chizcurl's recent activity
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Comment on What do I do if I don't have any clothes? in ~life.style
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Comment on Cartoons such as Steven Universe, Gravity Falls, or Avatar? in ~tv
chizcurl (edited )Link ParentI recently finished season 1 (25 episodes) of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, and it's amazing! Like ATLA, the show is extremely character driven with incredible world building and some episodic...I recently finished season 1 (25 episodes) of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, and it's amazing! Like ATLA, the show is extremely character driven with incredible world building and some episodic storytelling in the mix. It has it all: coziness, comedy, action, romance, adventure, existentialism, heartwarming moments, dark moments. I'm now watching commentaries to get my fix after the show is over. I can't recommend it enough!
Edited to add another anime that was short and enjoyable and might be your vibe: Somali and the Forest Spirit. In short, a forest golem embarks on mission to reunite a lost child with her family. It's cute, funny, and also kinda dark.
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Comment on Chinese woman in Beijing goes on one hundred blind dates per year in ~life
chizcurl (edited )LinkSome cultural context is missing from the article. Li seems motivated by the super traditional view that her womanhood has an expiration date, past which she will be an undesirable "leftover"...Some cultural context is missing from the article. Li seems motivated by the super traditional view that her womanhood has an expiration date, past which she will be an undesirable "leftover" (like food). It's similar to the "single cat lady", except it's harder to push back in a society in which you're expected to stay close to inter-generational family, who will likely remind you of your leftover status every day until they die. Men can't escape the pressure either; Li says that many of the people she met were just going through the motions. Ironically, so is she: her dates "are just entries in the spreadsheet".
I think Li struggles to identify what she truly wants. Her ideal partner (older, mature, and stable) harkens to the olden days of marrying for finances over love (which is still a necessity for many people depending on where they live). She can't shake her true desire to find someone ambitious, daring, and willing to grow with her. However, she doesn't spend enough time with another person to explore this possibility. She subsequently explains how she's written off all Finance and Humanities people because she hates luxury hobbies and operas, as she is not sophisticated herself. What happened to growing?
It would help if Li slowed down and got to know herself better, too. She says she's okay with "decent looking" guys, but her most promising dates turn into friendships. What if she is more "shallow" than she wants to admit? What if she's demisexual? Nothing wrong with either of those things, imo.
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Comment on How to succeed in a cramming-based academic system? in ~science
chizcurl (edited )LinkLooking into trade occupations was also the first thing that came to my mind. But addressing ADHD and learning new ways to study also shouldn't be ignored. If you can tackle that, then you would...Looking into trade occupations was also the first thing that came to my mind. But addressing ADHD and learning new ways to study also shouldn't be ignored. If you can tackle that, then you would probably be in a better position to ask yourself whether lecture-based academia is right for you. Maybe it's the major or the coursework, not the whole education system. The hard sciences were an alien language to me. I spent 6 hours per week deciphering math homework and finally realized that I needed to pivot after multiple final exam failures (curved to "barely passing") in general Chemistry. 🥴 I had a much better time in the humanities, although it wasn't easier. There were many sleepless nights under the dining room table and tears of RAGE! However, I felt like my hard work was paying off which was not the case before changing my major.
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Comment on Best "dad" jokes and puns! in ~talk
chizcurl LinkI'm partial to saying "Lettuce leaf" before heading out to eat! 😆I'm partial to saying "Lettuce leaf" before heading out to eat! 😆
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Comment on How do you feel about student loan forgiveness? in ~life
chizcurl Link ParentSame here, I remain skeptical but wouldn't oppose the debt forgiveness. Maybe normalization is what we're missing to take US society from the current model of higher education to free or low cost...Same here, I remain skeptical but wouldn't oppose the debt forgiveness. Maybe normalization is what we're missing to take US society from the current model of higher education to free or low cost systems. I've spent literal years voting for candidates running for public office to make it happen. But their bills get shut down or silenced somehow, so apparently the rest of the country still needs to be convinced.
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Comment on Dragon’s Dogma 2’s combat is sloppy and unrefined — on purpose in ~games
chizcurl Link ParentI've only played DD1, but I suspect the author didn't spend as much experimenting or looking things up. Capcom loves making complex systems that aren't explained within the game. 🤪 For example, it...I've only played DD1, but I suspect the author didn't spend as much experimenting or looking things up. Capcom loves making complex systems that aren't explained within the game. 🤪 For example, it looks like the standard dodge mechanic really was removed and replaced with a more difficult alternative. They were also taken aback by the simplicity of pawn commands, but I hardly used them in DD1. I assume that the interaction between a pawn's inclination, monster knowledge, and learned behaviors carries over in DD2 - info we only have thanks to the help of data miners, haha.
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Comment on Hey, monthly mystery commenters, what's up with the hit-and-runs? in ~tildes
chizcurl Link ParentI'm not the target audience lol but I think you've actually answered your own question: People tend to follow up on comments when they feel it is needed. This could mean a variety of things, but I...I'm not the target audience lol but I think you've actually answered your own question: People tend to follow up on comments when they feel it is needed. This could mean a variety of things, but I feel like the simplest reason is that "hit and run" commenters don't view Tildes as one of their regular social spaces. Therefore, they are not as invested in having digital interactions with other people here. In addition to other reasons people have mentioned, I would consider posting anxiety as a possible explanation. Maybe the commenter has read your response, but they don't want to keep a conversation going because they are uncomfortable with the spotlight of directly being addressed on a public forum.
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Comment on Hi, how are you? Mental health support and discussion thread (April 2024) in ~health.mental
chizcurl Link ParentIt sounds like you're going through utter hell right now... Those friends you mentioned fit the description of “energy vampires”, and I would be would be side eyeing your family (especially the...It sounds like you're going through utter hell right now... Those friends you mentioned fit the description of “energy vampires”, and I would be would be side eyeing your family (especially the adults back then) if they knew about your brother and said nothing... But I am an internet stranger who doesn't know the full picture, so take what I say with a grain of salt. It's really hard to not compare yourself to your peers, but try to remember that everyone has their own timeline. I don't think you are less of a person just because you haven't reached traditional milestones - milestones that were blocked by the setbacks you've endured. You've made it this far, and you still have a life of possibilities ahead! You still have time to surround yourself with others who make you feel safe and secure. I hope that one day, your positives outweigh your negatives.
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Comment on What have you been eating, drinking, and cooking? in ~food
chizcurl (edited )LinkI tried making boba pearls for the first time! After nearly 3 hours of alternating between boiling and turning off the heat, they were only half cooked. 😭 If anyone has tips, please share! I think...I tried making boba pearls for the first time! After nearly 3 hours of alternating between boiling and turning off the heat, they were only half cooked. 😭 If anyone has tips, please share! I think I made a few mistakes: 1) not enough water, 2) didn't stir constantly, 3) added sugar while boiling. Next time, I'll try boiling/simmering for much shorter, turn off the heat, and leave the covered pot on the stove for several hours (add sugar at this point), see where that gets me.
Edit: I talked to a friend who's a boba-making pro, and not having enough water at the start was a big deal: the pot became super saturated with starch, blocking absorption of water by the pearls.
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Comment on It annoys me that so many PC games feel like they're intended for consoles in ~games
chizcurl Link ParentYeah, having an "interact" button mapped to a key is pretty standard for a game if it's not point-and-click. But it sure pisses me off when you can rebind every key under the sun except that one...Yeah, having an "interact" button mapped to a key is pretty standard for a game if it's not point-and-click. But it sure pisses me off when you can rebind every key under the sun except that one button!
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Comment on Thinking about quitting the Internet in ~tech
chizcurl (edited )LinkI don't see why you have to quit the entire Internet unless it has never brought you joy or convenience. What apps or websites are you using that make you think the Internet is not what you hoped...I don't see why you have to quit the entire Internet unless it has never brought you joy or convenience. What apps or websites are you using that make you think the Internet is not what you hoped it would be, and why?
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Comment on What are your go to fast but tasty meals? Is there prep you do on weekends to make meals faster? in ~food
chizcurl LinkI usually meal prep on the weekend and make two sets of meals lasting 4-5 days each. I need different meals for lunch and dinner to break up the monotony. Since I go out to eat a couple times per...I usually meal prep on the weekend and make two sets of meals lasting 4-5 days each. I need different meals for lunch and dinner to break up the monotony. Since I go out to eat a couple times per week, I don’t want too many meals hanging out in the freezer. The meals depend on whatever is on sale at the grocery store. I’ll usually pull up the app or website and make a list before I go. If I need inspiration, I’ll check out some food bloggers Averie Cooks, Budget Bytes, and Skinnytaste. I'm not on a strict diet; I just look for simple and fresh recipes that keep well.
Meal prep isn't for everyone, though. You might have to adjust cook times for reheating depending on your tastes. Freezing can be trickier because most veggies with high water content (spinach, tomato, celery, onion, cucumber, etc.) don't hold up well. I know people who prefer to cook small batch fresh meals every day, or make a fresh meal with leftovers for a couple of days. Other people covered pasta, noodles, rice, stir fry, protein + side, soup, chili, quiche, shepherd's pie, and salad. These are all excellent ideas that can be made fresh or meal prepped for the week.
I’ve also made Tex Mex and Mediterranean inspired quinoa or rice bowls. After cooking and seasoning the rice, you’re pretty much chopping ingredients and throwing them on top. I’ve also had success making a 9x13 pan of enchilada casserole. After buying pre-cooked chicken, I was just layering ingredients and baking it in the oven to melt the cheese. You can also doctor up storebought frozen food! I usually check the label to make sure the sodium isn't through the roof. I once cooked down two tubs of mushrooms and covered the entire surface of a frozen cheese pizza. It looked disturbing, but tasted alright. 😂 I should have broiled the pizza first because the layer of ice on top of the cheese made it watery. Yesterday, I boiled frozen Chinese pork dumplings while sauteeing broccoli. It was quick and tasty. My dip was just vinegar and soy sauce, but sometimes I add sesame oil or chili crisp.
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Comment on Suggestions on how to secure reasonable US Taylor Swift - Eras Tour tickets? in ~music
chizcurl (edited )LinkFrom what I've heard, the key seems to be buying as early as possible. Swell Entertainment made a video last year about applying for Ticketmaster's Verified Fan Presale program. She suspects that...From what I've heard, the key seems to be buying as early as possible. Swell Entertainment made a video last year about applying for Ticketmaster's Verified Fan Presale program. She suspects that the program doesn't do anything, but it's a shot at getting your tickets early. She targeted Las Vegas instead of the venue closer to her, knowing the former would be easier for her to get a seat. Her ticket was in the ballpark of $600. Apparently, she was somehow charged the same price as VIP without getting VIP status. Ticketmaster was also buggy and didn't let her purchase 2 tickets, so you and your fiancee might need to apply individually and hope to get seats next to each other. Capital One cardholders were also able to sign up for the Verified Fan Presale in 2023, but I don't see any news that it applies to this year.
This Billboard article from Jan 2024 might be of interest. It lists a few third party resellers; if you have to go that route, then I suppose you should stick to the most reputable ones. And pay with credit card if possible, so you can issue a chargeback if you don't get tickets transferred quickly to your account. Good luck!
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Comment on Unique things to do in Las Vegas? (and Los Angeles) in ~travel
chizcurl Link ParentYou might also want to follow @ discoverla on IG. It's run by the LA Tourism & Convention Board, but it looks hip lol. Anaheim Packing District has a unique vibe (mega hipster 😆). Off the top of...You might also want to follow @ discoverla on IG. It's run by the LA Tourism & Convention Board, but it looks hip lol.
Anaheim Packing District has a unique vibe (mega hipster 😆). Off the top of my head, the Anti-Lab in Costa Mesa is similar. It's also across the street from The Camp, which has a Boba Guys and Folks (great pizza plus natural wines and Basque cheesecake). People bring their dogs to the outside patio. 🤩 I haven't been to the OG Kagura (katsu) yet, but they opened a new location ~10 min walk from The Camp.
Hope you guys have a blast and congrats to your friend!
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Comment on Unique things to do in Las Vegas? (and Los Angeles) in ~travel
chizcurl (edited )Link ParentOkay, so my club recs are from back in the day (4+ years ago 💀). Take these with a grain of salt! Terra Cotta in ktown was fun. There were more asians and mix of bright-eyed 20 year olds and 30+...Okay, so my club recs are from back in the day (4+ years ago 💀). Take these with a grain of salt! Terra Cotta in ktown was fun. There were more asians and mix of bright-eyed 20 year olds and 30+ crowd. I remember Seven Grand (whiskey bar) and Library Bar in DTLA being more chill. The club I liked in Vegas closed years ago, so sorry can't help you there! I found XS boring though.
I recommend checking out @ itshelenmelon on IG for ktown food recs, since I haven't eaten in the area recently. I'm also not willing to wait 2-3 hours to be seated. The last time I was there, I had lunch at 10:30am. 🤣
Before I throw out some random ideas below, you may be interested in signing up for LAist's Best Things to Do newsletter before your trip. There are always different limited time events happening across the county.
Gallery Nucleus in Alhambra and Giant Robot in Sawtelle usually have an indie art exhibit going on. They are smaller venues; I would check their website to see if there is anything of interest coming up.
In Anaheim, you could also check out the Packing District if you haven't been yet. It's basically a giant food hall with indoor and outdoor seating.
If anyone in your group loves plants, Roger's Gardens near Newport Beach is cool. My friends and I slowly browsed the nursery and trinkets for almost 2 hours.
Oh, Skechers (the shoe brand) apparently has a food court in Gardena that rivals Costco food court. I haven't been there yet, but it might be fun to check out.
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Comment on Unique things to do in Las Vegas? (and Los Angeles) in ~travel
chizcurl LinkWhat kinds of things do you and your friends like to do (and eat)?What kinds of things do you and your friends like to do (and eat)?
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Comment on <deleted topic> in ~talk
chizcurl LinkI think you already identified some things to start thinking about in your post. 🙂 How do you define a "meaningful life"? Besides having deep connections, what other things would make your life...I think you already identified some things to start thinking about in your post. 🙂
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How do you define a "meaningful life"? Besides having deep connections, what other things would make your life feel less empty?
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What does "youth" mean to you? What experiences did you miss out on that you wanted to have? Are there any that you can still have now?
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What other issues came up in freshman year of undergrad that interfered with establishing yourself socially? (You already mentioned timeliness of introductions and getting more involved in extracurriculars.)
As an aside, grad school will be very demanding. It will probably impact your mental and physical health again at some point. So wherever you end up going, I would find out where the student wellness or counseling center is and what services they offer for mental health support.
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Comment on What a bunch of A-list celebs taught me about how to use my phone in ~tech
chizcurl (edited )Link ParentI haven't seen anyone mention this yet, but I find it useful to embrace notifications by customizing ringtone alerts for as many apps as I can. This creates two layers of prioritization in my...I haven't seen anyone mention this yet, but I find it useful to embrace notifications by customizing ringtone alerts for as many apps as I can. This creates two layers of prioritization in my experience. For example, I can hear if the notif is coming from different emails or from text message vs. work messenger vs. social media DM. If I'm super busy, I might ignore everything else except the work sound. But I can also check the notification banner without unlocking my phone to make sure there isn't a personal emergency to attend to. Conversely, I might decide that now is a good time to goof around! 😝
Android is way easier to customize than iPhone. The latter requires about an hour using iTunes of all things to convert file formats, but it was worth it for me.
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Comment on No Rest for the Wicked's crunchy combat is more Dark Souls than Diablo in ~games
chizcurl (edited )Link ParentYeah I agree. I'm lukewarm about how the game looks even though I support the studio's decision to go with a different visual style. They named Soulslikes and Monster Hunter as some of their...Yeah I agree. I'm lukewarm about how the game looks even though I support the studio's decision to go with a different visual style. They named Soulslikes and Monster Hunter as some of their inspirations. Perhaps they felt that a more "commercial" look would be appropriate to capture those player bases. Or maybe they just didn't want to feel boxed in by the indie artsy aesthetic. That's A-OK, but I personally would been more excited by something that pushed the delightfully grotesque design of that first boss.
I don't mean to undermine the thoughtful choices that the devs made in game design. They studied other ARPGs and deliberately added elements (such as the stamina bar and replenishable "Focus" magic source) to keep the action but make it more tactical.
I just want to say that it is completely normal to spend a whole day shopping at the mall and end up buying nothing. Many designs are seasonal, and fast fashion places are all competing with each other by carrying the same thing. For example, I never found the black jean shorts I wanted because every store that day decided to make them ripped. I went with regular jean shorts instead, because those were also on my list.
I was looking for more basics rather than statement pieces. It sounds like you might be in search of both? It's okay to take your time finding items that you really like, and items that will pair with other clothes that you already have. Too many clothes end up being a waste of money and space imo.
If you're having trouble finding clothes in person and online, then you might be interested in making your own clothes. 🤔 I've seen DIY clothes videos ranging from basic to advanced.