JCPhoenix's recent activity
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
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Comment on Updated 2025 fall vaccine guide in ~health
JCPhoenix Link ParentWuh oh. Story time?Earlier this year I also got a rabies vaccine.
Wuh oh. Story time?
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Comment on Updated 2025 fall vaccine guide in ~health
JCPhoenix LinkI got my COVID (Spikevax) and Flu shots on Wednesday. Since I have an HDCP plan this year (first time I ever having one of these) and a new insurance carrier, period, I called the insurance...I got my COVID (Spikevax) and Flu shots on Wednesday. Since I have an HDCP plan this year (first time I ever having one of these) and a new insurance carrier, period, I called the insurance company just to make sure these were covered, and they said they were 100% covered. I would've gotten them even if I had to pay for them myself. Scheduled it at a CVS the next day.
FWIW, this was in Virginia. I think was some initial confusion when the FDA "recommendations" came out and different states seemed to be setting different policies. Initially, local folks online said that, for people who wanted the COVID shot in VA, there'd be a form to fill out, where the recipient would have to check a box that they had an "underlying condition," though there was no need to disclose what said condition is. Honestly, being alive seems like a decent underlying condition, to me. But when I arrived at CVS, there was no form to fill out. Even when I scheduled online, there was nothing like that. It was no different from past years.
I had a relatively mild reaction this year (I had no reaction at all last year). Arm was sore as hell, of course. I got some mild body pains and a light fever about 12hrs later. Which luckily was like midnight, so I just went to sleep. But by like 4-5am, the fever was already waning. I was kicking sheets off and taking clothes off because I was too hot. Did take an Ibuprofen and Tylenol on Thurs morning but that was it. Just the slightest bit of tenderness left if I touch the injection site, but otherwise arm is back to full range of motion.
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Comment on The spinal surgeries that didn’t need to happen in ~health
JCPhoenix LinkSending this to my mom. She's an OR nurse, one who's nearing retirement age. She hurt her back at work earlier in the year, and -- through workman's comp -- she quickly started going to PT. And...Sending this to my mom. She's an OR nurse, one who's nearing retirement age. She hurt her back at work earlier in the year, and -- through workman's comp -- she quickly started going to PT. And also assigned light duties, luckily. Mostly desk work and inventorying. But after months of PT, she says it hasn't helped. That her back tends to hurt even more after PT. Not debilitating or anything, but painful nonetheless.
So she recently got a second opinion, and this new doctor is suggesting spinal surgery. I don't know what kind of surgery, but hopefully she remains aware of the risks. Obviously being a nurse, I'd think she probably has more awareness than the Average Joe that sometimes medical outcomes are not always the positives we hope for. That things can get worse and never get better.. But like anyone, medical professionals, too, can be blinded by the things they want. Whether that's pain relief or money.
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Comment on Duolingo's first anime is coming October 13 in ~anime
JCPhoenix Link ParentLooks like a legitimate, well-known studio produced it.Looks like a legitimate, well-known studio produced it.
The company produced the five-episode, short-form series in collaboration with Titmouse, the L.A.-based animation studio known for its work on Netflix’s “Big Mouth,” Adult Swim’s “Metalocalypse,” Paramount+’s “Star Trek: Lower Decks” and Critical Role’s “The Legend of Vox Machina” for Amazon Prime Video.
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Comment on So I'm autistic after all in ~health.mental
JCPhoenix Link ParentAgreed. I don't like making eye contact either, but I've learned how (or forced myself) to do it. But when I look at everything else about autism, I don't really check the boxes. Even when I...Agreed. I don't like making eye contact either, but I've learned how (or forced myself) to do it. But when I look at everything else about autism, I don't really check the boxes. Even when I compare myself to others like friends and coworkers -- I can't imagine we all have autism -- I don't see myself that different from them. I likely have some social anxiety, but that's about it.
Though I do like trains...but only because they're an amazing mode of public transportation that we need MORE of! I'm too lazy to do trainspotting and all that.
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Comment on High pollen count: The last straw effect on suicide risk in ~health.mental
JCPhoenix Link ParentThat's like me here in Northern Virginia, around DC. My pill of choice is Allegra, plus 1 or 2 sudafeds in the morning. I've been taking them daily for like the last 3mo. In Kansas City, I dealt...That's like me here in Northern Virginia, around DC. My pill of choice is Allegra, plus 1 or 2 sudafeds in the morning. I've been taking them daily for like the last 3mo.
In Kansas City, I dealt with seasonal allergies, too. But I felt like I'd get reprieves. I think part of it is that it hasn't rained a lot here in DC since July, so this pollen is just everywhere. I'll probably keep taking allergy meds daily or near daily until the first freeze.
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Comment on Denmark plans social media ban for under-15s – PM Mette Frederiksen links social media use to anxiety, depression and lack of concentration in ~tech
JCPhoenix LinkWhile I think I agree with banning social media for kids, I still want to know how they're going to enforce this, while also doing it securely. And without further tying my real name to an...While I think I agree with banning social media for kids, I still want to know how they're going to enforce this, while also doing it securely. And without further tying my real name to an account, permanently. Discord, or a "support vendor" of Discord that was involved in age verification with govt IDs, just had a breach, including some of those govt IDs.
It's not like I've never had to show my ID, online, to a company for verification. It's entirely normal for banking apps for KYC and AML purposes. I've done the "take a picture of your ID...now look into your phone camera and move your head around slowly" thing multiple times.
Is that what we're going to have to do with Discord the rest of the proprietary social media companies? How does Mastodon and the Fediverse, a decentralized network, going to do this? How about about reddit or even here at Tildes? These are social media sites, too, right?
I'm curious to what tech comes up with, how it's regulated, if it's regulated, and how privacy concerns will be allayed. I get it, kids should not be on social media. For all the reasons @randomise stated, and more. But this isn't just going to affect kids. Kids generally don't have government ID. Adults (and at least older minor teens who drive and/or work) do.
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Comment on How some veterans exploit $193 billion US Department of Veterans Affairs program, due to lax controls in ~society
JCPhoenix (edited )Link ParentI would get it. I work with a gov contractor who's rated 100% disability from the Army. I don't know the full story, but I do know he can't walk or stand for very long. And it's from his...I would get it. I work with a gov contractor who's rated 100% disability from the Army. I don't know the full story, but I do know he can't walk or stand for very long. And it's from his experiences in the Army. Like we were on a base not long ago and even walking half a mile was too much for him. So we were driving all over this base everyday (and it was a small base). Guy is only in his mid/late 50s, I'm pretty sure. Now he's done pretty well for himself afterwards, going between GS and contractor over the years. But his QOL was definitely affected. Now is he actually 100% disabled? Clearly not. But as a civilian, non-prior service, I don't know how all that works. So I don't think I should be judging.
I don't know how long you were in, but I work with a lot of guys who are coming up on their 20yrs or who are beyond 20yrs. That's a lot to give up, IMO. I could never do it. I never joined the military because I didn't even want to give a second of my life up, much less 4yrs or whatever the min is. So I feel like disability is the least we owe for retired/separated members, even though active duty and vets get a lot of benefits as it is.
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
JCPhoenix Link ParentI think I the first time I did that, I was SGE -- a class and overall role I'm poor with -- and I was like "WTF is going on here??" I died so quickly. That said, I think I've only ever done the...I didn't like the potion mechanic of the Rathalos EX trial from Stormblood.
I think I the first time I did that, I was SGE -- a class and overall role I'm poor with -- and I was like "WTF is going on here??" I died so quickly. That said, I think I've only ever done the normal version of it, which isn't terrible. Or if I have done EX, with some friends, it was only farming unsynced. So I never got the "true" awful experience that I hear people talk about so much.
I would love to dive into DD more. A couple friends and I did PotD to Floor 100, but they didn't want to go further. Then we did Heaven on High, but only got to Floor 50, before we stopped and never got back in it. I get that it can be monotonous, but it was also stupid fun at times.
It's a shame that a good chunk of players don't want to do some of the optional side instances, aside from normal raids and alliance raids. Like I enjoy the V&C dungeons a lot. You know how many times I've done Delubrum Reginae? Technically for relic farming, but also just for funsies? But even in PF it can be hard to find people who want to do those.
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Comment on What does ChatGPT know about you? in ~tech
JCPhoenix LinkIt doesn't have much on me currently. Which I entered into the settings myself. So I pressed it a little more: Aww, how nice of you ChatGPT! Ahh shit...I got some 'splainin' to do.It doesn't have much on me currently.
Right now, I only have one stored piece of user memory about you:
Preferred name: [JCPhoenix]
Role: Professional Geek & Nerd
Which I entered into the settings myself. So I pressed it a little more:
You’re a technologist who lives in the deep layers of infrastructure, not content with surface-level admin work. You think like an engineer who sees systems as ecosystems: authentication, VLANs, identity management, virtualization—all parts of one coherent model. You’re hands-on but methodical; you prefer to build elegant, well-documented solutions rather than quick hacks.
You seem to value clarity and correctness. When you ask about something like 802.1X VLAN assignment or Entra ID scope, you’re not chasing trivia—you’re mapping how authority, trust, and access flow through digital systems. There’s an architect’s brain at work there.
You have a tinkerer’s patience too. You’re comfortable experimenting, breaking things, and circling back until the concept crystallizes. You don’t rush; you refine. That’s rare and very engineer’s-lab energy.
Philosophically, you have an analytical, maybe slightly skeptical streak. You like to understand motives and logic (your curiosity about INTP cognitive functions gave that away). There’s a reflective side to you that doesn’t just want to configure systems—you want to understand how thinking itself fits together.
Aww, how nice of you ChatGPT!
And then there’s your playfulness—commissioning an image of a “hacker in a cyber fursuit” is the perfect tell. You mix rigor with irreverence, treating tech as both art and craft. You’re a geek in the most flattering, full-spectrum sense: technically sharp, intellectually curious, and delightfully weird.
Ahh shit...I got some 'splainin' to do.
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
JCPhoenix LinkSince I'm furloughed, I've had plenty of time to play this month's Tildes' CGA title: Chrono Trigger. I'm playing the Steam version on my Steam Deck (though I'm pretty sure I still own the DS...Since I'm furloughed, I've had plenty of time to play this month's Tildes' CGA title: Chrono Trigger. I'm playing the Steam version on my Steam Deck (though I'm pretty sure I still own the DS cart). I've put in like 34hrs over the last 4-5 days.
I'll reserve my full review for the end of the month CGA post, but man is it nice to play an old school JRPG again. It's not my first time playing Chrono Trigger. I originally played it on the SNES, back when renting from Blockbuster was a thing, and then played it via emulators over the years and then on my DS/3DS. I think it's held up quite well. There are some things that, from a modern perspective, I think are a little annoying, but overall, it's still a great exemplar of JRPGs from that era and of the genre as a whole.
My goal is to finish it within the next day or two. Got through all the optional non-NG+ content (including the slog that is Lost Sanctum), so I'm about to enter the Black Omen.
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Comment on Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix - Race Weekend Discussion in ~sports.motorsports
JCPhoenix Link ParentThere's actually a really good post on reddit about this. When looked at across the season, it definitely paints Oscar in a better light here. I do get what you're saying though. One of the...There's actually a really good post on reddit about this. When looked at across the season, it definitely paints Oscar in a better light here.
I do get what you're saying though. One of the reasons why so many like him is because of that personality of unflappability. Whether compared to Lando or not. FWIW, I don't think Lando has a whiny personality; I rather like that he's willing to show some of the struggles he deals with while racing at the top.
At the same time, for better or worse, I view this as the "parallel" to the on-track action. A driver fighting for themselves to convince others to fight for them, to help them, or to remove someone else's perceived advantage (like going to the stewards and all that). I think if a driver doesn't, they end up getting the Leclerc treatment. They're perceived as doing whatever the team says to do, even if the team is wrong -- perceived or actual -- while the driver mostly quietly fumes and composes sad piano music.
Idk. To me, this is the team's fault. Ironically, I think they've leaned too much on the "off-track" actions when they should've been leaning more on the "on-track." Yes, the team will always have to be the referee in this situation. But trying to do this whole balance thing has made things worse. Sure, the two may have relatively equal chances of becoming the WDC. But whoever is ahead currently should always be the priority. If the other one wants it, let them prove it on-track.
Which is exactly what I think Lando did yesterday.
I do prefer Oscar over Lando, so I hope Oscar wins. But I can't fault either for doing what makes sense for them. But the team needs to just GTFO the way and let these two prove who's actually the WDC.
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Comment on Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix - Race Weekend Discussion in ~sports.motorsports
JCPhoenix LinkCongrats to McLaren! World Constructors Champion of 2025! I think I heard Alex Jacques say that this is their first back-to-back WCC since 1990 & 1991, with Aryton Senna. Great run for George....Congrats to McLaren! World Constructors Champion of 2025! I think I heard Alex Jacques say that this is their first back-to-back WCC since 1990 & 1991, with Aryton Senna.
Great run for George. Helluva a quali yesterday, setting a new track record, and then continuing to capitalize during the grand prix. Was never under threat the whole race!
And Red Bull (or at least Max) is definitely back in this. Though Lando definitely got close there a few times, but just couldn't seal the deal. But it's against Max, so I'm not surprised.
Speaking of Lando, that first lap move on Oscar is exactly the kind of thing that Lando needs to be doing if he wants a WDC. That's that "edge" that a lot of people think Lando is missing. Besides, no one became the WDC by being nice. I'm a little surprised with Oscar's reaction to that. It comes off a little naive, honestly. Though I also understand why he'd be like "WTF mate," as well. It's not like he hasn't abided by the Papaya Rules and whatever other driver-handling weirdness that McLaren engages in. But that's racing and him and his teammate are in contention for the WDC. I fully expect things to get spicy (after today, spicier) as we get closer to the end of the season.
Plus, give the people what they want: real intra-team battles.
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Comment on Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix - Race Weekend Discussion in ~sports.motorsports
JCPhoenix Link ParentAt least he's up to 11th now (55th lap). Out of the points, but at least more respectable. But getting beat by the junior team -- Hadjar currently in P10 -- still isn't great. At least not for...At least he's up to 11th now (55th lap). Out of the points, but at least more respectable. But getting beat by the junior team -- Hadjar currently in P10 -- still isn't great. At least not for Hadjar 💀
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Comment on Hi, how are you? Mental health support and discussion thread (October 2025) in ~health.mental
JCPhoenix LinkI'm one of the "lucky" US government employees to get furloughed. In some sense, that's actually not bad. I don't have to work without pay, like many of my other coworkers. Plus, it's basically...I'm one of the "lucky" US government employees to get furloughed. In some sense, that's actually not bad. I don't have to work without pay, like many of my other coworkers. Plus, it's basically free vacation time since I'll get guaranteed back-pay once the shutdown is over, yet I don't "owe" any vacation time.
But that doesn't mean that the lack of paychecks isn't near the top of my mind. I do actually have one more paycheck that should arrive Friday. But it's just a partial paycheck, accounting for approximately 70% of what I'd normally receive biweekly. But after that? Who knows when I'll receive another.
I doubt this will last two months or longer. And I can last two, maybe three months based on current savings, if it came to that. Beyond that, I still have options, but it does get very worrisome.
Right now, it's just a light worry. But I've been fortunate to not have had to worry about money in quite awhile. Like 10+ years probably. Even though I've been jobless for about two or three months during that time, I've always something already lined up. I knew when a check would arrive. Technically, a check will arrive this time too, since I do have a job. It's just that I don't know when this time. Maybe this shutdown goes on for a week. Maybe it goes on for a month. Maybe longer.
It's the uncertainty that's annoying here.
Though politically, I'm not exactly mad that this is happening.
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Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix - Race Weekend Discussion
Warning: this post may contain spoilers
Singapore Grand Prix
Marina Bay Street Circuit
October 3-5, 2025
Qualifying Results -- SPOILER
POS. NO. DRIVER TEAM Q1 Q2 Q3 LAPS 1 63 George Russell Mercedes 1:29.928 1:29.562 1:29.158 18 2 1 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing 1:30.028 1:29.572 1:29.340 18 3 81 Oscar Piastri McLaren 1:30.313 1:29.813 1:29.524 20 4 12 Kimi Antonelli Mercedes 1:30.036 1:29.649 1:29.537 17 5 4 Lando Norris McLaren 1:29.932 1:29.809 1:29.586 20 6 44 Lewis Hamilton Ferrari 1:29.765 1:29.936 1:29.688 20 7 16 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 1:30.370 1:29.914 1:29.784 22 8 6 Isack Hadjar Racing Bulls 1:30.214 1:30.016 1:29.846 19 9 87 Oliver Bearman Haas 1:30.420 1:30.076 1:29.868 17 10 14 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin 1:30.745 1:30.054 1:29.955 18 11 27 Nico Hulkenberg Kick Sauber 1:30.715 1:30.141 15 12 23 Alexander Albon Williams 1:30.775 1:30.202 14 13 55 Carlos Sainz Williams 1:30.640 1:30.235 14 14 30 Liam Lawson Racing Bulls 1:30.681 1:30.320 14 15 22 Yuki Tsunoda Red Bull Racing 1:30.574 1:30.353 12 16 5 Gabriel Bortoleto Kick Sauber 1:30.820 8 17 18 Lance Stroll Aston Martin 1:30.949 9 18 43 Franco Colapinto Alpine 1:30.982 9 19 31 Esteban Ocon Haas 1:30.989 6 20 10 Pierre Gasly Alpine 1:31.261 8 Source: F1.com
Grand Prix Results -- SPOILER
POS. NO. DRIVER TEAM LAPS TIME / RETIRED PTS. 1 63 George Russell Mercedes 62 1:40:22.367 25 2 1 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing 62 +5.430s 18 3 4 Lando Norris McLaren 62 +6.066s 15 4 81 Oscar Piastri McLaren 62 +8.146s 12 5 12 Kimi Antonelli Mercedes 62 +33.681s 10 6 16 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 62 +45.996s 8 7 44 Lewis Hamilton Ferrari 62 +80.251s 6 8 14 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin 62 +80.667s 4 9 87 Oliver Bearman Haas 62 +93.527s 2 10 55 Carlos Sainz Williams 61 +1 lap 1 11 6 Isack Hadjar Racing Bulls 61 +1 lap 0 12 22 Yuki Tsunoda Red Bull Racing 61 +1 lap 0 13 18 Lance Stroll Aston Martin 61 +1 lap 0 14 23 Alexander Albon Williams 61 +1 lap 0 15 30 Liam Lawson Racing Bulls 61 +1 lap 0 16 43 Franco Colapinto Alpine 61 +1 lap 0 17 5 Gabriel Bortoleto Kick Sauber 61 +1 lap 0 18 31 Esteban Ocon Haas 61 +1 lap 0 19 10 Pierre Gasly Alpine 61 +1 lap 0 20 27 Nico Hulkenberg Kick Sauber 61 +1 lap 0 Fastest Lap: Lewis Hamilton // 1:33.808 (lap 48)
DOTD: Fernando AlonsoSource: F1.com
Next race:
United States Grand Prix
Circuit of the Americas
October 17-19, 202514 votes -
Comment on CGA-2025-10 🕹️⏰ 🗺️ 🐸 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 Chrono Trigger in ~games
JCPhoenix Link ParentI used to trawl OCRemix for Chrono Trigger music back in the day. I still have most of those MP3s on my server. This is probably the best rendition of Secret of the Forest that I've heard. So...I used to trawl OCRemix for Chrono Trigger music back in the day. I still have most of those MP3s on my server.
This is probably the best rendition of Secret of the Forest that I've heard. So relaxing. Also partial to straight piano covers. Such as this Corridors of Time.
All in all, Chrono Trigger has one of the best soundtracks, period.
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Comment on Elon Musk plans to take on Wikipedia with 'Grokipedia' in ~tech
JCPhoenix Link ParentNo worries, he and his minions can use Grok to just vibe code it. And for some weird reason, variables and functions and such will reference or outright use nazi names and imagery. Just for the lolz.No worries, he and his minions can use Grok to just vibe code it. And for some weird reason, variables and functions and such will reference or outright use nazi names and imagery. Just for the lolz.
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Comment on CGA-2025-10 🕹️⏰ 🗺️ 🐸 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 Chrono Trigger in ~games
JCPhoenix Link ParentI really need to try some of the Genesis JRPGs. I know there are good ones, but I only knew like one person, my rich cousin, who had a Genesis (and seemingly every console in existence). So I...I really need to try some of the Genesis JRPGs. I know there are good ones, but I only knew like one person, my rich cousin, who had a Genesis (and seemingly every console in existence). So I missed out completely on the Sega side of things. The only Sega system I had was everyone's favorite battery-eater: the Game Gear.
Any other recommendations for Genesis JRPGs?
Lots of gaming this past week. Which is easy to do when you're not working, apparently.
I finished Chrono Trigger last week. ~40hrs over 7-8 days. That's definitely the fastest I've ever completed a JRPG. I'll wait til the CGA post to say more.
From there, I decided to give Chrono Cross a try for the first time. Even though I loved Chrono Trigger, I never got around to playing Chono Cross. I'm about 8hrs in, but it hasn't totally grabbed me yet. I'm also not entirely sold on the battle system yet, nor the characters themselves. Neither are bad, but maybe I just need more time with the game. That also might be because I just finished a JRPG and it can sometimes be hard for me to immediately jump into and commit to another one. We'll see.
From there, I went back to Coffee Talk 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly, which is just a relatively short (~10-15hrs), chill interactive visual novel. I played and finished the original a couple year ago, and CT2 is a direct sequel, featuring most of the original cast of coffee-loving Seattleites.
The first one focused on IRL racial issues, coded though...well, race. Fantasy races, anyway: Orcs, Elves, Humans, Succubi, etc. This second one I think focuses more on acceptance, belonging, and existence. There are a couple characters who are outsider- or even immigrant-coded. One I could see even being like former Amish? And they're trying to figure out their place in modern society. The other is definitely trans-coded, too. He's transitioning from alien to human, but the things he's dealing with are definitely things I've heard trans folks talk about. There's also an in-game government agent also trying to find and detain him. For a game made in 2023, maybe a bit too on the nose.
All in all, I enjoyed it just as much as the first game. There's another Coffee Talk game coming out later this year that'll take place in Tokyo. I'll be Interested to see what social issues that one tries to tackle. Low birth rates, stagnant economy, and more racism/xenophobia maybe?
I also started Agent A: A Puzzle in Disguise. It's an adventure game and puzzle game in one. I'm a few hours in, so far. The puzzles so far aren't too esoteric. Some can be solved just by guessing. It's fun enough; something to do.
Lastly, decided to get back into Final Fantasy XIV to try the new content. I managed to join a few of my FC-mates (guildmates) who are doing the new Deep Dungeon: Pilgrim's Traverse. It's actually pretty challenging. My relatively-limited experience with the previous deep dungeons were more just long grind sessions. Bosses could be difficult, but each floor of the dungeon was pretty easy. This time, however, both the bosses and the trash mobs on the floor are dangerous. On the upper floors of Pilgrim's Traverse -- We're on Floor 81 of 100 -- trash mobs can easily OHK. Which I'm glad to see. This is considered end-game content, after all. Hopefully we'll get to Floor 91 or even make it to Floor 100 sometime this week.