canekicker's recent activity
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Comment on What does your computer setup look like? in ~tech
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
canekicker (edited )LinkLegend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom - Half way through this game. Really enjoy the aesthetic and what they're doing with this game but the gameplay loop hasn't hooked me quite yet. I feel I'm...Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom - Half way through this game. Really enjoy the aesthetic and what they're doing with this game but the gameplay loop hasn't hooked me quite yet. I feel I'm playing the game "wrong" and using the same solution (e.g. beds, tons of beds) to solve all these puzzles so I end up playing the game like in 45 minute chunks. Hopefully it hooks me a bit better and I can find myself in hour(s) long sessions
edit : Just began the "second phase" and Like A Link to the Past or Ocarina of Time before it, phase II of Echoes of Wisdom seems be more enticing. Could just be the outfit change but hey, I'm digging it.
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Comment on Which game has the best dodge animation? in ~games
canekicker Link ParentLol fair enough. Good to know our AI overlords are still pretty dumbLol fair enough. Good to know our AI overlords are still pretty dumb
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Comment on Which game has the best dodge animation? in ~games
canekicker Link ParentI actually watched it all (in parts, mostly in the background) but in this list: SPOILERS It's not Bayonetta, it's Nier Automata. Other S-tier dodge animations include Bayonetta 2 and 3, FFXVI,...I actually watched it all (in parts, mostly in the background) but in this list:
SPOILERS
It's not Bayonetta, it's Nier Automata. Other S-tier dodge animations include Bayonetta 2 and 3, FFXVI, Spider Man 2, Enter the Gungeon, Zenless Zone Zero, Monster Hunter:World and Have A Nice Death. Not sure why the TL;DR is Bayonetta when you can just click at the end and see the entire list.
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Comment on Star Trek: Section 31 | Trailer in ~movies
canekicker Link ParentYour experience is pretty similar to mine and I'm glad my first encounter with Trek was completely by chance , before fandom forums were easily found. If adolescent me was trying to find Star Trek...Your experience is pretty similar to mine and I'm glad my first encounter with Trek was completely by chance , before fandom forums were easily found. If adolescent me was trying to find Star Trek today, I think I'd be turned off by the fandom which would be a god damn shame because Star Trek means so much to me.
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Comment on Star Trek: Section 31 | Trailer in ~movies
canekicker Link ParentFunny thing is I'm a hater and have a strong undercurrent of nihilism and pessimism. However, most of that I keep to myself and with Star Trek, I'm always reminded of infinite diversity in...Funny thing is I'm a hater and have a strong undercurrent of nihilism and pessimism. However, most of that I keep to myself and with Star Trek, I'm always reminded of infinite diversity in infinite combinations. The number of posts I see where people express some sort of fear, timidness or like weird internet shame about how they love version X of Trek is too much and honestly, kind of a bummer.
Like I come from an era where "nerd" hobbies were mocked instead of being a pillar of popular culture. And as a someone who loves the series but didn't have anyone to share it with, I never want anyone else to feel that way so yea, you like Nemesis, awesome, Tom Hardy is dope. You Phlox is the best doctor? Cool, that's an opinion and you got faith of the heart. I don't want to shit on someones Star Trek joy because so much of Star Trek is about being as inclusive as possible.
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Comment on Star Trek: Section 31 | Trailer in ~movies
canekicker Link ParentAll the financial woes and poor business decisions by Paramont have been on display all year . To me, Star Trek is not the cause of this but a victim of this incompetence. But yea, that's how I...Paramount wanted to put more money into this kinda stuff.
All the financial woes and poor business decisions by Paramont have been on display all year . To me, Star Trek is not the cause of this but a victim of this incompetence.
But yea, that's how I see this, as a potential net good and to help carry the ideas and messages of Star Trek to a wider audience.
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Comment on Star Trek: Section 31 | Trailer in ~movies
canekicker Link ParentI too have my doubts but I'll give it ago. I grew up as the only fan of the show so I didn't have anyone to introduce me or guide me into it, I just gave the show a random shot. So always I feel...I too have my doubts but I'll give it ago. I grew up as the only fan of the show so I didn't have anyone to introduce me or guide me into it, I just gave the show a random shot. So always I feel every series/movie/timeline deserves a chance even if it doesn't remind me of what I love the most about Trek (e.g. SPACE POLITICS. GIMMIE THAT KHITOMER ACCORD NEGOTIATION DIRECTORS CUT). Plus, why not have some fun? Why are fans so annoyed by fun? I mean we had Picard driving around in a goofy ass dune buggy and Kirk holding a giant space dildo.
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Comment on Star Trek: Section 31 | Trailer in ~movies
canekicker LinkI've always said the worst part about being a Star Trek fan/Trekkie/Trekker/whatever are the fans who constantly are "this isn't MY Star Trek" and just shit on everything different. The fact...I've always said the worst part about being a Star Trek fan/Trekkie/Trekker/whatever are the fans who constantly are "this isn't MY Star Trek" and just shit on everything different. The fact they're still making Star Trek today brings me great joy and the newer series offer something for everyone. If I want heady-parables like "Measure of a Man" , I'll go watch SNW. If I want goofy one off stories like "The Trouble with Tribbles" or "Take Me Out to the Holosuite", then LD is an entire series built on that tone. If I want to watch baffling awful stories like "Move Along Home", then PIC season 2 has me. If I want space politics like "The Undiscovered Country"... well I'm shit out of luck but that's ok because no matter the decade Iman looks amazing as a space shape shifter.
To be clear, does this look great? Not really but it may be fun and there's so much room in the universe for stuff that's fun : LD and PRO proves that. If it sucks, then so be it, move on as we did with with Final Frontier, the Kelvin-verse and Insurrection. Even if it is bad, my hope is it brings new fans into the universe and gives the studios more reason to continue to make Star Trek.
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Comment on Shadow Labyrinth | Official trailer in ~games
canekicker (edited )Link ParentYup and I'm actually kind of disappointed by this because the Secret Level episode really seemed like a creative re-interpretation of the Pac-man game, turns out it's just another direct tie in to...Reimagining of Pac Man based off it's Secret Level episode?
Yup and I'm actually kind of disappointed by this because the Secret Level episode really seemed like a creative re-interpretation of the Pac-man game, turns out it's just another direct tie in to a game and basically promo material.
Pretty much seals my main criticism of Secret Level. I enjoyed it, esp. the AC6, 40K, and UT shorts but with the exception of Pac-man, everything felt like nice cinematic game trailers or fan films like Astardes. I was hoping for more creative spins on these IPs but I guess with so much money on the line, studios may not want to risk anything too creative with their games so instead, we get pretty promo material.
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Comment on Great shows with a truly satisfying ending? in ~tv
canekicker (edited )Link ParentHaving not read the book, this is how I interpreted the ending... not as a copout but as the culmination of all the plans and strategies of Toranaga. Like what better way to dominate your enemies...toranaga is a master Machiavellian strategist
Having not read the book, this is how I interpreted the ending...
not as a copout but as the culmination of all the plans and strategies of Toranaga. Like what better way to dominate your enemies than to end the battle before it ever began, which is so differenr than how other conflicts play out. I absolutely loved it. Very Fist of the Northstar kinda thinking -
Comment on Great shows with a truly satisfying ending? in ~tv
canekicker LinkHere's my recent list. Some overlap with what's already been recommended and I'll try to avoid single season recommendations Barry Adventure Time Reservation Dogs The Good Place Parks and Rec...Here's my recent list. Some overlap with what's already been recommended and I'll try to avoid single season recommendations
Barry
Adventure Time
Reservation Dogs
The Good Place
Parks and Rec
Shogun - this is only one season but the plot is incredibly intricate and sticking the landing was incredibly difficult but they absolutely nail it. To me they didn't need a season 2 but I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt
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Comment on Great shows with interesting premises? in ~tv
canekicker LinkTaking the "the characters world" aspect of your prompt and taking some big liberties with it. Doesn't quite fit but I feel each of these shows provides an interesting perspective and world view...Taking the "the characters world" aspect of your prompt and taking some big liberties with it. Doesn't quite fit but I feel each of these shows provides an interesting perspective and world view
Reservation Dogs - ostensibly a coming of age story about native kids on a reservation but it's an absolutely beautiful show that explores the world of native culture that non-natives probably don't understand
Ramy - modern comedy about young Muslim American finding his way in the world. Deeply funny and really hits, especially if you're raised in any religious tradition
Shogun - based on the theme of this post, it's a bit of a stretch but it's a brilliant show that just envelops you in feudal Japan
Succession - the world , in this case, is the ultra wealthy and their power games
A couple I want to mention as ones with very myopic but fascinating world perspectives
How to with John Wilson - Bizarre documentary/commentary series about John Wilson's life experiences/philosophies through the lens of weird NYC. Not for everyone but if you like the oddness of someone like Nathan Fielder, this will be up your alley
Mr Robot - definitely has dystopian/techno-anarchist world views but so much of it is the perspective of the main character who you quickly learn is an unreliable narrator due to his litany of mental health issues
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Comment on My Leopold FC900R broke - Recommendation request in ~tech
canekicker (edited )LinkMechanical keyboards have changed a ton since the your keyboard came out and if you're willing to spend some extra money, you can really get something really nice that's perfectly customized to...Mechanical keyboards have changed a ton since the your keyboard came out and if you're willing to spend some extra money, you can really get something really nice that's perfectly customized to you. It does require you to build the keyboard yourself which is something I really enjoy. Personally, I really prefer a fully custom board and think most people should consider one because to me, the fun of a mechanical keyboard is having options and I've converted a lot of people over to this thinking. However if you don't want the hassle, completely ignore this.
As mentioned elsewhere, full sized keyboards are less common and the ones I'm aware of consist of the Keychron that people have suggested, this Drop or this Ducky board. I built my partner a Keychron Q6 and it's great but for me, the full sized keyboard no longer works for my work/gaming set up. I now use a separate numpad which gives me the flexibility to do data entry while also allowing me to move it out of the way for when I'm gaming. Having the extra space to whip my mouse across while playing a FPS is amazing and now I fully know my aim is shit and can no longer use the "my hand hit my keyboard" as an excuse. Personally, I use the Neo80 as it's quick release mechanism means customization is super simple.
As for switches, I am a big tactile fan and bought WS Studio Browns which I absolutely love, though I've recently moved into the silent tactile world and love the feel of TTC Blueish White - Silents. FYI, Cherry MX browns are widely considered the worst of tactile switches so any upgrade will be real joy to type on.
Finally the best part of a custom mechanical keyboard is keycaps. There are a billion keycap profiles (I usually run cherry/OEM but I really liked SA) with a billion different styles at a bunch of different price points. I got some nice doubleshot PBTs that I find aesthetically pleasing for about $45 which isn't uncommon.
If you do the math, my set up is double the price you're asking, more if you include the assortment of keycaps I purchased on a whim. However for you, I'd recommend the following.
- Monsgeek M1 V - $65 + shipping
- Akko V3 Creamy Blue - $27 for 135 switches
- Zuoya 21 numpad I linked earlier - $42 + shipping
- Optional keycap set ~ $40 but you can just use the included keycaps and then pry the keycaps off your old Leopold for the numpad
All in you're in the like mid $170s range but if you recycle the keycaps, you're well within your top end range even after shipping.
Last thing to note, a lot of this stuff tends to go out of stock and you may have to search around for stuff in stock. That said, so much of this is all made in China so Aliexpress is actually a legit way to get these products.
edit : just saw this, Luminkey98 which is more expensive but saves on hassle and offers the unique ability to have the numpad on the leftside of the alphas. To me, this is a great option as well as you can basically offset your numpad to the left and still have plenty of mouse room. Does mean that you have to learn to use the numpad with the lefthand but that's probably not too hard.
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Comment on More US states ban PFAS, or ‘forever chemicals,’ in more products in ~enviro
canekicker (edited )Link ParentI am well aware of all of this. In addition, I wasn't discrediting an entire paper, but pushing back the characterization by OP. Note the language I cited wasn't from a peer reviewed paper, but...I am well aware of all of this. In addition, I wasn't discrediting an entire paper, but pushing back the characterization by OP. Note the language I cited wasn't from a peer reviewed paper, but from a summary from federal agencies including the EPA.
EPA routinely use far stronger language concerning exposure and outcome. Look at what they put out for nitrates/nitrites(PDF)
Excessive levels of nitrate in drinking water have caused serious illness and sometimes death. The serious illness in infants is due to the conversion of nitrate to nitrite by the body, which can interfere with the oxygen-carrying capacity of the childs blood.
or look at what they put out for arsenic
Inorganic arsenic in drinking water can exert toxic effects after acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) exposure. Although acute exposures to high doses of inorganic arsenic can cause adverse effects...
or the recent pre-pub version of LCRI
There is no known safe level of lead exposure. Exposure to drinking water contaminated with lead can cause serious human health impacts including neurodevelopmental problems in children and heart disease in adults.
There is no ambiguity. Cause and effect are clear, there is no waffling of language.
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Comment on More US states ban PFAS, or ‘forever chemicals,’ in more products in ~enviro
canekicker (edited )Link ParentGoing to push back on a lot of this as someone who works in drinking water and has spent a lot of time discussing monitoring and treatment options for large utilities. I do feel that PFAS is a...- Exemplary
Going to push back on a lot of this as someone who works in drinking water and has spent a lot of time discussing monitoring and treatment options for large utilities. I do feel that PFAS is a concern and needs to be addressed but some of these statements I believe are hyperbolic and are directly contradicted by the provided sources
This is a category of extremely toxic chemicals that are used in the materials or manufacturing of basically every synthetic product you own.
Your links states
Research is ongoing to understand the mechanisms of PFAS toxicity. The epidemiological evidence suggests associations between increases in exposure to (specific) PFAS and certain health effects
and
Current peer-reviewed scientific studies have shown that exposure to certain levels of PFAS may lead to:
Note that associations are not the same as causation and the use of "may" is very intentional. Note as well that I am not saying PFAS is not an issue or not a health concern, but hyperbolic statements like extremely toxic is not correct. This isn't lead. These aren't nitrates. These aren't radiologicals or other compounds with known and specific effects and well characterized effects.
In addition, the statement about it being in everything synthetic you own is also false. Wide spread is not everywhere. Anyone who has collected PFAS samples (which I have) knows that they're not everywhere because if they were, there would be no way to properly analyze samples without dealing with contamination. That said, it's basically detectable in everyones blood but it's a factor of consumption as it's nearly impossible to avoid PFAS as modern consumers so this is somewhat of a moot point.
Concerning regulation, the regulation is absolutely nonsensical and makes assumptions based on very little. For example, the MCL (maximum contamination level aka enforceable limit) for some of these compounds is incredibly low. Take PFOS which is down to 4 ppt (parts per TRILLION) which isn't much higher than the detection limit (pdf warning) for major labs. In addition, if utilities are reporting levels just above the MCL, like mid to high single digit PPT, what technology at scale can be used to reduce a 9ppt down to 3 ppt? As far as I can tell, nothing exists at scale.
Note that treatment options at water filtration plants are the same as ones you could adopt for home use and rely on sequestration (reverse osmosis, ion exchange) or aren't terribly precise (activated carbon). Destruction of PFAS is extremely tricky and sometimes cause other issues. For example the renewal of GAC requires often requires high temps, in the 650 to 950 C range. That's not enough to destroy PFAS but it is enough to essentially create a PFAS plume that spreads across an area, particularly for small chain PFAS. In the case of sequestration, all you end up doing is creating a concentrated PFAS waste stream : the hell are you going to do with that? It's my understanding is that EPA made regulatory decisions based on assumptions that technological advances would occur to address these issues. That's a strong assumption that may or may not play out.
Note the ban on firefighting foams is unlikely to happen. PFAS is widely used on military bases as it's quite effective at dealing with the intense fires produced by the equipment there. I can't imagine it's politically savvy to deny the military of equipment they rely on.
Ultimately, I agree PFAS is a problem that needs to be addressed but regulation without remediation is useless. So much of the EPA's justification relies on future assumptions not based on reality. I know some good friends who work in federal regulatory review and much of the criticism is that EPA has taken a stance that's extreme and not scientifically or legally justifiable. They rejected the recommendation that they create essentially legal carve outs, pieces of legislation that can be challenged without destroying the entire legislation, in essence, if one piece falls, the entire legislation will now fall. My understanding is EPA is now going to deal with the manufacturers using CERCLA mechanisms but there are thousands of these compounds and if done improperly, you leave another opening for manufacturers to make slight modifications on a compound to avoid regulation (as seen with Gen-X). Ultimately, my issue has and will remain "what do we do as an industry" ? I'm all for strengthening and enforcing standards but if it's not feasible for water systems to currently meet those standards, then what are we really doing here outside of creating a headache that can't be solved?
As a side note, I'd distrust anything that comes from EWG, which routinely and inaccurately reports information and demonstrate a poor if not complete misunderstanding of the data they're dealing with. For every utility I've worked with, I've had to reach out to EWG to correct their misinformation. Simple stuff like reporting source water data as drinking water, incorrectly attributing data to my utility, misrepresenting EPA levels, etc etc. Rumors have they have deep ties to those who stand to profit from lower PFAS regulation and can be characterized more as a lobbying group, with associations with some fucking quacks. They're probably one of the worst environmental organization I've run across and personally and the amount of work I've spent correcting their mistakes with angry constituents is too much : EWG can go fuck itself.
TL:DR - PFAS is an issue but exactly what kind of issue is not fully determined. Regulation AND technological developments need to happen concurrently and right now they're out of sync. Fuck EWG.
edit : I want to be clear this isn't a criticism of your comment and the response is more intended for a general audience. Having someone cares about these issues who isn't in the industry is great. However as someone who has spent a good amount of time in this field and even attended congressional hearings about it, I feel it's important to provide proper context and information about this because that's when the proper corrective actions can be taken.
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Comment on What have you been listening to this week? in ~music
canekicker (edited )LinkChat Pile - Cool World - gnarly, experimental metal born out of the stress of living in modern society, including the impending threat of climate change. Touche Amore - Spiral In A Straight Line -...Chat Pile - Cool World - gnarly, experimental metal born out of the stress of living in modern society, including the impending threat of climate change.
Touche Amore - Spiral In A Straight Line - a bit closer to their post-hardcore roots from their earlier album. Julien Baker makes another great appearance on the last song (probably my favorite song even with it's heartfelt but slightly corny lyrics) and I'm wondering if after this and her appearance on Turnstile's last album, she's going to be a mainstay as the go to indie feature for hardcore/post-hc bands.
Spirit of the Beehive - You'll Have To Lose Something - love this psychedelic indie band. Had to cancel their tour after their van was stolen twice (yes twice) in Seattle so I'm sad for everyone who won't get to hear "1/500" live, but that performance on the Late Show was just amazing.
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Comment on Donald Trump US tariffs would increase laptop prices by $350+, other electronics by as much as 40% in ~society
canekicker Link ParentExactly, so there's a precedent on this already that already demonstrates this doesn't work well. It's baffling to me, I don't expect everyone , especially MAGA/Trumpers to know the history of...Exactly, so there's a precedent on this already that already demonstrates this doesn't work well. It's baffling to me, I don't expect everyone , especially MAGA/Trumpers to know the history of tariffs but there are so many quick explainers that can be reviewed in a few minutes to demonstrate why these tariffs make zero fucking sense. It's such dumb, cult-like thinking that pushes people to just accept these bald face lies at face value.
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Comment on Donald Trump US tariffs would increase laptop prices by $350+, other electronics by as much as 40% in ~society
canekicker Link ParentThat's exactly my point, there isn't a ton of obvious follow up questions with some of these people. Build a wall and make Mexico pay for it? How does that work? Mass deportation? How does that...don't make any fucking sense at all
That's exactly my point, there isn't a ton of obvious follow up questions with some of these people. Build a wall and make Mexico pay for it? How does that work? Mass deportation? How does that work? End the Ukraine/Russia conflict? How does that work?
This, to me, is a fundamental question that so many of his followers imply don't ask themselves. Like I know I'm preaching to the choir but simply asking "how does that work" undercuts so many of Trump's "policy" goals.
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Comment on Donald Trump US tariffs would increase laptop prices by $350+, other electronics by as much as 40% in ~society
canekicker (edited )LinkDespite how much is out there about how tariffs work, I'm genuinely surprised that people believe tariffs only effect the manufacturer and not the importer. It's baffling and I ran across this...Despite how much is out there about how tariffs work, I'm genuinely surprised that people believe tariffs only effect the manufacturer and not the importer. It's baffling and I ran across this clip last week from David Pakman (note, I have no strong opinion Pakman, just vaguely know who he is) explaining to some other person how tarriffs work and the dude in the glasses just is baffled.
It says so much about MAGA/Trumpian policies which boils down to performative bluster that his fans eat up and fail to question. No one is better at this than Vance who can polish a turd like no other.
edit : Out of curiosity, I watched most of the full interview with Kelly (a Trump supporter) and as expected from so many Trump supporters, Kelly is woefully ignorant and misinformed. Fortunately unlike some, he's not aggressively ignorant but from the meaningless questions he asks to the lack of understanding about how the government works to his inability to add to this discussion, this was depressing. Credit to him for trying to be receptive to Pakman but for every person like Kelly, there are probably 10 others in the same sphere unwilling to learn and simply hosting podcasts to chase clout.
I work from home so here's what I have
work and personal PC are not connected so I use input director for faux KVM