lou's recent activity

  1. Comment on ADHD productivity fundamentals in ~health.mental

    lou
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    I turn off all my devices and take them to the most secluded place in the house. Than I write my tasks on a paper notebook. Than I do the tasks. If my tasks are computer related I use Cold Turkey...

    I turn off all my devices and take them to the most secluded place in the house. Than I write my tasks on a paper notebook. Than I do the tasks.

    If my tasks are computer related I use Cold Turkey or Micromanager to block everything I don't need for that task. That includes websites and programs. It also allow for whitelist mode. It works because I genuinely don't know how to bypass it, and I certainly don't wanna learn otherwise the program will become useless for me.

    I got an old MacBook that I intend to fix, install Linux, and then remove every non essential component with the exception of a simple text editor. I'll even remove networking in a way that I can't recover it without reinstalling. I'll leave the cellphone at home and take the Mac to the library to write. Full concentration!

    1 vote
  2. Comment on Favorite hobby / subculture YouTube channels? in ~hobbies

    lou
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    I follow Emma Cruises even though I don't really care about cruises. I follow Swell Entertainment even though I don't care about events. I follow Dr. Becky and I do care about astrophysics even...

    I follow Emma Cruises even though I don't really care about cruises.

    I follow Swell Entertainment even though I don't care about events.

    I follow Dr. Becky and I do care about astrophysics even though my level of understanding is fairly low in those subjects.

    I follow Chad Chad even though I don't really care about internet meta.

    Those are all good entertaining channels. If you look for them you may notice that they're all owned by cute young women. I assure you that is just an odd coincidence. Damn algorithm forcing me to watch beautiful smart women all day long...

    6 votes
  3. Comment on It annoys me that so many PC games feel like they're intended for consoles in ~games

    lou
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    I've used Vim for years, than used Emacs with Vim keybinds. I appreciated a keyboard driven interface. However, outside certain environments, the majority of the regular non-techie people would...

    I've used Vim for years, than used Emacs with Vim keybinds. I appreciated a keyboard driven interface. However, outside certain environments, the majority of the regular non-techie people would absolutely consider Vim as "not PC". Unless they're talking about PCs from the 1970s.

    2 votes
  4. Comment on What are your go to fast but tasty meals? Is there prep you do on weekends to make meals faster? in ~food

    lou
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    Link Parent
    Hey boxer ;) If you can't get good bovine meat pig will definitely do! It's not my favorite but it's by no means bad! I imagine a whole pig could feed a family for quite some time, that sounds...

    Hey boxer ;)

    If you can't get good bovine meat pig will definitely do! It's not my favorite but it's by no means bad! I imagine a whole pig could feed a family for quite some time, that sounds like a great deal.

    The essential bit is to have a central protein around which you construct your meal.

    Brocoli is my current obsession as it is delicious with salt and olive oil and it seems to go well with everything. I prefer the fresh one as it is more resistant to the bite, but they only have it frozen at the nearby grocery store. It's good enough and way more practical anyway.

    Find a protein and add some broccoli, potatoes, and leftovers. Just make sure to not overcook the broccoli as it gets mushy very fast.

    4 votes
  5. Comment on What are your go to fast but tasty meals? Is there prep you do on weekends to make meals faster? in ~food

    lou
    (edited )
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    When I go to the butcher shop (which is by no means an expensive boutique place, just a place where they sell meat) I usually get 4 or 5 kilos of good quality meat that is also affordable. I...

    When I go to the butcher shop (which is by no means an expensive boutique place, just a place where they sell meat) I usually get 4 or 5 kilos of good quality meat that is also affordable.

    I portion them into thick steaks and store them in the freezer. Before going to sleep I take about 1/2 a kilo and put it in the fridge. 45 minutes before a meal I put in the counter to finish defrosting. After that, I do it in the pan with salt and pepper - - rare if I get it right, medium rare if I mess up. I get frozen broccoli in warm water for 45 seconds and it's done (it's precooked). Maybe I'm cooking some potatoes in between. If there are beans and rice leftovers in the fridge I'll throw them in the mix with farofa on the side.

    That doesn't sound fast but I do everything at once so it's reasonably quick for me.

    6 votes
  6. Comment on The Abilene Paradox in ~life

    lou
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    Sometimes a sacrifice is revealed later on. And even when it's not, you demonstrated conformity, reinforcing your allegiance to a group. At the very least, it's an evasion. You avoided becoming a...

    Sometimes a sacrifice is revealed later on. And even when it's not, you demonstrated conformity, reinforcing your allegiance to a group. At the very least, it's an evasion. You avoided becoming a target. You also avoided implicitly making others insecure in the case that your dissenting position is proven right.

    But that only happen in hostile groups, of course. Most groups are not looking to hurt or ostracize anyone, although many are.

    2 votes
  7. Comment on VHEMT: the Voluntary Human Extinction Movement in ~life

    lou
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    I believe that some of the arguments on that page are supported by the notion that something can be good solely because it is natural, failing to acknowledge that the idealization of nature can...

    I believe that some of the arguments on that page are supported by the notion that something can be good solely because it is natural, failing to acknowledge that the idealization of nature can only occur by selectively removing from view the numerous ways in which nature may shock our sensibilities with its senseless brutality.

    I pose the question: why do we so easily assume the axiomatic majesty of nature as an universal, uncontroversial fact that warrants no discussion? Non-human nature certainly has a value, but it's not absolute. What kind of value is it, and in relation to what do we establish its worth?

    That affirmation must not be understood as an irresponsible disregard for nature, but rather as an attempt to highlight the fact that it is not possible to dissociate our views about nature from our unique and inescapable human condition.

    Sometimes I wonder, would nature be beautiful without being appreciate by something that can conceive beauty?

    I feel unsure mentioning a logic fallacy in public. I assure everyone that I mean no harm. But I do believe there are instances of an appeal to nature in that webpage.

    5 votes
  8. Comment on The Abilene Paradox in ~life

    lou
    (edited )
    Link Parent
    Generally speaking, when someone asks me where I wanna eat, I simply answer with the place where I wanna eat. I'm remarkably candid in most situations. I don't have a story about the Abilene...

    Generally speaking, when someone asks me where I wanna eat, I simply answer with the place where I wanna eat. I'm remarkably candid in most situations.

    I don't have a story about the Abilene Paradox taking place with my agreement. I'm pretty sure that my natural resistance to group phenomena like this is one reason of my low social standing.

    If anything, that contradiction seems to reinforce communal bonds to the detriment of efficiency and individual interests. I would venture that engaging in it actually fulfills a purpose. Going against reason or my own interests should demonstrate that I'm the ultimate team player. My sacrifice elevates my status in the group. The goal is neither efficience nor moral virtue. The goal is group cohesion.

    6 votes
  9. Comment on ADHD productivity fundamentals in ~health.mental

    lou
    (edited )
    Link Parent
    Productivity tools and workflows are usually developed for neurotypical audiences. A lot of the things that make them useful for other people can lead me to failure. A few things can help. They...

    Productivity tools and workflows are usually developed for neurotypical audiences. A lot of the things that make them useful for other people can lead me to failure.

    A few things can help. They are, in no particular order: exercising, meditation, good sleep habits, psychotherapy, and medication.

    Even after you got that covered, anything shinier than a piece of paper is probably too much. An overly engaging tool or workflow will become a source of distraction and endless obsession.

    What I need is simplicity, a process so dull that I have no trouble letting it go once it fulfills its purpose, which is allowing me to do actual work.

    6 votes
  10. Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games

    lou
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    After realizing gamepad support on Android is not great (at least for the games I wanted to play), I'm playing Pokémon White on the (now free) Drastic Nintendo DS emulator using my Xbox controller...

    After realizing gamepad support on Android is not great (at least for the games I wanted to play), I'm playing Pokémon White on the (now free) Drastic Nintendo DS emulator using my Xbox controller and a clip that attaches it to the phone.

    The dual-screen aspect is easy to manage with the right settings on Drastic. It took me a while to find the perfect arrangement for me, and it's entirely comfortable.

    A bit off-topic, but I used to have a DS and I honestly hate the dual screens, it's a silly gimmick that rarely adds to the experience. Pressing buttons while holding a stylus is not ergonomic at all. I get that it drove sales, but, from my perspective, they should have made a GBA+ with a larger screen and be done with it.

    I like Pokémon's simplicity and optimism. It's not a sophisticated story, but it cheers me up, you know? And Pokémon combat is enough to be engaging without demanding a lot from me.

    I was previously playing World of Warcraft but it doesn't go well with the demands of having a 7-month-old son. I must have a game that I can promptly pause to do whatever is required of me as a father.

    3 votes
  11. Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games

    lou
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    Link Parent
    I'm thinking of getting that handheld, but wondering if I should just get a Switch Lite to unlock. I'm not sure if a 3.5" screen is good enough for Nintendo DS games. Quite a few people on Reddit...

    As well as that I bought an Anbernic "RG35XX H"

    I'm thinking of getting that handheld, but wondering if I should just get a Switch Lite to unlock. I'm not sure if a 3.5" screen is good enough for Nintendo DS games. Quite a few people on Reddit had to swap screens on the RG35XX models, and that is something I wouldn't have the ability to do at all.

    But the advantage of going around with something cheap and small is that I wouldn't be too concerned about playing wherever I am. Muggings are common around here.

    1 vote
  12. Comment on Psychohistory in ~humanities

    lou
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    I don't necessarily disagree but the article is not about Asimov's psicohistory.

    I don't necessarily disagree but the article is not about Asimov's psicohistory.

    8 votes
  13. Comment on Psychohistory in ~humanities

    lou
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    I'll assume @serafin is an Asimov fan? I like Asimov too, but I haven't read the psychohistory novels. If I had to make a criticism, I would say that I'm not a fan of the excessive proliferation...

    I'll assume @serafin is an Asimov fan? I like Asimov too, but I haven't read the psychohistory novels.

    If I had to make a criticism, I would say that I'm not a fan of the excessive proliferation of subfields, subgenres, etc. Sometimes the addition of a new category doesn't seem useful. That is not a determination I can make based on a Wikipedia article, but Michel Foucault's work might be an antecedent of this with his History of Sexuality, The Birth of the Clinic, Discipline and Punish, etc. As well as several works within history, philosophy, anthropology, etc.

    The odd nomenclature and the association with fiction may give the impression that this is an unworthy field, but the article presents a compelling example in the history of our understanding of childhood, along with how we model children's minds and inner world. A historiography of our own ideas concerning the mind, and the consequences of those ideas, seems like a worthy effort.

    6 votes
  14. Comment on Larian Studios won't make Baldur's Gate 3 DLC, expansions, or Baldur's Gate 4 in ~games

    lou
    Link Parent
    Classic JRPGs are objectively better on emulators. I highly recommend it. I got a clip that attaches my Xbox gamepad to my phone. It's great.

    Classic JRPGs are objectively better on emulators. I highly recommend it. I got a clip that attaches my Xbox gamepad to my phone. It's great.

  15. Comment on Rumor: Insider claims Xbox handheld under development in ~games

    lou
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    That's a great idea. A Game Pass powered handheld might be a great thing. If reasonably priced with a HDMI output, you suddenly have a no-brainer on your hands.

    Corden later said, “no not a cloud handheld, a fully native Xbox handheld.”

    That's a great idea. A Game Pass powered handheld might be a great thing. If reasonably priced with a HDMI output, you suddenly have a no-brainer on your hands.

    3 votes
  16. Comment on Larian Studios won't make Baldur's Gate 3 DLC, expansions, or Baldur's Gate 4 in ~games

    lou
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    Link Parent
    What bothers me in JRPGs are the endless animations. Animation to enter battle, animation for every single ability, animation for XP gain, animation to leave battle. With random encounters...

    What bothers me in JRPGs are the endless animations. Animation to enter battle, animation for every single ability, animation for XP gain, animation to leave battle. With random encounters thousands of times per hour. Everything is unskippable. Thankfully, emulators have fast forward. Combat is painfully slow and repetitive.

    7 votes
  17. Comment on Alien: Romulus | Official teaser trailer in ~movies

    lou
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    I enjoyed Prometheus quite a bit. It has issues but people focused way too much on them. I can let a thing or two slide if the overall package works.

    I enjoyed Prometheus quite a bit. It has issues but people focused way too much on them. I can let a thing or two slide if the overall package works.

    1 vote
  18. Comment on Riot's League of Legends MMO is being 'reset,' likely going dark for 'several years' in ~games

    lou
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    Link Parent
    It is unlikely for MMORPGs to regain the popularity of the early 2000s, but it is entirely possible for interesting takes on the genre to keep a sustainable population. The recently announced...

    It is unlikely for MMORPGs to regain the popularity of the early 2000s, but it is entirely possible for interesting takes on the genre to keep a sustainable population. The recently announced Brighter Shores may eventually become an example of that.

    To accomplish that, it is necessary to understand that, while "MMORPG" is technically an acronym, its semantics go way beyond the mere expansion of its letters. In practice, MMORPG is a word derived from an acronym. As such, its meaning is fluid, rich, and mutable.

    To start with, no one ever defined an actual numerical value that embodies the notion of "Massive", nor what "Massive" refers to. I would argue that "Massive" does not mean any specific number of players or world length. It is rather a feeling, a sensation of breadth and immersion in a world that is both external to our own and shared with other players. In my opinion, compared to other online games, the distinguishing feature of an MMORPG is having a shared open world as the default experience, allowing for random encounters and emergent gameplay. That is not to say that is the only defining characteristic of MMORPGs, but rather that it is a central one that is important to highlight. Unlike lobby games, inhabiting MMORPG worlds should take no prior effort in grouping and coordination. They're serendipity-generating machines.

    With that in mind, it becomes easier to envision the role MMORPGs may have in the future. They don't need mega-servers, nor do they need worlds to the scale of World of Warcraft. They must only feel massive, social, and immersive. We may never see another Stormwind, as it was built for another era. There's nothing sadder than an empty MMORPG city. As with everything else about these games, in 2024, the urbanism and geography of MMORPGs must take smaller populations into account. They may not command the same budgets, but that doesn't mean they're going anywhere. From 1999 to 2012, MMORPGs went through a bubble. They are still desired games, but the market has changed. Everything is online, and MMORPGs are not that special anymore.

    2 votes
  19. Comment on Stardew Valley 1.6 update released on PC in ~games

    lou
    Link Parent
    No, it's primarily a single player game.

    No, it's primarily a single player game.

    3 votes