centurion's recent activity
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Comment on What long book series is worth its page count? in ~books
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Comment on I'm visiting the region you're from, what's your favorite food I should try? in ~food
centurion Link ParentI remember being in Guayaquil and a friend decided to basically heap ají into his encebollado (an amazing fish stew for those unaware) and regretted it immediately. His European mouth was not...I remember being in Guayaquil and a friend decided to basically heap ají into his encebollado (an amazing fish stew for those unaware) and regretted it immediately. His European mouth was not prepared for how spicy this particular restaurant made it. Our Ecuadorian hosts were telling him to go easy on it and weren't surprised at his reaction.
Definitely have a soft spot for Ecuadorian cuisine, I occasionally make seco de pollo and bolón de queso/chiccarón, at least as good as I can with the ingredients available here in Europe. Tamales are amazing but too much effort for me to attempt.
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Comment on In Norway, children walk to school aged six, or even travel across the country. Why do these kids have so much independence, while other countries are so risk-averse? in ~life
centurion Link ParentPeeing standing up is not against the law. Making excessive noise after 10pm is, but you can't be punished for peeing standing up. You may get a passive aggressive note on your door by a...Peeing standing up is not against the law. Making excessive noise after 10pm is, but you can't be punished for peeing standing up. You may get a passive aggressive note on your door by a overzealous neighbour.
But yeah you see kids here walking to kindergarten or school from 4 or 5, especially in villages. In bigger cities, there's usually a parent or two accompanying a group of children.
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Comment on Help me ditch Chrome's password manager! in ~tech
centurion Link ParentFor multi-user usage, I can see syncing issues happening with KeePass but thankfully I haven't had any. I think the apps/programs I use for it can merge external changes for it and last saved...For multi-user usage, I can see syncing issues happening with KeePass but thankfully I haven't had any. I think the apps/programs I use for it can merge external changes for it and last saved entry wins. As a lone user, I don't get conflicts frequently (can't remember if I ever actually got one).
Ultimately it's great to have options for everyone and not have to rely on a single application that may not cover everyone's particular use case.
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Comment on Help me ditch Chrome's password manager! in ~tech
centurion LinkI use KeePassXC on my larger devices and Keepass2Android on the smaller ones. For ensuring they're always in sync, the kdbx file is stored on a cloud provider (pCloud in my case) which is...I use KeePassXC on my larger devices and Keepass2Android on the smaller ones. For ensuring they're always in sync, the kdbx file is stored on a cloud provider (pCloud in my case) which is accessible by all devices and can be cached if my internet connection is spotty.
The kdbx file is protected with a key file in addition to the master password so that only explicitly onboarded devices can use it, even if my cloud storage is compromised.
For actual usability, KeePassXC does have a browser extension to allow auto insert of username and passwords but I've had a mixed experience with it. I just resort to Alt+Tab to manually grab the password instead.
On Android, my experience is much better, Keepass2Android prompts to link the relevant password to the app when you use it there, so that it will auto fill next time. QuickUnlock also lets you only put in the last 3 characters of your master password to save time, but will occasionally ask to enter the full master password.
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Comment on How can I best keep my room cool in summer? in ~life.home_improvement
centurion LinkAlso Zürich based and having the same intolerance to the heat, made worse by living in an attic flat, getting the sun on all sides of the roof. I do have the possibility to make a cross breeze...Also Zürich based and having the same intolerance to the heat, made worse by living in an attic flat, getting the sun on all sides of the roof. I do have the possibility to make a cross breeze through the flat to help cool it at night, but sounds like that isn't feasible for you.
I looked into it last year as well but couldn't settle on an AC unit to suit the awkward windows here. I did see some posts where people cut out a glass shape to suit the window and a hole for the tube, there's also window kits to attach to the window directly as another commenter mentioned.
I did find closing the bedroom door a while before sleep and sticking on a humidifier for a while to help slightly, but that may be more specific to me as I find the air very dry here, coming from a country that rains a lot and is usually above 70-80% humidity all year round.
I'm basically looking for another flat outside the city that isn't an attic so I don't have to deal with it again this year.
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Comment on Adult Swim Games titles are being pulled from stores by Warner Bros in ~games
centurion Link ParentOne point to note is that delisted Steam games don't get removed from users' libraries. They are still playable even if they're not purchasable on the storefront. Online features may not work of...One point to note is that delisted Steam games don't get removed from users' libraries. They are still playable even if they're not purchasable on the storefront. Online features may not work of course, depending on if the devs wants to support it.
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Comment on What a bunch of A-list celebs taught me about how to use my phone in ~tech
centurion Link ParentIf you're on Android, I recommend BuzzKill to manage notifications. I use it to silence and batch news notifications during the working day, and also to not vibrate my phone if someone is sending...If you're on Android, I recommend BuzzKill to manage notifications. I use it to silence and batch news notifications during the working day, and also to not vibrate my phone if someone is sending a bunch of texts in a short space of time.
There's a lot more customisation available and I think Tasker integration.
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Comment on Side trip from northern Italy in ~travel
centurion Link ParentCheers for the details. I can only comment on Switzerland as I haven't visited the other two yet. I've focused more on nature in my comment since June is quite a nice month for it. There is some...Cheers for the details. I can only comment on Switzerland as I haven't visited the other two yet. I've focused more on nature in my comment since June is quite a nice month for it. There is some nice architecture, old buildings and cultural/food experiences but generally, I wouldn't say that Switzerland is renowned for its architecture or culinary treats.
Luzern is a gorgeous spot in central Switzerland, the lake and surrounding mountains are just spectacular. If you buy a travel pass (linked below), you can get a boat and mountain railway tour from Luzern out to Rigi Kulm - itinerary linked but I think a day pass is better value since it's all included in that. It's stroller friendly and no hiking involved.
Pilatus is also nearby though you would may need to pay extra to access the cable cars. There's also a toboggan course there which might be fun for the little ones. Stoos is a close-ish car-free village with the steepest funicular in the world. You can grab a chairlift up to Fronalpstock, relax at the restaurant and still get great views. Short walks involved.
Interlaken/Jungfrau is also near to Luzern but not as easy by train if I remember correctly. Jungfrau is pricey and I'm not sure it's worth it, but there are a few things kids there. Views are spectacular though and you can see a glacier or two.
Zurich is only an hour by train from Luzern so it would be quite accessible for day trips if you wanted to go to the Kunsthaus (art gallery), Landesmuseum (national museum), and also Uetilberg mountain (views overlooking Lake Zurich but not as good as Luzern in my opinion). There's also plenty of restaurants around, but be prepared to pay high prices. Le Dézaley near the lake is a lovely fondue restaurant (which you can eat in June although it's more winter food). The Niederdorf area on the east side of the Limmat river also has a lot of cafes and restaurants. Lochergut area also has a lot of food places.
A bit further north in Winterthur, there's a science museum called Technorama, which has a lot of interactive exhibits aimed at children if you just need an easy day to occupy them.
Links:
- https://swissfamilyfun.com - for planning stroller-friendly hikes
- https://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/obstacle-free-routes
- Swiss Travel Pass which may be cheaper than buying individual tickets - if you know the days in advance and your itinerary, you can also buy SuperSaver tickets for cheap (tied to a particular connection though), but your children would need their own tickets (if above 6 years) compared to the Travel Pass. The Pass is also a lot easier to manage since it's valid on all public transport (national and local, but not all cable cars) without time restrictions.
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Comment on Side trip from northern Italy in ~travel
centurion LinkAsking for general recommendations of 3 countries without much information of what you're interested in leaves it a bit hard to narrow down possibilities. There's a lot on offer in the region....Asking for general recommendations of 3 countries without much information of what you're interested in leaves it a bit hard to narrow down possibilities. There's a lot on offer in the region.
- What's your general budget? Mainly asking because Switzerland is pricey, especially as a tourist.
- Time of year you'd like to go? How long do you want to go for?
- Age range for the kids? Are they able to walk by themselves for long?
- Any particular interests of what you or your family would like to do?
- City break, museums or trying restaurants? Hikes or winter sports?
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Comment on TV Tuesdays Free Talk in ~tv
centurion LinkWatched Orphan Black: Echoes the last few days after never hearing about any of the marketing for it. It's not very compelling compared to the original series, where Tatiana Maslany's acting was...Watched Orphan Black: Echoes the last few days after never hearing about any of the marketing for it. It's not very compelling compared to the original series, where Tatiana Maslany's acting was such a treat.
The writing in the spin-off just seemed a bit predictable and the characters did things because that's where the plot needed to go, not because they were making logical choices. A bit of the same concept was just reused/rehashed rather than delving more into the mythology of the original show.
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Comment on TV Tuesdays Free Talk in ~tv
centurion LinkBinged Castlevania last weekend. I had started it before and watched up to Season 2, I think. Then the long wait between seasons made me forget all about it. Quite enjoyed it, even if some of the...Binged Castlevania last weekend. I had started it before and watched up to Season 2, I think. Then the long wait between seasons made me forget all about it. Quite enjoyed it, even if some of the dialogue felt like it was written by a edgy teenager. Some incoherent pacing issues in seasons 3 and 4 that felt like they didn't know how to continue on. The music was quite good in parts, unfortunately only the first season OST is available to stream.
I started on the Nocture spinoff as well, but I can't say that I'm particularly drawn to teenage characters in shows. They tend to be overly whiny and very cringy, which is not my cup of tea. I'll finish it out anyway and then forget about it when S2 releases in 3 years.
Loki was also a welcome return last week. Ke Huy Quan is bringing a bubbly character, which I'm definitely enjoying. Might share a lot of mannerisms as his character from Everything Everywhere All At Once but can't say that's a complaint.
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Comment on Your next excuse is on platform five – German train travel has become an experience worthy of Kafka in ~transport
centurion Link ParentOn the flip-side, I recently took a direct train from Berlin to Zurich with DB, which made its scheduled connection time in Basel, but SBB had its own train ready. It refused to let the DB train...On the flip-side, I recently took a direct train from Berlin to Zurich with DB, which made its scheduled connection time in Basel, but SBB had its own train ready. It refused to let the DB train continue for 1.5 hours, but DB only told us after 30 minutes waiting in Basel and missed the SBB train to switch.
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Comment on TV Tuesdays Free Talk in ~tv
centurion LinkJust binged Silo over the last couple days. Really liked it and kept me engaged, wanting to know more. Now begins the problem with streaming services, the long wait for the next season. I'll...Just binged Silo over the last couple days. Really liked it and kept me engaged, wanting to know more. Now begins the problem with streaming services, the long wait for the next season. I'll probably forget all the plot and then be confused whenever season 2 airs.
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Comment on What consumeristic and somewhat pointless hobby do you have? in ~hobbies
centurion Link ParentI never played the original Sushi Go! Just the Party edition, which has customisable menus (also including the original). For newbies to the hobby, I do go for the lighter, quicker games, so that...I never played the original Sushi Go! Just the Party edition, which has customisable menus (also including the original). For newbies to the hobby, I do go for the lighter, quicker games, so that I can eventually bring out Star Wars: Rebellion ;)
Cheers for the Secret Hitler recommendation. I've heard good things about from the boardgames subreddit, but never looked deeper into it. I doubt I'll be pick it up tbh, I have a few social deduction games already, and I also work with a few Germans so getting it to the table may be extra hard hah.
Have a look on BoardGameGeek for your games collection. There's ranking of how suitable each game is per player count. It does help to gauge the community voting, when it says "2-6 players" but is crap at 2p. Depending on your preferred genre, there's a lot of 2p abstracts with the GIPF series. I can recommend Star Realms for a 2p deck builder game (base game is sufficient, expansions can swing the game wildly). Also I mentioned Hive above, if you're getting that, go for the Pocket version as it's easier to carry around and play on the go. It also comes with two extra insect tiles over the standard edition.
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Comment on What consumeristic and somewhat pointless hobby do you have? in ~hobbies
centurion Link ParentYou certainly go for the heavy games! I remember playing Agricola with a friend, but couldn't get into it. It also didn't help that he didn't go easy for the first few playthroughs while I was...You certainly go for the heavy games! I remember playing Agricola with a friend, but couldn't get into it. It also didn't help that he didn't go easy for the first few playthroughs while I was still grasping the rules and good ways to build my engine. When you keep losing by a large margin, it doesn't make the game endearing.
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Comment on What consumeristic and somewhat pointless hobby do you have? in ~hobbies
centurion Link ParentYeah, it's definitely hard to bring out some of my heavier games. Spending 30 minutes explaining rules kills the momentum of an evening. Lately I've been playing with work people, mostly...Yeah, it's definitely hard to bring out some of my heavier games. Spending 30 minutes explaining rules kills the momentum of an evening. Lately I've been playing with work people, mostly party-type games to entice them to come and have a few drinks doing so. I would include Just One in the list below, since it's one of my favourite party games but I work with a lot of people whose first language is not English, so it makes it difficult to play.
Go-to work games:
- Coup
- Dixit - since it's creative and quite interactive, it's good for people who say they wouldn't be into board games.
- One Night Ultimate Werewolf
- Sushi Go Party - plays fast and no downtime waiting for other people to take turns.
I definitely have a few unplayed games I'd like to try out, but I do have my go-to favourites to play, which tend to fall into the abstract genre, games like Onitama, Patchwork. 2 player competitive games are definitely my jam. The colleague who introduced me to the hobby was also the one who would play those games with me during lunch breaks and it was always cut-throat!
Favourites:
- 7 Wonders Duel
- Arboretum
- Hive
- Patchwork
- Schotten Totten
My criteria for new purchases is that it has to have some unique hook or mechanic that isn't fulfilled by a game already in my collection. No point having 5 different worker placement games that play similar.
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Comment on What consumeristic and somewhat pointless hobby do you have? in ~hobbies
centurion LinkBoard games. I've built up a decent collection (60-70 games, a lot of them small box) since I got introduced to the hobby a few years ago by a work colleague. Unfortunately I don't have a regular...Board games. I've built up a decent collection (60-70 games, a lot of them small box) since I got introduced to the hobby a few years ago by a work colleague. Unfortunately I don't have a regular social group to play with so they're mostly collecting dust. If I had a group, I wouldn't call it pointless.
I did go through a phase of "cult of the new" and I bought games that looked interesting from the BoardGameGeek description and screenshots, although I didn't do proper research to see if it was a game I'd like mechanically. That phase has now stopped and I only add to my collection if I know it's a game I'd really like (either by play-testing on BoardGameArena or from a friend's collection) or it's one where I know it'll get played - like some of my colleagues say they don't like board games so I choose a light game like Dixit since it's quite accessible.
It was especially awkward moving country with them, so I'm aiming to reduce my collection somehow by donating the unwanted games to friends, if they'll take them.
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Comment on What have you been listening to this week? in ~music
centurion LinkI've been listening to the new Spider-Verse OST a lot since I went to see it a few weeks ago. If I really enjoy a film and its music, I tend to start listening to it almost immediately after...I've been listening to the new Spider-Verse OST a lot since I went to see it a few weeks ago. If I really enjoy a film and its music, I tend to start listening to it almost immediately after watching it. It's unfortunate the few times where the official OST isn't available and I have to deal with YouTube rips.
I was also at a Latino music and food festival yesterday in my city, so that got me looking up some of the tracks such as Vivir Mi Vida and Mi Gente that were playing there.
I think it'd be confusing just to pick up on Book 7, having only watched the show. As you say, TV Drummer is an amalgamation of other book characters so it would be quite a big whiplash. Not to mention the other big difference between the show and the books.
TV Season 5 spoilers
The death of Alex due to the actor being fired.I personally found the books quite a light read, easy to get through them in a short space of time to get to the same point in the show. You'd also miss out on some of the novellas (such as The Churn), which deserve to be read too.