clorko's recent activity
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Comment on 2026 United States midterm elections distractions topic in ~talk
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
clorko Link ParentI burned myself on this one too. The core mechanics are fantastic - the combat is engaging, the sense of choice is empowering, and the amount of content is impressive. That last one was its...I burned myself on this one too. The core mechanics are fantastic - the combat is engaging, the sense of choice is empowering, and the amount of content is impressive. That last one was its undoing for me, though. I'm not a completionist by any stretch, but I try to finish whatever side tasks I come across while pursuing the main quest. I made it about 80 hours into the game before I lost my momentum, because every corner I turned seemed to reveal one more thing to do.
I've heard so many amazing things about Baldur's Gate that I really want to try it, but I fear it'll be more of the same. It's a strange thing to complain about ("Oh no! The game I paid a reasonable amount for has way too much content!"), but I guess I'm at a stage in life where I don't want to commit that many hours into a single story.
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Comment on Hi, how are you? Mental health support and discussion thread (November 2026) in ~health.mental
clorko LinkI passed a significant mid-life-ish milestone recently, which has been causing me some of the cliche turmoil. I think I'm mourning the person my younger self hoped to be: my career is crumbling...I passed a significant mid-life-ish milestone recently, which has been causing me some of the cliche turmoil. I think I'm mourning the person my younger self hoped to be: my career is crumbling and pointless, I have no significant hobbies I identify with, and I don't have any friends. That last one has been really tough. Social anxiety, indulging in some introverted tenancies, and a healthy helping of depression, has made me pretty isolated and lonely.
Halloween was this weekend. I did this schtick where I pretend to be a goofy gameshow host and have children spin a wheel for trick or treat prizes. I really enjoyed it - it was fun goofing around with the kids and hearing their parents laugh in the background. It makes me wish I could find a way to interact with children more often. But, as a white middle aged guy... that probably ain't happening. I thought about trying Big Brothers or something, but the reality of the situation is that I don't even have two friends that I can call on to be references for my application.
It's been a pretty harrowing realization to understand just how alone I am outside of my wife and immediate family. I'm in therapy, I'm taking antidepressants, I'm trying to put myself out there, but nothing makes me feel better. How did I get here, and how do I get out of it? One day at a time, I suppose.
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Comment on Formula 1 Mexico Grand Prix 2026 - Race Weekend Discussion in ~sports.motorsports
clorko LinkIt was really rewarding to see the final podium of two established veteran, multi-champions with the newest and youngest member of the club. Props to Lewis for playing his cards right in the...It was really rewarding to see the final podium of two established veteran, multi-champions with the newest and youngest member of the club. Props to Lewis for playing his cards right in the post-race interviews, urging the press to focus on the new champion rather than the red team's latest drama. I think that's one of the things that sets him apart - he's a total package with formidable driving and marketing/PR skills.
A lot of people keep talking about how Ferrari needs to scrap the 'two lead drivers' policy, but I'm not convinced it'll happen. I think the team has proven to be thoroughly entrenched in its own history, for better or worse. I don't think one car this season has a dominant advantage - Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull (and even McLaren) shared moments of strength. With a field so close, it makes you wonder where Ferrari would be in the constructor's championship if they took a harder line with their drivers and strategy.
Still, though, it's hard not to appreciate the romanticism of such an old, established team resisting the urge to strategize for every possible point and instead allowing their teammates to duke it out.
That penalty for Leclerc was a joke, though. Why even bother giving a punishment if it isn't enough to significantly offset the advantage? Really makes me wonder what goes on in the stewards room. I feel like a track official should be present during post-race interviews to get grilled with the rest of the other drivers.
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
clorko LinkI've jumped back into Valheim with their latest 1.0 release. It's been fun dusting off the old server. We've started a northward expedition northward with just basic supplies and some self-imposed...I've jumped back into Valheim with their latest 1.0 release. It's been fun dusting off the old server. We've started a northward expedition northward with just basic supplies and some self-imposed limitations so that we're not relying on our huge warehouse of resources and top level gear. It's nice to reintroduce some survival challenge in a way that forces us to explore biomes to find the resources we need.
We stumbled on a berry/rock/critter variation of the Meadows, which was pleasantly surprising - it breathes some actual variety back into the game. Prior to that, all the biomes were feeling too familiar and boring. While I get the scope and appeal of procedural generation in games like this, I far more prefer handcrafted maps like Subnautica. I think that's the one thing holding Valheim back from being an all time great.
It's still good, though. Really good.
I'm irrationally excited for Dune. I stumbled on this great video essay about the artistry and craft of the series, and the power of human creativity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9w-K5-ldu0