DrStone's recent activity
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Comment on San Francisco Sign Guild in ~arts
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Comment on New job advice in ~life
DrStone Link ParentTotally new position, definitely follow the advice for scoping what you want from @carsonc. At only one day in, you can buy some time before accepting or rejecting offloaded work from people by...Totally new position, definitely follow the advice for scoping what you want from @carsonc. At only one day in, you can buy some time before accepting or rejecting offloaded work from people by telling them you're still getting up to speed on the current operations (which is also true). If your COO is open to it, I think focusing discussions on more high-level organization direction possibilities will be useful to see where you can add value and in a way that suits you.
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Comment on Updates to store tags: additions, removals, and edits in ~games
DrStone Link ParentFair enough on the live count of tagged games. For some reason I thought either Steam would be applying these "official store tags" based on review mentions or something. I fully agree that tags...Fair enough on the live count of tagged games. For some reason I thought either Steam would be applying these "official store tags" based on review mentions or something.
I fully agree that tags should tell us something meaningful about gameplay, core themes and content, major features. I disagree that tags like "Capybaras" do that for the majority of games that are tagged. So far, it seems to be mostly on games where a character(s) are skinned as a capybara, but it is inconsequential to the story or gameplay. One just has a capybara mascot completely separate from the game. Another maybe has a capybara enemy or something somewhere in the game, but it's not hinted at or mentioned anywhere outside the tag. Maybe there's some mountain of heavily themed capybara games that just haven't been tagged yet and justify an official store tag... but I'd be surprised.
Contrast it to something like "Ninja" or "samurai" where you can get an idea of the kind of weapons, gameplay, and potentially setting. A mechanical tag like "bullet heaven" is similarly a great addition, conveying meaningful information about what kind of game it is.
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Comment on Updates to store tags: additions, removals, and edits in ~games
DrStone LinkI don't understand some of these changes at all. They've added ones like "Capybaras", which only have three games - two of which are clearly crap. Similarly "Wolves" only has 4 games, with only...I don't understand some of these changes at all.
New tags are added when there are enough games on Steam that the tag could apply to, and when we think it helps establish a connection between games that couldn't already be attained through other combinations of tags.
They've added ones like "Capybaras", which only have three games - two of which are clearly crap. Similarly "Wolves" only has 4 games, with only two that are clearly wolfy, one of which is amateur crap.
The set that we've removed today are done so because they no longer serve a good purpose for establishing connections between games or describing unique and useful elements of content in the game
Among the removals, I agree with many but still find some confusing. For example, "Documentary" an "Drama" are established genres that have been applied across many mediums for ages. A hell of a lot more useful than "Capaybaras", surely.
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Comment on New job advice in ~life
DrStone LinkIf you're able to share a job title (or generic equivalent if company-specific), and potentially the industry, it would help with specifics. Generally, I would start out slowly. It is easy to...If you're able to share a job title (or generic equivalent if company-specific), and potentially the industry, it would help with specifics.
Generally, I would start out slowly. It is easy to expand your scope and expectations, while nearly impossible to contract or reset boundaries. Is this a completely new position made just for you? As in, did they create a totally new {Title/Scope} for you that did not exist anywhere in the company before? If that's the case, likely nobody really knows what your scope is yet. Either way, check in with your direct boss first to find out what their and the company's expectations are for you, even in nebulous terms. Look at what people talk about for {Title} online, ideally from the same or a similar industry. And again, start out slowly. Start with just the clearest core set of responsibilities while you get settled in, have at it, and see how that goes for a while. Check in with your boss regularly to see if they're happy with where you're focusing. If you're sailing through it and twiddling your thumbs to the point where it's a problem, see what's the next step beyond that core that you could add, only a little at a time. Take a default stance strongly against scope creep unless it's obviously justified or part of a clear promotion path. Eventually you'll find your balance or the company will figure out what exactly they want from you.
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Comment on List of environmental websites and YouTube channels to watch? in ~enviro
DrStone Link ParentI love Technology Connections (and the extra channel Technology Connextras). He does speak very slowly though. I've found that 1.5x speed is perfectly intelligible and memorable, akin to a real...I love Technology Connections (and the extra channel Technology Connextras). He does speak very slowly though. I've found that 1.5x speed is perfectly intelligible and memorable, akin to a real person who just talks faster, yet shaves off a third of the original runtime. 2x is pushing it, though it's still acceptable if you're comfortable with fast talkers and/or have some familiarity with the basics of the topic.
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Comment on Project Glasswing: what Mythos showed us in ~comp
DrStone Link ParentI've never used them, but there are tools like Lean and ROCQ (formerly COQ) for verification of software through formal proofs. What it really comes down to is finding the appropriate tradeoff...I've never used them, but there are tools like Lean and ROCQ (formerly COQ) for verification of software through formal proofs.
What it really comes down to is finding the appropriate tradeoff between the risk of bugs and what is required to achieve it. The cost in time, money, manpower, and company-wide discipline to produce code that is formerly verified correct and defined behavior across all cases does not make sense for most applications until you get into domains like space exploration and critical medical devices. For everything in between, there's a wide range of methodologies, technologies, tests, probes, monitors, verifications, mitigations, safeguards, and processes to pick and choose a risk-appropriate approach.
And that doesn't even touch on the potential underlying hardware issues. I don't just mean bad drivers/bios/whatever. I'm talking everything from random solar radiation causing a bit flips ("single-event upset") to shouting [at hard drives] in the datacenter affecting performance.
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Comment on What’s something that didn’t work for you? in ~talk
DrStone Link ParentIs there an example of a show targeting, or developmentally appropriate for, the 3-7yo age range that you do like? As a side note, there's a few particular episodes that come to mind that might be...Is there an example of a show targeting, or developmentally appropriate for, the 3-7yo age range that you do like?
As a side note, there's a few particular episodes that come to mind that might be worth trying. S03 E18 "Rain" follows Bluey trying to block a stream of water in the rain, with a beautiful soundtrack and less than 10 words spoken in the episode. S02 E26 "Sleepytime" (mentioned by @lostwax) goes back and forth between the household after bedtime and Bingo's dream while she tries to sleep through the night on her own (and sleepwalks), with lovely music, varied animation angles and details, very little dialogue, and a range of emotion.
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Comment on From neat lawns to wild havens: how No Mow May is transforming England’s gardens in ~enviro
DrStone Link ParentYeah, this is likely it. Giving up a perfectly manicured lawn doesn't mean you can simply stop maintaining everything. A bit of planning and regular maintenance go a long way in keeping both your...Yeah, this is likely it. Giving up a perfectly manicured lawn doesn't mean you can simply stop maintaining everything. A bit of planning and regular maintenance go a long way in keeping both your neighbors and the environment happy. Carefully select a variety of native plants that grow well together, favoring ones that provide the most benefit for local/migratory fauna and healthy/stable soil. Just letting whatever grow may end up of minimal benefit to the ecosystem on top of being ugly. Maintain whatever you decide to grow. More intense routine in the beginning to help establish everything new, but regular intentional trimming/pruning can help your plants grow better, on top of looking nicer and keeping shared paths/sidewalks fully accessible. Depending on your location and specific neighbors, proactively work to keep out dangerous inhabitants. Venomous snakes and spiders, aggressive and territorial animals, poisonous plants, invasive weeds, anything you'd give a wide berth on a hike isn't great to have in close proximity to people (particularly near curious children, pets, and the elderly). Also plan around and monitor water drainage. You can unintentionally create problems for yourself or your neighbors, and your local government may have laws/rules/permits around disturbing drainage flows.
I think my parents' home is a good example. A detached home in the middle of a suburban development. We always did the landscaping ourselves. Initially it was some gardening around walkways and under windows, plus a few smaller flower/vegetable/herb gardens. Over the years, and as we kids grew, the gardens and landscaping expanded. At some point we replaced the entire front yard with a garden, the first to do so on our block, and I think only one to this day. The other gardens are slowly taking over the back and side yards, year by year. Always careful and intentional with the changes and maintenance. The neighbors (and property values) are happy, and the place is packed with the bees, butterflies, birds, and other creatures.
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Comment on What’s something that didn’t work for you? in ~talk
DrStone Link ParentAt the end of the day, it's still a show targeted at 3-7 year old kids. There's an ocean of shows targeted at the same age range (or wider) that range from garbage to actively detrimental to a...At the end of the day, it's still a show targeted at 3-7 year old kids. There's an ocean of shows targeted at the same age range (or wider) that range from garbage to actively detrimental to a child (in no particular order: cocomelon, peppa pig, caillou, blippi). Bluey has a lot of good themes, realistic problems and resolutions, healthy relationships and family dynamics, a lot of imagination activities (with a clear distinction from "real" life), and isn't overstimulating. They occasionally touch on serious topics, like infertility or feeling inadequate as a parent, in an age-appropriate way. For parents, aside from being comfortable with your kids watching it, there's many little details and jokes that are relatable. In short, it's a show parent's might actually enjoy watching with their kids, which is a rarity worth celebrating. It's not one I'd recommend an adult seek out on their own.
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Comment on Buying a high-end PC for the first time - help me to doublecheck what I'm buying? Is 4k a bad idea with the specs? in ~tech
DrStone Link ParentI have an RTX 3080 and had a 750W PSU. It worked fine for two or three years, but as soon as the PSU started to age and degrade a little, I would get hard shutdowns maybe once or twice a day while...I have an RTX 3080 and had a 750W PSU. It worked fine for two or three years, but as soon as the PSU started to age and degrade a little, I would get hard shutdowns maybe once or twice a day while gaming, across a range of games. Eventually I suspected the PSU and started more targeted investigation, logging HWiNFO sensor data while performing various tests. GPUs can spike like x2-x3 above the stated/set power limit ("transients"). I ended up replacing the PSU with a new 1000w Seasonic. I considered an 850W, which would have been sufficient for my hardware, but... the cost to jump to 1000W wasn't significant, a PSU running closer to 50-60% capacity than full is better, and it provides more room for transient spikes or future hardware upgrades.
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Comment on Reddit reports 69% jump in revenue, topping analyst estimates in ~tech
DrStone Link ParentMaybe I’m misunderstanding, but here is the official iPhone User Guide Get extensions to customize Safari on iPhoneMaybe I’m misunderstanding, but here is the official iPhone User Guide Get extensions to customize Safari on iPhone
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Comment on Lost/losing the drive for friendship in ~health.mental
DrStone Link ParentI'm sorry to hear that you've gone through such a struggle, but this is a very uncharitable interpretation and unnecessarily hostile response. I can almost guarantee that stu was not suggesting...I'm sorry to hear that you've gone through such a struggle, but this is a very uncharitable interpretation and unnecessarily hostile response. I can almost guarantee that stu was not suggesting that an alcoholic continue drinking with friends instead of maintaining sobriety. The majority of adults who drink alcohol neither suffer from alcohol use disorder nor have any other preexisting medical issues that make it particularly dangerous. While alcohol has some dangers and negative health impact for an average healthy adult when consumed responsibly, they are saying that is likely smaller in magnitude than the large positive impact of having friends. So, ordered in terms of benefit:
- (Ideal) Friends + sobriety
- Friends + alcohol consumption
- No friends + sobriety
- No friends + alcohol consumption
- (Clearly dangerous) Alcoholic/medically-at-risk + alcohol consumption regardless of friends.
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Comment on I love bioparks in ~travel
DrStone Link ParentWhat a coincidence, this was just announced: Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay ranked third-best attraction in the world in Tripadvisor awards Note that it's not "best garden" or similar niche, it's...What a coincidence, this was just announced:
Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay ranked third-best attraction in the world in Tripadvisor awardsNote that it's not "best garden" or similar niche, it's "best attraction" period. First and second were The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, and La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain.
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Comment on I love bioparks in ~travel
DrStone LinkThe Singapore Botanic Gardens (official site / wiki) are really great and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a beautiful garden, clean and well maintained, with an incredible...The Singapore Botanic Gardens (official site / wiki) are really great and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a beautiful garden, clean and well maintained, with an incredible diversity of plants and environments. There are several large fields for playing and picnicking, one of which has a symphony stage in the middle of a pond where they often perform free concerts. Of particular note is the National Orchid Garden within the main gardens, containing over 1,500 species and 3,000 hybrids on display.
Also in Singapore is the Gardens by the Bay (official site / wiki) located along the waterfront. Large outdoor gardens, events and performances, food, and two huge conservatories - the "Cloud Forest" modeling a tropical mountain with a 35' waterfall and several levels of bridge walkways, and the "Flower Dome" with a range of habitats and a central section with a frequently changing whimsical theme.
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Comment on A brief history of fish sauce in ~food
DrStone Link ParentThe West has Worcestershire sauce, which is a type of fish sauce, though it has more ingredients than a typical Asian fish sauce. It was common in my experience in the US.The West has Worcestershire sauce, which is a type of fish sauce, though it has more ingredients than a typical Asian fish sauce. It was common in my experience in the US.
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Comment on Dual national Londoner stranded in Spain by new border rule in ~travel
DrStone Link ParentI looked into this while traveling with US dual-citizens and it was confirmed by the immigration officers on both sides during the trip: for both the US and the other country in our case, it is...I looked into this while traveling with US dual-citizens and it was confirmed by the immigration officers on both sides during the trip: for both the US and the other country in our case, it is mandatory to use the local passport at the immigration checkpoint (i.e. US to enter/exit US, other to enter/exit other). This is separate from the airline check-in and airport security, which I believe has some flexibility as long as you are ready to present both passports.
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Comment on Why Portuguese is the most underestimated global language on Earth in ~humanities.languages
DrStone Link ParentThe modern generation's "This looks shopped. I can tell from some of the pixels and from seeing quite a few shops in my time."The modern generation's "This looks shopped. I can tell from some of the pixels and from seeing quite a few shops in my time."
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Comment on AI Coding agents are the opposite of what I want in ~comp
DrStone Link ParentFor commercial airplanes, autopilot does handle almost the entire typical flight, getting turned on shortly after takeoff and turned off shortly before landing. The pilot's job while while its on...For commercial airplanes, autopilot does handle almost the entire typical flight, getting turned on shortly after takeoff and turned off shortly before landing. The pilot's job while while its on (unless they choose to do more) is basically to monitor everything, input data for the autopilot and make adjustments, and handle the edge/failure cases. It actually sounds a lot like coding with AI.
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Comment on I miss technology that was meant to be used as a tool in ~tech
DrStone Link ParentI am absolutely certain that we could find things in your life that you don’t/can’t care about, or don’t care about “enough” for whatever threshold we hold, and write similar rants.I am absolutely certain that we could find things in your life that you don’t/can’t care about, or don’t care about “enough” for whatever threshold we hold, and write similar rants.
Offtopic:
Between hiding things in plain sight and mentioning in a comment that you organized a scavenger hunt, it sounds like you would be a fan of geocaching. Hunting for caches disguised as tiny bolt heads to elaborate physical puzzle mechanisms, and everything in between, all over the world.