JCPhoenix's recent activity
-
Comment on Marian Heretic: Issues 1 & 2 in ~comics
-
Comment on What did you do this week (and weekend)? in ~talk
JCPhoenix Link ParentI'm basic, so I typically just order combination fried rice, Singapore mei fun, and some egg rolls. And I'll buy two orders of each, which will last me days (I'm too lazy too cook). Sometimes,...I'm basic, so I typically just order combination fried rice, Singapore mei fun, and some egg rolls. And I'll buy two orders of each, which will last me days (I'm too lazy too cook). Sometimes, like this time, I'll get cashew chicken or beef with broccoli.
I do occasionally think about buying bulk fortune cookies...But I fear that I wouldn't be able to hold myself back and they'd be gone FAR too quickly!
-
Comment on What did you do this week (and weekend)? in ~talk
JCPhoenix LinkI went back to work after six weeks! My active duty military coworkers were definitely happy to see me and my fellow furloughed civilian coworkers back in the office. And of course we civs were...I went back to work after six weeks! My active duty military coworkers were definitely happy to see me and my fellow furloughed civilian coworkers back in the office. And of course we civs were happy to see them. It was like a work party of sorts Thursday morning; I don't think anyone did any work the first 2-3hrs of the day. Just hung out and caught up.
Backpay and all that should start showing up next week, but it's super confusing, with guidance changing constantly over the last ~48hrs. I feel for our payroll folks. Collectively, they have to process my agency's ~7000 civilians' 6 weeks of paychecks -- which is like 3.5 paychecks technically -- in like 5 days. Oof. We'll see how that goes.
While I would've preferred the shutdown go longer, through at least Thanksgiving, I'll be honest: on Monday, when Congress started moving, I could feel the financial worry start to melt away, even though it wasn't yet a done deal. Even though I could've survived through January, at least (I know not everyone can do that; some feds definitely weren't hanging on already).
Anyway, in celebration of getting paid again, I decided to order some Chinese takeout for myself yesterday. I've barely eaten out while furloughed. I certainly didn't splurge. But yesterday? Hell yeah I did.
-
Comment on NATO alphabet in ~talk
JCPhoenix Link ParentYour notes there reminded me of a RobWords video I saw recently about that and the history of the "NATO Phonetic" Alphabet!Your notes there reminded me of a RobWords video I saw recently about that and the history of the "NATO Phonetic" Alphabet!
-
Comment on NATO alphabet in ~talk
JCPhoenix LinkAs Sterling Archer once stated, M as in Mancy.As Sterling Archer once stated, M as in Mancy.
-
Comment on Data centers are now hoarding SSDs as hard drive supplies dry up in ~tech
JCPhoenix Link ParentI think there are some knock-on effects that are affecting mid/lower-end PCs and upgrading. For example, like two weeks ago, I wanted to upgrade my "lite" gaming PC. Wanted to move from 16GB (8x2)...I think there are some knock-on effects that are affecting mid/lower-end PCs and upgrading. For example, like two weeks ago, I wanted to upgrade my "lite" gaming PC. Wanted to move from 16GB (8x2) DD4 to 32GB (16x2) DDR4. It cost me like $90. Even used on eBay was only a few bucks cheaper. That's ridiculous.
DDR5 is expensive. So I bet that's making people, like me who are on now older hardware, seek out more within-gen upgrade paths. Which is probably driving up cost. Though I know DDR4 production is on its way out, which is certainly a factor, too.
-
Comment on 11foot8.com: trucks + bridges in ~transport
JCPhoenix (edited )LinkKansas City has something like this: The Independence Avenue Bridge. Its clearance is 12ft. Though it doesn't "eat" trucks nearly as often as 11foot8 does. Has some cool artwork around it, too.Kansas City has something like this: The Independence Avenue Bridge. Its clearance is 12ft. Though it doesn't "eat" trucks nearly as often as 11foot8 does. Has some cool artwork around it, too.
-
Comment on Valve announces new hardware: Steam Frame, Steam Controller, and Steam Machine in ~games
JCPhoenix Link ParentI lucked out on getting a Steam Controller during the firesale several years ago. Should've bought two! I like it, but honestly, I don't even use it that much anymore. So easy to use other...I lucked out on getting a Steam Controller during the firesale several years ago. Should've bought two! I like it, but honestly, I don't even use it that much anymore. So easy to use other non-Steam controllers with Steam these days that I just use my various Playstation controllers. I even picked up some 8bitdo small controllers for travel.
-
Comment on Marty Supreme | Official trailer in ~movies
-
Comment on November 2025 Backlog Burner: Week 2 Discussion in ~games
JCPhoenix Link ParentI don't think I looked as deeply at Citizen Sleeper as you did. No, I know I definitely didn't! But regardless, I enjoyed it A LOT. I played it back in 2022, and I think I basically did the same...I don't think I looked as deeply at Citizen Sleeper as you did. No, I know I definitely didn't! But regardless, I enjoyed it A LOT. I played it back in 2022, and I think I basically did the same where I more or less played it in one long session, or two at most. I know I completed it over a weekend. And like you said, it was easy to just sit there and just keep playing and playing and playing...
I picked up Citizen Sleeper 2 earlier this year, though I haven't played it yet (add that to a future Backlog Bingo...). Part of it is because I want to replay the first game; I don't remember everything from it since, like I said, I played it over a single weekend 3.5yrs ago. But I also think there's a side of me that's sorta scared to play it because of how much I enjoyed the first one. Not that I'm afraid the second one will be worse. Rather, it's the opposite: I think it'll be just as good, and once I'm done with it...Well, that's it. There won't be any more Citizen Sleeper for me to play.
-
Comment on November 2025 Backlog Burner: Week 2 Discussion in ~games
JCPhoenix (edited )LinkFive games down! Three that I'll likely continue playing. Mode: Custom Bingo! Finished 5/25 Collectathon Programming Visual novel Tower defense Horror ✅ Nine Noir Lives ✅ Zero Escape: Zero Time...Five games down! Three that I'll likely continue playing.
Mode: Custom Bingo! Finished 5/25 Collectathon Programming Visual novel Tower defense Horror Point & click adventure
✅ Nine Noir LivesEscape room
✅ Zero Escape: Zero Time DilemmaBase building Puzzle platformer Stealth
✅ IntravenousExperimental Cozy ★ Wildcard Shoot 'em up Beat 'em up FPS Action-adventure Comedy
✅ AKIBA'S TRIP: Undead ＆ UndressedMystery/investigation
✅ MAKOTO WAKAIDO’s Case Files TRILOGY DELUXETactical shooter Life sim CRPG JRPG Turn-based strategy/tactics Tactical RPG Mystery - Makoto Wakaido’s Case Files
Makoto Wakaido’s Case Files
Released on Steam: 2023-10-18
Purchased by me: 2024-05-10
Time/Amount played: 10-12hrs (approx due to AFKing a lot), about 75% way through the entire game
Brief Let's PlayPlays a bit like Ace Attorney Investigations, which are the Miles Edgeworth spinoffs. Investigations and connecting the dots, but no "Courtroom phase." While it is an interactive visual novel, it definitely leans more toward visual novel, in the sense that there are no penalties for getting answers wrong. And checking leads and questioning people is very simple since the game tells you who you need to talk while a lead is "selected."
There are four cases. Naturally, the first is really easy, acting more as a tutorial, but by the last one, I did have to start remembering details and facts and deducing things based on the testimony and evidence. But since there are no penalties, it's not a big deal if I can't figure out; just go through each multiple choice answer until the correct one is selected. Each case does have a twist (because what good is a mystery without a twist?) and it's not terribly far-fetched, which is good.
Visuals and audio are great. It's 8-bit with a very muted color palette, which helps set the ambiance. Though blood is always bright red, which I think really sells the seriousness. Dialog is alright; I think it gets better in the latter cases. I wonder if the dialog issues are an issue of translation (game was made by a Japanese team).
Overall, mostly pleased with the game. If I had to assign a rating, I'd say 6.5/10. Not the most exciting game, but the cases and stories are just interesting enough. I expect I'll finish this game sometime this week.
Point & Click Adventure - Nine Noir Lives
Nine Noir Lives
Released on Steam: 2022-09-07
Purchased by me: 2023-12-22
Time/Amount played: 1.5hrs so far
Brief Let's PlayFor being the only game this dev/publisher, Silvernode Games, has, it's pretty solid! The art style is great. It has full voice acting and the VAs are pretty good at that (though some of the voice audio mixing and such could be better). For an indie game, it looks really well put-together.
Definitely a true Point & Click Adventure game. The humor is pretty funny (to me); it kinda reminds me of a toned-down Archer (the animated spy show). Some of the dialog can be a bit long, but it being VA'd helps a bunch. And that dialog makes the characters feel more alive; it gives them depth.
Not very far into the game, so so far haven't come across any esoteric puzzles (and I hope I don't). But I am for sure looking to play more.
Escape Room - Zero Escape: Zero Time Dilemma
Zero Escape: Zero Time Dilemma
Released on Steam: 2016-06-29
Purchased by me: 2019-07-08
Time/Amount played: 37min
Brief Let's PlaySo my goal with each of these games is to play at least 30min, ideally closer to 60min. As you can see, I just barely got over my minimum. Spike Chunsoft, who makes the Danganronpa series, also makes the Zero Escape series. Which I've played the three main games and finished the first two. So I thought I'd like this. I wasn't sold.
Interestingly, I "won" Zero Time Dilemma in like the first 10min! It's a branching path story game, so at the very first decision point, I chose correctly, the team was released, and the credits rolled! Naturally, I went back to choose the "wrong" choice, which allowed me to actually play the game, but it lost me pretty quickly after that.
Felt like it was jumping around too much. And I also felt like I was missing some important information and context. Which I think is because I didn't play the first two games. Wait, I played the first entry "Nine Hours, Nine Person, Nine Doors," but it was years ago and I didn't finish it, nor do I remember much from it. I actually didn't know this was trilogy until now. There's a second game called "Virtue's Last Reward," which I definitely haven't played. I get the feeling that, unlike Danganronpa 3, it's really, really important to play the first two games. Because there were clearly references to some event that some characters experienced together before the events of ZTD. And I was just lost.
Ended my run and decided that if I go back to ZTD, I'm going to have to finish the first two games. Which I don't know when that will happen.
Comedy - Akiba's Trip: Undead & Undressed
Akiba's Trip: Undead & Undressed
Released on Steam: 2015-05-26
Purchased by me: 2021-05-05
Time/Amount played: 50min
Brief Let's PlayOK, so the other games are pretty straightforward as to why they belong in the category I listed. It may not be as clear here. So let me try:
Literally anime degen stuff, with a combat system that involves pulling enemies' clothes off.
Yeah...
I didn't buy this game based off that. I bought it because I like anime games that take place in modern times. Like Persona, Tokyo Xanadu, and Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth. OK, I knew there was some degen based on the name of the game. There's clearly a play on words: "Akiba's Trip" could be "Akiba Strip." And it also says "Undressed." I just didn't know it was that degen.
Some of the dialog is funny. For example, the MC got involved in this whole turning into a sorta vampire that steals clothes because he saw an opportunity as a lab rat that paid in figurines and manga. Like tf? Who does that? And some of the dialog options allow the player to live that otaku or incel life. Kinda like Denji from Chainsaw Man. Y'know, Boobs. I will not elaborate.
As far as the rest of the game, I thought the art style was great. It managed to capture that stereotypical busy Tokyo Akihabara streets feel (like I'd know as if I've been to Japan). It uses active combat that feels a bit like a fighting game. You have to punch, leg sweep/kick, block, all at the right times, with the aim of damaging the enemies' clothes to pull them off. Unfortunately, I'm terrible at action combat, so that was a bit of a turn-off. The MC was def getting his clothes pulled off, sigh.
I might come back to this game, but probably not anytime soon. I think if I want that modern-day Tokyo game itch scratched, I'll go back to those other games like Persona et al that I mentioned.
Stealth - Intravenous
Intravenous
Released on Steam: 2021-07-26
Purchased by me: ??? (Steam didn't tell me; must've gotten it free)
Time/Amount played: 78min and continuing
Brief Let's PlayI love stealth games. Hitman, Splinter Cell, Desperadoes 3, and Deus Ex HR/MD are some of my favorite games. And right away, Intravenous scratched that itch.
It's a top-down game, where naturally, hiding in the shadows and reducing sound are important. It even has the light meter like Splinter Cell games! And just like in other stealth games, it's necessary to hide bodies in dumpsters, in rooms, or environmental cover. I try for full stealth runs, but I'll shoot if I have to, which is what I did in the first level. Knocked out like 10 dudes and shot three dead, then sneaked out quietly. So much fun just snooping around, trying to see where the baddies are, seeing their movement patterns, and then determining what I should do.
I do wish that seeing into buildings was a little more difficult. The view I have is as if there aren't any roofs. So I can immediately see baddies in buildings. I think it'd be more interesting if the only way to see guys inside was by windows or even utilizing sound.
Like Desperadoes 3, the game has a quicksave/quickload system. But you're limited to 5 quicksaves per level. After that, no more. I think you can load as many times as you want, though. Still, I had to be a little judicious in how I used the QSs. I can't just quicksave before attempting to knock out or sneak by each baddy. Certainly makes it more challenging.
I've only finished the first level, but I definitely intend to play more of this. Since Splinter Cell as a series seems dead, I think Intravenous is going to be a good substitute. And I know there's a second one already!
-
Comment on Formula 1 São Paulo Grand Prix 2025 - Race Weekend Discussion in ~sports.motorsports
JCPhoenix Link ParentI think so too. Seems like Oscar might be coming back, but it might be too late. Certainly anything can happen in the next three races, but it would take Oscar really getting his head back in the...I think so too. Seems like Oscar might be coming back, but it might be too late. Certainly anything can happen in the next three races, but it would take Oscar really getting his head back in the game and then some.
Also it doesn't help Oscar that Max is out here pulling off ridiculous pit lane to P3 drives!
-
Comment on Worlds 2025: T1 claim their sixth title after winning the greatest Telecom War in history in ~games
JCPhoenix LinkI watched a good chunk of Worlds this year. Think this is the 3rd year I've watched. Even though I don't play League and barely understand what's going on. Though I'm learning! I definitely...I watched a good chunk of Worlds this year. Think this is the 3rd year I've watched. Even though I don't play League and barely understand what's going on. Though I'm learning!
I definitely thought the T1 vs AL quarterfinal felt like the "real" final. I root for T1 -- because my brother does -- and that series had me standing up, hands behind my head, eyes glued to the TV.
This final series vs KT wasn't nearly as exciting, but I'd be lying if I wasn't a little nervous after game 3, as KT was close to match point. But Faker and the gang naturally turned it around. I was joking with my brother that T1 just needs to be the underdogs so they can get play clutch.
Which is hilarious, that the defending world champs and now six times world champions, with the greatest League player ever, maybe greatest eSports player ever, would be considered underdogs at any time, at all. But it definitely felt that way in Worlds, outside of their series with TES. I saw this quote on reddit, which was translated from Chinese social media:
T1's condition isn't good, T1's early game was poor, T1 made a series of blunders, T1 has fallen into a desperate state, T1 are in their death throes, T1 is giving their victory speech
Yep, that's T1 alright.
-
Comment on Tilderinos in ~talk
-
Comment on Experiences with united healthcare in ~health
JCPhoenix (edited )LinkI had UHC for several years when I was living and working in Kansas City. Typical PPO plan. Think my deductible was like $1000. I had no issues. That said, I don't have any major health issues...I had UHC for several years when I was living and working in Kansas City. Typical PPO plan. Think my deductible was like $1000.
I had no issues. That said, I don't have any major health issues (that I'm aware of). So it was just going to my GP for checkups or when I had some typical ailment. My doctor, who had I been going to since I was a teenager, was in-network. I think the only specialist I went to was a dermatologist a couple times for a biopsy and Rx. Only thing that was annoying with the dermatologist was just like 4wk wait, which was annoying, but my old dermatologist was like a 3mo wait. Either way, not UHC's fault. No issues with either doctors. I never had any issues with any prescriptions not being on a formulary. But I think any Rx I had at the time were generics anyway.
During that time, I had one surgery: getting all my wisdom teeth removed. No billing issues with UHC. Some confusion over the deductible on my end (this was the first surgery I had as an adult, so first time dealing with this stuff beyond routine health visits), but I took care of it with the oral surgeon.
I was actually pretty happy with UHC. To the point I was surprised to hear about all the shit UHC pulled on people after Luigi Luigi'd the CEO. But again, I didn't deal with catastrophic or life-threatening health issues. Regardless, all that was a factor in my switch from my UHC PPO (different plan, different geographical location, different employer, from previous UHC coverage if it matters) to a HDCP with Aetna for 2025.
-
Comment on What did you do this week (and weekend)? in ~talk
JCPhoenix LinkHung out with my coworkers for a few hours yesterday (Friday). The mil folks held a morale day and they naturally invited us civs out, even though we're furloughed. Technically we're not supposed...Hung out with my coworkers for a few hours yesterday (Friday). The mil folks held a morale day and they naturally invited us civs out, even though we're furloughed. Technically we're not supposed to be at work events, but it was completely off-site, and we're not working, so the government can screw off. Besides, not like the gov paid for our activities, food, or drink. We paid for it all ourselves.
Afterwards, the co-worker I'm probably coolest with invited me out to lunch, so we hit up a Thai place that he's been telling me I need to check out for a few months now. I now see why he says it's the best Thai place in the area. Strong drinks, too.
All in all it was great to see everyone and catch-up. It's only been 5 weeks, but that's a long time to be gone from work. The mil folks told us they miss us (partly because they have do our work on top of their own work lol) and I definitely miss them. And my civ coworkers. Hopefully I can go back to work soon. Which I think is the first time in my life I've said that, haha...
Plus, it was good to just get out of my apartment and socialize, period. I have my IRL friends who I talk to and game with online most nights. But it's not the same as being physically together IRL. And, again, I'm just at home on Discord. Aside from doing errands here and there, not really getting out. Easy to get cabin fever.
-
Comment on Formula 1 São Paulo Grand Prix 2025 - Race Weekend Discussion in ~sports.motorsports
JCPhoenix LinkApologies for the lateness in getting this posted! I had busy day yesterday - didn't even watch Sprint Quali until like 5am today! As for as the Sprint, what a weird series of crashes with Oscar,...Apologies for the lateness in getting this posted! I had busy day yesterday - didn't even watch Sprint Quali until like 5am today!
As for as the Sprint, what a weird series of crashes with Oscar, Hulk, and Colapinto. One after another, all the same location. Lucky that none of them hit the other preceding crashed driver.
And that Bortoleto crash at the end looked particularly nasty. He even got some airtime. That might be the worst crash of the season. Again, lucky that neither Hadjar or Albon got hit. Though looks like Albon caught some of the debris under his car.
Otherwise, seemed like a pretty boring sprint.
-
Formula 1 São Paulo Grand Prix 2025 - Race Weekend Discussion
Warning: this post may contain spoilers
Sao Paulo Grand Prix
Autódromo José Carlos Pace
November 7-9, 2025
Sprint Race Qualifying Results -- SPOILER
Pos. No. Driver Team Q1 Q2 Q3 Laps 1 4 Lando Norris McLaren 1:09.627 1:09.373 1:09.243 20 2 12 Kimi Antonelli Mercedes 1:10.381 1:09.504 1:09.340 16 3 81 Oscar Piastri McLaren 1:10.017 1:09.416 1:09.428 19 4 63 George Russell Mercedes 1:10.048 1:09.384 1:09.495 16 5 14 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin 1:10.011 1:09.330 1:09.496 12 6 1 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing 1:09.975 1:09.707 1:09.580 15 7 18 Lance Stroll Aston Martin 1:10.326 1:09.647 1:09.671 15 8 16 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 1:10.324 1:09.732 1:09.725 19 9 6 Isack Hadjar Racing Bulls 1:10.095 1:09.608 1:09.775 15 10 27 Nico Hulkenberg Kick Sauber 1:10.333 1:09.735 1:09.935 15 11 44 Lewis Hamilton Ferrari 1:10.224 1:09.811 14 12 23 Alexander Albon Williams 1:10.275 1:09.813 12 13 10 Pierre Gasly Alpine 1:10.097 1:09.852 12 14 5 Gabriel Bortoleto Kick Sauber 1:10.217 1:09.923 12 15 87 Oliver Bearman Haas F1 Team 1:10.066 1:09.946 12 16 43 Franco Colapinto Alpine 1:10.441 6 17 30 Liam Lawson Racing Bulls 1:10.666 5 18 22 Yuki Tsunoda Red Bull Racing 1:10.692 6 19 31 Esteban Ocon Haas F1 Team 1:10.872 6 20 55 Carlos Sainz Williams 1:11.120 6 Source: F1.com
Sprint Race Results -- SPOILER
Pos. No. Driver Team Laps Time / Retired Pts. 1 4 Lando Norris McLaren 24 53:25.928 2 12 Kimi Antonelli Mercedes 24 +0.845s 3 63 George Russell Mercedes 24 +2.318s 4 1 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing 24 +4.423s 5 16 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 24 +16.483s 6 14 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin 24 +18.306s 7 44 Lewis Hamilton Ferrari 24 +18.603s 8 10 Pierre Gasly Alpine 24 +19.366s 9 18 Lance Stroll Aston Martin 24 +23.933s 10 6 Isack Hadjar Racing Bulls 24 +29.548s 11 31 Esteban Ocon Haas F1 Team 24 +31.000s 12 87 Oliver Bearman Haas F1 Team 24 +31.334s 13 30 Liam Lawson Racing Bulls 24 +38.090s 14 22 Yuki Tsunoda Red Bull Racing 24 +38.462s 15 55 Carlos Sainz Williams 24 +38.951s 16 27 Nico Hulkenberg Kick Sauber 24 +42.349s 17 23 Alexander Albon Williams 24 +55.456s 18 5 Gabriel Bortoleto Kick Sauber 23 DNF NC 81 Oscar Piastri McLaren 5 DNF NC 43 Franco Colapinto Alpine 5 DNF Source: F1.com
Grand Prix Qualifying Results -- SPOILER
| Pos. | No. | Driver | Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Laps |
Source: F1.com
Grand Prix Results -- SPOILER
| Pos. | No. | Driver | Team | Laps | Time / Retired | Pts. |
Fastest Lap: Driver Personman // 0:00.000 (lap 00)
DOTD: Person DrivermanSource: F1.com
Next race:
Las Vegas Grand Prix
Las Vegas Strip Circuit
November 20-22, 202513 votes -
Comment on Full Circle Boys - FREE99 (2025) in ~music
JCPhoenix LinkThe algorithm floated this up to my front page today. And I was a little confused. A boy band? In 2025? And not KPop? Huh?? I thought this was like a prank or parody video at first. But nope,...The algorithm floated this up to my front page today. And I was a little confused. A boy band? In 2025? And not KPop? Huh??
I thought this was like a prank or parody video at first. But nope, their music is actually decent. And they've definitely got the dance moves to back it up, too.
-
Full Circle Boys - FREE99 (2025)
6 votes
This was cool. I rarely ever read comics, but I liked the concept and story here. The religious themes remind me a game I watched a friend play: Blasphemous 2.
Given I don't know anything about comics, will future issues be released digitally? Or is this just a special case and usually have to buy hardcopies?