Requirement's recent activity
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Comment on Tildes Gardening Group: Week 13/7/26 in ~hobbies
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Comment on Tildes Gardening Group: Week 13/7/26 in ~hobbies
Requirement LinkMy garden is in a weird place this year. It's another year where I'm not sure if I'll be living in the current place for another year, so I didn't go super hard on fixing up the beds and doing...My garden is in a weird place this year. It's another year where I'm not sure if I'll be living in the current place for another year, so I didn't go super hard on fixing up the beds and doing soil restoration etc. I've grown tired of leaving incredible gardening spaces for other people!
We've been going through a heat wave and it has been both helping and hurting the garden. My tomatoes have liked a lot of the heat and are starting to get tall, starting to bush out a bit. I grow all heirlooms, so I don't generally start getting harvestable fruits until August, so the green tomatoes currently on the vine are just pieces of excitement. My pepper plants don't seem to know what to do this year. Some of them are thriving in the heat, some of them are stunted in the heat, some of them are fruiting more than I expected. I'll see how it plays out but I'm thinking I might not get the size of pepper harvest I was hoping for. To the disappointment of many, my hot sauce batch might be lean this year. This is also the first year I tried over-wintering pepper plants. So I have some very nice, very dead pepper plants in my garden.
My cucumbers look like shit. My zucchini aren't producing. Somehow my beans aren't doing well this year. Oh well. -
Comment on Tildes Book Club - Have you started A Psalm for the Wild Built by Becky Chambers? in ~books
Requirement LinkI'm finally back in! (kind of..) I read Psalm for the Wild Built last year, as well as the sequel. I'll have to do a quick skim recap to refresh myself on some of the story points, but I look...I'm finally back in! (kind of..)
I read Psalm for the Wild Built last year, as well as the sequel. I'll have to do a quick skim recap to refresh myself on some of the story points, but I look forward to the discussion! -
Comment on ‘The Batman Part II’ flies to early 2028; J.J. Abrams’ Glen Powell and Jenna Ortega pic ‘The Great Beyond’ heads to fall 2027 in ~movies
Requirement Link ParentI really agree that it's a waste of a good actor. They had the opportunity to have a Nolan/Bale-level run with Pattinson. While The Batman isn't my favorite Batman media, it was a refreshing take...I really agree that it's a waste of a good actor. They had the opportunity to have a Nolan/Bale-level run with Pattinson. While The Batman isn't my favorite Batman media, it was a refreshing take and absolutely dripping with character. Pattinson made a good Batman (in that world) and the rest of the casting was equally good if not better. How do you age up Batman/Bruce Wayne by a decade and still have the story make sense?
Don't get me wrong, I think Pattinson would make a superb "old man bat" as well. I just don't know how you get there. -
Comment on Recommendations for e-ink tablets? in ~tech
Requirement LinkFor a slightly different suggestion: It might be worth looking into the TCL Nxtpaper line of tablets. They aren't eink but they screens are spectacular with a nice textured surface and a few...For a slightly different suggestion:
It might be worth looking into the TCL Nxtpaper line of tablets. They aren't eink but they screens are spectacular with a nice textured surface and a few settings to turn them black and white or low-saturation. More enjoyable to read on than a regular LCD screen, less enjoyable than an eink but it solves a number of the eink issues, such as refresh rate and I've had some issues with PDFs/more niche files on eink.
The battery life is not as good as a eink reader but is still decent enough to last a couple days for me. -
Comment on The one-and-done pen? in ~hobbies
Requirement Link ParentI second the LTT Scribedriver. I bought one around launch and it's been going strong for a few years now. I know a lot of pen people look down at it as there are nicer pens out there. I find, when...I second the LTT Scribedriver. I bought one around launch and it's been going strong for a few years now. I know a lot of pen people look down at it as there are nicer pens out there. I find, when pressed for recommendations, they usually suggest a pen far more expensive or far less expensive. For whatever it's worth, the Scribedriver sits in a price bucket where there's not a ton of competition, certainly not at the quality and not using a bolt action mechanism (which is a stellar fidget toy and less abrasive to others' ears than clicky pens).
If you keep an eye out, LTT does a few sales a year where you can at least get a bit of a discount or free shipping. -
Comment on Tildes Gardening Group: Week 18/5/26 in ~hobbies
Requirement LinkIt's finally consistently warm enough here in Midwest America that I can get my plants in the ground.... the only problem is that now I don't have enough time to get them in there! I sense some...It's finally consistently warm enough here in Midwest America that I can get my plants in the ground.... the only problem is that now I don't have enough time to get them in there! I sense some night-planting in my future.
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Comment on What do folks carry in their hiking/backpacking/camping first aid kits these days? in ~hobbies
Requirement Link ParentMy only problem with tourniquets is the cost of decent ones. I suppose there is not price on surviving but at $50+ a pop it starts feeling a bit expensive.My only problem with tourniquets is the cost of decent ones. I suppose there is not price on surviving but at $50+ a pop it starts feeling a bit expensive.
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Comment on What do folks carry in their hiking/backpacking/camping first aid kits these days? in ~hobbies
Requirement Link ParentI wonder if there is a survivorship bias of some sort in the idea that a first aid kit ha never significantly affected the outcome of a situation. I imagine those stories just make bad stories. "I...I wonder if there is a survivorship bias of some sort in the idea that a first aid kit ha never significantly affected the outcome of a situation. I imagine those stories just make bad stories. "I fell and cut myself badly. I patched it up and hobbled out" isn't nearly as compelling a story as "I fell down and cut myself. I had to drag myself to freedom while bears circled."
That being said I hold two somewhat opposing beliefs:- You should always carry a first aid kit.
- You probably don't really need that much in a first aid kit.
I generally hike a few hundred miles a year and really almost never use my first aid kit. I still prefer having it on me just in case though. About a decade ago I really sat down and looked at both my first aid skills and the likely events that could occur and really pared down my kit substantially. I also took a first aid course around that time that included a bit where the instructor put fake blood on your hand and handed you a first aid kit. You know what's absolutely useless? Bandaids. By the time you get it open and ready to apply, the bandaid is trash. Same is true for about 60% of store-bought first aid kits. Once I started thinking about what would actually work, what I would have likely access to "in the field", and what could be used in multiple ways I ended up with a very slim first aid kit.
From memory:- Pain killers (both tylenol and asprin)
- anti diarrhea pills
- iodine tabs for water treatment (or wound treatment I guess if things got real bad. I know it's not the right choice but, that's what emergencies are.)
- a small handful of alcohol wipes
- 4x4 gauze. Like 8 of them.
- a partial roll of Leukotape. (To attach gauze to body. Or so much more commonly to cover developing blisters... the stuff is magic for it)
- a few strips of a different tape that flexes a bit differently.
- Razor blade. Mostly to cut the tape.
- Small flashlight (some tiny Olight I got for free that they no longer sell)
- a mini bic lighter
- there might be a fire starter of some sort in there.
- I had individual use hand sanitizer packets but I think I ran out of them.
- If I'm feeling really fancy, I'll throw one of those little roles of Coughlan's toilet paper
I figure I usually don't need a splint, there's probably some sticks around if I am in that dire of need. I figure I don't need a sling because I'm wearing clothes. Similarly, I figure I don't need a ton of gauze because I'm generally wearing a shirt. My goal is to stop the bleed, get to cell service (or hit the satellite transponder). I am not a surgeon, the woods aren't a hospital. Sure it would be really nice to full clean and dress a wound in the back country but I think it's ultimately better to get to a professional as quickly as possible.
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Comment on NHTSA tells US Congress: advanced impaired driving detection tech isn't ready in ~transport
Requirement Link ParentI am old enough to remember the pre-Uber/Lyft days and have worked the service industry for most that time. The advent of ride-share apps significantly decreased the rates of drunk driving...I am old enough to remember the pre-Uber/Lyft days and have worked the service industry for most that time. The advent of ride-share apps significantly decreased the rates of drunk driving [anecdotal] just by the sheer fact that the driver would actually show up. (As an aside, it ironically made it a bit harder as a bartender to bounce someone and call them a ride... you used to be able to call a cab, now you have to pay for the ride yourself.)
I imagine a bus/train/subway system that ran efficiently, effectively, and frequently (and at night...) would have to help. I wonder what the drunk driving rates in, say, New York City are vs. smaller cities without meaningful public transit. -
Comment on What’s something you’re putting up with? in ~talk
Requirement Link ParentTo counter your first point, think of the millimeter waves as hundreds of millions of little hands. The agent, the government, the algorithm, have no need to physically touch you. They have found...To counter your first point, think of the millimeter waves as hundreds of millions of little hands. The agent, the government, the algorithm, have no need to physically touch you. They have found a way around the petty concern of feeling and interpreting and instead produce a millimeter perfect reproduction of your body. They have your nudes and never even bothered to flirt.
Is TSA over-hated? I guess maybe a bit. Certainly at the individual agent level. Most of them are functionally gas station workers with more "responsibility" and a few hundred or thousand less-than-enthused customers. Is TSA, the organization, over-hated? No. The existence of like-organizations globally does not legitimize the TSA. You may also be conflating America's over-influential reach with "the rest of the world agrees."
Were hijackings normal? They were more normal, sure. Were they deadly? Your quote really heavily implies that those 305 hijackings must have been deadly. Surely, the quote wouldn't include that the single-year incidences compared to a five-year period incidences have no fatalities for no reason! There's lies, damn lies, and statistics... and I'm going to be honest, this quote doesn't even fall into statistics.
If anything, the utter lack of fatalities or terrorism-styled events prior to 9/11 would indicate that it wouldn't be a pressing issue to address. Hell, a not insignificant driver of 9/11 conspiracy theories is that the government had to be involved because lethal highjackings were so rare. (In fact, the first death of a passenger in a highjacking in America was caused by an FBI agent.)
To tie the two together, TSA isn't effective at stopping weapons from entering airports in their own tests (90%+ failure rate!) and therefore, likely isn't effectively preventing anything. Instead, it seems that the overwhelming majority of individuals just don't want to do terrorism. In light of that, we decide to erode our privacy, our rights, and spend inordinate amounts on "security." -
Comment on Sony pulls back from PlayStation games on PC in ~games
Requirement Link ParentNotably absent from this whole conversation: Steam is aware that Microsoft controls the platform in a way. They have been aware since Games for Windows - LIVE was introduced that Microsoft really,...Notably absent from this whole conversation: Steam is aware that Microsoft controls the platform in a way. They have been aware since Games for Windows - LIVE was introduced that Microsoft really, really wants in. While Microsoft hasn't been successful yet(shocker, I know), that could change. Hence, Steam started development on SteamOS. While SteamOS isn't a full-fledged operating system yet, Steam has said that the goal is to have it be a full OS and I'm sure Steam is plugging away at it. They see the potential threat on the horizon and are trying to address it at Valve's regular peculiar speed.
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Comment on Everything added to Star Wars Outlaws since launch – your complete guide to the game's post-launch evolution in ~games
Requirement Link ParentI really enjoyed my time with the game. It was a well realized environment, an ok story, and well-implemented mechanics (mostly). The biggest complaint was that while that's all true, there wasn't...I really enjoyed my time with the game. It was a well realized environment, an ok story, and well-implemented mechanics (mostly). The biggest complaint was that while that's all true, there wasn't much compelling me to continue playing. The story wasn't strong enough to grip me, the mechanics feel tired and unoriginal.
Maybe those things have been addressed now but I know I eventually just kind of fell off. I do intend to go back and play some more at some point but I question if that point will ever come. -
Comment on Hi, how are you? Mental health support and discussion thread (February 2026) in ~health.mental
Requirement Link ParentAs a former resident of South Minneapolis, I offer up a virtual hug. It's affecting my mental health from afar. I love the Twin Cities deeply and a large part of my feelings towards the city are...As a former resident of South Minneapolis, I offer up a virtual hug.
It's affecting my mental health from afar. I love the Twin Cities deeply and a large part of my feelings towards the city are because of the human beings who live there. It breaks my heart to see the people of the city torn apart by government sown division. It heals my heart that the people of the Twin Cities are responding so powerfully. I feel dismay that I am not there, that my silly little life prevents me from being there, that I am not contributing in body.
On a more meta examination I think it is also bringing up a lot of other things. The farce of fiercely independent American masculinity and how it has shaped and defined me even if I see little of myself in it. My complex set of feelings on gun ownership and usage. A weird set of feelings surrounding the very discussions of police/enforcement overreach and denial of rights and how people talk about those who are affected. My personal feelings of accomplishment, validity, and role in society.
I guess what I'm saying is: I get it. -
Comment on The downfall of OnePlus will be studied | The "enthusiast brand" arc in ~tech
Requirement Link ParentI really go back and forth on the Framework desktop. It's a weird machine with kinda weird specs. But it also has the AMD AI Pro Max (extreme no limits 69 blaster double pro...) which is an...I really go back and forth on the Framework desktop. It's a weird machine with kinda weird specs. But it also has the AMD AI Pro Max (extreme no limits 69 blaster double pro...) which is an interesting chip but also it's all soldered to the board. But it's also $1200+. It's a product that has a use case, I'm sure, it's just a bit pricy for what it is (kind of?)
With component pricing the way it is currently though... I don't know if I see the Steam Machine coming in much cheaper. There's certainly an argument that the Steam Machine will be more explicitly gaming oriented and, thus, performance will reflect that (doubt) but real world testing will show that. Maybe the Framework has a place after all. -
Comment on The downfall of OnePlus will be studied | The "enthusiast brand" arc in ~tech
Requirement Link ParentKind of like saying "All these ThinkPads are pretty beat up and many have coffee spilled in them" hahaha. I think a confounding factor for Framework is that there is probably a large contingent of...Kind of like saying "All these ThinkPads are pretty beat up and many have coffee spilled in them" hahaha.
I think a confounding factor for Framework is that there is probably a large contingent of users who say "all the parts are so easily replaced, I can beat it up a bit" but are also never going to replace any aesthetic part (I feel attacked by my own comment).
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Comment on Why America needs fewer bus stops in ~transport
Requirement Link ParentIt's a double-edged sword. Able-bodied people don't need all these bus stops, just walk a few extra blocks. Non-able-bodied people benefit from additional stops and I really like having public...It's a double-edged sword. Able-bodied people don't need all these bus stops, just walk a few extra blocks. Non-able-bodied people benefit from additional stops and I really like having public transit that can benefit the public.
I also don't see how additional bus stops are "more expensive" as the author claims, at least in my city where most bus stops are a small sign and zero amenities. And the driver doesn't stop at a third of them anyway as you note.
The bigger hurdle in America is getting people to even consider taking the bus. The last time I suggested taking the bus to my group of friends, two of them declined as the bus is "unsafe," despite not being able to express any reasoning that would hint that the bus was unsafe. -
Comment on What private companies are you happy doing business with? in ~talk
Requirement Link ParentThank you so much for the second full answer! I am grateful for your time and energy! This is all super useful and helpful information and gives me a bit of an idea on scope. I don't think I have...Thank you so much for the second full answer! I am grateful for your time and energy! This is all super useful and helpful information and gives me a bit of an idea on scope. I don't think I have the spare time/focus to switch in the coming weeks, but it is something I am going to look further into to see if I can switch over and how to plan for it. I'm actively pursuing ADHD treatments and trying to shore up the tools in my toolbox and I think it sounds like Obsidian could be helpful for me as it has been for you.
Again, thank you! -
Comment on What private companies are you happy doing business with? in ~talk
Requirement Link ParentOh man! Thank you for the short and concise answer! (I kid, I could read a hundred more paragraphs! I am enamored with your passion!) I'm stuck now, I think it sounds like a tool that I could...Oh man! Thank you for the short and concise answer! (I kid, I could read a hundred more paragraphs! I am enamored with your passion!)
I'm stuck now, I think it sounds like a tool that I could benefit from and utilize but also, like you pointed out, could easily consume me wholly, losing any positive effect. I've recently had to come to terms with my "planning paralysis" as a function of my ADHD and, while actively working on it, am also being conscious of how and when it comes into play in my life. I'll have to see if I can dip my toes in and progressively build something that is more robust than my current solution. I really like how customizable Obsidian sounds and it seems like there could be some of the unique solutions I'm looking for.
On the more practical side: (feel under no obligation to answer, you have offered so much of your time already!) it sounds like you are self-hosting all your vaults. Is the the common set up? I don't have a discreet server at the moment and worry about the weight/resource pull on my desktop; is the lag from just "giant database" or from resource intensity? Do the vaults cross-talk, as in, could a task in one vault trigger a task in another vault? As a reasonably technical person, I can manage a lot of tech projects but do you feel this is within the easy reach of high-beginner/low-intermediate technical person?Ah shit... I think I'm already hyper-focusing!
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Comment on What private companies are you happy doing business with? in ~talk
Requirement Link ParentI am interested in what you mean and why you don't want that list.I am interested in what you mean and why you don't want that list.
For whatever it's worth, I think the birds are solidly gardening related. One of the benefits I get from gardening is being more in-tune with the flora and fauna of my neighborhood (for better or worse... I'm looking at you deer who eat the tips of every plant!). The inclusion of the birds into your daily routine is a nice reminder that there is more to the wildlife of our neighborhoods than just humans and pets. And I love watching all the animals grow up. I also feel the same bittersweet melancholy when they are grown.