redwall_hp's recent activity
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Comment on Ella Langley’s ‘Choosin’ Texas’ finally breaks Mariah Carey’s all-time record for weeks at US no. 1, eclipsing ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ in ~music
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Comment on Ella Langley’s ‘Choosin’ Texas’ finally breaks Mariah Carey’s all-time record for weeks at US no. 1, eclipsing ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ in ~music
redwall_hp LinkRolling Stone certainly has...a take. "Working class": a genre glamorizing a lifestyle that revolves around owning a bunch of valuable farmland, inherited from people who totally didn't own people...Rolling Stone certainly has...a take.
"Working class": a genre glamorizing a lifestyle that revolves around owning a bunch of valuable farmland, inherited from people who totally didn't own people or violently take the land from Native Americans.
Not working class: anything Black or Latin musicians did, I guess.
I mean, damn right I want nothing to do with rural southern republican lifestyle or music aimed at it. Give me some funk or house.
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Comment on Jon Watts is our ‘Star Wars: Episode X’ director in ~movies
redwall_hp (edited )Link ParentIf we go by older things (Expanded Universe before the Disney nation attacked), it actually happened the other way around: the Red Sith were a singular species with a massive lowercase-e empire...If we go by older things (Expanded Universe before the Disney nation attacked), it actually happened the other way around: the Red Sith were a singular species with a massive lowercase-e empire that oppressed many worlds, and their warrior caste were the ones the Yavin ruins were built for. They were based on a planet called Korriban, and were later followed by Exar Kun's Sith, and later (?) Revan. The "rule of two" Sith were something that came millennia later. They're basically LARPing.
The original Jedi were a rebellion against the original Sith empire, and their developed philosophy was a direct reaction to that abuse of power.
At least, that's my half-remembered understanding from one point in time. There was also a Sith empire following the Hyperspace War...which is depicted on the wall of Palpatine's office in the prequels. This particular one is considered modern canon, as it has references in the films. (And I've been saying for years that would be an excellent thing to explore.)
Some form of this probably would make for a good movie, but I highly doubt the untitled "origin of the Jedi" film that Disney does have on their roadmap will be anything like that. It will probably be a coup de grâce on the foundations of the whole series instead.
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Comment on Jon Watts is our ‘Star Wars: Episode X’ director in ~movies
redwall_hp LinkTitle crawl: "It's unclear how, but the Empire has returned somehow." Please, just move forward or backward a few hundred years and let the Skywalkers rest in peace, and have some damn Jedi doing...Daisy Ridley’s Rey will feature in this new set of sequels in some capacity, though it’s currently unclear how.
Title crawl: "It's unclear how, but the Empire has returned somehow."
Please, just move forward or backward a few hundred years and let the Skywalkers rest in peace, and have some damn Jedi doing space samurai things.
The Ninth Jedi, Andor aside, is the best Star Wars we've had in a long time.
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Comment on Wikipedia's list of the best video games: how many have you played, and what's missing? in ~games
redwall_hp Link ParentThis is causing me to remember something that's making me question my sanity, because no videos online match what I remember. Circa 2002-2004, an arcade I frequented had a game in the Puzzle...This is causing me to remember something that's making me question my sanity, because no videos online match what I remember.
Circa 2002-2004, an arcade I frequented had a game in the Puzzle Bobble series in the US. I vaguely remember it saying something like "Bust-a-Move EX" on the cabinet. It had the glossy bubbles, little chirp sound when firing, and a two player mode where each player got a launcher. I recall the little green dinosaur character operating the launcher.
It was the loudest cabinet in the place and would occasionally play this tune that's absolutely burned into my memory, but none of the attract mode videos I can find match my memory.
It had that PS1/N64 era "short PCM samples" sound, with a happy, fast synth melody that would be interrupted by this "tchk!" (kind of sneeze like) sound. (Something like: Da da da da da da da. Da da da da da. Da da da da da da da dadadada tchk!)
It was in a bowling alley, and whenever the owner flipped the breaker for that room (the arcade was off during less-used hours, presumably to save power) it would come on and shortly be doing that. So I heard it many, many times. (It was also right next to Marvel vs Capcom and Time Crisis.)
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Comment on Owners mourn spoiled food after firmware update bricks Samsung smart fridges in ~tech
redwall_hp Link ParentA contract negotiated by single party and signed by one with no legal counsel, essentially by coercion since you've already bought a product, is legally questionable. Despite what the world has...A contract negotiated by single party and signed by one with no legal counsel, essentially by coercion since you've already bought a product, is legally questionable. Despite what the world has suddenly pretended is reasonable in recent decades.
Actually taking them to court, EULAs are probably effectively toilet paper in a lot of cases. Just like when Disney tries to get out of a wrongful death suit because a Disney+ EULA says you're subject to arbitration.
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Comment on What have you been watching / reading this week? (Anime/Manga) in ~anime
redwall_hp LinkContinuing Re:Zero Season 4. I'm kind of surprised they didn't change the theme for the second cour...but it's a Giga song, so that's probably reason enough lol. Working on the final cour of...Continuing Re:Zero Season 4. I'm kind of surprised they didn't change the theme for the second cour...but it's a Giga song, so that's probably reason enough lol.
Working on the final cour of Doctor Stone, and anticipating Apothecary Diaries and Black Clover returning next month.
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Comment on What are you reading these days? in ~books
redwall_hp Link ParentInteresting. I'm kind of curious in trying one of the audiobooks (either original or the expanded cast ones) later on, since I've heard a lot of people like the voice acting for Donut in...Interesting. I'm kind of curious in trying one of the audiobooks (either original or the expanded cast ones) later on, since I've heard a lot of people like the voice acting for Donut in particular, and I have no idea what they're talking about lol.
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Comment on What are you reading these days? in ~books
redwall_hp Link ParentI'm just about finished with The Butcher's Masquerade. I'm reading the hardcovers, and just got to the end of the book, technically, but there's still the bonus chapter. They're very popular at my...I'm just about finished with The Butcher's Masquerade. I'm reading the hardcovers, and just got to the end of the book, technically, but there's still the bonus chapter. They're very popular at my office right now.
The extra ("Pineapple Cabaret") chapters are basically telling a side story about some of the surviving mobs. I don't think they're super important so far, since they don't even contain any of the regular characters, but I'm curious if they'll add to something much later in the series.
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Comment on Help me choose a small electric car in ~transport
redwall_hp (edited )Link ParentA hybrid deletes the transmission, starter motor (the beefier generator motor handles that), alternator (see: generator motor) and various other things. Like the AC will generally be driven by a...Hybrids - even non-plug-in ones - have all the components of a traditional ICE vehicle, and most or all of the components of an EV, which comes with all of the maintenance requirements of both.
A hybrid deletes the transmission, starter motor (the beefier generator motor handles that), alternator (see: generator motor) and various other things. Like the AC will generally be driven by a motor because there's no constantly running engine for a belt drive.
Usually there's a power-splitter (simple planetary gearbox, like a differential) linking the two drives to the wheels. That's the Toyota system, more or less. Honda's hybrids physically disconnect the drive motor for highway cruising, using a lockout clutch.
Service schedules usually anticipate significantly longer times between services, due to less engine use, and brakes are also conserved from regenerative braking. The engine also runs at a more constant RPM as significant acceleration is handled by the motor.
I have 2000 miles on my brand new Civic hybrid, and the oil minder is still at 90%. Usually it would be around 30% at 5000 miles on my previous Hondas, and the message to change it comes on sometime below that (15-20%, closer to 6000).
I find it's a good trade off for living in an apartment in the Midwest, anyway. I get a consistent 45mpg (heavy air conditioning use) in the city or on highway driving, can take long trips to bigger cities, and don't have to worry about charging while I'm living in an apartment. Plus, until there's a Civic EV, I'm not inclined to get a EV. Something that's "not a Civic" is off the table for me.
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Comment on Reginald Pikedevant - Just Glue Some Gears On It (And Call It Steampunk) (2011) in ~music
redwall_hp Link ParentI watched it way back in 2011-2012 or so, probably via reddit. I reference it occasionally and nobody has any idea. It's funny to see it pop up here.I watched it way back in 2011-2012 or so, probably via reddit. I reference it occasionally and nobody has any idea. It's funny to see it pop up here.
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Comment on ‘Practical Magic 2’ fizzles with $30 million debut in ~movies
redwall_hp LinkSimilar vibe to the original, but not a rehash of the same beats. I can confidently say it's far, far better than Hocus Pocus 2. The original definitely was more of a cult (heh) film than...Similar vibe to the original, but not a rehash of the same beats. I can confidently say it's far, far better than Hocus Pocus 2.
The original definitely was more of a cult (heh) film than Beetlejuice, so I didn't expect it to have the same level of reach. It does achieve the bar of feeling like a legitimate attempt at a sequel and not "hey, remember this thing that made us money? Here it is again, but worse!"
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Comment on Nintendo - Customer appreciation sale in ~games
redwall_hp Link ParentNot since the PS4/Xbone generation. Prior consoles used very bespoke hardware that varied wildly between generations, so there was absolutely no way games were going to work without studios...I guess that maybe PS and Xbox games also have digital versions, but...? Don't you end up needing to rebuy most of them for new generations anyway??
Not since the PS4/Xbone generation. Prior consoles used very bespoke hardware that varied wildly between generations, so there was absolutely no way games were going to work without studios putting in work to port them. e.g. the PS3 has more in common with a late 90s or early 2000s Mac (PowerPC architecture) than with an Intel/AMD PC.
The PS5 happily plays PS4 games, including any you purchased online on the PS4, and the PS4 titles are still available on the store. Because both share the same x64 architecture and are generally pretty similar to commodity PC hardware and run on a BSD-derived OS. Likely, the PS6 will continue to play PS5 and PS4 games, though in the future, I wouldn't be surprised to see a move to an ARM system.
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Comment on Nintendo - Customer appreciation sale in ~games
redwall_hp Link ParentIt basically happens every time something both Nintendo is posted here, or on other sites. The Switch 2 was peak "no wireless, less storage than a Nomad, lame" on Reddit, which was fucking...Won't lie, at this point I get a bit defensive seeing people singling out Nintendo and asking "Why would anyone buy Nintendo stuff?"
It basically happens every time something both Nintendo is posted here, or on other sites. The Switch 2 was peak "no wireless, less storage than a Nomad, lame" on Reddit, which was fucking hilarious because that's what happened with the first Switch too. Then it went on to become the best selling gaming device of all time, and the Switch 2 (last I checked) was selling at a faster velocity. Nintendo had one of the most popular movies this year...and it's not just because of 40+ year old people who used to play Nintendo games.
Honestly, I detest the general internet PC gamer culture. It's out of touch, invades every other gaming related space and it's just tiresome. Most people just want to play games, and don't care about overly meta nonsense about companies involved or that an overly large part of someone's identity is that they could snap a few commodity parts together.
Anyway, Splatoon Raiders is fun and I'm probably going to give Fire Emblem a try when the new one comes out.
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Comment on Witch on the Holy Night (Type-Moon, ufotable) theatrical release in US and Canada on January 29, 2027 in ~anime
redwall_hp Link ParentI think they posted another teaser graphic a few months back for their Genshin Impact anime adaptation, so I wouldn't be surprised to see a short trailer in the coming months. I'm also excited...I think they posted another teaser graphic a few months back for their Genshin Impact anime adaptation, so I wouldn't be surprised to see a short trailer in the coming months. I'm also excited about that, because I've been playing the game for years and enjoy the story. I can't wait to see what they do with it.
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Comment on Witch on the Holy Night (Type-Moon, ufotable) theatrical release in US and Canada on January 29, 2027 in ~anime
redwall_hp Link ParentI've been keeping an eye on this for awhile. I don't hand any knowledge of the source material, but I'm a fan of both Fate and Ufotable (particularly where those intersect). I've also watched Kara...I've been keeping an eye on this for awhile. I don't hand any knowledge of the source material, but I'm a fan of both Fate and Ufotable (particularly where those intersect). I've also watched Kara no Kyoukai, so I'm familiar with the Nasuverse's extended parts.
Since it's Crunchyroll, I assume that means Alamo will get it and I won't have to hunt for a distant Fathom theater or something.
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Comment on The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Switch 2) | Zelda 40th anniversary Direct trailer in ~games
redwall_hp (edited )Link ParentFirstly, it is absolutely unreasonable to expect current generation graphics on a handheld device. That's never going to happen. And Nintendo long ago realized there was more money in the...Firstly, it is absolutely unreasonable to expect current generation graphics on a handheld device. That's never going to happen. And Nintendo long ago realized there was more money in the GameBoy/DS/etc line than their other market.
A small group of people actually care about performance. The original Switch sold over 156 million units and the best selling game of all time is Mario Kart. The people who worry about frame rates and other capital-G gamer stuff are not representative of the game-playing world as a whole. (Splatoon Raiders was a recent hit as well, topping sales charts in several countries, but US-centric gaming media largely ignored it. I personally bought two copies, because co-op is fun.) I expect that to be functionally irrelevant to the sales of the OoT remake. Whether people care about such an old title is a bigger factor.
Nor is it new for Nintendo to not chase the absolute best graphics and performance. The original Ocarina of Time struggled to get 30fps on a console that was underpowered compared to the state of the art: the N64 was a joke compared to the (older) PlayStation, and especially the PS2 that shipped a year after OoT.
Considering every first party Switch 2 title so far has run at a smooth 60fps (minor exception being DK, which is mostly 60 but allows it to dynamically dip to 30 in certain sections), I have no reason to assume this one won't.
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Comment on The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Switch 2) | Zelda 40th anniversary Direct trailer in ~games
redwall_hp Link ParentDonkey Kong Bananza, Mario Kart World and Splatoon Raiders target 60fps and seem stable, and this is hardly more graphically complex than those. The Switch 2's basically on the same order of...Donkey Kong Bananza, Mario Kart World and Splatoon Raiders target 60fps and seem stable, and this is hardly more graphically complex than those.
The Switch 2's basically on the same order of capability as the Steam Deck: some specs are a little lower, others a little higher (e.g. more CPU cores but lower clock speed, faster RAM but less of it), but it has higher resolution output (at up to 120Hz) and likely delivers better real world performance in a lot of cases due to developers actually targeting the hardware.
The thing plays Cyberpunk 2077 and has been collecting PS4 ports that look pretty damn close to the original releases. This is nothing like the original Switch's situation.
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
redwall_hp Link ParentIt's well worth it. It retains the things that made the prior game as great as it was, but does just enough different that it feels like its own thing. Combat and movement is fundamentally similar...It's well worth it. It retains the things that made the prior game as great as it was, but does just enough different that it feels like its own thing.
Combat and movement is fundamentally similar and equally smooth, but the details of it are tuned to the character being a ronin who doesn't come from a noble background instead of someone who was raised to be a samurai. It's as effective, but a different flavor.
And I really like the difference in story. It's straight up Kill Bill, rather than the war story of the original. It makes for a nice change of pace, with quite a lot of depth as it progresses.
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Comment on Proposal to ban development of AI superintelligence by US Senator Bernie Sanders and US Representative Greg Casar in ~society
redwall_hp Link ParentThe funny thing is that's basically just the Silicon Valley ouroboros coming around the cycle again. Once it was capable microcomputers disrupting mainframe companies, then Internet companies more...There will be a tipping point where all but the most irresponsible companies will notice that it's cheaper and more effective to pay for 3 junior staffers than pay that Claude bill.
The funny thing is that's basically just the Silicon Valley ouroboros coming around the cycle again. Once it was capable microcomputers disrupting mainframe companies, then Internet companies more efficiently eating industries that relied heavily on face to face dealings by automating the low hanging fruit.
Now we're in something like the dotcom bubble, only Pets.com is trying really hard to convince every reasonably stable company that their doomsday weapon will destroy their business if they don't get on board and give them one
millionbillion dollars (taps face with pinky finger).Next up, some enterprising startups will determine they can do things the companies that got duped do, saving money by paying a few people instead of the billion dollar rent. +/- robust and reliable infrastructure after some high profile slop piles cause something nasty.
So even if somebody listens to radio, there's a hard line between your pop stations and country stations, and someone usually listens to one vs the other. And the former is much more likely to appear in TV or film that I'd be likely to watch, or be on random InstaTok noise people in my household are watching or whatever. "Listening to country music" is usually a deliberate choice rather than something that organically pops up, like one has to deliberately seek "christian rock" (thank fuck).
I'm definitely familiar with Sabrina Carpenter (and Chappell Roan) and know at least one Doja Cat song. I did hear A Bar Song a bit when that came out. I could also tell you that Bruno Mars had a hit this year with Lady Gaga, and had APT a year or two back with ROSÉ. I watched Bad Bunny's halftime show at the sportsball thing and ignored the sportsball. I'm selective about the pop I like, but I'm past my teenage phase of pretending it's all bad, especially now that I dabble in making music.
I definitely can't say I know what a Choosing Texas is (other than that maybe Texas should respect peoples' right to certain choices) and I don't care to. It's possible I unknowingly heard it in the background at Texas Roadhouse (easily the cheapest steak in the area) but wouldn't have clocked it...and that wouldn't speak well of its distinctiveness if that were true.