommendations? -
Comment on What's the biggest YouTube channel still run by just one person? in ~creative
Cannonball LinkHard to tell who might have editors on the backend that aren't credited. Davie504 is one that comes to mind who is generally solo in his videos barring the occasional collabHard to tell who might have editors on the backend that aren't credited. Davie504 is one that comes to mind who is generally solo in his videos barring the occasional collab
-
Comment on November 2024 Backlog Burner: Week 3 Discussion in ~games
Cannonball LinkCannonball's Bingo Card Mode: Standard Bingo! Finished 3/25 You're giving it a second chance From a studio you haven't heard of before An updated version (remake, re-release) of an older game Has...Cannonball's Bingo Card
Mode: Standard Bingo! Finished 3/25 You're giving it a second chance From a studio you haven't heard of before An updated version (remake, re-release) of an older game Has a fishing minigame Has a skill tree Has a silent protagonist Has a review score above 80 Has a time limit It’s already installed From a different country than you Uses a unique control scheme Has more than 3 words in its title ★ Wildcard
✅ Monster Hunter Wilds betaPart of a long-running series Focuses on exploration Has both combat and puzzles
✅ Pumpkin JackChosen for you by someone else Known for its legacy Uses procedural generation Has great reviews, but not your usual type Has a logical vibe Popular game you never got around to playing Has a top-down perspective
✅ IkenfellAdaptation of other media type (e.g. board game, movie) Features a mystery I've been in a bit of a funk which has resulted in less gaming in general and in me falling back on comfort games when I do play. However, I was able to make myself play a bit of Pumpkin Jack on the switch. It's a platformer with a bit of basic combat and puzzles to solve as you move through each level. I'm terrible at platformers but it's fairly forgiving and the setting is spooky-cute which suited my original plan to play it around Halloween. I particularly like the puzzle sections where you become a weird pumpkin octopus to move into tight spaces. There's nothing groundbreaking about the game but it's nice in its simplicity and theme. My single biggest complaint is that your character makes a generic grunt whenever you talk to other characters (which happens often) and it's the same sound effect every. single. time. I find it so annoying that I play with the sound turned down, which is a shame because the soundtrack is nice enough and adds some ambiance.
-
Comment on Computer Airflow in ~comp
Cannonball LinkThe only concern I've heard of in set-ups like that is that having an intake right next to an exhaust might cause it to pull some of the warm air being blown out back into the case. However, that...The only concern I've heard of in set-ups like that is that having an intake right next to an exhaust might cause it to pull some of the warm air being blown out back into the case. However, that always felt like one of those things you only have to worry about in very specific circumstances and it sounds like your thermals are fine
-
Comment on November 2024 Backlog Burner: Week 1 Discussion in ~games
Cannonball Link ParentI'm really hoping they work some magic on the optimization side of things but I'm also trying to be realistic about the timeframe. I'm sure they'll get it running smooth, just maybe not by...I'm really hoping they work some magic on the optimization side of things but I'm also trying to be realistic about the timeframe. I'm sure they'll get it running smooth, just maybe not by release. I'm not a fan of frame gen in general due to the lag and in this case it really made the game ugly so I turned it off. Managed a pretty stable 80-90 fps on my 7 7700/7800xt combo with the exception of electrical sandstorm hunts and running around base camp.
I LOVE that your buddy has a heart on his booty! It didn't even occur to me to try putting the markings on places other than the face. I gave mine a mustache and called him Meowrio
-
Comment on November 2024 Backlog Burner: Week 1 Discussion in ~games
Cannonball Link ParentUsing magic to summon the fires of hell is not crazy far off from the main character's ability, so it might be right up your alley :) I'm stuck in a grindy section at the moment and debating if I...Using magic to summon the fires of hell is not crazy far off from the main character's ability, so it might be right up your alley :) I'm stuck in a grindy section at the moment and debating if I want to continue. I have enjoyed it so far and I've heard the ending is good, so I hope I can find the energy to push through. I believe there was a limited physical release for switch if you're concerned about it being delisted, but it's obviously more expensive than a digital copy.
I'm sorry the Wilds beta didn't work well for you. Not sure what your pc specs are but the game seemed to be more cpu bound than most if you're considering upgrades in the future. I agree with you about the palico character creator being slightly lacking - especially compared to the crazy nice version we got for our hunter! At least we got a poofier fur option this time around
-
Comment on November 2024 Backlog Burner: Week 1 Discussion in ~games
Cannonball LinkCannonball's bingo card Mode: Standard Bingo! Finished 2/25 You're giving it a second chance From a studio you haven't heard of before An updated version (remake, re-release) of an older game Has...Cannonball's bingo card
Mode: Standard Bingo! Finished 2/25 You're giving it a second chance From a studio you haven't heard of before An updated version (remake, re-release) of an older game Has a fishing minigame Has a skill tree Has a silent protagonist Has a review score above 80 Has a time limit It’s already installed From a different country than you Uses a unique control scheme Has more than 3 words in its title ★ Wildcard
✅ Monster Hunter: Wilds betaPart of a long-running series Focuses on exploration Has both combat and puzzles Chosen for you by someone else Known for its legacy Uses procedural generation Has great reviews, but not your usual type Has a logical vibe Popular game you never got around to playing Has a top-down perspective
✅ IkenfellAdaptation of other media type (e.g. board game, movie) Features a mystery Off to a decent start! So far I've been playing Ikenfell on my switch. It's a good fit for many categories but I'm tentatively listing it as top-down because I play very few games with this perspective. I'm tentative about it because navigation and puzzles are all top-down, but the combat switches to a side view, so maybe it's a bit of a stretch?
You play as Maritte, an "Ordinary" (think muggle) who suddenly develops magical powers so she sets off to find her magical sister, Safina, at a Hogwarts-type school, Ikenfell. However, Safina's unleashed some sort of ancient magical something and shit's gone down at the school, so it's up to you and the friends/frenemies you make along the way to solve the mystery and save the day. It's a turn based rpg with battles and puzzles. There's a timing element you use to boost the power of your attacks, but the game also lets you adjust that setting or turn it off completely which I really appreciate. The soundtrack is banging and the pixel art is cute and surprisingly expressive. The game is, however, longer than I expected. I'm about 15 hours in and apparently still have 4 chapters to go. The basic grunt enemy battles are starting to drag so I might skip most of them at this point so I don't burn myself out. Still enjoying the game though and hope to finish it.
I also decided to use my wild card space on the Monster Hunter Wilds beta because it felt fitting. I am one of the lucky folks not getting the hilarious polygon bug (which had me cry laughing and even spawned a new art style in the community) and the game is thankfully running pretty well on my rig. I had a blast with it but they are going to have to pull off a miracle with optimizing before release because it is undeniably rough around the edges
-
Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
Cannonball LinkBeen playing Ikenfell on Switch. It's a lovely RPG/turn-based bit of pixel-y goodness. It's got puzzles plus your basic grid battle strats with little bit of quicktime event-type elements to give...Been playing Ikenfell on Switch. It's a lovely RPG/turn-based bit of pixel-y goodness. It's got puzzles plus your basic grid battle strats with little bit of quicktime event-type elements to give your moves extra oomph (however I REALLY like that you can adjust the time requirement in the settings and even remove it completely). The chapter I'm in feels like it has some unnecessary padding which is making things drag, but hopefully it's limited to this part of the story.
Also downloaded the Monster Hunter Wilds beta this afternoon and know I'm going to end up playing the heck out of it all weekend (assuming it runs okay)
-
Comment on Announcing the Tildes Backlog Burner event for November 2024: Shrink your unplayed games list this coming month! in ~games
Cannonball (edited )LinkI think I'll participate this time around! My backlog isn't outrageous but I have a bad habit of playing the same 2 or 3 games and I'd like to work through more of my library. Aiming to split game...I think I'll participate this time around! My backlog isn't outrageous but I have a bad habit of playing the same 2 or 3 games and I'd like to work through more of my library. Aiming to split game time between my PC and switch since I have a similar number of unplayed games on both systems
Cannonball's bingo card (Standard/Flux)
Mode: Standard Bingo! Finished 0/25 You're giving it a second chance From a studio you haven't heard of before An updated version (remake, re-release) of an older game Has a fishing minigame Has a skill tree Has a silent protagonist Has a review score above 80 Has a time limit It’s already installed From a different country than you Uses a unique control scheme Has more than 3 words in its title ★ Wildcard Part of a long-running series Focuses on exploration Has both combat and puzzles Chosen for you by someone else Known for its legacy Uses procedural generation Has great reviews, but not your usual type Has a logical vibe Popular game you never got around to playing Has a top-down perspective Adaptation of other media type (e.g. board game, movie) Features a mystery -
Comment on Controversial opinion: I don't like "cosmetic armor" being an option in games in ~games
Cannonball (edited )Link ParentYour argument against single player games seems to be that it might confuse observers. Why should someone playing their single player run have to change how they enjoy the game just because you...Your argument against single player games seems to be that it might confuse observers. Why should someone playing their single player run have to change how they enjoy the game just because you don't like it?
-
Comment on Controversial opinion: I don't like "cosmetic armor" being an option in games in ~games
Cannonball (edited )LinkThis is one of those things that you are welcome to opt out of participating in, but it really makes a huge difference for many people. I think it's important to remember that everyone has...This is one of those things that you are welcome to opt out of participating in, but it really makes a huge difference for many people. I think it's important to remember that everyone has different expectations when they play videogames, including how their characters look. Some enjoy a more realistic connection between the visual armor/build and play style, and pick sensible combos alone the lines of heavy armor and swords. Others enjoy the contrast of a scantily clad waif wielding a massive hammer. And some of us just want to be able to dress up our characters in the most goofy outfit possible without having to hamstring the build and our effectiveness at the game. Ultimately, people are playing for their own enjoyment.
Being able to visually identify opponent builds in competitive games is a fair argument. I know Monster Hunter (admittedly pve instead of pvp) lets you look at other player's sets and see the actual armor pieces being worn under the layered armor. That seems like a decent balance between in-game fashion and identifiable information
-
Comment on What creative projects have you been working on? in ~creative
Cannonball LinkI finished crocheting a ghost wall hanging and I'm so pleased with how it turned out! Planning on making several more to give to friends. I think I'm going to try glow in the dark yarn for the...I finished crocheting a ghost wall hanging and I'm so pleased with how it turned out! Planning on making several more to give to friends. I think I'm going to try glow in the dark yarn for the next one
-
Comment on Monster Hunter Wilds | Release date reveal trailer [Feb 28, 2025] in ~games
Cannonball LinkGAH I haven't been this excited for a game in years. Amatsu-slug-gator monster? Flaming-tailed-chicken t-rex? Chain winged elder!?! I am so here for it. Love to see a release date in less than 6...GAH I haven't been this excited for a game in years. Amatsu-slug-gator monster? Flaming-tailed-chicken t-rex? Chain winged elder!?! I am so here for it. Love to see a release date in less than 6 months. Hope they really focus on optimizing so the release version is stable
I've always been weirdly fond of workstation/battlestation specs and pics! Here's mine (my phone camera can't seem to process the neon light but I promise it's way less intense in-person). Not pictured are the million zip ties and velcro straps used for cable management. I set up everything during the pandemic while working from home and have slowly upgraded various parts. It became my gradschool station once I was back in the office full time and now that I've graduated, it's mostly for gaming and occasional media editing. The desk is a random 40" one from amazon, which is unfortunately about as wide as I can go without encroaching on the window or a/c unit.
My actual at-work workstation is an iMac (not generally my preference but boss likes Apple) paired with a RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK96 board I've slapped some custom caps onto. I also use an aging 14" Dell Latitude paired with a 15" portable monitor when I work marching band contests