pseudolobster's recent activity

  1. Comment on "Visa" Gift Cards - What should I be looking at? in ~finance

    pseudolobster
    Link
    I've recently discovered that those visa gift cards are actually refillable. I'm not sure if it's a service any retailers actually provide, but I recently worked for a point-of-sale company where...

    I've recently discovered that those visa gift cards are actually refillable. I'm not sure if it's a service any retailers actually provide, but I recently worked for a point-of-sale company where I needed to troubleshoot an issue with prepaid cards. I ended up buying a $20 Vanilla visa card, spending all the money on it during testing, then refunded the money I spent testing to the card.

    What I realized after the fact is, I wasn't refunding a specific transaction, I actually had ten or fifteen transactions and I just hit refund, $20, manager code, ok, and it put twenty bucks on the card. Incidentally I ended up defrauding a dollar or so since I realized there was as small balance left, leaving my $20 card with $21.39 or something.

    Any retailer could take twenty bucks cash, hit refund on their machine, and put that money on the card.

    I'm not sure if this is helpful or not. Like I said I don't know if this is a service any retailer actually provides.

    1 vote

  2. Comment on Hi, how are you? Mental health support and discussion thread (January 2026) in ~health.mental

    pseudolobster
    Link Parent
    Hey, thanks for your supportive words. It's really not anyone in my life that's negative. It's just, I spent 8 months looking for a job, found one, got laid off within 2 months. Now I need to find...

    Hey, thanks for your supportive words. It's really not anyone in my life that's negative. It's just, I spent 8 months looking for a job, found one, got laid off within 2 months. Now I need to find another one, except my unemployment benefits have run out. So now I need to find a new job, this time with zero income.

    3 months ago my roommate moved out unexpectedly, and I've been trying to rent his room ever since. It's been a shitshow though, since people on facebook marketplace have been flaky as shit. I've collected two damage deposits, signed papers, etc, only to have people bail out at the last minute. So, last month I had to pay $2500 to rent the entire house by myself. Bills are coming up and I have the choice of paying them or eating food. I've got a friend who can probably help me out with rent for next month, but not the full $2500.

    So basically I have fucking clue what I'm going to do. It's either I sell my car for a couple months rent or I move into it and idk, try and sell all my stuff, abandon what I can't sell or fit with me in my vehicle.

    My stress and frustration is entirely financial and has nothing to do with other people.

    It's chipping away at my sanity and I'm struggling not to let depression take over, but I haven't given up yet.

    4 votes

  3. Comment on The "why does this movie exist" scene in ~movies

    pseudolobster
    Link Parent
    This actually happened in the opposite order, if you can believe it. As I recall Snakes on a Plane was a working title for a script that was in pre-production. Samuel L Jackson happened to knew...

    This actually happened in the opposite order, if you can believe it. As I recall Snakes on a Plane was a working title for a script that was in pre-production. Samuel L Jackson happened to knew the director and signed on without even reading the script. When a list of movies in production was leaked, someone from a forum, I'm thinking Something Awful, though it could have been 4chan, started making memes about it.

    The working title was so dumb, with a star like Sammy J attached, that it was prime meme fodder. The memes generated so much publicity for the film that they went back and rewrote it to match the tone of a schlocky B-movie, specifically adding that line to match the tone of the memes. I think the original was supposed to be a lot more serious of a serious thriller, and the actual title would have been something like Pacific Airlines Flight 141 or something like that.

    10 votes

  4. Comment on Post-American internet by Cory Doctorow in ~tech

  5. Comment on What are some stories of progressivism gone wrong in implementation? in ~society

    pseudolobster
    Link Parent
    That might not be the ultimate post on the subject. We've been over this countless times. The first post I can recall about this issue is this one from August 2018. I think the site only went...

    That might not be the ultimate post on the subject. We've been over this countless times. The first post I can recall about this issue is this one from August 2018. I think the site only went public in April 2018 or so. If you dig down in the thread, at the time I wrote an exasperated reply as the reluctant centrist / devil's advocate talking about how far this site skewed to one direction, and how conversations that were deemed objectionable by a few were shut down.

    A lot has changed since then. So far, I've only gotten more jaded and cynical, but I haven't tuned out.

    Honestly, the site is more diverse and inclusive of other viewpoints than ever, if you can believe it. This thread stands as a testament to that. I'll admit I haven't read every reply, but it seems like everyone has been pretty civil and polite so far. I haven't seen anyone be banned in this thread or ragequit the site, go on to create a federated equivalent site, etc, which used to be the style at the time.

    12 votes

  6. Comment on I just noticed a slightly easier way to link tags in comments in ~tildes

    pseudolobster
    Link Parent
    Oh shit, nice call on the specific code! One of these days I'm going to get around to installing tildes on my home server. I'm just a little intimidated still. I think only a couple people have...

    Oh shit, nice call on the specific code! One of these days I'm going to get around to installing tildes on my home server. I'm just a little intimidated still. I think only a couple people have pulled it off in recent years. I recall @talklittle saying it was harder than it should be / used to be.

    1 vote

  7. Comment on I just noticed a slightly easier way to link tags in comments in ~tildes

    pseudolobster
    Link Parent
    True, but that only applies if it's the first character on a line. In markdown, asterisks do similar double or even triple-duty, as they're both used for: italics bold or bulleted lists if they're...

    True, but that only applies if it's the first character on a line.

    In markdown, asterisks do similar double or even triple-duty, as they're both used for:

    italics

    bold

    • or bulleted lists if they're the first character of a line.
    4 votes

  8. I just noticed a slightly easier way to link tags in comments

    ~tildes Text 187 words
    So, here on tildes we can link to users with an @, as in @user, or we can link to a group using a ~, as in ~tildes, but we've never had a way to link to a tag. Long ago I proposed using an...

    So, here on tildes we can link to users with an @, as in @user, or we can link to a group using a ~, as in ~tildes, but we've never had a way to link to a tag. Long ago I proposed using an octothorpe for that, as in #tag, but it's never been implemented.

    Yesterday I noticed there's a somewhat easy way, just use: [tag](/?tag=tag). It's not as easy as #tag, but it's easier than what I used to do, which was go to the front page in a new tab, right click on any tag, copy link, go back to my draft in the other tab, paste it, edit the tag, surround it in brackets, etc.

    Not revolutionary, I know, but "slash questionmark tag = whatever_tag" is a much easier shorthand.

    I love the tagging system here, and feel it's underutilized. It's really helpful for providing context by linking other topics that have been posted here before. Thanks to the tireless work of several tildeans, especially @mycketforvirrad, who will not be named, this site is fantastic for digging up previous related topics.

    That's all, folks!

    18 votes

  9. Comment on How do you report an entire topic? in ~tildes

    pseudolobster
    Link Parent
    If you can be a rational voice towards progressive causes, in my opinion it'd be a loss to the site if you left. Otherwise there's an ignore button you can use for topics you don't like. As a...

    If you can be a rational voice towards progressive causes, in my opinion it'd be a loss to the site if you left. Otherwise there's an ignore button you can use for topics you don't like.

    As a Canadian, I've seen too many people steered towards the alt-right by the whole "freedom convoy" thing just because they didn't want to wear a mask and they felt as if the big liberal government was the one who were making them do that.

    With a few conversations and a few links to official government sites saying these are just guidelines, given by non-partisan health organizations based on objective science, rather than a big government conspiracy I've converted a few of them back to rationality.

    I guess what I'm saying is, if it's in your capability, implement Hanlon's razor and try to talk to people in good faith. Otherwise ignore them and go about your day.

    There's no better way of burying a thread on tildes than not replying to it.

    12 votes

  10. Comment on How do you report an entire topic? in ~tildes

    pseudolobster
    Link Parent
    I think of it as a good opportunity to learn what other people are thinking, and if you think differently it's an opportunity to explain your perspective. If you can't teach someone your...

    I think of it as a good opportunity to learn what other people are thinking, and if you think differently it's an opportunity to explain your perspective.

    If you can't teach someone your perspective, learn persuasiveness. If they aren't in a position to be persuaded, fine, maybe they'll come around in the future.

    If they're being disruptive or the replies are getting heated, with personal attacks etc, report the thread. Your replies in a heated conversation will also be deleted.

    I feel like this thread will end up suffering that fate. Everyone these days is too invested in divisiveness at this point.

    During the founding of Tildes we've often voted that voices on the other side of the aisle as it were, were welcome, so long as they're civilized and respectful. Unfortunately even civilized discussions devolve into shit slinging that involves deimos, and we don't want to have to get him involved since it's a big hassle.

    6 votes

  11. Comment on How do you report an entire topic? in ~tildes

    pseudolobster
    Link Parent
    In the case of the post you're referring to, I like to remember wikipedia's guidelines: Assume good faith. ie: Always assume ignorant curiosity until malice is proven.

    In the case of the post you're referring to, I like to remember wikipedia's guidelines: Assume good faith.

    ie: Always assume ignorant curiosity until malice is proven.

    8 votes

  12. Comment on Gadgets for people who don't trust the government in ~tech

    pseudolobster
    (edited )
    Link
    Another great video by Benn Jordan, who I've watched go from a musician who's into DIY electronics, into a subversive rebel telling people about the surveillance state and how to avoid/disrupt it.

    Another great video by Benn Jordan, who I've watched go from a musician who's into DIY electronics, into a subversive rebel telling people about the surveillance state and how to avoid/disrupt it.

    11 votes

  14. Comment on Hi, how are you? Mental health support and discussion thread (January 2026) in ~health.mental

    pseudolobster
    Link
    I honestly have no fucking clue what I'm doing with my life at this point. I think I need to sell my vehicle, my laptop, etc. Anything of value. Anyone want to buy 64gb of DDR4? I think that might...

    I honestly have no fucking clue what I'm doing with my life at this point. I think I need to sell my vehicle, my laptop, etc. Anything of value. Anyone want to buy 64gb of DDR4? I think that might me my most valuable possession at this point.

    I've come so far, from being homeless three years ago, to having a driver's license, a credit card, etc, and now I'm about to be destitute again.

    This whole system sucks, man. I was told if you work hard and save you're guaranteed to succeed in life. Here I am blowing all my savings paying for an empty room that no one will rent, and despite my skills I can't find a fucking job that can pay for my mediocre falling-apart house. Fuck this. I'm so sick of it. I just want to go back to living on the streets, panhandling for money for alcohol and tobacco and cannabis.

    I'll bet that lifestyle has gotten worse too. No one carries cash anymore, so asking for spare change as my retirement plan isn't even an option anymore. You're going to have to set up a gofundme and lose 30% to payment fees. Homeless panhandlers now need tap to pay. Fuck this life. Honestly, fuck this whole year. I'm so fucking sick of it.

    Thank you for coming to my TED talk.

    19 votes

  15. Comment on Hi, how are you? Mental health support and discussion thread (December 2025) in ~health.mental

    pseudolobster
    (edited )
    Link Parent
    Hey, not hugely better, but sincerely thank you for asking! Over the last few weeks I've taken in a friend who's currently homeless. I figured since I've got the empty room it's the least I can...

    Hey, not hugely better, but thanks for sincerely thank you for asking!

    Over the last few weeks I've taken in a friend who's currently homeless. I figured since I've got the empty room it's the least I can do. Unfortunately this has added stress, both in terms of hosting a guest and having no time to myself, as well as financial stress, since he's eating all my food and drinking all my alcohol.

    As for the roommate search, I got no replies for a couple weeks, which I guess is understandable because of the holidays. In the last few days I've had a couple candidates, but the ones at the end of the month are always the desperate ones no one else would rent to. So, I've got two options, neither is a very good fit, but I've gotta take what I can get. Supposedly someone is coming by with damage deposit and first month's rent, but she hasn't responded to my texts and I suspect she flaked out [*]. The other guy has a creepy vibe. Neither one has a job and is planning to pay a thousand a month when they make 800/mo off disability or income assistance. So there's that...

    As for work, I won't be able to apply for EI until I get my record of employment. They're paying me until the end of the month, so technically I'm still an employee, so I won't get my ROE until sometime in the new year.

    One good thing is I made a good impression on my previous employer, so even though my previous position no longer exists, they want to try and find or create another position in order to keep me. So, that's encouraging. I did an interview before Christmas and I think I nailed it, but I'm still stuck in limbo until I hear back from them. It's very much a "hurry up and wait" kind of situation which isn't great for my anxiety, but I'm trying to take it in stride.

      * (edit): she did

    5 votes

  16. Comment on How sewage can be used to heat and cool buildings in ~enviro

    pseudolobster
    Link
    The article mentions Vancouver, but we've also got some condos in Victoria BC that are doing the same thing. It's called Dockside Green and it's gotten a lot of media attention for its...

    The article mentions Vancouver, but we've also got some condos in Victoria BC that are doing the same thing. It's called Dockside Green and it's gotten a lot of media attention for its sustainability goals. I think my local credit union is a big investor.

    In Victoria this makes a bit more sense since we weren't treating our wastewater at all when this project was conceived - we were just dumping raw sewage into the ocean. This project checked all the boxes of the vision of locals, that is: less poop in the harbour, vague promises of green technology, affordable new housing, etc. I think it was endorsed by some local politicians at the time.

    Problem is I don't think this is sustainable as a business model. There's a lot of extra overhead, both in construction, but also in maintenance. The dream is the excess money made in rent could be diverted into social causes like a water processing plant, but it turns out most landlords would rather pocket the difference.

    I feel like projects like these are just built through "eco-futurist" investment as demonstrations of "what life could be like, except capitalism"

    While I believe condos like this could still be profitable, and perhaps they're more desirable to buyers, I don't think they're going to be more profitable than the bog standard lowest bidder construction practices that are the norm.

    2 votes

  17. Comment on The Windows 11 crisis in ~tech

    pseudolobster
    Link Parent
    Unfortunately you're right, I believe it's impossible to change a text post into a link post without directly editing the database, and I'm not sure @deimos wants to do that all the time. I can...

    Unfortunately you're right, I believe it's impossible to change a text post into a link post without directly editing the database, and I'm not sure @deimos wants to do that all the time.

    I can normally edit links, but there's no edit link button on text posts like this one.

    1 vote

  18. Comment on Hi, how are you? Mental health support and discussion thread (December 2025) in ~health.mental

    pseudolobster
    Link
    I'm doing bad. Gotta say, things are not going well for me. I spent a year trying to find a job, found one, only to be laid off after two months. Today I got the news, surprise, merry christmas,...

    I'm doing bad. Gotta say, things are not going well for me. I spent a year trying to find a job, found one, only to be laid off after two months. Today I got the news, surprise, merry christmas, you're being laid off. This comes after 3mo of trying to find a new roommate, which has also been unsuccessful, so hey, surprise, you've gotta come up with $2500 in the next two weeks to pay for an empty room.

    I thought I was doing well. In fact I thought I was doing so well I bought expensive gifts for my friends and brought in a friend who's facing homelessness. I'm able to give him a place to stay that's warmer than a tent, but having to feed the guy is just a lot more money than I thought I had.

    Barely keeping it together at this point. Struggling. Wish me luck.

    7 votes

  20. Comment on Mr Oizo - Flat beat (1999) in ~music

    pseudolobster
    Link
    This is an absolute classic. I think I'm misremembering here but I thought I listened to another version that was a collab with/remix by... idk, aphex twin or something? squarepusher? daft punk?...

    This is an absolute classic. I think I'm misremembering here but I thought I listened to another version that was a collab with/remix by... idk, aphex twin or something? squarepusher? daft punk? idk. youtube is giving me nothing. Anyone?

    2 votes