JCPhoenix's recent activity

  1. Comment on Why I am pursuing a life, professionally and personally, of Christian Virtue in ~humanities

    JCPhoenix
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    I think Tildes is one of those places where the '/s' might need to come into the play more often. Given how super serious this place sometimes is!

    I think Tildes is one of those places where the '/s' might need to come into the play more often. Given how super serious this place sometimes is!

  2. Comment on What does your computer setup look like? in ~tech

    JCPhoenix
    Link Parent
    That's actually intentional! The drawers can be used as the "legs" of the desk. Way back when I first got this desk in ln 2008, I only had two desk legs, with the drawers underneath.

    That's actually intentional! The drawers can be used as the "legs" of the desk. Way back when I first got this desk in ln 2008, I only had two desk legs, with the drawers underneath.

    2 votes
  3. Comment on What’s something you’re personally proud of from this year? in ~life

    JCPhoenix
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    I finally made the big move from the city I'd grown up in (Kansas City) to Washington, DC. A city I wanted to move to for several years now. I've done interstate moves before. Mainly as a child...

    I finally made the big move from the city I'd grown up in (Kansas City) to Washington, DC. A city I wanted to move to for several years now.

    I've done interstate moves before. Mainly as a child (Chicago to KC. KC to Salt Lake City, and then back to KC), but also for college I went out-of-state (Chicago). But as a Real Adult™ I've never moved. Especially since it's a sorta double risk. Will I like a new city, and will I like the new job? Regardless, I really wanted to leave. Hell, I was the last of my family to leave KC, when I always thought I'd be the first.

    But I did 4mo ago. I can't say I love my new job. But I do like where I'm living. I'm surviving, maybe even thriving to some degree, here. So I'm happy I finally pulled the trigger and sorta threw caution to the wind and did it. Now I know I can do this again. And I want to do it again.

    Though maybe not for a while because moving halfway across the country is a lot of work, kinda a pain in the ass, really expensive, and stressful! It sucks all around. I'll figure out the job situation, but for now, probably just best to stay put. Keep feeling it out, seeing where it goes, if it gets better. And if it doesn't, there a million opportunities here. Many more than when I was in KC.

    5 votes
  4. Comment on You make friends *HERE*?! in ~tildes

    JCPhoenix
    Link Parent
    I think it comes from term "meatspace." There was a time when cyberspace and meatspace worlds were supposed to be kept separate. But over time, it's not gotten to be as separate. Like my IRL,...

    I think it comes from term "meatspace." There was a time when cyberspace and meatspace worlds were supposed to be kept separate. But over time, it's not gotten to be as separate.

    Like my IRL, meatspace friends are also online friends. We met online initially almost a decade ago. But we've also met in person many times. Sometimes even daily, as I work with some of them now! Yet overall our interaction is still primarily Internet-mediated. But my online friends are still my meat friends.

    ...God, that sounds so gross, lol...

    12 votes
  5. Comment on Why I am pursuing a life, professionally and personally, of Christian Virtue in ~humanities

    JCPhoenix
    Link Parent
    I don't think you're out of line at all here. I never had a bad experience with religion (grew up culturally Catholic, went through all the motions, but I've always been a solid atheist), yet the...

    I don't think you're out of line at all here. I never had a bad experience with religion (grew up culturally Catholic, went through all the motions, but I've always been a solid atheist), yet the idea of preaching in this community makes me very uncomfortable.

    That's not to say that people can't talk about religion and spirituality, philosophies of religion, history of it, current news going on within various religions, even their personal experiences with it. I don't agree with everything the OP said in their initial post, yet I found it in interesting nonetheless. I like hearing about people's experiences. It's a good example of what should be allowed here.

    But outright public preaching, to me, crosses that line. I suppose if someone is seeking spiritual care and guidance from fellow Tilderinos, that's one thing. As a community, we should want to support each other. But maybe take it to private channels. DMs, Discord, phone, etc.

    10 votes
  6. Comment on What does your computer setup look like? in ~tech

    JCPhoenix
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    My main workspace, in my bedroom. Main desk: Gaming PC (R7 5800X3D, 32GB DD4, RTX 3080) 3x Dell U2415 24" 1920x1200 monitors Logitech G502 mouse Logitech G413 Carbon keyboard Logitech 5.1 speakers...

    My main workspace, in my bedroom.

    Main desk:

    • Gaming PC (R7 5800X3D, 32GB DD4, RTX 3080)
    • 3x Dell U2415 24" 1920x1200 monitors
    • Logitech G502 mouse
    • Logitech G413 Carbon keyboard
    • Logitech 5.1 speakers system (though I use it was a 3.1)
    • Logitech HD Pro C920 Webcam
    • AT ATR2500 Mic
    • HyperX Cloud II Wireless headset
    • mauzpads mouse pad
    • IKEA ALEX drawers and either LINNMON or LAGKAPTEN desk
    • IKEA MARKUS chair
    • LED Desk lamp (above the central monitor).
    • Beneath desk foot-hammock
    • Trusty space heater for my cold feet

    Plus you can see my Steam Deck and Steam Controller; even a PS4 controller. Because sometimes I game while I game! To the left of the tower is a Nintendo Switch that I haven't touched in months.

    The secondary desk is more for work and tinkering. And apparently junk paperwork/mail.

    • Dell U415 again (left)
    • Acer 19" monitor (right)
    • Laptop that's open is actually my work computer, but you can see behind it is my Asus TUF gaming laptop. Sometimes my 2023 M3 Pro MBP is there instead.
    • Steel Series mouse pad
    • Logitech G502 Hero mouse
    • Same IKEA desk
    • IKEA VITTSJO laptop stand
    • Hidden laptop on that stand is a Dell 13" Latitude 5320 running Ubuntu.

    Server underneath is not my main homelab server (that's in a rack). It's an old Dell T420. I use it once in awhile to test stuff out, but usually it's just a foot rest. I was even using it as a clothing rack at one point, lol.

    Networking gear in the pic is Ubiquiti Unifi 5-port Flex Mini switch, and a Unifi AC Lite WAP. I have another Unifi U6 Lite WAP in the living room.

    I have other desks in other rooms, but I haven't set those up yet as workspaces. In my previous apartment, I actually had separate desks and spaces for working and gaming.

    4 votes
  7. Comment on Project Zomboid Build 42 Unstable released in ~games

    JCPhoenix
    Link Parent
    For me, this is one survival game that I really, really enjoy (Valheim might be another). It's also the one zombie game I actually like. I don't really care for survival games (even in Minecraft,...

    For me, this is one survival game that I really, really enjoy (Valheim might be another). It's also the one zombie game I actually like. I don't really care for survival games (even in Minecraft, I much prefer creative), nor do I really care about anything dealing with zombies. I think zombies are just overexposed in gaming.

    Yet I like Zomboid. I don't get it. Couldn't even say why I like it. Except that when I'm playing with friends, I could and have played all night long. Into the early mornings, even with work in the morning.

  8. Comment on Steam Replay 2024: Discussion topic in ~games

    JCPhoenix
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    Here's my 2024 review. The game I played the most (at least via Steam) was Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy at 301hrs (a lot of that is AFK time). As the name suggests, it's a collection of...

    Here's my 2024 review.

    The game I played the most (at least via Steam) was Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy at 301hrs (a lot of that is AFK time). As the name suggests, it's a collection of three games. I've played all these before on the DS/3DS, so I thought it'd take me a month or two to get through them all. Nope. Literally took me til Dec 1 to finish, even though I played it every month.

    In reality, the game I probably played the most is FFXIV, but I don't use the Steam client. I've had an account since 1.0, so I've always used the non-Steam client. I don't want to know how many hours I've put in to FFXIV this year.

    44% of my playtime this year was devoted to 2024 games. Unusual, given that I tend to play a lot of games that have been out for awhile. In 2023, only 7% of my playtime was with games released in 2023. Back to this year, that's because of Ace Attorney and Helldivers 2. The latter I only bought in September. Though the original Ace Attorney games came out years ago. So it's only technically a game that came out this year.

    Altogether, played 44 games this year, up from 37 in 2023, but down from 46 in 2022. And I even did the Tildes Backlog Burner last month. Hmm.

    59% of gaming was on Windows, 40% on Steam Deck, and MacOS hanging in there with 1% of total playtime. Need to do more gaming on my MBP apparently.

    2 votes
  9. Comment on Project Zomboid Build 42 Unstable released in ~games

    JCPhoenix
    Link Parent
    I'd be so down for this. My friends and I have been waiting for Build 42, but it's taken forever (We've played a little bit, but we've really been waiting for this update). And given that this is...

    I'd be so down for this. My friends and I have been waiting for Build 42, but it's taken forever (We've played a little bit, but we've really been waiting for this update).

    And given that this is unstable, I don't know if they'd be willing to play it yet.

    5 votes
  10. Comment on Honda confirms new Prelude hybrid coupe is coming to the US in late 2025 in ~transport

    JCPhoenix
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    Prelude was always my favorite Honda car. Well, of the standard models. S2000 and especially the NSX are in leagues of their own. I don't know much about hybrids, but do we know if it's a plug-in...

    Prelude was always my favorite Honda car. Well, of the standard models. S2000 and especially the NSX are in leagues of their own.

    I don't know much about hybrids, but do we know if it's a plug-in hybrid or not? Just curious.

    Anyway, on one hand, I only have two more payments on my 2021 Civic! Maybe I trade-in/sell this car for a Prelude. Though on the other...do I really want more car payments? As a single guy, with no kids, wouldn't mind a fun sporty car to drive around. We'll see.

    1 vote
  11. Comment on Why Elon Musk doesn’t have access to SpaceX’s biggest government secrets in ~space

    JCPhoenix
    Link Parent
    Plus access is on a need to know basis, even with a clearance and SCI authorizations. Does a CEO really need to know what what kind of equipment is on spy satellites and such being launched? Idk....

    Plus access is on a need to know basis, even with a clearance and SCI authorizations. Does a CEO really need to know what what kind of equipment is on spy satellites and such being launched? Idk. CEO's role is to run the business, while the engineers handle the project work. CEO doesn't need to know exactly everything that's going on, just that things are happening and money is coming in.

    I've heard of people who have clearances yet their own supervisors don't.

    6 votes
  12. Comment on Netherlands will block Serbia's next step toward EU accession in ~society

    JCPhoenix
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    Archive.is link. Isn't this pretty typical of the Netherlands? Feel like I've seen this article before, just with a countries other than Serbia.

    Archive.is link.

    Isn't this pretty typical of the Netherlands? Feel like I've seen this article before, just with a countries other than Serbia.

    6 votes
  13. Comment on Star Trek: Section 31 | Trailer in ~movies

    JCPhoenix
    Link Parent
    I grew up on TNG, DS9, and Voyager. I can't say I've watched all of every series, but I've watched most of the episodes. I consider myself a solid Trekkie. I mean, I've spent many, many hours on...

    I grew up on TNG, DS9, and Voyager. I can't say I've watched all of every series, but I've watched most of the episodes. I consider myself a solid Trekkie. I mean, I've spent many, many hours on Memory Alpha just learning and reading more about the Trek universe.

    But I'm excited that the shows are still continuing. That a new generation is getting to see Trek, even if it's not the same Trek from when I was younger. And honestly? I enjoy some of the new shows. Discovery at least. Picard was uhh...I won't talk about that. But I still watched at least the first season and at some point, I'll watch the other two seasons. Anyway, I'm very excited for Section 31 show because Philippa Georgiou was one of my favorite characters in Discovery.

    And you know, I never watched Enterprise. But I somewhat remember people talking shit about Enterprise when it came out. People didn't like the change. Yet these days, seems like people mostly like the series. I'm pretty sure people who watched the original Trek probably said the same stuff about TNG. Personally, I can't watch the original Trek, other than some of the movies; it's too hokey for me. But I still respect it for what it is.

    Things change, tastes change. It's OK to not like those things. But man, I'm with you. I get tired of people who shit on anything that changes. I hear it with so many series. Star Wars, Final Fantasy, Halo...name a long running series and people just bitch about it, often without even trying the new stuff. It's so tiring to hear.

    2 votes
  14. Comment on Offbeat Fridays – The thread where offbeat headlines become front page news in ~news

    JCPhoenix
    Link Parent
    If a guy can't buy a dildo with his groceries from a Wal-Mart in Texas, is that even really freedom? Did we forget the Alamo?

    If a guy can't buy a dildo with his groceries from a Wal-Mart in Texas, is that even really freedom? Did we forget the Alamo?

    8 votes
  15. Comment on Offbeat Fridays – The thread where offbeat headlines become front page news in ~news

    JCPhoenix
    Link
    Texas Prevents People From Owning More Than 6 Dildos. Now Lawmakers Want to Ban Sex Toys at Walmart I'm actually more interested in the fact that Texas bans ownership of more than 6 dildos. Also,...

    Texas Prevents People From Owning More Than 6 Dildos. Now Lawmakers Want to Ban Sex Toys at Walmart

    I'm actually more interested in the fact that Texas bans ownership of more than 6 dildos.

    Also, I didn't think Wal-Mart sold dildos. I did some investigating (via Incognito Mode🕵🏽‍♂️) and indeed one can get their fill of dildoes via the website. Though it's like Amazon, where the dildos are sold by another company, but fulfilled by Wal-Mart. Pretty sure you can't buy those in the stores. But maybe I'm just not looking hard enough.

    12 votes
  16. Comment on Astro Bot wins Game of the Year 2024 in ~games

    JCPhoenix
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    So I only heard about Astro Bot like a day or two ago when I was looking at the nominations. I think I have my finger on the pulse of gaming. Sure I don't play a lot of AAA games, but I like to...

    So I only heard about Astro Bot like a day or two ago when I was looking at the nominations. I think I have my finger on the pulse of gaming. Sure I don't play a lot of AAA games, but I like to think I'm at least aware of the big ones. I even have a PS5 (and the rest of the Sony consoles), though I don't play it much.

    Yet this game made GOTY and took home a few others! Maybe it's something I'll have to try out.

    5 votes
  17. Comment on Amtrak sets all-time ridership record in fiscal year 2024 (and other accomplishments) in ~transport

    JCPhoenix
    Link Parent
    While not an infrastructure improvement, I'd love to see WiFi on the long-haul lines. I've taken the Southwest Chief many times when I lived in the Midwest. I've worked from the train before...

    While not an infrastructure improvement, I'd love to see WiFi on the long-haul lines. I've taken the Southwest Chief many times when I lived in the Midwest. I've worked from the train before (perfect for this kind of thing; KC to Chicago is about a full workday, for example), but the route strays far from populated areas and interstates. As such, mobile data reception drops to zero a lot. Good to not have any meetings planned while on the train.

    Even if Amtrak charged a small fee separately for it, not being disconnected for hours would be a nice benefit. WiFi on planes, even if not full connectivity, has been a thing forever now. It's time for Amtrak to catch up.

    3 votes
  18. Comment on PSA - Musicians are being misled out of their AI rights in ~music

    JCPhoenix
    Link Parent
    Nope, even on desktop the source isn't being shown as a YouTube video.

    Nope, even on desktop the source isn't being shown as a YouTube video.

    1 vote
  19. Comment on F1 owner’s $3.8 Billion MotoGP deal faces full-scale EU probe in ~sports.motorsports

    JCPhoenix
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    Archive.is link.

    Formula 1 owner Liberty Media Corp.’s $3.8 billion plan to buy motorcycle racing league MotoGP World Championship is set to be hit by an in-depth European Union probe, in the first escalation of a big merger case by new antitrust chief Teresa Ribera.

    Archive.is link.

    2 votes