cooldoganytime's recent activity
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Comment on Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga | Official trailer in ~movies
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Comment on Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga | Official trailer in ~movies
cooldoganytime Link ParentThat was my first impression as well. The visual effects seems like a step down from Fury Road. In particular, the scene where Hemsworth is wearing a red cape and riding a chariot (1:52) and the...That was my first impression as well. The visual effects seems like a step down from Fury Road. In particular, the scene where Hemsworth is wearing a red cape and riding a chariot (1:52) and the scenes with Taylor-Joy's robotic arm seem pretty rough. Fury Road was also heavy on CGI but it was largely used to augment cool physical props, costumes, and practical effects. Hopefully Furiosa will do the same. I don't want to see Marvel-esque world where everything is digital and perfect and boring.
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
cooldoganytime Link ParentI'm also enjoying Cobalt Core a lot and I'm surprised it's not more popular (although that will probably change soon). Aside from the fun gameplay, I was surprised by the high quality of the...I'm also enjoying Cobalt Core a lot and I'm surprised it's not more popular (although that will probably change soon). Aside from the fun gameplay, I was surprised by the high quality of the writing. There are a ton of exchanges between characters depending on who's in your ship, which cards or abilities are in effect, and what enemies you're fighting. The dialogue rarely repeats and a lot of it is genuinely laugh-out-loud funny, or at least endearing. Reaching the "true" ending requires a lot of playthroughs, but uncovering more dialogue and story is keeping me motivated.
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
cooldoganytime Link ParentI don't think that Mother 3 feels dated at all. It could be released on Steam by an indie developer today and I think it would be a huge, quirky hit. I personally love Earthbound (even more than...I don't think that Mother 3 feels dated at all. It could be released on Steam by an indie developer today and I think it would be a huge, quirky hit. I personally love Earthbound (even more than Mother 3), but it could use a lot of quality-of-life updates. The combat is pretty dull and repetitive (similar to other JPRGs of the era), inventory management is awful, there is some necessary backtracking and grinding, and there are some weird difficulty spikes. The setting, writing, and music transcend all of those inconveniences though. If you enjoyed Mother 3 then I think you can handle it, just push through the initial frustration. At least try to play until the "Happy Happy Village", that is one of the early highlights.
The original Mother on the NES, on the other hand, I could not get through. That is a rough game to play nowadays. Maybe some day I'll give it another shot.
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
cooldoganytime Link ParentNot the original commenter, but both are some my favorite games and I highly recommend playing both. Mother 3 has a mostly self-contained story, but still contains a lot of references to events...Not the original commenter, but both are some my favorite games and I highly recommend playing both. Mother 3 has a mostly self-contained story, but still contains a lot of references to events and characters in Earthbound (especially towards the end). I recommend playing Earthbound first for the full experience, just know that the game play will feel dated and it takes a bit of time to really get going. But it oozes atmosphere and charm and is quite funny. If you bounce off of Earthbound then you can still play Mother 3. It might ignite your interest to go back and play Earthbound.
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Comment on The Pirate Bay celebrates its 20th anniversary in ~tech
cooldoganytime Link ParentI've used RuTracker successfully for a long time. You'll need a translation feature/extension on your browser to read the posts, but it's good for filling in the gaps left by 1337.I've used RuTracker successfully for a long time. You'll need a translation feature/extension on your browser to read the posts, but it's good for filling in the gaps left by 1337.
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Comment on Inside the very strange, very expensive race to “de-age” in ~life.men
cooldoganytime Link ParentIf humans do manage to extend their lives by staving off the physical deterioration of their bodies then I'd be curious to see what their psychological break point is. Even if you could have the...If humans do manage to extend their lives by staving off the physical deterioration of their bodies then I'd be curious to see what their psychological break point is. Even if you could have the body of a 20 year old for hundreds of years, I imagine you would still become jaded after about 100. How many times can you experience the same finite sensations before they no longer stir any meaningful feelings? You've had every possible meal and combination of ingredients countless times, you've said everything that you could ever say to your loved ones, you've seen all the sights which have lost their wonder, you've devoted hundreds of thousands of hours to all of the hobbies that you've lost interest in, and now nothing feels novel or gives you butterflies in your stomach anymore. Maybe suicide would be normalized as a personal choice once you've decided you've had enough? Or else we may need to develop powerful drugs that keep our neurotransmitters and hormone receptors from building too much tolerance. I think that the way that our brain functions and accumulates memories is optimized for the lifespan that we currently have.
As I get older I find some peace of mind knowing that there is a hard cut-off to all of this and I'll likely leave while still wanting more, rather than being bored with it all.
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Comment on ‘Unhappy hour’: UK pub chains adopt surge pricing for pints in ~food
cooldoganytime Link ParentSpeaking from the US, it seems like we've collectively adopted a 'smash-and-grab' mentality. Everyone is trying to hoard as many resources as possible since it's palpable that life likely isn't...Speaking from the US, it seems like we've collectively adopted a 'smash-and-grab' mentality. Everyone is trying to hoard as many resources as possible since it's palpable that life likely isn't getting any easier over the next few decades (you can choose your own existential threat: a looming recession, housing crisis, climate change, unsustainable wealth inequality, etc.). People feel that now might be their last chance to climb the economic ladder. I see a lot of corporate greedflation and declining quality of goods/services, but also so many individuals who are buying up as much real estate as possible to convert into short term rentals with very little care for how it will impact their communities and younger generations. I've also noticed that young people have a strong fixation on retiring as soon as possible and effectively 'checking out' or insulating themselves from society as much as possible. This doesn't feel like a healthy society and I don't think that we can continue much longer on this path without some sort of breakdown. But most of our media (especially TikTok) reinforces this mindset. It's easier to tolerate antisocial behavior by corporations when you're also partaking in your own way.
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Comment on What are your favorite soundtracks for films and video games? in ~music
cooldoganytime LinkSayonara Wild Hearts -
Comment on Crypt Underworld | Trailer in ~games
cooldoganytime Link ParentInteresting! Thanks for sharing, I'll definitely check it out. I also like strange, wacky experimental games. Here's some that I can think of: myformerselves has an incredible art style. See...Interesting! Thanks for sharing, I'll definitely check it out. I also like strange, wacky experimental games.
Here's some that I can think of:
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myformerselves has an incredible art style. See Middens, Gingiva, and Where They Cremate The Roadkill. They're full-fledged RPGs, but I've never actually completed one because they're so frustrating and obtuse.
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thecatamites has hilarious writing. Space Funeral is their most popular game and very funny and a must-play. I also like 10 Beautiful Postcards as a small exploration game. Pleasuredromes Of Kubla Khan is very short but has some amazing writing:
I'll never forget the words of the legendary Tacitus - "The goal of history is to make the past come alive!" How true! - can you imagine saying anything so decisive? Think of the herculean vigor involved in hurling such a statement into the face of mankind! All human life must now labor under this magnificent proclamation of Tacitus. Can you imagine shrieking it into the face of a newborn child? Is this image not without a certain grandeur and appeal? Thus, the mastery of Tacitus...
They have published a ton of games which I'm sure has some more gems.
- I also have this unreleased game on my radar: ENA: Dream BBQ
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Comment on Any Megg, Mogg, & Owl fans? in ~comics
cooldoganytime Link ParentGlad to hear I'm not the only one! Especially with Crisis Zone, I was very surprised recently to see that it's the highest rated book in the series on a few sites and was being recommended as an...Glad to hear I'm not the only one! Especially with Crisis Zone, I was very surprised recently to see that it's the highest rated book in the series on a few sites and was being recommended as an entry point for new readers. Even Below Ambition has generally respectable reviews. Welp, here's to hoping that there's a contiuation of Bad Gateway's story soon.
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Any Megg, Mogg, & Owl fans?
Simon Hanselmann published a new book this month, Werewolf Jones and Sons Deluxe Summer Fun Annual. I'm curious if anyone has read it or is planning to. I'm a huge fan of the main entries in the...
Simon Hanselmann published a new book this month, Werewolf Jones and Sons Deluxe Summer Fun Annual. I'm curious if anyone has read it or is planning to.
I'm a huge fan of the main entries in the MM&O series, but have been a bit disappointed with the recent spinoffs. Crisis Zone was a lot of fun and captured the mood of the pandemic really well in the first half, but felt like it jumped the shark a bit too much towards the end. Below Ambition is the only book by Hanselmann that I thought was downright not good. There are no interesting stories or redeeming humorous moments, just characters repetitively acting obnoxious. I had to force myself through it.
I've seen a few mixed reviews of Werewolf Jones and Sons on Amazon and Goodreads that raise similar complaints- that it relies too much on shock value without any underlying substance. I like Werewolf Jones, but it seems like he is becoming more and more of a caricature relying on cheap gross-outs (one reviewer called out Flanderization which I thought was apt). I think I might skip this one unless I hear otherwise.
I'm still all in for the next mainline entry in the series. I definitely want to see the resolution to the more dramatic elements that were left hanging (ex. Megg's relationship with her mom, Mogg's insecurities, the return of Owl). I definitely need some plot progression and character development to balance out all of the hedonistic debauchery.
Would love to hear what anyone else thinks about the series.
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Comment on Midweek Movie Free Talk in ~movies
cooldoganytime LinkI'm not a fan of most horror films but was recently convinced to see Talk to Me. I went in with pretty low expectations and actually found it to be quite effective. If you like Hereditary, which I...I'm not a fan of most horror films but was recently convinced to see Talk to Me. I went in with pretty low expectations and actually found it to be quite effective. If you like Hereditary, which I do very much, then I think you'll enjoy it. It's definitely not as well written or acted, but it explores a similar concept in an interesting way with minimal filler/cliches.
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Comment on Black women with guitars? in ~music
cooldoganytime LinkSome less popular indie singer-songwriters: Zsela Tasha Valerie June Indigo de SouzaSome less popular indie singer-songwriters:
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Comment on What do you recommend for sunscreen? in ~health
cooldoganytime LinkIt might be a bit pricier than others, but I've had good experience with "Paula's Choice" sunscreen for years. It's very non-greasy and scentless. I found it recommended quite often in the big...It might be a bit pricier than others, but I've had good experience with "Paula's Choice" sunscreen for years. It's very non-greasy and scentless. I found it recommended quite often in the big skincare subreddits.
I use this this SPF 50 if I'm spending significant time in the sun.
I use this SPF 30 on my face only for daily use (ex. driving to work). This is hands down the lightest sunscreen that I've ever used, but it's pretty expensive.
If I'm at the beach then I'll just use some cheap sunblock from the grocery store.
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Comment on Headache - The Head Hurts but the Heart Knows the Truth (2023) in ~music
cooldoganytime LinkI just wanted to share one of my favorite album discoveries of the year. Each track has a stream-of-consciousness spoken word vignette that is very engrossing. There are a few moments that really...I just wanted to share one of my favorite album discoveries of the year. Each track has a stream-of-consciousness spoken word vignette that is very engrossing. There are a few moments that really struck a chord with me. The underlying trip-hop beats are by a well-known English producer, Vegyn, and are also great on their own. My personal favorite track is #4, Business Opportunities.
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Headache - The Head Hurts but the Heart Knows the Truth (2023)
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Comment on Where are people finding good comedians and stand up specials in ~tv
cooldoganytime Link ParentI was going to recommend for anyone in the US who wants to attend a live show to look if there are any Don't Tell Comedy shows near them (they are in a ton of US cities). I've gone to about ten...I was going to recommend for anyone in the US who wants to attend a live show to look if there are any Don't Tell Comedy shows near them (they are in a ton of US cities). I've gone to about ten shows over the past few years and they've consistently been very funny. There's a huge diversity in the style and life experiences of the comedians they feature which makes for an interesting show. Sometimes they're also hosted in weird, makeshift venues (ex. gyms, suburban backyards) which adds to the experience. It's also BYOB and the ticket prices are very reasonable- so they're not nickel-and-diming you like a lot of comedy clubs.
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Comment on Things to do and see in Munich in ~travel
cooldoganytime (edited )LinkI visited Munich for a few days last year. My recommendations: Englischer Garten: One of the largest parks in the world (even larger than Central Park in NYC). A great place to bring some food and...I visited Munich for a few days last year. My recommendations:
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Englischer Garten: One of the largest parks in the world (even larger than Central Park in NYC). A great place to bring some food and beers for a picnic. The Eisbach river that runs through the park (which is beautiful to walk along in itself) has an artificial standing wave which the locals surf which is very entertaining to watch. Some regions of the park are also designated for nudists, which was a surprise to see away from a beach.
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Tergensee day trip: Less than an hour by train is a quaint town situated next to a large, scenic lake. There are a lot of breweries here, however I recommend hiking about an hour uphill (it's worth it!) through the forest to Berggasthof Neureuth which is a restaurant situated on top of the mountain. They have great food, beer, and a truly stunning view. It's a great place to hang out for a few hours. It felt very Bavarian- there were even fluffy brown cows adorned with bells grazing in rolling green meadows. This didn't seem like it was on the radar of most tourists, so it was nice to get away from the crowds. Probably my favorite activity in Munich.
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Mittenwald day trip: Mittenwald is most well known for the murals that adorn the outside of the buildings. The subject matter of the murals is a bit cheesy- rosy-cheeked idyllic farmers and bible stories- but the murals are so intricate and there are so many that they still make for an interesting sight, especially with the alps towering in the background. However, the most unique attraction here is the Leutaschklamm / Geisterklamm path, which is a series of suspended walkways over a large gorge with a waterfall. I just grabbed a video from Youtube which doesn't fully do it justice. At several points you are walking over a see-through metal suspended bridge and can see straight down for hundreds of meters. This will help you overcome your fear of heights if you have one. You can also access the alps from a cable car in the city. Mittenwald is definitely more on the touristy side, but I enjoyed the variety of different activities within walking distance.
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Munich Residenz: Very cool art here if you're into classical art and ornate architecture. Just be warned that it is absolutely massive and a bit exhausting to get through it all.
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Viktualienmarkt: A large market in that features some quality beer, food, coffee, etc.
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It goes without saying that you have to visit the biergartens to order lots of beer, sausages, and pretzels. I visited around Oktoberfest (but didn't attend), so some of the biergartens featured bands playing traditional Bavarian music, which really sets the mood.
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EDIT: Just remembered one more, make a quick stop at Asam Church. It's small, but one of the more beautiful church interiors that I've seen in Europe.
If I had more time then I would have visited Neuschwanstein Castle, which is probably the most popular day trip, although I'm glad that I prioritized the day trips listed above. It's a three hour train ride (one way) and packed with tourists, but it does look awesome.
Hope you have a great time!
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Comment on Folks in the biotech industry, what do you do and what is it like? in ~life
cooldoganytime LinkI also don't think that this is what you're looking for as a postdoc, but it may be insightful to others with a bio background. I work in a Quality Control lab at a manufacturing site for a big...I also don't think that this is what you're looking for as a postdoc, but it may be insightful to others with a bio background.
I work in a Quality Control lab at a manufacturing site for a big pharma company, with a focus on computer systems and validation. Health regulatory agencies (e.g. FDA) have a LOT of requirements around the computers and software that are used to generate and store data from analytical lab instruments. My job is an interesting mix of IT (setting up software/hardware, acting as system admin, troubleshooting errors, training users on use of systems), technical writing (creating procedures and various documentation to prove that our systems work and are secure), and project management (overseeing change records for repairs, upgrades, new system installations; collaborating with different departments and external vendors). I make a decent income (low six figures in HCOL) with great benefits, excellent work/life balance, hybrid work schedule, and I would consider my work to have a general positive impact on the world (producing drugs that actually help people). Although dealing with all of the bureaucratic red tape and uncertainty around regulatory/auditor expectations can be very frustrating sometimes.
I have a BS in Biology (Neuroscience) which I originally planned to use for med school. However, I felt pretty burnt out during my senior year and the idea of more school didn't appeal to me. I was pretty lost after graduation and got an entry level QC job while I figured my life out (a pretty common backstory in the QC/QA field). Fortunately, I just happened to fall into a niche validation position at the start of my career and my troubleshooting skills and willingness to learn have taken me very far. I'm more of a computer guy than a lab rat, so it's been a good career for me. I've received offers for actual IT specialist positions based on my experience, so it's also a good potential pathway from Biology to IT for anyone that's interested in making that pivot. Biotech may not pay as well as pure tech, but I personally think there's more job security and I appreciate the slower pace.
The trend that I see in QC (and pharma manufacturing in general) is definitely towards automation and away from hands-on lab work. I've been involved in the implementation of several systems which significantly reduce the workload needed by human analysts. However, there will always be a need for people to set up and maintain these systems, run them, interpret the results, and talk to regulatory auditors.
If anyone has any questions about my experience then feel free to reach out!
Fury Road actually had quite a colorful palette (purples, pinks, oranges) and the War Boys and their vehicles had a pretty memorable design. The footage from the trailer just seems sort of flat and bland in comparison.