Froswald's recent activity
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Comment on Is TV advertising still relevant? Does anybody under 60 even watch traditional TV anymore? in ~tv
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Comment on Linux Distro Recommendations in ~comp
Froswald LinkFor the old machine: I recently got into Q4OS, which tries to be a spiritual successor to Windows XP in design, and is otherwise largely stock Debian. I'm currently running the 64-bit version with...For the old machine: I recently got into Q4OS, which tries to be a spiritual successor to Windows XP in design, and is otherwise largely stock Debian. I'm currently running the 64-bit version with Trinity as my desktop environment on an old Latitude D620 and it works like a charm.
My most modern computer, an Eluktronics MAG-15 I got in 2021 currently runs Windows 10 LTSC, but once that hits EoL I'll be going back to Xubuntu, or perhaps stock Debian with Plasma or Openbox as my desktop environment. Stability is paramount for my main computer needs and I've never had any major issue with it, though I admit I'm somewhere closer to 'Intermediate' rather than 'Arch Aficionado' on the scale of Linux users.
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Comment on Looking for non-political content in ~life
Froswald (edited )LinkI'm a major political junkie so maybe I'm looking for less 'a change of pace' and more 'a chance to recharge' in my apolitical breaks, but I almost always listen to old audiobooks. The more...I'm a major political junkie so maybe I'm looking for less 'a change of pace' and more 'a chance to recharge' in my apolitical breaks, but I almost always listen to old audiobooks. The more talented the speaker, the better--and if it's nonfiction even moreso.
Though right off the top of my head, if you like niche competitions, I came across the Excel World Championship a few months back and after the initial bewilderment, it was pretty fun to watch.
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Comment on xkcd: Machine in ~games
Froswald Link ParentUntil I refreshed I just thought it was a quick little interactive thing. Simple games like this I love, it reminds me of stuff like fallingsandgame or even simpler ones like Interactive Buddy or...Until I refreshed I just thought it was a quick little interactive thing. Simple games like this I love, it reminds me of stuff like fallingsandgame or even simpler ones like Interactive Buddy or Falling Georgie. Plus it runs on my ancient laptop, so I can play it on the go.
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Comment on Insurers use aerial photos to check out roofs or to spot yard debris and undeclared trampolines in ~finance
Froswald Link ParentI look it at how I imagine a lot of people looked at the notion of widespread photography back in the day. Suddenly, any Average Joe with a few bucks could take a snapshot of a person, their...I look it at how I imagine a lot of people looked at the notion of widespread photography back in the day. Suddenly, any Average Joe with a few bucks could take a snapshot of a person, their house, their family, anything and everything that fits in frame. They could do whatever they want with that image more or less. People adapted to limit how much a person with a camera could see--building fences for privacy and not just keeping people and pets out, outdoor coverage via trees or canopies come to mind in the field of 'home defense.'
I don't like that the barrier to entry for aspiring voyeurs, corporate or otherwise has become lower with the advent of relatively cheap drones and ultra high resolution cameras attached to them--let alone satellite cameras. But I don't see a way we can regulate or restrict them without limiting access to the technology overall, and that's never really had any lasting success in the past. To some extent we'll have to adapt again, like people did to photographs, handheld video recording, and now easy access aerial footage.
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Comment on What's a game that you feel is almost great? in ~games
Froswald Link ParentMirror's Edge in general is one of my favorite series in every aspect. Absolutely impeccable art style (though admittedly, moreso in 1 as opposed to Catalyst), sublime music (I've downloaded all...Mirror's Edge in general is one of my favorite series in every aspect. Absolutely impeccable art style (though admittedly, moreso in 1 as opposed to Catalyst), sublime music (I've downloaded all of this channel's 1-hour ambience mixes for both games just because it's an excellent way to get a dose of both aspects so far), and the gameplay is so smooth it's almost natural. I fiercely hope a third is on the way, because I agree with you--a properly made, fleshed out and readily accessible open world city that's fully freerunnable might just objectively peak the genre.
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Comment on What email client do you use? in ~tech
Froswald LinkThunderbird since I'm lazy, but I'd like to swap over to a lighter client on my (very old and feeble) work laptop like Sylpheed. I used to use Claws Mail for a time, but the Windows port was...Thunderbird since I'm lazy, but I'd like to swap over to a lighter client on my (very old and feeble) work laptop like Sylpheed. I used to use Claws Mail for a time, but the Windows port was finicky to set up exactly how I had it on Linux so I opted for the simpler solution. I'm pretty basic when it comes to email (the most complex setup I have in terms of client-side configuration is having multiple aliases available) so my main motivation is to have a nice, clean and orderly wrapper for my mail. When it comes to mobile, I use FairEmail (I used to use K-9 but kept having sync issues) and the default Gmail app as an emergency backup if there's something not working right.
For a provider, it's all Gmail but I do use custom domains so if Google ever really makes me flip it wouldn't be terribly painful to swap to any other provider.
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Comment on Jon Stewart on the false promises of AI in ~tech
Froswald (edited )Link ParentIn his past comments on similar matters (the future of work, UBI to name a few--though I can't recall specific examples so feel free to take this with a grain of salt) he's echoed the sentiment of...In his past comments on similar matters (the future of work, UBI to name a few--though I can't recall specific examples so feel free to take this with a grain of salt) he's echoed the sentiment of people simply not trusting the powers that be to actually follow through on a person-positive alternative to a dwindling job count due to increased productivity. I took his omission of those as alternatives as a tacit acknowledgement or even acceptance that massive companies and at the very least, the US, will not be able or willing to implement something that makes less jobs being available a good thing. Realism perhaps bordering on pessimism, but certainly understandable.
I recently listened to an episode of Stay Tuned with Preet where he interviewed prominent investor and Sun Microsystems co-founder Vinod Khosla, and to me Khosla's perspective was fairly grounded. AI is going to be revolutionary, it will shutter entire professions, and there will need to be an alternative that is not 'more makework jobs' to handle the sudden glut of workers with obsolete training and a lack of opportunity to actually work for a living. It's definitely not a perspective I've heard by many of his financial caliber, or a political equivalent in the US.
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Comment on Which anime or manga transcend the boundaries of genre and medium? in ~anime
Froswald Link ParentI'm fond of rewatching, reading, playing old media I've largely (but not entirely) forgotten about, but I'm feeling much the same way with respect for Monster, so I'll have to check it out now. So...I'm fond of rewatching, reading, playing old media I've largely (but not entirely) forgotten about, but I'm feeling much the same way with respect for Monster, so I'll have to check it out now. So many people including you have recommended it, and I can enjoy a good character-driven drama as much as bombastic feats. I hope you enjoy your rewatch!
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Comment on Which anime or manga transcend the boundaries of genre and medium? in ~anime
Froswald Link ParentHonestly, the effort to frame the story events as happening in that time frame and utilizing everything from anti-foreigner sentiments in Germany to as you said, Lang's appearance is one of my...Honestly, the effort to frame the story events as happening in that time frame and utilizing everything from anti-foreigner sentiments in Germany to as you said, Lang's appearance is one of my quieter reasons for liking it. It really is just a beautiful movie that felt uniquely made for the type of story the FMA 03 runners wanted to tell.
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Comment on Which anime or manga transcend the boundaries of genre and medium? in ~anime
Froswald Link ParentYou know, I never thought about it with Hellsing, but yeah, you have a good point. It brought brazen gore that was at least uncommon in anime, but then it rather uniquely made it...sexy isn't the...You know, I never thought about it with Hellsing, but yeah, you have a good point. It brought brazen gore that was at least uncommon in anime, but then it rather uniquely made it...sexy isn't the right word, but there's a suggestiveness to the bloodshed which can at times become almost overt that is really in tune with modern, western interpretations of vampires as being alluring danger in a human-shaped package.
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Comment on Which anime or manga transcend the boundaries of genre and medium? in ~anime
Froswald Link ParentI've never seen Monster and it's been ages since I saw Akira, but GITS 95 and FMA 03 are simply sublime. The former's TV series is excellent too, but there's something about GITS 95 that really...I've never seen Monster and it's been ages since I saw Akira, but GITS 95 and FMA 03 are simply sublime. The former's TV series is excellent too, but there's something about GITS 95 that really sets it apart. I suppose because it gives more or less equal weight to the discussions and theorizing about the nature of the self as well as superbly animated action sequences. Really though, the opening sequence--music, shots and all--is a great litmus test for if someone would like the whole movie. If they like that, they're in for a treat.
FMA 03 is quite possibly my favorite anime of all time (depending on mood, FLCL or Samurai Champloo can take that spot instead) because it also manages to buck a lot of established anime trends while being almost unfairly good. A manga adaptation that had to invent a new ending because it outpaced the original work really has no right being as good as it was, but I think it's that exact circumstance that helped FMA 03 do so well. As I remember, Hiromu Arakawa (mangaka/author of the FMA manga for those who don't know) actually had input on the direction FMA 03 was going post-split, and wanted them to tread a different narrative path so it wouldn't just be the same story in a different medium. To this day, the ending of FMA 03 (or rather, its movie conclusion) is one of my favorite pieces of cinema. It keeps with the theme established in the series proper of 'You can't go home, and the path forward is bittersweet--so focus on what you can do' in a beautiful if heartwrenching way, and using 'Lost Heaven' by L'arc en Ciel was a stroke of genius.
Really, I think a common trait for a lot of anime to fit the OP's criteria is how they use music. It, or even the absence of it, is such an important of video media, and I keep seeing people post FLCL (which you could see as an extended music video for The Pillows almost) or Bebop/Champloo (which are practically art pieces with how seamlessly their chosen music genres and art styles are blended.)
Hell, I didn't even get into how FMA 03's original soundtrack is (in my admittedly pleb opinion) up there with Tchaikovsky's work. For anyone who wants to hear some of it, here's just a few examples of pieces that will likely stick with me until I can't remember anymore.
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Comment on Larian Studios won't make Baldur's Gate 3 DLC, expansions, or Baldur's Gate 4 in ~games
Froswald Link ParentI never thought about it that way, but you raise a fair point. I absolutely love RTWP RPGs because I feel like I have more control over the battle flow, including being able to relinquish some...I never thought about it that way, but you raise a fair point. I absolutely love RTWP RPGs because I feel like I have more control over the battle flow, including being able to relinquish some control in a conscious move, in exchange for a much faster pace and occasional moments of surprise. In XCOM there's none of that, but you're right in that the slant of a battle can entirely reverse in sometimes a single move in the opponent's turn.
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Comment on Larian Studios won't make Baldur's Gate 3 DLC, expansions, or Baldur's Gate 4 in ~games
Froswald Link ParentI suppose in games I like a more stylized (or at least older, and less realistic as a result) art style, for one. Baldur's Gate felt very realistic in aesthetic, from character models to scenery....I suppose in games I like a more stylized (or at least older, and less realistic as a result) art style, for one. Baldur's Gate felt very realistic in aesthetic, from character models to scenery. I never played it or cared much to look into the story so that wasn't a factor, but nothing I saw in promotion or heard from friends made me feel anything beyond 'wow, that's an impressive sounding RPG with a lot of character choices and potential impact.' You know, it just never clicked. I've even watched gameplay footage of it and it never crossed that threshold of 'this looks well made' to 'this looks fun, I should play it.'
Some games are like that to me for reasons I have trouble articulating. It's why I adore the Devil May Cry games and yet am mostly neutral, slightly negative in opinion on most Fromsoft games.
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Comment on Larian Studios won't make Baldur's Gate 3 DLC, expansions, or Baldur's Gate 4 in ~games
Froswald Link ParentFor some reason I go ballistic for XCOM but find most turn-based fantasy RPGs a bit dull, so a sci-fi Larian game might be the new hotness I didn't know I even wanted. Either way, I'll be keeping...For some reason I go ballistic for XCOM but find most turn-based fantasy RPGs a bit dull, so a sci-fi Larian game might be the new hotness I didn't know I even wanted. Either way, I'll be keeping an eye out for their next game.
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Comment on Larian Studios won't make Baldur's Gate 3 DLC, expansions, or Baldur's Gate 4 in ~games
Froswald LinkAs someone who was thoroughly 'whelmed' by BG3, I'm glad to hear this. Larian's a knockout of a studio, and one of the few developers to make a turn-based RPG I can find enjoyment in (DOS1/2...As someone who was thoroughly 'whelmed' by BG3, I'm glad to hear this. Larian's a knockout of a studio, and one of the few developers to make a turn-based RPG I can find enjoyment in (DOS1/2 specifically, particularly 1). So selfishly, it's good to hear they won't be tied to Baldur's Gate. I also like seeing companies develop their own IPs when they can, and right now Larian feels like they've got the same reputation that Blizzard had back in the early 00s. Might as well leverage that.
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Comment on The small company at the center of ‘Gamergate 2.0’ in ~games
Froswald LinkItalics mine, this just about sums up the state of mind many of his ilk have in my previous experiences--outrage at the implication or possibility that festers into a perceived reality. To say...In an interview on YouTube, the man who claims he started Sweet Baby Inc Detected says his interest in the company began with God of War Ragnarök—a game he admits to never having played—where he “noticed things were different” and wondered, “Why is this game like this?”
Italics mine, this just about sums up the state of mind many of his ilk have in my previous experiences--outrage at the implication or possibility that festers into a perceived reality. To say nothing of how disingenuous it is to harbor such hostile feelings without even trying a demo, or if a demo isn't available then watching a full playthrough without edits or commentary. If neither is feasible? It's fine to not have an opinion or something. Maybe GOW:R is a cesspool of forced diversity. I wouldn't know because like him, I haven't played it. All I know is Richard Schiff voices Odin, which I thought odd at first, but rolled with it. That's all I need to know unless my interest in the game changes.
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Comment on Some thoughts about Starfield's world in ~games
Froswald Link ParentAgreed. Taking a page from EVE Online's method of inter-system travel would help (it's 'seamless' by way of having a warp tunnel loop play after the jump animation plays, while the new system is...Agreed. Taking a page from EVE Online's method of inter-system travel would help (it's 'seamless' by way of having a warp tunnel loop play after the jump animation plays, while the new system is loaded), and technically seamless intra-system travel is already possible, it just needs polishing. But no rover is a big miss, if only solely for the fun idiocy of full speed revving it into pirates and hitting a mine along the way
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Comment on What irrational video game requirements do you have? in ~games
Froswald Link ParentI couldn't agree with you more. In a selfish way it pains me to see such good gaming talent be 'wasted' on a genre I thoroughly dislike, but then I have to remind myself, 'you know, different...I couldn't agree with you more. In a selfish way it pains me to see such good gaming talent be 'wasted' on a genre I thoroughly dislike, but then I have to remind myself, 'you know, different strokes.' I will say that the one game that's gotten me to break my staunch aversion to the genre is Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor. Honestly, it's pretty much because I absolutely love its parent game and the OST. I understand it's heavily based on Vampire Survivors, which I have zero interest in.
Actually, a major reason why I had my opinion soured on VS is even more irrational: I found out there aren't actually any vampires in VS despite the name.
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Comment on What irrational video game requirements do you have? in ~games
Froswald LinkWhen it comes to action games (think fighting games but not actual PvP sidescroller fighting games): not having a mechanic to instantly nullify an incoming attack's damage that isn't a dodge....When it comes to action games (think fighting games but not actual PvP sidescroller fighting games): not having a mechanic to instantly nullify an incoming attack's damage that isn't a dodge. Think DMC's Royal Guard, Sekiro's parry (or so I am told), or MGR's parrying. I love that gimmick of being able to turn combat into a razor-thin game of timing and prediction so much that if it isn't in an action game, I just want to go play one that has it.
Beyond that, while it's more of a general intense want, but the more options a game has, the more I like it. If the game options menu is a single page and just 6 settings, it's missing out.
I'm 30 and watch Food Network (mostly the early morning shows and Triple D/G), Toonami, and very rarely another channel on a whim. I grew up without cable until I was 12, so it's a blend of quaint and refreshing. I'm also the type of person to just constantly listen to music on shuffle or seek a specific song out, so watching pre-programmed channels and occasionally going for a specific show/movie feels natural to me.