failuer's recent activity
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Comment on US judge blocks JetBlue-Spirit merger after DOJ’s antitrust challenge in ~transport
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Comment on Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California dies at 90 in ~news
failuer Link ParentAirline pilots also have a minimum age of 21 (23 for to be captain).Airline pilots also have a minimum age of 21 (23 for to be captain).
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Comment on Smart home automation - tip, tricks, advice? in ~life.home_improvement
failuer LinkI just kind of went through this in my apartment. Home Assistant is really really good but expect to spend a loooot of time setting up, tweaking, and improving in there and prepare to be a bit...I just kind of went through this in my apartment. Home Assistant is really really good but expect to spend a loooot of time setting up, tweaking, and improving in there and prepare to be a bit frustrated at times. It’s incredibly powerful. You really can make anything do anything to anything.
I started with the default programming system which was ok but eventually I moved to node red and while I’m no expert I found it easier to setup and debug. Things have been surprisingly hands off.
I went with Lutron Cassetta switches and have had 0 problems. Most also don’t require a neutral wire but double check on the model you’re buying if you need that feature.
I have an Ecobee for the thermostat. There’s a model that doesn’t have as many smart features that was around $100.
I also went with a few smart plugs from https://cloudfree.shop.
I’m not doing anything crazy complicated or crazy with automation but here’s my list for inspiration:
- all lights turn on and fade up to full power over one hour beginning an hour before sunset
- my porch light dims at 10pm and stays on all night (you’re welcome neighbors)
- all other lights fade out over 30min at midnight and turn off.
- EXCEPT if I’m not home (which is often) my kitchen lights go to min power (my SO gets scared with them off)
- when we leave the house my cat camera turns on. This is what I’m using the smart outlet for as it’s a product that requires an app.
- My dashboard shows my car odometer vs my lease mileage allotment per day
- When I’m at work and I get in my car a message is sent to my SO informing her I’m on the way home and my ETA
As far as advice I’ll echo what everyone else is saying - stay away from WiFi and cloud required things.
If you have any questions or need some help feel free to reach out!
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Comment on Tourist destinations that are more than just a nice view? in ~travel
failuer Link ParentIt’s kinda off the path from DC so I just want to jump in and echo how awesome Udvar Hazy is. When you walk in you’re greeted by an SR71 in front of a space shuttle. Then as you’re walking around...It’s kinda off the path from DC so I just want to jump in and echo how awesome Udvar Hazy is. When you walk in you’re greeted by an SR71 in front of a space shuttle. Then as you’re walking around you randomly run into the Enola Gay - one of two planes to drop the atomic plane. Incredible to see such a piece of history just sitting there.
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Comment on DN42 - Darknet for learning networking in ~tech
failuer LinkI’ve been wanting to setup a VPN between friends to play with the technology and revive a bit of the old internet for years now. Life gets in the way, everyone’s busy, not interested etc but the...I’ve been wanting to setup a VPN between friends to play with the technology and revive a bit of the old internet for years now. Life gets in the way, everyone’s busy, not interested etc but the other day I ran across DN42, a VPN network employing BGP to connect all its hosts.
In the past few days I’ve gotten established on wireguard, gotten BGP going, setup Split View DNS, and got NAT working for all my clients.
It’s been fun and now I’m racking my brain for some fun services to provide (I’m open to suggestions!)
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DN42 - Darknet for learning networking
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Comment on What is a simple tech tip that changed how you use your computer or other devices in a significant way? in ~tech
failuer Link ParentYou’re in dangerous territory! Check out tiling window managers - dwm and awesomewm were prevalent when I used them but there may be some new and improved ones these days.You’re in dangerous territory! Check out tiling window managers - dwm and awesomewm were prevalent when I used them but there may be some new and improved ones these days.
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Comment on It’s official: Cars are the worst product category we have ever reviewed for privacy in ~tech
failuer Link ParentI’m in a Tesla with the “premium” connection. For me it was the larger screen and UI. Everything’s right there, passengers can help change/input things, see live traffic etc. Netflix, YouTube,...I’m in a Tesla with the “premium” connection. For me it was the larger screen and UI. Everything’s right there, passengers can help change/input things, see live traffic etc. Netflix, YouTube, Hulu are nice to haves.
Having owned it for a while I’m meh about it. I wouldn’t get rid of the connectivity package but the UI is not as good as it comes across initially and is often frustrating. The Spotify app fails to load almost 1/2 the time lately for example. And I’ve yet to figure out a way to program a custom alternative route. As with most things Tesla I’m hoping it’ll improve but I’m not holding my breath.
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Comment on What is your framework for back of the envelope/ MVP style software design? in ~comp
failuer LinkI’m in agreement with Skyaero. The only thing I think about/optimize for in an MVP is time. My time (so it’s not wasted) and how quickly I can get something up and running to get actual users...I’m in agreement with Skyaero. The only thing I think about/optimize for in an MVP is time. My time (so it’s not wasted) and how quickly I can get something up and running to get actual users testing.
There’s two keys to this; the first is really honing in and identifying what your product is. This is difficult in the beginning because you’ll be excited and motivated. All the cool features you can build, all the directions you could possibly go in, how many users, all the murky engineering questions will be flying around in your head.
The second part helps tame all these thoughts - you need to be willing to follow the users. You’ll have ideas and theories on what your idea should be and evolve to but you need to let them help guide you. This will give you an idea on what features to prioritize, and help guide the product into something people will pay for.
For software I’m in the web space so I’ll typically go with Sinatra (or flask) but always try to think about how can I do this easier. It’s even possible to build nothing. Sometimes you can slap together an MVP with an Airtable form and some static HTML. Think of all that time you’ll save!
If you’re interested in this kind of stuff I’d highly recommend attending a startup weekend. You’ll build and sell a product in 54 hours. It’s a real eye opener.
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Comment on What is worth the splurge to you and what absolutely isn't? in ~talk
failuer Link ParentI’m torn on this one. I bought a set of stainless all clad 15 years ago that are still looking and functioning like brand new. I think it was only about $200. I also have a wusthof 8” chefs knife...I’m torn on this one. I bought a set of stainless all clad 15 years ago that are still looking and functioning like brand new. I think it was only about $200.
I also have a wusthof 8” chefs knife that was about the same price.
However these days to anyone asking I tend to steer people towards commercial grade products. Victorinox knives are excellent and the few pans I’ve bought have been absolutely fine. They don’t hold up as well but are good for many years of use.
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Comment on Looking for suggestions that make fun of holier than thou/ sanctimonious people in ~movies
failuer Link ParentThis is the first thing that came to mind for me. And if we’re talking Christopher Guest we have to include This Is Spinal Tap.This is the first thing that came to mind for me. And if we’re talking Christopher Guest we have to include This Is Spinal Tap.
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Comment on Advice on setting up home ethernet (with unused cable already in the walls) in ~life.home_improvement
failuer LinkThat sounds about right. I hate making cables but punch downs are a non issue. They make those wall plates in punch down form as well. It would probably be a little easier. For example...That sounds about right. I hate making cables but punch downs are a non issue.
They make those wall plates in punch down form as well. It would probably be a little easier.
For example https://a.co/d/f5cCK4p
I’d maybe add a cheap cable tester to make trouble shooting a bit easier. Something like https://a.co/d/8rvOYU4
I’d also recommend labeling each cable where you can.
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Comment on Pasta Grannies: A discussion on favorite recipes and pasta advice in ~food
failuer Link ParentPancetta is ok. You’ll make a good carbonara with pancetta, especially if that’s all you can find. However if at all even remotely possible use guanciale. Once you have it with guanciale you’ll be...Pancetta is ok. You’ll make a good carbonara with pancetta, especially if that’s all you can find.
However if at all even remotely possible use guanciale. Once you have it with guanciale you’ll be hard pressed to go back to pancetta.
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Comment on What did you recently do in your hobby that you're proud of? in ~hobbies
failuer Link ParentNothing at all! It’s just a good way to gauge the temperature without one.Nothing at all! It’s just a good way to gauge the temperature without one.
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Comment on People who make smoothies, what are your favorite ingredient combinations or spices? in ~food
failuer LinkI use frozen bananas to make the smoothie cold instead of ice (and they last forever). 1 banana, dark chocolate chips, a scoop of peanut butter (look into making your own!), chia seeds, a handful...I use frozen bananas to make the smoothie cold instead of ice (and they last forever).
1 banana, dark chocolate chips, a scoop of peanut butter (look into making your own!), chia seeds, a handful of oatmeal, oat milk, and a scoop of pea protein powder.
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Comment on Night-shifters of Tildes, what tips do you have? in ~life
failuer Link ParentI don’t work overnights but I do work late nights often and end up in different hotel rooms with varying degrees of blackout shades. I tried using a standard sleep mask a few times and it was ok...I don’t work overnights but I do work late nights often and end up in different hotel rooms with varying degrees of blackout shades. I tried using a standard sleep
mask a few times and it was ok but then I bought a Manta Mask and it has been worth it’s weight in gold. Highly recommend. -
Comment on Are you currently learning a new language? Are there any languages that are on your wishlist to learn? in ~humanities.languages
failuer LinkItalian yet again. It’s a bit of a goal of mine to move there years down the road but in the meantime I love the sound of the language, the food, and the history. This time I’ve got Anki cards and...Italian yet again. It’s a bit of a goal of mine to move there years down the road but in the meantime I love the sound of the language, the food, and the history.
This time I’ve got Anki cards and have been watching some QVC trying to pick up simple words.
I’m really enjoying the natural method book. Every sentence seems purposely crafted to teach you something new, provide a new context clue, or help memorize a word.
Lastly - the Language Transfer series is really good and seems to be resonating with me more than any other class.
Hopefully in a few months I’ll be at a point where I can start to consume media. From there I think things will be much less of a slog.
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Comment on What did you recently do in your hobby that you're proud of? in ~hobbies
failuer Link ParentTime! I use the Bon Appetit recipe and it’s very easy bread to make. This recipe is super simple, not labor intensive at all and dangerously tasty....Time! I use the Bon Appetit recipe and it’s very easy bread to make. This recipe is super simple, not labor intensive at all and dangerously tasty.
https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/easy-no-knead-focaccia
If you’re new to bread baking here are some general tips that will help you out:
- The number one best thing you can do is get a kitchen scale. Flour is very difficult to measure by volume and a scale will help immensely.
- Yeast is a living thing and can be a little finicky. The first step says to add yeast to “lukewarm” water but what the hell is lukewarm? The foolproof way is to adjust your water temperature until you don’t feel hot or cold on the inside of your wrist. That’s perfect for yeast.
- Make sure you see bubbles on the first step. If you see no activity the yeast is probably dead.
- Try to manage your temperature during the second rising. Not really a problem during the summer but in winter time colder temps will have the bread rising slower. In the winter I usually let bread rise in the oven with only the oven light on.
- When preheating the oven add a small pan to the bottom rack. When you add the bread to bake throw 1 or 2 ice cubes into the small pan. Do NOT open the oven door until the bread is ready to come out. Humidity helps get a nicer crust.
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Comment on What have you been eating, drinking, and cooking? in ~food
failuer Link ParentI make this often for weekly meal prep. It’s so satisfying! Here’s the recipe I use: https://www.tablefortwoblog.com/cold-spicy-peanut-sesame-noodles/ Here’s my version of the ingredient list...I make this often for weekly meal prep. It’s so satisfying!
Here’s the recipe I use:
https://www.tablefortwoblog.com/cold-spicy-peanut-sesame-noodles/Here’s my version of the ingredient list which has weights measured - it makes prep super easy. Just dump the ingredients in the blender, turn it on and you’re done.
- [ ] ¾ cup to 1 pound dried spaghetti noodles,, or Asian rice noodles
- [ ] ⅔ cup (150g) water
- [ ] ⅓ cup (90g) smooth peanut butter
- [ ] ¼ cup (60g) low sodium soy sauce
- [ ] ¼ cup (50g) seasoned rice vinegar
- [ ] 3 tablespoon (38g) (30g syrup) dark brown sugar,, packed
- [ ] ¼ cup (42g) (50g for veg oil) roasted peanut oil
- [ ] 2 (15g) tablespoon toasted sesame seeds,, plus more for topping
- [ ] 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce
- [ ] 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- [ ] 1: 1- inch piece of ginger,, peeled
- [ ] 1 clove small of garlic
- [ ] Fresh scallions,, chopped, for topping
I substitute maple syrup for brown sugar often, and vegetable oil instead of roasted peanut oil and never really notice a difference. I use whole wheat spaghetti as well as that’s what I usually have on hand.
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Comment on Chefs of Tildes, what’s one simple cooking trick that can vastly improve the flavour of a dish? in ~food
failuer Link ParentI just started using MSG but I’ve been struggling with exactly how much to use. I’m very much a “by feel” salter so I feel a bit blind with a shaker of MSG in my hand. Do you have a rule of thumb...I just started using MSG but I’ve been struggling with exactly how much to use. I’m very much a “by feel” salter so I feel a bit blind with a shaker of MSG in my hand.
Do you have a rule of thumb for its use? Can you use too much? What does too much MSG taste like?
This is a very confusing decision to me. Anyone that’s flown Spirit or Frontier will tell you that typically the prices aren’t much cheaper by the time you add all the fees.
Now Spirit isn’t doing great financially so now that this merger is blocked due to concerns of rising fairs what stops Spirit themselves from deciding “hey - these prices aren’t working - we need to increase them”.
I guess this is just the lesser of two “evils”.