FestiveKnight's recent activity

  1. Comment on Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California dies at 90 in ~news

    FestiveKnight
    Link Parent
    My opinion, and more generally responding to Grasso raising institutional knowledge, is that institutional knowledge is usually way way overvalued. Smart people learn very quickly and I think...

    My opinion, and more generally responding to Grasso raising institutional knowledge, is that institutional knowledge is usually way way overvalued. Smart people learn very quickly and I think institutions themselves contain much more knowledge than just the most senior people. For instance in Congress, there are thousands of staffers who guide lawmakers and many (but not all) members of congress don't get there knowing absolutely nothing.

    In companies, everyone wants to think they're irreplaceable and history proves quite quickly that is not the case. Relevant colleagues often contain vast stores of functional knowledge and know how to guide new team members and (good receptive) bosses towards the info they need. I am a corporate chief of staff and when I onboard new executives it's an intensive and extensive process that gets them up to speed very very quickly. A month of effective onboarding with me can get a new executive ready to get their hands dirty within a few weeks and certainly within a couple months. Outgoing executives think it will take years to get to where they are because it took them years but well structured organizations with support staff and documentation that hire good staff know how to make their new staff effectively quickly.

    We should pray that the lawmakers we are electing are smart (a bold assumption) and that the system around them effectively gets them up to speed (a much less bold assumption, IMO).

    9 votes

  2. Comment on ChatGPT can be broken by entering these strange words, and nobody is sure why in ~tech

    FestiveKnight
    Link Parent
    Since switching to Brave a few months ago, I have found Vice much more tolerable with cookies blocks and forced reader mode. I don’t want to partner what browsing methods you employ but Brave has...

    Since switching to Brave a few months ago, I have found Vice much more tolerable with cookies blocks and forced reader mode. I don’t want to partner what browsing methods you employ but Brave has made a lot of sites more tolerable

    2 votes

  3. Comment on Where do you stand on climate change? in ~talk

    FestiveKnight
    Link Parent
    Can you share more about how you came to this conclusion?

    Can you share more about how you came to this conclusion?

    10 votes

  4. Comment on Thoughts on link aggregators vs communities, and other musings in ~tech

    FestiveKnight
    Link
    A few thoughts. I saw your post after it had some amount of comments which, as you referenced, were a mix of interaction with the subject matter and with the format. What was confusing for me is...

    A few thoughts. I saw your post after it had some amount of comments which, as you referenced, were a mix of interaction with the subject matter and with the format. What was confusing for me is that I saw comments on the format and merit of an image post, including your defense that you had posted some info about the pizza, before I got to the comment where you had actually provided that content.

    This feels to me like another instance of the same problem behind the orphan quotes discussion. In the spirit of Tildes putting the comment box at the bottom encouraging people to read before posting, it’s weird that the comment that goes with the content, which should ostensibly be read before commenting, is not right upfront with the image link.

    11 votes

  5. Comment on What board games have you played this week (to 19th June)? in ~games.tabletop

    FestiveKnight
    Link
    Sunday was our fifth Twilight Imperium game and I finally got my first win! Been managing to average a game about every month and absolutely loving it. I would play this game every weekend if...

    Sunday was our fifth Twilight Imperium game and I finally got my first win! Been managing to average a game about every month and absolutely loving it. I would play this game every weekend if logistics supported it.

    We randomized factions from ones we hadn’t played yet except for giving the new player Sol, the others were Naluu, Sardakk, and Arborec (me). It was weird having three military factions

    We used this map, which was really interesting. The richness, high planet density, and wormholes meant we were very slow to make it to Mecatol. We also got the Gamma wormhole explore card very early which instantly connected the whole board. I think it was weird having three military factions on such a rich map because there was really not much incentive to leave your slice early. I think I expected a small map with no fringe systems to be more competitive for systems.

    Which isn’t to say there wasn’t conflict! We’d agreed in our first few games to not be too cut throat with the military side to not lock people out of the game too early and give them a bad experience but in this game I decided to up the ante. I was wormhole neighbors with the Naluu and started with a secret objective to place myself adjacent to a home system which I quickly did in round 2. When I revealed that and then retreated to Malice I think he let his guard down because in round three I came back with 2 dreads and flagship with magen, duranium, and assault cannon to easily claim his home system before he has placed a second space dock.

    He did a seriously good job of clawing back through holding mecatol and getting imperial several times but I also didnt just completely wipe him out.

    I’ll stop the essay there but there’s a hundred stories to tell from each game which is part of what I love so much about it!

    1 vote

  6. Comment on Quote-only orphan comments: useful context or noisy clutter? in ~tildes

    FestiveKnight
    Link
    I think they’re useful for all the reasons others have stated but I think they lose functionality when they become orphaned and (depending on your sort order I think) can float around. If I read...

    I think they’re useful for all the reasons others have stated but I think they lose functionality when they become orphaned and (depending on your sort order I think) can float around. If I read the article, then dive into the comments and only find the orphaned quote comment 10 comments later, it’s probably noise at that point.

    I think it would be great if in Link + Text posts the text could still go where it normally does, instead of into a comment. But I don’t know if that is technologically possible.

    20 votes

  7. Comment on You're not losing fat because you're eating too damn much (even when you don't think you are) in ~health

    FestiveKnight
    Link Parent
    Been reading through the comments waiting sometime to mention this. I was also quite turned off by the reference to “testicular fortitude.” I understand the frustration that can come out in trying...

    Been reading through the comments waiting sometime to mention this. I was also quite turned off by the reference to “testicular fortitude.” I understand the frustration that can come out in trying to cut through all the BS that exists in this space but being rude and misogynist aren’t necessary.

    6 votes

  8. Comment on Women of Tildes, do we want or need a designated women's space? in ~tildes

    FestiveKnight
    Link Parent
    I’m too new to mark this as exemplary but I think you’re right on and I hope it isn’t just noise to say so. I think really leans into and takes advantage of Tildes’ structure. When reading all the...

    I’m too new to mark this as exemplary but I think you’re right on and I hope it isn’t just noise to say so.

    I think really leans into and takes advantage of Tildes’ structure. When reading all the discussions about rags and groups and the structure on Tildes I’ve been feeling that the right set up is something where each individual can decide how high the boundary is between spaces.

    In the world of subscribing to tags (which I think is a must), you could hone in on only one area if you like, siloing your experience of that space. Or you could just as easily go to the TLT (top level topic) and lower all the walls. I think Tildes needs to have the ease of accessing the slightly muddled TLT to avoid the cliques and drama Reddit has with subreddits.

    6 votes

  9. Comment on Cigar discussion/appreciation in ~hobbies

    FestiveKnight
    Link
    After a long work week carved out some time tonight for a new stick. In a trade with a buddy I got a couple of sticks from Paul Garmirian, a small shop in VA. Tonight I tried with PG Soiree. Here...

    After a long work week carved out some time tonight for a new stick. In a trade with a buddy I got a couple of sticks from Paul Garmirian, a small shop in VA. Tonight I tried with PG Soiree. Here are some jotted noted:

    Stick was very well constructed, great smoke production, beautiful oily wrapper.

    First third started right off with leather and an interesting sweetness on the retrohale and rounded out with a bit of white pepper.

    Second third brought in a hint of charred meat and the sweetness in the retro continued, maybe even fruity?

    Final third had a pleasant toasted nuts and more leather ending with notes of hay and some burnt caramel.

    The stick was surprisingly lighter than I expected with how it started and was very very very smooth throughout. I was surprised by the complete lack of pepperiness or earthiness in the retrohale. I assume there's a bunch of Honduran and not much Nicaraguan tobacco in it. Overall I have to say I wasn’t blown away, the cigar started off a bit underwhelming (though I think I also overtoasted it) and I kept waiting for a stronger aftertaste to come in. For $17, not something I would buy for myself

    Maybe I’ve also been spoiled by some of Plasencias and CCs I’ve been smoking recently that just have such a stronger flavor.

    I am going to let the other stick have a few months rest before trying it.

  10. Comment on Cigar discussion/appreciation in ~hobbies

    FestiveKnight
    Link Parent
    Toro is definitely a vitola! Vitola refers to the shape and size. The larger toro tends to be the most popular vitola in the US while robustos dominate in Europe. As you become more familiar with...

    Toro is definitely a vitola! Vitola refers to the shape and size. The larger toro tends to be the most popular vitola in the US while robustos dominate in Europe.

    As you become more familiar with smoking and with a specific brand/stick, different vitolas can really make a difference and it can be quite interesting to explore them.

    The theory of the impact of shape on a cigar is about what the wrapper, binder and filler each contribute and how changing that ratio, by changing the shape can alter the flavor. Regardless of width, there is always the same one layer of wrapper, but in a figurado (anything that isn’t a neat straight cylinder) wider or thinner parts of the stick can have more or less filler.

    Additionally, it’s commonly accepted theory that roughly 70% of the flavor in a cigar comes from the wrapper. So the idea is that thinner cigars or thinner parts of a cigar exaggerate the flavor of the wrapper even further and let you really get the core flavors of the blend.

    I asked specifically about vitola because part of what Oliva has done with Serie V is release an ungodly but very cool array of vitolas, which makes a really good stick to understand the effects of vitola with.

    1 vote

  11. Comment on Cigar discussion/appreciation in ~hobbies

    FestiveKnight
    Link Parent
    I love that. It’s become less ritualistic for me as the wife has become more accepting. Funny how those things intertwine. What’s your go to whiskey pairing(s)?

    I love that. It’s become less ritualistic for me as the wife has become more accepting. Funny how those things intertwine.

    What’s your go to whiskey pairing(s)?

    1 vote

  12. Comment on Cigar discussion/appreciation in ~hobbies

    FestiveKnight
    Link Parent
    These are all from Fox but I tried to stay with things that shouldn’t be too hard to get on any online shop. I’ll admit I’m pretty bad at patroning any brick and mortar shops around me. Most don’t...

    These are all from Fox but I tried to stay with things that shouldn’t be too hard to get on any online shop. I’ll admit I’m pretty bad at patroning any brick and mortar shops around me. Most don’t have a lounge to encourage me to hang around, their stock is only the most middle of the road stuff and I’ve encountered too much mold in the ones nearest me (no, I don’t want to open the mold vs plume debate).

    1 vote

  13. Comment on Cigar discussion/appreciation in ~hobbies

    FestiveKnight
    Link Parent
    That’s a great palate, CAO have a fun fun variety of things (and a very good marketing team). I’m a torch lighter + match guy. I toast with the torch and then light on a match. Usually just a...

    That’s a great palate, CAO have a fun fun variety of things (and a very good marketing team).

    I’m a torch lighter + match guy. I toast with the torch and then light on a match. Usually just a guillotine cut but I’ve been enjoying a v-cut more and more (maybe since getting myself a ST DuPont v-cut…. Hm….).

    Hm, I don’t think I’ve ever had someone else explicitly raise the observation that they salivate a lot but I’ve had some friends that I know not to try a stick they’ve been smoking (something that I did a lot in college but the pandemic seems to put a different spin on).

    1 vote

  14. Comment on Cigar discussion/appreciation in ~hobbies

    FestiveKnight
    Link Parent
    I hear ya. I have definitely seen myself sometimes relying too heavily on cigars for stress management when I find myself craving one at the end of a long work day or going on too many late night...

    I hear ya. I have definitely seen myself sometimes relying too heavily on cigars for stress management when I find myself craving one at the end of a long work day or going on too many late night walks alone with one and losing the social element. For sure something to keep track of!

  15. Comment on Cigar discussion/appreciation in ~hobbies

    FestiveKnight
    Link Parent
    Hm, "rational" is quite subjective and depending on your willingness to hunt for deals (for instance on cigarbid) the price of a single specific stick can be found at a few bucks up or down in...

    Hm, "rational" is quite subjective and depending on your willingness to hunt for deals (for instance on cigarbid) the price of a single specific stick can be found at a few bucks up or down in price, which can be pretty significant as a percentage if we're talking a $8 stick that can be found at $6 or at $10.

    Lastly, there are some (especially cheaper) cigars that I think with a few years of age punch at a level well above their actual price point. Most of the cheaper sticks here I would age for a few years first.

    That being said, here are a bunch of sticks at various price points:

    • $5 - Tattoo Caballero - The Tattoo by Tatuaje sticks are a great embodiment of pepperiness in cigars and are a nice medium body for new smokers looking for a slightly fuller stick. With a couple years of age some nice notes of coffee can shine through.

    • $6 - Charter Oak Maduro Rothschild - The Charter Oak line from Foundation is a champion of the $5-7 price point IMO. I've linked to this particular wrapper and vitola combo because I think it's a bit more interesting than the Connecticut wrapper that you usually see these in.

    • $7 - 8-5-8 Natural - This is a great intro point into the upper end of "middle shelf" cigars imo. Arturo Fuente doesn't need much introduction but I think this stick is a great way to get the experience of a heritage cigar with the consistency, smoothness, and good construction that comes with that without paying too much. I prefer these in maduro (which Fox doesn't have in stock) and with a few years of age these outpace many $10-12 sticks.

    • $9 - Flor De Las Antillas Toro Grande - My Father has carved out a really great place at the highest end of middle shelf/bottom end of top shelf and this stick is one of their most popular. Delicious creaminess, great smoke production, and a heavy chewy smoke. Almost all My Father are towards the fuller end of medium-full bodied. FWIW, I actually prefer the La Promesa(in the slightly more expensive lancero) but that's a less popular opinion. Also, honorable mention at this price point to the Leaf Lanceros that have already been mentioned in this topic.

    Given your request of rational prices, I won't give long descriptions for the rest of these but here are a variety of other recommendations that fall in the $10-25 price range. This is where most of what I smoke falls and all of these are fantastic.

    3 votes

  16. Comment on Cigar discussion/appreciation in ~hobbies

    FestiveKnight
    Link Parent
    For AF fans I can’t recommend ordering from https://www.tampasweethearts.com/ enough. Great selection at great prices, basically from the source.

    For AF fans I can’t recommend ordering from https://www.tampasweethearts.com/ enough. Great selection at great prices, basically from the source.

  17. Comment on Cigar discussion/appreciation in ~hobbies

    FestiveKnight
    Link Parent
    Can I ask about the health concerns? I’m at one or two a week and sometimes wonder where I should draw the line on too much. That aside, I hear ya on everything about the ritual of it. The sound...

    Can I ask about the health concerns? I’m at one or two a week and sometimes wonder where I should draw the line on too much.

    That aside, I hear ya on everything about the ritual of it. The sound of a cutter, lighting the match, and the first whiff of smoke when you start roasting chefs kiss.

    I think one of the biggest reasons cigars are such an important part of my life is because they represent those calm pauses. For the 45-90 min you’re smoking, there’s nothing else you can do. You’re on the porch and not going anywhere.

    During the pandemic, taking that time to get out of the house and hop on a Discord call with friends or Zoom with family was a really important routine for me. It helped elevate those virtual mediums a lot.

    1 vote

  18. Comment on Cigar discussion/appreciation in ~hobbies

    FestiveKnight
    Link Parent
    My first cigars were with my dad and older brothers! For a long time I was only smoking every few months with them and it grew from there. I’m in a similar place with the wife. I never completely...

    My first cigars were with my dad and older brothers! For a long time I was only smoking every few months with them and it grew from there.

    I’m in a similar place with the wife. I never completely stopped because she disliked it but as she’s grown more understanding the last few years I’ve been smoking more, one or two sticks a week, more in summer, less in winter.

    Serie V are great! Do you have a preferred vitola? I used to love the Melanio Maduros until they tweaked the blend a couple years back and they just haven’t been the same since.

    I’ve honestly had very little Macanudo though my brother got me a very cool stick I’m forgetting the details of that was amazing. I’ll dig out the band later and post what it was.

    I can’t do caffeine, so while I love a decaf latte or cappuccino, it’s not something I make at home. You don’t find the coffee overpowers the cigar?

  19. Comment on Cigar discussion/appreciation in ~hobbies

    FestiveKnight
    Link Parent
    Perfect timing! I have a funny fondness for the Leaf by Oscar sticks (of which the Sumatra is my favorite - love that sweetness!). Some years ago, I would be very bothered by cotton mouth the next...

    Perfect timing!

    I have a funny fondness for the Leaf by Oscar sticks (of which the Sumatra is my favorite - love that sweetness!). Some years ago, I would be very bothered by cotton mouth the next morning after smoking and I always noticed that I experienced that much less with the Leaf by Oscar sticks. Certainly could have become placebo over time but I always have a few around for people who don’t smoke to much and mention the cotton mouth bothers them.

    I’m a fan of AF, my dad will only smoke a Hemingway Short Story and with a few years of age I think the 8-5-8 maduro is a killer stick for the price.

  20. Cigar discussion/appreciation

    ~hobbies Ask (survey)
    Hoping this is the right group? Inspired by coffee/cocktail threads, here’s one for my favorite consumable, cigars! Here’re some potential questions to maybe inspire some discussion. What have you...

    Hoping this is the right group?

    Inspired by coffee/cocktail threads, here’s one for my favorite consumable, cigars!

    Here’re some potential questions to maybe inspire some discussion.

    • What have you smoked recently that has surprised or impressed you?

    • What’s a favorite cigar memory?

    • What’re your stogie rituals?

    • What’re some recent acquisitions and why did you purchase them?

    • What’s your #1 cigar rec of all time? What’s your top rec from something new to you in the last year?

    • How did you get into cigars and how long have you been smoking?

    And anything else!

    I’ve discussed cigars extensively in various online spaces and I’m very optimistic about the idea of tildes’ text-only and highly discoursive environment to provide some cool cigar content and a bit more than just photos of half smoked sticks (which I love too but get a lot of!).

    I’ll hit on a few of my icebreaker questions at once. My most recent smoke was a Plasecnia Alma del Fuego Eduardo I which was absolutely fantastic. A lot of pepperiness throughout, with a lot of earthiness and meatiness. Quite full bodied, phenomenal smoke production and a very easy draw.

    This stick was new to me but I am no stranger to Plasencia. I’ve been closely following their growth the last few years and the Alma Fuerte Salomon was my top stick of 2022.

    13 votes