lupusthethird's recent activity
-
Comment on What are your favorite “chore” games? in ~games
-
Comment on Community Check-In: How is everyone doing? in ~life
lupusthethird LinkMentally and physically stressed to the absolute limit, but have no choice but to carry on. Due to multiple factors that have stacked on top of each other, I am now faced with the decision to sell...Mentally and physically stressed to the absolute limit, but have no choice but to carry on. Due to multiple factors that have stacked on top of each other, I am now faced with the decision to sell our family home and relocate from the west to east coast. I had so many hopes and dreams for this house and for my son's life here, so I feel like I've failed at life absolutely now that I'm unable to grant them. My son is also just now reaching the point where he is establishing friendships with others his age. He keeps mentioning to me how much he loves school and all his friends, and it stabs me right in the heart every time he does so as I know that in just a few short weeks he won't see them again.
My wife and son are moving ahead of me, so that I can take the time to pack and prepare the house in the coming 2 months, and now I'm starting to doubt that I will even be capable of packing everything up and doing all the necessary repairs. I basically have no choice but to do so, so I'll just have to summon the energy from within. Also, I've destroyed my shoulder tendon or rotator cuff while doing landscaping to prep my front yard for the sale so now it hurts every time I lift my arm above my head... yet I still have an entire house worth of things to load within the next few weeks. Yay.
-
Comment on What are your spooky, creepy or unexplained stories? in ~talk
lupusthethird LinkAbout a decade ago, I rented an apartment with a rather unique bedroom that basically sold me on the place. It was a small unassuming room with a single window, but in the back corner there was a...About a decade ago, I rented an apartment with a rather unique bedroom that basically sold me on the place. It was a small unassuming room with a single window, but in the back corner there was a large sliding panel that concealed the entrance to another tiny room. When I was touring apartments, I knew that this had to be the one. I could see it in my head already... the desk by the window and the bookshelves lining the walls to form a classy little library and office in the front room, and the semi-hidden panel concealing my secret bedroom hideaway. So I rented it and made the vision real.
Months later, in my typical routine, I turn off my lights and the computer monitor in the "office" and retreat into my secret bedroom. As I enter the bedroom I close the panel behind me, as I always did. It being closed gave me a feeling of security since I couldn't see the main bedroom door around the corner. I climbed into bed and eased in to sleep...
Hours later, in the middle of the night, I awaken to a loud bang. My eyes shoot open, but my body doesn't respond as I'm trying to sit up. It feels as if all my muscles are asleep, heavy, and it takes monumental effort to even lift my head just an inch from my pillow. I recognized this as sleep paralysis, as this wasn't my first encounter, but was still in a panic to try and break free of it to assess if the sound that woke me was legit or not. So I fought, hard, to try and get out of bed.
Still, I could only tilt my neck maybe a few degrees at best, my eyes now able to see the sliding panel door just barely in peripheral view. Relief washes over me as I see the closed door and also rationalize that I haven't heard anything else by this point. Still, I want to try to get up and be sure, so I continue to try and rise out of bed. Slowly feeling a little bit of the weight fade away, I can now tilt my neck fully and feel my arms lifting from the bed. That's when I see the sliding panel slowly start to open.
As the panel fully opens, I am now in full fight or flight mode trying to get up, but still paralyzed. Beyond the open door is only pitch darkness, but soon that darkness itself seems like it's advancing into the room. A pitch black shadowy figure slowly comes into form out of that darkness, standing just inside the doorway and staring with eyes that are somehow just even darker shades of black void. All I can do is watch as it stares at me. Then after a moment, it slowly starts gliding over to my bedside like some sort of apparition. I feel malice behind those dark voidlike eyes as closes the distance, yet all I can do is lie there helplessly, trying to scream but nothing is coming out. It climbs onto the bed, and I feel immense pressure on my chest as it bears down on me. Dark pitch black tendrils of shadow then wrap their way around my neck and push me back down into the pillow. As the weight of the thing continues to crush me and I struggle to breath, everything fades to black.
I wake up, heart racing, feeling like only an instant has passed, but the light from the doorway makes it apparent that the sun has now risen. Light from the doorway that I shouldn't be able to see from my hidden bedroom retreat, if the sliding door was closed like it should be... I glance over and can immediately see it is completely open, daylight spilling in from the window in the room on the other side. Up in an instant, my body finally obeying this time, I checked the rest of the apartment... nothing missing, no doors or windows open or unlocked. Only other strange thing was the PC monitor was still on, when I know I shut it off. I'm sure the explanation is that it was just a sleep paralysis demon dream, and I probably forgot to turn the monitor off or didn't hit the button all the way. But the sliding door panel was always shut and I can't explain how it would open on its own - it was not easy to do so.
-
Comment on The unlikelihood of being complimented as a man in ~life.men
lupusthethird LinkI can contribute my personal anecdotal experience as a man. In over 30 years of living I hardly ever received any compliments from non-family/friends... I could probably count them on one hand....I can contribute my personal anecdotal experience as a man. In over 30 years of living I hardly ever received any compliments from non-family/friends... I could probably count them on one hand. That was until about two years ago, when suddenly I was being showered with compliments and praise every time I went out. What happened? Well, my son was born - and apparently now me just taking him out to the playground or the store is worthy of comment. I don't know what it says about our society when the bar is so low as a man that me simply being with my kid and doing normal parenting duties is so incredible but I guess I'll take it.
-
Comment on Tesla Cybertruck owners shocked that tires are barely lasting 6,000 miles in ~transport
lupusthethird Link ParentIn the early 80s they tried to change speedometers to have a max of 85 mph already. The data didn't show it having much effect so it was later repealed.In the early 80s they tried to change speedometers to have a max of 85 mph already. The data didn't show it having much effect so it was later repealed.
-
Comment on Any other 3D Printers here? in ~hobbies
lupusthethird LinkI have been 3d printing for about 5 years now. I started with a gen1 Anycubic Photon DLP printer doing statues and D&D miniatures. I had been interested in 3d printing for a while, but was not...I have been 3d printing for about 5 years now. I started with a gen1 Anycubic Photon DLP printer doing statues and D&D miniatures. I had been interested in 3d printing for a while, but was not satisfied with the lower resolution/quality of FDM prints at the time, and this was the first printer that could deliver the detail I wanted and was actually affordable. It was definitely a bit rough at first though. The biggest pain was learning how to properly hollow, vent, orient and support models in a way that was resin printer friendly. At the time, the Anycubic software was very early in development and was basically unusable except for slicing. I ended up adopting a rather klugey workflow of importing models into Meshmixer first, where I would handle all of the orientation, hollowing, and adding of vent holes. From there I would import it into B9 Creator, where I had custom created profiles for different supports and would manually go through and support every island (Nowadays auto supports are kinda OK, but back then they were absolute trash) After supports, then it would go into the Anycubic Slicer, before finally going into a Validator program that someone in the community made for finding flaws or unsupported islands etc. It is my understanding that the in-house software has been dramatically improved since, but I'm stuck in my old ways and still use the same convoluted workflow whenever I need to fire up the resin printer, just because it's the method I trust to work.
I have also recently picked up an Anycubic Kobra Max large FDM printer, and have been less pleased in comparison. I bought it to be able to design and print parts for my aging car with OEM parts no longer available. Ideally, my goal is to be able to complete large ABS prints and then acetone smooth them to minimize the need for sanding and other post processing. Unfortuately I keep encountering problems with cracking and warping, especially with large parts where the print head is growing further and further from the heated plate. My prints start perfect, then slowly degenerate into cracks and eventually filament spaghetti. I have even hooked up a chicken coop heater to a temperature control module to keep the ambient temperature in the enclosure higher and constant yet it still happens. I've been considering converting it to direct drive and getting an E3D V6 hotend so I can increase the print head temp beyond 240, but more realistically I probably just have to give up the dream of ABS smoothing and switch to a different filament, though I really dislike sanding.
My favorite print so far is probably a cosplay sword - Gourry's sword from Slayers. I designed it from scratch in TinkerCAD, sliced it up into about 10 different parts so it would be printable on my resin printer, and when finished I resin glued them all together. The inside of the hilt is hollow and fits an LED controller that feeds an LED strip in the transparent resin sword blade. It was a real project to think through the design and was so fun to make it come to life.
A close second would be the magnetic Catan set from thingiverse. I printed one of each piece in resin, then made silicone molds of each with Smooth-On Mold Max, and poured resin into the molds to duplicate all of the pieces. I wanted to paint the full set but parenthood took over and now the full unfinished set is sadly just sitting in a box in the garage - maybe it will eventually become a father/son paint project.
-
Comment on What are your favorite Dreamcast games? Any odd or unique ones worth playing? in ~games
lupusthethird LinkOne of my favorites back in the day was Maken X. It's a little bit rough around the edges to say the least, but it was a solid and difficult game with interesting mechanics. I remember it being...One of my favorites back in the day was Maken X. It's a little bit rough around the edges to say the least, but it was a solid and difficult game with interesting mechanics. I remember it being one of those games I would struggle to defeat bosses in over and over, but it was so rewarding finally pushing through.
On that note - another Dreamcast game in the same vein is Sword of the Berserk - Guts Rage. Incredibly satisfying to run around and destroy stuff as Guts, but it has some seriously unfair QTEs and boss fights. Still, really fun to play through even if a bit infuriating.
-
Comment on What are your ten favourite movies of all time? in ~movies
lupusthethird (edited )LinkIn no real order. Definitely tough to make a top 10 list like this. I was mostly asking myself which I could (or do) watch over and over again. (edited for formatting) In Bruges - It is a crime...In no real order. Definitely tough to make a top 10 list like this. I was mostly asking myself which I could (or do) watch over and over again. (edited for formatting)
- In Bruges - It is a crime how underrated / unpopular this film is. I think it's because the marketing and trailer the U.S. made it look silly, masking a lot of the more serious character drama. The soundtrack is brilliant and I find myself listening to it on its own at times. The writing is fantastic - I love the use of foreshadowing and how every element/character of the story plays into act 3 in some way.
- The Thing - The practical effects in this still hold up to this day as a monument to the creativity of VFX artists and the director for using them in smart effective ways.
- Galaxy Express 999 - It's not perfect. I'll admit to some bias here. But it's a great coming-of-age story in an interesting setting with an incredible soundtrack
- Shawshank Redemption - Would only watch this if in the mood for it, but it's a classic with amazing performances all around.
- The World's Fastest Indian - Worth watching for Anthony Hopkins alone
- Pontypool - Fun and creative little horror. Memorable characters and scenes that ascend beyond the film's low budget limitations.
- 1408 - A descent into chaos. Very effective psychological horror that is far more effective than the typical jump-scare heavy horror of the time
- The Last Samurai - Excellent and touching character drama. Tom Cruise may be divisive but he does great here, and this is my favorite role of Ken Watanabe's.
- The Truman Show - I'm loving this one even more lately as enshittification is taking over everything around us. The idea of someone trapped in a world of some company's design just for the sake of being exploited for profit is a frightfully accurate representation of real life, so I find myself identifying with and rooting for Truman much more than when I was a blissfully naive 20-something.
- Perfect Blue - The first time I saw this my jaw was agape throughout. Brilliant pacing, story keeps you guessing, visually and psychologically interesting.
-
Comment on What have you been watching / reading this week? (Anime/Manga) in ~anime
lupusthethird Link ParentI'm someone who loves this arc. I can admit that it's far from perfect... there are definitely pacing issues to say the least, and with so many side characters and split focus the story often...I'm someone who loves this arc. I can admit that it's far from perfect... there are definitely pacing issues to say the least, and with so many side characters and split focus the story often feels scattered. However, it also tackles some interesting concepts in the resolution of this arc and with the character development for both the protag and antagonists). It's sort of rare for shounen anime to jump off the train tracks that have been laid by so many in the genre before it, and another reason I appreciate it a lot. I could gush about it for hours but I don't want to go into details and potentially spoil anything for TheRTV.
-
Comment on What have we liberals done to the US west coast? in ~society
lupusthethird Link ParentI'm not the one you're replying to, but I can think of one: Banning of one-use bags in grocery stores. It was done in some progressive states and cities and is absolutely just performative. I...Do you have an example of a performative progressive legislation?
I'm not the one you're replying to, but I can think of one: Banning of one-use bags in grocery stores. It was done in some progressive states and cities and is absolutely just performative. I understand getting rid of plastic bags for the environmental benefits, but banning or adding surcharges to paper bags is too much. Paper bags are already made from recycled paper, are also easily recyclable again and are more than good enough. It's not fair to poorer people to have to buy reusable bags which are often $1-2 each (and remember to always bring them or be subject to the surcharge or buying more again) The environmental harm from paper bags is a drop in the bucket compared to the harm caused by larger corporations, or compared to any of the other major issues we have going on right now. These bans just seem like something the progressives pushed through as a "feel-good" initiative that looks good on paper to rich young white progressives but is actually hurting the people they claim to protect and care about.
-
Comment on Your favorite deeply unpopular music in ~music
lupusthethird LinkI am a big fan of Japanese music, with my favorite artist being Shiina Ringo / Tokyo Jihen. That said there's one indie hip hop band that really stand out with a uniquely weird style that I really...I am a big fan of Japanese music, with my favorite artist being Shiina Ringo / Tokyo Jihen. That said there's one indie hip hop band that really stand out with a uniquely weird style that I really love, despite them being vastly unknown and underrated. Moe and Ghosts - GINGA
-
Comment on Toyota’s bet on hybrids was mocked, then vindicated. Now it’s trying to repeat the trick with an unlikely bet on the combustion engine. in ~transport
lupusthethird Link ParentWhat I don't like is my vehicle dictating the pace and the availability of choices for stops I make on my road trip. I grew up on frequent road trips, and to me they are the ultimate expression of...What I don't like is my vehicle dictating the pace and the availability of choices for stops I make on my road trip. I grew up on frequent road trips, and to me they are the ultimate expression of freedom - to be able to go anywhere, on your own timeline, enjoying the sights and destinations and escaping from the everyday routine. If a vehicle introduces restrictions on that freedom it's not for me. If I have to stop to charge my EV for such a lengthy time, I will be limited to exploring only the immediate area around the charging station for things like meal breaks, shopping, or sightseeing during that time. In an ICE or PHEV I can fill up anywhere I want in just a couple minutes, and then I have much more choice of destinations to explore during those breaks - moving on if there's nothing of interest instead of being held captive by my vehicles battery.
-
Comment on Toyota’s bet on hybrids was mocked, then vindicated. Now it’s trying to repeat the trick with an unlikely bet on the combustion engine. in ~transport
lupusthethird (edited )LinkI'm likely going with a Toyota as my next car as a result of this. Personally I'm not a fan of EVs, as I don't think that the EV experience can match ICEs right now. I go on a lot of road trips...I'm likely going with a Toyota as my next car as a result of this. Personally I'm not a fan of EVs, as I don't think that the EV experience can match ICEs right now. I go on a lot of road trips and don't like the idea of being forced to stop for 30+ minutes at charging stations -- Until charging time goes down the same amount of time it takes to fill up a gas tank, I'm not interested. I also worry about the availability of charging stations, because even where I am in the PNW (EV dominated area) they are few and far between, and are simply nonexistent in the more remote areas like the forests and mountains. Basically, I don't think the pure EVs can meet everyone's needs the same way ICE cars can, as EV technology, our infrastructure, and our way of life is just not ready for it yet. To me - PHEVs are honestly the perfect solution as they provide the best of both worlds, and I don't understand why there aren't more of them.
Though to be honest, I'm getting disillusioned with newer cars in general as more and more components are being computerized. Every time I rent a car or get a loaner, I am annoyed by having to turn off the "smart" driving features that continue to chime at me constantly - often having to turn them off every time I start the vehicle because they are on by default and the toggle isn't saved (Grrrr!). My dream car today would actually be if a manufacturer made a "dumb" ICE car, with just the basic required components for driving and moderate comforts, all controls being physical and mechanical. Instead I'm stuck buying aging 80s-90s cars that are quickly becoming more expensive to find parts for.
(edit to correct formatting mistake) -
Comment on What is the greatest movie franchise ever? in ~movies
lupusthethird LinkHannibal Lecter franchise... Manhunter (1986), The Silence of the Lambs (1991), Hannibal (2001), Red Dragon (2002), Hannibal Rising (2007) Last two are just slightly above average in my opinion...Hannibal Lecter franchise... Manhunter (1986), The Silence of the Lambs (1991), Hannibal (2001), Red Dragon (2002), Hannibal Rising (2007)
Last two are just slightly above average in my opinion though.
-
Comment on 3D printing - A beginner's observations and some practical applications in ~creative
lupusthethird LinkI have multiple 3d printers now, but started with a DLP resin printer about 7 years ago, mostly with the intention of printing minis for tabletop games. The learning curve for resin printing, at...If you have a 3D printer, how deep in the rabbit hole are you? Are you making your own CAD files?
I have multiple 3d printers now, but started with a DLP resin printer about 7 years ago, mostly with the intention of printing minis for tabletop games. The learning curve for resin printing, at least at the time, was incredibly steep - mostly from learning how to get the exposure settings correct based on the resin properties, and to properly orient and support models. While FDM printers need to worry about the latter, for resin printing it is absolutely critical not just to support islands but to consider the suction and adhesion forces on the FEP based on how your model is oriented. For example - if you print a large hollow shape, you may need to create vent or drain holes in the model in strategic locations, otherwise the suction may be strong enough that the print is pulled from the build plate or you may end up with liquid resin trapped inside the piece after it is done. Each print requires so much pre-processing that it is exhausting. This may have improved with all the software updates and whatnot over the years, but I am still kicking with my OG printer and haven't felt the need to upgrade yet. Here's a summary of my overly complicated workflow though: Make or obtain STL > in Meshmixer, orient to minimize suction and islands/supports, hollow, add vents > in B9 creator, manually add supports to all islands > slice the STL > import the sliced file to a "validator" program that checks for islands and flags them to attention > correct any issues and re-slice
Anyways... most resin printers are on the small side, so for larger prints I picked up an extra large FDM printer about a year ago. I've been struggling to adjust to the differences between the two printing methods though. FDM just has so many settings, between bed/hotend temperatures, retraction, speed, fan speed, etc - compared to having only the exposure time settings in DLP. I'm finding that getting a "successful" print is easier or more forgiving in FDM than in DLP, but getting a great looking print is nearly impossible. It may be because I'm starting on hard mode by printing only ABS, which as I understand it is much harder to do than PLA, but I prefer the stronger and more heat resistant properties of ABS, plus would like to simplify post-processing by acetone smoothing rather than sanding. On the plus side, I feel much more empowered to just print whatever I see in FDM without much thought, rather than having to excessively prepare every STL and cater it specifically to my printer and resin qualities.
For making CAD files, I mostly use TinkerCAD as I've found it to be incredibly easy to use, at least for basic functional designs where you can break them down into multiple simple shapes. Using it I've created STLs for electronics projects cases, cosplay props and jewelry, a busy board for my son, etc. I've experimented with Blender, FreeCAD, and Fusion and none were as easy to just pick up and go. I always found myself thinking "how can I do this in this program?" when I used them, pausing frequently to google how and watch tutorials, but with tinkercad it's more of a geometric puzzle of "how can I break this down into basic drop-in 3d shapes" which is less frustrating for me.
What’s your favorite print? If you don’t own a printer, what’s a cool 3D print that stands out in your mind?
I designed and printed Gourry's "Sword of Light" from the anime Slayers. It was a resin print that had to be broken into multiple pieces which were then sealed together by manually painting resin to the seams and applying a handheld UV light. The blade is semi-transparent resin with a hollowed out space for an LED strip, with an additional spot in the the hilt hollowed for the LED's control panel and batteries. The blade also detaches from the hilt assembly for easier transport. To me it's my favorite print because I designed it from scratch, beginning to end, and even now I'm still impressed that I managed to model the blade's cross-guard in Tinkercad with all of its rounded and complex shapes.
What’s a problem in your life where you think you could 3D print a solution?
Due to rising car theft in my area, I've recently decided that I need a killswitch for my vehicle. However, a hidden killswitch can quickly become useless if it is found, and is also kinda boring. Instead, the James Bond villain in me decided to make a fused panel of 8 switches that would custom fit inside my center console, and only the correct combination would allow the fuel pump and ignition to be powered. I initially wanted to have a couple of red herring switches as well that would toggle the horn, but nixed that after struggling to figure out wiring, as I'm an electronics noob and car horns require the correct polarity to function (while the other components in the assembly do not require a positive wire.) Anyways, it has since been printed in ABS with my FDM printer, with the fuses and switches all pressure fitting perfectly and tightly into place, and it's now waiting to be installed the next time I tear my interior apart.
(edits to fix quote formatting)
-
Comment on Recipes for chicken thighs in ~food
lupusthethird Link ParentI'm a little late to this thread but came here to say this. I have a TON of recipes using chicken thigh - it's one of the staples of my household. But the key to them coming out juicy and tender...I'm a little late to this thread but came here to say this. I have a TON of recipes using chicken thigh - it's one of the staples of my household. But the key to them coming out juicy and tender every time is to always brine or marinate. What I do to make a batch for my family is put about 2 pounds in a big ziplock bag, add about 2 cups of soy sauce, 1 cup oyster sauce, 1/2 cup mirin or white wine, and some honey or sugar (i just go by feeling for all these measurements tbh) If the chicken still isn't covered by that amount of liquid, add water until it is. Press the air out of the bag and seal it up, stick it in the fridge for about 2-4 hours, or up to 8 if you want it more strongly flavored. When it comes time to use it, pat each piece dry, otherwise it won't form a crispy skin on the outside when you cook it.
-
Comment on How are you dealing with inflation regarding everyday enjoyment? in ~life
lupusthethird LinkDespite the inflation I haven't adjusted much on everyday costs aside from quitting drinking. Instead, I am saving by learning to DIY pretty much everything in my house because I can't afford to...Despite the inflation I haven't adjusted much on everyday costs aside from quitting drinking. Instead, I am saving by learning to DIY pretty much everything in my house because I can't afford to have anything fixed by the proper professionals anymore. I've built my own workbench, mounted TVs, installed electrical sockets and sconces, repaired drywall holes, installed decorative trim molding, built various floating shelves and closet shelving all around the house. Also been learning to work on cars... changing my own oil, filters, belts, blower motor, liftgate supports, etc. As someone who's never had to do any of this before, I'm actually finding it to be incredibly satisfying. The next project is going to be renting a sod cutter and tearing up the lawn to replace it with a more maintenance-free ground cover (considering Creeping Thyme)
-
Comment on What have you been eating, drinking, and cooking? in ~food
lupusthethird LinkMy wife has been craving seafood lately, and today I happened to be a few hours out of town near an amazing fishmonger that we used to live by. Bought a selection of her favorites as a surprise......My wife has been craving seafood lately, and today I happened to be a few hours out of town near an amazing fishmonger that we used to live by. Bought a selection of her favorites as a surprise... oysters, scallops, uni, ikura, and choya umeshu to drink. Served with some stir fried nagaimo in bean curd sauce and yau choy sum.
-
Comment on How do you organize your phone's home screens and apps? in ~tech
lupusthethird LinkI very much love minimalistic designs, so I use Nova Launcher (paid version) for Android to make everything easier to customize. My favorite thing is that each icon has options for multiple...I very much love minimalistic designs, so I use Nova Launcher (paid version) for Android to make everything easier to customize. My favorite thing is that each icon has options for multiple customized gestures when selecting it. For example, I can have an icon for Facebook... click it to open facebook app itself, or slide up on the icon to open Messenger, or swipe down on the icon to open Instagram. This way I can consolidate my icons really easily to the bottom row or two, without compromising functionality since multiple gestures can be applied to each one.
-
Comment on Have you ever "homebrewed" fermented beverages? in ~food
lupusthethird LinkI started homebrewing about 15 years ago, mostly with the intention of creating something cheap that me and my friends at the D&D table could get completely wasted on. I would throw some Lalvin...Have you ever tried homebrewing?
I started homebrewing about 15 years ago, mostly with the intention of creating something cheap that me and my friends at the D&D table could get completely wasted on. I would throw some Lalvin D47 and some sugar into a gallon jug of cider from Wal-mart, slap a balloon on the top with a hole poked in it, and let it sit for about 2 weeks before siphoning it off into a clean gallon jug. It tasted pretty terrible, but it was strong at around 13-15% and was an incredibly cost effective way to get drunk. After focusing on cider for a few years I eventually branched out into making Mead and Beer as well.
What were lessons learned?
My favorite lesson learned was when brewing an Imperial Stout about 10 years ago. I was away at work the day after I put this batch into Primary fermentation, and got a call from my roommate in complete panic shouting "Your beer exploded!" I had never made this type of beer before, and had used a standard airlock and amount of headspace without knowing that the fermentation for this beer was much more active than I was accustomed to. The airlock completely clogged, pressure built up, and eventually it went Kaboom. The airlock was launched so hard skyward that it embedded itself halfway into the ceiling drywall, and my new batch of beer erupted like a volcano all over our kitchen floor. Lesson learned: Use a blowoff tube - it's better than an airlock.
Did you regret the up-front investment?
Making (terrible) hard cider was super cheap and hardly an investment at all - definitely worth it. But when stepping up to Mead/Beer, there was a significant investment in materials that I'd say is only worth it if you're going to stick with the hobby.
Do you bottle or keg?
I have done both. When bottling, I only use the flip-top bottles because I'm terrified of bottle capping machines (mostly thanks to that scene from Breaking Bad) They are more expensive but worth the ease of use.
What are your favorite recipes?
My favorite was just a simple standard mead. What set it apart from the rest? I forgot about it and left it in a closet for about 10 years. Every other cider or mead I've made have been rough around the edges - mostly dry and tannic, but this one was so amazingly smooth and crisp. So my advice... the most important part of any recipe will be time. Either learn to be patient, or make beer instead (it's drinkable sooner)
What is your setup like?
I have a 10 gallon stock pot that I use for the "Brew in a Bag" all grain method, multiple 5 gallon plastic carboys for primary and secondary fermentation, and a collection of different colored flip top bottles.
DF is absolutely 10/10 but I always find it's fun to start a fortress, but not fun after it grows to about 120+ population assuming the basics of the game have been mastered. I find that I have to intentionally take stupid risks or try something different just to push the boundary and make my own fun at that point. But more often than not, I abandon the fortress and deploy a new one in a different biome with different limiting factors or challenges to mix it up.